Chapters A Changeling in Manehattan
Oblivia wanders towards the large city of Manehattan. As she expected, it's huge compared to where she used to live. It's not much, but there's definately a bigger chance of me surviving here than in those caves. The Changeling surrounds herself in yellow flames and, when they fade, she's taken the guise of a pegasus filly named Starcatcher, her "cutie mark" being a shooting star.
"Out of my way, brat!" he snarls as he trots off.
The Changeling sighs disappointed and mumbles "This is going to be harder than I thought."
She continues walking for a few hours, avoiding direct contact with anypony she comes across. Suddenly, she notices a group of royal guards, patrolling the town.
Strange, these guys usually don't leave Canterlot. Guess the princesses ordered every town to be checked for Changelings since that crazy maniac attacked. Stay calm, Oblivia. As long as you don't do anything suspicious, they won't suspect you. No one suspects the filly.
"Good day, sirs!" she says as the guards walk past.
One of them looks down to the young Changeling-in-disguise and asks "Where are your parents, young filly?"
Oblivia manages to stay calm and tells them bluntly "I have none."
Surprised, the guards discuss this situation and, after a minute or two, turn back to Oblivia and tell her that they'll take her to the nearest orphanage.
"A filly like you shouldn't be all by herself in a city like this."
After a few hours of walking, Oblivia is brought into the orphanage and she notices she's not the only one. There are lots of fillies and colts in here. The most notable was a red unicorn with a mane that looks like it's on fire.
Alright, Oblivia. Stay calm. This is perfect. Free love without having to do anything for it.
Oblivia smiles as she walks up to a mare behind a desk. "Oh dear, you look like you've crawled out of the Everfree forest!"
You're not far off...
"N-no, I've been treated pretty roughly since I came here." Oblivia replies. This wasn't a total lie, as she was indeed pushed aside several times and even landed face-first on the ground.
Rather quickly, Oblivia find herself among the other orphans, trying to quickly make friends with them. She notices the fire-maned colt is named Asteroid Strike and that he lost his family and home because of his magical outbursts taking the shape of fire spraying from his horn, forcing him to take a magic-blocking potion on a daily basis.
"Say, what would happen, in theory, if a Changeling were to drink such a potion?" Oblivia asks out of curiosity and a slight hint of fear.
Asteroid replies saying that he's got no idea. "The potion blocks out all type of magic and it also blocks out a pegasus' ability to fly. I suppose a Changeling won't be able to disguise or feed on love until it wears off."
Great. Oblivia thinks It's a good thing I've taken the shape of a pegasus and not a unicorn. If I take that potion, I'd lose my disguise.
After a few days, Oblivia's fed on enough love to regain her strength. She's become great friends with Asteroid Strike, who she's started to just call Strike. But despite her great friendship with Strike, something's bothering her, or rather, somepony . An earth pony filly named Anemone has been bullying Strike and Oblivia ever since Oblivia's arrival.
"You're so blind, Asteroid Strike! Haven't you seen the look in her eyes whenever she's being complimented for good behavior? Her eyes glow, I tell you!"
Oblivia shakes her head. "You're mistaken. You're just jealous because mr. and mrs. Trottington like me more than you."
It doesn't take long, or Anemone charges at Oblivia, knocking her off her hooves. Of course, being a Changeling doesn't mean much when you're still a child and Oblivia's not only knocked off, but even hurt. A tiny drop of blood drips from under her mane as she puts up a cry to get mister Trottington's attention.
"What happened here?!"
Oblivia cries pathetically, "Anemone hit me! "
Mister Trottington gives Anemone a look similar to Fluttershy's Stare.
"Is this true? You know we've got rules here, don't you? Starcatcher's barely here for a few days and you're already hurting her! How are we supposed to make a good impression when you keep hurting other ponies?"
Anemone is quickly sent to her room as Oblivia's wound is being treated.
I hate that pony. But I can't use my magic or they'll figure out what I am!
Time passes. Days become weeks, weeks become months. Many ponies have come and gone. Yet nopony seems slighly interested in the filly named Starcatcher.
Oblivia sighs sadly, "I'm too generic. Nopony wants the stereotypical pegasus filly."
Mr. and Mrs. Trottington overhear her sobs and comfort her. "It's alright, Starcatcher. You'll find somepony to adopt you. Don't worry."
Oblivia sobs, hugging the two ponies.
What is this feeling? Sadness is nothing new. But this is. I'm feeling stronger because of it. But I'm not feeding on any love at the moment. Am I actually experiencing it?
"What if nopony ever takes me?" Oblivia asks "What if they treat me like I'm a Changeling?"
The Trottingtons give a deep sigh and then look down at the filly. "Even if you were a Changeling, we'd still treat you the way you are."
Oblivia gives a short, sarcastic laugh. "Ha! Yeah right! If I were a Changeling, you'd call the guards and have me dragged away to the dungeons in Canterlot!"
The Trottingtons reply saying they'd never do such a thing, to which Oblivia tells them to prove it, as she reverts back to her Changeling form. Oddly, Mrs. Trottington is surprised, but not scared. And Mr. Trottington is actually intrigued.
