A Free Spirit in Ponyville

Chapters

A Free Spirit in Ponyville Part 1
A Free Spirit in Ponyville Part 2
Knowing Is Half The Battle
A Blast From The Past
His Darker Side
I Am No Hero
Epilogue

A Free Spirit in Ponyville Part 1

Author's Note

This is my first fanfic ever! :pinkiehappy: Criticism is welcomed. I hope you enjoy it.

A Free Spirit in Ponyville Part 1

Free Spirit stumbled his way through the Everfree forest, cuts and bruises covering his little body. Celestia’s setting sun was the only thing that drove him forward, other than need to find shelter. As he followed the nature-made trail, his mind couldn't help but remind him why he was in this predicament in the first place…

You're a disgrace to the Changeling name…

Spirit shook his head, trying to dispel the painful memories.

Filthy half-breed…

Tears began to well up in his light-blue eyes. Why did they have to keep reminding him that he was a “half-breed”? He had no family, no one to love him. The others…they wouldn’t even acknowledge him as a Changeling. All they saw was an impure being.

“It’s because of this stupid heart I was born with, isn’t it?” he thought to himself. “If only I wasn’t born with this wretched heart, maybe...maybe if I wasn’t a hybrid, they would’ve let me stay...” As if to add to his misery, his mind dived deeper into his memories, retrieving the memory that tortured him the most.

Five Months Ago

Free Spirit stood before the Changeling Counsel, fearful of his life. Whenever somepony was summoned to the Counsel, it was never good. But what made Spirit so scared was not the fact that he now stood in front Counsel, it was the fact that Queen Chrysalis herself was present in this meeting. “Half-breed Free Spirit,” Chrysalis began, “You stand before the Changeling Counsel, for we have found you a threat to the Changeling Empire.”

“W-what!? What do you mean ‘a threat’!?” Spirit interrupted.

“SILENCE! You shall speak when told to! Understand?” Chrysalis boomed.

“Yes, my Queen. Forgive me for my disrespect.” Spirit quickly replied, knowing fully well that it would be unwise to get on the Queen’s bad side.

“You are forgiven, half-breed.” Chrysalis said. “Now, as I was saying, we have found you to be a threat to the Changeling Empire. You know what the Hive Mind is, right?”

Spirit’s fangs pinched together in slight irritation. Just because he was a half-breed doesn’t mean he didn’t know what the Hive Mind was. The Hive Mind was the collective consciousness that connected all the Changelings in the hive together under one mind, hence it was dubbed the Hive Mind. “Yes, my Queen.” came the response.

“Well, we have discovered that you are not connected to the Hive Mind. You seem to be a “dead line”, as it seems. You’re also free thinking, another problem. Because you're not connected to the Hive Mind, we cannot look into your mind, so we have no idea what could be floating in that head of yours. Do you understand the implications?” Chrysalis explained.

“Yes, My Queen. But I would never-”

“We can’t be sure. So I hereby banish you from the Changeling Empire.” Chrysalis ordered. “You are to leave immediately. If you return, you will be treated as an enemy of the Empire and killed on sight. Any objections?” She asked the other council members. No objections were given.

“B-but! Please, give me a chance! Please!” Spirit begged, taking a half step forward. His only answer was a magical bolt landing in front of of his feet, stopping him in his tracks.

“Leave now. Or the next blast will go through your head.” Chrysalis threatened, horn still smoking.

Backing away from the small crater the attack had done, Spirit stared forlornly at his ex-Queen, tear spilling from eyes. Without any further words, he turned around and ran out the door.

By the time Free Spirit came to, the last flickers of the sun had just went out. “Oh no,” he gasped. “Oh no, oh no, oh no! Great, now it’s dark and I haven’t even found a cave yet…” He started to panic, prancing in place. “Darn it all! Well... looks like I’m sleeping in a tree tonight...again.” As he flew up towards the nearest tree, he saw something out the corner of his eye. “Is that..light?” He wondered. Changing plans, he glided towards the beacon. “If it is light, then that means there’s a house, which means someone is living in it, which means that someone might have food! And on top of that, it means SOCIAL ACTIVITY! WOOHOO!!!” And with that, he sped off to the light source.

“There you go, Angel. Now, eat up and off to bed with you.” Fluttershy said to the little bunny, handing him a carrot. Angel surprisingly listened to Fluttershy, taking the carrot and scampering off to his basket. “Wow, no fuss this time.” Fluttershy said to herself, amazed. She turned around to go upstairs to do the same. “It’s so peaceful tonight.” She thought, closing her eyes.

“SOCIAL ACTIVITY! WOOHOO!!!”

Startled by the sudden outburst, Fluttershy flipped right out of her bed, landing face first. “Owww.” She said, rubbing her injured muzzle. “W-w-what in Equestria was that noise?” The yellow pegasus whimpered. “That couldn’t have been Pinkie Pie. Even she wouldn’t be up at this hour.” As she started to ponder the mystery of the of the voice’s owner, she heard someone knocking on the front door. “How could that be?” She wondered, making her way to the door.

“W-who is it?” She asked cautiously behind the door.

“I’m just looking for a place to stay for the night, that’s all. If you don’t mind that is.” The stranger answered.

That voice…

“Wait, are you the one I heard shouting social activity?” Fluttershy questioned.

“You heard that? Oops, my bad. I must have woken you up. I’m so, so sorry if I did.”

“It’s alright.”

“...Sooo?”

“Sooo what?”

“So, may I spend the night here?” The stranger asked again.

“...I don’t know.”

“Please, I mean you no harm. You see, I’ve been traveling alone for quite some time now and I don’t have any money. Just let me stay for the night and I’ll be on my way.” The stranger pleaded.

“...Okay. But don’t try anything funny.” Fluttershy agreed, opening the door.

And what she the saw gave her more of a fright than the stranger’s outburst a few minutes ago. Standing in front of her, was a Changeling. Its light blue eyes staring back into her soft blue ones. Its pincer-like fangs that were on full display were pinching together in joy. To Fluttershy, it was the Angel of Death.

“Oh thank you so much! I promise i’ll find a way to make it up to you!” The Changeling cheered.

“Y-y-y-our a C-c-c-changeling!?” Fluttershy squeaked.

“Yeah, is something wrong?” he said.

“C-c-c-c-changeling…” And with that, she fainted.

“Hm? Miss? Are you okay?” Spirit said, nudging her body.

“...Yeah something is wrong.”

A Free Spirit in Ponyville Part 2

Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.

