Lyrs Change

Chapters

~1~ The Very begining
~2~ The Love of Parents
~3~ The Changelings Decision

~1~ The Very begining

Everything was perfect, I had worked so hard to get to this point and I wasn’t going to let anything go wrong, even if it meant hiding my true self. But sometimes what we want isn’t always what we get. I'm.... I am Lyra Heartstrings and... I well, do certain things that other ponies wouldn't agree upon, and most of the time it's unintentional, please, just don’t judge me for the things that I had to do on my journey, I only did what I had to and I will forever bare those sins on my very soul. And so here is my story.

Birth, a wondrous occasion for any pony, a gift of new life and everything that envelopes it, unfortunately for some it is a day to fight for survival. I remember every bit of the experience that I had went through, how I was choking on a fluid that had retained life in me but was now only sufficed in trying to snuff that very life out, I remember how it had felt thick in my lungs and that it burned to breath such a substance in, I needed to be free of this, I need to escape. I pawed at the surface around me, trying to break free from the prison made cocoon frantically. Luckily I had a horn to break the surface of my imprisonment as it stabbed through the amniotic placenta for a chance of freedom.

A tear ripped through the sack, everything happened so quickly as the fluid began to flow out of the hold it was in, pushing me out as well. I lay on the cold ground, coughing and hacking my lungs away to free up my breathing air way to take in the warm fresh air. This air tasted horrid, one breath and I was writhing in this new existence, my body demanded to go into another coughing spout, but something in me stopped me from following that order as I took another breath, it came easier only as I breathed out I threw up, it came in convulses as this time I began to cry.

Relief, that was what I felt when I had finished. I finally opened my eyes to look around me, it was hard to see over the mounds of other sacks, most pulsating, others, not even moving at all. I felt a pain in my heart, my ears splaying back I had felt sorry for these none moving cocoons and I didn’t know why, something in me told me that these were mine, that they were my own…. siblings, that word sounded foreign, like it didn’t belong and so I turned away.

My ear flicked and I flinched, I frantically looked around but I could not decipher what it was for this sudden movement, I swiveled my ears back and forth, trying to catch it once more when finally the sound hits my ears. Eyes widening I listened to the noise, it was a soft hum, it started out slow, just a mere murmur, but as soon as I notice the hum it was as if the noise could sense me as well, the hum grew louder and I stood up tall, as if the hum could see me as I tried to show it that I was here, and the hum took a tone of acceptance. Another thing clicked in my mind as I was ordered to turn around, and so I did. It was then I saw another being.

It was tall, It was so very tall, It turned its head, scanning the area around us when it saw me, for a moment it looks surprised as it spreads its appendages behind it, I watch it very closely, feeling no fear I was curious of this other being, it took to the air and flew over to me. I wanted to spread my own appendages, to show it that I could do what it had done but I my whole body shook, feeling so weak and unsure as another feeling welled in me, right where my chest was I felt an overt sense of pride as I tried my best to stand as perfectly still, although i failed in the slightest bit.

“Hatchling 32, Fully hatched and standing” It said in a strong gruff voice.

I tilted my head to the side, the words barely registering in my mind as I was just a ‘hatchling' and only the gentle hum around us was the only thing I could understand.

“Hatchling 32 is the first to hatch and first to stand," He then smiles down at me "you will be a promised one”

My ear twitched as I felt the hum become stirred, as if riled by this sudden predicament, it started to get louder when the thing in front of me straightened its own ears, sending his own hum into the mix and silencing the overwhelming sound. With that I was lifted in the air, a strange aura surrounding me as I was taken away from my brothers and sisters, looking back I saw them move even more, some even bursting out of there own prison, only to be put through a whole new other.

I was hungry, it ate at me more and more as I had yearned for a substance that was so unattainable and yet could be given freely. I did not know this and with that I conjured up something in me, it was my need that had brought this as I tried to put anything out in my horn, as if I knew that by using this small horn that I could obtain whatever it was that I sought. Noticing the green spark the being marveled at the sight of this and it soon laughed.

“Whoa little Changeling” He states, licking his hoof before snuffing the small spark on my horn “You’ll feed soon enough”

Changeling, is that what I was, and what he is? Such questions went unanswered as I had no voice to speak out, only some gurgling and a bunch of mumbling, but it was the hum that had soon answered my question, agreeing and even congratulating me on such an endeavor. I was soon wrapped tightly in a somewhat worn blanket as I was taken into a new room. My eyes wandered around the large room, astonished at the sight before me as it was huge and almost welcoming, with pillars that held up the ceiling and some tapestry that hung scattered and disheveled, like it was a castle, only this one was worn, some places crumbling and the constant sound of humming in my ear as more changelings hung from the ceiling, watching me closely.

My attention was pulled away from the hum when I saw an elegant figure at the head of the room, where she lay was suppose to be a throne or two but were now crumbled rock with fancy comfortable lounging chair that was large enough for her to lay all so comfortably. I remember looking at her for the first time, she had long turquoise blue hair that draped around her face where burning emeralds lay as her eyes, she was far taller than any other changelings but was full of holes just like the rest of the whole hive.

The changeling who was holding me bowed before her, “Queen Chrysalis, I greet you with the presentation of the first hatchling of batch number 3, first to hatch, and first to rise”

The ‘Queen’ arched a brow, slowly getting up as she approached us, at the first sign of this the changeling bowed even lower as I rose even higher, as if I were a gift to such a magnificent being. There I met her, face to face as she stared at me with such an intensity, as if calculating something in her mind as she scanned me thoroughly.

“And the others Vicarious?” Her voice was authoritative and yet it had such a strange sense of warmth

He remained where he was as his ears flipped back and forth, listening intently to the buzzing around us before he nods.

“Only five, plus the little one here” Was his reply

The Queen hissed at this, a scowl forming on her face "Curses, we will need to change the breeding patterns soon enough, it appears we are losing our numbers for too plenty, be sure to inform the others of this"

She then turns her attention back to me, our eyes met and I had felt something, It was giddy, and bubbly and I couldn’t help but smile, reaching out towards her, hoping that she would even hold me.

