Change to the Familiarby RhinoChaptersChapter 1: To Create ChangeChapter 2: A Little Something ExtraChapter 3: Going outChapter 1: To Create ChangeSome say that rituals and repetition are the foundation of a healthy life. Others will say that it is change that makes life worth living. Yet still others say that a happy medium is key. No matter which end of the spectrum one finds oneself on, one will find remnants of either all around them. The side of stability and ritual find their like in the sky this morning, the powerful diarchs of Equestria doing their daily duties. After a long night of vigil over the realms of both life and dreams, the lunar princess lowers her beacon over the horizon. At the same time, the fiery light of her sister's orb rises from the opposite side, as both have done for untold days. However, as the dark alicorn finishes her duties, those who favor change and adaptability would perk up if they could see her actions. Luna turns and heads into her room, closing the doors to her balcony with a flick of magic. Her gaze instead turns to her guest. "Today is the last day for the best results. Have you made your decision?" "I have." The guest nods, her solid sapphire-colored eyes bobbing. Her build is very similar to that of the princess of the night herself, though with a dash of insectoid features thrown in. "You certainly have made a bold plan, but I must ask one last time: Do you truly think it will work?" "I do, Queen Carapace." The midnight blue alicorn sits on a large cushion opposite an identical one her guest rests on. She speaks as she kicks off her metal shoes. "We both agree that something more must be done. Current progressions are slow to non-existent in most places." The changeling sighs. "Yes, though no one can realistically expect peace and integration of a new species to go too smoothly. Doubly so for my own, given the actions of the former Queen." Fangs show briefly as a small scowl appears on her face before her expression softens once more. Swiping a strand of translucent blue mane behind her ear, she looks to the diarch with a small smile. "Also, didn't we agree to dispense with titles and formalities for the sake of speaking freely?" "That we did. My apologies." Luna answers with a smile of her own. "Try not to worry too much about mistakes in the past, let us simply learn and look to the future." "Yes... I suppose that is in essence your plan; to plant seeds now for a brighter tomorrow." The blue queen nods thoughtfully. "Does your sister ever do anything like this?" "I believe so, even if she will never admit to it directly." Taking off the rest of her regalia, the alicorn lies down on her cushion. "I admit I did not observe the candidate from birth, seeing as he was in school when I was returned. However, I pass all my ponies in dreams, and his were some of many I kept an eye on to gauge our subjects' reactions to the integration of yours." The changeling nods, looking thoughtful and staying silent for a few minutes. She finally speaks as something occurs to her. "I'm sorry, it appears I never actually told you my decision." "I have learned the value of patience." Luna smiles soothingly. "I also know this was not an easy decision on your part." "No... No it was not." Taking a deep breath, Carapace slowly speaks. “I agree to the plan… with conditions.” One royal eyebrow quirks upward. “Oh? Of course it is your right to request such, but I am curious what you have in mind.” “I wish to observe for myself,” the Queen states. “While your recommendations have been helpful, I want to use this last day to see it for myself, disguised. At sunset, I shall ask any questions, and we will commence tonight unless anything comes up. A nymph is already on the way with what you requested.” Luna tilts her head. “I understand, and I accept your conditions. However, don’t you think you are being a bit clinical about this?” The changeling grimaces at herself. “Looks like it’s my turn to apologize. These are the times I hate being Queen… when I have to balance emotions and logic when it would be easier to simply give in to one.” The Princess nods slowly. “Such is the burden of life and leadership, but the fact you know it makes me glad. You will continue to be a fine Queen for your subjects.” “I certainly hope so…” The insectoid form stands up, membranous wings slipping out from their casings and buzzing slowly. “I shall be going then. I have only today to observe this strange-named stallion to further calm my doubts.” Nodding, the alicorn opens her balcony doors once more. “I wish you luck and will see you when I awaken.” Face calm, Carapace nods as well, alighting to the sky and slipping out under the morning glow. *** *Beep beep beep beep beep beep be-click* One of the most annoying sounds in the world is silenced as the green aura around the alarm clock fades. A unicorn stallion of a slightly darker shade of the same color begrudgingly slides out of his bed. Eyes bleary, the pony weaves through the various bits of furniture, including a tall, full bookshelf and a wooden dresser whose low and sharp top corners gouged many an equine shoulder before they learned to give the useful, if slightly nefarious, furnishing its space. Letting out a generous yawn, the stallion works his way towards the kitchen. The house itself is very modest, one of many in Ponyville with similar designs. A single story home with a thatch roof, two bedrooms, one of which was converted to a study by the current resident, one good-sized bathroom, kitchen, and living room. As the pony goes about his morning routine, he doesn’t say a single word. Why would he? When one lives alone, talking can only be done to yourself most of the time. A short time later, with the smoothness of motion that only comes with repetition, he picks up a pair of saddlebags near the door, leaving a small dent in the carpet that will only be worsened when he comes home and puts them in the exact same place. “Good morning!” The stallion jumps slightly as he hears a greeting clearly meant for him at the end of his usual morning journey. Turning, he is met by a cheerful tan face topped with slicked brown mane. Cracking a smile, he raises a hoof to return the greeting. “Good morning, Mr. Davenport.” The owner of the well-known shop, Quills and Sofas, chuckles at the unicorn. “Six months you’ve been running this shop of yours and you still managed to get spooked by my morning greeting, Rhino?” The stallion in questions chuckles. Though his name is a bit unusual, his mother had earned the right to name him what she considered a cute yet masculine and unique name by purely being more stubborn than his father had been on the point; eleven months of leverage hadn’t hurt either. “Just one of those mornings I’m lost in my thoughts, I guess.” “Yep, and won’t be the last I’d imagine.” His usual morning kindness of making sure the younger male wasn’t a zoned-out zombie complete, the fellow store owner turns toward his own shop. “Have a good day, and be sure to let me know if that sofa I sold you gives you any trouble.” “Will do, sir!” With a smile on his face now, Rhino sweeps the blue stripe in his otherwise black mane off to the side of his face as he unlocks his own shop and enters. As he stows his stuff in the back and starts to bring out inventory, one could be forgiven for thinking that the stallion runs a jewelry store simply by the layout and display cases. However, as various gems and trinkets are brought out, placed precisely in their displays by a bit of magic, those with sharp eyes can see etchings in every single piece. Once everything is set out, he flips his sign to open and busies himself with basic shop maintenance. More active than he was at the start of this morning, the stallion has just enough time to double check his ledgers on the previous day’s sales before the small bell above the door rings. Looking up, Rhino smiles kindly at the potential customer. “Good morning! Welcome to the Runic Arcanum. How may I help you, ma’am? I have enchantments and magical accessories for almost any need.” The golden-maned grey pegasus smiles back at him, adjusting the mailbag on her back. “Hello! I heard from a friend that you made her a custom night-light gem. I was wondering if I could get one of those for my daughter.” Nodding, the stallion motions her over to a particular and popular display case. The rest of the day passes by rather typically for the unicorn. After work, he heads home and eats a solitary meal; no letters to read, no ponies to entertain. The only other notable thing he does is a bit more work and research into his current pet project: designing an enchantment with the reliability of an alarm clock, but that doesn’t make you want to angrily smash it as your first act of the day. After a bit of light reading to top off the night, the stallion can once again be found snoozing in his bed, unaware of those that had been observing and continue to do so. *** Luna aims downward towards the sleepy little village of Ponyville. Her natural color makes her almost invisible in her night sky and her magic makes her completely silent. She wings over the treetops, eventually coming to rest on a large branch of a fine specimen of oak. Smoothly, she takes a seat, speaking plainly to the air around her. “How went your observations?” “Both enlightening and yet not,” the air answers back as it ripples, soon revealing the navy form of the changeling queen as she is perched on another branch. “I have seen for myself what he is like, yet admittedly all it did was reinforce what you have