Chapters Kindness Can't Tell the Difference
Fluttershy stalked the confines of her warm little cottage, taking a seat on the couch across from the fireplace. In her hooves she held a book, a blanket and a cup of coco that she'd just come from making. The evening's sun had started retreated behind the treeline,, making the light in from the kitchen and the fireplace the sole source of illumination for the room.
She honestly wished she could just turn off the light but then it would be too dark to read. The fireplace just wasn't enough light. Even still the atmosphere was quite pleasant, especially compared to the chilled dark night that rest outside her cottage.
Normally she enjoyed peaceful nights on her front steps but Equestria was well into fall. Most leaves had begun to fall and the air was chilled. An overcast shrouded the sky, shielding the moon and stars from view. Thus, the outside had lost all appeal this night.
Sometimes she was sad on evenings such as this. All but Angel Bunny had went into hibernation or flown to warmer parts of the country, and even Angel slept a lot during these times, waking only to be fed. This evening however she embraced the peace, and cracked open the book she was about to delve into.
Something bothered her though. She didn't get two pages into the book before she picked up on something she hadn't noticed at first. Something subtle. A noise. She put down her book and looked around the room, growing steadily more frantic. But she caught herself.
“Calm down Fluttershy.,” she told her self as she tried to identify the noise. It was like an inconsistent rattling or clanking. From where though? Was it the wind on the shudders? No... She'd hear that... It was just loud enough to be heard over the crackling of the fire.
She got up from her seat slowly. She didn't live near anypony, and all her animals were hibernating. What could it be. “O-oh no...” She breathed. This was wrong. This was different,. Different was bad. She considered running upstairs, diving into her bed and hiding under her covers into morning.
The thought that somepony or something may get in her cottage worried her though. What if it was nothing at all and she'd spend the night hiding from the wind? What a waste that would be. What if it were Rainbow, or Pinkie playing a joke on her? If she ran upstairs just because of a little noise they'd never let her live it down.
No, she needed to find it. Whatever it was, or who. It was probably nothing anyway. However that assurance didn't still her shaking legs as she made her way around the couch, toward the direction of the noise she now heard clearly. It was in the direction of her kitchen. “It's okay Fluttershy. This is your home. Nothing and nopony is here but you and Angel and Angel is sleeping.”
She took a deep breath and dashed quickly into her kitchen. She was glad she'd kept the light on and hadn't had to make a dive for the switch before the evil beast that made the clacking noise caught her. Nothing was in the kitchen, but the noise was definitely louder here. It was coming from the wall. No... Not the wall, the window.
The window was shut, but the noise was definitely coming from that direction. From outside maybe. She needed to know now. Something was right outside and she needed to know what. Half out of morbid curiosity and half out of fear.
She propped herself up on the counter and looked out the window. She couldn't see anything but the dark outline of trees however the sound still grew louder. With a shaking hoof she reached for the window to open it. Pressed against the cool surface of the glass... And screamed.
Something flew up, taking up almost her entire view of the treeline. It was huge! It Flew! The clacking noise was replaced with a horrible buzzing that filled her mind and chilled her blood. She screamed and hit the window with her forehoof, knocking it open and hitting the horrid beast. She didn't stop to see what had happened.
She turned and ran, deciding whether to hide upstairs or run for town while simultaneously scolding herself for leaving the window open. The window was open... She decided to make a run for town. The living room passed by in a blur as she dove over the couch and to her door. She struggled with the door for only a moment before tearing it free and jumping down the whole staircase.
She ran for the bridge, leaving the cottage behind. She kept running, forgetting she had wings. When the bridge came into sight something caught her eye. The monster was there, right next to the bridge. Not standing however. Laying there, trying to prop itself back up on it's forehooves.
Fluttershy skidded to a halt ten hooves away, frozen in place with indecision and fear. What was staring back at her was not a monster, but it was a changeling... Looked like a stallion. Which she didn't know to be any better. However the look in it's eyes mirrored her own. Fear... He was afraid.
She watched him hobble up and fall again as he struggled to get away. Her fear was now solely indecision. This was a changeling. She recognized him from when they had attacked Canterlot of course. However he wasn't attacking anything, and he was alone. He was hurt. Her heart ached at the sight of his feeble attempt to fly. Only one of his wings moved and one of his hooves was hurt.
She listened intently for just a moment for any sign that he wasn't actually alone. No... The night was still quiet. All except the rapid beating of her heart and the whirring sound of the changeling's one good wing. Her decision was made when she saw the changeling give up. He fell to the ground and covered his head with his forehooves.
She couldn't just leave him there. If any other pony found him they'd turn him over to the guards and who knows what they would do to him... Even if he was hurt.
Fluttershy took a couple of slow, cautious steps toward the wounded changeling. “H-Hello?” She called out weakly.
The changeling showed no sign of hearing her, and still lay trembling on the ground. He was a lot smaller than she'd thought when he'd flew up in her window. Then again fear makes everything bigger... That's when she realized it. He was flying fine, until she hit him with the window. She put a hoof to her muzzle and whimpered.
“O-oh I'm so sorry.” She stated, approaching the changeling who uncovered half of his face.
“Sorry?” He repeated back to her, and peaked out from his hooves.
Fluttershy was shocked to hear him talk, much less understand her but she got within a few hooves before replying. “Y-you can understand me?”
“Yes I can understand you,.” He uncovered his head completely, staring up at her. However the look of fear was still in his eyes.
Fluttershy asked the question she already knew the answer to. “Did I do that?” She pointed toward his injured wing and what looked like a hurt rear left hoof.
The changeling looked back at his leg, then back at her. “Yes... When you hit me with the window.”
“I'm so sorry.” She said again. She never wanted to hurt anything, even a changeling. She wanted to help. “If... If I try and help... You promise you won't... Attack me,” she squeaked.
“I'm not going to attack you, but... I'm sick... I don't know what I have and...” The changeling trailed off.
“It's okay...” Fluttershy told him.
The changeling looked at her with a hint of suspicion, but couldn't deny he needed help. Besides... If he didn't take the help, and just left... She may talk. Then he really would need help. He nodded, and lay still as she moved closer.
At first Fluttershy checked out the injured wing. It wasn't the same as a pegasi's... They were fragile. However the wing itself wasn't torn... Any worse than a changeling's wings were already torn. The problem was the joint at the base. Through the thin black coat of his fur she could see a welt where the window had hit him. It was a tad bit swollen from what she could tell.
Deciding it could wait she moved down to his rear leg. His leg was hurt pretty badly. Maybe not broken, but even laying down he seemed to keep most of his weight off of it. While changelings were different their body's anatomy resembled that of a ponies and his rear hoof didn't look good.
She imagined that after she'd hit his wing with the window, he'd tried to fly away, and probably crashed here. She felt horrible. “E-excuse me, Mr. Changeling, but um... Well... I need to touch it, to see if it's broken.” Fluttershy looked back to his face to see what he thought about this. He didn't look happy, but he nodded with an expectancy of pain. He was not disappointed.
The mare's touch was soft, and she lifted his rear hoof gently but it stung like fire. He jerked a bit and yelped, but held still for the most part. He actually felt better when she started to talk to him.
“I know I know.” She cooed. “I'm terribly sorry.” She didn't even bother to hide the remorse in her voice. This was her fault and now she was hurting him more but she needed to make sure that he was okay. He wasn't. The hoof wasn't broken but was definitely hurt. “Ohhh...” She lowered the injured leg gently and turned to face him. She jumped a bit when he started coughing again. Luckily he'd turned his head away before hoof.
She had another decision to make. She could take him to the hospital, but... Would they help him? No... That was a dumb idea. Stupid. He's a changeling. She had to take him into the cottage and care for him. She knew she could., but... A changeling would be in her cottage. For how long? Who knew...
One thing was for certain... She wasn't going to leave him out here in the cold, hurt, sick and alone. “Um... Will you let me take you into my cottage?” Fluttershy asked him hesitantly. “It's really kinda cold and... Your hoof. I need to.”
“Inside? A-Are you sure?” The changeling replied. He was surprised that she'd offered to help and even more so that she'd just invited her inside. However he was eager to accept her offer.
Fluttershy looked around for just a moment. She didn't think that anypony was around at this time but she had to be sure. Then she looked back down to the changeling. “You can lean on me. Try to keep off of that hoof. This is going to hurt.” She frowned, but got in position beside him.
He nodded his approval and waited.
“One, two... three.” Fluttershy stood up slowly, giving the changeling time to get up on his three good limbs. So far so good though she did hear something like a whimper escape the changeling's muzzle. She gave him a minute to adjust and get over another fit of coughs. She did her best to stay still as he shifted his weight. “Ready?”
She felt weird having the changeling so close to her, touching her. He was warmer than she would have thought, probably because he was sick.
He whimpered again, the pain evident even in his sightless gaze. “I think so.” Slowly they hobbled. Back up the path to the cottage. Luckily it wasn't that far. The most difficult part was making it up the stairs. She heard him curse under his breath when his rear hoof hit one of the stairs.
Once they were inside she led him to the same couch where she had been before this all. “Can you get up there?” Fluttershy asked him.
“I should be able too.” He replied and balanced himself when the mare took her weight away. He looked up to the couch and took a deep breath. With it he jumped up onto the couch. He breathed a sign of relief once he made it up without hitting his already burning leg.
“Good. Now... Just do me a favor and wait there a minute, okay?” Fluttershy told him and was happy to see him smile down at her.
“O-okay.” He answered shakily.
There was one thing she wanted to check before trusting this changeling. She trotted out of the front door she'd left open when she brought him in and turned the corner to her cottage.
The changeling lay there on the couch, enjoying the warmth and if it weren't for his bad leg, the most comfort he'd had in a while. He found that if he didn't move it, it didn't hurt so bad but as soon as he did, he'd yelp and curse in pain.
He'd wanted to be mad at the mare for hitting him with the window but he knew that he was in the wrong there. He wasn't even supposed to be in Equestria as far as he knew. He had been trespassing on her property and had frightened her just as bad as she had frightened him.
If he were honest with himself he knew he should probably be dead right now. How many ponies would take in a changeling. Then it hit him... He didn't know too many ponies and he suddenly remembered why he had left the kingdom. In the first place. For a while he regretted his decision off and on. While he didn't agree with changeling politics and the general opinion of ponies being an evil stuck up race, he did miss the warmth and comfort of his own home and a few of his friends.
However this mare had taken him in. and obscured everything he knew about ponies and changelings alike. A small act of kindness...
Fluttershy made her way around the cottage, under her kitchen window. She needed to know why that changeling had been here in the first place. What she saw broke her heart. Her trash had been knocked over, scraps of discarded food littered the ground around it. He was trying to eat...
Fluttershy didn't bother with the trash and made her way back inside. The changeling was waiting right where she had left him. He was resting his head on a pillow and looking at her. She made her way quickly into the kitchen itself, and back into room with an apple. She placed it in front of the confused looking changeling's muzzle. “Eat it.” Fluttershy said.
“What, are you sure?” The changeling looked at the apple expectantly, but back at her with caution. Surely she wasn't teasing him with food. He did need it, and it would make him feel better.
“Please.” Fluttershy pleaded. “I'm going to take a closer look at your leg and your wing. I'll get some ice too, and see what I can do for that cough.” Fluttershy didn't wait for a response and retreated further into the cottage for the things she needed.
The changeling didn't need any more motivation to eat the apple either. He took it in his forehooves and sank his teeth into it. It was so sweet, fresh... Good. He was nearly done with his treat and hadn't realized the mare had reentered the room until she was by his side. “Thank you.”
He looked down at the mess he'd made on the couch, then away in shame. He had more manners than that. “I'm sorry... I was just... Hungry.”
Fluttershy placed a basket she'd been holding in her muzzle on the couch beside him before answering. “It's okay.” She smiled, thankful he'd actually eaten it. After she was done doing what she could for him she'd have to get him something else. Fluttershy propped herself up on the couch and went through her basket.
Curious he looked. Inside there was some bandages, an ice pack, a small bottle with a dark colored liquid in it, another bottle he couldn't see through, a tube that had some sort of cream in it, a bottle of water and a couple of rags.
