The calm night slowly came to an end as the rising sun began to shine down onto the small town I saw before me. I had arrived at the top of a nearby hill not too long ago, waiting for the morning light to grant me a better view of the land I'll be staying for the time being.
Ponies of all different colors left their home to go about their daily routines as I continued to observe them from afar. It wasn't until the bright light had reached my face that I was broken away from my concentration. The sun having finally gotten to the top of the hill as I flinched from its beams peering into my hood. Using my magic, I took a grip at the edge of my cloak, pulling it down to shield me from the brightness.
For a year now I have lived in the darkened caverns that houses my new hive, only coming out to feed during the cover of night. Bright places and I didn't get along all that well. It's because of this that I had resorted to traveling during the night as to both remain hidden and not have to mess with such an annoyance. But thanks to being a changeling, that little issue can easily be fixed now that I was here. Focusing my magic onto my full blue eyes, a faint green flame passed over them as they were adjusted into normal pupils. Now that was much better.
Returning my gaze to the rising sun, I began to analyze my "opponent" as I mentally broke down its details. Remembering what little information I was given about the land of Equestria.
One of the two rulers was called Princess Celestia, one of the last two remaining "pure" alicorns still in existence. It was said that her magic helped bring up the sun every morning, making her a pony not worth trifling with. Glancing around, it was apparent that she didn't have to be close by in order to raise the sun over the small town. That was good, in the sense that I could avoid her much more easily than I had thought. But the fact that she can control the sun from such a far distance away adds to how powerful she already was. I’ll make note to not go anywhere near her for the sake of my own safety.
Even with my newly adjusted eyes, the light was getting to me. Bringing an end to my little analysis, I thought it was time to set up a sort of camp of operation. If I was to remain here for a long time, a place to rest would be a logical thing to have.
I noticed something in the corner of my eyes that seemed to remain dark even after the daylight had spread all around me. A forest not far from the village that seemed to guard itself from the light with it's thick trees. I remembered the little report that was given about this place. It was apparently called the Everfree Forest, a thick wilderness said to be filled with vile creatures and a place not many ponies enter due to its mysteries. Adding in the fact that it would give a comfortable, dark place to rest, a campsite there seemed perfect.
Setting my next goal, I began to walk down the hill in the direction of the forest.
Glancing around at the trees, I started to sense the reason why the the ponies didn't wander into these woods: there was a strong smell of fear that filled the area.
I could tell this thanks to a changeling’s heightened sense for emotions. We can detect the faintest expression or feeling from a pony even if they struggle to hide it. This little ability helps us in avoiding dangers and in hunting down suitable sources of love to feed off of. Another thing to point out is that when there has been a strong exposure of an emotion in an area, it leaves behind a particular scent.
But I'm getting a little off topic right now. The fact is that many ponies seemed to have wandered into the forest, leaving behind the scent of the fear they had for it. This would mean that the deeper I go, the less chance there would be of me being detected.
The only down side to it all was that fear tends to have a sort of damp smell to it. But hey, if it meant I can get a good night sleep without worrying about waking up the next morning captured, I'll welcome the smell.
To my benefit the smell slowly began to diminish the deeper I went. It seemed that the ponies never went too far due to their fear of the unknown.
Once I had reached deep enough into the dark forest, I decided to begin my initial search. I was assigned the mission to locate a scout that was sent here ahead of me. All contact with him was lost for about three weeks when he didn't arrive to meet a messenger. I stopped in my tracks, closing my eyes to focus as my antenna-like ears twitch in the air as I send out a signal.
Another thing about changelings is that the ones in a hive are granted a link between each other by their queen. It's similar to a channel between us that allows us contact one another to a certain degree. The only one that can give and take that link from a changeling is a queen and a changeling keeps it until the queen dies or she herself breaks the connection. It's hard to choose which is worse, since getting a hive connection disconnected from you is a rather painful sensation.
So I stood there for a bit, listening for a reply to my signal.
Nothing.
Was the scout deeper in, or was he not here at all? Either way I'll have to continue my search tomorrow. Apart from seeking the scout, I was also told to assist with the scouting he had started. So if I'm to make any progress, I'll have to set up a base of operation. At least until I located where the scout's base was, if he was even around still.
My walk came to an end as I arrived to a clearing within the trees. A large hollow tree with a torn opening in the side of the trunk towered in front of me as I slowly walked closer to investigate. Peering inside, it appeared that nothing had taken refuge within its wooden walls. All it needed was a few adjustments and it can be made in a pretty good base.
