//------------------------------// // House Guests // Story: King Of The Changelings // by Bluecatcinema //------------------------------// Sleight and Chrysalis were preparing for a visit from some special guests. Sleight's ex-assistant (and ex-marefriend) Trixie, along with her husband, Smoke Mirror, and their son, Trickster, had decided to come to the hive to see Sleight. Though they had broken up some time before Sleight had met Chrysalis, Trixie and Sleight had kept in touch via letters. As such, Trixie was well aware of Sleight's marriage to Chrysalis, and he of her life after they parted ways. Though they had written to each other, Sleight's life in the traveling circus kept him from dropping by and visiting her in her new home in Baltimare, not to mention becoming King of the Changelings had given him a busy schedule. Though he had found the time to drop by Trixie's abode every now and then, this was the first time Trixie would be coming to him. As such, Sleight felt everything had to be perfect for his former paramour and her family. He had had food and bedding brought in from the nearest town, and even had quarters made up especially for them within Chrysalis' tower. "Okay, so we've got the hay smoothies, the silk bed sheets, the peanut butter crackers..." Sleight ran down the requirements. "Am I missing something?" "I wouldn't know if you were." Chrysalis said irritably, having had to endure Sleight's ministrations for days. "Okay, what's up?" Sleight asked. "Must you go to such extremes?" Chrysalis asked Sleight. "They're only staying for a day or two, not moving in." "Hey, they're our guests, aren't they?" Sleight pointed out. "They deserve only the very best accommodations." "You really hold this Trixie in high regard, don't you?" Chrysalis frowned. "Why wouldn't I?" Sleight asked. "I've known her for years. And she was the best assistant I've ever had." "And a former marefriend." Chrysalis added. "I can't help but shake the feeling that you're trying to impress her..." "Now Chryssy, relax." Sleight told her, though there was a light blush on his face. "Whatever I had with Trixie is long over. We're friends now, and nothing more. Besides, she's married to a stallion of her own, remember? And in any case, you're the one I love. You've got nothing to worry about." "Forgive me." Chrysalis sighed. "I just hate the idea of a rekindled romance taking you away from me." "Never gonna happen." Sleight assured her. "True, I did feel like Trixie was 'the one' once. She is pretty hot, after all. Beautiful eyes, great body... sultry, inviting voice..." He smirked at the scowl on Chrysalis' face. "Kidding! Sure, I felt that way once, but it's all over now. Trixie is now, and will always be, just a friend to me." "Good." Chrysalis pouted, not pleased by Sleight's little jest. "But she is a big part of my past, and it would be just swell if you two could get along." Sleight declared. "Think you can do that, Chrys?" "Of course." Chrysalis nodded. "I shall endeavour to be the perfect host." "All I wanted to hear." Sleight kissed her on the cheek. "I just hope the others feel the same way. We haven't really had many pony guests over, y'know?" "Mostly because ponies aren't too keen on actually dropping by." Chrysalis noted. "Despite our peace treaty, it seems the majority of their kind are a little put off by the prospect of actually coming to our abode." "Can't imagine why..." Sleight shrugged. "But there are always exceptions. Which is exactly why we're making these preparations." "If nothing else, I hope our guests enjoy themselves." Chrysalis admitted. "So do I." Sleight smiled. "I can't wait to see Trixie and Smoke. And Trickster. I haven't seen that kid in years... not since I managed to drop by for his twelfth birthday. He's probably all grown up by now... Got some great tricks I can show him. He always did love my magic." "Sounds like the young one really looks up to you." Chrysalis noted. "He should." Sleight said proudly. "I am his godfather, after all." "'Godfather'?" Chrysalis frowned. "I'm not familiar with that term." "Oh, it just means I'd be there to look after the kid if something happens to his parents." Sleight shrugged. "Of course, since Trickster's pretty much an adult by now, that doesn't really mean anything these days." "A wise idea." Chrysalis noted. "I know my children would need guidance if anything happened to me." "Boy, would they ever." Sleight assured her. "And is the use of a 'godfather' common amongst ponies?" Chrysalis asked. "Pretty much." Sleight nodded. "Usually, the parents pick a close friend to take