Tossing aside the previous statement she drew closer to me “And what is its status” She moves a strand of hair out of my face that I didn’t even know was there

“Female and as I was making my way towards here she was able to conjure some magic up” He grins at this, looking at me before looking at his Queen with warm eyes.

“Hmm” She hummed to herself as she actually wrapped her hooves around me, I laughed at this, happy to be held by her.

“Leave” Was the only thing she uttered and in no questioning manner the whole room emptied in a flash.

I gurgled some gibberish nonsense as she tilts her head at me, a strand of her hair fell on to my face and I laughed as it tickled my nose, I grasped at it and saw that I had black little hooves, only what caught my attention was things, or there for lack of appearing on my hooves. As time edged on the holes became more prominent and as they grew, I grew hungrier, at this I whined, the Queen knew of this as she shushed me. Lulling me into a sleep as she began to walk away.

“You, my Little Changeling, will help guide this hive to a better future” She states and I stared up at her green eyes. “Like the rest of my drove you will work hard and face many hardships but that is the way of the changelings. We must take to survive with our own kin.” Her eyes grew hard as she spoke the next sentence “No matter the cost”

Her horn glowed a bright green as magic began to weave all around us “As tradition, the first to hatch is able to grow in the strongest of environments, where love shall be plenty, and seeing how you were also first to stand you shall have the best of the best” She explains to me, my ears flicked from side to side, an understanding on my behalf as I began to pick up multiple signatures that left information for me for which I quickly try to comprehend the situation as the hum was fluctuating all around us, as is something big was about to happen, this only confused me.

“Huh?” I tried to question, tilting my head to the side as she finishes casting her spell.

In a flash we were in another place, much brighter than the last and the air was easier to breath in, it wasn’t the same comfortable warmth I felt at the hive but it was sustainable none the less. I blinked as I tried to desperately grasp at hum, as it was the only source of information obtainable to me at the moment, Looking up at my Queen I soon came to know her name, Chrysalis, such a beautiful name, not only that but she was our Queen and that she lead our hive to do what ever it took to keep us alive and well. Chrysalis smiles at me before placing me down on the ground where the light wind blew blades of green grass, nearly tickling my hooves.

“This is very important, a test all changelings must under go through before their initiation to the hive little one” She then looks past me and to the horizon.

I followed her stare and saw vast lands and what seemed like borders between these lands, a desert like land to the left and to the far east was nothing but wooded area with coats of clouds. But what caught my eye was the middle, there lay a vast land, being mountainous and flat, trees and clouds, a bit of everything consisted in this area, and it was beautiful.

My legs wobbled as more holes appeared on my legs, shaking I ended up collapsing to the ground. I looked up at the Queen and saw that she was staring back at me with a look of slight interest, as if testing me. With a new spark of determination I lifted one hoof right after the other, I struggled but I tried my hardest to hide it.

Standing proud I stared back at my Queen “Wha- What, i-is my” I gulped, my ears flicking once more “Test” I finally finished and looking up at her brightly.

Her horn glowed as she leaned down to me, tapping her horn to my own a warmth began to ebb through the touch, it was a strange sensation as it started from my horn and leaked into my skull, a warmth that made me take a quick breath of cold air to keep me standing. Coursing through my body I felt more awake, more aware of things around me and the holes forming at my hooves stopped, and some of them even healed up.

I craved more. “Yes my little Changeling” She spoke, standing once more “And you shall receive more once you complete this task”

I nodded and awaited her instructions. Her horn ignited and I watched closely as she began to change. I was in awe as green flames ignited all around her, barely lapping at her coat as it spread across her form, dancing to life as it left a trail of a different color. Her Black coat being no more as the color of the opposite take its place, her stature being that of a smaller changeling. Her eyes no longer being that of burning emeralds but that of opalescence. Her mane cut shorter and being a shade of pink, she bore a horn on top of her head but her tattered wings were no more but bare back.

“Now, You” She states holding her head high.

I gulped as I took my place. My hooves dug into the ground, by watching her I tried my best to mimic the process, my ears flipping back and forth, trying to decipher the pattern I must follow in order to prove myself before her. Magic began to course through me and into my horn, I squinted my eyes as I was in deep concentration. Emerald flame began to lick at my hooves, begging to be furthered along the process, only to silence in quick session.

I frowned at this as I began to panic, closing my eyes I tried to listen to the hum once more, hoping to find the flow of which I should take to complete my task. Gathering up my confidence I tried once more as I summoned up my magic once more, hoping this time I knew just what I was doing, hoping to complete this task so that I could show my Queen I could do this, and that I could make the hive proud.

I was panting now as I was able to conjure up the same emerald flames that my Queen had shown as the flames made their way over me, my dark coat now burning away and being replaced by that of a light blue coat, my mane grew to life as the magic emitting off of me swerved the air around us, making my hair appear that of clouds flowing off of me. I opened my eyes wide as they were no longer Cyan but that of pink.

Catching my breath I stood up proudly at the achievement I had completed. “I-Is This good?” I hissed unsure and exhausted from such an endeavor.

She gives a slight nod “and on your first try as well”

Once more she puts her horn to my own horn, the magical aura encasing it soon came over my own, almost like a zap I was changed into a whole new pony, a foal at that. A coat of a light tan, my mane zapping to life with a bright red, blinking my eyes were now a bright orange. The feeling of changing was a mix of pleasantries to a new self awareness, losing feeling in one part of the body in favor of another, the new stature that I had and everything, like a breath of fresh air. I looked at myself in awe when I caught sight of a few more beings around us, I look towards them to see more changelings, some were trying hard to transform themselves as others were curled up on the ground.

My ears laid back as I felt concern for them, looking at Chrysalis for a moment I walked up to one of the beings, he lay on the ground looking sad. I cocked my head to the side, my ears flipping back and forth before I looked at the fully grown changeling, he was transformed but not into a pony like I was, instead he had a beak and a lions body with large grand wings. Blinking I ignited my horn, curious of this being with its large wings.

The transformation was easier this time as I grew feathers all over my body and my horn disappearing, no longer baring color but that of a gray and white color with black claws. I looked at myself before looking at the hatchling, he was staring at me and I could taste the envy that he bore. I knelt down to him, nuzzling my nose to his cheek, urging him to stand. Hesitantly he does so and stares at me.

