Elijah looked up from the chessboard, Luna staring at him from the other side. “Is something the matter?”

“I’m not too sure,” he replied after a pause, moving a pawn into place. “Check. Something tells me that I’m missing out on something, and that guard seemed to be hiding something when he provided us with this chess set.” He watched Luna examine the board, and while the game had been fun he was distracted with other matters. “It’s over in three turns,” he told her with a wave of his hand. Leaving his seat with his pad in hand, he headed towards the door.

“Are you sure there is something amiss? I was quite enjoying this ‘chess’.”

“It pays to be prudent.” Trying the door handle, he found it to be locked. Frowning, he touched the lock with a hand and muttered under his breath. Silently, the lock opened and he opened the door, the two guards on the sides looking towards him with wide eyes.

“I thought that we-“

“Locked the door on me?” Elijah finished, ensuring that a warm smile was on his face. He’d quickly learnt that people tended to be more afraid of him when he was kind, the guards proving the theory when they backed away a few steps.

“We’re sorry,” the bronze mare on the left apologised. “But the Emperor… ordered that you be kept up here.”

“Am I a prisoner as well, now?” he inquired, quickly continuing before the guards could offer a hasty explanation. “Don’t worry, I understand completely. I can only assume then that Nigel- sorry, Emperor Chalmers, is orchestrating something that he wishes to bar me from?” The looks of the guards were answer enough, Elijah still maintaining his smile. “I see. Well then, I might as see what it is now that I know he wishes it concealed.”

The mare, likely the senior, spoke once more.

“We’re sorry, but we do have orders.”

The guards shifted on their hooves uncomfortably. He found it genuinely amusing that the rather cute equines were scared of him despite his words and tone, maybe they still possessed some form of animal awareness that were setting alarm bells off in their wonderful minds.

Placing his helmet on a waist clamp and his pad into its holster, he reached out with both hands to pat the guards on their helmets.

“There, there,” he soothed, the armour covering his hands separating into pieces to slide back into the wrist armour. His artificial arm attracted their attention, and the ponies shifted again when the hands placed themselves on their unarmored muzzles. “I’m not worried about that, now be good little ponies and continue to guard the prisoners like your Emperor desires.”

At his words, a glow undetectable by normal beings briefly appeared around his hands. In addition, his fake arm lit up briefly when hundreds of tiny and normally invisible symbols embedded into the silver surface flashed red. The guard’s pupils shrank, and he removed his hands after a mere second.

“Uh… what?” the stallion muttered while he and the mare shook their heads. The stallion looked up at him in confusion.

“Oh, I was just about to see the Emperor like you requested,” Elijah lied nonchalantly. “Thank you, Private Shine, I’ll leave you to continue guarding the prisoners in peace.” He turned and smiled at the mare. “And you too, Corporal Jade.”

“Ah… yes sir,” both guards answered, moving to stand back in position. Resisting the urge to take their helmets off to ruffle their manes as a show of thanks, he instead settled for wearing a prideful smile while turning to begin his journey down to the lower floors.

‘Such wonderful creatures,’ he thought to himself, descending a staircase. ‘Interesting thought patterns as well, so full of life. I must admit, this city would make a marvelous tourist trap.’

Elijah’s thoughts turned to what he had just learned, his mood dropping. ‘Wishing for me to be absent during a diplomatic meeting with a local dignitary? Me? I am well versed in the arts of social interaction, and he knows it.’ The silent grumbling complete, he turned his attention towards his growling stomach. He hadn’t eaten anything solid for at least a week, and unfortunately he was still bound to needing actual physical sustenance. Hence his excitement at finding the changelings, subsequent examination of their capacity to subsist on emotion likely to prove very fruitful.

He slowed his pace upon reaching the bottom of the stairs, the sound of great revelry coming from the opposite end of the corridor. He paused to watch a flow of palace servants exit the kitchens, the ponies bearing platters of wine flutes and numerous refined party snacks. Elijah took a second to once again marvel at the balance they displayed while carrying the silver trays on their backs, before he held out a hand to stop a young stallion.

“It’s going well,” he commented, taking a wine glass in a hand and giving it a brief sniff. The smell of berries was strong, and he could tell that it was going to be sweet.

“It’s better than it ending up a disaster,” the deep-purple pony answered, attempting a smile of his own. “Those griffons are a little unnerving, just between you and me.”

Elijah raised an eyebrow at that. ‘Griffons, hmm? Intriguing.’

“Understandable,” he agreed, taking an experimental sip of the wine and giving it his silent approval. “Well then, I shan’t hold you up any further, I must rejoin the party myself.”

The pony nodded and resumed his trotting, Elijah following. He tried to hold in his excitement at the new information. ‘Griffons! Yet more creatures to study! They will no doubt be a majestic hybrid, half-bird and half-lion.’ He wondered if Hippogriffs existed on this planet, not unlikely given the present of sapient Equines and Griffons. There were so many questions to be asked, hopefully he’d find the time during the evening.

Taking his data pad from its resting place with his free hand, he readied it for the wondrous note taking that was no doubt imminent. ‘Diet, mating habits, cultural advances, bone structure!’ It was almost too exiting to contain, Elijah having to stop himself from bouncing on his feet while he followed the servant.

Approaching the large hall, he slinked off towards the side with glass in hand. The reason for his stealth was because of Nigel in the middle of the room, the Emperor relaxed and chatting with a large griffon in a toga while they both browsed the large table stacked with food and drink. Still, Elijah doubted that Nigel would be welcoming of his presence, for some reason it seemed like Chalmers believed that his presence was harmful to the ponies and changelings.

Wine glass in hand, he surveyed his surrounds for a suitable target.

Unfortunately, all of the griffons in armour were either staying near the griffon conversing with Chalmers or nursing drinks while interacting with the scattered changeling and crystal pony guards. A true shame, their metal armour reminded him of the old Romans of Terra and he would have to quiz them to confirm if military doctrine was the same. That would have to wait, discovery could lead to expulsion from the hall and the loss of all chances to learn.

His quest for a lone, unwatched hybrid was interrupted for a brief second. He peered closer at the commotion by a stack of what he assumed were wine barrels, two fully armoured changelings and Captain Strategy in obvious discomfort. A third changeling, this one with its helmet off, was swaying from side to side and gesturing widely with its forelimbs, much to the visible confusion of the Captain. Elijah felt a surge of mirth when the intoxicated changeling fell onto its side laughing, noticing Captain Strategy shake his head before trotting away.

Resuming his search, his eyes lit up when he spied two lone revelers. Reflection and what he suspected was a female griffon, judging from the slightly smaller form to the others and the opulent jewelry it wore, were talking amongst themselves while watching the rest of the celebration. Besides the opportunity to quiz a griffon, he was still eager to find out any information he could about Reflection and her dealings with Chalmers.

After a passing glance confirming that Nigel was still distracted, he made his way along the wall towards the two females. He made sure to smile warmly and nod at any ponies and changelings he passed, receiving smiles both forced and genuine in return. Avoiding the guards, he silently approached behind his quarry, catching a snippet of the conversation as he did so.

“Augustus means to be a good husband, but sometimes he can be the most insensitive buzzard. Forgetful as well, I’m constantly having to remind him about the names of our own children when they visit and lately he’s even been forgetting where he put his laurels before going to bed.”

Reflection giggled softly, Elijah silently recording everything with his pad.

“That sounds like it’s not very fun, luckily Nigel has a pretty good memory so far,” she paused, the female griffon listening with a nod. “Granted he has other… quirks, but I’m enjoying it so far. He’s so busy with ruling though, we hardly get any time to ourselves.”

“Tell me about it,” the griffon agreed. “While your lands are smaller, I can’t imagine how difficult it must be with maintaining a functioning empire containing changelings and ponies, while under threat from Equestria.” She smiled. “No offence, of course.”

“It’s okay,” Reflection replied before taking a sip from her glass held in a magical grip. “I can understand why you’d think that. To tell you the truth, I’d never have thought it possible myself.”

Elijah came to the conclusion that he had gathered all that would be useful via eavesdropping, and moved on with the second part of his plan. Announcing his arrival with a light clearing of his throat, he made it appear as if he had been walking up to them this entire time.

“Ladies,” he greeted to both.

Reflection’s eyes widened, the changeling forgetting her drink. “You… but you’re not supposed to be… I thought-“

“Ah, so you were in on the plan to keep me away from this wonderful celebration?” he asked with grin, Reflection shifting on her hooves while the female griffon tilted her head at the exchange.

“Well, Nigel thought that you’d…”

He tittered when she didn’t finish the sentence, before he turned to the griffon and nodded politely. “I apologise for neglecting an introduction, I am Lead Researcher Elijah Von Barker, pleased to make your acquaintance.”

“Empress Cornelia, a pleasure.” She extended a claw, Elijah giving a small bow while he grasped the dainty limb. He used the brief second to take note of the ridges and jewels, before he let go and took a sip from his glass.

“I’m very honored that the first griffon I meet is an Empress,” he shared. Reflection seemed to sour at the repeated mention of the title, Elijah wondering “I must admit that your race is very intriguing from a scientific standpoint, I’d love to find out more about you if you have the time.”
The Empress smiled, a touch of mischievousness gracing her features. “My, what a risky thing to ask a lady while her husband is in the same room.”

Elijah blinked, trying to process her words. Then, it dawned on him, and he made a quick recovery.

“Oh, of course I was merely referring to scientific questions, for science and science alone.” Cornelia continued to smirk, Elijah moving on and preparing his pad. “For one, I’ve noticed that your people seem to share a very similar look with an old race from where I come from. You wouldn’t happen to know about the origins of your culture?”

“Of course I do,” Empress Cornelia answered, taking another drink. “Every griffon is taught our country’s complete history; we wouldn’t have it any other way. What did you want to know?”

“I’m going to get another drink,” Reflection muttered before trotting off shaking her head. Elijah gave her a parting glance, the loss of her company would be made up from the bounty of data about to come his way. Turning back to the Empress, he smiled and tapped on his pad.