on the position. Says a lot about yours truly that Trixie and Smoke picked me, right?" "Not anything I didn't already know." Chrysalis beamed. "In any case, I can see why you wish to make their stay so pleasant, so as to validate their faith in you." "Pretty much, yeah." Sleight shrugged. The next day, Trixie, Smoke and Trickster walked up to the gates of the hive. Trickster was a strapping nineteen-year-old, in his prime. He had his mother's coat, but his father's black mane and blue eyes. His Cutie Mark was that of a wand that was half invisible. Trixie looked the same as ever, aside from some gray hairs in her mane. Smoke, however, was quivering as he walked. "We can still turn around, you know." Smoke said nervously. He had never left Baltimare before, and was uncomfortable in unfamiliar places. "Relax, sweetie." Trixie chided her husband. "They're not going to eat us, you know." "You sure about that?" Trickster asked. "Remember that bunch that showed up over in Baltimare?" "That was before Chrysalis made peace with us." Trixie pointed out. "We're not in danger right now." "Well, if they do cause any trouble, I'll put 'em in their place." Trickster smirked. "Just like I did with those others. I saved Prince Dusk's life, you know." "Like we could ever forget." Smoke rolled his eyes. "Especially since you mention it all the time..." "Hey, a good story is worth retelling." Trickster shrugged. "And retelling, and retelling..." Trixie snorted. "I almost miss the totally made-up stories you used to come up with. At least there was some variety there." Two Changeling guards stood before the gate, stepping forward as the family arrived. "State your business, please." The taller one requested. "We have been invited by your King to visit this wonderful hive of yours." Trixie declared. "Ah, yes." The shorter guard nodded. "The Mirror family. You are expected." The guards stepped away from the gate, pulling it open with their magic. "Please, come in." The taller guard urged. "Th-thank you." Smoke said nervously. "Well, let's not keep our hosts waiting." Trixie smiled. The family passed through the gates, which closed behind them. They made their way through the streets, curious Changelings glancing at them. The hive had been informed of their coming, but they still found it odd to have pony visitors. Smoke, already unnerved by the surroundings, wasn't taking the stares very well. As he inadvertantly veered too close to a Changeling, he stumbled back, petrified. "Smoke, relax." Trixie urged. "How can I relax when we're surrounded by carnivorous bugs?!" Smoke hissed. "Actually, they feed on love, not meat." Trixie pointed out. "Technically, that would make them... emovores, maybe? Either way, we're not in danger of being eaten." "Then what are those razor-sharp teeth for, decoration?" Smoke cringed. "I still say I could take 'em." Trickster bragged. As they reached the tower, they encountered Wizel and Sazh. "Greetings, honored guests." Wizel smiled. "We hope you enjoy your stay. I am Wizel." "And I'm Sazh." Sazh added. "Um... hi." Trickster looked at them. "What's the matter, young one?" Wizel asked. "Never seen a Changeling before?" "Actually, I have." Trickster said flatly. "I helped Prince Dusk Glow take on a couple of you guys over in Baltimare." "Oh... really?" Sazh frowned. "Must've been just before we attacked the Crystal Empire." "I hope the experience didn't leave a bad taste in your mouth." Wizel declared. "Not really." Trickster shrugged. "Sure, the ones I ran into were pretty scary, but I scared 'em right back. Remember that, in case you wanna try something." "I assure you, no Changeling here is going to 'try' anything." Wizel remarked. "Good." Trickster smirked. "You'd be in for a world of hurt if you did." "That's enough, Trickster." Trixie rolled her eyes. "We didn't come here to fight." "But we all know who the winner would be." Trickster grinned. "L-let's just get inside." Smoke urged. "And hope none of those others heard you..." "The King and Queen are in the throne room, waiting for you." Sazh announced. "King Sleight..." Trixie smirked. "Never thought I'd see the day..." The family entered the tower, making a beeline to the throne room, where Sleight and Chrysalis were waiting. "Welcome, honored guests." Chrysalis said curtly. "So glad you could make it." Sleight smiled, as he hugged Trixie. "It's been too long." "It sure has... your majesty." Trixie beamed. "Would you prefer if I bowed, or curtsied?" "Very funny." Sleight smirked. "You always were a cut up." "One of us had to be." Trixie lightly teased him. "Sleight." Smoke