The Gateway

Chapters

Prologue-In the Jungle, the Mighty Jungle...
Chapter 1-... Lies A Being Of Untold Power?
Chapter 2-Setting Up
Chapter 3- All I Got Is Rocks, And What A Wonderful Thing They Are
Chapter 4-Training
Chapter 5-School For The Magically Adaptive
Chapter 6- Raining On My Parade

Prologue-In the Jungle, the Mighty Jungle...

April 25th, 2012-Today I spent another day walking towards the supposed directions of the ruins. I can feel that I am getting closer to something, part of the instincts that have been honed in my time as an adventurer. I should find it within the next day if I am lucky and can make good headway.

Tonight, I got lucky and managed to find a cave to take shelter in before the rain started. If I can give the Amazon one thing, it certainly deserves its title as a rainforest; it's rained almost every night I've been here, and this night is no different. The cave I'm in is fairly non-descript, and the only interesting thing is that I found it in the Amazon right before it rained again. It's about fourteen feet into the cliff face and eight feet wide, with the ceiling a good seven feet up, just tall enough for me to stand up fully without banging my head on the top. I set my supplies over on the far side of the cave, my fire crackling merrily on the other side of my shelter. I managed to find a large stone big enough to sit on over and pulled it over to the side of the fire, so at least I have a place it sit. The fire's light still manages to create an eerie effect when it's comforting light gives in to the shadows, but I don't think I'm ever going to really get over that.

I should be getting to sleep soon, I'll need my rest if I want to make it to the ruins tomorrow, and call me paranoid, but I feel as if I will need the energy I can muster for the journey ahead. Perhaps this journey is getting to me, but it's never hurt anyone to be careful. If there is one thing I've learned archeology, it's that the careless ones are some of the skeletons you find littering the many catacombs.

I'll resume my journey tomorrow, and call me crazy, but I fear that there is something in the ruins much more dangerous than I if any of the tales the locals tell are true. Wish me luck.

I awoke to the rays of sunlight dancing around the canopy of leaves and into my eyes. Groggily, I managed to sit up and rub the sleep from my eyes. Outside, I could see that the sun was still early on its course across the sky, and from the position it was in, I'd say it is still around 7 am; plenty of time to get ready and make my way to the ruins before nightfall, if I managed to make good time there.

I stood up fully and stretched out my joints, and made my way over to the other side of the cave where my supplies currently laid. After rummaging around in the backpack for a bit, I managed to find some strips of bacon and a pan big enough to cook them on.

After replacing the firewood, relighting the fire, and putting the bacon on to cook, I went out to check the area outside of the cave. As expected, most of the foliage was covered in a light layer of water, provided by the rain last night. The water that caught the light seemed to faintly shine with a light of its own, as if the tiniest fraction of the light was captured in those tiny pockets of water.

Checking the area for recent activity showed that the only signs of anything being here was the tracks I made on my original trek here.

Returning to the fire, I waited for the bacon to fully cook. After awhile, I was having a plate full of bacon and some water from the canteen I brought along. Not the most glorious of breakfasts, mind you, but enough to give me energy till the next night.

Then of course, before I got to set out I had to do the tedious tasks of packing everything up. Now, it's not that the task is exceedingly difficult; put away the pans, pick up your sleeping arrangements, store the extra firewood, pick up your backpack and set out. I had done it a thousand times at least. The problem lay in the fact that I had done it at least a thousand times, and it lost its meaning after about the hundredth time doing so. It's certainly a far cry from the vast differences my journeys take me on, and while it is boring, it certainly isn't much to complain about. Annoying, but not worth spending more time than necessary thinking about it, even though doing it will often bring me back to this strain of thought.

After checking to make sure I didn't forget anything vital to my journey, I set out. I made sure to get my bearings first though, it would not be good to get lost out here.

The walk wasn't anything out of the ordinary in my time as an adventurer in jungles. Push away the foliage, stay away from the poisonous creatures that inhabited the area, and be cautious. While I want to make good time, it is never a good idea to rush through without checking things first. I remember my first adventure, I was so excited to be off, I almost rushed right over the side of a small cave's overhang to the ground a couple feet below. Not anything that would kill me, but it certainly made me think of what would happen if I rushed into say, a fifty foot drop.

Anyway, I need to stop getting lost in my thoughts. It's funny really, it has always been a habit of mine, to get lost in a discussion or such, and then I realize that I just went on a rant or long strain of thought for a minute or two.

The time continued like this for much of the day. Move forward, be sure to keep my bearings so I don't get lost, and try not to let my thoughts distract me to the point I would lose concentration on the imaginary path ahead. I managed to do the first two goals fine, but my thoughts always seem to wander when going on long treks. It passes the time for me and relieves my boredom, but it is certainly not a good habit in dangerous situations.

After a couple hours of walking, the sun could be seen almost directly overhead, signaling it would be noon soon. I decided to catch a break; my legs were tired and finding the ruins would do me no good if I was too exhausted to explore them properly.

While I rested, I made sure to keep alert. I would rather not end up a meal for some predator that caught me off guard.

By the time the sun reached overhead, I had already started to set off again. After finding my bearings for what seemed like the tenth time this day, I set off northwest, intent on reaching the ruins the locals had mentioned. While they said that the ruins had nothing of value or importance, it always was different for me. It was entirely possible they just didn't know something valuable when they saw it, or they just couldn't find anything because lack of proper training.

After a lot more walking and a couple more breaks, the sky was beginning to darken. After a bit more walking, it was fully night. The crescent moon emitted a faint light over the landscape, which coated the trees in liquid silver, while the stars lit up the night sky in a breathtaking display of beauty. I was always awed by the beauty of nature. While grand and ornate buildings can be amazing to see, it always came off to me as if it was trying to hard to be awe inspiring, instead of the effortless beauty of nature.

With the light almost faded to nothingness, I could see that something was off with my surroundings as I stepped around a tree that was blocking my view previously. In the distance, you could clearly see an orange light, as if created by fire, at the base of a mountain. It seemed to be coming out of an opening at the bottom, but it was clearly not a cave. It seemed to be coming out of a tunnel of sorts, and even more strange than that, there were what seemed to be stones on the side of the path, three to a side, that had a small hole at their tops which also emitted the same light. This is clearly not the ruins the locals mentioned, but if not them, then what. It is not like something like this would go unnoticed, the lights could probably be seen from at least a mile away. The only reason I hadn't seen it sooner was that my view was constantly blocked by plant life, but a helicopter or plane would have no such problem.

My curiosity spiked, I decide that I will get there as soon as I can, if only to see what the source of that light is. It is certainly not fire, but what other substance could emit an orange light like that?

Alas, my journey to the mysterious tunnel began. The walk there was surprisingly uneventful considering the destination. Within the hour I was standing right at the mouth of the tunnel, and I could finally get a better look at it.