already told me. Nothing new was learned, nothing really interesting happened. Just a normal stallion going about his life.” “Indeed.” The alicorn’s eyes gain a far-off look to them for a moment as she checks something. “A pony content with his lot in life for the moment to all who see him, yet dreams can tell more…” Peeking over to her friend, she see the tiny wrapped bundle that was delivered once night had fallen. “So… have you any questions or worries?” “Questions? Perhaps. Worries?” A small bitter laugh comes from Carapace. “I don’t know if any of us can ever truly say we don’t have them.” Looking down to the bundle she is holding, she sighs. “You know some ponies don’t react well to change.” “Very true… but change is inevitable,” Luna replies sagely. “Better to have it happen on our terms.” “Agreed…” The changeling looks back towards the house, her expression neutral. “You said he has actually dreamed of something like this before?” “To an extent. He dreams of the result, not the cause.” The princess shifts to get comfortable. “It is strange because his mind seems to deliberately leave the details fuzzy… as if he wants to leave his options open to better allow himself happiness.” For the first time tonight, Carapace smiles. “A good answer… and I think a good stallion. Very well. Let us start ponies on this journey with the smallest first steps.” The sleeping stallion continues snoozing, unaware of those about to change his life. In his unconscious state, he only knows his dreams as he sleeps on his side, a pillow hugged lightly against his chest. As his dreamscape is gently nudged by the Princess of the Night, he is unaware that his house is entered. When he smiles in his mind, he does not know of the small bundle being put on his pillow. A voice whispers in his ear. “She is yours now… take good care of her.” As visions of tiny forms snuggle against him in dreams, he is not awake to notice himself doing the same to his pillow… nor the bundle doing it back to him, dreaming its own tiny dreams. Chapter 2: A Little Something ExtraThe next morning starts off quietly, both forms in the house snoozing away peacefully thanks to the stallion’s decision to give himself Sundays off. Still, even without his alarm clock on, Rhino finds himself being woken up by outside forces. His unconscious mind slowly becomes aware of two things that are disturbing it. The first thing he notices is tiny light tapping randomly happening on his muzzle. This, along with small puffs of air tickling his nose, slowly rouses the stallion into awakening. Unlike most mornings, remnants of his previous nights dream still flicker around in his head. While the details are as hazy as usual, Rhino can recall feelings that he felt during his time in the realm of sleep; ones of contentment, warmth, and protectiveness. As his eyes open and he looks to see what had disturbed him, the stallion groggily blinks, wondering if he has even woken up at all. Even as his vision sharpens, the form before him remains clear. Before him, swaddled in a navy blanket, is a changeling. However, there are a few differences between this one, and those the general public has come to know as the image of said race. For one, this changeling seems to actually possess a mane. Though slightly transparent, it still provides a blue curtain for its head. Secondly, and most eye-catchingly as its hooves flail again while its face expresses discomfort, is the size. This changeling appears incredibly small, even when taking into account only its upper body pokes out of its blanket. Its whole body seems smaller than the bottom of just one of the stallion’s hooves. Rhino has just enough time to give himself a slight pinch to ensure he isn’t dreaming before his eyes widen as the changeling moves once more. With a tiny yawn showing a mouth of only gums, the miniature changeling opens its pure sapphire-colored eyes, staring at the pony laying next to it with only curiosity. As his mind finally starts to recover from the shock of the situation, enough things come together in the stallion’s mind for a startling revelation. This is a changeling foal. More than that, this appears to be a changeling newborn. Between this realization, the innocent look it is giving him, and wisps of leftover feelings from his dream, a part of Rhino's mind can't help but see the little one as cute. A small smile comes to his face as his expression softens. Almost as if it can sense his change in feelings, which it probably can, the newborn lets out a happy-sounding chirp-like noise as it reaches a hoof out towards him. "Heh," with a small pleased laugh, the stallion moves his own, quite larger, hoof closer to the changeling, touching against its hoof with the lightness of a feather. Eyes locked onto the mass of green next to it, the newborn brings its other hoof up and grabs onto the offered limb. With a small coo, it closes its eyes and starts to nuzzle the pony limb. A warmth passes over the stallion as he smiles wider, simply enjoying the moment. As his mind relaxes, a voice he has never heard before echoes around his head, the slightest buzz to it. "She is yours now… take good care of her" Rhino blinks, confused and curious once more as his thoughts turn to the question he had yet to ask himself and the newborn. "Where did you come from?" As if in response to his words, he feels a damp spot surrounded by a tickling sensation on his leg. A glimpse down reveals the obvious culprit; the tiny changeling has made its way partially out of its blanket cocoon and climbed partially onto him, gumming his leg as it nibbles. The increasing warmth in his chest reflected in his smile and gaze, the stallion gently levitates the newborn out of the blanket with magic, setting it against his chest as one of his forelegs curls around it. "She is yours now..." The voice once again echoes deep in his mind while the changeling squirms. As he brings his other hoof over, gently nudging it to try and help the newborn be comfortable, Rhino makes a quick check to be certain of something. "Well, you're definitely a girl..." The now-identified newborn doesn't respond directly to this. Instead, she makes a few more happy chirps as she settles herself against him. Her back is to his chest as she tries to be as close as possible to him, half of her body actually snuggled down into his thick coat while she secures herself in between his foreleg and chest. As if this wasn't enough, she follows it by looking up into his eyes with her own, cooing happily. "... take good care of her." Rhino blinks as he looks down at the newborn, the words sinking in. "Take care of you..." He curls his neck, setting his head down on the bed next to the changeling. As he looks at her, she looks back, one tiny holed hoof stuck in her mouth as she sucks on it. "Could I really do that? You literally appeared overnight... almost like you popped out of a dream." Only hoof-sucking answers him as the newborn leans against his muzzle, his breath sending her straight blue mane fluttering with every exhale. "You were deliberately put here, that much is certain... But by who? And why?" Rhino continues asking his questions aloud, knowing she probably doesn't understand him, but for some reason he doesn't really care. "Very strange… I don’t suppose you have anything to help clear things up?” She simply nuzzles against him more, continuing to suck her hoof. Suddenly, she starts to squirm, making small distressed noises. Rhino's ears stand straight up as he raises his head, looking down at her. "What is it? Something wrong?" She looks up at him and whines, her noises getting louder as her eyes pierce his. One of her hooves goes to her stomach as she continues to squirm. His heart starting to race as he worries, the stallion's mind goes a mile a minute. "Okay okay, babies cry for three main reasons..." Levitating her and standing up, he finally gets out of bed. Levitating her back into the crook of a foreleg against his chest, he tries to calm her as she tries to squeeze herself tightly against him, still whining. "You're not tired because you just woke up... You don't have a diaper, so you didn't soil yourself... Of course, babies are hungry when they wake up!" The stallion quickly weaves through his house towards the kitchen, the newborn squirming against his soft fur the whole time. As he enters the room, his eyes widen as two problems immediately occur to him. He doesn't have milk for babies, just regular cow milk, and he also doesn't have bottles. As she continues to wriggle and whine louder, Rhino leans down as he tries to stay calm, despite his worry. "Shh... It's okay little one, I'll figure something out and get something in your stomach." Looking around, he desperately tries to think of something he can whip up on the fly. Pantries open and close quicker and quicker as the tiny form huddled against him gets closer and closer to crying fully. Finally, inspiration strikes as he pulls out a small sealing plastic bag. "This will have to do..." With the bag levitating next to him, he walks over to the fridge and pulls out the single gallon of milk in it. "Going to have to get more milk soon..." Pouring the milk into the bag, he seals it and sets it on the counter. As his horn glows brighter, a strange circle of symbols appears under the bag while the milk floats back into the fridge. He lets the bag sit on them for a moment before dispersing them, setting his hoof on the impromptu feeding idea. "Not cold anymore... Good. Okay, little one, ready for a small meal?" At the sound of his more upbeat tone, she