I finished explaining to the group about our situation on the planet Equis. They took it much better than expected, but then again they’ve lived with zombies, and jumped dimensions, so what's another impossibility.
“Unfortunately, because the nation that helped us is ruled by a diarchy, they wanted a King for our country.” I said scratching the back of my head awkwardly. “And that turned out to be me because I was kinda the leader of our group.”
There was a general murmur but the people didn't seem bothered by it. I started to get the feeling these people had no more fucks to give and I should let them rest.
“You know what, let's save this for tomorrow. I'll see about getting us all food, and while we’re at it some liquor. Humanity is saved, let's party!” I said trying to arouse some form of response from the group. It worked way better than I thought, they were ready for a party.
“Twilight, tell Celestia the humans are here and we want to celebrate. She can add the costs to our tab.” I said smiling as Twilight poked her head from the house and nodded. “Give us an hour or so guys, but we will have a celebration. However this is just the beginning, once our country is up and running we can show this world how the human race parties!”
The crowd was thoroughly riled up now. So much so that most of them didn't notice the black shapes fly into the area behind the house. Those who did notice it didn't care because they didn't know what they were. I, however, knew what it meant, Chloris had returned.
“Hey, can you guys look after these guys for a little?” I asked my friends. “Chloris is back, I don't want things to get out of hand.”
“No problem.” Cody said. “But these people don't know that Changelings were bad, so they’re just another race to them.”
“Good point, but I just want to make sure, they both have been through enough.” I replied looking over the crowd. They were happy, but anyone could see they were exhausted. “If anything comes up, I’ll be in the house.”
With that I made my way to the house to welcome Chloris and her hive, and to fill her in on what happened when she was gone. As I closed the front door behind me I let my disguise drop and reverted back to my changeling form. Call it what you want, but I wanted to make a good impression. I found Chloris in the main room with what I assumed were her guards.
“Hello my king.” She said bowing. Her guards followed her example, bowing as well. “I have returned with my hive. I wasn’t sure what was happening but it looked important so I stayed out of the way. The rest of my hive is out back.”
“Hello Chloris, and again, call me Shawn.” I said smiling. “I’m glad you’re back, and I would love to meet your people.”
“Very well.” She replied. “I shall lead the way.”
I followed her out back to find the rest of the changeling race. They followed the same pattern as Chloris and I, green mane and tail and black chitin. I wasn't as good with Changeling anatomy as I was human, but I could see the same signs on them as I did my people. They were exhausted as well. I decided to make a quick statement to them.
“Good evening.” I started. “My name is Shawn, and I’m in charge around here. I have decided to let you all stay here on our island because your race and mine have suffered a similar fate, although under different circumstances. Because of this, I am sure you and my people will get along, but I don't want to rush things. I can see you’re tired, as are my people, so I want you all to get some rest. We will be hosting a celebration, if you feel up to it, you may attend. My people may be wary of you but that is because you are a new race, if anything they are just as curious as you are. All that aside, I want to welcome you all to Terra. It’s not much at the moment, but it will soon be our home.”
As I finished, it got deadly quiet. I was afraid I said something wrong before a young changeling broke from the group and rushed up to me. Much like Chloris, she wrapped herself around me and sobbed. Taking this as their opportunity the rest of the group approached me as well and, one by one, touched their horns to mine. I thought nothing of it, maybe it was how they shook hands or something. That is until Chloris did as well. Suddenly, I was hit with a wave of emotions and sound, but it was silent, it was all in my head. Seeing my confusion Chloris spoke.
“We have decided to take you into our hive.” She said, calming the voices I heard. “But more than that, we have given you the highest authority. The title of Queen was soiled, but now the title of King has been awarded.”
“Wait, what?” I said taken back by this sudden responsibility. “I took you in sure, I care for your people yes, but why make me king?”
“Because we need you.” Chloris said. And judging by the muted murmur in my head, the changelings agreed. Chloris got closer. “And I want you.” She whispered in my ear.
That was enough for me. Not that she wasn't hot, but...wait what? Nope, I’m out.
“HA, well-uhh. I hear my laundry calling.” I said backing away. “I mean the humans need me for a little, I may or may not be back. K, bye.”
And with that I was gone. Back in my human form I made my way back to my people trying to process what just happened. That was until Chloris reminded me of the telepathic link I now shared with all of them.
“Was it something I said?” She said coyly in my head. “Didn't mean to make you flustered, you just seem to be a very straightforward person, so I figured that was the best way to tell you.”
