Harlequin faced down Azure Sigil, magic sword only a foot away from her neck.
This would be the moment where a better changeling than her would come up with some clever lie. Hydrus would probably already have had one in reserve, just in case someone asked about where the sword came from. If the Swarm had still been within reach, she could’ve asked their collective reasoning for help. But they were gone, and she was alone.
Harlequin winced, then met the pony’s eyes. “I found it on a dead pony. I had to kill with it, or Hydrus would’ve killed me too.” She closed her eyes, tensing against the swing. In spite of all her best efforts, the ponies had found her within a day.
Sigil didn’t swing the sword, though. Instead the unicorn offered it to her, hilt first. “I know we have a… stigma… about taking from the dead. But there’s no reason for you to be ashamed. You would be amazed at how many ponies would’ve just run away. But not you.”
“Not me.” Harlequin took the sword back in a daze, returning it to the sheath. It didn’t so much as buzz in her mouth. “I thought you were going to… attack me or something for a second there.”
Sigil chuckled. “Nightender there would’ve told me everything I needed to know, even if I didn’t have witness accounts of you saving all those ponies. I guess you… might not have noticed. A sword like that isn’t just sharp. It knows evil, tastes it. They’re so sharp they can even cut through an evil unicorn’s spell before it gets to you.”
“Oh.” Harlequin stared down at the sheath, and the intricate engraving on the hilt she hadn’t even noticed before.
“I’m sorry to say you may not be able to keep her. They usually stay in the family who won them. I’ll find the previous owner’s next of kin, and they can decide what happens to it. But if they do want it back… I’ll make sure to get you a replacement, alright? Won’t be enchanted, but… I know some fine blacksmiths. I’ll put a sword in your hooves any guardspony would be proud to carry. But until then, you can hold onto it. Never know what evil might still be lurking in Canterlot.”
“R-right.” Harlequin stared down at the sword, confusion on her face. I must be evil, I killed a pony! You hated me then! The sword didn’t respond. From what she could see, it didn’t even look like it was glowing any differently. It must not be as good at finding evil as they think, that’s all. Can’t see through my transformation.
“So you’re a visitor…” Sigil continued. “Who were you visiting? Relatives?”
“N-no… just wanted to see… see the city. Nothing like this where I come from.”
“Well that’s certainly true. Even if you’re from Manehattan you won’t have a city like this. You might have skyscrapers, but our city was built by the ancients.”
There was an awkward silence. She could feel the pony’s eyes on her even then, though what she was looking for, Harlequin couldn’t sense. Her emotions had settled back down into ambivalence and neutrality, which made the subtler shades around that middle impossible to judge.
“Well, Harlequin. There are a few hotels in the city that are opening back up, but most of them are packed with ponies. Homes destroyed… not a lot of spare rooms. You’re welcome to leave the city—I know there are plenty in the Guard who would love a vacation right now. So long as you leave the sword behind. Or…” She trailed off.
I can’t go, not with the other changelings trapped. She didn’t know what would happen to them. Could the drones without names even survive without the Swarm to guide them? “No,” she said. “I’m not leaving.”
“Well then.” Azure Sigil grinned a little wider, offering a hoof. “Want a job?”
“A… job…” she repeated the word, sounding it out, trying to make sense of what it implied. The pony said it with greater weight than she could explain, a sure sign that Harlequin didn’t know something. “Like… building the prison?”
“Sure,” Sigil chuckled. “Like that, except you’ll get paid for it. We’ve got hot food, warm beds, and more importantly…” She leaned in close. “We get to make a bucking difference. I’m not going to sugarcoat it for you, Harlequin… we lost a lot of good ponies in the invasion. Lots of our friends didn’t come home. But I know they’d be happy to see their empty beds filled by new heroes. The process to get into the Guard is usually pretty involved—a century ago, you wouldn’t stand a chance without the right bloodline.”
