Seth's POV
"I can't believe we forgot about them." I said, rubbing his eyes. I stopped the prison escort, and Shadow and I were walking toward Shadow's cave. "Have could we have forgotten about them?"
"In all fairness, Master, we were pre-occupied." Shadow said. "And then with the events that followed, you were significantly distracted."
I shook his head and sighed. "Still. Do you think Charles will be fine watching her?"
Shadow put a hand on my shoulder. "Do you not trust him?"
"It's not that I don't trust him, I just don't know what she will do when she wakes up." I looked ahead, and saw the cave. "I just hope we're in Canterlot when she does."
"And why would that be?" Shadow asked.
"I just think it would be easier that way." I said. "The guards wouldn't know what to do, but Celestia would."
"I see know." Shadow said with a slight nod. "Celestia is good at controlling almost any situation."
"Not my exact thought, but that works." We arrived at the cave, and I opened the door. I looked around and then over at Shadow. "At least it looks better than the last time I was here."
"Yes, my mental facilities are a bit more evolved now. I no longer clean and skin my game in the cave. I do that outside now."
"You still drink the blood though?"
He smiled. "Of course. But not as often as I used to" They looked at the two changeling prisoners, and they were wide-eyed and slightly shaking.
I gave a nervous chuckle. "Sorry about that." I scratched the back of his head. "Let's get you to the others."
"W-what will you do with us?" One of them asked.
"Take you up to Canterlot with the rest of the prisoners," I said, shrugging. "You'll be Celestia's problem from there." They looked worried. "Don't worry, you all will be fine." The changelings hesitantly stood up, and were led out of the door by Shadow. I couldn't help but notice the worried and timid nature of the two, and after awhile he spoke up. "So let me guess," I said, grabbing their attention. "You two are young, right?"
"H-how could you tell?" The one on the right said, with a feminine voice.
"Your body language, mostly." I shrugged. "That, and you two are smaller than the others." I said, trying to lighten up the mood. Which didn't work.
"We've just heard...stories...is all..." The one on the left spoke this time, in a more masculine tone.
"About me?" The changelings nodded. "Good ones I hope?" I smiled.
"W-well..." The one on the right said.
I sighed. "Not the case then, is it?"
"That depends." The one on the left said.
I raised an eyebrow. "On what?" They looked at each other. "Come on, you can tell me. I'm not going to hurt you."
"Because you're bound by Equestrian law."
I shook his head. "That's not the reason. Not at all. Besides, I'm not bound by anything. I'm just kind. What have you heard, to make you think I'm like some bad guy or something?"
"We've heard that you come from a different world."
"And that you battled a Hydra by yourself, and won!"
"And that you died, but came to life."
"And that you were imprisoned in stone, but escaped! And when you did... Um..."
I nodded his head. "Okay, most of those are true, I'll gave your story teller that. But allow me to fill in some blanks and correct what needs it." The changelings gave no response. "I am from another world, I'd explain that if I had the time, but I don't. I did battle a Hydra, but I wasn't alone." I gestured toward Shadow. "Shadow here pretty much did all of the work." Shadow shook his head, but said nothing. "And I did die. That was after the battle with the Hydra. Long story short, I fought the Hydra to protect The Element of Kindness, Fluttershy. Who was my marefriend at the time.
"She died from her injuries, I gave my soul to her in an effort to save her. Which turned out to have worked, thankfully. Bet your story teller missed that part, huh?" The changelings nodded their heads. "Thought so. I don't remember much about coming back to life though, sorry." I held his chin in thought. "Oh, right! And I was imprisoned in stone. For Ten long months even! Moral of that story is: Never do mercenary work without both of the princesses' approval." I chuckled. "And then the last one. When I escaped I..." I stopped as the terrified pleas and cries for me to stop played in the back of my mind. I felt his eyes tear up, but I shook my head and sighed. "Sadly that is also true..." I cleared my throat. "It was a dark time for me, and I don't want to talk about it." I looked at the ground and rubbed my eyes. Nothing more was said on the way to the prison escort.
Thankfully, everything went smoothly after we joined back up with the group. And I got back into my normal mood. We managed to leave for Canterlot without any other hang ups.
