My name is Stella. This is my twin brother Kayden. We are “Half-bloods.” For those that do not know the term, we are half changeling and half equine. We are the very first of our kind. Gifted with the triune powers of flight, magic, and transformation, my brother and I stand tall and proud as we lead over mighty changeling army. Some may say that commanding over an entire army is a heard-earned title only achievable by the highly respected and dedicated few. Well, all I can say is that back then we were the most unlikely of candidates. One thing you mustn't forget however is to never judge a book by it's cover. My brother and I share a special bond with Chrysalis that is unmatched by any other changeling. This unique bond we share grants us great favor and respect over our fellow changeling brothers and sisters... I mean after all, she did raise us. She raised us as her own children so that one day we may rise against the odds and fight the final battle.. the one that counts.. the one where there is no turning back. She knows we will go to any extent to keep her safe as she has taught us well. If we must lay down our lives for her.. then so be it. Our undeniable love and loyalty for our changeling mother burns bright within in our soul as it fuels the unquenchable hatred within our hearts towards the Equine race. We have been shaped and disciplined our entire lives into becoming who we are to this day; living, breathing killing machines. Life seemed to be in our favor, however it was not always like this…
When my brother and I were born, we were considered abominations to the changeling race. Our changeling brothers and sisters looked down upon us. They refused to even associate with us. Not a single day would pass without someone spitting in our face. This was our life, this was all we knew. We eventually learned to cope with it, realizing that maybe this was our destiny.. to simply be outcasts in our own society. However, all that changed one night when my brother woke me up during our sleep.
"Sister... sister, wake up."
"Nngh.." Was all I was able to mutter. I hated having my sleep interrupted, especially when our bodies are so taxed from vigorous schooling and training day in and day out, not to mention the mental torment our so called brothers and sisters continue to put us through.
"Stella please, I need to talk to you.."
Normally I wouldn't give my brother the time of day in this situation, however this time felt different. My brother looked troubled.. I could also sense the anxiety in his voice. That was enough to get my attention.
"Kayden.. what is it.. what's wrong?" I said with concern as I began to sit up and rub the fatigue from my eyes. I then looked at my brother for a response but he just looked away from me. Something was definitely on his mind and I could clearly see that now. After a long moment's pause followed by a deep breathe, he looked me directly in the eyes.
"It is time." he said.
"Time?" I questioned, giving him a confused look. "Time for what Kayden?"
That is when he told me something that changed our lives forever. He told me it was time, time to run away from this cursed place. I hesitated. I hated this life as much as he did.. but I was afraid. I mean, where would we go, where would we live? Even though this place was terrible, it was still our home, our safe haven. I wanted to stay, but I could not live my life without him. He was my brother, my rock, my own flesh and blood. He was the only family I had left.. how could I say no? We galloped silently down the moonlit path towards the eerie forest that surrounded our home. This forest, we were taught at a young age to stay away. We were told that the forest is off limits and anyone caught on the premises would be killed on the spot. We did not know why the punishment was so harsh. Maybe it was because they were hiding something. Maybe they didn't want changelings like us to escape. Whatever the reason, I was deathly afraid. However, that did not stop my brother, so neither did it stop me.
We blindly clawed our way through the dense shrubbery. I remember my brother telling me that if anything were to happen, that I should run away. To run as fast and as long as I can and never look back. I told him that I would.. but I lied. I loved my brother far too much to desert him. If he got killed then I shall stand by him and accept the same fate. I remember the moon shining above us that night. So bright, so majestic, and so.. mysterious. I felt as if it was looking down upon us, guiding our way with its mysterious moonlight. However, that comforting feeling did not last. The deeper we ventured into this forest, the darker it became. My brother and I never quite understood why this happened. All we knew at the time was that it felt very, very evil. The next thing I knew, we were engulfed in darkness. I could not see a foot in front of me. That is when my brother told me to hold onto him tight. I did just as he said. We began walking together in pure silence, pacing step by step in complete unison. The only thing I remember hearing during our blind walk through that dense void of darkness was the gentle sound of my twin brother breathing. I suddenly felt a strange connection to him that night. I felt as if I could now sense his thoughts and feel his every heartbeat. I have never been closer to my brother since that night and that is the one thing I can truly thank the darkness for.
We never did find the exit that night. However, what we did find was unspeakable, was unheard of. It was a tree. Not just any tree, this tree was far different from the others. It had a faint and mysterious dark glow to it. The branches were a lot different compared to its surrounding neighbors. They grew wildly, gnarling in every direction. One thing I did not quite understand at the time was why this tree had three mysterious symbols carved into it. These carvings glowed with bright intensity as they resided on the tips of three of the more prominent branches. Our discovery had us rendered speechless, not to mention slightly confused. We had studied about the tree of harmony back in school. We were also well aware of the seven elements of harmony. However, we were dumbstruck as this tree now contradicted all of our previous studies. That is when we heard a voice break the silence. A very vile and menacing voice.
