//------------------------------// // The End: Seeking justice // Story: An Exercise In Management // by Nameless Narrator //------------------------------// Bright Star followed by a grey unicorn stallion entered the Canterlot castle grounds. He waved back at few saluting recruits and training soldiers, but his eyes were firmly locked on a small but high-profile gathering near the service entrance of the castle. The group of paladins and Royal Guards made space for him to walk through right towards princess Celestia and Star Trail. “-the highest honor which can be bestowed upon a civilian, the High Emblem of the Sun. You deserve it, Star Trail, despite our recent disagreement regarding events in Riverside.” “Are you sure about that, your Highness?” Bright Star walked into the empty circle reserved for Celestia and the unicorn being honored. “Bright Star?” asked both the princess and Star Trail. “Your Highness, sorry for interrupting the ceremony, but I would like to use my last earned paladin request today, and before you frown at me in the disappointed way you sometimes do, there IS a good reason why I’m doing it right now.” Celestia raised an eyebrow, and her eyes stopped on the unicorn by Bright Star’s side. “I am listening.” Bright star nodded to his companion who took a deep breath, and with a wave of green fire shapeshifted into a changeling. Celestia’s eyes narrowed, but the princess said nothing. “You too,” Bright Star said to no one, “Come on.” His armor lost its sag as if a tiny amount of pressure was lifted from his back followed by the grass of the lawn bending next to him, and with a wobble of air, a smaller grey and black streaked changeling appeared, giving Celestia a frightened stare as she hid under Bright Star’s belly. Ten bowed before the princess, his eyes darting from her to… ...now absolutely livid Star Trail grinding his teeth. Bright Star, on the other hoof, was completely undisturbed by the spears of the guards aimed at him and his companions. “Your Highness, my request is that you keep on listening. You know some of the reports about recent paladin investigation regarding a group of changelings in Canterlot. I know you met them back in the old castle, but it’s time you learned the whole story. I want justice, and that can only come if you know everything,” he shoved Four from underneath him and towards Celestia. The tiny changeling tried to look even smaller until the princess put a hoof under her chin and made her look up. “You told me where to find the paladins back in the castle. Without you, they might have starved, and Star Trail would definitely have died of his wounds.” The angry look Ten shot to Four didn’t go unnoticed, but the older changeling just shook his head in the end. Four would have to live with that guilt for a long time, if they survived today. There was no reason to make her feel even worse. Sometimes good intentions breed the worst results, just like Three’s offer of peace led to his death. Four nodded, but just stood there with her mouth open, quiet. Ten cleared his throat. “Then maybe it’s up to me to start, if only because I met the boss, Three, and Eight before Four was born...” He talked about Wet Soil, about the help they provided to the Mayor at the time being controlled by disguised One. He talked about the villagers eventually finding out who the changelings were and offering them a place to live. He talked about Four being born, a physically frail changeling who would have never been allowed to survive in the hive. Spurred by Ten speaking, Four finally found her voice and talked about their trip to Canterlot. She spoke about the scouting, meeting One, how she accidentally killed the Royal Guard in prison. She didn’t try to defend herself, she just explained everything. The starvation, the fear, and in the end the escape from the attacking paladins who she thought were after them because of the dead guard. This was time for Bright Star to correct her: “The dead guard was… the trigger. With events in Riverside and some reports from Canterlot police about suspicious behaviour, especially a ghost story by a local group of nutjobs, we expected some changelings to still be around, but originally we wanted to wait for further hostilities before doing anything. We hoped that the trials would eventually become known among those scarce changelings who just got dragged into things. With the guard’s death and the escape of the prisoners, Star Trail’s old friends probably had a chat with him about recent events, and eventually they rallied more and more paladins for an investigation. We found the old house in lower Canterlot, and eventually discovered old building plans including the now closed mining complex inside the mountain. After some planning, we launched an