Chapter Sixteen

****Canterlot, Equestria****
One Month Later/Morning

Morning in Equestria is loved by a good number more ponies than it should be. Princess Celestia is one of these ponies. With a smile on her muzzle and a shot of hard whisky in her tea she was ready to take on the nonsense that had come up while she had been held captive by the plant’s in the Everfree. Beside her was Luna, looking as tired as ever as she was not a morning pony. In her magical grip was a large mug of coffee.

During their absence, the Royal Guard had a few reported accounts of suspicious activity near the Royal Archives. A worrying thought, but the guard captain assured her that he could take care of the reports himself. Considering his shaky start, put in a magical comma a few hours after his promotion ceremony, he was starting to show better leader skills than Shining Armor had when he started.

All that though were things Celestia thought could handle themselves. Whatever the Council had called for both Princesses to be present for however... probably should be looked into, ‘Please don't let it be another meeting about the rewriting of the tax laws.’ Celestia thought to herself, careful not to broadcast that over her and her sister’s telepathic link.

“Sister.” Luna started as she finished another sip of her coffee, “Please tell me why I had to get up at this hour.” Celestia opened her mouth to answer, “If you tell me it’s for the tax laws again, I’m turning around right now.”

Celestia held in a laugh at her sister as she answered, “I was told by Parchment that there was to be a Council meeting in the right wing meeting room.”

Luna groaned, “So it could be another meeting about the taxes.” she let out a slightly louder groan before taking a large drink of her coffee.

“Luna it won’t be that bad.” Celestia stated as they came to the door, “It can’t be any worse than being abducted by plant’s yesterday.”

Celestia used her magic to open the door and both her and Luna were welcome to the curious site of Parchment standing at the side of the room by himself. The yellow unicorn councilor stood to the right of the room with a briefcase at his side. He turned his head making a lock of his black mane come out from under his fedora and frame the side of his face.

The room itself followed the rest of the castle with lavish decor, a long, highly decorated table, and a multitude of over-the-top fancy cushions to sit on. Despite both Princesses being confused at only the one councilor's presence, they didn’t show it on their faces.

“Ah, Princess Celestia, Princess Luna.” Parchment bowed.

“Councilor.” Luna droned before drinking the last of her coffee.

“Councilor Parchment.” Celestia said as if he were a dear friend, “Where is the rest of the council?”

Parchment sigh, “Straight to business then.” he said before his horn lit up and closed the doors behind Celestia. The electric lights above kept the room bright while Parchment continued, “The councilors have been talking and we’ve come to an agreement in relation to you two.” he gestured to both Celestia and Luna, “Ever since the first attack a few years ago by Nightmare Moon the guard has been shown time and time again to fail their jobs protecting you both.”

Luna was about to say they didn’t need protection, but after yesterday she could see why it would seem so.

“Okay, so what has the council decided?” Celestia asked, eyebrow raised.

Parchment sighed before opening his briefcase and began to pull out various files and papers, “A complete overhaul for the Royal Guard. New training, larger numbers, and personal escorts at all times for the foreseeable future. A squad of the best trained soldiers from both the Night Guard and the Day Guard will be-”

“I believe the proper names are the Lunar Guard and the Solar Guard.” Luna corrected the stallion as she took a seat on a cushion beside her sister.

‘Is it the Solar Guard?... Why does there have to be twenty different names for two separate divisions of the Royal Guard?’ Celestia thought to herself as Parchment continued.

“I'm sorry Princess, but as I was saying a squad of the best will be chosen out of the Lunar Guard and the Solar Guard to guard you at all times. Exception being when you are in your bed chambers.” Parchment began to hoof over papers to the Princesses, “Details pertaining to the Royal Guard overhaul. The budget will need some, finer tuning, but I’m sure the captains can work those out and get back to us at some point.”

“Parchment, it says here that guards will be stationed by our sides immediately. How are we to choose the best of the newly trained guards if the guards haven’t been trained yet?” Celestia asked as she looked at the third paper in the stack she was given.

Parchment took a shaky breath as he pulled out another paper, “This was signed off by the entire council and for the next few months while the guards are being trained we’ve hired two of the best in the business to protect you.”

Luna picked up the paper in her magic and immediately her eyes began to narrow as she began reading line after line, “Councilor, surely you jest? Celestia may of pardoned them for a few of their crime’s but they are still wanted for all the others.” Luna stated as she presented the paper to Celestia for her to look over.

