The Forbidden Love of a Changeling

Chapters

Prologue
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Three

Prologue

Tears streamed down her face. The sounds of the beating rain was showering against her cottage. Her sobs filled the empty house.

There was banging on the door.

"Fluttershy! Please, let me in, and I'll explain!"

Fluttershy ignored her lavender coated friend as she stared at her reflection from her window. Her yellow fur had gone pale, her mane was in a tangled mess, and her eyes filled with tears.

"Fluttershy...please...I..."

Fluttershy finally got the courage to speak up, "You don't understand, Twilight!"

"I do! That changeling could hurt you anyt-"

"Not him!" Fluttershy yelled. She didn't care if she was yelling at her friend. She loved him. She needed him. She wants him. Her one and only love. She hadn't felt like that in years!

"You don't understand! Even if you understand friendship more than I do, you still don't understand the meaning of love!"

"Fluttershy, that changeling feeds on your love!"

"Leave me alone, Twilight."

"Flutters-"

"Leave. Me. Alone."

Fluttershy heard Twilight sigh for a bit before trotting away from her cottage. As soon as Twilight was gone, Fluttershy's lips trembled.

"I love him, Twilight. I really do."

She stared at the picture attached on her mirror. It was a picture of her and the changeling in disguise, smiling during a parade in Canterlot. "Why do you have to go?"

Two years later...

Fluttershy sighed softly as she trotted across the streets, her braid bouncing beside her. Today was the day that must not be forgotten. At all.

It was special and memorable. It was the time when she confessed her feeling towards the changeling. Her changeling.

Fresh air instantly hit her as Fluttershy happily smiled and blushed. She remembered the time when she got cotton candy all over her face, and her lover wiped it off with his hoof.

Fluttershy stopped by at her favorite cafe, Sweetshop Cafe. The doorbell gave out a musical call as she opened the door.

Memories flowed through her brain. This was where she confessed her feelings towards him. She wondered if he's going to come back. Or maybe, he will never come back. Fluttershy's smiled dropped at the thought of that, but the smile instantly returned as the owner, Sweetheart and her daughter, Sweetsong got out of the kitchen to find her inside.

Sweetheart was a light pink unicorn with razor blue eyes and grey sparkling mane. On the other hoof, her daughter had a pinkish-purple coat and a light pink mane. She had earned her cutie mark by singing talents, but her band separated five years ago.

"Fluttershy!" Sweetheart cried out in joy, "You came back! Where is that handsome, young colt?"

"Oh, um...I...He left to uh...family business!" Fluttershy blurted out, her eyes darting left and right.

"Oh?" Sweetheart perked an eyebrow, starting to get suspicious.

"B-but it's good to see you again, Sweetheart," Fluttershy smiled kindly, trying to change the subject. Eventually, it worked.

"You too! Is it the balcony or the indoors?" Asked Sweetheart.

"The balcony this time," Fluttershy nodded.

"Sweetsong, would you be a darling and escort Fluttershy to our V.I.P. balcony?" Sweetheart questioned to her daughter.

"Sure thing, Mother!" Sweetsong chirped happily, her pinkish-purple coat gleaming in the sun. She hummed the 'My Little Pony' theme song as she took the menu.

"Oh, you don't have to," Fluttershy started to protest.

"Only for the best, darling!" Sweetheart winked. "Now, I'll go get your usual!"

"No need to," Fluttershy stopped her meekly. Sweetheart always had the time to listen to Fluttershy's protests. "I'm going to have a different order."

"Oh?" Sweetheart raised her eyebrow again. "Then I'll see you in a bit!"

"Follow me, Fluttershy!" Sweetsong squeaked as she escorted her guest to her seat.

"Thank you, Sweetsong," Fluttershy smiled as she gracefully sat down on the soft cushion.

"You're welcome!" Sweetsong beamed. "I like your braid though!"

Fluttershy just giggled as Sweetsong swiftly flew away. Then, Fluttershy began scanning the menu, and it was not long till her waiter came. He had ocean blue eyes, light blue coat, blonde mane with some white streaks (surely he's not old), and a cutie mark of dolphins.

His scent was like the ocean and with a hint of roses. Somehow, he seemed familiar....no, he smelled familiar to Fluttershy, but she couldn't figure out who he is. She expected to see a name tag, but none was pinned on his suit.

"Good afternoon," he bowed deeply. Fluttershy wondered who could have possibly bow to her as if she was the princess. "I will be your waiter today."

"Oh right," Fluttershy nodded, shaking her thoughts off. "I would like Prench Toast with your best tea around."

"Of course," the unicorn nodded, scribbling on his notepad. "Is that all?"

"I don't know, honestly," she admitted, shyly. "What is your recommendation?"

The pony's eyes sparkled immediately, and Fluttershy could've sworn she saw him blushing a bit as he spoke, "I would highly recommend our newly and famous Grilled Cheese Panini and our Chocolate Cheese Sandwich."

"Then I'll have both of them," Fluttershy smiled tenderly, giving the menu to him before turning into the incredibly shy mode, "I-if...you don't mind..."

"Not at all," he bowed again before trotting off. Fluttershy watched him leave before thinking where she had seen him before. Her thoughts were interrupted when Sweetsong came with the food she was carrying on her wing. She put the dishes down.

"Enjoy your meal!" She sang out as she trotted away. Fluttershy gave her thanks before eating the delicious food. As she chewed the Grilled Cheese Panini, the cheese instantly melted in her mouth.

'The waiter wasn't kidding about this as highly recommended,' she thought, savoring the taste in her mouth. Fluttershy finished everything that was on the plate, and she pushed her empty plate away.

"Sorry to bother you," Sweetsong apologized as she gave Fluttershy a pink rose on it.

