A Changeling's Loveby Slade TGRChaptersBanishmentA Knight In Blue ArmorRecoveryFriend Amongst The EnemyBanishmentDear Princess Celestia, I want to apologize for my queens actions and hostilities against you and your subjects. It may not mean anything coming from me but I believe that my opinion must be voiced on this subject. I was not there nor am I completely aware of what happened. I still care greatly for my queen and hope she wasn't hurt to badly when her attempt at taking Canterlot failed, but I'm glad that her plans were foiled. Regretfully, by the time this letter finds its way to you, my queen will have returned and I'll ether be dead or imprisoned for the rest of time. This comes as no surprise that I'm admitting that I am a changeling and this is probably a big shock for you. My apologies, Morpheus. Setting down the quill, Morpheus looked around and found he was still alone in his section of the hive. With a sigh he rose to his hooves and walked over to his only friend in the world. As he approached he bound up the scroll with his personal seal and levitated it to his pet. Looking to his master, the frost raptor took the scroll in his beak and flew out the opening in the wall. Now alone in his chamber of the hive Morpheus waited for what he knew he would hear; it didn't take long. "Morpheus," a very angry, humming, voice called out as it came closer. "Where are you you deformed maggot?!" "In here my queen." He called back. Moments passed before Chrysalis rounded the corner and entered the chamber. "There you are," she hissed to Morpheus. "I've been looking all over the hive for you since you severed your link with the hive mind." She gave him a venomous stare, "Why did you sever the link?" Standing his ground, Morpheus looked up to his queen in the eyes. "Forgive me my queen. I wanted some time to think and not be distracted by the constant random buzzing thoughts of the rest of the hive." He gave Chrysalis an inquisitive look, "If it's not out of place for me to ask, why were you looking for me in the first place? You only seek me out if you want something to hit and relive pent up aggression." The answer to Morpheus's question was met with a punch to the face. "Don't you dare question my reasoning for wanting to see you again." Chrysalis spat as she buzzed her wings in agitation. "Yes my queen." Morpheus said, seemingly unharmed by the sudden and violent strike. "Now," Chrysalis continued in a calmer tone, "about your resent actions." At that, eight other changelings walked in and surrounded Morpheus. "In light of recent actions you have performed, I'm obligated to have you executed or put to work until you die. However, because of what you are to me, I'll show you mercy." A sinister grin appeared on her face. "Curious isn't it, the fact that I've not restored the link with the hive to you dos not surprise you?" "No my queen." Morpheus responded as he has already accepted whatever fate Chrysalis has in plan for him. "Interesting," she cooed coldly, "It seams that you're not afraid of what I have planned for you." Morpheus simply shook his head. "Very well," Chrysalis continued, "Your punishment for continuously defying me is banishment from the hive." Slowly, Chrysalis's green magic began to gather at the tip of her horn. With a sinister grin, Chrysalis fired her spell at the changeling before her. On impact, the spell sent Morpheus flying across the room. With a sickening pair thuds, his body fell to the ground after colliding with the far wall. "Take him to the Ever Free Forrest and out of my sight!" Chrysalis roared to the other changelings in the room. She gave the fallen one one last look before she stormed out of the room. When she left, the eight others scrambled to complete their queens bidding. It took the eight changelings some time to get Morpheus out of the hive and into the forest. Finding a good spot, they set his body down in a clearing near a river about fifteen miles away from the hive. After resting a moment, they left to return to the hive and leave Morpheus to his fate. Unbeknownst to them a sea serpent witnessed the whole thing and took the body away before the other denizens of the forest could get to him. In Canterlot, Celestia was working on some paperwork in her bed chambers as Philomena stood on her perch. Everything was quiet as papers were signed and staked in a pile, up until one of Philomena's friends came to say hello. At the window a frost raptor began tapping his beak against the glass witch was causing Philomena to squawk with joy. Turning her attention to the noise at the window, Celestia smiled as she saw the note in the bird's talons. "What do you have there Chryo?" She said as she opened the window to let the white and blue bird in. After being let in, Chryo flew over to Celestia's desk and deposited the letter before flying over to land next to Philomena. Near his warm friend he cuddled up to her and they enjoyed each others company as Celestia looked on in amusement. Tuning to the letter on the desk, Celestia opened it and began to read it. Her joy at hearing from her pen pal in a long while disappeared as the information soaked in. It was no wonder that Morpheus was the one who informed them of the upcoming changeling attack as he was likely there when Chrysalis shared her plans in the hive. That and the fact that he was not there also gave her comfort for she couldn't forgive him if he was there and had hurt any of her ponies. Still the fact that he had been a changeling the whole time and had not told her aggravated her the most. When the most extreme of her emotions finished washing over her she was left with one lingering feeling, sorrow. This was a final farewell from a good friend and she would never be able to meet him face to face, that saddened her the most. Sensing the change in Celestia's mood, both Philomena and Chryo landed on her and rested there heads on her neck. The comfort given by the two avians allowed Celestia a moment of peace before she looked Chryo in the eyes. Realizing that he'll no longer have a master and close friend, made Celestia shed a tear for the frost raptor. A Knight In Blue ArmorPain, Morpheus woke to crippling, unrelenting pain. Chryssy hasn't used that spell on me in years. He thought to himself. At least she didn't use that shocking grasp spell. A slight chuckle escaped his mouth after that thought followed shortly by a wince of pain. "Ah, you're awake." A concerned, cultured voice said not to far behind him. "I was wondering if you would ever wake up. It would've been an absolute shame if a dashing looking creature such as your self were to pass away." Morpheus could hear some splashing and some dripping near by as the rest of his senses slowly came back to him. Slowly he opened his eyes only to slam them back shut as the light was too much for him to bare. "Where am I?" He croaked before a lance of pain shot through him. "Oh, did I cause you any harm?" The voice said. "I very much apologize. It can be very difficult to carry something you're not used to." A pause came as the sound of movement came to Morpheus, followed by a. "I don't see anything damaged, though I must ask, why were those other changelings setting you out in the open?" "I was kicked out due to a disagreement with my queen." He groaned. With the majority of the pain ebbing, Morpheus attempted to open his eyes once again. This time he was greeted with the sight of a great purple sea serpent with an oddly styled head of orange hair and a matching mustache. "Where am I?" He repeated more clearly before righting himself. "Oh, my apologies, where are my manners?" The serpent