She seemed to sense Harlequin’s hesitation, because she stepped back, raising a hoof defensively. “I’ll admit it! I planned on asking you about this no matter what we found. I planned on it being a little more dramatic—your house would be all broken into and trashed, and I’d say ‘you know our water still works’ or something, invite you to stay at the barracks. So here’s my offer. Join the Guard. In light of your obvious qualifications, I can even offer a skip from technician straight to officer. You can have your own shiny set of armor in an hour, and be out on the streets of Canterlot making a difference in two.”
Could she say no? Sigil seemed so determined to have her. It sounds like the ponies had just as many die as we did. They just respond to it differently. It seemed like the guard couldn’t spawn new members, so they had to recruit another way. From her.
“I want to… make a difference. With the changelings.”
“I’ll make sure you can.” She stuck out a hoof. “Come on, Harlequin. That’s a great sword you’re wearing, now it’s time to earn it.”
The Swarm hadn’t come back, and didn’t seem to be no matter how long Harlequin waited. Even so, she imagined she could hear their distant voices in the back of her head, screaming warnings that she needed to turn around, and demanding that she get herself to safety.
You need to survive to free us! Her own voice demanded. You’ve gone to the most dangerous place in the whole world! Escape while you still can!
Harlequin followed Azure Sigil through a sturdy building apparently made of a single, incredibly huge chunk of featureless gray rock. While many of the surrounding structures had been burned or had their windows broken, this one still had its walls standing, and its own grave for the changelings who had tried to get inside.
She wasn’t the only one inside, either. Harlequin was taken to a small room filled with pony clothing, and found a familiar pony already inside getting dressed.
“Apple Cinnamon!” she exclaimed, passing through the stallion section for the other side. “You’re here too?”
He nodded. “Apples have always protected Equestria, Harlequin. One of my cousins is an Element of Harmony! I ain’t some fancy pony like that… but I can swing a hammer, and maybe that’s enough. I gave your invitation away to Lilac, I hope you’re not mad. I’ve never been much for watching rich ponies show off how rich they are, princess or not.”
Harlequin had no idea how to pick clothing that fit, and probably would’ve been even more out of place if the ponies hadn’t put up little signs to label who they thought would be wearing their clothes. One of the plaques showed a winged mare, and she picked a vest from there. It was too loose, but the third one she picked almost fit.
“What about you, Harlequin? Couldn’t resist being a hero?”
“Nope,” she answered honestly. “I want to help.” Nothing else I could do would put me closer to the others. I have to help them.
Harlequin waited in a short line to go into another small room, this time with several other ponies and huge bins filled with bits of golden armor. She stood in place while a unicorn tried different pieces on her, assembling a set of bright gold armor around her. “Now make sure you’re watching this. You won’t have magic to do it this way, so you’ll be on your own. Each piece hooks on to the one that came before, see? Now show me how I did it.”
She did. Harlequin could never have figured it out on her own, but she’d watched a pony do it in front of her. She was a pro at copying.
Then came a room filled with ponies, yet so quiet she could practically hear them breathing. They sat in chairs arranged around the central path to the end. Stained glass windows shone behind them. Harlequin looked up, and saw scenes of battle. Ponies battled against dragons, ponies held back the griffons, they charged across burning bridges. All wearing gold armor.
They were admitted one at a time. Apple Cinnamon went in first, past a pair of guards wearing shiny, ceremonial swords.
She got to the end, where two ponies were waiting. One of them wore her gold armor—Azure Sigil. Beside her was a stallion, old and wearing robes. His face had so many wrinkles she could barely see his eyes. But he seemed able to see her.
“I speak for this one,” Sigil said. “I will witness for her. She is called Harlequin, a houseless mare honored by her conduct in the invasion.”
Harlequin stood up straight in the heavy armor, feeling awkward as it shifted and clanked together. She hadn’t even seen Sigil since they came into the building. Did she even belong here?
“Recruit Harlequin,” said the stallion. Despite his weak-looking body, his voice was so strong it reverberated through the room all around them. “You have come to the Canterlot Royal Guard at a time of great trial. Many of those who you would have called brother or sister are dead on the streets of the city outside. Where once we cleaned tombs and changed flags, the Guard is once again called to follow the drums that march to war. Do you understand that violence may be asked of you?”