“No, I am not joking. The Spartans have yet to fail any job that has been given to them. On top of that if the mission parameters state that if lethal force is optional they have yet to take the easy route and kill.”

“They are working with Changelings.” Luna stated her voice growing louder. “The very same hive who attempted to invade us last year.”

“It has been stated by the Spartans that the Changeling Empire is only their host and ally. Last week, the Spartans worked for the Minotaur Dominion and got the job done before the end of the next day. Minotaurs are known for their hate of changelings and has led three hunts to exterminate the species in centuries past, but they still trusted the Spartans and the Spartans upheld their end of the deal in full.” Parchment stated as Celestia carefully examined the paper.

“I don’t like the idea.” Celestia lowered the paper as Parchment held his breath, “But, it would help improve relations with the Changeling Empire.”

Parchment let out a huge sigh of relief, “They’ve also agreed to work the next few months for free as long as their whole team get’s their records cleared.”

Celestia nodded her head, “What do you think Luna?”

Luna was silent for a moment before answering, “This seems like a setup by the changelings, but if the Minotaurs can put aside centuries long hate of the changelings to work with them then I see no reason we can not either.” Parchment smiled as he felt a load of weight get lifted off his shoulders, “There will, however, be two other guards of our personal choice with them at all times.”

Parchment nodded, “Of course, stating that a guard will be with them at all times is in their contract, but as for personal choice I’m afraid that we have already selected who will be with them. Since it will be a complete overhaul of the system, we brought in a veteran who retired recently to guard them with the Luna Guard captain till the first group of the guard is trained.”

“Please don’t tell me you’ve brought in Shining Armor. With the upcoming Equestria Games, Cadence is likely to need his help to prepare.” Celestia stated as Parchment shook his head.

“No, we’ve brought in former Lieutenant Spear from the Solar Guard and he will be working with Captain Echo Location of the Lunar Guard. The Spartans will stay with you whenever you’re awake and will almost never leave your side.”

Luna let out a sigh, “When will they get here. I’d rather at least get a nap in before we have to welcome them.”

“I’m more curious as to whom Leon would send.” Celestia said as she looked over a few more of the papers detailing the guard overhaul.

“Looking to get some payback on the one who shot your horn?” Luna said with a smug smile on her face.

“No, I’d be surprised to see any of the original three Spartans show up here.” Celestia said as she took a sip of her tea.

“Well you’re, half right...” Parchment muttered before adding quickly, “As for your questions of when and who, they’re in here now-” Celestia almost, almost, did a spit take as he said that, “-and on your say they’ll come out.”

She swallowed her tea as Luna’s eyes began to dart around the room, having been sure that they were the only ones in the room seconds prior. Celestia too was about to look around the room, but she knew that she wouldn’t find them. Parchment tried to make himself as small as possible as he wanted to be left out of whatever came next.

“Alright then, you can come out now.” Celestia said as she looked around the room to see where they might appear. On her command a portion of the wall to her right began to move from it’s spot and take a step towards her. The white colors of the wall seemed have blotches of black suddenly appear in multiple place. Before a moment had passed standing before her was not a portion of the wall but a fully armored Spartan with his hands behind his back.

Celestia turned to her left and sure enough another Spartan stood by Luna, though the Princess of the Night was still focused on the one by her.

‘There's one beside you too.’ Celestia told Luna over their link.

Luna, to her credit, didn’t suddenly turn to look at the Spartan. Though turning her head slowly like she was in a horror movie and had an ominous shadow cast over her wasn’t much better. The Spartan next to Luna looked at the two of them, with folded arms, before nodding it’s head to the other.

“Princess Celestia and Princess Luna.” Alfred started, getting both their attention, “I’m Spartan Alfred Diamond and my friend here is Spartan Ethan Smith. We will be your protection till the first few squads of guards are trained and they can take our positions.”

Celestia narrowed her eyes at Alfred, “You were the one who shot my horn off.”

“Yes, I was providing sniper support for Leon and Josh when you encountered them in the forest. I would like to state-”

“Spartan.” Luna interrupted, “Why would your leader send you out of all the other Spartans?”

Any reaction Alfred had was not seen through his helmet, “We recently had a matter come up and we had to prioritize our forces and our deployments.”

“And I suppose we are not privy to that information?” Luna asked with a glare.

“No.” Ethan stated simply causing the Princesses to glance at him.

“If we do not have your trust-” Luna began, staring directly into Alfred's visor, “-why should we give you ours?”

