Friends on The other side

“... And that’s he told me. Currently there’s no reason to believe that they’re here for a fight. I still don’t know why they are here, but I don’t think it’s a problem.” Light had spent the last half hour explaining how his conversation with Flash went.

Twilight and Book were both listening. Twilight was actually glad that Book wasn’t in his suit, but that only meant that she could see his sceptical face as he spoke. “Are you sure that you can trust your source?”

Light looked offended that Book asked that. “First of all, he’s not a source, he’s my friend. And second, I do trust him as much as he trusts me. I’m the Godfather to his kids, meaning that he trusts me whenever he can’t be there for them. He’s helped me a lot, so yeah, I trust him.”

Twilight quickly tried to defuse the conversation. “So you don’t know why they are here?”

Light nodded. “Or who Dr Mephist is. I don’t think that it’s a big deal.”

Book shook his head. “You didn’t see Mephist like I did. His eyes were cold and calculating. He’s planning something big and ponies will get hurt.”

Light groaned. “You do know why that suit of your only sees action every other month? It’s because crime is low. I’m seriously concerned about you right now.”

Twilight could feel her sweat running down her head as she was starting to worry about what the two brothers would do. Light was never one for physical violence, but she didn’t want to leave anything to chance.

It was at this minute that she figured out a way to make Book content and keep this from boiling over. “Book, maybe instead of treating them like criminals you should try to get to know them as friends. At least talk to Kirouac and Surprize. Offer them a room here and tell them that I’d love to talk to them. If you want to investigate the doctor, just send a letter to Celestia or Luna. Just let me try my magic before you start a war.”

Book looked frustrated. “Do I have to talk to those two goons?”

Twilight nodded. “Consider it a direct order from a princess. I’ve learned that sometimes the best way to beat your enemies is to make them your friends. You two are dismissed, and please try not to start a war.”

The two brothers walked out as Light sighed. “Are you going to be able to talk to them without going full edgy on them?”

Book rolled his eyes. “I’d rather focus in my investigation. You do know that our little brother is wrapped in this, right?”

Light sighed out of pure frustration. “Listen, I’ve given up trying to get him to listen. I think he’s at the point to where he needs to make his own choices. As for these two... Goons as you call them, maybe they aren’t as bad as you think.”

Book still looked ticked. “I just can’t get my mind off of that Doctor. Every instinct is telling me that he’s up to something. Those two… and Fuze might just be turning into his pawns. I’d rather focus on sending a letter to Luna. She’d be able to have a response by the time night comes knocking. I don’t want to waste my time with two ponies who I don’t know.”

Light was at the end of his rope. He knew that Book’s heart was in the right place, but he was just stuck with the attitude of when he saw them. Light knew that he’d have to play his trump card if Book was going to pay attention. “Remember the rule of the mask Book.”

Book suddenly stopped. Light had told him about this code when he started as the Shadow Knight. Light said that he needed to keep Book and Shadow separate, so whenever Book was to edgy Light would remind him that he was only allowed to be like that under the mask.

Book wanted to argue with him, but then he started to realize that Twilight and Light had a point. “Alright. I’ll send the letter and then I’ll go find these two… unique ponies.”

Light finally looked like he was calming down. “Good. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got a lot of toys that are needed for costume props that I need to get made before Nightmare Night. Later Book.”

As Light walked off, Book summoned a quill and scroll and began writing.

“To her highness, Princess Luna,

I have recently witnessed some strange ponies enter Ponyville. As much as I’d like to downplay it as tourism, there’s a member of this group who has me concerned. This pony is Green and has some lizard-like skin. His attire is a black top hat. He seems like he is in control of the group and gives me the impression that he has a larger plan.I’m currently going off of my instincts right now, but I can’t shake it. Something is wrong with him, and I fear that lives are on the line. I’m trying to learn more about this strange pony and according to Twilight’s request I’m taking the pacifist route. I need all of the information that you have about Dr Mephist as soon as possible. I hope that I’m wrong about this whole mess, but I feel like it won’t be the case.

Your loyal soldier, Shadow Knight.”

Book used a teleportation spell that he knew to send it to Luna. Hopefully when she wakes up she’ll be able to give him some answers. Until then, he had to learn more about this group, and the only way to do that was through learning about Kirouac and Surprize.