“Well, why don’t you give me a general breakdown first? Then, we can move onto the intricate details.” She began to explain, Elijah listening and recording with joy.

Pfft, and people thought that he wasn’t good at parties.

Snow crunched under metal, Orthodox walking up to the large cave entrance he had spotted an hour ago. The area seemed to have recently received a heavy snowfall, judging by the covering of fresh snow covering all tracks. Glancing back from where he had come, he was unable to see the city at all.

‘This is where he said it was,’ Orthodox thought, remembering the directions that had been hastily provided by a guard. Apparently the cave had been home to a group of sapient dog raiders, and even though the den had been thoroughly wiped out, it had been hinted that there were larger numbers of the dogs in the area.

To be honest, he felt like this was more busy-work than an actual lead, but he wasn’t one to pass up the opportunity for some action.

Checking the dark-grey gauss carbine in his armoured hands, he did a final scan of the entrance before he delved into the murky entrance. Three skeletons wearing rusted sets of crude iron armour greeted him, Orthodox kicking one and watching the skull bounce down further into the corridor.

“The former owners, I presume?” he muttered, a frown under his helmet. The presence of the bodies, likely some of the creatures killed when the crystal empire guards stormed the cave, meant that the cave was likely empty of any remaining dogs and thus devoid of entertainment. Still, he had nothing better to do so he pushed on.

Orthodox didn’t bother with stealth, figuring the dour cave was unoccupied. He stamped down the corridor, sinking deeper into the earth. His tail flicked with irritation while he passed yet more corpses, wishing that he had been here during the fighting.

A flickering of light caught his attention and caused him to perk up, his hopes soaring.

Light meant habitation.

Habitation meant possible hostile creatures.

Hostile creatures equaled entertainment.

Increasing his pace, he dodged boulders blocking his path and carefully stepped over long-dead skeletons. Clutching his weapon in his claws, he hugged his back to the cave wall and peered into a large center cavern.

A large fire-pit blazed to one side, filling the cave with light and heat. Beside it, two iron cages held piles of coal in them, along with assorted chunks of metal ores. That was not what drew his attention, however.

No, the gleaming pile of gems in the middle of the cave held his upmost dedication.

All concerns about habitation were forgotten as he greedily clambered down the makeshift dirt ramp and headed straight towards the glittering gems. They were all shapes and sizes, Orthodox dropping his gun to the ground so that he could pick up the gems with his hands.
“Diamonds, rubies, emeralds, sapphires, topaz!”

He laughed, beholding the pile larger than him. This was wealth, and free for the taking as well. Unable to resist, he dived right in, his joy increasing when he realised that the gems were resting partly in a dug hole. A tremendous clatter echoed out, but Orthodox didn’t mind. He was completely covered in gems, from the top of his head to the tip of his tail.

Surrounded by jewels of all sorts, he stopped his maniacal laughing and sighed happily. For some reason, this felt right. Any concerns of being discovered were forgotten, Orthodox stretching out his limbs and making a decision.

‘It’s going to be a lot of work carting all of these back, maybe a little rest is in order.’

Yawing, he clutched a particularly large ruby to his chest and grinned to himself as his eyes closed.

The echoes stopped, the cave returning to its usual silence.

“Glimmer, I told you that trying to take on those guards wasn’t a good idea. You’re lucky that giant crossbow missed you.”

“Oh, come on Spine, you know that those ponies must have a huge amount of gems hidden in that city.”

“Not enough gems to warrant getting shot in the head.”

“You’re such a pansy for the apparent alpha male. I should just start sleeping with Sentry instead.”

“What?”

“Oh ha ha, very funny Glimmer. Sentry, you make a move and I’ll ripe off your spines and shove them where the sun won’t reach.”

The echoing voices caused him to awake, Orthodox instinctively going for his rifle. Unfortunately, all he was clutching was a giant ruby, and with a start he remembered that his rifle was sitting outside of the pile. Sitting up carefully, wincing when he displaced a numbers of gems that clattered to the ground, he spotted the weapon a bare half-meter away.

His armored tail snaked out to snare it with the tip, Orthodox pulling it back into his hiding place while the approaching voices paused.

“Did you hear that?”

He grimaced at the female voice, readying his rifle to point towards the entrance tunnel from within the pile.

“Hear what, Rux?”

“That clinking, do you think…?”

The voices stopped again, before the sound of heavy footfalls filled the air. Orthodox waited for the newcomers to show themselves, guessing that they wouldn’t be too happy to find someone sleeping in their gem stash.

His reaction upon seeing four bipedal lizards storm into the cave, along with two more flying above them on scaly wings, was understandably confused.

They looked nothing like the dogs he had been told about. With their wings, scales, and the smoke coming out of their nostrils while they huffed, they almost looked like…

“Dragons,” Orthodox muttered under his breath.

He hated dragons.

His eyes narrowed, remembering the hardships that dragons had caused him. ‘I can’t go out shopping without snot-nosed brats asking if I’m a dragon, Nigel still gives me a book about dragons every, single, birthday. Stupid Elijah always calls me ‘Puff’ just to piss me off.’

If it was anyone else looking at it, they might think that his reasons to hate an entire race were petty.

He wouldn’t care.

Even now, he could barely hold in his anger as the purple one approached him, dressed in a black jacket with an equally dark set of pants. A set of green head spines greeted him, the drake examining the gem pile.

“Someone’s here,” he announced, before standing up and looking around. “Rux, hold the entrance so they can’t escape.”

“On it,” the whitish-yellow dragonness replied, moving to block the only way out.

“Sentry, search the left. Edgy, take the right.”

A brown and green drake and another male with scales of black and a red underbelly followed the commands, beginning to examine any possible hiding place.

“Glimmer, baby, can you make sure that they’re not further down in the storage cave? Take Soulbate with you, just in case.”

“Is little Spines afraid to let his girly-wirly get in a fight?” a cyan dragoness teased, before a pure white one with sparkling purple spines grabbed her arm with a huff and pulled her to a second corridor.

“Shut up, Soulbate. I don’t see you surviving a crossbow bolt the size of a tree.”

“It didn’t even hit you!”

“Urgh,” the purple drake shook his head. “Why can’t everyone just get along?”

Orthodox watched the whole thing, resisting the urge to blurt out insults. They all looked so… angsty, like a bunch of spoilt teenagers. The worst part was that they were taller than him, almost by half. They were all split up and the purple drake, called Spine, was beginning to eye the gem pile with suspicion. He’d have to make his move, but luckily he had a plan in mind. One so cunning and genius that it would surely win him numerous awards for brilliant tactics if anyone else could see its full complexity and magnificence.

“Your gems or your lives!”

Spine’s eyes widened in shock when an armoured fist flew out of the gem pile to smack him in the snout, forcing him to fall onto his rump and clutch the bleeding snout with his claws.

“Spine!”

The alarmed shout of the dragon named Rux was his cue, Orthodox holding his carbine high while he strode out of the gem pile. Gems clattered to the dusty ground as he emerged, the two foes sent to investigate the other corridor racing back at the sound to stare at him. During the rain of gems, he observed his surrounds and smiled wickedly when he saw that all six dragons were staring at him in shock.

Perfect.

He hit a button on the side of his carbine, a custom-fitted and concealed high-powered speaker emitting the signature ‘chuck-click’ of a pump-action shogun for all to hear.

Money well spent.

“Evening, all,” he announced with the aid of his helmet speakers. “As previously stated, this here is a good old-fashioned home invasion. Put all of the gems into sacks or bags and no one will die tonight, got it?” He waited for a response, growing impatient at the lack of one. “Get a move on, chop chop!”

“Are… are you real?” Spine questioned, almost with a small chuckle while he stood up. Orthodox let him, smirking at the fool.

“Maybe you should ask your nose.”

That wiped the smirk off Spines’s face, replaced with a determined expression. “No, these gems are ours, we found them in this cave fair and square.”

“He’s right,” Edgy the black drake chimed in, moving beside Spines. “We’re not going to let some little punk just walk in and take them.”

An eye twitched at the ‘little’ word, Orthodox raising his carbine. “You what? Do you think this is some kind of game?” While he watched, mostly out of a strange mix of confused anger, the remaining dragons took position besides their leader. As one, they made flourishes with their claws and focused.

Spine’s claws became covered with flames, green flames sprouting out of his nostrils with a flourish.

Rux put her claws together at her side, facing outwards with a ball off light growing brighter.

Glimmer made motions with her fingers, lines of blood leading from Spine’s nose bleed forming into ultra-thin blades in the air which she controlled with her movements.

“Really, Glimmer?”

“What? Why should I cut myself again if you’re already bleeding?”

“Fine, whatever. Let’s just get on with this.”

Sentry flexed his biceps, the muscles growing to four times their already generous size. Small rocks levitated off the ground around him, his face locked in a grin.

Soulbate flapped her arms really, really hard and summoned a buffeting gust of wind, even though it seemed to just appear from nowhere.

Last but not least was Edgy, the black dragon’s eyes glowing red as he moved his claws like a puppeteer. A line of shadows answered the call, forming into a row of spikes in front of him.

Their flamboyant preparations completed, the six stuck out their chests and smirked arrogantly at him, Spine taking a step forward while blowing out smoke rings.

“You’re in for it now, short-stuff,” he insulted. The flames around him grew hotter, his purple eyes glowing like embers. “You’ll forever regret messing with the Scales Six.”

“Scales Six…” Orthodox repeated. “Scales… Six? Are all of you hig-“

He stopped when he saw what the six were doing. All were twirling around, making various sounds with their mouths while their numerous powers grew in both power and luminance.

“Fuck it,” he decided, bracing his carbine at his side and shaking his head. “I’m not nearly drunk enough for this shit.”

His finger depressed the trigger, his suit already compensating for any recoil.

