A Changeling That Changed

Merrick sat in a small wooden chair next to Twilight. She was extremely happy with his enthusiasm for books, and had started to get the rest of the Daring Do series for him. He sat there reading the back of the first story contently while Twilight found the other books, and told him her personal opinion on each one.

He listened to her speak, as he carefully examined the characters outfit and look. He loved the idea of this "Daring Do" character, and apparently the rainbow colored pegasus did too. He thought that he could use this common interest to earn some favor with her.

They were interrupted by a knock at the door. As Spike opened it Twilight smiled as Pinkie Pie and the rest of her friends walked in. Merrick however shrunk back a little. He had been in the large fight against these six, and meeting them one at a time had seemed easy. Now he was meeting four of them at once, and that fight was probably not forgotten.

Twilight looked over at him and saw that he was afraid.

"It's alright Merrick" She whispered "These are my friends. They won't hurt you as long as I'm right here."

Merrick looked up at her and smiled a little. Something about the way she acted was reassuring.

All of the ponies who came in but Pinkie Pie gave him a strange glance. He shifted awkwardly in his chair while they took their seats. The orange one walked right next to him, tipped her hat and sat to his left. The chairs were set up in a circle, and his was right there next to Twilight, positioned in a way in which all eyes could face him.

Once everypony was seated they all sat there in silence for a moment. Everypony looked at Merrick, then Twilight, then Pinkie Pie, and back to Merick.

"Well girls I'm assuming Pinkie Pie has told you that we have a Changeling here." Twilight said. Everypony else nodded in response. "Good. And I'm also assuming she told you that he is a friendly Changeling?"

"She did say that, but I'm not buying it! Saying you know a friendly Changeling is like saying you don't like the Wonderbolts!" Rainbow Dash said.

"It does seem quite improbable dear." Rarity said. "What if he's just lying to you so he can attack Ponyville? Changelings are shifty creatures, full of trickery! I thought we all would have learned that after the wedding!"

"Now now girls don't be like that!" Pinkie Pie said. "He spent the whole night at my house last night and he didn't try anything! Besides he's been living in Ponyville for almost a year!"

"You let a Changeling stay in your house?!?" Rainbow Dash exclaimed.

"Livin' in Ponyville? For almost a year? How'd I miss something like that!?!" AJ asked.

"Girls if you'll just listen for a moment we can explain everything." Twilight said. "Besides don't be so quick to judge. Remember what happened last time we were quick to judge someone? Zecora is one of our closest friends now, and I'm pretty sure we should all know that we need give everyone we meet a chance."

Twilight, Merrick, and Pinkie Pie explained all of the events since Pinkie found Merrick, from the chase to the hills, to the night in Sugarcube Corner, all the way down to Twilight sharing books with him.

"And so you see why I've called you here." Twilight said "I feel like we should let him stay. When Pinkie brought him over he was crying in fear! He's definitely harmless, he hasn't hurt anypony, and he doesn't even suck love out of ponies anymore!"

"We want you guys to decide what you think about him, and then tell us if you want him to stay or not! If you guys agree we can convince the rest of Ponyville!" Pinkie said.

"And I have a plan to make sure that you decide fairly on the matter, and that you don't just say no because he's a Changeling." Twilight said. "I think we should have him spend some time with each of you. After you get to know him, than you can properly make a decision."

"I promise you guys I'll help as much as you need!" Merrick said "I don't want to be forced away from this place. I've grown to love it here."

"Oh no I couldn't just force somepony out of their home!" Fluttershy said. "I don't think any of us could."

"I agree Fluttershy," AppleJack said "I didn't like it when the Flim Flam Brothers almost ran me outta Ponyville, and I doubt it this fella here would like it either."

They all sat silently for a moment, which caused Merrick to shift in his seat. The silence made him uncomfortable.

Suddenly Rainbow Dash broke the silence.

"Well Twilight I don't like it, but if you want us to do this plan I'll go along with it." Rainbow Dash said. Everypony else nodded in agreement.

"So who's he gonna go with first?" Pinkie Pie asked.

"Why don't we let him decide?" AJ said. "He chooses who to spend time with, and once they're done doin' whatever they do he comes to the next person he chooses."

"That's a good idea Applejack!" Rarity said "I give you far less credit for your intelligence than is due."

"I beg yo-" AJ was cut off by Twilight.

"So it's settled then. We let him decide, and then we'll all vote on if he stays or not when it's all over. So Merrick, who do you choose to go with first?"

All eyes turned to Merrick once more. He looked around the room at all the different faces.

"Can I just read the books again?" He said awkwardly.

"No ya silly filly!" Pinkie said. "You've already spent enough time with me and Twilight!"

Merrick let out a sigh and looked around the room again. He knew he would have to choose one of these other ponies, and decided he might as well get the one who seemed the most violent and difficult on his side first.

"I choose..." He said "The rainbow one."

The look on Rainbow Dashes face told him that he maybe should have chosen somepony else.