Chapters Chapter 1: Desertion
‘Failure. . . again!? Queen, why? You. . . told us you had. . . everything under control. You told. . . us that we would never. . . go hungry again! Why did . . . you lied to us! You. . . betrayed us.’ An injured and bleeding black badgered troglodyte thought as she limped around an unknown forest area. Her thoughts were interrupted by intermittent coughing.
The creature struggling for survival was a pariah known as a changeling. Horrid critters that feed on the love expressed and held by ponies and other creatures across Equestria. Loving families have been robbed not only of their love but their life too. For these reasons the horde of changelings have been roundly loathed and avoided anywhere they tread.
This particular changeling knew what her status was so while she drudged about the forest, predators were the least of her worries. What she did fear was losing consciousness due to bleeding out of her open wounds. No matter how prestigious of a reputation a hunter might have, it doesn't matter if their dead.
Currently leaning against a tree the changeling noted her surroundings. The bark holding her up was covered in very moist moss. Other trees and the ground seemed to mimic the amount of moisture. Despite the fact it was at least mid-afternoon the surrounding area was dark enough only for the most skilled night dwellers to see; the attribute was a result of the trees above covering the forest floor with clumps of leaves that could be mistaken for bushes. There weren't any other inhabitants nearby, most likely as a result of the crash landing a few minutes ago.
A few minutes before that however was the best time of the creatures life. The invasion of Canterlot was going off without a hitch. It was years of preparation, planning and patience that had finally paid off. Canterlot was well known amongst the changelings as the epicenter of love in Equestria, a.k.a one big buffet of love. During the invasion itself, it’s true that the residence were feeling mostly fear from the ferocious force lead by Queen Chrysalis.
However emotions do not disappear because they are not on display or even because they aren’t at the forefront. They’re merely suppressed within the mind. Especially when it came to ponies in such a luxurious position as in Canterlot. They had no worries so the love they possessed is never in jeopardy. So the love that the ponies had was withheld within their minds during the event but it was still there.
It was delicious.
‘Gotta. . . find the others. . . queen. . . where are you?’ The changeling wondered as she moved herself off the tree and pushed forward.
The first resource one her mind was water. Until she could regroup with the rest of her kind she would need to clean her wounds and replenish.
Limping for about an hour the goal of water was further away than ever. This task was made infinitely more difficult than usual given the blurry vision that was now casting its spell over the changeling. Hope was growing more and more distant. The trees leaves and grass started to become one. Darkness began to encompass everything and the call from the sweet good night seemed inevitable.
It was then that a sound was heard. A sound that was like falling water. Water tickling the rocks, like a waterfall! It was close, giving up now was not a choice! Mustering her strength the black being ‘charged’ it’s way towards the bells of gain. Physical obstacles didn't take precedence as she bumped into anything that stopped her from making a beeline to her destination.
A minute after quickly traversing shrubbery, the changeling had finally made it. The waterfall cascaded down from a fifty foot drop. Sunlight freely shone across the area illuminating many different kinds of vegetation of many different colors. The dew on the grass and vegetation brightly reflected by the sun nearly blinding the bleeding girl.
With no time or energy to spare the changeling collapsed trudging over to the separating line between solid ground and liquid salvation. Like a weak dog, the girl lapped up the water. This wasn't good enough. Pushing herself from the ground, she fell into the water head first. Flipping on her back underwater, she was able to hold herself in the light torrent of water by placing her tail against a rock in the shallowness of the riverbed.
Stinging pain ran through her brain and out her wounds. The once clean water was tainted by purplish blood no doubt scaring life a few miles down river. Despite these horrors the changeling bared her fangs at the sky.
‘Oh, my. So very good.’ She never knew.
Elements of the forest were largely unknown because of the bad stories that were connected to it like disappearances, and mythological creatures horrifying even in story. With this being the predominant line of thought the wonders of the area were never discovered by modern society.
Discoveries like water with potent healing abilities.
Five and half hours of restful sleep:
Eyes fluttering open, she saw night prevailing over the environment. Water rinsing a thoroughly clean head gently maintained a state of awareness in the creature. Peace, something unknown by this species, reigned supreme. It allowed a slight tinge of a foreign color to dawn her face, the relaxation creating sensation of absolute perfection. Attempting to move, but failing to do so, the creature mused to herself.
'Why exactly should I leave from this spot? I feel better than I did with Queen Chrysalis struggling in squander almost every day. I feel good right where I am. Although I can’t live in this forest. If Queen Chrysalis found out that I left she would have my hide. So my other option is to make amends with ponies.Well shit, I’m screwed then. Like they would ever accept someone who literally feeds off of their love. I could probably go on a strict non-love diet, but it tastes so good!’ She feigned a tear drop at the thought of missing out on her favorite meal.
The thoughts continued on for a few minutes until she came to a conclusion. Staying in the forest would run the risk of Queen Chrysalis finding her and ending her because of the changelings treason. The only way to remain safe from her former family would be to seek forgiveness which should lead to protection from the pony community. The former would take a lot of pride swallowing, but it’s better then swallowing the hoof of a mad changeling queen.
Turning on her stomach the former eater of love lifted her face from the water, and thus exposing most of her wet frame to the night air. Turning her attention to a loud noise in the air the changeling noticed several brightly colored explosions in the air. One of the explosions being in the shape of a heart. Luckily for the lone changeling, the light illuminated the sky just enough so she could spy Canterlot from where she was standing.
‘Why not, what’s the worst that can happen?’
Black legs like swiss cheese began to cut through the water and then the flowers on the ground leading to the forest. Running like her life depended on it, the changelings life did depend on it, at least it’s purpose. That purpose being pleasure of actually living with a motive over the pain of squalor and desolation. Fear ingrained into every hatchling creeping it’s way into the runners mind.
As a changeling it was the purpose as a member of the horde to find food for the others. If you were good for the colony then you would be spared for a mistake. If, however, you weren't at the top of the hierarchy a lucky break wasn't going to happen. A mistake ranging from missing the capture of one specimen to feed off of in a group of twelve specimens would normally warrant three weeks in the dungeon. An area below the queens quarters that, depending on where they were residing at the time, was filled with horrors unimaginable to most living beings. Rats the size of ponies with teeth dirtier then sewers, loved to nibble on anything they could especially if that thing was alive. Worms that dug into the skin at a vicious pace so it could lay eggs across the impromptu hosts body.
This being one of the main reasons why changelings have holes seemingly across random parts of their legs. Over many generations they adapted to the insects that could burrow into their skin. If that were to occur they would most likely fall out of the changeling through one of the holes on their legs, given the fact that most of these nasty vermin live under the ground. These vermin were forced into a Changeling though if that specific member committed something like theft or desertion this fate would be forced upon them.
Until the creature completely eaten from the inside out.
‘I can’t go back, not now, not ever!’
Running through the forest briskly low hanging tree branches were ignored or snapped by the charging changeling. It wasn’t long before she came across another sound like that of the waterfall; inevitably the echo would change her life forever. An echo of a blaring train horn.
