Seth's POV
"Alright listen up!" I said, standing in front of the changelings. "One or two things are gonna happen, and that all depends on you!" I looked over the group for a few seconds. "I want those who are still willing to rebel against Equestria to line up on the right! If you fail to comply, we will use lie detector spells on you and your sentence will be extended!" The changelings looked at each other. "The rest just stay where you are." About nine of them hung their heads and stepped to the right. Stillbourne was not one of them.
"Allies of Equestria step to the left, undecided stay in the middle!" Shadow yelled. Five moved to the left, leaving four in the middle. I looked over at Luna, and she nodded.
"Guards!" I yelled. "Take the rebels to the dungeons. Undecided stay here with me, Princess Luna will take the allies to Celestia for orientation." Luna walked over to allies, and gestured for them to follow. She then walked over to me.
"I will check on your sister while I'm there."
"Thank you, Luna." I hummed in thought. "Hey, what do you want me to do with the rest of them?"
"Keep them here until Twilight arrives. I will be along shortly." She left to escort the changelings to Celestia's chambers.
I looked at the four remaining, and tried to think of something. "So, why are you guys staying neutral?"
They look at each other, and one stepped forward. "We're just not sure about betraying our brethren..."
I nodded. "Understandable. But you have to make a decision, and soon. Our fall back is to but you in the dungeon, so... Yeah, we need to know where you stand."
"So you're forcing us to choose? That's not exactly fair."
"Well. Not really..." I sighed. "We're tryin' to think of something. Just haven't had much luck..." I scratched the back of my head. "Anyway, you have until Luna gets back to decide. I will be staying here until then as well. If you have any questions about Equestria, you could ask me or wait for Princess Twilight. She should be here shortly."
Another changeling stepped forward. "How are changelings treated in Equestria?"
I held my chin in thought. "Well, a couple years back changelings were pretty much hated. But, after the royal pardon, Match and Ganger's marriage, and Chrysalis being the ambassador for changeling kind, things settled down relatively fast."
"So, changelings are accepted now?"
"Mostly," I said with a sad sigh. "There are still a few that dislike you guys but, as far as violence, you don't have anything to worry about." I smiled. "I made sure of that."
"How?" The first changeling said.
"Let's just say that I served some jail time and Celestia had to personally bail me out." I chuckled. "No one fucks with my friends. You'd do well to remember that."
"N-n-noted."
After a few more questions and answers, Shining Armor showed up to relieve me from over seeing the prisoners. I told Shining to go easy on them. I didn't get an actual response. I just shrugged and hung around in the background, watching Shining's methods on dealing with the changelings.
I yawned and sat down. I searched my pockets for what I call "Equestrian Cancer Sticks", which were basically "very weak" cigarettes. "At least it's natural tobacco, and not that chemical rich shit that's on earth..." I reached into another pocket and found my lighter, and lit up.
I found the Captain of the Guard's way of dealing with the undecided less than adequate. I stood up and walked over. Putting a hand on Shining's shoulder, I said. "That's enough, Captain."
Shining gave him an annoyed stare. "What? Can't I yell at them?"
"Not if they weren't part of the invasion." I said sternly. "There are multiple Hives in Equestria, Shining. Not all of them are evil. Don't be racist, Shining, or I'll cut your damn head off."
Shining looked at me with both surprise and concern. "Whoa there, take it easy, Seth."
I sighed and patted Shining on the shoulder. "Sorry brother, I guess I'm still not over what happened at Match and Ganger's wedding..."
"That was over two years ago... Aren't you ever going to get over it?"
"Eventually," I nodded. "It just pisses me of that somepony would try to burn down the church." I shook my head. "I mean, I'm all for burning shit down. Just not places that have all of my friends in them."
"They would have faced life in prison, you know?"
"Yeah." I sighed and shrugged. "I just lost control and... I've been trying to keep my anger in check."
"You've been doing a good job from what I've heard."
"Thanks." I noticed Celestia walk out of the castle. "Gotta go. Be nice to them, okay?" Shining nodded his head and turned his attention back to the undecided. I turned to Celestia as she got closer to us. "What's the word?"
Celestia smiled. "She is waking as we speak, Luna is with the manticore. Both are waiting for you."
"Thanks for telling me." I hugged her.
"You are welcome." She hugged me back. "Now, let us return to my chambers."
