Return to Equestria

by HalfAngelHuman

Rating: teen
Tags: Sex, Main 6, Gore, Slice of Life, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Dark, Original Character, Comedy
Length: 9266

Free Spirit and Kalinka return to their new home.

Free Spirit and Kalinka have returned to Ponyville, but Spirit finds staying difficult. With most of Ponyville distrusting him and threats around Equestria that require his help, living a new life won't be free.

Published 2015-03-02 17:20:02 UTC
Last updated 2015-07-18 22:24:11 UTC

Episode 1: The False Hero Returns

Author's Note

Here it is! This the third and final part to the story of Free Spirit. This is where Spirit's story truly begins. Now, the genre of this story is going to be kinda all over the place, but the main three this story will be focusing on is Dark, Comedy, & Slice of Life.

Episode 1: The False Hero Returns

“And the cupcakes are done!” Pinkie said, placing the tray of sweets on the table. “Happy Birthday, Fluttershy!” the five mares congratulated.

“T-thank you, everypony! You shouldn’t have.” Fluttershy blushed. Today was a special day for Fluttershy; it was her 21st birthday. The Cakes told Pinkie that they could celebrate Fluttershy’s birthday after SugarCube Corner closed for the night, as long as she didn’t make a giant mess like last time.

“But you’re finally 21, Darling!” Rarity said, sipping from a glass of cider.

“Yeah! Now you can drink real cider! Not that apple juice AJ calls cider that she gives to Applebloom.” Rainbow Dash said.

“As if ya’ll could tell the difference.” Applejack grumbled, taking a bite out of a cupcake.

“Speaking of cider, We need more drinks!” Pinkie analyzed. “I’ll be right back!” She said as she dove into the kitchen.

“But more importantly,” Rarity continued. “You’re now old enough to get married!” Fluttershy’s face turned beet-red, thought of being romantically involved with somepony too much for her. “M-m-m-married!?”

“Fluttershy! Calm down!” Twilight said, rubbing her friend’s shoulder. “You can get married when you’re ready. Nopony’s going to force you.”

“O-okay.” Fluttershy said, her face cooling down.

“I’m back!” Pinkie Pie announced as she entered the room. “I got some Sassparillas for me and Twilight, Cider for Rarity, AppleJack, and Dashie. And for you Fluttershy, here’s a Strawberry Oat smoothie.” she said, passing out the beverages.

“Thank you, Pinkie.” Fluttershy said, sipping the smoothie.

“Strawberry Oat?” Rainbow Dash said in confusion. “I thought you didn’t like strawberries?”

“She doesn’t!” Pinkie chirruped. “But Spirit does! So I thought since Spiry isn’t here, she should at least have one!”

As soon as those words left Pinkie’s mouth, the room grew quiet. Rarity and Twilight looked away as Rainbow Dash glared at the table and gritted her teeth. “I hope it stays that way.” Rainbow Dash said vehemently .

“Rainbow!” Applejack said. “That’s uncalled for!”

“Are you going to defend that little demon!?” Rainbow Dash shouted, standing up. “Have you forgotten what it did to Fluttershy!?” she asked, pointing a hoof at Fluttershy. “It’s been almost two months since that thing left and Fluttershy still has that scar on her neck! And it doesn’t even look like it’s getting better!”

“He’s not an ‘it’, Rainbow Dash.” Fluttershy interjected.

“Yeah!” Pinkie said, sweating slightly. “And it wasn’t his fault Dashie! Spiry wasn’t himself!”

“That monster shouldn’t have been in Ponyville in the first place!”

“Rainbow Dash!” Twilight said sternly. “This is not the time or place. We’re here to celebrate Fluttershy’s birthday, not to cause problems!”

“Whatever!” Rainbow Dash huffed, sitting back down. “I hope that little bug never comes back! I say good riddance!”

“I’m sorry to hear that, Dashie.” Pinkie said, who was now panting heavily.

“Pinkie, are you feeling well? Rarity asked the usually bouncy mare.

“I-I’m fine.” Pinkie said, waving a hoof dismissively. She walked up to Rainbow Dash, wrapping a hoof around her shoulder. “I think Spirit not coming back is going to be veeeeeeeery difficult.”

“What are you talking about, Pinkie Pie?” The technicolor mare asked.

“The thing is-” Pinkie said, suddenly bursting into a green flame, startling everypony. “I’m already here!” Free Spirit announced. Suddenly the kitchen door opened, the real pink pony laughing and snorting on the floor.

"S-spiry! T-that was a-a-amazing! T-the look on everypony’s faces-Bwahahahaha!” she giggled. Spirit looked at her and smiled. Suddenly, he felt himself being lifted into the air before slamming back-first into the table, scattering everything on it.

“Ow!”

“Spirit!” Fluttershy cried, reaching for the hurled hybrid.

“Try that again bug breath and you’ll be sorry!” Rainbow Dash said angrily before storming out of SugarCube Corner.

“Rainbow Dash! Git back here!” Applejack shouted at the Pegasus, but it fell on deaf ears.

“Something tells me she doesn’t like me.” Spirit said through clenched teeth. “Wait. Do I hear...gurgling?” he said, searching his surroundings. “Oh, Tau! Rarity!” Spirit yelled. The white Unicorn in question laid on the floor, her body twitching as she held two hooves over her chest.

*10 Minutes Later*

“I am SO sorry, Miss Rarity!” Spirit said, his hooves in a praying position. “I didn’t mean to give you a heart attack! I just wanted to surprise everypony, that’s all! Please forgive me!”

“I-It’s quite alright,” Rarity said, fanning herself. “It’s just that it has been so long since I’ve seen a Changeling. Seeing Pinkie Pie suddenly burst into flames was quite shocking.”

“Spirit,” Fluttershy said, earning his attention. “I have some questions for you.”

“As do I!” Twilight added.

“Ask away.” Spirit said.

“When did you get back?” Fluttershy asked.

“I’ve been back in Ponyville for a week. I remembered that today was your birthday, so I decided to let myself be known. By the way, happy birthday!”

“Wait, how did you know it was my birthday? I never told you that.”

“Remember when I dove into your mind? While I was searching for your name, I came across the memory of you birthday.”

“Okay. My second question is when did you learn how to disguise yourself as other ponies?”

“I would have gotten here sooner, but me and Kalinka decided to explore a bit.” Spirit explained. “During our travels, Kalinka encouraged me to try to disguise myself as another pony. It took awhile, but I finally got it right. The thing is, it takes a lot out of me to do it. Even more than my natural disguise.”

“Who’s Kalinka?” Fluttershy and Twilight asked.

“A Changeling friend of mine.”

“ANOTHER CHANGELING!?” Twilight yelled. Spirit winced at the shriek, his hooves immediately covering his ears.

