Chalmers and Reflection stumbled into their bedchambers, Reflection yawning as she clambered into the large bed.

It was very late and after the Equestrian chariot had dropped them off everyone had gone their separate ways. Chalmers had commended all three guards for getting everyone home safe. Well, relatively safe. Sparkling had sobered up a little on the trip back and retired to her castle quarters without a word, the mare unusually silent.

“What a night,” Chalmers muttered as he stripped down to his underwear and joined Reflection in bed. The changeling snuggled up against him and sighed happily as Chalmers slipped under the covers.

“At least it ended well,” Reflection sleepily replied as she rested a foreleg across the Emperor’s chest. An arm wrapped around her in return, Nigel humming as he stared up at the red ceiling of the bed.

“I’m glad you feel that way. As long as you’re happy then I’m happy.”

“I don’t think we’ll have a problem with that if you remain willing to continue on tomorrow with what we were doing before Cadence interrupted us,” Reflection mumbled as she started to drift off. Nigel didn’t reply, the changeling had a cute smile on her face and he didn’t want to risk wiping it away by reminding her that he did have an empire to rule and couldn’t spend all day with her.

He briefly wondered just what was taking the ISA so long to track him down; hopefully he wasn’t that far from UIP space. Glancing to his left as Reflection started to snore softly he laid back and closed his eyes.

They didn’t need to rush to find him in his opinion.

“Good Morning Keep Safe.”

Keep Safe, Treasurer of the Crystal Empire, turned around from his many lists on the stone bench to face the Emperor. Chalmers was walking through the door to the treasure vault with his changeling marefriend following behind, Keep Safe using a golden hoof to adjust his red robe to quickly make himself presentable.

“Good morning sir,” Keep Safe responded with a bow. He knew that the Emperor was not one for such formalities but as a minister he thought it wise to show respect. “I’ve just been cataloguing our gem supply as well as our… special gems.” Keep Safe glanced Reflection, the changeling not knowing about the enchanted gems hidden away. The changeling frowned a little at the mistrust show towards her, the Emperor noticing her unhappiness as he observed the room full of gold and gems.

“It’s okay Keep Safe, Reflection her can be trusted to know about the enchanted gems.” Reflection perked up a bit at this and looked curiously up at the Emperor.

“Enchanted gems?” she inquired. Emperor Chalmers nodded in response and gestured to Keep Safe.

“That’s right,” Chalmers answered. “In addition to keeping stock of our secret treasure supplies down here, Treasurer Keep Safe has also been placed in charge of gems woven with spells. That’s where all the gems that are set into our armour and weapons have come from so far. Remember those small gems on my armour?” Chalmers pointed down to the black uniform on his right breast where the gems would be if he was wearing his armour. “All found in here. There are hundreds with all sorts of useful enchantments on them.”

“More are being found each day,” Keep Safe imputed, the middle-aged stallion adjusting his round spectacles covering his ruby eyes. “In fact Emperor sir, I believe that Golden Ring has managed to fulfil your request regarding the new type of gems. He’s in the inner vault.” A grin lit up Chalmers’s face, the human striding over towards a glowing illumination gem set in a wooden torch, which was identical to many around the room. Reflection and Keep Safe followed, the changeling observing the Emperor carefully as Chalmers reached a finger out to the torch while Keep Safe already knew what was going to happen.

Nigel pressed the glowing gem providing the warm yellow glow, Reflection halting as a shimmering doorway appeared in the grey stone.

“Every Palace needs secret doors,” Nigel joked as he gestured for Reflection to follow him inside. The changeling followed cautiously through the concealed door and found herself in a large room, almost as large as the vault they had come from.

All around there was racks and shelves filled with gems of all different shapes, sizes and colours. Five Crystal unicorns were moving around a large center workbench, the horned-equines focusing on piles of normal gems heaped on the table. One of them, a unicorn with a slightly brighter golden coat than the Treasurer, turned his head as the three entered. Reflection noticed that he quickly bowed before Nigel with a joyful haste.

“Don’t worry about that,” Nigel commented with a dismissive wave. “Keep Safe has informed me that you managed to complete the project.” The bowing unicorn rose, his silver mane glinting in the flickering torchlight.

“I have Emperor,” he answered happily as he trotted over towards a shelf loaded with fat pink gems. The unicorn grasped one in his golden magic and trotted back over towards the ruler, Chalmers grabbing it out of the air to stare at it as the gem glowed faintly. Golden Ring noticed Reflection sniffing the air and his eyes lit up in excitement. “You brought a changeling! We can test it right now if you desire, sir.”

“Good idea,” Nigel agreed. He held the gem out to Reflection who found herself drawn to it. “Go on, touch it,” Chalmers urged, Reflection reaching out a hoof to brush the gem. She jolted in surprise as the warm feeling of love surged from the gem into her, the stone’s pink glow getting brighter as she fed.

“That’s amazing,” Reflection commented as she removed her hoof after a few seconds. “You can store love in gems?” Golden Ring nodded at the question.

“We can,” he confirmed. “The base gems, rubies, are enchanted to draw love from the surrounding area or direct contact from a willing subject and store it for later. The Crystal Heart has saturated our empire with positive emotion so there is theorized to be an infinite supply. What this means is that if a changeling needs to be away from the city for a long period of time and don’t have another source they can use a few gems.” Golden Ring glanced between Nigel and Reflection, his eyes widening with understanding. “Oh, so you’re that changeling,” he figured out, prompting Reflection to nuzzle against Nigel’s hip.

“I am,” Reflection purred as a hand scratched behind her ears. Golden Ring glanced up at the Emperor with a questioning look.

“Do you still want it?” He asked, Nigel nodding in response.

“Yes thank you, now is a good as time as any.” Golden nodded at his ruler’s answer and returned to the shelf. Keep Safe looked at Chalmers with an eyebrow raised while Reflection watched Golden Ring return with a dull gem in his magic. The unicorn moved the grey love-battery over to Chalmers, the Emperor pointing at it as he glanced at Golden. “So do I just…?”

“Yes sir, you just touch it,” Golden replied, Chalmers shrugging before grasping the jewel with both hands. A pink glow grew brighter as the human held the gem, Reflection trying to peek in-between the fingers to see what was happening. Keep Safe and Golden also watched on as the glow increased in intensity before stopping and dying out. Chalmers opened his hands and in the middle rested the gem, now a healthy deep-pink colour. The Emperor moved his gaze from the charged gem to Golden Ring.

“So all the love inside here-“

“Is from you and you alone,” Golden informed. Reflection lifted her head up in understanding as Nigel held the gem out to her. Looking down at her necklace still around her neck, Reflection noticed that next to the clasp holding the emerald on there was an empty clasp waiting for another jewel.

“How long have you been planning this?” she asked as Nigel reached down to set the gem on the free space.

“An Emperor does not reveal his secrets,” Chalmers lectured as he finished securing the jewel charged with his love. Reflection stared down at it as the pink gem rested against her bare chest.

“Why isn’t it working?” Reflection questioned. Golden Ring stepped forward.

“Sorry to interrupt the moment,” he apologized. “The gem you’re wearing is like the other love-jewels in that they are made to activate by a hoof-touch, both pony for love injection and changeling for siphoning. Your one is also able to be used by hands and does not draw in ambient energy, which means the Emperor is the only one who can charge yours.” Reflection stared at the smiling human in amazement as Golden Ring continued on. “Emperor Chalmers specifically requested that he be the sole source for the love.”

Safe Keep and Golden flinched back as Reflection launched herself towards the Emperor. Her wings buzzed and propelled her into his chest, Chalmers chuckling as she embraced him in a tight hug. The human put one arm over her back and moved the other under Reflection’s rump to support her weight. Both Golden and Keep Safe looked away as Reflection kissed the Emperor, the human pulling away after a few seconds. Reflection compromised by nuzzling his face with wings still buzzing, Chalmers patting her on the back as he held her in a hug.

“That’s so sweet of you,” Reflection murmured as Nigel looked over her shoulder towards Golden Ring and Keep Safe.

“I do try,” he chuckled before nodding towards Golden Ring. “Now Golden, the rate of production…”

“Will be incredibly fast,” the golden unicorn finished for his ruler. “Since we’ve figured out the actual enchantment that is required and recorded it, a single unicorn can enchant one gem every ten minutes with hardly any stain placed on them. I’ve taken the liberty of setting up a schedule for the enchantment of five-hundred regular gems.”

Golden Ring glanced down at the ground briefly before looking back up. “In the unfortunate event that the Crystal Heart stops working for whatever reason we should be able to sustain the current changeling population for two months with our projected supplies. I can have them all done within the week.” Chalmers removed his arm from around Reflection’s back, walking towards Golden Ring and offering his hand. Golden stared at the offered limb for a few moments before quickly raising his left hoof to meet it in a shake.

“Great job,” Nigel complimented before he looked towards the other unicorns working away at the workbench. “The same applies to all of you. You are doing your empire a great service.” The seated unicorns briefly looked away from their work to nod at their Emperor before returning to their tasks. Chalmers didn’t mind, he preferred efficiency over pleasantries.

“I believe that Captain Strategy wished to see you Emperor,” Keep Safe spoke up, Chalmers letting go of Golden Ring’s hoof and putting Reflection on her own hooves, much to her disappointment.

“I can’t carry you everywhere,” he explained to the changeling as she huffed and leaned up against his leg instead. The Emperor turned back to his treasurer. “Thank you Keep Safe, please continue on with the good work. I know record keeping is not the most invigorating of work but I do appreciate it.”

“It is my talent Emperor,” the Treasure replied with a bow. “I am happy to be of assistance.” With a nod to the Emperor and Reflection, Keep Safe walked to the hidden door, activated a switch disguised as another torch and left through the door. Golden Ring returned to his fellow unicorns with a tray of dull gems in his magic while Chalmers looked down towards Reflection as she tugged on his pants leg.

“Why does Captain Strategy want to see you?” she questioned as Nigel started to walk towards the exit. Reflection followed him with a bounce in her step as the pink gem around her neck continued to glow with a steady beat.

“I suspect it will be about the new toys that I asked the Head Blacksmith, Iron Greaves, to make for the Guard.” Chalmers activated the doorway and shot a final a look towards the unicorns busy enchanting gems, before he and Reflection left with the city’s military district their destination.

With a thump a crystal-tipped bolt the length of a pony left a large wooden ballista. The hundreds of guards in the training yard watched the deadly projectile soar through the air before it impacted an old wooden stall that was serving as a target.

The flimsy wooden structure was turned to matchwood and the bolt impaled into the snow bank behind it. The head blacksmith whooped in joy as he witnessed his machine preform as expected, ten more of the weapons stored under white camouflage sheets. The three guards, two ponies and a changeling, operating the ballista didn’t pause as they reloaded. Thanks to the changeling lifting the large bolt with his magic and the two pony guards quickly turning the two handles, which tightened the ropes, the machine was ready to fire again in twenty seconds.

“Very good,” complemented Captain Strategy as he looked towards Iron Greaves. “I’m sure the Emperor will be very pleased with the devices.”

“Oh I am.”

Iron Greaves and the Captain turned to face the voice. Strategy saluted and Greaves bowed as Emperor Chalmers strolled up behind them with Reflection by his side.

“Everything works sir, your diagrams for the new weapons were spot on!” Iron gushed excitedly as Strategy spared a glance towards his troops to ensure that they were on their best behavior for the ruler. Nigel took a moment to give all of the assembled soldiers a proud nod before he gave a thumb up to Greaves.