"Yeah, hopefully we can get there before she wakes up."
I slowly opened the door, so I wouldn't wake up my sister. I walked over to the side of the bed and told Luna and Charles to back away. I saw Elaine's eyes slowly flutter open. I smiled as she looked at me. "Have a nice nap?"
"Seth? I thought you were dead." She said groggily.
"Nope, just disappeared." Elaine sat up. "Hey, what's the last thing you remember?"
She looked at me with furrowed brows. "Well, I was in the car with my friends. We were passing through an intersection," I looked concerned. I knew where this was going. "And then the passenger's side of the car exploded, and...everything...went....black." After a few seconds, she began to cry. "Oh my god, I'm dead! I can't die, I'm only fifteen!!" She was crying openly now. I look over at the others in the room, they nodded their heads and left. "I have my whole life ahead of me!! Why did I have to die?!" She sobbed.
I couldn't take it. I sat down on the bed and hugged her. She hugged me back and cried into my shoulder. "It's going to be okay, Laney. Just let it out."
She broke the hug. "HOW CAN IT BE OKAY?!?!" She shouted. "How can it be okay if I'm dead?!"
I sighed and tried to think of how to explain it. "Your not dead, per se. It's more like...limbo, for lack of better term." Is what I came up with.
"What have I done to wind up in limbo?" She cried. "I haven't done anything bad."
I shrugged. "Your a Miller. That alone is enough." I joked, but the look on her face told me she didn't find it funny. I sighed. "It could be that Death brought you here. That's what he did with me."
Elaine calmed down a little bit and wiped her cheeks. "I don't understand."
I looked her dead in the eyes. "I didn't move out when you were eight."
She furrowed her brows. "What? That's what mom and dad said."
I shook my head. "Well, they lied. What really happened is, I went into the back yard with my rifle and shot myself in the head. But I guess the Grim Reaper had other plans for me, and brought me here."
"Why would he have brought me here too?"
I shrugged again. "I really don't know. But I do know one thing."
She look at him hopefully. "What's that?"
I took a deep breath and stood up. "I can show the world!" I sang. "Shining, shimmering splendor! Over, sideways and OOF!" Elaine threw a pillow and hit me in the face. "What was that for?!"
"This isn't the time!" She yelled.
"But, I thought that was your favorite movie?" I said innocently.
"You are unbelievable!"
"That's what they say." I chuckled. She continued to glare at me. "Okay, look. There isn't anything I can say that can make this better, alright? You're stuck here." Her eyes started to tear up again. "But it's not all bad!" She wiped her eyes. "You can make a life here. I mean, I have."
"Are you successful?"
I gave her a blank look. "You sound just like dad... Yes, I am. I'm the Captain of my own military division, and I'm sometimes a political figure. I'd say that's pretty damn successful, if you ask me. I have friends too. Three of them are waiting just outside the door. Wanna meet them?"
"Sure," She said in a defeated tone. "I mean, if I'm stuck here, I guess..."
"Don't worry, you'll like them. Just try not to freak out." I walked over to the door after saying that. He opened it slightly. "Okay, you can come in now. She might flip, so be prepared." They nodded and I turned around. "You ready to meet them?"
She shrugged. "I guess." I shook my head, and opened the door. The three walked in, and the two princesses smiled. "What?" Was all Elaine could say.
Celestia and Luna walked up to the bed, while Charles walked over to me. "Greetings Elaine," Celestia said. "I am Princess Celestia, Co-Ruler of Equestria. And this is my sister, Princess Luna."
"How do you do?" Luna asked politely.
"F-fine?" She looked at me.
"I did say I was a political figure, didn't I?" I laughed. "This is Charles," I patted the manticore on the back. "He doesn't talk much around people he doesn't know. He'll warm up though."
"You're friends with princess ponies?" Elaine said in disbelief. "What?"
"I know this may be a shock to you." Luna said.
Elaine went silent, and gestured for me to come closer. "Yes?" I whispered.
"Should I get up and bow or something?" I looked over at Luna, who raised an eyebrow.
"It might be appreciated." I nodded. "Can you stand?"
"I think so." She sat up, and turned to sit on the side of the bed. I took her arm and gently stood her up. Elaine stretched her legs. "I can stand." I nodded, and let go. Elaine turned to the princesses and curtsied. "It is a pleasure you, your majesties." She stood up. "And yes, this is a huge shock for me."
