//------------------------------//
// Learning something New 
// Story: Acceptance 
// by Riddle-Me-Think 
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I do not own My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic





Life in a clan hive was something to treasure for those that lived in it. The whole clan was more or less family, willing to look after and protect those who lived inside the hive. It was a united bond all changelings share to some level, even if they were not related by blood.

This is what Luna witness as she traveled beside the clan head to the Quasi, Opulent. Her two guards were still by her side, eyeing their surroundings that swarmed with changelings. 

Twilight, Masquerade and Roma had decided to see the sights in the hive, and were given both Quip and Flick as guides. This left the night princess and her guard able to take flight with the changeling heir and see more of her marvelous home.

The meal presented during their peace talk was pleasant enough, and agreements had been quickly made. The first thing that was put up for debate were the boarders of changeling territory. After that were possible trading agreements, and showing to be difficult to make as changelings didn’t really need bits.

Thankfully, Masquerade helped with this, mentioning that once the Gem clan was out of hiding, they could help with arranging trades for both groups. That had set any trades on hold until further notice and when the Gems were once again, able to help.

Another subject that Luna herself brought up was nearly free access to Equestrian boarders as long as they were informed of such excursions. Opulent knew that she could not pass up such an offer, as it basically gave her clan legal rights to enter and leave as they pleased. With this, there would be a stable supply of love being gathered and sent back, helping the hive grow some.

So it came as a surprise to Luna when the heir offered something that would balance out this agreement more. Information on movements outside Equestria’s boarders. Though it was something Luna would task her guard for, her sister had made certain peace agreements that stopped any spying she normally did in the past. But now, she had found an excellent loophole to that.

It was actually the reason for their little flight inside the clan hive, as they were heading to the ‘Hall of Recordings’ to dig up some recently documented movements that would interest Luna.

Opulent had already told of the diamond dog pack that would undoubtedly be entering Equestria boarders without consent, digging up resources and taking ponies.

Thieves and slavers that lurk in the earth and take what is not rightfully theirs. Luna didn’t despise the dog race, but neither did she find their habits acceptable. Her sister had done a valiant job with keeping the peace with the diamond dog’s own kingdom, near minotaur lands. But their packs always stayed a problem, moving out on their own and being independed of their rulers words.

Luna would snort at those thoughts, thinking otherwise. They may not have fine speech, but that does not make them stupid by any measure. Unlike her sister, Luna always held a suspicion that the ‘king of mutts’ was actually more then able to control those packs that caused such grief. Without proof, however, neither alicorn could call the ruler out on such a thing and force him to retract the packs that ran rampant.

Luna soon was landing on a platform that was attached to one of the many wasp like buildings made on the ceiling itself. Around her and her guard, a number of changelings backed away, some out of respect for their leader, and others with fear at Luna’s appearance.

Noticing this, Opulent told in a strong voice, “You have nothing to fear clansmen,” Gesturing to Luna and her guard, “They are now our allies, not foes.” Making it a point to make eye contact with as many of her changelings, she continued, “For that, we are here to help secure their boarders.”

Looking about themselves, one of the workers stepped before her leader, bowing some and asking, “What would you ask of me, your grace?”

Seeing that at least one of her changelings was not completely terrified, Opulent ordered, “I, as well as my guest princess Luna, wish to have some copies of the recent movements pertaining to the diamond dog packs.”

“Of course your grace.” The changeling bowed once more in politeness before motioning them to follow, “This way please.” Entering the open honeycomb shaped doorway.

While they entered into the hanging structure, Luna could not help but ask, “I do not mean to offend you Opulent, but why be so quick to aid us?” Curious why the heir was being rather generous with giving this information so freely.

Opulent  smiled, somewhat happy to note the alicorns suspicion in her actions, “As I had told you, your highness, you are a blessing in disguise.” Following the smaller changelings instructions to wait in a open room for a moment, “I would be a complete idiot to not take this alliance and hold it tight.”

The lunar princess watched as Opulent look down at one of the transparent green panels in the room, allowing her to see the city down below and say, “Ever since my father passed on his rule to me, I have done all I can to keep my changelings safe and happy.” Smiling as she spotted a youngling learning to fly for the first time.