“What’s seen cannot be unseen… and now you must die!” Hissed this mysterious creature. We instantly froze in fear like statues. Somehow we managed to turn around, but what we saw caused us both to shudder violently with disbelief as the mighty Queen Chrysalis was now towering just before us. We had directly disobeyed her. We had broken her only rule and now we were going to pay with our lives. I remember cowering in fear, shaking uncontrollably knowing that our death was imminent. That is when my brother embraced me and whispered something into my ear that I will never forget.
“Do not be afraid my sister… Not even in death can we be separated… I will see you on the other side..”
I remember clenching my eyes expecting to feel pain, but I felt nothing. Nothing, except an unexplained feeling of comfort that I could not describe.
“Impossible…” said the changeling queen. I opened my eyes. I remember looking at my brother. His horn was glowing bright with intensity, as was mine. Together, we created a protective blue aura, its powerful magic surging around us wildly. We do not know how it happened or why it happened but it did. It was an aura so strong that it even withstood the devastating blow of the mighty queen. Somehow, some way, our love for each other unlocked a powerful hidden magic within us. A power that was unheard of for changelings. That day, is the day when our lives completely changed.
Chrysalis favored us. We were different than the other changelings. We were one of a kind, uniquely gifted with the power of magic. She spared us that night and took us under her wing. She raised us as her own children. She taught us everything we know. Magic, combat, flight, even transformation. My brother and I, we never knew our real mother. Same even goes with our father. We had no parents. Chrysalis was our mother in our eyes and we grew fond of her. I will never forget the one night when I hugged her for the first time. I told her that I loved her. I remember she fell silent. That was the first time I have ever seen my mother cry.. and that is when she finally told us. When she finally told my brother and I who my real parents were…
My parents, they were both highly respected in their own ways. My mother, she was a very talented unicorn. Her fur was a gentle light shade of blue. She was blessed with a beautiful white mane along with stunning, icy blue eyes. In her younger years she had graduated from the school for gifted unicorns. She was top in her class. Her teachers would even tell her that she was one of the most talented unicorns the school has ever been graced to teach. Upon graduation, she was awarded with multiple scholarships to attend many renowned magical colleges all throughout Equestria. She had unbelievable talent and none could argue that. Many had believed for her to have a bright future ahead of her. However, that did not play out as they had thought.
Trashing her scholarships, my mother boldly decided to apply herself to study under the mighty Princess Celestia herself. News about this young mare’s decision spread throughout Equestria like wildfire. It was rare for ponies to see Celestia, let alone even have the potential to be her student. All eyes were soon focused on her… even the evil ones. Chrysalis was very well informed about what went on in the outside world. She had changeling spies gathering information all throughout Equestria, even in places you would least expect. News of this special mare soon reached the ears of Chrysalis as jealousy began to overtake her heart.
“Why must Celestia saturate the magnificent minds of these ponies with her pathetic ways?!” She would always question.
That is when she came up with a very dark and reckless plan. That plan was to capture my mother and corrupt her into her own. She knew that with this powerful magic in her control, the possibilities would be endless. Chrysalis even believed that she had the potential to turn the tides of war in favor of the changelings. That is when she sent out her very best changeling to capture her. That very changeling… was my father.
My father, he was very gifted as well. Renowned and highly respected among his fellow brothers and sisters, my father was a master in the arts of stealth and deception. He was perfect for the job. My father looked just like any other changeling except for one minor difference. He was born without eyesight. The doctors said he would be blind for the rest of his life. They were right. As my father grew up he learned to adjust to his handicap, and that he did well. Without sight, his hearing became extraordinarily keen. He could take the sound around him and paint a detailed picture. Chrysalis eventually discovered my father. She was fascinated by him. She saw the potential in this changeling and took very well advantage of it. Under the queen’s training, he became one of the deadliest assassins Equestria has ever known.
You are probably wondering by now how we came to be, so I will tell you. Once my mother was captured, she was brought back to Chrysalis’ lair to undergo the process of corruption. However, her will was strong, very strong. They continued to torture her, day in and day out. They would sometimes even starve her. Any pony would have easily been broken at this point, but she did not. After her daily torture they threw her back into her cell for the night. My father admired her strong will. He ventured into the dungeon one night to talk to her alone.
“I admire your will to fight young mare… but I do not understand why you must fight so hard for something you do not know.” He told her. She sat there in silence, her back facing him as she continued to stare at the stone wall before responding.
“Do not question my intentions changeling. I know what I fight for.” She then looked over her shoulder at my father. “Do you know what you fight for?” He stood there in silence, ignoring her question. My mother slowly got up and approached her barred cell door.
“Look at the pain your kind has put me through. Do you have no heart? Please... respect my wishes and just let me die.”
My father paused before responding.
“I… do not see what others see… but I can feel your pain. That is why I am here.” She examined his words. He showed an emotion that did not exist in others of his kind. That emotion was compassion. Deep down something told my mother that this changeling was different than the others. She looked into his eyes. She noticed how his eyes were not focused on her, but rather as if he was looking straight through her. She did not have to ask the pending question in her mind for she already knew the answer.
