Act 2: Making Friends (Thorough Edits)

The check on Rarity went about as well as you'd imagine. Spike fell in love, I helped Rarity pick a design for the decorations, and then told her about Twilight being devoid of any experience regarding friendship. She took that news dramatically and demanded I tell her where to find the friendless unicorn. I told her we were meeting up at Sweet Apple Acres later to share in the final check.  She told me to come get her later so I could take her to meet Twilight. So I agreed, and moved on, having to drag Spike with me. Afterwards, we established that Rarity was the Element of Generosity. The whole experience wasn't nearly as interesting as what happened next though.

After a bit of asking around, I made my way to Bonbon's shop in the market with Spike. It took a bit of work, but we managed to ask around without being bombarded by too many ponies asking if I was new. Spike saw the sign on the store before I did.

"Over there." He pointed at a large candy shaped sign that read Bonbon's.

"Thanks Spike." I said before picking up my pace and trotting in. A bell rang as I opened the door, and a singsong voice answered from what I could only assume was the kitchen.

"Just a minute! I'm taking care of a new batch!" Bonbon called out. I heard the door of an oven close, and hoofsteps came from the other room behind the counter. A few seconds later, and the cream earth pony came carrying a tray of fresh candies from the other room. My mouth watered when I laid eyes on those sweet treats. There was chocolate inside those things! I could just smell it. I don't know how, though. I just could.

Bonbon put down the tray on the counter and sent a bright smile at me. "How can I hel-" She cut off, catching my attention. Reluctantly, I tore my gaze off the chocolate filled candies Bonbon had just brought in, and looked at her to see what was up. I didn't expect what I saw. Her eyes had a sort of green glow behind them, and in place of the bright smile she put on earlier, there was a shocked frown. I tried to sense her emotions, but I just couldn't. Very suspicious. Just when I was about to ask what was wrong, she turned around with a sigh.

"I always knew Chrysalis would send somebuggy after me when I left. I just didn't expect it to be so soon. But if you are here to take me back to the queen, I oughta let you know..." She trailed off, reaching for something hidden behind the counter. I gulped, already seeing where this was going. Bonbon jumped on the counter, wielding some kind of chitin dagger. I felt Spike's fear skyrocket as she pointed it at us.

"You'll never take me alive, you shapeshifting son of a bitch!" She shouted at me. I gave her a deadpan look, even though I was about to bust out laughing at the blatant Borderlands 2 reference.

"I don't know what you take me for, but you sound a bit too paranoid for your own good." I told her. "Besides, if I wanted to kill you, or capture you or whatever, don't you think I would have already done so rather than waste time talking?" I hoped she'd take the hint.

She squinted her eyes and looked a little closer at me. I felt something prodding at my mind, but I didn't bother to defend against it. Not that I knew how. At this point I figured Bonbon was a rouge changeling.

You're not with the hive? I heard Bonbon's voice ask in my head. I guess changelings have control over their own hive mind connections, and they don't need a spell to connect to each other.

Nope. To be honest, I haven't even been a changeling for more than a day. I barely know anything about myself other than the fact that I can shapeshift, and I feed on emotions. Bonbon's eyes shot wide open in shock and she stepped down from the counter.

"Oh, gosh! I'm so sorry! You're right, I am a tad paranoid." She apologized, putting the dagger back under the counter. "I'm always worried about that damn queen sending her hive after me, even after all these years of living peacefully here."

I'll keep in contact. Be sure to stop by later. Come alone, and I'll teach you about what you are. She mind-spoke to me.

"It's alright. I know it's not easy to get rid of fears experience has put into you." Thanks, but why can't we do it at basically any time? Is there a range on this hive-mind link?

"Thanks. Who are you though? I don't believe I've ever seen either of you around Ponyville before." Yeah. It requires a Line of Sight, unless a Queen's involved.

"My name's Summer Dash, and this is Spike. Right now, we're both helping the Princess's student Twilight make her rounds and check on the preparations for the Summer Sun Celebration. From what I can smell, it seems like things are going awesome here. Nothing overdone, or underdone!" Huh. Makes sense. Well, then. I guess I'll see you later.