The tunnel seemed to be fifteen feet tall and seven feet wide in an oval shape. At the top of the tunnel where three sets of semi-circle rings, and each ring was inscribed with glowing sky-blue symbols, the likes of which I have never seen before. The orange light that had previously alluded me to this tunnel's presence didn't seem to come from any particular source; no torches could be seen, or clusters of glowing insects either. The orange light seemed to just be, for all sense that it makes, seemingly coming out of everywhere and no where at once. What I thought was holes in the stones along the path was just the mysterious orange light, and not it's source as I inferred. While the stones made more sense, as at least there was a definite place the light was, it still fails my understanding of light. I am no scientist, mind you, but this is probably breaking at least one known and tested fact of the world.

While this light certainly is strange, even stranger is what I am feeling from this place. What I once thought to be my instincts for the ruins I was going to originally turns out to be my feelings for this place, as they have intensified to the point that there is no other explanation.

While there is probably a truth behind the saying curiosity killed the cat, if I find out the secrets of this place it could revolutionize both the sciences and the field of archeology. Before I set out, just to be on the safe side, I carved a message into the surrounding area, and if the worst should happen to me, anyone following should know to leave this place be.

Walking down the light brown path with standard rock walls, there doesn't seem to be any indication that this place has been affected by time, even though it is quite obviously deserted of any earthly life; there is nary a single cobweb or bit of dust to be found.

Curiously, although much less curious than the lack of cobwebs and other such things, it doesn't seem to be sloping down that much. I had expected a steep climb down, but the path is little more than a tiny decline, barely even enough to be considered a minor hazard, as any less and it couldn't possibly affect my walking in the slightest.

As if fate itself heard my thoughts, the path started to slope downward more and more with each consecutive step. Before it could get to the point of being majorly dangerous, the path abruptly flattened out. At the end of the short path, another room could easily be made out, with a raised pedestal in the middle, although whatever was at the top was still concealed from view. After making sure that there wasn't any immediate traps waiting to kill any unfortunate adventurers, I started off the to next room. Stepping through the doorway, I think I finally found what this place was hiding.

Upon a raised platform made out of a tiered circular step setup, an orb sat upon an intricately carved stone pillar, barely four and a half feet high. The orb was a deep, fiery crimson, and inside what looked like flames danced around, creating what looked like an orb made of pure fire. Not only that, but it must have been the source of this orange light, as the light intensified the closer to the orb it was. The orb was about four inches in diameter, and it looked flawlessly smooth.

The room I was in was circular, and looked as if it was built solely for the purpose of holding this orb. It was about sixteen feet in diameter, with each subsequent tier of the raised platform it housed exactly four feet from the previous one to the next ones beginning. Think a wedding cake, if each tier was a massive four feet across from the next tiers outside circle.

Confused, I looked about. There wasn't a single trap in site. Not a single tripwire, pressure plate, or other means of setting off a trap could be seen. Who would leave something like this unguarded, and how was I the first to find it?

Cautiously, I approached the orb. I was careful not to make any sound, in the chance that they managed to rig a trap to that instead of more mundane means. By the time I reached the top, not a single indicator that a trap was sprung or even existed was found. Could this place really be unguarded and I was just lucky enough to find it? What about my instincts, they are still as strong as when they entered, if not stronger.

Carefully, as to not disturb anything, I quickly snatched the orb, ready to place down a place holder, when I realized that there wasn't even a trap that's sprung when you pick up the orb. Why would anyone leave something like this without a single trap guarding it?

Still baffled, I turned around, and then I saw something that shouldn't have been possible. Blocking the entrance to this room and the only exit, a wall of flame stood. Of course the trap would be tied to the orb, and not the environment. Did I really see an orb of unknown power and I didn't think to check if it does anything more than look pretty.

Suddenly, a wall of flame is conjured around the outer wall. The flames start to spin faster and faster, until all I can see of the stone wall previously there is a speeding vortex of intense flames. Without warning, four chains of flames shoot out for my limbs, but instead of burning me, they wrap around my arms and legs, pulling me into the air. No matter how hard I struggle, the flames, if they can even be called that, won't release me. Slowly, almost tauntingly, a fifth chain of flame, this time a swirling mass of red, yellow, and orange, creeps out of the vortex. Deliberately, it goes for my face, and like the others, it does not burn me. Instead, it lifts my chin partly into the air, and for some reason, I can barely stay awake anymore. My eyelids are impossible to open. The final words I make out is a faint, almost ethereal like whisper. "You will be reborn," It says, but I never get a chance to think what it means, for in the next second, darkness claims me, and all is black

Chapter 1-... Lies A Being Of Untold Power?

All I could see was blackness. Not the kind of blackness you get when you close your eyes, or when it's particularly dark; the kind of blackness that seems to be an absence of all light and seems to have no beginning or end. The kind of blackness you see when you try to stare down the abyss, and the abyss doesn't particularly like you looking at it.

The only other sensation was the insistent throbbing in my head. My head felt as if someone decided to get creative with a jackhammer, and it didn't really feel like stopping.

Gradually, my headache started to ease up. Eventually, it was just a light tapping at the back of my mind; easily insignificant enough to tune out.

Now, I have to find out a way to restore my vision. I can't asses the situation I'm in if I don't know what the situation actually is.

Then, as if fate itself decided it wanted to play a cruel joke, the darkness suddenly gave way to blinding light. I shut my eyes as quick as I could, but it did nothing to stop the tide of agony. After the pain subsided, slowly, cautiously, which may as well have been my middle name by this point, I started to open my eyes. What I saw was only slightly more believable than a magical orb creating a vortex of swirling fire in the room I was in.

All I could see was white, but the white had some order to it. I could clearly make out a floor, and what seemed to be the sky, if you can call it that. It didn't have any more features than that, and it seemed to go on indefinitely.

Checking my body, I seemed to be completely unharmed. Nothing seemed to be broken or bruised, or anything really, and I still had control over my limbs and other body parts.

Did I die? Is this limbo, or Heaven's waiting room? Where in the hell am I? What did that orb do to me?

So many questions, so many questions indeed. Welcome, Hunter. I hope your ride here was pleasant. The fire can certainly be unsettling to some

"Who are you, where am I, why are you in my head, and what do you want with me?!" I yelled at the voice, not really expecting answers, but demanding them all the same.

Very good question, my boy. I go by and have gone by many names over the years of my life, but you may call me the Overmind. Know this; I do not mean you harm. If I meant you harm, surely you would not be here to talk to me; after all, you've spent a good chunk of time here unconscious, and I could have killed you if I wanted easily

"I guess you have a point," I agreed reluctantly. "You obviously need me alive for something. Where am I though, and what did that orb do to me?"

The two questions are rather intertwined actually. The artifact you found was called the Orb of the Reborn, and in it lies the gateway between worlds. The orb was made out of some of my essence, so that when I left your world to become the gatekeeper, I would have a way to indirectly transport people between worlds when one of them is in need. The mountain it is in will only show up when the other world Earth is tied to is in danger, and the same would happen if Earth was in danger. If you want to put it simply it is a gateway that shows up when the other side of the gate needs help.

"So obviously the other side is in danger, and I assume I will be your messenger, or your champion, or whatever you want to call me, that will help save them. It's the only reason I would be here in the first place, wherever here is."

