High in the treetops, hung a beehive among the branches. A swarm of bees were bustling in and out of the hive tending to their own work. Whether it was maintaining their home’s structure or gathering nectar for themselves.

Dirge observed their activity from below. Watching them buzzing around their nest, reminding him of what he used to be a part of. For a moment, he admired the scene, reminiscing about his earlier years. Then after a minute, wondered what would happen if a lone bee strayed away from its hive and its chances of survival in a world full of perils for its kind. But before he could delve any deeper into such a subject, he thought it too trivial for now and travelled onward to his destination ahead.

Instead of taking the default route that connected Zable’s home to the town further away, he was now making his trek there through the forest that was separated from the dirt road to avoid any passerby that may come across his way. He took his time getting there at a steady pace and in the meantime, thought about what he will do when he arrives. Or at the least, how he’ll handle himself with a less than friendly pony populace. Maybe even skipping the town altogether if he couldn’t come to a reasonable approach by then. As well as possibly having to disregard his zebra friend’s recommendation without the courage to go through with it.

His contemplating was cut off abruptly when he heard the sounds of twigs and leaves being stepped on somewhere nearby. He stopped in his tracks to listen in on the noise. Looking left and right, Dirge noticed they were slowly getting closer and closer. They sounded too heavy to be a timberwolf’s. Finally, he looked to his left behind him and saw what seemed to be a griffin walking towards him. It chuckled deviously as it drew nearer.

“Well, well, well… lookit what we have here.” He said tauntingly.

This peculiar griffin was adorned with his own set of equipment. He wore a necklace around his neck that was aligned with fangs from various kinds of creatures, a brown outback hat, and a stuffed backpack on his back. The feathers outlined around his eyes were a dull grey while the rest of his head’s was plain white.

“You lost, stranger?” He tipped his hat up and grinned. “Watcha doin’ wanderin’ around here?”

“What’s it to you?” Dirge asked in annoyance. He wasn’t very fond of griffins since his last encounter with one was responsible for a couple of his scars. Those sharp talons of theirs were not just for the sake of intimidation.

The griffin eyed him from head to hoof, scanning his appearance. He laughed at him amusingly. “And what’s with that getup!? You look like you came straight out of the bargain bin!” He laughed again in the same manner. “Yo, Rough Sport! Get a load of this guy!” He yelled out to someone in the distance.

From the other side, an earth pony was coming into view. His fur was a dark orange and his disheveled mane and short tail were black. He wore the same attire as the griffin, sans a necklace and wore a brown jacket with several pockets on it. His sideburns complimented his five o’clock shadow and his cutie mark consisted of two pony heads clashing together.

“Yeah, yeah. I hear ya.” He said with a gruff voice and soon, started to look at Dirge suspiciously. “Hey, doesn’t something about this guy seem… uncanny to ya?”

Dirge grew impatient, but wary of these two. “I’ve no time for this. Now if you don’t mind…” He tried to walk away but the griffin stretched his talon in front of his way.

“Woah there, mate! What’s the rush? We just want to… get to know ya a little. S’that so much to ask?” The griffin said, his grin hadn’t left him.

“I don’t share the same sentiment.” Dirge said, annoyed by his persistence.

“Eh? How could ya not!? Don’t you even know who I am? Or have ya been living under a rock? Heh. Guess my reputation hasn’t stretched out far enough yet!” The griffin huffed and stood more proudly. “Name’s Eagle Eye. Hunter and wildlife explorer extraordinaire! And this…” He pointed towards to Rough Sport by his side. “... is my associate. Sorta the backbone of our operations, but don’t mind him.”

“Associate, my flank! And have you been paying attention!?” Rough Sport cautiously walked closer to Dirge and eyed him with disdain. “Somethin’ ain’t right with this one. Look at his hooves! Look at his fangs! You can’t tell me this is just another run-of-the-mill foreigner!”

“Huh.” Eagle Eye raised an eye at Dirge. “Now that you mention it, this fella does look different than the rest. Where ya from, stranger?”

But Dirge didn’t dignify his question with a response. Choosing to stay silent instead. These two hoodlums were starting to get on his nerves.

Rough Sport gave an irritated sigh. “Honestly, Eagle! Exactly how daft are you!? See, what we have here is none other than a… !” He forcibly knocked away the straw hat concealing Dirge’s upper head and revealed the rest of his features. His blue eyes and head fins were exposed for them to see and he wasn’t looking too happy about this. The sight of the changeling made the accusing pony jump back in shock. “Oh, sweet mother of Celestia!! I knew it!”

“Geez, what crawled up your bum all of a sudden? Calm down, ya pansy.” Eagle Eye said with not a hint of worry.

“Eagle Eye! This is a freaking changeling!” Rough Sport said as he pointed a hoof to his reference. “You know, the ones responsible for that attack on Canterlot some time ago!?”

“Huh.” Eagle Eye squinched his eyes and placed a talon under his beak in thought. “So, that’s what they look like. I thought they’d be smaller?”

“And I thought you’d have read the headlines by now! Seriously, everyone’s up in hooves over them after that wedding incident!”

