I've always found a certain special kind of peace in books. For a lot of reasons really. If you're reading something, it takes time away from whatever else you have going on. Most ponies use this as an excuse to not read something, but I find it to be a perfect escape. Either you set aside this time to read a hopefully good book, or you stop something else to sit down and relax your mind. And when you find something really good to read, it transforms time around you. Time either slow downs or speeds away! An entire book becomes devoured in a matter of minutes! Or it can consume entire afternoons if you let it!

Reading in my bed as the sun begins to dip in the distance, I can already feel myself slipping away from this place. The coziness of my comforter nestled around me creates a cocoon that keeps the worries of the world away. There isn't some preppy sociopath trying to destroy my family image, nor the threats of war and trade embargos. It's just me, my warm little haven, and the adventures of Daring Do and the Ark of the Sisters! Nothing could tear me away from this place-

THWAP

"SHADOW I NEED YOUR HELP!" I nearly fall out of my bed when my door gets kicked open. I toss my books across the room as my mother comes rushing in, tears me from me bed and throws me on her back before sprinting out of the house.

"W-what do you n-need!?" I yell as she rushes us to the mico platform behind the house. She slides to a stop, causing me to go over her head and onto the floor. I sit up and rub my temples as she starts to pace around. She's talking to herself quickly as she straightens out her blazer. She doesn't normally wear that, so something big must be going on. "Mom? What's going on?"

"Well... you see... eh... hehe... I dunno-I dunno- I dunno!" she yammers as she continues to pace around. I try to listen in on what she's saying, but it doesn't make any sense. I look back at the platform before standing up. I figure whatever's going on, it's happening at Mooseden. Because if it isn't Ponyville, it's Mooseden.

FLASH

I blink a few times before taking in the town. My ears immediately fall back as I stare back at the alien people kneeling before the bot guards, their hands all raised high in the air. There are only three of them, two men and a woman, but... there are three Unfamiliar in the middle of town! How did they even get here!? How haven't they been... obliterated yet!

I take a few deep gulps before slowly stepping forward, allowing my mother to teleport in behind me. When she appears she steps up beside me and stares at the aliens.

"So... any clue what they want?" she asks me quietly, just barely over a whisper.

"Me!? Why would I know anything about that!?" I bark back at her.

"I don't know! Miles is your father, maybe he said something to you!" I blanch at her. Clearly she does not know my father that well if she would assume something like that.

"Dad would have blown their brains out by now if he was here... where is he anyway?" I take a quick look around to confirm that he is not here. I also notice that the town isn't on fire, so that's a good thing.

"There was a huge spike of energy out in the Minotaur lands, so the Spartans went to investigate it... Luna? Celestia?"

"As far as I'm aware, they're both in Canterlot. Neither of them will be back anytime soon. Not soon enough to deal with this at least." I stare back at the aliens as they sit on their heels waiting for something to happen. One of them glances to the side and we make eye contact for a moment.

I've never really seen an Unfamiliar civilian before. The thought of that even being a thing never even crossed my mind. Though, I guess that's a little naïve. They each wear similar garbs that look as if they're basic long fabrics wrapped snugly around their torsos to form a tunic looking top. Their pants seem baggy and don't rise up nearly as high as Dads. Where his pants clearly give the length of his legs, theirs seem top silhouette their ankles and knees. Each of them is dyed in deep purples with gold embroideries and edgings.

I get the feeling they're here to talk. But why now? Maybe we should call Dad and get his advice. But, I get the feeling that he'd just have them shot. And if we have a chance to talk things through then we should take that opportunity. Of all the history of the Spartans and the Terradisians I've ever heard or read about, they've never had the chance to talk with the Unfamiliar.

"Mom," I whisper to her as I lean in. "You gotta talk to them."

"... Are you sure?" I hear the nervousness in her voice. She's doing her best to keep a calm resolve, but it's painfully obvious how shot her resolve is. I wish I had something better to say to her, but what could I say? She's the one running for office, she's going to have to learn to handle this kind of pressure. I give her a nod and take a few steps forward. I may not know what to say, but I at least can be here with her. For what that's worth.

"A-ahem HRUHNG! E-eh... I-I am E'claire of the Terradisian... governblment? GOVERNMENT! W-who might you all be?" Not the best start, but good enough I guess. The lead alien person looks to the other two before standing.

"I am Leahn of the Zellun," the female says to us. Her accent is intriguing. It's deep and smooth, giving emphasis on the vowels. "These are Frest and Chelke. We are here for the land of gold and purple, as told by our father."

