Cheesecake and Changelings

Chapters

Baby Steps
Confound That Changeling!
Every Night Has A Dawn
Crouching Changeling, Plugged-up Prince
A Brief Inn-terlude
I Don't Need a Passport
Meet The Parents
Confessions, Dinner and Just Desserts
Gems, Gems are Truely Amazing
Bathrooms and Barrooms
Round Two
Dull, Then Dangerous
Explanations and Vengence
Public Indecency
Peace Soon to be Shattered
Arrivals and Departures
Why You Should Clean Your Fridge Out Every Month

Baby Steps

Nigel was lying on the stone floor of the cell, having given up trying to provoke the current guards to attack him. The pair guarding his cell was the twelfth in three hours, Nigel having successfully driven the others away. These two must have been veterans, no matter how hard Nigel insulted their mothers they did not retaliate. He had instead pre-occupied himself with learning how to walk, finally managing to stand without falling, however as soon as he tried to move forward he stumbled and collapsed. He decided he had tried enough for the day and so he just rolled onto his side and thought about the many ways one can painfully kill a horse.

The only other objects that existed in the small cell were a bowl filled with water and a hole in the ground, a make-shift toilet. Nigel had found that the water was surprisingly clean, although he had refused to touch it based on principle alone. There were no windows in the cell, the only way to tell the time existing in the form of a clock located at the end of the corridor, Nigel just being able to see it if he walked right up to the bars. A small ding was heard as the clock reached seven PM, the door at the end of the corridor opening. Nigel lifted his head from the floor and switched sides so he was facing the cell door, the two guards standing opposite turning their heads.

A pair of what Nigel could only describe as bat-ponies came into view, the purple armoured grey equines an unusual sight to the former human. The bat-ponies’ eyes were cat-like, a slit-like pupil framed by gold, no doubt quite well suited to low-light conditions. Their ears were larger than the ponies that Nigel had seen so far, appearing to be more bat-like with small tuffs of fur on the ends. Their wings also looked like they belonged on a bat, the membrane of which was a deep purple, almost like the manes and tails of the newcomers, except that the purple hairs were a few shades lighter. Nigel noticed that one of the new ponies appeared to be a little shorter than the other, that and its longer eyelashes led him to the conclusion that it was female.

“Alright, your shifts over, we’ve got it from here” the male bat-pony spoke, the two golden armoured guards nodding their heads. They moved past the two newcomers heading towards the exit when one of them paused, looking towards the female bat-pony.

“I haven’t seen you around before, are you a new recruit?”

“She is,” the male guard answered “just arrived from Nocturnia a few days ago, I’m showing her the ropes, orders from Captain Equinox himself”

The Solar guard grimaced a little, the Lunar guard Captain had only been promoted a month ago and was already acquiring an infamous reputation.

“Well, he picked a bad time, this prisoner is quite a hoof-full an-”

“That’s what your mother said the other night” Nigel provided, the guard he had interrupted clenching his jaw before turning around and exiting the dungeon. The two new guards looked at the retreating stallion with suprise, before the male took up position opposite Nigel, the female following shortly after, both guards looking straight ahead.

“Well,” started Nigel, adjusting his body to make himself more comfortable “what brings such fine company into my humble domain?”

“Don’t interact with it Midnight, the changeling only wants attention” the male guard spoke, his eyes not moving at all, although the female had glanced at Nigel when he spoke.

Nigel was annoyed that they were ignoring him; the fact that the male guard was right about him wanting attention also didn’t help.

“I’ll have you know you moron that I’m perfectly fine with sitting here by myself, all I did was ask a simple question, hoping to help make your job easier and more enjoyable but no, you want to just stand there like a statue and stare at my magnificent body” at this Nigel flexed an arm, not much happening as unlike most prisons his cell did not include a gym and the body he was currently occupying was not buff in the slightest.

The female Nigel now knew was named ‘Midnight’ giggled a little before she managed to supress it, the male shooting her a glance before glaring at Nigel,

“You’re not helping, just be quiet and be a good changeling”

“Screw that, this place is dull, at least in our prisons you get to see someone get shanked every second day”

The two guards looked at him with horrified expressions.

“You… you really mean that, someone gets killed almost every day?” Midnight stammered, the male guard too shocked to correct her for talking.

“More than that” continued Nigel “when you put a bunch of murderers in one place you’re bound to lose some, it’s not that much of a problem the way I see it, saves us from executing them”

Nigel was surprised when the mare looked at him in …pity?

“Where you come from must be really awful” she said.

“It’s not that bad, at least where I come from I don’t end up getting locked up purely because of what I look like. I mean, I did knock out that guard but the arse had it coming to him, interrupting my bath”

“Right, that’s it” the male guard found his voice “Changeling, stop bothering us and just go to sleep or something, I don’t want to hear any more of your lies, I was warned that you were crazy and you’re not helping your case, so just stop distracting us”

“I’ll have you know that my name’s Nigel and I’m not a ruddy Changeling, I’m a human you stupid horse and I go to sleep when I want to, not when a seven-year Old’s birthday present tells me to”

Nigel could see that the guard was not amused, the pony grinding his teeth, two fangs showing periodically. The mare however was looking at him in interest and he could see that she was mouthing ‘Nigel’ to herself, probably confused as to why he wasn’t called ‘Sparkling Lovekisses’ or ‘Rainbow Cuddles’ or some equally stupid pony name. Nigel decided that he had tormented enough guards for the day, rolling over so his back was facing the pair as he lay on the floor, refusing to fall asleep even though he body called for it, just to spite the guards.

____________________________________________________________________________

“Changeling, wake up!”

Nigel bolted awake at the sound of the voice, shaking his head and rolling over onto his side to face its source.

Standing outside of his cell was the large pony Princess from before accompanied by the officer who had arrested him. also present were several guards, all armoured in gold.

“What the hell do you want, can’t you see I’m sleeping?”

“Her Royal Majesty Princess Celestia” one of the normal guards announced “has decreed that any changeling found within Equestria is to be detain and questioned-“

“I’ll take it from here, Sergeant” the pony Captain interrupted before looking down at Nigel “Changeling-“

“My names Nigel, learn it already for it shall be the name that ye shall forever fear, foul beast”

The Captain rolled his eyes “Nigel, Princess Celestia would like to ask you a few questions due to your… state of mind”

“What, is she going to get you to ask them for her as well?” Nigel said as he looked up at the Princess, the white pony looking down at the Changeling with a warm expression.

“Well,” she began “at least your vocabulary has improved significantly since yesterday”

“I would like to enlighten you, my cherished arbitrator that my knowledge of literature, both verbal and transcribed is quite exemplarity, a flawless illustration of my vast wealth of intelligence and higher learning”

All of the ponies in the dungeon, including the normally stoic guards were trapped in states of shock, Nigel’s grasp upon the lang-

“Also, Bugger off you wench”

The Princess snapped out of her trance, a slight smile adorning her features

“Well, it’s a start, so let’s begin” the Princess gestured towards a nearby unicorn guard, the pony levitating a paper and quill in front of him “What is your name?”

“Nigel M Chalmers” Nigel replied, the pony scribbling down his answer. The Princess paused at this.

“And what, may I ask, does the M stand for?”

“Motherfucking” Nigel deadpanned, Celestia drawing back at the vulgarity

“Do I write that down?” questioned the guard

“That will not be needed Sergeant” Celestia responded before turning to face Nigel again “I’ll just leave it at ‘M’ for the time being, now, how did you breach our defences and infiltrate the city?”

“I fell from the sky out of a hole ripped in time and space that formed in my fridge”

The Sergeant once again stopped his notation “Do I put that down?”

Celestia sighed, “Yes Sergeant, from now on write down everything he says”

Nigel seized his opportunity.

“The Princess’s arse is as large as the sun, blotting out all light as it sways back and forth, its obscene size warping the very fabric of reality itself”

Silence reigned in the room, save for the scratching of the Sergeants quill. Every one of the ponies, including the Princess watched as he went about his task, documenting the sentence down to the very last letter.

“I think that’s all we’ll accomplish today,” the Princess declared “It’s almost time for day court, maybe Nigel will feel more co-operative after another day and night imprisoned”

The Princess began to leave accompanied by all of the guards except two. Just as she exited out of the door Nigel yelled after her.

“Don’t bet your fat flank on it you jezebel!”

____________________________________________________________________________

The clock once again struck seven, two more night guards releaving the day ones as Nigel watched. He was surprised when one of the bat-ponies gave him a little wave when the other wasn’t looking. He then recognised it as the mare from the night before, ‘Midnight’ he believed she was named. He waggled a hoof from his position on the ground in return, the mare’s face growing into a smile.

Just as the pair of guards had taken up positions the doors at the end of the corridor were flung open, another bat-pony rushing towards the cell.

“Sergeant Nightfall, Captain Equinox has requested that every available Lunar guard head to the barracks for an important meeting, with the exception of the patrols”

“I can’t leave, we have to guard this prisoner” the Sergeant replied, gesturing towards Nigel.

“That’s why I addressed you Sergeant, your subordinate has been ordered to remain” the messenger replied.

“But she’s only a rookie!” the Sergeant protested “What if the prisoner tries to escape?”

“I can’t even walk idiot,” Nigel supplied “how am I going to escape, propel myself along the ground using my mouth after biting through the metal bars with these pitiful teeth?” Nigel opened his mouth, two large solitary fangs it’s only occupants.

“You know what,” the Sergeant replied after looking at Nigel “Buck it, have fun rookie” with these words he departed with the messenger through the door, leaving the solitary guard alone with Nigel.

_________________________________________________________________________________

Midnight watched as the Sergeant left the room, leaving her alone with the changeling. The Nocturne mare had never seen a changeling before, the creatures being non-existent back in her home country. She looked back towards the changeling, the creature currently trying to walk but failing every time it tried to take a step. Midnight noticed that he seemed to be trying to walk with one leg at a time, instead of using a fore and hind leg at once.

“So is it true that you feed by stealing love from ponies?” she asked, curious as to how life was as a changeling. All she had been told was that they were able to change form to appear like ponies and that they fed on stolen love, most often by replacing a member of a pony family. The Changeling toppled over again, righting himself once more before he turned to answer her.

“I don’t have a single clue about what you’re talking about, I’ve only been a Changeling or whatever you called me since two days ago” the Changeling once again attempted to walk, only to fall down again.

Midnight watched the changeling as it continued to try to walk, her mind thinking about what the creature had said. He claimed that he had been Human; in fact he still believed he was one, whatever a ‘human’ was. Nocturnia was cut off from the rest of the world, many creatures feeling un-comfortable around the Bat-like ponies. This suited the Nocturnes fine, after all they were not the most outgoing of species, preferring to keep to themselves. In fact the only Nocturnes to see any of the rest of the world were the ones employed as Lunar Guards.Luna was held in very high regard by the Nocturne ponies and to serve as one of her guards was seen as a great honor.

While the idea that the changeling was insane seemed to be prevalent amongst the majority of the guards that had dealt with him, Midnight was not so sure. The changeling was having difficulty walking on four legs, seemed to be unaware of any details about its own race and as Midnight had noted the night before he even swore differently. While she could possibly attribute the difference in cursing to him being a Changeling it did not explain the other two points. He must either be a really good actor, insane or telling the truth and Midnight believed that it was the latter, primarily because for a creature that relies on love as a food source he wasn’t particularly lovable.

While he was fairly vulgar he only really seemed to target the ponies that responded negatively to him. After all, if she was in his place she wouldn’t be incredibly happy or co-operative either so she could understand that. She once again watched him as he fell over, the changeling scraping his jaw against the floor causing a small amount of green blood to dribble out. The changeling stared at the green fluid after having wiped his chin with a hoof.

“Nothing says ‘you’re an alien’ more than having green blood, just great”

“Do you need some help?” Midnight asked, a little concerned that if the changeling continued like he was he would end up hurting himself more.

“I need lots of help, care to be more specific?” he responded as he once again stood up, preparing to try again.

“With your walking” Midnight answered, moving a little closer to the bars, the changeling looking at her strangely.

“Aren’t you supposed to not ‘interact’ with me” the changeling sat on his rump, making some gestures with his hooves that Midnight did not understand. The changeling looked at his hooves with a longing look.

“I wish I had my fingers back” he mumbled, before standing back up once more and facing Midnight, his eyes scanning her body.

Midnight would normally have felt a bit uncomfortable with having a male look at her like the changeling was but she guessed that it was the first time the changeling had seen a Nocturne pony, just like he was the first changeling she had met. Midnight noticed that the changeling was paying particular attention to her purple wings, a confused look on his face.

“So how come you look half-bat, is that just how your species evolved or is the effect artificial?”

“It’s how we’ve always been, at least as far as I know” she replied, extending one wing so the changeling could see it more clearly “What about you, I mean humans, what are they like?”

The changeling sighed, sitting down in-front of her.

“You may want to take a seat” he said, Midnight sitting down in front of the bars at his recommendation.

“This is going to take a while…”

Confound That Changeling!

Just a warning that there are darker themes ahead, after this chapter it will lighten up. You have been warned.

________________________________________________________________________________

“So you really can travel up in space? That must be amazing!” exclaimed Midnight after Nigel had just finished talking about how his people travelled to different worlds. She had been a little disappointed when he said that he couldn’t tell her any specifics, due to it being classified. Part of her doubted that what he was saying was true but he described it so vividly she found herself completely hooked on every word the changel-… human uttered.

“It’s not really that big a deal when you spend pretty much every day up there” Nigel answered “Granted, it beats the view out of an office building any day but it just becomes the norm rather quickly” Nigel began to stretch his limbs as he sat “Well, I’ve told you about where I come from, it’s only fair that you tell me about your home.”

“Yeah, I guess that makes sense” Midnight replied as she shifted a little on the floor, having lain down during Nigel’s explanation.

“Well,” she began, “I was born in the Capitol of Nocturnia and I always dreamed of becoming a guard…”

______________________________________________________________________________

Captain Equinox entered the lower sections of the castle, a scowl plastered firmly on his face. The meeting had not gone well as many of his subordinates proved to be incredibly incompetent, it was a wonder that they got into the Lunar guard at all. He was heading towards the dungeon to check up on his newest acquisition, the rookie only having spent a few days as a guard so far.

The Captain had ordered that the Sergeant assigned to accompany her remain in the barracks, Equinox wanted to ensure that no one would interrupt the chat he intended to have with the recruit, hoping to add the new guard to his every-growing list of supporters. He had worked hard to secure his position, achieving the final rank after its previous holder had a freak accident concerning a crate of armour falling on him a month ago. It was truly a tragic day, who would have guessed that the rope suspending the crate could just suddenly snap like that, all by itself?

The Captain snickered to himself as he entered the prison wing, remembering the panic that the death had sparked. Thanks to his efforts he now had a substantial power base in Canterlot as well as his followers back in Nocturnia, a web of influence covering a substantial area.

He paused as he reached the door of the dungeon the rookie was guarding, his hoof poised to push open the door. Muffled voices could be heard through the door, the Captain gently opening the oaken door so as to avoid detection, creating a gap just large enough for him to look through.

“… and the city is located in a massive cavern in the side of the mountain, it really is a great place. I remember this one time…”

Equinox shut the door, his mind churning over what he had just witnessed. The rookie, a mare judging from the voice was lying down on the ground in front of the cell and talking to the prisoner like they were friends! The Captain tried to recall what the cell contained and why they were in there.

‘That’s right’ he thought as he began to walk back to his office ‘it’s that Changeling that was captured the other day, this information could prove to be quite useful.’

_____________________________________________________________________________

Midnight hummed merrily as she made her way towards the barracks, the rising sun signalling that her shift was over. It had been quite an enjoyable night with her and Nigel talking about one-another and learning new things. Midnight had even been able to teach the human to walk and while he still needed improvement he was able to move without falling over all the time. She had almost wanted to stay when the two Solar guards had arrived to relieve her, the human proving to be incredibly easy to talk to. Ever since she had left her home no-one would interact with her, Equestrians being uncomfortable around Nocturne ponies and most Nocturnes avoiding her as she was from an unknown family, prestige being a huge factor in Nocturne social structure.

Nigel was different however, the human not caring about how well off her family was or how important her father was. He treated her like an equal even though they had met only a day before and he had listened to her with interest, unlike others in her life. Her parents were caring but they always preferred her sister and brother over her, the two older siblings possessing charisma and charm while she was content to just enjoy her own company. She wasn’t un-attractive either, probably the only reason she was accepted into the guard, it being common knowledge that Princess Luna preferred to surround herself with good-looking guards to out-do her Sister, the Solar Guard relying on magical enhancements to maintain their appearance.

Midnight was just about to enter the barracks when another Lunar guard ran up to her, a private just like her.
“Private Midnight, the Captain has requested to see you in his office” the guard said, coming to a halt in front of the barracks door.

Midnight was puzzled, what could the Captain like to speak to her about?

“Did he say what for?” she asked the other guard, the messenger shaking his head.

“No he didn’t, he just told me to tell you to see him right away.”

“Okay, thanks then” Midnight said as she turned around and headed back towards the castle and the office of her Captain.

____________________________________________________________________________

Captain Equinox smiled as the rookie entered his office, the captain sitting down at his desk. The guard saluted after she entered, a little sloppily but that was expected given her experience.

“Private Midnight reporting as you ordered”

“At ease Private, please, take a seat” the Mare did as she was told, planting her rump on one of the pillows in front of the Captain’s desk.

“Now Private,” Equinox began “I called you up here to talk about a few things, first off I want to know how you’re doing so far and if there’s anything you’d like to ask?”

The private brightened at this, the young mare beaming at him.

“I’m really enjoying it Sir, it’s a great honour to be serving the Princess.”

“That’s good to hear Private” said Equinox with a false smile on his face, disappointed that the guard was just another blind follower of the false ruler “there is one thing I would like to ask you, what you think about the changeling we have captive?”

Private Midnight’s smile seemed to grow a little at the mention of the prisoner.

“I think he’s pretty nice Sir, he doesn’t seem that bad” the Private replied “why do you want to know, if that’s okay to ask Captain?”

“That’s the main reason I called you into my office, Midnight” Equinox answered as he got and walked over towards the private, stopping only when he was towering over her “I wanted to ask you what caused you to betray your people and Princess by providing the insect with information.”

The Private froze, the mare shocked by the accusation.

“I-I-I never d-did anything like that S-Sir,” she stuttered as she looked up towards the Captain, the officer’s calm tone doing nothing to calm her “I only talked to him about what it was like at home.”

“EXACTLY!” the Captain shouted, causing the terrified mare to flinch back “YOU GAVE INFORMATION ABOUT OUR HOME TO AN ENEMY, THREATING US ALL INCLUDING YOUR OWN FAMILY!”

The mare began to sob, the captain lowering his voice, a cold tone seeping in.

“You know the punishment our people have for treason against our nation, Midnight” the Captain said as he drew his sword with a wing, the mare’s eyes widening in fright at the sight of the black blade.

“Death” he finished, the blade swinging towards the Private’s neck.

“NO, PLEASE SIR!” she cried out, the Captain’s sword stopping mid arc, Equinox staring down at the Private with emotionless eyes. He had to admit that she was quite an attractive specimen and she did want to live…

A grin appeared on the Captain’s face as an idea popped into his head.

“I’ll offer you a deal, Midnight” he said as he sheathed his sword, the Mare looking at him with pleading eyes “I’ll be willing to forget this incident ever happened and will never speak of it again, on one condition…”

“What *sniff* do you want?” Midnight replied through her tears, the Captain’s hunger filled look sending shivers of terror through her body.

_________________________________________________________________________________

It had been a week since Nigel and Midnight talked and he hadn’t seen the mare since. Two new bat-ponies had been guarding him in her absence, the new-comers much less friendly towards him. Nigel figured that she must have been assigned to another area and he hoped that she would be back, after all it can get quite boring talking to one-self. He also wanted to thank her for her walking advice, Nigel finding it easy to walk now without falling over or stumbling.

Morning had arrived a few hours ago and Nigel had found himself passing the time by writing out the entire script for ‘Monty Python and the Holy Grail’ on the walls with a piece of chalk he had found, having memorised the entire 21st Century film word for word.

He was interrupted by the prison doors opening, Princess Celestia walking in surrounded by guards and that irritating surfer Captain.

“How is our guest this morning?” the Princess asked the guards when she reached Nigel’s cell.

“Quiet, your Majesty, he seems to have pre-occupied himself with scrawling gibberish on the cell walls.”

“I’ll have you know you uncultured heathen” Nigel began indignantly “that this work of art is one of the most brilliant pieces of film every created in all of existence!”

Every guard in the room rolled their eyes at his outburst, a lab-coated unicorn stepping out from the mass of guards from where it had concealed itself.

“You were right Princess” the Unicorn mare began, it’s tan mane cut short “this changeling is indeed an interesting subject.”

“You have to buy me dinner first” Nigel retorted, grinning at the blush that formed on the mare’s sun-yellow cheeks.

“Ignore him Bright Spark,” Celestia said as she looked at Nigel, an irritated look on her face “the changeling acts like this all of the time, what I want to know is how it is managing to feed, it’s had no source around since it was captured yet it still remains healthy.”

“Prisoner abuse! Where the hell is the Red Cross when you need them?” Nigel questioned, earning another glare from the Princess.

“I’ll try and find out Princess” the unicorn said, the scientist’s horn becoming wreathed in a blue glow. Everyone in the room watched as a blue beam connected with Nigel, his body beginning to glow with the same colour as the beam.

“What the…” Nigel said as he looked at a blue hoof “this cannot be healthy, I’m a fricken Smurf horse!” he shouted.

“Calm down changeling,” Bright Spark ordered, the beam from her horn stopping while the glow around Nigel remained “The spell will only find out who you are feeding from, it will happen shortl- there!”

Everyone in the room looked towards the changeling as a magical blue line began to extend from the glow, a single tendril floating towards the Princess. The wisp of magic was almost touching Celestia’s muzzle when it suddenly turned back around and flew back towards Nigel, the magical apparition disappearing once it touched his face.

“I cannot believe it Princess,” Bright Spark said, collapsing onto her rear at the sight she had just witnessed “The Changeling appears to be feeding… off itself.”

“I know he has an ego,” Princess Celestia began “but are you absolutely sure about that? There is no recorded instance of a Changeling that’s able to do such a thing.”

“I’m sure, Princess” replied Bright Spark “there is no doubt.”

”Why are you so surprised?” inquired Nigel, standing up and flexing a foreleg “I have the body of an Adonis, even if it is a body shaped like a small black horse. Throw in my infinite wit and amazing charm and you have a triple-a package which is made to please.”

As Nigel said this the blue glow intensified, the light beginning to blind the surrounding ponies.

“Cease the spell Bright Spark” the Princess commanded, the unicorn obeying the order causing the glow vanish without a sound.

The Princess stepped forward until her muzzle was almost poking through the bars of the cage.

“While this is un-expected” she began as she looked down upon Nigel “however it does work in our favour. You see Nigel, this means that we are able to keep you locked in here for as long as we need to, so I suggest that you begin to co-operate a little more.”

“You can count on me to get answers Princess” Captain Armour said as he stood next to Celestia, the guard captain looking at Nigel with a smirk “What do you have to say about that, changeling?”

Nigel took a deep breath and stood on his hind legs, supporting himself by placing his front hooves against the cell bars. He glared defiantly out at the assembled ponies before fixing his gaze upon the Captain and Princess.

“As I walk through the Valley of Death, I fear no evil. For I am the most evil, badarse motherfucker to ever walk-through said Valley. The denizens of the valley all look upon me and flee for their lives as they know of the things of which I am capable. Cower, simple ponies as compared to you I am a God, a being of un-stoppable power that you have displeased. I am merely biding my time, awaiting the perfect moment to swiftly and painfully end your pathetic lives for the crimes you have committed. Pray, pray to every deity that you have, for when I exact my retribution the very planet you stand upon shall weep at the suffering you shall encounter.”

The room was silent, Nigel’s speech having rattled the ponies present, all of their mouths agape. Without a word the Princess turned and left, exiting out through the doorway with her guards and the Captain in tow. After all of the ponies had left the Captain stuck his head through the door.

“You’re a complete Nutjob” he declared as he looked at Nigel.

“Love you too!” Nigel yelled after him, before the door slammed shut, leaving Nigel alone, the former human picking up his chalk between his two hooves to resume his work.

___________________________________________________________________________

*Knock knock*

“Enter” spoke Equinox, the door to his office opening and three ponies walking in, the door being shut behind them. Flanked by two Unicorns of the Lunar guard, the Equestrians drafted in to provide the Lunar guard with magical support was Private Midnight, the mare looking a little worse for wear.

“Ah, Private Midnight, I’ve been expecting you, please make yourself at home.”

The mare refused to move, glaring at the Captain from her spot between the two unicorns.

“Don’t be like that,” the Captain said as he inspected one of his hooves for dirt “you were much more… vocal the other night.”

The mare blushed as he said this, Midnight glancing sideways at the two unicorns before facing the Captain once more, a little less defiant.

“What do you want?” she asked dejectedly.

“Well,” Equinox began “I’ve been informed that you’ve been feeling a bit under the weather and I thought I’d check up on you, considering your recent activities.”

“What do you mean by that?” Midnight asked, before she felt a tingling around her lower body, one of the unicorn’s horn emitting a glow. The spell cut out, the unicorn to the left of Midnight stepping towards the Captain.

“It’s confirmed Sir, she is with a foal.”

“No, it can’t be…” Midnight stammered before she looked up towards Equinox with tear filled eyes “Please, you have to help me, please sir!”

Captain Equinox looked down at the begging mare, the tears flowing from the distraught pony’s eyes.

“No, you know the rule regarding this and yet you still chose to break it” the Captain said as he smirked, leaving out the fact that he was the one who had forced her to break it. He turned to the two unicorns standing beside the sobbing mare, the two part of a group of trusted soldiers and he knew that they would not speak of what had happened.

“Take Midnight to the barracks, she has an hour to gather her possessions and then she is to leave the castle, never to return."

The two unicorns saluted, pulling the pitiful former Lunar Guard with them. Equinox smiled as they left, the Captain reaching onto his desk and grabbing his sword. He had a certain prisoner that he wanted to say hello to.

______________________________________________________________________________

“Fetch the Holy Hand Grenade” Nigel murmured to himself as he wrote down the line, only one wall of the cell left unmarked by chalk. He paused as the dungeon doors opened, a new bat-pony walking towards his cell. The pony was armoured in fancier armour, the purple metal highlighted with spots of silver. The pony looked much like Nigel’s current guards, save that his head was bare, no helmet resting on the newcomer’s cranium. Nigel assumed that he was an officer of some sort, a fact that was confirmed when the two guards saluted, the only movement they had seemingly made all night.

“At ease, please step outside of the room, I wish to talk with the prisoner in private.”

The two guards looked at each other before leaving their posts, the two stallions exiting the room, the door swinging shut behind them. The newcomer looked towards Nigel with an eager look in his eyes.

“So, if it isn’t the insane changeling the entire castle is going crazy over, I’ve been waiting for a chance to meet you.”

Nigel looked at the pony with a bored expression.

“That’s pretty poor coming from an animal like you; shouldn’t you be outside chewing on some grass?” He said, the visitor already getting on his nerves.

“Now that’s a bit harsh, and here I was about to tell you about you friend, Midnight I think she was called.” The pony replied.

This got Nigel’s attention “I suppose I could will myself to stand your nauseating existence for a few moments, just what do you have to tell me then?”

The pony chuckled, his laughter revealing his two fangs as he smiled “I just wanted to tell you that your precious friend is gone forever, you’re never going to see her again and as a result you’re going to rot in this cell forever alone, how sad.” The pony responded before turning around and walking back towards the exit.

“So what, you just come down here to gloat about that?” Nigel called out after the retreating pony.

“Yes indeed” the pony yelled back.

“Wow” began Nigel “You must have a really small penis if you need to do that”

The pony stopped mid-stride, Nigel’s words getting to him. Nigel decided to continue upon seeing the success of his insult.

“I mean, you must have a serious problem if you have to resort to that, I mean you look like something that would exit a sphincter so I guess it’s not just the size that’s the issue…”

“SHUT YOUR MOUTH!” the pony roared as he turned and bolted back to the cell, the pony standing outside the bars snorting through his nostrils. He used a leathery wing to plug a key hidden in his armour, placing it into the cells lock and turning it, stepping into the cell with Nigel as it opened.

“What’s the problem?” Nigel asked as he looked at the armoured pony without a trace of fear in his eyes and a large smile planted on his face “were my observations… ‘Inadequate’?”

The bat-pony rushed forward, his metal-clad hooves striking Nigel across the body in a flurry of blows, knocking Nigel to the ground.

“I haven’t got a problem you insect” the pony said as he smacked a hoof into Nigel’s left cheek, causing a crack to form in the chitin, green blood beginning to spill out “I just came back to tell you that I bucked your friend last week and gave her a bastard foal, all because of the fact that she was afraid I would execute her after I found out about your little chat” the pony delivered another hit to Nigel’s belly, hitting the soft flesh causing a bruise “she’s out of the guard and never allowed back.”

The pony ceased the beating and used his hooves to pull the bleeding form of Nigel up to eye level, one of the changeling’s eyes beginning to swell up.

“Come on funny bug, where’s your jokes now?” the pony asked as he looked into Nigel’s eyes. Nigel spat a glob of green blood onto the front of the pony’s armour before replying.

“I’ve got one, and it’s guaranteed to ‘bowl’ you over” he said.

The pony looked slightly confused, his distraction allowing Nigel to slam the metal water bowl he had managed to pick up with a foreleg into the side of the pony’s head, dropping the officer to the ground.

Nigel pushed the unconscious body off of him, shakily standing over the pony.

“Oh and I know you can’t hear me but you hit like a little bitch, the only joke i know is passed out on the floor.”

Nigel wiped a trail of blood from the corner of his mouth, moving to walk out of the cell. He stopped however, remembering what the pony had said while it was attacking him. While he wasn’t indebted towards Midnight, what had happened to her was partly his fault in a way. Nigel felt a pang of guilt run through him, an unusual feeling for the normally callous soldier at the thought of the young mare alone in the city with a child in her womb. A child belonging to the piece of trash currently lying on the floor of the cell…

Nigel eyed the sword attached to a strap on the pony’s armour, an idea forming inside his head.

“It’s a shame that you’re not awake to experience this” Nigel lamented as he drew the sword from the scabbard, finding that the grip fitted perfectly in one of the holes in his front leg. Nigel rolled the pony’s body over, exposing the revenge-driven being’s target.

“Guess I’ll have to have enough fun for the both of us…”

___________________________________________________________________________

Nigel whistled a jolly tune as he walked away from the palace, cloaked in a midnight blue cape that concealed his form. After he had escaped the cell he had found the cloak in a laundry cart outside the dungeon, Nigel having knocked out the two guards standing outside of the prison door. The bat-ponies obviously been expecting their officer to walk out, instead they got a human-turned-changeling wielding a metal pole, a pole that had soon made contact with their heads. Nigel had salvaged the improvised weapon from a broken cabinet, not wanting to kill the guards as it would no-doubt draw un-necessary heat once Princess Sun-arse found out about Nigel’s escape.

Nigel had at first had some difficulty when he tried to pick up the pole but it seemed like his hooves could somehow ‘grip’ metal objects. Nigel just chalked it up as another law of physics that this planet wanted to screw with and if it assisted him with attacking others than it was a plus in his books.

The cloaked changeling turned down an alleyway, the streets of the city empty except for a few drunks stumbling home from a bar in the distance, the drinking establishment the only building with lights on in the immediate vicinity. He planned to leave the city while night was still prevalent, hoping to put as much distance between the ponies and himself. Maybe he could find one of these other civilisations that Midnight had told him about, something regarding Griffons, Minotaurs and Zebras. He rounded a bend in the ally, this section covered with trash and the debris that accompanies city life, piles of cardboard boxes and papers littering the path.

Nigel halted as what he had first thought was a pile of rubbish moved, a sob emerging from the figure as a pair of golden, slitted eyes looked at him. He edged a bit closer to the figure, attempting to appear as non-threatening as he possibly could. The alley was poorly lit, both a blessing and a curse as Nigel’s changeling body was hidden but the form of the figure was concealed as well, Nigel only seeing enough to identify that it was a pony.

“Who’s the-there?” a female voiced choked out, the mare quite clearly distressed. Nigel swore that he had heard the voice before when suddenly it clicked together in his mind. The familiar voice, the dark furred body, the golden slitted eyes…

“Midnight?” Nigel asked the figure, the figure looking at him once more.

“Nigel?” she replied back, Nigel stepping closer towards her, his eyes finally able to pierce the gloom.

Pressed up against the stone wall sat Midnight, the bat-pony mare clutching a small bag to her chest with her front hooves. The mare had clearly been crying, long wet furrows in her fur under her eyes leading to a large wet patch on her chest. Midnight was staring at him in disbelief, Nigel moving down to sit beside her as he shoved a cardboard box out of the way.

Nigel almost jerked back as a light purple hoof reached out and touched him on the face, passing over the cut that was leaking green vital fluid. Midnight drew her hoof back and looked at it, studying the green blood that coated it with disbelieving eyes. She turned back to face Nigel, hope filling her golden cat-like eyes.

“You’re real, you’re really real” she said as looked into his blue eyes.

“Of course I am, I’d be a pretty poor excuse of a mirage in my current state” Nigel joked before his tone turned into one of concern.

“What are you doing out in this alley Midnight?”

Midnight embraced him from the side, the mare beginning to sob once more.

“I had no-where else to go, I was thrown out of the guard for talking to you and I didn’t have enough money for a hotel room, let alone enough to afford a trip back home” the mare hugged Nigel a little tighter “that’s even considering that my family would want me back, after all I’m nothing but a failure and a whorse” she glanced down at her belly as she said ‘whorse’, Nigel understanding what the name most likely meant.

“Don’t say that, your family should care for you no-matter what” he answered, the mare once again looking at him “and as for the last bit I don’t think you either of those things, that pony officer told me what happened and I don’t think you did anything wrong. You did what you had to do to survive; no one could fault you on that.”

Midnight let out a sniffle “you said that he told you?”

“Yes, he told me the whole story” Nigel replied as he wrapped a foreleg around her “after which I beat the stuffing out of him and escaped. I had planned to leave the city tonight but I’m sure that can wait a few days.”

A breeze blew through the alley, the cold gust of air causing Midnight to shiver dispite her fur. Nigel removed the cloak and placed it over the pair, Midnight hugging his bare body as she pushed her head against his left shoulder.

“What if he comes after us, he said that if I told anyone about what he did then he would kill me” Midnight said as she snuggled against Nigel’s chest.

“I wouldn’t worry too much about him chasing us” responded Nigel as he made himself comfortable, preparing to spend the rest of the night in Midnight’s embrace.

“Let’s just say that I don’t think he has the balls.”

Every Night Has A Dawn

Midnight blinked her eyes open, the mare awaking from a troubled slumber. Her dreams had been plagued by nightmares, all of them revolving around a certain Lunar guard Captain. The mare shivered a little as she remembered the content of one particular dream. Had she been shunned by the Princess, Luna deciding she was unfit for protection?

Midnight leaned in closer to the object she was resting against, the warmth emanating from it drawing her closer. A chill breeze had picked up, Hearts Warming Eve rapidly approaching and the snow would no doubt begin to fall in the next few days. She jolted a bit as a fore-leg rubbed her back, the mare startled by the movement. The memories of the night before flooded back to her however and her body relaxed, Midnight recalling that she fell asleep in the arms of her friend.

She looked up at Nigel, the human watching the entrance of the alley with his unusual eyes. Midnight had been told that the only known changeling to possess normal looking eyes was the Queen that had attacked Canterlot a month ago. Maybe Nigel was a special sort of changeling or the eyes were left over from his original form. Midnight hugged him a little tighter, Nigel the only friend she had left. The mare let out a sniffle as she thought about what her family’s reaction would be when they found out about Midnight’s dismissal from the guard, not to mention the fact that she was pregnant. No matter what Nigel said, Midnight knew that they would not be pleased, Nocturne society looking down heavily upon both failures and bastard children.

“Morning sleepy head, sleep well?”

Midnight looked towards Nigel, the human having halted his watching of the alley entrance to smile at her.

“No, I didn’t Nigel,” Midnight replied as she shuddered “I kept on dreaming that Equinox had found us and had us hunted down, It was terrible.”

Midnight felt a solid hoof pat her on the back as Nigel attempted to comfort her.

“Don’t worry about him Midnight, if that wanker tries anything I’ll kick his arse. However,” Nigel paused, his smile growing wider, “I don’t think he’ll be in any condition to pursue us in the foreseeable future, my main concern is the rest of the guard.”

“Where are we going to go Nigel? Knowing the guard they’ll search the entire city for you, and they won’t give up until you’re captured.” Midnight shifted in his grip, the blue cloak covering them both, protecting them somewhat from the harsh breeze blowing through the alley.

“Well,” began Nigel, “maybe it would be best if you left the city without me and the-“

“No!” interrupted Midnight “Please don’t go, I can’t deal with this by myself!”

“Midnight” Nigel replied calmly, “I won’t leave you by yourself but if I stand any chance of leaving this city alive then we need to split up”
Nigel placed his free fore-hoof on the front of Midnight’s muzzle to halt the objection she was about to voice. “Think about it,” he continued “You will be able to leave the city by yourself without drawing attention and without being stopped by the guard. I’ll leave by other means and meet you outside, are there any landmarks that you know about that I can meet you at?” Nigel removed his hoof from the mare’s muzzle, allowing Midnight to reply.

“There’s a large stone statue of two solar guards at the bottom of the mountain, that’s the only one that I know of” Midnight answered, Nigel leaving the embrace as he stood up, fastening the cloak around his body so that his form was hidden, four ebony hooves the only part of him that was visible. He looked down at Midnight, the mare standing as she grabbed her bag with her mouth before placing it around her neck, the light purple strap ensuring it was secure.

“You promise that you’ll find me?” she asked. Nigel walked forward and placed a hoof on Midnight’s shoulder.

“I promise, we’ll meet at statues before nightfall then we can figure out where to go from there. If I don’t show up then it means I either got captured or killed so in that case I want you to head to the nearest settlement and stay there, don’t come and try to save me okay, I’ve already caused enough problems for you.”

Nigel removed his hoof and began to walk towards the alley entrance.

“I don’t blame you for what happened Nigel,” Midnight said softly, Nigel halting at her words. “You didn’t do anything wrong and the fact that you’re going so far to help me really means a lot.” Nigel turned around at this, Midnight scuffing one of her hooves on the ground as she spoke, “You're one of the best friends I’ve ever had and I just want to say thanks for doing this, I really hope I can pay you back one day.”

“Midnight,” Nigel began as looked at the mare from under his cloak, “I don’t pretend that I’m a nice or caring person, truth is I’m a complete arse and my performance over the last couple of days has been a shining example of that fact. You looked past that and still persisted in trying to make my experience in your world more enjoyable so you have nothing to pay me back for. I’m not going to lie, what happens after this will most likely be painful and hard, but if you want to go ahead with this then you should know that I will always be by your side through it all.”

Midnight pulled Nigel into a hug at his words, nuzzling the surprised changeling as she whispered “Please stay safe and make it out, you mean a lot to me.”

“I will,” Nigel replied as he returned the affection, somehow feeling more energised at the mare’s contact “compared to some of the other things I’ve done escaping from a pony-filled city as a black horse-bug should be a piece of cake. I suggest you fly up and head in another direction, if anything happens you don’t know me, I’m just the prisoner you were guarding before you left the guard alright?”

“Yes, I don’t know you at all, you’re just that silly changeling that thinks he’s a human” Midnight responded as she broke the hug, a smile on her face.

Nigel grinned back at her, “you got that right, now go on, I’ll leave five minutes after you and we’ll meet up later okay?”

“Okay!” Midnight confirmed, her purple wings flapping as she flew over the alley wall, leaving Nigel alone, the former human adjusting the cloak that surround him as he made his way to the Alley mouth in preparation for his escape.

__________________________________________________________________________________________

It had been an hour and Nigel had travelled about three hundred meters, guard patrols and pony civilians slowing his progress considerably. The sun had just arisen and Nigel could see that a mass of guards were flying around the castle, no-doubt having discovered his escape. Nigel guessed that the ponies would most likely search every inch of the castle first before moving onto the city, leaving him with some time to escape.

He had been moving from one alley to another, many ponies out on the streets despite the early hour. He rounded a bend in a back street, a passing mare giving the cloaked figure a curious glance before he disappeared around the corner. Nigel halted and ducked behind a crate, a large amount of activity happening in the area that the street led to.

He poked his head around the corner of the box marked ‘bananas’, a picture of Celestia above the word. Out the front of a building, the large structure appearing to serve as a warehouse of some sort was a number of covered carts currently being unloaded by a multitude of pony workers. The ponies were moving crates marked with various pictures of produce from the carts into the warehouse and replacing them with empty boxes. Nigel pulled his head back and pressed his body against the crate as three ponies moved to pick up a crate beside the one he was hiding against.

“This the last one?” A male voice inquired.

“Nah, this one then the one for bananas, only two left though so the sooner we get this done the quicker we can finish this convoy” another replied.

“Okay,” the first voice again “On three, One, two, three!”

Nigel heard three grunts as the ponies picked up the adjacent crate and began to move it towards the wagon. He looked at the box he was splayed against, an idea entering his mind.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Midnight made her way towards the main gate of Canterlot, many of the Equestrians shooting her odd looks as she passed, the ponies not used to seeing a Nocturne out of armour. She tried to move as fast as she could, walking to the gate instead of flying, the mare reasoning that a flying Nocturne would attract too much attention. The small amount of bits in her purple bag jingled as they clinked together, the small amount of currency her only possessions that she had with her.

As she neared the gate a large group of guards rushed past her, heading back towards the castle. Midnight felt a brief pang of fear run through her, concerned for Nigel’s safety. She gulped as she dwelled upon the human’s fate if he was caught, no doubt the Princesses would take no second chances. With a start she realised that she had been standing in the middle of the road, the surrounding ponies starting at her in confusion. Midnight blushed as she continued walking towards the gate, her pace quickened.

When she arrived at the open barrier she glanced nervously at the surrounding guards, five spear-armed solar guard watching the gate. As Midnight exited through the gate she felt the guards’ stares on her back, hoping that they would allow her to pass withou-

“You, Bat-Pony, Halt!”

Midnight stopped and turned around, muttering a curse under her breath as one of the guards approached her, the guard’s face harbouring a confused look.

“Why are you in the city, Miss, I thought the only Bat-ponies in Equestria were part of the Lunar guard?”

Midnight attempted to smile at the unicorn, trying to desperately keep the fear from showing on her face.

“I was visiting my Sister, she’s in the guard and she doesn’t get much time off so I thought I’d visit her instead.”

“I see,” replied the guard “and do you have a way to get home? Most of you Bat-ponies arrive on the train.”

“Um, yes we do but you see I’m going to visit an old friend of mine who lives outside of Canterlot while I’m in Equestria, it’s his… twenty first birthday tomorrow.”

“I better not keep you then, look after yourself, a changeling is reported to be lose in the city so please report any suspicious activity to the nearest guard.”

“Thankyou Sir, I’ll make sure to do exactly that” she replied, the guard giving her a nod before he began to trot back to his position. Midnight let out a sigh of relief before continuing down the road, two stone statues at the base of the mountain her destination.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

It had taken her four hours of constant walking but she had finally made it to the two statues, the mare plopping down in the shadow of the left one, the stone pony raising a hoof out in a salute with the pony pointing outwards from Canterlot. Her belly grumbled, the mare not having had anything to eat since the night. She checked her bag, a futile action as the only items within the satchel were a mass of coins, not edible in the slightest. She gave a sigh, resting her head against the cool stone of the statue as she tried to ignore the pangs from her stomach.

Her thoughts drifted to the creature she was supposed to be meeting at this spot, Midnight wondering whether her friend managed to escape the city. To be honest she wasn’t sure about how she would be able to function without the input from Nigel, the weight of her current situation over-riding all of her other thoughts.

Midnight looked down at her stomach, more specifically the space slightly below it. In her womb lay the child of Equinox, the monster that had taken from her something she could never get back. She rubbed the spot of flesh, the coat slightly thinner in that area. She mulled over the idea of getting rid of the child, Midnight having heard of unicorn doctors that could perform the procedure, however an abortion was a rare occurrence from what she had heard back in Nocturnia as the act was frowned upon in both countries.

She let out another sigh, realising that even if she found a doctor willing to perform the procedure she would most likely not be able to go through with it. After all, the foal was hers no matter who the father was and she couldn’t see herself ending its life purely because of the stallion that had spawned it. She rolled over onto her side and lay in the grass, the cool leafy blades providing quite a comfortable spot. Midnight had almost drifted off to sleep, the warm sun’s rays heating her tired body.

Her eyes burst open when she heard a rustling from beside her, another body sitting down about a meter from her. Midnight’s head darted up, the mare jumping upright as she turned to face the intruder.

Midnight flung herself around Nigel, the changeling falling onto his back surprised by the mare’s sudden movement.

“You made it out! How did you get through all of the guards around the city?”

Nigel stared at the mare pinning him to the ground, the changeling nudging her so that she rolled over to the side. Midnight rested her head on Nigel’s chest and looked up at him, awaiting his answer.

Nigel was slightly concerned by the clinginess of the mare, her affection seemingly crossing the line of ‘friendship’ and entering the ‘romantic interest’ area. As soon as this thought entered his mind he dismissed it, after all Midnight was a different species so maybe these ponies showed affection differently to humans. As he thought about it the idea seemed more plausible, Nigel recalling that horses on Terra nuzzled each other often so it probably didn’t mean anything more than close-friendship.

He looked at the mare, Midnight staring up at him from her position on his chest, their faces dangerously close.

“It was quite easy really, all I did was conceal myself in an empty crate that was due to be taken out of the city and wait until the cart began to move. I waited until I heard the guards at the gate let the wagon through then I opened the crate and got out. Then all I had to do was wait until I saw the statues on this hill and then I jumped out of the wagon. No-one else was around so after the cart had left I made my way up here where I found you in the grass.”

Midnight let out a giggle as Nigel said the last part, the mare adopting a thoughtful expression before it turned into a small smile.

“Hey Nigel,” she began, her voice soft “I really appreciate what you’ve done; I know I said it before but thanks.”

“No problem, I’d be a complete toss if I just left you like that” he replied, eliciting another smile from Midnight. “After all, I am a Gentleman first and foremost” he finished, raising his head like a high-class noble would.

Midnight broke into full-blown laughter at Nigel’s gesture, Nigel laughing along with her. Midnight stopped as she looked up at him, the creature that despite all of his own problems had stuck by her, even going so far as to assault a Lunar guard Captain because of what that pig of a Stallion had done. She looked at his face, the cut on the left side-cheek crusted over with green blood. She glanced down at his chest, a few dark green blotches covering the black chitin where armoured hooves had made contact.

“Um, Nigel, I just got an idea of how to thank you for everything” she said as she looked back up at his face.

“Really, what did you have in min-“

Nigel was cut off as Midnight locked his lips with hers, the mare humming in enjoyment. Nigel felt a burst of energy flow from the mare into him, re-vitalising him almost like he had been injected with combat stimulants. He felt the cut on his cheek begin to fade and the aches around his body dull until they were numb.

Midnight broke the kiss, looking at Nigel’s surprised face. Her face felt hot, red no doubt showing through her dark cheeks as she placed her head back down on his chest.

To say Nigel was surprised was an understatement, at least he now knew for certain how the mare truly felt about him. While he wasn’t completely opposed to the idea of a relationship now was not the right time. He could understand why she felt the way she did towards him, Nigel most likely serving as the only sort of contact that Midnight had in this troublesome time. It would be completely natural for the mare to bond to the closest support she had access to, in this case Nigel. He had to choose his next words carefully, not wanting to upset the poor mare anymore then he had to.

“Midnight,” he began, the mare looking at him with a blush on her cheeks. “I know you’re going through a tough time and you feel like you’re under-valued, but I just think that right now is not the best time for us to… become closer then we already are.”

At his words Midnights face fell, the mare looking at him with despair on her features.

“Hang on, I’m not finished” Nigel quickly added upon seeing how devastated the mare was. “I’m okay if you want to act more… affectionate it’s just that with the current circumstances I think we need to be able to think clearly okay. Do you understand what I’m getting at here?”

“So… you’re not turning me down, you just think I should wait until we’re away from any danger?” She replied, hitting Nigel with a big doe-eyed stare. Every single fibre of Nigel’s being was screaming at him the get the hell out of there but he couldn’t bring himself to do it. Rejecting the mare while she was in this emotional turmoil would most likely shatter her, leading to a whole wealth of problems. Weighing up the possible gains and losses, Nigel prepared to answer her.

“Yes, I think that it would be for the best if you wait at least until they stop sending guards after me okay, I just don’t want you to get caught up anymore in this train wreck then you already have.”

Midnight sighed as she placed her head back down of Nigel’s chest, still not fully convinced with his answer. Her stomach let out a growl, the mare putting a hoof down to rub it. Nigel noticed this, remembering some items he had ‘liberated’ from the wagon he had snuck out in, a few crates containing some items of use. He reached over and unwrapped his cloak which he had bundled up, revealing a few boxes that had been concealed in the cloth. Nigel snared a box with a picture of a blue-berry muffin on the top, opening it with a hoof.

The aroma of bakery products filled the air, Midnight’s nose wrinkling as the mare smelt the food, lifting her head to gaze at the box. Nigel offered the box to her, the mare looking at him before she picked up a muffin in her hooves.

“Thanks” she mumbled, a small smile having returned to her face as she began to eat, the two mismatched creatures leaning back against the grass as they snuggled against each other, watching the clouds in the sky while they awaited nightfall.

Crouching Changeling, Plugged-up Prince

“I still don’t think that travelling to Nocturnia is a good idea, there’s no way that my parents would take me back.”

Nigel looked at Midnight as the pair walked side-by-side down the side of the road, the moonlight providing ample light to travel by.

“It’s not just about your parents, think about it. Nocturnia from what you have told me is separate to Equestria, therefore I doubt Royal Guard will look for me there. Nocturnes haven’t had much contact with changelings and hopefully a lot of the bias you told me about doesn’t exist there. It’s also the closest country from where we are, should only be a few days of travel.”

“I guess you’re right,” Midnight said, the mare lowering her head. “I just don’t want to have to face my parents over what’s happened, I know they’ll hate me for it.”

“No they won’t, you’re their daughter and although I can’t speak from experience a parent will always look after their child.”
Nigel knew that what he just said was not true in the slightest, however the words served their purpose and Midnight’s mood seemed to improve, the mare raising her head with a smile.

“Thanks Nigel, you always know what to say to make me feel better.”

Nigel didn’t reply, knowing that Midnight’s parent’s reactions would no doubt not be as welcoming as he indicated.

The two beings pressed on in silence for a few hours, the moon steadily arching in the sky. Nigel was surprised that the majority of the terrain seemed to mainly consist of green fields with the occasional forest or mountain. The road they were using as a navigation guide was well-travelled from the looks of it, the plain dirt road beaten flat by many hooves. Lakes and rivers broke up the bland countryside somewhat, the waters crystal clear according to Midnight. The mare had stopped to quench her thirst at a few that they had passed, Nigel only stopping to drink at one. It seemed that his new body did not require as much water as a human or pony, a plus in Nigel’s opinion.

The two’s journey so far had been uneventful, it appeared as if no-one else travelled at night meaning that there had been no reason to stop and hide. This allowed the two to travel at a decent pace, a lot of ground having been covered in a small amount of time.

“Nigel, can we stop for a bit?” inquired Midnight, the Nocturne mare panting a little. “My hooves are killing me.”

Nigel stopped walking, feeling no fatigue at all which intrigued him. He looked at the mare and smiled warmly. “Sure, if you want we can stop more often, considering your condition. I’ve got a theory I want to test while we have a moment.”

“What theory?” Midnight asked as she sat down, resting her back against a flat boulder beside the trail.

“I never told you much about what I do for a living, did I Midnight?” Nigel replied as he sat down next to her.

The mare looked at him thoughtfully. “All you said was that you were a soldier in the ‘ISA’ Department of your Military’s Intelligence Division.”

“Well,” Nigel started, “As an agent of the ISA I was augmented to better preform my duties via the use of Biological science. What that means is that my body’s genetic code was tweaked slightly to enhance and add abilities.”

Nigel paused to allow Midnight to absorb the information, the mare enraptured with the details. During their earlier talks she had expressed great interest in the advances that the UIP had made in regards to technology, Midnight being especially amazed by the existence of space-travel. Nigel held a black hoof up to his face, studying it and the attached leg for the upcoming test.

“Nothing major, unlike some agents but minor upgrades that are mainly focused around survivability for instance,” Nigel bit into his leg with his two fangs, Midnight’s eyes widening as she let out a gasp. Two small punctures in the chitin began to leak green blood, Nigel licking some residue off of his fangs.

“Hmmm, sure doesn’t taste coppery. I wonder what it’s made of…?” Nigel pondered as Midnight stared at him with concern.

“Are you alright!?” she exclaimed as she held his injured leg with her hooves, staring at the green blood with alarm. Midnight looked up at him, “Why did you do that!?”

“Testing a few ideas, don’t worry too much, I feel fine which confirms one theory” Nigel answered as he gave her an apologetic smile, the mare reluctantly letting go of the injured limb. “I hardly felt that bite and considering it went in quite deep that would be unusual. I don’t know a lot about changeling biology but a normal creature would certainly feel a wound that large. Considering the fact that this experience as well as my encounter with the charming Equinox”-Midnight scowled at the name-“did not hurt as much as one would expect leads me to believe that I still possess heightened pain resistance. However this test proved that I am missing at least one modification.”

Midnight glanced at him, “Which one?”

“Enhanced blood clotting” Nigel responded, both beings looking at the bite-marks, blood still slowly trickling out, “by now the wounds would have ceased to bleed. A shame too, that one is always handy in a scrap.”

“Just how many changes did you have?” Midnight questioned as she adjusted her position, angling herself so that she was able to extend her wings. Nigel watched the wings closely as the mare flexed and stretched them.

“Not too much myself, only the two I already mentioned, faster blood production and hyper oxygenated blood which means that each blood cell carries more oxygen around resulting in increased stamina.”

“Not much? How far do your people go?”

“Well there’s this one guy I know,” started Nigel as Midnight continued to stretch, “he took a high-explosive rocket to the chest and although his armour saved his life his body was trashed. The medics got to him in time and he was stabilised before he was returned to a Military medical facility. They replaced the majority of his damaged organs with artificial ones that preformed ten-times better and replaced three of his limbs with military prosthetics. Ten days later and he’s back on the battlefield out-preforming every other soldier present.”

Midnight paused her stretching as she stared at Nigel. “He lost three limbs and they sent him back to war after only ten days!?” she exclaimed.

“A wounded soldier is of no-use to anyone so the faster they get fixed the better. That’s one of the advantages of war, your medical technology evolves quickly along-side your military, and considering that the UIP is participating in at least three major wars at any one time…” Nigel trailed off, leaving Midnight to piece the information together.

“Constant war…” the mare replied awestruck. “Why do you fight so much?” she asked as she looked to the changeling sitting beside her.

Nigel let out a little chuckle at her query. “We’re a large Empire and we stop at nothing to get what we want, that tends to not make us many friends. You’d be surprised at the amount of times I’ve been asked that question.”

“Please don’t get mad Nigel,” Midnight began hesitantly, “but is the UIP, your Empire… evil?”

“It’s okay Midnight to ask questions, that one is also a frequent one. It all depends on your definition of evil. We, meaning the UIP, put our own citizens first above everything. We’re not afraid to declare war at the slightest provocation; we’ve annihilated entire planets and solar systems to end said conflicts and if someone threatens us then we’ll crush them and make all efforts to ensure that no threat remains.

However we also attempt diplomacy when it is feasible, have a very strong stance against slavery, rape and other vile practices and if we encounter another civilization in need that is not an enemy of ours then we will provide assistance if we are able. That is the way it has always been and that is the way it will stay. While we do commit atrocities from time-to-time we aren’t complete arseholes, as long as you stay out of our way we don’t bother you. Does that make sense to you?”

Midnight slowly nodded her head, moving closer to Nigel so that the side of her body rested against his. “I can see where you’re coming from, while the fact that your Empire has done terrible things like killing entire races is horrible I don’t think you could do anything so terrible” she commented as she rubbed her head against Nigel’s shoulder.

“I’m glad I haven’t” Nigel lied, deciding that it wasn’t the best time to let the mare know about his violent track-record and the fact that he had personally ordered multiple genocides in the past. Granted he only had done so against foes with no hope of redemption but he doubted Midnight would see it that way and the prospect of the mare fearing him disturbed him greatly. In cases like this, he reasoned that the lie was justified as it couldn’t do any harm.

“That’s good to hear, I know you’re not evil even though you do act like it sometimes” Midnight sighed as she pressed against the changeling as she lay her head on Nigel’s shoulder. Nigel felt energy flow through his body once again, the changeling looking at the mare as he pondered what it could mean.

After an hour's rest the duo had continued onwards, the pause re-vitalising the both of them. Midnight had eaten again, the pair down to the last few muffins. Nigel had been sceptical at first of the mare’s supposed ability to carry the box of treats on her back but his doubt was soon gone, Midnight proving capable of transporting the box, the mare using her wing to stop it from falling to the sides.

The moon had begun to descend in the night sky, morning drawing ever-closer. No-one else had been encountered so far, not many towns situated in the area according to Midnight. As the stellar object became obscured by the horizon and sunlight began to fill the sky with light Nigel left the side of the road, heading towards a dense patch of long grass that extended into the distance.

“Are we going to stop here for the day?” Midnight enquired, the mare watching Nigel as he walked into the long grass, the changeling’s head scanning the surrounds as if he was looking for something. Midnight wasn’t sure if he was looking for a campsite or a place to go to the toilet, although so far he had not stopped for a bathroom break at all.

‘Do Changelings even need to go to the bathroom?’ thought Midnight, not knowing such a detail about the creatures as the Royal Guard did not deem it important to brief guards upon every-day changeling habits.

Nigel stopped, his eyes locked onto something that was hidden from Midnight’s view.

“That’s right; I think I just found a great spot. Come and have a look at it and tell me what you think.”

Midnight trotted over to join her companion, Nigel pointing towards an area located in the grass. A clear space, enough to comfortably fit four ponies was hidden amongst the grass. The dirt patch was shaded by a large tree, Midnight not able to determine the type. The spot was good, it’s position was hidden from the road and it would be a nice place for a rest.

“It looks like a good-enough spot to me Nigel,” Midnight replied, the mare letting out a small yawn. “I could do with some sleep; do you think we need to watch the road for any travellers?”

Nigel looked back at the path thoughtfully as he pondered Midnight’s question.

“We should be fine; this spot doesn’t stand out as anything special and I cannot think of a reason that anyone would investigate it. The tree provides us with cover from the air in case of any flying guards and the grass forms a nice visual buffer.”

Nigel walked into the centre of the area and began to stamp the ground with his hooves to flatten it. Midnight, upon observing what he was doing moved over to help him. After the ground was moulded into a fairly even surface Nigel and Midnight laid down next to each other, Nigel placing the blue cloak on the ground like a blanket. Nigel laid down face first, resting his head on his fore-legs while Midnight lay on her side, preferring to rest her head on Nigel.

He was about to jokingly lecture the mare about personal space when he felt warm breath on the back of his neck. He craned his neck to look behind him, something that he could only do due to his new body’s flexibility. Midnight was fast asleep, the mare obviously more exhausted than she had let on. Her mouth was open slightly, revealing some teeth and her two fangs with a small red tongue in the middle. Nigel smiled a little at the look on her face, wishing that he had an image-capturing device to record the moment. He placed his head back down upon his legs, closing his eyes as birds chirped while nesting in the surrounding trees.

___________________________________________________________________________________________

“I am a Prince!”

Nigel opened his eyes at the shrill voice, coming from the direction of the road. He reached a hoof over and tapped Midnight on the head before placing his hoof in front of her muzzle, the mare not uttering a sound as she looked questionably at him.

“I should not have to grace this filthy countryside with my Royal Presence! Surely there is a bathroom fit for a pony of my standing somewhere around here!?”

The voice once again cried out, Midnight’s eyes widening as Nigel stealthily moved into the long grass next to their sleeping area. Midnight followed him, the mare picking up the box containing the last few muffins and Nigel’s cloak. Nigel motioned for her to stay hidden before he continued to the edge of the grass that faced the road.

Making a small gap so he could see but still remain hidden he scanned the road, spotting an ornate carriage sitting on the road. Attached to the carriage were two ponies, stallions dressed in what appeared to be butlers’ uniforms, another butler-like pony attempting to calm down a blond-maned, pearl-white stallion.

“I’m sorry Prince Blueblood,” the butler apologised, the blond prince letting out a huff, “but the next bathroom is in Hoofsdale, at least another three hours away. If you really need to conduct your ‘royal business’ then we have some lavatory paper in the carriage for emergencies.

“You expect me, Prince Blueblood, to go to the bathroom in the woods like a peasant!?” The blond unicorn fumed.

“There is no other option Sir, either that or you wait three hours” the butler replied, his blunt answer to the obviously narcissistic arsehole of a Prince bringing a smile to Nigel’s face.

The Prince raised his head into the air as he snorted, a roll of toilet paper levitating out from the carriage surrounded by a yellow aura, the butler’s horn also glowing. The Prince looked at the paper in distain, the glow surrounding the roll changing to blue as the prince began to walk over to the grass next to Nigel, the pony’s head held high.

‘Damn’ thought Nigel as he tried to slowly back away before halting, the rustling grass at risk of giving his position away. He watched the Prince as the pony stopped barely three meters away, the unicorn’s lower half thankfully concealed by the grass.

Nigel winced as the unicorn grunted, the smell of faeces annihilating the surrounding country air seemingly with the ease of a small-yield antimatter bomb. Nigel held a hoof in an attempt to block his nostrils which proved futile due to the many holes that dotted the limb. The unicorn had his back to the hidden changeling as he continued to empty his bowels, grunting all the while.

‘The Hell?’ Nigel thought to himself, ‘what, does this guy eat curried eggs and baked beans for every meal?’

After a few very unpleasant minutes that felt like hours to Nigel the unicorn stood up, a thump sounding as a small sack of cloth rolled over towards Nigel. The unicorn did not notice the missing bundle as he trotted back towards the carriage, an empty toilet paper roll following him as it floated in the air. Nigel poked the golden-cloth sack with a hoof, a small jingling emitting from inside. He looked at it warily before picking it by the top with his mouth, trying to avoid thinking about all of the germs that no-doubt were covering the purse.
He crept back to Midnight, the mare staring at him strangely as Nigel dropped the purse on the ground.

“We better get going, I think it’s about to get hot around here” suggested Nigel as he glance back towards where he came from.

“Why Nigel, please tell me you didn’t get spotted by a guard?” Midnight said as she moved her snout forward to sniff at the purse.

“Uh, no you see what happened wa-“

“My Royal Purse, it’s disappeared! Shoeshine, hurry up and search everywhere, I want my purse back!” A panicked shriek interrupted Nigel, the changeling shooting Midnight a look.

“It’s about to get hot because I just lifted that wanker’s coin-sack while he was conducting chemical warfare strikes, let’s book it” Nigel hissed, picking up the purse with his mouth as he began to move towards the direction that the carriage had come from while staying adjacent to the road, Midnight holding in her questions as she followed him away from the commotion.

Author's Note

Had a look over this before publishing to try to spot any errors however it's about 3am here so i'm tired as hell. If I missed anything feel free to let me know.

A Brief Inn-terlude

Dusk was almost upon the land, the day nearing its end. Nigel and Midnight trudged on, the pair not stopping since the encounter at their last resting place. Nigel still held the coin sack in his mouth, a soft jingling sounding every time he took a step. Out of the two Midnight was faring the worst, the mare not used to such levels of activity. Nigel looked towards his companion, Midnight appearing like she was on the verge of collapse. The mare’s eyes were staring vacantly at the ground as she moved one hoof in front of the other , her purple mane damp with sweat.

“How about we stop Midnight?” Nigel asked as he stared at the mare with worry. “You look like your about to fall asleep on your fee-hooves” Midnight raised her head to meet Nigel’s gaze, determination in her eyes.

“No, I’m fine really,” she panted out, the mare looking forward as she narrowed her eyes, “the sooner we leave Equestria the better.”

“Okay then, we can stop anytime you want,” Nigel replied as he shook his head at her stubbornness. Midnight seemed to be trying her hardest to prove that she wasn’t a burden but at what cost? Nigel decided that they would walk for ten more minutes and then they’d stop for a few hours. The mare had only had a two hours’ sleep in the last twenty-four hours, not to mention nutritional concerns.
The two pressed forward, the sun dropping below the horizon as the moon began to rise. The cool air helped to wake Midnight up somewhat, the mare seemingly a lot more alert. Nigel still remained adamant about the ten minute limit however, with Midnight in this state escaping from any guards would be incredibly difficult.