Supersonic gauss rounds, each one made to pierce advanced armour, spat out of the short barrel like a swarm of angry bees. There weren’t any bangs, merely a mechanical buzz while Orthodox sprayed the dragons with indiscriminate weapons fire in a wide sweeping motion.

Such were the velocity of the rounds, the rocky cave wall behind the lined up dragons soon looked like a street painting by a mad artist. In four seconds, two-hundred rounds had been expelled from the squat weapon, roughly half of them actually hitting their targets.

Each irritating dragon was flung back by the high-powered fire, poor Edgy even being cut in half at the waist when hyper-dense metal rounds severed flesh and tissue. The ragged bodies thumped to the ground, the charging of their attacks never even reaching the half-way mark.

The sounds of the carnage began to die down, the echoes of bullet impacts replaced by a clicking. Orthodox ejected the spent energy clip and swapped it with a new one, placing the empty clip into his armour for charging. He felt… he felt good, real good, the coppery smell of spilt blood causing him to salivate and his tail to flick playfully.

“No… Glimmer…”

He raised an eye and turned to the bodies, the whispered voice barely audible over the blood dripping off the wall and rocks. Boots crunched on bits of hard scales and pebbles, soon generously coated with red thanks to the rapidly expanding gore pool. He stopped beside the fallen bodies of the purple dragon and the pretty white one, Spine weakly stroking the deep-purple scales of his obvious and (very dead) lover. The wounded dragon was clutching his other claw to numerous holes in his torso, in a vain attempt to keep the vital fluid in.

“Glimmer, my love. You were so smar-. You were so interesti-. You had great characte-…” Spine’s finger raised shakily in success. “You had a rocking pair of tits.”

Orthodox spared a glance towards the dead dragoness, his carbine pointing towards the mortally wounded Spine.

‘Huh, she does have a rocking pair of tits. Wait… dragons have tits?’

“You monster,” his thoughts regarding the bewildering presence of mammary glands on a reptile were interrupted, Orthodox looking back to find angry eyes focused on him. Spine coughed, Orthodox stepping closer so he could see the light start to fade from the creature’s eyes. “You killed my girl, my friends… but you’ll never crush the dreams of the Scales Six.”

Orthodox blew a raspberry, pushing his gun barrel against Spine’s hate-filled face.

“Scales Six? You’re more like the Fail Six.” He made a point of glancing to the corpses. “Correction, you were more like the Fail Six.”

Spine let out a wheezing laugh, the laugh of a being that knew it was about to die.

“At least I’m not short and wingless.”

Something snapped, Orthodox freezing for a mere second.

“Short, huh?”

Spine’s chest was ripped into shreds, Orthodox lowering his gun-sights to target center mass. He emptied half a clip before pausing and then using the remaining rounds to effectively saw off the legs.

“Who’s short now?” he asked, staring into the wide open eyes devoid of life. Snorting, he once again changed the clip before holstering his gun and drawing a long knife he always kept in his armour.

He had a grim task in mind, but it was something that he needed to do.

It took him five minutes to remove his trophies, Orthodox thanking his years of practice before sheathing his knife and standing up to pop his back. He was almost completely covered in blood, the work messy but rewarding. Quickly removing his helmet, he took a pack out of his armour and enjoyed a nice, post slaughter smoke. Nodding to himself, he replaced his helmet and gathered his new prizes, locked deep in thought while he strolled out of the cave and into the tunnel leading up.

‘Boobs. Why do dragons have boobs?’

The pile of scattered gems sat forgotten, all thoughts of their removal forgotten for the time being.

Reflection brooded to herself, taking a sip from the second glass she’d had at the drinks table. She adjusted her green dress and her necklace, before glancing back at where she had come from. The unsettling human, Elijah, was currently smiling and nodding while Empress Cornelia happily talked his ear off. She shuddered, it wasn’t obvious at first but she had picked up something strange about him, and it wasn’t just because he was an alien.

Looking to the left, she grimaced when she saw that the griffon Emperor was still talking to Nigel like they were old friends. Judging from the rosy faces that both rulers possessed, and the number of servants that had been ferrying hard liquor to them, it didn’t look like it would stop anytime soon. She didn’t dislike Emperor Augustus, he had treated her with nothing but genuine politeness and respect, but he was a griffon and still held a threatening air.

Sighing, she decided to give it another ten minutes and another glass, hoping that the time and drink would soon restore her desire to join in. Without even thinking, she had levitated a small slice of cheese into her mouth and had begun to chew absentmindedly. Reflection tried to pass the time by watching groups of the crystal pony nobles and examining their fine clothes, the event a great opportunity for the social elite to interact and flaunt. Her mood brightened when she noticed a few happy changelings amongst their number, mainly by the sides of young pony mares and stallions.

Still, she had grown surprisingly bored of the situation, and now wished that she could trade it for the opportunity to just spend some alone time with Nigel. After all, despite him having been absent for so long they had been lacking time to focus on each other. Well, focusing on each other in the privacy of their bedroom. That thought only made the situation worse, Reflection remembering the rather spicy flavor that had appealed to her.

“Lady Reflection?”

Her daydreams were broken, Reflection turning around to find a crystal unicorn bowing his head towards her. The shimmering blue pony held a finely-made wooden box in his magic field, the box carved with wonderful images of crowns and gems.

“Yes?”

“Head Artificer Golden Ring sends his regards,” the unicorn paused. “Granted, very quickly worded regards and before collapsing from exhaustion, but regards none-the-less.”

Reflection tilted her head, before placing her wine glass down on the table and taking the box from him. Using her magic to gently open the lid, her eyes widened when she beheld the contents.

Two diamond rings, constructed of glimmering gold and highlights of silver, sat within the cushioned confines. Looking closely, she could see incredibly fine etchings of figures on the surface, appearing to be both ponies and changelings. Gulping, she closed the lid and met the warm pink eyes of the unicorn.

“They’re… they’re beautiful. I don’t know what to say.”

“It was a group effort,” the stallion smiled. “Consider it as thanks to both of you.” He made to leave quietly, but not before a final whisper. “Good luck, Lady Reflection.”

She held her breath while she watched him slip out of the room, the box feeling far heavier in her hooves than it ought to. Slowly exhaling, she glanced once again towards Nigel, the human still chatting with Emperor Augustus.

Looking at the box once more, she gathered her thoughts and a plan. ‘Relax, this was going to happen someday.’ A part of her knew what she had been planning from beginning, after giving Golden Ring the diamonds and making her request. ‘Just get him away from everyone and a secluded place, then pop the question. There’s no possible way he’d say no.’

Her mental pep-talk completed, she placed the box on her back and used her wings to keep it in place as well as concealed. Taking a moment to smooth down her dress, she began to cross the crowded hall floor to reach her Emperor.

Mares and stallions alike bowed their heads while she passed, but she was too focused on her task to acknowledge them. Pressing on, she closed on the two emperors, a smile on her face while she moved to Nigel’s side.

“There you are,” he greeted, reaching out a gloved hand to scratch her behind the ears. She hummed, the gesture actually improving her mood and relaxing her for what was about to come.

“I was just getting another drink, and I didn’t know what to choose.” Struggling to maintain her focus, she gave Emperor Augustus an apologetic smile. “I’m sorry, Emperor, but could I please borrow him for a few minutes for a private talk?”

Augustus brushed his beak with a wing and raised his eyes at Nigel. “Sure, what sort of friend would I be if I deprived him of a ‘private talk’?”
Reflection felt her face heat up at the implication of the griffon’s words, Augustus chuckling while he walked off to look for his wife. She looked up at Nigel, Chalmers shaking his head with a light laugh.

“Friend?”

“Let’s just say that our alliance has already been secured, even without the meeting tomorrow,” he answered merrily. “What do you want to talk about?”

“Not here,” she replied, glancing around. “Can we go to the corridor?”

He raised an eye and smirked, but didn’t make any jokes. Unable to hold back her excitement, she quickly guided him out of a side door and into the almost vacant corridor, Nigel informing the lone guard to move inside and get some food. The mare complied with gusto, leaving them both alone for at least five minutes. Reflection hoped that it would be enough.

“Well, we’re alone,” he observed. “What’s the need for all of the secrecy, was Augustus right about your intentions by any chance?”

“No,” she replied. “Well, I mean, I didn’t think of it, but I’ve got something more important.”

“More important?” he raised his eyes. “I can’t think of many things on that list.”

She declined to answer; instead she took a deep breath before powering her horn. Carefully, she brought the box into view and held it out to him, shifting in her silver shoes while he looked at her questionably. He gently took the box and, with a final glance towards her, opened the lid and gazed inside.

Nigel was silent for what seemed like an age, a shred of worry gnawing at her. Was it normal for this reaction? Had she acted too soon? Did his people even have such a tradition? She knew that it was incredibly rare in changeling society so it was likely. Even worse, had she accidently offended him?

“Wow,” he whistled, before pausing again. The only sound was her clinking shoes, before he finally spoke again. “This certainly tops ‘Corridor Quicky’ on the list of important things.”

She held in a reprimand for the poorly-timed joke, seeing that it might damage the answer and also that he actually looked nervous for a second. The indecisiveness was over in a flash, and he nimbly removed both rings and placed the box on his knee after he knelt down to her level. He continued to look them over, the wait almost agonizing.

“Did Golden Ring make these?”

“Not just him,” she struggled to keep her voice and nerves steady. “I think most of the unicorns helped.”

“Well they did an outstanding job. I can even see the little nymphs and foals among all of the pictures.”

There was another period of silence, both unsure for words. She held her breath when he looked at her, before taking off his right glove. Her eyes tracked the ring as he slid it onto his fourth finger, Chalmers adjusting it before holding it out and appraising it.

“A little loose, but that can be easily fixed. A fine piece of, as I believe Orthodox would say, bling.” He gave her a look, glancing towards the other ring that he held. “Uh, I would ask to see how this one looks on you, but…”

She snapped out of her daze, her brain still processing what was happening. “Oh, it goes on the base of my horn.”