“This is going to hurt a bit...” Fluttershy told him, taking one of the bottles and opening it. She shook a couple of small pills out he didn't recognize. “Take these, they'll help with the fever.” She dropped them in front of his muzzle. “And the pain.”
“W-what are they?” He looked down at them skeptically. Was she trying to poison him? He shook the thought away. She wouldn't have needed to poison him in the state he was in to kill him.
“It's just a pain killer and a fever reducer. Please... They'll help, I promise.” She replied, putting the water down next to him.
The changeling shrugged and took them, opening the water and gulping half of it down before he realized he was drinking it all. He placed it back down and put the lid on. “Sorry.”
“That's what the water is for.” Fluttershy replied, hoofing him the other bottle with the dark liquid. “This will help you sleep later, and might ease your cough, though I don't think the cough is that bad.”
Having already takin the pills he didn't even think about taking the cough medicine. He filled the cap of the medicine up and took it, cringing at the terrible flavor. After it was down he drank some more of the water.
“Now... Put the apple core in your mouth... I'm sorry, but I need to tend to your leg and wing and it's not going to feel good.” She hated to have to hurt him but she had to get a closer look.
The changeling hesitated a second, but did as he was told. She seemed to know what she was doing and sounded confident enough. Plus he was pretty much at her mercy. With the core in his mouth he looked away from her, preparing for what promised to be quite a bit of pain.
“Okay, now... Tell me when it really hurts... Not burns but hurts.” She was gentle with him, taking his leg delicately in her forehooves. Slowly she bent it at the joint. She was able to move it a bit before he started making noise.
“Huurs Hurrs!” He growled through the apple core, and struggled to keep still. A second later the worst of the pain was gone and he could relax. However it hurt twice as bad as before.
Fluttershy sighed and looked up at him. “One more time okay?”
The changeling let his head fall to the couch cushion. Again? He took a deep breath and lifted his head back up. “Okay”
“As slowly as before she bent it the other way, and was happy to see she got a lot further than the opposite before he spoke up.
“Hurs.” He growled. However it wasn't as bad as the first time.
Fluttershy let his leg rest on the couch. “You can take it out now.” She told him. She made a mental note to get some wraps for his hooves, they looked worn from travel.
The changeling took the core from his muzzle and placed it on the couch then looked over to her. “B-bad?” He asked.
“It's not broken. I wouldn't be able to move it at all if it were broken. I think it's just bruised down to the bone, and it's swollen. I want you to stay off of it for a few days.” She smiled up at him.
“D-days?” He couldn't do that. He didn't have a place to rest safely for days. Unless... No he couldn't stay here. “I-I can't do that.” He told her.
“Why not?”
“I need to be able to trot. I don't have anywhere to stay.”
“Here.” She answered. She'd thought about this while she was gathering the stuff to care for him. Having a changeling hiding in her home sounded bad at first. She'd have to worry about somepony finding him. However this was the best place he could hide safely. Her cottage was secluded and even her friends rarely came inside. As long as he stayed inside he'd be fine.
“I-I... I can't do that.” He told her. “I need to get to the mountains and-”
“The mountains?” He was traveling to the mountains? She didn't see any saddle bags which meant he didn't have any supplies. The mountains were a ways away and he was already weak.
“Yes... The mountains. I... I have to get to the mountains... It's the only place I'll be safe.” He let his head hang.
Fluttershy realized she hadn't asked why he was out here to begin with. Something was wrong... He had a bigger problem than his injuries. She jumped up on the couch and sat across from him. “I-If I can ask... Why are you out here?”
The changeling sighed and looked back up at her. He figured for her help he did owe her an explanation. “I ran away...”
“Ran away?” Fluttershy inquired, settling herself on the couch.
“Yes... I had to leave... I just... I don't agree with out queen's agenda and... I just... Left.” The changeling sighed.
“I'm sorry, if you don't want to talk about-”
“No no it's fine. I should tell somepony.” He shifted and coughed a couple of times. “You might be the last pony I talk to for a long time... So I want to tell you.”
“Oh, well... Okay.” Fluttershy replied.
“Just... Promise you won't get scared when I tell you this.”
“Um... I promise.” Fluttershy did not like the way that sounded at all, but she felt safe enough to let him speak.
“I am, was a changeling soldier. Which is why I left. You see... Regular changelings... A few of them have no idea what is going on within the kingdom. However as a soldier we eventually find out. Originally... Most of what we did was law enforcement and border patrol. Then... Well... A lot of us along with myself got orders to assemble for an invasion on Canterlot.”
“Canterlot?” Fluttershy tensed uneasily. “Y-you were one of the changelings that attacked me and my-”
“No!” He interrupted quickly, not wanting to freak her out. “Please... Just listen.” He coughed again, clearing his throat and shaking his head. “Please.” He waited for a response from the yellow mare, but she didn't move, nor did she speak. He decided to keep talking. “I wasn't near the castle... I didn't see you if you were there. I was with a small unit that was supposed to hold the east gate. If all went well and the invasion was successful we needed to be posted there to prevent reinforcements. However as you know, the queen was defeated by some freak spell... Whoever hadn't been blown away scrambled and took off for our kingdom. We reorganized there and well... It wasn't pretty. She blamed us all for the failure, then went on about plans for a new invasion and had us all training to kill... She lost it and that got me wondering how all of this even got started...”
“Um... excuse me but... You didn't kill anypony did you?” She squeaked and shied away.
“No! No I didn't. I didn't do much of anything. I was at the gate like I said.” He hoped she believed him. He was relieved to see her relax a bit. “I promise I didn't.”
“Okay. I believe you...” She did. Something about this changeling was... different.
“Anyway, yeah. There was one rumor on why the queen hated Equestrians. However nopony has ever been able to confirm it. That a long time ago. More than a thousand years ago there was a great war in Equestria, between Celestia and our Queen. Only the queen was not a changeling, but an alicorn like Celestia. A civil war. The rumor doesn't say what it was about but that Celestia's army was victorious, and Celestia, along with some of her most powerful unicorns cast a spell that changed the Queen, and all her surviving troop to what we are now. Changelings. Then they were banished into the outlands, where the queen erected a new kingdom, apparently biding time until she was strong enough to take back what was once hers. Though... I don't know of any records that support this theory, nor do I know the whole story. I just figured that even if it were true... I can see why the queen would be angry, but... The ponies alive today... You, me, anypony else had no part in what happened all those years ago. I don't see a reason for everypony to suffer for what happened in the past, much less something that may have never happened.” He coughed a few more times.
“That's a good way to look at it.” Fluttershy agreed.
“I'm glad somepony thinks so.” He sighed.
“What do you mean?”
“It's another reason I left. You see... I raised this concern with some of my fellow changelings, and to my superiors. I was ridiculed by most. Nearly none of them agreed with me, and the ones who did wouldn't help me. There are a few good changelings out there, but... Changeling politics in a whole is governed by nothing more than revenge and unprecedented hate. I don't want to hurt anypony for little to no reason. So... I made a decision. I left. I knew I couldn't stay in Equestria, but I do have to come through it to get to the mountains where I might live in peace if nothing else.” After a moment of silence he realized he was getting tired. The medicine must have been working because he yawned. “I-I think it's working.”
“Oh... Maybe we should continue this tomorrow. You need to rest.” Fluttershy stated.
“No... I can talk a little longer. I may not want to talk about this tomorrow. I'd much rather not...”
“I-If you're sure.”
“I'm alright... Anyway.” He shook his head to keep himself alert, though the soft couch and warm atmosphere fought him. “Getting across the border was easy... Mainly because I was alone and being a changeling does have it's benefits. It's been surviving out here that has been the problem. I was able to hide in bigger cities just fine... I... Well I had to steal. I only took what I needed. If I got a few bits I'd disguise myself as somepony I had seen in the city and get a room just to stay in for the night or get something to eat. However that wasn't always possible. A lot of you ponies know each other well and I had a few close calls. I had to stop after a while. It was impossible in smaller towns like this one. Which is why. Well, why you caught me here tonight, I was just... hungry and...” He stopped and looked away, determined not to cry. A lot of the fear and pain from the last month came back to him, as well as the ever so fresh memory of his old home he couldn't go back to. However he felt something on his forehoof that made him look back up at the mare. She'd reached out and placed her forehoof over his own. She looked almost as sad as he himself felt.
“It's fine. I saw. That's why I went out there. Why I believe you. Even if you are going to leave for the mountains... You can stay here as long as you need to. At the least until you are better.” Fluttershy took her hoof away and smiled at him.
“D-Dammit” He cursed under his breath as he felt the tears well up. “Thank you... It's just been difficult. I-I am very grateful.”
“Please... Don't worry about it. I want to help. Lets stop talking about it though... I just want to know one thing.”
“Anything.” The changeling replied after getting a hold of himself.
“What is your name.?” Fluttershy asked.
“My name?” He repeated.
“Yes... Youre name. You do have a name right?” Fluttershy was afraid she'd made a mistake asking a changeling if they had a name.
“My name is Shift.” For the first time during the conversation he smiled. He hadn't even remembered his name until she'd asked. He hadn't used it in over a month. It was nice to talk with somepony again.
“I'm Fluttershy. It's nice to meet you Shift.” Fluttershy replied.
“It's been more than an honor to meet somepony as kind as yourself.” Shift felt the need to pay his gratitude, however the medicine was making it even more difficult to concentrate. He shook his head again to stay conscious.
“You need sleep.” Fluttershy decided.
“I do...” Shift agreed.
“You can use the blanket that's here. I am going to get you another apple and some water okay? Just... You can sleep here tonight.” Fluttershy padded away into the hall.
Shift purred to himself and sighed, feeling himself relax and start to fade away. He listened to the rustling of the house as the yellow mare made her way through it and finally back to him. He went to pull the blanket over himself but she stopped him and draped it over him herself, careful to avoid touching his leg. “Thank you Fluttershy.” He yawned.
“You're very welcome Shift.” She placed the apple in front of him and smiled as he poked it with a forehoof. She had to pull the table a little closer to the couch seeing as he wouldn't be able to just get up and get the water she put on it without hurting himself. “If you need anything at all just call for me okay? I'll be upstairs. Don't worry about waking me, I'd be more than happy to help.”
“You're too kind.” Shift said with the utmost sincerity despite his fading awareness.
“There's no such thing as too kind. Goodnight.” Fluttershy left on that note. She had a feeling he wouldn't be awake much longer to argue anyhow. When she got to the top of the stairs she looked down onto the couch where the sleeping changeling lay. “There is a changeling on my couch.” She whispered to herself. There's something she never thought she'd say. She even dared feel good he was there. At least she wasn't completely alone in the cottage tonight. Even with the knowledge it was a changeling she slept soundly knowing she might have changed somepony's life.
Shift opened his eyes slowly at first. He didn't recognize anything around him until his eyes focused on the apple that was still in front of him. Next came a dull ache in his leg. The pain wasn't nearly as bad as he remembered however. He opened his mouth and found it dry, but saw the water he hadn't touched through the night. He sat up, testing his rear leg which he decided to stay off of and took the glass in his forehooves, bringing it to his muzzle and drinking down the water. He didn't stop until it was all gone and he felt much better. Even his cough seemed to disappear.
When was the last time he was able to just drink a glass of water like that? It'd been a while since he'd woken up warm and with some sense of security. He placed the now empty glass down and stretched. A noise behind him made him jump and turn round.
“Oh, I'm sorry... Did I wake you? I didn't mean to. I was just feeding Angel.” Fluttershy was in the doorway that apparently led to the kitchen. He'd almost forgot he was in her cottage.
“No... I was already awake. W-who's Angel?” She hadn't brought another pony in here had she?
“My precious pet bunny. He's soooo cute. You should see him, with his little nose and cute bunny ears and...” She trailed off and looked away. “Sorry... I like my pet.”
Shift smiled at her from over the edge of the couch and waved a hoof dismissively. “It's fine. Maybe I could go see this bunny of yours.” Shift turned back around and moved his rear hoof carefully over the side of the edge of the seat. Maybe he could put some weight on it now. He lowered himself carefully to the ground
It hurt when it touched the floor, but it was a duller pain than last night. Maybe it wasn't sprained after all. However he wasn't going to push it too far and dropped on his other three hooves instead. He winced and placed the hoof on the ground, he could get some weight on it but chose not to at the moment. “You said he is in the kitchen right?”