My ears flicked up and down, and he follows suit. A realization dawned on him as he finally picks up the hives hum, the music that taught us the very beginnings of every changeling. Gulping he digs his hooves into the ground as he tries to change one last time. Horn lit he struggles to pull the transformation. My magic flicked, wanting to help but my own magic storage was a bit short, and besides it was best for him to transform for himself on the first go, if not then he would struggle more later on.

I smiled when he began to take form, his tail being long and thin, his dark hide being that of a light brown with grey feathers. He heeled up, spreading his wings as he roared up at the sky. I laughed at this as i reared up as well, I wasn’t that well accustomed to wings but I was able to pick up some tips from the rest of the changelings horde.

"Come" I heard my Queen order, in quick reflex I transformed into the foal that she had transformed me into as I followed her.

Lifting me up in her graces she enlightened her horn, it was interesting to watch her perform this magic as not only did it enveloped her but me as well. In a bright flash we were gone, I could no longer see the other changelings transforming for the first time, the small patch of green grass or the clear sight of all the lands. Instead what I saw was white clean pristine walls, a foul smell around in the air as I was wrapped in a soft blanket that shown with a shade of pink.

Dead silence panned through this place, all but my Queens graceful hooves on the tiled floors, she walked with such confidence and pride that I was overwhelmed, a pony who deserved the respect and admiration of everypony, a pony deserving the name of Queen.

Glancing around a corner she enters a small quiet room, in it held many cribs and some of them had occupants in them, being small and frail, like nothing could come to harm them. Finally she stops at one of them, levitating a small foal from within it and replacing me into it. I looked up to her in a questioning way when she only nods before turning away. I wanted to call out to her, to tell her to stay, of course I couldn't, something in me went against it and to shut down, sleep lulling me with its quietness.

Ears twitching I heard another pony enter the room, keeping my eyes closed I felt myself being lifted ever so gently, as if I were a fragile jewel ready to burst.

"Come now, its time for you to meet your parents" A joyful voice coaxes me from my sleep.

Yawning I snuggled deeper into my blanket that was wrapped around me so tightly it was snug.

"Here she is, a beautiful baby girl" the pony that was holding me sang out as she entered a new room

Being gentle I was passed on to another, at last I was able to open my eyes, peering above me I saw another mare, and soon a colt came into my vision, the two ponies i was to call mother and father, the two ponies that were to be my first meal...

"Meadow Weaver~" the mother hums "Our little Meadow Weaver" her voice was so soft, so nurturing, so full of love...

I opened my eyes, and peered at the two ponies who will be looking after me, two ponies for me to feed upon...

Author's Note

Well then I debated so heavily on weather or not to issue on this, I have spent so much time trying to make this perfect but I have no idea how any other authors can do this but after gathering my courage I finally decided to issue the first chapter in this tale, and I hope I can add more later on so I hope you love this just as much as I love writing it.
:heart: With Love,
:yay: Alizilith
(Also so very sorry if this is crap, ;3)

~2~ The Love of Parents

I listen, I listen so carefully and maticuously but not to my parental units, but to the hum that seemed to surround me no matter where I went. The hum told me that they were not of my own, that they are our food source, that we are above them... And yet the hum does not explain why this has to be so, the hum tells me orders, to do things that made me question why I would even do such an act.

For one I would listen to what these 'ponies' would tell me, in me I felt I should only listen to my Queen, but with this order I would listen to these ponies, when they taught me how to walk, how to speak, even to the bloody bathroom, these ponies fawned over me like their very life depended on it...

And... It felt good. It was so strange, the feeling seemed to have develop out of no where, I found myself following these two ponies named 'Mother' and 'Father', they were litterally my life support, one time I had questioned about my own parental units, where they may be and if they had cared for me as much as these ponies did... The hum was silent, I asked once more, 'they gave their love to give you life' and I could feel some of the changelings bow to those words, like they were ancient and well respected, I also felt the need to bow, It finally registered in my mind that my own parental units were no more. I gazed at the pony Mother and Father at this revelation, feeling a bit sad, I had to be honest I would be filled with deepest sorrows upon hearing the recall to my hive, so much that I nearly didn't want to go, I quickly banished that thought out of my head.

I stopped myself in that moment, has another hatchling thought of this? To never go back to the hive? The thought disgusted me, there was no way a changeling could survive all on their own in this realm, and to betray the hive like that was dishonorable at the very thought!

I had casted those thoughts out of my mind, I shouldn't dilly dally on such trivial thoughts.... Ew~ Those parental units are even infecting my lingo, even in my own thoughts. Looking up I saw that the two parental units were awaiting for me by the door, both looking so happy and cheerful to see me, I was just one of their hatchlings, but I'll play along as I ran to their side, smiling happily, you know, to win their favor I mean...

Mother and Father worked on a flower farm, not for the asthetic reasons but to be distributed to some business's as a main food source as well as perfume and other strange uses. They would usually rotate the different flowers but the ones that were most commonly used at the farm were Sunflowers for their sunflower seeds, Delphinium for medical uses that the unicorns process, Roses was the only one we used for asthetic usage, we even have some Cherry trees for when they bloom those pretty flowers as they gave off such a plesent scent, Lilacs are mainly used as an edible resource but were popular for asthetic reasons, and finaly Lavanders for their use of beauty products such as lotions, oils, and hair products.

I was a bit fasinated by the multiple properties that such a simple flower could have, I was looking at the vast fields of flowers, taking in the sweet scent and was rather enjoying the sight as the sun slowly lowered to the horizon when Mother and Father appeared by my side.

I was looking at a delphinium at random before looking towards them. "How does a pony question the use of anything? To find something so simple as a flower and change it into something else, how do they do that?" I ask them, curious

They smiled at this, Father messes up my hair as he sits next to me "Well, there is no certain way to explain how does one pony discover uses of anything, but I do believe that everything, and everpony has a range of uses. Even as small and insignificant as a Delphiniums petal can have healing properties, so no matter where you may be in life, I know you can find your own special talent and call a name to yourself" He smiles at me

I felt enlightened at that and I even felt Mother kiss the top of my head "And no matter what we will always believe in you, no matter what the task maybe" She smiles so sweetly at me.