“I had to help defend my home from other clans, such as the Salient. Or keep my followers from starving from lack of love if things got bad.” Looking back up to Luna with confidence, Opulent told, “The option to come into your lands and gather the love needed without needing to worry about my people-- it‘s something I can not risk losing.”

It then made sense to Luna, nodding in her mind while saying, “Your giving us this information to help protect us, and in turn, make sure your clan is kept fed.” Seeing the logic in the changeling taking this course of action.

Looking back down, Opulent’s said, “Leading takes much responsibility, something you are more than aware of.” Then looked to where the changeling recipient had left. Patience was never something I could take to heart. The heir narrowed her eyes, taking calming breaths to keep still.

Seeming to notice the heirs slight inpatients, Luna asked, “How long have you been clan head?” Quietly wondering to herself how young the changeling heir was. The carapace made it a slight challenging to peg their age down, seeing as most races had skin that would wrinkle over the years.

“Not long, only three years.” Opulent responded, happy to have something to occupy her mind, “Father would be still in charge, if his wounds from fighting the Salient clan were not so bad.”

Seeing the changeling common now return with a number of scrolls, Luna asked, “Is this clan still harassing your own, or have they ceased their attacks?” Taking up the first scroll on top and reading into it.

Unsure as to why she was being asked, Opulent answered anyways, having an idea what the princess was going to do, “Not in some time, father gave their clan hive a good hit, so I doubt they will try anything for a few more years.” Eyeing the stack of scrolls with some interest.

Luna gave a swift nod, already numbering how many packs had entered her country’s boarders. She was not pleased with how many had apparently gotten through, but only half of those numbers could be considered hostel while only one-third actually known to live in Equestria by consent.

“This is troubling.” Luna sighed, taking another scroll while setting the one she had back down, “I had suspected such acts, but always had trouble locating the offenders.”

Opulent nodded in agreement saying, “Diamond dogs have a way of disappearing when theirs dirt or stone around.” Shaking her head adding, “They can be a headache to deal with sometimes, constantly digging too close to out hive‘s walls.”

The lunar princess took a moment to think about that, seeing as the walls of their hive were the only thing keeping others out. It would be a bad for a random stranger just suddenly dig into their home and discover the changelings.

This was not even mentioning the ones who would dig from the ceiling and potentially fall or cause part of the ceiling to collapse with a sudden shift in integrity. “I can see how that would be troublesome, if not dangerous.” Luna grimaced, already seeing the damage that could be done with a sudden rain of stone and dirt.

With a sudden thought, Luna decided to ask, “Have you considered to make a notion of peace or territorial limits to them?” Giving the heir near her a look saying, “I realize they are brutes most of the time, and often play the part, even if unintentionally.”

Taking up one of the scrolls and reading over some of the old reports she had read before, Opulent told, “I do not pretend to know how politics work for you ponies, but out here where survival is your ruler, things like that rarely go well.”

After reading what she felt was enough, Opulent rolled the scroll back up and placed it aside telling, “And besides, even if I told the mutts to back down as a diamond dog myself, they would only try to force me to move away and instigate a war of sorts.”

Luna sighed at that, going back to another report thinking, politics, future or past, remains the same pain as it always has. Reading a few lines into the report that made her remember something, “Also, I will be sure your third scout is sent back.”

With a slight smile, Opulent asked, “You mean Spite?” Putting on a face of slight confusion, “Last I heard, he went missing.”
“Missing?” Luna responded confused, knowing very well were the third changeling was.

“Oh yes, Flick and Quip told me all about it.” Opulent nodded knowingly, “Got separated during their excursion into one of the towns, never was seen again.” Then gave a sly smile to Luna telling, “It is true I never fully trusted him, but he is one of the best. It would be a shame if I never see him again.”

Getting the underlying message, Luna nodded saying in a more saddened tone, “Yes, it truly would be a shame to lose somepony so valuable.” Hiding her amused smile behind the scroll she was reading, “I shall see to it that once he is found, he is sent back.”

With an open smile, Opulent told, “Something tells me that you and I shall get along just fine, your highness.”