Very good, my boy. You catch on much quicker than I anticipated. Now, to answer where you and I are. Right now we are in the world between worlds. If you wanted to use a gate for an example again, this would be the area that the gate itself occupies or the booth the gatekeeper is in. From here, you could go to both sides if you so wanted, but I'm going to make a deal, and it will take a while to explain, so bear with me for a moment.

Right now, the other side of the world is not in any fatal danger, but rather, in a more political sense of danger.

Right as he finished his sentence, what appeared to be a screen appeared in my view. From a outside perspective it looked just like an old colonial settlement, not another world. Then I saw the inhabitants. They were for lack of a better term techno-color ponies, but some had wings, and some were very clearly using magic, or some form of it. It obviously wasn't science, because it seemed they were still a couple hundred years behind us in that regard.

Meet the citizens of Equestria. As you can see, magic is existent and a big part of this world. If you accept my deal, you will get to know a lot more about them before you are sent off. The thing is however, they aren't the ones in danger. Their country has been in a time of peace for thousands of years, and not a single war has been started since the royal family was established. If there was a picture in the dictionary for an utopian society, this would be it. No, they aren't in any danger at all; they are.

Suddenly, the screen zoomed away from the ponies of Equestria. The scene was now of a rocky, dry desert with nary a speck of green to be found. The screen closed in on the base of an descript mountain, where a rock could be seen being moved from underneath. What stepped out was vaguely pony like creature, looking like a mix between a pony and bug.

Its body was a pure black chitin. Protruding from its back was a set of extremely thin, gossamer wings. Its legs had holes in them, but there wasn't any indication it was an injury, so it must be their natural look. It had a solid black horn, and it's eyes were a pure sky blue. It also had a set of small fangs sticking out from its mouth, and another gossamer fin on the back of its neck, kind of like a shark, although the purpose still remained unclear.

What you see now is known as a changeling. As you can tell, they are pony like in appearance, and they share many similarities, but there are some major differences that separate the two.

The changeling's operate under a hive like structure, with a military mindset and a monarchy. The new queen, before birth, would be fed more emotional energy than regular drones, which would slowly start to give her enough magic and magic storage to turn her into a queen. When she came of age, she would rule the hive for the next couple hundred of years or until death, and a new queen would be selected.

Then there are the elite, special changelings fed more energy at birth but not as much as is required for a queen, and as they are costly to birth, there aren't too many. They have more magical storage and power, stronger chitin, faster healing injuries, and are stronger and faster than normal changelings. They usually are high ranking in the hive, being commanders, advisors, the personal guard of the queen, and sometimes infiltrators, though most of those are regular changelings. The only real way to distinguish them is from seeing their abilities, or in battle, as they usually will wear more armor than a regular soldier.

Lastly, there are the standard drones, which make up most of the hive. They are usually lower rankings, such as workers, gatherers, hunters, and soldiers, although there are many drones that are infiltrators, as the ratio is so skewed from elites to drones that even if every elite was an infiltrator, there still wouldn't be enough.

When I said that the changeling's society was militaristic, I mean they are really militaristic. Every drone and elite, and of course the queen, knows the basics of how to fight, no matter their role in the hive. While a soldier has more training than a worker in fighting, a worker, especially with how many of them there are, could easily deal with a decent threat to the hive, although not a major one.

Out of nowhere, the changeling was surrounded in a ring of green flame, similar in structure to the flames of The Overmind. When it ended, a pony was standing in its place, as if it had always been there.

The changelings are a race of shape-shifters, usually taking the form of ponies, as it is easier for them to change to something they resemble. However, their digestive track can not keep up with the means of their body, no matte how much they eat. To counter this, changeling have the ability to sense emotions, and "feed" on them, with positive emotions like love and friendship being the most rich.

Because of these new adaptations, changelings for thousand of years have disguised as ponies, taken and stored their emotional energy, and brought it back to the hive where they would be stored in a gel like substance made from a changeling's saliva. Changelings would also take the body of the pony they were impersonating and store them in a special type of cocoon that would allow them to dream, and the cocoon would leech their emotional energy, wait for them to recover, and do it all again, effectively creating an emotional generator. Many changelings made disguises, working their way from the bottom up, as it was much safer, but impersonating the right pony could gain a lot for the hive, so they did it on occasion. Changelings had a hard life, but because of their perseverance and the fact that no one even knew of the changelings, they managed to survive. That is, until the invasion of Canterlot, capital of Equestria and home of the royal family.

The current queen of the changelings, Queen Chrysalis, was one of the most ambitious queens. She was also one of the most power hungry, warlike, and above all, prideful and arrogant. The first thing she did was invade all the other hives in the badlands, absorbing all of their ranks into her own hive, and by the third hive captured, she didn't even have to put up a fight; the other hives already surrendered. From there, she started planning the invasion of Equestria; gathering information on the layout of Canterlot and the best way to take it over. She sent an anonymous threat after infiltrating their ranks, ensuring that the captain who maintained the shield over the city was weak enough that he wouldn't be able to defend it or command his troops. They eliminated the highest command, and within hours, the city fell, the royal family was imprisoned, and the only weapons that could stop them had already been stolen by the time their wielders got to them. Her only folly was her arrogance, and she paid dearly for it.

While she wasn't paying attention, the bride she had impersonated, who was part of the royal family, was set free by the personal student of one of the royal family. She managed to free the captain of the royal guard, who was also her groom, from the spell he was under, and using their love, cast a shield of pure emotional energy. The changelings, unused to the spell and unable to feed of the energy moving at such a speed, were sent flying into the country side, and with their cover blown and unable to get emotional energy, the race as a whole will run out of emotional energy they've stored up and starve.

This is where you will come in. I know that what I just said is a lot of information to take in, and there will be more should you choose to accept, but know that they need your help. This is the deal I will propose, and it is your choice to accept or deny.

I will transform you into a changeling elite, and train you how to use your new body. Furthermore, I will be gifting to you a part of my magic, so you will be more powerful than a regular elite. I will be in touch with you the entire time; I can speak to you as I'm doing, and all you have to do is speak to me in your mind for it to register in mine. I will train you how to fight, should you encounter any hostiles along your travels. I will teach you about Equestrian society, and how to blend in. After you are prepared, I will send you to Equestria, near a town called Ponyville, which is close enough from the capital so that you could easily visit there, without trying to infiltrate the capital itself. You will go to Ponyville, and using whatever you deem the most appropriate strategy, will pursue the end goal of ultimately establishing a peaceful bond between the changelings and the ponies, at least enough that changelings will realize that they can follow in your footsteps and make peace. When they learn that they don't have to fight the ponies, and can make peace with them, there will be many that will go down that path, and in time, the changelings could be a peaceful race, co-living with ponies. You will be the first in a chain of peace and prosperity. The question is, are you willing to forge the first link?