Kirouac had decided to not go back to his town, not right now. He wanted to just be alone, away from the stares, well... As much alone that you can when you have a halfling who keeps following you everywhere, insistent to be his handmade. Even though the MoonRacer-ians accepted him, it didn’t mean that they didn’t stare, or ask to invade his private space and touch him. “Why does every single pony that meet us expect the worst? We are still ponies, at least half of us are pony DNA.” Kirouac asked.

“I don’t don’t know, they are all so... Rigged with their race, the earth-ponies do manual labor, the pegasus move & transport stuff, will the unicorn subjugate, and the alicorns just rule and get knelt to.” Surprise said. “We just don’t fit in their world.”

They both heard a sound from behind them. “You know, I’m a pretty manual labor type of guy, and I have a brother who’s a toy maker alicorn. Maybe we just have some bad misconceptions about each other?”

They both turned to see Book without his suit and gruff voice. He was actually wearing a pair of glasses and had a book with him. Neither one of them could recognize him from the other night.

“Oh, an alicorn, my apology.” Surprise did a sarcastic curtsy-bow to Book. “Pardon me, brother of a princess.”

Book motioned him to step back up. “Don’t bother with the bowing. My brother is nowhere near a prince, that’d be the end of the nation. He’s autistic and prefers to be a normal toymaker. He still has no clue how he became an alicorn or what it means. Have you heard of him? His name is Light Heart.”

“Light... Heart… Oh ya, he is the one who tried to take his own life.” Surprise said with a hint of sarcasm. “What was the reason... OH yeah, because he couldn’t find his place in your raged world, he didn’t feel that he belonged nor was accepted for his... Insignificant different.” Surprise asked with an evil grin.

Book felt a bit of anger when he spoke of his brother in such a negative way, but he promised that he wouldn’t go nuts. “No... That, that’s not the case.” Book tried to say.

Surprise could tell that he had struck a nerve, and could feel that Book had felt some negative emotions when he was remaining of the failure of his fascist country. “And then they make him a royal demi-god, so that he wouldn’t have to do anything to get knelt at, him the suicidal toy maker.”

Book could feel his blood boiling as he was dragging his brother’s name through the mud. “Well, from what I heard about your people you’re supposed to be welcoming to the downtrodden and outcasts, but now I see that’s not true. I’d at least expect it from a pony born because somepony lied about what race they were. Don’t you feel like Light every now and then? You just feel… out of place? Don’t play the hypocrite, especially with my brother.”

Kirouac tried to calm this down. “Let’s not kill each other. Please?”

Surprise backed down begrudgingly. “He started it.” he murmured to himself.

“Now, why are you here? I don’t think you’re just here to look at the scenery?” Kirouac asked Book, pointing to the ugly landscape of the everfree forest.

“Alright, I’ll get right to it. These woods are dangerous, and I’ve seen quite a few ponies get hurt when they don’t stick to the trail. I was asked to either offer you some lodging inside of the city or to point you to a camp sight that won’t get visited by timberwolves. What are you two doing out here anyways?” Book asked, hoping that his explanation of the forest would keep them from getting offended by his question.

“Well, we live in the forest, and you don’t need to worry.” Surprise pointed to Kirouac. “We can protect ourselves, we don’t need a...”

Kirouac stopped Surprise. “Where would this lodging be?” Kirouac was ready to give this Book guy a chance.

“Princess Twilight has offered a few rooms in her castle. There’s a storm scheduled for tonight, so it’s not wise to be caught outside. I’m doing my job and I hold no offense to either of you. Admittedly I’ve met several races, but you two are a first. It’s cool when you think about it. I haven’t seen a race as cool as you since I took a trip to see the Kirins.” Book had a bit of hope when Kirouac warmed up to him. At this point he knew who had a level head in the group.

“Thank you, but...” Kirouac pointed to himself. “Are you sure that there are bed big enough for me?”

“You’d be surprised. She’s had everybody from Dragons to Yaks stay over. You’re a first, but I’m sure that she’ll have a room for you.” Book explained.

“No, he is Surprise!” Kirouac quipped, finishing with a laugh. “But ok.” Kirouac was ready, and willing to bridge these two worlds together, and prove that lizard Pony wrong.

Book smiled as he offered his hoof. “Thank you. By the way, my name is Book Knight. It is nice to meet you. By the way, Light wanted me to ask if you two know a friend of his, Flash Truth?”