"Thanks! I do my best!" Bonbon smiled.

"I guess we better get going. We've still got food to check on, and a purple bookworm to meet up with." I turned to leave, but once again, the scent of chocolate was too much to resist. I sheepishly turned around. "Um... I don't suppose I could get a sample of that stuff, could I?" Chocolate has never been so tempting...

Bonbon blinked and chuckled a bit. "Sure it's the least I could do after scaring you guys like I did." She agreed, pushing the tray to my side of the counter. I greedily nommed on one of them and nearly melted at how absolutely awesome it tasted. I never found out why, but all changlings absolutely love chocolate. It's the one thing they'll be tempted by more than the Queen.

At this information, I just couldn't help but think of the fish from Spongebob freaking out about chocolate. And turning into a changeling in the middle of the freak out. While playing the Benny Hill theme. Evidently, this image got through the Hive-mind connection, because I could see Bonbon just barely restraining a roflcopter. Sorry! Didn't know memories could pass through the connection!

"Alright, as much as I hate to admit it, I can't eat any more without insisting that I pay for it, and unfortunately I've got nothing." I said aloud. I trotted over to the door as Spike crossed off Bonbon from the list. As soon as I left Bonbon to have her impending laughing fit, I spoke up to Spike.

"I don't think she could be any one of the Elements. She can't be laughter because she seemed rather paranoid and upset about something, she seemed to be hiding something so definitely not Honesty, she mentioned running from a Queen so I doubt there's any loyalty to be seen, and while she did let me have some of that chocolate filled stuff, I think she only did it to repay the debt. Besides, we've already established the possibilities for who the Elements of Kindness and Generosity are." I analyzed.

"Alright. Let's go pick up Rarity and head to Sweet Apple Acres then. Maybe we'll find another Element there." Spike said. I nodded.

"Maybe. I heard from Fluttershy that the whole of the Apple Family just can't lie. Either because they're uncomfortable with it or simply suck at it ranges from member to member." I said. "One of them's bound to be the Element of Honesty."

We picked up Rarity at her shop, and from there, she lead us to Applejack's farm. There we saw Twilight's absolutely rediculous mane. I couldn't help but chuckle. Spike just fell off my back and started quaking with laughter. At least Rarity's gasp of horror cut through my chuckle.

"My word, darling! What ever happened to your mane!?" Rarity asked in outrage.

"Did a tornado shaped rainbow hit you?" I asked in amusement. Twilight raised a questioning eyebrow at me. "I saw what that pegasus did on my way to Bonbon's shop." I admitted.

"I swear, that pegasus can be so uncouth. I mean if she'd caused this monstrosity, the least she could do is show you to somepony who could fix it!" Rarity ranted. She then sighed. "Oh well, the past is past, and there's no point in ranting about it. Thankfully I've prepared my emergency grooming kit. Don't worry, darling! We'll have that mane back to its fabulous style in no time!"

Before Rarity could approach Twilight with the Brush of Doom, I put a hoof on her shoulder. "Rarity, wait. I can see you're enthusiastic about mane care, but I don't think Twilight has the time. She's on a schedule here, sent by Princess Celestia to oversee the preparations for the Summer Sun Celebration, remember?" I reminded her. "Even if this assignment is just a clever way for the princess to get Twilight to make friends, you should still be considerate of how she feels about being tended to over enthusiastically."

While Rarity considered my words, I caught Twilight's mouthed "thank you." I smiled and sent her a wink.

"You're absolutely right, Summer." Rarity admitted to me. She turned back to Twilight. "Do you think you could make time for a visit to my shop later? I'm sure you'd rather not be walking around with such a ridiculous hairdo all day, and I'd be more than happy to help." she offered.

"If my check ups don't take all day, I'm sure I could make time to stop by." Twilight said. She seemed content to leave it at that, but I had other plans. I gave her a meaningful glare, and gestured towards our generous friend. Twilight took the hint and turned back. "Um... what is it you sell?"