Knowing Is Half The Battle

“Thanks for the mail, Derpy!” the disguised Changeling said to the mailmare. The wall-eyed mare simply smiled as she flew up into the sky, colliding with a few other ponies on her way. Spirit walked back into his house, setting his mail down on the way in and dropping his disguise. It was a small, compact house, just the way he liked it. About one week had passed since he had arrived in Ponyville and within that week, he had already met majority of the citizens of the town. Because nopony knew much about Fluttershy and her family, it didn’t take much to convince everypony that they were cousins. Well....everypony but Pinkie Pie that is. "She wasn’t fooled for a second," Spirit remembered. He could still feel her face pressed up against his, her eyes that shared a likeness to Fluttershy drilling into his. “The lengths she’ll go to get the truth…”

~Four Days Earlier~

“Fluttershy, the bathroom is yours now." the young Changeling told, drying himself off with a towel as he entered the bedroom. “Fluttershy?” He repeated. “I’m downstairs, Spirit.” she answered. Going down to the first floor, he was greeted with the sight of not only Fluttershy, but Pinkie Pie as well. “P-Pinkie?! What are you doing here!?” Spirit exclaimed. “I came here to visit. I could tell you were different Spiry, but I had no idea you were a Changeling.” Pinkie said, somewhat shocked. “Changeling?” he repeated, looking down only to see his black holey exoskeleton. “Crap! I’ve been living with Fluttershy for so long, I never feel the need to disguise myself in her house!” He screamed internally.

“Ya know, under the Royal Sister orders, it’s against the law for Changelings to be in Equestria.” Pinkie said, looking very serious. “It’s also illegal to harbor Changelings. Right, Fluttershy?” she said, turning to the butterscotch mare. Fluttershy looked away.

“Pinkie,” Spirit said, regaining her attention. “You’re not gonna tell, are you?” He asked, fear rising in his eyes. “Spiry,” Pinkie replied, getting up and walking towards him. “Of course I’m not. What kind of friend would I be if I did that?” The cotton candy mare said with a smile. “Just promise me two things, okay?”

“Okay?”

“One: don’t get caught, okay? And number two: please don’t hurt anypony.”

"Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye.” Spirit promised, making the hoof gestures. As soon as he finished, Pinkie wrapped him in a tight, bone-crushing embrace. “Oh, thank you, thank you, thank you! I’m so glad you promised, Spiry! Oh, I know! I’ll throw a 'I befriended a Changeling' party!" She squealed, the hug getting tighter with each sentence.

“P-Pinkie...I’m really happy for you...gasp...and I’mma let you finish … hrrk … but … I … can’t … breath!” Spirit strained out, his face turning darker than usual.

“Huh? Oh, sorry.” She apologized, releasing him. Spirit immediately dropped to the floor, gasping for air like a land washed fish. “Oh man,” He moaned, his face returning to normal. “My life flashed before my eyes.” “Really? How was it?” Pinkie asked innocently, extending a hoof to him. Spirit stared at her for a moment. “...It could have been better .” He said sheepishly.

“What do you mean?” Pinkie said, confused. “I’ll explain later.” Fluttershy said.

“Well, I gotta go. I have to set up your party! Later Spiry, Fluttershy!” Pinkie yelled as ran out the door of the cottage.”

“Well...that happened.” Free Spirit said, bemused. Realization kicked in.

“Fluttershy?”

“Hm?”

“Did...did I just get blackmailed?”

Done with his musings on the past, Spirit decided check his mail. “Lets see...junk...junk....burn later...junk...I’m only fourteen...junk...huh? A letter?” He muttered as he tore it open.

Dear Spirit,

I know you’ve been through a lot, so I decided to get something nice for you. Inside the letter, there should be a coupon for the Ponyville Spa and a bag of bits for you to spend. Have fun on your day off, Spirit.

Love, Fluttershy.

Spirit smiled at the friendly gesture as he checked the package the letter came in. The letter did not lie; inside the package was a coupon and the bit-bag. Spirit checked the bag to see how much she gave to him. “50 bits!? Wow Fluttershy, where in Equestria did you get all this money from?” He wondered. “You really didn’t need to do this,” He muttered. “...But I guess it would be impolite to reject her offer!” Spirit smirked. His glowed in its signature green color, turning him into his ponysona. “Alright, let’s go!” He cheered as he marched towards the door, the items floating next to his head..

Feed.

Spirit stopped right in front of the door. “W-who’s there!?” Spirit said, turning around to face the intruder. Nopony was there. “Man, I must be hearing things. I guess I do need to relax.” He laughed nervously, opening the door and greeting the outside world.

~At the ToolShed~

“Welcome to Aloe & Lotus Miracle Massage Spa: relieve yourself of your money and we’ll relieve you of all tension. Well, that’s a tagline I’ve never seen before.” Spirit said, reading the building’s sign as he walked in. At the sound of the door opening, two mares immediately rushed towards him. “Hello and welcome to Aloe & Lotus Miracle Massage!” The two mares greeted in unison. “I’m Aloe.” The bright pink mare said. “And I’m Lotus Blossom,” The cerulean pony said with a small smile. “And if I might add: my, my, has anypony ever told you how cute you are?” Lotus asked, winking at him.

“C-cute!? No, I’m not cute.” Spirit rejected, his face turning scarlet. “Believe me ma’am,” He thought. “If you knew what I truly was, I would be anything but cute.”

“Aw, now you’re blushing! That’s even cuter!” Lotus gushed. “Lotus! Stop flirting with the customer.” Aloe scolded, bopping her on the nose. “Owww. But, Aloe…”

“Please forgive my little sister.” Aloe apologized.

“It-it’s alright, really.”

“So, shall we begin?” Aloe asked.

“Huh?”

“Miss Fluttershy came here a few hours and told us she was making an appointment for a orange unicorn named Free Spirit. I presume that is you?” Spirit nodded. “Please follow us.” Aloe said formally, moving towards the back of the spa, with Lotus in tow.

Feed.

Spirit stopped. “That voice, there it is again. Where is it coming from?” He pondered.

“Spirit? Are you coming?” Lotus said.