looks up at him. Sitting down and and shifting her to a more comfortable position, he lifts the bag, flipping it over and nipping one of the corners with his teeth before pinching it with magic. "Now I know it's not normal, but it does give you something so I hope you'll bear with me this one time." He tilts the pinched corner towards her mouth, nudging it against her lips. Grumpy, the newborn growls at the bag, swatting it with a hoof as she continues to whine. Inwardly wincing at her unhappy sounds, the stallion persists, still tapping the corner against her lips. "Please... this will help, I promise." She continues fighting off the method of feeding until it taps her lips one too many times. With another growl, she opens her mouth and bites down on the offending bag. Quickly, Rhino eases his hold on the corner, allowing a tiny stream of milk to run out into the changeling's mouth. Instinct taking a front seat, the little one drinks the fluid. A happy hum comes from her as she relaxes, hooves coming up and gripping the sides of the bag as she starts to nurse on it. The green unicorn sighs in relief, the small bout of panic he had fading away. As the tiny changeling continues feeding, Rhino finds himself time to think. “I am definitely not prepared to take care of you… Am I really even considering it?” As he looks back down at her, she treats him to some of the most effective doe eyes he’s ever seen, not even offset by the small dribbles of milk dripping out the sides of her mouth. Despite his usual reflex of discomfort as it starts to run into his fur, the unicorn merely floats over a small washcloth from the sink, dabbing a bit of the milk off her. Before he even knows what he is doing, he leans down to nuzzle her once she is clean. She lets out a small squeal as she nuzzles him back, going right back to her nursing afterwards. His eyes are soft as he answers his own question. “Of course I am. You’re my little filly… and nopony will tell me otherwise.” At the mention of other ponies, his mind turns to that subject. He has no idea how ponies will react to his new little one. It’s true that changelings were now a part of Equestrian society and had all the same rights as ponies, but even after the new queen… the stallion struggles to remember her name but fails to recall anything other than she was blue, he always was bad at remembering names... After the new queen had replaced the dethroned Chrysalis, ponies still had trouble trusting the shapeshifters, not to say the reverse wasn’t true in some areas as well. “Still, it’s not like this hasn’t happened before… I mean imagine how much trouble it was to integrate griffons.” The sight of the newborn looking up at him with a tilted head interrupts the stallion’s train of thought. “Heh, I think you’ve already started giving me the bad habit of talking to myself…” Her response is to blow a raspberry and tap his nose with a hoof. Chuckling, he sets the bag in the sink, seeing as she is done. “Okay, okay, but I do need to think about this kind of stuff. I mean, I don’t even know anything about you beyond the basic changeling information that was released when they went public. Guess that’s something else I’ll have to try and learn, huh?” Flipping over, she snuggles into his fur once more, her sapphire eyes looking up at him adoringly. A now familiar wet sensation greets his foreleg as she starts trying to nibble on it, her tail wagging behind her as she does so. “Well, I’m glad you’re so positive about this.” He smiles, holding her close. “Just one step at a time, right? What would be first, though… supplies, information… What do you think-” A certain fact smacks him upside the head. “I… I don’t even know what to call you. There wasn’t a name tag or anything on your blanket… you don’t have a band with a name on… Does that mean I have to name you?” She only chirps, still gumming his foreleg. “I’ll take that as a yes.” As the two simply sit there on the kitchen floor, Rhino debates what to even begin calling her. Admittedly he knows very little aside from her appearance, her actions, and how she seemed to appear overnight. “Almost like a…” He blinks as he looks over her once more, a few words fluttering around in his head until a certain combination comes up. He tries others, but that particular one always comes back. Finally, he smiles as he raises her up in front of his face. “I think I’ll name you… Dream Jewel.” Chapter 3: Going outBack in the bedroom, the newly-named filly kicks her hooves in the air as she looks up at the stallion that has taken her in. He cradles her against his chest as he paces back and forth, trying to formulate a plan of action. Her ears perk up and swivel towards him whenever he speaks, occasionally followed by one of her coos, chirps, or other noises. "The main things are supplies and information." He nods to himself as he turns during his pacing. "I believe I've seen a foal store in town, so we'll stop there... What about information? I somehow doubt there's a book on raising baby changelings out." Rhino pauses, leaning down and giving Dream a nuzzle, the newborn giving a happy squeal as she squirms and reciprocates. "All I really know is that changelings feed on love and need it to survive, and that you have exoskeletons instead of ones like ponies." Another pause as he tries to envision the mass of muscles, organs, and bodily goo that would be under a changeling's chitin. His face grimaces. "Blegh, let's not think about that again." A look down reveals Dream wearing much the same expression of discomfort, changing as his does to confusion and then amusement. He chuckles, "Quite the little mimic, aren't you?" Her tail simply swishes happily. "Alright, I can see you trying to distract me with cute antics. Just let me focus a little longer." His thoughts go back to the current issues. "Okay, information... I think when changelings were first integrated they had pamphlets with a few basic tidbits of information..." his eyes widen, "which they said were facts from a book they were releasing a month later! Yes, that'll be perfect! We'll just head down to the library and-" His happiness is cut off by its usual foe, his logic. "Oh dear... Princess Twilight runs Golden Oaks in town." Remembering the tales of the purple mare's run-ins with changelings at the royal wedding a few years ago, the stallion quickly shakes his head as a small bit of dread creeps into his psyche. "No, no no no, not an option... There's no telling how she'd react to you and me. I mean I don't expect her to do anything too rash but... there's always the possibility. A Princess with a grudge is definitely not something I ever want to deal with..." As more thoughts occur, he hugs Dream tighter to himself, the newborn whining quietly as she frowns and huddles against him. "She could take you away... I don't have a birth certificate or anything for you..." Looking at the tiny form he holds, the shimmering sapphire eyes that look back cause protective emotions to surface. "No... I wouldn't let that happen." His tone has that sense of finality to it as he nods once. "The library isn't an option, so... the small bookstore, yes, that will do." Even with this decided, fear still points out a few things. "But how would ponies in general react to you?" Steady pacing serves to keep the mental ball rolling. "Tolerance varies from pony to pony, but one fanatic may easily cause problems. Perhaps that is a worse case scenario, but still..." Flashes of possibilities assault Rhino's mind as he groans, massaging his temple with a bit of magic even as he tries to keep his mind on the things he needs for Dream. "I... what would I even say if questions were asked? How could I defend you being mine?" His pacing slows down until he comes to a complete stop, the carpet fibers clearly showing the repetitive path taken. "Maybe... Maybe it would be best if they didn't know I had you... for now." He nods, mostly to himself, but as she paws at him with tiny holed hooves, he does it for her as well. He leans down and nuzzles her once more as he thinks aloud. "I think secrecy could be excused for now... I like to think I have enough to worry about when just focusing on you." He smiles at the newborn, who simply tilts her head and chirps questioningly. He plants a small kiss on her head, the tiny changeling growing happy once more as he does so. She reaches up, making an insistent cooing as she grabs onto his muzzle and holds him tightly. Chuckling, and making her wriggle from his breath as he does so, he comments. "I guess there's no way you're staying behind. Not that I'd want you to anyway." Blowing a small raspberry on her stomach and freeing himself during the responding giggles, he continues. "Now... the question is how to carry you and keep you out of sight..." He looks around his room as he goes through his mental inventory of the household. "Come on, I’m a smart pony and I run an enchantment shop, surely I can think of something..." *** Stepping out his door, Rhino gives a last pulse of magic to his newest and likely crudest creation. Hanging around his neck and across his chest, two pillowcases tied at the end serve as a makeshift sling for the tiny form within them. Dream wriggles around in her temporary carrier, adjusting herself until she is on her back and against the wall her father's chest is beyond. Of course, nopony besides the stallion himself can see this. It took a bit of work, cloth being a relatively terrible magic conductor, unlike commonly used metals and gems, but the enchanter eventually granted the carrier basic