"What's this for?" Fluttershy squeaked.

"It's a gift from your secret admirer from the Badlands," Sweetsong winked as she flew away. "No charges for our favorite customer, by the way. No excuses."

Fluttershy stared at the rose in front of her and knew that no pony gave her a pink rose unless....

But that's impossible! Fluttershy shook her head, He couldn't have come back! Twilight sent a protection spell that no changeling was to ever come to Ponyville! To reach me!

Fluttershy noticed a note sticking out of the rose,

'For the pony who makes my heart flutters, Fluttershy'

Fluttershy gasped, "It is him! I have to find him before it's too late!"

As always, the lover she was once with starts a poem by writing 'For the pony who makes my heart flutters'. She knew it was him and no pony else.

Fluttershy gave a tip as she got up from her seat, giving her farewells to Sweetheart and Sweetsong before exiting...

...only to find herself bumped into a certain somepony.

"Oh! I do apologize!" Apologized the waiter she had just met recently.

"It's fine..." Fluttershy gave a hinting smile before she tackled him into a hug. "I didn't recognize you at first! How did you get back?"

"It's good to see you again," he chuckled, hugging her back.

"Did you move in here?" Asked Fluttershy as they trotted down the streets. Her heart was leaping out with questions.

He nodded, "I found a job in Sweetshop Cafe, thanks to Sweetsong. It's a very nice place to work in."

"It is indeed," Fluttershy agreed. "Why did you move here?"

His reply touched her heart,

"To stay with you forever."

Chapter One

"It's been a while, hasn't it?"

The changeling snapped out of trance and looked back at Fluttershy who was smiling. They were walking down the street to Fluttershy's Cottage. He reflected the smile and answered, "Yes, it has."

"I missed you so much!" Fluttershy blurted out before covering her mouth with her hoof immediately.

His smile dropped instantly as soon as he heard this, "I know...and...I'm sorry."

Fluttershy frowned, hearing this, "What do you mean?"

"Fluttershy...I..."He made a heavy sigh, "It's been two years, Fluttershy. Two years! I was worried that you might have gotten over it..."

"Gotten over it?!" She squeaked, jumping back. She gave him the Stare. "Artwork Drone Silk!"

Now it was his turn to jump back, but he also winced at Fluttershy saying his full name. Especially his last one. Silk is a female's name, no?

"W-what?"

"Never say that!" Fluttershy scolded him. "I love you, and I need you, but never! Never ever ever ever think of me 'getting over it', understood?!"

Since his disguise was still a pony, his pupils dilated and his hooves trembled underneath him. He looked down in shame. Fluttershy's stare softened immediately as she lifted his chin up, "Never think of that. I would wait for you to come back even if it cost a thousand years! I would never give up on you."

Artwork nodded meekly like what Fluttershy would do, "I'm sorry it took two years, Fluttershy."

Fluttershy giggled, "It's better late than never. All that matters now is you are here. In your home."

Home... He thought. The place where there's happiness in your life...

"Come on," Fluttershy said, opening the door of her cottage, "I'll go make you som-"

"Hey, Fluttershy!"

Fluttershy squeaked in fright as she took off to the ceiling. They both spotted a yellow alicorn with purple mane and tail. He had red striped wings and a cutiemark of a heart and two swords on it.

The pony smiled sweetly, "How's your day?"

"Cousin!" Fluttershy only spoke out. "W-what are you doing h-here?!"

"Uh...it's our tea time?" He answered blankly as he pointed at the clock. "Don't worry, I made you some! Oh, and hey, Work."

He trotted to the kitchen, leaving both of them astounded. Artwork shook his head and changed into his normal form, "How did you know it was me?"

"I can sense whether you're a pony or not!" was the answer. As always, his answer kept surprise them...all the time.

"Wait, so you're the one who broke the protective barrier?" Asked Art, trotting after him.

Solaris Knight just gave a wink at him and hummed innocently, "What makes you think I did it?"

Solaris made it obvious, but Art and his marefriend decided not to answer it. Solaris levitated the tea pot, "Want some? It's Jasmine. Or would you prefer another kind?"

"Uh...Jasmine sounds nice," Art said, having something uneasy in his stomach. "Wouldn't she be mad?"

Fluttershy and Solaris knew who 'she' is. Solaris gave an assuring smile, "I've got that covered. I already placed a new spell! If a changeling who isn't greedy for love comes to Ponyville, he couldn't get out! See, you're not greedy for love, Art; you're a good guy."

Artwork could only stare at him dumbly, "T-thank you."

Solaris smiled, "Pas de problème ."

Solaris Knight was the Prince of Prance which made Fluttershy princess too; but she decided not to be one. Out of the sudden, Solaris was tackled by him cousin which made him let out an 'oof!'

"Thank you thank you thank you thank you!" Fluttershy cried, her eyes welling up in tears. "You don't know how much this means to me!"

Solaris' surprised face instantly turned into a soft, happy face as he returned it and whispered, "Votre accueil , mon princesse ."

Fluttershy sobbed, happy tears streaming down her pale, yellow face as Solaris patted her back. He turned his head to see Artwork and smiled, "Don't just stand there! You're part of the family now!"

Artwork's face brightened like the sun as he too was embraced into a hug. He felt a warm feeling tingling in his heart.

You are wrong, Chrysalis, he thought, You *can** feel love by just loving somepony.*

Suddenly, an ear piercing scream rang out.

Meanwhile...

Twilight Sparkle trotted to the boundaries of the Protection spell and touched it. Instead of having a purple glow, it has a red glow!

"W-wha?!" Twilight stammered, "B-but...how?!"

She instantaneously remembered about Fluttershy and broke into a gallop. "Oh no no no no no no! This is bad!" She said, repeating it over and over again until she reached for the door...