Just as Midnight and Nigel crested a hill the changeling put a hoof out, halting the surprised Nocturne as she stumbled into the out-stretched limb.

“What is it?” she asked sleepily.

“There are lights up ahead, looks like some sort of large tavern next to the road” Nigel answered as Midnight looked towards the building, sounds of revelry drifting up towards the two beings on the hill. Various carts and carriages were parked outside the two-story building; the majority of activity focused around one area that appeared to be a bar. As Nigel scanned the building he decided that it would be a good idea if the pair stayed the night, a bed would likely do wonders for his tired companion.

“Midnight, I want you to just hear me out on this…”

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

‘I can’t believe we’re going to do this’ Midnight thought to herself as she walked into the motel area of the tavern, coin purse hidden in her bag. The reception area was inviting, warmth surrounding Midnight as the heavy wooden door closed behind her, sealing out the cool night air. The wooden interior was well maintained, pictures of art and ornamental statues of griffons decorating the area. Midnight walked up to the front desk, a greying griffon greeting the young mare with a warm smile.

“Evening Young Miss, after a room are we?” he said as he leaned forward on his desk.

“Yes thank you, just a single thanks” Midnight replied, the elderly griffon grabbing a key off a rack with a talon before placing it in front of Midnight.

“Here you go, the price is twenty Equestrian Bits, ten Griffon Marks or thirty Zebra Pieces a night.”

Midnight opened her bag, removing the sack that was held inside with a wing. She carefully counted out twenty bits, the innkeeper watching the entire time. With a satisfied look he placed the currency into a till, Midnight picking up the key with her wing.

“Must say, we don’t get many of you Nocturnes around here despite only being a mile away from your border” the griffon remarked as he settled back into his chair, grabbing a newspaper as Midnight finished placing the coin sack into her bag.

“We tend to stay at home or in Canterlot,” Midnight answered as she let out a yawn, “Nocturnes tend to not travel around.”

The griffon chuckled, “a shame that, the few that I’ve met during my many years have proven to be great company” the Griffon ruffled his newspaper as he said this, adjusting his spectacles on his yellow beak. “Don’t let me keep you; you look like you’re in need of some sleep. If you’re hungry there’s some complimentary fruit in the room or if you feel like it the bar serves some great food, although I’ve never been much of a fan of pony cuisine.” Midnight smiled at the friendly innkeeper.

“Thank you, I think sleep is the best idea right now” she said, the Griffon letting out another chuckle.

“Good to see you’ve got a head on your shoulders, pleasant dreams.”

Midnight left the old griffon to his newspaper, heading up the stairs leading to the second floor. She glanced at the tag on her key, the number thirteen printed in bold black ink. The room was right at the end of the corridor, Midnight unlocking the latch as she reached it. Steeping into the room she took note of the furnishings decorating the space. A single bed with white sheets occupied the back left corner, the brass headrest against the tan wooden wall. To the right of the room was a doorway with the sign ‘Bathroom’ on it, Midnight giving herself a sniff, wrinkling her nose at the stench of sweat. A shower could wait however; first she had to let in Nigel.

The mare walked over towards the solitary window, un-latching it with a hoof and she placed her bag on the still like Nigel had told her. She watched it for two minutes before a thump was heard on the roof above her, Nigel dropping down into the room seconds later, landing awkwardly but he shook it off as he stood up.

“Thanks for that,” he said as closed the window, closing the yellow curtains after he had done so. “Breaking and entering when you don’t have hands is a lot more difficult than it first appears” Nigel commented as he observed the room, the changeling turning back to look at Midnight after he had done so.

“Nice place, but why is their only one bed? Did they not have a double like I wanted?”

“No, they only had singles left,” Midnight lied, the mare walking towards the bathroom. “I’m going to take a shower, I smell like I’ve been working on a farm all day” she said as she walked into the bathroom, leaving the door slightly ajar.

Nigel was too busy removing his cloak to notice this, placing the blue apparel upon a table. He wandered over towards a fruit bowl with apples, bananas and peaches being the primary occupants. He balanced a peach with a hoof, inspecting the fruit for any impurities before he bit into the peach.

“Blargg!”

Nigel spat the mouthful into a waste bin, the fruit proving to taste incredibly old. The most appropriate word he could use to describe the taste was ‘stale’, even though the fruit looked to be perfectly ripe. His face scrunched up as he tried to eliminate the taste from his mouth, tossing the rest of the peach in the trash. “Don’t think I’ll ever be able to eat a peach again” Nigel muttered as he heard the shower start up.

He was thankful that he didn’t have to eat solid food in this form considering how badly things seemed to taste. He had tried a bit of blueberry muffin earlier and it had tasted like dirt, the blueberries themselves tasting like olives that had been drenched in brine.

Nigel sat down on the floor next to the bed, tracing a hoof over the faint bruises that existed on his chest. He was surprised that the hooves he was stuck with could pick up the texture of his alien chest. The smooth chitin seemed to be fairly weak really, no wonder it seemed that Changelings avoided direct confrontation. The bruises seemed to have faded rather quickly once he had met up with Midnight, maybe this new body healed better with this ‘love’ crap that the Equestrians had claimed. Nigel sighed as this thought came to mind, reduced from a feared and respected soldier to a four-foot bug that feeds of the sappiest emotion known to man.

He laid his head back against the wall, trying to not think about what the coming days would bring. He closed his eyes, losing himself to the rhythmic noise of water hitting the floor as the shower ran in the other room. He let out a yawn, the fatigue of the last few days catching up with him as he slowly drifted off into a hopefully-dreamless slumber.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Midnight hummed to herself as she left the shower, drying herself with a towel that was hanging on a rack. She felt utterly re-vitalised, her coat and mane finally free of the grime that had built up since she fled Canterlot with Nigel. She studied herself in the small mirror hanging up in the room, making sure that her mane and tail were in order. Everything was looking good, Midnight stepping out of the room merrily, looking around for the changeling she had be-friended.

Midnight smiled when she saw that Nigel was leaning against the wall asleep, the mare making her way over towards him. She stopped a few hoofsteps away, watching as the changeling’s chest rose and fell with his breathing. Midnight blushed as she realised what she was doing, the mare moving quickly onto the bed, careful not to disturb her slumbering friend. She moved under the covers and made herself comfortable, expecting to fall asleep immediately.

For ten minutes Midnight tossed and turned, the mare unable to drift off no-matter how tired she was or which position she tried. She eventually gave up, resigning herself to stare at the plain wooden ceiling as she counted the minutes passing. Soon she found herself at the edge of the bed, her head hanging over as she looked down upon the changeling sleeping beside it.

She stared at him for what felt like ages, the mare scrutinising his form as he lay there unaware of her wandering gaze. Midnight jerked her head back in alarm as Nigel’s head twitched violently, the expression on his face morphing into a frown. She watched with worry as his head twitched again, the changeling’s breathing rapidly increasing.

She rushed off the bed to his side, Midnight embracing him as the spasms intensified. Tears built up in her eyes as she hugged him tight, afraid for his safety. She didn’t know what to do, was his body rejecting the alien mind that occupied it or was he experiencing an allergic reaction to something?

As she was going over all of the possible things that could have gone wrong the fevered twitching subsided, the changeling returning to his peaceful state. Midnight blinked away tears as she looked up at him, his face morphing back to a neutral expression. The mare’s frantic heartbeat slowed down to normal as she rested against him. It was at this point that she realised just how much she needed him, the thought of losing her only friend un-thinkable to the mare.

She knew that it was more than that however; he was far more than just a friend. Midnight only wished that he could see her like that, the changeling so far having avoided the topic since she first kissed him. Was it because she was a Nocturne and his people would look down upon it?

Midnight moved over to Nigel’s side, keeping her fore-legs wrapped around him as she did so. She feared that if she let go he would begin to spasm again, the first time already spooking her enough. As she moved her belly brushed against Nigel’s side, Midnight pausing to look upon it. Was he hesitant because of what had happened with Equinox? She knew that bastards were looked down upon heavily around the known world, was it the same where Nigel was from?

Midnight looked back at the changeling she was against, dismissing the thought almost as soon as it arrived. She knew that even if he didn’t show it with affection, he still loved her regardless. The mare snuggled in closer, sleep finally creeping up on her. She made a promise to herself that she would talk to Nigel about her feelings for him in the morning, hopefully this time she would get a much better result.

I Don't Need a Passport

“Midnight, Midnight wake up,” the Nocturne mare stirred as the soft voice called her from sleep, Midnight not wanting to get up just yet.

“Five more minutes…” she mumbled sleepily in reply, clutching whatever she was laying against tighter. Midnight smiled when she heard a sigh of defeat, the mare winning her battle to remain in the comfy state.

“You know,” the voice once again said, “I’m not opposed to the whole hugging thing but do I have to live the rest of my life fearing that I’ll wake up being spooned by you every morning?” This got Midnight’s attention, the mare opening her eyes only for them to be filled with the sight of a smiling changeling.
Midnight looked downwards and her hind legs were indeed wrapped around the changeling’s torso from the side, the mare quickly removing them as her cheeks flushed red. All embarrassment was forgotten however as she remembered the reason that she left the bed, Nigel fidgeting a bit when Midnight practically smothered him with her embrace.

“I was worried about you last night! You just wouldn’t stop trembling and I didn’t know what to do! I don’t want you to go away and I was just so, so scared…” Midnight’s voice lowered until it was barely audible, sobs wracking her body as she relived the night before. She felt smooth chitin wrap around her, Nigel returning the hug which she had forced on him.

“Hey, calm down okay. Look at me.” Midnight did as he asked, the changeling still maintaining the smile that he always seemed to have. “See?” Nigel continued once he had Midnight’s eyes on him, “I’m still alive and kicking, there’s no need to get so upset.” The mare stopped her sobbing, Nigel seemed to be incredibly calm about the situation.

“Why did you start to shake so badly though?” Midnight enquired, using a wing tip to wipe away her tears.

“Oh, those just happen from time-to-time. No biggie, they stop eventually” The changeling replied casually as he looked towards the window, sunlight visible through the closed curtains. “If it happens again just wait and the twitches will pass, no permanent damage happens and when I wake up everything is better.” Midnight was a little surprised that Nigel cared so little about what appeared to be a serious condition, the mare concerned for the changeling’s safety.

“You act like you’ve know about it for a while, wasn’t anyone able to help you?” Nigel let out a small chuckle at the mare’s question earning him a confused look.

“You don’t think they’ve tried? I’m not a very good patient you know, hell, I even seduced one of the therapists and while she wasn’t able to fix the old noggin she certainly made up for it in other ways,” Nigel stared off into space at the memory, “ah Pauline Simmons, that was a great month.” Midnight let out a snort of disapproval, the mare turning away from Nigel as she heard this. The changeling smiled, looking at the mare with a mischievous glint in his eyes.

“What’s wrong Midnight?” Nigel questioned as the mare tried to act hurt. The fact that she still kept her forelegs around him however only encouraged Nigel’s teasing. “Are you… jealous of Pauline Simmons?” he taunted. His grin growing wider as Midnight froze for a second, the mare spluttering as she faced him.

“N-no, why should I be?” she asked, her expression stating the opposite, “it’s not like your still seeing her… right?”

“No, I’m no longer her patient so you don’t have to worry,” Nigel reassured, Midnight letting out a sigh of relief. “She had to move to another sector so I went and got a new therapist.” Midnight’s breath caught in her throat, Nigel enjoying how easy it was to mess with her. “His name is Carl; I must admit that his stress management advice has really helped.”

“Nigel, that’s not funny” Midnight said with a small grin, finding it difficult to stay mad at the jocular changeling.

“Yes it was, the look on your face when I said Carl was almost worth the trip to this planet!” Nigel laughed, the mare removing one of her forelegs from around the changeling to give him a mock hit on the shoulder as she giggled along with him. Both beings leaned up against each other as they shared their mirth, the laughter taking a few moments to die down. They both sat back against the wall, all the drama from the previous night forgotten. Midnight looked at the curtained window, the amount of sunlight indicating it was quite late in the morning.

“What do we do now, Nigel?” she questioned as she turned to him, “We can’t leave in daylight and we’ve got the rest of the day to wait out with nothing to do.” Midnight began to circle one of her hooves on Nigel’s chest, the changeling appearing to not notice as he looked towards the ceiling in thought.

“I was thinking that I should work on my movement and all of that, I’m still not fully confident in this body.”

“What do you mean? You’re walking fine from what I can see” Midnight responded, slightly disappointed that Nigel did not pick up on what she was alluding to. The changeling unwrapped his forelegs from around the mare’s body and he held his front limbs out in front of him.

“It’s not about the walking,” he answered, “I’m not sure that if I get into a brawl I’ll be able to fight with full effectiveness. I want to be certain that if I’m attacked then I will be able to defend myself to the best of my ability.”

Midnight could see his point; after all if she was in his place trapped in the body of a creature hated by most of the known world then she would be worried about how well she could defend herself just like he seemed to be. While she was still a little dejected that the Changeling didn’t share her ideas of how the two could pass the time Midnight did conceded that his idea was probably a little more useful for the pair. Not by much though.
Nigel smiled as he received a nod from the mare; he certainly dodged a bullet on that one. Chalmers fully knew what Midnight was getting at, the mare’s strong feelings for him obviously growing as they spent more time together. This was getting to be a real problem, Nigel resolved that he would just try and ignore it for now to focus on the task of getting her back home. As soon as she was back with her family all of his responsibilities for the mare’s well-being would be lifted and he could resume his quest to get back home.

‘But what if you don’t want to leave her behind?’

Nigel grimaced at the thought, granted Midnight was enjoyable to be around and he had to admit that he did think she was rather cute but he just couldn’t see it working out well. Midnight was staring at him in concern.

“Nigel why are you frowning, did I say something wrong?” Midnight asked with a hint of panic in her voice. Chalmers looked back into her golden eyes, shaking off all thoughts and concerns about the mare’s affection for him.

“No, nothing like that,” he replied as he stood up, stretching his legs to limber them up. “I was just thinking about how difficult this practicing will be and speaking of which I better get to it.” He finished, walking into the centre of the room which was cleared of all furniture. Midnight watched him with a worrying frown as she got up to follow him. For some reason she got the feeling that the changeling was bothered by something but what it was she couldn’t figure out. Maybe when they arrived in Nocturnia he would be willing to talk to her about it.

“God damn it!”

Midnight sighed as she watched Nigel attempt to stand on his hind legs, the changeling making it half-way before toppling over.
‘He just figured out how to walk on four legs a few days ago,’ she thought to herself as she moved to help him. ‘Why does he want to try to walk on two already even though he knows he’s going to get hurt?’

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

As it turns out, practicing un-armed combat techniques while standing on a hard wooden floor is not the best idea.

Nigel winced as he rubbed the side of his face with a hoof, the bruise that occupied the space throbbing as he touched it. This particular one had been earned when Nigel had attempted to stand on his hind legs and box with both fore-hooves., resulting in him colliding with the end corner of the bed. From then on Chalmers realised that he would just have to make do with four legged combat, something that annoyed him greatly as it meant that he would only be able to attack with one leg at a time.

He kicked a pebble with a hind leg as he sat on the rock awaiting Midnight’s arrival, his blue cloak shrouding his body. The day had passed quickly and painfully, Nigel having left via the room’s window as soon as the last rays of daylight were snuffed out by the night. More bruises had been gained on the trip down but his escape had gone undetected which was worth it in Nigel’s opinion. Midnight was to leave ten minutes later and meet him, the Equestrian border so close that it would only take an hour of walking until the pair was off Equestrian soil and free. From the border the city of Nocturnia was three hours of traveling away, meaning that Nigel and Midnight would hopefully reach the city while the night was still young.

The changeling heard the clopping of hooves, Nigel dropping behind the boulder as a single pony approached. While he was expecting Midnight he could not afford to be lax, it was already a stroke of luck that not a single guard had been sighted since they had fled the capitol.

“Nigel?”

Chalmers relaxed as Midnight’s voice called out, the changeling stepping out from behind the rock waving a hoof to get the mare’s attention. Midnight saw him straight away, the mare galloping over with her bag jingling around her neck.

“Did everything go like it was supposed to?” Nigel asked, remaining still as Midnight nuzzled him with a smile on her face. At his query she backed off, her wings fluttering as she stretched them out in the cool night air.

“It sure did, the innkeeper didn’t suspect a thing,” Midnight answered, moving to walk beside Nigel as the changeling started to move down the side of the road. “He was very nice though, he didn’t even charge me for that table you broke.” Nigel shuddered as he remembered that incident; even with heightened pain resistance colliding into a wooden table with one’s groin was not a pleasant experience.

“He bought the whole ‘I placed my bag on it and the leg just came off’ without question?”

“Yep! He said that a few of the tables had broken that way so it wasn’t a big deal, apparently he was going to re-do all of the rooms soon anyway” Midnight responded as she trotted along merrily. While watching her friend hurt himself attempting to figure out how to fight in his new body was hard for her she had to admit that his antics were kind of funny in a way. Why he had decided to attempt a jump from the bed over the table she still could not figure out.

___________________________________________________________________________________________

“Ha ha! Come get me now you fat sun-arsed bitch!”

Midnight watched on as Nigel jumped back-and-forward over the border, a sign next to the road stating that the pair was now in the country of Lumina. The changeling was in incredibly high spirits, over-joyed that Equestria could no longer pursue him. The fact that Lumina would be one of the last places the Equestrians would even think of to search was also a huge blessing. She smiled as Nigel crossed the border one last time before he continued walking down the road, Midnight moving to trot beside him.

“Only a few hours of walking left,” Nigel stated with a grin still on his face as he walked along. Midnight’s mood soured a little at this, the reminder that she would soon have to face her family an unwelcome one. Nigel noticed this, the changeling turning his head to face the mare who was looking at the ground in front of her hooves. “Still worried about how they’d react to the news?”

“Yeah,” Midnight replied as she nodded her head, “I don’t think they’re going to be that welcoming, considering that I’ve lost my job, my honour and the only thing I’ve gained is a foal. My mother will probably be the only one happy to see me, my sisters will either ignore me or mock me and father…”Midnight shuddered as she imagined what her father’s reaction would be. As a member of the Nocturnia police force he was over-joyed when his daughter was selected to be a Lunar Guard. It was the one time that Midnight felt that her father appreciated her.

“I’m sure they’ll treat you fine,” Nigel reassured, “plus I wasn’t planning on it but would you like it if I… helped you break the news to them?” The changeling had stopped as he asked this, Midnight halting as well.

“You’d… you would do that for me?” Midnight questioned, incredibly touched that Nigel offered to face her parents with her.

“Of course I would” the changeling answered, Nigel’s mind screaming at him to explain why he just offered to meet the mare’s parents. To be honest he didn’t rightly know, maybe if they saw who Midnight was traveling with then they would be more inclined to take her back in leaving Nigel free as he’d always been. Yes, that was the sole reason and it had nothing to do with the fact that he was actually enjoying his time with her. Midnight embraced Nigel in a hug, her wings fluttering as she balanced on her hind legs.

“Thank you, this means so much to me Nigel” Midnight said as she nuzzled the changeling before dropping back down.

“Eh, I’m sure it’ll all go smoothly” Nigel responded as the two resumed their journey.

“I’m a highly trained military intelligence officer and it’s only your parents, nothing I can’t handle.”

Meet The Parents

“So your capitol is underground?”

Nigel questioned his companion as he studied the massive cave entrance, the jagged circler opening set into the large mountain illuminated by multiple lights. The changeling counted twenty guards all watching the entranceway, the Nocturnes all armoured in plain metal armour and armed with spears.

“Yeah, about five minutes of walking and you reach a massive cavern under the mountain,” Midnight answered, the mare slowly starting to walk towards the entrance. Nigel followed behind, thinking it would be best if the Nocturne mare took the lead considering his current appearance.

“So Midnight,” Nigel started as he followed the mare, the guarded entrance growing ever closer. “Are you sure that changelings aren’t ‘attack on sight’ here? Getting stabbed by a pony with a spear would be a rather anti-climactic end to my life.” Midnight stopped walking to turn around and yank Nigel’s cloak hood down with her mouth, hiding the majority of the changeling. Only a small black muzzle poked out, Nigel debating whether or not to point out that if a cloaked figure approached him when he was a guard then stabbing would certainly happen.

“They shouldn’t just attack you,” the mare replied, failing to fill Nigel with confidence. “As I said before there are no changelings around here and most Nocturnes don’t know much about the rest of the world so at the most you’ll get asked a lot of questions. You’re hidden under that clock fairly well so unless the guards try and search you we should be fine.” Nigel winced at the mare’s last sentence. That was just going to invite trouble. He nodded his head however as the pair continued to approach the guards, he was going to have to get in somehow.

The surrounding nocturne guards all watched as the two ponies approached them, one mare and one hidden under a cloak. They weren’t too worried, after all the Nocturnes had no enemies and two ponies weren’t much of a threat. While the cloaked figure was a bit suspicious it was also a chilly night so a cloak wasn’t that unusual. The city guard officer assigned to the entrance that night moved to meet the two approaching ponies, the pair stopping as he moved towards them.

“Halt, what is your business here?”

The Nocturne mare cleared her throat, giving the officer a smile. “We just travelled from Equestria and we were hoping to visit my family tonight.” The officer looked back at the second pony, a black muzzle and a pair of blue eyes the only features visible under the dark cloak it wore. The mare noticed the guard’s curiosity in her companion and moved beside the silent pony, putting a wing across its back as she nuzzled its covered face. “This here is my coltfriend; he’s rather shy so he doesn’t talk much. He’s actually coming with me to see my parents so you can understand his nervousness.” The city watch officer chuckled; he could remember when he met his wife’s parents, he hoped that this mare’s lover had much better luck then he did.

“I’ve been there, never thought I’d ever see the day where someone could pick out every single flaw I had and give a hour speech on each one,” he shared, the mare giggling lightly as she patted her companion on the back with a wing. “Anyway, I see no problem with letting you two in but I do have to ask some questions for the sake of protocol,” both newcomers nodded their heads in response. “First off, what are your names?”

“My name is Midnight,” the mare replied as she nudged her companion with her body. The officer was surprised when the hooded pony spoke.

“I’m Nigel M Chalmers, Officer.”

“You have quite a… interesting name, I assume you’re from a fairly far-away land?” the officer asked, the questioned pony letting out a light laugh.

“You could say that I suppose, you won’t find us in a travel brochure.” The guard was a little interested in the stallion’s response, not just what he had said but the way he spoke seemed anything but shy.

“I’m sure where you come from must be very unique, forgive me but I’m not that well-travelled. My name is Luminous by the way, Lieutenant Luminous,” the lieutenant looked towards the mare, “Miss Midnight, I feel that I’ve met you before. Are you by any chance related to Captain Darklight?”

The mare known as Midnight grimaced a little at the name, “I am related to him, I’m actually his youngest daughter.” Luminous was a bit confused at the mare’s sour reaction at the mention of her father’s name but then he remembered the police captain’s reputation as a harsh and stern stallion. These qualities made him a great police captain but now Luminous could understand Nigel’s skittish behaviour. Having to introduce oneself to a stallion like Darklight as his daughter’s courtier was not something to look forward to in Luminous’s opinion.

“Good luck with introducing your coltfriend then,” the guard replied as he gave Midnight a sympathetic look, “I hope that it all works out for you two, go on in.” Luminous stepped aside as he gestured for the pair to continue, earning a thankful smile from the mare. The rest of the city guards observed as the pair disappeared into the cave entrance, relaxing once their commander had given the two travellers permission to enter. Lieutenant Luminous watched the two leave, unable to shake the feeling that this night would not be a peaceful one.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

“He seemed nice,” Midnight commented as she walked with Nigel heading towards the city, the changeling giving a distracted hum in reply. The encounter had been too easy in Nigel’s opinion, the guards hadn’t even checked to see if the pair was carrying any weapons. A few questions, the sharing of names and Midnight talking about her father was all it had taken to earn the Lieutenant’s trust and entry to the city. Far too easy, any United Imperium of Planets soldier would have checked for weapons, illegal contraband, criminal history and most of all what bloody species the person requesting entry was. This planet must be really peaceful if the locals just let you walk into their cities with minimum questions.

The corridor they were travelling down was well lit, what appeared to be oil lamps lining the high walls of the passage way. Nigel didn’t know that the ponies used oil; he had so far only seen magic powered illumination on this planet. The Nocturnes must have to resort to other measures considering the lack of unicorns.

The pair’s hooves clacked on the stone path, the cobbled road wide enough to put three wagons side-by-side. The tunnel sloped downwards, the air become slightly warmer as the nocturne and changeling pushed on. The mare beside him got closer and closer as they continued, eventually midnight was pretty much leaning on him as they rounded a bend.

Nigel had guessed what she had meant by ‘coltfriend’ and while he appreciated the fact that it had made their conversation with the city watch guard go much smoother Chalmers wasn’t sure that he was okay with Midnight announcing it to everyone. The guard’s reaction upon finding out that this ‘Captain Darklight’ was Midnight’s father caused warning bells to ring in Nigel’s mind. Just what exactly was he walking into here?

“There it is, Nocturnia!” Midnight announced, breaking Nigel from his thoughts. The mare was standing in front of him, smiling as she pointed a hoof towards a bustling city in the midst of a massive cavern. Nocturne ponies flooded the streets and flew in the air, the buildings reaching thirty stories tall. Nigel guessed that the city was around the same size of Canterlot, residential areas and entertainment venues flowing with activity. The majority of the buildings seemed to be constructed with sturdy stone or obsidian rock, wood no doubt unsuited for the underground conditions.

A large fortress dominated the city, its black spires almost reaching the roof of the cavern. While it looked much like a castle that belonged in a vampire movie the evil effect was ruined somewhat by the colourful market directly beside it. Midnight looked expectantly at Nigel, most likely expecting him to gush over the beauty and greatness of her city.

“Eh, ours are bigger,” the changeling commented, the mare shooting him a disappointed look.

“You could have just given one complement you know?” she scolded him, Nigel smiling as the mare raised her nose and looked away.

“I suppose its underground location affords it some protection from orbital strikes so that’s a plus.”

“Is that all you can come up with?” Midnight asked harshly, Nigel obviously having offended the mare somehow. Chalmers figured that the impending meeting with the mare’s family would go a lot better if Midnight was not pissed off at him so he resorted to a sneaky tactic.

“Well, it’s just that I was distracted by the far superior sight in front of me.” Nigel began, Midnight looking at him curiously. “Nothing constructed could possibly compare, I was so enraptured by the beauty of this that everything else appears like dirt when placed side by side next to you.” The mare let out a snort at his words, trying to act with dis-interest but Nigel could see a slight blush on Midnight’s face.

“Fine, I’ll let you off this time,” she responded with a small smile. Nigel held back a snarky reply as the mare pointed with a hoof to an area of houses on the edge of the city. “My house is over there, are you still sure that you want to come?”

Nigel didn’t want to go anywhere near the house that contained some parents who would likely not be pleased to find out that a changeling was traveling with their daughter who had been thrown out of the Lunar Guard because of him. Add to that the fact that Midnight was pregnant and she was suddenly referring to Nigel as her ‘coltfriend’ some tension was sure to exist. However, here he was fairly safe from Equestrian pursuit and it did provide him a haven while he awaited retrieval by the Internal Security Agency.

“Sure,” he answered, prompting Midnight to visibly inflate with happiness. Nigel wondered why the mare was so pleased that he was willing to meet her family when barely five hours ago she was terrified of what they would think of her. The mare turned happily and started to trot down the ramp built into the side of the cavern wall, allowing access to the city below. Nigel hesitantly followed while making sure the cloak was covering his form, hoping to avoid any un-wanted attention from the local citizens.

___________________________________________________________________________________________

*Knock* *Knock* *Knock*

Nigel stood behind Midnight as the mare rapped on the door to the two-story house. The stone dwelling was of considerable size, a large front yard surrounded by an iron-barred fence surrounding it. The house itself was fairly standard, a rectangular first story with some outcroppings that had a slightly smaller second story sitting on top of it. The house was constructed out of dark grey stone, the bleakness of the exterior broken up by splashes of colour courtesy of multiple flowerboxes beneath most of the windows. The roof was just constructed of slate tiles, Nigel wondering how the house would be insulated with the apparent tech level he had observed so far.

The sound of hooves on stone filtered through the solid oak door, Nigel watching as Midnight made some last second touch-ups to her purple mane. A lock unlatched and the door swung open, revealing a middle-aged Nocturne mare with a blue streak in her light-purple mane. Her coat was exactly the same ash grey as Midnight’s and her folded wings also shared the same shade as Nigel’s companion. The Mare stared at Midnight in shock, completely oblivious to Nigel’s presence.

“Midnight?” the mare questioned slowly, “what are you doing back here; I thought you were a guard in Canterlot?” Midnight glanced down at the doormat at her hooves at the query.

“Something happened Mother,” Midnight said softly, “is Father home?” The mare that Nigel now knew was Midnight’s mother furrowed her brow, the pony moving closer towards her daughter.

“No, he’s still at work; please can you tell me what’s wrong?” the mare asked as she glanced at Nigel with her golden eyes, “has it got something to do with your friend behind you?” Midnight glanced back at Nigel as the changeling withstood the Mother’s stare before facing her mother once more.

“No, he doesn’t have anything to do with it. What happened wasn’t his fault,” Midnight replied, Nigel getting the feeling that the response was directed at him as well. Midnight’s mother broke her gaze away from the cloaked pony to look at her daughter, concern written on her features.

“Why don’t you both come inside and wait for him, I’ll put on some tea.” The older mare offered as she walked back into the house, Midnight and Nigel following behind.

The inside of the house was cosy, both in terms of warmth and decoration. Nigel took in his surroundings as he followed Midnight further into the dwelling, rugs and carpets covering the stone floor while family photos covered the walls of the entrance way. Nigel paused briefly to view one photo, a group of five Nocturnes standing in front of the house he was in.

A younger mare that looked like Midnight’s mother stood next to a large stallion, Midnight’s father Nigel assumed. The pony had a stony expression on his face, a contrast to his wife’s cheerful one. Three children sat before the adults, two teenager mares and a young filly. The two teens sat up straight and were facing the camera confidently, both with matching immaculate hair styles. The youngest pony, Midnight Nigel guessed, was facing the camera with a bubbly expression and her ears tilted sideways.

“Nigel,” Midnight said softly as she joined him, “what are you doing?”

“Just looking at this photograph,” the changeling answered, Midnight examining the one that he gestured at. A smile appeared as she looked at her younger self, wishing she could go back to that care-free state.

“Midnight,” the sound of Midnight’s mother’s voice sounded from a room at the end of the corridor, “come in here and introduce me to your friend.” The changeling and mare looked at each other, Midnight giving Nigel a quick nuzzle of re-assurance before heading towards the room, Nigel following behind.

The room appeared to be a living room to Nigel, a large couch and a few soft chairs surrounding a roaring fire. Where the smoke was going to Nigel couldn’t guess as the house lacked an observable chimney, although on closer examination the fire appeared to not create any smoke at all. Considering that this planet seemed to have quite a fair bit of what the locals called ‘magic’ Chalmers wasn’t that surprised. Midnight’s mother was standing in middle of the room looking expectantly at the newly-arrived pair.

“So Midnight,” she began, “who’s this Stallion that you’ve brought home with you?” Midnight ushered Nigel towards her mother, Nigel preparing for the older mare to freak out at his appearance.

“This is Nigel,” Midnight said as she gestured towards him, “Nigel this is my mother, Starbright.” Nigel subconsciously reached out a hoof, the mare staring at surprise at the hole-riddled appendage. Chalmers quickly withdrew it at the mare’s reaction, it was too late however as Starbright looked at her daughter.

“Nigel’s not a pony, is he Midnight?” she said calmly, Midnight sighing as she shook her head.

“He’s a changeling” Midnight responded, “but he’s really a h-“

“Really nice guy!” Nigel interrupted; Midnight shooting him a questioning look at his sudden urge to speak, “Pleased to meet you.” Starbright glanced at her daughter, Midnight still staring at Nigel in surprise. The changeling lifted his hood, revealing his face and jagged horn.

Starbright reacted quite differently to what Nigel expected, the mare moving closer to him as she studied his features. She seemed to pay particular attention to the changeling’s horn and eyes, the mare saying nothing until she had finished her examination.

“Well what you are doesn’t matter, if my daughter trusts you than that’s good enough for me,” the mare stated, much to the surprise of both Nigel and Midnight, “she always had a much better judgment then her older sisters that’s for sure.” The mare smiled at the pair as she continued, “take a seat, I’ll be back with the tea in a moment.”

Midnight and Nigel waited until Starbright had left for the kitchen, Nigel shrugging as he sat down on the brown couch like he would if he was human. Midnight looked at him strangely as she lay down next to him, resting her head on her front hooves.
“Why do you sit like that?” the mare inquired, “isn’t it uncomfortable?”

Nigel looked at the way she was sitting, “not really, I was bipedal so I’m used to sitting like this. Your way of sitting on the other hand…”
“What’s this about a hand?” Starbright asked as the older mare entered the room with a tray filled with a teapot, cups, milk and sugar balanced on her back.

“Just an expression used back home, it means that the mentioned item is something completely different.” Starbright nodded at his answer, the mare pouring three cups of tea with a wing tip.

“Milk and sugar Midnight?” she inquired.

“Yes please,” Midnight answered, Starbright mixing in the additives before transferring the cup to Midnight with a wing tip. Midnight sat up straight on the couch, imitating the way that Nigel was sitting.

“What would you like Nigel?” the Starbright asked without turning around.

“Just straight thank you,” Nigel replied, hoping that his new body would at least be able to ingest tea. God help him if that was the case, tea came in second after cheese on his list of good stuff to consume. The mare poured her own tea, only adding some milk to the brew. She turned around and gave the changeling the cup, Nigel balancing it on a hoof. The mare paused after, spotting the way that Midnight was sitting next to the changeling before she laid down on a chair opposite the pair.

Starbright gave her daughter a knowing look as she suitably flicked an ear towards Nigel, the changeling not picking up on the gesture as he took an experimental sip of tea. Midnight however interpreted the action correctly prompting a blush to light up on her face, a blush that caused her mother to raise an eyebrow.

Nigel was too caught up in his tea to notice this, thankfully finding that the tea tasted perfectly fine. Maybe he was just unable to eat anything sugary? He savoured every drop of the cup, downing the refreshing liquid in a short amount of time. He lowered the cup to find that both Midnight and Starbright were staring at him, Midnight with rosy red cheeks.

“… What did I miss?” Nigel questioned after a pause, Starbright taking a sip of tea before she spoke.

“Oh, I was just wondering how close you and my daughter are,” the mare responded, “after all it’s quite unusual for one of your daughters to return home with a stallion while claiming that she has bad news. Especially if said stallion is a different species to her.”

“Mom!” Midnight shouted in embarrassment as her mother took another sip of tea as she waved a hoof to calm her daughter down.

“Well if that’s not the case then why don’t you explain to me just how you know Nigel?” Starbright pushed, Nigel pretending that he still had tea left as an excuse to avoid getting involved. Midnight seemed rather lost as how to answer, placing her cup down upon a wooden side table.

“Well, I have bad news but it really isn’t about Nigel. I want to wait until dad gets home so that I don’t have to repeat it,” Starbright once again looked very worried at her daughter’s words. “I’m going to say something though, something you’re not going to like.”

“Tell me,” Starbright insisted, “you’re my daughter and I’ve got an inkling of what you have to say, just know that I’ll love you no matter what.” Midnight took a deep breath, Nigel still pretending to be drinking tea.

“I’m in love with Nigel, this changeling right here,” Midnight answered steadily, hugging Nigel from the side which surprised him, his empty teacup falling onto his lap.

“Whoa Midnight, luckily I just finished that otherwise my day would have been terrible,” Nigel complained, eliciting an amused snort from Starbright.

“Don’t act so dramatic,” she chided, “you finished that cup long before, you’ve just been pretending to drink because you didn’t want to answer my question yourself.”

“I assure you, dear lady,” Nigel replied as he put a hoof to his chest and raised his muzzle to the roof, “I would never use such a tactic to avoid talking to the mother of the mare that invited me to her home.” Starbright let out a small laugh at the changeling’s response, her daughter really seemed to have picked up a charmer even if he was a little odd.

“At least you managed to save yourself some dignity, although if you’re not the news that Midnight mentioned then I wonder what it c-“
Starbright was cut off by the sound of a door closing loudly, hoofsteps echoing down the corridor.

“Star? Are you home?” A stallion’s voice rang out, gruff and tough sounding as Midnight whispered ‘dad’ to the changeling beside her.

“I’m in the living room,” Starbright called back; “there’s some ponies here who I’d like you to meet.”

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

“I’ll be right there,” Midnight’s father responded, hoofsteps approaching the room as Starbright gave Nigel a encouraging look. A large Nocturne Stallion emerged, an impressive black moustache on his upper lip and a police hat on his head. He stopped as he laid eyes upon his youngest daughter hugging what the Captain knew to be a changeling, a creature which he had heard fed off the love of a pony until there was nothing left. Silence descended across the room, no one making a move to say anything. Nigel decided that enough was enough, seizing the opportunity to make a good first impression with Midnight’s father.

“Hello,” Nigel started, “my name is Nigel M Chalmers, pleased to meet you. I’ve been spending some quality time with your wife and daughter while you were away. I’ve been with Midnight for a couple of nights now and I just met your lovely wife, I must say that it’s been quite pleasurable.”

Nigel realised that what he had just said implied many things which certainly would not make a good impression, the stallion appearing to be rather livid at the introduction.

“That sounded a lot better in my head,” Nigel chuckled, only further angering the enraged Stallion.

‘Well, so much for the chance of a relaxed family get-together’ Nigel thought as the Nocturne stallion began to paw at the ground with a hoof, Murder in his eyes.

Confessions, Dinner and Just Desserts

Author's Note

Okay, i've attempted to do a reverse morning/evening thing so any errors feel free to let me know. I kept on instinctivly writing 'last night' instead of 'yesterday' and vice versa.

Confessions, Dinner and Just Desserts

Nigel held his fore-hooves up in a placating manner, the Nocturne stallion opposite him letting out an angry snort as he prepared to charge.

“Darklight!” Starbright chastised, causing the stallion to halt in his tracks, “Nigel is our guest, I won’t have you fighting him over a simple slip up!” Chalmers had to stop himself from bursting out into laughter as the mare left her seat and approached her husband, the large stallion shrinking as his wife closed in on him. Midnight was watching the exchange with worry, she had forgotten just how heated her parents could get when they argued. “Apologize to him now!” Starbright demanded, Darklight withering under her gaze before letting out a defeated sigh.

“I apologize for rushing to conclusions,” Midnight’s father grudgingly stated, Nigel nodding in response.
“That’s fine, as I said I could have worded it with more thought.”

“There, isn’t that better?” Starbright asked, her husband grumbling as she nuzzled him. Midnight left her position and moved to her father, the young mare embracing him in a hug. The grizzled stallion’s mood lifted a little at his daughter’s embrace, Nigel a little relieved that the situation hadn’t deteriorated into physical confrontation.

“Why are you back so early Midnight?” Darklight questioned, “Lunar Guard training goes on for weeks, you should be in Canterlot.” The stallion looked over at Nigel, a slight glare radiating suspicion directed at the changeling. “Also, why is there a changeling in my house? You of all ponies should know that they are dangerous creatures.”

“He’s not dangerous!” Midnight countered, Nigel deciding to leave out what he did to Captain Equinox. “Nigel is one of the nicest pon- beings I’ve met,” as she said this she moved back to the couch and jumped up, snuggling up to Nigel as she faced her father defiantly. “As a matter of fact I love him, he cares a lot for me and he’s really helped me over the last few weeks.”

Darklight looked rather disappointed at Midnight’s confession, the stallion shaking his head as he sat down in a chair next to his wife. “You were always the strange one,” he muttered, Starbright glaring at him from her seat.

He stared at the two, his daughter currently hugging this changeling apparently called ‘Nigel’. He didn’t believe the bug meant the best for Midnight, his friends in the Equestrian Royal Guard had told him all about the creatures when they had visited the city a few weeks ago. Shape-shifting creatures that stole the love of ponies were not to be trusted, for now however he had to remain polite when in ear-shot of his wife. Starbright was always commenting on how he wasn’t the friendliest of ponies and when she had an opinion by Luna you listened least you wanted to find yourself in very hot water.

As Darklight looked at the changeling he noticed that it didn’t really seem as comfortable with the physical contact as Midnight was, Darklight making a note to confront the changeling about his motives later when Midnight and Starbright were absent. Apart from the initial verbal slip-up he did have to admit that this ‘Nigel’ did seem content to refrain from causing any problems. Besides, when he thought about it Nigel couldn’t really be as bad as Dusk’s current coltfriend, his eldest daughter was currently seeing one of the more troublesome stallions in the city.

“So Nigel,” Darklight began with a stern tone, Midnight and Starbright giving him warning glares while the changeling merely looked at him curiously. “Just how did you and Midnight meet?”

“You sound like he’s a criminal you’re interrogating Darklight,” Starbright cut in, “can’t you at least try to be nice?” Darklight sighed again, he often wondered just who was more of an authoritarian, Starbright or himself.

“I mean, how did a… Stallion such as yourself become so close to my daughter, if that question isn’t too prying?” Darklight swore he saw a brief frown appear on the changeling’s face, neither Starbright nor Midnight seemed to notice it so maybe he was just imagining it. The changeling was just about to respond, a nudge from Midnight causing it to pause however. Darklight watched with suspicion as his daughter shared a look with her friend, evidently the mare wanted to take the lead.

“Um father,” Midnight started as she swallowed a lump in her throat, the changeling giving her a reassuring squeeze as the mare looked at him thankfully before facing her parents again. “I have some bad news to tell you, nothing that was Nigel’s fault,” Midnight quickly added the last part upon seeing her father begin to glare at Nigel again. The stallion re-focused his attention on his daughter, unable to see how anything could be worse than her falling in love with a changeling.

“I… was thrown out from the Lunar Guard,” Midnight admitted much to the shock of her parents. Darklight was about to interrogate his daughter as to why when he noticed a sniffle from the mare, tears beginning to fall. He decided that aggressive questioning could probably wait. Midnight took a deep breath, the changeling beside her looking at her worriedly. “I was thrown out because the Captain… the Captain had his way with me.” Darklight leaned forward, surely he had misheard her. There was no way Midnight could have said what he thought she said.

“What was that?” Darklight asked, Starbright having almost fallen off her chair, his wife as pale as a ghost. Midnight closed her eyes as her ears laid down flat.

“I said, the Captain raped me, I’m pregnant with his child,” she choked out, Starbright letting out a gasp as she leapt off her seat to rush over to her daughter and embrace her, Midnight falling off the couch into her mother’s hooves. Darklight observed as the two mares hugged each other on the floor rug, Midnight sobbing into her mother’s coat while Starbright attempted to comfort her daughter with nuzzling and telling her that everything would be alright. He still couldn’t believe what his daughter had just said, the idea of that happening to one of his own just incomprehensible. Darklight slowly left his seat and ambled over to his wife and daughter, sitting down with them as he joined the hug while rubbing Midnight’s back in an attempt to calm her down.

Nigel was content with staying on the couch and not joining in. He felt an unusual pang of sadness as he watched his traveling companion bawl her eyes out, for some reason he felt some attachment to Midnight which was fairly uncommon. Confident in his decision that it was best for the three Nocturnes to come to terms with the situation as a family without his intervention, he decided that he should leave them be.

“I need to use the bathroom,” Nigel stated softly as he slide carefully off the couch, none of the ponies reacting to his words. He moved towards the hallway he had entered the room from, passing out through is as he headed towards the front door. He stopped just before it, plopping down in front of the wall containing all of the photographs. Chalmers leaned back against the wall opposite as he closed his eyes, hoping that this would be the last major hurdle he’d have to cross during his stay on this planet.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Darklight had lost track of time, the stallion caught up in his daughter’s grief. Thankfully her sobs had died out, Midnight rocking back and forth in Starbright’s hold. He glanced at the couch, finding the changeling mysteriously absent. Puzzled by this and still a little suspicious of the creature he stood up, his wife and daughter not noticing as he walked towards the hallway. Poking his head out he spotted the changeling leaning up against the wall appearing to be slumbering. Looking back at the two mares he felt a little guilt for leaving them, however now might be his last chance to question the changeling alone.

He approached the creature and sat down next to it, Darklight not really feeling anything but… numb. The changeling stirred as Darklight sat down, two green eyes blinking open as they focused on the stallion.

“Oh, sorry I must have drifted off,” the changeling mumbled as he made to get up, Darklight halting him with a hoof.

“Hang on; I want to speak with you alone.” The changeling sat back down, looking towards Darklight as he waited for the stallion to speak. “I wanted to ask you something, why did you help my daughter get back home? I don’t see any real gain in it for you.” The changeling seemed to gather his wits, preparing to answer the question.

“It was the right thing to do,” he said after a pause, Darklight raising an eyebrow at the reply. “I know Midnight didn’t mention this but I was the reason the Captain targeted her.”

“What did you do?” Darklight questioned firmly. If this changeling had anything to do with what happened he would kill it then and there.

“I was in some, ahem, trouble with the local rulers and Midnight conversed with me for a brief period. Apparently this ‘Captain Equinox’ considered that a grave offense and threatened her life unless she… you know.” At the mention of Equinox Darklight’s jaw clenched and his eyes narrowed. Equinox was the son of Radiant Eclipse, one of the most powerful council members in the city. Radiant Eclipse is also a notorious crime lord, however due to his family’s noble line and powerful connections he was untouchable.

“Two weeks after my conversation with your daughter Equinox came down to inform me of what he had done, there was an altercation and I broke free. After I escaped my ‘palace guest quarters’ I ran into Midnight in an alley by chance, recognising her as the nice guard I had spoken to while confined. She was upset; having just been thrown out after it was found that she was carrying a child.” Darklight watched as the changeling took a breath, readying to continue.

“You must understand, I’ve done quite a number of terrible things in the past which I won’t mention and felt no remorse for. Seeing her in that state however, I just couldn’t leave her like that all alone, not after what she had done for me. Long story short she’s developed intense feelings for me but is now safely home, in my eyes that’s mission accomplished.”

“Do you love her back though?” Darklight inquired, the changeling shifted uncomfortably at the question.

“Don’t get me wrong, I care deeply for her and would do almost anything to make her happy but a relationship would be very difficult because of reasons out of our control.”

“Look, Nigel,” Darklight started, slowly becoming adjusted to the changeling’s presence, “if you’re worried about me not welcoming you into the family don’t worry, after what you’ve done for Midnight I can accept that you aren’t that bad.” The changeling seemed to stare into space for a moment, a small, humourless chuckle escaping his muzzle.

“Oh, that’s not the issue, Hell me being a changeling is a nothing compared to these other problems. The fact is that I don’t want to put Midnight through any issues that will no doubt occur, certainly with how she is at the moment.” The changeling stared down at his hooves, Darklight remaining silent. “I was actually hoping that once she was home, surrounded by those she loved I could leave with a solid conscience knowing that I did my part. Unfortunately it seems like I’ve become one of those that she loves, and the fact that a part of me loves her back just as strongly despite knowing the danger is a concern as well.” The changeling let out a yawn, the day had been tiring for all. “I just want Midnight to be happy but right now I don’t know exactly how to do that.”

Darklight mulled over the changeling’s words, the police chief detecting no trace of dishonesty in the explanation. It seemed to him that Nigel was genuinely concerned for Midnight’s well-being. Darklight had to stop himself from letting out a yawn, it was fairly late and a good night’s sleep would probably do every one wonders. A though popped into his mind regarding Nigel.

“Have you got someplace to stay?” Darklight inquired, the changeling gesturing to a coin purse had looped around his neck.
“I was planning to head to a hotel; I have more than enough money assuming that Equestrian currency is accepted here.”
“It is,” Darklight confirmed with a nod of his head, “however we do have a guest bedroom so I can offer you that-“
“No, I’d hate to impose,” Nigel interrupted as he rose up.

“To be honest I wasn’t offering for your sake,” Darklight responded as he too stood up, eliciting an eyebrow rise from the Changeling. “Midnight seems to be really attached to you, I think it would be for the best if you were here and able to support her for the time-being.”

“When you put it that way how can I refuse,” Nigel chuckled as he peered at the multiple doors lining the hall.

“Down the hallway on the right, the room is the only one there,” Darklight stated as started to move to the living room to collect
Starbright and Midnight for bed, everyone needed some sleep in his opinion. He paused however at the hallway cross-section, catching the changeling just as he was about to enter the guest room. “One second,” he called out, Nigel halting as he looked at him. “What happened to that Bucker Equinox?” Nigel let out a small mile at the question, for some reason Darklight felt a chill down his spine.

“He was punished for his actions and I sincerely hope that he died,” the changeling replied coldly, the bluntness of the response giving the veteran police officer pause. Darklight decided to drop the question, settling on just giving the changeling a brief nod. Nigel responded with a similar nod as he entered the room, the wooden door shutting behind him. Darklight took a second to recover, moving towards the living room with the changeling’s words resonating in his mind, a part of him satisfied with the news that Equinox had suffered for his crimes.

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Nigel lay in the bed, the surprisingly large frame easily fitting his form. The room was nicely decorated, smooth stone walls broken up by paintings of various objects as well as nice wooden furniture. The bed sheets themselves appeared to be hand (hoof?) stitched and were a calming shade of deep blue. There was no window; however a wall clock stylised to look like a full moon provided a small amount of light as it ticked on.

The changeling shifted uncomfortably underneath the covers, the bed was quite good however something was just preventing him from sleeping. He glanced at the clock face, the time indicated as ten o’clock in the morning so maybe it was just the fact that he was sleeping during the daytime? He sighed, that wasn’t it, after all once one spends a fair amount of time in space as well as on missions the concept of regular sleep-cycles becomes non-existent. No, this feeling was more of a gnawing in his gut, almost resembling that of guilt. He didn’t know why this was though, he had already returned Midnight to her family so what else was he supposed to do?
Sighing Nigel laid his head back on the silver-coloured pillows, counting the number of scratches on the ceiling as he attempted to drift off. Minutes passed before heard the door to his room open, golden eyes peering in through the gloom.

“Nigel,” a whisper drifted in, Nigel able to identify the voice as belonging to Midnight, “are you awake?” The mare still sounded a little upset, a few sniffles here and there although she had at least stopped crying.

“Afraid so,” Nigel answered, the mare scuffing her hoofs on the floor as she moved in further into the room. Chalmers had rolled onto his side to face her, Midnight now halfway into the room.

“I couldn’t sleep,” she mentioned, rubbing one of her front hooves against her other fore-leg, “would it be alright if I slept in your bed today?” Nigel was reluctant, admittedly they had slumbered together while they were traveling but in a bed in her parent’s house? He had only just started to make progress with getting Darklight to trust him and Chalmers doubted that being found in the same bed as the stallion’s daughter would elevate his reputation. Midnight sniffled again, ramming home the last nail in the coffin.

“I guess so,” Nigel conceded, “I haven’t been able to sleep too well either.” Midnight’s face light up at these words, the mare carefully clambering onto the bed before slipping under the covers. Nigel rolled over so his back was towards her; it wasn’t very long until he felt a warm body press up against him from behind as soft breathing could be heard. He looked over his shoulder and observed that Midnight had her back against his, the mare facing away as she slumbered. Evidently she really just needed some company in order to sleep.

Now that he thought about it he too was starting to feel a little drowsy, his eyes drooping as his head rested back on the pillow. He dozed off quickly into a dreamless slumber, the unpleasant feeling in his stomach having subsided.

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Starbright awoke in a sweat, the only sounds in the room belonging to her husband’s snores. She wiped her brow with a hoof, groaning as she looked over towards the clock. It listed the time as eight o’clock in the evening, she had overslept past her usual wakeup time. Her evening routine started at seven and involved getting the breakfast ready for Darklight, however tonight she’d be cooking for two more. Or one, she still wasn’t sure if Nigel was going to be eating considering that he apparently lived off love.

After breakfast was made and Darklight was off to work she’d work a little on her novel in progress throughout the day, spending a short amount of time cleaning the house. The advantage to having all of your children living away from home was that once she cleaned the house it seemed to stay clean for a while.

Thinking of children she suddenly remembered that her other daughters, Moonlight Melody and Star Glitter were coming over for dinner tonight with their coltfriends. She bolted upright in the bed, Darklight continuing to sleep despite the movement. She had so much to do, not to mention the extra guests that they had and the emotional condition of Midnight. Starbright still was worried for her daughter, at least Midnight seemed to have found someone who cared deeply for her. Nigel didn’t show it too well but Starbright could tell the changeling was very attached to Midnight, mothers tended to able to pick up on such things. Her other two daughters however…

Starbright left the bed and quietly made her way to the door, exiting the room carefully as to avoid waking Darklight. The stallion had work tonight and needed as much sleep as he could get. The door shut behind her, the mare missing the form in the bed shifting as she left, Starbright heading to Midnight’s room to check up on her.

Her daughter hadn’t stopped crying by the time Darklight came and suggested everyone grabbed some sleep. Midnight hadn’t uttered a word and had merely walked to her old room, still furnished in case she came back for visits. Starbright just wished that she could do more for her daughter, no-pony deserved to go through what she must have. The thoughts of what Midnight was going to go through for the next eleven months plagued heavily on Starbright’s mind as she reached the door to her daughter’s room.

Starbright tapped softly on Midnight’s wooden door, the mare hearing no signs of movement. “Midnight, honey,” Starbright softly called receiving no response. Nosing the door open slightly Starbright found the room empty, the bed still made.

“Looking for Midnight?” Starbright turned around to find Darklight standing behind her, the stallion rubbing one of his eyes with a hoof.

“She doesn’t look like she’s in her room, I wonder whe- oh,” a small smile graced Starbright’s face as an idea made itself present in her mind. Darklight gave her a questioning look as the mare moved past him, heading towards the guest bedroom. Starbright quietly approached the door, pushing it open silently as she peered into the room, Darklight looking over her shoulder.

Inside the room, more specifically in the bed Starbright spotted Midnight, her daughter sleeping with the changeling that she had brought home. Nigel was lying facing the opposite side of the room, Midnight having draped herself over him. Every so often one of her wings would twitch or flap, the changeling absent of movement aside from the slight rising and falling of his chest as he breathed.

Darklight peeked in, spotted the pair and let out a small sigh. Starbright knew he didn’t approve greatly of Midnight’s romantic choice, however after the way he was acting the other night she had expected him to immediate charge in and confront the changeling.
Starbright and Darklight backed out of the doorway when Midnight murmured something inaudible, Nigel stirring as the mare lying on him began to twitch her back legs. The two observers shut the door; it would probably be for the best if they didn’t inform the pair just yet that they had been found out. Starbright looked towards her husband, Darklight still appearing quite dejected.

“I’m going to take a shower,” he grunted out, heading towards the bathroom. Starbright shook her head; really he needed to take some more time off work if his mood was never going to improve.

“Guess I better get breakfast started,” she mumbled to herself as she moved to the kitchen. A good family breakfast would be the perfect environment to cheer up Midnight, Starbright deciding to make a portion for Nigel as well, just in case.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Nigel slowly returned to wakefulness, a weight on top of him and warm breath on his neck. He craned his neck around as soft muttering sounded in his ear, spotting that Midnight once again spooned him in his sleep. The mare was lying partially on top of him; occasionally movement from her hind legs could be felt as she ever so slowly woke up. Letting out a little groan Midnight shifted as her wings attempted to flap, the one that wasn’t trapped by her own body succeeding to flutter a few times before the mare’s eyes opened. Midnight looked at Nigel before looking down to where she was positioned, realising that once again she had covered him in her sleep.

“Oops, sorry Nigel,” Midnight apologized with a blush as she removed herself form her sleeping companion, lying back down beside him instead of atop of him.

“I guess I can give you a pass, good thing your parents didn’t see that,” Nigel replied, Midnight going rigid at the thought of what her father would think. “So…” Nigel hesitantly continued as Midnight re-focused on him, “are you feeling better this morning?” The mare nodded, holding her fore-legs out hoping that Nigel would embrace her. The changeling complied, moving closer to allow her to hug him. Once again he felt a soothing feeling encompass him, Midnight letting out a contented sigh as she snuggled into the embrace.
The two stayed there for a while, content to just spend some time together. Nigel felt more energised; he assumed it was because he was feeding off of Midnight’s affection for him. The mare grasping him didn’t really seem to want to get up, Nigel however deciding that leaving the bed before discovery by Darklight and Starbright would be a wise idea.

“Come on, time to get up,” he said, pulling away from Midnight who reluctantly relinquished her hold.

“Do we have to?” she complained, sighing as Nigel nodded in response. The changeling extracted himself from the bed, dropping onto the floor as Midnight sat up and stretched her wings. Nigel also stretched, limbering up all four of his foreign legs as he rolled his head around to loosen up his neck. As he did this Midnight left the bed, now slightly more motivated to get up after the changeling left. Seeing that that changeling seemed to be rather occupied with his actions Midnight made to leave the room, “I’m going to get some breakfast, I’ll see you in the kitchen.’

“Righto,” Nigel responded as continued to stretch, only his neglected wings remaining stationary. Midnight walked out and shut the door behind her, trotting to the kitchen in a chirpy mood with the previous night’s sadness dulled after her relaxing sleep. The house hadn’t changed a bit since she had been away, Midnight swiftly arriving in the Kitchen only to find no-one present. She peeked around the doorway leading to the dining room, spotting her parents sitting down on cushions at the large oak table in the centre of the room with a platter of bread, conserves, fruit and juice all lined up on the table.

“Evening,” Midnight greeted, her parents looking at her with surprise as the mare sat down between them and grabbed a spare plate with a wing.

“You seem much better sweetie,” Starbright casually remarked as Midnight proceeded to stock her plate with fruit ranging from melon to berries, “did you sleep well yesterday?” Starbright asked the question with a slight grin on her face. This gave Midnight pause, the young mare visibly freezing as her mother and father awaited a response. They knew, Midnight didn’t know how but they knew that she had slept in Nigel’s bed.

“Oh, uh I slept fairly well thank you,” Midnight answered attempting to hide her blush behind her plate of food, “I feel a lot better now, I guess talking about it really helped. Thanks for listening and not disowning me or anything like that,” Darklight paused his eating and stared at his daughter.

“Whatever gave you the idea that we’d disown you?” he asked, Starbright looking just as confused as her husband.

“Well,” Midnight started, “you were always threatening Melody and Glitter saying that if they didn’t hurry up and get jobs you’d throw them out, I was ejected from the Lunar Guard and I’m dating a changeling so I assumed-”

“First off, you’re not your sisters. That’s a whole new territory that comes with its own set of problems,” Darklight cut in, “secondly I believe you when you say that your dismissal wasn’t your fault and even if it was you're still my daughter and you should be able to feel safe in your own home. Now on the topic of the changeling I don’t… mind him,” both mares could see that Darklight was still a little touchy about the subject of Midnight’s friend. “I just think that you, Midnight need to probably look at how you’re going to cope with the next eleven months and after that. I may not trust Nigel fully yet but I do think that he will at least be there for you when you need him.”

“Thanks dad,” Midnight acknowledged with a soft smile, Darklight nodding in return before continuing his breakfast.

“Speaking of Nigel where is he?” Starbright inquired over a cup of tea, “I had expected you two to come out together.” Darklight shot his wife a look as the elder mare grinned at her daughter’s discomfort, Midnight shifting on her seat as her blush returned. Now she knew that they certainly were aware of her previous day’s sleeping activities.

“Nothing happened!” she squeaked out, her mother’s knack for causing embarrassment having remained strong in Midnight’s absence.

“Starbright,” Darklight warned, his wife waving a hoof at him.

“I’m only teasing her dear,” Starbright responded before focusing back on Midnight, “well where is he, hmmm?”

“He’s doing his evening stretches, he still has difficulty with four legs sometimes,” Midnight paled as she realised what she had said, her parents sharing a questioning look with each other. “I mean he always had four legs, it’s just that he can be pretty clumsy at times and apparently stretches help that.” Midnight’s parents still didn’t buy the excuse however they let it go; at least Midnight was a lot more confident with herself this morning. The clacking of hooves on slate sounded from the direction of the kitchen, moments later a changeling poking his head around the corner appeared.

“Good mor- evening all,” Nigel stated, Midnight beaming at him as she waved him over, the changeling glancing at Darklight before sitting down on a pillow. Midnight offered him a plate however the changeling refused, still not certain of which foods he could eat. He wasn’t feeling that hungry anyway, he did however pour himself a cup of tea finding that the handles large enough for him to fit a hoof through.

“Did you sleep as well as Midnight yesterday Nigel?” Starbright mentioned with a sly look towards Midnight, Darklight sighing at his wife’s insistence to cause trouble. Nigel guessed that they had found out about Midnight’s room change, he figured that he might as well play along.

“Oh, relatively well I suppose,” he replied casually as he took a dainty sip of tea, “waking up with Midnight holding me like a teddy bear was a bit of a surprise I must admit.” Midnight turned her head slowly to look at him, a shocked expression on her face. The targeted mare was unable to reply, her cheeks bulging with melon pieces she had stuffed in in quite an un-ladylike demeanour. Starbright couldn’t contain her laughter, the changeling’s deadpan delivery combined with the expression on her daughter’s face was priceless. Darklight merely frowned at his wife’s outburst, Midnight blushing as she swallowed her mouthful of food.

“Nigel!” she complained, hitting him lightly on the arm with a hoof, “I get enough of that from mom, don’t you start as well.” The changeling smirked at the embarrassed mare, leaning towards her to give her a small peck on the cheek. Midnight squeaked again and her wings fluttered in shock, Starbright entertained by the antics of the pair while Darklight rolled his eyes and picked up his plate with a wing.

“I’ve got to get ready for work,” he declared, “remember that we have that dinner this morning, I’m sure looking forward to it.” The stallion grumbled the last part, Midnight looking at her mother with puzzlement.

“What does dad mean about a dinner?” she enquired as she popped a strawberry in her mouth, Nigel also curious about this dinner.
“Your sisters and their coltfriends are coming over tonight, I expect that they’ll be surprised to see you back,” Starbright answered, turning to Nigel. “I hope you’ll join us Nigel, I know you don’t eat solid food but I’m sure you’ll have a great time.” Nigel doubted that, he had barely won over Darklight and from what he had heard Midnight’s sisters weren’t the most tolerable of people. Starbright and Darklight had welcomed him into their home however so he supposed it wasn’t a huge ask.

“I’d be happy to,” he replied, Starbright appearing elated at his answer. Midnight however shifted uncomfortably, she knew that her sisters would mock her about her relationship with Nigel and although she was used to them she wasn’t sure how he would react. Her sisters could be rather mean, Luna preserve her if they found out that she got thrown out of the guard. That was the one thing Midnight had over them.

“Um, Mom,” Midnight asked, Starbright turning to look at her, “could you and Dad not tell Melody and Glitter about what happened, maybe you could just say that I was given some time off to visit?”

“Now Midnight,” Starbright replied, “one day your sisters are going to find out what happened, I know that you think that they wouldn’t understand but I’m sure they will treat you with respect. You are going to have to get along someday, why not try to make it happen this morning?”

“I guess,” Midnight conceded as she rested her head on the table. Starbright got up, the mare heading into the kitchen.

“Well, I have to get started on the dinner for this morning,” Starbright finished as Midnight felt a hoof pat her on the back, the mare looking to the side to see Nigel smiling at her.

“Don’t worry too much; we got through your father so your sisters should be a piece of cake.” Midnight stared at Nigel, the human having no idea what was going to happen that morning.

“You haven’t met my sisters.”

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Midnight tapped her hooves together nervously as she sat on the couch, Nigel sitting beside her as they awaited the arrival of Midnight’s siblings. The night had passed quickly, Midnight and Nigel spending most of their time helping Starbright in the kitchen preparing the meal for the morning. Nigel had turned out to be quite proficient at cooking, even teaching Starbright about pasta called ‘Ravioli’, small pillows of pasta that the pair had filled with tomato and cheese. Starbright had questioned why Nigel knew how to cook considering he didn’t eat food, Nigel answering that it was always a hobby of his.

Midnight had noticed that he was trying to disguise the fact that he was human from her parents which confused her. After all he had told her about his real self so why not them? She had made a note to ask him about this later, however she doubted that Nigel would be willing to tell Starbright and Darklight anytime soon.

