Chapters Twilight was ecstatic. Finally a club that wasn't too put off by her 'creative' dancing. Most ponies learned quickly to just give her some space. Everypony in Ponyville loved the young princess, despite her questionable idea of dancing. Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie both cheered her name, spurring her on further. A few ponies even joined her, not caring if they looked ridiculous. On very rare occasions when ponies felt frisky, they would be seen hip checking each other, or even the Princess herself would be seen bumping her hips. Stallion, mare, she didn't care. All ponies were hot in their own way by her eyes.
Up in the balcony overlooking the dance floor was the VIP booth. Sitting there, also watching the young princess 'discreetly' flirt with a young stallion, likely pushed into the dance floor by his friends if the blush on his face meant anything, was Starlight Glimmer, Applejack, Rarity, and Fluttershy.
"Really? Hip checking and rubbing her tail across his flank? Is she trying to flirt?" Starlight asked, baffled by Twilight's dancing.
"That's how you flirt on the dance floor in Ponyville Star." Rainbow answered.
"Yeah! I've gotten loads of tail like that." Pinkie added. "Course I may have sweetened the deal by showing off my wet mare bits to those ponies."
"What?! Is that how you got those twins last month!?" Rainbow gasped. "You... I've been trying to get them for ages!"
"Two things Rainbow. 1: Your Pampered muscle massage last week ended quite 'happily' if I recall from our last Spa visit, with both Aloe AND Lotus; They're twins. and 2: Please. no more information." Rarity groaned.
"Ah agree. We don't care how many notches ya got in your bedpost. We came here ta drink and have fun." Applejack groaned.
"So Rarity, how is 'Rarity for You' doing?" Starlight asked, eager to change the subject.
"It's doing well darling. How about yourself? We haven't seen a lot of you lately."
"I've been around. Doing the occasional odd job here and there. I never really cared for being in the spotlight. Even with the Equality Village, I tried my best to stay out of the spotlight." Starlight said solemnly. "I'm just not the public type."
"What are we talking about girls?" asked an oblivious, buzzed and tired Twilight.
"Just catching up darling. What about you? Besides your questionable flirting."
"What's wrong with my flirting? They were hot!" The young princess complained.
"Honestly sug... sometimes y'all flirt a bit too much. Makes ya look... eh..." Applejack started.
"Makes ya look like Dashie; always chasing tail." Pinkie finished.
"Hey!" Dash cried.
"Frankly dash, you do chase ALOT of tail from what I'm told." Rarity added as Fluttershy gently sipped her wine.
"At least she's not a nerd with that group who believes some weird aliens lived here before ponies" Starlight grumbled, followed by a fake cough. "Double Diamond."
"I'll buy everyone in the club a round of drinks if you NEVER bring up that fringe group again." Twilight added.
"Done."
"Whoo! Drinks on the Princess!" Rainbow shouted, causing the entire club to burst out in cheers. Twilight rolled her eyes with an audible groan.
The night wore on. Drinks were shared, stories told, embarrassment ensued. That is until an off duty guard walked over to Twilight, who, unfortunately was a lightweight.
"Corporal! Glad you could make it! want a cider?" Twilight slurred.
"No thanks your highness. I came here because you have a visitor who requests your presence; immediately." the guard responded, a hint of drowsiness tainting his voice. "She said it was urgent that she speak to you."
"This pony can wait. It's the Princess's night off." Rainbow cut in, causing the other mares, excluding Twilight, to agree.
"She said to say... 'Remember the Sun Temple?' Whatever that means." the Corporal said drowsily. After the words 'Sun Temple left his mouth, the mares fell silent.
"... Girls... I think we have a VERY important guest waiting on us..." Twilight said quietly. "Thank you Corporal. Please go home and get some sleep."
With a quick and dutiful salute, he trudged off.
"Sun Temple? I'm lost." Starlight said, breaking the tense silence.
"We'll discuss it once were out of here." Twilight slurred with authority. "This pony, like you hates the spotlight. And officially, she doesn't exist." Twilight said as they walked out the door. "I just wonder what kind of trouble she got herself in this time."
