Prince Shining Armor or King Metamorphosisby Fullmetal_PonyChaptersChapter 1Chapter 2Chapter 3Chapter 4Chapter 5Chapter 1Shining Armor began to wake, he felt cozy and warm, he also felt something gooey all around him and couldn’t move very well. His eyes shot open and he started thrashing at whatever it was he was in, trying to escape. He finally broke free and started coughing. When he finished Shining looked down to see what he was in. It was a cocoon of some sort, and then caught sight of his body. It was black instead of its usual white. Then looked at his hooves, there were holes in them. Shining began to panic slightly. “What’s going on? Wait what’s wrong with my voice? This has to be some kind of dream or nightmare or something.” “Oh this is no dream I assure you.” Shining looked toward were the voice was coming from and saw Queen Chrysalis approaching him. “You! What did you do to me? Where are we? How did I get here?” he said in an angry tone. “Isn’t it obvious I’ve turned you into a changeling. As to where we are let’s just say we’re in a cave somewhere in the Crystal Mountains. And as to how you got here I stole you away in the middle of the night while you were sleeping. It’s been a long time hasn’t it Metamorphosis.” “Meta what?” “Metamorphosis, it’s your changeling name. A new body needs a new name and since I created you it’s only fitting that I name you as well.” “The name is Shining Armor. Now change me BACK!” “So sorry but there is no way to reverse the transformation. Join me, become my king and together we can take Equestria.” “Never!” “Hmm very well then, let’s see how long you can survive. If you need to find me head to the Badlands and I’ll find you because it’s only a matter of time before you come crawling back to me,” she said with a grin. Chrysalis then flew out the mouth of the cave they were in. “Comeback here you bitch!” Shining chased after her but he was met with a blizzard upon exiting. Shining wanted to chase her down but lost sight of her in the midst of the snow storm. Still enraged he tried to calm himself and went back inside, then took a closer look at his new insect body. He still had his mane and tail, although now a different color. He noticed his new wings and that he had fangs. Shining also found a bucket of water Chrysalis left behind and saw his reflection, his eyes and horn were now like hers. In addition to his voice sounding different. He smacked the bucket away unable to look at himself any further. He tried to use his magic but quickly found that changeling magic was different from unicorn magic and couldn’t produce the desired results he wanted. Even basic levitation was sloppy. Damn it, what am I going to do? How am I going to explain this to Cadence? How am I going to explain this to anypony? Then he got an idea. Wait a minute if I’m a changeling now then I can change my appearance to look like my old self again. That will give me plenty of time to figure out a way to tell them the truth. “Alright how do I do this?” Shining concentrated and tried to change his appearance. It took some time but he finally managed to look like his old self again, now all he has to do is figure out a way to maintain his disguise for an extended period of time. Satisfied with the way he looked Shining left the cave, got his bearings and started to make his way back to the Crystal Empire. The crystal guards were out searching the frozen north looking for Prince Shining Armor. Flash Sentry soared through the air on another day of searching. Sometime later Flash found Shining trekking through the snow and went to land in front of him. “Sire I finally found you.” Shining looked up. “Flash?” Flash made his way to the ground and landed. “It’s so good to see you sire, we were beginning to worry and I know Princess Cadence was starting to fear the worst.” “Wait how long have I been gone?” “A week.” “A week!” I was in that cocoon for a week. “That’s right. Sire where were you? What happened?” “I’ll explain later, right now I just want to get home.” “I understand, follow me.” On their way back to the empire they ran into some guards who were also out looking for Shining. Flash decided to leave Shining in their company while he flew ahead to tell the Princess that Shining was safe. Upon their return to the Crystal Empire Shining saw Flash and Cadence waiting outside the city for him. Shining ran to her and Cadence did the same. When they met they embraced each other in a hug. “Oh Shining I was so worried about you. Where have you been?” Shining didn’t necessarily want to lie to her but he didn’t have to tell her the whole truth either. “I was ponynapped by Queen Chrysalis, but I managed to escape.” Cadence gasped. “That’s horrible, are you alright?” “I’m fine Cadence, really.” “Are you sure? What happened?” she said with worry in her voice. I’m fine. I would rather not talk about it right now. Let’s just head back to the palace. Flash you and the others go recall the other search parties.” “Yes sire.” Shining and Cadence started to make their way back to the palace, but he stopped when he realized they were about to pass through the love barrier protecting the empire. Oh great how is this going to work. Will it repel me like mine did to the other changelings at the wedding? No chrysalis must have gotten through in order to get to me, but what if my disguise drops when I pass through or- “Coming Shining?” “Huh oh right I guess I zoned out for a minute, coming.” Well here goes nothing. Cadence passed through first with Shining following behind her. When he passed through he was met with the most amazing sensation of his entire life. The raw love energy poring through every fiber of his being. He was on the verge of euphoria when he made it passed it. The feeling lingered for a few seconds but quickly subsided leaving him weak in the knees and collapsed under his own weight, panting. Luckily his disguise held. Cadence rushed to check on him and help him up. “Shining what’s wrong? Are you sure you’re alright?” “I guess I’m a little drained from my ordeal, I just need some time to rest is all.” Luna's moon was high in the sky now. Cadence and Shining were going to bed, Shining was just glad he made it through the day, but a new concern plagued his mind. What if I can't maintain the disguise while I sleep? I don't want Cadence freaking out because she wakes to fine a changeling in her bed. Cadence got under the sheets. “Coming to bed dear?” “Coming.” Ok I just won’t go to sleep. I’ll wait until she’s asleep, sneak away, lock myself in my office, and make an excuse in the morning. Shining got under the covers as well and Cadence cuddled up close to him. But the warm and fuzzy feeling was gone, and then he realized he couldn’t feel love anymore. He still cared for her but as a changeling he could no longer produce the feelings of love like he used to. That’s probably what stung the most about his current situation, not being able to properly love his wife. Then he felt something and thought he was wrong about not feeling love, but quickly realized what was happening. He was feeding off Cadence’s love for him. No-no-no I have to stop. Shining pulled away from her. “Something wrong?” “I’m…just not in the mood I guess.” Shining got up and started to walk away. “Where are you going?” “I still have some work that piled up in my absence, so I’ll work on that for a while. Don’t stay up on my account.” “Alright.” Shining left the room, went straight for his office, and locked the door behind him. Finally alone he dropped the disguise and breathed a sigh of relief. His horn was sore and hot to the touch. He took a seat at his desk, opened a blank journal and began to record his thoughts. Day 1 as a changeling. It’s my first day as a changeling and it was the worst day of my life. Damn Chrysalis for what she did to me. I don’t know if I will ever fully adjust to this new body of mine or be able to live the life I used to but I have to try. The hardest part will be maintaining my appearance and only feeding on enough love to sustain myself. I don’t know how I am going to break the news to Cadence, Twilight, and the others but that’s a conversation better left for another day. Right now I just have to survive, for these will be the longest days of my life. Shining closed his journal and locked it in his safe, which only he knew the combination to. He settled down in his chair and finally allowed himself to drift off to sleep. Chapter 2Shining Armor woke with a start, having experienced nightmares while he slept. At first he thought yesterday’s events were just that, a nightmare, but looking at himself quickly dispelled that theory. Then came a knock at the door which startled him a little. “Shining are you awake? You didn’t come back to bed last night.” said Cadence. Shining re-disguised himself and answered the door. “Sorry I must have fallen asleep at