"Oh, why I'm a fashionista! While I don't like to brag, I happen to be the best Ponyville has to offer. If you'd like, I could fix up something for you. On the house, as it is for any friend in need." Rarity  offered. I could feel Twilight was actually very interested, but she had the mental discipline to avoid showing it.

"That's rather... generous of you. But it's not necessary. Thank you for the offer though." Twilight declined while trying to give me the hint.  I rolled my eyes and gave her a knowing grin. I sensed the mental facehoof she gave herself, but didn't react to it.

"Well,  we best be off to check out the buffet. Would you mind too terribly much to come with us?" I offered.

The second Rarity registered my request a wave of... some emotion hit me. It was rather vague and I couldn't exactly read it, but it energized me nonetheless. I could only guess at what it was, but unless I got it from more ponies, there was no way I could know what the buck it was.

"Well, I suppose I would like to try some more Apple recipes... And it is lunch time..." She considered. I guess she's a bit hesitant to go because it's a farm and she could get dirt in her coat or whatever. "Alright, I'd love to accompany you two!" And we proceeded to trot down the trail to Applejack's house.

Twilight had noted me first, saying how she didn't think I fit into any of the Elements, but would make for a valuable companion, despite how I acted suspiciously back when we first met. She noted that I was a bit too quick to trust her, even if I had asked around town about her in a town that didn't know her. I sighed; I guess my act wasn't so flawless after all.

Next on the list was Rainbow Dash. Twilight noted her entire encounter and then made guesses and theories about which elements she could and couldn't be. She stated that Rainbow's ability to keep her word, even if she does just sound like she's just being a showboating braggart, could mean Honesty, but her encounter made it just a bit too vague to determine if it was true. I would have to agree with her there. Dash won't show a lick of loyalty unless her friends are in danger, or she's bragging about how she never leaves her friends hanging.

Then came Time Turner. Twilight's notes on him shocked me for two reasons. First, he's not actually The Doctor. Second, I honestly thought they'd get along! Turns out, Twilight doesn't exactly like him because of his "absolutely ridiculous scheduling techniques." So it comes as no surprise that she says he couldn't possibly be any one of the elements. Period. Sucks that he isn't really the Doctor though. It would have been awesome to at least meet him. I gave Twilight her notes back and she stashed them in her bags.

"So, you don't trust me?" I asked aloud. I sensed I'd caught Rarity's attention, but she didn't show it. She's got an awesome poker face, I'll give her that.

"Whatever gave you that idea?" Twilight nervously asked. I gave her a deadpan look.

"How about the fact that you stated it directly in your notes about me." Twilight practically wilted at that. "Eh. I guess it's understandable. After all, I am an alien from another world trapped in the wrong race and gender. You don't have a single clue about how good a liar I am, or what it is I could possibly want from you of all ponies. Hell, for all you know, I could be some kind of shapeshifter bent on trying to drain you of your life essence." I broke Rarity's pokerface at that point. She turned around and threw in her two cents.

"Darling, that sounds absolutely ridiculous!" She said. I threw up a hoof in thanks to her, even though I'm sure she's not just talking about the sarcastic parts of my speech.

"Thank you! My point exactly. Besides, you were the first pony I met who didn't have some sort of quirk that got completely in the way of getting to know me. Bonbon's paranoid and thought I was something called a changeling, I'm afraid to find out what Lyra would do if she found out what I was, Rarity would much rather make a dress for me than actually get to know about me, something I'm drawing the line at by the way," I cast a warning glance at said fashionista, then got back on topic. "And Pinkie's... a party maniac. I'm still not sure if she's just really good at magic, or there's a Fourth Wall she's trying to demolish..."

