The Sergeant returned, a mass of black insectoid equines being herded by multiple Crystal Guards into the Throne room. The unknown Equines all appeared to possess holes in their legs, a jagged horn, blue fly-like wings, solid blue orbs as eyes and instead of fur they appeared to be covered in a type of chitin. The largest of the equines was slightly shorter than a Crystal pony and they all appeared to be quite thin, although if this was because of starvation or was natural Nigel couldn’t tell. The Guard sergeant had been correct with his numbers, twenty five adults and ten small ones, all of them huddled together in the centre of the room.

“The captives, as you requested Emperor,” the sergeant saluted before moving towards the side, the twenty Crystal Guards keeping a close eye on the newcomers. The multiple black creatures all huddled together on the floor fearfully, except for one which was standing facing Nigel with a scowl on its face. This creature was different as its eyes looked normal, well; normal compared to his subjects, with irises the colour of lime. The creature’s head was not bare like its fellows; a moss green mane flowed around its head with a matching tail. Nigel also noticed that it seemed to be slightly taller, almost rivalling the height of his Guard Sergeant.

Nigel leaned back in his throne, crossing his fingers in front of him

“So tell me creature,” Nigel began, directing his question towards the black equine that was scowling at him “care to tell me why you and your companions were caught attempting to steal our Gem?”

The creature glared back at him, fury in its eyes “Because we need it more than you do Monster!”

As the creature called him ‘monster’ the guard sergeant moved to strike it with an armoured hoof.

“Stay it Sergeant,” the guard followed the order, moving back to where he once was, gazing hatefully at the creature that had dared insult his ruler. The creature noticed this and sneered.

“It looks like you’ve got yourself a few pets Monster, how did you train them so well?” Nigel could see that the Guard Sergeant was trying his hardest to restrain himself from violence.

“Simple,” Nigel replied, making sure to draw the creature’s attention to the rug at his feet, its face paling slightly, “all you have to do is walk into the palace, kill the former Tyrant and then make a rug out of his skin, works wonders when it comes to loyalty.”

The creature forced its gaze away from Somb-rug and back to the Emperor, a little bit of fear invading its glare.

“Now that you know that, how about we start acting a little more civil, hmm?” Nigel suggested, a slight smile on his face, amused by the creature’s fiery temperament. “I’ll start things off, I am Emperor Chalmers, the new ruler of this Empire and to whom I have the utmost pleasure of speaking with?”

The creature once again scowled at him “My name is Clear Reflection.”

“Good, see? We’re already making some progress; you really should work on your social skills,” this elected another glare from the creature.

“Okay then Clear Reflection next question, what are you?”

The creature seemed surprised that the Emperor didn’t know what it was “You really don’t know?”

“If I did then I wouldn’t have asked the question, would I?”

Reflection shuffled from hoof to hoof, looking down at the ground as if she was ashamed “We’re called Changelings.”

“I assume you can alter your appearance in some way then?” Nigel curiously asked.

“We… can take the forms of ponies, anything bigger and the magic field fails.”

This bit of information caused Nigel some alarm, what if they could take the forms of the Crystal ponies “Give me a demonstration then, change into that noble over there,” Nigel pointed towards a noblemare standing towards the side of the room with the rest of the nobility, the ponies having moved out of the way of the prisoners.

Reflection glanced over towards the chosen mare, “I can’t” she mumbled, “We can’t duplicate the effect that causes these ponies’ to look like they do, and even if we could we don’t have enough energy left to transform.” Reflection looked up at the Emperor with pleading eyes, “if we don’t get more energy soon, we’ll starve to death.”

Nigel looked over towards the rest of the changelings huddled together one the floor, four of the adults forming a group around the young ones. Nigel didn’t really care if they starved; after all, they did try to steal an object that his subjects relied upon, but he had to admit that the ability to change their form could come in handy when it came to matters of intelligence gathering, especially against this ‘Equestria’ he had been hearing about. Nigel leaned forward a little bit more, his interest having risen.

“Tell me Reflection, what does your species feed on, in particular why do you need the Crystal Heart?”