How are they so full of... happiness? They work so hard everyday and most of the time they're tired but when ever they were around me they would conceiled that part of themselves as they showed their happiest faces to me. This puzzled me, what would drive a pony to do such a thing, to ignore their obvious stress in order to show that they are happy.

"Come on inside little one, supper is about ready" Mother states, guiding us back into the house.

"Yeah, we wouldn't want to miss out Mums cooking now do we sport?" Father smiles, giving me a small wink.

I beamed up at him "Okay Mom, Okay Dad"

The attic, the one place I was sure that mother and father hardly traversed in, and at occasions I would be there myself, it was one of the places I use to transform back into my changeling self and to let my wings out, granted I didn't use them much but it still felt nice. One day mother and father realize recent my absences as they notice I would hold myself in the attic, upon this revelation they took it upon themselves to spruce it up a bit, to make it a play place for me to hang out in.

Mother was dusting one part of the room as I was packing some things into boxes for father to take to the storage next to our house when I notice something glint in the back of the pile of random items. Climbing over the other stuff I tried to reach for it but as I did this I had my face rather close to a box that was practically covered in dust all over it, inhaling the dust my eyes began to water as my nose began to tickle.

"Ah~Ah~ Ah-choo" I sneezed, surprising me as I transformed into my changeling form, my eyes grew wide as I turned towards mother, she was still dusting as I quickly ignited my horn.

"Bless you darling, are you alright?" She asks as she turns towards me

I quickly grab what I was looking at as I had transformed back into Meadow Weaver

"I'm fine, totally fine, I-uh- just found this" I say showing the gold instrament in my hooves.

I look down at it "What is it?" I ask, sitting down as I inspected it further

"That there is a lyre" I heard father say as he walks up the steps steps

"A lyre?" I say abesently as I used my hoof to strum a few notes, it sounded soft and pretty.

Mother chuckles lightly at this "Yep, that belonged to your great mee-maw you know"

I look up at them "It sounds pretty" I say happily

They both smile at me as father wraps a hoof around mother "Well if you like it I suppose it wouldn't hurt anypony if you have it"

I jump up at this "Really? oh wow" I say jumping happily.

Mother places a kiss to my head as she went towards the stairway "Well I'm going to go prepare lunch alright?" She calls out

"Ok Mommy" I call back to her as I stare at the new instrament

Father follows behind her "I'll help you my Blossom"

I couldn't help but smile as I could feel the love radiate off of them as they headed down below, they were so happy, and I am too, I just... I wish it could last forever though...

I hissed as I felt a pinch on my hind leg, looking around I snuck into my room, being sure my parental units were off working I allowed myself a time of solace as I reverted back to my changeling form. Looking at my hind leg I was horrified to see another hole forming.

'You are not feeding enough' the hum hisses

I splayed my ears back 'but I already take so much' I hummed back to the drove.

'you wish to perish? it is obvious you do not feed enough for you are decaying away, now feed before our ranks lessen by one' and the hum quieted with that one order.

I sighed as I shifted back into Meadow Weaver, trotting down the steps to the main living quarters i peer out the upper hatch of the front door, trying to spot my parental units, which was easy seeing how they were just finishing up with their work and was heading in. Father looked up at the sky, sniffing the air for a moment before ushering mother into the warm home where I awaited for them.

"Looks like there's a storm heading our way, best we quickly prepare the farm for the coming rain" He states, reaching inside the home and grabbing a set of keys hanging on the key hooks.

"Oh you want me to help?" I ask while smiling brightly to them.

They smile back "No worries little filly, I think you're still a bit too young, we don't want you getting hurt ok" Father replies

"Oh," My ears splay back for just a second before popping back up "Okay, can I at least accompany you?" I then beemed

"Oh~" Mother cries out, picking me up in her hooves as she hugs me close to her "You're just the sweetest little thing, of course you can come, but be careful okay" She states with a wink.

I had leaned into the hug, it was so warm and comforting, I had found enjoyment in this hug in just in the act in itself and what was held behind it. So much love, I couldn't help it, my horn lit up ever so faintly as I lightly took from the hug more than what it was intended for, Mother grew slightly more weak before I pulled away.

"Okay Mommy, I promise to be extra careful" I proclaim.

Mother shook her head ever so slightly before smiling down at me "Alright, shall we be off?" She asks

"Yeah!" I exclaim merrily

Father chuckles at this as he guides us to our shed where our many tarps lay. Father grabbed a rather long tarp with his teeth as he began to drag it out of the shed, Mother helped him as she places the tarp on her back midway through the tarp. Spotting the tarp at the other end drooping to drag on the ground I used my head to lift it up, grinning as I did so.

They saw me do this and instead of insisting me to stand asside they decide to let me have the moment as I tried to provide little assistance. We came across the field of delphiniums, the scent they wafted smelled delightful as I breathed in the scent. Mothers horn ignites as the tarp unraveled from our hold, spreading wide as they began to cover the delicate flowers. Father made his way to one end of the field as he grabs onto one ledge as Mother grabs the opposite end. Mother's magic ended alot more sooner than usual but Father didn't mind as he catches the tarp before it could land on the flowers roughly.

Mothers magic wasn't strong but it was enough to do some tasks at hoof as Father would be right there to help her through it all. They struggled for a moment as they tried to keep the tarp up as they tried to suspend the mid-center of the tarp with wooden sticks. I grabbed onto a stick from its little pile as I handed it to Mother who in return greatfully takes it into her magical hold.

"Thank you sweetie" She smiles down at me.

I beamed back at her as we continued with the daily chore, Father made sure that the tarp was nailed down properly before we moved onto the next set of crops. I weaved between the bushels of Lilacs that seperated the different sorts of crops until I tripped over a random twig out of nowhere.

"Oof" Falling I landed next to the bush when a branch falls free from its hold and landing on my head.

"You alright hun?" Father asks, helping me up.