However, there is a catch. As you know, life is too hard for an all benefits deal. None may know of my existence. If anyone knew of the gateway besides those trustworthy enough to use it for good, it would be disastrous. This is where the catch comes in, although it serves as both a failsafe should you try to betray my trust, and a failsafe if your life is in mortal danger. I will have the ability to control your body for a short period of time, but only on three specific conditions. The first is that you are in such danger that you will need all of my power and experience to stop something or remain alive. The second is if you call on me to go in control for any reason should also I find that it is necessary. The last is if you try to tell anyone about me, on one condition. The monarch of Equestria has proven time and time again to be trustworthy, and can keep her emotions in check. It is time that she knows of my existence, and when you reveal yourself and show yourself trustworthy, she will likely visit. You must show her in private when I'm in control, as it will be obvious when I am.

After you accomplish your mission, you could either stay in Equestria, or you could go back home. It will be your choice to decide which path you want to choose. I know this is a lot to take in, so I will give you some time to make your decision. I am here if you have any questions about what is going to happen and what your choices are.

First off, I want to know if you can hear my thoughts. It only makes sense, since you seemed to know what my questions where.

Very astute, very astute indeed. Yes, I can hear your thoughts.

Ok, that saves some hassle. What would happen should I say no?

If you were to say no, all memory of me and this place, along with the Orb of the Reborn, will be erased from your mind, and you could go along your way to live out the rest of your life without knowledge of this place.

If I complete your mission, will I keep my memories of my experience in Equestria and you?

If you prove prove yourself trustworthy by carrying out your mission, you will be allowed to keep full knowledge of this place, me, and Equestria.

How long would you say the changelings have left to live? Also, how would I go through all of my training in time?

The changelings have about 1 month of food stored up for the entire hive. As for how you would go through training, it is because of this place's properties. Because this place is merely a gateway, and isn't a finite realm, coupled with the fact that I am its controller, I can control the flow of time in this world, so that 1 second on Equestria can be one year in here. The training would be able to be completed easily. By slowing the time down enough that you should have years to complete your training in here, and speeding it up when you are finished, I can set you out in Equestria at pretty much any time in the future. It has already been one day since the invasion, but you I'll need to wait a couple of days regardless so that suspicion and anger dies down.

I'm going to need a bit more time to think about this. If you can, will you stop listening to my thoughts. I'll yell when I've made by decision.

Of course. I will be waiting for your answer. I understand it is a big choice to make, and cannot be rushed.

So, I have a choice. Pros and cons obviously. The pros of saying yes: I not only get to live a once in a lifetime experience, but have the chance to save a nation. I will get to experience new things, and can even keep them if I decide what I make in Equestria is worth more than my life on Earth. The cons of saying yes: obviously the controlling. Do I trust the Overmind enough to cast a spell on me that allows him to control me. My decision will rest pretty much entirely on the controlling, so I have to find my stance on the matter. Do I trust him? He obviously could have killed me, and is even giving me a choice, so he obviously isn't entirely evil. If he wanted, he could have cast the spell while I was unconscious and then sent me to Equestria. When he controls me, it would only be for those reasons, which shouldn't happen often. I will still be the decision maker, unless it directly jeopardizes his cover. I think decided what path I will walk.

"I've made my decision, Overmind. I will accept your deal. I will be your messenger."

You have made the right choice Hunter. Their world needs a savior, and a savior you shall be. I will begin the transformation as soon as you are ready, and it will be similar to the spell you experienced when coming here. Just give me the word, and it shall begin.

"I'm as ready as I'll ever be. Begin the transformation."

It will be done soon, just remain calm.

As soon as he finished his sentence, a ring of flames cam into being around me around me, a green the color of changeling magic, never holding its tone for more than an instant. The circle started spinning around and around, faster and faster, until it was a vortex of swirling flames. Like before, four chains of flame came out of the vortex, slower than before, and wrapped around my limbs, however, instead of stopping there, it continued upward. It started to swirl around my arms and legs, creating a corkscrew around all of my limbs. The four chains then continued corkscrewing around my stomach. As they continued to wrap me up, the flames around my limbs started to spread, connecting it all up and completely covering my limbs. By the time it started spreading across my chest, the original chains of flame where already going around my head, creating more supports for the flames to spread from. By the time the flames stopped spreading, I was completely covered in a cocoon of dark green fire. Again, a feeling of tiredness swept over me, making it harder to keep my eyelids open. All I heard was one sentence before sleep claimed me, spoken in an ethereal whisper, barely even there. "You will be reborn."

Then all was black

Chapter 2-Setting Up

"Ughhhhhhhh," I groaned, the sound coming out with a small hiss. Wait? A hiss?

Quickly opening my eyes, I looked at my arm, and staring back was black chitin, with holes dotted around its side. So, the transformation at least went well. Need to get off my side though, not exactly comfortable. Ok, just got to stand up, how hard can it be?

Trying to move my muscles, I found that both my front and back limbs bent like legs. Interesting, but not completely surprising. Moving them some more, I managed to push them under my body. Pushing myself up on my four legs, I immediately lost my balance and fell face first to the ground. Ok, so it's a little harder than I anticipated. No big deal. If you don't succeed, try, try again.

And try again I did, many times in fact. I spent the next twenty minutes trying to find my balance, and usually falling face first to the floor a bit after. On the good side, I was getting better. By the twenty fifth minute, and fiftieth try, I managed to stand up without falling over. I still looked like I had one too many drinks, but at least I could stand.

Looking around, I saw that I was still in the same spot the transformation took place, but the Overmind must be busy, as he hasn't greeted me once this entire time.

I've been here the entire time, Hunter. I was just watching how you would go about standing up. To be honest, it was quite amusing, but nonetheless, for getting a new body, you did remarkably well, especially since changelings are quadrupeds, not bipeds.

Ok, so my attempts at standing besides, how are we going to get started. I assume you have something planned for me to do.

Indeed I do, and I think you might like it. You've always been a bit of a nature lover haven't you.

As he finished, the scenery around started to change, the white floor became a lush green grass, the borderless sky became a light blue expanse, dotted with white, fluffy clouds of all sizes. Across the middle of the ground, a clear, bubbling river popped into existence, moving not much more than a snails pace; perfect for wading through while still keeping the water fresh. A little ways away trees and other plant life sprang into view, effectively creating a clearing. On the other side of the river, there was a small patch of fruit trees, mainly apple, that should be ready to be picked soon. Next to me, all my supplies from my travels popped into being, and I think I could begin to see what the Overmind was doing. He was effectively creating a clearing for me to train in, with enough food that I should be able to survive if I'm resourceful and can find more. Out in the distance, in the direction of the river, a waterfall could be seen falling of the side of a steep mountain. Closer to me, a small hill could be seen just peeking over the treetops. Overall, the perfect place for me to train.

I hope you find your scenery pleasant. I know it speaks to you a bit more, and it will be more convenient to train in. I've used the trees to block off certain bits, and will retract them when it is time for you to move on in your training. The first thing I want you to do is merely set up your supplies. I'll give you a hint, your hooves act a bit like hands when you touch things to them. You can figure it out from there. I have matters to attend to, so I will leave you to it. I can't help you anymore than that. Best of luck.