my desk.” “Well that’s alright but it’s time for breakfast.” “Right, coming.” Shining and Cadence made their way through the palace and arrived at the dining hall. There were crystal chandeliers illuminating the room and a long table in the middle. They took their usual seats and the servants entered the room with trays of food and they began to eat. Shining was about to use his magic to grab the syrup but remembered he couldn’t use his magic very well, not to mention his aura is green now. “Cadence can you pass me the syrup?” Cadence found the question odd. “Ok, but don’t you usually just levitate it over to yourself? Shining didn’t think he’d be called out on not using magic so soon. Crap! I need to think of something fast. “Uhh well you see I’m…testing myself, seeing if I can’t go the next day or so without magic.” Cadence wasn’t fully convinced, but decided that it wasn’t worth going further into. “Alright.” Damn that was close. I need to find someplace I can practice my magic in secret. It was sometime in the afternoon and Shining managed to sneak away from his duties for a little while. He searched the palace for a private spot being careful not to be seen and figured the best place to start would be the basement. He made his way down and thankfully there was no pony around. The basement was mostly used for storage and didn’t offer a lot of room for Shining to stretch his new wings. At most he could hoover around in circles so he decided to focus on magic for now. Satisfied that he was alone and that no pony would walk in on him he dropped his disguise and got to work. A couple hours later and Shining had remastered levitation and got a better understanding of how changeling magic worked. Then he heard hoofsteps approaching and quickly disguised himself again, although he had to admit it was getting easier for him to change his appearance and faster too. Then he remembered something, if he was going to use his magic later he’d have to disguise his aura color too. Shining concentrated and managed to change it back to its original color. “Sire are you down here?” A crystal guard entered the room. “Oh there you are. If you don’t mind me asking your highness what are you doing down here? We were starting to think you got abducted again.” Shining gave a soft chuckle. “No nothing like that, I just needed some time alone for some peace and quiet for a little while.” “No pony has seen you for over two hours, if you’re going to sneak off somewhere at least tell somepony were you are going. I hope I didn’t over step myself sire.” “No-no you’re right I should have told somepony. I will try to remember that in the future.” “Anyways the reason I was looking for you is because dinner is ready and the Princess is waiting for you.” “Well I don’t want Cadence waiting any longer than she has to. The longer she waits the more she starts to worry. Lead the way.” Shining and the guard made their way to the dining hall. When they arrived the guard left to resume his post and Shining entered. “There you are. Where did you disappear to this time?” said Cadence. Shining went over to sit down. “Oh just someplace I could spend some time alone. I guess I lost track of time.” He then took his seat. “Shining is there something you’re not telling me?” “What would make you think that?” “Well it seems that you’re being a little distant since you got back. What happened while you were being held captive?” He looked away from her. “I don’t want to talk about it right now,” he said in a soft voice. “Everypony leave us for a moment.” The castle staff left the room. “Shining you know you can tell me anything. Now what happened?” “I really don’t want to discuss this right now.” “Please Shining, whatever happened I’m sure-” Shining slammed his hoof on the table. “I said I don’t want to talk about it! So drop it!” Cadence was a little taken aback by the outburst. Shining took a deep breath. “I-I’m sorry, you didn’t deserve that.” Then he got up to leave. “Wait, where are you going now?” “I’ll take my food in my office tonight and will be there for the remainder of the night.” Shining then left the room leaving Cadence to wonder if this was more serious then she thought. Shining went straight for his office and after a servant brought him his meal for the night locked the door behind them. He dropped his disguise and then retrieved his journal and made another entry. Day 2 It’s my second day as a changeling and today may have been worse than yesterday. I snapped at Cadence for just being concerned about me. I pray to Celestia that things will get better but I’m not holding my breath. What’s worse I’m beginning to spin a web of lies. I’m going to have to be careful so I don’t get caught in it. I’m also starting to feel weak from not feeding on the love I know I need to survive but I’m still learning how to control my intake and not do it without me realizing it. Right now I just want a good night’s sleep but I probably won’t even get that. Shining put the journal back in his safe. He settled back down in his chair trying to get comfortable, he had a feeling that this would be his bed for the next few days. Chapter 3Day 7 I survived my first week as a changeling. I don’t know if that's a good thing or not. The last week has been hell for me. After my outburst on the second day Cadence stopped asking questions, at least for the time being. Stupid, why did I do that? We haven’t spent much time together over the last few days and I fear I may be starting to lose her. Damn, I’m in a no win situation. If I don’t tell her I may lose her, if I do tell her I still may end up losing her. There has to be a way to fix this. I know she still loves me, but the way I’m acting how long is that going to last. Luckily Cadence just left for Canterlot to visit Twilight and the other Princesses for a couple of days, she should be arriving in the morning. She asked if I wanted to come with but I said I should stay here and hold down the fort. I know what she’s up too, get me around the others only to start asking questions again and back me into a corner, no way. Maybe I’m just being paranoid. Hopefully some time apart will do us both some good and give me time to think about what my next move should be. Disguising myself has become second nature now. I tested myself and was able to hold my disguise while I slept, also I’ve gotten better at controlling how I feed on love and should be able to sleep in the same bed as Cadence when she gets back. On the subject of feeding, pony food hasn’t been agreeing with me lately and I fear I may be starting to crave meat. What’s happening to me? In Canterlot Celestia, Luna, Cadence, and Twilight were having tea in Celestia’s private chambers when Cadence began recounting the events of the last week. “I just don’t know what to do. Every time I try to talk to him about it he shuts me out and walks away.” “Strange indeed, I’ve never know the former Captain to hold on to secrets, especially not so fiercely. Whatever happened to him while he was held captive must have been a traumatizing experience for him,” said Luna. “Maybe I should talk to him, Shining wouldn’t keep a secret from me,” said Twilight. “Perhaps it would be best to let him come to terms with what happened on his own,” said Celestia. “But what if-” “Cadence I know you’re worried but if you continue to press the issue you may end up driving a wedge between you two.” “So what should I do then, just act like nothing’s wrong until the day he finally feels like talking about it?” “I’m not saying that, but you might consider extending your stay to help take your mind off things. Also we’ve decided to start celebrating the winter solstice which will be next month. I would like you and Shining to be there, maybe he’ll be more talkative by then.” “I’ll think about it.” Back at the Crystal Empire Shining spent the morning practicing his magic in the troop training grounds. He now had a full understanding of how changeling magic worked and was able to reproduce most of the spells he already knew, though he figured that some spells he would be incapable of doing such as the spell he used to repel the changelings at the wedding, at least not without hurting himself in the process. Alright enough magic practice I need to conserve my energy. Maybe I should practice my flying now. Just then Flash touched down next to him. “Sire, here are those reports you wanted.” “Very good, just leave them on my desk and I shall look at them later. I’m glad you’re here actually, I’m going on a hike in the Crystal Mountains.” “And you want me to come with.” “No, just inform the others of where I am going. Don’t want them to worry that I disappeared again.” “You’re sure you don’t want some company, it could be dangerous?” “I’ll be fine on my own. I’ll be back sometime before dinner.” Shining left the training grounds and made his way through the