Negotiation

The Reception the Equestrians, received was less than stellar. The Honeycomb hive changelings came out of the woodworks to hiss and glare at the Equestrian ponies. Having your love collectors sent flying to who knows where doesn't leave the best impression. It was the same with Queen Ambrosia. While she still lays the blame on Chrysalis for exposing their entire race, it doesn't mean Ambrosia doesn't hold some animosity toward the ponies.

"I see they aren't too happy to see us," Cadance said nervously while Shining and the guards gave their own heated glares. Rainbow Dash and AppleJack glared harder, while Rarity gave the group of Changelings a nervous smile. Fluttershy regained consciousness and quickly pretended to be out cold after seeing who was near them. PinkiePie paid them no mind; she had other things to worry about, like her tail twitching. (But things aren't falling out of the sky?)

Twilight looked at the Human pleadingly. "Mister Maxwell, can you do something about them?" She gestured toward the Changelings as they walked. The stares were making the Horrorcorn anxious.

Raven shrugged nonchalantly, used to the stares. "Unless it's an emergency, or they do something stupid, I don't order them around. You'll have to take your complaints to Queen Ambrosia." Honestly, this situation could have been avoided if Ambrosia or any other Changeling Queen had told the Equestrians about the invasion. Even if they didn't know about the invasion, the number of disguised drones should have been a red flag. Of course, he wouldn't bring this up because that would be hypocritical in many ways. Also, he has enough on his plate already. "Don't tell them shit."

Waving away his worrying thoughts, Raven looked to where Adam's massive corpse should be and felt relieved. The only thing there was a massive indent in the land; most would chalk it up to the strange geography. It even had a 'notice me not spell' on that part of the land. The average citizen won't notice this, but experienced magic users like Twilight, Shining, and Cadance will. He'll need to ask Ambrosia to have some of her drones patrol near the area later.

As they neared the pink castle, Raven saw somepony approach them. It was Moondancer, and she didn't look happy. "Why do this now?" He assumed that the bespectacled pony didn't want to be seen, considering this could be seen as treason. The Cyborg mentally shrugged. If anything happened, he would step in.

Originally Moondancer just wanted to stay in her shack of a home, but things have changed. A changeling named Monarch came knocking on her door asking for help; something about overthrowing the changeling Queen that tried invading during the wedding. She was about to slam the door in the bug pony's face until she said something about Human knowledge. A few days later, she and Monarch found themselves across the country searching for the Human, and it was worth it.

Human knowledge could only be described as amazing! On one side was the study of the physical and living world, which dealt with geology, physics, chemistry, biology, evolution, natural history, microbiology, botany, zoology, and her favorite, Alchemy! On the other side were Human creations and the study of Human beings (slightly narcissistic), which consisted of philosophy, mathematics, information, system theory, industry, technology, craftwork, arts & sports, religion, ethics, law & morals, culture & civilization, history, economics, politics, linguistics, medicine & psychology, and The EL.

Of course, she couldn't forget Human magic, while simple, was still fascinating. They usually fall into two categories of Spells and Active skills. Spells needed a spell matrix to work, while active skills required the person to follow a set movement to activate it. While different in some ways, they both need mana all the same.

Just thinking about the knowledge in there made the mare giddy. Moondancer probably could have spent the rest of her days studying in that library and ignoring the outside world. The problem was Raven wouldn't allow it. He said, "I'm not asking you to socialize with anyone other than Oleander, but please go outside and walk around. While you're at it, take a bath." In the mare's opinion, baths are a waste of time.

It was perfect or would have been if it weren't for Twilight coming to Dream Valley. "She always has to ruin everything" Moondancer thought to herself bitterly. "Hello, Twilight." The mare drawled out, causing the others to stop in their tracks.

"Moondancer, what are you doing here?!" Twilight stammered.

"Uh, Twi, you know this mare?" Questioned Applejack.

“Typical, Twilight. You never told your friends about me and how you skipped out on my birthday!” Moondancer sneered at the Horrorcorn. “You humiliated me!”

”HAHAHAHAHAH A FUCKING BIRTHDAY PARTY!? By the goddess, that’s pathetic” Raven quickly strangled that small part of himself before it went out of control. Still, being upset over a birthday seemed so unimportant. Congratulations, you’re one year closer to your death. But it seemed like not everypony shared his opinion because Pinkie Pie gasped in horror.