"Um... maybe she just wants to talk?" Offered Fluttershy meekly.
"Honestly Fluttershy, I doubt it." Applejack answered.
"Maybe she's going to ask us for help on her newest adventure!" Dash exclaimed hopefully.
"Don't get your hopes up Dashie." Pinkie said wearily.
"Okay so we're in private now. Who is this non existent pony?" Starlight inquired.
"Shes-" Dash started before Twilight shut her mouth with her magic.
"Not yet. There's paparazzi nearby." The young alicorn growled, before sending a small bolt of electricity into a nearby bush, causing a burly stallion, almost Big Mac's size, to jump and yelp like a filly and rub his cutie mark in pain. around his neck, was a camera.
"What was that for!?" he barked.
"Even Princesses require privacy. You can keep the camera, this time. But if I catch you back here again eavesdropping, I'm destroying it." Twilight growled, not in the mood to deal with him.
"How did you know I was there anyway?" The pap asked nervously.
"Try a different cologne Darling. Juniper Pheonix tends to stand out." Rarity added.
"Besides, y'all are gonna have enough of an issue with the itchin'." grinned Applejack.
"Itching?"
Pinkie giggled. "That was a poison oak bush silly!"
"WHAT?!" He shouted.
Twilight's smile grew almost sadistically. "Yep. It was either Poison Oak or Blackberry, but Blackberry would have been too obvious. Now you'd best get home and pray that the leaves didn't get somewhere 'special'."
And with that, the stallion bolted, a worried look on his face. No pony needed to ask why Twilight planted a huge poison oak bush around her castle, as they were all in on it. Any paparazzi from the city quite often mistook it as a decorative bush, thus serving as an excellent repellent for the paps. Manehattan, Neigh York, San Fransicolt, Las Pegasus, all sent paparazzi to the newest princess's palace in droves. All came back with no photos and extremely itchy, covered in a horrible rash. Even Pegasi often times hid there, and when they flew up to a window, they were to distracted scratching an itch(literally) to bother taking photos.
"Dern city slickers. Don't they know that if it has three leaves to let it be?" Applejack groaned.
"No. No they dont AJ. Because they're city slickers, they've never seen poison oak before." Rainbow chuckled.
As they walked up to the doors, the two Thestral night guards stood at attention. "Welcome back Princess. Your guest is in your Library." the right guard droned.
"Thank you." Twilight responded. "Come on girls. we shouldn't keep our guest waiting."
As they entered the castle, Twilight sighed. "Now Starlight, I know this might seem... far fetched, but please, keep this all to yourself."
"Sure. But what exactly is it I'm keeping secret?"
In response, The doors to the Library opened, revealing a tan Pegasus. With a similar build and eyes to Rainbow Dash, but that's were similarities stopped. Her mane and tail were monochromatic, rather than Rainbows prismatic style, and on her flank, a compass rose. Looking up from the globe, she spotted the group, and smiled.
"Hello Princess. It's been a while." she said with a gentle smile.
"Indeed it has." Twilight smiled in kind
"And I haven't forgotten about my number one fan. How are you Rainbow? Wonderbolt's treating you well?" Daring asked offering a hoof.
"Oh yeah. how have you been Daring?" Rainbow responded, bumping her hoof to Daring's, making a hollow 'clop' sound.
Starlight's jaw dropped. "Your real!?"
"Princess? I thought we agreed my existence was confidential." Daring asked, keeping an eye on Starlight.
Twilight nodded. "It still is. Starlight here can certainly keep secrets."
"So, who are you?" Daring asked with a smirk. "The princesses secretary and secret lover?"
Both Starlight and Twilight blushed. "No. She's my student."
"Relax girls I'm playing" Daring chuckled.
"So, Darling, what exactly is it you called us here for?" Rarity asked taking a seat on one of the futons in the room.
"Oh right. Well, I may have a proposition for you." Daring started. "I believe I found something out east. Something big. No Rainbow this probably wont include booby traps and what not; and I'm certain Caballeron and Ahuizotl wont be interested so no epic battles to save the world, this time."
