Side-Chapter 1: Changing Yak's Minds

Yaks!

I never thought the day would come where I would end up with those folks in such a goofy and yet serious situation.

I mean, diplomatically speaking, we made two good attempts to defuse whatever family feud was going on, with Pinkie Pie and then Gona acting as stabilizing agents.

Didn't work from the way Fantasy Mongolia is still going to do a civil war. I want to say the Changelings did this but... Nope.

Stalliongrad? They actually support Rutherford, which is our Yak too.

So, how did this come to be? Tribes being Tribes and Yaks being Yaks.

It is not a racist thing to say Yaks do things practically and without talking much. The STAMP the issue until it doesn't exist. Family issues are quite destructive.

Still, this mess had to be defused before the Changelings get an easy route in the country and turn the Crystal Empire in a huge salient to crush.

So, here I am, sent as the last resort to prevent a Civil War and deal with the delegations of both governments of the brothers at once in Yakistown.

Prince Rutherford wanted to modernize the country, his brother Bradford didn't.

The end result is a potential civil war and I had conjured a rather simple plan to avert it.

I produced my own table at the negotiations. The two sides looked confused at my move, even more as they eyed the Yaki writing I had tagged onto the table itself.

BOTH OF YOU ARE WRONG, CHANGE MY MIND.

"Pony Blueblood, what are you doing?" Rutherford asked with a mixture of confusion and shock.

"Yeah, this isn't a joke. Bradford doesn't like this!"

"I don't care what you feel about. I want to hear facts. Why is your perspective better than the other? If you convince me or not, I may decide if Equestrian aid is delivered or not."

The anger turned back to surprise and the two princes shared a look.

"Rutherford wants to know how to convince Pony Blueblood," The oldest Yak brother asked and I nodded.

"You both have turns to express the benefits of your ideology and policies, we will go though categories ranging from social issues to economic matters. Once you are all done, I will say who wins the debate."

As the two retreated to chat with their groups, I saw Yona approach my desk.

"Mr. Blueblood?"

I turned. "Yes, Yona?"

"Yona doesn't get it. What is... What are you doing?"

"An improvised Friendship Lesson. Keep an eye on what I am going to do now."

She didn't look sure, but nodded nonetheless and complied to my words as the debate started.

First to go was Bradford for being the youngest.

He raised a point in the matter of foreign policy and remarked how isolation made Yakyakistan a sovereign country rather a puppet to others. He also highlighted how foreign teachers had influenced and politicised students to the point where even his Jakiclan had issues with Supremacists.

Yet, he found himself stumbling in regards to providing better medical assistance or ease up the burden of the common Yak.

Rutherford was next, and he hit hard on the many achievements made through the socialist welfare program he recently passed, the many changes given to the administration to ease up the burden on the common Yak, and the education program suggested by Yona and other Equestrian advisors.

However, he had to admit that foreign assistance was polluted by political goals between Stalliongrad empowering the so-called 'Red Tribes' and Equestria pressing for Rutherford's abdication and formation of a republic.

At the end of the presentation, the two princes were tired and exhausted. They definitely had stamina to bellow and shout, but not for prolonged conversations.

And this worked well to my advantage.

"I think it's safe to say that both your perspectives are flaws," I remarked flatly, instantly gaining their glares. "Bradford, it is a noble goal to preserve your country's identity and your dedication to protect its sovereignty, however this should also not prevent you to uplift your country. Yakyakistan had a high mortality rate. Healthcare is needed and rules that hurt your own people should be changed for their betterment."

The youngest prince appeared embarrassed at the chiding.

"Rutherford, you are the older brother. While I understand you will claim responsibility as the ruler, your brother had some reasonable concerns. The military is besieged by radicalism, and you have admitted that you saw the manipulation by some of the advisors. This can't be let be or it will hurt the people you have a duty to lead."

The Prince nodded and I sighed.

"Both of you are family. War is not right to handle this sort of dispute. Talk is, even if it means shouting and cuss at each other. You will shake hooves, hug maybe, and then you will spend some time alone to remember the past and draw plans for the future. You are smart rulers that should not be influenced by others - work it out or you will let Yaks die for nothing by the end of the day."

They both tensed up and yet looked at each other.

There was a lengthy silence but...

"Sorry." "Sorry."

And they hugged it out.

Yona looked surprised, but I knew it would work. All these dummies needed was a group therapy session.

And, sadly for myself, no one is paying me for it beyond keeping peace in the north.

Author's Note

AN

So, it's been a month since I updated, and yes this is alive. Issue is that the internet provider is pulling all means to delay moving the line to the new house so I can only use my PC in the old house. So, we doing a short one. Might do more.

And yes, I tried the new patch, but didn't get the Yona path. That being said, I am truly looking forward the Stalliongrad and Equestria reworks the most.