A gloved hand carefully cupped her chin, before the ring was worked over her curved horn. She felt the band travel down the sensitive area before it came to rest at the base, a very snug fit. Reflection couldn’t see it, but the knowledge and sensation of it was more than enough for her.

“It suits you well,” he complimented, making a final adjustment to its rotation. “I assume the gem goes up.”

She didn’t even consider confirming the question, a far more pressing matter on her mind.

“So… does this mean…?”

He paused, however he still maintained the contact. “It’s sudden, I have to admit. I’ve never really been a fan of… wed-“

“I’m not either!” she jumped in, noticing the difficulty he had with the ‘w’ word. “We don’t have to have one. Nothing major needs to change.”
Another pause, Reflection wishing she could see the thoughts running through his mind.

“No,” he answered, her heart sinking. “After all, a new Empress deserves some sort of celebration after all. We’ll do something small and without all the fluff, just a simple party behind closed doors and that will be it.”

It dawned on her, what had just happened. She felt all the tension she had built up about the question bleed away, a strange feeling welling up inside. It was almost like when he had first given in and begun to date her, only this time it was much greater. It felt nice, and she thankfully embraced him.

“Please don’t tell anyone else,” she requested through her euphoria. “Can it wait until we have some time to really enjoy it?”

“It’s your hatch-day in a week and a half, isn’t it? Why don’t we do it on the same day and use it as a cover until the last second?”

She had completely forgotten about the upcoming date, nodding her head while she nuzzled. “That works perfectly, but will you have time?”

“I’ll set aside the day… and the following three.”

A smile formed at his words, Reflection pulling away before looking sorrowfully at the box that the rings came in. “We have to take the rings off, though.”

“Relax,” he reassured, already moving to remove hers for her. “They’ll be back on soon enough.”

Humming, she knew that he spoke the truth, sitting patiently while he gently removed the jewelry that had redeemed the night and the entire past year in her eyes.

“How very appropriate,” James muttered to himself, watching while Nigel and Reflection returned. Alarm bells had gone off in his head when the two had disappeared into the small doorway and a guard had emerged soon after. Now, ten minutes later, both were wearing wide smiles and sharing conspiratory looks. “He’ll never learn, will he?”

Helmet at his side, he took another drink of water before shaking his head. How Chalmers had managed to even maintain a functional city, he still couldn’t figure out. It wasn’t like the Commander’s most becoming traits were his patience and focus.

Adding to that, the guards had reported that they had fended off a group of what appeared to be short dragons, the creatures having attempted to gain their way into the city. The dragons had fired off a volley of threats, and the guards had responded with a warning volley of ballista bolts that had swiftly put an end to the encounter.

Grimacing, he downed the last of the water before placing the glass down and hesitantly picking up a thin slice of cheesecake topped with berries. Mentally preparing himself, he began to walk towards the two while clearing his throat.

“Hrm, I see you two appear… rather happy.”

He swore that he caught a flash of apprehension across Nigel’s face, before an answer was quickly supplied by Reflection.

“Uh… we were just having a private talk about… what to do with Elijah.” The changeling looked to Nigel after the stammering, Chalmers giving her a look before backing her up.

“Yeah… he’s probably causing trouble in his room-“

“Over by the rear table,” Reflection quickly overtook. James slowly looked to the table and immediately spotted the scientist, Elijah quickly jotting down notes while the two royal griffons talked enthusiastically. Glancing back, he pointed an armoured finger at both.

“You know, for a shape shifter and an intelligence agent, you’re both terrible lairs.” With those words he left them, aiming for the rapidly nodding scientist. The hesitant foot and hoof steps led him to believe that they were following, but rather than check he instead focused a stare at Elijah.

“Elijah,” he greeted evenly, the three’s attention turning to him. “Aren’t you supposed to be interrogating Princess Luna?”

Elijah waved a hand in dismissal, before going back over his notes. “Oh, her. I’ve already gotten enough information about alicorns and bat-ponies for the time being, griffons are far more interesting.”

“How flattering,” Augustus hiccupped, chortling before taking another gulp of wine.

“Quite,” James agreed, before grabbing Elijah’s shoulder. “Please excuse us for a moment, I have to have some words with my colleague.”

“Hey!” Elijah protested, however he was soon dragged away from the two foreign rulers and his pad was taken.

“Elijah,” he began to lecture, after checking that Nigel and Reflection had distracted the griffons. “What are you doing down here, don’t you realise that by harassing the Emperor and his wife you put our plans in jeopardy?”

“I got bored,” Elijah explained, trying to make a grab for his data pad but James quickly jerked it out of reach. “I don’t see why you are so irritated, I was the one locked in a room with guards trying to keep me prisoner.”

That caused him to pause, he’d grown to like the ponies and changelings. “Elijah, what did you do to them?”

“Nothing major,” the scientist reassured. “Just some memory reshuffling, that’s all.”

“How did…” he shook his head. “Never mind, and here I was thinking I was the psionic.”

Elijah harrumphed. “Bah, don’t try and compare my superior methods to your simple mind tricks.” The insult was followed by the furrowing of brows, the voice gaining a curious edge. “By the way, what plans? I believe that I am entitled to know of any scheming going on.”

James considered the idea, weighing up the pros and cons in his mind.

“Alright, I’ll let you in on it, but you have to promise to leave the griffons alone from now on and also swear to never tell Orthodox any of it, he’ll ruin everything if he finds out.”

“I promise,” Elijah answered, before holding out his hand. Sighing, James returned the pad and glanced back over his shoulder to check up on things. Emperor Augustus was once again shaking Nigel’s hand, a wing draped over his wife’s back. His sensors picked up the conversation, a quick burst quite relieving to hear.

“We’ll find the room,” Augustus was finishing with a drunken grin. “Then, Tomorrow we will attend to business.”

“I look forward to it,” Chalmers replied, tilting his head towards two crystal guards. “Your soldiers can stay in the barracks for the night.” At the words, the two guards saluted before hurrying off to relay the news.

“Very good, if there is nothing more then we will retire for the night.” Augustus cricked his neck and adjusted his laurels with a claw. “You should be proud, one of the most enjoyable parties I’ve attended in a long time, isn’t that right dear?”

“Hmm,” Cornelia mumbled, almost asleep on her paws now that the excitement of the night had worn off.

“It was wonderful having you,” Reflection answered for Chalmers, both sets of rulers moving to exchange parting gestures.

“See?” James turned back to look at Elijah’s smirking face. “Everything turned out well, there were no complications at all.”

James was just about to admit that it was true, before a commotion by the main doors saved him. Glancing back, he quickly moved towards Nigel when two guards galloped through the murmuring crowd.

“Emperor!” the crystal pony stallion shouted, quickly stopping alongside the armoured mare with him. “I’m sorry, we tried to convince her to wait but she demanded to see you.”

James shared a confused look with Nigel, before putting on his helmet.

“I’m sorry,” Nigel began to apologise with a head tilt. “Who?”

“Where is the Usurper!?”

At the livid question, a much larger changeling stormed into the room and glared around at everyone. James took a moment to recognise her as the newly-arrived changeling Queen, Chrysalis he believed her name was. Evidently she had healed well, although her snarling face gave it away that she was not as pleased with her rapid recovery as would have been expected.

A tap on his shoulder drew his attention, Nigel gesturing down. James followed and saw that Reflection was grinding her teeth, her wings rapidly buzzing which he had learned either indicated irritation or excitement.

He doubted that it was the latter option.

“Keep an eye on her,” Nigel requested under his breath, before he raised an arm and walked forward. James silently wished him luck, not envious of Chalmers’ situation in the slightest. “Usurper? That would be me.”

Furious green eyes turned on Chalmers, the Queen stepping forwards and baring her fangs. James noticed that guards were beginning to surround the room and funnel out the nobility in an organised fashion. Griffon guards surrounded their rulers, eyes locked on Chrysalis with their claws at the ready.

“So you’re the creature that has stolen my subjects,” Chrysalis hissed dangerously. “I demand that you return them to me!”

Chalmers put up his hands in front of him, showing his palms and smiling. James wished that Nigel hadn’t drunk as much as he did, and prepared to intervene if things got out of hand due to any mis-chosen words.

“Now, now, no need to throw out accusations. Why don’t we begin with ‘Thank you, Oh Mighty Emperor Chalmers, for lending me lodgings so I could recover from my grievous wounds and then proceed to yell at you without any gratitude’?”

‘Damn it, Nigel.’ James shook his head, sensing Chrysalis’ anger reach boiling point. ‘You couldn’t even go for five seconds without starting something.’

Chrysalis made to go forward, but more guards and another three changelings rushed in behind her.

“Please, Your Highness,” one of the new changelings, female, pleaded. “They don’t mean any harm, they’re letting us all feed freel-“

“Silence Nurse!” Chrysalis ordered in the multi-tiered voice of hers, looking like she was barely holding herself back from tearing Nigel a new one. Her eyes were still focused on the Emperor, and they narrowed into slits. “This is nothing but a ruse, and I won’t be fooled so easily. No creature would offer such things so willingly.”

“You stubborn-“ Reflection began, making to advance on Chrysalis with harmful intent. James stopped her with a hand, looking down and shaking his head at her. She glared at him, James reluctantly resorting to another measure.

‘Let Nigel deal with her,’ he advised.

‘What? You’re in my head!’

‘I know, simple telepathy is something I’m trained to do. Now, calm down and don’t add to the fire.’

With visible difficulty she complied, settling down and holding her tongue. He removed his hand from her shoulder, noticing that her wings were still buzzing. Making a note to keep a close eye on her, he refocused back on the standoff. Chrysalis was still glaring and Nigel was still attempting to calm her down, although with questionable word choices.

“Listen to her,” Chalmers advised, nodding towards the changeling who had spoken in defense of them. “She’s right, we’re offering you and your subjects free sustenance to help you out, nothing shifty at all. If you just calm down, we can talk about it and discuss your concerns.”

