No Strings Attached

Shining Armor and Princess Cadence followed Emperor Doflamingo and the Captain into the palace, the unicorn gazing around in awe at the beauty of the surrounding crystals that made up the walls while his wife was simply walking along, not taking in the sights. As the group ascended a magnificent staircase, Shining admired the Gems studded along it, the jewels bathing the room in a soft, warm light. At the top of the stairs the group was greeted by two more Crystal Guards who proceeded to open the large wooden doors, revealing a spacious throne room, much larger than the one in Canterlot.

The group proceeded into the room, Emperor Doflamingo leading the way out in front. Shining’s view in front of him was obscured by the Guards in front of him, only being able to see the Emperor because of the biped’s height. The ponies in front of Shining halted, the Emperor sitting down on the throne.

“Thank you Guards that will be all.” The guards parted at the Emperor’s command, splitting off to stand at either side of the room, leaving Shining and Cadence with a perfect view of what lay at the Emperor’s feet.

It was Sombra, or at least what used to be Sombra. The former King had been gutted and skinned; the once fearsome unicorn turned into nothing more than a morbid decoration. Shining gulped as he examined the corpse while Cadence stared at the rug in dread, the top of Sombra’s head had a hole below his horn and numerous cuts across his body, adding to his fearsome appearance. His mouth was agape revealing un-pony like teeth and fangs, his face locked in an eternal roar.

“I see you’ve met Sombra, he’s not as talkative as he used to be I’m afraid, but I don’t think that really matters anymore.”

Shining had not expected Sombra to be dead; the evil tyrant from what he had been told was a terrifyingly strong magic user, his favored attacks being Dark-magic based. This Emperor must either have been incredibly lucky or incredibly skilled to have been able to defeat such an opponent. Shining decided that he would have to find out more information about the mysterious biped; the safety of Equestria may be threatened by his presence. Shining willed himself to swallow his nervousness as he looked at the Emperor.

“I have to say, finding out that Sombra is dead is a surprise.”

“Why is that?” The Emperor answered “He seemed like the kind of garbage that needed to be cleaned up, I’m sure that if I hadn’t killed him someone else would’ve.”

Shining was a little taken aback at how dismissive the Emperor was regarding Sombra’s death, had the Crystal ponies traded for something much worse? Looking back on what he had seen so-far however Shining doubted this, at least for the Crystal ponies’ sake. The Emperor seemed to be adored by the populace, and the guards seemed fiercely loyal to him. The fact that he had defeated Sombra was most likely the cause for this, reasoned Shining, as from what he had heard of the Tyrant life under his rule was not great.

Another matter of concern was the Changelings, the one from the courtyard, ‘Reflection’ if he had heard correctly having just walked in the room, shooting Shining and Cadence a warning glare before she sat on a pillow by the Emperor’s side. While the Changelings living with Crystal ponies worried Shining, his experiences with the black-shape shifters incredibly un-pleasant he could see an upside. If Emperor Doflamingo and the Crystal ponies were willing to live alongside the Changelings then it could mean the end of the Changeling threat to Equestria for good. Celestia had decreed that any Changeling found in the country was to be evicted into the Badlands, the in-hospitable area essentially a death-sentence, causing many to just repeatedly try to re-enter the country.

The Royal guard still kept on finding Changelings in cities and towns, the remnants of Chrysalis’s Hive splitting up all over the country. Nopony knew the fate of the Queen, the many Changelings that had been interrogated not knowing, merely saying that she had not made any attempts to re-connect the shattered remains of the Hive. Maybe this Emperor Doflamingo was willing to work out a deal with Equestria, helping to repair the troubled start the two countries had gotten off to. Shining thought about Cadence, guilt threatening to over-come him at the fact that he didn’t try to help her more in consoling her. He could only console himself that while the punishment was a blow to her personality, she wasn’t going to suffer any physical harm, and maybe it taught her to not to rashly attack the citizens of other empires.

“Are you okay there Captain Armor, you appear a little dazed.” Shining was pulled from his musings by the sound of the Emperor’s voice.

“Yes Emperor Doflamingo, I was just considering a possible agreement that we could make between our two countries, a mutually beneficial one of course.”

The Emperor leaned forward in his throne intrigued “Really Captain Armor, and If I may ask do you have the authority to make such agreements?”