“Twilight! How could you?! Missing somepony’s birthday party is like the worst thing in the world!” The party pony exclaimed.

Before Moondancer could continue, Raven cut her off. "That's enough, Moondancer. You can discuss this personal matter later after I'm done talking with the Equestrians. The Mare in question was about to give a rebuttal, but one stern look from the Human stopped her. Moondancer's ears drooped, and she walked away from the group with her head low.

"I need to talk to her later."Raven motioned for everyone to continue following him. "And before you ask, I did not ask her to come here. She came of her own free will." After being convinced by a changeling, they didn't need to know that, now did they?

"Yeah? How do we know if she hasn't been brainwashed by one of those changelings." Rainbow Dash asked suspiciously.

"You don't, but if that were the case, she wouldn't be out here confronting Twilight and causing trouble for me. Now, let's go." He wanted this day to be over before he got an aneurysm.

The Great Hall

The group finally made it to the castle and its meeting room. It was a simple bedroom that Raven repurposed as a meeting room for situations like this. The furniture was replaced with a long wooden table and sitting pillows. Of course, this was too small for Raven to use, and he was no carpenter.

Ambrosia sees Raven's predicament and, for once, comes up with a brilliant idea. Using her magic, green vines grow out of the cracks in the floor and come together. In less than a minute, a throne was constructed for the large Human to sit on. Raven gave the Changeling Queen a curious look, which she reciprocated with a smile. "Go on, sit down. It's comfortable."

Narrowing his eye, Raven starts inspecting the chair. After a while, he didn't find a thorn or anything inappropriate; it was a very well-made chair. With nothing else to say, he sat down and leaned back into it. Letting out a continent sigh, Raven spoke. "It's as you say. The chair is comfortable." After thousands of years, Raven was finally comfortable. Now he just needed to find a bed he could fit onto. Ambrosia lets out a happy squeal and sits beside the Human" Now, let's talk."

The Equestrians had already taken their seats and watched the interaction between Ambrosia and Raven with amusement. The guards were posted outside the room; they would come running in to defend their charges if anything happened. Princess Cadance was seated at the end of the table. Clearing her throat, she gets to the heart of the matter. "We want the foals back, and we're here to arrest Oleander." She said curtly.

Raven gave the Princess of Love a flat stare. Cadance herself met his gaze with a determined one. They stayed like this for a couple of seconds before Raven answered. "No, they are my children." That's when all hell broke loose.

"WHAT?!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed!

"WHAT IN TARNATION?! YOU CAN'T BE SERIOUS?! THOSE FOALS HAVE FAMILY!" Yelled an angry Applejack. The mare was mad enough to get up and slam her hooves on the table, cracking it.

While the others didn't voice their opinions, they were shocked nonetheless. Shining Armor, in particular, gave the Human a stern look, trying to figure out what Raven was playing at. Cadance, on the other hoof, glared at the Human and voiced her opinion. "Raven Maxwell, it does not matter what claims you have made or parental titles you give yourself. These foals were wrongfully taken from their country of origin, ergo foal abduction. We won't take them by force, but." The Mane Six was about to object, but one stern glare from Shining Armor shut them up.

"There will be legal repercussions for you and this little colony of yours; one of these will be an economic sanction. Others will follow our example as well." Cadance leaned back slightly while still glaring at the Human. "Also, let's not forget the trouble you've caused in Equestria and her ponies." While the mare wasn't a capable fighter, it doesn't mean she isn't fierce regarding diplomacy.

While not showing it outwardly, Ambrosia could feel the nervousness radiating from her Human companion. And who wouldn't? A powerful country is making demands (which they rightfully should), and not complying means being taxed to hell and the possible death of a new nation. Still, they weren't going to take it lying down!

Legally speaking, Raven had nowhere to stand. Cadance was right. He did take those foals wrongfully. It didn't matter if it was right or wrong; he broke the law. "So what? Push back and take what's yours!". The little voice chimed in, causing the man to pull up his holographic screen and order the L scout to bring his children here.