"Well, DUH! Of course I'm breaking the Fourth Wall! How else am I supposed to randomly appear out of nowhere?" Pinkie suddenly appeared out of nowhere. I facehoofed at that. Now I knew I was in a Human in Equestria fic. Well, hey guys. Just wanted to say, I really hope one of you knows my author, 'cause if he makes my life hell just to entertain you, I'm gonna have to kindly ask that you kick his ass. "Hi Summer. Here's your invitation." Pinkie said, handing me a slip of pink paper. She quickly did the same with Rarity and Twilight. "Okay bye!" And she's gone. I'm surprised that encounter didn't reveal me. Could it be that Pinkie really didn't know what I really was?

I looked at the invitation she gave me, and all illusions of Pinkie not knowing were banished. Right on the cover of the invitation was a picture of a changeling, and the name Switchlock hovering beside it. I blinked at the invitation. This answers a few questions. Switchlock is my changeling oc. One who abandoned Chrysalis' hive when she attacked Canterlot because of his own ideals. He preferred to create his own identities rather than replace and deceive, and earn his own love instead of take what was meant for another. But as far as I knew, Switch didn't exist in this world. I'm safe, so far.

"Hey, are we going to get going or are you gonna stare at that invitation all day?" Spike asked from my back, snapping me out of my thoughts. I nodded and slipped the paper into my mane since I had no bags, and trotted on, Twilight and Rarity joining me. I could feel tides of that stuff Rarity sent me earlier just flying everywhere, and I couldn't help salivating at it. I don't know why, but I can make a few guesses.

Soon enough, we were in sight. At this point, I was getting super energized, and starting to feel a little giddy. I even had a little prance in my step. Twilight noticed this change. With me humming Reach for the Stars from Sonic Colors to myself, how could she not?

"Summer? What's gotten into you?" Twilight asked in slight humor. I could tell she enjoyed the music, though.

"I dunno. Must be something in the Apples." I replied cleverly. No need for them to know about my Changling nature just yet. That'll come later just before Discord comes. He'll just reveal it in a rather negative light if I don't tell the truth before then. Or I could just keep leaving very very subtle hints until they figure it out for themselves.

Twilight chuckled at my response, and seemed to accept it. We trotted into the yard, and right away, I spotted Applejack bucking apples. She was rather quick and energetic about it, but I could smell she'd worked up a sweat.

"Hey, there she is." I pointed her out. I waved at her and rose my voice. "Hey there!" I called enthusiastically. AJ spotted us and stopped her applebucking to trot over.

"How's it going? My name's Summer Dash, and this is Twilight Sparkle." I introduced us. I even offered a hoof, knowing AJ was going to shake like hell's engine was behind it. I braced myself for the power shake as AJ over enthusiastically reached for my hoof, and I returned her shake force for force.

"Well howdy, there! We here at Sweet Apple Acres love to make new friends! Y'all came at just the right time, too! Ah was just about to stop for lunch." She said, all while shaking my hoof. I snickered at Twilight's bewilderment at how I'd not been jarred by the force of that shake. "Mah name's Applejack. Ah see ya have mah friend Rarity with ya."

"Yeah. Twilight urgently needs friends, so we invited Rares along for Lunch." I explained.

“That’s mighty nice of ya.” AJ commented, before lifting her nose to sniff the air for a second. “Come on, Granny Smith’s got some Apple Pie fresh out of the oven.”

AJ led us into the house, the sweet smell of apple pie in the air. I knew this smell was better than the apple pies you buy at Walmart but even if those didn't make my mouth water, this should have. I suspect my new diet may have something to do with it. I just hope it doesn't affect the taste.

"Hey Granny! We got guests!" AJ shouted into the house as we passed a window. She lead us to an outdoor dining table where Big Mac was setting the table. His ears turned our way for a split second before he was trotting off into the house.

"Ah'll get more plates." He said shortly before dissappearing into the house. I faintly heard Granny Smith shout back from in the house about getting more apples. I smiled a bit, reminded of my own family unit. Though, in my case, I'm the eldest of two sons and one daughter. We usually never have any guests over, but when we do, I tend to be the one working the labor required to help settle them in. My little brother does the tour for anyone new, or gets friendly with recurring visitors, and my baby sister just keeps them smiling.