“I would have to okay it with Princess Celestia first, but I believe that she would agree to it.”

The Emperor stared at Shining for what seemed like an eternity, Princess Cadence staring at her husband curiously. The unicorn stallion beginning to sweat underneath his cloak before the Emperor broke the stare with a smile growing on his face.

“Very well Captain Armor, despite the circumstances you have remained very civil, and I admire that. I will hear you out on your idea but first can I offer you both some refreshment, the Crystal ponies have some absolutely wonderful recipes involving Crystal berries and a well-reviewed chef recently came into my employment. I have always found that good food always lightens up tedious discussions regarding politics.”

Shining’s stomach grumbled loudly at the mention of food, Cadence having driven him and his troops forward with gusto, seemingly forgetting that not all ponies had the endurance of Alicorns. Cadence herself was staring back at the Emperor, a little surprised at the sudden topic change and kindness. The Emperor let out a small chuckle at the sound.

“I’ll take that as a yes then.” He rose from his throne “Come along then Captain Armor and Cadence. I’m sure we have much to discuss. Would you like to join us Sparkling?” Shining looked over towards the Emperor’s assistant, the mare nodding.

“I will, thank you Sir, I haven’t eaten since breakfast with all of the drama.”

“fufufu. Great” replied the Emperor, turning his attention to the Changeling “How about you Reflection? I know that you do not need to consume food but I would appreciate it if you would come along, you do have the most knowledge about Equestria after all.”

The Changeling shot another glare at Shining and Cadence, before turning towards Emperor Doflamingo

“I suppose that you make a good point, however I won’t enjoy being in the presence of Equestrians who insult me for-“

“Reflection” The Emperor cut the Changeling off, his voice forceful. “Co-operation requires tolerance on both sides, I’m sure Captain Armor here will refrain from making any… un-needed comments while his wife should know I will not tolerate anymore insults.”

‘Wow’ thought Shining as he moved to follow the Emperor ‘I wonder what Cadence said that caused the Changeling to react like that, I wonder why the Emperor didn’t mention it before’ Shining looked towards his wife, she was glaring at the Changeling before giving a little hmph in irritation. Shining sighed as they all left the throne room, a messenger already on the way to alert the chef.

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“Although I don't have a specific genre of music that I prefer, the majority of musical styles are all tolerable enough for me.”

Shining nodded as he levitated another spoonful of meringue into his mouth the Crystal berries adorning it showering his mouth with flavor while the Emperor continued to talk. The food was great, the chef obviously talented and Shining had to admit that the conversation was quite good as well.  He had been surprised at the Emperor’s attitude, Doflamingo’s stony demeanor dropping as the meal had progressed and he had talked vividly about his musical and culinary tastes, some goals that he had set regarding his citizens as well as the beauty of the design of the Palace. He had seemed especially proud when he had mentioned the fast rate at which his subjects had welcomed the Changelings, the human admitting that his own Kingdom would not have been as fast to incorporate new creatures.

Shining had been unable to get any information regarding the Emperor’s past, Doflamingo keeping almost all of the facts to himself. Still, even though no additional information regarding what threat the biped posed had surfaced, Shining quickly found himself discussing his own taste in art and recreational activities as well as laughing along with the Emperor’s jokes.

“So Emperor” began Shining “I do have to admit that you have quite a talented chef, this meringue is amazing.”

“Drop the title Shining, just call me by my name, you’ve proved to be a worthy conversationalist and I enjoy the informality most of the time, after all having everyone constantly calling you ‘Emperor’ and ‘Your Majesty’ all the time gets stale.”

“I second that Doflamingo” Shining agreed as his spoon once again delved into the meringue before raising itself up again, a large load of dessert lifting with it “I can’t stand having to interact with the nobility all day, they're all a bunch of useless snobs in my opinion.”

Doflamingo began to laugh at Shining’s statement, his own spoonful of meringue prepped and ready. Sparkling Scroll, Doflamingo’s assistant had declined dessert, settling for a simple sandwich while the Changeling had merely sat at the table, and Shining had noticed that she kept on stealing glances at Doflamingo when he wasn’t looking.  Shining was about to ask her about what exactly it was that Cadence had said, his spoonful of dessert moving towards his mouth until Cadence decided to vent out her frustrations.