dramatized. "My name is Steven Magnet, but please call me Steve, and you are in a lovelier section of the Ever Free Forest. If I'm not mistaken, I believe we are near a pony settlement." "Thank you Steve," Morpheus said as he got to his wobbly hooves. "My name is Morpheus." He was grateful to still be alive after hearing where he was. "In what direction is this pony settlement and witch one is it?" he asked the large serpent. He needed to get moving and make his way to this settlement. Mainly because he needed to recharge his love reserves and find someway to let Celestia know he isn't dead. "Oh, I hope you don't plan on hurting any of them?" Steven asked. A shake of the head from Morpheus brought a smile to his face. "We are near Ponyvile and to get there you should head in that direction." Steve pointed off to the West South West through the dense forest. "Thanks again Steve and take care." Morpheus said before heading off into the gloom of the forest. Some time passed as Morpheus walked through the dense under brush. Though it hasn't been too long since left that odd serpent behind this place is giving him the creeps. Solitude was never his thing but sometimes finding a quiet spot in the hive gave him some comfort. Now was not not one of those times. Okay, It's too quiet out here. Something is about to happen and I'm not going to like it. He thought to himself. After a few more steps forward, a scream pierced the silence causing Morpheus to jump in surprise. After the scream, hi instincts kicked in and he stormed off in the direction of the disturbance. The closer he got to the direction of the scream, the more movement he could hear coming from in front of him. That's when the smell hit him and then he knew what was going on. Fluttershy was not one for normally walking into the Ever Free Forest but today was different. One of her animal friends was terribly sick and one ingredient for the medicine she uses can only be found in that scary place. As usual, the walk through the forest was spooky and she kept jumping at shadows, yet she carried on. Finding the plant wasn't a problem nor was picking it; even though it was near the edge of a patch of poison joke. No, the problem lied in what was waiting for her when she turned around. First came the tale tel smell, then the low, rumbling growl. Slowly she turned her head as she paled, knowing exactly what was behind her. Only when her full body was facing them did she realize that she was surrounded. A large pack of timber wolves had her in a semi circle with her back to the poison joke. The canopy was too thick for her to fly up and out of the forest, and only a dare devil like Rainbow Dash would consider a fast flight through the closely packed trees to get away. "O my goodness! O my goodness!" she panted ash she counted ten of them before one of them lunged at her. All Fluttershy could do was scream as she bolted, making sure to use her wings to jump over the patch of poison joke. Galloping as fast as her legs could carry her and scared out of her mind, she took off in a random direction. All around the timber wolves were closing in for the kill. After running for her life for ten minutes she was out of breath and ready to collapse. Near the base of a tree she tripped on a root and fell head over hooves coming to rest on her belly. Before she could recover the timber wolves were all around her, blocking all escape routes and essentially sealing here fate. Looking up, she noticed the pack alpha moving in for the kill. I'm sorry Mr. Fox, I couldn't make it back to help cure you. She thought. The alpha approached her so slowly. It appeared that it was moving in slow motion. She was doing her best to get away by putting her back to the tree she was up against. "Twilight, Rainbow Dash, Apple Jack, Rarity, Pinkie Pie." She whimpered as the alpha looked her in the eyes while going into a crouch. "Somepony save me!" She called out as she closed her eyes; hoping somepony heard her as the timber wolf lunged for her throat. She stood there for a moment expecting the pain of death but felt nothing. Even when she heard a pair of heavy thuds, she thought she was already dead and didn't feel a thing. Opening an eye, she noticed she was whole and unharmed. That's when she heard the loud growls of the other timber wolves around her. Then she noticed 'it' standing before her, between her and the wolves. A changeling's protecting me? She thought as she looked at it in curiosity and concern. It glanced back to her and noticed her panicked look. "Stay back. You're safe." His gentle voice hummed warmly. "I'll die before I let them hurt you." He gave a calming smile before turning his attention back to the timber wolf pack around them. Ten of you and one of me. Well, nine actually. Morpheus thought to himself as he removed his hoof from the core of the alpha before it went to peaces under him. It's focal point gone the wolf wont be reforming for a long time. Still there is the fact that I'm out numbered and guarding somepony defenseless. Today just keeps getting better. One of the wolves leaped for the mare as one of the others lunged for him. Spinning in place, Morpheus cast a shield spell around the small mare and lowered himself onto his front hooves so he could buck up with his hind legs. The result was a wolf bouncing off a bubble and two other wolves being blasted apart by the shrapnel from his buck. With only six more wolves left he dismissed his shield spell and grabbed the mare. As gently as he could in his haste, he draped her on his back and took to the air. He worked his wings twice as hard as he normally would to get them into the air. Morpheus flew for a hundred or so meters before he noticed the trees thinning and light at the end of an organic tunnel. He quickly landed and set the mare down on her hooves and beckoned her to head to the little village. "Go, run, and don't look back." He said calmly to the small mare before looking back to the wolves that followed them this far. Without looking to see if the mare had moved, Morpheus began to change his shape. Now in a more adequate form, he let out a bone chilling roar as he charged the three small wood wolves. As a dragon, Morpheus wouldn't turn many heads but it was the strength of and innate abilities he needed. When he got close to the lead wolf he wrapped his jaws around its neck before violently twisting. The sound of splintering wood filled his ears. Feeling something grab his hind left leg he looked to see the other three came to help. With a sudden intake of air he let out a gout of flame and burned one wolf where it stood. Quickly turning his head, he sent another gout of flame in the air as another wolf tried to pounce him from above. Seeing two of their kin immolated before them, the final three ran off with their tails between their legs. With the timber wolves now not a problem, Morpheus changed back to himself only to find he used up too much of reserves and was getting light headed. Whoa, I think I may have over did it. He thought to himself. Slowly he turned and made his way out of the forest to the first building in his blurry vision. He was completely unaware of the butter yellow pegasus running up to him before he fell to his side with a dull thud. After the changeling set her on her hooves, Fluttershy looked him in the eyes with a curious look. Then she actually saw his eyes; those soft, comforting, twin golden eyes, and was caught speechless. "Go, run and don't look back." He said calmly to her before turning around and looking off into the forest. Hesitantly she turned around and began to run home, all the while her mind kept