...only to be hit by a carrot.

"OW!" She yelled, rubbing her horn. She looked to her right and saw Angel and a group of animals staring at her. "What was that for?!"

Angel knew that Artwork was in there, and that Twilight was against him so he tapped the ground twice as he pointed at her; as if he was saying 'Charge!'.

The creatures immediately threw their food to her repeatingly as Twilight grunted, "Ow, ow, ow, OW!"

Twilight's horn glowed as she levitated them and their 'weapons' away. She put them in their homes and rolled her eyes.

"What is there problem?!" She groaned before she inspected the cottage, "No signs of struggles or breakdowns...seems fine...but..."

Twilight's ears perked up directly as she heard soft whimpering, "But...is that Fluttershy...crying?"

She laughed to herself, "Of course not! Don't be silly, Twilight! Solaris is here for their regular tea time!"

But the other part of her was tingling as if it was some kind of Pinkie sense. "But...what if he's captured?!"

"Of course not! Solaris is a knight! That's why his family name is called 'Knight'!"

"But what if Clans came back?!"

"Nah, you already sealed him to Tartarus, Twilight! Don't be silly!"

"But what if he's not here?!"

"That's it!"

Twilight peered inside the cottage by the window and spotted the trio hugging, but she couldn't see Artwork because he was wrapped by their hooves.

"See? They're fine!"

"But who's with them?!"

"Ugh!"

Twilight trotted slowly to another part of the cottage and spotted the changeling. The only thing she could think of...

...was to scream.

"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!"

Chapter Two

"Stay away from him, Fluttershy!" Twilight screamed after she knocked the door down. And I mean literally 'knocked it down'. "Solaris! Use your sword now! I can't believe my magic let him through!"

"Now hold on just a minute!" Solaris interjected, stepping between Art and Twilight. Artwork's blue eyes were big from the shock. "I believe I owe you an explanation!"

"Explain now," Twilight demanded impatiently, her horn glowing and ready to fire if anything happens.

"But first, I want you to lower down the 'weapon'," Solaris pointed at her horn.

"No way!" Twilight shook her head, wondering if she heard him right. "He might capture Fluttershy!"

"Now."

"No, Solar, I can't," Twilight sighed, her horn still igniting. "She's my friend."

"If he's her friend, then he's your friend," Solaris said with the stare. It was kind of impossible to believe that he had the stare more powerful than Fluttershy's; but he was related to her anyway.

"I won't back down!" Twilight stomped her hoof, making Art flinch and cower behind Fluttershy. Unfortunately, Twilight saw this and thought he was attacking! So she fired the spell immedately.

"NO!"

Good thing Solaris was there for he made the spell bounce back with his sword from the table nearby. The magic bounced right as Angel hopped in...and got blast by it. It turns out, the magic spell was harmless! Twilight just made a bubble spell!

Angel crossed his furry arms and blew raspberry at Twilight, but she ignored this.

"ENOUGH!" Solaris boomed with the Royal Canterlot Voice. He picked up the technique since the last time he was in Canterlot so don't question it. Twilight's ears folded as she took a step back. "THOU MUST UNDERSTAND THE LOVE OF THEIR LIFE! THOU PUSHED THEM AWAY FOR TWO YEARS! WE DO NOT WANT THEE HURTING THEM! ARTWORK IS A CHANGELING WHOSE HEART IS NOT EVIL! IF THOU JUST PUSH THE PAST AWAY AND APOLOGIZE, THOU WILST FIND OUT THAT HE IS GOOD!"

Finally, Twilight got her senses back. She realized that she had been harshly seperating them that she eventually made a protective barrier so he would not reach Fluttershy. Twilight hoofed the ground in shame and lowered her head so close to the ground. It's like she's bowing.

"I'm sorry," she whimpered, a few tears leaking from her eyes. "I-I didn't k-know! I was j-just so...confused and a-angry after S-Shining A-Armor's and Cadence's w-wedding that...I'm against them all....I-I thought...they were all e-evil...I'm sorry, Fluttershy!"

Twilight threw herself to Fluttershy and wrapped her hooves around her neck, "I'm so sorry!"

Fluttershy returned the hug and gently smiled, "It's okay, Twilight. I also thought changelings were bad, but Artwork shown me that not all changelings are bad."

After a few tissues and sobs, Twilight turned to Solaris who was happy that he could do something, "Thank you for bringing senses to me."

"D'aww, it's no problem," he smiled, "The 'Royal We' was getting old anyway."

"Y-yeah, I could fee-Wait, the changeling has a name?!" Twilight froze in shock. Her mouth was hanging open.

Fluttershy and Solaris laughed as Solar answered, "Labels are for books, not ponies. I got to go anyway, I'll see you later!"

"Goodbye, cousin!" Fluttershy waved at him as he took off in full speed, leaving a fire trail.

"Wait a minute! How did he get past the barrier?!" Twilight yelled at him.

"Whoops! I...uh...Je fis un nouveau sort que si un changelin veut de l'amour pour la cupidité, ils ne sont pas autorisés à entrer ! Je dois y aller maintenant, au revoir !" He spoke very quickly in Prench before making another fire trail behind him.

"What?!" Twilight asked, not understanding a word he had said. "Ugh, never mind."

"Twilight, this is Artwork Drone Si-"

"DON'T SAY IT!" Artwork interrupted but it was too late.

"-lk..."

Art got down on his knees and screamed, "NOOOOOOOO!"

Twilight and Fluttershy stared at him and blinked before Fluttershy explained, "Sorry, sometimes, Arts can be dramatic on his last name so don't say a word about that."

Twilight nodded in agreement before sighing, "Artwork, I'm really sorry that I tried to push you away from Fluttershy. I understand if you won't be friends with me."

