-Changeling^2

Chapter 3: Welcome To Ponyville

“W-what can I do you for?” The changeling chuckled uncomfortably.

“First off, you said that you were going to surrender to us. Why?” Twilight Sparkle asked annoyed by the changelings humor.

It wasn’t enough that her head was pulsating so much that it felt as if her brain was going to seep through her nostrils. No, she had to bare witness to a horrible sight, pissed off mares. From what she remembered the night before they hadn’t yield so much anger. This could be because the darkness shaded true facial expressions, but the sight before her was unreal. All the mares had faces contorted terribly and their eyes were so fierce they almost spoke the word ‘combust’.

“I have nowhere else to go.”

“What do you mean? Don’t you have your family to return to?” Twilight spat the word family.

“Not really. When we were launched out of Canterlot, I was severely hurt. One of our rules is to return to our queen if we are ever separated. But whatever forced us out during the invasion pushed me through several buildings. I had to break that rule to ensure my own survival. Luckily I found that river with the healing ability. . .”

“Wait, what river has healing abilities?” Rarity asked standing to the right of Twilight.

“Oh, there is a river in the nearby forest that apparently has fantastic health care for anypony who takes a dip.”

The ponies in the group looked at each other perplexed. Healing river, they never heard of such a thing. If this is true and it was able to grant healing agents so powerful it could turn a case from terminal to ok, it needed to be found. All but one of the ponies smiled thinking about all the good it could do for the sick, the exception couldn’t take her eyes off of the changeling.

“Go on, what happened next?” Applejack said gesturing with her hoof.

“I lied in the river thinking about what I should do next. I knew I couldn’t return home because I fell asleep in the river for a long time. Queen Chrysalis probably would’ve assumed I left, and now that an entire night has past it’s basically confirmed. I figured staying in the forest wouldn’t work because I could’ve been found by someone, either changeling or pony, and be brought in as a high value criminal in either situation. So I thought turning myself into you guys would show I didn’t mean any harm, and maybe I could start over with someponies like you.”

Twilight looked on skeptically. It seemed like an uncharacteristically logical of a move for a changeling to make. They were creatures motivated by instinct and primal desires. So how, why, would a changeling show this kind of thought? Well, they are driven by primal instincts so self-preservation should be playing a part. The problem still being, why wouldn’t that be the only point made? Why did the changeling come up with the ‘assimilation’ excuse?

“So you want to live with ponies? That’s what you’re saying?” Rainbow Dash inquired incredulously.

“If you want to simplify it, yes.” She gulped.

"Don't you realize that most ponies are going to be terrified of you?"

"At this point I would do anything if it meant I got to live, especially with you guys."

The Pegasus smiled at that notion. She enjoyed the fact that her suspect was so determined in what she wanted. Kind of reminded Rainbow Dash of herself in a way. Hay, maybe she is being honest about everything. If all turned out well Rainbow could have a new flying buddy. Well she hoped anyway, she saw how changelings were experienced flyers back at Canterlot. There was still one question on her mind though.

“What about the whole love eating thing?”

“Yeah, that is kind of a problem. I don’t need to consume love every second of everyday, and I can change to a veggie diet. But no changeling has done that before so to be honest, I don’t know what would happen.” The changeling answered dejected. A disappointed frown dawned the cyan Pegasus.

She could only berate herself for her own biology. Why had she been born a changeling? It was a curse from the start. Never to have a life outside of finding food, consuming food, finding more food. Nothing to look forward to or have fond memories of. Not like the ponies in front of her though; they have a chance to make something out of their lives. They could impact the world if they worked hard enough, if only she could do that.

But wait, why couldn’t she? Sure she wasn’t a pony but that didn’t mean she couldn’t at least try to break the mold. She already took the first step in surrendering to her mortal enemies. It also appeared that she had made it to some sort of pony settlement. Maybe just maybe she could convince them that she could do something positive. Maybe just maybe, they all could do something positive.