city but stopped when he saw a loving couple out for a walk. He knew Cadence wouldn’t be back for two days so he thought a quick snack wouldn’t hurt. He could feel their love seep into him and stopped when he had enough. He continued to move through the city and reached the love barrier. He leaped through and again was met with the most amazing sensation and landed on the other side. “I’m never going to get use to that.” Shining made his way into the mountains and dropped his disguise. He briefly thought about turning into a pegasus but decided against it on the grounds that changeling wings might work differently than pegasi wings and he wanted to practice with his first. Hours passed and Flash decided to check on Shining. He flew through the mountain range when off in the distance he spotted a changeling flying by. A changeling, here! I have to tell the others. Wait Shining is in these mountains, what if the changeling captured him. I need to bring him in for questioning, good thing I brought my spear with me. Flash then charged the changeling at full speed. Shining was taking in his surroundings when he caught something out of the corner of his eye and did a double take to see Flash coming right at him. Damn it Flash! I told him I would be fine. He’ll never believe it’s really me. I have to find a hiding spot and change back. Shining bolted and flew as fast as he could, but Flash being the more experienced flyer was gaining on him. Shining turned onto his back and started firing stun spells at him, but he took evasive action and dodged them. Flash caught up and tackled Shining in the air. Shining latched on to Flash’s spear and he did the same. They tumbled through the air, both throwing the occasional punch or kick to knock the other away. Shining shot his viscous saliva at Flash hitting him in the eyes, blinding him. Shining broke off, flew towards the ground and hid behind a rock. He tried to calm himself down and changed his appearance while Flash was trying to clean his eyes. Shining quickly shot off several spells into the sky. Flash thought he was under attack but nothing happened. Finally able to see again he looked around and saw nothing, then heard a voice. “FLASH ARE YOU ALRIGHT.” Flash looked down and saw Shining on the ground, he flew down to him. “Sire, I’m glad I found you.” “I saw your tussle with that changeling. When it got away from you I tried to blast him but missed, he disappeared into those thick clouds over there. Sorry I couldn’t have been more help but I was afraid I’d hit you while you were in such a close proximity to him.” “That’s alright sire. Although he looked different from a regular changeling, might have been a royal one like Chrysalis.” Then Flash thought of something. “How do I know you’re not a changeling in disguise?” “Aright, ask me anything.” “What did you get the Princess for your anniversary last year?” “I didn’t get her anything. I got buried in work and forgot which day it was. I was in the doghouse for a couple of days after.” “It’s you alright.” “Let’s head back to the palace. Just in case he had friends nearby.” “Good idea.” Day 8 I got into a bout with Flash today while I was practicing my flying, thankfully it wasn’t anything serious and he’s none the wiser. While I was out I came across a river and on a whim caught a fish and ate it. It actually tasted good. I fear my changeling side is starting to takeover. I must remain vigilant to keep myself in check. I’m still holding out hope that things will start to get better when Cadence gets back. Though a part of me still doubts that. Chapter 4Day 14 It’s been two weeks now and my situation is actually starting to improve. When Cadence got back we made up and started acting like the way we use to. One thing is for sure, I’ve become a better actor. Ever since my fight with Flash the Crystal Empire has been on high alert for changeling activity in the area. Cadence told me about the winter solstice and thinks I should go. I didn’t want to at first but after I thought about it I decided to go. It would look strange that I wouldn’t be there when the rest of the royal family would. Maybe I should just tell them after the celebration. I can tell Cadence is still worried and I can’t keep up the charade forever. The solstice is just over a few days away, I just have to last a little longer. The next day started out like any other. Celestia’s sun saw high in the sky and Shining thought that the worst might be behind him, at least until he told the others his secret. Cadence was tending to some royal business while Shining was in the training yard looking over the new recruits. Flash entered the throne room to seek an audience with the Princess. “Flash why are you here? Whatever it is can it wait? I’m rather busy at the moment.” “I assure you this is of the upmost importance your highness.” “Very well, what is it?” “It has to do with that changeling I encountered while looking for Prince Shining in the Crystal Mountains when you were away. I’ve been thinking, ever since Shining got back from his imprisonment at the hooves of Chrysalis he’s been acting not himself, at least not until recently.” “What are you getting at? You don’t think-” “That he’s been replaced, it’s a possibility, one I think we should explore. He was gone for a week and in that time they could have probed his mind for his life’s story in order to try and make this impostor the perfect infiltrator.” “I-I can’t believe that. If this is an impostor then why did he even mention that changelings were involved? He could have made up any story he wanted.” “I’m just saying it’s possible, and probably to make himself look innocent. If we later found evidence to support his story it would make him look like he was telling the truth and this could also explain why he refused to go into details about his captivity. It just seems too convenient that Shining appeared right when the changeling disappeared. What’s for sure is that changeling I faced was not your typical drone. There is a new player on the scene, could be Chrysalis from a husband or he’s from a different hive all together. Any way you slice it it’s not good. We should keep an eye on him just in case.” Cadence didn’t want to believe what Flash was saying but he did make some valid points. “Very well, but let’s just keep this to ourselves. I don’t want rumors being spread.” “Yes your highness.” Flash left the room and gave Cadence a lot to think about. As the day passed by Cadence couldn’t help but constantly think about what Flash said. The very idea that Shining had been replaced like she was during the wedding was unsettling to her. She needed to know for sure. She summoned Flash back to the throne room and he entered. “Something I can help you with your highness.” “Yes, I’ve been thinking about what you said earlier and as much as I don’t want to believe it I need to know for sure if it’s Shining or not. I’m going to use the spell I learned to reveal a changeling and I want you nearby in case the worst should happen.” “I understand. I’ll go get him.” “COME ON YOU MAGGOTS I WANT TO SEE SOME SWEAT!” yelled a drill sergeant. Shining looked on at the recruits as they were put through the wringer. The sergeant finally let them take five and walked over to Shining. “Ever think you might be too hard on them Sergeant Iron Will.” “No of course not, new recruits are all the same. They’re like putty, you got mold them early so they harden up the way you want them to.” “I suppose that’s true. Keep up the good work.” “Yes sire.” Just then Flash strode up to him. “Sire the Princess wanted to discuss something with you.” “Alright, I was just wrapping things up here anyway.” Shining and Flash made their way to the throne room. “So did Cadence say what she needed to talk to me about?” “She didn’t, only that it was important.” Shining entered the room and Flash stood guard outside. “So Cadence what did you want to talk about?” “Oh Shining you’re here. Just stand there for a sec. There’s something I need to do.” Cadence lit her horn and fired a blast of magic at him. Shining was shocked, before he could respond Shining was hit and his disguised failed. Cadence was stunned. Flash was right. “FLASH!” “Cadence wait! You don’t understand!” Flash burst into the room and immediately charged Shining. Shining knew they wouldn’t believe him. He needed time to prove he was telling the truth. So he did the only thing he could think of at the moment, run! Shining ran onto the throne room balcony and took to the air with Flash hot on his tail. Guards on the ground saw Flash chasing a changeling and raised the alarm. Flash again being the more experienced flyer quickly closed the gap and tackled Shining. Both had a sense of déjà vu as they struggled against one another, tumbling toward the ground. Shining managed to shake him off moments before they hit the ground, but before he