The sound of knocking sounded from the hallway, someone was at the front door. Darklight passed the pair on the couch as he moved to answer it, the stallion having arrived home from work an hour ago. Midnight’s tapping increased, Nigel grabbing one of her fore-hooves with his to reassure her. She stopped fidgeting, he had seemed to be getting more comfortable around her and more open with shows of affection. She was really glad that he was trying to be more romantic with her; hopefully he would soon feel for her like she did for him.

The front door was opened, Midnight and Nigel able to hear voices streaming up from the hallway. They could make out standard greetings and introductions, the sounds growing louder as the group moved closer towards the living room. Starbright had yet to make an appearance, last Midnight and Nigel had seen of her she had been busy preparing a large sponge cake topped with fruit. Midnight tightened her hoof around Nigel’s as her father, sisters and two stallions trotted into the room. Upon sighting Midnight and her unusual companion the new-comers stopped in their tracks with surprise in their eyes.

Nigel watched as the new nocturne ponies all stared at him and Midnight sitting together on the couch, Nigel giving the new arrivals a wave, the ponies following his hole-covered hoof with wide eyes. Darklight muttered something about checking up on the dinner as he quickly rushed out of the room, Nigel noticing his haste to leave.

“Top of the morning to you,” he greeted as he mimed tipping a hat, Midnight giggling beside him despite her apprehension.
“Wow, so it can speak,” commented the larger stallion out of the two new comers, the pony wearing a backwards blue and white base-ball hat and a metal chain with the yin-yang symbol around his neck. His voice reminded Nigel of twenty-first century DJ’s he had seen in recordings, already the changeling knew that this stallion would get on his nerves.

“That’s so funny,” chuckled the mare pressing against the stallion who had voiced his observations. She looked a little taller than Midnight, the mare possessing the same standard colour with the exception of her mane and tail, hot pink stripes interrupting the purple. “I told you Bass Drop, Midnight was always the strange one.” The second mare joined in the laughter, this one around the same size as Midnight with a short cut mane dyed a midnight blue. Her stallion was regular in appearance, the pony wearing an expensive looking burgundy dinner jacket however.

“How right you were Melody, of course Midnight couldn’t have gotten a normal stallion so she goes and dates something completely different.” Both mares giggled again, the type of giggle that Nigel thought was incredibly well suited to belong to a group of bratty teenage schoolgirls, the type of giggle that contained no mirth, only mocking insult. Nigel resisted the urge to call them out on their oh-so witty observations; after all he was aiming to have this dinner remain peaceful.

“I guess meeting the parents won’t be so hard after all if they let their daughter date that, right Bass?” the dinner-jacket toting stallion joked as he addressed the other stallion.

“Buck yeah, this will be a piece of cake Beats!” The chain-wearing pony replied, Nigel actually feeling his brain cells melt as he heard the two stallions’ names. He bet that they were involved in the music industry, the one known as Bass possessing all of the detestable qualities that made him prime DJ material. ‘Beats’ occupation was harder to pinpoint, the stallion’s presentation neater and more refined, possibly involved in production or sales.

Nigel glanced at Midnight, the mare glaring angrily at her sisters as they both whispered to each other while shooting looks at her. He found it rather interesting that both sisters didn’t really seem that interested as to why Midnight was back home, the two judgemental mares jumping straight to mocking her. He could only imagine what Midnight’s childhood spent with those two was like.

"Dinner’s ready," Starbright’s voice called out, the group of four ceasing their talks as they headed towards the dining area, the two mares leading the way. Nigel and Midnight waited until the four had left earshot before both let out deep breaths at the same time.

“That… that was painful,” Nigel commented as Midnight nodded in agreement, “I was this close to re-arranging that tosser Bass’s face.” Nigel removed his hoof from Midnight’s so he could place the bottom of each of his fore-hooves almost touching each other, the closest imitation he could get to a human pinching the thumb and fore-finger together.

“Please don’t,” Midnight replied as she placed a wing over the irate changeling’s back, “I know what they said was uncalled for but that’s how my sisters always were and obviously their coltfriends are the same. Just ignore them and once this dinner is finished hopefully we’ll never have to hear from them again.” Midnight left the couch as she finished, moving to the dining room with the intent of joining the other ponies.

“I suppose I can try, no promises though,” Nigel muttered as he followed her, the pair heading towards the sounds of light conversation and polite laughter.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

“… so then Chief No-Fun bursts in with a mass of cops and tells everyone to ‘keep that Luna-forsaken noise down!’ before storming off to harass the management!” Bass Drop burst out laughing accompanied by Beats, Glitter and Melody. Starbright laughed just enough to appear polite while Darklight continued to eat his pasta in silence, the police chief appearing to be very unhappy with his un-official nickname.

Nigel had been spot on with his predictions regarding the Stallion’s occupations, Beats the son of the main record producer in Nocturnia while Bass was indeed a DJ who worked at the most popular ‘dayclub’ in the city. The self-centred DJ had been the primary driving force behind the dinner conversations, the topics generally ranging from his performances to his ‘artistic talent’. Beats had remained fairly quiet, spending most of the time whispering to Glitter whenever Bass got particularly detailed about his life while Melody had supported her coltfriend’s points with little interjections of her own.

Starbright had asked general questions about occupations and family, Nigel and Midnight were sitting on their cushions at the bottom end of the rectangular table keeping to themselves. Starbright and Darklight were opposite them at the other long end while the group of four were seated in their corresponding pairs up towards the two eldest nocturnes, a large space between Nigel and Midnight and the rest of the group. The focus of employment had spun to Nigel, all of the group looking at him as Bass finished swallowing his portion of tomato and cheese ravioli.

“So, changeling,” Bass started, “you never did tell us your name, if you even have one that is.” Midnight touched Nigel’s right hind-leg with her left under the table as the DJ smirked with his question, a warning to her companion to remain diplomatic.

“Nigel M Chalmers,” he answered, the DJ snickering at Nigel’s reply accompanied by his three fellows.

“What kind of name is that?” the pony managed between chuckles.

‘The kind of name that hundreds have muttered as their last breath, usually preceded by “fuck you”.’

Nigel bit back the retort, Darklight glaring at the DJ from his end of the table which Nigel was grateful for. At least the DJ had taken the position of least favourite house guest.

“Just a name, I didn’t exactly choose it,” Nigel calmly responded as he took a sip of tea, the only thing he was consuming at the table. This DJ was really starting to tick him off, if he wasn’t at a dinner party attempting to make it work for Midnight’s sake he would have already attempted to kill the self-entitled stallion long ago.

“Well, it sure matches just how strange you are,” Bass replied much to the amusement of Melody, “So what do you do changeling? I doubt you’ve gotten a job yet since you’ve only been here for a short time, I bet it was something like waste disposal or a j-janitor!” Bass once again broke out in laughter, this time no-one else joining in. The rest of his companions, including Melody were looking at him surprised that he had so directly insulted the changeling in front of their hosts. Speaking of hosts Starbright was looking at Bass in shock while Darklight was fixing a down-right venomous glare at the laughing stallion.

Nigel remained calm despite the rage bubbling in him, keeping it under control as he stared down the stallion with a hard look.

“Actually I work in military intelligence; I’m on a brief period of leave for now so in the meantime I aim to find part-time employment. However once I’m called back to duty I’ll resume my full duties.” Nigel sipped his tea after dropping the bombshell in a nonchalant manner, everyone except Midnight and Darklight dropping their mouths in shock. Midnight already knew, Nigel leaving out some of the more in-depth details he had told her and Darklight was appraising the changeling with a interested look in his eyes.

“You’re lying!” Bass accused as he pointed a hoof at the changeling, “military intelligence for who!?”

“That information is classified,” Nigel responded flatly. In truth it wasn’t, the ISA was famous throughout the known universes for its unusual operatives and methods. Nigel just wanted to mess with Bass by not telling him.

“Then how can you prove it!?” the stallion countered, Nigel shrugging at the question.

“Whether you believe me or not does not change the truth,” Chalmers stated sagely, Bass leaping up from his seat.

“Are you mocking me changeling?” the irate DJ growled, brushing off Melody’s hoof as she tried to get him to sit back down. The rest of the table were all watching the un-folding confrontation worriedly with the exception of Darklight, the stallion attempting to hide a smile at the DJ’s behaviour.

“You tell me, you seem to be fairly familiar with it.”

“I’m going to ask you one, last, time!” Bass snarled, pawing a hoof on the ground at Nigel’s response. “Are you mocking me, changeling!?” Bass spat the last word like an insult, Nigel looking him deep in the eyes, raising one eyebrow and preparing the number one confrontation intensifier known to man.

“You mad Bro?”

“That’s it, you and me, outside Motherbucker!” Bass challenged, Nigel smugly grinning as his attempts to provoke the DJ succeeded. He stood up as Bass stormed towards the exit leading to the hallway, Midnight tried grasping Nigel to stop him but the changeling broke free. Chalmers had had enough of the DJ’s shit and nothing was going to stop him from getting some sweet, sweet revenge. As he exited the room he glanced back and gave Midnight an apologetic look, the mare frantic about the thought of the upcoming brawl. Nigel stopped for a second as he watched her attempt to get up and follow him, her father however halted her before she could, whispering that it was something that Nigel and Bass would have to work out by themselves.

Nigel turned back around and walked out of the room, the sound of many hooves moving around behind him as he left to gain his satisfaction.

______________________________________________________________________________________________

“Hope you’re ready to die, Flankhole!”

Bass Drop was moving from one hoof to the next as he taunted the changeling, Nigel merely giving him a cold hard glare. The two combatants were standing on the side of the cobbled road outside of the house. The insults the stallion was throwing out might have had more effect if they weren’t so… hilariously unimaginative. Really, Nigel decided to show him how it was done.

“Only thing I’m ready for is cleaning the shit off of the ground with your face, you joke of a musician. Did your mother deliberately sleep with the ugliest stallion or did she just take everyone and hoped for the best?”

“You think you’re tough? Everyone’s just waiting to see you lose to me, bug!” Bass pointed towards the house they had just vacated, every other pony at the dinner staring out apprehensively. Nigel got a little caught up as he looked at Midnight viewing him with concern that he didn’t notice Bass attempted a sneak attack. The changeling whirled his head back around in time to see the Nocturne pony take flight, the stallion speeding towards him before lashing out with a hind hoof as he passed.

It connected solidly with Nigel’s head, driving the changeling to the ground as the DJ landed triumphantly behind him. Bass turned around to gloat about his easy victory but was cut off by a hoof striking him in the throat causing him to collapse on the ground wheezing.

Nigel, a trail of blood leaking from the corner of his mouth and various scratches on his chin returned his right fore-hoof and stood still. He waited patiently for Bass to recover from the hit and get up off the ground, not yet satisfied with the damage dealt out to the DJ. Bass hacked up some spittle as he shakily raised himself from the dirt, staring at the changeling in shock.

“But… but I got you in the head! You should be unconscious right now!”

“I don’t go down that easily,” Nigel remarked with a grin, eyeing the yin-yang necklace swinging from the DJ’s neck. The Dj snorted, stamping a hoof on the ground as he prepared to charge again.

“I’ll just have to hit you more then!” Bass yelled, the nocturne taking flight once more as he headed straight for Nigel once more. The human-turned-changeling was ready for it this time, the nocturne stallion in his enraged state using the same tactic that had worked the first time. As he tried to fly over the changeling however Nigel shot his right hoof out, the crook of his hoof grabbing hold of the necklace dangling from the stallion’s neck.

With a yank the nocturne found his momentum changed, the surprised DJ crashing head-first to the ground as he let out a grunt of pain. Nigel watched as the stallion attempted to get up, evidently the DJ suffering from a concussion as he barely made it a few inches before falling back down in a heap with a weak moan of pain.

“Looks like I win, you tried but you failed,” Nigel commented casually as wiped his mouth with a hoof, the hoof becoming smeared with green life fluid. The door to the house slammed open and Melody galloped out, passing the stationary changeling as she rushed to her coltfriend’s side. While she worriedly assured the beaten DJ that everything would be okay and that she still loved him Nigel calmly walked back to the house.

He entered the door passing the rest of the nocturnes, pale faces all around except for Darklight and Midnight. Darklight looked at Nigel with an expression that seemed almost respectful while Midnight left the embrace of Starbright when she saw that Nigel was bleeding. The mare flung her hooves around Nigel’s neck, the changeling pausing before gently pushing her off. He opened the door to his room, retrieved his pilfered coin bag and made to leave. At the threshold he stopped and turned to look at Darklight, Starbright and Midnight, the latter sitting on the floor dejected after he had pushed her away.

“Thank you for the hospitality,” he started with a neutral tone, “but I think I need some time alone.” With those words he left, stepping around the collapsed DJ and the adjacent mare as he headed down the road into the city. No-one in the house followed him, all of the ponies staring out the open door for what seemed like an eternity. Beats and Glitter mumbled rushed goodbyes as they quickly left, stopping to help Bass and Melody to their hooves before the group of four departed down the road making sure to go in the opposite direction to Nigel.

Darklight, Starbright and Midnight remained seated as the just stared out the door for a further five minutes. Starbright and Darklight got up together, Midnight the only one left sitting as her mother wrapped a wing around Midnight’s back.

“I’m sure he’ll come back honey,” the mare reassured. While Starbright was surprised that such a nice changeling could just viciously beat the sense out of a pony and act like nothing happened a part of her darkly thought that the arrogant DJ deserved everything he got. She looked at her husband, knowing that Darklight certainly didn’t mind the fact that Melody’s coltfriend just got beaten down out the front of their house.

The stallion seemed quiet however Starbright swore she could see a faint smile on his face. It disappeared however when she nudged him in the side, both parents sharing a look before heading back to the dining room to clean up the mess before bed. Both shot a last, pity-filled glance at their devastated daughter before leaving.

Midnight remained still for ages, trying to figure out why Nigel had just left like that especially after what he had just done. She was upset that he had attacked Bass Drop, Midnight knowing that Nigel had deliberately provoked him. She churned the previous events over in her head as she tried to process the changeling’s motives for leaving her behind. Surely he knew that talking to her about it would be better than spending time alone with himself lamenting about what he just did?

Darklight and Starbright were so busy cleaning up that they didn’t notice the front door swinging closed, nor did they note the rapid galloping of hooves on cobbled stone that faded away in the direction that the changeling departed.

Gems, Gems are Truely Amazing

Nocturnes stopped and stared as a solitary changeling strolled into the market district, the strange creature returning the curious stares with a warm smile as it wandered from stall to stall. None of the bat-ponies went out of their way to impede his progress however, while the creature was strange it didn’t seem very threatening so most just looked for a few moments with interest before returning to their daily lives.

At one stall the changeling paused, the young mare behind it spruiking assorted trinkets and baubles that ranged from simple gold bracelets and ear-rings to jewel-encrusted necklaces and clasps that seemed designed to fit on wing tips. The changeling approached the stall with his coin purse jingling with an ample amount, the mare while nervous of the creature always looking out for a future customer. The shop owner, Amethyst Wind waited for a few moments as the creature browsed her wares and seemed to appraise a few items.

“Can I help you with anything?” she calmly inquired as the creature bit its lip in thought.

“Yes actually, I’m kind of looking for an apology gift for a young mare.” Amethyst winced internally; those gifts were always the hardest. She had a duty as a shopkeeper to assist her clients however, the thought of the money she would gain from the sale also encouraging her. The creature was a male going off his voice and would have most likely forgotten an anniversary or date, no doubt incurring the wrath of his marefriend. A couple of questions should provide her with all of the information required to make the sale.

“Well sir,” Amethyst started as she swept a purple wing over the items in front of her, “I have many items that could suit your needs; I do want to ensure that you get just the perfect gift for your special someone. May I ask what she looks like so that we can pick out the perfect item for her?” The customer quickly looked at her, nodding his head.

“She has the exact same coat and mane colour as you; however her mane is a little shorter with a little tuff coming up in the middle.” Amethyst was a little surprised that the customer’s special friend was a Nocturne pony; most Nocturnes didn’t date other species with that even including Equestrians. She wasn’t one to judge however, lacking a coltfriend herself she was hardly in the position to question the love between two strangers.

“I see, may I ask what it was that happened between you?” Amethyst moved in for the kill, her voice turning sympathetic as she gazed sadly at the creature. “Did you forget one tiny anniversary and she just went off at you?” The customer shook his head, his smile dropping for a second.

“Not quite,” he replied as Amethyst leaned in closer, “It’s less of a ‘Sorry of forgetting’ gift and more of a ‘Sorry for ruining your parents’ dinner party by beating the crap out of your sister’s annoying prick of a boyfriend who also happens to be a DJ, an occupation reserved for the very scum of existence that fail at everything else and contribute nothing to society and I’m also sorry for walking out and leaving you behind but I hope you understand that I just need some time to gain control of my recently troubled emotions in regards to our relationship’ problem.”

Amethyst’s jaw had dropped as the customer had calmly recounted his reason for seeking a gift; there was only one thing that could solve such extraordinary and serious problems. After taking a few seconds to recover from the explanation Amethyst pointed a hoof firmly at a silver necklace with a large diamond set in the middle, the changeling whistling at the item.

“That seems like it’s going to be awfully expensive,” he answered, “do you accept Equestrian bits?”

Amethyst nodded, “Yes I do, it will cost you five-hundred bits.”

“Three-hundred,” the Customer countered, “I can see a flaw on the third chain link there.” Amethyst swore silently, she didn’t expect the creature to pick up on that.

“Four hundred, the diamond is one of the best I’ve ever had.”

“Three-fifty,” responded the customer, Amethyst scrunching up her face in thought. She had acquired the necklace for cheap as part of a bulk order from an old supplier, it had only cost her the equivalent of two-hundred bits so she was still one-hundred-and-fifty up on the deal. She also thought of the fact that she would be helping two beings mend their relationship, the thought incredibly pleasant.

“Three Hundred and Fifty, just for you,” Amethyst accepted as the changeling beamed at her and retrieved the funds, the coin purse considerably lighter now that a large amount of its contents had been removed. Amethyst counted the offered money and found that it was two bits over, pushing the change back to the customer with a hoof as she used her wings to box the gift in glittering wrap with a golden bow at the top. Placing the gift in a small white bag provided free of charge she offered it to the creature who took it and placed the canvas strap of the bag around his neck.

“Thanks, it’s getting late so I’ll guess I’ll give it to her in the evening,” he acknowledged, Amethyst waving a hoof at him, “No, thank you sir, I’m sure it will help immensely.” The creature shot her a grin and trotted off, Amethyst watching him leave as he headed towards the city centre as Nocturnes shot him inquisitive glances. The shopkeeper sighed and went back to scanning for potential customers, maybe one day she’d get someone willing to pay hundreds for an apology gift for her.

Hopefully it would just be an apology for forgetting an anniversary and not one for assaulting a member of a dinner party. Amethyst didn’t want that much excitement in her life.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

Nigel walked along the bustling street with the shops, Dayclubs and bars all buzzing with activity during the nocturnes’ equivalent of prime-time night life. The area was lit up with lights that hung from the cavern ceiling way up high, Chalmers able to glimpse multiple bat-ponies attending to the lamps as he continued down the street. He didn’t mind the stares and odd looks he received, most of them were filled with curiosity rather than fear and hate unlike in Equestria. Granted, he didn’t make the best first impression but the Equestrians seemed more intent on punishing him for the species he looked like and not his vulgarity and behaviour.

The bag around his neck was hardly a burden, the box within not heavy at all. He had purchased the gift in the hope that it would fix the guilt that was coursing through him at his rash actions. Chalmers was not used to feeling guilty too often; usually his actions could be blamed on orders or the fault of another but this time he had no excuse.

The DJ was a toss, that was a given but to fight him at another person’s house after goading them was poor form. It didn’t help that it was Midnight’s parents’ party that he had ruined and that he had left his friend behind after what must be a very upsetting thing for her to witness. Nigel smiled sadly as spotted a small inn located at the end of the street that he started to head towards, realising that this was the first time for days that Midnight had not been at his side.

He walked through the grey stone doorway into the inn, the reception area warm and inviting with wooden floors and ceiling while the floor was covered in a sea blue rug. No one was at the desk, a small silver bell alongside a sign declaring that there were rooms available for twenty ‘Luninmars’ or ten Equestrian bits a night. After taking a second to examine the surrounding room Nigel gently tapped the bell with a hoof, a soft ding ringing out as hoofsteps sounded from the doorway behind the desk.

A stallion, middle-aged from the looks of it poked his head around the door and gave him an odd look before the pony shook his head. The Nocturne trotted to the desk and gave Nigel a welcoming smile.

“Sorry about that, haven’t seen one of… whatever you are before friend.” The pony’s voice wasn’t harsh or condemning, his tone matching his smile as Nigel nodded.

“I can understand that, no offense taken.” The stallion grinned, the cheery pony’s tail giving a little swish at his new client’s answer.

“Well, that’s a relief! I assume you’re here for a room?” The Innkeeper questioned, his eyes lighting up as ten golden Equestrian bits were produced and placed awkwardly on the counter, the new creature seemingly not used to manipulating things with his mouth.

“Yes thank you, are you busy currently?”

“Not really,” the Innkeeper’s smile sagged a little as he replied, “in fact you are the only one here so far. Running an Inn in an isolated city that gets hardly any outside visitors was not the greatest idea I must admit,” the Nocturne perked back up however with his smile back in force. “The great thing is that I get to meet many interesting characters when they do arrive, such as yourself. The bar is also quite popular so I manage to make ends meet comfortably.”

“That’s good to hear,” Chalmers replied as the Innkeeper nodded. The Stallion collected the coins and replaced them with a key that he had retrieved from a board behind the desk.

“Every bit helps, room eight upstairs. If you feel up to it you should come down to the bar at eleven, that’s when it gets really popular. I’ll give you a free drink on the house.” Free alcohol sounded really good to Nigel right now, the changeling nodding in thanks.
“I might take you up on that, thanks.”

As the stallion gave a final nod Chalmers climbed the stairs carefully, taking care due to his new quadruped method of locomotion. Reaching the top with only a minor stumble Chalmers quickly found the room he was looking for, inserting the key into the lock and opening the door with much difficulty and cursing. He retrieved the copper key and shut the door behind him as he entered the room, a single bed and dresser sitting against the back wall with a window in the middle of the room.

The bed was in the back-right corner and extended halfway into the room alongside the back wall, the foot of the bed almost under the window. The sheets and two pillows were a plain white, a contrast to the brown wooden walls and the midnight blue curtains. A simple dresser was opposite the bed against the left wall, Nigel walking over to it and placing the coin bag and gift inside. A glance out of the window showed that his room overlooked the street, the changeling able to see a good part of the area from his room. Next to the dresser was a plain wooden door that he assumed led to a bathroom.

A simple wall grey clock ticked away, the time reading as nine o’clock. Sighing, Nigel headed for the bed and climbed on it above the covers. He lay staring up at the ceiling, something he had found himself doing quite a lot lately. The ticking of the clock became the only sound in the room; Chalmers feeling like something was missing. This feeling didn’t pass, even as he eventually drifted off to sleep.

____________________________________________________________________________________________

“Excuse me; have you seen a changeling around?”

Midnight was once again met with a head shake from another group of nocturnes, the mare dashing off to the next group as she tried to find any trace of Nigel. So far she had been directed to the main town but that was all, Midnight quickly becoming more frantic as time passed. Nigel didn’t know where anything was and she shuddered at the thought of what would happen if he ran into some ponies who disagreed with him or some of the more violent criminals.

Her wings fluttering almost enough to take flight she ran up to a stall selling snack foods such as fruit and fried morsels, flying through the city streets looked down upon due to the accidents that it caused. She was panting by the time she reached to stall holder, the elderly stallion staring at her worriedly.

“Ex-excuse me sir,” Midnight puffed, “have you seen a changeling recently?” The stall owner rubbed his chin with a hoof before his eyes lit up.

“Changeling? Oh! Do they look like a black insect with holes in the legs?” he answered earning vigorous nodding from Midnight. The stall owner pointed a hoof over towards a stall in the distance, Midnight straining her eyes to identify it as a jewellery stall. “Over there, he was talking to that shop keeper.” Without thanking him Midnight rushed off to the allocated stall, the stallion left behind shaking his head as he muttered something about the impatience of youngsters these days.

The frantic mare galloped to the stall as the mare behind it watched her approach with alarm. Skidding to a halt Midnight took a few breaths as the stall mare looked on confused. Midnight’s golden eyes stared pleadingly at the mare as she danced from hoof-to-hoof impatiently.

“Please miss, have you seen a changeling recently? He’s got a black body, green eyes, a horn and holes in his legs?” The shop keep smiled a Midnight, a nod of her head bringing hope.

“I did, he walked off to the centre of town down that way,” Midnight was just about to run off again before she was stopped by the mare. “Wait! He mentioned that it was getting late, there’s a small inn on Fourth Street that’s one of the only places to stay, give that a try.”

“Thanks!” was all Midnight said before she disappeared back into the crowd. She dodged ponies left and right much to their displeasure as she raced for the inn, knowing which one that the mare meant. The thought of what Nigel was doing at a jewellery stall was passed over her in her haste to find him, Midnight on her last legs as she rushed into the inn’s reception. She banged the bell rapidly with a hoof as her chest heaved with exertion, a beaming stallion appearing from a doorway behind the desk.

“Ah, another customer, you’ll be the secon-“

“No time,” Midnight huffed out, “changeling, where is the changeling!?” Midnight was practically begging the innkeeper at this point, the stallion quickly pointing a hoof towards the staircase.

“Room eight on the-“

The stallion was left mid-sentence as Midnight zoomed up the stairs. The inn keep took a second, wondering just why the mare was in such a rush to find the ‘changeling’ as she had called the nice creature that had booked room eight. Glancing up to the clock he realised that it was nearly rush hour for the bar, the stallion’s thoughts around the strange mare evaporating as he went over the many tasks he had to do to help out the bartender as he vacated the desk, not noticing the loud knocking coming from above him.

______________________________________________________________________________________________

Nigel fell off the bed as someone tried to bust down the door, the wood creaking as strong rapid thumps rang out as the assault continued. Unprepared and unarmed, in more than one way the changeling scrambled to his hooves and moved to the door. He waited until there was a lull in the knocks before unlatching the door quickly and opening it, ready to defend himself from attack. This however still did not prepare Chalmers for the grey and purple blur that rushed in and talked him to the floor in a hug, a purple mane filling his vision and his chest became wet as his attacker sobbed into it.

Chalmers guessed who his ‘attacker’ was thanks to the colours and emotional state, the changeling quite surprised that the mare had tracked him down so quickly. He had assumed that she would have stayed home and hated him for what he did, had he’d been underestimating her the entire time?

Sighing he wrapped his forelegs around her, Midnight’s sobs slowing as she tightened her grip. She really needed to tone down this attachment thing, Nigel had assumed that after she was re-united with her family that she would become more confident with herself, apparently he was wrong. The two stayed there for what seemed like hours, Chalmers pinned under the upset mare as the sobs died down to light sniffles.

“I was so worried about you when you left,” Midnight choked out, Nigel surprised that she had been worried about him. “I didn’t know if you were coming back, if you ran into some ponies who don’t like changelings or if you got lost in the ci-“

“Hey hey hey, it’s okay and I’m fine,” Nigel re-assured as he gave Midnight a quick kiss on the forehead, “I can handle myself in a city and all of the ponies I spoke to were very nice, you didn’t need to get so worked up.” The mare began to calm down; finding that her special friend was okay waylaid her most dire fears.

“Why did you leave?” she asked, eliciting a sigh from Chalmers.

“I just needed some time to think about what I did, I acted immaturely in front of your parents and assaulted a fellow guest of theirs which I should have avoided. I took their hospitality and made them suffer for it, I decided to leave for the time being before I did anything else.”

“I understand that Nigel,” Midnight replied softly as she slid over to his side, kicking the door shut with a hind hoof. “I just don’t know why you left me behind.” Nigel winced; this was going to be painful.

“Midnight, we have to talk about your attachment to me.” Midnight’s head shot up, her eyes tearing up again as Nigel quickly moved to stop her from crying again. “No, I’m not breaking up with you so don’t react like that, I just need to sort something out to try and improve our relationship.” This did the trick, Midnight blinking to clear away the moisture as she stared at Nigel awaiting an answer.

“Now I’ve noticed that you are fairly clingy,” Chalmers continued, “I can kind of understand why of course, I just think that sometimes we all need a little space. Can I ask why you feel the need to constantly try to go where I go and follow me around? I just want to try to help you with anything that’s wrong okay?” He removed a foreleg from around her and started to rub her back with it, Midnight gazing at him with sadness before looking down at her own chest.

“I know that one day you’re going to leave and that I probably won’t be able to go with you,” the Nocturne mare said softly, “you mean the most to me out of anyone I’ve ever met and I want to spend as much time as I can with you before you go away forever.” Nigel was speechless, a very uncommon thing for him. When he thought about it her fear of him leaving her behind explained her neediness as well as prompting the thought that it may not be entirely unfounded, who knew when he would be found and called back to duty?

“That’s… a pretty good reason I suppose,” he conceded softly, “so you’re really that scared about me leaving and not coming back?” He was answered with a nod, Midnight hugging him a little tighter as he uttered ‘not coming back’.

“I don’t want you to go,” Midnight responded quietly.

“I can’t make that decision Midnight,” Nigel sighed, “I don’t even know when I’ll be found or what will happen after that. If I do have to leave then you have my promise that I’ll visit you as often as I can. You mean a lot to me as well and I won’t just leave one day without telling you.” Midnight smiled a little as she used her wing tip to wipe away her tears.

“I could always go with you?” she offered hopefully. “I don’t care if you won’t look the same and you could show me everything in space.” Nigel did not want to go down this path right now; Midnight coming with him was not likely to happen. He tried to compromise, even if he only temporally solved her fears.

“I’m sure that would be possible, I’d have to work a lot of things out though and you would be away from your parents for long periods of time. Also I’ll most likely be away for months at a time with no idea of when I’d get back.” Midnight’s smile started to wavier as Nigel listed the problems they would encounter. “Let’s just take things as they come and work it out when it happens. For now I want you to focus on adjusting to me not being around all the time, surely you had some friends before you left for Canterlot?”

“Yeah… I did have a few,” Midnight answered, “why do you ask?” She looked at the changeling curiosity.

“Maybe, and bear with me here okay, maybe once every few days you can visit them or go out into town by yourself for a few hours while I spend some time alone. That way we can still spend time together but we can also have some time to ourselves.”

Midnight bit her lip in thought, staying silent for a few moments before looking at him again. “Do you promise that if you have to go that you’ll talk to me first?”

“As I said before, yes, I promise.” He was rewarded with a happy hum; Nigel relived when the mare dropped the issue and just lay their embracing him. He hated making promises he couldn’t keep, he was many deplorable things but lying to Midnight filled him with guilt. A few minutes passed as they just lay there, not talking but just enjoying the company of the other. Nigel glanced at the clock, the time reading as eleven-twenty-four. Going to the bar seemed like a good idea right about now.

“Come on, the innkeeper said something about a bar, I could use a drink. Want to tag along?” Nigel was met with the expected answer, Midnight nodding her head with a smile. With a groan, Chalmers picked himself off the floor before helping Midnight up to her hooves. He was just about to head to the dresser and retrieve his coin purse but was stopped when Midnight stuck out a purple wing, the mare blushing as the changeling looked at her curiously.

“You, um, might want to clean up a bit first,” she softly said as she pointed at Nigel’s chest, Chalmers looking down to find that a mixture of Midnight’s snot and tears were caked on his chitin. He looked at her with a grin on his face as he gestured towards her chest, bits of the same substance covering some of her fur.

“I’m not the only one that has to clean up,” he chuckled, Midnight joining him in mirth as the tension in the room was broken. Chalmers looked towards the clock as he reined in his laughter, “it’s getting late so we’ll have to be quick, do you want to have the shower first?”
“Well, you see,” Nigel noticed that Midnight’s blush deepened and she had started to rub the back of her foreleg with another.
‘Do not like where this is going,’ the changeling thought as the mare looked him in the eyes.

“I was wondering,” Midnight continued on, “we could solve that problem and save some time if we… took a shower together.” She ducked her head and her voice lowered in volume as she finished, Nigel staring at her as he processed her idea.

Midnight had already informed him during their trip to Nocturnia that even though most ponies wore no clothes except at fancy parties or special events it was considered an embarrassment to be caught in the shower by another pony. Going off this Nigel deduced that what the mare was asking was considered very intimate. He was going to decline but stopped, given what had happened maybe accepting would cheer her up a little bit and help her forget her fear of him leaving.

“If that’s what you want,” he answered after a pause, Midnight looking at him with surprise at his acceptance.

‘Huh, guess that she expected me to say no. Am I really that romantically cold to her?’ he thought as Midnight let out a little cheer under her breath as she made her way to the bathroom. The mare was obviously trying to act calm and collected however the changeling could see her shaking with excitement as her wings fluttered in small bursts.

She checked behind her as she opened the door with a wing to make sure that Nigel was following her, the changeling soon walking up to join her which only increased the mare’s joy. She hurriedly entered the bathroom as Nigel stopped at the threshold, knowing that if he walked into that room he was only going to be digging himself further into Midnight’s life. The sound of water hitting tiles as the shower was turned on splashed out with a steady rhythm, the changeling taking a deep breath as he entered the room, closing the door behind him.

______________________________________________________________________________________________

The two were sharing a corner table down in the lively bar, Nigel nursing a peach cider as Midnight was holding a glass of plain apple juice due to her condition. The fact that she couldn’t drink alcohol was almost overlooked until that last second, the pregnancy forgotten in the middle of the drama between the two.

Midnight was still a little giddy about the two’s shared shower, it was the first really romantic thing that the two had done together. Sure, they had spent most of the time cleaning her mucus off of each other but it still hadn’t spoiled the mood. She was glad that the human-turned-changeling was starting to do more intimate things with her, his reluctance seemed to be fading the more time passed.

She glanced at him again, Nigel already on his third cider which according to him tasted a little bitter which was strange. He had shared his theory that really sugary foods might be the ones that he would have to avoid, not that he needed solid sustenance anyway. That was another thing that was bothering the pair, when changelings fed off ponies apparently the ponies were left feeling drained and tired all the time. She felt the exact opposite, the more time she spent with him the more energetic she was.

As the two sat in a brief lull in conversation a stallion and mare approached their table. Both Midnight and Nigel recognised the innkeeper, however the mare was unknown.

“Mind if we join you?” the Innkeeper asked.

“Don’t see why not.” Nigel answered as he took another drink, his glass nearly empty. Midnight moved from sitting opposite Nigel to beside him, the innkeeper and the mare sitting down opposite them on wooden stools. The Stallion reached a hoof across the table in greeting at Nigel, the changeling taking a second to pick up on the gesture as he placed his hoof against the innkeeper’s. Chalmers was surprised when the two appeared to ‘grip’ and the stallion gave Nigel a hoofshake while nodding at his companion.

“Great to see you decided to come down friend, I’m Nightwish and this is my wife, Willow Wisp. The middle-aged mare smiled at Nigel and Midnight politely, Nightwish raising an expecting eyebrow aas he looked at the two opposite him.

“Pleased to meet you,” Midnight greeted much to the surprise of Chalmers, “I’m Midnight and this is Nigel,” she moved a little closer to the changeling as she said this. If the two innkeepers noticed this then they didn’t show it, the mare scanning Nigel curiously.

“’Nigel’, what a unique sounding name, I assume that you’re from outside Nocturnia?”

“I am,” Nigel replied to the mare, “I’m probably going to stay here a while from the looks of things.” Wisp nodded with a smile on her face, Nightwish waving a grey hoof in the air that summoned a waitress, the young dark-blue pony rushing over to the table as soon as she saw her boss.

“Just the usual for me and Wisp please Morrow,” Nightwish turned to Midnight and Nigel, “what about you two? On the house of course.” Midnight politely declined with a wave of her hoof, barely having started her juice due to being so caught up in her thoughts. Nigel on the other hand quickly finished his drink and slid the glass across to the waitress, the young mare staring at him for a second before a look from Wisp prompted Morrow to pick up the glass with a wing and store it on the tray that rested on her back.

“I’ll just have another cider thanks, surprise me with the flavour,” Nigel ordered, the mare nodding as she looked at her employers.

“I’ll be back right away,” she said nervously, Nigel noticing that many ponies tried to order as she rushed past them on her way to the bar.

“Low on staff?” he questioned as he looked back at Nightwish and Willow, Nightwish scrunching up his face while Willow simply appraised the changeling with a knowing look. Chalmers made a note to be careful with what he said around the mare, Nightwish was kind but seemed rather ditzy while his wife had the mannerisms of a schemer. Nigel wouldn’t be surprised if the mare was the one doing most of the management duties, Wisp apparently catching on that Chalmers was looking for employment.

“I’m afraid so,” Nightwish answered dejected, “not many ponies want to wait tables I’m afraid. Morrow is only doing it because she’s going through medical school and the bartender; Comet works here for a few hours every day during the rush.”

“Why do you ask, are you looking for work?” Wisp chipped in, Nightwish perking up as he imagined what it would be like to have a changeling working for him. He’d be the talk of the town and his business would no doubt soar. He also thought that Nigel was incredibly interesting; he would love to be able to ask the changeling all sorts of different questions about where he came from. Nigel nodded his head, Midnight surprised that the changeling was looking for a job, the mare not expecting him to be so willing to work in a bar.

“I was on the prowl for some part-time work actually,” Chalmers replied, “I was looking for so-“

“You’re hired!” Nightwish exclaimed happily, receiving a light tap in his side courtesy of Willow.

“It’s rude to interrupt Night!” Nightwish appeared sheepish at the reminder, Willow turning to Nigel as Morrow returned with a tray loaded with drinks. Nigel observed that instead of using her wings this time the mare used the crook of her hoof to transfer the full glasses to the table, Chalmers receiving what smelt like pear cider while the two innkeepers held glasses filled with a light brown liquid.

“Please forgive my husband,” Willow continued, “he tends to get fairly excited. I must admit however that I do share his enthusiasm in finding a new potential employee, especially one who could really give the bar a unique exotic factor.” Nigel was impressed that the mare didn’t tip-toe around the fact that his species was seen as a business boon, he had always preferred people being straight with him. The waitress, Morrow, seemed quite shocked at the offer. The young mare almost dropped the tray she was balancing earning her a warning glare from Willow for her reaction.

“I’m certainly considering it, I assume that it would be primarily waiting table and mixing drinks?” Nightwish leaned forward to take charge, grinning as he excitedly pictured the changeling working at his bar.

“I hope you accept!” the excitable stallion gushed, “I’m willing to offer you some very good terms!”

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

“They were really nice ponies weren’t they,” Midnight commented as Nigel and her walked into their room, the changeling in good spirits due to a combination of a light alcohol buzz and the prior conversation.

“They gave me a job, of course they are,” Chalmers replied as he closed and locked the door. “Part time work for a few hours every day will definitely make me feel like less of a bludger.” Midnight grinned and hopped onto the bed, it was only made for one but she was sure that they could make it work.

“I’m so happy for you, it’s really great that you got a job with such nice bosses!” she exclaimed as she started to slip under the covers in preparation for slumber.

“It certainly was one of the easiest interviews I’ve ever gone through,” Chalmers responded as he trotted over to the dresser to deposit the coin purse in the draws. He paused as he saw the gift box, now was a good a time as any. He pulled it out with his mouth, Midnight’s eyes lighting up as she saw him bring the box to her. The mare took the box from him and began to unwrap it with her wings as Nigel watched on from the side of the bed.

“I just wanted to apologize properly for what I did back at your parents’ house and for leaving you behind; words aren’t enough so I hope that this shows how much I regret treating you like that.” Midnight finished tearing off the gift wrap and opened the box, the mare staring into it after she had removed the lid. Carefully she removed the glittering silver necklace with her wings, the large diamond set in the middle sparkling as Midnight looked at Nigel with wide eyes.

“Is this a real diamond?” she asked, Nigel nodding in response. Midnight turned back to the necklace and put it over her head, the silver chain complementing her coat nicely as the pendant nested right in the middle of her chest. “I don’t know what to say, this is too much,” she re-focused on the changeling smiling at her positive reaction, “thank you Nigel, this is a really great gift.”

“No problem, I’m glad you like it,” Nigel replied as he got into the small bed, Midnight dropping the empty box on the floor for now as the two found a comfortable position in the cramped space they had to work with. The mare pressed herself against the changeling as they lay together belly-to-belly on their sides, Midnight boldly leaning forward and pressing her mouth against Nigel’s.

Rather than fight it Chalmers leaned into the kiss as Midnight murmured with contentment. Tongues danced and inter-twined as the two beings lost themselves to each other. Midnight’s face soon became covered with a furious blush, Nigel breaking the kiss with a trail of saliva trailing from Midnight’s mouth to his. The mare noticed this and used a wing to wipe it away, her chest heaving as she panted from the love-filled contact.

She briefly considered taking it further than it had already gone; right at this time she felt that her love for the changeling had never been stronger. It didn’t have anything to do with the gift, that fact that Nigel had responded to her advances so eagerly really spurred on her confidence. She knew however that the changeling would most likely decline her suggestion to take things further tonight, Midnight reminding herself that it would only be a matter of time before he was ready for that stage.

She snuggled into him as a compromise, the changeling beaming at her with warmth as he gave her a short kiss before he lay back in the bed with Midnight pressed up against him. The changeling chuckled lightly, Midnight able to feel the movement of his chest as she lay beside him.

“What’s so funny?” she murmured happily, Nigel nuzzling her awkwardly, the action obviously foreign to him.

“Oh, I was just thinking about an old advertisement that seems to perfectly fit this situation.” Nigel paused, Midnight waiting for him to continue as the two prepared for sleep.

“Diamonds do make everything better.”

Author's Note

Well, that's another chapter away. I feel the need to apologise for my shoddy romance writing here, still not too confident with it here. I know the fic has started to veer away from the comedy aspect but I aim to remedy that.

Once again thanks for reading and i hoped that you enjoyed it.

Bathrooms and Barrooms

Midnight cricked her neck and let out a yawn as her eyes opened, the nocturne mare slowly returning to wakefulness. She shifted and found that she was still in her sleeping partner’s fore-legs, the changeling still dozing with his mouth open a little as he faced her. Midnight smiled at his dopy grin, she didn’t recall him shaking during the night at all.

She moved her head to glance up at the clock ticking away on the wall, the time reading seven-twenty-five at night. It was early so she didn’t have to get up yet, not that she probably would if she had to. Instead the mare simply relaxed in Nigel’s hold as she waited for him to wake up, she wasn’t looking forward to trying to convince him to return with her to her house. Midnight was unsure if he was willing to face her parents and apologize, the mare guessing that her parents wouldn’t be too pleased with the changeling’s return either.

Using a wing she played with the glittering necklace around her neck, the jewellery probably one of the most expensive things that she had ever owned. Even though the money used to purchase it was gained through illegal means the fact that the changeling had chosen to spend a large portion on her was still touching. As she lay and thought Midnight decided that it would be better to leave early and catch her parents before her father went to work, the stallion was always cranky when he returned home in the mornings. Leaning her face forward Midnight lightly pressed her nose against Nigel’s, the changeling twitching as he opened his eyes to be greeted with two golden orbs.

“Good Evening,” the changeling said as he glanced up at the clock, “It’s a little early for you isn’t it?” Midnight nodded her head lightly at the question.

“Well, it is but I needed to talk to you about something,” Midnight answered as she began to play with the changeling’s left ear with her right wing tip. Nigel’s ear flicked every time that her wing touched it however the changeling didn’t tell her to stop; instead he raised an eyebrow at her words.

“What was that then, it must be important of it needs to be discussed this early.”

“Um,” Midnight hesitantly began not looking forward to potentially ruining Nigel’s good mood, “it’s about my parents, I want you to come with me back to my house instead of staying in this room.” The changeling’s smile lessened a bit at this but still remained. “Please just listen to me,” Midnight pleaded as she pressed her front hooves to Nigel’s chest and began to rub the hard chitin, “I really want things to work between you and my parents and I think that this morning would be the best time to try and patch things up.”

Midnight’s rubbing increased, whenever she was nervous she always found herself fidgeting with her hooves. The changeling had his face scrunched up in thought, Midnight preparing to plead with him more when he said no.

“Okay,” he replied, Midnight however was already trying to convince him that it was a good idea.

“Please, I’m sure that they’ll forgiv- wait, what did you say?”

“I said ‘okay’, I’ll go with you this morning to see your parents.” Midnight didn’t know what to say, she had expected an outright no but Nigel apparently was up for the idea. The mare was ecstatic that he had agreed to talk about things with her parents, she was sure that they would let Nigel back in once they saw how sorry he was about everything. She didn’t tell him this, instead she settled and giving him a thankful kiss on the muzzle and hugged him again. Everyone made mistakes; she herself was testament to that so she could hardly hate Nigel for his actions two mornings ago.

Her bliss was interrupted however when her living pillow started to leave the bed, the changeling slipping out of her grasp as he got one hind leg on the ground before Midnight stopped him.

“It’s only twenty to eight, can’t we stay on bed for another five minutes?” She received a head shake from her lover, Nigel leaving the bed fully.

“We may as well get this over with as quickly as possible,” he explained as he fetched his coin bag from the dresser, “going off what I’ve seen of your father I think it’s best to explain things before Darklight goes to work.” Evidently Nigel had reached the same conclusion regarding her father that she had, Midnight huffing in defeat as she grudgingly removed herself from the bed. Taking a few seconds to tidy the bed she joined Nigel at the room door, the changeling halting her with an outstretched hoof.

“One sec,” he said as he used his outstretched limb to re-align Midnight’s necklace so that it sat perfectly in the centre. “There we go,” Midnight looked down and then back up to smile at the changeling.

“Thanks Nigel,” she acknowledged as he held the door open for her, the two shutting the door behind them as they left.

Nigel and Midnight walked down the main street together, the changeling watching the mare as she merrily hummed while trotting along. The early evening ruse was in full swing, many passing nocturnes eying the unique couple with curiosity. As they passed stalls many shopkeepers gave the pair cautious waves, many remembering the changeling from the earlier day.

As Chalmers walked beside Midnight as she practically bounded forwards he prepared himself for his meeting with Starbright and Darklight. He was already rehearsing multiple apologies in his mind, trying to pick which ones were the most suitable. The mare beside him seemed to think that everything would all go well which was encouraging for Chalmers. The fact that she was much more lively and full of life was also oddly comforting, the prospect of Midnight remaining as carefree as she was now was something that he could endorse.

The pair continued on despite the stares and whispers, Chalmers took notice of the attention but from what he could judge it was mostly benign and inquisitive rather than disgust and malicious. He couldn’t tell how Midnight felt about the many eyes looked on them, he had expected the mare to be shy but instead she was proving to be outgoing and vibrant. As such her cheery demeanour remained as the impending confrontation drew every closer.

They passed houses and businesses, bars and cafes as they walked through the city and entered the outskirts. Sometime during the walk Midnight had draped a wing across Nigel’s back and drawn closer, still retaining her chirpy attitude. This served to increase the stares they received but nether payed them any mind. The calming walk had to come to an end however, the changeling and nocturne stopping at the door leading to the house owned by Midnight’s parents.

“Are you ready for this?” Midnight inquired as they stared at the last barrier separating them from what they both had come for. Chalmers nodded, knocking on the door firmly with three solid taps.

“I have to be,” came the reply as hoofsteps echoed from inside the house. Midnight gave one last peck of encouragement as latches were unlocked and the door swung inwards.

Instead of Starbright this time the door was opened by Darklight, the stallion already wearing a dark-blue tie and his captain hat. He sized up the changeling and his daughter as they stood on the threshold, his eyes resting on Midnight causing the mare to lose some of her confidence.

“Your mother was worried about you,” he stated tiredly before looking at Nigel. “You beat up one of my daughter’s coltfriends.”
“I’m sorry for that, I wasn’t thinking at the time and I hope that you ca-“

“Apology accepted,” Darklight interrupted, “I didn’t like him that much anyway. Now if you don’t mind I have to go to work.” With that the stallion moved through the two, Nigel and Midnight parted to allow him access. Both stared at the nocturne as he walked down the garden path and onto the road, the door still open with two very confused beings standing in the doorway.

“That was… easier than I imagined,” Nigel stated as the stallion they were watching disappeared from sight behind another house. Midnight nodded, the mare’s face scrunched up as she tried to piece together what had just happened.

“It certainly was strange, he must not be feeling well,” she responded, a second set of hoofsteps clacking further into the house.

“Is that you Darklight dear?” Starbright’s voice rang out from inside the house. Midnight moved forward a little so that her head was inside the house.

“No, it’s me and Nigel,” the young mare replied, the sound of a pot clattering to the ground followed by hurried galloping startling both of the creatures at the door. Starbright tore around the corner as she made a beeline for Midnight, the older mare embracing her daughter in a tight hug as Nigel stood to the side ignored.

“I was so worried about you Midnight,” Starbright informed as she nuzzled her youngest daughter, “the thought of you out alone in the city during the day in the state you were in wasn’t pleasant.”

“I’m sorry mom,” Midnight replied as she returned the hug and nuzzle, “I was just so upset about Nigel leaving that I lost control and ran out. I didn’t even think about you.” Midnight’s apology brought up unwanted memories for Nigel; the mare had done almost the same as what he did to her by leaving with no explanation.

“I can understand that,” Starbright comforted before turning her head to face the changeling at the side. Nigel took the opportunity to get his apology over and done with.

“I just wanted to apologize for how I acted, it was insulting to you and your husband as my hosts and I hope for your forgiveness.”
Starbright didn’t move or say anything at first, slowly however the mare stop hugging her daughter and approached the changeling. Nigel stood still, not knowing what to expect and what the mare did next certainly turned out to be a surprise.

Starbright put her left foreleg around Nigel’s neck as she placed her head beside his in a friendly hug. “Of course I forgive you; we all make mistakes in life. The fact that you came back to apologize only proves that you’re a good choice for my daughter, that’s not even considering how you’ve been treating her so far.” Starbright let Nigel go, the mare stepping back inside the house. “Please, come inside, there’s some breakfast left over if you want Midnight.”

Both Nigel and Midnight nodded in thanks as the two moved to go inside. Starbright halted Midnight however, the older mare focusing on the necklace hanging around her daughter’s neck.

“Oh, you noticed it,” Midnight mentioned as her mother examined the diamond and silver chain with a wing.

“I only just did, your arrival was all I was thinking about,” Starbright replied as she scrutinized the jewellery, “how much was it? I didn’t know that you had the money to buy something like this.”

“Nigel bought it for me as an apology gift,” Midnight informed, Starbright glancing at the changeling before she let go of Midnight’s necklace, scoffing as she walked back into the house.

“And yet you still fear that he’ll leave you,” was all the mare mumbled as she disappeared around the corner leading to the living room, Midnight and Nigel sharing a confused look before both entered the house and shut the door behind them.

They stood there for a moment, nether really knowing what to do. Eventually Midnight gave Nigel a shrug and headed to the kitchen, the changeling following her as she led him through the house. Arriving in the Kitchen there was no trace of Starbright; Midnight however spotted a few pieces of toast and a glass jug of red juice which she quickly acquired for herself.

Nigel watched on as the mare spread numerous jams on her toast and poured the jug of juice into a glass. The plate with the completed toast was placed upon the mare’s back while a wing wrapped around the glass, Midnight leaving out into the dining room. She placed her food and drink on the table, sitting down on a blue cushion while patting a dark green one next to her as she looked at Nigel. The changeling trotted over and sat down next to her, Midnight extending a wing over his back as she ate.

Chalmers observed as the mare leant down towards her plate to take a bite of toast, he had seen the nocturnes use their wings to grasp objects but evidently Midnight chose not to do this with the toast, possibly so that her wings wouldn’t become covered in jam. Watching the mare eat her toast he thought about how he was going to wait tables in his new job, probably with much disaster to be honest. Midnight paused her eating to take a sip of juice, the mare pushing the plate with the half-eaten slice on it over to Nigel.

“Do you want to try to see if you can eat toast?” She asked, Nigel shaking his head at the offer.

“No thank you, no point if I don’t need it, besides,” Nigel leaned in a gave Midnight a quick kiss on the cheek, causing the mare to blush and the flow of nourishing energy to increase, “you’re all that I need.”

‘I think I need some butter for that corn,’ Nigel thought after his particularly cliché line. Midnight didn’t seem to mind however, her breakfast quickly forgotten as she kissed him back, the mare not bothering to be subtle as she went for the lips not the cheek. Energy filled the changeling; it was almost like drinking seven cups of coffee washed down with stimulants. The moment lasted for a few seconds, Midnight breaking the contact with a smile before returning to her meal. Her wing still remained around Nigel, the changeling simply waiting for Midnight to finish as he pondered what to do for the night.

“Is there anything you wanted to get done tonight?” he inquired, Midnight pushing her empty plate away.

“Not really,” she responded, “I think I just want a quite night at home,” the mare grinned at him, “and a shower. In fact I think you need one too.” Without giving him a chance to reply Midnight got up from her seat and took her plate to the kitchen. The changeling couldn’t help but be impressed at the mare’s boldness; today she seemed a lot more independent. His presence was proving to be very beneficial to her attitude. Midnight returned while he was thinking, walking up to Nigel and pushing him in the side with her head.

“Come on,” she continued as she repeatedly attempted to coax him up by head-butting him playfully, “you didn’t mind showering together before.” Nigel tried to fix her with a stern gaze; however it wavered as he watched the pony repeatedly bump her head against his body.

“I doubt your mother would approve,” he retorted, Midnight ceasing her actions leaving her head pressed against Nigel’s side.

“She doesn’t have to find out,” Midnight whispered, Chalmers rolling his eyes with no reply. Midnight decided to take the low route to achieve her goal. Fixing Nigel with a pleading look as she plopped down on her belly she grasped him around the waist, “please Nigel? It really makes me feel happy and I know that you like making me happy a lot.”

Chalmers sighed in defeat; she really had to go that low, didn’t she?

“Fine,” he answered, “I guess I really don’t have a choice in the matter do I?” He got up from his seat, Midnight taking her hooves away as she rose with him. As soon as the changeling was standing Midnight resumed head-butting him, herding the changeling towards the bathroom while avoiding her mother. Midnight doubted that the older mare would mind them showering together but sneaking around was more fun for some reason.

Through her calculated and deviously plotted movements Midnight eventually steered Nigel to reach the bathroom, the mare forcing him inside the room before shutting the door behind them. She latched the lock and turned to look at Nigel, the changeling staring at her strangely.

“What?” she asked as she stood with her back to the closed door, “why are you looking at me like that?” The changeling seemed to shake his head to clear his head.

“Nothing wrong,” he replied without hesitation. Midnight still got the feeling that he was hiding something from her; however the mare chose not to dwell on it. She had a clear plan already in her mind, Midnight fighting to suppress the blush that was threatening to flare up. Taking a breath to steel herself she walked towards the shower which was combined with a large bath, the entire area a square able to comfortably fit two ponies. On one wall was a basin in white with a mirror above it, a single short toilet bowl against the other.

As she passed the changeling Midnight flicked her tail to draw it underneath his muzzle, something which she had heard her older sisters describe as seductive. Whether she pulled it off correctly was doubtful, however with Nigel not really being familiar with nocturne habits she was sure that any mistakes in form would go unnoticed. In fact when she turned her head to observe his reaction she noticed that his eyes had widened in surprise at her display. She decided to interpret that as a good thing.

Without a word she turned the brass shower taps with her wing tips, cold water turning warm as it splashed against the marble bath floor. After testing the water to ensure that it was the correct temperature the mare stepped into the shower, one changeling hesitantly following behind. Midnight noticed that Nigel was attempting to give her as much room as possible, something that just would not do.

“Do you mind getting the ends of my mane?” Midnight asked as she picked up a shampoo bottle with a wing and poured a generous amount into her light-purple mane. She held her head out of the water as Nigel slipped a hoof through the strap of a wooden brush and raised it up, the soft bristles spreading the shampoo around evenly as well as eliminating some small knots that had formed.

Midnight sighed happily as the changeling went to work brushing her head, the feeling was incredibly relaxing and she could see herself spending the entire day just doing this. Her wings began to flutter a little as the brushing continued, the changeling not stopping until all of her mane had been saturated in soap. Regretfully Midnight plunged her head under the water stream to wash out the shampoo and therefore losing her excuse to get Nigel to brush her.

The nocturne jolted up in surprise as the brushing resumed on her back, the bristles gently being guided down her spin. When the brush reached the spot between her wings where the powerful flight muscles were located she let out a squeak, her wings shooting up from the stimulation. She blushed and the brushing halted for a second before resuming, Midnight’s hind leg letting out a little kick at the massage.
The brush soon proceeded lower down her back, the soothing motions quite relaxing. Her wings died down and returned to her sides, Midnight reaching one out to the side. She was met with smooth chitin, some further exploration finding a shoulder which she started to rub tenderly. Her blush increased as the brush ran over her rump, the bristles making their way down to her tail which they then trailed through.

She was so immersed in the feeling of the pampering that when it ended she found herself panting with one fore-leg pressed against the wall of the shower. She reined it in quickly, if she got this much enjoyment out of a simple brushing she couldn’t wait to experience some of the more tender things that the changeling may be able to provide. Midnight knew that she would have to wait a little longer; even this showering was a huge leap forward for her. It was only a matter of time until Nigel was hers completely.

She soon found a body pressed against her side, Nigel sharing the shower stream with her as warm water rained down upon fur and chitin at the same time. Midnight took advantage of the contact to throw her left fore-leg around Nigel’s neck and to push her face next to his in an intimate embrace. The two just stood there in silence for what felt like utter bliss.

All good things have to come to an end however, eventually the shower was turned off and the two broke the embrace to leave the bath, both draping themselves with towels to remove the excess water. Nigel had an easy time, the liquid flowed off his armoured shell while Midnight took a little longer due to her coat. With some help from the changeling however she was soon dried off, her mane and tail were still silky from the shampoo leaving the mare with purple hair hanging down the sides and back of her head.

“Did you have fun?” Nigel inquired, Midnight responding with a happy nod and a quick kiss.

“Thanks, that was great,” she replied as she pulled back away from his lips. The mare giggled as the changeling pulled her close beside him, bumping their flanks together in the process. The changeling chuckled along with her and opened the door to walk outside, only to have the way outside blocked by a wall of grey and purple.

Both Midnight and Chalmers looked towards Starbright, the mare looking at the pair with visible surprise as she stared at the two leaving the recently-used bathroom. The silence was broken with a cough from Nigel, the changeling raising a hoof to his mouth.

“Uhhh, water conservation is one of my passions?” Nigel offered hopefully, Starbright glancing towards the clock on the wall.

“You were in there for twenty minutes,” the mare supplied with an eyebrow raised, “doesn’t seem like you were worried about water use at all.” Midnight moved to defend their actions with a hasty explanation.

“Well I had to wash my hair and there was a spot that I couldn’t reach so I asked Nigel for help and he said yes so we went in and he helped me br-“

“Don’t get so worried,” Starbright said as she interrupted her daughter’s rambling with a light laugh, “Your father and I did much more than just shower together when I was your age, there was this one time when he took me to a pond just outside the cave-”

“Mom!” Midnight exclaimed as she flattened her ears, she had been dreading her parents embarrassing her in front Nigel and right now her mother was doing it by the textbook. Chalmers however flashed Starbright an amused grin and flicked his eyes towards Midnight.

“Oh no please, do tell. Some more ideas would be greatly appreciated by both of us I believe.” Midnight glanced up at Nigel in shock and even greater embarrassment, him playing along with her mother was not needed. Starbright however gave the changeling a nod of approval.

“Yep, you’re definitely a keeper,” she finished before trotting into the master bedroom next to the main bathroom. Nigel looked at Midnight with a victory smirk, a smirk that was soon wiped off when the mare grabbed hold of him with a foreleg by the neck and then proceeded to drag him towards the living room, the changeling likely to meet a most sinister fate.

For a few hours now Nigel had been forced to serve Midnight’s wishes as punishment for his earlier teasing. The mare had decided that the changeling would pay for his crimes by serving as a pillow for her as she lay on the couch telling him about her life before she met him in detail.

Currently she was talking about some of her old friends, her head resting on the changeling’s stomach as they both shared the spacious couch. Nigel was positioned at one with Midnight laying lengthways, the mare so pleased with the arrangement that she hadn’t moved in hours except to occasionally stretch a wing or leg.

Starbright had been coming and going from the room, the matriarch paying them little mind as she went about her day. She had fixed Midnight a sandwich for lunch and then retreated to the study to continue working on a novel that she was writing. No details had been spared about what it was about, the mare remaining tight-lipped as she left the couple to their day.

“-So after that I left I haven’t seen Aurora since I’ve come back, I think she still lives at her old house though.”

Nigel was returned to wakefulness as Midnight finished talking, he had been drifting in and out of the conversation but he managed to pick up most of the important things. This ‘Aurora’ was an old school friend of Midnight and the two had been close when they were younger, apparently the friend now worked as some kind of city official.

“Oh, that’s… good,” Chalmers responded, not really too sure what to say. Midnight rolled over onto her stomach, her head still resting on Nigel as she looked at him.

“Well, did you want to go meet her?” Midnight asked, prompting an inquisitive look from Nigel.

“I thought you wanted to spend a quiet day at home?” he asked.

Midnight sighed as she rubbed her head against him, “I do, but seeing Aurora again would be nice. You did want me to spend some time with my other friends after all so I may as well start now. I just want you to come along and meet her so that my best friend and coltfriend can also be friends.” Chalmers shrugged, his new job didn’t start until tomorrow and it wasn’t like he had anything else to do.

“Sure, I don’t have an issue with that,” he stated as he rolled off the couch and onto his hooves. He was finally getting used to the foreign method of locomotion but he missed two legs, the sooner he turned back the better. That is if the UIP scientists could even reverse the transformation, if not then they would no doubt turn to alternate methods. Nigel, having experienced some of the alternate methods in the past was not looking forward to experiencing them again.

Midnight followed right away, her necklace still around her neck as she hopped off the couch. Chalmers grabbed his bag of money just in case before the two walked to the door and left the house. Walking down the path they reached to road, Midnight turning to the left which led further away from the city centre to a large amount of houses on the edge of the settlement.

Their hooves clacked on the cobbled road as they passed fenced dwellings, the occasional Nocturne glancing at them as they travelled along on the road. Chalmers took note that all the houses seemed to be elegant in design but medium in size, he guessed that this neighbourhood was considered upper-middle class. The houses were certainly different than any you would find on densely populated UIP worlds; there were no towering skyscrapers or vast habitation-blocks here.

Midnight led the way, the route to her old friend’s house still as clear in her mind as it was months ago. The mare was looking forward to the reunion; Aurora was as shy as she was in school so the two bonded well. A thought crossed Midnight’s mind as she thought about seeing her friend again, the nocturne slowing down as she glanced at the changeling next to her.

“Nigel,” she started as the changeling faced her, “could you do me a favour and not tell Aurora that I’m pregnant? I kind of want our conversation to not be about what happened.” Chalmers gave her a nod in reply.

“If that’s what you want, just remember that she’s going to find out eventually.”

“I know,” Midnight sighed, “just not now would be nice.”

“Understood,” was all Nigel said as the issue was dropped. The two reached their destination in ten minutes, Midnight opening the white, pony-high wooden fence that surrounded a small front yard. Nigel examined the house as they approached the front door, the home slightly smaller than the one that Midnight’s parents possessed. Nigel had been told by Midnight that Aurora was living on her own so she had more than enough space so he guessed that it didn’t matter too much. With tense taps on the wooden door Midnight announced their arrival, Nigel tapping her on the leg lightly to get her attention.

“Midnight,” he spoke as the mare looked at him, “you’ll do fine, relax.” The mare nodded gratefully and took a breath, the door opening with a small chime sounding from the top.

Standing in the doorway gazing at the pair, especially Nigel, was a grey-coated Nocturne mare slightly taller than Midnight. Instead of purple her wings, mane and tail were a deep blue, her eyes were still golden like Midnight’s however. Nigel guessed this to be Aurora, the mare staring at him in surprise until a cough from Midnight drew her attention.

“Midnight!” the mare’s eyes widened in recognition as she bounded forward to hug her friend, Midnight giggling happily as she returned it. “I thought that you left to join the Lunar Guard?” Aurora questioned as she let go of Midnight. Nigel noticed that her voice was soft and airy, he could see Midnight how and the mare could be friends. The focus soon turned to him, Aurora staring at him warily. Midnight noticed this as quickly moved closer to Nigel, extending a wing over his back.

“It didn’t work out,” Midnight supplied quickly, “and this is Nigel, a changeling. He’s staying with me currently.” Aurora’s unease softened at this revelation, the mare shakily extending a hoof towards the changeling. Nigel returned the gesture and shook the offered limb, keeping it quick and simple. His reciprocation calmed Aurora even more, the mare now looking at him with curiosity instead of fear.