“Oh yes, who doesn’t know the innocent minded Flash Truth, who lived his whole life in a town that accepts all, and thinks that it’s the case for all.” Surprise said, annoyed of Flash’s constant desire to help out.

“He’s my brother’s best friend, and helped him a lot. Light’s the godfather of his kids now, much to my surprise… Oh, sorry, didn’t mean to say your name.” Book said, trying to lighten the mood.

“When doesn’t he?” Surprise asked Book about Flash. “And I’m not yours, I’m his.” Surprise said jokingly while pointing to Kirouac.

“Sorry, I’ve never met Flash before. My brother said that he was going to take Flash and his girls out here for Nightmare Night. Of course, I’ll be working that night.” Book explained.

“Oh, what a shame.” Surprise said trying to hide his glee.

“Please show us the way.” Kirouac looked down at himself. “Do... Should I change?”

“Only if it makes you comfortable.” Book said calmly as he led them through the forest. “So, you’re here for Nightmare Night, right?”

They both gave a glance to one and other, saying yes to that would be least suspicious, then saying anything less. “Yes” Surprise said while nodding. “We are here for... The fun and... Candy!”

Book could tell by their pauses that there was something more to this. Book decided to use his legend to keep the off guard. “Most ponies visit to either see the princesses or to learn about Nightmare Moon’s escape. Of course, there’s the few who come to want to try out Pinkie’s candy. But the rarest bunch are the ones who want to catch a glimpse of the legendary Shadow Knight. It’s a bit of an urban legend.”

Surprise rolled his eyes, not surprise of how holier than thou he was. “And how many just want to have a breath of fresh air?” Surprise had enough from the ‘Shadow knight’ and he decided to take some miles alone. As the halfling walked down the forest, a small green pony that looked like a lizard came down off the trees.

“What’s the matter Surprise?” Mephist asked as took an apple from the tree.

“This Book Knight guy thinks so think so highly of himself and his country that he is blind to the truth.” Surprise said both in anger and disgust.

“And what would the truth be?” The doctor asked with a grin spiting on his face.

“That Equestria is a fascist segregated country.” He explained.

“Indeed, a country that a pair of wings and a horn give to one pony power, but to another it marks as a freak,” Mephist sighed, “They think they’re better because they are the same. And now, Kirouac could be turning his heart for them if we do nothing,”

“Ya, I should go back and follow him, to make sure that they don’t brain-wash him.” Surprise said.

“A true, true friend helps a friend in need

A friend will be there to help them see

A true, true friend helps his friend in need

To be free from his from true enemy.

Would you try to understand

Who is the enemy in the mask of a friend?

A true, true friend helps a friend in need

A friend will be there to help you see

A true, true friend helps a friend in need

To see the monster that is the pony.”

“So, would you help your friend?” Mephist asked Surprise, “Even if it means to do something bad?”

“Bad?” he asked the doctor.

“It won’t cost a life,” Dr. Mephist reassured him, “But I will need you to impersonates somepony”

“Umm...” Surprise pointed to himself. “Did you forget, I’m a Halfling. I didn’t live with my changeling father, so I can’t change!” He said exasperation.

“Take your time and think about it. I promise you that the offer will stay open.” Mephist turned away and he disappeared in a black cloud.

As Surprise made his way back to the group Book and Kirouac were busy talking. “Wow! I didn’t know that you’ve had so much training. I guess that gives us a few things in common. We work hard for our goals, and we protect the ponies we care about. You’re pretty cool man.” Book said, now rather impressed by Kirouac.

Book still didn’t know how brash Surprise was, but he started to get a feel for Kirouac. They were both guardians of their towns and only wanted to see them live in peace. Book wanted to wait for a while before he dared to ask about the doctor, but he started to get the feeling that Kirouac isn’t a threat.

Surprise could feel that Book was starting to have positive emotions to this situation. Fearing the worst, he started to ask some questions. “So what do you do exactly?”

“I am a general security officer for the Ponyville area. Basically you take any position that relates to cops and I do it. I’m the only officer there, but that’s because of the lack of crime there. We don’t even have a prison in our town. I’m mainly there to make sure that the peace is kept, and that’s an easy job with the princess of friendship in charge.” Book explained.

‘Ya... No visible crime, anyone that goes out of line, they are taken care of, and are stripped from the record, like they have never existed.’ Surprise thought to himself.

