I do not own My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
Cloud Kicker spread her wings wide in the evening sunlight, feeling the warmth on her back and the wind under her wings. Today was going to be a good day.
After her encounter with Twilight's and Masquerade's current status, she had spent the last two nights plotting as to how to separate the two. Today, she may have something for either one, so no mater how she looked at it, there was no way this could fail.
Landing gracefully onto the ground and trotting up to the library door, she gave a few sharp knocks and waited patiently for somepony to answer. A few moments later the door was opened by the small dragon assist, Spike.
With her best smile she said, “Hello, is Twilight home?”
Shaking his head Spike denied, “No.”
With a bigger smile she asked, “Oh, how about Masquerade, is he in?” Knowing with his shy nature, she could move in easily while Twilight wasn’t around.
“No.” Spike repeated before saying, “Their both out today.”
Feeling a little cheated, Cloud Kicker asked, “What, where‘d they go?”
Masquerade looked over the edge of the carriage he and Twilight were riding in, feeling the hairs on his back rise every now and then at the thought of their destination. Turning to the calmer mare, he asked, “Don’t you find this odd in the least?” Casting his gaze to the castle that was getting closer by the minute.
Nudging the stallion next to her, Twilight told, “You don’t have to be so paranoid Mask, it‘s just a friendly visit with the princess’s.” Looking ahead and feeling giddy at the prospect of visiting Celestia again.
The stallion sighed, but didn’t hold back the smile that formed on his muzzle at how Twilight was feeling. He absently adjusted the belt that held Blades in place, feeling that they were a necessary precaution. He was essentially heading into the most dangerous area he could possibly go, and this time he wasn’t going as a innocent little colt who didn’t know any better.
Playing the part of a foal, while a foal is easy. He thought while looking over the white capital of Equestria that sat on the mountain side, a complete opposite of the black, underground capital hive for changelings. No, this time I need to make sure not to make any suspicious actions. Ponies may have forgotten my kind, but I doubt the princesses have.
Feeling a hoof being placed on his back, Masquerade looked over to Twilight who gave a reassuring smile saying, “If it makes you feel any better, I‘ll let you hold my hoof.”
With a grin quickly forming and worries ebbing away, he tossed his hoof over her shoulder, pulling the lavender mare in and giving a quick peck under her horn saying, “The hoof‘s nice, but I much prefer all of you.”
Twilight didn’t bother pushing away, finding herself comfortable near his warmer body in the whipping cold wind that was nipping at her. She leaned closer to keep warm and let her head lean on his shoulder.
Masquerade never seemed to complain if she ever chose to use him as some sort of pillow. It was a strange thought, but she did wonder why he didn’t seemed bothered by being used as one.
I suppose it doesn’t really matter, she smiled and scooted closer while nuzzling the stallions neck, it’s nice just being close.
Twilight was still concerned over her coltfriend’s fear of the princesses, more so as he was adamant about bringing Blades with. She had wanted to ask about his fear again, but found herself unable. She knew Masquerade would stayed tight lipped about it with any other pony around, meaning she wouldn’t hear anything during the ride.
“Something on your mind Twinkles?” Twilight heard the stallion ask her, seeming to move her closer and keep her warm. The mare snorted inside, knowing he was once again tasting her feelings and trying to get a bead on what she was thinking. She was starting to wonder what that was like, to know what another pony felt at all times.
Sighing contently from her spot she told, “Nothing to worry about now.” Almost feeling herself nod off, “We can talk about it back home.”
Soon enough, Twilight feel asleep next to her coltfriend, who started to wish he had gone with a pegasus form. Then he would be able to hold Twilight closer and keep her warm.
Watching the mare sleep at his side, Masquerade took a moment to think over the last month and what had happened. Changeling attack on Twilight, Twilight‘s recovery, the twins confessing to Mac, gathering of changelings… A small smile graced his features, one that showed how happy, but also sad he was, then my confession to Twilight…
He knew that making any sort of ties to Twilight was risky, not just for him but for her. But all that went out the window when he showed her his changeling side. So why not go all the way? He grinned while nuzzling Twilight some.
