A Changeling's Riposte

Chapters

Two
Three
Four
Five
Six
Seven
Eight
Nine
Ten
Eleven
Twelve
Thirteen
Fourteen
Sixteen
One
Fifteen

Two

It's All Smoke And Mirrors

Night Storm sat on the train as still as stone. Sword Right had gotten up to use the restroom, and she was alone in the car. Her rosy eyes scanned the room, slowly blinking and taking everything into account. Night looked out the window next to her and saw nothing but stone as the train chugged closer and closer to Canterlot.

She looked out of the opposite window, making the same slow blink and analysis. She could see Ponyville and the sun peeking up over the hills. Princess Luna was lowering the moon already, and Princess Celestia was raising the sun. Night's locket made a metallic clink as she looked at the clock on the wall of the train car.

5:49 a.m.

Night yawned slightly, covering her mouth with a hand. She had been on the train for almost eight hours. She got on the train in Baltimare at 8:33 p.m. and had been awake ever since. Night Storm had met Sword Right, and spoke to him most of the way. She knew very much about him.

He was a shy colt and was very outgoing, and he thought of himself as friendly and understanding. He was practically a vault of secrets, none of which he ever spoke of again. He built Princess Celestia and Princess Luna's weapons for their guards, like spears, shields, and armor. Sword had told her that he occasionally made bows and arrows, and when he did, he built quivers as well. His fur was always the same color brown, his mane dark red, almost a blood color, and ashy red eyes matched his other colors. He had a shining sword for a Cutie Mark, representing his love for metals and justice. He was also a Unicorn, but he tended to use his hands more than his horn.

He was a kind stallion, but his muscles were well defined. His smile was warmer than a Hearth Warming's Eve fire, maybe even warmer than Celestia's sunshine on a sunny day. He was twenty three, a young age for a Unicorn. Something about him gave off a radiance of kindness and love, something Night hadn't come across in a long, long time.

The stallion soon returned and sat down next to her again with the same beaming look on his face. He, however, had barely gotten anything out of Night Storm. He only knew that she was born in Prance and had been running around Equestria for Celestia knows how long. She was shy but gentle with an eloquent voice to match her cobalt body and sea green mane. She wore a golden locket she had never opened in front of any pony.

She was twenty two, an even number but still younger than her new acquaintance. Sword's eyes were heavy with tiredness, but he still wore the same exact smile. Night looked over at him with a slightly less weary gaze, but was still sleepy.

"Where are you staying in Canterlot?" Sword asked absently.

"I'm going to stay in my old apartment. Where are you staying?" Storm queried.

"I'm staying in my home, silly. I live on 54 Metallic Drive. Where is your apartment?"

"It's at 88 Seasonal Street. I live in the second floor apartment." Storm smiled slightly as the train ground to a halt.

"Canterlot! Next stop, Cloudsdale!" The conductor yelled.

Night Storm stood and made her way to the door, exiting and walking through the station, Sword Right close behind her. He finally caught her when they were out of the station and on the sidewalk.

"Hey, uh, maybe we'll meet again sometime? Maybe we'll run into each other." Sword repeated what he had a few hours ago.

'Why hadn't he left when he said almost the same thing?' Both the Unicorns thought.

"That'd be... nice," Storm smiled before trotting down the sidewalk, her hooves and shoes clip-clopping enchantingly and getting softer and softer.

Sword Right trotted in the opposite direction, happy to have met a new pony. Night Storm was happy to meet him as well. He radiated enough love to feed her Hive and Queen Chrysalis' for almost seven months, give or take a few weeks. Night Storm walked down the streets of Canterlot, many guards walking around on patrol.

Night guessed that the armor they wore and the spears they carried came from Sword Right. They weren't made by a newbie, that much she could tell, but they couldn't be made by a master either. Sword wasn't exactly a master, but pretty darn close. Night thought that maybe he had made them a while back, or maybe he had an apprentice.

She walked, turning onto Seasonal Street, a row of apartments going straight down the street. She walked, looking at the numbers. Thirties, Forties, Fifties, Sixties, Seventies, and finally, Eighties, all even numbers. Her rosy eyes glanced across the street to the odd numbers and scrunched her nose.

For some reason, Night Storm didn't like odd numbers. She trotted up the steps to eighty-two, eighty-four, eighty-six, and lastly eighty-eight. She used her magic to undo the bindings, her magic basically the key to her apartment. She trotted in and locked the door behind her, shutting it with her left hoof.

She looked around the apartment. It was mostly black and ash colors, with red splashed here and there. She had a nice living room, a black wood sofa with red cushions with flower print on them and a radio set across from it on a similarly made table. She had a side table that had the same wood, and a bookshelf in the corner. Night walked to her kitchen and looked at it; it was still clean, save for a bit of dust. Her ash gray appliances sat, running, waiting to be used. A refrigerator, stove, sink, and counter-top with black cabinets above them.

With her green magic, she opened the fridge, revealing strawberries, blueberries, ice cream, salad ingredients and so much more, all still good to eat. She took a strawberry and ate it whole, chewing quietly and spitting the leaves into the trashcan under the counter. Her dishwasher was still working as the mare inspected it, and then made her way to her bedroom.

In her bedroom was a large queen sized bed in black and gray with two close matched side tables on either side with lamps on them. A dresser and a mirror laid across from the bed and its canopy, and her bathroom had the usual; a shower, a tub, a sink, and a toilet, with all of her mare necessities. She curled up in her bed after checking everything, gently falling asleep.

It's All Smoke And Mirrors

Three

Beauty Is In The Eye Of The Beholder

Night Storm awoke gently from her sleep, looking out her window. The sun was halfway through its journey already. She got up and off the warm bed and walked into the bathroom, combing her mane a little as she used her magic to turn on the faucet to the tub. She lowered the blinds and made sure the door and window were both locked and sealed, no pony able to see in.

In a flash of green magic, the cobalt blue Unicorn mare was nowhere to be found. In her place was a black colored Changeling with a smoothly curved horn and two bug wings that buzzed ever so lightly. The holes in her hooves bubbled slightly as her legs were encased in warm water. Her clothes a thing of her Changeling magic left her naked in the tub.

She breathed out with a smile. It was warm and comforting in the tub. It felt like a safe haven, like no pony could ever come in, and even if they did, they wouldn't get her. The water in her bath tub would protect her. Night soaked in the water for a little bit before picking up the soap.

She hummed a little tune, her clicks and chirps barely audible. Click... click, chirp... click... click chirp chirp. Click chirp click. The tune went on as she used the soap to wash her chitin and carapace. She fluttered her wings in the water, then let them out of the water to dry. She couldn't fly if her wings were wet.

Night picked up the shampoo and washed what little of a mane she had and then washed it out under the faucet. She got the conditioner in her mane and tail really good and let it soak in for a bit. She blew bubbles with her nose and watched as the soap bubbles flew to the ceiling only to be burst wide open.

The soap fell down onto her head, making her close her eyes. She whimpered like a puppy and put her entire head under the water, washing the soap that threatened to get in her eyes away. She put her head above the water and took a big breath, wiggling her face from side to side, getting the water off her face.

After the water started to get more and more lukewarm, she reluctantly got out of the tub and pulled the drain plug. In a flash of green, she was the cobalt and sea green mare once more. She used her magic to dry off, carrying the towel in her hand to the laundry basket. Night Storm frowned at the basket. It was full.

This was one of her hardest chores: doing the laundry.

Sure, it seemed harmless enough, but Night knew she was wearing a brave face. She glared at the basket as if that would make it run away in fear, but she had no such luck.

"Next time it'll run away." She muttered, picking it up in her magic. "Stupid baskets."

No, she wasn't scared of doing the laundry, she was scared of anything and everything that resembled a cage. It was natural selection at its worst. Most Changelings had a natural fear of cages, as would most creatures, but this fear was rooted deep. Night walked out of her apartment and down the stairs, straight to the laundry room.

She poured her clothes into the machine and pressed many buttons, also pouring in some detergent. She jumped on her hooves a bit, scared of the basket as she dropped it and kicked it away. She shut it and waited for it to turn on and make that horrible noise. But it didn't.

"Oh yeah, it runs by eating bits." Night chirped quietly.

The mare trotted back up the stairs and picked up two bits, carrying them on her two fingers back down. She slid them through the slots and pushed the biggest button, hoping for the best. It worked and she smiled inwardly, happy to overcome this battle. Night Storm closed the laundry door and put a hand to her mouth, opening and closing it as she thought.

Her muzzle made chop chop chop noises as she used her hoof to open and close it as she thought. The mare walked back up the stairs and locked her door, trotting back down. She opened the door to the apartment and looked around. There were many ponies out in the streets of Canterlot today.

The cobalt mare walked out of the apartment slowly, looking around once more. She walked out and down the sidewalk. Night Storm walked around for a bit, eventually stopping at a cafe. She trotted in and bought an ice cream sundae, paying three bits and carrying to a table. She dropped it on the floor as she collided with another pony, and she quickly stood.

"I'm so sorry," She said, bowing her head. "I wasn't looking."

"So we meet again," The stallion chuckled. "Hello, Night Storm. Sorry about the sundae."

Night blushed slightly and picked it up, throwing it in the trash and cleaning the floor and the tan coat of the Unicorn before her. She cracked a small smile. "Hello, Sword Right."

"Let me buy you a new sundae, please," Sword Right smiled, dabbing some ice cream off his jacket.

"You don't have to," Night responded.

"What if I want to?" Sword replied with a smile.

"I suppose that'd be okay," Night smiled a bit again.

The stallion bought her a sundae and himself one as well, and they sat down together outside under Celestia's sun. The duo sat down together under an umbrella. They ate their sundaes in silence before Sword spoke up.

"So, why did you come to Eternal Cafe?" Sword smiled.

"I was just walking around and felt like some ice cream," Night said, taking another bite of ice cream. Sword chuckled a little bit. "What?"

"You have some ice cream on your cheek." Sword replied, making her blush.

With a napkin in hand, the ice cream was dabbed from her rosy cheeks. They were so rosy they almost matched her eyes in a way.

"Thank you."

"No problem."

The duo continued to eat ice cream, Sword Right still smiling. They ate their ice cream for a while before they spoke, talking idly about random things, such as family and friends, likes and dislikes, and a select few of other things as well.

"So what's your family like?" Sword asked.

"My mother died when I was young and my father was always working," Night replied, not actually lying. "What about your family?"

"My mother took care of me while my father was working in the gardens, and then my father took care of me while my mother went to work. I was home-schooled, so I got to spend a lot of time with them." Sword beamed. "Tell me more about you."

Night had to think a little bit. "Well, I like baths and I like rainy days. The night is nice as well, it's nice and dark." She twirled her hair in two fingers a bit.

"If you don't mind my asking, what's in the locket?" Sword tilted his head.

Night was visibly pained by the question and looked down, holding the locket in her hand tightly. She looked at it and her golden reflection in the shiny metal. She didn't know what to do. Tell him? Say no?

"I do mind, not to be rude or anything," Night said, sniffling a little.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to impose," Sword frowned slightly.

"It's fine," Night lied. "I'm fine."

"If you say so." He sighed, carrying the ice cream bowls to the trash bin.

Beauty Is In The Eye Of The Beholder

Four

Author's Note

Yes, I know it's a bit fast-paced, but this is how it is, sorry! Enjoy!

~Sheltie, nya!