Book could tell that he was getting an evil glare from Surprise, but he wanted to try showing them the good that they have done. “Currently we are at peace with the Griffins, changelings, hippogriffs, yaks, and a lot of the other neighboring races. It’s the best peace Equestria has seen in a long time.”

“Oh yes, the griffins, I heard that one was cast out of your village, jest because she didn’t fit in your pony way?” Surprise asked Book. ‘Not to forget the one you managed to brain-wash to believe that the only way she could be happy was if she got one of your slave marks, to let everyone know what the great royal has decreed that you would be forced to do for your whole life.’ He thought to himself.

Book looked curiously at the half changeling. “If you were talking about Gilda, she was assaulting ponies at the time, but has since become the beacon of friendship in Griffinstone. Everypony changes and grows. Why don’t you stop looking at the dirt of the past and look at the bright future that’s growing right in front of you?”

‘You would say that.’ Surprise thought to himself. “Because the dirt of the past is the foundation of our future Construction.” He said poetically.

“Every nation has a little dirt. I’ve never found any creature that’s perfect. Isn’t that what your nation is founded upon? Learning from the mistakes of the past and making a better future?” Book asked, trying to shake Surprise’s resolution. “Wouldn’t life be better for everypony if that idea could spread?”

“It would.” That was the only thing Surprise could think to agree. “But it must not be a one sided affair, it would need to be made with more than one point of view.”

“Politics is Twilight’s thing. I’m a soldier at heart. Tell me, do either of you hold a political position in your country, or are you skilled with politics in any way? I’m sure that Twilight would be more than willing to talk to you two about this.”

Kirouac shook his head. “No, we don’t really have ambassadors, but I’ll try to be fair in my judgment.”

They got to the end of the forest, and could see the Castle of Friendship just a few steps away.

Book smiled a bit to see his city safe. “It’s a small town, but it’s had a big impact on the world. Is your city like this? A small community where everypony knows your name?”

They both nodded. “We all know and help one and other.” Kirouac explained.

“Without getting ridiculed or judged by appearance.” Surprises finished.

Book knew that he was still begging for a fight, and kept finding it harder to hold back his growing frustration.

“So...” Kirouac pulled out a bag. “Should I sprinkle some MoonLightFog onto ourselves?” He asked. “Or… are you good?”

Book smiled, trying to think about what Twilight would do. “If you want change then you do it in the open. No shame in who you are, now show them that you’re proud of who you are.”.

Kirouac took a deep breath, and started to trot forward. Surprise followed behind. Many ponies looked in shock and curiosity. Surprise look at all of them, even tho Kirouac has both a horn and a pair of wings, none of the ponies ever thought to kneel to him.

Book chuckled a bit at Surprise’s expression. “You should have seen my brother when he came back into town. He’s the reason that nopony here bows without knowing who they’re bowing to.”

Surprise was confused. “They didn’t know who your brother was? Don’t they all know one another.” Surprise was very surprised to see how far Light had fell in the cracks.

“They did, but since Twilight was promoted to a princess they expected him to follow in her steps. Light made it clear that even though he had a pair of wings he wasn’t royalty. He said something to me about making a difference by being an inspiration for the kids, and he couldn’t do that from a throne. There’s also the fact that he knows nothing about running a kingdom. Twilight is wise and a good ambassador, but Light’s just a pony who likes having fun and helping the younger generation.”

“Ya... I heard.” Surprise tried to hide his anger and sadness he felt towards the betrayal he thought Light had done to the MoonRacers-ians. He thought that Light would be the prince that would lead to major changes, but he had failed to see any of them.

Book pointed over to a small store where a bunch of kids is gathered. “They love Light. They believe that he was given his wings just, so he could have more fun with them. He’s doing a lot better since your visit, and I must thank your people for that. Just, so I could have some names, who all helped him with his depression?”

“You can thank Flash and his daughters, those 3 really were the true helpers of your brother.” Kirouac said humbly.

Surprise stayed quiet, angry at Light for wasting his gift that was given to him just to do what Flash does as a pastime and hobby.

Soon, they found their way to Twilight’s castle. Spike was waiting at the door for them. “Hi, I’m Spike. I was asked to take you to Twilight’s throne room, but between you and me, I just wanted to see what a half dragon and pony looked like. You are now the coolest pony I’ve ever met.”