I levitated my cloak to remove it off my back as I hang it off a small branch outside.
Stretching the insect-like wings on my back, I give them a quick flap to get a bit of air underneath them. Being tucked away underneath the cloth was a bit aggravating at times. I looked around as I took note of what I might be able to use to spruce up the place before I head back into the wilderness.
Returning from my last round through the woods, I return with a large leaf carried over my back. Walking over to one side of the tree, I hover a small sharpened stone and lift the large leaf off my back. Aiming at the top portion of the leave, I jab the stone into it to hang it against the wall.
I glance back at the rest of the place to see how my work had turned out. A nice bed made up of gathered leaves was on one side, a small table on the center made of two stones and a piece of wood for a crafting station, and now the hanging leaf I planned to use to draw out a map of the area.
Extending my magic to the table, I bring in a piece of burnt wood I had found near the site of a partially burnt tree. Moving it toward the leaf, I begin to draw out my small map.
It took a new record time of ten minutes before I tore up that leaf into hundreds of pieces and tossed it to the ground. I had four attempts in the drawing of the town, five on the forest, and eight tries in trying to draw out every other landmark I could remember. No matter how much I enjoyed making such things, I was way too focused on perfection to ever finish them. Which ends up with the said thing either broken, ripped, or shattered. Thankfully it was just a leaf this time.
With the now small stub that was left of the piece of burnt wood, I set it back onto the table before walking over to the bed. Letting myself fall on the pile of leaves, I pull a small bundle of leaves to rest my head on. Letting out a sigh, I try to relax as my mind wanders into thought.
This mission I was given was important to the hive, but also to myself. It was rare for a changeling from another hive to last long in a new one and he managed to pull it off. But such a feat came with struggles along the way.
Far off the borders of Equestria, deep within a series of dark caverns, stood the changeling empire of Chrysalis' hive. The dark city was built around carved out rocks held together with specially made wax substance that were made by workers. Series of faint lights brightened the dark city from the placed subterranean plant life that glowed along the streets and the housing. From afar, one might even mistake the sight to resemble stars in the night sky.
It was within the large pillar formed castle that I was called to meet with the queen herself. Something that I never expected to happen to me. After all, I was just partially accepted into the hive only a year ago.
The doors to the throne room opened with a green glow as the armored guards stood in attention. I swallowed hard at the tension I had, not wishing it to be felt by everyone in the throne room. Once I let out a deep breath, I walked in with the best calm look I could muster up.
The corridor to the throne was decorated with green lighting and minerals that gave the room a royal sense in it's own fashion. Sitting on the throne ahead was Chrysalis herself talking with a messenger. I could only make out a few words regarding yet another scout reported missing. As the tall regal changeling queen looked up at me coming down the hall, she gave a smile before sending off the messenger.
The changeling walked by me, letting out strong traces of being nervous and worried. No doubt another missing scout would end up causing a shortage for the hive. My mind swayed to the leaving changeling as he watch him exit the throne room.
"Ah, Sylen. I'm glad you could come in such short notice." Chrysalis' voice caught my attention again as he turned to look up at her. Nerves getting to me once more, I quickly kneel before her.
"Y-you called for me, Queen C-Chrysalis?" I replied back with the clear sound of worry in my voice.
"Relax young soldier. My call for you is of no threat to your place within my hive." She gave a small laugh to my reaction as I kept my head near the floor. "Your actions and loyalty to us have simply reached my ears in the past year. Not many changelings can last this long without the aid of feeders."
It was indeed a challenge to do just that. Naturally, changelings feed within groups with the help of those assigned the task of feeders. These were changelings that would gather and distribute collected love from recent hunting parties and share it with the hive. But for a changeling not born from the same brood, he or she has to feed herself to prove he or she is worth keeping in the hive.
About three other changelings were going through the same process. I was the only one that managed to keep a steady amount of love to fuel my magic and give my body strength. Without a steady amount of love to keep you going, a changeling easily falls prey to other predators or, if he manages to avoid such dangers, simply collapses from exhaustion. It was not a pretty sight to see.
Focusing my mind as I noticed I was silent for a few seconds, I give her a simple nod.
"I only did what I could to prove my worth to the hive."
