A Spiritual Journeyby HalfAngelHumanChaptersNight of FateSecret of a LifeRevelationsWarning and TrainingStruggleEpilogueNight of FateThree days have passed since the Royal Pony Sisters learned that two Changelings, the half-breed Free Spirit and his friend Kalinka, were living in Ponyville. Seeing how different the two were from other Changelings discovered, Princess Celestia gave Free Spirit an option; deliver a peace treaty to the Changeling Empire in exchange for not being arrested as well as becoming official citizens of Ponyville. Wanting the best for Kalinka and himself, Free Spirit accepted. The two are now on their way to the Hive, their old home. *** “I still can’t believe that I’m voluntarily going back to the Hive.” Spirit said, stepping out of a bush. “It has been five months since I was banished from there, I wonder how the place looks?” “It probably still looks the same as it always has: a giant black and green beehive.” Kalinka said behind him, walking underneath a branch. “You must be some kind of stupid. Did you forget that the Empire has placed you on KOS?” Yin said. “Shut up Yin! Do you really think that I forgot?” Spirit snapped. “So, the Dark Prince is awake?” Kalinka asked. “Sadly, yes.” “I don’t get it, though. Why didn’t Princess Celestia just exterminate him?” “She tried. That’s when we discovered that me and Yin are linked. If he goes, I go. We’re two sides of the same bit.” Spirit answered. “When Yin said he was ‘the real me’, he meant that he’s my Changeling side. More specifically, he’s my Changeling side’s instinct to feed. That’s why Princess Celestia spellbound him, so if I go seven months without feeding on emotions he can’t possess me again.” “I wish he never came to being. It’s his fault that we got caught.” Kalinka said bitterly. “It’s also kinda my fault that he now exists. I thought since I was a Changeling-pony hybrid, I could just eat regular food to survive. That way, nopony would know that I was a Changeling in disguise.” Spirit sighed. “Apparently, that isn’t the case. I can go a long time without feeding on emotions, but I still need to feed on them.” Spirit turned around, meeting the gaze of the green-eyed Changeling. “The funny thing is, I’m actually a little glad he exists. Now we have the chance to bring two extremely different races together! I can at least say that something good came out of this.” he said with a small smile. Kalinka stared at him in silence before rolling her eyes. “That is probably the craziest thing I’ve ever heard you say.” she said, walking around him. “I agree with the mare. You are thanking me for existing? Were you breaking boulders with your head when I asleep?” Yin questioned. “You know what? You’re annoying!” Spirit exclaimed. “Hey Kalinka! Wait up!” he called, chasing after her. *** By the time Spirit caught up to Kalinka and managed to calm her down, Luna’s moon had almost reached the center of the sky.The two made a small camp to rest for the night, deciding that it would be suicide to continue traveling in the Everfree at in the dark. “So, how far do you think we are from the Hive?” Spirit asked, stoking the small fire in front of them. “At the pace we’re going at, I’d say about five more days or so.” Kalinka answered, laying next to him. “You hungry Kalinka? I got some berries in my saddlebag.” he offered, reaching for the bag. “I’m grateful for the offer Spirit, but I’m not like you. Regular food doesn’t do anything for Changelings. I’m not a hybrid.” she said, stopping Spirit. “Oh right, sorry about that.” he said, focusing his attention back on the fire. “There’s no need to be sorry Spirit. You didn’t do anything wrong, you were just being polite.” she assured, patting him on the shoulder. “Ya know, it’s pretty late, you should get some sleep. I don’t mind taking first watching.” Spirit said, staring at moon. “Okay,” Kalinka said, curling up next to him. “G’night Spirit.” she said, closing her eyes. “Good night, Cranberry.” Spirit whispered as he continued to stare at the moon. ‘Five more days. We’re that close.’ Spirit thought in awe. ‘Wow, the moon looks so beautiful tonight.’ he analyzed. He started to feel light-headed as he continued to gaze upon the ivory orb. ‘W-what’s going on? Why can’t I look away?’ He thought as his world suddenly turned black. *** Spirit suddenly awoke to a strange sight; he was no longer in the Everfree Forest. Instead, he found himself in an empty meadow, green as far as he could see. “Where...where am I?” he said, sitting up. “You are in Aether. This is what most call ‘Paradise’.” a familiar voice answered. Spirit turned around to face the speaker, his eyes widening in disbelief. “I-I remember you! You were there when I beat Yin!” Spirit exclaimed, standing up. The orange stallion smiled as he walked towards Spirit. “Hello, son.” the unicorn said, placing a hoof on the hybrid’s shoulder. Spirit’s whole body started to tremble as tears welled up in his eyes. “H-how?” Spirit strained to say. “A-aren’t you de-dead?” “The Creator Herself has granted us permission to see you in this plane of existence. She does this for all foals who have lost their parents.” “Us?” “Your mother is at the house. I bet she’d be glad to see you again. Let’s not keep her waiting, okay?” Spirit’s father said, guiding Spirit to the house. “O-okay.” Spirit said, blinking the tears away. *** “Akroma, I’m back! And we have a visitor!” Spirit’s father said as he opened the door. Although Spirit’s father called it a house, it was more of a hut. It was very similar to Spirit’s house back in Ponyville; it was small and compact. Spirit began to shake again when he saw the mature female Changeling. She was sitting in a chair, assembling what appeared to be a picture puzzle. “Welcome back Fazz,” Akroma said, her attention still on the puzzle. “Who is this visitor?” She asked, fitting a piece into the puzzle. Fazz sighed as he turned to the trembling hybrid. “That’s your mother. She loves her puzzles, sometimes I think she likes them more than me.” Fazz said loudly. “That is an exaggeration and you know it!” Spirit’s mother said, looking away from the puzzle to glare at her husband. Akroma’s eyes grew wide when she saw the young Changeling standing next to him. Akroma froze, tears forming in her eyes. “C-can it be? I’m not imagining this, r-right?” she said, tears spilling as she walked towards her son. “Spirit, is that you?” “H-hi mom.” Spirit squeaked, tears streaming down his face. “Oh Tau, it is you! My baby colt!” Akroma exclaimed, sweeping Spirit into a tight embrace. Spirit returned the hug, sobs of joy coming from both Changelings. Fazz watched the reunion of mother and son, a small smile forming as tears began to fall from his eyes. “Finally,” the unicorn whispered. “We’re together. It might be temporary, but we are all together. Thank you Tau Sunflare, thank you for letting me meet the son I never knew I had.” *** “So Spirit, what do you want to know?” Fazz asked, the three of them sitting on a couch. After the small family reunion, Fazz and Akroma decided to see if Spirit had any questions he wanted answered. “Well,” Spirit said. “I do want to know how I got here. One second I’m sitting next to Kalinka-” Spirit’s eyes widened in realization. “KALINKA!” he shouted, jumping onto the floor. “Where is she!? Is she okay!? She probably doesn’t even know where I am!” he panicked, prancing in place. “Spirit, calm down.” Akroma said, picking him up with her magic. “You are still next to her.” she said, putting him back on the couch. “Huh!?” “You didn’t go anywhere, Spirit. Your body is still there, but your mind is here.” “Huh?” Spirit repeated. “You’re asleep son.” Fazz said bluntly. “Asleep? I’m asleep?” “The Aether is the afterlife for beings of Echidna. The only way you are able to be here is to be asleep.” Akroma explained. “I’m curious though,” Fazz said. “Who is this ‘Kalinka’? Is she your special somepony?” he teased, watching Spirit’s chitin skin glow red. “Is she cute?” Spirit’s head started to steam. “Fazz!” Akroma hissed. “What?” Fazz asked. “Knock it off! You’re embarrassing him.” she scolded. “Anymore questions, Spirit?” “How did I get here? I don’t remember falling asleep.” “Do you remember when you were staring at the moon? Princess Luna casted a spell on you while you were entranced by it. It was by Tau’s request that she did so.” Fazz answered. “Anything else?” “Um...is this a one-time thing?” Spirit asked. Akroma shook her head. “You can come back anytime you want, but you can only see us when you are asleep. How long you stay asleep affects how long you can stay here.” As if on cue, Spirit’s vision started to become hazy. “W-what’s going on!?” Spirit asked, swaying side-to-side. “Looks like you’re waking up.” Fazz said. “What! No! I don’t want to wake up!” Spirit yelled as he fought to keep his eyes open. “I still have some questions!” “And we’ll be waiting here to answer them. Don’t forget, you still have deliver Celestia’s letter.” Akroma said as she began to fade away. “We’ll be watching over you.” Fazz said as they disappeared. *** Spirit’s eyes snapped open as he drifted back into reality. ‘D-did that really happen? Or was it all just a dream?’ he thought. “Celestia’s letter.” a voice said along the wind. “Oh yeah, the treaty!” Spirit said, standing up. “Kalinka, we need to-” Spirit said to Kalinka, only that Kalinka was no longer next to him. Her saddlebags were also missing too. “Where did she go?” Author's Note For those who don't know, Tau Sunflare is an anagram of Lauren Faust. As Spirit's father said, Tau lets orphan foals see their parent through their dreams. This happens all over Echidna, even in Ponyville. Spirit: I CAN'T FIND KALINKA! Me: Will you stop breaking the fourth wall!? Secret of a Life“Kalinka? Where are you?” Spirit said, searching for any sign of her disappearance. ‘Where on Equus did you go?’ “Yo idiot, if you’re looking for your marefriend, she left a note for you near that rotting tree.” Yin interjected. “She’s not my marefriend Yin, she’s my Superior.” Spirit retorted as he trotted towards the dead tree. “And I’m pretty sure she would erase me from existence if I called her that.” he said as he searched around the tree’s trunk. “Aha! Found it!” he proclaimed as he read the note. Spirit, By the time you’ve found this, ten minutes may have passed. I found a hot spring that was nearby, and it has been three days since I’ve bathed. A mare has her needs, ya know. I was going wake you up, but you looked like you were having a nice dream. Your fangs kept pinching together, it was kinda cute. Come join me if you want, just follow the path of broken twigs. “A hot spring? That sounds like a good idea,” Spirit said, sniffing himself. “Ugh! Scratch that, it sounds like a great idea!” he gagged. *** “This must be it,” Spirit said as he walked into the clearing. “Wow! This place is amazing!” the hybrid said in awe. Comparing the rest of the forest the two Changelings have been traveling through to the sight before him would be like comparing a campfire to a fireworks finale. The trees surrounding the clearing were so full of life it reminded him of Aether. The water was a crystal blue, its surface sparkled like the starry sky. A small cave rested on a hill overlooking the spring.The whole area was the second most beautiful thing he had ever seen in his life. "Hey Spirit, over here!" a voice called. "Kalinka!" Spirit answered, walking towards her. "So you've finally awake. I thought you would sleep forever." Kalinka said, her lower half soaking in the spring. "Well," she said, gesturing her hoof to the hot spring. "Are you going to join me?" Spirit flashed her a small smile, placing his saddlebag next to hers before he leaped into the hot spring. "Spirit Ball!" he yelled as collided with the water. "Agh!" Kalinka cried, water splashing her in the face. "Watch what you're doing ya joker!" she yelled as he resurfaced. "Sorry Kalinka." Spirit said unsympathetically. "Sorry doesn't cut it!" she said, dunking his head underwater. Spirit flailed wildly as he tried to escape her grasp. "Now it's your turn!" "Linka-" "La la la la! I can't hear you!" *** "This place is amazing." "Mhm." "Hey," Kalinka said, turning to Spirit. "After this mission, we should come back here. Make this our secret refuge." “Our own little paradise…” Spirit muttered. “Sounds good to me!” he exclaimed, a huge grin on his face. “But wait, what should we call it?” he asked, placing a hoof under his chin. “Hmm,” Kalinka sighed, mimicking Spirit’s pose. “...How about we just call it Haven?” she proposed. “‘Haven’...I like it. Rolls right off the tongue.” “Haven it is then!” “Not that I don’t like to be the bearer of bad new,” Yin suddenly said. “But I think someone has already claimed this area.” “‘Already claimed this area’? What are you talking about?” Spirit asked. “If you can recall, there was a cave overlooking the hot spring. Apparently something was sleeping in it, and you two idiots woke it up with your loud voices. And from what I’m sensing, it’s pretty pissed.” “And why didn’t you tell me earlier!?” Spirit yelled, climbing out of the hot spring. “I don’t like you.” “Spirit, what’s wrong?” Kalinka asked, her voice dripping with worry. A bloodcurdling roar suddenly filled the air, directing their attention to the source. In front of the cave stood a Manticore, drool oozing from its gaping mouth as it began to snarl at the two Changelings. “That,” Spirit said as Kalinka clambered out of the hot spring. “That is what’s wrong.” The Manticore roared again, leaping off the hill and diving towards the pair. "Watch out!" Spirit yelled, tackling Kalinka out of the way. The Manticore landed where the two Changelings were, the pair's saddlebags right beneath it. "The saddlebags!" Kalinka said as Spirit helped her up. "Celestia's Letter is in there!" "Damn!" Spirit swore. "Um, hello Mr. Manticore." he said calmly. "We need those saddlebags you're standing over. If you would kindly let us retrieve them, we'll leave quietly. Deal?" he said, slowly moving towards the beast. The Manticore growled louder as Spirit moved closer. "I'm just going to take the bags." Spirit explained, his horn starting to glow. The Manticore suddenly twitched, its scorpion tail coiling. "Oh no!" Kalinka gasped, running towards Spirit. "Spirit, look out!" she yelled, ramming him out of the way just the tail made its move. As he collided with the ground, he watched as the tail speared Kalinka in the chest. Crimson blood spilled from her wound as her screams of pain rang in Spirit's ears. "KALINKA!" Spirit cried, his screams attracting the Manticore's attention. It turned to face him, its tail flinging Kalinka off like trash. She landed in front of Spirit, her eyes blank and body twitching. "Kalinka, no." Spirit whispered, something inside of him slipping. “No…” he repeated, his eyes beginning to turn red. “No!” he shouted, a dark aura suddenly surrounding him. “Oh, what’s this?” Yin pondered, watching the event in front of him unfold. “You!” Spirit hissed at the Manticore, making it flinch. “You dirty, mangy mutt!” he yelled, taking a step towards the startled beast. “I hope you’ve enjoyed breathing, because those breaths you’re taking right now will be your last!” Spirit declared, charging directly at the Manticore. The Manticore swung its paw at Spirit’s head, only for Spirit to slide under it. Spirit swiftly turned around, bucking the monster square in the face. The Manticore roared in pain as it tried stab Spirit with its tail. Spirit immediately countered with a beam of dark-green magic,vaporizing the tail. "That was for my friend you stabbed!" Spirit yelled over the Manticore's roar of pain. 