“Don’t worry,” Spirit said. “She won’t be a danger to anypony. Trust me.”

“Trust you?!”

“Yes. Princess Celestia and Princess Luna know that she’s here. We were granted citizenship after we finished the task Princess Celestia gave us. If either of us cause harm to anypony here, we’ll have it revoked. She’ll be able to go back to the Changeling Empire, but I’ll have nowhere to go.” Spirit explained. "We just want to start over."

"...If you say so." Twilight said cautiously.

"Hey," Applejack said, walking towards the Changeling. "You attacked Flutters, right?" The orange mare asked.

"Um...yes?" Spirit said, the mare uncomfortably close to his face. Applejack raised her hoof, banging Spirit square in the head.

"Ow!" Spirit yelped, instinctively covering his head.

"Now from what Fluttershy told me, y'all wasn't right in the noggin. Correct?"

Spirit rubbed his head and sighed. "Correct. Apparently, I was neglecting my Changeling side, which led to my Changeling side's instinct to feed gaining a mind of its own." Spirit explained. "To make a long story short; I lost control of my body, I got it back, and now he's stuck in my head."

Applejack stared blankly at Spirit for a moment before bonking him on the head a second time.

"Ow! What did I do that time!?" Spirit said, covering his head again.

"You seem honest," Applejack said, ignoring his question. "So I got ya back. Just make sure that it doesn't happen again, 'k?"

"I won’t let that happen, because I refuse to let it happen. Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye." Spirit said as he went through the motions. "This promise won't be broken." Spirit said to Pinkie.

“It’s getting pretty late,” Fluttershy said, examining the clock on the wall. “We should probably clean up now.”

“I hope you don’t mind me helping.” Spirit said, hopping off the table. “Um, Fluttershy,” he said. “Sorry for ruining your party.”

“Don’t worry,” Fluttershy said, giving the Changeling a hug. “You didn’t ruin it. Besides, knowing that you’re okay is the best gift I could have gotten.”

“If you say so…” Spirit said, returning the hug.

“Welcome home, Spirit.” Fluttershy whispered.

Across the room, Twilight watched the two embrace. “So that thing that attacked Fluttershy is trapped in his head? Interesting.”

“Spiry! You think you can visit tomorrow? I got a surprise for you!” Pinkie asked, skating across the wall on brooms.

“I’ll try Pinkie!” Spirit said, cleaning cupcake frosting off the ceiling.

“Do ya think y’all can come visit my farm after that?” Applejack said as she took the silverware back into the kitchen.

“Just tell me when to be there and I’ll be there.”

“Can you help me at my boutique the day after?” Rarity said.

“Okay.”

“I don’t suppose you could visit my library after you’re done helping Rarity, could you?” Twilight asked.

"Looks like I'll be busy for awhile." Spirit sighed. ‘But I don’t mind. I’ll do whatever it takes to atone for my past sins.’

Episode 2: PinkieSpirit

“I’ll see you later, Kalinka!" Spirit said as he walked to the door. "I'm going to be at SugarCube Corner if you need me. Have fun at the spa!" he said as he walked out the door. “Alright, let’s go see what Pinkie wanted to show me.” he said, trotting down the dirt road of Ponyville.

Spirit’s walk to SugarCube Corner was an awkward one. It seemed as if the whole town was watching him, judging him. ‘Who could blame them?’ Spirit thought to himself. ‘I did almost kill a well-known and well-liked resident of this town, not to mention that she was also an Element of Harmony.’ he sighed. “But at least the ones who heard the full story are willing to give me a chance.” he said to himself, waving at the mint-green pony Lyra. Lyra noticed the greeting, waving back as soon as her friend BonBon wasn’t looking. ‘At least I have some who I can count on.’

“Will you shut up!?” Yin suddenly yelled, causing Spirit to flinch.

‘It’s always a pleasure to hear your voice Yin.’ Spirit replied, rubbing his head. ‘What, did I wake you up again or something?’

“It’s the only thing I can do besides plotting the ways I’m going to kill you." Yin grumbled.

‘Why don’t you just give up on that? You’re not getting out. It’s never going to happen.’ Spirit said as he stopped in front of SugarCube Corner. “Pinkie! I’m here!” Spirit announced, only to be greeted by a long line of ponies.

“SPIRY!” Pinkie cheered from behind the counter. She leapt over the counter and dashed over to Spirit. “I’m so glad you’re here! I need an extra set of hooves!” the bubbly mare said, grabbing Spirit by the hoof and dragging him into the kitchen, earning him a bunch of glares from the customers.

“Pinkie, what’s-” Spirit attempted to ask before Pinkie wrapped an apron around him.

“No time to explain! Help me take these orders!” Pinkie said as pushed him out the kitchen. Spirit stood dumbfounded in front of the counter, his mind slowly processing what was happening. A harsh cough brought him back to reality, reminding him of the impatient ponies in front of him.

“O-oh! W-welcome to SugarCube Corner! Um….may I take your order?”

***

“Thank Tau it’s finally over!” Spirit groaned as he laid his head on a nearby table. The last customer had just left, taking the last pastry with him. Pinkie turned the window sign to ‘closed’ so she could have time to make more. “I haven’t worked that hard since my days as a scout for the Changeling Empire!”

“You did great, Spiry!” Pinkie Pie giggled, taking off her apron.

“All those ponies kept staring at me! And there were so many of them!” Spirit said, lifting up his head.

“That was actually the least amount of ponies we’ve had all week.”

“The least!?” Spirit exclaimed before laid his head back down. “I don’t know how you do it, Pinkie.” Spirit picked his head up when he heard something being placed on the table. Pinkie stood next to him, a Strawberry Oat smoothie in front of him.

“It’s my way of saying ‘thank you’ for your help. Sorry for dragging you into this.” she apologized, rubbing her hoof.

“Gee, thanks Pinkie!” Spirit said as he proceeded to slurp down the drink. “Didn’t you say that you had a surprise for me?” Spirit asked between gulps.

“Yup!”

“So, where is it?”

“It’s coming! I’m just waiting, that’s all.”

“Waiting for what-” Spirit asked before dropping the smoothie. His vision became blurry as everything started to spin. He looked at Pinkie, who stared back with a wide smile on her face. “P-Pinkie?” Spirit said weakly as he struggled to get up. “Did...you just...drug me?” he said, falling to the floor.

“Don’t worry, Spiry.” Pinkie said as she stroked his head. “This is just part of the surprise!”

“Pinkie….”

***

“Ohhh, my head.” Spirit moaned as he opened his eyes, only to find himself in total darkness. “Huh? Where am I?” Spirit said as he tried to get up. “W-why can’t I move?” he said, feeling something restraining his hooves. He squinted in the darkness, slowly realizing that his body was spread out on a metal table and his hooves were cuffed. “What the buck?”