“Concerns? Concerns!? You’ve taken my subjects and turned them from me, undermining their loyalty! Then, you have the nerve to try and take the moral high ground!?”

“I can understand why you’re upset,” Nigel continued. “But really, your subjects joined of their own accord. They were separated from their fellows, hungry, and in danger. Myself and the crystal ponies allowed them to live amongst us, and they did so as it was the right thing to do at the time. Then, we helped the rest get out of prison cells and wastelands, accepting them without issue. Changelings now serve in the military forces, work in jobs they enjoy, and live side-by-side in peace.”

Chalmers paused. “Well, live in peace apart from the few odd invasions and that one war. What would you had me do, turn them away? Did you expect them to die rather than survive to live wholesome lives?”

“They were fine before,” Chrysalis countered, pawing at the ground. “Everyone had their place, and it has been that way for centuries.”

“And after the invasion?”

James internally winced, wishing that Nigel hadn’t brought it up.

“…That was a miscalculation, nothing more!” Chrysalis shook her head, evidently the words had hit a nerve. “I will not stand by and let you destroy all that I have worked for!”

With that as her only warning, she leaped with the aid of her wings and aimed to pounce on Nigel with her sharp horn and fangs at the ready. Chalmers reacted, rushing forwards with his fists coming up ready. Reflection bolted, racing towards the centre of the room with a murderous look trained on Chrysalis.

After a quick glance to find that Elijah was too engrossed in recording everything down, James sighed. Nothing was every simple in his line of work.

A blue glow flared, lines along his armour becoming visible while the suit reacted to what he was doing.

Chrysalis, Nigel, and Reflection all found themselves paralyzed mid leap and charge. All three clattered down into a disordered pile, unable to move any of their limbs while guards and the griffons watched on in complete puzzlement.

“A little help,” he requested, turning his head to Elijah.

“Busy,” the scientist replied, a hint of humor in his voice.

“James.” He winced under his helmet, Nigel not sounding as amused as Elijah was. “You better not be doing what I know you’re doing.” James found all of the attention turn on him, everyone eyeing him and his glowing armour. “Let me and Reflection go James, and Chrysalis as well.”

“No,” he refused. “If I do, then you’re all just going to try to kill each other. The least we can do is act with civility at the current time and work this out like adults.”

“Civility? I don’t know about you, but having Reflection’s horn nearly invading my rear passage is not what I class as civil.”

“Sorry Nigel, I can’t… nrrgh, move!”

James relented, releasing his hold on them but quickly stomping forwards before they could get up. Standing over them, he glared down at them all through his optics. Reflection and Nigel decided to follow his advice and merely sit up, where’s Chrysalis glared back but made no hostile moves.

“Behave,” he warned, glancing around all three. “Nigel, you’ve got to start showing some more self-control. Reflection, the same goes for you, I warned you specifically. Queen Chrysalis, it doesn’t help your cause if you try and fight the one you have a disagreement with, at least one whom I know could easily hurt you badly.” He tapped his foot, crossing his arms. “Now, obviously there are concerns all around, how about we all agree to calmly discuss this over a nice cup of tea? I’m sick of playing the mother with all of these arguments.”

“Fine,” Nigel agreed, before smirking. “But I want ice-cream afterwards- Ow, bastard!”

James removed his armoured foot from the side of his friend, Reflection already rubbing the area with her forehooves while Chrysalis had lost some anger and gained a steady amount of confusion.

“That wasn’t a very civil thing to do,” Reflection growled, glaring up. James ignored her and focused on Nigel, the Emperor finally starting to sober up.

“Chalmers, behave.”

“Fine, fine… calm your tits.”

James didn’t bother, rolling his eyes and gesturing for everyone to stand up. The trio complied, all of them not saying a word while he watched them like a hawk. “Good, now if we all make it to the dining room acting just like this, then we can be done with this silliness.” A finger was pointed at Elijah. “You as well, I’m done with being the sole responsible one here.”

It was not to be, however, as at that precise time a side door was kicked open. James didn’t turn around immediately, taking a deep breath as he picked up the distinctive sound of an armoured tail dragging along the floor while ponies and griffons gasped.

“Murphy must hate you,” Elijah tittered, the reminder of the law only confirming James’ worst fears.

“It’s Orthodox, isn’t it?” James responded.

“Knock, knock!”

“That theory is confirmed,” Elijah answered before whistling. “My, are those severed heads he’s holding?”

Regretfully, James pivoted on the spot and confirmed it for himself.

Orthodox, covered with gore and minus his helmet, was wearing the largest grin possible. His chest was thrust out proudly, his tail waving in the air behind him almost in a wagging motion. Six bloody heads were clutched in his hands, James noting with revulsion that Orthodox’s teeth were bloody and a few of the heads looked chewed on. Typical, what could have been expected from letting him run around unsupervised?

James considered the choices open to him, and took the one he thought was wisest.

“Nope, I’m out.”

With that, he turned on his heels and headed for the exit and stairs, deciding that a nice shower was due.

Ponies wisely gave him a wide birth as Orthodox approached Nigel, Reflection and the new, large changeling backing away like they were going to throw up. Chalmers was impassive, Orthodox smiling proudly at the dumbstruck expression. Reaching his friend, he threw down the heads before his feet, the grisly trophies splattering onto the ground while flecks of frozen blood clattered on the crystal floor.

“Look what I got,” he announced with glee and his hands balled up against his sides. “I know they’re not the diamond dogs you wanted, but they were talking about trying to steal your gems.” He kicked the purple one’s head, smiling with ecstasy while he remembered the death. “I decided to sort them out for you, teach them some manners.”

“… And then deliver their severed heads to me, in front of foreign dignitaries?”

Orthodox glanced towards the creatures in togas and armour, all but the largest one wearing shocked expressions.

“You can thank me in the morning by lending me a few ponies or changethings with a cart.” Walking past Nigel, he strained to pat the human on the shoulder. “I’m tired as hell and it’s late, I’ll see you at breakfast.” Whistling, he left Nigel to deal with the mess, happy with himself and the good work that he had done.

Nigel stood still, trying to calm himself down. He was only dimly aware of Elijah moving to stand next to him, a million thoughts on how one can kill a short alien racing through his head.

“Excuse me, Nigel. I know this is a bad time, but I was wondering if-“

“Take them,” he croaked out in response to Elijah’s whisper. “Just… hurry up and take them.”

Holstering his data pad and clapping his hands together gleefully, Elijah quickly moved to bend down and gather up body parts.
“Oh my, such wonderful scales, and look at the inner workings of the throats…”

Nigel shut his eyes while Elijah muttered to himself, only opening them again when the scientist rushed past him with the grisly prizes in his arms. The small smatterings of blood still remained, Nigel staring at them silently.

Claws clacked on the floor, a griffon talon patting him on the side.

“As I said, amazing party,” Augustus chuckled, guards quickly ushering his wife and he away towards the rooms, taking care to use a different staircase than Orthodox and Elijah.

After a few more moments, Nigel brushed himself down, wiped his nose, nodded to himself, and then turned around to face the shaken Reflection and Chrysalis.

“Righto,” he announced while rubbing his hands together, guards hurrying to secure the area and clean up the mess. “Tea and a chat sounds rather nice right now, don’t you agree?”

Chrysalis stared at the cup of steaming tea that had been placed between her hooves by a servant, the other two at the table watching her intensely. The scene earlier had convinced her to act a little more civil as had been suggested, the arrival and actions of the short and obviously insane dragon providing a great incentive to cooperate. It didn’t prevent her from disliking it, however, and she communicated this by glaring at both the apparent Emperor and his traitor changeling consort.

“So, Queen Chrysalis,” the Emperor began after taking a sip of tea. “I’m either Commander or Emperor Nigel M Chalmers, depending on who I’m speaking to. This here is Reflection, who currently owns the much-disliked title of ‘Lady’.”

“Not for long,” the changeling noble muttered, sharing a glare with her.

“Ah, don’t give it away,” Chalmers chuckled, not noticing the stare off. “Anyway, I suppose we should get down to the main problem at hand. You obviously believe that what has happened is wrong.”

She focused back on him, frowning while taking a short drink. “You’ve stolen a large number of my subjects, leaving me with only a few hundred loyal ones.” Eyes narrowed. “If what you say is correct, then you and your…” she glanced distastefully at Reflection. “Helpers have succeeded in gaining control of them, control which isn’t likely to change. That makes me weaker, so forgive me if I’m not too happy about it.

“We were starving and desperate,” Reflection cut in, banging a hoof on the table which earned her a warning glance from the Emperor.

“Would you have preferred us to just die rather than try and continue to live? Are you that selfish that you’d want us to suffer rather than live the type of lives that you’ve been promising us for as long as anyone can remember?”

“Don’t you dare say anymore!” she thumped both forehooves down, seething at the perceived slight. “Do you have any idea how long I’ve worked to keep those promises? Do you know how difficult it is to try and keep thousands fed while all the lands despise or fear you!? I tried, Reflection, the Canterlot invasion was a sure thing and would have secured us food for life!”

Reflection visibly fumed. “A sure thing? How many changelings actually made it back after being flung out from your ‘sure thing’!? We still have injured and weak survivors making their way here, from all over the lands! You talk about improving lives, about unending food?” Reflection stood up with her forelegs on the table, her wings buzzing while she hissed. “Well, we’ve got that all here, and now you want to take it away out of… out of pure selfishness?”

“Reflection,” Chalmers placed a hand on the fuming changeling’s back, carefully setting his tea down. “Calm down, we can work this out-“

“No, Nigel!” Reflection growled, brushing his hand away. “Chrysalis will never work with us to help all changelings, not if it means she doesn’t have all of the power. All she cares about is control, control over everything and everyone. If we let her stay, then she’ll ruin everything!”

“You act like I wish to stay here,” she fired back, earning the attention of the Emperor.