“We… we feed on positive emotions, the strongest of which is love,” Reflection once again stared at the floor, afraid of how the Emperor would react. “That’s why we needed the Heart, it seems to be a large un-ending source of love and joy.”

Nigel was no expert on magical love-crystals, but he was fairly certain that the Gem appeared to be powered by the emotions of the ones surrounding it and that it didn’t function as an independent energy source. His theory did however provide him with a plan

“I’m willing to make a deal with you Reflection,” at this the changeling in question sat down, hope set in her features, “if you and your fellows,” the other changelings were all looking at the Emperor, “submit to my rule, work for the good of the Empire and obey our laws then I’ll grant you citizen ship, enabling you to live within the city and in proximity to the heart.”

Reflection looked upon the Emperor in disbelief, a look which was mirrored by her kin behind her. They had attempted to steal the ‘Crystal Heart’, from the sounds of it very important to the ponies of this Empire and the Emperor was willing to let them become citizens? Reflection looked behind her, the rest of the changelings staring at her expectantly with hope in their eyes. Reflection considered the offer, protection, shelter and food repaid for in labour and loyalty. She faced the Emperor, the biped observing her as she gave a sigh and bowed before him.

“I accept your offer… my Lord.”

_________________________________________________________________________

The Changelings had been incorporated into the Empire swiftly and smoothly, being granted guest quarters in the Palace until suitable dwellings could be constructed. Nigel had given a public speech explaining to his citizens the circumstances and biology of the newcomers, aided greatly by Reflection whenever a question emerged that the Emperor couldn’t answer. The Crystal ponies had at first been wary regarding the Changelings’ diet but when the Emperor explained that they could feed off the passive energies of the Crystal Heart the crowds’ fears were reassured after all, many reasoned, these changelings were far less imposing than their Emperor himself. The address had to be cut off however, as night had fallen so the Emperor arranged the entirety of the next day to serve as a question and answer session, where any citizen could come to the palace and talk with a changeling, Reflection and five others volunteering for this.

The next morning arrived and the outside of the Palace was packed, ponies from all over the city lining up for the chance to speak to a changeling. Nigel was sitting on his throne observing the room, his guards letting in six ponies at a time, one for each changeling. Whenever ponies entered the room and looked towards the Emperor the Somb-rug caused shivers of fear, although it did also have the effect of cementing the fact that he was never coming back into the minds of the ponies.

The rug was soon forgotten however once ponies sighted the changelings, the majority massively excited about the opportunity to speak to a creature of a different species. The changelings had at first been nervous about the session but as it went on they became more and more comfortable.

Nigel had spent most of his time listening in to the many conversations around him with Sparkling taking notes beside him, her mood having improved greatly overnight, until a diamond-coated stallion walked up to the throne. Captain Strategy moved to intercept the inbound pony but was stopped with a wave of the Emperor’s hand, Sparkling pausing in her notes to look towards the newcomer

“Excuse me, Emperor Chalmers sir,” the stallion began, his pearl mane covering one eye, “but I was wondering, and well, what are you?”

Nigel was pleasantly surprised at the question “I’ve been waiting for someone to ask that…” the Emperor trailed off, the stallion interpreting his meaning.

“Clear Cut, My Lord.”

“Pleasure to meet you Clear Cut, to answer your question I’m going to say Human, the scientific name of which is Homo sapiens.”

“Forgive me for asking Sir it’s just that since we were gone for so long we haven’t met any other species, except for you and the Changelings.” Clear Cut glanced over towards the Changeling he had left, another pony having taken his place.

“Speaking of the Changelings,” Nigel said, “What do you think of them?”

“I’ve only spoken to one so far My Lord,” Clear Cut turned back to face Nigel, “but he seemed to be fairly nice, I think that they only tried to steal the Heart because they were hungry and from what he told me they were too afraid to ask for help from you because of how everybody else treats them.”

Nigel was quite impressed with his subject’s open mind.

“That seems rather sound Clear Cut, may I ask what occupation you busy yourself with?”