Art's eyes flickered. No pony ever apologizes to a changeling! Except Fluttershy, but this is new!

"I...uh," he stammered, not sure what to say, "I-I guess it's alright..."

"ALRIGHT?!" She shrieked, making him fall on his back. "I...seperated you! I banished you! I even made a barrier for Celestia's sake! And you say 'It's alright'?! Like nothing have happened?!"

'It's okay," Art repeated, smiling. Obviously, he had no experience in this. "At least I'm back with Fluttershy."

Fluttershy's pale fur gone red as she felt his hoof over her neck. Twilight's lips curled into a tender smile, knowing that finally they are back together. But out of the sudden, she remembered how will the ponies react to this...especially her friends. Twilight frowned at the thought.

"I hate to break this cute moment, but what will our friends react?" Twilight asked. "I mean, what if they're mad?"

Fluttershy and Artwork looked at each other, feeling worried, but Fluttershy smiled, "I'd like to keep this as a secret for a while. But I already told Rarity last time before...you know..."

Twilight sighed, "Yes, and I'm sorry again..." Then, she thought about this for a moment before she hesitated, "Okay...I should get going now. Spike's waiting for me ten minutes ago. Bye, Fluttershy! See you at Gala tomorrow."

"The Gala!" Fluttershy facehoofed herself after she watched Twilight fly. She had forgotten all about the Gala! But she also wondered how will Artwork get in. Her thoughts were broken as Angel pushed her hoof to get her attention. "Not now, Angel."

"Um, Fluttershy?"Asked Artwork nervously. "Angel's trying to tell you something."

Angel grew impatient so he threw an invitation at her. "OW!"

Fluttershy rubbed her neck before she spotted the invitation. Curious, she ripped it open and found two tickets for the Gala!

"Two tickets! This is perfect!" Fluttershy smiled. "Arts, do you have anything to wear for tomorrow?"

"Not that I know of," Arts shurgged. "Why?"

"Can you accompany me to Carousel Boutique? You remember Rarity, do you?" Asked Fluttershy.

"Yes, I do," Artwork nodded, wincing, "I remember her screaming in my ear..."

"What was that?" Fluttershy questioned, picking up her old dress.

"Nothing," he said quickly before he changed into his disguise. "You ready to go?"

Fluttershy smiled sweetly as she took his hoof, "Ready."

Artwork, whose disguise was a pegasus, took off to the sky with Fluttershy, finally together again.

Chapter Four

"Your majesssssty."

A changeling with a blue armor bowed to none other than Queen Chrysalis.

"What is it, Captain?" She groaned, pushing away her papers. "It better be good because the last time you came here, we ended up being squashed!"

The captain cringed as the memory came back to him, but he replied, "I have bad newsssss and good newsss."

"And what is the good news?" Chrysalis huffed.

"Sssshe have returned," he hissed, stepping aside to reveal the tall, female changeling.

The female changeling flipped her hood off to reveal her red eyes and blue mane. She had a grey skin color which made it unusual for a changeling to see.

"Ah, yes," Chrysalis nodded, rising from her throne. "My Darling, what have you brought me?"

The tall changeling stepped forward and spoke in a cold, but also hurt voice, "Drone betrayed us."

"Which 'Drone', my Darling? Drone Works or Drone Silk?" Chrysalis tapped her chin as if she was thinking.

"Drone Silk," she hissed angrily. Her eyes looked down with shame before her eyes burned fire. "He went for that pathetic pegasus."

"Oh, you poor poor dear," Chrysalis cooed as she wrapped her arms around her neck. "It must have been hard for you to handle."

The female changeling gritted her teeth forcefully, "Yes, it have...but I got over it."

The changeling pushed Chrysalis away gently, "I have changed, Mother. You were right. Drone is nothing to us!"

Chrysalis smirked with pride, knowing she had hit the spot, "I'm glad you understand. We mustn't trust him. He is a traitor to all of us."

Chrysalis leaned forward, lifted up her daughter's chin, and whispered, "To you."

The changeling swatted her hoof away, "I want revenge, Mother. I don't want to stay locked in the castle anymore."

"Why, of course, Darling!" Chrysalis gasped dramatically; but in the inside, she was beaming with pride and cruelty. "We will take your orders from now on. You will rule our Changeling Hive after I die. Remember, be cruel to the others, even the ones who put you up."

Her daughter hid an evil smirk as she sat on the throne, "Yes, Mother, I will make you proud."

"That's my girl," Chrysalis smiled. Then, she turned to the Captain with an mad face, "Now what is the bad news?"

The Captain swallowed a lump, "One of the infantsssss ran away...The changeling who was so close to...."

He gulped, "....Drone Silk..."

"BLAST IT ALL!" She roared, kicking the table nearby. The table flew and crashed just an inch above the captain's head. "Yaroslava is another traitor to us! I've known her for their 'siblings-ship'! How dare she?!"

The Captain whimpered, scared of her outburst, "W-we mussssst d-do something immediately, Queen!"

The female changeling offered, "We can banish Yaroslava away."

"No," Chrysalis interjected. "That would make us look weak!"

Chrysalis thought of a plan before her lips curled into an evil smile. "And I know just the plan..."

Twilight's heavy groan was muffled by her pillow. She got a recent complain of a near sighted changeling in the Gelato Bar.

"How?" She spluttered, "That's not possible!"

Solaris, she thought, He should know this

She lifted her hoof and slowly got off the bed. "Spike!" She called out, her voice echoing through the huge castle. "Spike!"

She rubbed her chin, "Huh, I guess he's not here today."

Her ears perked up immediately as she heard laughing.

"And then, Twilight said 'Are you crazy?!'"