“Huh? Oh yeah, I’m coming.”

~~~~~~~

“Please lie down on the table.” the mares said in unison. Spirit complied as he laid backside up on the table.

“Like this?”

“Yes,” Lotus confirmed. “Now, just relax.”They said as the laid their hooves on his back and proceeded to work. Spirit moaned in pleasure as they worked their magic. It was like his body was dough and they were the bakers, sculpting and molding his body as they saw fit. “You are enjoying it, no?” Lotus asked.

“This is amazing.” He sighed as they began to work on his upper body.

“You are so tense.” Aloe said.

“And your muscles are impressive.”

“Lotus.”

“Sorry.”

“I’m in Heaven.” Spirit sighed, closing his eyes. It felt like he was melting away.

Feed!

The massaging slowly stopped.

“Huh? Is something wrong?” Spirit asked, confused.

“Your hoof.” Aloe said, eyes wide.

“And your face.” Lotus said, her expression the same as her sister.

“My hoof?” Spirit repeated, looking down at the orange hoof. Only that it black instead of orange. It had started to revert back to normal. “No…” He gasped as he reached for his face. His hoof dragged across his fang. “No…that’s not suppose to be there!” He looked at Aloe and Lotus, his face a mixture of shock and fear. “I, I have to go!” He exclaimed, dashing past them.

“Stop. Right. There.” Aloe commanded. “One more step towards the door and we’ll scream.” Spirit stopped, his mind racing. He considered ignoring her threat and just keep running, but he had seen members of the Royal Guard roaming the streets on his way to the spa. 'And with Order 66 in effect…' Spirit closed his eyes, imagining the scenario of what would happen in his mind. He sat down. “Okay, you win.”

“Lotus, lock the door.” Aloe ordered. Lotus did as she was told while Aloe checked to see if the windows were shut. A few seconds later, they both stood in front of the exposed Changeling. “Would you look at that, we’ve found a Changeling.” Aloe said, slightly amused.

“Please, don’t tell anypony you saw me like this.” Spirit begged.

“Give us one good reason why we shouldn’t tell the Royal Guard we found a Changeling within the borders of Equestria.”

“Because if they arrest me, I’ll die.” Spirit answered.

“You’ll only die if you resist arrest. You're not the first Changeling found in Equestria after the new law was announced.”

“No, I mean if they find me and arrest me, they’ll most likely send me back to the Changeling Empire. If the Empire catches wind that I came back, they’re gonna kill me!”

“And how is that any different if the Royal Guard gets you?” Lotus asked.

“You’ve never seen how a Changeling executes a prisoner. I have. Hell, I was forced to do the deed once. It’s awful. It takes hours to get them to stop screaming.”

“The prisoners?”

“No.”

“Oh, Luna.” Lotus paled.

“So, you see, staying here is the lesser of two evils. I’d rather take a magic bolt through the head than be killed by another Changeling.” He swore. “So please, don’t tell.”

“...”

“Sis…” Lotus said.

“...Get back on the table.”

“Huh?” Spirit and Lotus said.

“I’ve made my decision. I’m won’t tell the Guard. So get back on the table. You’re a paying customer and you should be treated as such.”

“T-thank you.” Spirit said as he repaired his disguise.

“Drop it.” Aloe said.

“What?”

“The disguise. We’ve already see what you truly look like, so there is no need to put it back on.” She assured.

“Oh, okay.” He said, climbing back onto the table. Aloe and Lotus trotted towards the table.

“So,” Lotus said. “Ready for round two?”

~~~~~~~

“Thanks for the massage Aloe, Lotus!” Spirit said to the two spa ponies. “I feel so floaty and free!”

“It was our pleasure, Spirit.” Lotus said.

“Hey, about what happened in the backroom…” Spirit asked, turning to Aloe.

“It stays in the backroom. It’ll be our little secret, okay?” She said, smiling.

“So, how much will that cost me?” Spirit asked, bringing out the bit-bag.

“Keep your bits.” Aloe said.

“But-”

“It’s the least we could do.” Lotus agreed.

“I really don’t mind paying-”

“If what Fluttershy said is true, then today is your day off, no? So, that massage was for free, okay? Go spend your money as you please.” Aloe interrupted.

“If you say so. Well, I gotta go.” he said, walking towards the door while transforming.

“Take care.” the mares said in unison as he walked out the door.

“So, do you still find him cute Lotus?” Aloe asked.

“Oh definitely.”

~~~~~~~

“Well, that’s one way to start a morning. One way I don’t want to happen again.” Spirit prayed (Author’s note: HAHAHAHAHA! Ah, we’ll see). “Something’s still bothering me though, where is that voice that keeps saying 'Feed' coming from? And why did I suddenly start reverting back to normal. It wasn’t fatigue, I know that for sure. What’s in the Creator’s name is going on with me-” His pondering cut off as he crashed into another pony.

“Owww. That hurt.” Spirit groaned, pressing his orange hoof against his muzzle.

“Ouch. Why don’t you watch where you’re going, ya joker.” The mare he bumped into hissed, glaring at him as she got up. “Huh? No way...Spirit is that you?”

“What? How do you know my name?” Spirit asked, standing up.

“You mean you don’t recognize me?” the mare retorted.

“Wait,” Spirit said, getting a better look at the mare. “Kalinka!? Is that you!?”

A Blast From The Past

Author's Note

What do you guys listen to when you read/write Fanfiction? I jam out to Gaur Plains when I write. It's good stuff.

A Blast From The Past

Previously, on A Free Spirit in Ponyville:

“Engaging warp drive!”

“I, am your father.”

“Game over, man! Game over!”

“I’ll be back.”

“Kamehameha!”

And now, the thrilling conclusion.

“Kalinka!? Is that you!?” Spirit exclaimed. “It is! What on Echidna are you doing here!?” He said, sweeping her up in a tight embrace.”

“S-Spirit! Get off of me, ya joker!” she said, trying to push him off. “You’re gonna cause a scene!”

“Oh, sorry.” he apologized, pulling away. He turned around, searching his surroundings. “There!” He said, pointing a hoof towards an alleyway. “We can continue our conversation in that alley!”

“WHAT! Uh-uh! There is no way in Tartarus I’m go-WHA!” Kalinka began to protest, but was dragged towards it against her will. “Funny, I don’t remember you being this strong.” Kalinka said once they were inside the alleyway.

“Five months of traveling alone by foot will do that to a Changeling.” Spirit explained, staring closely her. To anypony else, she may a have look like an everyday pony, but Spirit knew better. In truth, she was just like him: a Changeling. Expect that she was a pure-blooded Changeling. Her disguise was that of a red Pegasus, sporting a green mane of all things. Her cutie mark appeared to be some kind of fruit or something.

“Take a picture, it’ll last longer.” Kalinka suddenly said.

“Huh?”

“If you stare at my flank any harder, your eyes are gonna pop out.” she said, a sultry grin on her face.

“N-no! I-I wasn’t, I-I mean-” Spirit stuttered, turning red for the second.

“Hahahahaha! Calm down before you blow a gasket. I’m only teasing. The only reason I can think of why you were ogling my plot is that you’re trying to figure out the mark. It’s a cranberry, if you must know. I thought it would be fitting, considering my name and all.” Kalinka explained.

“Hey, Kalinka?”

“Yeah?”

“What are you doing in Ponyville? This isn’t exactly a safe place for you.”

“Said the Changeling.” Kalinka stated. “But if you really want to know, why don’t you just use that little gift of yours?”

“A-are you sure? To tell you the truth, I’ve never used my gift on another Changeling. I might hurt you.”

“C’mon, are you waiting for a written invitation or something? I thought you wanted to know why I was here?” she said.

“Of course I do, but not at the cost of hurting you. Can’t you just tell me?” Spirit asked.

“Ugh, would it kill you to stop having a heart for one second. Look, I’ve seen you use it before when you were still apart of the Empire and I wanna know what it feels like, okay?”

“But-”

“Spirit. I am two years older than you, so that makes me your superior. And as your superior, I command you to use your gift on me.”

“I-but-you...fine.” Spirit relented, staring her directly in the eyes.

