Chapters The sweet sound of a violin echoed its way through Canterlot station. Onlookers watch a beautiful young mare dance and play her heart out. Stepping, twirling, the young unicorn moved like flowing water. Never missing a beat, she tapped her hooves. Her violin matched her jet black coat. Her mane, a monochrome blue, seem to float under her graceful movement.
From across the platform a teenage dragon watched the performer with awe plastered upon his face. Celestia's sun shone brilliantly off his lavender scales. Transfixed by her, the sweet tune was heaven upon his sensitive hearing. It had the added bonus of silencing voices as well, since many others were also transfixed by the sound. However, it was not to last. She began to pack as the nine o'clock express screeched into the station, much to the dismay of others who still had to wait. She retrieved her fedora from the ground, pouring the bits into a small brown bag. Bag placed in her case along with her instrument, suitcase in hand, and fedora firmly upon her brow, she filed into the line to board the newly-arrived train.
Mid-train, she found an empty compartment on the right side of the car. Stuffing her ticket into the band on her hat, so as not to lose it, she stored her violin and suitcase in the storage rack above the seats. Her precious instrument and belongings safe from harm, she flopped upon an entire bench. Stretching out like a cat, she arched her back. It fell good as the joints popped. Turning over, she rolled her head back to look out the window.
"Everything is perfect." She whispered to herself with a cocky grin and a gleam in her eyes. "No thanks to you, Mom." She sat up as the conductor yelled. "All Aboard! Final call to the Crystal Empire!" The car shook as the engine started to pull. The whistle screamed out, marking the train's departure. She watched the scenery turn to a blur, the train picking up speed. Her growling stomach, however, pulled her away from the view, standing up she trotted out into the hall. Turning left, she briskly made her way down the corridor to the dining car. She sighed as she look upon all the tables. The full ones that is. The only open seat happened to be with a purple dragon wearing a plain blue t-shirt and jeans.
Dragon? She froze solid, her mind raced. The urge to run screamed at her. The last dragon she meet hadn't exactly been very friendly. That one had been more like the burn to ashes kinda sort. Then again, she hadn't exactly been all that nice herself, but she hadn't exactly been in a good mood either. She had still been tense after escaping from her mother. Well, maybe tense wasn't a good way to put it.
All I did was sleep in a random cave. How was I supposed to know a dragon lived there? Well maybe he, or she I'm not sure, will be nicer. I mean it is on a train surrounded by ponies, she reasoned with herself.
Taking a deep breath, she steeled herself, her hunger pangs helping along as well, to ask him or her if she may sit. One hoof in front of the other, she approached the table.
"E-e-e-x-xcuse m-m-m-me." Her chopped-up words were barely louder than a whisper, her nerves failing her. Funny how she could play all day in front of a crowd, but she couldn't talk to a single dragon without stuttering. The dragon looked up to her from the menu it was reading.
"Yes?"
His jade eyes seemed to stare into her very being. She could tell by the ruggedness of his face and the deep voice he was male or a really ugly female. Nervous, she didn't know what to say. Words were like butterflies and she didn't have a net. Instead her world went dark as she hyperventilated, passed out, and smacked her head upon the table causing his cup of coffee to jump into his lap.
She awoke with a throbbing headache. She brought her hooves to her forehead, easily finding a sizable lump. "Ow..." She groaned the moment she touched it. In the dark and still dazed, she clumsily felt around for her hat. She panicked when she couldn't find it. She wasn't worried about the hat but more so about the ticket on its band. She had lost her ticket before and it cost her a lot. She missed dinner for two nights because of it. Fully awake and alarmed, she blindly threw her head up, trying to get into a sitting position. Pain raced through her every fiber as her horn made contact with the top of the bunk she now realized she lay in. She nursed her injured horn as she stifled the urge to scream. Blinded by light as the door to her bunk opened, she closed her eyes.
"Are you alright, Miss?" A husky voice filled with concern asked obviously to her. Completely embarrassed she blushed, lucky for her, her dark coat hid it quite well.
"Yes I am. I banged my horn on the top bunk. A little bruised, but I'll live, thank you."
"No big. I take pride in helping others, in fact would you like a hand getting up?"
"My name is Melody and I would appreciate it, my eyes haven't adjusted yeeeeEEEEET?" She yelled the last work in shock as a pair of powerful arms hoisted her up and off from the bunk. Clinging to him for dear life, he set her back up her hooves and she took a moment to gather her balance.
"Thank you, Mister...... Wait, how rude of me I never asked you name, did I?"
"My name is Spike."
"That's an odd name for a....." She opened her eyes. "D-d-d-d-d-r-r-agon..." The same one from the dining car, infact.
She felt herself hyperventilating once more. She swayed, the threat of fainting looming on the horizon once more. Spike was quick to act, however, and she found herself scooped up and seated down upon a chair at a small table. A drink was placed in front of her and he began to fan her. Her breathing slowed as she calmed down, and her fear subsided.
"Better?" He asked politely.
"Y-yes." She managed to get out, still fighting the urge to run. "But how did you know?"
"I have a friend who is afraid of everything. Over the years I've picked up a few tricks." Guilt over her fear at such a gentlecolt, well drake ate at her.
"I'm so sorry for the trouble I cause you earlier, you weren’t hurt were you?" He smirked with a glint of mischief in his eyes.
"How would a little hot coffee hurt a dragon when we bath in lava?" A small laugh escaped her lips.
"Actually I didn't know that. The only experience I have with your kind is the orange one that chased me all the way to Dodge City."
"You live far away, don't you?"
"Well... lived. I had a bit of a falling out with my mother. So I decided to finally meet my dad on my own. He doesn't even know I exist so this may not be easy."
"Oh before I forget, here." He handed her a white box. "I ordered you a meal to go so you could eat something when you woke up." She stared at the box, stunned by the kindness he was showing a complete stranger.