“You may not have a choice,” he told her, once again placing a hand on Reflection’s back in an attempt to calm. “The changelings who have been living here for months have adapted quickly, and are enjoying living with the crystal ponies without having to worry about fear or going hungry. Working together, pony, changeling, and of course myself, we’ve transformed this city of fear into a beacon of civilization.” He sighed.
“You’re correct in saying that your subjects are rather taken with us, but it’s through no wrongdoing on my or the crystal ponies’ parts, we merely offer safety and security.”

“An offer that we can actually deliver,” Reflection added mockingly.

The Emperor sent her a look that prompted Reflection to fold her ears back apologetically, before he looked back to her. “Despite the way she’s putting it, Reflection is right. We have given what we promised, and your former subjects appreciate it greatly.” He hesitated, glancing towards the changeling by his side. “That offer of course is extended to yourself and your subjects.”

Reflection ground her teeth, while Chrysalis snorted.

“What makes you think I’d accept such a generous offer? I’d have to give up my power and refer to you as a superior, what’s the incentive when I can just take… other options?” She ensured to bare her fangs at the last two words, the Emperor and Reflection narrowing their eyes.

“I can assure you,” Chalmers answered. “Our military forces are small, but elite and experienced. Even without the help of myself and my quite capable colleagues, they are a fighting force to be reckoned with.” Chrysalis repressed a shudder, guessing that the short dragon was such a colleague. “We’ve already taken down one invasion force, we’re prepared to defeat another. However, I’d like to avoid the deaths of changelings if you don’t mind.” He leaned over, wrapping an arm around Reflection. “As you have probably guessed, I’ve grown rather fond of them.”

She maintained a fierce face while she watch Reflection nuzzle his face lovingly, and she grinded her teeth when the other changeling sent her a smirk unseen by the Emperor. To say her position was an uncomfortable one was an understatement, Chrysalis rapidly going over her options.

On one hoof, even the thought of bowing a knee to another left a sour taste in her mouth. That wasn’t even taking into account the Emperor’s and Reflection’s air of superiority, or the fact that the rival ruler didn’t even seem to realise what he was demanding of her.

Then again, what they offered for her and her subjects was tempting. She had seen the guards, taken in the intimidating armour that the changelings wore and the sharp weapons that they wielded. The creature in the black armour also keyed her in to the fact that she wasn’t dealing with a weak people, after all they must possess some power if they had taken over an apparent empire.

Her thoughts darkened, Chrysalis realising that they had no obligation to let her go. There were a number of guards outside of the door, and doubted that escape would be likely if they wished to detain her.

Pursing her lips, she continued to think while the pair opposite watched and waited. If she joined them, she was sure to lose total control of her changelings. On the other hoof, maybe she was thinking about this in the wrong way. Rather than a problem, she could try to turn this around, taking the opportunity to likely secure power and influence. From what she had seen, the city was very warlike and prepared for violence. These ponies and creatures could prove to be a useful asset in the future, but only if she acted quickly and with great cunning.

“After giving it some though, your… offer has some merits.”

The Emperor chuckled lightly. “Figured out that I could just chuck you in the dungeons?”

Her mouth twitched, but that was her sole reaction. “There’s that, but securing the safety of my subjects is appealing.” She noticed Reflection narrow her eyes, but continued on. “There are some conditions of course, if I agree to join your little Empire.”

“You’re in no position to set conditions,” Reflection growled, Chalmers moving to rub her head but was pushed away. “No, Nigel. Are you really doing this? Can’t you tell that she’s only trying to use us?”

“Reflection, we have to give her a chance.”

“I don’t agree, nothing is forcing us to.”

The Emperor ran his hand down his face, sighing. “Look, it’s complicated, just go along with it.”

Reflection paused, staring at him before nodding and leaving the table.

“Reflection?”

“I’m going to bed,” she shot back with venom. “I’m obviously not needed here, after all.”

Chrysalis raised an eye at the spat, the Emperor hesitating for a few moments while he held a finger up. Evidently he decided that it wouldn’t achieve anything, the door slamming shut behind Reflection before he turned back to face her.

“I’m sorry for that,” he continued on without a smile. “She’s got a lot on her mind currently.” She was wise enough to not say anything, waiting for him to continue. “Well, let’s hear these conditions.”

“One,” she began to supply while quickly thinking. “I want a high-up position, and partial control.”

“I can offer you the job of Minister for Changeling Affairs,” he countered. “After a week and a half, that’s when the position will become free. You’ll be offered either a large room in the palace or a house by yourself, a generous wage, and access to a wide range of services. You will be required to attend court and meetings.” He placed his hands on the table. “Control, however, will be limited.”

“Two,” Chrysalis continued, deciding to leave the arguing for now. “You must make it look like I managed to work out this deal with you, at least in front of my subjects.”

He paused before nodding. “I can do that, a general face-saving measure.”

“Three, I don’t wish to have any dealings with Equestria or their accursed princesses.”

“That won’t be an issue, Equestrians are no longer welcome in this Empire due to… prior disagreements.”

That gained her interest, what exactly had gone on while she was out? A city of ponies she had never heard of, not on friendly terms with Equestrian ponies? There was also the fact that their ruler was of a previously unseen race, and they also had assimilated changelings into their ranks. She got the feeling that something iffy was going on, but she felt like it was also a golden opportunity ripe for the taking. After all, she could feel the power coursing through her thanks to the seemingly unending supply of positive emotion in the air. Even the knowledge of how that was possible would be well worth acting like this Emperor was her superior.

“Four-“

“Look, Chrysalis,” the Emperor interrupted, glancing towards the door. “Can I request that we continue this tomorrow, after my morning meeting with the griffon delegation? Personal matters to attend to, and stuff like that.”

Her mind went to the changeling noble that had stormed out, the reason for his uneasiness easy to work out. Chrysalis made a note to try and befriend the admittedly irritating female, a high-up changeling on her side would be a boon to her efforts. It would be difficult however, she got the slight feeling that there was little appreciation for her efforts from that individual.

“That would be okay,” she answered, before glancing to the door.

“Thanks, you’ll of course be happy to stay in the house already provided for the time being?”

That was an issue, she hadn’t actually taken the time to examine her resting place in her haste to confront him earlier that evening.

“Of course,” she said with an even face, hoping she wasn’t making a mistake.

“Great, I’ll tell the guards to escort you back and provide you with anything within reason.” He hastily left his chair, not bothering to push it in before he reached the door and knocked, four guards opening it to stare in at her.

Chrysalis hoped that she was making the right choice, knowing that the next few days would be a strain.

Reflection didn’t roll over when someone else entered the room, the door shutting gently.

“Look, Reflection, I know you don’t like her but she can prove useful to-“

“I don’t want to hear it right now,” she cut him off. “She’s dangerous and will only plot to take us down, so I’m going to stay out of it until you see her for what she is.”

Thankfully, he was smart enough not to argue and to keep quiet, and it wasn’t long before the bed sheets were drawn back and a weight settled down next to her. Nothing more was said, the lights turning off and soon the sound of heavy breathing was the sole sound in the room. Waiting two more minutes, she finally lifted her head up and looked beside her.

Remembering the box sitting in their set of draws, her glare softened. While she didn’t like the idea of letting Chrysalis stay, let alone thinking about any cooperation with the failed tyrant, he obviously thought it was a good idea.

She just wished that he’d trust her a little more, it was obvious that he had a secret plan and the fact that he wasn’t telling her about it hurt. It was likely because he didn’t think that she would be able to get along with Chrysalis, something that was probably correct.

Lying back down with a sigh, this time facing him, she acknowledged that she’d have to talk to him about it in the morning. Hopefully he would let her in on it if she promised to behave in exchange. Her eyes narrowed, a darker thought entering her mind. ‘After all, I actually got along with Cadence for an evening.’

The slowly spreading warmth, courtesy of body heat, caused her to yawn and fall deeper into drowsiness. Shuffling closer, she pressed up against the sleeping Emperor and relaxed. It didn’t take long for sleep to take her, and despite the ending of the night she slumbered with a smile on her face.

“So, in exchange for two cartloads of gems delivered to your palace, you’ll give us one-hundred hectares of land to the north of your country?”
Nigel paused to take a gulp of tea, going over the scroll on which Augustus had written to proposal. The griffon nodded, the two rulers sitting at the table alone save for Sparking Scroll to the left.

“Prime mining land, it’s next to a huge mountain range full of deposits of iron ore, or so my scouts tell me.”

“I don’t know, it seems a little too good to be true.”

“Ha!” Augustus chuckled. “Do you know how difficult it is to get griffons to work in the cold? Even forgetting the fact that we already have plenty of existing mines in warmer regions, the cost of using hired labor would just be unfeasible. We weren’t going to use it, so I might as well get something out of it.” The Emperor leaned forward, a grin on his beak. “Besides, more iron for you means more lovely steel weapons for me. It’s win-win.”

Nigel grinned, evidently Augustus remembered the suggestion of the Crystal Empire trading steel weapons to the griffon legions. He wondered what other information the griffon had retained despite his drunkenness the previous night. Nodding towards Sparkling, he watched her record the offer down.

“It sounds good, however we should return to it later. I already have someone in mind to lead the mining operations, and I have to discuss it with my advisors.”

“Very well,” Augustus finished chewing a bite of sugared puff-pastry. “Why don’t we talk about a much easier topic, tourism. I may have said that griffons don’t like to work in the cold, but I have to admit that the views around your city are impressive indeed. If you open your boarders to griffons, I guarantee that you’ll receive a very healthy amount of visitors. Visitors with plenty of money to spend.”

“What’s in it for you?”

“Why, hopefully some of my wife’s friends will like it so much they’ll stay!” Augustus laughed deeply, before calming himself down and shaking a talon. “But seriously, there doesn’t need to be a direct payoff involved all the time. Cooperation between us both can only make my own Empire stronger, and secure my popularity with the Senate.” Augustus’ smile wavered for a brief instant. “The gods know that my firstborn needs all the help he can get in that regard.”

Nigel decided to not comment on the new information, and instead pushed on. As surprisingly entertaining and productive the meeting had been, he still had to have a talk with Reflection and then another meeting with Chrysalis that he wasn’t looking forward to.