Shadow was assisting the guards in keeping the rogues in check, Charles was carrying Elaine, and I was trying to figure out what I was going to do. I did find it funny, however, that her introduction to this world isn't going to be entirely unlike mine. It was a small comfort though. Very small
"How about a song, eh?" One of the guards asked. "Kinda make the trip go faster."
"You walked all the way here?" I asked. "No way."
One of the other guards snorted. "Of course not! The sky-chariots are just outside the tree line."
"There's enough for everyone?"
"Yep."
"Good, good." I looked at Shadow. " And you'll be fine outside the forest?"
"Yes. I am not tied to the forest, I only live in it."
"Right." I looked at Charles. "What about you? The ponies might not react to well to a manticore in their city."
"I can handle myself." He said confidently.
"Okay then." I walked to the front of the escort. I turned around, and starting walking backwards. I scanned and took note of the various expressions on the faces of the rogues. Some were scared, some were angry, and some had blank faces. And then there was Stillbourne. I shook my head and turned around. Something was off about him. "So, what song are we doing, if we're still doing it? And by 'song' I assume you mean cadence?"
"Yes sir!" One of the guards said. "You're the commanding officer, how about you choose? Maybe one from your world?"
I thought about it. "I don't remember any appropriate ones."
"What do you mean, sir?"
"Well, there are females present..."
Huh?" One of the guards said. "Haven't thought of that."
There was annoyed buzzing. "Anyway!" I yelled. "Now, before something goes horribly wrong, how about a sea shanty?" The guards, as well as the changelings, looked at each other. "What?"
"Uh sir? You do know we aren't the navy, right?"
I gave him a blank stare. "I've been in charge of the unit for how long? Of course I know! But it's the shanty, or silence. It's up to you, I can deal with walking in silence."
"All for silence?" Almost all of the changeling raised a hoof. "All for the sea shanty?" One or two of the guards and a handful of changelings.
I crossed my arms. “Fine. No song for you!”
We reached the tree line, and loaded up the prisoners. I requested that Stillbourne ride with my friends and I. He climbed up with a smile on his face. I looked at him with a smile of my own.
The sky-chariots took off, and I started to speak. "You are an odd one." I said, smile still adorning my face.
Stillbourne's smile faltered slightly. "Is that supposed to be a taunt?"
I furrowed my eyebrows. "Why would I taunt you?"
"No idea!" he said, and laughed afterwards.
I looked at him for a while before giving a chuckle. "You aren't worried at all, are you?"
"Why would I be worried? Celestia won't do anything to us, right?"
"True, at worst she'll try to get you to ally yourselves with Equestria." I shrugged. "That's pretty much it. Well...or throw in you the dungeon."
"The sun is rising." Shadow said.
"Huh?" I said, caught off track. "So it is. Damn it's late." I shook my head. "Anyway, Stillbourne? You seem different from most changeling commanders."
He laughed. "Yes, well. I am a little more... Old fashioned, aren't I?"
I nodded my head. "Yes, meeting us before battle? That hasn't been done in a while."
"I did that to avoid conflict," Stillbourne explained. "And to show you respect among combatants, should conflict happen regardless of the attempt."
"So, you didn't plan on fighting in the first place?"
"Plan on it, no. But I, as well as my forces, were prepared."
"But your forces were ready to attack us when the Flash Jar effects wore off."
"Do you blame them?" Stillbourne asked with an eyebrow raised. "What happens if you do the same with a wasp hive?"
I nodded my head. "Yeah, I see your point. And that question might explain why you're so weird."
"Oh really? And why would that be?"
I sighed and hesitated. "You were a pony once, weren't you?"
What?!" Charles yelled.
"Well, think about it. 'Stillbourne' isn't a changeling name, and I have only seen what he did earlier when in training with the Guard. But what confirmed it was, he said changelings were pretty much bugs. I haven't met a changeling that would liken themselves to insects." I put on a sad smile. "I'm so sorry."
Stillbourne frowned. "Very good. You aren't just a mercenary, after all." He then laughed. "Actually, you're half right."
"What?"
"I'm half changeling, half pony." My furrowed my brows in thought. "My mother was an exiled changeling and my father lived mostly on his own. He took her in, and after a while, well here I am!"
"You weren't apart of the invasion then, were you?"
He shook his head. "No, I wasn't. I have helped my parents with their land for most of my life. Till recently, that is."
"I see."
