Raúl groaned while crossing his arms as Twilight would not stop lecturing him on how wrong he and Adalricus were for the things that they did. It was mostly on the fact that they lied about their true identities and how everypony that they interacted with had trusted them. While not particularly hostile, Twilight’s words did irritate him no less. More and more did she explain how dishonest and ashamed they should be for not telling them the truth beforehand. It was as if she wanted to rant on him just to feel good about herself after hearing criticism from others. You know, like a bitch!

“By the gods would you just stop already?” Raúl growled. “You’ve been repeating the same shit for the last 10 minutes!”

Twilight stopped as he said that, as Raúl’s growling was something that she did not like to hear. “Did you just growl at me??” she asked with great dislike.

“Yeah, I DID!” Raúl admitted with yet another growl. “You talk so much shit out of your mouth, that it’s legitimately pissing me off!” he complained. “I swear, you’re infamous in my country for defeating us, but this is completely different than what I was expecting!”

“And just exactly were you expecting?!” Twilight growled, placing her hands on her hips out of frustration. She almost forgot just how rude he could be!

“A Princess who doesn’t act like a bitch!”

Twilight's jaw dropped as he wouldn't stop taking her by surprise. “WELL I’VE NEVER-”

“-BEEN SPOKEN TO HONESTLY?” Raúl interrupted, also yelling as loud as possible. “Face it: you’re terrible when it comes to foreign relations! All you’ve managed to do in the last 10 minutes is irritate me instead of making me feel guilty! You’re more than likely to succeed as a jester rather than a ruler because of how much of a joke you are!”

Twilight’s eyes widened as Raúl finished with his insults. She was speechless as she never had anypony- or anyone for that matter- speak to her like this. She felt so angry, so hurt, so…disrespected, because of what this Changeling just said! She was simply shocked as her mouth hanged opened. “I…I…I…”

It took Twilight a few more seconds before her mind was able to properly function again. “How could you say such terrible things? You just said those hurtful offensive things about me without even hesitation! You…you’re just heartless!” she managed to say. From a glance it appeared as if she was about to cry, but didn’t.

Raúl gave very little care to her words as he smirked. “Hmpf, you’ve been pampered haven’t you? I’ve seen many bucked up things in this world your highness. Things that still bring me uncomfortable memories to this day. Things that can traumatize even the coldest of species that your kind would consider as such. I am NOT one who is afraid to be brutally honest about my personal opinions over anything.” Raúl’s eyes converted into the familiar slit pupils that Changelings could have. “Especially when it comes to you,” he added coldly.

Twilight was able to take in everything he said with no trouble at all. However, Twilight’s curiosity was getting the better of her. “You’re different from Adalricus,” she said.

“No shit,” Raúl answered appropriately.

“What I mean is…” Twilight began to elaborate this time. “…Adalricus does know of the history between our two races, correct? How is it that he holds a kind-hearted nature towards us…” Twilight slowly walked closer to him. “…whereas you hate us that much?”

Raúl blinked. “I don’t understand your question…”

“He would obviously have a reason to hate Ponies; he’s his mother’s child! She has an extremely hostile relationship with my kind! And yet he clearly doesn’t share the same feelings!” Twilight pointed out. Even Twilight was able to connect the dots that Adalricus did not lie in the type of Changeling that he was. Even if he wasn’t honest about his true identity. “What have we done to you that you would feel this much hate?” Twilight showed a frown, as if she felt sorry for him. To think that Adalricus was the opposite of his mother even though so much was done to his kind in retaliation. Did something horrible happen to Raúl that was because of Ponies?

While Raúl did relax after hearing her words, it did not convert his eyes into something more appealing. “…” He looked at her without even growling despite the fact that he wanted to. Finally, “It’s none of your business…”

“I-” Twilight started. “And just WHERE do you think you’re going?” she asked, surprised that he turned away and began walking towards the opposite direction.

“Well considering that you know the truth now, I think that it’s in the best interest that I warn Adalricus.” He stopped and turned his head. “After all, it’s not exactly safe now that the cat’s out of the bag now is it?” he asked coolly.

Twilight gave a serious look as he made that claim without a single thought. “Raul, things can end peacefully without any harm done to anypony…or changeling.” she explained. “Don’t make this situation become more complicated than it needs to be!”

Raúl stared at Twilight as she said those words. “What, you expect me to believe that no harm will come to me nor Adalricus?”

“I swear that despite this dramatic reveal of your true identities, I don’t want to see neither of you hurt! Please believe me!” Twilight shouted, as she showed such displeasure in her expression. Almost as if she truly cared for their well-being…which didn’t convince Raúl at all.