The changelings curiosity getting the best of her, she changed directions from north to northwest, the direction of the train. The headlights began to be viewable through the brush; eventually she ended up on the outside of the brush, in a small clearing around the train tracks. About two miles down track the trains spotlight was located. It was approaching very quickly, but just slow enough for a plan to be formulated.
‘OK, so what do I do now? Could I jump onto the train? No, way to fast. I have to stop it some. . . Oh, that could work. It’s worth a shot. And hey it’s less painful than what I would suffer at the hands of the queen.’ With that the changeling stepped onto the tracks; eyes focused in front of her looking into the dead center of the spotlight.
“Hm-hmm hm hmm. . . . What’s that? OH CELESTIA!” The train engineer hummed until he noticed a living creature in the middle of the train track not a half a mile away.
In the back carts the occupants were jolted out of their seats by the sudden change of speed. Some of the high class ponies were outraged by the inconvenience, but six ponies and a baby dragon were more curious than anything. After getting silent approval from everyone in the group to proceed the seven individuals made their way to the engineering cart lead by a mare with a purple/light red mane. As they traveled to the front cart, the group was told on numerous occasion by the other occupants to stay seated and that the situation would resolve itself, but those comments were roundly ignored.
“What happened?” Twilight Sparkle asked as she and her friends reached the conductor, who was plastered against the back wall of the cabin.
He merely held up a shaking hoof at the windshield and the group shifted their eyes in the same direction. What they saw shocked them all.
“A changeling!” They simultaneously shouted. Luckily the other passengers were too far away to hear the outburst lest a riot break out.
Wasting no time the group dashed their way out of a door, that was on the side of the cart, and surrounded the creature.
“What are you doing here?” Twilight Sparkle asked with her horn shining an ominous purple light directly at the changeling's face, Spike on her back acting as a cheerleader for violence.
“I reckon she’s her for round two.” AppleJack drawled as she scratched the surface of the earth with her hoof.
“I’ve been waiting for a reason to get back into kick-butt mode.” Rainbow Dash smirked flying up punching the air.
“You want a taste of my PARTY CANNON!?!” Pinkie Pie yelled pulling a cannon out of nowhere and directing it at the dark figure.
Fluttershy just stayed to the back and Rarity was focused too much on the situation at hand to say anything. What was said after that would be the icing on the cake for the unbelievable day that the group was having.
“I. . . I. . . I've come to surrender.”
This statement was met with a swift hoof to the face and the changelings memories for that day ended.
A Night Not Soon Remembered
Chapter 2: A Night Not Soon Remembered.
The group was in awe. Baffled at the scene in front of them. Their good friend, who was a career apple bucker by the way, just bucked another living beings skull in. If the bloody mucus pool wasn’t enough of a sign; the sickening thud that was still resonating throughout the grounds was a reminder no one could ignore. Even Rainbow Dash who was prepared for a brawl, couldn’t keep her eyes on the epicenter of a view for very long. Having gathered everyone’s attention Applejack spoke up.
“So what now?”
“What do you mean what now?” Twilight Sparkle asked still shaken by the scene in front of her.
“I mean what’re we gonna do with this vermin here.” Applejack answered with venom dripping from her voice.
A voice like that coming from such a normally calm pony forced everyone to take a step back.
“W-w-why are you so angry?” a small voice coming from Fluttershy asked hidden in the group.
“I’m sorry everypony it’s just . . . It’s just . . . I think about what these vermin did to Twilight and her family. I think about how they played us for fools. How they tricked us to turnin’ our backs on you.” the renowned apple bucker said with a mixture of frustration and dejection.
Everyone in the group besides Twilight cringed at that sentiment. They remember how their purple friend charged into the wedding hall declaring that the bride was evil. She was so fervent with her accusations she forced the bride out of the aforementioned hall balling her eyes out. Twilight felt so proud of herself for pointing this out in front of everyone; however Shining Armor was less than pleased as he listed off the reasons for his wife's actions that Twilight saw as incriminating evidence to the princess's evilness. Twilight's heart broke when she was told by her own brother she was not welcomed to the wedding.
Her heart was crushed further as her friends and teacher decided to go with the princess.
There was nothing Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, and especially Applejack regretted more than abandoning their friend like that. The five other mares were constantly apologizing to Twilight afterwards, while some even broke out into tears. Overall though the biggest revelation of the entire event was that they swore to never leave one another's side no matter the situation.
“Nevertheless we can’t go around being bullies to whomever we want, even if they are incredibly vile.” Rarity spoke out of the crowd moving towards the downed changeling.
“Now girls I’m not saying that we are going to let this thing go without punishment but I do think we should rethink our course of action.”
“What are you proposing?” Twilight asked.
“I propose that we take it back to Princess Celestia so it can receive judgement fairly.”.
“Um that’s going to be a problem.” The voice of the train conductor sounded off. “I was suppose to make this announcement once we made it back into Ponyville but; Canterlot is in lock-down until further notice, so no traveling in or out of the city.” The conductor rubbed the back of his head embarrassed his unlucky judgement.
“Well that surely puts a damper on our plans.” Rarity deadpanned.
“It looks like we’re just going to have to bring it back to Ponyville for the time being.” Twilight said her horn glowing purple magic along with the unconscious body of the changeling.
“Ah hold up there sugar cube. Are you sure it’s safe to bring one of these on a train full of ponies?” Applejack inquired more about the sanity of her friend than the situation.
“Do we have another choice?” Twilight responded lifting the body out of the pool of blood with her magic.
“Yeah just leave it here and start the train back up.” Rainbow Dash chimed in much to the chagrin of a couple others.
“How could you say that Dashie? We’re suppose to be helping ponies not hurting them!” Pinkie Pie admonished her friend, at the same time getting a nod of approval from Rarity.
“I’m sorry Pinkie but I’m gonna have to agree with Dash here. We can’t bring this danger to Ponyville! Remember these things feed on us, what the hay do you think it’s gonna do when we get home?” Applejack retorted.
Despite the argument heating up in the group, Twilight had the level head to actual act. Under the cover of argumentation she lifted the body from it’s self made pool with her magic. Lightly moving the changeling to and fro Twilight was able to wipe the off the blood that had began to stain itself on the body. To complete her task she created a makeshift egg around the changeling that was so thick with purple magic it’s contents weren’t view-able from the outside. Turning around, which in turn moved the ‘egg’, Twilight made her way back into the train. This finally got the attention of the animal specialist.
“Twilight what are you going to do with i-it.”
Oddly enough this was one of the rare occasions in which Fluttershy was heard, more so in a quarrel. However it would've of been more beneficial for her to go unheard because all the attention was now turned unto the purple unicorn.
“Twilight what are you doing! You can’t bring it with us! Just leave it out here for the timber wolves so nopony else will get hurt!” Rainbow Dash commanded flying over and looking directly into Twilight Sparkle’s eyes.
“We are going to bring it back to Ponyville; it’s going to be under surveillance until we can bring it back to Canterlot and to the princess, we are done talking about this.” Twilight stated.
“But Twilight . . .” The two ponies who were against the idea of taking the changeling with them started.
“Or are you not going to trust me again?” Twilight asked successfully making all the ponies, including the train conductor who was standing off to the side, flinch with the harshness of her tone.