asking the question, why? Why would a changeling save a pony? Why did he remind her of someone? Why did he make her hear flutter? Running into her cottage and slamming the door shut she just stood there. Her mind wouldn't stop asking that question. That's when she heard it, that bone chilling roar of a dragon near by. She looked out her window to see green flames jet out of the canopy and more green flashes inside the forest. When the sounds died down and the quiet serenity of the fields returned, she ventured out into her front yard. Noticing a black shape moving out of the forest she hid behind a shrub. When the figure came closer she noticed it was the changeling and that he was swaying from side to side. "Oh my." she said quietly before rushing up to him. As she got closer to him, he just fell over onto his side with a dull thud. "Mister, mister are you hurt?" Fluttershy asked the motionless changeling. Moving to lift him up onto her back she realized he was too heavy for her to lift. Quickly flying back to her cottage, "Mr. Bear, I need your help with something, if you don't mind that is?" She called out into her home. The bear casually nodded and got to his paws before following Fluttershy out the door. When they got to the changeling Fluttershy looked to her friend, "Mr. Bear, could you carry him back please? He is too heavy for me to lift and I can't leave him out here like he is." Nodding the bear gently lifted the changeling to his back and with ease walked back to the cottage with Fluttershy next to him, looking concerned. Once inside, the bear set the limp changeling on the couch before nodding to Fluttershy and left to deal with some other matters. Fluttershy did everything she could before heading into the kitchen to make the medicine for her fox friend. While she worked she worried. She worried about what would happen if he was found by the patrolling royal guards? What would her friends think if they found out what she was doing? More than that, She asked herself why? After all he is a changeling but everything about him was different from Chrysalis and the swarm that attacked Canterlot. When she was done administering the medicine to Mr. Fox, she walked back to the changeling. He looked so much different from the other drones. Mainly he was far bigger than they were. If she had to guess, he was about the same size as Luna. His chitin was a near black blue and was not full of holes. He has for fangs that appear from his upper lip, two on each side. He also has four wings that resemble a dragonfly's in orientation. Most importantly were his eyes. They're more like Chrysalis's in shape than the other drones, but they showed more emotion than what she had seen in Chrysalis's eyes. "Who are you?" She asked quietly. She wasn't expecting an answer but the hope was there. What should I to do? She thought to herself as she ran a hoof through his holy blue mane. A tapping noise at one of her windows caught her attention and pulled her back to reality. Turning her head she paused when she saw a rare sight. "Oh my." She whispered. On the windowsill stood a frost raptor tapping at the glass. Fluttershy walked over to the window and opened it. With nothing between it and the changeling, the blue and white bird flew to the back rest of the couch and landed near the head of the changeling. "Is this your friend?" Fluttershy asked the bird while it nuzzled the changeling. "Yes," It said. "Him, big white pony and her phoenix are also." It looked to the changeling again. "Close friend will be okay, he just needs rest." Looking back to Fluttershy. "I'm Chryo." Recovery"I'm Fluttershy." The quiet spoken mare said as she looked at the frost raptor. Fidgeting with her hooves slightly, "Um... by chance, do you know your friend's names?" "Master, Celestia, and Philomena." The blue and white bird said in its own calls. Chryo's calls seemed to make the changeling stir for a moment only for him to mutter "sister" in his sleep. When he settled down Chryo went from his side to land on Fluttershy's back. Looking to the mare he perched on, he gave her a curios look. "Are you going to be okay?" Chryo asked. "You look conflicted." Fluttershy turned to respond to Chryo's comment but couldn't as she began to ask herself why. She found that Chryo is right and she was wondering what exactly she was hopeing to accomplish in saving his life. "Why am I feeling this way? This has never happened before." She asked herself under her breath. A staccato of knocks at her front door startled her out of her self questioning and back to the real world. "W-who is it?" She called out, fearing the worst. "Fluttershy, it's us, can you let us in?" Came Twilight's voice from the other side. Slowly Fluttershy opened the door to see all her friends standing outside with concerned looks on their faces. She walked out and shut the door behind her before they could look inside. "Fluttershy, darling, I'm so glad that you're okay. When we herd the dragon we thought it would come here." Rarity said as she came up to nuzzle her yellow friend, only to stop when she noticed the blue and white bird. "Ooo, who is your new friend, Fluttershy?" Pinkie asked as she bounced near the yellow mare. "Um.. this is is Chryo, he is a friend and he's just visiting for a while." Fluttershy said as Chryo looked Pinkie. "Wait wait wait, did you say his name was Chryo?" Twilight asked as a look of recognition crossed her face. When Fluttershy nodded, her eyes lit up. "I thought I recognized you from somewhere." Walking into his view, "Do you remember me, Chryo?" she asked the raptor. As if to say yes he took off, landed on her back, and dropped the temperature around him by ten degrees to make the unicorn shiver. "I've heard of Phoenixes before but what kind of bird can cause the air temperature to drop?" Rainbow Dash asked as she watched Twilight try to get the blue and white bird off of her back before she got any colder. "He's a frost raptor and a old friend of the princess'" Twilight said as she finally convinced Chyo to get off. "They are very rare and extremely hard to befriend let alone tame. They are even more uncommon than Phoenixes. Who ever his master is he is either very powerful or very lucky." "What is pupal doing here?" Chryo asked no pony in particular as he landed back on Fluttershy's back. "She lives here, Chryo. She's the librarian of Ponyvile." Fluttershy said to him. From where Applejack was standing she could see that all was okay and that no critters were trying to harm her friends. Leaning up against the wall she watched on in content until she heard a noise come from the inside of Fluttershy's cottage. Thinking it's just one of her other animal friends she payed it little attention, that is until she heard a groan come from inside. "Uh, Fluttershy," Applejack called in concern. "I think somepony's in your house." Looking through the window next to her she noticed a dark pony shaped object move slightly as the sound of wings buzzing came to her ears. Hearing that her expression darkened. For the third time today he awoke, this time however he felt as if he was made of lead and was incapable of movement for a short time. As he laid there he could see his surroundings well and was surprised by them. He was in a house somewhere and it looked to be some sort of animal clinic by first glance. The whole room was covered in small animal homes and from the rafters hung many bird houses. Closing his eyes he went to his other senses to try and get a better understanding of what's going on. From where he lay he could hear small animals in the walls and from other rooms. With a little more focus