“And why should I?” Raúl called her out, convinced that she wasn’t trustworthy. “The way how you’ve been acting from the last 20 minutes makes me question your true feelings towards me and Adalricus!”

While Adalricus did bring up a good point, Twilight knew exactly what to say. “Raúl, regardless of how OUR relationship is…” Twilight gestured at the two of them with a finger. “…doesn’t change the fact how every other pony feels.”

Raúl’s expression lightened entirely, as he was not expecting her to say such words. “So every other pony knows-”

“Not everypony Raúl,” Twilight interrupted. “I knew that if word of your true identity was out in the open, it could cause some problems…”

For some reason Raúl felt thankful knowing that as it did make sense; why else would she have brought him to the roof of this bakery? To avoid a scene that could have been troublesome for both of them. However, that did remind him of one particular issue. “Could Fluttershy keep her mouth sealed?”

Twilight’s eyebrow raised. “Excuse me?”

“Adalricus went to tell Fluttershy the truth,” Raúl told her.

“What?”

Raúl chuckled. “Eeyup, Adalricus had to make quite the difficult decision to tell Fluttershy the truth. He couldn’t hold it in-”

“But I thought that he was only visiting her for- Oh no!” Twilight said horrified, as this changed everything that she had expected. Adalricus was already going to tell Fluttershy the truth? Did she ruined something that could have been better than what happening now?

“What’s with you?”

Twilight blinked as Raúl raised an eyebrow towards her. Coming back into reality, she said, “Had I known what his intentions were, I wouldn’t have not left Adalricus to meet instead-”

“And just what do you mean by that?” Raúl interrupted this time, not liking the look on Twilight’s face as if something was wrong. However, he was able to eventually figure out the issue as he then said, “Wait, you didn’t already…”

Twilight was filled with guilt as she managed to say, “I…told her before Adalricus had a chance today…”

Raúl’s eyes widened to the point where his eyes reverted from slit pupils to rounded. “No…no…NO!” Raúl managed to say, as he looked at the ground with a clenched fist. “He wanted to-”

“I only told Fluttershy because I wasn’t sure what your intentions were!” Twilight explained quickly, trying to justify her actions and rightfully so. “Fluttershy is very important to me as one of my closest friends!” she then cried.

While Raúl wanted to voice his anger, now was not the time. “Understandable I suppose. Regardless, he needs me now.” Raúl turned away, only for Twilight to attempt to stop him as she moved quickly towards him.

“Raúl I-”

Raúl brushed her words aside as he dropped down from the roof top and landed in front of the bakery’s entrance. “…” Somepony was waiting for him.

“Adalricus I presume?”

“It’s Raúl actually,” Raúl corrected him. “And you are…?”

“Shining Armor,” he said, giving a respective bow before standing up straight again. “I take it that you’ve spoken to my sister?” he asked. “I didn’t expect to meet you…”

Raúl immediately recognized who exactly this pony was as many stories were heard within his kingdom. And not just between what had happened between him and Queen Chrysalis as he held a powerful reputation throughout foreign lands. “Sister?” Raúl asked, before Twilight dropped down and landed next to her brother. She looked at Shining Armor with a raised eyebrow, as if she was confused with what he said. “Wait, you’re her brother?” he asked surprised.

“I am,” Shining Armor confirmed.

“Then why do you both hold different surnames?”

“What?”

“You’re ‘Armor’ but hers is ‘Sparkle’; why don’t you share the same last names?” Raúl asked in confusion.

“Oh um…” Shining Armor started, not sure on how he could explain it. “Well you see, we ponies-”

“Um Shining, I don’t think it’s important right now,” Twilight pointed out, feeling increasingly uncomfortable with the current situation.

Shining blushed as she had a point. “Right…ahem.” Shining Armor faced Raúl with proper military bearing as he said, “Given that you’ve spoken to my sister, what is your answer?”

Raúl blinked repeatedly. “My answer to what?”

Shining Armor returned the gesture as he then asked, “Twilight, you DID tell him right?”

“Well…” Twilight smiled nervously as the both of them were waiting for her response. “I didn’t really get a chance to tell him…”

Now Raúl was even more confused. “Tell me what?”

Shining Armor abandoned his military bearing as he was completely dumbfounded. “WHAT? What were you two talking about for the last half hour on the roof?!”

“Tell me WHAT?” Raúl repeated.

“I was about to-”

“TELL ME NOW!” Raúl interrupted loudly, wanting to get their attention as he had little patience.

