A Shift Of Lifeby World TrotterChaptersDiscoveryWhat are you doing hereThe explanationFirst day in PonyvilleBadly kept secretDiscoveryIt was a regular summer evening in Ponyville, the birds were singing , the sun was shining, the cutie mark crusaders were running around town. “Scootaloo, slow down.” a small white unicorn with a pink and purple mane yelled chasing her friend. Who was a orange Pegasus with a dark purple mane riding a scooter. “Sorry can’t trying to beat my record.” Scootaloo shouted in response looking back not noticing the rock she was heading for. As soon as Scootaloo looked forward it was too late. Her scooter ran into the rock and she was sent flying into the air. Her expression showed a bit of fear but was full of surprise as she started to fall. Before she hit the a ground a green aura surrounded her and she was caught in mid fall. “Thanks Sweetie Belle.” Scootaloo said before being lightly placed on the ground next to her friend. “Hey girls.” a yellow earth pony with a red mane and a pink bow In it shouted running towards them. “Applebloom hey.” Sweetie Belle said to the pony who started to pant when she reached them. “What are you two up to?” Applebloom asked regaining her breath. “Nothing really, why.” Scootaloo responded getting up with a questionable look on her face. “Because, I had a great idea for something fun.” Applebloom responded finally not exhausted anymore. “Well are you going to let us know.” Scootaloo asked a little impatiently clearly wanting to know. “I was thinking that we can go exploring in the Everfree forest and try to find something that will get us our cutie marks.” Scootaloo grinned at the idea but Sweetie Belle was hesitant. “I like let's go!” Scootaloo exclaimed full of excitement but again Sweetie Belle was nervous about it. “Wait, are sure this is a good idea I mean there are a lot of dangerous things in there.” Sweetie Belle mentioned gaining confused looks from them. “So what we will be fine come on.” Applebloom said running off with Scootaloo. Sweetie Belle just sighed knowing that there was no point in arguing or telling so she just chased after them. By the time they reached the Everfree forest the sun was setting disappointing Scootaloo and Applebloom. “Look at that the sub is setting, we should head home now.” Sweetie Belle said nervously and started walking home. “Oh no we’re not we can still explore for a while.” Applebloom said making her and Scootaloo then giggled as they ran into the forest leaving their friend. “Hey wait!” Sweetie Belle yelled running after the but already lost track of them after a few minutes and lost her way. “Scootaloo, Applebloom?!” Sweetie Belle shouted but getting no response as she continued to walk in the forest after the sun had set. After what seemed like an hours in the forest Sweetie Belle started to get really scared when she heard a twig snap behind a bush to her left. “Girls” she whispered approaching the bush stepping on a twig snapping it. When she was right in front of the bush she pushed it aside. She then found herself standing herself looking straight into the turquoise colored eyes of a changeling. “AAAAAHHHHHH” she screamed falling on her back and scuffling away when the changeling screamed as well and started running but fell and didn't get up. Sweetie Belle then got on her hooves and slowly approached the changeling lying a few feet in front of her. The changeling knew what was going to happen she would bring him back to her town and he would be thrown into a dungeon and tortured, sad fate for a young changeling especially on the same age as the mare that was going to bring him to town. “Are you okay?” She asked able to now see his eyes again and saw them full of fear and loneliness. She then looked at his torso and say that there were scratches and bruises all over him and a giant fresh gash in his hind leg from a rock behind her. She then quickly looked around for something to stop the bleeding from his leg and found the perfect thing. With his eyes shut he heard her run away fearing that she might bring more he tried to get up but fell immediately. He then heard her returning and he flinched for something but only felt something being ties around his hind leg. He opened his eyes to see her using her magic to tie a big leaf around his leg as he noticed less blood from it. “Does that feel better?” She asked him making him very confused at all this. “Yes.” he answered slowly but truthfully. “Woo that’s a relief.” she said sitting down relaxing looking upwards to the start sky. “Why did you do that” he asked her standing up this time successfully. “You were hurt and I couldn't just leave you there” she answered saying it like it was obvious. She then looked around and sighed “I need to find my way out of here.” She said getting up and walking away. “Wait.” she heard and turned around at the changeling. “You helped me now it's my turn to help you I know the way to Ponyville.” He told her making her gains big smile. She then ran up to him and gave him a big hug while telling him over and over “thank you”. During the hug he realized he was only a little bit taller than she was but quickly shrugged it off, broke the hug up, and lead her to town. After about 10 minutes they were on the outskirts of the forest and could see Ponyville in front of them. “Thank you so much.” Sweetie Belle said to him before giving him a small hug and began to run off before stopping. “Hey you didn't tell me your name what is it?” she asked turning around to him before he could wander off. “My name is Shift.” he responded calmly which confused him with how comfortable he felt telling this mare he just meant his name. “I'm Sweetie Belle it's nice to meet you bye.” She said running if home leaving him alone returning to the woods not knowing that into of the most unique friendships was beginning with them. Author's Note I hope this story goes well I had it in mind for a while now but I would like to know if people like it or not so please let me know What are you doing hereAfter leaving the forest Sweetie Belle noticed that the sun had already set and ran towards town and quickly ran into Scootaloo and Applebloom. “Guys!” She exclaimed running towards them gaining their attention. “Sweetie Belle, where were you we've been back for almost an hour.” Applebloom states shocking Sweetie Belle. “Where's Rarity?!” She quickly asked with wide eyes. “She's home wondering where you are.” Scootaloo answered when Sweetie Belle quickly ran off leaving the other two standing there. It took only a few minutes to get to Carousel Boutique and slammed the door open to find a worried Rarity looking from the top of the stairs down at her before squealing. “Sweetie Belle!” Rarity screamed using her magic to teleport to her little sister giving her a bear hug. “I'm so glad your back don't ever leave for so long ever again!!” She continued to cry out when Sweetie Belle felt her back about to explode. “It's nice to be home Rarity.” She said uncomfortably getting out of the hug. “Sorry I was worried.” Rarity apologizes before walking her sister upstairs “but right now it's time for you to go to bed.” She ordered receiving a light sigh from Sweetie Belle. (In the everfree forest) Shift was still wondering around trying to find some place to rest for the night before he heard a growl to his right. “Oh no.” He said quietly to himself before he ran as fast as he could in any direction that would take him away from the growls. He kept running and running before finding himself out of the forest but didn't stop to see where he was until he heard no more noises. After hearing nothing else he slowed down and leaned against something he thought was a tree but soon realized it was a lot smoother than tree bark. He looked to his right to find him leaning on a strange shaped building with nlue walls and a pink roof all with a strange design he's never seen before. Looking uk a little more he saw a open window and had to make a decision, either go back to the woods with Timberwolves or try his luck with this building. He then heard a howling coming from the forest and quickly as best he could with his injured wing flew up to the window. Once he entered the building he quickly but quietly closed the window and started to relax on the ground before starting to look around the room. It was small but had purple walls a small beige colored desk with a mirror on it and a nightstand with a lamp next to a bed with light green covers. He started to approach the bed but heard voices and looked up to see a door and quickly dropped to the floor quietly when he heard the door open and heard the voices clearly. “I'm sorry for being out so long.” A small high pitched voice said with a little bit a sadness in it, but it sounded familiar to him. “It's okay I forgive you already now off to bed goodnight.” Another voice said obviously from a older mare. Then he heard the door close and hoofsteps approaching the other side of the bed making him a little nervous when he heard the