Seeing how he was currently stuck between a rock and a hard place, Raven would need to use every tool in his arsenal: Blackmail, bargaining, and using pony empathy. Closing one eye, Raven starts gathering his thoughts and buying himself some time. After three minutes, he opens his eye and speaks. "I refuse." He said. Cadance looked disappointed but not all that surprised. Raven continued. "But you must understand, they came to me seeking help."

This was new information. Why were seven foals so desperate to seek help from such an ancient race? That question was soon answered by the young Black Crow members stepping into the room. Initially, everypony in the room was relieved to see that foals were fine, but it became apparent why they were so desperate. Out of the seven, four ponies were considered undesirables on appearance alone, and seeing how nervous some were didn't help. Once Raven gave them a reassuring look, they quickly calmed down.

As soon as Amber brought her little sister near the Human, the little green filly made the uppies position. Seeing this, Raven picked up Jade and placed her on his lap. The filly started babbling happily and even tried playing with her father's claw, which was kept out of reach. "Daddy!" This caused several jaws to hit the floor and Cadance to twitch in irritation.

"Shows of affection won't change anything."Cadance chided herself internally for acting so cold, but she knew the Human was playing on their sympathy.

"It won't, but look at it from their perspective." Raven first pointed at Oleander. "A young mare being hunted down for using Dark Magic." Next was Moon Charm. "She was kicked out of her tribe and left to fend for herself because she spoke out." Moon Charm nodded sadly. The Human points to Xeuz, who is scuffing at the ground. "A colt abandoned by his parents and treated as an outcast for his heritage and appearance." The man never understood why ponies were so scared of zebras. Mentally shrugging, he points at the twins. "Dew and Night were kicked out of their tribe for being albinos. It was seen as a bad omen. And I don't need to tell you how thestrals are treated normally." The twins yelled 'Yeh!' in unison. Raven pointed at Cozy Glow, who kept up her innocent facade, and the pegasus cut him off before he could speak.

"My mother, Royal Ribbon, abandoned me." Cozy sniffled, earning her sympathetic stares from the Equestrians. "Just because I wasn't born a unicorn. S-so, s-she put me in a foster home and tried hiding the truth about me!" Cozy Glow couldn't hold back her tears and was now loudly sobbing, which in turn pulled on the Equestrians' heartstrings. Cadance made a mental note to visit Royal Ribbon at some point. As for the Black Crow's, they didn't buy the crocodile tears. Moon Charm had to stop herself from rolling her eyes.

With her part done, Cozy flew up and started crying into her 'Father's' chest. The filly whispered low enough for only Raven to hear. "They're so easy to fool. It's your turn." Cozy Glow looked up and gave the man a crooked smile. "Daddy." A shiver ran down the former captain's spine; he would need to address Cozy's issues before they became a problem.

Nonetheless, his daughter just had provided the man an opening, which he'll take advantage of. He points to Jade, then to Amber. "These two are here because of Ponyvillie's gross negligence."

"Mister Maxwell!" Rarity called out, offended by the Human's words. "It's unbecoming of you to blame the entire town. If we had been notified, we would have looked everywhere until they were found." Huffed the fashionista.

"That's right, don't you go giving Ponyvillie a bad name because of some rumor. "Raven's visible eyebrow twitched at that. "Like what rares said, if we were told, mah whole family would have looked high and low for those two fillies."

"That's right, one eye! With cloudsdale on our side, theirs no way those foals would have gotten far!" Explained Rainbow Dash, who then pointed at Fluttershy, who didn't want the attention. "Even Fluttershy and her animal friends would have found them in no time!" The mare in question nodded, not wanting more of the scary Human's attention.

"If Detective Pinkie were on the case, those fillies would have been found."The pink mare pulled out a deerstalker hat and magnifying glass..from somewhere? "What the fuck?" "I would have looked in every nook and cranny for those two. No stone would be left unturned, and that includes cookie jars!" Pinkie seemingly broke the laws of physics by teleporting around the room and lifting random heavy objects with one hoof; this included Princess Cadance. At one point, Pinkie's entire head came out of a vase that was physically too small to fit her."What the actual fuck?! How is she doing that? You know what? Let it go." Raven did, stuffing his questions in the back of his mind, but that blank stare he had spoke volumes.

