The meeting for all the world leaders was to be held in Canterlot. Everyone invited had agreed to attend, and Princess Celestia was determined, with the aid of Twilight Sparkle, to make everything turn out well for everyone.
“Everyone” of course, included Metamorphosis’ sons. He, Thorax, and Pharynx were on their way, having made a quick stop in Ponyville to pick up Ocellus. She, along with her friends, had also been invited as ambassadors. The leaders had agreed on their being invited because they were the only ones of their kind to live in Equestria to strengthen diplomatic ties.
Ocellus had been the last of her friends to be picked up. Pharynx had caused them some delay with a slight argument with Thorax on whether or not to bring soldiers. The argument, unsurprisingly, had ended with a result of ‘no’.
But now, everything was calm. As they walked, Metamorphosis could see the eagerness in both Thorax and Ocellus’ eyes. Ocellus had brought a saddlebag stuffed with books, historical and fantasy alike, it seemed. Meanwhile, Thorax was simply brimming with enthusiasm, as well as a hope for things to be alright. This was the changeling kind’s first meeting of this sort, after all. Pharynx was less enthused with the meetings to be taking place, more focused on the number of guards that would be in the castle at the time.
“Just look at them, they have to have about two hundred extra guards for a meeting that would only require about half as much. Typical incompetent Equestrian military…” Pharynx grumbled
“Now Pharynx, try to be nice.” Metamorphosis said.
Metamorphosis had taken the pegasus form again as they headed up to the castle. He would untransform when they entered the room where the meeting was taking place. He trotted calmly beside Pharynx, this time having transformed to have some armor on, so it would not appear strange for a pony to walk beside three changelings. He would appear to be an escort.
Pharynx huffed. “I’m just saying. If someling hadn’t insisted, we’d be walking in with our own guards. Incompetent they may be, but you’d be hard put to call them worse than the Equestrian military.”
Metamorphosis shot him a warning glare, then looked to the side at Thorax and Ocellus. The two were chattering eagerly, Ocellus levitating books from her bag. She appeared to be showing Thorax notes and bits of useful information. Thorax was nodding eagerly, clearly invested in learning helpful things.
“I have to say Thorax.” Metamorphosis spoke, getting the two’s attention. “You really couldn’t have chosen a better advisor.”
Thorax chuckled while Ocellus blushed. He placed a hoof around Ocellus.
“I know dad. And believe me, I couldn’t be prouder of her.”
Ocellus giggled, blushing. “Th-Thank you Thorax…”
“Of course Ocellus.” Thorax smiled at her, then glanced back up. “So, dad.”
“Yes?”
“I was thinking that maybe you could help provide some insight on more of the changeling’s history? As mother’s, well, mate, she must have told you about our history.”
“Indeed she has.” Metamorphosis nodded. “I would be happy to help in any way I can.”
Thorax smiled. “Thank you dad.”
“Of course.”
Metamorphosis quickly changed shape into what appeared to be a changeling guard as they approached the castle. He did so in order to not arouse suspicion among the guard, but it also seemed to please Pharynx. The four changelings were then led to what would be their room for the stay in Canterlot. It contained two connected rooms, one for Ocellus and Metamorphosis, the other for Thorax and Pharynx.
As Metamorphosis and Thorax set about unpacking, Pharynx laid down for a quick nap and Ocellus read some of her books. Thorax watched them for a moment, then looked up at the clock. His eyes widened.
“Oh no, that delay must’ve taken longer than I thought, the meeting’s going to start soon!”
Metamorphosis, who had transformed back to his normal form by now, approached his son. Thorax was panicking, breathing quickly. Metamorphosis placed a hoof on his back.
“It’s alright Thorax, deep breaths.” Metamorphosis soothed. “How about I wake up Pharynx, since we know that will likely take a while, and you and Ocellus can head to the meeting?”
“I-I…” Thorax took a few deep breaths. “Okay. Thanks dad. Come on Ocellus.”
Ocellus tucked her books away and grabbed the saddlebags, slipping them on. She waited at the door for Thorax to compose himself, then they left the room. Metamorphosis smiled, glad the situation was handled, then turned to his other son, who was curled like a cat on the bed.
“Pharynx…” Metamorphosis called softly. Pharynx’s ear twitched. “Pharynx, you have to get up.”
“Sh-Shuddap… sleeping…”
Metamorphosis sighed. “I know you had a rough night, and you need rest, but you have to get up now.”
“Don’ wanna…”
“I know, but you have to.”
“Mmngh…”
Metamorphosis got closer and rubbed his son’s back. Pharynx groaned and opened one eye, glancing up at the older changeling.
“Dad…”
“Come on Pharynx, we need to catch up with Thorax and Ocellus.”
“Fine…” Pharynx sighed, heaving himself up begrudingly. “But only because Thorax needs his protector.”
Metamorphosis chuckled. He knew of the role Pharynx had assigned himself to; protector of the King. Naturally, Thorax would need a protector, having not been the best at self defense. Ocellus was much in the same situation, so he understood why Pharynx was now suddenly willing to get up.
“Alright, let’s go then.” Metamorphosis said as Pharynx got up. Metamorphosis waited by the door for Pharynx, who grabbed a crossbow he’d managed to convince Thorax to let him bring.
“Alright, I'm ready.” Pharynx sighed, heading to the door. Metamorphosis followed, taking his changeling guard form again while trying to think of a good topic of conversation to distract Pharynx with.
Meanwhile, Thorax and Ocellus hurried down the hallway. Thorax sighed with relief as they reached the meeting room. He nodded to the guards as he entered.
“Sorry we’re late, everycreature.” Thorax apologized as they walked in, the guards following them in and shutting the doors, standing on either side of the large doors.
“It’s perfectly alright King Thorax, you haven’t missed much.” Princess Celestia said, smiling.
The princesses of Equestria sat together, Celestia and Luna in the middle, flanked by Cadence and Twilight. To their left was Sandbar, he was invited due to being a hero of Equestria like his friends. Beside Sandbar was Gallus, he was next to the Griffonstone representative, Gruff. On the other side of Gruff was Yona and Prince Rutherford of the yaks. Queen Novo and her niece Silverstream sat on Cadence’s right. Finally, there was Smolder and Dragon Lordess Ember, sitting between the yaks and an empty space clearly meant for the changelings.
Thorax smiled as he and Ocellus took their places. “Still, I’d like to apologize. My brother will be here shortly.”
Princess Celestia nodded. “Very well. While we wait I suppose we can fill you in. We’ve been discussing possible trade alliances between the dragons and the yaks-”
Just as the princess was about to speak, they heard voices from outside the room.
“The point is that the guard could do with some extra motivation, I seriously have to stop some of them from skewering themselves with their own spears practically every training session.” Pharynx’s voice was recognizable instantly.
“And I do understand that Pharynx, however, it can sometimes be hard for someone to understand motivation if you’re shouting all the time.” another voice, recognizable only to a few in the room, responded.
The door to the meeting room opened, and the two creatures entered. Pharynx was talking to a creature most of them didn’t recognize. An unreformed changeling standing tall as Thorax, with a long and twisted horn, bearing a red mane and violet carapace, as well as cat-like, purple eyes that faded to blue.