“Yeah,” she answered. “I can—”
But the stallion’s stern eyes silenced her. “The words are ‘I do’ or ‘I will.’” He looked past her. “Captain Sigil, did you prepare her to be sworn in?”
“I… may have let some of the formalities escape me, General. Apologies.”
He cleaned his throat, glowering at Sigil for a few more seconds. Then he started again. “Do you understand that violence may be asked of you?”
“I do.” At least she could follow directions.
“Equestria is surrounded by dangers. Will you put your life between them and its ponies?”
She nodded again. “I will.”
“By joining with the Royal Guard, do you understand that your duty to protect Equestria will continue until your death? Even after your term of service is over, you may still be called upon to fight for Equestria and its princesses. Will you take up your weapons again when called upon, no matter the hour or the year?”
What’s the point of all this? She kept expecting to be blasted by magic, but… nothing happened. She was just saying words.
“I will.”
“Then you are a pony of the Royal Guard. May your watch continue in honor until your death.”
Ponies all around the room stomped their hooves for her, and for an instant Harlequin could almost feel a spell. Except it wasn’t magic she felt from these ponies, they weren’t casting a spell. They were accepting her into their family.
“Sorry about, uh… not telling you what to expect,” Sigil muttered, as they left the little room behind. “It slipped my mind. I was really little when I joined, and… well, you did fine. Now let’s see about getting you a bunk, then… a place on the duty roster, Officer Harlequin.
“Remember what I asked,” she said—all she could muster. She felt like a grub that had cocoon stuck to her underside during a meeting with the Queen. Magic sword, could you kill me please? I don’t belong here.
The sword didn’t react.
“I remember. And you’re in luck—most of a new recruit’s time is spent training, but… not all of it. I’ve got a job I think you’ll appreciate.”
A sword better than most ponies
That explains things about that sword, though to be honest, I had already started to suspect that it was going to be something like that.
Guess that means that if the sword is behaving around Harlequin now, it doesn't consider her quite so evil anymore. Wonder if the sword is fooled any by her changeling shapeshifting disguise...
No, but I'm sure there's been a many a military that's wished it was that simple.
Never underestimate the power of words, Harlequin. You should've learned that lesson back when you "stole" your name.
And it is done! Hopefully, this won't prove to be an absolutely epic mistake for Harlequin, but I'm getting the impression that is not the direction the story is seeking to go in...
It's almost eerie how close to the truth Harlequin is being with the ponies. Really, at this point, all she's doing to maintain cover is omit a few key details, but the rest she's basically just telling it like it is. It's actually pretty smart--the closer she can keep her cover to the actual truth, the harder it'd be for everybody else to figure out the parts that are actual lies.
This is all starting to turn into a story like "The Changeling of the Guard," except way more serious. I approve. I was slow to get fully aboard this story at the start, but it's proven to be a very intriguing ride thus far, and I hope it'll continue to be heading forward. It certainly promises to be.
9468152
I wouldn't be surprised if she were to be outed, and then point out since Nightender still likes her she can't be evil.
It's the old 'accusing a paladin in good standing' problem.
The oath they made her swear has just enough loopholes that she can help the changelings without breaking it.
Example: put your life between the Changelings and the ponies that would persue them.
9468152
Perhaps it's because the sword sensed the connection to the swarm, and by extension Chrysalis. So before it was less reacting to Harlequin, and more to Chrysalis's evil that was extended through the swarm. No more swarm, no more Chrysalis, so Harlequin is being judged on her own now. And her solo actions so far have been many things, deceptive among them, but not evil.
9468389
Eh, I'd argue Harlequin was still a little evil there at first, if only because she was doing what her evil leaders were ordering without much question. True, she didn't know better yet, but that doesn't mean it wasn't any less evil.
Luckily, evil folk repent of their evil ways all the time in MLP.
It will make it interesting to see what she'll do if and when she makes proper contact with the captured changelings again, and they try and sway her back to their side again. Will she resist, will she just trust they know better as before, or will her loyalty to her race override any loyalty she might have with ponies? Only time will tell.