“You’re awake! Great!” a voice said from the darkness.

“Pinkie Pie?” Spirit said. A light suddenly snapped on, blinding Spirit for a moment. When Spirit’s sight returned, he found Pinkie staring back at him, a small smile plastered on her face. A worn toolbox sat on a table next to her.

"Pinkie, where am I? Why am I strapped to this table?"

"We're in the basement of SugarCube Corner. This place was actually a dentist office before it became a bakery." Pinkie said, opening the toolbox. "The metal table with cuffs is kinda strange, though." she added, pulling out a blindfold. "And I'm giving you your punishment." Pinkie said, wrapping the cloth around Spirit's face.

"Punishment?" Spirit said, his mind still blurry.

"You broke two Pinkie Promises!" Pinkie scowled.

"But it wasn't my fault!" Spirit countered.

"Your fault or not, a broken promise is a broken promise!" Pinkie said, digging in the toolbox. "And now it's time to pay!"

Spirit began to panic, his mind thinking of the worst. "Pinkie! I-I'm sorry, okay?!" he said as he thrashed around. "P-please, let me go!"

"Too late for apologies!" Pinkie said, putting a hoof on his chest. Spirit froze, tears brimming in his eyes.

"Just make it quick..." Spirit said, his tears staining the cloth. Spirit closed his eyes, waiting for something to happen. He felt something soft rub against his side, in an up and down motion. The object quickly picked up speed before moving to his chest. Spirit tried to move away from the object, but Pinkie’s hoof and the cuffs kept him still. “P-Pinkie!” Spirit gasped as he tried to stifle a giggle. “W-what a-a-are y-you-” he tried to say before he broke out into laughter.

“This is your punishment,” Pinkie said as she continued to tickle Spirit with the feather. “The punishment for breaking a Pinkie Promise is being tickled for five minutes!”

“P-P-Pinkie! St-stop! P-please, n-no more!” Spirit cried as his laughing grew louder.

“Four minutes left!” Pinkie said over Spirit’s giggling. ‘It’s a good thing this basement is soundproof.’ she thought to herself.

***

“Aaaaand done!” Pinkie said, taking the feather away from the hybrid. Spirit’s laughter began to die down as he relaxed his body, his sides sore from nonstop laughing.

“I won’t break another Pinkie Promise ever again,” Spirit moaned as Pinkie removed the blindfold. “If it means going through that again.” Pinkie giggled at the exhausted Changeling as she undid the cuffs. “Pinkie,” Spirit said as the pink mare removed the cuffs on his forehooves. “Can I tell you something?”

“Of course, Spiry!” Pinkie said as she started on the last two cuffs. “You can tell me anything! You don’t have to ask!”

“It’s just that,” Spirit said as he sat up on the table. “I thought you were going to….kill me.” he admitted. Pinkie’s eyes widened in shock at the Changeling’s comment.

“I’d never ever ever hurt my friends!” Pinkie said, climbing onto the table. “Why would you think something like that?”

“Well,” Spirit said, rubbing his hoof. “You see, I was born with the power to see into someone’s mind and look through their memories, Soul Searching is what I call it.” he explained. “When I first met Fluttershy, I Soul Searched her to learn a little bit about her. I ended up going through all her memories and learned about her friends, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, the Elements of Harmony, and the adventures all of you have been through together. In one of Fluttershy’s memories, you became very angry with Applejack because she broke a Pinkie Promise. Fluttershy was scared to think of what you would do to Applejack. And after you drugged me, I thought you were-”

Pinkie suddenly pulled Spirit into a hug, cutting him off. “I would never intentionally hurt anypony,” she whispered into his ear. “Especially not my best friends. I’m sorry if I spooked you.”

“Pinkie,” Spirit said before returning the hug. “You are the craziest mare I have ever met. But you’re not that crazy. Never change, okay?”

“Okay, Spiry.” Pinkie said as she pulled away, wiping away forming tears.

“You know,” Spirit said, looking up at the ceiling. “I still have some time left until I have to meet Applejack. Would you like me to help make some more pastries?”

“Really Spiry? You would do that?”

Spirit flashed her a smile. “How hard could it be?”

***

“You're making progress, Spiry!” Pinkie said to the floured Changeling as smoke filled the food-covered kitchen. “These cupcakes are less burnt that the last ten attempts!”

*Aether*

“Of all the things Spirit could have inherited, why does it have to be my inability to cook!?” Fazz groaned. Akroma looked at her distraught husband and sighed.

“Well, at least there’s one benefit to being dead.” she said as she focused back on her puzzle.

Episode 3: AppleSpirit

Author's Note

Sorry this took so long. I've been kinda busy. :twilightsheepish:

Episode 3: AppleSpirit

“I gotta go. See ya later Pinkie Pie!” Spirit said as he walked to the door. Pinkie swept him into a tight embrace before he touched the door.

“See ya later, Spiry!” Pinkie exclaimed, oblivious to the choking hybrid.

“P-pinkie! Can’t...breathe!” Spirit wheezed.

“Oops! Sorry!” Pinkie said as she let go. Spirit coughed harshly as he rubbed his throat. ‘Why am I always getting strangled!?’ Spirit groaned.

“Because it’s effective.”

‘I didn’t ask for your opinion, Yin!’ Spirit growled.

“Something wrong, Spiry?” Pinkie asked.

“Oh, it’s nothing. It’s just Yin.”

“Yin?” Pinkie asked in confusion.

“He’s the one who hurt Fluttershy.”

“Oh yeah! It’s a good thing you showed that meanie who’s boss! It’s all thanks to you that nopony else got hurt!” Pinkie cheered.

I have always wondered what joy tastes like.

N-no! Stay back!

Spirit looked away from Pinkie Pie, the disturbing memory resurfacing. “Y-yeah. Me too. Hey, I should really get going. I shouldn’t keep Applejack waiting.” he said as he turned to the door.

“Hey, Spirit?” Pinkie said.

“Huh? What is it now?” Spirit said before receiving a kiss on the cheek and another hug.

"Welcome back to Ponyville, Spiry. Fluttershy, Aloe, Lotus, and I missed you." Pinkie said before bouncing into the kitchen. Spirit stood at the door, his face slowly heating up.

"I...I...I..." Spirit said.

"Dumbass.exe appears to have stopped working." Yin mocked.

***

"Howdy Spirit!" Applejack greeted as the Changeling got closer to the farm. "Ah thought you weren't gonna show up!"

"Hey Applejack," Spirit said as he walked through the farm entrance. "Sorry I'm late," he said. "I was at SugarCube Corner with Pinkie Pie and we had some...problems. So, what do you need me to do?”

“Ya see,” Applejack said as she lead the hybrid to the barn. “Big Macintosh hurt ‘imself again, and Ah was wondering if ya’ll could help me harvest some apples?”