Both ponies looked at him as they realized that he was getting inpatient. With that Shining Armor regained his military bearing and said, “Her highness has demanded that you and Adalricus LEAVE Ponyville, as well as our country, immediately. Given the situation, she has offered to have the two of you both safety and comfortability escorted back to your homeland. All in the purpose to lessen hostilities between our two kingdoms and as a sign of goodwill…”

Now Raúl was the dumbfounded one. “¿Qué?”

Now it was Twilight’s turn as she stepped forward. “Princess Celestia wants to take the 2 of you back to your homeland. She has provided a royal escort to assure your safety for the sake of improving our foreign relations with Queen Chrysalis,” Twilight explained. “And Shining Armor was selected to lead your escort.”

Raúl looked at them with even more confusion, looking at one of them at a time. What is this? Celestia is going this far to get us out of this land? She must really fear the possibility of war if she’s being this direct… I suppose because Adalricus is Chrysalis’ heir? Should have known, Raúl thought in his mind. However, “And her reason for doing this is…?”

Both ponies did not change their expressions.

“Her offering me and Adalricus to return to our country on such generous conditions is quite odd to me. I mean, this is Chrysalis’ child…her child. A lot of weight could go in Celestia’s favor with having Adalricus as her prisoner,” Raúl pointed out. “Why is it that you’re offering to let us leave just like THAT?”

Shining Armor continue to maintain the same bearing, despite Twilight losing her own and looking at him. He didn’t need to turn to her to know what was on her mind. “Raúl, had you and Adalricus been normal Changelings, you both would have likely been held prisoners and likely executed.”

“Without a doubt?” asked Raúl.

“Without a doubt,” Shining Armor confirmed.

“At a boy,” commented Raúl with a smirk.

“As you mentioned before, yes, Adalricus being within our grasp does hold a significant amount of weight if used in the right direction. That being said, we favor more of the direction of avoiding potential war. War that Chrysalis wouldn’t hesitate to start should we give her enough reason, which we won’t.” Shining Armor explained. “And sending back her spies would make that message clearer.”

Raúl stopped smiling. “So you really assumed that we came to perform some espionage in Ponyville?” he asked.

Shining Armors expression changed only slightly as he looked at Twilight, who shook her head. “If that’s not the case, then why risk your safety?” he asked, looking at Raúl once more.

Raúl held back a chuckle as he simplified what he told Twilight quite recently. When he was done, then asked, “So do you think that her highness would still want us to leave?”

Shining Armor didn’t need long to come up with an answer. “I am quite sure as a matter of fact. Given that we couldn’t simply take your word for it.”

“Could you elaborate a bit more?”

“Who is to say that we can assure that what you say is 100% true? Raúl, you crossed into our lands despite being fully aware of how problematic it could be for both sides. It would have been suicide had her majesty not made the choice to allow you two to return safety to Chrysalis.” Shining Armor gave him a serious look. “Yes, you two, or at least Adalricus, would have been priceless to us if used in a particular situation. Yet her majesty’s kind offer is worth more don’t you think?”

Raúl however wasn’t flattered at all. “Sounds like a fancy way of you deporting the two of us,” he pointed out with annoyance.

“Well you’re not wrong,” Shining Armor admitted. “But I think that you understand all enough to give me an answer? Will you comply with what Princess Celestia wishes?” he asked, maintaining his military bearing.

Raúl scratched his cheek as he sighed. “Well I can’t deny that it would solve the issues that I would be concerned about. But it doesn’t matter,” he explained calmly.

Shining Armor lost his bearing as he raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean?”

“To put it simple: what his majesty wants, he gets. Chances are that he won’t go with this offer even as much as I want him to.” Raúl glanced at Twilight. “Because of certain reasons,” he then said, referring to Fluttershy. Looking back at Shining Armor, “I am sorry to say but I know Adalricus well enough to know that he won’t agree to this. Call him stubborn but when he has his heart on something, he doesn’t simply ‘let it go’ as easily as you would think. So as one who often speaks for him I am going to have to deny your ‘kind offer’…”

However Shining Armor was far from pleased as he and Twilight looked at one another completely dissatisfied with what they heard. Looking at Raúl, Shining pointed at him before stating, “But that’s just unreasonable! It’s what we expect you to do; it’s what you’re going to do!” Obviously that was more of an order than a request as he showed a glare. And Twilight seemed to agree as she shared the same facial expression like him after some hesitation was shown. Even Twilight had to be loyal.

“You dare threaten me? Tread lightly ponies,” Raúl growled, as his pupils converted into slits.