"Why are you treating me so well?" She asked, wolfing down the pasta in the box.
"Just my nature, I suppose." She munched on the food as they talked.
"I don't really have much of a way to pay you back other than a few bits. I could play a song, though. Oh no." He followed suit as she bolted from the car. The empty food box was skillfully tossed into the bin as she yanked open the door frame Her sleek frame and precise movements that made her dancing a spectacle also allowed her to move at a dangerous pace down the train. Spike soon found himself falling behind. Lucky for him, she was still in sight when she made a hard right and disappeared. Rounding the corner himself a few moments later, he found her holding the dark instrument. Her suitcase surrounded by an awfully familiar pink glow, she checked the contents of her luggage.
"Good, it's all here." She confirmed with a smile. She closed the suitcase and placed it back in the storage rack. The large violin case, however, stayed out on the left bench.
"Wow, you're fast..." He panted, trying to catch his breath. She turned to face him, her blush still hidden under her dark coat.
"Sorry, I don't like leaving my stuff unattended so long." She apologized as he sat down next to her case. His face contorted in confusion as he gazed up at it. Curious, he poke it with a claw.
She gasped. "Please don't poke at it!" She exclaimed in alarm.
"Why does your violin case have speakers on it and why do they have Vinyl's logo on them? Also, why is it so large when you play the violin?" With a devilish grin, she sat down opposite from him as she levitated her case into her lap.
"’ll show you.” Undoing the latches, she opened it to reveal the inside, brimming with electronics. She locked the case in the open position. From the corner, near the instruments neck, she pulled out a picture and handed it to him. The picture was of her, Vinyl, and Vinyl's roommate, Octavia.
"I met her and Octavia in Canterlot while I was trying to earn some extra money. We kinda just hit it off and became friends. After I heard an electric guitar for the first time, I decided to try the same with my violin. In exchange for bits and sound samples of my playing, she outfitted one of Octavia's extra cases with one of her mix boards, an equalizer, an overdrive, and a few other parts." Setting the case on the ground, she took the black instrument and rested it under her chin. A cord levitated up from the mixer. It connected to a port near her neck that faced towards Spike. Her horn glowed and switches flipped. A soft beat reverberated around the compartment, her bow flew across the strings as the song began. Spike noticed the touch of Vinyl’s style in the beat, but the melody was like nothing he had ever heard before.
The fast paced melody complemented the soft beat. Her hands flew over the fret board, keeping perfect pace with the lightning fast bow. Spike took a deep breath and closed his eyes as he listened to the soothing music. She watched him as she played. She was glad he was enjoying her music, but he frightened her as well, truth be told. He was magnetic. It was odd to her with how little she talked about herself to even her friends and it puzzled her that she would spill so much to a stranger.
He opened his eyes when the song stopped. "That was amazing. Even better than what you played in the station."
She watched him as she returned the violin to its case with a false smile upon her face. Something about him worried her. The thought had eaten and gnawed at her as she played. It was like he was forcing himself to be happy.
"Thank you. It’s harder to play when moving. Also, it’s kinda hard to use the changers when I have to plug into it." She laughed. "Just imagine if I tried to twirl and ended up lassoing myself and falling."
"Ouch." He turn away, trying to hide the smile on his face.
"Indeed." She picked up case and placed it back to storage compartment before taking a seat next to the young drake. He was looking out the window at the night sky and was a bit surprised at the sudden intrusion to his personal space. She leaned in, touching him on his forehead.
With a sharp breath of pain, she withdrew. She gingerly brought her hand to her face, brushing away a single tear. The confused dragon found himself even more so as she wrapped him in a hug. She looked him dead in the eye.
"You shouldn't hold your in emotions like that."
Blushing, Spike found he couldn't look the mare in the eyes. "Excuse me?" Her eyes narrowed and her nose scrunched up. Wow, she is cute when she is mad. Wait, what the hell was he thinking? She broke the embrace and rubbed her forehead furiously.
"Is it off yet?"
"I don't get it."
"The big bold Stupid on my forehead." He couldn't help but look up and laugh at her antics. He knew she was right, but how did she even know? The mare before left him with more questions than anything else. A cup was thrust under his nose, bearing the scent of wine. He looked to her, she was corking a dark blue bottle. A second glass levitate next to her.
"Alright, you win..."
A knock on the door of her compartment woke her. Still half asleep, she spoke. "Door is open. Come in." In came the conductor.
"Miss, we’re here. It's time for you and your coltfriend to get off." Wait. Coltfriend? She tried to get up, but was held down by powerful force. She looked to her waist, which was embraced by a set of scaly purple arms. She lit up bright red to the point it showed through her coat. Melody threw a quick reply to get him to leave so she could rectify the sleeping dragon clinging to her midsection privately.
Heartbreak or not, waking up cuddled like a teddy bear was unacceptable, even if he did buy me dinner. She choked on the thought. Why did you have to go there, o’ brain of mine? Struggling to escape the iron grip of Spike quickly proved futile. Her wiggling did, however, wake him up and she dropped to the floor as he released her. His scales turned magenta as he quickly tried to apologize.
"I'm ......" She stopped him mid sentence with her hoof in his face.
"Just drop it. I kinda started it anyway."
"But still." A nervous chuckle escaped his throat.
"Just grab your stuff, we need to get off the train. We're here." He stopped at the door and turn his head to her.
"Thank you for last night. I really appreciate that."
She face-palmed, the awkward situation getting worse. "Then prove it by getting you stuff and showing me around town. I'd probably get lost anyway. Also, my hat. Don't forget it."
"Right on it." She could hear his heavy footsteps move down the train. She grabbed her stuff and made her way of the train. She gazed over the sparkling city so full of life.
