“This is excellent pie, remind me to give the cook a raise Sparkling” Nigel said as he lifted another forkful up to his mouth.

“Give cook a raise” murmured Sparkling to herself as she wrote the Emperor’s decision down on some parchment. Sparkling had already eaten, Nigel having gone back for seconds while Reflection sat to the side of Nigel, the changeling declining any solid sustenance. Reflection had spent the entire dinner fidgeting with her front hooves as she stared at the table, Nigel too caught up in his food to notice that anything was amiss.

Both of the mares had removed their clothes; however Nigel still wore his uniform claiming that the familiarity really was improving his mood. The Tailor had offered to make all three extra clothing, an offer that Nigel graciously accepted.

Nigel finished his pie, pushing his plate away from him as he rubbed his stomach and leaned back in his chair, a content smile on his face. Reflection noticed this and decided that know would be an idea time to talk with Nigel about her feelings.

“Um, Nigel, could I talk to you about something?”

The human opened his eyes, a warm smile on his face as he pivoted to face the changeling.

“Go right ahead Reflection, you’ve been quiet all night so I’m glad that you wish to talk,” Nigel leaned forward as he placed his arms on the table.

“Well, you see Nigel,” Reflection started, the changeling shooting a glance at Sparkling, the white mare giving her a smile of encouragement. Reflection turned back towards Nigel “You’ve been really good to me and all of us changelings despite how I first treated you and I would like to thank you for that.”

“No thanks are needed” Nigel replied. “Every single changeling has proved with their actions that I made the right decision and I know I speak for the Crystal ponies as well when I say that we’re all overjoyed to have you living amongst us.”

Reflection smiled at his words, before she left her chair and walked over to where Nigel was sitting. The changeling embraced the surprised Emperor before she continued.

“Thanks,” she mumbled before looking up at him, a blush on her face “but I wanted to also say something else.”
Nigel smiled down at her, his grin hiding the dread that was building in his mind.

“What is it?” he asked through the forced smile.

“Nigel,” Reflection said as she grasped him with her hooves, “I just wanted to say to say that I think that I… that I lov-“

“Emperor Chalmers, there is an Equestrian messenger requesting an audience immediately!”

Everyone in the room turned to look at the interrupter, the guardmare saluting as she spoke.

“Thank you soldier, please inform them that I’ll be with them momentarily” Nigel replied.

“As you command Lord!” the mare turning and heading back towards the throne room. Nigel gave Reflection an apologetic look.

“I’m sorry Reflection but could we possibly continue this conversation later? I have to attend to this messenger right away but if you want we can talk in the morning, it is rather late and a good night’s rest will probably do us all some good.”

Reflection looked dejected at Nigel’s suggestion but she nodded her head, the changeling proceeding towards the stairs leading up to the top levels of the Palace. Nigel noticed the changeling’s hurt demeanor and he winced inside, part of him scolding himself for acting so heartless with his dismissal of her. Never-less he had duties to preform, the human leaving his seat with the intent of travelling to the throne room. He stopped at the door however, Sparkling not having followed him, the mare staring at the flight of stairs that Reflection had ascended.

“Sparkling, I won’t be needing you for the rest of the night” Nigel said from the doorway as he turned his head to look at his assistant. “The same goes for Reflection, could you please go after her and maybe try to calm her down?”

Sparkling got off her seat and trotted towards the stairs, pausing to look back at the Emperor when she spotted a trail of tears leading up the stairs.

“As you wish, Emperor” she responded sharply, Nigel flinching as she used his title and not his first name. As the mare left Nigel shook himself, a welcoming mask on his face as he continued towards the throne room, his mind churning with thoughts.

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Swift Current was shuffling nervously on the spot, his golden armor clinking as he moved from hoof to hoof. He had been warned by Captain Armor that the Crystal Empire was… thorough when it came to matters of security but he had not expected this.

The Pegasus messenger had been stripped of his only weapons, a pair of blades designed to fit on wings as soon as he had entered the Empire, the Crystal guards taking no chances. There were currently no-less than fifteen guards surrounding him, a circle of diamond tipped spears pointing at him. He gulped as he tried to keep his nerves under control, small beads of sweat starting to form on his brow. Swift tried to focus on the apparel of the surrounding guards in an effort to keep his attention away from the sharp spear-points.

The armour that the Crystal guards were wearing covered almost their entire bodies, unlike Equestrian armour which was focused primarily around freedom of movement. Instead of metal the protection that the Crystal ponies sported seemed to be made from a hard crystal, the covering somehow dull unlike normal gems. Each pony had a faceplate that appeared to hinged at the top, resulting in only the guard’s eyes, nostrils and mouth being visible.