Two of his five months were up, and Sham had not stopped by Ponyville yet. If he didn’t stop by during the following month, then he knew something bad had happened. Ivory and Ebony had been sending letters to their brother, but no replies have been sent recently. That worried him greatly, as he did the same thing in order to hide his tracks if need be.
Sham knows what he’s doing, Masquerade assured himself, the guy’s a self-proclaimed-lazy-egotistical genius. He’ll be fine. Grinning at that line of thought.
When that was done, the black unicorn focused on the next thought, being that of the changelings in Ponyville. Admittedly, they got along just fine, and no threats were in the ranks. Despite being from different clans that were either destroyed, or some that just went rouge and left, got along with a sort of harmony only a hive might have.
The changeling grape vine was one example of this unification, using one another as a means to get news around quickly and update one another. It was possible that if a high enough threat were to show in their little town, they would show themselves and attack.
But with Celestia and Luna around, I doubt they would even lift a hoof to do so. He sighed to himself at the thought, knowing that no changeling would willingly show themselves out of fear of being hunted down by the alicorn sisters.
If anything, it was Celestia they were afraid of, seeing as she was around for the last thousand years while her sister just vanished. It was strange really, the lunar princess disappearing just suddenly before just reappearing just as suddenly.
It has left more wonderment in changeling kind as to who she was rather than to fear. They all knew Celestia and knew what she did, Luna however was an unknown for being gone for so long.
“We will be landing soon.” One of the guards called upfront, already moving with his wing-mate for a landing.
Looking over the edge of the chariot to be sure of how close they were, Masquerade gave a slight shake to Twilight to wake her saying, “Rise and shine sleeping beauty, we‘re here!”
Lifting her head and giving it a shake, Twilight opened her eyes to take a look around, noticing the large white towers that passed by them. The chariot shook upon its landing and slowly came to a stop.
Both ponies stood and jumped out, Twilight going over to thank the guard while Masquerade eyed his surroundings as discreetly as he could. Earth and unicorn guards lined the upper walls and every archway, while pegasi guards made patrols overhead, all of them in teams of two. Masquerade looked about with some wariness, trying to discern if this amount of guard was normal or not.
A gasp and a sudden surge of excitement made the changeling in unicorn form to turn around in time to see Twilight bound off calling, “Shinny!” Not to be left behind, Masquerade rushed after the unicorn mare and see who she was heading towards.
In a royal purple armor with golden trimming stood a white stallion, who at first seemed just as stern as all the rest of the guard. This quickly changed when he spotted Twilight and said, “Twily!” Taking off his helmet to show his unruly blue mane that had a light-blue streak in it.
The two quickly embraced the other, sporting smiles even when parting with the other. Ruffling the mares mane a little he asked, “Where have you been Twilight, I haven’t seen you since Mom set up that family dinner last Hearths Warming!”
Giggling a little, Twilight said, “Sorry BBBFF, but I have been busy lately.” Pushing her elder brothers hoof away.
“And so we meet again.” Masquerade said with a nearly flat voice, “It has been a long time, Shinning Armor.” Looking to the taller stallion with calculation eyes.
With a confused look, Shining Armor gave the black stallion a once over saying, “I knew another was coming with my sister, but I can’t say I recognize you Mr…”
Rising his hoof to look uninterested, Masquerade said, “Come now Captain, surly you remember me?” Raising a brow at Shining Armor who still looked confused.
Rolling her eyes Twilight scolded, “Mask, stop that already.” Watching her coltfriend dissolve into chuckles at his acting, only making her brother even more confused.
Looking to his younger sibling, Shining Armor asked, “Do I know him Twily?” Giving the now grinning stallion a unsure look, just now noticing belt holing up two strange containers that looked like sheaths.
With a surprised glance at her brother, Twilight asked, “Don’t you remember Masquerade?”
Looking to the stallion again and giving another once over he blurted out, “Wait, your that scrawny little runt?” Getting an elbow from his sister and a laugh from Masquerade.
“Yes, I‘m that ‘scrawny little runt’ Private Armor.” The black unicorn grinned thinking, the same one that you have yet to catch. Recalling how he had led the elder brother on varying goose chase’s throughout the castle when bringing Twilight snacks. Like Celestia’s cake, those were the most fun to do.