Everypony that held an element of harmony looked away in embarrassment. Their friend knew how to say something that was already profound, stronger. Spike who was on her back sank down knowing he was at fault just as much as the ponies. Without any more words of defiance the group silently made their way back onto the train; the conductor helping some of the ponies not using to wearing such elegant dresses up the steps. He also promised to keep silent about the whole ordeal.
As the group of seven made their way into the passenger carts they were bombarded with questions about the unplanned stop. Twilight explained that a mysterious object in the shape of a rock was in the middle of the track and the conductor couldn’t move the train without it gone. Twilight further elaborated that the object is mysterious and that she was taking it home to study it, hence the floating purple orb. Satisfied with the explanation they got the upper class ponies turned their attention back to whatever activity they partook in before the explanation.
Moving further down the train from where they were originally seated the group was curious about what Twilight was doing, but decided to keep quiet lest they make the mistake of mistrusting Twilight again. Occupants that didn’t hear Twilight's explanation were filled in by the five mares not carrying a purple orb and Spike. It took only a minute to reach a cart on the train that wasn’t filled. When the group settled down they let out a collective sigh of relief, being so very glad no one wanted to prod deeper into the situation. With another small sigh of her own Twilight released her magic unceremoniously dropping the changeling; then the train began to move.
The bleeding didn’t get much better as the changeling fell into a new purple vat released from the now dissipated spell. Splashing off the ground the blood flung itself onto the group in small spots. Needless to say it grossed them out to the point some started choking on an imaginary hairball.
Observing the gruesome scene Twilight Sparkle began to wonder whether it was the blood or something else that made her feel off kilter. It turned out to be the latter as sweat flowed down from her brow, Spike grew heavy, and everything seemed to be spinning. With no strength left she fell to her side, knocked out by exhaustion. Spike was able to move off of Twilight as she fell so he didn’t end up pinned under her.
Completely forgetting about the bleeding mess everypony made their way over to aid Twilight. Pinkie was first and she made a makeshift fan out of cloth from her dress. Rainbow Dash then lifted the sleeping mare into the air and onto the back of Applejack who accepted the offering without hesitation. Fluttershy added to Pinkie’s fan power by spreading wings, creating her own wind. Rarity worked the back as she removed the strap from Twilight's stomach, the crest from her chest and for good measure the headpiece; doing this in order to ensure there was nothing constricting her friends airflow. Spike stood off to the side orchestrating it all.
A makeshift bed was made for Twilight Sparkle as she slipped off of Applejack and her dress was folded neatly beside her. The pony began lightly snoring relieving a lot of tension in the cart. Attention now turned to the other unconscious occupant.
While the ponies didn’t want to care about the fate of the changeling they needed to do something before it died from blood loss. They know that Twilight would want the Changeling to get home alive. None of them had an idea on how to carry out a plan untill the baby dragon had an epiphany.
“Hey Fluttershy you know how to stop bleeding right?”
“W-What makes you think I would?” Fluttershy said nervously, blushing because she was put on the spot.
“Well you do aid animals that are injured in your cottage. I’m sure that some of them come in with cuts, bruises, or even broken bones.” Spike explained.
“B-B-B-But that’s different.”
“Darling we believe that you can do it. I mean how far away is a changeling from any other animal you take care of?” Rarity said reassuringly.
Fluttershy gulped as she approached the mess on the floor. Poking the body as if it was already a dead body she slowly came to a decision on what she needed in the situation. Flutter listed off several items including bandages, cotton swabs, etc. Luckily for her Pinkie happened to have . . . all the items . . . on her person.
Never question Pinkie Pie.
Taking the outstanding event with a grain of salt Fluttershy began her work leaving the others to mingle about.
“So um, what’re we gonna do with the critter when we get back?” Applejack asked flustered by the events of the night.
“Well I think it shouldn’t go anywhere there cannot be an eye on it twenty four seven. I shudder to think what it could do unsupervised.” Rarity said getting a rare nod in agreement from Applejack.
“I got it! How about we put it in the town hall!” Pinkie Pie declared.
“Are you insane? We can’t put it in a public place; especially where ponies will be during the day and night!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed which was met with a retort from Pinkie.
“But Dashie, you and Derpy destroyed it again remember? And we can’t start rebuilding for at least a couple of weeks.”
Rainbow Dash was about to object but wasn’t able to find flaws in Pinkies argument. Her and Derpy did bang up the hall pretty good, and Ponyville did not have the money to rebuild currently. Plus no one would think to look in there, fearing a collapse of debris on their head. Dashie hung her head in defeat which Pinkie Pie met with a big hug and the phrase “I knew you would understand”.
Applejack facehoofed at the scene, annoyed that she lost her only ally in the group. But she too couldn’t help but believe that the town hall was the best option. If they had any luck maybe the building could actually collapse during the next couple of days.
Fluttershy worked diligently to stop the bleeding. Not only was it pouring out of a broken and misshapen nose but seeping out of a cut gum line. Letting pure adrenaline take over Fluttershy put her hooves on the snout and twisted quickly. The sound of bone moving started to make the doctor feel woozy but she pressed on nevertheless. Taking some cotton swabs from the materials provided by Pinkie, Fluttershy placed them in the creatures nose to stop one source of the bleeding.
Next she took some wet wipes and placed it inside her patients mouth; allowing the bleeding gum line to clot quicker. Most of the injuries had been dealt with so the bloody mess around the workstation was the next concern. Grabbing some towels Fluttershy quickly wiped up the area. Her adrenaline rush dying down Fluttershy started to let the instability created by the blood get to her. She dispensed with the bloody rag in a trash can at the corner of the room before she could faint, allowing herself a minute to calm her rapidly beating heart.
“Rarity, could you come over here. If you want.” Fluttershy spoke in a way somewhat betraying her timid vocabulary.
Quirking an eyebrow Rarity trotted over and began taking directions from her friend. Apparently It mostly consisted of using her magic to levitate the changeling off the ground to check her body for more injuries.
Turning over the body placing it on it’s back Rarity and Fluttershy found a legion of scars in waiting. Some of them light while some looked like it penetrated the skin deep. The scars only appeared on the under half of the body but not a single scratch on the top half half. As both ponies formulated a theory as to why this was, a voice came over the intercom.
“We will be arriving in Ponyville in approximately five minutes.”
Snapped out of their train of thought the two ponies decided there was nothing more they could do for the changeling medically. Regrouping during the announcement about Canterlots lock-down for the next few days, the group was considering the new problem at hoof. The problem being how could they transport the changeling without causing an uproar. Without Twilight they couldn’t get the changeling out of the train under the cover of magic, but they could create a distraction.
“Hey Rainbow Dash, could you still do a sonic rainboom?” Rarity asked loudly to Rainbow Dash on the other side of the cart.
“Yeah, of course, why?” Dashie answered confused, her confused look was shared with the others.
“I have an idea.”
Ponyville Train Station
“We've arrived in Ponyville, thank you and we can’t wait until you ride with us again.”
While all the high class ponies making their way off of the train and the conductor moving his way through the train to check all the carts, the plan was put into action.
“Are you ready Dash?”