“That sounds easy enough,” Spirit said as he stared at the apples trees in the distance. “I think I can manage.”

“Thanks, Spirit.” Applejack said. “All Ah need is ‘bout ten baskets of apples. There are some baskets next to most of the trees here, so jes’ find the ones with baskets next to ‘em.”

“Okay! I’ll get right on it.” Spirit said as he started to trot over to the apple trees.

“These trees are also pretty sturdy!” Applejack added. “Don’t hurt yourself!”

“I won’t!” Spirit said as he disappeared into the sea of trees.

***

“Alright, where to start?” Spirit said to himself as he trotted by multiple trees. “This looks like a good place to start.” The young Changeling said, examining a lone apple tree. Spirit turned around and gave the trunk a swift kick. He looked up expectantly, only to see leaves falling from the branches. “Okay, let’s try that again!” Spirit grunted as he bucked the trunk a second time. More leaves fell. Spirit pinched his fangs in annoyance as he tried a third time. Only leaves. “Okay, let’s try a different tactic!” Spirit growled as he closed his eyes. His horn began to glow as green magic slowly trickled down his body. Spirit groaned as he struggled to focus it to his hooves. “C’mon, work!” he said, sweat covering his body. “Yes!” Spirit cheered as he felt the green aura harden around his hooves. “Okay, from the top.” Spirit said, getting in the position to kick. He bucked as hard as he could, his hooves making a loud thump against the trunk. “Success!” Spirit cried as he watched the apples fall. “Time to start collecting.” Spirit said as he started to move towards the fallen fruit. “What the?” Spirit said, feeling something holding his hooves back. He looked behind himself, his eyes widening as he saw the problem. His back hooves were stuck in the tree trunk. “Oh balls.”

“Nice going, Dumbass.”

“Will you stop calling me that?!” Spirit yelled as he struggled to free himself.

“Why should I when it’s so obviously true?” Yin said smugly.

“You can go straight to Tartarus!” Spirit snapped as he continued to flail.

“I’ll see you there.”

“If it weren’t for the fact that you’re trapped in my heart, I’d be bucking you in the face right now!”

“And then you’d get your hooves stuck in my head. Like a dumbass.”

*Thirty minutes later*

“Ugh! I still can’t believe I got myself stuck in a tree!” Spirit groaned as he tried freeing himself again.

“And I still can’t believe how much of a dumbass you are.” Yin said.

“If I’m such a ‘dumbass’, then why don’t you tell me what made a ‘dumbass’!?” Spirit argued.

“You tried bucking a tree when you should have used your magic.” Yin deadpanned, causing Spirit to visibly flinch.

“Why didn’t I think of that!?” Spirit growled as he flailed a second time.

“Second verse is the same as the first: you’re a dumbass.”

“Why you-”

“Quiet! I sense something!” Yin interrupted. “It’s close and I think it’s been watching us.”

“Watching us?” Spirit repeated. “Whoever’s watching us, show yourself! I know you're there!” he shouted. A loud ‘eep!’ was his response as he watched the nearby bushes move. From the bushes, a small yellow filly with a pink bow in her mane emerged. She rubbed a hoof nervously as she slowly drew closer to the strange creature.

“H-how d’ja know I was hidin’?” she whimpered.

“A little birdy told me,” Spirit said calmly. ‘Wait a minute! Is that Applebloom?” Spirit thought. “You wouldn’t happen to be Applejack’s sister Applebloom, would you?” he said. The yellow filly’s eyes widened as she began to move away from the Changeling.

“H-how d’ja know mah name? Ah’ve never met you before.” Applebloom squeaked.

“Your sister’s friend Fluttershy told me about you.” Spirit said. ‘Well, that’s if you can call reading somepony’s memories telling someone.’

“You know Miss Fluttershy?” Applebloom said.

“How about we make a deal,” Spirit said. “You help me get unstuck and I’ll tell you anything you want to know. Deal?” Applebloom stared at the strange creature, unsure of what to do. “I promise not to hurt you,” Spirit added. “Not that I would cause harm to a filly in the first place. And besides, I still need to collect apples for your sister.”

“...Okay,” Applebloom said as she trotted to the bug-horse. “But Ah don’t know how much help Ah can be.” she said as she examined the thing’s back hooves.

“I’ve been struggling for a half hour,” Spirit said. “I think I’m almost there, but I just need an extra push. I’m going to start pulling myself away from the tree. I need you to wait on the other side of the tree, and when I say ‘go’, I want you to start bucking the tree. Got it?”

“Yessir!” Applebloom saluted as she trotted around the tree.

“Ready?” Spirit asked as he started to pull.

“Ready!” Applebloom answered.

“Go!” Spirit said, feeling the tree vibrate a second later. Spirit continued to drag himself away from the tree, now feeling something stuck in one of the holes of his hooves. “I think I found the problem,” Spirit said. “There’s a piece of wood stuck in my hoof. I can feel it getting weaker, too! Keep it up Applebloom!” he said as the leaves began to fall. ‘C’mon, just a little more!’ Spirit growled.

A resounding snap suddenly filled the air as Spirit felt the wooden shard give way. ‘I’m free...finally!’ Spirit cheered as he landed face-first into the dirt. “Ow,” Spirit said as he sat up. “Whoever invented inertia was an idiot.” he grumbled, rubbing his muzzle. “Hey Applebloom, I’m free now!” Spirit said to the still-kicking filly. As soon as those words left his mouth, the young filly suddenly was in front of him with a wide grin.

“You’re gonna keep your end of bargain, right?” The beaming filly asked.

“Well it’s only fair,” Spirit replied with a smile of his own. “Ask away.”

“What are you?”

“I’m a Changeling.”

“What’s a Changeling?”

“A Changeling is a creature that has no heart, and because of that, it needs to feed off of the emotions of other creatures.” Spirit explained

“So you’re like a Vampony!” Applebloom squealed.

“I guess we kinda are like Vamponies,” Spirit chuckled. “Only that we don’t burst into flames in the daylight. And we can do something that Vamponies can’t.”

“What’s that?” Applebloom said as Spirit exploded into green flames.

“Disguise ourselves.” Spirit answered, now an orange unicorn.

“...You look like a mare now.” Applebloom said.

“...You’re not the first pony to tell me that,” Spirit sighed as he returned to normal. “Anything else?”

“What’s your name?”

“My name is Free Spirit.”

“Wait, your name is Free Spirit?”

“That’s correct.”

“So you must be the False Hero everypony’s been talking about!”

“‘False Hero’?” Spirit repeated. “Who came up with that name?”

“It was Rainbow Dash.”

“Of course, why shouldn’t I be surprised?” Spirit muttered under his breath.

“What was that?” Applebloom asked.

