Chapter 1
The sleepy eyed changeling rubbed his eyes, staring out of his window next to his bed. Every morning he would stand at the window of his room, watching the birds chirp on the branches and the help, his siblings, work in the garden. All of them were more muscular than him, but this was not entirely a bad thing. He was assigned to be his master's personal waiter, or better stated, his errand colt, which got him out of any manual labor besides running from place to place for his master.
Below him in the fields in front of the garden, a male changeling collapsed of starvation. Just another corpse. The others around the exhausted, dead changeling continued their work, moving around his fading corpse as needed. They ignored it as part of life, an unchangeable part of life. It didn’t take long for the hired guards to carry the body away, shoving any changeling to slow to get out of the way. None of the changelings knew where they took the body, and quite frankly, nopony cared. He was now free. Free from the work, the pain, and the exhaustion they faced on a daily basis. However, the changeling at the window couldn’t help but wonder where they were taken .
Disgusted, he turned away from the window and gazed upon his room. His room was nothing special. The walls were plain and white with one desk standing in the corner, adjacent to the wall with the window opposite of his bed. Only a stack of blank papers and quill and ink occupied the desk.
This room used to have belonged to the his master’s accountant. Her name was Copper Script. Copper had an affair with the master and robbed him blind by changing a few numbers around and running off. On the other wall attached to the same corner were two doors. The left one led to his small personal bathroom and the other was his closet, which held only a few black suits and white undershirts with red ties.
He went through the door to his bathroom and stepped in the shower. Moments later he stepped out, and hoped his chitin shined enough to please his master. He used one of the simple kindergarten spells he was trusted with to dry himself off. It was a low heat spell incapable of doing any damage unless focused on one direct spot for a long period of time and even then it was only capable of giving a 1st degree burn. He walked over to the mirror, still casting, and stared at his reflection.
Blue serpent like eyes stared back at him. One more thing that stood him apart from the others, his eyes had pupils. He didn't know why he was so different from the rest and every time he would think about it, it unnerved him. For instance, his mane wasn’t a fin like the rest but rather an actual mane with holes in it. It was white and made out of a membrane of sorts that resembled a mildly long curly mane, and so was his tail.
Once he was dry, he changed into an average black suit and red tie. He never liked ties, the way they hung from his neck and how they bulged up when tucked underneath his suit. Limiting him to look straight ahead. He felt as if it was demeaning. If he had any choice on the matter, he would be wearing a bowtie.
On his way out he felt a painful emptiness within him. He was starving. He had been so for a few days now. of course he could feed off of the the emotions of the anger his master sometimes laid upon him. But he has heard of changelings going insane and committing random acts of violence when they fed off of the anger, so he just shook his head at the thought. However, just like every Saturday his master has him go fetch supplies for the noble party he throws every Sunday night. Every noble pony attends while he and other waiters tend on the guests.
Many of you may ask, “Why doesn't he just take the bits and make a run for it?” Well, every changeling, when they are young and their chitin hasn't yet formed, has a locater stone with an unique serial number embedded in their skin. Specifically in the back of their neck. So like a good little servant he does what his master asks of him.
Exiting his room he came across a hallway all too familiar to him. This white hall plain housed the maids and such in both directions. Eleven rooms took the hall One of them being a Bathroom for the maids. Five of the rooms laid across from his room, including the bathroom being the middle room. The other six are on the same side as his room. Both directions of the hall leads to a spiral staircase to the main (open floor) room of the mansion, which is just an oversized study. However, the right hall leads to the balcony overlooking the garden, the second floor library entrance and few unimportant offices; used mainly as storage. The left hall leads to the kitchen, the dining hall, and my master’s private quarters.
The changeling wasted no time in turning left, towards the kitchen, to prepare his master’s breakfast. As soon as he done so, he crashed into a maid who had fallen on the ground dazed. The changeling looked at the mare and held out his hoof to help her up, “I’m so sorry I didn’t see you there.” The mare looked up at him with her emerald green eyes hiding behind her pink mane. He noticed she was a pegasus, he never knew of a pegasus maid. Perhaps she is new. A moment of silence overtook them, the mare was afraid and he knew it but he did nothing but keep his hoof out. Eventually she took his hoof reluctantly and got up, apologized and quickly walked off. That was a bit strange, She didn’t even scold him. What pony doesn't scold an insect like him when he wasn't looking where he was going, he even deserved it. Watching her turn the corner he stood there dazed. She must have been new to changelings and knew nothing on how to treat them. He shook his head, dismissing the incident, and proceeded to the kitchen.
The second floor above the kitchen held the cook's quarters, so our changeling had to take the small set of stairs at the end of the hall taking him directly to the kitchen. The kitchen itself was just a typical kitchen you would find at a restaurant. White tile floor and walls with metal carts and stoves and pots on every row and corner. Only one other cook was in the kitchen at the time, preparing his own breakfast before helping the changeling.