"This day is going to be perfect. I'm nearly there, I'll prove mom wrong, and I'll finally get you meet you, dad." Spike walked up behind his bag on his shoulder, her hat in his claws. Placing it on her head, he asked.
"So... where to?"
"Duh, breakfast first."
Author's Note
I had this idea at work the other day and decided to go with it. Any suggestions leave em in the comments I love to improve. If you wanna hate leave your tears as well for they are delicious. Also i hope to have my other story finally updated as well but ive just not had alot of time, plus the fact i've rewritten it like 4 times cause i just haven't liked it.
Well have fun tearing this apart.
“What are these called again?” She asked Spike as savored another mouthful of food. He chucked.
“Crepes, these particular ones are filled with peaches and creme.”
Her eyes glittered with joy. “They are delicious.”
“I agree.” He couldn't help but shake his head at her enthusiasm as she wolfed down the last crepe on her plate. “I’ve eaten here before. It was around two years ago with friends.”
“Well you're off to a great start Mr. Tour Guide.” Her eyes wandered to the surroundings. “I do have a question though, what is with all the decorations?”
He scratch his head spikes. “You really didn't get out much do you?” No response, he looked left to the mare sitting next to him. “Melody?” Her arms rested upon her lap and she was motionless. Her green eyes held a lifeless stare, he wasn't even sure if she was breathing.
“Melody?” Confused he waved his hand in front of her eyes. Worry grew for his companion as she still didn't respond. Minutes passed and still she remained like statue. Fear ran rampant through Spike’s thought. Oh sweet Celestia, is she ok. Is she dead? What do I do? Do I get help? Do I wait? Was it something I did? His rampant train of thought was broken by her gasps for air as she toppled from her chair. He lunged forward catching her before she hit the floor.
Cradled in his arms her right arm hung limp while her left one was covering her left eye as she held her head. "I spaced out again, it happens to me. I'm sorry if I startled you." She groaned.
"Startled!?!" He chuckled nervously. "More like scared the living daylights out of me." Her left hand dropped down to her chest as the two looked each other in the eyes. For a moment they lost themselves in one another, all that matter was the one gazing upon the other. Even time itself seemed to yield for the time being.
"Ummmm." She blushed breaking the silence. "Nice catch by the way." Red faced, he gently placed her back in her seat. They could feel the eyes of those around them burrow into their skin. She was too embarrassed to speak, lucky for her Spike was not.
He glared at the other dinners. "I do believe it is rude to stare." Attention was immediately turned back to their respective plates, not one of them wanted to be on the bad side of a dragon. He turned his attention back to her. He was relieved she was ok but more questions piled up about his mysterious companion. All of that aside he felt happy just to be around her, odd considering the fact he just met her yesterday.
"I think I'm alright now." She said after a few moments, slowly rising from her chair. "Ready to go?" She asked as she exaggerated her reach for her luggage. Like a true gentledrake Spike stepped forward to stop her. "I will get that." He said taking her violin case in one hand and the suitcase in the other. His bag was wrapped up by his prehensile tail and slung over his shoulder.
The jingle of bits to his left informed him he had been had. Receipt in hand she turned to Spike with a trollish grin. "Better luck next time." Spike muttered several obscenities as he followed Melody out the door.
Two walked side by side working there way through the hustle and bustle of the lively area.
"You know I told you I had breakfast covered right?" He grumbled his tail twitched like a cats.
She shrugged not impressed in the slighted by Spike's horrible sportsponyship. "You bought me dinner and you're doing me an invaluable service of being my tour guide. I think we are even." She elegantly tried to changed the subject hoping to appease the peeved dragon. "So where is a good place to stay at?"
He frowned. "Nice try but you're not getting off that easy. When dining with a lady it's proper for the gentlecolt, or in my case drake, to pay."
In the banter she gained about a foot of lead on Spike. "Yeah well I don't care. I'm not much of a lady." His tail skillfully whipped up stealing her fedora. He twirled it on the end of his tail. "You look like a lady to me."
She jumped up reaching desperately for her hat. "No fair, give it back." He giggled as he dangled it just out of her reach. "Come on I haven't brushed my mane yet nor have I showered. I look like trash." She pleaded with puppy dog eyes. He repented returning the hat to her.
"Oh I wouldn't say that. You're quite beautiful. Your viridian eyes really goes well with your mane." He paused. "Not to mention your slender figure is one many mares would kill for."
She pulled her hat over her face to hide her embarrassment. "Anyway, where is a good place to stay."
"Hmmm well I was planning on staying at the palace, so I'm sure I can get you a room as well." She crossed her arms at him with a look of displeasure.
"Yeah right and I'm Princess Celestia, but seriously."
"Oh I happen to know both Cadence and Armor quite well. I'm sure they can spare an extra room for your Majesty." If looks could kill Spike would be dead by Melody's hand.
"Yeah well I'll believe it when I see it." She dismissed his attempts at humor.
He squinted his eyes and with a voice like a spokes pony he said. "Prepare to be amazed."
She wasn't amused by his antics. "Whatever."
"So what happened during breakfast?"
She shrugged. "It's a problem caused by my lineage. Not much I can do about it but live with it."
He paused trying to understand her statement. "What do you mean live with it!?! That's not something you just deal with, you stopped breathing!" She turned to face him.
"And what should I do Spike? It isn't something that can be cured or I would have done something about it. Should I despair? Should I break down over something I can't fix? Or should I enjoy what I can from life while I'm alive?"
He was taken aback by the moment of sadness in her eyes. "The more I learn about you the more questions you bring up you know that?"
"I'm a mystery even to myself."
"You're a pain. Anyway we're here." He motioned to the palace gates.
"You know if they try to arrest us I'm bailing on you." He ignored her walking in the gates, the guards at the post saluted him. She tried to follow but found herself on the wrong end of a spear.