Almost instantaneous, he leaped his body over the 2 magic wielding ponies as their spells barely missed him. As he passed over them, green flames surrounded his body entirely before he landed perfectly behind Shining Armor. With his true form revealed, nothing was hidden anymore. As they began to turn towards him, his horn started to generate a bright flame which indicated his own spell. Just as he was going to unleash his counter-attack, the changeling heard a familiar voice from his right.

“Raúl!”

Raúl’s spell disappeared as he turned to see that Pinkie Pie was waving at him while running as fast as she could. Behind her, a yelling Rarity was trying to prevent her from reaching Raúl.

“Pinkie stop! You can’t-”

However Pinkie reached Raúl where she immediately clung her body against his own. She didn’t dare to let go despite the fact that Raúl acknowledged her presence by gently hugging her back while cancelling out his magic entirely.

“Oh my gosh Raúl they didn’t hurt you and Adalricus did they?!” she quickly asked with actual fear in her expression.

“Pinkie, I told you to stay with Fluttershy!” Twilight shouted. “Why are you here?!” she asked with great displeasure.

Rarity stopped as Twilight shouted, giving her a proper chance to see Raúl’s true appearance.

“…” Even he didn’t need to identity himself, as he was sure that his still red mane would give it away, as well as the fact that Pinkie Pie was still by his side despite releasing him.

“So it is true…” Rarity was not particularly horrified nor disgusted but rather stunned. “Raúl? It’s actually you…?”

Raúl rubbed his neck as it was becoming more and more awkward. “Sorry you had to find out like this.”

Before Rarity could answer back, Pinkie Pie voiced her concern. “Never mind that! Why are you two attacking him?!” she shouted, looking at the two siblings. “You promised that you would not try to hurt either of them!”

“Trust me Pinkie Pie we tried to be reasonable,” Shining Armor claimed, as he glare at Raúl who returned the same gesture. “But as it turns out, they rather do whatever they want instead of respecting Princess Celestia’s wishes!”

“Oh yeah because deportation as the only option you give us is reasonable!” Raúl remarked sarcastically. “Your self-righteous shit is beyond shameful!” he then said, not hiding his true feelings.

“Say what you want but neither of you get to decide what you get to do because of your relationship to Chrysalis! And YOU…” This time, he glared at Pinkie Pie. “You knew about their secret the entire time and didn’t bother to tell even your friends?!”

Pinkie Pie was far from intimidated as she responded with, “I can’t break a Pinkie promise! Besides, it’s not like they were doing anything wrong!”

“Pinkie, that doesn’t mean that you can just hide stuff like that from me or any of our friends!” Twilight argued, trying her best to reason with Pinkie. “You should have not waited until after I told you and the others about them!”

Rarity seemingly agreed as she nodded. “Twilight is right; you coming forward begging Twilight not to harm Raúl and Adalricus may have been the right thing to do, it doesn’t excuse the fact that you lied to us!” she explained with a sadden expression.

Before Pinkie Pie could defend herself, Raúl took control again. “Hey if you’re going to get angry, make sure that it’s towards ME.” he argued.

Rarity however refused to allow Raúl to have things his way. “No Raúl, she lied to us regardless if you begged her to keep your identity a secret or not. Lying to her friends is just shameful!” she argued with great displeasure. Clearly Rarity was really hurt at the very idea that Pinkie Pie was possibly “betraying” them in such a matter.

Pinkie Pie’s anger vanished as she looked to the side, feeling some guilt as she was giving them the impression that they meant little to her. However she shook her head. “But then I would have betrayed Raúl and he’s also my friend isn’t he?” she argued, looking at him.

“I think we’re passed ‘friends’,” he pointed out, smirking as Pinkie nodded with a giggle. Looking back at the two ponies he stopped smirking. “I am not one who you want to anger, nor do I think that it’s wise for you to underestimate me; it’s going to take a lot more than just you two to handle a changeling like me,” he explained flatly, slowly moving away from Pinkie Pie. He stood a respectable distance from where Shining Armor was.

“You clearly think too highly of yourself Raúl; had you been as difficult to deal with, Princess Celestia would have been here instead of me,” Shining remarked as his horn glowed. Now things were getting serious as he held up a hand. “Meaning that Adalricus is more trouble than you.”

That last comment confused Raúl as he slightly lowered his guard. “What are you talking about?”

“Remember what I said before? I thought that you were Adalricus!” Shining pointed out, reminding them of what he said not 10 minutes ago.