he could hear voices outside talking. By the sound of it, it was a conversation between five mares. One of witch sounded like the mare he saved in the Ever Free. The call of his friend Chryo pulled him from the depths of his focus and back to the real world. Hearing his friend reminded him of something, he needed to inform Celestia of his banishment. Slowly he found his body was beginning to heed his commands once again. With some effort he rolled off of the couch he was laying on only to land on the floor with a thud. With a groan he got to his wobbly hooves only to notice somepony looking into the window. He couldn't catch what the figure said but he could hear what was coming. Suddenly the door opened to reveal six mares in total looking at him. He recognized the yellow pegasus and she looked at him with an apologetic look. The other five he didn't recognize and were giving him mixed looks. Author's Note Sorry for the extremely late update, had a very shitty case of writers block this week and a half. I hope to have the next chapter out in a week but with the way my mind has been recently I cannot make any guarantees. Friend Amongst The EnemyEverything seemed to slow down as all present looked at the figure in the room. Suddenly the area was a filled with the blur of motion as Rainbow and Applejack charged the changeling. Rarity and Twilight stood in front of Fluttershy to protect her and provide magic support. Pinkie pulled out her party cannon and took aim. Noticing he is outmatched, Morpheus did the only thing he could do. He stood his shaky ground and quietly said, "Stop." "STOP!" Fluttershy's demeanor voice cried out as Chryo took off and flew in front of the changeling to protect it. As quickly as they all started moving they all stopped at that sudden outburst from their quiet yellow friend. By now Chryo was hovering before the changeling glaring daggers at those who would hurt his master. Noticing that they all stopped, Morpheus dropped to one knee as he was still weak from his last transformation. The sound of fluttering wings caught his attention as the yellow pegasus was by his side in an instant. Leaning against him as she checked him over for injuries. "Thank you miss." Morpheus hummed quietly to the pegasus at his side before turning his attention to his frosty friend. "Chryo, stand down." The authority in his voice caused the other mares in the room to flinch, and not in a good way. Obeying his master reluctantly, Chryo landed on his back and nuzzled him affectionately. "Master master you are awake!" he excitedly called as he leaned farther into his masters neck. "Yes Chryo, I'm awake. I just need to recover." Morpheus chuckled as his energetic pet continued to be loud in his ear. He nearly forgot about the others in the room when the cyan mare flew in front of him. "Who are you and what are you doing here?" Rainbow instigated as the changeling recovered from his personal space being invaded. "Are you a spy for Chrysalis?" Despite the actions of their yellow friend and Chryo, a quick glance around showed that the other mares were giving him weary looks. "Yes, I am a spy, but not for my queen." He said calmly. Looking to Fluttershy, "May I have a peace of paper and a quill please?" he gently asked. With a shy nod she left. "Well if not for Chrysalis, then who?" Applejack asked in confusion while still ready to charge the large changeling. With a soft smile, "Celestia needs to know I'm still alive and useful." he said; earning a shocked expression from all the mares. "What? Just because I'm a changeling and was the strongest of my hive dos not mean I would blindly follow my queen." He continued. "Who do you think tipped Celestia off about the upcoming attack on Canterlot?" Fluttershy returned with the items asked and gave them to him. After a moment of scribbling on the parchment he rolled it up and looked to Chryo. "You know who this needs to go to my friend." he said as he handed the scroll to the bird. In a quick flurry of wing beats, Chryo was out the window and on his way to Canterlot. "Wait wait wait," Twilight spoke up. "If you are supposed to be a spy for the princess, then what are you doing here?" "Simply put, I was found out by my queen." He said somberly. "Only because I mean something to her convinced her to spare my life and banish me from the hive." "Not to sound rude or anything," Rarity chimed in. "but how are we supposed to believe what you say? You could have made that story up and you haven't even introduced yourself yet." "My apologies." Morpheus said then sat and straitened himself out. "My name is Morpheus, the former instructor of advanced magical combat for Queen Chrysalis' swarm and current informant for Princess Celestia." He said with a bow of head to the six mares in front of him. Looking back up he gazed into their eyes, silently telling them it's their turn to introduce themselves. Twilight quickly picked up on the look after being distracted by that startling introduction. "I'm Twilight Sparkle," She gestured to herself. "and these are my friends; Rarity, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, and Fluttershy." She pointed to each one of them out with a hoof. Morpheus could still see the distrust in some of their eyes and wanted to put them at ease. "By chance, is it my appearance that is making you uncomfortable?" He asked, mainly looking to Dash, AJ, and Rarity. "That mite help a bit." Applejack said as she was glaring at him. "Very well." He said before he enveloped himself in green flames. When the flames died down, all that was left was a Blackish blue unicorn with a pale blue mane and tail. On his flank was a wand with a glowing green tip and he was now the size of the average unicorn stallion. When he opened his eyes, the golden orbs were still present and had lost none of their warmth. Despite the amount of energy his transformation is using, Morpheus is surprised that he's not too tired or strained. Where is this love coming from? He thought. That's when he felt the origin of the reason for his continued strength. Glancing over to Fluttershy, he could feel the confusion, but more so he could feel the love coming from her. "So, who are you imitating?" Rainbow asked suspiciously. "This is me." Morpheus responded calmly. "To be honest, you six are the first ponies I've seen other than a picture of Celestia." "Sure." Rainbow said. That's when Applejack came up to him and gave him a critical look. Looking back to the others, "He's tell'n the truth." she stated. Looking back to him she continued. "Ah don't know how an' Ah don't know why but you haven't lied yet. Ah'm mighty surprised this is coming from me, but Ah think we can trust ya." Before he could react, Morpheus found Applejack's hoof in front of him. With a little trepidation, he reached out and shook hooves with the farm pony. As if the whole room was holding its breath, everypony seemed to relax as Morpheus wasn't trying to harm any of them. "So Morpheus, how did you get in Fluttershy's house?" Asked Rarity. "I don't know. The last thing I remember is fending off the last of the pack of timber wolves that attacked Fluttershy at the edge of the Everfree." Author's Note Sorry for the late update. Been having more brain problems and fleshing out the other stories I'm working on. Curios observation on my part. The deeper into a story I seem to get, the longer it takes for me to write them. I see this as both a good and a bad thing seeing as the bad part is that you readers have to wait longer for updates and some other things; but the only good thing I can think of is that I'm taking more time to tell the story instead of just writing a rambling cohesion of words.