“Of course Rare, just say when.”
“. . . NOW!”
The Pegasus was off. Faster then most eyes can trace; a colorful blur made it’s way into the night sky. Before anypony could think of what was happening an explosion of the color caressed the sky accentuated by the twinkling stars. Everypony looked up with amazement. Except a few who took flight under the cover of the rainbow colored night.
“I told you the distraction would work.” Rarity smiled.
“Yeah, yeah, quit your yappin’ and keep runnin’.” The apple bucker said while carrying the changeling on her back with Rarity on one side and Pinkie Pie on the other.
“Oh, pretty lights.”
“Keep your focus darling, last thing we need is for it to fall off Applejack and draw attention to ourselves.”
Back on the train Fluttershy and Spike were keeping their friend company until she woke up. Before that could happen though the conductor was making his rounds clearing the train of stragglers. Entering the cabin he saw the party of three. Taking a second to soak in the sight the conductors accusatory gaze, which left Spike and Fluttershy on on bated breath, soon melted into a soft tired smile.
“Need any help getting home?”
Town Hall
“Whew, that was close.” Applejack sighed.
“I know, if it wasn’t for the Pinkie pointing out Lyra and Bon-Bon we would’ve never made it.”
“I was just wondering what they were doing wrestling outside for.”
An awkward silence hung in the air. After the recovered, the group had began scouting out a place to drop the unconscious thing. They decided that putting it in any old place could be a hazard for anyone who took a quick glance inside. One place after another was struck down as a viable option since it was always viewable from one of the windows at the base of the building.
“Hey guys, how about the backstage area? You know the one Celestia was suppose to be in during the Nightmare Moon incident where we found the out that we were the bearers to the elements of harmony. I was *giggle* laughter, Rarity was generosity, Applejack was honesty, Rainbo . . .” Pinkie promptly had a hoof shoved in her mouth by Rarity before she could continue.
Again it couldn’t be denied, Pinkie was onto something. Applejack hustled over to the indicated area with concern written on her face. If this didn’t work than they were stuck. Peering over the corner Applejack gave a small smile seeing that while the backstage was collapsed on there was a small area that the changeling would fit. Positioning her hips Applejack bucked off the changeling so it was situated just under some high sitting debris.
“Looks like our job is done. Now, I think it’s time to go home and get some well deserved beauty sleep.” Yawned the white unicorn.
“So we’re coming back in the morning to check in on it right?”
‘'Course Pinkie, we don’t want the vermin getting anywhere right; and I think that my buck was just enough to make sure it don’t go running during the night.”
With a job well done the group of three exited the town hall until the morning. Leaving the creature to it’s own “devices”.
Town Hall: Dawn
‘Ugh where am I?’ The changeling wondered rubbing her injured head. ‘Last thing I remember was surrendering to . . . them.’
Standing before the changeling was a group of six less than happy mares and an adorably mad baby dragon. The unicorn in the middle dawned the most serious look.
“We need to do some talking, now.”
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
Move back to Canterlot.
Writing a paper on her mistakes.
Give up her position in the element of harmonies.
Getting detention for a whole week.
Never allowed to see her friends again.
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.”
Chapter 4: I Have a What?
The Apple family was well known throughout all of Equestria for their orchard. It stretched out over twenty-five acres, and held nearly five hundred apple trees per five acres. The unplucked apples accented the green leaves with a shiny red gleam. At the base of all the woodwork, the grass stood untouched, sparkling with their fruit counterparts from the morning dew.
Running through the orchard was more refreshing than it was physically taxing. Applejack and the changeling had made their way back to the farm with little difficulty. The short legs of the changelings transformed body made it difficult to keep up with the large pony after a while. Her patting breath was evident to Applejack, who motioned to aid the changeling up the upcoming hill.
“No, No, I’m fine. Just how much farther is it?”
“Actually, were here on the farm. The barn is through the southern orchard.”
The changeling struggled her way up the hill. Her running path was clumsy and discontinuous. Will alone carried her atop the hill. Every step became a small victory, a constant reassurance of self-actualization. The curve gradually decreased from eighty-five degrees, to eighty, to seventy, eventually reaching zero.
Aloft the hill stood a proud changeling. Looking behind her, the sight was a beaut. Elongated grassland landscape that her footsteps had donned, brought a smile to her sweat covered face. She rotated her body. In front of her laid, an even longer stretch of orchard.
“Now we can take it a little slow; nopony from town should be able to see us from here.” Applejack noted, swiping some sweat of her brow.
“We could walk slower or. . .” The changeling quickly jumped onto Applejack’s back. “Giddyup little pony!”
“What happened to being fine?”
“All I remember is you offering to help me. Now I’m taking you up on the offer.”
Applejack sighed, but decided not to fight against it. Easily, she carried both her body weight and her passenger. She galloped around each tree with novel grace, only occasionally bumping into the solid tree bark. A yelp escaped the changelings mouth at a particularly close call concerning a tree. Applejack turned her worried gaze to her passenger, who chortled at the expression. A less than kind buck ceased the guttural laughing.
The front doors staggered open, creaking every second of the way. The sparsely lit living room warmly invited the duo in. There were three chairs in the room. One being a large, red, three cushioned sofa. Another being a single cushioned green chair. The third was solitary rocking chair. They were split into three different regions in the room. The aforementioned red sofa lined itself directly under the staircase, on the eastern well. The rocking chair sat next to a large fireplace on the western wall. The northern part of the room was occupied by the large green chair with a single lamp over it.
Applejack gently put her changeling friend on the red seated sofa. Said changeling looked around and smiled an unsure smile.
“Tell me, what are we gonna do now?”
“Well I was thinkin--”
“That’s dangerous.”
“Shut up. Anyway, I was thinkin’ that we should introduce you to my family as soon as possible. The last thing that we want to happen is for the news of what happened in Canterlot to spread before they knew the truth.” Applejack nodded her head at her own comment.
“Why don’t why don’t we just tell all of Ponyville then?” The changeling inquired, quirking her dark forehead skin.
“Because, ponies from Canterlot came back to Ponyville with us last night. I’m pretty sure they didn’t stay quiet about the invasion.” Applejack answered.
“Hmm, okay, should I know anything about your family before I meet them?”
“Only that Apple Bloom gets kind of excited around new ponies, so expect a few questions. And that Big Mac might be a little protective of us, he’s always been a stick in the mud about ‘treatin’ mares with respect. Also Granny might be a little difficult to win over. She’s one for followin’ tradition to a fault.”
“Don’t you think that was important concerns to maybe tell me beforehoof?”
“I thought I did back at town hall? But I still don’t see the problem.”
“You made it seem like it was nothing back there, but now it’s a legitimate concern! So I need to to know what’s going on before I actually do something. Going into a situation ignorant is a good way to get yourself hurt or worse! ”
“Don’t be so worried, all you need to know is just what I told you. Just that and nothin’ else.”
“I’m glad it’s ‘Just that’ .” The changeling said sarcastically, holding back a sneer.
“Cut down on the attitude will you? If we can’t make this work, then there will be consequences.” Applejack responded furrowing her brow, carrying a hint of worry in her voice.