“Yeah, come see him... If you want.” Fluttershy replied. “Do you need help walking?”
“No, I think I am good.” Shift replied. He wanted to walk for himself if he could.
Fluttershy nodded then retreated back into the kitchen.
Shift hobbled in after her, and found a small white rabbit with it's face in a bowl. “That is Angel?” Shift asked. He was appalled to see the dish that had been served to the rabbit. “You must really like that rabbit.” He snorted when the rabbit shot him an accusing glance before going back to his food.
“Oh I love Angel... He just won't eat unless he is given the best. It's tiring sometimes but I don't mind. Also I don't have the rest of my animals so I can spend more time with him.”
“Rest of your animals?”
“I take care of all the animals in Ponyville, well... Almost all. Most of them are hibernating though.”
“Oh... I suppose it gives you a break though right? I mean... That's a lot of responsibility” Shift replied. She really did care too much.
“Yeah... Just gets lonely sometimes. I'm just glad I have my friends, anyway.” She shook her head. “Breakfast? You must be hungry. Let me make you something.”
“I-I am, but you've already one so much. I could just eat the apple and-”
“Nonsense, please sit at the table.” Fluttershy replied. “You need to eat.” With that she made her way to the oven and turned it on before heading to the fridge.
“Alright then.” He wasn't going to argue over being fed and took his seat as instructed. It wasn't long before he could smell eggs and hear them sizzling in the pan. He just sat and stared at her as she danced curiously in front of the stove, her tail swaying with the rhythm. He almost said something to her but figured he might ruin her little moment. She must like cooking.
Fluttershy hummed to herself as she dumped the first few scrambled eggs on the plate and started on a second set for herself. She took a few seconds to remember toast and threw a couple of pieces of bread in the toaster. Admittedly she was happy to have somepony here to share breakfast with. Sure she had her friends but they were never up so early. Rarity and Rainbow slept in, Applejack had chores, and Pinkie and Twilight had work so she was usually alone in the mornings unless she went to one of their places.
A few minutes later and they sat across from each other at the table, Fluttershy smiling awkwardly while Shift wondered how he could eat his food without looking like an animal. His hunger got the best of him however and he began to eat as he would any other day. He was relieved when Fluttershy did the same.
Once Shift finished his breakfast he thought for a moment and waited for Fluttershy to finish before rising, taking her plate and his own.
“Oh, you don't have to do that.” Fluttershy objected but was met with a polite dismissal.
“I want to. You're being far too kind for me to simply sit here and allow you to cater to me as such.”
“You really shouldn't be on your hooves too much though.” Fluttershy countered.
They were a little sore. “I'm fine. I still need to move around a bit to get some exercise.” Shift replied after placing the plates in the sink and turning on the water to begin to clean them.
Fluttershy argued no further in an attempt to stop him and instead looked on thoughtfully. Were all changelings like him? Or not... Maybe that's why he left... Maybe I should ask. No... That would be rude, and might make him sad. I should just... “Thank you very much Shift.” Fluttershy stated once he'd made his way back to the table.
“You're more than welcome Fluttershy.” He found the use of her name appropriate after she had used his. After cleaning the plates and turned to notice her staring at him wearily. “S-something wrong?”
“Oh no no nothing is wrong.” Fluttershy shook her head and blushed when she realized she'd been staring. “I just have to leave the cottage for a while. If I leave, do you promise to stay inside until I get back? I'd be oh so worried if you were gone when I got back.” Fluttershy looked down and away upon completing the request.
“Sure... But what if somepony shows up here while you're gone?” Shift was legitimately concerned about this.
“Oh they shouldn't.” Fluttershy looked back up at him. “All my friends know that I go with Rarity to the spa on Saturdays, and nopony else ever comes here.”
“You're going to the spa?” Shift inquired, then realized how rude that was to question her on her activities. She didn't seem offended however.
“Yes. My friend Rarity says it helps me open up if I go to and do something once in a while. So I agreed to go to the spa with her. I have to admit it does feel nice. Sometimes I model dresses for her afterward” Fluttershy admitted with a faint blush.
“I can see why.” Shift replied with a smile, and noticed her cheeks glow brighter. “I'm sorry... Have I overstepped a boundary?” He'd only meant it as a compliment to repay her for some of her kindness.
“Oh n-no you didn't do anything wrong. Thank you very much. I'm just kinda shy is all... Anyway... I should be back before dark.”
Before dark? She'd be gone for a while longer than he'd expected. She seemed fairly confident that nopony would show up here so he nodded without protest. “Sounds good. Don't let me keep you. I won't touch anything I promise.”
“You can entertain yourself with any books you find, and of course use the bath. Help yourself to anything in the fridge. J-just please don't go in my room...” She didn't trust him that much...
“Of course not...” Shift assured her.
There wasn't much conversation after that. Fluttershy disappeared somewhere in the cottage leaving Shift to his own devices. He avoided the rabbit who didn't seem to approve of his company. He only had one objective and that was the bath Fluttershy had mentioned. He needed one terribly and found it appalling that Fluttershy hadn't mentioned it earlier.
He found it with relative ease, down the hall from the kitchen and met Fluttershy in the hallway as she was headed out.
“You can use whatever is in there.” She smiled at him.
“Thanks.” For the first time he felt subconscious about the fact he hadn't washed in a while and looked away from her. To his relief she said nothing more and passed by him. He waited until he heard the door to the cottage close before entering the bathroom.
The walls were bright colored, not exactly white but maybe a faint yellow. Pink towels hung from a rack immediately to his left and the sink was on his right, then the toilet and then the bath. The shower curtain had a floral print design and was pulled back to reveal a moderately sized tub, two handles, a spot and the shower head that hung above.
The architectural design wasn't much different from a changelings however the over all design was unique. None of that really mattered though. He just wanted to get in the water.
Shift turned the first handle which was conveniently color coded red almost all the way on. He smiled as it poured down from the shower head above and into the tub. Hadn't seen that in a couple of weeks. The blue one he adjusted until his forehoof in the water had adjusted to the temperature.
Once satisfied Shift got in carefully. He didn't want to slip on his three good hooves. A moan escaped his muzzle as the water washed through his fur, down to his skin and warmed his body. “T-that's much better.” He sighed to himself. He decided he'd just sit there a while and enjoy the steady stream of goodness. After a while the bathroom started to steam up and he chuckled to himself. After another couple of minutes he started looking around for the soap.
It was behind him, and certainly wasn't what he was expecting. There were quite a few bottles sitting on a small shelf. All different colors and with different labels. Did she really use all of this? He picked up a white bottle with a waterfall as the label. He popped the cap and sniffed it. It was a strong but pleasant aroma of something he didn't quite know of. The bottle said fur wash... So what if he'd smell like a mare... Better than smelling like garbage.
He shrugged and poured some onto his forehoof before replacing the bottle. He couldn't stand on his hind legs so he sat. and lathered the creamy substance all through his fur and all over his body. He relished the feeling up until he had to wash his bruised leg, which he handled with care. His wing base wasn't too bad but it still hurt.
Curiosity got the best of him and he went through the other bottles as well. He found one specifically for ponies's manes which he didn't really have... He did have a tail though, same thing. So he used it too. He lost track of all the different smells and fragrances... He just knew he smelled pretty, and he liked it. Only until he was satisfied he smelled like a Princess did he step out of the shower and take one of the pink towels to dry off.
When he finally did get back into the living room he realized he'd spent an hour and a half in the shower. “Well...” Shift mumbled and walked up to a window, forgetting where he was for a moment. Then he stopped and turned away. Probably shouldn't go near the windows.
Too late.
Shift froze as he heard the knocking at the door. Everything seemed to stop for a moment. Somepony was at the door and he was willing to bet it wasn't Fluttershy. She would have just come in. Another round of knocking startled him and a voice followed after.
“Come on Fluttershy! I know you're in there. I saw you in the window. Hellllooooooo! Fluttershy. Come to the doooooor.” Another succession of rapid knocking.
“Fuck...” Shift cursed under his breath. He didn't know what to do. If he ignored her she might barge in... He certainly couldn't answer the door... Maybe... He pictured Fluttershy in his head, hoping he'd get the details close enough. In a dim flash of green he became a yellow mare with a pink mane, pink tail and soft feathers. He could hold the disguise for a while but he couldn't hold it forever. He needed to send her away and hope the mare doesn't run into Fluttershy elsewhere.
There was one more problem that presented itself... His hoof still hurt He couldn't just ignore it. Way too painful. Maybe he could feign a less severe injury if she notices and say he stubbed his hoof or something. Nonetheless he also didn't know anything about who might be at the door and if he was asked any questions about anything at all he'd be screwed.
Whatever he did he needed to do it fast. Shift arrived at the door before the fourth repetition of knocking. “Come on Shy!”
Shift cleared his throat and concentrated on the sound of Fluttershy's voice. Maybe he could get away with not opening the door.
“Um... I-I... Not right now.” Shift called through the door with his new voice.
“What do you mean not right now? Just open the door!”
“I-I can't right now. I'm very busy... You know... Animals.” Shift replied
“Shy your animals are all asleep. Except that rabbit. What's going on? Are you okay? Please open the door.”
'A-Alright.” Shift cursed silently and turned the handle, opening the door to reveal a cyan colored mare with a multi colored mane and tail. Much to his surprise she walked in without waiting for an invitation. He was going to say something but thought better of it. For all he knew this mare could be a really good friend. “ Um... Hey... H-how are you?” Shift asked.
“Oh you know... Busy being awesome, but that didn't stop me from paying my favorite pony a visit.” Rainbow chuckled to herself and turned to face her friend. “What's up? I thought you and Rarity go and have your hooves done on Saturday or something? You feeling all right?”
“Me, why I'm just fine. Enjoying the peace and quiet is all.” Shift shifted uncomfortably in place, wincing ever so slightly when he put pressure on his injured hoof.
“Something wrong with your hoof?” Rainbow had noticed.
Damn “Just a little sore. I'll be fine.” Shift saw something that made his heart drop. The rabbit had entered the room and was staring at him intently. Could he tell?
Angel bunny ran up to Rainbow and started thumping her hoof until he got her attention.
“What is it?” Rainbow snapped. She didn't like her hooves being touched.
Angel bunny started pointing at Fluttershy, then twirling his ears together at the center of his head, holding in place with one paw as he continuously jarred the other in Fluttershy's direction.
“Uh Fluttershy? I think something is wrong with your rabbit,” Rainbow looked back over to her friend. “He's actin funny.”
“Oh he's just being silly,” Shift glared at the bunny. “Maybe he wants to be fed.” Shift trotted as normally as he could over to the now very disgruntled bunny, trying to hide his pain as he went. With one of his forehooves he started nudging him into the kitchen, leaving the cyan Pegasus behind.
When they finally got in the kitchen Shift opened up a cabinet and put the protesting bunny inside. He wanted to throw it in there but he knew Fluttershy really liked this thing so he settled with jamming the cabinet door so he couldn't get out. “Now you be a good bunny and stay quiet.” Shift growled through the door.
“Fluttershy?”
Shift squeaked and turned quickly. “Um... Yes?”
“Why'd you stick your pet in the cabinet?” Rainbow cocked her head to the side and gave her a concerned look. “You're not loosin it are you?
Shift gulped and started to sweat beneath his fur. “Well uh... I um...” Before he could continue there was a rapid beating on the cabinet door behind him. He turned to face it instead but as he did he heard the cyan Pegasus gasp.
“Fluttershy! Your cutie mark it's... It's gone!” Rainbow looked shocked for a minute... Then narrowed her eyes.
Shift turned back again, ignoring the beating. Fuck... I forgot the butterflies... Well...
“Fluttershy... What is my name?” Rainbow took an aggressive step forward.
Shift tried to back away but squeaked when he hit his rear hoof on the cabinet. “Why would you ask me something like that? Of course I know your name... Um... Magenta...”
All at once Rainbow crouched. “Who are you!? Where's Fluttershy!?” Rainbow growled.
Shift decided there wasn't much to hide now, so he changed back. The look of shock on the mare's face amused him. He didn't have long to enjoy it as she lunged for him. He yelped in surprise, grabbed the first thing he could in his telekinesis and bashed her over the head with a pot that had been on the stove.