BanishmentDear Princess Celestia, I want to apologize for my queens actions and hostilities against you and your subjects. It may not mean anything coming from me but I believe that my opinion must be voiced on this subject. I was not there nor am I completely aware of what happened. I still care greatly for my queen and hope she wasn't hurt to badly when her attempt at taking Canterlot failed, but I'm glad that her plans were foiled. Regretfully, by the time this letter finds its way to you, my queen will have returned and I'll ether be dead or imprisoned for the rest of time. This comes as no surprise that I'm admitting that I am a changeling and this is probably a big shock for you. My apologies, Morpheus. Setting down the quill, Morpheus looked around and found he was still alone in his section of the hive. With a sigh he rose to his hooves and walked over to his only friend in the world. As he approached he bound up the scroll with his personal seal and levitated it to his pet. Looking to his master, the frost raptor took the scroll in his beak and flew out the opening in the wall. Now alone in his chamber of the hive Morpheus waited for what he knew he would hear; it didn't take long. "Morpheus," a very angry, humming, voice called out as it came closer. "Where are you you deformed maggot?!" "In here my queen." He called back. Moments passed before Chrysalis rounded the corner and entered the chamber. "There you are," she hissed to Morpheus. "I've been looking all over the hive for you since you severed your link with the hive mind." She gave him a venomous stare, "Why did you sever the link?" Standing his ground, Morpheus looked up to his queen in the eyes. "Forgive me my queen. I wanted some time to think and not be distracted by the constant random buzzing thoughts of the rest of the hive." He gave Chrysalis an inquisitive look, "If it's not out of place for me to ask, why were you looking for me in the first place? You only seek me out if you want something to hit and relive pent up aggression." The answer to Morpheus's question was met with a punch to the face. "Don't you dare question my reasoning for wanting to see you again." Chrysalis spat as she buzzed her wings in agitation. "Yes my queen." Morpheus said, seemingly unharmed by the sudden and violent strike. "Now," Chrysalis continued in a calmer tone, "about your resent actions." At that, eight other changelings walked in and surrounded Morpheus. "In light of recent actions you have performed, I'm obligated to have you executed or put to work until you die. However, because of what you are to me, I'll show you mercy." A sinister grin appeared on her face. "Curious isn't it, the fact that I've not restored the link with the hive to you dos not surprise you?" "No my queen." Morpheus responded as he has already accepted whatever fate Chrysalis has in plan for him. "Interesting," she cooed coldly, "It seams that you're not afraid of what I have planned for you." Morpheus simply shook his head. "Very well," Chrysalis continued, "Your punishment for continuously defying me is banishment from the hive." Slowly, Chrysalis's green magic began to gather at the tip of her horn. With a sinister grin, Chrysalis fired her spell at the changeling before her. On impact, the spell sent Morpheus flying across the room. With a sickening pair thuds, his body fell to the ground after colliding with the far wall. "Take him to the Ever Free Forrest and out of my sight!" Chrysalis roared to the other changelings in the room. She gave the fallen one one last look before she stormed out of the room. When she left, the eight others scrambled to complete their queens bidding. It took the eight changelings some time to get Morpheus out of the hive and into the forest. Finding a good spot, they set his body down in a clearing near a river about fifteen miles away from the hive. After resting a moment, they left to return to the hive and leave Morpheus to his fate. Unbeknownst to them a sea serpent witnessed the whole thing and took the body away before the other denizens of the forest could get to him. In Canterlot, Celestia was working on some paperwork in her bed chambers as Philomena stood on her perch. Everything was quiet as papers were signed and staked in a pile, up until one of Philomena's friends came to say hello. At the window a frost raptor began tapping his beak against the glass witch was causing Philomena to squawk with joy. Turning her attention to the noise at the window, Celestia smiled as she saw the note in the bird's talons. "What do you have there Chryo?" She said as she opened the window to let the white and blue bird in. After being let in, Chryo flew over to Celestia's desk and deposited the letter before flying over to land next to Philomena. Near his warm friend he cuddled up to her and they enjoyed each others company as Celestia looked on in amusement. Tuning to the letter on the desk, Celestia opened it and began to read it. Her joy at hearing from her pen pal in a long while disappeared as the information soaked in. It was no wonder that Morpheus was the one who informed them of the upcoming changeling attack as he was likely there when Chrysalis shared her plans in the hive. That and the fact that he was not there also gave her comfort for she couldn't forgive him if he was there and had hurt any of her ponies. Still the fact that he had been a changeling the whole time and had not told her aggravated her the most. When the most extreme of her emotions finished washing over her she was left with one lingering feeling, sorrow. This was a final farewell from a good friend and she would never be able to meet him face to face, that saddened her the most. Sensing the change in Celestia's mood, both Philomena and Chryo landed on her and rested there heads on her neck. The comfort given by the two avians allowed Celestia a moment of peace before she looked Chryo in the eyes. Realizing that he'll no longer have a master and close friend, made Celestia shed a tear for the frost raptor.
A Knight In Blue ArmorPain, Morpheus woke to crippling, unrelenting pain. Chryssy hasn't used that spell on me in years. He thought to himself. At least she didn't use that shocking grasp spell. A slight chuckle escaped his mouth after that thought followed shortly by a wince of pain. "Ah, you're awake." A concerned, cultured voice said not to far behind him. "I was wondering if you would ever wake up. It would've been an absolute shame if a dashing looking creature such as your self were to pass away." Morpheus could hear some splashing and some dripping near by as the rest of his senses slowly came back to him. Slowly he opened his eyes only to slam them back shut as the light was too much for him to bare. "Where am I?" He croaked before a lance of pain shot through him. "Oh, did I cause you any harm?" The voice said. "I very much apologize. It can be very difficult to carry something you're not used to." A pause came as the sound of movement came to Morpheus, followed by a. "I don't see anything damaged, though I must ask, why were those other changelings setting you out in the open?" "I was kicked out due to a disagreement with my queen." He groaned. With the majority of the pain ebbing, Morpheus attempted to open his eyes once again. This time he was greeted with the sight of a great purple sea serpent with an oddly styled head of orange hair and a matching mustache. "Where am I?" He repeated more clearly before righting himself. "Oh, my apologies, where are my manners?" The serpent dramatized. "My name is Steven Magnet, but please call me