attack. Nothing we did was illegal, your Highness, despite Star Trail’s unofficial help as an ex-paladin being… unadvised. However, what we did was wrong. When we attacked, most changelings couldn’t defend themselves. Tempers were still flared so soon after the invasion, I understand, but the fact that most of my brethren killed those who could barely move sickens me even now. But I understand, because among the changelings there were few who were a real threat which we learned in the tunnels and later in the old castle. Unfortunately, my brothers who did hesitate to slaughter the changelings during the crucial moments aren’t here anymore. I was lucky that little Four here stopped a changeling warrior by the name Eight from killing me outright,” he scratched Four under her chin, conjuring a weak smile on her face and making her stick her tongue out. She withdrew it when he poked it, now looking at the grass under her hooves, embarrassed, “I still believe that if some of my… overzealous friends haven’t killed changelings indiscriminately, there wouldn’t have been a need for the tragedy which decimated the paladin ranks deep in the old mine tunnels,” Bright Star sighed, “That was our first operation against this group, one which I can still defend in my mind as being… right. However, then the castle happened.” He nodded to Ten who, with Four adding details here and there, recounted the group’s escape to the Castle of Two Sisters, the deaths of the changeling prisoners, their experiences in Ponyville, and Three making friends with Zecora and Tree Hugger. When Four mentioned Three, her story slowed down and everyone got very, very quiet. “I was there, your Highness. The most powerful changeling by the name or rank One killed two of my friends instantly, and the little one here saved me once again. At that time, though, while most of us thought we were following murderers due to what happened in the tunnel, I was fully aware of our own role in this aggression, and I wanted to find out more, without bloodshed if possible. We drastically underestimated how strong the changelings got in the meantime. We didn’t meet starving group like in Canterlot. We faced changelings who, according to what Four here described, were somewhat willingly fed by real affection of Ponyville citizens.” “THERE WAS NOTHING REAL ABOUT IT!” yelled Star Trail, “MIND CONTROLLING MONSTERS!” “Be quiet, Star Trail,” said Celestia with completely stone face, “Bright Star is damning himself with this testimony, but if he believes it worth telling, I will listen.” After taking a deep breath, Bright Star continued: “The changelings gathered those of us who survived their retaliation, and to our surprise we were offered… friendship. Unfortunately, Star Trail killed a changeling by the name Three in cold blood. It is my understanding that when you visited the old castle, your Highness, with your extended family, you weren’t a target nor an enemy until… until one of the changelings who loved the deceased Three blew up in rage when you said something you couldn’t have known to be… damning, if I’m honest. Meanwhile, I had a chat with Four in the cell which illuminated some things for me. We weren’t going after an organized force of Chrysalis’ stragglers. We were attacking a group who tried to save others from our own lack of knowledge about changelings, and who wouldn’t have been better off at all if Chrysalis found them. Regretfully, you know what happened in the castle way better than I do.” Celestia only nodded, and looked at Four who spoke up next. “We never wanted to hurt you, princess Luna, or anypony else. We didn’t even know who you were when you first entered the castle. We just thought we would make your visit an adventure you would enjoy, that we would take you or some of you out for a while, feed a little, and you’d go home happy, maybe a little confused about what happened. We liked the place a lot,” Four hung her head low, “But when I bit princess Cadance, I learned who she was, and we had to improvise. We split you up, and knocked you out while feeding. Ask the purple unicorn… Sprinkle or something?” “Twilight. Sparkle,” said Celestia through gritted teeth. “Yeah her. Miss One changed into you when she fed from her, and you should have seen how much love she had for you. She was so happy when miss One allowed her to play out a lot of fantasies regarding you and your… umm… backside.” Ten tried his best not to snicker despite the gravity of the situation. “Continue,” said Celestia, shooting him a quick glance which served as a cold shower. “Then we split Shiny… Armor...?” “Shining Armor,” Bright Star corrected Four, “The captain of the Royal Guard.” “Mhm. Miss One identified that queen Chrysalis still left some mental triggers in him, and used them