We both stand there and stare back at her. I have no clue what she's talking about. What land of gold and purple? I look to Mom and see her try to mouth a response. I can't tell if she's just too nervous to respond or if she doesn't actually know what to say. I take another glance around and note that the entire town is looking at us. Everyone is waiting to see what's going to happen here.

An eternity drags by as my mother tries to say something. I give a light cough to try and help her along. But she flounders even more. I try to think of something else, but the only thing that comes to mind is to kick her hind leg.

"O-OF COURSE!" she screams, immediately shrinking. "I-I mean, w-what do you mean land of gold and purple? And who is your father?" Leahn looks around before motioning to stand.

"We are the Zellun. Our people follow the teachings of our Father, who has taught us to seek out the land of gold and purple. It is to our understanding that he has passed. And in doing so, we have found our promised land. We have come here, unarmed, unaligned with the other Keksh, prepared to do whatever is necessary to live here in the land of gold and purple. We are at your mercy."

She kneels back down and lowers her head to the ground, the other two following suit. There is a murmur amongst the crowd as Mom stands there dumbstruck. No one knows what's going on or what's going to happen.

Dad has always told us that the Unfamiliar were a bloodthirsty people with no remorse for starting the war. They ripped people apart and had no regard for personal preservation. Everything that I've come to know about these people is in stark contrast with the way they are acting. What I've been taught is saying we should throw these people out and prepare for a fight. But my gut is telling me that they're telling the truth. This is our chance to be different.

The crowd around us must be thinking similar things. We can be different than the humans. Learn from their mistakes. Or, we can continue their traditions. Keep the fight going. We carry their name, and I'm sure there are other groups of Unfamiliar that are going to fight us as well. So there's fighting regardless. But, there's a chance at some sort of peace right now.

And it all depends on what Mom does right here, right now.

She's still a nervous wreck though. I'm sure she's thinking of everything I could at this time, maybe even more so. Accepting them without a second thought would be reckless. But sending them away without even thinking on it could be equally foolish. So for now we should probably just talk with them. Say we tried before committing to any one decision. That's how I see it at least. But it might not be the same for Mom.

She was made Terradisian as a captive. Mooseden is in her care, and any harm to it falls on her. Any choice that could possibly become harmful will fall on her first. I don't think Dad would do anything like that to her, but I can't guarantee he wouldn't. I could see him making it a choice between me and her. And we all know how that would turn out. I can try to persuade Mom to frame any decision as mine, but then that has its own caveats.

"I've made my decision!" Mom announces, just slightly above her normal voice. Everyone goes quiet as all eyes fall on her. I feel myself hold my breath as we all wait on her announcement. Which is it going to be Mom? The past? Or the future?

"There is a small section of flatland just north of here, less than half a mile away. Your people will be escorted by a large Terradisian force and will camp there for the time being. We will hold talks over the coming days to determine our future together. You will observe Terradisian law. You will not stray far from that encampment. You will submit to a registry so that we can keep track of everyone. We will protect you and offer what aid the people here are willing to give freely, but everything else falls onto you. You will build your homes. You will manage your obligations. And you will choose to follow these arrangements. I have no room for negotiations. This is the deal you will take or reject."

I stare at her for a moment before letting out a long sigh of relief. How did she manage such a good compromise while being so nervous? She... she can really lead after all.

PLEEEEEASE END THIS ALREADY I WANNA HIDE UNDER A ROOOOOOOCK!! WHAT EVEN WAS THAT!? WHERE'S MILES I CAN'T DO THIS ALONE, HEEEEEELP!!

The Unfamiliar murmur quietly amongst themselves for a moment before Leah stands. She holds the back of her right fist in front of her chest before bowing slightly. The rest of her people rise and make a similar motion. The crowd around seems mixed over this. I can see some happy faces. But there are a few that don't seem too thrilled with the prospects of having some many Unfamiliar- er, Zellun? I think? I'm sure we'll find out soon enough. But nobody openly rejects the deal, so it looks as if this is happening.

Mom starts ordering the bots here to start a registry for the Zellun. She also orders the First and Second bot legions moved here for guard duty, with the third readied for immediate action. That's almost twenty thousand bots! What does she need that many guards for? Do we even have that many legions?

The crowd bursts into a frenzy as the Zellun start to march towards the northern part of town. It seems everyone is rushing home or to various businesses. I guess people think supplies are about to dry up so they're trying to stock up while they can. There are already restrictions on how much people can buy at a time, but I'm sure this is going to end terribly.