“Shining!” she yelled “Why are we just sitting here and eating instead of trying to convince this so called ‘Emperor’ to relinquish the throne to its rightful heir!?” The alicorn princess glaring daggers at her husband.

Shining was lost for words, staring at his wife in shock, how could Cadence just say something so outrageous in front of the Emperor while he was offering his hospitality to them and had shown mercy to Cadence earlier for breaking the law?

“Actually Cadence, while I question your legitimacy to take my throne away from me,” the Emperor turned to Shining, smiling at him “I still need to hear this deal that Shining mentioned earlier, if you’d please continue where we left off, I was really interested in your proposal.”

Shining had never been so thankful to anypony in his life, Doflamingo no doubt having just saved his hide.

Shining shuddered internally, what Doflamingo did to Sombra could not possible compare to what Cadence would have done if the Emperor had not intervened. He knew how emotional she could get and when she was this angry, over a matter that was not so easily solved because of the circumstances, he quickly recalled the idea that he had, glancing over at Cadence who was scowling at the Emperor for ignoring her outburst.

“Well, as I was saying Emperor” Shining decided that continuing to call the Emperor by his first name in front of his irate wife was not a bright idea “As you know, the Crystal ponies have become used to living with Changelings,” At this Reflection, who had been grinning smugly at Cadence, turned to face him, a scowl once again crossing her features, no doubt preparing for criticism from Shining “and Equestria is currently going through a crisis involving them.” Shining once again glanced at the Changeling, her scowl having deepened. Shining cleared his throat nervously.

“After the failed invasion on Canterlot” he continued “the Princesses decreed that all Changelings were to be banished to the Equestrian Badlands, a true wasteland, in the hopes that none would remain in the country. However, they keep on coming back and more are found everyday hiding amongst the populace. There are rumors abounding that the nobility, especially Prince Blueblood have been pushing Princess Celestia to simply execute any Changeling caught.”

Doflamingo’s faced soured at the mention of Blueblood, Shining not having been too flattering regarding the Prince’s character. The Changeling had a look of concern on her face and while Shining still did not care much for the insects he could understand how such news could be a shock to her.

“What I’m proposing is that since your Subjects seem quite Changeling-friendly a possible exchange could be worked out, for instance if you take any Changelings found on Equestrian soil and ensure that they do not return, I’m sure Princess Celestia would be most grateful and would no-doubt offer compensation of some form.”

Doflamingo seemed to be pondering Shining’s idea with a slight smile on his face, the Changeling beside him looking at him pleadingly.

“It’s quite a good idea Shining, I have to admit that it is quite tempting, I’m sure that we can figure something ou-“

“SHINING, ARE YOU BUCKING INSANE!”

Cadence’s outburst cut off Doflamingo, the Princess glaring at Shining with fire in her eyes.

“THOSE CREATURES RUINED OUR WEDDING AND YOU WANT TO SAVE THEM!?”

Cadence began to move closer to him, pointing a hoof towards the Changeling seated at the table, Reflection’s ears having risen and the Changeling seemingly fuming with rage.

“LOOK AT THE WAY THAT ONE THERE ACTS TOWARDS US, HOW CAN WE TRUST THOSE DISGUSTING MONSTERS!?”

“THAT’S IT!” Reflection yelled, pouncing on the surprised Princess, the Changeling using her wings to propel herself from her seat before the guards could intervene. However, before the changeling touched the princess, she was suddenly frozen in midair, letting out cries of frustration as she tried to get to the Equestrian Princess. However, Reflection remained in place like a fly caught in a spider’s web.

“Reflection…” the coldness of the voice shocked everyone in the room as they all slowly turned toward the Emperor, Reflection unable to because of the force immobilizing her. Doflamingo was raising his hand, a frown on his face as he moved his fingers around and with a sudden pull, dragged Reflection towards him and setting her down onto the ground. A twitch from his finger caused Reflection’s head to slowly gaze upward at the Emperor, fear silencing her as the normally smiling Emperor was now frowning, a vein visible across his forehead.

“Guards.” Doflamingo spoke calmly yet firmly, jolting the guards out of their immobility and for them to gaze back at him, a little fear showing in their otherwise stoic features. “Escort the Equestrians to the edge of the city, and grab their guards along the way. I will meet you there shortly.”