Four

Everything Has Beauty, But Not Every Pony Can See It

Night Storm laid on her bed, looking at her ceiling. She sighed, bored out of her mind. The sound of rain harshly slapping against the windows and walls told her that it was too wet to go outside, so that wasn't an option. Her stomach growled in hunger and she held it tightly, rolling onto her side.

She was so hungry that she was in her Changeling form- a very, very dangerous thing to be in in Canterlot. (And naked at that!). Night wondered how she could've let this happen. She sighed and looked out her window longingly. There was no time like the present. The Changeling walked into her kitchen and began making a salmon and avocado salad.

"This should be enough to just give me some magic back," She said, sitting on her sofa with the bowl.

It stunk and burned her nose as she smelled it; wild salmon and avocado weren't her favorite foods, but they were something to eat to give her magic. She cringed her nose every second she wasted just staring at the bowl. After about fifteen minutes, she sighed and slapped her face into the bowl, eating the salmon and avocado quickly.

She swallowed the food as fast as she could, hacking from the speed. She drank quickly from her sink, washing it down fast enough, but the after taste was still in her mouth. Night cringed and belched, holding her stomach as she walked to the bathroom. She looked in her teeth and at her fangs, flossing them with minty flavored floss and brushing them for almost five minutes. Her teeth were pearly white and clean, but she could still taste the salmon and avocado.

Night growled and clicked, and began to brush her tongue clean, spitting out the water. She looked at her tongue and sighed. It looked clean but the taste was still there. Night Storm chirped in anger, strutting back to her bed. She rolled around on her bed, still hungry.

She thought about Sword Right and how much love he radiated just by smiling. There was something wrong with him... no, something right with him, that made him so... perfect. She felt herself blush as she thought of a mate such as he, smiling. Yes, she was partly thinking of the relationship for food, but she also thought of how kind and caring he was. He seemed open minded enough to trust... at one point eventually.

Night Storm opened her locket, a picture of a Changeling mare and a filly inside. They were none other than Dawning Love and Night Storm, almost a decade prior. Night looked at her mother as her eyes watered.

"What should I do, mama? I don't know what to do," Night let tears roll down her cheeks. "Why'd you leave me? Why'd you go? I don't understand...! Why?!"

Night cried, sobbing as she hugged her locket closed. A knock on the door came, startling the Changeling. Her ears twitched, flicking back and forth. She jumped off her bed and ran into her closet, quickly putting a blanket over her.

"Hello? Night Storm? I heard crying, is everything okay?" A familiar voice came from her front door.

She whispered to herself in clicks and chirps. "No, no, please, no. Don't find me, please. Mama... what am I supposed to do? What do I do?"

A small white light came from her locket and she opened her eyes to see her mother standing before her. She smiled down at her, hisses and clicks calming the poor Changeling. Night Storm didn't know what to do. Her mother was standing right before her for the first time in almost eleven years. She jolted out and latched onto her mother's white body, crying into her naked carapace.

"Mama, why did you leave me?! Why?! Why couldn't you stay here with me and papa?! Why...?!" Night cried in her mother's glowing busty chest.

A rather large hand combed her short mane, but Night didn't notice it. Sword Right's body became more and more clear to Night Storm, but she didn't care. Sword smiled, rubbing her mane and holding her close, cooing.

"Sh, sh, it's okay, Night," Sword smiled, stroking her mane softly as she held her close.

She looked up at him, her icy blue eyes full of salty tears. She was confused to say the least, but his embrace was almost as comforting as her mother's once was. Almost.

"S-Sword Right?" She asked in a whisper, noticing her hands and hooves were black and full of holes. Her eyes would've shrunk if she hadn't been in her 'Drone form', and she was scared.

Sword Right picked her up in his arms and laid her on the bed, kneeling beside it and holding her hand while still stroking her mane, using a tissue to wipe her tears away.

"Don't worry, Night," He smiled. "I won't tell any pony."

Night didn't care if he did or didn't. She jumped from the bed and back into his arms, holding him tightly as she sobbed into his brown coat.

"I wanted to tell you, I really did, but I was so scared that you'd hate me! I was scared you wouldn't like me anymore and you're so nice, nicer than any pony I've ever met! Please... just let me hug some pony." Night cried, her sobs lost in his shirt as he hugged her closer.

"Why would I tell any pony?" Sword cooed, rubbing her carapace as her wings slightly buzzed. "You're kind and gentle, reserved and smart, why would I condemn such a good pony? Who cares if you're a Changeling? You can't help it."

"You mean... you don't care?" Night cried in between sobs.

"Nope. I've never told any secret, no matter how severe the punishment. As long as they're a good pony, I'd never tell a secret, even if it meant death," He responded, nuzzling her into his neck.

Night Storm couldn't believe it. She couldn't think of what to do and her hands wrapped around the stallion tightly as the green magic changed her into a Pegasus. The simple feeling of love, trust, and true care fueled her, filling her up until she was full. She wrapped her wings around him affectionately, nuzzling into his neck.

Sword was about to break the hug, even though she didn't want to. "How about we just stay like this?"

Storm and Sword embraced once more, hugging each other deeply. The duo stayed like that, the rain sometimes scaring the mare into the stallion's embrace even deeper. They stayed in the exact embrace all night, and well into the morning hours. In the morning, the duo had fallen asleep in the others embrace, tears evaporated from the mare's fur.

Everything Has Beauty, But Not Every Pony Can See It

Five

Sometimes Ponies Are Beautiful. Not In Looks. Not In What They Say. Just In What They Are.

Night Storm yawned, stretching from her good night's sleep. She rolled over on her bed, bumping noses with Sword Right. At first, she was startled, but then began to recall what had happened the night before. Night Storm blushed, shaking her head a little. When she was at her worst, Sword Right was there for her. When she was sad, scared, lonely, and afraid, he never hesitated in the least to be there. Even seeing her as a Changeling, he didn't care.

The love and affection that radiated off of the stallion was warm and delicious, a lovely combo for any Changeling. Her icy eyes fluttered open and closed with a smile as her hole covered hand ghosted across his cheek. The stallion stirred slightly, opening his eyes with a smile. He wasn't even fazed by the Changeling before him. He also hadn't noticed she was naked.

"Good morning, Storm." He smiled kindly.

"M-Morning, Sword." Night Storm replied, blushing a little as she withdrew her hand. "T-Thank you for... Thank you."

"It's my pleasure," Sword Right beamed once more, standing from the bed he made the side of the bed he'd been on like a proper gentlecolt, and kept a kind and gentle upward curve of his lip.

Night Storm got off of the bed, changing into her Unicorn Form, her usual clothes in black with white suspenders now present. The cobalt mare made the rest of the bed with a slight smile, fluffing the pillows as the sheets were finished. The two locked eyes for a moment before Night looked down, tracing her right hoof on the carpet.

"Would you... like to stay for some breakfast?" Night asked, a small blush on her features.

"Sure, that would be nice. Thank you."

Night Storm led him to the kitchen, turning the stove on. She made him sit down on her comfy sofa as she cooked, also turning on the radio for him to listen while she cooked. It was on her favorite station, 55.9 All Time Classic. As she looked at the Unicorn stallion, she spoke again.

"D-Do you want a different station?"

He shook his head. "No, 55.9 is my favorite."

"It's mine too!" Night smiled, trotting over to the pantry. "Now you just sit tight and relax and I'll make some pancakes."

Without an acceptance of his disapproval, she began to cook. She got the batter and measuring cups out, a pan, and some butter. Time marched on as the radio played various well known songs, some of them sung along by the duo. Night made four perfectly round pancakes and cleaned up her mess, putting them on two plates. She looked at it in wonder before getting syrup and putting some in a pool on her plate.

"Do you want syrup?"

"I'll have it in a pool next to the pancakes." Sword smiled.

Night nodded and poured the syrup, putting the bottle away after enough was poured. She gave him a plate and held hers, dipping the pancake in the syrup and biting, dipping and biting, and so on. Sword right did the same with a smile; his wonderful smile. Once they ate their pancakes, she cleaned them up, putting them in the dishwasher. She trotted over to the stallion, sitting on the sofa.

"What to do now." She said, putting a hoof to her chin. She smiled as she thought of a good idea. "How about we go to the Canterlot Gardens?"

"Are you sure you want to go there, Night?" He asked, trying to dance around it.

Night nodded with a slight smile. "Don't be such a worry wort, Sword. Everything will be fine!"

Sword Right grudgingly nodded, the two of them trotting to the Gardens slowly down the street. The two Unicorns walked down the street, their hands deciding on their own volition to intertwine with the others. Neither had noticed the hand holding until they reached the Gardens.

"Oh, sorry, Sword." Night said, brushing her mane out of her face.

"It's okay... It was nice." He smiled, holding her hand again with another smile.

Night blushed as they continued walking into the Gardens, looking at various statues along the way, making for a perfect date. Once they had gone all around the entire Garden twice, they began walking to Sword's house.

Night noticed the hand holding once again and blushed, looking down. "Sword?"

"Yeah?"

"Is this... Is this a d-date?" Night asked, blushing even harder.

"Only if you want it to be," He smiled, holding her hand slightly tighter.

"What if I... don't want it to be a date?"

He frowned but smiled quickly. "That's okay. But I like you. I can't really tell why yet, but I know I really like you."

Night stopped with a smile, looking up at him and kissing him, then quickly recoiling. "I was hoping you'd say that, b-because I feel the same. I was hoping it was a date."

Sword grinned and pulled her into an embrace, bumping noses with her before kissing her on the lips, their shapely bodies smashed together in a loving embrace and an even more feverish kiss. They parted for breath with smiles and loving gazes at the other, a little saliva traded as dripping down their chins.

They wiped each other's chins and held hands again, beginning their walk to Sword Right's home. They were both happy and content just knowing the other loved them. Once at Sword's home, Night asked another embarrassing question.

"Does this mean I'm your mare friend?"

He replied with another question. "Does this mean I'm your colt friend?"

The duo waited three seconds and in unison spoke. "Yes!"

They ran to the other, lips crashing together in pure love. Night didn't care about food, love, or anything else. All she cared about was the handsome stallion in her embrace and passionate kiss. Sword felt the same; food, water, even air meant nothing to him if he couldn't hold the gorgeous and shapely mare before him in his kiss. He knew she was perfect in every way; from her ears to her breasts to her hips to her hooves. Storm agreed with the thought, thinking of him as excellent from ears to toned chest to hooves.

"My lovely goddess," Sword Right smiled.

"My handsome god," Night Storm smiled back, pressing herself against him lovingly.

Sometimes Ponies Are Beautiful. Not In Looks. Not In What They Say. Just In What They Are.

Author's Note

Finally the moment has arrived! (This Day Aria lol)

Anyways, sorry for the lack of updates, everyone! I've been drawing and writing other things and as RWBY Volume 2 comes out on the 24th, I'll be even more scarce! Too much to draw/write, not enough time. But anyway, I hope you enjoy this chapter and it tides you over! Also, I've been thinking of converting this to an Anthro version. You know what? I'm gonna do it. Be sure to remember it is now Anthro!

~Sheltie, nya!

Six

To Love Beauty is To See Light

Night Storm tied a blue apron around her waist with a smile. The cobalt Pegasus mare turned on the oven, placing a pan on it. She began to hum quietly with a love-dazed smile, absolutely struck with pure love. She cooked a grilled cheese sandwich, poured a glass of orange juice, made some strips of bacon, vegan of course, and put a chocolate cookie next to the plate.