Before Alfred could respond, Ethan answered, “Trust is earned.”

“Not given.” Alfred finished, “This is not a matter of trust though. Telling you where our other deployments are is out of the question. We can tell you a lot of things as Leon thought it would be good to establish trust between us. Understand though that any questions about the Hive’s security and exact location, as well as any questions around their technology and ours, will not be answered.”

Celestia thought the last one was a given, but didn’t say anything as Alfred continued, “However, Leon said that personal information is our own to give. Just don’t be expecting much from Ethan.”

“What do you gain from this?” Celestia asked, hoping to catch Alfred off guard, “You’re names were already cleared of any major charges that couldn’t be payed off.”

Alfred was quiet for a second, “Before the Princess Chrysalis attacked Canterlot most changelings in the hive lived in fear of the above ground world. When she took her makeshift army to Canterlot and came but a step from overtaking the city the changelings under her command were shocked to say the least.

“Ever since the oldest in the Hive escaped the prison camps of the minotaurs they’ve told stories of how the world outside their Hive was cruel, evil, and anyone would kill them on site for just being a changeling. For them, that battle was the turning point. A militia group of civilians and a few military soldiers almost took down the goddess of the sun.”

Celestia opened her mouth to protest the title, but Alfred raised a hand to stop her, “It doesn’t matter if you are or you’re not, for them they had come but one step form the impossible. Queen Cocoon was hard pressed to keep them all safe after that. She doesn’t like change but she’s trying her best to make a future for her people.”

“I’d rather get to bed sometime today Spartan.” Luna stated, “Save your sob story for later and get to the point.”

Alfred nodded, “As it is changelings are seen as monsters all over the world from Equestria to the D-B Kingdom. At the Annual World Leaders Summit in a few months all we ask is that you support changeling integration and help drop the laws for them just being seen. Your decision will not affect how we will preform our jobs, but it would be considered a gesture of good will.”

Celestia raised an eyebrow as Luna narrowed her eyes and looked into the Spartan’s visor, “You really think so low of us that we wouldn’t of done so before?”

That seemed to catch Alfred off guard, “What?”

“My sister is right, we would of approved for the laws being dropped even before you came here. They are entirely too harsh and immoral.” Celestia stated as she took a sip of her tea, ‘Should have put a double shot whiskey in this.’

“You’ll have to forgive me for not believing you given Equestria’s reputation, but if what you say is true then how is it that the laws haven’t been addressed sooner?”

“You seem to think that we make all the final decisions in the World Council, but the other five leaders have just as much say as we do. I can’t tell you the vote numbers or the other nation’s reasons as it’s not mine to say, but Luna and I voted for a reworking of the laws.” Celestia answered before a look of confusion crossed her face, “What did you mean ‘given Equestria's reputation.’?”

“You don’t know?” Alfred asked.

“We wouldn’t be asking you if we did.” Luna stated before Celestia could answer.

“From the multitude of reports our changeling friends have gathered, Equestria is seen, as a whole, a nation of racist bigots.”

Luna froze mid sip of her coffee as the Spartan finished. Celestia stared at him with wide eyes as her mouth moved trying to think of words. Parchment, who had been quietly observing and silently hoping that he wasn’t going to get fired, stared at the Spartan in confusion.

“From other individual reports from other sources confirmed this. Your average Equestrian looks down on those from other nations with pity. In most cases, with gryphons and minotaurs especially, they are seen as barbaric. Those with political pull make it a living tartarus for them to get into equestria for a permanent stay. Then there are the school systems in these areas that instill the smallest of racist teachings. Talking about how other nations have messed up and went to war while Equestria has stayed peaceful for a millennia.

“A few settlements are noted to be ‘not as racist’ but they are few. Two of your major port cities, Manehattan and Las Pegasus, are notorious for tourists being discriminated against. The Police force in San Franciscolt is noted as being overly brutal with immigrants while it’s general population is more accepting.”

“I’ve heard quite enough.” Luna stated, “I’m tired and as of right now I’ve had just about enough of this nonsense. Equestria prides itself on equality and peace, so forgive me if I do not believe you.”

“Quite true. We will do our own research into the matter.” Celestia stood up, “For now though I do believe this meeting is at a close.”

“Of course, tell us what to do and we’ll stay as close as possible without being seen.”

“I’ll be going to my office to sign away on some paper work.” the sun princess stated, finishing her tea/whisky.