said stiffly, unnerved as always by the strong connection between his wife and her ex. "Hey, Smoke." Sleight nodded. He turned to Trickster. "And is this Trickster? Well, look at you, all grown up. I remember when you barely even came up to my knee!" "Hi, uncle Sleight." Trickster nodded. "How have you been, sport?" Sleight asked. "Pretty good, actually." Trickster grinned. "Have you heard about how I saved Prince Dusk from a Changeling attack over in Baltimare?" "Baltimare?" Chrysalis asked. "Hmmm, that would explain the delay from those scouts a while back..." "I hope there are no hard feelings about that." Smoke said nervously. "In fairness, your scouts did attack first." Trixie added. "Water under the bridge." Chrysalis smiled. "All that is in the past. Our two species are at peace now. Any conflicts we may have had no longer matter." "Couldn't have put it better myself." Sleight grinned. "You see, honey?" Trixie nudged Smoke. "Nothing to worry about." "Well, I suppose..." Smoke muttered, not totally convinced. "Please, make yourselves at home." Chrysalis urged. "Hey Trickster, you wanna hang out with your ol' uncle Sleight?" Sleight asked. "Yeah, I guess." Trickster shrugged. "Terrific." Sleight grinned. "Come this way." Sleight led Trickster out of the room, leaving Trixie and Smoke with Chrysalis. Smoke was still more than a little nervous. "Can I get you anything?" A drone asked Smoke suddenly. "Aiiii-! ...I'm good, thanks." Smoke cringed. "And please... don't sneak up on me like that." "As you wish." The drone nodded. "I can't help but notice your husband seems a touch... skittish around us." Chrysalis told Trixie. "Don't take it personally." Trixie told her. "Smoke doesn't like to be out of his comfort zone." "And what's wrong with that?" Smoke frowned, adjusting his glasses. "You're not the first pony to fear our kind." Chrysalis noted. "And I daresay you won't be the last." "I must say, you have a lovely speaking voice." Trixie complimented Chrysalis. "Why, thank you." Chrysalis blushed. "I must admit, there is a certain melodic quality to your own voice, too." "All the better to narrate my performances back in the old days." Trixie grinned. "One would have to have an ear-pleasing, catchy tone of voice in my old line of work, you know." "And a Queen needs a voice that shows both authority and compassion." Chrysalis declared. "Looks like Sleight has a thing for girls with distinctive speaking voices." Trixie chuckled. "He certainly does." Chrysalis nodded. "I'm glad you and Sleight found each other." Trixie smiled. "Even though things didn't work out between us, I wanted Sleight to find somepony and be happy. Though I never imagined that 'somepony' wouldn't actually be a pony." "It came as a surprise to me too." Chrysalis chuckled. "But Sleight succeeded in stealing my heart by saving this hive." "I know." Trixie beamed. "He sent me a letter telling me all about it." "Oh, I'm well aware of your correspondence." Chrysalis declared. "I must admit, I was a little anxious, thinking that there was still something between you." "Allow me to quash your fears in that regard." Trixie nuzzled against Smoke. "Smoke is my one and only now." "Thanks, dear." Smoke blushed. "That's all I need to hear." Chrysalis echoed Sleight's words. "Now, Sleight had a room specially made up for you and your family. It's just down the hall and to the left. It even has some of your favorite foods on hoof." "Good old Sleight." Trixie chuckled. "Never misses a trick." "Allow me to show you to your room." Sazh offered. "Okay then." Trixie nodded. "Coming, Smoke?" "Yes, dear." Smoke nodded. "Right this way." Sleight smiled. As Sleight led them down the hall, they encountered Char, newly exonerated after the Crystal Sun incident. He was still readjusting to his freedom. While some Changelings still regarded him with suspicion, Sazh had been convinced by Sleight to at least give him the benefit of the doubt. "Good morning, Char." Sazh said pleasantly. "Morning, Zzzazh." Char said curtly. His eyes settled on Trixie and Smoke. "And who are thezzze two?" "Just some old friends of King Sleight's." Sazh declared. "They're staying for a day or two." "Oh, are they?" Char snorted. "Are we turning our hive into a pony rezzzort now?" "Come on, be nice." Sazh chided him. "It's not like it's going to be a regular thing. Besides, it wouldn't hurt to have a little more interaction between our two species." "If you zzzay zzzo." Char sneered, not totally convinced. "I hope you enjoy your zzztay." He told Trixie and Smoke, in a less-than-civil tone. He then walked down