Set in the breastplate of each guard was a gem; different colours although blue seemed to be the most prevalent. Further down the guards’ legs were protected by crystal greaves, the material matching the rest of their armour. As he went over his observations Swift came to the conclusion that the Crystal Guard was well-equipped and trained, making them a dangerous threat if Equestria did end up in hostilities against the returned nation. He doubted that they had a larger number of soldiers; Equestria fielding a regular force of one-thousand Royal Guard at all times not counting the Lunar guard or reserves.

“Ah! So this is the messenger from Equestria then?”

Swift broke out of his musings and looked towards the voice, the human Emperor stopping just outside his circle of guards.

“Stand down all of you, let the poor Equestrian have some breathing space.”

The surrounding guards all lowered their weapons and back up a few paces, all of the ponies watching Swift diligently from their new positions. Swift was impressed with the Crystal guards’ reaction times and the lack of protest they gave, Captain Armor had been accurate with his description of the Crystal Ponies’ loyalty to the bipedal Emperor. He hoped that the Captain’s opinion of the Emperor’s temperament was just as correct, Swift bowing before the tall creature.

“Greetings Emperor Chalmers, I am Corporal Swift Current and I have been sent here to deliver an invitation from Her Royal Highness Princess Celestia formally inviting you to the glorious Capitol of Equestria, Canterlot. The Princess wishes for you and any advisors you see fit to bring to conduct discussions with her and her court regarding the solution to the changeling problem facing Equestria” Swift Current took a breath, the Emperor looking down at the guard with a bemused expression.

“The Princess will provide you and your entourage with accommodation and meals in the hopes that stable diplomatic ties can be forged between your great nation and ours. The proposed solution regarding the changelings will be first-and-foremost on the agenda, followed by talks of possible trade agreements. The Princess extends her gratitude and hopes that you will accept this most generous invitation that will surely benefit both nations.”

Swift finished the pre-planned speech with a flourish of his snow-white wing before looking up expectantly at the Emperor.

“No.”

Swift stumbled at the unexpected reply, the stallion giving the Emperor a confused look.

“May I ask why Emperor, it is a sincere offer-“

“My decision does not reflect any notions of suspicion or maliciousness towards your nation Corporal Current,” Swift noticed that the Emperor’s left eye twitched when the human addressed him. “My refusal is based upon multiple factors” Emperor Chalmers sat down on his throne, picking up a plate from a side table and selecting a slice of cheese from it. The Emperor nibbled on the slice before holding the platter out to Swift.

“Cheese? There’s Stilton, Cheddar and this one local one with berries in it.”

“Crystal Cheese Sir” a guard spoke up.

“Of course it bloody is” Swift heard Nigel mutter under his breath, the Emperor’s smile dropping for a moment before he looked back up at Swift with the smile back and in full force.

“Uh, no thank you you’re Majesty” Swift answered, afraid of insulting the biped.

“More for me” the human said with a shrug, popping another piece of dairy product into his mouth. “Back on topic” continued the Emperor “I declined your Princess’s invitation because I have an Empire to rule, plain and simple. I can’t go gallivanting off to play diplomat in another country while my own is in dire need of stability. The former ruler, a complete dick I might add,” Chalmers said as he kicked the skinned King in the head with a boot “decided that civil development was completely un-needed and as such I’ve got far too much to do.”

“I see Sir, I’m sorry for wasting your time” Swift began, the Pegasus turning towards the exit.

“Hold on a second” the Emperor’s voice called out, Swift stopping to face Chalmers. “While I am unable to visit your capitol, maybe your Princess and her advisors would be willing to visit here instead. She can judge my character and the happiness of my subjects with her own eyes at the same time, does that sound reasonable?”

“It is not my place to make such decisions Sir, I will however endeavor to inform the Princess of your counter-offer.”

“Great, let her know that she can drop by anytime” the Emperor replied before turning to a guard standing beside the throne. “Sergeant, if you and a squad would please escort the good Corporal here to the exit after returning anything that was confiscated, thank you.”

The guard nodded, several more joining him as the Equestrian was escorted outside of the palace. Nigel leaned back in the throne, the room empty save for two guards and himself. He hummed while he tapped his fingers together, trying to decide on a course of action regarding Reflection’s obvious infatuation with him. He could try and just ignore it but that would no doubt make it worse especially considering that he needed to work with her every day. Indulging it would lead to a wealth of problems, both in the present and the future.

The fact that they were different species didn’t bother him that much, after all the UIP had regular contact with other sapient races and inter-species relationships were common. The main issue he had was regarding his profession, ISA agents having very un-reliable time-tables and deployment options. He could spend months on an assignment only to return home for a few days before leaving again, making long-term commitments un-feasible. This experience was a great example of an unexpected occurrence. Nigel still firmly believed that the UIP would find him in time, the Empire never one to leave a soldier behind.

