Chapter One: Freedom of Flame and Shadow.

The Hedge was in an uproar, two changelings had escaped for the first time in centuries, taking separate paths, both desperate to escape. One running out of fear of being captured, the other simply to find an exit sooner. Eventually their paths intersected and the resulting crash between the two was inevitable....

Okay just gotta make it through this clearing and I’m home free.’thought the changeling in red

Stupid Dark Librarian and his paper servants..bastards almost took my arm off thought the changeling cloaked in shadows.

As the red changeling reached the clearing, he came to a stop trying to decide on his next course of action when, ...Why do I smell learning?

The dark changeling burst through into the clearing as well, more preoccupied by the creatures made out of what seemed to be paper mache chasing him and soon ran directly into something fiery and red.

“Oh gods why!” Exclaimed the red changeling after being knocked over, by the source of the learning stench.

“Why now!?” yelled the dark changeling having had something or someone, interrupt his escape from the paper servants. Both changelings rose to their feet only to notice they had been surrounded by 3 or 4 of the servants.

“Well isn’t this just peachy?” announced the dark changeling looking around at what he would call a “fucked situation”.

“These things causing you problems?” Asked the fellow in red.

“More than you know” answered the dark one, holding his bleeding left arm with his right.

“Don’t worry bro, I got this.” declared the red changeling. Standing up he reached into his pants pocket and took out a match, with a quick flick of his wrist it lit, and so did the ‘army’ of paper.

The dark one was stunned for a moment, before he laughed as loud as he could, his voice slightly distorted by some unknown means, “Damn that clears up my worries, thanks for the assist my newfound friend”

“No problem bud.” The red fellow noticed the dark one clutching his arm. “You hurt?” he asked concerned for his health.

The dark one looked down to his arm with a slight grimace, “yea, one of those things got the jump on me on my way out of my Keeper’s domain, nothing I can’t handle though,” The dark one stood back up to his full height and released his grip on his arm which continued to bleed.

“Well I have some medical training and some medkits if you’d like.” Offered the red fellow, pointing to the large backpack on his back.

The dark one pondered the offer for a bit, “how the hell did you get time to pack supplies for your escape?”

“Ha, I didn’t, John did it for me.” Said the red fellow with a smile.

The dark ones expression twisted into one of confusion, “John?”

“Oh! I forgot, he doesn’t really use his real name anymore, I think you might know him better as....Gilgamesh, the Smith of the Crimson Forge.” Said the red fellow, having some trouble remembering such a strange name.

“Gilgamesh eh? Let’s see if I can recall him,” The dark one searched his mind for all Fae and True Fae his Keeper had ever had contact with. “Ah yes Gilgamesh, the changeling turned True Fae, killer of Chrasis the Captor.... Octurose the Auctioneer, and Vulcan the Smith of Dragons, his former Keeper. Him and my Keeper have had many dealings, mainly in books about killing and disposing of True Fae and in books of smithing cold iron.”

“Oh!,” The red fellow removed his bag, reached inside and removed a silver book. “This book?” He asked. “John gave it to me for my birthday.”

The dark one looked at the book with a mixture of hatred and immediate need. “One day I’ll have to borrow that book from you, I have an old grudge to settle”

“Keeper giving you troubles eh? Yeah, John told me all about what other fae do to people, I’m just a lucky one, I could help you if you want, I know how to make cold iron, hell, I even know how to make a scythe out of the stuff, you have any idea how hard it is to make both a blade and a rod out of that stuff?”

The dark one reached into his robe and pulled out a book containing information about smithing, “Somewhat yes, but not nearly enough, and I thank you for your offer but I already have a weapon,” With a snap of his fingers a scythe appeared, upon the dark one’s back “And yes, the blade is made of cold iron, how unlucky of my Keeper to just leave this lying around, his first screw up in years and look what it gets him.” With another snap the weapon disappeared just as quickly.

“Cool, I use a sword myself, any type will do, but I prefer a katana. I’m not gonna bring her out right now, she’s sleeping and doesn’t like to be woken up unless there’s something I need her to kill and or maim.”

The dark one nodded his head in confirmation, “It’s good to know I’m not the only one with an ally in these dark times I suppose..” Just as he finished his line, A black crow swooped down from above the hedge landing on his shoulder.

The crow turned it’s head to look down at the dark one and opened it beak as if it were going to speak. “Noctus, we must leave many more servants approach”

“Cool, talking crow, never seen one of those before.” Said the red fellow in wonder. “He’s right, we shouldn’t stay here for much longer.” He said putting his things away and his backpack back on. “I’m...strange, I don’t seem to remember my old name...no matter, call me Beary. It’s short for Bhrionnú Lámh, it’s Forge of Hands in Irish.” stated Beary.