could gain any altitude he was roped by some guards and yanked to the ground. Shining tried to get up but a couple of guards jumped him and held him down. “No wait it’s me Sh-” Was all he could say before a hoof to the back of the head knocked him out. Shining awoke sometime later in the dungeon with shackles around his legs and neck, wings strapped down, and a suppressor on his horn. There were two guards stationed outside his cell. “Please let me out. It’s me Shining Armor.” “Right and I’m Princess Celestia.” Shining didn’t blame them for not believing him, heck he’d probably be in the same boat as them if the roles were reversed. Then Flash entered the room. “Good he’s awake. Now who are you and what have you done with the Prince?” “Flash it’s me Shining. Chrysalis turned me into a changeling when I was captured.” “A likely story. I don’t suppose you have any way of proving that?” Shining just looked at the ground. “Didn’t think so. The sooner you tell us where he is the easier things will be for you.” “How can I tell you where he is when I am him! Please just let me talk to Cadence.” “It seems you need some time to think about your situation, I’ll be back tomorrow and hopefully you’ll be in a more cooperative mood.” Night time rolled around and Shining’s situation hadn’t improved. Then two guards entered the room. “You two are relieved. We’ll take things from here.” The old guards left and the new ones took their spots. After a few minutes they made sure the coast was clear, and then got to work. They opened Shining’s cell and began removing his shackles and suppressor. Shining was confused as to what was happening. “What are you doing?” “We’re getting you out of here sire.” “Then you believe me.” “We do, now hurry.” Shining didn’t have time to question things and accepted their help. Shining disguised himself as a guard and the three made their way out the palace and through the city without being detected. Once they made it outside the city Shining was thinking about what his next move should be when he got another hoof to the back of the head, knocking him out and dropping his disguise. The two guards dropped their disguises too revealing themselves to be changelings. “The Queen wishes to have a word with you Metamorphosis.” Chapter 5*SLAP!* “Wake up!” Shining jolted awake after getting slapped in the face, only to see Chrysalis a little ways in front of him in the Hive throne room surrounded by changelings. He became enraged at the mere sight of her and tried to use his magic but an all too familiar suppressor was around his horn again. “Hello again Metamorphosis.” “My name is Shining Armor.” “Sorry but you are no longer a pony so that name just doesn’t work anymore. You know my offer still stands. You can still join me and together we can take Equestria.” “Never! Do you have any idea what kind of hell you put me through! I’m leaving!” “And just where will you go? You’re an outcast like the rest of our kind, no longer welcome in pony society, and I know that no pony will give you the benefit of the doubt. You just need some time to think things over. Put him into a holding cell for the time being.” Some changelings started shoving him in the right direction. “Get moving!” Shining wanted to fight back but he was hopelessly out numbered and started walking. The Hive was a virtual labyrinth with many chambers and tunnels going every which way. How they managed to traverse it on a daily bases was beyond him. He was led to his cell and the door closed behind him. Two guards were stationed outside his cell. An hour later and one of the guards had been thinking and struck up a conversation with Shining. “Hey Metamorphosis.” They continue to keep calling me that. Might as well stop fighting it. “Yes.” “Do you think there’s any chance of peace between ponies and changelings?” The question caught him off guard and he paused for a minute. “What are you going on about?” said the other guard. “Aren’t you tired of Chrysalis’s reign, it seems like it’s one bad decision after another. The invasion failed and so far her latest plan is going down in flames.” “What is her latest plan?” said Shining. “It had something to do with you joining us and-” “Don’t tell him you idiot.” “What’s it matter, it probably won’t work anyways. The point I’m trying to make is that we need new leadership and our Queen made the mistake of making Metamorphosis here a royal changeling instead of a drone like you and me.” “So?” “So, don’t you remember the law that says another royal changeling can challenge the current monarch for the right to lead to hive?” “You had to bring that up. It was so much easier just guarding him. You also remember he has to issue the challenge to her in front of the whole Hive.” “That can be easily arranged. Plus she is bound to accept or she automatically forfeits and you know what happens to the loser.” “Yeah-yeah they’re forever exiled from the hive unless the new monarch dies and leaves no heirs in which case the ex-monarch has a chance to reclaim the throne.” “Exactly, what do you say Metamorphosis. Do you want to issue a challenge?” Shining weighed his options. If I do nothing I’m no better off than I am now. If I do make a challenge and I win then it may give me the time and resources I need to convince the others that I’m telling the truth. “I do.” “If he loses then this was all your idea and I had nothing to do with it.” Queen Chrysalis sat at her throne thinking of how she was going to get Shining to come to her. After all now that he was a changeling her powers of manipulation no longer worked on him, but that didn’t matter anymore, it would make the victory all the more sweet if he joined her willingly. Then a couple of changelings entered the room. “My Queen there is a situation in the assembly chamber that requires your immediate attention.” “This had better be important.” Chrysalis made her way through the tunnels and arrived at the chamber only to find it packed with changelings and Shining in the middle of the room. “What’s going on here? Why is he out of his cell?” “Chrysalis I hereby challenge you for leadership of the Hive!” She was taken aback, that was the last thing she expected to hear. I’m going to kill whoever told him about that. “I…accept.” She said grudgingly. “We will do this outside.” Chrysalis and Shining made their way out with the rest of the Hive following behind them. Once they made it out Shining saw that the changelings had made their home in the side of a canyon in the Badlands. Chrysalis and Shining flew down to the ground and faced each other a few feet apart from one another. They stared each out down for a moment, then charged each other and fired off a blast. Both beams impacted and an explosion followed. Shining took to the air and Chrysalis pursued, firing blasts of magic at him. He dodged and the blasts hit the side of the canyon wall causing part of it to collapse. Shining fired back but she either dodged or put up a shield. A minute passed by with neither landing a hit. Chrysalis fired again, and again hit the canyon wall but this time Shining flew close to it and caught a large chunk of rock falling from the side of the canyon in his magic. He whipped it and threw it straight at her. She managed to destroy it a few feet from her leaving a cloud of smoke behind. Shining flew through the cloud horn ablaze. He tackled Chrysalis and fired a spell point blank. The blast sent her flying into the other side of the canyon. Seizing the opportunity Shining fired a few more shots at Chrysalis before she could react. Shining stopped and as much as he wanted to, despite all the pain and misery she caused him he wasn’t going to kill her. She fell from where she was and hit the ground hard. He landed next to her, she tried to get up but he put his hoof on her to keep her down. She looked up at him and scowled. “You lose.” “THE QUEEN UNABLE TO CONTINUE THE FIGHT! METAMORPHOSIS WINS! LONG LIVE THE KING!” “LONG LIVE THE KING!” said the other changelings in unison. Chrysalis slapped Shining’s hoof away and as best she could flew away. This isn’t over yet. All I need is a little help to retake my throne and it will come from the last place he’ll expect. After the former Queen was out of sight one of the changelings offered to escort Shining to his new quarters and told him how to better navigate the Hive on the way there. His room wasn’t far from the throne room which was good to know. Once there the changeling took his leave and after Shining got better acquainted with his surroundings managed to find some blank parchment and continued to record his thoughts. Day ? I don’t even know what day it is anymore from being knocked out so much. I defeated Chrysalis and have become the new King of the changelings. Now that I’m King I just have to figure out how I’m going to prove I am who I say I am to Cadence and the others. It won’t be easy but I just know I’ll convince them somehow, I have to.