to gain enough love to make venom which would allow her to control somepony as powerful as your sister or you.” Celestia’s eyes narrowed. Four, being the good little infiltrator she was, hastily continued: “It was necessary! Everything went wrong. The boss wanted to just flee at first, but it was miss One’s idea to give you a normal adventure. If miss Eight didn’t mess up, nothing bad would have happened to you. We didn’t want a fight, I mean a real one, but when miss Eight made you and princess Luna go all alicorn and scary, we knew someone would get really badly hurt if it continued. The way miss One solved it was the best,” Four raised her hoof when Celestia opened her mouth, “She shouldn’t have said any of the world domination stuff. We enjoyed how things were. I liked ponies in Ponyville. Nine and miss Eight had fun practicing against the hydras and manticores in the forest. Everyone liked it there, but we had to leave. As you know, we found our place in Las Pegasus where ponies thought we were a new tourist attraction. Ask them if they were mad!” Four raised her voice, now scowling at Celestia, “We’ve been doing the Adventure Under the Hive for weeks and everyone was happy! A pony even asked me on a date, when I was a changeling! Everything was fine until that guy,” with shaking hoof, she pointed at Star Trail measuring her with a scowl of his own, “and one more kicked the front door open an stabbed me. If it wasn’t for Bright Star a moment later I...” she ‘eep’ed and went quiet. “Your Highness, I don’t know what Star Trail told you to gain the alicorn amulet, but his actions caused the sinking of several streets and houses, massive property damage, pony injuries, and… changeling murders. He disintegrated a changeling called Nine in the streets and would have done the same to Ten here if I didn’t save him. He mercilessly attacked Four, and thankfully she’s way tougher than she looks so I managed to help her when I teleported to their house. In the tunnels underground, he killed a pregnant changeling mare. What happened to the others I don’t know. I’m afraid that whatever tunnels they managed to dig under Las Pegasus crumbled under Star Trail’s magic, and they got crushed. Whatever Star Trail told you… can’t have been all. I refuse to believe a pony whom I’ve served for over a century would have sanctioned this in full knowledge,” he aimed a defiant stare at the princess, “That isn’t you.” His courage wavered faced with what he saw. Celestia’s eyes were nothing but golden holes into the heart of the sun. The tips of her normally rainbow mane burst into flames, ethereal cinders landing on the green grass around her. “Bright Star,” she said, her motherly voice gone, replaced by barely contained cold fury, “You are hereby banished from the paladin order. You will give me the names of every still alive paladin who joined your operations after what happened inside mount Canterlot. They will lose their position and rewards as well. The dead paladins will be stripped from paladin records, and all benefits to their families will be revoked.” Bright Star lowered his head. He knew he deserved this or more for his part in the tragedy. He would provide the names as requested, justice had to be served. “Yes, your Highness.” “Hey, you can’t do that!” squeaked Four, advancing on Celestia and only stopping when faced with a pair of Royal Guard spears aimed at her, “He’s the good guy-” “Be quiet,” said Celestia now looking at Star Trail, “And youuuu… I gave you your last chance after the incident with miss Half-hearted Fury, Star Trail. This, however, is the last straw. You stand accused of high treason, of ruining a chance for peace with changelings. The witnesses have spoken. What do you have to say for yourself?” Star Trail scowled, but didn’t cower in face of the furious sun. “Do not negotiate with the bugs, your Highness. Remember the dead, remember the insane, remember the horror. DESTROY THEM!” “I judge thee guilty then, Star Trail. Not of treason only against me, but against your paladin brethren, may their souls rest in peace. Without your fanaticism, no bloodshed was necessary, and many could still be alive. Your property will be seized, your titles stripped completely this time, and in the history of the order your name will be under the enemy,” Celestia turned her back to him, “Today, I believe Puff is better off gone than seeing his mentor turn into the twisted hateful monstrosity you are.” “HOW CAN YOU BELIEVE MERE WORDS OF THE MONSTERS AND THEIR SYMPATHIZER?!” screamed Star Trail. A cooler and deeper voice answered. “She can’t,” air next to Celestia wobbled, and a midnight blue alicorn appeared, “but we can. They haven’t said lies or purposely omitted facts. You are guilty, traitor. Face your judgement with