With a smile of his own, Shining Armor told, “Well, I‘m no private any longer, as you can see.” Gesturing to his armor.
Giving a nod Masquerade said, “So I see, so I see…” Looking the armor and asking, “Purple suits you, personal touch or already like that?” Poking the decorative protection.
Gesturing for both unicorns to follow he said, “Purple happens to be the main color for Caption of the guard.” Putting his helmet back on while he led the two, “I have to admit, I didn’t expect to see you here.”
Shrugging Masquerade told, “Ditto, but Twinkles asked me to come as per request form the letter the princess sent.” Still not exactly happy about the arrangement, but not willing to argue about it.
Tilting his head, Shining Armor asked, “And why is that?” Wondering what the whole arrangement of the stallions coming meant.
Catching onto her brothers confusion, Twilight asked, “Didn’t Princess Celestia tell you?” Only getting a negative shake of her brothers head before telling, “She wanted to visit with both Masquerade and I because he‘s my coltfriend now.”
Stumbling at her words, Shinning Armor turned his head saying, “Wait, what?” Blindsided by the sudden turn of events.
With a grin and a short burst of his green magic to make a mature illusion of fireworks, Masquerade cheered, “Surprise!” Laughing on the inside at the older unicorns face.
Looking to Twilight, the Captain asked while pointing an accusing hoof towards her, “When did this happen, and why didn’t you send a letter?”
A little annoyed at her brother, Twilight told, “Over a week ago, and as I said, I was busy.”
With a slight snicker Mask told, “When she means busy, she means runs experiments on some things I happen to have.”
“It‘s for science!” Twilight said, huffing at how the stallion only grinned.
Nudging the white stallion, Masquerade told, “She dragged me into one of them, I rather liked it.” Now starting to move again with one slightly-in-shock brother listening in.
Giving her coltfriend a blank look Tiwlight said, “That was a failed experiment.”
With a smirk he told, “I don’t know, I sort’a liked it when you were covered in slime.” Winking to her as a blush quickly showed on the mares cheeks.
“Is that necessary?” Shinning asked, feeling a little irritated now that he knew as to why he was escorting the stallion with his little sister.
Still with his ever present grin, Masquerade told, “What, I like flirting with Twinkles.” And gestured to his fillyfriend, adding, “Not like she‘s complaining.”
With a quick swat upside the actors head, Twilight told, “I also don’t encourage it.” Giving a somewhat stern look saying, “I expect you to behave yourself when meeting the princesses.”
With a straight face, Masquerade told, “Twilight, you know that I can fully act civil and polite when I chose to be.” Holding his head high and pose upright and proper.
“Exactly, when you chose to be.” Twilight pointedly told while poking his chest, “And I‘m telling you to be on your best behavior this evening.” Looking upon the stallion that told him she was not kidding.
With a sigh he said, “Alright Twinkles you wish is my command.” Then quickly told her, “But if something unexpected happens that calls for less formal actions, I shall not hesitate to do so!”
Twilight sighed and shook her head, smiling a little in amusement at his little dramatic antics, “Just promise me you wont be too rude.”
Grinning Masquerade told, “No promises, but I‘ll do what I can.”
Both sister and brother sighed at that, one just knowing it was the best she would get from her coltfriend, while the other felt this was going to be a long visit.
In a empty court room where Masquerade, Twilight Sparkle and Shining Armor were heading towards, two alicorn sisters sat in their respective thrones. They knew the unicorns would be entering in at any moment now, and waited patiently.
Celestia was the first to speak after some silence, asking her sister, “Are you sure you are right about this sister?” Not removing her eyes from the large oriented doors that lead into the room they were in.
Like her elder sister, Luna kept her eyes locked onto the doors saying, “We-- I am sure.” Knowing what her sister was referring to, “I have searched the dreamscape, and have found no pony that matches this Masquerade.”
Celestia gave a sad sigh at that once again, remembering the words on the letter she had received. Just the knowledge alone that the small colt she knew was just gone made her sad as it was. But now knowing that a possible changeling was masquerading as the colt Twilight knew--
It will surly break my students heart to know she was being used in such a manner. This was the first time Celestia has seen her brilliant student --if not sometimes daughter-- show any love for another like this. She didn’t know how great the ties were, but it will surly leave a mark when broken.