voice again. “Today was a long day I need to get some shut eye.” He heard the small voice say before hearing them get under the covers and lay down. He was terrified not knowing what he should do try to get out the window or possibly stay there the whole night he was just to terrified and confused. He was about to stand up when he heard shuffling from the bed and decided to take a small peek to see if it's alright to move. Sweetie Belle was having a hard time trying to get to sleep she closed her eyes and relaxed but she couldn't get Shift out of her head. She felt bad for the changeling being so young but all alone secretly she hoped to see him again to ask a few questions. She flipped herself to face the other side of the room where she's able to see the window and hoped she could just at wall until she fell asleep. As soon as she did turn she saw bright eyes staring right back at her. She screamed and from the looks of it so did the pair of eyes as it tried to run through the window but ran into the wall. Sweetie Belle then pulled the covers over her but didn't cover her eyes so she could see what is in her room with her. After looking at it as it tried to recover from the hit she couldn't tell what it was but that it was a dark color so she turned on the lamp on her nightstand. As soon as she turned it on she saw the changeling in her room and was about to scream but then say a few makeshift bandages on it starting to come off. “Shift?” She quietly asked gaining the changeling’s attention seeing him have an equal amount of surprise In his eyes. She then realized that now she sees that his eyes are a lot more dark green. The other changeling's see saw during the Canterlot invasion. “Sweetie Belle,w-what are you doing here.” He stammered from embarrassment of the realization of where he was. “This is my room I live here.” She answered calmly equally embarrassed but blushing a slight but before hearing hoofsteps outside. “Get down!” She yelled as quietly as she could to him before the door opened and he dropped to the floor. “Sweetie Belle are you alright!” Rarity shouted coming in and rushing to the other side of the bed of Shift. “YES! I-I mean I'm fine I just uh almost rolled of the uh bed.” Sweetie Belle stammered hoping the story was good enough for her older sister to believe. “Well okay but go to sleep it's very late and you were in the Everfree forest for so long it had me devastated.” Rarity explained as she left the room and closed the door. As soon as she left Shift got up “Who was that?” He asked obviously confused about why she was here. “That's my older sister Rarity the element of generosity.” She explained with slight annoyance that Shift could sense. “Anyway what are you doing here I thought you wanted to stay away from pony civilization?” She questioned looking back to Shift who was about to answer before starting to loose his balance and winced in pain. “Hey” she said quickly getting out of her bed and over to him helping him up “are you alright?” She said concerning surprising him. “I'm fine just the wounds you covered are starting to hurt again and my wing stings” he answered trying to move his left wing before wincing in pain again. Sweetie Belle ran over to her nightstand and opened a drawer and pulled out a few rags and ran back to him while using her magic to hold a small bottle. “Let me see it.” She said Mekong him let her move his wing before applying medicine into it and started to place a rag on it. “This might sting a little.” She warned him starting to rap the rag around the wing making him wince a little bit before she tied it and started to replace all the other makeshift rags too. “Thank you.” He responded relaxing a little after she finished before realizing he felt hungry hearing his stomach growl. “You need something to eat?” Sweetie Belle asked awkwardly smiling at him making him sheepishly smile and a green tint appeared in his cheek she assumed was him blushing. Author's Note Here it is after such a long time i hope you all enjoy it The explanationAuthor's Note I'm sorry for the late update a lot of things are going on and I'm going in a week long trip soon so I was preparing for that so yeah but I got a lot of work done on this and made as best I could so yeah enjoy. The explanation After a few minutes off waiting in Sweetie Belle’s room Shift finally heard the door open and saw her coming in with a basket containing a plate, a loaf of bread, knife, and some butter. “Sorry I took a bit I needed to be quiet so I didn't wake up my sister.” She explained before placing the plate on her bed and put the bread on it and cut it. After she did that her horn started to glow and so did the bread and then the bread seemed as if someone had put in over a fire “That's okay. But what is this?” He questioned looking closely and smelling the cooked bread suspiciously. “Have you never had toast before? It's one of the most eaten things ever.” She responded with a slight chuckle at his confusion. She then started to take a few slices of toast with a knife held with her magic and then started to spread butter on them. “I have never heard of such a thing. Changeling's don't really eat we feed of emotions.” He explained when she finished preparing the plate. “Oh” she responded shyly “I didn't know that. You don't have to eat this if you don't want to.” She said quickly before he walked up next to her. “I might as well try it since you already finished it.” He said before she pulled the plate to him. He then grabbed a piece of bread and nervously took a bite out of it and started to chew. It was weird since he had never actually eaten anything before and at the same time there was a unicorn filly watching him. “How is it?” She questioned looking at him straight in the eye. He had to admit it tasted okay, he would eat this all even though there could have been something else that tasted better. “It's good, it's really crunchy.” He admitted making the unicorn giggle at him a little. “It's supposed to be that way.” She explained before he finished the slice he had before taking another one, after that she also felt a little hungry and levitated a slice for her. “Hey um” she started curiously “why were you in the Everfree forest?” She questioned making him stop before taking another bite. “I was uh…” He started before he seemed to get upset a little. “I'm sorry you don't have to say if you don't want to.” She said quickly realizing he didn't want to talk about that. “No it's okay, it's just(sigh)” he started but took a moment to think about it “I was exiled.” He finished closing his eyes with his head down. This causes Sweetie Belles eyes to widen from shock and just stare at the young changeling “What happened to you.” She asked nervously before he told her the story. (Shifts p.o.v for flashback) About 2 and a half months ago I was still living in the changeling hive all alone with no friends or family just the other changeling's and the queen. We were awaiting for the signal from their queen to attack Canterlot just as she had planned when the barrier was down. As soon as it went down the hive charged down in the city ready to round up all of its citizens and take the city. I saw many other changeling's corner families and trap guards while others were searching for more stray’s. While searching around I found a earth pony mare and two kids with her as they were running out of the city to escape. I was going to catch them but then I noticed above them was a boulder that was coming down the mountain directly for where they would be when it hit. I noticed this and just couldn't let these ponies die, so I flew as fast as I could to get them out of the way. When it was to late the mare looked up to see the boulder only 5 meters above them and pushed her son and daughter ahead to save them. But before it hit her I grabbed her and flew past the Boulder before it landed causing me to fall with her to the ground. When I got up the two children ran up to their mom worried and were crying tears of joy to see she was alive. After that she turned to me I was expecting a look of fear or disgust, but what she had on her face was a smile as she cried looking at me. She then told me “thank you.” With joy in her voice as she and her kids walked away while I sat there. Before they were 2 yards away the kids ran back to me and hugged me pushing me to the ground while yelling at me “thank you for saving our mom/ thank you Mr.” They were full of joy and love and all the while cried with their excitement before they ran back to their mother and continued away. I then stood up full of confusion, our queen always told us that ponies were horrible and they could feel live if it was forced out of them. I learned that day that she lied to us, she tricked us to forcing love out of them and draining them of their life and soul. I then flew back to Canterlot but stopped after I looked back at the city, the barrier was back and I saw my hive being blasted away along with the queen. I then turned around and saw the