-Changeling^2

Chapter 5: So . . .This is Love, Eh?

“But how?” The changeling whispered to herself.

“What does this mean?” Apple Bloom asked to nopony in particular.

“It means changelings can get cutie marks. I think that means they’re ponies.” Applejack answered, unsure of the words coming out of her mind.

Everypony looked at each other, still largely unable to make out full sentences. The very implications of the cutie mark was too great for a single mind to understand in such a short amount of time. If their changeling could have a cutie mark, then the rest of the Changelings could have a cutie mark. That means they’re all ponies, right? So then all of the creatures that were banished from Canterlot, were actually one of them. If that were the case, why don’t any other changelings have a cutie mark? And why was their changeling confused about why she had her own cutie mark?

A long time ago the Changelings had, once upon a time, lived in Equestria along side  ponies. This fact was well known among the pegasi, unicorns, and earth ponies. But what was always left out of history class was why specifically the Changelings had to leave for the Badlands. All anypony knew is that the Changelings had done something so egregious that they made Celestia banish them. Nopony felt the need to probe any deeper.

Granny Smith reclaimed her family from the silent abyss, quickly reminding them that work still needed to be done, and that their gawking could be done that night. The farm children each felt uneasy about continuing, but nevertheless broke off slowly into their work stations. Big Mac was first, leaving fairly soon after the announcement. Apple Bloom followed suit, but not before she could ask at least ten different questions, all of which were ignored or had gone unheard. Applejack and her friend were the last ones, both trotting off in awkward silence.

The changeling tried to make conversation while her orange earth pony friend bucked apples, but the right words couldn't find their way to her. The small stutters that did come out were smothered by the echo of beaten wood. If it wasn't for the fact that the black insect had verbally communicate the total amount of apples on each given tree, it would've been entirely quiet on the farm.

Celestia’s sun moved across the sky smoothly over the land, resting on it’s horizon line.. It’s light hit the ground uninhibited by clouds. The only shadows were formed by apple trees now missing their fruit. On the ground the Apples were gathered around the dinner table. Chewing echoed through the hallways, and all the way up the stairs.

“The food really is good.” a small chirp came from the changeling.

“Well I appreciate the compliment. It isn’t easy to put these things together.” Granny Smith smiled small, but it was still restrained behind the uneasy air.

A few crumbs dropped from Apple Blooms mouth, dancing on her plate in a matter of milliseconds. Big Mac was his usual quiet self not even a twinge of unease on his face. His hooves rested nonchalantly on the table. The stallions attention was to far drawn to the delicious pie playing in his mouth.

The blonde maned pony had the nearly irresistible urge to question the latest development of the day, but other thoughts caught her attention. Most of them had been the about the invasion the other day. Her racing thoughts were only portrayed  image of widened eyes.

“Applejack, is everything ok?” The CMC member inquired worriedly.

“Yeah, Apple Blo. . . Actually no, I’m not fine. I gotta get something off my chest.” everypony looked at her with peeked interest. “I think me and the girls need to go back to Canterlot as soon as we can.”

“What’s with the rush Applejack? You just got back.” Granny Smith taken aback by the odd behavior from her granddaughter.

“I was just thinking about the rest of the changelings.” the visiting changeling shuddered. “When they were kicked out of Canterlot by Shinning Armor and Cadence’s magic spell doohickey, all the changelings were sent flying. I can’t imagine that being too safe.” Applejack turned her head to the changeling expectantly.

“That’s right. When I landed I was lucky to survive. The only reason I got to the train tracks to begin with was because I was bathed in some healing river.” The changeling elaborated, getting nods from the rest of the Apples, a couple of them growing slightly concerned.

“And I was thinking what happened to the rest. You showed us that changelings are really ponies, and the princesses need to know about this. So, I was just worrying is all.” Applejack dejectedly sighed, her eyes quickly developing a fascination for her plate.

“Aw, Applejack, it’s so nice to hear your concern. I was wondering if anypony would be--wait, did you say that you're worried because you found out changelings were ponies?’

“Of course, I feel worried about anypony that could be hurtin’.”

“But you didn’t care for them until you found out we were ponies!?!”

“You’re twistin’ my words!”

“No, I’m not. You didn’t give two horseapples about them until you realized they were ponies. You don’t care for anyone who isn’t a pony!”

“How can you say that? I’ve tried to do everything to make you comfortable! I’ve said I was sorry for my mistakes, and I was willing to defend you from anypony, even those in my family, and all before I found out you were a pony! I told you I saw you as something special, and I truly believe that. I also wanted to go to Canterlot because I knew we wouldn’t be able to hide you forever and I just thought getting Celestia and Luna to understand   and if you can’t see that then. . . then. . . fine, be that way!” Applejack spat, charging to her room up the stairs.

The changeling was no sooner left in the room without Applejack, then she was told by Granny Smith where her room was, and that she was excused from the table. The changeling walked out in a huff not noticing the disappointed, sad, and angry stares she got while leaving.

‘Did I overreact?’ The changeling thought laying on a twin sized bed in a fairly plain room. ‘She did say that she started to care for the other changelings after she figured out we were ponies. But she did care for me before then. She has done so much for me already, but why can’t I shake the feeling that there’s something beneath it all.’

She laid contemplating what she could do until nighttime, when she hopped out of her bed. Stepping gingerly across the floorboards of her room. Moving her hoof up to the knob, the gold tinted handle turned slowly leading the door open into the calm shade. Her body acted as a natural camouflage as the changeling used her spying abilities to travel the house.

The hallways were lined with fresh carpet, the smell was intoxicating and fresh. Pictures of the Apple family were plastered all over the wooden walls. The changeling had past a small stand that held a vase with freshly scented flowers. The stand would be invisible to most ponies, but the changeling easily avoided collision. Door number one stood tall in front of the changeling almost taunting her with the difference in size.