Once it was done, she cleaned the kitchen up quickly, and by the time she was done, the food was still warm. With a happy and goofy smile, she trotted to the bedroom, the plates on a platter balanced on her hand. Night Storm gently woke the sleeping stallion, setting the platter on his lap.

"Huh?" Sword said, sitting up a little with a smile. "You made me breakfast?"

Night nodded with a smile, totally and completely blinded by love. She smiled, twirling her finger in her mane idly. "I'm happy to just be here with you."

He ate the food with a happy grin; Storm had stayed the night happily as he offered, and they slept in the same bed again. Both were happy and willing, in fact, more than willing. Night Storm and Sword Right had only known each other for about four months, but both were seriously committed to this relationship.

However, something was buzzing at the back of Night's head. She was thinking hard with a blush on her face as she bit her thumb. Sword Right noticed and stopped eating, looking at her.

"What's wrong? It's delicious." Sword asked, a slight frown.

"That's good to hear, but it's not that. Don't worry about... it?" Night ended up asking as Sword put his forehead on hers before eating again.

"No fever, but your face is warm. Do you feel alright?" Sword asked, genuinely concerned as he ate a bit.

"I just..." Suddenly, she leaned into his face with a big blush and a slight frown. "I really like you and I think we should be together forever and we should live together!"

"Wh-What?" He chuckled a little, raising a brow.

"N-Nothing...." Storm said, standing back a little, her face completely red.

Sword Right sat up and hugged her with a smile. "Why do you want to live with me? Me of all ponies?"

"Well, because I love you and I want to make you breakfast every single day! I want to be with you everyday and I never ever ever want to leave your side ever. I know it's sudden and all that, but I love you! With all my heart!" Night Storm was leaning against him now, tears staining her eyes along with a slight frown, yet filled with confidence.

Sword Right blushed as she leaned on him, smiling and hugging her close. "I love you too, Night Storm. I love you with all my heart." He kissed her cheek and hugged her again. "I've wanted that too, but I didn't want you to be scared or pressured because I love you so much."

Night Storm smiled, kissing his cheek, but turning serious with a deadpan. "How much do you love me?"

"So much I can't sleep at night." Sword Right was just as serious.

"If I give you my heart, will you hold it with grace?"

"Of course."

"Do you promise to love me until the end of time?"

"I promise so hard." Sword spoke, replying to her. "How much do you love me?"

"I love you so much it hurts to be away from you." They were both deadly serious; so serious, some pony would think they were fighting if it weren't for their words.

"If I give you my heart, will you never abuse it?"

"I swear to Celestia."

"Do you promise to love me until I die?"

"I've loved you since before Celestia was born and I'll love you until the sun destroys everything." They smiled and laughed, hugging the other, happy with their common humor. Night Storm smiled, beginning to speak again. "Does this mean we're living together?"

"If you truly want to, then yes." Sword smiled. "Which house are we living at?"

"How about this one? It's bigger and you own it. We could pay for it together."

"Sounds like a plan. Are you going to take your stuff from your apartment?"

Storm nodded with a smile. "Yep. And I'll sell what I don't need! Besides, you're the only think I really need." Storm smiled lustfully.

Sword Right blushed as she leaned on him further with a grin. "Can I finish my food before you attack me with kisses again?"

Night pouted, sitting down on the floor. "Fine. Next time you won't be so lucky." She looked at his face and frowned. "Maybe you will be lucky."

He laughed, beginning his bacon as the grilled cheese and cookie were gone. "You're so silly. But remember your promise?"

"Yes." She smiled, straightening up. "I'm not allowed to use Changeling magic on you unless you ask for it. I would never, anyway! For whatever reason, you can't be hypnotized with my magic. Oops."

"You tried to hypnotize me? And failed?" He chuckled.

"Well, I wanted to see if it would work, so I tried it out when you were listening to the radio last month. I tried, but you have... Well, it was a white field when I looked at you. It was like you have an angel or something around you. You can't be touched by Changeling magic!"

"Really? Angel, huh?" He smiled, but shook his head. "No, you're better."

"Really?" She perked.

He nodded and she jumped onto him, showering his cheek with kisses and rubbing against his face. He grinned as she hugged him, showering him with love. Maybe at heart, he was a Changeling too. Or just a very kind and handsome stallion.

To Love Beauty is To See Light

Author's Note

[nods] Yep. They're living together, deal with it. [flies away]

~Sheltie, nya!

Seven

Three Things Cannot Be Long Hidden; The Sun, The Moon, And The Truth ~Buddha

It was a day like any other; Night Storm had made breakfast for Sword Right, and he'd left for work early to come home early. Night Storm stayed at home to clean the house and listen to the radio. Everything had been... normal, in a sense. But that changed when Sword Right returned home from work.

He walked in the door and dropped his bag, horrified at what he saw before him. Vases were broken and flowers scattered, tables were overturned, glasses were broken, mirrors shattered, and what stood out most of all was the blood on the carpet. No doubt in his mind this was Night Storm's very own blood in a pool on the floor. His eyes watered with angry tears; there was certainly enough blood on the floor to make Night Storm weak.

And being weak meant she was also in her Changeling Form.

With ragged, scared breaths, he turned and ran to the back door, finding a trail of blood leading to it, and eventually the blood was gone. It had all left one possibility: Night Storm was confronted by Guards and they took her to Princess Celestia and Princess Luna by force. Which meant she fought back. That was bad too.

He looked around sadly and ran out the front door, running down the street. He ran and ran and ran, straight to the castle. Even when his lungs burned for air, he continued. When his throat begged for water, he continued. When his legs screamed to stop, he continued. All in the sake of one Changeling. One pony he loved more than life itself.

He continued running through the streets, breathing raggedly. Every step he took, the castle got closer and closer. When he was so very close, he broke into a full-on gallop, barging through the doors of the castle and running to the Throne Room. He gritted his teeth as he saw Night Storm's hands and hooves chained together, wearing a white dress, her head looking at her hooves. Princess Celestia and Princess Luna were scrunching their noses as if she smelled foul.

All of these things set Sword Right off. With Guards coming from behind him and to his left and right, he ran to Night Storm and picked her up bridal style, beginning to dart for the door.

"S-Sword?!" She asked, blinking the tears away.

"I won't let them take you from me!" He growled like an animal as the Guards surrounded them.

Night Storm held his face in her hands as tears streamed down her face. "They got me, Sword. I don't want to drag you down with me."

Sword held onto her even tighter, falling to his knees as tears spilled. "I said I won't let them take you from me! If I die in the process, so be it!"

Night Storm bit her lip, frowning. Her wound was patched now, her magic already working on sewing the carapace and chitin back together again, but blood still adorned her white dress below her left breast. The two hugged each other tightly, ready to receive their consequences.

But nothing ever came.

Princess Celestia and Princess Luna were towering over them, the Guards flocking back to their posts hurriedly. The Princesses had gentle yet stern smiles on their faces.

"So you knew she was a Changeling?" Celestia asked.

"Of course. I won't let you hurt her." Sword held her closer, pressing her against his chest. "If you take her, you have to take me too."

"A valiant effort, however it seems to be proven in vain." Luna responded. "You, Sword Right, have harbored a Changeling knowingly, which is punishable by life in prison. What say you?"

"I say take me to prison if you swear you'll let Night Storm live." Sword gritted, glaring at the sisters.

Celestia looked at Luna who looked back at her. Celestia then knelt down on a knee and studied Sword's face. "You seem to care for a Changeling. Something no pony would ever dare do. Why?"

"What a stupid question. I love her because I love her! I can't explain nor deny it, Princess Celestia!" Sword growled, clutching Night closer.

Celestia was shocked at such rude language, but smiled and stood. "Sister, do you know what love is?"

"Excuse me?" Luna asked.

"Love. Do you know what it is?" Celestia asked again, but to both Luna and Sword Right.

"I know what love is." All eyes went to Night Storm. "Love is a deep and intense feeling of affection, and it is also how one feels a deep romantic or sexual attachment to some pony. Granted, Changeling feed upon love, but this love is different. It's not food to me, despite my eating it. This love I harbor for Sword Right, and the love he holds for me... it's like a link. It holds us together no matter how much others try to pull us apart. Love cannot be described easily, however, I know that the warm feeling in my chest and the butterflies in my heart when I look at Sword... I know those are feelings of love. I can tell just by looking at him that I love him more than life itself."

Celestia clapped with a smile. "Very good, very good! Love cannot be explained easily, however you capture the essence in which one might try and describe it."

Celestia walked back to her throne and sat down, Luna accompanying her in her throne.

Luna smiled at them both. "I've seen both the dreams of Night Storm and Sword Right, and I've seen their hopes. They both harbor immense feelings of love and affection, and aspire to be together forever. That is true love."

Sword frowned. "Does this mean she can stay?"

"Yes, of course." Celestia smiled, sipping some tea.

"I can stay? What changed your minds?" Night queried.

"Chrysalis and her Hive were fighting to take love in the wrong sense. They took it by force. But you have taken the love of Sword Right only by his consent, and you've excelled at not once trying to manipulate him in any way. You feed on his love, however, you do not abuse the gifts he gives. On the inside, you are like us."

"T-Thank you, Princess Celestia... and Princess Luna... thank you." Sword Right smiled.

Three Things Cannot Be Long Hidden; The Sun, The Moon, And The Truth ~Buddha

Eight

Beauty Without Grace Is A Hook Without Bait ~Ninon de l'Enclos

Night Storm carried a small box into the attic. It wasn't a very big box, but it held its weight. She looked around at the organization of the attic, despite the dust everywhere. She sighed and put the box down with a smile, slapping her hands together to dust them off. The Earth Pony put her hands on her hips and looked at the attic. She sighed again; being a perfectionist was never easy.

She began to clean the attic up, putting boxes on boxes and dusting off the tops and pulling out the webs from the spiders. She frowned as a spider looked at her, almost shaking.

"Sorry, little one, but you can't live in the attic." Night Storm said, picking the spider up.

She carried it to the attic window and it crawled outside, swinging away with the wind on a thread of webbing. Night Storm smiled as she watched the spider ride the winds out of sight. She turned back around and looked at the attic. It was fairly orderly and lovely in a way, and she began to walk back down the steps before something caught her eye.

She walked back up the steps and looked around, scratching her neck. She walked over to a small, maybe medium, sized chest and looked it over. It seemed normal enough. She undid the clutch and opened it, disappointed to find it empty. She began to close it, but opened it again after seeing a paper. Night picked it up and read it with a confused expression.

Dearest Sword Right,

Your Father,

Virtuous Fire

Night Storm looked at the crumpled up paper in confusion. Why was it hiding in this chest in the attic? Why was it crumpled up? How did this 'Virtuous Fire' know he'd find a mare? And the worst of all: What if Night Storm wasn't the mare for Sword Right?

Night Storm held the paper as she stood up, looking at it as if she'd understand it. She closed the chest and walked down the stairs, a funny expression on her face. She kept staring at it, thinking it might tell her something if she looked hard enough.

Sword Right opened the door to see his mare friend holding a crumpled piece of paper up to the light, and then close to the ground, against the wall, and pretty much everywhere else, a serious yet funny expression on her face.

"Uh, Night, what are you doing?" Sword attempted to keep a straight face.