'Him becoming feral was all because of that mare getting skewered? How asinine. Yet intriguing.' “Where do you think you’re going!?” Spirit hissed at the now-fleeing Manticore. He shot another bolt of magic at the Manticore, striking it in the leg. Spirit trotted towards the heavily injured Manticore, watching it try to crawl away with a sadistic smile. He shot its other leg, the Manticore’s attempt to escape going with it. Spirit walked around the Manticore, until he was face-to-face with the beast. He stared directly into the Manticore’s eyes, acknowledging the fear it displayed. “When you get to Tartarus,” he said, charging up a bolt of magic. “Tell Tirek that Free Spirit sent you.” He unleashed the magic, the Manticore’s screams filling the air as it was reduced to ash. ‘I must say I am impressed.’ Yin admitted to himself. “And that’s that.” Spirit smirked, his eyes returning to their natural blue color. Spirit suddenly gasped as his eyes widened. “Huh!? W-what happened!? Where’s the Manticore?” Spirit said, gripping his head. “The last thing I remember is Kalinka getting- OH TAU! KALINKA!!!” he yelled, remembering his injured partner. He ran towards her, checking for a sign that she was still alive. "Kalinka! Are you okay!? Please, answer me!" he cried, shaking her. "Hey idiot, why don't you move her somewhere safe?" Yin suggested. "Where do you think I should move her!?" he shouted. "Oh, I don't know...how about that cave on that hill?" Yin deadpanned. "The cave!" Spirit said, picking up the bags and Kalinka. 'Hold on Kalinka! Just hold on!' *** Spirit propped Kalinka against the cave wall, checking the wound in her chest. 'It's pretty bad. I need to heal it fast.' He grabbed Kalinka by the shoulders, shaking her gently. "Hey Kalinka, stay with me. I know you're hurt, but you need to stay with me." Spirit advised, pulling her to his body. "You need to feed." 'What is that idiot doing?' Yin questioned. Spirit pushed her head on his neck. "Come on, Kalinka. You have to feed!" "N-no..." Kalinka moaned as she tried to pull away. "Dangerous..." "I don't care if it's dangerous Kalinka! You're hurt! You have to feed!" Spirit yelled, holding her tighter. "N-no..." "Kalinka, I've already lost my parents. I'm not losing you too! Please, feed!" Spirit begged, tears streaming down his face. "Please, I don't want to be alone. I don't care if feeding on another Changeling is dangerous, I just want you to be okay." "Spirit..." Kalinka struggled to say as she put her mouth on his neck. "Never...alone." she said, biting his neck. Spirit gasped in pain as his chitin skin was broken. Green blood spilled onto the cavern floor, the sound of it falling mixing with the sound of feeding. Spirit's vision began to blur as he watched the wound on her chest slowly close. His eyes grew heavy as the beating in his own chest slowed. "K-Kalinka..." Spirit said as his world began to grow dark. "What...are you?" *** When Spirit awoke, he found himself in complete darkness. His neck throbbed as he tried to collect his thoughts. 'Are we...further in the cave?' he wondered, rubbing his neck. "Have a nice nap?" Spirit turned around to see a pair of green eyes staring back. "Kalinka? How are you feeling?" "I feel fine, though I should be asking you that. You could have died trying to heal me!" "It's a good thing I have a heart then. In case you've forgotten, I'm not your average Changeling." Spirit said, pointing at his chest. "Speaking of normal," Spirit said, his tone shifting. "Kalinka, why is your blood red? Changeling blood is green." Kalinka flinched at the sudden question. "W-what are you talking about? I-it must have been your imagination." Kalinka stammered. "You're lying. Kalinka, what are you?" he questioned. Kalinka began to shake, her eyes shifted left and right as if she was looking for a way out. "Kalinka, is there something preventing you from tell me?" "I have given you a new life. You shall not tell anyone what I have done. Understood?" "Yes, my new Queen." Revelations"I have given you a new life. You shall not tell anyone what I have done. Understood?" Kalinka trembled violently, the scarring memory returning to her mind. Her breathing spiked as her eyes continued to move left and right. "S-spirit?" she stuttered. "S-shouldn't we get going? W-we need to deliver her l-letter." "We were told to deliver it as soon as naturally possible. We weren't given a time limit." Spirit countered. "Now please answer my question." "No." "And why not?" "Spirit, I am your superior. I don't have to answer your-" "Kalinka," Spirit said, his expression hardening. "I saved your life. The least you could do is answer my question." "I-I can't." "Why not?" "I just can't!" Spirit glared at Kalinka before suddenly sighing. "I didn't want to do this..." he said as he walked towards her. "Wait, w-what are you-" "If you won't answer my question, then I'll Soul Search you." Spirit said, his blue eyes beginning to shine. "What!? N-no, stop!" Kalinka yelled as she tried to push him away. "Spirit, don't!" she said as she began to fall into the trance. *Kalinka's Mind* When Spirit entered her head, he found himself in a hallway of doors. At the end of the hall, a large door stood before him. 'That must be where the memory she's hiding is.' he deduced, walking towards the large door. Along the way, he past by much smaller doors that held all her other memories. Some doors were rather simple, as one was labeled "Kalinka's favorite color" or "Kalinka's craziest dream". Others tempted Spirit to open them like " Kalinka's greatest fear" and "Kalinka's secret crush". "Finally," Spirit said, standing in front of the door. "Time to get my answer." he said, placing his hoof on the door. "NO!" A voice rang out, startling the Changeling. The hall was suddenly bathed in a blinding white light, forcing Spirit to shield his eyes. Spirit suddenly found himself being launched away from the door, crashing straight into the wall behind him. *Reality* Kalinka pushed Spirit away from her, the connection severed. Spirit fell on his back, his mind a jumbled mess. "I told you Spirit, I can't let you know!" "Why not!?" he said, his mind coming to. "I just can't!" "Why!?" "Because Chrysalis said I can't!" Kalinka yelled. She immediately realized her mistake, covering her mouth with her hooves. Spirit eyes widened in shock, his mouth agape. "Chrysalis?" he said in disbelief. "W-what?" Kalinka froze, her mind racing. 'No...' "What did Chrysalis do?" Spirit asked the scared Changeling. "...Promise me." "What?" "Promise me you won't tell anyone what I'm about to say!" Kalinka yelled, her breathing rose. "Kalinka, calm down-" "Promise me or I'll be forced to kill you!" she yelled, tears forming in her eyes. "Okay, okay! I won't tell a soul!" Spirit said, his hooves up in defence. "Just calm down! Breathe, Kalinka, breathe!" Kalinka began to take deep breaths, her trembling ceasing. "You know too much, Spirit. Chrysalis told me to eradicate anyone who learned the truth. I refuse to kill you Spirit, that's why I made you take an oath of silence. I trust you." "Kalinka," Spirit said, placing a hoof on her shoulder. "You know that you can trust me." "Thanks, Spirit." she said. "It happened fourteen years ago..." Kalinka limped through the ruined town, her tiny legs struggled to keep her moving. 'So hungry...so tired...', the skinny pegasus thought as her legs finally out from under her. She fell face first into the ground, dirt and ash filling her nostrils. She remained on the ground, her eyes watering as her stomach began to rumble again. 'Why did they do it? Why did those Gryphons destroy our town?' she questioned as tears streamed her face. 'Mommy, Daddy, Riki.' "Well, well, well. What do we have here?'"a voice jeered. Kalinka looked up to find a Gryphon staring back at her, a twisted grin on his face. "Looks like we missed one." he said as he grabbed her by the neck. Kalinka squirmed helplessly as she tried to breathe. "Since I'm in such a good mood, I'll make this quick." the Gryphon sneered as his talons squeezed tighter around her throat. "Help...me..." Kalinka wheezed. "Somepony...help..." "Save your breath," the Gryphon said. "No one is going to help you." "Release her!" a voice rang out as a bolt of green magic clipped the Gryphon's wing. "Gah!" the Gryphon yelped, dropping the frail pegasus as he grabbed his wing. "What the flying feather!?" "I'm taking my daily walk out the forest," a tall black creature said, appearing into view. "And what do I find? A helpless little filly being strangled by a oversized rat with wings. I don't think that's very fair." "Mind your own business!" the Gryphon yelled. "This doesn't concern you!" "I believe it does," the creature corrected. "You Gryphons are a giant nuisance. Nothing but unintelligent, muscle brain cowards. I think it's time someone put you in your place." the creature said, taking a stance. "You're kidding. You're kidding, right?" the Gryphon asked. The creature simply glared. "Oh, you're serious. If you wanted to die, why didn't you say so!" the Gryphon said as he charged at the creature. The equine-like being stood still, closing its eyes as the Gryphon grew closer. Then, it suddenly lunged forward, ramming its deformed horn into the Gryphon's head. The Gryphon slowly grabbed the creature's horn, staring directly into its eyes. "Your mistake," the creature said, its horn beginning to glow. "Was challenging royalty." A flash of green light filled the surrounding area, making impossible for Kalinka to see what was happening. When the light finally vanished, the only thing left of the Gryphon was a pile of bones. 'So strong!' Kalinka thought in awe. Her moment of amazement quickly ended when she realized the creature was now focused on her. "Now, what to do with you?" It said, walking towards the red filly. Kalinka tried to crawl away, fearful of what it might do to her. "Don't be afraid. If I was going to harm you I would have done it already." It said. Kalinka stopped trying to flee, the creature's logic making sense. 'Things can't get any worse than they already are, I suppose.' she thought. "W-who are you? What are you?" "I am Chrysalis, Queen of the Changelings." "C-changelings? But I thought Changelings were just fairytales?" "I can assure you that we are real." Chrysalis said. "But enough about me, what about you? Why are you here?" "My name is Kalinka. This is my- was my home. The Gryphons were forcing my village to give them food and bits, or else they would somepony...disappear. We payed every month like they told us to, but one day they just suddenly attacked." Kalinka said, her eyes beginning to water again. "They burned down our homes and attacked anypony in sight. We tried to fight back, but there were too many." The young filly's eyes began to burn. "A-and n-now my mommy, d-daddy, and my b-brother a-are gone!" Chrysalis sat next to the crying filly in silence, her face calm and collected. "If you stay here, you'll die of either starvation or being caught by another Gryphon." she said. "I can help you." "Y-you can?" Kalinka said through her tears. "Yes," Chrysalis confirmed. "My people have another way of making more Changelings. It is a forbidden way, though. Not many know how to do it." "W-what is it?" "I will infuse my blood with yours, turning you into a Changeling. Once I do this, there is no changing back." Chrysalis said, standing up. "Do you accept?" Kalinka struggled to stand up, swaying side-to-side. "I-I don't want to die." "So I have your permission?" Chrysalis asked. Kalinka nodded. "Then let us begin..." she said, biting the filly on the neck. "After she bit my neck, I blacked out," Kalinka said. "When I came to, I was a Changeling. She told me to not tell anypony what she did. I guess we're both bad at keeping promises." "Wow," Spirit said. "I-I didn't know. Sorry about your family. And your village. I didn't know." he said, staring at the cavern floor. “I didn’t know I was gonna open up old wounds. Sorry.” “Don’t be,” Kalinka said, embracing the young hybrid. “It’s not your fault. To be honest, it felt great getting that off my chest. But if I find out that you told somepony,” she said, suddenly face-to-face with the hybrid. “I will be forced to kill you.” “I-I won’t! I swear on my life!” “That’s not going to last long.” ‘Shut. Up. Yin.’ “It’s been a long day, how about we get some rest?” Kalinka said. “Sounds like a plan.” “I’ll take first watch, you get some rest.” “Okay. Goodnight, Cranberry.” "Goodnight, Spirit." she said as Spirit began to drift off. Kalinka frowned as she looked towards the cave entrance. 