My Life Is A Lieby Bry7x7x7ChaptersAll Is As It ShouldSleep MagicA Fulfilling DanceGone In A FlashAloneCelestia's JudgmentAll Is As It ShouldJust one of the many happy days that are and will be. A unicorn couple has had a beautiful little colt. The cute little thing had a deep ocean blue coat that earned him the name Blue. His mane was black and he had green eyes. He was a unicorn like his parents. Born into Book family in Canterlot, his life was easy going. The one thing he loved most was his parents, Red Book and Green (Meadows) Book. His father is an accountant and his mom is a general store owner, wealthy but not high class. They lived in a rather large house on the city's outskirts just by the outer wall. Although Blue was never short on toys, he preferred to be around his parents. Something about being near them was so rich and filling. He could bask in their loving glow all day. Being in their embrace made him feel so very alive. He only assumed that it the normal thing a parents love should feel like. Blue had then to go to school. He made friends and encountered bullies. One pony in particular caught his eye. She was such a pretty filly. The pegasus, an uncommon sight in Canterlot, was white with a yellow mane and had blue eyes. To Blue, she was very pretty with her cute little wings and the way she pranced when she walked. He'll never forget the day she came up and talked to him. It was the average everyday Tuesday. Blue's friends were out sick and it was arts and crafts time. Blue was working on a house made of popsicle sticks. He looked away for one moment to get some glue and then Sand Stone, a unicorn bully, used his telekinesis to break Blue's work. Blue knew the teacher would dismiss it. All he could do was sigh and start over while Sand snickered. Then she came to him. "Hey, you okay?" 'Sweet Celestia, even her voice is dreamy' he thought to himself. "Uh, y-yeah. I'm okay" "You're sure? I know it's hard to ignore that sort of behavior." "Yes, I'm sure." "Well, I'm done with my project. Would you like some help?" His eyes lit up. "Yes, I-I would like that very much." She took a seat next to him and began to rebuild the popsicle stick house. "So what's your name?" "Blue Book." "Mine is White Clouds." As they worked, Blue could sense Sand was giving him a cold gaze. He paid it no mind. The teacher was impressed by their team work and gave them both an A. The next day, Blue told his best friend, Star Gazer, during outdoor recess. "No way!" "Yes way. She came up to me and talked to me." "You got the prettiest filly in class to come to you? I would sooner believe that the Princess was a evil witch." "Behold, the vile, horrid Celestia, the scourge of all ponykind!" Blue said ominously and waving his hoof. "Funny, but really, I won't believe it unless I see it." "See what loser?" Sand Stone said stepping into their conversation. "He didn't mean anything by it." Blue said, "Not anything you need to know at least." "You're lying about that pegasus filly wanting to spend time with you, aren't you?" "I can say that I'm not lying about anything." "Ha, you're are aren't you? You're trying to make your loser friend think you're somehow less of a loser than he is. You think you can convince any us that a filly will ever give you the time of day, let alone her? Both you and I know that your future cutie mark will mean you'll be alone for rest of your life." he turned to Star, "Don't you believe a word he says. You're still less of loser than he is. Hey, if you leave him, you might stop being a loser. I'll give you a chance, leave this loser and come hang out with the cool foals and be somepony for once." "Well, um, that's a nice offer and all, but I feel good where I am now." Star responded. "Come on! Why do you want to be with this loser so much? He'll be alone for the rest of his life, so don't fall down this path with him. Nopony will want to be with you as long as you hang out with him." "Hi Blue." White Clouds said suddenly showing up. "O-oh hey White." Blue said blushing a little. "I want to go play on the swing. Do you want to push me?" "Uh, y-yes. Yes I would love to do that." "Hey, who's your friend?" she said turning to Star. "I-I'm St-Star Gazer." he said shaking a bit. "Do you want to join us? We can take turns on the swings." "Yes, I think I will." "Good now let's head on over. There's somepony I want you to meet." The three of them left to the swings, leaving a shocked Sand Stone with his mouth wide open. Once they got to the swings, White introduced a friend of hers to the pair. "Hey Sweet Cakes, I want you to meet a couple friends of mine. This is Blue Book and Star Gazer." "White, what are you doing with these nop-" "Sweet Cakes! These are a few friends of mine." "White, you are a little too friendly sometimes." she then looked at Star, "Well, at least you brought a cute one." she said with a little chuckle. Star blushed slightly. The rest of recess was spent playing on the swings and other things in the playground such the slides, seesaws, and the merry-go round. This became the norm for the four of them. Their days in elementary school were spent together. They were even with each other when Nightmare Moon returned, hiding in Star Gazer's house and in Sweet Cakes' family bakery when Discord was released the first time. The only time they weren't together was during the changeling invasion. Blue's family was on vacation that month. Something strange did happen when they returned. The city guard had set a checkpoint by the city gates. They were inspecting everypony who came or left. A unicorn guard casted the spell that takes down the changeling's disguise on the civilians. Blue went after his parents. His Parents went through without incident, but with Blue, the guard had a stinging sensation in his horn after he casted. It was dismissed that the guard was overexerted from using his magic all day and that the spell still worked and Blue passed. His friends told him of the beasts that had invaded. Solid sky blue eyes, long sharp fangs, hard skin, insect wings, smooth curved horns, and holes in their legs as well as disguising themselves as your loved ones and devouring your love for them are the details that plagued his nightmares for the years to come. Other than that, they were together for Princess Twilight's coronation and Lord Tirek's return. Middle school wasn't too much more different. Blue had more trouble fitting though. His three friends got their cutie marks. Star Gazer's was a telescope pointed at a star, Sweet Cakes' was a chef hat and a whisk, and White Cloud's was a calculator. Blue Book remained a blank flank. He also didn't have a good grasp on his magic outside of the standard telekinesis. His friends, at the very least, stuck by his side. Eighth grade was a weird one for him. His parents told him that he won't be a only foal anymore and before graduation, he had twin siblings, a colt and filly. They were named Orange Book and Violet Book. Both were unicorns. Blue did love his brother and sister, even thorgh he had a lot of responsibility as the big brother. He enjoyed the warm feeling he got deep in him when he held them and played games with them. His life was going smoothly. Then high school started. Sleep MagicIn high school, Blue Book had strange signs that something was off. Perhaps the first of these signs was when he was in magical education class, the class for unicorns to work on their magic in much the same way as physical education (gym). Normally, Blue would be taken out of the class due to his apparent disability in magic, but then he would be put in special needs classes and be separated from his friends. Aware of his problems fitting in and the occasional Sand Stone issue, his parents insisted that he stay in normal classes in order to keep his and his friends' schedules in a reasonable unison. They also hoped that he would improve as time moved on. On one day in particular, in the first month of freshmare year, something rather weird happened. The class was starting on its unit on sleep spells. These are usually advanced and reserved for Princess Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns, but due to a shift in the school board's administration and pressure from the Gifted School's recruiters, the class was assigned the spells. Blue Book was supposed to sit it out, but... "Aw, the little blank flank wants to act his age and sit back like the loser he is while the big colts do some real magic. It's just such a cute moment, really." A certain somepony was attending the same class. "Blue, just try to ignore him." Star Gazer tried to tell his friend. "Oh, so this who you turn to when your special little filly isn't here to protect her baby blank flank." Sand Stone ranted on. Blue Book had it. He trotted up to the teacher and demanded for his turn. "Blue, both you and I know this is too advanced for you. If you sit this one out, I won't have to give you a grade." "Mr. Parchment, I'm doing this. I'm not going to improve if I just sit here." "Fine, it's your call. You can go next" The assignment is that a volunteer from the board is the test subject. To pass, the student must at least cause drowsiness in the subject and then an overseer counters the spell and the next student goes up. Before Blue took his turn though... "I volunteer to be the test subject Mr. Parchment." Sand Stone said raising his hoof. "Sand, why in all of Equestria do you want to volunteer?" "If he wants to, then I don't see why not." the