“To think they laughed at me when I took ancient warfare in officer school.” Nigel raised a fist to the sky dramatically much to the amusement of Reflection. “Who’s laughing now, Nigel M Chalmers that’s who!” Chalmers followed up his declaration with a peal of hearty laughter before looking down at the very confused blacksmith. “Just think Iron, you’re lucky that I didn’t drop the class to do something useless like ‘Diplomacy and Negotiation Training’.”

“I… am very glad, sir?” Iron hesitantly answered as Strategy coughed into a hoof to attract the Emperor’s attention.

“You seem to be in a very good mood Emperor,” the Captain observed. “I trust that the Equestrian Gala went well?” Reflection stepped towards Strategy and tilted her head to the side in confusion.

“None of the guards told you?” she asked, receiving a head shake in response from Strategy.

“No they didn’t,” Strategy answered.

“I got stabbed and a Prince insulted Reflection,” Nigel provided. Both the Captain and Blacksmith drew back in surprise while whispers broke out amongst the soldiers lined up in the yard.

“What happened to cause that?” Strategy asked with disbelief on his face.

“Well the prince was a complete tosspot who took offence to Reflection's existance so when I stepped in to defend her, like a gentleman I might add, he attacked me with a broken wine glass.” Strategy shook his head, he wouldn’t have believed it if it was anyone else involved. “He was swiftly introduced to a buffet table, the Equestrian Princesses tore him a new one and the night ended well in more than one way.” Strategy missed the conspiratory look that the Emperor and Reflection shared, the Captain more focused on the whispering troops behind him.

“Quiet down soldiers,” Strategy ordered as he tried to figure out how a stabbing of an Emperor could end well. Chalmers however thwarted his attempts to bring the troops to order, the human walking up to the lines of armoured ponies and changelings.

“No need for that at the moment Captain,” Chalmers said over his shoulder before turning back to his troops. “Now for you lot. Enjoying the new weapons are we?” Nigel was answered with a chorus of ‘yes, Commander sir,’ as the soldiers stood up straight. Chalmers scanned the ranks as Reflection walked over to the ballista to get a closer look. “Where’s Corporal Chatter, is he on patrol?”

“No, he’s off-duty today since he accompanied you last night,” Strategy informed as Nigel rubbed his chin in thought.

“Interesting,” Chalmers mused to himself. “I wonder if that’s why Sparkling asked for the day off as well…”

“Is something wrong sir?” Strategy inquired, Nigel shaking his head.

“Nothing Captain, I was just talking to myself about a small matter. There is no need to be concerned.” Chalmers glanced over towards the white sheets in the corner of the yard. “I take it that those are other ballistas?” Iron Greaves ran up in response, having overheard the question.

“They are, Emperor,” the blacksmith replied. “Ten more of them are ready. Another two weeks and we should have twenty more working. Five-hundred bolts with standard tips have been constructed, we have one-hundred incendiary tips and I am taking the liberty of experimenting with some alternate materials. The aid of the unicorns has been essential sir, even the two assigned to me have made a huge difference.”

“It’s good that they have adapted back in so quickly,” Chalmers agreed as Reflection made her way back to them. Iron looked towards the changeling’s chest, the pink gem having caught his attention. The blacksmith’s eyes widened in recollection and he raced off towards the armory entrance fifty metres away.

“Where are you going Iron?” Chalmers called after the stallion, Iron not stopping as he looked back over his shoulder.

“I’ve got one more thing to show you,” Iron yelled back. “I need one changeling guard for this so can one changeling soldier please follow!” The fifty-three armoured changelings looked between each other before the one closest to the armory rushed off to follow the blacksmith.

While the soldier disappeared into the armory interior Nigel looked questionably towards Captain Strategy.

“You don’t know what’s got Iron so worked up?” Chalmers asked, Strategy furrowing his brows in response.

“No, Emperor,” Strategy answered. “I only know about the Ballista so anything else is new to me.” Nigel hummed and scratched Reflection behind the ears as the changeling sat down in bliss. She started to rub her head against the Emperor’s leg with affection, the guards relaxing at a nod from Strategy. The soldiers began to chat with one-another while they waited, Strategy waiting uncomfortably next to Reflection and Nigel as the two showered each other with attention.

It took a while but soon iron Greaves returned to the yard, the changeling soldier in tow. All the guards leaned in to get a closer look at the soldier as the blacksmith led it to the Emperor. The grey metal plates covering the changeling looked heavier than the regular armour, large shoulder guards and greaves protecting the trooper’s body. The helmet was also different, a clear shield constructed from transparent crystal instead of a traditional metal visor. Also of note was the large array of nine, pink gems set on the right side of the soldier and the large rectangular shield attached to the left.

“Iron,” Chalmers started as he stared at the changeling who looked like he was dressed to break up a riot. “Just what the hell have you made?” Iron ran a hoof along the steel armour and stopped at the pink gems shielded by a metal plate.

“It’s a creation I call the ‘Infantry Suppression System, Changeling Model’. What it does is use love-battery gems, given to us by Golden Ring for testing, to enable a changeling soldier to fire a large amount of magical bolts in a short amount of time.” Iron moved around to the left of the soldier to point at the large shield attached to three hinged metal arms. “The shield locks into place into combat to shield the soldier from any enemy fire. Private Shift, would you please activate your shield like I showed you.”

A green glow lit up around the shield and it swung into place, the rectangular piece of gem-imbedded metal covering the front of the changeling. A square cut into the top of the shield allowed the soldier to peer out while also letting the tip of her black horn poke out.

“The shield is inlaid with strengthening gems and withstood repeated hits from magic bolts without a scratch.” Iron reached through the square in the shield to tap at the crystal visor that was part of the changeling’s helmet. “The visor itself is constructed from hardened crystal that can resist magical and crossbow bolts. We used a clear visor to ensure maximum visibility in combat. The role of changelings like the private here, and eventually unicorns once the population recovers, is to support infantry squads with rapid suppression fire. I took the idea from those ‘machine guns’ you told me your ancestors used in their wars.”

“We still use them today, at least more developed versions of them,” Nigel commented as he bent down to face the armoured soldier. “Is it heavy at all in there, Private?”

“No sir,” the female replied. “It doesn’t weigh any more than the standard armour, the shield is a little heavy but the crystals balance it out fine. The padding is pretty good as well, I can hardly feel the armour around me.” Chalmers nodded at her response, standing back up and looking down towards Reflection.

“We might have to get you one,” Nigel directed at her while he gave her head a rub. Reflection shuddered and shook her head at the suggestion.

“No, I think I’ll pass on that,” she answered while examining the large shield. “I don’t really want to wear anything that needs an enchanted shield to protect my face.”

“Where’s your sense of adventure?” Chalmers joked before glancing down at Iron again. “Well it looks impressive Iron, but does it work?” The Blacksmith nodded, directing Private Shift to turn towards a set of snow-bag targets to the left of the destroyed stall.

“It hasn’t been tested yet, Emperor but I am confident that everything is going to go smoothly. Now if Captain Strategy allows I would wish to use the aid of the Private here to test it for you.” The Captain walked up and nodded, having been intensely watching as Iron pointed out the armor’s features.

“I don’t see why not. Do you just need the Private to fire normally or do you need something else to be done first?” Iron shook his head as he moved to stand next to the changeling guard. Everyone including the assembled guards were watching the three targets at the end of the range with interest as Private Shift’s horn started to glow.

“Nothing else needs to be done.” Iron replied. “Now Private, when you fire the first shot you should feel the energy from the crystals recharge you quickly. I want you to fire three single shots at each target to begin with.”

“Okay,” the Private responded before firing three bolts at the targets. Two hit their snow-bags while the other landed just short, Shift shuffling in her armour to compensate for the weight at the sides.

“Do you feel any different Private?” Iron asked, eliciting a head shake from the changeling.

“No, it’s like I haven’t fired any magic at all. Normally after three shots I’d start to feel some drain.” Iron grinned and pointed towards the targets with a hoof.

“Good, everything seems to be working as needed. Now can you please fire as many bolts as you can at the targets. When I tap you on the shoulder, I want you to stop.”

“I can do that,” Private Shift replied as she adjusted her hoofing and braced. Once again she pointed her horn downrange and fired off a bolt.

Everyone’s eyes widened in awe as a hail of green bolts flew out from the changeling without pause, peppering the targets and surrounding ground with holes. The gems set into the right-side of the changeling’s armour glowed bright as the firing continued. Iron waited until they had reached ten seconds of sustained fire before he tapped Shift on the shoulder, the changeling’s magic dying out leaving the soldier breathing heavily.

“Are you okay Private Shift?” Chalmers asked with concern as the changeling shakily nodded her head.

“Yes Emperor,” she answered while huffing. “I can just feel lots of energy coursing through me, is that normal?”

“It was expected,” Iron replied as he moved to view the gems, which were slightly dimmer than before. “Does it hurt Private?”

“No,” Shift responded as she got her breathing under control. “It actually feels pretty good. I feel so full of energy and I can continue if you want. I was just not expecting that much power.” Iron shook his head and used a hoof to swing the Private’s shield back to the side.

“That won’t be needed Private, you can remove your helmet if you want.” Shift nodded and levitated her helmet off of her head, the changeling placing it onto her back as Iron gestured for the Emperor, Reflection and Strategy to come around to the Private’s right side. “Now see these gems here,” Iron explained as he lifted up the metal guard to expose the pink gems sitting in a rack. “These ones still hold a charge but when they are depleted it’s a simple matter of unclasping the rack and inserting a new one.”

Iron pointed towards two metal buckles able to be manipulated by hooves. Strategy tilted his head and gestured at the rack.

“I assume that a second changeling or pony will be needed to remove the rack as well as carry spare ones.”

“They will be,” Iron replied. “Now military tactics is not my area. That field belongs to you and the Emperor,” Iron nodded towards Chalmers, the human enjoying watching his subordinates figure this out without his input. Captain Strategy chewed his lip in thought while examining Private Shift in her armour.

“How many of these suits do you have?” Strategy asked.

“Only the one now Captain,” Iron answered. “However since the prototype is such a success we can start work on more right away. With our current work on the ballistas we can produce possibly two a week. I recommend that certain soldiers be trained in the suit we have as soon as possible to allow for immediate deployment once the rest are made.”

“I agree,” Strategy said with a nod. “The tactical advantage that such suits would give our forces is something we can’t pass up.” Strategy looked up towards Chalmers. “Emperor, a team of three would be ideal. One changeling wearing a suit supported by two loaders with extra crystal-racks would be adequate. I believe that if possible we should strive to attach one of these teams to each ten-pony squad. That would allow each squad to operate efficiently and be able to encounter any flying enemies, such as Pegasi.”

“War with Equestria is thankfully un-likely,” Chalmers replied. “I do however agree that it can’t hurt to be prepared. I trust that you and Iron will be able to implement such methods without much of my input. Great work both of you,” Nigel glanced down at Private Shift. “You too Private, I hope that you will continue to perform as you did today.”

“Thank you sir,” Shift answered. “I’ll try my best.”

“Good, I have great confidence in you.” Nigel turned to the Captain. “Strategy, I believe that it is almost time for lunch. Would you please dismiss the troops, you should join me and Reflection and we can grab some food in the city.” Strategy saluted and moved to his troops, the soldiers soon filing out of the training yard and towards the mess hall. Chalmers looked down towards Iron Greaves who was directing Private Shift to the armory. “Will you also be joining us Iron?”

“I’m afraid not Emperor,” Iron regretfully called back. “I have a lot of work to finish and I need to help Private Shift out of her armour. I’d hate to hold you up.”

“Okay then,” Chalmers answered. “Some other time perhaps, keep up the good work.” Strategy returned and saluted his ruler and Reflection.

“I am ready to depart sir,” Strategy informed, Nigel waving a hand as he turned towards the exit.

