The Halfling

Chapters

Bon-Bon
Barnyard Bargains
The Revelation
Looking Into The Past
Belmont Stakes
Clean Instruction
The Other Halfling
The Chicken and the Invitation
At the Boss' House

Bon-Bon

I heard my alarm clock ring. The last thing I wanted to do was wake up. Monday mornings were always the toughest.
I lazily put my hoof on the snooze button. Perhaps, I could risk a few more minutes of sleep.

"No, Sweetie Bon-Bon Drops", I said to myself quietly, "you need to go to work."
The bed was nice and warm. I wanted to stay put. I would dream of nicer things than work.
I couldn't. No, I certainly couldn't.
I had an important job and a good salary.

I opened my eyes. It looked like a beautiful and sunny day outside. The only thing more beautiful than the day itself was my marefriend, Lyra Heartstrings. She was a mint-green unicorn with a lyre for her cutie mark. Lyra was sleeping on the other side of the bed. She had probably adapted nicely to the sound of my alarm clock. I smiled to myself, perhaps I should test that theory to see if it was true someday.

I gingerly tip-toed out of bed and dragged myself to the bathroom.
I looked at myself in the mirror and grimaced. The pink hairs and the dark blue hairs were all tangled and I looked like a mess.
I always prided myself on looking pretty but professional whenever I went to work.

First, I needed to take a shower. I took off my pajamas and got into the shower. The warm water felt nice on my body. A shower was always pleasantly refreshing to me. All the dirt and the grime from my regular activities washed away. I felt like a new mare and was ready to conquer the day.

I was finally able to get my mane all curled up properly. Perfect. Most ponies, including Lyra, loved the way I took care of my mane. The pink and blue matched nicely with my cream-colored face and light blue eyes.
I wondered what else was there about me besides being an earth pony working my way through the corporate world.
It's something I didn't think about often, but there was one important day which gradually changed my outlook on life.

I remembered that day at the wedding of Princess Cadence and Shining Armor, Captain of the Royal Guard.
It was a wedding which was almost a disaster for them. It turned out the Chrysalis, Queen of the Changelings, kidnapped Cadence and took her form. Chrysalis had planned to conquer Canterlot through her army of changelings.
She chose to marry Shining Armor so she could put him under her spell and weaken the force field he set up around Canterlot.
The army of changelings broke through the weakened force field and began to attack.

I laughed to myself, the whole plan seemed hopelessly convoluted and far from fail-safe. So many little pieces needed to work just right for Chrysalis' plan to succeed. Chrysalis didn't count on Twilight Sparkle. She was perhaps the only pony I ever met who could match my own intellectual prowess or even possibly exceed it.

Twilight had that connection with Princess Celestia by being her mentor and of course.. she was at the wedding because Shining Armor is her brother.

I was at the wedding because Lyra was invited to be a bridesmaid by Princess Cadence. Lyra was hoofpicked as a bridesmaid because of her highly influential family: the Heartstrings. The Heartstrings are perhaps the wealthiest and most elite non-royal family in all of Equestria. Lyra and Cadence had never spoken to one another before the wedding actually. However, what Emerald Heartstrings wanted for his daughter would happen... I chuckled to myself, almost everything. I had captured Lyra's heart. The Heartstrings did not dream that their sweet daughter would get hitched with an earth pony with a middle-class family but one who possessed a lot of potential and held a fiery ambition to succeed. Those two qualities of mine have thankfully put me in my good graces. My genuine loyalty and devotion to Lyra also has helped.

Enough digression. None of that was what amazed me.
When the changelings were attacking and pulverizing the ponies around me, they had actually approached me with respect.
Changelings would either bow to me or even motion to me that I should be joining them.
My poor marefriend, Lyra, did not receive the same respect. No pony in the arena did.
They seemed to think I was one of them. I thought it was ridiculous.. but it all made me wonder.

I have definitely wondered about that moment ever since it happened. Why? What made me so special?
It was an obsession I had undertaken which rivaled Lyra's ridiculous obsession with humans.
Unlike humans, changelings were real.
Unlike humans, changelings were dangerous.
Why would the changelings like me? I am Bon-Bon, of the Drops family. My family is perhaps the antithesis of royalty in Equestria... foolishly the antithesis, I thought sadly. Why? I couldn't believe what my father had done.
Perhaps, the rebellious changelings associated me with my father somehow... none of this made sense, none of this made sense at all. I hated how this had become a burning obsession for me. Was this how Lyra felt on a daily basis when thinking about humans?

No.. not like this...

The humans made Lyra happy and she was open about bringing them up. She would embarrass me many times by bringing them up in public like they were real, sentient beings.

The changelings did not make me happy at all.. oh no.. this obsession has come from the dark depths of my soul.

I always felt different from my peers. I thought it was simply because I was more advanced than they were and meshed better with adults than foals when I was a filly. Now I am older and I still feel different.

Time to block that obsession out. Today, like every weekday, was about work. I had goals to achieve and projects to complete. I didn't have time to delve into this silly and worthless pursuit of self-exploration for too long.

I took another look at the mirror. I looked ready to conquer the day. I smiled.

"Ready to conquer the day!!"

I started at the loud and cheerful voice. It was Lyra. She loved to scare me like that.

"Hey Lyra", I said, "I wasn't expecting you at all."

"Oh, Bon-Bon", responded Lyra, "I think I found my own motivation for waking up. You're too cute when you're lost in thought like that."

"Tee hee", I said sarcastically, "I got a lot on my mind."

"Ooh ooh, like what?"

"Humans."

"Humans, oh my Celestia! Wouldn't having hands make things so much easier?"

"Nah, I am skilled with my hooves and my mouth."

"You certainly are skilled with your mouth, my lover", giggled Lyra and kissed me on the cheek.

"What would I do without you, Lyra?"

"Your life would be soooooooo much more boring."

"Couldn't agree more. It's rather enjoyable to visit the looney bin to see Looney Lyra."

"Oh come on, you can't spell Bonkers without Bon."

I laughed heartily. My marefriend was so witty.

"I am glad I can make you smile before another Monday at work", giggled Lyra.

"My turn". I kissed Lyra on the lips. Her green face turned a little red. I absolutely loved the power I had over Ms. Heartstrings.

"I'm scared."

"What do you have to be scared about?"

"I don't want to see you unhappy, Bonnie, and that job you're in makes you miserable."

"Do you want to start paying rent for our apartment?"

"I dunno.. I just want you to be happy."

My job was rough and a lot of hours, but I had to admit that I took pride in how much everypony depended on me. This is no surprise, for I am Bon-Bon. My job at Barnyard Bargains' corporate office had begun to feel like a rut - that's what Lyra was talking about above all else.

"What are your plans for today?"

"The usual", replied Lyra with a grin, "playing my lyre around Ponyville and hoping some ponies put in some bits here and there."

"Does that actually work?"

"You'd be surprised", said Lyra, "actually, your boss gave me two hundred bits for a five minute performance."

"Rich is a very generous pony."

"I know what you mean by that", giggled Lyra, "I think it's more like that I am simply that good at playing the lyre."

"I know you are, sweetie. You're following your cutie mark."

"You know it's odd that you haven't followed yours."

My cutie mark was of three candies. I always did enjoy making candy and it was one of my favorite hobbies. However, my career proved to be elsewhere.

"Haven't you tried my super special candy recipe before?"

"Yep, and that's why I wish you would make them everyday!"

"I am far too busy at work. I need to make sure all of Barnyard Bargains' schedules are in shape as of year end. We have the auditors coming in pretty soon."

"You make it sound like that the whole company would fail without you."

"It is my job. It is my duty. I am supposed to do this and no pony else."

"I suppose it's true that no pony could do the job better than you can buuuuuuut..."

"Buuuuuut...", I said parroting Lyra's tone.

"You don't have enough time for me."

"Don't you think I know that!?!? I would love to spend every moment of my life with you, Lyra.. buuuuuuuuut think of the future I am building for us. Don't you want to live in a Canterlot mansion? Why! We can live in the same neighborhood as your parents."

That last part wasn't ideal.. but the Heartstrings did live well. It surprised me that Lyra was so anti-materialistic, perhaps, because she had never been in a situation where she had a lack of them. My upbringing made me quite desirous of wealth.

"You think Filthy Rich is going to make you the next CEO of Barnyard Bargains?"

"Rich... his name is Rich and I dunno."

"You do make a mighty convincing suck-up. I think you could be the next CEO but is it worth all the toil and looking at numbers all day?"

"I like numbers."

"Oh, I forgot that you're a dork", said Lyra with a dorky laugh.

"Takes one to know one."

"Shut up", Lyra grinned.

"If you weren't so damn sexy, I would have kicked you out ages ago."

"Good thing I am", said Lyra who suddenly turned around and shook her plot at me. Oh, Lyra. You're ridiculous!

I laughed out loud and slapped Lyra right on the plot.

Lyra yelped and then giggled, "I'll get my revenge on you tonight."

"Looks like I'm pulling an all-nighter."

Lyra stuck her tongue out at me.

A part of me had wished I could do what Lyra wanted me to do. However, as always, her head was in the clouds. She didn't wish to think of the consequences which would occur for me and her if I quit my job. Like I told Lyra this morning, I am the one who is paying all the rent.

I kissed Lyra on the cheek and waved goodbye.

I trotted off to work. I couldn't be late!
The job may not be fun but it is important. I was on a good path. Something you should know about me is that I want to be some pony extraordinary. No pony worked as hard as me. I wanted to be some pony that I could be proud of. It was a sunny spring day but certainly no time for smelling the roses.

Author's Note

I hope you're all liking this idea.
I am planning to turn this into a novel - especially if the reception towards it is positive.

Barnyard Bargains

Barnyard Bargain's corporate office was built on the fringes of Ponyville, near Mansion Path - a neighborhood for Ponyville's wealthiest residents - including my boss, Rich.

The location of the office was a reminder of what made Ponyville different from Manehattan. Manehattan had all of its premier businesses as close to the center of the city as possible.
Ponyville's center was the village square which was populated with street vendors and small shops. Manehattan stressed ambition and excess. Ponyville stressed a more easygoing and laidback pace. That pace wasn't me and would never be me, but I loved Ponyville nevertheless.

I arrived at the office and took a deep breath. I was prepped for a busy day and on my way to the cubicle.

I usually like to get there early-ish. Most of my coworkers hadn't arrived yet.
Rich was probably in his office but the only other pony in sight was the janitor: an elderly unicorn who was cleaning everything around him quite swiftly. That's a nice thing about being able to use magic. Poor guy though. His cutie mark was a mop. I would have never followed my 'destiny' if that was my cutie mark.

The janitor waved at me.
I waved back.

"Hello Bon-Bon, how was your weekend?"

I realized I didn't know the janitor's name and he knew mine. Oh well, I would simply be as polite as possible.

"My weekend was really nice. I got to spend some quality time with the marefriend."

"Whoever that is must be a real lucky mare", said the janitor with a smile.

"Oh please, I am the lucky one to have her in my life."

"You're too modest, Bon-Bon", said the janitor with a chuckle.

"I don't believe you ever told me your name."

"Oh me, I am Clean."

What a funny name, I smiled.

"It is a perfectly normal pony name", said Clean," and it would be best if you remember that."

I shrugged. Probably about as normal as Bon-Bon.

"I must get started with work, but very nice talking to you."

"Same here."

I trotted to my cubicle. It was stacked with papers everywhere. I sighed. I knew this was going to be a busy week. It would all be worth it, if I got through this week efficiently, my odds of being promoted would likely increase significantly. I was optimistic. The world wasn't that unfair.

Time to start on my favorite schedule: salaries. No sarcasm here. I enjoy seeing how much my fellow co-workers are making, it's like my little secret as the lead senior accountant. I needed to ensure vacation was being accrued properly based on our personnel manual.. no other way around it. I looked towards the top of the salary list and noticed that Rich had a salary of 800 thousand bits a year and a generous bonus of 400 thousand bits. Rich was lucky that the board of directors didn't mind throwing money at him by voting yea on every salary increase Rich proposed.

I noticed the second highest-ranking official, Golden Plate, was making 500 thousand bits a year. Golden Plate was the CFO of Barnyard Bargains. My 75 thousand bit salary was so tiny compared to that. Some day, Bon-Bon, some day...becoming a CFO would be more than enough to keep me and Lyra happy

I continued on with my work for another three hours. Suddenly, I heard on the intercom, "Bon-Bon, please stop by my office." It was Rich, the boss man, himself. I wondered what he could have wanted. As long as Rich wasn't going to fire me, things wouldn't be too bad. I walked to his office.

Rich was at his desk: a tall stallion with a slick black mane. He wore a tie with dollar signs on it. Rich was living the good life but he worked hard to get to that point. Nobody worked as hard as Rich.

Rich had a picture on his desk of his family. His wife was a pink unicorn who wore a ton of makeup. I never met her, but she looked like one of those yuppy upper-class mares you would find in Canterlot. I didn't know her name. It might be polite to ask at some point of time. They had one daughter: a pink earth pony with a diamond tiara on her head. She looked like a sweet goody-goody in the picture but if you looked closely, you noticed a devilish look in the filly's eyes. Knowing Rich, she was probably spoiled silly due to his generosity. I didn't know her name either.

"Good afternoon, Ms. Bon-Bon. How are you doing?"

I have never been able to quite decipher what Rich's accent was supposed to be. It wasn't Ponyville despite the fact that his family has lived in Ponyville for generations. Lyra said it was a "Texan" accent which is something human-related. I told Lyra she was a dumbass and that ended that discussion.

"I am doing well, Rich. How are you?"

"Excellent. From what I am seeing, it looks like last year was our most profitable year ever. You know, a mighty good reason for that were your cost-cutting ideas. That greedy Equestrian Empire is trying to pinch every piece of profit out of us. These corporate taxes are looking to destroy us, but you figured out how to keep production costs as low as possible and I thank you for that."

"I am just doing my job, Rich. That's all I can do."

It was no secret that Rich was not happy with Princess Celestia's fiscal policies. She didn't care much for the free market and probably didn't understand it either. Free market? Oh goodness, that's a term from one of those human books. I guess that's a side effect from spending too much time with Lyra. It was my own upbringing which made me particularly aware of how to cut costs. I was a filly who lived with a single mom and a little brother, after my father had to "leave us".

"That's the spirit! So, how long have you been working here again?"

"About three years."

"I would like to say that we, in upper management, have been incredibly pleased with your performance."

I smiled. This was definitely what I wanted to hear but I also wanted to stay professional. That was the way to interact with a pony as successful as Rich, who is the epitome of professionalism.

"Thank you. I only wish to do what is best for Barnyard Bargains."

"That motivation has really helped our company over the three years you have been here. We have decided that it is time for you to manage a very important project for our company."

"Oh, wow.. that is incredible.. but what about the audit?"

"This project will begin after the audit. We want you to be truly involved with what's happening at Barnyard Bargains. Your understanding of how this business operates exceeds that of your peers and many of those who hold higher positions. I think you have the potential to really achieve great things at Barnyard Bargains."

I was speechless. This was definitely more than I was expecting. A whole project to manage? This was a lot of responsibility. I somewhat doubted my own ability to handle something like this, but I wouldn't let any doubt show. Hell, I didn't even know what the project was about. It was important for me to find out.

"I am so glad to hear that from you", I said, "what is this project about?"

"Oh, of course. I would describe it as a high-risk and high-reward project."

High-risk and high-reward was business language for tough to achieve but the boss wants it. I was willing to take whatever I could get.

"As you know, Barnyard Bargains is a fairly young company", Rich continued, "we have been fortunate to expand into other towns including Baltimare, Manehattan, Marelington, and even a place as far as Vanhoover. I have a vision and a dream of expanding Barnyard Bargains into griffon territory. Your talents make this a superb first project for you."

Griffon territory? I was certainly willing to take on the challenge, but boy would that be challenging.

Rich laughed and said, "I know that it isn't an easy task, but I have faith in you."

"Are you sure that it would be wise for our company to risk that sort of expansion?"

"That's up to you."

"Huh?"

"You have a sharp analytical mind. Get all of the facts and figures together and you tell me whether you think it's worth it or not."

Rich wanted to expand into the Griffon Kingdom. I did remember that he had pitched this idea to the Board over a year ago and the Board actually shut it down. I hoped that I would be able to give him the answer he wanted. It wouldn't serve well for him or the company to lie. I would be honest with my analysis. The Board is clearly looking for a second opinion on the matter. This would mean a lot.

"I will do my best, Rich. I thank you for this opportunity."

"I knew you were the right mare for the job", said Rich.

"When would I need to get the analysis in to you?"

"Focus on the audit for now and then we will get started with the griffons."

"I am honored that you have so much faith in me."

"Faith. Certainly, it's more than faith. I know you will do well. It is fact. We have also decided that it is time to give you a raise."

A raise? Nice, this day was getting better and better.

"I haven't even started the project yet."