I blew a strand of hair out of my face "Yeah I'm fine" I then noticed the twig on my head, grabbing it I inspected it, it was a small branch from the lilac that held the pretty purple flowers at the end of it.

Smiling I trotted up to Mother "I think my little trip wanted to tell me this was for you" I grinned at her.

Taking the flower she smiles softly at me "Aren't you just the cutest" She whispers, planting a kiss to my forehead.

I squeeled delightfully at this as I continued down the pathway towards the other crops with my parental units just behind me.

"You know all flowers have meanings behind them?" Father states non challantly

"Meanings? Aren't they just flowers?" I ask, tilting my head as I peered at the plants.

He chuckles at this "Yes but with each plant there may be a hidden meaning behind them, kind of like how ponies have their cutie marks, Plants have their own special meaning" He explains to me

"Oh really? Then what does the Lilacs say?" I ask, ever so curious.

He looks over at Mother with a soft smile "It means 'First Love'" He answers

I blink at this "First Love? Like How we love each other?" I ask

My ear flicked as Mother laughs lightly "Not really, the love we share is our own unique love" She informs me

"Then what does this 'First Love' refer to?" I ask looking up at them

"Your first love is something you have, that you want to hold on to, its something that you share with a special somepony you may find in your life, and that love is like no other for it is the first" he then looks at mother with a smile that was kind and knowing as she returns the loving gaze. I felt the love between them that was just for the two of them, so this is first love? I stared at the invisible bond between the two and felt such strong emotions behind it. And it was beautiful.

"When can I experience this 'first love'?" I ask them innocently

They both look at one another before chuckling to themselves when they both nuzzled my face.

"When you meet that special somepony" They whispered

"A special somepony huh?" I stated simply "When can I meet that special somepony?" I continue to question

"Who knows, perhaps tomorrow" Mother jokes when she felt Father nudge her side with his own body, she laughs at this.

"Or maybe in a lot of years to come" he states before grabbing me and holding me tight "Oh I don't want to give my baby up to anypony" He grins at me

Mother wraps her own hooves around me "Unless its me of course" She grins at this for which I squeel in delight at the cozy attention.

Mother and Father nuzzled each other before planting a kiss on my head as we continued on to the farm work.

Will I be able to find my own Special Somepony some day? I hope so, the love between them felt so alive, so enlightning and, well, was like nothing else mattered in the world but their very own love. I looked up at the sky with a smile on my face, yeah, I can't wait to find my special somepony.

The storm raged on, I squirmed in my bed as I felt that pain once more, I, I had to feed. Getting up I tip hoofed into my parents quarters, pushing the door open with my nose I peered into see Mother and Father sleeping peacefully.

"Mommy... Daddy" I call out to them

They stirred as I pushed the door a tad more, the noticed this as they finally opened their eyes, peering over at me.

"Oh what is it sweetie? You have a bad dream?" Mother calls out.

I rubbed my hoof in hesitation "I couldn't sleep" a bright light hit the room and the crackle of thunder followed suit, in that instant my eyes flashed green but it was gone before any pony could notice.

Mother soon scoots over, patting the middle of the bed "Come child, you can sleep with us" She smiles at me

I trotted over to them, burying my head under the covers as I crawled up the bed, popping my head up from the covers I felt both Mother's and Father's hooves rest on me in a warm embrace.

I nuzzled them as I rested in between them, feeling their warmth my ears rung in delight as they bid me good night.

"Good night our little Meadow Weaver" Father whispers softly

"We love you with all our heart" Mother says as she drifted off to sleep.

I watched them as they drifted to sleep "I love you too Mom, Dad"

'I'm sorry' a small voice in the back of my head rang.

My horn lit up as it began to weave in the air, connecting to mothers own horn and to my fathers forehead. I began to seep that life giving love, love that I fed from them, 'keep feeding, feed until you are filled to your hearts content' the hum buzzed to me.

And I followed that order, I kept on taking, and taking, it was so fulfilling, the love they bore made me feel so whole again, I closed my eyes as I lost myself in their endless stream of love and I could feel the holes that scattered my limbs began to fill ever so slightly the more I drank from their love. Thank you for loving me...

Author's Note

Okie Dokie Lokie :pinkiecrazy: , I wanted to put more effort into this but my siblings didn't want to proof read this for me :fluttercry: but oh well~ I tried proof-reading it myself (honestly I am bad with grammar or whatever the heck that is) so have fun with that ;3
I wish I could elaborate more in this chapter with the warmth that these two ponies for our little changeling Lyra but I kinda sped wrote this as I'm quite excited to get the story progressing so I hope you hang on for the ride because I'm going to try my best to put out chapters for ya ;3
(I apologize in advance should I be gone for an extended amount of time between each chapter as some are still yet to be written and real life is a total ditch, so totes sorry~)
Love you all~~
:heart: Alizilith

~3~ The Changelings Decision

Author's Note

Ok there is an awkward singing sequence in this, feel free to sing along with your own version of the song or simply gloss over it, its rough and shaky as the original was completely obliterated :fluttercry: stupid fricken computer *ehem* anyways sorry for the late chapter but here ya go ;3 :heart: :pinkiecrazy:

~3~ The Changelings Decision

The thunder seemed like it was hitting even harder, the winds grew more harsh as I stood inert and unblinking as the two forms before remained... Unmoving and they only grew more cold with every second that drew past, all I could do was hold my breath, just hoping something would change and that this was all just a trick. I tried nudging them, but they remained motionless as I felt my heart grow heavier with every second as a sickening feeling enter my system. What Have I done! I wish I knew better, I wish I had stopped, I wish I had only fed a little, I didn't know this could happen, how can something like this happen.

"M-Mom?" I call out, looking to my side "Dad?"

I tried nudging them, but they were silent, they were just heavy sleepers, I mean there is no way that they could be... That they-

"Mom! Dad!" I Screamed out, I shook them more vigorously this time

Why won't they wake up, why did this happen to them, why can't I feel their love anymore?! I closed my eyes as I summoned some of my own magic, hoping to feel mother's own spark of magic, to show that she was still with me and that she would just wake up so that we could try to wake up father as well. Please, Please just wake up, Please, Please!