"I found this paper in the attic in a chest and I read it and I'm confused." She said, continuing to try and unlock its secrets.

Sword scratched his neck and sighed, picking the paper from her hands and holding it above her head. "This is something my dad wrote me when I was a teenager. I used to spend most of my time working on weapons in the basement, and he always said I'd find the perfect mare if I stay myself, and I listened to him. He still wants grand kids, too."

Night Storm tried to reach the paper, pushing her chest against his to try and reach it, standing on her tippy-hooves to reach the paper.

"I think I've already found the perfect mare." He smiled, giving her a passionate kiss.

Night Storm made a funny smile. "Should we go make some grand kids?" She burst out laughing as he blushed with a confused and embarrassed expression on his face. "Y-You should see t-the look on your face! Priceless!"

"D-Don't even joke about that," Sword blushed, putting the paper on the counter. "I'm not ready for kids anyway."

Night frowned. "Will you ever want kids?"

He smiled and hugged her close. "Only if they're yours and mine."

"Aw, such a charmer!" Night smiled, lightly pinching his cheek. "Where do your parents even live?"

"They live here in Canterlot. They just live closer to the castle. Oh, by the way, is your chest feeling any better?"

Night smiled. "Yep! Much better now! I think it's almost done healing, too!" She lifted her shirt up a little so he could see the wound.

He grinned. "You're right, it's looking much better." Night bumped their noses together with a smile. "Can I help you?"

"I want to meet your parents." Night said with a grin.

"Huh? You want to meet them? I thought you were a shy little Changeling." Sword smiled, caressing her cheek.

She shivered under his touch but stayed firm with a nod. "Well, I think it'd be better to just try and meet them, you know? I can't hide in the house forever, too. I'm going to go crazy!"

He sighed with a chuckle. "Okay, I'll call them and see if we can come over."

Night nodded and sat down on the counter, picking up the paper again. She rubbed her fingers over the paper, admiring its antiquity. It was yellowed and faded, but it was a treasure. Something from a long, long time ago; she had always admired antiques and old things, it was just her being Night Storm.

She could hear Sword Right talking on the phone, but didn't quite listen to what he was saying. She was focused on the paper. Her eyes glinted as she examined the paper with a smile. It was once white parchment, she presumed, that was frayed over the years of being in the chest. It was faded from time, but that was inevitable. The crinkles were amazing to her as well, signalling that Sword had kept it, however might not of believed what was written was true.

Night closed her ruby eyes, running her fingers over the paper once more, this time with surprise. She opened her eyes and looked at the paper again. She squinted, touching the wrinkles. There were more words on the paper that weren't able to be seen with the fading and crinkles.

Dearest Sword Right,

I understand you have a hard time getting along with mares, and you prefer working in the basement with metals, but I want you to know that there will be one peculiar mare that cannot be compared to the rest. How do I know this? I'm your father, boy, and I never lie! I promise you if you be yourself, you will find this mare and you will fall in love. Never give up, Sword. Keep searching until the end of time. And don't forget to get me some grand kids, ya hear? That mare might seem different at first, but I know she'll be the rarest gemstone in all of Equestria. Once you find her, keep her close and keep her safe. It's your job to protect her with your life and it's your responsibility to make her feel loved and feel like the most beautiful mare in the entire universe. She might seem peculiar at first, but over time, I'm sure you'll understand her. Just be sure to keep that mare happy, boy!

Your Father,

Virtuous Fire

True, the words were very faded, almost unreadable, but Night could make them out as she imagined the strokes of the pencil on the parchment, and the way the paper folded and indented prominently. She flattened the letter out and picked up a frame from the coffee table, an empty one of course, and slid it in. It wasn't exactly right, but it was good enough to read easily. She smiled and put in on the coffee table, hands on her hips with a smile.

"Hey, Night, they said we can go over right now, they're not doing anything. Did you... frame the paper?"

"I sure did! It's a beautiful letter and it makes me smile. Why not frame it?" Night tilted her head cutely.

He chuckled and began walking out the door, Night Storm in tow.

The two quickly made it to the white house, knocking on the door three times before waiting. Night Storm shifted on her hooves nervously, scared to be there even though it was her idea. Suddenly, the door opened and a light blue Unicorn mare stood in the doorway.

"Hello, Sword. Is this your mare friend?" She asked in a kind voice. "Terribly sorry, my name is Divine Stream, but you can call me Stream."

"Nice t-to meet you." Night Storm said, twirling her mane nervously. "M-My name is Night Storm."

A red stallion walked into view, a smile adorning his face. "Nice to meet you. My name's Virtuous Fire, but please call me Fire. This your mare friend, Sword?"

"Dad,"

"Sorry, sorry."

"My n-name i-is Night Storm. Nice t-to m-meet you."

The red Unicorn raised his brow at his son. "She's very shy, dad."

"That's fine, come on in!" Stream smiled, letting them in.

They all sat down in the living room, Stream bringing tea and a small kettle with her. Night drank the tea happily, Sword sipping it a few times with a smile.

"So when are we having grand kids?"

The two had to put their hands over their mouths to avoid spitting the tea out. They looked at each other and swallowed quickly before frowning.

"Ma! Dad!" Sword frowned, blushing. "You barely know her and you want us to have kids already?!"

"Sorry, too soon." Fire said, chuckling. "Tell us about you, Night Storm."

"Oh, w-well, I was born in Prance and I moved a lot, and I came back to Canterlot after meeting Sword Right on the train and we ran into each other and we kinda fell in love I guess, but I love him a lo, more than life itself, and then I was taken by-" Sword put his hand over her mouth to keep her from blabbing on.

"What was she saying?"

"I-It's nothing, dad, don't worry about it!"

"So she's the Changeling, huh?" Stream smiled, all eyes on her.

"M-Ma, h-how... wh-what... why?"

"Oh, don't be so surprised, boy! You know I'm fond of various species. I even heard from Princess Celestia about it, so shush! I don't care if she's a Changeling, I only care if she treats you right!"

About 45 Minutes Of Randomness Later

Night Storm plopped down on the bed, sighing. "Remind me never to go to your parents ever."

"Remind me never to let you talk about it."

"Deal." They said, falling asleep on the comfy bed.

Beauty Without Grace Is A Hook Without Bait ~Ninon de l'Enclos

Nine

Beauty Is Perceived By The Heart, Not The Eyes

A banging sound awoke Sword Right, and he lazily stood from the bed. He trudged to the foyer and opened the door to a sobbing stallion. He was green in color and had a black, short mane with two wings on his back. He cried and stood up with a quivering lip.

"S-Sword! Buddy! My mare friend broke up with me! You got to help me! She took everything!" He whimpered.

"Ugh, come on in, Lighter. Sylvia kicked you out, huh?" Storm sighed, letting him in.

Lighter sat on the sofa while Sword began to go to the bedroom. "Where are you going?"

"I have a mare friend now, she's sleeping. I'm just shutting the door." Sword sighed.

He walked into the bedroom where his mare friend was drooling slightly and snoring lightly, naked to the chitin. He gently shook her awake with a smile.

"My friend's here, so be on your hooves."

"Uh huh. Okay, that's nice honey." She muttered, changing into an Earth Pony with a quiet green flash.

He smiled and pecked her cheek, pulling the blankets up around her and walking into the kitchen. He picked up two sodas, giving one to Lighter.

"So... is she hot?"

He spit his drink out. "W-What?! Lighter, are you high or something?!"

"Well, unlike you I happen to enjoy sex and mares. Only if the mares meet my standards." Lighter sipped his drink.

"I'm not describing my mare friend to you for kicks, idiot. Why did you come here anyway?" Sword asked.

"I have no where else to go, dude! My mom's in Manehatten and my dad's in Baltimare, and they're both only children! I have no pony else to go to!" Lighter cried.

"Sh! My mare friend is sleeping, you idiot!"

"Oh, sorry." Lighter grinned. "Anyways, I thought I could crash here for a while? Or at least until Sylvia calms down."

"Yeah, I guess, but only if Night says it's okay."

"Does she tell you what's right and what's wrong, dude?"

"No, we both pay for the house so it's ours, not mine. Sweet Celestia, Lighter. Night Storm is a good mare."

"How good is she?" Lighter got smacked in the face. "It was a joke, Sword."

"It wasn't very funny."

The two turned their attention to the mare in a bra and underwear, rubbing her eyes lazily with a frown. "You guys are too loud. Sword, come back to bed, I'm lonely."

Lighter attempted to not have a nosebleed and quickly hugged her legs. "Can I stay here, please, please?"

"Who's this guy?" Night asked, looking at him molesting her legs.

"An old friend. His name's Lighter. Lighter, get off before-" He hit the wall with a solid thud. "And she kicked you off."

Night walked over to Sword and cuddled into his lap, yawning. "Good night."

Lighter sat up and rubbed his head. "So, can I stay here?"

Night snored a tiny bit. "Just for tonight until she wakes up."

In The Morning

"Please?" Lighter asked.

"No." Night Storm growled, cooking some eggs.

"Please!" Lighter begged.

"No!" Night Storm yelled, furiously swirling the pan.

"Please!" Lighter begged again, to the amusement of Sword Right.

"No!" Night Storm hissed, biting her lip as to not yell.

"Please!" He cried again.

Night turned around and growled. "No! Get out of our house before I rip you to shreds!"

Sword chuckled as his buddy crawled out of the house in tears, straight into Sylvia. "Sylvia?"

"I've been looking everywhere for you! I didn't mean what I said!" The Unicorn smiled and picked him up in light pink magic. "To our home!"

~Later~

"You have weird friends." Night said, leaning on Sword.

"I know I do." Sword sighed.

"Never let any pony in the house. I don't like strangers." Night sighed. "I don't like strangers seeing me in my underwear either."

Sword chuckled. "I guess you're right."

Night frowned. "So they patched things up?"

"Yep. They're back together." Sword smiled. "I hope it keeps them out of our manes for a while. Lighter can be so obnoxious."

"He seemed really annoying." Night responded.

"You make the best food ever, Night."

"Thank you," Night smiled. "I make it with extra love!"

He raised a brow. "Only your love is this sweet."

"Aw, you flatterer, you!" Night chuckled, nuzzling into his shoulder.

"What are we listening to?" He asked as weird music began to play on the radio.

"Uh... I don't really know." She got up and looked at the dial. "It's 44.9... All Equestrian Classical Instruments?"

"Oh, for the love of Celestia, turn it off!" He yelled.

Night picked up the radio and smashed it with her hoof, panting and looking at her colt friend. "We have to get our story straight."

"Yeah, yeah, yeah... Okay, Lighter knocked it over on the way out."

"Yeah and we're cleaning it up now!" In a flash of magic the radio was gone.

"I think we should buy a new radio."

"I agree. I cannot listen to that demonic station."

"Nor can I, my love."

They sat on the sofa in silence before they began to walk out of the door. "I have to listen to something or I'll go crazy."

Beauty Is Perceived By The Heart, Not The Eyes

Ten

Beauty Isn't Makeup

Night Storm laid out on the sofa, bouncing a ball against the wall. One leg was tapping on the floor, the other was on the back of the couch; one arm laid across her chest and her other arm was catching the ball and throwing it against the wall. The Unicorn continued bouncing it against the wall and catching it, bored out of her mind.

"Night, I'm home. I got the-" He couldn't finish his sentence as the Unicorn jumped onto him and held on with a smile, showering his cheeks with kisses. "I got the m-mail... Stop that, silly!"