“Oh, it’s nothing you should worry about!”

“So why?”

“Huh?”

“Why did you do it? Why would you hurt Miss Fluttershy?” Applebloom said. Spirit stared at the filly, unsure of what to say. The young hybrid turned away from her, tears forming in his eyes.

“I-I wasn’t feeling well at the time,” Spirit said. “Fluttershy’s the reason I stayed in Ponyville. I didn’t want to hurt her, but my instincts made me.” The tears started to fall as his body began to shake. “I refuse to hurt those who haven’t tried to hurt me, and the thought of killing another being makes sick!”

“Mister Spirit?” Applebloom said as she watched the Changeling break down in front of her.

"But I almost killed somepony! And she’s a national hero too! Yet she still treats me like a friend! I don’t deserve her kindness!” Spirit sobbed.

“Mister Spirit, please don’t cry.” Applebloom said, rubbing her hoof on his back. “Miss Fluttershy once told me that everypony deserves a second chance. Even the really mean ones who wanna hurt everypony else. If Miss Fluttershy’s being so nice to you, Ah think she wants ta give you a second chance.”

“Do you really think that?” Spirit asked through his tears.

“Why else would Miss Fluttershy be so nice to you? Ah think she wants ta be your friend.”

Spirit slowly dried his eyes as a small smile appeared on his face. “To think I’d get a brief pep talk from a filly,” he said as he calmed down. “Thanks, Applebloom.” he said, giving the yellow filly a quick hug. “So, do you have anymore questions for me?”

Applebloom smiled as she shook her head. “Nope. Ah wanna help you harvest apples.”

“I thought you’d rather go play with your friends?” Spirit said.

Applebloom’s face fell. “Ah would, but Rainbow Dash, Rarity, and Applejack grounded us for tryin’ to get our demolition cutie marks. So we can’t see each other for another week.”

“Wait, did you say demolition cutie marks!?” Spirit said, his eyes wide with disbelief. ‘Who the buck sells TNT to eight year olds!?’

“Anyways,” Spirit continued. “I guess you can help, but I want you to answer one question.”

“What’s that?”

“Why do you want to help?”

Applebloom beamed. “That’s easy: so Ah can get mah Changeling Helper Cutie Mark!” she squealed.

“I guess that’s a valid reason,” Spirit said, rubbing his head in pain. “C’mon, let’s get started. It’s starting to get dark.” Spirit said, staring at the sky.

***

“Darn, all that work and no Cutie Mark.” Applebloom grumbled through the small basket in her mouth as she glared at her backside.

“You’ll get your Cutie Mark when it’s time.” Spirit said as he carried the rest of the baskets with his magic. By the time they had finished collecting apples, Celestia’s sun had already set. The dirt-covered pair slowly made their way through the dark orchard, the lights from the barn being their only beacon.

“You sound jus’ like mah big sis. Ah want it now!” she pouted. Spirit chuckled at the filly’s impatience.

“You sound just like me when I your age.” he said

"Huh? What do you mean?" Applebloom asked in confusion. Spirit smiled and looked to the sky, the stars shimmering brightly in the night.

"You see, I'm different from most Changelings: I was born with a heart," he explained. "I'm part pony, which give me some advantages, like being able to eat food as a substitute for emotions. But it also gave me some disadvantages, one being my difficulty at disguising myself. I had trouble keeping up my natural disguise, and I couldn't even turn into somepony else." Spirit stared at the moon and sighed. “I wanted nothing more than to be able to transform like the other Changelings. To prove to them that I wasn’t a freak. I had almost given up, if it wasn’t for her.”

“Who’s ‘her’?” Applebloom asked.

“Her name is Kalinka,” Spirit said. “She’s a good friend of mine. She was the only Changeling in the Hive that actually cared about me. It’s because of her persistence that I can turn into others now, but not without some difficulty.”

“Is this Kalinka pretty?” Applebloom asked.

Spirit’s smile grew wider. “By Changeling standards, she’s beautiful.”

“Are ya gonna marry her?”

Spirit’s attention snapped back to Applebloom, his eyes bulging. “W-what!? W-where did that come from!?” he said, his chitin skin turning red.

“Ya obviously like her, so that must mean ya wanna marry her!”

“T-that’s crazy talk! There’s no way Kalinka would want to marry me!” Spirit countered.

“How do ya know that? D’ja ever ask her how she feels about you?”

Spirit opened his mouth to said something, but the words failed to flow. Spirit closed his mouth and continued walking towards the barn. “You’re right Applebloom, I’ve never asked her before. That’s twice you’ve given me a realization. It’s kinda scary.”

“So, are ya gonna ask her?” Applebloom said, trotting up to the young hybrid.

“One day Applebloom, but not today.”

***

“There ya’ll are! Ah was wonderin’ where ya’ll were.” Applejack said, greeting the pair as they walked into view.

“Sorry that took so long AJ,” Spirit said, setting down the baskets. “But I kinda got my hoof stuck in a tree.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. Thankfully, Applebloom here was nearby,” Spirit said, pointing at the now swaying filly. “Applebloom?”

“Sooo tired…” she mumbled as she collapsed into the dirt.

“Um, is she okay?” Spirit asked as Applejack lifted her sister off the ground.

“She’ll be fine. She’s jus’ tuckered out, that’s all.” Applejack said over her sister’s light snoring. “Thanks for yer help, Spirit. Ah really mean it.”

“No problem, AJ. I’m just glad you let me help.” Spirit said, rubbing his head. "I gotta go. Kalinka's probably wondering where I am," he said, turning around. "I'll see ya later. Hope Big Macintosh gets better."

"You're welcomed to come back anytime! Take care!" Applejack said to the leaving Changeling.

Episode 4: ElusiveSpirit

“Ow!” Spirit yelped as he rolled out of bed. “Grrr, whoever invented gravity was an idiot.” he grumbled, picking himself off the ground. “Huh?” Spirit grunted as he heard the clattering of pans from outside the room. “Must be Kalinka,” he said to himself as he started to climb back into bed. “It’s way too early to be up,” he said, looking out the window at Celestia’s rising sun.

The sound of glass shattering and a loud swear stopped him in place. "I better check it out," Spirit mumbled as he walked out the bedroom. "Kalinka, what are you doing-WOAH!" he exclaimed at the sight before him. The blue walls of the kitchen were covered in batter and strawberry juice. Dishes and other utensils were also scattered around the room. In the middle of the storm-tossed kitchen stood Kalinka, wearing a food covered apron.

“Hey Spirit,” Kalinka said with a weak smile. “I didn’t expect you to be up yet.”

“Well I didn’t expect to fall off my bed,” Spirit said, rubbing his eyes. “You usually catch me. What are you doing anyways?”