Steve, and you are in a lovelier section of the Ever Free Forest. If I'm not mistaken, I believe we are near a pony settlement." "Thank you Steve," Morpheus said as he got to his wobbly hooves. "My name is Morpheus." He was grateful to still be alive after hearing where he was. "In what direction is this pony settlement and witch one is it?" he asked the large serpent. He needed to get moving and make his way to this settlement. Mainly because he needed to recharge his love reserves and find someway to let Celestia know he isn't dead. "Oh, I hope you don't plan on hurting any of them?" Steven asked. A shake of the head from Morpheus brought a smile to his face. "We are near Ponyvile and to get there you should head in that direction." Steve pointed off to the West South West through the dense forest. "Thanks again Steve and take care." Morpheus said before heading off into the gloom of the forest. Some time passed as Morpheus walked through the dense under brush. Though it hasn't been too long since left that odd serpent behind this place is giving him the creeps. Solitude was never his thing but sometimes finding a quiet spot in the hive gave him some comfort. Now was not not one of those times. Okay, It's too quiet out here. Something is about to happen and I'm not going to like it. He thought to himself. After a few more steps forward, a scream pierced the silence causing Morpheus to jump in surprise. After the scream, hi instincts kicked in and he stormed off in the direction of the disturbance. The closer he got to the direction of the scream, the more movement he could hear coming from in front of him. That's when the smell hit him and then he knew what was going on. Fluttershy was not one for normally walking into the Ever Free Forest but today was different. One of her animal friends was terribly sick and one ingredient for the medicine she uses can only be found in that scary place. As usual, the walk through the forest was spooky and she kept jumping at shadows, yet she carried on. Finding the plant wasn't a problem nor was picking it; even though it was near the edge of a patch of poison joke. No, the problem lied in what was waiting for her when she turned around. First came the tale tel smell, then the low, rumbling growl. Slowly she turned her head as she paled, knowing exactly what was behind her. Only when her full body was facing them did she realize that she was surrounded. A large pack of timber wolves had her in a semi circle with her back to the poison joke. The canopy was too thick for her to fly up and out of the forest, and only a dare devil like Rainbow Dash would consider a fast flight through the closely packed trees to get away. "O my goodness! O my goodness!" she panted ash she counted ten of them before one of them lunged at her. All Fluttershy could do was scream as she bolted, making sure to use her wings to jump over the patch of poison joke. Galloping as fast as her legs could carry her and scared out of her mind, she took off in a random direction. All around the timber wolves were closing in for the kill. After running for her life for ten minutes she was out of breath and ready to collapse. Near the base of a tree she tripped on a root and fell head over hooves coming to rest on her belly. Before she could recover the timber wolves were all around her, blocking all escape routes and essentially sealing here fate. Looking up, she noticed the pack alpha moving in for the kill. I'm sorry Mr. Fox, I couldn't make it back to help cure you. She thought. The alpha approached her so slowly. It appeared that it was moving in slow motion. She was doing her best to get away by putting her back to the tree she was up against. "Twilight, Rainbow Dash, Apple Jack, Rarity, Pinkie Pie." She whimpered as the alpha looked her in the eyes while going into a crouch. "Somepony save me!" She called out as she closed her eyes; hoping somepony heard her as the timber wolf lunged for her throat. She stood there for a moment expecting the pain of death but felt nothing. Even when she heard a pair of heavy thuds, she thought she was already dead and didn't feel a thing. Opening an eye, she noticed she was whole and unharmed. That's when she heard the loud growls of the other timber wolves around her. Then she noticed 'it' standing before her, between her and the wolves. A changeling's protecting me? She thought as she looked at it in curiosity and concern. It glanced back to her and noticed her panicked look. "Stay back. You're safe." His gentle voice hummed warmly. "I'll die before I let them hurt you." He gave a calming smile before turning his attention back to the timber wolf pack around them. Ten of you and one of me. Well, nine actually. Morpheus thought to himself as he removed his hoof from the core of the alpha before it went to peaces under him. It's focal point gone the wolf wont be reforming for a long time. Still there is the fact that I'm out numbered and guarding somepony defenseless. Today just keeps getting better. One of the wolves leaped for the mare as one of the others lunged for him. Spinning in place, Morpheus cast a shield spell around the small mare and lowered himself onto his front hooves so he could buck up with his hind legs. The result was a wolf bouncing off a bubble and two other wolves being blasted apart by the shrapnel from his buck. With only six more wolves left he dismissed his shield spell and grabbed the mare. As gently as he could in his haste, he draped her on his back and took to the air. He worked his wings twice as hard as he normally would to get them into the air. Morpheus flew for a hundred or so meters before he noticed the trees thinning and light at the end of an organic tunnel. He quickly landed and set the mare down on her hooves and beckoned her to head to the little village. "Go, run, and don't look back." He said calmly to the small mare before looking back to the wolves that followed them this far. Without looking to see if the mare had moved, Morpheus began to change his shape. Now in a more adequate form, he let out a bone chilling roar as he charged the three small wood wolves. As a dragon, Morpheus wouldn't turn many heads but it was the strength of and innate abilities he needed. When he got close to the lead wolf he wrapped his jaws around its neck before violently twisting. The sound of splintering wood filled his ears. Feeling something grab his hind left leg he looked to see the other three came to help. With a sudden intake of air he let out a gout of flame and burned one wolf where it stood. Quickly turning his head, he sent another gout of flame in the air as another wolf tried to pounce him from above. Seeing two of their kin immolated before them, the final three ran off with their tails between their legs. With the timber wolves now not a problem, Morpheus changed back to himself only to find he used up too much of reserves and was getting light headed. Whoa, I think I may have over did it. He thought to himself. Slowly he turned and made his way out of the forest to the first building in his blurry vision. He was completely unaware of the butter yellow pegasus running up to him before he fell to his side with a dull thud. After the changeling set her on her hooves, Fluttershy looked him in the eyes with a curious look. Then she actually saw his eyes; those soft, comforting, twin golden eyes, and was caught speechless. "Go, run and don't look back." He said calmly to her before turning around and looking off into the forest. Hesitantly she turned around and began to run home, all the while her mind kept asking the question, why? Why would a changeling save