“Drop the formality Strategy, none of the troops are around and you’re off duty for an hour.” The Captain followed as Chalmers and Reflection started to move towards the exit to the city. “Let’s just all relax and enjoy our lunch while we have a rare break in the excitement. We could all use it.” Strategy nodded as he moved to the other side of Nigel, the Emperor now flanked by the Captain and Reflection.

“Okay… Nigel,” Strategy agreed with some hesitation at the informality. His answer was met with a chuckle from Chalmers and a giggle from Reflection, the Captain sighing as the changeling received another head pat.

While he did enjoy having an opportunity to share a meal with his Emperor, a being he respected greatly, he didn’t look forward to playing third wheel while the two lovers fawned over each other. He steeled himself and tried to put that thought out of his mind.
He had survived a Diamond Dog raid and Sombra’s reign, surely lunch with the two wouldn’t be that trying?

A pair of tired, brown eyes narrowed as they examined the city in the distance. A sheen could be seen surrounding the habitation with a dome, presumably what was keeping out the harsh winter winds. Inside the city was mostly sunny, save for a snow-covered area on the outskirts that seemed to be part of a military compound.

With a grunt the owner of the eyes pulled himself off the snowy hill he was laying against, a shaggy fur coat the colour of his eyes.
The young male elk shook the snow off his antlers, the large set almost ready to shed. He stretched before turning away from the city with a frown on his face. It was as the chief had feared, outsiders had returned to the sacred snow plains once again.

With a flick of his short tail the elk galloped off into the lightly-falling snow away from the city. The Chief would hear of this trespass.

“Thank you.”

Nigel politely took the plate of salad from the very nervous waitress and placed it on the table to join Strategy’s. Reflection had declined any solid food, however she had ordered a tall glass of iced tea. The three sat inside the rather cozy café with their food and drink ready to go, while the other patrons whispered excitedly to each other about the royal visit. Unseen by anyone, the owner was currently jumping around her office with excitement at the thought of the business that the visit would bring.

Chalmers picked up a large fork meant for unicorn use while the waitress finished putting down the three iced teas.

“I’ll be back after you have finished, Emperor,” the young mare informed as she shook on her emerald hooves. “If you need anything at all I’ll be back right away.”

“I’m sure everything will be fine,” Nigel reassured while Reflection took a particularly noisy gulp of tea through a straw. “That is if Reflection remembers her manners.” The changeling’s cheeks bulged and turned a deep green as she struggled to prevent the tea escaping. While Nigel grinned at her she managed to force the liquid down, saving herself further embarrassment in front of the waitress and other patrons.

“Nigel!” Reflection hissed as she glared at him. “Stop it!”

Her angry words had no effect on the cheerful human, Chalmers looking her dead in the face.

“Don’t you mean, ‘stop it please’?”

This did not help the situation at all, Reflection launching a barrage of hoof-smacks at the Emperor’s left arm. Captain Strategy tried his very best to make himself as small as possible as his two companions continued the play fight. It was quite an impossible feat considering that he was still wearing his armour but thankfully for him the attention of all the patrons was focused directly on the changeling attacking the Emperor.

“One issue with your plan there,” Nigel chuckled as Reflection continued to fruitlessly hit him. His hands quickly moved up and grasped her forehooves as she glared at him from her seat. “I have hands and thus have so much power over you.” Chalmers leaned forward and pressed his nose against Reflection’s, “Something which you got an example of last night.”

Reflection’s blush deepened and her mouth dropped open. None of the other patrons had overheard the words but Strategy had. The Captain suddenly became very focused on his salad, not a single bite taken yet but he felt that it was the best course of action. All the ponies in the café were gazing at the Emperor and changeling with awe, pleasantly suprised that they were able to witness such casual behavior. Chalmers began to move Reflection’s hooves to the sides and the middle as he pulled his face away.

“Hey, Macarena!” he declared as he completed the dance steps using Reflection’s hooves. Reflection didn’t like how he was mocking her, her horn lighting up with a green glow. Strategy and the rest of the patrons watched with baited breath as a glass filled with iced-tea lifted off the table and suspended over the Emperor’s head. Nigel glanced up at the glass, just as it tipped over.

Strategy’s eyes widened as his ruler was drenched with cold liquid. Shocked gasps filled the café at the display and the torrent of tea stopped as the glass was emptied. Chalmers didn’t move as cold icecubes slapped against his forehead and his clothes dripped with tea.

“I forgot about that,” the Emperor muttered. Reflection’s embarrassment was forgotten as she smirked triumphantly up at the human with her hooves still in his hands. Her celebration was short lived, her eyes widening in surprise as the hands quickly moved to her sides and lifted her off her seat. She had no time to complain before she was dumped into Nigel’s lap, the pants soaked with tea.
Reflection recovered enough just in time to feel a hand move away, her eyes looking above her as a full glass of Chalmers’s drink was held above her.

“No…” she stated slowly as she looked pleadingly at Nigel. She was met with eyes filled with a mischievous glint and it was at that moment that she realized that she was doomed.

Reflection spluttered as the glass was emptied over her and she was doused in cold tea. Her green mane flattened with the moisture and her tail was also drenched, leaving her in a disheveled state. The empty glass was placed back down on the table and she felt an arm wrap around her waist to pull her towards Nigel’s chest.

“Now what did we learn?” Chalmers asked as he plucked a cherry tomato from his salad and plopped it into his mouth. Reflection shook her head in a vain attempt to dry her mane before she huffed and glared up at him.

“I learnt that you’re an idiot,” she shot back. Nigel merely chuckled again and moved his hand to the middle of Reflection’s back, between her wings. As his hand rubbed the spot, Reflection’s wings fluttered and she held back a gasp.

Captain Strategy had given up on trying to figure out what was going on in the Emperor’s head and so he had just begun to eat his salad. He almost longed to be back out in the training yards, by the Heart, even war would be preferable to having to sit through this and share in the attention.

“Nigel, stop it,” Reflection begged. “It’s so embarrassing and everyone’s watching.” Chalmers halted and glanced around the café, remembering that they were indeed in a public place. As he scanned over the confused and surprised faces of his subjects he did the only thing he could think off that made sense.

Well, sense to him anyway.

Reflection gasped as she found herself pulled up into a kiss, the contact so surprising that she didn’t fight back. Her limbs relaxed and whatever anger that was left was washed away by the affection. Chalmers broke the kiss and placed Reflection back down on his lap before turning towards the café patrons all staring at him.

A stallion at a back table started to tap his hooves together like a clap, the motion spreading as more stallions and mares joined in. Nigel swept a hand in front of him and bowed in his seat, Reflection burying her face into his chest to hide her blush. Nigel turned back around to the table as the applause started to die out to find his guard Captain staring at him with an open mouth.

“It’s rude to stare at someone with your mouth full, Strategy.” The Captain shut his mouth quickly and chewed, his hoof reaching out to grab his glass of tea tightly. Chalmers held up his hands to show that he had no designs on the Captain’s drink. As Strategy relaxed he moved his hands back down to Reflection’s head, rubbing behind her ears and pulling her face away from his chest. “Sorry, guess I went a little overboard with the excitement.” Reflection’s glare softened with the ear rub and apology.

“It’s okay,” she sighed. “I didn’t help and I caused far more of the trouble. I just feel like everyone is always judging what I do because I’m with you,” she murmured as the activity in the café went back to normal.

“Let them judge,” Nigel retorted before leaning down and whispering to her. “Besides, I’m fairly certain that half of the mares in here are jealous that it’s you sitting in my lap and not them.” Reflection giggled and pushed against his stomach with a hoof while Nigel selected a piece of lettuce from the plate, his fork forgotten.

“Excuse me Emperor and Lady,” the waitress who had served them earlier shakily asked as she approached with a white towel on her back. “Would you like a towel to dry off?” Reflection nodded, the young waitress shivering as a green glow levitated the towel off her back. Reflection dried her mane with the towel, Chalmers rubbing her back while she did so.

“Thank you Miss,” the Emperor stated to the nervous young mare. “If I may request another towel for myself?”

“Oh course sir,” the waitress stammered before turning to rush off towards the kitchens.

“Oh, one more thing,” Nigel called out after her, the mare stopping to face him.

“Yes sir?” she asked hesitantly.

“Could you also fetch us some more iced tea while you’re at it?”

The door to the café jingled as it shut behind the three as they exited. Nigel, Strategy and Reflection walked out onto the sunny street with ponies and changelings giving them polite nods and waves before going on with their day. Not one noticed the Emperor’s slightly damp hair and clothes, or Reflection’s wet mane and tail. Strategy mumbled a quick goodbye, thanking the Emperor for the meal before heading back to the training yard.

“Goodbye Captain,” Chalmers called out after the retreating guard. The Emperor smirked, the human glad that he had managed to ruffle the normally stoic stallion with the display inside the cafe. Reflection had warmed up more during the meal, the changeling back to her normally cheery self. Despite smelling like iced tea she was waving back to many ponies and changelings as they passed. Chalmers neglected to wave and instead nodded in return as the two made their way back to the palace.

“Did you really have to tip the waitress that much?” Reflection questioned as Nigel stopped to shake his damp hair.

“We pretty much had a food fight in the café,” Nigel reminded her. “A good tip is barely beginning to make up for that. I’ll also have to send something to the owner, I suppose, for putting up with us.” Reflection playfully bumped her rump against him.

“Well, if you’re paying people to put up with you then I think I’m owed the entire treasury by now.” A wide smile punctuated her statement, Chalmers reaching down to run a hand through her mane.

“Only a few weeks and already you’re bleeding me dry,” Nigel joked while the two moved past crowds of excited subjects. Reflection didn’t reply and instead just enjoyed the warmth of the sun. The enjoyment didn’t last for long as a large shadow flew overhead, causing the crowd surrounding the two to let out surprised gasps. Chalmers and Reflection looked up just in time to spot an Equestrian chariot soar above them and head to the main park.

“Are you expecting anyone?” Reflection questioned as Nigel frowned and changed course towards the park.

“No,” Nigel replied. “I did tell Celestia that she could drop by anytime so maybe she decided to show up today.” The pair increased their pace, rounding the corner past a sweet shop to enter the main park.

The Equestrian chariot was sitting on a clear patch of grass, the park having provided plenty of space for a landing. The four pegasi attached to it glanced around nervously as a force of twenty Crystal guards galloped towards them from the left. The approaching guards however stopped with a hand raise from Chalmers, the Emperor and Reflection approaching from the right of the chariot.

“So gents,” Chalmers called out, attracting the attention of the pegasi. “Just who have you brought to my humble domain?” The Equestrian guards shifted in their armour as the chariot’s right door opened, Shining Armour hastily getting out of the vehicle. The stallion was wearing his armour, a single suitcase levitating in his magic field.

“Hi Nigel,” Shining greeted, shocking his own guards with the informality. “Celestia suggested that I spend some time in the Empire to relax and get away from things.” Shining glanced over the Emperor and Reflection, taking note of the dampness and messy appearance. “Is this a bad time?”

“Not at all,” Nigel answered as he walked over and took Shining’s suitcase from him, much to the suprise of all the guards and civilians watching. “Reflection and I just had a little food fight in a local café. It’s been a rather slow day.” Shining did a double-take at this information, the stallion furrowing his brows before remembering what Celestia had told him before he had left.

“Oh, that’s right,” he commented as he glanced at Reflection. “I heard that you were dating your changeling advisor.” Shining Armour looked back at the chariot as shuffling sounded from inside, a pink hoof stepping out onto the grass. “This is going to be really awkward,” he apologized to Nigel and Reflection as Princess Cadence exited the chariot.