"But I missed you so much!" Night Storm cried, hugging him tightly, rubbing her chest and face against his.

"S-Stop that, Night." He frowned, blushing. "We have to read the mail."

Sword Right and Night Storm sat on the sofa, Night leaning on Sword's shoulder as he flipped through the mail. He sighed as she happily watched him intently.

"Let's see... bills, bills, advertisements, advertisements, coupons, coupons, coupons, a letter?" He asked, looking at it.

"Well, what does it say?" Night asked.

He opened the letter and frowned, his lip quivering.

"Sword? Hello?" Night asked, picking up the letter from his hands as he stared.

Dear Sword Right,

We regret to inform you that your Aunt Velvetina has perished. In her Will, she has left you everything she owned, which includes the following: her home, her possessions, and lastly, her wealth. Her wealth includes 30,000,000 bits.

Condolences,

Mortician Mortia Melancholy

"Aw, your Aunt Velvetina died?" Night frowned.

"Y-Yeah, but every pony thought she was really poor. She lived in an old shack with barely anything to survive. I wonder how she got so rich." He said, frowning with a sniff.

"Well, maybe we can investigate!" In a green flash she was wearing a detective's outfit with a hopefully smile.

He was still upset.

"Sword... You can't mope around forever." She said, sitting down next to him again.

"I know, I just... She was awesome. Kind and gentle." He sighed. "Thanks for trying to cheer me up though."

She smiled sadly. "I'll always try." She rubbed her cheek against his affectionately and wiped a tear away from his eye.

He sighed. "I wonder when the funeral is."

Night flipped the paper around and frowned. "It says it's tomorrow at four o'clock."

Sword sighed with a frown. "How do you think she got so rich?"

"Maybe she was a secret millionaire. Or maybe she won the lottery a long time ago and never told any pony about it." Sword looked at her with a funny face. "What? That's all I can think of."

"Yeah, but-"

"Butts are for sitting! We need to get some funeral clothes and then we'll investigate!" She announced, standing with her hands on her hips.

"Funeral clothes? I have a black outfit that could work. And investigate? Why are we investigating?"

"Because we cannot rest until we know the truth, duh!" She smiled as she thought of a joke. "What do you call an alligator in a vest?"

"I don't know."

"An investigator!" She chuckled, then turned serious. "Now, funeral clothes. I'm thinking of a fancy black dress with a dash of Unicorn. What do you think?"

"A dash of Unicorn?"

"You know, I'll be a Unicorn." In a green flash Night was wearing a long black dress, a horn already adorning her head. "How does this look?"

"It's nice." He cracked a small smile.

"Okay, good. I know what I'm going to wear. Now, we investigate!"

"And where do we start?"

"We'll start with the Mortician, then we'll go to the Tax Collectors, and then we'll go to your parents, and if none of that helps, we'll go to Princess Celestia and Princess Luna themselves! Sound good?"

"Yeah," He chuckled, a sad smile on his face.

"Don't look so sad. She's in a better place now." Night frowned, pushing his lips upwards to a real smile.

"I know, I know." He sighed. "Let's just start investigating."

"Yay!" Night smiled, changing into an investigator's uniform and changing Sword's clothes to match hers. "Oh, no pony is an investigator without a pipe!"

She held a pipe in her hand with a confident smile, blowing smoke out of the top.

"You smoke?"

"No, it's a gag pipe. It blows out fake smoke when you blow into it." Night Storm grinned.

Night Storm played with a pamphlet in her hands, waving it around to signal her boredom. They sat in the Mortician's Office, waiting for Mortia Melancholy to come out and speak with them. Sword Right tapped his hoof on the ground in frustration; they'd been waiting there for about forty-five minutes, and waiting even longer wasn't any fun. Especially when they were the only ponies in the office.

Suddenly, a dark gray Unicorn with a black mane walked out, wearing all black and a monotone expression. She adjusted her glasses as she looked at the duo.

"Sword Right, I presume?" She asked.

"Y-Yes, I'm Sword Right."

"Nice to meet you," She said, a monotone and bored voice present. "I am Mortia Melancholy, but you can call me Mortia. Please step into my office."

The two followed the mare into the office, sitting down in two chairs. Everything in the room was black and dark, uninviting and unpleasant overall.

"What brings you here before the funeral?" She asked lazily.

"We were wondering how my Aunt Velvetina got so rich."

"How would I know anything like that? I'm a Mortician, not a Tax Collector." She stamped some papers, barely making eye contact. "You should try talking to a Tax Collector or your family. They'd know."

"Okay, thank you, Mortia."

The two quickly scurried out of the Mortician's Office and outside where sunlight rained upon every pony, happy to sit in the sunlight a bit.

"It was so dark in there I thought I was going insane," Sword heaved, breathing heavily.

"It felt like tons of pressure on my chest in there!" Night replied, backing away from the building carefully.

They began their journey to the Tax Collectors, then Stream and Fire, and if worst comes to worst, the Princesses.

Beauty Isn't Makeup

Eleven

Imperfection Is Beauty

Tap, tap, tap... tap, tap, tap... tap, tap, tap.

Night Storm's hooves tapped on the linoleum fiercely, while Sword Right bit his lip and tapped his hands on his legs.They had been sitting in the Tax Agency's Office for two whole hours. Ponies were waiting in line, arguing with the ponies behind the desks. At this rate, they'd get no where fast.

They were next in line, but the Pegasus stallion insisted that he paid his taxes, and the Tax Collector refused to believe it and demanded payment up front. Night Storm's eye twitched in anger and frustration as they waited. And waited. And waited some more. Finally, she had had enough.

"For Celestia's sake, just give her the money, man!" She screamed, startling every pony in the room, save for Sword Right. He was used to it by now.

The Pegasus stallion cowered and gave the Tax Collector the money, quickly flying away from the angry Changeling disguised as a Unicorn. Night Storm smiled, walking forward and pulling Sword Right closer. She elbowed him and he began to speak.

"Um, we were wondering how my Aunt Velvetina got so rich, I-"

"Who are you?" The mare asked.

"I'm Sword Right."

"Uh huh," She said, stamping papers. "Fill out this application and go to line eight."

Sword began to leave but Night stopped him. "We've been waiting in this Celestia forsaken Tax Agency for two hours! Now tell us what we want to know or I'll have to get serious."

The Earth Pony wasn't fazed. "I'm very scared. Now please-"

In a flash of green, the Changeling growled and hissed at her with a frown, her clothes changed to blue-green colors. The mare was paralyzed with fear as others ran away.

"Now listen here, missy. You are going to tell us how Velvetina got so rich or I just might get mad. Got it?"

The mare nodded in fear, looking through the V files quickly, and coming back with a thin folder. "T-This is all we h-have on Velvetina."

In another flash of green, the Unicorn mare was back with a smile. She opened the folder and flipped through it, then threw it back at the Earth Pony.

"Come on, we're going to your parents."

"Wh-What? What did it say?"

"It said she was poor as dirt. Lived in a shack, had a grass filled bed, wool sheets and blankets, rusty pots and pans, and a few pictures framed with wood eaten by termites."

"That doesn't really help."

"Nope. We're going to your parents. And if that fails, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna."

"And if they don't know?"

Night Storm stopped walking and smiled. "I have no idea!"

"That's your big plan?"

Night Storm puffed out some smoke. "Indeed it is!" She looked at him and frowned. "Just let me have this."

He chuckled and followed her, laughing silently. "Silly little Changeling."

At Sword Right's Parents' House

"Hmm? You want to know how your Aunt Velvetina got so rich?" Divine Stream asked, sipping a cup of tea.

"Yeah, I just... we got her Will and it says we get a lot of money from her." Sword Right said, scratching his neck.

"Hmm." She thought, twirling her mane in her fingers. "Possibly an older family member. Fire, dear!"

"Yeah?" He asked, walking in from the kitchen.

"How did Velvetina get so rich?"

"Oh, ol' Velvet?" He grinned, scratching his chin. "Well, I believe she got the money from your great grandmother Peach Pie, and she got that money from..." He thought for a moment, trying to think. "From her father, Coal Shot, who dug up silver, gold, and gemstones. He got rich by his business, she inherited and must've gave it to Velvet, and now Velvet wants you to have it, I guess."

"Really, dad?"

"Yep, I have the family tree around this house somewhere," He frowned, scratching his chin again. "Probably lost in all that damn clutter in the basement."

"There, we have out answer. Thanks, dad!" Sword smiled, the duo walking out. He noticed the expression Night Storm made and frowned. "What's wrong? We figured out the 'mystery'."

"Yeah, but it should've been more interesting or saucy! Like maybe she was a hooker! Or a stripper! Or-"

"Aren't those the same thing?"

"No, a hooker stands on the street corners wearing basically nothing, hoping to get paid. Strippers work at a club and get paid from horny stallions and mares there, putting it in their g-strings. It's common logic!" Night Storm grinned.

"Of course, how could I have been so blind?" Sword chuckled. "Go on with your ramblings, please."

"Okay. She could've been a hooker. Or a stripper. Maybe a private dancer. Or a thief! Maybe its fake money! Or she stole it from a vault. Maybe she stole some paintings and sold them on the black market!" She said, raising her hands. "I like to think of something like that."

"Well, one, my Aunt Velvetina was a wonderful woman, and isn't private dancer the-"

"No, no, no! Hookers hope to get paid on streets. Strippers work at a club and get paid up front! Private dancers dance for stallions or mares in a private booth! More common logic!" Night Storm grinned, elbowing him.

"Of course, of course. I can't believe I didn't see it myself." He chuckled. "You're awfully talkative lately. Why is that?"

She stopped and looked down, furrowing her brow. "I... don't know. It's like... when I'm around you, my heart beats really fast and I just get really happy. I remember being reserved and quiet, and sometimes I am. Once the mail stallion handed me a box and I just backed up into the house and closed the door. Whenever you're gone, I'm quiet and reserved... but being with you just... changes me. It's like you have an aura."

"Is that good or bad?"

"It's... both. It's good because I'm kind of shy and I need to socialize more; but I've never been this social in my life. It's bad because... this isn't me."

Imperfection Is Beauty

Twelve

Beauty Comes In All Sizes, Not Just Size 5

Night Storm continued pacing in the hallway. Sword Right moaned, rolling over in the bed, just waking up. He blinked a few times to clear his vision, then stood from the bed with a frown.

"Night?" He asked from the doorway, rubbing his eye. "It's 3 in the morning. Why are you pacing like that?"

"I'm thinking." She responded, quickening her pace slightly.

"About?" Sword urged her on.

"About you and me and junk." She frowned, continuing her pace.

"If you keep that up, you'll wear hoof prints in the wood." He sighed, scratching his neck. "What kind of junk?"

"I don't care right now." She sighed, continuing, but never answering his question.

Sword frowned, carefully walking over to his mare friend. He hugged her from behind, resting his head on her shoulder. Night tried to continue her pace-thinking, but Sword Right was simply too strong. He put one hand on her back and the other on her thighs, then heaved, picking her up bridal style. He carried her back to the bedroom and tucked her in, then getting cozy himself.

He held her hand with a smile. "Don't worry, Night. You'll figure whatever's bugging you out."

Night smiled and nodded, rolling her head around on the soft pillow. She thought to herself, wondering what she would do. Being social wasn't her. Being friendly wasn't her. Being who she was acting like wasn't her.