“Well it’s nice to meet you Beary, call me Noctus Nyx, I gave up my mortal name when I was taken.” Nyx turned and began to search for a way out, “Now let’s get out of here, before more of those paper bastards show up, shall we? Corvo, keep an eye out while we make our escape,”

The crow launched himself from Nyx’s shoulder and took flight once more, “with pleasure”

“Okay, John said that once I made it here there should be a window to earth, he said that it’s the only way out for days out here.” Said Beary, looking around.

“Yes I know the one, it’s the portal that hides its presence from all but the most observant...” Nyx began to search the surroundings for even the slightest glimmer of light, “We have to find it if we plan on leaving here in one piece”

“Any ideas how long we’ve been gone? John said that time doesn’t matter here and that we could have been gone for two days or two years.” Beary remarked, with some worry in his voice.

“He’s correct, any amount of time could have passed, either way my old life is gone, I’ve spent close to forty years here, I can’t return, not now...” Nyx declared with a hint of sorrow.

“Really? Man, that sucks, I’ve been here for about 15 years, hope nothing changed much. Hey, you know about the internet?” Might as well shed some light on ‘current’ events.’Thought Beary.

“I was taken in the year 1801, I’ve been keeping up with the time through the books that my Keeper brought in from day to day, I’ve heard of this “internet” but never seen it for myself” Eventually Nyx managed to spot a small glow coming from a distant area of the hedge, much thicker and filled with thorn bushes, “I do believe I’ve found our way out” Notus confirmed with some hope.

“Cool, let’s get out of here, the longer I stay here, the more I miss John.” Said Beary.

“I can honestly say I will never get used to a changeling MISSING their Keeper” Nyx said with a shrug putting extra emphasis on “missing” and began to head for the portal “Now let’s leave before more of those servants show up”

Both Beary and Nyx made a beeline for the slight glow in the distance, at the same time a rustling could be heard coming from all parts of the Hedge, the paper servants were beginning to grow close. Both Nyx and Beary increased their pace, desperately trying to reach the exit before the servants reached them, soon the exit became visible enough to make out what it was.

“Is that a stained glass window?” questioned Nyx.

“Looks like one.” Stated Beary.

The rustling from the hedge began to grow louder, “No time to question it, just smash through it!” Nyx quickened his pace, going as fast as he possibly could.

“Too bad, it looks nice!” Yelled Beary, running for his life. They reached the glass at about the same time, Corvo swooping down to pass through with them, Nyx jumped and kicked out with his foot, using one hand to cover his eyes, Beary crossed his arms to shield his eyes and jumped.

“You won’t get away with this! yelled Cadence, Twilight and her friends will-” she was interrupted by the sound of the door opening and 6 ponies being escorted in by changelings.

Chrysalis looked back to Cadence with a smug grin, “You were saying?”

“One way or another we’ll stop you Chrysalis!” Twilight announced, showing that despite all that had happened, she still held some hope that they would win.

“Oh?” Chrysalis closed the distance between herself and Twilight, “and just how do you plan to stop me? Your ruler is defeated, the elements are outside your reach and now,” one sudden flash later and Twilight and her friends were stuck in place just like Cadence.. “you are trapped in place just like your ruler and that harlot,” with her last word she looked back over at Cadence.

“Honestly it would take a miracle for you to win,” Crysalis took a quick look around the room and pointed at a random window,”Something like a creature, or even two, breaking through that window and forcing us to retreat would be an example” And at that exact moment, the impossible happened. Two creatures, one wrapped in shadows, the other in fire smashed through the same window that Chrysalis just so happened to be pointing towards. The portal closing behind them just as they made it through.

“Freedom!!!” Cheered Beary victoriously pumping his fists in the air, while Nyx simply wore a smile of satisfaction before cheering just as loudly as Beary.

“Yes!!! We fucking made it out WOO!!!!” yelled Nyx.

“Bug-human things!!!!!!” Shrieked Beary, pointing at the insectoid equines-human hybrids. This is when Nyx’s curious side kicked in. Nyx slowly began making his way towards the closest, and largest of the insectoids.

“Hmm never read about anything like this..” Nyx slowly made his way around the creature as it watched Nyx with a critical eye. “A human like body, exoskeleton, fangs, membrane wings, and a sickly blue mane and tail....just what are you? Some kind of new hobgoblin?”

The creature seemed almost offended, “Bug thing? Hobgoblin? I am Queen Chrysalis of the Changelings and you will know your place!” in the same moment that she finished speaking her horn lit up and fired a green beam aimed towards Nyx, who moved out of the way rather quickly just barely missing being hit. Soon after he turned on his heels to face the Chrysalis again, this time allowing himself to examine the entire room. There was only one word to put how Nyx felt into words.