“Is punishment going to be another kick in the face?”
“Now that’s just not fair.”
“Neither was treating me like luggage.”
“What’s gotten into you all of the sudden? I thought you were happy coming here?”
“I am it’s just, it’s all just a little intimidating.”
“Intimidatin’?”
“Put yourself in my horseshoes Applejack. I’m in a completely new place where most ponies this morning probably want to throw me into a dungeon until I’m dust. My old family definitely wants to kill me. I’m bunking with a mare that nearly bucked my brain to next week. Not to mention, her family that is just as strong as her, has a high possibility of mimicking her actions. I apologize if I have a bit of anxiety!” The changeling growled, large amounts of oxygen moving in and out of her mouth.
Applejack took a step back. Her furrowed brow melted off her face. Instead, her large green eyes showed a look of extreme hurt. The cowboy hat on her head shielded an extended look at the changeling. Only the dust in the dim sunlight seemed to move throughout the room.
“You know, I was wondering if something was eating at you.” Applejack whispered, her face still covered by her hat. “I guess I was just being foolish to think you had forgiven me that easily. You have all the right in the world to be angry with me right now, but I’m asking you to not be. My family are good ponies, and there’s no way they would hurt you like I did. If you don’t forgive me, I will live with that, but I’m pleading, give them a chance.” Her words spilled out, broken yet comprehensible.
The changeling looked into her friends eyes, fighting the near overwhelming urge to avert her gaze. A twinge of guilt pinched a few times at her heart. Her attempts at steeling herself ended in just melting her further. Without a word, the changeling gathered herself and joined her friend. She stood close to Applejack, their eyes never parting. Her neutral expression changed into a smile that grew bigger by the second.
The farm mare chuckled, wiping the emotion off of her face. She then put the previously used hoof around the back part of the changelings neck. Applejack brought her friend in close.
“Do you hug everypony multiple times a day, or am I just special?” The changeling inquired shyly, trying to hide her face beneath her friends blonde mane.
“You are very special.” Applejack replied simply, not helping the discoloration on her friends face.
“And when were you goin’ to introduce us to this special pony?” An elderly voice asked just above the two.
Applejack separated from the changeling, who frowned with a small shiver. The farm mare looked up at her family regaining her composure. Her little sister was the most confused in the group, while her grandmother smiled brightly, and her brother was completely apathetic.
“Uh, good morning everypony. I want you to welcome my new friend. She has nowhere else to stay, so I was wonderin’ if she could bunk her for a while.” Applejack quickly elaborated.
"Applejack there's a changeling right next to you!" Apple Bloom shrieked, pointing an accusing hoof.
"Yeah I know Apple Bloom. She's my new friend."
"But she was one of those bugs that attacked the wedding. They tried to--"
"That's water under the bridge Apple Bloom. End of conversation."
"But Applejack. . ."
"I said end of conversation. I trust her, and that's all there is to it." Applejack said stomping her hoof in finality. The changeling standing behind her smiled.
"Ahem, last time I checked, I made the decisions around here." Granny Smith interjected, making Applejack sweat. “While it's a little concernin' about the young-in's past, if you say she's a good pony, I trust you Applejack. If your friend needs a place, I’m sure we could make some room.” Granny Smith said bearing a mood lifting grin. "Are you going to introduce us officially?”
“Oh, Granny Smith, Big Mac, Apple Bloom, this here is. . . um. . .”
“Is something wrong Applejack?”
“No it’s just, I never learned her name.” Applejack said sheepishly, turning to her friend. “So what is your name?”
“I don’t have one.”
“How can you not have a name?”
“When you’re in a horde, individuality isn’t high on the priority list.”
“Well that’s a problem now isn’t it?” Granny Smith said descending the stairs with the rest of the Apples, ignoring the horde explanation. She stood at the base of the stairs, while maintaining eye contact with the changeling. “During your stay, I’m sure we can fix that problem. However, I was wondering, since you aren’t too busy, would you mind lending a hoof? You see, we’re kind of behind on the apple count this year. We always count the apples on the trees so we know which trees are bearing a proper amount. An extra pony counting would make it easier.”
The changeling vehemently nodded her head. Granny Smith beamed a smile at the small black insect. The old mare motioned to the changeling to come over, in which the changeling obliged. Applejack followed behind, her heart beating a lot slower than it was a few seconds ago. Big Mac and Apple Bloom were at the tail of the family train, while they headed out to the orchard. They were significantly less comfortable than the rest of the family.
A heightened pace allowed the group to move quicker, and reach their destination sooner. They stood atop a large hill that had an overlook of the entire farm. Granny and the changeling stood side by side as the former explained a few things about her families apples, and what it was she wanted the shape shifter to do. The changeling absorbed everything like a thirsty sponge.
The apple siblings stood off to the side, Big Mac stood with Apple Bloom on his back and Applejack to his side. Dampness from the shimmering grass adorned the hooves of the older siblings, who began to conversate with each other. Apple Bloom yawned and tentatively sauntered to the new friend her sister had made.
“How did you do that?”
“It wasn’t difficult. Just a simple algorithm allowed me to estimate the sum total.”
“What are you two talkin’ about?” Apple Bloom interjected, nudging Granny Smith with her small yellow hoof.
“I was going to have Applejack’s friend start with a tree I already knew the count for. Just to show her how to count it quickly. But before I could show her a thing. . . How did you do that again?” The elder inquired, still perplexed.
“I just saw numbers popping up in my head, it all seemed to just fit together. There’s no other way I can really explain it.” The changeling tried to elaborate.
Apple trees, especially in this orchard, bear quite a lot of fruit per tree. Mostly the apples grew on the outer edge of the tree, due to the increased sunlight exposure. There are traces of the red fruit inside the tree, but it varies between each tree. Really the only way to tell how many are on the inside, is to count them yourself.
Big Mac and Applejack continued to talk about a few short, innocuous, subject matter. Everything from chores to friendships status’s. The former held a brief “Q and A” session, the sister asking if the task/job was going to be done, and her brother answered with a single word answer. The dichotomy changed when the latter subject matter was covered.
“Do you know Zecora?”
“Eeyup.”
“I figured when I saw you going into the Everfree Forest, it’s good to see you have a friend you can talk to. I was startin’ to believe that you would never branchout.” Applejack elbowed her brother friendly, which he noted with a small smile. The farm mare then focused her attention on her newest friend and the attention she was gathering. “What’s all of the fuss over. I look over one minute and everypony is getting along fine, and the next it looks like your eyes were about to fall out of your head.”
“Applejack, your friend was able to count all the apples on the tree by barely looking at it.” Apple Bloom excitedly exclaimed.
“Stop, it’s not that big of a deal. It’s just a thing I’ve had since I was larva.” The changeling said blushing and poking the ground with her hoof.
“Can you do anything else like that?” Apple Bloom said with eyes shining with interest.
“I’ve always just been good with all kinds of math. It’s strange though because we were never taught any mathematics, but it really is nothing.”
“C’mon you shouldn’t think about your talent like that. I’d do anything to find out mine.”
“You really think it’s that special?”
“Of course!”
“Well, I guess it is something I’m good at then.”