"Yes, indeed you have," she responded to my words as I began to hear her steps as she walked down from her throne. Glancing up, I notice her walking closer before I jolt my eyes back down to avoid her gaze as she continues to speak.
"I'm sure you're aware with the hive's situation. A steady supply of food has been dropping as more and more scouts fail to report back. We either assume they were discovered by enemies or deserted their posts."
Sylen remembered the messenger that passed by a few minutes ago. With yet another scout gone missing, the rest of the hive would surely become restless about it. Much like any creature, when hunger starts to cloud their minds they begin to act violent. For a hive as large as Chrysalis', that was a bad turn of events.
"Yes, I have been aware of the situation. But what does this have to do with my, my queen?" I asked her as the sound of her steps stopped in front of me. Oh Manure! Did I speak out of line?!
"Straight to the point? A good trait for a soldier," she said, giving a faint giggle before I hear her steps moving around me now.
Letting out a held breath of air, I relaxed as she continued to speak to me.
"Your loyalty to the hive have gotten my attention, as I said before. This is why I wish to give you a special task to let you earn your place as an official part of my hive."
Her words caught me by surprise as I suddenly stood up and looked at her with a shocked look on my face.
"M-me?!"
"Yes, you've proven yourself, young soldier." The queen lifted my head to meet her gaze with her hoof, giving me a smile of approval. "Be proud."
I almost stumbled forward once her hoof was removed from underneath me, gathering myself up right to avoid embarrassment. I turn to face her as she walked to a nearby window that overlooked the rest of her empire below.
"Our recent message brings us to a total of nine missing scouts in these past three months alone. Times are growing harder for my brood as our supply of love grows ever so dimmer." She watched down to her hive below with a contemplating look. "I need one I can count on to head out and find out what has been happening to our scouts. To locate them and aid them in their task so to report back as soon as possible." She looked back at me with a faint smile. "Can I trust you with such a task, Sylen?"
The realization of what was asked of me was as much of a shocker as ever. Quick to try and stand in attention, I turn to face her and lifted my front hoof over my horn.
"My queen! I am honored with being given such a task. I won't fail you or the hive. I swear on my life."
"That I truly believe." Her laugh echoed through the throne room.
I let out a deep sigh as my breath blew off a couple of leaves from my makeshift bed. I had given the queen my word and knew what it meant if I failed with such high standards. Nonetheless, I couldn't help but feel that I going way over my head.
No, I couldn't think like that! It's not just my honor but the weight of all the changelings in the hive that are also resting on my shoulders. If I give up now, I'd have let all of them down as well.
I can do this! First thing in the morning I'm heading into town to conduct a search for the missing scout and to learn any details about this land filled with love!
Standing onto my hooves, I look in a deep breath of air as I feel myself rejuvenated with energy once more.That is until a movement in the bushes outside the hollow tree nearly made me jump in surprise.
Peering out the entrance into the hollow tree, I looked about, not seeing anything.
Maybe I should’ve keep a lookout for a few hours just in case.
Morning had come around. At least I thought it was morning. I was on my side on the cold ground as I looked down to see nothing but a cold dirt floor underneath me. Glancing back I saw my bed all the way in the other side of the tree’s interior. If I was asleep, why is the bed over there? Did I sleep walk or something? Little by little, the memories of last night start to drift into my head.
I had stayed on watch at the door ever since the strange sounds from the bushes were heard. Worried about it being a predator of some kind, I ended up staying up rather late. I guess I dozed off and fell asleep right by the entrance.
Glad no pony was around to see that.
I got up onto my hooves as I shook the bits of dirt off of my wings. The coldness of the ground left my shell rather cool to the touch from the uncomfortable night. Either way I shouldn’t leave something as simple as cold to keep me back today. I had promised to myself I would venture off into town and begin my search in order to prove my worth and for the hive itself.
Pumping myself with those thoughts, I raised my hooves and slapped the sides of my face to get myself nice and alert. I couldn’t be dozing off while sneaking into enemy territory after all.
I glanced back inside at my cloak that still hung from the wall, contemplating if I should take it with me or not. It would probably be best not to. The sight of a pony walking into town with a cloak and hood might only add more suspicion than anything else. With that choice made, I began my way out of the Everfree Forest.
With the path I took still fresh in my mind, I easily found my way out of the dark woods as I entered the clear plains that stood between here and the small town of Ponyville. Before going any farther, a disguise would’ve be best to take on.