Kirouac looked a little confused, but he could see that he was serious. He gave him a little smile and a high five.

“So... Like... Which one was the dragon?” Spike asked.

“My dad, while my mom is a unicorn.” Kirouac explained.

“Really!” Spike said in glee.

Book smiled to see the two of them connect. “I don’t know what Equestria would do without this little guy. He’s played a large part in the peace between the dragons and the changelings. Twilight couldn’t have a better friend alongside her.” Book wanted to make sure that he avoided the words assistant and servant to make a good impression.

Surprise could feel some negative emotion at the end, but like always he couldn’t tell which negative emotion it was.

Spike was practically beaming as he led them through the castle.

As they got to the throne room they found Twilight, sitting at her round table until she heard the door close. She quickly turned around with a bright smile and bowed to them. “Hello, my name is Twilight Sparkle. It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’ve only heard so much about your people, but I’m proud to be able to learn more about you.”

Surprise could see the map in the table. He figured that it must be the lands that they have already conquered and taken over.

“So... Um…” Twilight looked Kirouac over. “You have a horn and a pair of wings!?”

“Ya, and unlike you, he doesn’t get Kn…” Surprise’s mouth was covered by Kirouac’s claw.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you Princess.” Kirouac said politely.

Book grinned a bit at Twilight. “I admittedly assumed that the mix was merely a mix of the dragon and pony wings. Kirouac, is it alright if you can confirm that?”

Kirouac nodded. “My father was a winged dragon, and my unicorn mother was half pegasus and also happened to have been born with the trait of having two clusters of feathers on her back, one on each side.”

Twilight’s eyes widened. “Wow! There’s only a few recorded instances of a pony inheriting the physical traits from their parents of different pony races. Normally the dominant gene takes hold. As for a pony and dragon, they rarely bred together to it’d make sense for a more… unique hybrid to be born. Either way, it’s great to have you here. And you are Surprise. Am I correct?” She asked while turning to him.

“I am Surprise, but you are not c...” Kirouac interrupted Surprise and changed the subject.

“I do know that you have a dragon friend, but... Have any dragons tried to have a child with a pony?” Kirouac asked her.

“I don’t think so. Our relations with the dragonlands have only improved a few years ago. Most dragons don’t live here because a lot of stuff here is flammable. We’re working on that, and we even have a school of friendship with several races attending. I’d love to show you two the school, but you wouldn’t see it in action. Due to Nightmare Night school’s out for this week.”

“Oh... What an inconvenience.” Surprise said. He was convinced that the kids were kidnapped and forced to be here out of their will. The doctor had already told him that about the dragon Smolder.

“Trust me, the kids enjoy the holidays. It’s always been my dream to help spread friendship to the surrounding nations.” Twilight explained

‘Friendship or your will.’ Surprise asked himself in his head. “I bet the kids love that.”

“Well, Is there anything about our people that you’d like to know about. If it’s mainly about me and my friends I can let you have a copy of our journal.” Twilight offered, wanting to extend her friendship.

Surprise wasn’t interesting to have a copy of their Manifesto. He looked around that all the crystal that made this castle. “That’s a nice castle you have.” He was convinced that it was made by slaves she had captured, and forced to build it with the resources she stole from the other countries.

Twilight smiled a bit. “Yeah, it was formed by the tree of harmony after Tirek’s attack. It does have a magical feel to it.”

Surprise couldn’t believe that the princess was expecting him to believe this out-landed, far-fetched story. “Is that so?”

Book could see the skepticism from him. “I can still show you the gigantic holes in the mountains where Twilight and Tirek fought. I could even show you the tree. Tell me, how much do you know about the tree? Even the Yaks could feel the raw magic coming from it.”

Surprise was feeling more stressed the more they tried to cover their tracks. He decided that it was time to call them out for everything they’ve done. All he needed was something small to accuse them of to light the fire. “Tell me, is this true that you chased away a dragon from its home?”

Surprise could feel the Princess’s anguish of being put into a corner. “Well... Ummm the thing is that he was causing trouble.”

“Oh, was he attacking you or pillaging Your Land?”

“I would like to mention that we have made peace with the dragonlands.” Book tried to explain. He knew that Surprise was trying to stir up some trouble, but he had to try to remain professional.