“That’s right, you shouldn’t sell yourself short. If you have a gift you should. . . you should. . .“ Applejack trailed off staring at the flank of her friend. Wordlessly, the rest of the Apples followed suit.
“Guys this is kind of weird.” The changeling commented, squirming nervously under the gaze of her surrogate family.
“L-L-Look at your flank.” Applejack stuttered pointing at said backside.
The changeling quirked her facial muscles into looking like an eyebrow raise. Still suspicious she turned herself around and looked at her own backside. Blackness covered the area, which was the norm. But it was then that the form caught her eye. A white figure showed itself to it’s owner in the form of a sideways eight. Apple Bloom was the only who could break the silence.
“You have a cutie mark!”
So . . . This is Love, Eh?
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.”
Chapter 6: My Name Is
‘Who needs them anyway! It’s not like I am so dependent on that mean, trickey, audacious, beautiful, gracious, kind . . . Gah! Stop thinking like that already! Let’s start again. Just because Applejack doesn’t like me doesn’t mean this new life is going to be ruined. I did find out that my counting skill is actually something special! Yeah, and I still have friends out of the ponies I met on the train, not to mention the rest of the Apples seemed to be kind to me. Not to mention it can’t be too difficult to find another special somepony that cares for me. I mean there’s probably a million others just like Applejack: warm, accepting, strong, loveable, honest, thoughtful, loyal . . . I’m going to die alone aren’t I?’
Another morning at the Apple family farm, another aesthetic delight. Beautifully place dew drops pointing out all of the curves and personality of the landscape. Though this was less true as the sun had not taken to the sky completely yet. Inside the house, at an unprecedented hour, the youngest member awoke. This was not an accident however. She had risen like an alarm clock in her head just sounded off. Quietly she hopped off the bed, tip-hoofing down the hallway.
She made it to her destination without any problems. Her next step was to actually open the door. With a deep breath she opened the creaky wooden barrier. Apple Bloom flinched at the unsavory noise but seeing as how it didn’t affect the contents of the room, she pressed further.
The bed in the room was comfortable size for a smaller pony. Oddly enough it was smaller than Apple Blooms bed, the small pony noted. That curious thought ejected from her mind as the original task reentered. Like a thief she stuck to the shadows of the room until she reached her destination.
‘There’s just something strange about this whole thing.’ Apple Bloom thought as she stared at the subject in the bed.
How is it that a changeling could have a cutie mark in the matter of minutes? The CMC have spent day after day, all day, just trying to find something they’re good at. But this changeling already knew she was good at something but just never realized it. The irony of that would kill anypony else, so why did the changeling just shrug it off. If it was up to her, the obtaining of a cutie mark would be a celebration that would last for days and even years to come.
‘Those thoughts are just silly. I have to do something serious, like look at this pony's flank and study her cutie mark and oh what in the world am I doing?’ Apple Blooms apprehension halted her hoof from the blanket. But she needed to look, it was just so tantalizing and perplexing. A little filly like her is curious anyway, so why not sate that burning need?
Quickly she removed the blanket. It was revealed that the changeling was laying on her side, her face pointing to the same side of the room Apple Bloom was on. Another curious detail was that the pillow had been dampened by her head. The changeling had shuddered at the sudden rush of cold air which caused Apple Bloom to back away. The filly saw that this was an unconscious action though so she returned to her post. As the fear of waking the other pony subsided Apple Bloom focused on what was her target all along.
‘A sideways eight. A sideways eight? What does a sideways eight mean? I mean, she good at coutin’ maybe that’s what it means. Eights a number, and she counts. But then why would it be sideways? And why just the number eight, why not seven or one?’ Apple Blooms thoughts were starting drive her mad when her attention started to be drawn away.
Looking again at the cutie mark she saw a part of it that wasn’t the before. Maybe it was the fact that the eight was so big in comparison that she just missed it before. Three symbols were directly below the number. One was an addition symbol, the second was a subtraction symbol, and the third was a zero with a slash through it. All three of these were encapsulated by a parentheses.
‘Oh good, so this means . . . What?’ Apple Bloom facehoofed and the rubbed her eyes in extreme annoyance. When she removed her hooves, a third look gave her something she could actually work with.
The entire bottom of the changeling was covered in horrifically deep scars. Her eyes shot open as a gag was barely repressed. Apple Blooms curiosity slowly perverted as her hoof traced over the scars. They were like engravings on wood. Except this wood was breathing.
“Can I help you with something?” The changeling asked groggily scaring the filly.
“I was just uh, just, uh, uh. . .”
“You were just uh, uh, uhing. Sounds fascinating, tell me more.”
Apple Bloom blushed in embarrassment much to the changelings joy. After the changeling was released from her laughing fit she began petting Apple Bloom saying that the intrusion was no big deal.
“I’m sorry about that. I was just curious about your cutie mark.”
“What the white thing on my flank. What’s so special about these things again. It’s really kind of an eye sore”
“How can you say that! A cutie mark is only the most important thing in the world!”
The changeling looked at her flank.
“I don't get it.”
“Well, you probably don’t because you actually have it. Some ponies aren’t that lucky.”
“I’m sure that there are a few things in my life I would rather have than a cutie mark.” The changelings eyes then fell over to her scars.
Apple Blooms ears fell. She looked away at anything in the room besides her guests eyes. The changeling chortled again. She placed her black hoof on the earth fillies back, sending a shiver down her spine.
“But since you seem to be an expert on flank markings, could you maybe help interpreting this.” She pointed at the markings.
“Well a cutie mark tells a pony what he or she is good at. Since you have. . . um. . . Math on you, I would say that math is your talent or your destiny.”
“So what I’m confined to doing math equations for the rest of my days. Whoopee!” The changelings eye fell half way and she waved her hoof nonchalantly, to the chagrin of Apple Bloom .
“If you're done complainin' we could use a hoof out in the fields again. . . You still don’t have a name do you?”
The changeling shook her head.
“Then that won’t do. How about, Numbers!”
“I don’t know much about names and what makes a good one. I dependent on you for this one Apple Bloom.” the changeling said shrugging.
“Eh, now that I think about it Numbers just isn’t good enough. . .Oh I know how about Count?
“As in the verb?”
“No, No, No! I was thinking about the famous vampony that was immortal and all sorts of cool, and a he was an outcast. His first name was Count and he drank blood like changelings, uh, drink love? Anyway, I just thought with you being a changeling and your talent being math, that Count would, be, perfect.” Apple Bloom hesitated to finish the last bit of her sentence after the look she was getting from .
“Wait so you want to name me after a bloodsucker who was hated by everypony, because his name is is related to my mathematical ability?”
“. . .”
“Apple Bloom, you're a genius!”
Chapter 7: Bad News
“Do you really like it?” Apple Bloom asked incredulously.
“Well it makes sense. So it’s a nice change in pace for me.” Count replied with a smile.
Apple Bloom celebrated by galloping around the room. Count smiled even bigger at the filly’s antics. Finally Apple Bloom tired herself out and came to a halt. Huffing and puffing, the earth pony gave Count a small head nod and proceeded out the door. Count shrugged and followed suit. Down the stairs and in the kitchen, the rest of the Apple family sat. The descent left a shiver in the changelings spine. The deafening quiet of the household was almost to much for her to bear.