“I’ll be going to bed.” Luna said getting up and heading towards the door. Alfred nodded towards Ethan and then began to follow Luna. As she walked out the door, Alfred’s armor changed to the same white as the walls and he ran off ahead.

Celestia turned from the door to the Spartan still in the room, “We’ll be making the announcement about you tomorrow. Then you won’t have to-”

“No.” Ethan stated, interrupting Celestia, “We stay hidden.” the solar princess furrowed her eyebrows in confusion. Ethan gestured his hand to the papers, “Contract.”

“Alright, I’ll review it later. Are you going to meet me at my study, or-” she stopped talking as Ethan’s armor began to turn transparent. In less than a second the only thing that told her he was still there was her distorted view of the wall and decor behind him.

Getting up off her cushion, Celestia smiled at the Spartan, “Than let’s get going, I plan to stop by the kitchens first to get a small breakfast. Have you already eaten?”

“I’m fine.”

“That wasn’t the question was it.” Celestia turned and began to go towards the door with Ethan close behind.

As the door shut to the council meeting room shut, a certain stallion let out a large breath of relief. Parchment was happy that the meeting had seemingly gone well and their guards should be with them in a short while. His relief was short lived though as the door opened up once more.

“Oh and Parchment,” Celestia said as she looked back into the room, “I’m going to need you to look over and point out the flaws in the newest rewrite of the tax laws. I’ll be busy with some other things and we need to work those out by next week.” she gave her trademark smile as she shut the door, “Thank you.”

The stallion was quiet for a while, staring at the door where the Princess had left. Soon though his right eye began to twitch with an increasing rate before half a smile appeared on his face. He promptly passed out a few seconds later.

****Changeling Empire, Badlands****
Morning

As normal, the small city that was the capital of the Changeling Empire, and the only city for that matter, was full of activity. All the changelings running and flying to and fro. Some going to jobs, others going to meet friends, overall it was just a normal morning.

Inside the castle, in a room near the center of the walls, there was a scene unfolding that none had ever seen before. Inside a dark room two aliens, a changeling, and a spirit inside a helmet were all practically sitting on the edges of their seats, for those that could. Their eyes glued to the holographic screen in front of them as they watch their movie unfold in an amazing finish that cou-

The image suddenly turned off and the lights turned on, electing cries of protest from the small audience. They all turned around to see Leon standing there with his arms crossed, “What are you all doing?”

“Well bro we were watching an awesome movie till you showed up.” Chase stated as he got up off the couch.

“You’re all not forgetting anything? Something important maybe?” Leon asked waiting for Chase’s answer.

Arching an eyebrow in confusion, Chase opened his mouth to answer before Chrysalis beat him to it, “I think he wanted to join in on this movie night.”

“Oh-oh! Dude I’m so sorry.” Leon raised an eyebrow behind his helmet, “I completely forgot to ask you. I’m really sorry...” sighing and making his hand meet his helmet, Leon shook his head.

Josh spoke next, “Ya got good timing. We were about to watch Die Hard next.”

“Do any of you have any idea what time it is?” Leon asked.

All of them replied with a no before Nightmare’s answered, “It’s almost ten- Oh blasted, we’re late for our mission debrief.”

There was a moan of protest from Chase and Josh as the latter picked up his helmet and got off the couch. Chrysalis followed suit with a large yawn, walking past the armored Spartan, “Best of luck and all that-” she was cut off with another yawn as she walked out the door.

“Hey Leon, how's that one proje-” Chase started before Leon raised his hand.

“It’s doing fine, stop trying to change the subject and get your armor on.” Leon stated as he turned to the door, “We’ll talk at the Pelican.”

Both Spartans began to undress what the few clothes they had on. Chase picked up his helmet from the table in front of the couch and put it on. Seconds later a flash of light lit up the room and, thanks to the magic of armor compression, the Spartan felt all the weird sensations of the suit suddenly being on him. Another flash showed Josh had done the same.

“I had thought you two would go to different rooms for such a thing considering your kinds need for clothing.” Nightmare commented as Chase moved around a bit to get make sure everything was in order.

“We went through cryo training together. You got no shame after that... or maybe it was just how our drill sergeant did the exercise?” Josh shrugged, “Hell if I know.”

“God damn I hated that guy.” Chase said out loud as he kicked his discarded clothes to the side of the room, “Hey remember when he helped some guy-”

“Yes, drop it now.” Josh said dangerously making Chase laugh.

“Sure you don’t want to reminisce about that night for Moony’s sake. You three seemed to have a hell of a night.”