Using the magic on our own bodies, the changelings obviously were given their name for their ability to well…change. Ponies are the easiest for us to take the form of, but there have been a few changelings that can go beyond simple pony forms. Queens, for example, can take on any form no matter how different it is in their size. It comes natural to them. But for a regular changeling to go farther than a simple pony disguise requires both a lot of magic and plenty of training.
Walking over to a nearby stream, I gazed down at the water to look at my reflection. My eyes still remained the same from when I changed them yesterday, being a regular pair of blue eyes. The rest of me however was just as much of a changeling as ever. Thinking for a bit, I tried to come up with a suitable appearance that wouldn’t get much attention.
Closing my eyes to focus, I channeled the flow of magic through my body as a layer of green flames begin to move across me. I opened my eyes to look at my reflection once more as a grey stallion pegasus now looked back at me. With a rather ruffled black main over my head, I glanced back to see if my tail matched the color. A success as a black tail swayed behind me. Flapping my now feathered wings to make sure they worked right, and I was all set to go. But something seemed a bit off to me.
I looked back down to my reflection, scanning at the new appearance as I wondered what it was. Ah, that’s right! Focusing my magic through my mane, I add some red highlights across it for an added style.
That was more like it. I was all set to begin my recon.
The moment I entered the town I could already sense the overflow of love among the ponies. It was no wonder the land of Equestria was considered to be the perfect place for changelings to feed. If just a simple small town held this much love, I could only imagine the amount a love that bigger settlements would have. The only thing that kept a large force from entering the land was the power and forces of its two sister princesses.
But while in my disguise I could easily keep a steady diet of love to sustain my magic while learning what I could in my search. Maybe this mission was going to be easy after all.
"Hey there!"
I almost jumped off the ground in surprise as I heard a energetic voice nearby. Looking to my side I saw a bright pink mare with a rather puffy pink mane and tail. Was she talking to me? I look the other way to see if there was any other pony in the direction she faced.
"I'm talking to you, silly," she spoke again, clearly directing her words at me. A bright smile across her face as she found my confusion rather amusing.
"Um, can I help you?" I tilt my head as I awkwardly asked her.
"Not really by thanks for the offer." Without a single sign of warning, she suddenly appeared beside me.
How the hay did she do that?! She was clearly an Earth pony, judging by her lack of horn. But magic is the only thing that comes to mind to allow such instant teleportation like that. Plus she was giving off a whole lot of happy emotion. So much it was giving off a sort of sweet scent in the air like sugar.
"You’re new in Ponyville, aren't you?" she continued talking as if nothing had happened while examining my appearance.
Trying my best to play it off, I nod to her question slowly.
"I knew it!” She called out as she- wait she’s hopping around me now? When did she get there?! “You see I know everypony here in Ponyville and if you're new in Ponyville, that means you don't know anyone here and if you don't anyone here that means you weren't given a traditional Welcome to Ponyville party."
“Oh, I’d love to but, um, I really have to get going right now.” This was getting really out of hand, she was just showing up in different places without any magic whatsoever. How is that even possible?! I slowly tried to back away from her until I- wait...How is she behind me now?!
"Silly! The party isn't right now. I still have to set it up. So where did you move in? The house near the plaza? The room for rent in Berry Punch's place? Oh, you're a pegasus right? Are you staying near Rainbow Dash’s home?" Her smile just stayed in place as she gave a playful giggle.
“Um, it’s not...ready yet for guests. It’s...dirty and stuff. Yeah.” I tried to think of an excuse as I backed away from her. A cold sweat dripped on the side of my face as she started to bounce ever so closer to me with every step I took back.
"Well why didn't you say so? I can gather some of my friends and go help you clean up. It'll be all shiny and clean just in time for the party." She replied back, unfazed at all by my excuse.
"Um...well...I just got to go!" Unable to stand the stress anymore, I made a break for it. Running as fast as my feet could take me as I nearly glided over the ground with my wings out for additional speed. I could hear her try and call out to me but I was too focused on getting as far away from her as I could.
After I ran about half way through the town, avoiding other ponies on the street, I made a sharp turn in between two buildings as I came to a screeching halt. Catching my breath as I rested a hoof against the wall.
Just what was that pink mare’s deal? The other ponies in this town were nowhere near as annoying as she was. Wait, could she have been suspicious of me? Playing off as a curious pony in order to get information of me and my location?
Oh Creator, was the scout discovered and she is part of some group on high alert for other possible changeling scouts?! Am I going to be locked away or enslaved?!