Outside of her thoughts the situation didn’t calm as several of the ponies argued that interim prisoner is a ticking time bomb. This was a fact that no pony could deny, not even the prisoner herself. The gravity of the situation took it’s toll on everyone. Driving each and every pony to her emotional brink. The changeling again was no exception; the discussion continued as every sentence that could be given to the prisoner was indirectly spelled out. With all that had happened in the past twenty four hours the changeling couldn’t take hold in what she truly felt. Faltering however on her momentary epiphany.

“I know that I’m a liability. I know that you have no reason to trust me. But I’m begging, pleading with you to give me this chance. I’ll miss those that I’ve known throughout my life but I have to do what’s best for me. I don’t want to fight, all I want to do is live without the needless struggle.” The changeling said keeping back the tears.

“Everypony has struggles, living here won’t fix that.” Applejack stated like it was the most obvious thing.

“The struggle to find food, a shelter, a place to rest without insects crawling just under your skin, is that the struggle everyone has to deal with?”

“Talk about vermin, what do you call your kind? Just below the surface of homes and families taking what isn’t yours! How are any better than them!”

“. . . You’re right.”

“Huh?” The mane six responded.

“My kind, all we do is feed. We look for a new source of energy and move on when that source has been exhausted. This is true with every generation of changeling, and to my knowledge will continue without stop. But isn’t that a reason?”

“A reason, what do you mean?” Twilight asked.

“A reason to fight. A reason to end this cycle. I don’t want anymore pain or struggling from both sides. I see now that it’s time for something to change. Pony or changeling it’s not fair for either to suffer at the hoofs of one another.” She paused. “I only thought coming to you as a chance to free myself, but now that I think about it, I see so much more. I see an opportunity to try and fix what is broken. Let me live here, help me adapt to this life. Teach me so I can teach everypony else.” The changeling said with a new fire of determination in her eye.

The mane six had a mixture of shock, and joy. Some of the more light hearted members like Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, and even Rainbow Dash saw the truth in the sentiment. They felt that it would be better to have more friends than have enemies, and this could be a turning point. They still had reservations about trusting the changeling but it’s better to trust in this situation than be wary.

Rarity and Twilight were perplexed by the changelings words. They could no longer argue the genuineness of the sentiment. The sheer amount of emotion showed the authenticity of the speech. Spike was mostly empathetic as his dragon status grants him the same dream as the changeling.

Applejack was on the brink of tearing her mane out. Being the element of honesty she had a knack for telling when people lying. She could tell that their prisoner was speaking from her heart. It just made no sense! How could something that feeds on the very essence of love be anything but bad? But standing next to her seemed to be the exception to the rule. The changeling wasn’t worthy of scorn by her own, but the biology spoke otherwise. Which one is more important, what the pony is or what it was made to be?

She couldn’t last another second. Putting one hoof in front of the other like a foal just learning to walk, Applejack made her advance. The sound of steps roared like thunder compared to the still air. The changeling laid on her stomach petrified of what the orange pony was going to do. Then it happened, she extended an upside down hoof.

“I believe you.”

A brief gasp was followed by seven small smiles. The changeling stared at the hoof as if it were the most alien thing she’d ever seen. She then redirected her gaze at the eyes of the pony. The eyes she saw were not the hateful ones she saw before. They were still firm but a remarkable kindness was blatant. The moment sunk in as two hooves met and the changeling was helped out from under the debris. Through tears in her eyes the changeling stared into Applejack eyes, still propped up by her hoof. The scene was peaceful until the changeling made a quick move with it’s unoccupied hoof towards the cowpony’s neck.

“Applejack look out!” Twilight shouted as everyone else’s breathe was already swallowed.

With her hoof already around the back of Applejack’s neck the changeling remained still, for the most part. Applejack was still as stone. The other ponies took an aggressive stance to fight against the hostage taker. Then Applejack moved her hoof over the back of the changeling.

“T-thank y-you, t-t-thank-k y-y-ou.” A muffled sob came from Applejacks mane.

“I-it’s no problem.” Applejack responded holding back a couple of tears herself.

