Badlands, Equestria. 1:43am 23/06/1000
The Badlands are often regarded by the ponies of Equestria as place of fear, where the sand is so arid that not even the most determined of plants can grow. This, while technically accurate, is not entirely true, for the Badlands are home to many different kinds of creatures. The most prevalent of which has to be the Badland changlings. Changlings are not native to Equestria, in fact they hail from a part of Equis that not even the all seeing eye of princess Celestia had discovered.
Queen Chrysalis was particularly proud of that, it wasn't often that something confused that sad excuse for a leader, and it made her happy that she would remain part of that ever shrinking list. She couldn't even be bothered wasting thought on her, why should she? Here she sat, on her chitin throne surrounded by her changlings, who loved her as though she was their own mother, which she was. Chrysalis would never think to ask for anything in the way of pamper, she would never ask them to bend over backwards to provide for her, and she most certainly wouldn't have them pull her around on solid gold chariot, what did that thing way, like ten tonnes? No, she loved her children too much for any of that.
A door at the back of her throne room opened, and a single changling walked timidly through. He had a crisp envelope pulled close to his chest, and as he approached, he extended it out to her.
"My Queen, we have received a letter from the... Equestrians."
Ah, it's that time again. The background chatter increased, as all the changlings waited for her response. Chrysalis's eyes narrowed and she held up her hoof, silencing the masses.
"Thank you my child, be about you duties."
The changling gave a quick salute and wandered back to whence he came. The changling queen used her magic to carelessly rip open the letter, sending the ornate wax seal tumbling down the steps of her throne. It circled around on the floor for a moment before coming to rest upright, revealling the seal of the two sisters, something that Chrysalis had not seen for a long time. It caused her to stop.
"May I have a moment, please."
Her changlings understood and vacated the hall, their wings rustling as they climbed through holes in the ceiling. Chrysalis was now alone, she didn't want to bother her changlings with this. She carefully removed the letter from it's disheveled envelope, making sure not to damage it further. Taking a deep breath, she began to read.
Dear Queen Chrysalis
I am overjoyed to inform you that my sister, princess Luna has returned to us.
So her suspicions were confirmed, the Lunar diarch had finally been released. While Chryisalis had always had a rather unhealthy rivalry with Celestia, Luna was someone she considered a herself to be on good terms with, at least she used to be.
I wish to invite you to a meeting that will be taking place on the thirtieth of this month, where we, and all the other members of the treaty, will discuss her implementation into power.
Eugh, that treaty. The changling empire had basically been forced to join it by Griffonia. After those cat-bird imbeciles had invaded the Badlands and attempted to take what was rightfully hers. Despite the changling's efforts, the griffons were simply to powerful to thwart, and they were defeated, but not before haunting the dreams of many of the griffon foot soldiers, who claimed they had been attacked by the devil himself. Another thing she was rather proud of.
That is not all, for Luna did not simply appear on my door step, she was, in fact, rescued.
Rescued? From the moon? Impossible. No one had the capability to do that, not even Celestia herself.
The hero in question is known as Mathew Ausland, and he currently stands as Equis's first, extra-equistrial visiter. I would like all of you to come and introduce yourselves to him, in the hopes that we can further improve our relationship with him and his companions.
Yours respectfully,
Princess Celestia.
...
Chrysalis quickly re-read the final paragraph of the letter, then she rubbed her eyes and read it again. Could it be true? Could aliens actually have visited Equis? She had to see this for herself, even if it meant going to Canterlot, she wasn't going to let the griffons weasel anything out of him before she had the chance, those stupid feather brains might as well rot in tarterous for all she was concerned. Maybe she could visit him before hoof, yes! That would be perfect! She could get in under a disguise, and talk with him, maybe learn a few things before the griffons try to turn him into some sort of... War machine.
She summoned one of her messengers with a clap of her hoof. The small bug scampered into the hall, a roll of parchment held within his magical grasp.
"Yes, my queen?"
Chrysalis smiled at his obedience.
"Please inform the hive that I will be missing for a few days, there is something I must attend to."
"Very well, I shall relay your massage."
With that, the changling queen charged her horn and vanished in a burst of light.
Canterlot, Equestria. 7:23am 23/06/1000
Mathew had known comfort in his life, he considered his jump ships magnetically suspended anti-shock seat to be rather comfortable, and he also though that his old living quarters back at the tower were quite cozy, but all of that had recently hit the chopping block. For nobody knows comfort until they've tried one of the beds in Canterlot castle. Those beds were like nothing he had ever experienced, just the right temperature, just the right density. It was heaven.
