Guard Tiara: The Grand Guard Games

"Some time later, the actual rescue ponies found me," Diamond Tiara explained. "I didn't tell them about The Crystal Heart though, just in case. Once we were back in the city, I had them help me get back to the center and where The Heart went so I could put it back myself." She took another long drink of the tea, nearly upending the large mug. It felt so nice having the warm liquid flowing into her body, and it seemed to help settle her stomach back down; just the memory of what happened had gotten it upset again.

"An understandable decision," Shining Armor said. "And we appreciate you bringing it back. Even if it didn't protect The Crystal Empire, The Crystal Heart is a pretty important to the crystal ponies."

Diamond Tiara gave a nod, still feeling kind of awestruck to be meeting with the prince consort and commander of the empire's guards. When she had been told she was to give a statement on what had happened, she was expecting to do so in front of Commander Serena at most (although her more immediate superior seemed more likely since the commander also had to be focusing on the guards who were participating in the games). Although, it did make sense that she would meet with a member of the local guard since it was a threat to their empire that she had gotten involve in. However, she had not been expecting that it would be the prince. It was almost like having to report to Princess Twilight or Princess Mi Amore Cadenza directly (although the Princess Twilight one was not as apt since she did try to be highly involved).

"Are you certain you don't want to go to the hospital?" Shining Armor asked.

"Yes sir," Diamond responded. "Now that the tooth has been pulled out, I'll be fine sir."

"Very well," Shining Armor said with a nod. His horn lit up as he started shifting papers. "I'm fairly certain there will be some changes in security -- both around The Crystal Heart and The Crystal Empire -- until we are able to find do something about this threat. Others may want to speak to you about what happened, but I don't think it will be absolutely necessary. So you are free to stay, but you can also return to Ponyville if you desire."

He shifted and looked at her. Shining seemed to become more relaxed, more casual.

"Before you go, a bit of advice. I am fortunate enough not to have been through what you have, taking the life of another --"

Diamond Tiara shifted in her seat, grimacing.

"-- but I do know some ponies under my command that had. Technically, I am in no position to order you to do anything -- especially after you leave The Crystal Empire -- but I can make suggestions, as one pony who is older and more experienced to one who is young and fresh. You need to deal with what happened and not just bottle it up. Really, you should probably talk to a professional on the matter, but at the very least, you should talk to your friends about it. Otherwise, this might just eat at you. Understood?"

"Yes, sir," Diamond Tiara answered with a nod.

"Alright." Shining gave her a gentle smile. "That's all for now. Dismissed."

Diamond gave another nod and moved to stand up. Stopping, she looked toward the guard turned prince again.

"Sir, if I may ask?"

Tilting his head slightly, Shining motioned with a hoof for her to continue.

"What happened to them? The ponies that...you know.."

"The simplest answer is they decided whether or not the guard were right for them," he answered. "Some stayed on to keep working, others left to pursue less violent occupations." His eyes narrowed as he looked away from her, ears drooping. "Others... made different choices... and let's leave it at that..."

"Yes, sir," Diamond said one more time before turning away and heading for the door. Before she could reach it, there was a knocking sound.

"Could you get that?" Shining asked.

Since she was heading toward the door anyways, Diamond Tiara continued on. Reaching it, she grabbed the knob and opened the door, letting a crystal pony guard enter.

"Sir," the guard said with a salute.

Shining Armor returned it before asking, "what is it?"

"Your presence is required at the western border sir." The guard took a deep breath. "It's Queen Chrysalis sir. She has appeared, and is asking for you and Princess Cadance, sir."

"Did you say Queen Chrysalis?" Shining asked, standing up.

"Yes, sir."

Shining Armor broke into a brisk trot as he headed for the door, stopping just as he reached the guard who was stepping aside for him.

"Report this to all four princesses," he ordered, "starting with Cadance if they aren't all together. After, get a squad of guards to meet us as well. Tell them to have their weaponry in the parade position."

"Sir?" the guard asked.

"We have a lot of visiting dignitaries," Shining Armor explained. "We need to be ready to defend ourselves if necessary, but don't want to look like we're going in expecting a fight. If Chrysalis is actually here for peaceful means, then we can simply escort her to the castle same as any other visiting royalty. Now go."

"Sir!" the guard said with a salute. Turning, he ran down the hall. Shining Armor resumed his quick trot, heading down as well.

Diamond Tiara chased after him as best she could. The fact that the queen of the changelings had come to The Crystal Empire was something she did not want to miss out on. Practically every pony -- every creature -- in the city would want to see it.

...although...

It was probably a bad idea for her to be seen by the queen. If Chrysalis knew about what Diamond had done to one of her changelings, she would probably want bloody vengeance. It was doubtful that the fact it was in self-defense would matter.

Still, she could not miss the opportunity to see Queen Chrysalis. Plus, she was still a guard (for the time being), even if a rookie, unarmed and unarmored, and outside of her technical jurisdiction. If something were to happen, she should be there to try and help. Maybe if she could save some others, it would make up for what happened.

As she went, nopony tried to stop her. Diamond Tiara could not quite move fast enough to keep up with Shining Armor or the guards that joined him, but she was able to keep them in sight. Her leg began to burn with pain from the bite, the muscles turning tight and stiff. If things went too bad, she was not going to be able to run away.

Soon, they were able to reach the area in question, and it was clear to see. Most of the creatures had created a wide berth, giving plenty of space to Queen Chrysalis and the changelings that were with her. She stood tall and proud, two on each side. As Shining Armor approached, her gaze locked on him, wings giving a flicker.

"Hello, Shining Armor," she said in her strange echoing voice. "You are looking well."

"Good afternoon, Queen Chrysalis," Shining Armor said, giving a slight bow of his head.

"There is no need for formalities between us." Chrysalis then smirked. "After all, we have known each other... intimately." She licked her lips at the last part, causing Shining Armor to blush.

"Yes," he coughed out before regaining her composure. "So, what brings you to the empire? Did you plan on participating in our games?"

Instead of answering, Queen Chrysalis looked up toward the sky and past Shining Armor. As she did, others started to turn and look in that direction out of curiosity.

Princess Mi Amore Cadenza came swooping down to stop beside her husband, wings staying spread wide for a moment as she stood there. Soon she was joined by Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, and Princess Twilight Sparkle. The three of them stood further behind the two rulers of the empire, wings spread as well.

"Alright, Chrysalis," Cadance said, "what are you doing here and why do you want to see us?"

With a motion of her wings, the four changelings stepped backwards, joining a fifth that was directly behind the queen (which had a fang missing). The five of them then moved to sit down. Queen Chrysalis then moved closer to the group of Equestrian rulers.

"As Queen, ruler, and representative of the changelings," she stated in a loud voice that carried far enough for all to hear, "I do hereby surrender myself over to the rulers of Equestria. I and my kind are now your prisoners."