barrier behind me not blasting me at all. I flew further until I got up to it and left it, I then turned around and it let me back in as if I was just another pony. I was to shocked to do anything else so I flew away back to the home of our hive, while flying I saw the three from earlier and they waved at me goodbye. After 2 months of flying exhausting me I made it back to our home, it was a cave inside of a mountain with green slime around the outside. As I entered I gained strange looks from the other changeling's which confused me, and before I knew it they were directing me to the queen. “Yes my queen.” I said bowing before her as she towered over me. “Why are you here now and not blasted away like the rest of us.” She said gaining a look of anger on her face. I didn't know what to say, I didn't know why it let me inside the barrier but it did and I couldn't deny that fact. “I do not know, my queen.” “Would it have something to do with the fact that you saved a ponies life!” She shouted at me with a look of disgust causing the other members of the hive to gasp in shock. I froze, my eyes were wide with shock “don't you dare think I didn't see that disgusting act.” She continued making the hive glared down at me. “I thought we were just to trap them.” I said quickly hoping it would save my shell. “Yes but it doesn't matter if a few die in the process and not only that but you let them go on their Mary way.” She finished before looking the hive seeing all of the rest take in the information. “From this moment on you are hereby banished.” Everyone froze and I was not able to think or do anything “you may never come back to our hive, and shall stay away until the day you die!”. After that I was pushed and shoved by three armored changeling's out three miles away from the cave before they flew back leaving me. (End flashback staying in shift p.o.v) She was just sitting there with her hooves covering her mouth from shock as I finished the story up. “I was going to try to look for the family I helped, but I thought that I would be sent away or thrown in prison by other ponies. So I just have been living in the forest for half a month since and then I met you.” I finished off with my held hung low in sadness before I felt a hoof on my shoulder. I looked up to see her with one good over her mouth and crying a lot from my story “I'm so sorry.” She said before leaning against me. I then had a weird feeling in my stomach when she leaned in me and then looked outside to see the moon quite low meaning only a few hours till dawn. “You should go to sleep it's almost sunrise.” I told her as I got her off me then approached the window. “Where are you going?” She questioned me wiping the tears from her eyes. “I don't want to keep you up any longer so I was going to head back into the woods and sleep.” I answered but was stopped when I heard shuffling behind me. I the turned and saw a blanket and pillow in the floor laying out in front of her. “You can sleep here if you want you just might want to be quiet.” She said climbing under her sheets on her bed. I just stood there before slowly got under sheets in the ground, it felt like nothing I ever touched before. At the hive we slept in rocks with no covering and in the forest I slept on dirt or in a cave with only a pile of leaves to make it able to sleep. “Goodnight.” She told me before turning off the lamp and turning away from me. “Goodnight?” I said questioningly not knowing what it meant making her giggle before I settled down. I then was falling into a deep sleep not knowing that this day was going to be the start of a new life for me in ponyville with real ponies and making real friends knowing the real me. First day in PonyvilleThe next morning Sweetie Belle had woken up to the light of the rising sun through her window shining on her eyes. It took her a moment to recall what happened last night but it all came back to her when she saw the young changeling sleeping of the floor. She softly giggled at Shift as he was spread out not even under the blanket and on the pillow anymore as he started to quietly wake up. “Morning Sweetie Belle.” He said still tired in his voice as he rubbed his eyes with his hoof while she sat up. “Good morning.” She responded before hearing hoofsteps getting closer to her room as she motioned for him to get down. Just as he laid flat on the ground Sweetie belles door opened and Rarity came in “Good morning Sweetie Belle.” She said joyfully seeing her little sister. “Same to you Rarity.” She said a tad bit nervously but Rarity ignored it. “I made sure to let you sleep in because of the rough day you had yesterday. I also wanted to make sure you knew that I'm heading out to Canterlot for some things I need and won't be back until very late. Meanwhile Spike should be here for a bit to clean around and organize some things.” Rarity explained receiving a nod from her little sister and started to leave the room before “Oh I almost forgot Apple bloom can't hang out because she has a lot of chores on Sweet Apple Acres and Scootaloo can't either because of the Rainbow Dash fan club.” Rarity finished leaving the room closing he door behind her making Sweetie Belle sigh in relief. “You can come up now.” She said laying on her bed while Shift was still in the floor. “That was close.” He said getting up off the ground to see her scoot to the edge of her bed. “Yeah, so what do you want to do?” She asked him receiving a confused look from him. “What’s that supposed to mean?” He asked gaining a stifled laugh from her. “Well I don't have any plans so I was wondering do you want to do anything.” She responded placing her hind legs hanging off her bed. “No one in the hive ever does stuff they want to on their own.” He explained while his expression changed to a depressed one. “I'm sorry.” She said getting down and placing a hoof on his shoulder making him look at her and grin. “How about I show you around Ponyville.” She suggested fixing his depression. “But won't the residents freak out if they see a changeling walking around?!” He stammered obviously worried about that. She thought for a minute before saying “disguise yourself but don't copy, just create your own appearance.” She said walking towards the door to see if Rarity had left already. He was shocked and didn't know what to do he never had to create a disguise himself before but sighed thinking there was no other way to get out of this situation. “I'll be downstairs getting breakfast while your stay here until you come up with a new look okay.” She said cheerfully as she turned back to see him with a smile on his face. “Okay” he responded as she went through the door and closed it heading downstairs. (15 minutes later later) Sweetie was enjoying her breakfast when she heard a door opening upstairs and hearing hoofsteps. “I’m ready.” She heard the familiar voice of he young changeling as she seemed to fill with excitement to see his new appearance. “Okay come down.” She shouted getting up from the table to go to the main entrance where the staircase is. At the bottom of the stairs she saw a young colt with blue fur and a messy red main with a orange streak going through it. “It's really hard to believe that changeling's can do this.” She exclaimed as she walked towards him to get a better look and was able to see he had big green eyes and his cutie mark was a flame but it was green. “I think that's a compliment?” He said questionably causing her to break out laughing and to fall over on the floor still laughing. He then started to look around and saw the different dresses on mannequins and the big brightly colored curtains all over the walls and windows. “What is this place?” He asked as she started to get up. “This is my big sisters store the upstairs in the living area where our rooms are.” She explained getting off the floor. “Are you hungry?” She asked making him shake is head “okay then lets go around town.” She said as they left through the front door. When they were out Shift saw how bright and colorful everything was compared to life in the hive. As they started to walk around a bright pink colored pony with a darker pink main zipped right in front of them. “Hey Sweetie Belle who is this? Are they new here? Are you moving here? What is your name? Where are you from?” She started throwing the questions at him as she appeared and reappeared around them. “Hi Pinkie and this is uh… Green…flame.?” She said slowly trying to come up with a name as Shift quivered his lip hoping the mare bought it. “Nice name now I have a party to plan!” Pinkie exclaimed as she ran off disappearing from sight. “That was Pinkie Pie the town party planner don't try to make sense out of anything she does.” Sweetie told him receiving a nod as they continued. As they continued to walk they came to the front of a pink colored building with a cupcake on the top. “Sweetie Belle what's this?” Shift questioned sound a little uncomfortable from how brightly colored the building is. “This is Sugarcube Corner, where Pinkie Pie