"Ma'am this is a restricted area, I'm going to have to ask you to leave."
"Umm Spike," She called out. "little help here I'm allergic to getting stabbed!"
"Chill guys she's with me." They turned to look at Spike standing behind them.
"Our apologies we were not informed you had a guest." She rushed past there backs in an extreme moment of foalishness tapped them on the back of their helmets.
"Apology accepted." She laughed following Spike up the path to the doors.
"That was stupid you know." He whispered to her. She merely smiled and rolled her eyes. Inside the doors the two were greeted by a gorgeous view of the illustrious grand entrance. Everything from the carved crystal columns to the bouquets and decorations were sparkling. Spike smiled as he watched her wonder. Several servants greeted them, they relieved Spike of the luggage he bore.
"Wait!" She stepped in grabbing her violin case. "Sorry but this stays with me."
"As you wish malady." One servant said before he carted away their things.
She turned to Spike who was chatting with a white stallion. "Spike?" He turned his attention to her.
"Yes?"
"Can I use you room to shower until I get a room?"
"Sure. Oh and Thunder Dance here said he will prepare you a room as well." He turned back to that stallion "Could you show her the way please."
"It would be my pleasure."
Spike shot Melody a quick grin. "Amazed?"
She chuckled. "Yeah."
She thanked Thunder Dance as she closed the door to Spike’s room. Laying her violin case and fedora on the bed, she noticed her suitcase next to Spike’s bag. She opened her suitcase and pulled out a small blue bag. Satisfied, she slipped into the bathroom. She took a towel from the rack, placing it on the shower door. Next she opened the blue bag pouring the contents out upon the sink. A bottle of Shampoo, conditioner, hair brush, toothpaste, and a toothbrush crashed out. They came to rest near the drain. Setting the hairbrush and dental care items in the mirrored cabinet above the sink she levitated the others onto a rack in the shower. A pink glow surround the knob as it turned on. Water cascaded from the head and soon it steamed with promise of a warm caress on her aching body.
She shed her first layer of clothes like an unwanted skin. She undid the strap at her waist holding down her bug-like wings. Undergarments after that, the halfling stepped into the heavenly abyss known as a shower.
She stretched her sore wings, unfurling them one at a time. She didn't like having to hide them, but it was necessary. She began to bathe, the minty scent of her shampoo always tickled her nose. After several minutes, she turned off the water and stepped out. She quickly towel dried her mane, then her tail. She tied the towel around her chest for the mandatory decency, even though she was alone. Next she brushed her teeth followed by that was her mane and tail.
She felt refreshed as she stepped out into the main area of the room again. From her suitcase she pulled a midnight blue blouse. It was buttoned and had holes for her wings. With it she chose a pair of light brown slacks and her black hoodie to cover her wings. She dressed before retrieving her discarded clothes from the bathroom placing them in a bag then in her suitcase. Her thoughts wandered to a certain purple dragon. Her heart raced as his image filled her mind. She hopped on the bed, stretching her arms and legs.
He was quite handsome that she couldn't deny. He was a gentle drake to a fault as well but he was also just getting over his own heartbreak. She felt uneasy, would he even like me if he knew what I was?
Many hated changelings and with good reason. Could she even consider that this was a crush. Its not like she has had any male friends before, so It could be normal to feel this way. Still she couldn't get him out of her mind. He even took precedence over the reason why she was here in the first place, her father.
He to was a mystery, how would he react over her existence. He had more reason than most to hate changelings. The invasion sixteen years ago nearly took everything from him. She hoped he could look past what she was but that was a gamble.
“Well nothing is gonna happen if I don't at least try.” She got off the bed and levitated her hat on to her head. Her violin case followed and she strapped it to her back. Smiling she slid out the door and briskly made her way down the hallway. By memory she found her way back to the main entrance.
"Hello again malady." Thunder Dance called out to her from the front door. "Looking for Master Spike I presume?"
"Um, yes I am."
"Would you like me to show you where?"
"Directions would be fine."
He pointed to the grand staircase to her left. "Up the stairs, at the top make a left. End of the hall will be a set of double doors, that's it."
She bowed. "Thank you very much."
"You are welcome malady." She turned trotting up the stairs. At the top she turned left like Thunder said to, at the end of the hall was the double doors. Two guards stood next to the door motionless and alert.
The one on the left spoke to her as she approached. "Hello ma'am is your name Melody."
"Yes, I'm looking for Spike."
“Right this way.” He said, opening the door on the right side and she entered. The room was beautiful beyond words, a true credit to the designer that worked on it. Like the main entrance it was a mix of crystals but unlike the entrance it had more a Canterlot feel to it. She spied Spike seated at a table on the balcony but he wasn’t alone. Seated with him was a pink mare and white stallion, tea and snacks adorned the table.
She slowly walked forward fighting the urge to run. Any chance to back out was lost when the pink mare spotted her. Spike got up from his seat cleared the gap between them. He grabbed her hand pulling her over to the table.
“Shining, Cadence, this is Melody, the girl I met on the train.”
“Ummmm... hello.” She waved weakly.
“Nice to meet you Melody.” Cadance smiled. She gestured to the table. “Would you like some tea.”
“Spike told us a little bit about you.” He took a sip of his tea. “He mentioned you're looking for your father. I would be glad to offer my assistance in the matter. Anything you can tell me about him?”
She cleared her voice. “First I need you to promise not to freak out.”
“What could be that shocking?” Spike questioned her.
“Please humor me.” She pleaded.
“Any friend of Spike is a friend of mine. You have my word.” Shining said his hand over his heart.
“Mine as well.” Cadance added.
“You can trust me,” Spike smiled. “I’m your tour guide after all.”