overseer said. Sand Stone trotted up next to Blue and said in a low whisper, "I just want my face to be the first thing you see when you fail, loser." Sand took his place and waited for Blue to attempt to cast the spell. "Remember, channel your magic and think of fatigue and drowsy things." Mr. Parchment encouraged. Try as he might, Blue just couldn't muster up the magic. It simply refused to obey him. He became desperate not to make a fool of himself. He searched the deep recesses of his mind for an answer. What he found was warm and comforting. Something in the back in his mind assured him that this is what he seeked. He began to draw out this feeling from it's resting place. He felt warm all over. He felt safe and secure. His horn glowed and Sand almost fell over. "Sand, are you feeling ok?" Mr. Parchment asked. "Nnneevveerrr beetteerrr..." Was what he managed to say before collapsing. "Sweet Celestia, you knocked him out!" the observer exclaimed. It took until next period to wake Sand up. This made an amusing tale for Sweet Cakes when she came in next period. Blue's parents were proud, but nopony could figure out why did he cast a high level spell and not cast any other spell. Blue still has no cutie mark, but that's not important right at that point. Hearts and hooves day was coming up then. A Fulfilling DanceThere's a number of holidays that are celebrated in Equestria. The favourite for most is Hearth's Warming for it serves as both a day for unity as well as national day for Equestria. Blue Book does enjoy Hearth's Warming, but his favourite is Hearts and Hooves Day. The very day itself brings the same warm, fulfilling feeling he has when he spends time with his family, but everywhere he goes. His health is also up at this time. Never had he been sick or hurt at this time of the year. His senses are at their most keen. He simply feels more alive at this time of year. That one day in high school however, was a life changer for him. As tradition, the school puts on a Hearts and Hooves Day dance simply known as the 'Sweetheart Dance' for the students to dance with their special somepony. Mostly a dance for the seniors and juniors. Freshmares and sophmares usually haven't coupled themselves together yet. Instead, they tend to pair up with a friend. The dance is still a week away and the four friends were gathered around talking with each other, as they tend to do between periods. They discussed the upcoming dance. "So, do we really want to go to the Sweetheart Dance?" Star Gazer asked the group. "Well, everypony is going." Sweet Cakes answered. "Ya, but do we really care?" Star responded. "I think it might be fun." White Clouds chimed in. "It doesn't matter to me." Blue Book added, "If you fillies want to go, then I guess I have nothing better to do." "But none of us have dates." Star complained. "We can take each other. The other freshmares do that." Sweet pointed out. "Won't that give off the wrong signals? Us, going together, to the Sweetheart Dance." "You were the one who said that we don't care what others think of us. So why not go to the dance together? You know what, ask me." "What?" "Ask me out to the dance!" "Here?! Now?!" "Yes! Just rip off the bandaid, get it over with, and ask me out to the dance! Come on, I want to go!" "Fine. Sweet Cakes, will you go to The Sweetheart Dance with me?" "Yes!" She then grabbed Star "Let's get to class early and talk about what we're gonna do!" "Wait wha-" Before he could finish, Sweet Cakes galloped off with him. White turned to Blue, "Well, I suppose you should ask me." "I guess so." "Well..." "Do you?" "Oh come on." "If you want to be formal, fine. White Clouds, do you want to go to the dance with me?" "Well, I don't know. I have been asked by a few other nice colts already, but I never thought you would ask me." "So is that a yes or no?" She gave a little giggle and said, "Yes, I would love to go to the dance with you." "So should we dress up for the dance or do we go casual?" "I don't see why we can't dress formally." "Well I guess that's what we'll do then." "I guess so." The bell rang and they went to class. Later in the day when Blue went home, he told his parents that he's going to the dance. His mother took the news a little too well. "My little colt is growing into a stallion!" she said, crushing Bule in a massive hug. "M-mom, I'm j-just going with W-White." "And I can't think of a better mare. Well, maybe except for me." "Dear, don't tease the colt. You know he doesn't like it." his father said coming down the stairs. He was carrying something. She let go of Blue, allowing for him to catch his breath. His father trotted up to him and held the dusty tuxedo that he was carrying with his magic up to Blue. "It looks like it might fit." his father said. "You know Blue, this was your father's tux when we got married." "Yep. I've been keeping it in the attic with your mother's dress. It looks like it'll fit. I take it to the dry cleaners tomorrow and you can wear it to the dance." "Thanks a lot dad." "Nah, it's the least I can do." Now with a tuxedo and companion, Blue was as ready for the dance as he wanted to be. He and White agreed to trot to the dance as the school was only a short distance away from both of their houses. Blue would stop by her house and trot her to the dance. On the night of the dance, Blue put on the tuxedo and headed on over to White's place. When he got there, she was waiting for him in a simple but beautiful dress. It was blue with golden yellow highlights. The blue matched her eyes and the golden yellow complimented her mane and tail. The trot to the school was uneventful. They simply talked about the week's happenings. At the dance, nearly half the school was there. Luckily, Sand Stone was nowhere to be found. Must have not gotten a partner. Blue and White went separate ways and talked to various acquaintances. They agreed to meet up before they left and go home together. Both of their parents told them to be back home before eleven o' clock. They planned to leave around ten thirty. As they got to the dance at seven fifteen, that left them a little more than about three hours to do as they please. Blue tried to meet up with Star Gazer, but Sweet Cakes was all over the place with him. It seemed like she was showing him off to her other friends or something so Blue didn't interrupt. Star looked like he was half willing, but also half scared. Maybe it was just nervousness. A number of hours was spent talking and having a little punch every now and again. Then at around nine forty-five, the gears of change was set in motion. It was time for the slow dance. Blue was going to sit it out, but to his surprise, White asked him to dance with her. He didn't see a reason to object, so he said yes. They danced for a minute and then White said something that changed Blue for the rest of his life. "Blue, can I tell you something?" "Ya sure, anything." "Remember when we first spoke to each other back in elementary?" A moment he will never forget, "Yes. Why?" "Have you ever wondered why I came up to you?" "I guess it was pity." "That had a lot to do with it for sure, but when I look back, I think there was something else." "Like what?" "Well," she blushed a little, "I kinda thought you were a little... cute." "You what now?" "Sure I still would have came to you regardless, but I just had some... affections towards you." "Y-you did?" "Yes. After we got to know each other, you were the best friend I ever had. We were always there for each other, through thick and thin." She smiled and gave a chuckle. "Remember when Discord first was freed and we were at Sweet Cake's family bakery?" "Of course. How could I forget? The cakes turned into chocolate milk, the muffins burst into popcorn, and the sprinkles turned into raisins." "Ya, times like that. As we grew up, my affections to you grew. What I'm trying to say is, do share those same feelings with me?" "W-well, I can't deny that I have." "Do you think I'm pretty?" "No. I think..." He tried to swallow it, but he couldn't, "You're beautiful. You look stunning in that dress and you're nicest pony I ever got the privilege to know. I couldn't imagine what my life would be like without you." "I hope you don't me asking, but..." she hesitated for a bit. "I know it might be a little too fast, but... Blue, will you be my special somepony?" Blue's heart almost stopped. He can remember him wanting to ask her that same question years ago. Here she was, in his forelegs, slow dancing at The Sweetheart Dance on Hearts and Hooves Day, asking him that very question. "W-what will Star and Sweet think?" "Take a look for yourself." she pointed over his shoulder. He looked and he saw Star and Sweet dancing together and holding each other affectionately. "She has similar feelings towards him as well. Didn't you notice that she was showing him around? Why else would she be so excited to go to this dance? So, are we special someponies?" He looked back to her and said, "I'd be a fool to say no." They stared into each other's eyes. He felt that familiar warm feeling he gets around this time of year except it was hot, but comfortingly so. He leaned in closer to her and she did the same. They met in a passionate kiss. The feeling made it feel like he was on fire. Like he will just melt right then and there. His life would never be the same after that. His birthday was coming up as well. Everything was to be happy after that. Well, fate can change drastically, as he will soon learn. Gone In