Chapter 1Shining Armor began to wake, he felt cozy and warm, he also felt something gooey all around him and couldn’t move very well. His eyes shot open and he started thrashing at whatever it was he was in, trying to escape. He finally broke free and started coughing. When he finished Shining looked down to see what he was in. It was a cocoon of some sort, and then caught sight of his body. It was black instead of its usual white. Then looked at his hooves, there were holes in them. Shining began to panic slightly. “What’s going on? Wait what’s wrong with my voice? This has to be some kind of dream or nightmare or something.” “Oh this is no dream I assure you.” Shining looked toward were the voice was coming from and saw Queen Chrysalis approaching him. “You! What did you do to me? Where are we? How did I get here?” he said in an angry tone. “Isn’t it obvious I’ve turned you into a changeling. As to where we are let’s just say we’re in a cave somewhere in the Crystal Mountains. And as to how you got here I stole you away in the middle of the night while you were sleeping. It’s been a long time hasn’t it Metamorphosis.” “Meta what?” “Metamorphosis, it’s your changeling name. A new body needs a new name and since I created you it’s only fitting that I name you as well.” “The name is Shining Armor. Now change me BACK!” “So sorry but there is no way to reverse the transformation. Join me, become my king and together we can take Equestria.” “Never!” “Hmm very well then, let’s see how long you can survive. If you need to find me head to the Badlands and I’ll find you because it’s only a matter of time before you come crawling back to me,” she said with a grin. Chrysalis then flew out the mouth of the cave they were in. “Comeback here you bitch!” Shining chased after her but he was met with a blizzard upon exiting. Shining wanted to chase her down but lost sight of her in the midst of the snow storm. Still enraged he tried to calm himself and went back inside, then took a closer look at his new insect body. He still had his mane and tail, although now a different color. He noticed his new wings and that he had fangs. Shining also found a bucket of water Chrysalis left behind and saw his reflection, his eyes and horn were now like hers. In addition to his voice sounding different. He smacked the bucket away unable to look at himself any further. He tried to use his magic but quickly found that changeling magic was different from unicorn magic and couldn’t produce the desired results he wanted. Even basic levitation was sloppy. Damn it, what am I going to do? How am I going to explain this to Cadence? How am I going to explain this to anypony? Then he got an idea. Wait a minute if I’m a changeling now then I can change my appearance to look like my old self again. That will give me plenty of time to figure out a way to tell them the truth. “Alright how do I do this?” Shining concentrated and tried to change his appearance. It took some time but he finally managed to look like his old self again, now all he has to do is figure out a way to maintain his disguise for an extended period of time. Satisfied with the way he looked Shining left the cave, got his bearings and started to make his way back to the Crystal Empire. The crystal guards were out searching the frozen north looking for Prince Shining Armor. Flash Sentry soared through the air on another day of searching. Sometime later Flash found Shining trekking through the snow and went to land in front of him. “Sire I finally found you.” Shining looked up. “Flash?” Flash made his way to the ground and landed. “It’s so good to see you sire, we were beginning to worry and I know Princess Cadence was starting to fear the worst.” “Wait how long have I been gone?” “A week.” “A week!” I was in that cocoon for a week. “That’s right. Sire where were you? What happened?” “I’ll explain later, right now I just want to get home.” “I understand, follow me.” On their way back to the empire they ran into some guards who were also out looking for Shining. Flash decided to leave Shining in their company while he flew ahead to tell the Princess that Shining was safe. Upon their return to the Crystal Empire Shining saw Flash and Cadence waiting outside the city for him. Shining ran to her and Cadence did the same. When they met they embraced each other in a hug. “Oh Shining I was so worried about you. Where have you been?” Shining didn’t necessarily want to lie to her but he didn’t have to tell her the whole truth either. “I was ponynapped by Queen Chrysalis, but I managed to escape.” Cadence gasped. “That’s horrible, are you alright?” “I’m fine Cadence, really.” “Are you sure? What happened?” she said with worry in her voice. I’m fine. I would rather not talk about it right now. Let’s just head back to the palace. Flash you and the others go recall the other search parties.” “Yes sire.” Shining and Cadence started to make their way back to the palace, but he stopped when he realized they were about to pass through the love barrier protecting the empire. Oh great how is this going to work. Will it repel me like mine did to the other changelings at the wedding? No chrysalis must have gotten through in order to get to me, but what if my disguise drops when I pass through or- “Coming Shining?” “Huh oh right I guess I zoned out for a minute, coming.” Well here goes nothing. Cadence passed through first with Shining following behind her. When he passed through he was met with the most amazing sensation of his entire life. The raw love energy poring through every fiber of his being. He was on the verge of euphoria when he made it passed it. The feeling lingered for a few seconds but quickly subsided leaving him weak in the knees and collapsed under his own weight, panting. Luckily his disguise held. Cadence rushed to check on him and help him up. “Shining what’s wrong? Are you sure you’re alright?” “I guess I’m a little drained from my ordeal, I just need some time to rest is all.” Luna's moon was high in the sky now. Cadence and Shining were going to bed, Shining was just glad he made it through the day, but a new concern plagued his mind. What if I can't maintain the disguise while I sleep? I don't want Cadence freaking out because she wakes to fine a changeling in her bed. Cadence got under the sheets. “Coming to bed dear?” “Coming.” Ok I just won’t go to sleep. I’ll wait until she’s asleep, sneak away, lock myself in my office, and make an excuse in the morning. Shining got under the covers as well and Cadence cuddled up close to him. But the warm and fuzzy feeling was gone, and then he realized he couldn’t feel love anymore. He still cared for her but as a changeling he could no longer produce the feelings of love like he used to. That’s probably what stung the most about his current situation, not being able to properly love his wife. Then he felt something and thought he was wrong about not feeling love, but quickly realized what was happening. He was feeding off Cadence’s love for him. No-no-no I have to stop. Shining pulled away from her. “Something wrong?” “I’m…just not in the mood I guess.” Shining got up and started to walk away. “Where are you going?” “I still have some work that piled up in my absence, so I’ll work on that for a while. Don’t stay up on my account.” “Alright.” Shining left the room, went straight for his office, and locked the door behind him. Finally alone he dropped the disguise and breathed a sigh of relief. His horn was sore and hot to the touch. He took a seat at his desk, opened a blank journal and began to record his thoughts. Day 1 as a changeling. It’s my first day as a changeling and it was the worst day of my life. Damn Chrysalis for what she did to me. I don’t know if I will ever fully adjust to this new body of mine or be able to live the life I used to but I have to try. The hardest part will be maintaining my appearance and only feeding on enough love to sustain myself. I don’t know how I am going to break the news to Cadence, Twilight, and the others but that’s a conversation better left for another day. Right now I just have to survive, for these will be the longest days of my life. Shining closed his journal and locked it in his safe, which only he knew the combination to. He settled down in his chair and finally allowed himself to drift off to sleep.