“Speaking of cooperation, a military alliance…”

“Would be more than welcome,” Augustus finished. “The Equestrians have been encroaching upon our closest borders for years now, with or without permission from Canterlot I can’t be sure of. Still, a show of unity with our two nations’ militaries would go a long way to putting a stop to any official incursions, for both of us.”

A talon was extended across the table, Nigel shaking it with a thoughtful look. There was something else that the griffon wasn’t telling him, so he decided to go for the easiest option. “There’s something more, isn’t there?”

Augustus removed his talon and sat back, shrugging his wings. “Well, from what I’ve seen, you and your fellows don’t seem to be locals, if you get my drift.” A gleam was in Augustus’ eye, a wide smile spreading across his face. “I may be wrong, but I’m willing to bet that you’ll… know and possess certain things that others in the surrounding areas may not. If a show of good faith on my part builds a potential foundation for any future deals with any other parties not yet widely known…”

“A foundation like that is entirely possible,” Chalmers replied, tapping his fingers on the desk and glancing towards Sparkling. His assistant had stopped recording their words down, Nigel sending her a thankful nod before focusing back on Augustus. “I can’t promise anything concrete at the moment, given certain situations, but I can assure you that I will endeavor to put in a good word for you in the future. I have… influence in more than just the Crystal Empire.”

Augustus nodded with a satisfied smile, before looking back over his own list. “That is all, from the looks of things. I suppose that we have an agreement on all terms?”

“Indeed,” Nigel decided, the two once again shaking on it. “As of now, a treaty of cooperation is in effect and we’ll no doubt find it to be mutually beneficial.”

“Happy to finally to have some diplomatic success,” Augustus agreed. “Now, I’d love to stay for longer but my wife and I must be getting back.”

“I understand, I’ve already organised for some messengers to be organised for any communications we need.”

“All will be welcome.” Augustus left his seat, stretching his limbs before turning for the door. “Good luck to you, may we both prosper from this deal.”

“I’ll make an effort to visit,” he waved in farewell, watching while Augustus left the room. When the Emperor was gone, he relaxed in his seat and sighed. “Well, that went better than I hoped.”

Sparkling laid her quill down on the table, giving the list a final look-over. “We certainly managed to make some good agreements, that mining land could prove to be very useful given out lack of supplies. I’m surprised they let us have it for so few gems, even with that explanation about griffons not liking the cold.”

“Trust me, Sparkling, Emperor Augustus is more observant than he appears at times. He’s looking for more than just gems, he’s wise enough to already start gaining favor with me specifically.”

She tilted her head. “You think he knows about your ‘UIP’?”

“I think he’s managed to figure out that we’re a potential route to power unobtainable on this planet, and he’s willing to take a risk for a chance to secure some.” He leaned back in his chair, a grin on his face. “And I must say, he’s given me a wonderful idea regarding our Equestrian problem.”

Sparkling looked like she was waiting for him to tell her, but after a few moments of silence she gestured to her lists.

“Do you want me to stay for your meeting with Chrysalis?”

“No, thank you. I’ve got to find Reflection and try to solve some problems from last night, and the meeting with Chrysalis will contain some… confidential information. Sorry Sparkling, it’s not that I don’t trust you-“

“I understand,” she thankfully reassured, gathering her things. “I’ll make a few copies of this agreement and see Emperor Augustus off for you.”

He smiled at her. “Thanks, I better go and find Reflection.”

“I’m already here.” Both turned to look at the dining room door, Reflection walking past the guards on the outside to stand before him. She didn’t upset, something that he was thankful for. She’d woken before him that morning and had been absent at breakfast, so he had assumed that she was still cross. “Sparkling, could we please have some privacy?”

“You couldn’t pay me to stay here for what I think is about to happen,” Sparkling said as she rushed out, scrolls trailing behind her. Nigel focused on Reflection when the changeling shut the door, swiveling in his seat to face her.

“Reflection,” he began as soon as they were alone. “About last night-“

“It’s okay,” she interrupted, surprising him by taking flight and settling down on his lap with her forelegs wrapped around his neck in an embrace. “I know that I’ve got a short temper and I don’t do well with people I don’t like. Sometimes though, it just seems like you don’t even trust me enough to tell me what’s going to happen. This cooperation with Chrysalis doesn’t sit right with me,” she looked right at him. “I just don’t want anything to happen to you again, why can’t we just… send her away with some love-gems as a bribe?”

He sighed, shifting in his chair in an attempt to make it more comfortable for her. Placing his hands on her sides, Nigel sighed.

“Look, I know you don’t like Chrysalis and you don’t trust her,” he replied. “I can understand why, after all you see what she did as foolish and believe that it almost led to the end of your race. I know I didn’t listen to you last evening like I should have, but please trust me when I say that I have a plan in mind for occupying Chrysalis and ensuring that she’ll be no threat.”

Reflection lowered her head, shaking it sadly. “I’m sorry, Nigel, but I can’t accept that. I trust you on everything else and I know that you only mean well for me.” She smiled, Nigel able to feel her body relax. “I did give you that ring, after all. It’s just that Chrysalis… she’s manipulative, since anyone can remember. So whatever it is, can you please just tell me now so I can stop worrying?”

He stared at her for a moment, considering which was more important. Should he preserve secrecy, or go against his gut feeling and tell her what she wanted to know. Reflection nuzzling his chest helped him decide, and he pulled her back up so he had her full attention.

“Okay, I’ll tell you what I think we should do. But I warn you, this won’t exactly stop you from worrying…”

Chrysalis waited while the nurse drone changed the bandage around her left foreleg, tapping her free hoof on the carved wooden table. The house she and the three nurses were occupying was simple, but she grudgingly had to admit that it didn’t lack comfort. She’d slept in late that morning, but her injuries were fast improving. The love in the air was indeed prevalent, and she figured that before long she’d be back to full strength.

While awake, she had listened to the information that her nurses had gathered during their brief trip back to the main camp the previous night. Her concerns about the strength of the Crystal Empire guards were confirmed, the ponies and changelings appearing to be very disciplined and organised. Squads patrolled the city streets and boarders constantly, pole-axes and heavy armour clinking as they did so.
Curiously, she had noticed that most bore some visible scars, so the possibility existed that they had already seen combat on a massive scale.

“There you are, Your Highness,” the nurse spoke up, Chrysalis glancing towards the unwrapped leg. “All better from the looks of it.”

“So it seems,” she agreed, turning the limb over to examine it.

“Do you need anything else?”

Chrysalis glanced out of the doorway into the living room, two crystal pony guards visible outside the front window. All of a sudden, they straightened and saluted, so she craned her head to see who was approaching.

She almost cursed when she recognised the self-titled Emperor, and the changeling noble trotting alongside him with an even face. Now was not when she wanted to deal with them.

“No, please return to the room allocated for you and stay there.”

The nurse almost seemed like she was about to ask why, but a knock at the door convinced her to obey without the question. Chrysalis waited until the changeling was out of the room, and prepared for the mistake she was about to make.

“Come in.”

The door opened and closed, Chrysalis tapping her hoof on the table while she waited for the human and Reflection to stop and stare at her.
“Excuse us for the interruption,” the Emperor began. “But we were due for a meeting and I’d though that now was a good time to finish off last night.”

She stared at Reflection, the lesser changeling struggling to maintain a neutral face. The mental link she shared with her subjects was unresponsive with Reflection, indicating that the noble was actively blocking it out. A pity, Reflection seemed much more prone to showing emotion compared to the Emperor, and would have been a useful source of information during the meeting. Without asking, the Emperor carefully sat down on a free chair and pulled out another for Reflection.

While Reflection clambered up onto the offered seat beside him, Chrysalis took the time to properly study her hosts.

Reflection wasn’t that different to any other changeling noble, Chrysalis remembering that there were a small number of twenty-three back at the main camp serving as military officers. It was plain to see that Reflection led a pampered life, an admittedly beautiful necklace around her neck and a shiny carapace that indicated a healthy diet. Considering that Reflection was the consort of the Emperor and always by his side, in addition to the constant supply of energy in the very air, Chrysalis wasn’t very surprised.

The Emperor on the other hoof, was quite an interesting creature. The nurses had told her that he was a ‘human’, and that two other humans were in the Empire. Chrysalis assumed that they were the large black one with the refined voice and mind powers, and the bespectacled one in white armour who was creepy even to her. There was also the dangerous dragon-creature, another reason why she was holding off on just attempting to take over.

Chalmers himself was not too unusual in her books, possessing standard features for a mammal and not looking much like an ‘alien’ that her nurses had claimed him to be. Granted, he held an unmistakable presence in his simple black uniform, and she silently cursed that he was so smitten with Reflection. While seducing him wouldn’t have been very enjoyable, it would have led to an impressive amount of power once he was under her control.

“So, Chrysalis,” Chalmers spoke up, breaking her from her thoughts. “We’ve thought of a way to allow you control of your current subjects, as well as feed them while still contributing to the Crystal Empire.”

She shifted her eyes from one to the other, trying to spot any hints in their posture. It sounded suspicious, she could tell that a plot had been hatched.

“Really?” she answered evenly. “Forgive me if I doubt that.”

Reflection glared, but didn’t say anything. Nigel however raised an eye, before shrugging his shoulders. “Doubt all you want, it’s either this or you’re going to be removed from the Empire and we’ll keep any changelings that want to stay.” A faint smirk became apparent, and it was then that she realised that he wasn’t quite the fool he first appeared to be. “From what I’ve heard, a lot of the ones that arrived with you are very impressed with our ‘feed every changeling’ policy. It’d be a shame to have to resort to a petty popularity contest, don’t you agree?”
She growled, he certainly had a point there. It was true that her defeat by the Equestrians had strained the loyalties of her subjects, and at the moment she doubted that many would stick by her if offered what the Crystal Empire promised.

“What are you suggesting?”