With a sympathetic look towards her sister, Luna softly told, “We both know it will hurt her, but it must be done for her safety.” Looking back to the large doors, “If they are truly back, then we may have to break up many for the protection of the whole.”
“I know Luna.” Celestia said softly, saddened at the idea of possibly breaking up a family with the knowledge one of them was changeling trying to use them, “I know.”
After a few more minutes of waiting, the doors finally opened and let in the three unicorns into the room, each one bowing once they reached the steps that lead up to the throne…
Except Masquerade, who looked busy at giving the large space an impressed look over before stopping when he noticed the other two bowing.
He seemed confused for a moment until he caught sight of both princesses, quickly going into a bow himself, almost hitting the floor in the process. Both alicorns gave the black unicorn a long look, as if trying to understand if he was really a threat of not. Deciding to just shake his actions off as nothing, Celesta spoke saying, “You may rise.”
Once they rose up, Celestia gave a disarming smile, just in time for both large doors close and seal off anything that would happen in the room from the rest of the castle.
Turning her attention to her student first, Celestia asked, “How have you been since our last meeting Twilight?” Watching the young mare beam up to her.
“I have been great princess.” Casting a small look towards Masquerade, “If not a little more.” And gestured to the stallion saying, “I‘m sure you remember Masquerade?”
Giving a nod, the solar monarch felt a sting of pain inside her heart after seeing how happy Twilight looked. She knew what was to come, but kept up her farce, smiling, “I do, and I have to say he has grown to be a handsome stallion.” Nodding in his direction.
With a sudden grin that Twilight saw out of the corner of her eye, she was to late to stop her stallion as he said, “I‘m flattered your highness, but I‘m already taken.”
With a clonk on the back of the stallions head, Twilight apologized calmly with a light blush, “I‘m sorry princess, but I have yet to keep him under control.”
Despite the serous situation, Celestia could not deny the amusement she felt at the false stallion. This was possibly an act, but it was at least a little amusing. This also turned bitter quickly, already seeing the two having a bond basically forged over more then a week. Just how long has this false pony been around my dear Twilight?
If Luna had not looked into the dreamscape for Masquerade’s dreams, she even would have sworn this was a pony before her. Still, changelings were the masters of deception. She had reminded herself, already trying to feel out the magic around them all. She was scared to note that Masquerade felt like a pony-- no signs of changeling magic seeming to show around him.
Lifting a hoof, Celestia told, “It is alright Twilight, this is a non-formal visit, there is no need to be so polite.” Smiling warmly as she said this.
With an even larger grin, Masquerade turned to Twilight, who turned to him saying, “No Mask, my earlier statement still applies.”
Crossing his hooves he shook his head saying, “Twinkles, you heard the princess, it‘s a non-formal visit. And what the princess says, goes, right?” Grinning as Twilight just glared at him.
Shinning Armor could only hide his laughing under a hoof as the black stallion had practically cornered his sister with his clever talking. If anything, the relationship the two had was funny to watch. While his sister was both knowledgeably and intelligent; Masquerade was both cunning and witty, and helping make such an interesting duo who seemed to enjoy their constant banter.
Clearing her voice a little, Luna politely said, “Though it is true this is an informal gathering, I do have a question for you Twilight Sparkle.” Doing her best not to take a glance at Masquerade, “Have you ever heard of something called a changeling?”
Both celestial sisters saw the tensing of the lavender mares body, while Shinning Armor looked rightly confused, just like Masquerade who seemed dumbfounded by the question.
Readying her next line, Luna went on, “We have noticed that neither tomes nor scroll seem to talk of them since my return, yet they were known a thousand years back.” Feeling her eyes narrow some as she asked, “Have you any tomes on this, my friend?”
While Twilight seemed to remain frozen at the question, Masquerade began to think of a number of reasons why the lunar princess would bring the subject up. It was true he felt the emotions of hidden guards all over the room, and also knew the princesses were feeling suspicious of him. He also could tell Shinning Armor was truly confused, apparently left out of the loop so not to accidentally reveal anything.