Rich chuckled and said, "This is for the work you have done for us in the past year. A raise of ten thousand bits."

Ten thousand bits? Holy fertilizer. That was something.

I was on cloud nine over the fantastic news. Perhaps, Barnyard Bargains was home for me. One thing to be nervous about though, could I achieve this tough project? Griffons were tough creatures. They prided themselves on being stronger and more self-sufficient than ponies. Would they be able to accept a pony brand such as Barnyard Bargains? Would building a new store and all the customized marketing costs and the extra employees and so many other things be worth it? But who doesn't like bargains? This was going to be kind of fun.

"It is certainly a honor to have somepony like you working with us", said Rich.

"I feel the honor."

Rich laughed, "Indeed, so how are those papers going?".

We both knew what he was talking about.

"They are going quite well. I will definitely be ready for the audit."

"That's what I like to hear!"

"If there is anything else you need from me, please let me know."

"Of course and, congratulations."

"Thank you."

I went back to my cubicle to continue my work. I always felt motivated to work, but the news from Rich really lifted my spirits. I couldn't believe that they could like me so much. Was it because they needed more females to be in high-level positions at the company? No, it was more than gender. I have done a lot for this company since I arrived and every pony knows it. Except for Lyra, noting is quite as sweet as money.

A couple more hours at work and then I felt a poke and heard a giggle. Flitter, ugh.

It was Flitter alright. Flitter was one of my coworkers: a pegasus with a lilac-colored coat and a pink bow. She was around my age but looked and acted like a teenage girl most of the time. I tolerate her though. I am moving up. She isn't.

"Bonnie", said Flitter with a squeal, "what's up? Oh my, there are so many papers on your desk... the boss man keep you busy, huh?"

"Yea, I guess so." The sooner she leaves, the sooner I can finish enough tasks to go home.

"Today, I realized something totally cool."

"What's that?"

"You know Mareia and Buck? I think they are dating.. they are always all googly-eyed with each other. Isn't that cute? An office romance, sigh, Buck is so handsome too.. I am prettier than Mareia, right?"

"I don't think I met Mareia before." That wasn't a lie. Barnyard Bargains had a lot of employees.

"Trust me, I am pretty than Mareia. I don't know what Buck sees in her."

I had no clue either, but I knew that if Buck found Flitter even half as annoying as I did, I could see why there wasn't a Buck/Flitter office romance.

"I should get back to work", I said politely.

"I can understand why. That does look like a lot, tee hee", said Flitter, "hey, we should totally get lunch sometime."

"One of these days."

"I noticed that you were in Rich's office today discussing a lot of stuff. What's the scoop?"

I pointed to the stack of papers on my desk. I wasn't going to get involved in a conversation with her about griffon expansion and etc. She would ask a lot of stupid questions and time would be wasted.

"Of course, tee hee. I can be so ditzy at times, kind of like your marefriend, Lyra. LOL!!"

Go lol yourself. It was ironic that the word Flitter sounded so much like filter since she didn't have one.

"I really should get back to working. I get a lot of work."

"Funny. Rich must like me better. I barely get any work at all. Okie dokie, I will let you get back to work. Cya."

I noticed that Flitter didn't return to her cubicle but exited the office. I looked up at the clock on the wall. It was already 5 PM. Time sure does fly fast. I planned to stay late. This work wasn't going to finish itself. I was feeling exhausted. I needed more energy. I did what I usually do around this time, took a 5 hour energy drink. Now I was ready to go full speed ahead with my work! I took a task-oriented approach to work rather than a time-oriented approach. Rather than "when I can go home", the question was "how much can I finish in one day".

Conquer the day? Yes, I was. I would be damned if Barnyard Bargains wasn't ready for the audit.
Work and more work and not enough play. Oh Lyra, I wonder what she was doing now.
Lyra was probably either playing with her lyre or trying to work some spell to turn herself into a human.
Lyra as a human? Blah... I would never be able to see her in the same way if she was able to produce those grotesque hands out of her hooves... ugh... if any pony could let that happen, it would be Lyra.
She didn't fully understand why I worked so long and hard. Lyra never had to work hard, so I could understand why the concept wasn't quite fathomable to her.

Some more time must have passed, since it was already 9 PM. I was feeling hungry. I hadn't eaten since breakfast.
Now was probably a good time to pack up and go home.

The finished pile was higher than the in process pile. I would be able to get everything in to Rich by tomorrow night or Wednesday at the latest. No pony could do this better than me. I began to leave the office but I noticed something or somepony.

There was Clean, the janitor, and he was still cleaning everything around him.
Perhaps, he was the hardest working pony. Also, was Rich so cheap that he only hired one janitor?
That might have been where the real cost-cutting occurred.
I felt guilty in taking pleasure at my next thought: Flitter no longer earning a salary at Barnyard Bargains.

"It is funny still seeing you here", said Clean with a soft smile.

"I have worked this late before."

"Ponyville's largest business is dependent on a young and beautiful mare such as yourself."

"I wouldn't say that."

"Oh, I know more than you think." I suddenly noticed an odd green glint in Clean's eyes. It seemed familiar.

"I suppose since you're cleaning around here all the time that you know all the ins and outs."

"I wish I had some help around the office. Rich must think he's so damn clever by having a one-pony cleaning staff."

I chuckled, "I know how you feel. The later I stay here, the messier my apartment is going to get. That's what happens when you leave Lyra by herself."

Clean laughed heartily. A thought popped into my head. Clean looked old, but he certainly didn't act that way.

"Lyra", said Clean, "I have met her before. She is cute."

I blushed and said, "It's about time I go home to spend time with her."

"You should. Some point soon, there is something important we should talk about." Clean's horn turned a light green.

I grew nervous. What was he talking about? Oh my Celestia... it all made sense. Clean was a changeling. That's perhaps why the kindly old unicorn didn't seem so old at all.

"From the look on your face", said Clean, "I think you already have some idea of what I mean. Bon-Bon, I do not want to force you to do something you don't want to do. However, I think we should meet soon to discuss some important matters. It will also answer some questions you might have had."

I did have a lot of questions.

I had a choice to make.

"Clean, I think it would be a good idea to meet soon. Assuming that I know what you're talking about."

"Ah, of course you do. It's in your blood."

I was really curious now. In my blood? These changelings can probably sense something about me. What exactly was that?

"Will you be here tomorrow?"

"Definitely."

"After work tomorrow, we can discuss."

"I was hoping to go home earlier tomorrow", Clean smiled.

"What about 7?"

"Perfect."

"I'll see you then."

I was excited and nervous. Who exactly was Clean and what made me so special?
Finally, it was time to go home.

Author's Note

3 day weekend! Can probably get another chapter or two up before Monday.
I hope you're all enjoying the story so far.

The Revelation

I arrived back home and could hear Lyra playing a song on her lyre. It was a song I wasn't familiar with but I enjoyed its sweet and romantic melody. I was glad that she was still awake. The night would be better knowing that I would be able to speak with her before I needed to fall asleep myself.

I opened the door and there was Lyra in all of her beauty.

"Well done", I said to Lyra, "that is beautiful."

"It makes me so happy to hear that from you", Lyra grinned, "the next concert is Friday night at the Ponyville Theater... you will be able to make it, right?"

"I don't see any reason why I couldn't at this point of time."

"You know, the work thing."

"That shouldn't be a problem."

"I hope not, as you know, it means a lot to me if you are at the theater."

"I appreciate that. Oh, Lyra, I heard some great news today at work."

"You met a human?"

"No, even better! I got a raise at work."

Lyra giggled with glee and asked, "How shall we celebrate?"

"Hmmm.. I will need time to think about the best way to do so."

"You're Bon-Bon, so I know whatever you want to do will be super classy."

I decided to not tell Lyra about the extra project I was taking on for work. She would very likely whine about the extra hours I would be working. I also certainly wasn't going to tell Lyra about my encounter with the most-likely changeling today.

"I was thinking we could just have dinner over at the Apple barn - over by the pigsty."

"Ooh, that sounds like an adventure!"

I wouldn't dare. Getting mud all over me was not my idea of fun at all and Lyra knew that.

"Surprise me", said Lyra with a grin, "you know I can handle any kind of situation."

"Yes, because you're Lyra."

Lyra jumped off the couch and landed right on top of me, kissing me on the neck.

I was tired but I was in the mood for some fun. We rolled around on the floor for a bit and giggled like two silly teenage girls. It definitely was turning me on. I was getting wet from thinking about what Lyra and I could do tonight. She suddenly used a spell to pin me on my back. I couldn't move. Lyra's way of having fun involved having her way with me. It was also a major turn-on for me. Lyra was fondling my breasts with her front hooves and kissing me.

All the stress and seriousness of a long day of work was leaving my body. Lyra and I were definitely a fantastic couple. It was just.. oh.. too much. I was paralyzed by Lyra's magic but in heaven. I could still feel the sensations of pain and pleasure. I never wanted this to end.

That heaven lasted for some time. Lyra knew how to make me feel like a mare. I don't know when I finally fell asleep but I woke up on the floor with Lyra cuddled up next to me.

I still was wearing a watch. It was 9 AM.

Oh shit shit shit... this was going to look so bad... I got rewarded by Rich and I was going to repay him by showing up late. Fuck.

I needed to get ready too. It would be even worse to go to work looking like I just rolled out of bed. I immediately called Rich on my cellphone.

"Hello, Rich speaking."

"Hi Rich, this is Bon-Bon. I apologize but I will be an hour late."

"Ho ho ho, that's okay. The janitor told me that you must have worked four hours overtime yesterday. I'm not upset at all."

"Oh thank you. I won't let this happen again."

"Not a problem. I'll see you at 10."

"Thanks Rich."

I had to get ready now. Good thing Lyra was a heavy sleeper or I would have probably woken the poor unicorn up from all the pacing and hurrying I was doing.

I arrived at work at 9:50. I was confident that I looked clean and classy. I also think I got rid of all of the smells associated from a fun night of sex.

I could hear giggling. It sounded like Flitter. She flew over to me and said, "Hey, Bon-Bon, Bon-Bon, Bon-Bon, guess what?"

"You beat me to work?"

"Tee hee.. yea.. but something even more funny than that. So, I told you about Mareia and Buck, right?"

"Yea?"

"And how Mareia definitely doesn't deserve Buck unlike me... so I actually got to work around 8:15 and painted Mareia's chair with a fresh coat of red paint. Her big ugly plot will be all red when she sits on the chair. Oh my... Buck will never be able to look at her the same way again. Isn't that hilarious?"

"Honestly, that sounds kind of horrible."

"You never even met Mareia, so don't feel bad for her!! Feel happy for me. I will finally have a shot with Buck with that uptight cunt out of the picture."

This wasn't going to end well for Flitter, but why spoil the fun for her! It will be a surprise.

"Oh, Flitter. Since I was so late to work this morning, I can't chit chat. I have to finish all of this stuff or Rich could hand me a pink slip."

"Oh no, I wouldn't want that for you, Bon-Bon-Bon-Bon! I probably should get to work too. I want to see the look on Mareia's face. She's probably crying like a little baby right now or even better, she's trotting around the office with a red ass and she doesn't even know it!"

As Flitter turned around, I noticed that her plot was bright red. The joke was all on Flitter now. Like I said before, why spoil the fun!

From the corner of my eye, I could see Clean chuckling. He is a prankster, isn't he?

As for me, I really needed to get to work.

It was tough going through all of the store records and matching the revenues and expenses. Tough, but nothing I couldn't handle. Barnyard Bargains had seven stores in Equestria: Ponyville, Canterlot, Manehattan, Marelington, Vanhoover, Baltimare, and Fillydelphia. A store was expected to open up in Appleoosa in three months and there was that whole potential griffon expansion. I needed to look extra closely at the Vanhoover store. It was the pony-run city with the largest griffon population.
Vanhoover bordered the Griffon Kingdom. Did the griffons in Vanhoover shop at Barnyard Bargains? And if so, did griffons who live on pony territory have different attitudes in general about Barnyard Bargains than griffons who didn't live on pony territory?
This was actually somewhat fun to think about.

I suddenly hear a, "Wait what, but why?"

Flitter.

"Based on your job performance", I heard Rich say to Flitter, "we have decided that it would be best if your employment at Barnyard Bargains is terminated as of today."

"This is the worst day ever. My plot is all ugly now thanks to that Mareia. She wants to sabotage me, I swear to it."

"Even if Mareia did pull that prank on you, that has nothing to do with why you are being asked to leave."

"Huh?"

"Your coworkers never see you doing work."

"I barely even know what I was hired for."

"For the record, you were hired as an accounts payable clerk. Now, you must leave now."

Dreams do come true.

"Ugh", groaned Flitter, "this totally sucks, boss man. But hey, Buck, we should totally go out sometime on a date."

"Maybe", I heard Buck, the athletic black pegasus, say politely.

Flitter stopped by my desk. I noticed tears in her eyes.

"Bon-Bon", cried Flitter, "I'm going to miss working with you so much... too bad my prank fell flat."

"What was that", said Buck loudly, "your prank?"

"Ugh.. no.. I meant.. Mareia's prank failed to faze me."

"Hmmmmm, perhaps that would explain why the janitor switched your chair with Mareia's chair this morning."

"The paint on my plot looks sexy for me though, right?"

"Ummm... shouldn't you be out of here by now?"

"Yea, whatever... you know my number if you wanna set up something with me, Buck."

"Whatever."

Flitter left. Buck sighed with relief. I wasn't paying much attention to office dynamics but I imagined that Flitter harassed Buck all the time.

"You know her outside of work", Buck asked me.

"Nah, Flitter is just really friendly with me."

"Too bad. I was hoping you could tell her that I'm not interested in her at all."

"Be a stallion. Stay strong."

"Flitter knows my address."

"Get a restraining order if things get bad."

"Yea", Buck sighed, "I guess I'll have to. She'll probably get over me pretty fast."

"I hope so too."

"How's Lyra doing?"

"She is doing well, working overtime for a concert this Friday night."

"You must be excited for that, huh?"

"Definitely."

"Sorry for that distraction with Flitter. I can see that you have a lot of work."

"It's not a problem at all."

"Of course, you're Bon-Bon."

I smiled at Buck. That is something Lyra would always tell me.

"Now we can work in peace", I said with a smile.

"Agreed, I'll see you around."

"See ya."

I hoped that Flitter wasn't too crazy for Buck's sake.

Like promised, I would talk to Clean at 7 PM. Rich left for the night and the only ponies in the office were me and Clean.

Clean was humming the "Smile" song, that song which Pinkie Pie sung causing the whole town to follow her with glee over the amazingness of the song.

"Hi Clean."

"Hello, Bon-Bon. Yet again, we are the only two ponies in this building. Ah, yes. It is so funny to see how things are operating in Ponyville these days. No pony seems to realize that things are going to change pretty soon."

"Things are going to change? Well, everything and everypony is changing all the time."

"You know what I mean."

"Then explain it less cryptically."

"Very well. I hope that no pony is watching us. I have something important to show you."

I watched as the elderly unicorn glowed a greenish color all around him. The glow became so bright that I couldn't see Clean at all anymore. He transformed into a black bug-like creature with wings, pincers, and antennae. I knew it. Clean was a changeling.

"I hope my true form doesn't frighten you."

I shook my head.

"Good, Bon-Bon. I thought you would have ran in fear of my ugliness."

The changeling sounded younger than the old pony he pretended to be.

"I don't care. I am sure you're perfectly good-looking in the changeling world."

"No changeling is pretty. No changeling is good-looking. We are all ugly. That is why we take pleasure in changing our forms so much."

I looked at Clean with sadness. Was this really the changeling attitude towards themselves? They changed because they were inferior to other species.

"It is fortunate, Bon-Bon", said Clean, "that you were born the way you are."

"I didn't choose to be born a pony, Clean, you know that."

"Ho ho", chuckled Clean, "you are more than a pony. Your childhood has left you sheltered from the truth about yourself. Your father, incredibly admirable, had wanted you to live a normal life as a normal pony."

"My father had to leave us when I was six", I said angrily, "that didn't exactly lead me to live a normal life."

"Perhaps the better word of choice is safe. You still are alive after all."

"Yes, I suppose so. So, what is this all about?"

"First of all, I would like to say that your father, Lemon Drops, is a changeling. Around when you were six Princess Celestia had set up prison camps for any changelings in pony territory. Queen Chrysalis declared war on Equestria. Your father knew he had to leave. He returned to the changeling hive and has stayed there since."

"Is?"

"Yes, your father is still alive. He still very much cares about you. Changelings like me have been feeding him information on you, your mother, and little brother all the time. He is incredibly proud of you."

"So if I have a changeling father and a pony mother, what does that mean for me?"

"You are a halfling, Bon-Bon. Times are changing on our planet. I would like to teach you how to utilize your changeling powers. Halflings always look like ponies but they can always change forms. You simply haven't been taught how to use those powers by anypony. I am here to train you if you wish to accept. There's a steep learning curve but being a changeling will become second nature."

