Act 1: Forging Identities
Ugh... did anyone get the number on that train? I swear, I've never hurt so much in my life. Well, I guess there was that one time I actually got run over by a car, but that's another story. Back then, I could tell what hurt. This time, I can't even feel my fingers or toes, and it felt like I had several bones or body parts dislocated, or sticking out of my body. Hell, if it weren't for the fact that I could still feel my body, I'd be inclined to believe my spine was split it half and torn part way out of my back.
Wait a second... somethings not right. Sure, the pain comes with the feeling of your body parts being forcibly rearranged, but... shouldn't I be bleeding?
...I'm not bleeding. That's... I don't even... what? Okay, I need to check this out. I opened my eyes... only to immediately shut them. GOD that hurt! Seriously, how is it so bright!? I should at least be able to filter some of that light in through my eye lids, but that isn't happening. Now I really had to see what was up with my body. I tried to move my arm in front of my face to shield myself from the inevitable light, but I found myself struggling with my motor functions.
Now I was scared. This has never happened before. When I got hit by that car, I could at least move what I wanted, how I wanted, but now my arm doesn't seem to remember how to move the right way anymore! It's like some stupid troll went and remapped all the controls in my head to be backwards. I decided to forgo the remapping of my mental controls and simply opened my eyes. It hurt, but I had to see what was going on.
I blinked through the sunlight, making out small details at a time. I registered a tree. Then the foliage of a forest. Then the forest itself. I could just barely see the edge of a forest. There was what looked to be a cottage nearby, but it seemed inactive at the moment, aside from a borderline horde of little animals going in and out of it. It was kind of weird, but I could care less at the moment. I had to see what was up with my body.
I tunred my head to look down at my body, a little freaked out by the fact that my neck felt longer, and I froze at the sight that greeted me. This wasn't my body. The holed hooves and black chitin hide was evidence enough to that conclusion. I moved my tongue to feel my teeth and found two large fangs protruding from my mouth.
I'm... a changeling. Now I had greater interest in my surroundings. If I was a changeling, I'd better not let anyone see me. I could feel that I was lying in a bed of some kind. I looked around at the forest around me, but I didn't see anyone. I looked at the cottage, and the lights were on, but I couldn't have heard anyone inside over the noise the animals were making.
As I looked around, I didn't notice a little white bunny hop over to me and promptly kick me in the face. It didn't hurt, but it was enough to get my attention. I stared at his scowling face for a few moments, too stunned to begin to interpret what he tried to tell me in charades afterwards. There was only one bunny I knew who had the balls to simply go and kick someone like that. Angel Bunny.
Seeing I wasn't paying attention, he kicked me again. Thanks, Angel. You just stopped me from panicking. "Sorry, what?" I asked. I almost winced at the slight buzz in my voice, but that hardly mattered. Usually if something shocking happens, I have to force my mind into either a state of analysis, or ignorance to ensure my sanity, but with Angel there, there was no chance of me remaining in Ignorance Mode.
"I said, it's about time you got up, ya lazy bug!" I heard a voice say irritably. I also felt the irritation the bunny was radiating... I blinked. It appears as though communication with animals is possible for changelings, though with shapeshifting powers, I suppose it's only natural. "Come on! Fluttershy said she needed to see you when you got up!"
"Okay, just hold your horses. It's not every day you wake up in a body that's not yours." I pretended to snap at him. He needed to be taught some manners, and one way or another, he will learn.
And thus began the marathon of tumbling changelings and laughing bunnies. By that, I mean I spent about an hour getting laughed at by Angel whenever I failed to get my motor functions working properly. It was like playing QWOP, it was so frustrating! It was about as hilarious to the bunny watching too, but I managed to get it right after a while or so. My controls weren't fully remapped, but at least I had a full range of motion to go with. After getting mastery over my motor skills, I moved on to my next order of business.
"Alright, time to learn shapeshifting!" I proclaimed to my audience.
"Shapeshifting? How are you supposed to do that? Isn't that powerful magic or whatever?" Angel questioned. I felt his confusion as he asked.
"It's actually the innate ability of changelings. I just need to figure out how I'm supposed to do it..." I trailed off as I mentally went over the number of theories I'd read in fanfictions. One of them said all you had to do was imagine the pony you wanted to be, and that's it. I knew that couldn't be right, because it was too simple. Besides, the changelings actually use magic to change. That much I'm sure of. The question is, though... how do I access my magic reserves?
I did some searching through myself, and soon enough I found a sort of energy in my head. Not knowing how I was supposed to approach such a thing, I simply gave it a mental poke. I was thrown off my hooves by the recoil of the magic blast that was sent out of my horn. Luckily, it passed the trees without so much as scratching them.