Cadence didn’t have any luggage, the alicorn moving to stand beside Shining who seemed to lean away from her. An uneasy silence descended upon the four, Nigel and Shining both looking away as Reflection and Cadence sized each other up with frowns. Eventually Nigel manned up and took a deep breath before giving Cadence a polite nod.

“Princess Cadence, how nice it is to see you again,” Chalmers greeted as he forced a smile. Cadence’s frown deepened before she closed her eyes and seemed to concentrate, her face relaxing before she opened her eyes again.

“The same to you,” she strained out, Cadence’s false smile a lot less convincing.

“Well, you see,” Shining coughed into a hoof as Nigel gave him a questioning look while Reflection continued to glare at Cadence. “When Celestia suggested I visit the Empire… she also said that it would be good if I brought Cadence along. We’ve been going through a rough patch the last few weeks.” Chalmers’s look softened at Shining’s explanation, despite Cadence’s behavior towards Reflection in the past he rather enjoyed the Equestrian Captain’s company. It was probably because Shining also didn’t care much for the formality of his station, which was something Nigel respected.

“It’s fine,” Nigel reassured. “It’s not really a big deal, and on the bright side you’re here. If you didn’t have any plans we should go out to a bar and grab a beer… or whatever it is that Crystal ponies drink,” Chalmers muttered before scratching his chin in thought. “Now that I think about it I actually don’t even know if they have alcohol. Still, we should probably try to find out if you feel up to it.” Shining Armour’s face lit up in a wide grin, the Captain nodding his head to the idea.

“That sounds like a plan,” he agreed happily. Cadence however had a different opinion, the alicorn fixing Shining with a disappointed look.

“I thought that we were going to try and work out our relationship, Shining,” Cadence said as she broke the staring match with Reflection. Nigel stepped in quickly as Shining’s face fell.

“Well we could do a double-date thing,” Chalmers supplied hastily in an attempt to salvage the situation. “You two and us two head out to a nice pub or something to get a meal and some drinks. Maybe it would help to ease some of this tension that obviously exists between us.” Cadence bit her lip in thought and looked back towards Reflection. Nigel glanced down and saw that the changeling was actually baring her two fangs at the Princess. “That means you too Reflection,” he lectured as he tugged on her ear to stop her glaring.

“I… guess that we can try it,” Cadence relented before shooting another venomous look at Reflection. “I can’t promise that I will enjoy it though.” Shining turned to tell Cadence off before a hiss caught everyone off guard. All eyes locked on Refection after the changeling made the strange sound. Her head was lowered and her eyes were staring right into Cadence’s with a dangerous glint.

Despite the serious situation and the shock of the two Equestrians and their guards, Nigel almost burst into laughter with how adorable Reflection looked to him. Containing his mirth as he fought to maintain his façade, Nigel swept Reflection up in his arms and shot Cadence and Shining an apologetic look.

“Excuse me,” he apologized as he turned and started to walk towards a bench well out of earshot. “I must have words with Reflection here.” With that the Emperor swiftly increased his pace, clamping a hand over Reflection’s mouth until they reached the bench. Making sure that they wouldn’t be overheard, Nigel let go of Reflection and looked into her angry eyes. “Now that was just uncalled for.”

“No it wasn’t,” Reflection shot back. “I just know that she will spoil everything.” Chalmers sighed and shifted Reflection in his grasp so that his hands were under her forelegs, leaving her hind legs to dangle in the air.

“Look,” he started as he fixed her with a weary gaze. “Can you just try to get along, for me?” Reflection softened at this, her anger fading as she looked down at the pink gem around her neck.

“I don’t know,” she mumbled. “Even after our little revenge plan at the Gala I still feel so terrible around her. Something in my gut just tells me that she’s bad news.”

“Consider it from her perspective,” Nigel suggested as he pulled Reflection in a little closer to his chest. “Cadence must be filled with jealousy. I’ve taken control of the country that she was apparently supposed to rule, the subjects dislike her greatly, she’s having troubles with her lover and to top it all off the human that took her empire from her is sleeping with a member of the race that crashed her wedding. Can’t you see that she may just be extremely stressed out and that’s why she’s so mean to you?” Reflection sighed and held her forelegs out, hoping for a hug.

“I suppose so,” she muttered before Nigel pulled her close into an embrace. The Emperor’s arms moved from her forelegs to wrap around her back, Chalmers easily supporting her weight.

“Good, now do you think you could find the strength to apologize to her for hissing?” Reflection scrunched up her face at the suggestion. “Just to let you know,” Nigel informed as he gave her a quick kiss on the forehead. “I found the hissing adorable. You’re even cuter when you’re angry.” Reflection blushed before her limbs relaxed.

“You always know what to say, don’t you,” she murmured before sighing again. “Fine, I’ll go over and apologize to her, for you. I know you’re only really doing this because you want to go drinking with Shining Armour.” Nigel lowered her to the ground, a hand resting over his heart as soon as Reflection’s hooves had hit the ground.

“What? He’s potential bro material.” Reflection shook her head at the strange term.

“Bro material?”

“Yeah,” Nigel continued. “A guy has friends, and then once a friend meets certain criteria then they are put on the ‘bro-chart’ and begin to gain bro points.” Reflection stared at Nigel as he continued on explaining his system. “Bro points are earned by going out drinking, visiting strip clubs, going fishing, more drinking, not taking crap from controlling girlfriends and having great parties. As you earn more points you become a bigger and better bro.”

“Okay…” Reflection nodded hesitantly. “Shining Armour is bro material because?”

“Because he’s easy to talk to, laughs at my jokes, doesn’t bother with formality and I get the feeling that under that mask of a military officer there’s a surfer-dude just waiting to rock out, get wasted and party.” Chalmers shot a glance towards the waiting Equestrian duo. “It’s probably the hair that gives it away.”

“Okay, I get it.” Reflection conceded before starting to trot off towards Cadence. “Let’s just let this over with so we can go back home and have a shower.” Nigel shrugged and followed her, Cadence watching Reflection warily as the changeling stopped in front of her.

“Uh, Princess Cadence,” Reflection began hesitantly as Nigel stood beside her. “I’m sorry for hissing at you, I’m still working on controlling my temper.” Cadence was shocked at Reflection’s apology, the Princess raising her eyebrows in confusion.

“Thank… you?” she replied, Reflection letting out a breath before turning to walk off towards the palace. Nigel watched her go, secretly proud of her courage to apologize to her nemesis.

“Well that worked out well,” Chalmers observed as he faced Cadence and Shining again. “Tonight is still a go then?”

“I don’t see why not,” Cadence relented as she moved closer to Shining.

“We just have to find a hotel first,” Shining added, Nigel putting both hands up in front of him.

“Nonsense,” he declared. “You can stay in one of the Palace’s guest rooms for as long as you want.” Shining quickly raised a hoof and shook it in the air.

“No, we can’t possible impose-“

“I won’t have it any other way,” Nigel interrupted. “AS far as I’m concerned you deserve the same privileges as foreign ambassadors so the Palace it is. Now about your chariot…” All three turned to look at the vehicular with the four nervous pegasi guards strapped into it. “I’m afraid that leaving it parked there is an issue.” Shining Armour held up a hoof as a signal that he had it covered, the Captain trotting over to the four guards.

“Thank you troops,” he addressed to his guards. “You can return to Equestria now. If we need anything I’ll contact the Princess.” The four pegasi seemed hesitant at leaving the Captain and Princess Cadence in a foreign Empire but after a few moments their wings flapped and they took flight. Crystal ponies and Changelings ambling around the park, kept out by the guards who had formed a perimeter, looked up as the chariot flew away into the distance. Nigel picked up Shining’s suitcase from the ground where it had been placed and gestured towards the road leading to the Palace.

“After you,” he offered, Cadence and Shining walking out in front of him as the guards escorted the three back to the castle.

The inside of the pub quieted down into silence as the Emperor, his advisor-slash-lover, Shining Armour and the Equestrian princess who had been placed in the stocks weeks ago walked in. The four quickly made their way to a table in a back corner, patrons surprised that the ruler of the Empire was frequenting a pub instead of a fancy restaurant.

“Are you sure this is a good idea?” Cadence asked as she sat next to Shining, the Princess glancing around nervously at the glares she was receiving from most of the bar patrons. She gulped when she saw that the most hateful glares were coming from the few changelings that were mixed in with the crystal ponies. “I don’t think that I’m welcome here.”

“You got that right,” Reflection muttered under her breath. Nigel however still heard it and gave her a warning look before tapping on the crystal table to gain Cadence’s attention.

“Just ignore them,” Chalmers suggested as he glanced at the offenders and waved a finger at them. The changelings and ponies that had been glaring at Cadence looked away at the behest of the Emperor, a few smiling in apology to him before returning to their drinks. “As soon as they see that I’m okay with you a lot of the distrust should go away. I highly doubt that you’ll get attacked in the stree…”

Nigel didn’t finish the sentence, remembering the circumstances of his first meeting with Cadence. Shining Armour coughed into a hoof and Cadence looked down at the table uncomfortably. Reflection had frozen, half of her angry at the reminder of what Cadence had done while the other half was threatening to burst into laughter at Nigel’s blunder. Luckily for all four, the arrival of the Emperor prompted an immediate visit from the serving staff.

“Good Evening, Emperor,” the waitress had a coat the colour of pink-sapphire and bowed as she greeted the ruler. “Y-your visit is unexpected,” the young mare stammered as she looked up to find her ruler’s eyes on her. Chalmers smiled down at her and reached a hand out to pat the mare’s purple mane.

“I’ve always been a bar-man, even gaining an Empire won’t change that,” Nigel informed before gesturing to the waitress’s simple white uniform. “You’re rather young to be working in a bar.”

“I’m twenty-two, I just look younger,” the mare replied with a slight blush. “I’m hoping to start a place of my own one day,” she continued causing Nigel to smile, as the other three at the table watched the exchange with interest.

“Good for you. Now, about our drinks and food,” Nigel glanced towards Shining and Cadence as the waitress withdrew a notepad made of parchment from a large pocket on the front of her apron.

“We have sandwiches, potato wedges, salads, a fruit platter and the special today is a vegetable pie,” the waitress supplied. Shining and Cadence looked at her strangely.

“You make wedges out of potatoes?” Shining inquired, the young mare unsure how to address the stallion. Shining was not wearing his armour so to her he looked like just another pony. Still, he was dining with the Emperor and appeared to be with a foreign Princess so she nodded politely.

“Yes sir,” she answered before looking back at him curiously. “What else do you make them out of?”

“Well,” Shining started. “Hay is the usual. Have you not heard of hay-fries?”

“Hay… fries?” the waitress replied unsure. Shining shook his head, remembering that the Crystal Empire had been gone for a thousand years.

“Never mind, I’ll give these ‘potato wedges’ a try,” Shining decided.

“Good choice,” Chalmers added. “Potato wedges are some of the best things invented.” Shining grinned and then looked at Cadence. The Princess recalled the options and made her choice.

“I’ll have the fruit platter, thank you.”

“Nothing for me thanks,” Reflection stated as the waitress turned to her. Nigel was the last one left, the Emperor quickly deciding on what he wanted.

“I can’t pass up the pie,” he chuckled as he patted his uniform-covered stomach. “Thank the geniuses at R and D for my superhuman metabolism. Who needs fancy guns when you can eat all that you want and not get fat? Not this Emperor.” Nigel pointed to himself before noticing the looks from his dining companions and the waitress. “Sorry,” he chuckled. “I’m just rambling again.”