light bending properties. While he does have to provide the power himself at regular intervals, the green male is satisfied that any attempts to look at the carrier will be thoroughly unsuccessful. Granted, this only applies to the pillowcases so the newborn can be seen if they get the right angle, as well as the illusion only being visual, meaning ponies could still feel the sling, but in desperation one must make some sacrifices. "Okay, just act casual..." he reminds himself as he sets off. Rhino gets about a block before his mind starts wandering to the bundle below him, having to force himself to keep going and not look down at her. Questions bounce around his head, each trying to garner all his attention as his focus goes more internal. What does he need to get at the store? How does he know if he got everything? What will he do if he forgets something and she really needs it? What if somepony sees her? How long should he keep her hidden? What happens when she starts school? What happens before then? Will he need to teach her how to use magic and fly? Do changelings even do those things the same as ponies? Who does he take her to if she gets hurt? How will ponies react when they see her? Should she have a mother figure? Is he a good father figure? Who could he ever trust to babysit? Will he need a bigger house? Does the shop earn enough to support her? What does a new dad do in the first few days of having a foal? Is there something he doesn’t know about? What all does one do with a new foal? A new foal, he has a foal. A newborn who only has him and depends on him. What if he messes up? A sharp upset cry shocks him out of his mental stupor. Looking down, Rhino sees Dream reared up, her hooves on his chest and an upset expression on her face. Instinctively, the stallion focuses on her, leaning down and making shushing noises as he nuzzles her. As the fog in his mind clears, he finds himself relaxing and in turn, she does the same, soon cooing happily again as he silently laughs. As she calms and settles, Rhino looks up, thankful to whatever he should be thankful towards that nopony else seems to be around in the immediate area of the small alley he’s ended up in as he walked. As a bonus, a glance forward even reveals the store they had been seeking, a picture of a pacifier on its hanging sign. “Well, I guess we made it," he comments aloud, walking towards the door. A few worries start to surface once more, but most of them focus on being seen heading towards this particular store. However, this time they are now combated by other things, pointing out that if he worries too much, he’ll only look more suspicious. Standing tall, the stallion takes a deep breath, casting one last look at Dream. The newborn rests on her back in the improvised camouflage sling, sucking on a hoof and looking up at him. He smiles down at her, relaxing just a little bit before forcing an air of casualness as he slips inside the shop. When the door opens, the powder blue unicorn at the counter perks up, her attention grabbed away from a book she had been reading. Noticing the customer, she smiles and nods in greeting. "Hello there, sir! How may I help you today?" Looking around the store at all the shelves on the wall and rows of supplies, it takes Rhino a moment to find his voice. "Hello, ma'am, I was wondering if you had... formula and a few other things." She nods. "We have formula, certainly. What 'other things' are you looking for?" "Umm, well..." he switches between looking at her and around at everything, "I guess diapers, blankets, a carrier..." He trails off as he realizes just how much he could potentially get. Noticing his apparent confusion, she blinks before adopting a comforting, albeit slightly awkward, smile. "...I take it you're a new father?" As much as he had been trying to avoid the general populace knowing that fact, it takes a bit of hoof scuffing on the floor for him to nod with eyes averted. "Yes, I'm trying to think of everything I would need, but there's so much... I don't want to miss anything." "Well, no need to be so shy about it," she comments with a small giggle, coming out from behind the counter. "First things first... what do you know of, right now, that you should get? Anything you and your wife discussed?" Ignoring the small mental twinge from the word 'wife', Rhino smiles sheepishly. "I'm afraid I'm mostly going off instinct at the moment ma'am. I just know formula and blankets are what there has been a need for so far and I was hoping to get ahead of the game before we really need something." "I understand. Well, aside from those... you'd need diapers and wipes, some bottles for the formula, toys to keep them entertained and pacifiers to keep them quiet... you mentioned carriers already, and you could also get a crib or bassinet for when the little one gets older." She tilts her head. "Are they a boy or a girl, if I may ask?" He tries to remember everything as he responds, a reflexively content smile coming to his face. "She's a girl, ma'am... my little filly." "Aww..." the store owner coos. "Have you two decided on a name yet?" Deciding a little more information can't hurt, he continues. "I named her Dream Jewel." Under the guise of averting his eyes to the floor, he sneaks a peek at said little one, whose tail wags at him as he feels his heart warm. The mare smiles. "An adorable name for a likely adorable filly." Realizing something, she giggles sheepishly. "Speaking of names... I'm Lullaby. Sorry for not introducing myself earlier." He chuckles, holding out his hoof. "It seems I made the same mistake. I'm Rhino." Lullaby takes his hoof and shakes it. "A pleasure to meet you, Mr. Rhino." "And you, Miss Lullaby." He smiles at her genuinely. "It's Mrs.," she corrects him with a hint of amusement. "Mrs., then." He nods as he shuffles his hooves a bit, feeling the tiny form on his chest shifting and pressing against him. "So, shall we get to business?" she asks. "I imagine we both know you're going to need a fair amount of supplies, even if you won't need to pick up everything today." Looking at his empty saddlebags, he shrugs. "I'm willing to get as much as I can. I want to be prepared for everything she needs." "Well, I'll do what I can to help." She trots back over to the counter. "Now... should we go over the list again?" In short order, the stallion is shown every single item in the store and seriously considered most of them. It might have been slightly selfish to turn down the crib, but he just can't see himself letting her go even at night. In the end as he waves goodbye to the friendly mare, his bags are stuffed full of formula, blankets of many varieties, wipes, diapers, pacifiers, bottles, toys, and finally carriers both of sling and harness variety. Inwardly he hopes he won’t have to spend as much at the bookstore. *** The two arrive back home with no further incident. Luckily for the new dad, after his little one was given one of her new pacifiers, the events of the morning caught up to her and she snoozed away the rest of the trip. The bookstore itself was a relatively simple matter, Rhino grabbing a baby book popular for first time parents along with the single published work on changelings. To his immense relief, the pony working the counter didn't even bat an eye at the combination. Closing the door behind him, he sighs as he relaxes. Checking once more that his little one is asleep, he smiles as he starts unpacking everything from his bags. Laying a blanket over some of the floor, Rhino arranges a few things around it as an area for her to be when they are in the living room. Having unpacked everything, he sets the baby book to the side, floating the other book and formula powder in his levitation. Finally, he gently brings Dream out of her improvised carrier, tossing the thing to one side as he sets her on the blanket. Leaning down, he kisses her forehead. "I'll be right back, just gonna go put this away." Silently, he goes into the kitchen and starts to put things away, cracking open the book to read as he does so. "Waaaaaaaaaaaaaah!" Not even two pages into the book, a piercing cry rips through the air, the stallion flinching mightily as the formula clatters to the counter. Panic lends him speed as he darts through the doorway. Dream sits in the middle of her blanket, head cranes upward as her little lungs wail for all their worth. A few tears squeeze out of their corners of her closed eyes. Rhino quickly scoops her up, cradling her against his chest as he nuzzles her. "It's okay. I'm right here. Please don't cry..." With her eyes still shut, the little one snuffles, burying her head in his fur while the familiar wetness of her gumming him returns. On baited breath, he waits as she holds completely still, clinging to him tightly. After a solid minute of quiet breathing, she lets out a content coo, looking up at him with barely a sign that she had been crying. Rhino sighs in relief. "What was that about? You had me really worried, Dream." He leans down, nuzzling her once more. To answer him, she finally stops squeezing quite so much so she can nuzzle him back, giving a few gum-lined nips to his muzzle. He sighs again, though this one is in exasperation. "I'm not even close to figuring you out, am I?" She only stares at his moving mouth, babbling back at him as her tail swishes happily. He looks to the book on the table, remembering the other he had left in the kitchen. "I don't suppose you're going back to sleep yet so I can read up on you, are you?" She chirps, flipping over onto her back and letting out happy squeals as she flails her legs. "Of course you aren't..."