Author's Note

And so it continues..

Looking Into The Past

This was all a big shock to me. I was a halfling? I never even heard that word before. And this changeling claimed that I could change into other ponies if I trained under him? I really needed time to think things through. I had a job to think about. My destiny is supposed to be that I become a powerful corporate hot-shot, not some halfling pretending to be other ponies all throughout Equestria.

Clean's message did have a sense of urgency. It seemed like he needed me to help him. Still, I had to think of myself first.
I looked into Clean's eyes. He did seem gentle and good. It was painful to think that his kind was being treated unfairly for being different, especially since now I know that my father was also a changeling.

"I know this is a lot to take in", said Clean softly, "I guess I owe you an apology if you feel pressured."

"I don't feel pressured", I responded, "it admittedly makes sense."

"How so?"

"At the wedding of Shining Armor and Cadence. The changelings were hostile towards most of the ponies but they were not that way towards me. One of them even motioned me to join their army."

"You have the changeling eyes. It is something that conveniently cannot be noticed by ponies. However, changelings know right away. A changeling would be lying if he told you that he didn't know you have the changeling blood."

"Quite convenient", I said with a smile, "what exactly are the changeling eyes?"

"I like you. You ask smart questions. Changeling eyes have light green speckles on the iris, except if a changeling has green eyes, then those speckles are blue. That is a changeling trait. No pure pony has it. We see it in all changelings, all halflings, and half of quarterlings."

"Quarterlings? I guess those are the offspring of halflings and non-changelings."

"Exactly. From the eyes alone, we cannot always determine who is a quarterling. Those with the eyes are functioning quarterlings. Those without them are nonfunctioning quarterlings. We have determined that the split is approximately 50:50. There are probably quite a few quarterlings in Ponyville.

A quarterling. If Lyra and I could have children of our own, they would be quarterlings.

"Clean, can you tell who are changelings and who are halflings and etc in Ponyville?"

"There are no pure changelings in Ponyville. I know that much. Celestia's threats of imprisonment had scared away most of the changelings back to the hive.. including your father. As for the halflings, I know of one other halfling in Ponyville. I won't tell you who that pony is. If you pay attention, you will know. This halfling also already knows you are a halfling."

Seems like a challenge. Too bad I doubted that halfling was Lyra.

"Why do you still hang around pony territory?"

"It is my job, Bon-Bon. I am a protector. I protect those who need it. You are fortunate to live in Ponyville by the way."

"I love Ponyville more than I did Belmont Stakes."

"Ponyville is perhaps the town which has the highest tolerance for changelings in all of Equestria. Not much tolerance, but enough that there is hope."

"Hope for what?"

"Hope that our kind will someday be accepted by the ponies. So, can you help us?"

"I understand but, yet again, I really need time to think things through."

"It's okay, Bon-Bon. Take your time. I only want you to do this if you feel it is right."

I was amazed by how calmly I was taking all of this in. This couldn't be right. I am Bon-Bon. I am part of the status quo. I am supposed to live a status quo lifestyle. It was my marefriend, Lyra, who lived the crazy life. I was normal, but to think about it, was I ever really normal?

This moment with Clean takes me back to a simpler time.
I was a five-year old filly living in my hometown, Belmont Stakes, a suburb of Manehattan.
My parents' house was tiny but charming with a big yard.
My mommy is Candy Crush and my daddy is Lemon Drops. Both of them are earth ponies.

I remember being in kindergarten filled with boredom.
I was the only foal in my class who could read well.
Class was slow and uninteresting. School was often terrifying too.
This was the same year that the changelings declared war on the ponies.
There were rumors about hidden changelings across Equestria.
Princess Celestia had announced that all changelings would be sent to camps.
I barely knew what these camps entailed at that time but I knew it wasn't the same as the summer camp where we played hoofball and did arts and crafts; these were the bad camps no pony wanted to attend.

There was this unicorn filly who would throw spitballs at me and called my father "the enemy". She would do this to me far too often.
I would try to ignore her and never acknowledge her presence.
One day though, she said that my father deserved to die. That pissed me off. I remember jumping onto the little bully and telling her that if she ever said anything like that again, I would ensure that she wished she was dead. After this, I did notice a very light green glow emitting from my body. I fainted and got to go home early that day. I didn't get in trouble because the teacher overheard the bully say those horrible things about my father.

She would still bully me, but I decided it was best to give even less of a shit than I already did.

During kindergarten, I spent most of my time by myself. I was perfectly content with that arrangement. I was brighter than the other students and didn't really like most of my fellow classmates anyway. My father was a brilliant inventor. He was devoted to his work and to his family. He would tinker with his tools in the basement.

I remember one day I had a conversation with my father which would change my life.
In particular, because this was one of the last conversations I ever had with him.

"Daddy!"

"Bonnie, my special little filly!" My father kissed me on the forehead. "How was school today?"

"Boring and mean. Why do I have to go to school with such idiots?"

"Don't worry too much about it. Your grades are good, right?"

"Daddy, it's kindergarten. I don't get grades yet."

"Oh, of course. You speak so maturely that I forget you're only five years old."

"I think you're simply a silly daddy."

"Silly daddy or... tickle monster!"

He tickled me all over. I giggled myself silly.

"I love you, Daddy."

"I love you too, Bonnie. A strong and beautiful young mare."

"Daddy, what are you working on down here?"

"It is something I like to keep top secret. Can you keep a secret?"

I nodded with excitement.

"I am trying to conjure a potion which will transform any pony into an alicorn."

"Like Princess Celestia?"

"Yes. Exactly like her. Equestria will be a fantastic place if every pony could fly, do magic, and those special things we earth ponies can do", said my daddy poking me in the belly.

"That would be so cool. I always wanted to fly like one of the Wonderbolts. I would be a superhero and save everypony everywhere. Oh my gosh. I would be SuperBonBon!!"

My father laughed but then said quite seriously, "I am afraid that troubling times are ahead in Equestria. I don't want to scare you but, as your father, I feel obligated to prepare you for the worst. I know how you like to plan ahead."

"I do, daddy. Someday, I am going to marry a prince and live in a big castle at Canterlot."

"Oh, Bonnie. My little Bonnie. You are much too bright for that to be your only ambition in life. That is for a silly filly. Promise me that you will be careful. You have some incredibly special talents. Talents which could make you more powerful than Celestia herself, even without the potion I am making for the rest of us. However, you must be careful. You will become aware of these talents soon enough and very important ponies will be afraid."

"I promise Daddy." I didn't really understand everything my father was telling me at the time, but he sounded serious. I knew that he believed I possessed some things which would make me appear to be as powerful as royalty, if not better.

It was only a week later.

I remember my mother pacing around the kitchen while my baby brother, Brainy Brawn, was playing in his crib.

"I told your father he needed to keep quiet", she said to me.

"Why would he need to keep quiet", I asked my mother innocently.

"He is a courageous pony. Too courageous. I wish the changeling war had never begun."

"I know about the alicorn potion he was working on, he told me."

"I hope he didn't go on blabbing about that in public too... he spoke out against the war and Celestia's decree."

We both knew what that decree was. Changelings impersonating as ponies were being rounded up all over Equestria and sent to the "camps".

"It's an awful decree", I said angrily.

"I know, sweetheart", my mother said to me softly, "but the changelings waged war against Princess Celestia. She is very powerful."

I thought about what my father told me. Talents more powerful than what Celestia possessed herself.

I cried and cried. Did the government really take away my dad because he spoke out against what was being done to the changelings? This was how the government treated those who disagreed with it? I hated Celestia. I hated Canterlot and its royalty. I didn't care what Queen Chrysalis did to those ponies. I could care less. I wanted my daddy back. I wanted him back.

I never saw my father again.

For nineteen years, I had promised myself to be careful and keep quiet. I had all but forgotten about my green glows and they went away. I knew that my daddy wanted me to live life as a normal pony. I did it for so long that I believed I was a normal pony. I focused on my studies instead which proved to be an effective distraction. I was valedictorian of Belmont Stakes High and did very well at Canterlot University - academically and personally. Canterlot University was where I met Lyra. Things were so good for me but...

My dad was the reason why I believed so deeply in helping Clean. This would disrupt and possibly destroy my corporate ambitions.
I wondered if Brainy Brawn was a halfling too. If not, that meant we didn't share the same father. That meant my mother cheated on my father. That would have been so many years ago. My dad spent so much time tinkering in the basement with his inventions that he probably never noticed Jockey, the stallion who would visit quite often and was good friends with my mother. Yes, the thought of Jockey being Brainy Brawn's father was not a stretch.

"I notice you were in deep reflection, Bon-Bon", said Clean, "what were you thinking about?"

"My childhood. One of my last conversations with my father. I haven't seen him in almost twenty years.. you said he's still alive.. oh, I would do anything to see him again. He was crazy smart. He was working on a potion which would transform any pony into an alicorn. I always believed that was a reason why he had to go away. That couldn't have made Celestia happy."

"Someday, not now, you can talk to your father about that potion."

"I am so happy that he is okay."

"He certainly is, but admittedly he has entered into a subtle state of depression. He misses his family."

"If I help you, can you promise me that I will get to see my father again?"

"Of course. You will need to go to the changeling hive at some point."

"And you said that they tolerate halflings."

"More than your kind", said Clean with a smile.

I gulped. Was Equestria truly going to become a hostile place for me? It seemed like a happy and peaceful place. The books I have read on changelings suggested that they were more violent, aggressive, yet strangely more technologically advanced than the ponies. Lyra dreamed of those war-hungry humans who had supposedly destroyed themselves through war. I always suspected that the human was invented by a pro-Equestrian propagandist warning ponies of the dangers of not being under Celestia's rule.

I felt tears form in my eyes. Lyra was a lot like my father. They both believed in the impossible.

"Does this mean Equestria is not safe for me?"

"I wouldn't go that far", responded Clean, "it is just that if your true identity comes to light, you will be making a lot of enemies. Thankfully, from my travels, I can say that Ponyville is perhaps the safest place for you."

"We need to keep this quiet", I said, "I have a bright future with Barnyard Bargains."

"Barnyard Bargains", spat Clean, "is that really what is most important to you, Bon-Bon?"

"I didn't say that."

"Bon-Bon, you will need to make some important choices. Do what you feel is right."

"I'm a businesspony", I said quietly, "I am supposed to make big money."

"As all the changelings, including your father, are wiped out of existence."

"I thought you said you weren't pressuring me."

"I am simply speaking the truth. Besides, for the first stage of our plan, we will need you to act like everything is normal. You can go on moving up that corporate ladder at Barnyard Bargains, but once the second stage begins, you will have to abandon that."

"Why?"

"Let's say that the second stage is like a full time job."

"I understand, but you need to understand that I need to think things through before I can make such a commitment."

"I do understand. I know you will do what you think is right."

"Thank you Clean. I think I know exactly what I need to do to make a well-informed decision."

"What is that?"

"I will visit my mother this weekend. She still lives out east in Belmont Stakes. I know she knows more than she ever let on. I need to hear her side of the story."

"You are taking a wise approach, Bon-Bon", said Clean with a disarming smile, "we should meet again shortly after."

"I should be back to Ponyville by Sunday night."

"Perfect. Let's meet at the Ponyville Park. I shall be a handsome and fit stallion with an orange for a cutie mark."

"I see why changelings do what they do."

"Huh?"

"You can just become fit like that, easier than having to work hard."

"Hey, I am skinnier than you", said Clean playfully poking my belly.

"I said fit, not looking like a veal."

Clean chuckled, "I am considered incredibly attractive by changeling standards."

"I didn't think such standards were so low."

I smiled at Clean. He actually wasn't bad-looking at all.

"What about you by pony standards, Bon-Bon?"

"A sex goddess."

"Hmmm... I could see it, but I think it is the changeling side of you which makes you so attractive."

"You will make a good halfling. I can promise that."

"Long day. I should get home."

"Agreed, have a good night. Choose wisely."

"I can promise you that much."

In order for things to work out regarding work obligations and the trip to Belmont Stakes, I could only sacrifice one thing. Attending Lyra's concert. I loved Lyra of course but there were many concerts I could attend.

I was still nervous to tell Lyra.

I arrived home. Lyra was still playing on her lyre. I looked at my watch. I didn't get home as late as yesterday. It was only 8:45 PM.

"Bonbonbonbonbonbonbon", said Lyra with excitement, "how are you?"

"Okay, work. How are you?"

"Excellent. I made a hundred bits today on a performance. Can't you believe it? It was some old pony with a mop cutie mark. He told me I sounded like the heavens."

Old pony with a mop cutie mark, eh?

"I am so glad to hear that. Unfortunately, I have some bad news."

"What's that?"

"I am so sorry.. I can't make it to the concert this Friday night."

"Why not", asked Lyra with an annoyed tone, "work taking over your life more than usual?"

"No, I need to go to Belmont Stakes. It's an emergency visit with my mother."

"Is she okay?"

"I don't want to talk about it."

"I'm not angry at you, Bon-Bon", said Lyra, "I can tell that it is something dire."

"My mother is in good health, but... there are some things we need to discuss."

"Good luck", whispered Lyra, "I love you."

"I love you too, Lyra." We engaged in a long, soft, and passionate kiss.

"I just hope you tell me sooner rather than later what is going on."

"I will. I promise. I need to make this trip first."

"I trust you."

"I trust you too."

I honestly believed that I could trust Lyra about being a halfling. Lyra is perhaps the kindest and most tolerant pony I have ever met. She is certainly kinder than me.

I got on the train to my hometown. It would be a six hour ride. Belmont Stakes was east of Manehattan. I shuddered at the thought of running into ponies of my past back home. My friends were at Ponyville and Canterlot University, not Belmont Stakes. I was far too anti-social and awkward to make close friends. I got out of my shell during college.

I was going back home because I needed help. If anypony could help me figure out what I should do, it was my mother, Candy Crush.

Belmont Stakes

I arrived at Belmont Stakes. It had been five years since I visited.
The first thing I noticed were the non-horse operated cars being driven around the suburb.
Even if Equestria forced my dad out, they certainly had no qualms about keeping one of my dad's inventions.
Or were these cars driven in the changeling hive? The tales always suggested that these bug-like creatures were more skilled with technology than ponies.

I noticed a line of taxis parked by the train station. They were eagerly awaiting passengers. I had three options: walk to my mother's house which would take an hour and a half, call my mother to pick me up at the station, or take the taxi for whatever the fee was.
I decided to go with the taxi.

I got in the taxi at the front.

The driver was a young earth pony stallion. He couldn't have been much older than me.

"Where to, miss?"

"30 Sycamore Drive."

"Hey, Bon-Bon. Remember me?"

I did. Tackle Touchdown, he was the quarterback of the hoofball team at Belmont Stakes High. Tackle was one of the most popular ponies in my grade. Every teenage filly wanted to have his babies, not me, but I was weird like that. He wanted to go pro. I can see that is working out quite well.

"I do. How are you? Tackle Touchdown."

"Doing a-ok, but I had to get married."

"Congratulations?"

"Good and bad. I am stuck with that catty bitch, Daffodil, who I knocked up but I love my son, he's named Kicker. He's gonna be a real champ someday."

I smiled and told him, "That's something of which you should be proud."

"Thanks Bon-Bon. How have you been these days?"

"Living the good life at Ponyville."

"Ponyville? Hah! That's in the middle of nowhere, huh."

I was a little annoyed by his ignorance but said politely, "there's a surprising amount of things to do at Ponyville."

"Eeyup."

I smiled. At least his ignorance didn't appear to be malicious.

"I won't be here for long, but I would love to meet your son."

"Sure thing. He's quite the kicker."

I politely chuckled at his corny joke.

We arrived at my mother's house. It was a small ranch in a mostly affluent neighborhood. I say mostly affluent because my family lived there. The ranch was at the very end of the cul-de-sac. The other houses were twice as large on average. Regardless, it was home for me.

I thanked Tackle for driving me to my mother's house and approached the door. I rang the doorbell.
There was my mother, Candy Crush. We looked very similar. I clearly took after my mother. She was a cream-colored earth pony with a brown-colored mane and she had a chocolate ball with sprinkles as her cutie mark. With such a tasty cutie mark, I am surprised that she was very skinny - skinnier than me.

"Bonnie, I am so glad to see you", said my mother enthusiastically, "it's been far too long."
We hugged.

"Me too, mom. How have you been?"

"The usual. I keep on making and selling candies."

"Mmmmm. I'm getting hungry."

My mom smiled at me and we moved into the kitchen. I could see all sorts of candies wrapped up ready for sale: jelly beans, lozenges, lemon drops (was that my father's real name?), gum squares, lollipop heads, and jujube clusters.

If Lyra thought I was talented at candy-making, she was in for a real surprise with my mom, Candy Crush. She's the best.

"I am so glad to see you at this time of year", said my mom, "I thought your job would keep you away."

"There's something we need to talk about, mom."

She turned nervous. Something tells me that she had some idea.. it was probably the only thing she ever hid from me.