Did Twilight let it slip in one of her letters? One thought came before being dismissed, no way, Twinkles is too professional for such a slip up. And thought a bit more while taking in larger breaths to keep calm and ready himself. Is it possible some ponies have gotten suspicious? And shook that thought off too, not feasible, ponies don’t know of us.
But the alicorn sisters did, and they seemed just fine with not remembering them until now. With a the slightest shift, Masquerade gave Luna a glance thinking, is it possible that there is a unforeseen variable, a one percent chance out of the ninety-nine I can not predict? He knew Luna would fit the description, seeing as he had no real information on her. Plausible theory, but unconfirmed.
“I-I can‘t say that I have?” Twilight said with uncertainty, surprising Celestia at the somewhat evasive answer her student had given. Running a hoof in a circle on the red carpet, Twilight continued, “Seeing as I…um…don’t know?”
Masquerade wished he could applaud Twilight’s answers, seeing as she was improving some, even if a little. But he was too busy with trying to discreetly find escape routes. He knew he could fight his way out, but he didn’t think Twilight would like it if he killed a few guards doing their job.
The break up alone would be horrible, He shuddered in thought thinking, she would launch me into the Everfree hog tied and unable to defend myself! But quickly dismissed the thought with, nah, that doesn’t sound like her… Taking a moment to think and nodded in thought, she would be more likely strap me down onto her lab table and dissect me alive in the name of science…yep, sounds right.
With a sigh, Celestia asked, “Twilight Sparkle, why are you evading my sisters inquiries?” Not sure if she should feel disappointed in her students actions, or scared at the possibility of her student already deeply manipulated.
Wanting to defend his sister, but also not overstep his boundaries, Shinning Armor stepped up saying, “I don’t mean to interrupt your highness, but what is a changeling, and what does it have to do with my sister?”
Looking to the caption of the guard, Luna told, “Changelings are a race of insect looking ponies that can take the shape and form of any living thing that is capable of moving.” Then seemed to go into thought retelling, “They once roamed the land in a savage way, turning ponies into husks of their former selves while feeding on their love.”
Closing her eyes, Luna could clearly see the settlements that were silent, absent of all that lived there, “They turned them into mindless slaves, unable to feel again and do as told without question because they thought they lost their purpose in life!” Snapping her eyes open to Masquerade she told, “We eradicated their kind, knowing that leaving them be would spell doom for not just our lands, but those further still.”
While the black unicorn looked very much confused why she was looking at him, Luna said, “I have reason to believe they are not as dead as we once thought, and that one has started to take advantage of your sister.”
Masquerade looked about, acting the part of being frightened and confused while all eyes were on him. Luna’s eyes were that of a powerful ruler, strong as steel and ready to be used to smite out that would be a threat. Celestia’s held both pain, betrayal and sympathy, as if ridding him would actually hurt. Shinning Armor was that of confusion and shock, already fitting the pieces together.
Twilight’s eyes made him feel hurt, as worry and concern flowed off her in waves, just knowing his secret was out and feeling helpless in being unable to do anything that might possibly help.
Continuing to look about he said while tilting his head, “Whaaa?” Sounding as if he was so lost, he lost the ability to say the word right.
Standing up from her throne, Luna voice boomed, “We know thee to be a wolf in sheep’s clothing!” Opening her wings wide to allow for an intimidation factor, “Show thin true self now, you craven creature of shadows, or face our wrath!” Eyes glowing a brilliant white as raw magic flowed through her body.
All those who were not of alicorn stature, felt their bodies shake at the volume of the night princesses voice in the room, some of the hidden guard feeling the need to quake in their place, while others did their best to keep calm.
Masquerade didn’t need much acting skills to be scared, he was already shaking in fear thinking, I’m dead, I’m dead, I’m dead-- Quickly trying to think of something to help disarm the situation, his panicked mind could only pull up one this to say, “Option number two?”
Seeing Luna narrow her eyes at him he asked quickly, “Can I retract my earlier answer for a better one?” Backing away slowly and ready to run for the closest corner to hide in.
In her own panic, Twilight yelled, “Luna please, he isn’t what you think he is!” And turned to Celestia, “He isn’t evil, and isn’t here to cause any harm!”