“Pffeh!” The griffin rolled his eyes and swung his talon in dismissal. “I got better things to do than to worry about some other pony’s problems! Like what we’re gonna do with this one here, for example!”

“I’ll tell you what we’re not gonna do! Letting him go, scot-free! I betcha this menace was gonna stroll on downtown over yonder and give the folks a good spook! So, listen here, changeling!” Rough Sport placed a hard hoof on Dirge’s chest. “Your kind may think you’re all clever, but you ain’t nothing but a wolf in sheep’s clothing!”

Dirge, still scowling, had had enough of their bravado. He was on his last nerve and wanted nothing more to do with them. As a threatening act, he grabbed the pony’s hoof still on his chest and coldly said: “Get your hoof off me before I break it off.”

“Ho ho! Watch out! We got a bad flank over here! You just gonna let him get away with that, Rough?” Eagle Eye said. Amused at the changeling’s shift in attitude.

“We’re done talking.” Rough Sport glared back at his adversary and within a few short seconds, threw the first punch.

Dirge took the hit and growled in anger. Another blow was about to strike him but blocked it with his own hoof. He grabbed the pony by his own hoof and pulled him into a headbutt. For the brief moment that Rough Sport was dazed from the attack, Dirge threw his own heavy punch back at him. Leaving his enemy vulnerable again, he grabbed him by the jacket and started to drag him to the nearest tree. “Arrogant little punk!” Placing a hoof behind the pony’s head, he slammed his face onto the tree trunk. The force knocking him off his balance and fell to the ground.

“GUH!!” Rough tried to shield his muzzle and rub the tip of it, believing that his nose was now bleeding. Before he could, his face was stomped on by the changeling’s forehoof.

Dirge was about to land another hit until he was tackled away by the griffin. Both of them were rolling on the ground as one of them was trying to get a handle on the other. But after moments of struggling, the griffin had the changeling in a stranglehold. Strengthening his grip over his victim to prevent him from slipping.

“Come on! Let’s see what ya got! I’ve wrestled cragadiles tougher than you!”

As Dirge tried to wriggle out of the griffin’s bind, he had his own grip on his talons. While one hoof was busy trying to remove his ties, the other was punching his opponent on his side. He felt the pressure growing slightly weaker each second and wouldn’t stop until he was let go.

Meanwhile, Rough Sport managed to rise from his beating and ran to assist his cohort in subduing the changeling.

Dirge saw him coming from the side and took immediate action. He forced himself and the griffin to roll aside once again. This time, he was on top while Eagle Eye was on the bottom. Rough Sport swiftly tried to jump onto the changeling, but instead, was bucked in the stomach and was sent flying back. Landing back down on the ground with an exaggerated “Oomph!!”

Eagle Eye was losing his grip until he completely lost it when Dirge headbutted him with the side of his head.

Finally free from the griffin’s grasp, Dirge rolled away and hastily got up onto his hooves. Coughing and panting for breath while distancing himself away from his foe.

“I’m not through with you yet!”

Dirge looked behind him to see Eagle Eye charging at him. Within the instant of coming into close contact, he raised his talons and attempted to slash him with his sharp claws. Dirge sidestepped out of the way from the first two swipes, but on the third, he caught and grabbed his talon. Putting his back behind him and ducked, he threw the griffin over him. Slamming him onto the dirt.

Eagle rolled back onto his front and tried to stand up, but was pinned back down by a hoof on the back of his throat. “Grr… ! Go ahead! Do your worst! I ain’t afraid of some overgrown pest-- urgh!” More pressure was applied onto his back.

“Then allow me to demonstrate why our kind are on top of the food chain!” Dirge took this opportunity to both satiate some of his hunger and prevent these two from getting up again anytime soon. He craned his head, opened his mouth, and started to forcibly drain the griffin’s energy. A green mist evaporated from him and was sucked into the changeling. As he absorbed it, he noticed the flavor of the emotions was somewhat bitter and foul. He stopped before it made him gag. Coughing a couple times, he couldn’t taste much of any love in it. If this griffin even had any. Definitely didn’t have any care for others at all.

Walking over to the pony who was still struggling to stand, Dirge repeated his action and consumed his emotional energy. His didn’t taste much better, but couldn’t really decide to be picky at the moment.

There wasn’t much sustenance to take from them, but at least they were too weak to fight back since their stamina was also affected from the draining. Dirge still wasn’t full, but this would help keep him going for a while longer. Now done and over with their quarrel, he went to pick up his straw hat. Dusting it off and putting it back on as he walked past by the now defeated offenders.

“Underestimating your enemy can prove to be a fatal mistake. Learn to pick your fights more wisely.” Dirge said and then afterwards, trotted away and resumed his trek.

Rough Sport, whom only had enough strength to talk, watched the changeling leave. He chuckled weakly and grinned. “Heh heh… hey, Eagle Eye… ?”

“Uuugh… what?”

“I think… I may have… found a way to pay off our debt.”

The town that had been distantly far was now in full and close view. Today seemed to be a lively day as there were ponies everywhere going from one place to another.