the hall. "What an... intimidating fellow." Smoke gulped. "I hope the rest of you you aren't like that." "Oh, trust me, we're not." Sazh smirked. "I get the feeling he doesn't care much for our presence here." Trixie noted. "Believe it or not, he's actually a lot better than he used to be." Sazh declared. "But that's a story for another time. Now, we have a room to get to..." "We certainly do." Smoke shivered. "And the quicker we get there, the better..." Meanwhile, Sleight and Trickster were out on the balcony. "So, Trickster." Sleight declared. "Wanna see some of my new card tricks?" "That old stuff?" Trickster snorted. "Please." "Huh?" Sleight frowned. "You used to love my card tricks." "Yeah, when I was a kid." Trickster pointed out. "I've broadened my horizons a little since then. Card tricks just seem a little... hokey." "Hokey?!" Sleight spluttered, affronted. "I'll have you know, there is a proud tradition in the art of card tricks!" "You mean was." Trickster snorted. "The art of illusion has evolved since then." "...Are you calling me obsolete?" Sleight frowned. "Not obsolete." Trickster declared. "Just... behind the times a little." "Hey, these card tricks of mine helped save this hive and this country from a bunch of xenophobic psychopaths! And they have been passed down my family for generations! It's a grand tradition among us!" Sleight declared. "Maybe, but I doubt they'd keep an audience entertained." Trickster shrugged. "Like you would know, kid." Sleight scoffed. "Hey, I've been holding a few amateur shows myself these last couple of years." Trickster declared. "My audiences are always spellbound. Maybe being King of the Changelings has made you rusty. Not that it would make a difference..." "Yeesh, the mouth on you." Sleight scowled. "What happened to that wide-eyed, adoring one-pony audience I used to know?" "He grew up." Trickster declared. "No offense, but it's been a long trip, and I'd like to just kick back and relax, okay?" "...Okay." Sleight sighed. "Thanks." Trickster smiled weakly. "Maybe we can talk later." "Yeah, sure, kid." Sleight shrugged. "See ya." Trickster headed for his family's room, leaving Sleight stunned and numb. "What happened to you, kid?" He frowned. That evening, the guests joined their hosts in the throne room for a meal. The ponies all ate their food, while Chrysalis enjoyed a repaste of Sleight's love... much to Smoke's discomfort. Smoke had heard a number of horror stories regarding Changeling feeding habits, namely regarding how the ponies being fed upon were reduced to lifeless husks when it was over. "Smoke, don't stare." Trixie nudged him. "Sorry." Smoke cringed. "It's just... are you sure that's safe?" "Of course it's safe." Sleight shrugged. "Chrys does it all the time." "But... I've heard that-" Smoke started. "That Changelings drain their victims dry?" Chrysalis said humorlessly. "We only do that when we're starving. When we're not, we only need a little bit of love to keep going." "And Sleight's okay with it?" Smoke asked. "Sure I am." Sleight chuckled. "My love's like a sweet dessert, and Chryssy deserves a treat after a hard day's queening." "So, how was your trip?" Chrysalis asked, changing the subject. "No complications, I hope?" "No, everything went pretty smoothly." Trixie shrugged. "And how are things over in Baltimare?" Sleight asked. "Not too bad." Smoke admitted. "The store's still pulling in decent business." "Can't imagine why..." Sleight joked. "Very funny, Gambit." Smoke glared. "Hey, you know I'm just kiddin' ya." Sleight chuckled. "A steady job's a hard thing to come by in this day and age." "Of course." Smoke nodded with a frown. "We can't all be Kings..." "Okay, cool it, boys." Trixie rolled her eyes. Sleight and Smoke often got into these verbal jousts whenever they crossed paths. Fortunately, they never got physical, but it still made her worry sometimes. "Whatever you say, dear." Smoke chuckled. "...It's getting late. Perhaps we should turn in for the night." "Sounds good to me. I'm beat." Trickster declared. "So am I." Trixie admitted. "Good night, Sleight. Chrysalis." "Sleep well." Chrysalis nodded. "You too." Trixie smiled. "...Changelings do sleep, right?" "Very much so." Chrysalis chuckled. "Good." Smoke smiled. "...Might not have to lock the bedroom door after all..." "Oh, Smoke..." Trixie sighed. "Night." Trickster said nonchalantly. As their guests left the room, Chrysalis turned to Sleight. "Well, that went as well as could be expected." She noted. "Yeah, I guess." Sleight shrugged. "What's the matter, dear?" Chrysalis asked. "Oh, it's Trickster." Sleight