Chapter 1 : We took the midnight train going one way. (Edits HorseWordFan)

“ARGGGGH....”

“You forgot another G near the end, I also suggest lowering your tone and dragging out the word for a better effect. Arrggggggggh.”

“Argggggggggggh.”

“Much better Cersus.” I praised the bored nymph as she leaned against the window, watching the unchanging snow.

I watched her for another moment in case the nymph wanted some more pointers on properly voicing her displeasure in a more effective manner to achieve better results, but after the second sigh and continued observation of the frozen landscape, I accepted we were done for now.

“Did you really have to be so hard on her?” Topaz asked, leaning close to my ear.

“I don’t feel I was too hard, stern at best. Establishing a proper edict will solve many future problems, or so the officer manual insists.” I turned just enough to properly gauge Topaz’s mood, more of my increased efforts to be less reliant on reading emotions alone.

I watched as her eyelids and lips fell leaving a scowl like anger on her normally cheery yellow face. There wasn’t any need to guess I made some sort of error, as the forehooves wrapped around my midsection tighten, and not to bring us closer to combine our body heat either.

“You were using a guard manual to discipline our foal?” I felt her grip becoming tighter in preparation for my reply. My right ear wilted under the pressure, and so did I as the reason for my discipline became known.

“If I can’t handle Cersus, then how am I expected to command an entire guard?”

The pressure around my waist loosened just enough to allow the pegasus to lean into me so her head rested on my shoulder, and I followed by slipping a hoof around her back just under her wings. We’re both aware that my treatment of Cersus wasn’t justified even if the disciplinary measures were not physically harmful, but their use on an untrained civilian let alone a young nymph was too much.

“Given my new station of rank, should I apologize?” I asked, seeking validation this was the right thing to do.

“You should apologize because you’re a good parent that has wronged their foal.”

I tried not to shudder as some of the remaining commands still afflicting me tried to flare from the statement. Topaz felt this, and quickly leaned up to nuzzle the crook of my neck while I fought to keep control.

“Sorry.”

“You’re not at fault, but thank you Topaz.”

“Yuck.” We both turned to look at the nymph watching us with her tongue sticking out as if she tasted something displeasurable.

“Cersus!” Topaz partly removed herself from my side in order to look more intimidating, and it worked. I averted my eyes. “Did you really have to do that?”

I nodded along, and decided to add my own two bits in an effort to back up Topaz.

“There’s nothing revolting about two creatures seeking comfort in one another, in fact it is perfectly healthy. Behold your future in 40 years.”

“Wait, why 40 years and not now?”

“Because you are too young to be thinking of such activities… and no colt is brave enough.” I thought I whispered that last bit quietly enough, but Topaz being near heard it clearly enough to give me a quick tap against my head.

I took my punishment with dignity.

After that exchange, we fell back into our earlier routine of Cersus watching the unchanging landscape while Topaz and I cuddled together in the corner nearest the door. We tried keeping our voices low in an effort to not bother Cersus as she brooded, the stress of leaving the only home she really knew hitting her hardest.

Cersus wasn’t the only one affected by the move, but her frustration was more noticeable.

Topaz had effectively given up the only home and career she had built for herself, but the tradeoff was the chance to study the recently reintroduced insects of the Empire. I myself was forced into a position of rank and tasked with the responsibility to resurrect an entire guard force amongst a group of ponies that needed vinegar to polish their coats. In my attempts to quell some of my own frustration, I might have begun placing blame.

“This is your fault.”

“How is this MY fault?

“You were supposed to spend all of my bits. I understand it is tradition.” *

Giving in, I began tasting the emotions circulating in the air and to my surprise only found a mild hint of anger. The rest leaned more on the side of embarrassment, but why I didn’t know.

“I might have bought myself..and Cersus something, but that’s it. I don’t like wasting bits on needless expenses when we could use them properly.”

“You funded several research projects, and named me as a contributor.” I reminded her.

“You gave me the bits! It’s required by law that I properly source the funding else I could face serious trouble.”

“Those projects nearly tripled the amount of bits we had before, leaving me worse off than before.”

“I didn’t tell you to donate them to the guard!”

“You suggested I donate them to an organization I loved, and believed would benefit greatly from it. I assumed the choice would be obvious.” This time I felt her hoof punching the shoulder she had been using as a head rest for the last several miles, but the strength behind the punch confirmed there was no ill intent.

“You could have turned down Celestia…”

“...and bring shame to their thrones? I could never.”

“Well then, I think a change of scenery and spending time with new ponies will be good for you.”* Topaz tried and partially succeeded in her attempt at calming me down by once again pulling me closer so she could nuzzle the crook of my neck.

I wanted to resist her lewd ways of enforcing her influence on me, yet, like the months before, found her spell too powerful to offer any resistance other than a low grunt.

“I feel this whole affair is unfair. I continue to make extra bits so you will have more to spend, but then you make more with the bits I give you. It is madness and I fear I do not know how to stop it.”

“Why not give them to me?” I found my strength to leave the friendly temptress’ embrace, so I may look at my young charge directly.

“And what would a nymph your age do with a vast amount of bits when you already receive a weekly stipend.”

“5 bits, oh joy.” Cersus hadn’t stopped looking out the window, but her tone (and the reflection) were enough to know she was rolling her eyes. I felt attacked.

“A generous amount many foals your age would appreciate.”

Topaz and I separated enough so we both could sit up straight to properly weigh in on the matter.

“She has a point Idol, 5 bits aren’t enough for growing foal let alone one as entrepreneurial as Cersus.”

“Thank you!” The nymph finally left her widow gazing with raised hooves above her head.

“Bits of a manageable amount will go far, but in the hooves of one so wasteful won’t last. Establishing a proper budget will do wonders to stretching them to the fullest.”

“I can’t even buy card stock for that amount, let alone the ink for the printing press!”

After hearing her argument, I might have relented to her point. I looked over to Topaz just as she left the seat next to me for the one next to Cersus. She was leaning in to whisper something to Cersus, as I sat alone with my thoughts to figure out a solution to this sudden crisis of bits. With my limited math skills, I had to figure out what number in the pony system of numbers could make the perfect, roundtable, and most important divisible number.

“Cersus..how about 8 bits a week?”

“Argggggggggggh.” Not the answer I expected, but her voice of displeasure had improved remarkably fast.

Cersus’ behavior these past couple of months bothered me more than normal, and it wasn’t because she’s a “growing filly’ as Topaz put it. Her recent rebellious streak came from nowhere, and my only theory for this brashness was the mood still shadowing Canterlot. My years in the city have exposed me to many emotions I never would have tasted in the hive, but for a growing nymph to be exposed to all of this fear and paranoia?

I could only wonder what effects it might have on Cersus later in life, but my hopes for accepting the position weren’t selfish in nature. If anything, it was the opportunity of starting anew could provide for Topaz and Cersus as the driving force for my acceptance of the promotion.

“We should be getting ready for bed.” Her words broke my thoughts’ over me, and I was reminded of where I was again.

Looking across to the bench by the window, Topaz was holding onto Cersus who had fallen asleep against the window ledge.

“When did she retire?”

“About ten minutes ago give or take. You were watching the wall again.” She informed me as I quietly got off the padded bench to prepare the beds.

She sat by while I lifted the padded seat to reveal the folded frame that made up our beds. Having set the beds up for the past three nights, the process had gotten quicker and quieter enough to keep Cersus from waking up as I locked the metal into place and unrolled the mattress.

“She’s not mad at you Idol.” I looked over to Topaz who had carefully separated Cersus from her side, and wrapped her tightly with a blanket. “It’s everything that’s happened this past few weeks that have her upset.”

“Are you upset as well Topaz?” That caught her unprepared, and within that moment I could read her reluctance and taste the unrest pelting her mind. She didn’t have an answer, and that was fine.

We could discuss the pros and cons of this duty assignment at a later time, but for now we should be going to bed.

I was once again the first to awaken.

It wasn’t the rocking of the train car against the tracks, or the few rays of Celestia’s sun that found their way into our private car and landed on my face. My years of service to Equestria and her princesses required me to adopt an early hour schedule, and by extension I was used to the early routine. I shifted my gaze from the window to the sleeping mound of fabric that would glow green now and then as Cersus’ magic caused her to shift forms while she slept, and I thanked Order above she hadn’t caught anything on fire.

None of these are what woke me up this early...

“...aaaaaccCKKKK!”

...but the rather loud inhaling and exhaling of breath from my friend, and partner who found it acceptable to make the sounds of deep sleep by my head. I wanted to move, but knew to do so on the narrow ‘bed’ provided would be enough to wake up the roaring pegasus. A sacrifice I find myself making all too often for her sake, but the two sets of hooves wrapped around my body were also a contributing factor in my limited mobility.

With little to do, but wait for Topaz to awaken, I stared at the wall across from me while trying to keep the sun out of my eyes as I did some minor self reflection.

Ever since I spoke with Viridian, and taken her suggestion of meditation I have found myself enjoying these quiet moments far more often.These escapes became a way to collect, and organize my thoughts as needed. Her highness, Princess Luna, has helped me greatly by offering her own instruction by using a similar process using a variation of dream magic.

“... the past never passes.” Princess Luna’s aide, Witching Light, told me once right after one of my weekly visits. I didn’t know what she meant by it, but I think I’m finally starting to.

I can’t change or escape my past, but with work on my part, and a little support from those around me I might accept my past.Then, maybe I would be more willing to...

“Hey.. you awake?”

The pressure of a small hoof tapping against my chest awoke me to the world once more, and after blinking twice realized Cersus was the owner of said hoof. When she noticed, stopped her persistent assault and gestured to the door with the same hoof.

“I'm hungry..did you want anything?”

“I am content little Cersus, but Topaz might appreciate it when she…”

“...aaaaaccCKKKK!” Topaz tightened her grip during that next roar, forcing me to stop speaking as her grip remained constricting.

“Right. I’ll uh, see what I can do.” In a flash of green appeared the familiar pegasus foal that boarded the train with us.

“Remember to mention my name when placing the order, the expense will be taken care of on our behalf.” Cersus gave a quick ok and just opened the door when a thought crossed my mind, pertaining to our brief conversation last night.

“And Cersus... “She looked up from the other side of the door '' Once we’re settled, perhaps with Topaz the three of us could come to an agreement on a suitable stipend. I hear the Crystal Empire offers many unique goods and services unavailable throughout Equestria, with some being only for residents.`

She held her gaze as her face fell into thought for three seconds (I counted) when Cersus quickly nodded her agreement and left.

“How could a promotion cause so much turmoil to one’s life?” I wondered as I thought back to Celestia’s strange request to meet her in the Castle Gardens after the Night Guard transitioning.

“Princess…”

“Take them. They have waited long enough to find a perch, and excluding my nephew-in-law I can think of no pony better.” Her magic never faltered as the little red and orange box hoovered directly in front of me.

I lifted a hoof wanting to take a step back, and perhaps run away from the entitled mess levitating just at eye level. It was only my resolve to continue my oath, and new found understanding of my life that forced me to to reach out for the box. Celestia’s magic gave in to my touch, and with an encouraging nod commanded me to open it.

“Prin..Celestia, I ca..can’t.” I was trying and failing to hold my distress back as I removed a pair of polished Phoenix pins, both flaring their wings in a display not unlike Philomena does when she’s feeling prideful.

“You can, and will, Idol.” She moved closer and what she did next was perhaps the only time I might have ever doubted her highness’ godhood- she nuzzled the left side of my cheek.

I did nothing to stop the action. Surprised by a plethora of factors, but drawn to how gentle the action was, and not unlike a mild sunny day warming your fur. She must have known the effect it would have for she held no look of surprise, but the same wide,and bright smile when I first saw her in the crowd almost 11 years ago.

“You are a rare kind of pony Idol, and I’ve never been more certain this is the right choice. Congratulations.”

Her words were far too kind, and truthfully left me feeling.. Weak, expressive, but proud as I tried to retain what semblance of composure a guard was supposed to have. I couldn’t even look at her as her magic cupped the two pins and attached them to each side of the collar of my blue and gold uniform. She retreated just a bit, and looked me up and down.

“Handsome. And well suited.” She giggled as her cheeks produced a mild streak of red.

“I..I don’t know what to say.”

“Just say yes.” I didn’t do anything as I tried processing what was happening, but decided to accept and think about it later. It was rude to keep a princess waiting, and gave a salute.

“I, Idol Hooves, accept the rank of Colonel by your request. Where I swear on the Two Thrones to live up to the expectations bestowed upon me, I will not fail you. ”

“A little too formal, but…” She leaned next to my ear “...I find it endearing Colonel.”

The rest of that afternoon became slightly uncomfortable as I accompanied Celestia in the art of shoulder rubbing with ponies of influence. Part of this tension was because of how many of the nobility in minutes found my existence fascinating, but the biggest source of that tension was from the tallest pony in the room, Princess Celestia.

The emotions whirling around her made the effort not to taste them difficult at best.
What might have caused them was left unsolved until the next night when Princess Luna summoned me to offer her own congratulations on my ‘promotion’, but that was not all. No. Her highness began asking her own questions of my ascension to Colonel, and how I convinced Celestia to agree. I recounted my financial boons and desire to alleviate this burden, the donation to the guard, and how it led us to the present…

She laughed. After her outburst and prompt apology revealed the answer I sought.

“You are aware no Colonel has graced Equestria for about four centuries, dear Idol.”

“I’ve become aware recently, but don’t understand the perceived events that led to Princess Celestia accepting.”

“I have theories Idol, but let us ask you, do you know the name of the last Colonel?”

“I’m afraid not, your highness.” I replied nervously as Luna’s growing smile frightened me to no limit.

“I heard he was a fair, if overzealous stallion with an above average horn length.” her smile began showing teeth as I’m now feeling a cold sweat take over. “ A dark coated stallion that followed my sister everywhere. We learned she was smitten with him.”

“I don’t..follow?” was all I mustered out, understanding where this was heading. I naively hoped she would find my lack of understanding too bothersome to continue, but like her bat ponies outside her room knew when to strike.

“My past offer still stands Idol, you may seek our sister if you so desire.”

Chapter 2: A fine line between Officer and Parent. ( Edits HorseWordsFan)

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Topaz relinquished her hold over me about an hour later, around the time when Cersus returned with a waiter in tow pushing a food cart. There was some mumbling with some resistance to the sudden noise, but after a minute of smelling these covered dishes I was set free as the disheveled pegasus nearly pushed me off the bed.

“Uh..wh..I…” Topaz muttered as her nose twitched excitedly at the scents.

“It’s food!” Cersus cried as she ran into our car, and jumped onto her bench.

“Thank you for your assistance, sir. I’ll return the cart once we’re finished.” I informed the waiter who bowed as he retreated to the hall.

Rolling off the extended bed, I moved to roll the food cart toward the window, resisting the urge to peek under one of the silver dish covers. Whatever the filly ordered created an aroma I would place two levels above the guard mess hall, but just under madam Viridian’s cooking.

Cersus was leaping from her bench to the bed, and back again in anticipation, and Topaz had moved toward the ledge where her front hooves dangled off as she collected herself.

“Hurry it up, I’m hungry!” the nymph demanded as she hoped from the bed to the bench.

“Irs ells gud.” Topaz slurred as she fluttered her wings, an exercise she did when trying to wake up.

“Indeed. I’m curious as to what our nymph has chosen this time.”

“Only the greatest breakfast foods known to ponykind! Cereal!” Cersus proclaimed as she finally jumped off the bed, and moved to the cart expectantly.

I didn't even need to look at Topaz to know her mood had evaporated after the announcement. I could see and hear the heartache of being denied whatever foods she had believed would be available for our enjoyment, but at the very least she appeared more alert than before.

I lifted one of the dishes and discovered Cersus’ claim to be true with a single bowl of what looked and smelled like Toasted Oats N Honey; a smaller dish on the serving platter held a moderate helping of small marshmallows in the shape of alicorns and rainbows. I repeated this with the other two dishes and discovered they were all the same with one of them containing a glass pitcher of honey.

‘How could a bowl of cereal smell this delectable?’ I wondered as I examined the three bowls for any sort of enchantments that might be affecting our senses of the food.

“Smells good right?” Cersus was standing on her back hooves to give her enough height to peer over the cart, tail wagging of course.

I noticed Topaz had found her legs, and was in the process of stretching her legs (and wings) by extending her forelegs all the way out while lifting her rump to create her interpretation of a cat. She repeated this in reverse to give her rear legs the same attention before standing up to finish her morning routine with a single yawn, and a single head shake to remove the strands of mane from her eyes.

“I smelled cinnamon rolls...:”

“They have cinnamon on them!” Cersus happily added while I helped her with her own bowl.

“I don’t see any milk, did they forget it?” I asked while checking underneath the cart.

“NOPE! I had the cereal baked instead!” Thankfully, I wasn’t the only one to find the statement questionable.

“You had Toasted Oats Cereal baked...” Topaz asked as she chose the spot next to me on my right, equally observing the two bowls of baked cereal and single picher of honey.

“...and ordered a side of marshmallows?” I added as I sampled one of the alicorn shaped treats, finding them to be sweeter than sugar. Delicious.

An unorthodox spin on a traditional breakfast meal, but one with pleasant results.

With that lovely meal behind us, we fell into our routine for another few hours when the announcement we had reached the Crystal Empire’s borders came by courier.

“Quit moving! You’re making this harder than it needs to be.” Topaz commanded as she fought to finish putting the new dress on Cersus.

With the understanding our journey was coming to an end, we began preparing for our inevitable arrival by performing the pony ritual of showering and dressing up. I myself was nearly finished putting on my new officer’s jacket, buttoning the cuffs and jacket with my magic. Borrowing Topaz’s hoof mirror allowed me to gauge just how the royal blue fabric, and gold cuffs clashed against my black fur, and this unnatural union while garnering praise from my peers never truly made me feel worthy to be wearing.

“A dress! I don’t wear frufru!”

Which brought us to the current display of dominance between parent and foal, and as the acting male figure in this unit, I offered my own bits into the whole mess. Topaz had commissioned two dresses matching the colors of my uniform once I told her of my promotion and what it required - to ‘complete the set’ she told Cersus and I.

“Listen to Topaz, Cersus and be still.” I added while finishing the last button of the uniform.

“Never!” The young nymph went wild trying to wiggle her way out of the small dress, causing Topaz to struggle even more. She shot me a look that told me to be quiet, and so I did.

I tried.

“You’re a growing filly Cersus! Not only should you begin dressing like one, but we’re expected to look presentable.”

“Only you are expected to!” Cersus declared as she nearly wiggled free of the Topaz’s grasp, but the pegasus was resilient. “A changeling never ever had to wear a dress!”

“The Queen did during the invasion.” I noted, or given, I wasn't present during the ceremony.

Cersus and Topaz both ceased their struggles to look my way, before the pegasus seized the opportunity to grab the still nymph. This surprise, but expected maneuver caught Cersus unaware causing the nymph to shriek, and display her red head fin which is something I’ve only seen her do twice.

Once when she discovered the undead denizens of Canterlot Sewer were real, and the other when I told her Daring Do might stop by the house to seek some statements regarding a classified matter. Both appropriate given the context, but to raise her fin so casually was a failing all my own; in my attempt to shield her from the hive and by association other changelings have robbed her of appropriate manners.

What she said next crossed the perpetual line for any foal, let alone a nymph that knew no better.

“Quit it Miss Showers!” she nearly screamed, and I was thankful sound suppressing magics were applied to this car.

The moment the words left her fanged mouth, Topaz had already dropped Cersus from the shock of it. Seizing her advantage, Cersus turned around and back pedaled onto the train seat just out of Topaz’s reach; I felt and saw hurt twisting the features of her muzzle, as the emotions swirled behind her eyes. I acted.

“Cersus!” I moved toward her, but stopped so I stood next to Topaz who seemed just as surprised by my outburst.

The nymph’s head fin lowered completely as a sign of submissiveness, typical behavior changelings would display to a superior as confirmation of their understanding of the hierarchy. No further verbal commands were needed before she jumped off the seat, and walked toward us.

Her head remained lowered as she finally stopped directly in front of Topaz, whose dampened mood gradually shifted to bewilderment as she looked between the both of us. Only after I nodded did Topaz move for Cersus, this time the nymph made no fuss about the dress.

Proceeding over the interaction, I made sure Cersus would continue to be on her best behavior before I noticed my own head fin subtly making its way back into the crook of my neck. Rarely, did I raise my own fin in any situation, but she went too far and had to be reminded of the boundaries.

Once Topaz finished dressing the submissive nymph, Cersus leaned forward into Topaz’s grip trying to bury herself into the pegasus’ coat. I made sure to give them the space they needed as Topaz accepted Cersus’ apology with a hug, and a few words laced with love.

I waited until I was given the OK before slowly (and carefully) moving next to Cersus, waiting for her to acknowledge my presence before placing a single hoof on her back between the wings.

Giving thanks upon Celestia’s sun, we had no more problems getting ready as we waited our turn to disembark.

Chapter 3: Officer Friendly is here. (Edits HorseWordsFan)

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We would have disembarked much earlier, but forfeited our position in the queue until we were the last ones still on the train.

We watched as the last passengers exited onto the platform before being absorbed into the mass of shiny ponies that had assembled on the edge of land owned by the Equestrian Railroad Company. The beauty of the Crystal Empire didn’t go completely unnoticed to the three of us, but another matter had occupied our thoughts for a moment.

“They’re not leaving.” Cersus noted from her spot on Topaz’s back, her forehooves resting on the pegasus’ head.

“Are they here.. for us?” Topaz briefly turned to look at me, Cersus’ gaze never leaving the window as she did.

The thought had become more prevalent as I watched some of the ponies closest to the platform eyes’ get wide as each pony left the train. I noticed this was the same reaction every time a pony exited only to fall in mild disappointment when the pony became visible, and it had repeated until finally everypony but us had left.

The crowd appeared more anxious now that the stream of ponies dried up, but weren’t disbanding as they continued watching the train as if they were waiting for a certain pony to appear. Order and Harmony.

“I fear they might be.” I finally answered, not too keen on the idea.

“Like for a welcoming party or something?” Cersus asked, as the growing fear increased as the amount of ponies lumping together continued. Mixed in were many ponies with cameras taking pictures every few minutes based on the flashes I managed to count.

A glance to the little nymph standing on Topaz’s head, and I knew the trepidation wasn’t my imagination. She had never expressed so much fear when we took our strolls through the Canterlot, nor when she recounted her day to us in the late evening.

Either Cersus had always been terrified of big crowds given her infiltrator upbringing or something had happened to the nymph she never informed us about. If she did tell Topaz, then I was left out of the discussion for one reason or another- I will respect said wishes for now.

“To sell us something, mostly like a subscription…” I decided to jest in the hope of breaking the tension for the young nymph, but Topaz took it as a serious suggestion.

“Really Idol? A mob of ponies is waiting just off the platform and you think it's to sell us something?”

“...I hope it's for Glazed Bricks. I really want to read what the other potters are using for their mixture ratios.” I continued on with my jest watching how the tension melted from Cersus’s body until she appeared more relaxed.

She tapped at the window, alerting Topaz and myself to some of the large groups of ponies present outside.

“Are they really a mob though? Isn’t a mob supposed to have torches or pitchforks and be angry?” Cersus asked as she abandoned her spot on Topaz’s head for the safety of the ground, and ran to the compartment under the train seat where she kept her bag.

Topaz watched her for a second before turning to me.

“What do you think they want? Were you told about a crowd meeting us here? What about Shin…” I had taken the opportunity to move closer and nuzzled the side of her neck, literally tasting the anxiety hovering over her tensed body.

“I was not informed of any gathering of ponies besides Shining Armor meeting us. Their reasoning for being here is lost to me, but I do know they are likely not here for us.”

She leaned into the nuzzle as I sampled her emotions to better judge her mood, happy to feel…

“They’re not a mob!” Cersus shouted as I felt something whack my side with the impact velocity of a foal recklessly endangering everypony around.

“Cersus!”

“What?”

“I’m..fine.” I caught my breath after the surprise attack, joining Topaz in expressing our displeasure. The nymph either failed to notice or didn’t care as she removed the book from my side and began flipping through the pages until she found what she was looking for.

“Here! Daring Do describes an actual mob after arriving at the spooky village of…”

“I don’t remember buying that book for you.” Topaz muttered as she took the offered book.

“Indeed. The cover art and rating suggest its For Yearlings, and not a young and impressionable nymph.”

“I didn’t borrow it if that's what you're suggesting, but in fact bought it..with my own bits.” She added after reading my mind. Cersus was becoming a hooffull.

“Daring 4: The Village. Definitely not a book I would have suggested, but what does it have to do with the mob outside?” Topaz questioned as Cersus used her magic to steal back the book, much to her ire.

“Carrrefuullllll! This book is going to be signed-eventually. So, it must be in peak condition!” Cersus looked over the book for signs of stress before opening it once more to the page she was on before shoving it into my muzzle. “Here! Read!”

“Noted. I’m still a little bruised from the sneak attack, but still impressed with your ability to source your argument. Perhaps the guard is in your future?”

“BLAGH!” Cersus made a face as she retreated with her book to put it back into her bag. Topaz became bubbly with merriment suddenly, shooting me a smirk as she moved toward Cersus.

“You know…” Topaz started as she carefully sat down, lifting the dress just enough not to sit on it “...the guard may not be a terrible experience. With Idol’s recent promotion he could throw that rank around and get you in…”

“Topaz.” I warned, already not liking the course of this conversation.

“With Cersus’ skills, she’ll have an advantage over her peers by years.” the pegasus tried justifying her joke, but the giggling gave it away. Cersus and I didn’t find it nearly as funny.

Cersus finished putting her book away when her ears pinned up, I soon joined her as we turned toward the corner of the car. Topaz’s giggling ended as the worry from earlier began making its return, adding to the serious nature of what was happening.

“Somepony’s here.” Cersus confirmed as she cautiously retreated to Topaz’s waiting hooves. I nodded as I positioned myself between them and the door, following their projected path to our door.

We all listened as the hoofsteps drew closer, and louder in pitch. Closer and closer the pony trotted until he stopped directly in front of the door, his shadow could be seen moving underneath; I felt the urge lean a little forward to rush the intruder if needed as the handle began fidgeting...

“IDOL? TOPAZ?” a familiar voice called out from the other side, one I recognized instantly as my longest and most trusted friend since joining the guard.

“Shining. ” I called out as I walked over to the door, noting Topaz and Cersus clinging to each other. Were they scared?

“IDOL!” He called from the other side as I opened the door, and greeted my friend for the first time in months.

“It’s good to see you.” I offered my hoof which was countered when he pulled me into a hug.

“It’s good to see you.. all of you!” he added that last bit as he noticed Topaz and Cersus by the window…”You have a foal?”

That question snapped Cersus out of her clingy mood to confront my unicorn friend as he began moving toward her. Seeing the two so close made me aware that until now neither of them have been properly introduced resulting in this being their first introduction…

Maybe I should have mentioned Topaz and I were providing for a foal before now?

“Who are you?”

“I’m a friend of your parents...” Shining started off his introduction, but found it difficult to proceed when Cersus’s eyes narrowed as she deliberated his claim.

The admittance of our role in her life was still a tender subject, but not nearly enough to out right call my oldest friend out. I acted to continue their introduction in a timely manner.

“Prince-Consort Shining Armor.” I clarified for Cersus given she had never met Shining during her escapades around Canterlot. The suspicion vanished as the revelation of royalty being presented opened up a realm of possibilities often out of reach to the general populace, and the chance to one up her peers proved too much to pass up.

“You’re a prince?” She asked, watching him with slight distrust.

Shining’s attention went from her to Topaz, to me, back to Cersus, and back to Topaz as he never had a foal address him with blatant suspicion. He appeared ready to answer the filly when Topaz came up and quickly gave him a hug, steering the conversation back to a proper greeting.

“It’s good to see you as well Shining.How’s Cadence?”

Oh! She’s uh.. good.” Shining nodded as if agreeing with his statement. He stayed silent as Topaz and I waited for him to enlighten us to Cadence’s health when he pointed at Cersus. “So, this is your foal?”

This earned him a ‘raspberry’(the act looks nothing like the fruit) from Cersus, while Topaz beamed with pride, nearly imitating Celestia’s namesake. I had to take a step back to take hold of my senses if I wanted to avoid mysteriously waking up in a strange place.

“Not by blood, but ours the same.” I looked to Cersus expecting her to make a comment, but found she had repositioned herself to hide underneath Topaz using her forelegs as cover. Whether this was to make up for her earlier remark or an act of genuine affection wasn’t clear, but her behavior diffused some of Shining’s apprehension of talking to the nymph.

“She uh, certainly takes after you…”

“Actually, she tends to take after Topaz to a larger extent than myself.” I felt the clarification was necessary to help clarify some of Cersus’s more pronounced traits.

“Right.” Shining seemed unsure as he shifted his gaze from Cersus to myself. “I thought she was from your family?”

“She’s his cousin’s foal from their grandparents side!” Topaz declared, nodding happily as she looked between Shining and myself. I was going to correct her about the agreed upon history for Cersus when she flicked me with a wing, the side Cersus’s book had struck. That was enough motivation to follow her lead.

“A lineage I still find hard to believe given her rebellious nature.” I heard (and felt) Cersus performing another raspberry, while Topaz’s scowl meant another lecture was in the future.

My friend took this in stride, and being a classic brony shifted the attention away from me by addressing our earlier fascination with the crowd outside.

“I’m really sorry, but perhaps we can continue this when we get back to the castle. Cadence and the crowd is waiting for us.”

“So that crowd is for us?” Topaz asked as she stole another glance at the window. .

“Your arrival is the biggest news in The Empire! Colonel Hooves…” He said looking at me, knowing my dislike for authority “ ...and family, the three of you can draw quite the crowd. “

His confirmation was revealing, but didn’t satisfy the curiosity of a single nymph. Topaz’s own irritation over my remark, and the thought ponies came to see us were forgotten the moment Cersus decided to take a peek from behind Topaz’s forelegs to ask her question.

“You have a castle?” the disguised nymph asked as she peered up to Shining Armor. His nervousness returned slightly as he responded.

“Uh, I do. You can see it from the window…” Shining tried moving toward it but stopped when Cersus asked another question he (or we) didn’t expect to be called out on.

“Where’s your crown?” Cersus huffed as she positioned herself in front of Shining, blocking his only route to the window without Topaz or I moving out of the way.

“Excuse me?”

“No crown, no title!”

Cersus yelled in a similar manner when she assumed her point was made. The source of this argumentative tactic was later traced to a pony lawyer that would yell loudly, when making a critical point in any of his cases. Topaz and I are still debating if this lawyer’s entertainment line of comics and board games would affect her development- law abiding or rebellious nymph.

“I can prove it!” Shining argued as he crouched low enough to properly meet Cersus eye to eye.

“Na uh!” She countered, puffing out the patch of fur on her barrel to appear more intimidating.

Officially, we’re still undecided but that might be more on Topaz than myself.

“I can prove it!” Shining declared as he stood up and pointed at the window. “And all we need to do is reach the castle.”

“Sounds fake.” Cersus flapped her wings irritably.

“You can have all the ice cream.” He teased, earning all of our interests in the process.

“DEAL!”

“Cersus, that doesn’t mean you can…” Topaz called out as she quickly followed the excited filly out the door and down the hall. I turned to Shining.

“Are you exaggerating?” He shook his head, smiling as he did so.

“NOPE! The Empire literally has snow covering the ground, but I wouldn’t eat that when you could get fresh snow just across the barrier.”

“But I assumed Ice cream was made with cream and salt, and not snow?” The mystery of its creation never appealed to me greatly until now, and Shining laughed at my nativity.

“What else would it be made from if not snow?”

I had no answer to combat his sound logic, and he knew it. Ice is in the name, and snow is but frozen water falling from the sky, while ice cream is frozen…

“Chunky Strawberry may be your favorite flavor, but you’ll be hard pressed to say that after having Crystal Berry Ice Cream.”

“Now I know you’re exaggerating.”

We both laughed as we took our exit.

The crowd was indeed for us.

We followed Shining Armor as he guided us off the train, and as we passed each car the scale of the crowd became clearer. What was perceived to be a gathering a distance away from our car became the amassing of an entire population on the edge of the train station, only held back by a mixture of armored guards, an auxiliary unit, and a single strand of rope.

This rope provided a physical boundary that could be seen, providing the guards the ability to establish a clear border of separation. While the ponies amassed on the other side of this boundary were loud, and excited none ever crossed this rope allowing the road from the station to the city center to remain open.

“Why would these ponies waste their day on us when their time could be better spent doing something more productive?” I asked Shining as the four of us waited on the platform as the driving team hitched themselves to the carriage once more.

“They’re a lot like you Idol, traditional and reserved.” The crowd joyously cheering, and yelling garbled words contraindicated that assessment, but I let it go figuring the act of correction wouldn’t achieve anything beyond the agreement to disagree.

Topaz stood next to me while Cersus hid underneath her, the heavy storm of positive emotions, and the former training to remain unnoticed affecting the nymph’s confidence. Cersus’ dress fit comfortably enough to prevent her from using the stitched fabric to hide herself, but Topaz realizing her discomfort dropped her wings to shield the nymph from prying eyes.

I tried doing my part by moving in front of Topaz to help with shielding Cersus, but for some reason that excited the crowd even more resulting in camera flashes going off.

“It’s the best shot they gotten of you so far Idol, plus your willingness to shield Topaz and Cersus might have resonated with the Crystal ponies.”

“Classic family dynamic.” Topaz stated. I looked back to her before turning to Shining who nodded this was correct.

“You got it. The newest Colonel not only fits their ideal of a perfect guard, but matches the role of a family stallion as well?” He left that statement open, but it wasn’t too difficult to figure out the implication.

“I’m becoming the poster pony Celestia said I would become.” I nearly shivered as I recalled more of that particular week. I saw another side of my dear princess I naively thought only existed in Luna and Cadence.

“And what’s wrong with that?” Shining asked as he lightly punched my shoulder.

I was about to inform my friend when Topaz did so for me.

“You’ve known Idol just as long as me. He’s not the pony to seek the spotlight.”

“The spotlight tends to seek me out.” I almost sighed, but managed to hold it back in order to keep the perceived image of my rank.

Shining Armor’s face fell lightly as he contemplated the matter at hoof, before turning to look at Topaz and Cersus.

“Dang. I guess this parade wasn’t a very good idea then.”

“You didn’t know, and were doing a good thing not for myself, but the citizens of The Empire.” I offered, turning to observe, and bask in all the positivity dancing in the air. “I’m still new to the rituals of being in ‘the spotlight’, but perhaps somepony will share some tips?”

“You got it pal.” He offered his hoof, to which I bumped said hoof while the cameras lit up once more. “Step one, be prepared to be put under scrutiny for everything.”

“Easy. Topaz has done that daily since we met, and I feel I’m more than ready for step two.”

“Idol!” Topaz harshly whispered, Shining and I turned to look when his eyes dropped to Cersus still doing her best to hide behind the offered wings.

“Will she be alright?” Shining asked, and I nodded.

“Cersus isn’t use to large, and unfamiliar crowds, but more accustomed to the familial traditions aligned to the Element of Honesty.”

“She was raised on an apple orchard?” Topaz and I put Shining in the spotlight for the comment, forcing him to retract the statement with a waning smile with some hoof waving.

“Alright! Alright! Jokes aside, I understand what you mean. I could cast a mild cloaking spell, you know, to reflect some of the attention away?” I looked to Topaz for confirmation given she would appreciate the offer.

“Please.” she didn’t hesitate to accept the offer.

“And...done.” the magic around his horn faded, but the charged air around us told me it was still here, just resting in the air like a pegasus on clouds.

The effect was immediate, suddenly the excitable crowd seemed a bit dimmer, and less impactful. Muted strings of words still reached us, but their original intent was lost in the mesh of the other similar strings colliding together to create this dulled noise in the backdrop of our conversations. It shifted the whole mood of our conversations after that to mimic the more personal times back in Canterlot where it would be our guard group patrolling the city streets.

“Better?”

“Very much, thank you.”

“Can they still see us Shining?” I asked, unwilling to move if it meant exposing Cersus to the crowd again.

“Partially. The spell would have worked better if I had cast it before we left the train, but they know we’re here.”

“We are here...” I pointed out, but stopped as I began understanding his logic.”...and they know it.”

“Exactly!”

“So did they spell work or not?” Topaz asked with a slight irritation in her voice.

“Yes, but no.” Shining Armor began explaining.” They know we’re still here which destroys the illusion, but the spell will still scatter their perception of us.”

“When we’re in Canterlot Market, and a pony moves in the crowd.” I started as I registered Topaz’s confusion. “They were always there, but we didn’t notice their presence until they moved. We are still here, unseen until we finally move.”

“Alright. I think I understand.” She looked down to see the top of Cersus’ head peeking from underneath her barrel. Her appearance was enough to cease our chat as we watched the young foal finally leave the safety that is Topaz.

Cersus poked her head out just enough to visually scan the immediate area, the sudden reduction of noise being enough to lure her out.

“I cast a perception spell, hopefully that will help.”

We would have continued observing Cersus’ reaction, but the smooth grinding of chariot wheels crushing the fine granite stole our eyes as the royal chariot began making a pass. The team trotted past us following the road as it looped in front of the station proper, the crowd cheering as it made a complete pass before finding its way back to us.
“It’s a tradition. The crystal ponies believe the first pass is meant to honor their former rulers, before accepting the current family.” Shining said, noting my intrigue of the display.

“And these rulers of old don’t actually ride with us?”

“What? Of course not.”

“What about our adventure through the undying city of ‘Ghostly Bend’? Didn’t a former undead follow us through our tour of the city before finally succumbing to the effects of employment?” I asked believing the details from that adventure might help us with possible ghost riders, but Shining didn’t.

“That was from a one-shot campaign Idol, and he wasn’t dead…”

“Formerly dead.”

“...right. Not dead.”

“Correct. He wasn’t dead at that time, because the necromancer had found his grave some weeks back.”

“Never mind. Point is, the tradition doesn’t summon spirits from beyond the mortal realm, but is a symbolic gesture of remembrance.” Shining ended this explanation by beckoning us toward the waiting chariot. “Mares, and foals first.”

I immediately turned to Topaz and Cersus. Topaz looked down at Cersus who noticed the looks and quickly sought shelter under the pegasus once more, but this was thwarted with a simple telekinesis spell I cast. The nymph squirmed as I dragged her from under Topaz, and into the open air where I fought her attempts to free herself.

“Idol stop it. You’re scaring her.” Topaz didn’t yell, but her tone was enough to get meaning across. I halted the relocation of Cersus to address this concern, and promptly set the struggling nymph down who immediately returned to the waiting pegasus.

“Unintentionally, but…” I turned to Shining who quickly diverted his attention away, by faking interest in the chariot’s colors. The driving team followed their prince's lead by taking interest in the sky leaving me alone to face the mythical dragon of Canterlot.

The chariot parading us down the main street to the large castle in the city center is a testament to these ponies’ hoofwork. The interior is not only spacious and can comfortably seat five fully armored guards, or two princesses of Celestia’s stature, but the entire ride has been smoother than the marble used to construct Canterlot Castle.

The six stallions pulling our cart, following tradition, did one full lap around the station before turning onto the main street, going slow enough that a foal could easily trot along us with little effort. I asked Shining about this, and his response left me more conflicted on what I was supposed to be doing. Do I keep eyes forward, or admit my own popularity and acknowledge the crowd with a wave?

I leaned up enough to observe how Topaz and Cersus were responding to the situation, and to my surprise found them laughing and waving back. Even as the four of us adjusted to the roaring energy of the crowd, which I can confirm is the entirety of the city’s population, my mood was far from positive.

“You’re not the first to lose a fight with their wife..er landlord/friend.” Shining tried reassuring me as he currently sat between Topaz and myself.

“I was under the wrong parental assumption it seemed.” I internally sighed as I watched the passing crowd, where I decided to offer a wave or two in kind.

“It’s a learning process for sure Idol. Take Cady and me, love each other dearly, but living together is very different from seeing each other.”

“How so? Wouldn’t the ability to constantly see a loved mate be the dream of every pony?” I asked, wondering if perhaps wedding a perceived mate brings changes besides sharing one's personal effects and time.

“Well...” he glanced toward Topaz before leaning closer to whisper it to me “... It's like food.”

“You eat Cady?” His fur mimicked that of Cadence’s fur in that moment, before sshhhhing me.

“Bad example! What I’m trying to ask is, could you live off of a single meal for the rest of your life? Nothing but that one meal?”

“I would happily eat honey until my final days.” I admitted, much to his surprise and disappointment.

“Forget it Idol. But the point is marriage is different than seeing somepony, it's a commitment to share your lives together- good and bad.”

“If any ponies in Equestria could perform this commitment, then it would be the two of you.”

“You still don’t get it, but thanks Idol.” we hoof bumped.

“Your gratitude is unneeded, but always accepted.” Shining nodded at that, before asking a question that caught me unprepared to answer.

“So, when is your wedding?”

“Please refrain from joking in such a manner Shining.” He looked taken back before lightly jabbing my shoulder.

“Funny Idol, but don’t let Cadence hear it. She’s still riding the emotions that come from being married…” He briefly looked at Topaz and Cersus whom were still caught up in the love and excitement, waving and shouting back to the crowd “...and she’s already looking to spreading that feeling.”

“The book?” I asked knowing in the deepest of my heart chambers the answer, to which he nodded.

“And take a guess which pony is at the very top?” I felt my heart ache having known the young princess for so many years, and even listened to some of her ‘lectures’. I needed to tread carefully.

“Princess Celestia.”

“You really do pay attention to her lectures after all.” I thanked Order for its mercy.

“I would admit some of them were rather interesting, especially when it's explained by a master of their craft.” Shining Armor looked thoughtful for a moment, and I used this time to wave to a few more ponies nearly jumping in place for my attention.

“You are something else Idol, but that book has been updated since.”

“Really?” The dread I felt was only kept back by all the love and positivity flooding the air.

“Every week, but now there’s a tie for first place…” his smile left me feeling none of the joy a smile was supposed to make one feel, but as my life would have it I wouldn’t learn of this tie until later.

On the verge of revealing the ponies at the top of Cadence’s list, a shrill cry came from the crowd loud enough to silence them for a single moment. The event after this silence would forever be remembered by not only the ponies involved, but would morph into an historical moment during what would become known as ‘The Idol Years’.

“Waffle Reiny!” a foal happily cried out, causing the surrounding spectators to take note and began their own observations with disastrous effect.

“Oh by the Crystal Heart! It is him!”

“Officer Friendly! He’s the Colonel!?”

“SAY THE LINE!” another screamed.

“MARRY ME!”

“PERIMETER BREACH WE CAN’T HO...!”

Maybe one day I will accept my fate being bound to a foal’s doll, but in the present time I feel no such pride as I wish for simpler times involving less adoration by those I serve. For now I’m left fighting off a large force of adults who vastly outnumber the foals vying to meet their favorite doll, wondering when the company even made life size dolls of Officer Friendly?

Chapter 4: Rank has its privileges. (Edits HorseWordsFan)

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The crowd of ravenous fans ended our parade through the city.

Shining’s quick reaction with a teleportation spell allowed us to escape the encounter without the need to detain any of the excitable citizens. The guards accompanying us were left behind in the ensuing escape, but found their way to the castle later that afternoon with some condition issues to the assigned armors, and thankfully nothing else.

Topaz and myself were unharmed if surprised and confused by the spectacle, but Cersus wasn’t amused by it. The happiness she might have felt from the parade ceased when the crowd became unruly and rushed the carriage; already feeling the pressure of her own fears, Cersus had retreated to the safety of our assigned living quarters for the time being.

While we sought to comfort the terrified nymph, dinner was delivered to our room with a note from the royal couple wishing us and our ‘foal’ well. I didn’t think much of it when Shining had asked about Cersus, but after reflecting on the question I realized her highness Cady hadn’t met Cersus yet.

Shining would tell Cadence as his duty, but even what we told him wouldn’t sate her need to know more of the mysterious foal. Knowing this, I spent the rest of the night figuring how I might explain Cersus’s existence, without contributing to the ‘Legend of Idol’. The task wasn’t easy, but after a few hours of pondering I believed an appropriate explanation had been conceived.

The following morning, after confirming with Topaz everything she might need for Cersus was provided for, I begrudgingly left on Topaz’s insistence to join our friends for breakfast in one of the dining halls. With a promise to return with a stack of pancakes for each, I left our room to wave down a guard for directions.

Which led me to this very moment.

I followed my escort as he guided me through halls worse than Canterlot just with more stairs. There were some noticeable quirks to having a layout with numerous floors and I decided to ask my escort about this.

“Guardstallion, I’ve noticed we’re near the upper levels of the castle when there are perfectly good floors below, why is that? A defensive measure?” We stopped so he could turn around to answer me, looking flustered at the attention letting me believe he’s not used to socializing.

“Apologies my lord.” His referral to me of a high social standing surprised me, but I decided not to correct him since I myself didn’t fully understand the limits of my station. “I had assumed you were properly informed…”

“As informed as the sun rises every morning.” The saying was not a jab at Princess Celestia’s work, but a saying in the guard to represent our knowledge is nothing more than the obvious. To my fortune he understood the meaning, and nodded along.

“Understood. The first two levels are for civil matters involving simple courts for complainants, and everything in between. The third floor is reserved for commerce while the guard occupies the fourth and fifth floors.”

That last bit caught my attention.

“Wouldn’t it be efficient to have the guard boarded at ground level, or in a separate part of the castle?” I asked while trying to figure out how big the guard currently is, but what resources we have available.

“You are correct, my lord. The guard used to be centered around the North Wing during the reign of Princess Amore…” the revelation of another princess was another surprise, and one I wanted to inquire further about but held back to not interrupt him.

‘I will ask Shining and Cady later.’ I thought to myself as he continued.

He turned away and resumed our journey once more, and I found this lack of respect disturbing until he finished his thoughts.

“The current residence was for the Royal Guard, but Sombra’s purges left very few trained guards left. The entirety of Crystal Guard and their support are stationed in these two floors.”

I was lost for words, but at the very least understood the reasoning for the unorthodox boarding situation.

“I am sorry for the losses Corporal. The gravity of the situation wasn’t made aware to me until your explanation.”

“You owe us no admittance of guilt sir, but your sincerity is very welcomed. Their highnesses Prince Shining Armor and Princess Cadence approved and oversaw the transfer personally last month- their help was invaluable.”

“My promotion was around the same time.” I added, already seeing my promotion wasn’t a fluke or accident, but another planned move on Celestia’s part.

We fell silent after that as we made another turn down the large hall this time, the seventh floor being more spacious than the lower floors due to its purpose as a serving area for the whole castle. The Main Kitchen was located in the direct center with the seating commons directly next to it; the rest of the rooms were converted to act as studies, rest areas, and meeting rooms to further enhance the idea of the floor’s purpose as a rest center.

Our trot through the floor led us to yet another flight of stairs that took us to the eighth and ninth floors. The eighth floor consists of a single large room where court was held while the ninth floor was the sleeping quarters of Shining, Cadence and important guests of the Empire. It was here Topaz, Cersus, and myself were currently located for our stay in the Crystal Empire.

Knowing what these two floors housed meant our walk wasn’t very long, but Shining and Cadence were called away before we could arrive for our scheduled breakfast. To pass the time until their return, it was suggested to make our way back down to the guard quarters given I am to assume command within the week. No sooner had we set hoof on the fifth floor than I received a note sent by dragon fire that they were finished and would meet me for breakfast.

This led us quickly trotting back up the stairs until we found ourselves in front of the large double doors that were traditionally used for courtrooms. I retreated away from the doors and started looking around for another set of doors when my escort tapped my shoulder.

“Once you enter, you will find the private dining room behind the thrones.” My escort informed me as he pushed one of the doors open. For a pegasus, he was very strong.

“Thank you for the escort Corporal…”

“Sentry, sir. And the honor is mine.” He lowered into a full bow I’ve seen reserved for the princesses. I fidgeted from the blatant misuse of showing respect, and quickly sought to correct the behavior.

“Cease that at once.” He nearly tripped trying to get off the floor, frightened from the tone.

I didn’t yell, but used what Topaz has called ‘dad’ voice to assert my authority, but the sternness could be reduced in the future. With that in mind, I waited as the corporal picked himself off the floor before continuing with an explanation for my commanding tone.

“I failed to correct you before, and that is my fault. I am no lord. I hold no title, nor land to qualify for the smallest of Counts.” I watched as he realigned his armor, the professionalism from before discarded as Corporal Sentry looked conflicted and unsure what to do or say to my declaration.

“Never bow to me again, save it for the Royal Family.” I calmly told him.

“Understood..sir.” By now he had recompose himself, if a little more unsure than before.

“You deserve an apology, and by Order I am sorry for my outburst.”

“I will accept the apology sir, but what do you mean you’re not a lord? I thought the rank of Colonel was equivalent to a lordship?” I blinked, almost chuckling at the thought!

The Crystal Ponies are a very reserved group, but even the modern concept of commerce has taken root over the daily dealing of the citizenry. Modern purchasing trends followed suit and stoke a ravenous appetite for a millennia of consumer innovations, namely whacky kitchen devices and nerdy effects Perhaps the young pegasus had mixed his information up with tradition and a comic of some kind?

“I assumed it was just a rank higher than a Captain?” I asked, hopeful my escort was only confusing fiction for fact.

It was his turn to blink.

“Didn’t you know sir? Every Colonel to ever hold the rank was either a noble or a titled lord of some kind, with the last to achieve the rank being a consort of Celestia…”

“Princess Celestia.” I corrected him but he missed it, and continued on with his unnerving explanation.

“... and he could even hold court on her behalf. Colonel Hooves, I think you’re entitled to those same privileges as well.”

Not so much a revelation, but Corporal Sentry’s theory of my rank holding power on a political level other than just the guard left me reeling from the implication. If it proved factual, then how could I be expected to wield such power without crossing the boundary of servant of the law? The Princesses could do that, but a former exile through great misfortune is elevated to a formerly extinct rank with the power to sway both the guard and court alike?

“Damn.”

Corporal Sentry looked around before visible swallowing his fear and leaned over to pat my shoulder.

“Uh sir.” he started, gaining confidence as he patted my shoulder “Marriage isn’t a terrible matter, especially when it comes to the Jewel of Equestria.”

His condolences were appreciative, but did little to erase the dread of what was to possibly come.

“What of Topaz?” He stopped his comforting as the confusion etched itself onto his muzzle.
“Who?”

“My wife.” While we’re not official, it has become easier to use such titles when introducing each other.

“Oh…” His mouth took on the shape of a Capital O, as his early bravado shrank from my admittance. To his credit, the pegasus recovered enough to defend his stance. “Then Equestria will have another princess very soon, yes?”

I will have to remember Corporal Sentry’s name for a future promotion, he has a knack for defending a losing battle.

Corporal Sentry left shortly after that, and I was thankful for the moment alone, he left a lot to think about.

Celestia nor Luna informed me of any requirements to assume a lordship, let alone the possible courtship of the Sun herself. The princesses can be cunning by masking hidden motives with their decisions, but to hide a possible agreement binding the two of us together seems just a tad unlikely.

‘She made me a colonel.’ I was already informed of her reasoning for the promotion, but was the original motivation an excuse to mask the marriage? No. She wouldn’t do that…

Maybe?

Another question I might have to ask Shining and Cadence about during our meal if I want some answers, else I will have to ask Princess Cele.. Luna. Since her return, I became close to the younger sister to the point we would on occasion create times to meet up, much like Shining and I did during our early years in the guard.

Even after the night of my reveal, we still maintained a close enough relationship I could seek her advice when needed, and it was an offer I reluctantly took advantage of on several occasions since. I wanted to send a letter asking the night walking princess what my rank actually entailed, or what I was expected to accomplish within my deployment in the Crystal Empire.

Trying to temporarily forget the matter, I turned my focus to familiarize myself with the throne room if just to be aware of an important location within the castle.

Standard doctrine required a rug(normally red) be placed in a way to guide any creature from the door to the foot of the throne, but for one reason or another this feature was absent here. My hoof steps echoed loudly as I strolled from the door to throne, noting how crystal floor held a subtle chill as the frogs of my hooves hovered above the surface; I could feel the cooling sensation worming its way up my legs with each step, just enough to get my chitin moving.

“A rug would do wonders.” I told myself as I reached the single throne.

Elevated in a similar manner to Celestia and Luna’s throne, the single chair rested on top of the smaller platform with the largest serving as the base.

My observation of the throne yielded little in the mystery of a ‘hidden room’, but did reveal that the throne and its bases were shaped from a single block of crystal. How could a crystal grow to the size needed to achieve this was unknown given my limited background in mineral farming, but an appropriate guess would be a massive endeavor.

With more respect for the allocation of the resources in front of me, I continued to move along the perimeter until I found myself by the wall where the throne ended. There wasn’t a door leading to this hidden room, but what I did discover was a small gap between the throne and wall. This space was big enough for a creature to squeeze a single appendage through, and grasp the mysterious stone resting on another pillar- both made from crystal.

The stone would pulse every 5 seconds before emitting a weak sapphire colored light, fade, and then repeat the process again constantly.

I backed up and peered down the length of the throne room to confirm I was still alone before sticking my right foreleg between the space. I recognized the magic aura surrounding the stone to be Shining Armor’s work, and while not as adept as my friend in spell crafting, I understood enough of the intricacies to know this is what Corporal Sentry had meant.

As I reached for the stone, I could feel the spell speeding up as I neared as if it were sensing my presence, and prepping to activate. This is exactly what happened when I touched the stone, and felt the magic forming around my body; prodding and twisting my chitin as it began the process of slowly deconstructing my body to reassemble it at the anchored point.

The very few times I ever teleported made my opinion of the gut turning spell a rather poor one, even more than my fear of the iron beast known as trains.

I fell more than landed on the floor, and the impact was more than sufficient to knock my senses into working order. With each blink, my eyes reconfigured themselves until they rid themselves of the pixelation, and I was greeted to the pulsing glow of many candles.

The layout reminded me of the smaller rooms In Canterlot Castle reserved for state functions that didn’t require a large audience, or too much notoriety. The big difference between this room, and those was how each presented themselves to the average pony, with the ones in Canterlot being brightly lit and full of colors associated with Princess Celestia. The room here had its curtains drawn to mute the incoming sunlight, leaving the three chandeliers above to provide the only lighting while keeping the periphery of the room dark.

With my restored eyesight, I began examining the room noting a large table I would guess was to host a meal. Not even banners of Cadence or Shining’s cutie marks hung off the wall, which only added to the barren feel of the room.

Picking myself off the floor, I made my way toward the center of the room where the large table was placed, and marveled at its design, wondering if crystal was as common as stone in the Crystal Empire. It had Cadence’s cutie mark etched into the very center with ornate wisps escaping from the top and bottom of the heart , and these lines were extended left and right in a series of planned twists and loops to create a patterned border for the table’s edge until it came back up and returned to the heart.

I touched the design with a hoof and to my surprise and jealousy found the table completely filled in, solid, meaning it was etched first before being covered with another sheet of crystal.

“There’s no mend point.” I noted as I checked the side trying to find where the two pieces would have met, but found only an uninterrupted chunk of crystal. My respect for these northern ponies was only growing as I’m left to discover their achievements.

The lack of chairs for the large dining table wasn’t a concern since this is supposed to be a private dining room likely meant from the Royal Family themselves or friends and family, but the lack of lighting and ponies did bother me somewhat. The candle chandeliers above offered a very different mood than the one I was requested for and sought to correct this by drawing the curtains open…

“There’s no window.” The first one revealed nothing but a wall, and feeling I was part of a practical joke, quickly moved to the next set of curtains and repeated the same result. This became the standard as every drawn curtain revealed an empty wall behind them, until I had opened every last one leaving me no further than before.

‘That explains the candles.’ I thought as I returned to the table to see if I had missed some sort of instructions besides the one delivered earlier to meet Shining and Cadence here. I found none.

Their message had been clear that we were meeting here for breakfast, and with nothing to further occupy my time, I decided to take a seat on a chair facing the door and wait for their impending arrival.

“Where have you been?”

That was a good question. Once the realization I had been forgotten had sunk in, I decided it would be appropriate to return. There were no windows or a clock to alert me to the passage of time, but given two new guards were patrolling our hall meant a couple of hours the least.

“I can’t rightly say, but it appeared to be a dining room or sorts…”

“Breakfast took that long? Idol!” She almost continued, but stopped. Looking from me to the bed where a burrow had been created from the bed sheets before lowering her tone.” Idol. I’m aware they’re our friends, but wasn’t there a way you could have told us you’ll be gone this long?”

“I didn’t dine with them.” Topaz’s face spun from irritation to confusion before settling on a mild annoyance, letting her wings flutter to alleviate some of the tension as I explained.

“They never arrived, so I waited until by chance one of the castle staff happened upon me. No amount of apologizing will properly correct the fright she experienced, and I worry Princess Luna might have to watch over her periodically.”

“So you waited nearly three hours for them instead of leaving earlier?”

“There was no clock to gauge the time…” I thought about leaving this last bit out, but lost my willingness to omit that crucial information as I weathered her gaze. “...and I found the room rather comforting.”

I felt good not hiding this, and thought I did the right thing, but Topaz’s look changed very little as we stared at each other until the aggression left her body and face. With her posture more relaxed I moved closer, if hesitant to reignite the irritation once again, but relaxed myself when she leaned into my side to rest her muzzle in the crook of the neck.

“It’s been a long night and morning.” She tried justifying her small outburst, but there wasn’t any need for it. I returned this gesture in kind before the two of us made for the bed, where I assumed Cersus was currently tucked away.

“How is she?” I heard Topaz inhaling through her nostrils before quickly exhaling the air the same way.

“I’m worried for her Idol. If she’s not glued to my side, then she hides under the covers.”

“Then we should cease purchasing glue if it’s a problem.” My oldest friend, and companion left my side while trying to fight the smallest beginnings of a smile, and for a brief moment I felt progress was made.

“You're terrible...”

“Only in the culinary arts…”

“...and telling jokes.” I didn’t refute her claim, instead borrowing from Cersus’s bag of tricks by blowing a raspberry. The act must have caught Topaz off guard since she flinched, her ears pointing up as her eyes widened just before snorting with laughter.

“Did you really just do that?” Her wings fluttered a little less rigid than earlier as she leaned in to examine my muzzle. I found myself smiling more recently, and this moment was no different.

“Perhaps I did, but what is my lady going to do about it?”

“Oh, my! A lady you call me?” She gently ‘smacked’ my shoulder with a hoof as I felt several positive emotions swirling around her, and this relieved me greatly.

“Indeed you are Lady Topaz.” She giggled as she spun around, her wings carrying most of the weight. “What else would they call a lord’s spouse?”

“Not even a day later and the parade is getting you Idol. For somepony claiming to avoid responsibility, you do chase after it.” Her words rang true, and no amount of groveling on my part will reverse my fortune in the foreseeable future. One doesn’t simply turn down a princess.

“By association of my rank, you are a lady of the realm as I’m granted a lordship and possibly betrothed to Princess Celestia.”

Topaz’s wings gave out and she fell to the floor with a loud smack.

Chapter 5: Matters of the heart are not part of a balanced breakfast. (Edits HorseWordFan)

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Lunch was delivered about an hour later, and this time I did partake in the meal.

We chose to eat at the small table provided for us by the window; a smaller version of a dining table, but big enough to comfortably seat four ponies of a normal stature. This served us well as the bowls of soup and the single loaf of seasoned bread didn’t need too much space.

I had just taken another sip of this wonderful berry soup when Cersus had enough of her meal, and sought to confront Topaz and myself.

“What did you say O’ Friendly?” my neck fur was already bristling, but I managed to keep it from being too noticeable.

“Nothing physical or intentional little one, but there is more to our relocation than the original agreement.” Cersus quickly turned to Topaz sitting next to her for clarification.

“We’re minor nobility, and Princess Celestia might be around more often.” The pegasus rattled off as she stirred the soup using her wing to hold the spoon.

I watched while nibbling on the emotions plaguing the pegasus, and the results were disheartening. One moment we were infected with a joy trailing us as an animal looking for substance might, to moping over a bowl of soup. Honesty is the right choice, but every time I attempt to follow this logic the truth only leads to more misery.

“Like those stuck up ones in Canterlot?” Cersus asked now looking at me as Topaz sulked.

“Not even close, but we do receive a title.” She perked up while chirping excitedly.

“Neat! Wait until Nighthawk hears about this! I have to write her…”

“After you finish eating. The kitchen staff work hard to prepare our meal, and we should strive to return an empty dish.” The young nymph looked down at her bowl wondering how she would finish the rest of the soup when Topaz’s hoof reached for it.

“Go write your letter, I’ll finish it for you.”

Topaz had ceased stirring the soup with her wing, and sat properly once more. Not being told twice, Cersus immediately pushed the chair back and dropped to the floor, running underneath the table as she bolted for the nightstand next to the bed. I gave the pegasus a look, one she returned in kind.

“It’s the happiest she’s been all week, Idol.” She poured most of Cersus’ soup into her bowl, before offering me the rest, and following her lead did the same and placed the empty bowl next to mine.

“I’ve noticed her lack of enthusiasm for nearly two weeks now, and wrongfully dismissed the mood as a rebellious plot in the making.” I took another spoonful of the delicious berry soup and hoped Cersus had her fill before leaving.

Topaz held the spoon just above the surface of the soup as she blew on the spoon to quickly cool the liquid, but returned it to the bowl to look up at me. I watched her as I continued sipping on my soup about to read her emotions and face for hints, but gave up when she returned her attention to the bowl.

“It did come out of nowhere. I didn’t even find a proper replacement for the university, or spend any real time with mother or Honey.”

“The guard scheduled a replacement, but left me little opportunity to instruct them once preparations for the move began. Mothchaser seemed saddened by the news.”

“You still haven’t figured it out?” It was my turn to return the spoon to the bowl as I watched Topaz take another sip of the soup. Her features were still heavy with the possible betrothal on her mind, but the playful air she often wore was returning to her mannerisms as she asked the question.

I had a very good understanding of the mild depression, but had feigned ignorance to avoid confronting the issue entirely. The answer was I couldn't, if not for my integrity, but on the condition that Mothchaser had been a great friend that deserved much better than what I could provide. The thestral earned an explanation, and one I will deliver once Luna approves of it.

“An attraction that has only grown over the years.” Topaz deposited the spoon into what little remained of the soup, her playfulness replaced with the seriousness I`ve only seen when Cersus nearly set fire to her ‘specimen collection’.

Her mouth opened to speak, but closed it just as I was about to ask her something. In the silence following this transition, I could hear a muted grinding coming from Topaz’s direction, her cheeks bulging every time she moved her jaw against the other. I can neither confirm or deny if this was the source of the sound, but her entire body language had become more reserved and rigid with her wings firmly fastened to her sides.

It’s clear the rumored marriage to Celestia shook Topaz, but to couple it by bringing up Mothchaser only worsened what happiness was still left.

“I’m fine with both of them..” she looked down at her hooves as she spoke “..they’re nice ponies, and we’ll be..”

“Enough of this.” I cut Topaz off, making her look up to me with some confusion to my declaration. “The wedding is nothing more than speculation by idle guards lacking enough to occupy them.”

“Idol, this isn’t something we can just ignore and hope it goes away!”

“It is neither confirmed nor proven by credible sources…”

“...but if it is true Idol? What then?” There was a hint of desperation coating her features, as she slumped back into the chair.

“I don’t know, and that worries me.” I finally admitted.

What was left of our meal ended after that as both of us took the moment to process everything that had been said, and were feeling as I found Topaz’s concerns to be valid.

The topic had been approached before but only as a part of a debate amongst Whispy, Bold and myself when a joke about letting that griffin hen join them grew too confrontational. Not fully understanding the ramifications of the addition of another, I sought my longest friend and roommate’s opinion, and her response only helped reveal another facet of ponies I needed to learn- family dynamics.

After composing herself, I had listened as Topaz explained the benefit of herds for additional caretakers, resources they provide, and the social meaning behind them. It’s one formality for nobility, or royalty to marry, but another when one joins a herd in a lesser standing of the hierarchy of family politics.

This lecture from the past became relevant now as the worry for the political scandal would affect her highness’ reputation, while Topaz struggled with what it would do to our current life; all it took was for my friend/partner to spell it out to realize there was substantially more to this agreement than living together.

“Where’s Cersus?” Topaz asked as she pushed herself away from the table.

“Writing a letter?” I answered unsurely as I matched her lead and stood up, years of conditioning forcing me to take action.

“Cersus?” She called out, moving around the table toward the vacant desk.

I didn’t even reach the desk when somepony knocked twice on our room door, I looked to Topaz to verify we in fact weren’t expecting any guests. She shook her head no, and with the confirmation we weren’t expecting any proceeded to the door to inform them just that.

The pony knocked twice more before I managed to open the door, and found a pair of Crystal Guards standing on the other side. The yellow earth pony had his hoof raised for another knock when he noticed me, and quickly dropped the appendage to click his hooves together.

“Corporal Ivory Rock, and Private Snow Bank reporting as ordered.”

“Neither I nor my partner ever requested a guard detail.” My admission left me unsure as he looked to his partner for confirmation, who nodded in confirmation with the assertion this wasn’t the case. He turned back to me, and I shook my head no.

“But your foal said you need our presence immediately.”

“WHAT!?” The three of us turned around just in time to see Topaz just landing, likely having flown that short distance to the door.

“Quickly, take us where you last saw her.” I commanded the guards as I followed Topaz into the hallway.

When Shining Armor heard the knocking he didn’t know what to expect, but as the Crystal Prince he had some ideas. Opening his bedroom doors, he found no carrier with a message or a guard requesting his immediate attention, but a familiar foal staring up at him with her orange eyes…

Weren't they a different color?’ he thought before lightly coughing into his hoof to address the filly before him.

“Hello...” Shining left the greeting open to see if she would give her name again, but mentally sighed when she didn’t.

“Mr. Prince.”

The two fell silent after that greeting with Shining trying to figure out why his best friend’s foal was here as Cersus waited to be invited in. Shining opened the door more as he took a step back.

“Thanks mister.” the filly commented as she weaved her way through the opening, slowing down to marvel at the room. “Wow, this is nicer than ours!”

Shining didn’t respond, but nodded along as he observed the filly so casually strolling into Cadence’s and his room. He didn’t even stop the strange filly from wandering around, checking out some of the more mundane pieces of their room with a curiosity that emulated his sister’s own desire to learn and explore.

Standing by the door, the unicorn was content to watch the pegasus filly explore when he gathered his senses and remembered why he and his wife had decided to stay in bed after dealing with a brief matter.

“I’m sorry, but why are you here and nor with Idol and Topaz?” His question alerted the filly she wasn’t alone, and in the blink of the eyes her color faded slightly.

Shining Armor blinked a few times before rubbing his eyes trying to figure out if he saw what he just saw, but as his mind did flips processing whether or not he saw the change, the filly in suspicion finished her explanation.

“...and that’s how I got in here.” Cersus finished explaining, happy to have found somepony that would listen.

“Uh huh.” Shining Armor continued staring down at red and orange foal, still lost how looking for a quill led to their room… past the guards who had disappeared.

Unsure of what to do, the unicorn looked over his shoulder toward his sleeping wife who had confiscated the entire bed for ‘official business’, and the only indication Cadence was even there was the rising and falling mass of blankets. Movement in his peripheral vision reminded him of his friend’s unusual foal waiting for something.

His experience with foals was limited to his little sister, but even that was less caring for, and more watching over. The actual raising and caring for Twilight besides his parents came from his lovely wife, and his liege and Twilight’s mentor- Princess Celestia.

Guard training and common sense aside dictated certain protocols when dealing with younglings, pony or not, but theory and experience were two different beasts.

“I..sorry what was your name again?” He caved in, and asked for the filly’s name.

“Cersus.” she stated with an edge in her voice, and this aggression was enough for Shining to shift focus away from the strange name.

“Cersus, right. Uh, let’s take this elsewhere and leave Cadence to her nap…”

“Cadence?” She asked while trying to peer around the stallion at the bed, curiosity piqued.

“My wife, she’s uh..Cersus?” He moved slightly to block the foal from approaching the bed, and his blatant obstruction of the filly earned him the pegasus way of venting their frustration- wing fluttering.

“What’s the deal bub?” Her tone was still off putting, and in a way mimicked Topaz’s stern voice she had used at least once in his presence. Doubts of the filly’s parentage were lessening the more he interacted with the filly.

“She needs her rest…”

“But it's the middle of the day!” the filly huffed while trying to sidestep the annoying unicorn that kept blocking her view of this Cadence pony.

Cersus didn’t even care who this pony was, but if she’s married to the prince Idol knew then wouldn’t she be a princess? One she knew nothing about, and is just right there in view!

The letter by this point was forgotten as the need to steal a peek of this mysterious princess became her entire mission, but the mass of blankets and the stallion standing in front of her were preventing this from happening. Her time spent in the Canterlot underbelly had wised her up to the real world, and it would be these skills she would draw from to achieve her mission.

“Do you take naps?” the filly asked, and just as she predicted his stance loosened up at the innocent question.

“Sometimes when I’m feeling a little tired…”

“You’re old, it's fine.” Cersus almost giggled as the unicorn’s body once more became rigid, his brow taking a sharp descent as he took offence to the foalish tactic.

“I’m not!” She stuck her tongue out, and falling for the bait, Shining reacted.

He went to grab the troublesome filly, but having expected this she jumped back to create some distance between them before running for the right. She made some progress, but his height gave him a bigger stride to catch up, blocking her path once more. She feigned left, and then right before reversing to go left again, but years spent keeping up with a teleporting baby sister gave Shining the reflexes to keep up.

This surprising agility only further annoyed Cersus as her normal tricks were failing, leaving the filly desperate to figure out how to get past him when a wicked idea struck her. It wasn’t the exact same method she used to outrun some school bullies back in the Canterlot backways, but it would (hopefully) work all the same. The key to this trick required a sharp mind and quicker hooves, and to the stallion’s misfortune she had both.

“YOU’LL NEVER TAKE ME ALIVE!” Cersus yelled before turning tail and running for the door, leaving Shining confused and looking over his shoulder to see if the noise had woken up his tired wife before giving chase.

He followed her as she bolted for the door. Her unexpected maneuver gave the filly an early lead, but Shining’s height allowed him to cross the distance much faster. This advantage allowed him to almost catch the filly as she pushed the door open, and not willing to let her get away, he collided with the door using his shoulder to absorb the impact while pushing it open.

“Where are you?” He asked himself as he searched the empty hall for her.

As he searched for the filly, Shining Armor nearly missed Cersus who had been hiding behind one of the doors, but she had cut her entry too short and clipped the door eliciting a muted yelp.

“Hey! Stop that!” he called as Cersus picked up speed toward the bed, her laughter pelting his ears all the way.

“Too slow, pinhead...hey!” her run came to halt as the tingling blue magic picked her up into the air.

“That’s isn’t very nice to call a unicorn.'' His hoof steps grew louder as he approached, but his tone was one Cersus knew all too well. The condescending attitude she frequently used during her friendship jobs made her fur bristle as she was flipped around to face the grinning unicorn.

“I thought it was.” She mumbled as he eyed the filly closer, noting how her red fur and blue mane seemed out of place for a normal color palette.

‘Maybe she dyed her fur, and mane? I can’t imagine Idol supporting such an alteration on foals, especially his foal.’

“Can you let me go?”

“Are you going to behave?”

“Nope.” That earned the filly a chuckle as Shining carefully set her down.

“Listen, Cersus. I’m serious about Cadence needing her rest…”

Before he could finish explaining the importance of getting a proper rest, the partially opened doors burst inward with the fury of a Clydesdale. He didn’t even get to blink when the miniature frame of Topaz hurried in with Idol following closely behind.

Her eyes flashed to Shining Armor before locking on the worried filly trying to move behind him.

“CERSUS REDSHOCK HOOVES!”

Shining Armor and Cersus both flinched at the griffon like screech Topaz had managed to summon as she hurriedly moved toward them.

Her hoofsteps carried the same commanding presence as she made her way over to them, and after passing Shining Armor, he appeared to have breathed a ‘thank you’ before bolting over to Idol .

“Shining.” I greeted him as Topaz confronted our ‘daughter’ about her behavior.

“Idol? Topaz? Cadence!” He blurted out, still reeling from the all powerful display.

“We didn’t cross paths, but I assumed she was with you?” I asked, wondering if we had passed Cadence on the way here. He quelled my fears.

“She is but…”

“SHINY, PLEASE KEEP IT DOWN!”

The chatter ceased as the Canterlot Voice overtook everything while we were left trying to dodge the incoming pillows and flying blankets. Only after confirming we were indeed alright did we return our attention to the bed, and the owner of the pair of lungs.

The missing princess was revealed, and nearly laying upright if it weren’t for a single large mass impeding her ability to stand up. Cadence’s look flickered from irritable rage to astonishment as she processed not only were they not alone, but the identities of their company. Her ears flattened as the embarrassment of her outburst became apparent, but the shocked looks of her friends remained.

“Idol. Topaz. Hi.” She greeted us with a less flashy demonstration of her voice, but the thoughtfulness was lost when another griffon screech filled the void.

“Cadence! When?” Topaz screamed as she rushed the bed, overwhelmed with the excitement of this discovery.

Cadence looked to her swollen abdomen and blushed as she counted the months. I turned to Shining who looked equally embarrassed and evasive and after counting the months till now myself explained everything.

“I won’t tell, and congratulations.” I leaned in to whisper that statement to keep the scandal from being leaked.

“Thanks, Idol. Thanks.”

“You’re most welcome, possible brother in law.”

The look he shot me was overshadowed by the excited laughter of Topaz as she buzzed around her friend. Cersus not liking the feelings coming from the unicorn went to join her caretaker on the bed, being careful not to disturb the expecting alicorn.

Chapter 6: Roots in place, wheels in motion, lets get started. (Edits HorseWordFan)

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Shining and I left shortly after that. With his goal of letting Cadence sleep ended as the alicorn was widely awake, and trading gossip with Topaz, we decided to leave them be so we could do a proper tour of the Guard Barracks.

Dismissing ourselves, we left Cersus in the giggling company of our respective mares providing us the opportunity to clear the air so to speak.

It was during this trek I noticed how distant my friend had become since leaving his private quarters, and to my ignorance at the time didn’t realize how my earlier statement had sounded. Looking back, it explained why the unkind looks he gave me never relented.

Ever ignorant of the matter, I asked my friend where all of this hostility was coming from.

“Why are you so mad?” I asked my friend as we made a left turn heading for the stairs.

“Idol..are you serious?” His slanted brow, and granite voice only added to the image of an upset pony. I nodded.

“Your posture is tense, and projects an abnormal amount of aggression…” I tried mimicking his facial features to better demonstrate my point, which unintentionally served to further antagonize him.

“Enough! When were you going to tell me about the two of you?”

“I thought you knew?” Shining had seen Topaz and myself together before, and I'd assumed he understood what a relationship was from his own prior experience. Then again, their relationship was and still is a unique situation amongst pony society, and that was one fact I failed to consider.

My only frame of reference for a proper relationship was (at the time) the recently married Wispy and Bold with a few notable members of the Guard were ‘single by choice’. Even the Princesses, while entrenched in more conservative ways hadn’t taken a suitable mate in some time, leaving my pool to model from even less.

While still fairly new, the Elements of Harmony (to my knowledge) had no current suitors, and thankfully this applied to Cersus as well. That wasn’t to suggest she would never potentially find a suitor, but that is an ordeal I’m not ready to confront just yet.

“Celestia above, Idol there’s a code for this sort of thing! At the very least, you should have asked me before going through with it.” His anger was still present, but had simmered more to an irritation with an underlying layer of sorrow.

“I should?” He nodded

“Yes, you do. It’s respectful if not a formality for the one seeking the relationship to ask the brother first, before going through with it.” I blinked, now more lost than before.

“I wasn’t aware Topaz had a brother, or one she’s willing to disclose. Her mother had expressed great approval for our union since the first meeting, and I had assumed her support was enough.”

“Not Topaz! Twilight!”

“Why would I ask Lady Twilight to ask you, to ask your permission to pursue a relationship with Topaz?” I tried thinking of a justification for the exaggerated procedure, but only came up with one- Cadence.

It all made sense now.

“Because you’re dating my sister!” Shining’s accusation ended our current stroll, and sped up the only guard patrol (not including those guarding our rooms) on this floor to avoid being caught eavesdropping.

I had to force myself to blink just to keep my eyes moist, else I would have stood there unmoving trying to process this…

“Tripe. Never in our years of friendship have I heard a claim more outlandish, other than Princess Celestia being Cadence’s mother.” By now I had found my bodily functions responding normally, and didn’t have to force myself to breathe or blink, and this freed up in micromanaging allowed me to lean in and squint my eyes for some effect.

The truth of my words mixed with a bit of feigned irritation did the trick and kept Shining distracted long enough for both of us to gather our wits. He stumbled on some words before abandoning them for silence as his eyes and ears twitched with embellished movements.

I waited until he was finally done with his ‘critical thinking’ to look at me with greater clemency, before using the ladle to stir the kettle.

“Or the claim that the three of us we…”

“Quiet!” Shining had crossed the distance to place a hoof over my mouth while quickly looking around the hall to verify our sole occupancy. He lowered his hoof after I made the agreement to remain quiet.

“We agreed to never speak of that.” He poked my chest with a little more force than usual to be considered camaraderie.

“And you should have more trust in me.” I returned the gesture of poking his barrel, making Shining Armor back off to leave a pony length between us.

“Fair enough, Idol.” He nodded more himself than my own benefit as he further processed everything said. “ I jumped the ravine there…”

“It was more of a stream, but yes you did.” That made him chuckle, and that was enough to assure me the tension was finally tapering off did I ask my question. “Why would you think Twilight and myself were courting?”

“Because you said so, and don’t deny it! Future brother-in-law, remember?” He kept the distance, but still raised a hoof to submit another accusation my way.

Ah, that’s my fault.

“A poor choice of words then Shining, but I will officially state there is no relationship between your sister and I.”

“Then why would you say something like that and not mean it Idol!?”

“Simple. I might be betrothed to her Highness, Princess Celestia, and didn’t know how else to address you.”

Once again I failed to account for the strength behind those words, and I felt myself ‘cringe’ as Cersus stated on a few occasions before our relocation. My head fin almost broke my disguise from the new emotional mixture gushing from my friend, so powerful was the ‘threat’. He tripped over his tongue and hooves as he babbled and looked left and right to see if any other pony was around to verify what he had heard, but the two guards had left some time ago leaving the two of us very alone.

Shining looked at me yet again and I nodded the verification he sought, but this spurred him on even further into an incoherent mess before rushing me,( to my surprise) grabbing my shoulders.

“Does Cadence know?” I slowly moved my head left and then right trying to avoid any sudden movements.

“Not that I am aware of, this knowledge was just disclosed to me early this morning.” I waited for an immediate reply, but instead found him staring at me as he would for one of the little figures we buy so often. The difference here he wouldn’t be subjected to Cadence's teasing.

“So you’re not dating Twil?”

“That is correct.” He was believing my claims, but couldn’t unhear my poorly chosen words. And to further sow doubt of a possible relationship with Lady Twilight, I had to convince him of the absurdity by proposing an equally absurd point.

“Would you seek a relationship with Cersus?” I asked Shining and as predicted he seemed utterly disgusted by the question.

“Whahat! NO! Ho..HOW COULD YOU ASK…” I had to stop him by placing a hoof over his mouth, and only when he took the action as a sign to calm down did I clarify the question.

“That is how I feel when you ask me about Lady Twilight.”

Using Cersus in this manner greatly bothered me, but the point was made.

“Sorry.” Shining Armor apologized as he retreated a few hooves back, avoiding direct eye contact while doing so.

“There’s no lasting harm Shining, but please don’t make me use another example like before.”

“Deal.” He nodded while extending his hoof out, and I followed suit, bumping the outstretched limb.

With the past behind us and our friendship reestablished, we resumed our journey to the lower floors to meet with the current commander of the Crystal Guard. To pass the time I began recounting the events of this morning to the present, and how I was led to believe a union between Celestia and myself was not only possible but likely to happen.

A credit to his position as a best friend, he didn’t laugh at or interject the usual remark of ‘my mother’ or some other form of friendly bashing stallions would do. He just listened, or would nod at the appropriate times one needed the confirmation.

I of course thanked him for this valuable skill with another promise I wasn’t seeing his sister behind his back.

“Thank you Idol, that’s reassuring for me to hear.” I was about to assure him this wasn’t the issue yet again when he went for a low blow. “Because Cadence tells me Celestia has a hard time sharing her things.”

I sighed while I listened to his laughter echoing down the stairwell.

Our descent to the sixth and fifth floors went smoothly after clearing the air of our misunderstanding, but we lost much time in the process.

Each window we passed only confirmed this fact as the position of the sun appeared to move opposite of us, we moved forward while it slinked backward toward the Crystal Mountains that surrounded the city. Shining and I began making bets as to the correct time with myself estimating it was somewhere near the late afternoon; giving the slow angling to the west I was safe to assume Princess Celestia was in the middle of holding court. The only time of the day when the princess would lax her grip over the burning star.

“It’s almost 4pm.” I offered my guess.

“Closer to 5, actually.” I turned to my friend, partly irritable he would one up my guess, and when he noticed me waiting simply shrugged.

“I lived in Canterlot my entire life, while my lil sis was the personal student to the Princess. You just pick up these things.”

His logic was already acceptable, and given his relationship with Cadence only made the argument all the more solid. I ran my tongue over my teeth as my eyes casually drifted toward the windows that lit this hall so very brightly, trying to find a way to refute his claim.

After a moment or so and no closer to deciphering his claim, I was forced to retract my own claim.

“Normally, this would be a friendly debate between two buds, but time is against us.” My ears perked at this unknown time limit being imposed on us, and responded accordingly.

“If it is so, we must act quickly.” Shining nodded as we began trotting a little faster, ignoring the few guards patrolling this floor. The bet was postponed until a later date.

“The next Changing of the Guard is scheduled at 5:30, but if we hurry we might catch Shifting Winds before his shift ends.”

“I assume Shifting Winds is the ranking officer of the guard?” I asked just as both of us trotted past another pair of guards, this time nodding to them as they saluted us.

Several banners embroidered with the insignias of several Equestrian Guard units, and one Crystal Empire Unit, based on its use of the Crystal Heart, hung in between the empty spaces of each room. These banners were the only true decoration allowed per guard regulations, but size and lack of true leadership allowed these standards to slip giving way to some portraits of Cadence and another alicorn I didn’t recognize.

“He’s the highest ranking guard besides myself, and the acting Captain until a replacement can be found. Your arrival changes little besides another pony to answer to.”

“Ignorance on my part, but I’d assumed I would be more of an advisory role?” I asked while returning yet another nod to some more guards as they trickled in.

“Somewhat, Idol. You’ll be in charge with Shifting Wind acting as your second in command, unless you feel the need to excuse Shift…”

“Absolutely not.” I interjected as our trot began slowing down until we stood directly in front of a matching set of purple doors with a single piece of parchment taped to its surface.

‘Sgt. Shifting Winds’

“We’re working on getting him an actual office with a plaque, but that would involve having to leave his room everyday.” Shining added as he knocked on the door.

“He works from home? How is that possible?” I asked trying to understand the social and mechanical engineering required to pull off a feat.

Shining chuckled as he made a show of looking around the hall, which had grown in occupancy of various guards composed of different armor sets (mostly Equestrian) milling about or entering some of the rooms. Many of these groups feigned obliviousness to our presences while a few greener guards made no effort to hide their interest, I could sense all of them were listening- watching.

Another issue I would have to address in the upcoming months. The idle mingling between fellow guards wasn’t a concern, but the blatant lack of tact on display translated poorly for the organization as a whole. Even when compared to our own exploits with Shining Armor, we still followed the unspoken protocol of not being seen enough to be recognized by your superiors, skirting by the tip of our horns in a few of those cases.

Ignoring them, Shining explained how the acting commander Shifting Winds had achieved the rare feat of being able to work while remaining home as a part of his assignment.

“His quarters double as an office? Remarkably efficient. Her highness, Princess Celestia, should look into holding court in her study.” He chuckled.

“Only if you’re the kind of pony that likes taking their work home, but for the average pony this is a curse.” Shining knocked once more, and this time we gave up on meeting Shifting Winds for the day.

“What do you suggest now Shining?” He brushed off my question as he looked around the hall forcing many of our listeners to quickly turn tail, but not many were quick enough to avoid fate.

“You! Pegasus!” He pointed down the hall toward a mare suffering from EWG or Excessive Wing Growth condition which hindered her ability to flee. The large, puffy wings made flying near impossible, forcing the mare to make short hops to gain some air before gliding away from us.

“I didn’t mean to! I was just passing by, and…” she was a terrible liar, but her desperate cries further emphasized her condition as her massive wings flapped wildly trying to put as much distance between herself and us.

We began trotting after her, ordering her to stop as we did.

“AT EASE, GUARD!” Shining yelled, sending her into another fit of sporadic flapping.

“Cease your actions at once guard!” I commanded, ignoring the shock looks of my friend and the pegasus fell mid flight to the floor with a loud thump.

I held my gaze on the pegasus as we approached, her focus moving from her flanks to me, and for the third time in my life I felt the fear a pony had for me. Celestia and Order above, Shining must've noticed my uneasiness and took up the task of talking to the guard.

“Thank you..Idol.”

“Appreciation isn’t necessary, but duly noted.” I kept my reply short and simple sensing some trepidation from Shining and unbridled terror from the guard.

We both turned to the mare who had slowly picked herself off the floor, watching how her excessive wings were used more for supporting herself than being folded to her side. Excluding the ruling princesses, I have never seen a pegasus with large wings before and watching how she used them as an extra set of workable appendages. This adaptation to a physical condition is really impressive on a…

“...er again, your highness!” The mare had snapped off a salute to Shining, who returned the action before gesturing to me.

The fear whirling around the mare was persistent, but dampened enough to be less distracting to properly gauge her. The cobbled-together armor pieces, a mix of antique Empire and modern Equestrian, clattered as she adjusted herself to face me, and perform another salute.

“Corporal Fire Flight, Sir!” She managed without a single sign of distress in her voice, but having felt her feelings I knew it was an act. A very convincing one, and a credit to her training.

“Id.. Colonel Hooves of the Equestrian Guard.” I offered my own salute, and she quickly dropped her own.

Not wanting to leave our introduction on a sour note, he asked the corporal if she knew where Shifting Winds was and if not could she answer a few questions. She agreed of course, but the three of us knew there wasn’t a real choice especially after that first impression.

“...annnnnnd?” Topaz left the question hanging as I watched Cersus scribe her letter, pointing out grammatical errors as she made them. Her persistence wasn’t derived from the need to know, but from the curiosity being escorted back.

Being escorted by a pegasus mare with abnormal wings would warrant a few concerns for their general health as well.

“I’m sorry?” Her eyes narrowed slightly while I did my best to not move, and this ploy worked for her mood flipped once more.

“No, I’m sorry.” Topaz sighed as she moved toward Cersus and myself, offering her side as she did so. I took her offer and provided my own side as well as she made herself comfortable next to me so the two of us could proofread Cersus’s letter.

I found myself humming a familiar tune as Topaz leaned next to me, but the words to this melody were unknown as if I had plucked the chords before looking lyrics up. Still, in the present order this tune was more than random noises, but a sort of manifestation of my current mood- my joy given form.

“Are you a cat?” I blinked, looking down toward Cersus while ignoring the suppressed giggles coming from my left.

“I would assume no…” I left the question open as I knew not her reasoning for making such a comparison.

“... cause you should leave the purring to them.” Topaz was trying not to snort when she got too amused by a particular topic or event, leaving me to defend myself against the chuckling filly.

While they laughed at my expense, I pondered for anything I could use and the only thing I could think about using stemmed from a previous discussion nearly two days prior. While I wouldn’t mean it, the uncertainty of the statement would be enough to ‘one up’ the filly.

“And I was just considering raising your allowance to a more acceptable amount.” This got both of their attention with Topaz looking more interested in seeing what would happen while Cersus fought herself to not take the bait.

“You already did.” She narrowed her eyes at me, and I might have smiled at her.

“That was before certain information became known, but regardless of the past, your appearance reflects on not only Topaz but myself.” Topaz removed herself from my side to sit up, and partly mimic Cersus’s posture now wondering how she was involved.

“I…”

“100 bits a month.” I cut the surprised nymph off, taking some satisfaction from their stunned silence before pulling another ‘Discordic’ act. “Topaz and I agreed you need a bigger allowance, but under the sole condition you design a method of..saving.”

Topaz’s reaction was more mild given we never further spoke about Cersus’s allowance, but the filly was about what I expected. As a fellow changeling, her emotions were murky to read, but her excited eyes flashed from me to Topaz and back to me before rushing me.

“THANK YOU THANK YOU!” She screeched just loud enough to cover the buzzing of her wings. Before I could acknowledge her appreciation she had already buzzed off to tackle Topaz, knocking the mare out of her stupor.

Unable to do anything besides pat the excited filly on the back, Topaz did so carefully to avoid her buzzing wings. She turned to me, and I nodded. Nothing else was needed to be said as the filly separated herself from Topaz to bounce around the room, namely jumping on the bed.

“We?” I nodded.

“Further reflection only proved my incompetence on the matter. I may not like the bits, but that shouldn’t mean she needs to as well.”

“You’re learning, slowly, but learning.” We were watching Cersus ruin the made bed, as she continued her feverish screeching. Her excitement from the pay increase mirrored ponies I’ve met when they learned of the extra bits, and this only made me realize how pony we were becoming.

Pony life had consumed the later part of my existence while it would dominate Cersus’ life to a point she would likely forget the early years of the hive entirely. With the reveal of the hive during the wedding, perhaps that wouldn't be such a bad thing for the nymph.

A fresh start to grow unhindered.

“I hope so, Topaz.”

Chapter 7: Hearth’s Warming, the things you do for love. (Edits HorseWordFan)

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Even under the magical effects of the Purity Dome, the chill of the blizzard outside managed to seep its way in. The air in Crystal City at best made one require a scarf, and at worst required additional gear knitted from wool to offset *Snowdrop’s work to comfortably move about the day. I myself, lacking the natural fur of ponies fell into the latter, choosing to wear a red beanie, matching scarf and accompanying booties to fight off the carapace aching cold- there’s a reason we prefer the heat of the badlands.

“Why did I have to come along? It’s cold!” My charge whined as we made another left, putting us on the road that would lead us to the city market.

“Because Topaz requires a break, and we figured the great outdoors would do you some good.”

I could hear her wings ‘buzzing’ at the answer, finding it lacking to explain why she was in the cold, so I elaborated further, hoping that by making our excursion more important Cersus will be more complacent.

“Topaz requires certain materials that are not important enough to bother the castle staff.” I could feel Cersus’s forehead wrinkling in thought as I lowered my head to avoid curious glances being sent my way.

I didn’t want to be recognized so quickly.

“Like what?” Cersus asked while running closer to my right side, forcing me to adjust where I placed my hooves to avoid hitting her.

“Along with some additional writing supplies, she wants chocolates..and honey for myself.”

“Wh…”

“And if your behavior is adequate we’ll find you something as well.” I promised as the influx of ponies funneling their way to the market began crowding us, forcing Cersus to walk just underneath my barrel to avoid getting trampled by the mass of ponies.

We stopped talking after that, the many conversations blending into a symphony of pitches and hoof gestures made the act of communication near impossible. I slowed my trot to not only allow Cersus a chance to keep up, but purchase some time in deciphering the directions I had been given; some ponies generously went around while others still sought to bump into me as they fought everypony else to get where they were going.

I picked a direction that looked promising, and resumed our quest for the items. The direction forced us further in the madding herd of haggling and loitering ponies, but it also had the most stores, and stalls making it the logical first stop.

We moved toward the street, my muffled steps lost in the sea of commerce as we passed our fist stall, the two crystal ponies angrily fighting back the flood of potential buyers knocking everything they touched over. They didn't have the time I needed, and continued our search when a building sign caught my attention.

Unlike the rest of the street, this sign made from crystal was lit up with magically infused connections that were shaped in a way to resemble the outline of a royal guard and a block. I was about to move past the oddity of a store when Cersus’s hooves pelted my forelegs seeking my attention, I should have ignored it.

“LET'S GO IN THERE! COME ON, COME ONE!” she begged, almost running out from underneath me and into the crowd before remembering all the ponies out and about.

“We’re not here for whatever that establishment has to offer, and the quicker we find what we need the sooner we can return.” her ears pinned back, and I thought that was the end of that until she looked up.

“Ba..ba..” she even deployed the quivering lip and single tear to embellish the act further, and while proud of her mastery of the tactic, I had to put a stop to it.

“Enough. That won’t work on me.”

“It was worth a shot.” she admitted before smiling “But I did just get a raise on my allowance…”

“Clever filly.” I admitted, feeling both ashamed and proud that she noticed there was no set date for her new allowance. She smiled at the praise, and I reluctantly followed the filly into the store.

By the sign up front, I should have known the kind of store and reason for Cersus’s desire to enter, but having never personally visited one, I didn’t catch it.

The toy store was crowded, with the show floor a single room with multiple shelves lining the very walls all the way to the window. Islands of isolated shelves littered the open floor, offering additional bounties to the foals running around unsupervised as their guardians conversed with each other by the windows or register.

Cersus and I parted ways the moment we entered with the filly bolting off toward the herd of giggling foals, with many of them being earth ponies, her wings earning immediate attention. Not wanting to be a hawk parent, I moved out of the way to browse the stores contents along the wall, finding them to bare more of the fragile and expensive items- crystal and tin figures being the common choice.

The owner had the store split into sections with colt and filly toys on the side I’m currently browsing, with the other side catering to newborns up to younger foals of four years of age. The center of the house turned business had a number of double sided shelves organized in rows of two, or four to allow potential customers a chance to browse the products without lingering too long at one spot. This set up, allowed others a chance to view the other products until their desired spot opened up, but these toys were more for the specialized market of older teens to adults. Shining and myself had frequented these sort of toy and figure displays in the past, and the urge to take a peak left me conflicted for a second before I shoved the thought aside to continue my window shopping in the colt section.

My desire to see what sort of releases I had missed during the last couple of years finally led me astray toward these shelves of wonder, and mystery. The giggling of foals as Cersus finished a tale reminded me to check up on her, and satisfied the filly wasn’t getting in trouble returned to browsing.

The shelf I stumbled upon appeared to be more figures, but with greater detail than their colt and filly counterparts to the point they seemed to serve the purpose of being displayed than actual play.

“No Spiders & Catacombs unfortunately.” I scanned the rest of the shelf space to confirm this was the case before repositioning myself in front of the shelf.

This one is fairly better in keeping my interest with its intriguing dedication to nothing but guard figures and other related toys. Many were of the smaller caliber meant to be cheap, and easily amassed for conflict simulations, but a smaller collection were composed of more lifelike figures in their design and functionality. Mostly of crystal just like the castle, these figures or statues, came fully geared for the scenario they each depicted with such detail the sculpture was either a guard or had been privileged to have been given a set.

The one drawing the entirety of my attention resembled a fellow guard I knew back in Canterlot, except the statue wasn’t a pegasus, but a crystal pony. His physique was slightly exaggerated (nearly identical to Bold’s) to allow more freedom of imagination, but everything else on the figure appeared properly scaled. The armor afficed to the base pony was classical by every sense of the word, fashioned with segments of overlapping plate to cover the back and legs with a single shaped piece to cover the neck. Looking closely, I could make out segments of scaled armor underneath the overlapping plate with a blanket being used to separate the two

Unfortunately, the statue was too small for me to properly note every detail, but what I could make out displayed a level of quality most toys lacked. I tried looking for a price, but when that failed I set the piece back and grabbed another, and another, and another before giving up my search for a price. Quality pieces like this would be marked, and more often than not be displayed on a higher shelf to reduce the chance of a younger foal knocking it over. Yet, these stood gallantly in the immediate threat of a ravenous herd of sugar loaded foals terrorizing the local establishment.

That reminded me…

Standing up once more, I found Cersus still with the group of foals laughing as they showed one another the toy that occupied their interest. Satisfied she wasn’t causing trouble, I returned to admiring the details on the figures before when firm hoofsteps approached me.

“Greetings sir.” I offered the stallion as he approached, catching him by surprise. He flinched, but fixed his composure and returned the greeting.

“Hello, Can I help you find anything?” A normal response. One I often turned down in favor of searching for the item myself, but remembering the figures fueled a compulsion to learn more about their placement on the shelf.

The stallion lacked the distinct shine of the crystal ponies, but made up for it glossy coat associated with immigrants to the city, marking him as Equestrian born. His narrow frame made it obvious he wasn’t a former guard to my disappointment, but it didn’t mean he lacked muscles than they were just leaner.

I gestured with a hoof toward the shelf, notably the space I was just admiring.

“What are they?” He followed my hoof and gasped slightly once he saw the crystalline statue.

“A good eye!” He claimed as he plucked the one next to it off the shelf to examine it. This one mimicking the design of a low ranking auxiliary given how little armor the pony wore in favor of padded coats, and thick blankets thrown over his back.

“I hope so, but why are they made of crystal when the rest of the store isn’t?”

“Oh that!” He waved the question of, and to my dismay appeared to have forgotten about the figure he was holding. I almost rushed forward in preparation to grab the statue should he drop it, and by Celestia’s Order he kept a hold of it. “They’re a tradition of the Crystal Ponies called Enshrining, the act of preserving.”

“Are you saying there’s a pony, or a breezy inside?” I took a step back in slight disgust at the idea of owning a… actually Topaz collects the corpses of insects often, even if it's for her profession.

The stallion almost dropped the statue that time but recovered and caught it before setting it back on the shelf.

“Sorry, sorry! I uh, oh Celestia.” He paused to collect himself, looking from the shelf to the foals giggling as they continued their exploration of the store. “I uh..I, wow that’s something.”

“That’s what enshrining means doesn't it?” I asked for clarification about this mysterious custom.

“That wasn’t my first guess when I first learned of it, but to each their own. No. It’s more like symbolizing a part of their history, preserving it for future generations. Take this guy here.”

He pointed toward the piece I had been admiring when he had first come over.

“See how more detailed he is when compared to the rest of his compatriots? He’s a Praetorian Guard. Like our Royal Guard, but directly serves the royal family and no pony else while this one next to it is a conscript. Each piece is meant to represent a specific profession, or other position of importance as a way to respect those that have occupied it.”