Dirge remembered this specific place as he came here once on one of his infiltration missions many months ago. It certainly was bigger than the last time he visited as there more homes and buildings in addition to its expansion. He was currently hidden from view behind some foliage in the town’s outskirts. Watching the townsfolk while thinking of a way to pass through.

He thought back to Zable’s words for a moment.

“Please. Give them chance. I was strange guest like you once.”

And then his recently discouraging encounter with those hostile strangers.

“Your kind may think you’re all clever, but you ain’t nothing but a wolf in sheep’s clothing!”

He looked at his pendant and then himself for a while. Thinking about the latter’s quote. As much as he didn’t like to admit it, he was right. It conflicted with the advice he was given earlier. For all he knew, at least Zable wasn’t met with vicious reception and hunted down by an entire kingdom.

Dirge sighed, forlorn. “Who am I kidding?” He ultimately decided to skip this place altogether. He didn’t want to cause an unnecessary uproar among an already alert population. Leaving his position, he left to circle around the town as far as possible as it felt it was the best course of action to go undetected.

After going through completely, he hurried along across the dirt road and out of sight from any peering eyes that may have seen him. But out of regret, he looked back to the town behind him. If his old zebra friend were here now, he’d be shaking his head in disappointment. He held his hat down over his eyes and continued his journey towards who-knows-where.

While he was absentmindedly walking away, a mare and a stallion pulling carts with empty baskets were about to cross paths with him. Just now noticing the two, Dirge snapped out of his daydreaming and stopped in his tracks to see they were getting closer. He looked around for a place to hide, but it was pointless as he was out in the middle of the big open fields.

“Hey!” The mare waved her hoof to him to grab his attention. However, he pretended not to notice and backed away slowly. She was intrigued by his appearance and trotted faster towards him. Though as soon as she was close enough to get a better look at him, she paused. Her eyes went wide and gasped in horror. “Oh my gosh!”

Dirge kept his distance and did his best to keep the new situation under a level head. “Listen, I’m merely passing through. There’s no need for panic.”

“Are ya alright, mister!?” She asked. Surprisingly concerned.

“Huh?” Dirge was now confused.

“I mean, just lookin’ at ya, you look like ya got pierced by somethin’ awful! How can ya still walk like that!?” She said, pointing towards his hooves and possibly his front scars as well.

Dirge didn’t know what to say. In his bewilderment, he made a closer inspection of the mare before him. He thought he recognized her, but thinking back, she looked exactly like one of the ponies one of his underlings impersonated during his last mission. Those green eyes and mane with pigtails, along with that orange fur were unmistakable. Getting back to her question, he answered meekly, “I’m… fine. Really.”

“Surely? Cause I’m findin’ it hard to believe somepony like you can walk even a mile in those hooves.” She said, still quizzically looking at him. “Why don’t ya go back into town and have yourself looked at? My cousin knows a good doctor and I’m sure he’ll fix ya up, right quick!”

“No thanks. Like I said, I’m just… passing through.” Dirge said, avoiding eye contact now.

“Wait, ya mean you haven’t even stopped by and checked out our stalls ‘n’ stuff? We sell some of the best apple fritters ‘n’ pies in all of Equestria! ‘Course, my niece has me beat in that regard, but… “ She giggled and stepped a bit closer. “Nopony beats my vanilla brown betties and you won’t find anythin’ better for miles!”

“That’s… wonderful.”

“And speakin’ of! The name’s Apple Brown Betty, but ya can just call me Betty if ya’d like!” She took Dirge’s hoof and enthusiastically shook it. “Hope I didn’t hurt ya or nothin’. And over here… !” She motioned towards the stallion behind her, an amber colored pony with green eyes and mane wearing a ten gallon hat, who now joined her in the conversation. “... is my husband Bushel!”

“Howdy.” He nodded with a smile.

“We was just headin’ back after makin’ a delivery. Why don’t you join us back to our place and we can give ya a grand tour around town while we’re at it?”

“N-no, I can’t…” Dirge tried to walk away until Betty placed her hoof on his back.

“Aww, come on!” She stared at him sadly. “Look, I can’t forgive myself if I let somepony like you just walk away with nothin’. ‘Specially in your condition. I promise you’ll like what we have to offer!”

Dirge didn’t feel the same excitement as she did and only dreaded the thought of arousing trouble around more ponies. He may have been lucky enough to meet one that didn’t suspect him for what he was, but if any fortune was on his side, he was going to have to find out. Even if he regretted it. After his near death experience, he already had nothing more to lose. With a heavy sigh, he turned towards the mare and said, “You’re not leaving me with any other choice, are you?”

She smiled and blinked in joy. “Nope!”

The trio made their way into the town nearby and were now making conversation to pass the time. They were going at a steady pace so there was no rush to get to their destination. Dirge was walking between the two ponies.

“So, I was gonna ask ya… that hat of yours looks pretty familiar. You gone by a zebra by the name of Zable, by any chance?”

“We’ve been acquainted. Helped me in more ways than one. He’s the reason I’m still walking today.” Dirge said. Growing slightly more cautious and worried with every passing second.