"I figured your visit was about something serious", said my mother with a sigh.

"Don't think of it like that, mom. It is just.. oh... I learned something interesting about myself."

"I knew this moment would pop up eventually. Have some candy and we'll talk."

After about a half hour of pleasant conversation avoiding the halfling topic, my mom finally initiated it.

"Bonnie, you are something out of this world.. something special."

"If it's so special, why did you choose to hide it from me?"

"I..I...didn't know for sure... I wanted you to be safe. I wanted you to live life like a normal pony."

My mom can't see the changeling eyes. She probably wasn't lying when she said she wasn't sure.

"I have been approached, mother, by a changeling."

"Heavens.. you are old enough to make your own decisions.. and.."

"I want to hear more about my father."

"Your father? He was a kind and brilliant pony with a lot of big ideas. At the same time, he was or is a changeling."

"The changeling told me that Daddy is still alive."

"He might be", said my mother with her voice cracking up, "I.. hope he is okay.. wherever he is. He had to leave us. There were royal guards all over Belmont Stakes looking for changelings to take in to the camps."

"I didn't ask if Daddy had to go to one of those."

"Oh, your father always planned ahead. As soon as the guards had went around Canterlot and boasted of getting rid of every changeling, then he told me he would have to leave. He left before many of the others who mysteriously 'disappeared'."

I thought about the ponies who mysteriously disappeared the same year my father left... were they all changelings? Was the little old unicorn mare who used to run the bookstore a changeling? What about the weird rich pegasus stallion who used to dress like a homeless pony ranting about the end of the world? All of those ponies were gone. I shuddered, I hoped that they were as lucky as my dad apparently was.

"Damn Celestia", I muttered.

"Behind the benevolent exterior of Celestia lies a power-hungry mare, I believe she views the changelings as a threat to her reign and that's why she has made efforts to get them out of Equestria."

"Mom.. I am a halfling.. where does that leave me? Am I in danger?"

"I believe you would only be in danger if you take on the powers of the changeling."

"This changeling I met has offered to teach me how to become one."

"I think you would make a fantastic changeling... your father didn't talk much about his life as a changeling, I usually saw him in his pony form... but where he is from... I think he is a prince."

A prince? I laughed. That was ridiculous. I might be fit to be a changeling, but certainly not one of royalty.

"Mom, don't you realize how silly that sounds?"

"If you knew your father the way I did, you would see that is quite plausible."

I certainly didn't.

"So, you always knew that dad was a changeling?"

"Not always. He told me after the third date. Lemon Drops was so smart, so witty, and so thoughtful. I am blessed to have two brilliant children from him."

"So Brainy is a halfling too?"

"Of course, he would be. Why wouldn't he be one?" Something told me that I wouldn't find out from her whether Brainy was the product of adultery.

"Oops, lapse of judgment on my part."

My mom laughed nervously. There was Jockey. He made his way into our family like a stepdad. I never liked him much, but he got along better with Brainy Brawn. I always had my suspicions that Jockey was Brainy's father. However, Brainy conveniently looked a lot like our mother for us to not know for sure.

"It's okay, even a super genius like you can have such lapses of judgment."

"I am tired. Work has been killing me lately."

"My poor daughter.. I know that you worry so much about everything. This changeling thing must be driving you nuts."

I laughed and nodded my head. It's all I could think about.

"Bon-Bon, what did this changeling say to you exactly?"

"He told me that he needed my help. He wanted me to learn how to become a changeling to help the changelings. It would destroy my corporate ambitions forever."

My mother laughed and said, "Really, darling. You shouldn't care so much about that stupid Barnyard Bargains."

I snorted.

"I d-d-d-on't know.. everything was going splendidly and then this shit falls right onto me. I think I could tell the changeling that I'm not interested."

"You know that you would be aiding and abetting the Equestrian Empire and what it wishes to do with changelings."

"I.. know.. and that's why it's so hard for me. Mom, I always knew there was something different about me. So many things actually make sense now that I'm a halfling. Perhaps I need to accept the fact that this new information about myself will lead to changes in my lifestyle."

"Aren't you curious at all about learning how to change forms?"

"A little, I guess. As long as I could stay alive."

"I wish I could be a changeling."

"You can't be serious? My life has become so much more complicated now that I have the genetic makeup of Equestria's most hated creature."

"Changelings are far from the most hated. You could be a dragon."

"Dragons are big, powerful, and strong. Changelings are weak, scrawny bug-like things."

"A really powerful changeling could turn into a dragon."

Turn into a dragon? My curiosity piqued.

"That's right. Your father could turn into anything he wanted. He told me that only the most skilled changelings could transform into a wide range of living beings. Most changelings can only turn into ponies."

"I am glad I visited you. You seem to know a lot about changelings."

"Lemon Drops taught me everything. He trusted me above all else. Despite what you may have heard, changelings are a lot like ponies. Do you think you can trust Lyra?"

"Yes, I can. Lyra Heartstrings is the one pony in Ponyville I can definitely trust."

"Have you told her you're a halfling?"

"I've been holding off on that.. work's been a bitch."

"You should tell Lyra as soon as possible if you truly think you can trust her."

"I know.. I should.. I don't think she'll judge me, but I can't let this be widespread."

"You don't think Lyra can keep a secret?"

"She doesn't always think before she speaks."

"Seems like you don't fully trust her."

"Mom, you know how I am. I can't let my guard down."

My mom nuzzled me and said, "I know you're too smart to let yourself be vulnerable but you have to take some risks."

I knew I was incredibly risk-averse. It was my way of surviving. On the other hoof, wasn't I born due to my mother taking a risk? She still chose to be in a relationship with my father after finding out that he was a changeling. I wouldn't have been born otherwise.

"I know. No matter what I decide, I should tell Lyra, right?"

"Yes. Unless you don't think you can trust her."

"I trust Lyra."

I knew that Lyra would do her best to keep my secret, perhaps I should tell her. It might not even be such a risky move.

"Good. From what you have told me about Lyra over the years, she is perhaps one of the few ponies you should trust."

"I agree."

"Promise me you won't back out on telling Lyra if you truly trust her."

"I promise, Mom. Don't worry about me. You have your own life to worry about."

"I know, sweetie. I want you to be happy and safe."

"Yes, even though you are working for the corporation which is going to drive me out of business."

"Barnyard Bargains will sell your candies in their stores."

"And take in most of my profit? No thanks!"

"But Mom, think about how much more money you could make. "Candy Crush", all over Equestria. Wouldn't it be grand?"

"It wouldn't be grand, dear, besides, I would have to turn my candies into second-rate to meet up with all the demand."

"Barnyard Bargains would find suitable candy makers to help you."

My mom rolled her eyes. It was clear she didn't like this idea one bit and I should shut up.

She smiled at me and said, "You're a good pony, Bon-Bon. Too good for those corporate hotshots."

"We employ plenty of ponies. Mom, Barnyard Bargains is the future!"

"We? It's amusing to listen to you talk about Barnyard Bargains like that."

"Can I still sleep over?"

"Sure, but in the morning, I will have brainwashed you to no longer be brainwashed by the corporation."

"Good luck", I responded with a chuckle.

It was good to be home. I spent a couple more hours with my mother and then finally went to bed.

I was in a courtroom. I had cuffs around my front hooves and watched as Princess Celestia stared down at me from the judge's seat.

"Halfling", Celestia snarled at me, "your existence is an abomination. Your existence is the product of one of our sacred laws being broken. Ponies and changelings shall not have children together. What does the jury decide?"

I saw twelve ponies and they all said one by one, "Guilty." Each guilty stung.

"Very well then. As the leader of all of Equestria, I decide on the sentence. Sweetie Bon-Bon Drops, I sentence you to spend the rest of your days on the moon, hahahahahahahahaha!!!"

I cried, "You can't send me to the moon. I didn't choose to be a halfling. I'll be loyal to you, I promise. Just don't..."

"Yes..yes..good, Bon-Bon. Be loyal to me and I promise you will not suffer."

Thank goodness. It was all a dream.
More like a nightmare.
I knew the consequences of developing my changeling powers. I would be on Celestia's "Wanted" list.
Ponies who were on the "Wanted" list were ones who she wanted imprisoned.
I did have a decision to make. It seemed my mother also wanted me to help the changelings. She did love my father dearly and still chose to marry him even after learning that he was a changeling in disguise.
Changelings did have a lot of advantages over ponies. We could stay hidden. Only those with changeling blood and extremely magically advanced ponies could detect changelings, which unfortunately I'm sure Celestia was.
On the other hoof, the story was that Celestia failed to detect that Queen Chrysalis was pretending to be Princess Cadence.
Hmmm, perhaps it wouldn't be so dangerous after all.

I hugged my mother goodbye and took home some candy. I was prepared for a sugar crush.

I arrived back at Ponyville by late Saturday afternoon and saw Lyra. She was on a street corner playing a lyre while a stallion named Noteworthy was singing quite nicely. Lyra saw me and waved with joy. I waved back.

"Lyra, there is something I need to tell you right now. But we must discuss this in private."

Noteworthy gave Lyra a corny wink. I didn't even have to try to not laugh.

We got back to the apartment.

"I made fifty bits today. Isn't that great? That same old pony stopped by and gave me thirty bits alone. He must be super rich, huh?"

"He must be. That's awesome. Soon, you'll be making more money than me."

Lyra giggled and said, "I'm that good at the lyre, huh?"

"You sure are. So, there is something important I really need to tell you and I hope you won't be mad at me."

"Of course, I won't be mad at you."

I smiled at Lyra and said, "Lyra, I am a halfling."

"What's a halfling?"

"Half changeling and half pony."

"Omigosh, that is so awesome!! My marefriend is a changeling!!!", she hugged me quite tightly.

I sighed. At least, Lyra took the news well. Thanks Mom.

Clean Instruction

Author's Note

Hey everypony!
I felt like my last chapter was kind of weak.. hopefully, this chapter is better.

Clean Instruction

I giggled with glee. Things weren't going to be so different between me and Lyra after all.

"Can you change into other ponies", asked Lyra with unbridled excitement.

"Not yet", I responded, "I would need to go through training."

"Changeling training? That sounds like so much fun", said Lyra with a loud laugh, "I am so jealous right now. I wonder if a changeling can turn into a human."

"A human? Lyra, I don't think a changeling can turn into an imaginary creature."

Lyra playfully snarled at me.

"When does your training begin?"

"I haven't decided if I want to go through with it."

"You haven't!?!?! But Bon-Bon, you must. Think of how cool it would be."

"It's time-consuming and Equestria isn't exactly friendly towards changelings."

"I wouldn't care about what other ponies think."

"I know you wouldn't", I responded with a smile, "and that's why I love you."

"As I love you, sweetie bon-bon drops."

"I also have my future at Barnyard Bargains to think about."

"Your future there", said Lyra, "you can become a goddamn changeling. So many ways of becoming rich there."

"Yea, but none of those ways are legal."

"You're such a goody-goody, I guess that's why I love you."

"That's definitely not why I love you.... oh my Celestia, is that a human behind you?"

"Where!?!?", said Lyra turning around. I gave Lyra a slap on the plot.
It was too much fun messing with her.

"I still have to get back at you for being so disrespectful to my plot", said Lyra turning around, "you'll never expect my revenge."

"What are you going to do? Try to slap your own plot."

"Shut up, I promise you, Bonnie. I got a whole complex plan set up."

"Sometimes the simplest plans are the most effective."

"I think you're just a nasty perv."

"Ooh, that turns me on."

Lyra and I quickly kissed. Oh my, never let things change between me and Lyra!

"Seriously, sweetie. You should try this out."

"I have to admit I am curious and..."

"And what? Don't be afraid to tell me."

"And..I don't know, but it feels like something I was always meant to do."

"Then do it."

I looked into Lyra's eyes. She was so understanding and kind. Most of Equestria would not be the same way.
Suppose I was meant to learn changeling skills. After all, aren't I as much of a changeling as I am a pony?
Changelings couldn't be monsters. My father certainly isn't one..

I smiled at Lyra. Lyra grinned at me.

"I'll try it. Just don't tell anyone, okay?"

"Of course I wouldn't, silly filly."

I smiled at Lyra but was terrified inside. Would my life put Lyra's life in danger? I really hoped that Lyra would succeed in keeping things quiet. If any pony wanted to get to me, threatening to do something horrible to Lyra was a good way to get there.

It was a cool and crisp Sunday afternoon. I was surprised that Clean wanted to meet me in a setting as public as Ponyville Park. I trotted along and scanned the ponies around me. Which ones would be able to tolerate me being a halfling? Which ones wouldn't?

Ponyville seemed peaceful and friendly - different than Belmont Stakes or Manehattan. Most of them definitely wouldn't be threats, even if most of them disliked me upon finding out that I'm a halfling.

However, I realized that there was one powerful pony in Ponyville who would probably not take a liking to me and would be a threat - especially if Princess Celestia encouraged the destruction of changelings. That pony was Twilight Sparkle: Princess Celestia's star student who was transformed into an alicorn largely on the basis of being so damn loyal to Celestia. Twilight was also incredibly intelligent, skilled with magic, influential, and well-respected. Twilight was a mare I didn't want to be an enemy.. that's a risk I would have to take. If Twilight became my enemy, I would need to be well-prepared. That is something I knew I needed to ask Clean.

Ponies always said I thought too much, but I suppose that was how I was going to survive.

I arrived at Ponyville Park and saw a yellow earth pony stallion with a long red mane. He waved over to me. I noticed the mop on his flank. Damn it. Why is he always choosing such a lame cutie mark?

"Hello there."

"Good afternoon, Ms. Bon-Bon. How was visiting your mother?"

"She is doing quite well. Making candies as usual."

"Your cutie mark seems to suggest you would be good at candies too."

"Yea, I am. But that's only for keeping Lyra happy, there is no big money to be made in being a baker. I didn't exactly grow up in a mansion."

"Perhaps that is exactly why you have grown up so nicely."

"I'm not as pretty as you with that ridiculous long hair."

"I hoped you would like it. I looked through the Mare's Digest and this is the kind of stallion they think is handsome."

"As you know, I like mares myself. I'm not the best judge of what is handsome in a stallion."

"Ho ho, let it be this! The gender role reversal of the gay stallion whose best friend is an incredibly hot mare."

"Not with that cutie mark will ponies find you hot."

"It's part of my charm. It shows my strong work ethic."

"Hee hee. You know what? I hear the most handsome pony in Ponyville is Big McIntosh. He's a stallion who lives on the Apple Farm. That's a pony I think a lot of stallions desire."

"He's not as handsome as me. In fact, my name is Handsome."

"I like Clean better for you." I smirked at Clean. He wasn't bad looking at all. I was ashamed to admit that I did find him attractive.

"Ah well, you may call me Clean. I am the incredibly handsome Clean. Does this mean you have decided to learn?"

I nodded. I was glad Clean was smart enough to not talk about changelings in a public park.

"Let's go back to my house."

"Sure thing."

Suddenly, I heard bouncing, Pinkie Pie.

Pinkie Pie was out of this world.

"Hi Bon-Bon! Beautiful day, isn't it", said Pinkie Pie while a big grin, "ooh, who's your new friend? I haven't seen him around Ponyville before."

"This is..", I began.

"Clean. I am a friend of Bon-Bon's from Canterlot University. We are catching up on old times."

"Aww, that's really sweet", said Pinkie, "I always love meeting new ponies. Clean, how long are you planning on staying?"

"For a while. I am considering taking a job at Barnyard Bargains."

"That's super duper great! Hey, I am planning a super big party Friday night and you are both invited, wheeee!!"

"I might be able to go", I said, "but I could be busy at work."

"Oh, Bon-Bon", said Pinkie, "you work too damn hard."

"I need to do what it takes to get the job done."

"Clean, you're real lucky to have Bon-Bon as a friend. She's one of the smartest ponies I know. If you need to solve any problem that requires pure mindpower and no magic, she's the one to go to."

"I agree, Pinkie", said Clean with a warm smile, "I don't think I would have graduated without her."

This changeling was damn good at living up to the lie.

"How's Lyra doing, Bon-Bon?"

"Lyra is doing great. She is putting all of her time and effort into her music. She's going to be a star someday."

"You mean she isn't already?"

"Well", I said blushing, "she is a star to me.. but you know what I mean. A celebrity."

"Oh right, tee hee. I think Lyra is going to make an awesome celebrity someday. Wooh, I gotta go. Clean, enjoy your stay at Ponyville!"

"Thanks, PInkie Pie."

"Okie dokie lokie". Pinkie bounced away.

"See, I told you the mares would think I'm handsome."

"That's Pinkie Pie. She's friendly to every pony. Don't take that as a sign she wants to fuck your brains out."

"A changeling in stallion form can dream, right?"

"I suppose."

Hmmm. I certainly couldn't see Pinkie turning her back on me. She was friendly and kind towards any pony.
She didn't have Twilight's royal status, but Pinkie had a lot of charisma. Perhaps, she would be able to protect me if the shit hits the fan.
Jeez, I have to stop planning fifty steps ahead like this.