"Hahaha! That's pretty good! I haven't had that laugh for ten years!"

"I know, I can make somepony laugh, eh?"

"Spike..."Twilight growled venomously, apparently standing in the kitchen already.

Turns out, Spike was talking to Solaris and might be telling him embarssing moments about Twilight. Spike was startled, "Oh, uh, Twilight! You woke up early!"

Sweat began to form as Twilight hardened the glare on Spike, "It's ten."

Spike fiddled his claws nervously. "Oh! Is it?"

Before Twilight could say anything else, Spike added, "I'm going to make your breakfast!"

Then, he hurried to the stove. Twilight rolled her eyes and turned to Solaris. "Solaris, complaints of a changeling near by was sent by twelve ponies. Care to explain that?"

Solaris remained stoic as he calmly replied, "Yes, and I already got that covered. Apparently, Artwork's sister came, and she was very nice."

"And how do you know that?!"Twilight peered through his eyes.

He gave her a deadpan glance, "I have a curse over twenty years and last year has the cure. I didn't want it though. I consider it a blessing now. I can talk to animals, sense danger, see changelings in disguise, and eat gems just like Spike. How could I not know if she wasn't nice?"

Twilight stared at him for a while before sighing in defeat,"You've got the point there, but if there is any changelings attacking Ponyville, I will blame it on you. Are we clear?"

"Crystal clear," Solaris nodded. "Don't you forget I am hot tempered."

Twilight let out a low growl,"I won't."

Solaris stood up, "Well, I've got to meet my clients now. Good bye."

"No, wait," Twilight stopped him, "How did the changeling get past the barrier?"

"I switched it," Solaris said simply before taking off to the ceiling and getting out of the castle.

"WHAT?!"

Solaris chuckled silently, "I was expecting that."

Chapter Five

"So, uh, what do you wanna do today?"

Fluttershy jumped a bit as she heard Artwork's voice, "Oh! Um, I'm not really sure! Where do you want to go?"

Artwork looked up and tapped his chin, "There's a Gelato store next to Sugarcube Corner! I bet that would be nice!"

Fluttershy nodded, smiling with happiness, "Sure!"

It was evening by the time they reached to the gelato bar. The brightness of red flashed through their eyes as the sounds of waltz music followed.

"My," Fluttershy gasped, "such a wonderful place to be!"

Artwork too gaped in awe, completely amazed by their interior, "It is, indeed!"

"Welcome to Red Romance Gelato Bar!" A mare smiled, handing out the menus as they sat on the red cushions.

"I'm Honeysuckle Cherry! What can I getcha?"

"I'll take strawberry gelato," Fluttershy ordered before mumbling, "I-if you don't m-mind, that is..."

"Of course not!" Cherry beamed, scribbling her notepad. "How about you, sir?"

"I...uh...Love Potion?" He asked awkwardly. Artwork didn't even know what a 'gelato' is. Heck, he didn't even know why he brought Fluttershy here!

"Good choice!" Cherry smiled wider. "Anything else?"

Before they could answer, a customer screamed very loud, pointing at a nearby young changeling, "A CHANGELING!!!"

Everypony burst out of the bar in panic. Artwork stared at the young changeling for a moment, processing the scent of it. Then, he pushed his way through the crowd.

"Artwork! What are you doing?" Fluttershy cried out.

"We have to get to her!" Artwork said, pointing at the changeling.

"B-but!" She started to protest but found herself dragged.

"W-wait!" The young changeling cried out, her blue eyes wide from shock and sadness, "I-I'm not a..."

The hall was suddenly silent, leaving Fluttershy, Artwork, and the changeling alone. The changeling sighed and looked down, kicking the ground defeated.

"Chrysalis was right," she sighed in a small voice, "We are monsters..."

"We're not, Y," Artwork whispered, putting a hoof around the changeling's neck.

The changeling's ears immediately perked up, "B-brother Arts?!"

"'B-brother'?!" Fluttershy exclaimed, putting a hoof in her mouth, shocked.

Artwork smiled as he hugged his little sister gently, "It is I, your brother, Yaroslava."

"Brother!" She cried, hugging him tight as if the world was coming to the end. "I-I missed you!"

"I missed you too, little sister," he whispered in her ear.

And with that, Fluttershy fainted from shock. Artwork heard a thump as they turned around to reveal a fainted Fluttershy.

"Um...is she going to be okay?" Asked Yaroslava, wondering whether she should be concerned or not.

Artwork chuckled as he picked Fluttershy up, "She'll be fine. Now go change into a disguise."

Yaroslava smiled as she transformed into a pony. "Ready when you are!"

"Then let's go!"

Chapter Six

"Oh," Fluttershy moaned, her eyes fluttering open, "W-where am I?"

"Are you okay?" A squeaky female voice asked her.

"I'm fine," she smiled turning to Yaroslava, "You must be Artwork's sister!"

"And you must be his marefriend," she giggled. "When he's home, he always babbles about you!"

Fluttershy's cheeks turned red, "Oh, did he?"

"Especially when he sleeps!" Yaroslava snorted with laughter.

Fluttershy joined her too until Artwork came in, "Oh, thank...the stars you're alive!"

"I'm fine, Art," Fluttershy smiled sweetly. "Your sister seems nice! I could see why she got past the barrier."

Artwork beamed in pride as he shoved his sister near Fluttershy.

"Hey!"

"She haven't introduced herself," he smiled widely, nudging her.

"Okay, okay," Yaroslava rolled her blue eyes, "Sheesh...My name is Yaroslava Drone Silk, and I lived for ten years by now!"

"You mean you're ten years old," Artwork whispered in her ear.

"Whatever," Yaroslava sighed, "You can call me 'Y' or Ava."