what little dignity you have left, or without it. It matters not to us. Guards, take him away. He will rot in prison while his possessions will help those he hurt in what little way they can.” “Umm, what about us, your Highness… Highnesses?” asked Bright Star. “You will stay in the castle until you give me the requested names,” said Celestia, “then I will decide your future. You paladin career, however, is over. My sister will take care of the changelings. Guards, do your job.” The Royal Guards around split into two groups. One escorted Bright Star away via the service entrance, and a larger one led Star Trail through the main castle entrance. Four and Ten, without a spoken word, followed princess Luna down into the dungeons. “I have called my friends over for you. You will face the trial now,” she nodded towards one room to which Ten entered. Four tilted her head and saw a batpony mare and a bronze… changeling? “Who are-?” “Over here, little one,” Luna entered the next room with steel-plated walls, a table, and two simple stools to one of which she pointed. Four jumped up on it, “Now, I have heard your story, and I clearly remember what happened between my old castle and the train station in Ponyville, no matter what you might think-” ”Hmph!“ Four froze completely. “-That’s why I sent the paladins on a wild goose chase to Manehattan first. Regretfully, it wasn’t enough. Before I go next door and help my friends interrogate Ten, I’ll tell you you passed. Your fervor and words were enough for me, which is why I believe we can forfeit the initial examination in your case-” ”Princess, princess… you might be smart, but you can’t hold a candle to the Queen.“ “However, we still can’t let you just roam free, which is why you will need a guardian, and despite my better judgement, I think I’ve got just the right… ponies. They will be here shortly, don’t worry.” Four nodded, barely listening, and Luna left. It couldn’t be real. ”Don’t underestimate me, Four. I learn very, very quickly when I have to.“ ”MISS ONE?!“ ”In the flesh, metaphorically speaking.“ ”Where are you speaking to me from? I thought you got crushed. Wait, Bright Star said you got stabbed.“ ”Well, with my last breaths I felt a mind I could use in range - yours. Contrary to popular belief, there is no need for more changelings to form a hive mind. A single strong one is enough. Yes, I DO realize I’m now what we spent days fighting, don’t even think about mentioning it.“ ”Won’t it drain me like the old rulers did to the hive?“ ”It will require some… special arrangements, but we’ll manage. I have no intention of becoming a parasite like them. Consider this a symbiotic relationship - I will teach you, and you will grow in power rarely seen among changelings. In return, you will keep me alive until you can spawn me a new body. I intend to carve my own destiny, not rob you of yours. This… is just a temporary setback.“ ”Alright,“ said Four with a smile, ”I don’t like being alone anyway.“ ”That’s the spirit.“ Four’s smile withered. ”Miss One, what happened to the boss and miss Eight? I couldn’t listen because everything hurt...“ ”I don’t know. I ordered Eight to keep herself and the boss safe, and I’m certain they made it out before the earthquake, but Eight is smart. While the boss is hibernating, no one will find them. She will hide him on the bottom of the sea if she has to.“ ”We are going to look, right?“ ”Eventually, Four. You are too weak and unskilled now, but eventually.“ ”Promise?“ ”Yes, I promise.“ The cell door opened, letting in a grey-maned changeling mare wearing a silk band covering her eyes, and a grey pegasus stallion with brown mane. ”Ooooh, she looks familiar. One of the higher ranks under Chrysalis.“ “I’m Half-hearted Fury, and this walking dildo is Common Crest. Say hi!” said the changeling, "Hey, Crest, is she pretty like me, or is she one of those who when they give head it counts as anal?" “Hello... Four, was it?” asked the pegasus, rolling his eyes, and continued after Four’s nervous nod, “We’ll have to give you a real name, but that can wait.” ”Nah, I’ve got an idea. Ugly duckling wouldn’t work, but from a piece of coal into my beautiful and precious little thing. I’m sure Eight and the boss would agree. How does Gem sound? “ ”I like Four, but I guess numbers don’t sit well with ponies. Gem is nice and short.“ “Mhm, what about Gem?” Four nodded, “Are you supposed to be my guardians?” “That’s a lovely name actually… Gem,” Crest tried the word, seemingly liking it. “Yep, we’re the guardians!” Fury beamed, “I’ve wanted a daughter I can properly corrupt for a while, but Crest isn’t ready to be a father yet.” ”Corrupt? Oh honey, you have no idea who you’re dealing with. Anyway, Four- ehm, Gem, cheers! To the beginning of a unique relationship.“