“I own a cheese store My Lord,” Nigel’s smile got wider, “although I will soon run out of stock, only a small amount of cows were brought back with us.”

Nigel was aware of the supply issues, luckily a large area of farmland had survived the Empire’s return and following bad weather and he had received reports that it would be ready for re-planting soon. A native berry, dubbed ‘Crystal berries’ by the citizens had proven to be populous, the berry growing in caves, the city surrounds littered with said caves. A large storehouse was also present in the Palace and it was found that it was fully stocked, all the items within as fresh as the day they were placed in there thanks to a large crystal loaded with a preservation spell. Nigel was beginning to think that these crystals could be quite valuable to the UIP, the possibility of replicating their effects quite interesting.

“I know that Clear Cut, I’m currently working on solutions to those problems, in the meantime” Nigel turned towards Sparkling, the mare ready to follow his orders “if you would please assist Ms Sparkling Scroll over here with writing up an order for some cheese for the palace, it would be most profitable for you.”

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Cadence, Shining Armour and their four guards crested a snow bank and set eyes upon the city, shock growing on the face of Cadence.

“But… how?” She questioned, the sight of the city, which was sunny and colourful under a transparent dome not what she was expecting “Why would Sombra have activated the Crystal Heart?”

Shining was confused, he had been told very little about the city by Celesta and Cadence, only knowing that Sombra usurped the throne, hid the ‘Crystal Heart’ and enslaved the population before being banished by the Princesses, the Empire vanishing with him.

“Princess Cadence, wait!”

Shining was jolted out of his thoughts by the shout of one of the guards to find that his wife was currently flying full speed towards the dome.

“Great, welcome to married life Shining,” he muttered under his breath

“Should we go after her Captain?” the guard Sergeant inquired, looking at the pink blur rapidly speeding away.

“No, stay with me, we’ll follow on hoof, Cadence should be able to take care of any trouble herself” with those words Shining and the guards took off, galloping across the snowy ground towards the city.

_________________________________________________________________________________

Cadence landed in the midst of a busy market, the Crystal Ponies occupying it staring at the intruding Alicorn in puzzlement. Cadence was also confused, why were all of these ponies ambling about happily, where was King Sombra?

“Excuse me,” she asked a Crystal pony mare in-front of her, a young silver colt standing next to the mare staring at the Princess in awe. “Where is king Sombra?”

“He’s on the floor of the Palace; Emperor Chalmers turned him into a rug!” The colt happily answered

“A rug, he turned Sombra into a rug," Cadence's tone was one of Disbelief, "this unicorn Emperor Chalmers, what spell did he use to turn Sombra into a rug?” Cadence questioned the mare.

“He’s not a unicorn, he’s a human and he didn’t use magic,” the colt spoke up again.

“Then how did he defeat Sombra and turn him into a rug?” Cadence was completely lost at this point.

“Well… he,” the mare began uncomfortably, “kind of smashed his head with a table leg, and then to turn him into a rug I believe he said he used… a sharp knife.”

Cadence blanched, ‘this Emperor must be truly evil, possibly worse than Sombra!’

The fact that the Crystal ponies seemed quite content with their lives was lost on the pink Princess, Cadence preparing to take off to fly to the Palace.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

It had been an interesting day for Muddle the Changeling so far. He had been one of the volunteers who talked to the changelings’ new Crystal Pony neighbours in the morning and he had spent the rest of the afternoon wandering around the city examining all of the new sights. It had felt a little weird not being disguised while in the midst of so many ponies, all of which either treated him just like one of them or asked him questions. He didn’t mind this, so far all of the ponies he had spoken to had been really nice to him and he was thankful that their Human Emperor had let the changelings stay despite what they tried to do.

Muddle was already feeling a lot better, the air in the city was filled with positive emotions and not having to feed off anyone was a huge relief. He had always felt a little guilty with the way that he often had deceived ponies to extract their love but here in the Empire there was no longer a need for that.