"I knew there was something different about you, Starcatcher-"
"That's not my real name. It's Oblivia."
Mr. Trottington smiles as he pets the little Changeling. "In my eyes, you're a filly without a home. And I'd be happy to have an unusual child in the family. So, what do you say, Rosebud? Should we take this little Changeling as our own?"
Mrs. Trottington nods calmly as she walks up to Oblivia and inspects the Changeling closely. Her yellow, pupilless eyes give her a hint of innocence that is nearly impossible to find in most Changelings.
Author's Note
It's not impossible for Changelings to feel love. They just rarely have the chance to feel it, as they see it more as food instead of an actual emotion. This first chapter shows how a young Changeling, alone and without a queen or hive, slowly learns to experience love through friendship. My original plan was to have Oblivia stumbling into Ponyville instead, but since so many stories take place in Ponyville or somewhere near Ponyville, I've decided to go with something different.
A Changeling in Manehattan
Not all Changelings are monsters
It's been several years since the Trottingtons addopted Oblivia. While the little Changeling is allowed to walk around the house in her true form, she has to use her Starcatcher guise whenever they go outside. Oblivia's been going through rough times, as she sees her friends less often and her new parents don't exactly know how to take care of a Changeling. Mrs. Trottington has suggested to inform princess Celestia about the Changeling living in Manehattan. And while Oblivia's worried about what might happen to her, she's agreed to meet the princess, if only to clarify that not all Changelings are evil.
"But do I have to meet her in my true form, dad?" Oblivia asks reluctantly.
"Yes, my dear. If she tries anything that would hurt you, we'll protect you."
"You're the best, dad!".
Celestia arrives a few days later, wishing to speak with Oblivia first. The Changeling walks up to the princess, bowing like she's been told to.
"You must be Oblivia. I can already see you're not the typical Changeling I've seen in Canterlot."
Oblivia shakes her head, explaining "Changelings are like insects. We live in hives led by a single queen. I am not part of the Chrysalis hive, or any hive in Equestria."
"Then how did you end up in Manehattan?" Celestia asks curiously.
"I snuck onto a cargo train from the Gryphon lands and ended up just outside this town. I found myself at an orphanage, hoping to get some love to regain my strength. After being treated heavenly by these two ponies behind you, I've started to experience what love feels like, and that it's not just food. The Trottingtons were the first to accept my true self and their love for me didn't change one bit. I could tell that they'll always see me as one of their own. I wanted to return that love to them. And they adopted me. I assure you, your highness, I have no interest in causing trouble. I want to live a normal life. Nothing more, nothing less."
Celestia smiles at this and turns to the Trottingtons, "She's allowed to stay. She's a smart child. Smarter than Chrysalis. Take good care of her." That said, Celestia leaves and Oblivia sighs relieved.
"I can stay with my family. With the ponies I love..."
Several years go by. Celestia has offered the Changelings a place in Equestria where they can survive on the love of the ponies, as long as they don't cause trouble. Meanwhile Oblivia has grown into a young adult, very beautiful, for a Changeling of course. Her butterfly wings having grown over time and her horn has gotten longer. Her parents have decided its time for her to get a house of her own, aswell as a job.
"All of Equestria has accepted the fact that there are Changelings living here now. There's no need for you to hide behind a mask." Mister Trottington says as he turns to his Changeling daughter.
"I know father, I know. I've stopped disguising myself after seeing other Changelings on a daily basis. I do miss looking like Starcatcher at times." Oblivia replies softly.
Not long after, Oblivia's out in the streets, looking for a house. It doesn't take long or she finds a nice house at a reasonable price. About one thousand bits. Oblivia buys it and takes a look around. It's got a large kitchen, a living room and a dining room the last one large enough for two families. The second floor contains a bathroom, a bedroom and a study room. Of course, Oblivia used her remaining bits for her job and furniture. She has no need for food, as she can just feed on love.
I love this place already! It's perfect.
"Hello? Anyone home?!" someone calls from the front door.
Oblivia opens the door to be met by a white unicorn with a purple mane. Oblivia quickly recognizes the mare as Sapphire Shores' costume designer, Rarity.
"Welcome to my house, miss Rarity. Allow me to ask, why are you here?" Oblivia asks in a way that's not making her sound too annoyed.
"Oh, darling, I've wanted to meet you since I figured out you were a Changeling. And now I see just how smashing a Changeling can look!" the mare states, showing a notable admiration for Oblivia, causing her face to get a red hue.
"Oh, please, I'm not that special..."
"Nonsense, dear! You're one of the most beautiful Changelings out there."
Oblivia sighs, "It's the butterfly wings, isn't it?"
"Well, that and your yellow mane and eyes. Most Changelings I see have little to no mane at all and their eyes are blue."
"Yeah, those are Changelings from the Chrysalis hive. Every hive has distinct features, such as the one I used to be part of. My hive's Changelings were black with yellow, and had butterfly wings instead of the typical insect wings you normally see."