'Sorry Spirit, but I can't tell you everything...' "My Queen," Kalinka said, following Chrysalis back to the Hive. "If you don't mind me asking, what made you decide to help me? You went against one of your people's laws to help an insignificant filly." Chrysalis stopped walking, surprised by the Neo-Changeling's question. "Recently," Chrysalis said, turning to face the filly. "I've found myself unable to produce an heir. I needed someone to take the throne when my time is up. I was walking through the forest when I came across you. I thought that you would make a suitable heir. That is why I saved you." "Wait, I'm your heir?" Kalinka said. "Correct. My subjects must never learn of this until it is time." "If I'm your heir, does that make me your child?" "My blood now flows through your veins. You are my child because of that." "C-can I- may I...call you Mother?" Kalinka asked, her voice becoming quieter with each passing word. "As long as you don't say it around my subjects, you have my permission." At the sound of those words, Kalinka ran next to Chrysalis, rubbing against her side. "T-thank you, my Queen." "You're welcome, my child." "I-I love you, m-mother." "I love you too, Kalinka." Warning and Training*Aether* "I'm back!" Spirit announced as he opened the hut door. "Spirit!" Akroma said, sweeping her son up into a tight hug. "I saw what happened with the Manticore! Are you hurt? Anything broken!?" she said, oblivious to Spirit turning blue. "Akroma! He can't breathe!" Fazz said from the the couch. "Hm?" Akroma responded, taking notice of Spirit's face. "Oops," she said, loosening her grip. "Sorry honey." "It's okay mom," Spirit said after his body turned to its natural color. "Wait, you saw what happened with the Manticore? Can you tell me what happened to it?" "You mean you don't remember?" Akroma said nervously. Spirit shook his head. "All I can remember is Kalinka getting stabbed and getting very angry," he said, putting a hoof on his forehead. "The next thing I know, the Manticore was gone." Akroma closed her eyes and sighed, walking towards the couch. "Come sit down, Spirit. We have something to tell you." "What is it?" he asked, sitting between his parents. "Spirit," Fazz said. "You killed the Manticore." "W-what!? Now way!" Spirit yelled. "It is and you did," Akroma said. "When Kalinka was stabbed, you became angry. So very angry." "The thing is," Fazz said. "The angrier you got, the more it looked you were losing yourself. Losing yourself to your emotions." "Losing myself...to my emotions?" Spirit said. "I have a theory," Fazz explained. “It might have something to do with you being a Changeling/Unicorn hybrid. From what your mother has told me, when a Changeling becomes agitated, they begin to turn feral. Their magic also becomes stronger when they feed off of emotions. The strength of a Unicorn’s magic is influenced by their emotions, rage giving one of the strongest boosts. I believe that when you became enraged, you unknowingly began to feed off of your own rage. You became less feral and more...frenzied.” “Frenzied?” "What we're trying to say Spirit," Akroma said, giving her son a hug. "Try to keep your emotions in check, especially your anger. We don't want you to become something...darker." "Okay, I'll do my best." "Great!" Fazz said, jumping off the couch. "Now with that out of the way, Spirit follow me." he said, walking towards the door. "Huh? W-where are we going?" Spirit asked, following suit. "We're gonna have a training session!" "Really? Are you sure?" Spirit asked cautiously. "I wanna show you some spells that I know and see if you can do the same." "Well okay." Spirit said, walking out the door. "Don't get too crazy, alright?" Akroma called after them. "We won't!" They said in unison. "...I'm going to have to bandage somepony up tonight. I just know it." Akroma said to herself, pulling out a puzzle box. *Great Aether Meadow* "Okay Spirit," Fazz said, standing across from Spirit. "I want you to shoot me." "What?" "Shoot a bolt of magic at me. That way I can show off my first spell." Fazz said, his horn glowing white. "Well, if you say so..." Spirit said, firing a blast of green magic at his father. Fazz closed his eyes as bolt grew closer. His horn began to glow brighter with each passing second. His eyes flashed open, as white as his horn, as his horn began to surround him with magic. "Shīrudo!" Fazz shouted, the white magic forming a barrier around him. The bolt dissipated when it collided with the barrier. "Woah!" Spirit said in awe. "That was my 'Shield' spell," Fazz said, his voice sounding distant. "And this," the barrier shattered, the shards flying to his hooves. "Is my speed spell: Supīdo!" he said, disappearing in front of Spirit. "Huh!? Where do you go?" Spirit said, searching for his father. "Behind you." "Huh?" Spirit said, turning around. Nothing. "I said 'behind you'!" "What?" Spirit turned around again. Nothing. "C'mon, step it up!" Fazz said behind him. Spirit turned as fast as possible to catch him. "You're too slow!" Fazz said next to him. Spirit turned again, finding himself surrounded by four copies of his father. "What's wrong Spirit, can't keep up?" They said, running circles around him. Fazz disappeared again, only to appear in front of Spirit. He smiled at Spirit, his breathing as calm as he began. "And finally," he said, the shards climbing up his body to his horn. "Pawā!" Fazz's horn began to grow longer, rivaling the Royal Pony Sisters. "Ngh!" Fazz grunted as more magic began to swirl around his horn. "And now," he said, jumping into the air. "Release!" Fazz boomed, firing the charged magic at the ground. *Aether Hut* “And done!” Akroma said, fitting the final puzzle piece in place. “I wonder how training’s going?” she muttered as the she began to place the completed puzzle back in its box. The room suddenly shook violently, causing Akroma to drop the puzzle prematurely. “Well, I guess that answers my question.” she said, looking out the window. Her eyes instantly widened as she took notice of the puzzle, now disassembled. “...Pony feathers.” *Great Aether Meadow* The resulting impact rocked Spirit's world, figuratively and literally. Spirit peered down the crater the blast had created, finding himself unable to see the bottom. Spirit fell on his plot, the demonstration of strength filling him with excitement and fear. "That was the power spell: Pawā." Fazz said, landing in front of Spirit. "These spells were created by your great-great-great-grandfather as a way to separate ourselves from other Unicorns." "A-amazing!" Spirit stuttered, unable to move. "Now," Fazz said, helping his son up. "It's time to see if you can do the same. Let's start with Shīrudo, shall we?" "O-okay!” Spirit said, closing his eyes. Green magic slowly shrouded his horn, the effort of using his magic in a different way getting to him. “Don’t force it, Spirit. Let it happen naturally.” Fazz advised, watching his son strain. Spirit relaxed slightly, the magic flowing to his horn slowly becoming less of a hassle. His horn began to flash, waves of magic trickling down his body. “That’s it Spirit! You’re doing great!” Fazz praised, his own horn gathering magic. “I’m going to fire a small beam of magic, okay? I want you to try to block it. Got it?” “G-got it!” Spirit said through gritted teeth as he struggled to hold the magic together. “Here it comes!” Fazz warned, shooting the magic at his son. “S-shīrudo!” Spirit yelled, forming a small barrier around himself. The magic bolt tore through the barrier like it was there, hitting Spirit square in the chest. He fell on his back, the wind knocked out of him as the world started spinning. Fazz sighed as he helped Spirit up again. “I kinda expected that. I didn’t get it right on my first go either. Let’s try again!” “I think we’re gonna have to try again later, Dad. I think I’m waking up.” Spirit said as his vision began to distort. “Okay,” Fazz said with a smile. “Remember what your mother and I told you about your emotions.” “I will Dad.” Spirit said as everything faded to black. Author's Note Spirit: Well my life sucks, doesn't it? My parent's are dead, The Hive exiled me, I almost lost myself to my Changeling side, and now if I don't keep my emotions in check I go psycho and don't remember it!? What the buck H.A.H!?! Me: You sound like you need a hug. Would you like one? Spirit:...Yes. StruggleAuthor's Note Here it is, the final chapter of Spiritual Journey. This took a lot out of me to write, so I'll be taking a break from writing. My apologies in advance if it seems rushed. Expect the epilogue to be released in a week or so and the first chapter of Return to Ponyville in about 2-3. Struggle *Reality* Spirit woke with a start, his mind a jumbled mess. ‘Where...am I?’ he asked as he found himself staring into darkness. His hoof brushed against a rocky floor, instantly reminding him where he was. ‘I’m...still in the cave,’ he thought as he pressed his hoof on his head. ‘Will I ever get use to coming back?’ "So you're finally awake, ya joker." "Huh? Oh, hey Kalinka." Spirit said, facing the grinning mare. "How's your chest?" "It feels fine Spirit," she said, tossing his saddlebag to him. "C'mon, we can trot and talk. Let's get going." "Right!" Spirit said, fitting the bag onto his back. *** "We're close," Kalinka said, sniffing the air. "The stench of rotten honey is strong." "Our journey's almost over." Spirit said. "Hey Spirit," Kalinka said. "What happened to that Manticore?" "H-huh?" "What happened to it?" "O-oh," Spirit stuttered. "W-well, you see..." "Tell her." 'No! I-I can't!' "What are you afraid of?" 'If I tell her I killed it, she'll think I'm some kind of monster!' "I feel like I should give a buck, but I don't." 'If you don't care, then why do you want me to tell her!?' "Your worrying makes it hard to sleep." "Spirit?" Kalinka asked. "You okay?" "Y-yeah! You see, the thing is-" "Spirit, dodge!" 'What are y-' "MOVE NOW! MARE TOO!" Spirit tackled Kalinka to the ground, a blast of green magic vaporizing the area where they were. "Kalinka, are you alright?" "Y-yeah, I'm fine." Kalinka said as Spirit got off of her. "Was that Changeling magic?" "Damn, I missed." a figure said, walking out of the shadows. A full-grown Changeling stood before the two. He towered over the two of them, his green eyes burning with glee. "Look at what we have here, if it isn't Kalinka and her freak of nature pet Free Spirit!" "Talon!" Kalinka and Spirit yelled. "What do you want!?" "I'm just doing my job: making sure all threats to the Hive don't get any closer. And if memory serves," he said, glaring at Spirit. "That halfbreed freak is classified as a threat to the entire Changeling Empire!" "I'm here to deliver a letter to Queen Chrysalis from Princess Celestia!" Spirit said, walking forward. "So get out of my way!" "You little nothing! How dare you talk to me like that!" Talon yelled, shooting a bolt of magic at Spirit. Spirit narrowly dodged the attack on his life, the bolt colliding with a tree and reducing it to splinters. “Apparently, somepony didn’t get the memo!” Spirit yelled to Kalinka as he dodged another magic bolt. “Talon!” Kalinka shouted. “Cut it out! Chrysalis is expecting him!” her answer was shot fired at her. “I don't listen to traitors!” he yelled as he continued to attack Spirit. “He’s not going to listen to reason! Time to fight back!” Yin said. ‘Why are you helping me all of the sudden!?’ Spirit asked, a bolt almost taking his head off. “Don’t get mistaken. I don’t care about you, I care about your body!” ‘You’re so thoughtful.’ Spirit deadpanned, sending Talon a blast of his own magic. Talon sidestepped out of the way, charging straight at Spirit. “Leave him alone!” Kalinka yelled, intercepting Talon with a tackle. They began to roll on the ground, neither of them showing signs of giving up. “Hold on Kalinka, I’m coming!” Spirit yelled as he raced to help his friend. “You dumb mare! Get off of me!” Talon commanded. “Why!? So you can hurt Spirit!? No way in Tartarus!” Kalinka countered, striking Talon in the face. “THAT’S IT!” Talon screamed, flipping Kalinka off him. “I was going to let you live,” he said, choking her with his magic. “But since you want to be such a nuisance!” “Back off!” Spirit said, shoulder tackling him away from Kalinka, severing his hold. “You wanna fight someone, fight me!” he challenged, removing the saddlebag and taking a stance. “You’re kidding. You’re kidding, right?” Talon asked with a smirk. Spirit stood his ground, eyes full of determination. “So you're serious...well then, this should be fun!” Talon said, taking a similar stance. "Don't hold back, Spirit. If you die, I'm gonna kill you." 'Don't worry, I have zero intention of holding back!' Spirit replied, his blood beginning to boil. 'I'll show him what a hybrid can do!' “GO!” they said in unison, charging at each other. “It’s time someone put you in your place!” Talon exclaimed, firing volleys of magic at the young hybrid. Spirit gasped in pain as one of the bolts zapped him in the chest, halting his progress enough for him to be hit by three more bolts. “Get up!” Yin yelled as Talon dashed towards Spirit. “What do you think,” Spirit said as he tried to get up. “I’m trying to- GAH!” Spirit groaned as Talon bucked him in the side, sending him flying into a tree. “Spirit!” Kalinka yelled, firing a blast of magic at Talon. The large Changeling dodged it without a thought, immediately turning his sights on her. “Must you interfere!?” he yelled, shooting a bolt of magic at her. “No!” Spirit said, intercepting it with his own magic. “Kalinka!” he yelled, prying himself from the tree. “Grab my bag and go! Get the letter to Chrysalis!” “What about you!?” “Don’t worry about me! I’ll be fine!” he said as he fired a bolt at Talon, grazing his face. “Go!” “...You better come back alive, Spirit.” she said, snatching up the bag with her mouth as she ran towards the bushes. “I don’t think so!” Talon said as he began to chase after her, only to be tackled to the ground. “Hey! I’m the one you want!” Spirit said as he watched Kalinka disappear into the foliage. “You little-” Talon said, wrestling Spirit off of him. His horn glowed, materializing a green chain around Spirit’s neck and pinning him to the ground. “Where have I seen this before?” Yin said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. ‘Whose side are you on!?’ Spirit growled as he fought against the chain. Talon stood next to Spirit, sneering at him before stomping on his ribs. "You are nothing to me!" Talon said, watching him cough up blood as he kicked his side. "You’re just an annoying bug to me!" Spirit screamed out in pain as he felt a rib give way. "Spirit!" Yin yelled at the battered Changeling. "Do something!" His only answer was Spirit's cries of pain from Talon’s onslaught. "I believe it's time to do what anyone else would to an annoying bug," Talon said, placing both hooves on Spirit's chest. "Crush it!" 'This isn't good!' Yin panicked. "Spirit, for the love of Tau, DO SOMETHING!" 'I-I can't move.' Spirit moaned weakly. 'It looks like...I'll be moving in with my parents.' "Dammit!" Yin swore. 'Think Yin, think!' he stressed, racking his brain for a solution. "That's it!" Yin realized. "You promised Kalinka you'd come back alive! And in the name of Tau, you will! You can't be with your friends if you're dead!" 'Yin...' "You can do this! Talon thinks you can't! PROVE HIM WRONG!!!" 'Yin's right,' Spirit thought, his blood boiling again. 'I made a promise to her. I won't let this happen, I REFUSE to let it happen!' Spirit declared as something in him snapped a second time. "Time to die!" Talon said as he began to press down. His movements quickly stopped as he heard Spirit chuckle. “What’s so funny!?” “You said ‘time to die’.” Spirit repeated, his voice becoming more raspy. "That sounds like a plan," Spirit said. "You first!" he hissed, an invisible force knocking Talon away. "What the!?" Talon exclaimed as he got up, staring at the sight before him. A dark aura began to seep from Spirit's horn, slowly engulfing his body. It crawled over the chain, shattering it with little effort. His eyes shifted from blue to red as his ribs snapped back into place. All the while, Spirit was laughing. The volume of his laughter grew with each passing second, until it finally reached its climax. Spirit stood up, an unfriendly smile on his face. "I think I'm ready for round two!" "What in the name of Tartarus is going on here!?" Talon yelled. "I broke your ribs! How did you break that chain!? How are you standing!? What happened to you!?" Spirit stared blankly at the Changeling before he started to laugh again. "I got better, as you can see." Spirit said, pointing at himself. "You on the other hoof," he glared at Talon. "Are about to get worse!" "It happened again..." Yin said to himself. "Alright Spirit, let him have it!" The dark aura began to flow from his horn again, applying itself to Spirit's hooves like armour. "Supīdo!" Spirit boomed, blinking out of existence. "What!?" Talon shouted as he began searching for the missing Changeling. "Where did he go!?" “Up here!” Talon looked to the sky, only to be hammer-hooved in the face. He screamed in pain as he fell to the ground, clutching his face. “What’s the matter!?” Spirit hissed, picking Talon up with his magic. “Didn’t you say you were going to put me in my place?” he asked, slamming Talon into the dirt. “Where did all that bravado go?!” Spirit stomped on Talon’s forehooves, relishing the sound of bones breaking and his enemy’s shrieking. “Stop,” Talon begged. “Please stop!” “Stop? I just started having fun!” Spirit said, picking up Talon and flinging him into a nearby tree. He dashed after Talon, pinning him to the trunk with his hoof before he could slide down. “You shouldn’t have messed with us!” Spirit said, staring Talon in the eyes. The dark aura began to wrap itself around Talon's throat, squeezing without remorse. Spirit's smile grew wide as he watched Talon struggle to breathe. "Spirit! If you're gonna kill him, don't torture him!” "I...give...up!" Talon wheezed. "Please...stop!" "Isn't that what I asked of you and all the other Changelings who hurt me!?" Spirit growled, the dark aura tightening around Talon's neck. "You, who are without mercy, now plead for it? I thought you were made of sterner stuff!" "Spirit! That's enough!" Yin yelled, straining against his chains. "Halfbreed Free Spirit, cease this at once!" a voice boomed. Spirit's grip on Talon's neck loosened as he turned to face the intruder. Chrysalis stood before him, Kalinka in tow. "Release Talon!" "How did you get here!?" "Once Kalinka got close enough to the Empire, I could feel her worry through the Hive Mind. I met her halfway, and she told me that you were attacked and needed assistance." she explained, walking towards him. "But it looks like it's that deceiving Changeling is the one who needs help." Spirit's attention snapped back to Talon. "Deceiving!?" Spirit snarled, pushing Talon deeper into the tree. "You knew I was on my way to deliver the treaty!? And you stopped me for what!? Just to fight me!? Just to get in my way!?” Spirit yelled as he raised his other hoof, the dark aura shrouding it. “Spirit, stop!” Kalinka shouted. “Why should I!?” Spirit retorted, pulling his hoof back. “Give me one good reason why I shouldn't turn him into goo!” “Because you hate senseless killing!” Kalinka said. “Remember all those times you were forced to execute a prisoner? You always told me that it was the worst thing you have ever done!” “He’s had enough, Free Spirit,” Chrysalis interjected. “Can you live with yourself knowing that you took satisfaction from killing another Changeling?” “Even I have to agree,” Yin said. “Enough is enough.” Spirit stopped his attack, taking in what the two Changelings and Yin said. He looked at Chrysalis, then Kalinka, then Talon. Finally, he stared at his hoof, the dark aura still covering it. “W-what am I doing?” Spirit said, the dark aura dissipating from his hoof. He backed away from the tree, the trapped Changeling falling off. "This isn't me..." Spirit murmured, his eyes shifting back to blue. He suddenly collapsed, the dark aura slowly ebbing off his body. "I'm...not...a murderer..." Spirit said, closing his eyes. "Spirit!" Kalinka cried as she ran towards the still hybrid. "Don't worry. He is only sleeping." Chrysalis assured, walking up to her daughter. She closed her eyes, her horn glowing its usual color. Her magic enveloped Spirit, lifting him off the ground and placing him on her back. "Come," Chrysalis said, turning in the direction of the Hive. "Let's get your prince-to-be some attention." "P-prince?!" Kalinka stammered, startled by the sudden comment. "W-what are you talking about!?" "It might not be obvious to everypony else, but I've raised you ever since I saved you. You can't hide your emotions from me." Chrysalis said, a coy smile on her face. Kalinka looked away, her face burning. “Is it...is it that obvious to you?” she asked. “As obvious as Celestia’s sun.” Chrysalis answered as she began to walk. “Mother? What about Talon?” Kalinka asked, her attention now on the other unconscious Changeling. “Talon knows the way back to the Hive,” Chrysalis said without stopping. “But I wouldn’t be surprised if never showed his face there again.” Epilogue“Spirit, time to get up!” a voice rang out. Spirit groaned as he forced his eyes open, greeted with the sight of both his parents staring at him. Spirit immediately wished he didn’t open his eyes. “Oh! Um...h-hi mom, dad.” Spirit said weakly. Akroma shook her head and sighed as she walked towards the bed. Standing in front of her child, she tightly wrapped her hooves around his body, pulling him to her. “I’m just glad you’re still okay.” Akroma said in a hoarse voice. Spirit froze, his mind trying to process what was happening. “You let your emotions take over again,” Fazz said, a frown on his face. “But you’re still alive. That’s all that matters. It’s not your time yet.” he said, pulling his son and wife into a group hug. “Your punishment is no strawberry oat smoothies for a week.” “I guess that’s fair.” Spirit said. ‘Why that of all things!? That’s so cruel!’ “We just wanted you to know that we’re glad you’re okay,” Akroma said, pulling away from the embrace. “But I think it’s time you woke up. You still have to deliver that treaty.” she said, kissing him on the forehead. “We’ll be watching over you Spirit. Don’t forget we still love you!” Fazz added as he watched his son fade away. *Reality* Spirit’s eyes flew open, a green and black ceiling greeting him. ‘It’s been quite a while since I’ve seen this before. I’m back in the Hive.’ he thought as he absorbed his surroundings. ‘From the looks of it, I’m guessing I’m in the infirmary.’ “Oh, you’re awake.” Spirit turned his head to find Kalinka staring at him. “Hey Kalinka,” Spirit said as he sat on the edge of the bed. “What’s up?” “You apparently,” Kalinka answered, now sitting next to the conscious hybrid. “Ever since Chrysalis and I brought you back to the Hive, all the Changelings have been talking about you. The only ones allowed in here is Chrysalis and me. Even the doctors can’t come in here without one of us with them.” “...” “What’s wrong, Spirit?” “I killed it.” Spirit said suddenly. “What?” “The Manticore. I killed. When you got stabbed, I got so angry that I turned into...that.” Spirit explained, the urge to spill his guts to her strong. “Every time my emotions reach a fever pitch, I get frenzied. Only, unlike last time, I can vaguely remember what I did to Talon.” he said, looking down. “Everything is still hazy, but I can remember one thing clearly,” he said, staring at Kalinka. “I remember a single sentence going through my mind the whole time, ‘keep Kalinka’s promise’.” “Spirit…” “My parents visited me in a dream, they told me it might have something to do with me being a Unicorn-Changeling hybrid.” Spirit sighed, resting a hoof on his chest. “Just another curse of being born with a heart…” “You say ‘curse’, I say ‘gift’.” “W-what?” "It's because your emotions spiked that you're still alive," she said, resting her hoof on his. "I think you have power sleeping inside you. Maybe if you give your emotions direction, it will give you strength?" "Giving my emotions direction..." "Oh yeah! I almost forgot!" Kalinka exclaimed, hopping off the bed. She walked towards the door where their saddlebags hung. "Now that you're up," she said, poking through his bag. "It's time to give Chrysalis this!" Kalinka said, pulling out the treaty. "Wait, you didn't give it to her yet? Why?" Spirit said, hopping off the bed. “After all you’ve been through, I thought you should be the one who would give it to her.” she said, handing him the letter. “Besides, Celestia asked you to deliver it, not me.” “Well then,” Spirit said, holding the letter with his magic. “I think Chrysalis has waited long enough.” he said, opening the door. “And Kalinka,” he said, standing in the doorway. “Thanks for the pep talk. I really needed it.” Kalinka looked at him before flashing a warm smile. “No problem, Spirit! I coming with you. Who knows what would happen to you on the way there?” “I’d appreciate that.” *Throne Room* “Your Highness! HalfBreed Free Spirit and Kalinka wish to enter!” The Changeling guard said, standing in front of the double doors. “Enter!” Chrysalis boomed from her throne. With a nod, the Changeling guard grabbed the attention of the other guard, both opening the doors to allow the visitors in. “Chrysalis, Queen of the Changelings!” Spirit said, bowing before his ex-ruler. “I have been tasked with delivering this treaty to you from Princess Celestia!” he said, holding the letter out in front of him. Chrysalis stood from her throne, her magic retrieving the treaty from the hybrid. She opened the letter, scanning over it before putting it down. “I shall consider the agreements.” she said. “And shall make my leave.” Spirit said, getting up. “Wait!” Chrysalis commanded. Spirit stopped in his tracks and faced her. “To send you back after being attacked by one of my own would create great distrust between me and Celestia. You shall be allowed to stay one more day here. Until then, you will be treated as a guest.” “Thank you, Queen Chrysalis.” Spirit said, bowing again. “Come on, Spirit. Let’s get going.” Kalinka said as they started for the doors. *** “She must know that I feel fine.” Spirit said, the doors closed behind them. “That’s just mother’s way of saying sorry to you.” Kalinka answered without thinking. Her eyes widened as she slapped a hoof over her mouth. She looked at Spirit, his eyes as big as hers. “CHRYSALIS IS YOUR-mhpf!?” he began to yell, Kalinka shoving a hoof in his mouth before he could finish. “Keep it down! Nopony’s suppose to know that!” she hissed, removing her hoof. “She’s your mother!?” Spirit said. “I guess the parasprite’s out of the bag now.” Kalinka sighed. “When Chrysalis turned me into a Changeling, she infused some of her blood with mine. So technically, I’m her daughter by given blood.” “If your Chrysalis’s daughter, doesn’t that make you-” “A princess? Yes.” “M-my b-best f-friend i-is a-” Spirit stammered as he fell to the floor. Kalinka stared at the collapsed hybrid before sighing. “I knew this would happen.” she said as she struggled to lift him. “And mother says you’re my future prince.” she groaned as she proceeded to drag Spirit back to the infirmary. “Nothing to see here!” Kalinka said to the watching Changelings. “He just fainted from hunger! Someone get him some fruit!” *The Next Day* Spirit and Kalinka stood in front of the Hive, Chrysalis handing them their saddlebags. “I had my servants pack both of you some water in case you need it. I wish you both the very best.” “Thank you Queen Chrysalis/Mother.” Spirit and Kalinka said as the queen walked back into the Hive. “So, Free Spirit,” Kalinka said, turning to the young hybrid. “Where to next?” Author's Note And with this, A Spiritual Journey has come to an end. The final part of Spirit's story is coming soon. The False Hero shall return.