“Interesting. I had no idea The Empire honored their dead in such a way.” I felt his uneasiness before seeing it, and knew it was time to be going, but not without patronizing. “I will take that one.”

“The Praetorian? A favorite of The Empire.” He took my chosen figure, and headed toward the counter with me following behind.

The foals had remained largely on the left side of the store where the Equestrian toys were largely centered. Cersus wings still proved very popular among the crystal foals, and this popularity wasn’t wasted as she used the attention to spin tales about something as she went between each toy.

I might have chuckled if I wasn’t worried about being recognized in that moment, keeping my head angled down as a couple of the ponies on the floor have taken an interest in my area. The sales pony ignored this attention as he began taking down the price, and adjusting the inventory.

“You’re from Equestria right?” The green coated stallion asked as he wrapped the statue in a colorful tissue that resembled the Crystal Empire’s banner.

“I am. My family and myself had just recently moved for our jobs.” I admitted, leaving out the parade, and our occupation. He looked up once he finished securing my purchase in its protective wrapping to stare at me for a moment before nodding.

“Figured as much. You can tell who's a native and not by their reactions when they enter the store, most look like they’re seeing Princess Celestia herself raising the sun.”

“Did they not have toys to entertain themselves?” He nodded while pointing at my purchase.

“Shriners as they’re sometimes called, are their toys for the common pony. So to go from crystal to wood, magic, tin, plastic?”

“Would cause some excitement.” I answered as thought about the foals Cersus was currently leading around. The stallion nodded as he motioned to where they were gathered.
“I divided the store to reflect that, right being the traditional Empire with the left being Equestrian. Both sell, but the ‘new and foreign’ toys are proving the most popular, especially that Officer Friendly doll.” My ears wilted at that bit of knowledge.

“Really?” I feigned ignorance. The green stallion got excited as he began talking about the doll.

What he explained to me was the standard list of attributes many fans have made before for loving said character. The idea of a caricature of my image being appealing still strikes me as a misalignment of priorities, but I’m told the physical realization of a role model for the foals will provide longer lasting benefits than some camera shyness.

I still don’t like the way they put forth that argument, but unfortunately it was effective enough for me to give in for the foals. How popular the doll became was very unexpected.

“... new one will be a bigger hit!”

Catching that last part slapped me harder than Celestia telling me to take a day off.

“New one?” I was already hearing Discord’s laughter as I fought my rising trepidation.

“They finally announced a new character!” He leaned in further to avoid drawing unwanted attention. “And I got a promo doll.”

‘Oh no.’ I thought.

“A new character, and not a new variant of the original?” Oh Celestia, I hope he misspoke.

He had not.

We left the toy store a few minutes later, Cersus and myself a bit lighter as we continued our stroll down the street. The bag holding my purchase was floating next to me as Cersus ran forward to practice ‘fighting’ whatever baddies blacked her path, the new Daring Do hat and matching jacket looking a little too big for the nymph. Still, her fear of crowds was temporarily forgotten, and that was worth the spoiling.

This became our norm as we visited each store that might stock the needed items, and the compliments for Cersus kept coming. Many a mare oooh and aahhh at the nymph, as we ventured forth with a few of those being directed to me. The blatant outpouring of admiration, joy, and a mixture of other feelings often associated with single ponies viewing parents and foals out in public, twice I had informed two potential suitors that I was indeed locked down, sometimes literally.

Embarrassments, and blushing aside nothing of note happened for the rest of our shopping until the return trip back to the castle.

“POW! BAM! To Slow!” Cersus continued to make comments like that as we returned to the castle, creating a path as ponies moved to avoid ‘being hit’ by the adventuring filly.

“Ease up on the power there Cersus. You might strain yourself at this rate, and who would save the “Magnificent, and Extravagant Wonder Filly- Cersus?” She ended her battle that moment, trotting in thought before finishing the fight.

“I’m awesome! No creature can stop me from saving the day!” She emphasized this by throwing another punch this way and that. I held my tongue, and allowed her to carry on uninterrupted.

The snow had stopped while we were in the store, but it left enough on the ground for ponies to create a plethora of intersecting trails going every direction. The only untouched snow became the dozens of islands left unmolested between these trails and the very rooftops, and nopony seemed to care as they hurried along to wherever they were going.

Some of these buildings had Hearth's Warming decor strung along from each roof end, with most having some variation of wreath on the door, and a thought crossed my mind.

“This is your first Hearth’s Warming, isn’t it?” I called to Cersus as her mock battle was drawing to a close. She finished with a flurry of blows and a small flutter of her wings before pumping a hoof in the air.

“WOOOOOO!” She happily cried, not hearing my question. I would tell her later the outfit is a gift, but now I needed to procure one for Topaz on short notice.

Several ideas came and went but one stood out as the epitome of uncouthness, and cheese that Cadence would surely approve if I asked…

“We need to hurry Cersus.” I informed my young charge as I trotted by, forcing the surprised nymph to catch up.

“Wha.. woah.. Hold on.!” She cried as she matched my pace with a slight windedness from her battles.

“Something has come up, and if I’m to make the time limit, I need to hurry.”

“Wha..what thing?” She asked, trying not to gallop.

“I must seek Topaz’s opinions on a matter that can not wait until tomorrow. Would you mind Cadence and Shining Armor’s company for a couple of hours?” I asked, with every intent of having her watched by their inexperienced hooves, well Shining’s hooves anyway, but felt it appropriate to ask.

“What!?”

“No other foal could say they were important enough to be watched by the rulers of The Empire.”

“DEAL!” She immediately accepted, her brief fatigue forgotten as the rush of being important enough to have a princess and prince look after her. I smiled as her excitement was infectious.

I had a short amount of time to put this together. I was confident Topaz will not only approve of this, but will have great difficulty one-upping this act any time soon.

“Hold on, coming!”

I heard Topaz shout from the other side of our room’s door. I stood waiting with the food cart in hoof, trying not to provoke the undergarment from further bothering me. The talk with the Castle Staff had been one I wish to forget, but knew that was wishful thinking when it came to ponies wanting to be in the know. Topaz needed to hurry up.

‘By Order, her hoof steps were slow...ah finally!’

“Sorry about that…” She froze with the door partly pulled open, her reddening fur brightening up the hallway.

“Room service, may I come in?” I asked, gesturing to the cart with a covered hoof. She stammered on, not even trying to hide her wings, and to save both of us from any more unneeded rumors I proceeded to push the cart forward.

The movement broke the trance that had fallen over Topaz, making her step out of the way while opening the door wide enough for me to enter with ease. I desperately fought to maintain the professionalism the staff demonstrated on a regular basis, but the rouge undergarment kept fighting me the whole way.

How the maids wore this uniform on a regular basis left me feeling impressed as I gave in and reached back to grip the offending garment and adjust it over my flank. Never again.

Chapter 8: A new deputy, and a troubling friendship problem. (Edits HorseWordFan)

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Hearth's Warming came and went with a flair on par with the Summer Sun Celebration in Equestria, and much of this excitement correlates with the rebranding of the ancient tradition.

To my understanding the act of gift giving was a way to show appreciation for another while promoting the feelings of love and community to prevent the return of the icy foe from the story; this tale was told very differently in the Crystal Empire with enough differences to make the modern portrayal more appealing to a society attempting to forget Sombra. For the foreseeable future, the Crystal Empire’s Hearth’s Warming will last for the rest of the year.

This extended vacation left me feeling anxious, being unable to perform my duties as expected, but it didn’t mean I was completely incapable of doing any work for the duration of the surprise break. Most of my time was spent with Topaz and Cersus exploring the city’s notable landmarks to further our knowledge of our new home, and the ponies that live here. During our outings, we learned much of what the city had to offer three displaced Equestrians trying to adopt.

"Celestia above.. You have me doing that Idol, but Celestia above, I’m experiencing a flurry of emotions I can’t even comprehend.” Topaz vented to me as we made our way back to the castle after spending the morning visiting her future place of employment.

The Institute of Crystallography & Assorted Magics, or ICAM, as the secondary school is often referred to by the returning student body, would be Topaz’s new source of employment. Having suffered during Sombra’s rule and a millennium of advancements made during their absence had left them disposed of as the premier center of learning forcing them to play catch up; Once they had learned of Topaz’s previous occupation, and achievements, she was quickly offered a senior position as head of a new department.

I am happy for her, and by the emotions she keeps radiating is as well, but all of that excitement is masking a subtle layer of doubt underneath it. Topaz is currently venting as she rapidly switches between topics, I have little knowledge about, but will make the appropriate effort to rectify this handicap.

“... you a new uniform.”

“I’m sorry Topaz, but I missed that first part.”

“It’s not important.” She brushed my confusion off with a wave of her hoof as I noted a mixture of lewd suggestions before being buried quickly. I’ll have to investigate later.

“It might not be important to you, but it is concerning to me. Your emotions are worse than a hive of swarming bees, and the inconsistent fluctuations are beginning to worry me. What’s wrong?”

The raging emotions settled slightly, and I couldn’t tell if it was because of myself or the understanding her mood was affecting more than herself, but it calmed enough to allow the Pegasus a chance to talk without rambling.

“I’m in charge of the biology department Idol! It took me years to gain the respect of my peers in Canterlot, and suddenly I’m expected to build an entire department from scratch?”

“It’s no different than my current assignment, but you do have one advantage I do not have. You have freedom of choice.” She turned to me; the question was in her eyes. “I have a choice, but it's confined to following a set of protocols listed in the guard manual while you don’t.”

“I have the school board, and the ICAM to worry about.” She countered.

“The Empire, while a part of Equestria, is considered autonomous enough to forgive some leniency. Just like me, I believe our respective professions have a problem and sought us out accordingly.”

“You really think so?” Topaz questioned as her left wing rubbed the bottom of her muzzle, a habit when in thought. I didn’t respond to give her time to assess her new role, but feeling the worry fading told me everything I needed to know.

Excitement was my mood after leaving Shifting Wind’s office, and for good reason.

After an estimated two hours of discussion, we finally reached a compromise on two very important matters: Chain of Command and recruitment. In a move most uncommon, I have decided to leave Shifting Wind in charge of what remains of the Crystal Guard while myself will act more as an advisor in its day-to-day operations. Normally, the superior officer would assume all command responsibilities that included the ability to replace and select his own subordinates if so desired, but that wasn’t what I wanted nor desired.

My task was simply- rebuild the Crystal Guard. Neither, in the transfer papers or my discussions with the princesses did it state I would assume permanent command of the guard, and with this directive in mind, I will strive to keep my involvement to a minimum leaving most of the decisions with the sergeant.

Back in Canterlot, Shining took a different approach with his leadership philosophy by allowing the chain of command to handle every matter that didn’t directly need his input with much success. I aimed to mimic this style in stark contrast to how the Crystal Ponies, Celestia, and even Chrysalis shared a similar mindset of involving themselves in every facet of the decision making.

My duties only state to rebuild the Crystal Guard, and that will continue to be the extent of my involvement.

I took the stairs all the up to my shared quarters on the ninth floor only stopping to greet the occasional staff going about their own duties, but to my embarrassment three of them began giggling once they recognized who I was with one maid even waving to me as we passed. This caused the other two mares to laugh even more before the three hurried around the corner, and down the stairs.

This was the only noteworthy moment of my walk back, and I was thankful for the lack of conversation topics. Castle staff are one thing, but having to explain it to Shining and Cadence is another, and one becoming increasingly more likely by how Cadence keeps suggesting ‘specialized tailors’ Topaz and I should visit. Presumably, the custom of mare talk has happened and our friends are aware of what happened that night, but I couldn’t say anything about it.

I could recall several instances of Cadence, Topaz, and Honey learning of an event in a moment's notice. Sooner or later this feline will escape its confinement of the burlap sack, but until that fateful day I will do my best to keep it contained.

‘Addressing it will only encourage it.’ I told myself as I finally reached my assigned room, I did the customary three knocks to alert Topaz and Cersus of my arrival before letting myself in.

The first thing that I noticed was a large box sitting on the bed, horrendously tore open with its wrapping shredded and discarded on the sheets and floor with no care for cleanup. Topaz and Cersus were on the other side of the package examining something, with the foal dressed in her Daring Do costume trying to extract the mysterious item from her guardian’s hooves.

“Let me see it!” Cersus whined while making another attempt to grab the object, but was held back by a forehoof.

“I recognize the logo. Maybe it’s a custom order?” Topaz wondered as she held the excitable filly back, before hearing me approach “Idol look!”

She released her hold over the filly who threw herself off the bed trying to get the..doll? Oh. Oh no.

From behind the opened box, Topaz revealed a foal size doll made from felt that had a very uncanny resemblance to the Pegasus. They each shared the simple wire frame glasses, and colors, but the difference was the uniform the doll was wearing; a simple dress blue coat and matching skirt long enough to cover her flank with a functional square cap resting on the doll’s head. I moved closer to examine this strange, but prophesied doll the toy owner warned me about just to confirm it wasn’t a part of my own mind.

It wasn’t.

“It’s me, Idol! Isn’t it just adorable?” She pushed the doll into my muzzle, until I took it with my magic. Cersus’s wings were buzzing fast as she tried jumping up to snatch the doll away, but I lifted it higher instead.

“It is…”

“Her name is Deputy Affectionate, and it’s the sweetest thing! Do you think we could get one for my mother? OH! And maybe my one for my cousins foal as well?” She began rattling off many more ponies that would need their own doll based in her image.

I kept rotating to absorb every detail in its construction, and discovered it indeed looked and felt like my own doll currently being produced. Without the uniform, the miniature Topaz doll was a near match for the Pegasus still gushing emotions over its felt design, while my own apprehension for the line it hails from was momentarily forgotten.

“She is rather lovely.” I finally said earning myself some of those gushing emotions.

“Let me see!” Cersus cried once more, and with Topaz’s permission relinquished the doll to her waiting hooves.

“Did you order it, Idol?” I looked to Topaz whose expression had softened significantly at the surprise toy. I never understood until after the wedding and my talks with Princess Luna, but I liked seeing her happy more so than any other pony, and this made hiding the truth from her much harder, and so I shook my head no.

“Its creation is not of my own accord, but that of the company that makes the Officer Friendly line of dolls.” I admitted, and seeing her perk up meant she caught it.

“Line of dolls? But isn’t Officer Friendly the only one…” She trailed off before looking toward the Pegasus doll Cersus was currently using as her sidekick before looking back to me.

I waited for the outburst to follow, but instead found myself watching the mare devolve into a fit of foalish giggles and snorts before fluttering around in circles.

“Celestia above, you’re not joking are you!? Oh, my stars, wait until Cady hears about this!” She declared before rushing forward to hug me tightly “Thank you, thank you!”

I couldn’t address her misplaced appreciation of the product before ending the hug, and bolting for the door. In her need for speed, she forgot to close the doors allowing me to hear her hooves lightly tapping against the floor, meaning she might be prancing down the hall.

“Do I get one?” Came a high pitch voice, to me right. I turned to look at Cersus who moved closer to me with the doll resting on her back, looking up at me expectantly.

For her insistence on being a good drone, the nymph had slowly been inserting herself into our activities as of late to Topaz’s glee. The early part of the train ride over is a prime example of this gradual shift in attitude, from using us as resources to further her own independence to becoming increasingly more codependent. Before leaving Canterlot, Cersus was already spending less time in her lair in favor of using the room Topaz provided, and has eased my own worries for the nymph.

I tried my best to provide what Cersus might need to one day return to the hive, sparing her the fate of a lowly exile, yet the wedding attack ended that dream. This could be the explanation for her recent clingy behavior, or maybe life away from the hive had changed her far too greatly to ever function in that environment again?

Those answers will likely avoid my hooves for the remainder of my life, but what I do know was the nymph and myself will remain reliant on each other for the foreseeable future. She needed me for shelter and care, and I needed her to provide a measure of purpose to my life.

“At the current rate, the odds are greatly in your favor Cersus. Maybe writing a letter to the company might yield the results you seek?”

“You think so?” She looked up expectantly, and I nodded.

“One thing I’ve learned during my time with Topaz is polite words can often get you the results you want. And your guardian’s signature.”

“I thought I had to write it, why do you have to sign it?”

“You still have to write and sign the letter, but adding my signature wouldn’t hurt. I’ve heard it holds some importance.”

“Is that why we moved?”

Her question was a hard one to answer at the time, and one that stuck with me for many years to come. It wasn’t the structure nor the wording used that made it difficult to answer, but the look of dejection her eyes held while looking up at me, already knowing the answer, hoping it might be something more in our control.

That was the hardest question I ever had to answer, and would remain so. Not even the question Topaz asked me several years later was that difficult, and by then it was a simple question when the only choice was yes.

“Yes, it is Cersus, and for the ponies to receive a letter with two signatures would impress them. Two is better than one after all.”

“You think this will work? The Crystal Empire used to host tournaments for recruits to show off their skills before the branches made their choice.” I nodded as the white Pegasus sat across from me, continuing his examination of the doll.

“The Crystal Ponies are very strict in their traditions, but relying on Equestria to provide most of the guard force will only hurt us in the end. We need local recruits if the Empire is to retain its sense of identity as an Empire and not a protectorate.”

Shifting Winds nodded as he leaned back into this chair, setting down the doll as he did so.

The idea isn’t new, and partly an adaptation of Equestira’s own recruitment process reshaped to better fit the dynamics of the Crystal Ponies. I myself find the new proposal a bit silly when considering everything I’ve learned about the citizens during my two weeks so far, but the popularity of my alter ego can’t be overlooked.

“It could work, but I still have my doubts.” The Pegasus and my acting second-in-command leaned back in thought while crossing his forelegs behind his head to stare up at the ceiling.

The lack of formality was on my insistence. An attempt to melt the mysterious ice that commonly prevented ponies from interacting efficiently, and for half an hour this had proven the best method to push my proposal forward. My new rank made this unnecessary, but until I officially took command of the Crystal Guard, I felt it proper to seek Shifting Wind’s advice as a courtesy to the sergeant.

He brought his head back down from the clouds so to speak, and tapped the accompanying rough sketch I had finished shortly before our meeting. His whole demeanor was very Pegasus, drawing heavily on the culture from Cloudsdale- stoicism polished with fine marble.

“Would your wife be up for this? Until a few months ago I had never heard of this toy, let alone understand the Empire’s love affair for it.”

“We share a similar school of thought, Shifting Winds. Even my knowledge is limited about the matter, but from my experiences in Equestria all the way to the welcome parade, I’ve found myself humbled and confused. Shining Armor believes the toy appeals to the Crystal Ponies on a core level of beliefs, yet I hold some doubt.”

“What kind of doubts?” He asked, finding the sketch and doll no longer entertaining.

“Doubts that we should be relying on a foal’s doll to solve our problems, but the parade showed me that ignoring a given opportunity will only close more doors than open. The Empire loves the doll, and I would do the Crystal Guard a grave disservice by not pursuing this.”

Our talk lasted for an additional half an hour before an official agreement was drafted. Shifting Winds finally relented to my proposal under the condition he could oversee the training regimen to better reflect what the Crystal Empire would need, and I found the request acceptable. We bumped hooves together to bind the agreement together, before I gathered my belongings and left the good sergeant alone for the night.

There’s still plenty of work on my part, but what is another day? I’ve spent the last two weeks with Topaz and Cersus adjusting to our new duties in the empire, and perhaps needed at least one more, but time was starting to become scarce. Topaz and myself being saddled with the duties of our station with Cersus’s welfare being transferred to Shining and Cadence in our absence. The nymph has tolerated this well enough since it’s given her access to much of the castle and its food, with our two closest friends scrambling to learn the ways of parenthood.

Honestly, it amazes me how easily they’re struggling so much when they have one of their own on the way.

We struggled at first but with Topaz’s nurturing and my discipline, we’ve had little trouble watching over Cersus the past year with the rogue exile being the greatest surprise. Cersus is for the most part already house trained, but a newly born foal with no prior training on the proper ways of being a pony? Not so much. So, by asking Shining and Cadence to periodically watch Cersus, we’re providing them with the training needed to better care for their foal when it's only born.

But thinking about our friend’s struggles with Cersus alerted me to a matter I failed to consider before- would Topaz and I be required to foalsit their newborn? It would only be fair, and they were doing that with Cersus already, so it would only be polite to return the favor if asked, being good friends willing to help each other.

So how would you care for a newborn foal? I tried thinking of anything besides feeding and changing a newborn, but anything else was a fair guess.

‘Celestia's orderly room in Canterlot, this might be a long assignment.’

Chapter 9: The Seamstress, the Apprentice, and the Cake. (Edits HorseWordFan)

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When Cadence suggested I visit a tailor the day after Hearth’s Warming, I was worried she had heard of the uniform I wore for Topaz the prior night. This was never brought up, and finding myself in need of a tailor for the next phase of my recruitment plan took the recommendation with much appreciation.

With Topaz’s agreement to the plan motivating me further, we set out to look for this tailor.

“Are you sure this is the right place? Did we pass it?”

“I’m most certain we haven’t passed the tailor, Cadence's instructions specifically stated when it seemed we passed the store, we’re to continue for another block.”

“That sounds really specific, Idol. Did she really write that part down?” I nodded and offered the piece of parchment to Topaz. “Wow, she really did.”

“To say, let alone admit this leaves a foul taste, but Cady isn’t known for providing the clearest instructions. Her sense of direction is as simple as pointing, and telling a pony to go straight until reaching the streetlamp before turning left.”

“I don’t understand, which lamp would you be talking about?” Topaz asked while continually checking the directions in the off chance we had actually missed the store.

“That’s the very question the guard and castle staff asked when the pony failed to show up for work the next day. I’ve since confirmed he is well, and eventually found where he needed to go, but some guards still place bets on which city he ended up in.”

“Ahhh, ok.”

Our conversation ended after that, as we focused our efforts into locating this mysterious tailor that came highly recommended, and even endorsed by our friend. After following the directions to the final word, and bore no fruit for our efforts, we switched to wandering around the surrounding blocks in the hopes of finding this mysterious tailor.

We gave up, and reverted to retracing our hoofsteps shortly after.

By the third pass, we had nearly conceded defeat when Topaz decided to ask one of the crystal ponies for directions, and by Celestia’s grace we were saved. The store we had sought was nestled in between a row of residential buildings with a single sign above the door depicting a spool of thread and needle.

For a shop so highly recommended by royalty to appear bland and simple left me feeling unsure, and partly hoping the pony’s directions were wrong as well. But with no further leads to guide us, and two sets of directions suggesting this was the famed tailor we were looking for proceeded to enter the building.

What struck me when opening the front door was the addition of a short hallway, where a sign read ‘Open’ hung on the wall next to a thin curtain being used to mask our vision of the show floor. With no reason to doubt the sign, Topaz and I took the invitation, and drew the curtain back.

Ponynequins adorned in different fashions- dresses being predominant occupied the entirety of the showfloor, creating a clear division between the casual window shopper from the serious clients using the space in the back.

Two sets of large, alicorn sized mirrors occupied the left and right walls with bolts of linen, silk, wool and cotton in the traditional colors of yellows and whites the upper caste cherished. The mirrors on the left wall displayed the more common violets and purples that marked the pillars of the common ponies, but here the obvious gap in clientele was noticeable with its modest 6 bolts of cotton and wool when compared to the nearly triple selection on the right wall.

A crystal and an earth pony suddenly appeared from behind a curtain Topaz and myself hadn’t noticed, and the two of us reacted appropriately- by voicing our startled state.

“AHHH!” Topaz shriked from their appearance while I found myself reacting, and moving slightly forward to put myself between them and Topaz.

Our startledness amused the crystal pony more so than the earth pony, but not by a great margin.

“Now, now no need for the show! My name is Silk String, and this is my assistant and apprentice, Spinel.” The mare gestured to the young yearling to her left, making the Equestrian earth pony bow her head out of politeness.

“Greetings, and welcome esteemed guests of the crown.” The orange red mare greeted us, trying desperately not to remove the strand of mane that hung down enough to tickle the ends of her muzzle.

This is one of the reasons why a standard mane length, or approved style is enforced within the guard to avoid the needless issue in front of me. I was about to point this suggestion out when her master stepped forward, putting herself in front of the young mare as she quickly ushered us further into the establishment.

“Please! Please! Don’t let us keep you fine guests waiting, let me help you. '' The mare emphasized those two words as we were nearly corralled to the center of the floor, between four ponynequins.

The crystal mare looked as vibrant and glossy as any other crystal pony, but strongly resembled more Equestrian in her features, with her slim frame and long mane being the predominant features. The gloss of her near crystal coat was cloudy from the fur trapped under( or in) the crystalized coating that covered her from ear tip to hoof; manes have a natural element that allows the strands of hair to remain mostly soft and clean, but Silk String’s mane looked even more so than normal.

With every movement, the long, and delicate looking strands would gently touch the base of her neck with the appearance they were about to break. Unlike Topaz's mane that found joy moving in distinct lumps, Silk’s moved like an ocean tide brushing against the sands of a beach before pulling back to repeat the process a few seconds later.

I looked to Topaz to see if she noticed the strange and unusual mane consistency our host had, but found myself alone with my thoughts as Topaz and Silk String conversed without me. They were creating small talk as they broke the ice before approaching the purpose of our visit, leaving me and the young assistant currently not engaged in the conversation- I decided to correct that.

“Miss. String is rather.. unique.” The comment earned me a tilt of the earth mare’s head who then took a glance at her master and Topaz chatting. The apprentice, Spinel, looked to me and nodded as she motioned for me to move closer to her, and I did.

“Silk String is renowned for her talents in the art of the cloth even before Sombra’s rise, and is partially why she was all but spared his wrath.”

“Truly?” I whispered back, intrigued by this information, not having heard much of the mad king than he was the previous ruler that had enslaved the citizens for some unknown purpose. Not even Shining or Cadence have been forthcoming with this pony, citing to ‘leave it in the past, and move on’.

We watched Topaz and Silk trot off toward the wall on the right, and we followed some length behind to stand out of the mirror’s path. She whispered once more.

“Please Colonel, don’t repeat this…” her knowledge of my rank surprised me, but I didn’t have time to ask how she knew me when the reason for the whispering became known. “ ...it was these skills that fabricated his very cape, and her beauty that spared her a life in chains.”

If true, then this information is tragic in a deeper meaning than simply being spared a fate like the rest of her fellow ponies-knowing they suffered while you did not. But how did this Equestrian mare presumably know so much of her master’s past, and why was she sharing this extremely classified information with me, a pony who quite literally walked off the street?

“Spinel dear, quickly!”

We looked over to the mirror where Silk String was currently taking measurements of Topaz’s back, adjusting for wing placement as she called for her assistant who nodded quickly.

“Coming Seamstress!” the violet pink mare replied before rushing to her master’s aid, and began taking measurements of Topaz’s left side.

With nothing else to do but wait and ponder some troubling thoughts of the Empire’s past, I already knew today’s visit will be a long one.

“Madam, please! You must hold still for the measurements to be accurate!”

“No no, I can fix it! I just need to adjust it here…”

This conversation went back and forth for the last hour between Topaz and the seamstress; fighting for control over the appropriate skirt length, with the pegasus opting for a longer skirt and the crystal mare wanting a ‘flank hugging’ length. To better show off the Crystal Heart’s blessings as Silk String put it.

The cap and accompanying blouse were measured long before the battle of the skirt began when proper length came into question, with Topaz worried about potential fat deposits and the two seamstresses in favor of it. Both options hugged the flanks in my opinion, and would work for the purpose required of the uniform, but I am a guard and potter by trade, not a tailor. This understanding is what led me being forcibly banished to the opposite wall as the three mares fought for control of the skirt’s length.

We had already spent almost the entirety of the morning within the business, and I was becoming increasingly concerned we might spend the afternoon here as well when a declaration was reached by Silk String.

“Enough! We will create two skirts instead!”

“You don’t need to make another when I know what I want!” Topaz countered back as the two mares began collecting their supplies. The red earth mare Spinel, motioned it was safe for me to approach, and I did so.

Topaz had just removed the skirt so Spinel could retrieve the piece of clothing for future modification, leaving us alone for the moment.

“The nerve of that mare!” She hissed into my ear as her wings made strides to remain still.

“Is their suggestion really that problematic to require a second skirt?” I asked while moving next to the pegasus, trying to rid her of the negative emotions she was experiencing.

“Quit it Idol.” She commanded as I worked my way up by her ear as the muted grays of her exasperation wriggled free, and into my awaiting mouth.

In my years of passive and active feeding, the act of removing negative emotions afflicting any creature had proven very beneficial to the affected. This unorthodox method of extracting these emotions (with Topaz’s approval) have sprouted an unintended side effect neither of us knew could be achieved from a feeding- positivity.

This same kind ‘feeding’ I was using to rid Topaz of her irritation, a doctor would do to clean a wound to stimulate healing, and by following this premise removed the negativity from the body to leave room for the positivity to flourish. With Topaz’s approval, we’ve tried this kind of feeding several times with mild success, but not enough to prefer it to the traditional method of calming down.

Even now I’m struggling to keep this negativity down, and no amount of preparation than one’s own will power can keep it down. The discomfort of ingesting it made feeding a challenge, and the main reason we haven’t mentioned this to Cersus for worry she would want to help her friends. To expose herself so soon after the wedding…

“That’s enough, thank you.” Topaz told me as she visibly relaxed. Her wings fluttered a little less until they settled into her side as the stiff posture began sagging, and with this encouragement, I continually found the strength to perform this feeding.

Unable to speak as I fought to keep my stomach in check, I nodded my understanding of her words. If I could outlaw the bodily reaction known as indigestion, I would wholeheartedly support the movement.

Seeing my inability to speak, Topaz resigned from asking any more questions as we waited for the seamstresses to finish their tasks before properly dismissing us.

The entire ensemble was finished a week later, and true to their word, Silk String and Spinel created an additional blouse and cap to go along with their suggested skirt length free of charge.

“I should write them a letter, thanking them for their generosity.” I thought loudly as I waited for Topaz to finish putting on the uniform.

“You really shouldn’t, but instead get them…” Topaz trailed off as she finished buttoning up her blouse before flexing her wings. “... a gift basket might not be enough. This is really comfortable.”

“They did appear very knowledgeable about their trade, but I wonder how Cadence knew of them?”

“Maybe she bought something from them before? By Celestia’s golden tiara, I’m never taking this off. The skirt too!” Her declaration made me take notice of the uniform to learn why this unofficial prop had become a favorite, but upon examination of the flank area did I find my answer.

“Isn’t that the skirt Silk String suggested?”

“It is.” Topaz admitted as she showed the skirt off with a twirl.” I might have been wrong, this skirt looks and feels really nice.”

“Is the uniform nice enough to consider a career shift? The guard could always use a mare of your talents.”

To my delight, Topaz found the jest amusing enough to laugh at the thought before giving off a sharp salute.

“Officer Topaz reporting in!”

“At ease, officer.” I returned the salute knowing she really isn’t an officer, but found her enthusiasm charming to not play along.

This sort of playfulness continued for an unspecified amount of time as Topaz and myself lost track. I won’t give exact reasonings for this distraction, but after confirming the uniforms were extraordinarily well made finally left our room to pick up Cersus from the watchful eyes of a mother hen.

There isn’t an actual fowl residing in the castle, but is a pony expression to compare the behavioral patterns of a creature to that of a mother hen- Cadence. The past few weeks have seen a great change in the expecting alicorn with the two biggest being her appetite, and unconditional love of watching Cersus while Topaz and myself are busy.

I am delighted for the occasional break. More so, since Cersus was predominantly independent before our relocation to the empire, and hopefully by separating herself from our presence the nymph might retain some of that lost independence. Her more recent behavior has been confusing to me alone since when asked, Topaz, dismisses it as the adolescence of a growing filly. I don’t share these beliefs, yet find her assumptions both intriguing, and troubling.

After the wedding, I’d given up hope of seeing Cersus returning to the hive as a functioning and proper changeling. With anti-changeling sentiment everywhere, and the hive state too fractured to properly function it was decided the nymph would remain in our care for the foreseeable future. I haven’t revealed my intentions to Cersus nor Topaz as I should, yet I haven’t found the time appropriate to put forth the subject.

Our daily activities as a pony family unit held more weight in the nymph’s ability to remain hidden than reinforcing her changeling heritage. If Topaz, and Cersus continued to show no discomfort with our roles then I shall continue to do the same.

Since our arrival, Cadence has exclusively stayed within the confines of her room leaving Shining Armor the sole ruler of the Crystal Empire. This left a heavily pregnant Cadence alone for most parts of the day with a hoof maid and basic guard detail on hoof should she need anything, and it might be the reason the alicorn adored watching Cersus.

The trot to their room was quick, and as normal greeted the two guards on each side of the doors with a quick salute.

“Gentlecolts.”

“Colonel, sir!” They snapped a salute back, but lingered when they finally noticed Topaz’s new uniform. “Ma'am!”

Their enthusiasm is duly noted, and even earned a chuckle from Topaz as they redirected their salute to her as well. I didn’t correct their actions as Topaz straightened up and gave off her own salute in return.

I never felt prouder.

“Gentlecolts.” She repeated, who in turn dropped their salute and addressed the both of us.

“What can we do for you?”

They both asked at the same time, earning an amused giggle from Topaz while I felt proud of the professionalism being displayed.

“We’ve come to collect our foal from her highness’s nurturing care.” I informed the royal detail.

“I’m sorry to inform your lordships…”

“...the princess and Lady Cersus are not present at the moment.” their admittance surprised us, or me, giving the nature of pony rearing I had expected the princess to be near immobile for the duration of her term.

“And where would they currently reside?”

Making our way to the seventh floor was quick, and the ponies milling about were few meaning less stares directed our way. For a castle of this size, I’d assumed more ponies would be needed for continued functions in the same manner as Canterlot Castle, yet the Crystal Castle appeared to require considerably less. The Crystal Ponies continually impress me.

“Why did Cadence visit the kitchens instead of requesting her meal to be delivered as before?”

“She’s bored Idol. A pregnant mare can’t remain permanently immobile for the duration of their term, it's not good for them or the foal.”

“Wouldn’t the movement potentially expose both parent and foal to potential aliments, or cause unneeded strain on the body?” Topaz shook her head, but stopped when her new cap nearly flew off.

“You’ve visited a hospital before right?” I nodded, having seen the castle infirmary. “It’s common practice to have ponies rehabilitate their injured limbs to keep the blood flow circulating, the muscles from deteriorating. If you don’t use it, you lose it.”

“And this is the reason for their highness’s need for the Royal Canterlot voice?”

We stopped after that question to allow some of the castle staff to pass before resuming our discussion.

“That was a joke, right Idol?” She asked, and happy my attempt was noticed, I smiled.

“Indeed. I’ve been learning the creation of jokes eases tension and could create a better environment for everypony. I’m going to use these ‘jokes’ with the new recruits to earn their trust.”

“Good luck.” Topaz’s flank made contact with mine, forcing me off balance for a moment before adjusting myself. “You’re learning well, I like that.”

A rush of emotions followed after that, and nearly all of them I recognized from personal experience while on duty, or from our constant outings to the theatre. My experiences also said my response to the emotions around us should be simple, but meaningful…

“Thank you.” I whispered as I gave a simple nuzzle along the right side of her neck, earning me even more happiness, and affection in the process.

Since the invasion and my weekly meetings with Princess Luna, I’ve tried to show displays of affection on a regular basis to further my integration into pony society. For Topaz’s sake, and Luna’s insistence, I’ve used these acts of affection as part of my rehabilitation with enough effect that I find the act pleasing to perform.

The shared moment might have lasted longer, but we were interrupted when another group of castle staff suddenly appeared in front of us. They froze when they saw us, unsure what to do before the maids were set upon by a giggling fit who all waved to us as they scurried past us; the emotions coming from them as they passed held no ill intent, but genuine happiness with a mixture of jealousy and lewdness, leaving me confused.

“What have you been telling them?” Topaz asked, having slightly distanced herself to avoid more attention.

“You asked the question wrong dear, it’s what have you been telling Princess Cadence?”

We weren’t arguing more than exchanging playful banter with each other to hide our own insecurities of the relationship. Our understanding of this has left a noticeable tension in our interactions with each other, but we still trot forward as we have done before. Talking to Shining and Cadence (mostly Shining) about my concerns have helped in the transition from friend/landlord to potential spouse/co-owner of a property, and a nymph.

‘Trial by error.’ as the saying goes, but hopefully with a reduction in errors.

By Order and Celestia’s will, we arrived at the palace kitchens without further delay to find our missing ponies in the middle of the commotion. Lunch was ending, but now preparations for dinner were being made with vast amounts of vegetables being prepared and diced, while a second group hurriedly washed the crystal ware and cooking pans to be used for the next meal.

Spared from this organized madness was Princess Cadence and Cersus, still in proper disguise, huddled around a lone stove to the far right of the kitchen staring at the glass window. My assumption was this single stove was placed here her request given how much of the cooking machine’s surface was covered with her cutiemark. A busy cook saw and bowed, ready to see to our needs when we gestured toward the two hungry ponies window shopping, and with a knowing smile nodded to resume his work.

Our hoofsteps were masked by the daily tasks of the kitchen, yet Cadence's ears became alert to our presence before turning toward us with a broad smile.

“You don’t even try to hide it, and that’s wonderful.” the expecting princess greeted us as she stood up to accept Topaz’s hug. “Hello Topaz, Idol.”

“Hey.”

“Hello, Cady.” I returned the greeting with a slight bow instead of a hug.

“How did you know where to find us?” Cadence asked, casting a look to a distracted Cersus still watching the stove. Topaz answered for us.

“We asked your guards, and they told us.”

“They were very professional when they saluted Topaz and myself.” This admission gave away to a small convocation of emotions, with amusement being prominent.

“I told those two not to say anything, but…” She looked Topaz up and down “...when a pretty mare in uniform asks…”

“Cadence, please!” Topaz guffawed at the remark, but seemed pleased as they started talking about the excellent uniform.

With my presence temporarily forgotten, I left the two mares for the lone nymph drawn to the light coming through the little window with much anticipation. I took Cadence’s spot looking through the little window to observe a rounded baking tin resting on the top wire shelf.

“We’re baking a cake.” Cersus mentioned without looking away from the baking tin.

“Are you?” I was beginning to smell the spices used in its creation, but these were overpowered by one far more potent. Cersus’s pegasus wings began buzzing happily while she nodded her confirmation.

“It's made with love.” she emphasized the word heavily with enough hunger to make my own belly rumble in response, and I needed to know if that was true.

“Baking with love, and baking using love are two distinct differences Cersus, did our highness use love itself as an ingredient or express love for baking?” I asked, trying not to stare at the glowing light in the cooking stove for too long.

“Well…” Cersus started off, pinning her tongue to the roof of her mouth as she tried recalling “...I didn’t see any actual love, but I felt it!”

“It’s princess approved."

I looked behind me to see Topaz and Cadence watching Cersus and myself with unrestrained amusement, and when I didn’t respond the princess repeated her earlier statement.

“It’s princess approved, so it's baked with all the love ‘a sweet loving alicorn could muster’, or so Aunt Celestia used to tell me.”

“Her Highness is a well known connoisseur of bakery sweets, and her approval is enough. I shall wait with you.” I promised my liege and friend before rejoining Cersus to watch the cake bake with much anticipation.

Topaz’s uniform was complete, Cersus and the princess were found safe, and to leave their safety to chance again is out of the question. I would remain by their side until Shining Armor or another guard relieves me from my sworn duty, but until then, I shall perform my duties with the highest levels of professionalism a lone guard such as myself can summon…

“Is it done?” Cersus asked nopony directly as she continued her astute observation of the cake, and when no answer came I took the task upon myself.

“I do not know, but I will find out.” I looked back to the princess who, along with Topaz, was failing to conceal their giggles from some funny joke, or story to properly answer, but did so by shaking her head left and right.

“Well?” the nymph asked, her eyes still glued to the orange glow coming from the stove window.

“Unfortunately no, but let’s wait another 10 minutes before worrying.”

Chapter 10, Part 1: The recruits are gathering.

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“Listen here colt, turn that frown somewhat right side up. We’re professionals after all.” The Head Nurse, Paper Weight, told her recent transfer as the pair quickly moved down the main hall of the sixth floor.

The medical branch of the guard, and by extension the whole castle, was located with the guard’s quarters on the sixth floor so the lower levels could access their services if needed. With what remained of the guard, space on the floor wasn’t too much of a concern and the medical staff were granted nearly one dozen rooms to use as they saw fit.

It was these assigned rooms Paper Weight was leading her newest nurse before exposing the young stallion to a normal duty roster.

“I’ll smile when there’s something to smile about.” the green furred unicorn complained as they made a quick turn off the main hall, their pace noticeably slower than before.

“Listen, because I’m going to say this once…” the mature mare came to a stop, ignoring the brown strands of mane trying to tickle her snout. “...these ponies have gone through enough already, a little gentleness would mean the world.”

Paper Weight had leaned in while narrowing her eyes just a bit to drive the point, and only when her new nurse relented did she back off.

The green unicorn was taken back by her aggressiveness, and even looking somewhat ashamed of his earlier statement. What tension there had been was gone now, and with the two medical ponies on some common ground decided to start over.

“Paper Weight, Senior Medical Officer and Senior Receptionist.” The mature mare offered the unicorn one of her golden hooves.

“Medical Atlas.” Was all the green unicorn said as he took the offered hoof.

“Now that introductions are sorted, perhaps we could continue with the tour Mr. Atlas?”

“That would..be acceptable.”

The way he spoke (when he did) hadn’t gone unnoticed by the senior nurse who didn’t want to pry into the unicorn’s life, but suspected he might not have the most experience dealing with ponies. It’s just a theory, and doesn’t mean anything without proof, but could make directly working with ponies a bit difficult starting out. Paper Weight would address this potential, but maybe not likely problem later when she’s finished with the tour, and her new nurse had a chance to settle in.

“Maybe if you’re good Atlas, I might show you where I keep the good disinfectant.”

“The what, ma’am?”

“The liquor, colt.” the earth pony chuckled. Not at his innocence, but at the tone he asked suggesting he might have known what she meant. “Now enough of that, we need to hurry up and get you your first assignment before the recruits are dismissed.”

Fire Flight trotted quickly down the sixth floor toward her commanding officer’s office as fast as her legs could move. She had to fight to keep her abnormally fluffy wings confined to her sides as she weaved through the many guards and some castle staff, but with practiced hooves cleared these obstacles with ease, apologizing for any inconvenience she might have caused as she disappeared.

Today was the day she had been waiting for, and her excitement could not be contained!

Ever since learning of the Colonel’s plan, the excitement had been building faster than the approaching day of one of her concerts, and finally the moment had arrived. She needed to alert Sergeant Shifting Winds, and then they both could be off to witness this potentially historic event.

The pegasus rounded another corner and felt her heart beating a little faster as she recognized the hall she was in, and picked up the pace. A moment later she was knocking on the door she sought.

“Sergeant Winds! It’s me, Corporal Fire Flight, we have to go!” There was a pause before the startled movements of a pony napping were heard through the door. There was a shuffling of papers and sounds of objects being moved, drawers opening and closing before the heavy hoof steps approached the door.

“By Celestia, it's time already?” The white pegasus asked as he opened the door, looking to his subordinate as he straightened out his uniform.

“Yes, sir!” She gave a salute “and we’re late!”

“Then let us hurry, quickly!” Shifting Winds declared as he finished straightening out his coat and cap, rushing past the young pegasus.

The two were off to the races as they ran down the halls toward the stairs that would take them to the ground floor, stopping for no pony as their tardiness became more apparent the longer they took.

Up above on floor seven, the kitchens were on fire figuratively and literally as the increased demand for catering continually overwhelmed their ability to produce the expected quality of foods in time for the event. Still the professional staff carried on as required of their duty, sizzling minced, diced, buttered, or sauteed vegetables, and while sauces, soups, and chowders were stirred frequently to prevent them from burning to the pan.

It is during this massive influx of orders, it becomes very easy for employees to disappear- unscheduled breaks being the most prominent reason for missing help. But among the berry vine, a wise pony could learn of such missing help.

“... re is he?” the question was partially lost among the hustle and bustle of an overworked staff, but the berry vine heard it loud and clear.

“Oh, Steel Cut never came in this morning.” a crystal mare answered as she continued to dice some potatoes needed for another pot of soup. Her gossiping friend, another crystal mare of similar age looking over her shoulder as she slid her own minced vegetables into a pan.

“What do you mean he didn’t show?” she asked while hurriedly moving her cutting board and knives to the other cooking island to be next to her fellow gossiper.

“I mean he skipped!” The red mane mare leaned into her friend’s space “He is going to the tryouts.”

That admission earned a scandalous giggle from her purple curled mane friend as the two of them knew what it meant for their former co-worker. They took a look at their respective recipes, and began gathering the needed ingredients before resuming their work…

“If you ask nicely, maybe he’ll make you dinner in his armor?” That got the two mares giggling once again as the thought of Steel Cut in shining new armor cutting vegetables with a guard saber.

Their talks continued like this as they chopped and stirred their respective dishes amongst the hustle and bustle of a kitchen working overtime to finish the catering needed for the big event today.

The day started as any other for Unstoppable Force; a quick shower, breakfast, and a small prayer to the Revered Night Guardian before readying himself for the day.

Just like a normal day, the mighty crystal unicorn began trotting toward the marketplace to purchase the foods he will need for tonight’s meal, while ignoring the stares of his neighbors. Even with the Empire’s recent return and integration with Equestria, Unstoppable still found himself living a life full of mistrust and fear with most of it coming from his fellow crystal ponies.

As his mother taught him, the large unicorn did his best to ignore these looks as he forced himself to show no emotions else he risked drawing further attention. Even with this great suspicion following him, the unicorn found himself in an awkward predicament with his fellow ponies who needed unicorn magic to operate the highly specialized magitek.

This need of the large unicorn’s service gave Unstoppable the clout needed to be tolerated enough to not be completely chased out of the Crystal Empire, and this understanding made Unstoppable Force push back to see what he could get away with. The Crystal Ponies knew what he was doing, and the half pony, half Saddle Aribian drew some pleasure from this game they were all playing.

It was the only thing he truly felt in control of, and yet fate had a way of injecting itself into one’s life when they least expected.

Unstoppable had just entered the market square, towering over his fellow citizens when he noticed a commotion near one of the public bulletin boards located toward the northernmost entrance; with nothing better than spending bits, the mixed breed decided to take a look for himself.

The castle training field was bursting with activity for the first time in a millennia, but not from the Crystal Guard performing drills or marches of tradition- new recruits were joining.

For the past couple of months, open recruitment into the Crystal Guard had been a dream amongst the inhabitants for nearly as long as the Crystal Empire has existed. So, when the first Colonel in nearly three centuries (before banishment) not only came to personally oversee the rebuilding of the guard, but supported opening up guard recruitment to all classes created a blizzard of excitement.

A citizens’ duty was to protect their home and queen, and what better way to do that than by becoming a guard? That was the thought, and expectation for the more established ponies of the Empire since they had property to protect, but paid a lower citizen to take their spot; this system of required service was why the Crystal Empire always had a small standing force when compared to its neighbors.

Another problem with this system was there wasn’t any real loyalty to the Queen or Empire since the guards were being paid by said property owners, thus creating a fractured web of alliances that proved to be detrimental when Sombra took over. Some of the guards did their duty and rushed to protect the queen, while the rest sought out their employers or began enacting secret instructions of their masters, but it didn’t matter in the end.

So to hear, and finally see the proof of an official call for the common classes to join the guard created an excitement not seen since the return of the Crystal Heart.

While the turn out far exceeded anypony’s expectation, it wasn’t the complete success it seemed to be. The training field itself was nearing capacity, but if one opened their eyes for a moment they might notice a single, but crucial fact many of the prospective recruits shared with one another…

“Where are the Crystal Ponies?” Shifting Winds asked no pony particular as he observed the scene below. To his right, Fireflight continued her observations for another moment before jabbing one of her hooves forward.

“There’s a few right there! And there’s another couple over there as well Sir!” She didn’t mean for it to sound contradicting, but genuinely wanted to prove some of the Empire’s citizens had turned up for this historic event.

The white pegasus hid his need to sigh at that lack of understanding, but couldn’t as the truth behind Fireflight’s words. It was something special to see a nation finding its hooves again after a tragic event, but another feeling to be a part of that process along the way. He felt the urge to stand a little taller as the final batch were being herded into a basic formation to help fit the mass of possible recruits.

“Are you ready to be a part of history Corporal?” he asked his second in command, but the orange pegasus seemed more interested in watching the crowd than to have heard it. He didn’t pursue an answer, understanding the excitement was hard to ignore.

Leaving his companion alone for the moment, Shifting Winds hummed to himself as he did his own pony watching to get a better idea on what kind of recruits they could expect.

Behind the loose mass that was called a formation stood the towering form of a large Saddle
Arabian keeping his distance from the other ponies. Yet, the knob protruding from the center of his head (with a little work) could be identified as a unicorn’s horn, only muddying the waters on accurately identifying this strange pony.

His willingness to stand in the back near the stands wasn’t by some desire to be courteous, or a sense of respect for his fellow Crystal Ponies, but a need to avoid potential conflict with the others. The stares and occasional sneer his way could easily be ignored, but confrontations were harder to ignore for the simple reason he couldn’t directly fight back without the matter escalating against him- size and paranoia will do that.

But the rumors are what plague Unstoppable Force the worst, and greatly influence all the hostility towards him. All he could do was to ignore it and go on with his life the best he can, but that kind of attitude can only take you so far before you have to stand up on your own four hooves and carry yourself the rest of the way. Potentially joining the Crystal Guard is the very thing Unstoppable had been looking for to break the cycle, and given the stories his mother told him about his father being a part of the guard made it a no brainer.

Sneaking in had proven a challenge given his lack of magical training and distinguishing characteristics, but somehow by the Revered Mother’s Night he had managed this with surprising grace, and ease. Still, he needed to be careful not to draw any further attention to himself than the few stares and whispers he was currently receiving. Of the little magic he could perform, a rough background spell made it easier for the majority of ponies (that weren’t close) to ignore him, but the Saddle Arabian blood in him made it difficult to maintain such spells for a great length of time.

Still, he kept the spell up even as it drained his low mana reserves hoping the Colonel would be making his speech sooner than later.

Chapter 10, Part 2: Confessions can lead to startling revelations.

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“It’s not working..the whole outfit needs to be resized!” Topaz yelled as she fumbled with the dress blouse, trying to unbutton the few she managed to fasten as I moved next to hear and grabbed hold of her hooves.

“Nervousness. Trepidation. Doubt.” I noted Topaz’s..our feelings. My landlord turned friend, turned companion, dropped her hooves to let me button up the remainder of her dress blouse. “I find these accurate.”

“At least I’m not alone.” She muttered before raising her head and gave me a warm nuzzle.

“Just until the speech is over, then I’m to join Sergeant Shifting Winds for a general inspection of the recruits. This is where you come in.”

“Oh, really? And what could a simple professor of Entomology be needed for?”

Topaz left me once I had finished buttoning her blouse, twirling around once as her wings hummed with a playfulness. I started to follow the happy pegasus out of the dressing rooms located next to the training field, the sweetness of her newfound merriment washing away the old concerns.

“The recruits are skittish, we hope you could distract them with a riveting tale of daring and adventure- Bugisher and the Queen Bee’s trap.” Topaz’s excitement was waning a little, but quickly rebound as she spun around to face me while walking backward.

“Which one?” another smile tugged at the corners of her mouth, earning my interest.

“There’s more than one?” Impossible. When could they have had the time to orchestrate a conflict while escaping notice?

“You might find out during the inspection…” Topaz sang while doing one more spin before resuming her trot along next to me.

“Perhaps you should be the one giving the speech, you are the poster mare after all.” Her positivity was infectious, and had always left me feeling more sporadic, and energetic.

A side-effect both of us have theorized formed from our symbiotic lifestyle revolving around her providing the love and happiness needed for my survival, while I did everything to ‘eat’ the negativity afflicting Topaz. A system we have slowly worked on since first establishing our living arrangements, and continually having to adjust since our agreement to become a more traditional familial unit.

“As if! You’re not slinking out of this that easily.” She emphasized this by sticking her tongue out.

“It was merely a suggestion given your prominence on the recruiting poster and natural speaking skills as a professor. I simply wanted to better the chances of this being a great success.”

Topaz didn’t buy this feeble attempt, and let me know it with a lite, ‘humph’.

“You’ve been hanging round the princesses too much, you’re developing a silver tongue”

“No more than is required of me, I find the taste to be lacking.” I stuck my own tongue out to show Topaz, who looked confused before lightly smacking me with a wing.

“These jokes are becoming more natural, I fear what is to come if you should master them.”

Exposure to this hidden knowledge had eluded me for a number of years before, but for a reason unknown to me Night Light, Shining Armor’s father, had taken both of us under his tutelage. In the hive, this was an unknown privilege, but under ponykind it is a deeply ingrained belief to pass on the knowledge of their forebears; because of my friendship to Shining Armor and lack of a patriarchal figure, his father bestowed upon me the privilege of learning the ancient power of ‘dad jokes’.

I’ll forever be grateful for this trust, and have sought to inject some of his teachings into my daily interactions. I hope to make all dads, past, present, and future proud.

“Would you like to hear another one?” I asked, wanting to get a little more practice.

“Alright, another one wouldn’t hurt. Whatcha got?” Topaz moved closer to better hear more of the ancient tradition.

“Do you know why Lady Applejack is an authority on apples? It’s because she’s an expert in her field.”

“That’s pretty bad Idol, but cute.”

“It’s this expertise that allows Lady Applejack to sort a good apple from a bad apple.”

I felt pride with that one, and even more when the warming touch of affection mixed with a pinch of exasperation. Not every pun would be received well, but the good ones will trot the fine line of humor and the need to attend clown school and I’m glad to say the lessons were paying off.

“Ok..ok. I don’t know if you’re serious or trying…” her laughter won out, making her hide her muzzle behind her wings.

“As it should be.” I stuck my chest the rest of the way to our meet up with Shining Armor, proud to have successfully used what Night Light had taught.

“The turn out..turned out.” Shining Armor said as the three of us looked through one of the windows of the complex the guard used to change and store their training equipment.

I didn’t reply as I observed the nearly full training field worth of cadets herded into a loose formation of sorts. Never had I imagined a turn out of this magnitude or one radiating so much positivity I felt nauseous standing this far way. Topaz had a good idea what I might be feeling, but Shining took the paleness as anxiety.

“You’ll get used to the attention, I know I did once I was made Captain of the Guard and married Cadence.” I had to move slowly to avoid losing my already lite lunch.

“Duty requires some amount of sacrifice, but what if the one having to make the sacrifice doesn’t seek the attention?”

“Well…” Shining looked thoughtful as he sorted the words he wanted to use, before gesturing toward the field full of ponies and shrugged. “... don’t get promoted?”

“I’ll strive to do better in the future.”

“Try, being the word.” Topaz added.

I didn’t even try hiding my disappointment. Not at their teasing, but the understanding that may not be possible for much longer.

Before my own ascension to the dormant rank of Colonel, Captain of the Guard was the highest rank a pony could hope to receive during their service to the princesses, but with Shining Armor’s marriage to Princess Cadence that changed- prince was now the highest rank a pony could earn. Until the authenticity of the rumors could be fully validated, I will happily assume my supposed marriage to Princess Celestia is just the wishful thinking of others, and not some ancient decree.

Not willing to stir these worries anymore, I decided the need to move had been reached, and we were ready to begin with the opening ceremony for the open enlistment.

“Shall we begin?” I asked my companions, who took their eyes off the field to answer.

“I’ve been ready since Cady and I first arrived.”

“This uniform is starting to itch.”

Happy with their answers, I inhaled a great breath of air and slowly released it along with any doubts and worries not related to today.

“Then let us go forth, and replenish the ranks.”

The moment the three of us stepped outside was when the entire field erupted into unrestrained excitement.

Shining Armor was used to the attention and fell into a sort of auto pilot by waving and smiling at the gathered ponies, while Topaz was still learning to deal with the increased attention shied away from the front to be a bit closer to me. Unintentionally, the pegasus’s action drew even more attention to us as they tried to get a better look at the ‘famous’ couple, with most either having missed the welcoming parade, or having only seen the recruitment posters.

Their reasons are their own, but it was becoming harder to focus as the metaphorical blizzard of positivity pelted the stage.

“I’m full.”

“Don’t you dare start chickening out now, this was your idea!” Topaz whispered as she tried mimicking Shining Armor’s movement, while I tried to keep from expelling the excess love by changeling resin.

“Never, but I’m afraid what would happen if we wait any...” I stopped, almost ejecting some resin. “...any longer.”

Not wanting to risk revealing myself, nor be seen in an embarrassing position I inhaled a deep breath of the clean empire air and took some steps forward. The potential recruits noticed, and started settling down as Topaz and myself made for the little podium and magically enchanted microphone graciously provided for this important event.

I stood in front of the mic while Topaz decided to take a spot on my right, shifting her attention between me and the mass of ponies below before finding her smile and began waving to them. Shining Armor had ceased his own greetings, and with a wave and nod, gestured in my direction. With no clearer sign, I said a small prayer to Celestia and the Order above and proceeded with my speech.

“Are you willing to fight and die to protect her majesty, Princess Celestia, may the light shine forever on her? That was the very question they asked me when I joined the Royal Guard.”

I’m not sure why I suddenly recalled those exact words, but as I looked out into their expecting faces I felt they were appropriate.

“That question is what propelled me into a career I’ve come to cherish, and couldn’t imagine pursuing anything else…” I paused to gauge their reactions, noting their interest before continuing. “...but what is right for me, may not be for you. If I should ask you the very same question, would you accept?”

I couldn’t explain where or how I came up with a confession turned speech, but the words seemed to flow out at a pace that held no restriction, nor desire to be dammed up. The free expressions of joy and positivity were muted as the gathered ponies digested my question, and when I noticed a few becoming restless in the silence did I start again.

“I am a ch..pony that stumbled his way before you, and would continue to do so if my princesses asked me. To join the guard isn’t a choice a pony makes on a whim, but when they feel compelled to give back to the ones that have given them everything.”

The movement beside me wasn’t completely lost to me, but I couldn't take the time to acknowledge their presence.

“To join and serve is to do so without doubt of the possibilities that could befall a pony, and the understanding your square shoulders will be the foundations of your city.”

Where was all of this coming from? How could I, a changeling living in a pony world comprehend the words I was passing along to these recruits when I joined on an impulse?

“As a pony who joined to better serve the princess, now princesses, I do so without any aspirations of glory or grander than the knowledge my service is enough. This understanding is enough to ease my heart and mind when I enter Luna’s quiet realm, or step outside into Celestia’s welcoming rays.”

I could feel those very rays watching over everypony here as we entered the final stages of what I wanted to say before we could officially begin taking enlistment oaths.

“The Guard will push many creatures to their very limits, testing not only their bodies, but the strength of their morality. Don’t make this decision lightly. Thank you.”

As quickly as the words came they were gone. After finishing my impromptu speech, and taking a step back from the podium I finally managed to blink, and regain familiarity of the world around me. I knew how and why I was here, but I couldn't recall most of my speech in greater detail than simply claiming I gave a speech. To further add to this discomfort, the entirety of the field was silently watching me with a silence normally reversed to process a pony’s botch efforts.
I turned to my left and to my right to see if Shining, and Topaz’s reactions matched the gathered crowd…

The emotions hit one all at once with enough force to stun my senses, and the next thing I could feel was a pair of hooves wrapping around my neck and a separate one patting my left withers.

“THAT WAS AMAZING IDOL! WHEN DID YOU HAVE TIME TO WRITE THAT SPEECH?”

“AND CADENCE SAID SPIDERS & CATACOMBS WAS A WASTE OF TIME! BARD SPEECH FOR THE WIN!”

Their words were mashed together making it hard for me to understand what they had said as they pelted my back, and crushed my neck at once. So much noise was assaulting my ears at once, I couldn’t regain control of my senses for another few minutes, but once I did their need to yell became apparent.

The entire stadium was alive with yelling, clapping, and hoof stomping with unaccounted for confetti, and streamers falling from the sky onto the ponies below. My own recruitment was never met with a grand celebration of any merit save for Topaz and Honey Dew giving their own congratulations, but what escapes me is why I’m the target and not the recruits?

It was becoming too much. I felt myself being overwhelmed by all of this attention, and starting to fight Shining and Topaz’s hold over me, but the more I backed away the more the hugs, back patting, and overall affection came my way. The amount was overwhelming me until something clicked, and I saw something...

I was beginning to see flashes of their wedding again, but unlike the nightmares that pursued me throughout Canterlot Castle during the night, I was in the city proper. I..it was crying, hiding amongst the debris as the buzzing overhead drowned everything else. It was brief, but the scene changed to it flying uncontrollably through the air. This too morphed, revealing branches and leaves, and guards down below looking frantically for something before the world became a single blur of trees and bushes before hitting a solid streak of blue, then nothing.

The blue faded to solid fields of white snow, and a bright light in the far distance.

“...ign my flank!” I re-entered the world in time to find myself being hurried away through the doors I just exited earlier.

During that unexplained daydream, the field of recruits got riled up, and some of Idoll fans tried rushing the stage. Unfortunately, Topaz wasn’t spared from the attention as an equal amount of the crowd split off for her with Deputy Affectionate dolls previously concealed. My stupor hindered our reaction, and nearly got us caught by the hyperactive ponies, but once more Shining Armor’s shield and teleport spells saved us.

While the rest of the guard fended off the herd of fans and recruits, I struggled to fully understand what I had just seen. I knew it wasn’t a daydream in the pony sense, but an actual string of memories experienced by another creature during and after the Royal Wedding. What frightened me wasn’t the fact I invaded another’s private thoughts without their consent, but the way these memories were present to me. They were, willingly or not, being shared with me by another creature.

‘Another changeling.’

Chapter 11: If you can't stand the heat, then get out of the oven. (Edits HorseWordFan)

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The open recruitment wasn’t a complete disaster as I’d originally assumed with its uncanny similarities with the Welcoming Parade nearly four months ago, with nearly thirty ponies making the first draft. The rest were told that a second class would be hosted in three months after the first class finished their required training, but currently there wasn’t a time frame with everything still needed to be done before they could graduate.

‘Maybe marching through the city would increase support?’ I wondered as I reviewed Shifting Wind’s training report of the week.

From his reports and my own observations of the recruits, I’m starting to relax as my hope for the Crystal Guard is strengthened by these progress reports. The training is a hybrid example using the Crystal Standard as the base while the Equestrian Standard is used to fill in the gaps created from a millennia of inactivity, but reworked to give it a more distinctly Crystal Empire feel. This tweak in protocol has seen success so far as nearly all of the recruits are Equestrian transfers, or immigrants, and from the few records and testimonies we gathered, the new recruits appear more Empire than Equestrian.

Happy with his report, I refolded the parchment and deposited it into one of the drawers of my desk. There was still much work to be done, but by Celestia and Order I couldn’t focus on my duties when the foreign memories were still burned into my mind. I hadn’t told Topaz or Shining about this for the important reasons of not wanting my friends to worry about a potential threat that couldn’t be proven, and the explanation on how I came across this information in the first place. Unable to tell anypony for the time being, it made searching for this possible changeling all the more difficult when my duties were finally trickling in with enough frequency to keep myself preoccupied.

Still, I hadn’t completely forgotten my duties, and had taken some precautions in the slim chance this changeling was real, and had sought the city for refuge. With Topaz’s new role in the I.C.A.M Board of Scholars , and my own duties in a full gallop, Cersus was assigned a guard to watch over her as she did whatever a grown nymph did in a pony city. This guard hit two ponies with one apple, and not only granted Cersus the independence she sought, but would provide needed protection should this changeling be proven true.

I wanted to warn the young nymph of this possible danger at the very least without resorting to locking the filly in our room forever. Only the first option made sense, but the second option seemed more appropriate in the near future, and not the present. So, I did the next best thing a changeling could do given the circumstances, and kept it to myself.

Looking up at the clock in the corner of my new office, I had just under two hours before my inspection of the recruits, giving me a chance to leave the castle and stretch my legs for a moment. With no immediate priorities save for the one mentioned, I quickly tidied up my workstation and proceeded to leave before anything else sought me out.

My two hour escape was severely limited before I could even leave the castle where I was approached on five separate occasions by ponies seeking an answer to a question, or to exchange pleasantries.

I hold no ire against these individuals for seizing the moment to approach me when freetime in the castle is limited, but at the understanding this would limit my own ability to be productive. I had hoped to explore the area of the castle a bit more with the hope of performing my investigation into this possible changeling, but with my time even more limited I decided to make a single stop instead.

The Prism Cup has started to grow on me with each visit, and the staff of this coffee/tea shoppe have taken enough liking to me to accept me as a ‘regular’. This upgrade from customer to regular came with the added benefit of being recognized on a named basis, which included the staff as well, and insider information involving the establishment’s daily operations. It’s not the first time I’ve been privy to state secrets and assured the staff any, and all information would remain on my pony unless told otherwise; the staff found my commitment to the role amusing, and graciously accommodated me accordingly even if they didn’t take it as seriously.

“Is this a new recipe?” I took another sip of the delicious tea, trying to separate the orange, and vanilla flavors in hope of finding the source of the sweetness.

“It’s more of a fresh take on a local blend than a new recipe. Like adding lemon to water.”

I nodded as I tried to name the local drink, but couldn’t recall tasting a beverage close to this one. The Castle would have a blend like this one I would assume, but unless Topaz, or Cersus ordered a new drink I favored the same drink every time to ease the staff’s work. So, when I’m privy to a cup from a local business, I find delight in sampling something new every time, leading to moments like this where the waiters will concoct a blend on occasion.

“The original blend is Sunrise at Noon, a summer favorite when the harvest starts to ripen…” The roots of my fascination with guessing flavors of tea are unknown to me, and if it's from a changeling sense to not be caught unaware or a pony sense to learn more I can’t say. But it's quickly becoming a favorite activity of mine.

“...many Crystal Ponies have an affinity for the local produce, notably crystal berries for their taste and large harvest yields.” After checking with the server, I took another sip of the summer like tea to validate my theory.

“So you believe we put crystal berries in with the tea, Idol?” He asked with a smile, more for my ability to continue with my deduction than truly wanting to know.

“As Celestia raises the Sun, and Luna lowers the moon, you’ve added crystal berries to the tea, but the lack of seed or pulp suggest it's not blended.”

“You are correct in a way, for turning berries into wine has been a tradition for many centuries, so we adapted the process for purpose. Have you heard of the Equestrian red fruit that grows on trees?”

“I am well aware of this fruit, apples they are called.” Learning their name, he happily nodded before continuing.

“Yes! Yes! Apples! You take them and make juice out of them, correct? We do the same using the berries. ”

“You use the fermenting process not to create wine, but juice to add to the tea?” I asked, giving the cooling tea another taste, but unfortunately I still couldn’t place the supposed berry juice.

“It’s brilliant! A natural advancement in the brewing profession that is sure to spur a new standard!” He shouted while throwing his hooves up with glee, ignoring the few ponies now staring in our direction.

“It’s non-alcoholic I hope?” I asked while taking the final sip of the provided tea to find any taste of fermentation, and was glad to not taste anything, but oranges and wisps of imported vanilla.

“Oh, never! We are innovators of a more refined taste, and would never soil our brew with a crass mixture.”

“Wouldn’t wine be classified as alcohol by the Equestrian Department of Food & Drink?” I asked more for clarity for my own knowledge than an attempt to outwit my acquaintance, and by these ponies good nature they took it as such.

“I wouldn’t know what Equestria eats or drinks, but are more likely to call well water refreshing, ha! Wine and cider are as different as tea and coffee, and to lump the beverages together is an injustice of the art of distilling.”

“Which is where the inspiration for the berry juice came from, many creatures of a higher status view tea and wine similarly with coffee and cider being reserved for the ‘common’ creature.”

His argument finally clicked, and my years living in Canterlot came flashing back, and how absurd many of the practices were. Yet, years living in the massive city as a pony has led me here to this tea shop berating another creature’s choice in drink…

“Your words are pure truth Mister Hooves, and while I would love nothing more to continue our discussion, I must be returning to my duties.”

“I understand, duty to our profession comes first before our desires. Thank you for the conversation Strong Mix.”

The Crystal pony gave a polite bow, then offered to fill my cup with more of this new blend, to which I agreed, before retreating back to the kitchen. This left me alone to reflect on the very topics I’ve actively been avoiding, but with a clearer head and new perspective on the situations did I breathe a sigh of relief. The training itself isn’t my worry, but the maintenance required to keep the whole guard itself functioning enough I might slip away for a cup of tea without the outfit collapsing.

Then there was the new worry that members of my old hive might be lurking within the city.

Back in Canterlot, after many weeks of searching, and promises I found three fellow exiles willing to stay long for an extended period to help distribute the love crystals as needed. There was a great fear and slight guilt as I’d used my exalted reputation among the more recent exiles to keep them honor bound, and unable to run off with the crystal trove. A necessity I kept telling myself if it meant keeping that fragile semblance of safety every exile near Canterlot had come to seek, and expect even after the failed invasion.

And for me to be stressed about a lone changeling seeking the love this city had to offer shouldn’t worry me nearly as much as it did, but certain responsibilities have made it a requirement to do so. The one thing I don’t want to admit is the possibility I might be developing a craving for the control my standing among the exiles brought. Not at first, but years of being the pillar for our little hive, and ultimately my recent promotions have altered my views enough to be more ‘demanding’ of certain protocols.

The idea that this drone might be a scout for the rest of the hive did exist, but the few memories that were shared with me gave me enough confidence that this changeling was alone. But my duty as a guard, and my inherent need to find and determine if the changeling wouldn't cause any problems kept me wound up enough to make this a priority. Only by meeting this lone changeling or at the very least establish they were no threat could I find peace.

Unable to focus on anything but these thoughts, I admitted defeat, and promptly finished the experimental blend.

“Thank you Strong Mix, Honey Sweet. I must return before order gives way to chaos.” I called out to the owners, making sure they knew of my departure. I waited for their confirmations and well-wishing before making my way out the door, the two cups of tea would be added to the tab the couple graciously opened up for me.

The sun was still shining high in the sky with the protective dome shimmering as the blizzard outside pelted its surface. By my guess, I might have spent over an hour in the tea shop, and desperately needed to get back before Fireflight could be dispatched to locate me.

The easily excited mare has a habit of releasing that energy into the atmosphere as a way to dissipate some of the excess feelings; while her ability to wield the element of lightning is impressive for a mare her size and shows great promise, her control leaves room for improvement. But Fireflight is a guard of potential, and has proven this through her willingness to support the guard, and the citizens of the Empire during the hardships without complaint.

The pegasus had already proven this before my official designation as acting ‘Captain of the Guard’ by serving as Shifting Wind’s second in command. Even now, she still operates as his assistant by running errands, executing commands in his name, and unofficially is seen as the higher NCO even among the more senior members of the guard.

‘I will have to get Shifting’s recommendation along with Shining, and Cadence’s approval, but I believe they will find a promotion is due.’

To personally put a request in for a field promotion isn't unheard of, but a thought just came to me that might only add to this complication- which guard rank would the mare receive?

An Equestrian or Crystal rank?

Protocol and logic would say an Equestrian guard would receive a rank within their branch of service to eliminate the potential bureaucratic headache mixing service ranks would cause; yet the majority of our current guard force is Equestrian service members that had either volunteered or volun-told to transfer to the Crystal Empire.

In a legal courtroom, our contracts would note our transfers to the protectorate’s rules and customs...

“Another complication inherent in the system I’m afraid will have to be addressed sooner than later.” I mumbled to myself as a precaution out of fear my thoughts might be transmitted to other changelings.

Until the brief flashes of those memories two weeks ago, I’ve never heard of a changeling other than Her Majesty being able to send and receive entire memories over the Hive Mind. What happened shouldn’t have been possible given my status as an excavator drone, and lack of a proper Hive Mind, and as Celestia and Luna raise the Sun and Moon, I was watching these memories with the authority of a Queen…”

“Could the Crystal Heart and love of the Empire be affecting us changelings on a greater scale than merely providing love?” I wondered to myself as I continued my trek to the castle.

I was happy with the decision to leave my armor in the castle since it made identifying myself among a crowd more difficult. I attribute this lack of awareness to the Idolls only ever portraying me in some sort of stylized depiction of guard armor, and without it, I’m a fairly bland looking pony with a fur color meant for hiding in a cave or mine. On the surface, ponies exhibit a diverse range of fur and mane colors as a natural way to stand out when attracting mates while my monotone fur, and mane does little else but to serve as a disguise.

The extraordinary (hidden) ability of my pony disguise has granted me several advantages and disadvantages during my enlistment, but the ability to fade into the background has become my best trait. It was this very demonstration of skill that allowed me a chance to slip away for a cup of tea not targeted by the very ponies I’m sworn to protect.

A curiosity any time before my promotion, but after experiencing the phenomenon twice myself, I’ve discovered a greater understanding for the princesses' own scheduling to avoid as many public appearances as possible. I am managing so far, but seeking professional help on the matter might prove beneficial.

I will have to seek their expertise later because as I neared the castle, I could tell something was off.

The lax way the guards would patrol the perimeter had been replaced with a traditional rigidness of the Royal Guard back in Equestria. This could be a bleeding effect of the close proximity of the actual Equestrian Guard units, but I doubted this to be the case since they would stop periodically to check their surroundings. Normally, this behavior would be an appropriate measure for a guard to take, but their posture and alertness resembled a frightened creature looking for predators rather than an alicorn watching over the herd.

This became more true as my approach made their nervousness more abundant, and this uncertainty further translated to how the unit as a whole reacted to me.

“Halt. Yes, Halt!” The shorter of the two guard stallions commanded, before looking to his companions for their approval. The mare and other stallion seemed conflicted about being called upon, but managed to offer a hesitant nod to show their approval.

Being compliant, and respectful to their wishes I stopped about three ponies lengths away to give the Crystal Guards a chance to collect themselves. They weren’t Equestrian, but some of the few Crystal Ponies still in the guard which possibly explained their less than ideal discipline; unlike Equestria that had several guards branches to cover multiple situations, the Empire had only one branch with different tiers resembling the ancient knight orders of the past.

These three ponies are more than likely inductees doing basic patrols, with squires, and knights guarding the castle and strategic locations. A simple system that promotes an individual based on their own merits which increases the amount of training, and skill to maintain the rank.

From the mild briefing on their guard structure, what echoed the loudest was the crystal ponies near obsession with ranks, and stature. To address a pony improperly is considered a great insult, and on par with Equestrians addressing a noble or the princesses by their name and not their title. A system built upon the proper show of respect to another based on their profession, and class within the Empire greatly shared similarities with the Hive.

First there are rogue changelings infiltrating the city, and now I’m making comparisons between the city, and the Hive that hopefully are mere chances of societal development then a meaningful connection.

‘Order and Celestia, this is becoming too much.’

“The castle is currently closed, please come back later.” He instructed again with a newfound authority accompanying his command, and his companions stood a little straighter as he spoke.

‘Why would the castle be closed?’ Could something have happened while I was away, or maybe it’s because I snuck out without properly informing one of the guards?

Order above, it’s my fault. If I hadn’t left then the guard wouldn’t be on high alert, and everypony’s time wouldn’t have been needlessly wasted.

“Closing the castle is an extremity that requires one of three ponies to request. Who put in the request, Inductee?”

"Ah..uh.. sir...Wait, citizen. That is none of your concern." The stallion fought off the question after a moment of hesitation, and his demonstration to keep information within guard is commendable. But I needed to know why and who ordered the lockdown, and his defiance won't earn him anymore praise.

"I disagree, Shining and Cadence wouldn't order a lockdown without a valid reason..."

"HOW DARE YOU REFER TO THEIR MAJESTIES SO INFORMALLY!" The mare of the trio bellowed with enough ferocity to echo, resulting in some of the nearby ponies to retreat.

Her outburst didn't contain hatred from what I could taste, but an incredible sense of faithfulness to the Crystal Empire and its rulers to an extent that she broke their loose formation to confront me. Now, I found the reaction a bit over the top for asking a simple question when I need to get back inside, and I was starting to lose control. My emotions were becoming more aggressive at the display of rudeness when I found myself approaching the three until I was nearly nose to nose with the mare.

She held her ground, but the bravado fled when confronted by a bigger pony.

"How dare I, you ask? How dare I address my two oldest friends by their names?" I asked the mare with no intention of letting her answer, and this I will blame on my frustrations of trying to find the changeling.

I could have handled the situation more fitting to a stallion of my rank, but compounded frustrations, and the need to get back overrode certain protocols to act pleasant. But the admittance of my friendship to royalty earned me enough creditably to collect the three guard's attention for five minutes, and this allotted time cleared most of our concerns for each other.

"We didn't know!"
"We didn't know!"
"We didn't know!"

The three crystal guards repeated numerous times as they bowed to signal their remorse for their actions, while I kept insisting they were justified when dealing with an unknown.

"You had no warning nor updates to the previous directive, and acted to ensure it was enforced. Commendable work, young warriors." I added that last bit because of the Crystal Ponies preference for chivalry rather than peacekeepers.

Even with the added praise, the three had resorted to groveling in the hopes of avoiding a punishment that would never come. I carefully approached them and began motioning for them to stand up more for my sake, but also to save them the embarrassment of being seen crying in public.

“Now, why would the castle be on lock down?”

“It’s happening!” The mare answered, seemingly forgetting her fear of repercussions.

Indeed, my lord, it's a joyous day for our fair city!” The other stallion who had remained quiet till now chipped in. “Never have we been gifted with such a blessing.”

Their excitement was obvious, and the longer I stood amongst them did it replace the paranoia and anger, but I was left clueless.

“Pray tell...” Luna’s habits were transferring to me “... what have we been gifted with?”

“A NEW HEIR!” All three shouted at once, and now I was more lost than before.

“ I wasn’t informed of another princess...” then it hit me and everything made sense.

By Order's will, every major distraction that could manifest itself weren't present, allowing me to make the sprint to the sixth floor in record time. Lieutenant Shielded would have happily wept knowing his training had not been wasted.

My best friend and enlistment partner is going to be a father.

Since I’ve known the unicorn, he’d been smitten with the Alicorn of Love, and through the courtship of many years had proven to be a worthy mate. Now, their union has bore results on a magnitude not yet seen, and not as new parents, but in Equestria’s entire history- a royal heir.

To my knowledge, Prince Blueblood and his family is recognized as Princess Celestia's official heir even if they aren't related by blood, which makes the immediate birth of this foal very important for both nations. No accounts of a royal wedding had been witnessed before Shining and Cadence's wedding barely a year ago, and that isn't from a lack of trying if the stories Luna shared with me were to be believed. Many suitors have tried to win the hoof of the princesses, but none have ever succeeded.

The best of these attempts quietly became a consort for many years, but never anything else.

Princess Amore, former ruler of the Crystal Empire was more relaxed in her views, but none of her unions were fruitful in producing a heir which further encouraged the falsehoods of alicorn sterility. Yet, Princess Cadence was about to buck that belief right off the balcony within the next couple of days if the information on pony foaling is accurate.

As I approached the medical portion of the wing, it was about the same time security became more apparent with many of the experienced guards patrolling, or guarding certain rooms. None of them gave a salute, but instead offered a more casual greeting as I sprinted by- a nod of the head.

Shining Armor was at the end of the hall just in front of the biggest room the medical detachment had to offer, looking around frantically as he mumbled incoherently. I too joined in the unorthodoxy when my legs gave out mid stride, and carried by my momentum slid the remainder of the way along the floor.

“...ah, uhh... he..here.” I blurted in between gulps of air.

"I..he..Cady..happening." Shining mumbled as he looked down on me, and the door to the room that likely housed Cadence.

"It's ok..." I was more winded than I thought, but managed to pick myself off the floor in time for the distressed unicorn to grip me by the shoulders.

"Father!"

"You're right, Night Light and Velvet should be informed as soon as possible." In the ensuing panic, I had forgotten all about contacting the future grandparents.

Before I could try to rectify this, Shining's hold became tighter as his eyes became wider at the realization.

"NO! I mean yes, but not..." He didn't finish the statement before releasing his hold, and slumping to the floor "...I'm not ready."

The confession caught me unprepared, and I'll admit I was left stunned by his admittance enough to follow his lead and take a seat.

"If you were not ready to preserve your lineage, then why did you marry Cadence?" He looked up in that moment with a sleepless, red eyed stare that conveyed the message perfectly, 'you bucked up.'

Looking back, with emotions running free, I could have worded the question better than to appear I was questioning Shining Armor's love for the princess. But hindsight is Celestia's oldest friend I'm told.

There was a moment of quiet reflection over the statement as Shining milled over the question, and I waited for an answer that hurt more than I wanted. Finding the question to his disliking, I didn't have time to react when his shod hoof met the side of my muzzle.

"HOW DARE YOU!" He snarled at me, but didn't come closer.

I was thankful for this since I've forgotten how strong a unicorn Shining could be. A testament to his strict training regiment, dietary habits, and motivation to be the best guard he could be.

"Your right hoof..." I rubbed where he struck me, and flinched when I felt crack under my disguise "...is still exceptional."

Allowing myself to examine the emotions around us informed me about a great many things, primarily my friend wasn't necessarily angry with me than annoyed with everything.

"I hit you..." He looked at his hoof, then me "...buck Idol, why aren’t you mad?"

"I questioned your commitment to Cadence, and you responded to the accusation in kind. It's duly noted."

"Sorry. I shouldn't have acted like that, I'm better than that, and you're my friend..." Shining Armor flinched while trying to curl his hoof, and on a Discordian whim began laughing. "...that hurt."

"I felt some discomfort as well."

"Some? Idol, my hoof feels like I punch one of the castle walls, and you shrug it off."

"I could express some agony, if it would make you feel better?" I offered, but he quickly turned this offer down by shaking his head left to right.

"Celestia sake, please no. I should be trying to make everything better, not you."

"Maybe, or we could declare the matter resolved and move on?" I suggested not wanting to get caught up in the endless game of 'sorry', and offered him my hoof.

After hesitating, Shining's body relaxed in agreement and extended his own hoof.

"Accepted." we hoof bumped only for him to quickly retract the appendage to nurse it. "Buck, it hurts. Are you made of stone or crystal!?"

"At this point, I wouldn't be surprised if that were the case, but please don't tell Topaz. I'm tired of being studied."

“A perk of being with a scholar I’m afraid.It’s why I’m a little worried for Twily.”

His statement wasn’t unsure, and having known the studious unicorn for many years always took her lack of personal relationships a necessary sacrifice to further her magical development, but this has slowly been proven wrong. Having been in the same field as young Twilight, I’ve come to the conclusion we’re both odd ponies to a fault, and the proper way to deal with such a pony is to find a mutual understanding.

“As a fellow scholar, Topaz could appeal toTwilight on your behalf with a thesis paper on the importance of species reproduction?”

The suggestion was more of a joke than a proper proposal, but I couldn’t tell if Shining was crying from the absurdity of the idea or the pain in his right hoof.

Interlude

View Online

As I read the parchment for the third time, I felt the rhythmic pounding against my skull announcing the arrival of an old friend-migraine.

Starswirl claimed it was our right to rule once Luna and I seized lordship over the Moon and Sun, and at first it was all I ever wanted, but after a millennia of rule I've come to learn there are greater joys to life than the prestige the crown offered, or the riches and admiration of the common pony. A simpler life away from the ritz and glamor ponies commonly mistaken for needing to acquire that missing fulfillment they most certainly don't need to live a life worthy of a smile.

A break is one such enjoyment.

Refolding the letter that wanted me to protect my flying carriage with an insurance policy, I lit the candle by the window of my office.

"And begone with you." And as if by command, the letter caught fire with the ash before being carried away by the wind outside.

By principle, I have to answer any letter directly addressed to me in the chance it might be important, but that loophole made it easy for me to be the target of numerous junk letters by collateral.

‘A sacrifice.’ I tell myself daily, but the words mean little to me.

Legally, I can't pursue any course against the companies since they haven't caused any harm (not including the odd papercut) physically or mentally, nor does the 'malicious axing of defenseless trees' as D.A.F.T presented it. They are nice ponies, if a little dramatic, but cutting trees for parchment and homes is far from immoral.

Until I could find a way to end their relentless attempts to steal my bits, I was forced to read every letter in the chance it was important. But, reading letters out of boredom wasn't all bad, and if I ever got really bored I could always do something else.

Wanting time to mourn Luna’s disappearance, I managed to create a series of protocols and departments in place that greatly streamlined the bureaucratic process, leaving me with untold amounts of freedom.

I love it and still do because it allowed me to pursue opening a school of my own and dedicate time to personally teaching an apprentice if I so desired, but when not doing either, and Equestria being able to run itself meant boredom became a constant companion of mine.

Moments that could break the monotonous current of time, and give me some brief excitement...

"Another bush caught fire!"

"How does this keep happening?"

"Mother, help me." I hissed, quickly blowing out the candle, before closing the window. "I should have gotten that fireplace installed, but no, I didn't want to be seen as spoiled."

A fault all my own, but it's not the end of the world yet. Oh well.

Passively ignoring the commotion outside, I took around my study making sure everything was still neatly placed.. evidence destroyed.. perfect!

Satisfied the maids won't think even more badly about me, I strolled over to the door, and with more enthusiasm than need, nearly ripped the door off its hinges.

"Gentlecolts! Let us go!" I called to the two lovely stallions that always waited for me.

They wore the enchanted helms of the Royal Guard to mask their true selves which made it harder for me to tell them apart. Many a night I fought the urge to bring up the records to learn more about my guardians, but I must resist the temptation not for my sake, but for their own. To know the identity of a Royal Guard would point countless ponies at risk beside myself, and unfortunately I shall never thank my protectors by name.

Still, I can admire their dedication to the job by silently admiring them from a distance.

With Day Court having finished hours ago, and my mail read for the day left me little to do besides wander the halls or read all day in my bedroom. Both sounded nice, but I've done both too much already, and ponies were beginning to question what it is I really do. So, deciding to break up the routine and show ponies their princess had very important responsibilities besides raising and lowering the Sun, I began guiding my stud-tourage (I have to remember that one) toward halls that would take us outside in front of many ponies.

"We're going to check on the school gentlecolts."

Dinner couldn't arrive sooner, and by that time my ravenous stomach was roaring like a manticore on the hunt.

"Why does this keep happening to me?" I wondered as I trotted toward the dining room to escape my embarrassment, and meet with Luna for the night.

By this late in the evening was when the castle began a transformation just like winter to spring in some of the more rural villages. The daytime servants, and Guards shift's were approaching their end as their replacements were just beginning to trickle in. The first of these nighttime replacements to arrive were to castle staff to allow these hard working ponies a greater amount of time to prepare for whatever their duties required of them. I waved to a few that I recognized from before their transfer, happy to see them prospering in their new roles.

Following this pattern came the Night Shift Guards starting with the outer walls and gates and progressively moving inward until finally ending with my own Royal Guards, but that wouldn't be for another few hours.

With my escorts in tow, we finally reached the private dining room set aside for Luna and myself, and I'm thankful it wasn't too far of a trot. With the signal (one final growl from my stomach) they enduring stallions gave one final bow and headed off to the cafeteria for their own late meal.

"I WANT IT ALL!" I declared as I entered the tiny by comparison dining hall, startling some of the staff in the process.

"Princess!?"

"Ah!"

"Where!?"

"Pleasant evening, sister."

"It is I, Celestia of the Golden Sun, and the hunger of a hundred villages follows in my wake."

In reflection, that sounded better in my head. What was meant to describe my immense hunger, but ended up sounding like I was a pestilence set upon ponykind. Before I could correct this oh so very wrong information, Luna being the sweetheart she is, took charge of the situation, directing their attention away from me.

"QUICKLY CROWN SERVANTS, BRING THE CAKE -N- TEA. NOW!" In an effort to save their eardrums, the three servers galloped out of the dining hall, leaving Luna and myself finally alone.

"Do you have to be so loud?" I asked while magically closing the door, and applying a simple silencing barrier around the room. Luna nodded happily.

"Of course I do, it makes life more interesting."

Her honesty and foal-like innocence always managed to put a smile on my muzzle, and this time I didn't even try to hide how much I liked her statement.

"You're terrible." I didn't mean it, and judging by her own growing smirk was already thinking of something else.

"Tread carefully dear sister of mine, for I know things of thee."

"And I of thou as well." It certainly has been ages since I spoke normally, and to my horror I quite liked it.

Luna folded the letter she had been reading prior to my arrival to look me in the eye, challenging my challenge.

"That you do, fair sister, but many could be passed off as pure fantasy." That smirk only grew wider as her left hoof began trembling in anticipation, a foalish habit she never grew out of.

Her empty threat did pique my interest as I wondered what she had in mind, and if it could finally end this boredom streak the two of us must be experiencing lately. Wanting to hear more, and get off my aching hooves, I took my seat directly in front of Luna on the other side of the table to help myself to some of the remaining tea.

"Really Luna? You think our little ponies would believe any attempt to slander my good name?" wanting to play a bit, I waved my hoof and with a fizzle of magic brought the tea pot, and a cup to life.

"You dare sister..." Luna's voice became a little more stern as we watched the teapot tilt to its side to pour what remained of the honey laced elixir into the dancing cup. "...use chaos magic in my presence?"

"It's just a harmless bit of fun LuLu, see?" I motioned to the tea cup doing little spin as the teapot clapped before lifting its cover like a hat.

As if to further discredit me, the two decided they too were bored and began chasing each other all over the table. Like two pups at play, they weaved between the decorative vases and unused plates (in case we have guests) before finding the saucer that held the remaining sugar cubes.

Their excitement was too much for me when the tea pot's handle began shaking so fast, it caused his little cover to rattle. Yet, it wasn't meant to last for the next moment the pair were hurling the little cubes at one another with a play ferocity that may have hit a few items of value, and a single alicorn by mistake.

It was too much for my sister.

"Tis not harmless as you perceive it to be Celestia. I swear if Lady Shy weren't around, Discord and yourself would be causing mischief!"

Her accusation hurt, but that part of my soul I keep hidden knew she was right.

"Fair enough." I waved my hoof, and once more the glass pot, and cup went lifeless. This did please Luna by her more relaxed posture, but her eyes and ears remained alert.

Even after I took the tea cup and pot into my magic she appeared alert for any signs of deception, and her doubt hurt me greatly, but all of it was justified. Luna's fears couldn't be assured so easily as a parent telling their foal everything would be alright, and it would do me well to remember that.

The next ten or so minutes were stressful.

While I sat there sipping the cooling tea, Luna returned to reading the mysterious letter from before with an interest that only appeared from actual mail than the normal junk I receive daily. I didn't want to intrude on her private affairs, but to get actual mail was rarer than having real work to do...

I was biting my lip more from the need to know than the hunger that rivaled a griffon's greed.

'I shouldn't think like that.' I reminded myself, but sitting here on an empty stomach as my sister read something interesting got me feeling restless. Just what could it be?

"Luna, what are you reading?" I finally asked, and without looking up knew what to say.

"It says to mind your business."

Her aggression surprised me some, but I assumed she was still upset from earlier when the letter suddenly became two pages with one being offered to me. Curious, and happy to be learning what it might be, I took the offered parchment and began reading it.

"Well, you weren't lying sister."

"Of course not, Idol knew you may be curious and wrote that to appeal to her honorable side."

"Idol writes to you?" I could feel my ears perking up at the news, but realized too late Luna was still sitting across from me. Her anger disappeared as that smirk from before reappeared.

Drat.

"Of course, Sir Hooves writes to us. We are the best princess after all."

"Not this again, LuLu." I sat the empty cup down in case it suddenly becomes a bird and flies toward somepony.

"Indeed again, Celestia. I've seen how you act among him and some of the other guards, yet you do nothing, why is that?"

"Luna..."

"It's a simple matter, just amass the guards under the window and order them to perform push-ups. They may be inspired to try harder."

"I will not abuse my power in such a crass manner!" The situation was becoming too personal to my liking, and I was regretting setting down the cup.

"Have you tried it? Could be fun~" Luna teased while I tried not to hide my face behind my wings.

In a way, I've always admired her ability to be so relaxed when talking about 'less-than- proper' topics so easily while I struggle to gossip about a stallion's flank with some of the maids.

'It has to be from her time spent in the dream realm.' I assumed since Luna rarely leaves the castle except for that single stroll she took with Idol.

Of course it comes back to Idol. Even with this transfer he somehow finds a way to be involved in the daily dealings of the city, but never seemed to do anything with his power and influence. Commendable to a fault.

"Why does Idol write to you Luna? I'm aware he took care of you during your illness, and you two seem to get along but enough to be pen pals? Is there something I should know about?" I crossed my forehooves on the table to support my head as I leaned in, waiting for Luna's response.

At first it seemed I may have guessed correctly as she seemed more off put by the question enough to set the letter down, and hide it underneath her empty plate. Yet, the moment the letter was safe did her look morph to support that knowing smirk, and right now began questioning if this was really important.

"Are you jealous Celestia?" Of course she'll try this again, and this time I won't fall for it.

"Hardly. You're the one caught sneaking off with the 'well liked' guard during the night."

I did it, and it felt great watching her muzzle pucker up like she smelt something foul, and was trying her best to rid herself of its lingering presence. But this moment of victory wasn't meant to last as she unfortunately revealed the mother of reveals, and for one of the few moments in life didn't know what to do or say.

"We gave Idol our blessing to marry thee."

"Oh Luna, please stop this." I really didn't want to start this conversation yet again.

"Why not Celestia, isn't he a fine stallion of physique, knowledge, and skill? His companionship to Captain Shining Armor and our niece Cadenza puts him in a favorable position no?"

Luna's evaluation isn't wrong and it's not like I dismissed the idea of courtship completely, but there's a single issue that holds me back from fully committing to the idea.

"He's short."

"Pardon?"

"Idol's just exceptionally short. He radiates shortness. It's like an aura around him, and I can't get over it." In reflection, this came out sounding petty than it really is, but to finally get this off my chest felt good.

"He is not that short." Luna was getting annoyed, and it was my fault for not clarifying it.

"He holds himself lowly. He's honorable but he'd never stand up to me."

I watched as her annoyance left at this new information, and to process this, Luna tilted her head enough so her right ear was pointing up. She kept this up, even sticking her tongue out for a good three minutes before the look of understanding washed over her.

"Ahhh, metaphorical shortness. Really sister?"

"Really what, Luna?"

"That's your only reason for snubbing dear Idol? Because of his stature, you seek solitude rather than risking a chance at something more?"

When Luna put it like that, I really did sound petty than I meant to, but there was more to it than height. I had to calm myself for a moment before justifying myself to Luna, or my emotions might have gotten the better of me.

"Idol is an exceptional guard, and a good pony, but when around me he becomes too submissive. I want a pony that can stand next to me equally." It's rare for me to ever talk about a matter so deeply when so few ponies seemed genuinely sympathetic, and only made Luna's return so wonderful.

"We can see the appeal in a prospective mate sister, but wouldn't training the stallion up to your standards be quicker? Age to us is what magic is to an ant, it doesn't matter, but if you want any longer your flanks will block out the moon and sun.

"Luna..."

"Then every stallion will be shorter than you." I didn't bother answering her if it meant avoiding the start of a shouting match, so instead, I ignored the comment and continued.

"I may have given the idea some merit, but could never find any reason to pursue it. If I were to train them, then would they truly feel the same way themselves or because I told them to?"

"It worked for our niece, did it not? The former Captain turned into an exemplary specimen after all, so why couldn't Sir Idol?"

Her fascination with my private life was unbefitting of her character, and now I was wondering if it really was from exposure in the dream realm or if Luna had been speaking to our niece?

Cadence is an exceptional mare, and means well, but because of her affinity toward love has pushed her into the notion everypony should have love. I wholeheartedly agree but feel it should be natural and not 'encouraged' as Cadence believes; to push for a result always creates mistakes, or dilutes the final result, and love is the same.

It's what I tell myself anyway.

"Shining Armor always had his quirks, and still does with them being less pronounced now. Idol is different, and seems like he can't or won't grow at all."

"Is this why you promoted Idol? So he may finally grow?"

"Part of it, Luna. He's always been the model guard, and deserved the promotion. He wasn't going to accept it unless I ordered him to do so, which I did."

"Shouldn't the choice belong to Idol alone? What if he has no desire to assume a command like the one he has now?" Luna asked.

"He seems to be adapting to the role very well is he not?"

Luna was telling the truth, but buck it that stallion just needed that little push to reach his potential. He carries the same aura Twilight and some of my past students possessed in the past, and what kind of nurture would I be if I let such potential be squandered?

When the silence returned, I'd assumed that would be the end of our chat until the servers could return with our food, but I was wrong. It only gave Luna time to put together a series of poor connected circumstances that were just that, and not a grand plan. I knew she was thinking something when she tilted her head again, and confirmed this when she began pointing at me.

"Hush." I commanded her, wanting to end whatever her accusation might be before it got out of hoof. This only fueled whatever she believed, seeing my apprehensiveness as a sign she was right.

"Thou art promoting him to a position where thou wouldst not feel guilty in slapping his hindquarters!"

Luna! I hissed, thankful I had no tea left to drink.

I could feel my face turning red as she clapped her hooves together like a filly going to get ice cream.

"Celestia and Idol sitting on a cloud, k-i-s-s-i-n-g..." By this point I've given into my fate and hid myself behind my wings if only to keep the image of my embarrassment hidden. "...one peck, two peck, where will the nest go?"

"Celestia, bless you."

"Your wishes of well-being are accepted Topaz." I grabbed the cloth I've been using recently to wipe my nuzzle again.

Shining Armor had ventured into the room over an hour ago leaving Topaz, Cersus and myself waiting outside for further word on Cadence's condition. A proper response given my sudden bout of sickness forcing me to distance myself from the two for worry of passing it.

"Nighthawk says sneezing is somepony placing a curse on you."

"That's false and don't you go around saying that!" Topaz shot Cersus a look to challenge her authority.

"Is to!" Cersus doubled down while crossing her hooves over her chest.

"Don't do this missy." Topaz warned while I had to contain yet another sneeze.

"Evil enchantresses! Evil enchantresses!" Cersus repeated before sticking out her tongue, and performing the fame raspberry.

This had the desired effect, and Topaz took off chasing the nymph while I stayed behind to nurse my sickness.

"By Order and Celestia's grace, I'm tired of being cursed out."

Chapter 12: What was never lost is found?

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Nearly 8 hours later, after Princess Cadence went into labor, the Crystal Empire had an heir.