With a shallow gulp she cautiously opened the door. No sound came from the door, as it moved to a position that no longer blocked the small ponies sight. Inside a small pony laid curled up to the neck in blankets. If the size wasn’t a give away, the fierce red color coming from her head the tell that this was Apple Blooms room. The door closed, leaving Apple Bloom as the sole occupant again.

The next two doors yielded similar results. While the changeling had to confirm personally that Granny Smith did occupy one room, the audible vibrations were a dead giveaway as to were Big Mac slept. That left one room, the one at the end of the hallway. Her hoof turned the third knob of the night and she walked into the dimly moonlit room. Caution was tossed into the wind as the changeling stood of Applejack’s bed ready to wake her. She was sudden stopped by the image set before her. The pillows by her head were incredibly damp. Her mane was matted and frizzy. Her eyes clamped down looking like she was having an unpleasant dream. Her blankets were kicked around, half on her half off.

“What happened?” The changeling whispered to herself

“Mmm. . . uhh. . . ehh. . .” Applejack mumbled in her sleep, a hint of red on her face.

‘She actually looks really, cute. I don’t really need to wake her up right now.’ The changeling thought as she remained hovering over her friend, lost in thought. ‘She really doesn’t have any bad intentions, does she? I’m being far too paranoid. I mean, what pony would stick their neck out like she has. I guess I mean a lot to her. Just as much as she does to me. . .’

Then something dawned on the changeling.

‘Wait, she said I was a special pony to her, and she is special to me. I know she is cute. I know that we would both do anything for one another. Not to mention all of that love she was radiating towards me, ever since we left the town hall. That mean she loves me right? And that mean I love her. . . Yes, that’s it!’ The changeling thought as she shined her brightest smile.

“Applejack, wake up.” she whispered gently into said mares ear.

“Ugh, who’s there?” the mare blinked a few times. “Oh, it’s you. Have you come to tell me how much of an evil pony I am.” Applejack said with a greater amount of venom then she’s usually ever carried.

“I-I know I acted like a foal and I’m so very sorry. But I found something very important out.”

“What is it?” Applejack’s eyes spelled extreme impatience.

The changeling smiled calmly, which perplexed the farm mare. Before any more words could be shared, the instigator jumped into the bed with her. Applejack eyes shot open and any drowsiness was wiped away. The changeling, who now was laying intimately close to Applejack, began to nuzzle her head under Applejack’s chin. A feeling of warmth ran through the cold blooded changeling.  A stray hoof traced the outline of Applejack’s back all the way down to her flank.

“Queen Chrysalis never got to the seduction part of my spy training, but I did catch on to a few moves from other changelings.” she said in a breathy voice.

“Sugarcube! Y-Y-You’re going too far.” Applejack said, pushing the changeling back.

“But you’re my special pony, and I’m yours.”

“What in the hay are you talking about?” the farm girl whispered sharply.

“Remember, you said this morning that I was special to you. And I realized that you are the most special pony to me too. I came in here to talk about the incident this morning but then I realized my love for you!” the changeling said jumping at Applejack again.

“I think we should have a little talk.” the farm mare sighed.

“A talk, about what my dear?”

“I think you misunderstood me when I said you were ‘special’.”

“Yeah I know, I'm your special somepony.” The changeling tried to make contact again, but was redirected by Applejack’s hoof.

“No, that’s not what I meant. it’s just that I . . . Well I don’t think--”

“--that you could love a changeling?” the small bug interrupted in a tiny voice.

“T-T-That’s not it Sugarcube, I will always care for you as a friend, and your special to me in that way. But what made you think that I thought of you, that way?” Applejack asked..

“Well it’s hard to ignore the feeling that you’ve been giving me. I can feel love radiating from one pony to another. So I just thought that you felt that way.” the changeling said, her eyes finding the bed.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to hurt you.”

“There has to be something I can do to be more appealing.”

“It’s not anything you can do. I’m just not attracted to you because. . .”

“I’m a mare, a changeling, black!?! You have to give me a reason!”

Applejack couldn’t respond to the comment, but nevertheless giving the changeling the answer she desired. The two stared blankly at one another not sure how to continue the conversation. Luckily neither had to as a knocking was heard at the window. The changeling looking questioningly towards the noise, while Applejack face hoofed and groaned. Quickly the window was removed from it’s resting place. Four solitary steps could be heard as the intruder entered the room.

“You up Applejack?” the voice whispered, gaining the attention of the sought after pony.

‘Hey, that sounds a lot like. . .’ the changeling had thought until her suspicions were confirmed.

“Oh you’re up, good, I wouldn’t want to be waking up my sweet apple out of her sleep now would I?” the voice of a familiar blue pegasus said from the dark.

“Rainbow, now isn’t the time!” ‘sweet apple’ tried to reason with Rainbow Dash turning her head in Rainbow Dash’s direction, but her back was still to her.

“Oh c’mon, it’s not like you have anything better to do. Besides, I’ve been feeling lonely. We haven’t been together since before the wedding.” the pegasus pleaded as she hugged the back of her marefriend, her eyes not yet completely adjusted to the dark.

“This is why you said no.”

Rainbows eyes shot open, as her lovers closed. Absorbing as much of the moonlight she could into her pupils, she was finally able to gather an image of the third party in the room. The blue eyes of the changeling now pierced through the darkness like the most righteous of swords.

“Goodnight Applejack, Rainbow Dash.” she said leaving the room, exposing her white cutie mark to RD.

“I-I-Is that a-a-a-a. . .”

“Yeah Dash, it is.”

“What does it mean, what are we going to do now?”

“I was hoping you and the girls would know, because right now I’m clueless.”