“That’s good… I think,” the waitress hesitantly offered after she had written the orders down with a pencil grasped in her mouth. “What would you like to drink? We have assorted wines, I think we have a few bottles of fine port-“

“I’ll have the hardest spirit you serve, a double,” Nigel ordered much to the surprise of the waitress.

“Me too,” Shining added, a competitive look being sent the Emperor’s way. The human matched it with one of his own, Nigel going one step further.

“In mine I want a slice of lemon.”

“What’s a ‘Lemon’?” the waitress asked with confusion. Nigel cursed under his breath; he had forgotten that the Empire didn’t grow citrus due to the climate.

“Never mind about the lemon,” he conceded before turning back towards Shining. “It’s on Armour, you have no idea what hell you’ve just unleashed upon yourself.” Shining smirked back, Cadence shaking her head at the two males’ behavior.

“Just a glass of wine for me,” Cadence muttered. “I don’t mind which kind, surprise me.” The waitress wrote it down and looked towards the last member, Reflection. The changeling looked at Cadence and a small grin appeared on her face as she glanced to the awaiting mare.

“I’ll have the same as Ni- the Emperor. The hardest spirit, a double please.” The waitress paused and glanced towards Chalmers, the Emperor shrugging as he stared at Reflection.

“It’s your choice,” he said as Cadence frowned at the changeling, catching on to what Reflection was trying to do. She was not going to let the changeling get one over on her however.

“Actually,” Cadence spoke up confidently. “Change my wine to the same. Your hardest spirit and make it a double as well.”

“Are you sure Cadence?” Shining asked with worry. “You’ve never really drunk much alcohol-“

“It’s fine Shining,” Cadence reassured as she smirked at Reflection. “Tonight is supposed to be fun after all.” Reflection narrowed her eyes and Nigel worriedly mouthed ‘leave it’ to Shining, the stallion wincing and holding back any further arguments.

“Is that all then?” the waitress huffed as she put her pencil back into her pocket. Nigel nodded quickly in response.

“Yes, thanks for the patience,” Chalmers complemented. The waitress smiled at him warmly, Reflection shooting the mare a warning glare that sent her hurrying back to the bar.

“So I heard that Blueblood stabbed you at the gala,” Shining began as the four settled in for the wait. Nigel sighed as both Cadence and Shining looked at him curiously.

“It was nothing,” Nigel answered. “It was just a small fight and it was only a wine glass. Nothing permanent was done and we both walked away intact, although I believe that Celestia did far more damage to him then I did. I could hear her yelling from outside the room.”

“He’s a stuck-up snob,” Shining agreed. “He fits the stereotype of the ‘snobby noble’ perfectly. Out of the entire nobility he is the only one that I actually hate having to deal with, the majority of them are almost as bad but Blueblood takes it to a new level.” Cadence and Reflection stayed out of the conversation, both of them electing to just listen instead as the two males discussed the Prince’s behavior.

“He was drunk though,” Nigel added. “I can’t really judge how he acts when he’s sober.”

“Just as bad,” Shining informed with a huff. “He probably doesn’t have the guts to fight anypony though. All he does is leach off the treasury and parade around Canterlot. He’s known for being pretty vile when he gets angry,” Shining gave Reflection a sympathetic look. “I heard about what he said to you at the Gala, I’m sorry that the guards didn’t do more to stop it.”

“It’s fine,” Reflection replied curtly. “I just want to leave it behind and forget about it.”

“That’s probably a good idea,” Nigel seconded as he grasped one of her forehooves with his hand. “I think our drinks are about to arrive anyway.” All four glanced to the end of the table as the waitress returned with a tray balanced on her back. With the aid of Shining’s magic, four glasses filled with a clear liquid were placed on the table. Nigel narrowed his eyes and picked up his glass, smelling the alcohol within.

“Miss,” he asked the waitress while raising an eyebrow. “Is this… vodka?”

“No sir, it’s called ‘Potadue’,” the waitress answered.

“But it is brewed from potatoes, correct?” Nigel inquired as the other three took sniffs of theirs. The young mare nodded as she placed the empty tray on her back.

“It is, it does have a very high alcohol content though so it’s quite popular.”

“I see,” Nigel responded before grinning. “So, you mean to tell me that you have managed to find a beverage in the Empire that does not contain any traces of berries or crystal, and then brought it to me?”

“Yes… sir?” the waitress replied nervously. “is something wrong?”

“Not at all,” Chalmers continued. “In fact I would kiss you if Reflection wouldn’t kill me for it. As much as I appreciate Crystal berries as a food source it does get tiring when they are put into everything.” Reflection stared at him to make sure that he refrained from kissing the waitress, the crystal mare blushing at the praise from the Emperor. Nigel leaned back in his seat and took a sip of his drink. “Oh, what I would give for a nice, juicy steak.”

“I’ll be right back with your food straight away!” the waitress hurriedly stated before quickly dashing off to the kitchen. Reflection wasn’t very surprised at the revelation that Chalmers ate meat, she had found his sharp incisors and canines when she had first kissed him. Shining and Cadence on the other hand were shifting uncomfortably in their seats.

“So you eat meat then,” Shining commented as Cadence leaned away from the Emperor.

“I do, humans are omnivores,” Nigel confirmed. “Does that bother you?” Shining Armour shook his head at the question as he took an experimental sip of his drink.

“Not really, I’ve worked with griffons before and they were pretty easy to get along with,” Shining explained. “They all seem to dislike the idea of eating an intelligent creature unless it’s an emergency, which is the same with humans I expect.” Nigel nodded.

“I can’t speak for all human-kind, but I can say with confidence that all of the people I know find eating something that can talk unsettling. My empire, the one that I originally come from, actually has outlawed the consumption of intelligent species save for emergency situations such as on the battlefield.” Shining nodded and Cadence relaxed a little at this, Nigel noticing her unease while Reflection enjoyed that he had such an effect on the Princess.

“I’m sorry,” Cadence apologized. “Unlike Shining I haven’t had much experience with… meat-eaters. I understand why many Equestrians are afraid of griffons, but you really don’t look like a predator.” Nigel chuckled and drank some more of his drink, Cadence taking a small sip of hers, causing her eyes to widen.

“I’ll take that as a complement,” he joked before raising a hand. “It’s okay, I can understand why you may be uncomfortable with it but,” Nigel leaned forward a little towards Cadence. “I should inform you that while humans may not look like it, we were the apex-predators on our home planet for a reason. Claws and big teeth are one thing, mentality and an inventive instinct is a whole different matter.” Cadence moved a little closer to Shining Armour at the information, the Captain absorbing the information with interest.

“You’re still a big softie inside,” Reflection teased as she poked Nigel in the side. “Mister Apex-Predator.”

The tension at the table started to wane as the changeling and human laughed together. Cadence and Shining looked at the two and then at each other, Cadence lowering her head and sighing.

“Shining, I’m really sorry for how I’ve treated you over the last few weeks,” Cadence apologized as Reflection and Chalmers stopped laughing to observe the interaction between the Equestrian visitors. “I’ve been under a lot of pressure and I haven’t been taking it well, can you please forgive me?” Shining exhaled and lifted Cadence’s chin with a hoof.

“I do Cadence,” Shining answered. “I… haven’t been the best husband either. I shouldn’t have shut you out when I could have talked to you about it instead, even if you’re scarier than a dragon when you’re angry.” Cadence smiled at this, the moment broken at a hacking cough from Reflection. Nigel, Shining and Cadence turned to find the changeling holding her glass with both hooves, almost a third gone already.

“Reflection,” Nigel scolded as he took the glass from Reflection’s trembling hooves. “You don’t drink that much and vodk- Potadue is strong. Take small sips or you’ll end up off your face in a few minutes.” Reflection waved him away as she finished coughing.

“I know, I’ll be fine,” she reasoned. “Just give me a minute.” Nigel looked to Shining and Cadence, shrugging with a happy smile on his face at Reflection’s antics.

“Ah, I knew that this would be a good idea,” he informed before raising his nose to sniff the air. “Speaking of a good idea, I smell pie and wedges.”

All four looked as their waitress returned with a changeling dressed in a matching uniform following behind. Both had trays piled with food, the pony transporting a large bowl of wedges and a huge plate of fruit while the changeling’s tray was dominated by a gargantuan pie. Shining Armour looked at the changeling waitress curiously as she used her green magic to levitate Nigel’s pie down in front of him. Chalmers just assumed that the Captain was unused to seeing the creatures in everyday life.

“That’s a bit too much pie isn’t it?” Reflection observed as she stared at the mound of food on Nigel’s plate.

“The cook heard about the Emperor visiting so he did an extra special one,” the crystal mare informed as she placed Shining’s wedges and Cadences fruit plate down on the table.

“You’ll just have to help me eat it then,” Nigel said to Reflection as he cut a small slice. Steam wafted out and the scent of assorted seasonings caused mouths to salivate. Before he took a bite Nigel looked towards his two guests, Shining taking a small bit of his wedges as Cadence started on some apple slices.

“No thanks,” Reflection acknowledged as she took a sip of her drink, wincing a bit. “I can’t stand solid food.”

“Your loss,” Nigel replied as he nodded at the two waitresses, both of them bowing before leaving the four to their food. All conversation halted as they ate and drank, for pub food it was very good. Reflection was surprised when Nigel managed to finish the entire pie, the human shooting Shining a victorious grin. The Equestrian captain still had a quarter of his wedges left in the bowl, unable to finish the generous serving. Cadence had managed to eat her entire meal with no problem and was now working on finishing her drink.

Shining frowned as he looked down to his bowl before he glanced towards his half-full drink. A part of his mind whispered that his next course of action was not going to end well, Shining ignoring it as he levitated his glass and downed the rest in one go before slamming it on the table. Chalmers’s eyebrow raised as the Equestrian smirked at him. Not one to back down from a challenge, Nigel grasped his glass and also downed it immediately. The two males stared at each other as their companions looked down at their own drinks.

“Can I get you another?” the crystal pony waitress asked, having rushed over as soon as she saw the Emperor finish his drink. She had been put on ‘Emperor-duty’ by the manager and was tasked with seeing to the ruler’s needs right away. Chalmers continued to stare off with Shining, handing his empty glass to the waitress.

“Yes thank you, exactly the same.”

“One for me too,” Shining ordered, Reflection sharing a look with Cadence before taking a breath and finishing the rest of hers.

“Me, me too,” she said with a cough. Reflection tilted her head to the side and stuck her tongue out at Cadence, the changeling already feeling a little more relaxed. Everyone looked at Cadence expectantly, the Princess sighing before emptying her glass with a few gulps.

“Fine, another for me as well,” Cadence ordered as she shuddered from the aftertaste. The waitress didn’t interject as she gathered the four empty glasses and trotted back off, returning shortly with a tray of fresh drinks.

Nigel didn’t wait for his, the Emperor taking his straight off the tray before he finished it in one go. Slamming the glass back onto the table he was met with four shocked looks from his guests and waitress.

“Top that,” Chalmers taunted to Shining, the Equestrian Captain biting his lip before levitating his glass towards him. Closing his eyes, Shining copied Nigel and finished his drink without a breath, much to the surprise of Cadence.

“What now?” Shining questioned as the waitress passed the two females their glasses. Nigel leaned back in his chair and grinned, placing his hands together so that the fingers formed a pyramid.

“It’s simple Shining, we continue until one of us forfeits or passes out. You can back out now of course,” Nigel’s grin increased. “But then you will forever go down in the history books as the stallion who couldn’t handle a few drinks.” Chalmers popped his neck as Reflection and Cadence watched the two face off. “I mean that literally, I can order it to be placed in the actual history book. One of the better perks of being an Emperor.” Shining’s eyes hardened at the challenge, his honor as a stallion and a guard captain was on the line.