The rest of the group didn’t know what to make of the scene. Was this the same pony that a few hours ago hated the changeling with every fiber of her being? It was well known that Applejack was the most mature out of the group and the first to admit when she’s wrong. But her kindness was still unprecedented.

Moving in to examine the odd event, they were pleasantly surprised when they were able to feel the sentiment coming from both parties. The large blue eyes of the changeling mixed in with the golden mane; a new stream of tears formed every time the changeling blinked. Applejack had a very relaxed smile on her face. She looked perfectly calm, even tranquil.

Pinkie Pie was the first to approach the duo. With outstretched limbs she gathered the two in a fairly powerful hug. This was followed by Rarity, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, and finally Twilight Sparkle with Spike trying to lean in on the top of his friends head.

‘So this is what friendship is. The caring and kindness, it feels so good. The love. . . It smells intoxicating. . . NO! I can’t don’t even think about love. . . The smell of delicious, delectable, tasty. . . NO NO NO NO!’

The struggling changeling was noticed by the group who slightly backed off, not in fear but concern.

“What’s wrong, what’s happening?” Twilight Sparkle inquired gently.

“I’m sorry, I’m not yet use to the amount of love you guys can show at once. It was a little over intoxicating.” She admitted with a light blush appearing on her dark skin.

“Wait you could have absorbed our energy just now?” Rainbow Dash asked; she in turn got a nod in affirmation.

“This is great!” Fluttershy ‘shouted’.

“How can that be great?” The changeling asked confused.

“For starters you were able to restrain yourself from doing what you claimed you wanted to stop. We didn’t doubt what you said about your goals, but it’s really good to see it physically happen.” Twilight elaborated.

“And you were honest. Now honesty ya see is the best policy. Also the best element of harmony.” Eyeroll from the other element of harmony bearers. “The most important thing though is that you didn’t hesitate to tell us. You trusted us, even after all we put you through. I’m sorry that we didn’t take ya for a straight shooter to begin with sugarcube.” Applejack finished looking with unyielding smile.

“Damn-it Applejack you’re going to make me cry again.” The changeling said wiping tears away getting giggles from the rest of the group who were all trying their best to maintain composure. Except Pinkie Pie who already had a stack of used tissues next to her.

“So girls what do we do now?” Twilight asked the group.

“Well I don’t think we should keep our friend in this pit any longer.” Rarity stated with regal authority.

“Yeah but where can we put you up? Oh, maybe I can take her home with me! A new flying buddy!” Rainbow Dash proclaimed jumping into the air with glee.

“B-but Dashie, I thought it was only pegasi and Griffons were the only ones that could walk on clouds.” Pinkie pointed out.

“And we don’t want our her flying around too much, lest we draw attention to the fact she’s changeling.” Twilight added.

“But can’t she just transform into a pegasi?”

“No Dash if we do that then we would have to create a back-story and a whole persona for her. And if that persona cracks we could have the whole royal guard coming here looking for her.”

Everyone, including the speaker, gulped at that notion. The changeling because she was sure that she would be tortured beyond belief on the whereabouts of the horde. The mane six and Spike because they knew how harshly they reacted. Exactly what would the royal power of Equestria do to someone who helped in a nearly successful mass takeover. Rainbow Dash floated to the ground dejected and defeated.

“Oh come on it’s not that bad. I’m sure one day I’ll be able to fly with you no worries.” Rainbow smiled at the sentiment.

“I don’t think she would be able to live with me either. I think the animals might be scared of changelings. Not that you’re scary or anything, you're perfectly fine. Oh I’m so sorry I didn’t mean it like that.” Fluttershy spouted horrified by what she said. The changeling shrugged it off saying she understood and that Fluttershy wasn’t really wrong.

“Sorry darling but I don’t think I can keep you in boutique either, I have customers coming in and out and there’s a good chance they or Sweetie Belle could find you. Both not being good at keeping secrets; and I’m going to go out on a limb that Pinkie and Twilight are unable to house you as well?” Rarity figured getting a nod from both ponies. Pinkie lived in a bakery with two small children so there was little chance she could hide much there. Twilight on the other hand lived in a fairly small area, especially for three people, and the incoming traffic for the library would definitely draw too much attention.