The news of this great feat was kept confided to the assembled ponies present until the newborn filly, and her mother were deemed fit for release. A testament to his character and skill as a suitable mate, Shining Armor hadn't left Cadence's side for the entire time from beginning to the pony equivariant of egg laying.

I had excused myself from the spare room converted waiting room when Topaz had to explain there were no eggs of any kind involved. This departure was the perfect excuse needed to pry the new father away from his exhausted mate, and with great reluctance Shining Armor did so.

The haggard father-to-be and I found our way to the mess hall for a plate of food, and a moment of rest while Topaz remained behind to keep the (hormonal) alicorn company until our return. During the first two hours of our wait, Cersus grew bored, and after my own objections, I eventually requested a guard to be the disguised nymph’s chaperone until we could return.

Once removed from his wife’s side, Shining appeared to be relaxing as the adrenaline being pumped into his blood diluted with each minute, but the depressing mixture of feelings made it obvious he was missing Cadence, and the newborn he had briefly seen.

"Eat Shining. The food is getting cold."

My best friend of over a decade continued to play with the generous helping of grits and fried hay the cooks had deemed needed, but had never taken a bite of it. I watched as his mind further slipped into that strange void Luna ruled unchallenged as the levitating fork followed the sides of the bowl, pushing the grit and hay mixture around. There's a time and place for everything I was told once, and observing the worn shell of a pony I called my BGF(Best Guard Friend) stirred his breakfast over the recommended blending suggestions with no remorse I knew this mi...

"How was it Idol?"

"How was what?" I asked back, watching as the fork slowed until it stood half submerged into that hay/grit mixture. Shining was watching me now.

"When you first became a father, how did you do it?"

Ever since the wedding, and my eventual reveal to Princess Luna, I've been in constant conflict with my newly discovered expressive self. This, coupled with the rising desires to fret over my appearance and need to unleash this repressed need to affirm my connections to everypony. Topaz had taken to the rekindling very well after the official declaration of our intention to court, but the doubt of its authenticity is a big deterrent from pursuing this new Idol further.

Since that time, I've fought to control my emotions with limited success finding it most difficult when around Topaz and Cersus because of the familial nature of our residence. I even claimed the perceived role of 'father' to the nymph in the front of Viridian in a rare outburst of anger, but have done little to support such a claim since.

"It just happened, Shining." I told him the truth, but he must have taken the statement beyond its meaning.

"So it's like a class change then? You went from perfect guard to father of puns so flawlessly that even my father was impressed, and it takes a special talent to reach that level of pun on the tongue"

"That was terrible. " I interjected, partially flinching from the attempt.

"I figured now was the time to start preaching what dad taught us." He shrugged before taking his first bite of his grit, and hay mixture.

"His excitement to teach is very commendable. I found his mastery over the vocal language surprising as it is inspiring."

"And dad loved that day, he still talks about the time when I visit or write them a letter. They see you as part of the family Idol."

That admittance nearly caused me to expel my food.

"Sorry.." I apologized while collecting myself from that mild coughing fit. "...but the revelation left me woefully unprepared."

"Yea, that might have been a bit blunt, but it's true. Mom and dad adored you since they first met you, and when you admitted the amnesia, that was it."

"My mental affliction gave them the justification to adopt me?'' The question wasn't supposed to house a hidden meaning, but how Shining ceased stirring his bowl signaled it might have had one.

"Idol..we've known each other for years, and what I'm going to tell you is only for our ears. Don't tell anypony, and that means Topaz and Cady especially." He leaned in as he whispered, looking at the other partially filled tables.

"Cross my heart.."

"Don't!" I started making the movements when he reached out and grabbed my forelegs. "No chances, and if Twilight is right then her pink friend will know."

"Fair enough. You have my word as a Colonel and your friend not to repeat any of our conversation." The promise pacified my tired tired friend as he let go of my forearms, and took one last look at the tables. "Dad sees you like his nephew."

I didn't know how to respond to that revelation, and it must have shown when my friend tried to pat my shoulders.

"You and dad have gotten along great since we graduated basic. And truth be told, when dad told me I was a bit shocked too, but he grew up as an only foal and never had siblings like I did."

"But what would that make us?" I was conflicted with how to respond to 'being adopted'.

"Realistically, probably nothing. It's dad's way of treating you like family I guess, and my folks may be friendly, but I never really see them take to somepony like that since Cadence."

"That is..good to know." I was still feeling overwhelmed by not only my own thoughts, but that of my friend who was an unscheduled Everfree Storm of emotions. He was tired, worried, happy, concerned, and above all proud of the world at that moment.

"You're like the son of his brother who's from another mother. You'll be invited to family gatherings from now on."

"An honor I will cherish as much as I do my duties." That earned myself another pat on the shoulder and a smile from my exhausted friend.

"Good. That's good to hear." He said as the hunger of not eating compelled him to finish his bowl of cold grits, and me to finish my own plate. We ate in silence for a good ten minutes as we made up for lost time, and the moment every crumb of food was finished did we pick up where we left off.

"With your new position as a father, you'll have to incorporate fatherly puns into your daily routine."

"Oh really? Everyday?" He asked with amusement. I learned long ago he was going to challenge this requirement.

"Indeed Shining. Has the Postal Service contacted Cadence recently?"

"...no, why?" He asked, lost as to what the government entity had to do with our conversation about fatherhood. I would fix this doubt.

"Because to my understanding, Cadence's domain is that of Shipping and Handling. Her recent leave of absence will only cause a delay for the foreseeable future."

"Buck Idol!" He slammed his hooves on the table, nearly hitting the bowl and startling the ponies at the other tables.

"I've taken Uncle Night Light's lessons to heart. “

“I’m a princess, you know? I live in a castle.”

Cersus told her guard escort as they walked along the base of the castle where the Crystal Heart floated above the pedestal. The early morning sun had just risen above the frozen horizon and crystal rooftops of the city, casting a brilliant gleam that shone like the sun on the ocean’s surface.

“So you’ve told me.” The massive Arabian Unicorn Hybrid informed his charge of the last seven hours.

Unstoppable Force had barely gotten off his scheduled shift when he was approached by the Colonel for this special assignment. In the past the massive pony would have scuffed at the suggested offer, but telling your new boss no would be a terrible idea for his future career. Besides, out of everypony he’s ever known, Colonel Hooves might be the most surprising, and strangest pony.

It’s too early for the unicorn to make a decision, but his close proximity to the Night Mother at the very least made his character.. credible for the moment.

“It’s true! The princess told me so, and Idol never denied it either!” Cersus stomped her little hooves, annoyed that the first pony she told this secret didn’t believe her.

“Why do you call the Colonel by his first name and not as father?” The filly’s declaration wasn’t lost on the tall unicorn, and would look into that later, but the idea of calling your father by their name felt unnatural. It would be like calling his mother White Star instead of mother. He didn’t like it.

“Because that’s his name, duh! Just like I call Topaz, Topaz because that’s her name.”

“That may be, but isn’t he not your father?” The question didn’t hold the usual snarkiness he likes to mix in between the words, and to watch his young charge deflate forced him to backtrack. “Never mind, young princess.”

Unstoppable had endured much hate and fear over the course of his life, but to his surprise he felt a sting of sympathy for the young filly, and he knew not the reason for it.

Their walk saw them travel the entire base of the castle ending with their return to the Crystal Heart still floating above the pedestal, only now it too shined with a sparkling magnificence that could only be found in the Crystal Empire. His little charge stopped to take one look at the heart before trotting quickly toward the wide doors of the castle, forcing the tall Arabian Unicorn hybrid to walk a little faster to keep up.

“I am a princess, you’ll see.”

“I’ve no doubt, your highness.”

Unstoppable and Cersus felt their spirits lift just a bit as they began the climb up to the medical wing (sixth floor) before moving to the ninth floor where the young filly would retire for the morning. It’s been a long night for both ponies, and while one wanted to go to bed, the older stallion wanted to ponder what he learned a little bit more before turning in.

‘A princess.’ He thought as he watched his charge hop up the stairs with the assistance of her little wings.

It was early when Unstoppable dragged his heavy hooves down stairs to the fifth floor where his quarters were assigned. Understandably, the Guard knew some of the recruits would have some form of residence outside of the castle, but allotted them a spot in the castle for moments such as last night. Thankful for this foresight on their part, the Arabian Unicorn lumbered with the speed of a newborn foal to the sanctity of this allotted space.

Drained of most feelings, Unstoppable ignored the few looks and mutterings the castle staff and the few crystal ponies in the guard did when he was around. By tradition of his upbringing, these acts of disrespect would have been met with some form of retaliation, but this was ignored in favor of making it to bed.

Unstoppable’s body was exhausted from the unexpected double shift, yet his mind was consumed with a fire he hadn’t felt in a long time. Excitement. A sense of wonder and joy he understood was missing in his life, but never knew how to find that spark until escorting the filly back to the medical wing where Colonel’s wife almost bumped into them on her way to grab breakfast. A pleasant mare all around.

‘They looked similar.’ He thought, and began to wonder if Idol had adopted the young filly when the filly’s words rigged in the void of his thoughts.

“She calls them by their names..could she be adopted?”

It made some sense in explaining the rumors surrounding the Colonel and his family with the biggest being his marriage to Princess Celestia. Unstoppable couldn’t dismiss it entirely, but found the rumor as little more than wishful thinking.

So, that made the second most popular, and perhaps the most blasphemous to consider is that the sweet filly isn’t a filly at all, but a changeling. Having learned of this new species, and their declaration of war upon ponykind left the unicorn conflicted on how to feel, but having spent the last eight hours with that filly filled him with a new anger at the thought of calling Cersus such a creature. These rumors held no shame, and cared not what lies were spread with the intent to stoke the needless fires of gossip for the sake of gossip.

But it was these same fires of thought that led the tired unicorn down the lone trail looking for a truth that may or not exist.

“Where did you come from, little princess?” Unstoppable asked as his tired brain latched onto the riddle to keep his hooves moving. Could the filly he had taken to so well only hours ago really be one of those strange parasites?

Until his enlistment, he’d never given the Royals or the Colonel’s family much thought, having learned what he knew in passing. That changed, and through his own research turned up nothing new that was already known to the vast majority of the Empire…

“The Colonel and his wife are too formal to let their foal use their names, so no. What about Shining and Miss Top..no. Never.”

These were the questions wrecking his exhausted mind when he subconsciously opened the door to his shared room-the other three were absent.

Fearing the act of removing his armor would only drop the stallion where he stood, the Arabian Unicorn endured the last few hoofsteps to his bed before collapsing, armor and all onto the mostly new mattress. The familiar softness of a bed began massaging the aching muscles of a double shift, into a relaxing puddle of dark fur and metal as the stallion’s red eyes fought off the impending sleep for a few more minutes. He wanted to come up with some sort of working theory before Luna’s realm erased every incomplete idea he had, but with his body crying and pleading every second, the unicorn eventually wasted that valuable time.

It would take a few days for Unstoppable to fully remember the ramblings of his sleep deprived mind, but there was a single assumption he did take with him into the dream realm while waiting for Princess Luna to visit. An idea assumed to be farfetched, and even viewed as pure fantasy, but it gave the stallion some measure of comfort. A sense of meaningful purpose he desperately needed to escape the stigma of being a ‘king’s bastard’ while providing him a new option to redeem him of a sin he had never committed.

‘Pro..tect th..lost.princ…’ he thought as Luna finally came to grant the stallion some much needed rest.

Chapter 13: A toast to the wonderful parents.

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“It appears congratulations are in order for Shining Armor. You as well Cadence.”

“I..um…” Was what both could stutter out as the princess held the newest princess wrapped protectively in a silk blanket that had been custom sewn months prior.

The five us (Cersus finally returned) silently observed the chalk pink, and white filly currently asleep in Cadence’s hooves, but said nothing to address the issue being ignored. For a young filly, her generous multihued mane failed to hide the empressive horn from poking through, and by my experiences have learned several mythos retaining to a unicorn’s horn, but nothing more then pure speculation bordering on fiction to describe the newborn before us.

“She’s an alicorn.”

“Yes…” Cadence responded. Her hollowed response wasn’t from a lack of empathy, but complete shock.

“She’s a princess, no doubt about it.” I tried lifting the mood by taking everypony’s mind off the newborn, but found the task difficult to achieve.

The delivery had gone smoothly I was told, but nopony but the two nurses knew of the foal’s unique appearance which contributed to the shocked reactions of the room. Shining Armor stood next to Cadence as she sat upright in one of the three beds in the recovery room, with Topaz, Cersus and myself forming a semicircle at the end. Against Topaz and my desires, Cersus had jumped onto the bed’s end just out of reach of Cadence’s resting hooves in an attempt to be nearer the newborn.

“So what now?” she asked, never taking her eyes off the bundled alicorns in front of her.

“Crystalling..it’s a part of their tradition.” Shining managed to speak up even with his emotions even more wild than at breakfast.

“Yes dear. The Crystal Ponies believe you have to be accepted by the heart to receive it’s blessing.” Cadences shifted a little, but quickly stopped when the newborn began stirring in response. “A new heir especially needs it if they’re to be fully accepted as a citizen of the Empire.”

“But we didn’t get a crystal, and still live here.” The disguised nymph asked.

“That is because of our circumstance, Redshock. We live here and are treated fairly, but will never be fully welcomed until performing a Crystalling of our own.” I interjected, earning myself the looks of everypony in the room.

“How do you know what it is? I never heard of it until just now.” Topaz asked with that scholared curiosity only appreciated in the higher levels of learning. I turned to address the pegasus’ question when Shining spoke up for me.

“It’s like a club you can visit and partake in the activities, but will only receive other benefits by joining.”

“Think of our season opera tickets; reduced cost, first choice of seats, and the occasional free show ticket.” I added, earning both a silent ‘oh’ in acknowledgement.

“So you can still live here, but lack the perks of doing so?” Topaz asked, while wondering if the three of them should partake in their own Crystalling soon.

“Correct.” Cadence spoke softly. “Think of the Crystalling as your membership into society, and acceptance by the other individuals. This herd mentality creates a unity vital to maintaining the harmony required to keep the shield up over the city.”

“And it provides additional benefits…” Shining gestured between his wife and himself. “Nothing too serious from our brief study, but we deem the heart provides an increase to a pony’s vitality.”

“Like what?” Cersus asked.

“Well Redshock, have you been sick?” Cadence looked toward the disguised nymph standing near her hooves, watching and waiting as the filly inflated her chest.

“Nope!” She declared, and was quickly shushed by the adults for being too loud.

“And it shows…” the tired alicorn praised, before looking down to her own foal “... and we believe this is why the Crystalling is so important to newborns, it provides them the endurance to better survive the cold.”

“Fascinating, and this effect carries over to adults as well?” Topaz quietly moved around the bed to catch a better look at the newborn foal, her smile nearly as wide as Cadence’s.

As the two mares continued their conversation and fawning over the new foal, Shining, Cersus and myself were left watching them giggle and cooing. Unsure what else to do, I moved closer to Shining Armor who was transfixed by the scene in front of him, and to that extent, I found myself unable to look away from the displays of motherly love.

That calmness was broken when I caught Cersus trying to feed off of that congenial love, and had to put a stop to that before she dropped her disguise or exposed the fangs.

“I almost forgot…” I interrupted the scene, and in inconsequence snapped the nymph out of her attempted feeding. “...I need to start writing the letters if I’m to get them sent by dragon fire this evening.”

“Oh. Well, ok then.” Topaz looked up from the still sleeping infant, the questioning look in her eyes seeking an answer. “ I’ll see you later tonight.”

Cadence and Shining whispered their own ‘alrights’ and ‘goodbyes’ while Cersus remained silent during the conversation. I tried to gauge her own mood, but the nymph was growing too fast for her own good, and with impressive skill managed to cast a spell under her guise. I knew this because I not only felt the changeling magic, but once I began losing focus on Cersus did it become clear what she had cast.

In a way, I’m proud of her demonstration of intermediate changeling subterfuge, but that achievement is overshadowed by her blatant feeding attempt. The act angered me beyond the safety limits deemed acceptable in pony society to stop such an attempt again, and that willingness startled me.

On one hoof, I told myself it was to protect a delivered mother and her new foal from the effects of an unrestrained feeding, and yet, the other hoof told me there was no ill harm as the ‘attacker’ is an inexperienced nymph. A nymph destined to one day lead the very hive and changeling kind…

“To know what I know, I wish I hadn’t.” The harshness of my thoughts didn’t escape me as I closed the doors and made my way down the hall, but I couldn’t properly quell them.

Somehow her highness, Luna, had come to the absurd conclusion Cersus was a larval queen.

“Never in our history had there been another queen, let alone the idea that it was possible.” I had told Luna, conflicted and bitter more at the suggestion than her highness.

A bigger consumption of love, and her above average growth rate perplexed me for many weeks as I worked with Topaz to develop a possible explanation for her abnormal development. The working theory we came up with is based in two parts: the availability of love, and the purity of the love, but each test conducted failed to produce any conclusive results.

I still have hopes this is nothing more than constant exposure to love, and her eventual return to the hive might still be possible. A dream of mine I hadn’t fully given up on even with my transfer from guardian to father figure, but slowly I’m finding myself more hesitant to let her go. A combination of fear, and selfishness if Luna’s assumption turns out to be real…

‘It would mean I raised a pretender to the throne.’ The thought horrified me more than revealing myself as a changeling.

The signs are becoming obvious as the weeks passed, but as I once did, isn’t her development nothing more than adoption to above normal resources? A lack of color within the eyes would slow a nymph’s development to some degree, but what if she was the sole benefactor of all the love?

“Order and Harmony above, I hope so for Cersus’ sake.”

“And we’re back!” Topaz yelled as she threw open the doors with Cersus following behind. The two guards having been temporarily pulled away so they may be well rested for the possibility of an important visit in the coming days.

“Welcome back. How was everything?” I asked, still in the midst of reviewing the third draft of this particular letter, but that became difficult as Topaz’s love filled the air like those scented candles Viridian loves lighting.

I placed the quill in the ink jar before turning to address the bubbly pegasus who nearly skipped the whole way toward the desk, the merriment in her eyes compounding to the obvious answer.

“Wonderful…” the way that single word statement fell from her lips ruined the reclined nature of the room, shifting the whole demeanor into something more nefarious.

“Really?” I nervously asked, feeling my neck fin wanting to rise up in hopes of making myself look more intimidating, but floundered the moment she nuzzled my left cheek.

The act wasn’t surprising as it’s fairly common to perform amongst friendly and courting ponies to show affection between the two. No, it was the love sparking from her furry cheek to my brash chitin that hindered my mental functions to properly register where it was coming from. An important moment for Topaz and myself we would later agree upon, but during the actual implementation of the nuzzling, I was paralyzed.

“Yes…” she hummed her response as I tried not to lick the love off the word. “They were so precious together, Idol.”

“They always made a wonderful pair during basic training, and was to a huge relief to most of Canterlot when their engagement was announced.” It was around this time I noticed I was no longer sitting at the desk, but now following the love stricken pegasus to our bed.

By now, I was nearly sure this extremism was in part the responsibility of Cadence’s affinition for love. Perhaps the Crystal Heart amplified her powers, or her happiness for her new foal was too much to contain, and Topaz’s proximity to the new mother had exposed her. I didn’t blame Topaz or the Princess for this extreme display of affection from the (mostly) reserved pegasus given the nature of circumstances, but it didn’t make me comfortable either.

“Listen Topaz, I’m not sure if this is acceptable given the current company.”

“But I miss you…” her voice held me tightly with the strength to move mountains “...just rest a little.”

My throat was dry as she commanded, and I obeyed. The destination was obvious, and plain to see for a mare in love and her companion to rest comfortably. Her sway over my mind horrified me, and I might have ran if it wasn’t for the constant out pour of love telling me none of this was against Topaz’s will, that it steamed from a real truth.

When I came to, I was lying on my side facing Topaz who had taken a similar position on the other side facing me, allowing us the intimacy of this unseen connection. What I’ve come to learn about ponies is their need to be expressive, and display affections, whether it be by gestures of kindness, or caresses of empathy. What Topaz and I were doing was a combination of the two, the need to be closer as we stared into the other’s eyes, her forelegs reaching out to grasp mine as better interlock them...

“This..this is fine.” I admitted, enjoying how her thin lips hooked upward.

“Yes it is, my little love bug.”

‘Gross.’ Cersus thought as she watched Topaz, and Idol from her spot by the desk.

There was hesitation when following her caretaker back to their room after how the scolding Idol had given her. It was obvious to the nymph she had lost control when standing on the bed, and the implication of her almost feeding left her feeling depressed.

An infiltrator should know better than to reveal their identity let alone feed in the open, and yet here she was about to make a rookie mistake all because that love smelled good. Like really good. No love before had smelt so sweet, and inviting like the one Princess Food was giving to her own nymph, and a thought crossed before her mind that if she did grab some for herself, then she’ll never taste it.

Ashamed by her own actions, Cersus nearly ran away the moment Idol opened the door, and she would have if it wasn’t for the silent command he had sent her telling her otherwise. Nothing was said outright, but another changeling code by how he walked and spoke to the ponies in the room, told the nymph not to follow, but stay put.

So she did, until Topaz beckoned her to follow.

Her time before that was fuzzy at best, but the nymph followed the beacon of love out the door without any fuss. Cersus was worried what would happen when Topaz sought out Idol like that, but calmed once certain there wasn’t any danger. Left to her own whims, Cersus found the abandoned chair and desk where several sheets of parchment were fanned out, and a single jar of ink with a quill embedded into the murky liquid.

Fascinated by what Idol had been writing, she strolled over and hopped onto the lone chair, only stopping when the giggling of Topaz reminded the nymph of the two caretakers on the bed. Cersus quickly turned, legs angled correctly to allow the greatest amount of distance possible if the nymph needed to jump. She stood still and listened as her caretakers giggled at some unheard joke and made cooing noises on the bed, but nothing more serious.

A brief flash of Nighthawk’s nubbed smile crossed her mind, and the idea filled Cersus with a delight she hadn’t felt since the first time she did it- a letter!

The paper and ink was already here, and several weeks had passed by without writing a response to her batpony friend. With a plan of action, Cersus selected a single piece and placed it over the letter Idol had started, and standing on the tips of her hooves reached over the desk to drag the ink and quill closer to her.

Mimicking the process Topaz and Idol showed her, Cersus allowed the excess ink to spill back into the jar and carefully began writing her letter in pony script, but would add a changeling word or two for fun. Nighthawk had been wanting to learn Changeling script, and in return for teaching her, Nighthawk would help Cersus learn Batpony script. This agreement eventually became a competition between the two fillies to see which one could speak a sentence first in the other’s language, but the downside to learning by letter besides the lack of hearing the word spoken, was the sensitivity of languages themselves.

Changelings at the moment aren’t favorably viewed while batponies are heavy into the whole privacy thing.

Still, as the nymph continued dipping her quill into the jar for another coating of ink, she couldn’t help but feel excited to tell her friend(s) about life in the Empire, and show them the new lair. Cersus ceased her writing when an unholy snorting fit came from the bed, and with worry turned to find Topaz unable to breath as Idol desperately tried to calm the highly amused pegasus.

The nymph wouldn’t admit it publicly, but another reason she really wanted her friends to come visit was so Cersus could finally introduce them to her wonderful caretakers.

Interlude 2

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“In conjunction with the ruling of my sister, Princess Luna of the Night Court, I, Princess Celestia, side with the accused in the matter.”

The ruling came down hard, and without mercy causing the audience of a single alicorn to eagerly bang her hooves together in a show of support. Princess Celestia turned to her sister, and gave a mocking bow to the standing ovation.

“Almost terrifying sister! One would sooner believe Prince Blueblood is only acting insufferable than that! performance!”

“Quiet! I’ve been practicing that line for weeks, and that was my best deliverance yet.” Celestia sighed as she moved away from the window, and toward the little crystal table in the center of the room that stood two ponies high to better obverse the collected treats with interest.

“Tis true, and you know it with intimacy. Face it, you’ve grown softer than your flanks.” Luna chipped in as she moved to the opposite side of Celestia, and plucked one of the chocolate and marshmallow ‘moon pies’ she’d come to really enjoy.

Celestia frowned, but said nothing back as she floated a cherry tart the size of a filly’s hoof to her muzzle, and in one bite consumed the whole treat. She repeated the act twice more before turning to address her sister, who carefully took strategic bites of the same pie from before.

“I’m trying Luna, but I can’t get angry enough to say the lines. I’ve tried thinking of the little things that annoy me, or had done so in the past, and I only find myself more annoyed than angry. I’m going to ruin that stallion’s play aren’t I, Lulu?”

“Perhaps you will. Perhaps you will not. But…” Luna trailed off to finish her moon pie, wiping her muzzle with her left wing. “ ...but this theater, is it not grounded in the likeness of your life?”

“Hardly. The play heavily centers around the rise and fall of the mare named Glassware, which I vaguely remember the name, and little else.”

“Yet, this performance claims I was a part of this mare’s life when the name means nothing to myself. What of this blatant inaccuracy, sister?” Luna asked as she syphoned another two of the chocolate moon pies toward her. She found the treats equally amusing as they were delicious.

“The script isn’t completely accurate as it’s emotionally portrayed to the audience. He ended up taking special liberties…” That was putting it lightly, and the scholar side of her wanted to throw the script away, but a favor was a favor and the sun princess had to bare with the torture.

“...when it came to the order of certain events regarding her life. As you noted, you never sentenced Glassware as the script claims you did, and that was solely to ‘amp up the drama’ as ponies say. What better way to show certainty than both of us siding against her?”

Celestia keenly watched her sister rip a small chunk of the moon pie with her magic before placing the morsel onto her waiting tongue. Luna was being deliberate with her stalling tactic to process the ambiguous thoughts about the mystery stallion and his theater work. She’d never met the stallion in the pony before only to discover his butchery of the historical past to fit his needs, and for a mare of history, this rubbed her fur the wrong way.

“He has indeed, far more than we’re comfortable with.” came Luna’s response, the half eaten moon pies were left unattended as the night princess levitated the script toward her teal color eyes. “Sister, you play yourself. This production will never succeed past the first night.”

Her words were harsh, and carried with them a certain weight that seemed to validate their claim, but Celestia wasn’t so easy to persuade. After all, a favor was a favor.

“Ponies will try, and will fail, Luna. We’ve seen this for many centuries, and we ourselves aren’t immune to the effects of failure. Do you remember Starswirl’s father’s day gift?” Celestia smirked.

‘Of course, she’ll use that example.’ Luna thought with a roll of her eyes. She remembered their attempt to find the perfect gift for Starswirl all too well…

“A fair point Celestia, but it doesn’t explain your enamored reasoning for joining this doomed production, and I don’t say it’s to help the little pony out! I know you well sister, and this screams conspiracy!” Luna extended an accusing wing at her sister, trying hard not to watch the moon pie crumbs from earlier rolling off the feathers and onto the floor.

As if by the grace of their forgotten mother, the accompanying flash of heat from dragonfire sent letters briefly slapped their faces before discarding three letters onto the dessert table. By the will of Harmony, the three letters glided over the assembled desserts, barely missing the hay pudding to rest right on the saucer plates the princess didn’t even know were present. Celestia turned her attention from the mysterious letters to her equally confused sister, who shifted her pointing wing to the letters to ask ‘what are those’?

“You weren’t expecting any mail today Lulu?” Celestia asked with building glee when she shook her head no. “Maybe we should open them and see who they’re from?”

It’s rare for the Princesses of Equestria to receive mail by dragonfire that wasn’t a scroll from Twilight let alone carrier mail that wasn’t junk, and this little fact meant the ponies(or creatures) that had the princesses’ magical signature were incredibly slim. Of the incredibly few, which one(s) would take the time to write them a letter? The excitement!

“We concur Celestia, perhaps we should start with the one on top?”

“I agree, let us!” Celestia’s magic already reached out and grabbed the waiting letter, and with a foalish eagerness brought it closer to read the writing on the envelope.

The writing was atrocious, and hurt the alicorn’s eyes to stare at it longer than a few seconds, but it was long enough to loosely put the swiggles together to make out a tiara and a single snake moving down before making a hard right….

“Is this your name?” Celestia asked before chucking the letter toward her sister, who took the offering with zealousness. Her teal eyes squinted as she examined the strange script before opening wide with understanding.

“It is! I recognize the foalish writing very much!” She squealed with delight at the possible fanmail. “They can be so sweet, I would never need sweets again.”

“How can you read such..writing?” She wondered.

“See?” Luna pointed to the obvious crown with little circles on what looked like mountain peaks. “The crown represents my title and this snake is an L, followed by the broken circle, it's a U.”

“I see…” Celestia felt embarrassed at not easily recognizing the writing of a foal, but her limited experience has always been around the higher developed prodigies of magic. Which meant their magic writing was very legible.

“And the second one… lady Nighthawk, the commander's daughter?” Luna was puzzled by its intended recipient, and how did this foal get their magical signature when Celestia’s irritable scuff caught her ears. “Pray tell, what is your problem?”

“It’s nothing…”

“It didn’t sound like anything sister, please, for our sake tell us what rubbed your back the wrong way?”

“Luna seriously! You can be so crass at times.” Celestia scolded her sister’s implied meaning, but still still shifted her body to hide the red streak staining her pristine fur.

“We do so not out of maliciousness, but you posture like them, the geese, we used to despise in our youth. You do remember them don’t you Celestia? Terribly round orbs of honking feathers…”

“I do Luna, very much so. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to come off so brutish, but it's been depressing seeing every letter addressed to me as junk, and nothing more. Before everypony would send me a letter once a day, and now I don’t even get a hoofwritten letter asking if I want to insure my kitchen in case of disaster.”

“You know there’s still a letter left, sister.” Luna noted the lone letter resting on the small saucer plate.

“It’s for you Lulu, or one of the maids most likely!” Celetia threw up her forehooes in exasperation, the fluff of fur centered over her barrel was fluffed out to further express her irritation.

Luna hummed a low tune as she levitated the last letter toward her, noting the familiar ‘tiara’ drawing on the front. The design that followed after greatly amused the night alicorn as she failed to hold back her laughter, and the sound of her glee only further annoyed the older alicorn.

“It’s not funny Luna!”

“No it isn’t sister, but this letter is most definitely for thee.”

Hesitantly, Celestia reached out with her magic and took the offered letter, being careful with the envelope in case it wasn’t a joke. It wasn’t a joke! Her heart began beating faster as she brought the letter into focus trying to read the foalish scribble…

“Is that a sun?”

“I think it's cake.”

The resemblance was questionable at best, and the large circle with the little circle on top of it looked nothing like a cake, but the triangle and small trident next to it added to Luna’s claim. Without thinking, she brought the letter to her muzzle, sniffing to find traces of a scent found foreign, but familiar. An element missing from life Celestia didn’t know was missing until rediscovering the mysterious scent.

“What?” Celestia asked, noting her sister’s alerted ears, and narrowed eyes watching her like one did a griffon.

“Explain to us Celestia, what motivates a grown mare like yourself to ingest the odor of parchment?”

The wording was weird by modern Equestrian standards, but wasn’t lost to Celestia’s olden ears and caught the questioning jeer. Instantly, the alicorn was on the defensive, and brought the letter to her waiting tuff before displaying her wings to make herself appear much bigger to better intimidate. The response had a reaction, but not the one Celestia had hoped for when Luna’s jeering face combed back to reveal a set of smiling fangs unlike Nightmare Moon- Celestia was worried.

“Oh my, dear sister! What could the letter be about?” Luna jest as she slowly moved around the right side of the table, trying not to further agitate her bigger sister. “A private letter from a suitor perhaps?”

“I..I can attest it is no such thing!” Celestia nervously squeaked. “You got your own, so read them! Off you go!”

The misdirection failed spectacularly. Luna only showed off that fanged smile even more as she moved around the table, forcing Celestia to do the opposite in order to keep the younger alicorn a table length away. This became the dance of the two sisters with Celestia using her wing to shoo Luna back when she got too close, but with a cleverly devised feign, the moon managed to snatch the letter from the sun.

This lack of respect between sisters would serve as the catalyst for the Eighth Great War.

It happened all too fast and could have been avoided if the two alicorns were more mature, but once the frosted bombs began flying did the peace end. In retaliation, Luna threw the nearest dish, little chocolate candies, causing them to pelt Celestia hard enough to pierce her fluffy fur. Surprised by this unexpected problem, the older alicorn sought safety behind one of now empty serving trays just as another batch made contact, the dull pings of coated chocolate causing Celestia’s ears to twitch with annoyance at the sound.

Pressing the advantage, Luna returned fire with another volley of baked goods before trying to bolt away, making for the exit. Not completely defeated and in an unexpected move, Celestia recovered and threw her untouched pineapple cream cake at her fleeing sister, the mass of fruit and sugar sailed in perfect arc and with a satisfying POP connected with Luna's small flank.

“AAAHHHHH!” Luna cried as the force of the cake spun her around, falling to the floor.

Stunned by this surprise assault she didn’t even notice Celestia’s magic yanking the letter out of her own.

“FINALLY!” Celesita cried as she retreated behind the table. “Let us see who you might be.”

The excited humming ceased only after a few seconds, followed by the crinkling of parchment being flipped around to examine both sides for additional writings only to find nothing but desolate fields. Luna shook the stars out of her eyes, and looked toward her still sister, noting how the humming had stopped, and her pristine fur was darkening red.

“Celestia!?” Luna called out with worry, trying to find her legs quickly to aid her sister if it should be needed. This rush of worry propelled the young alicorn toward her older sister who had not yet moved, and was progressively bleeding out faster, the deep, crimson red staining the pristine white fur.

“Celestia?” She called out once more, and to her great reassurance found her sister uninjured as she stood silent. Luna jabbed a hoof into Celestia’s shoulder, and that broke the spell.

The Sun blinked twice and immediately began rereading the parchment while mumbling gibberish only she knew the meaning of, and when Luna tried leaning close to read the parchment, it was yanked away and the process would repeat. The worry was gone, but only to be replaced with the frustration of not knowing what possessed Celestia to the degree it did, and that needed to be corrected!

“What is it?”

Luna followed Celestia’s half circle to read the tantalizing letter, and every moment she was about to, Celestia would turn her back yet again. The mumbling continued, only now it was more like ramblings of a loon. When the young alicorn had enough of this tiresome game, did her sister cease the turning and uttered the first string of coherent thought since their brief food war...

“I want you-” Celestia uttered. Luna gave pause, not even allowing the inhaling of air to dampen the sound in case her sister said more. She waited one full minute before seeking out the answers herself.

“Well sister? Finish the letter.”

“I did!” Celestia screech, her crimson fur having dulled to a light apple red. “That is the last thing he wrote before..nothing!”

Relieved to show another, Celestia pushed the letter into Luna’s waiting face, almost smothering her with the parchment before it could be accepted. A sharp cry and a smack from the young alicorn’s wings ended this attempted regicide, and backing away for good measure, Luna eagerly began reading the letter to find out what caused all of this.

“I recognize the hornwriting- Idol Hooves. Perhaps the foal’s writing on the envelopes belongs to his young charge?”

“Charge?” The word was one of two Celestia heard, but this one’s implications was the fantasy killer. Luna nodded.

“Yes, a young charge. Madam Topaz and Idol Hooves watch over a young filly, who based off this letter for my commander’s daughter is likely the infamous Redshock. A strange turn of events most certainly.”

The rush of excitement left the moment Luna finished her exposition, and with its departure came the loneliness of a long lived life. Scenes of two ponies chasing one another through the forests in the distant past had comforted the older alicorn for a number of years, but eventually lost its magic as everything did with time. To flirt with the idea once more had rejuvenated her old heart with a vigor she hadn’t felt since being chased by that stallion she dearly missed, and with this new blood came the suppressed emotions of a yearling in the mists of their first spring.

Now Celestia wasn’t so sure of the past few years, and if any of it was real or the aches of a lonely heart reaching out for absurd justifications to continue its pursuits, like reincarnation of a pony. She considered that possibly before while having to explain to the (new) colonel he couldn’t donate his vacation time to charity, no matter how funny it might have been.

“I’m sorry. I assumed you knew of his prior living arrangement for some time.” Luna consoled while trying to drape a wing over Celestia’s broad back. Tried.

“You’ve nothing to apologize for Luna. It is my own fault for letting my emotions cloud my judgment…”

“Stop that.” Luna whacked her sister with the draped wing to enforce her point. “I’ve known and still gave approval for such a courting to happen..herds may permit, yes?”

“The idea has fallen out of favor in the recent centuries, but herds are still permitted.” Celestia answered.

“Then it is settled. Sister, we shall go to the Crystal Empire so you claim thy prize on a crystal platter.”

“Luna, we can’t just up and leave our thrones for our selfishness. There’s too much depending on our due diligence.” Celestia tried to justify her lack of action, but Luna who wasn’t as bound to paperwork saw the matter differently.

“A sore subject I shall admit, but what happened to the Celestia that walked out on her duties?” Luna silenced her sister the moment her mouth opened. “The one that left me on the throne for a near decade before returning with that blasted Discord?”

“Lulu…”

“Tis in the past, but the point remains you had no troubles chasing after your heart’s desires then, so why not now? Do we not have ponies elected for this sole reason? Let us use them now, and go to the Crystal Empire.”

Hesitation gripped Celestia as the reminder quelled much of desire to travel, let alone leave the operation of the country in the hooves of another pony then herself. Anything more than chaining herself to Canterlot felt neglectful. Unjustly even, when her terrible crimes demanded a penance to be carried out. Even allowing the wonderful fling a couple of centuries ago left Celestia feeling cheated out of her due punishment...

Still, Luna’s teal eyes shined with a youthful sparkle that made the act of sorrow difficult, and that robustness was rubbing off onto the older alicorn. Their lives are long as are their horns, and who could tell them no to matters of the heart when the very alicorn that should be mad is given the permission to pursue it?

“I think you may be right dear sister.” Celestia nodded, much of her soured mood gone to be replaced with a rising conviction only a filly’s crush could entail.

“Of course I am. If we are quick on our hooves as you are to dinner, we may arrive on the eve of tomorrow.”

“I’ll allow this jest one time, sister. One time!” Celestia exclaimed, her smile unapologetic.

“Duly noted.” Luna beamed while possibilities sparkled within her mind like stars at night.

The game was there as she’d learn from her pink niece. Shortfalls were unexpected, but the delight in seeing her older sister beam and prance to the silent tune of a fluttering heart only encouraged Luna’s actions. Perhaps the stoic changeling she had slowly considered a trusted companion may be the very thing to reignite the fire Celestia had let flicker out.

In their rare moment of stillness, the royal family decided to postpone their return to duty for another day.

Through the grace of the benevolent Harmony of Faust, and some superb scheduling decisions, Cadence, Shining Armor, and their newly born foal found themselves unbothered by the flow of scurrying hooves that carried the burden of a day’s work upon their backs. A sound dampening spell was applied to the doors as a preventive measure from waking the young Flurry Heart.

This unexpected, but welcomed calming of the day before transitioning into the cumulative mess of rulership didn’t go unappreciated, and was heralded as the beginning drafts of at least two Royal Directives to increase the likelihood of further time off in the future. And until the unwritten rules could be written, they would remain comfortably in the library backlog of Cadence’s mind.

“I spy something blue.”

“That’s half the room dear…” Shining Armor noted as his bored wife began looking for the blue object. “Is it the wall?”

“Sorry dear.”

The moment Flurry Heart went to sleep, did the couple realize their ability to move went with it, creating the current environment of high stakes ‘I spy’. Cadence had become very familiar with her shared room over the past hour of playing, and had narrowed down her answer to the ceiling when a heavy knock came from the door.

The pair looked to their sleeping child with trepidation, and felt the tension leaving their muscles as Shining carefully slipped off the bed to answer the door before any more sound could be made. He barely cracked one of the double doors open when peering through the crack was a single, cat eye popularized in numerous works- Nightmare Moon. His heart jumped into his throat as Shining Armor went to slam the door shut, but found his strength inadequate to save his family from the impending disaster.

Before he could utter a warning to his wife, a foalish laughter soaked in a deep history of pranks slipped through the crack and into the room.

“The look! The look! Tis priceless!”

“That wasn’t very funny.. a little bit, but not much.” a second voice barged into the room, one the unicorn recognized very well having to ask his former boss permission to see Cadence all them years ago.

A moment of clarity slapped Shining back to the present, looked down to find a single white hoof poking through the opening in the door preventing it from closing, and then everything made sense. He looked to Cadence who looked equally perplexed as the subtle bouts of fear etched themselves into her wide eyes.

“Oh no!” They both thought as the identity of the two ponies behind the door became known, and the understanding of what they had forgotten became known.

“OH YES…” WIth a force unmatched by any mortal pony, Princess Luna bullied her way into the room casting a quick glance to the former Captain. “...IT WAS.”

The noise was too much, and with expected volume came the screaming of a cranky toddler being woken up from its nap. Celestia hurried into the room, eyes locked on the foal flailing its little hooves and flapping its wings in distress, before looking up at her niece for answers to the strange alicorn filly crying in her hooves. Luna for her flaws, obliviousness might be the biggest one holding the young alicorn back from spreading her wings and soaring high above the clouds…

“WHAT IS THAT?” Luna shouted, making the foal cry louder.

Chapter 14: The young royals.

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The princesses’ surprise visit was both a surprise, and memorable all in one because it demonstrated their near omnipotent ability to sense major shifts in the Harmonic Order. Why else would the princesses come to the Crystal Empire when Shining and Cadence had yet to even disclose their pregnancy, let alone Flurry Heart’s birth?

Their power was unquestionable, and reflecting on my time serving under their stewardship made me miss the magnificence of their presence. So, it was a great surprise to literally run into Princess Luna on my way from my assigned quarters, and promptly enlisted in escorting her highness to a ‘safe place’ from prying eyes and ringing ears.

I found the roof of the castle to meet most of these demands, and having never been up here myself found it the perfect reason to become familiar with the space.

“It could have been worse, your highness. You could have angered the little bundle of joy…”

“Are you deaf, and not show it? Her cries of anguish were shrill, and laced with a guilt no mortal should possess. That power still grips our limbs as we speak.” Princess Luna raised one of her forehooves so I could examine it, and to my observant eyes detected no visible trace of trauma.

“I fail to see any difference from today than the previous time I saw you, highness. Their health is unquestionable, and leaves little room to speculate.” I could feel a whirl of emotions mix within the princess, and as I considered retracting the statement, she spoke.

“And what of my sister’s legs, Idol? Are they not equally as flawless, and capture your breath with ease?”

I almost agreed out of habit even though I considered Celestia’s healthy appearance a Highmark of Equine beauty, you have to live with a mare to understand what was appropriate. Here I felt the need to tone down my answer would be better for my health, and her highness’s mood.

“They are as reliable as a guard’s manual, looked to and trusted.” I relaxed when a smile pulled her lips upward.

“We shall accept the compliment, but please watch your tongue dear Idol, else the compliment may be mistaken for fairer words of another kind.”

“I shall strive to watch my tongue now and later. No pony shall mistake my intent.”

“Noted, fair Colonel. Now, perhaps you could enlighten us to the events leading to the miracle down below us.”

“The foal's conception was never my prerogative, but gestation puts her…” I stopped when Luna batted a wing against my head. I looked up to see Luna’s smile was gone, but her cheeks puffed out in a way I’d seen some animals do to appear bigger- attempt to intimidate. It worked.

She saw me wilt before her power, but continued to assault me as she huffed.

“Stay thy tongue of matters retaining my niece’s bedroom! We mean to discover how an alicorn was born instead of a normal foal.”

“Ah yes.” I nodded, thankful to avoid exposing my friend’s inappropriate behavior. “We’re in the belief she was made with lots of love.”

Another smack from Luna’s wing forced me to retreat out of her range.

“We said cease! As in enough! Halt this line of topic! Refrain from further explanation! ”

“A poor choice of words..” I muttered as she tried to deliver one more swat of the wing “... we have no real idea how the young princess happened.”

The statement was untrue as little Flurry Heart contained more love than Cadence or the Crystal Heart alone, but as she grows I expect her to hold more love than both combined. I barely could stand being in the same room as the precious bundle of joy without feeling the sickening side effects of over eating. I’ve done well since the wedding to watch the amount of love I consume to casually dismiss the work to hug the foal.

I’m still trying to convince myself that is the right decision, but I've found Topaz’s enjoyment from hugging the foal contagious.

“I suppose nopony ever will, dear Idol. Let us enjoy our sister's morning sun before we depart.”

The view on the very top of the castle allowed a pony to see the entirety of the Crystal Lands while allowing a select few the privilege of seeing the sun from the point it crosses the horizon. I suggested installing one back in the Canterlot, but the idea was shot down until a proper location could be scouted. My second suggestion to use Lady Twilight’s old quarters earned me a hearty laugh and lite jab from Luna's wing this time.

Soon we’ll be dealing with a cranky newborn able to pierce the ear’s drum, and I can assume replacing the musical instrument would be a challenge.

“How is young Cersus doing these days? Is the young foal adapting to the city well?”

I looked up from the sunrise to find Luna still watching the horizon, and after briefly pondering if I heard anything at all returned to watching the sun as instructed. I answered when a commanding huff to my right informed me that in fact was a question.

“She misses her friends, and rightly so given the abruptness of our move. Shining and Cadence have been generous enough to watch her when Topaz or myself become busy.”

“That is unfortunate for little Cersus, but nice to hear of my niece and her husband’s noble nature. It seems they were practicing before their own foal could be born.”

“Possible, your highness…Luna. She really enjoyed the idea of meeting a real princess in Canterlot, and to spend an entire day with one has improved her mood these past few months.” I stopped wondering if I really wanted to announce my intention before properly speaking with Topaz…

“A break from the…”

“I’m considering enrolling Cersus into the local school.”

There was a pause that followed. A familiar pattern I should be used to given the frequency this happens, and yet, I can’t help but worry if I had said or done something that might have offended the princess to some degree. I always waited with baited breath to hear their confirmation of my actions just so I could know, and not have to worry.

“We see merit in socializing young Cersus with peers her age, but are hesitant to agree with your decision Idol. Would it not be easier, and safer for Scholar Topaz to school the foal herself?”

“We've considered resuming her lessons as before, but our responsibilities have grown considerably since our arrival, making consistent schedules troubling. Topaz’s promotion as a Department Head leaves her strained for time while my own duties require my attention during the day and night. I’m ashamed to say her learning has been neglected as a consequence.”

Luna’s response was mild, but firm as it should be given my failures as a parent, but her lenience upon certain matters could be too relaxed. Instead of delivering an appropriate level of accountability for my failures, the princess appeared lost in thought as I remained seated watching and waiting for the sun to fully breach the horizon when she began humming.

My experience with humming mostly pertained to the Night Watch, and my time spent in the company of Mothchasher helped identify certain tunes they would use to communicate amongst their order in secret. While the low pitch Luna was using was unfamiliar to me, I recognized the structure, a tune similar to one I’ve heard them use to request silence from their peers.

I remained silent anyway as I watched her highness watching the sun finally break the horizon to hover just over the barrier the Crystal Heart provided- she ceased humming.

“I’m wary, but ultimately as the parent you know best Idol. I fear what would happen should her secret become known, or who would leap at the chance.” Luna turned to face me, and I could taste the acclimation of everything bothering her. “She is a young queen after all, and ponies may resent young Cersus for it.”

“I.. a queen?” I couldn’t process what Luna was implying, and before I could move away to deny the absurdity of her claim she had already grabbed me by the shoulders.

“Do you truly not see it? Do you not remember the letter you wrote me back in Canterlot about young Cersus, or your plans of continued care for the nymph?”

I remembered of course. It was right after my confrontation with Viridian, and how I realized my own role in their lives.

“I do, but how does providing care make an exiled nymph a queen?” I hated using that word, but unfortunately there was no other substitute I could use as the understanding had finally taken root she would never return to the hive.

“If your memories are correct, and your own admittance accepted, then she is free of any imposed geas is she not?” I nodded, and she smiled. “It’s speculation of an old mare Idol, but you should ask your mate, or that Bee mare about hives without a queen.”

Without a queen, the hive is nothing. Unable to function in the most basic of tasks save for lawlessly wandering around in search of any direction that could save them from a wasted life. Everyling knew this, but what did it have to do with Cersus? Could Luna be implying she was a lost soul?

“Idol! Cease your rambunctious thoughts, and ponder the notion no further.” Luna commanded as she vigorously shook me. “It was just a suggestion, nothing more. We meant for thee to be aware of your foal’s potential, and trust us when we say there is great potential.”

“I should feel some excitement to have a princess praising my foal, but I’m more apprehensive than relieved. Maybe it’s nothing, but I can’t help worry Cersus will catch something on fire or properly rebel against the established order in the next several years?”

“Worry not of the if more so than the now. You should still consider seeking advice from your landlord and warden before working yourself up again, but I have a hunch young Cersus may surprise us in the future.”

I took the princess’s suggestion and bit my tongue, harder than I intended to do, but enough to keep me from voicing my concerns any further until Topaz had a chance to add her own input. With the sunrise over, and the possibility that young Flurry Heart decided crying was a waste of energy, we left the roof of the castle for the bedchambers below.

The young princess had indeed fallen quiet by the time Luna and myself reentered the nursery. Shining Armor and Cadence had relocated away from the crib to limit the chance of waking her up once more, but Celesita was more reluctant to move too far from the sleeping foal. I was of the latter party and moved toward them with Luna following suit, and it was only when we crossed a point along the ground did their unheard conversation become understandable.

My personal experience with unicorns remains narrowed to Shining and his sister Twilight, but neither of them have demonstrated an ability to cast silencing spells as an area of effect. To my immediate knowledge, a unicorn had to focus on an object or pony for the spell to latch onto, but that doesn’t seem to be the rule all the time…

“...happened… Oh Auntie Luna, Idol!”

“It’s good to see you again Idol, and you too sister.” Celestia’s eyes narrowed as she addressed Luna, but this was missed as the night princess offered her greeting.

“We could extend the same heartfelt love back to thee sister of mine, but we are more happy for your success niece and nephew. To produce an alicorn is an unnatural feat thought impossible without the selling of souls or enacting dark rituals. This is worthy of celebration.”

“Ah..thank you Princess?”

I didn’t even have to taste Shining Armor’s awkwardness as he proudly displayed his unease with shifting eyes and by rubbing his forelegs together. I might have felt a similar emotion, but to be praised by a princess for producing an exceptional offspring is worthy of sharing with everypony. Shining Armor, for all of his achievements, was still a shy, and humble pony, so his unease was excused in this circumstance.

Cadence appeared more horrified by the admittance of dark magics than the actual praise. She’s the Princess of Love for a reason, and to hear life being created from anything other than love might be of a shock to those who don’t have the necessary training or Catacombs and Spider experience Shining and myself have.

In enduring fashion, Princess Luna ignored their discomfort and continued praising the pair for their contributions to Equestria until Celestia put a stop to it coughing loudly.

“We were discussing the implications of Flurry’s birth when you decided to return…” she blinked and then looked at me as if she just noticed my presence. “... Idol.”

“Princess Celestia.” I bowed by tilting my head down. “Your timing is impeccable as always.”

“Thank you, Colonel. Luna and I were planning on making a stop here for…”

“Royal matters dear Idol. Our arrival for baby Flurry was purely by chance, and nothing more.” Luna cut Celetia off, but strangely she didn’t seem annoyed by it, but pleased.

“We were asking auntie Celestia if such a birth has ever happened before, when you two showed up.” Cadence informed Luna and myself before turning to Celestia with expected eyes.

It was Luna who spoke again.

“Even before our departure, no other alicorns besides ourselves had been recorded, but that never failed to stop the persistent rumor now again over the years. Truly, we had assumed you were our sister’s own offspring kept hidden before learning the truth.”

“Really? Celestia didn’t tell me that.” Cadence turned to Celestia who had covered her face with a wing. I looked at Shining who appeared equally amused, but shrugged off his understanding of the issue.

“I’ll tell you another time Cadence, but Luna speaks the truth. Until your ascension, we didn’t know if there would be another alicorn let alone one born. But please don’t take this the wrong way Cadence, for her birth is extraordinary.”

“Paper Weight did give the young princess a clean chart of health.. She’s the acting royal physician.” I clarified for Celestia and Luna before continuing. “By your earlier encounter, we estimate her lung capacity is on par with a loudspeaker, and she might be capable of using the Royal Voice indiscriminately.”

I saw their shock and surprise before I even tasted the off flavor, but it was Cadence’s own surprise that startled me the most. Wasn’t she informed by Paper Weight or Shining Armor prior to this?

“You jest Idol! Right?” Luna shouted as she looked at me, Celestia, and Cadence in one quick motion before settling on me once more. “Your words are true, and not fiction?”

“That is correct your highness, Flurry Heart has ‘some lungs in her’ as the good doctor put it. Paper Weight suggested a strong pair of ear protection, and a vocal coach at the earliest convenience Cadence.”

“Idol wa…”

We went quiet when Flurry Heart began to stir in her crib.

“I’m going to write a letter, and I suggest you two do so as well.” Celestia shot a look toward the royal couple who in turn shared a look before shooting one back.

“Why do we need to write a letter?” Shining asked when his eyes went big with understanding “We forgot mom and dad!”

“And one other, but she’ll be here once I write that letter.”

It was in that moment I realized I too still had an unfinished letter sitting on my desk for the past several days. My forgetfulness was unbecoming of a pony in position.

When did I start referring to myself as a pony? In any case, it wasn’t a pressing matter given my need to finish the letter to the princesses…

“Drat.”

My outburst might have been too out of character for me, since Luna and Celestia seemed most surprised by it.

Chapter 15-1: Enter the Mane Team.

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“The train station sure is busy this morning.” The unicorn noted as she stood on the side of the train platform.

The early sun hadn’t even broached the city’s towers, yet the cooling air of the night was already waning as was indicative of the upcoming sun. There was little light save the gas lamps that illuminated the plaza and platform as was common place for the very early morning, but that didn’t stop the traffic of early risers trying to beat the rush to catch the first train to Equestria.

Winter break was over for many, and the tourists were ready to return home.

‘Home.’ She thought, casting a glance toward her right forehoof to see the old branding used to mark her skill as a caster. It made her shudder with repressed anger, and dejection of her current state of existence.

Still, it was a better opportunity being here than wasting away back in Equestria.

So she stood here by command waiting to receive some very important visitors that would arrive on the first train, but who they were hadn’t been revealed other than the description of ‘six mares and a dragon’. Who hangs around with a dragon? Celestia, it would make finding her charges easier, but the idea of being around one of those firebreathers rubbed her worst than settling down and raising a family. She wasn’t ready!

“What am I going to do? Mother and Father are already pressing for that marriage, and my whole existence is null...”

Gas lamps magically began dimming the more the sun crawled over the mountain, and peered into the valley below, catching the great castle spires in its magnificent rays which then began spreading to the nearby homes. The air around them was warming up, and the platform was becoming more noisy as the ponies became increasingly anxious as it meant their day was starting, and they were wasting time.

“The train should be arriving any minute now…” She told herself as a way to forget about her own problems by focusing on other ponies and their problems.

For a guard, she never did too well with crowds, but that could be blamed on her upbringing. Not that the unicorn would throw her parents under the carriage like that, yet their strict, almost isolationist schooling made it difficult to function in groups larger than four ponies at max. Her commanders knew this, and still insisted she be the one to escort six ponies back to the castle by herself.

“I’m definitely going to throw some fireballs later.” the unicorn happily nodded at the idea, and quickly began constructing how elaborate the routine would be as the gathered crowd grew impatient.

There was no telling how long the train would be, and unlike her fellow ponies waiting on the platform, she wouldn’t be wasting her time since she was on a mission. But the unicorn wasn’t immune to boredom, and decided to pony watch as she waited for the late train.

Starting with the platform, the unicorn quickly noted how her Equestrian armor and maroon coat stood out against the scarf wearing ponies huddling close together for warmth. It put a smile on her face knowing her talent for heat gave the ability to control her body heat, making everything but the most extreme temperatures an afterthought. It was one more positive toward her talent among the many negatives that crippled her family line.

“The train better hurry up.” She angrily muttered as her previous thoughts ruined the mood.

By now the sun had already risen over the horizon to officially declare the start of the new day by the time the train entered the station…nearly 2 hours late.

To quell the angry passengers, the station master had to offer warm drinks and a slight discount toward their ticket purchase as an apology. Of course the guard was also offered a drink with a cookie as a thank you for her service, so it really wasn’t any of her concern anyway.

So, she ate and sipped her offered treats as she watched the restless passengers herd in front of the train cars.

Even before the passengers could disembark, the herds were trying to rush through the doors to nab one of the newly vacant seats. It got so bad she feared she might have to take charge and intervene to maintain order when a shout silenced everypony on the platform. In a welcome surprise, the station master, an older crystal stallion on the shorter side took command quickly, and separated the boarding passengers into three groups, and then signaled for the disembarking to leave.

She sighed with relief it had worked.

Finishing up her drink and cookie, she discarded the trash into a waiting can and made her way toward the platform to find the ponies she was supposed to escort to the castle. Most of the new arrivals had already cleared the platform leaving the few ponies left as stragglers trying to still board, but not many the unicorn would consider her targets. She was beginning to believe she’d missed them when a particularly loud group caught her attention, and as she listened to their bickering, began believing they might be the ponies she sought.

The group had made their way off the platform, and were standing in the middle of the road forcing some of the incoming carts to go around them. They didn’t notice as they continued their bickering… well the blue pegasus with the horsey voice bickered as she hovered off the ground with exasperated movements. Her ‘friends’ appeared divided over whatever the matter was, but it was the orange earthy that engaged with the blue pegasus while the other four talked amongst themselves.

An even split among the races, two unis, two pegs, and two earths made up the group, and all mares to… the ponies she had to escort were supposed to be all mares, so this might very well be the group. Her approach wouldn’t go unnoticed, given her bright colors and clinking of her armor made any sort of stealth impossible.

“OH! Can we help you, Miss?” The Canterloian unicorn was the first to notice, and her question alerted her herd. They watched with suspicion as the unicorn guard approached, the yellow pegasus even hiding behind her peers only made the fur along her back bristle with irritation.

Still, she was an Equestrian, soon to be Crystal Empire Guard, and was required to suppress her emotions in favor of the traditional stalwartness the Guard was known for. She bit her lip to remind herself to remain calm as she came to a stop just in front of them.

‘No dragon.’ The unicorn thought as she quickly straightened her armor to be a little more presentable before answering the question. “You just may citizens. Are you the Elements of Harmony?”

She didn’t know who they were besides a really quick briefing from her superiors that they were very important ponies who held direct connections with the princesses, and that alone made them a priority.

They seemed surprised, and turned to one another for some sort of an answer or response when the blue pegasus practically flew into her space with the biggest grin she had ever seen.

“YOU BET WE ARE! NAME’S DASH, AND FUUUTTURE WONDERBOLT AT YOUR SERVICE!”

“Rainbow Dash! There’s a courtesy called personal space!” The white coated Canterloian cried as the orange earthy grabbed the overly excited pegasus by the tail. Her words were distorted by the rainbow hue tail in her mouth, but her friends seemed to understand her clearly, possibly meaning this was a common occurrence.

“We’re sorry about that guardmare! She’s just excitable, so please don’t hold it against her?” The purple unicorn asked more than stated, but it would take more than a grown mare acting like a filly to get her worked up.

“It would take much worse to elicit a reaction from me, but judging from her reaction, you are the Elements of Harmony?”

The purple mare flinched at the question with her ears pinning back, but the question once again got the attention of her friends. The yellow pegasus peered through her mane as the pink earthy hopped in place as bits of confetti shook loose from her mane. The Canterloian’s eyes sparkled like the gems that adored her perfect flanks, and nearly glided toward the guard when the horsey voiced pegasus broke free and did another quick twirl just above their heads.

“OF COURSE! I JUST TOLD YOU WE’RE THE ELEMENTS!”

“You know of us darling?”

“YES! YES! A new friend in high places! Now we can make snow cones every day of the year!”

“Oh my..I..hello there.”

Their responses came at once, and they were loud as each pony tried to talk over the other to win the unicorn’s attention, but it all stopped when the purple unicorn asked a simple, but not simple question.

“Did Celestia send you?” The other ponies were grounded right there, and looked to their pointy head friend, and then back to the unicorn guard with much tapered expectations. She nodded, happy to get back to business.

“In a way. My name is Morning Star, and I’ll be your escort to the Crystal Castle.”

“Now that’s mighty kind of ya sugercube, but we're not the type to be needin much assistance. Especially when said castle is just right over there.”

Morning Star assessed the orange mare that had positioned herself at the front of their little herd, and even with her magic, the unicorn felt intimidated by the iron backed muscles protruding from under her skin. Her guess would be the mare hailed from an extremely back breaking career, and seemed to thrive in it.

Even with the powerful mare before her, Morning Star took another step closer in a way to announce her acceptance of the unspoken challenge. This wasn’t from a need to establish dominance, but to lay the groundwork for the rest of their interactions- past and future.

Ignoring the pleas of her friends, the earthy stood tall and proud in another grand display of confidence, but this time Morning took the initiative by securing a second step closer. The act of defiance left the orange mare grinning before she outstretched her hoof.

“Names Applejack! You’re pretty strong for a magic user.”

“Just a little extra is all. Morning Star is my name, and I’m a transfer from Equestria.” She stated her name again, more for the personal effect of their new found understanding.

But Morning Star didn’t know why that last bit of detail mattered, nor the reason she felt compelled to share that detail. Just being near the friendly mare put her dangerously at ease, and that worried the unicorn more than any physical threat. She’ll have to make a formal inquiry of this mare’s abilities, and whether or not it could be a threat to The Empire.

She doubted anything would come of the request given these mare’s supposed importance to the crown, but it wouldn’t hurt making the report. But that would wait until after the barrage of questions that began pouring in.

“OH! Is your assignment to this marvelous permanent, or temporary?”

“Did you move here to make even more friends?”

“Na, I bet she moved here to fight the frozen undead like Windigos!”

At least from three of them. While their friends found the nature of her transfer fascinating, the purple unicorn and shy pegasus were silent, but their eyes were alive with a torrent of unspoken questions. When their eyes met hers the invitation was extended, and the unicorn with the stars on her flank accepted.

“Why would Celestia send you and not a local guard?” Her question halted the questions, and the other mares looked to their friend and then toward her. Upbringing and training dictated how she would answer the question without revealing too much in the open air.

“That wasn’t a thought nor a concern when my superiors ordered and assigned the mission.”

It was a very neutral response, and Star would’ve been disappointed if the observant unicorn had bought it. Instead the mare’s brow fell as her eyes narrowed at the obvious deflection, and in classical high upbringing subtly calling her out without really calling out.

“Fair enough. My BBBFF was the same during his training days, so It’s not a problem.”

‘Clearly it is.’ Morning Star thought to herself. “We best hurry now, my orders were to escort you to the Princesses the moment you arrive. Any more questions would need to be asked while we walk.”

The gathered ponies either didn’t notice the suspicion of their friend or didn’t care as their line of questioning switched from being about her to The Empire itself.

Morning Star thanked the princesses for this brief moment of rest as it allowed her chance to gather herself. It was one thing to deal with civilians, or the privileged ponies, but it was another game to deal with ponies directly connected to your boss. Normally this wouldn't bother the war unicorn, but there wasn’t another Crystal Empire to transfer to if the situation got heated.

Morning Star found herself biting her lip once again to remind herself of this.

“Don’t screw this up Star.” She told herself as her charges continued admiring the splendor that is the Crystal Empire.

Chapter 15-2: Winter Season brings ill tidings.

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With the events of the unexpected Royal Visit behind us, our duties went on as normal even with four alicorns currently residing in the Crystal Castle.

Tension in the air left me startled, and irritable the hidden emotions circling the upper two floors while the rest of the castle upset my stomach with the guard and staff's anxiousness. Princess Luna understood my condition first followed by Princess Cadence, and after some reassurances my subordinate could handle my duties I was commanded to take a day. Seeing an opportunity for some rare ‘bonding time’, Topaz invited me to join them for the day, and with my schedule clear the invitation was accepted.

Unstoppable Force tagged along at the request of the nymph, and unable to properly provide a reason not to bring the massive unicorn along, I allowed it. With her escort in tow, Cersus was given permission to visit the candy store on the condition she'll either remain there or return to the school.

Now, I found myself at Topaz’s office in The Institute of Crystallography & Assorted Magics main building, up on the second floor with a window that overlooked the campus plaza which connected to one of the main roads.

The few students of the Crystal Empire displayed none of the mannerisms their Equestrian counterparts predominantly displayed, since the student body was still heavily reliant on scrolls to keep written records of their knowledge. This meant the very few books on the campus were under lock and key to everypony except the Department Heads, which now included Topaz, and many of them were the very books she had brought from Equestria.

Probing the reasoning for the severe lack of books discovered it stemmed from the traditional belief to only trust Empire made products. Further probing revealed it manifested from their time of near isolation when certain products were near impossible to acquire, or were of an inferior quality for one reason or another. The only explanation for Equestrian products even being sold in the Empire at all stemmed from two main reasons-Princess Cadence, and their own version being sold beside the Equestrian version.

Having spent months in close proximity to the Crystal Heart, and taking part in their culture as per my job I’ve found the Crystal Ponies’ belief to hold some merit. The crystalized mixture commonly used in the creation of their products was equally beautiful as was it durable. Plus they had the unique advantage of having certain goods locally produced when compared to their Equestrian counterparts imported by train.

My thoughts return to the students outside using scrolls, and to my shock realize the guard has been doing much the same. There were other factors involved like cheaper, and easier materials, but I couldn’t remember seeing any books in the castle that weren’t brought over from Equestria.

“The Board needs to purchase their own printing press if they’re to provide a better service, until the crown can procure their own.”

Topaz continued her examination of three related scrolls for another moment before shaking her head left to right, and before I could ask, she shook her head again.

“Already suggested it. The Board is insistent not to bump hooves with the Princess and Prince, especially if they don’t have to spend the bits. They see it as the crown’s responsibility to provide for their citizens, and to purchase a printing press before them would be seen as a challenge to Cadence and Shining Armor’s ability to rule.”

“So, they would rather hinder their students than seek a faster resolution of purchasing one themselves?” I felt my hidden head fin rising as Topaz nodded.

“And they will continue to wait until another organization makes the plea for one first, or is successful in taking a vote to approach the crown for one. Neither will likely happen since the other big groups are as stubborn headed.”

She shifted to adjust her sweater and scarf before giving one big sigh and leaning back into her chair. I envied her ability to dispel the cold so easily while I had to dress in multiple jackets to retain what little heat I could produce. Taking a quick look out the window still showed the dome shimmering high in the sky, and I began considering relocating what few pegasus we had to fully devote them to the maintenance of the Empire’s weather.

“And as good friends, we’ll not abuse our connection to the crown to speed this up.” I rested my head against the window, and quickly fixed that mistake. The window was very cold.as was everything else today.

“Well we could ask for a favor, and repay them later like any real friends would do.” Topaz suggested.

The warmth in the way she said it let me know she didn’t mean it, and I had just turned away from the window when a loud explosion shook the city and Topaz’s office. Wasting no time, I fumbled my way to her as she began hiding under the desk as protocol commanded, and after a moment I managed to join her under the desk.

Even after the tremors had ceased, we remained embraced as we listened for anything else when a faint(muffled) cry from outside caught our attention. Hesitantly, we separated and rushed to the now cracked window, and using a bit of magic removed it, setting it on the ground inside when a torrent of frozen air took our breath away. It was after recovering from the shock did we see ponies pointing toward the sky…

“What happened to the dome?” Topaz whispered, the fear heavy in her tone as we kept watching the darkening clouds appearing over the Empire.

Something had happened and we needed to get back to the Castle, but there was one very important thing that we had to do first.

“Cersus.” I whispered. Topaz’s own worry morphed into a sickening sea of despair that left me feeling sick to my stomach. This wasn’t Topaz’s fault, and she couldn’t have known the effects her worry would have on me, but I blamed myself for the weakness.

I was left unresponsive as she bolted out the window, using the increasingly hostile winds as a boost to take flight. She faltered against its strength, but managed to keep in the air as she flew down the street toward the candy shop, yelling for the nymph the whole time.

“CERSUS!!!”

Everything went wrong after that.

I tried following Topaz out the window, but had to restrain myself because of the lack of a bridge and law breaker to break my fall. This meant taking the stairs was the only viable option without revealing my wings, and this slowed me down greatly.

The ponies in the building had already evacuated to the plaza, leaving my hurried hoofsteps echoing down the rapidly cooling corridors. The cold air only got worse with each passing second, and with the barrier gone it would only continue to get worse which made finding Cersus even more crucial. Topaz’s reckless flight into the storm winds left me more frustrated because it meant I needed to find both Cersus and Topaz at the same time.

“Order and Harmony…”

By the time I made it outside into the plaza, the storm had gotten worse with the citizenry huddling together as the frigid air danced around us. The storm clouds above had grown darker, and strangely enough I could sense a deep anger from within them as stray bolts of lightning announced their arrival.

“TOPAZ!” I yelled for her, but the neighing wind refused to carry my voice any further than a few ponies away. The wind had just started carrying snow flakes when a bright flash from the castle over took my senses.

“CITIZENS OF THE CRYSTAL EMPIRE! SEEK REFUGE WITHIN THE CASTLE PROPER!”

“That was Luna’s voice.” I muttered to myself as the ponies wasted no time fleeing toward the castle.

As a guard, it’s my duty to provide aid, and protection to the common populace as described in the ‘Code and Ethics of a Guard’ Manual. I’m bound to these oaths, and required to offer aid during this unknown attack as per duty, but…

“Forgive me, Luna.” I thought as I began running to Cersus’ last known location.

Topaz had already taken off, and if I’m quick enough I might be able to meet up with the both of them before heading to the castle. I was thankful before, but now I’m even more so for the bond Cersus and her new personal guard had formed over the past several weeks. Knowing the nymph and Topaz had somepony watching over helped ease some of my fears knowing the massive unicorn hybrid ought to be enough to fight off the cold.

Freezing air filled my lungs, and rattled my transformation to a point I had to slow my pace lest I rip the fur right off my chitin in front of the already panicking ponies. This became necessary as the cold continued to build, and the air around us further dropped another several degrees a minute. I was missing my armor, but was thankful for listening to Topaz’s demand and left it back in the castle as the metal plating would have only further impeded my mission with its frozen weight.

Some of the ponies briefly stopped and offered me assistance, but reluctantly left when I told them of my reasoning. The Empire and Equestria continually impressed me with their ability to retain some magnificent citizens. Each day I found it harder to want Cersus to return the hive like a proper changeling, but instead played with the idea of not bringing it up again.

‘A discussion for another day..find them first.’ I thought, and taking one more big gulp of that burning air continued at a slower trot than a gallop.

Somehow I still reached the street’s end faster than normal, and almost smiled as I saw the shop on my right, but frowned instead when I couldn’t find Topaz or Cersus. Bolting through the opened door only deepened my worries as the shop was uncomfortably bare of any warmth- ponies and ovens included. The wind had extinguished the candles and oven flames while the frost creeped over abandoned candies, gluing them to the counter like permanent fixtures.

“TOPAZ! CERSUS!” I shouted, and got the angry wind in response.

I couldn’t sense any emotions within the candy shop, and reluctantly left its frozen innerior for the harshness of the streets that had only gotten colder. The wind and hatred in the air made me sick as I tried looking for any signs of them, but nopony except myself was in the street. This was bad. Very bad. My training was telling me to stay on the road, and head for the castle for the best chance of locating them, but I was scared, and with the hatred fogging my rationality…

I ran back toward the university campus with no intention of heading for the castle ,hoping Topaz had found Cersus and made it back to her office. The odds of this happening were lower than me becoming a Queen Changeling, but higher odds than me retiring, meaning I was already liking these odds more than I did a moment ago. They weren’t the best odds, but they’re all I had in hoof.

Just as expected the plaza was empty while the building itself was already succumbing to the frost. The hate delivering clouds were spreading faster, and had now covered most of the area with only the castle as the last refuge from the cold, but ignoring this, I rushed toward the university.

“I have to make sure they’re not there.” I kept telling myself as I approached the desolate building, my disguise doing little to prevent the cold as I rushed across the plaza. The cold was becoming too much, but I forced myself to continue.

Once inside, I already knew nopony was in the building.

Looking back outside, the clouds had already taken over most of the city creeping forward like an early morning fog over Canterlot. A few stray blasts of magic sailed overhead only to be consumed by the hatred turned malice, feeding their wickedness as they whinnied back, unleashing even more of the bitter cold onto the city.

The cold was too much for me to combat, and if I stayed within the building I stood a better chance of making it through the barrage until the princesses could drive this cold back. But Topaz and Cersus were still out there, and in that split second my choice was clear.

“TOPAZ! CERSUS!” I cried once more as I left the ICAM building, and into the now freezing cold once again.

Chapter 15-3: A princess on the run.

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“I want that one!” I pointed at the sweet smelling white and red treat in the case. Of all the treats that I could smell(they all smelled good), that one looked the most sour with its white and red swirl pattern.

I wanted that particular one because Topaz called it a mint before, and said they’re a favorite of hers, and if Topaz liked them then they can’t be that bad right? All of the candies behind the glass were in many different shapes and sizes, but I couldn’t tell any of the colors apart without alerting them to my defect. Topaz and Idol were still a flank about not telling another pony about my condition, and without Topaz here to signal what color was what, I had to stick with the colors I knew well.

“I’ll take it.” I looked up at Mr. Stoppable who peered into the case for a minute before shaking his head no.

“Your parents have provided me with a list of what is acceptable to give you, young princess.”

"Stopping me from having fun is more like it."

The ponies were surprised when he first used my title, mostly like having never seen royalty in the chitin before, and who could blame them? I would admire myself too if I could see myself. Yet, their surprise wore off pretty quickly to not give me any free samples! They all smelt so good!

“Oh come on! It's just one sour mint, and we don’t even have to tell Topaz or Idol.” The really tall unicorn took another look at the case and made some weird face before looking back at me.

He shook his head no again!

“ARGGGGGGGGH.” I groaned to make my point and hopefully change the uptight guard’s mind. I expectantly looked up to see if I could read his muzzle, but to my horror he didn’t seem phased by my distress! Aren’t adult ponies supposed to rush to a foal’s side, and give them what they want if they cry about it?

I looked around the store for help with my problem, but the other ponies milling about either ignored me or made a face I knew well enough.

‘Spoiled foal.’

I heard one whisper, and even though I’m really not supposed to stare, I did so anyway letting them know I knew what they said. The pegasus mare saw this and tried to act like she didn’t see it, but I nearly laughed when I gave her a smile to show off my fangs. She nearly stumbled over her own hooves trying to run out of the store, ha!

The rest of the store watched as she the mare ran out of the store, but before they could look my way, Mr. Stoppable had wandered next to me, curious about the strange mare. I offered him a shrug of my shoulders, and understood the meaning I had taught him over the past several months. He could learn really fast when he wasn’t being a complete sour puss about whatever it was that made him sad or angry.

“A very good attempt, young one, but the Colonel warned me of your tricks. Still, a very impressive demonstration of your developing skills. Your father will be proud to hear you’ve been practicing your ‘Argh’.”

“Why can’t you just buy me some candy mister guard!? I thought you were supposed to obey me?” He was really getting under my chitin, and starting to remind me of Idol with his bland feelings and neutral looking face. Stupid rule setting pony guards!

“Whatever…” I muttered to myself as I turned to leave the store when one of Mr. Stoppable’s… that’s way too long, so we’re going to call him Stops.

So when one of Stop’s hooves blocked my path, of course I looked up to see why he would do that when I was trying to leave the shop, but his features changed. Not like a changeling transforming, but his face and posture were more relaxed now.

“I might be persuaded if the words ‘Please and Thank You’ were used more in some fashion.”

“Argggh.. Pleeease can I have one of the delicious looking candies?” I hated begging, and he knew it..well not yet since I hadn’t told him yet, but still!

I almost acted like a foal when he smiled and approached the counter. It surprised me that even after we’ve been here for a whole 20 minutes the bitter stallion behind the counter still treated Stops like a dropped chocolate mealworm- not with delight, but disgust!

The rude pony was lucky we weren’t alone or else I’d give him the old 1,2,3!

It was almost enough to make me not want the candy anymore, but then it would have meant the nice guard had to stomach all of that rudeness for nothing, and that wouldn’t be right for the tall unicorn. I could only glare at the rude pony as he did his best to make a flank of himself, but being the crystal pony Stops is, he managed to remain calm as he finished the transaction.

“I’ll have to do something nice for him later.” I told myself as we departed the terrible store.

“Here you go little princess. He was difficult, but I managed to talk him down.”

I knew he was lying because I felt the bitterness the two were throwing at each other, but he didn’t need to know that. And not wanting to be rude I took the offered crystal looking candy, and popped one in the mouth…

“Tares no flawor!”

“That’s because it comes later once you reach the core.” He said while popping one in his mouth. “Just like the Night Mother’s blessings, you have to earn the reward.”

“Yoa main Wuna?” I asked, but the candy made talking difficult. He peered down, but not in the way Idol or Topaz would do if I didn’t something they didn’t approve of. This was more friendly and with less groundings.

“Indeed young princess. The Night Mother works in mysterious ways meant to test our minds, and sharpen our wits for the hidden dangers of our worlds. My test is my unknown heritage, and while I struggle, I also become stronger.”

“Whaaa? I finally managed to bite into the bland crystal candy…” It tastes like blueberries!”

“And mine has a hint of mint. A rare treat my mother used to make on special occasions when I was younger.”

The juicy flavor was gone and replaced with the blues as the friendly guard spoke. Idol may have more experience with the raw emotions, but I still have my infiltrator training and could detect the hidden love just under the surface of sadness. It was the kind that made one hurt, but the one that might leave a ling feeling a little distant.

“You miss your mother don’t you? I don’t have..well Topaz treats me nice, but we’re not related.”

“Yet, she still cares for you without question of your heritage, much the same you care for her, and the Colonel.”

I had to look away as my wings buzzed. It was true I liked Topaz and Idol a lot, and they did take really good care of me, but that was out of some job right? Thinky feely things made me more confused than I was before I thought about them, but when I thought about how the gang would leave me alone after one of our meetings, I always felt a bit angry.

Not at them, but how they got to go home and have someling there waiting for them. I mean, Topaz and Idol would wait for me at their home, but it was never the same. Even now we live in this really big and shiny castle, and it feels better than before, but it still doesn’t feel right.

“Your test is being yourself. One day you’ll discover your meaning, and the world will fall into place.”

“My meaning? Like how you’re a guard, or Topaz is a teacher?” he laughed and I might have nibbled on some of the positivity.

“Not quite like a cutie mark, but a revelation that’ll make everything around you less confusing. From my own experience, I dealt with this all of my life, and only now I’m finding a path worthy of treading.”

I narrowed my eyes at the now poet unicorn questioning his continued service.

“So, you’re saying I have to be an old pony to find myself? No thanks.”

“HA! Perish the thought little princess. All you lack is experience, and that comes with time.”

Well he’s not wrong. Training in the hive usually lasted several weeks, and most of that was repeating the same drills over and over until a ling could perform the drill without thinking about it. I guess he mea…wait a minute.

“So I have to be an old pony, is what you’re saying?”

HA! Got you!

This time Stops looked lost as he popped another crystal candy into his mouth, shifting it from one side to the other as he avoided my gaze. I didn’t even have to taste his emotions to know he was lost for words, and was clearing stalling for time. My training again proved its worth!

I didn’t even try to hide my smile as we both knew I was the right one here, and therefore he had to let me go where I wanted. Taking a few steps in front of my guard, I pointed in the general direction I knew it was in.

“To the toy store my loyal guard!”

When I noticed the lack of armor hooves following behind, I turned around to be further annoyed when I saw that big unicorn still standing in front of the candy store. He could be a really awesome pony sometimes, but he had this really bad habit of wanting to follow orders to the letter! It’s no wonder Idol seemed to tolerate him so much, and it seems I will have to be the one to show him the error of his ways, and guide him there myself.

“I said lets go to the toy store, so leeettsss ggoooooo.” I tried telling him as I grabbed one of his legs, and with all of my strength began pulling him toward the toy store.

“I am afraid that isn’t possible, young princess. I have my orders to escort you no further than the candy shop, and to return once you’re finished making your selection.”

“But they’ll be forever. We’ll be there and back before Idol and Topaz ever finish whatever it is grown ups do alone in an office.”

“It’s business.” Stops said quickly while taking back his hoof, and the look he gave me was enough to know we weren’t going to the toy store anymore.

“Alright…” I slunk my head low and was ready to admit defeat when the rushing of air around me, and distinct lack of ground made me cry o… I mean raise my hooves ready for a fight.

When I got my bearings, I realized I was on the big oaf’s back. He was turned to look at me with a smile, and eyes that I recognized from my own friends and the other foals we would often play with- fun!

“If I were to gallop to this store and back…”

“...we could be there and back with them none the wiser! I take back everything I just thought about you!”

“Then let me disappoint you no more! Hang on little princess.”

I did so by digging my hooves under the armor by his neck, and not a moment too soon! He stood up on his rear legs, and with the loudest war cry I’d ever heard dropped back to all fours and galloped like the wind! It was like I was flying with the Wonderbolts! We weaved our way down the street, and through the terrified ponies so fast I couldn’t even keep my eyes open.

“THIS IS SO COOL!” I didn’t even notice I was flapping my wings as I pictured myself wearing a blue suit with my cutie mark on it... “I don’t have a cutie mark.”

“YOU SPOKE ME LADY?

“IT'S NOT IMPORTANT! JUST PICK UP THE SPEED YOU SLOW POKE!”

“A FIRE POKE IS UNNECESSARY, BUT I SHALL STRIVE TO ACHIEVE THE DESIRE FOR MORE SPEED!”

He did go really fast after that, and I almost threw up, but didn’t because I’m not a little foal.

Chapter 15-4: Sweet Dreams are made of Fear.

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Business had slowed down over the last three months, but not enough for the owner of ‘Foal at Heart Toys’ to try running the fledgling store by himself. This became a problem after his first month of business, and had to hire Spring Wash just to keep pace with the current volume, and again when he had to hire a second employee by the name of Crystal Hoof three weeks later. Those were stressful times, but now things were calming down enough that the three ponies could take a collective sigh of relief before pulling their figurative sleeves up for the next phase- summer.

In preparation for the scheduled release of the new Officer Friendly line meant to accompany the comic release, Spring and Crystal were rearranging the store’s layout to make room for the new line while clearancing some of the older stock.

“We should have a better sign than ‘Please give us the courtesy of some time off’.” Spring prattle on once more as he opened another box. “ If word gets out these dolls are here…

“It’s not that bad Spring.”

“..it will be the death of us when the foals come marching!”

“Oh, I hope not.” Crystal added, turning to watching the green earth pony pull out another one of the new dolls. He gave the doll a quick inspection and nodded.

“But I find myself wanting to buy them all..look! This one is dressed in its own guard slacks like the new Colonel.”

The pearl pink unicorn moved closer to examine the strange variant, and eventually gave his nod of approval.

“Is that the only one?” Crystal Hoof asked as he began opening a box that was stamped ‘Deputy and Friends’ along the side. “I don’t see… oh Cadence!”

“What is it?” Spring dropped the Officer Friendly and rushed to see what made his work buddy so excited. “I don’t… whoa! What is that?”

“I don’t know, but it looks like a foal version of Deputy Affectionate. She even has a little notebook!”

“No it doesn’t, that would require extra effort from the company which means it is likely a mistake… oh Celestia, it is a new doll.”

“The tag says… ‘L’il Mischievous’. Is this a villain? Oh Cadence, I hope not. They were doing so well with their friendly cast of relatable dolls.”

“Relax Crystal. This is like one of those alter ego characters they do in the Power Ponies comics. See? Her color scheme is different. There’s more reds, and greens…”

“Is that a fang?” Crystal Hoof pointed at the corner of the small doll’s mouth, Spring batted the sparkling hoof away.

“Stop it! Let me take a look..you’re right. Celestia, that’s really cool.”

The strange, but fascinating new doll in the Officer Friendly continued to captivate the two employees as they temporarily forgot their duties when the bell above the unlocked door rang loudly. Both ponies quickly turned to face the door as a filly approaching her early intermittent school years strolled in without a care in the world, strange dual colored eyes peered toward them, saw the dolls in their hooves and instinctively made a’ bleah’ motion.

Spring dropped the doll out of fear more than embarrassment.

“Sss..sorry! We’re closed little filly, but we will be open tomorrow at our regu…”

“Then why is the door unlocked? I see no ‘closed’ sign, which means you are open.” The filly snarked as she strolled into the store, giving them a wide berth to put her on the colt side.

“Ah, excuse me… UH!” Crystal Hoof was startled when the door was opened with more force than it should have been, and a massive unicorn reminding him of a certain royal came in. He looked at the two ponies, and then to the filly.

“Lady Redshock. I am aware of your excitement, but please retain your emotions long enough to not prance forward without my protection.” The voice alone commanded their attention, but it was armor he wore that told them this filly was important.

“Crystal Guard!”
“Royal Guard!”

Each pony thought as the stallion moved toward the filly as she picked up one of the magical infused toys, getting some enjoyment as she matched the musical pattern.

“What do we do?” Crystal panickedly asked as his eyes shifted between his co-worker and the guard keeping watch over the filly. His green furred friend looked more worried about the implication of their visit.

“We could tell them to go away…” he hushed Crystal Hoof with raised hoof “...but why would a guard escort a filly?”

“Maybe that’s his foal?”

“He called her by title. That’s not what a parent calls their foal.”

“Maybe they’re very polite.” That remark earned an eye roll from Spring Wash , but he could not find the statement funny.

“Those Canterlot types might actually do that, so I’ll give you that. But that’s a Crystal Guard, and I didn’t hear of any noble family moving here.”

The filly and guard were still minding their own business as the two employees tried(and failed) to resume their duties of setting up the new Officer Friendly dolls, purposely forgetting the new doll that strangely looked like the filly with swapped colors. They had just finished adjusting the second shelf when a loud BOOM shook the store and knocked everything off their shelves.

Startled by this, the employees didn’t even move as the shock of the event rang loudly in their ears. If they were quicker, they might have seen the guard huddled over the terrified filly, and very hesitant to let her go. It was only by the familiar reflection of a certain magic Crystal Hoof knew very well that shook him out of his daze.

“Yee alright citizens?” The large unicorn inquired as he continued to nestle the filly against his barrel. It wasn’t enough to hide the scent of scorched fur.

Spring Wash didn’t answer as the ringing in his ears were still rather loud and annoying, but he did recover enough to blankly turn to Crystal and the guard. Crystal Hoof tried talking to his stunned friend, and after some tricky communication nodded to the guard.

“I think so, sir.” Crystal answered, trying not to stare at the guard as he hid the filly from their view.
“I FEEL FINE!” Spring added as he carefully got to his hooves, stumbling once before making his way toward the window to see what Under Celestia’s Sun was that.

Left alone, Crystal stayed put as watching his friend carefully open the blinds behind the shelf before turning to the hunched over guard unsure what he should do. He was never good in potential emergencies, but a strange drive to help made inaction unbearable to the crystal pony, and cautiously he tried to approach the guard and hidden filly.

“Are you al…”

“Keep your distance, citizen!” The guard’s protective voice ended that desire and pinning his ears back decided to join his friend looking out the window.

The window was covered in a magical cloth that when settled would mimic the colors, and/or details of the surrounding wall. Spring Wash had pulled the cloth back, disrupting the spell so he could use the repurposed house’s window to observe the city. Ponies were wandering the immediate street with no real sense of direction, as they sought others or looked to the sky.

“I don’t see anything strange, Spring.” Crystal noted as he took partial interest in the falling snow. Spring Wash was regaining his hearing but didn’t trust his voice just yet, and only continued to pony watch.

Crystal didn’t pay any mind to the familiar color of magic being used if it meant avoiding the ire of the dangerous Crystal Guard. He could feel the tension building as his heavy hoofsteps followed the careful pitter patter of a worried filly making for the door.

He flinched when the tall unicorn spoke. “We shall take our leave now…”

“CITIZENS OF THE CRYSTAL EMPIRE! SEEK REFUGE WITHIN THE CASTLE PROPER!”

The cry rattled the house turned store for a second time that day, scaring the two employees away from the window.

“WHAT WAS THAT!?” Spring Wash shouted as he pushed himself away from the window, and into their work area.

“I ha..wha.. Spring…” Crystal Hoof started when he was cut off by the Crystal Guard.

“Come, citizens. We should not squander our time, and leave now.”

Before the two ponies could question the command, the guard had already placed the young filly along his back. Looking over his shoulder the pair exchanged hushed words before she carefully climbed up to the neck piece, and gripped the edge. Crystal Hoof noticed a feeling of pain also clung to him as he disappeared through the door.

“We need to go.” Spring Wash prodded his dazed friend, and with some effort the employees joined the guard outside where he had attracted a small herd of worried ponies.

The filly clinging to his neck was kept out of the growing crowd’s notice as the tall guard kept maneuvering himself to be the focal point of their demanding accusations, or baseless worries. Spring and Crystal had just joined this group of about a dozen ponies when the clouds above once more exploded with fear and hatred. The arguing quickly turned into fear as most of the ponies took off running, with some toward the castle while a few running in the opposite direction.

Crystal Hoof tried calling out to the ponies when he felt a large hoof on his barrel, and following the hoof revealed it belonged to the massive guard. The towering unicorn shook his head left to right, and motioned for the castle.

“NO TIME! We say prayer and move toward the castle” He commanded before galloping down the road.

Spring Wash and Crystal Hoof were two of about a dozen ponies that had instinctually ran to the towering unicorn heading for the castle. It was this primal need to seek safety in numbers that might spare these ponies from the frozen onslaught of the North Storm. Many found their lungs burning from the freezing air, making their already desperate flight worse as they knew slowing down would mean being left behind.

Their trek to the base of the castle was virtually left unmolested as the hatred found much easier targets to occupy their time, leaving their little group one of the luckier ones.

Even as they rested at the base of the grand palace of old, their respite teetered on the stalwartness of the exhausted guards and their rulers. Traditions and teachings of the Crystal Empire commanded a stronger belief in the Crystal Princess and her Guard, but this same respect had waned in their southern neighbors making them more vocal.

“We’re doomed! The Empire will be lost to time again!”

Crystal Hoof timidly looked in the direction of the loudmouth Equestrian needlessly stirring up the scared ponies sitting by the Heart’s Podium. Spring was sitting next to him with the filly from before meekly standing between them, with her escort reluctantly leaving the strange filly in their care so he could join the other guard.

So the three of them sat in silence unsure what to do or say as they watched the storm slowly consume the plaza around them.

Powerful bolts of magic were being flung into the darkening sky that momentarily lit up the world around them. Crystal tried ignoring the mild irritation surrounding his horn from the lingering spells being casted by turning his attention to the terrified filly doing her best to ignore everypony around them. Spring had offered the filly a piece of clothing he had found to warm the filly, but she quickly rejected the offered cloth. Crystal Hoof scooted closer, but when the filly nearly fled from the touch, it ended any attempts to comfort the strange filly leading them to their current arrangement ‘tolerance by association’.

Crystal Hoof and Spring Wash did their best to be near the filly without scaring the poor dear any further than she already was, but even with the world around them closing in the glittering pony couldn’t help but wonder about the filly.

“Who is she?” He would ask himself as he watched the filly shake uncontrollably.

There had always been the small fear in the back of his mind more would come, but as the days turned into months that worry was gradually replaced with a comfort that the crystal pony wasn’t used to experiencing as compliancy bred blindness. Still, he found himself eagerly falling into his new life, and as the worry was forgotten this filly and her strange escort smacked him back into reality.

“A Saddle Arabian this far north is stretching believability…” Crystal Hoof looked to the foal once more and found his forgotten fears nipping at his thoughts, leaving the pony feeling sicker from all of the negativity in the air. He watched the shaking filly with more uncertainty, but against his own warnings found himself wanting to reach out and comfort the strange filly.

The pearl pony almost did that too, and the thought worried him more as another flash of a powerful spell rippled across the plaza. The ponies huddled close to the Crystal Heart Podium as they whined and reared in fright from the display, but Crystal Hoof noticed the filly did none of that, but continued shaking. Spring Wash was watching the filly as well, and shot his friend a look wanting answers to the strange filly, but Crystal Hoof could only shake his head.

Unless the filly suddenly began telling them about her life, all they could do was wait for either the princesses to stop the impending storm, or accept their fate.

Crystal Hoof really liked this place, and what it had to offer and really hoped they could stop the hatred filled storm so everypony could return to their lives. If Crystal Hoof was to be completely honest, he wanted to move on and forget the strange filly and her guard, and the sooner this was over the quicker the guard could claim the strange filly.

“Everything was going well too.” he mumbled to himself as another flash illuminated the darkening sky.

The clouds lingered for another several hours, but the protective dome around the city had been replaced.

This allowed the few pegasi the Empire had to begin their weather duties by breaking up the last of the storm clouds. None of the ponies in the castle were allowed to leave until the city was ‘secured’ and that word was only given about an hour ago after the battered guard teams finally cleared most of the buildings.

Spring Wash seemed fine, but Crystal Hoof still walked him home just to be sure before returning to my own dwellings.

The pearl pony was drained by the time he stumbled through the door that acted as his temporary residence, graciously provided by the Crown until more homes could be repaired and built to accommodate the growing population. The accommodations could comfortably house 5 ponies in the main room, and that’s not including the extra room the ‘apartment’ provided. He used the spare room the most because of the seclusion it offered, and made it difficult for a pony to see something they shouldn’t.

Crystal Hoof was offered some furnishings as part of some ‘work package’ the Crown sponsored; a bed (which was comfortable), a dresser, a table, and a couch which allowed more ponies a place to rest if they should visit. He found the floor comfortable enough, and with nopony coming over, the large seat remained unused.

Using his magic to ignite the magical candles that hung from the ceiling for light, the pony found the apartment had survived the terrifying storm unscathed. Crystal felt myself breathing easier knowing he wouldn’t have to bother somepony for help, and that made tonight just a bit easier to process.

“I’m shaking.”

It wasn’t from the cold, but he was drained from the day’s events and nearly fell over as he weakly made his way to the spare room. A small struggle to open the door with his magic surprisingly left the crystal pony nearly unable to stand as he leaned against the wall for support, but a little concentration and the door opened inward. The moment it opened Crystal Hoof fell onto the plush rug and just laid there wanting to gather his strength, but the need to eat forced himself to crawl toward the dresser that hid the pouch of crystals.

If he didn’t force himself there was a chance he would not have the strength to do so tomorrow, and that would be terrible. So, Crystal Hoof found crawling along the rug a struggle because its plush surface offered no real grip for his weak hooves. With some effort, the pony managed to sense the crystals through the crystal dresser and began draining them of their limited supply. The process was slow, but it was enough to find the strength to stand up and open the drawer with his hooves.

Underneath the provided cloth for the bed were the few crystals he had managed to grab before coming to the city, and seeing how only two were dimly glowing made both of Crystal’s stomachs turn. He had been doing well enough at work that he began to leave the crystals to wither at home until their entire supply was nearly exhausted. The pony had been careless since coming to this city, and not only were his only crystals almost drained, but now their might be two more lings running around the city.

The thought alone was enough to make Crystal Hoof violently shiver in fright.

‘Grab the crystals and run.’

The thought served him well during his initial escape, and he could pull it off a second time if needed, but he really liked this city.

Everypony was so friendly, and literal love filled the air making this city a wonderland of happiness in a way Crystal Hoof never thought was possible before now. They didn’t need to fight the ponies, but they did anyway and now were hated. For all his carelessness, Crystal Hoof shouldn’t be surprised more found their way here, but he found himself more worried why there weren’t more in a city full of love.

“But that filly…”

He couldn’t help but worry now, and this time not because there might be more of my kind in the city, but the reality that an actual nymph was here. It shouldn’t be possible, but he would swear on the Queen he briefly watched over a nymph just hours ago until her caretaker came back.

“...being watched by a pony or a ling?”

If it was a ling, then being disguised as one of the guards was both genius and dangerous for the two of them. Yet, why would a drone disguise themselves as a guard unless they had prior experience as one.

‘A soldier of the hive?’ the thought intrigued, and further terrified him as he took a seat on his bed.

True soldiers of the hive were few in number because of the vast resources required to create one, and because of that were highly coveted by the Queen to do a certain job. Meaning no soldier would waste their precious time on anything else, but the will of the queen…

“Yet he had a nymph with him…” He let that statement sink in as his mind slowly reached speculative answers to his questions. To admit them as a possibility would not only endanger his current way of life, but it would be admitting the very reality that the attack went far worse than he expected.

Crystal allowed the familiar magic to consume his body, and as quickly as it appeared, it had washed away the sparkling pearl disguise of Crystal Hoof for the horrid creature of the dark. Looking up at the single window highlighted the differences of Crystal Hoof and the changeling that now occupied the room, and he didn’t like it for the simple reason it reminded the creature where he came from. Yet, it was this knowing that left him sitting on the edge of his bed terrified as he worried for his brothers and sisters back in the hive, and how it related to the changeling soldier and the nymph.

“The attack failed completely..the hive was lost.”

It made the most sense, for why else would a soldier be watching a nymph let alone this far north from the much nicer lands of Equestria unless something terrible had happened. Admitting this possibility had opened the floodgate of worries waiting in the back of his mind, and soon he was assaulted by everything terrible he could conjure up no matter how outlandish it now seemed. What if all of the hive was destroyed and they were the last changelings?

He shuttered. Sure he may not have liked how the hive acted, but it didn’t mean he had forsaken every changeling to a fate he felt was worse than banishment.

“I have to know. I’ll need to seek them out, and ask.” Another shutter followed.

Since coming to the Crystal Empire, Thorax felt his heart beating against his very carapace. He hadn’t felt this terrified since he first learned of his role in the invasion, but unlike the invasion, he’ll do this with the intention of helping his fellow lings.

“No more hurting any creature.” Thorax reminded himself of the oath he made. “I’ll try and find the nymph first given she would be more reasonable than the soldier.”

The plan seemed appropriate given the nature of the nymph’s guardian, and no changeling would dare approach a soldier of the hive without the Queen’s backing. He’ll have to wait until the nymph is alone and introduce himself as a fellow changeling, and hope everything will be fine. Thorax nodded his confirmation, and with a stressed heart laid down on the itchy bed for some well deserved sleep.