Raúl didn’t realize it before Twilight began to speak her thoughts aloud. “I thought that it was strange that you would think that you were meeting with Adalricus here,” she said, looking at Shining. “So that means that Princess Celestia is-”

“-Speaking with Prince Adalricus as we speak,” Shining confirmed, even going as far as to show a cocky smirk. “I can see him shaking in his seat out of fear…”

Raúl’s expression converted from strong and fearless, to completely horrified as he heard what Shining just told him. I mad sense when he considered what both ponies said beforehand. Almost immediately, he turned his head towards the supposed direction of Fluttershy’s cottage and flew straight into the air. He ignored the shouting and yelling that originated from below, as he shifted his direction by floating for only a moment before launching himself to the outskirts of Ponyville.

However he would not be able to fly for more than a quarter of a block away from Surgarcube Corner, as he felt a strong impact hitting him from his right side. He did not make any noise but acknowledged the restraint spell that Shining Armor had conjured.

“Damn is he fast!” Shining Armor cursed, as he was lucky with his aim. Thankfully, his spell hit its mark, maintaining Raúl properly in place where he could not get away. Unlike the typical wine color that his horn would typically glow, it instead used a light blue hue. This color connected his horn to Raúl, surrounding the changeling entirely.

“Arrghhh!” Raúl yelled.

“Shining don’t hurt him!” Twilight shouted, as Raúl appeared to be in great pain.

“I am not trying to- The spell becomes more aggressive the more the target resists!” Shining argued, as he was beginning to sweat. He didn’t think that it was possible for a changeling to had such endurance!

“LET ME GO-” Raúl managed to shout.

“Raúl the spell worsens the more you try to get away and resist it!” Shining Armor yelled.

Twilight flew up and floated next to Raúl who was clearly in severe pain. “Please Raúl! You’re going to hurt yourself! Please stop fighting it!” she begged, really wanting him to listen. She may have been prepare to use magic on him, but lethal and painful spells was something that she wanted to avoid.

“ADALRICUS…NEEDS…!”

“Raúl, I give you my word that Princess Celestia will NOT harm Adalricus!” she shouted, trying to assure him as she reached out to him with both hands. “Please…I don’t want to see you suffering like this!” Legitimately, she showed a sadden expression as she did not want to bring such pain to him. “I give you my word as a Princess!”

However her words seemed to matter little as Raúl would not relax. He continued to shake and yell in pain, stubbornly ignoring the warnings from both ponies. He eventually began to glow by a thin mist of green magic that coated him, prompting Twilight to pull slightly back. Was he seriously going to attempt to force his freedom?

“Raúl-”

“Don’t do it Raúl!” Shining Armor warned him, as he was using a great deal of magic to hold him in place. Had it not been for the direct orders of Princess Celestia, he would not be going to such lengths to restrain him. “Please don’t do this,” he managed to say, wanting to respect the wishes of Twilight and her friends but take full control of the situation..

Raúl said nothing as he floated in place, seemingly done with gathering all the magic that was needed. The green glowing mist vanished, and he…

“What is he doing-” Shining Armor started.

However Shining Armor barely had enough time to cancel out the spell he was using and bring up his powerful magic shield, which took most of the impact from Raúl. As his shield shattered, Shining was sent directly towards a doorway of one of the neighboring ponies’ home. While it did not break into pieces like his shield, he managed to bring it down from its frame. He groaned as discomfort was unavoidable and delayed his overall recovery.

“How did I not see that coming?” Shining wondered aloud as he shifted his movement. A few groans came before he managed to stand and lean against the door frame. He looked to see that Raúl was slowly getting up, clearly the most affected from the impact itself. He honesty did not expect Raúl to sling himself at him for a double-edged attack like that. It may freed Raúl from his spell, but he paid quite a price.

“What the hell happened to my door?!”

Shining Armor turned to see a white unicorn completely horrified with the results of what he did.

“I am terribly sorry- I assure you that Princess Celestia’s royal guard will cover the damage as we continue to assess the situation that we’re dealing with right now,” Shining explained.

“You got to be kidding me…I wanted to get a Spiced Root Beer!” Vinyl complained, as she now needed to wait until her roommate returned to watch their home. Some ponies would likely attempt to rob a vulnerable home.

Brushing off her response, Shining Armor took at least another few seconds before he made his way to a weaken Raúl. The after effects were screwing with his senses as Raúl could have seriously hurt him. Of course it mattered little as he found Raúl struggling to stand.

“Grbhhh…” Raúl could not stand up straight despite all of the will power that he used. Even keeping his eyes shut did not help his senses stablize faster. He opened an eye to see that Shining Armor was waiting patiently for him to say something. However, all he could say was, “Ow…”

“Impressive for managing to break free from my spell. Especially since you’re the first to make me break it and to do it in such a matter...” He crossed his arms, looking upwards where he sent a spell into the sky to indicate a signal. 6 royal guards suddenly appeared in the sky and surrounded them as Twilight landed. She looked displeased as Pinkie Pie was held back by Rarity who was trying to keep her from getting hurt.