Chapter 1: To Create ChangeSome say that rituals and repetition are the foundation of a healthy life. Others will say that it is change that makes life worth living. Yet still others say that a happy medium is key. No matter which end of the spectrum one finds oneself on, one will find remnants of either all around them. The side of stability and ritual find their like in the sky this morning, the powerful diarchs of Equestria doing their daily duties. After a long night of vigil over the realms of both life and dreams, the lunar princess lowers her beacon over the horizon. At the same time, the fiery light of her sister's orb rises from the opposite side, as both have done for untold days. However, as the dark alicorn finishes her duties, those who favor change and adaptability would perk up if they could see her actions. Luna turns and heads into her room, closing the doors to her balcony with a flick of magic. Her gaze instead turns to her guest. "Today is the last day for the best results. Have you made your decision?" "I have." The guest nods, her solid sapphire-colored eyes bobbing. Her build is very similar to that of the princess of the night herself, though with a dash of insectoid features thrown in. "You certainly have made a bold plan, but I must ask one last time: Do you truly think it will work?" "I do, Queen Carapace." The midnight blue alicorn sits on a large cushion opposite an identical one her guest rests on. She speaks as she kicks off her metal shoes. "We both agree that something more must be done. Current progressions are slow to non-existent in most places." The changeling sighs. "Yes, though no one can realistically expect peace and integration of a new species to go too smoothly. Doubly so for my own, given the actions of the former Queen." Fangs show briefly as a small scowl appears on her face before her expression softens once more. Swiping a strand of translucent blue mane behind her ear, she looks to the diarch with a small smile. "Also, didn't we agree to dispense with titles and formalities for the sake of speaking freely?" "That we did. My apologies." Luna answers with a smile of her own. "Try not to worry too much about mistakes in the past, let us simply learn and look to the future." "Yes... I suppose that is in essence your plan; to plant seeds now for a brighter tomorrow." The blue queen nods thoughtfully. "Does your sister ever do anything like this?" "I believe so, even if she will never admit to it directly." Taking off the rest of her regalia, the alicorn lies down on her cushion. "I admit I did not observe the candidate from birth, seeing as he was in school when I was returned. However, I pass all my ponies in dreams, and his were some of many I kept an eye on to gauge our subjects' reactions to the integration of yours." The changeling nods, looking thoughtful and staying silent for a few minutes. She finally speaks as something occurs to her. "I'm sorry, it appears I never actually told you my decision." "I have learned the value of patience." Luna smiles soothingly. "I also know this was not an easy decision on your part." "No... No it was not." Taking a deep breath, Carapace slowly speaks. “I agree to the plan… with conditions.” One royal eyebrow quirks upward. “Oh? Of course it is your right to request such, but I am curious what you have in mind.” “I wish to observe for myself,” the Queen states. “While your recommendations have been helpful, I want to use this last day to see it for myself, disguised. At sunset, I shall ask any questions, and we will commence tonight unless anything comes up. A nymph is already on the way with what you requested.” Luna tilts her head. “I understand, and I accept your conditions. However, don’t you think you are being a bit clinical about this?” The changeling grimaces at herself. “Looks like it’s my turn to apologize. These are the times I hate being Queen… when I have to balance emotions and logic when it would be easier to simply give in to one.” The Princess nods slowly. “Such is the burden of life and leadership, but the fact you know it makes me glad. You will continue to be a fine Queen for your subjects.” “I certainly hope so…” The insectoid form stands up, membranous wings slipping out from their casings and buzzing slowly. “I shall be going then. I have only today to observe this strange-named stallion to further calm my doubts.” Nodding, the alicorn opens her balcony doors once more. “I wish you luck and will see you when I awaken.” Face calm, Carapace nods as well, alighting to the sky and slipping out under the morning glow. *** *Beep beep beep beep beep beep be-click* One of the most annoying sounds in the world is silenced as the green aura around the alarm clock fades. A unicorn stallion of a slightly darker shade of the same color begrudgingly slides out of his bed. Eyes bleary, the pony weaves through the various bits of furniture, including a tall, full bookshelf and a wooden dresser whose low and sharp top corners gouged many an equine shoulder before they learned to give the useful, if slightly nefarious, furnishing its space. Letting out a generous yawn, the stallion works his way towards the kitchen. The house itself is very modest, one of many in Ponyville with similar designs. A single story home with a thatch roof, two bedrooms, one of which was converted to a study by the current resident, one good-sized bathroom, kitchen, and living room. As the pony goes about his morning routine, he doesn’t say a single word. Why would he? When one lives alone, talking can only be done to yourself most of the time. A short time later, with the smoothness of motion that only comes with repetition, he picks up a pair of saddlebags near the door, leaving a small dent in the carpet that will only be worsened when he comes home and puts them in the exact same place. “Good morning!” The stallion jumps slightly as he hears a greeting clearly meant for him at the end of his usual morning journey. Turning, he is met by a cheerful tan face topped with slicked brown mane. Cracking a smile, he raises a hoof to return the greeting. “Good morning, Mr. Davenport.” The owner of the well-known shop, Quills and Sofas, chuckles at the unicorn. “Six months you’ve been running this shop of yours and you still managed to get spooked by my morning greeting, Rhino?” The stallion in questions chuckles. Though his name is a bit unusual, his mother had earned the right to name him what she considered a cute yet masculine and unique name by purely being more stubborn than his father had been on the point; eleven months of leverage hadn’t hurt either. “Just one of those mornings I’m lost in my thoughts, I guess.” “Yep, and won’t be the last I’d imagine.” His usual morning kindness of making sure the younger male wasn’t a zoned-out zombie complete, the fellow store owner turns toward his own shop. “Have a good day, and be sure to let me know if that sofa I sold you gives you any trouble.” “Will do, sir!” With a smile on his face now, Rhino sweeps the blue stripe in his otherwise black mane off to the side of his face as he unlocks his own shop and enters. As he stows his stuff in the back and starts to bring out inventory, one could be forgiven for thinking that the stallion runs a jewelry store simply by the layout and display cases. However, as various gems and trinkets are brought out, placed precisely in their displays by a bit of magic, those with sharp eyes can see etchings in every single piece. Once everything is set out, he flips his sign to open and busies himself with basic shop maintenance. More active than he was at the start of this morning, the stallion has just enough time to double check his ledgers on the previous day’s sales before the small bell above the door rings. Looking up, Rhino smiles kindly at the potential customer. “Good morning! Welcome to the Runic Arcanum. How may I help you, ma’am? I have enchantments and magical accessories for almost any need.” The golden-maned grey pegasus smiles back at him, adjusting the mailbag on her back. “Hello! I heard from a friend that you made her a custom night-light gem. I was wondering if I could get one of those for my daughter.” Nodding, the stallion motions her over to a particular and popular display case. The rest of the day passes by rather typically for the unicorn. After work, he heads home and eats a solitary meal; no letters to read, no ponies to entertain. The only other notable thing he does is a bit more work and research into his current pet project: designing an enchantment with the reliability of an alarm clock, but that doesn’t make you want to angrily smash it as your first act of the day. After a bit of light reading to top off the night, the stallion can once again be found snoozing in his bed, unaware of those that had been observing and continue to do so. *** Luna aims downward towards the sleepy little village of Ponyville. Her natural color makes her almost invisible in her night sky and her magic makes her completely silent. She wings over the treetops, eventually coming to rest on a large branch of a fine specimen of oak. Smoothly, she takes a seat, speaking plainly to the air around her. “How went your observations?” “Both enlightening and yet not,” the air answers back as it ripples, soon revealing the navy form of the changeling queen as she is perched on another branch. “I have seen for myself what he is like, yet admittedly all it did was reinforce what you have already told me. Nothing new was learned, nothing really