Clean lived in a small cottage on the outskirts of Ponyville - close to the Everfree Forest.

"So, where do we begin", I asked nervously.

"The first step is not physical, but mental", began Clean, "you will need to get into the mindset of a changeling."

"The mindset?"

"It involves dissociating your inner self from your body. We changelings always have a consistent inner self. It is only the body that changes. It requires deep concentration for this to happen, especially for a halfling such as yourself."

Deep concentration? Not a problem. That was one of my stronger skills.

Clean transformed back into his changeling form. I realized that in order for him to account for the encounter with Pinkie, he would always have to look like the stallion I met at the park when we were together.

"You are Bon-Bon and you are not Bon-Bon", said Clean, "I am Clean and I am not Clean. It is a philosophy which is far from engrained into pony culture."

"Yes, that's true, but I think I understand what you're saying."

"Good."

Clean and I sat on the floor.

"Now, close your eyes."

I closed them.

"Let your body relax in full. Take a deep breath. Try to not worry about anything."

This was like one of those meditation seminars. I kept my eyes closed and breathed deeply.

Some time had passed. Nothing special. I was losing patience.
Maybe I was more pony than changeling.

"Bon-Bon, I can tell you're losing focus."

"Huh?"

"You need to dissociate yourself from your body. It takes longer than five minutes."

I sighed. It felt a lot longer than five minutes.

"I don't have time to do this for long."

"This isn't Barnyard Bargains. Relax."

I figured I would give it another try. I closed my eyes and tried to shut my mind off regarding the physical world around me. This seemed utterly pointless.

But I was noticing something. It was like my spirit was floating around my body. It was like a child learning something for the first time. I am the spirit. I felt ugly. My body was simply a shell. It wasn't everything about who I am. I had been blessed with good looks, but my spirit doesn't look like anything. It was as much changeling as it was pony. It was like my mind had lacked a body.

"Bon-Bon, it's working." Clean.

"Clean, is that you?", I thought.

"Yes, Bon-Bon. It is me. You have made it past the first step. We changelings are more than our bodies. We also know you have the capacity to change your body. I know it feels great to leave my natural self."

"Unlike you, my natural state is pony. It doesn't feel so great."

"As my natural state is changeling. It doesn't matter. You will grow to love it. You won't want to live life without this ability ever again."

I no longer had a voice box. I felt vulnerable. Clean was reading my mind. I wondered if I could read his.

"Ah, you're a clever one aren't you", thought Clean, "trying to read my deepest and darkest thoughts. Soon, you will learn how to control your mind."

"Oh my goodness. What am I thinking right now? I have to control this."

"Yes, you will. I am doing the same thing you're doing right now, except I know how to only let the thoughts out that I want out."

I wanted things to change as soon as possible.

"So, tell me how.. tell me how.."

"It's not magic. Simply, you must control your mind. Only think what you wish to think. In this state, thinking is much like speaking."

"That's not hard at all."

"I heard that."

"Shut up, if I could see you, I bet you would be ugly."

"You're the most wrong you ever have been. I am the most handsome creature in all of Equestria."

I had to focus. I had to concentrate. I had to shut my mind out.
I suddenly heard from Clean.

"1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11...."

Clean was counting. That must be his way of shutting his mind down. It was like counting sheep when you were trying to go to sleep. So simple, but like what I told Lyra this morning, sometimes the simplest solution is the most effective.

I needed to do this. My thoughts would be controlled.

"1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9.."

"Ho ho, you copycat!"

"Lost my concentration, damn you Clean."

"Bon-Bon, you're doing a good job for a halfling."

"Are halflings supposed to be weaker than changelings?"

"No. The main differences are that there is a steeper learning curve and your natural state is more pleasant to look at."

"It's too late. There's no turning back now."

"That's good to hear from you."

"I didn't want Clean to hear that, damn it."

"I'm glad you did. So, how did Lyra take the news?"

"She took it quite well."

"I like Lyra. There are a lot of ponies you won't be able to trust, but hold on to Lyra."

"I'm glad you like her."

"You must be doing a good job of controlling your thoughts."

"How can you tell?"

"I didn't hear a: oh that's going to be hard with the incredibly handsome Clean at my side."

"In your dreams."

"I have a wife and a daughter. In all seriousness, you don't need to worry about me whisking you away from Lyra."

"That's good. You made it extra hard now that you look like a girl man."

"Lots of mares are swooning over me."

"In your dreams."

"What is real and what is dream anyway? When you're a changeling, you have a way of looking at things which ponies consider rather unorthodox."

"Unorthodox, huh?"

"We live in a very different world than the ponies. Your world is much nicer than the changeling world. It is more harmonious. Good thing, you are as much changeling as you are pony."

"What do you really think about ponies, Clean?"

"I like the ponies that like changelings. It is really that simple for me."

"Your queen had wanted to do so many bad things to Equestria."

"Things aren't quite as simple as how your princess explains it."

"I don't know if I can risk it."

"Remember you are as much changeling as you are pony. Haven't you always felt you were a little different from your peers?"

"Yes, but.. I am sure every pony feels like that some of the time."

"I am sure many do, but you actually are different."

"I don't want to be ostracized by my peers."

"You won't be ostracized by those who truly care about you. I think you'll find things in that respect won't change as much as you believe."

"Do you know if my brother is a halfling?"

"He isn't one. Despite that, please don't be mad at your mother."

"I won't. I love Brainy Brawn. I don't care about who his real father is."

"Good. That's the right attitude. Come now. We are moving somewhere else."

I could see again and I was back in Clean's house, but I wasn't Bon-Bon. I looked at my arms - black and bug-like. Oh my goodness, was I a changeling?

I saw Clean in his changeling form. He smiled at me.

"Congratulations, Bon-Bon. You have changed into your first form."

"A changeling?"

"Not just any changeling." Clean pulled out a mirror.

I looked at myself. This was too unreal. I was a male changeling, I was Clean.

"Ugh", I groaned, "I am ugly."

"And even worse. The only thing you can change into now is an ugly mare named Bon-Bon."

I chuckled and responded, "Perhaps I am the changeling that specializes in ugly."

"That will change soon enough."

It felt weird being a changeling. My body felt lighter than that of a pony. Changelings weren't exactly bulky.

"Take your time", said Clean, "I know it must be weird."

I looked into Clean's eyes. Clean was completely unfazed by having a lookalike in the same room as him. I suppose things really were that much different for changelings and ponies.

"So, this is what the beginning looks like."

"Yes, it does."

"Perhaps now is a good time to stop the training for today, change back into yourself."

I closed my eyes and thought of my body. It was very easy. I felt a glow all around me.

I was back in my body.

"That was trippy", I commented.

"You did well", said Clean, "if you go on with the training, I think you will do just fine."

"When can I start changing into other ponies besides myself?"

"Soon. Now, I have an interesting task for you. Remember how I told you there is another halfling in Ponyville."

I nodded.

"I want you to find him or her and bring that halfling to me. This halfling knew you were a halfling before you did. Very stealthy character. It might prove to be a challenge, but it will teach you a lot about what is important in being a halfling."

What about Barnyard Bargains?

"I can, but you know I still have to go to work like a normal pony."

"I know. It's best to live life as normally as possible for your own safety anyway."

"Can you give me any hints as to the halfling is?"

"Look into their eyes. You'll see the green specks or if it's a green-eyed pony, the specks will be blue. That's the only hint you'll need.."

"What if I can't find him or her? You said the halfling is good at hiding under the radar."

"But you're Bon-Bon, you are up to the challenge."

I groaned. I kind of wished life would go back to normal. I knew one pony who couldn't be the halfling too.. Lyra. I looked in her eyes so many times. She didn't have the changeling specks. It was somepony else, but who?

"Where's your sense of adventure?"

"I wasn't born with it."

"Doesn't surprise me. I have seen enough of you and Lyra to know that is true. Lyra seems to have a very fun sense of adventure."

"Yes, she does. I suppose that's partially why she's so happy I'm a halfling. She thinks exciting things will happen."

"I trust you will do all you can to keep Lyra safe."

"I will."

"Our enemies.. they will try to get to you through Lyra. I can promise that."

"Celestia seems so wise and caring. How could she be so ruthless?"

"I don't think Celestia is all bad, to be honest", said Clean, "it is simply that she is addicted to power. She will do what it takes to keep her power. She has actually been quite generous to some of those with the changeling blood who promise to keep the pony rule."

"Why don't the changelings simply bow down to Celestia and end all of this madness?"

"We would rather be free than second-rate citizens under a pony empire. We changelings have our own system of government. We want to do things our way. The changeling way of life is also a problem for Celestia. She would try to limit our powers tremendously - making us disgustingly second-rate. We all have the same special talent and it's that. Limiting our power was the purpose of the camps. Even the halflings and functioning quarterlings would be weakened without the changeling special talent. From what I heard though, the Equestrian Empire wasn't outright cruel to the imprisoned changelings. The only changelings that died in those camps committed suicide."

That was probably true. Once I learned my changeling powers, I would be stronger with them and weaker without them.

"I will find that other halfling for you."

"Good. Thank you, Bon-Bon. I have faith in you."

This was going to be quite the challenge.

The Other Halfling

I paced back and forth in the living room. How was I going to find this other halfling without creeping most of Ponyville out?
I also needed to get ready for work. Shit.. this week was going to be far too busy. Who could this other halfling be anyway? It could have been any pony in Ponyville.

"Bon-Bon, what has you so anxious?"

I turned around. Lyra.

"I have a lot of shit going on, that's all."

"How was your training session?"

I shouldn't have been surprised that Lyra would be curious about that.

"I got some homework to do."

"You're good at homework."

"It's a different kind of homework, Lyra", I responded, "I need to find somepony or.. whatever the term would be for a halfling."

"The humans would use "someone" or "somebody", so maybe you can use that for halflings."

"You're a dumbass. Halflings aren't humans."

"Aren't we all a little human?"

"The same way we all are a little dodo."

"What exactly do you need to look for?"

"Clean told me that there is another halfling living in Ponyville and I need to find him or her."

"Sounds like an adventure!"

"More like trying to find a needle in a haystack."

"You're a halfling, can't you detect them?"

"Yea, but I also need to bring the halfling to Clean."

"I will gladly help you. So, what's our game plan for today?"

"Well, I have to go to..."

"Work", interrupted Lyra, "forget work. Let's play hooky."

"Barnyard Bargains needs me."

Lyra used her magic to take my cell phone. Damn unicorns and their magic.

"Lyra, please... I have to go to work..."

"No, we are finding this halfing. It's way more important than your stupid job."

"Do you want to be homeless?"

"C'mon, you can miss one day.. you barely even take vacation."

Lyra was right about that, but I couldn't.. I mean.. Rich was expecting me to come in today. I couldn't disappoint him. But this whole halfling thing was going to turn my life upside down, why not start with one day of missing work?

"Fine", I said with a sigh, "I'll call Rich and tell them that I need to take the day off."

"You're doing the right thing, I promise", said Lyra.

I hoped she was right. I began to dial, but I realized.. what if the other halfling works at Barnyard Bargains?

"Hey, Lyra", I said, "I was just thinking, what if the other halfling works at Barnyard Bargains? I could find him or her there."

"You can do that tomorrow. We barely spend enough time together as it is."

Lyra was right about that. I could see that she really wanted this to be a day for us. I looked into Lyra's eyes and said, "Okay, I will call Rich."

I dialed Rich's number.

"Hello, Bon-Bon."

"Good morning, Rich. How are you?"

"Ready for a splendid week as always! How are you?"

"Good, I was wondering if it was okay if I take an impromptu day off from work?"

"Ah, it is nice out", said Rich with a chuckle, "very well, you can have today off."

"Thank you, I will be in tomorrow."

"Enjoy."

"Thank you."

I closed the call.

"See, that wasn't so hard", said Lyra.

"I guess it wasn't."

"Now, let's find that Halfling! Where do we start?"

"Hmmm, well, I can detect other halflings through their eyes. You can't see it, Lyra, but I have green specks on my eyes which only other ponies with changeling blood can see."

"Damn it", groaned Lyra, "I was hoping I was a changeling too."

"Nope, you're only Lyra", I said kissing her.

"There's my little pervy Bon-Bon."

"Since when was a kiss perverted?"

"From you, it is", said Lyra with a wink.

"Let's go to Sugarcube Corner."

The plan for now would be to hang around Sugarcube Corner and see if I could detect any potential halflings.
A lot of ponies stopped here on a daily basis. We got there around 9 AM. Time for breakfast.

We saw Pinkie Pie bouncing around near Sugarcube Corner.

"Spring is here", shouted Pinkie Pie with glee, "spring is here!!"

I realized for the first time that Pinkie moved so quickly that I couldn't really get a good look at her eyes. Could she have been the halfling? Hiding from the changelings through her hyperactive energy? I doubted it, but it was an interesting thought.

"It certainly is", I responded with a grin.

"It also seems like you have springs in your legs from all that bouncing you do", added Lyra.

"I would tell you how I do it, but it's a secret."

"You don't trust us with the secret", asked Lyra with a playful and pouty look on her face.

"Bonnie, it's a surprise to see you here on a Monday morning", said Pinkie.

"I decided to take the day off."

"Good for you. Planning on cupcakes for breakfast today?"

"Not a bad idea", said Lyra.

"Not particularly nutritious", I commented.

"Relax", said Lyra with a loud laugh, "nutrition is for the weak!"

"Mmmm, nutrition", said Pinkie while licking her lips, "Bon-Bon, when's the next time you're going to bake?.

"Yea, Bon-Bon", added Lyra, "when's the next time you're going to bake?"

"One of these days, but for now enjoy all of the business I'm not stealing from Sugarcube Corner."

"Offer is still on the table", said Pinkie with a giggle.

A while back, I received a formal job offer from Sugarcube Corner to work for them.
Apparently, I know how to bake. I learned from my mom. However, the corporate life at Barnyard Bargains was more up my alley. There were so many ponies out there who have no business following their cutie marks.
What kind of life would a pony have whose cutie mark is a heap of garbage?

"Thanks, Pinkie, but.."

"..but you want to slave in a corporate office for so many hours that your real wage drops below the minimum wage of eight bits an hour?"

I sighed. So few ponies in Ponyville understood why this way of life was even an option. That was a way Ponyville was different than the more high-pressured lifestyle of Manehattan. Another comment was that Pinkie often seemed like such a ditz, that it was hard to forget that she was actually quite knowledgeable and intelligent when it came to most matters. The ditzy attitude was part of Pinkie's charm, I suppose.

I simply smiled and said, "Yea, Pinkie. I do."

"Not for me, personally, but hey, whatever rocks your saddle.'

I finally got a good look into Pinkie's blue eyes. The green specks weren't there. She wasn't the halfling.

"Ooh, ooh", said Pinkie, "I would like to invite you and Lyra to an extra special lunch break party!!! WHEEEEEEE!!!"

"Extra special lunch break party", I repeated.

"We would love to go", said Lyra quickly and giving me a wink.

Lyra was right. If a lot of ponies showed up, I might be able to find the halfling.

I nodded.

"Great, it will be the best lunch break party ever, but I guess I picked a bad day for you, Bon-Bon, since you're not at work and no lunch break and.."

"The whole day is a lunch break for me", I said with a soft smile.

"You're too cute", said Pinkie with a giggle, "I am hoping to see you there this afternoon."

"Where's it at?"

"Sugarcube Corner!!"

"Well, we're here already."

"Okie dokie lokie, I gotta run some errands around time, I'll see you this lunch break, la la la la!!"

Pinkie bounced off.

"Party? Nice!! This is going to be the best day for us. I wonder if a lot of ponies are going to show up", said Lyra.

"I doubt a lot. It's a dinky lunch break party. I'm expecting approximately five other ponies besides you, me, and Pinkie to show up. The population of Ponyville from the latest census is 5,003. Minus me, you, and Pinkie, there are 5,000 ponies who could be the other halfling, We would only have 1/1000 of the eligible population at the party."

"You're such a dork, Bon-Bon. Also, I bet more ponies will show up than five. It's a Pinkie Pie party."

"Yea, but it's a Monday afternoon."

"Not every pony is such a square, jeez. Also, how do you know Pinkie Pie isn't the halfling?"

"I looked into her eyes. She doesn't have the specks."

"If I was a halfling trying to hide, I would put on some special lens which would hide the specks."

"Please don't complicate things, Lyra", I groaned, "ugh, I guess we can't even rule Pinkie out yet!".
That's true. It might take more than a look in the eye. It would explain a lot about Pinkie if she was a halfling actually. Many of her fourth wall tricks would be explained by the halfling status. Pinkie could easily turn into another pony and that's how she "pops out of nowhere".