~~~~~~~

“B-but! Please, give me a chance! Please!” Spirit begged, taking a half step forward. His only answer was a magical bolt landing in front of of his feet, stopping him in his tracks.

“Leave now. Or the next blast will go through your head.” Chrysalis threatened, horn still smoking.

Backing away from the small crater the attack had done, Spirit stared forlornly at his ex-Queen, tear spilling from eyes. Without any further words, he turned around and ran out the door.

“Spirit,” Kalinka called, stepping out of the door’s shadow. But she was unheard by the fleeing Changeling.

“Kalinka,” a voice behind her said. Kalinka turned around and was shocked to see who had said her name.

“M-my Queen! You have need of my services?” she said, bowing in respect.

“At ease, my loyal subject.” Chrysalis said. “I ask a favor of you: the Changeling known as Free Spirit, the one I have just exiled, I want you to follow him.”

“M-me!? If I may ask, why do you want me to follow him?” Kalinka asked.

“I want you to make sure he does not do anything reckless. I may have banished him, but that doesn’t mean that I want harm to come to him. Understood?” Chrysalis explained.

“But why me, Your Highness?” Kalinka questioned further.

“Out of all the Changelings, you are the only one who showed him some form of compassion, even if it wasn’t much. That is why I believe you are best suited for this task.” Chrysalis said with something akin to a smile on her face. “Will you accept?”

“O-of course my Queen! I promise to keep him safe.”

~~~~~~~

“So that’s why you’re here. You’re just my babysitter.” Spirit said, pulling back. Kalinka slowly gripped her head as the connection was broken.

“Woah! What a rush!” Kalinka said, her eyes spinning as she collected herself. “In a nutshell, yeah. I’m basically your babysitter. But how about we continue this conversation somewhere...less dank?” she asked.

“...Wanna grab a smoothie?” Spirit asked.

~SugarCube Corner~

“Here ya go: two strawberry and oat smoothies!” Pinkie said, placing the drinks on the table.

“Thanks, Pinkie.” Spirit said, handing her ten bits.

“It’s no problem, Spiry! Have fun you two!” the bubbly mare said, taking the bits as she bounced her way back into the kitchen.

“‘Spiry’?” Kalinka asked.

“That’s just Pinkie being Pinkie. Learn to accept that quickly and you’ll live longer.” he warned, taking a sip from his smoothie.

“Got it. So Spirit, I’ve been meaning to ask you something.”

“What is it?” he said.

“It’s about your banishment. Do you hate Chrysalis for exiling you?” Spirit stared at her for a second, then slowly put his drink down.

“I-it’s complicated,” he said, sighing. “During the first month of my banishment, I was burning with anger. Just thinking about her name filled me with rage. Then a few months later, I started looking at it from her perspective. Chrysalis was just doing what she believed was right. She was looking after her subjects, like a queen should. In a way, I don’t fully despise the Queen. I just wish she would have given me a chance.” Spirit explained.

“Wow, that’s actually pretty mature of you, Spirit. You’re no longer that cry-baby I knew back at the Hive. You’ve toughened up quite nicely.” Kalinka complemented.

“Thanks...I think.” Spirit said, taking another sip of his smoothie.

Feed.

“Ngh! Ah!” Spirit grunted as clutched his suddenly throbbing head, dropping his glass in the process.

“Spirit!?” Kalinka exclaimed as she rushed to his side. “Are you okay? What’s wrong?” she asked.

“I-I’m fine. Just a headache.” he said weakly. The pain disappeared as quickly as it came.

“Fine? That can’t be a simple headache. A simple headache doesn’t make you convulse. I’m taking you home right now. You’ve been through a lot, you need to rest.” she commanded.

“Man, you sound like Fluttershy.” Spirit muttered as Kalinka lead him through the nearly empty restaurant.

~~~~~~~

Spirit stood over Fluttershy’s still body, blood dripping from his fangs. Her blood. He stared in awe at the handiwork he had caused. He began to giggle, which quickly turned into full-on laughter. Soon, he sounded like a raving lunatic. He had killed Fluttershy, and he was proud of it!

“Spiry?” a familiar voice asked. Spirit turned to face owner of the voice.

“Spiry,” Pinkie repeated. “What did you do to Fluttershy?”

“I was hungry,” Spirit said, his voice and eyes devoid of all emotion. “So I decided to feed. It’s as simple as that.”

“Bu-but you killed Fluttershy!”

“Yes, did I. Is there a problem?” he asked.

“You Pinkie Promised you wouldn’t hurt anypony!” Pinkie said, clearly angry.

“Oh, Pinkamena Diane Pie. You should have known better than to expect a Changeling of all things to actually keep such a silly request.”

“But, but I thought we were friends!”

“Friends!? I do not make friends with food!” Spirit said in disgust. “And speaking of food, I’m feeling hungry again. I have always wondered what joy taste like.” he said, taking a step towards the pink mare.

“N-no! Stay back!”

“I’m going to thoroughly enjoy this.” Spirit hissed as he pounced on Pinkie, plunging his fangs deep into her neck. Her screams were music to his ears.

His Darker Side

Spirit awoke from his nightmare screaming as he flipped out of his bed. “W-what in Tartarus was that!?” he shouted in the dark. His brain was all kinds of foggy. “Did, did I dream about killing Fluttershy!?” he asked himself as he started to recall the nightmare. His stomach began to feel uneasy at the thought of murdering his first pony friend. “Hrrk!” Spirit gagged as he rushed to the bathroom. He leaped onto the toilet, emptying his stomach into it. “Am, am I going insane!?” he questioned into the bowl.

Feed.

“Gah! My head!” Spirit groaned as he clutched his head.

Feed!

“Where is that voice coming from!?” he yelled as the pain grew worse.

Why won’t you FEED!?