“So are you two…?” she inquired carefully, shooting Nigel an apologetic grin as if she was afraid of offending him by asking the question.

“Yes, we are seeing each other,” Midnight replied happily, giving Nigel a quick peck and nuzzle which the changeling returned. Chalmers caught the poorly hidden look of depression behind Aurora’s smile, Midnight noticed it as well. “Still single?” Midnight asked sympathetically, Aurora huffing as she nodded sadly.

“I’ve just got little time. I work full days during the week and you know how I am in social situations, I doubt there’s anyone worse than me when it comes to talking to ponies.” Midnight glanced over towards Nigel as she heard this, the changeling examining a rock beside the path they were standing on as he tried to appear casual. “It’s good to see that you found… someone though Midnight,” Aurora continued, not having noticed the look that Nigel had received. Chalmers took the opportunity to speak.

“Oh, I’m not that much of a prize,” he spoke, Aurora appearing surprised at how articulate he was. She glanced towards Midnight, more specifically the necklace hanging from the mare’s neck.

“Well I assume you bought her that beautiful necklace?” she asked, receiving a nod as a response. “Then at least you seem to care a lot about her, that’s all that matters.” Chalmers had to agree with her there, Midnight as well as she nuzzled the side of Nigel’s neck.

“I’m sure you’ll find someone, no one would pass up a cute mare like you,” Nigel complemented much to Aurora’s embarrassment. Midnight and Chalmers chuckled together at the ruby-red blush that covered almost all of Aurora’s face.

“Th-thank you,” Aurora stammered, “there is one stallion at work but he’s in finance so I don’t think that it’ll work out.” Midnight stopped laughing and gave Nigel another meaningful glance.

“Trust me Aurora, a job doesn’t always define who you are,” Midnight reassured as Nigel raised an eyebrow, “I think that you should give it a shot, after all you won’t know if you don’t try.”

“Thanks Midnight, I think I will,” the mare looked at her friend and the changeling, “do you want to come inside?”

“That would be lovely,” Midnight thanked as Aurora stepped back to allow the two entry, “I can’t wait to hear about this stallion, what’s his name?”

‘Well, this is going to be great!’ Nigel thought sarcasticly as he followed Midnight inside the house, not enthusiastic about what was likely to be a very long talk between the two mares regarding the mysterious accountant.

Nigel slowly awakened, something didn’t feel right. He sat up in the bed and checked the clock, the timepiece reading two-fifteen. He ran a hoof down his face, he had work today he needed all the sleep he could get, especially after the invigorating conversation that Midnight and Aurora had shared that day. They had spent the rest of the day at Aurora’s house, returned home for dinner and then went to bed. Darklight had not said a word to Nigel; the changeling likewise did not stir the pot.

Chalmers looked beside him, finding that there was no Midnight in the bed. He looked around for the mare only to notice that the bedroom door was slightly ajar. Pushing his desire for sleep away Nigel exited the bed and left the room, searching for Midnight while taking care not to wake her parents.

The faint sound of coughing and spluttering led him to the main bathroom, a light visible through the bottom of the door. Chalmers walked up to it and found that it was open, the hacking and coughing loud and vicious. Peeking through the space he spotted Midnight with her head in the toilet bowl, the mare retching in between the coughing fits.

Nigel opened the door and walked in, shutting it fully behind him. He walked over to the mare sitting on the floor and sat down next to her, giving her a pat on the back. Midnight raised her head to look at him, Nigel wincing at her bloodshot eyes and tired face. A little vomit was caked on her chin and her breathing was ragged. The mare started to tell him something but was interrupted by more coughs, Midnight putting her head back into the bowl as she continued to dry heave.

Nigel couldn’t do anything but sit there with her and attempt to provide comfort, rubbing her back with a hoof as she continued to suffer. He wasn’t too informed about morning sickness, only hearing titbits from female co-workers and this information was lacking. He did know that it could last for weeks to months, sometimes even the entire pregnancy. He wasn’t sure how it worked for normal equines, let alone nocturnes so his options were limited.

Midnight’s episode lasted ten whole minutes; the mare’s face not leaving the bowl until the retching subsided. With tired eyes she gazed at Nigel with thanks, the mare sucking in air through her nostrils and mouth.

“Thank you for being here,” she rasped, “but you should be in bed, you’ve got work tomorrow.” Chalmers responded wiping the vomit off Midnight’s chin with a wash towel, throwing the rag into the basin once all the gunk had been cleared.

“I’ll be fine,” he replied with a smile, Midnight leaning away from the bowl as she continued to draw in air with deep breaths.

“I think it’s over,” she muttered, Nigel flushing the toilet for her by pressing down on a leaver attached to the bowl. He stood up and helped Midnight to her hooves, his aim to get her back to bed so she could hopefully sleep it off. As he pulled her up he wrinkled his nose, the mare stank of vomit. He guided her to the shower with no complaint coming from Midnight, the changeling turning it on and placing her under the shower head.

He didn’t get in with her, instead he allowed her to move around herself. This was no time for romantic gestures so the shower turned off after only a few minutes. Midnight stumbled out and Nigel dried her with a fresh towel, the mare’s scent a lot less rank. Nigel put a hoof around her and helped her leave the room, the combination of lack of sleep and the vomiting having worn Midnight down. They stopped quickly in the kitchen to secure her a glass of water before they headed back into the bedroom, both clambering into the warm bed thankfully.

Midnight’s sickness appeared to have left, while the mare still felt ill she was no-longer vomiting so that was a plus. Nigel looked at the clock as Midnight embraced him under the covers, it was now half-past three and sleep would be the best thing for her. With a final goodnight kiss on the forehead he waited until she dozed off in his grasp, her head buried in his chest as she wheezed through her raw throat. Sighing, Nigel soon joined her, his almost silent breathing drowned out by Midnight’s rasps.

Nigel was lead into the bar by Nightwish, the stallion babbling on about how exciting it was to have a changeling working in his tavern. Chalmers wasn’t really listening however, his mind still focused on Midnight and the events of the day before. At the insistence of the mare he had gone to work, she had been feeling a lot better since they had woken up and Starbright had assured him that she would take care of the mare.

Reluctantly Nigel had obeyed the two’s wishes, leaving the house to attend his first day as a bar tender. He wasn’t exactly chomping at the bit but a job’s a job and he had to admit that the wages sounded incredibly generous, Nightwish and Willow probably would make twice the amount just by his presence alone.

Either that or he’d drive everyone away.

Nigel shook his head, as long as he didn’t pull a barroom face-shredder on anyone he should do fairly well. The two males walked into the bar area, the tavern not open for a few hours yet. It had been decided to use the time to give Nigel an idea of how things worked, his fellow employee, Morrow, was already behind the bar with an array of clean glasses, mugs and trays.

The mare seemed nervous, her deep blue wings twitching as her boss approached with Nigel in tow. Chalmers paid her no mind, after all his was used to the skittish way most ponies acted around him. Nightwish guided Nigel to behind the bar and started to explain all the different types of alcohol that they stocked. Nigel paid attention even though all of the bottles were so clearly labelled that he bet that a child could work out which contained which.

“-and then there’s peach cider, pear cider, apple cider, grape cider, plum cider…”

Yep, still on the ciders, the drinks seemed to consist of over half if the bar’s offerings.

Eventually Nightwish moved on to the harder liquors, most kept in thick brown bottles.

“So we have Griffon ale, some local brewed whisky and some spicy Zebra rum, my personal favourite.” Nightwish gushed as he pranced along showing off the beverages, Morrow watching him with confusion while Nigel tried to figure out just how many disorders the stallion likely suffered from. He certainly was hyperactive and talkative, however whether those traits were unusual in ponies he wasn’t too sure. After all, Midnight certainly had her ‘bouncy’ moments.

“Good choice,” Nigel commented, Nightwish fixing him with a grin.

“I’m glad that you agree, I just know that having you around will be a blast.” With that the stallion trotted to the door leading to the main inn, looking back at his two employees as he left. “Morrow will show you the ropes, good luck!” he called back, Nigel turning to the allocated mare.

“So,” he started, Morrow’s ears twitching as the mare quickly brushed a blue fringe out of her gold eyes, “where do we begin?” The nocturne seemed to freeze for a moment before she blinked rapidly and pointed towards some wooden mugs on the counter.

“W-well,” she stuttered, “you could, you could um, try picking up one mug and use your mouth to pour a drink?” she suggested as she pointed towards an open bottle of peach cider. Nigel raised an eyebrow at her, glancing towards the mug and scoffing.

“I think I can handle a single mug without issue,” he stated as he hooked a hoof through the large wooden ring that served as a grip. He placed it down upon the counter near the open bottle, a smug grin on his face.

What Nigel did not expect however was the mug sliding on some spilled water as he let go, his hoof bumping the drinking container violently as he pulled his leg away.

Morrow watched on with horror as the mug careened into the neat stack of identical mugs that she had just finished arranging with a crash. Wooden mugs went everywhere, the counter, the floor and some even fell over the other side of the bar to crash into waste barrels filled with assorted empty bottles. A lot of noise and mess was produced, the clattering loud and noticeable.

Morrow started in shock at the changeling, Nigel still frozen in the same position as he had been when he had placed the mug down. Slowly he lowered his hoof to the floor, his smirk replaced with an apologetic smile.

“Well,” he started as Morrow continued to stare, “at least I didn’t start with a glass.” He also pointed a hoof towards the scattered group of mugs, one still standing upright in the centre of the devastation without a scratch. Lowering his hoof Nigel, through some intense concentration, managed to pick the bottle of cider up with his mouth and walk over towards the mug. He gently poured the drink in to a perfect height without spilling a drop. He placed the bottle back down on the counter, stood up on his hind legs while leaning his back against the counter as Morrow continued to stare at him.

“Ta Da!” Nigel exclaimed as he threw his forelegs up in celebration.

Unfortunately for Chalmers, while he was able to stand on two legs while leaning against the bar throwing his forelegs up un-balanced him. The changeling listed to the side before crashing down into a pile of mugs on the floor, Morrow gasping in surprise.

Nigel looked up at her from the ground, one of his hind hooves stuck in a mug. He pointed towards the lone mug on the counter, still in perfect condition.

“See, I got it in perfectly, just like I said I would.”

Round Two

It had taken a fair amount of trial and error but finally after an hour of practice and the loss of ten mugs and a glass Nigel was able to pour a drink.

He had never felt so awesome in his life.

Morrow had started to grow used to his presence over the time, the mare now only shying away when the changeling had a glass within ten hooves of her. She would have liked him to practice some more but the time hit five in the morning and the first customers for the day started to file into the tavern.

The mare had found that almost all of the patrons tonight opted to order from her as she walked the floor instead of going up to the bar themselves. A few of the braver stallions and mares engaged the changeling with their orders directly, Nigel thankfully not spilling any of the drinks he served. Morrow found herself rushed off her hooves as the small mare moved from table to bar constantly, the vastly increased amount of tips however more than made up for the extra work.

The changeling spent most of his time mixing drinks for her to serve, the nocturne surprised that he was able to without the use of wings or magic. Well, Nigel had a horn so she assumed that he could use magic like a unicorn, she would have asked him but it seemed to her like it would be impolite. It must be so difficult having to use his hooves for everything but he strangely seemed to have little trouble with standing upright against the bar without the aid of his wings, wings which he also never used in her presence.

“Waitress!”

Morrow veered around a table occupied by three mares drinking pear cider to head towards the call, the origin a table in the back corner. The table was devoid of proper lighting, the majority of it cloaked in shadow. As she drew closer she could see four nocturnes, all appearing to be stallions if the larger frames were anything to go off. Three of them were regular dark grey with blue manes of differing shades while the fourth was wearing a black cloak, a tuft of dark brown mane, two golden eyes and a blue muzzle the only visible features.

“What can I get for you?” she questioned, a tray of empty mugs balanced on her back. One of the stallions, the one closest to her on the left of the rectangle table flashed her a seductive grin.

“Anything from the looks of it,” he commented, Morrow rolling her eyes. Being the only waitress in the bar tended to harden one’s shell against flirting.

“I doubt the coffers of the entire city could pay me enough to fulfil that order with you wise guy.” The stallion’s two un-clothed friends burst out into laughter, the rejected nocturne soon joining in.

“Ah, I have to admit that you got me,” he chuckled before looking towards the two laughing stallions. “Ale guys?” he questioned, the two pausing to nod their heads as they calmed down. The stallion turned to the cloaked pony sitting at the very backend of the table, his grin fading a little. “What about you, Boss?”

“Whisky, a double,” the addressed stallion replied sullenly. Morrow thought it strange that the three stallions treated their fellow as a superior despite the cloak-wearing nocturne sounding younger than all three of them. She had little time to ponder this, she had an order to fill.

“I’ll be right back with your drinks sirs,” she replied with a small bow of her head. Morrow turned and headed for the bar, a hefty amount of tip money jingling in her blue apron’s front pocket. A group of bar-goers parted for her as she approached, her back to the table that she had just left. As such she was unable to see the cloaked stallion, who had been focused on her departing rump, notice the changeling bar-tender and freeze in shock.

Morrow made it to the bar, placing her tray down upon the counter and then started to off-load the empty mugs. Nigel finished up serving a lone mare a glass of cider before turning to face his co-worker.

“Three ales and a double whisky,” Morrow requested, the changeling nodding before as he prepped three wooden mugs and a glass. Putting all of the empty mugs in the sink, Morrow glanced over and found that Nigel was just finishing up, all three mugs on the tray with the changeling removing a bottle of whisky from a now-full glass. She quickly grabbed the glass with a wing, still uneasy about Chalmers moving glasses. He rolled his eyes at her actions; Morrow snorting in response as she carefully placed the tray on her back and trotted off to deliver the drinks.

Upon reaching her destination she was greeted with an empty table, the four stallions nowhere to be found.

“Oh come on,” Morrow huffed out, all that work for nothing.

“Excuse me miss,” Morrow turned to find a group of three mares and a stallion sitting at a table with empty mugs. The stallion gestured to the tray with the drinks, “we’ll be happy to take those off your hooves.” Morrow smiled at the four gratefully as she placed the tray down while four nocturnes, one in a cloak, checked the sign declaring the closing time before slinking out the door.

Nigel glanced up at the clock ticking away on the wall, the time two pm which meant it was time to close. The time had passed quickly that night, Chalmers actually finding that he enjoyed the work. It was probably the first time he had earned some pay without having to shoot someone, the feeling rather satisfying. He hadn’t dropped a single drink, there had been a few mishaps with empty mugs but nothing like the beginning of his bartender career.

“Okay everyone, closing time!” Morrow yelled out, Nigel noticing that she only seemed to be withdrawn around him. It was likely that she still hadn’t gotten used to him being a changeling, some time would be all she needed.

The remaining bar patrons left the tavern either trotting or stumbling, only a few left at this time of day. Nigel finished putting a final mug back on the self before the door leading into the main inn opened, two ponies walking in.

One was Nightwish, the Stallion shooting his newest employee a wide grin as he observed the bar. The second nocturne rushed up and hugged the changeling, Midnight’s wings fluttering as Nightwish chuckled.

“Well, it looks like you did a great job,” he commented as Morrow moved towards the group. “I didn’t get any complaints and there wasn’t a single brawl today either, good work. Did you find it all okay?”

“It was rocky at the start,” Nigel answered as Midnight let go of him, “but I got the hang of it fairly quickly.” The changeling glanced at his co-worker as Morrow averted her eyes. “Morrow was really helpful, she seems to manage everything well and I’d probably have to admit that without her help you’d be looking at a lot of spilt drinks.” Nightwish grinned at the young mare, the stallion giving one last scan of the barroom.

“I’m pleased to hear that, I think it’s time for that raise we were discussing Morrow. It certainly sounds as if you earned it.” Morrow looked at her employer with surprise, Nightwish returning it with a beaming smile. The mare’s shocked look morphed into an elated grin, a grin that was soon directed at Nigel.

“Thank you sir!” she exclaimed as she shook Nightwish’s hoof.

“We better get going,” Nigel spoke up as Midnight bumped his side. Nightwish and Morrow both waved a hoof at the pair.

“Okay,” Nightwish replied, “I look forward to seeing you tomorrow, have a safe trip home.” A final exchange of waves and goodbyes took place before Midnight and Nigel left the tavern, exiting outside into the empty streets. The pair turned towards the main road, beginning to head back to Midnight’s house. They hadn’t gotten far, Midnight walking alongside Nigel with a wing over his back, before the changeling slowed.

“What’s the matte…” Midnight trailed off as she also spotted the four nocturnes emerging from an alley to block their path. She pressed closer to the changeling as the four stopped a few metres away from them, the one wearing a cloak glaring at Nigel and her with a particular hatred that the other three didn’t possess. Midnight shuddered, she felt that she knew the cloaked stallion from somewhere.

“Can we help you?” Nigel inquired in a steady voice, Midnight however thought that it had a trace of danger that he had when he had been fighting Bass Drop. The cloaked Nocturne stepped forward, throwing off the hood to reveal himself as Captain Equinox.

“You’ve already done enough,” the stallion growled, his three lackeys not moving from their spots.

“Oh, you’re still alive,” Nigel observed, “I thought your voice sounded… higher.” Equinox narrowed his eyes and took a step forward.

“Laugh it up cockroach; if I wasn’t found by Princess Luna herself then I would be dead. Needless to say, you’re now wanted by the whole of Equestria for attempted murder of a guard captain.” Midnight stepped towards Equinox, the mare fuming as she stared at him.

“You deserved to die after what you did!” she yelled, Equinox chuckling as Nigel tried to calm her down by placing a hoof on her back.

“Speaking of differences, you’re looking a little fatter there Midnight.” The mare clenched her teeth as the Captain continued. “You should be thankful that a Captain and noble of my status even gave you a foal, what, did you think that a changeling would? You truly are a traitor to your species.” This proved too much for Midnight, despite Nigel’s attempts to keep her calm she stepped forward and smacked the surprised Equinox in the face with her hoof. The stallion stumbled before grinning at her.

“Well well well, it looks like someone actually might have some guard material in her; it’s a shame you’ll never get back in. Oh, and while on that subject…”

Equinox lashed out, dropping Midnight to the cobbled road as his hoof smashed into her muzzle. Chalmers darted forward, standing over her as Midnight moaned in pain and tried to stop her nose bleeding. The three stallion lackeys all looked towards Equinox in shock.

“What did you just do!?” One yelled as he looked at the downed mare. “You can’t hit a pregnant mare, what if she miscarries!?”

“Who cares?” Equinox replied to the disgust of the three as he looked eyes with a very pissed off changeling, “it’s only a bastard child anyway, it would only come out as weak as its whorse of a mother. My father doesn’t pay you to question me, shut up and watch for anyone.” Equinox withdrew a wing from his cloak, a short knife with the black handle held with the wingtip sliding out of a hidden sheath. “This changeling is mine; you can do what you want with the mare after.”

“Screw this,” the stallion who had questioned Equinox before said, “I may be a crook but this is just wrong, I’m out.” He turned and galloped back down the alley Equinox spitting on the ground in front of Nigel’s hooves as he pointed the knife at his opponent.

“Coward,” Equinox commented, “He better be careful, if he keeps on backing out of this sort of work he’ll-“

“Get the sack?” Nigel commented coldly, no humour in his voice. Equinox sighed and grinned maliciously at the changeling.

“I’ve been waiting weeks for this.” With that he darted forwards, a wing swinging a knife at Nigel. The changeling dodged and moved away from Midnight, Equinox following as he ignored the crying mare in his haste to kill his enemy. The two remaining crooks who had been escorting Equinox around the city at their boss’s request moved back as the changeling pulled back from another knife thrust.
Equinox continued on, thrusting and slicing as he tried to close on the nimble changeling. Suddenly he saw an opening and lunged forward, Nigel not moving fast enough to avoid the blow. The knife scoured a gash in the chitin of the changeling’s right foreleg, green blood coming away with the sharp blade as Nigel stumbled.

A follow-up trust sank the blade into Nigel’s chest, Midnight’s eyes widening as she watched on helplessly while Equinox twisted the blade. She tried to stand but failed, the mare crawling towards the fight with a desperate energy. She closed within a few hooves as Equinox pulled the knife free, a flow of changeling blood spurting from the ragged wound onto the road.

Nigel almost sank to his knees as life-fluid left his body, he wasn’t used to occupying a body that couldn’t cope with the level of punishment he was receiving. He looked up to see an on-coming blade stained green rush towards his face, managing to raise his right foreleg up in an attempt to block.

The knife impacted the leg, the blade sliding through one of the holes as it split the soft chitin within the hole as the grip slammed against the leg.

It was agonizing for the changeling, even with his heightened pain resistance the cuts in what must have been a very sensitive spot burned. Chalmers stifled a grunt and focused on turning the pain into anger like he had been trained, the agony dulling as a cold rage built up while Equinox tried to force the knife towards Nigel’s eye. Despite the changeling’s efforts the nocturne stallion was stronger, the tip of the knife closing until it was almost touching.

The knife in the Nocturne’s grip faltered as Equinox grunted, Nigel glancing down to find that Midnight was on the ground behind the stallion. With teary eyes the mare was desperately hitting the stallion’s hind knees with a forehoof, the two stallions aiding Equinox rushing to stop her. They halted in shock as Equinox struck out with a hind hoof, nailing Midnight on the shoulder and causing the mare to cease her attack. She curled up on the ground, all the fight beaten out of her as Equinox prepared to strike again.

Chalmers took advantage of the stallion’s distraction, his anger boiling over after witnessing Midnight get hit again. The two crooks were too focused on staring at the scene to do anything, after witnessing their boss’s son beat a pregnant mare they didn’t know what to do. As such they didn’t stop Nigel as with a growl he yanked the knife that was still stuck in his leg out of Equinox’s wing’s grasp.
Preoccupied with lining his hind leg up with Midnight’s head, the stallion was too slow, re-focusing on Nigel only to find two-inches of knife impact into his right cheek.

He roared in pain before the changeling tackled him to the ground, both fighters covering each other in their own blood for their wounds. Equinox was stronger but was still surprised by the knife wound, Nigel overpowering him as he lashed out in pain-fuelled rage. Shoving the Nocturne to the ground the changeling sat on his back and began to slam Equinox’s face onto the road as the two stallions watched in horror.

“Fuck you,” Nigel breathed out through clenched teeth as blood spurted out of his chest with every slam. “You’re nothing but a miserable,” another push, Equinox losing a few teeth, “piece of shit.” Another hit and the stallion’s nose broke, lights beginning to turn on in the buildings around the street as the beating continued. “I should kill you right now.” With a final crack Nigel stopped, Equinox moaning weakly as his ruined face rested in a pool of green and red blood. Chalmers shakily got to his hoofs, staring down at the broken pony.

“I would right now, all it would take would be a few more hits or a thrust with this knife,” Nigel looked down towards his leg, the blade still embedded in the hole. “But I’m not going to kill you now,” the changeling stumbled over to Midnight as green blood dribbled out of his chest. “No, when I kill you I want to spend hours doing it, you ever come near us again and I promise you that I will show you every single thing I’ve learnt about inflicting pain over the years. Remember this you piece of trash.”

Nigel finished, sinking down to his knees to help Midnight up. The two stallions who had accompanied Equinox stared at the changeling debating what to do as the creature put one of the mare’s forelegs across his back.

“The Fuck are you looking at?” Nigel spat as he pulled the sobbing Midnight up, the two Stallions deciding that the changeling had won this round. Both of them picked Equinox up off the ground and hastily left down the alley that their comrade had disappeared down earlier in the initial confrontation. Nigel turned around with Midnight and started to limp back towards the tavern, the changeling not sure if they could make it back home and he didn’t know where the hospital was.

Behind them doors and windows opened, the pair moving out of sight as ponies looked out onto the street. Trailing drops of green and red blood, the two managed to get back to the tavern. Every step caused a whimper from Midnight and Chalmers found himself growing weaker as they reached the door. Having a bleeding hole in his chest and pretty much carrying a mare didn’t do too well on his aching body.

Panting, Nigel lifted a forehoof and banged rapidly on the front door, the door opening a few seconds later.

“Who’s there?” a voice sleepily asked. Willow poked her head around the door, “I’m sorry but we’re closed, I was just shutting- Oh my, Nigel!” The mare quickly woke up as she saw the two bleeding on the threshold. Willow wasted no time and ushered them in, Midnight was bleeding heavily from her nose and Nigel had a large hole in his chest as well as many other small cuts including a knife wedged in his right leg.

“Come in, I have a first aid kit in the office!” the injured pair were directed to the back room, Willow directing them to two chairs in the room. Nigel set down Midnight who still whimpered before the changeling collapsed against the wall. Willow turned around from some shelving, a white bag with a red cross on the front held with a wing as she darted over to him. Nigel managed to pull himself up to sit against the wall, Willow holding a wad of gauze to the knife wound in his chest.

“What happened to you two!?” the mare questioned franticly as Nigel waved her away and held the gauze to his chest himself. Willow seemed to not like leaving him but she relented and turned her attention to Midnight sitting in her chair, fetching more gauze to dab at the still-bleeding muzzle.

“We got jumped by some muggers,” Nigel answered with a wheeze, “they got away but they didn’t get to take anything.” The changeling glanced down at the grey carpet he was sitting on. “Sorry about the mess.” Willow shook her head, finishing up with Midnight she checked the mare’s muzzle and found it to not be broken. The only other injuries the mare had were some minor scrapes and a nasty bruise on her shoulder. Moving back to the changeling she removed the blood-soaked gauze.

Willow winced as she looked at the hole in the black chitin. Morbidly she noticed that Nigel’s flesh was green as well, the changeling staying still as she checked the wound for dirt. With a wing she pulled a bottle of disinfectant from the bag and with the other wing some fresh gauze and bandages, Chalmers nodding at her to go ahead. Quickly disinfecting the injury Willow applied the bandages, Nigel clenching his teeth as the wound stung. It only lasted a few seconds, with fresh bandages the bleeding was halted for the time being. Willow looked to his battered right leg and grimaced.

Again receiving approval, she grasped the bloody grip of the knife with both wings and pulled. Nigel cursed under his breath as the knife left his leg with a squelch, more blood dripping onto the carpet. Willow gazed at the blade for a few moments, noticing the red blood mixed in with the green but it was put aside. She had also observed that the changeling was covered in red gore as well as his own, Willow attributing it to Midnight. There would be time for questions later.

A few minutes later and Nigel’s leg was covered in wrapping, a lot of wounds for a simple mugging. Midnight shifted on the chair, the mare having not said a single word during the procedure. Willow packed up what little remained of the kit, making a note to buy another one later. She had just finished putting it back on the shelf when the sounds of something getting off the floor alerted her.
“Nigel, sit back down!” she ordered as she saw the changeling stand up shakily.

“No, I should probably get Midnight home,” he replied weakly, Willow shaking her head.

“You’re far too weak at the moment to move anywhere; you should be at the hospital right now.”

“I’ve had worse,” the changeling responded as he walked over to Midnight, the mare curled up on the chair with her wings around her protectively. Willow shook her head again at his stubbornness, the changeling nudging one of Midnight’s wings gently with his muzzle. The mare poked an eye out from behind the purple membrane and slowly got off the chair with difficulty, Midnight pressing up against Nigel as the two moved for the door.

“Hang on,” Willow sighed as she ducked out and returned with a key held in a wing, “you might as well stay here for the day, we’ll talk about this in the evening when Nightwish is awake.” All three glanced up above, now that it had all calmed down a slight snoring could be heard. “Of course he sleeps through this doesn’t he,” Willow muttered, directing the pair towards the stairs.

Stumbling up, the two were followed by Willow as she guided them to the closest room. The door was unlocked and Nigel immediately helped Midnight onto the bed, the mare collapsing down in a heap. Chalmers turned around and stood in front of Willow, the bandage strapped to his chest turning a slight green.

“Thanks for all of this,” he started, “I’m sorry for causing so much trouble for you.”

“Forget about it,” Willow reassured, “I couldn’t just refuse you, we’ll go over what happened in the evening like I said before. Get some rest and if you need anything don’t hesitate to ask.” With that she left for her own bedroom, confident that the two would just need some sleep and time alone. Nigel shut the door after the mare had left, pausing slightly as pain flared up in his chest before he went back to the bed.

He clambered up and laid down next to Midnight, the mare sniffling as she crawled next to him, carefully avoiding touching his chest as she put her forelegs around him. Nigel returned the gesture, briefly running a hoof over the large hoof-shaped bruise that Midnight bore before rubbing her back to calm her down. The nocturne moved forwards and rested her head on his neck, her sniffles stopping. Nigel felt his aches fade as he received a large amount of love from the mare, his wounds numbing and he found it easier to breathe.
The two soon fell asleep, not a word said between them as they drifted off due to their exhaustion.

Midnight opened her eyes, her face aching with a throbbing pain. She shifted on the soft blue covers, smooth limbs around her as someone breathed steadily next to her. She looked and saw that it was Nigel, the changeling still sleeping deeply. Midnight noticed that his chest looked like it had stopped bleeding, the gauze only lightly tinged with green. They were both still covered in blood however, Midnight noticing that some of his was also caked on her from the day before, the details of the fight still fuzzy to her.

Midnight wriggled out of the changeling’s grasp, taking care not to wake him as she shakily got off the bed. As her hooves touched the floor she winced, the bruise on her shoulder flaring with pain. She stumbled to the bathroom, opening the door quietly and closing it behind her. Walking up to the mirror she grimaced, her muzzle was bruised and a thick crust of blood covered her nostrils. Numerous small cuts around her body had already started to heal and her coat was caked with a layer of dirt, blood and grime.

Sighing, Midnight stepped into the small shower and turned the water on, the cold flow turning warm as the soothing water washed the muck off of her. She made sure to get the blood off of her nose, the coppery smell fading away as the water going down the drain was tinged a pale red. As she continued to wash she found her memories returning vividly, the events of the previous day clear.

Midnight still was lamenting over the fact that she had hit Equinox, with her loss of control she had started a bloody brawl that involved Nigel getting stabbed. She felt terrible for him; she was so certain that he was going to die as she watched from the ground. It seemed like that no matter how far they ran the past still caught up with them, Midnight could only hope that Equinox would leave them alone from now on. Midnight didn’t want to have to go through the fear of almost seeing the one closet to her die again.

After ten minutes of standing under the shower reflecting on the fight Midnight finally moved, the water cutting off as she turned the taps and stepped out onto the cyan floor-mat. Quickly drying herself with a large blue towel she opened the door and walked out, heading towards the side of the bed. Taking care to not touch the dirty sheets she stroked the sleeping changeling’s head with a hoof, Nigel mumbling in his sleep as Midnight looked at him apologetically.

“Where are they!?”

Midnight’s head shot turned towards the door as the voice of her father rang out from below. She heard hurried hoofsteps a few seconds later race up the stairs, soon stopping outside the door.

“Midnight, it’s me, Darklight. Let me inside.” Midnight shot a nervous glance at Nigel who was still sleeping before she hesitantly approached the door, unlatching the lock and stepping back as it opened. Darklight, wearing his police hat, stood in the doorway with two other officers behind him.

“What happened?” he asked with concern as he raised a purple wing to lightly caress his daughter’s injured muzzle. Midnight glanced at the two officer behind her father, the older stallion getting the hint. “Wait downstairs you two, I’ll be back down in a minute.” The two officers nodded and left, Darklight stepping into the room as he closed the door behind him.

Midnight didn’t say a word as her father walked over to the slumbering changeling, the experienced officer not flinching as he examined the wounds with an expert eye. He took note of the numerous shades of blood on the covers as well as on the changeling’s body, Darklight concerned as to where the red blood came from. He turned to face his daughter who was still near the door, Midnight staring down at the wooden floor.

“Go on Midnight, tell me what happened,” Darklight questioned softly, trying to avoid waking his daughter’s friend. “I was told by the tavern owner that you and Nigel were mugged.” Midnight grimaced and sat down as her father awaited a response.

“We lied about the mugging,” she admitted, Darklight narrowing his eyes as he found out that his daughter had lied. “We weren’t mugged, Captain Equinox found us and with three other stallions cut us off in the street when we were walking home yesterday.”

Midnight looked up with teary eyes, describing the memory only dredged up the feeling of fear that she had felt that day. “He tried to kill Nigel and he almost did! He hit me and when Nigel tried to stop him Equinox stabbed him! I thought that he was going to die and leave me alone with Equinox again.” Midnight’s ears drooped as she mumbled the last part, the mare folding her wings around her as Darklight stared at the changeling again.

“Did Equinox say why he was going to kill Nigel?” Darklight asked, he already had an inkling as to why but he wanted to hear if Midnight had anything to say.

“He only said that he’d been looking forward to it for a long time, I think it’s because of what Nigel did to him after Equinox… you know.” Midnight sniffled, her father nodding in understanding. “Equinox said some terrible things after he first hit me, he really seems out to get us for what happened.”

“He is a nasty piece of work,” Darklight agreed, moving towards Midnight to rub her shoulders with his wings. “Come on, I’ll escort you two home so nothing happens. Your mother is worried sick over you and I have to work on this investigation. Officers will come and question you two and I think it’ll be better if it was done at home, not in an office or inn room.”

“But what about the mess and Nigel?” Midnight asked as she got up off the floor. Darklight gestured towards the changeling as he replied.

“Everything is taken care of, I’ve talked to the owners about the trouble and they’ve given Nigel the day off today for him to recover. Everyone thinks it’s for the best if you come back home.”

Midnight sighed and nodded, moving over to wake her companion as Darklight waited outside.

The front door shut behind Midnight and Nigel as the pair limped into the house, Darklight leaving to head back to work. The stallion had mentioned that it was unlikely for anything to happen to Equinox considering that his father, Radiant Eclipse, was on the city council. Darklight would need some serious proof, however with none apart from a few blood spatters and a knife which could have come from a countless number of places the case was already dead.

The two entered the living room, both of them wearily getting up onto the couch and resting against each other. Midnight wrapped her wings around them, the mare still shaken up over the attack. Nigel was managing a little better, the changeling already over the shock of the incident and instead focusing on trying to figure out what to do to ward off any future confrontations with the Captain.

He was tempted to actually hunt the stallion down after he was healed; however he knew that Midnight needed him so any revenge could wait. His wounds thankfully were seeming to heal at an increased rate, his chest almost closed up completely and already the smaller cuts and gashes were fading. Nigel put it down to the affection from Midnight, it seemed that not only did changelings feed on love but given a large amount regularly it also energised and healed.

Nigel glanced over towards her, his brows furrowing as he looked over her injuries. There was still a large blotchy bruise on her shoulder and some small cuts that were closing up. Midnight didn’t benefit from any healing energy and the attack had taken a large mental toll on her. She sat and stared blankly at the stone wall in front of them, Nigel unsure if it was the actual attack or Equinox’s reminder of what he did to her that had such a devastating effect on her.

Leaning over he gave her a quick peck on the cheek, there wasn’t really much else he could do at the moment. He had taken a very brief shower back at the hotel so that the blood that had covered his body wouldn’t scare any nocturnes as they walked home. The changeling looked down at his right foreleg, bandages still covering most of the limb. A wet feeling on his left cheek brought his mind back into focus, Midnight returning the affection as she tightened her wings around him.

She lingered for longer than Nigel had, Starbright entering the room and immediately rushing over to them.

“Oh thank Luna you’re all right!” the mare exclaimed as she went between the two and hugged them while taking care to avoid their injuries. “Darklight said that something had happened but I didn’t believe it. Why would anyone attack you two?” Starbright had clearly not been informed as to who was responsible for the pair’s injuries, Nigel preparing to explain everything. He was beaten by Midnight though.

“It was Equinox,” she mumbled, Starbright gasping in shock as she recalled that Equinox was the pony who had hurt Midnight in the first place. She stepped back from the two, glancing over their cuts and scrapes once more.

“Why did he attack you again, didn’t he already get what he wanted?” Starbright questioned, Midnight preparing to answer but Nigel got in first.

“He wasn’t after Midnight, he was after me,” Nigel informed, Starbright looking at him with confusion.

“Why?”

“Oh,” Nigel started to reply sourly, “I think he was still a little upset over the fact that I cut his balls off during our first meeting.”
Starbright and Midnight stared at the changeling in shock, Nigel going back to staring at his injured leg. Midnight had already been fairly certain that Nigel had done such a thing but this was the first time she had heard him mention it. Starbright however had no prior warning or idea that the changeling that her daughter was dating had castrated her rapist and father of her unborn child.

“You made him a gelding?” Starbright inquired, Nigel nodding his head.

“I did,” he replied with conviction as he looked at her. “Where I come from rape is looked down upon as one of the worst crimes someone can commit, most rapists caught by military or police forces rarely make it to the courtroom alive.” Midnight looked down at the floor; she had gotten the impression that Nigel was hiding some of the more darker aspects of his peoples’ culture from her. She did admit however that being a victim of rape didn’t exactly cause her to have any sympathy for the rapists.

“Oh,” was all Starbright could say to that, Chalmers however continued on.

“I actually had expected him to die,” he admitted, the two mares staring at him with renewed surprise. “That sort of trauma tends to cause a lot of blood loss, luckily for him he was saved in time.” The changeling ceased speaking, an uneasy silence settling over the room at his blunt explanation. Starbright nodded in understanding after a while, while she didn’t encourage Nigel’s actions she could accept that he was probably feeling a lot of anger at what had happened to Midnight. She was actually a little relieved that her daughter had found someone willing to go to such extremes to protect her.

“I’ll go fetch some tea, I think we all need it,” Starbright announced, trotting off to the kitchen to prepare the beverage. Midnight waited until her mother had left before she turned to the changeling that she held with her wings and forelegs.

“Was what you said true?” she asked, the mare already knowing the answer as her lover turned to look at her. The changeling had one of the most honest looks she had even seen in his eyes, Nigel’s deadly promise to Equinox still playing in her mind.

“It was,” Nigel answered as he looked into Midnight’s concerned eyes, “I would kill to protect you, if he tries anything again I will not hesitate like yesterday. Does that bother you, knowing that I am capable of taking the life of another without regret?” Midnight held his gaze, her right hind leg rubbing against his right.

“It does a little,” she admitted softly before her voice strengthened, “but I still love you with all of my heart, I know that inside you’re a good person despite what you have done and will probably still do. You’ve stood by me and helped me through all of this,” Midnight glanced down at her slightly swollen belly as she said this, “and I don’t want to change that for anything.”

She felt a smooth hoof lift her chin up before a set of lips touched her own. Midnight melted into the kiss, her aches forgotten as she indulged in the affectionate contact. She found herself caressing the changeling she was embracing with her wings, the purple membrane running over his body as she poured her heart into the kiss. Midnight felt all of her troubles disappear as she relished the experience between her and Nigel, the fact that for once he had initiated secured the thought in her mind that he did love her like he said he did.

Midnight moaned lightly as she found herself lightly pushed back into the couch, the changeling atop her intensifying his affection as he wrestled her tongue with his own. She could feel hooves running along her sides with vigour, Midnight closing her eyes and just enjoying the moment as she and Nigel were belly-to-belly on the comfortable couch.

“Tea’s ready.”

The two quickly broke apart at Starbright’s voice; Chalmers posed guiltily over Midnight with his hind legs upon either side of hers he smiled awkwardly at Starbright who was acting as if she hadn’t just walked in on the two furiously making out. Midnight watched her mother from under Nigel with a blush on her face and saliva on her lips, the older mare humming as she arranged a tea set on the small wooden table.

The two quickly pulled apart, Midnight getting up and sitting back next to Nigel as both calmly tried to forget the incident. Both sat there questioning just how far it would have gone if Starbright hadn’t walked in, the previous day had really seen their emotions go off in a whirlwind. To say the sharing of affection affected them was an understatement; Midnight crossed her hind legs and fidgeted while Nigel was reminded of why he considered pants a major advantage. One strategic pillow placement later and the problem was solved, not before Midnight caught a glance however which only increased her blush and fidgeting.

Starbright either didn’t notice these ‘problems’ or just didn’t acknowledge them as she poured three cups of tea, already knowledgeable to Midnight’s and Nigel’s preferences. The two on the couch shakily took their cups from Starbright, the mare lying down in a chair opposite them with her own cup. Midnight and Nigel were still close together, their hips and shoulders touching as they tried to drink their tea and forget their desire. It didn’t work too well, both knew that the other was just as ‘troubled’ and Nigel found himself dining on a large amount of lust from Midnight which ‘tasted’ incredibly spicy and addicting.

The three sipped their tea and sat there quietly. An advantage of the lust between the two lovers was that they soon forgot the reason that they were essentially confined to the house, Starbright was just enjoying the two awkwardly trying to hide their feelings from her. She found it hilarious that the two assumed that she didn’t catch the way they were acting, she normally would drop little hints to tease them but she had decided that for once she should let them be.

Refilling her tea she almost had made it back to her chair before some knocks sounded at the front door. Starbright put her cup down on the table as she shot a glance at the pair on the couch, receiving shrugs in reply.

“Coming!” she called as with a final look she left down the hall to answer the door, Nigel and Midnight remaining on the couch as they shared worried looks.

A few moments later and Starbright returned, the older mare warily approaching the two.

“Um… Midnight and Nigel, Councilstallion Radiant Eclipse is here to see you.”

Nigel and Midnight looked at Starbright with puzzlement before a large nocturne stallion dressed in a ornate blue robe walked into the room flanked by two stallions wearing saddlebags on them.

“Greetings,” Eclipse spoke with a smooth voice that betrayed his occupation as a politician, “I hope I’m not interrupting anything but I believe there are some matters between us that need to be settled.”

“Let me guess,” Nigel cut in, always having had distaste for smarmy bureaucrats, “those matters wouldn’t happen to be related to me almost killing your son during his assault would it?” Eclipse chuckled at this, a laugh filled with genuine mirth that instantly clued Nigel into the fact that the stallion was likely a sociopath. He made a note to be careful what he said around him.

“Ah, straight to the point which is a nice change!” Eclipse replied heartedly. “In answer to your guess I’m going to say yes, however, could you please refrain from referring to Equinox as my son as he is no longer to be associated with my name.”

“You disowned your son?” Starbright asked shocked, the two attendants accompanying Eclipse shifting uncomfortably as Eclipse’s look hardened.

“My former son essentially raped a mare, gave her a bastard child, threw her out of a honoured job while forever tarnishing her reputation with our beloved Luna and then was stupid enough to beat her in a public street while she was carrying his child and by extension my grandchild. There are certain rumours around that I am not the upstanding, selfless citizen that I am but even if, and that is a big if, I engaged in such questionable activities then his actions would still be looked down upon heavily.

I want no association with a rapist and he is no-longer welcome in my house.” Eclipse looked towards Nigel with a questioning stare. “Changeling, do you happen to be the same changeling that gelded Equinox and yesterday hospitalised him with a severe case of a broken face and fracture skull?” Despite the serious circumstances Nigel couldn’t resist the chance to word his reply with the same evasiveness as the stallion.

“If I was that said changeling, and that is quite an assumption, what would your reaction be if I told you that I did indeed take revenge for the frankly vile acts that were perpetrated by a certain Stallion who helped said changeling test the structural foundations of the cobbled city infrastructures?” Eclipse let out another peal of laughter, his coldness to his own son confirming Nigel’s opinion of him.

“I’d buy him a drink and offer him a job of course! That sounds like a creature that knows how the real world works!”

“I’m afraid that said changeling probably has prior commitments,” Nigel replied, Eclipse calming down as he nodded his head.

“Understandable, back to the topic at hoof however,” a nod of his head and one stallion attendant withdrew a large, jingling brown-cloth sack from a saddlebag and placed it down on the ground. “You can understand how a bastard grandchild might look on my esteemed family record, Luna knows that I already have enough black spots,” Eclipse muttered the last part before composing himself. “Considering this, and what I am proposing is cold but please bear with it, I am offering you monetary compensation in return for agreement to cut all ties to my family.” Eclipse looked at Midnight with an almost sympathetic expression. “The child will never be linked to my household, for all intents and purposes it will be dead to me and I will never speak of the foal again.”

Nigel and Midnight gazed at each other for a while, Chalmers turning back around to face the three stallions as Starbright watched on from the side.

“How much are we talking here?” he questioned. He was fairly certain that Midnight would not want her foal to be associated with Equinox or Eclipse ever again and the money could really get them going on building a new life. He stopped as he considered this, realising that with that thought he had sealed his fate with Midnight. He was in far too deep to back out now, both in regards to her feelings and his own.

“Four-thousand Luninmars,” Eclipse informed as he gestured to the heavy sack of money. “Enough for you to buy a nice house and pay for any costs in regards to the child for the first few years, I owe you that much for the trouble that my former son has caused.”

Starbright was frozen from the amount of money offered; Midnight was also shocked at the large sum. Nigel nudged her and looked into her wide golden eyes; the foal was hers so it was only fair that Midnight made the decision. The mare took a few moments to think, breathing deeply before she refaced Eclipse with determination.

“We’ll take the money, I just want to forget everything that happened,” she glanced again at Nigel. “Okay, maybe not everything.”

“Understandable,” replied Eclipse, “as of now I don’t know you and you don’t know me except as your friendly local councillor.” The stallion shot a respecting smile at Nigel as the changeling continued to watch him. “I would offer to solve any problems involving the stallion known as Equinox but from what I have heard you’ve already made it clear that you wish to sort any trouble out yourself. That is something I admire and I hope that everything works out for you two. Come along Gentlecolts.” With that Eclipse turned and left,

Starbright and Midnight left staring at the large bag that contained a glittering pile of silver coin. Nigel smirked as the front door closed leaving him and the mares alone with the money.

‘Huh, he reminds me of my old boss.’

“So do you want to look for a house tomorrow night?”

Nigel thought about Midnight’s query, the suggestion was tempting and the idea of owning her own home really seemed to perk Midnight up.

“Sure, we might as well use some of that money,” Chalmers replied merrily as he climbed onto her blue-quilted bed, day having arrived hours ago. Darklight had returned home from a fruitless investigation to find a large sack of money sitting on the floor of his living room. The stallion at first had been disproving of what he saw initially as a bribe but after the exact details of the arrangement were explained he let it slide, it seemed like a fair trade that was more in favour of Midnight and Nigel. He had encouraged the idea of the two buying a house together, believing it to be a good activity for the both of them after the hectic week.

Midnight clambered up onto the quilt to join him, the mare eyeing him with a hungry look. Nigel caught this too late, a giggling nocturne pouncing on top of him as she buried her face into his neck and planted multiple small kisses down the chitin.

“Easy there,” Chalmers warned, Midnight looking down to the green scar that was near the centre of the changeling’s chest. The bandages had been removed an hour earlier, leaving fresh green tissue with replacement chitin possibly on the way. Everyone including Nigel had been surprised at the healing rate, the changeling sharing his theory that love increased his body’s natural healing. Darklight had started to ask why Nigel hadn’t known this before but luckily for the changeling Starbright un-knowingly saved him from trying to lie his way out when she made the comment that if love healed Nigel then she was surprised that after the earlier couch session he wasn’t already fully rejuvenated.

“I know,” she sighed as she slid off him to lay at his right side, “I just thought that after today you’d be willing for some more romantic things like before.” Midnight kept her right hind leg over his as she rested against him, still nuzzling his neck as she talked. “I think we both know how that would have ended up if we had kept on going.” The changeling rubbed Midnight’s larger belly with a hoof, the mare glancing down as the black hoof traced her stomach.

“It just doesn’t feel right at the moment,” he answered much to Midnight’s disappointment. “I’d much prefer to wait until after the foal is born if that’s okay with you, even if you look cuter with that chubby belly.” He quickly darted his head down and landed a sloppy kiss on her navel, Midnight giggling as she playfully battered him with her hooves.

“St-stop!” she giggled as Nigel continued, getting dangerously low to the two growing mounds below the belly with Midnight only stopping him by flicking his ears with her wings. He returned beside her, hugging her from the side as he kissed her quickly before drawing back with a silly grin on his face. Midnight moved her head forward and got him this time, pushing her tongue into his mouth as she started to once again use her wings to rub his body. She was only just starting to feel a little damp before Chalmers broke the kiss and pulled away.

“No, I already said that it’s not going to happen and if we continue I think we’ll both not be able to stop.” Midnight shifted uncomfortably, she wasn’t sure about him but she was already past that point as her crotch heated up. She resigned herself to having to deal with it, Chalmers was firm in his goal to refrain from intercourse until her pregnancy was over. Her ears perked up and her eyes widened as an idea popped into her head that could solve the problem without breaking the changeling’s wish.

“Um, Nigel,” she began as her face heated up, the changeling removing his face from nuzzling her neck to look at her.

“Yes?” he asked as Midnight moved her wing to lower down his back in the hopes of making him more susceptible to her idea.

“I was thinking,” Midnight continued as Chalmers glanced down at his own behind as the nocturne’s wing caressed his left flank, “I know you don’t want to go all the way yet but I really, really feel uncomfortable here.” Midnight was hoping to appeal to the changeling’s protective nature as her hind legs fidgeted, Nigel looking down for a brief second to catch the sight of her crotch with a heavy sheen before he looked away.

“I’m not going to budge,” he responded with obvious difficulty, Midnight closing her trap as she quickly moved to atop him again. Her golden eyes stared into his blue ones, Midnight’s fangs revealed in a sultry smile as she placed her hind legs on either side of his while she rested her damp groin on his.

Nigel stared back up at her pleading for mercy, finding that his resistance was quickly breaking down as his new body started to betray him. He could feel himself growing, his back legs kicking as Midnight playfully nipped at his ear. He hated to admit it but the mare was surprisingly dominating in the bedroom and for an in-experienced young mare she certainly seemed to know a few tricks. He could only hope that she would give up before he found himself breaking his own rule.

“You don’t need to worry about my intentions,” Midnight murmured into his ear as she moved her wings to stroke the inside of the changeling’s thighs. “I’ve actually got an idea that I think both of us will appreciate.”

“What is it then?” Nigel asked as a very faint blush covered his face at the repeated stimulation. The fact that the normally timid Midnight was taking charge also increased the excitement level, he grudgingly admitted that he may also have a thing for the bat wings that she seemed able to use with great skill.

“Well my sisters often talked about their coltfriends and some stuff that they got up to, sometimes I’d overhear things and I remembered some things that they’d talk about.” She leaned in and drew her tongue up the side of Nigel’s cheek and nibbled an ear again. “I suspect you already know about some of the stuff I’m talking about; both of us can solve our problems and not have to resort to anything too major.”

Chalmers’s eyes widened as he realised just what Midnight was alluding too, she was correct in assuming that he was knowledgeable in such techniques often referred to as ‘second base’ back home. He considered the proposal and almost declined, however the mare’s efforts and behaviour had already taken its toll and he found himself unable to refuse. It couldn't hurt and after yesterday he guessed that it would provide quite the distraction...

“Ah, screw it.” He said and to Midnight’s surprise quickly rolled her over so that he was on top and she was below him.
“You only live once after all.”

Dull, Then Dangerous

Midnight yawned as she awoke, a grin blossoming on her face as she stretched her neck. She had slept very well, the previous night’s activities wearing her out but it was well worth it. It had been slow at first, she was eager but she had learned a lot from the one time. Her wings fluttered while she gently nuzzled the still-sleeping changeling beside her, if last night felt that good then she couldn’t wait for the final steps with someone who actually loved her.

She laid down next to him and sighed, it would be a long wait until that happened. Midnight could understand his hesitance about it, she had to remind herself that he was probably thinking about allowing her to approach it rationally as well. A glance down towards her stomach also was a reminder as to why he was apprehensive, Midnight guessing that she would just have to make do with simple stuff.

Tucking her wings in, she rolled towards the edge of the bed and carefully left it. While she would have wanted to shower with him again, their activities hadn’t exactly been of the cleanest in nature and she still smelled of sweat and passion. The sooner she was clean the better. The sheets would also have to be washed, Midnight hoping that they would be able to do it without her parents finding out. She did not want her mother to know, Starbright would tease her about it or worse, recount her own experiences for the first time.

No son or daughter desired that information from their parents.

Walking into her bathroom, Midnight neglected to bother with the lights and just relied on her own eyes. It was fine, her small shower, toilet, towel rack and sink was all she needed in here anyway so there wasn’t a lot of space to navigate. Wary of waking Nigel, Midnight closed the door behind so her hooves clacking on the grey tiles wouldn’t disturb him. She turned the shower taps on with a wing while rubbing her eyes with the other, before stepping under the warm water.

Midnight groaned lightly as the soothing drops pelted her coat and mane. A shower after waking up always felt so good, Midnight happy to just stand underneath it and let it massage her back. Water wasn’t an issue, the city was situated over a wealth of natural springs that were theorised to be able to last thousands of years. The heating system was all done with magic, Equestrian unicorns having been hired to set it up for the entire city decades ago. Some of the unicorns had stayed in the city to live, the prospect of repeat business too good to pass up.

All that mattered to Midnight was that she had warm water to stand under. Grabbing a brush with a wing, she began to scrub herself clean. Her fur was a little matted in places but luckily everything came off with relative ease, Midnight already feeling cleaner.

It took a few minutes but soon she was all done, finishing it off with a quick brush of her mane and tail. The water was turned off and the steam began to escape through the vents in the roof, Midnight stepping out and drying herself with a blue towel. The drying took only a few moments, her short-cut mane easily drying and going back into its usual shape. After dumping the towel in the wash basket, Midnight opened the door and walked over to the side of the bed.

“Nigel,” she called while bumping his left with her head. “You have to get up and have a shower.”

“Hrffpt,” Nigel spluttered as he woke, Midnight giggling as she continued to head-butt his side. A set of blue eyes looked at her as Nigel turned his head, the changeling brushing her away with his hoof.

“Wake up already,” Midnight teased. “It’s not that hard.” Nigel groaned as he rolled off the bed but missed his hoofing, crashing down onto the floor in front of her. Midnight laughed as Nigel sighed before rising to his hooves. He got it this time, standing up in time to have Midnight kiss him on the cheek.

“You’re chirpy this evening,” Nigel observed as he stretched his legs, Midnight nuzzling his neck. “I take it that last night was like you had hoped?”

“It was amazing,” Midnight mumbled lovingly into his neck. “I can tell that you enjoyed it as well.”

Nigel shifted uncomfortably as she continued to shower him with affection. Last night was filled with discoveries centred around his new form, discoveries that Midnight was all too happy to help him find. Thankfully everything worked pretty much the same, Nigel guessing that changelings were more mammal-like then they first appeared. He was happy that she also had fun, the nocturne proved to be very enthusiastic in bed.

“You were pretty good yourself,” he complemented back, receiving a happy giggle in return.

“I’m glad I was,” Midnight replied before pulling away from him. “Still, you need a shower and we then need to wash the sheets. I don’t really want Starbright to find out that we…”

“I can understand that,” Nigel reassured as he moved to the bathroom. “I’ll be back out in a few minutes, we’ll wash the sheets and I’ll cook you breakfast.” Midnight’s wings fluttered in anticipation, she wondered what he would make for her. She paced around the room as he left, a bounce in her step as she went over her plan for the day.

After breakfast they were going to go and look at houses, Midnight barely able to contain her excitement. They were going to get their own house, and with the amount of money they had been given it was going to be a good one. Her luck was finally beginning to turn, hopefully by the end of today she’d be in her own house with the love of her life. She couldn’t wait.

She heard the shower turn off after only a minute, Midnight brimming with joy as the bathroom door opened. Nigel walked out, his chitin sparkling clean. Midnight guessed that since he didn’t have hair apart from the short black tail, the cleaning process for him was a lot easier.

“Let’s get this over with then,” Nigel commented as he began to clumsily strip the sheets from the bed with his hooves. Midnight laughed at his failed attempt and moved to help him, her wings much more precise with their movements. With her help it was quickly finished, the two carefully carrying the linens out of the room and towards the laundry.

“Are you almost done?” Midnight called out from the dining room. She sipped her tea and wrinkled her nose, the aroma of food flooding in from the kitchen.

“Almost, calm down,” Nigel replied over the sound of sizzling. “You cannot rush art.”

“But it smells so good,” Midnight complained while tapping her hooves on the table. Her stomach rumbled, Midnight glancing down at it as she remembered that she was also feeding another. She hoped that he would make enough, although from the quantity of ingredients she had seen it looked like that wasn’t going to be an issue.

She waited impatiently for another minute before her hopes were answered, the changeling walking out of the kitchen with two plates balanced on his back. Midnight grabbed them from him, one loaded with a pile of piping-hot pancakes drizzled with honey while the other had some strange pieces of toast heaped upon it.

“Back in a second,” he informed her before going back to the kitchen. Midnight’s mouth was watering as she looked over the food, the mare only just refraining from digging in right then. She moved her nose over the toast slices, detecting the hint of nutmeg and cinnamon. She was just about to have a taste when a cough caused her to jerk her head back, Chalmers standing beside her with a smug smile on his face.

“I couldn’t help it,” Midnight explained with a light blush at getting caught. “What is it?” Nigel used his mouth to place a tray on the table, the tray holding some plates, jars of condiments and a tub of butter.

“Something from Terra called ‘French Toast’,” he replied as he sat down on a cushion next to her. “I think it’s from a country called ‘France’, a place that was famous for food and cigarettes.” Midnight furrowed her brows as Nigel grabbed a plate and put a few pieces of the toast on it.

“What do you mean by, ‘was famous’?”

“Pretty much all of Terra is completely militarised,” Nigel answered as he passed the plate over to her. “The entire planet reached the point where pollution was a big issue, so the ruling body at that time decided to just move everyone to different planets. Each country got their own spot and brought their landmarks, culture and wildlife with them and started anew. Terra had its atmosphere destroyed and then fortifications and bases were built on the remains. This was millennia ago, nowadays we can just artificially eliminate pollution much more efficiently.”

Midnight looked down at the three slices of toast, some of her appetite gone at hearing about the death of a planet.

“Don’t worry about it,” Nigel reassured as he noticed her look. “It was a long time ago and everything’s fine. Now go on and try a piece.” Midnight lifted a slice up to her mouth and paused, the smell re-igniting her appetite. With a large bite she delved into it, her eye’s lighting up at the flavour. She greedily devoured the rest of the piece, licking her lips as she swallowed the last remains.

“That was absolutely delicious,” she complimented as she reached for another. “You’ve got to teach me how to make it.”

“It’s pretty simple, I’ll have to show you sometime,” Nigel replied as he took a drink of tea. Midnight nodded as she chewed, a content hum sounding out as she finished off another slice. She received a look from her companion, Midnight blushing as she looked down at the last piece on her plate. “It’s not going to go away and I’m not going to eat it,” Nigel joked as he tutted.

“I know,” Midnight responded before grabbing it anyway. She took another bite and grinned at him while Nigel shook his head. “It’s your own fault for making them taste so good.” She bumped her side against his, giggling at the sigh that she received in return.

“If you keep this up, there won’t be any left for your parents,” he advised, Midnight pausing her eating before shrugging and finishing her last piece.

“It’s a day off for dad, so they’ll both sleep in. Besides,” Midnight’s eyes locked onto the plate of pancakes. “I have all of these pancakes to go through before I even begin to think of taking theirs.” Never taking her eyes off the honey-covered food, Midnight pulled the plate towards her and just took a large bite from the stack. She groaned happily and continued to eat, Nigel wondering how she stayed in shape with an appetite like that.

He’d never voice that thought out loud though, he wasn’t that suicidal.

As she ate, he just continued to sip his tea while waiting for her to finish. He was not hungry in the slightest, last night having provided ample food. The steady flow of positive emption from her was more than enough anyway, the bond getting stronger still. Nigel glanced down at his chest as it itched, the knife wound slowly closing overnight.

Some of the soft, green tissue was now covered with fresh chitin, a large patch in the centre was still without protection however. Going off the rate of healing, he guess that it should be all gone by tomorrow and then he’d be as good as new. His theory regarding his accelerated healing rate thanks to the large amounts of love seemed to be gaining evidence, Nigel wondering if it worked the same with other changelings.

“Midnight,” he started as the mare looked up from her plate with a muzzle dripping with honey. “Do you know what happened to the rest of the changelings?” Midnight chewed, her face set in a thoughtful expression.

“I heard that they went back to where they came from, the Badlands,” she answered after swallowing. “I don’t really know, us Nocturnes haven’t had any contact with them at all apart from the Lunar guard. I don’t think the Equestrians really know either.” Midnight finished her tea, cleaning her left wing on a napkin before she rubbed his shoulders with it. “Why do you want to know?”

“Just curious,” Nigel answered, Midnight nodding before going back to her food. Her wing didn’t stop as she was eating, Nigel finding it quite relaxing. He leaned back and cricked his neck, eliciting a satisfying pop. Midnight stopped for a second, her head tilted as she tried to see if he had hurt himself. Finding him okay she continued eating. She was so lost in her food that she even react when a hoof began to rub her back in return, soon she finished it all and sat back on her cushion with a final hum of satisfaction.

“Thanks for cooking,” she surprised Nigel with a hug. “That was one of the best breakfasts I’ve had, if I could eat that any day-“

“It’ll no longer be special,” Nigel replied as he returned the embrace. Midnight didn’t call him out for interrupting, instead she turned her body and snuggled in closer. She was still surprised at how soft changeling chitin was, looking at it she had expected it to be hard and cold. It was actually the opposite, while it no doubt provided better protection than a fur coat it was quite warm to be against, something she was grateful for.

“You want to go look at houses this morning?” Midnight asked. “There’s a really nice mare in town who owns a real estate business. We could even move into one today if we find one that’s good enough!” Her wings fluttered with excitement, Nigel chuckling as he got up and started to clean the plates away.

“Okay, okay. Calm down, let’s get this cleaned up and we’ll go. Are they even open this early?” Midnight glanced up to the round clock on the wall, the mare happily nodding her head.

“It’s seven forty-three and they open at eight. As soon as we clean up and walk there we’ll be right on time!”

“Well we better get going-“

Nigel was cut off as Midnight rushed past him, having used her wings to grab all of the plates from the table. He winced as the sounds of falling items came from the kitchen, Midnight came back into view with her joyful expression strained.

“Everything okay?” Nigel asked as he moved to glance into the kitchen. Midnight moved forward and covered his eyes with a wing while she head-butted him towards the hallway.

“Yep,” she answered with obvious falseness. “Everything is fine and we really should be going to look at houses.” She didn’t give him a chance to complain as she guided him out of the house as quickly as possible. Only when they were outside was when she let him go, Nigel deciding to just let the issue drop as Midnight burst ahead of him. He rolled his eyes and galloped to catch up, Midnight speedily heading towards the town. As he caught up he wondered just what he was in for with the house shopping.

“So this house here has three bedrooms, including a master which has its own bathroom.”

Nigel ideally kicked a pebble with his hoof as he stood on the cobbled path, Midnight and the real estate agent eagerly talking about the fifth house they had visited. Fast Sell was nice, the mare not outwardly treating him any differently, but after four times of listening to her attempts to get them to buy a house today it was starting to get boring for Nigel.

Midnight hadn’t lost her upbeat attitude, having started off by asking Fast Sell what pink hair dye she used and then transitioning into discussions about jewellery. The ‘mare-talk’, as the two had called it, and the house information had failed to hold Nigel’s attention. He had tried to keep his mind from wandering by analysing possible defensive advantages of each dwelling but that had grown stale. All of the townhouses were the same in his eyes, with the exception of different ‘polished stone counter-tops’ and ‘revolutionary triple-circulating heat distribution systems’.

Midnight was enjoying it though, the mare nodding enthusiastically as Fast Sell listed off the features. Nigel guessed that he could endure it for her, as it wasn’t that much of a sacrifice to be honest. Nigel refocused on the conversation just in time to catch the price.
“So it’s going for three-thousand and twenty at the moment, a limited time offer.” Fast Sell brushed her maroon vest with a hoof while Midnight bit her bottom lip. “It used to be four-thousand and five-hundred, but the owner wants to sell it quickly.” Midnight glanced at Nigel, the changeling returning it with a shrug. Midnight rolled her eyes and turned back to the agent.

“Well, three bedrooms seem a bit much,” she commented, Fast Sell quickly raising a forehoof into the air to make a point.

“It’s perfect for a family home…” Fast Sell trailed off with a glance towards Nigel. Midnight noticed that the mare seemed a little unsure as to how to continue, Nigel not reacting as he peered in the window. Midnight scanned over the house again, she did have to admit that it was a very nice house and she would have bought it in a heartbeat if it wasn’t for the price. Both mares missed Nigel look at Midnight before staring back at the window.

“This bedroom doesn’t appear to be furnished,” he commented. Fast Sell quickly moved to look into the window before glancing down at the clipboard she held in a wing.