The Emperor leaned back, tapping his fingers together. Chrysalis became worried when Reflection smiled at her, the positive expression setting off warning bells. Even worse, the Emperor nodded to Reflection before going back to watching her.

“It’s simple,” Reflection began. “Thanks to our deals with the griffons, we’ve traded for a large area of land next to some mineral-rich mountains. They’ll let us mine for iron and other metals in return for weapons made from our steel.”

“We require a workforce that are well suited to underground conditions, and can stand some cold temperatures,” Emperor Chalmers continued.

“Let me guess,” she replied, keying in. “You wish for me and my subjects to mine these mountains for you?” She almost scoffed, did they think her a simple overseer?

“We do. You’ll be provided with guards, weapons, supplies, equipment, and support whenever we have hands to spare. You will be in charge, and you’ll act pretty much like a protectorate. The mines run, the metals are transported back here…” he leaned forward. “And we’ll even let you keep any precious gems you find for any trade that you may wish to undertake.”

“You will also be given a permanent room in the palace for when you’re in the city,” Reflection admitted with a less than pleased tone. “You’ll be treated as a member of the upper-nobility when it comes to court matters, and houses will be set aside for any changelings that want to visit.”

Chrysalis was honestly considering the terms, intrigued by the offer. In return for managing a mining operation, she would be guaranteed a constant supply of love with the chance of extreme wealth? A room in the palace and the title of noble was less appetizing, but it still wasn’t a bad deal. She’d have, in effect, her own country away from the observing eyes of the Emperor. It couldn’t be as bad as the Hive she was running before, and it would give her ample time to build a core of loyal subjects.

“There are, of course, a few conditions,” Chalmers spoke up, ruining it all. Chrysalis eyed him carefully, no longer taking any chances with him.

“The guards sent will be chosen from loyal members of the defense force, and they will be evenly distributed between changelings and crystal ponies. If you perform well and stay… civil, then I see no issue with removing that condition in the future.” He paused, his smirk increasing.

“You’ll also be accompanied by Lead Researcher Elijah, he volunteered himself as soon as I told him that you’d be digging up rocks.”

“Really?” Reflection mentioned quietly, looking towards him. “You didn’t tell me about that.”

“It’s true, he’s always been a fan of geometry or whatever it’s called, so I thought-“

“No, I meant that I didn’t know you were sending him.”

Chrysalis didn’t like where this was going. “One moment, isn’t he the one in white armour?”

“Yes,” Chalmers sighed, waving a hand in dismissal. “He’s the guy who took the dragon heads. Look, just try and avoid talking to him and you’ll be fine. As soon as he sees shiny rocks, he’ll be as happy as… well, a mad scientist with shiny rocks. Relax, he won’t be there forever and I’ll tell him to leave you alone.”

Both Reflection and the Emperor settled back in their chairs and waited. Chrysalis mulled over the suggestion, taking stock of both the negatives and positives. In the end, she had to admit that it was indeed a fair offer, and if she gained an ally against Equestria then it couldn’t be too bad. Actually, she could convince her subjects that she had been the one to broker the deal, maintaining and regaining her dignity. It would take time to recover fully, but it would happen in the foreseeable future. They also told the truth when they hinted that she had no better options.

“I will accept, on one condition,” she answered, earning another glare from Reflection. “I wish to be able to rule as I see, making decisions without needing to consult you first.”

Chalmers raised an eye, but was quick to answer. “That’s fine, as long as you obey our laws and don’t jeopordise our relations with the griffons, understand? No invasions.”

“Fine,” she growled out, before forcing herself to relax. “Am I to sign something?”

“Don’t bother,” Chalmers waved away while getting up from his chair. “If you betray us, it will be dealt with swiftly,” he glanced at her before making for the door. “I hope that doesn’t need to happen, and I know that you don’t. Come on Reflection, I believe that a nice spot of lunch is in order.”

“Coming,” Reflection answered, watching him walk out. Chrysalis could see that Reflection was waiting for Chalmers to get out of earshot, before leaning across the table. “Seriously, if you even think about ruining this great chance we’ve given you, I’ll be there to make sure you’ll pay.”

‘How cute, the noble thinks she can intimidate the Queen of the Changelings.’ Chrysalis bared her teeth in a wide grin, and likewise leaned in.

“I can see that you believe to possess power, purely because you’ve chosen to spread your legs for the creature in charge,” she hissed, Reflection growing angrier.

“Like you can talk,” Reflection fired back with an equally venomous voice. “You claim it to be the ‘Changeling way’, after all. I think you’re just jealous that I’ve managed to help my fellow changelings without needing to trick a male into loving me.”

Chrysalis ground her teeth, the insolent upstart!

“You better watch yourself, Lady Reflection,” she warned with an emphases on the lower title. “Speaking like that to your betters can get one into trouble.”

Instead of the outburst of anger that she was expecting, Chrysalis was surprised to instead be met with a knowing smile on behalf of Reflection.

“Oh, just you wait, Queen Chrysalis. In a week and a half, you’ll find out just what it means to be confronted with someone higher than you.” Reflection leaned in closer, he snout almost touching. “I promise you that.”

“Reflection,” the Emperor’s voice came in from outside. “You’re not causing trouble in there, are you?”

“No Nigel!” Reflection replied. “I’m coming out now!”

A final, foreboding glance was sent her way, Chrysalis watching the confident changeling trot out of the house. Evidently Reflection thought that something would give her the upper hoof in their jostling for power, and was confident that it would come to pass.

It mattered not, she intended to be out of the country and running her own before the week was over, anyway.

Reflection trotted out of the house with a hum, moving alongside the waiting Nigel.

“What took you so long?” He narrowed his eyes, his face going hard. “Chrysalis wasn’t giving you any grief, was she?”

“No,” she reassured, surprising him by buzzing her wings and flying up behind him. Reflection looped her forelegs around his neck and her hind ones around his torso, resting her head on top of his. “Don’t worry; I’m not too concerned about her anymore. Let’s go get something to eat.”

“As you command,” he said while beginning to move down the street and towards the crowded markets, before he let out a chuckle and his voice dropped to a whisper. “Empress.”

Reflection grinned at the reminder of her future title, the previous encounter making it that much sweeter.

‘Maybe this Chrysalis thing won’t turn out to be so bad after all.’

Elijah looked up from his borrowed iceboxes at the knock on his door.

“You may enter,” he granted, his voice filled with happiness thanks to his acquisitions the previous night. The door pushed open and Orthodox, the last creature Elijah had expect, entered the modest bedroom. “Orthodox, what are you doing here?”

“Oh, well, you see…” Orthodox paused, gathering his thoughts.

“Yes?” Elijah raised an eye.

“Well, I know that you’ve been looking at those heads I brought back-“

“Ah! Yes the dragon heads, a very nice find,” he interrupted. “I do love dragons, the myths of mighty creatures soaring through the skies and bathing their foes in fire.”

“Sweet,” Orthodox perked up, taking a seat on his bed. The poor furniture squeaked under his armour. “So you’ll know a lot about them?”
Elijah adjusted his glasses, puffing out his chest. “Well, I wouldn’t claim to be an expert, but I have dabbled in certain information pertaining to them. I take it that you’ve got a question to ask regarding them?”

Orthodox nodded, Elijah eagerly awaiting the questions. It was strange that the normally simple Orthodox would seek learning, about dragons no less! Was this a turning point in his ignorance, a new leaf that was turned over? No matter, he would answer all queries and seek to educate his friend as best as he could, Elijah taking a personal oath the milk this rare occasion for all that it was worth.

“Okay then. So when I killed those dragons I saw that some of them had boobs.”

For the first time in as long as he could remember, Elijah was stumped.

“…Boobs? You think you saw mammary glands associated with mammals… on reptiles?”

“Yeah,” Orthodox responded, making imitation breasts on his armoured chest with his hands as if it would help clarify. “You know; knockers, tits, sweater-melons, baby-buffets. Boobs.”

“I know what they are.”

Orthodox tilted his head in disbelief. “Really?”

“This is no time for insults,” Elijah mumbled, rubbing his chin. “This information, if true, could rewrite our knowledge of animal classification. It could lead to the naming of a new species, topple the works of great thinkers who came before out time. This is serious business, Orthodox.” He looked up. “Has Nigel been informed, and James?”

Orthodox was silent for a moment. “…No?”

“What are you waiting for?” Elijah hurried, turning back to the iceboxes and beginning to undo their latches. “We must act on this immediately! Go, go!”

He was aware of Orthodox groaning, before the bed creaked and the door opened once again.

“Fuck, why is it so hard to find out if dragons are supposed to have boobs?”

The door slammed shut, Elijah barely even noticing.

He had important work to do, the entire future of biology rested on his shoulders and the mammoth question he had been asked.
The future of the world, nay, existence, rested on him and him alone.

“Do Dragons have boobs?” he muttered to himself, preparing for a long day and night of constant research.

Author's Notes:

So, after much procrastinating, another chapter is up.

For those confused about the whole 'Orthodox robbing and then slaughtering those six angsty dragons' scene...

Well, it's a reference to something. Something which may or may cause drama.
But, eh, fuck it. Those who recognise it, you know that it had to be done.

Anyway, Chrysalis makes her appearance and ends up scheming within a scheme. The agreements with the Griffons went through, despite the issues. Reflection is making a move to secure more political power to flaunt over Chrysalis, and the Crystal Empire managed to secure a mining deal that will hopefully solve it's mineral shortage.

But, most of all, the Crystal Empire is now allied with a nation with much more influence over Equestria. Emperor Augustus has obviously picked up on the possible advantages that the future could bring, and is more than happy to lend a hand... or rather a talon.

So, next chapter will see Chrysalis begin her new career as ruler of a protectorate, Elijah will no doubt annoy her immensely, Orthodox... will hopefully not go for another walk, and other things.

All the while, Equestria holds it's breath, wondering when danger will strike.

If at all.

Once again, all error-correct and comments welcome.

Until next chapter.