works.” Sweetie explained receiving a nod from Shift as they walked some more heading more outside of town. After a 10 minute walk the came across a large farm with hundreds of apple trees. “This is Sweet Apple Acres, it's where my friend Apple Bloom loves and where we get Apple cider along with many other Apple food products.” Sweetie exclaimed waving her hood around and showing the wide landscape. “It's huge, and how many ponies work this place?” Shift asked amazed by the scenery and expected at least 25 ponies to live and work this place. “Only my friend and her older sister and brother. Along with Granny Smith.” Sweetie answered making Shifts jaw drop at how only 4 ponies manage the place. “Howdy y'all.” They turned their heads to see a orange mate with a blonde mane wearing a cowboy hat and three apples as her cutie mark. “Hey Applejack how are you.” Sweetie asked as the mare approached them with a bucket of apples. “I'm just fine partner.” She responded then noticing Shift “and who might this be?” She asked smiling as she put out her hoof. “I'm uh… Green Flame nice to meet you Applejack.” He answered as he shook her hoof. “Nice to meet ya flame now I need to be getting back work so why don't y'all go finish showing him around town.” Aj said before wandering back to the orchard. After a few more visit around town such as Town Hall and where golden oaks library was before it was destroyed they started to head back to Carousel Boutique seeing it was getting kind of late. Sweetie figures that they couldn't see Twilight because she would be busy and Fluttershy would just have a nervous breakdown. “Okay you can drop your disguise now.” Sweetie said as they entered the building closing the door. “But what about that Spike guy your sister mentioned?” Shift pointed out. “I'm pretty sure he finished and left a long time ago since he had all day to clean the place up.” She stated seeing him bid in agreement as she walked into the kitchen. “Oh hey Sweetie Belle.” She heard a voice and looked with wide eyes as she saw Spike the purple and green baby dragon putting dishes away and cleaning the counter. “H-hey Spike what are you still doing here?” She asked quite slowly as Spike noticed she kept eyeing the door behind her. “Oh I was going to clean this morning but Twilight had do a few things so I couldn't do it until the afternoon so here I am.” Spike explained as she started to back up to the door. “Oh I heard you were with a new pony today, what was there name?” He asked as he turned around to look at here as he brushed his hands together. “His name was Green Flame.” She said with clenched teeth as she seemed to try to say it the through the door. “Well o wish I could have met him, Pinkie wouldn't stop talking about how she saw you with him.” He said before he gave a slight chuckle when before Sweetie could respond the door opened. “Hey Sweetie Belle what's going on.” They both heard as Spikes eyes widened at the sight of a changeling walk through the door. Shifts eyes widened to as he spotted the baby dragon in front of him “……hi” he said waving his bug like hoof slightly as he half closed his eyes shyly. Author's Note Well I hope this was a good place to leave off and hope you all enjoy. Thank you for following the development, of A Shift Of Life Badly kept secretAuthor's Note Very sorry about the long wait for a new chapter. I have had the worst writers block i have ever encountered. But finally after a few months it's finally ending and i can write again. I published this chapter before i could flesh it out properly and know i have done that with the first half of the chapter. I will do the other half shortly. School is just really taking up my time right now. Badly kept secret Chapter 5 They all just stood there quietly staring at each other. Spike would not take his eyes off of the changeling standing right in front of him. He started to slowly walk away to the back door, his eyes never leaving the changeling. “Sweetie Belle…” He said glancing over towards her, with a very nervous look upon his face, “...that’s just your friend in a changeling costume right?” he finished trying to play it off as a joke. Shift just stood there with a confused look on his face “What’s a costume?” Upon hearing that Spike started to sweat slightly and started to breathe a little heavier than normal “He’s joking right?” starting to seem very nervous about the situation. Sweetie Belle tried to play cool and keep calm to prevent Spike from running out and screaming, she slowly began to walk towards Shift putting on a light smile looking at Spike. Spike’s instincts told him to run outside and get help from Twilight and her friends but his fear got the best of him as he started to hyperventilate. His breathing began to slow a little before he fell forward and past out on the floor. Sweetie Belle then walked over to Spike “Well that could have gone better.” She said trying to pick up his unconscious body and drag it out of the kitchen Shift walked up to her and started to help drag him “Seriously though, what is a costume?” He asked once again. Sweetie Belle just rolled her eyes and smiled before stifling a laugh “You still have a lot to learn about being a pony” she stated as they reached the stairs ______________________________________________________________________________ After a few hours Spike finally came to as his vision slowly began to clear as he heard voices. “Explain to me again what happened to him?” he heard a male voice ask. “Sometimes when somepony is shocked or surprised by something they will faint which is like unexpectedly going to sleep.” he heard a female voice answer. When his vision finally cleared up he saw Sweetie belle looking down at him along with the changeling from before. He then sat up and yelled in surprise before Sweetie put her hoof on him. “It’s okay calm down.” She said as he looked around and saw he was in her bedroom on her bed. “I want an explanation, now please.” He asked looking at the two of them. Sweetie then removed her hoof and looked at Shift before sighing. “Long story-short, Shift here helped me get out of the everfree forest the other day, then was running from timberwolves before finding himself here. I let him stay the night in secret and didn’t tell Rarity so she wouldn’t scream. Then he explained he was banished for helping a family of ponies during the canterlot invasion. And finally i showed him around town today and that is what brings us here.” she explained as Spike took in every little detail eyeing Shift from time to time frightening him. “Okay so this changeling here is friendly?” Spike said gesturing his hand towards Shift receiving a nod from her. “Well first time i heard of something like this.” Spike said with a little smile on his face. “So does this mean you won’t tell anypony i'm here?” Shift asked obviously shaking as Sweetie Belle lightly hugged him to calm him down. Spike thought about it for a moment before saying “If Sweetie Belle is okay with hugging you then you’re probably okay.” he said making Shift sigh in relief. “However I don’t completely trust you yet, I won’t tell anyone you’re here, but you should stay out of trouble.” he finished. “Oh um o-okay” Shift responded shyly making Sweetie chuckle. He then stook out his hoof full of holes “My name’s Shift.” After a minute Spike reached over with his claw and shook it “I’m Spike.” “You might want to get to know him better Spike, he may need a guy friend.” Sweetie said walking right next to Spike. “What’s a guy friend?” Shift asked looking at both of them, before they both started to laugh out loud making Shift more confused. “Okay, okay” Spike said to calm himself down “I’ll get to know him, he needs more than just you for help it seems.” he finished before getting off the bed. Then they all heard hoofsteps coming up the stairs, Sweetie and Spike then signaled Shift to duck down. He dove to the ground right as the door was opened by Rarity. “I’m back Sweetie belle, oh and hello Spike.” she greeted just noticing Spike was still here. “Hi Rarity.” Spike said slightly nervous “me and Sweetie belle were just talking.” he said rubbing the back of his neck. “Okay then, I’m going to go to bed Sweetie, i just had a very long day today. I hope you’ll understand.” Rarity said looking over to Sweetie belle. “Oh it’s fine” she said before she yawned “i was going to hit the hay as well.” she responded smiling. “Okay goodnight.” rarity said cheerfully before closing the door. “I better get going Twilight might wonder where i am.” Spike said as he approached the door. “Okay bye Spike.” Shift said waving his hoof at him. “See ya Spike.” Sweetie waved her hoof as well before he left the room. “We should go to sleep, we also had quite a day.” She said getting under her bed covers. “Okay, and should we try better to make sure ponies don’t find me out?” Shift asked getting in his little blanket on the ground. “It will be a little easier now that we have a dragon on our side. Goodnight.” She said before closing her eyes. “Goodnight.” he responded closing his bug like eyes as well.