“What.”

“Nyx, she said she’s the queen of the changelings. They must have a different meaning for the word.” Beary pointed out. “Should we show them the politically correct meaning?”

Nyx snapped out of his trance and turned his back to Chrysalis “Hmm ...we could...but let’s hold off on it ‘till we know if it’s our last resort, no sense in ruining all the surprises at once right?”

“I suppose you have a point, but by the looks of it, we found ourselves in a villain's closing monologue, you can tell by the brightly colored anthro-ponies bound to the floor and the way she presents herself, also by the looks of the ‘changelings’ it looks like we pissed them off.” Nyx once again took another look around the room, this time noticing that the ‘changelings’ were in fact very angry, while the bright colored equines simply were staring with shock between Chrysalis and himself. Nyx slowly turned and looked back at Chrysalis.

“A couple of questions if I may, Queen Chrysalis?”

Chrysalis seemed to still be on edge as if ready to fire another beam at Nyx, “...Ask them quickly”

“Alright, one; is this your kingdom we are currently standing in?” The question managed to make Chrysalis laugh a little bit.

“Not yet, but it shall be soon”

‘Strike One’ Nyx thought to himself “Next question; what do you intend to do with the ‘people’ of this kingdom once it is under your control?”

“Easy, make them into loyal slaves for all of MY subjects” Chrysalis was smiling by this point, Nyx was not.

‘Strike Two’ “Third, Was invading this land the only choice for your people? Were there any other options open to you?”

Chrysalis had to stop and think for this one, putting a hand against her chin as she thought. “I suppose there was, but what importance do they have now? This whole kingdom will be mine, and it’s people will serve me!

‘Strike Three’ “Final Question; how long should I give you?”

“What?”

“You know, how long should I give you before I turn you into a crying, broken shell?” At this point Nyx’s smile had returned but it seemed...wrong.

“You would dare threaten me?” Chrysalis’ anger had returned ten fold.

It was at this point that Beary moved over to where the ponies were bound. “Hello, I’m Beary, and you all might want to close your eyes.” Said Beary, both introducing himself and warning the ponies.Most of the ponies took Beary’s advice, closing their eyes, all except for the purple, orange and cyan ones, the white one hanging in what resembled a cocoon and the two on what appeared to be a podium for a wedding.

“Oh, I’m sorry but that wasn't a threat,” Nyx’s smile widened, “It was a promise. And I’ve decided on ten seconds, you have that long to retreat with your entire force or face the consequences. Ten.” Chrysalis fired off another laser which Nyx easily moved around this time having expected such an attack “Nine.” Chrysalis charged forth to physically hit Nyx but again he managed to dodge out of the way, his years of running and dodging all manners of objects his Keeper threw at him finally paying off “Eight” This process repeated itself a couple of times until finally Chrysalis launched herself as fast as she could straight at Nyx. Who easily caught her wrist mid-swing “Zero, sorry to say but your time, and my patience, has run out.” Nyx’s grip on Chrysalis’ wrist tightened, “Darkness, Autumn; hear me and grant me the power as stated in our Contracts.” The room’s shadows seemed to grow darker and the air grew colder. A ‘kaw’ from a black crow sitting on top of one of the windows only added to the intended effect. Which was to put as much possible fear into those surrounding and within the room.

Chrysalis then finally looked into the eyes of this “Nyx” what she saw terrified her more than she thought possible. Inside this “Nyx’s” eyes was nothing. No hope, no anger, just...nothing. As if somepony had ripped out any feeling he could have had and replaced it with a forever consuming darkness.

“Now...it’s time to hold true on my promise.” A feeling of fear ran through Chrysalis, some sixth sense of hers told her to get as far away from this creature as she could. Her wings began flapping and that’s when she realized something important. This creature still had ahold of her wrist, and was not letting go anytime soon. “Creeping Dread..” With those words Chrysalis, along with almost everyone in the room felt a shudder of fear work it’s way through them. The shadows seemed to grow larger and every tiny noise was another possible monster creeping up from behind. “Witches’ Intuition..” This time Chrysalis felt as if her mind was being searched, but for what she was unsure, it was just so hard to think...

“So THAT’s what you’re afraid of huh? Well then....how would you like to hear a little story?” Again Chrysalis attempted to free herself from Nyx’s hold, trying desperately to fire another beam at him, which she couldn’t work up the concentration to do, so she instead fell into simply slamming her fist repeatedly into different parts of his body in a vain attempt to hurt him but her punches were weak and shallow. Nyx winced once or twice but the twisted smile was ever present on his face.