“Well, you do have a lot to do today, so I thought you’d enjoy something to eat,” she said as she moved towards the fridge, pulling out two smoothies. “I asked Pinkie how to make these. I took me all night, but I think I got it right!” she said, setting the drinks on the kitchen table.

“I-is that Strawberry Oat!?” Spirit exclaimed, his mouth already drooling.

“Calm down ya joker, or else we’re gonna be six feet underwater!” she said with a smile on her face. “This was the only thing you’d order when we went on our scouting missions. I still don’t know how you can stomach eating only this.” she questioned as Spirit sat down.

“It just tastes good, that’s all.” Spirit said, slurping down the smoothie.

Kalinka sat down and sighed. “I’ll have to take your word,” she said, resting her head on a hoof. “If there’s one thing I miss when I was still a pegasus, it’s being able to enjoy food.”

“Here,” Spirit said, sliding the other smoothie to the female Changeling.

“No thanks,” Kalinka said, sliding it back to the young hybrid. “Besides, I made it for you.”

“I want you to have it,” Spirit urged, giving it back to Kalinka.

“Spirit, you know food doesn’t do anything for me. Not anymore. I want you to enjoy it,” she said as she started to hand it back to Spirit.

“I’d enjoy it more if you’d drink it.”

Kalinka froze.

“I know food doesn’t do anything for you, but wouldn’t it feel nice to at least pretend you were a pony again?” Spirit said, staring at his own smoothie. “Besides, it always feels better when you eat with family.”

Kalinka watched the young hybrid resume drinking his smoothie before staring at the one in front of her. ‘Family, huh?’ she thought to herself, slowly raising the glass to her mouth. ‘You joker.’

“Aw, isn’t that sweet?” Yin said, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

‘And it begins...’ Spirit groaned.

***

“Coming~” Rarity sang as she opened the door of her boutique. “Oh Spirit! I’m so glad you could make it darling!” she greeted the young hybrid.

“Hey Rarity,” Spirit grinned, rubbing the back of his head. “I hope you don’t mind but I brought a friend,” he said as Kalinka appeared in front of him.

“Hello, you must be Rarity. My name is Kalinka, it’s a pleasure to meet you,” Kalinka said, bowing slightly.

“T-the pleasure’s all mine,” Rarity said after recovering from her initial shock, bowing back. “Please, come in,” she said as stepped out of the doorway. “Take a seat, I’ll get us some tea.” she said as she walked to the kitchen.

“Thanks Rarity,” the Changelings said in unison as they walked into the boutique. “Wow, this place looks much bigger on the inside.” Kalinka said.

“And smells better, too.” Spirit added as they sat down on a nearby sofa. “Note to self: make house smell like this.”

***

“So,” Rarity said as she set the tea set on the table. “Why did you bring your friend?”

“Well, you see,” Spirit started. “I don’t know much about fashion. So I brought Kalinka since she knows more about fashion than I do.”

“Only because I wasn’t the one stuffing my face with Strawberry Oat smoothies when we were sent on scouting missions,” Kalinka said, sitting next to the now-blushing Changeling. “Though I don’t know anymore than you.”

“These ‘scouting missions’ you’re talking about,” Rarity began, sitting opposite from Kalinka. “May I ask what they were?”

Kalinka smiled. “I don’t mind at all. We were scouts for the Hive; a scout’s job is to locate areas filled with love.”

“To be honest, this isn’t my first time in Equestria,” Spirit added. “Before I got exiled, I’d already been to places like Saddle Arabia and Manehattan.”

“Hey, remember all the fun we had in Manehattan?” Kalinka grinned.

“You mean you had fun. I was the one who got mugged repeatedly.” Spirit mumbled, taking a drink from his cup.

“You two seem very close. How long have you two known each other?” Rarity inquired, sipping some tea.

“Well, I’ve known this joker here for ever since he was born,” Kalinka said, gently nudging the hybrid. “That was fourteen years ago.”

“Would you consider yourselves an item?”

Spirit suddenly dropped his cup as he broke into a harsh coughing session.

“Spirit? Are you okay?” Rarity asked as Kalinka turned away, a blush creeping onto her face.

“W-where d-did that come from!?” Spirit said between coughs. “That was totally left field!”

“My apologies, I shouldn’t ask about other ponies’...Changelings’ love life.” Rarity said.

“Maybe we should change the subject…” Kalinka said, her face cooling down.

“Quite,” Rarity agreed, clearing her throat. “Spirit, I did ask you to come over to my house to help me with something. Before we get started, I need some things. Could you be a dear and get them for me?” she said, pulling out a piece of paper and handing it to the Changeling.

“Okay,” Spirit said, taking the slip of paper. “Wait, what about bits?” he asked.

“Oh, don’t worry about that darling. Just tell them that it’s for Rarity,” She said, batting a hoof at the Changeling.

“If you say so,” Spirit said as he started to move.

“Wait one second,” Rarity said, stopping the Changeling. “Sweetie Belle!” she called.

“Yes Rarity?” a squeaky voice replied from upstairs.

“Can you be a dear and come down here for a moment? I have a favor to ask you.”

The sound of small hooves hitting wood was heard for a few second before a small white filly appeared on the stairs.

“What is it, Rari-Hey! Is that the ‘False Hero’ everypony had been talking about?” Sweetie Belle said, noticing the blue-eyed creature on the sofa.

“Sweetie Belle!” Rarity snapped at the filly. “Apologize now!”

Kalinka turned to Spirit, a confused look on her face. “‘False Hero’?” she said.

“It’s Rainbow Dash’s ‘nickname’ for me.” Spirit grumbled.

“And a fitting one at that.” Yin said.

‘Not in the mood, Yin!’ Spirit internally yelled.

“I’m sorry mister.” Sweetie Belle said as she stared at the polished wood floor.

“My name’s Free Spirit, and it’s okay. I’m kinda use to being insulted.” he said, a weak grin on his face.

“Moving right along,” Rarity said. “Sweetie Belle, I want you to assist Spirit in getting the items on the list he has. Can you do that?”

“Yes ma’am!” Sweetie Belle said, giving a salute.

“Well then, let’s get going,” Spirit said as Sweetie Belle raced down the remaining stairs.

“Oh, and Spirit?” Rarity said as the Changeling opened the door.

“Hmm?” he said, turning around.

“Do keep an eye Sweetie Belle for me.”

“Will do!” Spirit assured as the pair walked out the door, closing it behind them.

“Now that’s their gone, let’s focus on you,” Rarity said to Kalinka after a few seconds had passed.

“Me?” Kalinka said, pointing at herself.

“Yes you,” Rarity said, cleaning up Spirit’s mess. “It’s clear as day that you like Spirit. How he doesn’t see it is beyond me.”

“...Okay, ya got me,” Kalinka said solemnly. “I do like him. A lot.”