It was like a whole different pony came out when it was time to be social. She didn't like the social side to her, either. Her social side was bubbly, silly, and friendly, but her true self was quite the opposite. She was usually quiet and reserved, as well as serious. She never used to smile. In fact, she hadn't smiled this much since she met Sword Right.

And then something clicked in her brain.

She kept a monotone expression and rolled over to face Sword Right. He opened his eyes when they bumped noses, giving her a quizzical expression when she smiled slightly.

"Uh, yes?" He asked.

"I figured it out." She said quietly, still only giving a half smile.

"Figured what out?" He queried.

"The thing that was making me pace in thought."

"Which was?"

"Because being bright and bubbly and silly isn't me, but being serious, withdrawn, and quiet is me. You're the stimulation that makes me act that way."

"Okay." He rose an eyebrow.

Night Storm frowned in thought. Finally, she realized something. "What if... What if this is me? What if my quiet nature wasn't me? Maybe... maybe being social and bright is what I was meant to be."

"You sound pretty philosophical today. Did you eat jalapenos again?" Sword asked, raising a brow.

"Don't be silly! This makes so much sense! It's so clear to me now!" She smiled, jumping a bit in her place with a big smile.

Sword put a pillow on her face with a frown. "You need to calm down, it's not time to get up."

"Fine." Storm pouted, pushing the pillow off her face.

She hugged him tightly, quickly falling asleep in his warm embrace. Night Storm yawned later as she woke, rolling off the bed and looking out the window. It was raining, and she set her head on the sill. It was October, and soon, it would be Nightmare Night. And then it would be November and it would snow, and then December with Hearth's Warming Eve.

Night walked into the kitchen and looked in the pantry. "What to make, what to make," She said, tapping her chin. She decided on a toasted bagel with strawberries, oranges, apples, grapes, and blueberries, a lovely breakfast from the islands of Hoofwaii.

She began making the food, placing each berry in a precise location, often changing their places, to make them look perfect. Once they were done, she put a little square of butter in a small bowl, setting it next to the plate. She put it on the kitchen table and quietly, very sneakily, walked into the bedroom.

Storm gently woke Sword Right up with a smile. "I made you breakfast."

"Huh, oh, thanks," Sword smiled, getting up and out of bed.

He stood and stretched, walking into the kitchen. Night Storm sat her head on the table, watching him sit down and eat. He was used to her watching him eat, as she did so very many times. She scooted over to the radio and turned it on, lovely music playing, charming to the ears. He ate his food happily and quickly.

"Delicious as always, my love," Sword smiled.

Night made a squealing noise and hugged him before running to the bedroom and bringing him clean clothes. She's like an obedient dog. He thought with a chuckle, quickly changing his clothes and putting his gloves on. He kissed her cheek, making her tail flick and wag like a dog's, Night hugging him tightly with a tender kiss.

"Be safe."

"I promise I will."

He walked out the door and smiled at the windows, watching Night Storm press her face against them, watching him walk down the street to go to work. Once he was gone, she frowned, thinking of what to do. She picked up the dishes and put them in the dishwasher, then put Sword Right's dirty clothes in the washer. She sat down on the sofa with pursed her lips, tapping her hoof on the hard wood floor as she waited for the washer to ding.

She closed her eyes, tilting her head back against the back of the sofa, looking at the ceiling. She sighed. "I wonder what he's up to." She smiled, looking at the ceiling still. "I bet he'll make armor out of gold and maybe even a sword out of silver. Maybe a silver bow with beautiful arrows?"

Her eyes widened. She'd forgotten to make him his lunch before he left! She scrambled to the kitchen, quickly making him a sandwich with veggie meat, lettuce, and tomatoes. She put it in a container, then took a thermos, pouring juice in it quickly, not spilling a drop. She continued to make assorted lunch foods for him, enough for the day and a snack later.

She wrapped it in a small blanket to keep the loose lid on tightly, and held it to her chest. She opened the door and shut it, shivering slightly at the fall weather. She locked the door and made sure it was locked, turning to face the street. She ran down the street, her hooves clip clopping as she ran. She wasn't wearing clothes for fall, but it was good enough.

Night Storm turned down various streets, finally arriving at Princess Celestia and Princess Luna's Weaponry Bunker, knocking on the door while panting heavily. She hadn't run this fast in a long, long time. The door opened, two guards standing in the doorway.

"Yes, ma'am?"

"I... brought this... for my colt friend... He forgot... his lunch." She panted, breathing between words.

"And who's he?"

"Sword Right." She held out the package, one guard taking it.

"We'll make sure he gets it." The same guard smiled, waking off and hollering Sword's name.

The other guard put a hand on her shoulder with a smile. "He's lucky to have a mare friend like you."

"Thank you," Night smiled, blushing a little. "Have a good day and stay safe."

"Thanks, miss!" He called as she walked back, closing the door.

Night soon made it to the house, unlocking the door and walking in, laying down on the sofa to breathe. Her heart was beating like a drum in her chest as she breathed, and she finally rolled off the sofa, getting up to get the laundry. She put it in the dryer and began to unload the dishwasher with a smile, same old, same old for her, not bothering her in the least.

"Just one of the perks of being here," She smiled, nodding her head to the radio's song.

Beauty Comes In All Sizes, Not Just Size 5

Author's Note

I know that some of the foods are poisonous to horses, but it's just a story, so... yeah, sorry!!

~Sheltie, Nya!

Thirteen

Simple Is Beautiful

Night Storm sat behind the front door, holding a butter knife in her hands. Her mane was a mess as she shook slightly, bags under her eyes indicating she hadn't slept in a while. The door opened, Sword Right walking in and jumping backwards as he saw his girlfriend doing... whatever she was doing.

"Uh... w-what are you doing, Night?" He asked, taking the butter knife away.

She reached for it, frowning and pursing her lips. "Today is the day!"

"What?"

"It's the thirteenth of October, dum dum! On a Friday! Bad luck will be coming our way if we don't protect ourselves!"

"Night Storm, the big, scary, beautiful Changeling is scared of Friday the thirteenth?" He raised a brow.

"Don't underestimate the Gods, Sword!"

"You'd be better equipped with a four leaf clover or something."

"That's true!" She said, rubbing her chin. "I'm going to go find one."

He held onto her tail, pulling her back in the house and closing the door. He picked up her limp body and laid her on the sofa, sighing. "Night, it's just a number and a day of the week, calm down."

"I can't hear you, I'm dead! You killed me!" Night grinned, opening an eye before shutting it and feigning death, her tongue out.

He face palmed and sighed, putting his hands up. "Fine, be like that. Jeez."

Night glomped his leg, looking up at him. "Seriously, we have to be careful! Thirteen and Friday don't mix well, so we have to be cautious!"

He frowned, raising a brow before sighing again. "Okay, if you want to."

She smiled and hugged him, kissing his cheek. "Thank you!"

"What are we going to do to protect ourselves?" Sword asked with a grin. Night's smile made him worry. "Am I going to regret asking?"

"We'll build a cushion fort!"

"You can't be serious."

"You're right, that's not safe enough." She rubbed her chin, scratching Sword's chin as well. "Scratching two chins helps me think harder."

"What if you're over thinking and maybe being normal is the key to not having any problems?"

She stopped and looked at him wide eyed. "How could I have missed that?!" She smooched him on the cheek and squeezed his hand. "That's perfect!"

Night Storm calmed down perfectly and trotted to the kitchen, her hands on her hips, gazing at the kitchen, her signature stance for thinking about breakfast, lunch, dinner, and supper. Midnight snacks as well. She glared at the fridge and then the cabinet, looking between the two quickly.

"How about we have some cereal?"

"Too simple. It has to be festive. Something like Nightmare Night and candy and stuff like that." She rubbed her chin, raking a hand through her mane. Suddenly, she had a big smile and got paper and a quill, quickly scribbling. "I am going to the market, and I shall return quickly!"

"Okay, what are you buying?"

"It's a surprise!" She sing songed, giggling.

She trotted out the door and down the street, smiling with the list in her pocket. A smile was spread on her face as she walked down the street, turning down different streets and finally to a square grassy area, tents pitched everywhere. She walked in, looking around with a smile.

She walked to an egg stand, she picked up a carton of eggs, a gallon of milk, orange and black icing, and many other assorted foods and ingredients. It seemed she was baking a cake, but she had bigger plans. She had to buy a wagon to carry everything home, luckily being in her Earth Pony form, pulling the wagon easily.

She finally made it home a half an hour later, panting slightly. Sword Right walked out and she pointed to the house, the stallion immediately turning and walking back in the house, sitting in the living room, and listening to the radio. She carried each ingredient in one by one with a smile, pushing the wagon into the garage.

Storm walked in, closing the door with a pant. She gasped for air and stood up, walking into the kitchen. She began cooking, running from the fridge to the oven to the counter to the oven to the counter to the fridge and everywhere and anywhere in between. Sword Right fell asleep to the music, his gurgling stomach waking him, as well as gentle prods on his waist from his mare friend.

"Dinner is ready!" She grinned.

He sat down to a plate of pancakes painted orange with a pumpkin face in black icing, green icing on the 'root', and candy corn for teeth. She sat with her nose on the table, watching carefully.

"Is it blueberry or chocolate chip?" He asked as he cut it.

"It's pumpkin of course, silly!" She smiled with a giggle.

He bit into it, and felt like it was Heaven, maybe even better. Sword Right ate the rest quickly with a grin, drinking the glass of water with a smile.

"It's perfection in food!"

"Yay! Mission accomplished!" Night Storm grinned.

She began cleaning up the plates and cutlery, Sword Right laying down on the sofa, holding his full stomach with a grin, quickly falling asleep. Night Storm poked him awake again, this time in pajamas. She wore a blue blouse with blue striped shorts and little slippers to keep her 'hoofsies' warm.

"Are you coming to bed?" She asked, tilting her head with a slight smile.

"Yeah, I'm coming. What time is it?" He asked, rubbing the bridge of his muzzle.

"It's 11:57. I went to bed at 10, fell asleep, and woke up five minutes ago." She said quietly. "You were snoring too."

"I was? Did it bother you?" Sword frowned.

"No, it didn't. You did mumble a few things in your sleep though," She gave a grin with a slight blush, looking the other way.

He blushed, biting his lip. "Did I say anything embarrassing?" He recalled his mature dreams with a red face, scrunching his nose.

"Well... You said cute things and inappropriate things, but I didn't mind." Night smiled, a light blush still covering her muzzle and cheeks. "I'll tell you in bed."

"Okay," He sighed.

They got up, walking up the stairs when Sword fell through a floorboard, getting his leg stuck. Night Storm knelt down to him with a frown.

"I warned you not to underestimate the power of the thirteenth on Fridays." She said, containing a smile.

"Can you get me out?" He asked with a blush and frown.

She looked at the clock. 11:59. "I will in two minutes. Until then, I'm staying right here."

They sat there for a moment before Sword spoke up. "What exactly did I say?"

"You said, 'Mm, like that, Night.' and 'You're so beautiful, Nighty.', 'You look so beautiful, my Nighty Night.'" She giggled. "Things along the lines of that. Naughty dreams, stallion, naughty naughty."

He blushed, looking away from her. "S-Shut up...."

Night looked at the clock and narrowed her eyes, the small hand tick-tock, tick-tock, tick-tocking for a while before she stood and walked over to her colt friend, grabbing his arm and pulling. His foot and leg were stuck between floorboards, but he hadn't been in any pain save for the surprise.