Ok, get my supplies set up. Shouldn't be too hard. Then again, I thought the same thing for standing. Oh yeah, I need to walk around. Might be a problem; and hands. Don't have hands. Okay, this is going to be hard. What did the Overmind say again; something about my hooves acting like hands? Well, better get to it then. This might take awhile.

Stepping forward and going slowly, I managed to move my legs, only to immediately fall forward as soon as my balance point changed. After a couple more falls, I finally managed to start walking; well more like slowly and painstakingly shuffle there. Walking's hard, and I can probably be beat by a snail, but walking is walking, no matter how I do it. Getting to my supplies, I realize a couple major problems. One how am I going to pick this up, and two, how am I going to walk on three legs to carry stuff.

Ok, so hooves are like hands. Uhhhhhhhh, how exactly? Should I just try it? Worth a shot I guess. Although, I should probably learn to walk on three legs; wouldn't be fun to land on my supplies.

Trying to pick up my hoof and leaning back so my weight was more on my 3 hooves than the empty air, I managed to hold it up for a couple of seconds, before falling down. Trying again, I managed to do it for one more second. Slowly, and with a lot of falling, I managed to progress to the point that I could stand up with one hoof balanced. With a bit more practice, I was walking very slowly with only three hooves. With that task accomplished, I need to figure out what the Overmind meant. Do they just pick up stuff automatically? It seems silly, but what else could he mean?

Walking over to my supplies, I rummaged around until I found my sleeping bag. Using my hooves to push it out by the edges, I managed to get it out of the bag. Now, came the problem of unraveling the dam thing. Ok, just act like my hooves are hands, figure out what the Overmind meant. Putting my hoof to the bag, I think of how I want to pick it up. When I pulled my hoof up, it unsurprisingly, didn't work. Ok, so it doesn't act like that. Next try. Putting my hoof to the bag, I tried using the muscles my hands would have used as a human to pick it up, even though they weren't there. Surprisingly, I felt something in my hoof. When I lifted it up, the bag was just sticking to my hoof as if it was glued there, and when I stopped using my imaginary muscles, it fell back down. That went much easier than expected. I thought it would take an hour at least, but it barely took more than a minute. Well, if you count out all the practice I had to do to actually stand on three legs, but still.

Nevertheless, using my newfound "hands", I managed in the next couple of hours to set up my tent, my sleeping bag, and get my food and supplies into my shelter. I did it with a lot of dropping, but at the end of the day I had my shelter, and that's what counts.

Since I have my shelter, I'll need to get a fire up and running. Ok, rocks and wood, shouldn't be too hard to find. I already have extra firewood from my supplies, so all I need to find is rocks. Might be a problem, as I'm stuck to this clearing, but I should be able to find something capable of keeping the flames controlled.

Looking around the area, there wasn't any noticeable places where I could find rocks big enough to hold back the fire. The small hill was an obvious place to look, but after a couple minutes of searching, it seemed that none of the rocks rolled into the clearing. Searching the surrounding area, my search again proved fruitless, as there wasn't a single rock to be found. There seemed to be some rocks on the other side, but the sun was starting to go down, and even besides that, I still wasn't familiar enough with my body that something like a river, no matter how slow moving, would likely upset my balance and send me into the water.

Deciding that the fire would have to wait until another day where I was capable enough of getting some rocks, I made myself a meal of some things I had that would be safe to eat without cooking, and retired for the night. If I was going to get those rocks, I would need to have my energy.

Chapter 3- All I Got Is Rocks, And What A Wonderful Thing They Are

Yawwwwnnnnn

Waking up, I can see the sunlight streaming through the tent's opening and outside I can hear the birds chirping away merrily, creating a morning choir. Getting on my hooves carefully, as to not upset my previously found balance, I walked outside my tent. Judging from the sun's position, it was about 7:30, with plenty of time to get ready. Preparing another fire less meal, I decided that unless the Overmind had something planned for me, I would get those rocks. I had meals that could be prepared without a fire, and I wouldn't starve, but most of those were meant more as snacks, and not actual meals. Most of my actual meals were either better with fire or unsafe to eat raw.

After finishing my breakfast, I set about gathering some decently sized sticks to begin my plan. After gathering a couple of them, I stuck each in a rectangle. Although I would've preferred an oval, collecting enough sticks to accurately make one would be pointless. Planting my last stick in the ground, I jumped in the air when I heard a familiar voice.

I see you've been doing quite well, and if I didn't know any better, I would say you were making a track. Well, actually, I do know better, as I've been here the whole time, but nonetheless. I assume you are building it to train your body, perhaps to get across a conveniently placed river to get some rocks, something this side seems to be sorely lacking. I wonder how that happened

So you purposefully put the only reachable rocks on the other side of the river I couldn't cross yet, really? That just seems like a silly way to test me. The only possible thing you could see from that was if I'd take the initiative to try to get them myself, or if I'd wait.

That is precisely why I did it. I could have given you rocks, and just told you to train your body later, and you would likely do it, but it's was all about wether you'd take the initiative. It was a test to see if you would still rely on yourself even when I could easily do it for you with little effort on my part. Plus, it gives you some extra motivation to actually train, as you still need to get those rocks by yourself. A fire is a vital part of your supplies, and like I said before, you will receive no further help for this task from me. Now if you'll excuse me, I have things I have to attend to that can't be delayed any longer. Until next time.

Ok, so no help getting the rocks, was kind of expecting that, but still a pain. I guess it's time to train. Woohoo, go me. Anyway, training, right. Warming up, I started to walk around my makeshift track a couple times, going faster each time, until eventually I was going at a fast walk. Speeding up as I went around, in a couple of minutes, I was going at a slow jog. In 10 more minutes, I was going at a regular jog,and after a combination of walking and jogging around the track for an hour since I began, I was going at a slow run.

If I was still human, I would easily be able to outrun my new top speed, but I would definitely be able to cross the river soon.

It's kind of ironic really, I'm disguising as a shapeshifter disguising as a pony. It's actually kind of silly if you think about it that way. It gets even better if the Overmind is in control, because then you have a being disguising as a human disguised as a shapeshifter disguising as a pony.

Anyway, I should probably take a break, and see if I can get those rocks. It would be nice to get them before the sun came down, as I'd have to wait until tomorrow to cross the river.

Thirty minutes later, I was standing at the edge of the river.

The river was far from dangerous, in fact, it was one of the more tame rivers I've seen. It was going fast enough that if you lost your footing it would start to sweep you away, albeit slowly, but not fast enough that it posed a very high chance of sweeping you off your feet in the first place. The water went about to my knees, joints? Still not sure on changeling anatomy, but my knees if I was still human. It is about eight feet wide in all, and it seems to be perfectly straight the whole way down. The footing looks pretty safe, so I should be able to cross it if all goes well.

Taking my first step in, I realized that the river had a slight pull, but not enough to be too debilitating. It should be easy to cross if I move slowly.