"That is understandable, all things considered." Celestia said. "Would you like something to eat?"
Elaine's stomach growled, and she blushed. "Yes please."
Celestia smiled. "Please, follow me."
"I'll meet you three there. I'm going to check on Shadow and Shining Armor."
"Shall I tell the chef to make your usual, then?" Celestia asked.
"Please do, thanks." Celestia nodded, and they all left. Charles and I went left, while the others went to the right. Half way to the door my smile disappeared. "That's what I thought happened..."
"What is?" Charles asked.
"The way she got here," I sighed. "She's dead in my world. Well kind of, her body probably just vanished like mine apparently did."
Charles cocked his head to the left. "Then, is she alive or dead?"
"Alive, like I was when I arrived in this world. Hopefully she'll be fine..."
"Do not worry, Seth. I'm sure she will be."
I walked out to the courtyard. "Chow Time!! Breakfast is being served! Shining, escort those four to the Chow Hall and see to it that the guards behave themselves. Shadow, your with me."
Shining looked at me with an unamused expression on his face. "We're the same rank, you know?"
I nodded my head. "I do. Would it have been better if I asked you instead."
"Maybe." He smiled
"Okay then. Captain Shining Armor, would you please escort these changelings to the Mess Hall, and ensure their safety?"
"Why, it would be my pleasure." He laughed.
I shook my head. "Hey, is Twily here yet?"
"Yeah, you just missed her. She's on her way to the royal dining hall."
"Thank you." I turned around to face the door. "Think I can beat her there?"
Shining chuckled. "You might, if you hurry."
"Challenge accepted!" I opened the door and sprinted towards the dining hall.
I reached the doorway to the royal dining hall and stopped to catch my breath. Normally this wouldn't sap so much of my energy but, I had three missions in a row. Each taking about ten to twelve hours each. I'm taking a nap after this... I thought.
Finally catching my breath, I entered the dining hall. I waved at everypony sitting at the table, and shortly joined them. A servant sat a drink in front of me. "It is nice to see you again, Misuer Miller. Your food should be here momentarily."
I smiled. "Thank you, my friend." The servant nodded and left. I looked at Celestia. "Twilight should be here soon." Celestia nodded her thanks. "So Elaine, what do think so far?"
"It's amazing! Even the corridors are beautiful."
I smiled. "Wait till you see the outside." Just then the door opened. Seth was ready to greet Twilight, but it was Blueblood.
He saw Celestia. "Good morning, Aunty!" He said ignoring pretty much everyone else.
"And a good morning to you, nephew." Celestia smiled. "We have a guest." She gestured to Elaine.
He looked at her and frowned. "Another ape? Great, now there are two!"
"Now Blueblood." Celestia said in a warning tone.
"What?" He sat down next to Celestia. "Can we not make them eat from a commoner's dog bowl? Why must they eat at our table?"
I felt my hands ball into fists. "Blueblood!" I yelled.
"It's Prince to you, Neanderthal!!"
"You son of a bitch!!" I saw a black mass form behind him.
"What did you say?!"
I hid a smile. "You heard me!"
Shadow formed behind him, and put his hands around Blueblood's neck. "Prince Blueblood, do you feel death?" Elaine look like she wanted to scream but she was too shocked to do much of anything. "If you keep insulting Master, and his kin, death will surely come." Shadow tightened his grip. "And I promise you, it won't be a pleasant one." Blueblood almost shit himself. I couldn't help but laugh.
"What is this beast of black magic?!" Luna yelled. "And why is it in our castle?!"
I calmed down from laughing so hard. "Okay Shadow, that's enough."
"But Master..."
"He's all bark and no bite, anyway. He isn't worth the effort."
"It would be no effort on my part." Shadow said confidently.
My expression slightly hardened. "No Shadow. Even though he's a crying little bitch, he kinda deserves to live."
"Yes, Master." He said in a disappointed tone, retracted his hands, and formed in the empty chair beside me.
"Will nopony answer me?!" Luna yelled.
"Sorry," I said. "This is Shadow. He's a Shadowbeast."
"Sorry to have surprised you, your highness. I apologize, I shouldn't have lost my temper, but he is insufferable."
"I agree, but that gives you no right to threaten his life!"
Shadow shrugged. "I merely gave him a warning he won't soon forget."