“Oh, I could have sworn that it was,” she mumbled as she used the other wing to flip through the pages. Nigel glanced at Midnight with a wink, the changeling moving beside her and turning towards the white wooden fence surrounding the property.

“I guess this house just won’t do,” he commented. “We were just about to purchase it as well, a shame about the bedroom-“

“Wait, hold on a second!” Fast Sell called out as Midnight furrowed her brows at Nigel. “It says here that the master bedroom was unfurnished, I must have missed it.” Fast Sell chuckled nervously, the corners of Nigel’s mouth curling into a slight smile. He knew that the mare was a little shady, granted, that may be because he distrusted all real-estate agents but his plan was rewarded. “I can take it down to two-thousand, nine-hundred and fifty.”

Nigel shot Midnight a victorious grin before he looked back towards the waiting estate agent.

“Please excuse us for a second,” Nigel asked as he guided Midnight over to the side. He turned to her and lowered his voice, Midnight leaning in to hear what he was about to say. “You want this one?”

“It is a nice house,” she answered with another glance at the building. “You didn’t have to act like that though. I was probably going to choose it anyway,” she scolded with little effect.

“She knew that the master bedroom was unfurnished and I suspect that it was so we wouldn’t ask for a lower price. What does a good bed and dressers go for?” Midnight crunched the numbers in her head, going off the little that she knew.

“A few hundred at least,” she answered.

“See? We still will have to pay for a new bed and all the other furniture. At least we save some money this way.” Midnight had to agree with him there, looking back at the house for a final time.

“Do you think it’s a good choice?” she asked as she scuffed a hoof. “It’s a bit big and we’re not going to use half of the rooms. The price is good though, and it’s only a short walk from the town centre.”

“It’s not up to me,” Nigel reminded her. “I think it’s a good choice though, plus it’s in a quiet street but still close to everything in town. It’s going to be harder for you to move around for a while, the shorter the distance the better.” Midnight nodded with his observations, taking a deep breath before they walked back over to Fast Sell.

“We are interested in it,” Midnight announced, Fast Sell’s eyes lighting up. “But is it okay if we looked inside it?” Fast Sell’s smile faltered a little but she nodded her head while grabbing a key ring from her vest pocket.

“Of course, please follow me.”

She unlocked the door and allowed the pair to follow her in. Midnight looked down at the timber floor, her hooves clacking on the treated pine. A glance around the entrance way revealed that the walls were made from polished stone, plain with no decorations up at all.
Moving inside, the three were greeted with a central hallway, four doors on the right while the left side lead into a huge living room.

“Look at this!” Midnight exclaimed as she immediately rushed into the living room. Nigel and Fast Sell watched on as the young mare dashed around examining all the items in the room. From the dark-blue oval rug on the floor, to the two grey couches and then to the brick fireplace in the centre of the back wall. “It’s so large I can fly in here, this space is amazing!” She laughed as she fluttered around the room. Nigel watched her curiously, it was the first time he had seen her fly and her extra weight didn’t seem to stop her.

“Let’s look at the kitchen,” Nigel suggested. Midnight landed next to him, staggering a little as she compensated for the weight. She was brimming with energy, a steady flow of energy feeding out from her as she nuzzled his face.

“We’re going to get this one,” she whispered into his ear. After casting a quick glance towards the waiting Fast Sell Nigel nuzzled her back to cover his response.

“Wait until we see all the rooms first,” he replied softly. Midnight nodded and they broke apart, Nigel turning to Fast Sell and gesturing with a hoof. “Shall we continue?”

Fast Sell was obviously keen to make the sale, the mare flashing the pair a wide grin and walking through an archway into the kitchen. Midnight and Nigel followed, Midnight struggling to control her enthusiasm. Upon entering they were met with a decent sized kitchen with glass countertops and granite cabinets arranged in a rectangular area. A grey oven and stove was set against the back wall and a basin was set into one of the countertops. A polished metal fridge was standing against the left wall.

“You have a stove, oven, sink, fridge and numerous draws and cupboards,” Fast Sell informed as she hurriedly swept a wing around. “Any questions you’d like to ask?” Midnight and Nigel shared a glance, Nigel shaking his head. He thought that the kitchen was quite decent as it was.

“No thank you,” Midnight answered for the pair. “It seems perfect like it is. Can we see the bedrooms?”

“Of course,” Fast Sell replied as she moved to the right wall where the kitchen ran back into the hallway. Once again the two followed her to the other rooms, keen to see what could be found.

“And this here is the master bedroom,” Fast Sell informed as the oak door swung inwards. After viewing the normal bedrooms with their single beds and dressers, it was a little underwhelming to be met with an empty room. However, Midnight was still overtaken by excitement and was able to find a positive comment to voice.

“At least we have space to work with,” she observed, more to Nigel than Fast Sell. The changeling nodded as he scanned to room, the stone walls bare and the wooden floor lacking anything upon it.

“We sure do,” he replied before turning to Fast Sell. “Please excuse us.” With a nudge he directed Midnight to the neighbouring bedroom, fixing her with a slight smile as soon as they had privacy. “So, I think I already know what you want to do?” Midnight nodded as her wings fluttered.

“I love this place, it’s more than I imagined.” Midnight calmed down a little. “What about you? I know you don’t like some things about it.” Nigel sighed as Midnight’s wings dropped down to her sides. She scuffed a hoof on the floor as she waited for his answer.

“I like it,” Nigel answered as he put a foreleg around her neck. “Sure, it isn’t completely furnished but that just means that we can go out and pick our own bed today.” Midnight’s face lit up at this, her wings fluttering again at the reminder. “Besides, it’s your money after all,” Nigel continued.

“No it’s not,” Midnight responded while playfully swatting his ear with a wing. “It’s our money and we both went through this together. I doubt I would even be here now if it wasn’t for you, so you have just as much say as I do.”

“Well then,” Nigel replied as he removed his leg from her neck. “It’s all fine with me, but I think the estate agent is getting a little impatient though.” Midnight winked an eye and strode past him, her voice laden with joy.

“Miss Fast Sell, we’ve made a decision.”

Nigel and Midnight walked down the street together, a new set of keys jingling in Midnight’s brown saddlebag. The bag Nigel was carrying contained a hefty sum of five-hundred Luninmars to pay for any furniture or items they needed, the two having gone back to Midnight’s parent’s house to pay Fast Sell. Starbright and Darklight hadn’t been home, however not a scrap of the breakfast Nigel had cooked remained.

Midnight’s silver necklace bounced against her chest as they trotted along, the pair now in the middle of the city. Passers-by still gave them curious looks but no one stopped them, both leaning up against each other as they walked. Nigel was mulling over his own thoughts regarding his future with Midnight before a wing wrapped over his back and down his left side.

“There’s a store!” Midnight pointed out with glee as she directed his attention to a shop with multiple pieces of furniture ranging from draws to chairs to beds in its four display windows. Without waiting for a reply, she steered him towards the glass double doors. Nigel didn’t resist, her good mood was doing wonders for him and he swore that the ratio of scar-tissue to chitin on his chest was shrinking as his wound healed.

A bell tinkled as they walked through the shop doors and they were immediately met with the scent of treated wood and fresh pine. All around was an assortment of hard chairs, soft chairs, tables, cabinets, sinks, rugs and beds. Midnight didn’t wait for a sales assistant, the mare dragging Nigel straight to the large king-size beds.

Her target was constructed of a red wood, the varnished surface shimmering in the light. The mattress and covers were a deep blue, contrasting very well with the bed frame. The large headboard was stylised to look like a rising moon, Midnight leaning in the examine the design while Nigel mentally questioned whether they needed a bed this large.

“I want this one!” Midnight announced with glee as she ran a hoof over the covers. Nigel didn’t want to upset her and he glanced towards the price set beside it. He was pleasantly surprised that it was listed as only one-hundred and fifty luninmars, a large cross through the original price of three-hundred with the words ‘Floor model only’ written below it.

“You know it’s only the floor model they’re selling?” Nigel asked her. He himself didn’t mind and Midnight obviously didn’t either as she nodded her head.

“That’s okay, it’s cheap and the second largest bed here,” she looked around and spotted a stallion wearing a name tag that read ‘Lumen’ on his blue vest. “Excuse me!” As she called out the sales assistant glanced over and approached. He slowed a little when he spotted Nigel but quickly recovered and smiled at the two.

“What can I help you with?” he asked with a nervous voice. Midnight pointed to the bed with a wing and beamed at him.

“We’d like to purchase this bed, please,” Midnight announced, the sales pony glancing to it before straightening his grey tie.

“The listed price does not include the mattress or sheets,” Lumen informed. “There’s also a packaging fee on top of that.” Nigel grinned a little, he expected the price to be not as simple as it seemed.

“How much for the mattress, sheets and fee then?” he asked, Lumen to his credit only flinching slightly at the question.

“Two-hundred and twenty,” he answered with another tie adjustment. Midnight’s head drooped, evidently convinced that Nigel would refuse or argue that point.

“That seems reasonable,” Nigel replied, much to the delight of Midnight who shot him a thankful smile. Lumen also seemed surprised that the changeling was willing to accept that price. Some of the stallion’s nervousness disappeared and he slicked back his black mane with a blue hoof.

“There is also a delivery option for an extra twenty luninmars, but delivery is free if you make a purchase over three-hundred.” Nigel and Midnight shared a look, Nigel nodding for her to go ahead. Midnight chewed her bottom lip as she surveyed the store, her eyes roaming past other shoppers. She stopped at a set of draws and cabinets, the red wood the same as the bed.

“What about these?” she asked Nigel while pointing to the two bedside cabinets and the large dresser.

“They look good,” Nigel agreed as he walked up to run a hoof over the smooth edges. “I still fail to see why a society that wears little to no clothing needs so many dressers but they’ll look good.” Midnight playfully hit him in the side with a hoof at his sarcastic remark.

“Stop picking at things,” she advised with a smile before giving him a peck on the cheek. Lumen looked away at the sign of affection between the two and coughed into a hoof.

“Well,” he started. “The set of two cabinets and the dresser is priced at ninety Luminaires. That will bring your total up to three-hundred and ten.” Midnight glanced to Nigel, the changeling shrugging once again. Midnight rolled her eyes at his response and turned back to Lumen.

“We’ll take the set, the bed, and the free delivery,” Midnight decided. Lumen brightened at the sale.

“Of course, if you just come to the front then I’ll ring it up for you and get it ready for you straight for you,” Lumen replied as he trotted off to the counter. Midnight and Nigel followed him, both smiling at each other. Midnight opened Nigel’s saddlebag with a wing and started to withdraw individual coin bags containing one-hundred luminaires. She placed three in the table and began to empty a forth.

Ten coins fell onto the wooden counter, along with the three bags to make up the full payment. Other nocturnes browsing the wares in the store stopped and stared as Midnight giggled with joy and pulled Nigel into a kiss. Lumen paused for a second before continuing to count out the money, shaking his head and raising his eyebrows at the display.

“This is great,” Midnight muttered as she pulled away with a grin. “Our own house, our own furniture,” Midnight leaned in towards his ear. “Our own bed…” She flashed her fangs in a grin, Lumen overhearing and his wings almost dropping one of the coin purses.

“People are watching,” Nigel said back as Midnight nuzzled him.

“Do you really care?” she replied with a smirk as Nigel grinned.

“Not really,” he answered before moving forwards again, Midnight closing her eyes and opening her mouth in anticipation.

“Well, that’s the whole payment.” Midnight and Nigel jerked back and whirled around to the counter as Lumen interrupted their moment. Midnight shot him an unamused glare and flicked her head with a huff. The rest of the shoppers went back to their business while Nigel looked down at the floor and whistled.

“Great,” Midnight replied, her voice carrying a tone of annoyance. Lumen shifted on his hooves nervously and tried to smile at her.

“We can have everything delivered to you this afternoon.” Lumen used a grey wing to hold a pencil to a notepad. “Your address is?”

“Three-oh-one Ferrous Lane,” Nigel answered. Midnight put a wing over Nigel’s back as they waited for Lumen to write down the information. Nigel’s ears pricked up and he turned towards the shop door as he caught a faint droning sound. Midnight also looked back and Lumen paused, everyone in the shop halting to stare as the sound grew and was echoed around the entire city.

“That sounds… ominous,” Nigel observed dryly as Midnight pressed her side into his.

“It’s an emergency siren,” she informed with a worried shiver. “It could be anything from a mining accident to an attack.” Nigel nodded, now that the sound was louder he could identify it as sounding like old air-raid sirens used in cities on Terra. Shop assistants wearing vests and ties moved to the front doors and locked them, ushering nocturnes to the front counter as the sirens continued.

“Everyone please get behind the counter,” one of the sales assistants, an elderly stallion, instructed.

Nigel assumed that it was some kind of emergency measure, Midnight and himself being joined by another five mares and four stallions as they moved behind the solid wooden counter. Midnight sat down and pressed her back up against the wall, Nigel joining her on the floor. Midnight wrapped her wings around him while other couples did the same.

“So,” Nigel began to break the silence as everyone took shelter. “Does this stuff happen a lot around here or is it just me that it follows?” He was met with confused stares and a giggle from Midnight, the mare used to his antics.

“I think it’s just us,” she replied, some of her nervousness gone at the humour. “We do seem to have a knack for getting into trouble.” Midnight glanced down at her stomach, her smile fading as she recalled just how much trouble they had run into.

“I bet it’s just some cruel god who feels the need to torment us because of his own inadequacies,” Nigel joked after he noticed her mood change. His efforts were rewarded with Midnight’s smile returning, Nigel chuckling as he imagined a fat man with disgusting facial hair on his neck glaring down at them from the heavens.

“I hope it’s nothing major,” Lumen wondered aloud, breaking Midnight and Nigel out from their own world.

“Is it Grimskulls again?” A middle-aged mare questioned with fear in her voice.

“Hopefully not,” the old stallion employee replied. Nigel assumed that he was the manager, judging from his ornate red-and-blue checked vest, his age and the sapphire-encrusted golden watch around a foreleg. “Even if it is though, the city protection officers will stop them like before. Grimskulls have never made it into the city centre since the founding days.”

“I’m sorry,” Nigel spoke up, all eyes turning to him with curious looks. “But who or what are these ‘Grimskulls’?”

“You don’t know who the Grimskulls are?” a young stallion asked with disbelief. Nigel shrugged before Midnight cleared her throat.

“Grimskulls are a tribe of Diamond Dogs,” Midnight began as the sirens continued to blare outside. “Diamond Dogs mostly keep to themselves and mine jewels, sometimes they trade with other races and they are very good with smelting things out of metal ore. The Grimskulls are different though,” Midnight shuddered at the name.

“The Grimskulls were around before Nocturnes even settled here in the old days,” the store manager continued. “Our ancestors moved from an unknown country across the sea and settled here, founding this city. The Grimskulls always were trying to expand their mines however, meaning that we’ve had a constant border conflict with them for as long as we can remember.”

“Every time they invade they get pushed back by the local guards,” Lumen chipped in from his spot on the floor. “They haven’t attacked for a few months, so this one might be a big assault.”

“Don’t say that,” a young mare with a teal mane and tail spoke up from the far left end of the counter. “They’ll fight with the guards and then retreat like always.” The mare looked at Nigel fidgeted with her wings. “They’re good with metal and mining but not that smart. The guards will be able to stop them, so you don’t have to worry.”

Nigel was about to inform her that it would take more than ‘Diamond Dogs’ to worry him, but he was distracted when Midnight put her hoof on his. He sighed, remembering that he wasn’t the only one trapped in the store.

“Just wait here with me,” Midnight asked. “I know you want to go out but can you just wait until it’s over?” Nigel regretfully nodded at her request. He was bred and trained to fight, sitting down while waiting for others to do it for him was irritating. Still, Midnight was now his number one priority so he’d have to start showing some responsibility.

“I will,” he answered, Midnight nuzzling him in thanks. The show of affection prompted varying reactions from the surrounding nocturnes. Some shifted uncomfortably, some watched on with smiles while a mare and a stallion in the back corner whispered to each other.

“When’s it due?” The store manager asked, evidently keen to keep the conversation away from the sirens outside. Midnight lowered her head and a light blush covered her face.

“About ten months,” she answered. The manager turned to Nigel and raised a hoof, about to ask a question. “It’s not his,” Midnight pre-empted, the manager lowering his hoof and looking away uncomfortably. Midnight bowed her head as the atmosphere in the store soured, muttering starting up as no more conversation was held.

Midnight jolted as she felt a hoof rub her stomach. She looked down and saw a hole-covered limb, Midnight’s smile returning as she looked back up to find a Nigel with a reassuring expression.

“Hey, I still see it as mine,” he told her, most of the muttering stopping at that. The disapproving looks turned into ones of approval at the revelation. While bastard children were looked down upon, treating one as your own was seen as an admirable trait.

“I know,” Midnight muttered back. The two leaned towards each other, aiming to finish the kiss that had been interrupted before.

“There’s one of them outside.”

Midnight and Nigel pulled back, interrupted again, as Lumen uttered the warning. Midnight gripped Nigel closer as he uttered a sigh. A few of the shoppers peered over the counter, Nigel and Midnight unable to see from their spot.

“There’s only one,” a stallion whispered back. “He’s got a mace and he’s covered with armour.”

“What’s he doing?” Midnight asked.

“Nothing,” the stallion answered, a little confused. “He’s just standing there and sniffing the air.”

“Everyone just relax,” the store manager advised. “The doors are locked and he can’t get in. As long as we all stay put then nothing will happen and the guards will arrive to sort him out.”

Everyone ducked behind the counter as a loud thump came from the front doors, the store manager wincing as the sound of breaking glass rang out.

“You just had to tempt fate,” Nigel muttered as a second thump accompanied the first. Lumen poked his head around the side and the counter before quickly pulling it back.

“There’s another one now!” he hissed while trembling. “Both of them are trying to get in and the door’s about to break!”

“Calm down Lumen!” the manager whispered back as the thumping continued, with his voice not full of confidence. “The guards are surely just around the corner.”

Everyone winced and huddled lower as the front doors gave way, smashing inwards to allow the Diamond Dogs access to the store. The store manager, to his credit, recovered quickly and raised a hoof in front of his mouth in a signal for silence.

Stallions and Mares alike held their breaths at the sounds of sniffing and crunching glass. A harsh, guttural laugh froze blood and sent shivers down spines as the footsteps grew closer to the counter.

“We can smell you, ponies!” A rough voice declared, soon joined by another, higher-pitched voice with an equal tone of malice.

“Come out, come out! We promise not to hurt you!”

Two laughs rang out at the no doubt false assurance. The nocturnes and changeling didn’t say a word, their silence was not enough however. The Diamond Dogs followed their noses, the two leaning over the counter and grinning at the twelve beings sheltering behind it.

“Found you,” the largest dog announced with a toothy grin. His fur was a dull tan and his shoulders were armoured with heavy iron plates. His chest was unarmoured but the thick fur coat and sheer mass gave the appearance that he didn’t need any. He stared down with beady yellow eyes at his find, another set of eyes soon joining his.

“What do you want to do with them?” The smaller dog asked, his grey jaw jutting out while he clutched a crossbow in his forepaws. He was wearing a chainmail shirt and a domed iron head cap. The first dog scanned over the ponies before freezing, his gaze settling on Nigel.

“You’re not a bat-pony,” the leader dog growled. “What are you?”

“Annoyed,” Nigel retorted, wrinkling his nose as the stench of the dog’s breath. The leader narrowed his eyes, deciding whether to push the issue or not. Something, either Nigel’s appearance or the death glare he was sending towards the dogs made him think better, the bipedal canine snorting before he smashed open the till and began to shovel the silver coins into bags on his belt.

The nocturnes all scooted away from the looter, Midnight jumping in Nigel’s embrace as the smaller dog leaned in towards her.

“Leave her alone,” a mare with a pink mane and wings spoke up from the far corner. “She’s expecting a foal.” The smaller dog paused at the information, almost looking remorseful. This didn’t last long, his eyes narrowing as they settled on midnight’s chest, or rather the diamond necklace hanging from around her neck.

“Give me the necklace pony,” he ordered with an outstretched paw. The larger dog turned at this and spotted the item before Midnight used a wing to cover it. He left the almost-empty till alone and waked around the counter, bumping the smaller dog aside. “Hey!”

“It’s mine Scruffs!” The larger dog barked at his companion, the dog named Scruffs backing off to loot the remains of the till with a grumble.

“Everything always is, Bluto.”

Bluto ignored his whining companion and leaned down to a crouch in front of Midnight and Nigel. He grinned at them, Midnight clutching Nigel tightly as Bluto extended a forepaw.

“Give it here,” the dog commanded, Nigel glaring at him while Midnight pressed her back against the wall. Nigel didn’t want to risk Midnight’s safety by attacking the dog, even if the urge to kill the canine was almost overtaking him. Midnight’s wingtip moved to take the necklace off, however she stopped and glanced at the dog.

“Can you please just let me keep it? It was a gift from someone and it means a lot to me.” Scruffs looked over from the till and the rest of the nocturnes flinched as Bluto laughed.

“Haha, no,” Bluto stated bluntly as his laughter cut off. “Give me the necklace or I’ll take from you. You wouldn’t want me to have to hurt you now, do you? You never know what an injury may do to an unborn child.”

The dog’s threat caused chills to run through the nocturnes watching with baited breath, even Bluto’s partner in crime looked a little disturbed at the implications.

“Bluto, just leave her alone,” Scruffs spoke up. He was quickly silenced by a glare, Bluto facing Midnight again.

“Last chance pony,” Bluto restated. Midnight glanced to the necklace, to her stomach and then to Nigel next to her. The changeling wasn’t looking at her, Midnight noticing the dangerous look that Nigel was levelling at the dog threatening her. Bluto was likewise oblivious to the changeling’s glare, Midnight refacing him and swallowing a lump in her throat.

“No,” she answered while tightening her grip with a wing, the watching nocturnes’ eyes widening in fear. Bluto smirked and reached out with his paws, having dropped his mace to grab the glittering diamond attached to the silver chain. Midnight desperately tried to use her forelegs to beat the approaching paws away, Bluto grapping her left forehoof and squeezing as his other paw wrapped around the silver chain.

Nigel, who had been trying to think of a plan of how to take the two dogs down without Midnight or any of the other bat-ponies getting hurt, burst into action as Midnight whimpered at the pain of her squeezed hoof. Something in his mind snapped, whether it was part of his compulsory military mental conditioning or his own rage at seeing the dog hurt Midnight he couldn’t tell. All he knew was that he wanted his enemy dead.

Throwing all caution and plans to the wind, Nigel went with his gut and used his legs to propel himself forward. He lowered his head and braced for impact, hoping his head-butt would unbalance the dog long enough for a follow up attack.

Midnight gasped and Bluto howled as Nigel made contact with his opponent’s chest. A sickening squelch followed by a coppery smell caused everyone to stop still. Everything seemed to slow down for Midnight, Bluto toppling over onto his back with Nigel falling on top of him. The paw around her hoof slackened and slipped off. Scruffs had stopped his looting of the till at the attack on his comrade, silver coins dropping onto the floor as he fumbled for his crossbow.

Midnight breathed out in relief when Nigel moved, the changeling appearing to be unharmed. Her relief soon turned to confusion when she realised that Nigel’s head seemed stuck, and that Bluto was surprisingly still from a single head-butt.

The nocturnes all had to struggle to hold in their stomach contents as Nigel jerked his head back and stood up, his gore-covered horn leaving Bluto’s bleeding chest with small pieces of flesh still impaled on the hard surface.

“Huh,” Nigel causally stated as he touched his horn with a forehoof, looking at the blood that came away on the hoof. “I forgot that I had one of those.”

Midnight was terrified, not of the remaining dog who had dropped his crossbow in shock, but of the creature that stood over the dead body of Bluto. Blood no longer pumped from the chest wound, the punctured heart having ceased to beat. Nigel stared down at the motionless corpse of the dog, a fang-filled grin on his face and a dangerous glint in his eyes.

“That’s what you deserve, filth.” Nigel spat at the dead dog, before looking back up to Scruffs and exposing his fangs menacingly. “You better run, runt.”

Scruffs did not run, possible the stupidest mistake of his short life. Instead of fleeing from the blood-covered changeling snarling at him, Scruff picked up his crossbow and with shaking paws raised it towards Nigel with the intent to shoot him.

Nigel didn’t give him the chance, leaping forward over the counter to tackle the small dog to the ground. Midnight and the other nocturnes flinched as an iron bolt shot out and smacked into the wooden roof. The scene of the fight was obscured by the counter, Scruffs’ yelping causing all to fold their ears down. Midnight started to scramble to the side of the counter, hoping to help Nigel before the dog killed him.

Her fears were unfounded, a final howl that cut off suddenly filling the air. A spurt of crimson blood painted the counter top a deep red, Midnight freezing as all went quiet with the exception of a weak gurgling. Slowly she got up and hesitantly walked around the counter, the rest of the nocturnes watching her in shock. The scene that Midnight saw shook her to her core, the mare falling down onto her rump.

Nigel was standing over the body of Scruffs, blood dripping from his mouth with his fangs slick with the life fluid. A steady pool of gore was growing around Scruffs, the dog still convulsing as blood gushed out of two ragged wounds in his throat. His chainmail and helmet had been ineffective in protecting his neck, Nigel having sunk his fangs into the carotid artery and ripped it open.

Midnight remained stock still as Nigel turned to face her, his blood-stained head looking like something that would haunt foals’ nightmares. She shuddered as the… thing approached her, a clean hoof resting upon her shoulder.

“Midnight, are you hurt?”

The voice snapped Midnight out of her horror, the face in front of her wearing a concerned expression. She shook her head, the monstrous visage fading to be replaced with the caring face of her lover. She glanced down at the chitin covered hoof before back at him, her stomach churning at the blood covering his face.

“I’m… I’m okay,” Midnight managed out, a wing moving out to brush Nigel’s side. She gazed into his eyes, all of the prior rage replaced with compassion for her. She didn’t know what to think, he had just killed two people without a second thought and then goes right back to the creature that she fell in love with.

“That’s good,” Nigel replied, taking care not to get any blood on her coat as he pulled her back around the counter. He noticed that her necklace was gone, Nigel looking around on the wooden floor for the jewellery. He ignored the stares of the other ponies and continued looking around as Midnight sat down on the ground. A glint of sliver caught his eye, the chain caught around on of Bluto’s fingers.

“Excuse me sir,” Nigel muttered as he used one of the holes in his hoof to pick up the chain. He noticed that the silver links were broken, luckily though the diamond still seemed intact. Walking on three legs, Nigel returned to Midnight and held out the broken necklace.

“It broke,” Midnight said, her heart almost breaking at the sight of the ruined necklace that meant so much to here. She picked it up with her wings and cradled it to her chest, Nigel leaning in to give her a hug.

“We’ll get it fixed,” Nigel comforted while keeping his head away from her. “At least you’re okay.” Midnight nodded, moving her head to rest against his neck despite the blood that got in her mane. Nigel sat down with her as they put their forelegs around each other, the stench of blood overwhelming.

“Are you okay?” Midnight asked as the two sat together, the other ponies not game enough to interrupt.

“I am,” Nigel answered back. “I scared you didn’t I? I could see it in your eyes.”

“You killed two creatures right in front of me and you’re covered in their blood,” Midnight replied as she ran her hooves over his back. “You turned into something I couldn’t recognise, a monster that wasn’t you.” Nigel felt a wet trail run down his back, Midnight beginning to sob into his shoulder. “And it’s all because of me.”

“Don’t say that,” Nigel comforted as Midnight began to fully cry.

“It’s true!” she continued to wail. “If I had just given him the necklace then he wouldn’t have attacked me and you wouldn’t have had to fight him!” Nigel sighed and pulled away, forcing Midnight to look into his face.

“Midnight,” he started to reply. “If you had given him the necklace then he would have tried to take things from other people as well,” Nigel tilted his head towards the ten ponies watching them. “It’s not in my nature to just stand by and let things happen, I would have done something anyway. It wasn’t your fault, it was his.” Midnight blinked the tears out of her eyes and sniffled.

“You mean it?” she asked hopefully, seeking reassurance that she wasn’t to blame. Nigel nodded and embraced her again, Midnight collapsing into his grasp.

“I’d do it over and over again as well,” he informed her. “If anyone hurts you then I’ll deal with them. I’m sorry if I terrified you, but that’s how it is sometimes. You have to understand that what you saw back there was the norm for me, all this behaviour with you is what’s different.” Midnight didn’t know what to think, the blunt truth in the statement shaking her perceptions of who he really was.

“Thanks,” she replied after a few moments. Nigel didn’t reply and just continued to rub her back, Midnight putting the broken necklace in her bag before wrapping her wings around him in return. His attitude towards her convinced her that he really meant what he said, and Midnight already knew that he would never hurt her. Remembering when they had first met, she recalled about what he had told her about him home, a place built upon war and loyalty. It made sense that he could be so indifferent to killing, Midnight shivering at what it must be like to grow up in a place like that.

The room fell into silence, no one speaking in the aftermath of the fighting. The sirens played for hours, Midnight and Nigel hugging each other while everyone waited for the signal that everything was safe. The nocturnes had at first watched the embracing couple warily, however as time passed their terror ebbed with the realisation that the changeling was not about to gore them as well. A few even felt sorry for him, not having overheard the conversation between the two but still pitied the creature for the actions he had taken.

It seemed like forever, the blood having dried on Nigel’s chitin and Midnight’s mane, before more sounds of activity came from the broken doors. Everyone held their breath as glass crunched, a pause of sound before a male voice called out into the store.

“Hello? We’re City Guard, anyone in here?”

The store manager peeked over the counter, the stallion visibly relaxing before he stood up and waved a hoof.

“Over here officer!”

Hoofsteps crunched on glass, Nocturnes armoured in silver metal and hefting spears circling the counter. Nigel and Midnight looked up from their spot, counting eight of the officers in the store as the guards stared down at the two bodies.

“Who killed these dogs?” one of them asked, the leader if the larger badge on his breastplate was any indication. As one, a multitude of hooves pointed at Nigel, the guards so preoccupied with the corpses that they had failed to notice the blood-covered changeling. The lead officer winced at the sight of the jagged horn, the officers behind him carefully removing the crossbow and mace from the shop.

“I killed them,” Nigel spoke up, the officer stepping back at the calm answer.

“Both of them?” he asked, glancing down at the hole in the larger dog’s chest. He guessed that the horn was as dangerous as it looked. He looked back at the creature hugging a young mare, the officer swearing that he had heard of creatures like him before.

“They attacked me,” the mare spoke up as she shifted, the officer catching a brief glimpse of a swollen stomach and a bruise forming around a foreleg. “The large one threatened me so Nigel fought him of.” The guard raised an eyebrow at the information, the strange name fitting such an unusual being.

“Are you hurt?” he asked, the mare glancing down at her leg before shaking her head.

“No, I’ve only got a bruise but I’m alright.” The guard nodded, glancing out behind him as the emergency sirens stopped. The other guards moved forward and began to escort nocturnes out of the store, ponies flooding onto the streets in the aftermath of the attack.

“The danger has passed,” the officer informed before looking back at the creature he was questioning. “However, due to the circumstances I’m going to have to take you to police station for some more questions. Don’t worry though, we can understand that everything was in defence of others so you’re not in trouble, we just have to follow protocol.” The creature nodded and stood up, helping his companion to her hooves.

“You don’t have to come miss,” the officer advised. “You should go home and wash that blood out of your mane. Your…friend will only be questioned, not arrested.”

“No,” the mare answered as she flung a wing over the creature’s back. “I’ll stay with him.” The guard rolled his eyes at the resistance, but let it go as it made no difference to him.

“Fine then,” he relented as he gestured for the pair to follow him. The three stepped around the bodies and followed the rest of the civilians out onto the street, the officer escorting Midnight and Nigel to the police station.

“So you think you’ll avoid getting in trouble?”

Nigel placed his hoof on hers as they sat in the plain interrogation room. Midnight shifted her wooden chair closer to him until she was pressed up against his side.

“Yes, I should be fine,” Nigel replied. “The guard himself said that it was in self-defence and from the sounds of it Grimskulls aren’t exactly good neighbours. We’ll just have to wait to hear what the police say.” Midnight’s wings fidgeted as she wondered how she’d cope with Nigel being sent to prison. It was unlikely but the idea still pulled at her mind.

“I just hope the officer we get is nice,” she added, Nigel nodding his head before the door to the room opened.

In walked a squat, hard-faced Nocturne mare followed by none other than Darklight. Midnight’s father froze as he saw just who he was interviewing, the stallion’s professional character the only thing stopping him from rushing over to check on his daughter’s safety.

“Something wrong, Chief?” the mare asked, Darklight nodding his head as Nigel gave a polite wave.

“There is, Nightwatch. I can’t do this interview.” Darklight pointed to Midnight and Nigel with his wing. “That’s my youngest daughter and her coltfriend, I have a personal attachment.” The mare looked towards the two sitting at the table, both having been cleaned of the blood that they came in with.

“They’re not under arrest Chief,” Nightwatch reminded as she sat down and adjusted her blue police hat, brushing her black mane out of her eyes. “Besides, at least if you sit in then you can skip having to ask them what happened when they get back home.” Darklight sighed and sat down next to Nightwatch, the two officers separated from Nigel and Midnight by the square metal table. Darklight grumbled under his breath, today was supposed to be a day off for him but the Grimskull attack had changed that.

“Now you two,” Nightwatch continued as she placed her light-purple forelegs on the table. “Can you please explain why you were escorted into the station covered in blood, with the city guard that brought you leaving right away without telling us why?” Nigel looked towards Darklight, winced and raised a hoof in the air.

“That’s my fault,” he started, Darklight leaning forward and narrowing his eyes. “I killed two Grimskulls.”

Both the police ponies froze in shock, Midnight squeezing Nigel’s hoof.

“What?” Darklight questioned again after a pause, Midnight jumping in to defend Nigel.

“It wasn’t actually his fault,” she explained hastily. “We were just buying some things for our new house and we were trapped inside when the attack happened.” Nightwatch recovered from her shock first and gestured for Midnight to continue, Darklight still process what Nigel had admitted. “Two of them broke in and started to rob the tills while threatening us,” Midnight’s wing went down to her bag. “They wanted my necklace, but I was an idiot and refused to give it to them.”

“Don’t say that,” Nigel went to comfort her but Midnight pushed him away with a wing.

“It's true.” Midnight looked apologetically at her father and breathed deeply. “One of them, the larger one, said that if I didn’t give him it then he’d take it from me. He also said that it might hurt the baby. I still said no, and then he grabbed my leg and the necklace.”

Midnight put her leg on the table, Darklight wincing as he saw the paw-shaped bruise on his daughter’s limb.

“What happened then?” Nightwatch asked while she used a pencil to write notes down on a notepad.

“I saw the Diamond Dog grab Midnight,” Nigel answered while Midnight shuddered at the memory. “So I went to head-butt him in the chest to force him away.” Darklight and Nightwatch glanced at Nigel’s horn, the changeling sucking air through his teeth and forcing an awkward smile.

“With your horn?” Nightwatch questioned, wincing as Nigel nodded in confirmation.

“I forgot that I had it,” he informed, Nightwatch furrowing her brows.

“You… forgot that you had a horn?” she asked with disbelief.

“Don’t worry about that,” Darklight whispered to his colleague as he regained his wits. “He’s kind of… strange.” Nightwatch bit her lip and nodded, both of them turning back to face Nigel.

“I see,” she continued. “What about the second Grimskull?”

“After I took care of his fellow he tried to shoot me with a crossbow.” Both officers noticed the changeling’s use of words when he described killing the first Dog, Darklight recalling that he apparently was some kind of intelligence agent. The stallion narrowed his eyes, the claim seemed to gain more credibility with today’s incident and Nigel’s guilt-free answer.

“And how did you avoid getting shot?” Nightwatch continued, Nigel shifting in his seat.

“I was… not thinking clearly and I tackled him. He shot but it flew up into the roof and by that time it was too late for him.” Both police officers waited for him to continue. “I ripped his carotid artery open with my teeth after a brief struggle, he bled out.” Darklight and Nightwatch didn’t respond for a while, the pencil having stopped moving on the paper.

“Well Chief,” Nightwatch spoke up with a head shake as she resumed jotting down notes. “Your daughters all seem to have picked up bad-boys, this one however takes the cake.” Darklight glanced to his subordinate with surprise, Midnight’s mouth open at the mare’s casual statement. Nightwatch paused writing once more and peered at Nigel, her eyes lighting up in realisation. “Hey, are you that stallion that hospitalised Eclipse’s son?” Nigel glanced at Midnight before nodding.

“I am,” he answered hesitantly. Nightwatch lit up with a grin, Darklight watching the officer with confusion.

“Brilliant, we have had no end of trouble with that moron. It only got worse once his father secured him the Captain of the Lunar Guard job.”

“Nightwatch,” Darklight warned as the mare leaned back in her seat. “Don’t continue to spread that rumour, it’ll only come back to bite us.” Nightwatch waved a dismissive hoof at her boss.

“Relax Chief, I doubt your daughter and her friend is going to tell anyone. It’s not like the entire city doesn’t know.” Darklight sighed, about to explain his reasoning to Nightwatch. The mare didn’t let him however, her eyes straying to Midnight’s belly. “How far in?” she asked, Midnight looking down as she rubbed it with a hoof.

“Only a month,” Midnight answered, Nightwatch beaming with joy at the news.

“Congratulations!” she announced to the pair, not catching the depressive change in the room. “I can remember when I had my first, trust me when I say that the wait is more than worth it. I didn’t know that changelings could have children with ponies.” Nigel was still trying to figure out if this was some kind of ‘Good Cop, Excessively-Happy-and-Inquisitive-About-Everything-Not-Related-To-The Case-Cop’ routine.

“Uh, you see,” Midnight began, looking for her father for support.

“Constable Nightwatch, you are to not repeat this to anyone, do you understand?” Darklight commanded, Nightwatch for once not joking around. The mare gave a solemn nod, crossing a hoof over her heart.

“I promise,” she replied, Darklight nodding at Midnight to continue.

“The child’s not Nigel’s,” Midnight revealed. Nightwatch furrowed her brows and waited for Midnight to continue. The pregnant mare wrapped a wing around Nigel’s head and pulled him in close. “He does treat it like his though, something I’m incredibly grateful for.” Nightwatch nodded and Darklight had a small grin on his face despite the circumstances.

“Whose is it?” Nightwatch inquired. “If you don’t mind me asking that is, I can understand if it’s a touchy issue.” Midnight was about to answer, Nigel however beat her to it.

“There’s more than one reason why I hospitalised Equinox,” he informed. Nightwish’s eyes widened in realisation as Darklight scowled at the reminder. Midnight didn’t react, having put the incident behind her.

“That explains that,” Nightwish muttered with a curious glance at the Chief. “Is he also the one that cut off-“

“So, we were discussing what happened in the shop,” Darklight cut in with a warning glare towards Nightwatch. The stallion did not want to continue down that line of conversation, Nightwatch had side-tracked too far already.

“Yes, that,” Nightwatch grumbled before placing her pencil back on the note pad. “So you had just killed the two dogs, then what?” Nigel looked at Midnight, wondering if they should tell the whole story.

“I went out to see if Nigel was okay,” Midnight replied. “He was, he picked up my necklace from the ground and then we hugged. We stayed behind the counter with everyone else and waited. The guards found us, we explained what happened and then one of them took us here.”

“What happened in the attack?” Nigel asked, Darklight sighing at the deviation from the questioning before answering.

“The Grimskulls got beaten back, again,” he informed before grimacing. “Two city guards were killed, twelve were injured and three of my officers were also sent to the hospital.” Midnight and Nightwatch lowered their heads, Nigel not reacting in the slightest to the news of the casualties.

“The Grimskulls themselves?”

“Thirty-five dead so far, including your two,” Darklight replied with only a slight frown. “I don’t know how many were injured, but they’ll be back. Those Diamond Dogs seem to bred like rabbits, no matter how many die they just keep coming back.” He leaned back in his chair and cricked his neck. “This time was one of the worst attacks, second to the one three years ago. Word is that Princess Luna is coming with a detachment of Lunar Guards to help find the main den and drive them out for good.”

Nigel winced internally, from the sounds of that it meant the Nocturnes were in for some subterranean warfare. That was one of the most gruelling forms of war he himself had experienced. Judging from their weapons, he doubted that they had flamethrowers and chemical gas to help them out.

Oh, and there was also the small matter of an Equestrian Princess possibly coming to the city with a bunch of soldiers. An Equestrian Princess who’s Captain Nigel had castrated and then beaten up.

Suffice to say, the news was no comfort to Nigel. Midnight was also concerned, her forehooves wrapping around his. The two Police officers payed their behaviour no attention, believing it to be because of the day they had gone through.

“Well, I think that’s it,” Nightwatch commented as she looked back through her notes. “From the sounds of it you acted in self-defence against an invading foe. You put the lives of others ahead of your own, protecting them against armed foes and you took some of the most regrettable actions to achieve that.” Nightwatch looked up and smiled at Midnight. “Damn girl, you picked an exciting one.”
Darklight shook his head again and Midnight blushed, Nigel still wondering if Nightwatch was a real police officer or not.

“Thanks,” Midnight mumbled out. Nightwatch grinned and got off her seat, moving to the door and holding it open.

“Come on, I think it’s safe to say that you’re good to go home and recover.”

“No.”

Midnight, Nigel and Nightwatch stared at Darklight as the stallion halted them. The Chief was staring at Nigel, the stallion waving a hoof at Nightwatch.

“Leave us and write your report up, Constable,” Darklight ordered. “I need to have a private conversation with these two.” Nightwatch hesitantly left the room and used her wing to shut the door, Darklight leaning across the table and gazing at Nigel.

“Okay Nigel,” Darklight started with a ‘Do not jerk me around’ tone. “It’s evident that you’re going to be with my daughter for the foreseeable future. It’s also evident that you’re not all that you seem to be.” Midnight was about to protest but Darklight stopped her with a hoof. “No Midnight, stop trying to hide it. I’ve noticed the verbal slipups, the strange mannerisms and the fact that Nigel doesn’t even seem to know anything about his own race.”

“He’s different because he’s a changeling,” Midnight tried, Darklight shaking his head with a small smirk.

“That’s what I thought at first,” Darklight shared. “After today I question that though.” Darklight looked at Nigel again. “You killed two living, thinking creatures and you don’t even seem affected by it. I’ve known soldiers who’ve killed Grimskulls before and they still get eaten up by the guilt. From what you told me, you charged at one, impaled him on your horn and then ripped the throat out of the other.”

“Actually I only punctured-“

“I don’t care,” Darklight interrupted sternly. “Those are not the actions of a normal being, changeling, pony, whatever. I suspect that I’ll have to soon start referring to you as my son if you continue on with my daughter.” Darklight leaned forward further as Nigel furrowed his brows in confusion. A father? He hadn’t had to experience that before. A hoof banging on the table shook him from his thoughts, Midnight gripping him tighter as Darklight stared into Nigel’s eyes.

“I want the truth,” Darklight demanded. “The truth or you’ll never receive my blessing to be with my daughter. I will shun you from my home and I will take every step to ensure that you never see her again. I will not have my daughter endangered. I can tell that you would never hurt her, but if I don’t know who you really then that fear will eat at me forever.” Darklight increased his gaze, Nigel staring right back into his eyes.

“You want the truth?” Nigel asked, his voice expressionless and flat. Darklight nodded, Midnight worried as she knew what was coming.
“Okay then,” Nigel continued while maintaining his stare. “I’m an alien from another planet.”

Darklight didn’t move for a few moments before he rocked back in his chair and let out a peal of laughter. Midnight glanced at the unresponsive Nigel as Darklight continued to laugh, almost falling off his chair. Soon he calmed down, wiping a tear from his eye with a wing tip. As he let out the last few chuckles he glanced back at Nigel to congratulate him regarding the joke.

The changeling’s expression stopped all humour dead however, Darklight not finding any trace of deceit. He glanced to his daughter, Midnight meeting his gaze and nodding her head.

“You’re not serious,” Darklight stated, neither Midnight nor Nigel moving. Darklight went back over all the information in his head as he tried to make sense of the situation. “Aliens don’t exist, that’s just a story for foals’ bedtime stories.”

“Commander Nigel M Chalmers of the United Imperium of Planets, Internal Security Agency.”

Darklight’s jaw almost dropped as the changeling rattled off the title with practiced ease, the stallion staring at the creature with disbelief.

“It’s true father,” Midnight added in. “He’s told me so much about it that it has to be true. He didn’t even know how to walk on four legs when I met him.” Darklight’s mind started again at the information.

“Couldn’t walk on four legs?”

“I used to be a biped,” Nigel explained. “That means that I-“

“I know what a biped is,” Darklight interrupted. “What are you and how did you even get here? Do you have a flying saucer hidden somewhere?” Nigel laughed at the strange idea.

“Not at all, don’t be ridiculous,” he replied with a grin. “I was pulled though a portal that was in the back of my fridge.”

Darklight didn’t even question it, wondering if the station had a magic leak that was affecting everyone.

“What are you then?” he continued while trying to keep a straight face.

“Human,” Nigel answered before mumbling under his breath. “Or close to one anyway.” Darklight had no idea what a human was, but he guess that it didn’t really matter now.

“So, what does a ‘Commander’ in the ‘Internal Security Agency’ do?” Darklight watched the changeling’s face closely, aiming to determine how much of a threat he could be.

“Black Operations. Spying, sabotage,” Nigel glanced at Midnight apprehensively, “problem solving.”

Darklight’s eyes narrowed, understanding what the changeling was alluding to. Midnight did as well, her eyes widening as she looked at Nigel pleadingly.

“Please tell me you haven’t-“

“You saw what I did back in the store,” Nigel cut her off bluntly. “I’m no stranger to violence. If a threat exists then I eliminate it, simple as that.” Midnight struggled to find words, Nigel’s harsh gaze and tone softening before he pulled her into a hug and rested his head against her neck. “Don’t worry, despite my profession I’ve never lied about my love for you. So I’m sorry but that’s how it is. Does it change anything between us?” Darklight stayed silent as the two had their moment, the stallion wise enough to stay out of it.

“I…”Midnight struggled for an answer, before sighing and resting her head against his. “No. It doesn’t change a thing. I just wish you told me about this earlier.”

“I’m sorry,” Nigel apologised as he started to rub her back, Darklight looking away as the changeling-alien comforted his daughter. “I can’t tell you that much, even what I’ve already said is coming close to the line of treason. Believe me, that is one thing you do not want to be convicted of.” Darklight cleared his throat to get their attention. While he was interested to learn about Nigel’s origins, he had a lot of paperwork to do and injured officers to visit, and he wanted to get home to his wife at a reasonable hour.

“So, I take it that you’ll be leaving in the future to return to your duties,” Darklight guessed. His voice hardened as he considered a problem with that. “Which means that you’ll leave Midnight behind when you do.” Nigel winced at this, Midnight looking at her father with trepidation.

“Um,” she began. “I was actually planning to go with him when he does leave.” Darklight didn’t react with an objection like expected, instead the stallion rubbed his temples with his wings.

“When will that be?” Darklight asked. “Will you be able to visit often? Despite my grandchild’s father, I still wish to see my daughter’s child.” For once during the conversation Nigel was genially surprised.

“You’re not worried about me taking your daughter to live far away in an alien empire?”

“Oh I am,” Darklight chuckled dryly. “I just know that nothing I say will stop her. Children grow up and move on, and I can tell that Midnight wants to do that. At the very least I can rest easy knowing that someone she loves is protecting her.” Midnight left her seat and Nigel’s embrace to move to her father, hugging him with a smile on her face.

“Thanks dad,” she breathed out. “Now only if mom will feel the same.” Darklight chuckled, internally wincing as he imagined that conversation.

“Leave that for the future,” Darklight advised before looking back at Nigel. “You still haven’t answered my questions.” Nigel shifted in his seat, Midnight returning to him. Instead of getting into her seat, she flapped her wings and flew up to sit on his lap, throwing her forelegs around his neck.

“I don’t know when I’ll leave,” Nigel replied. “Normally a lost agent would be found in a few days, however I was on leave for a while so that could delay a search. I must admit that I’m prone to wandering off If I’m not needed, but I’m certain that my department will find me.” Nigel perked up a little bit, partially helped by the quick peck that Midnight planted on his cheek.

“As for the visits,” he continued. “As soon as I’m found and this planet is discovered then we should have no issue coming back whenever I have leave. My rank and department comes with a number of privileges that will assist us with that. You can count on seeing us fairly often.”

Darklight nodded, satisfied with the answers. He had learnt far more than he ever wanted to but he was reassured that Midnight would come out of it happy. He doubted anything he could say would change their minds, so he just would have to live with the fact that his youngest daughter was in love with an alien.

Well, Nigel may be an alien intelligence agent working for an intergalactic empire that sounded a little evil from the information given and had killed people before…

But at least he wasn’t a DJ, and that was something that Darklight found oddly comforting.

“Come on,” he offered to the two lovers as he got off his seat and moved to the door. “I’ll walk you home. You’ve got to show me your new house anyway.” Midnight and Nigel obeyed, keen to leave and return home. The evening had been tiring, both wishing for no more incidents to happen. Even Nigel was content to live in boredom for the rest of his stay on the planet.

They left the room and Darklight escorted them through the station’s corridors, police in uniform nodding at their Chief and gazing at Nigel. Word had spread quickly about the arrival of the bloodstained changeling earlier that night, the rumours already flying in regards to why he was brought in with the Chief’s daughter by an armed city guard.

The trio's hooves clacked on the polished granite floor, passing offices and break rooms as they headed towards the exit. Reaching the reception, they passed between two desks staffed by four axillary officers and moved towards the double set of glass doors that was the main exit. Nigel paused and turned towards Midnight, opening the door and backing out in reverse as he held it open.

“Ma’am,” he stated while bowing his head, waiting for Midnight to exit. After a few moments with no movement he looked up, finding Midnight and Darklight staring at him with shock and surprise. No, not at him, Nigel realised, they were staring at something behind him.
Ever so slowly he turned his head around, his new neck enabling him to look fully behind him without having to move the rest of his body.

Standing behind him, evidently surprised to be met with the raised rump of a changeling while about to walk into the police station, was Princess Luna.

Nigel didn’t move as Luna stared at him in shock, the Princess flanked by ten armed and armoured guards on either side with twenty more forming a perimeter in the street. The Princess was just about as surprised as he was, her mouth open and a light blush on her face.

It was then that Nigel remembered that he still had little control over his short black tail, the appendage hanging to the side and exposing the staring Princess of the moon to the full glory of his own moon. Time itself seemed to be frozen, no-one moving at all as the standoff continued. Sparing a brief second to add ‘In case of an unexpected Princess encounter,’ to his mental list of why pants were awesome, Nigel concentrated and moved his tail back into place before blurting out his thoughts.

“Well, this is awkward.”

Author's Note

Well, it's taken a while but i've finally gotten a chapter out. Blame real-life, my otehr fics and a particulary nasty case of writer's block.

I have to honest, looking back over the entire fic (and ignoring the grammar errors) I get the feeling that it's a mis-mash of... stuff. I can't seem to decide on comedy, romance, action etc. I guess that I'll keep on writing with my plot in mind (yes, this fic does have a plot and I have planned it out... I think).

Once again, any observations or opinions feel free to comment. I often find imput from my readers to be that final nudge I need.

I know this chapter started off slow, but things heated up and next chapter is going to be interesting...

What with Princess Luna and her guards stumbling across an escaped convict who maimed the Captain of the Night Guard. Of course, the circumstances of their meeting probably won't help matters.

Explanations and Vengence

Luna had expected many things when she had travelled to Nocturnia to aid the city against its Diamond Dog aggressors.

The aftermath of fighting, citizens bowing before her, special treatment from the city’s ruling class. What was not on that list was being met with the anus of a changeling exiting from the police station with the Chief of Police himself.

She blinked her eyes, still questioning if it was all an illusion caused by her long trip. It was not, the changeling still remaining where it was. The creature shifted its short black tail to hide its rear passage, and turned around to look at her sheepishly.

“Well, this is awkward.”

‘A male,’ Luna confirmed from the voice, the princess not going off genitals as the changelings were a strange race after all. Still, she wondered if they could change voices too, after all in order to keep the disguises realistic they would need that ability. This changeling however was not in disguise, and this raised more questions than it answered.

Luna continued to stare at him while she tried to make sense of the situation in her head, the police chief and the nocturne mare who had exited with the changeling bowing before her. The changeling glanced back at the two bat-ponies, before it refaced her and remained standing. The guards accompanying her slowly moved forward whilst glancing towards her for orders. Technically, they didn’t have any authority in Nocturnia so arresting the changeling was a fuzzy area.

“Halt,” Luna ordered upon spotting the changeling eying the guards. It didn’t watch them with fear, but rather with a calculated gaze. She got the feeling that avoiding a fight would be in the best interest of everyone. Instead of solid blue orbs, this changeling had blue eyes that could have come straight from a pony. Luna recalled that the changeling who had mutilated her guard captain apparently had pony eyes.

“Changeling,” Luna addressed after ensuring that her voice was clear and free of any surprise. “Why are you in Nocturnia, and why did you bare your posterior in my presence?”

“I guess I messed up… royally?” the changeling tried to joke.

“Nigel!”

Luna and her guards watched as the young mare stopped bowing to rush over towards the changeling. The bat-pony covered the changeling’s mouth with a wing and gave Luna a pleading look.

“Please Princess, he doesn’t say the right things sometimes, and he means well. Please don’t lock him up or execute him!”

“Exhefute?” the changeling muffled out through the wing, making no attempt to remove It from his muzzle. Luna had to take a second to process the rushed plea; did this mare think that she would really punish a being for one, admittedly terrible, joke?

“I assume that you know this changeling?” Luna inquired.

“I do, Princess.”

Luna examined the pair, the mare showing more attachment than one would give friend. Something clicked in Luna’s mind, and a lot of puzzle pieces fitted into place.

“Tell me, young mare,” Luna continued as she stepped forward. “Have you ever been a guard under my employ?” This struck gold, the pony’s eyes looking down at the floor.

“I… I was, your Highness,” she muttered while scuffing her hoof on the stone steps. Luna nodded, her suspicions having proved correct.

“I take it you were the recruit who left the guard a few weeks after the commencement of training?” Luna used the word left as she didn’t want to embarrass her. Captain Equinox had informed her that the trainee had become encumbered with a foal. How the Captain had found out Luna didn’t know, but it had been confirmed as a fact. The young mare nodded again, the changeling rubbing her back with a hoof.

“Yes, that’s right, Princess.”

Luna decided that continuing the questioning in private would be a good idea, considering the line of inquiry she was aiming to pursue. Lieutenant Haze would be fully capable of co-ordinating the Lunar guards with the local city forces in her stead.

“Chief Darklight,” Luna addressed, already having met the Police Chief multiple times when she had visited the city before. “I require the use of a room, I would like to ask some private questions and I think it best that we remain undisturbed.”

“That will not be a problem, Princess.” Darklight stood up but kept his eyes averted out of respect. “If I may, I request that I be present during the questioning.”

“And why is that?”

The Chief nodded towards the young mare.

“Midnight is my daughter, your Highness. You can understand my concern when a Princess desires to question her.”

‘This situation is growing stranger every second,’ Luna thought while smiling internally. If her suspicions were correct, then the changeling, the very same one that had attacked her Captain, had formed a relationship with the daughter of the Nocturnia Chief of Police. After months of attending an empty night court, Luna was secretly thankful for such an interesting distraction.

“You may attend,” she granted, Chief Darklight nodding respectfully in thanks. Luna turned to Lieutenant Haze. “Lieutenant, take the guards and secure a barracks with the city guard. I shall finish up my business here and join you later.”

“Are you sure Princess?” Haze responded, shooting the changeling a glare. “That would leave you without protection-“

“I can look after myself,” Luna cut him off. “I have vanquished more dangerous foes than a single changeling drone. I thank you for your concern, but I am well aware of any risks. I will summon you if required, but I am confident in the capability of Chief Darklight to ensure that everything goes well.” She smiled with pride when her Lieutenant saluted and left with the rest of the guards as ordered, the column of armoured soldiers attracting the attention of many citizens.

“This way, Princess,” Darklight held the door open for her, Luna walking into the station with her head raised high. Police ponies all bowed before her, Luna pleased that all of them kept up the proper protocol around royalty. She had often felt that Nocturnia was more of a home than Equestria, and her visits filled her with joy. Even after her banishment, the Nocturnes still revered her.

She glanced behind her, the changeling and two nocturnes following her in. Darklight moved in front to guide her while the mare and changeling trailed at the back. The group passed surprised officers until they reached an interview room, Darklight opening the door and ushering them in.

Luna looked around the plain room, a single table in the centre with four chairs still set up.

“Allow me to fetch you a more comfortable seat,” Darklight offered, Luna shaking her head.

“There is no need. The chariot ride was long and I have no desire to sit down for a while. I am fine standing. You all may sit however, this may take a while.” All three did as she suggested, and while she examined the rest of the room the changeling and mare pulled their chairs close to each other while the Chief sat on the side. “Now let us begin.” Luna focused straight on the changeling. “Nigel, I believe your name was. Are you the same changeling that was imprisoned in Canterlot, and the same changeling that gelded my guard Captain?”

‘Nigel, what a strange name, I wonder if it’s a common changeling name?’

“I am that changeling,” he replied, Luna leaving her thought on his name behind.

“I see, and why did you mutilate Captain Equinox?” Luna noticed that Midnight winced and drew closer to the changeling at the mention of Equinox’s name. The changeling however twitched, and she swore that the corner of his mouth briefly curled up into a grin.

“He hurt one of my friends, badly. He then decided to gloat about it. I lured him into my cell and then took my revenge after he assaulted me. I regret nothing.”

Luna waited before replying, putting two and two together. Midnight and Nigel were close, Midnight had been a guard and therefore likely to have come into contact with the changeling while he was incarcerated. Equinox had apparently hurt a friend of his, and considering the particular method of punishment that the changeling inflicted...

“Miss Midnight,” Luna addressed as she gazed at the mare. “I wish to know who the father of your child is.” Midnight froze up, Luna waiting patiently for her to recover. Her hesitation was understandable, the demand incredibly personal. The changeling reached over a hoof and rubbed Midnight’s back, the mare taking a deep breath and returning the gesture with a wing.

“Captain Equinox is the father,” she admitted. Luna glanced to the Chief to gauge his reaction. There was no outburst, although she could see him grinding his teeth with a frown. It seemed like Darklight already knew, which led to her next question. While Luna was aiming to continue the questioning of Midnight, this matter was far more pressing and part of the reason for her personal attendance in the city.

“Chief Darklight,” she stated while turning to him, the stallion nodding at her. “I have been informed that Captain Equinox was hospitalised after being beaten to near-death in the street. However, no charges on either side have been laid as far as I have been told. Given your position as both Chief of Police and Midnight’s father-“

“It was me,” Nigel interrupted, Luna ignoring the slight in her eagerness to hear this explanation. “Equinox was understandably sore to see me again, so he and three cronies attacked me and Midnight when we were walking home. We fought them off and I may have… communicated my displeasure with Equinox’s actions with excessive zeal.” Luna raised an eyebrow, hoping that he would expand on his answer. “I gave him a close up view of the road, repeatedly.”

It took all of Luna’s will to not grimace at both the details and the changeling’s remorseless delivery. She went over what this new information added to her gradually increasing understanding of the situation. Fights in the street with a hospitalisation as a result pointed to Equinox playing a more sinister part than she first realised. The rumours that she had heard focusing on Equinox seemed to be the truth, however Luna needed to be sure. She turned her attention to Midnight once more, the mare looking down at her own stomach.

‘I am sorry that I have to bring up these memories,’ Luna silently apologised before continuing. This next part would be difficult for all involved.

“Miss Midnight, when you said that Equinox is the father of your child, how did that transpire? I understand that it is a personal question, but I require the information to pass judgement.”

“It happened after I had met Nigel,” Midnight answered after taking a few calming breaths. “I was left alone to guard him because Equinox had called a meeting, and we… we talked.” Midnight stared at Luna with pleading eyes. “I know a guard is not supposed to talk to prisoners, but he was so different. I found him nice and interesting, so I spent my shift asking questions. Captain Equinox found out, and he…” Luna frowned when Midnight began to sob, and started forward to comfort her. She was beaten to it by the changeling who embraced Midnight. It worked, and Midnight soon continued her answer.

“Captain Equinox told me that I had broken Nocturnian law, and that I was a traitor. He drew his sword and told me that the punishment was execution.” Luna drew back in surprise; nowhere did she recall Nocturnia having any form of capital punishment for centuries. Midnight drooped, her hand hanging low and her wings dropping to her side. “I was so scared,” she muttered. “I begged him to spare my life, and I told him that I would do anything. He told me that there was one thing that would allow him to forgive him, and so I did it.” The sobbing returned, Chief Darklight grinding his teeth as he listened to his daughter recall her experience.

With a furrowing of her brows, Luna waited for Midnight to continue. To think that her own Captain would sink so low was appalling and she felt ashamed that this young mare had her life ruined because of him. Luna couldn’t help but feel responsible for it; she should have listened to her guards and seen Equinox for what he really was.

Midnight took longer this time to get her emotions back under control, Luna willing to give her all the time that she needed. The hug she was receiving appeared to provide a major help, Midnight receiving a reassuring nuzzle from the changeling. When she did stop crying, Midnight straightened up and wiped the tears from her eyes with her wings.

“A couple of weeks later, Equinox had two unicorn guards scan me. He found out that I was pregnant, and so he threw me out.”

“Equinox came down to see me after that,” Nigel continued on for Midnight while she wrapped a wing around him. “He wanted to interrogate me himself, and when I didn’t give him what he wanted he told me what he had done to Midnight. After I fought him, I escaped the dungeon and found Midnight crying in the city. We left in the morning and I told her that I would take her home.” The changeling paused, before giving a slight nod to himself. “That and I figured that I wasn’t really welcome in Equestria, so moving to another country where Equestrian law doesn’t apply was a good idea.”

“You’re right. Despite my position and the respect that the Nocturnes give me, Equestria has no authority here.” Luna glanced around at all three, making sure that the utmost attention was being paid. “Given what I have heard, and I believe it to be nothing but the truth, I would seek no desire to punish either of you even if I did have the power to do so. You have been punished enough already in my opinion.”

“Thank you Princess,” Midnight replied with a relieved smile. “Nigel’s helped me so much; I don’t know what I would have done without him. He means good, and I know that he cares about me just as much as I do about him. Thank you for letting him stay.”

“The same from me,” the changeling pitched in. “Thank you for the pardon, getting hauled off to prison again after mooning a princess would not be the greatest achievement of my life.” His thanks brought a smile to Luna’s face; something told her that he would certainly view it with some pride.

“I also would like to thank you.” Luna, Nigel and Midnight turned to face Darklight, the stallion getting off his chair to bow again before Luna. “Nigel has been a great help to my daughter, and by giving him your approval you’ve reassured me that I’ve made a good choice in keeping him around. You and I both know that if you so desired, he could be imprisoned with only a few words.”

“I have already made my decision; he will not be accosted by my guards and I do not feel the need to bring his presence to the attention of the Equestrian Court.” Luna winced. “I would however recommend that you refrain from returning to Equestria. You made quite the negative impression.”

Midnight grinned at this and hugged the changing back, Luna’s smile returning at the show of affection despite the circumstances.

“That won’t be a problem,” Midnight informed while nuzzling her friend. “We’ve got our own house, and we’ve been told that Equinox won’t bother us anymore.”

“I am happy to hear that,” Luna nodded to herself, her eyes locked in determination. “With this testimony, and my own opinion, I believe that Equinox is no longer fit to serve as my Captain. I will allow him to stay in the guard only because he has already received an adequate punishment, to think that I was planning to wish him good health while I was here as well!” She stamped her hoof, before catching herself and making an attempt to remain calm.

“I hate to ask this, Princess,” Nigel began. “But we’ve been in this station for hours now and we’ve had a long day. Is it okay if we return home to rest?”

“Of course, I also need to attend my duties. There is the problem of the Grimskulls attacks after all. Our circumstances of meeting was not the best, but I am glad to say that I walk away pleased to have made both of your acquaintances. I wish you the best of luck.” With that, Luna walked towards the exit. When she reached the door she looked back at the young pair, one question still on her mind. “Excuse me for continuing, but if I may ask why you were in the police station before I arrived?”

An awkward cough drew her attention to Darklight, the stallion wearing a grimace.

“Nigel… Nigel fought two Grimskulls during the invasion.”

“Unarmed?” Luna questioned, the news not what she had been expecting. Darklight nodded, prompting Luna to ask yet another query. “How did that happen?” She stared at Nigel and he was about to reply. Darklight stepped in before he could.