Rainbow crumbled to the floor unconscious.
“Oh no... Oh no Oh no Oh no!.” Shift freaked. If Fluttershy came home now... She'd panic, maybe attack him too, or run for help. He rushed over to the Pegasus, checked her pulse and sighed with relief, then checked her head. There was a knot but she'd live. “Okay Shift... Calm down... You can fix this... Maybe you should just run.” No... if he ran the cyan mare would definitely rat him out if Fluttershy didn't. He only had one option. Tie up this mare, wait for Fluttershy to get home and try to explain. What a plan...
It was nearing evening by the time that Fluttershy had made it to her cottage. She hadn't expected Rarity to want her to try on so many new dresses. Usually she would have been more than happy to model for her but she couldn't stop thinking about the changeling she'd left in her home alone. She got to the door and opened it. “I'm here.” She announced herself. She didn't want to startle Shift and make him think somepony else had entered the cottage. Shift surprised her though, he was pacing back and forth in the middle of the room despite his injured hoof. “Shift! What are you doing?”
Shift turned and stared at her, trying to hide his despair. “I um... I am just exercising, trying to put some weight on it is all. I have to talk to you real quick.”
“Are you okay?” Fluttershy shut the door. “Is something wrong?”
“Yes... No... Well... Yeah...” Shift groaned and shied away. “Just... Please sit down.” Shift told her.
“Okay.” Fluttershy answered uneasily, starting for the couch.
“No! Not over there!” Shift blurted, nearly running over to stop her.
It wasn't until then did Fluttershy notice the couch had been turned to face the opposite direction of the door. Fluttershy became even more uneasy with the atmosphere of the room. “Shift?”
“Just please sit. Please.” Shift begged. This was worse than he'd thought and Fluttershy hadn't even reacted yet. Didn't even know. He had to tell her now. What was he going to do? Kill them both? “Please.”
“O-okay.” Fluttershy didn't know whether she sat willingly or out of fear.
“She's okay! I promise.” Shift started.
“Who's okay?” Fluttershy squeaked. She really didn't like where this was going.
“I-I don't know honestly. A pony, a mare came by here today... Earlier. She knew somepony was in here and I let her in disguised as you but she knew I wasn't you and she attacked me and... I knocked her out but she's alright!” Shift knew he was talking way too fast and was running over his own words but he needed her to here all of it at once and not in bits and pieces.
Fluttershy got up and backed a few paces. “W-who are you talking about? W-w-what did you do?” Fluttershy's soft voice was high pitched and trembling.
“She's okay Fluttershy! Please just listen!” Shift took a step back too, uncomfortable with the situation. “She's here, she's fine.” He pointed over to the couch.
Fluttershy was at a loss. She didn't know whether she wanted to run over there and see who and what Shift was talking about, or whether she wanted to run away. However the fact that one of her friends might be hurt over there forced her to check.
She ran up to the couch and around it. She was shocked to see Rainbow tied down and her muzzle tied shut as she struggled in her bonds angrily. Fluttershy quickly undid the rope on her muzzle.
“Fluttershy! Why are you talking to that thing?! Go get a guard! Untie me! I need to get that thing out of here right now!” Rainbow thrashed even harder in her restraints but in vain.
“R-Rainbow. Are you okay?” Fluttershy squeaked. She'd instinctively wanted to untie her then and there but Rainbow would act on impulse and she'd hurt Shift, or Shift would hurt her. She needed to calm everypony down. She looked around the couch and saw that Shift hadn't moved except to face them awkwardly. Fluttershy turned her attention back to Rainbow. “What happened?”
Rainbow growled with frustration. “Why aren't you letting me up? Who is that?”
“Rainbow please just tell me what happened.” Fluttershy squeaked. Her nerves where on end.
“I came by to check on you, that thing let me in and it looked like you, but it didn't copy your cutie mark. I found him out and he attacked me! Now let me out so I can kill it!” Rainbow struggled some more, and gave up with a frustrated sigh.
Fluttershy sighed and relaxed a moment. “Rainbow, I need you to listen to me... Please.”
“What!? Let me go! Are you a changeling too!” Rainbow blurted.
“No Rainbow I'm not. We went to flight school together.” Fluttershy told her that to assure Rainbow she was who she was.
“How do I know you didn't make the real Fluttershy tell you that!? Where is she? You'd better let me go or I'm going to!'”
“Rainbow there are no other changelings... I promise. Shift ran away.” Fluttershy started.
“Shift! That thing has a name!” Rainbow growled.
“He... He has a name Rainbow. Please listen for just a minute and I'll untie you.” Fluttershy begged.
Rainbow narrowed her eyes. “Fine.” What choice did she have?
Fluttershy sighed and explained everything from the start. From the evening she was having until she'd left this morning to now. The whole while Rainbow didn't move or change her expression at all. When she finished her explanation there was an awkward silence until Rainbow sighed.
“Now will you let me up?” Rainbow asked calmly.
“Y-yes.” Fluttershy replied shakily. “Just please don't do anything until we talk about his. This is really important to me. Please Rainbow.”
“Fine, but if I even think he's going to do anything I'll beat the brakes off of him.” Rainbow growled.
“Deal.” Fluttershy undid her hooves and wings one by one. Rainbow kept to her word and stayed put, moving only to sit up on the couch. However she did eye Fluttershy suspiciously, which made her uncomfortable.
“S-shift... Please come here.” Fluttershy beckoned, waving a hoof and pointing to the chair. She thought she heard Rainbow growling as he passed by, keeping his distance from the couch and jumping up into the chair as best he could with three hooves.
Fluttershy looked over Rainbow with concern. “I'm sorry... I forgot to ask... Are you okay?”
“My head hurts, and my legs.” Rainbow rubbed over here forehooves where the rope had been tied, then the back of her head. She winced and pulled her hoof away when she touched it. “Fuck...” She glared daggers at the changeling. “I have no idea why she's protecting you but if she weren't I'd have-”
“Rainbow please,” Fluttershy interrupted, wincing at the harshness in her tone.
“Fine.” Rainbow flexed her wings and forelegs, stretching before settling back in place.
“Sorry.” Shift finally stated. “I just knew you wouldn't hear me out and you scared me.”
“You couldn't just hold me in place? I scared you?” Rainbow shot back.
“Our magic isn't that strong! Not our telekinetic prowess anyway.” Shift retorted.
“A pot! A metal Pot!”
“It was the first thing I got a hold of!”
“QUIET!” Fluttershy snapped, causing both of them to jump in their seats. “That is enough!” She stood there breathing heavily for a moment, then suddenly realized the caliber of her outburst and shied away. “I only need you two to listen for a minute... please.”
“Okay Fluttershy... I'm listening... This had better be good.” Rainbow crossed her forelegs.
“Thank you... Rainbow... This is Shift. Yes he is a changeling. I know what you're thinking but he is not a bad changeling.”
“Didn't think there was such a thing as not a bad changeling.” Rainbow huffed, but regretted it when he saw Fluttershy's ears droop. “I'm sorry... Keep going.”
“S-Shift... Do you mind telling my friend the same thing you told me?” Fluttershy looked hopefully at the changeling. He didn't look happy about it.
Well... Couldn't get much worse. He decided, then took a deep breath. “Rainbow... Right?”
Rainbow snorted. “Yeah.”
Shift sighed, then started to talk. Explaining everything, except the part where he'd been digging through Fluttershy's trash for food.
Fluttershy watched Rainbow's expression through the explanation and was relieved to see them soften a bit, though she didn't look convinced yet.
“Then tell me why you were outside of Fluttershy's cottage last night,” Rainbow stated accusingly.
“I... Well...” Shift trailed off. He hated to admit it.
“He was looking for food,” Fluttershy cut him off.
Rainbow flinched and looked back at Shift... “In the... trash? Oh.” She shook her head, feeling a bit of uneasy remorse. “How do I know you're not lying. How do I know you're not just a changeling spy?” Remorse or not she wasn't ready to give up, though her tone did soften.
“Rainbow, Shift is not a spy. He needs help, at least until he is healthy enough to continue to the mountains.” Fluttershy trotted over to Rainbow. “All I want you to do is keep this between us. Please.”
“I can't do that Fluttershy, you don't know who he really is. He could be lying. He could be using you.” Rainbow talked softly so that Fluttershy might actually hear her out.
“Rainbow I told you he is not a spy. If he wanted to hurt anypony he would have done it by now.” Fluttershy replied.
“He hurt me!”
“You scared him.”
“Fluttershy this isn't worth it. You know what changelings do. They have attacked us before.” Rainbow started.
“So have other ponies.” Fluttershy challenged. “Just because he is a changeling, doesn't make it any more wrong. Remember Trixie?”
“That's... That's different Fluttershy.”
“How?”
Rainbow struggled for an answer, but couldn't find one and growled to herself. She didn't like this at all, but what could she do? Fluttershy wouldn't forgive her if she just ignored her decision to help this changeling. What if Fluttershy was wrong? What if the changeling hurt her? Then she'd hate herself for not stopping this when she had the chance. However she did trust Fluttershy's judgement, even if she were too nice for her own good. “...Okay fine.” Rainbow snorted.
“S-so you promise not to tell anypony?”
Rainbow snorted to herself quietly and looked away. “No... We tell the girls. See what they say. I trust you Fluttershy, but not him. Not yet. If he turns on us for any reason I am not taking the fall for knowing and not telling anypony. Just the other four,” Rainbow reassured her.
Fluttershy looked back at a very unhappy Shift then to Rainbow. “Okay.”
“And if he does anything... Anything at all to even make me think he is going to hurt anypony he's done. Got it?” Rainbow huffed.
“I understand.” Fluttershy sighed, then looked back to Shift. “What do you think Shift?”
Shift didn't like the sound of that. Four other ponies knowing... What if they were all as aggressive as this one. This was becoming really uncomfortable really quick. What could he say though? Fluttershy was looking to him now for some kind of acceptance. “I don't have much of a choice...”
Shift sat nervously in his chair, waiting for Fluttershy to come back with the rest of these friends who just had to know he was here. The mare known as Rainbow stayed back to keep an eye on him. She'd said something about not wanting him to run after he'd been found out. Fluttershy had been hesitant on leaving them alone again however the rainbow maned mare had promised not to do anything unless Shift moved first.
It wouldn't be too hard to get away none the less. The pot was probably still sitting on the floor in the kitchen where he'd left it. Fluttershy had gone in there to get her bunny out of the cabinet who threw a fit upon his release. She'd taken him up and locked him in her room before leaving. He didn't seem to be making too much noise up there.
Shift looked awkwardly to Rainbow who had settled on the couch with a book she'd taken from Fluttershy's room. He did notice that periodically she'd look over the edge of the cover at him, snort with discontent then go back to reading. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad to try and soften her up a bit. She was really starting to make him uncomfortable.
“What are you reading?” Shift asked a moment later.
“A book.” Came the flat toned reply.
“Well... What book?”
Rainbow sighed. “Daring Do and the Trek to the Terrifying Tower.”
“What's that about? I've never heard of that book before.”
“You're not from Equestria, so of course you don't know the best series ever written.” Rainbow lowered the book and shot him a look.
“So... Tell me what it's about.” He wasn't fond of her attitude but at least she was talking.
Rainbow's ears perked up and she cocked her head to the side. She didn't mind talking about Daring Do. “Are you sure? I mean she is only the most awesome pony in Equestria, er... Next to me of course.”
Shift was amused by this, and actually found himself a bit curious. “Yes I'm sure. Tell me about her. Her right?”
“Yes her. Alright Well she is a Pegasus like me, and she goes on all these totally cool adventures, fight's bad guys, finds treasures guarded by more bad guys and ancient traps and-”
Ten minutes later of Daring Do's biography and Shift was starting to think this wasn't such a good idea. Rainbow could apparently go on forever and she didn't even seem to be talking to him anymore but more to herself about this character.
Shift exaggerated clearing his throat to get her attention. Thankfully she stopped and looked to him. “So... Daring Do. Who writes her character?”
“That's the best part! She does! Everything she has ever written about has happened! Isn't that awesome?” Rainbow threw her hooves up. “I'm even in one of them.” Rainbow stopped herself and coughed a bit, looking away indignantly. “It's kinda cool.”