It was time for the lunch break party. I couldn't believe it. There were so many ponies at the party. I saw Mr. and Mrs. Cake anxiously running around the shop making sure they had enough sweets for all of their customers. Could one of them be the halfling? That would also make Pound Cake and Pumpkin Cake quarterlings. With that guess, neither of their eyes had the specks but perhaps that didn't mean anything anymore. I needed an alternative plan to root him or her out without revealing myself.

"Why would any pony want to hide being a halfling anyway? I would think it's so cool", said Lyra.

"Don't say that too loudly", I whispered to Lyra, "you remember the camps?"

"I know.. but Celestia.. I mean, it's so cool. I mean, as a freaking changeling, you can probably give the alicorn princesses a nasty fight."

"That's the problem, I suppose."

"I still love you."

"I'm glad to hear that."

Lyra would have made a much better halfling than me. She would have found this whole predicament to be quite fun. Fun wasn't the word I would use.

There must have been at least a hundred ponies at Sugarcube Corner. The odds of the halfling being there were low, but not as low as I originally predicted. Time to do some mingling.

Lyra and I saw that the six Elements of Harmony were all together. They were an interesting group of ponies and Celestia's band of heroes.
There was Pinkie Pie, the element of laughter. Pinkie was the one I knew the best of the six. She was the one who socialized the most outside of the tight-knit group. Pinkie knew everything about every pony. Pinkie was really the only one of the group I would say I knew on a personal level actually.

There was Twilight Sparkle, the element of magic. Twilight was Celestia's star student. A unicorn who was granted alicorn status by Celestia. Twilight was incredibly intelligent and dutiful: the kind of pony who would probably stay by Celestia's side, no matter what horrible things the sun princess had done. Things would be a lot easier if she was the halfling. I wouldn't want Twilight as a foe.

There was Applejack, the element of honesty. She was a down-to-earth earth pony with a rural accent- which Lyra says is Southern- for which I responded she's a dumbass, since that's a human thing. Applejack lived and worked at the Apple farm and provided Ponyville's supply of apple products. She was a fun mare.

There was Rainbow Dash, the element of loyalty. She was a pegasus in charge of the weather team at Ponyville. She was an incredibly skilled flier. She stood out with her rainbow mane and tomboyish attitude. She was also kind of cocky and overcompetitive, but she had a good heart. She was also damn good at flying and would probably be part of the Wonderbolts someday.

There was Rarity, the element of generosity. She was a fashionista unicorn and always took good care of herself. She was the kind of mare every stallion looked at with awe. Hell, even Twilight's dragon assistant seems to have the hots for her. Rarity had a high-class attitude about her, but she was also committed to her fashion designs and seemed to really care about others.
She did blow a fit once though when I asked who she was. Not every pony knows who she is, jeez..some ego.

There was Fluttershy, the element of kindness. She took care of the animals over by the Everfree Forest. She was a timid and sweet-hearted pegasus. I didn't really know much about Fluttershy since she stays in the background. I knew that, with the exception of Pinkie, Fluttershy would be the most tolerant towards my kind.

Wouldn't things be quite interesting if one of them was the halfling? Especially, if it was Twilight Sparkle. I didn't see the specks in any of their eyes, but that apparently could be hidden.

Lyra and I approached them.

"LYRA!! BON-BON", shouted Pinkie, "I am so glad you are at the lunch break party."

"Hey there", said Applejack.

The other ponies waved at me.

"Since I'm not working, I wouldn't miss this party for the world", I said with a smile.

"I told you guys that Lyra and Bon-Bon are way cool", said Pinkie to her friends.

"I bet they can't fly like me", said Rainbow Dash.

"Oh, silly Dashie. That's because they don't have wings."

"Even if they did, I would win", said Rainbow with pride.

I had to resist the remark which came to my head: Soon, I will be able to transform into a pegasus who could fly faster than you.

"Only kidding by the way", added Rainbow, "glad to see you guys here."

"Me too."

"So, how are things at Barnyard Bargains, Bon-Bon", asked Applejack.
Rich was one of the Apple Farm's best customers. Yes, that was a family who needed my company.

"Barnyard Bargains is doing really well. Record profits this year. We're trying to figure out what to do with all of that money."

"You could give some of that money to the poor", said Fluttershy quietly.

"Perhaps, I'll ask my boss."

"Fluttershy's a socialist", whispered Lyra to me, "your money-grabbing capitalist philosophy doesn't mesh well with that."

I gave Lyra a "shut up" look and she obeyed.

"How are you two darlings doing", asked Rarity, "you're such a dashing couple."

"Great", said Lyra with a grin, "Bon-Bon and I finally get to spend a Monday together. Isn't that great?"

"I'm the luckiest mare alive, aren't I", I asked.

"You certainly are", responded Rarity, "I wish stallions were more like mares, they're all so hoity-toity."

Perhaps you're just meeting the wrong stallions, Rarity.

We then saw three fillies approach our table. A yellow earth pony with a red mane and red bow, an orange pegasus with a purple mane, and a white unicorn with a pink and purple mane. None of them had their cutie marks. Poor things. I got my cutie mark when I was around their age. Being a blank flank, among other things, was something I was teased about by my classmates. Lyra was also a late bloomer in terms of cutie marks.

"Apple Bloom", said Applejack, "shouldn't you be in school?"

"I'm on a lunch break, just like you", said the earth pony with sass.

"Chillax, AJ", said Rainbow Dash, "these ponies are too cool to school, right Scootaloo?"

"Definitely too cool for school, Rainbow Dash", said the orange pegasus.

"C'mon now", said Twilight, "we already have enough distractions which are completely dismantling our educational system. We don't need you, Rainbow Dash, saying things like that."

"Chillax, Twi", said Rainbow, "that's all I'm saying. Besides, Scootaloo is gonna become a scooter racing champ someday."

"Hopefully a scooter champ with a proper education", said Twilight with a smile.

"I'm doing fine in school anyway", said Scootaloo pointing at Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle, "at least, my grades are better than those two chumps over there." Sweetie Belle's face turned red with embarrassment.

"Sweetie Belle", said Rarity, "I thought you had all As."

"We can discuss that later", said Sweetie nervously.

"Maybe we can get your cutie marks in studying", said Apple Bloom with a chipper tone.

"Boring", said Scootaloo with a yawn.

"You need to help us with math, Scootaloo", said Sweetie, "you're the only one that understands this stuff."

"Math's like the easiest subject ever", said Scootaloo, "you need help?"

"Yes, Scootaloo", said Sweetie with an annoyed sigh, "I need help."

I couldn't help to notice that Scootaloo kind of reminded me of myself when I was a filly.

"It's been a long time since I've seen all of you together. I think the wedding of Princess Cadence and Shining Armor was the last time", said Lyra.

"The Changeling wedding", said Applejack, "can't believe those blood suckers almost ruined it all, but every story in Equestria seems to have a happy ending, right?"

"You know what the funniest thing was", piped Apple Bloom, "the Changelings approached us, right? They were on the offense with me and Sweetie Belle, but not with Scootaloo."

"Yea", squeaked Sweetie Belle, "we were able to get out unscathed by hiding behind Scootaloo. The changelings wouldn't go after her at all even though they had no qualms about attacking us."

I saw Scootaloo's expression turn into one of dread. Her eyes lacked the specks, but perhaps she was the halfling. The same thing happened to me.. holy shit, she had to be the halfling. Scootaloo suddenly looked at me anxiously. She must see the specks in my eyes. Damn, I would have to get those covered up.

"Gotta go", said Scootaloo nervously, "I have um.. homework to do."

"You never do your homework anyway", commented Apple Bloom.

"I say I don't do my homework, but I do, later."

I heard the motor of the scooter turn on.

"What was that all about", asked Applejack.

"I don't know", responded Apple Bloom, "Scoot's a tad modest but she was really a hero to us that day at the wedding."

That was much easier than expected. I smiled at Lyra. I admittedly liked to consider myself the brains of the couple but, without her, I would have never discovered the halfling. Lyra suggested that a hiding halfling would hide the specks and she subtly brought up the changeling wedding. Now to find Scootaloo.

"It was really nice seeing you all", said Lyra, "but we should get going."

"Why", asked Pinkie, "do you have homework to do too?"

The group laughed. Lyra and I left. We needed to find Scootaloo.

"Scootaloo could be anywhere by now", I said anxiously.

"I wonder how good her changeling powers are."

"Clean told me that she was good at being stealthy."

I saw four unicorn stallions riding scooters together. I wondered if they were scooter champs.

"Bon-Bon, see those ponies riding scooters?", said Lyra snapping a photo of the scooter riders.

"Lots of ponies ride scooters."

"I mean", said Lyra showing me the picture, "look at the two towards the right. They look exactly the same."

"They're probably twins but.. wait.. their cutie marks are exactly the same. Holy shit.. you know what that means?"

"Let's go."

Lyra and I are trotted towards the unicorns.

"Hey there, guys", said Lyra, "such a beautiful day for handsome stallions like you to be riding out, huh?"

"Sure is", said one of them.

"Wow, hottest time of the day", said another one, "I need to get going, later."

The unicorn revved up the scooter and sped off.

"Do you know that guy", asked Lyra.

"Nope", responded one of them, "but we always welcome new scooter pals."

I began to chase after the scooter-riding unicorn leaving Lyra to chat with the three unicorns.
"He" was too fast though and "he" escaped my line of vision.

"Damn it", I mumbled, "getting Scootaloo to go with me would be harder than expected."

She also clearly was better at being a changeling than I was.

I probably wouldn't find her today, I thought sadly. At least, I knew who the other halfling was. Why would Scootaloo avoid me and Clean? I felt so stupid. It must have been obvious to her that I was a halfling and I couldn't even change into anything. I needed to find out how Scootaloo was hiding those specks.

There was no point in chasing Scootaloo anymore, maybe Clean could offer me some good hints tonight.

Suddenly, like magic, I saw Pinkie Pie. She bounced over to me. She had a little bunny on her back.

"Hi, Bon-Bon", said Pinkie while bouncing, "I'm so sad that you and Lyra had to leave early."

"I'm sad too, but we had a lot of stuff planned."

"Okie dokie lokie, I got a little friend for you." The bunny bounced off of Pinkie's back and walked over to me.

Pinkie bounced away.

The bunny glowed green and turned into Scootaloo.

"I'm not gonna run like this anymore", said Scootaloo.

"Scootaloo, I promise that I won't hurt you."

"I'm not scared of you", said Scootaloo, "I just want all of this to go away. So, you're the other halfling I've been hearing about?"

"And you're the other halfling I've been hearing about."

"I gotta admit, feels good to not be alone."

I couldn't believe I was doing this. I had Scootaloo by my side. I looked into the filly's eyes. Yes, she definitely was the halfling. The specks were hidden, but there was something else. A feeling of not belonging, a feeling of being different from the rest of the world.

"Please keep this quiet", whispered Scootaloo, "I can't have any ponies knowing who I really am."

"Don't worry", I whispered back, "I don't want ponies finding out about me either."

"Can we trust Lyra?"

"Yes, we can. She's a sweetheart."

"Okay, I'll trust her too. I know you're a very careful pony. The only ponies I can truly trust though are my mom, step-mom, and dad. There's also Pinkie, I trust her. Pinkie convinced me to go to you actually."

"So, she knows about all of this?"

"She's Pinkie Pie. She actually recommended Ponyville to my two moms, since it was safe for me and them. Pinkie's not a changeling herself, but she knows a lot about changelings - somepony who has sworn to defend us."

I smiled. I always knew that Pinkie had a big heart, but, damn, that was definitely unbelievably awesome of her.

We arrived at Clean's house. There was Clean in his changeling form.

"Bon-Bon, congratulations. You have found the other halfling much faster than I expected."

"I don't want any part of this. I just want to live life like a normal pony", groaned Scootaloo.

"I know you don't want to see the changeling race be wiped out, now do you?"

"I don't", said Scootaloo with tears in her eyes, "I just wish that all of this would be over. I don't want to lose the friends I've made in Ponyville. Life finally has some semblance of stability. I've been feeling happy."

"If they're really your friends, Scootaloo, that shouldn't change", said Clean softly to Scootaloo.

"I hope you're right", the two of them hugged, "if that's the case, then this won't be so bad."

Clean looked up at me and said, "Bon-Bon, Scootaloo is my daughter."

Author's Note

Wow, this chapter took a while for me to write.
I hope you all are excited about the direction this story is going.

From when I started writing this story, I knew that I wanted to make Scootaloo a halfling. She's Best Pony of the CMC.
Best Pony of the Mane Six (Pinkie Pie) will also play an important role to the story as a whole....

The Chicken and the Invitation

I watched Scootaloo and Clean embrace one another. I held back the tears. I wanted to stay strong.
I stayed silent.

"Daddy", said Scootaloo with a sniffle, "I don't want anything bad to happen to you."

"Everything will be okay", said Clean, "Ponyville is a safe place for us."

Not with Celestia's star student residing there, I thought, but I suppose there were things Clean knew which I didn't.

"It's just so hard living a lie like this, especially with Rainbow Dash."

"If she truly cares about you, nothing will change if you are exposed."

"I hope so", said Scootaloo bawling, "I don't care about any pony else. Dash means more to me than my other pony friends."

I wondered how Scootaloo's two filly friends would feel to hear that, but, honestly, they probably wouldn't be too surprised.

"Honestly", said Clean, "it may be okay to tell Rainbow Dash."

"What if she hates me? For being a changeling? I didn't choose this way of life!"

"Isn't it better to know now than later", asked Clean, "times are changing. Why do you think I am putting this mare's life in danger?"

Clean always said that, but what was changing? On the surface, everything seemed the same except I knew I was a halfling.

"Pardon me for interrupting", I said, "but what exactly is changing?"

"Everything has changed since the wedding of Shining Armor and Princess Cadence. Many of the changelings grew aggressive and cocky, including our queen, Chrysalis. We felt that our opportunity was ripe to take over the Equestrian Empire... not really take it over, but to bring about a more fair situation for changelings. Once we got what we wanted from Celestia, we were going to restore all of Equestria back to normal. We had almost every pony, including Celestia, fooled. Except for Twilight Sparkle and, of course, my precious daughter who was a flower filly at the wedding. Since that attack, Celestia has been on the defensive. Queen Chrysalis has far from backed down. We expect a full-out war to begin soon. Celestia has abused the changelings for far too long and we need to strike back."

"Did you have any part in what happened at the wedding?"

"No, I was in Ponyville as I have been for years."

"My father?"

"Yes. He probably wasn't there, but he works quite closely with the Queen."

Something didn't feel right about Clean's story. As Celestia would spout out pro-pony and anti-changeling propaganda, Clean seemed to be talking pro-changeling and anti-pony. I didn't think either one was telling the whole truth. As a hafling, it was perhaps to my benefit to find out what the whole truth was.

I simply nodded and smiled, showing that I agreed with and understood Clean's answer.

"I would love to see the Changeling hive some day", I said.

"It's a really neat place", said Scootaloo with excitement, "I've done most of my scooter training at my visit there."

"If you don't mind me asking, Scootaloo, is this your true form?"

"Yep", responded Scootaloo, "this is my true and favorite form. Sure, I can't fly in my true form, but I flew before. It's really cool. Even though you're an earth pony, you're going to be able to fly and use magic - you just have to change to that pony of course."

"That's something I don't know how to do yet."

"Bon-Bon is learning fast though", said Clean, "she already turned into me."

Scootaloo chuckled and said, "Must have been disappointing to turn into an ugly, old changeling."

Clean playfully rustled Scootaloo's mane, "I got a real silly daughter, you know that."

"The next step will be for you and Scootaloo to switch bodies", said Clean.

"Easy for me", said Scootaloo nonchalantly, "let's teach Bon-Bon how it's done."

"Certainly", said Clean, "are you ready, Bon-Bon?"

I nodded.

"Good. Now close your eyes. I want you to picture a mental image of Scootaloo and nothing else."

I closed my eyes and imagined Scootaloo.

Scootaloo, an orange filly with a purple mane, light purple eyes. She had small wings- ones which weren't well-suited for flying. She also didn't have a cutie mark. I thought about that and nothing else. Everything else was empty and unimportant.

I felt my spirit dissociate from my body. I was still fully conscious but no longer in a body. I couldn't see, I couldn't smell, I couldn't hear, I couldn't touch, I couldn't taste. I could only think. This was for a few split seconds and suddenly I was in a body again. It would take a while for me to get used to the dissociation of my body.

I kept my eyes closed but was aware of the body I was in. It felt smaller. I hoped it worked and that I became Scootaloo. I couldn't be sure though and was afraid I had failed miserably.
Interesting, if it worked, pegasi must not really feel their wings at all, unless they focus on those wings.

I could feel the wings at my sides. They were small yet firm, not like changeling wings at all which were large, flimsy, and bug-like.
It could simply be phantom limb syndrome for all I know. Wings are limbs, right? Whatever... that wasn't important right now.

I opened my eyes and saw a chicken in front of me.

The chicken clucked heartily, almost like it was laughing at me.

"Well done, you are learning quite quickly for a pony."