Night of FateThree days have passed since the Royal Pony Sisters learned that two Changelings, the half-breed Free Spirit and his friend Kalinka, were living in Ponyville. Seeing how different the two were from other Changelings discovered, Princess Celestia gave Free Spirit an option; deliver a peace treaty to the Changeling Empire in exchange for not being arrested as well as becoming official citizens of Ponyville. Wanting the best for Kalinka and himself, Free Spirit accepted. The two are now on their way to the Hive, their old home. *** “I still can’t believe that I’m voluntarily going back to the Hive.” Spirit said, stepping out of a bush. “It has been five months since I was banished from there, I wonder how the place looks?” “It probably still looks the same as it always has: a giant black and green beehive.” Kalinka said behind him, walking underneath a branch. “You must be some kind of stupid. Did you forget that the Empire has placed you on KOS?” Yin said. “Shut up Yin! Do you really think that I forgot?” Spirit snapped. “So, the Dark Prince is awake?” Kalinka asked. “Sadly, yes.” “I don’t get it, though. Why didn’t Princess Celestia just exterminate him?” “She tried. That’s when we discovered that me and Yin are linked. If he goes, I go. We’re two sides of the same bit.” Spirit answered. “When Yin said he was ‘the real me’, he meant that he’s my Changeling side. More specifically, he’s my Changeling side’s instinct to feed. That’s why Princess Celestia spellbound him, so if I go seven months without feeding on emotions he can’t possess me again.” “I wish he never came to being. It’s his fault that we got caught.” Kalinka said bitterly. “It’s also kinda my fault that he now exists. I thought since I was a Changeling-pony hybrid, I could just eat regular food to survive. That way, nopony would know that I was a Changeling in disguise.” Spirit sighed. “Apparently, that isn’t the case. I can go a long time without feeding on emotions, but I still need to feed on them.” Spirit turned around, meeting the gaze of the green-eyed Changeling. “The funny thing is, I’m actually a little glad he exists. Now we have the chance to bring two extremely different races together! I can at least say that something good came out of this.” he said with a small smile. Kalinka stared at him in silence before rolling her eyes. “That is probably the craziest thing I’ve ever heard you say.” she said, walking around him. “I agree with the mare. You are thanking me for existing? Were you breaking boulders with your head when I asleep?” Yin questioned. “You know what? You’re annoying!” Spirit exclaimed. “Hey Kalinka! Wait up!” he called, chasing after her. *** By the time Spirit caught up to Kalinka and managed to calm her down, Luna’s moon had almost reached the center of the sky.The two made a small camp to rest for the night, deciding that it would be suicide to continue traveling in the Everfree at in the dark. “So, how far do you think we are from the Hive?” Spirit asked, stoking the small fire in front of them. “At the pace we’re going at, I’d say about five more days or so.” Kalinka answered, laying next to him. “You hungry Kalinka? I got some berries in my saddlebag.” he offered, reaching for the bag. “I’m grateful for the offer Spirit, but I’m not like you. Regular food doesn’t do anything for Changelings. I’m not a hybrid.” she said, stopping Spirit. “Oh right, sorry about that.” he said, focusing his attention back on the fire. “There’s no need to be sorry Spirit. You didn’t do anything wrong, you were just being polite.” she assured, patting him on the shoulder. “Ya know, it’s pretty late, you should get some sleep. I don’t mind taking first watching.” Spirit said, staring at moon. “Okay,” Kalinka said, curling up next to him. “G’night Spirit.” she said, closing her eyes. “Good night, Cranberry.” Spirit whispered as he continued to stare at the moon. ‘Five more days. We’re that close.’ Spirit thought in awe. ‘Wow, the moon looks so beautiful tonight.’ he analyzed. He started to feel light-headed as he continued to gaze upon the ivory orb. ‘W-what’s going on? Why can’t I look away?’ He thought as his world suddenly turned black. *** Spirit suddenly awoke to a strange sight; he was no longer in the Everfree Forest. Instead, he found himself in an empty meadow, green as far as he could see. “Where...where am I?” he said, sitting up. “You are in Aether. This is what most call ‘Paradise’.” a familiar voice answered. Spirit turned around to face the speaker, his eyes widening in disbelief. “I-I remember you! You were there when I beat Yin!” Spirit exclaimed, standing up. The orange stallion smiled as he walked towards Spirit. “Hello, son.” the unicorn said, placing a hoof on the hybrid’s shoulder. Spirit’s whole body started to tremble as tears welled up in his eyes. “H-how?” Spirit strained to say. “A-aren’t you de-dead?” “The Creator Herself has granted us permission to see you in this plane of existence. She does this for all foals who have lost their parents.” “Us?” “Your mother is at the house. I bet she’d be glad to see you again. Let’s not keep her waiting, okay?” Spirit’s father said, guiding Spirit to the house. “O-okay.” Spirit said, blinking the tears away. *** “Akroma, I’m back! And we have a visitor!” Spirit’s father said as he opened the door. Although Spirit’s father called it a house, it was more of a hut. It was very similar to Spirit’s house back in Ponyville; it was small and compact. Spirit began to shake again when he saw the mature female Changeling. She was sitting in a chair, assembling what appeared to be a picture puzzle. “Welcome back Fazz,” Akroma said, her attention still on the puzzle. “Who is this visitor?” She asked, fitting a piece into the puzzle. Fazz sighed as he turned to the trembling hybrid. “That’s your mother. She loves her puzzles, sometimes I think she likes them more than me.” Fazz said loudly. “That is an exaggeration and you know it!” Spirit’s mother said, looking away from the puzzle to glare at her husband. Akroma’s eyes grew wide when she saw the young Changeling standing next to him. Akroma froze, tears forming in her eyes. “C-can it be? I’m not imagining this, r-right?” she said, tears spilling as she walked towards her son. “Spirit, is that you?” “H-hi mom.” Spirit squeaked, tears streaming down his face. “Oh Tau, it is you! My baby colt!” Akroma exclaimed, sweeping Spirit into a tight embrace. Spirit returned the hug, sobs of joy coming from both Changelings. Fazz watched the reunion of mother and son, a small smile forming as tears began to fall from his eyes. “Finally,” the unicorn whispered. “We’re together. It might be temporary, but we are all together. Thank you Tau Sunflare, thank you for letting me meet the son I never knew I had.” *** “So Spirit, what do you want to know?” Fazz asked, the three of them sitting on a couch. After the small family reunion, Fazz and Akroma decided to see if Spirit had any questions he wanted answered. “Well,” Spirit said. “I do want to know how I got here. One second I’m sitting next to Kalinka-” Spirit’s eyes widened in realization. “KALINKA!” he shouted, jumping onto the floor. “Where is she!? Is she okay!? She probably doesn’t even know where I am!” he panicked, prancing in place. “Spirit, calm down.” Akroma said, picking him up with her magic. “You are still next to her.” she said, putting him back on the couch. “Huh!?” “You didn’t go anywhere, Spirit. Your body is still there, but your mind is here.” “Huh?” Spirit repeated. “You’re asleep son.” Fazz said bluntly. “Asleep? I’m asleep?” “The Aether is the afterlife for beings of Echidna. The only way you are able to be here is to be asleep.” Akroma explained. “I’m curious though,” Fazz said. “Who is this ‘Kalinka’? Is she your special somepony?” he teased, watching Spirit’s chitin skin glow red. “Is she cute?” Spirit’s head started to steam. “Fazz!” Akroma hissed. “What?” Fazz asked. “Knock it off! You’re embarrassing him.” she scolded. “Anymore questions, Spirit?” “How did I get here? I don’t remember falling asleep.” “Do you remember when you were staring at the moon? Princess Luna casted a spell on you while you were entranced by it. It was by Tau’s request that she did so.” Fazz answered. “Anything else?” “Um...is this a one-time thing?” Spirit asked. Akroma shook her head. “You can come back anytime you want, but you can only see us when you are asleep. How long you stay asleep affects how long you can stay here.” As if on cue, Spirit’s vision started to become hazy. “W-what’s going on!?” Spirit asked, swaying side-to-side. “Looks like you’re waking up.” Fazz said. “What! No! I don’t want to wake up!” Spirit yelled as he fought to keep his eyes open. “I still have some questions!” “And we’ll be waiting here to answer them. Don’t forget, you still have deliver Celestia’s letter.” Akroma said as she began to fade away. “We’ll be watching over you.” Fazz said as they disappeared. *** Spirit’s eyes snapped open as he drifted back into reality. ‘D-did that really happen? Or was it all just a dream?’ he thought. “Celestia’s letter.” a voice said along the wind. “Oh yeah, the treaty!” Spirit said, standing up. “Kalinka, we need to-” Spirit said to Kalinka, only that Kalinka was no longer next to him. Her saddlebags were also missing too. “Where did she go?” Author's Note For those who don't know, Tau Sunflare is an anagram of Lauren Faust. As Spirit's father said, Tau lets orphan foals see their parent through their dreams. This happens all over Echidna, even in Ponyville. Spirit: I CAN'T FIND KALINKA! Me: Will you stop breaking the fourth wall!?
Secret of a Life“Kalinka? Where are you?” Spirit said, searching for any sign of her disappearance. ‘Where on Equus did you go?’ “Yo idiot, if you’re looking for your marefriend, she left a note for you near that rotting tree.” Yin interjected. “She’s not my marefriend Yin, she’s my Superior.” Spirit retorted as he trotted towards the dead tree. “And I’m pretty sure she would erase me from existence if I called her that.” he said as he searched around the tree’s trunk. “Aha! Found it!” he proclaimed as he read the note. Spirit, By the time you’ve found this, ten minutes may have passed. I found a hot spring that was nearby, and it has been three days since I’ve bathed. A mare has her needs, ya know. I was going wake you up, but you looked like you were having a nice dream. Your fangs kept pinching together, it was kinda cute. Come join me if you want, just follow the path of broken twigs. “A hot spring? That sounds like a good idea,” Spirit said, sniffing himself. “Ugh! Scratch that, it sounds like a great idea!” he gagged. *** “This must be it,” Spirit said as he walked into the clearing. “Wow! This place is amazing!” the hybrid said in awe. Comparing the rest of the forest the two Changelings have been traveling through to the sight before him would be like comparing a campfire to a fireworks finale. The trees surrounding the clearing were so full of life it reminded him of Aether. The water was a crystal blue, its surface sparkled like the starry sky. A small cave rested on a hill overlooking the spring.The whole area was the second most beautiful thing he had ever seen in his life. "Hey Spirit, over here!" a voice called. "Kalinka!" Spirit answered, walking towards her. "So you've finally awake. I thought you would sleep forever." Kalinka said, her lower half soaking in the spring. "Well," she said, gesturing her hoof to the hot spring. "Are you going to join me?" Spirit flashed her a small smile, placing his saddlebag next to hers before he leaped into the hot spring. "Spirit Ball!" he yelled as collided with the water. "Agh!" Kalinka cried, water splashing her in the face. "Watch what you're doing ya joker!" she yelled as he resurfaced. "Sorry Kalinka." Spirit said unsympathetically. "Sorry doesn't cut it!" she said, dunking his head underwater. Spirit flailed wildly as he tried to escape her grasp. "Now it's your turn!" "Linka-" "La la la la! I can't hear you!" *** "This place is amazing." "Mhm." "Hey," Kalinka said, turning to Spirit. "After this mission, we should come back here. Make this our secret refuge." “Our own little paradise…” Spirit muttered. “Sounds good to me!” he exclaimed, a huge grin on his face. “But wait, what should we call it?” he asked, placing a hoof under his chin. “Hmm,” Kalinka sighed, mimicking Spirit’s pose. “...How about we just call it Haven?” she proposed. “‘Haven’...I like it. Rolls right off the tongue.” “Haven it is then!” “Not that I don’t like to be the bearer of bad new,” Yin suddenly said. “But I think someone has already claimed this area.” “‘Already claimed this area’? What are you talking about?” Spirit asked. “If you can recall, there was a cave overlooking the hot spring. Apparently something was sleeping in it, and you two idiots woke it up with your loud voices. And from what I’m sensing, it’s pretty pissed.” “And why didn’t you tell me earlier!?” Spirit yelled, climbing out of the hot spring. “I don’t like you.” “Spirit, what’s wrong?” Kalinka asked, her voice dripping with worry. A bloodcurdling roar suddenly filled the air, directing their attention to the source. In front of the cave stood a Manticore, drool oozing from its gaping mouth as it began to snarl at the two Changelings. “That,” Spirit said as Kalinka clambered out of the hot spring. “That is what’s wrong.” The Manticore roared again, leaping off the hill and diving towards the pair. "Watch out!" Spirit yelled, tackling Kalinka out of the way. The Manticore landed where the two Changelings were, the pair's saddlebags right beneath it. "The saddlebags!" Kalinka said as Spirit helped her up. "Celestia's Letter is in there!" "Damn!" Spirit swore. "Um, hello Mr. Manticore." he said calmly. "We need those saddlebags you're standing over. If you would kindly let us retrieve them, we'll leave quietly. Deal?" he said, slowly moving towards the beast. The Manticore growled louder as Spirit moved closer. "I'm just going to take the bags." Spirit explained, his horn starting to glow. The Manticore suddenly twitched, its scorpion tail coiling. "Oh no!" Kalinka gasped, running towards Spirit. "Spirit, look out!" she yelled, ramming him out of the way just the tail made its move. As he collided with the ground, he watched as the tail speared Kalinka in the chest. Crimson blood spilled from her wound as her screams of pain rang in Spirit's ears. "KALINKA!" Spirit cried, his screams attracting the Manticore's attention. It turned to face him, its tail flinging Kalinka off like trash. She landed in front of Spirit, her eyes blank and body twitching. "Kalinka, no." Spirit whispered, something inside of him slipping. “No…” he repeated, his eyes beginning to turn red. “No!” he shouted, a dark aura suddenly surrounding him. “Oh, what’s this?” Yin pondered, watching the event in front of him unfold. “You!” Spirit hissed at the Manticore, making it flinch. “You dirty, mangy mutt!” he yelled, taking a step towards the startled beast. “I hope you’ve enjoyed breathing, because those breaths you’re taking right now will be your last!” Spirit declared, charging directly at the Manticore. The Manticore swung its paw at Spirit’s head, only for Spirit to slide under it. Spirit swiftly turned around, bucking the monster square in the face. The Manticore roared in pain as it tried stab Spirit with its tail. Spirit immediately countered with a beam of dark-green magic,vaporizing the tail. "That was for my friend you stabbed!" Spirit yelled over the Manticore's roar of pain. 