"I think I'll go by 'Ava'," Fluttershy smiled kindly, "It's a beautiful name! Are you hungry?"

Yaroslava, or Ava, looked down to her stomach and patted it apologetically, "Err, no thanks. I don't think I am."

Her nose stuck up to the air, "I smell this strong love in here," she informed.

Artwork smiled again, "Chrysalis was wrong...We can make love by loving and caring for somepony."

Ava blinked, shook her head, and protested, "But that's impossible! Did you see how Dar-"

Artwork gave her a warning glance so she immediately shut her mouth and corrected, "I mean, did you see how..um, Chrysalis tried to love us?"

"No," Fluttershy said politely, "I have a question if you don't mind me asking."

"Sure, shoot away," Ava shrugged casually, making herself comfortable on the sofa.

"Is the whole hive related to each other?" Asked Fluttershy meekly. "I mean, if you...have one mother as in Chrysalis, then you're all siblings right?"

Artwork and Ava looked at each other, giving glances before Artwork said, "How did you know that?"

"Oh! Um, from Twilight's book," Fluttershy hid in her strawberry hair.

"Well, I hate to say this, but her book is wrong," Ava told her. "We, changelings, have different parents. Chrysalis is just the Queen to all of us..."

Ava drooped her ears in sadness, "But also, she wanted our all of our parents to die so we only have one mother; Chrysalis herself."

Ava shook away her tears that were beginning to form, "We were forced to watch them die in Chrysalis' own hooves. We even wondered if that was a wise thing to do to be a mother."

Artwork laid his hoof on her shoulder, "It was tough for us...but we managed to get through."

Fluttershy covered her mouth in shock. "Oh my! I had no idea! I am so sorry this happened to you!"

Artwork and Ava managed their best smile through their sad hearts, "It's not your fault," Ava smiled. "Chrysalis did try to find us food...but not in the best way."

"If you don't mind me asking again, how many siblings do you have?" Asked Fluttershy after clearing her throat.

"I have three sisters and one brother," Artwork smiled. "Though it was tough having more girls than one."

"Hey!" Ava crossed her hooves angrily.

"Eh, no offense," Artwork smiled sheepishly. "My brother, Blade Drone, was the eldest. Then, I was the second. The third was Sweetberry, the fourth Ava, and finally..."

He choked on the last one, "...Emerald..."

"Wow you have such a large family!" Fluttershy gasped in awe.

Artwork nodded in dulcify, "Yes, it was rather a large one."

"What happened to your brother and sisters?" Fluttershy questioned curiously.

"I'd...rather not talk about it," Artwork scratched his mane awkwardly, stealing glances of Ava.

"Oh, that's alright," Fluttershy smiled sweetly. Then, she let out a yawn, "My, it is getting late! We should get to sleep by now..."

Before Fluttershy could say anything, Artwork piped up, "I'm taking the couch!"

"Same here!" Ava screamed not too loudly.

"Oh, dear, I can't do that to-"

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK!

"I should probably get that," Fluttershy giggled before adding, "Sometimes, Solaris can always forget to bring his bag along."

The door creaked open and in came none other than Solaris Knight.

"Sorry to bother you," Solar apologized, "but I noticed that Fluttershy's cottage is too small to fit two more ponies. Dang, how did her animals even fit in here?!"

"I'm afraid it it," Fluttershy sighed apologetically.

Solar smiled brightly, "So maybe they could stay in my mansion for a while? I forgot it has about twenty rooms..."

Fluttershy gasped, her eyes twinkling, "Of course! Thank you so much, Cousin!"

"Cousin?" Yaroslava perked an eyebrow, clearly not understanding this.

Solar too raised an eyebrow, "Who's this?"

"Artwork's sister, Yaroslava or just Ava," Fluttershy informed him.

"Alright-y then!" Solar smiled, "Are you guys ready to go?"

Artwork and Ava nodded in agreement, "Ready!"

"Don't forget to kiss your lover goodbye," Solaris teased Artwork who blushed furiously after hearing this.

"I-I..."He stammered.

Fluttershy turned red and looked away in embarassment. Solar raised an eyebrow, "Non ? Okay, at least say goodbye."

"G-goodbye," he blabbered like an idiot.

"G-goodbye to y-you t-too," Fluttershy smiled, the blush never leaving them.

"Aww!" Ava cooed.

"It's getting late," Solar looked up to the sky. "Bonne nuit, Fluttershy ."

"Good night," Fluttershy said before letting out a yawn as they left. Her eyes never left them until they are out of sight. "Thank you, Princess Galaxia...thank you...."

Happy tears streamed down her face as she stared at the night sky filled with bright stars, "Merci beaucoup, Galaxia ..."

Chapter Seven

"So, Artwork," Solaris started, opening the door wide open for them to come in. "Have you told her yet? About your family?"

Artwork let out a sigh, stomping the ground, "Not yet. I don't plan to tell her anytime soon."

Solaris frowned as he laid Ava, who was sleeping, on the bed. "If you don't tell her soon, she might be mad. Or it might be too late before Chrysalis gets past the barrier with her army."

"I will protect her at any costs," Artwork proclaimed confidently. Then, he looked down, his heart filled with sadness. "I will not let that happen again."

"Well, you must tell her," Solaris repeated. "We can't keep this any longer."

Solaris took a glance at Ava, "Danger might come unexpectedly."

"I noticed," Artwork nodded.

"You must rest," Solaris reminded him.

"Right," Artwork nodded again as he laid on the bed. Solaris flipped the switch off. "Bonne nuit ."

Solaris smirked, "Now you're talking my language." He stifled a yawn, "Good night to you too."

Solaris closed the door and got to his work desk.