sighed. "The kid used to love my card tricks, but now he thinks he's too old for 'em." "Alas, children grow up." Chrysalis remarked. "They can't stay young and innocent forever." "Pity..." Sleight frowned. "They're a lot more agreeable then. And a better audience..." Chrysalis patted Sleight on the back, giving him some comfort. The next morning, Trickster stepped out of the tower to get some fresh air while his parents were finishing up their breakfast. He looked around, seeing all the Changelings going about their daily routines. After the incident in Baltimare, Trickster had had trouble seeing Changelings as anything but monsters, so the knowledge that his godfather had actually married their Queen was something of a shock, even moreso than the news of the peace treaty. It seemed unimaginable to him that they would be capable of love, much less anything approaching civility. But there they were, acting as a society, just like ponies did. 'Guess they're not the monsters I thought they were after all...' He mused. "Hey, kid." Sazh joined him. "Enjoying the view?" "You could say that." Trickster declared. "Honestly, it never ocurred to me that you Changelings could build your own little community like this. Not so long ago, I thought you were just... monsters. No offense." "None taken." Sazh smiled. "We were a little rotten back then... well, some of us. I wasn't. But we've come a long way since, with a little help from Sleight." "I heard about what happened in Sleight's letters." Trickster noted. "Is all that stuff true? Some of it sounded like he was bragging a little..." "Oh, it's all true." Sazh nodded. "Trust me, I was there. In fact, I was the first of our kind to encounter Sleight. He saved my life, and in return, I became his loyal friend, and later, advisor." "Sleight mentioned you a lot." Trickster smiled. "He said you were a great guy. I'm totally seeing it right now." "Really? Thanks." Sazh beamed. "If you like, I could give you a tour of the hive. Show you just what it is we Changelings do..." "Sure, why not?" Trickster nodded. "Great." Sazh grinned. "Follow me." Sazh led Trickster around the hive, showing him the nursery, the soldiers' barracks, and a group of builders in the middle of constructing a new house. "Wow, you guys are real productive." Trickster remarked. "I've seen ponies who don't work as hard as you." "Well, that's what a hive is." Sazh smiled. "We all work together." "That's actually... kinda awesome." Trickster declared. "Awesome?" Wizel joined them. "I've never heard Changelings described like that before..." "That's too bad." Trickster told him. "You guys are really something else." "Thanks, kid." Sazh grinned. As they continued walking around the hive, they encountered Char. "Another 'guezzzt' I zzzzee." Char snorted. "And a juvenile, at that..." "Yep." Trickster nodded. "I gotta say, I never imagined you guys could be capable of all this, based on the two I dealt with over in Baltimare..." "...What?!" Char scowled. "Oh, didn't I mention?" Trickster smirked. "I totally frightened off two Changelings over in Baltimare a few years back." "Ridiculouzzz." Char spat. "Azzz if a mere zzztripling could best even one Changeling, let alone two!" "Oh, I 'bested' them, alright." Trickster boasted. "Sent 'em runnin' home like a couple of scared termites." "Maybe you shouldn't put it quite like that..." Sazh said nervously, noting Char's ire. "Why?" Trickster smirked. "It's true! Besides, like Chrysalis said, it's all water under the bridge!" "Not to me..." Char growled. "Watch your tongue, boy..." "Okay, that's enough, Char." Wizel frowned. "No need to dredge up the dark times of pony/Changeling conflict." "He zzztarted it." Char huffed. "Technically, those two started it." Trickster pointed out. "I was just defending myself and a friend. Is that a crime?" "That dependzzz on who you azzzk..." Char snorted. "Hey, let's not ruin a good day." Sazh urged. "That's all in the past now." "Yeah, it is gettin' kinda old." Trickster shrugged. "More than you know, boy..." Char scowled. "Bezzzidezzz, the Changelingzzz you fought were no doubt zzzcoutzzz. Not real zzzoldierzzz like me." "You're a soldier?" Trickster asked. "Cool." "Cool?" Char frowned. "Izzz the temperature zzzzignificant?" "It's a pony colloquialism." Wizel noted. "It means he thinks it's impressive." "I'll bet you kicked all sorts of flank back in the day, huh?" Trickster asked. "Azzz a matter of fact, I did." Char nodded. "Awesome." Trickster grinned. "I've never heard a Changeling described like that before." Wizel noted. "I never thought it'd be