Melody took a deep breath. “Alright,” She slide her hoodie off and spread her wings. The only sound heard was crash of Shining’s tea cup hitting the floor. “You are my father Shining Armor.”
“Oh that’s why.” Was all the stunned stallion could say.
The guard standing at the door looked over the letter Spike had handed him. Saluting Spike, he stepped aside. Spike knocked on the door three times. “Melody?” He paused, but no one answered. “May I come in?” Still no answer. He slowly turned the knob and crossed into the dark room. He let the door swing back before reaching left to flip on the lights.
His eyes quickly adjusted to the change in light and he saw her sitting upon the bed closest to the window. In one hand was a notebook, the other, a pencil.The pages were covered in handwritten sheet music to a song he guessed she was writing. She blinked, but otherwise ignored his presence.
“Um, Melody? Can we talk?” He shifted his feet nervously - the atmosphere of the room was crushing. Her frustration was clear and her anger was justified. She finally looked up, gazing directly into his eyes. Her icy glare sent shivers down his spine. She grit her teeth slightly.
“I don’t know Spike, can a monster talk? Cause that’s what you’ve all reduced me to. A boogy stallion, a demon, evil incarnate. My crime, coming here and telling the truth!”
He sighed “Look, I’m sorry for …...”
“Sorry, Spike!?!” She cut him off and leaped from the bed. The notebook crashed to the floor, the pencil was nowhere to be seen. With each word she stepped closer to the panicking dragon. “This was a day I dreamed of and it was anything but perfect!” Standing a mere inch from him she had to look up to stare at him. Each complaint was echoed with a jab to the chest from her finger. “Today I was tackled by guards, cuffed, interrogated, pricked, prodded, blood taken, hair too.” Her wings flared and she pointed to the tip of the left one which was slightly split. “One even tried to cut a piece of my wing. These things are sensitive and it still hurts! I hope he still feels that kick to the jewels I gave him. After that I was left to rot in the interrogation for six hours.” She shivered visibly shaking “Six bucking hours trapped and alone!” She stopped poking him and hugged her arms against her chest to quell the shaking. Her breathing quickened and sweat brimmed on her forehead as the memory of earlier burn in her mind. “I hate being trapped.”
He caught her as she swayed and was quick to connect the dots. “Melody, are you ceithrophobic?” He asked, trying to comfort the panicking mare.
“Yes, you jerk. Fourteen years of imprisonment can do that to you and you might have learned that had you all given me some time to talk instead of attacking me for no reason.”
She pushed him away. “Some great evil plan I had, right? Expose myself and get thrown in jail! Yeah, it’s a great plan!” She threw her arms up sarcastically. Spike stood firmly braving the verbal assault he knew he deserved. He didn't need to be the element of loyalty to know he had betrayed her trust. By exposing herself the way she did she had put her fate in their control and they had crucified her, in a manner of speaking.
“A question for you, Spike.” She said emphasizing his name. “What is the definition of calm?”
Spike quickly listed of the dictionary definition. “Ummm..... Nearly or completely motionless, undisturbed, not excited or agitated, composed.”
“Stop right there.” She interjected. “ So, you gave me a calm reaction this morning. It is after all what you promised. Falling out of you chair and saying that I’m one of those monsters is what you consider calm. So is freaking out a public execution, then?”
“Melody, I....” She ignored him.
She reached to her eyes and with a quick motion removed two small plastic membranes revealing her slitted pupils “As for being a monster, I don’t know. I honestly can’t convince myself I’m not. I mean, look at me.” She motioned to herself. “Thanks to my bucked up half pony half changeling biology neither ponies nor other changelings want a damn thing to do with me other than attack me. I can survive without feeding off of others emotions but without doing so I’m magically stunted. I can’t change or use magic other than telekinesis and I suffer from caster’s fatigue daily cause my messed up body uses most of my energy.” She rubbed her head. “The headaches and nausea are a real blast let me tell you.” She continued her rant pointing to her canines as they extended. “I mean, for crying out loud, I have the fangs that can secrete a paralytic venom.”
She looked down, brushing a tear from her eyes. “I’m just tired, Spike.” She paused. “So tired of running, of hiding, worrying if others will find out what I am. I never asked for this. I didn't ask for a garbage mother who sees me as nothing more than a tool. I didn't ask to be a freak of nature. I didn't ask to be a bastard foal.” A soft pitiful chuckle escaped her lips. “Sometimes I wish I would've managed to kill myself a year and a half ago when I tried to starve myself.” She sat down on the bed again. “Instead I found that unlike other changelings, I could survive without constant feeding, which gave me the courage to plan my escape.” She laid back on the bed, her legs hanging off the side. “Another lousy plan. Should have let that orange dragon eat me. Anyway most of my anger is spent and that is about all I have to say so I guess its your turn.”
“Melody, I realize I messed big time.” He sat down next to her on the bed.
“Oh, really? I didn’t notice!”
“I was an idiot. I had no right to judge you based on what you are. I mean, look at me, I’m a dragon, we’re supposed to be greedy monstrous beasts but I’m not. So to call you a monster just because you're part changeling was ludicrous on my part.” He moved his hand over hers. “Cadance talked some sense into me and I would like to ask for forgiveness.”
She sat up, his hand still covering hers. “Wow she was telling me the truth."
"What do you mean?"
"Never mind. I suppose I can, but I have three conditions. First, never refer to me as a monster again. Two, I want my stuff back from the guards. And three, dinner, since I haven’t eaten since this morning.” She turned to look at him. "Also, I'm sorry for yelling."
He smiled, “You had a right to be angry, Its no problem. And you have a Deal.”