“Aww, that’s so sweet of him. I always get worried about the poor guy gettin’ all lonely up there. Nice to know he had more company than just us.” Betty said with a caring tone and expression. “So, where ya from, anyway? Never seen your type ‘round here before. Most we get in these parts ‘sides the usual ponies are a few griffins, mules, and some protein guzzlin’ minotaur. But then again, it was the same thing with Zable, and look where we are now!” She chuckled and then patted Dirge on the back softly. “I’m sure everypony else will warm up to ya eventually.”

Dirge didn’t respond right away. They couldn’t see it, but underneath his hat, he hid his pained expression. He began to feel a tightness in his stomach that made him uneasy the closer he was getting to the town’s reaches.

“Eh heh. Sorry if I’m bein’ too nosy or anythin’, but I didn’t catch yer name either. Err… what was it again?” She asked nervously.

When he went silent, Bushel noticed his deep frown. Looking a little concerned, he nudged Dirge lightly. “Uhh… stranger?”

“Alright, ya’ll! We’re here!” Betty said as soon as they stopped to see that they’ve arrived. “Welcome to Appleton!”

It was the same tranquil scenery from before. Looking at the buildings in more detail, they were mostly built out of wood with the roofs made of stone tiles. All of them were either painted in bright colors. Ranging from white, orange, or brown. The residential homes looked more or less the same from each other.

They stopped at the most populated area of the town, where all the shops and locals were gathered. Luckily, nobody had noticed them yet. That was about to change soon enough.

“This place’s gettin’ bigger by the passin’ months ever since the Apple Family’s been expandin’. Some of us wanted to live closer to each other, so we settled here over a year ago and things took off from there. Soon as we knew it, ponies from all around started vistin’ and even moved in. I guess everypony shared the same taste in apples as we did that brought us all together. S’like we’re all one big happy family!” She smiled with glee, then looked towards Dirge. “So’s this really the first time you came by here?”

He was still on edge, but knew that if he acted out of place, it would only attract the wrong crowd. Keeping his self-control in check, he replied, “Can’t say that it is.”

“Oh, then this is gonna be real excitin’ then! Follow me and I’ll show ya ‘round the best parts of the neighborhood!” She said, while they now entered and passed into the main street. “So, over here, we got my favorite coffeeshop! Or caff-ay if you like pronouncin’ it in fancy! S’got a nice view of the outside and the owner’s a good friend of mine! Usually I grab myself a cup of coffee and some apple tarts when I go there every other day and it’s a divine treat every time! And over here we have--”

While Apple Betty went on with her chatter, Dirge however, kept his head held low. While his hat and fur cover concealed most of his body, it still didn’t hide his fangs, the fins behind his head, and lower holed hooves. He was already at risk of other ponies taking notice of those. Some of them were blissfully unaware of his presence while they were going about their own lives. The rest, though, took curious glances at him.

“... and to yer right, we got--”

A few ponies simply stared at him in awe. A mare hid her filly behind her. A couple stepped out of a building, gasped, then quickly headed back inside. Dirge didn’t have to look at them to know they were afraid. The fear he sensed from them was already enough to tell him so. He grit his teeth in his mouth, hoping this would be over soon. Thankfully, Betty and Bushel were there by his side to vouch for him, but they could only do so much.

“And finally, our orchards!” All three of them were now in front a huge field of apple trees, separated from a fence to signify their property. They turned from the road they walked on and then strolled towards a barn within view. The apple fields at their side now. “Great Apple Orchards, that is! Ain’t it quite the sight?” Betty said with pride. “By the by, where were ya plannin’ on stayin’ tonight?”

“I…” Dirge was still anxious after that uncomfortable experience. Nonetheless, he remained calm. “... wasn’t planning on staying anywhere in particular.”

“Well, we can’t have that! I’d be delighted to let ya stay over this evenin’.”

“I’d only become a burden.”

“Now don’t be thinkin’ such nonsense! We got a spare guest room ya can lounge in.”

Arriving to the big red barn, Betty removed her harness from the cart. “Bushel, be a darlin’ and put these away? I’ma head inside and introduce our new friend here to our family.”

“Sure thing, hon.” Bushel said with a nod.

Yet again, Dirge felt apprehensive about meeting more unwilling ponies. He could’ve just made a run for it before all this, but he held onto Zable’s words in his mind still. He’d have to get used to the company he would be staying with, or rather the other way in this case. It was a little too late to turn back now anyhow. This mare was friendly enough, but didn’t have hope to meet anymore like her.

She opened the door to the inside and entered with her guest behind her. “We’re back, ya’ll! And I brought somepony along!”

“Who is it, auntie?” Momentarily, two mares came walking downstairs.The first to speak was a yellow coated pony with a red mane and tail with amber eyes wearing a green neckerchief. The second following behind had lime colored fur with red mane and pigtails.

“Mister, this here’s Apple Bumpkin and Candy Apples. Say hello, girls!” Betty said as she pointed towards them each.

“Heya.” Candy nodded.

“Hi! Uhh…” Bumpkin paused. Both mares were now surveying Dirge with their brows raised.