interesting happened. Just a normal stallion going about his life.” “Indeed.” The alicorn’s eyes gain a far-off look to them for a moment as she checks something. “A pony content with his lot in life for the moment to all who see him, yet dreams can tell more…” Peeking over to her friend, she see the tiny wrapped bundle that was delivered once night had fallen. “So… have you any questions or worries?” “Questions? Perhaps. Worries?” A small bitter laugh comes from Carapace. “I don’t know if any of us can ever truly say we don’t have them.” Looking down to the bundle she is holding, she sighs. “You know some ponies don’t react well to change.” “Very true… but change is inevitable,” Luna replies sagely. “Better to have it happen on our terms.” “Agreed…” The changeling looks back towards the house, her expression neutral. “You said he has actually dreamed of something like this before?” “To an extent. He dreams of the result, not the cause.” The princess shifts to get comfortable. “It is strange because his mind seems to deliberately leave the details fuzzy… as if he wants to leave his options open to better allow himself happiness.” For the first time tonight, Carapace smiles. “A good answer… and I think a good stallion. Very well. Let us start ponies on this journey with the smallest first steps.” The sleeping stallion continues snoozing, unaware of those about to change his life. In his unconscious state, he only knows his dreams as he sleeps on his side, a pillow hugged lightly against his chest. As his dreamscape is gently nudged by the Princess of the Night, he is unaware that his house is entered. When he smiles in his mind, he does not know of the small bundle being put on his pillow. A voice whispers in his ear. “She is yours now… take good care of her.” As visions of tiny forms snuggle against him in dreams, he is not awake to notice himself doing the same to his pillow… nor the bundle doing it back to him, dreaming its own tiny dreams.
Chapter 2: A Little Something ExtraThe next morning starts off quietly, both forms in the house snoozing away peacefully thanks to the stallion’s decision to give himself Sundays off. Still, even without his alarm clock on, Rhino finds himself being woken up by outside forces. His unconscious mind slowly becomes aware of two things that are disturbing it. The first thing he notices is tiny light tapping randomly happening on his muzzle. This, along with small puffs of air tickling his nose, slowly rouses the stallion into awakening. Unlike most mornings, remnants of his previous nights dream still flicker around in his head. While the details are as hazy as usual, Rhino can recall feelings that he felt during his time in the realm of sleep; ones of contentment, warmth, and protectiveness. As his eyes open and he looks to see what had disturbed him, the stallion groggily blinks, wondering if he has even woken up at all. Even as his vision sharpens, the form before him remains clear. Before him, swaddled in a navy blanket, is a changeling. However, there are a few differences between this one, and those the general public has come to know as the image of said race. For one, this changeling seems to actually possess a mane. Though slightly transparent, it still provides a blue curtain for its head. Secondly, and most eye-catchingly as its hooves flail again while its face expresses discomfort, is the size. This changeling appears incredibly small, even when taking into account only its upper body pokes out of its blanket. Its whole body seems smaller than the bottom of just one of the stallion’s hooves. Rhino has just enough time to give himself a slight pinch to ensure he isn’t dreaming before his eyes widen as the changeling moves once more. With a tiny yawn showing a mouth of only gums, the miniature changeling opens its pure sapphire-colored eyes, staring at the pony laying next to it with only curiosity. As his mind finally starts to recover from the shock of the situation, enough things come together in the stallion’s mind for a startling revelation. This is a changeling foal. More than that, this appears to be a changeling newborn. Between this realization, the innocent look it is giving him, and wisps of leftover feelings from his dream, a part of Rhino's mind can't help but see the little one as cute. A small smile comes to his face as his expression softens. Almost as if it can sense his change in feelings, which it probably can, the newborn lets out a happy-sounding chirp-like noise as it reaches a hoof out towards him. "Heh," with a small pleased laugh, the stallion moves his own, quite larger, hoof closer to the changeling, touching against its hoof with the lightness of a feather. Eyes locked onto the mass of green next to it, the newborn brings its other hoof up and grabs onto the offered limb. With a small coo, it closes its eyes and starts to nuzzle the pony limb. A warmth passes over the stallion as he smiles wider, simply enjoying the moment. As his mind relaxes, a voice he has never heard before echoes around his head, the slightest buzz to it. "She is yours now… take good care of her" Rhino blinks, confused and curious once more as his thoughts turn to the question he had yet to ask himself and the newborn. "Where did you come from?" As if in response to his words, he feels a damp spot surrounded by a tickling sensation on his leg. A glimpse down reveals the obvious culprit; the tiny changeling has made its way partially out of its blanket cocoon and climbed partially onto him, gumming his leg as it nibbles. The increasing warmth in his chest reflected in his smile and gaze, the stallion gently levitates the newborn out of the blanket with magic, setting it against his chest as one of his forelegs curls around it. "She is yours now..." The voice once again echoes deep in his mind while the changeling squirms. As he brings his other hoof over, gently nudging it to try and help the newborn be comfortable, Rhino makes a quick check to be certain of something. "Well, you're definitely a girl..." The now-identified newborn doesn't respond directly to this. Instead, she makes a few more happy chirps as she settles herself against him. Her back is to his chest as she tries to be as close as possible to him, half of her body actually snuggled down into his thick coat while she secures herself in between his foreleg and chest. As if this wasn't enough, she follows it by looking up into his eyes with her own, cooing happily. "... take good care of her." Rhino blinks as he looks down at the newborn, the words sinking in. "Take care of you..." He curls his neck, setting his head down on the bed next to the changeling. As he looks at her, she looks back, one tiny holed hoof stuck in her mouth as she sucks on it. "Could I really do that? You literally appeared overnight... almost like you popped out of a dream." Only hoof-sucking answers him as the newborn leans against his muzzle, his breath sending her straight blue mane fluttering with every exhale. "You were deliberately put here, that much is certain... But by who? And why?" Rhino continues asking his questions aloud, knowing she probably doesn't understand him, but for some reason he doesn't really care. "Very strange… I don’t suppose you have anything to help clear things up?” She simply nuzzles against him more, continuing to suck her hoof. Suddenly, she starts to squirm, making small distressed noises. Rhino's ears stand straight up as he raises his head, looking down at her. "What is it? Something wrong?" She looks up at him and whines, her noises getting louder as her eyes pierce his. One of her hooves goes to her stomach as she continues to squirm. His heart starting to race as he worries, the stallion's mind goes a mile a minute. "Okay okay, babies cry for three main reasons..." Levitating her and standing up, he finally gets out of bed. Levitating her back into the crook of a foreleg against his chest, he tries to calm her as she tries to squeeze herself tightly against him, still whining. "You're not tired because you just woke up... You don't have a diaper, so you didn't soil yourself... Of course, babies are hungry when they wake up!" The stallion quickly weaves through his house towards the kitchen, the newborn squirming against his soft fur the whole time. As he enters the room, his eyes widen as two problems immediately occur to him. He doesn't have milk for babies, just regular cow milk, and he also doesn't have bottles. As she continues to wriggle and whine louder, Rhino leans down as he tries to stay calm, despite his worry. "Shh... It's okay little one, I'll figure something out and get something in your stomach." Looking around, he desperately tries to think of something he can whip up on the fly. Pantries open and close quicker and quicker as the tiny form huddled against him gets closer and closer to crying fully. Finally, inspiration strikes as he pulls out a small sealing plastic bag. "This will have to do..." With the bag levitating next to him, he walks over to the fridge and pulls out the single gallon of milk in it. "Going to have to get more milk soon..." Pouring the milk into the bag, he seals it and sets it on the counter. As his horn glows brighter, a strange circle of symbols appears under the bag while the milk floats back into the fridge. He lets the bag sit on them for a moment before dispersing them, setting his hoof on the impromptu feeding idea. "Not cold anymore... Good. Okay, little one, ready for a small meal?" At the sound of his more upbeat tone, she looks up at him. Sitting down and and shifting her to a