Giving the same smile, Luna agreed, “Yes, I believe that future meetings will be quite entertaining, your grace.”

Opulent laughed to herself, pleased with the sudden budding of having the princess as a possible friend. Luna also smiled to this, turning back to her reading, reminding herself to tell her sister that she wished to do future talks with the Quasi clan.





“I can‘t believe just how big this place is.” Twilight said, still looking about the hive that she was walking through with both Masquerade and Roma. Taking another glance down another tunnel, the unicorn mare could see another farm inside, this one filled with vegetables of all sorts.

With a grin, Masquerade grind said, “If you think this is big, you should see what the larger clans like mine are like, now those are big!” The size alone was not just to house the clansmen, but to also store food, water and even supplies. Any who put farms into their clans needed even more space, just so they can get a good yield of produce for eating or selling.

With an air of knowledge, Roma told, “An‘ the reason clan hives are so big is so they can support themselves, Sparkles.” Taking another look around herself saying, “If we were more like you ponies, we‘d be able to live down here for a long time.”

At first, Twilight felt confused by that statement, as they had food water, air-- Food, they still need emotions to live, meaning all this wont help them in the long run. It was a rather sad realization in some sense. Changelings needed other beings with emotions to feed, and therefore live.

If they worked more like a pony when it came to needs, this whole place has nearly everything needed. A clan hive was essentially the perfect hiding place. It was deep underground with a nearly self sustained ecosystem, and had only one way in, which could be closed off and leave the whole hive hidden.

Feeling a slight bump to her side, Twilight looked up to her coltfriend’s inquiring gaze that held some worry in it. With a small smile she told,  “Sorry, I was thinking.”

This didn’t seem like enough for the stallion, who nudged her again saying, “Thinkin‘ ‘bout what?” Moving a little closer.

Twilight blushed slightly, practically feeling a number of eyes on her and Masquerade as the surrounding clan took sudden interest in them. There was no doubt in Twilight’s mind that they were able to taste the emotions going on between them both, which only caused her to feel slightly more embarrassed.

Doing her best to forget that fact, Twilight told, “I was thinking about your need for emotions, and how despite this amazing place, you still need it.”

Masquerade slightly nodded, knowing where the mare was coming from. With a slight smile he told, “True, but if it weren’t for that, I would have never gotten such a stunning mare to love.” Giving a quick peck to Twilight’s cheek.

“I‘m not that pretty, Rarity and Fluttershy are proof to that.” She flushed some, trying to downplay some of her looks that the stallion seemed to love pointing out.

Both changelings laughed at this, as Roma told, “Hon, Marshmallow maybe a looker, and 'Shy might have natural grace-- but your not too bad yourself.” And with a quick flash of green fire, Twilight found another her saying, “After all, I can change into ponies, and your body isn’t that bad.”

Another flash to her side, and Twilight found that Masquerade had done the same saying, “So there is truth to what I say, because I know how everything feels.”

The real Twilight felt her face turn bright red and shout, “YOU WHAT!” Making every changing within sixty feet turned to her direction at the sudden spike of emotions.

Changing back to his ‘normal’ body, Masquerade had the decency to look a little abash saying, “Well, you know how far changes work for us, so it shouldn’t be surprising, right?”

With narrowed eyes, Twilight accused, “But I‘ve seen you take my form more then once, any reason for that?”

Seeing the unfolding drama, Roma changed back to her pony form, watching with a grin as the two go at it.

“Concerned for your well being and if your body had any weak areas that caused you discomfort.” Mask told with a professional air.

With a suffering sigh, Twilight said, “You could have just asked me.” Shooting a small glare to the stallion.

Blinking a few times, he gave a sheepish smile saying, “I forgot?”

Just up ahead of the three, Flick shook his head with a slight snort, not sure if Masquerade was that good of an actor, or was a slight idiot when it came to relationships. Next to him, Quip giggled while eavesdropping on the couple, more then amused at what was going on.

Giving the common a happy look, Quip said, “Isn‘t Twilight a nice pony?”

Glancing back some, Flick could see Twilight giving the stallion a tongue lashing over how to properly ask things about her being. But he could distinctly tell she was only slightly irritated, the rest of her feelings told of some amusement, love and slight annoyance.