Finally, with her Earth Pony form, Night pulled him out of the crevice, checking his leg for marks before looking at the boards. She changed into a Unicorn and glared at the boards as if that would make it magically grow back. She frowned and reached down, touching the broken board and picking it up in her magic, placing it in the spot.

"I'll need your help." She smiled.

The two combined their magic to fix the floorboard before heading up the stairs to sleep through till the morning.

Simple Is Beautiful

Fourteen

Be Your Own Kind Of Beautiful

Night Storm roused from her sleep, stretching and swinging her hooves off the bed, looking at the clock. 6:28 a.m. She smiled and quickly yet quietly walked to the kitchen, plugging the toaster in and looking at the dial. She winded it to the lowest setting and opened the cabinet, pulling out the loaf of bread.

She recalled that Sword Right liked the classics; toast, eggs, bacon, the like. She smiled as she could recall his voice and his mane, his tail and his horn, his face and his body. All made her happy with a love-dazed blush covering her cheeks as she continued to cook.

She put four pieces of toast in the four holed toaster, pushing the plunger down and opening the fridge. She pulled out strawberry jelly, also getting a knife. She stood, bending over the toaster, watching the dial tick tick tick tick as it got closer and closer to being done. Night Storm pulled the toast out, laying them on a plate and putting the jelly in the microwave. It warmed up and she opened it before it could beep and awaken her colt friend, and the jelly was warm and easy to spoon and spread. Spreading the jelly over the pieces of toast, licking her lips as she gazed upon their glorious perfection.

She whispered, "Oh, glorious Princess Celestia and lovely Princess Luna, thou hast abled me to create such a fine dish for mine colt friend. My most gracious of thanks and merriment's." She spoke with a very serious face, whispering very quietly.

She carried the plate into the bedroom and resisted the urge to eat one of the pieces. Gently, she woke up her colt friend. He stirred, smiling as he smelled the toast. He picked up a piece and ate it happily, eating a second as the mare watched.

"Do you want one?" He asked.

"You can eat them." She smiled, wiping her muzzle.

He grinned and picked up a piece of toast, opening her mouth and making her bite down on the toast. She grinned and held it up with her hands, eating it happily. They ate the toast together, Sword Right eating his three pieces faster than Night Storm, as they finished eating at the same time.

"I don't have to work today, remember?" He asked with a grin.

"I remember!" Night smiled, picking up the plate and carrying it to the kitchen.

She put it in the dishwasher and sat down in the living room, Sword walking in and sitting down with her, sighing. He smiled at her kindly hugging her tightly. Night turned to him with pursed lips.

"What are we going to do today?" She asked, tilting her head.

"Hmm," He said, rubbing his chin. "We could go to a bar."

"What's a bar like?"

"Music, ponies, food, beer," He responded.

"Who will be there?"

"My buddy Wrathful Brew is going to be there. He's there 24-7."

"Wrathful Brew? Doesn't sound like the greatest stallion...." Night said, rubbing her chin.

"He's a generally nice stallion, don't worry." Sword replied.

Night Storm nodded, stretching her arms nervously. "So when are we going?"

"Get ready and we'll go then."

"But I already am ready."

He smiled and wiped his finger across her face, red jelly on said finger. He sucked his finger with a grin. "Now you are!"

Long story short, Night Storm didn't like this bar so far. Loud, boring, dirty, just awful. Night had stuck to Sword Right's side the entire time, and they'd only been there for an hour. Sword smiled at talked to a group of other stallions and mares, leaving Night, unwillingly, alone.

She walked to the bar and got a soda, beginning to drink it silently. Some pony tapped her on the shoulder and she turned around to come face to face with a dark blue Earth Pony stallion with light blue hair. He grinned, staring at her.

"C-Can I help you?" Night stuttered, tilting her head with a frown.

"Probably. Can I buy you a drink?" He continued smirking, still staring.

"Oh, no, I already-" Night Storm began, pointing to her soda.

"One Light Lime Wire Fire, please." He cut her off with a grin, coming very close to Night. Uncomfortably close. Too close for comfort.

"B-But I don't drink-" Night continued, trying to make him leave.

"My name's Wrathful Brew. What's yours, sweetie?" Wrathful Brew grinned, raising his eyebrows.

"I-I don't r-really want-" Night bit her lip, backing her head and body away from the horny and disgusting stallion.

"Of course you don't want to stay here. Let's go to my apartment, huh, babe?" He asked, inching closer, ready to kiss her.

He fell to the ground as a brown hand came into contact with the stallion's face. Sword Right glared at him and kicked him in the stomach, picking Night Storm up bridal style. Night Storm smiled with a blush, blinking confusedly.

"This is my mare friend, dumb ass." Sword growled, kicking him once more for good measure. "You okay, Night?"

"Y-Yes," She said, blushing harder.

"We're taking our leave." Sword stated, walking out and carrying the Changeling mare home.

Once they got home, Night Storm was asleep in his arms. He carried her to bed and laid her down, tucking her in before laying down himself and falling asleep as well. The two entangled themselves in the others embrace, cuddling and hugging with little snores and drips of drool.

Be Your Own Kind Of Beautiful

Sixteen

Night Storm laid on the soft bed, her emerald ring sparkling in the low light of the slight sunrise. Her breathing was slow but steady, signalling comfortable sleep. Drool dribbled down her lip, a light snoring sound escaping from her mouth. She smiled unconsciously, smacking her lips lightly as she talked in her sleep.

"Four pancakes... and a stack of ketchup... with little pieces of sprinkles...." She grinned, drool running down the side of her mouth.

Sword Right chuckled quietly as he watched her sleep. True, he'd missed the past three months of breakfast mornings, but seeing her smile and her chitin grow an teeny bit bigger each week made him happy. At first, Night Storm was upset that she couldn't make him breakfast every morning. Both of them were.

Night Storm made the most... unique kinds of food that Sword Right didn't really want to even smell, and she couldn't stay up long enough to keep the morning breakfasts for him. Sword, after a few weeks, demanded their roles be switched until she had the foal, since she fell asleep at seven and woke up at eight the next day.

Night smacked her lips together again, rolling over towards Sword. She got fairly close to his face, her head on his arm. Her mane laid on her cheeks, stuck with drool and spit. Night smiled again, murmuring words as she dreamed.

"Oh, Sword..." She whispered, nuzzling his arm affectionately. "Apples... and mustard... yummy food."

He chuckled and she leaned forward, bumping her nose against his and opening her azure eyes with a smile as she blinked and wiped at her eyes.

"Good morning, Sword." She smiled, stretching before cuddling into Sword's chest.

"Good morning, Storm. And good morning, foal." He grinned, rubbing her belly gently.

Storm laughed, giggling as his warm hands tickled her stomach. "S-Stop! It t-t-tickles!"

He smiled and planted a kiss on her lips, using his hand to wipe away her drool. She blushed and smiled, looking at him with a grin. Her stomach growled, making a gurgle noise, making the pony blush.

"Make me breakfast?" She asked with the cutest pout imaginable.

"What do you want?" Sword asked back with a smile.

"Anything." She murmured, rolling back over.

"Aye, captain!" He saluted, walking into the kitchen.

Night Storm continued her slumber, her drool dribbling down her chin and down to her shirt. She slept soundly, rolling back and forth in her pajamas. She sat up and rubbed her eyes when he came back in with pancakes.

"Breakfast is served."

"Yum!" She smiled, sniffing it. She nibbled the pancakes happily, and sloppily.

Sword Right chuckled, dabbing drool from her chin and scratching her cheek, making her stop and shudder. Her wings buzzed idly and she smiled; it was like a Changeling Off Switch. She made purring noises as he scratched her cheek, her chitin making clicking noises as she purred.

Sword chuckled and looked at her. "What on Equestria are you doing?"

Sword Right stopped and she immediately perked up, her ears up again. She smiled, leaning forward with a toothy grin. "Do it again?"

"What were you doing?" Sword asked again with a chuckle.

"It felt good. Like an itch you can't scratch." She continued, holding her cheek out for him to scratch.

"Okay, okay," He grinned, scratching her cheek again.

The Changeling began to drool again, sticking her tongue out and biting her lip with a happy grin. She continued making silly faces as he did so, not finishing her pancakes. He stopped soon with a laugh.

"Why'd you stop?" She asked with a frown.

"Eat breakfast first." He tilted his head. "For me?"

"Fine," She pursed her lips and ate her food again.

"What's it like? Being pregnant?" He asked, tilting his head.

Night Storm continued to chew on the pancakes, thinking about it for a second. "Well, it's like... like a surprise. You don't know what you're getting. Like, like your birthday, or Hearth's Warming Eve." She explained. "It's nice to have a baby curled up in your belly, but you can't lay on your belly, so that kinda sucks, but you're turning food into a baby! And you get weird food cravings, and you don't feel great sometimes, but I'm almost positive it'll be worth it at the end."

Sword Right hugged her gently, making her surprised. "I'm so glad you're having a baby."

She bumped their noses together. "We're having a baby." Night Storm corrected. "Now, let me finish my pancakes."

"But you just wanted me to scratch your cheek." Sword raised a brow.

"Yeah, but then I got hungry and now I want to finish them so you can scratch my cheek again." Night smiled, digging into her food and finishing it quickly. She swallowed it and drank the milk with a smile, holding her right cheek out towards him. "Cheek scratches?"

He chuckled, beginning to scratch her cheek again. "Cheek scratches."

Author's Note

Sorry about the super lateness but I've been really busy with artwork and schoolwork and just horribleness altogether, but here it is, chapter sixteen!

For the record, this story was inspired by my lovely cousin, Jordyn, and her baby, Carter. True, it started before she was pregnant, but when she got pregnant, it opened up many ideas, sparking Night Storm's pregnancy. My cousin was a lot like this when she was pregnant, but now I have another second cousin, baby Carter! He shares his birthday with my dad.

Anyway, enjoy!

One

Looks Can Be Deceiving

A cobalt colored mare walked down the stone sidewalk of Baltimare, her hooves making an enchanting melody as they met the ground. A golden locket was suspended by a chain necklace around her neck, and her face bore a monotone expression. Night Storm, or to certain ponies, Night, slowly walked, going nowhere in particular.

She continued to walk and stopped as she saw a bistro with a young couple sitting and eating food. Night blinked her eyes slowly, the feelings of their love for each other becoming more and more vivid. And with each glance more vivid than the last, her hunger grew ever stronger in the pit of her stomach.

The pony wore a black tank top with a black skirt, white suspenders going over her plentiful bosom and around her back to her shapely rear. She wore black converse, and she showed no shame of her body whatsoever.

Night Storm looked up at the sky. It was a late Saturday night, and most ponies were at home or work, or maybe even in bed. As far as Night could tell, there were only five other ponies that would see her. She assessed the situation, looking at the high-rises and the office buildings clattered with hard working ponies, then looked back at the bistro. There were too many ponies inside to do her thing unnoticed, so she passed the bistro with a quick click clack of her shoes.

The Earth Pony trotted towards a taxi line, and paid five bits to the stallion who was driving. "Please take me to the train station." Came the soft, eloquent voice of the young mare.

The stallion was slightly enchanted as he saw her rosy eyes glint blue for a second and the light from a Unicorn's horn in a green colored fashion; though, there was no horn to be seen. He nodded slowly as his eyes lost their sheen and he began running the cart at the slowest pace he could to the train station.