Rarity gives a short snicker, "You should meet my friend Twilight Sparkle. I'm sure she'd love to hear more about it. Ever since they've been allowed in Equestria, she's been studying Changelings."
Oblivia states that she'll be sure to do that someday, but that first, she needs some rest. After all, it's been a long and tiresome day and meeting a famous pony known for having saved Equestria many times didn't quite help. As Rarity leaves, Oblivia climbs into her bed and falls asleep.
Author's Note
Bit of a shorter story. I wanted to make it longer by having Oblivia meet Luna in her dreams, but decided to drop it and keep it to a meeting with Celestia and Rarity.
A Changeling in Manehattan
Oblivia has taken Rarity's request to heart and has left for Ponyville for a few days. Upon arrival, she's met by none other than Pinkie Pie, who almost literally drags her into a party that seemed planned in advance.
"Welcome to Ponyville!" the pink pony exclaims happily.
"Uhm, I'm only staying for a few days, I have no intent on staying here..." Oblivia replies, lightly startled.
"Of course, of course! But that doesn't mean you don't deserve a Welcome-to-Ponyville-party!"
Oblivia's quickly pulled aside by a cyan pegasus with a rainbow mane and tail.
"Listen here. I know Celestia and Rarity said you can be trusted, but at the slightest hint of trouble, I'll personally throw you back to Manehattan!" Rainbow Dash exclaims.
Wow, and she's supposed to be the element of loyalty? Sounds like honesty fits her more.
"Don't worry, miss Dash. I've been raised by ponies, I will never even consider harming them unless it is to defend myself."
The pegasus gives a doubtful look and then flies off. Oblivia sneaks away from the party and heads to the large tree castle, where the princess of friendship awaits eagerly.
Once inside, Oblivia meets the rest of the cast. Fluttershy, Applejack and Rarity. Rarity gives her a modest wave with her hoof while Twilight closes the door behind the Changeling.
"A pleasure to meet you, Oblivia." the Alicorn princess says as she motions her to sit down.
"The pleasure is mine, your highness. Your friend Rarity told me you're studying Changelings?"
Twilight smiles, "Yes, I do study them. Since they're living all over Equestria now, I've got lots to study. But you're the first of a different kind. You wouldn't mind me doing some experiments on you, right?"
Oblivia allows the experiments as long as Twilight can guarantee her safety.
Dearest Oblivia, Your time among these ponies is up. Return home immediately or we will come and take you by force. You can not hide from us. We will find you. Return to your home at once and we'll consider your life. Queen Tetria
Shocked, Oblivia dashes off to Canterlot, just slightly below Rainboom capacity. When she arrives, she explains the situation to the princesses, who decide to have her house guarded at all times and that no pony or Changeling is allowed inside the house and that those who wish to enter will be required to drink a magic-weakening potion, including Oblivia.
A Changeling in Manehattan
It's been several months since the letter from queen Tetria, and while her house is guarded day and night, Oblivia can't help but worry for her life.
My queen is coming for me... Those guards can't be enough to hold her back. Even Chrysalis is afraid of Tetria!
Suddenly, the door knocks, causing Oblivia to jump in fright. As she opens the door, she finds princess Twilight and her friends at the door. Oblivia was about to let them in, if it wasn't for the fact that the guards were lying out cold behind them.
"Dear Oblivia, would you be kind enough to let us in?" the fake Twilight asks.
But Oblivia casts a spell that removes any and all disguises and she finds herself standing face-to-face with her queen. Queen Tetria was about the height of your typical Changeling queen. Yet her eyes gave a hint of pure insanity and mania. Oblivia knew it all too well. Tetria enjoyed torturing ponies and Changelings alike. Luckily, the spell Oblivia used stunned the queen and her minions long enough for Oblivia to knock the servants out and escape. Sadly, she didn't get far or she was hit by one of Tetria's spells, tying the Changeling up in transparent, yellow ropes.
"You thought coming to Equestria would protect you from me? I expected you to be smarter than that."
Tetria places her front left hoof on Oblivia's head.
"Now, you defied a direct order from your queen. You assaulted her guards. You became friends with ponies ! The sentence? A cracked skull should do..."
Oblivia screams as she feels the pressure on her head. The layer of chitin covering the Changeling's body begins to crack.
By the time she wakes up, Oblivia finds herself in a hospital. When she looks around her, she notices several Changelings and a few ponies, including the pony who saved her, princess Celestia herself. Oblivia tries to speak, but another Changeling pushes her back down.
"You shouldn't put too much stress on yourself, ma'am. You were barely alive when we brought you here. Luckily, princess Celestia saw what was going on and saved you."
Oblivia looks at the princess and gives a smile, muttering the words "Thank you" before falling back into a deep sleep.
Several years later, Oblivia's chitin still has some cracks, specifically around her eyes and neck, but she no longer feels the pain. She's decided to teach all unicorn guards the spell she used to remove a Changeling's disguise.Here lie Peat and Rosebud Trottington.
"Mom, dad... You were the best parents a Changeling could ask for..."
Author's Note
My first story ever, don't be too harsh on it, please.