Starlight couldnt help but tilt her head, before a copy of 'Daring Do and the Ring of Destiny' floated over to her.
"Darn it." Rainbow grumbled.
"But I have reason to believe that I have stumbled across the remnants of an ancient civilization. Last month I was out east, and found the remains of what appeared to be a house. I don't know exactly who or what used to live there, but it was definitely not equine. The doors were too tall, almost Princess Celestia tall. It wasn't big enough to fly through. It had the usual furniture set up. Couch, sofa, yadda yadda, an advanced type of typewriter; It'd be better if I could show them to you in pony, as I don't carry a camera usually." Daring explained.
"So, you, Daring Do, are inviting ALL of us, to go with you, to investigate a possible lost civilization?" Starlight asked wearily.
"Yes. Yes I am." Daring smiled. "And if you want to bring Spike that's cool, but I don't recommend it." Her smile faltered. "The Eastern lands haven't been very hospitable, and I don't mean vicious animals. The last explorers to go there was over 450 years ago, and they all died three days to a few years after they returned; Terminally ill, manes and coats falling out, coughing up blood... from the reports I read they looked like death warmed up. However, I have reason to believe that whatever caused that illness has long since passed and MAY not affect us. We'll go over rules in the morning If you choose to go. I suggest you sleep on it, since you all smell like booze."
Starlight smiled. "I'm with Daring on this. Bed sounds good."
Daring looked at the mares, all of whom were looking at each other, as if silently conversing about if they should take Daring up on her offer or not.
"We'll think about it." Answered Twilight. "I haven't heard good tales of the east either. Not even dragons go there. Legends about great spears of the Sun living there or something. And every pony who's tried has come back ill, or as you mentioned, dying. No pony has gone there since those last explorers. But what makes you think the contagion has passed?"
"They put up a sign saying there was a dangerous contagion beyond that point. I went beyond it, came back and had a full medical exam in Canterlot. I'm clean. Their journals all noted flu like symptoms before their fur started to fall out, along with extreme shits, vomiting, general dehydration, and exhaustion. Their autopsies report that most died of cancers, and had a really low blood cell count. Both white and red." Daring explained. "Again, think on it. This isn't to be taken lightly."
The mares nodded. Then Twilight spoke up.
"Daring, I have plenty of spare rooms. I'd be happy to take you to one of them."
Daring smiled. "Thanks Princess."
Author's Note
Hopefully I'll be able to see this fic through to the end for once. I'm not giving up on the others, just... stuck. Bad writers block. Fun. Don't expect frequent updates though. Unfortunately that's because I live in the middle of nowhere and have loads of work. Took me long enough to just write this chapter, so updates wont happen every week or so. Sorry.
It's been some time since Twilight actually cursed Celestia's sun. Although this was far from her worst hangover. She still awoke and trudged her way to the kitchen.
"Morning darling. Asprin?" Rarity greeted as she slid a cup of Cinnamon Chai tea over to Twilight.
"Thanks Rarity." Twilight smiled as she swallowed the asprin. "So, Daring offered us all to go on an expedition..."
"That's right." Daring said from behind the two mares. "Like I said last night though, it'll be dangerous. Not Ahuizotl or Caballeron dangerous. But dangerous lands, and unpredictable animals. Got any coffee?"
"It's already on dear." Rarity answered, just then a small ding sounded, announcing that the coffee was done. "Sugar or cream dear?"
"Straight please."
"So Daring, how far away is this site?" Twilight asked.
"By hoof, 2 weeks. But if we take my airship, three days. Only she's docked in Canterlot." Daring answered as she sipped her coffee. "So if you don't mind a short train ride we can be underway by lunch. Assuming you pack lightly."
"I didn't know you had an Airship Daring!" Rainbow said excitedly as she entered the kitchen. "What's it like?"
"You'll see Dash. You'll see." Daring chuckled. "Let's wait for every pony to wake up and get over their hangovers."
"Well Spike is in Canterlot on royal business." Twilight said "So unfortunately he's gotta stay behind. If the expedition is as dangerous as you say it is, it's better if he stay behind anyway. He is still just a baby dragon after all."
"Good call Princess."