DiscoveryIt was a regular summer evening in Ponyville, the birds were singing , the sun was shining, the cutie mark crusaders were running around town. “Scootaloo, slow down.” a small white unicorn with a pink and purple mane yelled chasing her friend. Who was a orange Pegasus with a dark purple mane riding a scooter. “Sorry can’t trying to beat my record.” Scootaloo shouted in response looking back not noticing the rock she was heading for. As soon as Scootaloo looked forward it was too late. Her scooter ran into the rock and she was sent flying into the air. Her expression showed a bit of fear but was full of surprise as she started to fall. Before she hit the a ground a green aura surrounded her and she was caught in mid fall. “Thanks Sweetie Belle.” Scootaloo said before being lightly placed on the ground next to her friend. “Hey girls.” a yellow earth pony with a red mane and a pink bow In it shouted running towards them. “Applebloom hey.” Sweetie Belle said to the pony who started to pant when she reached them. “What are you two up to?” Applebloom asked regaining her breath. “Nothing really, why.” Scootaloo responded getting up with a questionable look on her face. “Because, I had a great idea for something fun.” Applebloom responded finally not exhausted anymore. “Well are you going to let us know.” Scootaloo asked a little impatiently clearly wanting to know. “I was thinking that we can go exploring in the Everfree forest and try to find something that will get us our cutie marks.” Scootaloo grinned at the idea but Sweetie Belle was hesitant. “I like let's go!” Scootaloo exclaimed full of excitement but again Sweetie Belle was nervous about it. “Wait, are sure this is a good idea I mean there are a lot of dangerous things in there.” Sweetie Belle mentioned gaining confused looks from them. “So what we will be fine come on.” Applebloom said running off with Scootaloo. Sweetie Belle just sighed knowing that there was no point in arguing or telling so she just chased after them. By the time they reached the Everfree forest the sun was setting disappointing Scootaloo and Applebloom. “Look at that the sub is setting, we should head home now.” Sweetie Belle said nervously and started walking home. “Oh no we’re not we can still explore for a while.” Applebloom said making her and Scootaloo then giggled as they ran into the forest leaving their friend. “Hey wait!” Sweetie Belle yelled running after the but already lost track of them after a few minutes and lost her way. “Scootaloo, Applebloom?!” Sweetie Belle shouted but getting no response as she continued to walk in the forest after the sun had set. After what seemed like an hours in the forest Sweetie Belle started to get really scared when she heard a twig snap behind a bush to her left. “Girls” she whispered approaching the bush stepping on a twig snapping it. When she was right in front of the bush she pushed it aside. She then found herself standing herself looking straight into the turquoise colored eyes of a changeling. “AAAAAHHHHHH” she screamed falling on her back and scuffling away when the changeling screamed as well and started running but fell and didn't get up. Sweetie Belle then got on her hooves and slowly approached the changeling lying a few feet in front of her. The changeling knew what was going to happen she would bring him back to her town and he would be thrown into a dungeon and tortured, sad fate for a young changeling especially on the same age as the mare that was going to bring him to town. “Are you okay?” She asked able to now see his eyes again and saw them full of fear and loneliness. She then looked at his torso and say that there were scratches and bruises all over him and a giant fresh gash in his hind leg from a rock behind her. She then quickly looked around for something to stop the bleeding from his leg and found the perfect thing. With his eyes shut he heard her run away fearing that she might bring more he tried to get up but fell immediately. He then heard her returning and he flinched for something but only felt something being ties around his hind leg. He opened his eyes to see her using her magic to tie a big leaf around his leg as he noticed less blood from it. “Does that feel better?” She asked him making him very confused at all this. “Yes.” he answered slowly but truthfully. “Woo that’s a relief.” she said sitting down relaxing looking upwards to the start sky. “Why did you do that” he asked her standing up this time successfully. “You were hurt and I couldn't just leave you there” she answered saying it like it was obvious. She then looked around and sighed “I need to find my way out of here.” She said getting up and walking away. “Wait.” she heard and turned around at the changeling. “You helped me now it's my turn to help you I know the way to Ponyville.” He told her making her gains big smile. She then ran up to him and gave him a big hug while telling him over and over “thank you”. During the hug he realized he was only a little bit taller than she was but quickly shrugged it off, broke the hug up, and lead her to town. After about 10 minutes they were on the outskirts of the forest and could see Ponyville in front of them. “Thank you so much.” Sweetie Belle said to him before giving him a small hug and began to run off before stopping. “Hey you didn't tell me your name what is it?” she asked turning around to him before he could wander off. “My name is Shift.” he responded calmly which confused him with how comfortable he felt telling this mare he just meant his name. “I'm Sweetie Belle it's nice to meet you bye.” She said running if home leaving him alone returning to the woods not knowing that into of the most unique friendships was beginning with them. Author's Note I hope this story goes well I had it in mind for a while now but I would like to know if people like it or not so please let me know
What are you doing hereAfter leaving the forest Sweetie Belle noticed that the sun had already set and ran towards town and quickly ran into Scootaloo and Applebloom. “Guys!” She exclaimed running towards them gaining their attention. “Sweetie Belle, where were you we've been back for almost an hour.” Applebloom states shocking Sweetie Belle. “Where's Rarity?!” She quickly asked with wide eyes. “She's home wondering where you are.” Scootaloo answered when Sweetie Belle quickly ran off leaving the other two standing there. It took only a few minutes to get to Carousel Boutique and slammed the door open to find a worried Rarity looking from the top of the stairs down at her before squealing. “Sweetie Belle!” Rarity screamed using her magic to teleport to her little sister giving her a bear hug. “I'm so glad your back don't ever leave for so long ever again!!” She continued to cry out when Sweetie Belle felt her back about to explode. “It's nice to be home Rarity.” She said uncomfortably getting out of the hug. “Sorry I was worried.” Rarity apologizes before walking her sister upstairs “but right now it's time for you to go to bed.” She ordered receiving a light sigh from Sweetie Belle. (In the everfree forest) Shift was still wondering around trying to find some place to rest for the night before he heard a growl to his right. “Oh no.” He said quietly to himself before he ran as fast as he could in any direction that would take him away from the growls. He kept running and running before finding himself out of the forest but didn't stop to see where he was until he heard no more noises. After hearing nothing else he slowed down and leaned against something he thought was a tree but soon realized it was a lot smoother than tree bark. He looked to his right to find him leaning on a strange shaped building with nlue walls and a pink roof all with a strange design he's never seen before. Looking uk a little more he saw a open window and had to make a decision, either go back to the woods with Timberwolves or try his luck with this building. He then heard a howling coming from the forest and quickly as best he could with his injured wing flew up to the window. Once he entered the building he quickly but quietly closed the window and started to relax on the ground before starting to look around the room. It was small but had purple walls a small beige colored desk with a mirror on it and a nightstand with a lamp next to a bed with light green covers. He started to approach the bed but heard voices and looked up to see a door and quickly dropped to the floor quietly when he heard the door open and heard the voices clearly. “I'm sorry for being out so long.” A small high pitched voice said with a little bit a sadness in it, but it sounded familiar to him. “It's okay I forgive you already now off to bed goodnight.” Another voice said obviously from a older mare. Then he heard the door close and hoofsteps approaching the other side of the bed making him a little nervous when he heard the voice again. “Today was a long day I need to get some shut eye.” He