It wasn't often that Mathew was able to enjoy something as simple as sleep, for guardians didn't need it, just as they didn't need to eat or drink. That didn't mean that they couldn't enjoy it, for a good night sleep was something that every being should have the right to enjoy, and, oh boy, did Mathew take pleasure in his. It was then that someone had the bright idea to interrupt him with a knock on the door. Mathew groaned.
"Ugh, what is it? I'm ascending to a new plane of existence in here!"
A small pony, dressed in what appeared to be a traditional French maids outfit, stuck her head round the inside of the frame and smiled weakly. Mathew could see she was visibly shaking with fear.
"T-the princess w-would like to invite y-you to breakfast."
The maid was fighting to remain with ten meters of him, probably assuming that he was some sort of evil monster.
"Thanks, I'll be along in a second."
She nodded and left the room, the door slowly closing as she retracted her head away. Mathew pulled himself out of bed and took a look at his armour, which he had left in a neat pile in the corner. He yawned as he began to tiredly put his plating back on, struggling with the various clasps and buckles. He may not have needed sleep, but his body still had the same issues waking up as everyone else, albeit not as sevear. Eventually he was fully suited up, and he took a few steps out into the corridor, and then a few steps left, and a few steps right. Of course. He was lost.
So he preceded to choose left, as that was the way he had come from last night, hopefully his hunter senses would do him some good here. After around ten minutes of searching, he came to the conclusion that the castle must have been using some anti hunter sense magic, and instead opted to yell Celestia's name like a lost child.
"Celestia! Luna! Hellooooooo! Anyone there!?"
"You know, if they didn't hear you the first ten times you yelled, what has you convinced that they will here you this time."
"Human intuition, and shut up ghost, don't you have a door to be opening somewhere."
Mathews ghost huffed at the snide remark, choosing to ignore the rather bad mood Mathew seemed to be in.
"Well if it's any help, the dining area is located at the fifth door on the right."
...
"Thanks."
Mathew stomped down the ornate hall, his boots smacking against the solid marble. He reached the door and could hear soft chatter from inside, he must be in the right place. The doors didn't require much effort to push open, considering their size, so Mathew was surprised when he applied the expected amount of pressure, only to have the doors shoot away in different directions faster than a warlock could go through a golden age library.
All eyes turned to him, with the exception of Rainbow Dash, who crossed her front hooves and glared angrily at the ceiling. The usual faces were there, Celestia and Luna, who were trying desperately not to laugh. Twilight and her friends were also present, and showed a mixture of emotions, ranging from happiness to whatever Rainbow was doing. There was also three ponies he had not yet seen, the first was a smaller pink alicorn, roughly around the size of Luna, who had a three tone mane and a big smile on her face. The second was a young looking stallion with a coat of pure white, his blue mane styled in a spiky fashion, although it could have been bed head, Mathew wasn't sure. The last of the new faces was another stallion, who also had a white coat, and that's about where the similarities ended.
"Auntie? What is that, and why is it in my presence?"
The colt in question had a flowing blond hair do, with teeth that couldn't have shined brighter if they tried, those teeth currently bent into a look of pure disgust, which Celestia chose to ignore.
"Mathew! It's about time you arrived, I was worried you were never going to waken. Come, take a seat."
Mathew smiled under his helmet, and moved to take the open seat next to Twilight, who had a welcoming curve to her lips.
"Stop right there monster! Come no closer!" Yelled the white pony, who was trembling with rage.
The guardian payed him no mind, sitting down calmly and taking off his helmet, which he placed on the table before him.
"Guards, seize him at once!"
The guards didn't move, they just looked at each other and shrugged.
"That's quite enough Blueblood, Mathew is our guest, and you will treat him as such." Commanded Celestia, still retaining her ever practiced motherly smile.
"You expect me to sit in this beasts presence!"
Ouch, that hurt a little bit, not that Mathew cared all that much, he's sure his enemies had called him worse. He picked up what appeared to be a small menu, and began browsing it with interest.
"Cousin, this is no way to behave! Especially in company, you should know better." Chastised the pink alicorn, who was looking at her family member with disaproval.
Blueblood was positively fuming, had couldn't believe this creature would have the gall to arrive here and sit in the palace, a place where only the richest of the rich could make their appearence, disgraceful.