“Ah shucks, it looks like I’m getting you.” Applejack said bringing the changeling in for a side hug, making said changeling blush a bit.

“Are you sure Applejack, what about Big Macintosh, Granny Smith, and Apple Bloom.” Rarity asked.

“It’s fine. Big Macintosh won’t care as long as she doesn’t interfere with work. Granny Smith might be a hard case but I’m sure that I can convince her.” Applejack said confidently.

“What about Apple Bloom?”

“Shoot, Apple Bloom is the most understanding of anypony. ‘Member the Zecora problem?”

Nopony could deny that, the little filly was the only one willing to give the zebra a chance. Turned out Apple Bloom was the only one who saw past the stereotypes and prejudice; she ended up changing the entire towns outlook. Seeing no one better suited, the groups decided that the changeling would be safest with the apple farmer.

“Before we leave we should probably clear the air.” Rarity spoke.

“About what?” Fluttershy was the one to ask.

“Last night; we have things that we should say to our new friend since she can be so open with us.”

The Changeling quirked a questioning (along with imaginary) eyebrow as everypony else dropped their heads knowing what had to be done. Taking a deep breathe Twilight was the first to begin explaining what happened during the unconscious hours of the changelings’ life.

30 minutes of explanation later:

“Oh so you’re the reason why my brain feels like pudding.” The changeling said at the blushing Applejack. “But there is one thing that I do want to know.” The changeling paused. “Are you still planning on contacting Princess Celestia when Canterlot is open again Twilight?”

Twilight knew that this question was coming but it didn’t make it any easier answer. This was possibly the worst conundrum she could've been put in. If she did tell Celestia there is a good chance that her new friend could be taken away to Celestia knows where. On the other hoof, if she lied then she would betray the trust of her idol. Not only an idol but the goddess of the sun, and her second mother; that was not a wrath that one would ever want to wish upon their own head. Then the punishments she could suffer from popped into Twilight's’ head like a checklist

1. Move back to Canterlot.

2. Writing a paper on her mistakes.

3. Give up her position in the element of harmonies.

4. Getting detention for a whole week.

5. Never allowed to see her friends again.

6. MAGIC KINDERGARTEN

Oh the horror!

Perplexed by the sudden state of petrifaction her friend took Pinkie Pie decided to shake her out of it by actually shaking her out of it. A quick jolt from reality like that brought Twilight back much the joy of her pink friend. But that meant that she was once again responsible for the response to the changelings question.

“We will not report your being here to the princess.”

“Thank you, I really mean it. Thank you for the chance.”

“No problem I . . .” Twilight was interrupted by her dragon friend.

“Twi, are you really going to lie to Princess Celestia?”

“I can’t lie to the princess If she doesn’t ask me about anything right? And as far as anypony knows all changelings have been launched into lower orbit, so why would I ever have to lie.” Twilight said with a voice that sounded eerily similar to the time when she couldn’t send a lesson report to Celestia.

Attempting to keep their friend out of the realm of the insane everypony nodded their head in affirmation.

This pleased Twilight.

Satisfied with the information, revelations, and feelings that were exposed during the conversation the group decided it would be wise to go back to their respective homes.

“Ok sugarcube, while it’s still pretty early I don’t wanna risk the chance of someone seeing ya. Could you do your body switcheroo deal, just for now?”

“Oh um sure, give me a second.” Focusing her magic across her entire body the changeling transformed. Her new for was that of a unicorn filly she met during her travels.

“Aw don’t ya just look cute!” Applejack teased.

“Yeah haha. Are you going to show me to your farm or what?”

With a playful nudge the two ponies dashed across town heading towards its outskirts. It was then that the orange pony decided to give her friend a proper hello. Moving her mussel in the direction of her friend she said,.

“Welcome to Ponyville.”