But why would it be that quiet? Surely a close knit unit like the Apples would have something to talk about in the morning? Did Applejack tell them about how she hit on her last night? Was this silence a result of the building anger that Granny Smith, and Big Mac had? If she turned the corner, would she be met with hooves of fury from the two enraged earth ponies? Count hesitated before she entered. She took a deep breath and turned the corner, receiving the full attention of everypony there.
“Hello.” the changeling squeaked.
“. . .” Big Mac and Granny Smith looked at each other silently.
“Hi there.” Applejack mustered a whisper. Oddly, she sounded different from what Count thought. Last night was awkward, but it couldn’t of been that depressing for Applejack. It was Count that got rejected right? Oh no, was Applejack more offended by the advancements then what Count thought? Would that be considered sexual harassment? Would Count have to go door to door announcing that she moved into the neighborhood?
'I might be reading too much into this.'
The changeling trotted up to her chair and climbed on. Atop the table waited a gourmet breakfast of fine hay and apple slices, a little bit of caramel to dip the slices in. Simple yet elegant. Count began her descent onto the plate.
“Sugarcube. . .” Applejack started.
“Count.”
“What?”
“My name is Count. Apple Bloom gave me the name.”
The rest of the Apples stared at the redheaded filly. Apple Bloom’s mouth stretched to the point where it almost broke her face. Big Mac and Applejack returned the joy, though in a smaller dose, while Granny Smith couldn’t muster a change in her demeanor. Count noticed.
“Why’s everypony so glum today?”
“Applejack, do you want me to tell her? I understand if you don’t wanna.” Granny’s voice was low yet comforting.
“No, I can do this.”
“Do what?” Apple Bloom stole the words from Count’s mouth.
“Sis, let me do this. You shouldn’t have to carry this burden.” Big Mac told his sister.
“No! She’s my friend, I’ll be the one doing the talkin’.” Applejacks voice turned from somber to enraged.
“Tell me/her what !” Both Count and Apple Bloom shouted in frustration.
Applejack turned to the two smaller ponies. Her rage melting away. The orange farm pony steeled her eyes. Her mouth however trembled and wouldn’t allow anything but tripped up mumbles to escape. Count quirked muscles on her forehead to simulate an eyebrow raise. She started to worry though when Applejack started to visible shake the rest of her body. Count hopped out of her seat at held her friend.
“Applejack calm down. Whatever it is you don’t need to kill yourself over it.” Count said remembering not to overstep her boundaries. Applejack took a deep breath.
“Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, and Princess Cadence are all coming to Ponyville today.. .”
Count and Apple Bloom blanched.
“. . .because they heard of a changeling straggler still in Equestria.”
“I’m dead, I’m dead, I’m dead, I’m dead.” Count chanted to herself as the elements of harmony looked on, all with deathly worried faces, and considering all of the news they got, it’s not surprising.
It was Applejack that called them all together after running across the entire town. Newspapers had printed the story of the Princesses visit that decided just a few hours prior to the print, so all of Ponyville was on their hooves. Quickly, The mane six met back at the Apple farm. It took a second for Applejack to regain her breath, but what explained the whole situation wars Apple Bloom and Count’s appearance. Both looked like they had been drained of energy and blood.
“Are you two going to be alright?” Fluttershy asked.
“WAAH!” Apple Bloom ran off in tears.
“Uh.”
“Can I join her? Crying would feel real good right now.” Count pleaded.
The Elements of Harmony looked at one another, in mutual agreement. Crying would be a good release right about now.
“There is no time for that now. We need to come up with an idea on how to keep our friend safe.” Twilight broke the silence.
“And what are we suppose to do? Defy the Princesses? They’ll have us sent to Tartarus faster than a sonic rainboom.” Rainbow Dash chided.
“We don’t have to act as much as remain strong for what’s about to come.” Applejack received nods from her fellow mares.
It was then they noticed the cutie mark on Count’s flank. Besides Rainbow Dash, and Applejack, the mares were in an uproar.
“Oh my gosh, Oh my gosh, Oh my gosh! Do you know what this means? If changelings are ponies that means. . . Well it means. . .” Twilights excitement clouded her mind.
“I love guessing games! It means they like parties. It means they like long walks on the beach. They like hay? They love to dance in the moonlight! They can mate with other ponies? They like to have the same legal rights we do when it comes to the Equestrian legal system?” Pinkie’s rant was ended as she ran out of breath.
“Uh, is that true Twilight?” Count asked after shaking her head.
“W-well, yes. A-as a pony, I don't see how you couldn't mate with another pony.” everypony blushed, and blushed hard.
"No! I meant, the whole
“Does that mean I will get some mercy?”
“I’m sure, Princess Celestia isn’t the kind of pony to punish somepony out of spite.”
“What about treason?”
“What do you mean?”
“Well, since I was apart of the Canterlot invasion that tried to usurp Celestia’s throne, that would be seen as treason, right?”
“Yes, it would.” Twilight said, uncomfortable where the conversation was heading.
“And wasn’t it treason that got Princess Luna sent to the moon.”
“. . .”
“Ahh!” Count dropped to the ground.
The mane six tried to comfort Count but she couldn’t contain herself. She was a dramatically sobbing mess. She put Rarity’s most dramatic tantrums to shame. The girls got close and tried to reassure the frightened changeling, but Count would hear none of it. Even Pinkie Pie shed he carefree attitude and adopted a more concerned parent outlook.
“Everything’s going to be okay. I’m sure the princesses will see you as the good pony and all will be forgiven.” Pinkie’s words were complemented by a warm hug.
“I’m going to be sent to the sun, then the moon, then the world in between the two called ‘Soon’.” Count continued to ramble
“Darling, I think you need to at least give them a chance. We all became friends after getting to know each other.”
“After kicking me into unconsciousness.”
“Hey!”
“Sorry Applejack, that was a low blow.”
“It’s okay sugarcube, we all share the same fear. But know that we’ll stick by you through this whole thing.” Applejack lovingly said, hugging the changeling. The rest of the mane six filed in.
“Although, I would like to know where the princesses found out about you. I thought we covered all of our bases?” Twilight said.
“Maybe someone saw her in the town hall a couple of nights ago.” Fluttershy offered.
“I don’t think so, Count was pretty well hidden.”
“Count ?”
“Oh, Apple Bloom gave me that name.”
“Why ?”
“Because of my math skills, and the fact I look like a vampony or something.”
“Oh .”
“Whoever did told, and why they did it will have to wait. Now, we need to deal with the princesses. The more we put this off, the worse this whole situation will get.” Twilight spoke, getting nods of affirmation from the rest of the group.
“So when were the princesses suppose to get here?”
“We’re already here, my little pony.”
From the sky descended Celestia, Luna, and Mi Amore Cadenza.
“Oh 'Soon', here I come!”
Chapter 8: Break it Down!
“Princesses !” the group of six mares shouted as they bowed deeply, unintentionally leaving their changeling friend standing up momentarily. It was Pinkie Pie who forced the changeling down with an extended hoof.