a pony? Why did he remind her of someone? Why did he make her hear flutter? Running into her cottage and slamming the door shut she just stood there. Her mind wouldn't stop asking that question. That's when she heard it, that bone chilling roar of a dragon near by. She looked out her window to see green flames jet out of the canopy and more green flashes inside the forest. When the sounds died down and the quiet serenity of the fields returned, she ventured out into her front yard. Noticing a black shape moving out of the forest she hid behind a shrub. When the figure came closer she noticed it was the changeling and that he was swaying from side to side. "Oh my." she said quietly before rushing up to him. As she got closer to him, he just fell over onto his side with a dull thud. "Mister, mister are you hurt?" Fluttershy asked the motionless changeling. Moving to lift him up onto her back she realized he was too heavy for her to lift. Quickly flying back to her cottage, "Mr. Bear, I need your help with something, if you don't mind that is?" She called out into her home. The bear casually nodded and got to his paws before following Fluttershy out the door. When they got to the changeling Fluttershy looked to her friend, "Mr. Bear, could you carry him back please? He is too heavy for me to lift and I can't leave him out here like he is." Nodding the bear gently lifted the changeling to his back and with ease walked back to the cottage with Fluttershy next to him, looking concerned. Once inside, the bear set the limp changeling on the couch before nodding to Fluttershy and left to deal with some other matters. Fluttershy did everything she could before heading into the kitchen to make the medicine for her fox friend. While she worked she worried. She worried about what would happen if he was found by the patrolling royal guards? What would her friends think if they found out what she was doing? More than that, She asked herself why? After all he is a changeling but everything about him was different from Chrysalis and the swarm that attacked Canterlot. When she was done administering the medicine to Mr. Fox, she walked back to the changeling. He looked so much different from the other drones. Mainly he was far bigger than they were. If she had to guess, he was about the same size as Luna. His chitin was a near black blue and was not full of holes. He has for fangs that appear from his upper lip, two on each side. He also has four wings that resemble a dragonfly's in orientation. Most importantly were his eyes. They're more like Chrysalis's in shape than the other drones, but they showed more emotion than what she had seen in Chrysalis's eyes. "Who are you?" She asked quietly. She wasn't expecting an answer but the hope was there. What should I to do? She thought to herself as she ran a hoof through his holy blue mane. A tapping noise at one of her windows caught her attention and pulled her back to reality. Turning her head she paused when she saw a rare sight. "Oh my." She whispered. On the windowsill stood a frost raptor tapping at the glass. Fluttershy walked over to the window and opened it. With nothing between it and the changeling, the blue and white bird flew to the back rest of the couch and landed near the head of the changeling. "Is this your friend?" Fluttershy asked the bird while it nuzzled the changeling. "Yes," It said. "Him, big white pony and her phoenix are also." It looked to the changeling again. "Close friend will be okay, he just needs rest." Looking back to Fluttershy. "I'm Chryo."
Recovery"I'm Fluttershy." The quiet spoken mare said as she looked at the frost raptor. Fidgeting with her hooves slightly, "Um... by chance, do you know your friend's names?" "Master, Celestia, and Philomena." The blue and white bird said in its own calls. Chryo's calls seemed to make the changeling stir for a moment only for him to mutter "sister" in his sleep. When he settled down Chryo went from his side to land on Fluttershy's back. Looking to the mare he perched on, he gave her a curios look. "Are you going to be okay?" Chryo asked. "You look conflicted." Fluttershy turned to respond to Chryo's comment but couldn't as she began to ask herself why. She found that Chryo is right and she was wondering what exactly she was hopeing to accomplish in saving his life. "Why am I feeling this way? This has never happened before." She asked herself under her breath. A staccato of knocks at her front door startled her out of her self questioning and back to the real world. "W-who is it?" She called out, fearing the worst. "Fluttershy, it's us, can you let us in?" Came Twilight's voice from the other side. Slowly Fluttershy opened the door to see all her friends standing outside with concerned looks on their faces. She walked out and shut the door behind her before they could look inside. "Fluttershy, darling, I'm so glad that you're okay. When we herd the dragon we thought it would come here." Rarity said as she came up to nuzzle her yellow friend, only to stop when she noticed the blue and white bird. "Ooo, who is your new friend, Fluttershy?" Pinkie asked as she bounced near the yellow mare. "Um.. this is is Chryo, he is a friend and he's just visiting for a while." Fluttershy said as Chryo looked Pinkie. "Wait wait wait, did you say his name was Chryo?" Twilight asked as a look of recognition crossed her face. When Fluttershy nodded, her eyes lit up. "I thought I recognized you from somewhere." Walking into his view, "Do you remember me, Chryo?" she asked the raptor. As if to say yes he took off, landed on her back, and dropped the temperature around him by ten degrees to make the unicorn shiver. "I've heard of Phoenixes before but what kind of bird can cause the air temperature to drop?" Rainbow Dash asked as she watched Twilight try to get the blue and white bird off of her back before she got any colder. "He's a frost raptor and a old friend of the princess'" Twilight said as she finally convinced Chyo to get off. "They are very rare and extremely hard to befriend let alone tame. They are even more uncommon than Phoenixes. Who ever his master is he is either very powerful or very lucky." "What is pupal doing here?" Chryo asked no pony in particular as he landed back on Fluttershy's back. "She lives here, Chryo. She's the librarian of Ponyvile." Fluttershy said to him. From where Applejack was standing she could see that all was okay and that no critters were trying to harm her friends. Leaning up against the wall she watched on in content until she heard a noise come from the inside of Fluttershy's cottage. Thinking it's just one of her other animal friends she payed it little attention, that is until she heard a groan come from inside. "Uh, Fluttershy," Applejack called in concern. "I think somepony's in your house." Looking through the window next to her she noticed a dark pony shaped object move slightly as the sound of wings buzzing came to her ears. Hearing that her expression darkened. For the third time today he awoke, this time however he felt as if he was made of lead and was incapable of movement for a short time. As he laid there he could see his surroundings well and was surprised by them. He was in a house somewhere and it looked to be some sort of animal clinic by first glance. The whole room was covered in small animal homes and from the rafters hung many bird houses. Closing his eyes he went to his other senses to try and get a better understanding of what's going on. From where he lay he could hear small animals in the walls and from other rooms. With a little more focus he could hear voices outside talking. By the sound of it, it was a conversation between five mares. One of witch sounded like the mare he saved in the Ever Free. The call of his friend Chryo pulled him from the depths of his focus and back to the real world. Hearing his friend reminded him of something, he needed to inform Celestia of his banishment. Slowly he found his body was beginning to heed his commands once again. With some effort he rolled off of the couch he was laying on only to land on the floor with a thud. With a groan he got to his wobbly hooves only to notice somepony looking into the window. He couldn't catch what the figure said but he could hear what was coming. Suddenly the door opened to reveal six mares in total looking at him. He recognized the yellow pegasus and she looked at him with an apologetic look. The other five he didn't recognize and were giving him mixed looks. Author's Note Sorry for the extremely late update, had a very shitty case of writers block this week and a half. I hope to have the next chapter out in a week but with the way my mind has been recently I cannot make any guarantees.