Chapter 2Shining Armor woke with a start, having experienced nightmares while he slept. At first he thought yesterday’s events were just that, a nightmare, but looking at himself quickly dispelled that theory. Then came a knock at the door which startled him a little. “Shining are you awake? You didn’t come back to bed last night.” said Cadence. Shining re-disguised himself and answered the door. “Sorry I must have fallen asleep at my desk.” “Well that’s alright but it’s time for breakfast.” “Right, coming.” Shining and Cadence made their way through the palace and arrived at the dining hall. There were crystal chandeliers illuminating the room and a long table in the middle. They took their usual seats and the servants entered the room with trays of food and they began to eat. Shining was about to use his magic to grab the syrup but remembered he couldn’t use his magic very well, not to mention his aura is green now. “Cadence can you pass me the syrup?” Cadence found the question odd. “Ok, but don’t you usually just levitate it over to yourself? Shining didn’t think he’d be called out on not using magic so soon. Crap! I need to think of something fast. “Uhh well you see I’m…testing myself, seeing if I can’t go the next day or so without magic.” Cadence wasn’t fully convinced, but decided that it wasn’t worth going further into. “Alright.” Damn that was close. I need to find someplace I can practice my magic in secret. It was sometime in the afternoon and Shining managed to sneak away from his duties for a little while. He searched the palace for a private spot being careful not to be seen and figured the best place to start would be the basement. He made his way down and thankfully there was no pony around. The basement was mostly used for storage and didn’t offer a lot of room for Shining to stretch his new wings. At most he could hoover around in circles so he decided to focus on magic for now. Satisfied that he was alone and that no pony would walk in on him he dropped his disguise and got to work. A couple hours later and Shining had remastered levitation and got a better understanding of how changeling magic worked. Then he heard hoofsteps approaching and quickly disguised himself again, although he had to admit it was getting easier for him to change his appearance and faster too. Then he remembered something, if he was going to use his magic later he’d have to disguise his aura color too. Shining concentrated and managed to change it back to its original color. “Sire are you down here?” A crystal guard entered the room. “Oh there you are. If you don’t mind me asking your highness what are you doing down here? We were starting to think you got abducted again.” Shining gave a soft chuckle. “No nothing like that, I just needed some time alone for some peace and quiet for a little while.” “No pony has seen you for over two hours, if you’re going to sneak off somewhere at least tell somepony were you are going. I hope I didn’t over step myself sire.” “No-no you’re right I should have told somepony. I will try to remember that in the future.” “Anyways the reason I was looking for you is because dinner is ready and the Princess is waiting for you.” “Well I don’t want Cadence waiting any longer than she has to. The longer she waits the more she starts to worry. Lead the way.” Shining and the guard made their way to the dining hall. When they arrived the guard left to resume his post and Shining entered. “There you are. Where did you disappear to this time?” said Cadence. Shining went over to sit down. “Oh just someplace I could spend some time alone. I guess I lost track of time.” He then took his seat. “Shining is there something you’re not telling me?” “What would make you think that?” “Well it seems that you’re being a little distant since you got back. What happened while you were being held captive?” He looked away from her. “I don’t want to talk about it right now,” he said in a soft voice. “Everypony leave us for a moment.” The castle staff left the room. “Shining you know you can tell me anything. Now what happened?” “I really don’t want to discuss this right now.” “Please Shining, whatever happened I’m sure-” Shining slammed his hoof on the table. “I said I don’t want to talk about it! So drop it!” Cadence was a little taken aback by the outburst. Shining took a deep breath. “I-I’m sorry, you didn’t deserve that.” Then he got up to leave. “Wait, where are you going now?” “I’ll take my food in my office tonight and will be there for the remainder of the night.” Shining then left the room leaving Cadence to wonder if this was more serious then she thought. Shining went straight for his office and after a servant brought him his meal for the night locked the door behind them. He dropped his disguise and then retrieved his journal and made another entry. Day 2 It’s my second day as a changeling and today may have been worse than yesterday. I snapped at Cadence for just being concerned about me. I pray to Celestia that things will get better but I’m not holding my breath. What’s worse I’m beginning to spin a web of lies. I’m going to have to be careful so I don’t get caught in it. I’m also starting to feel weak from not feeding on the love I know I need to survive but I’m still learning how to control my intake and not do it without me realizing it. Right now I just want a good night’s sleep but I probably won’t even get that. Shining put the journal back in his safe. He settled back down in his chair trying to get comfortable, he had a feeling that this would be his bed for the next few days.
Chapter 3Day 7 I survived my first week as a changeling. I don’t know if that's a good thing or not. The last week has been hell for me. After my outburst on the second day Cadence stopped asking questions, at least for the time being. Stupid, why did I do that? We haven’t spent much time together over the last few days and I fear I may be starting to lose her. Damn, I’m in a no win situation. If I don’t tell her I may lose her, if I do tell her I still may end up losing her. There has to be a way to fix this. I know she still loves me, but the way I’m acting how long is that going to last. Luckily Cadence just left for Canterlot to visit Twilight and the other Princesses for a couple of days, she should be arriving in the morning. She asked if I wanted to come with but I said I should stay here and hold down the fort. I know what she’s up too, get me around the others only to start asking questions again and back me into a corner, no way. Maybe I’m just being paranoid. Hopefully some time apart will do us both some good and give me time to think about what my next move should be. Disguising myself has become second nature now. I tested myself and was able to hold my disguise while I slept, also I’ve gotten better at controlling how I feed on love and should be able to sleep in the same bed as Cadence when she gets back. On the subject of feeding, pony food hasn’t been agreeing with me lately and I fear I may be starting to crave meat. What’s happening to me? In Canterlot Celestia, Luna, Cadence, and Twilight were having tea in Celestia’s private chambers when Cadence began recounting the events of the last week. “I just don’t know what to do. Every time I try to talk to him about it he shuts me out and walks away.” “Strange indeed, I’ve never know the former Captain to hold on to secrets, especially not so fiercely. Whatever happened to him while he was held captive must have been a traumatizing experience for him,” said Luna. “Maybe I should talk to him, Shining wouldn’t keep a secret from me,” said Twilight. “Perhaps it would be best to let him come to terms with what happened on his own,” said Celestia. “But what if-” “Cadence I know you’re worried but if you continue to press the issue you may end up driving a wedge between you two.” “So what should I do then, just act like nothing’s wrong until the day he finally feels like talking about it?” “I’m not saying that, but you might consider extending your stay to help take your mind off things. Also we’ve decided to start celebrating the winter solstice which will be next month. I would like you and Shining to be there, maybe he’ll be more talkative by then.” “I’ll think about it.” Back at the Crystal Empire Shining spent the morning practicing his magic in the troop training grounds. He now had a full understanding of how changeling magic worked and was able to reproduce most of the spells he already knew, though he figured that some spells he would be incapable of doing such as the spell he used to repel the changelings at the wedding, at least not without hurting himself in the process. Alright enough magic practice I need to conserve my energy. Maybe I should practice my flying now. Just then Flash touched down next to him. “Sire, here are those reports you wanted.” “Very good, just leave them on my desk and I shall look at them later. I’m glad you’re here actually, I’m going on a hike in the Crystal Mountains.” “And you want me to come with.” “No, just inform the others of where I am going. Don’t want them to worry that I disappeared again.” “You’re sure you don’t want some company, it could be dangerous?” “I’ll be fine on my own. I’ll be back sometime before dinner.” Shining left the training grounds and made his way through the city but stopped when he saw a loving couple out for a