Spring Wash and him would likely have a busy next few days getting the store back on track, and Order willing he might see the nymph again. But for now, Thorax’s mind felt the need to show him all of the disasters that might have led the two changelings up here, and how everything he had grown to like might be ending very soon.

Chapter 16: A changeling named Idol.

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Medical Atlas was at a loss, and he hated it.

It was one thing having to prepare the medical rooms for the inevitable rush they would be experiencing after the surprise assault, but it was another for the green unicorn to be taken away for a ‘special’ assignment. This confused and angered the unicorn as he was forced to give his patients to the less experienced nurses he had trained the previous month, but Paper Weight held firm and even informed him this came from the Princess and Prince to hammer the importance of this assignment.

There was a huff of displeasure followed by a near prancing stride the whole way at the consideration he might have finally been noticed. This excitement mellowed the moment they reached the stairs and began ascending them to the ninth floor, and having learned what this floor housed, began to conjure possibilities that included battered princesses recovering from their fight.

“Alright colt, keep your eyes open, but your mouth shut for this assignment. We’re here to do a job until the patients recover, and say nothing to nopony about the nature of our work or patient.” Paper Weight began as they finally reached the ninth floor, and made a left away from the Royal Chambers.

Atlas said nothing, but nodded in agreement even if the supervisor couldn’t see him. The act was more for himself anyway as the stallion shifted his attention from theories to fact gathering. Never had he ventured so high before, and to see the stark difference between his living quarters versus the Royal Floor left him feeling awed and annoyed at the extravagant display of wealth. The patient must wield incredible power to have taken residence here, and the nature of this understanding sent the green unicorn’s mind a light with new theories.

“Who is this pony that commands such attentiveness? Certainly not the Royal Family, so maybe a Crystal Noble?” Medical Atlas wondered to no avail for Paper Weight suddenly stopped, forcing himself to maneuver to the right of her else he ran into her.

Before he could even announce his displeasure, there was a sharp clicking that came from a pony flicking their tongues against their teeth to produce high pitched chattering, like those Katydids he used to hate in the summer. It reminded him of that, but less random and more acute to its purpose.

“Let them do their job, Atlas, and don't say anything or move. They’re skittish.” The mature mare whispered as she kept her eyes looking straight ahead.

Atlas watched his mentor and boss become another pony in that moment, but by the time he noticed the clicking was missing, his vision was occupied by the arrival of three bat ponies dressed in full battle armor. They had taken a semi circle in front of Paper Weight with the two on the flanks taking a position on their left and right, leaving the one in the middle to approach the golden mare with her lips pulled back to expose her sharp fangs.

“This area is off limits unless retracted by her Highness. You need to leave.”

“A bat mare?” Atlas thought as he examined the exotic beauty having never seen a bat pony this close before. Old pictures in medical books or the occasional news article were his only exposure to the foreign species, and he reveled this by taking the opportunity to study them.

“By order of the Royal Couple of the Crystal Empire, I’m here with my nurse to treat the patients. Please stand aside and let us administer treatment.”

This act of defiance only angered the bat pony as she snarled and clicked her fangs together which alerted the other two bats and they retreated down the hall and made a right at the end. Atlas stood silent as he watched the two mares size the other up until the bat pony leaned in close enough to almost touch muzzles, but the height difference prevented that.

“You take care of him, you hear? He’s my best friend…” And with that the bat pony took a step back and took flight back up into the roof of the hall. Atlas followed her and watched as she managed to grip the crystal with her hooves to ‘stand’ on her rear hooves, so she may peer down at them.

“Let’s go Medical.”

“Right…” His eyes lingered too long on the strange mare, for she spread her wings and snarled once more, making the green stallion gallop to catch up with his boss.

Princess Luna hated waiting. She did enough of that on the moon, and during her recovery for the first several months after her return, and now found herself waiting in her Niece's and her husband’s private quarters for word on her closest compatriot.

She had not touched the offered tea which had cooled off during their wait, and the night alicorn felt a small bit of comfort seeing her fellow princesses had done the same, even if it was for other reasons than hers. Celestia’s mood hadn’t changed, indicated by the pursed nature her lips decided to take on, and her inability to control her fidgeting wings hide nothing from anypony but the most dense. She was peeved.

Remaining still, her eyes shifted slightly to her niece and husband who both looked worse than one of the guards and maids watching one of the castle’s many vacant rooms. Shining was battered and bruised, but matched her sister’s mood with a near equal fury that made the alicorn wonder if they had planned their reactions in advance. His wife, and her dearest niece was in the early stages of shock as she tried to process what could be called betrayal. Both ponies were hurt by this revelation, but couldn’t act on their feelings since he was under Her protection which was backed by her Thestral escort.

Finally after nearly thirty minutes of waiting for the physician's word, Celestia broke the silence with a question she’d expected, and the restrained tone further told Luna this would be a delicate affair.

“We’ve known months after the wedding of our niece. It was a shock to…” She began to remember how she’d confirmed Idol’s identity and shifted in her seat uncomfortably “... but managed to confirm his identity and truth.”

Luna watched as her sister’s face remained fixated with displeasure and slight anger before blinking and looking away real quick before looking back at her. She might have asked another question if Cadence had interjected.

“Why didn’t you tell us!?” She nearly jumped onto the table, but kept only her forehooves on the nice table. “What about Topaz? Does she know about Idol or Faust above she's like us…”

‘Even now she worries for others.’ Luna noted as she studied her niece who in turn was trying not to break from the needless waiting. Raising a hoof to show her readiness, Luna began by addressing the mare’s biggest concern first.

“Lady Topaz is aware of Idol’s unique history, for she was the one that found him and brought him to Canterlot.”

“Topaz knew, and still brought him to Canterlot!”

“Yes Prince Shining Armor, and I would advise you to wait until WE are finished.” Luna didn’t like being rude to family, but this matter was important and only proper protocols would keep it from breaking down into a family feud.

She was thankful the upset Prince backed down even if the anger was still present as it showed hope for the future of this matter, and future of this nation if their ruler was wise enough to listen. For his actions, the night princess gave the former captain a nod she hoped would be perceived well.

“Oh no, what of Redshock!” Cadence suddenly shouted, and Luna felt her heart beat a bit faster as she turned to Celestia who was looking at their niece with interest. Shining was looking up at her with a renewed sense of anger, and an emotion she couldn’t properly describe etched into his muzzle.

“Who is Redshock, dear niece? Are they a friend of Miss Topaz, and the Colonel?”

The way Celestia used Idol’s rank instead of his name wasn’t to keep tempers from flaring, but her own foalish anger trying to butt horns in an already delicate matter- Luna did her best to hide the bristling fur of her back. Sister and herself will have words later.

“ No she’s…”

“..their nymph. Changeling nymph I should clarify.”

“WHAT!?” was the room’s response, but before they could raise further protest Luna felt the need to take control again and did so.

“WE DEMAND SILENCE!” The Royal voice spared none in the room except for the guards station outside the room, and that was because of the two layered silencing spell She and Celestia had casted earlier.

“We are aware of thy interest in the matter, but allow us the silence to explain and WE will answer such questions.” She looked to the shocked expressions of her fellow Royals, and after a brief staredown with Celestia was offered a stiff nod signaling she may proceed.

“Good. We found out about the nymph during our own interrogation of Idol, and we will make it clear the nymph is merely adopted. Idol and mare Topaz did not sire the nymph, but took on the responsibility of raising the orphaned nymph. Questions?”

“Where did she come from?” Cadence was the first to ask, and her worry for them was more telling than Luna could have hoped for. It meant there was hope.

“To address your concern, niece Cadence, we saw enough to verify the nymph was delivered to Idol under the understanding a terrible fate would befall the young nymph. He took her in without question, and has done his best to raise a fine filly if the letters and monthly updates are to suggest.”

“So that’s why you privately meet with him..you’re following up on him.” Luna shot Celestia a glare for being called out, but answered anyway.

“That was the notion at first, but having been under his care, I’d grown to trust he meant no harm. They quickly became visits between friends and helped with his mental recovery.”

“No…” Celestia had risen so fast she nearly flipped the table over, but what startled the Royal Couple the most was how angry she looked. Her eyes had lost that motherly warmth for the cold steel of a pony used to hardship, and ready for more. Cadence even believed she felt a bit of her magic before the sensation disappeared.

Luna of course knew what was going to be said, and why Celestia was furious.

“I did. I read his mind.”

“LUNA!” Celestia stomped so hard she physically shattered the crystal floor, making Cadence and Shining back up toward the door.

“I was angry at the betrayal, and wanted answers..I didn’t think.”

“Of course you didn’t! Ever since he taught you Luna, you never were sound of mind.”

“BACK OFF CELESTIA!” That statement held true, but her sister would dare tread into a place she might regret, just like she always did growing up.

The outburst was enough, and no pony dared talk, not as Luna stared down Celestia to make it very clear that comment wasn’t appreciated. After a few seconds, Luna had enough and stood up to leave.

“Where are you going Luna?” Celestia was unable to take the hint she had reopened an old wound that needed time to close again. Thankfully the Royal Couple understood and wisely chose to not say anything.

“I’m going to visit my friend and his mate for a bit. Don’t wait up.” Luna growled that last statement to further stress they weren’t welcomed, and without looking left the room.

Topaz Showers felt like Tartarus and then some as she laid on her stomach. Her body ached and stung so badly she couldn't feel her wings, and while that worried Topaz somewhat she knew the strain she had put them through during her search for Cersus. By Celestia’s grace, she knew it could have been worse than some minor frostbite, and was thankful for whoever found her.

She had woken up maybe twenty minutes ago by her estimate when the Head Physician Paper Weight, and one of her assistants changed her wing badges. He was odd for a unicorn as she recalled the dark green coat…

“Atlas.” She said the name as the hazy memory of him bandaging her wings returned to her, as the older mare had observed the process.

With the energy to do anything but lay there missing, Topaz had made the effort to examine the room and noted with relief she was indeed in the familiarity of their own room. The recognition removed the fog around her mind and soon drove her muzzle into the sheets eagerly to reclaim the scent that wasn’t hers, but the only pony she would ever consider sharing a bed with, and this comfort left her forgetting the numbness of her back.

“Where is he?” Topaz wondered as her sagging eyelids continually fought her for the right to return the darkness of sleep, but that question motivated the injured pegasus to find that answer.

With a burst of energy derived from the need to find this pony, the pegasus tried to lift herself from the comfort of their princess size bed, but after two unsuccessful attempts did the next best thing and crawled over to the other side of the bed. Here, the scent was more potent and suddenly her worries seemed like yesterday’s problem, and this time her sagging eyelids got the last laugh, and with no warning Topaz manifested the dream she kept returning to.

It had been over a year since Topaz had visited this dream, but many positives in her life made the mental manifestation redundant- until tonight. She was a mare hurting and wanted the comfort of a certain stallion and nymph as she hiked through the unnamed forest looking for additions to her insect collection.

She flapped her wings, and looked that them a sense of something was off, but a voice called to her somewhere...

"I'm over here Idol!" She called back, and the wings were forgotten as she made her way through the forest in search of her dearest friend.

Princess Luna hated waiting. Especially if it was retaining to the news of her oldest friend found half dead and frozen.

They had separated the pair in the minute chance Idol began passively feeding off the mare known as Topaz, which given their prior entanglements might allow the feeding to happen at the expense of her own health. Princess Luna hated this, but found the logic sound and felt the precaution acceptable for the foreseeable future until the mare was strong enough to allow a feeding. Until then, they would remain separated to allow a more controlled healing on the recommendation of the Empire’s Court Physician and her assistant.

So, Luna found herself sitting on the opposite side of the room watching the exposed changeling laying on his stomach weakly drawing breath. It had been recommended to keep the changeling lightly strapped down to minimize risk, but the princess questioned if the precaution was really for the patient than to quell their own fears. She knew the answer of course, but reluctantly went with the suggestion to get the pair out of the room, and leave her to the visit.

Her guards will make sure nopony will interrupt this critical visit between the princess and her friend.

“Do Changelings dream of love? If so, what do you dream about, Idol?” Luna asked the exposed changeling laying on the spacious bed, the straps keeping him from rolling over onto his fragile exoskeleton.

It looked terrible, and his shallow breathing allowed Luna to guess he had used most of his love to fight off the cold before succumbing to their effects. She dared not apply magic to the flaking chitin in the chance it did more harm than good, and to her great reluctance left the wound alone so it could heal properly. This made Luna turn to the table at the end of the bed, and frowned when she saw a single crystal on its surface.

“Fools. A lone crystal isn’t enough to feed a healing changeling.” Anger and mistrust looked over Luna’s shoulders as she went back to studying her friend and arguably her best friend followed by the Element bearers.

Luna watched her friend take another shallow breath and had enough. Raising from her seat, she stood directly over the struggling changeling and began digging up memories she had buried centuries ago to ease the pain of his loss, and yet, knew no other way to help Idol out.

As she hovered over Idol, Luna fought back the memories trying to escape the ends of her eyes as she recalled a time without her sister. Celestia had up and left her on a whim during those first decades of Equestria, leaving her by herself to run the newly minted nation. And the first two decades were so dreadful until he appeared before her…

A faint wisp of red and pink began forming in front of Princess Luna while she lost herself in a time she had almost completely forgotten, and failed to notice this strange smoke being drawn to the changeling below.

Chapter 17: A Drifter in a sea of Dreams.

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Cersus found herself in the care of Princess Cadence and Prince Shining Armor for the last several days, and hated it. The newborn foal was loud, and casted too much magic during the night which led to an exhausted nymph struggling to eat her delicious breakfast.

Another issue with this switch in care was not only wasn’t she allowed to see Topaz and Idol because of ‘reasons’, but the love the royal couple produced had dropped right after the Hatred Storm. Before they would practically gush the stuff all over the palace that the nymph didn’t even feel guilty snacking before dinner most of the time, but now that love was a trickle. She didn’t even need to feel their emotions to know something was up, but it became obvious whenever she entered a room with them, or they were around her making it clear somehow she was the problem.

Cersus marked this as stress from the wild newborn and having heard tales of her exploits must have made the Royal Couple question bringing that filly home in the first place.

Today was no different, and as she stuck her fork into the fluffy center of that wicked tasting Prench Toast, the nymph noticed how her temporary caretakers sagged at the table whenever they stopped moving. She watched them as she chewed the syrup-drenched piece of toast, noticing how they took turns trying to fall asleep with the prince slumping further into the hoof he used to support himself before jolting up. Cadence looked content as her eyes remained closed while she tried feeding herself some Prench Toast, except she would dab the syrup all over her cheek before stabbing the plate for another piece.

The nymph watched with fascination as the same piece remained on the fork, but with new syrup to replace what was lost- the cycle repeated.

“I wonder if I should tell them about the other empty rooms?” Cersus though as she cut another piece of toast with her fork, and as before applied more than enough syrup to the lone island of fluffy bread.

Dealing with the newborn during the day was bad enough when the couple left to do adult things, and she particularly dreaded when Cadence would ask if she could foalsit the newborn for ‘a few minutes’. So she waited until they fell asleep before sneaking off for another room to get some rest. It wasn’t much, but it had proven to be enough to survive the last several days, and a simple fib about waking up early had avoided any suspicion of her whereabouts.

In the end, she decided to reveal her nightly routine in the chance they forbid that as well. The nymph ate the final piece of her breakfast, and pushed the plate away, the scraping of glass on glass did nothing to wake the royal couple from their dreamlike actions as the filly left the room.

The newborn was in the care of a nurse as was the custom in the mornings until they pawned the weird foal onto her for the remainder of the day. Figuring she’ll make an effort to evade them this time, Cersus decided to explore more of the floor she called home until dinner or was found.

It became a game for the bored and angry nymph.

While the appeal of hiding in one very similar looking room did tickle Cersus’s fancy, she decided against playing hide and seek for now and trotted off looking for a certain guard mare. It had been a few days after the storm, and the nymph wouldn’t tell anypony how she truly felt about it, instead she would puff out her chest if only to convince herself it meant nothing. The Princesses were still here with some of their guards, but their continued visit seemed pointless to the nymph, and everytime she by chance encountered the white one, a certain fear arose within Cersus that forced her to flee.

The dark one wasn’t so bad. She sometimes gave her treats(even if they tasted like chalk) and tried to talk to her. Surprisingly, the dark princess even gave her blessing to seek her out if the nymph wanted to visit- neat! This was how she discovered her second favorite guard was even here and with permission from the dark princess, was allowed to visit if it didn’t interfere with her duties meaning they could chat anytime of the day.

Cersus made the necessary turns and followed the delightful smell of durians down the hall where she knew at least one of the bat ponies would be on watch.

“Ah, Lady Redshock. Welcome back.” The voice came from above, and while it didn’t belong to the mare she wanted to see, Cersus still welcomed it.

“Hello Rollie Pollie!” The nymph chirped as the bat pony gladed down from the ceiling.

“Ah, I was mistaken. It's just a katydid.” The mare chuckled before offering her hoof to the disguised nymph to which Cersus bumped with her own hoof. “What brings you around here so early? Normally you’ll wait until the afternoon when the durians are being cut.”

“I wanted to change it up, ya know? Give ponies a break from the usual and excite their life even if it's for a little bit.”

“Even if that means worrying them for most of the day, this is why we don’t have any foals. Between being in the guard, and Hidden Switch’s responsibilities back in Shady Oaks a foal like you would be too much. So congratulations Redshock, you convenience two ponies to not have a foal.”

“I do Equestria a great service!” Cersus beamed as the Thestral chuckled, fangs exposed to show how comfortable she was around the weird filly.

“Now, that isn’t to say we won't find the time, and you 're not all that bad…”

“I’m 1 of 1. Remember that.”

“Oh no mistaking that, but what if one day you were to become a 1 of 2?” In a rare display of innocence, the Thestrals' implication was lost to Cersus as the disguised nymph laughed.

“No pony could clone me! I’m like the night, and won’t be replaced.”

The mare’s eyes went wide with surprise and mild offense at the causal use of the phrase, and only through a combination of her training and familiarity of the filly did she not snap back. The phrase was old, almost primordial among the Thestrals that was about the closest a mortal could say they too stood next to The Moon. That they were a pony of reverence, and were to be treated as one.

“Careful filly. Don’t repeat that in front of the others, else you learn something more about us than you care to know.”

“Like how you eat bugs? I already knew that months ago before I moved here.” Cersus rolled her eyes at the silly mare trying to scare her. “My bat pony friend told me.”

“That’s not exactly what I meant, but just don’t repeat that, again. It’s like insulting one's family, but it's the whole species.” Rollie caught the filly using the word bat, but ignored the almost slur simply because Redshock said it with no hate.

“Alright, alright. I won't say it again.” Redshock even raised a hoof while she said this in the familiar gesture of a filly scout, which wasn’t a part of, but thought everypony did when admitting defeat. Rollie Pollie wasn’t any wiser and accepted this at face value that would later prove to be a mistake.

“Good, and while I enjoy your company as a good time waster, something pulls at the wings…”

“I don’t see anything.” Redshock noted, and earned an exasperated sigh.

“A Thestral saying, it means something is bothering you, and don’t go denying it. You aren’t as active as you should be, but instead more quiet so spill it.”

“Am I really that noticeable?” The disguised nymph hung her head as the jig was up, and the energy to pretend left her. Rollie Pollie moved closer and gave her a hug.

“Everypony has an off day here, and there, and that’s fine, it's normal.” She gave the filly a squeeze around her withers. “But yours screams ‘I’m sad, and want somepony to talk to’ and that’s where I come in.”

Cersus looked at the mare through the green mane of her disguise, gave the offer a quick thought( no thought actually) before nodding her acceptance of the offer. Rollie might now have been the mare she sought, but her ear was just as good for the concerns festering in her mind and heart.

“I miss them, and I think it might be my fault, but nopony tells me anything, but they know! They’re just hiding it like all adults do if there’s something wrong.”

Rollie tried her best not to reveal she already knew who the filly was referring to, and instead sat there nodding like a good listener should. The mildly above weight mare nodded along until the filly finished, and by now the bat pony couldn’t keep up the charade as her own parents would often leave for some sort of business leaving her alone with her grandparents. She hated to say it, but she sometimes considered them to be her real parents by how often they took care of her, making the current relationship with her parents cordial at best.

“They were hurt during the storm.” the bat guard blurted out, and against her better training continued spilling the beans.

As Cersus listened to the guard, she found it difficult to keep her disguise up as she fell to the floor trembling, and on the verge of tears. Rollie Pollie felt terrible for causing the nice filly some pain, but in her mind it was necessary and the right thing to do than to hide the truth about one's parents. Within a heartbeat, the bat mare was laying down next to the almost crying filly as she draped a wing across her back.

Unable to leave her post, Rollie Pollie comforted the distraught filly who had been told her parents were away on a mission, and not being treated for injuries sustained by looking for said filly. With a promise to take her to see Topaz once her shift ended later that afternoon, the filly perked up just a bit, but nowhere near her early morning stride.

I found myself standing guard in the eastern side of the castle today meaning I likely wouldn’t find anypony, but fellow guards or castle staff during this patrol-that was acceptable.

Fortunately, I was paired with Mothchaser of all ponies, which was strange enough given her sleep schedule, but I was happy to have the company during this strange display over the sun and moon that occupied a single half of the sky.

“I kinda like it, makes things a little more decisive ya know? Oh I’m going to bed, and you move over to the moon side. Want to stay up? Head over to the sun side. Simple.”

“Your logic is both interesting and terrifying should anypony take advantage of a system. We already stand idle while the world around us descends into a lawless pub with this freedom to choose our preferred time of day. It’s against Order.”

I really didn’t like this duality of sharing time as it messed with my work schedule. Mothy found my logic inadequate and prepared a counter question…

“That is a fair, and accurate observation, dear Idol, but wouldn’t most creatures prefer a choice than an ultimatum?”

Mothchaser and I froze not at the question, but from the owner of the voice.

Turning around to see the all mighty Princess Luna staring us down with a less than thrilled looking gaze, but didn't say anything else as she stood there trying to mask her displeasure. Mothchaser took a step forward ready to answer this question when the princess shot her a look, and with a simple command, dismissed the night guard.

“Oh..well, I guess I’ll see you around Idol.” Moth whispered as her body disintegrated into a fine chalk powder that was swept up by the mid morning breeze. I waved her goodbye as she left through the open window.

“You know better Idol than to fraternize with the dreamscape else you slip into a pattern you’ll never escape from. It’s one thing to be dreaming while asleep where your wandering mind is a part of the world itself, and another to assume a role within an established dream.”

“I felt a great comfort from that sense of familiarity, but you are right Luna. I knew she wasn’t real, and she knew I was real because she told me so, but we wanted to catch up on a number of things.” I admitted as I suddenly began thinking of Topaz's home in Canterlot, and wondering if I would ever see it again.

“You worry us friend Idol. We enjoy your company enough to not see you expire so soon, and will aid you.”

“I would no sooner expire from talking than eating a moon pie- it's too chalky.” I blinked and felt a desire to beg for forgiveness.

“OH my, ha! You wound us dear Idol, but a great relief to see more of this personality of yours. It has been over half a year since our last visit, but to see this big of an improvement is welcomed.”

After that, Luna raised her wings and the familiarity of the East Wing of Canterlot Castle faded into the princess’s own design, stars in the night sky surrounded us as we stood in the waters of life. Or as Luna once told me when she first brought me here...

“Has a year already passed since our first meeting?” I asked, noting how the princess splashed the strange water with her hooves, and made me want to follow her example.

“Give or take Idol, but we hadn’t been counting. Much as occupied our time in between, and our meetings became a getaway of sorts we selfishly relished in lieu of their original purpose. For that, we must apologize.”

“My princess has nothing to be apologetic about, instead I should be for causing you and everypony much distress.” I stomped my hoof into the strange water and watched as the world slowly morphed into the living space of Topaz’s home in Canterlot “If anything, I should be thanking you for the time you spent training me in your craft.”

“Think nothing of it.” Luna waved a hoof as she took a seat on the biggest couch. “We saw you had potential and acted on it. If anything, you should be thanking yourself for doing so well, very few can even grasp the idea let alone the ability to physically morph the realm to their will.”

I nodded and to demonstrate I hadn’t fully slacked in my training during these many months, willed in a tea pot and two cups onto the table in front of us. Luna smiled and lifted one of the cups to her lips.

We discuss much after that, and most of it I would have saved for another day if Luna hadn’t been persistent. What was a changeling to do when his friends and superiors knew about his family’s biggest secret?

“You could move again, but I’m afraid there’s a distinct lack of princesses and castles.” Luna suggested as a moon pie appeared in front of her.

“I find the concept of no princess waiting for me in another castle calming. Already, I’m in service to three princesses with one having just been born daunting enough, and to imagine a fifth? Order and Harmony I would find myself partying with the Pink Demon next!”

Luna to my relief nodded in agreement as she chewed on the chalky treat.

“We find no fault with thee, for the birth of Flurry Heart has shaken my beliefs already, and anymore princesses would be an unnecessary crowd. We may be sharing our night at this rate!” Luna threw her head back in a bellowing laughter at the thought.

“To no more upsets.” I suggested, and offered Luna my tea cup. After a moment she smiled and clanked her own against mine.

“To no more upsets, Field Marshal.”

I learned one can actually choke in a dream much like in real life even as Luna cried of ‘a jest’.

Cersus found herself under escort by Rollie Pollie like she had promised.

The disguised nymph was more shock to be led back to her room as the hallway had an extra hoofful of guards patrolling its length. These guards seemed confused to watch them pass, but said nothing as they continued their assigned duties- her escort seemed relieved.

Another turn put them on the correct path to her room, and filly found herself building an equal mixture of joy and fear as they neared the double set of doors she had grown to recognize as her home away from home. She looked up when the bat mare placed hoof on her shoulder.

“I can get into trouble for doing this, so make this quick. I’ll stand watch outside to keep up appearances.” Rollie Pollie warned as they slowed to a stop in front of the ominous looking doors. “Whatever you do, keep it brief.”

Her friend turned around after that to assume the familiar guard stance Cersus was used to seeing in Canterlot, and even with Rollie next to her, Cersus felt alone.

There was that brief moment she almost backtracked and bolted down the hallway to avoid having to open the door, but before she could even take a single step back a feeling kept her pinned in place. It was a feeling that had been growing stronger since leaving the train all those months ago, and a few certain words in particular Idol had told her.

‘I shouldn’t encourage your radical behavior, but your affection for Topaz is as blatant as hers for you. She dotes on you enough to validate certain claims to parenthood, and if you should express interest in confirming those claims then I won’t stop you.’

‘You mean like a guardian, but better?’

‘A guardian with more responsibilities, young Cersus. I have no options, but you do and should explore them as you desire. If you decide to stay or leave for the hive, I will not stop you, but you are always welcomed with Topaz and myself.’

"Do you want me to stay?"

"My decision should have no bearing on your own. But... I would be aggrieved to see you leave."

That had always stuck with her when out wandering the city watching the few foals interacting with their parents in different scenarios as part of her training. Intelligence gathering has always been important and just because her life is very relaxed at the moment doesn’t mean she’d abandoned her instilled training. Plus after the last two years Cersus finally admitted to herself how she envied her friends ability to return to these parents, while she returned to Topaz and Idol who are already fun on occasion, but that never really felt the same.

But recently that dynamic has shifted.

Cersus knew this by the third month after their arrival, and was ok with that as it meant she might one day be one of those foals running around with their…

“Parents.’

The word was foreign and at times bad to say or think because of the implications it meant imposing on not only herself but Topaz and Idol. Now she wasn’t as resolved to follow the rules Idol had insisted she obey in order for her to return to the hive, because now she didn’t really want to go back.

She readied herself and with some assistance from Rollie Pollie, entered her room for the first time in four days.

At first glance the room appeared to be normal with all of their belongings still where they left them, that embarrassing picture of her hanging on the wall, the writing desk, that small table, two beds with one occupied…

Cersus froze when the door closed behind her and the bed started to stir, but once the movement stopped did she renew her trek further into the bedroom. It was strange sensation she was feeling as she moved closer to the bed, yet the closer she got the more her worry morphed into fear at what she would find underneath the bed’s covers. Would she find a battered and broken changeling or pony wrapped like one of those Abyssinian mummies her friends would dress like during Nightmare Night?

She felt her limbs growing heavy as she reached the bed’s edge, and if she were to look down at her own hooves might even say she saw them weighted down by those fears. Cersus wasn’t a scaredy filly, but she was worried for two of the most important creatures in her life, and hearing about them and seeing them were two different things.

The worried filly decided to save herself the stress and just call out to them.

“Topaz? Idol?” The names came out meekly as if she was hoping to not be heard, but the stirring blankets meant she had been heard. She braced herself for what she might see in these next moments wishing to the princesses it wouldn’t be bad.

“Uh? Cersus..” The voice was soft, and filled with love as Cersus found herself nibbling on the offered treat, and immediately found her body more relaxed as she now fought the need to buzz her wings.

“Topaz!” she rushed onto the bed with an excitement she hadn’t felt since before the angry storm.

This renewed innocence was shattered as collided with the mass and heard a mumbled grunt of nothing…

‘There’s no emotion.’ Cersus didn’t know what to think or do even as the hit finally registered and the love she’d come to cherish made its way to her.

“Cersus.. hey sweetie. I’m glad to see you.” Topaz’s slow response and rough speech indicated she had just woken up, and to give the sluggish mare some space the filly wisely jumped back onto the floor.

“Yea it's me.” She said this time with less enthusiasm as she processed the brief lapse in emotion. She watched with trepidation, but grew excited to see the mare that had been raising her and by all accounts was really good…

Cersus’s smile faltered and wings would not buzz as Topaz withdrew the covers to reveal her smiling face, unable to hide the love she had for the filly. She should be thrilled to see the pegasus, but the bandage wrappings around her wings ruined everything for the filly.

“I thought they were going to wait…” Topaz trailed off as she had to fight to stay awake as the medicine coursed through her body. “...come here so I can hug you.”

It was too much: the request, seeing Topaz hurt, her own emotions, and the knowing it was her fault.

“I’M SORRY!” Cersus cried as she rushed to the bedside. Here the filly bawled without remorse and cried harder when she felt one of Topaz’s wings being draped over her.

“Hey..don’t cry…” Her words fell flat as the filly continued to let the many months of pent up emotions pour from her eyes. “... you’re fine aren’t you?”

“It’s..it..my FAULT!” Cersus wailed further into the sheets as the love continued to tie the two together, and this unfiltered, and pure love for her made her even more heartbroken to have caused her two favorite ponies any amount of pain.

“I would do it again. You.. you were out there, and I needed to find you.” The medicine was losing its grip over the injured pegasus, and with increasing clarity moved closer to the bedside to better comfort her filly.

“Why?” Cersus sobbed out as the wing tried to grip her tighter.

“Why wouldn’t I?” The question was so pure it held no other possible implication than to display the mare’s love for the crying filly, and was glad she was unharmed.

The crying had steadily relaxed the next few minutes as previous thoughts of her friends, and the random foals in the parks creeped back into her forethought, Cersus finally understood what she had been jealous of was for nothing. All of that pretending, and implied ‘required duty’ stuff Idol often recited wasn’t an act anymore than her own need to disguise herself when in public- it was just a habit, and nothing more.

With this understanding, Cersus felt herself inching closer to something she had been wanting to say, and feared she might not have the conviction to go through with it later.

“Ca..can..can I ask..” she struggled getting the words out while fighting the last crying fit. The wing gave way to two waiting hooves to take its place in comforting the filly, and with this encouragement Cersus finally asked a question that had been infesting her.

“Ask me what Cersus?” Topaz was becoming more alert as the last bit of medicine left her system. The crying filly had managed to regain control of her emotions just enough to look the mare in the eyes…

“Can I call you…”

The Dreamscape is a weird and terrifying place for a novice, let alone an inexperienced pony to traverse if you don’t fully understand the reality of bending magic to create a pony version of the hive mind. I hadn’t told Luna any of this, but gleaned she discovered the similarities during my interrogation, and while this still bothered me to some extent I found her ability to create a pseudo hive mind fascinating.

It was this reality I found myself in as the Night Princess demonstrated her newly found abilities claiming we could be linked like the changeling hive mind, but recommend against it on the moral ground of privacy. I second this notion to preserve the balance we already had, and to prevent rouge changelings tangling themselves into our reality, but this didn’t mean Luna planned on abandoning this work to the sands of time.

Order and Harmony she made it clear this would become a side activity in her spare time.

“The Stone work is impressive, and rivals the work of Canterlot Castle. I could almost see the magical residue of the stone pony that cut the very stone.”

“That’s because Celestia was the one that cut the stone. I drew up the base plans while she fitted the stones in the pattern you see before you.” Luna announced as she waved a hoof and half of the ruined wall shifted into the immaculate white marble of Canterlot Castle. “Compare the two.”

I did as instructed even before I could examine the two stone samples, their similarities were already lining up- literally. The ruined stones of the Everfree Castle and Canterlot Castle were nearly identical with the natural erosion and decay the only factor for any imperfections.

“Is this a trick Luna? They’re one and the same.” Surely the princess was pulling a jest at my expense, but turning to see her staring expectantly at me dispelled that belief.

“As we said, Celestia cut every stone used to build both castles, but she did employ help in the construction of course. We may be alicorns, but we do have our limits.”

With that conformation, I tried my hardest not to consider the all mighty alicorns as nothing more than overpowered ponies. To avoid thinking of this heresy, I turned to ask Princess Luna a question in the hopes of distracting myself.

“Why would Princess Celestia cut the stones herself instead of using stone masons or another specialized class of pony?”

“There’s no elaborate reasoning besides the need to quickly erect a suitable fortification against the wild lands of a pre settled Equestria.” The alicorn raised a wing from the bedding she had constructed from giant flowers and with a gust of wind blew away the two castles to reveal a world not unlike the Everfree forest.

“This looks like the Everfree Forest.”

“That’s because it is the same forest you know. When ponies began migrating from the lands of our forebears who escaped the wendigos, they found a wild land untamed, but full of potential. It took nearly three centuries to carve enough of a hoofhold for the very first town to be founded.”

The world fell apart and suddenly we were standing amongst a town like Ponyville if it were surrounded by forest on all sides. Ponies here looked remarkably dressed and civilized for supposedly ancient pony history…

“These ponies are well dressed.”

“We lost much during Discord's reign to a point we nearly started over with Dream Valley or Crystal Empire as it is commonly known today, being the bastion of advancement. It’s the sole reason why the Empire is still impressive today.”

That was new to my ears given I lived in the Empire for almost a full year, and never heard of such a history. Topaz has never mentioned anything close to this history, and even my own standing within the castle hasn’t left me privy to this secret which equally worried me and fascinated me.

“I never heard of this until this very moment, and that worries me princess.”

“Fear not Idol, for Discord and Sombra’s reign did much to erase that past unintentionally, with the citizens doing much of the rewriting themselves. Why else would you change your name unless to hide, and start anew?”

I pondered this for a moment and even tried to shift the dream in order to see the Empire before it had reached its current disposition, but gave up after three attempts. Luna strolled over, and after a brief explanation as she graciously batted a wing and the Empire faded into a single stone tower with a village surrounding the base.

“I’d assume this was the Empire before it became an empire?” I asked, and Luna nodded.

“Indeed. It wouldn’t achieve its height for another five centuries or so, and that was long enough to act as the cradle for ponykind. When we speak of Hearts Warming, and the land our ancestors discovered...” She gestured to the image before us. “...this was that very land.”

“Then why do they refer to it as Equestria in the play?” I asked, wondering if there was any reasoning for changing the location.

“That’s because they did discover Equestria, or the first one at least. See? Dream Valley was the first settlement in Equestria, but as the settlement grew and the crystal caverns were discovered the name slowly changed into the Crystal Empire. The settlement you saw in the Old Everfree Forest- that was our expedition south into New Equestria.”

“Hence why a single city is referred to as ‘an empire.”

“Correct. Most of the northernmost cities were actual provinces of Dream Valley, but after Sombra’s takeover and banishing of the Crystal Empire…”

Luna grew quiet and with another gesture from her wings morphed the dream into a large map of Equestria from the latest update nearly three years ago. With this new information, I located the blank space that would become the Crystal Empire, and the more I studied it, the more I began to understand the implications of this reveal.

“You became a hive without a queen, and thus became your own queen.” That was the best way I could understand this new history being divulged to myself. Luna placed a hoof to her chin and nodded after a moment of thought.

“In a way, we did. Sister and I weren’t even princesses at the time, but prominent generals in the Crystal Legions. After our failure to save the Crystal City, there was a brief power struggle for the remainder of ponykind, but with our combined forces we secured our rule and established Equestria. Claiming ourselves as the continuation of Equestria helped the populace at the time cope better than for us to establish a new empire- it stuck.”

Glancing back to the map left me with more questions than answers with the biggest one wondering ‘why me’? Was Luna’s reasoning for telling me all of this meant to serve a grand purpose I can’t see yet, or to simply share a secret with a pony she could trust?

“Why did you share this with me Luna?” I asked, and the princess didn’t appear surprised but pleased with the question…why is she smirking?

“There are many things we wish to share with you Idol, but first you must do something for us first that is of the most importance.”

“Anything, your highness.”

“Idol Hooves, you must wake.”

No sooner did she make her command known, Luna vanished from the dreamscape leaving me standing in front of a map of Equestria. I stood there for an unknown amount of time wondering what she meant by 'wake up’? Had I missed my alarm or was there a situation on hoof that needed my immediate attention?

Luna’s command was strange and yet oddly concerning as I decided to try and wake up, but found the act wasn’t as simple as opening one’s eyes. I didn’t feel sufficiently rested to be stirred into motion, or exhausted to remain in the dreamscape, and not wanting to completely ignore her command began the process of trying to wake myself up.

Opening my eyes revealed the same map as before, and waving a hoof in front of me shifted the world to Topaz’s home in Canterlot. For a reason beyond my comprehension, I was drawn to this realm, and until Luna’s return would have to remain here for any attempt by a novice to traverse the dreamscape would end in mishap. The princess had warned me of ‘fools that believed they were more skilled than they were’ and lost their very essence in the process.

I summoned my desk from the Crystal Empire into the living room, and began the process of trying to wake myself up.

Chapter 18: A Drifter in a Starry Sea.

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I found myself floating amongst the star lit void as I worriedly went over Luna’s teachings an eighth time with the hopes I might discover a way to ‘wake up’. Progress has been slow and had been setback on occasion when a strange creature of shadow had begun watching, and following me wherever I drifted in the realm of dreams, but so far had made no further effort to further reveal itself to me. This suited me well for I had no dream catcher to combat the manifestation of shadow that took the shape of an alicorn, and dreaded when it felt confident enough to approach me.

It was why I took to drifting among the Dream Realm rather than seeking the restful thoughts of dreaming ponies in the chance this manifestation of shadow needed my help in breaching a dream. The risk wasn’t worth it, and heeding Luna’s advice wound occasion drift close to one of the connecting ley lines and sever the dream’s connection which would force its owner to wake with a sudden jolt. They would fall asleep in time, but would do so long after myself and this strange creature had moved on.

“It still follows.” I told myself as I turned around to watch the strange shadow alicorn looking at me as it moved from one side of the void to the other, never straying too far to lose sight of me.

The emotions oozing from it left me feeling weak as the negativity it radiated could be felt from this vast distance, but did that mean the creature was drawn to me because of the love I possessed? Changelings of course fed on love and had the ability to sense certain emotions in order to guide and help us direct our targets to a more positive result, yet even this wasn’t an exact process ponies believed it was. That was part of the illusion my race had constructed to deal with potential problem targets, and speaking with Cersus taught me just how different our knowledge about the hive differed when it came to dealing with other races.

I was never taught personal interactions, but the young nymph had casually mentioned ‘fear was a tool’ or so her instructor had said one time, but at the time she was too focused on why every nymph was seeing a different color than her. The logic held merit to an infiltrator, but did that also extend to other creatures like this shadow alicorn following me?

The Dream Realm appeared unbothered by the strange creature as if it was a natural part of the dream walking process. Perhaps, I was the oddity and it was watching me out of an unknown duty or desire to protect the realm from interlopers masquerading as a pony? A possibility, but then why would Luna warn me to stay away from such creatures if they were acting in good faith?

“I best keep my course, and hope it wanders off after a time.”

With my limited experience, this appeared to be the correct course as I severed the dreams of ponies in the chance this creature wasn’t friendly.

Time within the Dream Realm was non-existent, and at the mercy of the waking world’s schedule creating the paradox I found myself in; sleep wasn’t needed here, and this allowed me to practice the unknown art Luna felt was worth my understanding until I could ‘wake up’. It was often why I sought a dream out where my presence would be non-intrusive to the individual so I may gleam what day it was or of any important information I could use, but this had proven mostly unsuccessful, and even led me to saving a few ponies from their terrible dreams.

Assuming Luna’s role as dream guardian had passed the time and given me a more hooves on approach to practice what she had taught me, and with no arrogance I had improved enough to mildly accomplish her basic dream duties. Yet, her appearance had been lacking recently making the task all the more imposing.

The shadow alicorn was still following me, but the negativity it proudly radiated had dimmed to what I would assume was annoyance mixed with mild wonderment as its movements cooled into a swimming action not unlike my own. The few glances we shared were never frightful or what I would call dangerous in any form, yet what I would call eyes held a deeper intelligence in them than what I had expected, and that made this creature the more dangerous.

It was during one of my attempts to wake a pony, I had shaped shifted into another form that spooked, and interested the shadow. It made a lite screeching, and attempted to mimic my form. This intrigued me, and after a few simple transformations to test this creature’s abilities of understanding, it became a game of sorts.

I ran out of dreams while moving through the void, and felt compelled to attempt communications with the strange creature; my observation had been correct as the creature demonstrated a basic understanding of speech, and gestures.

“Alright Mr. Shadow, let us try this.” I announced as I shifted my form to resemble another thestral, but with minute differences in the frame and nicked ears. The Shadow alicorn shimmered before taking on a near exact shadow of the thestral with the ears appearing too puffy for my liking, and after pointing this out the shadow corrected the misgiving.

Mimicry had been the next progression where I shifted into a wide range of creatures for the shadow to try its hoof, before I tried my hoof in guessing its own shape.

My biggest source of shock came from its sudden infusion of detail into its shadow shape allowing it to appear more like a pony covered in ink. Based on its appearance, she appeared like a young mare older than Lady Twilight, but younger than Topaz if I were to judge the lack of developed fat deposits that formed around the cheeks, stomach, and rump.

I waved to the shadow mare, and watched as she lifted her right hoof and returned the friendly gesture. Nodding, I repeated the action with the other hoof while saying hello- she did the same thing.

“Your hostility seems mostly gone. So far you appear friendly enough for a wandering shadow even if I can’t throw you.”

The strange mare took a long look at me and then herself before that mist that followed her wrapped itself around her frame and compressed until she was the size of a filly no bigger than Cersus. She peered up with an expectation that I had to put down with a simple explanation when the shape of a question mark appeared over its head.

“It’s an expression I don’t completely understand nor I like to use in daily conversation for the absurdity of its implication.”

Following this display, the shadow mare began moving her mouth eliciting a high pitched mumbling that sounded like nonsense. Paused, and then a string of shadow whipped out of her body and began forming words right above her as she repeated the high pitched mumbling.

“Ponies weird all time? How words true? Not?”

Her speech was severely underdeveloped, and took me a moment to process her words enough for me to properly answer her back.

“Practice. My years living in the pony capital of Canterlot has exposed me to a variety of odd sayings and habits that, while odd, somehow come together to reinforce their motions. For example, when a pony says they’re dead tired, they are near total exhaustion and not in need of a cemetery plot. The phrase alerts others of their restfulness, so they may allow the pony all the rest they require to function.”

“Odd. Pony dream simple. Pleasures and milkshakes.” The words shifted fast enough for her moving mouth unable to keep up. “Duties keep we. Mother return often.”

“Oh. I was unaware you had a mother, and for that I must apologize. I was under the impression you were created out of the very void we’re currently swimming in.”

“We was.” The shadow mare giggled as she lazily swam upside down in a circle. “Mother made we. Took Dream Realm, and create we. Gave star eyes, see?”

Squinting at the flickering lights in her head turned out to be her blinking, and in fact her eyes were two little stars that had been pressed into her form like buttons on a foal’s doll.

“Your mother is very skilled to have created your likeness, for many ponies can only perform simple spells at the least.”

“Mother yes. Watches ponies sleep and fight monsters. Like mother.” The filly sized shadow became covered in her strange darkness, and grew larger than a normal pony to reveal the alicorn form that had pursued me. “ No pony like her. Many wear pieces of her. One wears wings, one wears a horn. One wears none at all!”

It was by this time I noticed a gradual shift in her sentence formation and deemed she was learning the longer we spoke about whatever it was we were talking about. Changelings were forced to adapt quickly to survive, but to possess her speed would have elevated our hive to new heights none but the queen could have suggested possible.

“You’re a quick learner… I never asked, but what is your name if I could ask? I’m known as Idol Hooves of Canterlot, and serve her highnesses.”

The Alicorn size shadow had another question mark appear over her head, and after repeating my name several times and gesturing to myself did the question mark straighten out into an exclamation mark. The Shadow alicorn began ‘talking’ once more, copying my gestures on herself.

“We Tantabus. Mother calls and we answer…” The alicorn lowered her head and began kicking up imaginary rocks as her earlier excitement mellowed into a cool acceptance with a thin layer of self loathing. I spoke up, feeling a need to help.

“Ponies would help their parents without resorting to bribes of encouragement to return years of previously rendered assistance. I have yet to experience this future assistance, but I’m not completely unaware how a foal should view their mother. Does she hurt you?”

“By her request. We are required to inflict torment upon Mother’s dreams. Mother claims sentence for crimes, but we know not.”

It was the way she spoke that finally alerted me to what I had been missing since laying eyes on the mysterious shadow alicorn…

“Is your mother Princess Luna?” The coincidences were very close to ignoring, and by all accounts the princess has a right to certain privacies as a normal pony is entitled, even so, to leave a child alone in the Dream Realm was unacceptable.

The name appeared to hold some meaning, as the Tantabus titled its head quizzingly before her body became dark with shadow; her features became more detailed and her shape was altered to reflect a smaller alicorn that strongly resembled Princess Luna.

I will be talking to the princess next time I see her.

“This is mother. “ The Tantabus quickly shifted back to its original alicorn shape after word. “We try not be mother, but take form for love.”

“The pony expression, ‘mimicry, is the highest form of flattery’ comes to mind Miss. Your love for the princess is strong and you express yourself by trying to copy her example.” The mare seemed to consider my words, and nodded.

“Mother is love. Mother is life. We are both. Mother makes difficult request, and hurts us.”

“Ah yes. I believe I know what you’re referring to Tantabus for having taken care of the princess over a year ago when she fell ill.” The Shadow’s exclamation mark appeared over its head, but didn’t probe further. “The princess and I became comfortable enough with each other for her to reveal some of her past grievances. Her guilt drives her to seek reparations for a crime I’m afraid might never be fully forgiven. She shouldn't have involved you Tantabus.”

“We owe mother for creation, we must repay. If not us then who will help mother, you?“

“My duties stretch me thin, but if Princess Luna requires my assistance she will have it. Scheduling provided, I shall start with our next encounter once I manage to wake up, or chance upon her in the Dream Realm .”

“Wake up? Are you not like mother?” The shadow Alicorn asked as she spun in place, her starry eyes dimming against the backdrop. “We rest with a dream. Eyes go dark, and dream.”

“I can’t use any dream, but my own per Luna’s instructions. This has proven difficult for I know I sleep, yet I don’t dream in the conventional sense and sought the comfort of other pony’s dreams. Your Mother has not visited me in…” Idol blinked when he couldn't recall how long he had been drifting through the sea of stars as the landscape never changed.

“Mother has been absent.” The alicorn’s body wilted at the statement, but bolted upright when a much happier thought came up“We are lonely, but happy to not follow mothers call. Her requests fill we..us… with sorrow, but us must or mother be angry.”

“At the continued depletion of your mental health? I think not, for no considerate parent would willingly put their foal into that predicament in the first place, so I propose a solution. You protect your mother by not following her orders.”

The shadow flatline as the mare processed my words until the shadow began forming pictures in a set sequence. I watched the moving pictures with rapid attention as they differed between several line drawings of an alicorn with a crown waving her hooves and yelling with the last one being a crying Tantabus. I nodded to the first few, but shook my head no at the final picture.

“ The princess’s temper is well known, especially from experience.” I fought the urge to feel my neck as the memory of her interrogation came back. “Her highness feels her punishment had been inadequate, and thus has you distributing punishment on her behalf as a penance for a crime long paid for. You refuse. Luna will be unable to punish herself, and you, Tantabus, would be spared the heartache of hurting your own mother.”

“We think on Idol’s word. Mother seeks help, and only us help. We talk again later?” The tantabus spoke, and this time I mean spoke. Her words were less jumbled and full of grinding sparks, but distorted words that could be understood with a little patience. I nodded.

“My duty requires me to be available to listen and offer advice as needed, and that extends to my personal life as well. As I previously mentioned, if you can not find me, than I’ll ask Luna to deliver a message.”

The Shadow Alicorn raised a hoof and began shaking it left and right- not the whole foreleg mind you, but just the hoof itself. The words “Goodbye Non Mother.” formed above her head, and then she faded into the starry backdrop of the Dream Realm.

“Goodbye Tantabus.” I waved at the spot she had just departed, and with a lighter heart continued traversing the Dram Realm in search of a way to ‘wake up’.

This time I left any dreams I discovered intact. The threat had proven non-existent, and because I could not wake doesn’t mean those ponies had to.

Chapter 19: Officer and the Gentlecolt

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The sun shone bright in the high noon sky above the rustic town constructed of pine and cedar. Where these ponies found the wood in the middle of the desert was lost to interpretation, but that mattered little as I watched the blank face ponies scattered throughout the town with little purpose other than to stand in one spot. I wisely waited behind the town sign since the edge of the dream was to my back, and had watched looking for any indication why this dream was turning into a bad dream.

My only guesses were the startling statues, but that could just be me.

The Tantabus and myself had been corresponding since our first encounter, and to my great sadness have yet to learn how long it has been since entering the Dream Realm: Princess Luna has remained missing or so the Tantabus has observed. Its duty has been unfulfilled, and to her limited knowledge Luna hasn’t been performing her dream walking duties either, only adding to the mystery.

This left me in the unfortunate bind of having no further instruction into dream walking, or contact with the outside world as my reluctance to enter another pony’s dream greatly limited what knowledge I could have gleaned. A small annoyance in the greater design of the Order and Harmony, and like a good guard I took the sudden increase in time to continue performing my guard oaths while helping Luna with her own expected duties at the same time- I would start ridding ponies of their apparitions of the mind.

“I see nothing, but the statue figures.” I noted. My eyes were more focused on the windows in the chance a stray shadow might be seen, but the glare of the sun ruined my sight.

A wind of mild refreshness blew over the town strong enough to pick up a thin layer of dust, or flutter the cloaks of the faceless ponies as they stood at attention. I had entered this dream on the Tantabus’ request citing its mildness would provide enough work, but not overwhelm a being of my experience. When I crossed the barrier, I’d expected she would have followed, but found no presence of the shadow alicorn nor an indication she had crossed somewhere else leaving myself the sole benefactor of this mission.

Against my own judgment and training, I decided the best course was to enter the town from the main road to see if I could provoke a response from either the dreamer or the creature trying to infect it. The idea worked, for no sooner had the first hoofsteps reached my ears did the heads of every faceless statue turned to watch me trot down the fresh dirt path, but nothing more. I even greeted a few out of habit rather than curiosity which garnered the attention of a few further in the eight building town.

Based on its location and construction, I could safely guess it was one of the frontier settlements located near the southern desert that divided Equestria from the Badlands- my former home. I never came across one of these settlements myself, but later learned of them through a few sparse interactions of ponies moving to these new parts in search of a ‘free’ land. That notion made my muzzle wrinkle with disgust for the lack of respect, but held my tongue and let them be for it served no purpose to pursue an argument with them.

Now I found myself walking into the middle of this ‘free land’ with a sense of dread as the pony statues continued to turn my way, and I might have seen one blink if that were all possible, which it was given this was all a dream. For a town of eight buildings, I was getting lost in the streets as each path looped me around one building that bore resemblance to another building than the one I had just passed. It was like walking past the Pony Express, and turning the corner to find the building suddenly became a café.

“Hello?” I asked, having heard what sounded like hooves crushing rocks from behind.

The wind picked up once more, but this time it brought a storm on its heels; I debated staying outside, but gave that up when the clouds literally began throwing snowballs at the town. My shelter of choice became the local general store that appeared before me with a sign out front advertising its vacancy. I felt conflicting emotions coming from within the building the moment I entered the business, and found the signs on the counter boasting ‘Not allowed’ and ‘ Meanies will be in trouble’ to contradict the loneliness that coated everything.

I proceed further into the establishment searching for the source of this isolation by checking the storeroom that had manifested just a second ago, yet opening the door highlighted a dangerous lack of merchandise. I closed the door and turned my attention to the wall on the opposite side of me, and watched as the window grew to reach the floor before opening left to right creating a space near equal to my height.

This invitation was enough for me to proceed carefully as the evidence of either the hunter or victim actively aware of my presence to manipulate the very dream meant one of two things- 1, I was being guided by the dreamer to help them, or 2, the one causing this torment was luring me into a trap of its spread malediction upon myself.

The way had been presented to me, and by an adventurer's oath accepted the invitation.

Crawling through the grown window exposed another change in the dream with the general store shifting into the dwelling of a respectable home- silk curtains dyed into several pinks, and blues decorated the windows as crystal chandeliers reigned over the large marble floor room. A long rug wide enough for two ponies to trot side by side had been rolled out with care, for a single crease couldn’t be found nor a stain of the weaved thread could be seen leading a pony to the only door in the room.

Caution and vigor propelled me forward as more of the blank face ponies began teleporting into the room, but I paid them no heed as the source of this loneliness quickly turning into anger lurked behind the very door. Here my accumulation of experiences came into fruition leading to this very moment…

“Hello? Is anypony there?” I asked after knocking on the door.

I waited a respective three hooves back to give any potential pony a chance to open the door without having myself entering their space. Thank Order and Harmony I didn’t have to wait long for a low and dull clip clop was finally heard approaching the door, and as expected the accompanying struggles of a pony too small to open the door were heard as they desperately tried reaching for the handle. The door creaked open to allow a narrow space barely big enough to fit a face was my only window into the room.

“Go uh way pwease.” The foalish voice was polite, but resentful for the disturbance, and rightly so under normal circumstances. This wasn't one of those acceptable circumstances that required me to keep myself restrained due to the potential fallout if left to its own designs.

“I’m afraid that won’t be possible in the current moment with the approaching storm. Could I stay until the storm passes?” I asked hoping the worried dreamer would allow me the chance to find the cause of their anguish.

There was no sound as the dream itself waited to hear their answer, and from my limited experience had learned when a dream reacts with this level of awareness usually means the dreamer was trapped within. This wasn’t a guarantee of course, but from my own experience, and the Tantabus’s own teachings were all I had to go on.

“Wel..ok misser. Until the storm is gone.” The voice told me when the door separating us finally opened.

I don’t know what I had expected, but to find a colt barely passed his fourth birthday standing there with an Officer Friendly plush positioned between me and the foal was never too high on the list. I’ll admit my mistake for staring longer than intended, but the scene before me was very strange to see when you try your hardest to distance yourself from the inspired toy brand. The foal’s eyes began to sparkle with recognition, but the doll took a step forward and glared at me.

“Halt stranger! Who are you? State your business with the young cadet.” The foal looked eager to say something, but remained calm as an excited foal could when the doll raised a hoof to keep him quiet.

“I am myself an officer within the Crystal Guard, but I am known by the name of Idol Hooves. A pleasure sir.”

I learned a great deal from our chat, and that was mostly from the little doll that looked alot like me as the foal had the idea I was the real Officer Friendly; of course that is true even if I was the model for the doll, but that didn’t bestow upon me permission to impersonate an officer… even if I was an Officer of the Crystal Guard that resembled the doll eying me up.

“I still don’t like it. Your time is too well convinced to be considered believable all the while you pretend to be me?” The doll crossed his forehooves together as he sat on his rear, not pleased that the young colt pulled rank and allowed the ‘huge Officer Friendly’ doll to join them in their safe place.

I actually agreed with the doll, but said nothing as the colt’s emotions gradually corrected itself to reveal the long suppressed smile he had been fighting since seeing me earlier. The colt was an earth pony with spring colors of green fur, and a bright yellow mane who acted as if he won the grand prize at the local fair as he marveled at me. It was flattering, but uncomfortable to be viewed in this light all the time which was why I sought to separate myself from the toy line to reduce this torrent of emotions- I still never corrected the colt though.

“In any normal circumstance I would agree with you, Officer Friendly, yet my arrival here seems more prudent than before. Are you aware of blank faced ponies wandering about your town with no sense of purpose other than loitering at certain intersections?” The colt’s smile soured, but the doll’s expression grew grim at the news, making me believe the creepy ponies were part of the cause.

“Their disregard for even the most basic courtesy was our only problem until they changed their tactics…” The doll uncrossed his forelegs and pointed to the wall behind him as several stick pony drawings appeared on the wall. “We continued our observations when we noticed this trend, but gave up when they grew resistant to our presence. We’ve been held up in here ever since.”

“We were swamming in the oatswen…” The colt started but stopped and looked to the doll whose stitched muzzle tilted down, but moved closer so he could place one of his plush hooves on the colt’s shoulder. This encouraged the colt to continue recounting some event that might have led to this moment. “... anna ..anna than I waz hear. The ponies cam after me, but I ran an found this roam.”

“I was in the area and heard his call, and rushed to his aid. The blank face ponies besieged us ever since with a fury unbecoming of normal ponies leaving me to believe they’re not ponies.”

“A sound deduction. I had noticed their lack of pony features disturbing myself.” I added. “They were very.. at odds with my appearance and made their comfort known.”

“I do reconnaissance when time permits for the weather here is unpredictable, but recent observations have concluded they’re being led by something.” The Doll shifted uncomfortably as he tried not to cause the colt further distress, but knew the information needed to be shared.

“Something? As in a creature?” They nodded

“It waz scawy.” The colt looked up with the fear evident in his eyes. “It had fangs, an wood bark a lot.”

“The creature in question had red eyes and three heads. I never encountered any creature of the likes before in my service to the city, and I won’t complain if I never see it again.” The doll to my surprise shook with fear as he spoke. “The beast uses the ponies as sentinels for the day before pressing its search at night which we have avoided so far.”

I sat down to further process this information a bit startled by the severity of this growing nightmare. The act of engaging in these shadow beasts was the sole responsibility of the princess for good reason as these dream constructs reserved the ability to control a dream at their discretion. Never before had my limited training required dealing with such an adversary, yet I couldn’t in good faith nor on my oaths leave this colt to a nightmare of an increasing threat level. This Officer Friendly doll knew as well the threat this nightmare could become if left unchecked and to his great credit had reacted well in defense of the foal, but there was only so much the stuffed doll could do- he needed my help.

“Perhaps an alliance is in order? I’m but a visitor to your realm, but capable of ‘throwing hooves’ as the Crystal Recruits declare before their sanctioned duels. Do you have a plan?” I asked the doll, but it was the colt that seemed more excited by the offer for help.

“Wood you!? Two Off-it-sirs Friendlies wood be so kool!” I tried hiding my smile as the doll seemed even less eager at the proposed alliance, and I felt my excitement at the colt’s outburst might spur the plush doll to decline.

“An alliance proves beneficial…” He rubbed his muzzle as he set down, causing himself to squeak in the process. “...but I still don’t completely trust you citizen. I mean guard. How can we be sure you weren’t sent here in disguise by the very creature looking for us?”

“You can not.” I shrugged and watched as the doll quickly stood up, while the colt looked more unsure of my presence. “All I have is my word that I am what I am, and not what I could be. My Guard Oaths are taken very seriously, and have been reaffirmed by her Highness Luna.”

“The Commissioner sent you? I thought she was missing when the Rowdy Pack from the down block raided our station a few months back?.” He was more suspicious but even he couldn't mask the hope in his stitched eyes that I wasn’t there to capture them, but in fact help them like I stated. I nodded, playing along.

“I can attest the Commissioner is safe but a little troubled or so her daughter has told me.”

“What pony could blame her? Those mutts are a tough lot on their own, but that raid was not normal.” The doll began pacing between me and the colt as he seemed more relaxed, and willing to trust my words for the time being.

“She can be difficult, but that is a requirement of the job is it not?” I asked.

“True enough.” The doll chuckled, and this time I smiled.

“Indeed. I am partly saddened to admit her brash attitude has induced a thought or two that shouldn’t have been conjured at all. Her speeches are a treat though.”

We both laughed for different reasons, but in that moment we shared a common ground. A break before we gathered ourselves in preparation to find this nightmare before he could usher further harm until the colt and his dream. The Tantabus was still missing, and hopefully she found her way out for I worried what the nightmare of this dream might do to the young shadow.

Our plan was simple as it was dangerous.

We were going to split up leaving the colt within the safety of the bedroom while Officer Friendly and myself would perform reconnaissance of the building before pressing into the town. The plan is we shall stick close together to avoid separation and deprive the enemy a chance to capture one of alone; if we should locate/encounter the nightmare during the scouting, I’m to use my guard training to capture its attention in the hopes of buying Officer Friendly a chance to sneak close for a surprise attack.

The unicorn doll can use magic…

“It’s limited, but might be enough to injure the nightmare for a follow up attack.” The doll whispered as we took position against the doorframe that led to the main lobby of the general store.

Because of his height, the plush doll peered through looking for possible threats, but after a moment gave the indication the room was clear and proceeded to move swiftly in hugging the wall until he reached one of the counters. Here he pressed himself against its wooden surface before remembering his stitching and eased off of it, before creeping along its length so it exposed him to the general shopping area.

I watched with bated breath for any sign of nightmarish activity, but the longer we remained silent the more the room seemed uninterested in our presence. Officer Friendly gave a lite tap tap on the counter and waited before repeating the noise again- there was no response.

“Clear.” the doll gave a low, but harsh whisper. I entered the room with more confidence than before, but still continued peering at every corner.

“Perhaps they truly don’t know about his building?” I alluded to the idea this might genuinely be a set up or a real safe place constructed by the dreamer unknowingly.

“Maybe…” Officer Friendly had set down and crossed his forelegs once more as a sign of him deep in thought for a moment before shrugging. “It’s all too convenient for my liking, but it means we hold the element of surprise just a little bit longer. That in itself might prove to be our one advantage over this nightmare.”

“Agreed. But I suggest we assume the element of surprise has been lost and proceed expecting to be ambushed. I would rather expect an attack and be attacked than not expect one and learn the errors of ignorance.”

“Fair enough Guard Idol. Shall I lead the way like before?”

“Please. The lower profile might avert some eyes intended for us if just for the moment, and that might be enough.”

Officer Friendly led the way after that, first peeking his head outside and peering down the road where some of the blank faced ponies could be seen standing at the end of street, or next to the side of building across the street. The wind was absent now as the sun shone overhead in mimicry of the western towns located along the vacant Buffalo Pastures on Equestria’s western borders. I wondered if this was the nightmare’s to enhance his dominance or the foal’s doing in an effort to reestablish some stability into the madding dream by recreating the “Pie Fight’s almost two years ago; the reasoning won’t be known to me as the two of us proceed down the street, but I found the town appropriate.

We’re two lawstallions looking to dispense justice in a town overrun by a nightmare gang.

This scene came to life in my head as I recalled an early favorite character I used during one of my Catacombs and Spiders games and how the clockwork stallion performed his duties. I had envisioned the mechanical justice dealer being the opposite of myself, in that the stallion would announce himself to draw whatever wrongdoers out into the open- we wouldn’t be doing that.

Instead, we’ll be acting like Shining’s favorite rogue that specializes in guises for ‘stealth missions’ as he called them, and that was appropriate for our mission required nothing short of being sneaky. The doll was small, and wise enough to not need this guidance leaving myself able to practice the real life LARP in secluded silence. Enjoying the game was fun amongst the proper company, to practice game mechanics in real life situations was taking it a step too far.

Which was why I refused to hum any theme song as we slipped past another intersection with the blank faced ponies standing in the middle of the road.

Our silent excursion into town didn’t go fully unnoticed as several of the mysterious ponies turned their ears or heads toward our direction...

“He’s humming a stealth theme isn’t?” I asked myself, and gritted my teeth as he was indeed humming a tune while crouching low.

I almost trotted to the doll to reprimand his actions when one of the blank face ponies literally materialized a few hoof steps in front of the doll, but before I could react Officer Friendly hummed even louder and walked right past the strange pony with a glance. The urge to slap the disbelief out of my system grew strong, but fell flat when the strange pony began turning toward me; I gritted my teeth and hummed the same tune the doll had been humming, and watched as the blank face returned looking toward the street.

“Luna can keep her dream walking.” I told myself, as dream logic was for the pigeons.

Officer Friendly was four paces ahead of me by the time I caught up, where he stopped and raised a hoof signaling me to stop, which I promptly did, watching as the plush doll hugged the building’s wall even more as he slinked closer to an open window. A faint scent of baked flower and hay carefully trailed out into my nostrils as if trying to bribe my senses to a falsehoods of sorts, which thankfully the prominent Officer Friendly doll was immune and in a fascinating correlation of physical movement and use of magic to reach the window ledge. He peered inside and to my mild shock leaped into the room where the scent originated from without a word of his intentions.

I resisted the urge to call out or move forward as the risk was too great to take in the chance the little doll needed the silence, or my sudden outcry would spur the blank ponies into action. I pricked my ears up listening for a cry of help to bound through the window, or the speaking of a doll being thrown across the room, but it never came. Instead, an almost tapping of stuffing hitting the floor made its way to the wall next to the window, where the outline of a door appeared into the wooden planks and swung inward to reveal Officer Friendly standing there looking surprised to see me.

“It appears the pantry door leads outside.” He calmly stated, and looked back inside “No sign of any baked goods yet, but this house is strange and I don’t mean this door. I can’t place my plush hoof on it , but I recognize this home almost like I’ve lived here before as I recall where things are, yet it escapes me. ”

“Perhaps a former memory before entering the Dream Realm? In my very limited instruction, her High..Commissioner Luna, informed me of monsters that would draw upon a creature’s memories to gain some advantage over them. “

“Just you? Wouldn’t this information be valuable to all the precincts?” the doll questioned as we closed the pantry door, and proceeded into the kitchen once more. I nodded.

“The information would be a boon, yet the Commissioner felt the knowledge would better benefit a select few specially trained to combat such a threat. She felt over sharing of that knowledge would leak and be used against the local law enforcement, but how it could I can not say without only guessing.”

We fell silent once again as Officer Friendly took the lead, and led us through the house looking for a clue to the importance of this home. Leaving the kitchen brought us into the main living area where a single large red sofa, two matching single red comfort chairs, and a large glass table occupying the space in front of the seating furniture. A large painting of sand and ocean was hanging on the wall to the left of this arrangement while a large crystal suspended by an apparatus constructed from fiber rope levitated the object from the ceiling, casting a light onto the wall directly opposite of the sofa- an image of three ponies could be made out.

“That’s the young master if I ever saw him, but the two blank face ponies next to him I don’t recall. His parents most likely, but Dusty never mentioned anything about them.” Officer Friendly dejected as he strolled closer to the image.

“Maybe the nightmare’s power is stronger than first noted if it can isolate its prey emotionally. Your appearance is a blessing else I fear the colt might have fallen far sooner.” I watched the doll’s reaction for an inkling of emotion so I may better judge the other sole occupant of the dream. His ears pinned as he whirled around and raised a hoof before dropping it.

“I never considered that kind of power…” He looked once more at the image being projected onto the wall once more. “How long have we been under siege for this creature to gain so much strength?”

“I can not say, but wish I’d known of this nightmare sooner.”

It was at that moment a loud boom was heard like something heavy had fallen from upstairs, and a quick search exposed a hidden staircase behind a door. With nothing holding us, I went up the stairs with Officer Friendly clinging to my back for the duration of the climb, for this too quickly became another obstacle set by the nightmare. We had counted nearly 200 stairs when a door appeared before us with a sign stating ‘Welcome’.

You had to have been born under a rock like myself to see the greeting as a mockery of the journey so far. We entered anyway.

My line of work required me to keep an open mind and expect the unexpected so my fellow guards and myself could adapt on the trot, and this philosophy had served us well since the Guard’s founding several centuries prior. Today, I can say the unexpected was most definitely not what I had expected as Officer Friendly and myself entered the room.

We entered a foal’s room if the bright colored walls, and toys were to be assessed properly.

“This room is important, I can feel it in my cotton filled hooves.”

“This is Dusty’s room is it not?” I asked, and the doll nodded after looking around the room.

“I believe so. It looks right, but feels wrong you know? A feeling like somepony came in and moved something.” He moved toward the bed and in a swift movement leaped onto its Officer Friendly themed sheets to emphasize this point. “I remember…these were another theme, and not Police themed. Same with the desk! That was constructed from refurbished wood taken from a boat or so Dusty told me.”

We began our search of the room after that looking for further clues to the colt’s identity or to Officer Friendly’s connection with the colt, but found nothing. Sadden by this we returned to the ground floor and into the living area where the picture being projected onto the wall had changed- a colt and stallion in front of a pier. OF had no idea of the colt or stallion in that picture, but with that information stowed away for the moment, we made our way back outside.

“Were there clouds in the sky?” I asked, looking at the looming storm clouds gathering just on the border of the three buildings… “ There’s more buildings than before.”

“I can’t see… you’re right.” OF confirmed as he crawled onto my back.

Before the town was composed of three buildings that changed placement and rotation as you moved down the lone street, but now another five distinct buildings could be made out with signs of various states of repair. A bakery, three houses, and a black smith with a plume of smoke that rose into the sky above and fused with gathering mass.

“The Blacksmith then? I asked.

“You know it.”

This time we abandoned stealth in favor of speed, and thank Order and Harmony none of the blank faced ponies attempted to stop us as we dashed across the dirt road toward the rustic barn that served as the black smith. The sliding doors were old and large enough to properly allow a Royal Carriage through with room to spare, but the wood used in its construction was brittle and thin allowing us to peer inside- a fire and a pony working.

Without a word we ignited our magic and swiftly opened the sliding door where the only light inside was the glowing fire and the silhouette of a pony hammering away without a sound being made.

“State your name, citizen!” The doll called out from my back, completely ignoring the lack of sound around us as the silhouette slowed its pace to a standstill.

“Friendly…I feel we should take a step back.” I whispered to the doll as I began retreating toward the barn door, but my companion felt the withdrawal was too soon and leaped off my back.

“Nonsense guard! We’re here to apprehend the nightmare at once, and I shall do just that!”

He rushed the shadow pony who was now turning around to peer at the brash plush with red coal eyes- I took another step back.

“Halt Officer!” I commanded the doll and to my surprise he did as instructed. "Regroup outside.”

He hesitated, but followed my order as the silhouette began growing more grotesque as it grew larger and larger to a point it lost the pony shape, gradually growing rounder with a set of horns protruding from where the mouth would be.

“ I am this dream’s master…” It’s voiced rumbled with a calculated control I’ve only heard demonstrated by the princesses or ponies in similar power. “... and will release it when I see fit.”

We had just reached the street when a low groan escaped the converted barn before exploding in a display of power and disregard for the surrounding township, but the giant minotaur-like shadow didn’t stop as it grew taller and taller until it reached the very clouds themselves.

“More like a bipedal pig. You can tell by the snout and tasks growing from its mouth.” The doll shouted as we continued our retreat.

“Maybe you are correct that my exposure to such bipeds is limited, but now is not the time.” I shot back as the being reached in the clouds and extracted a three pronged trident as long as itself. It pointed the weapon at us and the tips began sparking with electrical current before discharging the energy toward us.

It was now in this dire situation that we abandoned stealth and began using the dream logic that governs the sleeping realm, and with a thought and will to make it happen, we leaped out of the blast radius. I landed on the opposite end of town on one of the new houses while my companion seemed to be flying through the air with his forelegs extended out trying to engage the nightmare.

He would need my assistance very soon, but to blindly rush in would only ruin any chance we might have at stopping the crazed monster. It seemed easily distracted enough as it extended its arm out and fired another blast from the trident, incinerating several buildings in the process; Officer Friendly took advantage of the missed attack and flew directly toward the nightmare, and fired off two blasts of his horn before retreating a safe distance. The attack did nothing.

Unable to stand by in this crucial moment, I made the leaps from rooftop to rooftop until I was at the base of the massive shadow using the storm clouds as a cape with no luck hitting the very small doll. I began preparing a spell based off one an absurd story Shinng had told me and the thought of performing the action rattled my body with regret for I could never do the deed in real life.

“Forgive me Topaz.”

Next to me Topaz appeared in her Deputy Affectionate uniform, which I scooped up the silent mare and threw the pegasus toward the pig manifestation with a dazzling speed that surprised me. Developing a mind of her own, she dodged some swipes of the weapon until she reached the nightmare’s face where she shouted:

“I shall Love and tolerate you!” and promptly exploded in a flashing light of pink love, and mellow blue friendship.

The beast squealed and quickly covered its face with its free hand- we attacked. I quickly threw another Topaz at the nightmare while Officer Friendly flew from the side and above with a signature move he proclaimed was ‘Flying Justice’ and further enraged the beast. It gave a loud squeal and before we could react glowed in a terrifying display of raw energy and stabbed his staff into the building underneath him, the ground, and the world around grew bright as I felt my hooves body being lifted off the building.

I was flung far. The Impact stunning myself as the physics of this dream clamored for realism now causing my damaged body great pain to hinder my breathing. The words couldn’t escape, but I cried in my mind for Officer Friendly and Topaz in the hope they were alright and by my side- they weren’t.

“Your attempts are nothing to me. I shall have this colt, and move on to another, yet you will not leave this unmolested.”

The town was gone and all that was left was a barren desert under storm clouds surrounding the pillar of the great beast. It raised its massive three pronged trident high into the sky for what I guessed would be another attack when a massive shot of silver light ripped through the clouds and smacked the beast in the chest, flinging the nightmare back.

“BEGONE FOUL BEAST! THIS DREAM BELONGS NONE BUT ME ALONE!”

What I thought was Luna coming to save my chitin turned out to be partially true. In a display not unlike the nightmare came forth an alicorn composed of shadow, and resembled the princess in every way, but its shining eyes that mirrored stars in the night sky clued me to the identity of this alicorn.

“No…how did you escape?”

“A FEEBLE SHOW AT BEST! WE ARE THE ALICORN OF DREAMS, AND WILL BEND TO NONE BUT THE GOOD TIDINGS OF THE INNOCENT!” The Tantabus disguised as Luna reared onto her hind hooves and smashed her forehooves into the very ground with a great shock.

The nightmare fell back once more to the ground as it… no.. the whole dream around us began to split and fracture like broken glass. The clouds gave way first and fell to the ground with a poof, the land tore and splintered to reveal the very Dream Realm underneath with a hiss and whine that I hear for the next year. I was lost to the reasoning behind the dream’s deconstruction, but the nightmare’s eyes were wide with worry as it knew the meaning that was lost to me.

“You reckless fool, do you know what happens when the foal awakens? We will be lost to the void, and so will you.”

“THEN IT SHALL BE WORTH!” The Tantabus shouted.

I tried moving from the splitting earth, but the pain was too incredible leaving me gasping from the shock. The dream couldn’t hold any longer as whatever the Tantabus did proved too great, the ground finally split in two to expose the dream realm.

“FAREWELL, NOT MOTHER IDOL. MAY YOU FIND THE COMFORT YOU SEEK, FOR YOU HAVE BROUGHT IT UPON ME. THIS IS WHAT I CHOOSE.”

The nightmare made one final attempt to end the destruction of the dream, and threw its trident toward the shadow alicorn, piercing her chest, but she remained firm in her mission even as the charged weapon pulsed with a deadly energy I couldn’t make out. She gave one final shout of defiance and the world was consumed with that silver light that resembled the delicate rays of the glowing moon.

On the West Coast of Equestria rests an old town at the end of the Colter River that bleeds into the Mareitime Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Western Equestria that needs its own ferry system to traverse one end to the next. The town is as modern as any of the larger towns on the East Coast, but somehow retained its small town feel over the past couple of centuries to create a very close knit community that treat each other as family rather than neighbors.

This made the tragic boating accident nearly three weeks prior all the more tragic where it severely injured a father and put the son into a coma.

The colt managed to mostly recover during the past weeks, but had yet to waken up despite all the medical and magical assistance the town had to spare, and so the father would visit his son every day for two hours before returning home leaving the clinic staff to watch the young colt for the rest of day. It was during her normal rounds that Nurse Caduceus Staff entered the room of her final patient, Dusty Sky, before she could retire to the monitoring station for until morning.

The monitoring system declared all vitals were normal and no abnormalities had developed since yesterday meaning the young colt was good for another night. She had just replaced the chart when a soft squeak caught her ears, and turning around discovered that the guard doll the colt loved so much had fallen onto the floor. Strange for it was supposedly nestled between the colt and the bed’s railing, but that could be fixed real quick…

A sound disturbed her thoughts as she turned to the bed and nearly faint in shock as the sleeping colt began stirring.

“DOCTOR! NURSE! THE COLT IS WAKING UP!” She cried while running out of the room, yelling for any and everypony that would listen to her.

For the town and especially the father this would be fantastic news met with celebration and wonder of the colts tale of how he was saved by two Officer Friendlies, only furthering the legend of this famous selling doll.

But in another part of Equestria, another pony was finally waking up since facing his own desperate struggle.

Chapter 20: A slap in the right direciton.

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It was mid afternoon if I had to guess, when my eyesight regained enough focus to separate all of the colors from the white glare, but the haze over my sight was ever present. This was being corrected as the minutes ticked by, but the best I could describe the experience would be to think of a watercolor painting and then smearing it with your hoof; the colors and general outline of the image is still there, but diluted.

Oh, and my body felt extremely lethargic to a fault. The act of lifting my head left me almost breathless the first time, but gradually lessened as I attempted to assert some control over my body- my legs fared no better. Unable to stand because of a lack of strength became a secondary worry when I noticed a distinct lack of holes in my legs. This sent me scrambling for a recollection of memories to explain this horrifying shift in biology, and the belief that a certain nymph snuck in and filled the holes up while I slept became more accepting than the possibility a terrible fate had befallen me.

I looked around the room trying to take my mind off of the ridiculous, but still plausible notion when I noticed the room had been rearranged since the last time I was awake. The Element Bearers were supposed to arrive, and to give them the space to reconnect with the royal family, Topaz, Cersus and myself left for the University…

“CERSUS! TOPAZ!” Certain memories came galloping back and this time I managed to sit up right. It didn't last long as the weight of some lingering pain inflicted me forcing me to lay down once more, but my memories for why I was this way were a blur…

“I swear to Order and Harmony it was the blizzard, but I see no evidence of it. Maybe I was trapped in a nightmare, and that is why Luna sought to wake me?” Possible, but I wouldn’t know laying around wasting the day away when the answers I seek, and my duties require my ability to get out of bed.

I gritted my teeth as the act of moving my body was a struggle, but eventually the strength of a changeling that had spent years absorbing natural, and unfiltered love took its effect, for the numbness gradually declined and I was able to regain the most basic functions of my limbs. This allowed me to stagger off the bed enough to stand on unease hooves while I struggled to catch my breath from the mild exertion.

The holes that had always been a part of my appearance, and considered a changeling’s defining characteristic were notably absent from my legs, but that bothered me little then the amount of exhaustion I was feeling by standing up. I caught a break and on weak legs stiffly walked to the dresser Topaz, and myself used to better view what other changes my body might have undergone, for my own thoughts could not be trusted. I swore the amount of time I lost Topaz and Cersus in that storm, or I fell prey to a nightmare I couldn’t say, but the signs were mounting it being more than a day.

“A week?” Month?” I asked myself, and noticed the hoarse tone my voice carried, and discovered trying to say another word became more difficult than two words earlier.

I held off talking for the moment and turned my attention to the reflection and almost voiced my displeasure at what was seen- a magic repressment made of gold around my horn. A golden ring with unicornian etchings were usually reserved for the more serious, or the magically gifted members of the correctional system. A few, but very rare instances a magical repressment was required was to avert the patient from causing further injury to themselves and those around, and even as I pondered that notion it did little to dispel my fears of what had happened prior to my slumber.

My true self had been exposed there wasn’t any doubt for how could they place this ring upon my horn and not have seen my un-guise self?

“They must have for no pony would authorize this level of containment on a unicorn without a good reason, extensive sleeping included. The placement of the repressment alone would require a high level of authority, and that’s not including actual placing of the device.”

I argued that point with myself for another few minutes to give my weak legs enough time to recover enough to hide the trembling effort it took to keep myself standing. The self induced argument provided little benefit then to voice my concerns to a respectable authority, this nearly blinded me to the horrors of my body…

“I’m different!” I cried out. “What has happened to my carapace..my body?”

The holes were the only noticeable change I’d notice earlier for their importance to my race, but somehow during my uncertain sleeping time, my body had changed for the worse; my carapace had become more angular to better reflect the nymph’s shapes homework, long triangles, multiples of them had been angled to give the impression of guard armor, but less pleasing to the eye. A better visual representation would be to seek out one of the dice used during our Spider and Catacombs game, my carapace was angled like a die but with hooves.

I finally gave in and fell onto my flanks as my legs couldn’t handle the weight of this revelation- I was no longer a pure changeling. My appearance alone resembled a foal’s attempts of drawing their first fantasy race that looked like a pony but with another horn, or a funny name. I was a mockery of the changeling race.

A gloss that was never present had been gradually spreading the longer I focused on the reflection till it mirrored the mirror. My head fin had remained mostly unchanged save for the streaks of green becoming more pronounced in the sail (as Topaz playfully called it), and my fangs had shrunk enough as to not protrude from behind my upper lip.

“They’re not even fangs…” I noted how dull they were as my tongue ran over both of my former fangs.

My wings were about the one thing that had remained the same I noted with some excitement as I unfolded…

“They’re colorful.” I sighed and folded them against my back for now they refused to go under the carapace like before. Oh, and I had grown a mane as well, nothing too bright thankfully.

The dark green I’ve used for my transformation had carried over to my changeling form leaving it a permanent addition between the two forms. Rare for changelings to carry features between shifts for it could be used to identify a ling out in the field, and the Queen often forbid such lings from even leaving the hive in the first place, if the lack of love didn’t stop them, then needless defects would out the being.

Acceptance of my life’s situation had quelled much of my hopes of ever returning to the hive, and that understanding allowed me to focus on what I had deemed more important- guard training, Topaz, pottery, justice, and exile love distribution to name a few. This new change only further informed me there would never be a way home. If presented, I would of course turn the offer down for my current circumstances have proven very favorable and enjoyable, but it is the act of realizing that path is forever close that strikes me with sorrow, and not the desire to return itself.

For a reason I can’t define, but only guess, the possibility I could be extended the offer to return to the hive kept me optimistic during the lower points of my life, which is why I was adamant Cersus return if given the chance…

“Do what I can not do.” A saying I had heard some of the older families of Canterlot tell their foals to place the burden of furthering the family’s status upon them with each passing generation.

Cersus became that to me in a sense, but that has changed in the recent couple of years for I no longer strived for her eventual return, more than strived to provide her the choice of returning if she so desired. It’s this gradual shift of my thought process that allowed me to make the distinction of how I should direct my efforts in tutoring the young nymph to complement her own ambitions. It was that same shift that now directed myself toward the criminal path of rule breakers if it meant reuniting with my family…

“Family.” I whispered as if I was afraid of somepony stealing it from me, but that’s exactly what I was worried about.

Around that same time, closer to the moment of reaffirming Cersus’s relationship to me at Viridian’s home, certain measures were taken to expand upon this declaration by incorporating Topaz into the design with surprising success. Even with the establishment of the ‘family’, all was not well if rocky at best, but somehow through the hurdles we stuck together until the thought of not being a familial unit proved distasteful.

Looking at the ring once more I tried using my magic to no effect, and proved the ring wasn’t for show, and in fact being used as instructed. With that assessment proved true, I shifted my focus from the ring onto restoring basic motor functions to my limbs by performing a few basic stretches until they refused to shake because of the exertion, and not from a lack of use. Now I could begin the work of figuring out…

I paused as I finally noticed a large silver bell on the nightstand, which sat next to a silver platter of fresh fruits. No recollection of purchasing this bell came forth, and thus concluded it to belong to Castle Staff for they on occasion and circumstance provide a bell as part of an ‘on call’ service; I’d never partaken in this service for the idea of partitioning a pony’s schedule into an unspecified length of time rubbed my fur the wrong way.

Yet, here I was undisguised with a magic suppressant ring around my horn as I yearn to discover how the situation came about. I reached out and rang the offered bell.

“Hello?” I inquired as its high pitched, but regal chime effortless redirected itself from wall to wall. There was no immediate response, and rang it once more.

This time, I could pick up the scuffed, and frantic movement of a hooved creature and a low grunt that sounded like hushed chatter before a practiced three knock pattern reverberated from the door. I knew this simple, but useful knock for I suggested it to Shining before my promotion became known to myself- a friend was here, may I enter?

“You may enter.” I commanded while struggling to remain firm in speech as my vocal chords were still dry from the lack of use.

There was a moment in the silence where their fear sought me, and the obviousness of my condition was known, but to how many that had yet to be determined. Standing by the dresser was meant to give the pony entering the appearance of space, and chose to remain there as the metal fastenings of locks were worked to allow them passage.

“They installed locks on our own quarters.” I sadly noted as the fastenings were removed and the door creaked open. I had expectations, but to see an older mare I recognized walk in with a newly minted sergeant leaned further on the spectrum of unlikely. “Viridian. Sgt. Flash Sentry.”

The pair looked upon with renewed interest alongside a current of fear, or mistrust, but to further tilt the meter toward highly unlikely it was Topaz’s mother that took the first step toward me.

“Idol…Can I call you Idol, hun?”

The way she sought my permission correlated with her recent treading around my presence, but only with the added trepidation of seeing my true self. Reflection only showed how neglectful and selfish I’d treated the aging mare who had treated not only myself with warmth, but taken Cersus under her wing so to speak and provided the love a growing nymph needed. Ever since our confrontation I had almost avoided her with the excuse of duty and family to prevent this exact moment for I had no clue how to move forward.

So I nodded as I felt, and saw some of the older mare’s fears depart as the pegasus’s wings went limp, the need for flight not needed anymore.

“That’s lovely hun. We were worried about you dear, especially Topaz and Redshock.” Viridian squeaked out as a new wave of mixed emotions clobbered me.

“I had no control over my absence, but I will assure you if given the choice it wouldn’t have happened.” My admittance earned a nod from the pegasus.

“That’s about what I expected from you, Idol. My daughter had her limited share of stallions before meeting you, but you were different, and not because of what you are mind you, but there was something about you that drew Topaz to you. I may tease the poor dear, but I’d experienced it myself by my own mother’s hoof so I felt entitled to it, and our first meeting was no different at first; I’ve seen how she acted around you, and how embarrassed she became by my questions about foals, and that wasn’t because of me asking her friend, but her valuing your opinion so much that your answers made her think.”

Viridian took the initiative by taking two steps forward as I took a step back trying to ignore the compassion that sparkled in her eyes, for they reminded me so much of Topaz’s own eyes and her ability to equal parts instill fear, hope, and love in me.

“Please Vivi, you underestimate Topaz, and over embellish my influence to proportions that are simply not true. “ I tried arguing, but the aged mare had to give me a single look for me to know how futile it was.

“Nonsense, Idol. I raised that mare, and know her well enough to see the trends in the making before the dear even realized what was going to happen, and Idol…” She took another step closer to me, and gently raised a hoof to touch my chest. “...you changed all of that even if you don’t believe it. I was young once, and might have dated several stallions looking for something I couldn’t find until my husband one day showed up on my doorstep. Literally!”

“Just like that?” I asked, now curious about the stallion they seldom spoke of, and for a distraction. Viridian suddenly seemed eager to talk about her late husband as her wings fluttered in an unseen breeze.

“Why, Storm Cloud was a doll. Even to his final days he was the finest stallion any mare could have had, and just showed up! A knock on my door, and he was standing there asking if I’d seen his stray cloud, ha! I had thought he was being flirtatious, and played along… he really did lose his cloud, but luckily the weather patrol had found and pinned it to one of their own. After that, he made it an effort to lose that cloud more often!”

“Storm Cloud..Storm Cloud…” I tested the name a couple of times as I noted Vivi’s emotions warming up the more I repeated the name. “I do believe that is the first time I heard your husband’s name, and strangely enough the name fits the family.”

“Topaz eventually grew to appreciate her name, but our short-sighted-ness cost her many years of grief from the local foals, and for that we did feel guilty about. We almost took Topaz to the council so her name could be changed at one point, but after weeks of back and forth were told no, but by that time she had grown thick enough to ignore the teasing. Stormy still felt terrible for many years after that.”

It was by this time an old and buried thought returned that needed clarification.

“Wait, wasn't your husband was an earth pony?” I interrupted the mare’s trip through the yesteryears of those cherished memories, but a changeling’s memory was good for a reason, and I recalled it being mentioned that Storm Cloud was an earth pony.

Viridian paused to process what I had asked, and with fascination, I watched as her short clover green mane lost its curls before bouncing back. She placed a hoof over her muzzle, and mumbled something before dropping the hoof back to the crystal floor.

“Oh dear, that changes the context of the whole story! You are right dear. Storm Cloud was an earth pony adopted by a pegasi family in his early foal years, and it's why I mistook our first meeting for aggressive flirting. Why else would an earth stallion knock on a single pegasus mare’s door asking have they seen his cloud? It practically sets itself up!”

When presented in that context, the absurd becomes obvious, and another almost parallel to my whole relationship with Topaz if you replace the cloud watching bit with bug watching in the vast expanse of the desert. I let slip what I was pondering, and Vivi giggled at my ‘silly comparisons’ as she called them, but went on to suggest her story was silly while our own was romantic.

“It’s all perspective dear, and Celestia forbid I tell you what's romantic or not for you’re the expert! You know, being a..”

“Changeling.” I finished as her mood shifted to fluctuations deemed uncomfortable, and the drawing out of words in an effort to purchase more time. “We only gauge one’s emotions to determine what would produce the more idle outcome we seek. Cady is the love doctor as Shining Armor mentioned once before.”

Oh. Well.. What is that on your head?” She pointed up toward my head, and what I assumed was aimed at my head fin, which Viridian shuttered as it unfolded, confirmed to be the target.

“It’s simply called a ‘head fin’ that serves no major purpose in changeling society. The nearest comparison would be in the same way ponies use their ears to convey certain moods, but it’s more commonly used to assert your position within society. Just a few months ago I had to extend the fin out to get Cer..”

“Redshock, right? So, she really is..one of you?” Viridian asked, almost whispering as she looked me up and down. I nodded.

“Her real name is Cersus, and no. We are not her sires, but treat the nymph much like our own for we are all she has.” I lowered my head fin, and the sudden movement caught Vivi’s eyes as they watched the fin retract. “I never fully apologize for my outburst those many months ago, and for that you have my sincerest regard.”

Even after ‘unofficially’ declaring my desire to court her daughter, I hadn’t experienced the more loving side of Viridian for I felt the nymph would benefit more from the attention. I don’t believe she had ever displayed any affection for myself besides courtesies, and a modest nuzzle on more joyous occasions like Hearth's Warming- a hug was never a consideration.

“You poor dear. I was scared, and you were protecting your family as any father should, so for thought I’d never held any ire for you. If it wasn’t for you, I might have lost the only family I’ve left.” She released me from the hug after that, and for a moment we said or did anything as the emotions ran high and needed time to collect themselves.

“No pony besides Topaz or Cersus had ever hugged me before, and I find the it… well, strange.” The mare smiled, and I found myself unable not to follow her example.

“I’m surprised and delighted to see you Viridian, and very sorry you have to see this grotesque form. Perhaps after more explanations Cersus might show you what a true changeling should look like.”

I had expected more of a reaction to the reveal, but instead of screaming or more outward displays of disguise to match my appearance, another hug wasn’t even considered. With a blink of my eyes, she had once more closed the distance and wrapped her hooves and wings around me as an outpouring of love, none romantic, but genuine concern and admiration were freely given to me…

“Excuse me sir, but are you suggesting you’re ugly?”

We had forgotten all about the newly promoted Sgt. Sentry, and while his deduction wasn’t wrong, Viridian always had a thing for proper etiquette even if it meant fibbing to spare one’s feelings. I flinched as her hoof connected with the side of his muzzle.

Chapter 21: Paid time off makes Idol a lost colt.

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Topaz (Cersus to) was so relieved when I eventually strolled through our doors that they failed to noticed my lack of disguise until the nymph pointed it out. By then, it mattered little as we were happy to have our moment so to speak-Viridian even joined in the family hug.

The next week was a time of great tension.

The Royal Sisters had departed while I fought dream demons with some reluctance, but they felt it was prudent to return to Canterlot before some disaster should fall upon their home. The Elements did the same, and it was in passing I learned of Miss Twilight’s near meltdown (their words, not mine) when my origin became known. The reasoning for it was likely out of fear for her family, but one theory was I had known her since a little foal, and this felt like a betrayal to the mare who by some extended saw me as family given my friendship with Shining Armor.

Or it was the idea that changelings didn’t magically appear with no reason other than to crash a wedding as several papers had printed, but indicated our history held more than a single narrative then ‘bug need love, bug go find it’.

Heeding the console of Cadence, I restrained the urge to write that letter to the young mare in the chance it further contributed to her brash state of unhealthiness, and that would do nopony any good. That left the biggest problem to contend with was Shining Armor’s reluctance to speak with me, and while upsetting was understandable. I was truly thankful for the couple’s assistance in watching Cersus while Topaz busied herself with work, and their still willingness (on Cadence’s behalf) to watch the nymph as it appeared the little alicorn had taken a shine to Cersus.

I tried warning the couple of this, but Topaz was very quick to stop that.

The routine after that was much the same as it was during my forced slumber, and Topaz managed to pull some strings with Cadence’s help to take some needed time off so we could ‘focus’ on ourselves. I had some understanding of the phrase’s meaning, and it worried me before discovering Topaz really meant it; we were near inseparable for the few days allotted to us, and my appreciation for the love is unquestionable, I felt the constant muzzling and snuggling would grow stale fast. It didn’t.

It was only when Cadence came to visit us once during that time I learned of the meaning behind nuzzling, and became concerned of its usage in modern Equestria. Cadence revealed it was a custom of marking family and/or mates as recently as 400 years ago, but has fallen out of favor since it is seen as ‘archaic’ and mildly possessive in polite circles. While I found the behavior concerning, Cadence found it amusing and sweet going as far to voice her desire for Shining to run up during court and severely nuzzle her in good faith.

“The Crystal Ponies have been gone for a millennia, and marking isn’t frowned upon as it is in Equestria. In fact, they might celebrate the public display of affection!” Cadence’s love soaked every word, and it made it difficult to concentrate, but Topaz kept me on track with an occasional kick with her rear leg.

“Like when we first arrived- the parade, right?” Topaz asked the pink princess, who nodded excitedly.

“YES! Exactly like that, and I still overhear some ponies bringing that day up in passing. But…” Her expression softened, and I noticed the love dimmed as other emotions infected the words.

“They’re unsure because of me.” I looked down at my hooves since the ring was still on for the time being, but Cadence assured me it would be removed by the end of the week.

The ring still bothered me, but Cersus and Topaz had displayed their views on it differently with Cersus began questioning if the ring could ‘power her up' like the ponies in her friend’s comics, while Topaz became more touchy. I myself disliked it and really wished to shift back into my familiar pony form at the earliest convenience, but that came with a caveat that wouldn’t be disclosed until the horn ring was removed. Topaz most have already been privy to this information for she didn’t seem too bothered by it, and so I noted her mild discomfort as something to be aware of, but nothing else.

It was during the fifth day after my waking when Cersus came by, and not to say she hadn’t before, but this was different from the previous visits. Some prodding uncovered the reasoning for her unusual behavior.

“I kind of foalsit now, but they pay me!” she yelled in a manner Topaz and myself recognized as the nymph being embarrassed and not derived from any actual aggression.

“How lovely! I knew they asked for your help, but this is so adorable!”

“Is the young princess alright?”

Neither found my ‘joke’ funny, and even less when I clarified I wasn’t joking.

The start of the second week saw many changes that left a very wide margin open to interpretation and further casted doubt on my career as a guard.

“I don’t like this feeling of..exposure Topaz.” I groaned as Topaz and myself descended down the flight of stairs, passing the sixth floor only moments ago.

“You’ll have to get used to it, Idol. This isn’t the most ideal situation, but given the rampant fear in Equestria, I say the terms are very generous.” She hissed that last part out as we came upon several members of the castle staff.

I didn’t have to read their emotions to see the fear in their minds, for they were very professional in hiding their discomfort as they gave us a courtesy bow before scurrying up the stairs. Even adorned in my pony hide they still knew what laid beneath, or had heard enough talk to frighten the poor staff into uncontrollable fears.

“They were merciful to the average pony, but I am no more a pony then Cersus is a foal. We may conform to their standards, but will be judged harsher if we should break them.”

“It’ll work out Idol, I promise. You just have to have a little more faith in the ones that care about you, and you’ll find everything will fall into place.”

“You’ve been reading Madam Twilight’s journals I see.” Topaz stuck out her tongue in much the same way I finally knew where the young nymph had learned it from.

‘I will have to apologize to her friends another time.’ I thought as we reached the fourth floor, acknowledged a pair of guards, who returned the gesture with a stiff salute leaving myself feeling better.

We had just begun making our way down the stairs, and once sure there were no other ponies continued with our discussion.

“It’s hard not to read them when the university here simply adores her. The idea that a student of Princess Celestia bearing the artifacts that stopped Discord is a wholesome mare with an incredible talent for magic, and morality? They ate it up, and I even found them enjoyable! They remind me of those old filly mystery novels that would end on a good note.”

“Did you just compare Celestia’s student, and bearer of the Element of Magic to a filly’s novel?” I wasn’t trying to poke fun of the pegasus more so I found the thought amusing, and earned a raspberry from the mare I cherished.

Our personal discussion dwindled down by the time we reached the ground floor where the unease followed me closely like a high noon shadow, yet down here I found the guards more confusing than the ones on the higher levels. For instance, they greeted Topaz and myself with the same courtesy they would any other day, and the act was genuine based on what I could read as we pasted them on our way to the Crystal Heart Plasa.