This time Twilight speaks up, and she asks the obvious question. "Who are the parents, or parent?" The Horrorcorn hadn't been in Ponyvillie for long enough to recognize these two fillies, but certain things would clear up if they had names.

"Screw Loose and Dapper Harshwhinny for Amber." Raven's words brought a chorus of 'oh's' around the room, except for Shining, Cadance, and Twilight. "As for Jade, we don't know who the father is, and that's part of the problem. Oleander, a quill, and parchment, please." Raven requested from his oldest daughter.

"Of course...Father," She whispered that last part. The dark magic user was still getting used to it and showing affection. She conjured the necessary writing tools and gave them to her adoptive father.

He began to write, and while he did, he asked the Equestrians a question. "What do you know about Screw Loose's situation?"

Rainbow Dash was the first to answer, remembering how that crazy mare chased her when she stole that daring do book. "She barks like a dog?" This earned her flat stares from everypony else. "What? It's true."

With a tired sigh, Applejack answered, filling the gaps in Rainbow Dash's response. "Screw Loose and Dapper Harshwhinny were nice enough ponies; they even had a Lil filly. A few years back, when I was just a filly mahself, Dapper went missing...We," The farm mare gulped, remembering the scene. It wasn't too dissimilar to how her ma and pa were found. "We found his remains; something tore him apart." It was one of the reasons why she was cautious around Fluttershy's 'Friends.' they were still wild animals. She was also cautious around predator races, including the Human.

Still, how the Human stopped his writing to pick up the now sniffling Amber made the farm pony doubt herself. And if those scars, missing eye, and weird arm were any indication, life put him through the wringer. Another thing she noticed, the fella wasn't all there at times, just a hollow look in his eye. That was the big difference from every other villain she and her friends faced; they were either smug or had maddening looks in their eyes. Raven on the other hoof, the villain who had won? He looked hollow as if he was already defeated. Although she could still see a flicker of hope in his eye, it was waning.

"I see." Raven's voice cuts Applejack from her thoughts. "My main concern about these two is this." He folded the paper and slid it across the table toward Cadance.

The mare picked up the letter with her magic and read it; the others huddled around her and read as well. They were disgusted! Cadance's face became pale, while Shining Armor was filled with righteous anger. Fluttershy became white as a sheet when she read the description of the pony who could have done this; then she looked at the babbling green filly on the Human's lap. Could it be?

Pinkie Pie became green and held a hoof over her mouth. Rarity's face twisted into a scowl at the thought of the ruffian. Rainbow Dash and Applejack were both in the same mindset of beating the stallion who did this black and blue. Twilight was beyond angry, to the point where her horn glowed a sickly dark green, which confirmed Raven's theory. The only one who couldn't express their disgust and anger was Spike since Rainbow Dash kept pushing him away. "Hey, let me see!"

This left the room in uncomfortable silence as Equestrians processed the information. Most believed that Screw Loose hit her head one too many times and was left like that. With this information brought to light, someponies tried to sweep the whole situation under the rug.

Thankfully the silence was broken by Mena entering the room with a food tray on her back. Like before, she wore a maid's uniform, but this time she had a grey veil over her face to hide the mare's identity. She placed the tray down in front of the Equestrians. She gave them all a quick bow and left the room, not before giving Pinkie Pie a side-eye glance.

The tray had an assortment of fruits, wild vegetables, fried hard tack, and glasses of water. It was nothing special, but the Equestrians ate it all the same, but not before Shining Armor used a spell to check for poisons or drugs. Once it was safe, they dug in.

Cadance was the first to finish her slices of oranges and glass of water. "Raven Maxwell, you've presented your side and the rather disturbing implications of what are little ponies have been doing, but that doesn't change the fact you still broke the law. Even if they came to you." Her voice didn't have the same edge to it, but she had a job to do.

Raven leaned back into his green chair with a sigh. He gestured toward Queen Ambrosia to talk, which she did. "We'll offer you Chrysalis' head." The Changeling Queen said all too happily.

Everypony's eyes went wide at that. "Excuse me?" Cadance stammered out, not believing this.