“AAAAAHHHHHH!” Spirit screamed as his world faded to black.

~~~~~~~

When Spirit awoke, he was no longer inside his safe little home. Instead, he found himself in a white void of nothingness.

“Ohh, my head,” he groaned as he stood up. “Where...am I?”

“We are inside your subconscious.” a voice answered.

“My subconscious?” Spirit repeated as he turned to face the speaker. “W-what!?” he exclaimed in shock. ‘H-he looks just like me!’ Spirit thought. The owner of the voice looked like a mirror image of Spirit: his fangs, the wings, the holes in his forelegs, even his eyes.

“That’s because I am you!” the doppelganger stated.

“You can’t be me! I’m me! Wait, how did you-”

“We are in your mind. And I am you. The real you.”

“The real me? What in Tartarus are you-”

“Enough questions! I’ll be doing the questioning here. Now, I want you to answer a question for me: Why won’t you feed?”

“What are you talking about?” Spirit asked.

“Don’t play dumb with me! You are surrounded by ponies everyday! So why won’t you feed!?” the clone yelled.

“You want me to feed off the citizens of this town!? Why? In case you haven’t noticed, I can eat regular food just fine.”

“But what about me?”

“What?”

“Like I said, I’m the real you: the Changeling you. I need to eat as well.”

“But, I fed off of Fluttershy a few days ago.”

“That was barely enough! How much you took wouldn’t even qualify as a snack!” the clone snapped, stomping its hoof into the non-existent ground.

“Well you can forget it! I’m not taking advantage of my friends!”

“I knew you would say that.”

“What?”

“That’s why I brought you here. You may not have it in you, but I do. So I’ll be taking over your body for a while.” he said, walking towards Spirit.

“Over my dead body!” Spirit challenged, standing his ground.

“Oh, how I wish I could arrange that.” the clone said, suddenly tackling Spirit into the ground. “My will is stronger! I will feed!” he said, staring Spirit in the eyes. Spirit struggled to free himself from the clone’s grip, but he found his strength slowly leaving him.

‘No! I can’t let this happen! I...can’t...Fluttershy...’ Spirit thought as his world once again faded to black.

~~~~~~~

Fluttershy awoke to the sound of somepony tapping on her window. “Huh? Spirit? Is that you?” she said, walking towards the window. “What are you doing up so late?” she asked.

“I was hungry. I would make something to eat myself, but I forgot to go buy some food.” he lied. “I would go to Sugar Cube Corner, but it’s closed at this hour. So, I was wondering if I could get something to eat here?” he asked, a brief glimmer in his eyes.

“Hold on, you must be cold out there. Let’s get you inside.” Fluttershy said, opening the window.

“Thanks, Fluttershy.” Spirit said, landing in her bedroom.

“You wait right here. I’ll get you something to eat.” Fluttershy said as she began to walk towards the stairs.

“No, wait!” Spirit said, stopping Fluttershy in her tracks. “I don’t want to be a bother than I already am. I was wondering if I could feed off of your emotions.” he asked.

“My emotions?” Fluttershy repeated. “I’m not sure…”

“Please, Fluttershy? I’ll only take a little, then I’ll go. I promise.” Spirit pleaded.

“Well...okay.” Fluttershy relented.

“Thank you Fluttershy!” Spirit cheered as his horn glowed its signature color. Fluttershy closed her eyes, expecting the usual gentle poking. But instead, it felt like somepony was jabbing her repeatedly.

“Ow! Spirit, what are you doing?” Fluttershy yelped, wincing in pain.

“...”

“Spirit, I think that’s enough.” she said, feeling woozy.

“...”

“Spirit?”

“I am not the one you call ‘Spirit’. You may call me...Yin.” Spirit said in an empty voice.

“Yin? Spirit, what are talking about? Whatever this is about, it isn’t funny! Now stop!” she demanded, trying to escape the emotional draining.

“Gods above, you are a dense mare. You will submit or you will end up in more pain.” Yin said, walking towards the butterscotch mare.

“Spirit. You are going to stop this. NOW.” Fluttershy compelled as she performed her Stare. Yin stopped dead in front her, unable to move. “Now. Let. Me. Go.” she commanded. Spirit’s horn sparked to life, surrounding Fluttershy in its aura. Fluttershy suddenly found herself flung onto her bed, with Yin quickly pinning her down.

“That was a nice trick, little filly.” Yin complemented. “But you won’t deny me of my right to eat! I told to you if you submitted, I’d make it hurt less. Now you’re going to learn how Changelings originally fed!” he hissed as plunged his fangs deep into her neck. Fluttershy screamed as she tried to break free from the possesed Changeling’s hold. Yin held her down tighter as he continued to feed, blood staining the bed and his fang. Fluttershy’s flailing quickly become less and less frequent. Soon, her thrashing became non-existent. The only sound that could be heard was the sound of feeding.

~SubCon~

“No! Stop! You’re hurting her!” Spirit pleaded to Yin. By the time Spirit had come around, he found that Yin had somehow chained his legs to the floor. He could only watch through his stolen eyes Yin suck Fluttershy dry, as well as see her lose a lot of blood. “Please stop! I’m begging you!” he said as he strained against the chains running through holes of his legs.

“You make me sick!” Yin spat, turning to face Spirit. “Actually caring for these ponies with a heart that shouldn’t even belong to you! Do you even know what a heart is!? A miserable pile of emotions for us to feed on! And you won’t refuse to do so! You are a disgrace to the Changeling name!”

You’re a disgrace to the Changeling name…

Filthy half-breed....

Spirit closed his eyes as the horrible memories resurfaced.

Disgrace….Disgrace….Disgrace….

Spirit looked at Fluttershy. She laid motionless on the bed. ‘If I don’t do something, Fluttershy will- NO! I won’t let it happen! I have to do something! I may have failed to keep my promise, but I WON’T LET HER DIE!’ he thought as he strained against the chains even harder. “You’re correct Yin. I guess I am a disgrace to the Changeling name...ngh...but I’m not a disgrace to the Pony name!” he declared as the chains finally gave way.

“What!?” Yin exclaimed in disbelief. “How!?”

“You said that a heart is a miserable pile of emotions, correct? Let me tell you something: the emotion I feel right now is fury!” Spirit said as his chitin skin bursted into green flames. His body transformed into a cross of his Changeling form and his ponysona. “This ends now!”

Author's Note

This chapter was going to be longer, but I felt like being a tease. :rainbowwild:
I'm kinda burned out, so I'll be taking a small break from writing.
BTW, how many references have you guys found in this story?

I Am No Hero

Author's Note

I don't like some parts of this chapter.