“He impaled one on his horn and… severed the throat of the other with his teeth. It was in the defence of others however, and it’s all been sorted with the proper protocol.”

Luna considered inquiring further. After reviewing the fresh information, however; she decided on a far better course of action.
“Very well,” she responded before starting to walk out of the door. “As long as it’s all taken care of, then that’s good enough for me. Good Night to you all.”

Luna left the three behind, making her way back through the station by herself.

‘That is not something I need to worry about now,’ she thought while passing bowing police ponies. ‘I’m just going to forget that I heard that.’

“That was lucky,” Nigel commented while he walked into the living room.

“I know, I thought she’d be a lot less forgiving,” Midnight replied, sighing as she collapsed down on the couch. “I’m glad that she’s going to leave you alone, today’s been so hectic.” Nigel nodded and went to sit down next to her, however a knock at the front door sounded just as his behind was about to rest upon the cushion.

“That’ll be the bed,” he guessed, Midnight grumbling and preparing to leave the couch. “Relax, I’ve got it.”

“Are you sure?”

“Positive, you need some rest.” Leaving her no time to complain, Nigel moved through the hallway towards the door. He smiled when no Midnight followed, and he fumbled with the door handle. It was a simple lever, but he still cursed his hooves before the wooden barrier swung open. Four stallions were standing in the front garden, a wooden cart out on the road.

“Uh, hello sir,” the largest one who Nigel assumed was in charge, greeted nervously. “We’ve got some furniture to deliver.”

“I can see that,” Nigel replied, leaning around to stallion to get a closer look at the cart. He pulled back and glanced up at the doorframe, the four Nocturnes waiting anxiously. “Can you get it through the door?”

“It’s been partially disassembled for transport, and we’ll be happy to assemble it for you.” Nigel paused, the stallion shifting on his hooves. All of the ponies were incredibly jittery; one would think that he had just killed someone.

‘Oh yeah,’ Nigel remembered. ‘That might have something to do with it.’

“Righto then,” he answered, the stallion nodding and moving with his team to begin unloading the furniture. Nigel watched them work, the ponies hurrying as fast as they could while shooting him fearful glances. He shrugged to himself; if it got his stuff set up faster then there was no need to address it.

“Excuse me,” one young stallion requested shakily as he approached with the headboard on his back. Nigel moved back into the house to allow them access, ponies moving in and out with various parts of the bed and the cabinet set that Midnight had chosen. Luckily for the Nocturnes, the bed room was accessible directly from the hallway so it was an easy trip.

It wasn’t long before all four exited the house and didn’t come back in, the supervisor waiting for Nigel to walk outside.

“It’s all done,” the stallion informed, Nigel glancing over at the other three ponies. The trio were rushing to get the cart ready, one of them hooking himself into the harness.

“That was quick,” Nigel responded, not even half-an-hour having passed. “You’re sure that the bed was put together correctly?”

“I can assure you that it is,” the supervisor answered while nodding his head. The pony’s eyes locked on Nigel’s horn, the stallion gulping. “If there are any issues, which is unlikely, then we’ll be more than happy to help with anything. The manager stressed that.”

“Your word is good enough for me.”

“Thank you sir,” the pony acknowledged. He hurried back to his colleagues, Nigel grinning at the retreating ponies.

“Be careful going back, I hear the roads can be dangerous this time of year. They can be a real killer.”

‘Still got it,' he smirked, when the four nocturnes collectively paled and raced off with a desperate speed. Sure, it wasn’t going to help the stigma he would no doubt have acquired.

But it was incredibly satisfying.

He shut the door and headed straight back to the living room. He’d check on the bedroom later, right now the activities of the night was catching up to him. It was still a few hours until the morning, but he already felt tired.

Nigel was greeted by a hug when he sat down, Midnight seeming to possess slightly more energy than he did.

“Did they bring everything?” she asked while giving him a nuzzle.

“It looks like it,” he replied, nuzzling her back. Midnight giggled and wrapped her wings around him. The appendages began to rub, the news incredibly welcome after the rough day.

“Well at least something good came out of everything, I can’t wait to try the bed.” Nigel pushed her away gently when she began to plant kisses on his cheek, and he gave her an apologetic look.

“I’m not in the mood at the moment,” he told her. “We can test the bed, but with sleeping if it’s okay to you. An early night- I mean day would be best for me. You’re welcome to stay up though.” Midnight sighed and nodded her understanding. Nigel frowned, he hated disappointing her and he could see why she desired some affection after the trying day. He reached out a hoof and rubbed her shoulder, Midnight raising her head with a smile on her face.

“I’ve got an idea,” she said, an excited gleam in her eyes. “Close your eyes and only open them when I say so.”

“Midnight, what are you going to-“

He was cut off when Midnight grabbed his forelegs with her wings and clumsily covered his eyes with them.

“No peeking,” she teased. “I promise that you’ll enjoy it.” Nigel wasn’t convinced, her playful tone leading him to believe that she wasn’t as ready as he was to just go to bed. Still, he respected her wishes and waited with his eyes covered. Midnight’s hooves tapped on the floor, and she left for the hallway if his hearing was correct. He remained on the couch with no sight for ten minutes, before her started to get impatient.

“Midnight, am I allowed to look yet?”

“Give me a few seconds… and done! You can open your eyes now!”

Nigel opened his eyes, her voice coming from the other end of the hallway. He slowly got off the couch and headed towards her, pausing and glancing around the empty hallway. Spotting a light coming from the ajar bathroom door, Nigel steeled himself and opened it.

It wasn’t what he had been expecting.

Midnight was standing next to a freshly-made bath, a layer of bubbles covering the top of the warm water. She grinned at him, two fresh towels draped over the towel rack.

“A nice relaxing bath is just what you need,” she told him, removing a third towel from the basin. This towel had been covering a tray with slices of fruit, two glasses of iced tea and a half-full jug of the same drink.

“You worked fast,” he commented, earning a giggle from Midnight before she moved the tray so that it would be accessible from the bath. She twirled around once she was finished with her task, wrapping her wings around Nigel’s neck. He was pulled towards the bath, Midnight grinning the entire time.

“I had a great motivation,” she replied before stopping at the edge. “You get in first,” her eyes locked in a sultry gaze. “I’ll follow after.” Nigel gave the room a glance, weighing up his options. On one hand, he was feeling completely drained. On the other, Midnight had put a lot of effort into making it romantic and he appreciated it. Going back over the night, he realised that the day must have been terrifying for her, especially in the furniture store. Sharing a bath was really the least he could for her, and he felt like he owed her more.

With this in mind, he pushed his exhaustion to the back of his mind and stepped into the large tub. The water was a comfortable temperature, and it did feel relaxing. He sank into the bubbles, rolling over so that his back was against the far end of the bath.
Midnight stayed true to her word, and instead of stepping in she fluttered. She touched down gently and joined him in the water, laughing while she settled down atop of him.

Nigel couldn’t help but smile when Midnight touched her nose against his, and he started to massage her back with his forelegs.
“You’re enjoying this more than you let on,” Midnight teased, melting into him as his massage continued. “Oh, although I don’t mind it one bit if this continues- oh, right there is heavenly.”

At her groan of bliss, Nigel moved his hooves further down her back so they reached the sensitive flight muscles. Midnight’s wings quivered and her eyes rolled when the hooves began to stroke the area, her hind legs clenching around Nigel’s own.

“Well, it’s nice that you did this for me. A simple massage is nothing, and you deserve it after today.” He increased his intensity, and was rewarded when Midnight let out a light moan.

“I’m… oh! I’m supposed to be doing this for you, not the other way around,” she answered while her body quivered.

“I assure you, this is more than enjoyable for me.” Nigel continued to rub, Midnight’s pants growing louder. “Are your wing muscles really this sensitive?”

“It’s a very, huh, a very pleasurable feeling when they’re touched,” she replied before she took him by surprise and rolled over onto her back. Nigel found his forehooves held to her chest with her wings, Midnight struggling to get her breathing under control. “Sorry,” she apologised with a heavy blush on her face. “If you keep that up, I don’t know if I’ll be able to stop myself. While I wouldn’t mind that, both of us are far too tired to be thinking about that- ohhhh.” Midnight gasped when a chitin-covered hoof ran over her belly to slide down lower.

“Who said you had to stop?” Nigel whispered, Midnight closing her eyes and arching her back at the wonderful feeling.

“This is supposed to be about you,” she managed, her body tingling with pleasure.

“It’s supposed to be about us,” he corrected, before a kiss was planted on Midnight’s left cheek. Moaning, she shifted further back so that her head was beside his and to allow the rubbing hoof to reach more.

“I can… I can live with that,” Midnight gave in, biting her lip in bliss. Her mouth opened and she turned her head to meet his, the two sharing a passionate kiss.

The bath continued for nearly an hour, the tray of refreshments lying on the sink forgotten.

Midnight helped Nigel out of the bathroom, the changeling almost asleep on his hooves. She didn’t mind helping him, given what they had just done; it was more than worth it. She was still disappointed that he wanted to maintain his rule, but only slightly. Most of the time on the bath had been spent on her, and Midnight appreciated that he was so giving even with his fatigue.

They walked to the bedroom, Midnight keen to see how the bed looked. She rounded the hallway corner and approached the door, Nigel having draped a foreleg over her back.

“Almost there,” she murmured to Nigel with a yawn. Their recent activities in the bath had worn her out as well, and the thought of sharing a nice, big, bed with him filled her with joy. Upon entering the room she was pleasantly surprised, the bed all set up and made with the blue covers in place. The bedside cabinets were set up, one on each side, and the dresser was firmly against the opposite wall.
Glad that she didn’t need to make the bed herself, Midnight helping Nigel up onto it before she walked over to the dresser to admire the woodwork. “I wonder how long it took to make?” she asked, expecting a reply. She got nothing, so Midnight turned back to glance at Nigel.

The changeling hadn’t even bothered to get under the covers, Nigel snoozing on his side with his head nestled on a pillow. Midnight’s heart melted at the sight, he looked so cute and harmless like that. She quietly made her way over to him, and clambered up onto the bed. She gave him a kiss on the muzzle and edged forward until his forehooves were touching her shoulders.

With great skill, she stealthily moved and embraced him, Midnight using her wings to place his forelegs around her before she folded them up at her sides. One hind leg over his and she was ready for bed, snuggled up against her changeling. She didn’t drift off immediately, Midnight being perfectly happy with just lying there with him. Warmth radiated off him and she wondered if she was feeding him right now.

Sighing with content, Midnight felt her eyes close as sleep came to take her, her head resting under his.

She wouldn’t change this for the world.

Equinox tried to lift his head as the door opened, however he gave up when a spike of pain jabbed into his brain. He groaned through the mass of bandages covering his ruined face, unable to ask who it was thanks to his shattered jaw. Hooves tapped on the floor, Equinox guessing that it was at least two ponies from the number of clops.

“Greetings, Captain Equinox.”

His eyes widened when he heard Princess Luna’s voice, not having expected the ruler to be in Nocturnia. He mentally grimaced, no doubt she would ask a multitude of questions about his hospitalisation. Questions he had hoped would go unanswered.

“I was saddened to hear of your injuries, you were my Captain after all.”

‘Were?’ Equinox struggled to figure out what was going on. ‘Surely she hasn’t…’

The hoofsteps resumed, Luna walking around to the side of the bed. She looked down at him, her eyes locked on his.

“You heard correctly,” she continued with a frown. “Due to your injuries, and your other… actions that I have been informed about, I deem you no longer fit to serve as my Captain. Be thankful that no other punishment is due to you, Private Equinox.”

‘No!’ Equinox fumed while Luna glared down at him. ‘No! You, you Harlot! You can’t do this to me! I’ll get you for this!’

Luna’s glare doubled, Equinox not caring as he matched it with his own.

“You’re on very thin ice, is the phrase I’m looking for,” she told him with an edge to her voice. “Lieutenant Haze is now the new Captain, and I will be leaving you in his personal charge after you recover. It’s either that, or you can neglect to return to my service, and Equestria, instead. You should be thankful that I’ve decided that adequate punishment has already been inflicted on you by those you have wronged. If they weren’t as happy as they are now, I would have made you regret ever committing those crimes for the remainder of your short life.” She leaned down towards him, Haze stepping up beside her.

“You should be ashamed,” Luna continued harshly. “To think that I pitied you when you were injured in the dungeon, and that I even asked my own sister if there was any spell that could reverse the damage.” She moved back and maintained her glare, Equinox shaking with rage. “Now I am glad that such a spell doesn’t exist. I am hardly able to bring myself to call you a stallion after the deplorable things you made that promising young mare do, but know that if I hear anything, anything, about you going down that path again, then I will execute you. I do not care if my sister has banned it, I’ll remove your head myself if I have to. Have I made myself clear?”

Equinox didn’t blink as he stared off with the furious Princess. He knew exactly who was to blame for this entire mess.

That infuriating changeling, the constant thorn in his side.

If the damn bug had just stayed in prison, then the whorse of a mare would have never found the courage to spill the beans to Luna. But no, the changeling just had to ruin everything. His career, his influence, his position as Captain of the Lunar Guard, was all gone thanks to a pair of insignificant wretches. The fact that Luna believed them was proof that she was unfit to rule, and it was then that he swore to be rid of all of his problems as soon as he was released from hospital.

The changeling, ex-private Midnight, Princess Luna, all would be removed no matter the cost. He may have been disowned by his ungrateful father, but that wouldn’t stop him from gaining his revenge.

He would have told Luna all of this, including a fair amount of curses for good measure, but thanks to his jaw he was only able to glare at her and wheeze. Equinox got the feeling that she understood his opinion on the matter despite him not uttering a word. Her eyes narrowed even further, and she bared her teeth in a snarl.

“In addition, if you even approach within fifty hooves of the two beings that you have been so eager to hurt, then I will have you cast out from this city forever. I know that the City Council will agree with me on that, and your name will be laden with shame and ridicule for ages to come.”

Equinox kept his eyes locked on hers until Luna decided to leave. With his usurper trailing behind her like a good little guard, the princess left his hospital room without another word exchanged. He could do nothing about it for now, his bed and bandages as much a prison as any cell in a castle dungeon. There was one thing he could do however, and he had plenty of time on his hooves.

Equinox laid back against his pillow and began to plot his revenge, a revenge that he expected to change the very world, and he would be at the helm of that change.

It was going to be glorious.

Midnight slowly awoke with a groan, the soft covers calling her back to sleep. Something was missing though, and with a start she realised that her sleeping partner was no longer in the bed with her. She shot up and made to rush off the bed to find him, but Midnight stopped herself.

She didn’t need to worry, everything was fine and all of their problems were sorted. He was probably just in the bathroom or something like that.

Having reassured herself, Midnight smiled and took the time to stretch all of her limbs before making her way off the bed. Shaking herself to full wakefulness, she exited the room through the open door and looked around for Nigel.

The first thing she noticed was a delicious smell, and she sniffed the air for a few moments before her eyes lit up in recognition. It smelt like the special toast that Nigel had made her before, the faintest traces of cinnamon reminding her of the great-tasting food. With her mouth watering, Midnight hurried to the kitchen with a spring in her step.

As she approached, she slowed her pace and lowered her body. Taking care to minimise the noise of her hoofsteps, Midnight slinked into the kitchen while searching for her target.

She spotted him, Nigel standing up on his hind legs while he watched over a pan on the stove. Grinning and spreading her wings, Midnight stalked towards the unsuspecting changeling with a clear plan in mind.

“Ah ha!” Midnight announced with glee as she pounced, taking flight and jumping onto his back. She used her wings to hold them both up, and her hind legs wrapped around his torso in like a piggyback ride. Giggling, she wrapped her forelegs around his neck and leaned in to kiss him on the cheek. “I got you!”

“And Good Evening to you too,” Nigel replied while trying to get used to her holding him upright. “It’s a good thing I didn’t topple forward, a hot pan to the face is not something that I look forward to when I wake up.” He found his balance, and continued to cook the meal.
“I’d never let that happen, you worry too much,” Midnight teased before giving him another kiss.

“I worry too much?” he questioned, trying to manipulate a spatula with the crook of his hoof. Midnight decided that going down that line of conversation was a bad idea, and instead she focused on the glorious food that was in the making.

“Why are you cooking this again? I thought you said that if you did it every day, then it’d no longer be special.”

“Well, after last night,” Nigel began while flipping over a slice of toast, Midnight sniffing the wonderful smells that came off the golden side. “I figured that I needed to make up for it, and I remembered how much you liked the breakfast I cooked for you. There are no pancakes, but I’ve made double the amount of toast.” Midnight’s eyes drifted to a covered plate to the side of the stove, a checked cloth hiding the contents from view.

“You didn’t need to do this,” she murmured, her eyes not leaving the plate. “That bath was more than what was needed as an apology.”

“You have to wait for some toast, I’ve almost finished this last slice,” he chortled, Midnight pouting when he caught onto her attempt to secure an early piece.

“I don’t want to wait, it’s torture!” They both shared a laugh, Nigel removing the last slice from the pan.

“They always told me that I had a knack for torture,” he chuckled, Midnight’s laughing faltering. She was unsure if he was joking or if he really had tortured people before, although after the past few days she wouldn’t have been surprised if he had.

A kiss broke her from her thoughts, and she was further distracted when he removed the covering from the laden plate. All concerns she had about his job evaporated when the pile of toast was revealed. Midnight had to stop herself from diving in then and there.

“Come on, let go so I can set everything up,” Nigel told her, Midnight reluctantly flying off of him. He landed back on four hooves, and immediately began to ferry the food out to the dining room. Midnight followed him like a starving dog, her tastebuds already anticipating the meal. As soon as the plate was down she dived in, her rump plopping down onto a grey cushion while Nigel watched on amazed.

She paid no attention to him, her mind set on devouring as much as she could. She lifted a slice to her mouth, and sniffed it to savour the aroma. Midnight however was soon tired of appreciating it, and closed her eyes before taking a bite.

“Midnight,” Nigel called, stopping her mid chew. She opened her eyes again and turned to her right, a burst of flavour exploding in her mouth. He was sitting next to her with a small grin, she felt a foreleg wrap around her shoulder. “There’s no need to rush, we’ve got all of the time in the world. I don’t start work until today so take your time to enjoy it.”

As much as she wanted to just pig out, Midnight nodded and chewed slowly. He had spent time making this, so she guessed that she could respect his wish. Besides, she was the only one eating it, Nigel content to just sit beside her. She reached out a wing and began to rub his right shoulder, Midnight briefly wondering what it was like to suddenly not eat food. Watching someone eat this while she could only watch would be torture to her.

She finished her slice and flashed him a grin, before leaning in to kiss him again. He leant into it, and they shared a brief touching of lips before she pulled away to continue eating.

She could get a kiss from him anytime, this toast was far rarer.

“I’ll get us something to drink,” he offered, standing up from his seat to head back to the kitchen. Midnight nodded her thanks, before turning back to the plate with a wicked gleam in her eyes.

Now nothing was in her way, and the toast was just begging to be eaten.

With renewed vigour she snapped up slices left and right, losing herself to the wonderful combination of flavours. She had managed to get through half of the plate before the sound of a clearing throat stopped her. With both cheeks full of food, she slowly looked behind her.

Nigel, with a tray of iced tea on his back, was staring at her with a frown. Midnight was frozen, caught red-handed with ample evidence stored in her engorged cheeks like a chipmunk. His frown quickly turned to a smile, Nigel shaking his head before walking over to place the tray down.

“You look ridiculous like that, glutton,” he teased. Midnight swallowed her mouthful food, and gave him a look of mock hurt.

“It’s your fault. You made them irresistible!”

“Whatever you say,” he replied, Midnight resting her head on his shoulder and taking a break from eating.

“Take the compliment,” she suggested lightly, before setting her sights on the food once again. “Now if you excuse me, I have some breakfast to attend to.”

With that she was off again, slice after slice disappearing into her gullet while Nigel watched on with amusement. He made a note to just cook the toast if he ever messed up or wanted something from her.

“What do you want to do today?” he asked her before taking a sip of iced tea from a glass. Midnight stopped chewing and pondered the question, one idea popping into her head.

“There’s a nice café in the centre of the city, near the castle. I heard that they do some of the best lunches in the city. We should try them today.” Her answer out of the way, Midnight went straight back to her breakfast. She missed Nigel shake his head, the changeling laughing at her reply.

“You’re unbelievable,” he told her. Midnight gave him a look that said ‘What are you going to do about it?’, before the toast called to her once more. Giving him a final kiss on the muzzle, Midnight went back to her food.

She silently hoped that he was just as satisfied with his food as she was, and thankfully this was proven true when she felt a nuzzle against her neck. Midnight sighed happy and nuzzled back, right now she couldn’t be happier.

Plus, they now had lunch to look forward to, so it only made the moment that much better.

Author's Note

A shorter chapter this time, I've been getting feedback that I should keep them under 10,000 words to make them easier to read. The lag in updates was due to RL issues (fires in expensive server rooms really ruin a chance to write the horsewords) and said issues will be ongoing for at least another week, thanks to shoddy electrical work.

I briefly wondered whether this chapter bumps the fic up to mature, but upon looking back at it, I stuck with the teen rating and the sex tag. If i'm wrong, please let me know, but to me it's not really that in depth. On another note, I need to go back and fix up most of the chapters, some of those early ones... yikes. I think my spelling and grammar needs work now, back then was just terrible. Oh well, at least I can say writing fanfiction improved my writing skills.

Anyway, another chapter out, and Equinox is out for revenge. One must wonder how long Midnight and Nigel have to enjoy their peace and quiet, and just what Equinox has planned.

Until next time.

Public Indecency

“I’m not too sure about this; I don’t really do the ‘fancy’ look.”

Nigel continued to grumble while Midnight fussed around him, straightening up the deep blue bowtie around his neck. A pair of very amused mares watched from the clothing store’s counter, giggling at every complaint and resulting response from Midnight.

“If we want to go to ‘Le Hanger de Cheval’, then we need to meet the dress requirements. It’s the most upstanding cafe in the entire country, and all of the most regal families eat there all of the time.”

Nigel turned around to look at the rest of him. Apart from the bowtie and some plain black shoes, he was wearing absolutely nothing. The fact that he was not allowed to enter without a tie, but was still allowed to flash everyone was just utterly confusing. These equines needed to work out if they wanted to wear clothing or not.

“Look back at me,” Midnight ordered, Nigel rolling his eyes while she did some final touches. “There, now you look like a noble yourself!” He grumbled at her cheery announcement, why couldn’t they just visit a pub or something?

“I’m still ninety-eight percent naked, how is one bowtie noble?” he complained, a giggle and a whisper coming from behind him.

“You’re right, he does complain just like a stallion.”

His attempts to shoot the pair of attendants a glare was halted by Midnight when she pulled his head back around to look in the full-length mirror in front of them.

“See? You look very handsome.” Midnight rubbed his back with a wing. “There’s no need to be so sour about it, Mr Grumpy.” She giggled and gave him a quick nuzzle, before she pulled away to browse the dresses. He was left to stare at himself in the mirror, a frown on his face.

‘I’m going through a lot of effort to eat at a place when I likely can’t even eat their food,’ he thought, examining himself in the mirror. ‘Stupid bowtie.’

“Nigel, what do you think of this one?” At Midnight’s call some of his annoyance bled away. She was holding up a dress that matched his tie with a wing, and she was grinning at him. “I like it, and it’s not that expensive either.”

“It does suit you, I guess,” he supplied, never really being that good with clothing. “If you like it, then buy it.”

“I can’t buy it without trying it on,” she replied, before lowering her voice and smiling slyly. “And I’ll need help putting it on, if you don’t mind.”

‘Geez, she really has a large appetite for more than just food.’ Casting a glance back towards the attendants, who were whispering to each other still, he advanced towards the awaiting Midnight. For attendants, they certainly didn’t do much to help.

“Come on,” Midnight whispered with dress in wing. “Let’s go into the dressing room before they catch on.”

“You have dressing rooms?” Nigel hissed. “What, are you afraid that someone will see you putting on your underwear or something?”

“Underwear?” Midnight questioned with a tilt of her head, answering that question.

“Never mind,” he sighed. “It’s nearly twelve, so we better hurry up.”

With a snicker, she grabbed his foreleg with her spare wing and pulled him towards a set of plain wooden doors at the back of the store. They quickly ducked into the middle of the three, the small room barely large enough to fit both of them.

Midnight locked the door, grinning while she sat down on her rump, tucked her wings in and held her forelegs up in the air. Catching on, he clumsily removed the dress from the hanger and stood up on his hind legs. He nearly toppled over when Midnight used her wings to help him remain upright, both of them starting to rub his sides before heading down lower. Given his upright position and the fact that she was sitting down in front of him, he really hoped that she didn’t go too low.

The knowing look in her eyes and her grin indicated that she didn’t just realise this, but was counting on it. He tried to lower the dress over her forelegs, but Midnight quickly blocked his attempts with them.

“Midnight, we don’t have time for this,” he warned, shuddering when the wings went down in response. They were well and truly on his arse now, and all of the focusing in the world couldn’t halt a natural reaction.

“I can put it on later,” she told him, grabbing his forelegs with her own and pulling them down to rest on her shoulders. “Besides, I’d hate to get it dirty.”

“I don’t think we’re going to be welcome back there anytime soon.”

“Relax Nigel, there are plenty of other clothing stores in the city.”

Midnight, now wearing her dress and some plain black shoes, pulled him along and guided him down the street. After helping her to put on the dress, a process that ended up taking half-an-hour, Nigel had seemed a little off. Thinking back, he was acting strange even before they had purchased their cloths and received knowing glances from the shop attendants. She hoped that the lunch would fix things, whatever issues they were.

Trotting on the cobbled road with him at her side, she noticed that they were getting a lot of looks, most of them not friendly. Remembering that this was the more upper-class side of the city, Midnight assumed that most of the glaring nocturnes were from old families and anchored in their traditions, traditions that didn’t look down too kindly on inter-species relationships, or any other sort of relationship that didn’t exist to preserve noble bloodlines.

Glancing at Nigel, she saw that he wasn’t really paying attention to the raised noses or judging gazes. He seemed lost in thought, and she feared that she had done something wrong. Had she been too direct in the dressing room, and he was uncomfortable with it? She knew that he had wanted to take things slowly, and it was possible that despite what he was saying he was instead still caught up over her being a different species. Why would he lie though?

‘To protect my feelings,’ she thought, sending another glance his way. This time he noticed and broke out of his trance.

“Is something wrong?” he asked, Midnight stumbling to find a way to tell him.

“N-no, nothing’s wrong,” she tried, before sighing. “I mean, it’s just that you’re acting different.” She lowered her voice, not wanting to risk a noble overhearing and correctly interpreting her next question. “Did it have something to do with what we did in the dressing room?”

For a moment he paused, but then he shook his head.

“No, it’s got nothing to do with that. I would appreciate it if we attempted to do those sort of things at home instead of in a public area though.” Suppressing the urge to tell him that she found it exciting, not that their regular sessions weren’t, Midnight simply nodded and waited for him to continue. “The problem is that I’m thinking about the future, and what we’re going to do.”

“Oh,” she replied, in truth having the same worries herself. “Well, I’ll still be the same old Midnight for most of the time. Nocturnes and ponies don’t really show much evidence of a pregnancy until the last few months.”

“Really?” he inquired with a raised eye. “Don’t you… get fat?”

She giggled, finding it cute that he was so careful asking that question. In all honesty, she was incredibly lucky to have been blessed with her mother’s ability to eat mountains of food and still remain slender.

“I’ll get a little thicker,” she explained, remembering the lessons she had sat through in school. “But I won’t get really fat until the end. That’s when I’ll need you to lend me a hoof to get out of bed.”

“Please, all I’ll have to do is cook some breakfast and you’ll find a way out of there.”

She couldn’t help but laugh, drawing more gazes from those that they passed on their way. A wing was placed over his, and she drew him closer for a nuzzle. She smiled slightly when she heard a gasp from her right; evidently some noblemare had become offended and was panicking.

“Is that the place up ahead?” he asked, Midnight breaking from the nuzzle to look at the oncoming buildings. He was right, a fancy restaurant bustling with the midday rush sitting next to something called a ‘Haberdashery’, that’s how fancy it was.

“That’s it,” she answered with a grin.

“I thought it was a café?” he questioned, halting in his tracks. “Not a three story restaurant.”

“Will you just relax? Think of it as our first date, and the upper floors are only for very important ponies like council members. We’ll be on the ground floor, and I’ve heard that it’s actually a pleasant place despite appearances.”

“Then why do we need to get all dressed up?”

She rolled her eyes, he still wasn’t over it, was he? It was time for the blunt method. She smiled while moving her wing towards his rump, relying on his embarrassment to prompt movement.

“Midnight?” he questioned, still staring ahead. “Why is your wing touching me there?”

“Well, if you don’t want to move and have lunch, then we’ll just have to skip it and move on to the next step.”

“In public? You wouldn’t,” he replied. She gave him a look that said that she wasn’t going to back down, and while she rubbed she could see him squirm. This made her feel a little guilty, she knew that he had a thing for her wings and it was a little unfair. “Fine, fine,” he surrendered, starting to walk forward. “The lengths you’ll go to for food…”

The guilt increased, and Midnight removed her wing to walk with him. This wasn’t how she had imagined it going, with him in this mood of his.

‘Maybe I should just dial it back for a while,’ she decided. ‘He’s probably just concerned about the baby.’

They reached the doors of the restaurant without another word, more stares meeting them when they passed through the glass doors and into the lobby. A thin stallion wearing a red vest had just finished usurping through a pair of jewellery-covered nocturnes before he turned to look at them.

His yellow eyes narrowed when he spotted them next in line and his thin moustache quivered, the black facial hair matching his slicked-back mane. Midnight took the lead, trotting up to the wooden podium and giving him her best smile.

“Hello,” she greeted. “We were after a table for two, is there one open?”

“Do you have a reservation?” he asked in a snooty accent, fixing Nigel with a stern gaze.

“No,” Midnight answered.

“I thought as much,” he muttered under his breath, Midnight’s brow furrowing. Still, she didn’t say anything while he looked down over the lists in front of him, not seeming to put in much effort.

“I am sorry, madam, but we have no free tables.” Closing the list, he once again peered at Nigel. “Such a shame.”

Midnight glared at him, pointing a hoof out towards the main restaurant behind him. “I can see free tables from here, so what’s the real reason?” A part of her knew why they were being refused service, but she had honestly thought better from her fellow nocturnes. In response to the query, the stallion straightened his black bowtie.

“We are a respectable venue, and we serve respectable clients. How do you expect the High Council Members themselves to enjoy our fabulous cooking while sitting across from… that?”

Midnight turned a bright red, about to grab the pony and strangle him with his own stupid moustache.

“I say, what oafish behaviour to show an ambassador here on the Council’s suggestion.” Midnight turned to Nigel in shock, the changeling staring down his nose at the attendant like he was born to do it. The attendant was equally surprised, the stallion spluttering. “I was told this was a place to experience the finest cuisine that your country had to offer, and instead I get a peasant, a filthy peasant, insulting the second son of the Emperor of Horsebekistan.”

“Second son of the Emperor…” the attendant muttered, before waving his hooves desperately. “No, no I’m sorry monsieur; it’s all been a misunderstanding. I was talking about… the dirty, lowbred stallion behind you!” Both Nigel and Midnight looked behind them.

“There’s nothing there,” Nigel continued with a pompous tone matching the attendant’s.

“He left as soon as I called him out,” the stallion covered. “What a good thing as well, now I can find you a table right away!”

“That would be most exemplary. Please ensure that it is rather secluded, I wish to discuss matters of the state with the beautiful young mare that is assigned to guide me around the city.”

“Yes sir, we have a table just like that ready and prepared, with a compliantly house wine as well.”

“Good,” Nigel responded, before lowering his voice. “Throw in some extra breadsticks and I shall forget your previous slurs and your moronic excuse.”

The stallion nodded quickly, gesturing towards a waitress passing by him. “Dawn, hurry and show these two honoured guests to table number thirty-three, and fetch them a house wine.”

The waitress, also wearing a red vest, glanced between the attendant and Nigel with confusion. A glare from the stallion prompted her into action though, and she quickly bowed her head. “This way, sir and madam.” Nigel and Midnight followed her, the attendant sighing behind them.

“Dodged that one,” Midnight heard him say, his fancy accent no longer there. She ignored it and focused on the waitress ahead, the other diners that witness them staring instead of glaring. She guessed that they thought that she and Nigel were important since they had gotten past the front desk, something that brought a smile to her face.

She had to stifle a gasp when the waitress directed them to a set of red-carpeted stairs. They went up not one flight, but two.

‘The top floor,’ she marvelled to herself, looking around at the white marble columns beside the door. Not even her father had been up here, the Chief of the Police Force only ranking up to the second floor. It was so privileged that she wondered if they were breaking a law by stepping hoof up here.

The waitress led them past unoccupied tables to lead them to one at the very end, no one else on the floor. The table setup itself reeked of luxury, fine candles covering the pristine blue table cloth. Two chairs carved out of fine wood with plump blue cushions awaited them, a large picture of Princess Luna looking out from the wall behind them.

“I’ll be back with your wine and menus shortly,” the waitress stated, before bowing her head and leaving. She closed a privacy screen after she had left, leaving Nigel and Midnight with a fantastic view of the castle outside of the window.

“Nigel, that was amazing!” Midnight praised once she was sure the waitress was gone. “How did you manage to do that?”

“Oh,” he started to reply while rubbing his hoof against his chest. “I picked up a few things from the military officers born on worlds where this whole ‘Firstborn’ business still goes on. Acting like a snobbish twat seems to be universal.”

Midnight giggled and leant forwards over the table for a kiss. He gave it to her, Midnight savouring it before sitting back down. He seemed to be back to his old self after messing with the attendant, something that pleased her more than making it to the third floor. Staring across at him was romantic, but she would have preferred to be next to him. It was then that she got an idea.

“Say, Mister Ambassador, wouldn’t you like to view the magnificent castle like I am?” Nigel turned around to stare out the window behind him before smiling.

“Why would I stare at such a castle, when I have a far more appealing sight in front of me?”

Midnight felt her face heat up at the complement, and briefly she remembered that he had said the same sort of thing when they had first reached the city. She left her chair, grabbed it, flapped her wings and then pulled it back until it was beside his. She sat back down and immediately embraced him in a hug, planting a kiss on his cheek.

“I love it when you say adorable things like that,” she murmured, reaching our her wings to rub his chitin affectionately. With pleasant surprise she found that he was returning the favour with his hooves, it now clear that he wasn’t really worried about the constant affection she showed him. “Even if they’re incredibly cheesy.”

“Cheesy adorable things are the best,” he answered while they sat and enjoyed themselves. Midnight hummed in agreement and rested her head on his shoulder, keeping her wings and forelegs around him. The two remained in silence for a few minutes, the presence of the other providing more than enough entertainment.

They had to quickly draw away from each other when the privacy screen was opened, their waitress walking through with a tray balanced on her back. Placing it down, she removed a wine cooler with a green bottles resting inside, two glasses and a basket of bread sticks.

“Oh, no wine for me, thank you,” Midnight asked, remembering that she wasn’t supposed to drink. The waitress paused but didn’t say anything, putting one glass back on the tray. She poured Nigel a drink and then passed them both a menu, thankfully not written in a foreign language. Midnight had been dreading that, based off the behaviour of the door attendant.

Looking over her own menu, she debated on what to choose. Everything sounded so fancy and delicious, she couldn’t make up her mind. Glancing over to Nigel, she saw his eyes locked on one dish.

“This five-cheese pasta,” he asked the waitress in his fake voice. “May I inquire as to the quality of the cheese upon it?”

“All are imported from the finest markets from Equestria,” the waitress answered. “I can assure you that they are some of the finest available in the city.”

“Hmm,” he hummed, making up his mind. Midnight was a little surprised that he was ordering something; so far he had avoided solid food and had just relied on her. “I’ll give it a try, if I may.”

“Certainly sir,” the waitress turned to Midnight. “Have you decided, ma’am?”

“I’ll have the same,” Midnight decided, wondering what it was about it that attracted Nigel so. “Also, could I please have one apple, pear and peach juice?”

“Of course, is that all?”

“One order of the berry cheesecake as well,” Nigel asked eagerly, prompting more surprise from Midnight.

“It will be brought out after your mains,” the waitress announced, looking towards Midnight once again.

“Oh, none for me, thank you.”

“Very well, I’ll return shortly with your drink.”

With that she left again, Midnight cuddling close as soon as the screen was shut.

“Why’d you order food?” she asked. “I thought that you couldn’t eat it.”

“It’s all about the masquerade,” Nigel told her, his voice back to normal. One of his forelegs looped around her back, Midnight sighing and rubbing his hind leg with hers. “If I didn’t order anything then it’d be pretty suspicious. Besides, it can’t hurt to try something without sugar so I can test my theory.”

“And the cheesecake?” she questioned him with a raised eyebrow.

“It’s… cheesecake?” he tried; Midnight shaking her head with a grin. Something told her that he enjoyed cheese, given his choices. “I’ll share it with you, if that will get you off my back about it.”

“Fine,” she gave up, deciding to just give him a kiss instead. “That’ll work.” He kissed her back, Midnight giving him a nuzzle in thanks. It felt good to have him close to her, and she wondered what it would feel like when he had his normal form back. This thought gave her an idea of why he might have been a little moody in the morning, and she realised that it had been quite a long time since they had met.
“Nigel,” she asked, pulling back to face him. “I noticed that you were all grumpy this morning in the clothes shop. Is something wrong, did I screw up?”

He sighed, looking away from her. “Midnight, it’s… it’s not you. As you can probably guess, being stuck here is not what I want. I’ve met you thanks to that, and I’m grateful for it, but I guess I just want to go home. I’ve got responsibilities, commitments, things that I tend to take for granted.” He glanced down at himself. “Now look at me, a bartender in a city where I’m some kind of oddity. I’m a little worried that I’ll never be able to go back, and I hate to admit it but…” he trailed off, as if he comfortable with what he was about to say.

“What is it?” she pressed, concerned for him. Why had he been keeping this from her?

“I’m scared,” he stated, pausing to drain half of his wine glass. “The fact that I even feel that is what is concerning.”

“Why would that be strange? It’s understandable-“

“No, it’s not,” he answered, before sighing. “You wouldn’t understand, but it’s not just physical modifications that I’ve gone through. Ever since I arrived on this planet, I’ve felt different, I’ve acted different.” He emptied his glass, pouring another. “How different am I, and will that change when I go back, if I do go back?”

Midnight watched him take another drink. She felt sorry for him, unable to think what that would be like. Even when she was in guard training she missed her parents after only a few days, what would they be like when you don’t even know if you’ll make it back? There was really only one thing she could do, he was going through wine fast.

Lunging forward, she wrapped both of her forelegs and wings around him, pressing him close to her chest. He wasn’t as tall as a nocturne stallion; in fact he was almost her size. This meant that her head was next to his, and she nuzzled him in an attempt to comfort him. It was strange, barely two weeks ago he’d been doing the same for her.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” she asked. “I could have helped.”

“I can’t,” he replied. “I have to be the strong one and I can’t let my problems worry you. You’ve gone through far more-“

“And I couldn’t have done it without you there to help me,” Midnight told him, pulling back her head to look into his eyes. “So let me help this time. Do you want to talk about it?” Both turned their heads at the sound of wheels, Nigel smiling at her.

“No, it should be fine now.”

She nodded, knowing to not press the issue at the moment. They separated just in time for the waitress to appear with a food cart. They didn’t want to risk being found out.

With a nod, the young mare placed their plates down as well as Midnight’s juice. Next came a single silver fork each, with a grip designed for a wing to hold.

“I shall return with your dessert when it is ready,” the waitress informed them, before backing out of the room with her trolley. Midnight skilfully picked up her fork and twirled some pasta around it, before bringing the morsel to her mouth.

It was delicious, the different cheeses able to be tasted separately from each other. She glanced at Nigel while she chewed, and the site caused her to giggle. He wasn’t having as much luck with his utensil, his forelegs not as flexible as a wing. It took him visible effort to raise the loaded fork to his mouth, and right at the arc the golden pasta fell off back into the bowl.

“I hate these bulky things,” he muttered, staring at his own hooves with hate. Midnight saw her chance, and prepared a forkful of pasta. Quickly, she moved it towards him and shoved it in, cutting off any protest. Removing her fork, she watched him stare at her before chewing.

His eyes lit up, and all of a sudden her greedily dived his head into his bowl. Midnight watched on with her fork in the air, her mouth open while he absolutely devastated his pasta. Soon not a single strand was left, the bowl licked clean. His face was a different matter, a solid coating of yellow sauce covering his muzzle.

“What?” he asked, noticing her stare. “It’s good pasta.”

Seeing his eyes go towards hers, Midnight placed a foreleg around her bowl and continued to eat, keeping an eye on him all the while.

“You’re certainly not acting like an ambassador,” she scolded lightly, before taking another bite and chewing. “It’s almost like you’re not a human in there, but a pig.”

“Coming from you, that’s a laugh,” he teased back. She huffed but didn’t reply back; instead she went for the low route and made a show of enjoying her pasta. He tried to ignore her by focusing on his wine, so she took a sip of her own drink. Waiting until he had finished the glass before resuming, Midnight grinned when he emptied the bottle while sneaking glances at her food.

“Ah, that was good pasta,” she finished rubbing her stomach and grinning at him. “Savouring a meal like that is one of the best choices I’ve made.” Midnight noticed him take another sip of wine while trying to ignore her, so she pressed her attack. “I’d hate to imagine what I’d be like to just… eat it all quickly and miss out on the wonderful, cheesy taste of the succulent sa-“

She was cut off when he wrapped his forelegs around her and pulled tight, locking his lips with hers and cutting her off.

Midnight tasted wine and cheese, and she shivered when two hooves started to rub her back between her wings. He’d quickly learnt her weak points, and it wasn’t long before she felt her face heat up. Rather than break it off, she returned the kiss with equal amounts of passion, her hooves going for his shoulders while her wings went for his flanks.

In return, he lowered a hoof to her flank, and kneaded the fur like a baker making bread. What followed was a battle between the two, each trying to ‘outdo’ the other. Midnight took advantage when he paused to take a breath, darting her head to his neck and showering it with kisses. At the same time, she moved a wing from his right flank to the inside of his thigh. She felt him shudder, and with a victorious grin the wing moved towards-

Her chair leg snapped, sending the two toppling onto the floor. She landed on him, sprawled over him with her hind legs open over his.

“Oh, I’m so sorry! Are you hurt?” Her fear was misplaced, and thankfully he shook his head. Looking down at him, he had a slight green blush and his chest was heaving, the wine likely haven gotten to him. Midnight’s wings fluttered erratically and she grinned in anticipation.

She was intoxicated by something far more potent.

Knowing that he wasn’t hurt, she immediately dived back in and resumed wrestling his tongue with her own. There wasn’t much he could do to resist with her pinning him down, but he still managed to put up a fight with his hooves on her flanks. Hoping that changelings didn’t get carpet burn, Midnight increased her assault.

Whether it was the date, the morning or just pure lust, she was oblivious to the fact that they were furiously making out on the prestigious third floor of the fanciest restaurant in the city. Currently the only thing in her world was the being underneath her, and she was dedicated to showing him that fact. He obviously felt the same way, and through the haze of lust Midnight felt one of his hooves slowly make its way away from her flank, across her rump and towards her-

“One… order of cheesecake?”

Warm Dawn stared down at the sight in front of her. The two VIPs that she had been instructed to solely attend to were intertwined on the red carpet in a passionate embrace, the mare on top lifting her mouth from the bug-creature’s neck to stare at her.

Dawn took in the empty wine bottle, the saliva trails, the male’s hoof up the mare’s dress, and the intense blushes that both carried. Both chairs were upturned; evidently the interrupted love affair had been a passionate one. While shocked, she had to be honest with herself and admit that it was a more than little amusing to see such esteemed guests breaking numerous social taboos.

Doing the dirty in a public restaurant, on the third floor, with a partner that was a different species to boot! Dawn almost wished that her own boyfriend would be as adventurous as these two nobles.

“I… uh,” the mare stammered, quickly withdrawing her wings from her partner’s thighs.

“We’ll skip the cheesecake,” the Horsebekistan ambassador finished for her, rolling her over to his side. Dawn looked away, averting her eyes in case their activities had been overly stimulating. The male stood up and straightened his tie, nodding towards the mare.
The council guide, if she remembered correctly, seemed distant. However, after the pause she snapped out of it, removing a coin purse from her dress with a blush still on her face.

“Here, enough to cover the meal and to ensure that none of this gets out, if you get my drift.” The ambassador took the coin purse from his guide, his fancy accent gone for some reason, and shoved it onto the tray beside the cheesecake before he grabbed the guide’s hoof to lead her away.

Dawn stood still for a second, processing what had just happened. Had she just been bribed to keep quiet? By the time she turned around, they were long gone, fading hoofsteps audible from the stairs. Looking back at the table, Dawn trotted over to set the tray down. Opening the coin bag, there was indeed more than enough money, leaving her with a substantial ‘tip’. Glancing down at the cheesecake, untouched, she looked back towards the doorway.

Well, she hadn’t had her break yet, the cheesecake was normally out of her price range and she was fairly hungry…

“Do you think she’ll talk?” Midnight whispered to Nigel after they had shut the door behind them.

“Nah, she didn’t seem the sort,” he slurred, the hurried walk back home only making him more woozy. Midnight was torn halfway as to whether to feel extremely embarrassed that the waitress had caught them, or to just give into the excitement that was flowing through her. She felt so alive, her heart pounding in her chest. Sure, it was passionate before they had been caught, but now it was a need welling up inside of her.

“Bedroom, now,” she commanded, using a wing to pull him towards the mentioned room. He didn’t put up much resistance, although he did stumble a bit due to his intoxication. With her help, he was soon on the bed and she was straddling him with her dress still on. Her wings flapped madly, Midnight bending down to nuzzle his neck. She enjoyed doing this, her entire body tingling with anticipation. “We’ve got the entire time to ourselves before you go to work, so I expect you to use it well.”

“I always do,” he replied. “Besides, how can I refuse an order like that?”

“You can’t,” Midnight murmured while nibbling an ear. “Also, I want you to keep the bowtie on, it looks cute on you.”

“Then we should probably get your dress off,” he countered, a hoof fumbling for the large clasp near the back of her neck. Getting an idea, Midnight pushed the hoof away and sat back up, grinning before dismounting and rolling off the bed. He stared in confusion, until she beckoned with a hoof.

“If you want it off,” she sang. “You’re going to have to find and catch me!”

She raced out of the room, barely able to control her laughter. She’d never had this much fun until now, and the imagined result of him finding her made her blood race. Ducking behind the couch, she made sure to leave her tail out behind her. The quicker he found her, the better.

Midnight fought to control her pants and breathing when she heard hoofsteps approach. They were easy to hear on the hard floor, and the clip-clop sound drew closer and closer. She shut her eyes and grinned, holding back the urge to fly out and tackle him to the ground. She waited, no more hoofsteps able to be heard.

Opening her eyes, Midnight slowly swivelled her ears around to try and get a hint as to where he was. Surely he hadn’t missed her tail?
The hairs on her neck stood up, and her breath hitched in her throat when she felt something nibble her ear.

“Found you.”

Before she could turn around, he pinned her to the floor and undid the first dress clasp in one move. The other two soon followed, and Midnight found herself rolling over to stare up. She was met with a kiss, and she eagerly wrapped her forelegs around his neck to pull him closer. Hooves began to explore her body, running over her stomach, shoulders, thighs, flanks and sides. After a few blissful moments, she broke the kiss and looked up at the smiling changeling. He was still wearing his bowtie, as per her request.

“How did you sneak up on me?” she asked between pants. “I couldn’t even hear your hoofsteps.”

“I’m trained in stealth,” he murmured, his hooves beginning to slide down lower. “Among other things, although what I’m about to do is certainly not in the handbook.”

While she had no complaint with his intentions, Midnight didn’t want to give up just yet. Her wings left his sides and wrapped around his forelegs, and with a slight tug she unbalanced him. He fell forward onto her chest, and with her legs wrapped around him she rolled them onto the carpet. They bumped into the leg of the small coffee table, but now she was back on top.

“I’m going to do things to you that will come close to breaking laws,” she muttered, gazing down at him with a grin. He wasn’t so happy, however, Midnight frowning when she saw that his eyes seemed to stare behind her.

“Twice in one night,” he muttered, Midnight not getting what he was talking about. It was then that she heard possibly the worst sound to hear in the current moment, pinning Nigel to the floor with her body while she grinded against him.

That sound being the mirth-filled tone of Starbright’s laughter.

‘Oh no,’ she thought, her face going pale. ‘Mom and Dad said that they would be coming over for tea…’

Turning her head around, hoping that she had just misheard, Midnight spotted her mother and father staring at them with mixed emotions. Darklight had his eyes adverted and his ears folded back, the stallion looking very, very uncomfortable. Starbright was busy trying to muffle her laughter with her hoof, the mare obviously enjoying the site immensely.

“Is this a bad time?” she asked between giggles. “We’d hate to interrupt anything.”

Blushing a deep red, Midnight quickly scrambled off Nigel and stood up, trying hard to keep her wings from fluttering erratically.

“Uh, no,” she stuttered out, Nigel getting up to stand next to her. “We were... just seeing how soft the carpet is?”

Nigel stared down at the teacup in his hooves, the brown liquid inside the cup swirling around. Midnight was next to him, a wing over his back and her own cup held by the other. Opposite to them sat Darklight and Starbright, the only sounds in the room being the ticking clock and the occasional sip of tea. The ticking didn’t help the headache that was building up in his head, no doubt a result of his careless drinking.

Starbright was still smiling to herself, the older mare onto her second cup already. Darklight had hardly touched his, the stallion avoiding eye contact. Nigel could tell that Midnight was nervous, the mare hunched low with her eyes facing the ground. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see her discarded dress shoved behind the chair that Starbright was sitting on.

He was still wearing his bowtie.

“Oh come on,” Starbright broke the silence and gave Midnight a smile. “Don’t be so down you two. We came over to see how you’re settling in to the new house and you’re obviously doing well.”

“Mom,” Midnight replied. “You walked in on us while we were… you know. That’s not something I want you to see, or what any pony wants their parent to see.” Midnight took a sip of tea to calm herself down, Darklight following her example while Starbright homed in for the kill.

“I don’t see what the big deal is.” Nigel braced himself; he recognised the mischievous ‘I’m going to start trouble’ look that Starbright had. “If it was me and your father in that same situation, we’d be straight out rutting each other senseless and-“

Her bait was successful, perhaps too successful. Midnight began to choke on her tea while Darklight spat it out in shock. Nigel’s eye twitched when a few drops of tea landed on his hind leg, struggling to hold in his laughter.

“Starbright, don’t you dare,” Darklight warned after recovering, a warning that was ignored by Starbright.

“We were in the same situation once, with his parents,” she continued, sitting back like she was telling a regular bedtime story to a child. “I can tell you, that touching stuff that you were doing before? Nothing compared to this. We’d already moved from the bedroom, to the kitchen, and then to the lounge room.”

“Oh no,” Midnight pleaded, folding her ears down.

“I had carpet burns on my back from all of the thrusting,” Starbright reminisced, a twinkle in her eye. “I didn’t mind though, your father was such a virile stallion. Anyway, we had forgotten that his parents had stayed the night, and they trotted right out of the guest room and straight into the middle of it.”

Starbright laughed, Midnight and Darklight both sinking down into their respective chairs out of shame. Nigel however was enjoying it immensely.

“Ah, they were a stuck-up bunch of toffs, they never had liked me. Thought I was ‘spoiling the family blood with my low-class ways’, being with their son.”

“I wonder what gave them that idea,” Darklight muttered, Starbright turning her grin on him.

“You certainly didn’t mind, I could tell because of your adorable moans whenever I did that thing with my-“

“Mom!” Midnight protested, Starbright stopping her explanation.

“You’re right dear,” she apologised, Midnight letting out a short-lived sigh of relief. “Back to the story.”

‘Absolutely golden,’ Nigel thought, taking another sip of his tea and nodding like they were discussing a mundane activity such as knitting.

“So, his parents threw me out and banned me from the house,” Starbright resumed. “Naturally, I wasn’t about to let that get in the way of spending quality time with him. So I came up with a brilliant plan-“

“She flew up to me room in the middle of the day, busted open my window and pounced on me,” Darklight grumbled. “I thought I was being murdered.”

“And that’s how your sister Melody was conceived!” Starbright finished, Midnight placing her cup down so that she could curl up and cover her ears with her wings. Nigel noticed that Darklight had also placed his cup down, the stallion leaving his chair and grabbing Starbright’s leg with a wing.

“Okay, I think we better be going,” he announced. “Midnight, Nigel, we’ll ah… we’ll do dinner sometime this week.”

With those words he pulled Starbright out of the room and headed towards the door. Before she was dragged out, Starbright turned to Nigel and gave him a nod.

Her mission had been accomplished.

The door clicked shut down the hall, Nigel glancing down at Midnight before rubbing her flank.

“They’re gone,” he told her, Midnight still not responding so he tried to start a conversation. “Geez, your mother’s certainly an interesting mare.”

“Not helping, Nigel,” Midnight groaned, burying her face in a pillow. “She’s always so… lewd. She knows it too, and she only does it to embarrass me.”

“And Darklight,” Nigel reminded, having greatly enjoyed the stallion’s discomfort. Midnight didn’t share his opinion, and refused to cheer up.

“Still, as soon as she has something then she’ll use it to torment you with it. I mean, they walked in and saw us like that, we’ll never hear the end of it!”

He sighed and lay down next to her, giving her a quick peck on the blush-covered cheek. “You know, you’re a lot like her.”

“I am not!” she protested, raising her head to look at him. “I’ll never be that open or-“

“Are you forgetting the restaurant, or that you were going to do things to me that ‘will come close to breaking laws’ just before?” Midnight appeared ashamed now that the heat of the romantic moment had passed. Before she was able to hide back in the pillow, he leaned forwards and gave her a full kiss before continuing. “Don’t be embarrassed, I love that about you.”

“Really?” she asked, rolling onto her side. “You don’t think I was being too… promiscuous?”

“Pfft, you’re incredibly sexy when you’re being promiscuous,” he informed her, Midnight’s wings starting to flutter again. “Besides, I’m still a little drunk so it was partially my fault as well. I seem to recall that I was the one that jumped you in the restaurant.”

“Yeah,” Midnight remembered, before smiling at him. “So… do you want to continue from where we left off?”

“I would love to, but I’ve got work in three hours and I should take a nap to try and clear my head.”

“You know, a nap actually sounds good,” Midnight agreed, pulling him into a hug. “I’ve had more than enough excitement for one day.”
Both settled into each other’s hold, their exhaustion and the warmth of the hug quickly luring them into slumber.

“Have a good time at work.”

Midnight gave Nigel a kiss on the cheek, the changeling about to walk into the inn.

“I will, try to cope without me.” Midnight shuddered at his words, reminding her that she was going over to her parent’s house for dinner. Facing them without him, after what had happened earlier that night was something that she was deathly afraid of. No doubt her mother would ask all kinds of awkward questions.

“Okay,” she muttered, looking at her forehooves before a hoof lifted her chin up. She was met with warm blue eyes and a smile.

“I’m sure it’ll go fine,” he reassured. “Besides, I’m only working a short shift so I’ll drop by in a few hours. You can hold out until then, surely.”

“You know Starbright,” Midnight replied, however she was met with a chuckle in return.

“I do, and you should count yourself lucky that you have such great parents.” She was about to argue the point, but was cut off by a quick kiss. “Go on, I’m sure they’ll behave themselves. Just try to steer the conversation away from anything that your mother can relate to, I want her to save all of those stories for when I get there.”

“You’re terrible,” Midnight smiled, lightly tapping him on the shoulder with a hoof. “Okay, fine, you win. I’ll go.”

“Enjoy yourself,” he ordered, leaning in to whisper into her ear. “If you do, I’ll make it up to you when we get home.”

Midnight grinned and gave him a final nuzzle, before she turned around to look back over her shoulder. He gave her a goodbye wave before disappearing into the inn, Midnight taking a deep breath and focusing on the upcoming trial.

‘Okay Midnight,’ she thought, steeling herself. ‘You’re a young mare dating a wonderful guy; you feel like you’re able to take on the world. So what if your parents caught you making out with him on your living room floor? Just focus on talking about them and it will all pass without a hitch.’

Despite her mental pep-talk, her nerves still were playing up. Shaking her head in a futile attempt to get rid of her worries, Midnight began her journey towards the feared destination.

Little did she know, but she wasn’t going to be the only daughter at the dinner.

Author's Note

Things are starting to slow down a bit, we've reached a 'calm' point in the plot.

Well, if you can call their activities calm.

Still, the next few chapters will be a bit more like this, a little more 'slice of life'. Think of it as the build up.

A few more points. We get some insite as to why Nigel might be acting a little off (for those who have read of him before), we get some more POV from Midnight and Starbright returns... with a vengence.

As you can guess, Midnight might be in for a bit of a shock.

Peace Soon to be Shattered

“Come in dear, you’re early.”

“I know,” Midnight told Starbright while she followed her mother into the house. “I came straight here after walking Nigel to work.”
“I take it he will be joining us after?”

“He will,” she answered, both trotting into the living room. Starbright paused, Midnight tilting her head at the reaction.
“This will prove most interesting.”

Confused at her mother’s muttering, Midnight shifted on her hooves awkwardly. “So, do you need some help?”

“Oh no, it’s all ready to go,” Starbright dismissed, resuming her trotting. “In fact, your father’s already sitting at the table waiting for it to start. Go in and join him, I’ll start getting ready to serve.”

With that, Starbright veered off towards the kitchen, Midnight watching her go before continuing to the dining room. Something about her mother seemed off, like she knew something and wasn’t going to tell her.

As soon as Midnight entered the candle-lit dining room, she realised that she wasn’t the only one not entirely sold on the dinner.
Her father was already seated in his chair at the head of the table, the stallion sipping golden liquid from a whisky glass. His face was locked in a frown, however when he saw her he brightened.

“There she is!” he announced with a slight slur, getting off his chair to approach her. “My favourite daughter, come here Midnight.” She smelt whisky on his breath when he embraced her, his wings patting her on the back before he withdrew to smile at her shocked face. “Maybe you’ll make this night slightly more bearable.”

“Dad,” she began, keeping a close eye on the drunken stallion while he returned to his seat. “Have you and mom been fighting?”

“What?” Darklight questioned. “No, of course we haven’t, what gave you that idea?”

“Well, you do seem to be… drinking a little too much.”

“Nonsense,” Darklight retorted, taking another sip to prove his point. “I’m drinking because of the dinner.”

Surely it wasn’t going to be that bad, she herself wasn’t too keen but she was still going to make an effort to enjoy it. She glanced around the table and noted that there were eight places set instead of three, sparking alarm bells in her head.

“Yup,” Darklight told her, noticing her observation. “That’s why I’m drinking. Your mother thought it’d be a good idea to invite your sisters and their excuses for coltfriends again.”

A chill ran down Midnight’s spine, the news far from welcome. She remembered the previous time, the night consisting of ridicule and ending with an angry brawl. Granted, Nigel wasn’t going to be present for most of the time, but that meant that she was on her own.

“Why?” she mumbled, sitting down next to Darklight and placing her head in her forehooves. “Why would she even…”

“I thought that after the last dinner, we could do one to make up for it,” Starbright answered, trotting into the room with a large plate on her back. She used her wings to lift it onto the table, revealing a platter of steamed vegetables. “Now, it’s a shame that Nigel has to work, but we’re all a family and we need to get along. I want you to be nice to your sisters, and doubly nice to that DJ that Melody is seeing.”

“Be nice to that moron Bass?” Midnight scowled. “After all of the things he said and did?”

“Now Midnight,” Starbright warned. “Nigel already punished him enough, and they were both at fault. There is no excuse to be rude to him; he’s a guest after all.”

“A bad one,” she muttered, her mother narrowing her eyes. Any further lecturing was cut off however, the door bell ringing.

“That’ll be our guests,” Starbright announced merrily, a single warning glance being sent towards the father and daughter before she left the room to answer the door. Midnight inched her seat closer to her father’s, Darklight himself reaching for the whisky bottle by his chair for a refill.

“It begins,” Darklight muttered, the sounds of hooves growing closer.

“We’re one down,” Starbright’s voice grew louder as she approached. “But that’s okay, I’m sure we all have plenty to talk about in his absence.”

Five ponies emerged into the room, Starbright leading in Melody and Glitter with Bass and Beats following their marefriends.

Midnight tried to not make eye contact with the group, they doing to same to her. Starbright failed to notice any issues, and instead trotted into the kitchen.

“Dinner is ready, why don’t you all say hello while I serve it up?”

Evidently the matriarch still held sway over the newcomers, even if they lived out of the house. The four mumbled greetings to Midnight and the scowling Darklight, Midnight merely nodding in return. The four took seats opposite her, Melody with Bass and Glitter with Beats.

“I see you’re looking better than last time, Bass,” Darklight observed, the targeted stallion wincing.

“Uh… yeah,” the DJ replied, glancing towards Midnight and the empty space beside her.

‘Oh no,’ Midnight thought, Darklight preparing to speak again. ‘Dad, why do you have to do this now?’

“I hope getting your rump kicked taught you a lesson,” the Chief shared, taking another sip of whisky while Midnight closed her eyes to take a deep breath. “I want cordial behaviour in this house, not your usual stuck-up-“

“Darklight!” Starbright sang from the kitchen. “I hope you’re behaving out there!”

“I am dear!” he called back, before glaring at Bass. Returning to the nursing of his whisky, he left everyone else alone.

Bass had shrunk in his seat, Melody glaring at her father. Midnight, Glitter and Beats were left to look around the room, the trio intent to stay out of it.

“So…” Beats started, tapping his hoof on the table. “I hear that your… coltfriend met the Princess.”

“No way,” Bass interjected before Midnight could downplay the situation. “What about, exile?”

“Bass!” Melody hissed, smacking his shoulder with a hoof. Bass winced and looked towards Darklight, the Chief narrowing his eyes.

“Actually, Princess Luna thanked Nigel and gave him her blessing,” Starbright informed, walking into the room with a tray of glasses on her back and setting them down. “What he did was very brave, wasn’t it Darklight?”

“Yes dear,” the Chief answered, a sour look on his face at the reminder.

“It wasn’t really a huge deal,” Midnight tried to step in before the praise increased. Unfortunately, Starbright didn’t get the hint.

“Nonsense,” Starbright replied, trotting back into the kitchen before returning with a bowl filled with fruit slices. “It was a very good thing to do, protecting our daughter,” she fixed Bass and Beats with a smile. “I’m sure you two would also fight two armed Grimskulls for Melody and Glitter, wouldn’t you?”

“Mom, Dad,” Midnight spoke up, earning the attention of all. “Just stop it.”

“I’m only teasing dear,” Starbright grinned, before trotting back into the kitchen. Silence blanketed the dining room, everyone out of things to say. Beats coughed awkwardly into his hoof, before Glitter turned to Melody.

“So, Melody, I hear that you’re working with Bass now.”

“I am, I help with the tickets to his shows and with the set-up.”

Midnight sat back in her chair, the conversation fading into the background. She tapped her hooves together and stared down at her belly. She wished that Nigel was here, mainly to give her someone to talk to. However, he wasn’t so all she decided to do was wait for dinner. She glanced up when Starbright passed her, her mother noticing that something was wrong.

“Midnight, could you please give me a hoof with the dinner?”

“Sure,” Midnight answered, breathing a sigh of relief. A hoof touched her foreleg while she was getting down from her chair, Darklight looking at her with pleading eyes.

“Take me with you,” he whispered, the other four not noticing thanks to their conversation. Midnight was beaten to an answer by Starbright, who waggled a wing-tip at Darklight. With a final, apologetic look to her father, Midnight trotted away from the table with her mother following behind.

“See? It’s not so bad,” Starbright told her, lifting a platter of cheeses onto her back before grabbing two bottles of dressing with her wings. “They’re not focused on you or Nigel, so try and relax.”

“They’re so boring though,” Midnight complained, using her wings to carry a glass salad bowl. “I mean, what am I supposed to talk about?”

“What about Bass’ dayclub?” Starbright offered. “Or if Beats’ is helping in his family business. Sometimes you must make sacrifices dear, even if your sisters’ coltfriends are slimy punks.”

‘Wait, what?' Midnight mentally questioned, her mother walking out of the kitchen with her trays of food.

“Now everyone, we should almost be ready to eat. I hope you boys like simple entrees, I still have some work to do on the main.”
Dismissing her thoughts about her mother’s behaviour, Midnight followed Starbright out. Placing her salad bowl on the table, Midnight huffed before returning to her seat. Starbright, in the middle of dishing out some steamed vegetables, smiled at Midnight.
“I also hope you all have a healthy appetite like Midnight does, I don’t want any leftovers.”