“If you don’t mind me asking, why don’t you tell him how you feel?” Rarity asked, sitting next to Kalinka. Kalinka looked away as she slowly curled up on the sofa.

“I’m kinda afraid of what he’ll say. And besides,” Kalinka said, tightening into a ball. “I’m an adult and he’s got one more year until he’s also an adult,” Kalinka looked up at Rarity, her green eyes brimming with tears. “I’m in love with a minor. Changelings are forbidden to have relationships with immature Changelings.”

Rarity watched the sobbing Changeling sitting in front of her before gently rubbing her hoof on her shoulder. “My my, you do seem quite troubled over this,” she cooed. “But I think I see a small loophole.”

“What’s that?” Kalinka said through her tears.

“Spirit’s only half Changeling, correct?”

“Y-yeah, so?” Kalinka said, the gears in her head slowly turning. A small ding went off in her head as her eyes widened. “Wait, I think I know what you’re getting at! Spirit’s also half pony!”

“Are there any Changeling laws that prohibit relationships with ponies?” Rarity asked.

“Not really,” Kalinka said, shaking her head as she wiped her eyes. “It’s mostly frowned upon, but there isn’t a written law about it.”

“So technically, you can have a relationship with Spirit,” Rarity said. “And the legal age when a pony can have a relationship in Equestria is thirteen.”

“Rarity, you’re a genius!” Kalinka exclaimed, sweeping the white mare into a sudden embrace.

“It’s quite alright,” Rarity said, returning the hug. “Come with me. Let’s make you nice dress,” she said as she walked towards the stairs.

“A dress? Why?” Kalinka asked.

“Why for the Grand Galloping Gala, my dear,” Rarity said with a smile.

“Wait,” Kalinka said as she got off the sofa. “If you can make me a dress, then why did you send Spirit to get some materials?”

Rarity turned around and smiled. “I wanted a chance to get to know you better, darling. It’s why I asked Spirit to come over. I had a hunch he would bring you along.”

Kalinka watched the white mare disappear up the steps before shaking her head. “Clever girl,” she grinned as she followed the unicorn upstairs.

*Meanwhile*

“Okay, let’s go over the list one more time,” Spirit said, taking a look at the sheet of paper. “Three spools of red silk?”

“Check!” Sweetie Belle said, digging the item out of the basket.

“Five stainless steel needles?”

“Check!”

“One bag of sapphire gems?”

“Um...check!”

“Okay, that’s everything!” Spirit said, returning the list to hammerspace. “Let’s get going!”

***

“Rarity, we’re back!” the pair said in unison as they opened the door.

“Rarity?” Spirit said, looking around the living room for the white mare. “Kalinka?”

“We’re upstairs, Spirit. Give us a moment,” Kalinka replied, the sound of hoofsteps quickly following.

“Hey Rarity, we got what you wanted,” Spirit said, levitating the basket next to her.

“Thank you, Spirit.” Rarity said, wrapping the basket in her own magic.

“Huh?” Spirit said, taking a close look at Changeling next to her. “Hey Kalinka, have you been crying?”

“What makes you say that?” Kalinka asked nervously.

“Well, your eyes are puffy,” Spirit pointed out. “Did something happen while I was gone?”

“Nothing at all,” Rarity interuppted , briefly glancing at Kalinka. “She was telling me a funny story about your scouting days and started laughing.”

“Really?” Spirit said.

“Spirit, would I lie to you?” Kalinka asked sincerely.

“...”

“Spirit.”

“I guess not,” Spirit said slowly. “Anyways, we should get going. It’s almost time to see Twilight,” he said, glancing at a nearby clock.

“Okay,” Kalinka said, turning to Rarity. “Thanks, Rarity. I really mean it.”

“It’s no problem, darling. Feel free to come over anytime.” Rarity said, giving the Changeling a brief hug.

“I’ll keep it in mind,” she said as she walked to the door with Spirit. “See ya later, Rarity!” she said, closing the door behind her.

Rarity sighed as she turned to face the white filly in front of her. “You were very helpful today, Sweetie Belle,” Rarity said, rubbing the filly on the shoulder.

“Does this mean I can go play with Scootaloo and Applebloom?” Sweetie Belle said, eyes wide.

“No, you’re still grounded.”

“Darn.”

Episode 5: Yin of Yang

“Are you gonna help me clean up or not?” Spike said as he swept the library floor.

“Hoo,” Owlowiscious said.

“You,” Spike said, leaning the broom against the wall.

“Hoo,” Owlowiscious said.

“You!” Spike said, clearly annoyed.

“Hoo,” Owlowiscious said.

“YOU!” Spike shouted.

“Hoo,” Owlowiscious said.

“Y-aww, forget it,” Spike sighed as he resumed his work. “I have half a mind to make you extra crispy,” he grumbled.

“Hoo.” Spike dug his claws into the broom as his body slightly trembled.

“I’M GONNA-” Spike began to shout as somepony knocked on the library door, stopping him from doing something he might regret. “Coming!” Spike said as waddled over to the door, tossing the broom along the way.

“Hey Spirit! Good to see ya!” Spike said to the black creature in front of him, holding out a balled fist.

“Good to see you too, little buddy,” the Changeling said, bumping his hoof on Spike’s fist. “This is my friend Kalinka,” he said as Kalinka waved at the baby dragon. “Kalinka, this is Spike.”

“Hi Spike, nice to meet you.” Kalinka said, rubbing his head.

“Nice to meet you too,” Spike said, blushing at the attention.

“Hey, where’s Twilight?” Spirit asked, looking around the library for the lavender unicorn.

“Oh, she’s in the basement,” Spike said, pulling away from Kalinka. “I’ll let her know that you’re here. Then I gotta get back to cleaning.” he said as he walked to a nearby door.

‘Another basement? Goody.’ Spirit thought to himself as followed the young dragon. “You comin’ Kalinka?”

“Nah. I think I’ll keep this little owl company,” Kalinka replied, poking the little bird.

“Hoo.” Owlowiscious said, nudging the Changeling’s hoof away with a wing.

“You, ya joker.” Kalinka giggled as she continued to poke the owl.

“Twilight, you have a guest,” Spike called down the stairs to the reading mare. “She’s all yours,” Spike whispered to the Changeling before waddling off.

“Who is it?” Twilight asked, still focused on her book, oblivious to the hybrid sneaking up on her.

“Wow Twilight, you’re just like my mother: once you’re doing a hobby, everything around you becomes unimportant.”

Twilight’s head immediately snapped behind her. “Spirit! I almost forgot I asked you to come over today,” she said, closing the book.

“Let’s be glad that I remembered,” Spirit grinned as he sat down in front of the mare. “So, what do you need?”

Twilight stood up and set her book on a nearby table. “Your body.”