Carefully putting the rest of my legs into the current, I started to move forward at a walk. After a minute of shuffling my way across the river, I made it to the other side. Looking around for the rocks, I see them over at the beginning of the apple trees. Moving over to them, I realize something that I should have thought of before I crossed the river; how was I going to get the rocks across?

I couldn't carry the rocks across; I could make it with four hooves, but carrying the rock in one foot would disrupt both my balance and footing, ensuring I would fall. I didn't have any other way of making it across either, unless I spent more time here. The only way to get across with the rocks would be to fashion some sort of backpack, but there wasn't anything that I cold really use. Unless... It just might work, if I do it correctly.

Walking back across to the river, I go through my supplies and pick up my rope. After tying it around my midsection I wade across the river back to the rocks. Looking around the trees, I find two almost identical branches, and carry them over to the river. Getting more shorter stick I break them so that they are all as long enough to go across my midsection horizontally, except for the two longer ones. Laying the two large sticks in the same direction, I start to lay the smaller sticks between them, tying it all together with rope, and making sure that the rope would end in the middle with plenty of extra. Tying it around my midsection, what I effectively created was a platform on my back that could hold the rocks no problem.

Going around tossing as many rocks as I could onto the platform without it being a problem, I set off across the river. After a couple more trips, I had enough rocks to make a fire, and just in time too, as the sun would be going down soon. Taking off my makeshift platform, I set it by the entrance to my tent and start to make my fire.

After digging a small ditch with my hooves, I position the rocks around it. Putting some small kindling in the fire, I set it off. After a couple of tries, one of the sparks catch and the flame is set ablaze. Putting some small twigs onto the fire, and moving to bigger and bigger pieces, by the time the sun was almost about to set, I had a roaring fire crackling merrily by my shelter.

When the stars came out and lit up the night sky, my fire was dying down, I had my first cooked meal since I got here, and for the first time since getting here, it seemed like just any other day adventuring through some remote forest.

Losing himself in the moment, the only sign the occupant of the tent was alive was the rise and fall of his chest and the faint sound of snoring.

Chapter 4-Training

Waking up, I'm met with a blinding ray of golden sunlight. Huh, Why am I not in the tent? Feeling a familiar ground under me, and seeing the dead ashes of a campfire in front of me, I realize I must have fell asleep by the fire. Odd, I usually haven't lost myself like that in a while. Looking up at the cloudless sky, the sun is just peeking over the horizon, bathing the land in a rich purple and Crimson, and conveniently positioned to shine right in my face.

Standing up to my hooves, I set up to prepare breakfast. While waiting for my food to cook, I realize something. If I'm a changeling now, why haven't I eaten any emotions? Surely I would have noticed something. Deciding to ask the Overmind about this later, I get back to preparing my food.

Half an hour later, I was cleaning up my campsite, when I heard a familiar voice.

Greetings Hunter. I see that you were successful in obtaining those rocks. To be honest, I was surprised you thought of a way to bring them across. It seems I have underestimated your creativity, and for that I am sorry. Other than that, I think it's time you start working on your flight and magic. You can hardly be a changeling if you can only use your hooves, now can you? Trust me on this though, it will be much different than learning to walk, as it will be a new experience. You won't be able to do much with flight before you spend some time getting used to your new muscles and exercising them, so while we strengthen your flight muscles, we will work on your connection with magic. Once that connection is established, I will teach you how to shape your magic into spells, and how to shape shift, as your ability to do so is directly tied to your magic reserve.

First however, you must learn how to use your feeding. Feeding will grant you the energy to make more magical energy to store in your reserve, which will allow you to use all your abilities that come with it. Without a source of emotion to feed on, you will not be able to use any of your abilities except your wings. Another thing is that since your digestive system cant get enough energy out of the food you can eat to maintain your body, some of that magical power will also be converted to energy your body can use.

Ok, one problem; there isn't a single person here besides me. Feeding directly implies I am taking away the energy of other creatures.

I am not sure if I should be offended by your comment. Unless you haven't noticed, I'm here, and while I don't have a real form, I still have thoughts, and therefore, emotion. I'm powerful enough that all you need will be it to survive, although you will need to feed off more people when you actually arrive in Equestria.

Now, the act of feeding is relatively simple. It is more of an instinctual thing than a conscious effort like magic, and after your first time, you will also be able to tell the emotions radiating off others, and be able to distinguish them eventually. This will be difficult for the first time, but it should be easy after you know how. Now, how to feed.

If you pay close enough attention, you should be able to feel parts of you where the energy is flowing through your mouth, horn, and eventually your stomach and digestive system where your magic storage and shapeshifting are located. Once you find that, I want you to practice moving the energy from your horn back into your magical storage and back again until you get the hang of it. Once you are able to do that, I will show you how to feed off of the emotions of others. It should be easy once you locate the flow of magic inside you. Try it now, and take your time. There is no rush here.

Ok, energy flow. What exactly would it feel like?

The feeling is indescribable. The best I could say is that it would feel a slight bit like hunger and energy at the same time, more hunger depending on the current energy level. Look inside yourself, and it will be clear.

I'll try, but don't get your hopes up.

Moving over to an empty part of the clearing, I sat down on all my hooves and tried finding the energy flow. Not sure what to expect, I sat until all that existed was me. The only sound was my faint breathing, the only touch the cool grass under my hooves, the only feeling the thumping of my heart and... hunger? Paying closer attention to that, I focused on it, trying to find where it was coming from, until all that there was was a slight nagging feeling of hunger and energy, of shifting currents, of a flow so silent and indistinguishable from the rest of my body I never realized it was there until now. Trying to track the movements of energy, I watched and yet didn't watch it go back and forth, from up to down, left to right, following a sloping diagonal curve from a major source, to a point where it spilt off into two smaller currents. Willing it to move out of my magical storage, I watched it move up and up, slowly, until I managed to move the tiniest sliver to the very top, barely a fraction of the massive pool of energy, before the pressure became to much to bear, and the connection crumbled like dust in the wind.

Blinking darkness and the lingering traces of unseeable things from my eyes, I did not wake up to the sunrise as I expected to, nor did I wake up to the sun shining brightly in the sky. I didn't even wake up to the sun dropping over the other horizon. Instead, I woke up to a beatiful night sky, where the stars shone brightly, and the moon gave off a pale light, bathing the land in liquid silver. Even odder, I felt a faint lingering sensation in my skull, a headache so faint it was barely noticeable. Did I really spend over 12 hours finding that connection?

Suddenly, I'm washed over by a feeling of tiredness both familiar and unfamiliar. All I could hear before my world went black was the faintest sound of a lullaby I didn't understand yet was comforting all the same.

Good night, Hunter.

Chapter 5-School For The Magically Adaptive

Uhhh, my head. What happened?

Looking around, I see I'm not too far from my campsite, or the river for that matter. Why am I lying in the middle of the clearing again? Suddenly, the memories of yesterday come rearing back at me.

I guess I fell asleep afterwards? I'm still not quite sure. I remember moving the tiniest fraction of power to my horn, but what happened after that. Did I pass out from the effort, or was just so tired I fell asleep instantly? I'll just ask the Overmind, its not too big of a deal and he probably knows what happened anyway.