I made the comment, and Topaz tapped my shoulder with a wing signaling she wanted to drape her wing across my back, leaving us in an awkward discomfort.

“See Idol, not all of the ponies care what’s being said, and you can credit that to being a stellar pony.”

“I find the assumption lacking in fact, but I thank you for the kind words Topaz.” I leaned a little closer where we shared a quick nuzzle as we passed the Crystal Heart.

With the revelation of my heritage within the castle, I am to be given administrative leave for the foreseeable future until the matter can be resolved without sprouting further conflict. It was a nicer way of saying ‘until we figure out what to do with you’, but since Cadence was the one telling me this I believe the honesty behind the words. Here I was trying to pass blame onto them for my own problems, and by extension felt like it was I that betrayed them for not speaking up sooner on my condition. As a result, everypony close to me was suffering the fallout in some way due to their association with myself- Shining Armor took this the hardest.

It’s been nearly a week, and I still haven’t seen nor spoken to him for one reason or another, and that wasn’t for a lack of trying. My attempts ground to a halt after Cadence made it clear he was hurt from the reveal, and needed time to ‘work through this’ as she put it, partly increasing my worry when Topaz used it (but thankfully it wasn’t the same). My best, and oldest friend after Topaz is gone, and it's my own fault once again.

‘One step at a time. You need to take it one step at a time.’

It was Cadence’s will that made Shining Armor tolerate Cersus enough to continue foalsitting young Flurry Heart when needed, and that act alone made it impossible for me to ever repay the kind gesture. In some capacity he knew the nymph didn’t do anything, and I could assume that reason alone he even allowed Cersus near his daughter in the first place given her own heritage.

“There’s a lot of ponies out today, and there isn’t even a festival or reason I’m aware of for this crowd.” Topaz observed as we continued our trek into the plaza center.

“Indeed, maybe they’re tourists seeking to take advantage of the mandatory, Crown issued vacations by taking a holiday abroad?

“Mandatory issued? It’s National Holidays Idol, and you know this. As for tourists, you would be right as my university has been attempting to recruit abroad for the past 5 months.” Topaz finally retracted her wing, and we followed the path that would take us away from the Crystal Castle, and toward the train station on the other side of the city.

The idea wasn’t to get away, more than it was meant to add minutes to our little outing by taking a longer path.

Trotting down this road left me in awe at how much had changed during our stay within the Empire as we noticed an increasing lack of crystal ponies, and a heavy influx of every other pony tribe. Not just ponies, but a few griffions, an odd Diamond Dog, and even a Threstral were mixed in the diverse crowd, leading us to speculate what had sparked this migration with the need to explore.

The station came into view and the little plaza meant to give carriages a space to park, and maneuver had disappeared under the white tents of several merchant stalls that flaunted the appearance of a festival in the making. No sooner had we began visiting the merchant stalls did I detect the faintest brushings of the old Hive Mind located near the very end of the Plaza closets to the Train Station- Topaz noticed my unease.

“What’s wrong Idol?” She whispered as he left the stallion composed of fruits and vegetables from Equestria, and I mentioned what I felt, and planned on doing about it.

“I’m going to pretend to be browsing that merchant's wares as we approach, just long enough to understand the ling’s intentions for a moment before making a decision.”

“I’m coming along as well, and you can’t stop me.” I knew that tone, and wisely kept my mouth shut as we carefully zigzagged our way toward the area I felt it.

Our strategy worked for the most part, and that was primarily because the ling didn’t move from their tent at all. Underneath its white canopy was a single table displaying her entire wares of jarred vegetation that to my astonishment had attracted a respectable crowd of nearly 5 ponies vying for her attention. It was by that time we began filtering out the white noise of the crowd, and focused on the ponies surrounding the stall.

“15 bits, and not a bit more!”
“Would you take 7 bits for the pair?”

These were the most clear statements I heard, but the chatter of several ponies battering became bleared as each pony tried to out-talk their neighbor, making the whole ordeal messy. Still Topaz and myself approached the table as planned and began browsing the assorted jars and collected baskets of produce from Equestria, many we recognized with a select few we didn’t, but the biggest surprise was a jar containing poison joke bulbs. Thankfully, it seemed either the ponies knew what it was, or wanted nothing to do with it. One of the Crystal Ponies (their sheen only lasted a few days after the Crystal Fair) was oblivious to their possible peril when he examined the jar, and wisely lost interest - we waited until they all left leaving us the only two ponies left.

“Greetings! Do you see anything you like?” The mare asked us as she dug into a bag under the table, and produced more jars which were promptly placed on the table. The way she acted didn’t set off any changeling senses, but I had felt the briefest touch of an old hive mind coming from this direction meaning nothing could be ruled out just yet.

“Hello there! We heard some excitement coming from over here, and decided to check it out, and color us surprised to find some Equestrian produce! The Empire food is great, but there’s a difference in taste I can’t describe. We’ve been feeling homesick.”

“Indeed.” I jumped in knowing my turn to speak. “There are certain qualities each country has to their advantage, yet I’m biased toward our home. Though this has become a sort of home away from home. If I may ask, where in Equestria are you from? We’re from Canterlot.”

“Canterlot! Oh my, that is some distance to travel. I’m from western part of Equestria near Las Pegasus myself, and have never seen Canterlot in the pony. What’s it like?”

Topaz took this task up, and began detailing the culture of the city that housed the princesses, leaving myself free to observe the dark furred pegasus. I'd noticed her tone shift when we mentioned Canterlot possibly confirming my belief she could be the changeling, and as the two mares chatted I watched for subtle changes in posture or tone…

“Excuse me sir, I missed your name by chance. I’m Well Water.”

I blinked, caught off guard by the sudden voice seeking an answer, and turning to greet the owner found me face to face with a unicorn stallion just a hoof taller than myself. I accepted the offered hoof.

“Idol Hooves, sir. I’m afraid I never gave my name.” I replied trying to gauge this strange stallion when the mare called to him.

“Well Water! Quit being rude to our guests!” Her wings fluttered much in the way I’ve seen Topaz’s own during one of our more vocal disagreements, and her display pinned the stallion’s ears as he moved around to the other side of the table.

“Sorry, love.” He mumbled to her and the two shared a brief nuzzle, and to the casual observer the act was sweet, but I felt no love from it as the mare quickly absorbed every drop she could.

“This is my special somepony, Well Water.” She announced.

“And this is my special somepony, Ambient Noise” he gestured toward the mare, who hummed happily.

“It’s nice to meet you! I’m Topaz Showers, and this is my husband Idol Hooves.” I nodded. There hadn’t been any official union between the two of us, but we each felt it would simplify explanations to claim it were true.

We essentially were in all but the ceremony, and that has been under constant scrutiny as of late.

“We had discovered your both, and were excited to discover more Equestrian’s in the Empire.”

“This is only our first time here, and your reaction has been much the same. We figured the city might be lacking in certain vegetables, and decided to try our luck as a Horticulturist. Just think of us as advanced gardeners.” the unicorn clarified when he noticed my confusion.

“I used to be one of the guards for the town we lived in…” Her wings fluttered at the memory, and I noticed no actual love flowing from the mare only confirming my belief she was the changeling. “Well Water would go out of his way to say to me as I finished my night patrol, and as you can see I said hi back!”

This sent Topaz into a giggling fit to match the dark pegasus leaving me and the weary stallion to make conversation which revealed little, but enough to leave me uncertain of their position. A few more customers approached during our conversation forcing us to wait as they tended to their needs, but after they were done did our chat resume for another another hour before bidding them a farewell.

We did buy that jar of Poison Joke bulbs to prevent their spread into the general populace, and to donate them to the university Topaz worked for. They appeared to not know what the bulbs did other than the name, and that lack of knowledge became the biggest liability in their story. Still, we decided not to pursue them at this time, instead favoring a more passive way of keeping an eye on the pair by courting their services for the foreseeable future.

Topaz sprung her connection to I.C.A.M and their interest in expanding their knowledge of the outside world- they eagerly agreed. Contact information was exchanged, and it didn’t take me reading the stallion's emotions to know he was nervous for one reason or another.

“I think the mare is the one.” I whispered to Topaz as followed the path that would lead to the Crystal Plaza. Topaz examined the jar nestled in her wing.

“My bits were on the stallion. What respected Horticulturist wouldn’t know what Poison Joke is, let alone sell bulbs?”

“A valid point, but she never seemed to emit any love while the stallion held nothing but love for the mare. Now, my assumption isn’t entirely accurate for she could view the stallion as a strong friend, but that is extremely unlikely.”

“I’m a bit surprised you didn’t broach the topic to them. I would have guessed you would have dropped a hint or two to see how they would react instead of hiring them."

“A few years ago I might have done just that Topaz, but things have changed. I have changed. Our lives have changed. Those ponies could very well be experiencing what we’re going through this very moment, worrying if they'll be discovered or worse. Did you notice how they tensed when we mentioned Canterlot?”

“Please dear, I’m not completely socially inept. I was more intrigued with her tone of voice and body language-it reminded me a lot of you.” I raised a brow to that. “When you first moved to Canterlot, and had to live with ponies. She’s more awkward with her posture and her words were stiff.”

“Either she’s a new infiltrator or…”

“...a deserter.”

I couldn’t hide my discomfort as I loathed the word with an extremity foreign even to me. The thought a changeling could willingly break orders for the sole benefit of themselves and not of the hive irked me greatly. I couldn't even speak for a moment. My stance with Cersus has waned considerably over the past year to a point I hoped the nymph decided to stay, but she had a choice to return under the pretext she did nothing to warrant an exile. That changeling, was willing to abandon the security of the hive to pursue their own desires only becomes a detriment to their credibility. I wasn’t even sure if I could trust them at all, but I felt it was best to keep a connection open until a decision could be reached.

“I hope not, Topaz. If the ling is a deserter then she is far more dangerous than the standard exile for they hold no loyalty to any rules but the ones they create.”

We switched topics in the event there were other lings that had somehow escaped my notice as we made our way to the university. The professor on duty was thrilled to see the jar, and to my approval would have begun conducting tests on the bulbs right there if Topaz hadn’t stopped him short. With the understanding any test would wait until the morning, we departed back to the castle.

This routine became our new normal after the next week, making this week two of my ‘vacation’.

The amount of free time has become unnecessary, and even with my pleading to Cadence I could delegate from the shadows, or act in an advisory role was promptly turned down with the understanding it wouldn’t be permanent. Having not seen Shining Armor since before the accident left Cadence as my acting superior making her orders my orders, and after reaffirming my oaths to Equestria and the Empire continued on as I’ve done the past week- walking.

Cersus was accompanying me today as Topaz was teaching a class, and Cadence was watching Flurry Heart while Shining Armor held court leaving the two of us free from any obligations for the day. We were invited to stay and join the princess, but I felt my presence near strange foal might cause her to cry, and Cersus was tired of the attention.

“She never leaves me alone! Every time I watch her, she either flies off giggling, making me chase her or grabs my forelegs until she falls asleep.”

“Flurry Heart is a young foal, an alicorn foal no less entitled to certain privileges you and I will never fully understand. But what I do understand from certain sources close the foal is that she adores you Cersus.”

“I could have guessed that, Idol, but what can I do about it? She’s really clinging, and drools a lot…”

I listened to the nymph’s tale with mild fascination as we continued our stroll through the lower sections of the Empire as part of the daily ritual where we explore the city. This section is where many of its craftsponies work to create many of the items the Empire is known for, primarily focusing on crystal shaping, and some enchantments using etched runes. Until now, my work kept me from this level of exploration before hoof, but with my forced vacation there was little keeping me from visiting this strange area of the city bustling with ponies knowledgeable to the rare craft. Either reading a map, or asking a local, a pony could have mistaken this section for another residential area, but my limited understanding of Crystal Ponies dictated this was partly true- it was a residential area.

The reasoning I could gather had to do with the ponies themselves being very private in nature, and especially more so after Sombra’s occupation of the city before Cadence and Shining’s reign. Many customs I found extreme, but could respect in one way or another for the fact it was meant to display a modesty certainly lacking back in Equestria. The Crystal Ponies felt their craft was a family affair and guarded their secrets to a fault by performing all of their work in their homes, possibly leading to many trains of thought disappearing when a family produces no heirs to pass on their secrets. The seamstress Silk String came to mind.

During our first and only visit so far, I learned of this cultural trend among the Crystal Ponies while her assistant finished the alterations on Topaz’s uniform where she revealed she had apprenticed to the previous owner. I’d assumed that, but she informed me that was unheard of in the Empire, and that the old owner, having no heir, and desperately wanted to pass her knowledge on made the decision to take an apprentice- Silk String filled that role.

“We all came from the orphanage, and my teacher adopted me to make the whole ordeal seem normal.”

Her admittance answered some questions but raised just as many into the life of an Citizen, and I was thankful this problem only seemed prevalent in the skilled sector and nowhere else.

We didn’t stop since the craftsponies used their homes as their workshops forcing us to follow the main road through the center of this section until it branched up toward the western section of the city, and from there we’ll turn right and follow it back into the central plaza. Before reaching it, the plan would be to stop by one of the bakeries to purchase some cookies for later.

We had walked more than talked and Cersus was becoming more restless the further we moved along until she would ‘buzz’ her wings to signal something was bothering.

“Can we visit the toy store?” She unexpectedly asked, never turning to look up as we continued our stride.

“Perhaps, we are in no rush.”

“Ok.”

She had become quiet once more as she trotted a little faster to put herself in the lead, and I found her lack of conversation mildly disturbing. The nymph had been less active in my presence as of late, and I would be lying if the aloof nature didn’t sting; normally the habit indicated some hidden motive, or an unwillingness to divulge sensitive information out of fear of being grounded. Rightly so. While I detested the actual act of lying, I understood it was in our nature as a changeling, and more so for an infiltrator to keep up appearances when on prolonged missions, yet the trait has been a source of conflict between myself and the nymph.

“Is there a reason you want to visit the toy store Redshock?” I asked, but her lead remained true as her voice rang firm.

“I didn’t really get to look before.. well you know.” I did indeed know. “And I have some allowance and foal sitting bits so why not?”

“Sound logic, but would you consider saving your bits for something more practical like your own house? You’ll need one in the future, and starting early is never a bad thing.”

“That’s just dumb! Why would I need to save for a house when I’m living with you?”

“It was just a suggestion, and nothing more.” Truthfully it was a push to get Cersus to consider her future, but the question broke the nymph’s reluctance to speak with me after that.

She eventually ceased her stride to walk alongside me which led to us conversing about topics I’d never considered of interest to the nymph. Cersus told me much of her life in the empire so far, and I found her experiences fascinating and troubling for I wasn’t involved with much of it. My duties were mostly to blame for this lack of interaction, yet I made little effort to involve myself within her daily activities, becoming reliant on Unstoppable Force to watch over the nymph when I was unable to spare the time.

I was proud of her displaying independence already since it proved she could forge her own path apart from Topaz and myself if needed. The only problem was…

‘I don’t want her to leave just yet.’ I thought to myself as I listened to her recount another instance involving her friends in Canterlot. I mentioned how it saddened me knowing she had little success locating a group her own age to socialize, but she assured me the ones in Canterlot were all she needed.

I didn’t buy it, but accepted her answer on the condition that she continue writing to her friends, but she countered with the condition that the three of us pose for a picture. She claimed it was common for foals to talk about their families, and since she never really introduced them to us before moving felt it prudent to right the wrong- I agreed. Her nervousness disappeared once more, and this time it never manifested again for the rest of the day.

“Don’t move! Zee stitching needs care!”

“I wouldn't move if you didn’t stick me on purpose!”

“Maybe nicer filliz would avoid zee needle then?”

Silk String passively asserted the consequence of not standing still, but Cersus was proving her independence by fidgeting in place with the consequence of causing the dress wrinkles. This rekindled their spat once more.

“I appreciate your willingness to see us on short notice again, Spinel.” The earth mare said nothing, finding her sketches of possible dress patterns for Cersus more interesting.

“You are our esteemed guests…” Her orange red hoof put granite to paper and made a few etchings on one of the figures to create the silhouette of a dress with wings “...and one of the few ponies in recent memory that have treated the master with respect.”

“Do you often work with such ponies, or is it a consequence of the influx of immigrants to the Empire?” The mare didn’t look up from her sketches when she spoke.

“Not too often, but trust my words when the few times those customers appear it’s easier to turn them away. In reality, it's the locals that treat Miss String the worst.” She made a few markings on the paper that meant little to me, but obviously made the mare’s lips curl up with glee.

“Would it stem from her prior discussion when Lady Silk String, and yourself crafted that work of art for our recruitment drive. Topaz still has the uniform neatly folded in our closet, and I catch her looking at it now and then.”

The mare looked up from her paper to study Cersus and her master, currently arguing about something, made a few short flicking motions of her hoof on the paper before setting it down on the floor next to her. Watching her made the mare seem more tired than before with the lines and bags becoming more pronounced, or how the shine in her eyes were dimmer; almost like somepony had taken a cloth and rubbed them clean, but took the luster in the process.

“Lady Silk String mentioned how our customs work correct?” I nodded.” Even with your patronage the store has struggled to conjure any meaningful business, forcing us to rely heavily on foreign orders to scrape by.”

“I was unaware you were even in this predicament, and if I’d known sooner…”

“Stop, Colonel.” She commanded with a simple glance my way. “It is that reason why my Lady never approached you out of personal honor, and the shame it would bring to her. Making the cape for the mad king wasn’t the only reason for the city’s harsh treatment…”

“It’s because she wasn’t born into the profession wasn’t?” I asked, and to my surprise she shook her head.

“While true, many of the Crystal Ponies would have understood given one of their greatest fears is having no pony to pass on their skills. What destroyed what good will the Lady had with the city was her previous friendship with Sombra.”

I didn’t know what to say, and keeping my mouth shut felt appropriate until I could fully process the mare’s words at a later time. Even as I sat there reflecting on the mare’s bold truth, Spinel picked up her sketches just as a high strung Silk String hurriedly escorted an equally bugged nymph toward us.

“I see it! I see it! She truly takes after her mother for I’ve never worked with a filly so outspoken, and disrespectful.”

“Maybe you should have…” Whatever Cersus was going to say never left her mouth when she noticed me, and quickly closed her mouth.

“They mean good Lady Silk String, they really do. Topaz and Cersus tend to have an independent streak inherited from the grandmother, who raised my wife as a single parent.”

Cersus perked up to this news, while the seamstress stood still for a second before letting out an exasperated sigh.

“I’m getting too old if I’m berating foals for acting like foals, and there is no excuse for my behavior. Little Cersus, you have my full apology and to show my utmost sincerity regarding this matter, I shall try to create that suit you described.”

“Wait, hold up. Do you really mean it!?” Cersus asked while fluttering her wings in rapid excitement. The tall, and slim mare gave the impression she was reconsidering for a moment, but gave up when the disguised nymph frantically began pleading with the mare.

“ALRIGHT! I shall stitch something together in about a week. This will give me time to research what is a ‘Wonderbolt’ and how they dress, so please be patient until then.” She then turned to her assistant asking for the sketches. “ Excellent! We shall get started this evening.”

Assuming she was eager to get started, Silk String had departed without uttering another word. With the task done for the moment, we bid Spinel a farewell who began closing shop the moment we left, presumably to help her master with the dress. Most of the morning had been spent on our walk and visiting the toy store, and after this stop I’d make the prediction it was nearing the early evening.

“We should be heading back young one before Topaz sends the guard looking for us.”

“She wouldn’t do… right? “ I nodded.

“Of course she might. It’s only natural to report a missing pony to the proper authorities at the earliest convenience.”

“But we’re not missing if we’re right here!” She countered.

“I will be a missing pony if we’re late so please pick up the pace young one.”

“But that wasn’t even remotely corny at all! Where is the punchline?”

“Sometimes these hidden kernels of truth are nothing more than the plain truth. If it seemed I was planting seeds of a hidden meaning, then I meant nothing by it, and I apologize for leading you on .”

“Wait… was that the joke! What do kernels have to do with being a missing pony?”

“Less talking, and more trotting.”

I was 99% sure we would make it before Celestia lowered the sun for the day, but not 100%, and that one 1% was enough to spur me to scoop up the nymph with my magic. There were times to needlessly tempt fate, but being ousted as a changeling, while being trapped in a coma to dream walk while fighting nightmares left that desire dead and buried.

We did make it on time thanks to Order and Harmony.

Chapter 22: Meeting of the foreign dignitaries.

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“I can’t believe you’ll even suggest something like that Cadence! It’s too soon to be…”

“To be what Shining? Trusting our friends again?”

“Idol is a changeling! All this time he’s been a changeling and I never knew or suspected he was one.”

“Yet that never stopped the two of you from being friends as it? Buck, the two of you have played that Spider game for years, and that sure as my aunt’s name didn’t seem like faking it. Is it so hard to believe Idol might have genuinely enjoyed playing it because he enjoyed it?”

This had become a typical argument between the Royal Couple for the past few weeks once when Idol’s secret was exposed with Cadence desperately trying to keep things in order. Rightly so, her husband had felt betrayed by the revelation that his best friend of a decade was a changeling, but what truly angered him the most was Idol felt the need to not share that tidbit of information. It didn’t matter that he might have not been able to, but Shining didn’t want to hear it because in his eyes their friendship might have been an elaborate lie to help Chrysalis seize control of Equestria.

Shining Armor didn’t actually believe this was what actually happened, but he realistically couldn’t dismiss the possibility either. He saw it as getting lied to by a merchant, and still doing business with them knowing what they had done before hoof. Idol was different, yet he couldn’t forgive him either.

The couple did agree these arguments were expected in a marriage, and would treat them as milestones of their relationship when given the chance. Still being proper adults, they felt it inappropriate for Flurry Heart (and Cersus) to see them arguing in this manner, and gathered an escort to shofar them around for the next couple hours. This is when Cersus felt an itch being scratched she didn’t know needed scratching ordering her escorts to take her for snow cones, the place didn’t matter as it meant getting them away from the castle.

Unstoppable Force was chosen without doubt, and as a show of respect and appreciation for his ‘first command’ was allowed to pick his fellow two escorts- Morning Star, and Harts Fire. Surprised by the selection, but willing for a change of pace the three guards and two fillies departed for a quick stroll around the city…

“Thank you! Thank you! Thank you for taking me with you! My assignment was boring with a capital B buddy, and because I’m a nice pony, I’ll spare you the details of the incredible boredom inflicted upon myself.”

“I left my home for this?”

Unstoppable Force had his two little charges sitting upon his back while his companion escorts flanked each side of him trying to keep the locals from getting too close to the young heirs, yet his Arabian heritage meant his height negated the pony shield surrounding them. He was thankful for Flurry Heart seemingly enjoying the many swarming ponies cooing, or making funny faces as they walked through the Crystal Plaza, but Redshock was the complete opposite as the attention directed toward them made her cower further into the Royal Purple robes their highnesses graciously provided for the young foals.

“Step back citizen!” The shorter unicorn demanded as a group of tourists and citizens that had the audacity to move in front of their path to snap a photo. This was backed with a show of igniting her horn with its striking red hue in a display the young corporal found intriguing given his lack of formal training.

“You heard the mare! Respect the space of the heiress and her guards!” the large pegasus shouted. His loud, almost coltish voice and dark coat colors were already a steep contrast among the brightly colored Crystal ponies earning him more ‘respect’ as they fearfully backed away.

Between the two working over time, the small party managed to exit the plaza for one of the smaller main streets; disregarding the small herd of curious ponies still following from a safe distance, the five ponies were left relatively alone as they proceed down the street that would eventually lead to a smaller shopping area where the primary candy store is located. The very same one Unstoppable and Cersus had visited that night of the Wendigo attack, mostly due its close proximity to the castle, thus allowing the group enough time to secure some treats, and walk back. More than enough time for the Royal Couple to finish their argument and make up.

Simple.

“It’s different, Unstoppable. Different to be doing guard work for once, and not that ‘training’ they insist is practical. Honestly, I wondered if coming to the Crystal Empire was the right move for myself, and while some days I do question it others lean me toward answering yes.”

“Hey! It's wonderful to hear Star, and I couldn’t agree more. This place is great!” Harts Fire inserted himself into the conversation, his trot turning more of a prance as he enjoyed the stares for one reason or another.

“It is great for the common pony if you have no other aspirations than to shine brightly at some corner. We’re meant for grander tasks than to simply wait around for orders, which is why I left Equestria, for the guard had grown too lax in their training.” The unicorn ranted as she herself began relaxing as the crowd from earlier lingered behind, and all travelers in front gave them a wide berth having seen them prior.

The Arabian unicorn used the opportunity to check on his charges, who were still upon his back in different states of excitement with the young lady still hiding within her cloak. The new heiress sat next to her foalsitter giggling madly as she tried flapping her oversized wings in the special pegasi onesie, a piece of clothing he found ingenious as it restricted the movement of a pegasus foal’s wings to prevent premature flight.

Lady Cersus kept her head down, but he felt her grip on his neck tighten in response.

“Is that why you insist on training till exhaustion everyday Morning Star? Now I get trying to stay in peak physical shape like myself, but listen here sweet flanks when I advise you to give it a break.”

“What was that private!?” The unicorn growled as she whipped her head around so fast her locks nearly smacked Unstoppable on his neck.

“I said you need to relax and quit being so high strung, else your flanks will cave in on themselves from the stress.” The pegasus causally waved the glare off as his near prance fell into step with his fellow guards.

“WHY YOU…”

“Knock it off, please. We’re in public representing our lords, and have to act accordingly.”

“Look at you go Unstoppable! You’re really growing into that rank when I thought you couldn’t grow any taller. Talk among the unit is you got that promotion because of your closeness to our little charge here, but obviously they were wrong.”

“Watch your tone private!”

“Please stop, especially you Harts! I chose you because of your talent and not your mouth. We’re supposed to take the young ones to the candy store, and come back, nothing more nothing less.” His harshness was brushed off by the pegasus.

“Of course it was my skill, and I would’ve been hurt if it was anything else!”

Unstoppable sighed as he began questioning his choice picking his fellow escorts. Truth be told he chose these two not only for their skill, but the selfish reasoning they were the closest to actual friends the Arabian had. This feeling of comradery stemmed from Harts and himself joining during the recruitment drive nearly 6 months back while Morning Star was a transfer that slowly merged into their lives because of reasons she won’t disclose. Truthfully, it was her commitment to training that bumped their careers if Unstoppable could admit, for of their peers they were the most physically capable to perform some of the more recent happenings within the Empire.

Their banter was nothing else, but that, and so the three guards continued their pace toward the candy store that had done especially well for itself since the Empire’s return by being the first to offer imported candies. The shopkeep will be ill prepared for the massive unicorn's return, and maybe even distraught to see his accompanying guards and their two charges, for he would now be under review if he should make a scene in front of actual royalty.

“Please come down from there princess! I really don’t want his highness to throw me off the balcony if you fall!”

Harts Fire pleaded with the giggling alicorn foal who had somehow slipped out of her special onesie allowing her to fly freely within the candy store. Currently trying to capture the rogue alicorn was Harts, Unstoppable, and the store owner while Morning Star waited by the door to keep back the excited crowd- Cersus waited in the corner still wrapped in her purple cloak.

The disguised nymph had taken the chance to leap off her guard’s back once Flurry got free (which she had nothing to do with) , deciding to stay out of their way as they dealt with the crazy foal. Cersus figured she could coax the young alicorn into coming down if she tried since the foal never left her alone whenever she foalsit, but didn’t feel like interfering at the moment as her mind was preoccupied.

The candy store had been her suggestion for the destination early this morning , and not because she had a craving for sweets- she had a plan.

Cersus might have left the hive early, but her training and time spent around Idol and Topaz had taught the nymph a plethora of skills unneeded till now when she felt sompony nearby. Celestia forbid she tell Idol or Topaz with her two caretakers busy with their own work even if they would drop everything to assist; she was thankful for parents/caretakers like them, but this was a changeling matter that needed addressing before telling Idol if at all. It was at the toy store during that huge snow storm some three weeks back when everypony was running from the clouds when Cersus first felt the other changeling. Even more so when all of them were huddled next to the Crystal Heart, that pressure in the back of head kept telling her to welcome the ling for some reason. Yet she bit her tongue remembering not only Idol’s fears, but a few of her own encounters with rogue lings in the past several years that really shook her perception of other changelings.

“This one felt different for some reason, just like Idol.” she thought, ignoring how the ponies cried in alarm as Flurry Heart casted a spell that brought little candies to life.

The young nymph wasn’t paying attention as she wondered how she could give her guards the slip to seek out this changeling that felt different then the other exiles or the ones from the hive. Of course she was nervous(not scared) about seeking this changeling out, but something was telling her to find the rogue drone…

“GET DOWN!” She looked up as Unstoppable dropped to the floor as the young princess’s horn came alive, and with complete disregard fired the powerful magic toward the front of the store.

Morning Star threw up a shield that barely held, but redirected the beam toward one of the walls causing it to go up in smoke, sending all the candy and shelf fixtures flying through the air like fireworks during the Summer Sun Celebration. This was the moment she needed as Morning Star left her post by the door to join her fellow guards in an attempt to capture the giggling foal, and not waiting around, Cersus quickly slipped through the door and in between the panicked hooves of fleeing ponies. Here the disguised nymph had the bright idea of removing her robe so she could see better, not even considering pulling the hood back, and thus promptly discarded the expensive robe on the ground as she followed a group of ponies up the road toward the toy store.

Cersus knew one of those two ponies was a changeling because she felt her mind brush against theirs during that awful storm, but the brief interaction was enough to learn much of this exile’s motives for being here besides the love that literally clung to the air.

“It was over here…” She told herself as the distance between herself and escorts grew further apart.

Nopony even batted an eye toward the red and green pegasus foal as she weaved through another dense herd of Equestrian ponies, an increasingly common sight as the months ticked by for the incentives to move to the fair city were tempting. Or so she heard Topaz telling Nana Vivi while she was here. Maybe the changeling thought so as well?

Her excitement kept pace with her fears as the familiarity of the roads increased, meaning she was drawing nearer and nearer to that toy store, and the eventual meeting with the strange exile. Normally, she would resist meeting any changeling other than Idol, but as she noted before she had somehow brushed against this one’s mind, and suddenly knew there was no hive waiting for it. That was a huge relief for the disguised nymph who would have told Idol and Topaz the moment she got away after that storm, but she was terrified at the time, and somehow felt he wouldn’t harm her like certain other lings.

Eventually the nymph’s internal monologuing distorted enough time to make its passing near instantaneous in her eyes, and nearly welted in front of the door as the full weight of the plan began pressuring her back with its many potential failures. This might have continued for much longer but the nymph began recalling the brave Daring Do, and her father/guardian Idol, and how they might have acted in this exact situation. The fear was brushed aside as a penetrating wave of courage found her once more, and with a determination lit in her eyes, Cersus strolled forward and opened the door.

“OK! Is this the right house?”

Cersus asked herself as she approached her eight door in this area looking for this pony who of all the times in the world had to be off for the day. The kind store owner did provide her with his address, but failed to tell the disguised nymph exactly where he lived, meaning she had to knock on every door asking for the pony who worked at the toy store. Half of the doors were silent while the other half revealed creatures she hadn’t really seen before moving to the Crystal Empire- Griffions, Deer, and a large pony that claimed to be a mustang.

Neither of these strange creatures knew of ‘the pony that worked at the toy store’, but the deer did know of a pony that matched her description leading her to the door she currently stood in front of.

She hadn’t knocked yet, and that was because she was coming up with questions to ask and not because she was nervous. Here she was seeking out another exile which was the one major rules Idol and Topaz had warned her not to do, but Cersus had come of age so to speak creating this false sense of understanding that wasn’t there. Her one saving grace was the nymph had grown abilities to counteract this lack of experience by the development of a new Hive Link, a proto version of a Hive Mind.

This Hive Link was what brushed against the mysterious changeling, and allowed Cersus a glimpse into their personality ultimately leading the nymph to the conclusion he/she was approachable.

“Alright come on Cersus, you can do this.” She told herself, looked left and then right before knocking on the door.

There was no answer initially, but she waited with her ear pressed to the door trying to hear for any movement. Listening for any stray noise that could suggest there was a pony occupying the room turned belly up very quickly; she peeled herself off the door with a huff, and looked both ways once again to see if she was alone before closing her eyes to attempt something only she was keenly aware of. So secretive of this new found ability was the nymph, she hadn’t even broached the topic let alone suggested she could perform it to Topaz or Idol in the chance they grounded her yet again.

The moment she closed her eyes to concentrate was the moment she felt the tingling sensation in the back of her mind, and this feeling creeped further into every crevice of her little head before it leaped off her subconscious into the wide world around her. Cersus felt her little muscles starting to twitch from the strain of the act when she found the who she was looking for and as before brushed against his resting conscious.

The effect was instantaneous for the sleeping ling woke with a great start, and threw off Cersus’ concentration forcing her to collapse onto the ground with a small thud. She didn’t even get a chance to wonder what happened when the panicked hoofsteps of a pony rushed toward the door, locks and chains were removed…

“Who are you!?” A pearl pink unicorn exclaimed more out of fear than surprise, making the nymph clam up for that brief second as her own fears came front and center.

“I..I..uh..”

“They followed you didn’t they!” The pony was panicking and was already closing the door when Cersus found herself.

“I’M AN EXILE TOO!”

The world was still as the pony froze in mid slam, paused, and then the door creaked open once again to expose the startled pony barely unable to keep the green of his eyes contained. It was almost surreal to see another changeling that wasn't Idol a few hoofsteps away, and by Harmony Cersus could see his true self underneath the unicorn disguise shimmering in and out.

“Just like the comics.” She thought, remembering some of the line art one of her friend’s dad had of the Power Ponies. The disguised changeling’s form would ‘shift’ in and out of the pink unicorn in front of her, and yet not once did he reveal himself, but she could see it!

“An exile.. A nymph all the way up here?” The changeling whispered not caring if the nymph heard him, and it wasn’t how he spoke that un-nerved Cersus the most, but how she’d heard it.

“Hello?” Cersus asked, and watched as the changeling in the doorway stiffen in response. “Can you hear me?”

“How are you doing that?” He replied back, but said nothing as his wide eyes focused on the nymph that had picked herself off the floor and shrugged.

“I don’t really know other than I can do it now, but don’t tell my folks alright? I’m Cersus.”

The changeling was too in shock, and mistook that admittance as a sort of joke to allow the nymph to blend in as a foal among ponies, but that was his only guess for even he himself was new to this world of survival. He had hoped to never see another one of his kind, especially this far from Equestria only to be discovered by a nymph capable of using the hive mind…

“I’m Thorax…”

“Well it's nice to meet you Thorax!” Cersus extended her hoof, and when the changeling failed to respond, fluttered her wings in a way that would announce her irritation to other changelings. ”It’s a pony thing. You’re supposed to extend your hoof out to meet mine and we shake. I’m Cersus.”

He didn’t question the gesture as the nymph seemed to know what she was doing, and his own exposure to ponies had forced him to question many things about everything he had been thought to believe before the horrid invasion. Here and now he felt himself wanting to take the nymph into his hooves to tell her it would be alright, but her demonstration of power made this thought pure folly for this Cersus had abilities he’d only thought the Queen capable of.

“Thorax. I’m Thorax.” This time mimicking the nymph's motion who shook the hoof with much eagerness.

"Nice to meet you pony I've never met before!" He was about to ask what she meant when Cersus placed a wing over her mouth. "In case somepony is listening."

Hearing it over the Hive Mind, Thorax nodded and reluctantly invited the filly into his apartment as he was unsure what else to do. In his days with the hive he'd never knew mother had anymore foals then the two of them, but now he wondered if there could be more then one hive as offered the young royal a place to sit.

“The crown will fully compensate your business for any, and all damages sustained during this outing sir. Please account for everything damaged before submitting the list to the Assay Office, as soon as possible.”

“Thanks…” The old store owner looked up the large Arabian Unicorn, and then to his ruined store of broken glass and candies he had spent days preparing, now crushed, or burnt upon the floor.

Unstoppable felt for the pony, but his other side wanted to smile as the pony who’d wronged him had finally gotten what he deserved. He would never openly admit this, and so continued on as professionally as possible when Harts Fire shattered that little moment.

“Hey, I can’t find Colonel's filly.”

Immediately the store felt constricting, as if the pressure had suddenly risen so high it had expelled all of the air from his lungs leaving the massive pony unable to breath. In his stunned, and frightened silence Morning Star rose up to take command, ordering the pegasus to make a scan on the outside while she did so on the ground leaving the re-bundled Flurry Heart in the care of the Arabian who felt more like napping on his back after that exciting morning.

Unstoppable was still processing Hart’s statement when the two came rushing back in with Morning Star leading. He didn’t hear what they were saying as his attention was drawn to the dirty robe Lady Redshock had been wearing not even an hour prior, and it was enough to send his mind racing with possibilities to explain the fate of the missing filly before shaking them away and took command once more.

“Harts Fire, take the heiress back to the castle, and report this to their Highnesses. Morning Star and I will immediately begin searching for the missing foal.” The urgency was understood and the three departed.

Interlude 3

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I'm ashamed to admit I was away on one of my walks around the Crystal Empire when word finally reached me about Cersus’ disappearance. If the out of breath pegasus hadn’t profusely apologized for his role in Cersus’s disappearance, then I might have done something hasty…

“Have you informed my wife,Topaz?” It was all I could ask to simmer my rising anger and need to bolt off to look for the lost nymph, but I was more disciplined then the average pony and bit my lip while I waited for him to finish recounting the events.

“Another flier was dispatched at their highness’s command…” he took one moment to steal a breath before continuing.”...while I went looking for you.. per orders of Corporal Unstoppable, and Princess Cadenza. His highness.. Prince Shining Armor is leading a squad…”

‘Shining Armor is leading a squad?’ It was the only part of his statement that stuck with me as it was the first sign of possibly repairing our friendship, even if it might be on Cadence’s insistence. It was a relief.

“Thank you Guard, you are free to return to your squad.” The large pegasus gave me a salute and with a strain threw himself into the sky heading in the direction of the castle. His dark colors made him easy to pick out among the bright sheen of the blue sky and pinkish shield that covered the city.

I had no idea where to even begin searching for Cersus, and thus decided to make my way toward the university to meet with Topaz, if she herself hadn’t already taken to the streets in search. Cursing under my breath I began trotting the whole distance to the university which was on the other side of my current position, but centrally located between the train station and the Crystal Castle making my journey longer than necessary. The candy store was closer to me if you took effort into account and not actual distance, yet Shining’s presence was enough to warrant the time it took to seek Topaz.

That, and it's the only proper course of action even if I myself would have preferred Topaz starting the search earlier if our situations were reversed.

My regular outings have exposed myself to many perils of the Empire. I'd previously failed to identify such traffic, intense glare coming off the crystal houses, and, but not limited to the need to seek out ponies in certain professions to thank them. Neither of these are a terrible more than they could become a small hindrance to some ponies, but by the grace of Order and Harmony there were few ponies on the road today, the sun was hidden behind a stray cloud while the ponies here recognized me and gave a friendly wave and smile shaving minutes off my time.

All roads lead to the Crystal Spire the old saying went, and while the Spire was no more, replaced with the current castle we see standing today, the normal mass of ponies had been separated and corralled to the edges nearest the shops and house to provide the guard with an easier path. Realistically, I would have sternly reminded the commander to send the ponies home as to limited civilian interference with this search, but I was on leave, and could care less about the slack in discipline when I needed to find Topaz and start my own search ASAP.

It was around this moment when my hurried trot turned into a full gallop as I knew my destination was fast approaching,

It was still early high noon and thankfully what ponies were milling about had been drawn to the plaza to see what had riled guard, leaving the road toward the university barren save for the limited few that weren’t interested with anything but their own matters. It was like this all the way to the university’s private courtyard leaving me the lone soul galloping to the main building, and up the stairs toward Topaz’s office which was located near the end of the hall past several lecture rooms for the department. Of the ten on this floor, only three were currently in use with the room closest to her office being the one Topaz herself was lecturing.

“Hurry up.” I whispered as I peered through the glass window as she took a piece of chalk off the board and proceeded to draw her own rendition of poison joke. I hadn’t even noticed the half empty jar of poison joke bulbs on the table which she would reference in her drawing.

Against the constant screaming to leave Topaz here so I could search for Cersus, and my need to inform Topaz of the situation myself kept me conflicted majority of the time as finally looked my way, smiled and turned to the class making a gesture with her wings before the nine students (I counted thrice) began gathering their study material. I retreated to the opposite wall of the door just as the students began nearing the door, and with each face displaying a different emotion as the stallions mostly nodding or offering a rough salute as they passed; the mares were more subdued in their expressions deciding to wave or scurry past with their heads down, but one felt the need to wave before making a high pitch squeal as she bolted to catch up with the rest who all joined in making that sound.

I hadn’t even made it inside the room when Topaz spoke. “I speak about Cersus and you frequently. They were just excited to finally meet you.”

I was momentarily stunned by her casualty during this extremity that was beyond my understanding. She must have sensed this for she suddenly retreated behind her desk, opened one of the drawers, and produced a rolled up piece of parchment and laid it on the desk, mentioning for me to come see it. My mission was momentarily forgotten as Topaz’s emotions were stable and not in fluctuation as I expected the news would have caused, and this calmness cooled my own rambunctious mind.

The hybrid parchment/ newspaper displayed a black and white printing of the five of us: Topaz, Cersus, Shining Armor, Cadence, and myself. All of us were wearing our dresses and uniforms while the chariot carried us toward the castle, and by the lack of panic I could assume it was taken before the mob rushed us. I looked up at Topaz who was smiling.

“Ponies, especially the young love to gossip and it didn’t take much for them to recognize who I was, and during downtimes I would tell them stories about you and Cersus. They seemed to enjoy it.”

“But that’s why I came here right now! Cersus is missing and we’ve started…”

She leaned over the desk and placed her lips on mine, ending my train of thought at that moment. “It’s alright Idol. Cersus isn’t lost. Why, she’s likely off being ‘independent’ like you’re always pushing her to be.”

“How can you say that when we’ve been told she’s missing?” It took a great will of strength to stop myself from yelling to vent my distraught. Topaz left the desk and moved closer so we were just a hoof step away.

“She did this all the time back in Canterlot, don't you remember? You encouraged her independence, and truth be told I’ve encouraged her to have that freedom here as well. Go out and make some friends I ‘ve told her, for Celestia knows we don’t want her becoming a shut-in!”

‘I can’t breathe!’

Why was I feeling so conflicted right now when I should be ecstatic knowing Cersus hadn’t been abducted by foreign powers, or Harmony I say it, by other changelings looking for any sort of leverage that might grant them the possibility of returning to the hive? If that strange feeling I felt in the first couple months wasn’t a fragment of the mind, and if our recent encounter with the merchant couple proved anything, it was that exiles were already moving to the Empire.

It was only a matter of time when they would hear of The Crystal City and its love, but my own arrogance blinded me to the belief they wouldn’t come seeking this place just as I did (unwilling though). Topaz noticed my distress and moved next to me, rubbing a wing along my back as she explained some of the ‘adventures’ as the nymph calls them to me. I started to accept this is what happened, and was less agitated before when panicked hooves echoed down the hallway… stop… more running…stop… more running… stop…

It was then the owner of these hooves made her grand appearance, looking more out of breath then she did during our first joint exercise routine nearly five months back. Her larger than normal wings had all of their feathers fluffed in an effort to cool the young mare off…

“Corporal Fireflight.” I addressed the mare who would have looked surprised to see me if she weren’t desperately trying to regain her breath. “I fear the circumstances of our meeting may have been..excessive, but a job well done nonetheless.”

“Idol, what are you talking about?” Topaz had stopped massaging my back with her wing as she focused her attention on the exhausted guard standing in the doorway. Fireflight and myself shared a look that Topaz picked up on and assumed a position I was aware of- she folded her wings in front of her as she began tapping her right forehoof.

“The search for Cersus…”

“What search?” Her voice had lost that sunshine in favor of a bristled brush. I looked at Fireflight who flinched, but held her ground.

“Colonel Hooves. Mrs. Showers. The search for your daughter is proceeding well with the first section of the city already being searched…” Her voice trailed off when Topaz’s head whipped toward her.

“What Search!?”

“You didn’t tell her?” I choked out earning her attention as well.

“Ma’am. There’s a search being conducted for the young lady as we speak with Prince Shining Armor leading the operation.”

‘I will have to make it up to Corporal Fireflight later.’ I mentally stated as Topaz’s eyes went wide and her fur bristled in agitation at the declaration.

“I…Wha… Idol…” She sputtered incomplete words as she kept turning between the guard and myself, slapped herself with one of her wings and proceeded toward the door, much to Fireflight’s terror. “WE NEED TO GO NOW!”

I was already following Topaz by that time, and motioning for Fireflight to follow along.

“So, what brings you to the Crystal Empire at the risk of freezing to death?”

It was the nymph’s first question and Thorax was unsure how he should answer it without exposing too much of his past to the strange, yet powerful nymph sitting before him. Unsure how to proceed, and to a fault very curious about the nymph’s origins and business with the Crystal Empire, he had invited the nymph in where she walked in, insulted his pony lodgings, and took a seat on the only chair he owned.

He wasn’t going to argue with a potential proto queen on principle alone, but it was the threat her mother would find him if the nymph so much as uttered a word about his situation. So, as it was Thorax took a seat on the cold floor trying his best to entertain his guest with the hope she left in a good mood that didn’t involve draining him of his love. For a race that prided themselves on deceit, the idea he told the truth because it ‘felt right’ wasn’t even laughable to his fellow lings who viewed the act as betrayal for what the implications it might bring.

Still, this was proto queen. A young one, but the nymph still out ranked him, and she seemed pleasant enough by not busting down his door…

“Our hive failed, and we were scattered because of that failure.” Truth by omittance.

“Oh…” Was all the nymph said as she lowered her head while pinning her ears back to create the impression she felt for their plight. If anything, Thorax believed she in some small way did feel for the ling. “...I heard about it. It was terrifying..I mean for the ponies no doubt.”

He caught her possible slip up, and partially out of fear said nothing to avoid earning her ire, but also couldn’t help but to wonder if this nymph’s hive had spies during the invasion? If so, then it meant they had a greater awareness of his own hive…

“It was terrible..I..I never wanted to do it.” He found his own admittance troubling, but somehow necessary. It removed this weight from him and he quickly found himself wanting to talk more. “I was a simple drone meant to perform basic tasks and found myself in the frontlines of the attack. She used the whole hive to attack save the grubs and nurses!”

“Whoa…” Was all Cersus could say having never even considered there might have been changelings against the attack on her friends and family. It surprised her greatly enough to consider giving the worried ling a hug.

Because Cersus was afraid to admit it, but she might have messed up using her ‘powers’ because somehow it kept them linked to one another. The entire time this Thorax was talking, she would sit there listening and feeling his emotions through what she guessed was telepathy.

‘Just like the comics.’ She would think, and almost pride herself on as it opened the door to many possibilities the nymph hadn’t considered before like crime fighting!

This wasn’t like pony feelings that could be seen and tasted, but a changeling’s own emotions that were always surprised to avoid leaking vital emotions, or so Idol had told her some time ago. It was another thing she had noticed after months of living in the Crystal Empire, in that her normal changeling abilities had been growing, and not by a small bit either, but by a huge amount. Never would she admit it, but Cersus had been reading Idol’s emotions on occasion trying to learn how he thought about certain questions she wanted to breach but didn’t know if she could; HAY! She’d even been sampling their emotions whenever they wanted to snuggle, which is gross mind any sane pony or ling, but the curiosity had always been there on why the emotions from it were so filling and sweet tasting.

It made Cersus wonder about her friends back in Canterlot.

“Our Queen had always looked after the hive the best she could, but…” Thorax looked up and seemed to be peering around before he switched to their mental link which sent a tingle down the back of her head and down her spine. “...I think she was hiding something.”

“Like what?” Cersus asked as her wings buzzed with interest.

The act unnerved Thorax as he had never seen a nymph so lively as the one sitting before him, but he guessed it could be a trait of proto-queen nymphs before they’re trained, yet he doubted that. The Young queen had mentioned being an exile herself, but he’d never heard of a Queen baring a daughter let alone even considering exiling her! No matter how disappointed he might be with his mother, at least she wasn’t that cruel or careless.

“I won’t say for sure, but the Queen always seemed to know things. She would do things, and watch.”

Thorax couldn’t hide his terror from the hive link, and felt sympathy for the nymph as she nearly retreated from the link all together. For this he withdrew himself from their connection to spare the nymph any more anguish. Cersus recovered once the connection was severed, and even thanked him for his kindness in another display of her foreign, but welcomed change he’d come to enjoy living amongst the ponies; the love they exhibited to one another filled him with feelings he never experienced before nor knew existed, or how happy they all seemed even on a bad day for they knew a new day would bring something better.

The hive had none of this, and if he could, Thorax would bring all of this back to share with his fellow lings.

“Is she..the queen.. Is she always like that?” Thorax nodded.

“Her majesty’s design is unknown to all but herself, and I will say she is terrifying. There is no mercy for the smallest of mistakes, and all is met with banishment.” his ears pinned back and it was only now did Cersus realize he still looked like a pony, just like her. “I left after our attack.”

The two lings didn’t know what to say after that, but for Cersus it would be a risky step that would ultimately guide her down a path she’d been looking for while Thorax found his own fantasies of changeling and pony cohabitation could be a possibility.

“That's why I left. My eyes are bad, but Mrs. Topaz doesn’t act like they are.”

Thorax looked up from his doom and gloom to peer at the filly with a new outlook he’d never felt before- hope.

“I didn’t know hives would allow a qu..one so young to leave. Did Mrs Topaz go with you?”

“Nope. She’s a pony.” Thorax felt one of his hearts stop.

“A PONY!” the filly nodded

“Yep. She and Idol take care of me until I can return to the hive..I really don’t want to though, but Idol says it's for my own good.”

He was at a loss, so much so that he failed to question why an exile would willingly want an exiled proto- queen to return to the hive they were banished from- it was suicided. Yet, that and the fact she was being raised by a pony bothered him less than this ‘Idol’ pony.

“Who is Idol?” He asked over the hive link just to assure himself he would be able to speak, and not stutter from a growing sense of dread, and intrigue forming within his second stomach.

“Idol? He’s my father-like guardian who is an exile like me while Topaz is…” she looked down and bumped her hooves together “..well..she’s a mother-like pony. BUT THAT’S BECAUSE IT'S A PONY THING TO DO!”

"A changeling and a pony..."

"Well it's more like friends benefits! She provides us love, and Idol provides her with a test subject. It's part of the illusion we're a pony family..."

Her outburst didn’t bother him for he had been conditioned to deal with pony nymphs on a daily basis, yet her suggestion to be raised by an exile and a pony baffled and equally filled him with a desire to run. It didn’t make sense he would tell himself as he fought the rising nervousness, and surprising anger growing within for the young queen recklessly endangering their hive like that. It was this fear that truly terrified Thorax as he could feel it becoming more dangerous to the nymph as it kept calling him to ‘right the wrong’.

Cerus knew none of his inner turmoil her admittance caused the deserter out of fear of looking helpless among a peer, and kept justifying her living arrangements by suggesting a lack of bits is keeping her from moving out.

Chapter 23: Catching some rays with pops.

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Cersus eventually returned later that evening in a greater state of trouble no nymph or foal had ever known before.

Topaz was still sore with me, but understood no ill was meant with the guard being mobilized, and was flattered in a way. She thanked Shining, Cadence, and every guard she came across over several days expressing her gratitude for their quick, and valiant response- she hoped they would do this for everypony in the Empire. The guards from what Topaz, Fireflight and Shifting Winds had told me were very accepting of the praise with a surprising few wanting her to sign some things for them; Topaz’s mood picked up for several days after learning how positive the guards viewed the learned pegasus.

I did feel what the ponies called ‘jealousy’ for a day or so hearing how (mostly stallions) were acting, but ‘some reassurances and a little nuzzling calms the feathers’ ,or so the pegasi say.

Somewhere during this state of relief, and with some maneuvering managed to ‘run across’ Shining Armor during one of his regular outings thanks to some not so secret intel being leaked through Topaz and then to myself. We kept our distance at first, unsure how to proceed with this encounter.

The hostility was still present, and yet it wasn’t directed at me, but centered more to himself for no reason then to blame himself for not seeing it. I made the comment about this and while he huffed, and yelled at me a little bit to vent some of that pent up anger, and I stood there silent until he finally finished.

‘Haggard.’ I thought as I looked upon my best friend.

Being the former Captain of the Guard to the Royal Sisters had instilled a deep rooted desire to look his best for his appearance was a reflection to their throne, and by extension the guard was well. The stallion before me wore bags under his eyes trying to hide them behind a growing, and unkept mane splitting at the ends; his fur was clean, but not brushed leading to the creation of matted patches tugging at the ends of his half polished armor.

“You look terrible sir.” the truth slipped from my thoughts into the open air before I’d even considered saying the sort. He snorted with a mild burst of agitation, but said nor did anything else.

He wasn’t making any of the moves I’d assumed Shining Armor would have made, and the prolonged exposure was starting to make me fidget by his unwillingness to engage in any proper conversation. Yet, he wasn’t trying to leave either, only furthering this paradox of ours to its inevitable conclusion unless one of us was willing to take that first step…

“I’m sorry. I’m sorry for everything.” He said nothing, but the hostility was dimming and I took that to continue on. “You’re my best friend, Shining Armor, and deserve better than what you were given. If it means anything, thank you. Thank you for looking for Cersus.”

Shining Armor said nothing as we each sized the other up again, until his stiff posture produced a simple tilt up and down of his head before managing to utter a single sentence that gave me more hope then.. Well not as much hope when Topaz convinced me of our mutual attraction to one another.

“I would expect the favor returned, Idol.”

“I would do nothing less.” I replied, and he nodded once again.

He left after that, but I could feel his emotions had calmed tremendously.

If Heyyu's accounts were accurate then he was more approachable now then a stampeding herd of Buffalo for they were non-approachable when angered, but my experience with these creatures were severely limited, so this comparison was superficial at best. Still, I knew better than to look too far into the implications of our brief exchange deciding the best thing to do was to let the silence simmer between us, allowing us the time for some much needed contemplation.

The next two days saw a semblance of normalcy. Cersus appeared more thoughtful, and not wanting to pry into the privacy of a growing nymph, I didn’t ask what she was thinking of, but offered my ear should she feel the need to talk. We didn’t of course, but the nymph’s mood improved, and having felt she learned a lesson lifted her grounding (Topaz’s insistence that I do this also contributed to the lighter sentence) on the condition she let us know when and where she was leaving- Cersus agreed and that was that.

Topaz returned to work the following day, and to my surprise I was sought out the same day by one of the Crystal Guard informing me of a summons by Sergeant Shifting Winds. I offered Cersus to follow along, but she declined in favor of spending the day in the city since she hadn’t been called to foalsit Flurry Heart, and on the condition she take an escort I agreed and wished her well.

The excursion through the castle was a modest affair this time around as most of the guards and staff that were aware of my secret either accepted it or were in better control of their emotions making the trip feel normal once more.

It was only later did I learn of a three way split between the Crystal Guard, with the larger split seemingly comfortable with my presence: the second largest being adversative to my un-pony nature, and the smallest grouping was undecided or so my escort informed me. The pegasus had introduced himself as Equinox, and wasn’t affiliated with the guard directly, but worked as contracted help brought in from Equestria proper until our own Crystal Guards could be trained up to assume the workload. The white feathered pegasus swore this was a thing, but I remained doubtful as I’d never known we were outsourcing any of our tasks.

He promised Shifting Winds would vouched for him, and I held him to his word.

We passed the many flags of the Equestrian Auxiliary units that had supplemented us since the Empire’s return, but noted how I’d not seen nearly as many as before leaving me to wonder if they had returned to Equestria or possibly transferred to the Crystal Guard. Since assuming command, the matter hadn’t approached my desk at all, but unfortunately it would have to wait until the Royal Couple deemed myself fit for service once more.

Oh! After passing the portrait in this hall many times, I finally learned of the mysterious Alicorn that hung next to Cadence on the wall- Princess Amore. Discovering there were more Alicorns in the past did shocked me at first, but I got over it quickly as I listened to some of the Crystal Ponies telling tales of their former ruler; I stopped to take one good look at the alicorn’s portrait (my escort continued to shifting Sand’s office) so I may ‘stare into her eyes’ to see if some of the stories were true, but to my disappointment felt nothing save for the loose gravel weighing my stomach down. Butterflies couldn’t survive in a pony's stomach, but gravel felt more appropriate as my emotions started to grow powerful enough to cause me concern.

“Farewell to thee Princess Amore.” It felt right to address the late princess if to just acknowledge her legacy in the Empire.

Weighted with less emotions, I hurried to catch up with my escort who stood about 40 hoofsteps away waiting for me, his face looking more surprised then upset with my delay. Instead, we talked for a minute as he asked me a question about my transformation insisting he supported my command, but never knew what creature I was. I told him what most Equestrians would have learned of my kind by now, and his posture showed no disgust or fear, but a genuine curiosity as he told me the only creature they had in the Empire to compare would be the dreaded Wendigos.

“So you’re not from Equestria proper?” The pegasus shook his head.

“I was, but my parents moved to the Empire when I was young. It was pleasant back then and we were one of the few pegasi in the Empire meaning my parents were always working.”

“Ah, so you’re from…” I trailed off, but Equinox caught the meaning and shook his head up and down.

“ Yes sir. I’m one of the displaced locals that can’t get enough of the books and magic lights!” He was laughing while he spoke like he was telling a funny joke, and the few glimpses of his emotions didn’t contradict his behavior either.

We shook hooves and departed after, and I knocked on the door. There was no reply, and another two knocks only repeated the pattern leaving me perplexed on how to proceed given he was the one to have summoned me…

There was motion in the room, and curses being heard as a pony stumbled toward the door knocking something over judging by the loud bang and irate self chattering that followed.

“Sorry about that Colonel!’ Shifting Winds’ apology slipped through the crack first before he’d even opened the crystal door to expose the overworked stallion looking more like the day I first met him. I greeted him in return and entered his office at his beckoning.

“I was nodding off there for a moment Idol, so thank you for the wake up call. Sunshine Delight?”

“Please, and thank you Shifting Winds.” My months in the empire had imprinted a fondness for the orange flavored hard drink, but not enough to continually seek it out. Topaz found the drink a little too strongly flavored, but would indulge in a glass now and then when the mood struck.

“Herrrrree youuuu go!” He drugged the words out as he poured the drink into each glass, and offered me a glass. “May I start off saying it's good to see you up and moving again, sir? My mother wouldn’t give us the chance to rest unless it was serious for she believed ‘a body in motion can’t stop to pick up anything’.”

“While I appreciate the words Shifting, I can’t help, but feel a concoction of emotions driving me toward some ultimate conclusion I’m woefully unprepared for. You are aware of the ‘rumors’ circulating about me…”

“That you’re a changeling? The princesses informed me before their departure, and that was because of my position and ranking in the Crystal Guard.”

“...and rightly so. You were the acting Captain before, and as of now still are, and I fear you might remain so for the foreseeable future.”

“Please don’t threaten me sir.” The tired pegasus slumped onto the desk to better support his worn body. “ I was getting regular sleep for a while there until you had to be responsible during the Crystalling. Thank the princesses Corporal Fireflight is unable to fly away, else I would be alone!”

I smiled at his joke, and was happy to hear that the Excessive Wing Growth (EWG) had not hindered her sense of duty at all. He poured us another glass, and resumed recapping what I had missed in great detail during the past two months of forced R&R, getting more exasperated at the nuances of the reveal and how it altered the dynamic of the guard. Most were worried about my origins, while the Crystal Ponies seemed concerned for they had never seen a changeling, but have heard of the attack in Canterlot.

“It is no threat, but a fact. I’m still on my extended leave until the Princess Cadence and Prince Shining Armor can determine the security risk I pose to the Empire, and to Equestria by extension of my rank. I agree with their decision of course, Sergeant.”

“Of course you do, Colonel. I would wager a guess it is that commitment to duty that has kept this from blowing up in all of our faces. Idol…” He took a quick sip from his glass and with a shake of his body set the glass off to the side on his desk. “...you’re a Celestia damn poster colt. It is that public and private perception of yourself that has kept most of these rumors from running wild.”

“You are too generous with your assumptions, Shifting Winds, for it is their love of the princess and prince that have kept the stability of the realm in sync with their beliefs in harmony.” I took another sip of the delicious drink that very well could have been distilled with love, and set the empty glass next to the other one.

“How can you be this charismatic, but be so you!?” He gestured toward me, but held no anger behind his gesturing. “You draw ponies to you like honey does to bears, and you can’t see beyond the constructive narrative you’ve built to justify their actions. Idol, these ponies may fear you for what you are, but it is ultimately you that keeps them around.”

“What do you suggest should happen then, Sergeant? I am still on mandatory leave, and currently unable to perform any of my duties in any meaningful capacity for the immediate future.”

I watched as he lifted himself off the desk only to slump back into his chair as his emotions became more conservative, or withdrawn to my senses as his face contorted into one of extreme thought. The pegasus’ wings were restless, a common sign of distress among the flying folk as he fought to remain still, but this attempt was fruitless for he continued fidgeting as he tapped his hoof on the table to declare my attention.

“How familiar are you with our society, Idol?”

“Experienced enough during the past 11 years, but am still weary of certain topics that are commonly brought up in conversation.” He tapped the desk again as he hummed his thoughts into existence.

“I was going to suggest using popular topics to blend in, but given your nuances that would be counter intuitive. So, I suggest you continue doing what you’ve done till last month- be yourself. Go out, and show those ponies underneath that terrifying exterior is a heart…”

“Changelings have two hearts, but only one performs the pony equivalent of the cardiovascular system. The second one remains nonfunctional, and serves no practical purpose.”

“That is interesting, and really weird sir. But I still stand behind my statement that you need to keep being seen by the public. Let them see the changeling among them is the same pony they’ve come to accept as one of their own before all of this got out of hoof.”

“And how would I do that Shifting Wind? I already take my daily walk through the outer rim of the Empire, or accompany Topaz to her employment, what other measures could I take?”

“Well that’s a good start sir, but by Celestia’s grace the average citizen doesn’t know about you then the occasional gossip or official statement. It is the guard and castle staff that needs to be reassured you are you.”

“Now that will prove difficult given some of their reactions to my presence, and by their professionalism alone do they keep in step instead of fleeing.” It was one reason why I had gotten along with some of them so well prior to being trapped in the dreamscape for the last few weeks.

“Exactly my point sir! I believe if you can win back their faith in you, then the Royal Couple will come around. Lucky for you sir I’ve taken the time to write down some suggestions in advance…”

“No, no. You need to grip the sides of the mirror at an angle, like this…” I proceed to demonstrate this fact by adjusting my own mirror to reflect more of the Crystal Heart rays. I tilted my head to Cersus and watched as she tried doing the same.

I’d pondered Shifting Wind’s suggestions for a full day, and after consulting Topaz agreed this was worth a chance. One of the suggestions on the list was to be seen in proximity to the Crystal Heart to dampen rumors of alternative motives for coming to the empire- to steal the heart. By Order and Harmony, the guards on duty near its base were friendly enough toward Cersus and myself, and once learning of our intent gave us their permission.

My original intent was to take Cersus with me as we took photos of the notable landmarks of the Empire to put into a collage of sorts that I would then place on my wall to show ponies that came to visit. Topaz laughed, almost scoffing at this idea for it meant inviting ponies to our bedroom to see these pictures on our wall…

“That is how those swinger rumors years ago began Idol! You want Cadence to come down here asking questions again?”

“Point taken.”

I certainly didn't want those rumors to start circulating in the castle along with my changeling existence, for the results themselves could destroy not only reputation, permanently ruin Cersus and Topaz’s lives in the empire for good. Fleeing the Empire back to Canterlot would only shatter our goodwill and follow us wherever we should ultimately choose to live, all of our career prospects finished for good; Cersus’ life would always be that of a normal changeling living in fear, and unable to live the life she’d grown accustomed to.

“Why can’t I just stand next to it like a normal pony?” Cersus buzzed her wings before seeing me glare at her mistake.

“Because young one, it's improper to stand directly next to a national treasure as important as the Crystal Heart.”

“And trying to suntan from it is any better?” She made one final attempt to adjust the cutting board wrapped in aluminum foil before setting it on the ground in defeat. I set my own cutting board on the ground, and looked upon the disguised nymph as I tried to formula a proper response…

“I suppose not little one. This idea was spawned out of some comic I’d heard about where a long eared rabbit would sunbathe while being chased as a way to mock his pursuer. I found the concept amusing enough to try it ourselves, and besides a nice dose of love, I’m realizing the idea is rather farfetched.”

“You think? We look like fools! Ponies had been taking pictures of us since we plopped down our pillows.”

“Come to think of it, using the pillows from our bed chambers might not have been the best idea. They are rather nice, and likely expensive to be placed on the floor. Come on Redshock. Let us try something else.”

“Please!” She promptly stood up and began trotting back to the castle as I scooped up our modified cutting boards, and pillows to rethink our approach.

“What do I do now Idol? Every time I get near it, it just backs up.”

Cersus and I had shifted focus, and upon the suggestion of Shifting Wind’s list and remembering a conversation I once overheard decided the local petting zoo would be a great place to visit. The idea was simple. We would pet the animals, gather some love, and then continue working on the list until the early evening where we would meet Topaz for dinner. Nothing serious I’d assumed as the Crystal Sheep were supposed to be very friendly, and carry a lot of love that would get tangled in their wool, but the sheep knew we weren't true ponies the moment we approached the gate. The few foals in the pen noticed the ewe’s reactions and became nervous, but otherwise stayed put with frightened ewes as I talked Cersus into getting in with them.

“Hold your ground, little one. They are obviously frightened by your authority, so by remaining calm you demonstrate your ability to wield it.”

“How does standing here say all of that? Do you speak sheep Idol?”

“I do not, for I can’t get the pitch just right without it sounding like it came from the outfields.”

“Did you just make a joke?”

“Never. What is a sheep’s favorite store? “ I asked, and reluctantly the disguised nymph turned around so she may properly respond to the joke.

“I don’t know, Idol. What is a sheep’s favorite store?”” I smiled.

“The Woolmart.” Cersus’ sigh was everything an embarrassed foal should express, and hearing a couple light chuckles from the other parents is what made the joke have depth.

Not wanting to wait for another joke, Cersus turned back to the confused ewe who had looked back to its herd. The ewes appeared to be in the middle of a conversation when Cersus committed to her plan before I could call out; she crouched low to build up pressure in her legs, and without missing wing beat leaped forward using her little wings to carry her the whole distance. She made the landing, coming down right down on the ewe's back which sent her into a panicked rage.

“Redshock!”

“Whhhaaaaaaaaaaaaa! “

Cersus had underestimated the little ewe’s power, and was at the little creature’s mercy as it ran madly in the enclosed pen. The other foals and ewes screamed or bleated as they ran for the fence to avoid the bucking ewe, and the not so terrified nymph. The distressed ewe bucked, and ran trying to knock Cersus off, but the nymph had a strong hold that made the sheep’s current tactic a waste of energy.

“EVERYBODY LOVES HUGS! MY FRIENDS SAID SO!” She cried as the sheep bleated with more despair forcing the foals out of the pen and the other ewes to herd together, and ran away as their friend tried to buck Cersus off her back.

I’m aware my reaction timing was less than ideal because by the time I did manage to hop into the small pen, the ewe was on its final legs before collapsing onto its stomach. Cersus began pumping her hooves in the air while flapping her wings as she celebrated her ‘victory’, before reaching over to pat the exhausted ewe on the head.

“See that wasn’t so bad uh?”

“It certainly was, and could have been worse. What in Order and Harmony was that Redshock?” I was so upset with the nymph I almost slipped up by addressing her with her real name. To her credit, she appeared to have picked up on this before pivoting to a defensive stance.

“No creature was hurt Idol, see? Just a little tired is all, and let's be real here, these sheep needed some excitement in their lives.”

I was taken back by her brashness concerning the implications of her stunt, and the potential distress she might have caused the poor ewes. I’d prepared to make Cersus aware of her actions, but the mothers of the foals that had been watching the whole time made any attempt to discipline the nymph difficult. Their comments only empowered the smug nymph more so than I expected, and wanted to deal with.

“Bless it be to the Crystal Heart, that filly had no refrainment!”

Blessed Princess, Snow Drift! The filly needs to practice if she’s ever going to nab a colt. You act as if you’d never pounced on a colt before?”

“It’s how I met my husband! I’d just celebrated my fifth Crystalling when I caught sight of Steel Cut helping himself to my cake, the nerve! Well, after that pouncing he quickly learned some manners! Just because you helped make the cake…”

Their conversation continued on much in the same manner, but Cersus had heard all of it and felt justified in her actions whether or not the mares knew the real reasoning for the pouncing.

“We’ll talk about this later, but for now…” I had just started informing Cersus when I noticed a strange bell sound.

Cersus, and the mares heard it as well, and eventually one of them shouted something just as an explosion came from the other side of the pen, sending bits of the wooden fencing our way. I moved over Cersus to shield her from the fractured debris, but no sooner did it stop did the mares become panicked.

The source of that high chime was a bell hanging proudly from a red ribbon that was a bright contrast to the dark blue fur of its owner, standing on the opposite side of the pen near the ewes and escaping foals was the ram of the flock. Roughly the height of a young stallion about to enter greater society, the greatest impact was his massive horns spiraling past his head, and were already beginning to curl back to face their sharp points outward.

The ewe that had carried Cersus around the pen immediately made her way toward the ram, and began bleating in a low, tired voice while limping back and forth in front of him. I leaned in closer to Cersus, and whispered my question concerning her ability to achieve flight. She barely asked why as the ram gave off a loud battle cry when I grabbed the nymph, and giving a prayer chucked her out of the pen.

I vowed not to use magic against the ram who was in proper standing within the law of defending his home, and that left me little recourse then to turn and flee the charging beast.

The ram was persistent, and followed me out of the sanctioned petting zoo and into the outskirts of the neighboring homesteads that collectively made up the agricultural might of the Crystal Empire, and by the kindness of a local farmer the ram was caught. I thanked the outstanding citizen for their assistance and against his request, declared I would personally compensate the stallion and his family for helping mine.

Tired as we were, Cersus and myself managed to keep a steady pace, and only be 20 minutes late to meet Topaz for a late lunch.

“Where did the two of you go exactly?” Topaz asked. Her fork shifted through the crystal bowl filled with cut up pieces of fruit drizzled with oil made from olives. I myself made an attempt to prod my own sliced fruit with a fork, but couldn’t commit to the act of impaling the juicy fruit as I pondered the appropriate response.

“It was fine.”

“Fine?” Her eyes moved to Cersus, who looked up from her own bowl of partially eaten fruit, and nodded.

“It was ok Idol took me to the petting zoo…” I might have stabbed the fork against the plate in that moment “...and I got to pet a crystal ewe. So that was different.”

“I’ve never been to any sort of zoo, so the experience wasn’t unwelcomed as it was different then the normalcy.” I added.

“Is this what my mother felt every time I came home from school? Order..I mean Celesta, I should write and apologize for everything. “ Topaz’s fork slouched as she lowered her hooves back onto the table, but Cersus’s fork as well as my own continued securing us fruit to provide us a distraction.

“ Reconciliation with Viridian would only improve both of your lives…”

“I know you well enough Idol to guess something is off, and that goes for you two Cersus.”

“I didn’t do anything!” her reaction was expected, but the quickness only foretold she had the statement in waiting. I managed to act more normal than before as this time I hit the piece of fruit and not the crystal bowl itself.

We managed to avoid more prodding questions that night, and the following day nothing more unusual had happened, putting Topaz back into her good mood. Yet, that changed on the second day when a picture of myself on the national paper, ‘Crystal Reflections’, had published a photo of myself being pursued by the ram on the front page with the very noticeable, but incriminating headline: ‘Famed Colonel and daughter save onlookers from dangerous ram.'

A Princess's view

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When I had agreed with my aunt’s ruling regarding Idol’s ‘leave of absence’, I fought hard to make it only that with the condition that if proven innocent, Idol may resume command immediately. This stipulation had been met with resistance from them, and Shining Armor who looked deeply betrayed by the revelation, but eventually we all agreed with one additional clause; all four of us had to be in agreement.

Of course, I agreed to this, and in a rare display of annoyance on my part had bid them farewell with an added comment I would keep careful watch over her betrothed. I don't like cause strife, but watching Celestia’s muzzle burn red for that one moment before stomping off made the exchange worth it in the end. Aunt Luna seemed more amused than anything, but warned the me Idol is who he claims, and that he will need the support of his family and friends for a while. This made me smile and we shared a hug before Luna proclaimed she needed find Celestia before she her temper gets the better of her.

With the promise to write weekly the first month before switching to a letter each month, Luna departed. That had been nearly 3 months ago, and I hadn’t expected Idol to thrive the way he’d done so, as I continued to read ‘Crystal Reflections’ latest update on the Colonel and his daughter, Cersus.

Redshock to everypony else.

Since their first cover appearance last week, there had been a surge for more of the pair when given the chance leading to certain terms entering the Empire’s common speech- ‘Tossing the foal’ being the most common phrase the alicorn had heard and roughly understood it to mean taking the blame. The other meanings were lost to me, but had grown popular enough to be heard even in the castle between court proceedings.

Today’s article was located near the center as to entice readers with other news or offerings before getting to the desired piece, and a full page greeted me as I eyed the picture with mild anger, and glee. The picture they had chosen was of Idol, Topaz, Cersus and Flurry Heart; the four were sitting outside of what looked like a cold eatery as the four sat there happily eating their treat.

Little scenes like the one depicted in the current paper easily captivated my ponies…

“My ponies!” I happily thought as I began reading the article about my friend and her family.

…ponies because it served several important purposes. The ponies of the Empire were still overcoming the mentality of life under Sombra, and either out of necessity, or a genuine draw to the Hooves Family have created the unusual paradox of making them minor celebrities in their own right. The unintended toy line that had spawned from his minor encounter with some Poison Joke filled a huge hole the Empire didn’t even know was missing, also contributed to their increased notoriety.

Whatever brief conversation Shining Armor and Idol had the previous week had left him in a more personable mood, to my shock! Shining Armor wouldn’t really say what was said, but summarized Idol will help them with Flurry Heart if they will ask, leading to the photo in the paper.

Topaz was absolutely thrilled to watch Flurry Heart since Cersus had taken an attachment to the young alicorn, and Idol would do it under the guise of duty, but in reality really appreciated foals. This served two parts with the first proving Shining and myself a day off from watching lil Flurry, but the second, and most cunning is exposing Topaz to the idea of raising a foal. Our talks can only reveal so much without having to directly pry for more information, and unlike changelings that steal love, I can feel it- read its intent before the owner ever knows what they want.

In this case, I’ve noticed an increasing reaction to when Flurry Heart is mentioned or is present, slowly I’ve begun piecing together what should have been an obvious fact for a mother like myself. Topaz really enjoys being a mother, and that isn’t mere speculation derived from my cutie mark, or self interest in helping ponies learn to express themselves in a positive light, but an actual feeling of the need to nurture.

Topaz already achieves this with the little Cersus and her students, and yet I can feel a greater need from within her to teach more than university, or the rambunctious nymph. Watching Flurry Heart for Shining and myself is a win-win where I see no drawbacks!

The article read on like the previous ones, but with the addition of Flurry Heart being seen in public once more without us seeding the Empire with further speculation. I myself found a few of the more outlandish claims highly amusing, but there were at least two I found very plausible for I’d never even considered them until now; it would have to wait until Shining Armor is fully on board with the idea, but Cersus already foalsit’s Flurry Heart on a semi regular basis as Idol and Topaz look so cute holding her!

“They would make wonderful godparents.” I told myself and found the idea pleasing the more I continued thinking about it.

Finished reading, I folded the paper so it could remain neatly on the table for staff or some other creature to look through it, and promptly left the breakfast bowl for the next passing maid. I’d never gotten used to the idea of leaving my dishes behind, and while growing up in Canterlot had lessened that trepidation considerably, it never fully squashed my pre-alicorn habits. So, I made sure to show my appreciation by thanking each staff member when I could, it’s the little things that go the extra step.

The moment I left the private dining room, my two guards snapped to attention and proceeded to follow me as I made my way from the Royal Suites to the throne room to listen to the populace’s grievances. Steel Cut and Avid Run fell in step behind, and the three of us made our way to the floor below through the secret passage that provided a direct route to a little lounge meant for royalty, or for esteemed guests of the Crystal Empire could gather in peace from the general petitioners.

It was here I met up with my wondrous personal assistant, TwoBits, who had been poached from the guard at my request; he might not fully appreciate his new duty, but by my aunts’ rule he’s good at the job, and it’s that sternness the Empire needs if we’re to thrive. He looked up and before I could greet him he cut me off.

“Ya grace is late.” His accent was rough, and foreign in the courts of the old empire, but it always reminded me of Twilight’s friend, and which reminded me of home. “We should ah began an hour ago.”

“We’re barely two minutes past the appointed time, Twobit. I’m sure the ponies will understand the slight delay.”

“They will, but that’s not the point. There formalities needin’ to go over that can’t be passed on Princess. Besides…” He took a look at his clipboard and offered it to me, making sure to point out the list of grievances. “...they might not so much.”

“Why not?” I asked as I levitated the offered clipboard, and began looking over the list as to the reason why, but couldn’t distinguish anything then their names appeared to be non-native. “Is it because they’re from Equestria and not a local of the Empire?”

“Indeed, your grace. Crystal Ponies like hem two gentlecolts neva hard of changelings till now. Best they might do is be startled, and yell some. Noth’n mo.”

I could see where this was heading to and was confirmed when I gestured to the list of names, and he nodded. He then flicked his head toward the door where my two guards stood waiting outside in the throne room, and moved closer to whisper his concerns which greatly piqued my interest.

“Do you really believe they’ll try to spread this fear within the Crystal Empire? I’m aware we can’t stop them from learning about Changelings, but should we really prevent them from speaking of them?”

Twobit shook his head, and raised his dirty brown foreleg so he was pointed toward one of the only original portraits of the late Princess Amore, the one that all the new ones were based off, yet paled to the ripped, and water damaged original. Most of the original canvas was missing as the pony who smuggled it out had tore everything around her bust, making it easier to hide the likeness in whatever spot that exposed the work to the humidity; I never met the pony as this remnant was only found during the reconstruction of the city, deemed a miracle, and seen as a sign to my legitimacy.

“These ponies worshiped her, an’ will follow her lessons to a tee. Its ta others to be worried about, but not enuff ta go stompin on them. Reassure their concerns.”

His unorthodox speech was thick, and showed the earth pony wasn’t a native, but it wasn't that strange perspective that I required. I read his files, and knew the strangeness of his life, and it was my hope this duality would trickle into the politics of my court to better help make the right decisions going forward that would be fair for all. Aunty Celestia has Raven Inkwell, Aunty Luna has Kibitz, and by law I should be allowed a stellar aide to help me should I not?

Twobit would get used to it in time, or at least I hope he would.

“I will keep that in mind Twobits, and once more, thank you for your input. It has been eye opening. Now, shall we commence?” He gave his agreement, and with that the two of us opened the doors and told Steel Cut and Avid Run they may take positions- court will be starting post haste.

“SHINING!” I’m ashamed to admit it was more of a whine than an actual summon, but after today I wasn’t feeling the whole ‘princess’ thing. Steel Cut and Avid Run maintained their discipline and said nothing(not even a snicker) as they took position on each side of our door, even going as far to grab one to close it.

There is no immediate response as my hoofsteps echo across the open floorplan looking for that stallion as I carelessly began tossing my regalia onto the imported cloud bed, while making my way to the connected room that acted as our private spa room. The two pony tall vanity looked better then it did this morning meaning the maids had done another fabulous job with the washroom, but it was the stallion in the reflection that caught my interest. Turning toward one of the largest tubs I’d ever seen, and to my shock had shared many similarities with the designs used back in Canterlot leading me to assume Celestia and the Crystal Empire had a stronger connection then I was led to believe.

“More questions than answers.” I told myself as I walked toward the tub. My hoofsteps didn’t even wake the sleeping stallion as he continued to soak in the cooling waters.

There was no steam which meant the heat had long subsisted, and by dipping my wing tip into the gathered water verified he had spent a number of hours in the water. Shining Armor had slept long enough, and it was time to get up which meant prodding his side with the wet wing; when that failed to elicit a response, I gave into the tried and true method to wake a sleeping prince from their eternal slumber- a kiss!

It was more romantic in my head, but when it came down to it all I had to work with was his damp head resting on the side of the tube, and by the scent coming off him meant he likely fell asleep covered in shampoo. So, I stuck my tongue at the stallion that ruined my plan, and went with the even less princess like option by sticking my wing into the water to splash him with it. I felt silly, but court had been a great pain in the flank and that foalish part of me was happily dancing in place at the thought, and what heartless adult would tell a foal no?

Shining had no chance to dodge the water before the tidal wave crashed into the side of his face, and even had enough force to go over his stiff mane. I had to leap back with my wings flared, and read to seek the safety of the sky when the water finally crashed into him; his grip over the side gave way, dragging him into the cold water before bursting through the surface.

I was in between giggling and shock as he flailed his forelegs trying to grab anything before collapsing onto the very spot he was just a second before, coughing and wheezing as he fought to keep his soap covered mane out of his eyes. I timidly approached him while using my wings to cover my mouth to keep from laughing, as he reminded me of Twilight when I would give her a bath- a fighter!

Shining didn’ say anything as much as he spit out the cold water while trying to rub the leftover soap out of his eyes.

“WHA.. WHO..MY EYES!” He repeated over until he finally heard my approach, raised his head before plunging himself into the cold bathwater.

I moved closer to peer into the water as he splish and splashed trying to wash the dried soap out of his mane, and being the helpful wife I am, levitated our favorite bristle brush over from its resting dish. Shining quickly reemerge covered in rehydrated suds in desperate need of being worked into his coat and mane, and once the brush made contact with his coat he went limp as I scrubbed his back.

This was purely to help my dear husband who had been exhausted enough to collapse over the side of the tub, yet as I continued scrubbing and washing his back did the idea of using the moment to talk about Idol. My shock had mostly dissipated as my attachment to little Cersus had grown since her continued foalsitting duties, and how his wife is my best friend. Unfortunately, Shining took it the hardest discovering his best friend of the nearly 12 years was a changeling, and never disclosed that fact even if there were some ‘orders’ as Topaz claimed. The anger was real, but I feel it's more from the betrayal than any seeded issue about Idol, as Shining focused more on the discovery of this secret then Idol himself.

It bothered me to abuse the moment to bring up a heated issue, yet with what happened in court today I knew it needed to be addressed sooner than later if we’re to avoid sowing more fear mongering among the populace.

“What happened today, Shining?” My courage faltered as I watched the stallion of my life humming himself to sleep as I shifted from scrubbing to brushing.

His left eye opened, but in a droop like a hoof trying to scoop water, and in between the redness his pupil moved up, and then to the right before looking off to his left. Once he did, his body began stirring with the speed of a foal just waking up from their nap, and watching this only further exasperated my feelings for disturbing Shining’s moment.

“I had a chat with Idol…” He said the words with some difficulty, but managed to look me in the eye as he did so. “...now I’m more confused than before, Candy. Changelings are the enemy, but Idol…”

“...is Idol.” I finished for my love who nodded in agreement before laying over the tub’s side once more.

“I’m aware the foal isn’t is, or even a pony, and yet I still assembled the guard to perform a city wide search when I couldn’t even look the one I called friend in the eyes.”

I resumed brushing his back, and he happily grunted his approval.

“Because you're a selfless pony dear, and knew Cersus did nothing wrong, but simply try to be a foal. Idol, for his faults, has been a wondrous pony and friend to us all these years, and while unintentional, he still behaved like a changeling. Topaz knew, but is fine with him.

“Yea, but she married her work.” He mumbled while looking at the ground, and I giggled at the statement for it was the same joke I’ve made after finding out.

“And you didn’t marry yours?” I asked just as I leaned to plant one along his now clean cheek. “We’ll have to eventually talk to them Shining, but understand that changeling is still the one that fumbled his way into our lives, and the Colonelcy.”

“Yea...that’s Idol for you.” Shining mumbled as I began draining the cold water from the tub, but by then I had stopped brushing his back, and started rubbing his back with my hoof.

I was still conflicted, but not to the extent as my Knight in Shining Armor was.

“We’ll take it slow dear, but remember it's their daughter that is currently foalsitting Flurry. A changeling foal that Flurry Heart has taken a shine to.”

“I’m aware…” He trailed off, and while I knew he was against it once he discovered Cersus was a changeling as well, I’m proud he’s beginning to come around and see the nymph is nothing more than a foal trying to be a foal.

It’s proof that Idol and Topaz have raised Cersus to be so well behaved that she can watch a young foal with little supervision. It made complete sense that a foal under their roof would be mature enough to be left unattended all this time…

“Ok..what do you think?” I asked the giggling foal who was waving her hooves in the air as she tried reaching for me.

Of course, I kept my distance but smiled knowing she was enjoying the show as much as I was since it reminded me of my early ‘entree maneuvers’ days. All I had to do was change forms into different ponies( mostly ones we know) and BOOM! Instant laughs and love!

“I knew you’ll go for it lil sis because you have good taste in looks.”

Flurry Heart by this point had managed to grab one of her hooves which quickly disappeared into her mouth, and no matter how many times I see it, I can’t help but shake the disguise right off as it bothered me for some reason. You think having to foalsit this puffy wing foal would have made me use to it, but nope! Eating bugs, and even kissing a colt didn’t bother me as much as thinking about Flurry eating her own hooves.

The princess asked me to watch Flurry once again as she and the prince were busy, and with Idol helping mom for the next week that meant someling had to answer the call! Idol says I shouldn’t have accepted, but mom said it was them acknowledging my work and rewarding me for it. So, I can now use the title of ‘Sister Princess Apparent’ which doesn’t sound cool but it does come with some cool perks!

“That doesn't sound really cool princess.”

“Oh but it comes with some unique benefits Redshock! Anyone who bullies my daughter, you legally are allowed to bite them."

Idol would have grounded me and the princess if he found out, but thankfully the food princess was smart to keep it a secret, and that’s what I do best!

As the weird foal found her hoof edible, I dropped my disguise since everypony had to knock, and be given permission before entering. This meant the chances of me being discovered were slim at best, and I really did miss looking like myself so I didn’t see it as a problem if the strange foal didn't. This understanding made my time spent watching the foal more ok as she listens to me more then the adults, and that has been great!

Just the other day we got real ice cream after I planted the idea into Flurry’s head, and wouldn’t stop crying until I suggested we get a treat. A win in my journal for sure!

“You don’t feel like taking a walk do you?” I asked while digging through the chest that held most of Flurry’s toys, but after finding nothing new gave up on the idea.

She giggled with her hoof still in her mouth.

“Alright then, I’ll get the wagon set up and then we can see what the kitchens are making today.”

I was pulling Flurry, who rested in the wagon with a nest of blankets down the hallway with the guard watching her playroom following close behind, but that was expected. He watches Flurry when I’m not around just like Unstoppable watches me when Idol isn’t around. Plus it meant he could carry Flurry and the wagon down the stairs for me!

Flurry seemed to be enjoying the walk as she did her normal thing of giggling, and waving her hooves around as she kept using her magic to tug on the rope I was using to pull the wagon. I tried to ignore it, but that plan fell apart rather quickly because the somewhat annoying foal found the whole thing amusing. I ended up switching with our escort so I could walk alongside the wagon, and of course she didn’t bother the guard as she once again found me cooler to look at then crystal hallways.

I couldn’t be too upset with the weird foal as the guards kept changing every other day, making it impossible to learn their names before learning a new one.

This was maybe two months back, but I remember asking one a question, and the next day he was replaced with another, more quiet guard. Weird right? Topaz found it concerning while Idol shrugged it off as normal operating procedure as he calls it.

“It’s standard procedure to rotate guards at a constant rate to ensure none become too passive in their duties or become an easy target in the future. In your case, what would happen if a changeling were to replace Unstoppable Force? Unless you noticed the change, they would have access to your entire schedule and permission to wander the castle without a need for too much questioning.”

“But wouldn’t assigning random guards make it easier to infiltrate the castle if we don’t know who the guard is? Topaz asked. Idol looked to Topaz but said nothing before sighing, sagging his shoulders.

“Perhaps a review is in order?”

But that never happened because the storm clouds attacked soon after, and when I asked Topaz about having Unstoppable watch us she would shake her head and say something that wasn’t an answer I wanted to hear, or claim it was against the rules. The princess never gave me a good reason either, and so we’re stuck with these no name guards who don’t say a word, but follow orders pretty good.

Thankfully, we don’t have to take the stairs anymore since the Princess, and Prince had recently constructed this portal that could take you between floors with the press of a button! It’s really neat and easy to use since all we do is push the button to summon it, go in once the doors open, and select the number given to each floor. For us, we have only one option which takes us to the floor below where the princess sits on a throne like Celestia or the queen, and then we have to go back into the hallway and push the button to take us to the cafeteria.

Mom says this is to keep ponies from entering our floor without permission.

Something has changed me, and I don’t know if I should be scared or accepting of it since I wanted to meet new ponies all the time, which is how I met my friends back in Canterlot. Nowadays, I’m finding the idea of interacting with new ponies less interesting than before which is weird already, but even weirder is how mom, and Thorax don’t have an answer to give me. Mom says it's a part of growing up, and now that I’m a little older I’m starting to value my independence more, while Thorax states it's a natural response for a changeling like me.

Mom’s answer was alright, but didn’t really tell me anything, while Thorax’s answer left me with more questions than before as the way he said ‘ a changeling like me’ really rubbed the chitin the wrong way.

“What did he mean by that?” It was a question I’ve been asking myself as the old fears of worrying about my disguise, or did I forget something that dominates my mind now. I don’t like the feeling anymore, and I can thank Idol, and mom for that.

Eventually, we made the journey to the other portal that led us down to the floor where the cafeteria was at, prompting me to walk faster- Flurry was still giggling in the wagon, but was more interested in the ponies we passed. Many of them didn’t seem bothered with us as we made our way down the hallway, and that's fine by me as it meant less ponies stopping us to talk or try and take a picture of us which can really be annoying. I get enough of that whenever Idol takes us out into the city, or when Unstoppable is carrying me on his back.

No ponies today were wanting to take our pictures, but there was one pony carrying a tray of food on her back that looked up when she heard Flurry’s elicited cry. The mare and I locked gazes, and I sagged my shoulders when she began making her way to us…

“Hello, Paper Weight.” I greeted the mare whose face shifted into a polite smile, but her feelings were as stale as stale bread.

“Hello, Lady Redshock. Princess Flurry Heart.” The ash gray mare nodded her head toward the now silent princess, who stared at the earthy lump of a pony with a look Cersus knew as impending dread. “It’s very fortuitous for me to run into both of you of all times. Your check ups are due in the next month, but time is becoming scarce for me…”

“But we just had our check ups!” I already knew what the mare was going to suggest because ever since the Angry Clouds attacked the Crystal Empire, It had been frequent check ups! Mom says it's because we don’t know what effect all of the negativity and cold had on me or other ponies, but something about them was scraping my chitin the wrong way.

The head nurse didn’t flinch so much as to seem less than happy at my unwillingness to get another check up, and it was then I noticed her eyes shifting to Flurry Heart and then our guard for the day. It wasn’t the look more than the emotions she was giving off that made me retreat a step, and turn to look up at our guard who averted his eyes quickly- I gave that shifty guard some squinty eyes.

“That is true, but I will be busy by the time your next visit comes around, and I thought getting them done now will be better for the both of us. It will mean your next check up won’t be until two months.” The head nurse was waiting for an answer I didn’t want to give as I could sense Flurry’s fear coming from the wagon.

Just like me, Flurry had been getting check ups like me where the nurse kept sticking me with needles, or making me do a bunch of tests saying it's to see if I’m healthy. I’ve heard of these check ups before when my friends in Canterlot would tell me about them, but they never had to go all the time like us!

“All we wanted was some ice cream…” I finally said while trying to look at the nurse. I could still feel Flurry’s fear and eventually heard her starting to cry as if she understood what I meant by my statement.

“It’s for your safety little ones.” The nurse said as she moved past me trying to calm the panicking foal, and to her credit she does become more approachable when she’s not talking about work. Her taste became less like stale bread, and more of plain oatmeal which isn’t an actual flavor of pony, but more like how it's edible but not really enjoyable.

“That’s what everypony tells me, but it doesn’t feel like it when we’re the only one being prodded like mom and her..hobbies.” I couldn’t help but shiver as I forced that word from my mouth, but the nurse spared me a glance as she worked to calm Flurry Heart down. Our guard for the day wisely kept his distance.

“That’s because you are far younger than my other patients, Redshock. You and the princess experienced something few adults would ever live through, and that reason alone we can’t risk taking any chances with your health. You’ve seen your mother’s injuries? She’s improving which is wonderful, but there will always be permanent nerve damage with her wings.”

“She’s told me…”

“Chin up. Nothing could have prevented her love for you, not unless you want to toss it away. Accept it, and make her life a little easier knowing her daughter is healthy, deal?”

I didn’t want to admit it, for doing so would only encourage her, but the pudgy nurse made a lot of sense, and I disliked her for it. Not the mare herself, but how she seems to know what to say to make it somehow my fault this is going on…

“Deal.” I agreed, and buzzed my disguised wings even though Idol and mom told me not to. I didn’t really care right there as I wanted to make my anger felt, but she didn’t blink or taste any different as her smile once more curled up and she gestured down the hall toward the stairs.

“That helps me immensely, and I promise you this should be it for some time. All your blood work has shown some anomalies, but nothing that seems to be affecting you in any way I can distinguish. You’re a healthy, young filly.”

“Yea, yea. Mom says it's because I eat my produce.”

We didn’t say anything else after that, and Flurry even calmed down as we made our way to the Nurse’s office.

Chapter 24 Part 1: Party your troubles away.

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“Are you almost finished, Idol? We’re expected to arrive before everypony else so we can greet them, and we can’t do that if you’re not ready.”

Topaz’s questioning of my recollection on formal etiquette was unneeded as I was already in the process of preparing my dress coat for the evening.

This event was to commemorate the ponies and creatures of the guard for their stalwartness during the Wendigo assault, and I just found out some two weeks prior. Cadence’s assistant, Twobit, came and informed me during one of my outings which I then informed Topaz and Cersus of the new urgency. From my understanding it was originally to be a traditional ball that had been retooled to acknowledge their bravery, and by extent Princess Cadence felt I should be there.

We were fortunate Topaz had begun seeking commissions from Lady Silk String to expand her wardrobe to better accommodate her university’s efforts to modernize. Topaz had petitioned the Dean and fellow scholars about the necessity to better dress which led to the approval of updating their uniform policy in the first place.

‘Appearances matter, you don’t want to look outdated on the first day of class do you?’

When I told Topaz, it became a simple request for a few alterations to a dress’s appearance to better suit our needs; Topaz seemed all too eager to request these changes and when pressed informed me of her desire to resume our date nights in the future. This event served as the practical excuse she needed, and I can’t lie, that I’m looking forward to seeing some more plays in the future.

This admission left me lacking in the formal wear department, and I would have to correct that in time, but for now I was finishing my own preparations by cleaning the two phoenix insignias that marked my rank of Colonel. I haven’t worn them since the initial guard recruitment drive, and with everything that has happened, I was feeling unsure if it was appropriate to be wearing my dress slacks other than by Cadence’s suggestion I attend.

The length of leave, and some guilt were what it always came back to, yet I couldn’t hide anymore and continued with my preparations.

“Have you seen my shoes, Topaz? I can’t seem to recall where I’ve placed them, and I don’t remember where they could be.” I asked while gently placing my phoenix insignias on their appropriate collar.

There was a loud cry, followed by a commotion with an accompanying hushed conversation before the door to our shared washroom opened. Topaz had poked her head out with half her mane a work in progress, and the beginning applications of makeup.

“The last place I remember seeing them was in the wardrobe. Did you check the bottom drawer?” She asked me while I pondered her answer, but no sooner had she given me a clue did her head retract into the washroom to resume her preparations.

That would be the obvious place, but I could have sworn…

Needless to say the shoes were found, and I quickly began polishing them to make up for lost time. As I did so, I was besieged by past memories of this peculiar incident that I’d shelved until now. I just finished one of my inspections when I noticed an inconsistency with the report, and had been forced to recount the next day to verify its accuracy…

“48 guardsponies were accounted for during that inspection, but by Order’s Will, and the Princesses Understanding, I shouldn’t have had more than 47 remaining by that point.”

It had always bothered me for the miscount could throw a great many things off sync, and my own thoughts were already suggesting possible changeling activity within the Empire. At the time I felt the need to keep this information quiet in the chance I was the one at fault. By the third recount I was sure I’d made a mistake, but when Topaz and I encountered that couple selling Poison Joke Bulbs meant anything, it was that a few exiles were already making their way to the Empire.

So what about the non-exiles?

The recount came out to 47 and so I moved on forever unsure if I had actually miscounted or really did discover a possible infiltration attempt. Mentioning any of this now wouldn’t have won me any favors, and might even destroy confidence in the Crystal Guard entirety. Learning not only of their inability to detect these internal threats, but the discovery their supposed leader is one of these threats? Even worse it would reflect badly on the royal family, as by now it should be common news that Shining and myself are old acquaintances, and (maybe) still friends, so there was only further pressure to keep this to myself until I could discover solid proof or reestablished my ties with Shining Armor.

I stopped applying my second coat of shoe polish as a sudden thought came to me- since when had I found the act of ‘lying by omission’ to be favorably acceptable?

“Since I gained more responsibilities.” I concluded.

‘It wasn’t really lying in the traditional sense.’ I’ll tell myself, and there is some truth to this. As someling in a position of power, I’m aware how dangerous it is to be making accusations without proof to back up the claim. So, until I could accurately present any evidence I will not bring up any mention of changelings in the Empire. Period.

With this decided and my shoes polished until I could see my own chitin reflecting off them, I set them aside so I could start changing into my dress uniform. I just finished laying out the coat on the bed when the washroom’s handle began to rattle, and slipping between the gap between the door was Cersus with her mane stylized to match Topaz’s half completed monstrosity of knots and split ends. Except this time Topaz’s mane was finished.

“Watch her real quick Idol, I need to finish up.” Topaz commanded before closing the door once more, leaving Cersus standing there expectantly.

I decided to break the ice cubes as they say.