"Dear Princess Celestia & Luna,

I need your assistance..."

"Good morning, dear sister!" Luna smiled as she walked up to her seat. Celestia was eating her breakfast, and she looked up from her plate.

"Good morning, Luna," Celestia greeted with a smile as she wiped the crumbs off of her face with a napkin. "Anything new today? Like...kissing Shadow Wings?"

Luna blushed crimson, "S-sister! I do not have a crush on Shadow Wings!"

Just as she said that, the bat pony with one eye burst into the room, panting. Luna blushed harder as she saw the sweat on his body, glistening in the sunlight.

"Ooh," Celestia whistled, looking up innocently.

Luna glared daggers at her, "Don't say a word."

The bat pony bowed down lowly, "Captain Shadow Wings at your service."

"Captain," Celestia nodded, acting regal, "what is it that have to be hurried?"

"I have a letter from Prince Solaris Knight of Prance," Shadow Wings rose from his bow as he took out a letter. "He said it was urgent, and I flew all night to get here."

"Romeo and Juliet,"Celestia sighed dreamily. Then she nodded, "Thank you, Captain Wings, and you may take a day off. I heard there is a storm coming up."

Shadow bowed once more and thanked her before leaving. He gave Luna a wink before closing the door. Once again, Luna blushed.

"Ooh, is that a wink I just saw?" Celestia smirked, unsealing the letter with her magic.

"Shut up," Luna nudged her, still blushing. Then, she made a get away, "What does the letter say?"

Celestia smirked wider before turning to the letter. She cleared her throat before she read,

"'Dear Princess Celestia & Luna,

I need your assistance. You might know Artwork Drone Silk that I told you over the past years. He came back. I made a new barrier that if changelings with a good heart came past, he or she is allowed. However, if the changeling who wants Love from greed, he or she will not be allowed to get past.

This evening, Artwork's sister, Yaroslava, came around the gelato bar. We, of course, took her in and I might fear that the barrier would not be strong enough to hold a thousand changelings under the command of Chrysalis.

I need your help. I need some suppiles. I am planning to convince Chrysalis to make peace with us. If this does not work, get your guards ready. Make another barrier or whatever you think is the best. Danger is ahead.

Evil never rests too. Wish me luck.

Yours,

Solaris Knight'"

Celestia dropped the letter as they both stood in horror. Luna was first to speak up, "I-is this the b-best option?"

Celestia shook her head, "We don't have any choice. Solaris knows what he's doing. He even freed me from the grasp of Clans."

Celestia and Luna shuddered at the thought. "Tis was a horrible memory," Luna sighed as she picked up a new letter and a quill.

"Dear Solaris,

We approve your decision..."

Solaris paced back and forth. He has been up all night to receive their reply. His worries were interrupted as a knock was on the door.

"There it is!" He shouted, zooming to the door and opening it to find Derpy Hooves. "Derpy! Thank goddess you're here! Is there a mail from the princesses?!"

Derpy blinked before nodding as she took out a letter wrapped with a golden seal.

Solaris gave her a muffin and a 'thank you' before slamming the door as soon she was out of sight. He ripped the letter open and began reading,

"'Dear Solaris,

We approve your decision. We will sent you supplies by ten a.m. and we hope you have a safe journey. We will make a protective spell to keep the civilians from the changelings and we will put every guard on the look out. Thank you for helping us dearly.

You have done so much to us. Again, we thank you and hope you have a safe journey. Good luck.

Yours,

Celestia and Luna'"

Solaris took two minutes or so to process of what they have sent. When he did, he let out a big whoop, "They approved!"

"Who approved?"

Solaris turned to see Ava yawning. "Ava? What are you doing here so early?"

"You shout really loud, Solaris," Ava walked slowly to him before leaning against him. She was too tired to even care. "Again, who approved?"

"The princesses," Solaris explained, "I am going to ask for peace from Chrysalis."

Now, Ava was fully awake, her eyes widening, "W-what?! But that's s-so...dangerous! Why would you even do that?!"

"I'm tired seeing one of us suffer," Solaris sighed, sitting down and putting Ava on his lap. "It just hurts to see changelings being hated. Sure they made war last time, but they could change. Your brother has shown me that when we are different, we are still one."

"B-but we're changelings!" Ava stuttered, "We're monsters! We feed on love!"

"So what?" Solaris shrugged. "Love is technically their food. It was actually our fault, us ponies. We didn't want to give out our love for them because of our pride. That happened a thousand years ago. Maybe if we could just turn back time...then everything will be alright."

Ava stared at him with disbelief. Who would want to help Changelings? The monsters that was once made a thousand years ago?

"Why would you do that?" Ava softly whispered.

Solaris smiled, "We are one. We are the world. We are family. The nations will reunite. We're under one sky."

Ava took his words close to her heart and she felt love surging through her veins.

Brother is right, she thought, We can make love by just caring for each other.

"Now, I need to wait for the supplies to come," Solar announced, standing up. "My student, Pearl, will help you out. She might be somewhere in the kitchen."

As he turned to walk out, Ava stopped him, "Wait."

Solaris halted before turning around. "Yes?"

"I...I...thank you," Ava sniffed happily. "Even when you can't make peace with us, changelings, we are still grateful for what you did."

Solaris gave a soft smile, "It's alright. There's no limits to where I'm off to."

"Thank you so much," she whispered, hugging him. She immediately felt more love in her body. It was exciting.

Solaris wrapped his hooves around her before leaving, "You're welcome...Ava..."

Ava smiled wide as she watched him strap his sword on his belt. He took a large flat box on the way out too.

When they were out, Solaris put the box in a wagon and the things he needed. White Fang, his wolf, jumped into the wagon before licking Ava happily.