Standing up and taking in my surroundings in greater detail, the sun had already peeked over the horizon not too long ago, about an hour or so ago. The river looked as pristine as always, allowing the morning light shimmer off of it easily, making it seem more beautiful than it would usually be. The trees surrounded me on all sides as always, stuck in a point of time until I moved on in my training, and the grass underneath was as lush and green as usual. All in all, it was a normal day in the clearing where I would spend my time training.

Looking over my supplies for breakfast, I realized I was running out of fruit, as I don't bring much on my journey's so they don't spoil. Does food even spoil here? Probably, although I'm not sure-my food hasn't seemed to get any worse in the last couple of days. Regardless, I'm going to need to go over the river and get some fruit from the orchard. It shouldn't be too hard, although every time I say that it ends up being harder than expected.

Picking out one of the last of my apples, I start to munch on it happily, leaving bite marks in the skin from my vampire like fangs. Wait, why do I need fangs these big? Changelings are obviously omnivores, otherwise I would have gotten sick by now. I should probably have thought about that too when I first became a changeling, but no bother. Anyway, the only reason I would need fangs these big is for hunting animals with them. Smaller fangs would be fine to eat meat with, but not long enough to hunt with them. I guess hunting will be a part of my training then- that might be considerably harder, but I'll deal with it when the need arises.

It only took me a couple more minutes of chewing and pondering idle thoughts to finish my apple. Chucking the apple core into the forest so it could degrade and provide some nutrients for it, I set out my daily routine of collecting firewood for tonight and anything else I would need. I also rummaged through my camp until I found my makeshift basket that would go on my back so that I could go across the river later. Eventually, there wasn't anything else to do, and with the Overmind apparently deciding not to show up or still resting, or as close as he can get to it, I decided to start working on my connection to magic. Now that I know how to find it, it shouldn't take me nearly as long.

Moving over to the spot I practiced yesterday, I set out to establish the connection again. Lying down, I went through the steps I took yesterday. First, all there was was blackness, the sounds of the clearing, and the feeling of the grass under me. Then all was blackness and the feeling of the ground, until that too faded away, leaving a blackness, then nothing, until all that existed was me in a world without anything. All that existed was the beat of my heart, the breath I exhaled from my lungs, and a flow of energy so indistinguishable it never would be noticed unless all that existed was you, or you knew what to look for. Locating my pool of magical energy, I willed it to move up the flow, to get carried away in the faint trickle, so it would become a bubbling stream. I willed my energy to flow as it was meant to be, and saw yet didn't see it move up and up, higher and higher until the end of the flow, where it would be pushed out. I felt and saw my magic start to build and build, until a small amount was located at the end of the flow... and I let it free of my control.

Opening my eyes quickly, and paying no heed to the ethereal visions that flashed across my eyes briefly, I saw a pulse of green light extend in a circle around me, flattening grass down as a wind would when it blows past. Luckily, it wasn't strong enough to do much more. If I put more power behind it, it might have blown down my entire campsite. If I used all of my power, it would likely blow down an entire circle of trees around me. Is that how much power I naturally have, or how much the Overmind has given me combined with mine? My guess is its the latter, there is no way Id have that much anyway.

Looking up at the sun, I see that only a few hours have passed, a far cry from my last attempt. Before long, I should be able to call it almost instantaneously, perhaps even more if I practice a lot.

Impressive work

"Gahhh," I yelled, jumping into the air, landing on my hooves in a somewhat undignified matter, as in not at all.

Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you. Are you ok?

I'm fine, I just need a second to calm down. Just... don't scare me like that in the future if you can.

I'll try. Anyway, I didn't just come here to scare you. I'm going to continue to teach you how to use your magic to feed, so that you can practice spells without fear your magic will run out, as that would be problematic. Now that your connection is established, you can use it to start your feeding process. Once its done, feeding will come naturally to you, and you will be able to tell the emotions of others by discerning the taste of their current emotion. All taste different and have differing levels of energy gained, but positive emotions such as friendship usually have the sweetest taste and most energy, with love being the most powerful of emotions power wise and taste. Not to mention you will still feel emotions, so positive emotions will feel better regardless of the taste and power.

The process itself is fairly simple. All it requires is to keep on moving your energy through your flow, but keep it in the flow instead of in your horn. Once you buildup enough magic in the energy currents in your body, the organ that allows shape shifting and feeding will detect the energy and open up, allowing you a way to gather energy from emotions. It will take time, but that is all. I will leave you to it unless you have any questions.

It sounds simple enough, so I think I'm fine.

Get to it then, and I will see you late tomorrow morning

Sitting back down as I had before, I repeated the process of connecting to my energy. First, vision went, followed by sound and feeling of the outside world, until I was in the familiar state of self existence where nothing but me was. Locating my energy storage, I began the process of willing it to flow up, but not too far, and felt it start to build. Soon, a steady flow of energy was going back and forth from my storage to halfway up. Then I felt what it was that made me a changeling. The feeling was as if something I never knew was missing was found, as if I suddenly became aware of something I didn't know existed- a part I knew instinctually was there, but wasn't able to see it fully. What I saw yet didn't see was indescribable, for it was always changing, always blurry and un-defined. What I saw was what made me a changeling, and the feeling that flew through me was as indescribable as the sight. Power. Energy. Hunger. Emotion. A feeling so indescribable that calling it anything seriously wouldn't do it justice. For the first time as a changeling, I felt alive, felt more than human, felt what magic naturally flowing was.

Those where my last senses before blackness, like a comforting old friend, shielded me in its embrace.

Chapter 6- Raining On My Parade

Ughhh, what happened. My head too- this seems to be occurring too much to be healthy for me. All I remember is some vivid sensations before everything gets kind of fuzzy. I knew I was unlocking my feeding, but after I did it and felt a rush of... something, I'm still not sure what, everything just kind of fades to black and grey. Did I pass out, or can I just not remember what happened afterwards?

Thank goodness you're awake, I was starting to get worried something went wrong.

Wrong, what do you mean wrong? This is just like any time I end up passing out from something magical based.

Wait, Hunter, do you know how long you've been out?

No, why? I'm thinking around 10 hours, a day maximum, surely not much more than that.

Hunter, you've been out for days, almost an entire week. Although you seemed stable enough, I wasn't sure if you would make it honestly. You seem fine physically, although there is one thing that's peculiar. Look in the river at your chest, you'll see what I mean.

Walking over to the river, ignoring the monstrous headache that threatened to rise again from the movement, what I saw in my reflection shocked me. On my chest, a small, barely noticeable scar was inscribed on my chest in burns, although it didn't hurt. The scar was vaguely shaped as a shield wrapped in fire, although the shape was undefined, as if in the middle of changing. While I didn't get the meaning of it, it was clear there as a definite meaning behind this. There is no way I got single scar and its designed in a certain way without there being a reason for it.

I would mull over that meaning if I were you. One's magic can often tell a lot about the person and his future or past, and I'm guessing this scar was caused by your full transformation into changeling.