“But you still forced a none pony to live the place he calls home just because it inconveniences your perfect pony *coft*-topia”

Book knew that this pony only wanted a fight, so he had to turn the tables. “Well, enlighten us. Let’s say that a giant dragon wanted to take a long nap, and he picked out back yard to set up camp. He’s now releasing smoke that will threaten to kill all of your crops and the crops of all of your people. How would you handle it? Would you force everypony to leave, or try to negotiate? And what happens when he starts the fight? Enlighten us all.”

“You have a series of Pegasus at your beckon call, pegasus that can make tornadoes, you can find a way.” Surprise said with a grin.

“Tornadoes would have done more harm to the dragon, not to mention the rest of the town. You can form tornadoes, but trying to maintain one 24/7 would result in a large build up of energy that would have killed the dragon and everypony in a ten-mile radius.” Book explained, glad that he studied tornadoes as a kid.

“That was just an example, there are many other things to could have commanded the pegasus to do.” Surprise bosted.

“May I remind you that Twilight wasn’t a princess back then? This small town can’t handle such a monumental and constant task like that.” Book said sternly. “Their plan was to talk to them and ask them to move, the only real punches thrown were by that dragon.”

“Oh, how it is sad when your ruler is unable to help its subjects.”

“Why do you think she sent Twilight there in the first place? To borrow a cup of sugar? You know nothing about politics or managing resources. Face it, if you were in our horseshoes you’d do the exact same thing. Trying to calmly ask him to find another place to take a nap. But I bet you are the type of person to have the whole village move instead.” Book replied.

“You do know that there are trees that can absorb and filter out dragon smoke.” Surprise explained boastfully.

Twilight’s eyes widened. “There are?”

Book scoffed a bit. “We didn’t know, but your argument is now going to be that we should have known. Nopony knows everything. You laugh at the power of hindsight, but you look like the pony who’s never had to deal with the hard choices on the spot with no time to find every single resource. We had to think on the spot, you now have had years to think about it.”

“You could have asked the dragon you have about the trees that grew in his birth lands.” Surprise told the princess.

Spike bit his lip a bit. “I wasn’t born in the Dragonlands. I was abandoned at birth and wasn’t hatched until Twilight found me. It was her who took me in and helped me become the dragon I am today. And before you accuse her of anything, she’s been like a mother to me. She gave me a home and a family, so don’t you dare try to say that she made me into some pet!”

“So she told you.” Surprise told them. “What a strange convenience that you were found by ponies and not another dragon. How far is this town from the Badlands?”

Spike started to stare darkly at this changeling as he pointed a claw at him. “Don’t you dare make guesses about what you don’t know about!” He snarled.

Twilight looked shocked as Spike looked ready to teach this changeling a lesson, but before they could say anything Book started making his way towards Surprise. “Well, glad you could help when we needed you… oh wait! Where were you?” Book was starting to get fed up with him. “Tell me where you were when the Storm King threatened to destroy countless races, or when Tirek was trying to conquer the world, or when one changeling managed to help his people find peace? Tell me if your people have no flaws whatsoever. Look me in the eyes and tell me that this isn’t about race.”

“Oh it’s not about race, unlike your country, the country I’m now calling home were making peace with the race different from use, LONG before it was beneficial for us. Oh, and F.Y.I. We had changeling changing a valve to the next step long before your parents had even met.” Surprise could feel that he was stroking nerves.

“Really? Then where were you when the griffins fell into poverty? We’ve started trades now that they’ve finally opened up to us. Tell me why you are here. Are you here to foster peace, or to find any reason to have a war? The only pony here who is persistent that ponies should be strung up and wiped off of the face of Equestria is you.” Book said, calling him out.

“Well let me think... At that time I would have been at a school, if any had wanted to teach me, but instead I was taught by my princess-fearing mother.”

“FACE IT! All you want is war, and you’d do anything to have your revenge on any innocent soul who had NO PART in your lousy past. I’ve seen eyes like yours. You want somepony to pay for what’s happened to you. Guess what, I’m nearsighted. I wasn’t qualified for my position. I didn’t play the pity party game and tried to find every pony who I could blame for this. I was a bit enough stallion to take hold of the reigns of my life and made my life better on my own. I made contact lenses that grant me better vision and now that same technology is being used to help countless ponies, and I refused to have a cent of that money. Why don’t you stop blaming everypony for your life and make it better on your own?” Book barked, tired of Surprise’s excuses for wanting a fight.