This pony, everyday, treats our changeling with friendship, but he hides his true feeling towards him. This pony actually feels uncomfortable when he’s around, and he knows it.
“G’morn’n.” said the cook.
“Good morning.” the changeling returned with a small grin. The cook returned to his breakfast as the changeling turned on one of the burners on an individual stove top. He laid out some bacon which instantaneously began sizzle. Alongside, he prepared the pancake mix and some eggs. With a second skillet out he lifted three eggs with his magic and Crack, all three opened in unison and spilled their contents in the skillet with immediate results. Than poured the pancake mix in a third skillet. After a few minutes the breakfast was done with two plates. One with a small stack of pancakes with a slice of butter and some syrup. The other with the eggs and bacon.
He left the kitchen with the plates levitating next to him and headed towards the dining room were his master had already took his place with some guests. Which is unusual so early in the morning. Setting his plates down on the table in front of him I bade him good morning with a small bow.
The master was a Navy blue pony who held more mass than normal, he was fat. His mane has grew grey with age and he had a cutie mark of a bit with a tail like a shooting star. So it's more like a shooting bit. Sometimes the changeling could tell that he feels compassion for all the other changelings, but he reminds himself that they are all mindless insects and returns to disgust them.
“Yes, Good morning,” His master looked over to his guests, “Why don’t you make yourself useful and prepare Mr. and Mrs. Rich some food.”
“Oh we won’t be staying long, we only came to talk business.” Mr. Rich said waving his hoof as if telling me to go away.
“Suit yourself.” Master turned to me and spoke to where only I could hear. “The pouch and list are in my study, you know what to do. Now go and leave us to our unscheduled business.” He glared at the two from the corner of his eye.
“Yes master” The changeling said with a bow and walked off. As he walked away his master continued to chat with the guests. All the changeling caught before exiting was “So,” he sighed, “remind me what your offer was again?"
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A maid by the name of Rose Noire woke up especially early to clean her master’s study. Dusting the book shelves, the desk, and the window seal she hummed a small tune that her mother would sing to her at night as a filly. Stopping she held the intentions of cleaning the smooth surface but instead, she fantasized with great emotion.
When she saw her reflection she didn’t see a maid with a faded pink mane partially covering her face, hiding it from those who shouldn’t be bothered by a simple maid as herself. She saw a beautiful noble mare with only the best cosmetics and jewelry to bring out her stunning beauty. He mane but up in the most perfect bun. Only to be intensified by the most expensive morning gown made by the finest silk. It was a filly’s dream for an innocent little pony, but she was still young and deserved every right to dream. After all, when has a dream hurt anypony.
~Someday. Someday I promise. You are men’t for great things that nopony would of ever imagined.~
Her mother’s last words still hung heavy around her. She is men’t for great things she can feel it, but doesn't know what it is.
Roughly forty five minutes later she had finished her master’s study and found herself in front of the mirror again, posing for an imaginary photo shoot for “Elegance” magazine. Only the most stunning and most beautiful models are ever featured on this magazine, just another dream.
~Just a dream~
She sighed loudly and turned to pick up her cleaning supplies when she heard a cough from the doorway. She froze, her first thought was that it was her master and she would be fired for slacking off, and in his own study too. Oh what a situation she had gotten herself in, without a job how could she pay the bills. Her entire world just came crushing down on her, It was hard enough find this job. Now she would forever be seen as a slacker and never get hired anywhere else!
Quickly she turned around, her mane flying out of her face revealing her left side for the first time since she got this job. On her knees and looking at the ground she pleaded, “Please! Please don’t fire me, I wasn’t slacking I swear it, I was finished with my cleaning! Please don’t” A tear or two were falling down her face, but she did her best to hide them with her mane which fell back in place.
Her master said nothing, maybe she shocked him with this sudden outburst. A moment passed and her master spoke, “Oh look what he have here, It's a poor little maid begging for her job to her master.” The voice was feminine and a bit snobby this wasn't her master. No this was the spoiled daughter. Rose looked up, face red with embarrassment, “Ha! Well, well, I couldn’t imagine that you could have gotten any redder with your pink fur.” she laughed, “You know, I think I should go and tell daddy that you were slacking off, what do you think?”
Rose’s eyes widened with fear, she could not lose this job, it was all she had, she thought. However she doesn’t know what lies ahead, for now she hangs on desperately for this paying job and the young filly standing infront knows that. Poor mare, to be trembling by just a few words of a filly made her feel like an insect, she might as well be one of the changelings out in the fields. Still on her knees, she begged, however demeaning, she begged with tears in her eyes. Like a crying filly desperate for a milkshake on a hot day. “Pl… Please, don’t. I need this job more than anything.”