"Okay... note to self: don't poke the magic." I said, as I continued to stare after the quickly vanishing green dot in the distance. I could feal the fear from the many animals around meas I sat my head on one forehoof in thought. Maybe I needed to mold that energy. I just need to keep it away from my horn while I work with it. Okay, here it goes.
I pulled my magic away from my horn, and molded it into a pony shape. As soon as I did that, the impression of a character creator popped into my mind. There were presets of all the ponies I already knew, and then there was the "custom" option. I went and selected the Fluttershy preset and pushed my magic into my horn. A flash of green fire crossed my vision, and I saw Angel's look of shock.
"How do I look?" I asked Angel in Fluttershy's voice.
"Like a unicorn version of Fluttershy." Angel responded. I raised an eyebrow, but I remembered a fact from that one story where Applejack was always a changeling. She'd said to become an Earth Pony, she had to push her magic into her hooves... maybe I need to do that. Push my magic into whatever body part that corresponded with the race. It'd certainly make disguising a bit harder, but I can deal with that.
I took the magic from my horn and pushed it to my small, insect wings, and another flash of green later, I could feel large feathery wings at my sides. "How about now?"
"Now it's a perfect copy! But can you act the part?" Angel asked, a hint of a smug tone in his voice. I nodded confidently.
"Yes, I'm sure I can. Where's Fluttershy, by the way?" I asked. Angel shrugged.
"Probably with that stupid bird band or whatever. Nowadays, she's always out, helping with preparations for the Summer Sun Celebration. Hardly has enough time for us anymore. That's okay, though. I'm always here to watch over everyone." Angel said.
"Summer Sun Celebration, huh?. Wait, didn't you say Fluttershy would want to see me when I got up?" I said to distract myself from the fact that I'd shown up during the very first episode of the show.
"Oh yeah." Angel replied blankly. "Let's go then. Wouldn't want to keep her waiting." He said while hopping away.
"Hold up. Wouldn't want to spread confusion at there being two Fluttershy's walking around would you? I'm going to make a Custom Pony." I explained. I closed my eyes in concentration and used the Character creator feature of my magic. Luckily I knew just what I wanted, so I didn't dwell too much on the options. After about a minute, I was a light orange coated unicorn mare with a flame colored mane and tail and emerald green eyes.
Summer Dash, at your service! Backstory and cutie mark prepared in advance! "Alright, let's go." I said before departing with him. He led the way first through the cottage, then on the path to town. Meanwhile, I fell into deep thought. From the info I'd gotten from Angel, nopony knew what a changeling was yet. I also learned that the Summer Sun Celebration was coming up, and the only time you hear about that in the show is in the first episode. So, by logical conclusion, I'd landed in Ponyville the day Twilight shows up.
Yep. I'm screwed. Oh well, best to live it out before Nightmare Moon comes to plunge Equestria into eternal night.
"Hey, who's that?" I heard Angel ask. I followed his gaze up to follows a chariot of royal guards delivering a certain purple unicorn to Ponyville.
"That," I answered with a false smile, "is the personal protege of Princess Celestia. She's here to oversee the preparations to the Summer Sun Celebration."
"Whatever. Come on, Fluttershy's just this way. I can already hear those birds." Angel said irritably. I snorted at his attitude and just followed him again. A minute later, and Fluttershy was within sight.The second I saw Fluttershy, Angel spoke up.
"Alright here she is. Now I'm outta here. I can hardly stand to be around such noise!" He whisper yelled before taking off for the cottage. I merely chuckled and shook my head at his antics. Then I carefully approached the shy pegasus while she directed her bird band. I sat there and appreciated the music as she directed it. As soon as she stopped the birds to correct the off-tune one, I stepped forth.
"I have to agree. Maybe you could bring that volume down a bit too. You're over powering the other voices." I said softly to avoid scaring them. Fluttershy turned in surprise, but she didn't leap up or squeak in shock. She was frightened, but not massively so. I gave her a kind smile, which she returned in kind.
"Oh, hello. I didn't see you there. Who are you? Um... that is, if you don't mind me asking..." She asked. I waved off her concern.
"It's fine. I'm Summer Dash. What's your name?" I asked, allowing my voice to raise a bit. I felt the animals become a little unsettled at the rise in my voice, so I decided not to allow my voice to rise any higher.
"Oh, um... my name is Flutter..." she introduced, trailing off at the end. I raised my hoof to shake hers.
"Nice to meet you Fluttershy." I said with a smile.
"You heard that?" One of the birds nearby asked incredulously. I never even bothered to react to him. Fluttershy took my hoof and shook it, saying it was her pleasure.
"Guess I'll see you around, Fluttershy. See you at the Celebration?" I asked.