"No, this is unacceptable. First you force me to share a table with none other that Nightmare Moon!" Luna, who had been casually biting into a pancake, froze at the accusation. "And then you invite this fre- URK."
Mathew had risen from his chair and was now towering over Blueblood, who was withdrawing in fear.
"What did you just call her."
In truth he had no idea what the prince was on about, but it seemed to have upset Luna, and that would not do.
"I-I... Aunt stop this beast! He's going to devour me!"
Celestia let out an angry snort, and grabbed Blueblood with her magic, the golden aura wrapped firmly around the scruff on his neck.
"Dear nephew I do believe it is time for you to depart."
With that she swiftly launched the offending pony through the open doors and slammed them shut, the clicks of the locks resonating throughout the dining hall. Blueblood's angry wails could still be heard, which seemed to please Celestia, who had gone back to nursing a bowl of porridge.
"Well, now that that's out of the way, Mathew, how about you meet some of the other members of my family."
Mathew returned to his seat, deftly removing his helmet from Twilights hooves, placing it on the floor instead. Celestia gestured to the giddy pink alicorn, who was practically jumping up and down in glee.
"This is my niece princess Cadence, the princess of love."
Cadence quickly leaned across the table, offering a hoof to Mathew, who gladly took it. What he thought was a handshake then quickly turn into an unprepared hug.
"Thank you for bringing aunt Luna home!"
Her voice was soft and melodic, but carried a mischievous tone, she also smelled like bubblegum.
"It's fine princess, I was just doing my job."
Cadence leaned back across the table, steadying a drinks platter she had disturbed.
"Please, just call me Cadence, it makes it easier for both of us."
Mathew smiled and waited for Celestia to introduce the other pony, who was now eyeing him with a look of... Jealousy?
"And this is Major Shining Armour, Twilights brother."
His odd expression vanished, and was replaced with a calm smile and a nod, which Mathew returned in kind.
"So Mathew." Said Twilight, who was looking up at him. "What does your species eat?"
Shit, he had forgotten about that, he was sitting in a room of quite obvious herbivores, how was he going to explain this.
"Um, well, technically I don't need to eat, so..."
"Really, why is that?"
"Um, it's a human thing."
Celestia smirked at his feeble excuse.
"Now, now. Lying will get you nowhere my little guardian, why don't you tell us what you would like to eat."
Mathew sighed, he wasn't getting out of this, was he.
"Well, my kind are, what you would call, omnivores..."
He looked up and down the table, judging whether he was going to have to run.
Celestia, Luna and Fluttershy didn't seem fazed at all, in fact it was as if that was the answer they were expecting. He couldn't see Twilight's face as it was buried in a large notebook, and the rest of them showed mixed expressions of interest and fear.
"So, darling, what your saying is that your kind, eat, other creatures."
"Um, yeah."
Rainbow Dash seemed to explode out of nowhere.
"You see, this is why we can't trust him, who knows what his plan is, probably to eat us or put us in a stew for his alien larva!"
"Rainbow! How insensitive! It's not his choice that he was built to eat meat." Said Fluttershy, shaking her head in disappointment.
"Why are you defending him! What has he done for us!"
Luna let out a casual cough, and Twilight held up a note pad that was about a foot thick.
"Rainbow, didn't you say that one of your friends is a griffon." Asked the purple unicorn.
"So! Why does that matter!"
"Because griffons are predators, just like Mathew, and just like hundreds of other species on this planet."
Rainbow cocked her head in confusion.
"They are?"
The entire room groaned, except for Mathew, who was back to studying the menu. He wasn't going to let the opportunity for a good meal slip away.
"Yes Rainbow, they are, and you spent years around her without any problems, why is Mathew such an issue now?"
"Because Gilda wasn't an alien!"
Twilight rolled her eyes.
"I think you may have a small case of xenophobia Dash."
"Just because I don't what to get fed to some aliens offspri-"
"Can I just have some jam on toast please?"
All eyes locked onto Mathew, who was smiling gratefully.
"Of course dear." Replied the maid he was talking to, who seemed unalarmed by his appearance, which the human was thankful for. He wasn't sure, but he felt there was something off with her, like she wasn't who she appeared to be.
Mathew watched as she walked off with his order and disappeared behind a door presumably leading to the kitchens.