Looking back ahead, Flick agreed, “She is, but I can‘t say the same about that infiltrator.” Flick still felt a shiver of fear run through him every time he thought about the changeling heir.

Since the little ‘interrogation’ season he was put through,  Flick had felt it left scares on his being, even if they were mental. The heir seemed more focus on causing max pain, but without causing too much bodily damage. 

Last time I get on a heir’s bad side, Flick shivered internally while leading the group. I will never see letter openers the same ever again…

Flick shook his head free of those thoughts, focusing on their destination instead. After overlooking the hive after the meeting, her grace Opulent, had asked him and Quip to show the pony and two changelings around. As of this moment, he was directing them to there equivalent of a library, the keepers tower.

The tower itself was actually another stalagmite that was later remade into a building, one made to house a number of books. These books held some history on the Quasi clan, though not much as the clan itself was no older then two-hundred years. It still housed a number of other books, mostly dedicated to any books, scrolls or tomes from other clans that were willing to trade.

Looking back at the still talking couple, Flick could only wonder why the heir would chose a pony for a mate and not a female heir? What ever the reason, Flick figured it was none of his beeswax so didn’t bother knowing the reason.

Same could not be said for the rest of the Quasi clan, whom were all observing the pony and changeling heir’s actions with great interest. While some were scared at the idea of a pony being inside their hidden home, a great many others were curious and would follow.

Flick remembered a rather interesting scene earlier when going through one of the more heavily populated areas of the hive. Apparently, the presents of a pony mare brought a few changing males to try their luck at charming Twilight and getting some fresh emotions. That was quickly stopped by the warning hiss Masquerade made, effectively warding off any nearby changelings.

With a smile, Flick then replayed the part where Twilight smacked the changeling heir upside the head, telling him to behave. At first, all changelings thought the heir would reprimand the pony for doing that and show he was in charge. Instead, he whined a little, telling it was a natural changeling thing to do.

I never thought I would see the day were a heir would be talked down to. By a pony smaller then him no less. Flick once again shook his head, looking back at the couple he was thinking about. They were apparently done with the last conversation on communication issues, and onto something else.

“We‘re here.” Flick told, stopping the two from talking any further, “This is the Keepers Tower.” Gesturing to the spiraling tower that had pinkish granite mixing with the black resin.

With a puzzled look, Twilight asked, “Why is it called the Keepers Tower?” Following the group as they entered through the large archway, no doors blacking their path as they entered.

“The founder of this tower was named Vigilant Keeper, and was one of the few changelings who wanted to keep history of the clan during it‘s early years.” Quip told with a smile, using her insect wings to buzz up and gesture all around saying, “He was really into collecting books too, and made his home into this tower!”

Flick smile lightly, shaking his head and adding, “What Quip forgets to mention is that the Keeper --as we have come to call him-- was adamant in the clans knowledge and made sure to get what he could find.”

Twilight looked around the large circular room, seeing a number of books lining the shelves on the walls. Looking up, Twilight could see to the top of the tower, unable to find any ladders or stairs, only platforms for every so many levels up. All around, changeling either flew or crawled on the walls to reach each level, passing through large holes to reach each level.

A number of tables were set about, some hanging from the next ‘floor’ overhead and having a few platforms to sit or lay on. One thing Twilight had come to learn from the changelings and their hive was how three dimensional they were.

It seemed like no space was off limits to them, as they would use their ability to ‘stick’ to a surface to get around. She could clearly see a few lazing about on the ceilings over her while reading thier books.

I wonder if they have any books on their biology, a thought crossed the mares mind while looking at the changing’s crawling all over the place. It might help me understand how they don’t suffer any symptoms for being upside down for who knows how long.

Even with those thought, Twilight’s eyes gleamed with want as she surveyed all the books before her, already compiling a list in her head. Giving the unicorn a sideways look, Masquerade sighed telling the others, “Find a seat or a book, we maybe here awhile.”





Morning had rolled around in Canterlot, and like any morning, most were getting up for the day that was ahead of them. Celestia herself was already up and ready for the day, having some of her breakfast with her normal cake.