'Him becoming feral was all because of that mare getting skewered? How asinine. Yet intriguing.' “Where do you think you’re going!?” Spirit hissed at the now-fleeing Manticore. He shot another bolt of magic at the Manticore, striking it in the leg. Spirit trotted towards the heavily injured Manticore, watching it try to crawl away with a sadistic smile. He shot its other leg, the Manticore’s attempt to escape going with it. Spirit walked around the Manticore, until he was face-to-face with the beast. He stared directly into the Manticore’s eyes, acknowledging the fear it displayed. “When you get to Tartarus,” he said, charging up a bolt of magic. “Tell Tirek that Free Spirit sent you.” He unleashed the magic, the Manticore’s screams filling the air as it was reduced to ash. ‘I must say I am impressed.’ Yin admitted to himself. “And that’s that.” Spirit smirked, his eyes returning to their natural blue color. Spirit suddenly gasped as his eyes widened. “Huh!? W-what happened!? Where’s the Manticore?” Spirit said, gripping his head. “The last thing I remember is Kalinka getting- OH TAU! KALINKA!!!” he yelled, remembering his injured partner. He ran towards her, checking for a sign that she was still alive. "Kalinka! Are you okay!? Please, answer me!" he cried, shaking her. "Hey idiot, why don't you move her somewhere safe?" Yin suggested. "Where do you think I should move her!?" he shouted. "Oh, I don't know...how about that cave on that hill?" Yin deadpanned. "The cave!" Spirit said, picking up the bags and Kalinka. 'Hold on Kalinka! Just hold on!' *** Spirit propped Kalinka against the cave wall, checking the wound in her chest. 'It's pretty bad. I need to heal it fast.' He grabbed Kalinka by the shoulders, shaking her gently. "Hey Kalinka, stay with me. I know you're hurt, but you need to stay with me." Spirit advised, pulling her to his body. "You need to feed." 'What is that idiot doing?' Yin questioned. Spirit pushed her head on his neck. "Come on, Kalinka. You have to feed!" "N-no..." Kalinka moaned as she tried to pull away. "Dangerous..." "I don't care if it's dangerous Kalinka! You're hurt! You have to feed!" Spirit yelled, holding her tighter. "N-no..." "Kalinka, I've already lost my parents. I'm not losing you too! Please, feed!" Spirit begged, tears streaming down his face. "Please, I don't want to be alone. I don't care if feeding on another Changeling is dangerous, I just want you to be okay." "Spirit..." Kalinka struggled to say as she put her mouth on his neck. "Never...alone." she said, biting his neck. Spirit gasped in pain as his chitin skin was broken. Green blood spilled onto the cavern floor, the sound of it falling mixing with the sound of feeding. Spirit's vision began to blur as he watched the wound on her chest slowly close. His eyes grew heavy as the beating in his own chest slowed. "K-Kalinka..." Spirit said as his world began to grow dark. "What...are you?" *** When Spirit awoke, he found himself in complete darkness. His neck throbbed as he tried to collect his thoughts. 'Are we...further in the cave?' he wondered, rubbing his neck. "Have a nice nap?" Spirit turned around to see a pair of green eyes staring back. "Kalinka? How are you feeling?" "I feel fine, though I should be asking you that. You could have died trying to heal me!" "It's a good thing I have a heart then. In case you've forgotten, I'm not your average Changeling." Spirit said, pointing at his chest. "Speaking of normal," Spirit said, his tone shifting. "Kalinka, why is your blood red? Changeling blood is green." Kalinka flinched at the sudden question. "W-what are you talking about? I-it must have been your imagination." Kalinka stammered. "You're lying. Kalinka, what are you?" he questioned. Kalinka began to shake, her eyes shifted left and right as if she was looking for a way out. "Kalinka, is there something preventing you from tell me?" "I have given you a new life. You shall not tell anyone what I have done. Understood?" "Yes, my new Queen."
Revelations"I have given you a new life. You shall not tell anyone what I have done. Understood?" Kalinka trembled violently, the scarring memory returning to her mind. Her breathing spiked as her eyes continued to move left and right. "S-spirit?" she stuttered. "S-shouldn't we get going? W-we need to deliver her l-letter." "We were told to deliver it as soon as naturally possible. We weren't given a time limit." Spirit countered. "Now please answer my question." "No." "And why not?" "Spirit, I am your superior. I don't have to answer your-" "Kalinka," Spirit said, his expression hardening. "I saved your life. The least you could do is answer my question." "I-I can't." "Why not?" "I just can't!" Spirit glared at Kalinka before suddenly sighing. "I didn't want to do this..." he said as he walked towards her. "Wait, w-what are you-" "If you won't answer my question, then I'll Soul Search you." Spirit said, his blue eyes beginning to shine. "What!? N-no, stop!" Kalinka yelled as she tried to push him away. "Spirit, don't!" she said as she began to fall into the trance. *Kalinka's Mind* When Spirit entered her head, he found himself in a hallway of doors. At the end of the hall, a large door stood before him. 'That must be where the memory she's hiding is.' he deduced, walking towards the large door. Along the way, he past by much smaller doors that held all her other memories. Some doors were rather simple, as one was labeled "Kalinka's favorite color" or "Kalinka's craziest dream". Others tempted Spirit to open them like " Kalinka's greatest fear" and "Kalinka's secret crush". "Finally," Spirit said, standing in front of the door. "Time to get my answer." he said, placing his hoof on the door. "NO!" A voice rang out, startling the Changeling. The hall was suddenly bathed in a blinding white light, forcing Spirit to shield his eyes. Spirit suddenly found himself being launched away from the door, crashing straight into the wall behind him. *Reality* Kalinka pushed Spirit away from her, the connection severed. Spirit fell on his back, his mind a jumbled mess. "I told you Spirit, I can't let you know!" "Why not!?" he said, his mind coming to. "I just can't!" "Why!?" "Because Chrysalis said I can't!" Kalinka yelled. She immediately realized her mistake, covering her mouth with her hooves. Spirit eyes widened in shock, his mouth agape. "Chrysalis?" he said in disbelief. "W-what?" Kalinka froze, her mind racing. 'No...' "What did Chrysalis do?" Spirit asked the scared Changeling. "...Promise me." "What?" "Promise me you won't tell anyone what I'm about to say!" Kalinka yelled, her breathing rose. "Kalinka, calm down-" "Promise me or I'll be forced to kill you!" she yelled, tears forming in her eyes. "Okay, okay! I won't tell a soul!" Spirit said, his hooves up in defence. "Just calm down! Breathe, Kalinka, breathe!" Kalinka began to take deep breaths, her trembling ceasing. "You know too much, Spirit. Chrysalis told me to eradicate anyone who learned the truth. I refuse to kill you Spirit, that's why I made you take an oath of silence. I trust you." "Kalinka," Spirit said, placing a hoof on her shoulder. "You know that you can trust me." "Thanks, Spirit." she said. "It happened fourteen years ago..." Kalinka limped through the ruined town, her tiny legs struggled to keep her moving. 'So hungry...so tired...', the skinny pegasus thought as her legs finally out from under her. She fell face first into the ground, dirt and ash filling her nostrils. She remained on the ground, her eyes watering as her stomach began to rumble again. 'Why did they do it? Why did those Gryphons destroy our town?' she questioned as tears streamed her face. 'Mommy, Daddy, Riki.' "Well, well, well. What do we have here?'"a voice jeered. Kalinka looked up to find a Gryphon staring back at her, a twisted grin on his face. "Looks like we missed one." he said as he grabbed her by the neck. Kalinka squirmed helplessly as she tried to breathe. "Since I'm in such a good mood, I'll make this quick." the Gryphon sneered as his talons squeezed tighter around her throat. "Help...me..." Kalinka wheezed. "Somepony...help..." "Save your breath," the Gryphon said. "No one is going to help you." "Release her!" a voice rang out as a bolt of green magic clipped the Gryphon's wing. "Gah!" the Gryphon yelped, dropping the frail pegasus as he grabbed his wing. "What the flying feather!?" "I'm taking my daily walk out the forest," a tall black creature said, appearing into view. "And what do I find? A helpless little filly being strangled by a oversized rat with wings. I don't think that's very fair." "Mind your own business!" the Gryphon yelled. "This doesn't concern you!" "I believe it does," the creature corrected. "You Gryphons are a giant nuisance. Nothing but unintelligent, muscle brain cowards. I think it's time someone put you in your place." the creature said, taking a stance. "You're kidding. You're kidding, right?" the Gryphon asked. The creature simply glared. "Oh, you're serious. If you wanted to die, why didn't you say so!" the Gryphon said as he charged at the creature. The equine-like being stood still, closing its eyes as the Gryphon grew closer. Then, it suddenly lunged forward, ramming its deformed horn into the Gryphon's head. The Gryphon slowly grabbed the creature's horn, staring directly into its eyes. "Your mistake," the creature said, its horn beginning to glow. "Was challenging royalty." A flash of green light filled the surrounding area, making impossible for Kalinka to see what was happening. When the light finally vanished, the only thing left of the Gryphon was a pile of bones. 'So strong!' Kalinka thought in awe. Her moment of amazement quickly ended when she realized the creature was now focused on her. "Now, what to do with you?" It said, walking towards the red filly. Kalinka tried to crawl away, fearful of what it might do to her. "Don't be afraid. If I was going to harm you I would have done it already." It said. Kalinka stopped trying to flee, the creature's logic making sense. 'Things can't get any worse than they already are, I suppose.' she thought. "W-who are you? What are you?" "I am Chrysalis, Queen of the Changelings." "C-changelings? But I thought Changelings were just fairytales?" "I can assure you that we are real." Chrysalis said. "But enough about me, what about you? Why are you here?" "My name is Kalinka. This is my- was my home. The Gryphons were forcing my village to give them food and bits, or else they would somepony...disappear. We payed every month like they told us to, but one day they just suddenly attacked." Kalinka said, her eyes beginning to water again. "They burned down our homes and attacked anypony in sight. We tried to fight back, but there were too many." The young filly's eyes began to burn. "A-and n-now my mommy, d-daddy, and my b-brother a-are gone!" Chrysalis sat next to the crying filly in silence, her face calm and collected. "If you stay here, you'll die of either starvation or being caught by another Gryphon." she said. "I can help you." "Y-you can?" Kalinka said through her tears. "Yes," Chrysalis confirmed. "My people have another way of making more Changelings. It is a forbidden way, though. Not many know how to do it." "W-what is it?" "I will infuse my blood with yours, turning you into a Changeling. Once I do this, there is no changing back." Chrysalis said, standing up. "Do you accept?" Kalinka struggled to stand up, swaying side-to-side. "I-I don't want to die." "So I have your permission?" Chrysalis asked. Kalinka nodded. "Then let us begin..." she said, biting the filly on the neck. "After she bit my neck, I blacked out," Kalinka said. "When I came to, I was a Changeling. She told me to not tell anypony what she did. I guess we're both bad at keeping promises." "Wow," Spirit said. "I-I didn't know. Sorry about your family. And your village. I didn't know." he said, staring at the cavern floor. “I didn’t know I was gonna open up old wounds. Sorry.” “Don’t be,” Kalinka said, embracing the young hybrid. “It’s not your fault. To be honest, it felt great getting that off my chest. But if I find out that you told somepony,” she said, suddenly face-to-face with the hybrid. “I will be forced to kill you.” “I-I won’t! I swear on my life!” “That’s not going to last long.” ‘Shut. Up. Yin.’ “It’s been a long day, how about we get some rest?” Kalinka said. “Sounds like a plan.” “I’ll take first watch, you get some rest.” “Okay. Goodnight, Cranberry.” "Goodnight, Spirit." she said as Spirit began to drift off. Kalinka frowned as she looked towards the cave entrance. 'Sorry Spirit, but I can't tell you everything...' "My Queen," Kalinka said, following Chrysalis back to the Hive. "If you don't mind me asking, what made you decide to help me? You went against one of your people's laws to help an insignificant filly." Chrysalis stopped walking, surprised by the Neo-Changeling's question. "Recently," Chrysalis said, turning to face the filly. "I've found myself unable to produce an heir. I needed someone to take the throne when my time is up. I was walking through the forest when I came across you. I thought that you would make a suitable heir. That is why I saved you." "Wait, I'm your heir?" Kalinka said. "Correct. My subjects must never learn of this until it is time." "If I'm your heir, does that make me your child?" "My blood now flows through your veins. You are my child because of that." "C-can I- may I...call you Mother?" Kalinka asked, her voice becoming quieter with each passing word. "As long as you don't say it around my subjects, you have my permission." At the sound of those words, Kalinka ran next to Chrysalis, rubbing against her side. "T-thank you, my Queen." "You're welcome, my child." "I-I love you, m-mother." "I love you too, Kalinka."