Slowly, he moved himself closer to her, bringing his lips right next to her ear. He whispered something that no one else could hear. “This is the story of how a sad little girl was forced to become a monster...” and almost immediately, Chrysalis’ eyes jerked open, if she wasn’t scared before, she was now. Her whole body shook in fear, almost afraid of the story that was to come, one that she knew far too well...

“What’s...what’s he doing to her?” The purple equine asked, looking between Nyx and Beary.

“He’s telling her a story, simple as that.” Stated Beary.

The purple equine again looked back at Nyx, “I’ve never seen a story have that kind of effect, there must be more to it than just “telling a story”, what are you two anyway? I’ve never seen or read about any creatures like you before.”

“Well I guess times really haven’t changed all that much, and yet they have as well, but I don’t see any harm in telling you what we are, but, only if you do the same. I’m Beary and I’m a Changeling Elemental of the Fire-Heart kith. And Mr.Lovecraft over there is Nyx, he’s a Changeling Darkling but I’m still not sure which kith he calls his own yet.” Explained Beary as simply as he could.

“Changelings? So wait are you wearing some kind of disguise? I thought changelings could only turn into something the same basic shape as them?” The purple equine’s face was somewhere between confused and fascinated.

“Well we’re not the same kind of Changelings as they are, we existed first. I would say that our kind has been around for... ever? I’m not sure really. I would have to know how long we’ve been gone to get a real number. Well, I told you who we are, now it’s your turn.”

“Right, I’m Twilight Sparkle, and I’m a unicorn,” She began to point to each of her friends, naming them off as she went. “And up there,” she pointed again to the large white equine with both wings and a horn, “Is Princess Celestia, and she’s an alicorn. Given the circumstances, I would say it’s nice to meet you two.”

“Well the pleasure is all mine, I haven’t really talked to anyone besides my friend John for about 15 years.”

“15 years? That’s an awful long time to be stuck with only one other pony to talk to.” Their attention was drawn back to Nyx and Chrysalis when they heard the faint sound of crying. Standing over and still holding the wrist of an all but fetal position Chrysalis, stood Nyx, staring down at her as she wept out of pure fear. His smile was no longer present, only a frown, and an expression of pity.

“Oh look, he finished his story. You guys should be able to move now.” Beary began to move towards Nyx. “Hey man, it go well?”

Nyx looked up from Chrysalis and back over to Beary, “Yea for the most part, she’ll be like that for at least a couple days. Oh look, her guards are angry.”

The changelings within the room all began snarling and slowly creeping towards them, fully intending to protect their queen.”You think they’re flammable?” Asked Beary.

“They ARE at least somewhat like a bug, so yes I would assume so.” Nyx answered.

Beary reached into his pocket and pulled out his match book.”Only four left, gonna need to get more once I can.” And with a flick of his wrist both the match and the changelings lit ablaze.

The changelings screamed in agony. Watching this display of fire Nyx clapped a few times and whistled “I get it now, took me till the second try but that is a good use of power, using a spark alongside a burst of Glamour to spread flames? Ingenious.” At this point all the other ponies in the room had averted their eyes, since just about no normal person/pony wants to see burning flesh.

“Yeah, just something I came-up with a while back.” Replied Beary still looking at his near empty matchbook. The remaining changelings that hadn’t been burned decided that this was a losing battle and quickly retreated outside. Informing the rest of the changeling army to make a full retreat as their queen and her elite guards had be defeated. All of this happened while Nyx and Beary helped free the ponies from their bindings. When everything had calmed down the ponies finally were able to look these two strangers over and take in their appearance.

Nyx was older, but not incredibly old, he appeared to be around the age of 30 if one had to guess. His long ink-black hair ended just above his eyes and flowed down to about the middle of his back. He wore a long black trench coat made out of a material that seemed unnatural, the same could be said for the white t-shirt, black dress pants and red shoes he wore beneath the coat. His eyes shone a bright red color.

Beary looked around 19, but he seemed far more mature than that. He was very pale, and wore a red t-shirt with a pair of blue jeans. He had black running shoes on and a large burn scar on his right arm. His hair was charcoal black and he had hazel eyes. What was strangest about him though, was that the air seemed warmer around him.

After freeing the princess everyone was quiet, not quite sure what to do, until Beary decided to break the silence. “So, now what?” He asked.

His answer came from that of a regal sounding voice, “Now,” Both Beary and Nyx turned to the source of the voice, which was the large white Alicorn, named Celestia if Beary remembered correctly. “You explain exactly where you came from, and why you’re here.”

Author's Note

This story is being written between myself and my friend Immortal Inventor here on FIM, we hope you enjoy it, if you think there's something we could do better, tell us in the comments section, and if you do like it, please give the like button a click, if not, please tell us what you didn't like about it, so that we may learn to improve ourselves.