As he reflected on the possibility of returning home another problem reared its head, an inner-voice maliciously suggesting to him that all of his other reasons were nothing but excuses. Nigel let out a sigh, some truth to be found in that thought. True, he was not the most subtle ISA agent but he did always get the job done. Every action, no matter how insignificant always joined with its fellows to meet the mission objective, his rejection of Reflection one of those actions.

It made him feel a little guilty knowing that the main reason for his refusal to Reflection’s advances was the fact that a relationship with a changeling could seriously damage his reputation in the eyes of the rulers of the other empires that shared this world. Changelings were not liked at all, the actions of the Equestrians driving the fact home. If he were to openly respond to the changeling’s affection then diplomatic relations would suffer, thusly hurting the Crystal Empire.

On the other hand Reflection was a friend of his as well as an advisor and giving her the cold shoulder would be a poor move. He had to admit that the changeling had been trying her hardest to improve his opinion of her and she did have a lot in common with him. She was impulsive, some-what vain, short-tempered and at times disrespectful, Nigel however could not fault her on these as he also shared this traits.

He placed his head in his hands as he tried to think of his next move. He sat in the same position for ten minutes, the guards on either side of the throne shooting him worried glances but other than that they took no action. Word had spread around the Guard of the dinner-time conversation between the Emperor and the Changeling, the guards inside at the time of the incident instantly informing their fellows of the development as soon as the Emperor had left to attend to the messenger. It was an unspoken rule that no guard was to discuss the problem with the Emperor at all as it would surely not end well.

“DAMN IT!”

The guards jolted back at the sudden shout from the Emperor, the human standing up from the throne. The two stallions watched as Chalmers clenched his fists together and breathed in and out repetitively.

“Whoosa” he muttered, a smile returning to his features as he said this. Emperor Chalmers began to walk away, a staircase leading to the upper levels his destination.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

“Reflection, please stop crying.”

‘Wow Sparkling! That’s really going to work, you should quit your current job and become a therapist!’

Sparkling grimaced as the sarcastic thought entered her mind, mainly because it was correct. Reflection was sitting in the corner sobbing her eyes out, Sparkling having no clue about how she could possible comfort the crying changeling.

Sparkling had sat herself down opposite Reflection, the Crystal mare staring at the back of the changeling as Reflection was facing the wall while she cried. Sparkling had followed the changeling to the room and had been stuck here for a while, at least half-an-hour. Nothing she had said had elicited any response and she was running out of ideas fast.

“Reflection, I’m sure that Nigel didn’t mean to act like he did, he was probably just surprised and so he acted rashly, please calm down!”
This had no effect at all, Sparkling letting out a sigh before she got to her hooves, stopping to look back at the distraught changeling sitting in the corner. While she felt bad about leaving her friend alone in a time like this Sparkling knew that she had already tried everything she could have, Reflection too far gone into depression at the current time. As Sparkling left the room, closing the door behind her she huffed, beginning to make her way towards her own quarters.

She halted as she passed a staircase, the mare shooting the bipedal figure that emerged a glare. Without saying a word she turned her head away and left, leaving Nigel standing at the top of the stairs with a gloomy look on his face.

______________________________________________________________________________________________

“Reflection, can I come in?”

Nigel stood at the door, having followed the sobs that echoed through the upper-floor to the changeling. Granted he already knew where her room was but he rarely had reason to visit it so the upper floors remained a maze.

He remained where he was, watching as Reflection seemed to take no notice of him at all, the changeling not replying. Nigel took one last calming breath before he walked in the door, sitting down on the large four-poster bed, choosing the corner closest to Reflection.

“Reflection” he once again stated, the changeling’s lack of response really getting to him. Nigel knew that she cared for him; he’d have to be blind not to notice it. The way she had been looking at him when she thought he wasn’t watching really had thrown him but it was those fateful words she had uttered after dinner that had really shocked him. Judging from her response to his dismissal and her character this wasn’t just a passing crush but full-blown love. This was something that Nigel was not used to, not because he was physically unattractive but mainly because he did most of his romancing in bars after drinking excessive amounts of alcohol. He had to approach this carefully, one wrong word and he could lose a great friend permanently.

He got off the bed, walking over and sitting next to the changeling on her right side, still not provoking a response. Nigel reached over with a hand and touched her on the shoulder, the changeling’s sobs slowing a little. This boosted Nigel’s confidence, at least she was now acknowledging that he was there.

“Reflection,” Nigel started, looking at the changeling with his hand beginning to rub her shoulder, “I’m sorry for treating you the way I did, I’ve thought about what you said and I finally decided to man up.”

The changeling’s sobs subsided, Reflection sniffling as she rubbed her eyes with her hooves. Nigel waited as she did so, the changeling turning her head to look at him after a few moments. Nigel took this as a cue to go on.