heard the small voice say before hearing them get under the covers and lay down. He was terrified not knowing what he should do try to get out the window or possibly stay there the whole night he was just to terrified and confused. He was about to stand up when he heard shuffling from the bed and decided to take a small peek to see if it's alright to move. Sweetie Belle was having a hard time trying to get to sleep she closed her eyes and relaxed but she couldn't get Shift out of her head. She felt bad for the changeling being so young but all alone secretly she hoped to see him again to ask a few questions. She flipped herself to face the other side of the room where she's able to see the window and hoped she could just at wall until she fell asleep. As soon as she did turn she saw bright eyes staring right back at her. She screamed and from the looks of it so did the pair of eyes as it tried to run through the window but ran into the wall. Sweetie Belle then pulled the covers over her but didn't cover her eyes so she could see what is in her room with her. After looking at it as it tried to recover from the hit she couldn't tell what it was but that it was a dark color so she turned on the lamp on her nightstand. As soon as she turned it on she saw the changeling in her room and was about to scream but then say a few makeshift bandages on it starting to come off. “Shift?” She quietly asked gaining the changeling’s attention seeing him have an equal amount of surprise In his eyes. She then realized that now she sees that his eyes are a lot more dark green. The other changeling's see saw during the Canterlot invasion. “Sweetie Belle,w-what are you doing here.” He stammered from embarrassment of the realization of where he was. “This is my room I live here.” She answered calmly equally embarrassed but blushing a slight but before hearing hoofsteps outside. “Get down!” She yelled as quietly as she could to him before the door opened and he dropped to the floor. “Sweetie Belle are you alright!” Rarity shouted coming in and rushing to the other side of the bed of Shift. “YES! I-I mean I'm fine I just uh almost rolled of the uh bed.” Sweetie Belle stammered hoping the story was good enough for her older sister to believe. “Well okay but go to sleep it's very late and you were in the Everfree forest for so long it had me devastated.” Rarity explained as she left the room and closed the door. As soon as she left Shift got up “Who was that?” He asked obviously confused about why she was here. “That's my older sister Rarity the element of generosity.” She explained with slight annoyance that Shift could sense. “Anyway what are you doing here I thought you wanted to stay away from pony civilization?” She questioned looking back to Shift who was about to answer before starting to loose his balance and winced in pain. “Hey” she said quickly getting out of her bed and over to him helping him up “are you alright?” She said concerning surprising him. “I'm fine just the wounds you covered are starting to hurt again and my wing stings” he answered trying to move his left wing before wincing in pain again. Sweetie Belle ran over to her nightstand and opened a drawer and pulled out a few rags and ran back to him while using her magic to hold a small bottle. “Let me see it.” She said Mekong him let her move his wing before applying medicine into it and started to place a rag on it. “This might sting a little.” She warned him starting to rap the rag around the wing making him wince a little bit before she tied it and started to replace all the other makeshift rags too. “Thank you.” He responded relaxing a little after she finished before realizing he felt hungry hearing his stomach growl. “You need something to eat?” Sweetie Belle asked awkwardly smiling at him making him sheepishly smile and a green tint appeared in his cheek she assumed was him blushing. Author's Note Here it is after such a long time i hope you all enjoy it
The explanationAuthor's Note I'm sorry for the late update a lot of things are going on and I'm going in a week long trip soon so I was preparing for that so yeah but I got a lot of work done on this and made as best I could so yeah enjoy. The explanation After a few minutes off waiting in Sweetie Belle’s room Shift finally heard the door open and saw her coming in with a basket containing a plate, a loaf of bread, knife, and some butter. “Sorry I took a bit I needed to be quiet so I didn't wake up my sister.” She explained before placing the plate on her bed and put the bread on it and cut it. After she did that her horn started to glow and so did the bread and then the bread seemed as if someone had put in over a fire “That's okay. But what is this?” He questioned looking closely and smelling the cooked bread suspiciously. “Have you never had toast before? It's one of the most eaten things ever.” She responded with a slight chuckle at his confusion. She then started to take a few slices of toast with a knife held with her magic and then started to spread butter on them. “I have never heard of such a thing. Changeling's don't really eat we feed of emotions.” He explained when she finished preparing the plate. “Oh” she responded shyly “I didn't know that. You don't have to eat this if you don't want to.” She said quickly before he walked up next to her. “I might as well try it since you already finished it.” He said before she pulled the plate to him. He then grabbed a piece of bread and nervously took a bite out of it and started to chew. It was weird since he had never actually eaten anything before and at the same time there was a unicorn filly watching him. “How is it?” She questioned looking at him straight in the eye. He had to admit it tasted okay, he would eat this all even though there could have been something else that tasted better. “It's good, it's really crunchy.” He admitted making the unicorn giggle at him a little. “It's supposed to be that way.” She explained before he finished the slice he had before taking another one, after that she also felt a little hungry and levitated a slice for her. “Hey um” she started curiously “why were you in the Everfree forest?” She questioned making him stop before taking another bite. “I was uh…” He started before he seemed to get upset a little. “I'm sorry you don't have to say if you don't want to.” She said quickly realizing he didn't want to talk about that. “No it's okay, it's just(sigh)” he started but took a moment to think about it “I was exiled.” He finished closing his eyes with his head down. This causes Sweetie Belles eyes to widen from shock and just stare at the young changeling “What happened to you.” She asked nervously before he told her the story. (Shifts p.o.v for flashback) About 2 and a half months ago I was still living in the changeling hive all alone with no friends or family just the other changeling's and the queen. We were awaiting for the signal from their queen to attack Canterlot just as she had planned when the barrier was down. As soon as it went down the hive charged down in the city ready to round up all of its citizens and take the city. I saw many other changeling's corner families and trap guards while others were searching for more stray’s. While searching around I found a earth pony mare and two kids with her as they were running out of the city to escape. I was going to catch them but then I noticed above them was a boulder that was coming down the mountain directly for where they would be when it hit. I noticed this and just couldn't let these ponies die, so I flew as fast as I could to get them out of the way. When it was to late the mare looked up to see the boulder only 5 meters above them and pushed her son and daughter ahead to save them. But before it hit her I grabbed her and flew past the Boulder before it landed causing me to fall with her to the ground. When I got up the two children ran up to their mom worried and were crying tears of joy to see she was alive. After that she turned to me I was expecting a look of fear or disgust, but what she had on her face was a smile as she cried looking at me. She then told me “thank you.” With joy in her voice as she and her kids walked away while I sat there. Before they were 2 yards away the kids ran back to me and hugged me pushing me to the ground while yelling at me “thank you for saving our mom/ thank you Mr.” They were full of joy and love and all the while cried with their excitement before they ran back to their mother and continued away. I then stood up full of confusion, our queen always told us that ponies were horrible and they could feel live if it was forced out of them. I learned that day that she lied to us, she tricked us to forcing love out of them and draining them of their life and soul. I then flew back to Canterlot but stopped after I looked back at the city, the barrier was back and I saw my hive being blasted away along with the queen. I then turned around and saw the barrier behind me not blasting me at all. I flew further until I