"Why won't you wake up!!!" I cried as I felt tears develop before me.

"It is because you took all the love they had to give" A calm voice spoke from behind me

Jumping I spun around, only to see my regal Queen before me, bowing down before her in an instant I looked up at her questionably.

"Wa-what do you mean? Do they no long have love? But they had so much love before, it was more than enough to feed a normal changeling, if anything a few changelings all at once" I asked, frightened and a bit horrified.

"But you child are no normal Changeling" She then steps aside, gesturing for me to follow her.

I look back at the ponies who I had once called my mother and father but they only laid there, silent and unmoving, it was unnerving.

"I'm not?" I ask as I slowly made my way towards her.

"I will explain more when we reach home, are you ready?" She asks me with a small hint of a smile

It felt... Wrong, so wrong just to leave them there, Looking back at them I wince before sighing as I looked away.

"Do not fret my child, they have passed on peacefully and with their passing no pony can link it back to our drove" She places a hoof to my shoulder, making me look up to her "It will be alright little one"

I gulped before taking a step back "C-can I pack up a few things, it's not a lot... Just small items" I ask her

She looks at me for a moment before nodding "It is understandable to want to hold onto something to remember them by" She then lowers her head so that her eyes leveled with my own "But remember, these are not your things, they belong to the filly you portray yourself to be, this life, is no longer your own"

I looked deeply into her eyes and I had a deeper understanding with this before nodding to this.

"I know... It's just..." I tried to find the words to say to her "I just want something to remember them by... You know? I- I didn't mean to do... that... And, I never want to forget them, because of what I had done"

She peers at me for the longest of moments before nodding as she stood straight.

"Very well, I shall await for you down below, you may take your time to bid your farewells" she states before making her way down the stairs

I watched her for a moment before I slowly began to move down the hallway, heading to my own bedroom... I'm sorry, I am so sorry...

Home, it had been years since I stepped hoof into this place, it was still swarming with my kin as they even seemed more excited to see me. Our Queen approaches the grand throne with her head held high as I could feel pride and joy emanating from her, it was a different aura coming from her as she usually wore disinterest and disdain with a hint of worry in her being. I gulped as I walked a little closer to Chrysalis as all their eyes were on me, she made nothing of it as she kept moving as she even had a smirk on her face.

The hive was buzzing madly around us as we stepped into the throne room, the hum was nearly deafening and I couldn't really translate what they said in the excitement, the thing I got out of it, was that I have returned. Concentrating harder I was going to listen to what they had to say, to know just what I was heading into as Chrysalis had decided to wait to address her horde before telling me anything. I stared back in bewilderment as I heard their humm.

'She is to be the Next' one hisses

'Our Savior is here at last'

'Finally our new-'

"Silence my Children" Our Queen spoke softly and clearly

Instantly the whole room had died of any sound as we neared the throne, I stopped at the foot of the throne but I felt her wing grace my side, edging me closer to the throne until we were standing side by side, no one gone this close to the throne unless the Queen bid it so, and to be up here, it was amazing to see all the eyes peering down at us, I looked all around the throne room as all of our kin was silent, even the hum was dull and their wings were silent at their side.

"For thousands of years I have stood alone on this throne, looking out for our own, A lesson that was taught to me by the very likes of those Pony Sisters"

With the mention of the Royal Pony sisters the whole crowd hissed at their very memory

"It was because of Celestia that we had lost our Leaders before, both King and Queen befell from their betrayal, all because of what we are," She then softened as she looks back at me, smiling "But now, after countless years, we have the next cometh, in time she will rise and be the next Queen of the Changelings, My daughter Heartstrings" She declares

All around us there were cheers, each changeling were stomping their hooves and a new hum began, something I have never felt before, this hum was full of hope, of happiness and joy, for once the hive had hope.

"Daughter? Queen- This is all-" I couldn't find the words to speak as I look up at her for answers.

"You may not be that of my blood but in you holds what it takes to be the next Queen my little changeling, something I had long thought to be extinguished, you are capable of holding more love than any other changeling before you, making it so that you can hold so much more power” I could see her flash brighter mentioning that power “to make you strong enough to protect and fight for your Changelings" She says so royally and definitely

I took a step back "I, I am... Honored" I said slowly

She notices my hesitation as she steps close to my side "You have nothing to fear my changeling, for we will take over Canterlot together and then next all of Equestria, making it so that we will never have to hide again and our ranks well fed for all time, that is the future you should feel proud of once you rule"

My ears splayed back "That's great, no more will we go hungry and we'll be happy" I say smiling, I then looked down as I began to draw circles with my hoof "But what of Meadow Weaver, the original one?" I ask her, curious.

Chrysalis blinks at this "She is of no use to us now, she has no pony to love so we will put an illusion over her, she will be our source of food for the next coming of days" she answers as if it was natural to do such a thing.

I pull away from her "But, she's been through so much already, it would be cruel to just-"

"Cruel? have you forgotten who or what we are dealing with?" She stomps her hoof and the ground beneath her shook.

I gulped "Well, nopony told me why we harbor such distaste to ponies, I mean they seem really nice and-" she cuts me off once more as she began to circle around me

"Do not be fooled by their smiling little faces Heartstrings, ponies don't care for you, they only care for their own kind, and if they knew just what you are they would cast you away without a second's glance"

I began to back away from her as she follows me down the steps, the hive around us began to hum as they stood close to one another, each slowly stomping their own hooves.

"Don't be fooled my little Changeling,

You are better than they

We fight to survive

When they laugh all day

Do you think that's fair?" She chants at me

Don’t you think we deserve better?

All we have to do is all but one task

And that's to take over Equestria.

I fell back as the hive began to hum even louder, making me shrink away from them but with nowhere to go I flew up.

"I have been with the ponies that you declare to be so unruly

They were very kind and had so much love to give

Why can't we be a changeling and change with the ways

I sang out, hoping to reach out to the others when Chrysalis grabs me in her magic, levitating me closer to her so that I was staring right into her burning emerald eyes.

Do not be a fool

Do not buy into their tricks, their deceit and their lies

Listen to me when I say

Changelings look out for their own.