“It’s great to see again, and so soon.” Twilight said, her voice shaking slightly with anticipation.
“I agree, if only it weren’t because of political issues this moment would be ideal.” Celestia sighed at the end of her sentence.
The girls rose to their hooves. Each of them nervously trying to say something but the words couldn’t find their way out. There was an extended period of silence. Count remained still closely encircled by the rest of her friends. Her eyes traced the outlines of the princesses, to afraid to meet them in the eye. She slightly nudged the pony to her immediate left, Applejack, who turned to her. The orange pony saw the worry in the changelings eye, so she moved slightly closer, giving Count a bit more confidence. That boost in confidence however was deflated.
“Thank you for apprehending the prisoner, we’ll take it from here.” Cadence said as she approached the group nonchalantly.
Rarity stopped her path by meeting her half way.
“Is there a problem here?”
“Uh no, I’m just collecting some trash.”
Six mares all grew small tick marks. Princess Cadence tried to walk around the element of generosity, but said element broke the princesses stride by stepping in front of her again.
“I’m sorry princess, I don’t mean to be a hinderance, but I’m curious as to what trash you are referring to.”
“Oh don’t play coy Rarity, I’m referring to that changeling.”
“Count over there? There must be some mistake. She is anything but trash.” Rarity’s voice dropped over the last sentence.
“What’s gotten into you girls?” Cadence looked warily at the group.
“We don’t mean to be rude, but we won’t let anything happen to our friend here.” Rainbow Dash said as she flew up next to Rarity.
The Unicorn and the Pegasus stared at the alicorn. Cadence’s snout crinkled more, the longer the two inhibited her progress. To the left and to the right, both ways were blocked of by the mares. Exasperated, Cadence lifted her to front hooves and dropped the back to the ground, resulting in a resounding thud. The ground under Rarity and Rainbow shook, as did their legs. Gingerly the retreated backwards to their friends.
“Twilight could you explain to me this exercise in insubordination?” Celestia asked, irritation beginning to arise.
“Princesses, please, we don’t mean to come across as foals. We can’t however let our friend get hurt!”
“Twilight dear, we wouldn’t hurt the changeling.”
“You wouldn’t?” The mares seemed to relax.
“No, we would simply put her on trial for the crimes she has committed. Which would only most likely determine that she would be banished to the sun, then the moon, and finally ‘Soon’.”
“I knew it!” Count yelled burying herself into a nearby pony, who happened to be Fluttershy. The pegasus began consoling the overgrown bug..
“Princesses please reconsider. We know how it looks but if you would allow us to give testimony as to why this changeling deserves mercy, I believe you would find us our arguments convincing.” Twilight pleaded.
“Twilight Sparkle. I owe you and your friends everything that I have today. But I cannot standby and watch as an enemy of Equestria roams around here freely. This ‘Count’ character was in the same group of changelings that nearly destroyed Canterlot, starved the princess of love nearly to death, and imprisoned my sister after attacking and nearly injuring her. We assure you our actions are not based on personal feelings, even though I feel low for not being able to aid in the struggle. We have to do this for all Equestrians who might suffer at the hooves of love stealers like that thing you harbor!” Luna exclaimed.
The mane six subtly shuffled closer around the changeling.
“Out of fairness though, please explain, why do you care so deeply for this changeling? You couldn’t of know it for more than a couple of days.” Celestia asked simultaneously calming her sister with a single hoof. Applejack was first to answer.
“To answer your question princess, we all see exactly who Count is. She is a pony who loves to shoot off her smart mouth to other ponies.” Applejack turned to count who rubbed the back of her head. “She’s also a changeling who cares deeply for those around her. She’s already defied all expectations we had, being completely honest to us, and spilling her heart out to us when she just met us. And if she is so willing to be our friend, then dang nabbit will return her love.”
The princesses stared at the element of honesty. Their eyes unwavering from her own. Celestia and Luna sighed, resting their head in their hooves. Slight mumbles could be heard from behind the cover. Cadence though was a mixed bag of emotions. Her face spelling out emotions ranging from anger to betrayal. She lowered her head slightly thinking carefully about her next words.
“So, your all in this together are you?” Cadence asked uncharacteristically quiet.
Rainbow Dash and Applejack answered with a simple ‘yes’. Pinkie chanted it, over and over again. Fluttershy’s still holding Count was too busy to give a direct answer.Twilight and Rarity looked dead in the eyes of the pink alicorn and noded firmly.
It was an odd sight indeed. All of the elements of harmony stood in defiance against the rulers of the land they swore to protect. Their faces hard as stone, a look not of anger but of conviction. A small smirk appeared on Luna’s face.
“I must admit, your stance is admirable, plus standing against us is unheard of. You have my respect.”
“There’s still no reason for them to defend a criminal!” Cadence emphasized.
“She’s our friend .” not even a second of hesitation from all six mares.
“That’s not an excuse for letting a criminal off the hook!”
“Please Cadence, we know how this looks . . .” Twilight began.
“Twilight, I love you dearly, but right now you need to stop talking. That changeling was part of the same group that imprisoned me, and tried sap your brother completely of love. There’s no way you're thinking correctly. Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, I believe our elements have come under the control of the changelings magic. They need to be brought back to Canterlot to be purged of the virus.” Cadence stomped her hoof as she spat venom at the very mention of the changeling.
“Wait, you're not listening to us!” Twilights yell fell on deaf ears.
“While I don’t like how angry Princess Cadence is getting over the situation, I can’t see much fault in her words sister.” Luna whispered.
“Neither do I. I hate to say it, but bringing the girls back to Canterlot just might be the only course of action we can take.” Celestia whispered back.
Their words however didn’t fall on deaf ears. The six mares shouted their objections, but they were silenced when a pink magic aura surrounded Count. Slowly she was taken off the ground. Her friends didn’t just stand and watch though, the began a small dog pile on the changeling, to keep her still. Cadence struggled to lift the ‘prisoner’ without hurting the other ponies. She took a deep breath and expanded her magic to everypony in front of her. As the group began their ascent, each mare grabbed onto the hoof of another. Desperately they held onto one another, the magic grew more intense as the seconds ticked away.
“Stop being so stubborn!” Cadence grunted, her eyes forced shut do to strain.
“Mi Amore Cadenza, stop this instant!” Celestia demanded, but now it was her time to be ignored.
“Don’t let go!” Applejack yelled while grinding her teeth.
“I’m so sorry everypony, I didn’t mean for this to happen!” Count cried.
“We can’t give in now!” Rainbow yelled.
“Hang on!” Rarity demanded.
“Stay strong, bear with it!” Twilight begged.
“It hurts!” Fluttershy wailed.
“I feel my hoof slipping!” Pinkie panicked.
“No !”
In a moment the group of seven ponies had they hold broken. But the magic that gripped them didn’t cease when they let go. It continued to pull, and in the blink of an eye the group was separated to the far corners of Equestria. When they did escape the magical grip because of their distance, the pink alicorn finally opened her eyes. She scanned the area and noticed the distinct lack of ponies. She eventually met eyes with the two mares that remained, and she saw the deep annoyance in their eyes.
“Whoops.”