The filly pretended to listen to Rose’s pleads which continued. The filly already knew what she was going to do. She had this maid at the bottom of her hoof and loved the feeling of being in control. Even if it was the first time with an experience like this, she found it exhilarating. Far better than any board meeting with her father.
“Fine, I won't tell daddy,” she wined, “But you will have to be my own personal servant, now chop chop, I'm hungry. Go tell the morning cooks to make me my usual. And make it fast or I’ll tell my daddy to fire you.” She turned to leave the room, “I’ll be in the library.”
Rose sat on the floor in the light leaking in from the hall, hiding herself from the world in her mane. A single tear running down her face and she began to sob, sure enough that the filly was gone. Just a minute later she heard somepony trotting this way and before she could get the strength to get up the pony came in. It was the changeling. Every bone in her body screamed for her to get up and run out the door. Why, out of all the ponies, did it have to be the changeling. The very same one she crashed into this morning. This was too much for her, but she sat there unmoving, defenceless and striped of her pride.
“Excuse me, Ma’am, but is there an issue that I could assist you with?”
Rose remained still on the floor, meeting his eyes with her’s. Every time he blinked it closely resembled that of an reptile’s. The way the second eyelid slid over his eyes from the side made her shudder. It was unnatural. The sound he made when he fluttered his transparent wings out of anxiousness sent the thought of a horrid insect. How could something like this exist, let alone have intelligence. Only twice has she ever been close to a Changeling and both times the same one. Perhaps the Changeling is following her and is going to take her captive in it’s cave! Unlikely, but Rose panicked still. The Changeling drew closer to her and she panicked more. Oh what to do! She bolted without thought or direction, she just had to get out. Get away, find someplace to hide from it all.
Now around the corner Rose slowed to a steady trot. She looked behind her and couldn’t help but feel like she had let her imagination get the better of her. After all the Changeling only asked to help. She shook her head and told herself to focus and to set out for the kitchen.
It did not take long for the morning cook to complete the meal. After all, he had one too many incidents with the daughter and knew far too well just how impatient she was. While she balanced the tray on her back, the cook stammered, “So, y…y...you have any… uh plans tonight.?” he looked as if he had nearly fainted from the mere thought of the question, but it had came out before he knew it, almost causing him to dump the tray by her feet.
Rose blinked at the sudden question, unexpected as it was. However, she was flattered that such an attractive stallion took interest in her. But she had too much on her plate, a young filly to look after, with no time for luxuries. Without the foal's father, Rose is limited to what she can enjoy. Going on dates with stallions just does not fit on that schedule.
Putting on her best face, she explained to the cook, “Oh yes, I do indeed have plans tonight,” she frowned, “I wish I did not, I need some time away from my daily life.”
The cook seemed to deflate a bit, but quickly, he regained his composure, “Oh I understand, as a maid, I’m sure you struggle.” He walked back to his cooking station to clean up the mess he made. looking back, he asked, “If you need any help, don’t hesitate to ask” Rose thanked him with a nod and went on her way. Down the hallway she let out a sigh, she needs somepony in her life, but she does not know how to fit it in her life.
For the rest of her walk she stayed in deep thought, pushing her mind from work, “What is she doing with her life?” ”Where is she headed?” and, “What lies ahead for her?” All questions that remained unanswered, for now.
She walked through the doors to the library, allowing them to close on their own. “It's about time! I'm starving!”
Rose sighed, “I'm sorry madam, I was held up” already, Rose could tell this was going to be a long day
*******************
Dug, by this time, had already gathered his things. The tracking collar around his neck, the bag of bits in the saddlebag, and the list of things to get being dragged along telepathically.
It was a beautiful day that morning, a subtle breeze came from the west, there was no clouds in sight, and the sun was shining down. However the breeze stopped when he reached the inner city, being blocked by the buildings.
Everywhere he looked, ponies of all types, young and old, looked at him. The old, with distaste; the young, with innocent curiosity. The streets were never a safe place for a changeling, not with AIM lurking about. Always trying to find the smallest reason to harass a changeling.
However, Dug learned how to avoid them with ease. Which road they don't hang out on, and which stores to avoid. What they look like, and how they carry themselves; but he can't avoid them forever. He still runs into them, no matter how hard tries. The most they do is throw rotten eggs at him, call him an insect, an infection, and a plague ruining the image of ponies.
Rather or not those accusations are true, that is entirely up to the reader to decide, this story picks no sides, but tells the tale of one unfortunate soul brought forth to overcome unseen devastations, or fall short and parish.
With her day nearing the end, rose walked to her locker, exhausted. Her first day, a brutal one. Already, she thought, “how much longer can I do this on my own?” What she doesn't realize is that question, and many others, will be soon answered. For better, and for worst.