The morning wore on as the ponies made their preparations. Pinkie Pie was as bouncy as ever, constantly babbling on about a new adventure. Fluttershy was as anxious as ever and had Roseluck, a local florist keep an eye on her animals. Despite her anxiety, she was excited at the possibility of making new animal friends. Rarity was hesitant at first, but realized quickly that Fluttershy wouldn't last long without her their to comfort her. Applejack fortunately was done with applebuck season, and had nothing better to do. Rainbow was on leave from Wonderbolt duty, as it was off season. Twilight and Starlight both often worked together and were capable of changing their schedules around with relative ease. At roughly noon, they all met up with a disguised Daring Do at the train station.
"Okay. I've taken the liberty of buying your tickets." Daring said holding out the tickets in her hoof. "Once we're on board we'll go over the ground rules."
"Got it." the other seven chimed as the train pulled in with a loud hiss.
"Ponyville to Canterlot, now boarding!" the conductor shouted over the racket of the engine. As they boarded, the conductor stopped them. "Hold on ladies, you need to pa- Oh! Princess! I didn't know you'd be with us today! My apologies!"
"Don't worry about it conductor. And we do in fact have our tickets." Twilight responded, a hint of annoyance bleeding into her voice.
"Again, My apologies ladies. Please take a seat and enjoy the ride."
Once they found themselves some seats, Daring shuffled slightly, he disguise causing annoyance on her feathers.
"Now then, ground rules. One: I'm the expert archaeologist. Do as I say, when I say. clear?" at their nod, she continued. "Two: as you probably know, I get into trouble out there. A lot. So if I say to not touch something, I mean don't touch. Dash I'm looking at you." She pointed. "Three: We don't know exactly what it is we're getting into. No pony has been where we're going, so play it safe. Dash. Four: When we board my ship, do NOT insult my crew. You'll see why, but if you so much as show ANY form of malice to them, I WILL throw you out. Mid flight or not. They saved my life more times than I care to count, and they deserve respect."
"You got it" Twilight said.
"Five: If you feel sick in any way, speak up. No joking around. Dash. A dizzy spell, headache, speak up. We cant risk any exposure to a contagion."
"Tickets please?" the conductor asked, causing the 8 mares to pass him their tickets. Just as quickly as he arrived, he clicked their tickets, and moved on to the other passengers.
"Ah thought you said the disease passed almost 500 years ago." AJ queried.
"Maybe it did, maybe it didn't. Maybe it just got weaker, I don't know Applejack. I'm an archaeologist, not a doctor. Maybe it was a local plant, or something in the air. It may just be dormant, waiting for something to disturb it. Hence, Rule two. Dash." Daring explained.
"Why do you keep picking on me?" Dash asked with a huff.
"Oh, I don't know. Probably because your reckless, childish, and act before you think. It's a wonder all those crashes didn't get it through that thick skull of yours to... what's the phrase? Oh yes. BE CAREFUL! This isn't some walk in the park with Ahuizotl, or Caballeron. Ponies have actually died going where we're going. I also know very well through my correspondence with Princess Twilight here, that you love to play jokes. Out there, said jokes will get you, or one of us killed, so that pony getting hurt or killed will be on you. Being a Wonderbolt, you should know by now that you take responsibility for you, and those around you. Your more than an aerobatic, Dash. You're now also technically a member of the elite pegasus battalion of the Royal Guard." Daring growled impatiently.
"How do you know all of this?" Starlight asked.
"Spitfire's my cousin. She and I write to each other every month. Even let's me know how my fan is, and her new nickname. Eh, Rainbow Crash? She's also told me how she catches you eyeballing Clipper's flank every so often." She chuckled. Dash blushed. Heavily.
"Any more rules darling?"
Daring thought for a moment. "Not off the top of my head. I've already gotten the important stuff out of the way. A biggie for me though is my crew. They've always been there when I needed them, and I'd trust my life with them before even the Princess here. No offence."
"None taken." Twilight smiled.
"Now I really hope your skills with animals really does come in handy Fluttershy. Who knows what we might find." Daring chuckled.