Shining Armor loomed over the paperwork on his desk in front of him. Nothing, absolutely nothing made sense today. Today was supposed to be his day off but instead a changeling, of all things is trying to pass herself off as his daughter. Even worse than that was the fact nothing this changeling did made a lick of sense, it was infuriating. The identity she was using wasn't stolen, she had applied for a birth certificate and citizenship in Dodge City. Other paperwork recovered from her belongings indicated she had slowly over the course of a year and a half worked her way here. Why wait, why didn’t she come straight here? Her interrogation was a failure since she was having some kind of panic attack. He had more questions than answers and not a single way to get any. No longer able to hold in his frustration, he flipped his desk, sending papers flying everywhere.
“What’s your plan, you damn changeling!?” He cried out throwing his face onto his desk.
“She might not have one, you know...” Shining Armor jumped up from his chair in shock. He turned to the speaker. “Cadance you scared me, I didn’t even hear you come in.”
“I know. You were too busy making a mess, throwing your face into your desk, and much too brooding to notice.”
He stooped down, picking up papers, having righted the table beforehand. “Sorry, it’s just that the actions of this changeling are boggling my mind. Why get captured, why get a permanent identity, and why come here posing as my daughter?”
“Unfortunately, she isn't posing.”
“What?” His papers hit the floor once more.
“She really is your daughter. Both a DNA test and a calling of the blood spell have confirmed it. But really, Shining, even without that, she looks a lot like you.” She explained, handing him a manila folder containing more papers. “A messenger just brought this to me a couple of minutes ago.”
Shining looked over the contents of the folder. He took a large breath before falling back into his chair. Despair hung around the stallion like a fog.
“Cadance... I’m so sorry.” He ran his hands through his hair. “I don’t know what to say, nothing I could that would make this right.” He hung his head and covered his face.
“Honey, it's alright.” He felt her caress his shoulders before hugging his neck. “You didn’t know, she deceived all of us except for Twilight.”
“But still.” He held her hand as they draped over his chest and nuzzled her forearms.
“No buts to it, you did nothing wrong and I forgave you the night I married you.” She rested her chin upon his head. “However, Melody is just as much a victim as you or I.”
“But she is still a changeling.” He disagreed
“She is also a pony and your foal as well. She deserves a chance, just like anypony else.” Cadance protested. Shifting her weight to her left foot, she continued. “I spoke with her for a bit after moving out of that interrogation room you had her in. With a more normal setting, she was a bit more talkative. Took her some time to open up to me, but you know, less yelling tends to help out alot. We talked a little bit about music, about why she came here, and about Spike. Talking to her felt no different than talking to our son.”
He took a deep breath. “What if it’s all just and act? If this is all just a ploy. I don’t want to come close to losing it all again”
She kissed his cheek “Then we deal with it. For the moment, though, you are punishing her for a crime she didn’t commit.” She coaxed. “I know you still have nightmares about the invasion but she was neither alive then, nor a part of it. And who knows, maybe getting to know her will help.” She kissed him on the cheek. “I still want you to talk to her civilly and give her a chance... Do it for me, then, if not for her.”
“I could never turn down a request from such a lovely princess.” He turned his head to look at her from the corner of his eye. “Cadance?”
“Yes, honey?”
“Thank you.”
“For what?”
“For everything, for loving me, for supporting me, for picking me up when I’m down, correcting me when I’m wrong, and being the best damn decision I ever made in my life.”
“I love you too, Shining but we need to hurry. I told Spike he should apologize as well and he is taking her to dinner. We’re gonna meet them over there.”
“I am going to regret this, I just know it...” Shining grumbled, eliciting a snicker from his wife.
“Oh, don’t be such a stick in the mud, my dear.”
Melody studied the menu in her hand. She looked at Spike, who was sitting across from her in the booth. “Must have nachos!” She nearly drooled thinking about them.
“I think I’ll go with the calzone” Spike said, setting his menu on the table.
“Spike, what are we waiting on?”
“Our other two guests.” He replied mysteriously.
“Well, they had better hurry up, otherwise I’ll have to eat somepony instead!”
“I hope you’re kidding, because I have great news. They’re here!”
Shining Armor slid into the booth next to Spike, Cadance next to Melody.
Melody looked at Shining. “So what hoofball formation will I be tackled by this time?” The stallion choked for a moment at that. “I apologize for that and for breaking my word. Both were uncalled for. I let past fears get the better of me.”
“I accept your apology if we could get something to eat now. Since I haven’t eaten since this morning I’m starving like you wouldn’t believe...”
Author's Note
ceithrophobic - Fear of being trapped or locked in.
Great.
Just... great. Two seconds in and I insulted him. Octi had told her relationships with others was like trading. Give as much as you receive and she had been given a chance.
Okay. Gotta swallow my attitude and make this right.
“Uh, Shining? Thank you for, you know, giving me a chance. It means alot to me. You as well, princess. With all the damage Chrysalis caused for you, I think I can understand your reaction. I finally cooled off after ranting at Spike for a bit. Oh, also - Shining, that comment of mine before? My bad. Completely uncalled for.” She cleared her throat. “Wow, this is awkward, I suck at this. Talking to others is not my forte.”
“Indeed.” Spike piped up, spurring a fit of laughter from them all. “Anyway I’m gonna get a calzone, Melody wants nachos...” A devious grin graced his lips and he tap his fingertips together. “Best decide quickly before Melody eats somepony.”
“Hey!?!” She exclaimed. “I wouldn’t do that, I’d eat the snarky dragon first.”
“Hmm, I wonder if I’m spicy?”Spike replied. “You know, what with the fire and all.”
Melody groaned at the horrible joke. Facepalming, she replied. “More like stale.”
The undecided diners at the table retrieved their menus and began to study them. Melody yawned, resting her head in her arms and onto the table. She yawned again before turning her head to the side to catch a drink from her straw.
“Tired?” Spike asked innocently before taking a swig of his soda.