A FlashIn the following week, Blue and White decided to talk to their parents about their relationship. Blue knew that his parents would be accepting, which they were, and he knew White's mother would be easy to talk to as well. When him and his friends spent time at her house, White's mother was always there. He can see a lot of White in her. What worried him so much was White's father. White's father worked long hours in Cloudsdale for several days at a time as a weather scientist, so he wasn't around much unlike White's mother whom was a stay home mare. In consequence, Blue didn't know him well and Blue was afraid of the stereotypical father that will sooner stare down a manticore, chimera, and cockatrice at the same time before letting somepony date his daughter. White tried to ensure him that her father is nothing like that and it's reasonable to assume that such nice filly would have a understanding father, but Blue can't help but to break out in sweat. They were waiting on a couch in White's living room for her father to arrive home. When he got home, he went to the living room where the couple were waiting. "Whitey! It's good to see you again." he looked at Blue, "I see you're with your friend. Blue, right?" "Daddy, you mind taking a seat? Blue and I would like talk with you about something." "Sure Whitey, I'm a little tired from the trip over here." He made his way into a recliner and relaxed himself, "So you need to talk to me about something?" He looks at Blue, "What's wrong with him?" "What about him Daddy?" "Look at him, he sweating up a flood." "I guess he's just a little nervous." "So be it. What do want you to talk about?" "Well, about a week ago while you gone, I got my special somepony." He grew a curious look, "And who might that be?" he said with a bit of cynicism in his voice. "T-that would b-be me um, M-Mr. Clouds." Blue said shakily. There was a pregnant pause. "Please, call me by my first name, Cirrus." "Oh, o-okay." Another moment of silence. "Blue, what is your greatest fear?" "Being alone." he answered truefuly. "Hmm, mine is falling into the stereotype of the possessive father. You may not yet understand, but it's not easy to avoid it. I suppose we stallions have it hardwired into our brains to keep our foals for doing something stupid like pairing up with somepony they only just met and only think they love, but it's really more of an act of opposition to authority. You, I believe, have been close friends with my daughter for at least a decade now. If that's true, then I can say you're not some kind colt that is giving into that change that colts go through when becoming a stallion and is simply using my daughter. That my daughter truly has feelings for you and vice versa. Not many ponies know my daughter as well as I do and I believe I can trust in her decision. My only plea to you is don't prove me wrong. Do you understand?" "Uh, yes. Yes I do." "Whitey, do you truly love him?" "Of, course Daddy." "I assume you do love her as well." "Yes, I do." "Then I don't see why I should object. I wish for you two to be happy with each other." "Thanks Daddy!" "Of course Whitey. And both of you, thanks for being honest and not trying to hide your relationship from me." And that was that. Blue's birthday came up. He turned sixteen that day. As each of the friends always do, he was at Sweet Cakes family bakery to have the party. "Go on ahead, make your wish." his mother said while his friends and parents gathered around for the blowing of the candles. "I just don't know what to wish for." Blue said. "Just wish up anything, anything at all." White said. Blue did think up a wish. 'I wish to be with my friends and family, always.' As he blew out the candles on the cake, he felt strange. As if something melted off him. Nopony seemed to notice, so he paid it no mind. Sometimes though, little things can turn into much larger things, for better... or worse. The following day at school, he was in the library reading a book, Coltan The Barbarian. He tried to image the main character in his head based on the book's description. A golden tan earth pony with a long wavy black mane. As he thought up the image, he was almost blinded by a sudden flash. As he regained his vision, he noticed that everypony was looking at him. He asked why he gained their attention and a filly showed him her makeup compact and in the mirror was the character he imagined from the book. Before he could process what was he seeing, a teacher came and demanded that he goes to the principal's office. When he got there, there was two of the school stationed guards waiting for him. The principal asked what had happened to him which he was unable to answer. A unicorn guard trotted up and casted a spell. In the reflection of the guard's armor, Blue watched as the character he accidentally became become enveloped in green flames and, in a flash, a new figure stared at him. This figure was black with no mane and had solid sky blue eyes paired with fangs and a curved horn. In short, a changeling. Before he could react... "You're under arrest!" the guards shouted. The unicorn one casted another spell on Blue and he slipped into unconsciousness. AloneStandard procedure for convicted criminals is that they are questioned and detained until further notice. If enough evidence proves them guilty, they have their memories scanned with magic as a last line of defence to prove their innocence and paint a picture of the crime. Their memories are copied and stored on a crystal and they can be displayed on a flat surface. This is usually done with the convicted pony's consent. In Blue's case however, the guards got his memories as soon as possible. They didn't even wait for him to regain consonances. Once they got his memories, they put a strap jacket on him, put a magic cancelling ring on his horn, and threw him into solitary confinement. After all, the crime: being a changeling. Evidence: he obviously is one. Form what the guard gathered, 'Blue' is real. He was born in Canterlot and passed any and all tests for changelings after the invasion as well as his parents. So the guards searched the memories looking for the 'real' Blue's whereabouts. Unfortunately, from what they looked through so far, the replacement didn't happen in recent memory. A few guards are staying on overtime to look at the earliest memories. Blue woke up in a room with only a single source of light. It didn't take long for him to find that he can't move his forelegs. He's lying on his back in a barely adequate bed and he sits up. He's a little drowsy and has a minor headache. At first, he can't remember much of anything. He looks down and is filled with dread when he sees his holey, black legs. This memory is one he wants to become a bad dream, but instead is a nightmare that even The Tantabus couldn't conjure up. He's a changeling. Why is the first of his questions. Why is he like this, why hasn't he noticed, why can't he remember ever being a changeling, why can't he live in peace, those sort of questions. He also can't but help to wonder how long he'll be in the room he's in. For a while, probably. He quickly dismissed the thoughts. It all doesn't matter. Even if he got out of jail or wherever he is, he can never return to his normal life. His friends, as trusting as they are, will never want to be with him. Surely White would want nothing to do with him. Who knows what her father would do if he even got near her. Speaking of parents, what is the truth to his parents? How can he be a changeling all his life and his parents not notice? It's very unlikely that they're changelings for that would stupid to willfully live in the ground zero of hatred and prejudice towards you. As much as he feared that his family are changelings, he found the the idea of his parents being normal and not knowing of his true self much more frightening. How would he ever then have a home after this? His parents would want nothing to do with him. They will never let him be with his siblings. They might be understanding, but if they see him as a treat (which they have reason to) then they cast him out of their lives. As he processed these thoughts, he became aware of his utter isolation. The comforting warmth he became accustomed to was gone. In its place is cold bitterness. It occurs to him that the warm feelings was love and that's what he has lived off for years. Now nopony is around, nopony knows where he is, and in his mind, nopony cares. He laid back in the bed. His biggest fear came real. For the first time in his life, he felt truly alone. Not just alone in a room, but completely and utterly withdrawn from society, friends, and family. Alone. The guards began looking at Blue's earliest memories. The memories are so old that Blue wouldn't remember them himself. Looking at these memories is possible, but a little sloppy. The memories remained even after they're forgotten, but looking at them is like looking through water soaked binoculars. As they looked at Blue's foalhood, they noticed something interesting. From looked like the original changeling parents, it didn't seem like they were a community of their own. It seemed like they were alone in what looked like Canterlot's sewers. After speeding through the first day or two of Blue's life, they found what has to be the most important information they could come across. Blue was in a room with one of the changeling parents and a hospital nurse came in. The nurse revealed to be the other changeling parent