I looked at my front hooves. They were orange. I did it. I was Scootaloo! I jumped for joy.

"Scootaloo", scolded Clean playfully, "you were supposed to turn into Bon-Bon, not a chicken!"

Scootaloo the chicken clucked and transformed into me in two seconds.

"You'll get faster soon, Bon-Bon", said Clean, "this changing stuff will become second nature."

"One question, how can I hide the specks in my eyes?"

"Simple. It doesn't require any changeling magic, but well-designed technology. You can use these changeling lens. They will hide the specks when you wish for them to be hidden."

"It doesn't really matter much though around our enemies. They can't see the specks anyway, but there might be a good reason to hide from another changeling", said Scootaloo as me. wow did my voice really sound like that?

Clean handed me the lens.

"I don't know if I can see well with them", I said, "I wear contacts."

"You can wear these lens over your contact lens just fine", said Clean.

"How convenient."

"This is so cool", said Scootaloo, "I finally have a cutie mark and... you don't!"

"I'm gonna leave. I'll keep being Scootaloo."

Scootaloo transformed back into herself and said, "I'm the better Scootaloo."

"Nah, I am. I bet if we both went out together that every pony would think that I'm the real Scootaloo."

"Most ponies are far too stupid to know otherwise", added Clean.

That wasn't a really fair statement. Most ponies couldn't detect changelings for their lives, but that was because they weren't changelings themselves. I remembered the wedding, even Celestia didn't know that a changeling had taken Princess Cadence's form.

"Get out of my body", Scootaloo commanded playfully at me.

"Yes, Bon-Bon", said Clean, "it appears you have overstayed your welcome."

I closed my eyes and changed back to myself. That was the easiest transformation to make, probably because it was my true form. I didn't even notice the transition this time around. It was like I made the switch automatically.

"How can I detect a changeling that is hiding his or her specks?"

"Interesting question, Bon-Bon. You probably can't. A lot of changelings hide them when transforming into ponies for their own safety. Changelings are generally nice to one another, but if a changeling doesn't like you, it would be real easy for one to out you as one if he or she can see the specks."

"Thank you, Clean. Will I see you at work tomorrow?"

"Of course", said Clean, "I need to do my part in helping provide Scootaloo with a home."

I doubted that being a janitor was able to provide Scootaloo with much.

"I wish I could introduce my friend to you, Dad", said Scootaloo.

"Some day", said Clean, "when ponies treat changelings with more tolerance and kindness. It is much too risky. Your mom and step-mom wouldn't allow it."

"I know", responded Scootaloo, "I guess I'm in a better situation than my friend Apple Bloom in that regard..."

Clean nodded.

I didn't want to bring it up, but I knew the story about Apple Bloom's parents. They were killed by timberwolves in the Everfree Forest. It was something that would change Sweet Apple Acres forever. I never met them. It was a long time ago, long before I moved to Ponyville. Yes, Scootaloo was fortunate to have both of her parents.

"Bon-Bon", said Scootaloo, "I just wanted to say that you are going to make one hell of an awesome changeling."

I smiled and said, "Thanks Scootaloo, I can't wait to be able to transform into a chicken."

Scootaloo turned into a chicken and back into herself within the span of five seconds. I chuckled and said, "Show-off."

Life would never be normal again. If I wanted to keep my career on track, things needed to seem as normal as possible. Rich didn't hire some halfling freak. He hired a diligent earth pony.

I opened my eyes. It was Tuesday morning. I didn't get much sleep last night, but that was nothing a couple warm cups of coffee couldn't solve.

I saw Lyra sleeping by my side. I loved her. Whatever ended up happening, I hoped that Lyra would stay safe. I feared my enemies would go after Lyra for the purpose of trying to get to me. Bad guys could do whatever they wanted with me.. but if they tried anything with Lyra, I would fucking kill them.

I trotted to the mirror. I did look pretty, I guess.
When I fully mastered my changeling powers, I would be able to make an impact on any pony I wanted. It was simple really. I could be any pony's loved one and learn some dark secrets.

Imagine how much I could learn about Twilight while in the form of her dragon assistant, Spike.
Imagine how much I can learn about what's really going on in Ponyville's government by transforming into one of the Mayor's closest confidantes.
Imagine how I could destroy Barnyard Bargains' competition by sneaking my way into corporate conference rooms and picking up damaging secrets.
Yes, I looked at myself in the mirror. I would have the power to have any pony under my will. It probably wasn't as easy as it sounded. Otherwise, why would Clean need me? He was a full-fledged changeling and would have been able to save his kind all on his own. No, it would be a challenge.

8:45. I wanted to get to work even earlier, but.. I don't know what happened.
I saw Clean working diligently keeping the place spotless. It was funny seeing him as the frail elderly unicorn with a mop cutie mark. It was our little secret that he was so much more than that.

"Good morning, Bon-Bon. I missed you yesterday."

"I was allowed to take the day off."

"Good for you, you always work so hard. Where would everypony be without you?"

"You're a flatterer, Mr. Clean."

"When you're cleaning toilets, you gotta think positive."

"I suppose, think clean thoughts."

"Changelings are not ones for puns."

"I suppose that has to change."

"Yes, Bon-Bon", said Clean with a sly smile, "we are quite adaptable, but only willingly adaptable."

I was nervous that Clean had mentioned the word "changeling" in open daylight. At least, no pony seemed to have heard.

No pony was around. I sighed softly feeling some relief.

"Have a good day", I said with a stiff and formal tone.

"The same to you, Lady Bon-Bon."

I felt like Clean was testing me.

I walked over to my cubicle and began work.

I worked through the day and skipped lunch.

I heard a pony say, "Good afternoon, Ms. Bon-Bon, how are you today?" Rich, I wonder what he wants!

I turned around and saw Rich looking as professional as ever in his business attire.

"I am doing quite well."

"Enjoyed yesterday off?"

"Most definitely! Lyra is always a bundle of joy!"

Rich chuckled and said, "I'm sure she is."

"How's your wife and daughter?"

"They are both doing quite well. My little girl is the smartest one in her class.. probably a lot like you. My wife is keeping order around the house."

"Maybe your daughter will someday work at Barnyard Bargains too!"

"She doesn't want to at all right now, but she's still a filly.. times will change."

"My dreams changed completely from when I was a filly."

"Hmmm, perhaps the same will be for Diamond Tiara."

Diamond Tiara? What kind of name was that? Oh, wealthy ponies and their bizarre names. Kind of like how the Heartstrings named their daughter Lyra.. that was perhaps an even stranger name.

"Your family must wish they see more of you, huh?"

"It could be worse. At least we're all in Ponyville together."

"That's true."

"Bon-Bon, you would make a fine mentor for my precious daughter! Most certainly!"

Hmmm, I thought to myself, perhaps this would be my way of really getting into Rich's social circle.

"If that was a serious suggestion, Rich, I would be interested."

"Diamond Tiara needs that older sister figure to help her out. She gets bullied in school by ruffians, I've heard. They call themselves the Cutie Mark Crusaders."

Cutie Mark Crusaders, huh? Was Scootaloo bullying Diamond Tiara? I needed to talk to Scootaloo about it at some point. However, there was something about the family photo on Rich's desk. Rich's daughter didn't look like an angel. There was something cold about her - it was hard to explain. I needed this in with Rich's family though. Regardless of how the whole changeling thing resolves, I need to do all I can to amass as much wealth as possible. For all I know, Scootaloo and her friends could be the ones picking on Diamond Tiara in school.. but Scootaloo and her friends looked much more naïve and innocent than the pink filly in the photo.

"That's awful, Rich", I responded, "I don't think I would be much help though in helping your daughter fight off bullies."

"I think you could help my daughter gain some self-confidence in herself. She's a bright filly with a ton of potential, I don't think she realizes it. The little Apple filly keeps telling my daughter that she will never amount to anything. My poor Diamond Tiara hears it so much that she is starting to believe it. My wife tells me that she comes home crying every other day due to all of the torment. I might even have to pull her out of public school soon to a private school."

You can certainly afford private school, I thought.
I spent twelve years in hell because my mother couldn't afford much of anything. I was bullied as a filly constantly - especially with the dark rumors that my father was a changeling. I suppose private school wouldn't have changed that... perhaps, all the struggles were worth it for me. If there was trait I had in abundance, it was self confidence. I could achieve anything I wanted, especially with the right strategy in place. Maybe, I could give Diamond Tiara some insight on the proper way to live life.

"I'd love to do anything I can to help your daughter."

"Splendid, absolutely splendid", said Rich with a grin, "I told Trophy Mare that you were the right pony to go to for these sort of matters. Have you made any plans for tomorrow night?"

"Besides working, I haven't."

"I want you to join me, my wife, and daughter for a family dinner at my house. I think you'll find it to be remarkably pleasant."

"Thank you for the invitation, I would love to go."

"Splendid, I will make sure to tell my cooks to prepare a feast for one extra pony."

"Thank you, Rich."

I was simultaneously excited and nervous. I was going to be having dinner with my boss - a very powerful and influential stallion. I had to be on my best behavior. I couldn't screw anything up - not tomorrow night - certainly not tomorrow night. I decided to tell Lyra of the news.

"Lyra, I can't believe it.. tomorrow.. I am going to be over at Rich's house. Oh my gosh, I can't screw anything up. I need to be perfect tomorrow night. I barely know what it is that rich ponies do, but you do.. any advice for me?"

Lyra shrugged and responded, "I don't know, my parents never taught me how to act like a rich pony."

That didn't surprise me. I loved Lyra to death and she didn't come across as spoiled, but her parents treat her like she could do no wrong. Their precious gem was perfect in their eyes. My mother and even my playful father were more stern and realistic towards me.

I let out a girlish giggle.

"You're like a slave at that job", said Lyra, "what more could he demand of you?"

"If I want to be considered for the big leagues, I need to show him that I can be just as polished and professional as him."

"Oh, that's right. You should be fine, Bonnie. You are the most professional pony I have ever met", said Lyra as she moved closer to me and then said with a whisper, "in fact, I think you could be my boss."

I liked where this was going. We kissed and then got involved in one of our roleplays.

I played the impossible-to-please boss and Lyra was the diligent employee who could likely do my job better than she could.

"Boss mare, I have finished all of the work you assigned me", said Lyra wiping her brow showing her exhaustion levitating a large pile of blank papers.

I grunted and said, "Put it on my desk. I'll review it now."

"Thank you, boss mare."

I looked through the papers and then spat on one sheet and tore it up. I used another sheet to wipe my ass.

"I didn't tell you to bring me toilet paper, slave!"

"I am sorry, boss mare.. I didn't know it was toilet paper. I thought it was my analysis on this week's hottest stocks."

"It is crap. All of it. Who hired you anyway?"

"You did, ma'am."

"That is a lie", I snarled, "for your insolence and your incompetence, it is time for you to be punished."

Lyra began to fake cry. I took a paddle out from the closet and slapped the desk with it.

I took a blindfold and wrapped it around Lyra's eyes and told her, "Don't move, slave."

I whacked the paddle on the desk again. Lyra shivered. She knew I liked to incorporate an element of unpredictability. She couldn't make sense of when I would slap her on the plot. That plot... it was my favorite part of her. She had a lithe figure with a tight plot. Just looking at it turned me on instantly and Lyra knew it.

"Boss mare.. I'll do anything, don't hurt my sexy plot."

"I forgot how stupid you are. I will make myself more clear. Do not move, slave. Do not talk, slave. You may scream if you wish, but do not speak any words. Do not cum until I tell you that you can do so."

Lyra was silent. She understood. I took the paddle and swung it right at Lyra's plot. It was a soft swing.. the purpose of it was to give Lyra a false sense of comfort.

I then swung it harder and could hear the smack on her plot. Lyra yelped.

"Slave.. how is that for your punishment so far?"

Lyra was silent and stood still.

"Good, perhaps you're not such a stupid mare after all. You neither moved nor spoke. Hmmmm...."
I approached Lyra's plot with a smile and then began banging on her cheeks with my front hooves like drums.
Lyra giggled. I found it cute how I was able to amuse Lyra so easily by playing with my favorite body part of hers.

I couldn't play the dominatrix for too long and felt ready to soften up to my lover, her punishment had been administered and that was all.. when the roles were reversed, Lyra really could take on the role for a long period of time. Lyra was the mare who introduced this aspect of sexual roleplay to me.

"Your punishment has been administered and is over, except for you must let me play with your plot."

"You sick perv, you sick perv... that's where I knew you were headed", said Lyra with a giggle.

"There are other things I love about you", I said with a sly smile.

"Yea? Show me, Bon-Bon, what else you love about me."

Next thing, you know Lyra and I were in the 69 position, enjoying each other's company. Lyra, please never change, you are best pony in Equestria.

Of course, I would need to be a different Bon-Bon at tomorrow's dinner.

I was at Celestia's castle. I could see the four princesses staring down at me: Princess Celestia of the Sun, Princess Luna of the Moon, Princess Cadence of Love, and Princess Twilight Sparkle of Friendship.

"The trial shall begin. We will determine whether Bon-Bon will be imprisoned for life for her crimes and her role in treasonous activities against the Equestrian Empire", said Celestia coldly.

"No", shouted Luna, "as I told you over and over, Celestia. I don't think we should be doing this!"

"I take it that your vote is for Bon-Bon, the Halfling, to go free."

"Yes, it is.. without a doubt."

"Very well, sister", said Celestia, "you shall be excused from this trial."

"You can't do this, Celestia", cried Luna, "changelings and halflings are just like us."

"That cannot be possible", said Celestia, "from my studies over a thousand years, while you whittling away on the moon, there has been proof that ponies and changelings have nothing in common."

"Studies from books you've written", spat Luna.

Twilight and Cadence stared at me without saying a word, neither had the look of hatred Celestia held for me, but neither was willing to defend me like Luna. I kept silent.

I suddenly heard a voice in the air. "Be brave, my daughter. Be brave. You are doing the right thing." Lemon Drops??

"Daddy", I shouted.

"Bonnie, stay strong. It's a tough road ahead, but it's a road to a bright future."

"What if we fail?"

"You can't fail. You're Bon-Bon. You won't fail."

I smiled, hoping my father could see me.

"Ho ho, you were talking to a changeling", said Celestia, "no surprise there."

"He's my father", I growled.

"It is a shame that you were brought in this world by a changeling - it is tragic - now, I am pleased to announce that I will not kill you. Ponies are not as brutal as changelings - instead, you shall be imprisoned in the dungeon for life, guards.. take Sweetie Bon-Bon Drops away."

What about my trial? But who could overpower the sun princess? Who could? I saw two ponies from the Royal Guard approach me. I wanted to run, but I couldn't... I was stuck... was I finished?

I woke up in a cold sweat. At times, I wish all of this Halfling stuff would go away and I could just live life as normal. This changeling thing was a curse - a bloody curse! Sure, I would become more powerful than before.. but at a price. I didn't want anything bad to happen to Lyra. She was so innocent and so kind. She didn't deserve a fate even a tenth of bad as mine. However, at the same time, I knew this must be my destiny. I was meant to bring about change to Equestria. I knew that is what my dad would want me to do.

Author's Note

I hope you're all liking it.
Sorry for the delay. Things got busy and this was a long chapter..
I hope you guys aren't too pissed that I am putting an evil twist on Celestia.
I know she's a benevolent sun princess, but that's the show - this is my story.

At the Boss' House

This was it. Time for me to shine. I could even put all the craziness behind me for just one night.
I smiled and looked at the mirror. I needed to look my most dashing for my professional future.
Nothing could go wrong.

I heard the giggles from Lyra, "Bonnie, are you cheating on me with your boss?"

"Yes, of course I am", I responded sarcastically.

"I knew it", said Lyra laughing loudly.

"I wasn't keeping it a secret", I responded while sticking out my tongue.

"Oh, Bon-Bon, please never change."

"Changing is something I fear I will have to do a lot of soon."

"I see what you did there, that kind of changing is okay."

"I am glad I have your approval, Lady Lyra."

"No problem, Bitch Bon-Bon."

I groaned with a fake sense of outrage.

"You'll always be my bitch, Bonnie", giggled Lyra, "and don't forget that. Even if Rich makes you his bitch every day of the week."

"I gotta be Rich's bitch, if we want to survive."

"We'd bounce back if you.."

"A.k.a, your parents will send bundles of cash over your way if you needed it."

Woah, shit.. what just came out of me, but I suppose I said worse to Lyra in the past.

"Hey.. I'm sorry. I guess that is true.. but what I was trying to say is that you could change jobs just like that.. you're so.. qualified."

When Lyra wanted to make her point, no vitriol from me would stop it.

"This is a sure bet if I work hard", I responded, "don't want you to live in a big and beautiful mansion with me someday?"

"I don't really care, that's your dream. Not mine."

I knew that part was true. Lyra already had that unbelievably privileged lifestyle as a filly, while I didn't.
I wanted the fighting to stop and decided to not bring that up.

"Yes, I'll admit that."