“Sorry, this is just a lot to process.” I said aloud, not knowing how to communicate over this link. “Can you just kinda not talk in my head until I figure everything out?”
“As you wish my king.” She relayed, and then silence fell over my mind.
I was on my way back to the Humans when I heard the telltale sign of teleportation. Turning, I saw Celesta and Luna with a buttload of food and alcohol respectively.
“You guys are too good to me.” I said smiling as I approached them. “Quick delivery too, ten out of ten. Expect a good word on your review.”
“Don't worry, we will bill you handsomely.” Celestia said with a smirk. So caught up in our little battle of wit that I kinda forgot that the humans haven't seen the Princess...or teleportation. So being the nice guy I was I decided to introduce them.
“Hey everyone, just wanted to let you know that these two fine ladies are a catering service I hired for the night.” I said trying my best not to laugh. I almost lost it when I saw Luna's confused face. “If you need anything feel free to ask them, they are exceptionally nice.”
Everyone was cheering while I showed them where to put the food and tables. Luna was still very confused and Celestia I’m pretty sure thought I was just messing about. But I had my reasons.
“So, I’m sure you’re wondering why I said that.” I said as they magicked all the supplies into place.
“I am now, I thought it was just a joke. Is there more happening in that coconut you call a head?” She asked.
“Indeed, two marbles happened to strike together to give me this idea.” I joked. “Anyhow, I said that because now you are more approachable. If I said ‘here are the rulers of the largest nation on this planet, no one would talk to you. Now they’ll at least ask what kind of food...that is?” I said pointing at what I could only assume was slime wrapped in seaweed.
“Not a bad idea...until you actually drop the ball that is.” Luna added in.
“Humans are resilient.” I said waving her off. “They’ll have a laugh and move on.”
“I hope you’re right.” Luna replied.
“But for real, what the hell is that if you don't mind me asking.” I said still intrigued by the slime...stuffs.
“It’s artificial fish.” Luna replied. “We feed it to the Thestrals in the guard, they love it.”
“Well don’t be too heartbroken if no one eats that...it's a little, what's the word, ahh yes! It’s revolting.” I said with my best deadpan. This isn't an insult no, just another friendly joke while getting the point across that even now that I know what it is I’m still not eating it. And not even because I don't like fish.
“What are you talking about, this looks delicious.” Chloris said from behind me. Sufficiently scaring the shit out of me. So much so, that for the first time in a few months my disguise dropped involuntarily.
You must understand, Changelings have great hearing. I know where everyone is at all times, I can hear them breath, walk, sometimes I can even hear their heart. But Chloris snuck up on me, and just short of shitting myself, I reverted to my Changeling form...in front of just about every human on the planet with no warning.
“Damn you scared me Chloris.” I said trying to remain calm like this wasn't the most stressful and critical moment of the entire...everything.
“If you guys are wondering,” I addressed the crowd. “When we first got here the princess changed us all to races of this world to avoid panic. I decided to keep my form because it was capable of flight, transformations, and immune to hangovers.” There was a murmur of what I assumed was jealousy through the crowd. “The princess no longer needs to do this obviously because we have established humans in this world and we are isolated for the time being. But if you still want to be transformed into something know that it depends on your traits and is not controllable, it is reversible but we are not going to bother the Princess more than once about this. You have a week to decide and then one month after there will be another visit that she will change back anyone who does not like their transformation. That is all.”
I held my breath as I changed back to my human form. There was no riot, or random questions thrown at me...so I think it went over well.
“I wasn't aware of all this.” Celestia said quietly to me. I guess she decided to keep the fact that they were the Princesses under raps for a little longer.
“O hey!” I said in faux surprise. “I have a favor to ask, are you free in a week and again a month after?”
“I guess I can check.” She said pulling a calendar from nowhere. “Hmm, it seems that I AM the princess and I can be free whenever I want to be! Fancy that, I guess I can squeeze you in.” She winked at me and put her calendar back in whatever dimension it came from.
“Thanks babe.” I said winking back and giving her a seductive finger gun. “Oh, by the way, I’m King times two now. Chloris made me their King so if you need anything from the Changelings, you can still talk to Chloris cuz I don’t know shit yet.”
“What a charmer.” Chloris said unamused. “To use your terminology, way to ‘kiss and tell’.”
“Mmmm, you’re in my head...don’t know how I feel about that.” I said uncomfortably.
“Well you’re thinking consists of screaming right now so I’m going to guess you don’t like it.” She replied smiling innocently.