and was carrying what looked to be Blue's foal pony form. The changeling exchanged some illegible words and casted a spell on Blue. One changeling kissed Blue on the cheek and hoofed him to the changeling that disguised itself as the nurse. The changeling carried Blue through the hospital the room was in (presumably a janitor's closet) and hoofed Blue to the pony parents. This made things complicated for the guards, so they made a request for Princess Celestia to make time to cast her judgment. Celestia's JudgmentCelestia just got done with the setting of the sun. She comes inside the castle and allows her sister to raise the moon. She checks a list of things she must do before she goes to bed for the night. Fortunately, the list is short. Dismiss the day guard and staff, make sure the guard switch, and handle unsettled disputes in court, same as usual. However, there's one extra task on her list tonight. Cast judgment on an accused felon. Her list included the charges filed towards him. Espionage, terrorism, foalnapping, extortion, assaulting an officer, resisting arrest, and high treason. Celestia, to say the very least, is skeptical that such a long list of accusations can be all true in its entirety, at least without her hearing of it until now. Half seem unnecessary. It occurs to her that it's possible that the charges are skewed by some unforeseeable bias of the guard. Her list tells nothing else about the defendant in question, so the apparent bias isn't apparent to her. The espionage, terrorism, and high treason is most curious to her. She can believe the other charges, but such crimes as serious as these should have been made apparent to her hours ago. She can tell this case will be interesting, but she hopes it won't take too much time. The sun won't rise without her after all. The sooner this mess is sorted out, the more rest she can get for tomorrow. The work of an absolute monarch is never done. Blue has had the past few hours to become familiar with his current form. He used to have nightmares of changelings way back when, but since he never actually saw one, he would sometimes wonder what one looks like. Not enough to be one of course, but maybe to see a picture. May as well take up the opportunity to be as close to one as he is. It passes the time and take his mind off the unbearably, depressing thoughts of the icey cold lonyness assaulting his mind. First thing to note is the hard, black, chitinous plates that cover him. At closer inspection, the plate float on top of a fluid and are covered in a very thin layer of skin. The plates covered all the parts that didn't bend and sectioned off on the joints or tough but maluable like around his muzzle. They seemed to even wall the holes in his legs. however, his forelegs are restrained by the strap jacket and so can't get a good look. His mane, if one can call it that, runs down the back of his neck. From what it feels on the bed, it doesn't seem like hair. It feels stiff like the bushels of a toothbrush. Same goes for his tail. The strands seem to stick together as well. Probably why both have holes in them. He has wings. The transparent membranes stick out from the slits in the jacket that are meant for pegasi wings. He can hardly move them with the severe under use of the muscles. The wings have the feeling of plastic and have a sort of glossy shine to them. Of course they too have holes in them. Blue questions what isn't riddled with holes. Well his teeth aren't. Feeling around with his tongue, the teeth aren't much different than a pony's, except for the fangs. They are longer then his tongue could reach. Both are as smooth as ivory. He can only imagine how sharp they are. There's just a few things he can't discern. His horn for starters was numb as was a normal unicorn horn. He can't see his eyes, but his vision isn't any different. His ears are of a different shape, but there's little sound in the cell to see if his hearing is any different. As he starts to run out of things to explore, the locks on the solidary door unlock. Blue perks his head up to see and the door opens. Two unicorn guards trot in. Without saying anything, they took the jacket off, stood him up, and escorted him out. He's taken to a room with a table that's half sealed off by a magical force field that keeps physical things out. He's seated in the only chair on this side of the room. The guards stood at attention on either side of him. After a few minutes, a door on the other side opens and two guards, a captain, and none other than the Princess Celestia. She and the captain sat down at the other end of the table with the guards standing at attention. "Well, now I see how you got into this amount of trouble." she said. Blue is in awe. He's seen the princess several times like when she raises the sun and the Summer Sun Celebration but never this close before. He just sits where he is with his mouth wide open. "Anyways, I've been summoned to cast my judgement in place of the courts, which can take months if not years. So, I've gone through the evidence and I have some questions for you and then, hopefully, we'll be done here. So, are you ready." Blue began to regain his senses. "Y-yes, of course." "Great. Now, as you've been raised almost after birth in the care of ponies, you shouldn't be a willful harm to those around you, correct?" "Of course not." "Good. If you were to be released tomorrow and bypassed the courts, some ponies may have some not so kind things to say about it. The solution I found is for you to volunteer at the royal research lab to some testing and observation so we can better understand changelings. Would you accept?" "Depends. What would 'testing' impley?" "You'll need to discuss that with the researchers, but I can assure you that your natural rights won't be infringed upon. Speaking of, we'll get back to that in a few minutes." She eyes the captain next to her. Blue has, for the first time, noticed that he's been scowling and his forelegs crossed this whole time. "But we'll get to that later." "Well in that case, I could give it a try." "Splendid. I'll be looking forward to the results. Next, the guard has informed your parents and we got their response. They're willing to continue being your legal guardians. This means that they will be responsible for you until you turn eighteen. I trust that if you were to be released, you would be on your best behavior, right?" He almost cried when he heard the part about his parents, but he had the strength to keep his composure in front of Celestia. "Y-yes, of course, Princess." "Feeling alright?" she asked with a raised brow. "Yes, Princess." "I see. This one is a little more subjective. Do you think you can keep going to public school? We have little way to stop this information from spreading and there's prejudice against you as we've unfortunately seen." She eyed the captain again. He just looked away. "I guess I could continue to go to school. What's two more years anyway. I could just leave if I have problems." "Aright, I think we can stop it there. You can consider yourself cleared of all charges." "Just one question, Princess. Why ask me these very few questions if I could lie?" "I've been around for a little more than a thousand years. I know if somepony is lying to me." "You didn't see Chrysalis when she disguised herself as your niece." the captain said, speaking for the first time so far. She shot him a look. "I'll admit that she was a special case, but I doubt he has that kind of skill." "He's a changeling, but I'm sure you'd know best." A strong moment of silence fell upon the room. Then she turned to Blue "The evidence was all I needed anyway. This was more of a formality. Besides, your treatment under custody is enough to have you released." she turned to the captain. "Now that it's been brought up, let's discuss about what should be done with the one who was in charge of that. Between copying your memories without consent and throwing you into solitary without just cause, as well as putting an absurd amount of charges on you, not even mentioning the ever so insightful comments directed towards me just a few minutes ago, is more than enough to land him in prison, but I think I have a better idea. I'll let him keep his position, under supervision of course, but he's going to need to be part of a operation to see if we can find more like you. Unfortunate foals whom will find themselves not what they thought they were. He'll also need to care for them in some way." The captain looked like he had something to say, but remain silent. "Do you think that's fair, Mr. Book?" "W-well it's not my right to say. If you think that's best, then so it is." "Well said. You'll need to stay here for the night, but the guard will escort you to your parents in the morning." "Another question Princess, if I may? Can I keep the form I was before? I'm not a big fan of my current one." "Of course you may. Guards, would you please take off that ring on his horn?" The two guards on his sides took the ring off with their hoofs. Blue then thought of the pony he was before and, in a flash, he was "Blue" again. "Alright, find some place to house him until the morning. I'm going back to the castle to get some shut eye, I have a morning to make." she looked at the captain again, "You might want to get some rest as well. You have a busy day tomorrow." Blue was then escorted out of the room and lead into the barracks were an empty bed was made. Remembering that his parents agreed to keep looking after him, he teared up and cried himself to sleep.