I Am No Hero

“The emotion I feel right now is fury!” Spirit shouted as black chitin skin bursted into green flames. His body began to transform into a cross of his Changeling form and his ponysona. Black became orange, jagged became smooth, holes disappeared from his legs. The only reminder of his Changeling form was his gossamer-like wings. “This ends now!” he said, charging at Yin.

~Reality~

Yin suddenly pulled away from Fluttershy, screaming in pain as he grabbed his head. “Gah! W-what!? HOW!?” he groaned, his body convulsing. “Impossible!”

~SubCon~

Spirit and Yin’s horns were fiercely aglow with magic, making them longer than usual, as clashed against each other repeatedly. Neither one backed down as they performed their seemingly endless waltz in the white void.

“Where did all this power come from!? Answer me!” Yin demanded as he blocked a stab aimed at his chest.

“You what to know where this strength came?” Spirit said, dodging a blow to his face. “It came from my heart! You what to know why!? Because I’m fighting for that mare you were feeding on! She was my first friend in this kingdom!” he grunted, his strikes becoming stronger. “I probably wouldn’t be alive right now if it wasn’t for her! She gave me a life!” Spirit said, pushing Yin back. “She gave me a home!” Yin slid back more. “She gave me a chance!” Spirit shouted, locking his horn with Yin’s. “And I won’t let some twisted version of me ruin that!” he declared, their brief struggle pushing them both back.

“It came from your heart, you say?” Yin said, a visible sneer on his face. “Let’s see how strong that heart of yours is, after I rip it and scatter it into the wind!” he hissed as he charged back into the fray.

“I’d like to see you try!” Spirit challenged, charging as well.

~Reality~

Consciousness slowly returned Fluttershy, her body recovering from shock. As she struggled to get up, she almost fainted from the intense pain throbbing in her neck. ‘Oooh, what happened?’ she thought, reaching for her neck. ‘Why is it wet?’ Fluttershy questioned as she looked at her stained hoof. ‘Is this...my blood?’ she thought, staring at the crimson liquid.

“Rrgh! Nngh! Gah!” a voice groaned from her floor. Fluttershy peered off the edge of her bed. Spirit laid on the floor, curled up in a fetal position. His eyes flashed green and blue as he clutched his head.

“Spirit? Is that you?” she asked.

~SubCon~

“Why do you resist the temptation!? It makes no sense!” Yin asked as he unleashed a series of overhead strikes on Spirit. Spirit managed to block most of the blows, but couldn’t stop one from leaving a gash in his cheek. Spirit hissed in pain as blood spilled from the wound. He was getting tired, and Yin knew it.

“Maybe it’s because I’m not a monster!?” Spirit retorted, briefly standing on his hind legs to smash his forehooves into Yin’s face. Yin took the attack full force, unexpecting the sudden change in tactics. He skidded across the ground, a scar appearing on his chitin skin.

“I’m a monster for doing what nature intended? I’m just following the Rules of Nature. Something that you should be doing.” Yin said smugly.

“Shut up!” Spirit yelled, charging at Yin in an attempt to spearhead. Yin sidestepped out of the way, as he watched Spirit crash into the ground.

“You can’t keep this going on forever, Spirit.” Yin said, walking towards the collapsed Changeling. “Why don’t you just give up?” he offered, standing in front of Spirit.

“Buck you.” Spirit said, trying to catch his breath. Yin frowned at the hybrid’s stubbornness. His horn glowed brighter as his magic wrapped itself around Spirit’s throat. Spirit gagged as he was lifting into the air, his limbs flailing.

“I grow tired of this.” Yin said as he increased the tension on Spirit’s neck. “How about I do us all a favor and end it?” he asked, watching Spirit thrash wildly.

~Reality~

Fluttershy fell off her bed as she tried to move herself towards the Changeling. Every little movement she made caused the pain in her neck to spike, making her vision slightly blurred. “Spirit?” she said, now laying next the young hybrid. Spirit growled in response to her being close to him, causing her to flinch. Fluttershy placed a hoof on his shoulder as she slowly pulled him towards her. Spirit squirmed as he tried to escape the embrace she had him in, causing her to hold him tighter. “Spirit,” she repeated. “If you can hear me, I want you to know that I forgive you. You wouldn’t attack anypony like that, you would never intentionally hurt somepony. And I don’t know what exactly is going on, but whatever it is, I want you to fight it. Don’t give up. You’re not just a Changeling, or just a pony. You are something greater. You are Free Spirit. Now please, be strong!” she said, holding onto him for dear life, as if he would fade away if she didn’t.

~SubCon~

Spirit struggled to breathe as he felt Yin squeeze his throat even tighter. Tears began to well up in his eyes as he saw his life before him. Chrysalis exiling him, his journey to Equestria, Meeting Fluttershy and everypony else, reuniting with Kalinka. ‘Is this how it ends? Choked to death by myself of all things?’ he thought to himself. He could feel his heartbeat slowing down as his eyes grew heavy. “Damn...it.” he said as his eyes closed.

“Just like that, you’re gonna ya quit?” a voice said to him. Spirit opened his eyes. He was back in his home, in his bed. “I thought I knew you better, ya joker.” Kalinka said, standing next to him with a frown on her face.

“Kalinka? Is that you?” He asked, sitting up. “Wait, am I...dead?”

“Are you dead?” Kalinka asked back.

“I-I don’t want to be dead…” he answered.

“Then don’t be.” she said, laying her forehooves on the bed.

“Kalinka, please tell me how to beat Yin.” Spirit asked.

“What are you fighting for?” Kalinka asked.

“What am I fighting for?” he repeated. “I’m fighting for Fluttershy.” he answered.

“And that’s how you beat him.”

“Huh?”

“You don’t want her to die, do you?”

“Of course not!”

“Then let that be your driving force.”

“But, it was. And it wasn’t enough…”

“Spirit, do you want me to die?”

“Huh? What are you talking about?” Kalinka shook her head in disappointment.

“You can’t be this dense, can you? Do you really think he’ll stop after he’s done with Fluttershy? If you give up, he’s gonna kill everyone in Ponyville until someone stops him. And who knows how long that will take?”

“Don’t give up, Spirit.” Pinkie Pie said, suddenly appearing on the other side of his bed.

“You can do it, Spirit.” Aloe and Lotus said, both appearing in front of him.

“Spirit.” Fluttershy said. appearing above him.

“Spirit.” Two unfamiliar voices said. A female Changeling and orange unicorn walked into the room, a golden band on their horns. The four other ponies (and Changeling) moved out of their way as they walked towards Spirit. “We believe in you, son. You can do it. We know you can. We shall meet again, when and only when it is your time.” they said, a smile smile on their faces.