Everyone was still staring at him, looks of disbelief all around. Then Celestia let out a slow chuckle, which turned into hearty laugh. Pretty soon the entire table was in a fit of giggles.
"What? Why are you laughing?"
Applejack began to regain control of herself.
"Wew, am sorry partner, but ah just think it's awfa funny, a big scary fella like you eatin toast."
Mathew shrugged.
"I don't really need to eat, but I'm quite fond of jam, and I've been told it goes well with toast, so I figured why not give it a try."
"What do you mean you don't need to eat? Everypony needs to eat!" Exclaimed Pinky, who had her face buried in a breakfast muffin.
"Well I just kinda, don't... I've not really needed to do any of that stuff since well, I died."
Celestia fixed him with a concerned look.
"You mean the other day?"
"No, I meant the first time, back during the collapse. I was running to get onboard a ship with my parents, and then, I just, died, that's all I really remember. There was nothing after that..."
There was silence. A heavy silence.
"I'm sorry."
Mathew looked up, Rarity was staring at him sadness in her eyes.
"It's fine, it was a long time ago." He muttered.
The rest of breakfast was relatively quiet, with only the occasional request for butter or milk. When everything was finished Mathew thanked the staff and went outside to get some air. The morning breeze was cool and welcoming, and Celestia's sun shone brightly over the land. Mathew found himself walking through the gardens, but not an area he had previously seen, it was lined with statues, some were of ponies, others featured different creatures that he couldn't name. There was one in particular that stood out, an odd looking being that seemed to be made up of many different body parts, it was set in a flashy pose, like it was singing. He shrugged and walked passed it, the princess sure did have an odd taste in artistry.
Mathew reached the courtyard where the Lich was still neatly parked. He walked up the ramp and stepped inside, the place seemed a bit darker than it was before. Then he remembered he had turned off the lights last night, something about wanting to save power. He pressed a convenient holopanel with his index finger and watched as the lighting strips activated. His ghost appeared.
"Do you want me to try and contact Exuberant, the ship should be within range."
Mathew stuck his head out the door and peered up at the cloudless sky, sure enough the Long Far Gone was clearly visible. They had attempted communications last night, but the ship was to far round the planets curvature to contact. Much to Mathews dismay.
"Go ahead, let's see if it works this time."
Ghost split apart as he tried to hail the huge CSO, but after a moment of static, gave up.
"Something with the planets magnetic field is throwing comms way off, I can't get a clear signal through."
Mathew sighed as he watched the silver behemoth drift slowly across the sky, he hoped that none of the populace would be looking up today, especially since the only people that knew of his existence were the ponies he'd met thus far.
"It's fine, I'm sure we can go up there at some point, it's not like she's going anywhere."
Mathew was about to turn his back when his motion sensor lit up, showing movement in the brush nearby. He grabbed the nearest weapon, which happened to be his recently acquired carbine, and held it at his waste.
"You know, hiding isn't going to get you anywhere."
He saw a bush rustle, and a small 'eep' was heard. His ghost floated lazily over his shoulder.
"Now, come out slowly, and let's see who's been spying on me."
Much to Mathews surprise, the maid who had served him toast slowly crept out of the bushes, her head was lowered so she was as small as possible. That feeling was back, but this time he could definitely place it.
"Also, lower the disguise, your not fooling anyone."
The maids eyes widened in shock, before she broke into a smile.
"Very clever, not many have been able spot me."
He groaned.
"Just hurry up."
"As you wish."
Mathew was stunned for a second as the mare was engulfed in green flames, the whirlpool of fire then dissipated, revealing the maids true form.
The being that stood before him was unlike anything he'd ever seen. It, or she, had a sleek black chitinous body, with a green shell curved over her back. She had insect like wings that were so tattered it was a wonder they worked at all, or maybe they didn't, who knew. Her long neck ended in an oddly appealing face, with a set of sharp fangs and a pair deep emerald eyes. A horn protruded our of her forehead, but it wasn't long and slim like Celestia's, instead it was jagged and bent. She hissed in anger, attempting to frighten the human, who raised an eyebrow at her.
"Okay?"
Chrysalis was taken aback, normally that trick sent her opponent scampering, but the alien stood stock still, an unimpressed look on his face.
"Are you done?" He said, flicking a bit of her spit off his shoulder pad.
"Wha- why are you not running, don't you know who I am!?
Mathew crossed his arms, looking at her with mild disinterest.
"No, and quite frankly I don't care, so if your here to assassinate me or whatever can it wait until later when I'm in a better mood."