“So it‘s true?” Shining’s voice said, making the mare turn around to her brother, “He is one of those things Luna was talking about?” Looking to Masquerade with anger.
Widening her eyes, Twilight told, “No, he isn’t!” But quickly reconsidered, “Well, not like what Luna explained, but he isn’t somepony to fear!”
With sad eyes, Celestai told, “Twilight, this isn’t Masquerade, just a changeling trying to use you.” And turned to Shinning Armor ordering, “Restrain Masquerade, Captain Armor.”
Twilight went to get in her saluting brothers path, but felt a powerful magical pull on her body that lifted her off the ground. Without a word, Celestia lifted her student up and over to her, watching with a pained face as Twilight struggled with her own magic shouting, “Wait, this is a misunderstanding, please listen!”
In the back of Masquerade’s mind, his infiltrator training, tactics and experience were working overtime to keep himself as innocent and unsuspecting as possible despite his bad situation. But felt that all break away when Twilight was being carried away, showing pain, betrayal and distress in her emotions. Just like a switch, his refined training crumbled as his instincts seemed to kick in, only one thought in mind.
Nothing takes my Twilight! Nothing else seemed to matter from there to him much, and in his anger let his eyes flash back to their normal form, alerting them all to what he was.
“You are one of them!” Shinning Armor yelled, charging while lighting his horn in a lavender color and putting a strong shielding spell up before him.
Masquerade saw the threat, and knew that the stallion had all intentions to charge through him. Quickly, he charged up a quick Disrupter Shot, sending the aqua bolt spell straight to the Caption. Shining was caught by surprise at the magic when it hit, feeling his magic suddenly fail and his body briefly lose control from the magical backlash-- tumbling on the floor as he did.
Masquerade was swift to move, choosing to leap forwards as Luna shot a magical beam at his place. The heir could feel the anger in the magic, prickling at his senses after it hit the ground behind him. Once again, he lit his horn, this time in it’s natural green aura and craft an illusion. Before Luna could make her next shot, he let the spell discharge, darkening the room and filling it with green smog.
“Guards!” Celestia called, looking about the shadowy room that seemed to hide the black stallion as ripples of movement went on around her. Apparently, the changelings have gotten smarter over my rule. She thought grimly to herself as the hidden guard came out to help.
Twilight continued to struggle in her teachers grasp, already beyond scared for her lovers safety, “Celestia please!” She begged, trying to get loose, “He hasn’t done anything to me, I know all about what he is!”
Turning to Twilight, Celestia said with firmness in her voice, “Then you know the dangers they poses, what they could do to all living things.” Knowing that there was a possibility this Twilight she saw was merely a puppet without knowing it.
“I know, he told me, he told me everything!” Twilight cried, “He warned me before he showed himself, he told me what horrors they could do, I know because he trusted me!”
“Or he did it so he could get control of you!” Celestia shot back at her student, “Twilight, I have watched changelings do this to ponies over and over, every time taking them and turning them into nothing but shells!”
Celestia didn’t even blink when a magical beam shot past her, while also missing a Masquerade who jumped away from the teacher and student as Luna had found him.
Still with eyes lit, Luna asked, “Did thou think that we, regent of the night, could be fooled by the arts that those of darkness know as a simpletons trick?” Sending a new wave of magic through the air and completely shattering the illusion and showing where Masquerade was to them, “A cur such as yourself can not even fathom what thee are facing!”
“Spider spit!” Masquerade cursed to himself as the royal guard that were in the room surrounded him and readied to attack. By now, their caption had gotten up and joined them, already in the ranks.
“Charge!” Came the order of one Captain Armor, and followed by fifteen guards. Five earth guards charged in from the ground. Five pegasi guards charged from over them. Five unicorn guard charged from being the ranks. Five of Luna’s thestral night guard attacked from over head.
One Masquerade lit his horn and waited.
When they got close enough, he let lose his charged spell, sending out a green smokescreen and blinding his opponents. Clanging, womps, and grunts could be heard inside before a number of magical blasts followed the chaos. Green flashes followed the other colored ones, tossing out guards left and right before one last guard was tossed out by one last green blast and all went silent.
All eyes turned to the smoke screen that faded away slowly and the guards picked themselves up slowly to see the result.