"Oh... uhm... I just hope we don't see any big dragons." she whimpered.
"Nah. As Twilight said last night. No dragons go to our destination. Some legend or something about Celestia's power..." Daring assured.
"Now arriving in Canterlot!" The conductor said as he entered the car. "Mind your step ladies."
"Alright. We're going straight to the shipyard from here."
"What about lunch on Restaurant Row?" Rarity asked/complained.
"I don't care for that crap that Zesty calls 'food'. Besides, my crew can cook. They'll have no issue cooking us some food." Daring explained as she walked past The Row, much to Rarity's chagrin.
The walk was uneventful. Despite having to drag Rarity and Pinkie away from the occasional food or dress store, sometimes literally. Within a half an hour, they made it to the shipyard.
"Is that your ship? OH! Is that your ship? OH OH Is THAT your ship?!" Pinkie babbled pointing at the various ships.
"No, no, and no. Ah, there she is!" Daring exclaimed with a smile. "Home sweet home!" she said as she pranced to a slightly worn airship, the name 'Icarus' emblazoned on the side in gold paint. "She may not look like much, but she hasn't failed me yet."
"It looks like it needs some work." AJ said bluntly.
"Yeah, that she does. But I haven't had the time. Come on."
"CAPTAIN ON DECK!" Barked one of the crew mates.
"As you were. I brought guests so if you could have some rooms prepared please?" Daring said with a smile. "Also, whats Cookie got for us on the lunch menu today?"
"Lunch is grilled cheese and tomato bisque. Dinner is Enchiladas." The first Crew pony smiled.
"Aw Sweet~! Cookie makes the best enchiladas!" Daring practically bounced. "Cast off as soon as possible. We need to get this expedition underway. And if you don't mind showing our guests to the galley."
"Consider it done Captain."
"Follow Top Hat here. He'll take you to lunch. Just remember Rule 4." Daring said. "And when your done, head on up to the bridge."
"Captain, Shall I 'scrape' Blueblood's vessel by 'accident' again?" asked the helms pony with a smirk.
"Do ya have to ask?" Daring chuckled.
"This I have to see darlings." Rarity giggled.
"Cast off!" Daring yelled.
The ponies all watched as the dockworkers untied and tossed lines to the now departing airship. A unicorn dockworker lit up his horn and shoved the ship as hard as he could. Little by little, the Icarus began to move. The crew began to unfurl the sails alongside the large balloon holding the ship aloft, as a large propeller in the back was spun by local pegasi. The steam engine came to life as the propeller was spun, and the ship began to move.
As Rarity walked up to the edge nearest to Blueblood's garish airship, aptly named 'Royal Blood', the Icarus turned, and scraped against Royal Blood; scratching the fresh coat of paint and caused the L and D on 'Blood' to fall off and plummet to the bottom of the mountain. Blueblood immediately ran to the front of his vessel, and began to shout and scream at the Icarus and her crew. Rarity and Daring both started laughing. The shouting stopped as soon as the Prince noticed Rarity, who promptly turned with a haughty air about her, but not before blowing a raspberry in his direction. The crew aboard the Icarus immediately began to laugh at Blueblood's expense.
Unbeknownst to every pony involved, high above in a tower of the castle, The royal sisters both began to chuckle.
"Remind me again why you made him a prince." Luna said with a fading smile.
"It's really an empty title." Celestia chuckled. "He's not genuinely a prince. He thinks it's a tier thing."
"Ah. Same thing with Princess Platinum?" Luna asked.
"Same as Princess Platinum."
Luna couldn't help but chuckle.
Back aboard the Icarus, the helms pony looked to Daring Do.
"Captain, whats our heading?" She asked calmly.
"Head due east. We're on business." Daring replied over the gentle whir of the propeller.
The helms pony hesitated. Her calm composure seemingly cracked.
"Aye aye captain... turning due east." she said as she turned the helm accordingly.
The grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup were by far the best the seven mares remember. Contending even with mother's cooking. After a few minutes worth of sitting around basking in what could be considered an afterglow of the blissful meal, Daring called them up to her cabin, along with most of her crew.