Shift was a little skeptical about Daring Do but didn't offer an argument. He swore however that he heard her say something about Daring setting a due date for her books... If they were real adventures how would she know when a book would be complete? “Sounds cool to me.” He wasn't going to argue. She already had too much of a reason to hate him.
“Oh it is. No big deal though.” Rainbow replied, pretending to check on one of her forehooves.
“Sounds like a big deal.” Shift chuckled, however flinched when he heard the mare snort. “Okay okay got it.” What was with this pony?
The sounds of talking and many hoof steps saved him from any further confrontation. The door opened, Fluttershy walked in followed by four other ponies. Two unicorns and two earth ponies who all wore different expressions and none of them were shy about staring at him as Fluttershy led them to the couch Rainbow was sitting on. He didn't like the way they were looking at him.
The orange pony was the first to speak up. “I don't know sugar... I don't think it's such a good idea to keep him here.” Applejack gave Fluttershy a sideways glance.
“Now wait a minute Applejack. Let's give him a chance to talk.” Twilight looked over to Shift. “Fluttershy told me your name was Shift?” She tried to come off as friendly, but sounded more skeptical than anything.
“Yes. My name is Shift... I don't know yours though.” Shift replied, not making eye contact.
The pink mare gasped. “He can talk!”
“Pinkie... I told you he talked to me.” Fluttershy replied.
“Yeah but you also say your animals talk to you, and I never understand a word they're saying no matter how long I talk to them!” Pinkie bounced in her seat and turned back to Shift. “So you're a changeling? How do we know you're realllllly a changeling? How do we know you're not a pony disguised as a changeling?” Pinkie narrowed her eyes at him and leaned forward in her seat. “Hmm?”
“W-what? That's ridiculous!” He'd thought he'd be accused of disguising himself as a pony.
“Oh is it?” Pinkie shot back.
“Pinkie settle down.” Rarity rolled her eyes. “He is most definitely a changeling. What pony in their right mind would disguise themselves as something so-” It wasn't until then did she realize what she was saying and who she was saying it in front of. “My apologies.” Rarity's cheeks glew lightly and she looked away. “How very rude of me.”
Twilight shook her head and sighed. “So you ran away from... I'm sorry. I don't know what your homeland is called.”
“Solandia... Yes I ran away... I thought Fluttershy would have mentioned it.”
“She did. I just... Well I don't really know what to do in a situation like this.” Twilight admitted.
None of them were as hostile as he would have thought them to be. One was crazy, one didn't think he had any say in the matter, one was confused and the other subconsciously realize he might have some feelings. “Okay...” Shift started. “I know what you all think of me... Me being a changeling and all. I promise I don't want to hurt anypony though. I left because I didn't want to hurt anypony. I just want to get away from it all. As soon as I am all better I'll be out of your manes. Just... I'm asking... Please don't turn me in. They'd throw me in prison, or take me back to Solandia and they'll do much worse... The queen would kill me if I were lucky.” He hated pleading to six mares he barely knew but what choice did he have. He seemed to be all out of choices lately.
“I don't know...” Applejack started. “How can we trust you?”
“That's what I'm saying.” Rainbow tacked on, seemingly forgetting she'd just had a conversation with him.
“You're not supposed to be here Shift... You know that.” Twilight added.
“We can't send him back though!” Pinkie suddenly blurted. “You didn't hear him Just now!? We don't know what they'll do to him!”
Fluttershy didn't know where the sudden change of heart came from but she welcomed Pinkie's help. “Guys please, if he had wanted to get away by now I am sure he could have. He's already been here a whole night and nothing happened. He could have really hurt me, or Rainbow but he didn't. I trust him.” The statement was as strong as she'd have liked it to be, considering she still had natural doubts about the changeling but she trusted him more than not.
“Didn't hurt me!? He hit me with a bucking pot!” Rainbow blurted, causing the yellow mare to shrink away. Shift recoiled a bit too.
“Now Rainbow darling.” Rarity cut in. “You know what Fluttershy meant. I'm sure he could have done worse while you were unconscious, but he didn't.”
Fluttershy thanked the moon for another vote on her side.
“Well... We have two choices. We can turn him in... Or we can let him stay in Equestria until he gets to the mountains.” Twilight started. “I think we all need to discuss this alone.” She turned to Shift. “Nopony here is going to say what is really on their minds while you are sitting here Shift... I know it's rude, but I want you to wait in the kitchen while we talk in here.” She looked to all the other mares and none of them seemed to have any objections.
Shift again, didn't see where he had any choice in the matter. “Okay...” He dropped down to the floor from the chair on his god hoof, smiled weakly and limped into the kitchen, leaving the six mares who would ultimately decide his fate alone. He was not happy about this at all.
Once in the kitchen he shut the door behind him and sat at the table. He could have eavesdropped on the conversation but it would just make things worse for him if he heard that the decision weren't in his favor. He found it best to just wait it out and hope for the best, though he couldn't help but think the odds were not in his favor. The anxiety was torture.
The thought of running crossed his mind again. They'd left him alone, nopony could stop him from leaving out of the back door. However he knew the chances of him making an escape weren't good, and then he'd have no chance of winning their favor. No... It was best to wait and accept what came out of this. Fighting nor running would do any good. Whatever those six mares decided in that next room would decide how he would spend the rest of his life.
He was starting to believe it might be just as well if they did turn him in and if they did kill him. What was his life now? If he'd stayed he'd be forced to fight and kill, or die... If he did make it to the mountains then what? Survive? For what? He'd be all alone in the cold. At least it'd be peaceful. If he did get turned in he could only hope the Equines would treat him with some level of humility. So why did he care so much?
Once the door to the kitchen shut Twilight started the conversation again, looking to Fluttershy. “Now... Fluttershy, why did you want to keep this from us? What did you think we would do?” She tried as best she could as to not sound accusing.
Still Fluttershy shrank away, hiding behind her bangs. “I just didn't want anypony to get hurt... Even him. He needed help and he was only going to stay here until he got better. He was sick and hurt, and I was the one who hurt him... What would I do?” Her tone was a little more defensive than she'd liked but everypony was looking to her for an answer.
“We weren't going to hurt him Shy, but you have to understand he just don't belong here. If anypony else would have caught him you both might have been in trouble. Not everypony is as open minded as you.” Applejack pointed out.
“Why should he be in trouble for what he is? He can't help it.” Fluttershy stood a little taller now, overcoming her sheepish demeanor through her determination.
Everypony else was a little taken aback by her sudden assertion.
“Fluttershy darling... Nopony is saying you are wrong. We just don't want to see you hurt. We simply wish you would have told us about this before Rainbow found out on her own.” Rarity replied.
“Yeah... I was hurt.” Rainbow huffed, but immediately regretted the statement when she saw Fluttershy sink back to the ground.
“I-I'm sorry Rainbow.” She whimpered. “I know... I shouldn't have left him on his own.”
“No Shy it's okay really! I'm fine.” Rainbow tried hard to make up for her earlier mishap but could feel the eyes of the other four on her with dissatisfaction. Rainbow sunk back in her seat and avoided their gaze. “Stupid changeling.” She muttered.
“Fluttershy I know it's not fair that ponies look at changelings the way they do, but... That's just the way it is.” Applejack pointed out. “There's no use in getting yourself all hung up about it.”
“Well if I can help him-” Fluttershy trailed off.
“Shy no matter what he does he is...” Twilight sought after a way to soften the context of what she was about to say, but could find none. “It's just not going to end well. He can't hide here forever, if he does leave he still has to make it to the mountains and even if he does make it what would he do then? If he gets hurt up there he's all alone. You won't be there to help him. How would he eat? Where would he live?” Twilight hated herself for crushing the yellow pegasi's heart but this was reality.
Fluttershy was almost in tears. She knew this was all true. “B-but- Then he can stay here.” She whimpered.
“Fluttershy...” Rarity started. “I know it hurts... You have to understand. We don't hate him because he is a changeling, we don't hate him at all. We don't even know him. He can't stay here, even if he can disguise himself we already have seen how that worked out. Even then he can't hide or stay in disguise forever, it's jus-”
“That's a great idea!” Pinkie bounced up out of her seat.
Everypony was startled by the mare's outburst.
“Pinkie what in tarnations are you on about?” Applejack growled.
“Magic silly! He can change into a pony and be a pony like everypony else and then he won't have to hide!” Pinkie bounced up and down around Fluttershy who looked on in confusion.
“Pinkie have you lost it? He can't just change into any pony in Ponyville! Somepony would bound to notice that one of the two would be off.” Rainbow settled back down after her shock.
“That's where the magic comes in! All we need to do is make him a pony that isn't in Equestria!”
“Pinkie Pie that-”
“Wait a second Rainbow.” Twilight cut in. “I think Pinkie is on to something.”
“You do?” Rarity and Applejack asked in unison.
“Hear me out. Changelings don't need anything but a mental image to change into a pony they see. While we can't let him hide as somepony that already exist... If we can create a model for him as somepony we've never met before and he changes into them then he won't have to pretend he is somepony who already exist.” Twilight explained.
“You expect him to keep up the disguise forever?” Rainbow asked skeptically.
“I wasn't finished. If he can change into a pony, maybe I could find a spell to make the change permanent so he wouldn't have to try and hold it on his own and he wouldn't have to worry about his magic failing him.”
“That's what I was saying!” Pinkie chimed.
“Twilight, are you sure this will work?” Rarity couldn't help but to mirror Rainbow's skepticism.
“No but anything is possible with magic. It'd be a great learning experience too.” Twilight hummed and thought of the possibilities. “A real experiment with a live subject.” She shook her head. “Sorry... I'm sure I could come up with something though.”
“That would be nice.” Fluttershy was smiling again.
“Hold on hold on.” Rainbow shook her head. “We can't just trust him like that! What if he really is a spy? Then we'd just be giving him the perfect disguise and inviting him into Equestria to learn whatever he wanted.”
“Rainbow Dash I am not dumb.” Twilight sighed. “I thought of that... I am going to write Princess Celestia and let her know what's going on.” She looked to Fluttershy. “I'm sorry Shy but I have to. I promise she is very understanding.”
Fluttershy wasn't sure how to feel about that, but she trusted Twilight's judgment, as well as Princess Celestia's. “O-okay.”
Twilight nodded and turned her attention back to Rainbow. “If this works I am sending Shift's new details and appearance to her so she will know who he is and make her own calls when it comes to him.” Twilight huffed.
“Fine.” Rainbow crossed her forelegs and pouted in defeat once again.
“Don't be that way Rainbow, we know you mean well.” Applejack offered, and was happy to get a smile in return.
“You'd do that Twilight?” Fluttershy asked?
“Yes Fluttershy I will. You're right... Every living thing deserves a chance and if I can help give Shift his I will. Just... Don't make a habit of taking in changelings.” Twilight smiled.
“Oh I won't.” At least... She didn't plan on it. She smiled and sat a little taller.
“He still has to agree with this Fluttershy.” Twilight warned. “And Princess Celestia has to give her blessing.”
“I know.” Yet still the smile stayed. A little hope was better than none at all. “He can stay here until then though.”
“So... Everypony agrees then?” Twilight asked, looking around the room.
“I don't see a problem.' Applejack replied.
“Me either.” Rarity chimed.
“I like it!” Pinkie bounced.
Everypony looked to Rainbow who returned still sat pouting. “What?”
“Rainbow...” Twilight sighed.
“Oh all right.” Rainbow huffed.
“Go get him then.” Twilight urged and motioned with a hoof to Fluttershy who happily obliged.
It took them a lot longer than he'd expected, but finally after maybe half an hour the kitchen door opened and Fluttershy poked her head through. She was smiling. “Um... Shift, could you rejoin us please?” She didn't wait for an answer, but slipped back through the door.
A very confused Shift arose from his seat and hobbled back into the living room where they all waited. His seat in the chair had been left open, and the fireplace had been lit. He took his seat without a word, concentrating on the heat that came off of the nearby fire.
Twilight cleared her throat. “Shift, we're not going to turn you in.” She stopped, which made Shift think he needed to reply.
“Um... Thank you.” He replied awkwardly.
“But... We're not letting you go to the mountains either.” She told him.
Shift cocked his head to the side and gave Fluttershy a look. “You're taking me back to Solandia yourselves...” He didn't like the sound of that at all.