Warning and Training*Aether* "I'm back!" Spirit announced as he opened the hut door. "Spirit!" Akroma said, sweeping her son up into a tight hug. "I saw what happened with the Manticore! Are you hurt? Anything broken!?" she said, oblivious to Spirit turning blue. "Akroma! He can't breathe!" Fazz said from the the couch. "Hm?" Akroma responded, taking notice of Spirit's face. "Oops," she said, loosening her grip. "Sorry honey." "It's okay mom," Spirit said after his body turned to its natural color. "Wait, you saw what happened with the Manticore? Can you tell me what happened to it?" "You mean you don't remember?" Akroma said nervously. Spirit shook his head. "All I can remember is Kalinka getting stabbed and getting very angry," he said, putting a hoof on his forehead. "The next thing I know, the Manticore was gone." Akroma closed her eyes and sighed, walking towards the couch. "Come sit down, Spirit. We have something to tell you." "What is it?" he asked, sitting between his parents. "Spirit," Fazz said. "You killed the Manticore." "W-what!? Now way!" Spirit yelled. "It is and you did," Akroma said. "When Kalinka was stabbed, you became angry. So very angry." "The thing is," Fazz said. "The angrier you got, the more it looked you were losing yourself. Losing yourself to your emotions." "Losing myself...to my emotions?" Spirit said. "I have a theory," Fazz explained. “It might have something to do with you being a Changeling/Unicorn hybrid. From what your mother has told me, when a Changeling becomes agitated, they begin to turn feral. Their magic also becomes stronger when they feed off of emotions. The strength of a Unicorn’s magic is influenced by their emotions, rage giving one of the strongest boosts. I believe that when you became enraged, you unknowingly began to feed off of your own rage. You became less feral and more...frenzied.” “Frenzied?” "What we're trying to say Spirit," Akroma said, giving her son a hug. "Try to keep your emotions in check, especially your anger. We don't want you to become something...darker." "Okay, I'll do my best." "Great!" Fazz said, jumping off the couch. "Now with that out of the way, Spirit follow me." he said, walking towards the door. "Huh? W-where are we going?" Spirit asked, following suit. "We're gonna have a training session!" "Really? Are you sure?" Spirit asked cautiously. "I wanna show you some spells that I know and see if you can do the same." "Well okay." Spirit said, walking out the door. "Don't get too crazy, alright?" Akroma called after them. "We won't!" They said in unison. "...I'm going to have to bandage somepony up tonight. I just know it." Akroma said to herself, pulling out a puzzle box. *Great Aether Meadow* "Okay Spirit," Fazz said, standing across from Spirit. "I want you to shoot me." "What?" "Shoot a bolt of magic at me. That way I can show off my first spell." Fazz said, his horn glowing white. "Well, if you say so..." Spirit said, firing a blast of green magic at his father. Fazz closed his eyes as bolt grew closer. His horn began to glow brighter with each passing second. His eyes flashed open, as white as his horn, as his horn began to surround him with magic. "Shīrudo!" Fazz shouted, the white magic forming a barrier around him. The bolt dissipated when it collided with the barrier. "Woah!" Spirit said in awe. "That was my 'Shield' spell," Fazz said, his voice sounding distant. "And this," the barrier shattered, the shards flying to his hooves. "Is my speed spell: Supīdo!" he said, disappearing in front of Spirit. "Huh!? Where do you go?" Spirit said, searching for his father. "Behind you." "Huh?" Spirit said, turning around. Nothing. "I said 'behind you'!" "What?" Spirit turned around again. Nothing. "C'mon, step it up!" Fazz said behind him. Spirit turned as fast as possible to catch him. "You're too slow!" Fazz said next to him. Spirit turned again, finding himself surrounded by four copies of his father. "What's wrong Spirit, can't keep up?" They said, running circles around him. Fazz disappeared again, only to appear in front of Spirit. He smiled at Spirit, his breathing as calm as he began. "And finally," he said, the shards climbing up his body to his horn. "Pawā!" Fazz's horn began to grow longer, rivaling the Royal Pony Sisters. "Ngh!" Fazz grunted as more magic began to swirl around his horn. "And now," he said, jumping into the air. "Release!" Fazz boomed, firing the charged magic at the ground. *Aether Hut* “And done!” Akroma said, fitting the final puzzle piece in place. “I wonder how training’s going?” she muttered as the she began to place the completed puzzle back in its box. The room suddenly shook violently, causing Akroma to drop the puzzle prematurely. “Well, I guess that answers my question.” she said, looking out the window. Her eyes instantly widened as she took notice of the puzzle, now disassembled. “...Pony feathers.” *Great Aether Meadow* The resulting impact rocked Spirit's world, figuratively and literally. Spirit peered down the crater the blast had created, finding himself unable to see the bottom. Spirit fell on his plot, the demonstration of strength filling him with excitement and fear. "That was the power spell: Pawā." Fazz said, landing in front of Spirit. "These spells were created by your great-great-great-grandfather as a way to separate ourselves from other Unicorns." "A-amazing!" Spirit stuttered, unable to move. "Now," Fazz said, helping his son up. "It's time to see if you can do the same. Let's start with Shīrudo, shall we?" "O-okay!” Spirit said, closing his eyes. Green magic slowly shrouded his horn, the effort of using his magic in a different way getting to him. “Don’t force it, Spirit. Let it happen naturally.” Fazz advised, watching his son strain. Spirit relaxed slightly, the magic flowing to his horn slowly becoming less of a hassle. His horn began to flash, waves of magic trickling down his body. “That’s it Spirit! You’re doing great!” Fazz praised, his own horn gathering magic. “I’m going to fire a small beam of magic, okay? I want you to try to block it. Got it?” “G-got it!” Spirit said through gritted teeth as he struggled to hold the magic together. “Here it comes!” Fazz warned, shooting the magic at his son. “S-shīrudo!” Spirit yelled, forming a small barrier around himself. The magic bolt tore through the barrier like it was there, hitting Spirit square in the chest. He fell on his back, the wind knocked out of him as the world started spinning. Fazz sighed as he helped Spirit up again. “I kinda expected that. I didn’t get it right on my first go either. Let’s try again!” “I think we’re gonna have to try again later, Dad. I think I’m waking up.” Spirit said as his vision began to distort. “Okay,” Fazz said with a smile. “Remember what your mother and I told you about your emotions.” “I will Dad.” Spirit said as everything faded to black. Author's Note Spirit: Well my life sucks, doesn't it? My parent's are dead, The Hive exiled me, I almost lost myself to my Changeling side, and now if I don't keep my emotions in check I go psycho and don't remember it!? What the buck H.A.H!?! Me: You sound like you need a hug. Would you like one? Spirit:...Yes.
StruggleAuthor's Note Here it is, the final chapter of Spiritual Journey. This took a lot out of me to write, so I'll be taking a break from writing. My apologies in advance if it seems rushed. Expect the epilogue to be released in a week or so and the first chapter of Return to Ponyville in about 2-3. Struggle *Reality* Spirit woke with a start, his mind a jumbled mess. ‘Where...am I?’ he asked as he found himself staring into darkness. His hoof brushed against a rocky floor, instantly reminding him where he was. ‘I’m...still in the cave,’ he thought as he pressed his hoof on his head. ‘Will I ever get use to coming back?’ "So you're finally awake, ya joker." "Huh? Oh, hey Kalinka." Spirit said, facing the grinning mare. "How's your chest?" "It feels fine Spirit," she said, tossing his saddlebag to him. "C'mon, we can trot and talk. Let's get going." "Right!" Spirit said, fitting the bag onto his back. *** "We're close," Kalinka said, sniffing the air. "The stench of rotten honey is strong." "Our journey's almost over." Spirit said. "Hey Spirit," Kalinka said. "What happened to that Manticore?" "H-huh?" "What happened to it?" "O-oh," Spirit stuttered. "W-well, you see..." "Tell her." 'No! I-I can't!' "What are you afraid of?" 'If I tell her I killed it, she'll think I'm some kind of monster!' "I feel like I should give a buck, but I don't." 'If you don't care, then why do you want me to tell her!?' "Your worrying makes it hard to sleep." "Spirit?" Kalinka asked. "You okay?" "Y-yeah! You see, the thing is-" "Spirit, dodge!" 'What are y-' "MOVE NOW! MARE TOO!" Spirit tackled Kalinka to the ground, a blast of green magic vaporizing the area where they were. "Kalinka, are you alright?" "Y-yeah, I'm fine." Kalinka said as Spirit got off of her. "Was that Changeling magic?" "Damn, I missed." a figure said, walking out of the shadows. A full-grown Changeling stood before the two. He towered over the two of them, his green eyes burning with glee. "Look at what we have here, if it isn't Kalinka and her freak of nature pet Free Spirit!" "Talon!" Kalinka and Spirit yelled. "What do you want!?" "I'm just doing my job: making sure all threats to the Hive don't get any closer. And if memory serves," he said, glaring at Spirit. "That halfbreed freak is classified as a threat to the entire Changeling Empire!" "I'm here to deliver a letter to Queen Chrysalis from Princess Celestia!" Spirit said, walking forward. "So get out of my way!" "You little nothing! How dare you talk to me like that!" Talon yelled, shooting a bolt of magic at Spirit. Spirit narrowly dodged the attack on his life, the bolt colliding with a tree and reducing it to splinters. “Apparently, somepony didn’t get the memo!” Spirit yelled to Kalinka as he dodged another magic bolt. “Talon!” Kalinka shouted. “Cut it out! Chrysalis is expecting him!” her answer was shot fired at her. “I don't listen to traitors!” he yelled as he continued to attack Spirit. “He’s not going to listen to reason! Time to fight back!” Yin said. ‘Why are you helping me all of the sudden!?’ Spirit asked, a bolt almost taking his head off. “Don’t get mistaken. I don’t care about you, I care about your body!” ‘You’re so thoughtful.’ Spirit deadpanned, sending Talon a blast of his own magic. Talon sidestepped out of the way, charging straight at Spirit. “Leave him alone!” Kalinka yelled, intercepting Talon with a tackle. They began to roll on the ground, neither of them showing signs of giving up. “Hold on Kalinka, I’m coming!” Spirit yelled as he raced to help his friend. “You dumb mare! Get off of me!” Talon commanded. “Why!? So you can hurt Spirit!? No way in Tartarus!” Kalinka countered, striking Talon in the face. “THAT’S IT!” Talon screamed, flipping Kalinka off him. “I was going to let you live,” he said, choking her with his magic. “But since you want to be such a nuisance!” “Back off!” Spirit said, shoulder tackling him away from Kalinka, severing his hold. “You wanna fight someone, fight me!” he challenged, removing the saddlebag and taking a stance. “You’re kidding. You’re kidding, right?” Talon asked with a smirk. Spirit stood his ground, eyes full of determination. “So you're serious...well then, this should be fun!” Talon said, taking a similar stance. "Don't hold back, Spirit. If you die, I'm gonna kill you." 'Don't worry, I have zero intention of holding back!' Spirit replied, his blood beginning to boil. 'I'll show him what a hybrid can do!' “GO!” they said in unison, charging at each other. “It’s time someone put you in your place!” Talon exclaimed, firing volleys of magic at the young hybrid. Spirit gasped in pain as one of the bolts zapped him in the chest, halting his progress enough for him to be hit by three more bolts. “Get up!” Yin yelled as Talon dashed towards Spirit. “What do you think,” Spirit said as he tried to get up. “I’m trying to- GAH!” Spirit groaned as Talon bucked him in the side, sending him flying into a tree. “Spirit!” Kalinka yelled, firing a blast of magic at Talon. The large Changeling dodged it without a thought, immediately turning his sights on her. “Must you interfere!?” he yelled, shooting a bolt of magic at her. “No!” Spirit said, intercepting it with his own magic. “Kalinka!” he yelled, prying himself from the tree. “Grab my bag and go! Get the letter to Chrysalis!” “What about you!?” “Don’t worry about me! I’ll be fine!” he said as he fired a bolt at Talon, grazing his face. “Go!” “...You better come back alive, Spirit.” she said, snatching up the bag with her mouth as she ran towards the bushes. “I don’t think so!” Talon said as he began to chase after her, only to be tackled to the ground. “Hey! I’m the one you want!” Spirit said as he watched Kalinka disappear into the foliage. “You little-” Talon said, wrestling Spirit off of him. His horn glowed, materializing a green chain around Spirit’s neck and pinning him to the ground. “Where have I seen this before?” Yin said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. ‘Whose side are you on!?’ Spirit growled as he fought against the chain. Talon stood next to Spirit, sneering at him before stomping on his ribs. "You are nothing to me!" Talon said, watching him cough up blood as he kicked his side. "You’re just an annoying bug to me!" Spirit screamed out in pain as he felt a rib give way. "Spirit!" Yin yelled at the battered Changeling. "Do something!" His only answer was Spirit's cries of pain from Talon’s onslaught. "I believe it's time to do what anyone else would to an annoying bug," Talon said, placing both hooves on Spirit's chest. "Crush it!" 'This isn't good!' Yin panicked. "Spirit, for the love of Tau, DO SOMETHING!" 'I-I can't move.' Spirit moaned weakly. 'It looks like...I'll be moving in with my parents.' "Dammit!" Yin swore. 'Think Yin, think!' he stressed, racking his brain for a solution. "That's it!" Yin realized. "You promised Kalinka you'd come back alive! And in the name of Tau, you will! You can't be with your friends if you're dead!" 'Yin...' "You can do this! Talon thinks you can't! PROVE HIM WRONG!!!" 'Yin's right,' Spirit thought, his blood boiling again. 'I made a promise to her. I won't let this happen, I REFUSE to let it happen!' Spirit declared as something in him snapped a second time. "Time to die!" Talon said as he began to press down. His movements quickly stopped as he heard Spirit chuckle. “What’s so funny!?” “You said ‘time to die’.” Spirit repeated, his voice becoming more raspy. "That sounds like a plan," Spirit said. "You first!" he hissed, an invisible force knocking Talon away. "What the!?" Talon exclaimed as he got up, staring at the sight before him. A dark aura began to seep from Spirit's horn, slowly engulfing his body. It crawled over the chain, shattering it with little effort. His eyes shifted from blue to red as his ribs snapped back into place. All the while, Spirit was laughing. The volume of his laughter grew with each passing second, until it finally reached its climax. Spirit stood up, an unfriendly smile on his face. "I think I'm ready for round two!" "What in the name of Tartarus is going on here!?" Talon yelled. "I broke your ribs! How did you break that chain!? How are you standing!? What happened to you!?" Spirit stared blankly at the Changeling before he started to laugh again. "I got better, as you can see." Spirit said, pointing at himself. "You on the other hoof," he glared at Talon. "Are about to get worse!" "It happened again..." Yin said to himself. "Alright Spirit, let him have it!" The dark aura began to flow from his horn again, applying itself to Spirit's hooves like armour. "Supīdo!" Spirit boomed, blinking out of existence. "What!?" Talon shouted as he began searching for the missing Changeling. "Where did he go!?" “Up here!” Talon looked to the sky, only to be hammer-hooved in the face. He screamed in pain as he fell to the ground, clutching his face. “What’s the matter!?” Spirit hissed, picking Talon up with his magic. “Didn’t you say you were going to put me in my place?” he asked, slamming Talon into the dirt. “Where did all that bravado go?!” Spirit stomped on Talon’s forehooves, relishing the sound of bones breaking and his enemy’s shrieking. “Stop,” Talon begged. “Please stop!” “Stop? I just started having fun!” Spirit said, picking up Talon and flinging him into a nearby tree. He dashed after Talon, pinning him to the trunk with his hoof before he could slide down. “You shouldn’t have messed with us!” Spirit said, staring Talon in the eyes. The dark aura began to wrap itself around Talon's throat, squeezing without remorse. Spirit's smile grew wide as he watched Talon struggle to breathe. "Spirit! If you're gonna kill him, don't torture him!” "I...give...up!" Talon wheezed. "Please...stop!" "Isn't that what I asked of you and all the other Changelings who hurt me!?" Spirit growled, the dark aura tightening around Talon's neck. "You, who are without mercy, now plead for it? I thought you were made of sterner stuff!" "Spirit! That's enough!" Yin yelled, straining against his chains. "Halfbreed Free Spirit, cease this at once!" a voice boomed. Spirit's grip on Talon's neck loosened as he turned to face the intruder. Chrysalis stood before him, Kalinka in tow. "Release Talon!" "How did you get here!?" "Once Kalinka got close enough to the Empire, I could feel her worry through the Hive Mind. I met her halfway, and she told me that you were attacked and needed assistance." she explained, walking towards him. "But it looks like it's that deceiving Changeling is the one who needs help." Spirit's attention snapped back to Talon. "Deceiving!?" Spirit snarled, pushing Talon deeper into the tree. "You knew I was on my way to deliver the treaty!? And you stopped me for what!? Just to fight me!? Just to get in my way!?” Spirit yelled as he raised his other hoof, the dark aura shrouding it. “Spirit, stop!” Kalinka shouted. “Why should I!?” Spirit retorted, pulling his hoof back. “Give me one good reason why I shouldn't turn him into goo!” “Because you hate senseless killing!” Kalinka said. “Remember all those times you were forced to execute a prisoner? You always told me that it was the worst thing you have ever done!” “He’s had enough, Free Spirit,” Chrysalis interjected. “Can you live with yourself knowing that you took satisfaction from killing another Changeling?” “Even I have to agree,” Yin said. “Enough is enough.” Spirit stopped his attack, taking in what the two Changelings and Yin said. He looked at Chrysalis, then Kalinka, then Talon. Finally, he stared at his hoof, the dark aura still covering it. “W-what am I doing?” Spirit said, the dark aura dissipating from his hoof. He backed away from the tree, the trapped Changeling falling off. "This isn't me..." Spirit murmured, his eyes shifting back to blue. He suddenly collapsed, the dark aura slowly ebbing off his body. "I'm...not...a murderer..." Spirit said, closing his eyes. "Spirit!" Kalinka cried as she ran towards the still hybrid. "Don't worry. He is only sleeping." Chrysalis assured, walking up to her daughter. She closed her eyes, her horn glowing its usual color. Her magic enveloped Spirit, lifting him off the ground and placing him on her back. "Come," Chrysalis said, turning in the direction of the Hive. "Let's get your prince-to-be some attention." "P-prince?!" Kalinka stammered, startled by the sudden comment. "W-what are you talking about!?" "It might not be obvious to everypony else, but I've raised you ever since I saved you. You can't hide your emotions from me." Chrysalis said, a coy smile on her face. Kalinka looked away, her face burning. “Is it...is it that obvious to you?” she asked. “As obvious as Celestia’s sun.” Chrysalis answered as she began to walk. “Mother? What about Talon?” Kalinka asked, her attention now on the other unconscious Changeling. “Talon knows the way back to the Hive,” Chrysalis said without stopping. “But I wouldn’t be surprised if never showed his face there again.”
Epilogue“Spirit, time to get up!” a voice rang out. Spirit groaned as he forced his eyes open, greeted with the sight of both his parents staring at him. Spirit immediately wished he didn’t open his eyes. “Oh! Um...h-hi mom, dad.” Spirit said weakly. Akroma shook her head and sighed as she walked towards the bed. Standing in front of her child, she tightly wrapped her hooves around his body, pulling him to her. “I’m just glad you’re still okay.” Akroma said in a hoarse voice. Spirit froze, his mind trying to process what was happening. “You let your emotions take over again,” Fazz said, a frown on his face. “But you’re still alive. That’s all that matters. It’s not your time yet.” he said, pulling his son and wife into a group hug. “Your punishment is no strawberry oat smoothies for a week.” “I guess that’s fair.” Spirit said. ‘Why that of all things!? That’s so cruel!’ “We just wanted you to know that we’re glad you’re okay,” Akroma said, pulling away from the embrace. “But I think it’s time you woke up. You still have to deliver that treaty.” she said, kissing him on the forehead. “We’ll be watching over you Spirit. Don’t forget we still love you!” Fazz added as he watched his son fade away. *Reality* Spirit’s eyes flew open, a green and black ceiling greeting him. ‘It’s been quite a while since I’ve seen this before. I’m back in the Hive.’ he thought as he absorbed his surroundings. ‘From the looks of it, I’m guessing I’m in the infirmary.’ “Oh, you’re awake.” Spirit turned his head to find Kalinka staring at him. “Hey Kalinka,” Spirit said as he sat on the edge of the bed. “What’s up?” “You apparently,” Kalinka answered, now sitting next to the conscious hybrid. “Ever since Chrysalis and I brought you back to the Hive, all the Changelings have been talking about you. The only ones allowed in here is Chrysalis and me. Even the doctors can’t come in here without one of us with them.” “...” “What’s wrong, Spirit?” “I killed it.” Spirit said suddenly. “What?” “The Manticore. I killed. When you got stabbed, I got so angry that I turned into...that.” Spirit explained, the urge to spill his guts to her strong. “Every time my emotions reach a fever pitch, I get frenzied. Only, unlike last time, I can vaguely remember what I did to Talon.” he said, looking down. “Everything is still hazy, but I can remember one thing clearly,” he said, staring at Kalinka. “I remember a single sentence going through my mind the whole time, ‘keep Kalinka’s promise’.” “Spirit…” “My parents visited me in a dream, they told me it might have something to do with me being a Unicorn-Changeling hybrid.” Spirit sighed, resting a hoof on his chest. “Just another curse of being born with a heart…” “You say ‘curse’, I say ‘gift’.” “W-what?” "It's because your emotions spiked that you're still alive," she said, resting her hoof on his. "I think you have power sleeping inside you. Maybe if you give your emotions direction, it will give you strength?" "Giving my emotions direction..." "Oh yeah! I almost forgot!" Kalinka exclaimed, hopping off the bed. She walked towards the door where their saddlebags hung. "Now that you're up," she said, poking through his bag. "It's time to give Chrysalis this!" Kalinka said, pulling out the treaty. "Wait, you didn't give it to her yet? Why?" Spirit said, hopping off the bed. “After all you’ve been through, I thought you should be the one who would give it to her.” she said, handing him the letter. “Besides, Celestia asked you to deliver it, not me.” “Well then,” Spirit said, holding the letter with his magic. “I think Chrysalis has waited long enough.” he said, opening the door. “And Kalinka,” he said, standing in the doorway. “Thanks for the pep talk. I really needed it.” Kalinka looked at him before flashing a warm smile. “No problem, Spirit! I coming with you. Who knows what would happen to you on the way there?” “I’d appreciate that.” *Throne Room* “Your Highness! HalfBreed Free Spirit and Kalinka wish to enter!” The Changeling guard said, standing in front of the double doors. “Enter!” Chrysalis boomed from her throne. With a nod, the Changeling guard grabbed the attention of the other guard, both opening the doors to allow the visitors in. “Chrysalis, Queen of the Changelings!” Spirit said, bowing before his ex-ruler. “I have been tasked with delivering this treaty to you from Princess Celestia!” he said, holding the letter out in front of him. Chrysalis stood from her throne, her magic retrieving the treaty from the hybrid. She opened the letter, scanning over it before putting it down. “I shall consider the agreements.” she said. “And shall make my leave.” Spirit said, getting up. “Wait!” Chrysalis commanded. Spirit stopped in his tracks and faced her. “To send you back after being attacked by one of my own would create great distrust between me and Celestia. You shall be allowed to stay one more day here. Until then, you will be treated as a guest.” “Thank you, Queen Chrysalis.” Spirit said, bowing again. “Come on, Spirit. Let’s get going.” Kalinka said as they started for the doors. *** “She must know that I feel fine.” Spirit said, the doors closed behind them. “That’s just mother’s way of saying sorry to you.” Kalinka answered without thinking. Her eyes widened as she slapped a hoof over her mouth. She looked at Spirit, his eyes as big as hers. “CHRYSALIS IS YOUR-mhpf!?” he began to yell, Kalinka shoving a hoof in his mouth before he could finish. “Keep it down! Nopony’s suppose to know that!” she hissed, removing her hoof. “She’s your mother!?” Spirit said. “I guess the parasprite’s out of the bag now.” Kalinka sighed. “When Chrysalis turned me into a Changeling, she infused some of her blood with mine. So technically, I’m her daughter by given blood.” “If your Chrysalis’s daughter, doesn’t that make you-” “A princess? Yes.” “M-my b-best f-friend i-is a-” Spirit stammered as he fell to the floor. Kalinka stared at the collapsed hybrid before sighing. “I knew this would happen.” she said as she struggled to lift him. “And mother says you’re my future prince.” she groaned as she proceeded to drag Spirit back to the infirmary. “Nothing to see here!” Kalinka said to the watching Changelings. “He just fainted from hunger! Someone get him some fruit!” *The Next Day* Spirit and Kalinka stood in front of the Hive, Chrysalis handing them their saddlebags. “I had my servants pack both of you some water in case you need it. I wish you both the very best.” “Thank you Queen Chrysalis/Mother.” Spirit and Kalinka said as the queen walked back into the Hive. “So, Free Spirit,” Kalinka said, turning to the young hybrid. “Where to next?” Author's Note And with this, A Spiritual Journey has come to an end. The final part of Spirit's story is coming soon. The False Hero shall return.