"Oh, yes. I'll definitely be there." Fluttershy said, waving goodbye. I waved back and then trotted off. My next destination was the library, where I knew I'd find Twilight. I picked up my pace, heading towards the massive tree in the center of town. I took the road that lead straight there, and somehow, I managed to avoid bumping into Pinkie Pie as I passed Sugarcube Corner. I made it to the library just in time to see a green wisp flying out of the window. I walked into the library, and went straight for the stairs.
When I made it to the top, a nagging question stopped me. Should I really tell her I know everything? Should I really tell her about me being a changeling? Should I- wait a second, I'm a changeling! I can tell her about the future without ever risking my identity! All I have to do is disguise myself as a faceless pony. Somepony you can see but never know the identity of...
Mare Do Well! With a short second of focus, I was enveloped in flames, and I stood in costume. Without further hesitation, I stealthily trotted into the room to find a frustrated Twilight ranting over a letter.
"You're right, Twilight. Equestria is in danger. But you've always been wrong about friendship." I said cryptically in my natural changeling voice. Both of the room's inhabitants shot frightened gazes at me.
"What the- Who are you!" Twilight nearly shouted. "And what are you talking about?!"
"Me? I'm nopony. I have no name, past, or history. But you may call me... Time Crisis." I introduced myself dramatically.
"And just what do you want, Time Crisis?" Twilight asked cautiously. I could tell she was just barely stopping herself from simply blasting me apart. I'd better choose my next words carefully.
"Simple. I want to protect Equestria. I want to give it a safe future, and prevent the absolute destruction I've seen from coming to pass. But I can't do it alone. You're my conduit." I explained. Needless to say, Twilight was shocked.
"Me? But what can I do? I may be the Princess's student, but I'm not that powerful." She objected.
"But you can be. Listen, and listen well, Twilight Sparkle. The key to every victory is right here in Ponyville. Each element will stick with you all the way, and show you the road to victory, but first, you need to make friends."
"What?" Twilight felt like she'd just been dissed. Again.
"I know, as corny and stupid as it sounds, Friendship really is magic, and you won't win a single battle without it. Take another look at that letter the Princess sent you." I commanded. Twilight did so, and as she did, I spoke up. "Not once does it actually say that Nightmare Moon is just an old pony tale, or even just a fictitious story made to scare foals, does it?"
Twilight's critical eye widened as she saw what I was getting at. I could feel understanding dawn on her as she read. "So... Celestia knows Nightmare Moon is coming back... but the only way to stop her is with friendship? How does that work?"
"Magic runs on emotion, right Twilight? Well, the strongest positive emotion out there is the bonds of Friendship. So therefore, the strongest magic out there is the magic of Friendship." I rationalized. I then flipped through the book Twilight found to the page with the Elements of Harmony, and pointed at them. "The Elements of Harmony are the conduit for this magic."
Twilight took in everything I was saying like her life depended on it. Which it probably did. Then she asked the one thing I knew she'd ask, but hoped she wouldn't. "Do you know where the Elements are?" I let my head fall sadly, and felt Twilight's hope fall.
"Yes, but I'm afraid you will need to go and make friends first. And I mean true friends. The Elements won't work otherwise." I warned. With that, I turned to leave, but I knew Twilight would have one more question.
"Wait!" Twilight stopped me. I turned slightly to look over my shoulder at her. "How will I know who I need to befriend?" She asked, some hope coming back.
I stayed silent, as if thinking about my answer, and then gave it to her while trying to sound like I really didn't think telling her was a good idea. It was pretty hard, but I think I managed. "There's five. They each represent one of the elements. Laughter, Kindness, Honesty, Loyalty, and Generosity. You'll find the book on the Elements under E." I took a few steps toward the door before remembering Pinkie was planning a party for Twilight. "Oh, and watch out for the pink one later when all is said and done. She may be crazy, but all she wants is to put a smile on everypony's face. And that's almost always done with a party or two." And then I left.
Once the door was closed behind me, I shifted back into Summer Dash. No need for anypony but Twilight to see Time Crisis. Now, I had another role to play. Myself. I opened the door again, only this time, I acted apprehensive. I didn't even bother trying to be quiet about my entrance because I wanted Twilight to know I was there as I entered.
"Oh, what is it now?" I heard Spike mutter as I stepped through the door.
"Hello? I heard the princess's student came in, and I was hoping I'd be able to get some help?" I asked, sounding a little embarrassed. "But uh... if you're busy, I guess it can wait. It's not like my problem is an easy one to solve, nor is it world-threateningly important."
"Yeah, sorry. We've just been told that an ancient evil is coming back from a thousand year banishment to the moon and the only way to stop it is with the power of friendship." Spike said bluntly. I faked a wince at his words, then pretended to think it over for a second.