I looked over at his sister, who was still to shocked to do anything. "Laney? You alright?"
She snapped out of it and shook her head. "What...did I...just see?"
"Another friend of mine." I shrugged. "Don't worry though he's mostly harmless."
She pointed to Blueblood. "Will he be alright?"
I looked over at him, and saw that he was shivering, and that his eyes were as wide as dinner plates. "Don't know, and honestly don't care." I shrugged and looked around. "Where's the food?"
"I don't like your disregard for his personal well being, Seth." Celestia said.
"And I don't like you defending that miserable shit, Celestia. Now we both have more in common." Elaine's jaw dropped but she didn't say anything.
There was a long, uncomfortable silence. It lasted for awhile, longer than anyone would have liked. Then Twilight and Rarity entered the room. "Sorry we're late everypony! I decided to show Rarity more of the castle."
Celestia smiled. "That is quite alright, my former student. Hello Rarity, how have you been?"
Rarity bowed. "I'm doing splendidly! Thank you for letting me have breakfast at the palace!" She said excitedly.
"It's no trouble I assure you." Celestia turned toward Twilight. "And how have you been, Twilight."
Twilight smiled. "Wonderful! Still trying to get used to being a princess, though."
"You will in time, my dear." Celestia said, like a mentor would tell their student, which made sense I thought.
Twilight sat down next to me, while Rarity made her way to the other side of the table, to sit next to my sister. "Hello Seth. I saw that your mission went well?"
"Yep!" I smiled. "Didn't even have to kill anybody! Plus, I saved her from the forest." I pointed to Elaine.
"Ah, you must be Seth's sister! It's a pleasure to meet you!"
"Likewise, I'm sure." She nodded.
"If you have any questions about Equestria, be sure to ask."
"I will, thank you."
"Didn't even ask for a name, that's new." I said with a small smile. I was alittle surprised that Twilight knew about Elaine, but I figured Celestia sent a letter.
Twilight's eyes widened. "Oh, I'm so sorry! I'm Twilight, what's your name?"
"Elaine, you highness."
A light blush spread across Twilight's face. "Oh you don't have to call me that." She gave an embarrassed chuckle.
Rarity made it to her chair and sat down. "Hello Elaine! I'm Rarity, how are you?"
"I'm fine, it's nice to meet you..."
I noticed the tone. "I thought the same thing." I laughed. "But, don't worry she's pretty nice, when you get to know her."
"Really?"
"Yep! Even made the clothes I'm wearing right now. And with no charge too! I had to forcibly pay her!"
Elaine turned her head to Rarity. "You make clothes?"
Rarity nodded her head. "Dresses and formal attire primarily, but I dabble in casual wear from time to time. I would love to design an outfit for you."
"I would love that!"
Rarity turned toward me. "I can't believe you are still wearing that outfit. You must update your wardrobe!"
I looked myself over. "What? Can't a guy wear one of his favorite outfits?"
"That's really your favorite?" Rarity's eye were sparkling.
"Ever since the clothes that I came here in died, yes."
She looked downtrodden. "So it's your second favorite then?..."
"Nope, probably my third. See, there's that military uniform you made, the clothes I came here in, and then what I'm wearing now."
"Ah well, its nice to see my work is appreciated."
I gave her a smile. "Don't worry, it is."
After awhile, Twilight noticed the state Blueblood was in and tapped on my shoulder. "What's wrong with him?"
I looked over and chuckled. "Shadow happened. BlueBalls will be fine. I think..." I looked around. "Hey, where is Shadow anyway? He was right next to me..."
He appeared behind me. "I was just leaving, Master. I'm not hungry at the moment, and I can tell I am not wanted here." I looked over at the two alicorns "So, farewell for now." And he disappeared.
"Okay then... Hmm, Charles is missing too..." Shortly after that, the food arrived at the table. I thanked the waiter/butler pony, and began eating.
Elaine looked at me after taking a few bites. "Hey Seth?"
I swallowed the food I was chewing. "Yeah?" I took a drink.
"Are we staying here?"
"Nope. We're staying at my place back in Ponyville. I have a few more friends to show you."
After that, the table quieted down a little. Blueblood ate in silence, while Twilight chatted with her former mentor, and Elaine was talking with Rarity about dress making. I ate without speaking, and was done before everyone else. I laid my head down on the table, and accidentally fell asleep.