She giggled uncontrollably. Suddenly, a guard flew down and Ava instantly cowered behind Solaris. White Fang turned silent as he sat obediently.

"Ah, Corporal Razor," Solar smiled, "Good to see you!"

"General Solaris, sir!" Razor saluted. He set a package in the wagon. "It's the supplies you needed from the princesses!"

"Thank you, Corporal," Solaris smiled, shaking his hoof. "I plan to leave as soon as possible."

"You don't know how much it means to us," Razor returned the smile before flying up to Canterlot.

"Now I need to go,"Solaris smiled. "Tell the others I have gone off to the Badlands."

"Okay, good luck!" Ava waved good bye as he strapped the wagon on his waist and galloped off to the South East.

"I'll be back before you know it!" Solaris shouted before disappearing out of sight.

"Thank you so much," Ava whispered to the air, knowing he couldn't hear her. In fact, he did.

Chapter Eight

"HI!"

"Ahhhh!" Ava screamed jumping to the ceiling and clinging on the chandelier.

She looked down to see a white mare with a blue mane. She has a pearly white teeth as she sheepishly smiled, "Sorry. I intend to get a little excited on meeting new ponies! Especially pretty changelings."

Ava flew down, her blue transparent wings buzzing, "'Pretty changelings'?"

"Yeah, pretty!" Pearl smiled. "I'm Pearl Harbor and I own the 'White Pearl' company! Though I'm a little too young to have one..."

"I'm Yaroslava," Ava smiled back, shaking her hoof. "You can call me 'Ava'."

Pearl tapped her chin for a moment as if she was thinking before a light bulb flickered on her head.

"I have the perfect thing for you!" She squeed before dragging Ava to her room.

"Whoa-wee!" Ava gasped as she saw Pearl's room. Her room had a blue wallpaper with a picture of oceans and dolphins. Her curtains are the colors of sand and was decorated with pearls.

"I know," Pearl made a toothy grin before making Ava sit on the bed. It was soft and cold. Pearl ran to her closet, digging out her clothes before taking out a bow and a scarf.

"This might be perfect for you!" She smiled, wrapping the scarf around Ava's neck. She clipped the bow on Ava's head and stared at her for a while. "You can look at the mirror now!"

Ava stared at her reflection from the mirror. The scarf and the bow matched her wings. She blushed pink.

"Thank you, Pearl!" Ava hugged her new friend.

Pearl blushed profusely, "It's nothing. Though I should've put some extra pearls on it...wait, I can!"

"No need to," Ava stopped her. "I like it better this way."

Pearl blinked a bit before grinning, "If you say so! Where do you want to go?"

Ava tapped her chin, "Hmm....maybe a walk on the park?"

"Sure!" Pearl nodded happily. "I'm just wondering...what happens when changelings grow older? Do they die or something?"

"Well, yeah, normally they do! But the Queen can last for a thousand years I guess," Ava replied as they trotted to the park. Ava immediately changed into her disguise. "Female changelings will look alike with the ponies here. Like for example, their eyes. Their eyes will turn into pupils instead of boring round eyes."

"Whoa," Pearl gasped in awe, "and they'll grow pretty manes?"

Ava giggled, "Yup! I believe my hair will be blue and silky, based on my last name and eyes. Too bad the male changelings can't transform. It's ashame really. But we, changelings, can make silk with a flick of our hooves an-"

"STAPH!"

Ava was startled and immediately stopped as Pearl had said. Pearl panted, "You made me wanna be a changeling!"

Ava giggled, "You better not. I can list out the bad things."

Pearl stuck out a tongue before bopping Ava's nose, "Tag! You're it!" Then, she made a run. Of course, this was very familiar to Ava so she joined it.

The laughter echoed in the lonely park. It was a beautiful start of friendship.

Chapter Three

CLINK!

"Welcome to Carousel Boutique where everything's chic, unique, and manufique!" Rarity greeted before noticing it was Fluttershy entering the store. "Oh! Fluttershy! What a pleasant surprise to see you here! Who is this handsome, stunning colt?"

Artwork blushed at her compliment and before Fluttershy could answer, Rarity gasped, "Did you get over...ahem...Artwork?!"

It was Fluttershy's turn to gasp, "No no no! Rarity! I would never get over Artwork! You know that!"

Rarity smirked, "Well, then, you really do love him, don't you? Who is this?"

"Um...."

It took a minute or so for Rarity to figure out that the colt in her store was actually Artwork! When she did, she let out a big gasp, "You are Artwork! What are you doing here?! Won't Twilight know?! How did you get in?!"

Arts smiled, "It's a long story, Rarity."

"Well, then!" Rarity exclaimed, "What brings you here? I mean in my Boutique."

"I need you to fix my dress and make a suit for Artwork," Fluttershy proclaimed before she turned into 'Really-Shy' mode, "I-if you d-don't mind..."

"I must reject, Fluttershy!" Rarity interjected, "I cannot fix your dress!"

"B-but why n-not?" Fluttershy asked before cowering, "I..mean...that's okay..."

"No no no, you don't understand, Fluttershy!" Rarity shook her head. Then, she gave a tender smile,

"I can make you and Artwork new outfits!"

Fluttershy and Artwork beamed at this before thanking her many times; over and over.

"Why, darlings!" Rarity's white fur turned red, "No need to thank me! Make this as your anniversary gift!"

After thanking her for the last one, they left to celebrate their anniversary together. Little do they know, somepony was trailing after them...

"You betrayed me, Drone, and now I will get my revenge," the tall, female changeling in a brown cloak hissed behind the protective barrier.

"I am not the innocent filly you've seen from the past years," she chuckled darkly. She turned away and headed to the dark. "Someday soon, Drone, I will capture your beloved."

"Someday."