"So your intel wasn't entirely correct, was it?"
I shrugged. "All I was told was that was a rogue changeling group in the Everfree. There was nothing saying you were hostile. I just assumed you were."
"And you still didn't attack?"
I looked passed Stillbourne, and saw that they were almost to the castle. "Not every encounter has to be a decisive battle. That is certain." I shrugged. "We're pretty much there so, prepare yourself to see the princess." He smiled and nodded.
"Be nice to them Luna." I said, while looking over the rounded up prisoners.
Luna nodded. "I assured you, you have nothing to worry about."
I smiled. "Thank you, Luna. Is Celestia in her Quarters?"
"She is, but wouldn't you rather oversee the prisoners?" Luna asked with a raised eyebrow.
"I would. But this is important." I gestured toward my sister, who was still unconscious on Charles' back.
Luna tilted her head. "The manticore?"
I gave her a blank look and shook my head. "No, what's on the manticore's back."
Luna raised an eyebrow and looked at the manticore closer. Her eyes widened when she saw her. "I see, very well. I will make sure everything goes how it should."
"Thank you. Shadow will be here to assist you with that." I turned to leave. "I want you to meet her as well, Luna. Will you be awake?"
She nodded her head. "I will be. It's going to be a busy day."
I smiled. "I'll come find you then." With that, I went into the castle with Charles following along.
I knocked on the door to Celestia's private chambers. "Celestia? Are you awake?"
The door opened. "I am, please come in."
"Thank you.” I bowed. “Please allow my manticore to come in as well."
"Manticore?" She looked passed me. "Of... Course."
"I would bow," Charles said. "But I fear I would drop her."
"What? He talks? And who is he referring to?"
"He does talk. And who he is referring to... Well..."
"What is it?" Celestia asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Charles, please lay her on the bed." Charles nodded. He walked over and laid her on the bed.
Celestia's eyes widened. "Another human? How?"
"No idea." I shrugged. "And this isn't just any human." Celestia raised an eyebrow. "This is my little sister. Her name is Elaine, and she's the one you wanted me to leave in the forest."
"I see.” Celestia had a thoughtful look her face. “She can rest here until she awakens."
I faked a smile. "Well, it is the least you can do. Seeing how she would be dead if I didn't go against orders and all..."
Celestia looked at him with a hurt expression. "Seth... I didn't know."
I sighed and rubbed my temples. "I know. I know you didn't. And I really shouldn't be upset with you about it, but I am.” I took a deep breath. “Any idea when she'll be awake?"
Celestia's horn started glowing. After a few seconds of humming in thought, she spoke. "Within the next two hours. But this is more in my sister realm of magic…"
Seth nodded. "Okay. I'm going to help Luna with the prisoners, I can ask her to check on Elaine. Will you join us soon? Or are you going to watch over her until Luna shows up?"
"I believe my sister has it covered. I will stay here, and join you after Luna arrives."
"I will stay here as well," Charles said. "If that is okay with you, princess."
She nodded. “Is there anything else before I leave?” I asked.
“Yes, I would like to meet this Stillbourne. He seems… cooperative.” She took a good look at Elaine, and had a puzzled look on her face. “Twilight is on her way, as well. I would like her to learn how to be diplomatic with any rogue hives she might find.”
“I’m assuming she’ll bring her friends?”
Celestia smiled. “Most likely, but we will see.” I suddenly gave Celestia a blank look. “What?”
“You weren’t overly-cryptic, were you?” Celestia replied with trying to hide a smile. “Oh my god, she’s going to think this is another test!” I yelled. “You know what? No, you can deal with the disaster that’s going to happen this time! I have other things to do.” Celestia had a shocked look on her face. And then I hugged her. “And I thank you for letting my sister stay here.” Celestia hugged me back. “I will have a guest room prepped for her by the end of the day.”
Celestia broke the embrace. “You don’t need too. You have worked hard enough.”
“No, Celestia. My family, my responsibility.” I smiled. “Let me get her settled, before you start offering help.”
She nodded. “I understand how you feel. Now go,” She said switching back to princess mode. “You have duties to perform!”
I bowed while rolling my eyes. “Yes, your highness!” I turned around, and started marching out in a comical fashion. Making Celestia chuckle to herself, and close the door. She shook her head and looked at Elaine. “I wonder how you got here…”