He was currently talking to the owner of a arts store in the main market of the city, Muddle had always secretly enjoyed painting but had been afraid of being ridiculed by his fellow changelings, his race not putting much emphasis on personal creativity. He hoped that with their new home he would finally be able to enjoy his hobby without fear of reprisal, a goal he was one step closer to with the conversation he was in.

Vibrant Opal, the mare who owned this art store, was very keen to talk to a fellow budding painter and had energetically discussed with him all of the different types of paint she liked to use. Muddle had become slightly confused however when he started to pick up on small waves of love coming from the mare, waves of love that were directed at him.

“So Muddle,” Vibrant continued, “I was wondering what sort of paintings you like the most.”

“Oh, I think I like water-colours the most, although I never really got much chance to paint before,” Muddle’s head drooped a bit as he said this, “I don’t think many of the other changelings would understand it.”

“Well, I was thinking, Muddle,” the changeling raised his head at the sound of Vibrant’s voice, the mare having a slight blush on her Sapphire cheeks, “would you maybe, if your free, like to… like to come over and do some painting at my house tonight?”

Muddle was stunned, did Vibrant, a Crystal pony, just invite him, an un-disguised changeling over to her house to paint with her? His face turned a soft shade of green.

“I,” he swallowed a sudden lump that had appeared in his throat, “would like that a lot.”

Vibrant blushed even harder at his reply “I’ll see you around seven then? I live at Thirty-Six Topaz Street, don’t worry about bringing anything, I already have lots of paints and brushes at my house.”

“That sounds great, I’ll see you tonight,” Muddle said, staring at Vibrant’s golden eyes for a few seconds more before leaving the shop, his heart beating in his chest. He stood in the street, going over the prior conversation in his head before a group of ponies rushed past him, stopping to look through a gap of two stands. Muddle walked over to join them, trying to see what all the commotion was about.

As soon as he got to the gap and looked out he saw the reason of the disturbance and his heart nearly stopped. Standing in the middle of a clear area was Princess Cadence, the Princess who’s wedding his former Hive had ruined, the Princess who was currently staring right at him. Both parties continued to stare at each other in disbelieve until Princess Cadence’s expression morphed into a hateful glare.

“CHANGELING!” She yelled, and Muddle turned around and began to run as fast as he could in the opposite direction while screaming like a nymph, the sound of a furious Princess flying after him growing closer.

______________________________________________________________________________________

Nigel was sitting on his throne, absolutely bored out of his skull, the day court having finished leaving only himself, a few guards, a servant baring a platter of cheese, Sparkling who was snoozing on her cushion and Reflection, Nigel having appointed her the minister for changeling affairs, essentially a liaison between the Changelings, Crystal ponies and himself. Reflection was resting on a cushion on the opposite side of the throne to Sparkling, having worn herself out from fielding all of the questions from the nobility that day.

‘Dear God I’m so bloody bored,’ thought Nigel as he counted the amount gems set into the ceiling above his head, ‘I just wish something interesting wou-‘

“Emperor Sir!” Nigel’s thoughts were interrupted by his Guard Captain rushing into the room

‘Ask and ye shall receive.’

“What is it Captain?” Nigel replied, lowering his gaze to the guard

“A pony from Equestria has arrived in the city your Lordship, she claims to be a Princess as well as the rightful ruler of the Empire,” Captain Sapphire answered as he saluted.

‘Wow, I’ve been Emperor for only four days and already there’s some loony trying to claim the Throne, they work fast on this planet’ thought Nigel before asking his Captain a question.

“That’s fine Captain but where is she? I would have expected her to head straight to the Palace.”

The Captain stepped back nervously, fearing that the news he was about to deliver would cause his Emperor to become violent “She was arrested my Lord” this prompted the Emperor to raise his eyebrows in interest; the Captain continued “She… assaulted a changeling in the market without reason Sir. Thankfully his injuries are only minor; a few guards were patrolling the area and were able to halt the attack before she could do any major damage, he was still hospitalised though.”

The Emperor’s face turned stony “Captain, fetch this ‘Princess’ and bring her here,” the Captain flinched at the icy undercurrent in the Emperor’s voice.

“I wish to have a little… chat with her.”