"Now, as you know, there is a reason I called you all here. It's because of Rule 4. You're standing there thinking 'Yeah, sure we've met odd ponies before. Your crew seems pretty normal.' Well in truth, they aren't." Daring said, in a commanding tone. Looking at her first mate, she nodded. Suddenly, all around them, bursts of green fire erupted.
"Meet my crew." Daring said with a smile.
"CHANGELINGS!" Rainbow yelled taking an aggressive stance, followed immediately by her friends.
"Now what did I say!?" Daring shouted. "These are changelings who are legally integrated into the state. Celestia and Luna both know my entire crew are changelings. What was Rule 4?! Don't. Judge. My. Crew. This is your final warning. Calm down, or I WILL turn this ship around and kick you all off. Do I make myself clear!?" Daring yelled furiously, her wings flaring out in an equally aggressive stance.
Twilight considered this, and was the first to break her aggressive stance. Looking the first changeling in the eye, she assessed the Changeling. Carefully looking it over, looking closely for any deception.
"Do you share any affiliation with Chrysalis?" Twilight asked carefully.
"None." the changeling first mate said, his red eyes locking with hers.
"How do we know you're telling the truth?" Rainbow challenged.
"Miss Applejack?" The Changeling asked, politely pointing a hoof in her direction.
"He's for real y'all... can't believe Ah just said that..." Applejack said in disbelief.
"How do we know you didn't make AJ say that?!" Rainbow challenged.
"Impossible." Starlight started. "Powerful unicorns or even alicorns can sense that kind of magic. Twilight, Rarity and I would have noticed."
"But... the red eyes!? Surely that has to be-" Rainbow began before a glare from Daring Do shut her up. The red eyed changeling stepped towards Twilight, slowly, and bowed politely.
"Our apologies for frightening you and your friends Princess. I know you think all changelings are dark and cruel beings, but I must assure you that is not true." The changeling first mate said. "We left our hives prior to Miss Do's first adventure."
"What was omitted from that story was how and when they found me dehydrated and exhausted. The jungle can take a toll on those caught unprepared. They found me just a mile from camp, and got me back on my hooves. They've been with me ever since, and deserve respect."
"We disconnected from our hives simply because we wished for a new start. Where are my manners. My pony name is Compass Rose. My twin sister over on the helm is Nautica." The first mate explained.
"Hi hi!" she waved with a cheerful smile.
"We can promise you, we mean absolutely no harm... unless you ask very nicely." he said flashing Twilight and her friends a toothy grin.
A separate Changeling, the navigator, came right up to Rarity, and whispered into her ear. "Any fantasy, any pony. Mare or Stallion of your dreams." causing Rarity to blush intensely.
"Oh come off it Tikka. Quit flirting with our guests. If they want to pay you in their love, that's fine but save it for tonight." Daring chided with a roll of her eyes.
"You swear on your life not to hurt my friends or I?" Twilight hissed.
"Wouldn't dream of it." Compass said with confidence. "That's contradictory of Changeling nature. Besides, to be perfectly honest, I'm more afraid of Captain Do than you. No offense."
"None taken."
Satisfied, Twilight smiled, and led her entourage up to the deck. As the door started to swing closed, Rainbow's voice could be heard asking if Twilight was off her rocker.
"Now, Captain?" Tikka queried. "Are we to head to the same spot in the East?"
"That's correct."
"No disrespect Cap, but that place puts us all on edge. We don't know what it is but...something just... feels off." Nautica said with a shiver.
"Could you girls elaborate?" Daring asked.
"I wish I could. At least five Changeling hives have nested out there. They were doing fine for a while, but then... something happened. I told you all Changeling queens, with the exception of Chrysalis, are telepathic with each other?" At Daring's nod, she continued. "Well... my hive, under Fillydelphia, we sent a scout team after one of them reported an illness, then they cut off the link. They don't know what it was... but... well... I wasn't a part of this. Before my time. Only one changeling returned from a team of fifteen. Said the hive they were investigating... something happened to them. In his words... the queen as well as all grown changelings... changed.
Daring looked solemn. Changelings fed on emotions; love in particular. Why would they suddenly start attacking and eating each other? It was unheard of, even by Changeling history.