"I'm fine with you pursuing your dreams, but don't act like that they are for my sake. They are for your own sake."

"Then.. can you understand why I need to focus so much on my job?"

"You can't be happy doing that."

"I want to be rich. I want power. I want influence. I want a big fancy house with servants at my whim. These are all things I want, Lyra."

"As long as you can admit that and stop the condescending bullshit you like to spew about how this is all for me.. then I'm okay, I guess..."

"Lyra, I'll never leave you for Rich. Don't worry about it. I'm having dinner with his family. If things go well, you could be going with me a lot to network with him."

"Good. I'll be by your side, Bon-Bon. I want you to be happy."

"As I want you to be happy. Match made in heaven, right?"

Lyra smiled at me and nodded her head.

"Now, it's time for me to impress Rich tonight."

As I was fixing myself up, I was beginning to understand why Lyra might feel a little annoyed. Even though I am typically meticulous about my appearance, I was never so obsessively meticulous. I needed to look perfect for Rich. I never felt I needed to look perfect around Lyra, especially given her "devil-may-care" attitude on a lot of things, but maybe I should work a little harder on that.

I had to be on my best behavior at work today. Nothing would ruin this day.. nothing!

There was Clean, that not-so-old and not-so-unicorn, sweeping the floors. He would probably find a way to muck things up.

"You look like a zillion bucks today, Bon-Bon", said Clean, "have a fun night with Lyra planned?"

"No", I responded, "tonight, I'm having dinner with Rich and his family. Need to be 100%."

"I hope you run the place someday", said Clean with a pleasant yet subtly sarcastic tone.

"Me too, gotta get to my cubicle if you don't mind."

"I'm the janitor. No need to take orders from me. How is the griffon expansion plan going?"

"Keep quiet about it. It's not exactly public."

"How's it going?"

"I guess since you know, it's going great.. but we have an audit to worry about first."

"That will be enough time for you to learn how to become a griffon yourself. If you wanna be a million bucks, you know what could help."

I smiled at Clean. He could be right, but that had absolutely nothing to go with the nothing-can-go-wrong nature of tonight!!

"I'm gonna go now, have a good day."

"You too, Ms. Drops."

It was 5:55 PM, almost time for the big night.

I saw an email pop up from an ncruncher@dst.com.
DST, Derby Stakes Trotter, our auditors.

I opened it up.

Hi Bon-Bon,

I hope you're doing well. I attached the PBC request list to this email. It would be to both of our greatest convenience if you could have most of these items ready for when we arrive Monday.

If you have any questions, please let me know.

Looking forward to working with you next week.

Thanks,

Number Cruncher, CPA.

I quickly responded.
Hi Number Cruncher,

Thanks for sending this list out and looking forward to begin the audit on Monday.

Thanks,

Sweetie "Bon-Bon" Drops

The name Number Cruncher looked oddly familiar. I think I knew a pony named Number Cruncher from a long time ago. Could it be this pony? I don't know. Some pony names were incredibly common like "Rarity". It seemed that every unicorn wanted to name their daughter Rarity.. it may not even be the same Number Cruncher, I don't know. Wait.. yes, I am remembering now.

I was a little filly in kindergarten.
I could remember walking through the school with high levels of anxiety.
Some of the ponies weren't very nice to me, I barely knew why. I guess I was an easy target for the nasty ones.

I bumped into Brilliant Beauty and her friend, Gold Coast.

"Watch where you're going, klutz", snarled Brilliant Beauty at me, "you're such a dork."
Gold Coast giggled at what Brilliant Beauty had said. I always wondered if Gold Coast was missing part of her brain.

I ignored them like usually and walked them away.

"I wonder what your cutie mark is going to be... probably a clumsy fool or a worthless clump of dirt or... perhaps, a changeling. You seem very much like one of those disgusting bugs." I kept on walking and ignoring her.

Then, I heard a soft growl, "What did you say about changelings?"

It didn't sound feminine at all. I saw that a cream-colored unicorn colt was snarling at Brilliant Beauty.

"I said changelings were disgusting bugs", said Brilliant Beauty nonchalantly, "why do you care? Are you one too?"

"I want you to leave that filly alone, that's what. I see you and your friend teasing her every day for no good reason."

"Ooh, do you have a widdle crushie on the klutz? That's so cute. Do you think she is more beautiful than me?"

"At least a thousand more times beautiful than you, m'lady."

"That's it", snarled Brilliant Beauty, "you asked for it, no pony makes fun of my beauty... mommy and daddy say that I'm the most beautiful filly in all of Equestria."

"Parents always lie to their kids."

"Like how you're worth anything to anypony in the world, I'm worth more than you", said Brilliant Beauty suddenly lunging herself at the colt.

The colt seemed to be just standing there, but suddenly teleported in front of me. A defense I would never be able to hold.

"I'll keep you safe from those losers", said the colt to me, "my name is Number Cruncher."

I shyly smiled at him and said, "I would tell you my name, but something tells me you already know it."

"Bon-Bon."

"I had a feeling. Do you know about changelings?"

"More than I should. Hey, you're a real strong filly."

"Huh?

"If those spoiled brats were bullying me every day, I would have been set off every time. You just ignore them."

"They're nothing to me", I then said with a smile, "like disgusting bugs."

Number Cruncher smiled back at me.
This was the beginning of a beautiful friendship - unfortunately one that didn't last long enough.

When we were in first grade, Number Cruncher had transferred to the prestigious Belmont Academy.
We had a few playdates, but lost touch after some time.
I feel it was moreso my fault than that of his. I was a recluse and enjoyed my alone time.

I could never figure out Number Cruncher. When thinking back, nothing truly indicated that he had changeling blood, but nothing truly indicated he didn't have it either. Brilliant Beauty would bully me due to the rumors that my father was a changeling. Cruncher insisted he was just sick and tired of hearing her taunt me.

I wanted to go to Belmont Academy, but my mother told me, "We can't afford it."
Number Cruncher definitely could. His father was the president of the Belmont Stakes Laboratory.
My father was gone and my mother was a small-time baker.

I was devastated, but had grown so absorbed in my studies that I shut out the horrid environment I was in entirely.
Being the best and being at the top was what mattered most. Not friendship.

Maybe this was a different Number Cruncher anyway, I thought to myself.

I had to make sure I was 100% ready for the dinner.. oh my gosh.. it's already 6:00, I can't be late!!

I walked to Mansion Path. I said I would meet Rich at his house at 6:30. Mansion Path didn't have many houses in the neighborhood, but it probably had the largest land area of all the neighborhoods in Ponyville. Each house was zoned for five acres of land. Rich's house was at the very end of the neighborhood and was the most magnificent of all the houses. I saw my dream front line and center when I finally arrived at Rich's house.. I mean.. mansion.

It was an enormous brick colonial which seemed to extend on each side forever. There was a fountain right in front of the building with a dolphin shooting water out of its snout. I could see six marble statues: three on each side. Each side had an identical set of statues: an earth pony, a pegasus, and a unicorn.

Rich's mansion reminded me of the Heartstrings Mansion in some ways: mostly from its size and majestic presence.

However, there were differences too. The Heartstrings Mansion was old-fashioned - built five hundred years ago. The mansion was from a time when unicorns were considered the superior beings in the city of Canterlot. Lyra lived in a mansion that seemed hopelessly stuck in time and in an era where social mobility was nil. The Heartstrings barely contributed anything productive to society and had centuries worth of money to keep things that way.

Rich's mansion was very young, in comparison. It was a mansion built specifically for him and his family. Despite Rich's name, Rich wasn't born rich: he was from a modest family in Ponyville and created his own wealth. Rich lives in a time when social mobility is possible and he had certainly contributed a lot with Barnyard Bargains. I liked this mansion better than the one of my lovely marefriend's parents. Rich's mansion meant promise. The Heartstrings Mansion simply mocked my 'inferiority'.

I rang the doorbell.

Rich opened the door and smiled at me, "Hello there, Bon-Bon. I am so glad that you are here to join us."

"Thank you Rich, and likewise."

We walked into the dining room. There was a pink unicorn mare and a pink earth pony filly. I assumed these must be Rich's wife and daughter. The mare was incredibly glamorous and the filly had a tiara on her head.

The two of them waved at me.

"Bon-Bon", said Rich, "I would love for you to meet my wife, Trophy Mare, and my daughter, Diamond Tiara."

"It's a pleasure to meet both of you", I said with politeness.

"The pleasure is ours", said Trophy Mare.

"My daddy has said so many great things about you", beamed Diamond Tiara.
Diamond Tiara seemed very mature for her age. It was hard to lump her and Scootaloo in the same age group. However, I didn't even know Diamond Tiara.

"I'm honored", I responded.

"I hope my husband isn't working you too hard", said Trophy with a chuckle.

"He certainly isn't. I bring that upon myself."

"See, my dear daughter", piped Rich, "she loves working at Barnyard Bargains."

I saw the pink filly glare at her father and then say, "Maybe I'll like it too, I don't know if I would be any good at business though."

"Not good at business", laughed Rich, "that's nonsense! Bon-Bon, did I ever tell you that my daughter turned the elementary school newspaper into a sensation?"

Gabby Gossip? Yes, that must be what he's talking about. Filled with lies was more like it. There was an awful article in there about Lyra cheating on me with Braeburn. Everypony, including me, knew it wasn't true.. but it was her. However, I did have to admit that showed the filly did have a good business sense.

"I remember that", I said meekly.

"I'm sorry if I wrote anything mean about you", said Diamond Tiara sweetly, "I didn't want things to get out of hoof like that.. but some fillies pressured me into it."

"As I always tell you", said Trophy, "stand up for yourself. Those Cutie Mark Crusaders don't even have their cutie marks. They aren't better than you in any way."

"I know, mom", responded Diamond Tiara, "it gets hard though.. all the abuse I take from them. I'm pretty sure Apple Bloom wants to cut my cutie mark off and put it on her own flank... it's real awful. Apologies, we shouldn't be talking about such unpleasant things around guests."

I knew fillies like Diamond Tiara back at Belmont Stakes. I wasn't fooled by her act at all. However, there was something else about the filly. She didn't seem like your typical snobby princess.. something about her seemed much more... I couldn't think of the world, but it certainly was something.

"It's okay", I said, "I went to school with some mean ponies myself."

"How did you deal with them", asked Diamond Tiara.

"I ignored them and acted like they didn't exist. They will go away if you do that."

"You're so smart, Bon-Bon", cheered Diamond Tiara, "I must try that.. but..."

"But what", asked Rich.

"But... they're probably gonna start calling me a mute and try to take away my tiara..."

"Bullies will try everything to provoke you", I said, "but it's up to you to show your strength by not letting yourself succumb to them."

"I told you Bon-Bon is a good role model", said Rich to Trophy.

"Certainly", said Trophy with a haughty air.

"I think it's time for dinner", said Rich cheerfully.

Their butler came in with golden trays of food : plenty of fritters. My goodness, it must be a rich pony thing since that was what the Heartstrings liked to eat too. The portions were small; it seemed like that it was more about the fancy trays from Celestia knows where...

"Now, it is time for us to say grace", said Rich.

Many families said grace before eating dinner, but my family never did. Neither my mother nor father believed that doing so was worth anything. It wasn't like that thanking Princess Celestia for the food in front of us would make our lives better. Belmont Stakes was a relatively secular area, but Ponyville was more grounded in religious roots.

"Bon-Bon, why don't you start?"

I blushed. The last time I had to start grace was over at the Heartstrings Mansion. I remember that Lyra was laughing her flank off the whole time as I rambled on about nothing. This time, I would keep it short and thoughtful.

"I would like to thank Princess Celestia for all the food on our table and for living such fantastic lives."

"Amen", said Rich.

"Praise Celestia", added Trophy.

At least there was silverware here. At the Heartstrings Mansion, since they were unicorns, they used their magic to pick up the food.

The food was all good.. very much high quality.

The conversation started off pleasant. I learned that Rich had come from a family of middle-level salesponies, but he was the one to break from the mold and become truly rich. As all know, Barnyard Bargains was his creation.

Trophy Mare was from a high-class family in Canterlot. She never went to college and lived life getting exactly what she wanted.. including the up-and-coming new-money Rich.

As for Diamond Tiara, it seemed that she was a fish out of water in her school. She was somehow "better" than everypony else and all were jealous of her.. at least, that's how her parents put it. Like I said before, there was something about Diamond Tiara that seemed a little off...it was hard to pinpoint exactly what it was, but I suppose time would tell.

However, Trophy Mare said something which gave me cause to be nervous.

"The world is in a lot of trouble these days", said Trophy astutely, "I don't know if you have been paying attention to the news, but the rumors of changeling invasions are growing stronger every day.. certainly not pleasant for us ponies."

I played dumb.. what changeling invasions, I don't watch the news.

"My dear", scolded Rich, "changelings are not all bad. They aren't too different from ponies."

It warmed my heart a little bit to hear that from Rich.

"Of course you would say that", said Trophy angrily, "you would let a changeling in if it gave you money... what kind of money whore are you?"

"Not in front of guests", said Rich calmly.

"I would rather be a changeling than a blank flank", added Diamond Tiara.

"Isn't our daughter incredible", said Trophy, "she got her cutie mark so early in life.. only four years old!"

I was one of the last ponies in my class to get her cutie mark. Every other thing out of Trophy's mouth seemed to be offensive.. I had to stay polite and cordial.

"Wow, that is impressive", I said, "I got my cutie mark fairly late in life. I was ten."

"Woah", said Diamond Tiara with shock, "you were a blank flank that long?"

"Yea", I said, "it took me time to figure out my special talent."

"I hope those girls find their special talent soon", said Diamond Tiara sadly, "maybe the bullying would stop."

"I tell you", said Trophy, "stand up for yourself! Fight those little tramps. For goodness sake, one of them is a pegasus who will never be able to fly.. you can't let yourself be tortured by such pathetic weaklings."

"I know, Mommy", said Diamond Tiara, "but it's too hard."

Rich sighed with frustration. However, I knew that the worse they looked that the better I looked in comparison. Maybe, that promotion will come soon enough.

"Did I tell you two that Bon-Bon is going to lead the Griffon Expansion?"

"No, you haven't", responded Trophy, "wow, that is quite a responsibility, Bon-Bon."

I smiled shyly at Trophy.

"She's very capable", said Rich, "I know she'll make me proud."

"Griffons", said Diamond Tiara sticking out her tongue, "why would you want to do anything with them?"

"Di", said Rich, "griffons are much like you and me. They have families. They have brains. They have hearts."

"They're still ugly and meanie", responded Diamond Tiara.

"I'll do my best", I said.

"Can we move out of Ponyville if you become richer from this, Daddy?"

Rich didn't respond to that.

"All the kids bully me there", whined Diamond Tiara.

"What about your friend, Silver Spoon", responded Rich.

"She's nice, but everyone else.. ugh... especially that Apple girl, I swear to Celestia is a sociopath, she wants to see me dead. If she wasn't there, I think every pony would like me better."

"Those Apples certainly know how to talk the talk", commented Trophy.

"A fine family", beamed Rich.

"Yes, without you, they would be nothing... groveling in the soil and trying to make good of their shitty farmhand lives."

"That's certainly not true."

"Maybe you can talk to Applejack", said Diamond Tiara, "and get Apple Bloom to stop being so mean to me."

"I promise I'll do so next time I'm there, Di."

"I love you, Daddy", cheered Diamond Tiara blowing an air kiss.

The rest of the dinner was pleasant. It turned out that they really wanted me to be Diamond Tiara's surrogate "big sister".. meaning I would be responsible for showing her the ways of the world and help her become tougher around the mean ponies in her school. They were probably going to ship her off to private school soon.. but I might as well do what I can to help Diamond Tiara. Who knows? If I succeed, maybe I could become CFO of Barnyard Bargains soon enough. I grinned to myself.

With that said, I had to admit that I found Trophy Mare to be chilling. She certainly didn't like changelings. She even talked about finding a group of changelings in Canterlot and brining them to Celestia herself. I shivered at the thought... what if this was all a trap? Trophy seemed rather indifferent to the idea of me being around though.. this was all Rich's idea. Trophy couldn't have known about my Halfling status. There was no way.... I was still scared, feeling paranoid.

One thought came to my mind. I wished that I never knew I was a Halfling. My life had become so damn complicated since that happened. Before then, I was a simple earth pony mare looking to rise to the top of the corporate ladder. Now, I was some changeling/pony freak who was expected to play some role in some mysterious changeling's plan to do whatever it is he wanted to do to ponykind. If I could go back in time and change things.. I would... but that wasn't possible. It was my changeling blood.. my goddamn changeling blood... I couldn't abandon them. If the threats were real, I was in danger too and that was the reality.

Besides, if I lose my job, I could always transform into some high-powered executive and take over his/her life making that life my own... being a changeling did have its perks.

Author's Note

This chapter was really hard to write for some reason...
I hope you like it!
Don't know when the next chapter will come up..