S.T.I.A.D.L: Future problems and past solutions

~~~~~Celestia’s POV~~~~

The castle is almost ready for tomorrow and some representatives have arrived already. The representatives came from around the continent to watch the coronation of Princess Twilight Sparkle. There were a few griffons, zebras, and even changelings. Although there is one changeling who promised to be here months ago and another who disappeared around that time that I wanted to see.

“Have you seen the changeling King?” I asked a nearby guard.

“Not yet, your highness,” she replied.

“Sorry I’m late,” a voice called from a side entrance. I turned to look them in the eye and was slightly surprised that it was the King of the western hive of changelings, King Crimson.

“If it isn’t the illustrious King himself finally gracing us with his presence,” I said sarcastically.

“Hahaha very funny, Princess. The only reason I’m late is that we are preparing for war against the southern hive,” he informed me with his usual authoritative voice.

“Why are you attacking the southern hive, King Crimson?” I asked in my regal voice.

“Last week we tried to get them to sign a peace treaty but their Queen killed our representative. To make things more troublesome she sent a message that declared war on us if we continue to side with the ponies,” he explained.

“Why wasn’t I informed earlier?” I asked using every ounce of will I had to keep my voice regal.

“A few reasons actually. The first reason is that we don’t want to pull our allies into our own stupid war. The second reason is that it doesn’t concern your ponies, only my changelings. Finally you have already damaged their hive after that failed attack two years ago.”

“You mean their Queen is Chrysalis?”

“Yes but our hive has theirs outnumbered so don’t worry,” he assured me although I knew he was withholding information.

“What has you so worried then?”

“Well I should warn you anyway. The hives to the north and south can get to the western hive easily without going through Equestria. However our intelligence suggests that the eastern hive is on their side so thousands of changelings could be entering Equestria in the coming weeks.”

“Are you suggesting that on their way to your hive changelings might start attacking the ponies they encounter?”

“It’s only a possibility and to prepare for this all of my changelings will be evacuating Equestria. This will not only help protect the hive but will also help you weed out enemy changelings that might threaten Equestria. Our treaty was the first one changeling’s have ever had with another race in eons and we want nothing to risk it,” he admitted starting off towards his prepared guest room.

My mind was going wild with the possibilities of a war between changelings so close to our borders. Their nest is a mere twenty miles from the closest town; add another five miles for a major city. The first time in nearly a thousand years I had no idea what to do about the war.

~~~~~~Luna’s POV~~~~~~

Today had been peaceful so far but something about King Crimson’s visit had my sister baffled. I couldn’t stop thinking about it, shortly after Crimson retired to his room Celestia left as well but not in the direction of her room. That is what drove me to follow her to a balcony that overlooks the gardens.

“What is troubling you, dear sister?” I calmly asked while slowly approaching the balcony.

“Nothing I want to trouble you with Luna,” she answered still distraught.

“Did Crimson threaten you?” I asked unwilling to drop the subject so simply.

“He merely gave me an update on the western changeling hive,” she admitted before taking flight.

After a short internal debate I decided to ask her about it another time but was determined to not let this drop. Instead of following her I went to my room to check the scanner. It was a gift from King Crimson, a small black rectangle about as thick as an average book that when powered by magic allows us to listen to the western hive mind. I funneled the small amount of magic that it needed and turned it on.

“All changelings will withdraw from Equestria and help defend our hive. Repeat all changelings to the western hive. No changeling is allowed to stay behind in Equestria,” a voice came from the box.

“Our treaty with the ponies has been suspended. Under the authority of King Crimson himself I order all changelings to return to the hive. I regret to inform you that by dusk tomorrow we will be at war. Noling must fight but for the safety of Equestria everyling must return to the hive. You are not to inform anypony of this war as the King has denied their assistance to save the treaty,” the box played before I turned it off.

~~~~~1½ years ago ~Crimson’s POV~ western hive~~~~~

It was a big surprise to find that after a few good deeds an entire hive wanted me to lead them. I found the hive only a few weeks ago by tracking a weird signal but I wearily took the throne. I call it a throne since it actually looks a lot like Celestia and Luna’s thrones and they keep calling me their King. Apparently this hive had separated from the others in hopes that one day they could enjoy pony society without hiding.

They even had laws that reflected pony society but believed they lacked a kind and gentle ruler. Considering they accepted me they were clearly desperate but Midnight convinced me to take the throne. It didn’t take long before I requested someling to deliver messages to a few select ponies to get diplomacy started. It took the lucky changeling almost an entire day to deliver my messages to the select eleven ponies.

Thanks to the hive mind I was able to help him and get instant conformation when he delivered a message. I felt bad for the unfortunate changeling when I took over his body to heal one of the attending members but after a short explanation he forgave me. Right now he and my guests were arriving so I put on the white cotton cape they gave me and sat on my throne making sure my crown was on correctly.

“You requested to see us?” was the cautious voice of their King Kindo though I was unsure how anyling was able to invite him. In any case he was a welcomed surprise and I used my magic to light up the area.

“Hello again everypony,” I greeted happily but in a professional tone.

“MIDNIGHT!” they yelled collectively.

“Not exactly but he might be around here somewhere. I am Crimson well actually King Crimson,” I clarified. It became quiet for a while before anypony spoke up.

“How are you two still alive?” Kindo asked with a mixture of relief, confusion, and horror.

“What?” I asked completely confused.

“It hasn’t happened to us yet,” Midnight explained coming down the stairs behind my guests. He gave Celestia, Luna, Kindo, and Vectra a hug before he spoke again, “Let’s get down to the reason we’re all here shall we?”

“Yes well I asked you all here because I wanted to get a pact between our species,” I summed up.