“I really do care for you, it’s just that, and pardon me for sounding cliché but it’s not you, it’s me.”

‘Dear sweet Lord, I never thought that I would actually speak those words. I must sound like a complete arse’ Nigel thought, continuing on before Reflection could voice an objection.

“Before you say anything I want to explain to you why I think this is the case. For starters I’m an Emperor and with that title comes a lot of responsibilities. I will be spending most of my days supervising project planning, improving multiple designs and talking with a large amount of petitioners. A relationship needs plenty of free time otherwise it devolves into a massive train-wreck, ending badly for both parties. Added to that is the fact that I will most likely have to leave one day and I’m not sure whether you will be able to come with me when that day arrives. My people will look for me and that’s primarily why I’ve been trying to involve you, Sparkling and Captain Strategy in everything that I do so that when I do go, and trust me, I will as soon as the opportunity arises you three will be able to manage the Empire in my absence.

I care deeply for all three of you, Hell I care for all of the ponies and changelings in the Empire but you three are almost like family to me. I know this isn’t what you want to hear from me, I can see it in your eyes. What I’m trying to say is that normally I would see no problem with sharing my life with you but with my current position I think it will cause more harm than good. You’re a great changeling and a fine mare, all of your negatives far out-weighed by your positives. You’re smart, fun to talk to, interesting and I respect the lengths you go to in protecting those you care about. I just want you to know that no-matter what happens or how badly you screw up I will always care for you, I just hope that after what’s happened you can say the same to me.”

Reflection had remained silent during Nigel’s entire speech, the changeling staring at him with teary eyes. Nigel hoped that she would do what he hoped she would do and give in to his logic, the two being able to remain close friends. Reflection’s response however dashed his hopes.

“I’m sorry Nigel,” Reflection said softly as she looked into the Emperor’s eyes, “no matter what you say or do I can’t help it, I’m in love with you. You always seek to help me better myself and always treat me like an equal, even though you rule an entire Empire. Sparkling told me what you did before you arrived here and I can’t believe it. Sure you killed Sombra but from what the Crystal ponies told me you had no choice. I can’t believe that you kill as part as your job because you’re much too nice to everyone around you.

You never pushed me away and you always made time for me, not just me either. Whenever you walk in the city you always talk to everyone like they’re friends and not like they’re your subjects. You make it seem like I can talk to you about any problems I have, no matter how small and I care immensely about you, more than anyone else I’ve ever met. When we first came to the city you took us in, gave us food and shelter while striving to help us fit in with your subjects, all you asked for in return was for us to treat you like they did.”

Reflection paused as she looked at her hole-riddled legs, the ebony limbs wet with tears.

“Look at me, I’m a creature that survives by hiding what I look like, my normal form hideous to most of those in this world. You look past that; you look past my furless shell and my jagged horn. You look over what I did in the past, how I treated you when we first met and you look past my stupid actions.”

She tore her vision away from her fore-legs, looking back up at Nigel.

“You treat me like family but I want to be more then family. I don’t mind if you can’t go on dates, if you can’t take me to fancy clubs or if you can’t shower me with attention. I know that you will love me even if you can’t show it in those ways and if you do have to leave and I cannot go with you than at least I will have the memories of you for the rest of my life. I just want things to work between us so badly that I’ll put up with anything to try to make it happen. Please, all I ask is that you give me a chance, one chance to prove that I’m not just a parasite incapable of love. Please.”

Reflection finished her plea by lunging forward and hugging Nigel, the changeling burying her face into his chest. Nigel didn’t know what to say, his mind having blanked. He had faced many problems in his violent life time, Nigel usually dealing with them with a combination of violence and comedic wit but none of those would help him in this situation at all. He had immensely under-estimated the extent of Reflection’s devotion and he was now paying the price. As heartless and cruel as he could often be the changeling’s passionate plea really did a number on his opinions regarding his feelings for her.

He began to stroke her back with a free hand, the changeling staring up at him with large hope-filled eyes, Reflection’s lime irises like duel green rings. He thought about the consequences if he gave in to her desires, all of the political ramifications that would result from such an affair. After a few minutes of thought, Reflection maintaining her stare all the while as she patiently awaited his answer Nigel took a breath.

“Screw it, we might as well give it a shot, after all you only live once.”

Reflection let out a high-pitched squeal as she hugged Nigel tighter, no-doubt heard by the entire palace, possibly even the whole city.

“Thank you, I promise that it will work out!”

She leaned up and gave Nigel a peck on the cheek.

“This is the happiest day of my life, I love you and nothing will ever change that!”

Reflection snuggled deep into Nigel, holding onto him like a filly would hold onto a stuffed animal. She closed her eyes, losing herself to the warm body that she rested against, the joy-filled changeling missing the solemn expression that Nigel was wearing.