“We believe in you.” all seven said in unison as everything began to fade away.

~~~~~~~

Spirit's eyes snapped open, newfound power coursing in his veins. His horn sparked with life as it sent out a magical pulse, disrupting Yin’s magic as well as sending him flying. Instead of plummeting to the ground, Spirit floated in the air, his wounds and bruises healing themselves. His magic started to glow with all seven colors of the rainbow as he descended to the ground.

“This horn of mine glows with a great power,” Spirit said, walking towards Yin. “My hybrid heart tells me to defeat you.” he stopped in front of Yin, who was starting to get up. “You like feeding on emotions? Well feed on this!” he said, slamming his hoof into the right side Yin’s face. “My Love!” he slammed his hoof into Yin stomach, causing him to retch blood. “My Anger!” he picked up Yin magic, immediately slamming him back into the ground. “And all of my Sorrow!” he shouted as he encased the dazed clone in his magic, flinging him straight into the air.

Spirit’s horn began to glow its new rainbowfied color, his magic concentrating at the very tip. He proceeded to line up Yin with his horn, a metaphorical target reticle appearing in his eye. “Burn away.” Spirit said, firing a black and white beam of energy at the falling doppelganger. Yin barely had time to react as the beam grew closer to him, threatening to engulf him.

“If you think it’ll be that easy, you’re sorely mistaken!” Yin said, retaliating with blast of green magic. Both beams collided in a clash of power, Yin’s quickly pushing the other back.

~Reality~

As the final battle for control waged on, Spirit’s body began to convulse again. Only on a more violent scale. “Spirit!?” Fluttershy exclaimed as she watched the Changeling blindly flailing his limbs, his head twitching rapidly. Fluttershy moved her head out of the way, his horn nearly stabbing her in the eye. “In the name of Tau, please be strong Spirit.” she said, struggling to keep a grip on him.

~SubCon~

“You can’t beat me! I’m still at full power from my brief feeding! You’re just running on reserves! There’s no way in Tartarus you can win!” he taunted, the beam struggle slowly turning in his favor.

“The funny thing is, in any other circumstance, you might have had a point there.” Spirit said calmly.

“WHAT!?”

“Except that I’m a half-breed,” the beam pushed back towards Yin. “My parents are dead,” Yin exerted more magic to hold it back. “I have no idea what Lotus wants to do to me,” the beam was now five feet from Yin. “And to top it all off, we’re inside my head. And by that logic, that means my rules! So in other words: CHECK YOUR PRIVILEGE!” Spirit shouted as he fired everything he had, the beam swallowing Yin whole. Yin screamed as the colorless magic tore him apart, piece by piece. It felt as if he was an onion, layer after layer of skin being stripped away from his body.

“THIS CAN’T BE HAPPENING!” Yin shouted. A few seconds later, the beam finally dissipated, and in his place was dust. Spirit dropped on his rump, panting as he tried to catch his breath.

“I must be in Tartarus, because I think I just won.” He wheezed, falling on his back. “Victory!” he cheered as he held his now black hoof to the white sky.

~Reality~

Spirit’s body slowly calmed down as it went limp in Fluttershy’s hooves. “Spirit?” she asked, gently shaking the young Changeling in her hooves. “Spirit? Come on, wake up.” she shook him again. No response. Fluttershy’s eyes widened, fearing the worst. ‘No...he can’t be.’ she began to shake him wildly. “Spirit! Wake up! Please wake up!” she started to shout. Her window suddenly slammed open.

“Fluttershy, what’s going on!?” Rainbow Dash yelled as she flew into the bedroom. “I heard screaming! Is everything okay?” she said, spotting Fluttershy’s blood-stained bed.

“Rainbow! Over here! I need help!” Fluttershy panicked.

“I’m coming Fluttershy!” Rainbow Dash said, running around her ruined bed. “Why is there blood on your bed, Fluttershy!? What’s going on-huh!?” she demanded as she took in the sight before her. Fluttershy mane and fur was a total mess. Two puncture wounds were in her neck, blood slowly trickling out of them. And in her hooves, was a rather young looking Changeling. “What in Equestria is a Changeling doing here!?” she shouted. “And what is it doing in your arms!?” Rainbow said, glaring holes into the Changeling.

“Rainbow, I’ll explain everything, I promise. But he needs help!” she begged.

“Ngh.” Spirit groaned as he started to wake up. “Fluttershy? What’s going on?” he asked groggily. “What’s Rainbow Dash doing here?” he questioned, noticing the cyan mare’s presence. “Fluttershy, I can’t move.” he said as he attempted to stand up.

“Everything’s going to be okay, Spirit. Just relax for me.” Fluttershy reassured the hybrid. “We’re going to take you to a hospital, okay? I need you to disguise yourself. Can you do that?” she asked.

“I-I’ll try.” Spirit said, his horn flaring up. Half of his body began to change into his ponysona when he started losing consciousness.

“Spirit, I need you to stay with me. You need to finish changing.” Fluttershy urged, shaking him gently.

“Okay…” his horn flared up again, finishing the rest of the transformation. “I’m so tired…” he said as he closed his eyes.

“Wait, Spirit? You mean the your cousin is a Changeling?” Rainbow asked.

“To tell the truth, Spirit isn’t my cousin. I’ll explain more, after we get him some help.” Fluttershy said.

“...I don’t like this Fluttershy. I’ll help, but I’m only doing this for you!” Rainbow said begrudgingly.

“Thank you, Rainbow.” Fluttershy said as both mares proceeded to pick up the sleeping Changeling.

~~~~~~~

Spirit awoke in an unfamiliar room. His eyes slowly adjusted to the brightness of the room to reveal that he was in a hospital room. “W-what happened?” he said as he recollected his thoughts.

“So, you’re finally up?” a voice said next to him. Spirit turned to see who was his mystery guest. “How do you feel?” Kalinka asked, sitting next to his bed.

“Fine, I guess.” he answered. “Wait, how did you get in here?”

“Once I told the doctor and that yellow pegasus that I was a good friend of yours, they let me come see you. I can’t believe how simple it was.” she explained. “Spirit, I don’t want to be the bearer of bad news, but the Royal Sisters know that you’re a Changeling. And they’re already on their way.”

“What? How?” Spirit asked, sitting up.

“Well, your friend Fluttershy had to explain to her friends why she was bleeding and that you weren’t really her cousin. When she told them the story, the purple unicorn said that the princesses needed to know. So, your secret is out.” Kalinka explained.

“...It was bound to happen.” he said, staring at the bedsheets.

“We’re leaving.”

“What?”