"Um, are you alright?"
Manure! She’s found me! I jumped a good foot off the ground in surprised fear before darting down to cover my head with my hooves.
“Please let me live! I have done nothing to your town!”
"Huh?! What are you talking about? Did something happen?" It was then that I noticed that the mare’s voice behind me was different from before. Her emotion she let out was calm and worried, nothing like the pink ball of energy I just ran from.
Slowly I lifted my hooves off my head, peeking at the one that spoke to me. A red mare with a long black mane leaned down with a worried look on her face. Seeing she wasn’t the pink menace I had encountered, I let out deep sigh of relief.
“Oh, thank the Creator. I thought you were a pink mare I ran into just a while ago.
"Pink mare?" She tilted her head as her yellow eyes seemed to give an innocent, yet confused look about her.. "Do you mean, Pinkie Pie?"
"I don't know her name, all I know is that she would NOT leave me alone about throwing some kind of party," I told the red mare as I dusted some dirt off of me.
"Oh, you're new in town?"
Oh no. She knows I’m new as well now. Please Creator, don’t make her barrage me with questions as well!
I gave her a nervous smile as I begged for my life within my thoughts.
"Welcome to Ponyville." That was all she said to me. No question or anything else. Just those words followed by a gentle smile.
"Um, thank you." I was too surprised to give any other reply. It wasn’t just her words that got me but the feeling I got when she said them. It was a gentle emotion that emitted from her, but it felt strangely familiar. I couldn’t put my hoof on it.
"So do you live near here?" She broke my train of thought with that question as I started to walk out of the alley we were in.
"Well...not really." She didn’t seem all that threatening. But the fact remained that I couldn’t let my location or reason for being her to be known. I thought hard of what excuse I could come up with.
"Worried the ‘pink menace’ will find you?" she giggled at me. I guess I was making an interesting face while thinking on an excuse to give her.
"Um..yeah something like that." Unable to think of anything, I just went along with what she stated with a nervous chuckle.
"I see, well I have to get going anyway. A friend of mine is waiting for me." She gave another gentle smile before walking off ahead of me. She suddenly then stopped and looked at me again. "Oh, what's your name?"
Manure! Why am I so unprepared for these questions?! I rushed my mind into overdrive to think up of a name to give her. I couldn’t give her my real name in risk of being discovered.
“Um...it’s Kage. With a “K”.”
"Kage huh? Interesting name." She smiled at me once more. "I'm Scarlet. See you around Kage." Waving at me, she continued on her way.
Kage? KAGE?! Was that seriously the best fake name I could think of?! What kind of poor excuse of a name was that? It was probably so obvious that I gave her a fake name!
It was probably best to just finish my walk around the town and head on back to base. Maybe I could keep searching for any signs of the scout in the Everfree forest. With that plan in mind, I continue to walk, still cursing at myself for the stupid choice of a name I gave the red mare.
As the day came to a close, I was on my way deeper into the dark forest as I contemplated the information I gathered from the town. I had already removed my pony disguise so to save up on my magic as I walked slowly toward my camp.
It wasn’t that big of a town to begin with. The largest part of it was the apple farm just out of its border. With its small size, it would be smart to assume that word would spread rather quickly if any information about who I am was revealed. I hate stressing myself on such things, but I’ll have to be very careful not to reveal any information if I’m to stay undetected.
Then came the ponies that lived there. All in all, they weren’t too risky to talk to since they just give a greeting and let you be if you look busy. Of course that wasn’t counting the pink ball of energy that assaulted him with questions. If she was in fact suspicious of him, he’ll have to stay as far away from her as possible just to be safe.
Then there was that mare named Scarlet. Something about her just wouldn’t leave my mind. True, she was rather kind and sweet to me. But what had me thinking was the sensation she gave. It was warm and relaxing, but also familiar. Maybe I’ll figure it out when I see her once again.
As my thoughts finally settled on the day’s events, I see the hollow tree I now call home come into sights. I gave a smile at the thought of letting myself drop onto my leaf bed and getting a good night’s rest.
I stopped. Something felt wrong as I got closer to the entrance as I detected something in the air. This familiar scent clouded my camp area as I noticed something in the ground.
There were tracks. Two of them.
I knelt down to get a closer look at them, comparing the one that was obviously mine and the other new pair of hoof prints that wandered in and back out.
Were these changeling tracks?