After about an hour of waiting, the diplomats had finally arrived. Nine in total...three Pegasi, three Earth Ponies, and three Unicorns. The Pegasi were in metal plate armor, the Unicorns were in regal dress...mostly....and the Earth Ponies looked like farmers. Once seated, the Uruk escorting them left the room...leaving only the containment team and the cage. We stepped into the shadows of our room, and out of the shadows of the meeting area.

“Good evening, mares and stallions...welcome to our humble capital. Do not bother trying to introduce yourselves, I have little time as it is. May I ask why it is you have decided to visit?” I ask, making my voice echo around the room

After the intial shock of my disrespect wore off, a Pegasus, Commander Hurricane, was the first to respond “We noticed odd creatures with weapons roaming around the forests, and making fortifications. We were worried that you may be plotting something.”

“Oh...and what might that be?” Cas asked

“The Pegasi are worried you may be plotting some form of invasion, that you may be allies of those abominations we pushed out of the valley.” A Unicorn, I think Princess Platinum, replied

‘Oh....oh okay...’ “What abominations would those be? The Draconaquui?” I ask “Because they fled to us, and because of your blind xenophobia and absolute hypocrisy the adults among them are dying. The children are more then likely have magic powers they can’t control, and where will their parents be? Oh that’s right...dead. The only reason we have not attacked you, is because it would effect something far greater than all us.”

“Oh...and what’s to stop you from attacking us anyway?” The same Unicorn asked...definitely Platinum.

“I am amazed that you managed to drive off the Wendigos...you are walking generators of prejudice. What stops us is the forest itself.” I reply

“....how can a forest stop you?” One of the Earth Ponies, Chancellor Puddinghead, finally asked

“It is less the forest, and more it’s inhabitants. Guards, if you would please bring the creature forward.” Whilst they were wheeling it over, I added “Do not trust your eyes, this creature is a master at deception.”

It was placed in the middle of the table, where I threw the cloth off of it...revealing a bloodied, terrified Pegasus mare marred by scars and missing patches of fur. “Please, help me! These monsters are going to kill me!” She begged, tears streaming down her face. Each equine attempted to move, only to find themselves rendered immobile. Runes in the backs of the chairs were glowing.

“Release her, you fiend!”

“Oh I will, I promised I would after this demonstration after all.” I said, drawing my sword, and stepping onto the table. As I sauntered over to the cage, the guards got ready to rush to my aid. I gestured for them to stand down. It was at that point the Tsuchigomo kicked the panic into overdrive, probably thinking I meant a different kind of release.

“Please, he’s going to kill me! Get me out of this cage!”

When I reached the cage, I raised my blade. “I thank you for the demonstration...now, to keep my end of the bargain.” And with that I brought my blade down...shattering the lock on the cage. “Now if you would, please drop the disguise.”

It took her a moment, but she did drop it...revealing a spider like creature that was barely contained by the confines of the cage. It had the legs and body of a spider...however it had the head of a dragon, three equine-like eyes, and a maw of razor sharp teeth.

“This,” I started, turning to the now frozen ponies “is what we call a Tsuchigumo. They are an intelligent shapeshifting predator race. They can disguise as anyone, anything, and they are one of only two races you can bargain for your life with. Everything else will kill and eat you without a second thought. They are one of the many threats we worry about in the Everfree Forest. Any questions?”

Author's Note

The Picture here was not made by me...I have no idea who it was made by, however I am fairly certain I couldn’t pronounce it even if I found it. I based the Tsuchigumo’s appearnce around this form, as I find it the most terrifying. Just wanted y’all to know...see you in the comments/next chapter.