She looked up, mischief gleamed in her eyes. “Well, a certain purple dragon kept me up all night after buying me dinner. But I do admit you are kinda like a teddy bear, warm and cuddly except you have strong arms.”
Spike coughed and sputtered, choking on his drink. He turned as red as he could through purple scales - a rather pretty maroon color. Shining and Cadence stared at him with brows raise in unspoken question.
“It’s... not... what... you... think.” He choked out.
“It’s not?” Melody smiled like an angel, driving more nails into Spike’s coffin. “Funny, since the conductor was sure you were my coltfriend.” Spike’s cheeks turned maroon.
Amused, Shining intently watched the two bicker like foals. He silently chuckled as Spike attempted to squirm his way out of the hot seat Melody had figuratively placed him in. She was clever, he could easily give her that. Creating a new identity and hiding in plain sight. A genius, she was.
“Sir?” His focus broken, his mind cleared away his thoughts about Melody. Slightly embarrassed, he gave the waitress his attention.
“My apologies, miss.”
“May I take your order?” Shining fumbled with the menu he was holding. He had been so busy watching Spike and Melody taunt each other he had completely neglected choosing a meal. Quickly sliding down the list he picked a entre he liked.
“Potato soup and salad with honey mustard dressing, please.”
“Anything to drink?” She asked, writing down the last order in her notebook.
“Pega-Cola.”
“Thank you.” She collected the menus. “I’ll have your orders shortly.” She left with a smile. Melody sat up, stretching her arms behind her head. She twisted, her core enjoying the feeling of her joints pop. Her face contorted slightly with each stretch. “Ahhh, this feels good...” She sighed before yawning and rubbing her eyes.
Shining wondered about her eyes. What was wrong with her eyes and why did they bother him so much? It dawned on him. The pupil was different, that was it. “Melody may I ask question?”
Melody shrugged. “Ask away.”
“Your eyes have changed. Any reason why?”
Melody arched her back to reach into her pocket. Pulling out a small plastic case, she set it down on the table. “Forgot to put my contacts back in.” A pink glow enveloped the case, first opening it then suspended 2 contact lenses and a small white bottle in the air. She held her eyelids open while the bottle deposited several drops in her eye. Following that was the lenses firmly securing themselves to her eyes. She blinked several times and shining was shocked. “You have the same color aura as me.”
“Huh?” She said not really paying attention to him as she placed the bottle back in the case and case in her pocket.
“You magical aura.” He levitated her glass. “It’s the same color as mine.”
“Oh... Yeah, I guess it is.” She chuckled. “I can’t believe I forgot my contacts. Wonder how many ponies I freaked out with my eyes.” Spike’s cocky little grin did not go unnoticed. She could not place why, but his face was magnetic.
Wow, is his smile amazing... Oh, for the love of all that is holy, stop it, brain!
Spike jumped. “Ouch!” He pulled his leg up onto the seat nursing his wounded shin. ”And what was that for?”
“The smug look.” Melody threw him a evil smile.
“That hurt, you know.”
“Doubt it. If I didn’t wear steel toe boots I’d have bruised toes. .” Melody shrugged.
Spike began to pose, first flexing his arms then his core. Well-toned muscles rippled under his scales. “What can I say - I’m well built.”
A puzzled look passed over Cadence's face. “Why wear a disguise, can’t you just change your form?.”
“Well I can, but I can’t.” Melody leaned on the table twirling a lock of hair as she continued the explanation. “Spell casting, shape shifting, and the normal day-to-day functions of my body all pull from the same pool of energy. Normal changelings are forced to feed off of emotions to replace this pool. Ponies, I believe, usually refer to it as mana. Well emotions are heavily tied to magic.”
“And that’s why Twilight explodes into flames when she is really angry or frustrated.” Spike interrupted, laughing at the mental image of the alicorn with flaming mane and tail.
“Yeah, Any I’m only a half-ling, so I produce some mana. Enough to where I don’t need to feed, which is nice, but usually not much more than that. Little bit of telekinesis on anything not too heavy I’m ok. Anything else and I pass out after a few seconds.”
Cadence satisfied with the answer asked another. “I see, you mentioned how emotions are tied to magic. Can you use other emotions other than love.”
“Love is the most potent source, but yeah, it works with all emotions at varying levels of effectiveness. But..” She paused at that, frowning uncertainly.
“But what?” Cadence asked, curious at her hesitation.
Melody unconsciously began to scratch the base of her horn. “Negative emotions tend to have bad after effects. I unfortunately know this is true for a fact.”
Shining took notice to her last sentence, fear ran rampant. “And how do you know that for a fact? Did you feed off somepony?” Shining said with disgust before realizing his error. “Uhh, that came out wrong.”
Melody sighed again putting his outburst aside. “I did, but I had good reason to.”
“Wait,” Shining said remembering something from earlier. “Does it have anything to do with those newspaper cutouts in your journal?”
She looked at Shining. Went to say something stopped. She took a moment to stare at him with a “I can’t believe you” expression before finally gathering enough wits to talk again.
“You. Read. My. Journal?” She ground out, emphasizing each word. Shining shuffled nervously and it dawned on her. “How many others?” She asked intensely remembering how she had basically poured her soul on to those pages. The small book a moment of comfort for in her lower moments. Shining stared at her hesitating. “Shining?”
Finally the stallion spoke two simple words. “A lot.”
Melody lean back in the seat and closed her eyes. She took several deep breaths before finally biting her lip. “Buck it, price to pay.”
“Refills anyone?”
Melody turn to the waitress and moved her empty cup towards her. “Yes, please.” The waitress took their glasses returning a moment later with them refilled.
“Here you are.” She said with a smile.
They thanked her and continued with their conversation.
“I fed off a young stallion to save his life. Vinyl managed to get me to go with her to a club she worked at one night. I do admit it was fun but after a while all the lighting really bothered my eyes.”