Surprise rolled his eyes, not impressed that from all the thing Book could think of to show that his life wasn’t perfect, he chose the thing that didn’t even come up in Flash’s things he would want to change.

Twilight and Kirouac were both starting to get worried about where this was going to go.

Book started to tell from the looks Twilight and Kirouac were giving that all he was doing was blowing into the fire. He quickly turned to Kirouac. “Listen, ponies like me and Surprise aren’t the ponies who make changes. We are defensive and see the darkness and what it could give. It’s ponies like you and Twilight who make peace and change mindsets. You dream of a place where you can fit in, Twilight has made friendships with nations that we never thought were possible. You two don’t look at the past, but see the future and how it can be better. Together, you two can change the world in ways not even Celestia could. The choice is yours. You can let the sins of the past and the theories of a few allow you to fuel the fires of war which nopony wants, or you can find the better path and change the world for the better.”

“We do have a place that accepts us, MoonRacer!” Surprise said. “And unlike here you don’t have to fit in to be welcome.”

“Why settle for a place that only a few ponies can find? How many other ponies out there feel like outcasts? Your people helped my brother find his place in the world. Why can’t you share that with other ponies?”

“It’s found by anyone who needs to find it, How do you think your bro found Flash?” Surprise barked.

“Wait…” Book suddenly realized something. “I do remember you. My brother talked about you. You tried to lift him up as a king, expected him to be royalty. Did it burn you when he wanted to help kids instead of returning to Moonracer? You expected him to abandon his family and all of the kids that he helps just so you could have a boasting right.” Book could tell by the look on Surprise’s face that he hit it rights on the mark. Book got right into Surprise’s face and stared at him darkly. “You’re a hypocrite. You are picking specks of dust out of our eyes when there’s a two by four sticking out of yours. You’re no politician. You’re a warmonger. I should have just brought Kirouac to this meeting and had you wait outside.”

“We accept your flaws and mistakes.” Surprise tried to say.

“No, Your people have. You, Surprise, haven’t.” Book said coldly.

Twilight looked nervous as she stepped forward. “I know that we aren’t perfect, but we both want to see our people prosper. I’ve made my share of bad decisions when I was younger, but I’ve grown. I want us to see that we all want to share friendship with each other. Can you help us find that dream and make it into a reality?” Twilight offered Kirouac her hoof, hoping that he would be willing to see eye to eye with her.

“Don’t tell me you are going to believe their LIES!” Surprise yelled out. “Let’s go Kirouac, I don’t need to use the only changeling ability I have to tell that we are not welcome.”

Kirouac stayed where he was, it was the first time that Surprise was choosing where to go instead of following him. Something about what Book said made sense. Why would he trust the word of one pony without listening to all of the facts? It was wrong, and a strong part of him knew it.

“Kirouac!?” Surprise turned to look at Kirouac, and saw that he wasn’t moving. “Fine.” He started to go without Kirouac. “But don’t go crying to me when they betray you.” Surprise slammed the door behind him in anger.

Twilight took a deep breath. “I’m sorry for this. I’d like to start over and try seeing eye to eye. If you’d like I can call the other princesses over, and even some of the other rulers of the surrounding nations.”

Book took a deep breath. “If you want to have a good idea of who we are you need a pony who actually knows about our people and our culture.”

Twilight’s eyes brightened up a bit. “That’s it! You said that Light is friends with FlashTruth, and Flash has been to our city many times and has talked to a lot of our people. He’d be perfect. I can arrange a meeting for after Nightmare Night and Light can ask him about helping you. Well, if that’s okay with you.”

“Yes, but why not tomorrow ?” Kirouac asked.

“Because he’s on his way home from visiting Light right now. Light’s told me that he has kids and Flash will most likely want Light to watch them.” Book explained. “I’ll talk to my brother about it. He’s the only pony in town who knows how to get into contact with him.”

“I’m sure that he wouldn’t mind coming back to see Light once more, they are best friends.” Kirouac explained.

Book nodded. “I’ll ask Light to message him. Maybe we can speed this up.”

Twilight nodded. “Okay, but just know that this is a little last minute. It might take a while for the other nations to join us.”

“I can wait, I didn’t have any plans for the next day.” Kirouac said. “That is... If you are letting me stay for the night?” He asked her.

“Of course.” Twilight said. “I can prepare a room immediately.”

