Changing Times: The Outlier
Chapter One
A pair of thestral Lunar Guards patrolled along the outer walls of Canterlot Castle, with emotionless expressions typical of those within the Guard. As they approached one of the guard entrances hidden along the sides of the Castle, the first signs of dawn can be seen over the horizon, indicating the end of the Lunar Guards’ shift, and the beginning for those of the Solar Guard.
The pair of thestrals entered through the doorway, and moved towards the Lunar Tower. Unlike the Solar Guards that are housed in barracks behind the castle, separate from the castle itself, the barracks of the Lunar Guards were built as part of the Lunar Tower, with the barrack occupying the lower levels, and the Lunar Princess’ chambers located at the top level.
As the pair entered the lunar barracks, the guards within saluted. “Captain Leo, sir!”
“At ease everypony. Anything out of the ordinary last night?”
“No sir, but Princess Luna has requested your presence in her chambers at your earliest convenience,” answered a lieutenant.
“Very well. Once you’re all done filling out your reports, you’re all relieved for the day, though try not to drink yourselves into a stupor.” A chorus of snickers echoed throughout the room. When out of public view, the Lunar Guards act more like brothers and sisters than soldiers of varying rank.
The gray thestral mare that patrolled with Leo poked him the exposed flesh on Leo’s right side, causing him to jump slightly, having been a bit too relaxed within the familiar space.
Leo tried to hide his embarrassment. “Yes, Lotus?”
Lotus, trying unsuccessfully to cover up her snicker, replied. “Called up to the Princess’ chambers, huh. Aren’t you just the luckiest stallion?”
A bright blush appeared on Leo’s otherwise subdued bluish complexion. “Get your head out of the gutter, Lotus!” With that, he started walking towards the spiral stairs along the tower walls.
Lotus followed close behind. “You’re so easy to tease brother, you need to have some fun once in a while.”
“Why are you following me? Princess Luna didn’t call for you.”
“I’m hurt brother, how can you say that to your right-hand mare?”
“Fine, just try to behave in front of the Princess.”
“But of course.”
After innumerable flights of stairs, they finally reached the top floor. It would have been much faster if they flew straight up, but that was forbidden within the tower itself unless it was an emergency. As they reached the ornate double doors with the Princess’ cutie mark, the doors were opened by some invisible force.
“Welcome, Captain Leo Heart. You as well, Lieutenant Lotus Moonpetal.”
We both bowed in respect towards our Princess.
“Princess, what is it that you require of m…,” Lotus discretely elbowed him. “Of us.”
“I see your two are as close as ever.” Both thestrals blushed at her comment. “Anyway, I have an important mission for you, Leo. It appears that my sister’s guards have apprehended somepony they suspect to be a changeling. Her guards have been interrogating him for a couple days now to no avail. She refuses to use force without sufficient proof that it’s a changeling, so she has requests your ‘services.’”
“Why didn’t she call for me from the start?”
“Though I trust you with my life, my sister is still suspicious of you. The changeling invasion two years ago is still fresh in her mind, and your very presence is a constant reminder of what might have been.”
A conflicted expression showed on Leo’s face. He understood Celestia’s concerns, but after all has accomplished, after all he has sacrificed, it made him question whether he would ever gain the trust of the Solar Princess, the princess he initially wanted to serve.
“Anyway, the suspect is being held in the interrogation room in dungeon. See if he poses a threat, and take care of him if his dangerous.”
“As you command, my Princess.”
A frown appeared on the Princess’ face. “How many times have I told you to stop being so formal around me? Call me Luna, we are friends are we not?”
“Of course, Prin… Luna”
After bowing once more, we turned and headed towards the castle dungeon.
Once we arrived at the doorway into the dungeon, the two Solar Guards positioned on either side saluted, having been informed earlier of the Lunar Captain’s arrival. One of the Solar Guards led them down into the dungeon, to the interrogation room. The room consisted of two smaller rooms, with a one-way window allowing the guards to see the suspect on the other side. With a glance, he was immediately able to tell that the suspect was indeed a changeling. But that was almost a given since the suspect was suspicious enough to be apprehended in the first place. What he and the Princesses wanted to find out is what the changelings purpose here was.
With a wave of his hoof, Leo told the Solar Guard to return to his post.
Once the guard left, Leo entered the other room to confront the changeling, while Lotus kept watch through the window. Upon entering, the disguised changeling’s head turned towards him. They both looked at each other in silence for almost an entire minute.
“What is your purpose here changeling?”
“As I’ve told all the other guards, I don’t know what you’re talking about. I want to see a lawyer!” The changeling was disguised an upper-class unicorn in typical aristocratic apparel.
Changelings can only see through the disguises of other changelings of equal or lower magical ability than themselves, unless the other changeling allowed itself to be seen.
To prove the futility of the changeling efforts, Leo’s eyes flashes a green color and the room flooded with changeling magic that ripped apart the suspects disguise.
The changeling, now fully revealed, was shocked beyond words. The amount of magic he felt was as strong as that of his Queen, Chrysalis, though not that he would openly admitted it.
“What is your purpose here, drone?”