“Rest your forehead on these bars changeling. I am weak… but I have enough strength for one more spell.”
My father hesitated.
“Do not worry, I mean you no harm.” He obliged by gently resting his forehead against the chilling steel bars of the cell door. She positioned her horn a mere inch away from his face and clenched her eyes shut as she began focusing with all her concentration. Her horn started to glow. Suddenly, the dark room flashed with a blinding white light. My father was forever changed that night. He was healed.
My father did not say anything, he could not say anything. He simply just sat there and wept. It took him a moment before finally being able to speak.
“I… I don’t understand. Why would you do this for me?”
She smiled back at him before responding.
“Don’t you see… I serve a princess of kindness, a princess of love. You must love your enemies…” She reached out and placed a hoof onto his shoulder. “Even those that persecute you.” Her words sounded true. His whole life he was taught the opposite. Taught to hate, to harm, to kill. Her genuine act of kindness suddenly ignited a warm inner flame deep within his cold heart. That inner flame was the feeling of love. However, he did not recognize that feeling for what it was because he had never experienced anything of the sort before. He looked into her icy blue eyes. He was fascinated by how they looked. They were the first eyes he had ever gazed upon with his newly restored vision. They were simply beautiful.
My father continued to see my mother every night in her jail cell from then on. They would talk about all kinds of things. Where they grew up, what they did, everything. Through these visits, they slowly began to develop feelings for each other. They eventually grew so close to one another that neither of them would deny not being able to live their lives without the other. That is when they started to plan an escape. The time to act was near, however they’re plans were abruptly cut short. My father’s disappearances into the night rose suspicion with Chrysalis. He was caught the following night visiting my mother. He was taken to trial the next morning and found guilty of treason. They did not take this offense lightly. They placed him up on a wooden stage, centered in the heart of our city for all to see. Changelings in the masses gathered around to watch. His feet were tightly chained to the floor with just enough slack so he couldn't fight back.
"Gather 'round brothers and sisters!" Feast your eyes upon the one who has betrayed us all!" shouted Bruton toward the masses. He was the Queen's right hand changeling at that time. His ruthlessness earned him respect among his fellow changelings and his Queen, however his arrogance and ego was his kryptonite.
"I betrayed you all?!" my father shouted, interrupting Bruton. "The Queen has betrayed you all! She has all of you brainwashed into ruthless killing and corruption!" Suddenly, commotion broke out wildly among the masses.
"You see?! He has said it himself! He speaks blasphemy and deserves death!" shouted Bruton. The crowd roared and shouted in agreement.
"He has betrayed us!" "Kill that traitor!" "He deserves death!"
"Open your eyes my brothers and sisters!" my father shouted. "We do not need to fight this war! We can have peace with the Equine race! We do not have to waste any more precious life! We can all have peace!" Suddenly the masses began to chatter among themselves from my father's words. The changelings hearts have been hardened to stone, however my father began to expose the crack in their hearts.
"I say this because I personally have seen and experienced the kindness and love that the Equine race is capable of! They are not heartless beasts that we think they are!" My father's words were beginning to sway the hearts of his people, however this did not sit well with Bruton.
"It is not too late for us brothers and sisters! We can still OOPH!" My father stumbled from the sudden impact onto his side.
"I've had enough of your wretched mouth you blind fool!" shouted Bruton as he struck my father again, this time on his cheek. He was dazed from the impact, causing him to lose balance and fall down. Bruton then stepped on my father's neck so that he was unable to speak any further.
"I have heard enough blasphemy from this traitor! Not only has he betrayed our Queen but he has disgraced the changeling race! He must die!" He thought the masses would be standing with him at this point, however the crowd was still stricken by my father's words. Bruton, taking notice of this enraged him to the very core. He now despised my father and was going to proceed with the beating whether the crowd was with him or not.
My mother was forced to watch in horror as he beat him mercilessly. It felt as if time stopped when she saw my father's final breathe before succumbing to his beating.
My mother wept uncontrollably after that, crying herself to sleep night after night in her cell. Her will to live faded and it showed as her health declined at an alarming rate. She ended up going to the hospital and was placed in the emergency room to recover. When she was fully recovered, the doctors gave her the procedural full body examination before she could leave. That is when the doctors told her something that restored her lost hope. Something that restored her will to live. She was pregnant they said. By who, they did not know. There was speculation that my father was the one, but of course she denied it in fear of losing her future baby. She was never placed back into her cell after that for the risk of a miscarriage. Instead, she was placed in a foster home to be taken care of. That was when my brother and I were born. A few days after our birth she was forcefully removed and we stayed behind. I still do not know to this day where my mother is. All I know is that she is alive out there, somewhere… and I can feel it.
As I speak, we are now adults. We have never known friendship except for the family bond my brother and I share. This is a story about how friendship can sway even the darkest of hearts. A story of how love can conquer all. I am Stella, my twin brother Kayden, and this is the tale of two changelings.
To Be Continued...
Author's Note
I truly enjoyed writing the intro to this story. I took a break for awhile but I'm back and prepared to update these stories so stay tuned!