She tilted her head back looking up to the light fixture above them. A green flash reflected from her eyes.
“Like dragons and griffins we have a reflective layer in our eyes for night vision. The constant strobes were irritating. I told Vinyl my eyes were hurting and that I’d see her later. I'm pretty sure it was around one when I left. It was such a pretty night too, the moon was in full and the weather was perfect for a walk. It was a nice and quiet walk as well since very few others were out on the streets at the time. I stopped I heard what I thought was a cry for help coming from the alleyway to me left. At first I hesitated to investigate. The fear coming from the alleyway overwhelming.”
“Fear?” Cadence interrupted.
“I’ll explain that next.”
“Oh, my apologies.”
Leaning up against a dumpster I found a badly injured young stallion. I mean really bad, like blood everywhere.” She visibly shivered. “He just looked up to up to me pleading with his eyes. I didn’t …. just didn’t know what to do. He was hanging on by a thread. I had no time, no where near enough energy to help him, and no one else close enough to help either.” She stopped.
“Then I saw the fear in his eyes and I made a decision. I used his fear of dying to fuel a healing spell I knew. It wasn't much but it was enough to stop the bleeding. I picked him up with my telekinesis next and began to carry him to a hospital. Luckily I ran into a couple guards who flew us there. I was questioned and eventually let go.”
She paused for a moment before laughing a bit. “I should of told the guards not to tell him who I was. He turned out to be a young noble named Lightning Spellworth and afterwards he wouldn't quit pestering me to go out with him. I mean, he was quite persistent to. Flowers, gifts, chocolate, you name it. Kept calling me his guardian angel, too.
She leaned back, rubbing her eyes and chuckling.
“Hmm, I went through training with a Spellworth. I believe his first name was Blizzard.” Shining pondered. Spike was a bit confused. Her story was interesting but the mention of a stallion asking her out bothered him to no end. Sure, she was pretty special but he literally met her yesterday. His mind was in turmoil as he did his best to keep listening.
“Anyway,” She continued. “A couple days later I was hit with a high fever and inflammation in my skin near my horn. Lasted for around a week.” She scratch her head from the memory. “It was really horrible. Fever made me achy and tired and the itching would not stop. The clipping was kept as a memento. A reminder that even I, you know, can do some good.”
Melody looked over to Spike his odd behavior catching her attention. “You alright, Spike?”
He looked at her, shaking off whatever was bothering him. “Umm... Yeah. Just thinking, you know.” About you, he wanted to say but he let her continue.
A large grin covered her face. “And our food is about to arrive.” She said, pointing to the waitress from earlier. She carried several trays and was followed by another waiter carrying one large tray and a stand. Meals were quickly passed out to the eager recipients.
Melody took a moment to look in awe at the glorious mountain of nachos before her. Stacked around a foot high was a hurricane of flavors spread over an impressive display of corn chips. Cheese, hay bacon, olives, peppers, tomatoes, and sour cream were just a few of the delicious entities laying on the plate. More time could have been taken to identify more but the starving mare was not one to wait.
Shining chuckled as he sipped on his soup. Cadence was a health nut and those nachos must be her nightmares come to life.
They ate in relative silence. Even though she had the proverbial lion’s share, Melody still finished her meal first. Pushing her plate to the side, she rested her weary head up the table with a yawn. She quickly fell asleep. Spike, Shining, and Cadence noticed but decided to leave her alone.
As the waitress approached with the check shining and spike eyed each other like duelists. Arms raised, they stared each other down as the paper hit the table.
“Ready, set, GO.” Cadence laughed at their antics. They fought every time over who payed the bill.
Both threw their hands forwards grasping for victory. Spike posed in triumph while Shining slumped in shame.
“I’ll get it next time!”
“You wish.”
The waitress merely shook her head and took the bits.
“Have a good evening.” She said before walking away.
Spike picked up the sleeping mare and cradled her in his arms. Walking towards the door, he didn’t notice the notebook slip from her pocket.
Cadence, however, did. She scooped up the little book which had opened up in the fall. She looked at the bookmarked page it had opened up on.
“Wow.”
“What is it?” Shining asked on the way to the carriage.
“I’ll show you when we get in the carriage.”
Once safely seated, Cadance handed Shining the book Melody dropped. The outside was that of a plain notebook. The word “Lyrics” was on the outside.
“Look at the bookmarked page.” She motioned he the blue tab sticking out. Shining opened and began to read the marked up page out loud.
“At least she gave me my lyric book back. I prefer to write in my journal but I don't know if I'm getting that back anytime soon. Octi did say that turning intense feelings into a song can help but I've never tried it. Guess I have time.
Scars
I'm so tired of being here
These wounds won't seem to heal
[Chorus:]
You used to control me with your restraining ties
These wounds won't seem to heal
[Chorus]
I've tried so hard to tell myself that I’m free
[Chorus]
...me, me, me.
Octi was right, Turning my feelings into a song does help. It's not to different than writing in my journal. Still mad at Spike though."
“Wow...” Was all Shining could say.
“This only helped confirm my suspicions.” She paused. “Her emotional pain is immense, even without trying my magic picks up on her agony.” She looked down, her hands shaking. “I can’t imagine what she went through to cause it either, pain like hers doesn’t happen overnight.”She paused to look Shining in the eyes. "It's amazing she can even smile." Shining hugged his wife to comfort her.
Spike finally spoke. "I saw that pain in her eyes this morning. Something physically is wrong with her, I don't know what it is. She refused to tell me. What she did tell me is that she lives to enjoy the life she has now."
The rest of the ride back to the castle was quiet. Spike carried Melody to her room and placed her in her bed before retiring to his own room for the night. Shining took some time to write letters to Celestia and Twilight before retiring with Cadence for the night as well.
Author's Note
Cupcake