All Is As It ShouldJust one of the many happy days that are and will be. A unicorn couple has had a beautiful little colt. The cute little thing had a deep ocean blue coat that earned him the name Blue. His mane was black and he had green eyes. He was a unicorn like his parents. Born into Book family in Canterlot, his life was easy going. The one thing he loved most was his parents, Red Book and Green (Meadows) Book. His father is an accountant and his mom is a general store owner, wealthy but not high class. They lived in a rather large house on the city's outskirts just by the outer wall. Although Blue was never short on toys, he preferred to be around his parents. Something about being near them was so rich and filling. He could bask in their loving glow all day. Being in their embrace made him feel so very alive. He only assumed that it the normal thing a parents love should feel like. Blue had then to go to school. He made friends and encountered bullies. One pony in particular caught his eye. She was such a pretty filly. The pegasus, an uncommon sight in Canterlot, was white with a yellow mane and had blue eyes. To Blue, she was very pretty with her cute little wings and the way she pranced when she walked. He'll never forget the day she came up and talked to him. It was the average everyday Tuesday. Blue's friends were out sick and it was arts and crafts time. Blue was working on a house made of popsicle sticks. He looked away for one moment to get some glue and then Sand Stone, a unicorn bully, used his telekinesis to break Blue's work. Blue knew the teacher would dismiss it. All he could do was sigh and start over while Sand snickered. Then she came to him. "Hey, you okay?" 'Sweet Celestia, even her voice is dreamy' he thought to himself. "Uh, y-yeah. I'm okay" "You're sure? I know it's hard to ignore that sort of behavior." "Yes, I'm sure." "Well, I'm done with my project. Would you like some help?" His eyes lit up. "Yes, I-I would like that very much." She took a seat next to him and began to rebuild the popsicle stick house. "So what's your name?" "Blue Book." "Mine is White Clouds." As they worked, Blue could sense Sand was giving him a cold gaze. He paid it no mind. The teacher was impressed by their team work and gave them both an A. The next day, Blue told his best friend, Star Gazer, during outdoor recess. "No way!" "Yes way. She came up to me and talked to me." "You got the prettiest filly in class to come to you? I would sooner believe that the Princess was a evil witch." "Behold, the vile, horrid Celestia, the scourge of all ponykind!" Blue said ominously and waving his hoof. "Funny, but really, I won't believe it unless I see it." "See what loser?" Sand Stone said stepping into their conversation. "He didn't mean anything by it." Blue said, "Not anything you need to know at least." "You're lying about that pegasus filly wanting to spend time with you, aren't you?" "I can say that I'm not lying about anything." "Ha, you're are aren't you? You're trying to make your loser friend think you're somehow less of a loser than he is. You think you can convince any us that a filly will ever give you the time of day, let alone her? Both you and I know that your future cutie mark will mean you'll be alone for rest of your life." he turned to Star, "Don't you believe a word he says. You're still less of loser than he is. Hey, if you leave him, you might stop being a loser. I'll give you a chance, leave this loser and come hang out with the cool foals and be somepony for once." "Well, um, that's a nice offer and all, but I feel good where I am now." Star responded. "Come on! Why do you want to be with this loser so much? He'll be alone for the rest of his life, so don't fall down this path with him. Nopony will want to be with you as long as you hang out with him." "Hi Blue." White Clouds said suddenly showing up. "O-oh hey White." Blue said blushing a little. "I want to go play on the swing. Do you want to push me?" "Uh, y-yes. Yes I would love to do that." "Hey, who's your friend?" she said turning to Star. "I-I'm St-Star Gazer." he said shaking a bit. "Do you want to join us? We can take turns on the swings." "Yes, I think I will." "Good now let's head on over. There's somepony I want you to meet." The three of them left to the swings, leaving a shocked Sand Stone with his mouth wide open. Once they got to the swings, White introduced a friend of hers to the pair. "Hey Sweet Cakes, I want you to meet a couple friends of mine. This is Blue Book and Star Gazer." "White, what are you doing with these nop-" "Sweet Cakes! These are a few friends of mine." "White, you are a little too friendly sometimes." she then looked at Star, "Well, at least you brought a cute one." she said with a little chuckle. Star blushed slightly. The rest of recess was spent playing on the swings and other things in the playground such the slides, seesaws, and the merry-go round. This became the norm for the four of them. Their days in elementary school were spent together. They were even with each other when Nightmare Moon returned, hiding in Star Gazer's house and in Sweet Cakes' family bakery when Discord was released the first time. The only time they weren't together was during the changeling invasion. Blue's family was on vacation that month. Something strange did happen when they returned. The city guard had set a checkpoint by the city gates. They were inspecting everypony who came or left. A unicorn guard casted the spell that takes down the changeling's disguise on the civilians. Blue went after his parents. His Parents went through without incident, but with Blue, the guard had a stinging sensation in his horn after he casted. It was dismissed that the guard was overexerted from using his magic all day and that the spell still worked and Blue passed. His friends told him of the beasts that had invaded. Solid sky blue eyes, long sharp fangs, hard skin, insect wings, smooth curved horns, and holes in their legs as well as disguising themselves as your loved ones and devouring your love for them are the details that plagued his nightmares for the years to come. Other than that, they were together for Princess Twilight's coronation and Lord Tirek's return. Middle school wasn't too much more different. Blue had more trouble fitting though. His three friends got their cutie marks. Star Gazer's was a telescope pointed at a star, Sweet Cakes' was a chef hat and a whisk, and White Cloud's was a calculator. Blue Book remained a blank flank. He also didn't have a good grasp on his magic outside of the standard telekinesis. His friends, at the very least, stuck by his side. Eighth grade was a weird one for him. His parents told him that he won't be a only foal anymore and before graduation, he had twin siblings, a colt and filly. They were named Orange Book and Violet Book. Both were unicorns. Blue did love his brother and sister, even thorgh he had a lot of responsibility as the big brother. He enjoyed the warm feeling he got deep in him when he held them and played games with them. His life was going smoothly. Then high school started.
Sleep MagicIn high school, Blue Book had strange signs that something was off. Perhaps the first of these signs was when he was in magical education class, the class for unicorns to work on their magic in much the same way as physical education (gym). Normally, Blue would be taken out of the class due to his apparent disability in magic, but then he would be put in special needs classes and be separated from his friends. Aware of his problems fitting in and the occasional Sand Stone issue, his parents insisted that he stay in normal classes in order to keep his and his friends' schedules in a reasonable unison. They also hoped that he would improve as time moved on. On one day in particular, in the first month of freshmare year, something rather weird happened. The class was starting on its unit on sleep spells. These are usually advanced and reserved for Princess Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns, but due to a shift in the school board's administration and pressure from the Gifted School's recruiters, the class was assigned the spells. Blue Book was supposed to sit it out, but... "Aw, the little blank flank wants to act his age and sit back like the loser he is while the big colts do some real magic. It's just such a cute moment, really." A certain somepony was attending the same class. "Blue, just try to ignore him." Star Gazer tried to tell his friend. "Oh, so this who you turn to when your special little filly isn't here to protect her baby blank flank." Sand Stone ranted on. Blue Book had it. He trotted up to the teacher and demanded for his turn. "Blue, both you and I know this is too advanced for you. If you sit this one out, I won't have to give you a grade." "Mr. Parchment, I'm doing this. I'm not going to improve if I just sit here." "Fine, it's your call. You can go next" The assignment is that a volunteer from the board is the test subject. To pass, the student must at least cause drowsiness in the subject and then an overseer counters the spell and the next student goes up. Before Blue took his turn though... "I volunteer to be the test subject Mr. Parchment." Sand Stone said raising his hoof. "Sand, why in all of Equestria do you want to volunteer?" "If he wants to, then I don't see why not." the overseer said. Sand Stone trotted up next to Blue and said in a low whisper, "I just want my face to be the first thing you see when you fail, loser." Sand took his place and waited for Blue to attempt to cast the spell. "Remember, channel your magic and think of fatigue and drowsy things." Mr. Parchment encouraged. Try as he might, Blue just couldn't muster up the magic. It simply refused to obey him. He became desperate not to make a fool of himself. He searched the deep recesses of his mind for an answer. What he found was warm and comforting. Something in the back in his mind assured him that this is what he seeked. He began to draw out this feeling from it's resting place. He felt warm all over. He felt safe and secure. His horn glowed and Sand almost fell over. "Sand, are you feeling ok?" Mr. Parchment asked. "Nnneevveerrr beetteerrr..." Was what he managed to say before collapsing. "Sweet Celestia, you knocked him out!" the observer exclaimed. It took until next period to wake Sand up. This made an amusing tale for Sweet Cakes when she came in next period. Blue's parents were proud, but nopony could figure out why did he cast a high level spell and not cast any other spell. Blue still has no cutie mark, but that's not important right at that point. Hearts and hooves day was coming up then.