“Come on, girls. Don’t be shy. He won’t bite!”

Though apparently, they were not the only ones. Still hiding his eyes under his hat, Dirge kept his head low to avoid making contact with them. But their emotions told him they were still somewhat afraid of him. They were completely baffled when they eyed the holes in his hooves. The awkward moment was suddenly broken when he was pushed closer to the mares by Betty.

“Go on and greet yerself! The day ain’t gettin’ any younger!”

Dirge cleared his throat and lightly bowed his head before speaking. “Good day.”

His show of politeness managed to impress them, though, only a little. But it was enough to bring their anxiety down and back into a form of more curiosity. He was no stranger to these situations, however. For back in his early years of infiltrating into pony society, it was an emphasized point to fit into their groups. Only this time, being exposed in his natural form made this scenario a little unpleasant for him.

“”Quite the gentlecolt too, ain’t he?” Asked Betty.

“He’s… tall.” Said Bumpkin as plainly as she could.

“Yup! Just like our cousin Big McIntosh!”

“And… weird.” Candy said awkwardly.

“Alright, gals. Let’s not ask too much. We don’t wanna make him feel too outta place now.”

During their chat, another pony, a stallion, came walking down the stairs. Unaware of the new visitor.

“Hey, ma. Welcome back.” He diverted his attention from Betty and onto the stranger. “Who’d ya bring over… with… ya… ?” He slowed down and stared in confusion. It wasn’t until he looked at him closer that he realized something. “Hey, w-wait a second… !”

This stallion was all too familiar to Dirge. Not just from his voice alone, but his dark red fur, black mane and tail brought back memories. His cutie mark, a half eaten apple, was unmistakable as well. It was the same pony who visited him back at Zable’s cabin and the unfortunate soul who - Dirge had thought - suffered from a fatal injury during a certain mission all those months ago.

Dirge backed away slowly, but the stallion edged closer and removed his hat. His whole head was revealed, but he looked away in mortification.

“I-it’s--!” He expressed a look of a shock and screamed in terror. Backing away towards the wall behind him and pointed a hoof at the exposed changeling. “IT’S HIM!!”

“Crimson! What the hay’s gotten into you!?” Betty asked.

“It’s him, ma! That weird space alien pony I told ya about! The one that tried to kill me!” He said, shaking in fear.

“Space… alien… pony?” Betty arched an eyebrow. “Aww, gosh darnit, Crimson! You been readin’ those stupid comic books again, haven’t ya!?”

“B-but it’s true! He and his buddies tried to take over the town! But nopony would believe me!”

“Oh, come off it, Crimson! You know that’s just a bunch of hogwash and you know it!”

“Then how do ya explain this!?” He pointed under his neck to reveal a scar.

“And I told ya you were just gettin’ off on the hard cider again and hurt yerself! Yer lucky somepony found ya in time before it got worse!”

“But, ma--!!”

“That’s enough!” She stomped her hoof to silence him. “I don’t wanna hear no more of this rubbish! Now, yer just gonna have to learn to get along cause he’s stayin’ over for the night whether ya like it or not!”

“What!?” Crimson said in his remaining shock.

“Now get out there and help yer father with his work! He’s got a long day ahead of him and he would appreciate the help!”

“Y-yes, ma…” He got back up and reluctantly walked past Dirge. He glared at him in displeasure. “I don’t trust ya one bit, ya hear?”

As he walked out the door, Betty came back to Dirge and looked at him with a reassuring smile. “Don’t mind my son. He’s Crimson Delight, by the way. Sometimes he can be a lil’, uhh… eccentric, but he’s a good kid.”

Dirge hadn’t changed his expression after that bout, but to his own awareness, it changed into a slightly grimmer look. The coming evening was not something he would be looking forward to.

“Goodness! What happened to yer head!?” She said, noticing the bandages around his horn. “That was suppose’d be yer horn, right?”

Dirge shook his head. “It’s nothing.”

“Huh. Now that I have a better look at ya, you do seem awfully… uh, outlandish. No offense, o’ course. Dunno what all them holes are for, but who am I to question, amirite?” Betty chuckled nervously. “Come on upstairs and I’ll show ya to yer room.”

After picking up his hat, Dirge followed her upstairs, but not before giving the other two mares one last glance. They looked surprisingly neutral after what happened, but their fear did not leave them altogether. Sighing, he left for the upper floor for where he’d hope he’d be left in peace for a while.

Later that day, Crimson Delight was helping his other family members with their daily tasks. Currently, moving buckets of apples back to the barn after his father was finished bucking them off the trees. Angrily mumbling to himself while doing his job, unhappy that he was forced to stay with somebody, under the same roof, he didn’t approve of. Not to mention the potential risk of harm that stranger brought along with him. Not only worried about himself, but for the rest of his family. What upset him most was the fact that nobody believed his accusations.

He trotted over to his father who is in the middle of his work. Wanting a word with him about their recent visitor. “Hey, pa? Don’t ya think we’re bein a little too acceptin’ of the new guy? I mean, we barely know him or where came from!”