"Wait a second... you're telling me that the pony silhouette in the moon... is an actual pony?! Wow. I knew magic could do weird things, but I never expected that. Ooh! Hey, maybe we could take it on together! I help you with your problem, and you can help me with mine!" I said excitedly.
"That sounds fair. What's your problem then?" Twilight asks. I shuffled on my hooves for a few seconds in hesitation before speaking up.
"Well... as crazy and insane as it sounds, I'm not exactly from this world." I said, hopeful she'd believe me, but afraid she wouldn't. "Right now, I'm not only the wrong species, but the wrong gender. Freaky as hell, but I've managed to keep myself from freaking out... somehow."
I saw Spike doing the "she's crazy" gesture with his claws, and I sunk down a bit in disappointment. I just knew it'd be pointless. So much for the open minded love and tolerance you're supposed to find here. Twilight was giving me a weird look. I couldn't tell what it meant, or what she was thinking, but I could tell it wasn't good. I sighed in defeat.
"Oh well. I knew it was a long shot, but at least I know I took it. Guess I'd better start looking more into this God of Chaos I heard about." I said, trotting over to the door so I could go downstairs to the D section. That certainly got their attention.
"Wait just a second, let's not be too hasty here!" Twilight quickly stepped in front of me, blocking the way to the door. "I didn't say I didn't believe you. It's just-"
"Yes, you did. I count body language." I interrupted. Twilight blinked as she stared for a second, then shook her head.
"No, It's just that it does sound crazy, but it's not exactly unheard of. Starswirl the Bearded established through example that interdimensional travel was entirely possible. He also established the dangers of it, so nopony really does it. To hear that you did it, it just shocked me." I blinked. I had not expected that at all. Then I shook my head.
"Okay. I can accept that. But we've still got an ancient evil to take care of. So, where do we start?" I set us back on track. Twilight took on a look of stern determination as she turned around.
"Come on. I've got a book here that could help explain things." She said. As I followed her down the stairs, I listened as she explained everything she knew. She explained the Elements, Nightmare Moon, and of course the required ponies to represent the Elements.
"Okay, let's see if I've got this right. That old Mare in the Moon story is real, we need the Elements of Harmony to Purify her when she returns, and we need ponies who represent the Elements to wield them when the time comes. What were the Elements again?" I asked.
"Laughter, Kindness, Honesty, Loyalty, and Generosity. There's apparently a sixth Element, but nopony knows what it is." Twilight said.
"Hm... Well, from what this "Time Crisis" guy says, you could be the one who represents this last Element. The only question is, what is it?" I questioned. After a minute of letting Twilight ponder what the last Element could be, I spoke up again. "Well, no point in asking unanswerable questions. We'd better set out and find the ponies we need. The best way to do that, in my opinion, would be to check the preparations for the Summer Sun Celebration. Remember, we can't go running around telling everypony that Nightmare Moon is real. That'd either label us mentally unstable, or cause a panic, and we don't want either of those."
"Right." Twilight agreed with a nod. "Um.. I don't think I ever got your name.."
"I've been going with Summer Dash." I replied.
"Okay. Can you carry a checklist?" She asked. I shook my head.
"Maybe if I still had hands. I haven't figured out that telekinesis trick I've seen other unicorns use, either." I said.
"Then you'll need Spike. Spike, do you think you could take care of her... his... er..."
"Just use the proper pronoun. It'll be easier on everyone else." I told her. She nodded. Spike walked up to me and I bent down to let him climb on.
"Don't worry Twi. I've got the list covered on our end." Spike said. He showed me the list, and I immediately zeroed in on one name.
"Fluttershy? I met her on the way over. Shy one, she is. She's also pretty nice. I also gave a bit of advice to a few of the birds in her Choir." I said. Then I faked surprise, and gasped. "Wait a sec, she could be the Element of Kindness!"
"What make you say that?" Spike asked while checking Fluttershy off the list.
"I woke up at her cottage this morning. I think she might have put me there after finding me somewhere... Oh, and she's also got a rather docile bear living under her roof. When she gave advice to the birds that were singing, she said it in such a way that suggests she's very afraid of hurting anything's feelings."
"Huh. Alright, I'll write her down as a Possible Element. How about we go see how decorations are going. It says here a pony named Rarity is overseeing that." Spike suggested. I nodded, but inside, I couldn't help but facehoof at that. I know Rarity has an eye for detail, but she could be so indecisive at times. We might as well hurry over so she doesn't take too much time.
"Sure. Maybe we could check out Bonbon's confectioneries afterwards. We can meet up with Twilight at Sweet Apple Acres to check on the food." I turned my attention to Twilight "Is that good with you, Twilight?" I asked. She nodded before taking her list and saddlebags. Soon enough, we set out rather casually on our most important mission yet.
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.