A Fulfilling DanceThere's a number of holidays that are celebrated in Equestria. The favourite for most is Hearth's Warming for it serves as both a day for unity as well as national day for Equestria. Blue Book does enjoy Hearth's Warming, but his favourite is Hearts and Hooves Day. The very day itself brings the same warm, fulfilling feeling he has when he spends time with his family, but everywhere he goes. His health is also up at this time. Never had he been sick or hurt at this time of the year. His senses are at their most keen. He simply feels more alive at this time of year. That one day in high school however, was a life changer for him. As tradition, the school puts on a Hearts and Hooves Day dance simply known as the 'Sweetheart Dance' for the students to dance with their special somepony. Mostly a dance for the seniors and juniors. Freshmares and sophmares usually haven't coupled themselves together yet. Instead, they tend to pair up with a friend. The dance is still a week away and the four friends were gathered around talking with each other, as they tend to do between periods. They discussed the upcoming dance. "So, do we really want to go to the Sweetheart Dance?" Star Gazer asked the group. "Well, everypony is going." Sweet Cakes answered. "Ya, but do we really care?" Star responded. "I think it might be fun." White Clouds chimed in. "It doesn't matter to me." Blue Book added, "If you fillies want to go, then I guess I have nothing better to do." "But none of us have dates." Star complained. "We can take each other. The other freshmares do that." Sweet pointed out. "Won't that give off the wrong signals? Us, going together, to the Sweetheart Dance." "You were the one who said that we don't care what others think of us. So why not go to the dance together? You know what, ask me." "What?" "Ask me out to the dance!" "Here?! Now?!" "Yes! Just rip off the bandaid, get it over with, and ask me out to the dance! Come on, I want to go!" "Fine. Sweet Cakes, will you go to The Sweetheart Dance with me?" "Yes!" She then grabbed Star "Let's get to class early and talk about what we're gonna do!" "Wait wha-" Before he could finish, Sweet Cakes galloped off with him. White turned to Blue, "Well, I suppose you should ask me." "I guess so." "Well..." "Do you?" "Oh come on." "If you want to be formal, fine. White Clouds, do you want to go to the dance with me?" "Well, I don't know. I have been asked by a few other nice colts already, but I never thought you would ask me." "So is that a yes or no?" She gave a little giggle and said, "Yes, I would love to go to the dance with you." "So should we dress up for the dance or do we go casual?" "I don't see why we can't dress formally." "Well I guess that's what we'll do then." "I guess so." The bell rang and they went to class. Later in the day when Blue went home, he told his parents that he's going to the dance. His mother took the news a little too well. "My little colt is growing into a stallion!" she said, crushing Bule in a massive hug. "M-mom, I'm j-just going with W-White." "And I can't think of a better mare. Well, maybe except for me." "Dear, don't tease the colt. You know he doesn't like it." his father said coming down the stairs. He was carrying something. She let go of Blue, allowing for him to catch his breath. His father trotted up to him and held the dusty tuxedo that he was carrying with his magic up to Blue. "It looks like it might fit." his father said. "You know Blue, this was your father's tux when we got married." "Yep. I've been keeping it in the attic with your mother's dress. It looks like it'll fit. I take it to the dry cleaners tomorrow and you can wear it to the dance." "Thanks a lot dad." "Nah, it's the least I can do." Now with a tuxedo and companion, Blue was as ready for the dance as he wanted to be. He and White agreed to trot to the dance as the school was only a short distance away from both of their houses. Blue would stop by her house and trot her to the dance. On the night of the dance, Blue put on the tuxedo and headed on over to White's place. When he got there, she was waiting for him in a simple but beautiful dress. It was blue with golden yellow highlights. The blue matched her eyes and the golden yellow complimented her mane and tail. The trot to the school was uneventful. They simply talked about the week's happenings. At the dance, nearly half the school was there. Luckily, Sand Stone was nowhere to be found. Must have not gotten a partner. Blue and White went separate ways and talked to various acquaintances. They agreed to meet up before they left and go home together. Both of their parents told them to be back home before eleven o' clock. They planned to leave around ten thirty. As they got to the dance at seven fifteen, that left them a little more than about three hours to do as they please. Blue tried to meet up with Star Gazer, but Sweet Cakes was all over the place with him. It seemed like she was showing him off to her other friends or something so Blue didn't interrupt. Star looked like he was half willing, but also half scared. Maybe it was just nervousness. A number of hours was spent talking and having a little punch every now and again. Then at around nine forty-five, the gears of change was set in motion. It was time for the slow dance. Blue was going to sit it out, but to his surprise, White asked him to dance with her. He didn't see a reason to object, so he said yes. They danced for a minute and then White said something that changed Blue for the rest of his life. "Blue, can I tell you something?" "Ya sure, anything." "Remember when we first spoke to each other back in elementary?" A moment he will never forget, "Yes. Why?" "Have you ever wondered why I came up to you?" "I guess it was pity." "That had a lot to do with it for sure, but when I look back, I think there was something else." "Like what?" "Well," she blushed a little, "I kinda thought you were a little... cute." "You what now?" "Sure I still would have came to you regardless, but I just had some... affections towards you." "Y-you did?" "Yes. After we got to know each other, you were the best friend I ever had. We were always there for each other, through thick and thin." She smiled and gave a chuckle. "Remember when Discord first was freed and we were at Sweet Cake's family bakery?" "Of course. How could I forget? The cakes turned into chocolate milk, the muffins burst into popcorn, and the sprinkles turned into raisins." "Ya, times like that. As we grew up, my affections to you grew. What I'm trying to say is, do share those same feelings with me?" "W-well, I can't deny that I have." "Do you think I'm pretty?" "No. I think..." He tried to swallow it, but he couldn't, "You're beautiful. You look stunning in that dress and you're nicest pony I ever got the privilege to know. I couldn't imagine what my life would be like without you." "I hope you don't me asking, but..." she hesitated for a bit. "I know it might be a little too fast, but... Blue, will you be my special somepony?" Blue's heart almost stopped. He can remember him wanting to ask her that same question years ago. Here she was, in his forelegs, slow dancing at The Sweetheart Dance on Hearts and Hooves Day, asking him that very question. "W-what will Star and Sweet think?" "Take a look for yourself." she pointed over his shoulder. He looked and he saw Star and Sweet dancing together and holding each other affectionately. "She has similar feelings towards him as well. Didn't you notice that she was showing him around? Why else would she be so excited to go to this dance? So, are we special someponies?" He looked back to her and said, "I'd be a fool to say no." They stared into each other's eyes. He felt that familiar warm feeling he gets around this time of year except it was hot, but comfortingly so. He leaned in closer to her and she did the same. They met in a passionate kiss. The feeling made it feel like he was on fire. Like he will just melt right then and there. His life would never be the same after that. His birthday was coming up as well. Everything was to be happy after that. Well, fate can change drastically, as he will soon learn.