got up to it and left it, I then turned around and it let me back in as if I was just another pony. I was to shocked to do anything else so I flew away back to the home of our hive, while flying I saw the three from earlier and they waved at me goodbye. After 2 months of flying exhausting me I made it back to our home, it was a cave inside of a mountain with green slime around the outside. As I entered I gained strange looks from the other changeling's which confused me, and before I knew it they were directing me to the queen. “Yes my queen.” I said bowing before her as she towered over me. “Why are you here now and not blasted away like the rest of us.” She said gaining a look of anger on her face. I didn't know what to say, I didn't know why it let me inside the barrier but it did and I couldn't deny that fact. “I do not know, my queen.” “Would it have something to do with the fact that you saved a ponies life!” She shouted at me with a look of disgust causing the other members of the hive to gasp in shock. I froze, my eyes were wide with shock “don't you dare think I didn't see that disgusting act.” She continued making the hive glared down at me. “I thought we were just to trap them.” I said quickly hoping it would save my shell. “Yes but it doesn't matter if a few die in the process and not only that but you let them go on their Mary way.” She finished before looking the hive seeing all of the rest take in the information. “From this moment on you are hereby banished.” Everyone froze and I was not able to think or do anything “you may never come back to our hive, and shall stay away until the day you die!”. After that I was pushed and shoved by three armored changeling's out three miles away from the cave before they flew back leaving me. (End flashback staying in shift p.o.v) She was just sitting there with her hooves covering her mouth from shock as I finished the story up. “I was going to try to look for the family I helped, but I thought that I would be sent away or thrown in prison by other ponies. So I just have been living in the forest for half a month since and then I met you.” I finished off with my held hung low in sadness before I felt a hoof on my shoulder. I looked up to see her with one good over her mouth and crying a lot from my story “I'm so sorry.” She said before leaning against me. I then had a weird feeling in my stomach when she leaned in me and then looked outside to see the moon quite low meaning only a few hours till dawn. “You should go to sleep it's almost sunrise.” I told her as I got her off me then approached the window. “Where are you going?” She questioned me wiping the tears from her eyes. “I don't want to keep you up any longer so I was going to head back into the woods and sleep.” I answered but was stopped when I heard shuffling behind me. I the turned and saw a blanket and pillow in the floor laying out in front of her. “You can sleep here if you want you just might want to be quiet.” She said climbing under her sheets on her bed. I just stood there before slowly got under sheets in the ground, it felt like nothing I ever touched before. At the hive we slept in rocks with no covering and in the forest I slept on dirt or in a cave with only a pile of leaves to make it able to sleep. “Goodnight.” She told me before turning off the lamp and turning away from me. “Goodnight?” I said questioningly not knowing what it meant making her giggle before I settled down. I then was falling into a deep sleep not knowing that this day was going to be the start of a new life for me in ponyville with real ponies and making real friends knowing the real me.
First day in PonyvilleThe next morning Sweetie Belle had woken up to the light of the rising sun through her window shining on her eyes. It took her a moment to recall what happened last night but it all came back to her when she saw the young changeling sleeping of the floor. She softly giggled at Shift as he was spread out not even under the blanket and on the pillow anymore as he started to quietly wake up. “Morning Sweetie Belle.” He said still tired in his voice as he rubbed his eyes with his hoof while she sat up. “Good morning.” She responded before hearing hoofsteps getting closer to her room as she motioned for him to get down. Just as he laid flat on the ground Sweetie belles door opened and Rarity came in “Good morning Sweetie Belle.” She said joyfully seeing her little sister. “Same to you Rarity.” She said a tad bit nervously but Rarity ignored it. “I made sure to let you sleep in because of the rough day you had yesterday. I also wanted to make sure you knew that I'm heading out to Canterlot for some things I need and won't be back until very late. Meanwhile Spike should be here for a bit to clean around and organize some things.” Rarity explained receiving a nod from her little sister and started to leave the room before “Oh I almost forgot Apple bloom can't hang out because she has a lot of chores on Sweet Apple Acres and Scootaloo can't either because of the Rainbow Dash fan club.” Rarity finished leaving the room closing he door behind her making Sweetie Belle sigh in relief. “You can come up now.” She said laying on her bed while Shift was still in the floor. “That was close.” He said getting up off the ground to see her scoot to the edge of her bed. “Yeah, so what do you want to do?” She asked him receiving a confused look from him. “What’s that supposed to mean?” He asked gaining a stifled laugh from her. “Well I don't have any plans so I was wondering do you want to do anything.” She responded placing her hind legs hanging off her bed. “No one in the hive ever does stuff they want to on their own.” He explained while his expression changed to a depressed one. “I'm sorry.” She said getting down and placing a hoof on his shoulder making him look at her and grin. “How about I show you around Ponyville.” She suggested fixing his depression. “But won't the residents freak out if they see a changeling walking around?!” He stammered obviously worried about that. She thought for a minute before saying “disguise yourself but don't copy, just create your own appearance.” She said walking towards the door to see if Rarity had left already. He was shocked and didn't know what to do he never had to create a disguise himself before but sighed thinking there was no other way to get out of this situation. “I'll be downstairs getting breakfast while your stay here until you come up with a new look okay.” She said cheerfully as she turned back to see him with a smile on his face. “Okay” he responded as she went through the door and closed it heading downstairs. (15 minutes later later) Sweetie was enjoying her breakfast when she heard a door opening upstairs and hearing hoofsteps. “I’m ready.” She heard the familiar voice of he young changeling as she seemed to fill with excitement to see his new appearance. “Okay come down.” She shouted getting up from the table to go to the main entrance where the staircase is. At the bottom of the stairs she saw a young colt with blue fur and a messy red main with a orange streak going through it. “It's really hard to believe that changeling's can do this.” She exclaimed as she walked towards him to get a better look and was able to see he had big green eyes and his cutie mark was a flame but it was green. “I think that's a compliment?” He said questionably causing her to break out laughing and to fall over on the floor still laughing. He then started to look around and saw the different dresses on mannequins and the big brightly colored curtains all over the walls and windows. “What is this place?” He asked as she started to get up. “This is my big sisters store the upstairs in the living area where our rooms are.” She explained getting off the floor. “Are you hungry?” She asked making him shake is head “okay then lets go around town.” She said as they left through the front door. When they were out Shift saw how bright and colorful everything was compared to life in the hive. As they started to walk around a bright pink colored pony with a darker pink main zipped right in front of them. “Hey Sweetie Belle who is this? Are they new here? Are you moving here? What is your name? Where are you from?” She started throwing the questions at him as she appeared and reappeared around them. “Hi Pinkie and this is uh… Green…flame.?” She said slowly trying to come up with a name as Shift quivered his lip hoping the mare bought it. “Nice name now I have a party to plan!” Pinkie exclaimed as she ran off disappearing from sight. “That was Pinkie Pie the town party planner don't try to make sense out of anything she does.” Sweetie told him receiving a nod as they continued. As they continued to walk they came to the front of a pink colored building with a cupcake on the top. “Sweetie Belle what's this?” Shift questioned sound a little uncomfortable from how brightly colored the building is. “This is Sugarcube Corner, where Pinkie Pie works.” Sweetie explained receiving a nod from Shift as they