Today, we met a band of mares who call themselves the "Cutie Mark Crusaders". They're an interesting trio of mares who work all over Equestria to help young fillies and colts get their cutie marks, and adults figure out the real meaning behind their cutie marks and what is their real special talent. Quite an interesting band of mares if I do say so myself. One is a Earth pony who helps out at an apple orchard called "Sweet Apple Acres" when she's not on a mission. Then, there's a unicorn who helps out Rarity, the annoying fashion unicorn from my old band of friends, when she's able. The last is a flightless pegasus (Yea, they exist) who performs at stunt shows when not on a mission. They kind of remind me of myself, Jade, and Swift. Anyway, after meeting up with them, they decided to make it their personal mission to help Kara get a cutie mark. I don't even know if she CAN, she might have too much changeling blood in her, but hey... at least she's making friends now. They even invited me along. Sounds like fun, so I said yes.

The first thing Kara wanted to try was more suited for her job as a naval weapons specialist. That took some explaining because, apparently, ponies can't join the royal or nocturnal guard until they turn eighteen. Even I wouldn't be old enough, and I'm the leader of a hunting party. Whatever, just some crazy rules that I don't understand. Anyway, we were denied access to any military anything thanks to the princess. I guess I can't really blame them, though... I mean, we ARE from a changeling hive. Though they are willing to give peace a chance, that doesn't mean they'll just up and give us access to their military goodness. Kara was very disappointed when we got denied access to even the most basic of Equestrian warships, but she'll get over it. If these peace talks go well enough, I might be able to get us a tour of one or two in the future, but she'll just have to wait for that.

Anyway, the next thing we tried was baking... yea, that's the first idea that popped into the heads of the crusaders. Anyway, we gave it shot, and it didn't end too well. I'm a hunter, not a baker, and I ended up setting the kitchen ablaze while trying to make cupcakes. Thank goodness for firefighting one oh one in navy training. Kara was able to kill the flames before any serious damage was caused. I'm also stuck with a two hundred bit repair bill... yea, I don't have that kind of money (Our hive doesn't use Equestrian bits, and the princesses aren't THAT generous). Oops...

Anyway, after that, we tried something that didn't involve fire, and was more fun, not to mention more suited for Kara. We went to an enormous lake and tried out all kinds of water based sports. Apparently, ponies have invented a way to ski on the surface of water. Very impressive since normally we'd just sink in. Kara's pretty good at water skiing. She can't do advanced tricks, but she still knows how to put on a proper show... by ending it with splashing the viewers. I'm going to get her back for that.

After having our fun in the sun, we decided to try one last thing: dancing. It's a secret hobby of The Earth pony, Apple Bloom is her name, I believe. Anyway, neither I nor Kara can dance worth a damn. I may have the agility of a hunter, but that doesn't mean much in this case. And poor Kara... she dances like a goofball. Her dancing is the kind that makes others keep their distance. Oh well, at least I have something to use when she calls me a baby again for my accident a week ago (She's been almost relentless).

Anyway, after that disaster, we headed back to Ponyville. It was a pretty interesting week. Kara still doesn't have a cutie mark, but that doesn't matter. Many photos were taken, I have a video of Kara's terrible dancing, and Kara even made three good friends. Back at my castle, we were greeted with the smell of something new. It smelled really tasty. The crusader trio gagged at the smell because they don't like meat. I don't know why these ponies don't at least give meat a try, it's not bad. Anyway, we followed the smell all the way to the kitchen, and were rewarded with a meal of epicness. In my absence, it seems Jade and Swift decided to hunt a manticore. I was saddened by them not waiting for me, but it's not the end of the world. Besides, manticore steak is the best taste I've ever had the pleasure of trying, and it makes me want to forgive them... at least a little. I offered a small piece to the crusaders, but they refused it. More for me.

Near the end of the day, Spike burped up a letter (Yes, you read that right) from Princess Celestia. According to the letter, I should expect a visit in the next couple of days from my older brother. I'd be a little more excited if it wasn't HIS wedding mother almost completely ruined. He's been informed of the presence of my hivemates, and has ordered not to bring any of them to harm. I hope he's a really good soldier, otherwise, there might be an issue or two... and I really don't want that. I'm not interested in sorting out a political mess. Anyway, that's future Twilight's problem. Right now, my only problem is not falling asleep fast enough. I'm literally so tired that I can't sleep... and I never thought that could be possible.

Also, I need a job here. I need to be able to get two hundred bits by the end of next month. I swear, Equestria just seems to hate me for whatever reason. Is it because I'm bringing changelings here or something? If it is, then fuck you, Equestria.

Author's Note

Next time, Shining Armor, Cadance, and even Flurry Heart make an entrance to the story. Just how bad will the meeting go? How will Shining Armor react to being around changelings? Will Cadance play nice with the very species that abducted and tried to use her? What does Flurry Heart have to do with all this? All will be revealed on the next episode of Dragon Ball Z... er, um *cough, cough* I mean, in the next chapter.