Bushel just about finished with his apple bucking and then looked to his son while taking a breather. “Huh?” Afterwards, wiping the sweat off his brow.

“Did ya see his freaky lookin’ eyes and how his front teeth stuck out!? How can ya trust somepony like that!?” Crimson said.

“Not this again, son. Look, if yer mother’s word was good enough to let him over, then it’s good enough for me. Why can’t ya just give him a chance?”

“Oh, sure, pa! Lemme see if he won’t try to kill me this time!” He said sarcastically.

Bushel rolled his eyes and sighed. “Crimson, I really don’t have time for this.” He said as he walked over to the next tree.

“He’s got to ya too! What did he say to ya, pa? What did he do!?”

Though Bushel resumed his work nonchalantly.

Letting his father go to his own business, Crimson grit his teeth in irritation. Next, he saw his cousins Apple Bumpkin and Candy Apples working beside the barn stacking hay and sorting apples. He trotted over to them and proceeded with the same sense of curiosity.

“Did you two notice anything too unusual or, uh… mysterious about that new guy?”

Both mares looked at each other and then back to Crimson. “Yyyyeah?” Said Bumpkin with one eye raised.

“And?” Crimson persisted.

“He was… dressed funny.” Candy said.

“Uh huh?” He nodded.

“And had big teeth.” Bumpkin said.

“And?”

“He had a lot of holes in his hooves.” Candy said.

“And!?”

“He didn’t have any fur of his own.” Bumpkin said.

“Ugh!” Crimson facehoofed. “No! I mean, did he look suspicious to any of ya’ll!? Ya know, like he was hidin’ somethin’!?”

The mares shrugged, still unsure of what he was getting at. “I dunno. Maybe? He did carry a saddlebag.” Bumpkin replied, but looked uncertain herself.

“So, that’s gotta be it then! He’s up to somethin’ and I know it!” Crimson then looked up at the second story window of the guest room to see the one of his allegations.

Dirge was leaning on the windowsill with his head resting on his forehooves. Looking somber as ever while overlooking the town ahead. He didn’t pay any mind to the ponies below him, regardless of the conversation going on behind his back. After a moment, he retreated back inside the room and disappeared from view.

“Whatever it is, I’ll be the one uncover it and expose him for what he really is!” With that, Crimson scurried off. Leaving the two mares to their duties.

“Is he usually like this?” Candy asked, raising an eye in perplexion.

“Meh.” Apple Bumpkin shrugged. “Ya get used to it after livin’ with him for so long. ”

“How’s that?”

“This one time, when he was just a colt, he thought our house was haunted. Couldn’t go by himself for nights to go to the bathroom without me holdin’ his hoof.”

They giggled at the thought of that. Each returning to their work while passing the time with other less important topics. The day went by smoothly for the rest of the family, except for one stallion who couldn’t shake his paranoia away until he had his answers.

The sun was finally setting and the day was now nearing its end. The two mares and stallions were heading back inside after finishing their daily routines and were going to top it off with a meal before heading to bed.

Apple Betty set the table in the kitchen to get it ready for supper. Everyone took their seats and exchanged words while they waited for their food to be served. Afterwards, she went upstairs to fetch her guest to invite him over to eat with. At first, he was hesitant on joining them, but knowing it would be rude to turn her down after her display of hospitality today, he nevertheless went to partake in the moment.

Gathering downstairs with the family, Dirge was about to take his seat at the opposite end of the table when Crimson expressed his disapproval.

“Wait, why does he have to sit with us!?”

“Crimson, behave yerself this time! We’re all here to enjoy ourselves as family like any other night and I don’t see no reason why he can’t be here either.” Betty said as she was getting their plates ready.

“But he ain’t even one of us!” Crimson banged his hoof on the table.

“True, but tonight, let’s give him the ol’ Apple Family treatment and see what it means to be one of us.” Betty smiled as she placed a big bowl of apple salad in the middle of the table.

Crimson groaned in anger while Dirge sat down. The stallion continued to eye him in the same manner, determined not to let him out of his sight.

Their dishes were at last served and everyone started to eat except the two who were feeling the most tense sitting across from each other. Crimson took slow bites and chewed his food without looking away from the one in front of him. Dirge only looked back at him almost bored, but when he was taking too long to start eating, it only arose more suspicion from his accuser.

“What’s the matter!? Can’t eat our food ‘cause ya know it’s poison for ya!?”

“Crimson! Shush!” Betty said to him, now growing slightly annoyed.

Dirge took an apple slice from his salad and chewed it in his mouth. Crimson wasn’t showing any satisfaction, but then ate bigger portions of his food. Eating it at a normal pace now. This, however, did nothing to please the other.

“How’d ya like it?” Betty asked. “S’good, right? Not too tangy or sweet for yer tastebuds, I hope?”

Dirge lightly nodded after swallowing. “It’s fine.”

“Yeah, it better be!” Crimson yelled.

Betty cleared her throat loudly while looking at her son unamused, then back to her guest. “So, I was still wonderin’ ‘n’ all… where’d ya get yer stuff from? Haven’t seen that kind of clothing going around these parts.”

“They were gifts from Zable.”