"Captain? Permission to resume navigational duties?" Nautica asked apprehensively.
" Granted. If you have nightmares later tonight from telling me this, your welcome in my cabin." Daring said with a smile. "Now though, take it easy on our guests. They haven't had the best of experience with Changelings. I'm sure Compass is outside explaining just that." Daring finished giving her a kiss on the forehead, causing her to brighten up on the spot. "We have our heading Nautica, do be careful."
"Yes Ma'am!" She saluted.
Outside, on the deck of the Icarus, Compass Rose had finished explaining normal changeling culture.
"So you're saying that Chrysalis was the exception and not the standard? That she went rogue?" Twilight asked cautiously.
"That is indeed correct. Normal changeling hives care immensely about where and how we harvest our love, and the condition of the host. Chrysalis had no such cares because... to be honest none of us really know why. One day she was perfectly sane, and the next... gone. Snapped. I wish I could give you more details Princess. Truly." Compass said.
"How do we know you're telling the truth?!" Rainbow growled.
"Ask Miss Applejack." Compass chuckled.
"AJ?"
"He's tellin' the truth." Applejack said stoically.
"So, You work for Daring Do... How does that work exactly if I may ask?" Rarity queried. "I can't Imagine Ponies just opening the doors to their shops for a Changeling, Registered or no."
"Yes the stigma from Chrysalis is still there, and we Changelings can taste the distrust around the city. Very few know what we actually are, but if and when the topic of 'Changeling' comes up, It tastes sour, bitter, depends on who you ask. Each one of us taste something different."
"How do we taste right now?" Pinkie asked bouncing up and down.
"You taste like blue raspberries. The rest of you taste like a flat cola, but it's improving. Spend some time with us and you'll taste as sweet as Miss Pinkie here really quick. But back to your question Miss Rarity, yes we do get paid in money, but Changelings aren't known for being a material race, so we don't waste our time buying nick nacks, and the like. Just the occasional suit or dress here and there for when the occasion calls. Mostly we donate the money Ms. Do gives us to orphanages, scouts, and various other charities. We genuinely care for the foals you know. One time I was asked to watch a small scout troop, four fillies and two colts. I'm a part time Scout troop leader now. When I'm not on voyage with Ms. Do that is."
"Who in Canterlot knows your all Changelings? Besides the Princesses?" Twilight asked.
"Donut Joe, Fancy Pants and his wife Fluer, The castle gardener, and the Museum Curator on 5th."
"What about the Scouts?" Rainbow asked.
"They just think I'm a, and I quote, Cool Pegasus who knows how to have fun, and teach real life skills at the same time. Their words, not mine." Compass then looked out over the side, and smiled. "If you turn around you can see Ponyville."
The girls all turned around, and smiled as they looked at Ponyville from this new angle.
"Now you taste like fresh cold cola." Compass said with a smile. "I must resume my duties before Dusty rips another sail. Dinner is at 5:45 and served in the galley." Just then the sound of a loud rip draws his attention away from the guests. "DUSTY! FOR THE LOVE OF-! THAT'S THE THIRD SAIL THIS MONTH! " He started shouting as he flew to the changeling in question who couldn't help but look ashamed, meekly apologizing.
Twilight, for her part was rethinking everything she knew about changelings. Or rather, everything she thought she knew.
"Not quite what you expected from them huh?" Starlight asked, as Twilight looked out over the side of the ship.
"Not even close to what I expected. They're kind, charitable, humble, and easy to please. Nothing like Chrysalis." Twilight sighed. "They almost remind me of Applejack."
"How so Sugarcube?" AJ asked, hearing Twilight's thoughts.
"Your a charitable pony AJ. Very down to earth. A little bit pincher sure, but you use the money for practical purposes. Replace old tools, Applebloom's schooling and health, but I've seen you cook an entire buffet for a Scout troop out of the kindness of your heart, because you thought it'd be fun."
"Ah. Ah remember that day. Almost got in some really hot water. One poor colt had an apple allergy." AJ shivered.
"Oh dear. Was the colt okay?" Rarity asked.