Twilight wanted to tell Pinkie that it was going to be ok but she didn’t know by this point as Raúl only made things increasingly difficult. Yes she held power as a princess but what if Celestia did not approve of her views? It was bad enough that she was filled with guilt but trying to find a situation for both sides seemed impossible. “He’s weak now; no need for us to approach him with hostility,” she said loudly.

However Shining Armor wasn’t convinced. “Raúl, I promised my little sister that I would try to avoid seeing you and Adalricus get hurt while I follow my superior’s orders. But you’re making my job quite difficult to do if you’re stubbornly attempting to resist and refuse to comply with us,” he explained calmly.

Raúl seemingly began to laugh as he heard those words. “I am sorry, but the first impressions that you two are giving me makes one in my position naturally uncomfortable…” He glanced around to see the odds that were against him. As he finally maintained stability, he then said, “You’ve given me and Adalricus quite the ultimatum…an unfair one mind you. That tells me that not only are you quite deceiving in my eyes, but you also make sorry diplomats…”

Shining Armor showed a disappointed expression when he heard Raúl’s words, even to the point where he un-crossed his arms. Twilight felt the same as she needed to say something. “Raúl…”

“Do what they say!”

The attention of the scene that was taking place shifted to Pinkie Pie, who managed to break free from Rarity's grasp. “Pinkie don’t!”

Pinkie Pie was then able to rush to Raúl’s side, who looked at her with confusion.

“Just do what they say!” she cried, as her voice was breaking apart. “Are you seriously going to not do what they say when they can easily force you?! They could kill you if they were allowed to and Twilight didn’t speak for the rest of us!”

“Pinkie-”

“I don’t want to see you get hurt! I don’t want to see any of those who I care about get hurt!” Pinkie Pie cried, as tears were rolling down her cheeks. “Please just trust them Raúl…trust Celestia…Twilight…me!” Her cheeks were red as she unable to control herself, staring straight into his eyes.

Silence emerged as Pinkie Pie continued to cry, staying as close to Raúl as possible. Naturally, the increasing amount of Ponyville civilians began to gather at what was going on. It mattered little by this point that they took note of the pleasant pink pony hugging what was obviously a changeling. Raúl did not care as he looked at Pinkie Pie with a gentle expression, placing his hand on her cheek and closing his eyes. Did he finally surrendered?

“Raúl…does this mean that you…?” Rarity began to ask, as she took a step forward.

However he shook his head before opening his eyes. “No.”

Naturally Rarity immediately responded with frustration. “But WHY?! Do you not-”

“Don’t misunderstand; I do trust Pinkie Pie. I trust her with my life the moment I trusted her with the secret that me and Adalricus had. It may have been poor judgment that caused us to sleep together, but she became the first and only pony in my life to make me genuinely care. Care about a pony and feel vulnerable yet safe…” He looked at Pinkie Pie who sniffed and tried to cease her tears as he gently rubbed her cheek. “Not once did I ever dare to think that you told them our secret…and I was right…right?” he asked with perhaps the gentlest smile he ever produced in his life.

Pinkie Pie stopped crying as he said that, as her expression was close to when she first witnessed a rainbow in her life. Especially as he kissed her softly on her nose with his own before gently pulling away.

“But I cannot say the same for everypony around me,” he then announced, eyeing anypony that he came across.

“But WHY?” Rarity asked, confused even more.

Shining Armor apparently felt the same. “You seemingly have a legit reason to have trust issues with my kind Raúl?” he asked calmly.

Raúl chuckled softly as he rubbed his neck and looked at the floor, kicking at the dirt softly. “By the gods is it hot today…” he said, looking up to see Celestia’s work of the day. Closing his eyes, he said, “Let’s just say that I learned the harsh truth about ponies and their nature a at a very young age…” He looked forward after opening his eyes. “Particularly with how your kind has treated mine long before we attempted to take control of your kingdom. Hell to this day I wish that I was able to take part. Just the feeling of making your kind suffer brings chills down my spine…it would have made me feel so alive.” He looked at Twilight. “Of course, Pinkie Pie enlighten me with a different view of your kind. But it still doesn’t make me forget what I first learned about how ponies treat changelings by nature, and what they truly are towards us…”

Twilight was urgent to learn just what it was, as his attitude towards her from earlier did bug her quite a bit. “And just what are ‘we’ towards you by ‘nature’?” she calmly asked.