However, it doesn't seem to be causing any harm, so we should move along in your training. Time is infinite in this realm, but the quicker we get your training done, the sooner you can be in Equestria and get to the exciting bit of this chapter in your life. While this training is important, and you would do well to remember it, it can get tedious at times, especially when you are learning new things. Now, shall we begin?

After that, nothing out of he ordinary happened. The scar never healed or changed, always stuck in the same time. My training seemed to zoom by in a blur.

First I learned how to shape my magic, learning utility, defensive, and offensive magic, ranging from levitation, teleportation, and illusions, both auditory and optical. I learned how to change shape using my natural abilities, and how to control how I looked, both in visual appearances and aura color around my horn as a unicorn.

Next, I learned how to speak in both my native tongue, changeling, and how to properly speak Equestrian, which turned out to just be English oddly enough, without getting that annoying chirping and hissing sound that is normally produced by my vocal cords when I speak. I learned how the Overmind was using something similar to the hivemind to talk to me, a connection that binds all changelings together, but could be used to talk to individuals, groups, or disable it completely. Next,, I learned how to hunt and forage for food, earning my first catch within the week of starting my hunting lessons.

After that came flying. First, I started to work on my wing muscles, before starting to glide, and then eventually flying both from an elevated point and taking off the ground. What it was like to take off for the first time was like nothing I had expected it to be. I felt free, like there wasn't a care in the world. As my training increased, so did the size of the clearing I called home. It eventually expanded easily twice the area it used to be, and the orchard became well taken care of as I depended on it more and more for food, along with my hunting to get meat.

Finally, I learned about Equestrian culture and went back over facts about Changeling society too. I learned about the princesses, about the elements of harmony, about facts about their land, the three races, history, magical theory, plants and animals native to the land, geography, and a wide range of other subjects. By the time I was done, although it was almost a full year, it seemed to only be weeks. Curiously, over that time, I seemed to age backwards instead of forward, although it might have just been my imagination playing tricks on me.

Seemingly soon enough, the fateful day where I would first set foot in Equestria arrived.

Now, when I first transport you into Equestria, I wont be able to come with you. If I came in, even slightly, with you too, the power released would be too big for it not to go completely unnoticed, even concealed by the Everfree's presence. I will send you in with all the power you have without my boost, which should be enough to cast a low tier illusion on yourself as you make it through the Everfree. Remember your training though, and that if its raining, the illusion would be as good as useless with you outlined in water droplets. If you had more power, you could conceal to get rid of them, but you'd pass out from the effort before you get to the forest's edge, and you might as well be dead then. Also, remember your training on the monsters that plague that land. Don't stare into a Cockatrice's eyes, burn up Timberwolves, for they would simply reincarnate, and whatever you do, DONT get stung by a manticore's tail. If you do, run as fast as you can to Ponyville without your disguise on. The poison will drain your energy even if you can get away or kill the manticore and without immediate aid you will die from it, and disguising yourself will only shorten your lifespan. If you can make it to Twilight Sparkle, she will be able to treat you and will do so without hesitation if you tell her a manticore stung you, and you should be fine. You would be revealed, but that's better than dead. Then again, the chances of this happening are quite slim. As long as it isn't raining you should have no trouble.

As long as you are ready, I will send you right away. Unfortunately, I cant send any supplies with you, otherwise I would just have you wait until I can come through in a couple of days and we would go together.

I'm ready when you are. Ill see you in a couple of days... friend.

Good luck... friend.

And with that final goodbye, the process started. First, green fire started to spin in a circle around me, increasing in speed and rising into the air and shrinking until I was in a cocoon of swirling, green flames. Then, as the flames started to spin so fast everything was starting to become a blur, I was overcome with a familiar tiredness. Before darkness, like an old friend I hadn't talked to in so long, came to claim me once more, I heard a strange, familiar lullaby- one that I couldn't quite place where I had heard it before, yet was comforting and relaxing all the same.

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When I awoke, it was to possibly the worst sound I could hear. The faint pitter patter of rain could be heard, and while it didn't sound torrential enough to stop my progress, it would make my illusion useless. Of all the days it had to rain, it had to be the day I came to Equestria. Just my luck for it to be so too. Anyway, I should head out. Moping around wont make the rain go away, and I'm too weak to cast an illusion high enough that it wouldn't matter.

Taking stock of my surroundings, I'm in a small cave, a couple feet in width and height. The walls are bare rock covered some spots in moss, with cobwebs at the corners. Realizing that there wasn't much here. I decide to head out. From what I've been told, Ponyville shouldn't be too far away. Walking out of the cave, I hear a whoosh fast approaching from my left side. Jumping quickly to the right, I feel an excruciating pain in my left leg. Jumping back and to the right, I see a creature that pretty much ruins my day, if it could get any worse. Standing right there, the creature that just hit me with its highly poisonous and deadly scorpion tail, is a manticore. Realizing I wouldn't be able to fight it, I cast a quick stun spell, enough to keep him out for a couple of minutes, and flew out of the canyon I seemed to be in. When I got to the top, I cast a quick spell to stop the bleeding and lessen the pain for a couple of hours, and quickly locating the direction ponyville was from earlier instructions, flew off towards it as fast as I can, paying no heed to the rain blanketing the canopy and ground under it.

On the way I heard the howls of Timberwolves and the roars of manticores and a whole wide range of other sounds from creatures I wouldn't want to encounter in this state. By the time my wings were so tired that I was having trouble staying aloft, I managed to land right outside the forest edge. I ran as fast as I could down the path I assumed led to the town, even though my left leg was completely numb. The going was much slower than flying, and I took a couple of falls and scratches in the process, making me look like I was just in a bad fight. Eventually however, I peeked over a hill and could see the town approaching in the distance. Identifying Twilight's tree home, I ran as fast as I could towards it, even as I could feel the numbness spreading towards my heart ever faithfully, although luckily slowly. Passing into the town, I could see the similar houses rush past me, although I couldn't spare the time to look at them in greater detail; I had a tree to reach. Finally, I managed to reach the golden oaks library, and taking no time to catch my breath, I knocked on the door.

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On the desk was a book opened up halfway titled "Changeling Autonomy," a recently published book detailing everything we knew about changelings so far, which in all fairness, was very little. Spike had gone to bed hours ago, and the moon was almost at its zenith. Suddenly, there was a knock at the front door. Odd, I thought to myself as I went to answer the door; who would be visiting the library at this hour?

Reaching the main room with books neatly arranged on all sides, I step around the oak table in the middle and open the solid oak door. Jumping back in surprise, I see a scratched and bruised changeling, more muscular and bigger than the average drone, with a tiny, almost unnoticeable scar on his chest and a very recently scarred over injury on his left leg.

"Manticore... stung me.... left front leg," It manages to croak out in ragged gasps before fainting.

Realizing what happened to it, I quickly hold the changeling in my magic, and rush downstairs where there is an extra bed it can lie in while I get out the poison. I just hope I'm not too late.