I still wonder where last weeks cake went to… Came an absent thought to the solar princess, before being quickly shaken off as not important. There was going to be an early meeting that day, mostly pertaining as to the reasons for some sudden shifts in the royal guard.

Celestia was already working out the final details in her reasons for changing the guards, their patrol patterns and even their numbers. Officially, she and her sister had notice how some illegal acts have been slipping past their guard. To counter this, She, her sister and Caption Armor have planed for a quick look over with the guard and it’s patrols to catch said illegal acts.

Unofficially however, the changeling had commented how predictable their guard had become, telling that new tactics would be needed to combat the oncoming force. Luna had suggested garrisoning a number of guards into a unused fort, telling others that most were being reassigned while others were investigating the crimes going on.

This was all lies of course, as all the guard would be held up in the fort and waiting for the order to reinforce Canterlot. While these guards were in this fort, a number of new guards would come in to replace them. This would nearly double their numbers, without tipping their hoof off to the invaders.

Most of this was done through use of Lue clans assistance, as scores of changeling commons took up the disguise of solar guards and make it seem her guards were transferred. They also had to do all of this without causing any sort of suspicion from those surrounding Equestria.

Just another day in Canterlot, Celestia sighed to herself and going over another document that was giving her the numbers to the castles treasury. With a small smile, she thought, what would I do without you nephew? Happy that Blue Blood was able to resolve the problem for her.

Taking the smallest peek out the window to her right, Celestia felt her smile grow some, as Intrusive --in pony form-- continued training the guard. A few others were present as well, training along side the guard under Intrusive’s iron hoof of learning. 

Turning back to her reading, Celestia could only wonder how her sister and student were faring with the new changeling clan. Luna had left late yesterday evening with two of her guard, ready to meet the changelings that would take them to this new clan. 

Celestia could only wait for the results of the diplomatic mission her sister took up. The reasoning for her sisters departure and not her own were two fold. The first being that she was vastly known, and most of her ponies would love to know where she was at all times. If she were to leave, it would be possible some news would leak out and alert their foes.

The second reason was her infamy with the changelings and how she was seen by them. It was her guess that they might receive Luna more better than her, as she was mostly an unknown compared to herself. This made it so the changelings would be more interested in trying to find out more about Luna, and possibly become more on friendly terms with her.

The door behind the day alicorn opened up, letting in a guard who told, “Your highness, princess Luna‘s chariot has been spotted.”

Celestia felt the need to blink at that, rather surprised her sister had returned so soon. I was expecting her to be gone for a whole day at least. Turn to the guard, she told, “How soon will she be arriving?” Then polished off what she had on her plate.

“In a few minutes ma‘am.” The guard responded dutifully while standing at attention.

With a nod, Celestia lit her horn and collected all of her work, putting it all in a box and bringing it with her as she got up, “I will be out to greet her, but I must attended to these documents first.” Making it past the guard and towards her chambers.





Not too far off from Canterlot, Luna was also preparing to speak with her sister, skimming over a few more copied reports from the Quasi clan. Besides the political reasons and agreements, Luna could say she enjoyed her unexpected visit to the clan.

Though young, Opulent had shown to be a rather competent leader and a fair host during the duration of the visit. Though, her patience seemed a bit lacking, Luna thought, noticing how despite Opulent’s quality in being a leader, she rarely liked being interrupted or waiting for long. The changeling almost held a schedule much like Twilight did, planning things accordingly and expecting them to be done on time.

Luna eventually brought up the impending invasion on Equestrian soil, only disclosing some information. But even with this little information, the Quasi head told that she didn’t have the proper resources to send any of her knights to fight.

Despite not having any extra troops to use, Opulent did give another option to Luna, one she would have to consider with Celestia. She had already spoke to Masquerade about it, as the changeling would know plenty about the subject.

The subject in itself was to take up Opulent’s offer to use her clan hive as a safe house for a majority of Canterlot’s more helpless inhabitants. The problem was two fold for her. First was having the ponies trust a race they didn’t know, and second was her own trust in them, along with her sister.