more comfortable position, he lifts the bag, flipping it over and nipping one of the corners with his teeth before pinching it with magic. "Now I know it's not normal, but it does give you something so I hope you'll bear with me this one time." He tilts the pinched corner towards her mouth, nudging it against her lips. Grumpy, the newborn growls at the bag, swatting it with a hoof as she continues to whine. Inwardly wincing at her unhappy sounds, the stallion persists, still tapping the corner against her lips. "Please... this will help, I promise." She continues fighting off the method of feeding until it taps her lips one too many times. With another growl, she opens her mouth and bites down on the offending bag. Quickly, Rhino eases his hold on the corner, allowing a tiny stream of milk to run out into the changeling's mouth. Instinct taking a front seat, the little one drinks the fluid. A happy hum comes from her as she relaxes, hooves coming up and gripping the sides of the bag as she starts to nurse on it. The green unicorn sighs in relief, the small bout of panic he had fading away. As the tiny changeling continues feeding, Rhino finds himself time to think. “I am definitely not prepared to take care of you… Am I really even considering it?” As he looks back down at her, she treats him to some of the most effective doe eyes he’s ever seen, not even offset by the small dribbles of milk dripping out the sides of her mouth. Despite his usual reflex of discomfort as it starts to run into his fur, the unicorn merely floats over a small washcloth from the sink, dabbing a bit of the milk off her. Before he even knows what he is doing, he leans down to nuzzle her once she is clean. She lets out a small squeal as she nuzzles him back, going right back to her nursing afterwards. His eyes are soft as he answers his own question. “Of course I am. You’re my little filly… and nopony will tell me otherwise.” At the mention of other ponies, his mind turns to that subject. He has no idea how ponies will react to his new little one. It’s true that changelings were now a part of Equestrian society and had all the same rights as ponies, but even after the new queen… the stallion struggles to remember her name but fails to recall anything other than she was blue, he always was bad at remembering names... After the new queen had replaced the dethroned Chrysalis, ponies still had trouble trusting the shapeshifters, not to say the reverse wasn’t true in some areas as well. “Still, it’s not like this hasn’t happened before… I mean imagine how much trouble it was to integrate griffons.” The sight of the newborn looking up at him with a tilted head interrupts the stallion’s train of thought. “Heh, I think you’ve already started giving me the bad habit of talking to myself…” Her response is to blow a raspberry and tap his nose with a hoof. Chuckling, he sets the bag in the sink, seeing as she is done. “Okay, okay, but I do need to think about this kind of stuff. I mean, I don’t even know anything about you beyond the basic changeling information that was released when they went public. Guess that’s something else I’ll have to try and learn, huh?” Flipping over, she snuggles into his fur once more, her sapphire eyes looking up at him adoringly. A now familiar wet sensation greets his foreleg as she starts trying to nibble on it, her tail wagging behind her as she does so. “Well, I’m glad you’re so positive about this.” He smiles, holding her close. “Just one step at a time, right? What would be first, though… supplies, information… What do you think-” A certain fact smacks him upside the head. “I… I don’t even know what to call you. There wasn’t a name tag or anything on your blanket… you don’t have a band with a name on… Does that mean I have to name you?” She only chirps, still gumming his foreleg. “I’ll take that as a yes.” As the two simply sit there on the kitchen floor, Rhino debates what to even begin calling her. Admittedly he knows very little aside from her appearance, her actions, and how she seemed to appear overnight. “Almost like a…” He blinks as he looks over her once more, a few words fluttering around in his head until a certain combination comes up. He tries others, but that particular one always comes back. Finally, he smiles as he raises her up in front of his face. “I think I’ll name you… Dream Jewel.”
Chapter 3: Going outBack in the bedroom, the newly-named filly kicks her hooves in the air as she looks up at the stallion that has taken her in. He cradles her against his chest as he paces back and forth, trying to formulate a plan of action. Her ears perk up and swivel towards him whenever he speaks, occasionally followed by one of her coos, chirps, or other noises. "The main things are supplies and information." He nods to himself as he turns during his pacing. "I believe I've seen a foal store in town, so we'll stop there... What about information? I somehow doubt there's a book on raising baby changelings out." Rhino pauses, leaning down and giving Dream a nuzzle, the newborn giving a happy squeal as she squirms and reciprocates. "All I really know is that changelings feed on love and need it to survive, and that you have exoskeletons instead of ones like ponies." Another pause as he tries to envision the mass of muscles, organs, and bodily goo that would be under a changeling's chitin. His face grimaces. "Blegh, let's not think about that again." A look down reveals Dream wearing much the same expression of discomfort, changing as his does to confusion and then amusement. He chuckles, "Quite the little mimic, aren't you?" Her tail simply swishes happily. "Alright, I can see you trying to distract me with cute antics. Just let me focus a little longer." His thoughts go back to the current issues. "Okay, information... I think when changelings were first integrated they had pamphlets with a few basic tidbits of information..." his eyes widen, "which they said were facts from a book they were releasing a month later! Yes, that'll be perfect! We'll just head down to the library and-" His happiness is cut off by its usual foe, his logic. "Oh dear... Princess Twilight runs Golden Oaks in town." Remembering the tales of the purple mare's run-ins with changelings at the royal wedding a few years ago, the stallion quickly shakes his head as a small bit of dread creeps into his psyche. "No, no no no, not an option... There's no telling how she'd react to you and me. I mean I don't expect her to do anything too rash but... there's always the possibility. A Princess with a grudge is definitely not something I ever want to deal with..." As more thoughts occur, he hugs Dream tighter to himself, the newborn whining quietly as she frowns and huddles against him. "She could take you away... I don't have a birth certificate or anything for you..." Looking at the tiny form he holds, the shimmering sapphire eyes that look back cause protective emotions to surface. "No... I wouldn't let that happen." His tone has that sense of finality to it as he nods once. "The library isn't an option, so... the small bookstore, yes, that will do." Even with this decided, fear still points out a few things. "But how would ponies in general react to you?" Steady pacing serves to keep the mental ball rolling. "Tolerance varies from pony to pony, but one fanatic may easily cause problems. Perhaps that is a worse case scenario, but still..." Flashes of possibilities assault Rhino's mind as he groans, massaging his temple with a bit of magic even as he tries to keep his mind on the things he needs for Dream. "I... what would I even say if questions were asked? How could I defend you being mine?" His pacing slows down until he comes to a complete stop, the carpet fibers clearly showing the repetitive path taken. "Maybe... Maybe it would be best if they didn't know I had you... for now." He nods, mostly to himself, but as she paws at him with tiny holed hooves, he does it for her as well. He leans down and nuzzles her once more as he thinks aloud. "I think secrecy could be excused for now... I like to think I have enough to worry about when just focusing on you." He smiles at the newborn, who simply tilts her head and chirps questioningly. He plants a small kiss on her head, the tiny changeling growing happy once more as he does so. She reaches up, making an insistent cooing as she grabs onto his muzzle and holds him tightly. Chuckling, and making her wriggle from his breath as he does so, he comments. "I guess there's no way you're staying behind. Not that I'd want you to anyway." Blowing a small raspberry on her stomach and freeing himself during the responding giggles, he continues. "Now... the question is how to carry you and keep you out of sight..." He looks around his room as he goes through his mental inventory of the household. "Come on, I’m a smart pony and I run an enchantment shop, surely I can think of something..." *** Stepping out his door, Rhino gives a last pulse of magic to his newest and likely crudest creation. Hanging around his neck and across his chest, two pillowcases tied at the end serve as a makeshift sling for the tiny form within them. Dream wriggles around in her temporary carrier, adjusting herself until she is on her back and against the wall her father's chest is beyond. Of course, nopony besides the stallion himself can see this. It took a bit of work, cloth being a relatively terrible magic conductor, unlike commonly used metals and gems, but the enchanter eventually granted the carrier basic light bending properties. While he does have to provide