‘Why do I bother?’ Midnight asked herself, sighing before grabbing a plate. Everyone began to choose items to eat, ranging from cheese to fruit to vegetables. Choosing to stick with just slices of fruit and some cheese, Midnight munched and looked around the table.

Glitter and Melody would occasionally glance towards her and then back, while Beats and Bass seemed dedicated to avoid the attentions of Darklight. Speaking of Darklight, the Chief was currently draining his glass yet again.

“So,” he began, prompted by a warning look from Starbright. “Any news?”

“Not much dad,” Melody answered, taking a bite out of a melon slice. “I already told you about my job.”

Darklight grimaced but held his tongue, his gaze turning on his middle daughter. “Glitter?”

“Well, I’m currently helping Beats’ around the house,” she explained, sharing a conspiratory look with her coltfriend. “But I was looking around for work.”

Midnight rolled her eyes, everyone knew that Glitter and Beats were just leeching off of Beats’ father. Still, Darklight nodded while Starbright took over.

“What about you boys?” she inquired, chewing on an apple slice. “Still going okay?”

“Fine, fine,” Beats replied. “I am looking at starting to apprentice under my father, actually.”

“Oh,” Starbright nodded. “Any new and upcoming artists?”

“Not at the moment,” the blue-vested stallion answered. “Most of the new talent is coming out of Equestria and-“

“Well, I was looking at starting a career in singing,” Glimmer interrupted, placing a hoof on her chest. “I think I’ve always had a talent for it, and Beats promised me that he’d record me when he starts working for his father.”

Midnight tried to hold back a chuckle, losing her composure for a brief second. The thought of her sister being a professional singer was just absurd; in fact Glitter probably had the least amount of musical talent in the family. Luckily she recovered in time, however Starbright looked at her curiously.

“Well, I think it’s time for some drinks,” Bass offered, much to the surprise of all. He produced a wine bottle from his bag on the floor, the grin that Melody was giving convinced Midnight that she, not Bass, was behind the idea.

“That would be lovely,” Starbright agreed, all of them pausing their eating to prepare their glasses. Midnight chose to pour some water instead, an option that prompted action from Bass.

“It’s very good wine,” he stated while holding out the bottle with his wing. “Come on, join in on the fun.”

Midnight, not convinced that Bass knew what good wine was, was about to politely decline but her father beat her to it.

“Don’t you know that pregnant mares shouldn’t drink,” Darklight muttered, before his eyes widened when he realised his mistake. The table went silent, Midnight looking down at the floor and fidgeting with her hooves.

“Pregnant?” Melody repeated, her face twisted into one of befuddlement. “With a changeling’s-“

“No!” Midnight quickly defended. “It’s not his, can we just leave it?”

“Then who’s is it?” Bass inquired, his three friends sharing his curiosity. Midnight didn’t see curiosity, however; she saw looks of judgment and disapproval. The silence continued, and she didn’t know what to say. Without another word she left her seat and hurried out of the room, moving through the living room and galloping out of the front door. With tears welling in her eyes, she ran around to the side of the house and sat down against it, wrapping her wings around her and sobbing.

Sitting in the dirt, she cursed her luck. Now her sisters knew, and then they’d go and tell their friends. Soon, everyone would know, and she’d never hear the end of it. She felt ashamed, even though she thought that she’d gotten over it she still felt terrible whenever it was brought up again. No doubt everyone was talking about it right now, her sisters likely saying about what a terrible pony she was. For minutes she sat and wept, wishing that she’d never joined the Guard in the first place.

She didn’t even unwrap her wings when the front door opened and hoofsteps approached her. The sounds came around the side of the house and stopped, Midnight slowing her sobs but not acknowledging the pony. It was probably her mother or father about to console her, but at the moment she doubted that even that could help her.

“Midnight?”

She stopped crying out of confusion, Melody’s voice saying her name.

“Mom and Dad told us what had happened,” Glitter added, Midnight wiping her eyes with her wings before looking up. Her sisters were standing together, looking at her with pity instead of the expected mockery. “We were wondering why you were back home, but we didn’t think it would be as bad as…”

“I know,” she sniffled in reply. Midnight tried to get her emotions under control but still found the tears flowing freely. “Still, there’s nothing anyone can do now, so let’s just not talk about it. I’m fine now, you can go back inside and I’ll be in shortly.”

“Midnight, you’re not alright,” Melody sighed, moving to sit beside her. Midnight flinched when a wing was placed across her back. “If you start to cry when it’s brought up, then there is a problem.”

“I just didn’t want you two to know.”

“Why?”

Midnight looked at Melody, Glitter sitting down next to her. “You’d make fun of me.”

“Really?” Glitter questioned, shaking her head. “You think we’d tease you because of… that?”

“You tease me about everything else,” Midnight muttered. “You always have.”

“But not this,” Melody confirmed, shifting on her spot. “Midnight, we’re your older sisters, if you want to talk about it then we’ll listen. I’d want to talk to you if the same thing happened to me.”

“Really?” Midnight questioned, Melody acting surprisingly mature.

“Of course, you’re my sister. Talking about it helps and right now we want to help you. So come on, get it all off your chest.”

“To be honest,” Midnight admitted. “I’ve already gotten over most of it. I’m home, I’ve got a nice stallion who is happy to help me look after the baby and Equinox has gotten what he deserved. I guess that the only thing l was worried about was everyone finding out about it. So when Dad mentioned it…”

“Yeah,” Glitter agreed. “He’s always been like that when drinking. Come on, let’s go back inside.”

Midnight glanced between her two sisters, before smiling thankfully and getting to her hooves.

“Thanks,” she acknowledged with a smile. “It’s really helped.”

“No problem,” Melody grinned, before heading back towards the door. “I heard that Mom’s making her casserole for mains, we better get some before the guys eat it all.”

Her sisters’ priorities washed away the last dregs of sadness, Midnight grinning before following them back into the house.

Nigel trotted along the cobbled road, the dark street lit by lamps. He’d just finished a quiet shift at work, no major mishaps plaguing his night. Straight after he had made his way to Midnight’s parent’s house, hoping that he wasn’t going to rock up too late. He also hoped that Starbright would go easy on Midnight, regarding the interruption that had happened earlier that night.

A few nocturnes passed him on the street, their gazes lingering but none said anything aside from polite greetings. He wished them well back, guessing that news of his… incident at the furniture store had probably spread. Still, there was no going back and they’d hopefully soon forget about it all.

Looking up, he spotted three guards fly overhead, armoured in silver. He briefly wondered how Princess Luna’s campaign was going, before he returned his attention to the road.

His hooves left the cobbled stone when he walked through the gate to the house, the door keen in his sights. Brushing the dirt off his hooves on the welcome mat, he lifted one and knocked on the door three times.

He waited, hoofsteps approaching from inside the house, before the door opened and he was greeted by a smiling Starbright. “Nigel, welcome,” she greeted, stepping aside to allow him entry. “We’re just in the middle of dessert, would you like some?”

“No thanks,” he acknowledged, returning her smile while entering the house. He heard the sound of conversation from the dining room, his brows momentarily furrowing. “We’re not the only guests?”

“We invited our other daughters and their coltfriends again,” Starbright informed, a warning look being sent his way. “No fighting.”

“I won’t,” he promised, grimacing at the thought of once again sharing a table with the four brats.

“Good,” she replied, leading him further into the house. “Midnight’s been getting along fine with them.” Starbright paused, gesturing for him to follow her into a side room. He walked in after her, the room some kind of study judging from the bookshelves and writing desk.

“Something wrong?”

“Well, my husband has had a bit too much to drink, and Darklight let slip that Midnight was pregnant.”

“Oh,” he replied, wincing at the thought of how that would have played out.

“It wasn’t as bad as you probably think,” Starbright continued. “Melody, Glitter, Bass, and Beats were very understanding, Midnight was just upset for a while. I’d like it if you didn’t mention it, if that’s okay.”

“She’s fine?”

“She is,” Starbright confirmed with a nod. Nigel thought about it for a few moments before letting it go. After all, if Midnight was fine then he agreed that there was no need to bring the issue up.

“Okay, I won’t say a thing.”

Starbright seemed satisfied with his compliance, and opened the study door again. Leading him out, they resumed their journey towards the dining room.

Upon emerging into the room, Nigel grinned when he saw Midnight. She was sitting down next to a woozy Darklight, her cheeks bulging while she chewed on a fat slice of brown cake. The others around the table were eating with far more etiquette, forks grasped in their wingtips. Nigel raised an eye at her behaviour, the other diners staring at her in amazement.

“Midnight!” Starbright chided, Midnight’s eyes widening when she turned to look at her mother mid-chew. “That is no way to eat, what do you think your colt-friend thinks?” Starbright advanced on Midnight, fixing her with a stare while Midnight sheepishly placed her slice down and used her wing to pick up a spotless fork.

Secretly, he found her gluttonous eating habits amusing, and a little cute. He’d never tell Starbright that though, instead he merely smiled and moved to sit down in the free seat next to Midnight.

Nodding greetings to the other four guests, Bass in particular avoiding his gaze, Nigel slid into his seat and looked beside him at Midnight. She was finishing her mouthful, a faint blush on her cheeks. Leaning over, he gave her a quick peck on the cheek. Unfortunately, he got a bit of chocolate in the process and so he tried to repress the urge to scrunch up his mouth. It tasted like straight brine, confirming that it was sugar that he was unable to eat.

“You okay?” Midnight mumbled out through crumbs, Nigel nodding while she stretched out her free wing to rub his back.

“Yeah, it’s just the chocolate.” Midnight picked up on the issue, nodding before returning to her cake. He chuckled despite the circumstances; evidently dessert was more important to her. Leaning back in his seat, he found a wine glass set down for him. Glancing at Starbright, he saw that she was sitting back in her chair.

“It’s very nice wine,” she told him. “Bass brought it along.”

At the mention of the DJ, Nigel looked across the table. Bass was still trying to avoid eye-contact, the stallion sipping his own wine. He had at least had the decency to remove his hat at the dinner table this time, and he hadn’t really done anything antagonistic.

“It’s good wine,” Nigel tried to complement, taking a sip of the woody flavour.

“Thanks,” Bass muttered, no one else saying anything.

“I hear that the battles against the Grimskulls are going well,” he tried again, a sharp intake of breath drawing his attention to Midnight. She was wincing and shaking her head, Nigel looking back at the others and noticing the uncomfortable looks.

“Ah,” he mumbled. “They know about that.”

“Don’t be ashamed, son,” Darklight slurred, leaning across the table. “You did what you had to do.”

‘Wait, did Darklight just call me…?’

“That’s right,” Starbright joined in after shooting Darklight a warning look. “Sometimes things just get out of our control. Besides, you helped Midnight and all of those other ponies.”

“I guess,” he replied, shaking his head and dismissing the thoughts of Darklight’s blunder.

The wing on his back curled around his side and pulled him closer to Midnight, their chairs bumping together. She gave him a reassuring peck on the cheek before looking back towards Melody, Nigel feeling a hoof drape itself over his shoulders.

“You were talking about something before?”

At her question, Melody broke her gaze from the two before continuing.

“Oh, yes. Well, I was thinking about visiting Equestria sometime next month, and I was wondering whether you knew of any interesting things to do there?”

“I don’t know much,” Midnight replied with a smile. “Although I heard that visiting the Canterlot Gardens was a pretty normal thing to do.”

Nigel drifted out into his own thoughts while the conversation continued. He may still be on shaky ground with Midnight’s sisters, but at least she seemed to be getting along now. It was probably best to just stay out of it, and let the conversation remain civil.

Midnight hummed while she put the kettle on, the night having gone better than expected. Nigel was currently taking a bath, the changeling having been distant during the evening. She had put it down to his failed attempts to interact with everyone at the dinner, and hopefully once he had finished his bath he’d be more relaxed.

She smiled when she remembered making up with her sisters, everyone leaving her parent’s house with grins and farewells instead of bruises like last time. Well, except for Darklight, who had drunk one glass too many and had fallen asleep at the table.

Starbright had taken the time to draw on his face with chocolate frosting, a fairly decent signal of the evening coming to an end.
Waiting for the kettle to boil so she could make a cup of tea, Midnight grew bored. A mischievous grin grew on her face, an idea popping into her head. Getting to her hooves, she trotted out of the kitchen and headed to the bathroom.

Stopping outside of the door, she opened it slightly while the sound of running water increased in volume. Peeking in through the crack, she saw that Nigel was having a shower instead of the bath, the changeling facing away from her.

Suppressing a giggle, she watched while he moved under the water, her eyes roaming over his body. Secretly, she was a little disappointed that he planned to change back to his original body once he was able to. There was something about the smooth, warm, chitin that she enjoyed, and she wondered how things would change if he did go back. He had already said that he felt like his mind had altered, would he still be attracted to her afterwards?

Midnight was so caught up in her thoughts that she didn’t notice him exit the shower, or see him look right at her. As such, when he opened the door fully and pounced on her, she was taken completely by surprise.

“Ah!” She fell back onto the soft carpet, the being on top of her pinning her down and giving her a mock glare.

“Now, what’s this you’re doing?” he teased. “Spying on people in the shower are we?”

“I was just…” she tried to defend, but was unable to think of anything to say. Instead she shifted underneath him, her face heating up.
“Not going to confess?” he smirked, a forehoof going down to rub her flank. “I guess that I have to interrogate you.”

She gasped when he went for her ear, nibbling on the end ever so slightly. He seemed to like it, however he soon moved on to what she had found was one of his favourite targets.

Her wings had begun to flutter thanks to the feelings shooting through her body, and he used his free hoof to lift her neck slightly off the ground. She gasped when he kissed the base of her left wing, a tongue drawing a line up the membrane. Midnight shuddered while he paid attention to it, moving one of her forehooves to her mouth to help hold in a moan. She bit down upon her hoof and waited for him, Nigel steadily making his way back down her wing. Closing her eyes, she was content to just relax and enjoy him do all of the work.

The whistling of the kettle interrupted their fun, Midnight sighing before pushing him off.

“Hang on,” she told him, leaving him on the carpet while she got to her hooves. “I’ll just get this then I’ll be back.”

Shakily walking towards the kitchen, she mulled over just how good his affections felt. To be honest, it was simple stuff, but the way they drew it out just made it seem so much more. It certainly said something about their relationship that they each knew every sensitive spot of the other. She once again cursed her pregnancy, in her eyes stopping her and him from fully enjoying each other.
Turning off the oven dial, she quickly hurried back to the bathroom to find him lying on the carpet like before.

“I’m back,” she announced, flopping down onto the floor and rolling onto her back. “Now, I believe I was being interrogated?”

“Oh, right,” he replied, before climbing back atop her. Once again his hooves went for her flanks, and he leaned in to kiss her. Wrapping her wings and forelegs around him, she eagerly returned the kiss and lost herself to the bliss.

Meanwhile, the kettle grew cold, no one bothering to make a cup of tea.

“Okay, okay! We’ll work for you!”

Equinox sneered while he kept the knife pressed up against the panicking stallion’s throat. Dealing with these lowlife scum was always a chore, but he had no choice. Three months had passed since he’d be sent to the hospital by the Bug and its traitorous whorse, and while his body had healed his influence had all but decayed.

As of such, he so far only had a gang of twelve hired thugs to do his dirty work, however that was all soon to change.

Pressing the knife held in his wing forwards, he enticed a small stream of blood from the gangleader’s throat.

“Yes, you will work for me,” he confirmed, loving the fear in the gangleader’s eyes. “If you fail, or betray me, then I’ll hunt you down and end you. Understood?”

“I understand!”

Sneering, Equinox removed the knife and stepped back, the former gangleader rubbing his bleeding throat with a wing. Looking around the worn-down warehouse, Equinox flicked a wingtip into the air.

“Let them go, they work for us now.”

At his command, the ten stallions to the left of the warehouse lowered their assorted weapons, the eight nocturnes lying on the floor breathing audible sighs of relief. They disappointed him, having given up at the first sign of a knife, but they were all he had to work with. Glancing across towards the newest addition to the ranks, Equinox gestured towards the gangleader.

“Name?”

“Shadow Dancer.”

Equinox nearly lost his composure at the name, and he forced himself to hold back his laughter. Were some nocturnes really that unimaginative? He almost wished that the injured stallion had been named ‘Cut Throat’ instead, that would have made his day. Still, now was not the time for humour, he had work to do.

“Rival gangs,” he questioned with a tone honed from years in the guard. “How many, and where?”

“There’s the Vamps in the East side, about twelve of them,” Shadow explained with a nervous shiver, holding a wing to his cut, the blood flow almost having stopped. “Then there’s the Belfries in the Northern slums, they have at least thirty members.” Equinox smiled to himself, it seemed that during his absence in Canterlot the criminal gangs had grown in number. It would prove to be most useful. “Why do you ask?” Shadow inquired, before shrinking under the gaze that Equinox sent him.

“It’s none of your concern as to what a Firstborn like me wants with a Commoner like you,” he insulted, before baring his fangs in a grin and starting to trot towards the door. “However, I’ll let you in on a small amount of information, since you gave up so easily.”
The beaten stallion winced at the reminder, Equinox gesturing for them all to follow him.

“Let’s just say that I think the city could use with a change of ownership, and to do that we require a fair amount of lowlife scum.”

Nigel waited at the shop counter, the young cashier ringing up his purchases. He watched while a box of chocolate cupcakes went into the brown paper bag, the young mare glancing up with a smile and wide blue eyes.

“Midnight sent you out again?”

“Yep,” he answered her, raising an eyebrow. “When else do I come here by myself at six-twenty-three, to buy chocolate and tinned fruit?”

Dusky giggled at his answer, the mare brushing back her neon blue mane with a hoof. His reasons for the late trips for all sorts of sweet treats were well known to the small store’s staff. A tin of peaches was followed by a jar of pickled onions, Dusky stopping to stare at the unusual pick.

“Changed again?”

“You bet,” he sighed. “I was instructed to fetch only the finest pickled onions, to supplement the glorious diet of chocolate and sugar. I had to comply; my life might have been threatened.”

Another giggle interrupted his cashier, before Dusky grinned at him wickedly. “You mean your sex-life was threatened.”
He snorted with amusement; she was his favourite cashier thanks to her rather blunt jabs. Nigel knew that she was only fishing for some sort of gossip, but he still played along.

“Surprisingly, no,” he replied, earning a nod to continue from Dusky. “I don’t know if it’s the hormones or just the sugar I’ve been feeding her, but four months in and she’s still as playful as the day I met her.”

It was a straight out lie, Midnight had taken weeks to get that comfortable around him, and she was still recovering to the very day. She had asked him to keep the information of their meeting to himself, but despite their repeated stories of meeting romantically by a lake the rumour of their real circumstances of meeting had circulated. It was shy of most of the details, but the fact that Equestria was still looking for a changeling with blue pony eyes didn’t help their shaky cover-up.

“Well, if you keep on treating her to this then I don’t see that changing.” Dusky held up a tin of top-shelf chocolate frosting, winking at him with a grin. “I seem to recall that she was in here a few days ago, buying some equally expensive cheese.”

“We both may partake in the subtle art of bribery,” he countered, smiling at the memories that such gifts tended to create.

“You both must be so excited, four months in. Only another seven to go and you’ll have a foal running around.”

Dusky’s smile faltered slightly when she said this. While the exact details of Nigel’s and Midnight’s relationship was unknown to most whom they interacted with, the one sure thing that everyone knew was that the foal wasn’t his. It was still a touchy subject and some had guessed, correctly, that Midnight’s closeness to Nigel was out of more than love.

“Oh, I am looking forward to it,” he replied, without a hint that he was upset about not being the real father. “I hope it’s a girl, but Midnight is very keen on having a son. I guess that either works for me.” He chuckled, shaking his head. “Her mother is also very vocal about wanting a grandson, so if Life knows what’s good for it, then it’ll give her a boy.”

Another giggle from Dusky prompted a middle-aged stallion to stick his head out from a door frame at the back of the store. “Dusky, you better not be slacking off and chatting to the customers again,” the manager and owner, Echo, warned before he spotted Nigel at the counter. His frown turned into a grin, the stallion nodding his head. “And you, Cheese-legs, stop distracting my staff and getting them into trouble.”

“Make me,” Nigel retorted with a smirk. “The customer is always right, after all.”

“Oh really?” Echo shot back. “Well, that means that when I have a drink after work tomorrow, I’ll have to come and harass you constantly at the bar.”

“So a standard Friday then?”

Echo let out a final chuckle before shaking his head and returning to his office, Dusky almost shaking with laughter.

“For- forty-three luminaries,” she managed out between giggles, Nigel whistling at the price before opening up the coin purse around his neck. Despite suggestions from Midnight he still hadn’t bothered to learn how to use his horn and wings. Instead he merely used his mouth and hooves to deposit the coins on the wooden bench. Dusky scooped up the coins and counted them, returning two that he had overpaid before passing him the bulging bag.

“I don’t think I’ll be able to carry this all, I’ll break something,” he joked, manovering to take the bag onto his back.

“You’re a strong stallion,” Dusky reassured, before grinning again. “So, just exactly how much time and what will this buy you from Midnight?” She kept her voice to a whisper while she leaned over. “Midnight told me what a wheel of cheddar bought her.”
He rolled her eyes at that statement. Midnight had made some friends, but she had a terrible habit of telling them about their romantic exploits.

Most of them still couldn’t believe that they had impersonated nobility and made-out on the third floor of the ‘Le Hanger de Cheval’.
Regardless of that, he still thought that Dusky was likely the worst pony to trust with intimate information. She wasn’t a mean mare, but she had a habit of… using the information to bait him. It was bait that he couldn’t resist, and that only made it worse.

“I’d buy her four jars of frosting, and I still won’t come close to what a wheel of cheese bought her,” he decided to go along with it. With the bag securely on his back, he turned towards the shop exit. “See you later, Dusky, or later today depending on how bad the cravings get.”

“I’ll make sure to put a big tub of fudge sauce aside just in case,” she farewelled, Nigel leaving the store with a grin on his face.

Stepping out into the quiet street, the night almost over, he turned left and headed for home.

While passing the time on the walk home, he wondered just what delights a full tub of expensive frosting could earn him.

“Oh Master, I have returned with your required sustenance!”

Midnight shook her head with a grin, leaving the couch and her book to hurry towards the kitchen. The last few months had passed without much incident, something that she saw as a blessing. Nigel still hadn’t gained any more information about his possible departure; the displaced human having joked that after his party stuff-up his bosses probably didn’t want him back. That had worried her, Midnight having learnt that he tended to hide his real thoughts behind humour.

Trotting into the kitchen, all concerns over his wellbeing were forgotten when she set eyes on him. In his hooves was a box of cupcakes, Midnight licking her lips at the sight of the treats. It was the jar of pickled onions that followed the cupcakes that really got her stomach rumbling, Nigel placing the jar onto the bench.

Lately her cravings had started to change, probably for the better. While chocolate and fruit still played a large part, she was starting to desire stranger choices. Moving over to the bench, she smiled and trotted beside him to reward him with a nuzzle.

“The sustenance you have provided is most satisfactory so far,” she played along. He rolled her eyes and continued to remove tins from the paper bag, assorted fruits and vegetables contained within the cans. With her eyes on the pickled onions, she reached out a wing to snare it while he was distracted.

“No,” he lectured, pushing the jar further towards the centre of the bench. “You won’t eat your dinner if you pig out now.”

That was false, and he knew it. She always ate her dinner, despite any snacks before. “Just one,” she begged. “I can’t help it, I need to eat one now or I’ll go mad.”

“You’re already mad,” he teased, before pushing the jar even further away. The paper bag was empty, the bench covered with cans and packets. It was now out of her reach, Midnight scrunching up her face at him. “No, I’ll make you dinner after putting these away, and you can have an onion after.”

She huffed and turned away, Nigel snorting before grabbing three tins in his hooves. He trotted on three legs towards the pantry at the other end of the room, Midnight seizing her chance while his back was turned. Grinning mischievously, she flapped her wings and took flight.

It took some effort, moving in general having gotten harder over the months. Her belly had grown a little bigger, but it still hadn’t swelled to a massive size yet. Normally she would have blamed the chocolate, but surprisingly her flanks had remained the same size so her metabolism must have been working in overdrive.

Descending, she sat on the bench and pulled the jar of pickled onions towards her. Using a wing to undo the latch at the top, she opened it and breathed deep. Her nostrils took in the wonderful scent of vinegar, before she reached in with a wingtip and fished a single treat out. Driven on by her body urging her to devour the helpless onion, Midnight popped it into her mouth and chewed.

Her smile of bliss was interrupted by someone clearing their throat, and looking down she saw Nigel staring up at her with an eye raised. Glancing down at herself, she saw that she was sitting on the bench with the open jar between her legs, and she’d been caught red-hoofed. Swallowing the single onion she’d managed to snare before getting caught, she smiled awkwardly while closing the lid of the jar and latching it.

“I was… just testing to see that they weren’t off?” she tried hopefully, Nigel sighing and shaking his head.

“You’ll never learn, will you?”

Guiltily flapping her wings and leaving the bench, she landed beside him and scuffed a hoof on the floor. “I can’t help it,” she tried, laying a wing over his back. “I just feel the need to eat pickled onions; it’s not something I can control.”

“Of course,” he deadpanned. “It was the pregnancy that compelled you to fly up onto the bench, sit down on it, open the jar and eat a pickled onion like your life depended on it.” He snorted, although there was still a faint smile on his face. “You have no control over your compulsions, I thought I was bad but you just take the cake.”

“Wrong,” she replied, bumping her right flank against his. “I’m obviously taking the onion.”

Silence reigned for a few moments, before he sighed and shook his head. “You’ve been spending far too much time around me,” he murmured, a grin on his face. “Back on the onion issue, I think that you should be punished with having to help me make dinner.”

“I was intending to anyway,” she responded, returning her wings to her sides. She looked on the counter, cans of tomatoes accompanied with packets of pasta.

Her stomach rumbled again, already thinking about the future food. While Nigel moved to assemble the needed pots and pans, she took advantage of her more dexterous wings to begin to open the packets. The last one was difficult to open, so she opened the draw built into the bench and retrieved a sharp knife.

With a single slice, the packet was open, Midnight pausing to sniff the pasta it contained before setting the knife down and trotting over to help Nigel start to cook.

Equinox put the knife down on the desk, drops of red staining the brown wood.

He stared at the body slumped over it, the stallion having never seen it coming. Behind him, cloak wearing thugs went to work on stripping the large office of valuables, as well as the many files that occupied the cabinets. The coppery scent of blood filled the air, Equinox sniffing the air before getting to work.

“Sorry Pops,” he apologised, pushing the corpse of his father off the large chair. With a thump, the former councilmember hit the floor and remained still. Equinox bent down and opened his father’s vest with his wings, ignoring the blood while he searched for the key that he knew was there. A jingle announced his success, and a wing returned with a thin gold necklace holding a single key.

With a tug and a snap the key came off, Equinox holding it aloft with a grin. This was it, the final piece for his plan.

Making sure that the key was securely in his cloak’s pocket, he turned around to his assorted thugs.

“Cease your looting,” he ordered, picking up his knife from the desk with a wing. Taking a moment to clean it upon the wooden surface, he continued. “We have what we came for; a swift exit is in our best interests.”

Despite their interrupted looting, the eight thugs made their way to the open office window without complaint, all of them carrying sacks or assorted valuables. Equinox smirked, evidently they were more concerned with avoiding the same fate as Eclipse. While on that topic…

“Hoots,” he ordered, a single thug pausing. The others glanced back, but soon resumed their escape out of the window into the dark outside. “I need you to help me with the body.”

The stallion named Hoots winced, but he obeyed. The nervous criminal eyed the knife that his boss was holding with apprehension; he had seen Equinox use it on his former gang leader.

“What do you need? We can’t just leave him here?”

“No, you simpleton,” Equinox growled. “It’s all part of the plan, trust me.” Glancing to the window, he could see that every other member of the crime had already left.

Good.

“Lift him up,” he ordered, Hoots drawing back. Another glare soon helped him change that opinion, the stallion placing his sack of valuables on the ground before hesitantly approaching the dead Eclipse. Equinox watched, waiting until the stallion had been suitably covered in the dead pony’s blood. With a cold smile, Equinox headed towards the other side of his dead father.

“He’s heavy,” Hoots complained, Equinox raising a wing behind the oblivious criminal.

“A life of luxury will do that to a stallion,” was all he said, before he plunged the knife into Hoots’ back.

The young thug shuddered, his mouth opening in a silent scream. Emotionlessly, Equinox removed the knife only to plunge it back in again, this time aiming for the neck. Hoots sank to his knees with a gurgle, before Equinox twisted the knife.

The body of Eclipse fell down onto the now very-dead Hoots, both dead stallions’ dead eyes filled with betrayal.

Taking a moment to place Eclipse’s wing around the handle of the knife still buried in Hoots’ neck, Equinox nodded to himself.

Leaving the sack of valuables on the floor, he made his way to the window. Jumping out, he took flight and soared through the darkened sky towards the warehouse district. Flying low to evade the guard patrols, he skimmed along the tops of silent warehouses before arriving at a brand new one. Landing on all hooves, he knocked three times on the door, waited ten seconds, and then knocked three times again.

The door opened and a grey face looked out, before the barrier was opened fully. Equinox emerged into the sounds of celebration, ponies flocking around sacks filled with expensive wines and numerous valuables. Looking over his sixty thugs with a satisfied grin, the clopping of hooves behind him drew his attention.

“Boss?” the stallion that had answered the door asked. “Where’s Hoots?”

“It’s such a shame,” Equinox muttered, shaking his head. “I heard that he died in a robbery, and get this, apparently my wonderful father has also been killed in a failed break-in at his council office. I can only take condolence in the fact that he managed to kill his attacker before dying himself.”

The thug that had asked gulped, Equinox looking into his eyes and placing a hoof on his shoulder.

“I’m sorry, I know that this news is sudden and shocking. But, it is an unpredictable turn of events and something that I just couldn’t stop.” Equinox smiled, but only slightly. “To make matters worse, I’m his only son and despite my disowning I am still entitled to his land, his house…”

The key was withdrawn from his pocket, Equinox grinning at it while it dangled from his wing.

“And above all, his precious safe in the family study. Luckily, I managed to find a spare key.”

Smacking her lips, Midnight finished licking her second bowl clean of pasta sauce. The fact that she had helped make it just made it taste so much better. She’d never been much of a cook, but over the last two months with Nigel she really had been improving.

Thinking of him, she looked across the table. He had only eaten one bowl, stating that there was really no need for him to have more. Nigel claimed that he ate with her in order to make her feel more comfortable, but in truth she suspected that he missed eating solid food. His bowl was sitting to the side while he patiently waited for her to finish. Holding out her finished bowl with a giggle, she displayed the spotless surface.

“All done!” she announced. “That was wonderful.”

“We do seem to at least be able to cook pasta right,” he chuckled, leaving his seat and trotting over to fetch her bowl. It joined his own on his back, and he waggled a hoof at her before turning for the kitchen door. “Now don’t go away, I’ve got a special treat for you that I picked up at the store.”

Watching while he left the room with the dishes, Midnight could barely contain her excitement. What could possibly be better than pickled onions? He seemed to think that it would mean a lot to her, so it must be good. It was a fight to remain in her seat and not follow after him, but she managed to remain in place.

She was rewarded for her waiting when the sound of hoofsteps approached, Nigel slowly walking out from the kitchen with a cloth-covered bundle held in his hooves. He was only using his hind legs, going slowly but he was still able to walk without any aid. It still amazed her when she saw it, she had been secretly trying to do it herself and had only managed by using her wings to keep her balance.

“Now Midnight,” he started, placing the bundle down in front of her. “I don’t want you to go and eat too much of this at once, remember the last time you ate the entire box of those cupcakes?”

She winced at the memory, she’d spent almost the entire night hunched over the toilet bowl while he patted her on the back and lectured her at the same time. Still, it didn’t stop her from removing the blue tablecloth covering the surprise.

The bright label marking the tin as containing high-quality chocolate frosting brought a giggle from her. An entire can of expensive frosting, as a gift?

“Oh Nigel,” she cooed, gesturing with her wings. He embraced her like she had wanted, and from her position on her chair she rubbed her head against his. “This is possibly the sweetest gift you could have gotten me.”

Both shared a second of silence, before they burst out laughing. It was warm and genuine, and at that moment she couldn’t feel closer to him. A brief thought that she was spending too much time around him and picking up a terrible sense of humour was cast aside, Midnight letting him go and smiling down. “I don’t want to have any now, though. I’m sorry to ask, but could you put it away for now?”

“Really?” he questioned. “I thought that you couldn’t resist sweet, chocolaty goodness?”

She found it funny that he spoke so highly of chocolate, given his inability to eat it, but she merely smiled and nodded. “Yes please,” the smile turned into to a wide grin. “Besides, I know you don’t like the taste of chocolate, and that would really put a damper on the surprise that I’ve prepared for you in the bedroom.”

He paused, his hooves around the can of frosting. “That doesn’t sound ominous at all.”

“Relax,” she reassured, getting down from her chair and rubbing his head. “I promise you that you’ll enjoy it.”

“Okay, I’ll be right in after I put this away and do the dishes,” he gave in, Midnight grinning before bounding off towards the bedroom. She neglected to turn on the light, and instead headed straight towards one of the dresser draws. Seeing perfectly thanks to her eyes, she rummaged around in the bottom one before withdrawing a set of candles and a tinderbox.

Setting them up around the room, she spent a few minutes lighting them all so that they cast a steady glow over the room, in
particular the large bed. Looking herself over in the full-length mirror to make sure that she looked her best, she flew up onto the bed and lay down. Waiting patiently, she went over her plan for the evening.

Her afternoon talk with Dusky had yielded some information that could prove to be very useful to her, Dusky having heard it from a unicorn friend of hers. Midnight hadn’t questioned the validly of the info, she knew to trust Dusky when it came to matters concerning intimate situations.

Hoof steps approached the room, Midnight leaning back on the bed and spreading her wings. Angling her body so that she was facing the doorway, she grinned when Nigel entered the room and glanced around.

“This is nice,” he commented, before looking at her. “Is it because of the frosting?”

She chuckled, their little game of bribing each other with gifts for romantic situations incredibly fun. In reply shook her head, patting the covers beside her with a hoof. “No, although if I had known about it before I would have prepared much more,” her smile wavered slightly. “Do you remember what today is?”

“I don’t,” he admitted, climbing up upon the bed to rest down beside her. Reassuring him, she placed a wing over him and started to rub. “I know we had the month anniversary two days ago, and your birthday isn’t for another three months.”

Her smile strengthened, at least he could remember those dates. “That’s right,” she continued. “But today is also special.” Looking into his eyes, she felt all apprehension about the topic fade away. “It’s been four months since I met you for the first time.”

He was silent for a few seconds, before he grinned. “And this date’s worth a special night? What’s next, a celebration to celebrate an anniversary of an anniversary?”

She rewarded him with a giggle, in truth maybe she was being a little over-the-top about it. “Oh come on,” she replied, shuffling closer until she was pressed up against him. “Are you really going to turn down an excuse for a day with me?”

“Oh no,” he answered in mock terror. “Such an occurrence is a rare one indeed, I’ll have to wait to lunchtime tomorrow before I can even hope to experience you again.”

Midnight scrunched her face up and playfully hit his side with a hoof, huffing in indignation. “With those words, you don’t flatter me,” she raised her nose to the ceiling with the declaration. She couldn’t help but gasp, however, when he planted a kiss upon her neck.

“You know that your ravenous appetite extends to far more than food,” he fired back in-between kisses. Midnight felt her face heat up at both the attention he was paying her and his words. Admittedly, he was correct in the assumption that she was often the instigator of their encounters. Seeking to not let him get the upper hoof, she responded by putting her plan into action.

Eyeing his horn, the appendage moving while he continued to kiss her chest, she moved her mouth towards it and ran her tongue over its surface.

“Gaah!” he announced, Midnight feeling a shudder go through his body. She grinned and continued to lick, Dusky’s information that unicorn horns served as a pleasure point seeming to apply to changelings as well. No doubt the cashier would be after confirmation that it did indeed work with changelings, so Midnight guessed that she’d have to put a lot of effort into her investigations.

Placing her mouth over the pointed tip, she suckled on it ever so gently. Her partner stopped what he was doing to collapse onto her chest, his pants growing louder.

Midnight’s eyes lit up in delight when she saw his heavily-blushed face. She had to admit, he seemed to possess far more experience with sexual matters than she did. The fact that she had so quickly provoked such an intense reaction was amazing to her, she made a mental note to keep the information about his weakness for ‘hornjobs’, as Dusky had so elegantly called the act.

Removing her mouth from his horn, she giggled and hugged the helpless changeling to her chest to nuzzle his heated face lovingly.
“Guess I found a weakness,” she teased, using her wings to play with his ears.

“I… I don’t really mind,” he huffed out, Midnight grinning devilishly.

“Well then,” she continued, running her tongue up the horn again and delighting in the spasm that he gave. Stopping with her mouth posed over the tip again, she breathed out and sighed happily. “I suppose that we better continue, you could say that I am pretty… ‘horny’.”

“So… bad,” Nigel breathed out, before she resumed her actions with a giggle and both lost the ability to form words.

Author's Note

Another slow chapter, in some ways at least.

So, our two protags seem to be adapting well and making a few friends, although there is still some apprehension about. One wonders just how long their little slice of heaven will last.

Equinox is out of hospital and causing trouble again, although this time he's really gone off the deep end. Will his plan, so far mostly unknown, work?

Well, it just might...

Arrivals and Departures

The brightly-lit hospital room was filled with the sound of tapping, a single figure fiddling with his forehooves while he sat outside a room.

Nigel glanced up at the clock hanging on the white wall opposite him, two-thirty in the afternoon was a terrible time to be in the hospital.

Thankfully it was largely empty of other patients so it was quiet, but the silence couldn’t sooth the nervousness he was feeling at the moment.
Midnight had woken up in bed and complained that her stomach was hurting, and given that she was a few days shy of eleven months, they had considered it prudent to head to the city hospital.

That had been three hours ago, and he hadn’t received any word about her condition. The doctor and three nurses that had entered the room hadn’t left, leaving him to wait outside. He had considered just going in and seeing what was happening, but had been struck with indecision. Despite the primitive in comparison medical equipment he had seen, he trusted the nocturnes to know how to treat their own effectively. The problem was that he hated not being able to help out, he needed to do something.

Leaving his chair, he headed to the double doors before pausing. What would he walk into? Would he disrupt the doctors and possible cause something to go wrong? Maybe they were preforming surgery, and his entrance could cause the surgeon to make a mistake? He began to pace, tossing up whether to go in or not.

“Are you okay there?”

He turned, a young mare in a white nurse outfit tilting her head at him. She didn’t seem that surprised at what he was, likely because after ten months in town he’d been in and out of the hospital a few times with Midnight.

“I’m fine,” he reassured, gesturing towards the doors. “I’m just waiting for someone, that’s all.”

The nurse seemed to think of something, her ears pricking up with interest.

“Oh, you mean the pregnant mare, Miss Midnight?” She turned to the side, so he could see the towels draped over her back. “I was actually going in there to deliver these, is there something wrong?”

“Not that I know,” he answered with a shake of his head. “I haven’t heard anything since she went in.”

The nurse rushed up to him. “Oh, you must be worried sick! I’m sorry sir, you know how doctors can be. They get so wrapped up in the task at hoof that they forget about keeping patients informed.” She placed a forehoof on the door, giving him a reassuring smile. “If you wait here, I’ll find out what’s going on and I’ll be right back to let you know.”

“Thanks,” he acknowledge, sitting back down while the nice nurse disappeared into the room. He resumed his hoof tapping, waiting for another ten minutes that seemed like hours. Finally, the doors cracked open and the nurse stuck her head through with a warm smile.

“Sir, you’ll want to come in.”

He got up and she opened the door for him, Nigel trotting into the large hospital room. Medical machines constructed from a strange hybrid of metal and wood beeped and buzzed away, but his ears were focused on another sound entirely.

It was that of a child crying.

The nurse led him towards a curtained-off bed, another nurse ducking out with a basket of towels held in her wings. Rounding the corner, he saw Midnight lying in the bed with a blue bundle of cloth held tight in her wings. She looked like a mess, her mane and fur plastered with sweat and her chest heaving with exhaustion.

“Is she okay?” he asked. A stallion in a white coat trotted up to him, adjusting his spectacles with a wing before nodding.

“She’s fine, a little tired, but fine,” the doctor reassured. “You’re the,” he paused for a split second. “Stallion that brought her in?”

“I am,” Nigel confirmed. “We’re-“

“It’s fine, doctor,” the nurse from before informed, the doctor sharing a glance with her, giving him a once over with a raised eye before turning back to the bed.

“Nurses, let’s give them some privacy.” Nigel found the doctor’s focus returned to him, the stallion beginning to head towards the door with the nurses following him. “We’ll be back in half an hour to check in on you three. If you need help, press the red button on the desk.”

‘Three?’ Nigel wondered, the doctor patting him on the shoulder with a hoof as he passed.

“Congratulations, a very healthy foal indeed.”

All the medical professionals left, the door shutting behind them. He trotted up to the bed, Midnight looking tired but proud. He pulled up a simple chair and sat next to her, touching Midnight on the shoulder. “Hey,” he whispered, figuring it was what he was supposed to do. “Are you okay? I’m sorry for not coming in sooner, but they didn’t tell me that it was-“

“It’s okay, Nigel,” she told him, beaming with pride and holding out the bundle to see. “Look, isn’t she wonderful?” He looked into it and saw the face of the foal within, a small tuft of dark blue hair poking out. The newborn filly slumbered peacefully, all worn out it seemed. Chalmers passed the bundle back to Midnight, and watched while she cradled it to her chest.

“Do you have a name in mind?”

“Not yet,” she yawned. “I’ve got a few in mind but I can’t really choose right now.”

“Don’t rush, just focus on recovering.” He gave her a grin, rubbing her on the head. “You did good, Midnight, and now you’ve got a beautiful daughter.” He leant down and gave her a nuzzle, Midnight returning it. “Just what I’d expect, judging from her mother.”

“But what will we tell her about Equinox?” Midnight held the sleeping filly closer. “I mean, once she grows up she’ll start asking questions.”

“We tell her the truth, she’ll understand.” She didn’t seem as sure as he did, but when Midnight let out another yawn he gave her a kiss on the cheek. “Don’t worry about it now, get some sleep and we can talk about it tomorrow. We’ve got plenty of time to think of names and ways to talk about her father, okay?”

Nodding, Midnight gave him a smile before leaning back into the pillows. “I think her father’s already worked out that last problem already.” He was going to thank her for the sentiment, but just like the filly in her grasp, Midnight had fallen asleep with no effort at all. Shaking his head, he himself leaned back in the chair and began to nod off, wondering what the next few days would bring.

Midnight woke up, her entire body sore. Slowly stretching, she hugged the bundle in her wings closer to her.

Only, there was no bundle there.

Jolting up in the bed, she glanced around franticly. She only saw medical equipment and Nigel asleep in the chair next to her. Looking through the sheets, Midnight only briefly registered Nigel waking up beside her.

“Midnight, what’s wrong?”

“She’s gone!” Her furious searching increased. “One second she was in my wings, and the next-“

“It’s okay,” he reassured, a hoof on her shoulder giving her pause. “The doctor and nurses just need to do some standard checks, they said that it’d take a few hours and they didn’t want to wake you up. Relax.”

Her rapidly beating heart began to slow, and she relaxed back into the bed. Taking deep breaths, she waited until she had calmed herself down.

“That’s a relief,” she groaned out, still completely drained. “Did you hear anything?”

“Only that it’s looking promising,” he reassured, pulling his chair closer. “However, they did say that you’ll have to stay in hospital for a few days.”

“Oh,” she sighed, wishing that she could recover at home instead. Sitting up, Midnight held her forelegs out. He complied, leaning over to give her a hug. “Don’t get me wrong, I’m happy, it’s just that I’m so worried that something will go wrong.”

“It’s a normal thing,” Nigel said, before tilting his head. “At least, that’s what I heard. Once again, don’t worry about it. This hospital and the doctors look pretty up to scratch, and they said that she’s looking like a very healthy foal.”

“I guess.”

“Good. Now I hate to do this,” he pulled away, glancing towards the clock. “But I have to work today, and I’ve already taken enough time off as it is. I promise that I’ll be back as soon as I’m finished and the doctors said that it’d be fine if I brought you something to make up for it so-“

“Nigel,” she laughed lightly. “You don’t have to worry. Mom and Dad are going to be visiting tonight, so I’ll have some company then.” He didn’t seem convinced, but she patted his back with a wing to try and elicit a smile. It didn’t work, so she went down another route. “You can still feel free to bring a gift, though.”

That did the trick, and she was rewarded with a grin. He glanced at the clock again before leaving his seat, trotting over to give her a peck on the cheek. “Fine then, I’ll be back in a few hours, it’s only a short shift. Say hi to your parents for me.”

“I will, have a fun time at work.”

“Pfft.”

Midnight smiled at that, watching Nigel trot out of the room to leave her alone. His willingness to support her through this was touching, she had to admit that she hadn’t been the easiest mare to deal with. Looking to her left, she used her wings to pick up one of the books sitting by the bed and began to read.

Hours must have passed; Midnight too engrossed in her book to really notice the flow of time. The two sets of hooves approaching the room went unnoticed, and it wasn’t until two forms rushed her that Midnight clued in to the peril.

“Midnight!”

She found herself hugged by a pair of wings, her book forgotten as Starbright practically smothered her.

“Mom,” Midnight advised, thankfully causing Starbright to back off. Now that her vision was free of grey chest hair, she could see both Starbright and Darklight smiling at her with pride clearly evident. Tapping her hooves together, she was once again approached by Starbright.

“The hospital told us that you had been admitted,” Starbright explained, this time hugging much more gently. “Then we found out that we have a grandchild. We’re so proud of you Midnight, I’m sorry that we missed it all.”

“It’s fine, Mom.”

“Where is the little foal?” Darklight inquired, trotting up to give her his own hug. “And where is Nigel? I would have expected him to be here as well.”

“The doctors are running some standard checks,” she explained. “Nigel had to go to work, but he’ll be back later tonight.”

“Well, we brought you some gifts!” Starbright announced happily while nodding towards Darklight. The stallion ducked out of the room and returned a second later with two boxes in his wings, both in bright blue wrapping paper. Midnight’s eyes lit up at the presents, and she greedily grabbed the closest one from him with her wings. Working quickly to open it, she tore off the wrapping to reveal…

A gigantic box of cloth nappies, one hundred of them.

“Wow,” she said, the reality of what the next three weeks would bring settling in. “Thanks?”

“Trust me, you’ll be needing them,” Starbright told her with a motherly nod. “I remember when you were just a month-old foal, it was like a never-ending flow of-“

“Mom, that’s fine, I get the point,” Midnight quickly halted, waving her hooves in front of her. “Lots of nappies, I’ve got it.” She turned to the second box, Darklight stepping closer.

“This one’s from me.”

Midnight immediately opened it, revealing a simple cardboard box underneath. Opening it and looking in, she smiled at what it contained. Reaching in her hooves, she withdrew the stuffed nocturne doll from the box and examined it. It had a standard grey coat and a short pink mane and tail, the quality of the toy amazing. She looked into its golden eyes, before smiling at her father. “Thank you, it’s perfect. She’ll love this.”

“She?” Starbright questioned, Midnight guessing that they hadn’t been told that detail. Placing the toy beside her on the bed, she nodded.

“That’s right, it’s a filly.” Midnight sighed happily. “She’s wonderful, I can’t even imagine how something like Equinox could lead to something so beautiful.”

“You and Nigel should be very proud,” Darklight complimented. “You’ve both entered a new stage of your lives.” He paused, his smile wavering. “Speaking of which, how is he taking it?”

Midnight smiled, thankful that the answer was a good one. “He’s a little overwhelmed I think, but he seems pretty happy about it. From what he told me, he’s never been a father before so we’re both going to have to quickly learn how to adapt.”

“Well, if you need any help then feel free to ask,” Starbright offered. “As you can guess, your father and I have just a smidgen of experience with raising fillies.”

“Third time lucky,” Darklight muttered, Starbright shooting him a look.

“All of our daughters are good in their own way.”

“Yes, Dear,” Darklight grunted. Midnight was trying to hold in laughter when a nurse carrying a bundle entered the room to gaze upon the argument.

“Excuse me,” the nurse apologised while trotting towards her. “But I have something to give to the mother.” Midnight grinned and held out her wings, the nurse passing the bundle to her while Darklight and Starbright watched on with baited breath. Midnight stared down at her child, before nuzzling the sleeping face.

“Is there…?”

“We found nothing wrong,” the nurse answered happily. “Your filly has a perfect bill of health, and we’ll be able to release you in a few days. Now, you can keep her with you for most of the time, but while you’re here we’ll take care of all the work while you get your strength back.” Turning towards Starbright and Darklight, the nurse fixed them with smiles. “The proud new grandparents, I assume?”

“We are,” Starbright answered, before shaking her head with a laugh. “My, I sound so old.”

Midnight stopped paying attention to the conversation of the other three, the being in her wings occupying her full attention. She seemed so small, wrapped up in all of the blankets, it was hard to believe that one day she’d be a full grown mare. Slowly, small golden eyes opened to stare up at her. The foal yawned, Midnight seeing that it was mostly gums but a few small teeth were starting to push through. Gently rocking her, she smiled down and silently cheered when she didn’t burst into tears.

Picking up the toy with a hoof, she held it close to the foal and wiggled it to get the filly’s attention. A single foreleg reached out from the blankets, touching the doll repeatedly.

“Aw…”

She looked up and saw that all the focus was on her and the foal, Starbright in particular trotting forwards to peer into the blankets. She was followed by Darklight, all three watching with wonder. The foal soon noticed all of the attention, and her mouth began to waver.

“Shh, it’s okay,” Midnight tried to hush. Starbright and Darklight backed away, and the filly began to calm down. Watching while her attention was turned back to the toy, Midnight looked back up towards her parents. “Thanks for checking up for me, and the gifts.”

“Of course,” Darklight smiled, sneaking another look at the foal. “Just like your mother said, if you need any help then don’t be afraid to ask.”

“I won’t,” Midnight reassured. “I’ll make sure to visit you two often.”

“That’s good to hear.” Starbright waved a hoof. “Well, we’ll let you and the filly get some rest, I’m sure you’re both very tired. Bye.”

“Bye,” Midnight echoed, waving back to her mother and father while they exited the room. Returning her attention to the filly in her wings, Midnight relaxed and waited for Nigel to return.

“Two wines, white.”

Nigel placed the two glasses on the bar, the two young mares he was serving waving their thanks before taking the drinks. They were the last customers from what he could see, the rest of the patrons at tables already nursing drinks of their own.

“Pssst.”

He looked to his left, Morrow gesturing for him to come over by the end of the bar. There weren’t any nocturnes around, so he trotted over to see what she wanted. Grabbing a glass and rubbing it with a cloth, something he had learned that bartenders did thanks to old terran movies, he leaned over. “What is it?”

“Congratulations,” Morrow whispered, a small smile on her face. “I heard that your marefriend was in the hospital maternity ward.”

“How did you find out?”

“I’m friends with a nurse, and when a nurse tells you that a mare had a foal with the one changeling in the city standing by her side the entire time…”

“The pieces fall into place,” he finished for her. Morrow nodded, glancing behind her to make sure no one needed service.

“I won’t go and make assumptions-“

“The father is a scumbag who refuses to acknowledge the child,” he explained for her. “I came into the picture after it happened, and I figure that the foal needs a good father figure.” He noticed Morrow pause for a second, before he waved it off with a hoof. “Well, an average father figure then.”

Morrow’s smile increased. “Hey, at least you’re trying to help. Is it a colt or a filly?”

“Filly,” he answered. “Midnight is still in the hospital for a few days, but hopefully we’ll all be home soon.”

“Are you taking some time off work to help Midnight?”

“No, I’ve already had far too much time off. I’d hate to screw Nightwish and Wisp over like that by only showing up one day a month.” He shook his head. “It’s not like they didn’t take a huge risk with hiring me to begin with.”

“You’re kidding,” Morrow laughed into her hoof. “Every time you’re here, Nightwish is always jumping with excitement. Plus, you’ve gotten pretty good with those hooves, making you not the worst bartender I’ve worked with.”

“Thanks Morrow,” he grinned, before a stallion trotted up to the bar. “Now, we better get back to work.”

“Only three hours to go,” she sang softly, before she turned back to the tables. He headed towards the awaiting stallion, already guessing that it was going to be one order of ale.

“That’s him?”

“Nah, how could it be when there’s only one changeling in the whole city, you moron.”

Shadow Dancer shook his head at the cluelessness of his subordinate, the thug one of Equinox’s original helpers. Just what the intimidating criminal saw in the dull stallion was a loss; Dancer would have rather gone alone, even if the task was tailing a dangerous changeling that had proved to be violent and dangerous.

He snuck another glance at the bartender, no longer talking to the serving mare but now pouring a drink for the stallion at the bar. Briefly, he mulled over their chances of overpowering the changeling after it left the bar, but he remembered that Equinox wanted the creature alive and unbroken. Why? Well, it wasn’t his place to ask, and Dancer suspected it had something to do with the rumours of a changeling removing Equinox’s testicles for a slight.

“Just stay quiet and don’t make it obvious that we’re watching,” he told the thug. He wished that he didn’t have to issue the simple advice, but he couldn’t be too careful. Without noticing, he had drained the last of his drink. Raising his hoof, barely a second passed before the serving mare was next to their table.

“Another ale?”

He nodded at her question, gesturing for her to lean in closer.

“That bartender,” he whispered to the mare. “He’s pretty strange, am I right?”

“I suppose,” the mare replied, picking up his empty cup with a wing. “But he’s actually pretty nice when you get to know him.”

“Oh,” Shadow feigned ignorance. “I must admit, he seems happy among us nocturnes.”

“Don’t tell anyone else,” the mare asked, leaning in once more. “But he’s just become a father, so that’s probably why he looks so happy today.”

Dancer raised an eyebrow, and this time it wasn’t just for the masquerade. The changeling, a father? Surely this information would be useful to Equinox, information which should be delivered straight away. Before the mare could leave, he made a show of tapping his forehoof to his head.

“Oh, I completely forgot, we have to meet that shopkeeper in half-an-hour,” he said to his visibly puzzled companion. Looking apologetically at the mare, he withdrew a shiny luminaire from a coin bag. “I’m sorry, I’ll have to cancel my order.” He slipped her the coin, the mare smiling in thanks.

“That’s fine, at least you told me and didn’t just trot out. Good luck with whatever it is.”

She headed back to the bar, Dancer leaving his seat.

“Come on, we have to tell the boss about this.”

“So, you thought this information would be useful… how?”

Equinox continued to shift through the piles of documents, sorting each one according to council worker. It was simply amazing at the amount of corruption present at the top tiers of the city, not a single leading stallion or mare free of dirt. He was so pleased with his haul of information, liberated from his dear father’s safe, that he had almost completely forgotten about the changeling that he despised.

“Well,” Shadow Dancer began, shifting from hoof to hoof. “Given that you eventually want to capture the changeling, I thought that you could use it for leverage.”

Equinox paused and used a hoof to lift his glasses, peering at Shadow Dancer with an even gaze. “You think that bringing me information about the changeling’s whorse finally birthing that bastard foal, instead of following him like I ordered you to, is going to help me somehow?”

Shadow paled. “But… I-“

“Speak, simpleton,” Equinox sighed. “I can’t stand your hesitation.”

“I thought that you could draw the changeling to you by capturing his mare and foal, instead of going for him directly. I’d be safer and easier to do it that way.”

He let Shadow stew in fear for a few moments, relishing the stallion’s apprehension. To be honest, he thought that the plan was rather good.
‘Yes, equal parts cunning and malicious.’

After all, while the changeling was his main target, he had unfinished business with Midnight as well. The foal was something that would have to be dealt with as well, he couldn’t allow a bastard to run around and tarnish his name further.

“Shadow, what did I ask you to do?”

“Uh… follow the changeling?”

“Yes,” Equinox nodded. “Follow. The. Changeling. Do you understand that simple command, Shadow? Or will I have to replace you with another?”

The stallion backpedalled in panic. “No sir, I’ll get back to it straight away!”

“Good.”

Not even noticing Shadow leave, he returned to his task with a new smile on his face. It was taking time, but with the right preparation his plan would only be met with success.

Sweet, sweet, success.

“Finally.”

Midnight sighed in relief, her hooves trotting onto a familiar wooden floor. Three days in the hospital had been a chore, nothing to do all day but read and sleep. Nigel closed the door behind them, and Midnight moved her wings to reach behind her back.

Setting the foal down beside her, Midnight watched the young nocturne flex her blue wings before slowly trotting into the living room. Leaving the foal to explore on her own for a second, she turned to the changeling next to her. “Gah, I’m going to have a nice bath. Do you mind watching her for half-an-hour?”

“Not at all,” Nigel answered, following their filly into the lounge room. Midnight grinned before continuing on down the hallway, already able to feel the nice relaxing water. Trotting into the tiled bathroom, she headed straight towards the bath and twisted the taps with her wings. Water began to flow, Midnight not bothering to shut the door behind her. The tub filled up in a matter of minutes, so she stepped into the tub and let the water relax her tired muscles.

“Just what I need,” she mumbled to herself, sighing happily. Her eyes began to close, Midnight thankful for the first moment of peace she’d had in days.

“It’s loose!”

She barely had time to register Nigel’s words before rapid hoof beats sounded on the tiles. Sitting up in the water, she looked over the edge to find the foal looking up at her curiously.

“What are you doing here?” Midnight asked, a smile on her face. “Isn’t Daddy supposed to be watching you?”

“I’m sorry.” Nigel rushed into the bathroom. “She just ran away all of a sudden.”

“It’s fine,” she brushed off, reaching out a hoof to pat the foal on the head. “Mom warned me that young foals are quite energetic.” She watched him sit down, resting his head against the wall. “We’ll just have to get used to it.”

“I prefer human children,” Nigel muttered. “From what I know, they don’t even walk until at least five months in. She’s running around like it’s nothing, is she going to start flying in three minutes?”

Midnight couldn’t help it, she had to laugh at the question. “Don’t be silly. You shouldn’t worry about it, nocturne foals don’t start to fly until at least a year in. You’ll only have to worry about galloping around the house for the time being.” A glance went to the diaper. “Well, that and changing her.”

Nigel raised a hoof to his chest. “I am a firm believer that the mother is the lynchpin of a happy family home-“

“Don’t you even think about trying to get out of it,” she lectured, keeping an eye on the filly as she trotted around to look at the sink. “I’m not going to be the only one doing all the work.”

“I was only joking,” he reassured, getting up to trot over. She tried to feign anger but failed, unable to keep the frown when he nuzzled her. “There is something, though.”

“Oh?”

“Have you thought of a name yet?”

“I don’t know,” she answered, pulling away. “I want to keep it along with the rest of the family, if you haven’t noticed we kind of have a common theme.”

“I couldn’t tell,” he deadpanned, earning a swat from her hoof.

“Quiet,” she chuckled, settling back into the bath. “Do you have any ideas?”

“…Stella, as in intersteller?” he shrugged. Midnight considered it, but shook her head.

“No, I don’t think so. What about… Moonlight?”

“Eh,” Nigel replied, making a gesture with one of his hooves. “It’s a little same-y.”

Midnight thought harder, never guessing that a name would be so difficult to come up with. She wanted to keep the common theme, but a little difference couldn’t hurt. Going over the last suggestion, she raised an eye and looked towards him.

“How about we keep it simple, and just call her ‘Dream’?”

He frowned. “That sounds like a stripper’s name.”

“Stripper?”

“Never mind,” he sighed, before dragging a hoof down his face. “So, you like the name ‘Dream’?”

“I do,” she admitted, hoping that he’d agree. “It fits, sort of.”

“I guess it will do. Dream it is.” He gave her another nuzzle, something she immediately returned.

Midnight smiled, nodding her agreement. Looking past Nigel, she searched around for the newly-named foal. The bathroom was empty except for them, however, no sign of Dream anywhere. “Uh, Nigel?”

“Hmm?” he questioned, still focusing on rubbing his face against her neck.

“Where’s Dream?”

A crash sounded from the kitchen, both of them sitting up straight. Nigel slowly turned towards the door. “I’ll go and find her straight away, you relax.”

Resisting the urge to follow him, she sat in the bath and watched him leave. At least they had a name now, hopefully that would turn out to be the hard part.

Nigel finished cleaning Dream off with a cloth, the filly now free of pickled onion juice. Thankfully the jar hadn’t shattered, but just why it was sitting right on the edge of table he didn’t know. Midnight and him would have to ‘baby-proof’ the house, a task he wasn’t looking forward to.
“There we go, all clean.”

So far, he had to admit that Dream was a very quiet child, far from the constantly crying mess that he’d come to expect. Tossing the cloth into the sink, he rubbed her on the head affectionately. She returned it with a look that appeared to be half confused, half curious. After a few moments, her blue tail began to swish and her wings fluttered. Her mouth opened into a grin, and he could see that both her teeth and fangs were growing quickly.

“What was it?”

He looked behind him, Midnight exiting the bathroom with a towel around her head. Dream immediately brightened and trotted over towards her, Midnight reaching out with her wings to pat Dream on the head. The filly immediately went underneath, Midnight jolting with surprise before pulling Dream out and stepping away.

“Whoa Dream, mommy will feed you in a minute, okay?”

Dream, in return, pawed at the floor and looked pleadingly up at Midnight. Sighing, Midnight glanced at Nigel and gestured with a wing. “Do you mind sitting down with me for a second while I feed Dream?”

He hesitated, but he soon convinced himself that it was something he’d have to learn to deal with. Nodding and following her into the lounge room, he climbed up onto the couch beside Midnight, watching while she lifted Dream up onto the couch with them. Midnight leaned up against him, putting a wing around his back while guiding Dream towards her target.

The filly eagerly latched onto a nipple, sucking away happily. For him, it was an unusual thing to witness. Midnight must have noticed, giggling lightly. “Don’t tell me you’re embarrassed, it’s not like this is the first time you’ve seen my-“

“I know,” he quickly replied. Looking over, he gave the suckling Dream a pat on the head. “I guess it’s just me still needing to fully let this sink in.” He tilted his head. “I still think she’s a little confused as to what I’m doing here.”

“Relax, she’ll soon figure it out,” Midnight reassured, adjusting her position. “Also, we’re visiting my parents in half-an-hour.”

“We just got home, you need your rest.”

“I’m fine,” she dismissed. “Besides, Starbright is really keen to meet Dream again. Imagine how pleased they’ll be to find out that we picked a name!”

“I bet that she’ll try to pick something else,” he teased.

“I know,” Midnight sighed. “But they’re just as excited as we are, and we owe it to them. They’re grandparents now; the least we can do is let them see their granddaughter.”

“It’s no issue with me, just remember that I have to work today in a few hours.”

“We’ll make it short.” She smiled apologetically. “I’d offer to make it up to you when you get home, but I’m still…”

“That’s fine,” he reassured, patting her side. “Something tells me that Starbright will make it a very entertaining visit.”

A hoof smacked him on the thigh, Midnight shaking her head. “Don’t even start!” she chuckled. “You know that she’s going to be an absolute menace.”

Their conversation was interrupted with a burp, Dream removing her mouth from Midnight’s teat before beginning to struggle.

“Someone’s rearing to go,” he observed, Midnight smiling at Dream.

“Well, you grab her toy and I’ll get the rest ready.” Midnight left the couch, Dream trotting along by her side merrily. Nigel followed suite, leaving the couch and getting to his hooves. Searching around for the doll, he thought about the upcoming visit.

Somehow, he got the feeling that Starbright would be every bit as mischievous as they imagined.

Midnight smiled and watched Starbright dangle the doll in front of Dream, the foal following it with wide eyes. She took another sip of tea, thankful that Dream was occupied for the time being. Darklight sat across from her, her father sitting in his armchair with his hat beside him.

“I think that you chose a great name,” he complimented. “Was it you or Nigel who thought it up?”

“Midnight did,” Nigel answered, sitting beside her on the couch. “I wanted Stella, as in-“

“Interstellar?” Darklight finished, Nigel nodding.

“See? I thought it was clever.”

Midnight rolled her eyes, taking another sip of tea. So far all the conversation had been around Dream, and after an hour it was beginning to wear thin.

“Ouch!”

She looked towards Starbright at the cry, Dream trying to once again dart underneath the older mare. Midnight sighed, this was going to be awkward. “Mom, could you bring her over here, please?”