“We didn't say that.” Applejack cut in. “After having some time to think and clear things up... We've decided you're gonna stay in Equestria.”
Shift shook his head before letting it hang. That was a dumb idea. He had no way of functioning in this society and he couldn't stay here. “I can't do that.”
“Well of course you can darling.” Rarity spoke.
Were they stupid? Shift had to wonder. However he was going to humor them for now. Maybe they were on to something. “Okay then... How/?”
“Egghead here came up with an idea.” Rainbow replied. Shift couldn't help but to notice the mares coy smile.
Twilight shot her a look before continuing. “I am not sure it'll work... Or if it is even possible but... Using your magic with mine, and a spell... We may be able to turn you into a regular pony.”
Shift recoiled a bit at the suggestion. “What?” She was going to do what? “Now?”
“No. No not now. I can't do it now. Like I said I don't even know if it's possible.” Twilight admitted.
“I... I don't know.” This came out of nowhere. Turn into a regular pony? It was one thing to leave Solandia... Another to change who he was completely. And what if it didn't work? He'd just get his hopes up just to end up back to going to the mountains.
“Look... I don't know what other choice you have.” Applejack told him. “Now Fluttershy might not tell you herself but she don't want ya going to the mountains. I agree with her. We all do...”
“I don't.” Rainbow huffed.
“Rainbow stop.” Rarity snapped then looked back to Shift. “She's still a little mad about the pot.” Rainbow hadn't said that but Rarity had to give him something.
Rainbow looked away but snorted, confirming her suspicion.
“Shift we wouldn't feel right about letting you go like this. I don't know what you know about the mountains but I don't think it's anything like I know. The wildlife isn't exactly friendly, it's far too cold and I don't know if you'd survive out there. What would you eat? Where would you live?”
Shift didn't know, and sat there silently.
“Of course... We won't stop you.” Twilight continued. “We're merely offering you a chance to stay in Equestria... As a... Regular pony. However... Whatever you decide... We won't turn you in as long as you do not give us a reason to. Right?” Twilight shot Rainbow a sharp look who avoided her gaze.
“So what do you say!? Want to be a pony!?” Pinkie bounced in her seat.
Shift pondered this for a while, looking down into his lap to avoid the gazes of the six that waited with varying levels of patience for his answer. The offer sounded like a dream come true, but... If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is. What did he have to lose though? A ruthless and dangerous trip to the mountains where he still runs the risk of being captured by the equines or starving or getting hurt. He couldn't go back to Solandia. They'd kill him for abandoning them.
Worst case scenario the spell fails and he continues on to the mountains, to the unknown. He didn't like that idea. “O-okay.” Shift looked back up. “I'll try it. How is this going to work?”
“Well.” Twilight seemed pleased with his decision. “We can't just change you into a copy of another pony. So we'll have to figure out a way to make you an individual appearance. Can you change into a pony you've never seen before?”
Shift shook his head. “No... I can only change into things that I have seen before.”
“Does it have to be an actual living pony?” Twilight asked.
“No, it doesn't. As long as I see it I can change.”
Twilight hummed to herself and looked down for a moment, then back up at Shift. “So if I can project an image of a pony you'll be able to take on it's appearance?”
“I should... Yes... But how?”
“Well this is the good part. You get to decide what you look like. In fact You can decide everything about yourself. A new name if you want it too. You can keep Shift but if you wanted to start completely anew you can change your name. You'll need a cutie mark though. If I were you I'd come up with a story for yourself for when you start to socialize with other ponies so you know what to tell them.”
“I have to come up with all of that?” Shift replied. A whole life? Just out of nowhere? A cutie mark... “What exactly are cutie marks? I know they are on a pony's flank but what are they for? Are you born with them?”
“No Silly.” Pinkie giggled. “They represent something you're good at or something about yourself. Mine are balloons.” She stood up and turned so he could see them. “Cause I like to party! Rainbow has a cloud and lightning bolt cause she is so fast and she has a pretty rainbow mane. Rarity has a jewel cause she likes dress up. Twilight... Twilight what is yours?” Pinkie suddenly looked confused. “I know it has something to do with magic but...”
“It's like a star Pinkie.” Twilight rolled her eyes. “To continue her explanation however... Applejack has apples cause she works on her family's apple orchard. Fluttershy's butterflies represent her love of animals.”
“So...” Shift replied thoughtfully. “Something I am good at? I don't really know what I am good at though... Fluttershy did tell you what I used to do right?” He really hoped she had. “I can't do any of that here.”
“Yes.” Twilight confirmed. “You didn't have a hobby though? Something? Anything?”
“No... Not really.” Shift was disappointed he had nothing to tell her.
“Well... You have time to think about it.” Twilight reassured him. “Until then, Fluttershy has agreed to let you stay here. She actually wanted you to.”
“Fluttershy?” Shift turned to face the mare who'd been quiet this whole time. “Are you sure?”
“Yes... I am sure.” Fluttershy replied.
“Alright... I'll do it.” Shift dared to say he actually felt a little hope and couldn't help but to notice the gleeful look in Fluttershy's eyes. After all... What did he have to lose?
“Uh Twilight?” Rainbow asked as they trotted down the path away from Fluttershy's cottage, leaving her and the changeling behind.
“What is it Rainbow?”
“You didn't mention the part where you were going to tell Princess Celestia about him.” Rainbow pointed out.
“I know... I thought about it and I didn't want to scare him. If he knew the Princess... The highest authority in Equestria was going to find out he was here he'd panic and I don't want him to panic while he is with Fluttershy.”
Rainbow pondered this and nodded her head. “Yeeeah probably a good idea.”
“I'll tell him later... Once I have written her and gotten a response.” Twilight replied.
“What do you think she'll say?” Rarity inquired.
“I'm sure it'll be fine, but I want to be sure. That's another reason I didn't bring it up. I asked Fluttershy not to say anything either. I'd appreciate if you all kept it quiet too.” Twilight looked around to the group.
“You have my word.” Applejack smiled.
“My muzzle is-” Pinkie clamped her forehooves down on her muzzle, bouncing along on her hind legs.
“Not a word.” Rarity stated.
“I don't want to talk with him anyway.” Rainbow muttered.
Twilight snorted and shot her a glare.
“Okay fine... I won't say anything to him about Celestia.” Rainbow crossed her forelegs as she flew along.
“Thanks girls.” Twilight beamed.
Fluttershy closed the door to her cottage after seeing her friends off and turned to face Shift who sat fiddling with his forehooves still in his seat like a confused colt. “Are you alright?” Fluttershy asked as she approached the seat.
“Y-yeah... I think so... I don't know...” Shift shook his head and looked up at her with his seemingly sightless gaze though there was a small smile on his muzzle. “Just a little confused. That wasn't what I was expecting.”
“I-I know... But isn't it a good thing?” Fluttershy asked with a hint of enthusiasm. “Better than some cold awful mountains.”
“Y-yeah I guess your right. I just... What if it doesn't work? What if I get my hopes up for nothing?”
“It'll work Shift. Twilight is really really smart and really really good with magic.” She tried to reassure him.
“You think so?”
“I know so.”
“Thanks... But... Even still... A pony like you? It sounds... great but... I don't even know where to begin... I don't know how to act... I have to come up with a whole alias. A background... A life and appearance... Then live it out? It's all a little... much.” Shift sighed.
“We'd be glad to help.” Fluttershy replied.
“You've already done too much.” Shift turned his head away.
“Well... I'd like to help, if that's okay.”
“You... Want to help?” Shift looked back to her.
“Yes... I do, and I am sure my friends do too.” Fluttershy smiled.
“Thank you... I don't know what to say...” He really didn't. He didn't understand why they were being so nice to him. He'd never done anything for them... If anything he'd complicated things. Why question it though? “I guess... I'd better get started then.”
Fluttershy shook her head. “Um... I think you may need to sleep... It's been a long day. If... Well if you want to.”
Shift thought for a moment then sighed. “No... you're right... I'll start in the morning... It'll give me something to do... Besides... I am a little tired.” He yawned on impulse. “Mind if I get some water?”
“I told you you could help yourself to whatever you liked Shift.”
“Thanks.” He jumped down from his chair without thinking and yelped as his bad leg hit the floor. He was able to balance himself out on the other three however.
Fluttershy rushed over to him. “Shift? Are you alright? Oh you should be more careful.” She paced nervously around him as if he were one of her injured animals.
“I'm fine Fluttershy... That was dumb. I'd forgotten it was even hurt during all of that.” He winced and placed the injured leg's hoof back to the ground ever so gently.
“Do you need any help?”
“No... No I'm fine... I'll be alright for the night. Please... Get some rest.” Shift smiled through his pain to reassure her though part of him liked the overbearing mare's attention. He was not going to take advantage of her though.
“If you're sure.” She gave him one more look over. His wing actually looked a lot better. His leg obviously still hurt but before he hadn't even been able to put weight on it.
“I'm sure.”
“Okay... If you're really sure.” Fluttershy turned away and trotted toward the stairs. “Goodnight Shift. You still have the blanket down here right?”
“Yeah it's on the couch. Goodnight.” Shift smiled and trotted awkwardly from the chair to the couch. He was pleasantly surprised to find the couch cushions warm from where they'd all been sitting. The blanket was half stuck in between two of the cushions. He used his horn to pull it out, laid down on his side and draped it over himself. He heard the door upstairs close and knew she'd went to bed.
Things were starting to look a little better for him and he could only imagine the possibilities now if everything worked out. He could be whoever he wanted to be. He thought of different patterns of fur and mane colors. A mane... Not the webbing on his head but a regular mane, and he could get rid of the holes in his legs. He could have any color eyes he wanted. The possibilities were endless... He shook his head of the thoughts and smiled.
“I'll think about this tomorrow.” With that he let himself relax and settle into place. It took a while for him to suppress his thoughts enough to sleep but eventually he managed, and fell asleep.
Fluttershy shook her head and whined when the sun's first light shown upon her face through the window. With a bit of reluctance she opened her eyes and stretched, her mane a tangled mess behind her. As per routine she looked over to the small bed next to hers where she was relieved to see Angel fast asleep. As much as she loved that bunny she hated waking up to him demanding food in the rudest of ways. At least this way she had time to make his breakfast before he awoke.
She decided to get up and do that now. She'd have to come back up and take care of her mane, fur and tail later. She groaned and rolled over, dropping to the floor with a squeak. On her way down stairs she heard some rattling in her kitchen, and looked down to her couch to see that Shift wasn't there. Maybe he'd gone to get something to eat in the kitchen.
Fluttershy trotted through the kitchen door and saw Shift at her oven, and heard something sizzling.
“Good morning Shift.”
Shift turned, surprised to see her awake. Why he was surprised he didn't know. This was her cottage. He smiled at her disheveled appearance. “Did you sleep okay? Looks like you did.” He turned back to the oven.
“I did... Does your leg feel better? You seem to be okay on it.” Fluttershy stated unsure of herself.
“It hurts a little... However I can trot on it a bit, and as long as I don't move too much I can bare the pain. Sit down.”
“Um... Okay.” She did as she was told and sat at her spot on the table where she found a cup of orange juice in front of her. He'd put his drink in her spot. That was what she thought until she looked across from her and saw another cup there. “Is this for me?”
“Yes it is.” Shift replied without turning, smiling to himself.
“Thank you.” She took the cup in both hooves and sipped at it.
“I'm sorry the food wasn't done, I'd thought you'd have slept longer.” Shift put the two omelets on two plates and used his magic to bring them to the table. “I hope it's good.” He took his seat and smiled sheepishly at her.
“Sometimes I do sleep in. It's okay. I wasn't expecting you to make me breakfast anyway.” She couldn't say she wasn't pleasantly surprised. She'd never had somepony make her breakfast in her own home before. She took a small bite of her omelet and purred. “I like it.”
Shift let out a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding. “Good. I cooked a little bit for... Never mind.” He'd cooked for his fellow changelings on their way to attack Canterlot and when they had overnight shifts guarding gates. He just didn't feel it appropriate to bring it up.
Fluttershy didn't have the mind to push for an answer. He obviously didn't want to talk about it so she chose to continue eating her food in silence. She did flash him a smile for reassurance. Then her ears perked up as she heard the quiet distinct hops of Angel coming down the stairs. “Oh I forgot to make his breakfast.” She groaned.