Spirit froze. “Come again?”

“Remember when you gave your reason for harming Fluttershy? How you said it was a twisted part of you?” Twilight asked.

“Yeah. What about it?”

“Let’s assume that I believe you,” Twilight said, walking towards Spirit. “And let’s assume that a certain lavender unicorn would like to help you.”

“Really?!” Spirit exclaimed. “Wait a minute, why and how?”

Twilight smiled sheepishly. “Well, this is my first time being close to a Changeling that’s not attacking me, so I kinda want to study you. See what the average Changeling is like.”

“Twilight, I’m far from your ‘average Changeling’,” Spirit deadpanned.

“And to answer your question on how,” she continued. “I’ve been reading a book on possessions and I figured that thing inside of you is the closest thing.”

“If you're planning on destroying Yin, don’t,” Spirit said, holding a hoof up. “Princess Celestia already tried that and almost killed me in the process.”

“Then let’s be glad that’s not what I’m going to do,” Twilight explained. “The spell will simply extract Yin from your body and turn him into a non-sentient little orb. The process should take a few minutes or so.”

“Are you sure about this?” Spirit asked, eyeing Twilight’s horn.

“Spirit, I was the highest ranking student at Princess Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns,” she said with a smile. “I should know what I’m doing.”

“If you say so,” Spirit said before flashing the lavender unicorn a wide grin. “Go for it, Princess!”

Twilight frowned. “Spirit, don’t call me that. You know I’m not a princess.”

The Changeling’s grin grew bigger as he tapped the side of his head. “Fluttershy’s memories beg to differ,” he objected. “With how everypony in this town has been treating you, you might as well be a princess.”

Twilight rolled her eyes and gave him a small smile. “Let’s be reasonable here. The chances of me becoming a princess are as high as Spike becoming a dog.”

Spirit chuckled. “Say what you want, but I think Princess Twilight has a nice ring to it.”

“Whatever you say,” Twilight said, rolling her eyes. “Anyways, you ready to get this started?”

Spirit nodded. “We should do it as soon as possible. The last thing I need is for him to wake up now,” he said, poking his chest. Twilight nodded in agreement as she closed her eyes in concentration, magic slowly building up in her horn. “Um, Twilight?” Spirit suddenly said, slightly shaking Twilight’s focus.

“What is it, Spirit?”

“Is this gonna hurt?”

Twilight giggled. “If goes how I think it should, you should only feel a slight pinch. Now hold still,” she said a small beam of magic flew from her horn into the hybrid’s chest.

*Spirit’s Heart*

Yin laid still in the white void that was his home, his sleeping form somewhat uncomfortable from the silver chains running through the holes of his legs. All of Yin’s dreams consisted of different ways of harming Spirit, some would involve burning everything he cared about to ash while other were simply slowly tearing Spirit limb from limb. But Yin would consider this dream to be the best of them all. In this dream, Yin had broken free from his imprisonment and taken over Spirit’s body. He then proceeded to murder each and every one of Spirit’s loved ones as Spirit made desperate pleas for him to stop. The dream was perfect, until he sensed a strange presence nearby.

“Who’s there!?” Yin shouted as he jumped to his hooves. A sharp gasp left his mouth a he saw a multitude of thin purple tendrils crawling towards him. “Stay back!” He growled at the tendrils as he stepped back, silently wishing that the inhibitor brace on his horn wasn’t there. “STAY BACK!” Yin shouted as the tendrils grew closer. Another gasp escaped him as he felt a tendril wrap around his back hoof. “L-let go!” Yin said as he tried to jerk away, unaware that the tendrils in front of him were gaining ground. His eyes widened in horror as he saw his back hoof begin to disappear. “Are these things...making me fade away?” Yin whispered, before being smothered by the multitude of tendrils. “No! Let go of me!” Yin panicked as he tried to squirm free, feeling more and more of his body fade. “NO! I WON’T DIE! NOT LIKE THIS!!!” Yin shouted as the tendrils dragged him to the ground. “I WON’T FADE!!!”

*Reality*

“Well, how do you feel?” Twilight asked after a few minutes had passed.

“I don’t feel any differ-ngh?!” Spirit started to say before feeling something rupture in his chest.

“Spirit!?” Twilight exclaimed as she watched the Changeling fall to the ground. Spirit began to scream, slowly increasing in volume.

“Spirit, what’s wrong!?” Twilight said, rushing to the fallen hybrid’s aid.

“M-my h-heart,” Spirit managed to choke out before resuming his screaming.

“What’s going on down here!?” A voice shouted from upstairs before the basement door flew down the stairs, along with a Changeling.

“What the!?” Twilight exclaimed as she was shoved to the side.

“Oh Tau, Spirit! What happened to you!?” The Changeling cried out as she watched Spirit writhe and scream.

“Who in Equestria are you? Wait, are you Kalinka?”

The Changeling immediately turned, a scowl plastered on her face. “That’s me,” Kalinka spat as she got up. “Now I’ve got a question for you,” she said before pinning Twilight to a wall. “WHAT THE BUCK DID YOU DO TO HIM!?”

“Ngh! Let go!” Twilight shouted as she tried to squirm free.

“Not until you tell me!” Kalinka shouted into the unicorn’s face.

“I was trying to help him get rid of that thing in him!”

“Celestia’s prized pupil or not, if he dies you’re next!”

HUUUURGGEHH!!!

The pair’s attention was returned to Spirit, who had begun vomiting an ink-black liquid on the floor. “SPIRIT!” The two shouted in unison as the hybrid continued puking. Twilight removed herself from the wall as Kalinka rushed to Spirit’s aid, carrying him to a nearby sofa.

“Spirit! Are you okay!? How do you feel!? Do you need anything!?” Kalinka asked in rapid succession as she laid him down.

“I feel...empty,” Spirit said, struggling to stay conscious.

“Empty? Well, I can go get you something to eat-”

“No,” Spirit interrupted. “Not hungry empty, it feels like something’s missing…”

“Hey, is Changeling vomit black?” Twilight asked, sounding slightly worried.

“No,” Spirit answered. “It’s supposed to be green, like our blood.”

“Okay, well is it suppose to move!?” Twilight shrieked.

“Huh?” Spirit and Kalinka said as they faced Twilight, their eyes widening at the sight of before them. The black substance Spirit vomited had begun wriggling around like Twilight said, stretching itself wider and wider with each passing second.

“Twilight, do something,” Kalinka said, frozen in fear.

“I-I can’t move,” Twilight responded, her legs shaking.

“It can’t be,” Spirit whispered to himself as the black substance stopped moving.

“It looks just like Spirit,” Twilight said, get a good look at the form the substance had taken.

“Yin.” The creature immediately turned to face Spirit, its demon-like eyes staring into his shining blue eyes.

“Spirit.”