Gone In A FlashIn the following week, Blue and White decided to talk to their parents about their relationship. Blue knew that his parents would be accepting, which they were, and he knew White's mother would be easy to talk to as well. When him and his friends spent time at her house, White's mother was always there. He can see a lot of White in her. What worried him so much was White's father. White's father worked long hours in Cloudsdale for several days at a time as a weather scientist, so he wasn't around much unlike White's mother whom was a stay home mare. In consequence, Blue didn't know him well and Blue was afraid of the stereotypical father that will sooner stare down a manticore, chimera, and cockatrice at the same time before letting somepony date his daughter. White tried to ensure him that her father is nothing like that and it's reasonable to assume that such nice filly would have a understanding father, but Blue can't help but to break out in sweat. They were waiting on a couch in White's living room for her father to arrive home. When he got home, he went to the living room where the couple were waiting. "Whitey! It's good to see you again." he looked at Blue, "I see you're with your friend. Blue, right?" "Daddy, you mind taking a seat? Blue and I would like talk with you about something." "Sure Whitey, I'm a little tired from the trip over here." He made his way into a recliner and relaxed himself, "So you need to talk to me about something?" He looks at Blue, "What's wrong with him?" "What about him Daddy?" "Look at him, he sweating up a flood." "I guess he's just a little nervous." "So be it. What do want you to talk about?" "Well, about a week ago while you gone, I got my special somepony." He grew a curious look, "And who might that be?" he said with a bit of cynicism in his voice. "T-that would b-be me um, M-Mr. Clouds." Blue said shakily. There was a pregnant pause. "Please, call me by my first name, Cirrus." "Oh, o-okay." Another moment of silence. "Blue, what is your greatest fear?" "Being alone." he answered truefuly. "Hmm, mine is falling into the stereotype of the possessive father. You may not yet understand, but it's not easy to avoid it. I suppose we stallions have it hardwired into our brains to keep our foals for doing something stupid like pairing up with somepony they only just met and only think they love, but it's really more of an act of opposition to authority. You, I believe, have been close friends with my daughter for at least a decade now. If that's true, then I can say you're not some kind colt that is giving into that change that colts go through when becoming a stallion and is simply using my daughter. That my daughter truly has feelings for you and vice versa. Not many ponies know my daughter as well as I do and I believe I can trust in her decision. My only plea to you is don't prove me wrong. Do you understand?" "Uh, yes. Yes I do." "Whitey, do you truly love him?" "Of, course Daddy." "I assume you do love her as well." "Yes, I do." "Then I don't see why I should object. I wish for you two to be happy with each other." "Thanks Daddy!" "Of course Whitey. And both of you, thanks for being honest and not trying to hide your relationship from me." And that was that. Blue's birthday came up. He turned sixteen that day. As each of the friends always do, he was at Sweet Cakes family bakery to have the party. "Go on ahead, make your wish." his mother said while his friends and parents gathered around for the blowing of the candles. "I just don't know what to wish for." Blue said. "Just wish up anything, anything at all." White said. Blue did think up a wish. 'I wish to be with my friends and family, always.' As he blew out the candles on the cake, he felt strange. As if something melted off him. Nopony seemed to notice, so he paid it no mind. Sometimes though, little things can turn into much larger things, for better... or worse. The following day at school, he was in the library reading a book, Coltan The Barbarian. He tried to image the main character in his head based on the book's description. A golden tan earth pony with a long wavy black mane. As he thought up the image, he was almost blinded by a sudden flash. As he regained his vision, he noticed that everypony was looking at him. He asked why he gained their attention and a filly showed him her makeup compact and in the mirror was the character he imagined from the book. Before he could process what was he seeing, a teacher came and demanded that he goes to the principal's office. When he got there, there was two of the school stationed guards waiting for him. The principal asked what had happened to him which he was unable to answer. A unicorn guard trotted up and casted a spell. In the reflection of the guard's armor, Blue watched as the character he accidentally became become enveloped in green flames and, in a flash, a new figure stared at him. This figure was black with no mane and had solid sky blue eyes paired with fangs and a curved horn. In short, a changeling. Before he could react... "You're under arrest!" the guards shouted. The unicorn one casted another spell on Blue and he slipped into unconsciousness.
AloneStandard procedure for convicted criminals is that they are questioned and detained until further notice. If enough evidence proves them guilty, they have their memories scanned with magic as a last line of defence to prove their innocence and paint a picture of the crime. Their memories are copied and stored on a crystal and they can be displayed on a flat surface. This is usually done with the convicted pony's consent. In Blue's case however, the guards got his memories as soon as possible. They didn't even wait for him to regain consonances. Once they got his memories, they put a strap jacket on him, put a magic cancelling ring on his horn, and threw him into solitary confinement. After all, the crime: being a changeling. Evidence: he obviously is one. Form what the guard gathered, 'Blue' is real. He was born in Canterlot and passed any and all tests for changelings after the invasion as well as his parents. So the guards searched the memories looking for the 'real' Blue's whereabouts. Unfortunately, from what they looked through so far, the replacement didn't happen in recent memory. A few guards are staying on overtime to look at the earliest memories. Blue woke up in a room with only a single source of light. It didn't take long for him to find that he can't move his forelegs. He's lying on his back in a barely adequate bed and he sits up. He's a little drowsy and has a minor headache. At first, he can't remember much of anything. He looks down and is filled with dread when he sees his holey, black legs. This memory is one he wants to become a bad dream, but instead is a nightmare that even The Tantabus couldn't conjure up. He's a changeling. Why is the first of his questions. Why is he like this, why hasn't he noticed, why can't he remember ever being a changeling, why can't he live in peace, those sort of questions. He also can't but help to wonder how long he'll be in the room he's in. For a while, probably. He quickly dismissed the thoughts. It all doesn't matter. Even if he got out of jail or wherever he is, he can never return to his normal life. His friends, as trusting as they are, will never want to be with him. Surely White would want nothing to do with him. Who knows what her father would do if he even got near her. Speaking of parents, what is the truth to his parents? How can he be a changeling all his life and his parents not notice? It's very unlikely that they're changelings for that would stupid to willfully live in the ground zero of hatred and prejudice towards you. As much as he feared that his family are changelings, he found the the idea of his parents being normal and not knowing of his true self much more frightening. How would he ever then have a home after this? His parents would want nothing to do with him. They will never let him be with his siblings. They might be understanding, but if they see him as a treat (which they have reason to) then they cast him out of their lives. As he processed these thoughts, he became aware of his utter isolation. The comforting warmth he became accustomed to was gone. In its place is cold bitterness. It occurs to him that the warm feelings was love and that's what he has lived off for years. Now nopony is around, nopony knows where he is, and in his mind, nopony cares. He laid back in the bed. His biggest fear came real. For the first time in his life, he felt truly alone. Not just alone in a room, but completely and utterly withdrawn from society, friends, and family. Alone. The guards began looking at Blue's earliest memories. The memories are so old that Blue wouldn't remember them himself. Looking at these memories is possible, but a little sloppy. The memories remained even after they're forgotten, but looking at them is like looking through water soaked binoculars. As they looked at Blue's foalhood, they noticed something interesting. From looked like the original changeling parents, it didn't seem like they were a community of their own. It seemed like they were alone in what looked like Canterlot's sewers. After speeding through the first day or two of Blue's life, they found what has to be the most important information they could come across. Blue was in a room with one of the changeling parents and a hospital nurse came in. The nurse revealed to be the other changeling parent and was carrying what looked to be Blue's foal pony form. The changeling exchanged some illegible words and casted a spell on Blue. One changeling kissed Blue on the cheek and hoofed him to the changeling that disguised itself as the nurse. The changeling carried Blue through the hospital the room was in (presumably a janitor's closet) and hoofed Blue to the pony parents. This made things complicated for the guards, so they made a request for Princess Celestia to make time to cast her judgment.