Nearing one of the maid dorms for those who decided to live in the manor, she over heard a few voices; each sounding suspicious in there own way. She stopped and looked down the hall Infront and behind her. Once she was sure nopony was approaching, she placed her ear against the door.
“...Whatever that good for nothing, cheap stallion says, or what he does. He doesn't care for anypony except for that spoiled brat of his and his money.” One of the voices explained.
“Well… there is nothing we can do about it.” The second voice sounded quiet and reserved, “I mean, he is the one who pays us.”
“I know… it just angers me so! But he has denied my requests for a raise more than once!” The pony slammed her hoof against the floor in anger.
“Just give him some time, I'm sure he will come around.”
“It has been nine years! Almost ten! I will not stand by with this!” Her voice grew and grew with hate.
“Come now, stop this bickering, it will get you know where,” a more calm and devious voice introduced itself.
“Oh? And what do you suggest we do than!” The angry mare snapped back, getting irritated from what seemed like a long back and forth conversation with the quiet mare.
“What we do is kill him, and steal a large portion of his bits”
“Murder… but… that's illegal” the quiet mare announced.
“Only if we are caught, we kill him tonight, and plant the weapon in that pet of his desk. With all the controversies around these insects the guards wouldn't think twice about investigating”
“I love it!” The angry voice shot out.
Rose slowly backed away from the door, horrified. A plotted murder! Oh what could she do. She walked away as quickly as she could you her locker, getting as far away from that door as possible.
So many thoughts ran through her head. She should report it, but the mare was right, they would suspect the Changeling; won't even think twice about anypony else. And if she reported what she heard, they would laugh and call her an insect lover and ignore her. Oh how she was conflicted.
Reaching the lockers, she decided it was best for her to stay quiet, most of all, best for her little filly. She did want to tarnish their name in the eyes of everypony. She sighed and left her uniform in the locker, and headed home. Feeling regret for the next day ahead.
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The morning came by quick. Dug waking up and doing his normal routine. Grabbing his master's breakfast and heading to the dining room. When he arrived, master was not in the room. That wasn't at all abnormal, sometimes he would be in his library reading, or in his office signing and filling out paperwork.
Dug decided to go to his office; after hearing his conversation yesterday morning, that would be the best guess. On his way he say one of the maids crying and speaking to a guard. He walked past, not giving it any thought. However he should have, because as he based by, the maid gasp and pointed her hoof at him, screaming, “There he is! The murderer!”
Dug froze in his tracks, looking all over the hall, but there was nopony else, was she accusing him? If so, he had no memory of committing such a horrid crime.
The guard looked over at him and yelled, “Hey parasite! Get over here!” He said glaring at Dug. Dug had no idea what to do, he just stood there in disbelief. Him a murderer, what nonsense.
The guard grew impatient and restrained him with magic, “Are you death!” The guard dragged the poor Changeling over to him, “What do you have to say for yourself, murdering your own Master!”
Dug couldn't believe his ears. Murder his master? He would never do such a thing; as silly as it sounded, he cared for his master. “Sir, I never did such an act”
“Don't you lie to me! We found this bloodied dagger in your room! That's proof enough at what you did, don't you dare try and deny it! This mare even saw you leave his bedroom late last night!”
The Changeling didn't know what to say, he stood there, in the guards restraints. Instead of furthering his protest, he accepted his fate. There is no point in fighting back after all, no matter what happens, he will be sentenced. And that sentence for a Changeling is always death, no matter how small the crime.
“Ah, good, you're somber look tells it all. I was hoping you would fight back, but your a smart one aren't ya?” The guard walked off, keeping the Changeling on his magical leash, leading him to Celestia knows where. And Dug followed, his sorrow growing for his dear Master.
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That morning, Rose woke up with bags underneath her eyes. She hardly achieved any sleep. And any sleep she did get was haunted my nightmares. Nightmares of her her boss covered in blood, and his blood on her hooves. She couldn't stop thinking about how she could have stopped it; if it have actually happened at all, but she remained anxious.
Rose left her home long before her daughter woke up, which she didn't mind. Rose knew her daughter could take care of herself. She was always a great cook, but she never took much interest in the trade; only when she had to do so for herself.
It only took Rose roughly thirty minutes to reach the manor. By that time, all the other maids have started waking up and doing there thing.
Rose rounded a corner to the hall that leads to the lockers and what she saw nearly made her choke. The Changeling from yesterday was being lead away by a guard, he wasn't fighting back or struggling in his magical restraints. Instead, he followed with a somber, expressionless face.
At that moment, Rose had know what had happened and stoped dead in her tracks watching them pass. The Changeling looked at the ground In front of him, not paying mind to anypony around him.
Rose couldn't help but feel sorry for him, that it was her fault that an innocent stallion was because taken to his death. When they disappeared around the corner she came from; Rose hurried to the lockers and hid her face behind her locker, and cried.