“Let’s do this,” Shining accepted. “As they say, the bigger they are, the harder they fall.” Nigel flashed a toothy grin, placing both arms on the table.

“Waitress,” Chalmers addressed to the awaiting mare. “We require some more refreshments.”

“So then we dunked him in the fountain, armour and all!”

Nigel burst into hearty laughter as Shining retold how he had organized for an insubordinate guard to go for an unexpected swim in a city fountain. A pile of glasses was in front of both of them, the two having each finished ten drinks each. Shining swayed slightly in his seat and Nigel appeared the same, save for a cloudy look in his eyes. The competition had been swiftly forgotten as the night had continued, both of the competitors focusing instead on enjoying the company.

Cadence and Reflection had both stopped after the second drink, both of them leaning up against their partners as they shared stories. Nigel had remained tight-lipped about his past, instead focusing on re-telling experiences that had occurred since he had become Emperor. However, after the many drinks he began to share more details from his time outside of the Empire.

“Reminds me of the time when one of my close friends drank the last of the beer and didn’t bother to buy more,” Nigel contributed as Shining placed a foreleg on the table and rested his head on a hoof. “We drugged his food, waited until he fell asleep and then covered him in fake explosives and timers.” Nigel paused his retelling to laugh, re-living the moment as Shining drunkenly sniggered. Cadence had drifted off with her head against Shining’s shoulder and Reflection was completely out of it, the changeling staring at her empty glass on the table as her vision swam.

“What happened?” Shining asked, prompting Nigel to chuckle again.

“He woke up with twenty seconds on the timer to go, oh, how he yelled. It was completely worth the telling off that we got from the commander of the base for raiding the armory for timers.” Shining chuckled and was soon joined by Chalmers, the two wiping tears from their eyes before Chalmers surveyed the surrounding pub. He found it empty, his addled mind deducing that it was quite late in the evening.

“You’re so mean,” Reflection slurred as she rubbed her head against Nigel’s shoulder. Shining watched the changeling snuggle up against the Emperor, prompting the Captain to glance at his wife. Cadence was sleeping on his shoulder, the Princess out for the night. Shining turned around to face Chalmers again, just in time to see Reflection lose her balance and topple out of her seat.

Reflection panicked and flailed her limbs, her head landing straight into Nigel’s lap. The Emperor winced but immediately thought of Reflection’s own welfare. He hurriedly went to check on her but a giggle from Reflection waylaid his fears.

“This isn’t so bad,” she mumbled from under the table. Nigel quickly shot an apologetic look towards Shining, Cadence still sleeping soundly.

“And that there friends is a sign that it’s time to go home,” Chalmers apologized as he picked Reflection up off the ground and hugged her to his chest. She giggled in his arms, her breath heavy with the scent of alcohol.

“No arguments here,” Shining agreed, having managed to wake Cadence up. The Princess was off her seat and had a foreleg draped over Shining’s withers as the Captain helped her walk. Chalmers moved from out of the table with Reflection held in his arms. He joined Shining and Cadence as Reflection continued to nuzzle his chest.

“Hang on one second; I’ll meet you at the door.” With that Nigel walked over to the bar, the manager fast asleep with his bronze-coated head on the counter. “Excuse me sir.” The stallion jolted up, his ruby eyes widening as he looked up to find the Emperor looming over him.

“Emperor!” he said as he scrambled to make himself presentable. “Forgive me for falling asleep!”

“It’s no bother,” Nigel reassured as he waved a dismissive hand. “We are well past the closing time I believe so if it’s anyone’s fault then it’s mine.” The stallion went to try and shoulder the blame, Nigel holding up a finger to silence him before a word could be uttered. “Now don’t argue, I won’t have any of it. Just in regards to the bill, please send it to the castle. I’ll have my treasurer look over it.” Nigel made to leave but turned back around, remembering something. “Oh, and please add on ten percent for both of the waitresses. Actually, add ten percent for yourself as well in return for not kicking us out.”

“But that’s a lot of money for tips,” the manger tried to reason. He didn’t mind the extra money for him and his staff but he still felt that it was too much.

“Nonsense,” Nigel retorted. “It’s going to happen and it’s final. We had good food, great drinks, outstanding service and I think that it should be rewarded. Please send along my regards to the waitresses and rest assured that I will no doubt return often. Now I should be getting everyone home.”

“Thank you sir,” the manager acknowledged with pride. The compliments and promise of continued patronage was worth far more to him then the extra ten percent. Nigel gave the stallion a final nod before rejoining Shining and Cadence, the four leaving for the palace and thusly their beds.

Nigel got out of the bath and dried himself off, the cool water helping to clear his muddled mind somewhat. He was still feeling a little lightheaded but it wasn’t too bad. He smiled to himself as he went over the night, it had gone better than planned and everyone had a great night. There were no fights, no arguments and he felt that it was a success. Shining and Cadence had been escorted to their guest room and invited down for breakfast the next day, the two Equestrians thanking him for the night.

The smile disappeared from his face when he opened the package containing the new dressing gown that he had ordered from his tailor. He sighed as he held the hot-pink robe up, it was his own fault for not specifying the colour. After staring at it for a few moments he shrugged, some of his male subjects were pink-coated so it probably wasn’t a big blow to his manhood. Besides, it wasn’t like anyone outside the castle would see him in it.

He put it on, cursing under his breath as he realised that he had forgotten a fresh pair of underwear. His old pair was already in the wash basket by the door and he couldn’t be bothered to search around for it. It looked like he was wearing his new gown to bed. Rubbing his face with a hand, he walked out of the bathroom and found that the bedroom was dark except for two candles on the bedside table.

Reflection was lying on her side seductively on the red covers, her tail positioned strategically as she gazed at Nigel. Chalmers sighed internally; he should have guessed that this would happen. As he stared, Reflection beckoned with a hoof, the changeling still giddy from the alcohol she had drunk.

“Come on,” she pleaded as she grinned. “The night’s been great, let’s make it excellent.”

“You’re still drunk,” Nigel replied as he took a step closer to the bed.

“And you’re not?” Reflection asked mischievously as she flicked her tail out before drawing it back in.

“Touché,” Nigel conceded as he gazed down at the waiting changeling.

Well, she did have a point.

“Please?” Reflection continued. “You were fine with me at the Gala.” Chalmers considered it, he wasn’t that tired and he didn’t have anything planned in the morning apart from breakfast.

“There’s just one problem,” he sadly stated as he made his decision. Reflection’s ears drooped and her head lowered in disappointment.

“What?” she asked with a heavy voice.

“I’m not wearing underpants underneath this robe.”

Reflection jolted up at the answer, looking up at Nigel’s smile she realised that he was only playing with her. She grinned when she figured out that he was agreeing to her proposal. Reflection switched positions and rolled onto her back, her hind legs crossed while her forelegs were pressed up against her chest. She giggled as the Emperor climbed onto the bed and loomed over her with his larger form, her mouth opening for a kiss.

She was rewarded when his mouth met hers, Reflection’s forehooves moving to hug Nigel’s back as she mashed her tongue with his. Her face grew hot and her hind legs fell to the sides, her tail withdrawing and exposing all. Chalmers pulled away, Reflection able to taste the alcohol that he had drank.

“A lack of underpants will not be a problem,” Reflection panted out as she rolled her tongue around in her own mouth to relish the taste of the recently-broken contact. She gasped as she felt a hand brush her down low, the same hand coming back up with a light coating of clear fluid.

“And with only a single kiss as well,” Nigel chuckled warmly as he leaned down to plant kisses down Reflection’s neck. She bit her lip and trembled at the sensation, moving a hoof to push Nigel’s head away, causing him to stare at her in confusion. “Something wrong?”
“No,” Reflection answered. “I just thought that we could maybe skip the foreplay? I’m… kinda ready already.”

“First time I’ve heard a girl request that,” Nigel muttered before smiling back down at her. “If you want to, who am I to say no?” He quickly undid his gown, the hot-pink fabric falling to his sides and he took up position. Reflection smiled and leaned back, her eyes closing as she prepared to feel amazing. Her breath caught as she felt him start to move forward against her. “Here I go-“

“Emperor sir!”

Nigel was cut off and he quickly moved away as the male voice, combined with hurried knocks, spoiled the romantic mood. Reflection covered herself with the sheets as Nigel shot her an apologetic look before doing his gown back up. The human got off the bed and rushed to the door, opening it to reveal a frantic guard in full armour.

“What is it soldier?” Nigel questioned as the guard saluted sloppily.

“The watch reported a large army of unknown creatures approaching from the north! Captain Strategy is already mobilizing the troops but they are almost upon us! There are hundreds of them!” Chalmers swore loudly, an invasion just had to happen right now.

“Fuck’s sake, I’ll be down right away! Tell the Captain that I will be with him shortly!” The guard nodded and dashed off to deliver the news while Nigel turned around and hurried back to Reflection. The changeling had sat up in the bed and was staring at him worriedly, the situation clearing her mind of the alcoholic fog.

“We’re under attack again?” she asked with shock, Nigel leaning over to give her a quick kiss as he grabbed his sword from its rack on the wall.

“Stay here until I get back, I have to deal with this.” At his words Reflection scrambled to leave the bed, Nigel pushing her down as the changeling panicked. “Hey, relax. I’ll be fine. Take a deep breath and just trust me.”

“Okay,” Reflection followed his advice and exhaled. “Just come back, promise?”

“I promise,” Nigel replied as he kissed her again. “And when I do, we shall continue, you have my word.” Reflection nodded, watching with concern as he headed for the door.

“Wait!” she called out as she spotted his armour still assembled on its stand. “What about your armour!?” Nigel turned around at the door, attaching his sword’s scabbard to his bathrobe’s belt.

“Do not fear,” he reassured with a smile while running a hand down his gown’s chest. “My sheer pinkness will throw off the enemy’s aim. Smoke me a kipper, I’ll be back for breakfast.”

With those final words Nigel rushed out of the room, leaving behind a very worried changeling.

Captain Strategy was staring out anxiously at the line of torches from his position on the main north road, hundreds of the fires lighting up the night in the distance. All around him guards took their positions, Crystal ponies making walls of halberds while changeling soldiers stood behind the rows of halberd-toting guards. A few of the changeling guards had flown up to the roofs of buildings surrounding the road to give them a better line of fire if the army in the distance attacked. Private Shift had been hastily put into the new changeling armour, three guards assigned to help her reload the glowing gems on her side.

“Captain Strategy, report!”

Strategy turned to spot the Emperor weave through the guards crewing the three ballistas that had been hastily set up to point northwards. The human was dressed in a pink gown and nothing more, his sword attached to his fluffy pink belt. On his feet were a pair of soft pink slippers, the ruler obviously having been about to retire for the night when the alarm had been sounded. Strategy saluted as more guards rushed passed to add to the growing line of soldiers.

“Ten minutes ago the watch spotted a glow coming from the wastes of the north, sir,” Strategy informed. “The alarm was sounded and a few changeling scouts confirmed that creatures that look like deer were marching on the city. They don’t seem very coordinated but they are all armed with blades attached to their antlers. No ranged weapons have been sighted but we can’t rule them out.”

“The status of the garrison?” the Emperor inquired.

“We have most of the guards assembling here, with smaller teams heading to barricade and guard the rest of the entrances to the city.” Strategy paused for a second as a further twenty guards filed past with weapons and armour at the ready. The weeks of drills focusing around preparation for attacks were paying off, with the entire military force of the Empire mustering in a short amount of time. “At last count there are two-hundred and thirty-nine guards here now. We have three Ballistas set up with another two being prepared, while the rest are being deployed to guard the other entrances. We have the one set of advanced changeling armour here also, ready to go.”