“Or more like he robbed 'em!” Crimson persisted.

Betty sighed, but ignored his comment. “I remember ya sayin’ ya both met a while ago. S’that why yer horn’s all wrapped up like that?”

“Mm hmm.” Dirge said while eating another round of his food.

“That’s mighty kind of him.” She said.

“What’s that pendant around your neck for?” Apple Bumpkin asked.

“What kinda fur is that?” Candy Apples also wondered.

“What planet are ya from!?” Crimson interrupted.

“Crimson!!” Betty stomped her forehooves on the table. She was on her last nerve after hearing more of her son’s incessant claims.

“It’s alright.” Dirge said. Upon hearing that, everyone turned their attention to him. Surprised that he seemed calm. “He’s just as curious as everyone else is and he has every right to be.”

“I-I’m sorry about him. Ya don’t need to humour him at all. He’ll just let it go to his head like always.” Betty nervously smiled while twirling her hoof by her ear.

“No, ma! We oughta know what and who he really is! For everypony’s sake!” Crimson pointed his hoof across the table.

“Celestia, help me…” Betty proceeded to plant her hooves to her face.

Dirge looked to him expectantly. Waiting for whatever questions the curious stallion may have. No matter how bizarre they may be.

“For example! Who’re ya servin’? Where’d ya come from? How many ponies did ya abduct? And how many more died because of you!?”

While the rest of them looked away from him embarrassingly, Dirge, however, looked increasingly uncomfortable now. Silence filled the room for nearly a minute. He then turned to Betty with her head now tilted up and her eyes staring at the ceiling.

“I… need to excuse myself. Would you mind if retired for the night?”

“Go right ahead, dear.” Betty said, still displeased.

As Dirge walked back upstairs, Crimson stood up from his seat. “Hey! I ain’t done with ya yet! You can’t just leave--!”

“Siddown, Crimson! Ya couldn’t just let go of yer ridiculous beliefs for one night!? Honestly, what’s anypony to do ‘bout ya!?” Betty said, disappointed.

“I was only trying to--!”

“And no dessert for ya neither! Ya can think about what ya’ve done while yer gonna apologize to him first thing in the mornin'!”

“Tsk!” Crimson crossed his hooves. Angered again that his family would take the stranger’s side and not his. He had no intention of apologizing to him either. Instead, he would take matters into his own hooves.

It was well into the night. The moon shined brightly down from its place high in the sky. The hour was late and everyone else was sound asleep. All except for a certain pony who’s fixation on another within the same household would not fade. The worry preventing him from getting any wink of sleep.

Crimson was tucked in bed, but didn’t look the least bit tired. He remained wide awake with his agitative state keeping him up. He still couldn’t believe that no one would take him seriously. They all thought this was a joke. But in the midst of his thinking, an idea sprang into mind. One that would rid of his problem for good. He would get his own ‘just desserts’ tonight after all.

Getting up from his bed, Crimson quietly walked out of his room and into the kitchen downstairs. Trying to keep his presence silent as possible with careful steps along the way. He went to the drawer containing the cooking utensils and withdrew a knife. It looked big enough to do the job and afterwards, proceeded to the guest room with the weapon’s handle held in his mouth.

The creaking floorboards did not help in undertaking his stealth attempt and took wider, but slower steps. Upon reaching the door to the room, he opened it cautiously and peeked inside.

Dirge was currently sitting by the window looking outside. He held his dream catcher pendant high into the moon’s center. Trying to figure out whatever magic the charm had. He didn’t have a clue how it worked and wanted a peaceful night of sleep. However much he needed it right now, wishing into it didn’t make it respond with anything either. After shaking it a little, he looked dissatisfied and stopped before he could make a bigger fool of himself.

Unaware of being observed, Crimson watched him closely for any sudden moves. A minute had passed and still nothing suspicious. He took this chance to enact his justice for what he did to him.

Crimson opened the door carefully, but it swung with a squeak. This startled him, but not his target who hadn’t taken notice yet. He let out a breath of relief and continued to sneak up on his victim with his back bent low this time.

Dirge, however, had already been aware of him. As soon as he came within the vicinity of the door, his changeling senses allowed him to feel the strong emotions lingering nearby. It was those of fear, hatred, and malice. The former two were more noticeable than the latter. Not only that, the kid was doing a poor job of keeping himself discreet with each move, but he gave him the benefit of the doubt and didn’t turn his attention to him.

Crimson was close enough to land a fatal strike to his back now. He took his knife from his mouth and held it high with his shaking hooves. He hesitated for a moment, but knew this wasn’t the time. Fear overtook him again and his heart was racing. He had never done this before, but if he didn’t act now, he would put his whole family at risk and even the rest of society. Resuming his stance, he raised the knife again.

“Are you sure that’s wise?” Dirge said all of a sudden, not having turned behind him yet.

Crimson froze. He wondered if he was talking to himself or to him directly.

“I used to think that was the answer too. But I had to learn the hard way that rash actions lead to dire consequences.”

Hearing him talk in a non-alarming tone made Crimson lower his knife. Seemingly willing to listen to what he had to say first.