Josh suddenly straightened up, “Oh-kay, I’m out.” he said, speed walking out of the room.

“Dude don't be like that, I'm just messin with ya.” Chase said as he went after him.

“Am I missing something here?” Nightmare asked as Josh walked through the castle’s corridors.

“It was a very bad night, let’s leave it at that.” Josh stated as Chase caught up to him.

****

Leon stood in front of the Pelican’s open loading bay door looking over the three Spartans in front of him, “Now, a few weeks back Chase and Ethan were flying back from their mission with the Minotaurs and they were almost taken down by something. That something was of magic origination so Josh and Nightmare will be going on this mission to assist with scanning the environment.”

The Spartan in question put a magazine into his MA5D, “Sweet.” he said as he clicked on the safety.

“Hank,” Leon said with a nod towards the Spartan, “-you’ll be our pilot so I’ve already loaded your chain gun into the Pelican.”

“Thanks, did you get the clamps on it nice and tight? I’d rather have it than leave it if we crash.” Hank asked.

“You know, it’s because of things like that I trust Ethan’s piloting skills more than yours.” Chase said, making Hank laugh and earning a look from Leon.

“Chase, you’ll be staying here to watch our equipment.” Leon said getting Chase’s full attention, “We’ll also need you to be here in case something happens to either team.”

“And what if something happens to both teams?” Chase asked.

“If you can still contact us, then ask me. If you can't get a hold of either team, check your equipment and make the decision yourself. It will be up to you who to move to assist.” Leon stated, “If either team misses four consecutive check ins then you call back the other team and head to the missing team’s last known position.” Leon switched to a private channel, “You’ll also be overseeing that project too.”

“Alright alright. The check ins are every twelve hours for each team, right?” Chase asked. Upon receiving a nod he got up and moved to the other side of the room, “Sweet, then I got some time for a nap.”

Shaking his head Leon called to him, “Our check in time is eight. The Equestrian team’s is ten.” Chase flashed him a thumbs up before Chase entered a small stone house that was built into the rock wall.

“Alright let’s get loaded up and I can tell you what we’ve been able to gather on the Everfree Rainforest.” Leon said, getting a slow nod from Josh, “Nightmare can you please make sure he stays awake for the debrief.”

“You didn’t have to ask.” Nightmare said with a happy tone.

“Glad to finally be on a mission again?”

“Yes and while I’m sure it won’t be as fun as the dragon slaying, I’m sure it won’t be that boring either.”

Nodding his head Leon turned and walked into the Pelican, “Well come on, we’re burning daylight.”

Josh sluggishly got up, “I just had to do the movie binge with Chase and Chryssy.” he started shaking his head s he entered the Pelican and the door began to close.

Meanwhile Chase looked out the front door of the cave-like home and watched as the Pelican began to start up. He carefully slid out of the doorway as it lifted off the ground and moved towards the hole in the wall. Chase watched it slip into the tunnel and smiled, “Fuck yeah, time for a vay-kay.”

The Spartan walked back into the house and came out again, but this time he had in his hands a lawn chair that one might find at any garage sale. He opened it and set it on the rocky cave floor beside his Warthog before looking around the cave.

Besides the boxes of ammo and miscellaneous equipment in the corner it was now just a big empty room without the Pelican. An exit for foot traffic and a large tunnel to take the Pelican out of were the only signs that he wasn’t trapped. Nodding his head, Chase sat down on the chair with his armor on and thanked whoever created the magic spells used on the chair for making this moment possible.

He set a timer for seven forty-five and laid back in the chair. In his helmet he played a video of a beautiful setting sun and waves hitting the sandy shore he was now pretending to be on. He would be alerted by one of the security measures in place if one of the changelings, or anything, walked or flew into the cave.

Right now though was his time to relax, “Do you like Pina Colada? Dah dah. Getting stuck in the rain?” Chase hummed while the song played quietly in his helmet.

Author's Note

I'm happy with this chapter. I was able to get it out earlier than usual, which is always a plus. I was able to get a lot of things set up for the future, as one of you guys reminded me with a comment. Then, to top it off, writing down the name of that song helped me get it out of my head. On top of all that, I also keep steadily getting the occasional favorite to the story which kept me on track and writing this instead of reading others.

I haven't been this happy since this story hit the featured list for a few moments.

So, community question: If you had a song to play on a desert island to relax, what song would it be?

My answer: Did you read the end of the chapter?