She lets me go with no hint of doing so as I slump to the floor, looking up I had my ears splayed back, looking around I felt small looking at all the changelings looking down at me.

What has happened before

Can't happen again

The past is gone as we're still here

Just listen to me and we'll find a better way

For all the changelings and all of Equestria

To make it our home

I believe in us so why shouldn't you?

Chrysalis sighs as she turns away, looking at the tapestry that hung above the throne.To serve as a reminder of the history we have endured together.

Oh Heartstrings, I was young and naive just like you

And I didn't listen to my parents when they said

Do not be fooled my dear for it is they that are in the wrong.

We are that of a few now, our numbers dwindle with passing day.

The conclusion could only come to one thing

It is us

them

The changelings all around us began to hum louder as they peered down at me, surrounding me, invading my space with their gazes as they followed behind their queen.

Its us, or them, no inbetween.

For the hive

They must feel the downtrodden defeat they had damned us with

It is us, or, them.

I was pacing back and forth, the hive was dull now, backing away as Chrysalis was walking closer to me, I was cowering before her when she only holds a hoof out to me. Seeing this I slowly perked up as my hoof slowly reach towards her own.

Little Changeling

Please see it the way we do

They only saw you as if you were their own

If they saw the changeling that you are

Banishment would be the nicest thing they would do

For they are the Ponies that dare betray us

So in the end

She grabbed my hoof as she pulls me closer to her as I stared helplessly into her emerald eyes, her face nearly pushing up against my own.

A changeling only looks out

For

Their

Own.

The hive retreated as well as she, leaving me in the center of the room alone as the darkness began to become more evident, the only light source was that of the shining moon that glistened over the large hole in the roof of the castle.

A Changeling looks out for their own

A Pony looks out for theirs as well

But why can we not change with the times

And look out for each other

A changeling and a pony

Perhaps it is not to be

But maybe one day

A Changeling will Change

And a Pony will too.

I sang softly before looking down, deep in thought as I tried to decide just what I had wanted and perhaps what can become of us, it all decided on me as the paths I could take were so coarse and different… My mind knows my duty but my heart yearns for something else, has any other changeling faced such a dilemma or perhaps I was the only one…

I was pacing back and forth, my mind racing, there was too much conflict in my mind, I know what I needed to do, but there was also another part of me that just knows what I needed to do, which one was the need and which one was the want? I stomped my hoof as I turned around once more, nearly running into a different changeling.

Stopping suddenly I gasped as I reared up before falling back.

“Oh I- I am so sorry your highness” The changeling quickly shouts before helping me up, his hoof grabbing my own as I stood back up.

“Oh it was my-” I tried to say but he interrupts me.

“Oh no, I touched you without your permission your highness, please forgive me!” He squeals before bowing before me

My face flushed upon seeing this “Please, don’t be so, so, er-” I tried to find the words I was looking for but I shook my head “Please, just call me heartstrings, just treat me like any other changeling, I don’t really feel like a highness or anything like that” I tried to say when I realized something, “Wait, why are you here?” I ask

I was in a secluded area of the castle, the garden where hardly any changeling ever goes to, well it wasn’t exactly a garden as everything was barren and decollete but it was once a garden.

“Um, her highness Queen Chrysalis has requested for me to know the knowledge of why you have tuned out the hive as she is unable to hear you” he states

“Oh” I said softly before slumping down “I… It’s just a lot to take in you know and I just need to get… used to it” I say while pawing the air before me “Eventually I will but… There is so much to think about it” I made sure I had allowed the hive to hear me with a simple hum to sate the Queens query.

He gulps as he looks around, probably wondering what to do or where he would make his escape. I look at him before patting the ground next to me.

“Mind accompanying me for a bit, just a little and you may leave” I say softly

He went to disagree but upon looking at my conflicted face he felt the need to follow my request as he sits next to me.

“Of course… Heartstrings” He says shakily.

We sat in silence for the longest of times, I shifted and he flinches, moving as well before trying to settle down, but his wings were buzzing rapidly and I sighed at this.

“You can leave if you want” I say finally

He looks at me startled “No it’s just… I never thought that someone from my own hatchling nest would be the next coming, I mean, we hatched almost at the same time” He states incredulously

I look at him when I finally recognized him “You’re the changeling that needed help shifting”

He blushes at this “Yeah, if you hadn’t helped me I probably would have fallen to the lower ranks, I’m a soldier now, er, rather in training, for now I do simple tasks of following my betters” He admits but it was sheepish, far different from any other changeling who took pride in what they did for their Queen and such.

Upon hearing this I quickly look around, making sure no changeling was around before scooting closer to him.

“Do you mind… Tuning out the hive… Just for a little bit, I just want some privacy from the hive, you can tune them back in right away after ok?” I say quickly

He looks at me for the longest time before his wings dimmed down and his ears no longer vibrated their usual hum to the hive.

“What is it my high- er, Heartstrings?” He asks, almost serious.

I looked up at the night sky, deep in thought “Do you… Do you feel like you fit in?” I ask simply

He jumps at this before bowing down before me “I’m sorry your highness, I know my behavior is different from the others but I’ll fix it, I knew one day I would be caught by you or Queen Chrysalis, please, forgive me” He shouts

I look at him for the longest time before sighing “My name is Heartstrings, and I have no idea that you have felt this way, to be so straight forward about such narrowness of the changeling way… It is… nice to know that I am not the only one” I finally stated

He looks back up at me “Heartstrings?” He questions to me

I took a deep breath before looking at him “If you had a choice, a choice to be the Equine you want to be or to face your duty what would you choose, don’t think of the consequence, it was a pure choice of your own matter and that you can achieve it any means how.” I ask him sincerely

He stood up, thinking for a bit before looking around, wondering if this was a test or not before sighing in defeat.

“I… I would like to be the Changeling I’d like to be, but I’m just a little changeling, what can I achieve that no other has” He says truthfully, he went to look back at me only to see me smiling gratefully at him.