I sighed heavily, already missing home. It wasn't enough that Twilight promissed to find a way back home. If I knew anything from all those HiE fics I read, there's no way home. At least, no easy way. It might be possible to cross dimensions, but there's no telling how many of them there are. As much as I wish I could simply open a portal and go home, I know I'll have to accept the fact that there just might not ever be a way back.

"Somethin' eatin' at you sugarcube?" AJ asked, snapping me out of my depressing train of thought. I almost shook my head to deny her worries, but then I thought better of it. In Midnight Blaze's time vigilante story, he's driven to tears because he can't simply come clean about his problems. If I simply deny my own, I might never get over them. And I'm not about to ask Celestia to put a seal on my memories just for the sake of my mental health. I need these memories. They make me who I am.

"Actually, yeah. I'm really worried I'll never see my family or home again. If my worries come to pass though... I'm afraid it's a possibility I'll have to accept. There's nothing anyone can do but hope, though." I answered honestly. I left out the matter of my origin; she can ask later if she wants, and I'll give her a... mostly honest answer, but for now, she didn't need to know. AJ gave me a comforting smile.

"Don't worry sugarcube. Ah know it must be hard, bein away from family, but Ponyville's a friendly place. Ah'm sure everypony'll be there to help you." She said. I gave her a genuine smile.

"Thanks Applejack. But I know how to deal with it." I responded. AJ nodded and we all sat down around the table. Big Mac came out of the house with three plates and set them next to the two already there, before heading back

"Only five plates? Let me guess, Granny Smith eats while she cooks?" I asked in amusement as I sat my plot on the ground in front of the first unclaimed plate. AJ chuckled, shaking her head.

"No, but good guess. She has her own meal to make, and we're always done and back to work before she's done." She explained, taking her seat next to me. Big Mac came out again with a pair of pies just as Rarity and Twilight sit to my left, leaving Mac a spot next to his sister. I nodded in understanding, but then raised an eyebrow as a thought crossed my mind.

"Hey, not that I'm complaining, but isn't something like pie normally reserved for desert after dinner or something?" I asked curiously. I would have thought we'd have something like salad, or a plate of roasted veggies for lunch, but that doesn't appear to be the case.

"Actually, I have to agree. Do you normally have pie for lunch?" Twilight asked in matching curiosity.

"No, if they had pie every day, don't you think they'd be fat?" Spike said in his classic blunt attitude. I winced at just how blunt he was, but I sensed the Apple Siblings weren't offended. AJ and BM looked at each other for a split second, then shook their heads with a shared chuckle.

"Nah, sugarcube. This is a special occasion. The Summer Sun Celebration's coming up, so we're kinda celebrating the whole day." AJ explained.

"Ah." I nodded in understanding. It makes sense. My family did the same for many occasions too, such as Christmas, Halloween, and Easter.

"So, what brings y'all to our farm? Besides lunch, that is." AJ asked. Silently, I debated what to tell her, and struggling against the temptation to just tell them absolutely everything, including the part where I know how things would go had I never existed here. I knew I had to be honest with her, but only to an extent. I couldn't tell her about our mission against Nightmare Moon, or else I risk these ponies not seeing Twilight as a real friend, not just an asset needed to work the Elements. I decided on leaving out most of the details.

"Oh, nothing too big. Twilight was just sent here by the princess to oversee preparations for the Summer Sun Festival. I decided to help her make it more enjoyable. And thus, my mission to make friends in this new town, is now hers to share!" I added that last sentence with a comically fancy accent and decided to take my first bite of my pie in a rather comical fashion. "Nom."

As we conversed, I felt the energizing emotions from AJ, Big Mac, and Rarity grow stronger, and I loved the lovely pie, but I was worried. I felt nothing of the same emotion from Twilight, even though she smiled from time to time. She still hadn't opened her heart to true friendship. I guess the girls still need to face Nightmare's Trials. I resolved to go with the Mane 6 when the time came. Until then, I'm just going to have to go with the flow.