“Your mane is well done, Cersus.” She buzzed her wings in response, and should count her fortunes I wasn't an ‘Outside Changeling’, else her action could have been seen as aggression.

“Topaz said so, but why do I have to dress up? Isn’t this party just for adults?”

“Normally, this would be a formal ball, and nothing more, but Cadence and Shining have decided to turn it into a celebration for the Guard’s work by opening it up to their families. You’re required to attend much the same way you came to the Crystal Empire- with elegance and nicer clothes.”

The not so little nymph became less aggressive in her mannerisms this time, and more thoughtful as she tried looking up at her styled mane without a mirror. This of course failed and she then turned to look at me.

“But I never understood why I had to dress up and go to these adult parties all the time. They're boring and all I do is stand there while ponies tell me how adorable I am, not that I don’t mind the free feelings, but it gets…” she paused to look at me, opened her mouth, and then closed it.

“Old?” I offered the nymph who had the sense to appear embarrassed.

“You’re the one that said it. I was going to say tiring standing there and smiling all the time. It hurts my mouth.” Cersus sighed, and while I couldn’t openly admit to supporting her distaste for it, I could try deflecting her angst with simple deflection by pointing to her styled mane.

“Your mane reminds me of a beehive Cersus, and I don’t know if I should feel affronted at the accusation. To my knowledge, changelings don’t build hives in trees.”

“A beehive! Topaz said she was making my mane look pretty!” Cersus tried looking up at her weighted mane once more, but with more fear. Each time the growing nymph did, her head would continue back nearly taking her with it. She tried this twice before giving up.

“It would explain the mess upon your head Cersus, but I digress. Should it calm you, I’m sure a young queen like yourself could find it comfortable.”

I was lucky Cersus didn’t pick up on what I’d accidentally revealed, and instead concluded I was making fun of her, which I wasn’t, but she didn’t need to know that. So, I watched as her cheeks inflated, and wings buzzed to appear more intimidating, but I found myself trying not to smile as she stomped her hoof.

“That isn't funny, Idol! Next you’ll say I’m attracting birds for winter, which I won’t because this is only for tonight!” I chuckled as she huffed.

“Don’t be so hasty young one. I hear the Element of Kindness uses songbirds to help her sleep, and you could do the same with Flurry Heart if you were to add a branch or two.”

Cersus didn’t find it nearly as humorous as I did, and kept huffing to express her annoyance.

Topaz came out of the washroom soon after wearing her newly commissioned dress, and by law I had to stop to watch. She giggled and I smiled. Topaz took two full length strides into the room where she did two full spins, her movements slow, and deliberate to avoid ruining her styled mane. I could taste the excitement and happiness emitting from her, and I was of course drawn to it like one of Honey’s bees- we nuzzled.

‘Someling is a happy bug…”

I was thankful our backs were turned to the nymph as Topaz was feeling a bit affectionate, and I didn’t want Cersus too comfortable with this level of love just yet. But talks with Topaz and Cadence suggested this might not be possible for much longer, as Cersus appeared to be entering that growth phase all young eventually reach. One way or another the day will come when she doesn't need our love, and by their estimates could be gathering it by herself as early as next year. A scary prospect to consider, but that was for another time, and returned Topaz’s affection.

“I am content, and happy. A weird concept for a changeling to admit or experience, but if Cersus and myself can serve as the example, it is that changelings can cohabitate comfortably.”

I meant that of course, and to reinforce that point even gave Topaz a quick ‘peck’ on the cheek. I got her to giggle and produce a little more of that love since I noticed small whiffs of it being led away from us and toward the nymph. Topaz understood my intent when I motioned toward the nymph, and returned my affection by placing a peck of her own on my other cheek. Cersus quickly averted her eyes when her stomachs began crying for more love.

“Don’t worry dear. These parties, especially guard parties, tend to foster a wonderful atmosphere so there will be plenty to eat.”

“Guard functions have developed a reputation among certain groups that these mares and stallions actively seek out single guards to attend with. It’s discouraged to bring these ponies as a plus one, but some still do for reasons, and I know a few ponies that have met their spouse from these actions. While this has been an issue in the past, I doubt it will happen here. You will be well fed.”

“You know, hat does raise the question if this might be too much for Cersus?” I looked toward Topaz, and I had to stand there trying to read her eyes, and muzzle as she hid her emotions from me.

I frowned in thought. Her smile got wider, and then I knew what she was doing and continued with the jest.

“Cersus may be a nymph, and while nearing the end of her second growth phase is more than capable of controlling her feeding urges. My concern is if all the positivity will prove too much of a temptation…”

“You act like I’m some stupid grub that can’t feed themselves! I’m old enough to handle myself!” I looked down at the nymph who stood in front of me with buzzing wings.

Cersus was growing faster than a normal nymph should have been in normal hive conditions, and that wasn’t lost to the nymph as her height has increased a good hoof. Even with this unexpected growth spurt her appetite has remained much the same while mine has increased. I’ve speculated with Topaz on this, and her best explanation is the love saturated air keeping her ‘fed’ while my transformation might require more love to remain healthy. All speculative of course and until we can properly test this theory ourselves using Paper Weight’s notes as a basis, we can’t be certain.

Looking at Topaz, I watched as her smile reached its maximum size as she gestured for me to continue. Not one to back down from my share of the parenting, I continued on as instructed.

“That you are Cersus, and one day won’t need Topaz’s love…” I held out a hoof to keep her settled, and to not further work her up then I’d unintentionally done so. “... it will always be available should you ever need it or come visit. What I’m saying is you'll be big enough to have your own source of love to draw from one day, and won't be too reliant on Topaz alone. ”

I couldn’t tell if that calmed her any, but it got Topaz’s limp wings flapping from a sudden injection of energy, and a need to join in the teasing/comforting.

“Come on Idol, she isn’t that old to be looking for a colt or fillyfriend already. She’s barely old enough to leave the castle legally without an escort, and most definitely not.. I’m kidding Cersus!”

Topaz couldn't help but to laugh as the nymph shifted to face the pegasus, and give her a stomp of her own. I reprimanded the nymph for her disrespectful actions to Topaz, but said pegasus found the actions more ‘cute’ than offensive. Still, Cersus was made aware of her aggressive behavior, and her posture slouched enough to reflect this understanding, and kept averting her eyes from Topaz and myself when she asked the question once more.

“I don’t have to leave do I?” No matter how many times we affirm we’re not discarding her, the young nymph seemed unable to fully shake off the fear.

“The answer has remained unchanged, but I’ll say it again...” Topaz carefully began laying on the ground making sure her massive beehive mane style didn’t cause her to tip over. “...we love you and will always welcome you back. What we meant was one day you’ll run across some creature that’ll make it really hard to live with your embarrassing folks.”

“So, you best bee hive yourself, understood?” I made sure to show my fangs with this smile as Cersus tried acting like she was choking on the terrible joke, yet her posture reflected nothing, but a content nymph.

“Alright! Let's finish getting ready for the ball shall we? Cersus, we still need to get you into your dress first and foremost.” Topaz started standing back up, and carefully began running her wings (the nerves were still damaged) across the sides of the dress to remove any wrinkles that might have appeared.

Cersus looked up at the two of us, and in a rare display of self awareness asked a question that made my dear Topaz curse.

“I thought you said I didn’t have to wear one if I got the stupid beehive on my head.”

“Mind your tongue Cersus. I said you didn’t have to wear the dress at this moment as I styled…buck.” It was only when thinking about it and seeing the nymph’s styled mane did she understand there was no way to wear a dress without having to undo the mane.

Cersus picked on this and acted like she was going to undo her mane, but was stopped each time by the irritable pegasus. I moved closer to even siphon some of Topaz’s negativity to help calm her, but was turned away. Years in Equestria taught me to cut my losses, and I did exactly that.

“I’ll just get dressed after my walk…”

“Hey you can’t just leave!” Cersus cried out as she was nabbed by Topaz’s waiting hooves once again ready to figure out some way to salvage all of her work.

“I can, and I will. Be back in thirty minutes.”

My walk lasted nearly an hour total because my planned arrival landed me in the middle of the two no less than yelling at each other, and in the practice of spreading Harmony went for another walk. It is that reason alone we’re trotting down the hall toward the stairs that lead to the Royal Throne Room where the ball is being hosted.

“My shoe! It fell off!”

“Harmony Cersus! Idol!?”

“On it.”

Little inconveniences like that were what kept us late, but eventually we reached the stairs and descended them in post haste. Many of the patrols had been canceled to allow as many guards as possible to attend the first official guard function since the Empire’s return, and of course almost the entirety of the Crystal Guard leaped at the opportunity. To allow this, many of the Equestrian Guards picked up the remaining patrols on the condition they will be compensated with more pay, time off, and a smaller function for them only.

‘I'll have to thank them when time permits.’ I told myself as we struggled to keep up the pace.

Because of the lack of patrols, we were able to blitz the stairs, and this proved true for the hall as well. We hurried toward the growing noise that sounded like polka music- I shuddered at the memory of that mare, but pushed the objective horror away as our destination was finally in sight

. We paused to make a few final preparations before walking as practiced toward the growing noise of a larger sounding party.

The moment we turned, we saw two of the Day Guards with their ears pressed against the door. I spent enough time in the Crystal Guard to have met or seen every guard, and these two were no different, but that brief interaction failed to make these mares any less changeling like. As we approached they still didn’t hear us until I made the effort to ‘clear my throat’, and that was enough to break the spell over them.

The mares, while different colored coats and manes were essentially the other’s opposite- the mare on the right was opulent green with red curls in her mane while her partner on the left was a dull cream with a richly dark mane fashioned into a bun. The one on my right held her spear in her left hoof while her companion held it in her right hoof…

“Hello Colonel Hooves...”

“... Dame Topaz, and Lady Redshock.”

“Your appearance is unexpected…

“...but reassuring. Please allow us.”

The two mares then proceed to bang the bottoms of their spears against the floor in a rhythm following a simple guard cadence- one, two, stop. One, two, stop.

I turned to Topaz who looked equally unsure what to do or say besides trying to appear friendly with a smile, while Cersus openly displayed confused. Fortunately, we didn’t have the chance to say anything unbecoming in front of the strange mares, because the Throne Room doors began opening, and with a free hoof, the mares each grabbed one handle…

“Colonel Hooves…”

Dame Topaz, and Lady Redshock.

“We bid you entry.”
“We bid you entry.”

The doors opened and the polka music flooded my hearing, nearly drowning out all of the social interactions being conducted, but it didn’t seem the ponies minded it too much. We held back and watched from the safety of our window until without warning Cersus’s wings were ‘flapping’ in excitement before bolting through the open doors.

Topaz and myself didn’t react immediately, but when the music suddenly cut out, we seized the moment, and galloped through the door on instinct.

When we caught up to Cersus, she was surrounded by inquisitive ponies in a mixture of Guard Slacks/ Blouses, or formal wear, all gathered around the disguised nymph expressing appropriate emotions when discovering a young filly at a prestigious event. It was only when Topaz and myself appeared did their feelings change to match their shifting faces from mild curiosity to shock- a few even saluted earning the attention of those around them.

“Good afternoon ponies! I hope you are having a super duper time?” There was a pause followed by a loud cheer and stomping of hooves that didn’t exclude the gathered group around us. “Boneless Two has received some very exciting news, and I couldn’t wait to share it… our guests have arrived!”

He went silent, and suddenly every pair of eyes began turning our direction…

Hushed whispers could be faintly heard as the entirety of the room’s feelings morphed into what I could only describe as unrestrained excitement. Cersus was in the forefront, almost lapping up the charged vibes as Topaz was doing her best to wave and say hi to the many groups that were forming around us. The further we progressed, the more the whispers gave way to louder conversations and eventual clapping and cheers.

Cersus was still ahead of us running to every cheering pony she could, even collecting a few hoof bumps, while I reluctantly began returning some of the offered salutes to ease the burden off of Topaz. She managed to catch up to me during the disorienting mess of sound and emotions in the air, and side by side we continued our impromptu parade toward the Throne.

We nearly lost sight of Cersus again as she excitedly flapped her wings while Topaz’s own wings limply fluttered against my side. Unlike the nymphs’ wings, her’s was from a growing nervousness that had developed only after the Frozen Storm; subsequent discussions with Topaz revealed a developed trepidation of the injured wings, and how flight has so far eluded the pegasus. I couldn’t provide a satisfactory answer that felt appropriate, and thus, had taken to showing my support and affection by walking side by side so our shoulders would be touching.

I wished to do more, but Topaz reassured me this was everything she needed. Even with her reassurances, I still wanted to express my desire to support her, and settled for a simple gesture of affection. I leaned closer to deliver a quick nuzzle along her cheek, and smiled when she not only returned it, but was radiating happiness.

It was in formation that we walked toward the throne under continued praise, some welcoming, but most I felt misplaced, but that mattered less and less as the two ponies standing by the throne became recognizable. Cersus was still waving and hoof bumping everypony she came across, effectively gorging herself on their positivity before giving Cadence and Shining Armor her attention, and when she did, bolted toward them.

Her reaction caught me woefully unprepared as I’d never seen her react this way, but Topaz made her voice loud enough through the hoof claps and praise to tell me the nymph has taken a shine to little Flurry Heart. I’ve seen some of this first hoof when we’ve brought the foal along on a few of our outings, predominantly when we went for frozen yogurt a couple weeks ago, but the extent of it didn’t click until now.

I couldn’t hear what Cersus said, but it was what she did that once again made me realize just how out of touch I was with Cersus’s life. I watched as Cersus jumped into Cadence’s waiting hooves, and to further rub dirt in the wound watched as Shining, though reluctantly, even patted her shoulder twice. The nymph and princess were taken back by the gesture alerting Topaz and myself this wasn’t a common occurrence.

The DJ noticed the moment between us forming, and announced it was time to resume the ‘mandatory fun’ as he called it to keep most of the eyes off us for the time being. After a brief hesitation, the party resumed allowing Topaz and myself to approach without the awkwardness of having a full room watching us.

I thought Topaz or Cadence would break the silence between us, but in another twist, it was the nymph that took charge by asking a question.

“Why do you hate Idol?”

The four of us said nothing as we processed her words, and I was about to correct the filly when Topaz’s limp wing flickered against my side signaling me not to interrupt. Cadence and Shining were taken back as well, and looked to the other for guidance as they fidgeted in discomfort. Out of respect, I didn’t try tasting their emotions to allow them privacy- Cadence spoke first.

“Now Redshock, that is simply untrue. Idol is a beloved friend of ours for many years, and will continue to be one for many years to come…” Cadence began only to be interrupted by Cersus.

“Then why do you always taste funny when his name comes up? I’m not stupid!” Cersus stomped her right forehoof once more today. A bad habit she’d developed since living here.

“It’s complicated, Redshock.” Shining spoke up, earning the nymph’s unflinching gaze, and to his credit, Shining didn’t look away, and continued on. “I don’t hate Idol. I was..I am more hurt by his secret.”

This time I didn’t keep quiet. “I won’t apologize for maintaining my identity for so long, especially from my two closest friends, but I will only state the pony you’ve known these many years isn’t gone. I would even suggest not only you, but everypony I’ve met has contributed to the ‘Idol’ you see before you.”

“It’s rather remarkable that Idol managed to maintain his base personality so well!” Topaz interjected “I’ve managed to chart his progression since his first day in Canterlot if you want to have a look.”

“That’s not really necessary...”

“Ok.”

Shining Armor and Cadence turned to each other, and I swore the candy flavored princess’s irises might have narrowed… hypothetically of course. Shining Armor stood his ground and shrugged as he defended his choice.

“I would like to know who skewered his choice to willingly pick Fireflies as an acceptable class.” Topaz’s laughter spurred the alicorn’s look into dangerous territory while Cersus seemed unsure how to respond.

“It was a simple choice to make- do the opposite of Shining Armor.” That calmed the alicorn down as she mirrored the nymph’s look, but Topaz’s laughter only grew more merry. ”Having heard your justification over the years, I learned early on to do the opposite to great success.”

“Liar! Bold told you to say that didn’t he?”

“I assure you Bold would never go against your word without proper evidence, or reasoning to do. If anything, Bold would likely side with you given his preference for mid-maxing, and your choices align with his goals. So, there is no outside influence, but my own understanding of the mechanics leading me to my decision.”

“Hold up…” Shining tapped his hooves together in the universal sign to let him speak else he’ll forget. “... it was Wispy wasn't it?”

His accusation was expected, but while entirely possible it wasn't true. I knew what needed to be done, and to save our friend’s reputation from the slander, I had to get serious…

“PathSeeker is a better system.”

I didn’t like the look he gave me, but it made me smile.

“Are you serious!?” Cadence hissed under her breath as she watched the two stallions argue over their stupid Spiders game. Topaz’s laughter only soured the mood as the alicorn felt the whole thing was aggravating, considering they had spent so long trying to figure out how to make their respective partners apologize.

“It’s colts being colt’s Cadence. Even after all the drama they still revert back to their routine of needless arguments..I call that a success!”

“And nothing like a good party to loosen the atmosphere!” Both mares jumped at the unfamiliar voice, and were confronted by a yellow earth stallion with a dark brown mane smiling widely at them. “Laughter and joy brings out the best in a pony, and sometimes it's all we need to be reminded of the good times.”

“How did you leave the booth without us noticing?” Topaz asked, and the stallion pointed to the booth, just as the distinct scratching sound of the vinyl being scrubbed filled the Throne Room.

“Don’t worry your graces, Boneless is watching the booth while I’m away.” Both mares didn’t know how they felt seeing a rubber chicken wearing headphones slumped over the spin table. “I wanted to take this time to give these to you before they’re all gone! It’s a proven fact that cake is the first to go at a party, and we couldn't have you missing out.”

Reaching behind himself, he produced four plates each wrapped in a reflective material, and hoofed them over to the stunned mares.

“Uh..thank you?” Topaz managed to utter as her royal friend collected herself and properly thanked their hired musician/ party planner.

The stallion smiled brightly. “No need to thank me, it's all a part of the experience. And don’t worry about having to eat the cake now because I wrapped it in aluminum foil, so all the delectable flavors should remain sealed tight for later!”

With that, the strange stallion bid them a fair well and literally leaped off the raised platform into the waiting crowd below where he disappeared into a sea of laughing ponies.

“He’s eccentric…” Cadence asked while looking at the two floating plates in her magic.

“You kidding right? That stallion has like 99 problems, but this cake isn’t one of them.”

Topaz reconfirmed her statement as she used one of her injured wings to lift a plate toward her mouth. The wing trembled at the usage, but what discomfort was ignored as the pegasus took another healthy bite of the cake. As she absorbed the sugary treat, she bobbed her head up and down in delight of the taste.

“Perhaps, but he has done a wonderful job with the ball..look how happy everypony is.”

Both mares did spare a moment to observe the gathered guards and their plus ones, and in truth, were mesmerized by how informal everypony was acting- a far cry from the galas they’ve attended back in Canterlot. In dress uniforms, dress blouses, or suits, and dresses, these ponies were dancing in a comical mix- matched, and almost distressed series of movements that appeared more random than purposeful. For Cadence, it reminded her of her socially awkward sister-in-law while Topaz entertained the idea that Idol might have drilled them in some exercise that they took as recreational.

“Well, they do seem happy even if they’re trying to fly with their hooves.” Topaz snickered, placing the empty plate under the spare, and desperately trying not to eat that slice as well.

“Yea…” Cadence agreed, and this time the ends of her mouth curved upwards until two certain stallions started to laugh.

Their raw, and almost innocent laughter caught their attention more than the fact these two were just actively avoiding each other up to a couple weeks ago. This new twist into the whole saga was so unexpected that Cadence lost her smile again as all the frustration and headaches from dealing with their issue came to surface.

“I swear I’m going to have a chat with Shining after tonight about his behavior. All of this unnecessary stress to casually discard it so freely?” Cadence’s previous excitement languished as she slumped over, and not even the two slices of cake floating next year could ease her mood.

Topaz didn’t have it in her to laugh anymore even if she found the situation amusing, for the pegasus understood the alicorn’s plight having been on the other side of the argument.

“I won’t bother talking about it with Idol. I’m just happy they finally remembered they’re grown adults and not little colts.” Topaz gestured with her hoof toward the stallions, admiring how animated their conversation appeared.. “They don’t miss a beat.”

Cadence looked up to join her friend in stallion watching, feeling the mutual love of her husband as he avidly laughed with his best friend. Idol and Shining were unaware of the attention because if Harmony permitted, they were already making preparations to resume their Spiders and Catacombs campaign in the next couple of months. Life might have gotten bumpy, but it finally appeared everything was returning to normal for the two stallions and their respective families.

Chapter 24 Part 2: A meeting decades in the making.

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Thorax smiled at everypony as they walked by or approached his table where he’d greet them with his selection of free refreshments.

The disguised changeling was enjoying himself tonight and was thankful he’d volunteered the moment he learned of the opening, for the music and emotions were pleasant. He bobbed his head to the music as he continued to be awed by the display of power the Royal Family was enacting with their party, and expensive decorations.

“And none of it terrifies me!” Thorax thought.

Many of the staff, both regulars and temporary workers like himself have been nothing but friendly and hospitable to a point he considered looking for a way to join them permanently. That was only wishful thinking because the idea of working under the Princess and Prince was utterly terrifying; even though they’re a lot nicer than the Queen, he couldn't bring himself to ever live under such authority again.

He was starting to enjoy his life out of the hive despite the loneliness he often felt, but it was a small price in his eyes to enjoy the freedom of the world.

So, Thorax stood by his table smiling and even talking to some ponies that made the effort to learn more of the server watching the table until the music went silent. He and the other gathered ponies looked around curiously until the ponies by the entrance began clapping and cheering for some reason he didn’t understand. The strange music pony made an announcement that the ‘Guest of Honor' had arrived, more clapping, and then the party carried on much like it had before the pause…

“...and then Flurry began giggling so loud that she cracked the wall which got everypony scared and some even started panicking…”

…with the exception of the disguised nymph standing next to him.

Thorax had just resumed his duties when the strange queen called to him, and was happy for him! Him! A lowly deserter being recognized by royalty for simply existing made his weary hearts beat a little faster (mostly from nervousness), but nonetheless took the gesture in stride. If he were to be a little bold, he might even go above his caste, and say he enjoyed her company as he found it refreshing to chat with someling about topics that weren’t about invasions, or enslavement of ponykind.

So, Thorax stood greeting guests as the little nymph continued on about her foalsitting adventures which surprised the ling for he never considered ponies to share the changeling custom of leaving their young with another to raise.

“She was disciplined for her needless destruction of property?” Thorax asked during the lull in beverage seeking ponies, and was more startled when she shook her head no.

“Na. They never really do anything like that since she's the princess and all. If anything, I’m the one that would get in trouble first since I’m supposed to be ‘setting the example’, but they don’t really act on it.”

Thorax had to bite his lip to keep from speaking, and once he made sure nopony was watching or approaching his table spread, quickly made himself a drink of this fascinating drink called ‘Jungle Juice’. He offered the nymph a cup, but when he was unable to answer what was in the drink decided a glass of water would be the better choice.

“Excuse myself, Cersus…”

“Redshock. We’re in public.” She quickly corrected him, and didn’t notice him flinch.

“Lady Redshock, I find it...difficult. Difficult that you’ll be punished and not the one causing the disruption. Back home, no young is spared from punishment if it's justified. To excuse one from rightful punishment creates a weakness that will only endanger everypony else.” Thorax recited having grown up hearing it all his life, and perhaps one of the only sayings he found true if how the foals at the toy store acted suggested anything.

Thorax watched his little companion try buzzing her wings, but stopped after two quick flaps before dropping onto her flanks in a posture the ling assumed was her pouting.

“How strange, but very pony.” he thought, noting how this strange proto queen continually acted nothing like a normal nymph.

She flapped her wings once more for no purpose then to flap them, like an act of defiance for some hidden rule or…

“You’re like Idol and mom, but more Idol than anypony.” Thorax couldn’t breathe as he almost choked on his drink. Cersus continued either ignoring the choking changeling or didn’t notice. “Idol believes a solid foundation is important not only for the development of young nymphs, but more so for the progression of society. He compares it to our old home, but I'm not a builder so I don’t follow.”

“Idol? MOM!?” Thorax managed to wheeze out, finally understanding that of course she had to have come from somewhere, and suddenly found himself very exposed next to the refreshment table.

His little companion only nodded more enthusiastically when he brought them up again, enough to let her fangs slip from behind her lips.

“YEA! They've been my permanent guardians since I came to Canterlot years ago. The Crystal Empire is really neat, and stuff…” Thorax noticed the disguised nymph’s ears pinning back in another pony mannerism he found odd. “I miss my friends a lot, but Idol says he wouldn’t mind working on a way for me to see them.”

Thorax's attention was fully on the disguised nymph now as a plethora of concerns and questions began swarming his mind. The nymph had divulged she’d migrated to the Crystal Empire recently before, but to hear from Canterlot made him very nervous at its implication.

“Did the Queen invade Canterlot for their hive? For her?” He thought as the nymph was beckoned by a pony couple who recognized her from the paper he overheard them say.

Thorax watched the two ponies as they asked their questions until the answers became short phrases or single word responses before the couple finally left satisfied. Happy to be rid of the ponies; like nothing had happened, Cersus resumed talking about her life in Canterlot.

A strange sensation to hear the perspective of a nymph living in the Pony Capital before the attack; he listened as she spun her tales of mischief with pony foals as if they weren’t food or tools to be used later. Yet, the more she spun her tales with a simple foalhood nativity to them, one question caught his attention enough he felt the need to interrupt the nymph.

“Do your caretakers…”

“Permanent Guardians.” Cersus corrected, making the already nervous ling flinch at the attention.

“Permanent Guardians, right...uh.. do they know of your, hmm, condition?”

“Condition? OH! Yep. Topaz and I even came up with this wing, and hoof thing to tell me if I messed up the colors , but sometimes she jokes saying I should just paint them on. Idol sometimes makes these embarrassing jokes that always getting on mom’s nerves for some reason or another, but she loves him all the same.”

‘Love?’ He asked himself, more confused than before.

Thorax’s original concern for the young queen was her closeness to the pony foals, but that changed when Cersus admitted to her crippling disability, and recollections on how she dealt with it over the years. This worry was only exacerbated after hearing about her ‘loving guardians’, eliciting an entire other cave of mites to deal with.

“Love?” The ling asked himself, but Cersus perked up having heard the question and nodded.

“When you’re the foalsitter for the Princess of Food, and Snacks, you learn a few things about preparing food. She would tell me stories about my guardians before they let me stay with them. Like there was this one time at the palace when Auntie Celestia tried tricking Idol into taking a promotion by having him sign some paperwork for her… he ended up having Luna sign for it, and she became a Corporal, supposedly having to go somewhere that doesn’t exist, but it conflicts with her Royal Duties…”

Thorax nodded along as he meekly scanned the party once more trying to make sure nopony was listening when he spotted an unusually well dressed unicorn approaching his table, and by how he carried himself the ling knew this stallion was above the rest. He fought the urge to gulp as a rising trepidation crawled along his back, and up his spine in an attempt to make the ling cower before his superior. An action he hadn’t done since leaving the hive for the pony lands of the north, and had only ever done when the hive guards would make their way down into the excavation tunnels, and even those visits were rare.

Thorax had barely opened his mouth to greet the approaching pony to keep up his disguise when the nymph next to him cried out toward the pony.

“Hey Idol! This is Crystal Hoof from the toy store!” The pony turned to the disguised nymph who was pointing at him. Looking from the nymph, Thorax found the well dressed pony looking him up and down before extending his hoof.

“Idol Hooves. I do indeed recognize you from the store, but never learned your name until now. Redshock speaks often about your store, and fellow co-workers- your store is a gathering place of joy and love.”

‘There was that word again.’ Thorax thought as his hoof made contact with this mysterious creature known as Idol, and as he brought the offered appendage back something clicked.

“Idol? Are you her father?” He asked, almost biting his lip in punishment for drawing more attention to himself. The pony’s head retracted in a manner one would do in shock or smelling something bad, but did nothing else.

“That I am. Though we’re not of blood, she is under my guidance all the same. I hope she isn’t distracting you too badly?” The pony asked as he eyed the disguised nymph…

‘Her colors are different!’ He noted with a renewed sense of dread.

He looked at the pony wondering if he too was a changeling or a pony tricked into raising the heir apparent? That thought alone made his earlier fear of the strange pony return with an impact greater than the love magic that flung him out of Canterlot, and this time took a step back. The concern didn’t go unnoticed either.

“Are you feeling well Crystal Hoof, you seem anxious.”

‘I can’t read his emotions!’

Now Thorax was feeling terrified. The pony before him had to be a changeling from the Soldier Caste given his cold and assumed demeanor, and ‘joining’ the pony equivalent made perfect sense. As the all but confirmed changeling stood watching him, Thorax couldn’t help but recoil with terror as his time in the hive started to surface yet again- the urge to cower and raise his head fin was beginning to consume his instincts.

“I..I.. yes! I thought of her guard escort during the Sto…” He snapped his mouth shut quickly in case he revealed too much, but fortune deemed him safe for the moment.

“Ah. You speak of Unstoppable Force. A fine guard that my charge strongly adores, as he is foal-less to my knowledge with no current romantic attachments at the present.”

“WOOOOW. Good job making Force sound like a loser.” Both turned to ‘Redshock’ at her statement, and Thorax used the opening to breathe.

“That was never my intention, Redshock, for I do enjoy the stallion’s work ethic and sense of duty. He reminds me a lot of Luna.”

And once more Thorax nearly choked to death at the casual use of a pony ruler’s name.

“He’s really sweet, and always saying mysterious things like those ponies in my Daring Do books, but every time I ask him about the prophecy he just points to the sky and laughs!”

“It sounds like Unstoppable has a fondness for spitting words…”

“STOP! STOP! Don’t even finish that! It’s embarrassing!”

For all of his trepidations, watching a proto queen and possible changeling soldier casually discussing the mental development of another (possible) changeling soldier made Thorax unsure if he should even be afraid at all. He had to stop and think for a single second to realize what he was saying.

‘OF COURSE I SHOULD BE AFRAID!’ Thorax internally screamed.

He shifted his gaze to the crowd and frowned when he noticed ponies appeared to be avoiding the table ever since the pony known as Idol Hooves appeared. Whoever this ling was, he must have spent many months playing the part well if he’d worked himself up to be so feared. Yet, if these ponies feared his power as a pony, then what was a changeling deserter like himself supposed to feel?

“Mr. Hoof. I’m sorry for keeping you from your duties for so long, but thank you for looking after Redshock. It’s refreshing to see such kindness.”

“I..it's..not a problem Mr. Hooves?” Thorax asked unsure how to address the stallion before taking his offered hoof.

“ARRGGGGHHH” Cersus cried before running under the table only to appear on the other side next to Idol before bolting into the crowd.

Thorax and Idol watched until they were sure the filly wasn’t coming back before turning to each other with different looks- one unflinching, the other nearly crumbling like a wet paper house. Idol spoke, and Thorax nearly fainted.

“I know what you are, but only sense Redshock and yourself.” His eyes narrowed. “The hive is quiet on your mind, yet I still smell it upon you.”

“I.uh..what?”

“This is your only warning Crystal Hoof, for if I should discover your treachery there will be grave consequences. Goodbye.”

What should have been a relief seeing the disguised soldier walking away only left Thorax feeling worse than seeing the ponies fleeing in the streets during the attack, for unlike those helpless ponies, this one could fight back. Idol, as he was introduced, knew about him, and in a truly terrifying display of his power could even sense he wasn’t a part of a hive anymore. No changeling save the Queen ever knew if a changeling was part of the hive, and this lone soldier could without assistance.

He was not only powerful, but well connected if he could casually mention a ruler of ponies as one walked. Thorax was thankful no other ponies came to the table for the rest of the night as the party seemed to be reaching its end, for the pony on the speaker had gone around passing out slices of cake to each guest. He looked down at the table to find he had been given a slice of cake wrapped in the pony product called foil with a clean fork laying next to it. When had the pony stopped by? He couldn’t recall ever seeing the yellow stallion, but hoped to never see the scary soldier ever again.

No creature should hold that kind of power, yet here was a soldier, and proto queen from an unknown hive intermingling with ponies without too much concern. Either by arrogance, or assurance, these strange changelings left Thorax unsure what to do for now they knew about him, yet didn’t outright kill him, or force him to join their hive as a ling expected. He was still free for now, if under the watchful eyes of this strange hive, and that was good enough. Thorax had grown to like the Crystal Empire and would prefer to not be exiled again.

So, the tired changeling had a lot to think about for the foreseeable future, but of everything that had happened tonight he was certain he would never take another job at the castle ever again.

Chapter 24 Part 3: What a wonderful life.

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Shining and myself made ourselves scarce to give the mares some time to chat when he ended up being cornered by the Head Nurse Paper Weight wanting to discuss something. Seeing how it didn’t involve me, I decided to make my way to the refreshment table when I encountered the changeling. I left the changeling with a warning, and by the fear in his eyes knew he got the point.

Content he wouldn’t try anything tonight, I went off looking for the nymph. Cersus may have bolted off, but I knew she would make her back to the throne where Topaz, and Cadence had been left.

“I’ll have to tell Shining about these changelings sooner than later now that we’re back on speaking terms. Topaz will want to know about Cersus’s changeling acquaintance, but that can wait until tomorrow morning.” I told myself as I maneuvered through the slowing crowd of ponies and a few of the non-ponies enlistments.

I didn’t even need to taste the air to know the impromptu ball was a success. I will discuss the possibility of giving the Equestrian Guards a day off tomorrow using a similar schedule that had been used today as a thank you for their services. I see no reason why this suggestion would be turned down, and if needed, I would even take on a patrol or two to alleviate some of the pressure.

Satisfied with my proposal, I continued my trek through the crowd looking for Cersus until I drew closer to the Disc Booth and raised platform that hosted the thrones, and as predicted found her nested by Topaz’s leg. Cadence was missing, and in her place was the unhinged stallion that to his credit conducted the party with great success chatting with the two. The strange stallion was the first to notice and waved to me, gathering Topaz and Cersus’s attention in the process.

“Hello there Colonel! I was just talking to your wife when this little kite showed up.”

“He even gave me cake!” Cersus turned around to show me, and indeed had a slice of cake.

“Then you have my thanks Cheese Sandwich. One would believe her upbringing would entitle her to many sweets, but that isn’t the cause. She has been a good filly- she deserves it.”

The reaction was instant and she proceeded to inhale the remaining chunk of frosted sponge in a single gulp. Topaz’s smile did make me feel better, and after sharing a quick nuzzle she filled me in on what happened after Shining and myself left. I couldn’t hide my surprise anymore then Cersus could hide her smile, unable to keep the crumble of cake surrounding her mouth from falling onto the growing pile on the floor.

“She did say you’ll be shocked, speechless even Colonel! Never have I seen a pony’s jaw drop further than when they find out I’m not really a surgeon. I really should stop throwing doctor theme parties in hospitals, but they’re just so fun!”

“I.. you sholdn’t…” I stuttered trying to follow along while dealing with a clingy nymph and sweetly charged pegasus surrounding me.

“What does the guard say about this? A happy wife is a happy life?”

“More like it's easier to take a walk then stay home.” That earned myself a nip on my right ear, and for measure it didn’t hurt, but further highlighted her increased playfulness.

“Stop it!” She giggled as her limp wings tried to flutter in response. “ Just entertain the idea ok? We’re already raising Redshock…”

“And gave me an allowance.” The nymph piped in. I nearly chided her remark on reaction, but instead patted her head once I thought over her words.

“Honestly, this is a bit much and sudden to take in.” I admitted, but that didn’t end their apparent giddiness. It was around this time a loud squeak from my left grabbed our attention.

“Boneless 2 really loves the idea and says he’ll even construct the venue if you'd like, says he’s really handy with his wings and can strike a hammer real well. He even speaks Chicken Hawk!”

“We’ll take it into consideration Mr. Sandwich. While I do enjoy the prospect…” Topaz couldn’t help herself and hid her laughter behind a hoof. “... it is a bit too much, and we’ll need to discuss it some more on our own time. But thank you for the offer! Do you hav…oh!”

There was another squeak and the rubber chicken by Cheese Sandwich’s hoof fell over revealing a small greeting card proportional to its size. By the stallion’s insistence I picked up the strange yellow card embellish with an indentation of his cutie mark, and showing Topaz and an equally interested Cersus, opened the card.

“THERE’S NOTHING IN IT! SEE!” Indeed there was no scripture to be found.

“Did you forget it Mr. Sandwich?” Topaz asked, looking from the open card to the party stallion who was bobbing his head left to right, likely matching a beat none of us could hear.

“It’s all a part of my experimental design that will revolutionize the party scene! Think of it like an invitation that you burn, but instead of guests, you invite Bonless and I!” I held back a shutter at how he sounded like the Element of Laughter. “We’ll be there no sooner than needed, but no later than necessary to make your party the bestest it can be. I call it Air Mail.”

“Air Mail is already in existence, Cheese. Pegasi invented it many centuries ago after concluding that throwing the mail into air currents didn’t actually deliver it. So, they created the Air Mail Service composed of the best, and even sometimes retired Wonderbolts to deliver it over long distances.”

Topaz blinked. Opened her mouth, but closed it again when the party stallion collapsed onto his flanks.

“Darn it. I really liked the name too.” His mane even uncurled some, and that time I couldn’t hide my discomfort so easily.

“Sorry. Your mannerisms remind me of a certain mare that is really into throwing parties…”

“Does she have a pink coat and mane?” Cheese asked, his mane regaining his curls while his eyes sparkled with a sheen that I’ve only seen on more mischievous minded creatures. Topaz answered before I could rectify my mistake.

“Oh! You mean Pinkie Pie! She’s a real sweetheart when you get to know her, and while she does get a little carried away with her parties sometimes, she means well. When I was recovering she baked me my favorite cake just like my mother makes, though I don’t know how she knew about the secret ingredient…”

“And where can I find this Pinkie Pie?” Cheese asked, and once more Topaz answered before I could stop her.

“Ponyville I believe. Why?”

We barely blinked and Mr. Sandwich had acquired a duster and new saddle bags draped along his back, and it was only when reaching for his rubber chicken companion did I notice the worn Stenson like hat on the floor- he picked both up.

“This has been a bonafide good time, and I enjoyed the opportunity to have been a part of it, but I must take my leave. There’s many more parties out there that could use a good polka player.”

Then the strange pony left the three of us alone as he descended into the thinning crowd, and even dressed the way he was I couldn’t locate him any further. I turned to Topaz who was still looking for the strange stallion, but eerily enough her excellent eyesight couldn’t locate the departing stallion.

“Should I be worried, Idol? I suddenly feel like I’ve done something wrong, but I don’t know what it is.”

“You sent the stallion equivalent of the pink demon toward her nesting grounds. Order and Harmony save us all.”

“Idol that isn’t funny!” Topaz chimed me, but even her voice was carried by a layer of doubt. The only one not affected by the future repercussions was Cersus who had wandered off again, but it was likely she was going to talk with that changeling.

“Crazy stallions, and more exiles in the Empire. Soon, changelings like Cersus and I won’t need to hide and we'll have to paint ourselves different colors to stand out from the crowd. Throwing everything that made us changelings to the winds.”

Topaz’s nose twitched, almost scrunching in the way you would after smelling something displeasing.

“But you’re not exactly normal anymore, Idol.”

“That’s because I’ve promoted myself to a higher position to better serve. Sacrifices have been made.”

“You look like those metal golems from my comics.”

I looked behind us to see Cersus had returned with that exile in tow. I moved to put myself between them when Topaz’s hoof collided with my chest to keep me from moving- her eyes told me to back off, and reluctantly I did. I watched as Topaz strolled right up to the disguised exile’s face, looked him up once, before offering it her hoof.

“Hello, I’m Topaz Showers. I see you already know my daughter, and husband, but who are you?”

Not the way I’d handled the exile, nor I have admitted any connection to Cersus other than the role of charge to lessen any potential danger. While I will be the first to admit my own comfort levels are at an all time high, Topaz till now never had the need to worry of any threats, and even the few times she ventured away from Equestria (minus our first meeting) never encountered too much difficulty.

So, I stood some hooves away watching this exchange with a hole in my stomach as the exile shakily took her hoof. He whispered a response that made Topaz lean closer to hear him properly, and to my displeasure the two continued their exchange in the same tone for another two or three lines before the exile waved to Cersus and Topaz, took one look at myself, and bolted into what was left of the crowd.

Topaz turned around looking a little more smug.

“He seemed nice. You should be nicer to him, Idol, all he wants is to make friends.”

“The exile is a rapstallion, and nothing more...”

“Idol, I expected better from you! Especially, coming from a fellow exile who took years adapting to live in Equestria. You don’t act this way towards Cersus, so what about Mr. Hoof that makes you act this way?”

“Because he’s not of my own…” I admitted “... and I don’t like him sniffing around Cersus.”

Now, I’m aware that wasn’t what the changeling was doing, but until I could determine his true intentions this was the safest assumption to make. Fortunately, it took the agro off myself and threw it onto Cersus for her colors went pale while Topaz’s eyes took on a Cadence-like sparkle in the corners. I made sure to keep out of her way, leaving Cersus at the mercy of trying to explain her relationship with this strange changeling- that should buy me some time.

“Idol..is this true young lady?” Topaz first asked me before shifting her gaze back to the rightly confused nymph who kept turning toward the crowd, to me, and then backing away from the advancing pegasus.

“WHA..NO! EWW! HOW..IDOL!” She didn’t deserve to be thrown under the carriage, but circumstances dictated I needed more time to discover the exile’s true motives for Cersus and the Empire.

“I discover my favorite charge is intermingling with an exile that she deliberately kept from her guardians? If you truly desired an authentic pony growth cycle you could have chosen better alternatives then, moonlighting with that stallion.” I shot back, and Topaz fed on the statement like a starved ling.

“It's perfectly fine for a filly her age to become curious, Idol.” The way she said that last word held an almost predatory air behind it, festering with a hidden intent that had been waiting till now. “I remember my first prance through the bushes very well…”

Oh Harmony, I hope all of this was deflection proved needless and the exile is just that, but something about him didn’t sit well with me. He acted more nervous then a new exile should, and to take a step back and give the ling an excuse, he could be overwhelmed by the Empire and meeting friendly exiles- I doubt it. Crystal Hoof’s posture and mannerisms were over conscious in a rational sense, and more kin to one hiding something.

Looking at Topaz trying to explain pony reproductive designs to a disgusted nymph left me feeling one part glad it wasn’t me, and two parts remorseful. One of the remorseful parts for placing this punishment upon the nymph for no reason then to hide my suspicions a little longer, while the other part was an understanding that Cersus is growing up. It might not be today, but eventually she’ll express an interest in taking a partner and strike out to establish her own hive.

I knew it well enough, but the thought of it made me want to seek my pod back in Topaz’s cellar. The little nymph had latched herself onto me like fungi does to a corpse, and slowly I’m coming to the conclusion she will have to leave, and we might never see her again.

“AARRRRKKK!”

“Ce..Redshock it isn’t so bad! Me and Idol do it all the time!”

“I’m done! Goodbye!”

“HEY! Wait right there young lady!” Topaz called out, but her dress made fast motion difficult, and the nymph was very fast. She huffed, then turned to me. “ Kissing and cuddling isn’t harmful isn't it?”

At this rate, Cersus will be leaving us sooner than later. “Only if the two are soaked with ill intent, but generally not. Most of us would dig a burrow under your house the first chance provided.”

“Is that why you tried digging that tunnel in my basement when we first met?”

Her question made me reluctant to answer, or as Cadence might call coy, but that simply isn’t true. I was simply embarrassed to admit the accusation held some truth to it, and either my silence or mannerisms tipped the prying pegasus off.

“It’s true then! You said you were just digging for worms!”” Her grin grew wider as she did her best to ‘dance’ without falling over due to her manestyle.

I didn’t have it in me to correct her, but her assumption while rough wasn’t completely false, so I let her be.

“You're not entirely inaccurate, but I can’t find a proper term to describe the action then to simply compare it to a lizard basking in the sun. Cersus is in the rare circumstance of living under a dome saturated in love, and likely will never have to dig a burrow of her own out of necessity.”

“Hopefully she’ll grow up without any problems, and preferably live in a house close by.” I showed my agreement by moving closer to place a quick kiss on her cheek.

Another action Idol of yesteryears would have found near revolting, and a direct violation of his orders, but a change I’ve grown thankful for. Topaz’s simple act of taking in a lost changeling effectively dug all the tunnels that would lead to this very moment, and lately I’ve been overcome with desire to show my appreciation to the mare that had done so much for me, and decided it was fine to be seen as a bit too caring. This led to me trying to take a nip out of her ear, and I nearly continued with the crude act just to hear her laughter some more.

Life is good.

Chapter 25: The Council of Exiles

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“You’re serious aren’t you?”

“As serious as my oaths, Shining. I waited to tell you until I was sure you wouldn’t seek them out.”

Shining Armor’s muzzle drew back as he fought to keep from snarling, and to my relief he relaxed to a look that ponies took when you say something mildly unpleasant. We stopped mid stride and after making sure we were the only two in this stretch of the castle, I continued with my explanation.

“I’ve encountered a few exiles during my leave of absence, and strongly believe they’re here to live and mean no harm. I’ve spoken to two of them: one was a merchant with a stallion that presumably knew of her origins, while the second strictly knew nothing of the others, but is more questionable.”

He huffed, shook his head, and once more checked if we were the only ponies here.

“How many changelings do you think are living in the Empire currently?”

“Besides Cersus and myself, I’ve only encountered two exiles, but it isn’t unreasonable to assume there are more given how much love the Empire generates on a daily basis. There could be at the very least a hoof full already acclimated to the climate, and perhaps even more making their way to the Empire.”

Shining Armor didn’t take the news very well as I sampled his emotions and watched his tail start whipping with irritation. We promptly started walking again since we did have a time limit to maintain, Shining needed to relieve his wife of Court Duties, and myself needed to meet with my subordinates.

“What do you suggest we do, Idol?” Surprised, I shot my friend a look who was waiting expectantly for an answer.

“Simple. We should welcome these displaced lings to the Empire. They may not swear oaths as I did, but if we were to extend a hoof, and give these lings a chance to prove themselves, they might surprise us all.”

“I don’t know…” We made a left turn, and went quiet as we came across a patrol and had to return the offered salutes. We continued with our pace, but waited another moment or so until we're confident no other patrols would hear our conversation before pitching the idea.

“I suggest a committee. One were they will have the protections allotted to the other citizens of the crown, and the opportunity to voice any grievances that may arise. Changelings need to feel a part of something, which makes exile deadly to most lings, and forces the ones that do make it to be more resentful. This will appeal to that need to belong, while showing we’re willing to listen and not pry into business. As one myself, it was difficult to overcome my private nature for many years, and it was only after becoming comfortable with my lot in life.”

“That does explain some of your habits when we first met, but who would oversee this committee, you?”

“Order no. Cadence would.”

“My wife!?” I was thankful that was all he said, and allowed me to address his worries with more honey laced words.

“Indeed. Cadence is the Princess of Love, and to a changeling is a great draw as she is a pony royal who in all pretext is a Goddess of the Harvest.”

“...and that would convince these exiles to obey, and not harm our citizens?”

I nodded, admiring Shining’s improved willingness to listen even if he hated the topic being discussed.

“I feel so Shining. Her role in this would be a big draw to all lings in the Empire to join to feel ‘part of a hive’ again. I believe you’ll be surprised how willing they would be to prove themselves if given the chance.”

Our discussion went back and forth like this for the remainder of our walk until we finally reached the stairs Shining Armor needed to take up, and after saying our goodbyes, I proceeded down the hall toward the private dining hall I’d waited in when I first arrived.

Lunch would be served in the next hour, and after gaining permission for Shining and Cadence to use this dining room to host my meeting, asked the staff if we could be served there instead which they agreed. With my first official day back to active duty, I felt it prudent to relearn the workings of my command and discover what had happened during my absence.

I wasn’t kept entirely out of the loop thanks to Shifting Sands, but besides a few issues he felt necessary to share, or a promotion I knew nothing else.

Approaching the hall, I saluted the two guards on duty and proceeded into the large room that resembled the Crystal Throne Two floors above, but lacked the throne or any decoration of any kind save for two massive banders of the Cadence’s Mark on opposite walls. My destination was the lone set of doors in the back where another two guards stood on duty, and as I got closer they began to stand at attention.

“Colonel!”
“Colonel”

The two ponies parroted the other, but what surprised me was the mare on duty.

“At ease, Guards. Morning Star, correct?” The mare tensed but quickly went back to attention to confirm my suspicions.

“Sir! That is correct.” She held your tongue demonstrating good control over her impulses until given the chance to speak. I nodded.

“I read all the reports pertaining to my daughter.” A word I’ve begun growing comfortable saying in public. “Unstoppable’s report detailing Harts Fire and your role with Redshock’s disappearance is noted, but laid blame solely upon his hooves.”

“Yes, sir.”

“I know too well what tricks that filly will play, and while saddened it happened, I will be the first to say you did right trying to recapture the Crystal Heir. Congrats on your promotion Morning Star.”

“Sir? You’re mistaken…”

“Good day Corporal Star. Continue to perform admirably in all facets of your life, and you’ll never regret anything. You as well Private…”

“Gadget Sky, sir.”

“Corporal Morning Star. Private Gadget Sky. Unless it's the Prince or Princess of these lands, do not let a soul behind these doors, clear?”

“Crystal!”
“Crystal!”

With that, the two guards opened the door.

I had arrived early, but wasn’t too surprised to find half of the expected ponies already waiting.

Shifting Winds was present, and sitting in the chair that would be to my right as protocol commanded, while the pony to his right, Medical Lead Paper Weight, looked half asleep. Across from them a pony I’d never personally met, but heard of in passing…

“Dr. Doffen Smurtz. I’m surprised, and thankful for your attendance.”

“Yes. Yes. We are all thrilled you called us for this meeting, which I’m not.”

“Dr. Smurtz, please be more respectful to the Colonel. Unlike you, he has been hooves deep in personal matters…Dr!”

Paper Weight cried as the mad stallion threw his quill at the medical physician.

“My machine is not a waste! How else can we get rid of the snow that surrounds us, but to turn it into a wondrous treat for all!?”

“By collecting it into a cup?” I injected myself into the conversation as I took my seat next to Shifting Winds. The razzled stallion huffed, looked at me and the Head Nurse, before scribbling once more on his parchment, mumbling under his breath.

I leaned over to Shifting Winds and asked more about the stallion, but Paper Weight had more to say.

“He’s my rival. I represent Order while he represents Chaos.”

“Lies! You are worse than that duck of mine, always sticking your bill where it doesn’t belong.”

“Your baked cereal scheme only cut the roofs of ponies mouths, and guess who had to deal with your mess?”

“THAT WAS ONE TIME, AND WITH A MOUTH AS BIG AS YOURS I’M SURPRISED YOU DIDN’T INHALE ANY OF IT!”

“Of course you talk about ducks and bills, because all you do is quack!”

“SILENCE.” It took all of my self control to not mimic my cohorts, but I felt the message got through as they ceased their bickering to look my way. Shifting Winds even leaned a bit further to his right as I continued.

“If I wanted to hear all of this, I would have volunteered at an introductory school for foals. We are representatives of their majesty's court, and thus are held to the higher standards associated with the position. If you can not act accordingly, I will find another that will. Are we clear?”

“Crystal.” Was all of their responses, but of course the good Dr. and Head Nurse’s responses were more tame than Shifting Wind’s. It would suffice for the time being, and Order & Harmony, if they continue I might have to pull a page from Rough Shod’s book, a last resort.

I didn’t even try to hide my displeasure. My patience had grown very stale since coming to the Empire, and so had my aggression since my transformation a couple months ago-almost like I lost my changeling qualities all together. Cersus didn’t seem to notice, but Topaz could tell, and talking with her led to us sneaking into her office after class to perform tests.

It hadn’t been until a lingering student had mistaken our intentions, did the testing stop, and was turned over to Paper Weight, who handled Cersus’s check ups as well.

“Does anypony know when the rest of our compatriots will arrive? I am eager to start, for I have important matters to tackle after we leave.”

Looking at them, Dr. Doffen Smurtz in particular was amused by my question for his laughter alerted me to something I’d missed.

“This is our Colonel, oh! Always with the jokes, trying to make us not look bad. Smurtz needed something to laugh at after the terrible accusations from that Nightmare Fright.”

“Doc! You shut that deformed bill now or I swear…”

“Please refrain from invoking the princesses or any form of higher power for I wish them to remain oblivious of myself.” I shot the angered nurse a look, and found myself feeling this changeling committee might not be a good idea after all, for the mare looked angry but I couldn’t feel it.

“Sir, The doctor’s actions are foalish, but the reasons behind them are more grounded. We are the consul you requested.” Shifting Winds Clarified, and I blinked.

“Harmony and Order. I’d assumed there would be more when I put in the request. What happened to force us into these circumstances?”

“A lack of talent.” Paper blurted out and to my surprise the other two nodded.

“The great Dr. Smurtz has doubled up on his duties like an ice cream with sprinkles! Behold, the retainer of Science and Agriculture.”

“I act as the Head of Medicine and Pony Relations.”

“And I act as your Second in Command while Unstoppable Force is my assistant.”

My ears perked up at that, for I never knew he had received a promotion which might explain his sudden lack of availability. When pressed further for details, Shifting Winds seemed startled that I even asked, and that only grew when I confirmed I only knew of the stallion by the rank of Corporal. The other two said nothing.

“His change of duties was very recent, a week after his first command assignment as per my request. I submitted the request for Private Morning Star to take over his squad, but was denied as she’d been reassigned to Interior Guard Duty.”

“For the record, I just promoted Morning Star to Corporal.” I clarified the change, and the pegasus nodded.

“I’ll see to the promotion myself.”

I nodded, and decided to address the most important reasoning for this summoning.

“Gentelcolts, and Lady. Let us begin our meeting starting with Dr. Smurtz.” I gestured toward the white furred earth pony, who looked up as he mumbled under his breath.

“You have me at a disadvantage! I’m afraid there isn’t much to discuss. Science output has been at an all time low, and nothing short of mandatory weekends could correct the downturn. Also, the Crystal Berries are sweet!” He declared before returning to his parchment.

We waited for the stallion to continue, but when it became apparent he would not continue I proceeded to cough into my hoof to get his attention. The Doctor looked up, and threw up his hooves when we made eye contact.

“Alright, fine! That usually works with the other prying ponies. I wasn’t exaggerating about our production output, despite what some might have you to believe…” He leaned over his table to peer at Paper Weight, who rolled her hoof at the stallion. “We simply lack the infrastructure required to compete on the same economic level as our neighbors.”

“And what economic level do we stand against our neighbors?” I asked, because I don’t remember seeing any factories or any large scale businesses that could produce a product at a steady rate.

“Simply put, none! We barely count as industrializing, and without Equestria treating us like foals would be more backwards then Zebrica!

“Zebrica is a traditional society that believes in the simpler aspects of life, Dr. Doffen Smurtz. It is their choice to live a simple life, and to call them backwards for that choice is a grave insult.” Shifting Winds put his hooves on the table, but Smurtz didn’t pay it any mind.

“Yes. Yes. We’re sorry for pointing out the obvious, but let’s not waste the good Colonel's time. In short, as in a measurement of time, and not height, we are behind. We export nothing but our Crystal Berry harvest, and they only last for a few days out of the Empire before spoiling!”

“Is that true?” I turned to Shifting Winds, and Paper Weight, who by now had chosen to sit up in her chair. They turned to each other and shrugged, but Paper Weight answered the question.

“As much as it would pain me to say it, Doffen is correct. Most of our crop is kept for the Empire, and even the berry harvest is limited to a few crates as they’re an important staple for the Crystal Ponies.”

“And, if only you would admit it all the time we could save our…” I shot the doctor a look, and thankfully he took the hint and continued with his report. “... I mean this is true. Our agriculture is limited to what we can grow in the barrier at the moment, and that is mostly berries! Berry Tea, Berry Ice Tea, Berry Ice Cream, and Berry salad! It's all berries!”

“Then why haven’t I… it's because we live in the castle isn't it?” I caught myself mid thought, and frowned as my three compatriots nodded.

“Equestria supplies most of our pantry sir. I’ve always received the report since my arrival and after your arrival I continue to do so. Every shipment we’ve received till now had been shipped from Manehattan with a few additional crates coming from Fillydelphia, Tall Tale, Apple loosa, and various smaller settlements I”ve never heard of. If I may, I would like to take over for Dr. Doffen Smurtz.”

“I have no objection. Does anypony object?” I asked, and after shaking their heads no, I gave Shifting Winds the floor.

“Thank you, sir. Thank you Dr. Smurtz, and Paper Weight. I’ll make my report very quick. We’re still vulnerable.”

“That was very quick, and straight forward Shifting.” I agreed with the pegasus as he stood up. “What sort of complications should we expect?”

“Sir. Most of our problems are the same as before, but for the interest of our peers I will elaborate the matter in more detail. Even with your recruitment drive, our numbers still remain far under what is needed to guard the Empire. The Crystal Empire in its prime hosted between 2-4 legions at a given time while we can barely field half of a single legion. This was in our strive to uphold the same standards as Equestria.

The ease of adapting a proven training regiment meant we had to dismiss the ponies that didn’t make the cut with the hopes they’ll try again in the next open recruitment drive. That alone lost us an additional 2 dozen bodies, while there seemed to be a lack of general recruitment in the past. Most of the Crystal Ponies we’ve talked to stated it was Princess Amore that selected her guards, and most that served before Sombra had been born into the role. In short, it was a family tradition that encouraged them to produce as many foals as they could to keep their numbers up, but for many factors we can only speculate, that ultimately failed.”

The idea caught my interest as it reminded me of the soldier caste in the hive, and having learned how pony reproduction doesn’t encourage large enough clutches of foals meant this policy wasn’t viable longer then maybe a couple centuries.

“I’m to assume the late Princess Amore didn’t instate any policies to correct this decline?” The pegasus shook his head.

“None that we could discover. The few ponies that could remember the time before Sombra mentioned it became tradition in these guard families to name their children after the parent serving. The idea appears to have stem from the belief that Princess Amore could only be surrounded by her initial chosen, and that by naming them after their parents would appease her.”

“I am impressed by your knowledge Sergeant Winds.” Our other two didn’t seem all that surprised by the stallion’s knowledge, but rightly remained quiet as I spoke. “And you learned of this just by talking with the Crystal Ponies?”

“While they were a huge source of this knowledge, I’m afraid to admit there was another source of questionable quality- Sombra’s collected works.”

“YOU WHAT!?” Paper Weight shouted what I’d been thinking, and even managed to remove her portly body from its seat to better look down at the stallion. Shifting Winds rightly flinched at the mare’s posturing, but it wasn’t until my own movements did the salt and pepper feathered pegasus relent.

“Have you lost all of your senses Shifting Winds?” I asked just as Paper Weight slammed her hooves on the table.

“IT’S NOT ABOUT THE READING COLONEL! THERE IS SO MUCH WE DON’T KNOW OF THAT TYRANT, AND ANYTHING ASSOCIATE WITH HIM IS CONSIDER DANGEROUS!” The mare slumped into her seat after her outburst. “We just.. don’t..don’t know what that..excuse me.”

With that mare turned to the table behind her that held what looked like the remains of her lunch to take a drink. Shifting Winds shifted uncomfortably as Paper Weight caught her breath and finished off her drink that looked like orange juice.

“That stallion was quack, and I should know because I raised one.” Dr. Smurtz commented on the matter. The nurse quickly finished off her drink as she pointed back at the doctor.

“That stallion might be mad, but he was no fool. Everything of his to-date is considered a Class D Harmonic Threat to the world, not just Equestria for the simple fact he’s a known mind controller, and that means treat EVERYTHING of his as jinxed. Colonel I suggest ending the meeting immediately for the sergeant to be tested for any suggestive influences.”

“Colonel, I must protest. I never actually read anything of Sombra’s creation, but the gathered histories of the Empire before they were processed and stored.” Shifting Winds turned me, and while his appearance was a bit less informal then before, I could feel the desperation coming off of him. It left a bad taste in my mouth.

“Sergeant. I’m not trying to remove you from service if that’s what you fear. Yet, if what Paper Weight says is true, then we must take every precaution to ensure his legacy doesn’t further spread. In fact…” I stood up catching the pegasus and earth mare off guard. “We all should be tested to be on the safe side.”

“WHAT!? This is completely not fair, for the Great Doffen Smurtz has been a good colt! Why should I be punished for the molting fool’s spelunking hobby?”

“Because you’re an upstanding citizen in their majesties service, and don’t want to risk infecting them nor the heiress. This isn’t up for debate. We’ll pick up our meeting at the earliest date if all tests prove negative. Nurse, let's begin at once.” I instructed, and with some protest on the good doctor’s part, our meeting was cut short.

It was an unfortunate end to the meeting as I wanted to hear Paper Weight’s report as well as introduce the proposed Exile Committee, but given the circumstances that would have to wait until a further date. The security of the Empire came first, and if we had to spend all day conducting these tests then we would…

The remainder of my day was in fact spent being poked and prodded by the Nurse’s assistant, Medical Atlus, who I found to be something of kindred spirit. His dedication to strictly following protocol even if it went against Paper Weight’s orders left me with a favorable opinion of the unicorn. Unfortunately, this meant the testing took longer and by the time everything was done it was time to retire to my shared quarters.

The Equestrian Guards that’d been posted by our door during the last few months had been reassigned to the entrance of the wing to grant us our privacy once more, and act as a show of good fate. I greeted the pair on duty tonight as they came to attention, and proceeded to our room where I could hear the muffled commotion that normally meant Topaz was in the middle of lecturing Cersus. With the unusual nature of our responsibilities, the nymph doesn’t have a proper schooling as her peers, making the task fall on us to provide the appropriate assignments whenever possible- often during the evening after Topaz’s return from the university.

Being careful to not interrupt, I opened the doors to see several index cards positioned between the two while Topaz pointed at one, likely the source of her current lecture. Eventually the nymph discovered my presence and used the opportunity to end the lesson early, much to my ire for skirting her learning once more.

“IDOL! I GOT A LETTER FROM NIGHTHAWK!” The nymph bounced away from the index cards to run to the desk by Topaz and my bed. I turned to Topaz who began putting up the index cards, but didn’t appear disappointed by the abrupt end to her lesson.

“The mailmare delivered the letter earlier this afternoon when she flew through my window during a lecture. I’d never seen a pegasus violently crash, and shrug it off like a spring shower! She even shook the glass shards off like a dog…”

“Is she alright?”

Topaz looked up from the gathered deck, and nodded. Cersus came running to us with the presumed letter in her magic, waving it in front of me until I took the offered mail.

“SEE! It’s even in her own hoofwriting!”

“It only took a few months to reply…” I started, but was interrupted by Topaz.

“That’s because they couldn’t find us. The mailmare, Order..Harmony bless her, told me. The carrier didn’t believe Nighthawk when she wrote ‘To the princess in the Crystal Castle’ and after much going back and forth did the cross-eyed mailmare claim to know us and delivered it herself- me and you got a letter as well.”

“Nana wants to come visit! So is NightHawk! She says her family is coming by in a few months for some guard stuff, and she can too!”

I had to blink, and think about what the nymph had just said, for it didn’t make sense in the context.

“If this letter was written months ago, then their visit should be fast approaching. You need to draft a reply so we can mail it early tomorrow, but don’t forget to explain the reasoning for the delay.” In her excitement she bounced toward the desk, forgetting the letter. “What about Mrs. Viridian?”

“Mother is ready for a visit. She misses Cersus and wouldn’t mind seeing the Empire they’ve been hearing so much about. I still don’t know what you talked to her about, but thank you Idol. Mother really does love Cersus, and it devastated Cersus frightening her the way she did. So thank you.”

I took a seat on the floor next to her, Topaz tried draping a wing across my back, and with some assistance, did so. We were watching the nymph in the early stages of writing her letter when Topaz informed me of my letter.

“Princess Luna says she's coming here by the beginning of next month, official visit.”

“So she’ll be accompanied by guards. Nighthawk’s parents are Luna’s highest ranked guards…”

“Exactly. I’m going to see if I can get lectures moved around during that week in case they do show up, that way I can watch Cersus and her friend.”

“They would appreciate it.”

“How did your meeting go today?” I frowned, and Topaz noticed. “Not so good then?”

“We had to cut the meeting early since one of the attendees did something that forced us all to get tested. No. We’re fine and there's nothing to worry about. “ Topaz’s muzzle wrinkled in the way a pony smelt something foul, and caught myself trying to reach for her hoof to stroke it. She clearly wanted to press the issue, and was fighting the urge to do so.

“If you’re sure.” Was all she said, and I sighed knowing we would discuss it later, but for now I continued on.

“I gave everypony a week to go over their reports again, and after they finish I’ll push the proposal. Reflecting on the matter, I’ve decided I could do with some preparation of my own and want to know if I might borrow Cersus tomorrow?”

“She’s foalsitting Flurry tomorrow. The students love them, but quite often they do cause a distraction whenever they’re in class.” Her muzzle lost its wrinkled appearance as she rested her head on my shoulder. I was looking down as she was looking up with a knowing smile on her muzzle. “If you take one, you’ll have to take the other.”

Cersus was at the desk trying to write out a proper response, and it seemed she was struggling with it by her constant grumbling, and buzzing wings, but nevertheless didn’t give up. It didn’t require more than a second to make up my mind.

“That would be adequate. Flurry Heart accepts me well enough…”

“She adores you Idol. Personally, I think she knows you’re a changeling like she does with Cersus. Yes, Idol. I caught Cersus a couple of times undisguised around Flurry Heart, but it didn’t seem to bother her.” Topaz straightened up, letting her wing slide down my back as she clapped her hooves together. “OH this will be good for the three of you! You love foals, and been concern your not spending enough time with Cersus so this will be perfect for you!”

“And you can’t join us?” I asked, and she shook her head no.

“Not this time. I can’t keep canceling class all the time as it's unfair to my students, and the university, but me coming along would ruin what’s being planned. This is about the three of you bonding.”

I was saddened to hear that, but agreed with Topaz the day would be fun all the same.

Chapter 26: A flurry of emotions.

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I told Cadence my plans for the day, and how they would involve Flurry, Cersus, and myself.

Cadence’s initial reaction was of concern, but the further she prodded for details did she finally warm up to the idea of being a ‘Grand Princess’ as she called it. It seemed Celestia and her hadn’t fully apologized to each other yet, and found the idea of helping the exiles as a way to bop her aunt over the muzzle with it. Of course, I pointed out this shouldn’t be the only reason for helping the exiles, and Cadence waved it off.

“Of course it isn’t, Idol. Buuuuut it does serve as a good tour de force and hopefully make my aunt think about the matter some more. You of all ponies should know Celestia doesn’t like change and takes great strides to keep things a certain way..did you know she worked out deals with certain suppliers to keep certain product lines open just for her?”

I’d heard rumors of course, but most guard talk is just that- speculation, rumors and half- truths.

“I might have heard something, but never took stock in them as I’d had other matters on my mind.” Cadence nodded.

“That’s fair, I’ve forgotten you were more of a spear than a whip back then. Well, I know for certain because I’ve seen a copy of one of these contracts, and the manufacturer of Canterlot Castle’s curtains has to produce the exact style, and color curtains until Celestia decides to alter the agreement. Can you imagine! I can barely wear my regalia everyday, yet she has to keep everything the same or she acts like somepony slapped her flank!”

“Cadence!” Old habits may die hard, and while I didn’t use her title, I still scolded her use of phrasing. She snickered at my outburst.

“Oh, be quiet! We both know how she can act, and believe me I’ve tried to get a pony to do that without blabbing it to her! A little excitement would do her some good, and Harmony and I can’t believe I’m saying it, but the longer I’ve been here and away from Celestia the more I’ve picked up on her habits. I had thought it a trick of the mind, and now I’m sure it wasn’t- she likes Discord.”

“Now you’re resorting to spreading rumors?”

“Never! It makes complete sense, and no pony can see it! The only problem is I can’t prove it, and unlikely will be able to without going behind her huge flanks.” I shuddered at the word usage, yet Cady kept going. “Do you know the reason why Luna and her decided to visit the Empire before the Wendigo attack?”

This had to be a trick question for what other reason would you ask a question with an obvious answer? Still, I bit my lip and answered to move our conversation along.

“Because of Flurry Heart’s Crystalling?” Her smirk growing bigger informed me this was the answer she sought.

“Partly! In fact, I learned from Luna before their departure that certain rumors from two years ago, and my teasing over the years had greatly affected Celestia. She came to proposition a date with you under Topaz’s supervision.”

“PLEASE…” I was hissing between my teeth for her not to finish. “...those rumors were finally dying out. Don’t go resurrecting them.”

“I won’t. I purposely let them circulate partly because I found them amusing, and I felt by doing so would offer credibility to them, but not anymore. I trust what Luna told me because I don’t see her saying something like this to stir any pots. She wouldn’t go into great detail, but suggested Celestia had been missing you and once the rumors made their way to her ears…”

“So, she still sought me out knowing of my commitment to Topaz?” Cadence flinched to my sorrow, but otherwise didn’t seem bothered by my outburst afterwards.

“Celestia wouldn’t steal you away. From what I’ve gathered she was going to approach this under common herding norms by asking Topaz first.” This time Cadence’s posture became rigid as she whipped her tail side to side. “I don’t like it. It sounds like she was hoping her position as a princess would allow her to proceed unhindered, but that could just be me still thinking poorly of my aunt.”

The accusation did bother me as it insinuated several things about the Sun Princess, and while most of them were likely a stretch, the thought of speaking ill to my sovereign didn’t sit well with me. Still, a great many things had happened since my time in Canterlot, and the idea she could do this irked me.

“While I don’t take pleasure in speculation, let alone involving my sovereign, I won’t deny I'm unsettled by the possibility. Do you think Celestia really sought such a course?” I asked, finding myself too invested in the speculation, and wanted to huff when the alicorn shrugged.

“Honestly, I can’t say with certainty without using Auntie Luna’s words to back my credibility. She would know Celestia more than anypony else even with her extended absence, yet I do find it unusual for her to lie about this because what would there be to gain? It’s that question that leads me to believing it might be true, Idol.”

“Perhaps it's a good thing, I moved my family here then isn't it?” There wasn’t supposed to be any maliciousness behind my words, but even I had to reflect on what I had just said. Cadence’s head cocked to the side, but carried on after that.

“If it’s of any consolation, Shining Armor and I do enjoy you being here. Even with the hiccup of the last few months, it's been a blessing having friends we consider family helping us. Shifting Winds is a good stallion, but I, as well as Shining Armor, are more relaxed knowing you’re the pony behind it in the end. Knowing we’re not alone has made the burden of ruling that much easier; the ponies here are nice, but we still have a few trying to see what they can get away with. ”

Her words left me unable to respond right away, and the Alicorn of Love sensed this for she moved to wrap me into a hug- I returned it back as she patted my back.

“You’ve done so much for us, let alone anycreature that had a problem. I know I keep saying it, but I’m happy to call you my friend.”

“Thank you…” Was all I managed to squeak out as I processed the love she was giving me, and my own emotions on the matter when she dropped one of the biggest surprises I’d ever been given up to that point, and could only compare to another that wouldn't happen for another two years.

“Shining has informed me of your committee idea, and while I’m still hesitant, I’ll agree to it on one condition..yes consider this a bribe.” She stopped our hug to step back so see my reaction I would later learn. “We wanted to ask Twilight about this, but we feel there’s already too much on her plate to assume sole responsibility, and given you and Topaz are our best friends and already established…”

She picked the worst time to stop as she felt the need to begin love bombing the area as she danced in place from an unknown excitement.

“Princess please, it's too much!” I begged. While my capacity to store and process love had greatly improved over the decade, more so after my change, to stand near the princess as she generated the raw intensity of it continues to overwhelms me.

“I’m sorry! I’m just really excited to ask this of you! As our established friends, would you and Topaz be Flurry Heart’s godparents?”

I was taken back, what more could I say?

The heiress had wormed her way into my hearts when she wasn’t crying all the time, and could be very observant; never had I interacted with a more curious foal that wielded powerful magic, or had eyes that shimmered with a greater understanding of the world around her. Truly an unique foal in all aspects, and poised for greatness in any field she may wish to pursue in the approaching future, but should I have a part to play in that future? .

“I’m an aberration- a freak.” I muttered unknowingly, earning the side of my blunt side of Cadence's wing.

“Stop that right now, Idol. You may not be a pony, but you are not this monster you seem to think you are. Tell me, would this logic extend to Redshock?” I shook my head no.

“I suppose not, your highness…”

“Cadence! It's Cadence to you, Topaz, and Redshock so remember that! I asked this not seeking an answer at this exact moment, and honest to Harmony I would be worried if you’d said yes already.” She gripped my left shoulder with her right hoof. “Enjoy your day with our daughters, and when everything is done talk to Topaz about this, and while I doubt she’ll turn it down, this still is a life changing decision.”

“Of course your, highness.” Her hoof let go of my shoulder only to tap it.

“I said it's Cadence.”

“Old habits may die hard, but you are one of the few that deserve their title. May Harmony and Order watch over us.”

We parted ways after that, and with permission to bring Flurry Heart along, I made my way toward her nursery where Cersus should already be attending to her responsibilities as ‘big sister’. The morning was already waning in favor of the windswept mid day, but there should be enough time to at least start my search for the first of possibly many exiles living in the city.

The preparations were made, and the three of us left shortly after.

There was some resistance to Flurry’s departure from the Castle, and it took a lot of promises and pulling rank to allow the young heiress harnessed over my barrel to leave without an additional escort. I waited of course until I was certain we wouldn’t be overheard before filling Cersus into my plan, and reminded her to keep her excitement under control to avoid drawing further attention to us.

“But you’re wearing Flurry Heart! How is my yelling any worse?”

As if to prove the nymph’s point, the young alicorn’s massive wings began flapping as if to test the constraints of her prison. Her efforts did bear fruit as the foal possibly suffering from Excessive Wing Growth(EWG) managed to tap into her pegasus magic creating a miniature wind front. The wind from this miniature storm front was enough to nearly topple me over as the wind nearly ripped the nearby tapestry off the wall, and Order prevailed; it didn’t happen.

“Point taken. Let us be quick before Cadence or Shining have second thoughts.” In my haste to prevent further damage to the castle’s interior, I opted to run down the length of its halls which unfortunately the heiress enjoyed.

She loudly giggled while flapping her massive wings as Cersus and myself bolted down the halls toward the stairs, creating more wind in front of us that knocked ponies over.

“I APOLOGIZE! THE HEIRESS DOESN’T UNDERSTAND HER POWER, SO BE WEARY!” I yelled in the hopes ponies would hear me, but with the hurricane in front of me, that warning became mute.

By the time the three of us managed to clear the Castle’s Entrance, I’d estimate about a dozen ponies had been knocked over by the force of the young princess. While unfortunate, and would require time to properly apologize to the affected ponies in the future, I was thankful that the princess stopped flapping her wings when the sunshine touched her fur; like a flipped switch the wings stopped and she began reaching for the sky, and we took this opportunity to catch our breaths.

Cersus fell to the floor for a bit, and I nearly joined her but decided to sit instead using the time to preoccupy the princess in the hopes of preventing any further usage of her magic.

“Who's a good princess? You are.” I told Flurry Heart as I reached for her hooves. The young princess giggled as she looked up from her sling and tried to grab my hooves, Cersus looked up from her spot on the floor, and offered her own advice.

“She likes head pats…” The nymph forced out before succumbing to her breathing exercises.

Encouraged by this information I switched up my tactic, and made it so as Flurry Heart reached for one of my hooves, I would pull it back and pat her head just behind her horn- the result was instant. She squealed excitedly as she bounced in the sling while trying to grab the offending hoof. I looked over to Cersus who had finally controlled her breathing, and got back on her hooves once more.

“Thank you for the suggestion, you’ve learned well.” She buzzed her wings a little in response.

“It’s what happens when you’re the number 1 best big sister there is. You learn these things, and if you’re lucky pops I might tell you my secrets.”

If Cersus knew what she’d said, she didn’t act like it, but I caught it- she called me pops. Recently, she’d become comfortable enough to call Topaz mom, and that had brought nothing but delight to the pegasus ever since. Cersus and myself still haven’t reached that threshold yet as I’m still weary to allow the nymph to address me as such. To do so would permanently alter the dynamic of our relationship even though I myself had done nothing to prevent it from becoming what it is today.

In truth, I’m nervous about what allowing Cersus calling me her father might bring, yet I’ve already claimed her as my own several times before…

“Careful not to divulge all of your secrets for what good is a ling without at least one?” I asked Cersus who stopped walking ahead of me and appeared to think about it for a second before turning back and shrugging.

“A pony?”

Her own answer left me speechless for a moment as I tried to figure out if this was a true statement, which I concluded wasn’t true for the princess…

“The princesses have secrets, but are they not ponies?”

“They’re princesses, not ponies.”

I was stunned silent yet again by her logic! Could the princesses of ponykind not qualify as ponies? A topic I might explore further when we’re not on a time constraint, but as if to prove a point, I found the need to look down at the foal resting in the sling.

“Surely, you don’t have any secrets, do you young Flurry Heart?” I asked knowing the foal couldn’t answer for herself, but when she looked up at me and cooed did I end that line of thinking. My haste caught Cersus by surprise as I nearly left her behind, but what I saw in those little eyes told me the heiress had enough sense to know what was going on around her.

My initial instinct was to seek out Crystal Hoof to start off our list, but decided not to for a myriad of reasons and the high probability he would be working. On the chance Mr. Hoof might be an exile with no ill intention, I would give him the benefit of the doubt and avoid bothering the stallion at his place of employment, and seek him out another time.

The next area we decided to try was the marketplace that had developed in the plaza around the train station, and my hope was to find that couple selling the Poison Joke bulbs once more. Cersus’s mood perked up at the thought of spending some of her allowance, and eagerly agreed- even more when she learned we’ll likely meet another exile besides Crystal Hoof.

“Have I met them before?”

“If you have, there would be questions, but I doubt it. Topaz and I encountered them entirely on accident during one of our outings, yet we can’t confirm if they’re one or not. I’m hoping you might be able to help with that distinction Redshock.”

The nymph buzzed her wings before bouncing out in front…

“Listen. You’re talking to the Best imaginary Friend, and biggest Daring Do enthusiast in the whole dang Empire! If there’s any filly that can get answers, then it's this one.” She pointed to herself, drawing Flurry into the excitement of her ‘presentation’ who tried reaching for the nymph. “See? What I’d tell you! Here. You. Go!”

She patted Flurry’s hooves three times, with each pat making the heiress squeal in delight.

I of course only watched their interaction to avoid ruining their moment, and allow myself a chance to marvel at their deepening bond. Amazement, for even our scarce outing with the young heiress hadn’t revealed any sort of interaction save for an older foal taking care of the youngest- a foalsitter watching their charge. What I’m witnessing is more aligned with how siblings will behave around another, and I felt something watching the two giggling as we weaved our way through the vendors and shoppers trying not to gawk at the three of us.

Cersus seemed more food motivated today as she sought out the treat vendors, her snout pointed up as she sampled the air for the source of whatever treat she might have found. This search weaved us through many rows of tents and vendors, ponies, and non-ponies as Cersus increasingly became nearly agitated looking for this…

“THERE WE ARE!” She loudly proclaimed before dashing toward this lone food stall that had a small gathering of creatures around it.

“Cotton Candy? I’ve always taken you more of a rock candy kind of foal.”

“Ok, that was a little funny! Why can’t you do that all the time instead of those other lame jokes?”

“Because telling ‘lame’ jokes is easier than actively telling good jokes, it uses less energy overall.”

Cersus’s eyes narrowed as she tried reading my muzzle for answers, to which I offered her a small smile for her troubles.

“You were telling one of these jokes again weren’t you?”

“No joke, Redshock. I was only agreeing with you, but enough, if you want something from this vendor your turn is nearly here.” I pointed toward the stall, and once the disguised nymph confirmed the truth reluctantly left to get in line. I leaned close to Flurry Heart so only she could hear. “Lame jokes have a difficulty moving, so they’re not as active..get it?”

Whether or not the heiress understood me was irrelevant for she cooed at the attention directed toward her, and knew she was included in the conversation. Many years of accumulating random tidbits of knowledge over a wide range of topics once more served their purpose today, as I applied them to caring for the foal- they love to be talked to. It makes them feel included, and the engagement between adult and foal further stimulates their developing mind, making the first few years some of the most important, or so Cadence told me.

Regardless, I would’ve talked to the filly on the pretext changeling nymphs developed leagues ahead of pony foals, but it didn’t mean pony foals weren’t completely incapable of catching up. Eventually, Cersus was next in line and ordered a spool for herself and hopped over back to us.

“It's really good! You have to try some, Idol!” She stuck out her hoof to offer some of the sugary treat, and I was thankful she was finally minding her manners more by not talking with her mouth full. I was going to turn down her offer when Flurry’s horn grew bright, and before we understood the repercussions of this, Cersus lost half her treat. “Flurry!”

Cersus cried out, but the foal already had the sugary treat in her maw, giggling as she listened to sugar crackle.

“Cotton Candy is a little too rich for us anyway, and overall bad in large doses. We’ll find another food stand to make up for alright? I’ll buy.” I offered, feeling a little bad, but relieved Cersus didn’t consume all of it herself.

“Yea, alright. It's not a big deal.” I could tell it was a bigger deal then she was willing to admit, but to avoid causing any sort of scene didn’t press the issue.

Flurry Heart to my dismay became more active after her treat, and wouldn’t stop bouncing in place making movement of any sort unpleasant. This was rectified when I(to my good fortune) discovered a vendor selling pet supplies to a small herd of Crystal Ponies marveling at the offerings. Our abrupt appearance startled the crowd causing them to bow before the young highness, and after a quick apology to the the mare watching the stall purchased two of her leashes, fastened them into a single long one before clamping it Flurry’s harness; the gathered ponies were unsure what I was doing, but the sellsmare nearly bolted when she understood my intention.

“Whatcha doing Idol?”

“I’m setting Flurry Heart free.” A jest of course, but in hindsight not the most appropriate thing to say in front of her subjects. To my pride, one of them almost stood up before thinking twice and kept bowing.

More ponies were watching from afar as it wasn’t too common to see a princess, and a stallion of high standing among the public all too often. The leash was finally tied around and through the harness to my liking and using my magic unhooked the harness from allowing the heiress’s wings to take over the burden of carrying her. Before anypony could intervene, Flurry Heart was airborne.

“Are you stupid! If we’re setting her free, shouldn’t we have done so in a park or something with trees in it?”

“That's only for birds, Redshock, but your logic is still sound.” I praised her some, but kept my attention on the foal flying around us as far as the leash would allow her. “We are merely taking the princess for a walk and nothing more.”

“You’re not going to take me for a walk are you?” Cersus was looking up at the foal, and I could tell by her posture she didn’t like the idea of being treated in such a way.

“Of course not, for you’re a big filly that knows how high to fly and not have your feathers burnt off.”

“That can happen!?” She asked as we continued our walk through the open marketplace, ignoring all the looks directed at us. I swore somepony took a picture, but I couldn’t recall seeing or hearing a camera, yet I was sure a flash had gone off. Cersus kicking my leg brought me back.

“Harmony no, it's an expression used to elaborate a foal’s lack of understanding. I’m sure you know how high you can go, or the dangers of flying under certain conditions, no? Well a foal often lacks that understanding, and pegasi parents would tell their foals that to keep them from flying too high in the sky. Often, it makes them fearful of flying for time until they’re pushed off a ledge.”

The nymph convulsed slightly at the thought before shaking her head side to side.

“That’s Uncle Shi…” She clamped her mouth shut suddenly, looked my way quickly, and then continued keeping pace alongside me.

“What was that?” I asked knowing full well what she was about to say, yet found joy in feigning ignorance to ruffle her imaginary feathers.

“Uh.. Shining throwing Cadence off a balcony? You heard the story didn’t you?” Cersus’s new nervousness kept her from that cloud-like walking, and to her credit picked up on it as she tried to mimic the earlier stride. When this failed she looked up to the sky trying to shift focus onto the living kite called Flurry Heart.

I of course played along and didn’t address her slip of the tongue until I could discuss it with Topaz.

“I have indeed, and I can tell you in great detail later that their highnesses weren’t learning to fly that horrendous day. Even now, we’re still reeling from its effects, and praise Harmony we’re winning.”

“Oh..well it seemed like fun too. The Wonderbolts fly really fast and do their own stunts, and the story said Shining threw Cadence so fast the door didn’t even hit her!

“Where did you hear that?” I had to keep myself from stopping in the middle of the market to avoid creating a scene, and Flurry Heart who was still airborne. As if her laughter and sparkling horn weren't doing that anyway.

“I overheard some of the guards talking about it and at first it didn’t sound cool, but the more I listened to them, they couldn’t believe her flanks didn’t get hit...”

“Enough. The couple we’re looking for aren't here today, so let us get another treat and leave before we waste the entire day here.” The abrupt change of topic shook her from that line of thought, and to looking for another source of subsistence.

With this excuse, Cersus perked up as she seemed to be cloud walking once more as she pranced out in front to find a worthy stall. Almost as if the heiress heard us, Flurry Heart began tugging on her leash prompting me to look up for an explanation- she kept flying toward our 2 o'clock position. I relayed this to Cersus, who turned her muzzle to the air and flapped her wings indicating she found something.

“I smell something good! Let’s go check it out!” She bolted.

“Before careful! Don’t get in the ponies way!” I called out, but didn’t know if she heard my plea or not, yet thanked Harmony she at least did appear to be minding where she tread.

I quickened my pace trying to keep up with the disguised nymph while making sure not to tug on Flurry’s leash; the young foal’s wings, large as they were, did keep her airborne and it really did appear I was flying a kite this cloudless day.

‘Thank Order, she hasn’t tried escaping.’ I thought to myself trying to keep my eyes on both of my charges.

Ponies, and the odd creature did see our approach and parted so we could proceed unhindered, and we did just that. Cersus only stopped once in the middle of the plaza to sniff the air before bolting to our right which would take her directly toward the Train Platform, and being the good sitter I was followed. She eventually stopped in front of a stall with a portable furnace hitched to the cart where three ponies appeared to be operating the stall: one to take orders while the other two kneaded the dough that would be used for their cakes.

“Th..this..this one..Idol.” The nymph continued huffing from the excursion, but thanks to her recent growth phase this didn’t last far more than several seconds.

“Your nostrils haven’t failed you little one, for this scent radiates a feeling of joy and hunger.”

“So? Can we get one!?”

“I did promise you a substitute treat, and by the looks of the advertisement this funnel cake might be the waffles of the dessert world. It seems a healthy treat."

I was soon proven mistaken when roughly an entire sack of powdered sugar was dumped upon the confection, and offered to one of the waiting ponies. My excitement grew dimmer, while the squealing of two foals alerted me to a future filled with medical visits and sugarless pastries. Voicing my concerns did little to persuade the nymph from the sugar waffle and I, with some reluctance, ordered one. And then after the aroma of the treat tempted me most unfairly, shamefully increased the order to ‘two’. .

“Salutations! It is a privilege to be serving one one from the Royal Court, and most regarded too. My family is both blessed and honored.” The mare was a native of the Empire that much was certain, for if her choice of words weren’t enough, her coat shunned with the crystal brilliance known to the locals.

“Praise of this kind still bothers me even a year later as I don’t feel worthy of this notoriety, but I’m learning. Her brilliance shines brightly upon us, so let us rejoice for the night shall shelter us under its sparkling gems.”

“OH! Under guiding hoof, we’re led to water but only you can make me drink it.” She cried back, earning questioning looks from her colleagues, as the waiting crowd gave us questioning looks.

Only a year earlier I would’ve done the same, yet my time and willingness to integrate exposed me to a number of sayings and practices these Crystal Ponies do and say in their once religious-esque life. My initial greeting was in response to her praise, and while I don’t like to be openly praised, I told her the day is lovely, and the night beautiful so let us not dwell on this. She in turn responded in a similar manner, politely of course, that she’s set in your ways, but could change them over time.

An odd list of phrases and actions, but one that I’ve learned stemmed from a need to keep infighting within the Empire to a minimum so the Crystal Heart could continue spinning. And while the Crystal Ponies are more accepting of the times they find themselves in, I found they respond more positively to the old ways of speaking, often treating the exchange as they might treat a friend. In this way I managed to become more accepted in the Empire than by solely shouldering the command of Colonel.

I waved her statement off. “You honor me more than I feel is necessary for one honor bound as myself. When the princess watches over us with love, do we shine the brightest.”

“Ah! The Colonel is a romantic after my heart!” The mare exclaimed, and I felt some heat building around my cheeks at the hushed murmurs.

“Wait…”

“Worry not Colonel! I know of your union and the fruit it bore next to you. I merely meant it is refreshing to hear and see our traditions openly used again, and by a foreign no less. Thank you.”

“He doesn’t like fruit all that much.” We both turned to the disguised nymph who had stood up to lean on the stall. “The best mom and I can get him to eat is those rainbow apples, but we can’t find them here.”

“A rainbow what?” The mare asked, even looking at her colleagues as they put our two cakes into the oven.

“It is often a red fruit that grows from trees, juicy and nutritious, they’re often paired with other foodstuffs to create dessert dishes. The rainbow colored ones, Zap Apples, are more flavorful and possess the sharpness of a rainbow drink.”

“Like a berry, no?”

“Perhaps, just think of them the size of a hoof.” Her eyes became wide as she shook her head side to side.

“That’s a bit much, my lord. I fine a small hoofful enough to flavor my food, and anymore then that the poor soup would become bitter!” Her laughter was sincere and made with no ill intent so I didn’t push the issue. Cersus for her surprising resilience and understanding still lack this sense.

“But why would you put berries in your soup instead of tomatoes?”

“Because Crystal Berries are a tradition as they’re a staple of the Empire, Redshock.” I had to bite my tongue to keep from comparing the nymph to the vegetable she resembled so much. “The castle has most of its food imported to keep from draining the local harvest until it can bounce back.”

I almost forgot about my other charge, but she was quick to remind me when I felt the tugging on the leash before it hit the ground, the harness still attached. My worry would have become 10 fold that very moment if Cersus, and the mare hadn’t cried from fright, where to my relief found the living storm currently latched onto the nymph’s back.

“Ah come on! Don’t drool there!” Cersus cried as she dropped to her hooves once more. With the crisis temporarily averted, I turned my attention back to the mare who thankfully was more concerned with the two fillies then retrieving my order.

“I would like to apologize for that sudden disturbance, but would it be possible to get an estimate on those cakes?”

We eventually got our treats which calmed the ravenous foal long enough for Cersus and myself to enjoy our slice of the cake(I like the term sugar waffle). The fillies split one cake, while I took the half of the other leaving the final half open, and quickly shot down the nymph’s pleas for it-she even offered to split the half with me.

“COME ON! COME ON! COME ON! COME ON!” She cried while hopping around me. I ignored her antics much to her dismay, and only made the filly switch tactics to start jumping on me.

“The answer is still no. You’ve had enough and look where it's gotten you, a loose cannon filly with no regard for the rules.” This wasn’t true, but my hope was Cersus would stop to ponder her current mental state long enough to realize the error of her ways. Unfortunately, this didn’t happen.

“YOU LIE! YOU’RE GOING TO SPLIT IT WITH MOM AREN’T YOU!?”

For all her whining and jumping, I was thankful she hadn’t awakened the now passed out Flurry Heart who hung once more around my barrel. All of her flying did little to subdue the filly, but some of the funnel cake did what Cadence and Shining couldn’t do, and I wasn’t about to undue any of the progress. Topaz had advised bringing the fillies to her class last night, and though I agreed then, I wanted to surprise her with some of this delicious cake…

“PLEASE! PLEASE! PLEASE!”

I reluctantly abandoned that plan.

“If Topaz asks, we went for a walk and talked to a few ponies, agreed?”

“YEA! YEA! YEA! LET'S EAT!”

Trusting the hyperactive nymph with my bags, I crouched so she could reach the saddlebag with the remaining cake. Cersus didn’t waste time removing the sugary treat, and I had to stop her from immediately breaking her promise by ripping my promised piece of cake off hers- we both ate them quickly when Flurry’s nose twitched.

“..ets hu..hurry.” I tried speaking while chewing, encouraged by the worry the sleeping foal would wake once more. I swallowed the delightful treat. “We need to speak with at least one acquaintance before heading back to the castle, minus Crystal Hoof of course.”

“WHY’S THAT?” Cersus screeched as her pace quickened once more, fueled by an additional intake of sugar. I tried following her movements, but couldn't as she skipped literal circles around me and the sleeping heiress.

“It is a matter of productivity, and keeping our word. I only have a week to gather support for my appeal, meaning there is little time to waste, and truthfully, I don’t know where to start. The market was my only lead, and the ponies in question weren’t set up.”

“WHO WERE THEY? FRIENDS OF YOURS, BECAUSE I DON’T BELIEVE.. WOW LOOK HOW FAST I CAN RUN!” To demonstrate her increased speed, Cersus began running laps around me. This lasted maybe three laps before she took flight and nearly clipped the side of my head.

“Ce..Redshock!” I cried, as the disguised nymph began flying circles around me with the occasional roll. Her colors were acting up by this point, and was more noticeable in the sky where the sun reflected off her. Harmony, and Order were with me as the color shift didn’t appear too drastic leaving a passing pony to think it was the Crystal sheen of her coat catching the colors wrong.

“COME ON IDOL! YOU CAN’T GROUND A PEGASUS!” She screamed back while doing another loop.

“Was that a joke? It lacks the set up, but you did well enough for a first timer. Topaz will be proud when…”

“WAIT! WAIT! WAIT!” I watched with some repressed glee as she began her descent to land a few strides in front of me. “I DIDN’T MEAN IT, I SWEAR!”

“Your intentions might not have been to make it, yet your instinct made it on your behalf. It brings my hearts joy to see you trying new things. If allowed, I could provide some pointers given that many ponies have noted I’m very good at joke telling.”

THe nymph always became embarrassed when being compared to me, and while glad she took more to Topaz, I couldn’t completely hide my dejection of her lack of interest. So, I often took to walking with or teasing the nymph as a way to keep up our interactions in a less than formal setting, as I found her more than willing to act like a pony foal then a trained infiltrator.

“I still think you misheard…” Cersus’s hyperactiveness was all but gone save for the occasional jitteriness as the last of the sugar was burned off.

“You were rather high up there, so I might have. Where did you learn to fly like that? I don’t recall Topaz teaching you anything like that.” I was telling the truth even if I had purposefully changed the conversation. She looked up, and held her tongue when we both heard the alicorn filly gurgling in foal-talk just before going limp in the harness once more.

My ploy worked. Cersus’s demeanor changed with the new line of questioning starting with the jitteriness subsiding, and how her posture lost its rigidness for the relaxed state one often found her in as she wandered the castle. Even in the middle of the street, there weren’t nearly as many ponies here then there were at the market plaza, yet Cersus seemed less bothered by potential onlookers than to suggest she made a joke.

“I've been practicing, you know?” She even went as far to lift one of her hooves and act as if she were examining her hoof. “I shouldn’t say this..because I don’t like to brag but I have connections with the Wonderbolts.”

“Really now? And what sort of strings do you have attached to their organization?”

She dropped her hoof, and tried to smile without showing too much of her fangs- it failed, and once more we’re lucky no pony seemed to notice.

“The kind that gets Spitfire to send you a letter and some pointers!” She hollered.

Her outburst managed to get Flurry Heart stirring, but with some quick rocking back and forth while humming that old changeling nursery rhyme managed to avoid a possible crisis. I glared at the nymph, who now looked less smug…

…only slightly.

“Since when have you and the Captain been in correspondence?” I asked, trying not to cross my hooves in front of me, and whispered a thank you to Harmony that Flurry Heart was sleeping, or else I might have been more animated with my displeasure.

“The kind when you read a letter intended for somepony else, and write back instead which leads to her writing back..she signed it as well!”

“I’m at a loss for words…” I really was, and surprised myself I’d even managed to speak that sentence telling Cersus how lost for words I was.

My silence must have spooked her, for her earlier jitteriness began creeping back starting with her twitching wings.

“Maybe you could find them?” She asked dropping to her flank so she could tap her forehooves together.

I blinked for once more it appeared the nymph had made a joke at my expense, and briefly looking around us felt we’d drawn too much attention for one day. I needed support for my proposal, but felt this attention would scare away the reclusive exiles if I’d pursued them today. A good guard knows when to accept futility, and with one foal already crashing from the sugar with the second one teetering on that point decided to cut my losses.

“Then let us seek them out together.” I smiled down at her. “And you can tell me how good the Captain has been since we last spoke.”

“YEA! She really wanted to thank you with the rainbows, or something. It confused me because I didn’t know you did weather work in Canterlot?”

“I think she meant for the Element of Loyalty, a Miss Rainbow Dash. Spitfire had been scouting her for a few years, and asked for some advice a few years back on how to proceed. It sounds like she succeeded.”

“Who?”

“The Element of Loyalty? She was the blue pegasus with the rainbow mane when Twilight Sparkle showed up a couple of months back.”

“OH! YOU MEAN THE LOUD ONE!” She looked back for confirmation, and when I nodded continued. “Yea, I saw her but she seemed annoying, and was trying too hard to be Daring Do. You can’t become Daring Do by acting like a knockoff…”

Her little tirade would last us the rest of the way back to the castle, but I didn’t interrupt her in the slightless even when we eventually came across Shining Armor. He made his business quick, and informed me that Cadence and himself were needed back in Equestria as soon as possible, and asked if I might continue watching Flurry Heart for another couple of days.

The relief on his face spoke loudly how much this meant to him.

“Thank you so much! You don’t know how much this means to me…” I held up my hoof.

“I can only guess, but you and Cadence are our best friends, and to turn you down would be a travesty. Besides...” I paused trying to find the words, as Shining’s worry started to fester once more. “...we couldn't turn away our goddaughter.”

His eyes went wide. Cersus’s eyes dilated.

“You mean…”
“You mean…”

I nodded to both of them.

“I haven’t spoken to Topaz on the matter, but I’m positive she’ll agree with me. If you will have us, we’ll like to be Flurry’s godfamily.”

“WHAT!?”

“You will!?”

I felt the urge to kick the nymph’s legs, but found it would make a terrible impression in front of my godbrother-in law, and goddaughter.