In the center sat Shinning Armor, holding a guard in a choke hold. Noticing that it was a guard, Shinning Armor let go of him, allowing the pegasus guard to breath again.
Breathing hard, the caption looked around confused asking, “Where is he?” Stumped how the ‘changeling’ had just up and vanish.
Slowly getting up, the pegasus guard was bout to move-- only to be contained in a indigo barrier as Luna said, “Changelings can shape-shift.” And looked the guard over carefully, “It is possible he took on one of your forms during the scuffle you all had.”
All the guards looked at one another, giving looks of unsure paranoia, knowing that one of them was their pony, but having no way to tell who it was. They after all, looked the same and could not tell the difference accept for their gear. That only helped so much as they seemed to still have their things.
Seeing this as extra time, Twilight shouted again, “Everypony, just stop!” Giving her teacher a pleading look, “Please princess, trust me, we can talk this out ,you don’t have to do this.” Seeing her teacher about to rebuke, she interrupted, “He told me about their clans, he told me about other changeling, he told me of changelings he found in Ponyville!”
“What!” The entire room shouted at the revelation of more being in the same area the element bearers lived.
Ignoring them, Twilight continued, “He was telling the truth when he said he loved me, and I would be lying if I said I didn’t feel the same!” With eyes full of tears, Twilight begged, “Princess, please, just give him a chance, he has risked his life, and those of all changelings when he trusted me to keep this secret.”
Looking into the crowd of guards she told, “He trusted me not to send you a letter about them. He trusted me when I told my friends. He trusted me when he told me his fears…” Looking back to her teacher Twilight said, “I beg you Celestia, give my coltfriend a chance to explain himself, please…”
Looking at Twilight for a time, Celestia pondered what to do. She wanted to believe her student was being manipulated. She wanted to Twilight was tricked. She wanted to believe that the unicorn didn’t know what she was saying.
But I don’t think Twilight would go so far to protect another if under control in this manner. She and Luna had seen how controlled ponies acted-- savage, wild and almost rabid when their master was in danger. Twilight talked and pleaded, trying to pull away to help Masquerade, but not in a way to fight all the others.
Looking to all the ponies awaiting her decision, she only prayed, Faust, let this be the right choice.
Twilight felt herself being gently set to the ground again, looking relived as Celestia said reluctantly, “Luna…let him go” Scared her choice could be wrong.
“But sister--” Luna tried to say only to be cut off.
“Luna, we might have been hasty with this…let‘s put faith in Twilight‘s words.” Celestia said while looking to the guard inside the magical prison, “And hope she is right.”
Luna nodded and released the stallion saying, “You may go, but know that we are will not hesitate to incinerate you.”
Looking horrified, the guard told, “But I‘m not him.” Shaking in place at the prospect of being incinerated.
Before she could accuse the guard of lying, slow hoof steps echoed through the room, making all eyes turn to one of the guards that was armed with two golden sheaths.
With steady breaths, he walked towards Luna, eyes darting about and body slightly twitching. In a flash of green fire that sent most guards jumping away, all others felt their jaws drop at what they saw.
The sisters felt equal amount of shock, seeing what they knew to be the strongest of the changelings walk towards them with a now confident stride and menacing pose. There was a strange air about him that called for respect, much like how Luna’s presents called for the same when she entered a room.
With out a doubt, both sisters could tell this changeling was something much different than what they had fought before. If the small scuffle was anything to go by, he was much more skilled than they anticipated, and now shows to be one of the more strongest type. Celestia felt the urge to gulp, scared that her faith in her student was possibly misplaced.
Now standing in the middle of the all again, Masquerade said, “Before we start I have two requests.” Seeing the sisters nod he said, “First is non negotiable: please let Twilight come back, I‘d feel more calmer with her close by.”
Celestia wanted to deny him this, but found her head nodding anyways and watching Twilight rush to the changeling. She still felt shock run through her when both hugged, Twilight nuzzling into his chest while he kissed her forehead and whispered into her ear.
Looking back up he said, “My second request is this…”
Waiting for him to say it, Masquerade worked his jaw saying, “Can we talk over dinner, I feel like apple pie.” Grinning as he felt complete confusion swarm the room.