The changling queen was stunned, never, in all her life, had she been addressed in such away. She would have been insulted if it weren't for the fact that she was speechless.
"I did not come here to assassinate you creature, if I had you would be dead."
Mathew deadpanned her, but she took no notice.
"Now, creature, you will answer my questions and obey my every command, is that understood?"
"And what happens if I refuse?"
"Then you will suffer a fate worse than death,"
As a guardian, Mathew could think of many things that were worse than death, the most strenuous of which had to be filing combat logs, but he didn't think the queen was going to force him to do any of her paperwork.
"I can't be arsed right now, can you come back later please."
"What!?"
"I said I can't be bothered answering your questions, there's things I've got to do and I don't have time at the moment."
Chrysalis was positively fuming. She had threatened this thing with death! Why was it not afraid!?
"I am Chrysalis, Queen of the changlings! You will answer my questions or I will end you!"
"And I'm Mathew Ausland, the last fuckin' human in the universe! Nice to meet you! Now please, piss off!"
Mathew slumped against the spectre, giving up on the situation. He pulled up his hands and slowly dragged them down his visor, as if willing the angry bug to leave.
"Why are you so intent on asking me shit, you said you were a queen, don't you have like, I dunno, a kingdom to run."
"They can manage in my absence, unlike these pathetic ponies, who can't survive a day without their precious 'princess'."
Mathew sat up, his eyes narrowing at her through his helmet.
"I'm going to tell you this once, okay. Leave. Me. Alone."
The changling queen said nothing, she stood there, a defiant look on her face. I guess she wasn't leaving.
"You know, I could kill you right here and now."
"Sure, go nuts."
"It wouldn't be hard."
"Go ahead."
"I'll do it."
"I'm waiting."
Chrysalis had had enough, why was this creature so hard to intimidate!
"Listen alien, you have no idea what your dealing with, I have conquered entire kingdoms! What makes you think you even have a chance against me?"
Mathew snapped his fingers, and his ghost began to speak.
"Subjects bio readings are similar to that of an alicorn, but weaker in comparison, neurological patterns suggest a telepathic connection or undeveloped hive mind, many of her features are comparable with an arthropod, fangs suggest she is vampiric in nature, she has a weak but specialised connection with the light, harbouring unique cloaking capabilities and draining spells, not unlike a Hive wizard. She is also malnourished and in need of immediate medical attention."
Mathew pulled his helmet off, displaying his knowing smile to the stunned changling.
"On the contrary, I know exactly what I'm dealing with."
"Wha-"
"Oh don't act so surprised, it's not like you were hiding anything. Ghost, can you tell me where I might find more of her kind?"
His ghost blinked for a moment, then continued.
"Orbital photos show that she isn't native to Equestria, rather a small island just over three thousand miles from here. This island shows signs of basic civilisation, but no identifiable citi-"
"STOP! Please, stop."
Mathew's smile disappeared.
"Please, don't tell her about us. She can't know."
"She?" He replied.
"Celestia, she can't know where we come from."
The queen was begging now, there were tears building in her eyes. Mathew didn't know what to do, she had been threatening to kill him a minute ago, and now she looked positively miserable.
"Are your kind, at war with her or something?"
Chrysalis shook her head.
"No, but if she finds out, then the others will find out, and they'll come and try to take our home away."
"Who are the others?"
"The other members of the treaty, they'll come..."
The more he looked at her, the more he began to feel sorry for her. She looked so thin, like she hadn't eaten in months, if anything, she needed help.
"Hey, it's alright, we won't tell anyone."
"Really?"
"Really, really."
Mathew walked slowly down the ramp. Crouching next to her, he offered his hand, which she took, and he pulled her to her hooves.
"Right, I'm willing to answer you questions, just as long as you gone down the death threats a little bit, okay."
"Why?"
"Why what?"
"Why are you being so... Kind. All I did was threaten you, and you help me in return, I just want to know why?"
Mathew sighed.
"Because I've experienced what your going through, trying to protect something from people who want nothing other that to see it fall. It was my life, up until I failed. If I think I have a chance stopping what happened to me from repeating, queen Chrysalis, then I will make damn sure that I take it."
"Please, just call me Chryssi."
"Um... Sure, I guess I will."
They made their way up the ramp, and took a seat, facing out to the morning glow of the courtyard, just as the Long Far Gone faded from view on the horizon.