Ambrosia nodded happily. "That's right, since Ol' Chrisy failed to take over Equestria and expose our entire race, we've had a hard time gathering love."

"Tell me, what's worse? Me beating Luna and taking some foals with me, or Chrysalis beating Princess Celestia and nearly taking over Equestria with an invading army." Raven questioned while staring at Shining Armor, who stared back with an unreadable expression. "And we've already thought of a replacement for Chrysalis, seeing how cutting off the head won't solve the problem, just make it worse." Raven's analogy made a few ponies cringe, but he continued.

"Once everything is said and done, with Chrysalis on your doorstep. Say that I've been... 'Reformed' as you did with Discord." Raven offered, which angered Applejack, and, surprisingly, Fluttershy.

"Discord did change, don't insinuate otherwise," Fluttershy said heatedly, which surprised the man. Where was the shy pegasus?

Applejack was next to answer. "You asking us ta lie ta ponies? Are you out of your mind?"

Raven just shrugged. "My apologies, but welcome to politics. I think this a fair trade. The Equestrians get peace of mind knowing that I'm not some dangerous monster, while the royal sisters don't have to worry about Changelings attacking again. In doing so, you’ll have to over look the custody issue and give Oleander a pardon. " Raven crossed his fingers and stared at the conflicted pink Alicorn." Word from the grapevine says that Chrysalis is planning something malicious. Give us three months, and Chrysalis' plans to take over Equestria will become a pipe dream. "

Cadance shook her head. "That's ludicrous. Princess Celestia and Princess Luna wouldn't accept it, the other nations are knocking on their door already, and they want answers. One month."

The man's visible eye narrowed. "Two months." Two months was already straining things, and one month wouldn't give them time to do anything.

Again the pink Alicorn shook her head. "It's just not possible."

Raven thought about it before an idea came to him. "How about a game?" Twilight’s eyes widened at the words the book told her about how humans liked to play games. "If I win, you give us two months like requested."

"If we win?" Cadance asked, wondering where he was taking this.

The Human grinned maliciously. "I have a bountiful wealth of magical knowledge, and if you win, I'll teach all of it to you." Cadance was about to scoff at the claim until Raven called upon Amber. " Amber, show them your newest spell." Amber jumped off Raven's lap with a giant grin and onto the table.

Pink mana gathered around the filly, making the air swirl around her. "Teleport!" She yelled before blinking out of existence, reappearing in front of Cadance and booping the princess on the nose. "Boop!" She teleported three more times, reappeared on Raven's lap, and hugged her baby sister.

For the second time that day, the Equestrains' jaws hit the fucking floor. An earth pony just used magic, teleportation, no less! "HOW?!" Twilight Sparkle yelled, a truly manic grin on her face, while her hair twitched. An earth filly performed a spell that took her the longest time to master. "YOU MUST TELL ME!!" She nearly jumped the table but was stopped by Pinkie Pie and AppleJack.

Cadance, sat there staring into space until Shining cleared his throat and spoke. "We accept, but we'll have to postpone this game until tomorrow. We have much to discuss."

"Shiny!" Cadance berated her husband for the rash decision but agreed with the last part. They had much to discuss. She also needed to send a letter to her aunt.

"Excellent!" Raven said, standing up while holding his three fillies in his arms. "We'll continue tomorrow, then." The man turned around, ready to leave the room, his children following his lead. But before he left, he wanted them to focus on someone else. "Don't you think it's strange how I awakened and how Twilight Sparkle got her affliction simultaneously?" This drew everyone's attention toward him. "Let's not forget the Pillars of Equestria reawakening as well."

Oleander rolled her eyes. "Those were cosplayers, father."

Raven ignored that and continued. "Even Dream Valley reappeared. It's as if something or someone is coordinating all of this." He looked back at them. " I am not your enemy. Henir is." With that, he left.

"You know about him too!? Please, tell me about him!" Twilight called to the Human, but he was already gone.

Who is Henir?

Author's Note

Alright! Got another chapter out! I hope you guys like this one! Because next chapter will be more about Celestia and Luna. Mostly Luna learning how to use the sickle.

Also, I know a real negotiation doesn’t go like this, but eh it’s fiction. Also I made a patreon as a tip jar. Every little helps!:patreon.com/user?u=52135266