Char described like that." Sazh snorted. "So, what kind of flank-kicking have you done?" Trickster asked. "All zzzortzzz." Char declared. "I remember thizzz one time, over in Trottingham, when a Timberwolf attacked..." Char shared several combat stories with Trickster, who listened, rapt with attention. Though he wouldn't admit it, Char enjoyed the attention, even if it was from a pony. Meanwhile, Trixie and Smoke were with Sleight and Chrysalis, in another part of the hive. "This place really is amazing." Trixie noted, sharing her son's view. "Don't you think so, Smoke?" "I suppose..." Smoke shrugged. "Puts me in mind of an ant's nest." "Please don't insult us." Chrysalis scowled. "Despite our appearance, we are far more than mere insects." "I d-didn't mean any offense." Smoke shuddered, slightly cowing behind Trixie. "I'm just... pointing out the similarities. That doesn't necessarily means it's a bad thing..." "Oh? And how could being compared to bugs be a good thing?" Sleight challenged. "Well, insects are known for their diligence and well-structured societies." Smoke spluttered. "And they are well-versed in... infesting an area-" "'Infest'?" Chrysalis snarled. "You think that we have 'infested' this land? You think us vermin, perhaps?" "I-I didn't mean it like that..." Smoke trembled. "Never had a way with words, have you, Smoky?" Sleight frowned. "What Trixie sees in you, I have no idea." "Don't even go there, Gambit." Smoke snarled, anger overriding his fear. "Okay, everypony just relax." Trixie sighed. "Hey, not my fault Mirror here can't take criticism." Sleight defended himself. "Well, you're not helping by mocking him." Trixie frowned. "Well, he insulted my subjects." Sleight retorted. "Besides, I was just messing around with him." "You call that 'messing around'?" Smoke sneered. "Typical Gambit. You think that because you've traveled Equestria with your second-rate circus, while I just stayed in Baltimare, living a sheltered life, makes you better than me? You think it's funny that you've seen and done so much, while I've barely left the place I was born and raised in? Well then, your sense of humor is as outdated as your magic." "Oh, I should've known." Sleight growled. "You're probably the reason Trickster isn't interested in my card tricks any more!" "I did not... but it's about time." Smoke growled. "All I ever heard from my boy was how great you are... despite the fact that you've barely been anything more than a sideshow shyster for most of your life." "Why, you stuck-up little bookworm!" Sleight snarled. "I oughta-!" "Perhaps we should all relax." Chrysalis suggested. "Things are getting a little heated." "But-!" Sleight started to protest, but drooped under his wife's gaze. Smoke looked triumphant for a moment, until Trixie gave him a glare too, and his pride deflated. "Sorry, Chrys." Sleight apologized. "Let's take a walk." Trixie told Smoke. "Cool off a little." Trixie and Smoke went back out onto the balcony. "I'm sorry, Trixie." Smoke added. "I didn't mean to embarrass you like that. It's just... Sleight just has a way of getting under my skin. I know he's not that bad, but he is just always so full of himself and everything seems to go his way. I mean, now, he's a King. A King! And what am I? I'm just a owner of a store that sells magic supplies and books at rock-bottom prices... just... me..." "Yes, you're you." Trixie nodded. "Sweet, caring, adorable you. Sleight has his pros, but he's not you. You have your own qualities, and that's why I love you." She kissed him deeply. "And yes, I did love Sleight, and in many ways, Istill do. But I don't love him like I love you. The love I have for you is stronger, deeper, more meaningful. From the first moment we met, I knew there was something special about you. Something I'd never seen in a stallion before. Not even Sleight. You're my one and only, Smoke. The love of my life, now and forever." "Thanks, honey." Smoke smiled. "Sometimes, I forget." "Let me you know when you need a little reminder." Trixie chuckled. Sleight joined them. "Hey, sorry about that, Smoke." Sleight apologised. "I just can't help ribbin' ya sometimes." "It's okay." Smoke shrugged. "I do need to stop letting it get to me." "I don't mean nothin' by it, really." Sleight admitted. "This is just how guys interact, y'know? I just wanna be pals, that's all." "I'm comfortable with that." Smoke nodded. "Just dial down the jokes, okay?" "I'll try." Sleight nodded. "Not easy for a consummate performer like myself..." "Whatever you say, Sleight." Trixie rolled her eyes. "Anyway, you wanna join me and