“I took care of that.” Shift replied.
“But... You don't know-”
“It looked like a fancy salad to me... So I made him a fancy salad.” Shift shrugged.
“Oh... Well I hope he eats it...” Fluttershy trailed off, taking an absent bite of her food.
“He should. Hey so... What do you think I should look like?” Shift asked suddenly.
“Huh?” Fluttershy focused her attention back to the changeling.
“You know... Twilight I think her name is... The spell thing?” Shift explained. “I need a new look... I need a new name, a job or something.”
“Oh... Um I don't know. What do you like?” Fluttershy asked.
“What do I like?” He paused... “What do I like?” This time it was more of a question to himself. He looked around the room, then out the window. “Trees.”
“Trees?” Fluttershy perked up.
“Yeah... Trees are good. I like the way they change colors in the fall. Plus they're great shade.” Shift.
“I'd like to be a tree.” Fluttershy replied.
“You'd like to be a tree?” Shift asked
“Oh yes. I love trees.” Fluttershy nodded.
“Um... alright.” Shift laughed nervously. “I like all sorts of plants though. Like... Well even flowers.” He blushed.
“What's wrong with that?”
“Flowers just aren't very... Stallion like.” Shift replied.
“Don't be silly. Everypony likes flowers. Have you seen my garden?” Fluttershy asked.
“No... I haven't been outside remember?” Shift reminded her. “And it was too dark that first night.
“Oh... Yeah... Sorry.”
“It's fine.” Shift smiled.
“Um... Would you like to go outside and see them?” Fluttershy asked.
“But if somepony see's me...” Shift turned his head away. Was she thinking.
“Well, if you can change into me and just go outside for a minute I'm sure it would be fine. I have lots of pretty flowers that I care for but most of them won't be in bloom.” Fluttershy suggested.
“That'll be great!” Shift exclaimed. “Right after breakfast sound good?”
Fluttershy nodded. “That's okay.”
Fluttershy and Shift ate the rest of their breakfast in silence, not really an uncomfortable silence but a mutual silence. Fluttershy was relieved to see Angel eat the food as if she'd made it herself.
After they were done Fluttershy went upstairs to fix her mane, fur and tail up. She'd hardly noticed she was still a mess due to being distracted by breakfast and was happy Shift had said nothing about it. When she got downstairs Shift was waiting patiently in the living room.
“You think This is okay?” He wouldn't mind going outside for a minute but he had a little doubt. Too many ponies already knew he was here.
“I don't see a problem with it.” She smiled. “If you take an interest, maybe I could get Twilight to bring you over some books about plants.”
Shift returned the smile and nodded. “I think I'd appreciate that.” He took a step back and looked her over once before illuminating his horn. A second later and he was the mirror image of the mare in front of him.
Fluttershy squeaked a bit seeing herself standing in front of her. She'd seen it before but before they were fighting. “D-do you mind if I take a look?” Fluttershy asked shyly.
“Sure no problem.” He sounded like her, but he didn't talk like her. This amused him. What amused him even more was the mare circling him ever so timidly. He let her get half way around before speaking. “So... How'd I do?”
“You're really good at this, but um... is my flank really that big?” Fluttershy asked.
Shift turned to face her but didn't know quite what to say. “Um... Well...” Now he was starting to sound a little more like her. A light blush clouded his canary gold face. “I'm sorry.” He feared he may have offended her.
“Oh no, it's fine. I'm not upset. I don't think...” She shook her head. “Maybe I shouldn't have asked.”
“Well... I'm going to go see the garden then.” He laughed nervously and made for the front door. He was a little hesitant to open it but got over that quickly. The light from the sun blinded him for a moment, he turned his head and hid his face. When his eyes adjusted he stared out at the path and smiled, then took a deep breath.
The fresh air filled his lounges and filled him with joy. He wasn't as nervous as he'd been before. Nature was so much more enjoyable when you weren't trying to survive off of it, afraid of every tree or rather... What may be around it.
He looked behind him and saw Fluttershy watching him at the door curiously. She urged him on with a forehoof. “Go on.”
Shift smiled and shut the door behind him, then trotted down the stairs. It was a tad chilly but the sun had been up for a little while and was starting to warm things up a bit. He turned the corner of the cottage, staying close to the wall and nearly trotted into the garden itself.
Just as he'd of thought most of the plants lay dormant. However there was a group of them in full bloom. It was a purple daisy like flower, growing in patches around the others. Very carefully he poked one, watched it give a little then spring back softly, and placed his hoof back to the ground. He actually didn't see any weeds growing. She took good care of her garden.
He looked up at the trees around him, and their ever changing leaves signaling the coming winter. Fall was his favorite season partly due to the changing colors of the leaves. Changing. Like himself. He was changing... He giggled to himself, shaking his head for a second as the soft sounding noise escaped his throat rather than his usual raspy voice. He'd already forgotten he had taken the form of the yellow mare.
Shift just found it funny to be comparing himself to a leaf but when you've lost everything else what was the harm in picking out the smaller wonders of life? After a stiff breeze chilled his fur he decided it was time to go back inside.
He waited until the door closed behind him before changing back into his familiar changeling form. Fluttershy was waiting for him in the living room. “Those flowers, the one's in bloom. Isn't it a little cold for anything to be growing?”
“Michaelmas Daisies,” Fluttershy replied. “They actually bloom in fall... I keep them so my garden will look pretty even through the colder days.”
“Well you're doing a good job.” Shift thought for a moment. “When you have the time do you think you could teach me a bit about your garden? I know you said your friend had a bunch of book son the matter but I'd like little first hoof experience.” Why not? Tending to plants seemed easy enough and was definitely harmless.
“I'd be happy to but...” She paused and looked down.
“But what?”
“We'd have to be careful... We'd both be out there at the same time and you can't use me as a disguise. Maybe... Maybe one of my friends could come over for a while and hide in the cottage while we were out there but they're often busy.” She shook her head. “And, well... While I do have those Michaelmas most of the flowers are dormant.”
“Oh... Yeah, I guess you're right.” He looked down sadly then shrugged. “I guess it could wait until I get my new look, if I get it. Until then the books will have to do.”
“Don't worry Shift. I'll see what I can't do about getting those books for you today though. The library is closed, but I am sure Twilight wouldn't mind if I asked.” Fluttershy gave him a reassuring smile which did cheer him up a bit.
“Alright, I'll try plants then.”
Shift trotted aimlessly through the hallways of the cottage, bored and awaiting the return of the yellow mare who'd been his exclusive source of company the past two days. He stopped to look out one of a window, the sun was setting.
“Shift? I'm back.”
The voice was barely audible but he heard it from the living room. She was back. He trotted in the direction of her voice.
“Shif, oh. Oh no. Oh my!”
A crash startled him before he turned the corner, which encouraged him to trot as fast as he could into the living room. “Fluttershy?” He trotted in and stopped in his tracks. Fluttershy was there, in a small pile of books. He saw her head poke up from the pile with a dazed look on her face and a book lay open on her head. “F-Fluttershy?” He snorted and tried to hold in his laughter.
“Hey Shift, I um... Brought you some books.” Fluttershy shook her head and knocked the book from it.
“Some?” Shift asked, using his magic to levitate one of the books to his muzzle. “Botany? What the hell is Botany?” The cover looked like it was covered in dirt, and a root was burrowed down through it, wrapping around the spine.
“It's what you call the study of plants... I didn't know either until Twilight told me.” Fluttershy got to her hooves and shook away another book. “She couldn't decide which one would help so... She gave me all of them. Nopony ever checks them out.” Fluttershy shrugged. “You're leg seems to be okay.”
“My leg?” It wasn't until then did he feel the dull ache. “Oh yeah, it's good for the most part.” He stomped the floor lightly and looked back up at her. “Much better than yesterday.”
“That's good, so... I'm just going to put these on the shelves, they won't all fit in but I can just stack them on top.” Fluttershy went to pick a few of them back up until Shift stopped her.
“No no, that's fine. I'll do it.” He levitated a few in his green aura and placed them on the shelf on the opposite end of the room. “It's easier for me and you already did too much.” He smiled and took a few more.
“Thank you Shift. I'm going to go lay down.” Fluttershy started for the stairs while Shift continued to set the books up.
As he placed the on the shelf by the bookcase he started to read the titles. Caring for Your Garden, Basic Plant, Roots for dummies, Cycle of Life, Tree's and Stuff. “Trees and stuff?” He repeated this and shook his head. There were at least fifteen books here on plants. Shift hadn't imagined there'd be so much learning involved. “Might as well start now,” He sighed and pulled the Roots for dummies book back from the shelf and brought it over to the table.
He sat at the edge of the table, opened the book and began to read. “What is a plant? A plant is any of various photosynthetic, eukaryotic, multicellular organisms of the kingdom Plantae characteristically containing chloroplasts, having cell walls made of cellulose, producing embryos, and lacking the power of locomotion. Plants include trees, bushes, herbs, ferns, mosses, and certain green algae.” Shift shook his head and looked back down at the first page of text. “I'm going to need a dictionary.”
Fluttershy groaned and stirred in her bed, opening her eyes slowly. She looked over to her clock which told her it was two-thirty-three in the morning. She groaned again, then coughed as her throat was dry. For a few minutes she toyed with the idea of getting up and getting a glass of water and scolding herself for not bringing one up before she'd went to bed. The idea that her throat would only get dryer the longer she slept convinced her to get the water after all, despite how comfortable she was. With one last huff she rolled out of bed.
When she opened the door she noticed the dancing light from down the stairwell and blinked a couple of times to figure out why it was there. The fireplace was still lit, she'd left it going for Shift who must have forgotten to put it out. When she made her way downstairs she saw that Shift had indeed forgotten to put it out, but he wasn't on the couch. He was slumped over the table where three of the books lay, two of them open and the third pushed to the side. His head was laying left side first on the table, one of his forelegs lay outstretched in an open book while the other was tucked under the table. He didn't look very comfortable.
Fluttershy frowned and tilted her head to one side. She wanted to wake him so he could get up on the couch but she didn't want to wake him at the same time and ruin his sleep. Maybe she could move him without waking him if she were careful. Would he be upset if he woke up to her touching him? It was a chance she'd take.
Slowly and deliberately she trotted over, sitting back on her haunches and hooked one foreleg under his tucked foreleg and the other behind his neck. Gently she pulled him back from the table, relieved to find he wasn't so heavy. She winced when his forehoof hit the table after sliding off the book. At first he didn't move, but a few seconds later when she'd started puling him from the table again he jolted up, half growling half shouting.
Fluttershy jumped back fast, her heart beating in her chest as Shift flailed for a moment before recovering and rolling back to his hooves, bewilderment in his eyes as he stared down the yellow mare. Then recognition registered in his mind and he slumped down to the ground. “W-what were you doing?”
Fluttershy squeaked. “Y-you fell asleep on the table a-a-and I was just trying to move you to the couch.”
Shift glanced at the table and the books, then back at Fluttershy. “Oh.” He didn't know what else to say. “I didn't scare you did I?”
Fluttershy caught her breath and reluctantly nodded. “A little.”
“I'm sorry.” Shift's ears flattened and he turned his head away. “I was studying and must have dozed off.”
“You still need to sleep though.” Fluttershy straightened herself a bit now that he'd calmed down.
“I know but... There's just so much stuff... I didn't know there was so much to learn about plants.” He shook his head solemnly. “I'll never learn it all.”
“Don't say that. I know you can if you just try.” Fluttershy trotted a bit closer and sat in front of him. “Maybe Twilight can help.”
“Even if she did... I just don't know if I could retain all this information if I did manage to learn it all.”
“You're just tired right now Shift.” Fluttershy decided to change the subject. “Maybe, you'd feel better if you slept. You've been through an awful lot lately and haven't had too much time to recover.”
Shift didn't feel much better hearing those words even though he knew he should. After all she was right. Either way he did want to sleep. “Yeah... Maybe I should get to sleep. I didn't mean to stay up anyway,” he put on a fake smile to reassure her. There wasn't any sense in having her worry about him.
“I think that's a good idea.” Fluttershy returned the smile. “Just, tell me if you need anything.”