Raúl only smiled calmly as he answered, “Deceiving…” He took a step forward. “…heartless…” He took yet step. “…and terrible parents.”

Twilight’s expression changed almost instantly as he said that. “Wait, so you-”

“ENOUGH.”

Twilight immediately looked up to see who held such a thunderous tone in their voice. Her eyes widened as Adalricus was flying gracefully in place, keeping the familiar calm expression that he often showed. It didn’t take long for the others to acknowledge his identity as he slowly lowered to ground level next to Raul, who continued to stare at him. Even though he did not visibly show it, it was safe to say that he was relieved to see him alright.

“Are you fine?”

“I am now,” Raúl said, showing a smile.

Without warning, both changelings embraced one another for a moment that lasted an eternity in their minds. Afterwards, Adalricus took a moment to acknowledge his current appearance. “Secret’s out huh?” Raúl gave the slightest of nods before Adalricus added, “Well that’s a problem.” He then looked at Pinkie Pie, acknowledging the fact that she was crying recently. “Pinkie…are you ok?”

She nodded happily as a big smile grew on her face. “I am now knowing that both of you are safe…” Her voice slightly cracked, as if she was going to cry again. Suddenly, she went on to hug him tightly just as she did to Raúl.

Not expecting that, Adalricus blinked a few times before deciding to go with it and returned the hug. He then acknowledged perhaps the most important pony present: Twilight. She said nothing to him as he slowly broke away from Pinkie Pie. “…”

Twilight did not seem happy nor angry with him, as her expression was neutral. It was if she wanted him to speak first to hear what he had to say. “…” However, Twilight realized that Adalricus wanted her to break the ice between them. “Your face…you’re bleeding.”

Adalricus blinked as he reached for the left portion of his brow, feeling thick liquid on his skin. He confirmed this when he took a look at the white blood that strained his middle and index finger. “So I didn’t get out of there without a scratch after all,” he commented.

Twilight’s expression became less neutral. “Did you and Princess Celestia-”

“Talk? Yes we did as a matter of fact. It was quite pleasant until it got to the, ‘Get the hell out of my land before shit gets ugly between us’ part,” Adalricus remarked as he showed a small glare.

Twilight looked at him with surprise as the others began to question what he said. “Wait, she said it like that??” Twilight asked as it was a shock to her.

“Well she didn’t say it like that exactly, but that’s how it sounded in my mind,” Adalricus frowned.

This time Twilight glared at Adalricus as she almost became embarrassed! “You didn’t need to exaggerate it!”

Adalricus was not bothered at all as he kept the same expression. “My apologies but the blatant hostility between our two races has me on edge.” He closed his eyes and used his sleeve to rub off more blood. “But I suppose it’s my fault for not trying to tell Fluttershy the truth sooner…”

Twilight slowly converted her glare into a guilty expression as she closed her eyes. “I am sorry Adalricus. Had I known, I wouldn’t have told Fluttershy out of concern-”

“It’s fine,” Adalricus lied, as he opened his eyes and looked at Twilight calmly. Yes he was still holding a grudge towards Twilight for what she did. And yet, he also felt guilty for it; could he honestly blame her for looking out for a dear friend? Of course not. “But I still want to see Fluttershy,” he said.

Twilight opened her eyes, looking at the changeling prince. “What do you intend to do?”

Adalricus looked to the side as he tightened his fist. “I…I have to apologize to her first. That’s the number 1 priority in my mind now.” He looked at Twilight. “Where is she? Celestia told me that she’s in a ‘safe’ place…is she in danger or something?” he finally asked.

“Did she honestly say ‘safe’?” Raúl asked, as if he were offended.

“Yes. Yes she did,” Adalricus remarked with a slight tone of anger. He looked at Twilight with a sicken expression, as Celestia’s usage with that word offended him to no end.

“Safe from potentially dangerous changelings? Of course.”

Adalricus closed his eyes as he turned his body to face Shining Armor, who was less than intimated by the changeling pupils that were shown. “Bite your tongue pony; I would never harm her.” Adalricus warned him.

Shining Armor was not impressed as he took a step forward. “Regardless if you say so, there’s nothing that can confirm your word is 100% true. In fact, how do we know that you’re not lying about having feelings for Fluttershy? How do we know that you’re not using her to get closer to my little sister?”

While Adalricus wanted to rip his throat apart, his last question aroused his curiosity. “Your sister? Who?”

“Adalricus, Shining Armor is my older brother,” Twilight explained awkwardly. Especially because of one thing that connected Adalricus and Shining Armor.

“Your brother? Wait, what?” Adalricus asked, looking at Twilight who smiled nervously.