Starbright took hold of the filly with her wings, carrying Dream over to the couch. Midnight shifted so that she was lying sideways with her head resting against Nigel’s left side. Dream was set down on the couch, the filly immediately moving to feed. Midnight winced as Dream’s mouth clamped down on the tender nipple, wondering if all foals were as vigorous in their feeding. Holding her tea cup with a wing, she rubbed Dream’s back with a hoof while trying to ignore the stares.

“Oh, she’s adorable!” Starbright cooed, sitting back in her own chair next to Darklight. “I can still remember when it was me and you in that exact same couch, Midnight, you were such a hungry filly. Some days I’d be left so sore that it hurt to move, and yet you’d still want more afterwards. Do you remember, Darklight? How she’d-“

‘This isn’t happening, this isn’t happening.’ Despite her silent pleas, it was indeed very real. She tried to block it out, focusing on Dream.
“Well, it hurt a lot,” Starbright continued, Midnight foolishly looking up. “The good thing was that I could usually guilt-trip Darklight into giving me a massage.” A sly grin was sent Nigel’s way, the changeling raising an eye at Starbright. “Have you done the same thing for Midnight? With how much Dream eats, I bet she’d appreciate it.”

“Why, Mom?” Midnight muttered under her breath.

“Don’t be so embarrassed Midnight,” Starbright continued to tease. “It’s a very rare thing in a mare’s life, you may as well experiment while you still have the chance.” While she tried to hide her head, Starbright turned on Nigel. “What about you? I don’t know about changelings, but surely you as a stallion must be a little pleased at how large Midnight’s-“

“Dear,” Darklight finally stepped in, laying a hoof on Starbright’s shoulder. “Stop.”

“You’re right dear,” Starbright acknowledged. “There’s a child in the room after all.”

Darklight shook his head at his wife’s reply, Midnight sighing while Nigel chuckled to himself. She looked down when Dream detached with a wet smack, the filly focusing on Nigel. Shakily, Dream got to her hooves and stumbled along the couch. The foal climbed over her foreleg and headed towards the changeling, everyone watching her along the way. In a matter of moments, Dream was leaning against Nigel’s foreleg, prodding the holes with her snout.

“Aww, he’s such a good father,” Starbright observed, Nigel looking less than confident with the foal rubbing up against him. Midnight couldn’t help but smile at the observation, what he lacked in experience he made up for with enthusiasm. He was just as caring towards Dream as he was to her, even if it sometimes appeared that he was scared of the filly.

“I’m not that great,” he replied, patting Dream on the head. “Midnight does most of the work when it comes to looking after her, I’m more of a support role.”

“You help a lot,” she reassured him, sitting back up. “Besides, you’re out working most days but I always look forward to you coming back home.” Her smile grew. “Also, whenever she cries you’re always the one getting out of bed to look after her.”

“I don’t really need much sleep anyway.”

She didn’t say anything else, content to take another sip of tea.

“Well, I’m sorry to do this,” Nigel placed his empty cup down on the table, passed Dream to her and left the couch. “But I have to get to work.”
“It’s okay,” Starbright dismissed with a wave. “We understand. Keep safe now.”

“I always do.” Nigel trotted over, Midnight leaning her head out to receive the kiss. “Now, Midnight, have fun. I’ll see you later today.”

She narrowed her eyes while watching him leave, knowing the he was the lucky one. Turning back around while Dream nestled up against her with a yawn, Midnight prepared for another hour of talking with her parents.

All of a sudden, the hospital didn’t seem to be too bad.

“That’s everyone?”

“Yes, the last one just stumbled out the door.” Morrow glanced back, making sure the drunk had actually left. A stallion was halfway out, leaning up against the doorframe with his back to her. “Or he soon will. Goodbye, Mr Dust, see you tomorrow!”

“Bysh!” came the reply, Morrow giggling as the patron finally completed his exit. Trotting back to the door, she turned the latch and breathed a sigh of relief.

“Another day done,” she wiped her brow with a foreleg. “Urgh, I can still feel the stares on my rump.”

“You did well in tips though,” the bartender commented while putting glasses away. Morrow smiled at him.

“I always do well in tips,” she replied lightly. “Medical school, here I come.”

Both shared a laugh, Morrow glancing at the tip jar on the bar. While most customers preferred to tip her at the tables, Nightwish still had a jar at the bar for the bartender and waitress to split fifty-fifty. Over the last three months, the number of tips had increased greatly, no doubt because everyone had finally grown used to the changeling serving them. Given that their patrons tended to be regulars, Nigel had been surprisingly good at interacting with them and it seemed to be paying off.

Trotting up to the bar, she removed her apron and grabbed her purse. She waited for him to finish his task, before she tipped the tip jar on its side. Silver coins spilled out onto the counter, Morrow eagerly beginning to count them. A hoof interrupted her, Nigel looking up with a grin and scooping roughly a quarter of the pile into a small coin bag.

“Don’t you have a foal to look after?”

“Relax,” he reassured. “We’ve got enough to get by. Besides, as you implied, they’re pretty much all because of you.”

“Thanks,” she giggled. “Anyway, I’ve got to talk to the boss about taking some time off next week, I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Will do,” he replied, coin bag around his neck. “Have a safe walk home.”

She waved a wing, watching him head for the back entrance. “I will, goodbye.”

“There he is.”

Shadow leaned out of the alleyway, sneaking a look at the tavern’s back entrance. A lone figure trotted out, the chitin-covered creature unmistakable. It was alone, so he turned back to the other four nocturnes waiting for the go ahead.

“Ready? Remember, we rush him when he walks by. Don’t damage it too much though; the boss wants him able to process insults.”
The four thugs chuckled, retrieving numerous coshes from sheaths under their wings. Shadow took a second to slip on two metal shoes, much like those the city guard wore.

“Hey, Shadow?” One of the other stallions asked. “Are you sure the boss asked us to capture the changeling? Didn’t he say something about the mare and a foal?”

Shadow paused for a second to think. He remembered something along those lines, but he was fairly certain that Equinox wanted the changeling. Skipping the foal napping of the mare would make things incredibly easy, besides, they could take him on easily. “Forget that, let’s just grab this changeling and be done.”

He glanced out again, the changeling approaching fast. The street was empty, not another being in sight. Slipping back into the alley, he waited for the sound of hooves on cobbled road to grow louder. Nodding to his fellows, he raised a hoof towards the alley.

Just as the changeling came into view, it was set upon by the four thugs. Shadow hung back, watching clubs fly, hooves flail, and blood fly.
“I told you lot to go easy!” He trotted forwards, ready to smack some heads if needed.

He was met with the sight of a foreleg in the changeling’s mouth, the owner yelling while fangs drew blood. The changeling was so focused on mauling his chosen victim, while kicking his hooves at the other three thugs trying to drag him into the alley, that he didn’t notice Shadow looming over him. Rearing up, Shadow brought both of his hooves down on the heads of the changeling and the screaming thug.

Both connected, the shoes knocking the changeling senseless with a crack while also shutting the screaming thug up. The changeling stopped his struggling, Shadow shaking his head at the amount of fuss that had been caused. It was supposed to be a simple abduction, and he couldn’t even get that right. Grimacing at the drops of green blood leaking onto the pavement, he hoped that Equinox wouldn’t be too mad at the injury.

“Okay, hurry up and get them both back into the alley, and the changeling into the bag.” Shadow turned around and trotted back into the darkness while they got to work, trying to think of what he was going to say to Equinox.

Morrow stepped out onto the street, checking to make sure that there was no suspicious characters around. Crossing the street, she once again thanked the fact that work was done for the day . One of her hooves hit an object and produced a jingle, Morrow looking down to see what it was.

She frowned, recognising it as the bag belonging to her co-worker.

‘Why is it out here?’ she wondered, reaching down with a wing to scoop it up. Morrow quickly withdrew her wing when she felt wetness, holding up the appendage to examine it. The green fluid coating it initially confused her, but her eyes widened when she remembered an incident a month ago. Nigel had dropped a glass when a customer had startled him, a shard having dug into his leg and drawn blood. She had bandaged his leg for him, and had noticed that his blood was green.

“Oh no,” she mumbled to herself, seeing a few drops of the same substance on the pavement. They appeared fresh, and led into the alleyway.
But if it was a robbery, why had they left the money behind?

Midnight stirred in the bed at the knocking on the window. Groaning, she blinked open her eyes and sat up. The space next to her was empty, and a glance at the clock told her that it was late in the afternoon. That was odd, Nigel was supposed to be home already.

Sliding out of bed, thankfully much easier than when she was weighted down, she pulled back the curtain and looked out.

“Dad?” she murmured in confusion. For some reason, Darklight was wearing his police uniform. She didn’t know why, but a feeling of dread began to build in her stomach. Unlatching the window, she noticed that Darklight was accompanied by another four police officers.

“Midnight,” Darklight greeted with a grimace, not giving her time to ask what was going on. “I have something I need to talk to you about, can we come inside?”

“Ah, so it finally awakes. Sleep well?”

Nigel blinked open his eyes, his head throbbing with a splitting headache. He tried to move his limbs but found that they were bound, looking down he could see that he was tied to some wooden boards in an ‘X’ formation. Focusing on the voice in front of him, he saw that it was Equinox. The stallion was relaxing in a chair with a pile of files in his lap, two other nocturnes standing guard next to him. In addition to smirking, Equinox was fixing him with an expectant look.

“Well, the sleep was surprisingly pleasant. Waking up to your face was less so.”

Equinox grinned, patting the files in his lap absentmindedly. “You must think that you’re quite the comedian, don’t you changeling? Aren’t you afraid about the things I’m going to do to you? The revenge that I seek for the embarrassment you caused me?” Equinox’s tone gained venom.
“The injuries you so carelessly caused?”

“Still touchy about the balls I see.”

“I assure you,” Equinox replied with a snarl. “I’m going to ensure that yours suffer the same fate.”

Nigel was starting to get why he was tied to an x instead of a chair.

“But, that will be something that will need time,” Equinox continued. “And I have many things I need to do tonight.”

He may have been unable to move his limbs, but he was still able to roll his eyes.

“You, vile changeling, are looking at the next ruler of entire country. Does this not terrify you, knowing that in a few hours I will hold all of the power? I will be able to do anything I want, without repercussion.”

“It’s a single city,” he replied. “You think that power over a single city is intimidating?” He tried to move his forelegs, but the ropes holding them were looped through the holes . “Besides, I highly doubt that you’d be able to take over this city, given your record for failure.”

“Ha!” Equinox moved a wing to the files. “Keep on throwing out those jabs. You see these files? It turns out that my late father had an impressive collection of… research into his fellow council members. I now see how he was able to do what he did without ever going to trial or losing his position. Given that I inherited his impressive setup, I also came into possession of these.” The gloating stallion leaned forward.

“It hasn’t been announced to the oblivious public yet, but I’ve already been approved for a seat on the council. With these, I can do anything I want and those simpletons will have to agree with my every word. I’ll be rich and powerful, not even that royal bitch, Princess Luna, will be able to touch me!”

Nigel watched Equinox gloat, the stallion visibly hyped. Despite his facade, there was genuine worry. For one, even though they technically weren’t his originals, he cared deeply for his current testacies. Secondly, if Equinox did somehow succeed, then he’d likely go after Midnight as well. Thankfully the maniac seemed focused on him at the current time, and hopefully that would be enough to sate Equinox’s thirst for revenge.

Leaving his seat, Equinox trotted up to look right into his eyes with a cold stare. Nigel met his gaze, neither giving in. After a minute, a slow grin formed on Equinox’s face.

“You know, changeling,” Equinox stated. “You’re a fairly tough nut to crack, I had the minister for finance sweating within seconds.” He didn’t pull away and in fact drew closer, Nigel unable to resist the urge to make a comment.

“Are you actually going to kiss me, or are you just going to blue-ball me… oh, whoops.”

The grin hardened.

“Funny,” Equinox replied without a trace of humour in his voice. “Then again, I’d hate for you to suffer while under my… care.” Ignoring his questioning look, Equinox smirked before heading for the door.

“What, you’re just going to walk out?”

“I’m afraid so, Changeling,” Equinox answered lightly. “After all, I need to make arrangements to get you some company.”

A chuckled rose up from the departing stallion. “Oh, and before I forget… congratulations.”

The door shut behind Equinox as his two guards followed him out, leaving Nigel in the dark by himself.

“Damn,” he muttered to himself. “I get the feeling that he’s not going to just let this one go.” With nothing left to do he began to fidget, hoping that his chitin would wear down the ropes.

“So you don’t know where…?”

Midnight felt cold, despite her father’s wing around her. Sitting on the couch in the living room, surrounded by police officers, it didn’t feel like home at all. Darklight was trying his best, but she could tell from his sigh that he was equally worried.

“No,” he answered, patting her back. “We searched the alley, but we found no clue as to where he was taken. Do you have any idea-“

“Equinox,” she told him, not even needing the think about it. “He’s been out for us from the start, and only he would want to attack Nigel. Everyone else we know can sometimes be a little wary, but I don’t ever get the feeling that he has enemies.”

“Midnight, Equinox hasn’t even been seen in the city for months,” Darklight informed. “While I agree with you that he’s a likely suspect, we can’t close off any avenues.” Using a wing, he wiped the tears from her eyes with a wing. “Don’t worry, we’ll find him.”

Any more words were interrupted by a cry from the other room, Midnight cursing under her breath while everyone else glanced towards the door.

‘Not now,’ she pleaded, before sighing in defeat.

“I’m sorry.” She removed Darklight’s wing, leaving the couch. “I’ll be back in a moment.”

They let her trot away, Midnight dragging her hooves with her head bowed. She entered Dream’s room and headed towards the cradle, picking the bawling foal up with her wings. “There, there,” she tried to sooth, Dream slowly ceasing her crying. Midnight tried to hold back her own tears, rocking Dream in an attempt to lull her back to sleep. Ever so slowly, Dream’s eyes closed again and her breathing deepened.

Thankful that it was over quickly, she placed the filly back down and recovered her with the blue blanket.

Trotting back into the lounge room, she glanced back and frowned. It wasn’t right for this to happen to Dream, she’d only just started getting used to Nigel be around. The thought of what was going to happen if Nigel turned up dead was unbearable to her, the house would feel so empty and Dream would grow up without a father. Trotting back to the couch with the eyes of the officers on her, she was met with a hug and apologetic look from her father.

“I’m sorry, Midnight,” Darklight told her. “I want nothing more than to help you with this, but rather than stay here I think it would be better if I assisted with the investigation.”

“I understand, Dad. I was thinking that I should just come home for a while.” She looked up at him. “Would that be okay with you and Mom? I’d have to bring Dream with me and-“

“It’ll be fine.”

She nodded, fidgeting with her forehooves. Just as she was about to thank him, the silence in the room was shattered by a rock smashing through the window.

Officers immediately rushed out of the room, Darklight pushing her down behind the couch before peeking out. Midnight tried to calm her racing heart while her father left the cover to investigate the projectile. She heard whispering between a constable and Darklight, so she looked over the top of the couch to see what was so secret. She caught sight of a note held in the officer’s wing, Darklight noticing and moving to block her view.

“Dad, what is it?”

“It’s nothing, Midnight,” Darklight answered quickly. Too quickly.

“It has something to do with Nigel, doesn’t it?” For his expression, she figured out that she had managed to hit it right on the head. “Dad, please don’t lie to me.” She left the couch, moving over to investigate. Darklight caved with a frown, and gestured for the stallion holding the note to read ahead.

“Dear...,” the officer paused, Darklight nodding.

“Read it, she asked for it.”

“Dear Whorse,” the young officer continued warily. “I currently have your miserable choice for a lover in warehouse thirty-seven. If you want to see him again, alive and still in possession of his balls I might add, you, and I must stress that your presence is compulsory for his survival, might want to pay us a little visit. Oh, and feel free to bring all of the police that your father can muster. A larger audience will only make your reunion that much sweeter. With much unbridled hate, Equinox.” The officer looked up at her. “PS, congratulations on the foal, I hope the Bastard gives you as much trouble as you did to me.”

The three didn’t say anything else, before Darklight cleared his throat.

“It appears as if Equinox doesn’t seem to worried about us knowing that it was him. He has to have some plan in mind, or else he wouldn’t be so bold. Belfry, I want you to gather all of the officers and city guard you can and prepare to head to this warehouse.” He turned to her.

“Midnight, I want you and Dream to stay in the station until I deal with Equinox.”

Her eyes widened, and she shook her head defiantly. “No! You heard what Equinox wrote! If I don’t go with you then he’ll kill Nigel straight away!”

“Midnight,” Darklight’s voice was firm. “I hate to tell you this, but from the sounds of it Equinox is planning on killing him whether you appear or not. I don’t know if he wants to further hurt you or Nigel by making you, but I do know that he could easily target you as well. I will not have my daughter placed into harm’s way. Let us solve this.”

She stood her ground, fresh tears building up.

“I can’t! I can’t bear the thought of being the reason if Nigel dies! You can’t deny me this!”

“What about your daughter?” Darklight pointed out. “Are you just going to leave her?”

“No,” she answered, after thinking for a moment. “I’ll ask Mom to look after her. She’ll understand.”

Darklight shook his head, sighing. “Midnight, I understand that you’re upset, you’re not thinking straight-“

“I’m thinking very clearly!” she yelled back, surprising her father. “I’ve been worried for ages about him leaving one day without telling me, despite his promises! Then, when I get a note saying that he’ll be killed if I don’t see him, you want me to stay away!?”

Darklight placed a hoof on her shoulder and was just about to protest again. She got in first.

“How would you feel if it was Mom in that warehouse?”

Her father paused, going completely still. Slowly, his view went to the door leading to Dream’s room.

“Promise me that you’ll stay right by my side at all times, and follow my every instruction. If I tell you to run and not look back, you’ll do exactly that, understand?” Midnight nodded, Darklight’s face hardening. “Good. Now pack your daughter’s things, we need to stop by home first.”

“Right on time, I guess we can begin.”

Nigel opened an eye at Equinox’s excited whisper, unable to open the other thanks to the swelling. Equinox had gotten rather bored with waiting for his ‘show’, and had turned his attention to practicing his hoof-to-hoof combat.

Equinox hadn’t been too happy with the criticism of his technique.

The distant trotting of hooves drew his attention, his confusion peaking when he noticed the horde of nocturne police officers and armoured guards entering the brightly-lit warehouse. Their presence wasn’t comforting; he knew that Equinox had been expecting them and that there was some trick soon coming. The fact that Darklight was leading them only added an element of worry. The stallion had grown to be something of a father to him, and while he feared not for his own safety thanks to his Empire’s… unpleasant backup measures, he hoped that no harm would befall the Chief.

It was then that he spotted the only nocturne not in uniform, and he gritted his teeth.

‘Midnight!? What the hell are you doing here!?’

He remembered Equinox’s earlier comments, and realised at that moment that Equinox must have pressured Midnight into making an appearance. It was likely through a threat to harm him if she didn’t, even though his cuts and bruises were already present. He was dimly aware of the stallion standing next to him, and of the others arrayed around the catwalks of the large storage building.

“Gentlemen, show time.”

All of a sudden at Equinox’s command, a bright light turned on and swivelled towards him. Nigel winced at the brightness before his eyes adjusted, the spotlight highlighting him bound to the x.

He heard Midnight gasp from below. “Nigel!”

“Welcome friends!”

The sound of unfurling wings accompanied Equinox’s entrance, Midnight’s voice ringing out again.

“Equinox! You said you wouldn’t hurt him if I came!”

Equinox chuckled, pacing in front of him like he was some sort of prize. “Midnight, you misunderstood what I wrote. I said that he would survive for a little longer, not that I wouldn’t attempt to teach him how to properly address his betters.” Another mocking laugh. “As you can see, he hasn’t been a very model student.”

“Equinox,” it was Darklight who spoke this time. Instead of concern in his voice, the word was laced with cold professionalism. “That changeling you have up there is my son in law. Let him go and give yourself up, now.” A nod from Darklight prompted the group of law enforcers to slowly advance, the officers and guards making sure to keep a keen watch on the thugs eyeing them evilly from above.

“Not so fast,” Equinox gloated, taking a document from his small saddlebag and unfurling it for them to see. “As of today, I was announced the official head of the Council. That, my steadfast and loyal stallions and mares, officially makes me the highest authority and, more importantly, your boss.”

“I don’t believe you,” Darklight replied, although most of his officers and guards looked doubtful. “There is no way in Tartarus that the Council would ever make you Head.”

Equinox flicked his wing, tossing the document down to the ground. While Darklight moved to examine it, the explanation came forth. “Why Chief, you don’t mean to tell me that you don’t know about the ‘sensitive matters’ that plague the entire council? After all, a stallion in your position would surely have at least heard rumours?”

“I have no time for rumours,” Darklight fired back, although Nigel could hear the doubt in his voice. Surely the claim that Equinox made was nothing but a lie?

“Rumours?” Equinox laughed. “The council sure didn’t see them to be mere rumours, in fact they were quite worried when I showed them some wonderful documents I recently inherited. Admit it, Chief Darklight, the document is real and I am telling the truth. Now, all of you, stand down.”

Reluctantly, the guards and officers stopped their advance and, with apologetic looks towards Darklight, stepped back. Instead of attempting to counter the orders, Darklight shook his head.

“No, I will not allow you to do this.”

“Fine,” Equinox suddenly spat. “Consider yourself relieved of your position, Darklight. You, officers, arrest him.”

None moved to follow the orders. “With all due respect, sir,” one of the city guards replied with obvious distaste. “Whether you order it or not, he has done nothing wrong so according to law we cannot.”

Equinox appeared to pause briefly, closing his eyes for a second before opening them with a grin. “Okay, if you refuse to follow my order, then no matter. I already have my power, there are just a few more things to take care of.”

“Don’t you dare harm him anymore!” Midnight yelled before rushing forward. Nigel could only watch as Darklight grabbed her, Midnight flailing in her attempts to fly free and reach him. “Equinox! I swear to Luna that I’ll kill you if you do! “

Her words only seemed to please the deranged stallion, Equinox chuckling with genuine humour. “Kill me? You think a Whorse like you can even touch me? Don’t you remember when I was your Captain and how I played you along like a good little mare?”

“I remember every day,” she hissed back. “You’ve gotten what you want, now let me help Nigel.”

Holding off on replying for a few tense moments, Equinox eventually nodded.

“I suppose I can allow you to try. However, I must say that I’m not quite finished just yet.”

Any suspicions were cut off, an unseen mechanism jolting into life. Nigel now realised that he was suspended from the ceiling via a chain attached to his cross, and he was slowly lowering towards the ground. His questions as to why were forgotten when the ends of the beams hit the bottom with a jolt, Midnight breaking from Darklight’s hold and rushing towards him.

“Nigel!” She cried, jumping up to stand on her hind legs so that she could embrace him. Her glistening golden eyes quickly gazed over him with worry. “What has he done to you?”

“Don’t worry,” he reassured while she hugged him again. “I’ve had worse.”

The moment was broken, the flapping of wings signalling the descent of Equinox. The stallion touched down and tilted his head, an out-of-place smile on his face.

“See, changeling? I promised you company and I delivered. You can trust me, see?” Midnight glared at him, Equinox turning his smile onto her. “How about I make another promise, to you this time, Midnight?”

“What?” Midnight spat.

“My, what a temper.” Before they could blink, a wing had curled up beneath his torso and retrieved a sharp knife.

“Equinox,” Darklight warned, preparing to charge.

“Relax,” Equinox reassured. “Don’t fret, I have no intention of killing them. That is…” His grin almost became maniacal, Nigel fidgeting automatically when the stare was directed towards his groin. “If you let me enact my revenge in the same manner that he did unto me, then I’ll let you both live and all will be forgiven. Granted, I wouldn’t expect your love life to survive intact, but at least you’ll still be able to enjoy the wonderful company of each other.”

“You… you can’t!” Midnight protested, spreading her wings and shielding him from Equinox. “That’s-“

“Entirely fair,” Equinox interrupted. “You can either have him ball-less or dead, your choice.”

Midnight glanced between Equinox and him, utterly lost and panicking. Acting quickly, Nigel found his voice.

“I accept.”

“What!?” Midnight protested.

“I only ask that you allow me a kiss from Midnight before you do the deed,” he requested. Equinox nodded before turning away, a brief look of disgust on his face. Midnight was staring in complete shock at him, Nigel tilting his head for her to come close.

Hesitating for a second, Midnight did as asked and kissed him. It didn’t lack love despite her current emotions, and he could feel the pain in his limbs die out while the energy flowed. Breaking it, he nuzzled Midnight’s face so his mouth was close to her ear.

“When I grab him, I want you to tell Darklight to try and muster an attack. I can see that some of the guards are itching to tear Equinox apart.”

She paused while he whispered, but he felt her nod. Thankful that she trusted him, he watched her pull away and retreat towards Darklight. Equinox turned back around and raised an eye at her, evidently surprised that there was no further objections. That surprise turned to glee when, once again, the attention was directed towards Nigel’s scrotum.

“Oh, I have waited for nearly a year for this,” Equinox chuckled, pulling up a stool and dragging it close. He sat down and eagerly prepared his knife, every other stallion and most of the mares turning away from the sight they were unable to stop. Those officials that continued to watch maintained stoic gazes, Nigel knowing that if they believed themselves able to help without invoking the ire of the new Council Head then they would.

“Do bear with me,” Equinox apologised, paying careful attention to his two targets. “I intend to enjoy this.”

Nigel repressed a shudder when cold metal touched his sensitive sack, Equinox clearly a little too obsessed.

“Equinox, before you start I have something to tell you.”

“Yes?” Equinox smiled up, his knife held steady.

“You’ve severely underestimated my love for my balls.”

With a burst of strength, powered by the kiss he had received from Midnight, one of his hind legs snapped free from the worn rope that bound it. Equinox didn’t have time to blink before a solid kick was delivered straight to the face, the left limb causing a solid crack to ring out. As Equinox fell to the floor, the thugs lining the catwalks made to fly down to assist.

“No!” Equinox staggered to his hooves with the order, blood dripping from the corner of his mouth. “He’s mine!”

Nigel kicked with his right leg, breaking the other rope so that both his hind legs were free.

“Bring it on,” he taunted. “I’ll beat you senseless with my legs alone.”

Equinox used his other wing to un-holster a second knife, before he lunged forwards with both weapons. Nigel thought that Equinox looked to be aiming to pin his legs down, so he decided to go for broke. Gritting his teeth for what was to come, he arched his back and commenced his strike.

His attacked was met with an unexpected attack, in the form of two changeling hind legs wrapping around his neck. Nigel pulled him close, Equinox temporarily flailing while his head was held tight. Seconds later, wings regained their purpose and the knives began to stab. Pain lanced through his body, the weapons stabbing all over his legs. He was vaguely aware of Midnight yelling, hooves galloping towards them, and a blinding light, before he heard what was possibly the most welcome sound possible at the current time.

It was the unmistakeable thud of metal boot busting open a wooden door, and a grating, electronic voice that sounded as sweet as a chorus of angels.

“Everybody freeze! Move and we’ll shoot to kill!”

Midnight lifted her head but kept her hoof firmly pinning one of Equinox’s wings down. Her eyes widened as she looked around, a mass of tall, menacing bipeds filing into the warehouse. Two groups of three entered from busted doors on either side, with another three advancing up behind the guards from the main doors. A smashing of glass caused her to look up towards the roof, a final creature scanning the criminals on the catwalks.

Each one was armoured in a suit of black metal, glowing blue eyes shifting from nocturne to nocturne. They held strange objects in their armoured hands, the way they were holding them lead her to believe that the devices were weapons of some kind. Small blue dots ran over guards and thugs alike as the weapons were swept over them all, one being even focusing on her.

It took one look towards Nigel to jog her memory, his smile providing the final piece of the puzzle. Glancing back at the creatures she now realised were humans, she let Equinox go and watched as the out-of-breath stallion dropped heavily to the floor.

Midnight realised that they were agents from the department that Nigel worked for, he had described their basic appearance but had failed to mention just how downright intimidating they appeared. Each one was as tall as a minotaur, covered in armour that was completely alien.

One biped strode up from the group at the left, the mass of guards and police not moving to block its way. The weapon it held was lowered, and the human seemed to check something on his wrist. He glanced back up towards Nigel, the bleeding changeling grinning like a maniac.

“Commander?”

Special Agent Haley Briggs stared at the insectoid tied to the wooden beams, the creature giving her a dopey grin. She would have normally attributed the strange behaviour to the obvious blood loss it was undergoing, but another check of the tracking computer indicated that it was indeed the missing officer they had been sent to rescue. Just why he was not currently a human, as his personal indicated, or why he still had a chip in him was baffling.

Still, she and her men had a job to do, and she wasn’t going to let details like that get in the way.

“Are you Commander Nigel M Chalmers of the ISA?” She raised her weapon and pointed it towards the bug’s head. “Confirm or I’ll execute.”

“I am!” the suspected Commander quickly replied.

“Prove it, you have three seconds to recite-“

“Assistant Director Reginald Edinburgh VII once pulled me up in front of the General Military Assembly and introduced me to the Brass as ‘this Crazy Arsehole’!”

Haley lowered her gauss carbine. It wasn’t the official codes that she was going to request, but it was more than enough information. Plus, it confirmed one particular rumour that had been circulating around the agency for a while. Her gaze went to one of the half-bat, half pony creatures they had learned were called ‘Nocturnes’. It’s size seemed to indicate that it was female, the creature using its wings to try and stem the bleeding of the Commander.

“Do you mind explaining what is going on, sir?” Haley gestured with her gun barrel around the warehouse, the assorted Nocturnes still staring at her and the others warily.

“Do you mind patching me up so I don’t bleed to death?”

Her mouth twitched, not happy with the current situation at all. She was starting to understand just why the name ‘Chalmers’ was infamous in the ISA. “Sanders, patch him up.”

“Ma’am,” he replied over the helmet comms. Just as he begun to move forwards, the tied up Commander chuckled before nodding down towards the stallion with a bleeding mouth.

“Actually, before you do that I have another order. Kill him.”

Haley didn’t flinch, immediately pointing her weapon at the shocked stallion. She had no clue as to why the Commander ordered her to execute him, but an order was an order.

“Wait!”

She turned and aimed behind her, yet another pony entering the warehouse. This one was taller, lacked bat wings, and was blue. A further several nocturnes in purple armour followed her, the abnormal creature stopping as soon as she noticed the laser dot in the middle of her forehead.

“Oh, Princess Luna,” Commander Chalmers greeted. “How nice of you to join us. I must say that you’re a little late.”

“I apologise,” the Princess answered with eyes looking over the weapons pointing at her. “I cannot say that I fully understand what is going on, but you appear to have some form of authority over these… beings.” The Princess’ attention was turned to the bloodied stallion, Equinox stock still while Sanders kept his weapon barrel pressed up against the underside of a fluffy ear. “I implore you to retract your order to kill Equinox.”

“And pray tell, why should I? He tried to cut off my balls in front of my girlfriend, future father-in-law, and half of the city’s police force. I’d kill him myself…” Chalmers glanced down at his legs, green blood still trickling out despite the efforts of the pony in front of him. “But as you can see, there are other concerns.”

Haley had given up on figuring out just what clusterfuck they had walked into. Sure, they suspected that the Commander had been missing for months, but father-in-laws and castration? Right now, she wanted to just grab him and order an extraction. Unfortunately, even in his current body he was still a superior and if she defied him there would be hell to pay when they returned.

“I realise that you have grievances with him, and I personally am struggling with the desire to see him dead.” The Princess took a cautious step forward, Haley permitting it only because the pony seemed to have prior interactions with Chalmers. “But you are not in the domain of your homeland, and to kill Equinox is murder. Please, do not do this, you’ve won.”

“I won’t have won until Equinox can no longer pull stupid shit like this again. Having the good agent…”

“Sanders.”

“Agent Sanders decorate the floor with Equinox’s insides is a sure-fire way of ensuring that.” The Commander’s eyes were unfocused, Haley guessing that he was starting to get delirious.

Well, more delirious.

“Also, it would really spruce up this dull grey.”

“Nigel, listen to the Princess.”

A nocturne stallion was trotting forwards, wearing a police hat and a tie. She couldn’t help but admit it was rather cute to see the equines wearing small items of clothing.

“Darklight, you know that-“

“No, I think that what you’re going to do is wrong.” The pony continued to trot forwards, at least three weapons trained on him. “If you order his death, it will only make you as bad as him. Please, I promise that he’ll get what he deserves.”

The Commander paused and thought the plea over, Haley just growing impatient before he refocused. “How do I know that he will? As he just said, he has dirt on your governing body and was elected their leader.”

“I swear on my crown,” Luna added. “I’ll personally oversee the court hearings.”

“And that means...?”

The Princess smiled slightly. “Equinox is not the only one with influence, Nigel.”

Haley was tempted to shoot all three just to speed things along, but Chalmers saved himself a gauss round by sighing and nodding.

“Fine, I guess that I can trust you. He better not get an easy ride through prison, though.”

“I can assure you, traitors are not looked upon kindly in Nocturne society.” The Princess turned to the Nocturne named Darklight, sharing a look before glancing towards her. “Excuse me… Agent. I assume that you are in charge of your fellows, based on your interactions. Would you allow us to arrest these criminals under our law so we can continue in more peaceful surrounds?”

Haley glanced towards the Commander, he was still fairly lucid so he still was in command. He nodded, so she lowered her gun.

“Fine, you may proceed.”

A nod was sent her way, before the room exploded with activity. All throughout the warehouse, nocturnes in armour and police hats took flight to contain the others watching from the catwalks. The stallion that the Commander had wanted dead was set upon by no less than ten, Haley noticing that a few were taking the chance to get in a few kicks against the tackled criminal. The Princess and police leader watched it all happen; Haley and her soldiers just hoping that it wouldn’t take too long.

Commander Chalmers was likewise interested in the proceedings, but his was visibly annoyed.

“This new cooperation is all nice and good,” he complained loudly over the din, wiggling his free limbs. “But can someone actually cut me down now?”

Midnight nervously took a sip of her tea, hugging Nigel with her other wing while taking care to avoid bumping his heavily bandaged leg. It was more for her benefit than his, her nerves still shaky even though they were safe on the couch in her parents’ house. It was less because of the events of the previous day, and more because of the fact that no other than Princess Luna herself was sitting down in a chair opposite.
The presence of the armoured human leader in another chair didn’t help matters.

“I must humbly thank you for your quick assistance, Princess,” her father acknowledged while he sat next to an uncharacteristically quiet Starbright. A glance went over towards the human who had merely introduced herself as ‘Special Agent’. “I don’t want to think of what would have happened without you.”

“It was my duty to all Nocturnes,” Luna smiled back. “I only lament that I could not arrive as soon as I received your very urgent message. I can’t imagine how difficult it would have been to find a unicorn in the city who was able to perform such magic.”

“We were lucky to have a stage performer passing through. She knew of such a spell, but we doubted that the message would even arrive correctly.”

Luna took a sip of her own tea, her smile growing wider. “It did arrive inside of my sister’s cake slice, much to her chagrin, but it was readable.”

“What about Equinox?” Nigel asked, having remained quiet throughout the meeting.

“He is due to face court tomorrow,” the Princess reassured. “A public court. If he thought his reputation was tarnished before, then it will be nothing compared to what he now faces. Even if he ever emerges from prison, he will be so shunned that he might as well exile himself.”

“I’d prefer it if it was more than his reputation that was tarnished.”

“It will suffice,” Luna reassured. The Princess shifted on her seat, her eyes going towards the Special Agent before back to Nigel. “Given the… sudden revelations that you have told me, may I ask what you plan to do?”

Midnight gulped, looking towards Starbright. Her mother pursed her lips, Midnight guessing that she had already guessed what was going to happen. That, or judging by the way that Darklight was watching them both, she had been told of the plan already.

“Well, I have duties I need to return to,” Nigel explained. “After I am restored to my original form, of course.”

Luna tilted her head, keen interest sparkling in her eyes. “Is that possible? Even I know of no such spell that could possibly achieve that.”

“There are a few ways that I know we employ,” Nigel answered. Midnight rubbed his back when he shuddered. “Although I hope that they don’t go and-“

He was cut off by a throat clearing, the Special Agent moving her helmet to look directly at him. Midnight noticed that the human’s tea was forgotten, the cup growing cold while the dour female sat in the almost comically small armchair.

“Yes, well, so there’s that,” Nigel finished, not pushing the issue. He tapped his forehooves together and looked towards the human. “Special Agent, how far away is the extraction?”

“Three hours approximate.”

“Not much time,” he mumbled in response. “And… how many free seats are there?”

Midnight shivered as the blue optics turned to her, the human and other nocturnes silent. Princess Luna’s face was impassive, but Midnight could swear that there was a small amount of pride in her eyes.

“…Why?”

“Well,” Nigel continued, one of his hooves moving to rest on her thigh. “I kind of, as the military calls it, ‘went native’. Hence, I was hoping that I could bring along an extra two.” He turned to Starbright and Darklight. “If you are both okay with that, of course.”

Before he could receive an answer, the Special Agent cut in.

“Sir, that is not appropriate. Using agency property to fulfil personal needs is against regulations, and allowing an unauthorized passenger is illegal.”

“I’ll take the rap,” Nigel pressed. “After all, I’m the sure the Director would consider it ample compensation for leaving me stranded here for almost a year.”

“With respect, that was your own fault. I was briefed on what happened prior to your disappearance, and everyone was convinced that you had gone into hiding out of shame. It was only when law enforcement was called to investigate a smell in one of your agency-funded apartments that we discovered the issue.”

“One year?”

The Special Agent shifted on the couch. “There may have been… a matter of priorities involved.”

“Bloody typical,” Nigel muttered. “You’d think that it’s like I randomly disappear all of the time.” He raised his head and pointed at her, a smile forming on his face. “Ah, but you didn’t say that there wouldn’t be room for them, and I am still your superior am I not?”

The Special Agent’s silence answered that question.

“Special Agent,” Nigel was grinning now. “I order you to assist me in securing the safe passage of two passengers back to UIP space.”

There was a pause.

“Fine,” the human replied. “Given that you have now ordered me to violate regulations-“

“I know, ‘it’s my full responsibility and all consequences’.” I’ll deal with it when we get back.” Nigel once again glanced to her parents. “So, is it okay with you two?”

“You already know that I agree,” Darklight replied. All eyes went to Starbright, the matriarch thinking deeply to herself. She looked up, focusing on the human.

“Could you take your helmet off?” Starbright requested. The Special Agent paused, but after a glance towards Nigel a sigh could be heard. With her hands, the human removed her helmet to reveal the first human face that they had ever seen.

Midnight examined every area of the face, from the small brown eyes to the short-cut brown mane. It was alien, looking like nothing she had seen in books or in person, but it wasn’t scary. Granted, the annoyed scowl that the female was wearing wasn’t the most welcoming expression, but there were no tentacles or slimy scales that aliens were said to possess.

“So that’s what you’ll look like,” Midnight murmured.

“Well, I’ll of course be much prettier.”

She couldn’t help it, despite all that had happened she could not hold in the warm laugh. Nuzzling his shoulder while continuing her mirth, all worries about possible appearances left her mind. After all, if she could love a changeling then an alien was not much different in her books. Besides, it wasn’t like physical attraction was the main driving force between them.

“You’ve seen what we look like,” the Special Agent huffed while putting her helmet back on. “Now, can we speed things along?”

“So tall,” Starbright whispered, before snapping out of it with a nudge from Darklight. “But Nigel, if I let you take Midnight and Dream-“

“I guarantee that they will be as safe as possible,” Nigel cut in. “We’ll try and visit at least three times every year, and when I can’t make it Midnight and Dream will visit without me. Dream will get the best education available in the Empire, and she’ll have a very bright future.”

“What about when you are unable to be there with them?” Starbright questioned forcefully. “I can’t pretend that you’ll be present all the time, given your… occupation. There will surely be periods where you will be absent for months.”

“Starbright, I can assure you that while my position is dangerous, it also is offset by a generous pay-check. When I’m away, they’ll live in comfort and there are ways that I can talk to them while on duty. I’ve already talked to Midnight about this-“

“And I’m fine with it,” she reassured her mother for him. “Please Mom, let me go with him. I promise to try and talk to you as much as possible and visit like he said. You know that he’ll look after us as best as he’d be able to.”

She watched Starbright mull her words over, and her tail swished when her mother nodded her approval.

“I can’t argue with that,” Starbright answered, a warm smile on her face. “However, I expect an invitation to the wedding.” The smile gained a forceful edge, although not enough to offset the happiness. “There will of course be a wedding in the near future?”

“Of… of course,” Nigel hastily replied. Midnight perked up and her wings began to flutter. Nigel’s eyes met hers, and although her mother certainly had a part to play, she saw that the promise was genuine.

“Will your people accept that though?” she voiced. “I know that you said that your… our empire is tolerant and multi-species, but will they let us marry?”

“For sure,” Nigel reassured, placing his forelegs on her shoulders. “Trust me, it won’t be the most unusual one. I’m not a fan of marriage myself…” he pulled her close into a hug. “But I’m willing to make an exception.” Midnight shared a nuzzle with him, before a groan broke the moment.

“Touching,” the Special Agent imputed. “Am I still needed here? I have other matters to attend to and I do not trust my soldiers to be as patient as I am.”

“Someone’s impatient,” Nigel muttered under his breath, before nodding towards the human. “Of course, we’ll pack our things and get ready to leave on time.”

“Excellent,” the soldier replied, before leaving her seat and striding towards the main door with her weapon in her hands. “Thank you for the tea.”

“You’re very welcome,” Starbright smiled, waiting for the Special Agent to leave and the door to close before finishing. “My, I can see why you’re so smitten with Midnight, if that is how all of your females are.”

Nigel laughed, soon joined by everyone in the room. Even Luna, who had been listening with careful interest, broke her silence.

“I’m sorry for Agent Haley, we ISA agents tend to get a little touchy with nothing to do. Please excuse her behaviour.”

“It’s fine,” Starbright waved a hoof in dismissal. “I can see why she might be a little annoyed.”

Crying started up from another room, Midnight quickly giving Nigel a kiss before leaving the couch. “I’ll get Dream and her things, I’ll be back soon.” Her hooves trotted on the wooden floor, leaving her parents and the Princess behind. She entered the darkened room containing Dream, her own from when she used to live in the house. Moving over towards the cradle, she caressed Dream’s face to calm her down.
“There, there,” she soothed, Dream’s wails dying down into sniffles.

“She’s a very beautiful filly.”

Midnight jumped at Luna’s voice, but calmed down almost immediately when she remembered that Luna meant no harm. Glancing back at the Princess, she smiled at the complement.

“I’m glad that some beauty has come from this. It’s surprising, knowing the stallion that…”

“Midnight,” Luna placed a wing over her back when she trailed off. “Do not underestimate what you have achieved. You will be the first Nocturne to travel the stars, farther than even my moon or my sister’s sun. Despite the biological father, you have a wonderful and adorable foal. You also have managed to find a mate who desires only the best for you and Dream, even though his ways are… dubious.”

Midnight turned to defend Nigel, but Luna halted her with a wing. “I don’t mean to insult him, I can understand that his people’s ways are different to ours. Obviously the nature of their existence, knowing all that they must know and experiencing what they’ve experienced, has brought more than just knowledge.” Luna pulled her against her in a hug, much like Starbright used to do. Midnight looked up, Luna smiling down. “Do me and all Nocturnes proud, Midnight, and show them friendship so that you can make their bleak look on life a little happier.”

“I will, I promise.”

“I know that you speak the truth,” Luna nodded. The wing left her back and the Princess made to leave the room. Luna halted at the door.

“And Midnight, I would also be interested to know how two of my little ponies grow and develop while away from our planet.”

“I’ll try and write, or whatever I can do, whenever I can,” she promised with a wing over her heart. Midnight grinned at Luna. “You can also be assured that I’ll invite you to the wedding.”

Luna nodded her thanks. “I would be extremely honoured to receive such an invitation.”

“You can count on it.”

Luna seemed satisfied, a final nod being sent before she trotted out of the room. Midnight turned back to the cradle, Dream no longer sniffling but was instead gazing up while sucking her hoof.

“Hey, Dream,” Midnight cooed. “Guess what? We’re going on a trip with daddy.”

“How do we know that we can trust you to pay up? It’s not like you’re from around here.”

Haley rolled her eyes under her helmet at the two suspicious nocturne stallions, tilting her head towards the Agent next to her. Sanders pulled a small box from his armour, opening it and turning towards the crooks. The creatures’ eyes widened at the amount of small diamonds that glittered within, Haley smiling at the thought that shiny things tended to be accepted as currency anywhere where intelligent beings possessed the capacity for greed.

“You will receive a second amount, equal to this, if you complete your task as agreed.”

“A second amount, but this…” The lead stallion, a scar over his right eye, quickly nodded. “Yeah, organising to shank a single dirtbag In prison? Easy done. I know a guard that’ll gladly make it happen for just a fraction of this. He’s actually my cousin-“

“Enough,” Haley ordered, silencing the criminal. “Sanders, give them the payment.” The box was transferred from hand to wing, the stallion nodding. “Do not make us return to finish the job ourselves. Such an inconvenience would be disastrous for your good health.”

Both of the bat-ponies nodded quickly, before hurrying away down the dark alley. Haley snorted and motioned for her soldiers to follow.

“Let’s go,” she ordered through the comms. “Hopefully the Commander will hurry up and become more professional now that this is sorted.”

“Goodbye Mom, Goodbye Dad.”

Midnight received hugs from both of her parents, the ramp of the long, black, spaceship waiting behind her. It had descended from the sky and landed outside of the caves, the city guard ensuring that they had privacy. Dream was safely on her back, Midnight holding the foal in place with her wings. Nigel was waiting patiently beside her, their bags already stored aboard the sleek vessel.

“Good luck to you both,” Darklight wished. Nigel was then mobbed with his own hugs, looking very uncomfortable while both embraced him.

“Visit often.”

“And-“ Starbright began to add.

“Yes, a wedding,” Nigel reassured with a sigh.

“Good,” Starbright replied firmly. “If not, I’ll hunt you down and force you to.”

“And that is the signal to leave,” Midnight farewelled. “Mom, we’ll have a wedding and invite you, okay?”

“What have I gotten into?” Nigel muttered, Midnight pulling him along.

“Relax,” she told him with a kiss, their hooves trotting on the metal ramp as they entered their transport. “You know that it’s more than worth it.”

He glanced up at the curious-eyed Dream, before smiling back at her.

“You know what, I think you’re right.”

With that, the ramp closed, the ship’s engines beginning to power up while two teary-eyed nocturnes waved their happy goodbyes.

“Jeez,” the city Coroner whistled, putting the white sheet back down. “They sure did a number on him.”

“Stabbed thirty-seven times with a sharpened piece of pipe,” the Prison Warden agreed. “I have no clue how they managed to conceal it, or which prisoner did the deed.”

“Who was he?” the Coroner inquired, grabbing his clipboard and making to leave the room. The Warden followed, taking a sip from his coffee.

“Well, you remember that ex-Lunar Guard Captain who tried to overthrow the council? He had only been in for a month.”

“Huh, I guess that some form of sick justice was served,” the Coroner threw out.

“That it was,” the Warden agreed. “That it was.”

The door to the morgue shut closed behind them, leaving the long dead corpse alone.

“Hey, my hand wasn’t made to be a chew-toy for those fangs, Dream.”

Nigel bopped the filly on the nose with a spare finger, Dream laughing a bubbly laugh before flapping her wings and resuming her assault. He chuckled with her, both of them sitting on the floor of the living room while tropical birds flew outside the massive window. He smiled, buying a house on the hills overlooking to bustling city had been a great move, both Dream and Midnight loving the view of the massive skyscrapers and the sea behind them.

“Are you two okay out there?” Midnight called from the bathroom, enjoying a relaxing bath.

“We’re fine,” he reassured, scratching Dream behind the ears and smiling while she rolled on the red rug with joy. A soft beep sounded from his hip, and he reached into a pocket to withdraw a personal communicator. He checked the screen, three simple words reading 'It's been done'. Smiling to himself, he returned it to his pocket before muttering to himself. “Things have never been better.”

The End.

Author's Note

That's all for this fic. (Almost) everyone ended up happy, Midnight has a whole new life ahead for her, and Equinox was shanked to death in prison.

Once again, any comments or questions are welcome, and I'll try to answer them all.

Until the next fic.

Why You Should Clean Your Fridge Out Every Month

Nigel M Chalmers groaned as he removed himself from the couch, standing up shakily as he attempted to restore balance to his aching body. It had been a hard night of celebration, toasting the ISA Director’s birthday and Nigel had gone all out. How hard you ask? Well, the only thing he returned home with was a set of well-worn plain white underpants, all of his other clothes disappearing mysteriously over the course of the night.

“God-damn, did I really have to hire one-hundred strippers for a party of sixty people?” He muttered to himself as he shambled over towards his fridge, doubting that he would ever be put in charge of a birthday party for a senior officer again.

Nigel opened the fridge door, bright light filling the darkened room. His eyes scanned the shelves searching for adequate sustenance, the fridge stocked well but nothing caught his fancy.

“Oh yeah!” he exclaimed jubilantly, his eyes resting on the plump form of a large slice of cheesecake, the baked delight covered with berries and syrup, the perfect after party snack for one of the Internal Security Agency’s finest. Nigel scratched his arse with one hand, the other reaching for his prize, located at the very back of the fridge.

“Come to Daddy, you delicious bastard!”

Nigel was about to ensnare the slice when he noticed a black spot on the back wall of the fridge. He looked on in confusion as the spot began to grow, the object increasing in size rapidly. With alarm he noticed that the plate of cake had begun to move towards the hole, pulled in by some unknown force.

“Oh no you Bloody don’t, that cake is mine!”

With these words Nigel called on his years of training and preparation, managing to latch on to the edge of the plate with a hand. This did not stop the hole however, the force it was exerting on the cake increasing. Nigel flew forward, his body colliding against the fridge. Still he refused to let go of his rightful treat, using his bare legs to try and leaver himself and the cake out of the hole’s grasp. This proved futile and the plate of cake began to be swallowed by the black hole, the anomaly now covering a good size of the fridge wall.

Nigel still fought it, eventually the hole swallowing his hand as well, followed by his arm. He had to make a choice, surrender his prize or join it in the black abyss.

“No, it’s mine, mine and MINE ALONE!”

He refused to give in, his body slamming once, twice, thrice against the fridge before his entire form was sucked into the hole into the unknown on the other side.

_______________________________________________________________________

Pain, immense pain, this was all Nigel felt as he regained awareness, his entire body burning as he flew through nothingness. It felt like he had had every single organ in his body pulled out and shoved back in wrong after being deep-fried in vegetable oil. ISA agents had been modified to withstand immense physical pain and this was probably the only reason why he didn’t pass out, a fact that he was not too greatful for at the current time.

Nigel did not focus on this as he was too concerned about the multi-coloured spiral that he was rapidly approaching through the black tunnel. With a ‘SPLORT’ he was flung through it, exiting out into…

A clear blue sky.

“FFFUUUUUUUUCCCCCCCCKKKKKKKKKK!” was all Nigel managed to say as he hurtled down towards the earth, a city dominated by a fairy-tale castle below him. He tried to fail his arms, only for the pain to return so he had to settle for screaming curses as he descended.

‘SPLASH’

Nigel was submerged in water, having luckily landed in a large fountain In the middle of the city. Gasping for air he struggled to make it to the surface, only to discover that his limbs weren’t working as they should’ve been. Somehow he managed to break the surface, gulping down breaths of wonderful life-saving air as he rolled onto his back, floating upon the surface of the water.

“I hate my life” he moaned, simply closing his eyes and hoping that the pain would subside.

“What was it mommy?”

“I don’t know son, I think it fell from the sky”

“Is it another Changeling attack?”

“Did someone call a guard?”

Nigel felt his ears twitch as a multitude of voices reached them, something that alarmed him as he was fairly certain his ears weren’t meant to twitch. Opening his eyes he moved on of his hands to attempt to touch his ear, ignoring the spike of pain that this produced. As his ‘hand’ moved into his vision however, all ear twitches were forgotten.

“What the bloody hell is this bullshit?” he said to himself as he waggled the hoof in front of his eyes back and forth. The hoof was attached to a black hole-riddled leg, appearing to be covered in smooth chitin.

“I swear to God this better be a dream or else I’m going to bloody lose it”

Nigel made an attempt to move again, managing to reach a wall surrounding the water, painfully pulling himself up to look over it.

‘Well, there’s the proof Nigel ol’ buddy, we must have ingested every single narcotic in the known universe last night’

The sight that prompted these thoughts was an unusual one, a large crowd of colourful equines dressed in fancy clothes looking at Nigel in shock. Nigel stared back, the pain coursing through his body forgotten as he gazed at the unknown horses. After a few seconds he decided that they weren’t going away so he dealt with the situation in a calm and rational way.

“The Fuck are you wankers staring at? Fade back into my subconscious already tosspots”

With those words he fell back into the water, floating on his back once again, awaiting the end of this god-awful trip. All the voices had stopped, silence descending around the area of the fountain, a silence that was broken by a young male voice.

“Mommy” the voice asked “What does ‘Fuck’ mean?”

__________________________________________________________________________

Nigel had been peacefully resting for five minutes, the cool water doing wonders for his aching alien body before he was interrupted by the sound of flapping wings and clinking metal just outside the fountain.

“What exactly is going on here?” a gruff male voice asked outside.

“Something fell out of a hole in the sky into the fountain, and a few minutes later a changeling looks over the edge and starts swearing at foals” a female voice replied.

“Oi, Shit for brains, I was swearing at all of you, not just the children you harlot! And I’m I human, not a bloody ‘Changeding’ or whatever the hell you just called me, just go and off yourself, save me the trouble!”

Nigel was not in the nicest of moods, being sucked into a fridge, losing a slice of cheesecake and ending up in a fountain as a black-hooved thing surrounded by colourful equines was not his idea of a good time.

“Private, go and have a look in the fountain” the male voice commanded.

“Yes Sergeant Wind Sir!” a young female voice replied, her tone brimming with excitement.

‘No doubt a rookie, just what I need’ thought Nigel as a pair of immense blue eyes poked over the edge of the fountain, followed by a white muzzle. The pony lifted itself up onto the rim of the fountain, it’s golden helmet making it look like a Roman solider, except the Romans were smart enough to not make armour out of a weak material that an enemy could spot a mile away. The pony looked directly at Nigel, her eyes widening with fear as they spotted him floating on his back.

“It’s def-de-definitely a Changeling Sir” the Private responded shakily .

“I already told you that I’m a Human you sorry excuse for a barnyard animal” Nigel responded, the Private looking at him in shock “Now you get back down there and tell your stupid grass-eating CO that he can go and shove his pompous tone up his fat arse so I can swim here in peace, you got that?”

At his words the mare slowly removed herself from the ledge, disappearing from Nigel’s view.

“Um, Sir” he heard the mare begin “He told me to tell you-“

“I was listening Private, is there only one of them in there?” the Sergeant asked.

“Yes Sir!”

“Good, we should both be able to take down one Changeling, we’ll both fly up and take it from above, just remember that the Princess ordered any Changelings to be taken alive for questioning, don’t kill it”

“Understood Sir!”

“Oh, I wonder what they’ll try next” Nigel shouted sarcastically from the fountain “I really hope they don’t try to take me from above!”

“… Are we still going to do it Sergeant?”

“Yes we are Private, no Changelings going to better me!” The Sergeant yelled accompanied by the sound of wings. Nigel looked up at the two flying armoured-ponies above him with disinterest, no longer surprised at anything this world threw at him. The two ponies dived at him, no possible escape for the changeling-

Nigel allowed himself to drop under the surface as the ponies neared him, the two guards forced to hover just above the water as their quarry submerged.

“What do we do now Sir?” Nigel heard the private ask, the sound muffled by the water. Nigel allowed himself to drop, his back legs touching the bottom of the fountain. He gritted his teeth; this was going to bloody hurt.

________________________________________________________________________

Private Breeze watched the surface of the murky water warily, worried that the Changeling could re-appear anywhere.

“Do you think its dead Sergeant, it didn’t look too healthy before” she asked the officer beside her.

“Private, I think there’s a lot of things wrong with that Changeling, just keep on your guard and don’t let it catch you una-“

“RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHH!”

Swift Breeze jolted back as a black shape launched out of the water into the Sergeant’s unprotected midsection. The roaring Changeling emerged hooves first, its forelegs winding the Sergeant while also simultaneously pushing the Pegasus guard back, the Sergeants body colliding against the wall of the fountain with a smack, small cracks appearing in the stone wall as the armoured body hit it.

The Private watched in horror as the cracks grew, widening until the wall could take no more. The force of the water broke apart the flimsy wall, unleashing a tide of water, as well as the Sergeant and the Changeling onto the main street.

“Yes! FREEDOM!” the changeling yelled as it clung to the unconscious Sergeant like a life buoy as the water propelled it out onto the street. It made it about twenty meters before the flow of water stopped, the Changeling attempting to get up. The Private watched as it made it half way before collapsing.

“BOLLOCKS! WHY IN THE HELL ARE MY BLOOMIN LEGS JOINTED THE WRONG BLOODY WAY!”
The Changeling yelled as it once again tried to stand, only to collapse upon its side.

____________________________________________________________________________

Curses, his entire master escape plan had been foiled by the fact that he did not know how to walk like a pony. Every time he attempted to stand searing pain shot through him, his attack on the armoured flying horse not helping the agony at all. He tried to right himself but just ended up flailing uselessly on his side, his unknown appendages seemingly rebelling against his desires. As he thrashed around fruitlessly the Pony Private fly down next to its Sergeant.

“Sergeant! Sergeant wake up! The Changeling is loose!” the Pegasus pony shouted as it shook the slumbering guard. Nigel ceased his attempts to right himself, the mare’s fears about him escaping almost making him burst out in laughter.

“The Changeling is loose? Dear god you thick horse i can’t even stand up, how am I supposed to escape?”

The Private bolted back as he spoke, the mare staring at him in fear.

“St-stay back you Monster! You won’t get to drain any love from me!”

“Okay,” stated Nigel flatly “Now I’m pissed off and confused”

“There it is Officers, it’s already attacked two guards!” the sound of a panicked mare’s voice forced Nigel to try to roll over to face the direction of the shout, but he once again was foiled by his alien body. Hoof beats sounded behind him, a large number of ponies surrounding him. Stepping in front of him was a white unicorn in ornate purple and gold armour, a more detailed helmet on his head with a large feather plume resting on it. The unicorn glanced at the unconscious body of the Pegasus Guard before Glaring at the Changeling lying on its side on the ground.

“You’re pretty brave showing your face around here after you ruined my wedding Changeling, doubly so when you attack a pair of guards in broad daylight in the middle of the city. You haven’t even disguised yourself, you must either be incredibly brave or incredibly stupid, and I don’t think you’re brave, so what have you got to say for yourself?”

Nigel looked up at the unicorn, his wavy blue hair looking more like it belonged on a deadbeat surfer than a military officer.

“Are you fucking high?” he asked, none of what the unicorn was saying was making any sense to him at all. The unicorn glared harder at him, the pony stepping closer towards the changeling, looking him over.

“Private” the unicorn enquired, his gaze not leaving the prone body of the Changeling “What did you do to him to make him unable to move?”

The Private shuffled on her hooves, glancing at the still-unresponsive Sergeant, two unicorns checking his condition.

“We, um, didn’t do anything to it Captain, when we first got here it was just floating in the fountain swearing at passer-by’s. It then attacked the sergeant, breaking the fountain in the process and when it washed out onto the street it was unable to move”

The Captain increased his glare “Why didn’t you escape Changeling? Answer me”

“It’s quite simple” replied Nigel “You see, I was a home crashing after a legendary birthday party when I felt a bit peckish. I walked over to my fridge to grab myself a nice slice of cheesecake when all of a sudden I’m sucked into a black hole that appeared in the back between the vegetable shelf and the drink shelf. The next thing I know I’m flying through the sky with my body feeling as though it’s on fire before I plummet down into this fountain. One thing led to another and now I’m lying here unable to walk because I now have four legs that look like black swiss cheese, resulting in me being questioned by a supposed military officer who looks like a druggie who probably has to fantasize about himself to get it up. I think that pretty much covers it, any questions?”

The ponies all looked incredibly shocked, staring at Nigel speechless. The pony Captain broke his gaze after a while and turned towards the shell-shocked Pegasus.

“Private” he began slowly “Are you sure nether you or the Sergeant hit this changeling in the head at all?”

The Private snapped out of her trance as the Captain addressed her.

“No Captain Sir! He seemed to be this crazy when we first arrived”

“Crazy!” Nigel yelled, annoyed that they were insulting him “I’ll show you crazy!”

The Guards watched on as the changeling proceeded to roll onto his back before waving all four legs in the air
“BBBBRIBIT Justin Beiber is a good singer WORPRORPROPROPROP I totally enjoyed watching all of the Highschool Musicals WOOOOHHHH WOOOOOHHHH!”

Nigel stopped his tirade, his thrashing subsiding and he rolled back onto his side. The pony Captain turned to his subordinates.

“I think we better take this one to the Princess right away”

Nigel saw two of the unicorns nod before their horns began to glow, a tingling feeling flowing across Nigel’s body.

“He’s too heavy, we need more lift!” one of the unicorns cried, the remaining four guards and the Captain pitching in, managing to lift Nigel off the ground.

“Did you just call me fat you filthy Cur? Do you even lift? And speaking of lifting, why the Fuck am I floating off the ground, put me back down!”

“Stop complaining!” ordered the Captain as the group began to advance towards the castle, the insane changeling in tow.

_________________________________________________________________________________

“Are we there yet?”

“NO, FOR THE SIXTH HUNDRETH TIME WE ARE NOT THERE YET!” Captain Shining Armour yelled, the changeling having somehow managed to constantly annoy the group of guards all the way to the castle.

“Well, I’m sooooooo sorry Sir” the changeling began, causing Shining to roll his eyes “I really didn’t mean to upset you, I’m just a little put out about being FUCKING DROPPED ONTO SOME BLOODY DIRT-POOR PLANET INHABITED BY SOME INBRED TOSSPOT HORSES AFTER BEING TURNED INTO A FUCKING BLACK HORSE BUG! I WOULD THINK THAT THAT SORT OF THING WOULD PUT A SODDING DAMPNER ON ANYBODIES DAY!”

Shining flinched at the force of the Changeling’s shouts, but that wasn’t what had the Captain concerned. What had really shaken him was when they had passed a store with reflective glass windows that allowed the Changeling to see its reflection. What had followed was possible one of the freakiest things Shining Armour had witnessed in his life. The Changeling had begun to rant and rave about how it had a horn, how its eyes (Which unlike normal changelings’ were just like a ponies, the irises the colour of ice) were too large and most disturbingly of all when it had begun whinging about the loss of its ‘awesome hair’.

When the group finally reached the Throne room the two door Guards shot the Changeling strange looks before opening the doors, revealing Princess Celestia sitting on her throne, the Alicorn’s brows furrowing as she eyed the Changeling.

The group of unicorns released the Changeling causing it to land heavily on the floor in front of the Princess.

“Well fuck you too arseholes” it hissed through clenched teeth, the drop obviously hurting it.

‘Good,’ thought Shining, ‘maybe some pain would teach it some manners’

His hopes were dashed when the changeling looked towards the Princess.

“There is no way in Hell that I’m marrying that, I’d rather stick my dick in an anthill”

Celestia merely looked down at the creature with curiosity before looking towards Shining Armour.

“Captain, why have you brought this…” Celestia once again looked down at the changeling, the creature attempting to roll away from the throne “…interesting changeling to me instead of locking it in the dungeon?”

“You can’t arrest me, I ain’ done shit!” the changeling yelled, its attempts to roll away halted by three unicorns restraining it with magic.

“As you can see Princess,” Shining began, saluting as he did so “this particular changeling seems quite resistant to magic, as well as seeming to be absolutely mad”

“Oi,” the changeling once again contributed “Check yourself before you wreck yourself jerk”

Shining let out a sigh, a sigh that did not go unnoticed by Celestia.

“Was he like this the entire time you had him in custody?” the Princess asked.

“Believe it or not Princess, this is rather tame for him”

Celestia once again turned her attention towards the struggling changeling, the creature now attempting to bite its way free from the magic field surrounding it.

“I think it would be best if you locked it up in the Dungeon until tomorrow Shining, I will question him in the morning”
Shining nodded towards the Princess, the other unicorns assisting their Captain with lifting the changeling once more. The changeling refused to remain quiet, leaving the Princess with a parting gift as it was dragged through the doors down towards the Dungeon.

“I HOPE YOU GET FAT AND DIE OF DIABETES YOU SKANK!”