“Good work Strategy,” Chalmers complemented as he stepped next to the Captain to gaze out at the enemy army. “Have they moved any closer since they were spotted?” Strategy nodded, pointing out to a set of snow-covered hills where the bulk of the creatures were centered.

“They have, but as soon as they reached those hills they stopped. They’ve been standing there waiting for something. We’ve received no demands, no threats, they haven’t sent out any scouts and they haven’t even declared who they are. We’ve done a rough count and it’s around seven-hundred of them to our four-hundred and forty guards.”

“So we’re outnumbered almost two to one,” Chalmers muttered as he continued to watch the enemy forces. “No matter,” he spoke up as he gave Strategy a pat on his armoured back. “We’ve got good weapons, good armour and most of all we all have proven that we can work together well in the stress of combat. Let them come if they wish, and they break upon our weapons like the sea upon the shore.” Strategy looked at his ruler with awe while the troops that had overheard the speech cheered in approval.

“Sir… that was amazing,” Strategy breathed out, Nigel tapping his finger against his nose.

“Don’t tell the troops this,” Nigel whispered to his Captain. “I’m still a little drunk from dinner and I get pretty wordy when I drink. Expect the rousing speeches to flow like alcohol at a student party.” Strategy wasn’t too sure what to think at the revelation that Chalmers was intoxicated.

Now that he thought about it, the ruler’s current choice of attire made much more sense.

“Are you planning to fight, Commander?”

“Of course,” Nigel replied as he tapped his sheathed sword. “Hopefully though we can sort this out without the need for bloodshed, maybe it’s all a misunderstanding.”

“I doubt that they’re here to drop in for tea,” Strategy dryly remarked as the two continued to observe the opposing forces from behind their troops.

“Maybe they’re here to try and sell us a religion?” Nigel offered, Strategy glancing up at him as two more ballistas were wheeled into place behind them.

“With hundreds of soldiers and weapons?” the Captain asked befuddled.

“Oh, you haven’t seen how far the priests go back home,” Nigel reminisced. “Regardless, I believe that the best course of action is to prepare for an attack. It never hurts to be prepared. We should move as many civilians as we can into the palace-“

“Already ordered it,” Strategy interrupted with the situation not the time for formality. “Squads are moving as many as they can, starting with those closest to the north of the city first.” Nigel looked down at the Captain with approval, the stallion’s initiative impressing him.

“I knew I made a good choice when I allowed you to be Captain,” Chalmers replied. Strategy’s stony expression didn’t show it but he swelled with pride at the praise. “I doubt that you even need me here, you’ve got it all covered,” Nigel joked. Strategy didn’t take his eyes off the enemy as he responded.

“Your presence uplifts the troops, sir,” Strategy informed. Nigel glanced around and indeed noticed that all of the guards were brimming with confidence, a few looking towards him and turning back to the enemy with renewed conviction. The Captain and Emperor watched as a team of thirty guards, armed with crossbows made from crystal and wood, formed up in a square to the left.

Nigel exchanged nods with the new guards as he examined the projectile weapons, the crossbows mounted on the right shoulders of the guards. Each of the weapons was connected by joining crystals to the armour, strange straps hanging at mouth level of the guards. He watched with interest as the squad commanders ordered their troops, ten each, to load their weapons.

Each guard used their mouths to pull back a handle, a series of cogs drawing back the weapon’s mechanism with little effort. In a show of great dexterity and training, each guard used their mouths to select a metal bolt from their quivers and then place the bolts into their weapons. The crystal-tipped projectiles settled in perfectly to a slot on the crossbows, the weapons loaded and ready to fire in under ten seconds.

“Remind me to give the head blacksmith a raise,” Nigel mentioned to Strategy. The Captain, who had also turned his attention to the crossbow toting troops, nodded in agreement.

“A big one,” Strategy added, causing Nigel to hum in agreement. A murmur from the troops at the front caught the attention of the two, a guard lieutenant looking back towards them.

“There’s a single enemy approaching!” the stallion called out. Nigel and Strategy moved to the front of the line, guards parting to create a path for the two. Chalmers’s hand rested on the handle of his sword, Strategy resting an armoured hoof against his own. The pair halted at the front, surrounded by their armoured troops as the solitary figure drew nearer. Nigel recognized the creature from a terran nature documentary he had watched a few months ago before arriving in the Crystal Empire.

“Elk,” Chalmers stated, drawing the attention of Strategy and the guards around them.

“Elk?” the Captain inquired, seeking clarification. Chalmers nodded, the figure approaching already half-way across the field of snow.
“Not just any elk,” Nigel continued, still a little peeved that he had his night with Reflection interrupted because of them. “These are cock-blocking elk.” Strategy decided that it was wise to not ask the Emperor what had prompted that label. A few of the guards around them snickered, before glares from their sergeants and lieutenants put a stop to that.

All of the troops were brought into line before the lone elk arrived. The elk was a male or ‘bull’, Nigel remembering that only male elk grew antlers. It wore no clothing save for its natural covering of course, shaggy brown hair and a necklace adorned with shed antler-parts and golden charms. Attached to the large pair of antlers was a pair of long, shiny metal blades that resembled triangular axe heads.

Nigel thought that it looked ridiculous, the Emperor struggling to hold in his laughter at the strange weapon as the elk approached to within ten meters.

“Hello ponies and… biped,” the elk spoke in a guttural voice as his yellow eyes narrowed. “You are occupying our rightful lands. Leave now or we will remove you with force.”

“Well that was straight to the point,” Chalmers replied. “I don’t see a sign on the ground saying ‘Property of the Elk, keep off the grass’.” The bull focused on him with a snort and frown.

“I am the Chief’s Firstborn,” the bull informed. “I don’t have time for disrespect, especially not from an unnatural creature like you.” Nigel normally would have retaliated for the insult, he did however have to admit that his pink dressing gown might be at fault for the elk’s observation. He did however settle for mentioning his title.

“Firstborn, you say?” Nigel continued as he started to pace back and forward in front of his troops while checking his nails for dirt. “That’s pretty cool, but then again what do I know?” Nigel’s hand slipped into his gown and withdrew his crown, Strategy mentally questioning just when the Emperor had retrieved the seldom-worn object. Nigel placed the crown on his head, turned to the Firstborn and shrugged. “I’m just an Emperor after all.”

The elk’s eyes widened in shock at the announcement. The bull quickly looked at Strategy as Nigel grinned.

“I thought that you were the leader,” the elk said before he pointed at the Emperor. “Not this creature.”

“I’m just a guard captain,” Strategy growled, annoyed with the elk’s lack of respect. He knew that Chalmers enjoyed informality with his troops, subjects and close friends but this elk was none of those. “Emperor Chalmers is the Emperor.”

“But why is a biped leading ponies?” the elk demanded. “You ponies never have respected other species.”

“You have no right to just walk up and gain that information,” Chalmers replied lightly. “I’m a nice guy though, so I’ll let you know that it may have something to do with the fact that I killed the sorcerous tyrant who was the former Emperor. Oh, I also skinned him, turned him into a rug, led my forces to fend off a diamond dog raid and then exterminated the rest of the mutts with the aid of my highly trained soldiers.”

The Firstborn looked a lot less sure of his superiority, the elk only now noticing just how dangerous the crystal ponies looked with their heavy armour and halberds. He glanced up and noticed five changelings on the roof of a house, the steel-armoured creatures’ horns glowing. The sight of the insectoid equines rattled him, the elk having not encountered changelings before.

“You can brag all you want Emperor,” the elk replied as he strengthened his resolve. He lowered his antlers to the ground then raised them up, the iron blades glinting with torchlight. “I, Firstborn Cedar, son of High Chief Mahogany, challenge you to a duel. When I kill you, your people will have two hours to leave our land before any remaining ponies or insects are slaughtered. The Great Gods will look upon me and laugh at your defeat.” Cedar finished his challenge by sweeping his antlers to the side to show off the deadly blades.

“Emperor, let me duel for you,” Strategy offered while taking a step forward. “I’ll swear to teach this elk about respect.” The Captain was waved back by Chalmers, the Emperor’s dressing gown dragging against the cobbled road.

“Thanks for the offer Captain, but I like to fight my own battles.” Chalmers stepped towards the elk, closing to five meters away before he drew his sword. The elk’s eyes didn’t leave the long, steel blade as Chalmers twirled it around in a lazy circle. “Now Firstborn Cedar, son of High Chief Expensive-Wood,” Nigel smirked as the elk snorted in anger at the disrespect to the Chief. “While the satisfaction of defeating you in front of everyone is more than enough for me, just what do I win if I do defeat you?”

“In the impossible event that you do win,” Cedar responded with a hoof-stamp. “You get three hours to move out.”

“Son, a quick word of advice,” Nigel advised as he squared off against the elk. “Let your wife do all the shopping, you suck at haggling.” Cedar’s face began to turn red, the elk falling into the human’s trap as the taunts continued. “As for this three hour limit of yours, and I assure you, it will be three hours, I say you can take it and shove it.” Chalmers gestured back towards his ranks of soldiers. “My subjects were on this land at least a thousand years ago. They’ve survived sorcerous despots, nation-wide slavery and raids from bipedal, talking dogs. They, and I, will not surrender their homes to a group of elk who show up and attempt to bully them away.”

Cheers and shouts of agreement rose up from the ranks of guards behind Nigel, the chorus of defiant yells able to be heard around the city. Ponies and changelings stamped their hooves and rattled their weapons in a cacophony of noise in a show of support for their Emperor. Cedar snorted, pawing against the ground while shaking his head.

“Your words are meaningless, you are outnumbered and your forces will fall. If you refuse to leave then we will have no problems with taking our land back from your subjects as they breathe their last breaths.” Cedar raised his head and reared up, the elk army exploding with bellows of support for their chosen champion. “Now prepare yourself,” Cedar ordered as he slammed his front legs back down. “Prepare to fight your last fight tonight!” Chalmers turned to Strategy, the human walking over to the Captain and lowering his voice.

“Are all our forces ready?” Nigel whispered, Strategy nodding his head as he glared at Cedar.

“Yes Emperor, every guard is at their positions. We are ready for their attack once our three hours are up.”

“There will be no three hours,” Nigel replied with determination. “As soon as I kill this whelp I want the artillery and archers to begin to bombard their positions. We kill as many as we can from range and force them to either retreat or attack, all the while they lose soldiers. If they attack we hold our positions and use the buildings to create choke-points, our halberds and armour will keep them at bay while the changelings flank them and crush their forces. If all else fails I want you to pull everyone back to the castle and defend it with your lives. If we are to die then at least we can take comfort in knowing that we died fighting.”

Strategy nodded stoically, both Captain and Emperor knowing that fatalities on their side were likely. Both also knew that their soldiers were ready to sacrifice their lives for the Empire, the highest possible faith placed in their troops. Chalmers glanced back at the waiting Firstborn, leaning down one final time to give a last order to his Captain.

“If I die, either in the duel or the battle, but you then beat the enemy then follow the plan I made for such an occurrence,” Chalmers instructed. “I want you to ensure the safety of Reflection and Sparkling Scroll in addition to as many civilians as you can save. Sparkling will be appointed the new ruler and you are to serve her as you did me. Rebuild and continue on as we have been going, never give in to the demands of others. When my people arrive, tell them exactly what happened and you can rely on them to help.” Strategy held back his concerns, however he remembered something.

“What about your two Equestrian guests?”

“Damn,” Chalmers swore quietly. “I forgot about them. Okay, make sure that both Captain Armour and the Princess manage to flee the country if it looks like we’ll lose. With any luck the Equestrians may arrive and tip the balance in your favor.”