walked some more heading more outside of town. After a 10 minute walk the came across a large farm with hundreds of apple trees. “This is Sweet Apple Acres, it's where my friend Apple Bloom loves and where we get Apple cider along with many other Apple food products.” Sweetie exclaimed waving her hood around and showing the wide landscape. “It's huge, and how many ponies work this place?” Shift asked amazed by the scenery and expected at least 25 ponies to live and work this place. “Only my friend and her older sister and brother. Along with Granny Smith.” Sweetie answered making Shifts jaw drop at how only 4 ponies manage the place. “Howdy y'all.” They turned their heads to see a orange mate with a blonde mane wearing a cowboy hat and three apples as her cutie mark. “Hey Applejack how are you.” Sweetie asked as the mare approached them with a bucket of apples. “I'm just fine partner.” She responded then noticing Shift “and who might this be?” She asked smiling as she put out her hoof. “I'm uh… Green Flame nice to meet you Applejack.” He answered as he shook her hoof. “Nice to meet ya flame now I need to be getting back work so why don't y'all go finish showing him around town.” Aj said before wandering back to the orchard. After a few more visit around town such as Town Hall and where golden oaks library was before it was destroyed they started to head back to Carousel Boutique seeing it was getting kind of late. Sweetie figures that they couldn't see Twilight because she would be busy and Fluttershy would just have a nervous breakdown. “Okay you can drop your disguise now.” Sweetie said as they entered the building closing the door. “But what about that Spike guy your sister mentioned?” Shift pointed out. “I'm pretty sure he finished and left a long time ago since he had all day to clean the place up.” She stated seeing him bid in agreement as she walked into the kitchen. “Oh hey Sweetie Belle.” She heard a voice and looked with wide eyes as she saw Spike the purple and green baby dragon putting dishes away and cleaning the counter. “H-hey Spike what are you still doing here?” She asked quite slowly as Spike noticed she kept eyeing the door behind her. “Oh I was going to clean this morning but Twilight had do a few things so I couldn't do it until the afternoon so here I am.” Spike explained as she started to back up to the door. “Oh I heard you were with a new pony today, what was there name?” He asked as he turned around to look at here as he brushed his hands together. “His name was Green Flame.” She said with clenched teeth as she seemed to try to say it the through the door. “Well o wish I could have met him, Pinkie wouldn't stop talking about how she saw you with him.” He said before he gave a slight chuckle when before Sweetie could respond the door opened. “Hey Sweetie Belle what's going on.” They both heard as Spikes eyes widened at the sight of a changeling walk through the door. Shifts eyes widened to as he spotted the baby dragon in front of him “……hi” he said waving his bug like hoof slightly as he half closed his eyes shyly. Author's Note Well I hope this was a good place to leave off and hope you all enjoy. Thank you for following the development, of A Shift Of Life
Badly kept secretAuthor's Note Very sorry about the long wait for a new chapter. I have had the worst writers block i have ever encountered. But finally after a few months it's finally ending and i can write again. I published this chapter before i could flesh it out properly and know i have done that with the first half of the chapter. I will do the other half shortly. School is just really taking up my time right now. Badly kept secret Chapter 5 They all just stood there quietly staring at each other. Spike would not take his eyes off of the changeling standing right in front of him. He started to slowly walk away to the back door, his eyes never leaving the changeling. “Sweetie Belle…” He said glancing over towards her, with a very nervous look upon his face, “...that’s just your friend in a changeling costume right?” he finished trying to play it off as a joke. Shift just stood there with a confused look on his face “What’s a costume?” Upon hearing that Spike started to sweat slightly and started to breathe a little heavier than normal “He’s joking right?” starting to seem very nervous about the situation. Sweetie Belle tried to play cool and keep calm to prevent Spike from running out and screaming, she slowly began to walk towards Shift putting on a light smile looking at Spike. Spike’s instincts told him to run outside and get help from Twilight and her friends but his fear got the best of him as he started to hyperventilate. His breathing began to slow a little before he fell forward and past out on the floor. Sweetie Belle then walked over to Spike “Well that could have gone better.” She said trying to pick up his unconscious body and drag it out of the kitchen Shift walked up to her and started to help drag him “Seriously though, what is a costume?” He asked once again. Sweetie Belle just rolled her eyes and smiled before stifling a laugh “You still have a lot to learn about being a pony” she stated as they reached the stairs ______________________________________________________________________________ After a few hours Spike finally came to as his vision slowly began to clear as he heard voices. “Explain to me again what happened to him?” he heard a male voice ask. “Sometimes when somepony is shocked or surprised by something they will faint which is like unexpectedly going to sleep.” he heard a female voice answer. When his vision finally cleared up he saw Sweetie belle looking down at him along with the changeling from before. He then sat up and yelled in surprise before Sweetie put her hoof on him. “It’s okay calm down.” She said as he looked around and saw he was in her bedroom on her bed. “I want an explanation, now please.” He asked looking at the two of them. Sweetie then removed her hoof and looked at Shift before sighing. “Long story-short, Shift here helped me get out of the everfree forest the other day, then was running from timberwolves before finding himself here. I let him stay the night in secret and didn’t tell Rarity so she wouldn’t scream. Then he explained he was banished for helping a family of ponies during the canterlot invasion. And finally i showed him around town today and that is what brings us here.” she explained as Spike took in every little detail eyeing Shift from time to time frightening him. “Okay so this changeling here is friendly?” Spike said gesturing his hand towards Shift receiving a nod from her. “Well first time i heard of something like this.” Spike said with a little smile on his face. “So does this mean you won’t tell anypony i'm here?” Shift asked obviously shaking as Sweetie Belle lightly hugged him to calm him down. Spike thought about it for a moment before saying “If Sweetie Belle is okay with hugging you then you’re probably okay.” he said making Shift sigh in relief. “However I don’t completely trust you yet, I won’t tell anyone you’re here, but you should stay out of trouble.” he finished. “Oh um o-okay” Shift responded shyly making Sweetie chuckle. He then stook out his hoof full of holes “My name’s Shift.” After a minute Spike reached over with his claw and shook it “I’m Spike.” “You might want to get to know him better Spike, he may need a guy friend.” Sweetie said walking right next to Spike. “What’s a guy friend?” Shift asked looking at both of them, before they both started to laugh out loud making Shift more confused. “Okay, okay” Spike said to calm himself down “I’ll get to know him, he needs more than just you for help it seems.” he finished before getting off the bed. Then they all heard hoofsteps coming up the stairs, Sweetie and Spike then signaled Shift to duck down. He dove to the ground right as the door was opened by Rarity. “I’m back Sweetie belle, oh and hello Spike.” she greeted just noticing Spike was still here. “Hi Rarity.” Spike said slightly nervous “me and Sweetie belle were just talking.” he said rubbing the back of his neck. “Okay then, I’m going to go to bed Sweetie, i just had a very long day today. I hope you’ll understand.” Rarity said looking over to Sweetie belle. “Oh it’s fine” she said before she yawned “i was going to hit the hay as well.” she responded smiling. “Okay goodnight.” rarity said cheerfully before closing the door. “I better get going Twilight might wonder where i am.” Spike said as he approached the door. “Okay bye Spike.” Shift said waving his hoof at him. “See ya Spike.” Sweetie waved her hoof as well before he left the room. “We should go to sleep, we also had quite a day.” She said getting under her bed covers. “Okay, and should we try better to make sure ponies don’t find me out?” Shift asked getting in his little blanket on the ground. “It will be a little easier now that we have a dragon on our side. Goodnight.” She said before closing her eyes. “Goodnight.” he responded closing his bug like eyes as well.