Chrys back inside?" Sleight offered. "Sure." Smoke nodded. A short while later Trickster, Sazh and Wizel returned to the tower, Sleight, Chrysalis, Trixie and Smoke were waiting for them. "Had fun, kiddo?" Sleight asked. "Well, not 'fun' exactly." Trickster declared. "But I learned a lot about our hosts." "You weren't the only one, son." Smoke noted. Suddenly, the far wall, which had been weakened by a recent storm, cracked open, and a Cragadile stomped into the hive. "Cragadile!" One of the drones yelped. The Changeling citizens scattered before the beast's approach, as it stomped around, crushing their dwellings beneath it's rocky feet. "What's that doing here?" Sazh gaped. "I have no idea." Wizel frowned. "Yezzz, that'zzz what we zzzhould be worrrying about right now." Char scowled. "Not, oh, zzzay... how to zzztop it?!" A group of Changeling soldiers tried blasting the Cragadile, but they blasts bounced off its rocky skin. The beast, mildly irritated, swatted them away with its tail. "Oh, my!" Smoke yelped. "Somepony do something!" "M-maybe I could use one of my illusions." Trickster suggested. "No, you won't." Trixie stopped her. "I'm not letting you jump into that thing's jaws like that!" "But mom, I've gotta help-!" Trickster started. "Listen to your mother, son." Smoke urged. "I doubt any of us would be much help against that..." "Guys, relax. I've got this." Sleight stepped forward. "Are you crazy?!" Smoke gaped. "You'll get yourself killed!" "Have you seen the size of that thing?" Trixie asked. "It'll chew you up and spit you out... literally!" "Don't worry, Trix. I'm Sleight the Mystifying and Extraordinary." Sleight turned back with a cocky grin, "I got this." Sleight confidently approached the beast. "sorry, big fella." He called. "No pets allowed." The Cragadile snarled at Sleight. "Ooh, somepony needs a breath mint." Sleight joked. "And maybe... one of these!" Sleight flung a card at the Cragadile, which exploded into a bright flash, blinding the creature temporarily. "Raaarrgh!" The Cragadile snarled. "Uh-oh." Sleight threw some cards at the surrounding debris, and into the sky. "Looks like rain!" The debris struck by the cards vanished as they became portals. The cards above did the same, and the debris rained down on the Cragadile, stunning it. "And now, the showstopper..." Sleight smirked. Sleight threw another card, which enveloped the Cragadile in a flash of light. The card returned to his hoof, with the Cragadile trapped inside. "Gotcha." Sleight smirked. "Whoa." Trickster gaped. "Incredible." Smoke declared. "Impressive." Trixie grinned. "That's my Sleight." Chrysalis said proudly. "Oh, yeah!" Sazh cheered. "Very well done, my king." Wizel nodded. "Not bad, I zzzupozzze..." Char shrugged. "That was... unbelievably awesome!" Trickster cheered. "Oh, so card tricks aren't so 'hokey' after all, huh?" Sleight smirked. "Well, maybe not all of them." Trickster admitted. "Think you could show me some more?" "With pleasure." Sleight grinned. "Step this way, my eager young observer..." "Oh, no..." Smoke joked. "Not more hero worship..." "A colt's got to have role models." Trixie declared. "But does he have to have this kind of role model?" Smoke asked. "Smoke..." Trixie frowned. "Just kidding." Smoke chuckled. The rest of Trixie, Smoke and Trickster's stay was mostly uneventful, as most of their time was spent spending time with their hosts, learning of the Changeling ways, and demonstrations of Sleight's new tricks. Before long, however, it was time for them to depart. "It was great having you here." Sleight smiled. "Indeed it was." Chrysalis agreed. "We don't have many guests, but it is a pleasant experience." "It was pleasant for us, too." Trixie noted. "Not quite the word I'd chose." Smoke admitted. "But it was an eventful excursion." "Maybe we can come by again sometime." Trickster suggested. "Right, dad?" "...Right, son." Smoke nodded. "Have a safe journey home." Chrysalis told their guests. "See you soon." Sleight beamed. "You too." Trixie grinned. "And you two just keep being happy. It's what you both deserve." "Right back at ya." Sleight chuckled. As the family departed, Sleight and Chrysalis returned to the tower. "Now that wasn't so bad, was it?" Sleight asked. "Not at all." Chrysalis nodded. "You were quite the gracious host, my dear." Sleight declared. "Maybe we should have more guests over some time." "We'll see." Chrysalis shrugged. "But for now, I'd prefer some alone time." "Me too." Sleight smirked, as they embraced each other. It was good to have company, but sometimes, all they needed was each other...