Friend Amongst The EnemyEverything seemed to slow down as all present looked at the figure in the room. Suddenly the area was a filled with the blur of motion as Rainbow and Applejack charged the changeling. Rarity and Twilight stood in front of Fluttershy to protect her and provide magic support. Pinkie pulled out her party cannon and took aim. Noticing he is outmatched, Morpheus did the only thing he could do. He stood his shaky ground and quietly said, "Stop." "STOP!" Fluttershy's demeanor voice cried out as Chryo took off and flew in front of the changeling to protect it. As quickly as they all started moving they all stopped at that sudden outburst from their quiet yellow friend. By now Chryo was hovering before the changeling glaring daggers at those who would hurt his master. Noticing that they all stopped, Morpheus dropped to one knee as he was still weak from his last transformation. The sound of fluttering wings caught his attention as the yellow pegasus was by his side in an instant. Leaning against him as she checked him over for injuries. "Thank you miss." Morpheus hummed quietly to the pegasus at his side before turning his attention to his frosty friend. "Chryo, stand down." The authority in his voice caused the other mares in the room to flinch, and not in a good way. Obeying his master reluctantly, Chryo landed on his back and nuzzled him affectionately. "Master master you are awake!" he excitedly called as he leaned farther into his masters neck. "Yes Chryo, I'm awake. I just need to recover." Morpheus chuckled as his energetic pet continued to be loud in his ear. He nearly forgot about the others in the room when the cyan mare flew in front of him. "Who are you and what are you doing here?" Rainbow instigated as the changeling recovered from his personal space being invaded. "Are you a spy for Chrysalis?" Despite the actions of their yellow friend and Chryo, a quick glance around showed that the other mares were giving him weary looks. "Yes, I am a spy, but not for my queen." He said calmly. Looking to Fluttershy, "May I have a peace of paper and a quill please?" he gently asked. With a shy nod she left. "Well if not for Chrysalis, then who?" Applejack asked in confusion while still ready to charge the large changeling. With a soft smile, "Celestia needs to know I'm still alive and useful." he said; earning a shocked expression from all the mares. "What? Just because I'm a changeling and was the strongest of my hive dos not mean I would blindly follow my queen." He continued. "Who do you think tipped Celestia off about the upcoming attack on Canterlot?" Fluttershy returned with the items asked and gave them to him. After a moment of scribbling on the parchment he rolled it up and looked to Chryo. "You know who this needs to go to my friend." he said as he handed the scroll to the bird. In a quick flurry of wing beats, Chryo was out the window and on his way to Canterlot. "Wait wait wait," Twilight spoke up. "If you are supposed to be a spy for the princess, then what are you doing here?" "Simply put, I was found out by my queen." He said somberly. "Only because I mean something to her convinced her to spare my life and banish me from the hive." "Not to sound rude or anything," Rarity chimed in. "but how are we supposed to believe what you say? You could have made that story up and you haven't even introduced yourself yet." "My apologies." Morpheus said then sat and straitened himself out. "My name is Morpheus, the former instructor of advanced magical combat for Queen Chrysalis' swarm and current informant for Princess Celestia." He said with a bow of head to the six mares in front of him. Looking back up he gazed into their eyes, silently telling them it's their turn to introduce themselves. Twilight quickly picked up on the look after being distracted by that startling introduction. "I'm Twilight Sparkle," She gestured to herself. "and these are my friends; Rarity, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, and Fluttershy." She pointed to each one of them out with a hoof. Morpheus could still see the distrust in some of their eyes and wanted to put them at ease. "By chance, is it my appearance that is making you uncomfortable?" He asked, mainly looking to Dash, AJ, and Rarity. "That mite help a bit." Applejack said as she was glaring at him. "Very well." He said before he enveloped himself in green flames. When the flames died down, all that was left was a Blackish blue unicorn with a pale blue mane and tail. On his flank was a wand with a glowing green tip and he was now the size of the average unicorn stallion. When he opened his eyes, the golden orbs were still present and had lost none of their warmth. Despite the amount of energy his transformation is using, Morpheus is surprised that he's not too tired or strained. Where is this love coming from? He thought. That's when he felt the origin of the reason for his continued strength. Glancing over to Fluttershy, he could feel the confusion, but more so he could feel the love coming from her. "So, who are you imitating?" Rainbow asked suspiciously. "This is me." Morpheus responded calmly. "To be honest, you six are the first ponies I've seen other than a picture of Celestia." "Sure." Rainbow said. That's when Applejack came up to him and gave him a critical look. Looking back to the others, "He's tell'n the truth." she stated. Looking back to him she continued. "Ah don't know how an' Ah don't know why but you haven't lied yet. Ah'm mighty surprised this is coming from me, but Ah think we can trust ya." Before he could react, Morpheus found Applejack's hoof in front of him. With a little trepidation, he reached out and shook hooves with the farm pony. As if the whole room was holding its breath, everypony seemed to relax as Morpheus wasn't trying to harm any of them. "So Morpheus, how did you get in Fluttershy's house?" Asked Rarity. "I don't know. The last thing I remember is fending off the last of the pack of timber wolves that attacked Fluttershy at the edge of the Everfree." Author's Note Sorry for the late update. Been having more brain problems and fleshing out the other stories I'm working on. Curios observation on my part. The deeper into a story I seem to get, the longer it takes for me to write them. I see this as both a good and a bad thing seeing as the bad part is that you readers have to wait longer for updates and some other things; but the only good thing I can think of is that I'm taking more time to tell the story instead of just writing a rambling cohesion of words.