The truth which Harlequin instinctively stammered out still came across as somepony just looking for a place and trying to do the right thing... says it all, really.
I'm not sure if Applejack would blush to hear that, buck Cinnamon across the room, or both.
Wasn't her plan to leve first and think of a plan then?
it sounded as if she could have left.
I honestly expected her to be exposed around this time and the typical "how do they react to her, how she learns and whatever". Them finding out about her might be the moment
The story is good, I just can't tell exactly if I will like where this is going or not, depending on what I want at the moment.
I was just not exactly expected a guard story if that should be the main focus.
edit : I forgot about the sword, that was a nice change.
I can't tell why but so far I wasn't really trying to get to know the guard ponies and hardly remember who they are because I thought they would not be important anymore.
Not sure how it is with the story here, that the ponies might be not so innocent either in the end, but I think I would like it if it turns out that they have to admit that they can be just as evil.
Is she going to have some guard friends that are going to appear more often?
In that chase I would like a short briefing on them to I only remember so much, or maybe a chapter with the character descriptions? I want to try to like them now.
I know they don't know who she is right now and I feel like I only wait for that moment, but I'm not so fond of Sigil for some reason.
edit: the names and personality might be enough again, oh and the job if they said it and aren't staying with the guard.
This is starting to sound like Changeling of the guard: serious edition
Even if that doesn't change I think I'll continue to like it.
Congratulations on being judged non evil, Harlequin.
This is a good offer, probably not one that can be turned down.
That will be helpful for being a guard.
No getting off this assignment.
Watch as they try to take the sword away from her to its former owner's descendants and it refuses to go. That kind of sword is borne not owned.
9468695
What are talking about, Changeling of the Guard is totally 200% serious, that's what makes it so bloody brilliant.
I love this different take on the same premise though. This story skyrockets in my heart with every chapter.
9468934
ok, you got me there. Idol is completely and hopelessly serious.
9468458
Evil actions=/=evil intentions. She was a baby--i'd even argue she still is--when she did her evil deeds, barely any sense of self. I will not and can not blame her for what she did.
9469003
Nor would I, really. But that doesn't mean she doesn't feel guilty for those actions, still, nor that the ponies she's now cohabiting with will see it the same way.
9468914
Would it really be a great loss if she had to part with the sword? To her, its still mostly a war trophy and any other sword (including another magic sword) would do just as well.
9468389
Glad to see the weapon doesn't discriminate on species, though I could just imagine the horror some ponies might have seeing the weapon so accepting of the "enemy". Still, Harlequin should technically be labelled by the sword as a thief even if she received it unintentionally. Even if she did use it to defend others, she still persisted in keeping it even when the threat passed. It was only until now that her ownership was legitimized even if it is temporary.
9468322
It'd be interesting if the sword actually accepts being used against ponies with a more genocidal mindset against the more helpless changelings of the swarm. It despises evil no matter the source.
9468152
Pretty sure its not just military who wished it was that simple. Fun times to be had all around if everyone did their part to ensure a stable supply of troops, yeah?
Then again it might actually become simple.
Don't underestimate the capabilities of easily manufactured autonomous robots in the future. Then again skynet. I think I like the first option better.
The question, of course, is "Who's Hydrus?" But hey, if the holy sword likes her, she can't be that bad.
I do look forward to more accidental righteousness on Harlequin's part. Muddling through the right thing just because she's trying to make sure her siblings survive is a better motivation than some heroes'.
9468914
Yes it would be that bad. That sword speaks for itself in favor of harlequin. Without it h is far more vulnerable. It also has the potential to serve as an external conscience.
This story is really good
Awesome chapter!
HA! It's revenge is letting her live through the current circumstance.
I see you like GoT
HA! I get it! Because she is a changeling!! And those COPY others!! HA... good one ^_^
9483216
^ Literally this?
9829625
Wow... that is freakishly close to the circumstance's intent. Sure, nice lol