The Crystal guards obeyed without hesitation, shoving Shining and Cadence out of the room, both unable to move on their own after the sudden rage of the Emperor. Doflamingo waited until they had gone and the doors had closed before he took in a deep breath and let out a long sigh before lowering his hand and releasing Reflection from his control.

“Reflection” he stated, the Changeling staring at him fearfully, not realizing that she was free from whatever it was that the Emperor used to restrain her. Doflamingo crouched down in-front of her, Reflection shivering on the spot, with tears in her eyes as she wondered what the Emperor was going to do to her. Two guards had remained in the room, their faces covered in shock because of the scene they had witnessed, Doflamingo faced them.

“You two, leave the room and stand at the entrance. I want you to stop her from leaving the room if she does. Understood?” the guards broke their trance and hurriedly acknowledged his order while Doflamingo turned to address Reflection “As for you, I apologize for having to use my powers on you, but I do NOT want to make any more enemies here in this world. The Empire has yet to recover and I believe the Equestrians will be useful allies in the future. However, your actions may have jeopardized that today. When I’m done with the Equestrians we are going to have a talk about your behavior issues.” Doflamingo turned around and left the room without looking back, leaving behind Reflection, Sparkling and the two guards standing guard at the doorway, the Changeling having sat down, lowering her head in shame.

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The Crystal guards shoved Shining and Cadence through the edge of the barrier, the four Pegasi guards merely being allowed to follow through peacefully, they having not been present at the time of the incident. The Emperor was looking at Cadence, his face flushed with anger.

“I expected you to learn your lesson Princess, I guess I was wrong” Cadence looked back at him with hate in her eyes, “I have pardoned your earlier crime, but now I have no choice but to banish you from the Crystal Empire until you improve your attitude, as of now I don’t believe that you are fit to walk among its citizens.” Cadence didn’t reply, merely continuing to glare at him. “If you have something to say, then say it.” Cadence fumed as she yelled out angrily “MY AUNTIE WILL HEAR OF YOUR EVIL ‘EMPEROR’ AND WHEN SHE DOES, SHE WILL MAKE SURE THAT THOSE MONSTERS ARE GONE AND YOU ARE-“

Doflamingo made a swiping motion with his hand at the Princess, as if he were about to strike her, but he never made contact with her. Instead, the ground itself was being churned apart, as if cut through by a massive plow as five identical lines appeared and slashed across the ground, forming a line that divided the Emperor and his guards from the Equestrians. Everyone stared in horror at what the Emperor had just accomplished. He had cut apart the ground without any sharp weapons with a mere swipe of his hand! They stared fearfully at the Emperor when he suddenly spoke.

“If you insist on making an enemy of me by insulting my subjects because of your own failings, then I will make sure you live to regret your choice.” Doflamingo paused to stare at the frightened Equestrians. “I have powers you can’t possibly imagine, but I am willing to make friends with you instead of being enemies. I hope you make the wise decision by not trying to oppose me or undermine my rule. You have caused enough trouble here and unless you want to be killed by my hand, you will accept your punishment with what little dignity you have left.”

As Doflamingo finished, he noticed Cadence shivering in fear once again. He had made a point to attack fairly close to her and the line he had drawn had carried his message across quite clearly in his opinion. Doflamingo turned to Shining Armor.

“It was a shame it had to end like this Shining, I would like to let you know that you are still able to visit, and I’m still perceptive towards your offer. Inform your Princess that I am willing to enter negotiations, until then take your wife away from here, she is no-longer welcome.”

Shining bowed his head in defeat before trudging off into the snow, the guards following with Cadence trudging along, the fear and shock still visible on her face as the group began the long journey home.  Doflamingo waited until the Equestrians departed before turning to address his guards. “I will be going ahead to the palace using my power. I hope I can trust you to keep what you saw here a secret at your own discretion.” The guards nodded and Doflamingo smiled at them before bending his knees and jumping high into the air. The guards marveled at the Emperor’s physical prowess as their amazement only grew when they saw their Emperor floating in midair before flying off in the direction of the palace without wings. The guard hurriedly galloped off to meet their Emperor while Doflamingo soared through the sky, his strings attaching to clouds and tall buildings alike as he began to head toward the Palace, preparing himself for the confrontation with Reflection.