Night Storm arrived in a matter of minutes, watching their reflection as they went past windowed buildings, one after the other. The hood to the back of the taxi was up and with a jolt of quick green magic, she had a horn on her head. She stepped off of the taxi and levitated another bit to him, and the spell wore off.

He scratched his head with his hand, slightly confused. "Did you always have a horn?"

Night feigned pain. "How rude."

The stallion stood tall and looked at his hooves, confused. "I apologize, miss, I must've forgotten. The imagination at night time and all."

"I accept your apology," Night replied, slowly walking to the train ticket booth. "This stallion is feeling so remorseful. How absurd." Night Storm thought.

She purchased a ticket to Canterlot, and trotted onto the train. Night Storm sat in the cushioned seat and stared at the wall as Changeling Hive members spoke to each other in clicks and chirps in her head. A Unicorn stallion sat two seats away from her, but still caught her eye. He bore a dark red mane and tail, with a brown-red coat to match. His Cutie Mark depicted a shining sword, silver in color and with a golden-yellow guard and red hilt. He wore a tan jacket with a black shirt and tan khakis with brown shoes.

For some odd reason, Night couldn't stop looking at him. She just stared and stared until their gazes met, finally. He smiled a warm and caught her eyes, holding their gaze. His bold ashy eyes gave a warm radiance as they sets of eyes met, and his mane was a short but messy look. He had stubble growing on his chin and cheeks, but not too much as one would notice it. Night Storm deduced that he couldn't be any more than twenty five; he was around twenty two or twenty three, but definitely more than twenty.

The poor Changeling couldn't take her eyes off the stallion. She forced her eyelids to slowly shut and quickly open again, making a slow blink but a hasty recovery. As she opened her eyes, the stallion was getting up and walking over to her. She blushed by couldn't help the heat rise into her cheeks.

He smiled warmly, radiating care and affection, making Night Storm feel full- almost to the point of being overstuffed. She had to use her magic to put a small barrier around herself so she wouldn't feel the extra care oozing off him. He's a very suitable mate- I mean male. Food source. Stupid! Night thought, blushing even harder.

The male simply smiled and began to speak in a deep yet kind tone. "Hello, miss. Sorry for staring, I just couldn't look away for some reason."

Night Storm nodded in reply. "Um... yeah."

The stallion shuffled his hooves as he sat down, his hands playing with each other in his lap. "My name is Sword Right."

Night Storm blushed and hid behind her mane, biting her lip. "My name is Night Storm."

Sword held his hand out to her with the same warm smile. "It's a pleasure to meet you."

Night shook the offered hand delicately.

"L-Likewise," Storm stuttered.

"If you don't mind my asking... where are you headed?"

"C-Canterlot."

"I am as well. I came to Baltimare to meet my folks and I'm on my way back home." He grinned, but the toothy smile gave all the love and care as well as tolerance that his smile had had before.

"I was in Baltimare just to... travel. I don't have a home, really." Night Storm spoke in a monotone and even voice. "I'm more of a nomad."

"So, you're kind of scared of commitment?" Sword guessed.

Her eyes widened. "Well... I suppose so."

"It's been nice meeting you. Maybe our paths will cross again." Sword spoke, almost hoping.

"Yes, I'd like that," Night smiled.

He attempted to get up, but stopped, almost pulled down to keep talking to her. "How about we get to know each other a bit? You seem a bit shy."

"Well... what do you want to know?"

"Here, I'll tell you about myself and then you can tell me about yourself. I was born in Baltimare and moved to Trottingham and then Hoofington, and now I live in Canterlot. My special talent is building and crafting weapons for Princess Celestia's and Princess Luna's guards." The stallion continued to speak and smile. "I was a shy colt and I enjoy metal more than ponies. I'm an outgoing kind of stallion, and I like to think of myself as friendly and understanding. I'm like a vault, I keep every secret. My mother once told me a secret and I've never breathed a word about it ever since she made me promise not to."

"Interesting," Storm cracked a small smile. "I was born in Prance and moved to Ponyville, and then I moved to Baltimare. I moved to Trottingham, Hoofington, Baltimare again, Manehatten, Appleoosa, Dodge Junction, Baltimare again, Rainbow Falls, Fillydelphia, Las Pegasus, Baltimare again, Prance again, Saddle Arabia, Hollow Shades, Galloping Gorge, Foal Mountain, Tall Tale, Baltimare again, Trottingham again, Maretania, I was living in Baltimare and now I'm moving to Canterlot again."

"Wow, you've been everywhere, huh?"

"I like to think of it as 'anywhere'." Storm smiled.

"Tell me more," Sword tilted his head.

"Well, I'm shy, and I prefer being alone rather than with ponies, but you're different somehow. I'm reserved and a little... self-centered and self-sufficient, one might say." Night smiled... again.

Night Storm rarely smiles.

Looks Can Be Deceiving

Fifteen

Night Storm sat on the bay window seat, her legs criss-crossed, her hands on her jaw. Her cold, icy eyes looked out the window, watching the rain pour down. It rained heavily, many ponies running for cover and others using umbrellas to defend themselves from the rain. The Changeling looked up at the sky, looking at the clouds.

She let out an exasperated sigh, laying down on the padded window seat, holding a clock in her hands. It was 3:17 p.m. Sword Right didn't get home until 4. She frowned. It was getting cold outside and her chitin was cold. She was bundled up in a thick fleece blanket and had a black scarf around her neck.

The rain fell from the sky, snow threatening to cascade and layer Canterlot in freezing cold ice. Night continued looking up at the clouds once more, her eyes getting wide and even more glassy. Her eyes were a dull blue color rather than a vibrant ice blue. She stood up and kept her scarf on, holding barely onto the blanket, as if she were in a trance.

Night got off the seat and opened the front door slowly. She continued to walk outside, leaving the door open. Her muzzle was pointed towards the sky as if Celestia and Luna were beckoning her forth. Night Storm walked slowly, a hoof step every two seconds, her bare hooves getting wet in the slush of the dirt, grass, and pooling rainwater.

She continued to walk, letting the blanket go, leaving herself in a scarf and blue pajamas she'd slept in the previous night. She wasn't going anywhere in particular, she just walked. Ponies passed her by as if she was just another pony that looked like a Changeling. Others thought she might be insane and wandered off the sanitarium grounds. And lastly, others just didn't care.

Her mane was filled with water, making it stick to her chitin. Her tail laid limply against her pajamas, like there was no bone there to keep it perky. Her blue pajamas were already soaked from the pouring rain, sticking to her shapely body exposed slightly. It pressed against her underclothes, her white panties able to be seen if one looked hard enough. One could also see her bra and more if they truly stared enough.

She walked and walked, her hooves making noises with no rhythm as she did so. Clip... clop. Clip clip... clop. Clip clop clip. At some point, she sat down in the park on the grass, in the exact middle of the park. Night rocked slightly, looking up at the sky, not even flinching when the water hit her azure blue pupils.

Night Storm didn't know how long she sat, just staring at the sky, since her consciousness wasn't even with her body. Her consciousness found herself in a white eternity. She saw everything and nothing, heard everything and nothing, tasted everything and nothing, felt everything and nothing, smelled everything and nothing, was everything and nothing.

Suddenly, a mirror was in front of her, reflecting like a normal mirror. One part of her body stuck out the most, but only for a few seconds. In the blink of an eye, she was in her body again. Her scarf and pajamas were cold and wet on her chitin, and her mane and tail were sopping wet.

But there was a sense of warmth. It felt like there was some pony touching her. No, holding her? Carrying her. She looked up to see a worried Sword Right, running towards their home with her in his arms, angry tears rushing down his expression confused face.

She didn't know what to make of it, and her eyes felt heavy, like weights her tied to her eyelashes, pulling her eyelids down. One minute she was jiggling up and down in the cold rain, and in the next she was by the bathtub in her home. There was warm water running, steam floating into the air. She wasn't wearing anything.

Sword Right picked her up and petted her mane, laying her in the water and keeping her head level. She opened her eyes and smiled at him, a slight daze present.

"What were you thinking, Night? I was so worried!" He said, hugging her suddenly.

"The rain was so... pretty. I remember walking outside and then you carried me home." She said with dizziness in her voice.

"You were outside in the rain for two hours! It's 7 o'clock! I got home and immediately went to look for you. Don't do that again." He whimpered as he began to wash her chitin, cleaning it from mud and rainwater.

"I'm so-" She was cut off by her colt friend.

"Tell me more later, after we get you nice and clean and warm, okay?" He smiled, making her relax.

She thought about how naked she was in front of Sword, but it wasn't the first time. Or the third. She probably couldn't count the times they saw the other naked. He cleaned her well and dried her off, giving her his warm fleece red pajamas that were too big but not so big that they slid off.

The two sat by the fire, drinking hot cocoa by the orange, red, and yellow flames, with the occasional green and blue flicker at the ends of the flames.

"What happened?" Sword's voice cut through Night's ears like a knife; she was tense, she knew what was happening.

She held her mug to her lips and blew gently, sipping some more cocoa before answering. She didn't look him exactly in the eye, but faced him nonetheless.

"I... I'm scared to tell you." She whimpered, biting her lip.

He scooted closer to her with a smile, holding her close. "You don't have to be scared to tell me, love."

"Well... my breasts have been swollen and achy..." She said, burying her face in his white tank top, trying not to cry.

"Okay..." He said uneasily. "Does this mean you want me to... rub them?"

She blushed less worse than he did, saying quietly, "Maybe after I tell you more."

"Okay.... Continue, please."

"I've been nauseous. And I've been peeing a lot. I've been tired and I've been changing what I make and eat." She said, biting her lip.

He didn't freeze or push her away, no, he hugged her closer and took her cocoa, setting it on the table. He hugged her into the crook of his neck, petting her mane.

"So we're having a foal, huh?" He cooed as she cried. "Don't cry, silly pants. Cry happy tears. Maybe if it's a filly, Solar Soul, and if it's a colt, Visionary Legend?"

Night was surprised. "Y-You're not mad?"

"Why would I be mad?" He smiled, looking her in the eye. "We're making a foal! It's growing inside your tummy right now!" He moved down to her slightly, barely even showing belly and kissed her pajama top. "If it's a filly, I'll be a kind but firm daddy. If it's a colt, I'll teach him how to be a stallion, but I'll be gentle too. I'll teach you to read and write and mommy will teach you how to walk and talk and we'll both raise you perfectly and love you and kiss you and so much more."

Night giggled. "You're really excited, huh?"

"Very." He grinned. "But should we...."

"Get married?" Night asked, tilting her head. "Maybe later. Before I have the foal but after we have more time together. I don't want you to marry me because you got me pregnant."

He grinned at that, standing up and opening a wooden box and pulling out a small ring, with a beautiful emerald inside. He helped her up and got down on his knee with a grin.

"Night Storm, my love, will you marry me?" He asked, looking at her. "I've been wanting to ask for a while, and if you don't-"

"Yes!" She smiled, hopping up. "Yes, yes, yes, a thousand times yes!"

He smiled and slid the ring on her finger, and she held it out, smiling as she saw the small emerald on the silver band. She hugged Storm and turned off the fire with her magic, pushing him to the bedroom for cuddles and sleep.

Author's Note

Rushed a bit, I know, but here's the newest chapter! :D