“I think I am good tonight Fluttershy. Thanks. Maybe you should get to bed too. It has to be late.” It was then that he realized he didn't actually know what time it was. He looked over to the clock and his ears drooped again. Two-fifty.
“Okay. I'll see you in the morning.”
“Goodnight.” Shift turned to acknowledge her.
“Goodnight.” Fluttershy smiled once more before turning and trotting into the kitchen.
Shift jumped up on the couch and sighed. He also hadn't known how tired he felt until now. He listened as he heard the sink in the kitchen running for a few seconds, then tracked the mare's soft hoof steps as she passed back through the room and up the stairs until finally he heard the soft click of her bedroom door shutting. A minute later he was asleep.
Shift woke up to the sound of a door shutting and he jolted awake. He sat up and looked around, noticing a small note on the table. He picked it up.
Went to see Twilight, will be back soon.
That must have been her shutting the door on her way out. “He grumbled to himself and dropped the note back on the table. He was too tired to care so he laid down, falling back asleep.
“Does he usually sleep in so late?”
“No, he was just up late last night.”
“Reading the books?”
“Yes... Though he seemed a little um... overwhelmed.”
“Hmm...”
Shift opened his eyes and shook his head at the sounds of the voices. At first he'd thought he'd been dreaming but it was only getting louder. Sure enough Fluttershy was there, along with Twilight who was staring down at him.
“Good morning, or... Afternoon.” Twilight grinned. “Get up. I have news for you.”
“Mmm...” Shift hummed and rolled over, facing away from them, still too tired to care.
“Um, Shift, please could you get up?” Fluttershy's soft voice echoed in his ear yet still he refused to move. “Maybe we should just let him sleep.” Fluttershy turned to Twilight.
“He needs to get up anyway Shy, or else he won't be able to sleep tonight. Besides, he might want to hear this.” Twilight prodded the changeling's shoulder with a forehoof.
Shift had heard her last statement, and it perked his interest so this time he resigned and rolled back over to face them. “Good morning.”
Fluttershy held out a glass of orange juice, offering it to him. Shift smiled and sat up, feeling a sense of warmth from the gesture. He took the glass in his forehooves and took a drink. “Thank you Fluttershy.”
“Oh, you're welcome,: Fluttershy replied.
“Shift we need to talk,” Twilight stated.
He would have been worried if she didn't look so happy. Maybe he should be worried. “About?” He asked cautiously.
“You, the spell, and Princess Celestia,” Twilight replied.
Shift almost dropped the glass. “Celestia? Me?” They turned me in!
“Shift calm down.” Twilight snapped. “It's fine. Please let me explain.” She shook her head and sighed. Maybe she should have been a bit more subtle. “I had to tell her, but it's okay. She is fine with you being here and agrees with our plan. Only her, the other princesses and a few guards will know, and they've been given orders not to touch you unless you do something out of line.”
Shift's heart was still racing though her words calmed him a bit. Only one question came to mind at the moment. “Why?”
Twilight sighed and Fluttershy looked away. “You have to understand... We couldn't just, trust you with the whole of Equestria. So... There is one more condition to our agreement.” She waited for him to respond but he didn't, just stared at her blankly, so she continued. “After the spell is complete we're going to record everything about you, breed, fur color all of that and send it to the castle,” again she waited but still he didn't speak. “This is just insurance Shift, you won't be followed or anything like that but ponies of importance will know who you are. Princess Celestia has promised me you will not be harassed unless you break a law here in Equestria.”
Shift blinked and sighed, admittedly upset they didn't fully trust him, though he understood and had no ground to blame them. At least now he didn't have to worry about Celestia finding him out. “So... I don't have to hide anymore?”
“Well... No... You still have to hide. Not all ponies are as understanding and even I the Princesses allow it you would still be in danger. Also, if it did go to the castle it would put strain on their leadership. It's sad to say but a lot of ponies would demand you be punished as a spy, or at the very least, sent back to-”
“Yeah I understand.” Shift cut her off, looking down to the ground.
“Now, you don't have to accept this offer. If you don't however you'll be sent back. No pony will know you were here but you won't be able to stay here anymore.”
“I accept and I will stay,” Shift replied immediately. “I don't have any reason to worry. I am not a spy.”
Twilight smiled and Fluttershy visibly cheered up. “Great! Now, there is a good side to all of this. The castle can get you a proper I.D which will help you once you have changed. I actually hadn't thought about that before.”
Shift perked up a bit. “They'll do that?”
“One more thing though,” Twilight stated.
“What's that?”
“You were up all night reading?” She asked.
Shift slumped back on the couch with a heavy sigh. “Yes but, it's a lot and I feel like I haven't learned anything.”
Twilight giggled, looked at one of the books that still lay on the table and levitated it in front of herself. “Some ponies actually go to school for a long while before they learn all of this Shift. You couldn't possible expect to learn it all in such a short time.
“I mean, so what do I do then?” Suddenly feeling helpless again.
Twilight frowned a bit. “Shift you don't need to know everything about every plant to take care of them. When you turn a light on, do you know exactly how the switch turns the light on?”
“Yeah, I don't know too much about plants but I do take care of a garden,” Fluttershy blurted, or... What you could call blurting from her. However once she realized she'd interrupted she took a step with her head down. “S-sorry.”
Shift smiled at her sheepish demeanor and looked back to Twilight. “You think so?”
“I know so. Nopony knows absolutely everything about what they do. Even if... It doesn't have to be plants. You have time to think about it. I'm still working on the spell. “
“How is that going?” Shift asked curiously and hopefully.
“Actually, not that bad. I don't think it's going to be quite as hard as I thought though I am not too sure yet. Princess Celestia is sending me a book she says may help and actually seems curious herself.”
Shift was happy to hear this. “That's good right?”
“Of course!” Twilight beamed. “I have to get back to the library for now though. I'm pretty busy.”
“Well... Thanks for coming by to tell me all this. I know I've told you before but you're too kind.”
“Anything for a friend,” Twilight replied before heading to the door.
Shift let her exit before looking to Fluttershy who'd recovered from her embarrassment. “A friend?”
“Yes,” Fluttershy replied. “You're our friend now, if you want to be.”
“Of course I want to.” Shift felt good about everything again, though he was a little nervous about it all at the same time. Everything was happening so fast. However he wasn't going to let it ruin how he felt right now.
“Princess Celestia... I trust your judgment but I can't help but to worry... A changeling...” Shining Armor turned his head to the side in thought. “What makes him worth the risk? Or the trouble of watching?”
“You know as well as I, we should not judge one off of their looks Shining. Twilight and I have discussed this at length during our correspondence. He is of no threat and still precautions have been put in place.” Celestia sat and listened patiently to the stallion's concerns. He had every excuse to feel such way and it was her duty to still his nerve, even though she had her own doubts.
“How much can we do without noticeably interfering with this changeling's life in Equestria? It'd be impossible to keep eyes on him all the time. What if he hurts somepony? What if he comes here? Most of the guards aren't even aware of his presence here for his protection however that also posses a very serious security infringement.” Shining began to pace back and forth, avoiding eye contact with the Princess. No doubt his paranoia was unattractive.
“The Captain of the Border Patrol will be informed of all the details. He will be restricted to Equestria once his change is complete. He'll be allowed in Canterlot but not within the castle. You, the captain of the day guard and the captain of the Night guard have been filled in as well as other important post. Twilight should have explained the situation to him and if he is okay with this I see no reason to distrust him. Should he have worried about these conditions then there'd be cause for concern.” Celestia smiled and waited for his rebuttal. It was refreshing knowing he was so worried about the safety and security of Equestria, even if his fear was misplaced.
Shining sighed and offered no further argument. “My apologies Princess.” He bowed low and hid his disdain well.
“Your apologies are unnecessary and your caution understandable. Now, unless there are other matters you wish to discuss, I'd much like to lie out in the garden.”
“There's nothing more your highness.”
“Do try and enjoy your day Shining.” Celestia smiled. “You are dismissed.”
“Thank you Princess.” Shining got up and turned for the door in one fluent motion. Maybe a little more time to think would take the edge off his paranoia. He had more reason to distrust the changelings than most being he had been directly manipulated by their queen at one point in time. He exited the room as calmly as he could, waited for the door to shut behind him and stomped a hoof.
“Something wrong my liege?”
Shining looked up quickly, unaware he'd been in the presence of anypony at all. In front of him was knelt one of his guards, Trail Sword. A moderately sized earth pony with a brown mane and brown eyes, but a black mane. “No... Nothing's wrong, please get up.” Much like most Royalty in Equestria he was not big on formalities if they were not ritually necessary.
Trail arose and half hid an expression of guilt. “Prince Shining I... I must apologize but I couldn't help but overhear something about a changeling, here in Equestria...” He immediately regretted his poor choice in words as the Prince's demeanor changed.
“It's impolite to eavesdrop.” Shining growled, appalled one of his guards had actually listened in and then had the nerve to confront him about it.
“I understand.” Trail bowed again, staying low to the ground. “I meant no disrespect I assure you, it's just... I am as worried as you.”
Shining relaxed a bit and sighed. How could he be angry when the same paranoia had caused him to question Celestia's judgment “You're forgiven, but... Try to avoid such habits in the future.”
Trail couldn't help himself. “If I may ask... Is it true Twilight sparkle is in touch with this Changeling, and he is in Ponyville as we speak?” He'd expected more anger, and was pleased to hear nothing more than a tiresome sigh from Shining.
“I suppose you know already, and I'd rather you not go asking anymore questions in search for an answer. What you've heard from the conversation between me and Princess Celestia is true. However...” Shining paused for emphasis. “You will not mention this again, and you'll ask no further questions. You, just as I, must trust in Princess Celestia's judgment. Understand that if this spreads I will be looking to you for answers...”
“Understood.” Trail replied, his curiosity quenched yet not his doubt. “I shall not speak of this to another pony.”
“Very well. Carry on.” Shining went to trot past him.
“Actually Prince Shining, if I may have another minute.” Trail Sword stood up.
“Of course, is something wrong?”
“No no, nothing of the sort. It's just been quite a while since I've had leave from duty and was wondering if I might take some time to myself in the near future. I know I should probably talk to my first line supervisor but you're her and... Well...”
Shining couldn't help but to chuckle a bit. “I have seen you around her quite often. Where is it you plan to go?”
“Manehatten my liege.” Trail felt the fur on his neck rise having lied to the Prince.
“Manehatten eh?” Shining raised a brow. “I'll tell you what... The schedule has yet to be put out for next week. Inform your Lt to keep you off of it for... Lets say ten days?”
Trail smiled to himself and nodded. “I'd greatly appreciate it Prince Shining.”
“Have fun then. You're leave starts Wednesday next week. From then you should have plenty of time to get to the city before the weekend.” Shining smiled and patted the younger guard on the shoulder. “And don't get into too much trouble.”
“You needn't worry, but if you'll excuse me, I'm late for my rounds.”
“Of course.” Shining took a step back. “Off with you then.”
“Thank you Prince Shining.” Trail Sword nodded and continued on his way down the hall at a brisk pace. He had until Wednesday to figure out what he would do about this changeling. As much as he'd like to trust the judgment of his Princess and Prince he couldn't help but to think them far too kind for their own good. Besides, nopony had to know anything. By Friday the week after next, they wouldn't have to worry about this changeling anymore.
Trail had no sympathy for the beast, much like their sympathy when they'd invaded Canterlot not too long ago. Nothing bad could come of this Changeling's death other than some hurt feelings while the risk of leaving it alive was far greater. All he could think was spy, and as a royal guard it was his duty to safeguard Equestria from all threats, including spies, even if it meant deceiving his superiors.
He took his job seriously. Trail knew little about the changeling, and this bothered him. However he knew Twilight was involved, and the Changeling was in Ponyville. He'd liked to have heard more but further questioning would have been suspicious. This was no matter to him however. He had nearly a week to plan and ten days to find and dispose of this Changeling once he was in Ponyville. How difficult could it be to get rid of one changeling whom almost nopony even knew existed.
As long as the body disappeared they'd assumed he'd escaped. What he'd do with the body he'd have to figure out much later. He had time to plan, time to think. There was no need to rush just yet. For the time being, he merely completed his rounds.