walk. He knew Cadence wouldn’t be back for two days so he thought a quick snack wouldn’t hurt. He could feel their love seep into him and stopped when he had enough. He continued to move through the city and reached the love barrier. He leaped through and again was met with the most amazing sensation and landed on the other side. “I’m never going to get use to that.” Shining made his way into the mountains and dropped his disguise. He briefly thought about turning into a pegasus but decided against it on the grounds that changeling wings might work differently than pegasi wings and he wanted to practice with his first. Hours passed and Flash decided to check on Shining. He flew through the mountain range when off in the distance he spotted a changeling flying by. A changeling, here! I have to tell the others. Wait Shining is in these mountains, what if the changeling captured him. I need to bring him in for questioning, good thing I brought my spear with me. Flash then charged the changeling at full speed. Shining was taking in his surroundings when he caught something out of the corner of his eye and did a double take to see Flash coming right at him. Damn it Flash! I told him I would be fine. He’ll never believe it’s really me. I have to find a hiding spot and change back. Shining bolted and flew as fast as he could, but Flash being the more experienced flyer was gaining on him. Shining turned onto his back and started firing stun spells at him, but he took evasive action and dodged them. Flash caught up and tackled Shining in the air. Shining latched on to Flash’s spear and he did the same. They tumbled through the air, both throwing the occasional punch or kick to knock the other away. Shining shot his viscous saliva at Flash hitting him in the eyes, blinding him. Shining broke off, flew towards the ground and hid behind a rock. He tried to calm himself down and changed his appearance while Flash was trying to clean his eyes. Shining quickly shot off several spells into the sky. Flash thought he was under attack but nothing happened. Finally able to see again he looked around and saw nothing, then heard a voice. “FLASH ARE YOU ALRIGHT.” Flash looked down and saw Shining on the ground, he flew down to him. “Sire, I’m glad I found you.” “I saw your tussle with that changeling. When it got away from you I tried to blast him but missed, he disappeared into those thick clouds over there. Sorry I couldn’t have been more help but I was afraid I’d hit you while you were in such a close proximity to him.” “That’s alright sire. Although he looked different from a regular changeling, might have been a royal one like Chrysalis.” Then Flash thought of something. “How do I know you’re not a changeling in disguise?” “Aright, ask me anything.” “What did you get the Princess for your anniversary last year?” “I didn’t get her anything. I got buried in work and forgot which day it was. I was in the doghouse for a couple of days after.” “It’s you alright.” “Let’s head back to the palace. Just in case he had friends nearby.” “Good idea.” Day 8 I got into a bout with Flash today while I was practicing my flying, thankfully it wasn’t anything serious and he’s none the wiser. While I was out I came across a river and on a whim caught a fish and ate it. It actually tasted good. I fear my changeling side is starting to takeover. I must remain vigilant to keep myself in check. I’m still holding out hope that things will start to get better when Cadence gets back. Though a part of me still doubts that.
Chapter 4Day 14 It’s been two weeks now and my situation is actually starting to improve. When Cadence got back we made up and started acting like the way we use to. One thing is for sure, I’ve become a better actor. Ever since my fight with Flash the Crystal Empire has been on high alert for changeling activity in the area. Cadence told me about the winter solstice and thinks I should go. I didn’t want to at first but after I thought about it I decided to go. It would look strange that I wouldn’t be there when the rest of the royal family would. Maybe I should just tell them after the celebration. I can tell Cadence is still worried and I can’t keep up the charade forever. The solstice is just over a few days away, I just have to last a little longer. The next day started out like any other. Celestia’s sun saw high in the sky and Shining thought that the worst might be behind him, at least until he told the others his secret. Cadence was tending to some royal business while Shining was in the training yard looking over the new recruits. Flash entered the throne room to seek an audience with the Princess. “Flash why are you here? Whatever it is can it wait? I’m rather busy at the moment.” “I assure you this is of the upmost importance your highness.” “Very well, what is it?” “It has to do with that changeling I encountered while looking for Prince Shining in the Crystal Mountains when you were away. I’ve been thinking, ever since Shining got back from his imprisonment at the hooves of Chrysalis he’s been acting not himself, at least not until recently.” “What are you getting at? You don’t think-” “That he’s been replaced, it’s a possibility, one I think we should explore. He was gone for a week and in that time they could have probed his mind for his life’s story in order to try and make this impostor the perfect infiltrator.” “I-I can’t believe that. If this is an impostor then why did he even mention that changelings were involved? He could have made up any story he wanted.” “I’m just saying it’s possible, and probably to make himself look innocent. If we later found evidence to support his story it would make him look like he was telling the truth and this could also explain why he refused to go into details about his captivity. It just seems too convenient that Shining appeared right when the changeling disappeared. What’s for sure is that changeling I faced was not your typical drone. There is a new player on the scene, could be Chrysalis from a husband or he’s from a different hive all together. Any way you slice it it’s not good. We should keep an eye on him just in case.” Cadence didn’t want to believe what Flash was saying but he did make some valid points. “Very well, but let’s just keep this to ourselves. I don’t want rumors being spread.” “Yes your highness.” Flash left the room and gave Cadence a lot to think about. As the day passed by Cadence couldn’t help but constantly think about what Flash said. The very idea that Shining had been replaced like she was during the wedding was unsettling to her. She needed to know for sure. She summoned Flash back to the throne room and he entered. “Something I can help you with your highness.” “Yes, I’ve been thinking about what you said earlier and as much as I don’t want to believe it I need to know for sure if it’s Shining or not. I’m going to use the spell I learned to reveal a changeling and I want you nearby in case the worst should happen.” “I understand. I’ll go get him.” “COME ON YOU MAGGOTS I WANT TO SEE SOME SWEAT!” yelled a drill sergeant. Shining looked on at the recruits as they were put through the wringer. The sergeant finally let them take five and walked over to Shining. “Ever think you might be too hard on them Sergeant Iron Will.” “No of course not, new recruits are all the same. They’re like putty, you got mold them early so they harden up the way you want them to.” “I suppose that’s true. Keep up the good work.” “Yes sire.” Just then Flash strode up to him. “Sire the Princess wanted to discuss something with you.” “Alright, I was just wrapping things up here anyway.” Shining and Flash made their way to the throne room. “So did Cadence say what she needed to talk to me about?” “She didn’t, only that it was important.” Shining entered the room and Flash stood guard outside. “So Cadence what did you want to talk about?” “Oh Shining you’re here. Just stand there for a sec. There’s something I need to do.” Cadence lit her horn and fired a blast of magic at him. Shining was shocked, before he could respond Shining was hit and his disguised failed. Cadence was stunned. Flash was right. “FLASH!” “Cadence wait! You don’t understand!” Flash burst into the room and immediately charged Shining. Shining knew they wouldn’t believe him. He needed time to prove he was telling the truth. So he did the only thing he could think of at the moment, run! Shining ran onto the throne room balcony and took to the air with Flash hot on his tail. Guards on the ground saw Flash chasing a changeling and raised the alarm. Flash again being the more experienced flyer quickly closed the gap and tackled Shining. Both had a sense of déjà vu as they struggled against one another, tumbling toward the ground. Shining managed to shake him off moments before they hit the ground, but before he could gain any altitude he was roped by some guards and