I look to Mom to ask if she needs any help, but she's already taken off into the crowd. She's yelling at anyone who will listen, but the crowd is nearing a panic. I look over the crowd before I feel eye on me. I look back to the Zellun and notice Leah is staring directly at me. I feel myself panic for a moment before weakly smiling back to her and wave. Which was a terrible mistake because now she is walking up to me! Why does this always happen to me!?

"May I ask your name?" She asks, stopping a healthy distance from me.

"Uh... I'm Shadow." I try to sound... normal. But I'm pretty sure I just sound scared. Leah gives a small chuckle as she nervously fumbles with her hands. Who'd guess first contact would be so awkward.

"I feel the need to apologize to your peoples." I'm surprised by this, but I let her continue. "We were sworn enemies mere minutes ago. And now were asking to... eeh... forget past troubles. We know this is much to ask, but I hope you understand that we mean no harm. We truly believe this is our destined home. And we will do whatever it takes to make it work. I hope you understand."

I stare at her for a moment before I realize what she's really saying. She thinks I hold some sort of authority here. I mean... I guess I do. Sort of? I never really thought of it like that before. But with Dad, Mom, and everyone else I know personally; I guess I really carry some sway around here.

That's... that's too much pressure.

"I'm sure we'll speak more of this later, but thank you again for allowing us to remain here. You have our eternal gratitude for awakening us from our dreams." She turn and starts to leave when I call out to her. She seems surprised by my sudden outburst, but this is important.

"Leah... I don't mean to be threatening when I say this, honestly. But make sure there are no weapons with your people." She gives me a concerned look, but I continue before she could say anything. "My fa... the human. Miles Eremita. He's not here right now but he will return. And... well, the war between your people and his is... very fresh in his mind. I'm going to do everything I can to make this work, I promise you that much. But it's going to be... difficult, to convince him."

"I understand Shadow," she tells me firmly. "There were those among the Zellun who refused to come on this journey. Many, actually. The wounds of war do not heal quickly. Nor do the scars fade quickly. We will follow your rules, you have my word. Though... if there were any words of wisdom you could pass along before I meet this fabled human, they would be appreciated."

I have to think about that for a moment. There's plenty I could tell her. Be honest. Forthcoming. Strong, but understanding. But I don't know how to put it all together. And the other part of this is getting Dad to listen in the first place. We'll have to sit him down and speak privately first. Not to mention all of the other Spartans. We really lucked out that non of them were here when the Zellun arrived-

"Aight, so first off you gotta start strong. I suggest a swift kick to the nuts, followed by a firm spank on the ass. Not too hard! You're not attacking him. But enough to Dom him FO SHO!" I feel my stomach drop out of me as my soul tries to escape when Uncle Damian suddenly starts talking beside me. I stare at him wide eyed as I try to process what he said.

"That... seems rather... odd." Leah says, shifting uncomfortably.

"Have you read human culture? It's all weird-"

"UNCLE DAMIAN!" I yell. "HOW NICE OF YOU TO STOP BY! SO SAD TO SEE YOU GO!"

"I don't-"

FLASH

I put everything I have to send him as far away as physically possible. I don't even care where he ended up or that I started bleeding from the nose. He had to go immediately.

"I... do not think I should do-"

"PLEASE DON'T!" I scream, getting her to jump slightly. "*AHEM* Sorry about him. Please ignore everything he said or will ever say. He... he's special." We share an uncomfortable look before she slowly nods to me. "Right. Anyway, so... uh... go ahead and make yourself at home then. I'm sure we'll talk again real soon."

"Of course. Until we meet again." She does the gesture with her fist again and gives a slight bow to me. I return the bow, although much more awkwardly, and we part ways.

I might have to kill Uncle Damian for that one. With actual murder! Is he.. is he actually that stupid!?

I blanch when I feel a small trickle of blood roll down my muzzle. Teleporting Uncle Damian that far away hit harder than I anticipated. Or maybe I just did it too recklessly. Either way, I need to get cleaned up and take care of this. I start to head to the teleporter when I have a sudden thought.

If I go home to Ponyville, I can probably take my time getting back here to help with the Zellun. But, if I stay here, I can probably get away with being here for a few days. Mom is going to need my help, if today was any indicator. And this is far more important than anything happening in Ponyville.

But... am I only thinking this because I want to avoid Diamond? I've been trying to avoid her every possible chance I could. But even if I am just trying to avoid her, there is a real need for me here.

What should I do?

Kroth Unleashed

Brony on!