“You didn’t deserve what happened to you. I admit, it was my fault that things didn’t turn out the way I had planned, but that’s life.”

Crimson was in disbelief at what he was saying. He sounded remorseful and his previous intention to attack him was fading quickly. But more questions took over in his mind.

“I understand you’re trying to protect yourself and your family. But if you think you’re making the right decision, then I hope you’re ready to deal with the aftermath. That’s a burden you’ll be carrying for the rest of your life. If you’re prepared to deal with that as well, then go ahead and strike me down while you’re still at it. I won’t stop you.”

At this point, Crimson was speechless. He looked at the knife in his hoof and then towards him. Unsure of what to do now. The conflicts of decisions going on in his mind had cleared out. He no longer had the will to carry out his execution. Regret overcame his expression.

“Back at the cabin…” Dirge looked to him calmly. “... do you still hope for my better health? Or do you wish I remained bedridden?”

“T-that was you?” Crimson said looking surprised. He eyed around the room, not knowing how to respond. “Well, I… uh…” He briefly spotted the saddlebag sitting on top of the cabinet and went to grab it. “I-I still don’t trust ya! You prolly got some secret weapon in here that’ll--!” A mere flower dropped from the bag and onto the floor. He picked it up and appeared puzzled by the discovery “... deceive… us?”

Dirge turned his gaze back outside. Not really interested in his reaction. “Believe what you want.”

Crimson set aside the bag and flower and hung his head low. “I… dunno what to do nomore…”

“Then you can start by returning to bed and forget this ever happened. You can always look forward to tomorrow to begin fresh and anew. Considering your job, you’ve got another long day ahead of you.”

“Uh, o-okay. I’ll do that then.” Crimson picked up his knife and walked towards the door. Before he left, he asked, “What about you?”

“What about me?”

“Ain’t ya headin’ to bed too?”

“I’ll sleep on my own time.”

“A-alright then.” Crimson opened and closed the door, but not before he said, “See ya in the mornin’.”

Left alone now, Dirge looked back at his pendant. There wasn’t much else he could do about it anymore. He would just have to wear it to sleep and see if it did him any good then. Regretting the thought of not having asking Zable for in depth information on this thing before he left.

The next morning, Betty spent her early hours at her favorite cafe. She was sitting at a table indoors next to the large windows overlooking the fields outside the town. She had her usual coffee along with some apple tarts

One of the cafe’s employees, a mare with a yellow coat and green mane and tail styled in pigtails wearing an apron, walked out of the other side of the counter and went to serve a tray of cups to a couple customers reading the newspapers sitting at a table. “Here’re your orders, sirs. Enjoy.” She bowed and left them to their business.

When she caught sight of Betty, she gasped and trotted over to her. “Betty!”

“Oh, g’mornin’ Fritter! How’re ya?”

Fritter hugged her tightly. “Oh, Betty! I’m glad you’re alright!”

Betty arched an eye in confusion. “Course I am, hon. Why wouldn’t I be?”

Letting go of her, Fritter looked at her worryingly. “I-it’s just that some of the townsfolk have been saying they’ve seen you yesterday with a… !” She looked around before whispering in her ear. “C-h-a-n-g-e-l-i-n-g!”

“A what now?”

“Betty! How could you not know!? They’re those creepy, black skinned, bug looking ponies that suck the life outta you! They were even on the front page of last month’s newspaper!”

One of the customers reading said paper perked their ears up upon listening in on their conversation.

Betty gave a hearty laugh and waved her hoof in dismissal at her. “Now yer startin’ to sound like my son!” She wiped a small tear from her eye. “But naw, seriously. I stopped readin’ that junk a long time ago when it became nothin’ more than filly’s gossip and them gaudy Canterlot ponies showin’ off their fancy new apparel.”

“They attacked Canterlot! We could be next! But who knows when another one of those things could pop up again!?”

Betty tapped her chin. “Are ya sure yer not just overexaggeratin’? The fella I know wouldn’t hurt a fly.”

“I was there when it happened! We were all running away from them when they tried to invade us! Thank the princesses they got dealt with. Any later and we woulda been done for! Luckily, nopony got harmed too badly, but they left most, if not all of Equestria on the lookout for ‘em!”

This left Betty concerned. Perhaps she placed a little too much trust on the stranger still at home, but was certain he wasn’t exactly like what Fritter described. “They… they can’t all be like that, can they?”

“We can’t be too sure! If ya know that stranger’s one of ‘em, you gotta let the guard know!”

Betty rose from her seat and walked towards the exit with Apple Fritter following. “Well, I… gotta do my weekly round of grocery shoppin’. Be seein’ ya same time tomorrow, Frit!” She took her leave as Fritter waved goodbye.

“Stay safe!”

Suddenly, Fritter was tapped on her shoulder.

“Excuse us, missy.”

She looked behind her to see an earth pony and griffin with a sly grin on his face.

“We couldn’t help but overhear your little chat there. What was that about changelings now?”

Author's Note

Props to anyone who can spot the little game reference I made.

And yes, I'll be using some minor ones throughout the story.