Should we take this leap of faith in one whom we believed to be nothing more than a monster in times past? The very thought made the night alicorn narrow her eyes as she replayed Masquerade’s words in her mind.

The Malek heir didn’t fully trust them, but admitted that they were trusting enough to allow her to leave with the knowledge of where their clan hive was. Twilight thought they could trust them as to how open they were, even more so after getting to know her. All Roma said was they were a bunch of pansies, and ergo, easy to trust.

I suppose we could always ask the Lue for hiding away our ponies as well? It seemed like an option for her, and certainly better one for Celestia maybe. But would the Lue really let strangers into their home willingly?

From what she could get from Masquerade and Roma, a clan hive was in all sense, a sanctuary. Only one entrance, and capable of storing large amounts of food to outlast those who hunted them, with the earth as their wall. To show a stranger to their home meant either great trust, or obvious trap.

Maybe I should take Opulent up on her offer. Luna concluded in thought, for if Canterlot truly falls, best we hide with the Quasi, who are an unknown to the prominent clans. The idea was sound in itself, and would be a good backup plan if things did turn out for the worst.

Looking out of the side of her chariot, Luna could see her sister outside and waiting for her, along with Shinning Armor, princess Cadence and Intrusive. She could see their eager faces from where she was, and didn’t blame them.

As soon as they touched down, Luna jumped out with a number of reports in her magic and one document with the sighed out peace agreements. Making sure she held eye contact with her sister, Luna told, “Sister, we have much to discuss.”

Surprised a not getting a greeting, Celestia asked with only a hint of worry, “What is wrong Luna, did your visit go bad?” Wondering if the new clan showed to be more hostel then they originally thought.

“Nay sister, that is not it.” Luna shook her head and presented the document she had, “The head to the Quasi clan was more than willing to make peace with us.”

With a curious glance, at the rolled up document, Cadence asked, “Then what‘s the trouble that you need aunty Celestia?” Then looked over to the number of scrolls she thought were new.

Noticing her niece’s gaze, Luna presented the reports saying, “The Quasi clan keep a record of everything that happens in their territory, and some of it is troubling.” Gesturing for them all to move with her telling, “I fear that both I and Celestia will be very much busy after the wedding.” Dreading the possible political problems that would arise from what she now knew.





Returning home was somewhat exciting for Twilight, as she very much wished to share what she had seen with her friends and tell them everything she could from memory. Just before they left, Twilight had asked Opulent what she thought about her visiting with her friends to see what the Quasi clan was like.

Opulent told her with a smile, that she would be honored if other ponies with peaceful intentions came to see her home and possibly make friends among her people. So it was understandable if Twilight was a bit excited to share the news.

Roma and Masquerade ha disappeared after Luna had dropped them off, saying something about burying trash. I would ask why they would bury trash, but knowing them it’s something changeling related. So Twilight shrugged the reason off without another thought.

Seeing Sugar Cube Corner just up ahead, Twilight picked up her pace with a smile with her destination in sight. Reaching the doors with her magic, she was pleasantly surprised to see all her friends inside and crowding around something.

Ignoring what they were looking at, Twilight called,  “Hi girls, I‘m back from seeing the Quasi!” Seemingly startling the five mares who turned and hid something behind themselves. 

At this, Twilight felt her curiosity rise as she asked, “Is everything alright?” Looking at the unsure look the mares had.

Each looking to the other, Rarity stepped up saying, “Twilight, you and Masquerade aren’t having any…issues, are you?”

With a even more confused look, Twilight shook her head telling, “No, we haven’t had any problems.” Then smile saying, “It‘s actually been rather easy, seeing as we can nearly read each other so well.” And looked each of her friends asking, “Why?”

Looking between one another again, Rainbow Dash took out what they were hiding and gave it to Twilight. With a raised brow, the lavender mare saw it was a newspaper, one from the Foal Free Press.

Taking it up in her magic, Twilight read over the section pointed out by Rarity, noting it was made by Gabby Gums as it went--

With wide eyes, Twilight could see a photo of Cloud Kicker and Maskurade, both very much close together. With unrestrained rage, she yelled, “WHAT IS SHE DOING WITH MY COLTFRIEND!”