“Yes sir,” Strategy saluted. “It also looks as if your opponent is getting impatient.” Nigel followed the Captain’s gaze and saw that Cedar did indeed look annoyed.

“That’s good, he’ll only be more careless in the fight.” With that Nigel turned around and motioned for Strategy to retreat to the lines of soldiers, the Emperor pointing the tip of his sword towards the ground. “When do you wish to start, oh mighty superior combatant?”

“Right now!” Cedar bellowed, lowering his antlers and charging forward. Nigel was prepared for such a tactic, after all, having a pair of antlers as your only weapons didn’t really give you many options. He stepped to the side, raising his sword to block a strike as Cedar whipped his antlers around. Metal clanged as sword met antler-axes, Cedar jumping back with surprising nimbleness. Nigel yawned, raising an eyebrow at the elk and twirling his dressing gown’s belt in his free hand.

“That’s all you’ve got?” he taunted, Cedar snarling in rage before leaping at Chalmers again. Sparks flew as the blades crashed together, Nigel parrying the elks strikes as the Firstborn rammed his antlers at Nigel, again and again. Suddenly the elk spotted Nigel’s foot land on the hem of the pink gown, Cedar striking forward to finish the human as he saw Nigel trip.

He was in for a shock when the Emperor rolled out of the way, the trip a ploy to distract the elk and tempt him to attack. Cedar’ s head jerked to the ground, Chalmers having looped the pink belt of his gown around one of the elk’s antlers. The Emperor pulled on the belt as he rose to his feet at the end of his roll, causing Cedar to lose his balanced and come crashing down into the dirt.

The elk tried to quickly recover but before he could rise up to defend himself, Chalmers struck. The human smashed the curved pommel of his sword down upon Cedar’s head and knocked the elk back down, Cedar spluttering as his head rang and burnt with pain. Nigel recovered his belt and stood back up, redoing up his gown before stepping back and awaiting for the Firstborn to get up.
Boos rang out from the elk army while the Crystal guards cheered their ruler on, a few of them having witnessed Nigel fight before.

Chalmers stood still and brushed the dirt off his gown while he waited for Cedar to get to his hooves, the elk warrior shaking his head as he prepared to fight on.

“Want to Surrender?” Nigel inquired with a smug tone. “As you have just seen, my position of Emperor should not fool you into thinking that I can’t handle myself in a scrap. My… primary occupation has left me rather experienced in combat.” Cedar scowled and shook his head one last time, pawing the ground as he prepared to charge again.

“I’ll never surrender to you!” he defiantly snarled. “As long as my ancestors watch over me and my kin then I will taste victory. So I call on my ancestors to aid me now!” the elk bellowed into the sky, Nigel so caught up in giggling at the drama that he failed to notice the yellow glow build on the center hill located in the middle of the elk army.

Ponies and changelings gasped while elk cheered, as a yellow bolt of magic flew from the darkness to hit Chalmers in his unprotected stomach. Nigel staggered back but kept his footing, a hand covering a ragged hole in his stomach that the bolt had torn open while his sword dropped to the ground. The ponies and changelings watching went dead silent, shocked at the sudden attack on their Emperor.

Strategy’s face fell as he watched the Emperor’s blood gush out from around the human’s hand. Chalmers was more than just a ruler to him, Strategy could say with confidence that he counted the biped a good friend and the possibility that he was about to die shook the normally stony stallion to the core.

“I neglected to mention that I count my great-grandfather as an ancestor too, and that he is a skilled mage,” Cedar gloated as he watched his opponent try to hold in his guts. “You’ve obviously found that out, while some may call it cheating you were dead anyw-“

“Shut the fuck up you flea-bitten animal!” Cedar stopped dead and the Crystal guards all watched in awe as Nigel rose up and interrupted the elk’s gloating. “You’re a fucking cheat and if I wanted too then I could have cut off your head when you were making out with the ground! Do you have any idea how much bloody protein I’m going to have to eat after I regenerate this!?”

“Re… regenerate?” Cedar questioned with confusion, his eyes widening as the Emperor removed his hand to reveal his blood-stained stomach. The ragged hole was closing fast, a large scab of blood already hardened over the wound with a small amount of life-fluid bubbling at the edges.

“Exactly what I said you deaf Wanker!” Nigel yelled back, more annoyed then hurt. “You have no idea how righteously fucked you are! You are so fucked that they are going to have to re-write the Christian bible because of how screwed you are, your level of fucked is that biblical!” Chalmers hacked up a glob of blood onto the ground as his body’s enhanced bone marrow artificially worked overtime to compensate for the blood he was losing.

“That’s not fair!” Cedar accused with horror as he watched the human’s wound seal with the scab. Nigel stood up straight, his wound and sword forgotten as he glared at the elk.

“Not fair!? Not fair is having someone else take a potshot at your opponent in a duel you dishonorable Cur!” Nigel took a step towards the elk, his blood covered hands clenching into fists. “I’m going to kill you, cook you, and then eat your corpse to get all of my nutrients back, and I’m going to enjoy every second of it!”

Cedar panicked at the threat, Chalmers flashing him a view of the pointed canine teeth in his mouth. The elk noticed the human’s weapon on the ground and calculated that the Emperor would not have time to reach it. With a desperate energy he dashed forward, his hope soaring as the Emperor made no move for the weapon. The elk burst forward, set to gore Chalmers upon his antlers and attached blades.

Nigel had a plan however, his hands having moved to his gown’s belt while he was distracting Cedar by explaining what he would do to him. As the elk bared down upon the human, time seemed to pause for the shocked Crystal guards watching the fight. They held their breaths as the belt was ripped out and thrown away, Cedar’s eyes widening as he was treated to a view of Nigel’s naked groin. His pace slowed at his surprise, Nigel taking advantage of the opportunity to rip off his gown completely and throw it towards the incoming elk.

Cedar bellowed as the gown was tangled in his antlers, his vision being taken over by a wall of pink cloth. He veered to the side as he flicked his head to try and dislodge the gown, however he was unable to see where he was going and he tripped over a rock and went tumbling down again.

Nigel pounced on the Firstborn as pony, changeling and elk alike watched on in surprised awe at the turn of events. Nigel’s naked form overpowered the blinded warrior, the human dazing Cedar with a flurry of punches.

With a combination of his enhanced strength and the adrenalin pumping through his veins the Emperor managed to stand and lift Cedar with him, the naked human holding the Elk around the neck from behind. Chalmers glanced at his guards, flashing them a reassuring smile before turning towards the elk army as they bellowed with rage and shock.

“Hey, High Chief Mahogany!” Nigel yelled as he placed Cedar kneeling on the ground, holding the dazed elk’s head with his hands. “I hope you have some more sons!”

With a crack Nigel snapped Cedar’s neck, the sheer brutality of the finishing move causing a loud, male roar of anguish to sound from the center elk-held hill.

“This one was a decent size!” Nigel continued to shout as he kicked the body face-first into the ground. “But I need at least five more to make a really decent barbeque!” The roar of anguish turned to a roar of rage, the enemy army surging forward with furious war-bellows.

“Fire artillery!”

Five loud thumps sounded from behind Nigel as Strategy ordered the ballistas to fire. Five, red gem-tipped bolts flew out from the machines to land amongst the charging elk. One overshot but the others hit their targets, the enchanted Crystals on the tips of the projectiles exploding into liquid flame as they cracked upon the ground. Elk screamed in agony as the vicious, boiling magic covered them and seared flesh down to the bone.

“Archers, fire!”

With the order from the Captain the troops armed with crossbows raised their weapons to the sky. The thirty soldiers armed with the weapons had been joined by forty-five more, all seventy-five losing their bolts as one like they had been trained to do.

The seventy-fire bolts soared through the air to hit the opposing army, many elk warriors falling as they were skewered by the bolts. They wore no armour so the hardened crystal-tips of the bolts were even more deadly, the archers already reloading as the first volley thudded home.

“Fire!” the archers’ commanding lieutenant ordered after a few seconds, the mare having taken over from the Captain as Strategy focused on the overarching battle. As the second volley of bolts flew over his head, Nigel stared down at the dirty and blood-stained gown that still covered Cedar’s corpse.

“Shimmering Sequins is going to kill me when she sees what I’ve done to the gown,” Nigel muttered as the Elk army charged towards him. He glanced at the approaching enemies and decided that the incoming army was a more pressing matter then his talior. “Oh well,” he reasoned out-loud to himself. “At least when I get a new one I can ask for it to not be pink.”

“Nigel!” Chalmers turned around to spot Strategy behind the lines of halberds as the stallion called his name. “Get back behind the defensive line!” Nigel shook his head as the Captain motioned for him to retreat. Strategy shook his head in disbelief as Chalmers bent down and picked up his sword from the ground.

“No Captain,” Nigel called back as he faced the approaching elks while more ballista shots landed amongst them. “These Elk have interrupted my romantic night, threatened my subjects and shot me in the stomach with magic. I am going to try to personally kill as many of them as I can and you are going to let me.” Strategy looked at the ground as the guards braced their halberds in preparation to receive the enemy charge.

Chalmers noticed his Captain’s reaction and his mind went back to the changeling worrying for his safety back at the castle. His roaring ego died down as he remembered that he had responsibilities now and couldn’t go throwing his life away for the sake of his own glory. Clutching his sword, Nigel made one of the most mature decisions of his entire time spent on the planet.

Strategy looked back up with surprise as Chalmers took up position alongside his soldiers, instead of out in front of them alone. The Captain grinned at his ruler and friend, elated that he had chosen the safer option. He tried to ignore the fact that Chalmers was stark naked, now that the human was without coverings Strategy could see why he wore clothes all of the time. The soldiers on either side of the Captain and Emperor focused their attention forwards with the naked Emperor serving as a morale-boosting beacon, even with his ‘royal scepter’ out on display.

“It’s funny really,” Nigel casually remarked as the surrounding troops and Strategy glanced at him. “I’ve just killed something, I’ve got an enemy army out for my blood and I’m as naked as a newborn.” Chalmers raised his head and took a deep breath, smelling the night air with a wide grin on his face as the Elks closed to within one-hundred meters. “It’s almost like my first ISA solo mission,” he remarked. The troops around him relaxed a little, the casual banter calming their nerves. “All that’s missing is a nuclear weapon and five destroyed Andronian battlecrusiers.”

The troops chuckled before refocusing on the Elk. They didn’t know what a ‘nuclear weapon’ was or the importance of ‘Andronian battlecrusiers’, but they understood that that whatever had happened the Emperor was calm in the face of the enemy right now, their resolve hardened and they held their weapons steadily.

The Elk bellows grew louder as the enemy was only fifty meters away. Shiny antler blades were the main armaments with blade-studded hoof-shoes and spiked shoulder-pads sprinkled around the army. Nigel raised his sword as a final volley of crossbow bolts plucked the life from yet more elk.

“One thing is the same though,” he shouted over the din of the enemy as they lowered their antlers towards the Crystal guards.

“Our enemies are going to have a very, very bad night!”

Author's Notes:

Well, I finally got off my arse and wrote another chapter. Sorry for the delay, I had to go interstate for a week and a bit and for those who don't know Australia that's a good two and a half - three days of driving to get from the state i'm in to another.

The joys of living in the middle of the desert.

Anyway, I left a cliff hanger once again. It's a bad habit but it just felt right to end the chapter this way. Next chapter is going to probably be the most action packed and i'm willing to say that the fic is drawing to the conclusion. It's reached over 100,000 words so far and i'm happy with it, even if I look back over the first chapters and wince at my grammar and spelling mistakes.

Going to need to do a lot of editing of old chapters once i'm done.