“Of course. Now go forth with the comfort that your offspring is in good hooves until your return.” I tried sending him off, but found myself wrapped in his hooves while he tried not to crush his only daughter.

“THANK YOU! I DON’T DESERVE A FRIEND LIKE YOU.”

“That is topic up for discussion another time, but right now go with the understanding I’m glad to have been by your side all of these years.” I extended my hoof, and after a second Shining took it.

“Same here pal. Hopefully I’ll see you in a few days. Tell Topaz I said hi and thank her for me will you?”

“Will do. Do you think you’ll be back for our game?”

“Of course!” He smiled as he began walking away, down the hall. “It’s my turn to DM after all, and just because we made up doesn’t mean I’m going easy on you!”

“Splintered Axe wouldn't have it any other way.” I returned the smile, and like that he was out of sight leaving the three of us alone.

“WHAT WAS THAT!?”

“What was what?”

“That!” Cersus gestured down the hall before to Flurry Heart who was finally beginning to stir.

“I was asked earlier in the day before I retrieved you if Topaz and myself could act as godparents to Flurry Heart. I didn’t give an answer then, but did just now after pondering it.”

“Don’t I get a say in it? She affects me as well!”

“Do you want a sibling Cersus?” I asked the nymph, and watched as she reeked back.

“I…” She started but stopped as the words escaped her tongue like they did for me earlier. I wouldn’t push the issue upon her, as like myself she needed to come up with her own answer.

“It’s not an easy answer to seek, but one that will take time to find what fits for you. Let us not ponder this tonight, and instead make preparations to watch the young heiress.” Cersus still looked unsure, but nodded and began trotting along myself once more.

“You do mean me right? I do live in a castle you know.” I didn’t hide my amusement, and chuckled.

“That you do. Perhaps one day you will become royalty.”

Her ears perked up, but her question both surprised and touched me.

“You and mom would still be there right?”

“Of course we will. If we don’t, you’ll only get into trouble.”

“I WOULDN’T!” I’LL BE A GOOD RULER, AND ALL OF MY SUBJECTS WILL HAVE CANDY EVERYDAY!”

“You will make many dentists happy, that you will.”

Cersus huffed at my response, but did nothing else.

“I’d make a good princess…” She looked more downtrodden, and I felt ashamed for my little jest. I wouldn’t have made it if I’d known she'd react to it so strongly.

“If my jest was of any offense, then let me state it wasn’t made with ill intent. You’re a remarkable filly, and the future will only show us how far you’ll go, so don’t get caught up on the little hooks life will set for you. If I did, I highly doubt we’ll be here right now.”

“Are you suggesting we’re a fish?” Cersus asked, already losing that rain cloud over her head which made patting her head easier.

“Now you’re doing that on purpose.”

“What can I say? If mom can tolerate you all of this time, then maybe your jokes aren’t all that bad.”

“Cersus…” I said her true name in the castle halls unknowingly, but would find out later she caught the slip up. “...if I could cry it would be liquid courage.”

“What the buck?”

“Language young lady. A princess doesn’t use crass words.”

“But what about all the times I’ve heard mom or Cadence and Shining Armor? When I tell Mom to do it behind closed doors like Cadence and Shining she gets embarrassed…. just like that!” The nymph cried pointing at myself, and this time her actions finally spurred the stirring Flurry Heart awake, setting off a renewed attempt to escape her harness.

I seized the distraction to change the topic, and hopefully avoid any potential embarrassment.

“Look what you’ve done, you woke Flurry Heart from her nap.” A half truth, but with enough truth in it to cause doubt for the nymph.

“Hey, don’t go blaming it on me. You’re the one moving all the time, and maybe she heard your lame jokes.”

“Practice makes perfect, and practice is something you lack.” I stopped walking so I could try and calm the restless heiress but she resisted my efforts by flapping her massive wings with enough force to create more wind.

“MAKE HER STOP!” Cersus cried before bolting down the hall to escape the onslaught of wind leaving myself behind.

I stayed put trying to minimize the potential damage to the hall, and against my better judgment attempted to make a deal with the filly.

“If I let you out of this harness, will you cease your attempts to escape?”

In another display of self awareness, the alicorn filly stopped moving to look up at me. She began cooing at me, and somehow I knew she was trying to make a deal with me. Ponies in the past questioned my devotion to the Princesses, and if raising the Sun and Moon weren’t enough then the fact the young Flurry Heart understood everything I was saying could be reason enough for supporting the alicorn princesses.

“Your parents must leave for a couple of days, and have asked me to watch over you. Cersus will be there of course.” I added the last bit, and was thankful when it sparked her curiosity once more to try and wiggle free. “ Hold still, and I’ll set you free.”

A stallion of my word, I released the filly and watched with trepidation as she floated to the floor, and after making contact with the crystal floor quickly turned around and latched onto my forehoof. Her quickness unease me slightly, and I might have taken a step back out of safety for the filly, yet she was quick and ran up the length of my leg before trying to grab hold of my neck. I helped her using my magic and she quickly attached herself to the back of my neck using her little hooves to hold her in place.

“Better?” I asked, and was rewarded with a happy cooing that I took as a yes. We had barely started to catch up with Cersus when I felt a wetness pooling on my neck, and finally understood Cersus’s fear of the filly.

“How do you drool so much?” I wondered, and was once again rewarded with a happy cooing.

“Aren’t you adorable? Yes you are!” Topaz leaned further into the crib trying to tickle the alicorn foal, who found the attempt amusing. Topaz had taken on the mantle of caretaker for the rest of the evening, and to my relief and surprise hadn’t relented from that role since her return from grading papers, and by the amount of joy and contentment coming from her might have needed the distraction.

Twice Flurry Heart had managed to roll onto her hooves in an effort to escape the Tickle Mare, much to Topaz’s enjoyment.

“She did it again, Idol! She tried running away again…got you!” The filly happily cried as she was picked up. I watched as the filly lazily flapped her wings in anticipation for what Topaz started calling the ‘Snoot Boop’, where she would bring the filly close enough for their snouts to touch, and then pull back. This action was often repeated twice with additional words of praise, or compressed words that sounded funny, but everyone of them was filled with love.

The sight was relaxing to observe.

“She didn’t flap her wings like that earlier.”

“Perhaps if Uncle Idol weren’t flying you like a kite, you might not have been a sour berry would you?” Topaz asked Flurry Heart, who only flapped her wings harder while reaching out for her hooves. I didn’t take the bait of course.

“You’ve adapted quickly to your new role, Aunt Topaz. Is there something you need to tell me?” I asked teasingly of course knowing Cadence hadn’t spoken with Topaz before, but sometimes it's enough to let things slip.

“Why wouldn’t I? They’ve been our best friends for years, and I now have more of an excuse to buy this filly nice things! New booties!” She emphasized this by bringing the filly close to her barrel and using her wings tips started to tickle the filly’s little hooves, an act that surprised me because Topaz found it difficult moving her wings since the Wendigo attack.

Flurry Heart couldn’t express her enjoyment anymore then she already was, and it caused me to look over with some concern the heiress might try and use magic- thankfully she seemed content to bask in the attention. The day's activities had left me exhausted, and I was grateful Topaz took over watching Flurry Heart as I watched from our makeshift bed that laid along the wall directly across the crib. The pillows and blankets having been borrowed from the many spare rooms the castle seldom used meant we didn’t have to unmake our bed, and left our pheromones intact for the nymph to feel safe tonight.

Cersus is growing faster with each passing week, and her request to remain in our shared quarters was proof enough of this. I wasn’t too comfortable letting the nymph out of our sights, but agreed with Topaz she was big enough to start making some decisions on her own, so we accepted it on the condition that a guard remain stationed outside. A simple request, and after wishing her a good night proceeded to camp in Flurry’s room for the remainder of the night and possibly the following night as well.

Twice I’d nearly dozed off only to be woken by the filly’s excited laughter mixed with Topaz’s own giggling, and twice more I was put back to sleep basking in the growing love and joy filling the air. The third time I woke up wouldn’t be till later in the evening when Flurry Heart finally went to bed for most of the night, and Topaz was getting ready to lay down for the night as well. The importance of this night( as with several others), drastically changed not only my outlook on life, but greatly altered the lives of our little family for a great number of years afterward.

“She really is a hoofful. Maybe you were onto something with the whole kite idea, Idol.” Topaz groaned as she ceremoniously collapsed onto the pillow next to me.

“I’ve heard of pegasi foals being tied to ceiling fans to help them burn off energy, and provide a benefit to the entire household.” I opened one of my eyes in time to catch that crunched up look her muzzle does when she tries not to snort.

“That’s terrible, Idol! But I can speak from experience. It was a simple stake in the cloud that mother used for me.”

“Did you bark at the mailmare too?” That remark earned me a tap of her hooves against my chest, but nothing else.

“Be quiet, and hold me.” To show my displeasure, I took my time scooting closer to her, and I couldn't help but smile when she noticed what I was doing. She eventually smiled back at the joke and reached her hooves out to clasp mine, and ‘helped’ pull me closer.

“Bark. Bark.”

“IDOL! She hissed in between bouts of laughter. “I wasn’t a dog, and mother did that one time.”

“One time I’ve learned so far, but that could change once Viridian arrives to shed light on the truth.”

“Like that witch would reveal her secrets.” By how she said it, Topaz meant no maliciousness. Moreover, her body didn’t tense with the traditional signs of anger a creature would expect to see and hear.

“A witch she may not be, but mothers enjoy talking about their family, and Vivi is no different. She’s bound to know a secret or two about you.”

“Please…” She batted her eyes. “Mother would only tell you what you’ve been told, and nothing more. If there’s anything you might be curious about you only need to ask me, or a price.”

“A price? Like a bribe.” She shook her head, but I could feel the smile on her lips.

“No bribe. Just a simple game where you ask a question, I’ll answer. I’ll ask a question and then you answer. Simple right?”

Nothing in life was rarely that simple, and luckily I knew this game derived from the common yearling game of Truth or Dare. With this knowledge kept to myself, I jumped into the spider’s web.

“Alright, I’ll start us off. How often does The Bugisher make an appearance?” I decided to start us off with a question that would throw the pegasus off balance, and break the ice in a way.

“She hasn’t made an appearance since Canterlot, and I’m rather surprised you would ask that as your question.”

“Would you believe me if your battle with Honey Dew might have finally caught notice of a certain comic, The Power Ponies?”

“Harmony, tell me you’re joking!” Her face darken as she tried burying her muzzle into the pillow she was laying on.

“I’m afraid so. Our agent recently informed me that a contact from Mareval was interested in purchasing the rights to your likeness and character- The name, and costume as well.”

“Ok, you have to be pulling my wing right now because there’s no way this can be happening.”

“Would it help you if I did pull on your wing?”

“Celestia knows it wouldn’t, but I’ll count that as your second question.” She said while unburrying her muzzle from the pillow.

“A professor through and through. I do admire your adherence for the rules when it matters. Your turn?”

“Well now, let’s see…”

“Excuse me, it is your turn now.”

Her wings flickered with annoyance, but that was all.

“Drat, good save.”

“It was your smile that gave it away.”

“Oh? Seems like I’m at a disadvantage doesn’t it? Me against myself and you.”

“Only if you let it be, Topaz.” By this point, I was awake and staring intently at the pegasus waiting for her to ask her question, but willing to continue staring if I could.

“Were it so easy, Idol. Surely you argue with yourself now and then?”

“I do. My turn.” Her eyes went wide with understanding.

“Hey, that's not fair! That wasn’t the question I wanted to ask.”

My smirked told her everything, but our hooves never broke contact.

“I’m only following the rules you set, but I could bend them just a little. Would that be ok?”

“That would, and thank you. Now…” She adjusted herself to better sink into the pillow, and offering my help used my magic to adjust her wings for her. “...what do you worry about, Idol?”

Her question left me with an open mouth as I had to stop and think of an answer. I adjusted myself on my own pillow so I could better reflect the question because a great many things had been on my mind lately, and I was unsure if I wanted to share most if any of them. One look into her eyes told me what I needed to know, that this question hadn’t been asked to play a simple game…

“There’s been a great many things on my mind recently, and while most you could mark off as the worries of a Changeling promoted to a Colonel. A few are rather recent, and greatly conflict me. Do you know why I had Cersus and Flurry Heart join me today?”

“To spend time with them? I really don’t know…”

“I wanted to seek out exiles Topaz.”

“EXILES!” She didn’t actually yell, but hissed between her teeth loud enough that I worried she might wake our sleeping charge.

“I spoke to Shining about it and if I can get the approval of my council, we would extend protections to them with the eventual option of citizenship. I was hoping Cersus might convince them to join if they had the hope of a queen to lead them…”

“Does Cersus now about this!? Have you even told her what Luna believes is happening?”

I closed my eyes to avoid looking into the mare that started as a simple helping hoof, that dug her way through my hearts to carve a hidden temple only the two of us could find, or visit

“No. I held that knowledge back out of fear it would stunt her growth…”

“From being a queen like Chrysalis!?”

“From being a filly…”

I tried not to look, but Topaz had always known how to bend me so, and this time was no different. Her hooves pleaded with me, and I obeyed. My eyes opened to see her emerald irises dimmer than they had been once before, and while I knew it was from my own actions, a part of them were also full of sympathy for an undeserving ling that couldn’t mourn out of duty.

She squeezed my hooves once more, and this time I returned the act.

“Why didn’t you tell me? We’re her parents, so why would you keep me in the dark from something like this?” There was a quivering in her voice that asked to be acknowledged, and comforted until the heartache left. I couldn’t completely comfort her, but I could sate her need to understand the reasoning for more changeling secrets.

“Cersus is a smart filly, and a trained infiltrator of the hive. She would have sense your knowing immediately. She would have guessed, and eventually learned of a path I don’t want to feel forced upon her by creatures that would use her..use her!”

“Idol..dear..that is a lot to take in. Is that why you didn’t like Thorax?” She asked as her emerald irises shined with understanding, and I nodded. How she discovered his true name, I could only assume Cersus might have told her.

“He has an idea what she can become, and I was fearful he would spoil her life before it really began.” I admitted. “I’m sorry for turning you away.”

One moment, I was looking in her eyes waiting for her response when she pulled me in closer for a hug at the expense of falling in between our pillows. I didn’t fight it, but embraced it as she poured her love into me with a density that left me feeling sluggish, and nearly unresponsive. I wanted to stop, but she insisted I gorge myself on its unique flavoring every time I wanted to resist taking so much from her, yet that selfless pegasus continued forcing me to eat at the risk of harming herself. I could only eat so much before I had to stop it, and push her way. I felt the hurt before I saw it in her big eyes, and that hurt me more than everything I’d worried about till now even if it was for her safety.

“I don’t want to drain you, Topaz.” I managed to squeak out, and after some consideration the pegasus nodded in understanding.

“Alright, lovebug. Did the point come across at the very least?”

“That I don’t need to eat in the cafeteria when I can come see you for lunch?”

“No! That I’m here for you, just as you’re here for me because that’s what a good partner does.” Even if she ‘hit’ me, she made her love and smile obvious enough to let me know she might have found it funny. “You can be oblivious sometimes, Idol, but you’ve come a long way from saving lost mares in the desert.”

“I’d had to hang up my hat after that day because I knew then I wouldn’t do better than you.”

“You’re such a colt! I don’t know if I should hit you or kiss right now.”

“I would like to point out you’ve hit me several times already, but have yet to give me a kiss.”

“Oh? Does the bedbug need a goodnight kiss?” Topaz shifted her weight in a way that rolled us over to put her on top, and myself on my back. From this new position, I had to look up into her sparkling eyes with that little grin she often wore behind closed doors. “Because The Bugisher has some unfinished business…”

She was leaning forward to deliver the long awaited kiss, and my hearts began beating faster for a multitude of reasons that would later be seen as irrelevant. Seeing the mare, I’d grown to love over many long years in this light greatly altered everything I considered beautiful before hoof. I felt younger and foolish at this very moment for no reason than being awed by a pretty mare…

“Would you want a foal?”

“...with the…uh?”

Topaz pulled back from the kiss to create as much distance from us as possible with my head firmly on the pillow looking up at a confused pegasus.

“Would you want another foal, Topaz?” I asked once more, watching all the emotions dance along the edges of her lips, and up to her sparkling eyes. ”Watching Flurry Heart awoke feelings I’d been searching for, but didn’t know what it was until today. Cersus is growing faster with each passing day and soon she’ll leave our care to start a hive of her own, and that thought had been on my mind over and over these past few months. The nymph came to us already able to care for herself, and we missed the most crucial years of a foal's development.”

“WOW.. that’s..Idol…” She had to stop to compose herself, and I said nor did anything while she took what time she needed. “...Idol, the table is already complex enough without bringing this up. Even if you couldn’t give me a foal, you don’t need to stress about anything. I love the life we’ve built together, and am happy with what we have.”

“What if I said it's not completely off the table, and with enough magic and glue the table could be fixed?”

“Just what are you insinuating, Idol? Are you suggesting we adopt?” Her eyes were dimmer from all the emotions currently gathering inside as we spoke, but I could still feel the sliver of hope for the impossible to become possible.

“That with enough work, and some magic we could have that foal.”

“Like witches and mythical items kind of work, or many appointments kind of work?”

“The kind of work that would require the both of us to commit everything if we’re to succeed. I’m afraid the risk of failure could cause irreversible harm, but my own investigations have turned up little to support these risks. Truthfully, I don’t know what to expect then one alternative enriching our lives while the other is unknown.”

In the dim light of Flurry’s room, I’d watched her face shift into numerous emotional states reflecting our conversation so far, but none of them compared to the radiant glow encompassing her. The warmth and positivity coming from her had forced me to squint in the darkness to ease the burden of my eyes, yet my hearts told me this was a good thing, and my lips confirmed this when she moved to kiss me on the lips.

“So, what you’re saying is either we try or don’t? We can discuss in detail later when the two of us are rested and can think clearly, but…” I couldn’t break eye contact, even as she took her left hoof to trace circles into my imaginary chest fur. “...I’ll be beside you the whole way.”

“I..it’s..that is good to know.” I nodded, finding her hoof drawing and radiant glow very distracting.

“It's funny if you think about our life so far, Idol. I’ve been told during my college years if I loved entomology so much I’d never end up married, and yet I met you. We’ve welcomed Cersus into our lives. We made many great memories and friends over the years I wouldn’t have ever experienced without you. Sometimes I wonder what life would have been like without the two of you, and I realize how lucky I am to have this.”

“It isn’t often I ponder the ‘what ifs’ but everyday I see and experience new things I would have never seen if you didn’t take pity on a lowly exile.”

Topaz was going to say something, but suddenly grabbed my sides and rolled to her right which shifted me onto my left side- our original positions. We still kept up the eye contact to remain polite at a minimum, but I knew we did it for the simple enjoyment the act brought us.

“You were a curiosity back then, but now you’re a keepsake..no! I don’t mean behind glass, so stop that shaking!”

“I’m aware what you meant Topaz, but my body is still mortified by your ruthlessness for your ‘curiosities’.” While the collection still bothers me, I was very appreciative of her willingness to hide the encased morsels under the bed instead of leaving them in the open of her study back in Canterlot.

“Then you shouldn’t be afraid of a little poking and prodding.” I huffed at the obvious innuendo being made, but Topaz was proud of her little joke for she couldn't stop herself from laughing.

“Har Har. Hello fellow yearlings, I’m just like you.”

“You're being a little sassy today, and I like it!”

“A side effect of being near her highness on a daily basis, but nothing compares to the original. If there’s anything I would imitate from their highnesses, I would see a leg band around your foreleg so no creature couldn’t deny our commitment to one another.” Her laughter got caught in her throat, and I knew she was already thinking what I was going to say. So I said it.

“I’m trying to say Topaz is, if we’re going to talk about foals, then perhaps we could consider having a wedding of our own?”

Chapter 27: The Usurper of the Frozen Throne

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The next morning arrived too slowly, and it took a lot of restraint to keep from ‘expressing’ ourselves with Flurry Heart still in the room- sleep became a luxury. When we finally did fall asleep, it wasn’t nearly what we’re accustomed to getting, and this little bit was cut short by a sudden movement between our embrace. Topaz was the first to awaken from this oddity, and alerted me to this strange phenomenon.

“Idol..hehe..stooop…”

While her voice did eventually wake me up, it was the little pattering of hooves pressing into my soft under chitin that got me moving.

“I’m up..I’m up.” I announced, but couldn’t act immediately as Topaz and myself were still entangled with one another, making the little hooves pressing into me all the more concerning.

I shifted in an attempt to break free from her iron grip, but having been fed very well last night found my body unresponsive to do anything but lay still. So, I lifted my head to peer down to the spot, and found the young heiress standing atop the side of my stomach looking about wearily as she stood still. While Flurry Heart appeared unsure what she should be doing, I was finally aware that I’d broken transformation during the night leaving my altered form bare upon the nest of pillows and blankets. Hoping to avoid drawing attention to it, I acted as normal as possible trying to get the filly to move towards me.

“Flurry…” I whispered to get her attention, but she surprised me when she looked into my unchanged form with no worries save for some cooing I couldn’t understand. The foal made the cooing twice more before pawing at the soft under chitin once more.

The young heiress only stopped when a loud almost choking sound came from Topaz, forcing the filly to flare her wings briefly until the loud snore resumed its normal low pitch wheezing that sounded like escaping air. I took this moment to touch Topaz’s legs with my own, but the action did little then to grow a smile. I repeated this action twice more with the last attempt that broke her snoring long enough to expel a sharp gust of air from her nostrils. This snort was enough to tell me it was working, and after repeating the lite kicking some more earned the desired reaction…

“Stooooop….” Topaz pleaded, and to my relief loosened her grip over me long enough to slip me hooves out unhindered. This escape didn’t go unnoticed by the pegasus who tried reaching out to find the escaped limbs only to have them pushed back.

“Topaz, dear…” The word was foreign to say, but it also felt appropriate to say going forward. “We have company.”

Topaz didn’t reply so much as continued snoring after adjusting to my lack of presence leading to a small gap forming between us. It was at this moment I felt the young Flurry Heart stirring and before I could see what she was doing, felt the foal leap from my stomach. I began adjusting myself to find her, when Topaz’s snoring abruptly ceased.

“OH! NO! NO! I GOT NOTHING FOR YOU SWEETIE!” Topaz loudly stated as she woke, ignored me and shifted her weight from her side to her back so she could better reach for the nursing foal.

I followed suit and took a glance before averting my eyes out of politeness, yet somehow Topaz saw this.

“Idol! Quit your coyness and help me with Flurry! You just proposed last night after suggesting I have your foal, and now you want to skip out on the responsibility?” She didn’t sound mad if more amused at the situation, and I’ll admit her explanation of the circumstance made my discomfort rather mute. “OH CELESTIA, SHE’S USING TEETH!”

At that moment, I acted and got up to help Topaz with the food motivated foal.

I watched for a second before attempting to remove the latched foal as carefully as she would allow me to. Telling Topaz to hold still did nothing for me, but enact some more choice words about our new Goddaughter’s poor diet- a joke mostly likely.

“Flurry Heart makes me nervous.”

“She’s hurting me!”

“Have you thought about giving her what she wants?”

“IDOL!”

“Sorry. “Have you thought about giving her what she wants, dear?”

“IDOL!” She hissed my time with deadly intent just as Flurry let go for another try when I managed to grab her with my magic.

“Got her.” I declared as she began squirming in my grasp while vocalizing her displeasure. I stood there holding the heiress unsure how to proceed when Topaz managed to kick me out of it.

“Inform the guard outside for a bottle, and be quick.” She then curled up trying to massage her sore stomach. My embarrassments set aside, I did as instructed and began marching toward the door with Flurry Heart on the verge of tears.

With the heiress still fighting my grip, I opened the door to find only one guard on duty this morning, having taken station directly opposite of Flurry’s room. He looked up, surprise written into his muzzle that quickly turned into worry when he saw the now crying heiress in my magic.

“Princess! Sir?”

“Waste time not on us, guardstallion. Milk! The heiress is hungry, and we don’t have milk!”

“Sir!?”

“GO FORTH WITH HASTE AND SECURE THE HEIRESS HER BREAKFAST! I SHALL STAND WATCH TILL YOUR RETURN!” I commanded the stallion who hesitated abandoning his post, and any other day would be applauded for this, but today wasn’t one of those days. “NOW.”

This time he took the hint, and bolted down the hall leaving me standing guard with Flurry Heart crying in my magical grasp. I tried to comfort the filly in the way I’d seen Cadence or some of the other mothers had done by bringing the filly close to my chest to cradle her. I didn’t get to speak any comforting words to her when she decided to light her horn, and teleported out of my hold.

“OH ORDER, AND HARMONY! FLURRY HEART!?” I shouted hoping the foal would reveal herself to me, and she did in the form of Topaz shouting.

“She’s back for round two!” I was already running back inside the room to find Topaz had rolled onto her hooves to escape the crying filly. The sight left me conflicted as I watched two important ponies in my life in various states of distress, but I had to act quickly.

I ran up to the blanket and pillows we used the previous night where Topaz was carefully backing up from the little heiress as she shakily stumbled over the pillows in pursuit. With Flurry Heart distracted, I managed to come up and grab the filly to her dismay, sending her into a crying fit once more; Topaz didn’t waste time rushing over to help comfort the crying filly who was desperately trying to reach for the pegasus, but instead found the mare unwilling to give her the substance she sought.

“Harmony Idol. I thought the phrase ‘Celestia’s golden t…’”

“Please don’t finish that thought, else we get a repeat of this morning. I worry for your safety as much as Flurry’s if we don’t get the bottle soon.” Flurry Heart was still sobbing in Topaz’s grasp, and to my surprise and growing admiration for the mare I bounded myself with, was already swaddling the filly close to her barrel.

Topaz didn’t say anything as much as tried humming to the upset filly in an attempt to calm her, and though it did nothing to sooth her, Flurry Heart did cease her attempts to squirm free long enough to bury her muzzle into Topaz’s yellow coat. I said nothing as I calmly sat down to watch Topaz, and was amazed by how well she’d taken to the action.
“Yes. Yes, little dear. Calm down. Breakfast is on its way, so no more crying. Who’s a big filly? That’s right! YOU ARE!” While her attempt to quiet the filly was admirable, it ultimately failed. Flurry Heart was still leering at Topaz through her red, and teary eyes in a manner that left the pegasus and myself wishing her parents had taken her along.

“I don’t think it's working.”

“You think?” Topaz almost hissed, but had to cut it off when the filly started whimpering once again. I volunteered to take the heiress for a minute and give Topaz a chance to catch her breath.

It was during this transfer of responsibilities that the clanking, and clacking of armored hooves reached our ears with a new wonder and delight I’d never known could exist. I had just settled Flurry near my barrel when the guard from earlier bolted into the room, nearly tripping over himself as his outreached hoof held the bottle we sought.

“Give it here!” Topaz wasted no time in meeting the guard half way, forgetting I could have used my magic, but I let her continue on with her mission to feed the whimpering filly.

Her damaged wings will sometimes act up in a number of ways due to the nerve damage, yet Topaz not only managed to extend them to near width , but even seemed to be trying to fly to the exhausted guard. She didn't gain altitude of course, but this had been the first time since the storm I’ve seen her move them to any great degree without struggling. The two met in the middle where the bottle was exchanged, and the breathless guard collapsed just as Topaz came to a stop, corrected her heading, and began sprinting back.

“I got it!” Topaz happily cried as she came to a stop in front of us. I was about to address what I’d just seen when the filly began whimpering again with her hooves outstretched toward the pegasus. “Here you go sweetie, Aunty Topaz has your bottle.”

Flurry took the bottle without hesitation into her hooves, and began a desperate extraction process of the warm milk inside. I held her close to me as Topaz assumed full bottle holding duties the entire time.

“She works fast. I hope in the future she’ll be just as diligent with her own prospective responsibilities.”

“She’s just hungry Idol. You were nearly the same when I found you.”

“You are not wrong, but it doesn’t mean I can’t wish our goddaughter good fortune.”

“Can you believe it? I swore you were pulling my wing when you told me.” I shamelessly began to feed on her love, and positivity feeling a bit hungry myself. Topaz noticed what I was doing, and giggled as she nuzzled my cheek. ”Looks like we’re all hungry. We should wake Redshock so we can have breakfast.”

“Do you want me to ma'am?”

“CELESTIA’S SAKE!” Topaz and myself had forgotten about the guard who had managed to pick himself off the floor, and adjust his armor into its proper look. We were fortunate Flurry didn’t mind the yelling now that she had her bottle.

“Sorry ma'am, sir. Would you want me to wake, and fetch the young lady for you?” He offered once more, and after calming, and fixing her hair Topaz nodded.

“Sorry about that. If you wouldn’t mind Marble.” The guard nodded as he brought his hoof to his chest in proper salute.

“Yes ma'am, and sir.” After that, he departed at the guard approved fast walk.

“You know that stallion?” I might have asked with some reservation to this knowledge.

“I met him a couple of times when he came to the University to pick up his son. He looks just like his father too! Its almost like somepony took a chunk off Marble, and molded his son from it.”

“I see.” I told her, but in truth I didn't really like it. Whether or not she picked up on this, I can’t say then that mares would make great changelings.

“Here. Let me have her.” Topaz all but demanded seeing Flurry Heart was nearly finished with her bottle. We waited until the bottle was empty before the filly went into her waiting hooves, where she carefully brought the filly to her shoulder- Topaz patting her back the whole time.

“Positive reinforcement for being patient?” My question knocked Topaz out of her thoughts, and after a quick reflection over my words shook her head no as she giggled.

“Idol, you can be so clueless sometimes. No. I’m burping Flurry.”

“Is that why ponies pat my back sometimes?” I smiled when she stuck her tongue out.

“That’s for being a good boy, and it's completely different from this. Foals can’t do it on their own and need assistance for the first couple of years until their bodies grow big enough to handle the reflex.” To emphasize this point, she continued her rocking motion with Flurry firmly over her shoulder and by her neck, patting her the whole time.

“That sounds mildly unpleasant.”

“It can be for the foal, and cause them discomfort later if they’re not burped after a feeding.” Topaz kept up her attempts to burp the foal for another minute until the lack of passing air failed, and while repositioning the foal on the other shoulder did we discover why. “What the buck?”

“You put her to sleep, and a new record as well. Congratulations.” I offered, finding the situation amusing now that we weren’t having to worry about a crying Flurry Heart. Topaz found it less amusing.

“But..what? I thought foals were supposed to be burped regularly, what gives?” She looked to me for answers I didn’t possess while still cradling Flurry Heart against her shoulder.

“I can’t say as my experience in that area is lacking for the time being, but I can make a suggestion- we should collect Cersus for breakfast.”

“Marble said he’ll do it, and my first class isn’t for another few hours. Why the rush?”

“A habit mostly. So, should we wait here until he retrieves our missing nymph?”

“That would be for the best, you know? Save us the possible headache of missing them in the hallway and having to find them. Plus the less we move, the more likely Flurry Heart might keep taking a nap.”

“Your logic is sound, and responsible. It’s one of the greatest reasons for my proposal.”

“Oh reaaaaaally? So what are the other reasons if not for my looks?” I could tell she was playing along with the jest, and I happily continued.

“Your cooking will be the second biggest reasoning.”

“But I rarely cook at all.”

“Exactly. It saves my stomachs many digestive problems.”

“You dolt! If I didn’t have Flurry Heart…” We both got a laugh out of that one as we waited for Cersus to arrive.

“You got played by a foal!?”

“We weren’t told about the change to her dietary habits before, and it wasn’t brought up during their departure.” I tried to justify our actions to the disguised nymph, but that sent her into another laughing fit.

“Flurry knows she's not supposed to have any more milk. She hasn’t had milk in like weeks! Wow, I’m honestly impressed…” She looked down from her bowl of cereal to examine her barrel. “...I..why do I feel this way?”

“It’s called being proud.”

“Idol, don’t encourage her.” Topaz’s own mood had been negatively affected as well judging by how she played with her oatmeal. She took the con to heart. I took it as another example of an alicorn’s divine abilities.

I looked at Flurry Heart who was currently in her specially designed highchair, staring at her approved proportion of oatmeal. She indeed knew what she’d done and had since refused to look our way as she made some inaudible sounds as she looked unsure if she should try to eat or test her luck once more.

“It's not encouraging her more than pointing out unknown feelings. For many members of our kind, these feelings would have remained unknown due to our isolationist nature. By pointing out her pride, I’m helping her better adapt to an otherwise confusing world. Now eat up Flurry.”

I took the spoon in my magic and tried to get the foal to eat some oatmeal, but she was unwilling to accept this gracious meal.

“You’re supposed to entice foals to want the food, and not command them to eat it. You know, like make it fun.”

“In the hive, we were taught a range of tactics to elicit the correct stimuli for a given situation. Infiltrators like Cersus had their skills further honed, while the rest of us were given the bare basics. The oatmeal isn’t alive, and without the tasty fruits to make it more appealing, I’m unsure how to make it more enticing than to suggest using her imagination.”

“Idol, I’m genuinely surprised at your attitude here. I’m aware your past experiences might not have been the most pleasant, but I figured even you would have learned to be more tactful.”

“Tactful I can be, but I’m not entirely sure how I feel reducing food to the same level of a foal’s play things.”

“They call it food fights, Idol! It's really fun…”

“Not now Cersus.”

“Indeed. I’m already unsure how to respond to your admittance, but that is for another time. What do you suggest then Topaz?” By now I returned the spoon back into the bowl, and noted how the young heiress was now starting to squirm in her seat signaling her readiness to leave its constricting construction.

“Well lets see…” Topaz stopped stirring her own bowl of oatmeal to better ponder this conundrum of mine.

“Why now act like your doll self? You know Officer Friendly? I grab some paper, a blanket and bam! I’m ‘L’il Mischievous, the crime fighting foal detective!” She was proud of her statement, and I assumed it was because of her chance to revel in the success. This bubble popped quickly.

“I didn’t know you played dress up!!”

“Wait.. no. No.No.No.” Cersus was shaking her head and hooves trying to initiate damage control.

“I should bring her along to my game nights if that’s the case. We could use a loot golem.” This was a jest of course, and one that got Topaz giggling at the thought of Cersus covered in misshapen clay.

“It could be her Nightmare Night Costume if the holiday ever makes it to the Empire.”

“It was one time, and that was it! She was feeling sad and I thought it would cheer her up.” Cersus pleaded to clear up her perceived image, but she didn’t need to do anything of the sort.

“We jest with good intentions Cersus, and as you felt for Flurry I feel the same for you…”

“Sleep deprivation?”

“Maybe I am becoming a bad influence on you since I find your statement amusing, but no. Its pride. Pride in that you noticed your relative by association was feeling distressed, and you took action to alleviate it.”

“Is it bad that I agree with the both of you?” Topaz added, trying to stifle a laugh.

“You are the voice of reason Topaz, but if we’re in agreement what does that say about us?”

“It says we’re possibly terrible parents, and should feel bad.” I blinked at her admittance as it could be nothing else save for a really bad joke. Needless to say this wouldn’t remain unchallenged for long, and it was Cersus that beat me to it.

“I’m having fun. How does that make you and Idol terrible?” An innocent question of the purest kind with no hidden alternative meanings, yet was packed with enough foalish intent it couldn’t be taken as anything but genuine.

“Ahhh, that’s really sweet of you to say that Cersus, thank you.”

“If this is us being terrible, then standards have already risen beyond the point of being deemed ‘acceptable.” I chimed in, not knowing if Cersus picked up on Topaz’s sorrow or not, but wanted to speak my words as well. “We’ll just have to do better in the future.”

“You really think it's that easy, Idol?” She might have used my name, but the question didn’t sound exclusive to my input either. Cersus jumped in with an answer of her very own.

“It can't be as bad as you make it out to be.”

“Oh? And what makes you say that little nymph?” I asked while trying to monitor Topaz’s mood.

“Because if it was that bad, then you wouldn't still be doing it.”

Now that took both of us by surprise, and even got me to temporarily dispel my pony self to properly reveal my altered form. I’ve been told that I’m an incredibly lucky pony, and the last few years (this one especially) have made me more aware of this truth than ever. Topaz was surprised since she’s aware of my preferred preference for the pony form I’d adopted long ago Cersus and Flurry were more taken back then put off by my altered form.

“WHOA! THAT’S SO COOL! YOU LOOK LIKE A VILLAIN FROM THOSE COMICS!” Cersus happily cried while the young heiress to my left, and Topaz’s right stared at me with her abnormally large eyes.

“I thought so at first, but it’s taken time to overcome my looks enough to feel comfortable. Does this mean I’ll forgo my ponyself? No. But it does mean I’m going to make the effort to be more accepting of my true self going forward, and strive to be more welcoming of other exiles…”

“That’s..well this is very different Idol! I’m proud of you, and I don’t know what I should do…”

“You may touch my chitin.” The radiant warmth Topaz gave off told me this is what she wanted to hear, and darting past a still wide eyed Flurry appeared next to me, her hooves carefully making contact with my shoulder chitin.

“Remarkable! It feels stronger than your previous chitin. Solid too, like a metal or super condensed glass while producing a highly reflective gloss.”

“What does that mean!” Cersus cried as she leaped from her seat and run under the table to be next to Topaz and myself.

“It means he’s a very strong and pretty bug.”

I had my own reservations, and voiced them accordingly.

“I will only tolerate these crass remarks for so long before putting my hoof down. I am a strong, and dashing bug for any, and all future records.”

Breakfast ended, and we departed shortly after to allow Topaz enough time to make her morning class in a timely manner. That left Cersus, Flurry Heart and myself heading back to our room when a familiar orange pegasus intercepted us on the stairs going up…

“Colonel! Lady Redshock! My princess!” The pegasus greeted us as he gave us another prime example of an Equestrian Guard Salute.

“Corporal Sentry. It’s been some time.”

“Sir! With respect, it's Corporal First Class now.”

“My apologies.” I offered the stallion a salute of my own. “I’d assume congratulations are in order?”

“Thank you sir. The brass in Canterlot have taken notice, and say I could potentially make Royal Enlisted in two years, pending nothing disruptive happens.”

“What’s that?” Cersus asked before her eyes grew a little wider. “OH! Nighthawk mentioned stuff like this before we moved, you’re going to become candy for the princesses!”

“Redshock!” I was trying to assert my position as her male parental role model, yet her comment left me reeling in embarrassment. Even being with the Crystal Ponies all of these years, the term ‘eye candy’ hadn’t been lost since his time, and judging by his sudden withdrawal knew what Cersus had meant.

“I..thank you Lady Redshock.” Flash Sentry was becoming uncomfortable like myself, and after an apology motioned for the stallion to follow us as we continued our trek up to the ninth floor.

Our hasty departure left the disguised nymph unable to further ask any questions as she focused all of her effort to keep pace with us up the stairs. I didn’t fully leave her to fend for herself, and made sure to keep an eye on her as we ascended the stairs, but I did take advantage of her silence.

“What brings you to us, First Class Sentry? I assume it wasn’t just to tell us of your promotion, and nothing else.”

“If only it was the reason, but you are correct in your assumption, sir. Their highnesses departed late last night leaving the Empire under your watchful gaze.”

“Impossible. My relationship with their highnesses may be known, but it doesn’t mean I meet the requirements to usurp their rule from their hooves.”

“They mentioned you’ll say something along those lines, and said you would say this next: “I shall use my gifted power to promote any pony, but myself as the temporary ruler of the Empire until their highnesses’ return.”

“Shining Armor?” I asked, and Flash nodded.

“Indeed. He claims you do that often when the two of you hold your weekly conferences.”

“Ah.” I didn’t correct the stallion given our Spiders & Catacombs games might shatter an innocent like Corporal Sentry, for being in the company of death so often can wrap a pony. “He would be correct.”

“And he said you’re not only his trusted advisor during your weekly conferences, but you would do it because your title demands it of you.”

“What title? If he means my military rank, then he’s…oh.”

“His highness is well versed in this ‘friendship’, sir. He said you wouldn’t let them down, but asked if I could assist you during this trying time.”

We reached the desired floor, and waited for Cersus to catch up, which didn’t last long as her growth in the past year made such actions less of a chore. When we first arrived, Topaz and I would carry her most of the way to ease the burden on her, but now her growth meant she was keeping up without the desire to be carried since it made her ‘look like a foal’.

Cersus was still out of breath when she joined us, but this didn’t seem to bother her too much as she joined us, content to listen as she caught her breath.

“How come I wasn’t informed of this job title sooner?” I asked in a huff, once again feeling purposely led astray. Flash Sentry being the guard he was didn’t comment on my frustration, but continued answering my question.

“I could only guess, but my assumption is they might have believed you already knew of the practice. It isn’t often, well it was none existent, until your purchase 2 years ago, but their highnesses had the paperwork submitted and officially declared between the three Princesses and the Council of Nobles. If a pony wanted to, they had the right to address you as an Honorary Lord of Equestria.”

“AH! I knew I was royalty!” We turned to look at the disguised nymph, still panting, but recovered enough to be ‘flapping’ her wings in unrestricted excitement. Flash Sentry looked to me, and I between the two before feeling a pressure building in the back of my head.

Somehow, I’ve managed to keep her potential a secret all of this time, and yet she always manages to accidentally reveal it without meaning to.

“It’s as if the universe is trying to tell me something.” I muttered to myself as Cersus tried to convince the young Corporal First Class of a royal heritage using my supposed ‘title’. “What do you think Flurry?”

The foal hanging from her harness looked up to stare me down, her earlier melancholy having been left at the breakfast table meant our exchange would be less difficult. She didn’t say or do anything that I would consider out of the norm for her, but that didn’t make her situational awareness any less terrifying. she babbled some, and I found myself nodding with understanding.

“Thank you young one for the kind words. Mother 1 and Father 1 will be away for a few days.” She blinked, so I clarified my previous explanation. “It means you’ll be spending a lot of time with us.”

This answer seemed to please her enough to reach out trying to ‘pet’ me with her now outstretched hooves, so I leaned a little closer to make it easier for her.

Cersus decided being royalty could be boring and decided early into my ‘court hearings’ to take Flurry Heart back to the nursery. The filly wasn’t too bothered by this separation as it meant spending more time with big sister Cersus, and bubbled with happiness the entire time leaving myself and Corporal Sentry behind.

The Court Hearings turned out to not be anything like the name suggested, and this was apparent when we bypassed the courtroom all together- we even left the floor.

“We passed the courtroom.” I noted to my escort.

“I’m aware we did sir, but our destination requires us to be on the ninth floor.”

“The sleeping quarters for important guests?”

“That is correct. Their Royal Highnesses have an office set up in one of the rooms that serves as the seat of their power.”

“Ah, so they work from home. How nice.” I commented, wanting to save that information for later in an effort to tease Shining.

We even bypassed my own shared room, and I was tempted to ask if we could swing by the nursery to check on Cersus and Flurry, but thought better when the hall shook, forcing one of the patrols to run past us. My escort was conflicted as well, but nonetheless continued guiding me toward the room that will serve as my prison for the day.

For all of my warnings, I was still underwhelmed to discover the supposed ‘seat of power’ looked exactly like the other guest rooms on the floor, as I’d envisioned something would’ve been added to help separate it from the rest. Not even a guard was standing watch leaving only an added sliding bolt to keep any wandering pony out.

“This is a terribly disappointing reveal, corporal.” He nodded, and his emotions echoed that.

“I will admit I felt the same when I was first tasked with guarding this door. They kept it ajar the whole time and would sometimes chat with the guards on patrol duty…”

“They used the guards as a distraction from their work? Harmony and Order, this is unbecoming of the power couple.” I shook my head, and managed to get Flash to break character for a split second.

“You are correct sir. I’m surprised half the work is even finished by the shift’s end, let alone in a manner deemed acceptable for any sort of legislative capacity. From my understanding, and a few personal accounts standing guard, most of the work is done in the early hours of the day before tapering off by the early afternoon- that’s when most distractions begin.” The orange coated pegasus added as he fully swung the door open.

We entered the room proper and noted that my early assessment of the repurposed room had been correct: opened window, old chair, small desk, and stacks of parchments…

“This room makes me very uncomfortable. It’s a good thing Redshock took Flurry Heart with her if to be spared the idea a room in the palace could stir this much unpleasantness..is there a way to correct this?” I turned to my escort, watching as he shifted between hooves with unease also.

“I truly hope so sir. Something about this room leaves me feeling unwelcome, and almost forbidden to remain here sir.”

“If you wish to leave Corporal, then you have my permission to do so. All I ask is that you bring me a better chair, and the picture of my family from my room- it's on the desk.” I asked, already feeling the effects of the room’s lackluster ability to inspire, and after thinking about it for a moment the pegasus shook his head.

“My heart beat twice faster at your release, but my sense of duty binds me to this punishment just as it does to you. To skimp on my duties while my companions suffered would destroy the comradery developed over the past two years. I will bring you that chair and maybe a cinnamon roll from the kitchens to ease your burden?”

I didn’t even need to think about it before accepting his offer, but only asked if he could let Cersus know where I would be for the remainder of the day. He agreed and departed after that leaving myself in this room full of unease and a strange desire to do anything else but the paperwork left to me.

“Order and Harmony, how can a single room fill me with such disdain to work, and actively seek a reason to escape its encompassing walls?”

I didn’t find any concrete answer more then I realized I was trying to stall any attempts to actually start by asking philosophical questions. Understanding this made the situation all the more apparent. The room itself might be the cause for this unease, and the desire to seek meaningful work elsewhere to escape. Yet, that would mean leaving Shining and Cadence to their fates once they returned, and that wasn’t something I could easily(if ever) do.

With my fate decided, I tried to occupy myself with the goal of sorting the large stack of parchments into multiple piles that could be better managed. I grabbed the first one off the stack, started reading its heading and following supporting paragraphs before dropping it back onto the stack.

I don’t condone arsonry or any act that would actively seek the destruction of property, let alone the property of another, but if the terrible rumors of her highness, Celestia hold any truth to them…

“Is it truly a crime if the Sun Princess casually sets fire to her own work?”

“Can’t you go any faster, Idol? I’m getting bored, and Flurry won’t calm down anymore.”

Without looking up from the current parchment, I pointed my hoof toward the few stuffed toys that had been brought only two hours ago.

“She doesn’t want to play with her toys anymore?”

“NOPE! All she does is squirm and fuss.” Cersus admitted. “Flurry claims she wants to watch you work, but I don’t buy it.”

I paused from my dry reading to look up at the nymph desperately trying to control the squirming filly as she used her wings to great effect. The large flying appendages wasted no time being used against her caretaker as they were lobbed against Cersus’s head. To Cersus’s credit, she refrained from displaying any serious anger as we agreed upon in the chance it would corrupt the young alicorn. I spoke up.

“You understand her as well?”

“Yea! She likes to speak nonsense, and… you understand her!?” Cersus cried, and in her excitement dropped Flurry Heart onto the floor where the filly scrambled to right herself. The heiress, as quickly as she could, began hobbling over to me, and after a brief consideration leaned down to pick up the staggering foal.

“Indeed. Not at first mind you, but if you take the time to listen you’ll be amazed by what can be heard.”

Cersus fell onto her back as she buzzed her wings the best she could, and sighed with relief the battle was over. She remained unmoving as she spoke.

“She wanted to see what you’re doing, and I told her you were busy. She didn’t like that…”

“I’m afraid to admit my own weakness, but Shining and Cady were right about this room-it's uncomfortable. The administrative paperwork is dreadfully dull, and the layout of this room makes any momentum difficult to maintain before it fizzles out. I’d hoped to spare the two of you from this numbing experience, but I’m looking for an excuse to leave. Let us take a break.”

“FINALLY!” My declaration was met with approval from the nymph as she rolled herself back onto her hooves, shook her chitin until two small ‘pop’ sounds were made and then proceeded to trot to the door.

“Hold on Cersus, I need to tidy up first.” With Flurry clinging to my right forehoof again, the act was a little slower, so I switched to using my magic to separating the ‘done’, ‘under review’, and ‘under future consideration’ stacks into clear, and marked piles before maneuvering the little alicorn onto my back.

Showing off her listening skills, Cersus had already opened the door (thankfully putting on her disguise) earning the attention of our guard for the day.

“Lady Redshock. My lord.”

“Sir will do just fine. We’re going to take a break for a little bit…”

“...before deciding if you’ll want to continue? It’s alright, sir. Their highnesses often say the same thing, and though I can’t understand their burden, I will say you’re the first to make it seem.. trivial? Please, don’t take offense, or mark my words as lessening the importance of their work. By the Heart’s glowing light, it’s daunting seeing them work.”

“Fear not Flash, for nothing of our exchange will include another. I won’t lessen their ability to work, but I will say I’ve grown used to this line of work, and that has aided me greatly today.”

We began following the disguised Cersus as she trotted out in front of us, as if she was leading us to some grand destination only she knew. Flash Sentry and myself continued to talk as Flurry Heart hugged the back of my neck as we walked.

“Thank you, sir. It eases my mind, but I want to clarify my earlier statement. What I meant was no disrespect to their highnesses, but from my own experiences and the hearsay of other guards, they last no longer than a couple of hours.”

I blinked as his words made me realize how stiff my joins were. “How long would you say I lasted?”

“By my best estimate, sir, you were in there for approximately double that. So, maybe 3.5 hours give or take.”

“A lackluster accomplishment by most Canterlotian standards, but after hearing, and experiencing the room for myself, I will wear it proudly on my pauldron next time I’m required to wear my armor.”

“Few would. Fewer would ever willingly put themselves in your situation to begin with. You have my utmost respect Colonel.”

“Your flank kissing won’t relieve you of your duties today.” I could feel he’d been sincere with his statement, but failure to call him out on how equivocal it sounded would be a failure of myself. Flash Sentry being the modest, and an outstanding guard he is stiffened at the accusation, but held himself in check until I decided to stop.

“I jest, Corporal First Class Sentry. Of the few times we’ve crossed paths, they’ve been exemplementry examples of proper guard etiquette nearly to a fault. You would be one of a hooful of ponies I would trust their word alone, so please don’t make me regret that choice.”

“I will not, sir. I would sooner leave the guard then have my dishonor stain its books.” Once more his words were sincere, and that was enough for me. I was about to salute the young pegasus when I thought better and offered him my hoof, and nearly smiled when the action left him frozen with uncertainty.

“Harmony and Order knows your departure would be a travesty, yet your sense of duty reminds me of Shining Armor when we first met. I can’t predict the future, but I can say with certainty Harmony has a plan for us all and if you stay on the path long enough, you’ll be surprised where it takes you.”

My hoof was still out, and after one last moment of consideration, Flash Sentry took my hoof and we shook.

I didn’t return to that room as I’d intended, and perhaps that was a good thing.

The four of us made our way down to the cafeteria for lunch, but after seeing their selection of desserts changed our order in favor of the cake and ice cream combination. After that, my presence was requested to settle a dispute between two locals over their interpretation of how the law should be viewed. Flurry Heart and Cersus occupied the little dining room connected to the courtroom to avoid hearing the ‘adults’ complain, and didn’t want to be bothered until it was over.

Flash Sentry confirmed this should be the only hearing I needed to attend given the Equestrian court structure Cady and Shining had been adopted within the Empire. This system allowed for several judges of varying levels to act as filters, hearing and deciding the outcomes for the crown unless it proved too difficult to sentence without setting a standard- The Crown takes over from there.

To feel nervous would be understating my feelings on the matter, because never had I’d been called to make a decision for the crown. Any choice I made for the guard could be overruled by their highnesses, theoretically meaning there was little chance for me to overstep my boundaries. I had none of that today as I listened to the crystal ponies go back and forth trying to strengthen their claim to this “Crystal Berry Twist’ beverage, which to my knowledge is the name of a traditional drink.

After listening to their opening arguments, I discovered the berry flavored drinks I’ve had before were only tributes to this legendary drink these two were fighting over. Flash Sentry would later point out that during his excursion into the Empire prior to Celestia and Luna’s arrival to reclaim it, he learned from the locals of its cultural significance, and how dejected many were to learn of its disappearance after the Empire's return. I wished he told me sooner as it would have made my ruling all the more easier, still, what was decided worked out.

“To make sure I understood you correctly Mr. Tall Pint, your family had been brewing this beverage for generations until the Mad King’s eventual takeover, correct?”

“That is correct, your lordship.” I had to fight the shudder, but nodded to the Crystal Pony. “My family not only invited the famed drink, but had kept the tradition alive for many generations until his takeover of our great Empire. What I’m fighting for is the return of not only my family’s legacy, but the return of cultural tradition our City desperately needs.”

I turned to the Crystal Mare who shifted her weight from hoof and hoof as she waited for her turn. Unlike the stallion who appeared on the verge of entering the middle stages of his adult life, the mare’s crystalized coat gave her a youthful appearance that radiated a pony entering the prime of her life. Yet I could see how her cheeks were fuller, or how her hips had taken on an extra weight signaling a fully grown mare already in her prime, and it was this distinction that would help with my eventual ruling.

“How do you respond to Tall Pint’s statement, Miss Brite Hops?”

“I say it's as lackluster as his coat, your lordship! Tall Pint has no more claim to the recipe than the False King did to the Crystal Empire.”

“YOU UMBRA! HOW DARE YE SAY SUCH A TERRIBLE THING!’ The stallion yelled, forcing Flash Sentry to put himself in between the two ponies.

“I agree with Tall Pint, that language is uncalled for no matter the circumstance. Please refrain from using a similar language, else I’ll be inclined to rule in his favor.” My warning calmed both ponies down just enough to allow Flash to take a step back, and return to his original position.

“I want to apologize. While that stallion riles me up, and the stress of this has gotten to me, it isn’t proper to compare him to that stallion. Tall Pint, I apologize for my outburst, and no matter what you do or the outcome, you’re more like Princess Amore than him.”

I internally sighed when I felt the tension ease up, and the stallion accepted the apology. There was a calm before the storm, and I said nothing as the ponies found their hoofing once more, sneered, and resumed their arguments.

“When I was younger, nothing more than a fresh yearling seeking her first employment did I learn of the recipe. Brew, and his father Snow Draft gave me a chance, and I worked for them about 3 years before he took over. Brew and I talked and he was always really sweet…” I noted how Tall Pint was looking away as I smelt the tasteless somber coming from him. “...and in secret allowed me to watch him making the ale. He was so proud of himself, and claimed he would make the beverage known throughout Equestria.”

“And by association this entitles you to the fruits of their family legacy?” I asked the mare, and Tall Pint’s ears swiveled forward as he seemed to agree with my question, but wisely held his tongue.

“By her radiant grace, no. If that were it, then Tall Pint would have just as much claim to it as the next pony- I wrote the recipe down.” I blinked, and Tall Pint nearly collapsed to the ground only to be saved by the quick Flash Sentry.

“Ye wrote it down! Mad mare, if I weren’t infuriated with you I might kiss you!”

“Don’t go getting caught in Luna’s realm Pint! We’re still in court…”

“If this lost legacy has in fact survived, then why was this matter brought before me?” The two ponies blinked, and remembered where they were and answered my question.

“Because when that Mad Pony took over, he sent my father and brother to the mines never to return. I was only four years behind my brother, but father hadn’t taken me on as an apprentice just yet. So, imagine my surprise right now to learn that Brite Hops had sought to bring it back! Writing it down, and wanting the name of my family’s work? I can’t even describe how I’m feeling”

“The drink, your lordship, is of great significance to our Empire, and I'll be no better than him if I leave it to be forgotten!” Brite even stomped her hoof to show her point, and through ignorance missed the importance of it, but Tall Pint knew. He jerked back with his lips peeling back in fright as he fought to contain himself. Brite Hops snorted, then blinked, and started mirroring the stallion's fright.

I looked at Flash Sentry who appeared worried by the stomp, and when not looking at the two ponies would look at me with an almost pleading look, trying to ask me something…

“Then why not work together? It sounds like the two of you did in the past, and I see nothing preventing you from doing it once again.”

They didn’t speak for a moment as they stood there staring at me with eyes wider than a scared foal; Tall Pint broke this eye contact to size up Brite Hops who did the same once she noticed.

“PASS.”
“Pass.”

“And why not?” I wanted to hear their reasoning for the lack of cooperation.

“Because that recipe belongs to my family! We’ve brewed Crystal Berry Twist for generations almost dating back to the late Princess Amore’s ascension, and I’ll be damned if I let that legacy end because of that stallion.”

“Then your family should have taken precautions to ensure its continued survival then to pray nothing terrible would happen! Your lordship. His brother, Barely, was a wonderful colt and would have been an amazing stallion. We can possibly attribute his actions to being young, but no apprentice would have shown anypony, let alone a poor serving filly the secrets of their craft, but he did. Brew had trouble remembering certain steps, and asked if I could write them down because I could write.”

Tall Pint finally had enough, and found his spine.

“BLAH! Brew was the rising star of the family and we all knew it. I can’t even imagine him asking you to write the recipe down when he could have very well written it himself! You were trying to steal it for yourself!”

‘Shut it Pine! He asked me, and even let me sample some of the batches looking for an opinion.”

“LIES!”

Their ‘argument’ became just that with both ponies forgetting the nature of their visit to hurl insults at each other, or the other’s profession. Flash Sentry looked to me for the signal to break them up, but I shook my head as I felt letting them bicker would work to my favor. So, we stood back and listened as they acted like little foals before enacting my grand plan to restore Order and Harmony to these ponies, while bringing back a lost tradition to the Empire.

“It is decided. For the good of the Crystal Empire, I declare the stallion Tall Pint, and the mare Brite Hops are to be wedded.” The arguing ceased immediately.

“WHAT!”
“Now hold it there si..your lordship!”

Now that I had their attention, I could continue with my plan.

“In your possession Miss Brite Hops, is potentially the only known copy of this famed, and important drink. Even if the recipe belongs to Tall Pint’s family, I will acknowledge your foresight is the only reason this drink isn’t lost, and will allow you to keep it. BUT…” I raised the tone of this word to keep them from interrupting. “...I find it unsettling that the two of you would allow your history to muddle a great opportunity to serve your Empire. For this reason, I find the union of your families the only solution to prevent the loss of this culturally important drink.”

“Your lordship, please!”

“Yes, please! Even if Brite is easy on my eyes, her eyes burn me…”

“OH REALLY?”

“ENOUGH.” I don’t like raising my voice for a multitude of reasons, but the two ponies needed to be reminded who was in charge. No pony moved as they all watched me with a new fear I didn’t like, but swallowed the bad taste nonetheless to prevent them from seeing my discomfort.

“Unless the two of you have another alternative, this union will proceed as intended with her highness, Princess Cadence, to preside over the ceremony under the glow of the Crystal Heart. Corporal First Class Sentry, what say you?”

“Sir. If the idea will end the hostility to not only prevent further poisoning of the Crystal Heart, but return a legendary staple of the Crystal Empire in the same breath? I fully support your decision as their Highnesses' Royal Courtier, Colonel of the Crystal Guard, and one on cordial relations with the Princesses of Equestria- your word is law.”

As I hoped, they looked at each other and leaned in close to better whisper whatever plan they were forming to prevent this wedding. Flash Sentry and I didn’t have to wait long until their talking stopped, but instead of returning to their designated spots, they stood beside each other waiting to be given permission to speak- so I did.

“Your lordship.” Tall Pint started out, only to be followed up by Brite Hops.

“We feel our relationship could work better if we worked together as partners instead of..a couple.”

While her emphasis on those two words did reveal her unease at the idea, they didn’t necessarily cry out in revolt. But this wasn’t my domain to frolic in, and decided to leave the potential matter to Cadence if she ever got wind of this.

“In my anger of hearing my family’s work being taken from me, I might have been a bit too quick in lashing out.”

“And I could have approached Tall Pint in a friendlier demeanor, than hiding my intent to bring the drink back. Brew had asked for me to write the recipe down, but I just learned it may not be as entirely truthful to the original as I was led to believe.” Tall Pint was nodding.

“In my family, just like our belief of not writing down anything, we’ve developed a certain way of cooking that ponies such as Brite Hops might not be aware of. It’s my family's secret that was surely used in the brewing process, and could drastically alter the drink if left out. So…”

“...with Pint's knowledge on the mixing technique and my incomplete recipe, we feel the chances of recreating this drink are high.”

“But wouldn’t you be able to recreate this drink as a married couple?” I asked, and they took one look at each other, and their ears wilted.

“We could have your lordship.” Tall Pint started, trying to maintain his eye contact.

“But the old Saddle Arabian saying, ‘you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make them drink’ fits this circumstance rather well. We wouldn’t be fully committed to the process if we’re worrying about how to adapt to our new life.”

“That is fair, but a hardship that could be overcome in due time.” I countered, but Flash Sentry to my surprise spoke up in their defense.

“Colonel, sir. What Tall Pint and Brite Hops are referring to is how the late Princess Amore sometimes binded two ponies together similar to yourself. But the stipulation was the new couple were expected to sire foals to show their ‘appreciation’ for the Royal Blessing.”

“So, you would be inclined to…” I gestured toward the couple, who after getting my gesture and pause in speech nodded frivolously.

“Yes, your lordship!”

“We’ll be..encouraged to show our ‘appreciation’ as the good guard mentioned. Even more so if this venture succeeds, and the famed drink is recreated. We’ll be forced to sire heirs to keep the drink alive.”

Surprised by this revelation, I might have frowned trying to process this. I’d figured the threat of marriage would be enough to get the two ponies to cease their bickering and work together for the betterment of the Empire. Never had I expected this friendly threat would be a bigger deal than a terrible jest, or an issue. Still, I didn’t let this stop me for too long as the three ponies gathered before me were still waiting on an answer, as the acting lordship, it was my duty to provide them one.

“My decision on this is final Pint, and Hops…” Their ears remained limp expecting nothing to change. They were already beginning to accept their new life together when I popped that bubble “...but in the interest of the Crystal Empire, if the two of you are in agreement a better drink could be produced by cooperation instead, then I’m willing to retract my ruling.”

There was a silence before their ears straightened themselves out, followed by their heads rising up to reveal their wide eyed looks of disbelief.

“Thank you, your lordship!”

“You are most kind!”

I raised my hoof. "But be warned if I hear more arguing from you two, I will proceed with the ceremony immediately. Is that clear?"

“Crystal!”
“Crystal!”

With that I dismissed the two ponies without another thought, and they took the opportunity to make a quick escape.

It wouldn’t be until the end of the following year the famed drink would make its return with four barrels being sent to the Castle for our enjoyment, and another two years before the two ponies voided my threat with a real marriage between them. It would be during the delivery of the first four barrels I would learn from Tall Pint that Brite Hops wouldn’t have made the exact drink even if she followed the recipe. Not because Tall Pint was truthful of his family’s secret way of blending the ingredients together; he confirmed there was another problem with the recipe...

“She might have written it down, but I was right! Brew may have showed her the steps, but he muddied the numbers! Sometimes by asking 4 times the required amount of a single ingredient. Any drink she would have made would have gotten her ran out of town!”

“You actually threatened them with marriage?” Topaz asked as she fed Flurry Heart some soft serve ice cream from her bowl. The young princess would still look up at Topaz and then myself as if she were still seeking our approval to make up for early this morning; I purposefully left out Cersus and Flurry had ice cream earlier in the day since Topaz enjoyed being the one to ‘spoil’ the filly. I motioned for her to seek her answer from Topaz given she was the one holding the spoon of ice cream, and this was enough for the heiress to accept the offered bite.

“I did. I couldn’t detect any actual hate from them, and I’d seen how Cadence tried something similar with Bold and Wipsy. From what I’ve heard in passing, Cady has been working her hoof in the shadows, and if the rumor is to be believed had sought the help of Luna’s thestrals to keep tabs on them in her stead.”

“Really? Isn’t that illegal or something?” Topaz stifled a laugh before she implemented her ‘aunt tax’ by taking a small scoop of the soft ice cream. “Or did Princess Luna get involved in this?”

I shook my head, but not without 100% certainty.

“To my knowledge, Luna isn’t involved with Cady’s schemes, but it doesn’t mean she wouldn’t lend her the use of her thestrals.” I scooted closer, placing myself directly next to Flurry Heart who turned to look at me. I nodded, and she resumed ‘asking’ Topaz for more ice cream.

“How did you do that?”

“Do what?” I asked, and she used the spoon to point at the filly.

“That!? She wanted your permission, and you gave it. You just spoke to her!”

“It wasn’t hard to understand her when I stopped to listen. Flurry is like most foals, just with enough power to summon the End Times, or ruin a creature’s reputation with a single word.”

Topaz gave the filly her next spoonful of ice cream before returning it to the bowl. Flurry and myself were watching her with different interests, but watched as she flapped her hooves up and down like the young Spike used to do when he was excited.

“Do you think you could teach me? That would be unbelievably helpful for wh…”

Topaz’s excitement vanished and was quickly replaced with the tartness often associated with feelings of melancholy, with a hint of fear mixed in. I was quick enough to leave my seat while trying not to startle the young heiress as I repositioned myself next to the pegasus I’d grown to love. We’d been privileged over the years to pick up on each other’s ques, and that understanding is what made me grab her hoof and say nothing as she sat there.

My eyes didn’t leave her as she continued staring at the table, Flurry Heart, and then herself. Her emotional state was shifting rather quickly, and it did concern me some as I couldn’t properly gauge what to do when she gripped my hoof tighter.

“...when we have our own.” Topaz finally said, and I found my inability to speak frustratingly troublesome. “Look at me Idol. 14 years we’ve known each other, and I’m no longer the spelunking mare you met. I’d grown older, and Celestia I couldn’t look more like mom anymore unless I dyed my fur emerald green, and moved back to Canterlot.”

“I did say Vivi was fine to look at back then, and her daughter isn’t any different now.” Of all the things I could have said, that was what I came up with? Topaz must've found it terrible as well, because her whirlwind of emotions had settled into a state of near indifference.

We said nothing as we both looked into each other's eyes searching for that little bit of direction until she looked away. My hearts almost stopped before her other hoof was brought up to cover her sudden laughing fit.

“You dolt…” She had to let go of my hoof to try and contain this sudden laughter. “..you’re lucky..I..that I know what you mean. Thank you, Idol.”

“If Harmony and Order see…” I was cut off with a loud clunk that sounded expensive, and upon looking at the forgotten filly discovered the now empty bowl of ice cream in front of her. Her muzzle matted with melted ice cream as she flailed her hooves just as Topaz did before our moment. “...we have Flurry to contend with. But if we do desire another, then maybe adoption would be the safer path?”

“Adopt a foal?” Topaz’s hoof once more found my lonely hoof, and gripped it once more. “I have considered it before, but nothing too serious since we still had Cersus…”

“I meant adopting a fish or some other small creature.” When her grip became ironclad, that had been my only warning something was amiss, but too late did the warning come. Before I could process this, she had already leaned close and took a nip at my unsuspecting ear.

“You’re terrible! But I’ll admit that is funny.”

I tried returning the favor, but she’d backed off before I could grab her ear.

“In my defense, they would require substantially less effort to manage with a higher chance of being house broken.” That got another giggle, and I smiled believing her anguish was forgotten for the time being.

“If that’s the route we’re taking, then we should get one of those colorful parrots. We could train it to talk…”

“Please no. I had too many encounters with Celestia’s pet to be discouraged from ever wanting one. I would soon suggest a cat.”

“Ok, now I know you weren’t serious with this adoption idea. The Idol I know would never even ponder the idea of getting a cat- what have you done with Idol?”

“What have I done? Why Topaz, your inability to read my emotions leaves me…”

I took the opportunity to borrow another moment from when I first met Viridian by doing something almost unthinkable. In a bright flash of magical fire, my pony image disappeared to be replaced with a pegasus mare looking exactly like Topaz, but with a greener coat. Surprised by the act, Topaz let go of my hoof as she jumped back with disregard for the chair she’d been sitting in.

“...sad. How could you do that to your poor mother?”

“OH CELESTIA’S FLANK! IDOL WH…”

“Idol? Why dear, can’t you recognize your dearest mother? No? Maybe this will jog your memory…” It had been many years since that day, but I still tried my best to mimic the hoof moments she’d made when leaving that day. Topaz didn’t understand my intent until I started chanting ‘Graaaaannnndfooooaaaaals’.

There was a flash of recognition right before she collapsed onto the floor desperately trying not to snort as she laughed. I dropped the charade soon after, and my disguise with it. I would have continued with it longer if the clanking of a dish hadn’t grabbed my attention and once again reminded me we weren’t alone- Flurry Heart. The filly was staring at me with wider eyes than scientifically possible, yet I couldn’t taste any fear in the air as she continued watching my every move. Topaz’s struggle ended when two quick snorts of laughter escaped her.

“Idol..please nev..ever do..never ever do that again.”

“I can not make exact promises, more then I will strive not to repeat the action in the future. In my unregulated state, I allowed Flurry Heart to see me.”

“FLURRY HEART!?”

“The very same.”

Topaz picked herself off the floor after that, and rushed to the filly’s side where she scooped the young Flurry up into her hooves. I remained still as Topaz did whatever she felt was needed to be done, yet the filly made no effort to escape the containment she strongly disliked. Topaz noticed this as well when her attempts to comfort the filly invoked no response, leaving the three of us unsure what to do or say in that brief moment until I shifted in my seat.

“She’s watching me.” I told the worried pegasus, and to demonstrate this acted like I was going to stand up, and we watched as Flurry’s eyes matched my ascent, and sudden descent. I raised my left hoof to see the young heiress follow it, only to shift her gaze back to me.

“Maybe she’s surprised? Cersus admitted once that Flurry has seen her without the disguise, so perhaps she thinks you’re a bigger Cersus?”

“That could be, or my transformation is noticeably different enough from Cersus she doesn’t know what to make of me?”

Both were possible explanations, but did nothing in the grand design of Order or Harmony. It was after a brief back and forth exchange did we settle upon seeing if Flurry was actually fearful of me or startled by the difference- we brought her closer. Topaz carefully moved closer to me as she whispered encouraging words to the filly, did we see any real change in her behavior. Flurry’s bewildered expression slowly fell into one of wonder as she began reaching for my angular muzzle, but after some hesitation I leaned in closer for the filly to feel my new chitin.

I marveled at how it felt having any creature besides Topaz feel my bare chitin, and in a way felt the burden of an unknown weight being lifted. As the young heiress continued to pat my chitin, Topaz had taken the opportunity to sit down next to me, and with some hesitation, I took over handling of the filly. We made eye contact, and she cooed.

“Yes. It is Uncle Idol. No. Cersus is taking a nap.. No. Mother and Father are still away, and won't be back..Yes. Topaz and myself will be watching until they return.”

“Idol, you’re doing it again.”

“Doing what again, Topaz?”

“You're speaking to her again…” Ah, so that was it.

“I’m doing more listening than speaking, but you’ll be correct all the same. She was startled by my transformation, having no idea I could do it as well, which means I’ll be speaking to Cersus about her carelessness tomorrow.”

“And what else?”

“Else?” I asked, and was confronted by Topaz having taken her original seat once more.

“What else is Flurry Heart saying?”

“Most of the same: “Where's mother 1, and father 1? Can she transform as well? What about her dinner?”

“She just..wait no she had ice cream, so we do need to feed her soon.. wait.. mother 1, father 1!?”

“Flurry’s vocabulary is very limited, and doesn’t understand the term/meaning for Godfather, or godmother as of yet. The lines of these respective differences are blurred well enough unless you’ve gathered the knowledge to separate the two roles- so we’re mother and father 2 respectively.”

“Mother 2?”

“Father 2.” I added, and after a little more pondering did Topaz smile.

“Well, we do joke about Cersus watching her little sister, so it isn’t too unreasonable to return the favor is it?”

“I guess it isn’t. Flurry may demand a great allocation of time and energy to properly watch, but her presence evokes a certain joy I can’t properly identify at this time.”

“That Idol might be called love.You understand what it tastes like, and how to invoke the proper responses to bring out that love; Have you ever considered you might be starting to display love naturally? ” I shook my head, and noticed Flurry mimicking my reactions.

“I doubt it. Changelings as a whole can’t produce love on their own, which is the reason why we harvest it from other creatures.”

“But you aren’t exactly a ‘classic changeling’ are you? What if by some miracle you can start producing love on your own?”

“I..I don’t..is it even a possibility?” I asked, completely unable to formulate a proper response, let alone a counter argument to the unlikely possibility of it even being probable. Yet, here I was sitting next to this pegasus mare I asked to marry only yesterday while holding an alicorn foal, so in truth anything was possible in this magical land I call home.

Our conversation might have lasted well into the evening if our precious granddaughter hadn’t decided to try and shapeshift that very moment. The act itself wasn’t the issue, but the fact she not only figured out how to use fire magic at a young age, but tried coating herself with it.

“PUT HER OUT, IDOL! PUT HER OUT!”

Chapter 28 Part 1: When Harmony gifts you a broken heart...

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“I believe I just found the culprit.. right here.”

Following the hoof of Mr. Print led me discovering the area in question to be severely lacking any noticeable answers, but the unicorn came highly recommended by Luna, so I would trust his expertise. All it took to finally send my long overdue letter to Luna was the discovery of an unnaturally discomforting room, yet my description had stoked her highness’s curiosity enough to say she corresponds enough with a pony that could be of some help.

His arrival was greatly appreciated for how short of a notice it had been, but also upon learning of his proximity to their highnesses- Colleague of Luna, partial Student of Celetsia. Still, for all of his achievements (what had been disclosed to myself), the stallion appeared overwhelmed by the Grand City more or less the same way I’d been with Canterlot many years before.

“I would agree with your assessment if I knew what I was looking at.”

“That’s the thing, I don’t see anything on this wall. The castle in the Everfree Forest, even in its decayed state still had the faintest traces of runework along its base, near the stone floor. Luna informed me this was an early form of enchantment used in various applications, but notably simple lighting. Do you know when this castle was built?”

“Your guess would be as good as mine Mr. Print. I immigrated here with my family only two years prior, making my knowledge of the Empire limiting, and nowhere in that time had the age of its construction been brought up. The one thing I can assure you is the Crystal Legends suggest the Castle has been around for a good many centuries, with one legend making the claim its origins dating pre-founding of Equestria.”

The parchment colored stallion looked up from the floor base with eyes that spoke of a pony currently away for that brief moment, yet the vacancy was quickly filled. A flash of blue flared behind his eyes in a similar way we changelings would to alert another of our origin before returning to their normal brown selves, and with two blinks the stallion appeared to have regained his senses. I didn’t feel the need to be too critical of his oddities, and that stemmed only from his connection to her highness Luna, and with some restraint kept my questions unspoken.

“What did you…sorry, your lordship? I was just thinking about the.. Uh.. could it be possible that the Crystal Castle predates the creation of rune work itself?” I stood back to allow the stallion a chance to stand, and myself the ability to ponder this question.

“During my service to Equestria, and now The Empire, I’ve come to learn a great many things are a possibility in this world. Harmony and Order work in a way many ponies like ourselves can not fathom without extensive study, or a considerable investment of resources. In short, the Crystal Castle could very well predate the creation of rune working as it’s said the Castle stood prior to the late Crystal Princess Amore.”

“There’s another princess? I thought there were only three in Equestria?”

For the sake of Princess Luna’s honor, I agreed there would be no questioning nor prying into the stallion’s private life as the individual guarded himself better than most changelings. Yet, Lapis Print made it difficult to uphold my agreement because of his inability to control his fears, and the near desperation he so casually emitted already betrayed himself carrying a possible secret. Still, I held my tongue out of respect for the night princess in favor of answering his questions, as her existence is still relatively unknown outside of Equestria, and deserved more notoriety.

“Indeed. The late Princess Amore ruled The Empire since her ascension a great many centuries ago until her unfortunate regicide at the hooves the Mad King Sombra. I will spare you the details unless you wish to know them, but it was this stallion their Highnesses Cadence and Shining Armor fought during the first months of the Empire’s return-they’re also the current rulers.”

“No. No. That won’t be necessary. History isn’t really my expertise more than it is a simple curiosity at this point in my life, though I appreciate the offer. I’m more of an engineer in my spare time working in my lab when I’m not trying to fix everything back in Ponyville. You’ll be amazed how often something needs fixing in a small time like that.”

“I’m afraid that I might have that understanding already, Lapis Print. During my early years of service in Canterlot, I was fortunate enough to watch the young Element of Magic, Twilight Sparkle, so I’m more aware of the unintended mischief she often stumbled upon. The one time I did visit Ponyville was also the last for reasons I don’t want to reveal, but the pink one is a big factor.”

“You mean Pinkie Pie?” He asked unsurely while trying to appear he wasn't looking around the room as a sudden chill gripped us. I nodded.

“That mare holds domain over Chaos itself to appear so suddenly…” I stopped as I swore there was a mareish giggling coming from within the room.

My companion either noticed my distress, or had heard the mysterious laughter as well, for he was already fidgeting in place, trying not to make it obvious he was looking at the door. Seeing a valid reason to leave the strange feeling room, I motioned for us to leave so we could continue discussing some of the finer details- the strange stallion agreed eagerly.

We wasted no time after that, and proceeded down the sparsely visited wing of the castle, greeting the sole guard that patrols the area until the next shift change. Lapis Print still didn’t appear at ease, though his overall mood did seem more relaxed leaving me to assume the unicorn is just overwhelmed by the Crystal Empire. I didn’t comment on this, but kept it noted as we continued our slow walk toward the main hall where I would lead him back to the sixth floor.

Feeling our previous conversation was best left buried for good, I broached the subject of fixing the supposed runic scripture for the room. Lapis Print shrugged.

“Honestly, I’m still new to the process myself even with Luna helping me whenever she can. I couldn’t have done it without Luna, or my friend's help, so they deserve the credit more than I do.”

“You do yourself a great disservice Lapis, for her highness doesn’t waste her time with any pony. For the princess, especially Luna, to take an interest enough to tutor you speaks volumes of your talent, even if you don’t fully trust yourself just yet. Trust me when I say the princess can be a great ally, and equally wondrous friend if you open your heart to the possibility.”

As per normal, I didn’t want to openly pry into his emotions, and could only watch his muzzle contract and flinch with the sheer volume of his feelings being experienced; his horn did faintly glow for a moment, but it quickly simmered out before I could point it out. Lapis and I continued our pace, abit much slower to allow the stallion time to process whatever it was he needed to process. Twice I nearly forgot my manners, and wanted to interject myself into his struggle only to catch myself and retreat a step to prevent this course from happening.

Thankfully Lapis Print came to terms with whatever he was struggling about, for the relief washing over him left the stallion noticeably more relaxed than he had all day.

He walked with a new sense of purpose, or discovered another reason to get out of bed much like myself these past few years, and this rejuvenation covered the stallion with an aura like confidence that was hard to ignore. When he turned to meet me, I almost looked away to avoid its brightness.

“That doesn’t sound too bad..friends in high places?” He was smiling, but it wasn’t malicious in nature. Oddly enough, I chuckled at the statement/question.

“Most ponies really enjoy that part unfortunately, and while I’m aware you’re only joking just remember the princesses are ponies like you and me. Order above, I’ve known them for over a decade, and I still struggle ignoring their status as an alicorn, so please do me a favor, and do the opposite. Luna and Celestia unfortunately don’t have many ponies they can turn to like you and I do, so treasure this opportunity to be included in their limited circle.”

“I think I’ll do just that, thank sir.”

“Idol. Idol Hooves would do just fine.” I corrected the stallion, before offering him a hoof. He blinked, looked at the hoof before reaching out with one of his own-we shook.

“It’s a strange feeling, but I can relate to them a little better now. Moving from my country took a toll on me, and if it wasn’t for a few persistent friends of mine, I might be that cranky old hermit living down the lane.”

He was joking, and I smiled loving how much of a chance had enveloped the stallion.

“Where I am today was all thanks to my friends and family not giving up on me. If it weren’t for the kindness of ponies, I likely would have perished roaming the deserts south of Equestria. Even now, their persistence inspires me to continue working on myself to become a better pony than I am now. From one displaced to another, treasure your friends- each and every one. Be the supporting rock they need just like the one they’ve been to you.”

“I…” Lapis went silent. The smile, and jokes were gone as his earlier melancholy was slowly carved into his mouth and just below his eyes; not to mention his entire body would fidget in some form starting with his ears, then his left hoof, both rear hooves, his right shoulder and then repeat the process over with some variation.

I had enough of his self pity, and that moment could have ended a lot worse looking back.

As I’ve done with Topaz on occasion, I placed my left hoof on his right shoulder to steady the poor stallion before targeting the negative emotions brewing just under his skin. He froze, eyes wide with what I’d assumed was recognition as his body went limp, nearly collapsing to the floor. That extra helping of love from the Crystal Heart yesterday helped dilute some of his anxiety, and fears, but ultimately he carried too much for me to safely remove without endangering myself.

Lapis was incoherently stammering as I side stepped him, earning a terrified look as I did, so that I positioned myself to be standing with my back toward the stairs. I noticed the lone guard had been making his return trip when he noticed both of us, and after motioning for him to come over, he did without hesitation.

“Sir?” The Crystal Pony asked, trying to keep focused on me and not the stallion on the floor.

“Lapis Print collapsed during our conversation, and I’m worried for him. Would you be willing to escort us to the Medical Wing?” This time the guard hesitated before giving a firm nod, and began trying to help up Lapis, who rightly began trying to resist his efforts.

“Trust Princess Luna.” I tried reminding him as his efforts grew more wild, “I’ve known her since her return, and was trusted in providing care during her recovery.”

Somehow, it was that statement that slowed the unicorn’s struggles enough for the guard to wrap his hooves under the shoulder, and with a little patience , managed to help him back onto his own four hooves. He still seemed shaken up by the ordeal, and kept trying to maneuver himself in a way to keep the Crystal Guard and myself in view, but couldn’t without breaking free of the guard’s grasp. Trying to make it easier, I scooted closer to the guard so I’ll be in Lapis’s constant sight.

I decided to resume speaking to give him a chance to process what must be a surprise for the foreign born unicorn, as Luna’s explanation of his arrival was vague enough for a creature to create their own assumptions. Similar to how Topaz snuck me across the Equestrian border.

“I mentioned the room during a letter, and she wrote back recommending you as a prominent figure in a mysterious area of pony magic- an artificer. That was enough for me to request your help. I would be overstepping my boundaries by publicly declaring the Night Princess a friend given my predicament; I will state she is a very trusted colleague of mine, who has helped my family and I more times than I’d wish to admit. Her opinion is very trusted, and I strive to pay that kindness back when I can.”

“Are..you..what did you do to me?” He stumbled over his words as he fought to regain control of his unstable legs, making me question whether or not I should use the Nega Drain (Cersus’s name, not mine) on ponies not constantly exposed to changelings.

“Nothing too invasive I hope. It was an ability I do sometimes for my wife after a particularly stressful day, that allows me to consume the negative emotions from a creature. Topaz generally feels better, and ‘refreshed’ to use her words, and to be up front, you permeate doubt and fear too much for a pony with good friends like yourself.”

“You ate my fears?” He asked with a restrained breath that desperately tried to hitch itself in the back of his throat. Lapis took a step back with wide eyes as he swiveled his head from the guard to myself with a look I recognized all too well from several months ago- terror.

I looked to the guard, and thank Order and Harmony he seemed to be aware of what I was, and held firm in his duties to abandon them now. With the comfort the guard would remain honor bound to his oath, I nodded a confirmation to the terrified unicorn.

“They are rather gut wrenching as my daughter would say, and is why I seldom eat them outside of emergencies. You are a stallion inflicted with doubts and fears for one reason or another I won’t even ask to clarify, but I do know if you keep looking behind yourself, sooner or later you’ll trip. A pony of your great potential should only be focused on progressing, and living your life in a way that would benefit others…”

“YOU KEEP REPEATING YOURSELF!” He took another step back while trying not to grab his head with his forehooves, but ultimately fell onto his flanks instead. “YOU AND EVERYPONY ELSE…”

Lapis Print was obviously over-stimulated from a wide factor of things (including that Nega Drain), and I wasn’t going to say anything more until the Crystal Guard broke his silence.

“Pardon my intrusion, sirs. I overstep my duties by speaking, yet I feel compelled to speak on this matter if I may?”

“You may, Private.” I nodded to the guard, and watched as he cautiously moved toward the panicked unicorn.

“The Colonel and yourself are not from the Empire, yet can understand better than most of our history.” Lapis looked up, still cautious, but willing to listen as long we kept our distance. “The citizens of this City don’t belong here no more than snow in the middle of summer; We can never return to our home from before, yet we’ve come to accept that. Ponies like the great Colonel Hooves, and the Royal Family have helped ease our plight in this strange era greatly, it remains challenging to completely forget everything lost to us. Still, we continue rising with the sun, trotting to our destination for the day, and coming back to the same bed the night before like we did years ago. You are young like myself, and have an entire life to experience, so don’t waste it fretting over the past when you could be preparing for the next adventure.”

To say Lapis and myself were speechless would be correct.

Guards like myself had generally always preferred the background to the forefront, especially when it came to the daily operations of the castle or city back in Canterlot- this carried over to the Crystal Empire as well. Even though I’m well aware of all that currently serve under my command, I can only recall interacting with a select few guards on a personal level leaving this guard’s ability to speak a stark surprise. The stallion sensed this as well, for he took a single step back trying to imitate what he’d been taught to do- disappear into the background.

Enchantments or some other form of magic in the Crystal Empire made it seemed the guards were capable of performing this strange feat, unless they were actively trying to be noticed. His sudden disappearance left Lapis and myself alone again even though we could recall the guard, it suddenly felt like he’d left some time ago…

“I wish he’d hadn’t taken off so quickly as I wanted to personally acknowledge his brilliant speech. He is right. Unless you’re incapable of going back to your country by your choice, or an external force beyond your control, you should consider the sort of life you have right now..Lapis Print?”

Lapis print was looking at the spot to my left with his mouth wide open while wearing a strange pair of glasses I didn’t know he’d been wearing. When he heard my name, he looked to me and the spot to my left prompting me to look at this empty spot with some confusion.

“You can’t see him!?”

“See who?” I asked, not sure who he was referring to.

“That..never mind Idol.” He signed while getting back on all four hooves once more. “This world surprises me so much, I sometimes feel like there’s too much for me to grasp.”

“Are you happy?”

“I’m sorry?”

“I asked, are you happy with your life, Lapis Print?”

The unicorn was searching for the words, stumbling over them until he sighed and shrugged his shoulders.

“I’m not sure anymore. Everybo…pony has been wonderful to me for little reason then to be friendly, yet I can’t..won’t allow myself to accept it. Why should they be kind to me? What did I do to garner this response other than simply existing?” The fears and doubts were back now, voiding everything I’d taken from her moments ago, but it was easier to see why they found the stallion so alluring.

‘He reminds me of Princess Luna.’ I thought, finally understanding one of her big reasons to sponsor the stallion.

“Does any creature need a reason to be nice to one another? My time living in Canterlot exposed me to a world I never knew could exist, and now my time amongst the Crystal Empire has shown me another. Ponies are unusually kind to a fault, and sometimes that gets them into trouble, so it has been beneficial to them to look after their neighbors. Regardless of how you see yourself, they see you as a part of their lives, and will treat you accordingly. Should you decide to return home, don’t scorn their kindness, but instead carry it back to your home. Plant those seeds by showing your home that same kindness back.”

Lapis Print looked to my left once more, and then to myself.

“You know, Idol.. uh, Colonel? That speech was something else, but it was a good one nonetheless. It kind of reminds me of this show I knew about back home where this guy would talk to animals about being a good per..pony. Not a bad thing by any stretch, but growing up I’d always just brush it off as a show for children with no understanding of the real world…”

His smile was less expressive now as it appeared he was fighting his emotions once again, and this time I wasn’t going to take any to avoid further provoking the stallion. So, I watched and waited for him to finish going through the whatever stages of grief he was experiencing for another moment before he sighed once more and looked to my left before turning back to me.

“This place reminds me of that show, and I’ve been wondering if I truly belong here at all.”

“Most plays often have some sort of message to tell, at least the ones back in Canterlot did. This play of your Lapis Print, I would suggest following its message of being a good neighbor. I can’t tell you what to do with your life as your goals align differently from mine, yet they may match in due time. You’ll wonder why you ever waited so long to stop and smell the crystal dandelions.”

He snorted, but not out of irritation.

“I doubt that. Lyra has told me very similar whenever I talk about going home. Bon is more understanding, but that might be because she knows how I get talking about having to stay here.”

“Sounds like you have friends concerned about you.”

“Yea…” He kicked the floor for some unknown reason. “...and that’s where it gets complicated for me. If it was just me I wouldn’t be worried about leaving anything behind, and now I worry what they would think if I just up and leave, you know? They really are good friends, and I don’t want them to worry.”

“As I said before, if they really care for you they’ll be happy as long as you're happy. There might be a little sorrow now and then, and that is to be expected; treasure your time amongst them and use those experiences to grow into a better pony.”

“Perhaps. It would be difficult to pack up my workshop and start over back home wouldn’t it?” Lapis Print cracked a smile, and even half heartedly chuckled. ”I know I need to return home eventually, but I like it here and that scares me. What if I don’t want to leave? What about my family back home?”

“I can’t speak from my own experience, but from general observation and witnessing my own companions, I can mostly say your family would want you to be happy. To live your life without sorrow, or regrets. In the end, only you can reach that decision.”

I meant every word spoken today, and with the guard from earlier suddenly appearing next to me to remind me of my schedule, I had to bid Lapis Print a farewell. Proudly, we left with a hoofshake, and a simple promise to speak again in the future should our paths align once again.

Ultimately, my consultation with Lapis Print ended roughly 2 hours in total.

We’d discussed a possible course of action, and other recommendations should the decided plan not work. I thanked the stallion for his time, and quick response with a generous tip, and all of his expenses paid for the duration of his stay in the Empire. That stallion was everything Luna said he was, and desperately tried to turn down my offer, but rescinded his hesitation after a ‘threat’ of visiting the dungeon. I would later discover that the stallion ended up donating most of the bits into several scholarships, and while investing the rest into the new field of magical application he’d been working on: artificing.

His in-depth explanation intrigued me, and left me wondering if the Crystal Empire had a similar craft once before. Nothing so far suggested that was the case, but should Lapis progress further in his craft, and hadn’t departed for his home country I offered the stallion a place here as a teacher.

Of course, he declined the offer. I tried appealing to our shared history of being two displaced ponies in a land full of ponies, but that only earned a chuckle.

I smiled.

He smiled.

After securing a promise from Lapis Print that he would take a couple days off (schedule permitting), and after putting in the work order for the requested materials, I quickly made my way back to the courtroom. Twice in a single week I’ve been requested to mediate a ruling while Cady and Shining barely had four in the past year, but alas duty required me and until my eventual expiration I was bound to serve.

Accompanying me once more was Corporal First Class Sentry.

“...great tragedy.”

“Perhaps. Perhaps not.” I replied as we reviewed the criteria for today. “What is the probability the entirety of this is false?”

“False? The odds vary greatly from highly unlikely to improbable. The Crystal Guild before Sombra’s reign were known for their honesty to a near fault, and if this newly revived iteration follows in its predecessor's hoofsteps, then we could expect the same thing.”

“What if they don’t tread the same path Flash, and why am I only now just learning of them?” I asked, and he blinked. Almost as if he’d never considered the possibility until I asked.

“I..I can’t rightly say sir. Anything I can offer would only be assumptions at this point, so with your permission I will skip the speculation? “

I nodded. “Please.”

“The Crystal Guild of old was the economic backbone of the Empire’s financial might, and was often considered its own nation given its influence, and revenue it generated. Princess Amore granted them many privileges because of this, and this led to the saying ‘a guild with a country’.”

“A guild with a country?” I repeated, not entirely sure if what I had in mind was correct.

“You have to understand they were enormous to the point several higher standing nobles started spreading that phrase as a way to weaken Princess Amore’s power and influence. That it was the Crystal Guild running the city using the good Princess as a spokesmare for them.” Flash Sentry said that last statement with literal disgust.

“In my opinion sir, it was their open disdain for her that led to Sombra’s eventual coup. By his arrival, the nobles were already looking for openings to further expand their power while limiting Princess Amore’s own. So, when this dark coated stallion comes along claiming to have a way to give them everything they ever wanted for practically nothing? Their greed won.”

By my command, we halted the discussion until we could properly keep bored ears from overhearing us, and the orange coated pegasus agreed on the condition a chronicler could attend to scribe the truth. I saw nothing wrong with the request, and countered with the possibility of recording the interview with one of the newer amethyst recorders. Even with a brief explanation of its design and purpose, the Corporal reluctantly held his answer until a future date…

“There is one additional matter you should be aware of, Colonel. As previously mentioned, this isn’t the same Crystal Guild I interacted with before. They were eradicated sir. So, please trot with caution.”

“I will keep that in mind.” I confirmed my understanding, but failed to further elaborate my own concerns brought up by this information.

For a past entity to suddenly be revived, and wait nearly two years to make their presence known to the crown doesn’t install much faith in this group. I’d sooner trust Thorax than this lot, and I expect he'll turn into a rock and hide at the first sign of danger; this Crystal Guild, regardless of their previous legacy, are an unknown with nothing to keep them in check, and that makes them a possible threat. Thorax’s motives are still a mystery, but I’ve learned enough from our first encounter during the party to gauge him well enough- he’s too nice.

Sure he might turn into a rock, but at least he would not seek to benefit from our misfortunes should the metaphorical scales tip enough into his favor. I sighed.

All of this bothered me greatly, but not as greatly as cave mites between the chitin, yet nearly enough for me to want to exercise the power given to me if it would help remove this problem quickly.

“Do you know exactly who would be representing them today Flash?” He shook his head.

“I’m afraid not, sir. They’re too secretive for my comfort. Their request for a meeting only came by letter that had been dropped off by the Crystal Heart’s pedestal. None of the night patrols heard or saw anything, and for a minute I thought they might have been friends of yours, sir.”

“No friends of mine, but can we be sure I hadn’t forgotten any over the years?” I knew what the Corporal was implying with his statement, and given the strangeness of the meeting couldn’t blame the pegasus.

“Unless they approached us with a sign, I’m afraid not. What few unicorns the Empire has can’t cast the spell needed to make a difference. It would be like asking everypony if they were who they claim to be, and taking their world for it. A great waste of effort and time.”

“Were it so easy…” I couldn’t recall where I heard the quote from, but found it appropriate.

The scheduled time came and went.

Nearly 15 minutes late, and with no word I was about to call Court over when a frantic knocking raptured upon the throne room’s doors, parting to reveal an earth mare hurrying down the carpet. Stopping only 4 trots away from the throne, she gave a remarkable salute before revealing the nature of her interruption- they arrived.

“Are you sure?” Flash Sentry asked on my behalf, and the mare gave a single nod.

“Affirmative Corporal. My lord. Their garbs are old and tattered with age, but you can still see the Guild’s emblem upon their backs.” I looked toward Flash, who said nothing as he thought about something before giving me a nod.

“I don’t like it, but we have little choice that doesn’t involve possibly shunning the once economic backbone of the Empire. A lot of the Crystal Ponies, while positive of Equestrian intervention of the past several years, would be quick to curse it should they view the crown actively targeting their institutions.”

I turned to the mare and asked what she thought of the representatives, and regretted it almost immediately. She straightened just enough to give Flash and myself her opinion before being dismissed to retrieve them. Nothing could hide my anguish as I momentarily slumped into the Crystal Throne to vent before correcting my posture as the doors suddenly opened again…

“ANNOUNCING THE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE CRYSTAL GUILD!” It wasn’t the mare from before, but a stallion with a booming voice much like a stallion back in Canterlot I met before. It was deep, and nearly brooding each word before hiding behind the door to allow the representatives access into the room.

The most evident observation was there was more than ponies serving in the Crystal Guild.

The two trailing behind the large representative were ponies: one crystal, one Equestrian. It was their broad leader that wasn’t a full pony. The cloak he wore was like the others: tattered and faded. Yet it did little more than to cover the large hump on his back as he stumbled forward more. His massive legs carried his long shaggy body toward the throne; upon his head wasn’t a single horn, but two with one growing out of each side of his head until it eventually curled up into the air.

Judging by his stoutness, I’d assume the strange hybrid was a stallion as he shared a similar broad muzzle like his Equestrian, and Crystal counter parts; this large snout cautiously sweep from the left to the right in what I’d assumed was to scan the room, but discovered it was his way of keeping his long bangs out of his eyes. Only when his party finally stopped at the predetermined distance did his great size become apparent, and his appearance resembled one of the few yak bulls I’ve seen before.

“Greetings. I am Colonel Idol Hooves, acting regent for their Highnesses Prince Consort Shining Armor, and Princess Mi Amore Cadenza. I am afraid you have me at a disadvantage for until now I’d never known there was a Crystal Guild.” I admitted, and watched as the strange pony hybrid said nothing, yet noted how the emotion coming from him was a mixture of distrust and restrained vexation.

His massive head raised a little, yet his long bangs still covered the entirety of his face preventing me from seeing it. He spoke much how a pony his size would with a deep, almost forced voice that sounded like two stones being scraped together.

“Esteemed Colonel, it is a pleasure to finally meet the one we have heard much about during these past two years.” He bowed his head slightly to allow his horns to be pointed at me, which could be taken as a challenge if I wanted to push the issue. “Your reputation is far reaching.”

“Thank you for the kind words…” I intentionally left that statement open to allow the mysterious pony a chance to properly introduce himself, and judging by the emotions coming from Flash Sentry I might suspect he knows the Guild Representative.

“Brashford Tak is my name. I am heir of Crystal Guild, and inheritor of my father’s legacy though little remains.”

“The nobles of Canterlot only have the legacy of their ancestors…” I started, but was quickly cut off as the large hybrid stomped his hoof.

“BRASHFORD TAK IS NO NOBLE! BRASHFORD TAK WILL SOONER START FROM NOTHING THEN BE SEEN AS ONE!” He stomped his stubby, but thick hoof again, this time with a terrifying display of earth pony power that shattered the crystal tile under him.

His aggressive display didn’t bother his two companions as much, leaving me to wonder if this outburst was common for the massive hybrid pony. Flash Sentry was another matter, and appropriately responded ready to intervene if necessary, but a quick wave was enough to affirm everything was under control. Besides, Brashford’s companions appeared ready to step in as well, only heightening my suspicions of this ‘New Crystal Guild’.

Thanking Order and Harmony, my dismissal of Corporal Sentry seemed enough to soothe his ruffled fur.

“Then I apologize for my earlier statement, Brashford Tak. I mean no ill by it then to point out my only familiarity with a family legacy has been through the nobility. My upbringing had been more focused on the continued success of my tribe than myself as an individual. If you would forgive my ignorance, I would be grateful to learn more of your tribe given I’ve never seen a pony of your size, or characteristics.”