“Yes Adalricus,” said Raúl. “The same Shining Armor who your mother seduced in order to gain absolute power and take over their kingdom,” he explained, reminding Adalricus.

“Oh…OH.” This time Adalricus became the embarrassed one as he avoided eye-contact with Shining Armor for obvious reasons. “Um, it’s nice to meet you. Um…I am terribly sorry about-”

“Please Adalricus; I rather that we just move on and forget about that…” Shining Armor said, facing away as he crossed his arms and closed his eyes. However he couldn’t hide his blush despite his attempts to control himself. After all, Queen Chrysalis did many things with him that even his wife still refused to do with him…

Adalricus coughed in relief as he thought that this was going to become awkward. “On to more important things…” He looked to Twilight with a serious expression.

Twilight was hoping to avoid this, but she had no choice. “Adalricus, the blood that is on your face tells me that you refused Princess Celestia’s offer?” she asked, hoping that it was not the case. She noticed Shining Armor turning around, curious as well.

Adalricus had nothing to hide as he gave a slight nod. “I will not leave Ponyville just because she demands it. If she wants me to leave, then you will require force,” he calmly said.

Twilight was in dismay when he heard his response. “Adalricus…but you and Raúl-”

“You heard him,” Raúl interrupted, standing right behind Adalricus. “His majesty will not leave.”

It became deadly silent as both changelings eyed Twilight who looked away in frustration. Shining Armor groaned as he rubbed eyes, realizing that they could not convince then otherwise.

“I am sorry Adalricus…but we have our orders,” Twilight apologized. She looked at him with a sadden expression. If only Celestia’s will was different as she lifted her hand up.

“Worry not Twilight. Things will work themselves out in the end,” Adalricus said with a small smile as he held his guard up. He felt Raúl backing up against his own, facing Shining Armor as the royal guards surrounded them on ground level.

Pinkie Pie held Raúl’s arm but he attempted to convince her otherwise. “Hey it’s like Adalricus said: things will work out!” he said with a smile.

“Not like this!” Pinkie Pie argued.

“Pinkie,” Adalricus said, turning his head slightly. “Please let us handle this. While it’s obvious that they don’t want to see you get hurt, it would be dishonorable if we took advantage of this factor.” He then looked at Twilight. “Imagine how hard it is for Twilight.”

“!” Pinkie Pie then looked to see Twilight who gave her a sad smile. Eventually, Pinkie Pie returned that same smile as Rarity came to gently pull her to a safe distance. Not before she showed a smile before the two changelings who made it easier.

“Thank you…please be safe,” Rarity managed to say to them before the two mares were far enough.

They simply nodded as Twilight closed her eyes. You may be stubborn Adalricus, but you do hold such honor. I hope that you can come back to Ponyville…as my honored guest. She opened her eyes before her horn began to glow. Hopefully the combined strength of their spells would allow them to restrain both changelings.

Knowing that the odds were against them, Adalricus and Raúl knew that they would need to be wise with the magic that they could produce. While not impossible, Celestia’s royal guards were a huge factor if both changelings were to end things favorably for them. Neither of them sweated a single drop, despite the fact that their hearts were racing fast. That and a dark cloud was forming above, covering the sun.

Rain at this very moment? Such timing, Adalricus thought. Could they use actually use the weather somehow as an advantage? Or was this part of their attack?

Damn, Twilight is starting this out seriously, noted Raúl. Yet, the clouds were appearing much darker than he recalled. In fact, instead of dark gray thunder clouds, these clouds looked blacker than what he was expecting from Twilight. Then again, was this even her work? “…Twilight?”

Twilight blinked. “Yes?”

“…Is this your doing?”

“What are you-”

Twilight never got to finish that sentence as the winds increased dramatically. Such force took everypony around by surprise as most of them were lifted off the ground. Every pony and changeling lost their bearing without intent, as it was nearly impossible to ignore such aggressive winds. The weather seemed to worsen to the point where nighttime was mimicked so well due to the darkness that followed. All that could be seen were the shapes of anything around Twilight with no details whatsoever. It wasn’t hot nor cold, but the nerves were restless.

“S-Shining!”

“RIGHT!”

Shining Armor’s spell managed to bring visibility to the general area once more. No pony or changeling for that matter moved from their respective spot. However, Twilight did notice that Adalricus and Raúl were no longer alone, as a figure as tall as Shining Armor stood beside them. His long mane and cape was rushed by the still aggressive wind, and his horn produced such an intimidating purple aura. And course, his eyes struck fear into Twilight as she knew who stood not 10 feet from her.

Author's Notes:

Perfect timing for the win!