Celestia's JudgmentCelestia just got done with the setting of the sun. She comes inside the castle and allows her sister to raise the moon. She checks a list of things she must do before she goes to bed for the night. Fortunately, the list is short. Dismiss the day guard and staff, make sure the guard switch, and handle unsettled disputes in court, same as usual. However, there's one extra task on her list tonight. Cast judgment on an accused felon. Her list included the charges filed towards him. Espionage, terrorism, foalnapping, extortion, assaulting an officer, resisting arrest, and high treason. Celestia, to say the very least, is skeptical that such a long list of accusations can be all true in its entirety, at least without her hearing of it until now. Half seem unnecessary. It occurs to her that it's possible that the charges are skewed by some unforeseeable bias of the guard. Her list tells nothing else about the defendant in question, so the apparent bias isn't apparent to her. The espionage, terrorism, and high treason is most curious to her. She can believe the other charges, but such crimes as serious as these should have been made apparent to her hours ago. She can tell this case will be interesting, but she hopes it won't take too much time. The sun won't rise without her after all. The sooner this mess is sorted out, the more rest she can get for tomorrow. The work of an absolute monarch is never done. Blue has had the past few hours to become familiar with his current form. He used to have nightmares of changelings way back when, but since he never actually saw one, he would sometimes wonder what one looks like. Not enough to be one of course, but maybe to see a picture. May as well take up the opportunity to be as close to one as he is. It passes the time and take his mind off the unbearably, depressing thoughts of the icey cold lonyness assaulting his mind. First thing to note is the hard, black, chitinous plates that cover him. At closer inspection, the plate float on top of a fluid and are covered in a very thin layer of skin. The plates covered all the parts that didn't bend and sectioned off on the joints or tough but maluable like around his muzzle. They seemed to even wall the holes in his legs. however, his forelegs are restrained by the strap jacket and so can't get a good look. His mane, if one can call it that, runs down the back of his neck. From what it feels on the bed, it doesn't seem like hair. It feels stiff like the bushels of a toothbrush. Same goes for his tail. The strands seem to stick together as well. Probably why both have holes in them. He has wings. The transparent membranes stick out from the slits in the jacket that are meant for pegasi wings. He can hardly move them with the severe under use of the muscles. The wings have the feeling of plastic and have a sort of glossy shine to them. Of course they too have holes in them. Blue questions what isn't riddled with holes. Well his teeth aren't. Feeling around with his tongue, the teeth aren't much different than a pony's, except for the fangs. They are longer then his tongue could reach. Both are as smooth as ivory. He can only imagine how sharp they are. There's just a few things he can't discern. His horn for starters was numb as was a normal unicorn horn. He can't see his eyes, but his vision isn't any different. His ears are of a different shape, but there's little sound in the cell to see if his hearing is any different. As he starts to run out of things to explore, the locks on the solidary door unlock. Blue perks his head up to see and the door opens. Two unicorn guards trot in. Without saying anything, they took the jacket off, stood him up, and escorted him out. He's taken to a room with a table that's half sealed off by a magical force field that keeps physical things out. He's seated in the only chair on this side of the room. The guards stood at attention on either side of him. After a few minutes, a door on the other side opens and two guards, a captain, and none other than the Princess Celestia. She and the captain sat down at the other end of the table with the guards standing at attention. "Well, now I see how you got into this amount of trouble." she said. Blue is in awe. He's seen the princess several times like when she raises the sun and the Summer Sun Celebration but never this close before. He just sits where he is with his mouth wide open. "Anyways, I've been summoned to cast my judgement in place of the courts, which can take months if not years. So, I've gone through the evidence and I have some questions for you and then, hopefully, we'll be done here. So, are you ready." Blue began to regain his senses. "Y-yes, of course." "Great. Now, as you've been raised almost after birth in the care of ponies, you shouldn't be a willful harm to those around you, correct?" "Of course not." "Good. If you were to be released tomorrow and bypassed the courts, some ponies may have some not so kind things to say about it. The solution I found is for you to volunteer at the royal research lab to some testing and observation so we can better understand changelings. Would you accept?" "Depends. What would 'testing' impley?" "You'll need to discuss that with the researchers, but I can assure you that your natural rights won't be infringed upon. Speaking of, we'll get back to that in a few minutes." She eyes the captain next to her. Blue has, for the first time, noticed that he's been scowling and his forelegs crossed this whole time. "But we'll get to that later." "Well in that case, I could give it a try." "Splendid. I'll be looking forward to the results. Next, the guard has informed your parents and we got their response. They're willing to continue being your legal guardians. This means that they will be responsible for you until you turn eighteen. I trust that if you were to be released, you would be on your best behavior, right?" He almost cried when he heard the part about his parents, but he had the strength to keep his composure in front of Celestia. "Y-yes, of course, Princess." "Feeling alright?" she asked with a raised brow. "Yes, Princess." "I see. This one is a little more subjective. Do you think you can keep going to public school? We have little way to stop this information from spreading and there's prejudice against you as we've unfortunately seen." She eyed the captain again. He just looked away. "I guess I could continue to go to school. What's two more years anyway. I could just leave if I have problems." "Aright, I think we can stop it there. You can consider yourself cleared of all charges." "Just one question, Princess. Why ask me these very few questions if I could lie?" "I've been around for a little more than a thousand years. I know if somepony is lying to me." "You didn't see Chrysalis when she disguised herself as your niece." the captain said, speaking for the first time so far. She shot him a look. "I'll admit that she was a special case, but I doubt he has that kind of skill." "He's a changeling, but I'm sure you'd know best." A strong moment of silence fell upon the room. Then she turned to Blue "The evidence was all I needed anyway. This was more of a formality. Besides, your treatment under custody is enough to have you released." she turned to the captain. "Now that it's been brought up, let's discuss about what should be done with the one who was in charge of that. Between copying your memories without consent and throwing you into solitary without just cause, as well as putting an absurd amount of charges on you, not even mentioning the ever so insightful comments directed towards me just a few minutes ago, is more than enough to land him in prison, but I think I have a better idea. I'll let him keep his position, under supervision of course, but he's going to need to be part of a operation to see if we can find more like you. Unfortunate foals whom will find themselves not what they thought they were. He'll also need to care for them in some way." The captain looked like he had something to say, but remain silent. "Do you think that's fair, Mr. Book?" "W-well it's not my right to say. If you think that's best, then so it is." "Well said. You'll need to stay here for the night, but the guard will escort you to your parents in the morning." "Another question Princess, if I may? Can I keep the form I was before? I'm not a big fan of my current one." "Of course you may. Guards, would you please take off that ring on his horn?" The two guards on his sides took the ring off with their hoofs. Blue then thought of the pony he was before and, in a flash, he was "Blue" again. "Alright, find some place to house him until the morning. I'm going back to the castle to get some shut eye, I have a morning to make." she looked at the captain again, "You might want to get some rest as well. You have a busy day tomorrow." Blue was then escorted out of the room and lead into the barracks were an empty bed was made. Remembering that his parents agreed to keep looking after him, he teared up and cried himself to sleep.