“I said ‘we’re leaving’. We’ll find somewhere else to live. Somewhere far from here. I won’t let arrest you.” Kalinka said, placing a hoof on his shoulder.

“I’m sorry Kalinka, but I’m not running away.”

“Excuse me!?”

“I know you were sent to keep an eye on me; to keep me safe. If we ran away, you’d be an accomplice. And let’s not forget:You’re a Changeling too. I refuse to knowingly put you in danger Kalinka. Besides, what are the chances that we will get even ten feet away from this hospital. There’s probably Royal Guard members surrounding the building.” he said.

“B-but I-” Kalinka struggled to speak, tears forming in her eyes.

“This might be the last time we see each other, so why don’t we just spend what little time we have left together?” he offered, pulling her into a hug.

“Why? Why do you have to care so much about others?” Kalinka asked through her sobs.

“I guess that’s the way I was born.” Spirit said.

~~~~~~~

“So, can you remember anything that happened last night?” Kalinka asked, now sitting in the bed with Spirit.

“Some of it, yeah. Why?” Spirit answered.

“Would you mind telling me?” she asked, leaning on his shoulder.

“I don’t mind. Do you remember when we we’re at SugarCube Corner, we I had that nasty headache?”

“Yeah? What about it?”

“That headache is the reason I’m here in the first place. Turns out, it wasn’t a headache at all.” Spirit explained. “Apparently, I was neglecting to take care of my Changeling side. It got hungry, it keep telling me to feed on emotions. After a while, my Changeling side’s hunger manifested itself into a form it called ‘Yin’. Yin then took over my body, attempting to fill itself with emotions. I managed to break free from the trap Yin put me when I witnessed him feeding on Fluttershy. We started to fight for control of my body, neither of us backing down in the beginning. But he had just fed, giving him an advantage. Yin started to choke me after I showed signs of fatigue. I could feel myself fading away. I thought I was going to lose. But then, I heard your voice call out to me.” he said, a small smile forming on his face. “You, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Aloe and Lotus, even my parents showed up. All of you told me not to give up, to keep on fighting. I realized what I was fighting for: my friends. They were counting on me. And with that thought in mind, I managed to beat Yin, reducing him to dust.”

“So, does that mean he gone?” Kalinka asked hopefully.

“I wish that was true,” he said, placing a hoof over his heart. “I can still feel him inside me. He’s badly hurt, so he won’t be showing up anything soon. But he’s biding his time, waiting for me to slip up. But I’ll be waiting.”

Knock. Knock. Knock.

“Come in!” Spirit said. The door opened, two alicorns stepping inside the room. Spirit’s blood turned cold. “Y-you must be Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. I have heard stories about the two of you. I-it’s a pleasure to meet you.” he said, struggling to not panic.

“And you must be the Changeling Twilight told me about; Free Spirit.” Celestia said.

“I-I am.”

“And you must know why we’re here.” Luna said.

“I-I have an idea.”

“Well then,” Celestia said, walking toward the bed. “Would you care to explain why you are here?” the older alicorn asked.

Spirit told the two sisters everything that had to him in the past five months: his banishment, his journey to Equestria, meeting the Bearer of Kindness, fighting his darker half. As he spoke, he noticed that the Royal Pony Sisters’ expressions rarely changed. The only expression that appeared consistently was a look of intrigue.

“I decided to Equestria because I heard stories of ponies that value love and tolerance above almost everything else. I was not aware that the Changelings had attacked Canterlot at the time, nor did I know there was a law made that prevented Changelings from entering Equestria. But if you wish to send me back, I will not resist.” he finished.

“But I will!” Kalinka said, making herself known.

“And you are?” Luna asked.

“My name is Kalinka, your Highness. Good friend of Spirit,” he said, her body bursting into flames. “And Changeling! If he goes, I go.” the female Changeling challenged.

“Tch! Kalinka! Why did you go and do that!?” Spirit exclaimed.

“Two Changelings…” Luna muttered.

“...:”

“Something troubles you sister?” Luna asked.

“Can you and miss Kalinka step outside for a moment? I wish to speak to Free Spirit in private.” the white alicorn asked.

“Of course, sister.” Luna said, stepping out the door.

“I assure you that no harm will come to him.” Celestia said, meeting Kalinka’s glare. Kalinka slowly got off the and followed Luna out the door.

“He better be okay…” she muttered as she walked out. Celestia turned to Spirit, a look of relief on her face.

“Are you okay, Princess?” Spirit asked.

“I wanted to talk to you in private because I want to tell you something I’ve never told anypony else. Ever since the attack on Canterlot, I’ve been having nightmares. Dreams of my loved ones being kidnapped by Changelings, my loved ones being Changelings in disguise and attacking me. Sometimes I dream about being in that cocoon Chrysalis trapped me in, unable to escape as she harmed my subjects. Out of fear, I issued ‘Order 66’. Many of the Changelings that were found after the law was made were violent.” she said with a heavy sigh.

“But you are different, Free Spirit. You intended no harm on anypony. And you have gone through many hardships to get here. I will not arrest you or your friend, if you do something for me in return.” she said.

“What is it?” Spirit asked.

“I have considered making a peace treaty with the Changeling Empire. Perhaps we could strike a deal and make both of our kingdoms stronger. I was wondering if you could be the messenger? I will send a letter in advance telling them that a somepony will be bringing the letter so that no harm will come to you when you arrive.” Celestia said.

“But why me?” Spirit asked.

“You and your friend know where the kingdom is. Sending a pony to deliver the treaty would be a death sentence.” she answered.

“So If I agree to do this, me and Kalinka won’t be arrested?”

“I will also make both of you citizens of Equestria. Will you do it?”

“...I’ll do it.”

Epilogue

Spirit and Kalinka stood at the edge of Ponyville, double checking their supplies for the journey ahead.

“I’m all set! How about you, Spirit?” Kalinka said.

“I’m good.” he said, finishing his check-up.

“You got the treaty?”

“It’s in the saddlebag.”

“Alright, let’s go!” Kalinka said as she walked into the Everfree forest, Spirit following suit.

“How long do you think this seal will last, Spirit?” Spirit stopped.

“The spell keeping you locked in my heart was casted by Celestia herself, Yin. I don’t think it’s gonna fail anytime soon.” he said.

“When I get out, I am going to kill you.” Yin threatened.

“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but first you gotta throw.” Spirit said.

“Spirit! Hurry up, ya joker!” Kalinka shouted behind her.

“Coming Kalinka!” Free Spirit yelled as he raced after her.

Author's Note

As I was writing the last chapter, I decided to take this story in another direction. For those who still care about this story, it will continue in the sequel.