yanked to the ground. Shining tried to get up but a couple of guards jumped him and held him down. “No wait it’s me Sh-” Was all he could say before a hoof to the back of the head knocked him out. Shining awoke sometime later in the dungeon with shackles around his legs and neck, wings strapped down, and a suppressor on his horn. There were two guards stationed outside his cell. “Please let me out. It’s me Shining Armor.” “Right and I’m Princess Celestia.” Shining didn’t blame them for not believing him, heck he’d probably be in the same boat as them if the roles were reversed. Then Flash entered the room. “Good he’s awake. Now who are you and what have you done with the Prince?” “Flash it’s me Shining. Chrysalis turned me into a changeling when I was captured.” “A likely story. I don’t suppose you have any way of proving that?” Shining just looked at the ground. “Didn’t think so. The sooner you tell us where he is the easier things will be for you.” “How can I tell you where he is when I am him! Please just let me talk to Cadence.” “It seems you need some time to think about your situation, I’ll be back tomorrow and hopefully you’ll be in a more cooperative mood.” Night time rolled around and Shining’s situation hadn’t improved. Then two guards entered the room. “You two are relieved. We’ll take things from here.” The old guards left and the new ones took their spots. After a few minutes they made sure the coast was clear, and then got to work. They opened Shining’s cell and began removing his shackles and suppressor. Shining was confused as to what was happening. “What are you doing?” “We’re getting you out of here sire.” “Then you believe me.” “We do, now hurry.” Shining didn’t have time to question things and accepted their help. Shining disguised himself as a guard and the three made their way out the palace and through the city without being detected. Once they made it outside the city Shining was thinking about what his next move should be when he got another hoof to the back of the head, knocking him out and dropping his disguise. The two guards dropped their disguises too revealing themselves to be changelings. “The Queen wishes to have a word with you Metamorphosis.”
Chapter 5*SLAP!* “Wake up!” Shining jolted awake after getting slapped in the face, only to see Chrysalis a little ways in front of him in the Hive throne room surrounded by changelings. He became enraged at the mere sight of her and tried to use his magic but an all too familiar suppressor was around his horn again. “Hello again Metamorphosis.” “My name is Shining Armor.” “Sorry but you are no longer a pony so that name just doesn’t work anymore. You know my offer still stands. You can still join me and together we can take Equestria.” “Never! Do you have any idea what kind of hell you put me through! I’m leaving!” “And just where will you go? You’re an outcast like the rest of our kind, no longer welcome in pony society, and I know that no pony will give you the benefit of the doubt. You just need some time to think things over. Put him into a holding cell for the time being.” Some changelings started shoving him in the right direction. “Get moving!” Shining wanted to fight back but he was hopelessly out numbered and started walking. The Hive was a virtual labyrinth with many chambers and tunnels going every which way. How they managed to traverse it on a daily bases was beyond him. He was led to his cell and the door closed behind him. Two guards were stationed outside his cell. An hour later and one of the guards had been thinking and struck up a conversation with Shining. “Hey Metamorphosis.” They continue to keep calling me that. Might as well stop fighting it. “Yes.” “Do you think there’s any chance of peace between ponies and changelings?” The question caught him off guard and he paused for a minute. “What are you going on about?” said the other guard. “Aren’t you tired of Chrysalis’s reign, it seems like it’s one bad decision after another. The invasion failed and so far her latest plan is going down in flames.” “What is her latest plan?” said Shining. “It had something to do with you joining us and-” “Don’t tell him you idiot.” “What’s it matter, it probably won’t work anyways. The point I’m trying to make is that we need new leadership and our Queen made the mistake of making Metamorphosis here a royal changeling instead of a drone like you and me.” “So?” “So, don’t you remember the law that says another royal changeling can challenge the current monarch for the right to lead to hive?” “You had to bring that up. It was so much easier just guarding him. You also remember he has to issue the challenge to her in front of the whole Hive.” “That can be easily arranged. Plus she is bound to accept or she automatically forfeits and you know what happens to the loser.” “Yeah-yeah they’re forever exiled from the hive unless the new monarch dies and leaves no heirs in which case the ex-monarch has a chance to reclaim the throne.” “Exactly, what do you say Metamorphosis. Do you want to issue a challenge?” Shining weighed his options. If I do nothing I’m no better off than I am now. If I do make a challenge and I win then it may give me the time and resources I need to convince the others that I’m telling the truth. “I do.” “If he loses then this was all your idea and I had nothing to do with it.” Queen Chrysalis sat at her throne thinking of how she was going to get Shining to come to her. After all now that he was a changeling her powers of manipulation no longer worked on him, but that didn’t matter anymore, it would make the victory all the more sweet if he joined her willingly. Then a couple of changelings entered the room. “My Queen there is a situation in the assembly chamber that requires your immediate attention.” “This had better be important.” Chrysalis made her way through the tunnels and arrived at the chamber only to find it packed with changelings and Shining in the middle of the room. “What’s going on here? Why is he out of his cell?” “Chrysalis I hereby challenge you for leadership of the Hive!” She was taken aback, that was the last thing she expected to hear. I’m going to kill whoever told him about that. “I…accept.” She said grudgingly. “We will do this outside.” Chrysalis and Shining made their way out with the rest of the Hive following behind them. Once they made it out Shining saw that the changelings had made their home in the side of a canyon in the Badlands. Chrysalis and Shining flew down to the ground and faced each other a few feet apart from one another. They stared each out down for a moment, then charged each other and fired off a blast. Both beams impacted and an explosion followed. Shining took to the air and Chrysalis pursued, firing blasts of magic at him. He dodged and the blasts hit the side of the canyon wall causing part of it to collapse. Shining fired back but she either dodged or put up a shield. A minute passed by with neither landing a hit. Chrysalis fired again, and again hit the canyon wall but this time Shining flew close to it and caught a large chunk of rock falling from the side of the canyon in his magic. He whipped it and threw it straight at her. She managed to destroy it a few feet from her leaving a cloud of smoke behind. Shining flew through the cloud horn ablaze. He tackled Chrysalis and fired a spell point blank. The blast sent her flying into the other side of the canyon. Seizing the opportunity Shining fired a few more shots at Chrysalis before she could react. Shining stopped and as much as he wanted to, despite all the pain and misery she caused him he wasn’t going to kill her. She fell from where she was and hit the ground hard. He landed next to her, she tried to get up but he put his hoof on her to keep her down. She looked up at him and scowled. “You lose.” “THE QUEEN UNABLE TO CONTINUE THE FIGHT! METAMORPHOSIS WINS! LONG LIVE THE KING!” “LONG LIVE THE KING!” said the other changelings in unison. Chrysalis slapped Shining’s hoof away and as best she could flew away. This isn’t over yet. All I need is a little help to retake my throne and it will come from the last place he’ll expect. After the former Queen was out of sight one of the changelings offered to escort Shining to his new quarters and told him how to better navigate the Hive on the way there. His room wasn’t far from the throne room which was good to know. Once there the changeling took his leave and after Shining got better acquainted with his surroundings managed to find some blank parchment and continued to record his thoughts. Day ? I don’t even know what day it is anymore from being knocked out so much. I defeated Chrysalis and have become the new King of the changelings. Now that I’m King I just have to figure out how I’m going to prove I am who I say I am to Cadence and the others. It won’t be easy but I just know I’ll convince them somehow, I have to.