the power himself at regular intervals, the green male is satisfied that any attempts to look at the carrier will be thoroughly unsuccessful. Granted, this only applies to the pillowcases so the newborn can be seen if they get the right angle, as well as the illusion only being visual, meaning ponies could still feel the sling, but in desperation one must make some sacrifices. "Okay, just act casual..." he reminds himself as he sets off. Rhino gets about a block before his mind starts wandering to the bundle below him, having to force himself to keep going and not look down at her. Questions bounce around his head, each trying to garner all his attention as his focus goes more internal. What does he need to get at the store? How does he know if he got everything? What will he do if he forgets something and she really needs it? What if somepony sees her? How long should he keep her hidden? What happens when she starts school? What happens before then? Will he need to teach her how to use magic and fly? Do changelings even do those things the same as ponies? Who does he take her to if she gets hurt? How will ponies react when they see her? Should she have a mother figure? Is he a good father figure? Who could he ever trust to babysit? Will he need a bigger house? Does the shop earn enough to support her? What does a new dad do in the first few days of having a foal? Is there something he doesn’t know about? What all does one do with a new foal? A new foal, he has a foal. A newborn who only has him and depends on him. What if he messes up? A sharp upset cry shocks him out of his mental stupor. Looking down, Rhino sees Dream reared up, her hooves on his chest and an upset expression on her face. Instinctively, the stallion focuses on her, leaning down and making shushing noises as he nuzzles her. As the fog in his mind clears, he finds himself relaxing and in turn, she does the same, soon cooing happily again as he silently laughs. As she calms and settles, Rhino looks up, thankful to whatever he should be thankful towards that nopony else seems to be around in the immediate area of the small alley he’s ended up in as he walked. As a bonus, a glance forward even reveals the store they had been seeking, a picture of a pacifier on its hanging sign. “Well, I guess we made it," he comments aloud, walking towards the door. A few worries start to surface once more, but most of them focus on being seen heading towards this particular store. However, this time they are now combated by other things, pointing out that if he worries too much, he’ll only look more suspicious. Standing tall, the stallion takes a deep breath, casting one last look at Dream. The newborn rests on her back in the improvised camouflage sling, sucking on a hoof and looking up at him. He smiles down at her, relaxing just a little bit before forcing an air of casualness as he slips inside the shop. When the door opens, the powder blue unicorn at the counter perks up, her attention grabbed away from a book she had been reading. Noticing the customer, she smiles and nods in greeting. "Hello there, sir! How may I help you today?" Looking around the store at all the shelves on the wall and rows of supplies, it takes Rhino a moment to find his voice. "Hello, ma'am, I was wondering if you had... formula and a few other things." She nods. "We have formula, certainly. What 'other things' are you looking for?" "Umm, well..." he switches between looking at her and around at everything, "I guess diapers, blankets, a carrier..." He trails off as he realizes just how much he could potentially get. Noticing his apparent confusion, she blinks before adopting a comforting, albeit slightly awkward, smile. "...I take it you're a new father?" As much as he had been trying to avoid the general populace knowing that fact, it takes a bit of hoof scuffing on the floor for him to nod with eyes averted. "Yes, I'm trying to think of everything I would need, but there's so much... I don't want to miss anything." "Well, no need to be so shy about it," she comments with a small giggle, coming out from behind the counter. "First things first... what do you know of, right now, that you should get? Anything you and your wife discussed?" Ignoring the small mental twinge from the word 'wife', Rhino smiles sheepishly. "I'm afraid I'm mostly going off instinct at the moment ma'am. I just know formula and blankets are what there has been a need for so far and I was hoping to get ahead of the game before we really need something." "I understand. Well, aside from those... you'd need diapers and wipes, some bottles for the formula, toys to keep them entertained and pacifiers to keep them quiet... you mentioned carriers already, and you could also get a crib or bassinet for when the little one gets older." She tilts her head. "Are they a boy or a girl, if I may ask?" He tries to remember everything as he responds, a reflexively content smile coming to his face. "She's a girl, ma'am... my little filly." "Aww..." the store owner coos. "Have you two decided on a name yet?" Deciding a little more information can't hurt, he continues. "I named her Dream Jewel." Under the guise of averting his eyes to the floor, he sneaks a peek at said little one, whose tail wags at him as he feels his heart warm. The mare smiles. "An adorable name for a likely adorable filly." Realizing something, she giggles sheepishly. "Speaking of names... I'm Lullaby. Sorry for not introducing myself earlier." He chuckles, holding out his hoof. "It seems I made the same mistake. I'm Rhino." Lullaby takes his hoof and shakes it. "A pleasure to meet you, Mr. Rhino." "And you, Miss Lullaby." He smiles at her genuinely. "It's Mrs.," she corrects him with a hint of amusement. "Mrs., then." He nods as he shuffles his hooves a bit, feeling the tiny form on his chest shifting and pressing against him. "So, shall we get to business?" she asks. "I imagine we both know you're going to need a fair amount of supplies, even if you won't need to pick up everything today." Looking at his empty saddlebags, he shrugs. "I'm willing to get as much as I can. I want to be prepared for everything she needs." "Well, I'll do what I can to help." She trots back over to the counter. "Now... should we go over the list again?" In short order, the stallion is shown every single item in the store and seriously considered most of them. It might have been slightly selfish to turn down the crib, but he just can't see himself letting her go even at night. In the end as he waves goodbye to the friendly mare, his bags are stuffed full of formula, blankets of many varieties, wipes, diapers, pacifiers, bottles, toys, and finally carriers both of sling and harness variety. Inwardly he hopes he won’t have to spend as much at the bookstore. *** The two arrive back home with no further incident. Luckily for the new dad, after his little one was given one of her new pacifiers, the events of the morning caught up to her and she snoozed away the rest of the trip. The bookstore itself was a relatively simple matter, Rhino grabbing a baby book popular for first time parents along with the single published work on changelings. To his immense relief, the pony working the counter didn't even bat an eye at the combination. Closing the door behind him, he sighs as he relaxes. Checking once more that his little one is asleep, he smiles as he starts unpacking everything from his bags. Laying a blanket over some of the floor, Rhino arranges a few things around it as an area for her to be when they are in the living room. Having unpacked everything, he sets the baby book to the side, floating the other book and formula powder in his levitation. Finally, he gently brings Dream out of her improvised carrier, tossing the thing to one side as he sets her on the blanket. Leaning down, he kisses her forehead. "I'll be right back, just gonna go put this away." Silently, he goes into the kitchen and starts to put things away, cracking open the book to read as he does so. "Waaaaaaaaaaaaaah!" Not even two pages into the book, a piercing cry rips through the air, the stallion flinching mightily as the formula clatters to the counter. Panic lends him speed as he darts through the doorway. Dream sits in the middle of her blanket, head cranes upward as her little lungs wail for all their worth. A few tears squeeze out of their corners of her closed eyes. Rhino quickly scoops her up, cradling her against his chest as he nuzzles her. "It's okay. I'm right here. Please don't cry..." With her eyes still shut, the little one snuffles, burying her head in his fur while the familiar wetness of her gumming him returns. On baited breath, he waits as she holds completely still, clinging to him tightly. After a solid minute of quiet breathing, she lets out a content coo, looking up at him with barely a sign that she had been crying. Rhino sighs in relief. "What was that about? You had me really worried, Dream." He leans down, nuzzling her once more. To answer him, she finally stops squeezing quite so much so she can nuzzle him back, giving a few gum-lined nips to his muzzle. He sighs again, though this one is in exasperation. "I'm not even close to figuring you out, am I?" She only stares at his moving mouth, babbling back at him as her tail swishes happily. He looks to the book on the table, remembering the other he had left in the kitchen. "I don't suppose you're going back to sleep yet so I can read up on you, are you?" She chirps, flipping over onto her back and letting out happy squeals as she flails her legs. "Of course you aren't..."