Twilight quickly ran out of the room. Book wiped some sweat from his head as he turned to Kirouac. “Twilight doesn’t have any servants. Tell me, how much do you trust Surprise? I’m not trying to be rude, but his violent nature against ponies has me worried.”

“He had a rough childhood.” Kirouac explained. “He feels that Equestria is hypocritical, and that its full of holier-than-thou ponies. Even if it might have been true in his birth town, It doesn’t excuse his behavior.”

Book could tell from Twilight’s face that she wanted him to say something. “There’s always a few hypocrites in any town. My brother was actually denied a chance at a higher education when he was a kid due to one pony who thought he couldn’t be worth anything. It was a few kids who weren’t from this country who changed that pony. There’s always a few bad ponies in any town, but they can change. They just need somepony to lead the way. If it’ll make you feel any better, I’ll stay out of the meeting. I’ve never been good with this stuff.”

“Oh ya, FlashTruth laughed when he heard about Light’s rejection.” Kirouac said. “He couldn’t believe that someone would think that Asperger is a handicap.”

“I guess that’s something else that needs to change around here.” Book said as he headed for the door. “I hope things will go smoother from here on out.”

Kirouac nodded. “Well, I don’t know about you.” He yawned and stretched. “But I’m a bit sleepy.”

Twilight had made her way back to the room at this point. She knew that there was still a few hours before the sun would set, but she wanted to respect his decisions. “Alright, I’ll take you to your room. It’s a little last minute, but I’m certain that it’ll meet all of your needs.”

Kirouac thanked her, and followed her.

Twilight lead him to a guest room as Book was thinking about Surprise. He had a hard time trying to understand how somepony who’s never been to his town could know about it’s past. He gave too many details that most outsiders didn’t know about. He desperately needed to learn about that doctor, but he had a feeling that the Shadow Knight would have to trade a few punches before he’d see the end of this. Book gulped a bit as he thought about what that could end up meaning for Equestria. “Dear Celestia, don’t let this end in a fight.”

Surprise hid in the trees at the entrance of the forest, crying to himself, as he noticed a familiar shadow looking at him.

“Your friend didn’t listen to you, they have corrupted him.”

“You were right Dr.,” Surprise cried as Mephist appeared in a black cloud of smoke, and he was out of his shadow form, “Kirouac has turned on me, for the ponies!” Mephist sighed, and he put a clawed hoof on the halfling’s shoulder.

“He is not the one to blame my child,” Mephist said to Surprise, “But the ponies are, they have turned his heart to their side, they made him to leave you. I won’t leave you. Join me and I will teach you to take your revenge on those who robbed you, I will teach you to change. What if I told you that you could change, you have your father’s blood in your veins.”

“What do you mean?” Surprise asked, confused.

“Your father is a changeling, that makes you a changeling as well.”

Surprise nodded. “But he wasn’t there to show me how.” He tried to explain.

“I will show you,” mephist gave a clawed hoof to surprise “I will be the father you never had, I will teach you.”

“But how, you aren’t a changeling! Are you?” Surprise asked, completely confused.

“I am not a changeling,” Mephist reassured the confused halfling, “But I learned their tricks, including the one that teach how to shape shift. Of course that to me it’s useless, but to you, my friend, it will be useful.”

Surprise eyes widen. “Y... You can!?” He asked excitedly.

“Yes, join me and I will teach you how to fulfill your true potential.”

“I will, I am!” Surprise told him.

“Good,” Mephist smiled, “As Shifting Surprise, you have been ignored by all, and now you will rise as Loyal to me, as Loyal Dark, will you carry any mission you will be commanded, Loyal?”

“I will,” Loyal agreed, kneeling to Mephist. “What is the first order of business?”

“First I will teach you the rights of the changeling, the ability to shape shift, but then I would need you distract the elements, while I will take something that belongs to me. Soon enough Loyal Dark, soon enough those who mocked will become like us.”

Loyal nodded. “What about the half dragon?” He asked, no longer wanting to say his name, for now.

“He won’t be a problem for now, but if he will come to stop us, do not hesitate.” Mephist said sternly as he helped Loyal up.

Unknown to them Book was watching from the castle. He was thankful for wearing his glasses, but he couldn’t tell what they were saying. Book could feel his heart tense up as he watched them talk. “I don’t know what you want, but if you are against this city, then you’ll have to go through me first.”