My honesty worked as the massive hybrid’s posture became less tense, and the aggression I had been sensing shifted to what I would consider an uneasiness: a mixture of acceptance, and trepidation. Brashford’s two companions also stood down seeing their master, and my subordinate not escalating the matter any further.

The hybrid said nothing at first as he regained control of his breathing while he listened to his Equestrian born companion whispering in his right ear. After another moment passed, did Brashford seem content with whatever had been discussed before giving one final loud snort to demonstrate the matter settled. Much like the Minotaurs of the Eastern Continent.

“Fair Trade speaks well enough. Says much of your speech holds truth, and no hidden clauses, so Brass Tack will accept apology on condition we proceed on the same path, deal?”

I wanted to say yes, but given merchants worked in legal contracts, I’d sooner give Thorax a position in the guard than accept the offered hoof without thought. Seeking Flash Sentry’s input proved the wiser move as the pegasus moved to my side to whisper his suggestion in my ear, and by his recommendation directed me to counter the offer with a condition of my own.

“My counselor for this meeting, Corporal First Class Sentry, advised me to accept your offer…”

“HA! Pony is wise as his Colonel…” Brashford started, but quickly changed his mood when I continued.

“...only if you accept one of my conditions as well.”

“...And what might that be, Colonel.” As predicted, his mood shifted to a state perhaps worse than his outburst only moments before. His voice was strained with every uttered word marking strange hybrid’s will to keep his anger in check: tightening of the muscles, erect posture, hooves slightly dug into the floor, clenched teeth, and focused eyes.

Unwilling to react to his obvious display, I proceeded with a bold plan to potentially earn the stallion’s trust just enough to establish a working relationship. All of this while praying for Luna’s protection I’m not making a mistake that would harm Topaz or Cersus.

“On the condition, your family would join my family for a single dinner? One where politics will not be discussed, and simply act as an introduction to base any and all future interactions.”

This time I stood up from the Crystal Throne I’ve been borrowing since the Royal Couple’s departure for nearly a month, and for reasons I can’t explain felt conflicting feelings watching the three Crystal Guild members reacting defensively. Before I would have felt appalled provoking a reaction from any creature, yet now I’m only conflicted on the matter instead of against it. Cady had joked one time I was getting too comfortable around royalty, and if I wasn’t careful might end up as one…

I’ve had no luck establishing if alicorns like Cady herself had the ability of foresight, even if all the evidence concludes their predictions are nothing short of statements derived from years of experience, the coincidences are staggeringly tilted against their claims.

So, as I thought about my best friend’s wife, and how everything seemed to push me to some purpose greater than a simple guard, Brashford Tak finally made his choice known.

“Brashford know not what pony plans, yet everything my ears have heard tell me you are not one to deceive. Therefore, I will accept this odd request on the condition I be allowed a party of 5 including myself.” There were some murmurings from his two companions, but they were quickly silenced with a sharp stomp of his hoof.

“I see nothing wrong with the request, and would I be correct to assume the condition applies to myself?”

“I see no problem.” He replied, and I might have detected some good feelings coming from him at that moment.

I nodded, and motioned to Flash Sentry.

“Corporal First Class Sentry will be one of my party, including my wife, foal, and myself. He will be permitted to bring a guest, if he desires. If not, I will find another to be the fifth member.”

“Excellent! Mother will be disappointed, but she old and cranky. Needs to leave little cave she calls home instead of brooding all the time.” His cheer was now apparent, and the ease he insults his mother alarmed me. Flash Sentry didn’t seem bothered by the giant hybrid’s words though, but found them amusing. “We leave castle on friendly hoofing now. Perhaps we can trade openly once again. Goodbye, Colonel. Goodbye, friend.”

“Goodbye as well Brass Tack. It was a nice surprise to see you yet again.” The pegasus dared to break formation, startling the two cloaked ponies behind the hybrid, but were stopped when Brashford grabbed the pegasus, and nearly crushed him with a hug.

“Mother may be old, but she will remember her favored caravan guard’s son. Until the next gathering, friend.”

“Until the next brawl, friend.”

The two companions, and myself were left watching the interaction unsure what to do, or say as the seemingly two polar opposites treated the other as a lost sibling before realizing the hybrid and his companions needed to leave. Upon my command, I allowed the pegasus to ‘escort’ the three Guild representatives to the throne room’s doors before seeing them off, and once the doors closed did I remove my flank from the throne.

Flash Sentry was already making his back when I met him halfway.

“Colonel, I feel an explanation is required.”

“Indeed it is, Corporal. You made the Crystal Guild out to be almost criminal in nature- almost sinister.”

“There is a reason for that, Idol.” He admitted while using my name meaning our conversation will be serious. “As you might have heard, my father was the Captain of their caravan guard. My mother had me around the same time as Brass Tack, naturally making us the only foals around the same age. We grew up together like brothers.”

“And you failed to mention your connection to them before, why?” I was already questioning what I truly knew about the guards under my command when he kicked the ground with a forehoof.

“Because I didn’t think they were around anymore after Sombra took over. I was already out of the empire escorting one of their caravans when he took over, and the reason it took so long to realize that was because every caravan or pony coming to the Empire was ambushed along the road. We were very fortunate that one of the wagon wheels forced us to spend a day trying to fix it, and during that time we sent one of the guards to seek help…”

“They never came back did they?” Flash nodded.

“He was a young drake we picked up only the year prior, and while his addition wasn’t seamless, we made it work. Good flier, and one of our better fighters. After the day passed with no signs of help from the Empire was our first clue something was wrong. This time we sent another two, and when they didn’t return we cut our losses and galloped back to Equestria. I joined the Equestrian Guard when we learned what happened to the Empire.”

I couldn't say more than to acknowledge his lost, but fortunate circumstances that ultimately lead him by my side.

“Why did you call him Brass Tack instead of Brashford Tak?”

“OH! It’s because that’s his pony name, Brashford Tak is his yak name. His father married his mother during a rare visit to Yakyakistan, but that’s all any creature really knows. The rumors for years after were nothing short of pure fantasy with the occasional plausible one mixed in; one claimed he won her during a bet, with another saying he dug up some rocks and fastened her together with rope and snow. She really liked that one the most because it made her sound strong.”

“Her? You mean Brashford’s mother, correct?”

“Of course. She’s a strict yak, but smart. Creatures think of Yaks acting like Brass Tak, but she was different as I mentioned. Slimmer than most of the other yak mares to the point some poor sap mistook her for a caribou, and nearly had his skull caved in when she found out. In Yak culture, to be seen as skinny means frailty and a burden in a society that needs to be strong to survive. My own father told me once she nearly threw a boulder at him because she misheard him, but he never said what it was though.”

“It sounds like you missed them.” Flash didn’t have to say anything as his frowning muzzle and the melancholy leaping off him told me everything. He looked up.

“Idol?” He asked.

This made the second time he referred to me so casually, but nonetheless, I motioned for the normally proper stallion to speak his peace.

“Proceed Flash Sentry.”

“Sir. It is improper to speak about a pony when their tails are facing us, but The Guild terrifies me in ways I can’t properly put into words. At least with the Mad King, I knew my enemy, but with them?”

“They aren’t so easily placed. To underestimate them would put not only yourself, but those you love in danger?” I added. Already understanding his confusion, and inability to properly categorize certain individuals I’ve met throughout my life.

“Exactly sir! When hearing Brass Tack speak, I wasn’t sure if I should be on alert, or be high in the sky with the clouds. I don’t like it, your lordship.”

“Then we are in agreement Corporal, but that can’t dictate our future actions because an experienced rubbed our fur the wrong way. We are professionals for a reason, and must strive to continue acting as expected of us…”

I made the move to leave the Crystal Throne, and this broke whatever mood Flash was experiencing since his training compelled him to follow my lead. I used this to my advantage to distract the frazzled stallion as we began making our way to the upper floor to retrieve Cersus and Flurry Heart for lunch, before attending my meeting with the other Crystal Advisors.

“...yet it's not inappropriate to be wary. So, for now make a note of your feelings, and be mindful of it until they can properly be placed. Is that understood?”

“Crystal, sir.” Flash said without hesitation, and unless he was learning to better hide his emotions, I couldn’t distinguish his exact mood without prying further.

“Will you be joining us for lunch, Corporal? Flurry Heart has grown used to your presence, and wouldn’t mind if you decided to have your meal with us in the private dining hall.”

After asking the question, did his emotions become clear enough for me to detect-a hint of worry mixed with pride.

“I must thank my lordship for the invite, but I wouldn’t feel comfortable enough to share a meal with royalty or other esteemed members as of yet. If permitted, I would have my meal in the dining hall with the other guards and servants?”

“Your choice is entirely your own, Flash Sentry. I only wanted to extend the offer.”

“Thank you sir for your generosity.”

“Yet, there is one thing I wanted to ask before we break for lunch, what is my schedule after my meeting with the Crystal Advisors?”

“Well sir, to my knowledge we left that time slot open in the chance the meeting required more than the allotted 2 hours. Do you want me to…”

“Don’t trouble yourself Corporal. If a matter of urgency comes up, I’ll deal with it then, but for now let us both make use of the free time. If you so wish, you may take the rest of the day off as a thank you. If not, seek out Shifting Winds or his assistant, Corporal Unstoppable Force, should you find yourself bored.”

“Thank you, sir.” He stopped to snap off a salute, and after stopping myself to return it. Our paths diverged once the stairs had been reached, and so we departed with Flash Sentry taking the stairs down and myself taking the stairs up to retrieve my charges.

As the servants cleared our dishes from the dining hall, the fillies were escorted back to our shared room(a guard placed outside of course), I made my way to the private meeting room we used the previous week. I should be the first to arrive given my close proximity to the assigned room, and it’s deemed punctual for the acting authority in the realm to not be late. With this allotted time, I tracked down a servant to request the proper refreshments even though my appetite for them was nonexistent, and quickly back tracked to my uncomfortable office to retrieve my compiled notes.

With so little written down I doubt its effectiveness, but Topaz being the educator assured me ‘some notes is better than none’. As I made the trip to the private meeting room, I was thankful for heeding Topaz’s advice as rereading some of my original points proved how much I’d forgotten over the past week.

Momentarily refreshed with these additional points, I began reformulating my argument for the upcoming meeting when I heard a voice calling out to me.

I didn’t notice any pony in the hall at first, but the commotion of hoofsteps mixed with various sounds of distress caught my ears, and as I turned to look behind me did the recognizable brown, string like strains of mane and ashen gray coat of Paper Weight hurriedly coming out of a room I’d just past. She spit out the clipboard she was carrying into her waiting hooves, where she quickly stuffed it into the pouch over her barrel- her name was embroiled onto it in red stitching.

“Good afternoon Paper Weight.”

“The pleasure is all mine Colonel! My morning might have started off stressful, but after hearing the news, I know this meeting will be wonderful.”

“And what news would that be?” I asked, genuinely curious after noting the unfiltered joy coming from the mare. She fell in step with myself as we made our way to the stairs.

“Dr. Smurtz won't be attending today’s meeting! OH CELESTIA! You couldn’t comprehend my immense joy to hear of this, for that stallion shouldn’t even be allowed near anything that requires safety protocols.”

“I can only assume how joyful you were to receive the news, but once more I’m stumped to discover why I’m last to learn of anything pertaining to The Empire.”

“Don’t worry too much about it Colonel, for that stallion doesn’t tell a soul because he fears somepony will try to interfere with his experiments, and rightly so. I only found out because one of his assistants felt it was prudent to inform us given his status as a Crystal Councilor.” Paper’s joy has not diminished at all, and only now did I wonder the extent of their ‘rivalry’.

My position as acting authority in the Crystal Empire meant my sway in all matters held great weight, and this rivalry was no different…

‘But who am I to interfere? I hardly know of their histories save for a few lines of dialogue spoken out of irritation, and spite.’ I thought as Paper Weight, spurred on by a need to vent her stress, began reciting everything the good doctor had done to stoke this rivalry.

Nothing further was said on my part as I listened to the overworked, and annoyed mare finally happy to find another willing to hear her out, even though I’m her superior. Not all of this was for harmony’s sake, but a need to further discover more of my peers, and whether or not they could continue performing their duties without compromising The Empire as a whole.

In the end, I think Prince Blueblood would be ecstatic to learn I’ve finally taken his lessons to heart, and began embracing the game of policy making.

“...and where was I when this happened?”

“You were still in the depths of your coma, Colonel. By week two, we’d already reduced the ponypower to a reasonable level despite Princess Celestia’s and Shining Armor’s request. Only Princess Luna was a firm no, with Princess Cadence standing on the divide, but the matter ultimately fell on Cadence given her Dominion over The Empire.”

Shining Armor’s decision doesn’t surprise me given the context of our relationship and what happened during their wedding. Cadence’s indecision, and Luna’s support are both a surprise and welcomed thought, but Princess Celestia’s choice did leave me baffled. The reasoning could be assumed from a string of disconnected factors, or beliefs that I might have agreed with, didn’t leave me completely immune to seeking out the curious feline if they were still around.

“By ponypower, you are talking about guard shifts correct?” I asked, and the mare just older than myself by one or three years shook her head left to right.

“Everything. Guards, Medical Staff, and maids/butlers. Princess Cadence couldn’t justify the redeployment any longer, and it was decided the less ponies near you, the better the potential recovery. I’m the one to have recommended that last part, sir.”
‘There’s that strange taste Cersus mentioned.’ I confirmed as the mare’s outer appearance conveyed a mature earth pony happy to have been recognized by the princess, yet her emotions were bland. I hadn’t been able to sample stale bread prior to this to compare the two tastes, but her emotions left much to be expected.

“Necessary. You had a better use of the allocated ponies than to wait for an aging stallion to wake up.” I threw that agreement out there hoping the mare would display any other emotion then wall paint- she didn’t.

Paper Weight’s mannerisms told me many things, but none could shake my confidence any more than watching with uneased eyes the performance next to me; all the muscle movements were perfect, yet the emotions were dull and colorless.

Hopefully, this matter can be cleared without dragging me away from my already limited time, but ultimately her uniqueness fell short on the list of concerns that needed to be addressed now.

As if the mare knew of my own feelings, her body tone shifted just enough to appear more in line with a tired mare being dragged out of bed, instead of the ‘excited’ mare that I’d seen moments before. I was already entertaining certain possibilities for this behavior when we finally left the stairs and turned onto the hall where the meeting was to be held; two guards were stationed outside as protocol demanded, and once they noticed our approach snapped their forehooves together to give off a sharp click.

“Attention!” The Crystal Guard on the right side of the door shouted, forcing both of them to click their hooves together. His large stature being a stark contrast to his brighter furred, but smaller squamate.

“At ease Gentlecolts. Corporal Force, it's been a while.” I offered the stallion my hoof, who after a second of hesitation reached out and shook my waiting hoof.”

“That it has Colonel, sir. How are the little princesses?”

“You were always one for the rules, so while the question surprises me, your concern for the fillies is commendable. Flurry Heart is a hoof full while Redshock is growing up before my very eyes- she asks about you every other day.”

It didn’t take being a changeling to see the difference in appearance and attitude, and I wouldn’t doubt if his new rank and subordinate standing beside him was the only thing that kept Unstoppable Force in sync with the Guard Protocol. This stallion did so much for Cersus, let alone Topaz, and myself above what was required, and that resilience had earned him a place within my enclosed group of trusted creatures.

“That is somewhat comforting. She has a way of breaking into her heart even when you close it off..”

“That she does.” I agreed, and not wanting to hold up our meeting, and further distract the guards with more chit chat, I offered the stallion and mare one final salute before bidding them a farewell.

“Thank you sir. You as well Head Physician Paper Weight. Allow us to open the doors.” Unstoppable then clicked his forehooves together, and as one the two ponies each grabbed their respective handles, and proceeded to pull the magically infused doors toward them.

Nothing else was said save for our unspoken thanks as we entered the private meeting room.

Unstoppable Force’s presence was a hint to who was here, and once we stepped into the room we found Shifting Winds was already in his seat on the right side. There were several seats available , but the one next to him was vacant, and was this all the motivation for Paper Weight to rush past me to claim the seat. She didn’t sit in the seat, but more likely collapsed into it while trying to keep her head up with the forehoof propping it up.

Her smile reminded me of the Threstals back in Canterlot, and I had to fight the shiver trying to run down my spine.

“I’ll just help myself..hello Sergeant.”

“Please give it a rest Paper, I’ve done my required physicals and I’m not doing anymore.”

“But Sergeant, your bloodwork is so interesting! I could tell you all about your family history, or what nutrients you might be lacking- it's not salt.”

“What’s that supposed to mean nurse?” The pegasus shifted his body so he was facing the playful mare completely amused by his reaction.

“Celestia only knows what I meant, but maybe if you were to swing by my office…”

I tuned them out after that not because of a possible romantic relationship between two associates, but solely because their own emotions were suggesting the conversation might actually be medical related. Not wanting to begin the meeting just yet, I took the opportunity to better review my upcoming arguments, I took my seat at the center of the table and began mentally going over what and how I would present my proposal. Its importance to the future of all changelings, (Cersus and myself included) rested heavily on my ability to convince the council a mutual relationship could be established for the benefit of all parties, yet with the stories of Canterlot and the aftermath trickling in through the protective barrier will make this a difficult task.

Another two minutes of inward reflection finished my preparation, and knocking my hoof on the table signaled my two compatriots our week long recess had ended.

“Thank you esteemed members of the council for your patience. I’ve been working with their highnesses in finding a solution to our missing bodies, and all I am allowed to disclose is the problem is being worked on. I’m hopeful we’ll be a council of seven by the end of the year at the earliest.”

“That is uplifting news Sir. While my duties usually don’t overlap with other members, I can understand the need for assistance. Unstoppable Force has been a big relief.”

“Medical Atlas has grown well into his role as my assistant. I’m considering propositioning their highnesses with the creation of a special title so he may ‘stretch his wings’ as the pegasi often say. If the request is granted, that pine tree might become the Crystal Empire’s leading medical professor someday.”

“Your student is a pine tree?” I asked, and the ashen mare happily nodded.

“Because he’s a pinhead, and has colors like a tree? Pine Tree. You can use that if you want Colonel.” Paper Weight stated, almost proud of her near offensive remark.

“You may keep your jokes Paper, for I’m afraid my daughter wouldn’t be able to handle the new material.” I lied. Paper Weight shrugged, and slunk back into her chair.

Shifting Winds tapped the table.

“The floor is yours Sergeant.”

“Thank you sir. If I may, I would like to apologize for my negligence leading to the cancelation of last week’s meeting. Paper Weight had informed myself that the task force Equestria sent confirmed none of Sombra’s books were jinxed. Still, my neglect could have put not only ourselves, but the Empire in jeopardy, and nothing short of my resignation could possibly amend my…”

“Shifting Winds, if you so much as drop a resignation letter on my desk, I myself will make sure you’ll be reminded of your failure for the rest until you cross that rainbow bridge. If you want resolution for your mistake, you’ll continue to serve on this council as my assistant until your lawful retirement. Is that understood?”

The whitening pegasus was only held together by his years of training, and following that discipline snapped his hooves together before giving myself a solid salute.

“Crystal, sir.”

I returned the salute, and after an awkward moment I got up to walk around the table, so I may offer the older pegasus my hoof. He seemed unsure for that following second, and reluctantly shook my offered hoof.

“We could discuss this further if you so desire, but at this very moment I need your continued assistance. Yours as well Paper Weight.” I added as the mare seemed taken back by my admittance.

“The Empire, though strong, is still teetering toward accepting Equestrian guidance. I can’t speak for their highnesses, but I can theorize their intent for the Empire would witness its rebirth in this new age. The city with a vibrant past would rather be led into a brighter future with the princesses by their side then to follow in their shadows. Will you continue lending not only myself, but the Empire your wisdom and dedication until this vision can be reached?”

“Uh..sure.” Paper Weight shrugged, and not wanting to push the issue any dropped the matter there and then.

Shifting Winds and myself turned to our fellow councilor leaning improperly on the table, still resting her head on her hoof as she stared back at us.

“I am glad for your continued support with any and all major matters concerning our Empire moving forward. Their highnesses’ duties already beckon their attention, and I’m hopeful a reinstated Crystal Council will alleviate enough of the responsibilities to insure a prosperous future.”

My two colleagues each offered their own forms of agreement before Shifting Winds and myself took our respective seats once more.

“With that matter settled, let us commence with our meeting. Sergeant Shifting Winds, would you wish to resume with your report or open the floor?”

“If I may, I would motion to open the floor for any new proposals, Colonel.” The experienced pegasus steered his gaze towards Paper Weight, who rolled her eyes before adjusting her posture to a more professional level of acceptance.

“Councilor Paper Weight- Head of Medicine and acting Head of Pony Relations has two motions she wishes to present.” Her statement was more forced than the common boredom she often spoke with, but it didn’t completely negate the legitimacy of her proposals.

With nothing to justify denying the motion, and with only the three of us being present, I motioned for the mare to proceed. She nodded. Stood up. Then made the effort to pat down her fur trying to straighten her appearance out before finally coughing into her left hoof to signal her readiness to begin.

“Thank you, Colonel. As the current Head of Medicine, and acting Head of Pony Relations, I would like to put forward a single motion derived from each field if I may?”

“You may Councillor Paper Weight.” I nodded as well for further clarification.

“Wonderful. My first motion to present will be related to my position as Head of Medicine, and that would be the sudden influx of the common cold making its way past the Crystal Barrier. With permission from their Crystal Highnesses, several tests were conducted early into the Empire’s reemergence that concluded the strong possibility the Crystal Barrier actively filters harmful pathogens.”

“The barrier acts like a modern medical spell?” I already had some understanding of how hospitals work, but knew nothing else below the surface.

“In a way, but on a grander scale of course. All of these tests were conducted before your command, so this data is out of date unfortunately as we never really questioned it beyond the initial tests. This recent influx of cold cases has the medical wing worried it could become an outbreak if we don’t figure something out; the current proposal by Medical Atlas is to begin a city wide vaccination effort to control its introduction, yet the cost and requirements to undertake such an effort will be strenuous as it is time consuming.”

“And how long do you think something like this might take to prepare?” Shifting Winds asked, the growing concern becoming evident as my own thoughts were starting to grow wild with possibilities.

“If we use the Crystal Guard, and everything goes well coordinating with Equestria we could begin by Hearths Warming.”

“Another four months? Isn’t there a way we could speed this up?” The older pegasus asked, understanding the gravity of a possible cold outbreak meant for the population of Crystal Ponies that haven’t experienced modern illnesses.

“If everything goes well, and Equestria puts everything into the production of the vaccines we could maybe shave a month off.” Paper grimly stated.

“And that’s excluding the understanding most of the Crystal Guard is composed of Crystal Ponies meaning either they receive the first dose, or we request a full legion to help with the operations.” I added, and noted how their emotions were a little more subdued.

Shifting Winds was the first of the two to speak.

“If the common cold was such a threat before, then how come it didn’t spread the moment we set hoof into the empire? One would think after nearly three years of established contact we would have experienced something like this sooner?”

“We don’t have much to work off Sergeant, we believe the constant traffic entering and leaving the Empire somehow not only brought the pathogen, but suppressed it. We were only made aware of this when several Crystal Ponies came in with the snuffles. A few tests revealed the ponies had been carrying the virus for an undetermined amount of time.”

“Celestia, and Luna. The whole population could be infected!”

“Exactly!” Paper Weight jabbed her hoof toward Shifting Winds. “It's why we need to act fast on the possibility this is true right now, wait until we get our flanks slapped!”

“What should I tell them?” The venerable pegasus asked me, but Paper Weight was the one to answer.

“Tell them a partial truth. The new scheduling will be practice in the chance ponypower is strained further than current levels. Maybe introduce the idea you’re trying to create the first squads that will become the future detachments or something? Whatever you do, don’t tell them about this meeting until we’re all in agreement. If a guard gets sick, treat it with urgency. I’ll tell them something if they ask.”

What choice did I have? Why do ponies do things the way they do? Is it because of Harmony guiding them, or an inert instinct to perform for the greater good? These were some of the questions I couldn’t answer back then, and even in my older age can only spare a good guess. Of everything, the one concern I could truthfully stand behind was no creature would want to see their own suffer more than was necessary to survive, and that went for exiles like myself trying to adapt to pony society.

Shifting Winds and myself shared a look, and while our own thoughts on the matter were skewed to taking different actions, the moment our eyes met we both knew the longer we wait the more trouble we’ll be in. He nodded.

“Take whatever measures you deem necessary Paper Weight. I will draft a Letter of Appeal to Princess Celestia and Princess Luna seeking their council and aid on this matter. If you need my notoriety, inform me immediately. Shifting Winds?”

“Yes Colonel?”

“We should start thinning out the guard patrols to lessen their exposure to the general populace. I don’t know how we’ll do it, but we need to keep them healthy for as long as possible until the first batch of vaccines arrives.”

Chapter 28 Part 2: ...Order demands action.

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Two days had passed since the second Council Meeting, and much of that conversation still occupied my thoughts with no indication of ceasing.

This distraction has been a burden even when my duties for the day seemed over, and Topaz has noticed this, but says nothing knowing I would confide with her if I could. While unable to ask directly because of the requirements of my duties, Topaz has shifted her stance to show her understanding in another way- snoot boops. One or two of these physical interactions followed by the two of us cuddling (when Cersus isn’t around) in some capacity, has done wonders for my mental stability. Words alone can’t express my gratefulness for the mare I love.

Even after nearly three years in the Crystal Empire, I find it hard to say those words aloud without some strain on my part- lingering effects of the weakened orders. Still, I find ways around to express my love for her without having to say it all too often, but this has created a sort of mysticism around the moments I do say those three words, so in a way it somewhat balances out. Not enough in my opinion, but enough for now.

It was during the very early morning hours of day three when Topaz and myself were sharply awoken with a flurry of heavy knocks upon our chamber’s door.

Between Topaz’s snoring, my wandering mind, and the knocking on the door there wasn’t any chance I would greet Luna tonight. The rapping came once more in pairs, but still gave no clue to the reason there was some creature knocking this early; I was getting older, and that never bothered me until this very moment as I struggled to peel myself away from Topaz’s iron grip. Since becoming the head of her department, Topaz has been required to be on campus fairly early leaving me alone when I wake, so to have the roles reversed left me appreciative of my ability to sleep in. I tried lifting myself up, but her grip would tighten around my neck in an effort to drag me back next to her where the snoring would affect my hearing even more.

The knocking came once more, and this time I didn’t really care if what I did next woke Topaz up.

“Enter.” I tried saying loud enough to not visibly scream, and was thankful Cersus decided to spend the night in Flurry’s room again.

The knocking stopped, and was quickly followed by a lull of sound where I could faintly hear the door handles being messed with before the loud click of the bolts echoed across my room. Another lull, and then the screeching of enchanted wood being forced to open slowly enough to hurt one's ears. The large and (often) imposing figure of the stallion I knew as Unstoppable Force peered wearily into the room, looked quickly around, presumably trying to find me- I coughed, and he tensed up. He was about to speak, but jumped to attention by Topaz’s sudden interjection. The loud, almost obnoxious, stifling inhaling of air hurt my ears while doing its job to drown out all other sound in the room- the guard looked at me, and nodded.

“Sir?” It was almost a question, and thankfully instead of waiting for another response he continued. “Their highnesses are nearing the station, and should be here within the hour.”

“Highnesses? Do you mean Cadence and Shining Armor, or Princess Luna, and Princess Celestia?”

“Princess Cadence and Prince Shining Armor, sir. We received the dragon fire telegram a little over 20 minutes ago- we were having trouble verifying its authenticity because the Royal Seal had been damaged. It took a response from us to confirm their identity, and act accordingly.”

“Order, and Harmony. Alright guardstallion, alert Shifting Winds of the situation, and inform him to gather an emergency detachment for escort duty. I’ll be down shortly in full dress.”

The stallion to his credit wasted no time acting upon my orders, and after a salute, he turned on his heels, and closed the door on his way out. This left me still stranded, and unsure how I would pry Topaz off…

“Is he gone?”

“That he is.” I answered reflectively before feeling Topaz’s grip pulling me closer to her, where she leaned up just enough for our muzzles to touch.

“Good! Let’s go greet our friends.” She declared by releasing me, and rolling off the bed with an audible click of her hooves touching the crystal floor. “We don’t have much time, so hurry up dear.”

“In a moment…” I muttered as I carefully began popping my joins, and checking my hearing to confirm the ringing was going away. “...were you awake for long?”

“The moment you started moving.” She answered while turning on the enchanted blue light that hung next to her vanity, already reaching for her comb and the eyeliner she’d become attached to using. “You haven’t been getting much sleep the past couple of nights, and I could feel you trembling slightly... No. Don’t think I didn't notice.”

“Trembling you say? I haven’t really noticed.” I finished realigning my joints, and carapaces underneath my disguise. Even after my reveal, and possibility most of the guard knows my secret, I still can’t come to terms walking in the open like that, and so continue to wear the unicorn guise even in my sleep.

I rolled myself off the bed with less grace as Topaz, yet still managed to land on four hooves with a louder thump. With Topaz applying her eyeliner first, it meant I would have time to get my Uniform Dress on by the time she finishes combing her mane…

“You only did it when I got up in the morning…” Her voice was a little softer this time. Coupled with her emotions on full display it wasn’t hard to figure out that I wasn't the only one with a weighted mind.

“I’m unsure if I can even speak of the matter, and it's this matter I’ll be speaking to Shining Armor about in the upcoming days. If permission is given, I’ll tell you immediately what plagues my mind.” I told her as I opened the hutch that stored our formal, and grabbed the bag that held the uniform in it.

“I’ll hold you to that.”

With an agreement in place, we managed to finish our preparations fairly quickly after that with Topaz opting to only wear her ladybug brooch to speed things along. I myself should have followed her example, yet felt compelled by the nature of my (temporary) position to keep a certain appearance at all times…

“Should we wake Cersus and Flurry Heart?” I asked while Topaz was patting out the imperfections of the uniform’s coat. She flattened one particular loose spot before looking me in the eyes.

“Celestia no. Cersus wouldn't be too bad, but Flurry Heart would be another problem all together. Besides, she’ll notice her favorite big sister..there! You look good Idol.”

“You’re not saying that because you found my bit pouch?”

“HA! If that was the only case, I would have pushed for that Officer Friendly comic much earlier than the end of this year.”

“Wait. Wait. What comic?” We were already leaving our room, so we can link up with Shifting Winds on the sixth floor. Topaz and I were trotting faster than normal so we could hopefully make it time to meet with Cadence and Shining at the train station.

“Officer Friendly printed media. Dedicated Comics proposed starting a comic line featuring the entire Officer Friendly family with backstories and villains! It sounded neat so I told them to go for it.”

“Why didn’t you inform me of this? You know I find Marevell’s Comics more entertaining…”

Honestly, this irritated me for reasons greater than it should have, but the best usage of words I could put forth would be admitting it ruffled my carapace some.

"Marevell has better quality, and it is good for them to add more wholesome content like Officer Friendly. The injection of a strong role model with an equally great supporting cast that come together to overcome the adversity of disharmony, and unlawfulness would sell better." I retorted, almost feeling superior in my knowledge of the printed color magazines. This didn’t stop the smug pegasus from defending her poor choice.

"Dedicated is more wholesome, it fits the brand better. Besides they already have the MareDoWell brand, and I figured they needed somepony on the opposite spectrum when it comes to crime fighting; a supposed mare that became jaded with the slow justice process, while the League of Friendly is the living incarnate of that system? The choice was simple."

“Marevell isn’t only about the spears, and boots genre Topaz. Their creativity is unmatched, and will handle the property better than the constant rehashing Dedicated Comics does.”

“Oh my, somebug is getting a little feisty, and the screeching bird pony from past nights isn’t to blame either…”

“Stop it.” I half heartedly commanded while trying not to recall the times she would prance around screeching about ‘looking for something to eat’. “We’re not talking about that.”

Her cackling told me she wouldn’t press the issue, and for the moment decided to drop the Officer Friendly talk all together to save myself further embarrassment.

We soon reached the intersection of the floor, and after issuing a new command to the guards on duty continued toward the stairs with a greater speed than usually allowed for most creatures- we made the game of ‘leap frogging’ look safe by comparison. Questionable practices aside, Topaz and I were greeted on the sixth floor by Shifting Winds and his gathered escort of nearly 8 other individuals in mostly accepted Crystal Guard attire.

“Colonel Hooves. Lady Topaz. Your timing is impeccable once again. The escort has been gathered as ordered, and we await your command.” The older pegasus relayed this as the near dozen of us proceeded down the stairs toward the ground floor.

“Their highnesses Princess Cadence, and Prince Shining Armor are due to arrive within the hour.’ That admittance earned some glances among the gathered detail, and to their credit managed to keep quiet showing the older pegasus knew exactly who to pick for this assignment. “We’ll proceed by hoof to avoid causing a commotion if we can help it, and unfortunately that means no carriage this time. The few ponies still up will still talk, but not to any noticeable extent.”

We reached the ground floor with little trouble, and the few night patrols we encountered were quick to alter their route allowing us to proceed uninterrupted.

Our first real test occurred the moment we passed through the large castle doors that separated the castle proper from the little plaza, just under its supporting arches where the Crystal Heart hovered nearly two ponies tall in the air- the guard detail was alert. They stood a little straighter when our group made our presence fully known, and the crystal pony family of two adults, and one foal barely able to walk on its own watched us with differing reactions; the parents were quick to offer a small bow with their ears pointed up, and tails trying not to twitch from nervousness while the foal watched with great interest from his harness. Topaz noticed its interest in us and offered a friendly wave with her good wing, while mouthing what I assumed was ‘hello’, and watched as the foal opened its mouth trying to mimic the action.

Its parents missed the interaction as they were still bowing, and the sun had yet to peak over the mountains that surrounded the valley that sheltered the city. The surprise encounter with the family affected Topaz’s mood more than my own, and the radiance flowing off her was enticing enough that I had to casually lean in to sample some of it; Topaz noticed fairly quickly and moved next to me enough for our shoulders to continuously rub together. This allowed myself the chance to have a filling snack while appearing we were (future) husband and wife walking side by side.

The Crystal Empire lost much of its infrastructure during Sombra’s brief, but terrible reign leaving the city nearly feeling like a bunch of houses built next to each other. The work has progressed fairly reasonably since Cadence and Shining’s reign, and with the exclusion of the residential buildings still being built on the outer limits of the city, the main hub was finished. Hanging from lines of wire stretching from the castle down all the main paths (including the one toward the station) were dozens of these magically infused lamps that emitted a constant blue glow that, while similar to the expensive blue candles I used now and then, were dim enough to light the path before us without blinding us.

These lights took some adjustment, but the general populace and myself included seemed to adapt fairly quickly to the strange lights to the point whenever they come on, most families use it as a way to track time- more often to signal their foals to come home.

Besides the small family observing the Crystal Heart, we encountered no other ponies, leaving our trek to the train station quiet, and unimpactful. There was one train currently in the station meaning the second track dedicated to outbound passengers hadn’t left the previous day as was customary. This could mean one of two things:

First, the Crystal Empire either managed to retain enough visitors to delay the train’s departure, or, second, was purposely withheld because of their highnesses’ impending arrival.

“Shifting Winds. Why is the train still in the station? Shouldn’t it have departed the previous evening?”

“Normally so sir, but I can’t say why it didn’t depart without giving you my own guesses.” The ashen gray pegasus admitted before looking around the plaza. “ We should establish a small perimeter around the station until their arrival.”

“Fair point. It would keep us mostly out of sight long enough to keep a possible crowd from gathering. Odds are we’ll get at least one small herd loitering around the plaza…”

I hate being right sometimes, for no sooner had I made the comment did we hear the clipping of hooves approaching us. Our heads turned around, and to my horror discovered the large outline of Unstoppable Force approaching with two sets of glowing eyes resting upon his back, and my hearts stopped for a moment. The others were put on edge by his intimidating shape until Topaz, thank Celestia for her ability to always understand the situation blurted out Cersus’s public name.

“Redshock! What are you doing!?” She yelled as she swiftly trotted passed us toward the lumbering behemoth of a unicorn. One set of those shining eyes blinked, as the buzzing of her little wings alerted most among us to the identity of the two sets of eyes- the ‘Royal Sisters’, as they’ve become known by.

“You left us behind Mom! If it weren’t for Flurry hearing ya, we wouldn’t have noticed!”

“FLURRY!?”

“Indeed, my lady. The pair sought me not long ago worried something had happened to you, and in spite of my assurances you were fine. It's hard to argue with the princesses.” Unstoppable informed us as the blue tinted light of the lamps above made it difficult to distinguish where the shadow, and his body met.

“You had your orders Unstoppable Force. Even if the circumstances aren’t threatening, this isn't something I can easily overlook even if it was an order from the princesses.” I noted how Shifting said the word princesses, yet couldn’t fault his logic as my second in command.

“The punishment shouldn’t be too severe. While the Crystal Guard needs ponies capable of thinking for themselves, when it comes to dealing with the heiress we can’t take chances. We can't plan for every threat unless they either make themselves known, or we spend the next year coming up with these threats.”

“And Flurry shouldn’t be up this late anyway.” Topaz added as she swiftly moved next to the towering figure of Unstoppable, waiting for him to relinquish the two fillies. He stood there for a moment until Topaz’s good wing shot towards him did he get the idea, and using his delicate magic lifted the young heiress into the waiting wing.

Flurry Heart accepted the magical aura around her recognizing it as friendly, but started whimpering, and fidgeting when she noticed she was being given away. Cersus for her part looked to the giant hybrid for confirmation, and after getting a nod from the stallion did she slip off his back so she could glide onto the cobblestone street. The young alicorn was putting up a fight until Topaz began humming Flurry’s favorite song, a mixture of her foalhood song, and the one all changelings first hear after hatching. A strange combination, but oddly satisfying to hear being hummed so openly…

“Your family has some strange customs sir.”

I looked over to Shifting Winds, as he (and everypony else) watched Topaz’s daring performance trying to prevent another magical surge by the godly foal. Her humming in tandem with the gentle rocking of her wing seemed enough to keep the powerful Flurry Heart content for the moment.

“I mean no ill of the heiress, you know that Idol, but I can’t help fearing all of that potential.” The ashen pegasus admitted as we watched the alicorn foal giggling from the attention, and even I felt a tremor of fear knowing there was a greater intelligence behind those eyes.

“You’re trepidations aren’t entirely misplaced Shifting Winds as long as we remember Flurry Heart is still a foal…”

“She’s not so terrible when you get use to her.” Cersus interject. Shifting Winds and myself both looked down, and could already tell her coloring was off enough to cast some doubt, meaning I’ll have to remind her to check her disguise later.

“Wasn't Flurry Heart the one who turned you into a lizard?’ I asked. Cersus appeared flustered by the question prior to falling onto her flanks with her forelegs crossed.

“I got better didn’t I?”

“That was after we tricked you with that heated rock.”

"I was a salamander, and it felt nice to sleep on it! " Cersus tried defending her actions with little success.

"I think you were more of a new-"

"Does it really matter? We still managed to trick her with a magic hot rock." Shifting Winds added, clearly recalling the chase with some fondness.

"She kept it, you know. On colder nights she’ll bring it out…"

"... it's a nice rock! "

Shifting Winds chuckled, remembering the incident more fondly now.

“Aye, I remember having to take most of the rookies at the time to scour the undeveloped lands to find that stone too. You didn’t want anything other than perfection, in fact I think most of the guards here were involved with the search.”

He looked back to the guards that had been listening to our conversation who quickly averted their ears and eyes trying to feign ignorance- Cersus sulked a little more.

“You’re just saying that to embarrass me!”

“I was one of the guards trying to capture you.” One of the guards challenged Cersus, earning the nymph’s ire.

“Prove it! I don’t even remember seeing you before this morning.”

“I was the one you bit, princess.” Cersus’s confidence evaporated while the rest of the escort began asking the stallion questions with most to see the scar. Shifting Winds chuckled as I moved forward to pat the nymph along her back.

“You were a very big lizard during the incident, Redshock. A little bigger and we would have been less willing to seek your capture.”

“It’s not funny…”

“Of course it wasn’t. You were a lizard the size of a yearling running on all four hooves hissing at everypony. Very few would find the circumstances amusing.”

“If it's consolation, Lady Redshock, your misadventure has started a tradition of sorts with the guards where they gather some of the rookies to go ‘monster hunting’. They even get one dressed up to play the ‘monster’ while the rest try to capture him. Your story will likely be passed down for many years to come.”

“I better get candy or something from this…”

The train was nearly 2 hours late, and our entire reason for waiting in the early morning was to avoid drawing a crowd. Looking around the plaza only reminded me how quickly that plan fell apart. Either a pony saw us in passing or the family observing the Crystal Heart alerted their neighbors of the curious sight I don’t know. What I do know is there will be no quiet reception for friends this morning.

“Sgt. Winds, the crowd is starting to get curious, and are advancing.”

“Colonel! A herd just appeared over the horizon with foals in tow! We don’t have any snacks or drinks to give them, what are we going to do?”

“Cersus, please! You can’t keep doing this as a Foal of the Heart!”

“Sister is funny! Look other dad, and see how other mother…”

I blinked, and looked down at the wide awake, giggling Flurry Heart trying to stand while pointing at Topaz and Cersus.; the heiress kept up her pointing and giggling as she marveled at the activity happening all around us. I did my best to keep her from flying off, and thank Harmony and Order she appeared content with merely watching the crowd. This left me mostly standing on the train platform while the other guards tried to keep the curious ponies at bay. Shifting Winds took most of this burden onto himself and quickly moved from end to end making sure the detachment was still focused on their duty- Unstoppable Force was an exception. While not originally a part of the detachment, he was quickly integrated into the operation, and promptly given the task to stand guard by the entrance to the platform using his exotic coat color and massive size to startle most ponies into rethinking their actions.

Only a few of the gathered(and growing) crowd were scheduled to use the train, and were allowed to remain fairly close in order to quickly board the train- after their highnesses disembark of course.

Celestia’s sun had already surpassed the tallest mountain peak when somepony began shouting that the train was approaching, and this was soon followed by the faintest noise that somewhat sounded like a train whistle. Most of the guards, myself included, couldn’t accurately say if the train was approaching, but nonetheless decided to prepare on the chance the information was accurate.

While the detachment at Shifting Wind’s instruction took on a more professional formation, I was standing on the platform nearest the track where I assumed Cadence and Shining Armor would be when the train stops. Topaz by now managed to get Cersus under control with the filly looking more or less unbothered by the matter, and taking a seat next to the excited heiress.

“I really hope it's them, and not another false flag. Cersus is a hoofful, and I don’t understand where it came from all of a sudden.”

“Banners excluded, I agree with you. The crowd is becoming too large for me to properly process their emotions, and no. That doesn’t mean I’m advancing my career in life.” I added before the nymph could properly levy a jab at my age.

Topaz’s own emotions were an odd combination that leaned closer to trepidation, but for what reason I don’t know. The four of us claimed this spot for the duration of the wait with Shifting Winds joining us by the time the train loudly announced its arrival- the crowd rejoiced.

Spurred on by this activity, the gathered crowd began releasing their pent up energy by a combination of joyous proclamations to their highnesses, the Crystal Heart, Flurry Heart, or whatever reasoning they could latch onto to participate in the impromptu gathering. The noise surprisingly didn’t bother the young heiress who happily clapped her hooves together trying to match the crowd’s energy. I turned to Topaz to say something, but the train decided to announce its arrival with one last release of the whistle, ending all conversation as the brakes clamped the sides of its iron wheels. The shrill screeching of their entrapment was the signal for the guards to safely move back to allow the iron beast room to deposit its passengers…

“TAKE POSITIONS! HURRY IT UP!” Shifting sounded off just as the train came to a final stop in a large explosion of steam.

While the guards were busy readjusting their formation, I quickly snatched the young Flurry Heart as her unnaturally large wings puffed open, presumably startled from the large steam cloud when one of the passenger doors opened. From the passenger car stepped out a portly pony with a noticeably large belly and thick limbs needed to support the additional weight; his bright red coat clashing against the purple passenger car as he looked around the platform with an equally out of place smile upon his sagging face.

“Greetings everypony! It’s so nice to be here in the pony after hearing so much about this place.” The stallion announced, almost laughing the words out. He took one step off the train car, giving the strained transport a chance to stretch after the strenuous journey, and casually walked over to the five of us with a pep in his trot that mimicked a foal having a good day.

“Greetings Mister…” I stuck out my hoof, and almost retracted the appendage when his iron grip seized it.

“Joyous Dowels! Mister was my father, Joyouex Noel, he was a woodcarver from the old country.”

“Dowels! As in the owner of Dowels’ Adventure and Mystery Wonderland?” Topaz moved forward with Cersus walking between her forehooves, just under her barrel. A habit she’d all but stopped until now it seems. The stallion smiled.

“That’s right! I’m here to help with the setup since I’m the biggest sponsor for the games.” His voice practically echoed with a laughter that contributed to the stallion’s over joyous nature.

“Games?” Cersus asked while peeking out enough to look up.

“That’s right kido. The Games. The biggest family event of the year, and I get to help!” Joyous Dowels proclaimed.

“The games?” Shifting Winds repeated, mostly to himself as he.

“The Equestrian Games.” The sweet, but richly voice of Princess Cadance clarified as she exited the passenger car with Shining Armor right behind her.

“ATTENTION!” The guards snapped their hooves together after remembering they were there because of duty, and not to eavesdrop on ponies.

Following the guards' proclamation, the gathered crowd of spectators all dropped to the floor with their head pressed to the ground, leaving Flurry’s shrill the only noise around.

“Sweetie!” Cadence cried as the foal ripped herself from my hooves and in a single bound jumped into her mother’s waiting hooves. Shining took the opportunity to give his daughter a quick nuzzle before giving Cadance and her some time together, and approached us.

“Joyous Dowels, these are the ponies we’ve been telling you about, with the addition of Sergeant Shifting Winds.” Shining pointed us out to the well fed pegasus, who shook each of our hooves this time.

“A pleasure! I’ve never been to this city before, yet I can’t walk from my office to the bakery without seeing photos, or hearing of it. Truly a marvelous place of any kind!” The stallion rattled on with that foalish wander from earlier, leaving myself to believe it not be an act at all.

“When we sent word of arrival, we didn’t expect a welcoming party.” Shining noted as he gestured to the bowing crowd. “YOU MAY RISE! WE THANK YOU!”

The crowd was slow to react, but quickly found their hooves once Cadance and Flurry Heart made their public appearance. The numerous ponies began stomping their hooves and shouting their praises for the royal family forcing the family to show their appreciation by smiling and waving to the crowd- that left us with the portly pegasus.

“The Equestrian games…” I muttered.

“That’s right! I’m so thrilled to be a part of it, and not because of its notoriety. It is the biggest competition in the entire world with constants from every race trying their luck against the best of the best. So much fun!” Joyous once more let his happiness shine through, but Topaz wasn’t oblivious to my lackluster enthusiasm.

Shifting Winds and myself turned to each other, and after an unspoken word agreed I should ask the question.

“Joyous Dowels, have their highnesses shared any concerns with you about hosting the games here?” I didn’t even need to look at Topaz to feel her unease when I asked that question, and my guess is she already knew it was related to my recent mood. The stallion in question looked perplexed.

“Only that they don’t have the infrastructure, and materials to complete a proper arena for the games, which is where I come in. As the premier entertainment expert, I have the resources and connections needed to help get us moving...”

The stallion for all of his flamboyance understood there was more to the question, especially when Shifting and myself shared another look, and then casted one toward the still waving couple. Topaz jabbed my side with her good wing, and I reacted accordingly with a small nip to her ear. Cersus understood what was happening, and found the courage to leave Topaz’s embrace, and instead of going to Cadance and Shining Armor, walked toward Unstoppable Force. I was a little surprised, but not too much given how much she likes the stallion.

“This should be further discussed in private with their highnesses- all of us.”

The mood was less joyous after that as the four of us stood there waiting for the royal family to either tire themselves with all the waving and smiles, or the crowd to realize they spent most of the morning ignoring their chores.

Either one could happen at this rate.

It was the train conductor that eventually ended their stalemate when he finally arrived to start his shift, and shooed everypony away (including the Royal Family and their guards) leaving only the ponies departing that morning. Joyous Dowels was given a room on the guess floor (floor 8) while the detachment was given the rest of the day off with the understanding they’ll partake in the night rotation; this left the three of us in the room we’ve been using as our makeshift meeting room for the past three months. Cadence, and Topaz had taken the fillies elsewhere to catch up while Head Nurse Paper Weight joined shortly after with her assistant in tow.

The older mare sat comfortably at the far right of the combined tables watching her assistant/protégé set up the portable screen in front of the newly built (with different parts) screen projector that used crystals to reflect the light. The young unicorn known as Medical Atlus appeared stumped by the strange contraption we’ve been blessed with, leaving the poor colt struggling to properly align the crystals based on the written instructions- even those seemed questionable.

The three of us decided to finally tell Shining about the potential disaster awaiting us as we waited for Medical Atlus to finish setting up the new projector. The one we’d assumed they were already aware of while in Equestria…

“A cold outbreak? Like the common cold, and not a snowstorm?” Shining asked with an appropriate level of skepticism. He was looking between Shifting Winds and myself for signs to prove his growing fears wrong, but when he couldn’t find anything, turned to the good nurse.

She shrugged and pointed toward myself.

“It’s true, your highness. The recent influx of illness in the Empire during your departure was enough to warrant some testing- The Crystal Heart is mostly a guess. It serves as the Empire's shield against the elements, so I see no reason it can’t do the same with illnesses to a lesser extent.” I began by recounting what the three of us discussed last session.

“Then why now?” Shining hissed, trying to keep his temper under control.

“We’re not native. Our immune systems are stronger than theirs, and so are the illnesses of our time than those of the past.” Paper Weight offered a lazy hoof toward Shifting Winds, who was taken back by the sudden call. Just for a second.

“Since the Empire’s return and the establishment of your rule, many ponies and creatures not native to Equestria have crossed its borders, bringing who knows what with them. Paper Weight believes the vaccinations we use are contributing to this crisis since they require a small injection of the virus for our bodies to adapt…”

“Meaning we’re actively carrying foreign diseases among a populace that has no exposure to it?” The three of us nodded, and Shining Armor slumped back into his seat. “Then how are we only now learning about this, and not sooner?”

“The best explanation we have is that the Crystal Heart has supported the populace to some extent, but not enough to completely prevent a pony from becoming sick. In short, the barrier kicked the rock so far down the road that we’re about to drop off the cliff.” I added, much to Shining’s dismay.

I looked toward the green coated unicorn that based on his emotions was desperately trying not to throw the crystals across the room. I was about to signal the unicorn’s frustration when Paper Weight tapped the side of the machine to be rewarded with a loud humming.

“Ya forgot to turn the switch on dear. Besides that, you were a natural.” Her apprentice did his best to appear unbothered by the mistake as he began to replace the crystals.

“I was only making some calibrations…” He half-heartily muttered.

Once the crystals were in place, the machine admitted a bright light that was shot between the crystals, and further split apart before re-converging with the large glass lens that acted as the covering to the crystals. Once the light made contact with the lens, it suddenly shot up to the little contraption that dangled above it, into a smaller lens that was slightly angled to redirect the light to another lens pointing away. Medical Atlus adjusted this device and suddenly the report appeared on the screen across from us, and after more adjustments the blur was removed leaving a clear representation of our report.

The five of us were watching the screen that displayed our report, when Paper Weight raised her hoof, and casted a shadow of her appendage over it, covering up some of the words.

“This could be fun.” She commented before dropping her hoof. “Medical Atlus, explained to his highness and gathered counselors what this image represents.”

“Yes ma’am.” The unicorn said without missing a beat. “This report was drafted in compliance with the Equestrian Practices for Intact Character, or EPIC for short. The gathered data is mostly incomplete given the constraints placed upon myself, yet it will serve well enough as an hypothetical. ”

“Very good, Atlus. If I may…” Paper Weight got up from her chair with little effort (ignoring the loud popping of her rear knees) while approaching the image on the wall to the right. “...this study, if you could call it that, was conducted during the routine health checks of our guards and the few times a week we set up a clinic in the different districts per month. “

Paper motioned for her assistant to continue, and did so without hesitation.

“The data was almost harmonic in nature with nearly every test result coming back within mere single digits of each other. We concluded the results might be the direct result of the Crystal Heart, and for the first two years everything appeared that way… until the Crystalling.”

“What about the Crystalling?” Shining asked too harshly as he leaned forward to adopt his ‘I’m listening pose’. I tried to intervene but he waved me off as his focus was solely on the unicorn to his left.

Paper Weight as well took a step forward, but was waved off by her assistant as well.

“We think when the heart was destroyed the first time, it might have reset everything. The first heart had been around since the Empire’s original founding, while this one is barely 7 months old. In other words, this heart isn’t strong enough to offer the same protections as the first one.” Paper Weight added.

To be fair, I hadn’t even considered that as a possibility nor did I even wonder if it could be assuming the Crystal Heart had been reforged, and picked up where it left off. Looking around the table, I noticed my companions felt the same way with the older pegasus looking paler while Shining Armor did his best not to slam his hooves on the table. Even being a part of last week’s meeting hadn’t prepared me for this theory, leaving me to wonder if our esteemed Head Nurse knew more than she had revealed so far. I couldn’t confirm this of course, but the odd feelings Cersus and myself had felt in her presence were more than magic affecting us, that much I was sure of. Still, for the sake of the Empire, I vowed to keep my concerns hidden to avoid splitting our efforts dealing with this potential cold outbreak.

While I was internally monologuing, the rest of counsel had moved into discussing the plan we’d form during our last meeting with a great emphasis on Equestrian aid. It was around this time I rejoined the discussion with the idea of possibly continuing with the construction of the Empire’s new arena and supporting infrastructure to avoid rising concerns.

“We could even suggest all visiting creatures helping with the construction get their shots updated?” Shifting Winds added, already understanding why I’d made the suggestion. “ We could come up with a reasoning later, and slowly offer these shots at our local clinics over time.”

“It’s a sound idea, Shifting Winds, but these Crystal Ponies have hides coated with crystal-like properties that make traditional needles nearly ineffective. We would have to offer the medicine another way if this plan is to have a chance.”

“What if we inject the medicine into their food?” Medical Atlust offered, but was quickly turned down by Shining Armor.

“No way. I won’t be tampering with my city’s food supply. If we start there, then what else will we do for the ‘common good’?”

“Saving their lives for starters.” Paper Weight threw in, earning her the ire of his highness, and ill will from Shifting Winds. Not even her incredible skills, and signs of increased aging would be enough to prevent an early dismissal if she kept it up. Yet, displaying his right to rule, Shining didn’t expel the mare for overstepping her authority…

“NO.” He growled the word, and ended that debate from continuing any further.

By some outside force, either Harmonious in design, or a construct of a yet to be identified grand plan, our meeting ended with a loud pop. The projector was catapulted off the table’s end, and fell at the hooves of its unicorn operator as the mature mare with a career ending wish was blown off her hooves with enough force to gain approximately 3 seconds of air time. The rest of us sitting down fared better but struggled to remain standing during the initial blast wave.

The blast wave wasn’t the only danger we were forced to endure, for a large, radiant pink light assaulted my eyes, and other senses to uncomfortable levels of alertness. During this brief moment I was both blinded and overwhelmed, but not deaf…

“I’M GOING TO BE A BRIDESMAID!”

I knew that voice- Princess Cadance. Her appearance and statement momentarily intrigued me, until I remembered only a single changeling and pony couple that had recently become engaged. It took a great strength to overcome the burning of my eyes, but found the answer I sought from the (by comparison) muted voice of Topaz.

“Uh..I mean not yet?”

I wanted to hide, but the large outpouring of love coming from the Princess of Love left me scared to even move else her attention gets directed towards me. My saving grace this time came from Shining Armor who was swiftly targeted by the love saturated princess.

“WE HAVE SO MUCH TO DO DEAR!” I covered my ears this time, but it was in vain. Suddenly the outpouring of love infused magic hit us once more, and with another loud pop, the royal couple was gone.

With Cadance’s radiant love magic gone, I was able to open my eyes to assess the damage of the room- it was a mess. Shining Armor was missing, meaning he’d been abducted during the princess’s retreat while leaving the rest of us behind to pick up the mess. Medical Atlus was already up, but was hovering over the now broken crystal projector that had been on loan to us; Shifting Winds and myself had weathered the storm nearly unscathed, and that could be credited to our years in service to the princesses.

Paper Weight was still on the floor groaning, unmoving, but breathing. I turned to the spot where the princess had been looking for a certain mare, and found her disheveled mane and misplaced feathers the only apparent ‘damage’ easing my hearts. Topaz was looking off into the distance (a saying in the guard) before hearing me calling out to her, this broke the spell allowing her to look me in the eyes. She raised her hoof with the golden band.

“Cadance found out.. hehe.”

“Colonel, sir? Perhaps we should provide hearing aids and safety glasses as well?” Medical Atlus snorted as he tried collecting the pieces of the broken machine. A groan brought the four of us to look toward the still downed earth mare as she laid still.

“Add a chiropractor or two to that list will you? That blast locked my shoulder up, and I need some good hooves to get this unlocked.”

Chapter 29:Prepare for Trouble, for the Fun as been Doubled.

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To her rightful highness of the Moon and Stars: Co-Ruler of Equestria Proper who rules from the Night Throne of Canterlot, Lord Mistress of the Threstal Race, The Mare that literally shaped the Moon, Tyrant Slayer of the One that Drank from the Red Seas, and Mother of the Hippogriff race.

As your once former caretaker, and subordinate, I write only now upon the understanding of a great catastrophe approaching the land I’ve come to call home- a viral outbreak of the cold kind.

To our assumption (mine included), the Crystal Council believed their Highness Princess Cadance, and Prince-Consort Shining Armor were on a diplomatic mission to Equestria to petition your industrial might with the help of manufacturing enough of the cures. Unfortunately, this wasn’t the case. Tell Twilight Princess Twilight I wish her and Equestria good luck with her seat of governance.

Under Prince-Consort Shining Armor’s leadership, the Crystal Council is actively trying to advise a plan that will keep the population mostly un-alerted to any potential harm. Our efforts have been minimal, yet lay enough of a groundwork in which to proceed from until we can put forth a definitive motion. By their request, and partly my own desire to write to you myself, I scribe this letter seeking your wisdom, and possible assurances to render aid.

I will hold further cluttering this letter until receiving your response,

Colonel Idol Hooves

To the esteemed Colonel Hooves: First of his name, Face of a foal’s toy, Leader of the League of Shadows, Guardian of my sister’s god foal, and my future apprentice.

To start, we wish to apologize for the pile of ash delivered to you. Please be aware of our right as a Princess of Equestria, reserve the right to lie, but as your right bestowed upon you as a close associate, and friend to us I will not- I was furious. We had believed those titles lost and forgotten for all times, yet you continually demonstrate the rare ability to crawl under our figurative skin; how one of your unwillingness to seek adventure, yet draw it to yourself as a flame does to the moth. Most of the titles had been thy marks of a time long before our ascension to the Equestrian Throne of the Everfree. That last title upsets our stomach greatly, and we request you forget that one if you are compelled to keep any; that last one is nothing more than a weak attempt to bind their race to thy blood, and it sullies my clutch’s name. You have a clutch with a fearless griffon, and suddenly we are the talk of many mouths with nothing better to do than suckle for milk.

Trotting forward less we wallow in the past, your words worry us as we were not aware of any illness being spread among the Crystal Populace. Cadence and Shining Armor to our knowledge made no mention of this fact when visiting the young Princess Twilight the past several months. We shall speak to my sister the first chance available, but knowing sister she will want to begin immediately. Celestia is still upset with you Idol.

While We convene over this matter, We request you direct any and all contact with us for the foreseeable future as our sister is being a big filly about your situation, and our involvement with the secret. Words had been exchanged before our trip to the Empire for the Crystalling, and We fear if no cooking (is that how the foals say it?) on our part, Celestia might have been more open to your history. At last, she feels scorn and still requires time to accept this- We were not spared from her anger as well.

We shall inform the young Twilight Sparkle of your best wishes.

Bring of the Night, NOT mother to any race, and your friend,

Princess Luna

To her rightful highness of the Moon and Stars,

I’m both relieved and troubled by the latter letter while the former has been cleaned up. I have informed both of their Highnesses of your response, and they have agreed to channel any questions directly to you until told otherwise. We are cautiously optimistic a plan of action could be implemented before the entirety of the Empire succumbs to the sniffles, yet until then their highness has decided to continue with the preparations for the Equestria Games. The only change being all creatures traveling to the Empire have their Cold Shots up-today, while a little questionable given the Empire’s lax stance, isn’t uncommon when traveling during Hearths Warming Season.

In regards to the latter letter, I am left with many questions that I would like answered, but will respect your desire to remain the mother-like figure of only one race for this time. My next concern is with the wondrous Princess Celestia, and how I unintentionally scorn her:

How should I proceed? Should I step down from my command once the crisis is resolved? Will leaving the country allow Princess Celestia the time needed to collect her thoughts?

Your views are always appreciated.

One last thing, if you should become in contact with the unicorn Lapis Print, inform him I’ve received his schematics for the personal office two days ago. I’ve yet to look over them, but will do so at the earliest convenience. His help was tremendous, and I’m hopeful his plans will allow us to use the lone office without the feelings of being watched, or restless discomfort sweeping over us.

Your Loyal Subject, and Friend,

Colonel Idol Hooves

To the esteemed Colonel Hooves,

BUCK CELESTIA!

We were misled, or gave our sister too much credit when we actively encouraged her to ‘pursue’ you. It was with our understanding it was all a crush, and only wanted her (with permission from your new wife, congratulations) to acquire a single kiss and/or a simple dinner before dropping the matter as we've done in times long ago. Immortality has changed our perception of life, and taught us to act on certain feelings quicker than to leave them open to debt for many decades. It was during one our niece’s first letters about this coming illness, did we learn of Celetsia’s intent.

NEVER WOULD HAVE WE HAE ALLOWED SUCH AN ABUSE OF POWER TO HAPPEN!

You have done nothing wrong, and in fact, are too quick to seek punishment. Toss the notion aside and continue serving with dedication, and keep being the pillar of morality the Empire desperately needs to keep their society from collapsing. As for my sister, she had been thoroughly lashed with enough words to long for those reports she often signs into fruition. Celestia will have time to think about her actions while we are gone.

Which reminds us, we are coming to the Crystal Empire with a small contingent of my Threstal Guard within the week. Cadence has accepted their help, and will deploy them as she deems necessary, yet you will act as their commanding officer, so don’t hesitate to redirect them when needed. We look forward to seeing you, and your family once more under a slightly less disastrous term.

Lapis Print has been informed, and is glad to have been of help. Something to the colt in the Empire, and for the better as I feel the sorrow, and boiling resentment finally fading away. Once again, We are in your debt.

Your Friend,

Luna.

“What about the Changelings living here?”Cersus asked while standing on the edge of the bed Topaz and I claimed two years ago.

She was trying her best to read the letter over my shoulder, no doubt curious if her friend might make an appearance. Current circumstances made the timing less than desirable to host any creature not native, or currently living in the Empire for the time being. This hopefully won’t be permanent, and when things are finally settled I can reach out to Lieutenant Mockingbird, and Lady Nerium to arrange a potential meet up with the young Nighthawk and Cersus.

‘They would enjoy it.’ I thought, but remembered I needed to focus on present matters.

Shifting in my chair so I could give the nymph my attention, yet Cersus held her ground with her eyes almost commanding me to answer. I chalked this up as another sign of her intended future, and didn’t know if I should worry or be proud of her. Never would have I considered the nymph often playing tag in the sewers under Canterlot would mature into a prestigious role as Hive Queen-certainly not this drone.

Until the water rushes under that bridge, there was little a pony could do then to wait for a future so fickle it may never come to fruition. So to avoid wasting my precious time worrying about the future, I began formulating how to respond to Cersus about the Thestrals.

Truthfully, I knew what I didn’t want happening to them, and that was it. Nothing short of outing them in public to keep the Night Guard away would, and that would destroy any goodwill with the Crystal Ponies, and the few Exiles I’m currently aware of. In the end, I told Cersus the simplified truth.

“Luna likely doesn’t know of any changelings save the two of us. I don’t believe Cadance or Shining would reveal this after the fallout of my sudden reveal. I should bring an escort of guards along to meet them at the Train Station, and hopefully explain the situation there, else we’ll have another panic on our hooves.”

“Can I come along? Luna knows of me, right? Then maybe we could…”

“Negative Cersus. The Threstals can find changelings by smell alone, and that’s why I’m worried.”

“Nighthawk and Mothchaser used to say I smelled good, but I never used shampoo? Is that what you mean?”

“Because we remind them of their food, you smell like those bugs Nighthawk often gave you.”

I don’t believe Cersus expect that kind of answer because of the implications associated with it, yet I had to accept she wasn’t the young nymph from four years ago- the solely independent cross colored nymph. Each passing month it was becoming harder to deny the nymph was growing faster then had to start treating her like the proto-queen she was becoming.

Difficult? No. Hard? Yes.

Ever since taking responsibility for the nymph, I’ve been forced to learn more about this life cycle to better provide for Cersus to the best of my abilities. It was this that made watching her e bounce away from the edge of the bed to be closer to the center where Topaz and I slept the hardest; the trembling of Cersus’s chitin told me everything about her current mental state.

“They eat…” She was shaking more this time, and this time promptly left my seat to offer her support alongside the bed. It took a little encouragement to get Cersus to walk towards me, but she managed to overcome her fear and into my waiting hooves.

“Maybe. You know Nighthawk, and Mothchaser, yet they never came off as the ones to eat their friends.”

“They used to say my shampoo smelt nice…” Her trembling was severe enough for the hardened plates to be bang against each other, eliciting an unusually high pitch ringing that slowly thinned out over several seconds. “...I don’t use shampoo, and thought they meant the water in the hideout.”

“Don’t tell Topaz about using sewer water to bathe, or we’ll both be in for a good lecture on hygiene. Are you with me?” I reinforced my questions with a simple tap on her nose, and was rewarded with the nymph shifting her attention to where the hoof had been.

“The water wasn’t too bad. It was enough for ‘Mr. Rattles’. He never needed much water to clean the trash that would get stuck between the bones.” Cersus confessed. “He never talked, but seemed to understand. He was the one that showed me all the hidden openings, and the little hole in the wall that became my hideout.”

“I’d met Mr. Rattles before during an early exploration of Canterlot, and issued him a warning for wandering in a restricted area. I wasn’t experienced with pony society, and assumed him to be a common worker pony.” I chuckled at the folly, and watched as Cersus’s melancholy stature quietly morphed back to her curious self. She looked up from the protective hooves wrapped around her, and nearly made me trip when I experienced something I deemed impossible.

“You issued him a ticket?”

There was always the possibility especially given Cersus sudden, and rapid transformation into a proto-queen, but it never concerned me until this very moment as I looked down into her waiting eyes.

“A hivemind!” It had been too long since I'd communicated, let alone been a part of the Old Hivemind back in the Wastelands, and my exclamation made the nymph recoil in response.

“NOT SO LOUD!” Cersus cried out, and I felt the rigging in my head.

“Sorry little one. It has been too long since I’ve done this. When in Equestria did you learn to do this?”

“This? Only for a few months now, Thorax has been helping me with it. What do ya think?” Cersus tilted her head slightly, and likely unaware she was displaying her head fin. This, and her earlier panic were what kept me from raising my own to challenge the display.

I scooped her up before she knew it, and gave her a tight hug while she protested the affection.

“This parental figure will only display positive emotions of your achievements, while hiding most of its fears. To set the jesting aside young one, I’m unsure how to properly respond given this is another example of your progression into adulthood. Topaz will be both elated and miserable for a few days. As for myself, I’m underprepared for this transition, and will strive to act accordingly.”

“Does this mean I’m grounded?” Cersus asked once she stopped her struggling, and leaned into the hug by burying her snout into the folds of my forelegs. I made no effort to discourage this as I stood up and took a seat on the edge of the bed.

“No. Progression into adulthood can’t be stopped without invoking strong magics, or oaths to powerful creatures of questionable morality. Your development is natural, and only troubling to Topaz and myself because of its future implications- the little nymph under our care may no longer need us.”

I’d expected a flurry of vocalization, or more usage of her new hive mind to follow, but nothing of the sort ever materialized. Instead, I watched as her head fin slowly fell back into place along her neck, as the growing nymph shifted a little more to better bury her muzzle into the nooks of my forelegs; while she didn’t physically say anything, her actions were enough to convey the uncertainty, and sadness of a foal displeased with a particular circumstance. My only true choice was to continue comforting the nymph by rubbing her back with a hoof, and humming the old changeling nursery rhyme.

To me the actions felt underwhelming in the context that more could be done. Despite my fears, Cersus reestablished our connection to the hive mind once more, and allowed me to sense her contentment even if it was mostly overshadowed with doubt. Back in Canterlot, the nymph might have lost control of her emotions because of this impending need to leave our care- not this time.

“You really are maturing, Cersus.” I commented through the connection while humming her favorite tune. “The rules of life demand you leave one day, and seek your own mate in time. This is an unwavering truth. Yet, there is no rule we can’t continue being there for you during those times.”

“You mean it?” I nodded, and gave the nymph another hug.

“Of course I mean it. We do not share a traditional lineage like most ponies you’ve met, and never will. This can’t be changed even with the help of magic, but we’re still a family. Why else would you call Topaz ‘mom’?”

“Of course she told you…”

I didn’t even need the connection of the hive mind to know the nymph was embarrassed. Still, I didn’t linger on it in favor of continuing our conversation.

“Of course, why wouldn’t she? You make her day when you use that parental term- you’ve felt it before.”

“She gets all sappy when introducing me to her class, even if the ponies there already know me.”

“Its natural for a parent to be proud of their progeny Cersus, and you are special to us in more ways than the obvious. Case in point.” I tapped the side of mind meaning the hive mind, she missed this and lifted herself from grasp to look me in the eyes. A trait she’d been doing more often.

“Was that a knock knock joke?” Cersus asked

“Never. It was my way of saying your head is very large, and needs to be if you want to store all of that cleverness.” The moment she spoke severed our connection, and proved a boon by keeping her unaware that this had become a jest of sorts. To her credit, Cersus knew something was off as her narrowing eyes reflected this, yet did nothing.

“I think that’s enough hugging for now.”

She declared while digging herself free from my grip, and hopped onto the bed. To my delight she turned around to look right at me, and said something that would become a permanent memory of mine for many years.

“This adolescence unit requests permission to leave the room to seek enrichment.” Not even Cersus’s rigid tone could hide the smile along her muzzle. Understanding she was feeling better, I went along with the form of communication we did during the first year of our cohabitation.

“This parental unit sees zero reason to deny the request, and agrees on the condition it may join.”

“This nymph unit accepts the condition. Should we visit the other parental unit?”

“Suggestion accepted. Route to parental unit Topaz’s last location identified. Route being planned.” I played along, having fun participating with our old form of communication. The way of communication helped both of us adapt to referring to the other more like a hive drone than as a pony, but Topaz found the act funny.

We kept this routine up on and off for months until Cersus and I were forced to stop when Topaz started receiving complaints from our neighbors when their own foals were mimicking the act. We didn’t completely abandon the routine, but did let it fade as we became more comfortable with our new roles.

Cersus’s smile was brighter. Thoughts of threstals seemingly forgotten as she skipped to the door with me following close behind.

The Crystal Empire was all but vacant today as the unexpected snow storm hit the city with a large flurry of little flurries so pure it made the idea of being amongst them weird. The feeling was strange, and unwelcomed- it made me feel wrong.

This unorthodox crisis only compounded my thoughts as I sat on the bench at the train station waiting for the sole train to arrive. Huddled in my dress coat for warmth while trying to look even less conspicuous than I already did being surrounded by several threstals in hindsight did nothing to pry wandering eyes away- if any could be found. Two of the mysterious tribe I recognized from Canterlot with the rest were new faces trying to refrain from sniffing the air in my general direction, making our close proximity even more awkward. Still, the snow storm was a necessary evil to limit the amount of ponies moving about, and give the thestrals a better environment to work from.

Not to mention the various changelings that have decided to call the Empire their home.

My correspondence with Luna, and Cersus’s question alerted me to a possible mis-step between thestrals and Changelings, and this focus meant the Crystal Ponies’ reaction to seeing so many fanged ponies under Celestia’s sun slipped my attention. I couldn’t alert her highness in time as she’d already departed right after sending the letter stating she would be leaving, thus it fell onto my back to come up with a solution to prevent the pending social disaster…

“Are you cold sir?”

“I am. I never agreed with the frost in Canterlot either, and here even more so. This storm will subside after a few hours, long enough to provide us time for her highness to slip under the flurry of these carved ice flakes.”

“If you’re sure, sir.” The thestral said as he returned to looking out onto the plaza, and beyond the train station. His own fur did little to stay off the cold, yet showed no reaction to it.

Looking around the six thestrals gathered under the roof of the station (The walls were open to allow afternoon breezes), I noted how the senior guards stood vigilant with no signs of discomfort while their newer counterparts fidgeted in place. That was in conjunction with their unwillingness to forget the smell in the air, and had to be reminded when I caught their glances toward me. Surely they’d heard the rumors of the mad unicorn lurking in the dark catacombs with bat winged ponies while partaking in their rancid fruits? Most likely they had, but that was several years ago and time distorts everything if allowed until the memory itself even feels made up.

Seeing their rookie behavior made me glad Cersus relented to join me after learning of the snowstorm. The poor nymph would be miserable waiting out here, let alone terrified to see the thestrals constantly looking our way. I nodded.

“She’s likely still asleep with the heated pot under the mattress…” I sighed with a little envy upon my thoughts as I sat on this bench wrapping the unreasonably thin Guard Jacket for warmth.

“You say something sir?” One of the new thestrals asked off to my right, and the excitement in her words made me recall the times Mothchaser made me feel when we first met- like I was being hunted.

“I was talking to myself, Private Evening Glow. Should anything be amiss, I will swiftly seek your assistance.” The response was nothing more than a polite way to say ‘I’m fine, please don’t bother me’ and they knew it. Thankfully, the mare did and continued her previous duty.

The statement wasn’t meant to be rude, but to keep the thestral focused on her duty then my scent; a lesson that needed to be instilled into them before they could property be introduced to the local exile population in the Crystal Empire. If any of the changelings still want to mingle with the guards after that, then Harmony watch over them. Their safety is a valid concern given their slow integration into the Empire, and one of the main reasons why I’m personally waiting in the impromptu snow storm to greet them. I was on edge from being this close to a thestral after two years of their absence, and miserably waiting in the snow has left me properly grumpy.

“Any sight of their train Corporal Tides?”

“Nothing yet, sir. They left after us, and with the limited tracks running to the Crystal Empire will have to wait for the yard to transfer their train onto the public line if I was to guess. Our detachment saw the yard on the way here before crossing into the Northern Province, and that turn table couldn’t turn fast enough to meet up with the demand.” The stallion commented as he took the opportunity to look my way, before using it to check the rest of his detachment.

“Then this snow storm further hindered the Train Yard’s efforts, correct?” I asked, the stallion turned from his conversation with another of the troop.

“Likely given the lack of preparation, but this line is sparsely traveled more than twice a day so the delay shouldn’t matter too much. Father’s side of the family was the one making repairs on the cars, so I got familiar with the process over time.”

“Forgive my intrusion, but is that why your coloration is more earthly?” I asked, taking the chance to address this curiosity of mine while we waited for the train.

The stallion looked up, and required by their training, the guard he’d been checking on returned to their duty; his eyes shifted to the remaining Night Guards eliciting a silent response from them, for each one’s ears swiveled back toward the snow capped city scape.

“Father nearly got ran out of Fillydelphia when he got bit by my mother, or so they claim. It took many years for both sets of grandfolks to give it a chance, and by then I was already three years old, so it took some time to learn about the trains. Mother and I had it rougher, but it's alright now.”

In a move unbecoming of a guard, especially a Night Guard, Corporal Tides made his way towards the bench and took a seat right next to me, and continued.

“Mom’s side were ashamed of her for letting an ‘outsider’ take her, while father’s side were more angry at her thinking she cursed father. Those stories were something else, sir.”

“It’s unfortunate you had to experience this early on Corporal, but it's said when life gives you Buttercups…”

“...you burn them no good weeds, and go get something real to eat.” The hybrid stallion laughed. “Father’s a character, and really helped make those early years memorable, even though it really hurt him. Mother made sure to let him know he was loved, and he’s aware. My younger siblings don’t need to know about those years, and so far everypony on both sides are in agreement.”

I nodded while listening to the stallion’s experiences with a rightful amount of melancholy as I strangely began thinking would similar troubles plague any future nymphs of mi…

“I never knew my own father, but observing other ponies, I can say your father is blessed by Harmony to have you.” The hybrid’s emotions were easy enough to read, and out of respect I was trying not to notice. He turned to face me, and I caught the light behind his brown irises tearing apart my words looking for something before giving a curt nod.
“We were pretty lucky, uh sir? Mother and father were no pushovers and stood their ground fairly well, though mom still struggles with the other thestrals back in Hollow’s Eve.”

“I was under the impression the thestrals were focused on Shady Oaks?” I asked, and thought I’d overstepped some unknown boundary of theirs when his (and the other listening guards) ears jolted to attention. Ready to apologize, I was startled when he choked, and then gave a generous laugh that might be mimicking the good princess of the night.

“You really are a surprise Colonel Hooves. To drop the name of our home so casually means a few of the higher ranking thestrals really trust you to mention it.” He shook his head, laughed once more, and then continued his explanation. “Hollow’s Eve is our ‘official’ home on paper, but it’s more of forward base while our real home is hidden from most creatures.”

“It seems I spoke too freely, and for that I apologize.”

“No harm done given our current company, but your apology is accepted. Now you’re aware, so please consider your words next time, alright?” Corporal Tides asked, and I nodded in kind.

“Consider it done. I will strive to be more cautious with my words going forward.” I offered my cold hoof, and he took it. His almost dust tan hoof grasping my onyx colored hoof against the snow backdrop…

The time continued its slow pace, made even slower without the use of clocks or the sun to predict the time.

The Guards and myself were in various states of frostbite when the thestral we’d sent down the track came toward us in a mixture between galloping and gliding. The poor mare was unable to properly speak as she struggled to breathe, and control her shaking body- she finally started pointing down the track. It didn’t take any more guessing to understand the train had been spotted and would be here soon; this news reinvigorated us with a new sense of purpose then
guessing who would be the first to be rewarded with a Wound Ribon.

The guard on watch was either slow, or the train was moving faster than it should have, because after several moments the thestral’s ears began to twitch and move toward the train tracks; Corporal Tides stomped his hoof to alert his detachment to ready themselves for the impending arrival of Princess Luna, leaving me the sole exception as I stood there trying (terribly) to ignore the cold.

Soon the train’s shrill whistle alerted us that the end of our wait was coming to an end, and once more Corporal Tides sent his detachment into action by positioning them in a particular spot he counted out using his hooves. Here he separated the detachment into two lines with each facing the other with about a pony and a half length apart. I understood what the young corporal was doing, and wondered if his attempt would prove enough to impress the Princess with his foresight.

Once the thestrals were lined up with three looking toward the track, and two looking toward the city, Corporal Tides came up to me and insisted I stand at the end of their ‘formation’ before taking the vacant spot looking toward the city. This left me overlooking the snow covered platform as the seven of us waited for her highness’s arrival, and by timing conceived from higher powers the train and its carriages came lumbering around the final bend of the track into our view.

I recognized right away this wasn’t the same beast that the princesses used when visiting the Empire, but one of an older design and make because of the needless screeching and sparking its metal joints made as they groaned- the cold doing them no favors.

Corporal Tides issued one final command, but I paid it no heed as I was entranced by the strangeness of everything around me. The snow cover had been both a boon, and tragedy this day, but necessary to ensure the highest level of secrecy without enacting traceable magics; coupled this, my thestral companions, and the choice to use one of the oldest metal beast I’ve seen in Equestria left me a little more than disquiet. Too much has changed in the last several years, and admittedly for the better, I find myself recalling the quieter days of guarding my stretch of hallway in Canterlot Castle more frequently than not.

I would never wish to change the direction of my current life, though in my hearts I cannot help but reflect on the simple changeling I once was and wish for that old predictable life to return even as I recognize the folly of such absurdity. Yet even I know the folly of my unshackled thinking.

Harmony has plans for me, and it would be a fool’s attempt to go against the current it has carved into the world’s design. For now, I will bend just enough to keep the flow moving until some event forces my hooves, because my decade in Equestria hasn’t been for nothing especially since I’ve found several reasons worth fighting for. Two of those reasons were located in this very city, and this is what worried me about the path I’m trotting on. Any choice or decision made for me wouldn’t just affect me, but everypony I’ve come to care for even if they’ve no part in the choice.

Fairly quickly did my inner ramblings fade when an obnoxious screech plucked me off the gray clouds above, and dropped me back onto the snow covered platform as the metal beast lurched into the partially covered station. The corporal’s preparations came into fruition as the train’s screeching brakes gradually slowed the train and cars down, moving past our little formation until the second of three cars was perfectly centered with us- its door slid open with a set of three guards on each side.
`
Princess Luna appeared within the door frame, and moved her head from left to right before moving back toward me. I was about to address her when she turned to look over her shoulder and kicked the side of the train with her rear hoof…

“Now!”

The guard is to expect the unexpected to ensure the safety of their highnesses, and all of Equestria’s citizens, yet standing at attention in the cold while music played from a train car wasn’t something I’d considered preparing for. The music itself started off eerily creepy and ominous before transitioning into what I might consider the theme of sorts for a villainous creature or group wishing to cause mischief. The melody was short, and would loop after a minute when Luna stomped her hoof right before the melody was going to loop again, signaling the start of her entrance that will never leave the minds of every pony there to witness it.

Luna was bobbing her head to this simple melody, and right before the start of the sixth rotation did Princess Luna leap from the door frame onto the cold platform with a loud thump, and impact strong enough to throw up some of the settled snow. She raised a forehoof into the air and began chanting an even stranger mantra.

“MAKE READY FOR A DISTURBANCE!”

Those of the detachment that weren’t holding their ears turned to the train car as another voice followed in the wake of our princess, and one I recognized all too well.

“For the fun has been doubled!” The high shrill of the thestral known as Mothchaser leaped into the air and landed next to Luna, mimicking her post by doing the opposite.

“TO SAFEGUARD EQUESTRIA FROM CHAOS!”

“By joining all tribes in Harmony!”

“TO COUNTER THE INFLUENCE OF FEAR AND DISHARMONY!”

“Under the guiding light of the glowing moon!”

“LUNA!

“Mothchaser!”

“THE NIGHT IS FAST APPROACHING!”

“Give up now, or face our wrath!”

The two mares decided to remain stuck in their poses as they looked toward us with expecting eyes, so of course I spoke up.

“Please don’t encourage this behavior, Mothchaser.”

“And why not? I'm the Princess's Personal Guard! I have to encourage my liege's antics." To my dismay the princess even nodded in agreement.

“YES SHE DOES! We rarely had this much fun before dear Mothchaser’s promotion to our personal guard detail. In fact, after your departure to the Crystal Empire the halls of the castle became frighteningly dull. Sergeant Mothchaser had remedy that greatly with her presence, and personality, for the guards my sister enlists make our head spin shake with unease.”

“Even with her highness’s approval, we can’t get the motto down! Nothing we try seems to work no better than the last time!”

“If I might make a suggestion?”

“Please dear friend. It would be immensely valuable in having a trusted companion’s insight! Our efforts thus far have been shortened in grandeur, and we fear we come off as uncanny at best!” Princess Luna practically insisted, and after getting Mothchaser to nod her support, I told them.

“Maybe you should to rhyme? As it stands your performance feels forced, and more like two characters waiting to state their given lines. By rhyming, the structure would flow better creating a sense of naturally it’s currently lacking.”

The rightly deserving Mothchaser was about to counter my suggestion before remembering she had ponies waiting on her. She gave a fanged smile while snapping to attention.

“Sorry everypony. Corporal Tides! Her Highness’s entourage has arrived and is ready to be received.”

I took a step back as the good corporal clicked his iron shoes together in acknowledgement before taking a single step out of formation: he stopped directly in their line of sight, click his iron shoes, pivoted to face Mothchaser, took two steps forward, and clicked his shoes together once last time.

“Sergeant Mothchaser of Princess Luna’s personal Guard, I Corporal Tides of the Night Guard, Crystal Empire detachment will receive you now.” The tan thestral brought his foreleg in toward his head to salute his superior, who in turn returned the gesture.

“Then I stand relieved until further notice. I shall take my place once more by her highness’s side for the duration of our stay. Corporal Tides, we are in your care moving forward.”

The exchange was quick, and more of a formality as the Night Guard detachment would then fall under my protection for the duration of their stay in the Empire, so in reality it's more to allow Mothchaseer and Luna a temporary break from their duties. Corporal Tides and I knew this, but the honor of being chosen to lead her escort was enough to overlook this little fact hidden from the general populace. The mixed thestral was beaming with pride and positivity as he took charge by assuming the head of the formation, and upon his orders we began marching into the mild snow storm.

I fell into line beside the princess while Mothechaser took Luna’s other side to keep her in the very center of the formation. With their arrival secured and mostly kept discreet as one could achieve without scheduling a snowstorm, our trek back to Crystal Castle was mostly timely. Once her highness was settled in, the rest of her escort (save Mothchaser) would be dismissed so we may begin the long awaited discussion- how to fight the common cold.

“Niece Cadence, and Nephew Shining Armor! While excited to see the two of you once more, we are distraught it is under difficult circumstances.” Luna bellowed once inside the private dining hall that had become a common meet up with my fellow councilors.

The smaller room of crystal already amplified the noise of any creature within its walls for one reason or another. Princess Luna either knew nothing of this or knew well enough to keep the noise to acceptable levels, but the reasoning didn’t lessen the impact of her powerful vocals.

The royal couple, and myself were left short of hearing while Mothchaser remained unfazed, and seemed indifferent to it. Later I would discover Thestrals under Luna’s service would sometimes stuff cotton balls painted to match their fur into their ears to dampen the noise. The three of us in the meantime weren’t privy to this information, and bore the entirety of the princess’s unusually cheerful mood.

“Thank you Aunt Luna for the caring words….ugh!” Cadance started as she went to hug her aunt. The act startled my former liege, but she swiftly accepted the offered affection when her longer forelegs clamped around her sides, and hoisted her into the air.

“NIECE! YOU ARE A CREDIT TO OUR KIND! LET US RETURN THY FAVOR WITH AFFECTION OF OUR OWN!”

“Shouldn’t we do something?” Shining asked. I shook my head and pointed toward the pink alicorn currently having her spine broken in half.

“Unfortunate circumstances aside, Cadance is your wife and you alone can prevent this.”

“I could order you to save your liege by taking her place.” He retorted.

“You very well could make it an order, but I doubt you would without risking a vacancy in the guard.”

Our exchange conveniently lasted long enough for Luna to stop hugging Cadance making the entire exchange pointless in the process, but I for one wasn’t going to complain.

“My back…” Cadance moaned as Luna dropped her to the floor, and turned our way- both of us took a voluntarily step back.

“Princess Luna…” I started, but was cut off by the high pitched whining of magic being used, and found myself being dragged toward her waiting hooves. I couldn’t react before finding myself in a similar position like Cadance with my carapace feeling the strain of her magically infused hooves.

“RELAX FRIEND IDOL ELSE YOU HURT YOURSELF. IT HAS BEEN TOO LONG, AND WE ARE GLAD TO SEE THEE!” Luna declared as she tried to break my body in half.

“Aunt Luna, please drop Idol! It's improper to hold another mare’s stallion without them present.”

“Cease your worries Cadance, for we know of the laws because we scribed them centuries ago.” Her grip did relax a little, but I made no effort to move unless I drew attention to myself. Cadance continued of course, and her reveal nearly broke my back this time.

“Then you’re aware of the repercussions if the stallion is spoken for?”

“Truly? Does she speak the truth Idol? Are we so far behind to have missed this detail?”

“Indeed your highness.” I took this opportunity to breathe a little while popping my carapace back into place. “Topaz and I made it official only two months ago.”

You didn’t have to be a changeling in order to sense the nearly limitless positivity gushing out and wanting to share it with everypony around. By proximity I was her intended first target, but that fell through when I reminded her of my oath to Topaz which led to her looking at Shining Armor. I felt the brief terror before he signed his own downfall by pointing to his wife.

“I’m already a married stallion.” Shining said, and this was enough to spur the alicorn toward her recovering niece, and before Cadance could prepare herself for the second coming of the night.

“Luna please, I…arrgggh!” Cadence was cut short by another bone crushing embrace that left myself feeling supportive for the young princess. Shining Armor, a credit to his character, rushed to her side while trying to avoid the princess’s lanky forehooves as she tried to bring both into the hug.

Taking the chance to slip away, I found myself standing next to Mothchaser who had moved closer to the back wall to remain out of sight; we didn't’ speak as we watched the three royals struggle to get a word in, realign their spine, or hurl soft curses at the other over a topic that I wasn’t privy to. Once we were sure they’d forgotten about us, I bit my lip and started a long overdue conversation…

“Hello, Sergeant.”

“Hello Colonel.”

We took the chance to remain silent when the royals shifted their strategy from unrequited hugging to a sanctioned hoof wrestling match refereed by the former captain. On the command of go did we resume our brief heart-to-heart.

“You deserve the rank Mothchaser. In my younger days I was apprehensive to the idea of social progression due to a mixture of comfort, and feeling unworthy. Shining Armor, and yourself were two ponies I knew in my hearts to be more deserving of that acknowledgement- you’ve proved me right.”

“Luna’s teats Idol, thank you. Congrats on your well earned promotion as well, even if you had to pay for it.” Her wing tapped against my shoulder as her gorgeous fanged smile lit up the room. In another time or place, my life would have been drastically different...

“Har Har, Mothy. You know better than most it was a setup conceived by the mind of a creature with too much free time on their hooves. Still you are correct, and by Harmony’s blessing it's worked out so far.”

Luna and Cadance’s match quickly shifted to using both of their hooves.

They weren’t necessarily fighting, but roughhousing. The Crystal Monarch had broken free, and had gone on the offensive with a sudden lunge forward where she managed to grip the lunar princess around the hip and lift her off the floor. The action sent Luna falling backward, with Cadance still upright enough to begin throwing some punches- Shining and I were already moving when a gray hoof stopped me.

“Relax colt. They’re only having fun! Can’t you see the smile on her muzzle?”

“Cadance’s hooves make it difficult, but even without them I wouldn’t call that a smile.”

“Trust me, I spend a lot of time with the princess enough to know she’s having fun. Besides It looks like Cadance as…”

“YOU’VE BEEN PRACTICING NIECE CADANCE! WE ARE GLAD SOMEPONY HAS KEPT THEIR TRAINING UP!” Luna shouted through the punches, and before Cadance could respond she was taken by surprise when Luna’s rear hooves managed to wrap around Cadance’s belly.

With a twist of her body, the Night Princess sent the startled Cadance toward the ground allowing the larger alicorn to be standing upright, and with a several flaps of her imposing wings left them both airborne.

“STILL THERE IS MUCH TO LEARN…” Luna noted before flicking her rear hooves, sending her niece flying toward the wall.

“LUNA ARE YOU INSANE!? IDOL! MOTHCHASER! DO SOMETHING!” Shining Armor commanded out of fear, and it was understandable to one without my new knowledge.

“They’re having fun, Shining.”

“Yea ya big colt! It’s how they say hello!”

That was not how alicorn’s said hello, or so my limited understanding of these powerful deities told me. I’ve never seen Celestia or Cadance greet each other in such a manner, yet Luna and Twilight had always been more aggressive in nature which could give credence to Moth’s claim on alicorn etiquette. True or false I couldn't say and would have to seek clarification at a later date.

“It was a joke Idol. The dark side of the moon would sooner sprout rainbows then have Celestia and Luna stomping the other out during court. Still, the idea is funny.” Moth clarified after noticing myself lost in thought.

I found the need to huff.

“Vulgar displays of power are not proper ways of greeting one’s peers.” Moth giggled. Not laughed, but giggled. Never in our many years have I heard her giggle before…

“Same old colt. No matter how much things change, they always find a way to feel the same. Minus the crystal, it's almost like we’re back in Canterlot patrolling those dull halls- also the sewers of course. I remember the time you managed to scare a suspect into one of the underground tunnels after night…”

“I remember waking up the Necromancer Guild so they could release the stallion when it became apparent their helpers couldn’t distinguish ponies from trash. He was fortunate we arrived when we did.”

Mothchaser shrugged with her wings as the two fighting princesses appeared to be settling down with only some minor bruising around the muzzle and rib regions. Shining Armor of course was trying to keep the exhausted mares separated when her highness Luna started laughing.

Mothchaser and I continued reminiscing about out time in Canterlot.

“Do you recall the young thestral mare you caught sleeping in the rafters just above servants tower?” I asked Moth as both of us continued watching the three royals.

“HA! I still see her sometimes back in the castle, and if I can get away with it I will point at the sun and laugh. Of all the things to believe, the moon catching fire under her watch still is a favorite story of mine to tell.”

“You left me comforting her for half an hour until she could comprehend that the moon can not spontaneously combust. I even had to discredit the rumors of their chosen star being a reflection of their mood, which is entirely false, and not made out of cheese or boiling tomato soup.”

“With these princesses, I wouldn’t rule anything out Idol. We’ve seen what The Elements are capable of, so what’s stopping the princess from just pointing their horns and saying ‘Pew Pew’ a few times? Harmony knows if I had that kind of power there will be some changes in Equestria.”

There were obvious laws in place that prevented their highnesses from enacting this form of ‘street justice’, and was prepared to recite several of these when the two fighting mares began taunting the other once more- this ended with another thrown hoof.

“That’s no fair Luna!”

“We have bits and power! It counts DEAR NIECE!”

Suddenly the two mares were sparring once more leaving little time for Shining Armor to leap out of the way. All in good fun of course.

“I really missed this. All of this.” I turned just enough to watch Mothchaser fluttering her leather wings. “Ever since you left, the castle has been quiet. Is that the right word? I don’t know if it is, but it hasn’t been the same ever since.”

“Our departure was sudden. With my unintentional purchase of commission, we were given only enough time to pack some belongings. The explanation was the Empire had no Guard, and needed one raised quickly, and I may be stepping out of line…”

“Idol stepping out of line? The Empire really is a bad influence on you!” Moth joked as her fanged smile never left her muzzle, but I continued on.

“I think they needed help- Cadance and Shining. The workload that first year alone was greater than all of the tasks I received back in Canterlot. I could only imagine what their highnesses had to do to keep the Empire afloat long enough to stabilize it. Even now we’re still facing city wide problems, but are far closer than ever to reaching a semblance of Equestria’s Harmonic nature.”

“Sounds rough, but for a ‘built to last’ golem like yourself, you should be up to the task.

We had to duck to avoid Cadance’s limp form sailing over us where it impacted with the (formerly) last undamaged table. Moth and I bolted toward the other side of the room to keep from becoming a part of their sparring match.

“We apologize to Guard Mothchaser and Friend Idol, but dear niece is lighter in the air than on her hooves.”

“YOU THREW MY BUCKING WIFE!”

“Aye we did, and it felt good! We are certain now in your decision to do so during combat with Sombra, for who would expect it!”

Either luck, or blinded by rage and good vibes the pair ignored us as we’d relocated to the spot they had just occupied. This sparring match was becoming too much, and I was afraid it would be a matter of time before I was forced to exercise the weight of my rank.

“We should stop this before the room is further torn apart. Order knows I don’t want to explain its destruction, or Cadance’s bruises.”

“Just tell them they had a mild disagreement?” Moth shrugged “It’s part of my job to protect the Royal Image as Luna’s Personal Guard, yet it's completely understandable somethings are out of my hooves though.”

“And that’s acceptable?”

“Eh, you win some. You lose some. Still, you’re right Idol, this has gone on long enough. HEY LUNA! STOP IT, THAT’S ENOUGH.” Moth screamed with a high shrilling pitch while adding three claps of her forehooves to cement the declaration.

Luna, and Cadance immediately ceased all actions with only the younger alicorn trying to continue the sparring.

“Our guard is right, dear niece. We’ve had our fun for now, and are most impressed with thee. Your hooves could stand more ground travel then the flashy hoofcare the modern ponies adore, still you show great promise. Luna praised her disheveled kindred.

“What yo..this wasn’t a fight!?”

“Of course not Cadance. Unless thou provide a compelling motive, this is nothing more than us sparring! Much has kept us apart these few years, and while ashamed nothing was taken to rectify this injustice it pleases us you have kept up the training. We are no Steelhoof, but our hooves can break the very stone we trot if so desired.”

“Steelhoof?” I asked Mothchaser wondering if I knew the pony, but she disproved it.

“Some shut in monk she rambles on about. He supposedly casted his hooves in iron and used them for fighting- they called him Steelhoof the iron hoof.”

"Creative."

"...Or Ironhoof the steel hoof. I think she made it up, because she's mixed it up at least twice so far, I'm sure of it. Don’t go calling her out on it though unless you want to trade blows with her highness, and let me tell you she’s usually more rowdy than this.”

“I will take your word.”

We fell into silence as we watched the Princesses bicker over the miscommunication, with Shining Armor supporting his wife. Moth and I kept our distance as before, but were ready to step in if needed. Her eyes and posture were impeccable, yet I could feel the disarray brewing under her sparkling armor needing some attention.

“I may know of a pony you might want to meet.” The delivery wasn’t elegant by any standards save the lowest, but I felt Mothchaser deserved a straightforward answer. No matter how blunt it is.

“Just like that? No heartfelt talk about feelings and missed opportunities?”

“He's a dark coated unicorn in the Crystal Guard of incredible height.” I whispered, and watched the brewing storm slowly breaking down to reveal the outgoing mare I dearly treasured as a close friend. There was some doubt when the precious seconds dragged out, and increased the risk we’ll be whisked into the royal disagreement- this disappeared when her lips peeled back to reveal her fangs.

“How tall?”

“His height towers over a normal pony, and many, myself included, believe he could match Princess Luna’s height.”

“Is that right?” Moth asked, and needed the final enticing morsel to bring that thestral back out.

“He even worships the Night Princess.”

That was the first and only time in my life I’d ever seen goosebumps on a thestral.