“Thank you… Thank you for helping me clear it all up, I had felt suffocated by the choices I must make” Without his consent I hugged him “You have no idea how much weight has been lifted from my shoulders just now”

“Uh- Er- Y-You’re welcome Heartstrings” He says sheepishly

I let go of him as I spread my wings “Be who you want to be, that’s the path I’m going to take, if others follow I am sure Changelings will change with the time, if not then I will only follow my own dreams, it will be my own consequence and no one else's!” I decreed before taking off, before halting at the spot. “Wait, what is your name?” I ask, feeling so dumb for not asking in the first place

“Oh, eh-heh, my names Thorax, if only I was as strong as you to follow you dreams, I’ll be cheering you on Heartstrings” he says weakly with a meek little smile on his face.

I smile back at him before taking off “Thank you Thorax” I shouted back

I was looking back and forth rapidly as I was trying so hard to be undetected, taking slow hoofsteps closer to the door it was around this time that all the changelings would be asleep, I just couldn’t bare myself to leave her here, in such a state, not if it was my fault she is here, that it was all my fault that she was now an orphan. It broke my heart to think that, but it would shatter it if I left it be as it were.

Sneaking into the Chrysalis ward I saw many sacks glowing green with its fluids, most were empty as others… I had to look away, I only came here for the one, I would draw too much attention should I tried to do anything more, besides, this hive relies so much on this, to tamper with it, it was to sentence my hive to death.

Finally I found her, she was sleeping as her eyes moved rapidly, she hardly moved, and her breathing was soft. Lighting my horn I took the small sack off of its branch, being sure to be silent about it. Placing the Sack onto my back I used my magic to keep it balanced as I flew through the quiet halls, trying my hardest to keep my wings silent as it gave a soft buzzing noise. I saw a hole in the roof and was so grateful for it as it was now my newest escape, flying through it the upward movement was sudden as the sack on my back moved, oh no, please stop moving, it’s hard for me to concentrate!

But the unconscious body gave to heed to my plea as it stirred, it lost its balance on my back as my magic could only do so much as it began to plummet to the ground.

I bit my tongue from shouting as I dove straight for it, reaching as hard as I could I knew the ground was coming up too closely, I can’t let this fall, I just can’t let it break here! My wings buzzing madly I managed to wrap my hooves around the stem but it was too late. Using as much strength as I could I managed to wrap my entire body around the thing, using my wings I turned us around so that it would land on me, I had managed to make the descend slower but at least the chrysalis would be alright. The ground stopped my thought process as pain was now evident in my mind, gritting my teeth I slowly rose back up, looking behind me I saw that one of my wings was crippled, it could take days before I would heal, sighing I look at the chrysalis. Circling around it I tried to make sure that it was fine, only to see that there was a small incision on the side of it.

I groaned at this, I had to get this sack out of here quick but in such a state I had to carry it on hoofstep. Looking at the large barren wasteland before me I sighed as I lifted the sack back onto me as I made the travel, no matter what this pony will come back to her own kind, no matter what.

I was heaving madly as the sun was now taunting to rise, I was at least three quarters of the way until we reached Equestria, I had sprinted nearly most of the way and I was so terribly weak as I resulted to drag the chrysalis by my teeth, the fluid that had once been in it was no nearly all gone, as soon as Meadow takes her air she will awaken from her illusion and face the harsh reality of it all but damn it at least she will be free!

I could see it, the vast trees and great plains of Equestria with their high mountains and breathtaking sky, it was a sight to behold, and it was so close. Grabbing the green lump once more I dragged it a few more feet before using my tail to swipe the desert ground, covering the green liquid up as well as my tracks before persisting, it was easier if I carried the chrysalis in my teeth as it dragged between my legs but I had to walk uncomfortably just to accommodate the presence of the small pony but I fought through it just to ensure her safety.

She was the only pony that I knew, the last two now gone she was the only thing that I could hold onto, the thought alone sent a surge through my system to protect her, something that I was not accustomed to but it was a welcoming feeling. The smell of the air changed the it was as if the sun had became less harsh as my hooves touched something cool, looking around I realized I had entered a trance as I was now in Equestria.

A burst of happiness enters me as I started jumping up “Yes! We made it Meadow, we’re free! We’re Free! More importantly you’re safe!” I shouted, turning towards her.

The form was breathing softly, moving ever so slightly at the sound I was making I approached it, giving it a soft push to her shoulder as I used my horn to remove the green film from her body. The fluid leaked away from her as she took her first breath, she immediately began to cough and sputter out the green substance as she fought to stand up, scrambling as if for her life.

“It’s ok Meadow Weaver, You’re safe, we’re free!” I exclaim to her

She opens her eyes to look at where the voice was coming from, upon seeing me smiling at her she quickly scrambling back.

“Y-You!” She exclaims “Where am I?! How did I get here?! Where are my parents-” Upon recalling them she soon remembers what had happened “That wasn’t a nightmare, I- You!” She soon glares at me. “You’re the monster who took my parents!”

I took a step back as my ears splayed backwards “I- I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it, they- they were going to- I left them, I’m not like the others, I promise!” I tried to reason

“You- You-” Tears began to pour down her face as she slumps to the ground, I went to reach out to her but I hesitated.

Oh how I wish I didn’t, I wish I held her, to tell her that it was going to be alright… But how could I? After what I had done to her, all the thoughts and dreams I had of being her friend and that we were going to travel across Equestria now faded in my mind as I stared at the small pony.

“I… I am so sorry” I whimper as tears welled up on my eyes “I wish I could take it all back, to never have taken your place, I’m sorry for taking your parents, I’m sorry for taking their love, I’m sorry for being a changeling” I cried out.

“A changeling” She said, the name rolling off her tongue like it was foul to the taste “A monster who feeds off of the love you have for somepony, A monster who steals love” She was standing now, walking closer to me “And you say you’re sorry? Sorry?! Sorry isn’t going to bring my parents back, Sorry isn’t going to help me alleviate this pain, this grief, this… this… This Hate!” She shouts at me “I hate you, I Hate You!” She screams at me.

I went to say something before she turns away from me and began to sprint away from me.

“Meadow Weaver wait! Please!” I shouted after her “Please don’t leave me alone!” I begged, but she never came back, I was far too weak to chase after her as I only fell, crying, full of despair, and alone, all so alone…