//------------------------------//
// Private Centipede 
// Story: Trial of a Changeling 
// by twilightsparkle3562 
//------------------------------//

Chapter 7

"Private Centipede"

Shining Armor could not believe what was in front of him. This was a Changeling, one of those bugs that had nearly destroyed his wedding to Cadence. Up until now, Shining Armor had always thought that all Changelings were pure evil, born to steal the love of Equestria and kill anypony that stood in their way. Still, the Prince of the Crystal Empire had his suspicions and thought that this lone soldier had deadly ambitions.

"If you are not in league with Kuwaga," said Shining Armor, keeping his guard up with his horn glowing in reserve. "Then, prove it to me now. Do you carry any weapons?"

"I do not," replied the Changeling, meekly as he raised his forelegs to show that there was nothing on him. "Ever since what we had done here not too long ago, I no longer carry weapons for I no longer show allegiance to Queen Chrysalis. Come to think of it, we only had our fangs and shapeshifting powers as our primary weapons."

"Then, you understand the consequences of your kind's actions?" asked Shining Armor, who knew that he needed to question this creature as intently as possible.

"I do," replied the Changeling. "When I was recruited to serve her majesty, Chrysalis, I was taught that the ponies of Equestria possess a love far greater than any other land on this Earth. But, unlike myself, everypony else embrace the idea of feeding on love by any means necessary."

With each word that the Changeling spoke, Shining Armor had the distinction that this creature had no intentions whatsoever of harming anypony. It also went to show that not all Changelings were evil as this poor soul had been trying to tell him.

"Then, why didn't you say anything?" asked Shining Armor.

"Because Chrysalis and Kuwaga always wanted the empire to go in their direction," explained the Changeling. "They wanted to conquer all of Equestria and told us to use every dirty trick in the book to do it. I didn't have a choice, Prince Armor. I wanted to not do anything, but I didn't have a choice. I tried to speak up to them, but General Kuwaga threatened to kill me and my family if I said anything that would be against him and Chrysalis."

Hearing that Chrysalis and Kuwaga threatened this Changeling with death sent alarm bells through Shining Armor's mind. He began to think that Kuwaga was not just a kidnapper, but he was also a murderer of ponies that stood in his way. Shining Armor could have only imagined the horror that Twilight and Cadence, two mares that he loved greatly, would have gone through had he and Lock Down not rescued them.

"All right," sighed Shining Armor, finally accepting that this Changeling meant no harm in any way. "You have convinced me that not all Changelings are evil like yourself. But, you will need to say what you said to me to the jury that is gathering for Kuwaga's trial."

"I will, Prince Armor," replied the Changeling, bowing to him. "There will be nothing more pleasurable than seeing Kuwaga hang for his crimes. However, I, Private Centipede, understand that it will be up to the princesses to make that call."

So, while Shining Armor and the Changeling now named Prince Centipede continued their conversation in regards to the misery and heartaches that some of the Changelings had caused, Lock Down and his dogs stood in the Canterlot library while Celestia and Luna were talking with the ponies that would be testifying against Kuwaga.

"Remain here for a few minutes, everypony," ordered Celestia, her eyes still locking on the ex-captain of the royal guard. "My sister and I will return."

With the testifying ponies looking on, Celestia and Luna stepped outside of the library and soon, they were alone with Lock Down and his dogs. The two sisters never respected Lock Down for his methods while he was captain nor they never forgave him for what he had done.

"Lock Down," said Luna, coldly. "You better give me and my sister one good reason for showing yourself in Canterlot."

"I had a sign, Princess Luna," replied Lock Down, while holding a dog at bay that was growling at Luna. "It came from above, showing me that I needed to come here."

"If you have come for forgiveness," remarked Celestia, her eyes scowling at Lock Down. "Then, I suggest that you turn around and leave at once before I have you arrested. We are holding a trial for a dangerous enemy of Equestria and the last thing I want is you standing before us."

This only made Lock Down's dogs growl even more, wanting to attack the Princesses, but Lock Down still held them back. Celestia and Luna knew that Lock Down would never be forgiven, even after rescuing their niece and youngest equal from the clutches of a dangerous fugitive like Kuwaga.

"I know we have had our differences," said Lock Down, trying to plead his case while also using his magic to hold back the dogs. "But, somepony wants us to put the past behind us and move on with our lives. I know what I did was wrong, but what is done is done and that is all there is to it."

Both Luna and Celestia were not convienced, for they knew that Lock Down's apologies and pleas came too little, too late. Besides, they had a trial to prepare for and there were plenty of ponies who had a lot to say.

"We don't know who this somepony is," replied Luna, stepping over to Lock Down. "But, whoever he is, we cannot forgive you now. Perhaps after the trial we might, but we can't. So, if I were you, I'd take yourself and your dogs out of Canterlot at once before we summon the guards."

It was then that Celestia used her magic to pull Luna back to her side, much to her own irritation. Yes, Celestia and Luna had their grudge against Lock Down, but they both had to remember that Lock Down could also provide testimony to secure a conviction against Kuwaga.

"Wait, Lock Down!" cried Celestia, stopping Lock Down from leaving. "As much as I don't like to say it, we need you to provide testimony against Kuwaga."

"But, sister…" Luna started to protest, but Celestia stopped Luna from speaking by raising a wing in front of her.

"It will be crucial in the trial," finished Celestia and although it was against all of their judgments, Lock Down and his dogs followed the princesses into the library to join the group of ponies that would speak at the trial against Kuwaga.

Now, all the pieces were set and the trial of General Kuwaga of the Changelings would soon begin…