"He was fine. Just had Pumpkin Pie for desert instead. Troop leader told me later that if he had eaten apples, he would've probably died." Applejack reflected. "So Twi, What are your thoughts about this here excursion?"
"Well... If what Daring says is correct, then maybe we'll be finding the remains of an extinct pony race. It's the pathogen that scares me though. I wonder if Daring has the journals and autopsy reports of those old explorers. Daring said we had three days until we reach our destination, so that gives me three days to try and plan ahead."
"Excuse me Princess, Cap'n asked me to escort you to your cabins. I must apologize Miss Rarity, but we had to widdle down your luggage to two suitcases. Twelve pieces of matched luggage simply exceeds the ships carrying capacity and would have slowed us down dramatically. We took the liberty of mailing the rest to your home." One of the deck hooves said.
"What?! But darling, Those had all my best clothes for 'roughing it'. And what of my sewing machine?" Rarity complained.
"Again, I apologize, but for the sake of time it had to be done. We kept your tape measure, sketchbook and glasses in case of sudden inspiration, but packing everything but the kitchen sink aboard a small Cumulus class such as this is almost unacceptable. I understand you put so much into your work, they were practically glowing in love. I almost had to beat Chestnut and Cookie away with a stick lest they damage your clothes or luggage. They were shipped immediately as top priority fragile packages."
"Oh... well If it had to be done, so be it. Thank you for sending them to my home." Rarity sighed, deflating a bit. "How can I compensate you for your troubles? I insist." she said brightening up.
"A-are you sure? You know that most changelings aboard this ship would get slapped for their request." She blushed.
"And why is that darling?" her head tilting to the side.
"Surely you've met Tikka by now." She said with a deadpan expression.
"Ah... yes... How about financial compensation?" Rarity asked, levitating a bit bag out.
"I was thinking more of a new outfit if it isn't too much trouble." She blushed.
"That's perfectly reasonable. May I ask your name?" Rarity smiled. A dress would be perfect.
"My pony name is Almond" She smiled.
"Well then my dear." Rarity said with a smile. "If you would come by my cabin later I'll gladly take your measurements."
"Of course." Almond beamed.
"Darling, If it's not too much trouble, or too personal... May I ask why you left your hive?" Rarity asked, trying to strike up conversation.
"Well, we all have our reasons. For now that's all I'll say." Almond said.
"I understand darling." Rarity smiled. "Is there any particular style your looking for?"
"I've... always been a fan of those Noir fiction novels... oh what was her name? Shadow Spade?" Almond thought. "Sorry. It's been a while since I've read them"
"That's quite alright dear. I know the outfits you mean. When this is all said and done, I can give you a note to give to my Canterlot boutiques manager, and she'll set you up. All I need is your measurements." Rarity smiled down at the petite changeling.
"Thank you. I appreciate it." Almond smiled.
"Your very welcome dear." Rarity said happily. "Why don't we proceed down to the cabin so we can get your measurements? Best to get it out of the way."
"Of course. You're procrastinating until dinner aren't you?" Almond said mischievously.
"Oh you've caught me. I've been on airships before dear, and frankly I find them rather boring." Rarity groaned, not so much at getting caught, but more at the sheer idea of three days with so little to do.
"Ah. Yeah, work ships like this are like that. But we do have activities to pass the time. Chess, Cribbage, Poker, Shift poker, that sort of stuff" Almond explained.
"What's 'shift poker' darling? I can't say I've ever heard of it." Rarity asked.
"It's a... uh... ch-changeling game... i-it uh..." Almond stuttered, a deep red tint coming over her face. "Lets just say it's Tikka's favorite game..."
"Ah... say no more dear." Rarity said, her face falling flat.
Elsewhere, Applejack was having a hard time forcing herself to the edge of the ship, where Rainbow, Fluttershy, and Twilight were all spreading their wings and sticking their heads over the side. Meanwhile, Daring Do stood on the railing on the ship's prow, doing the very same thing.
"It's a pegasus thing." came the voice of Nautica.
"Ah gather..." Applejack said nervously.
"Scared of heights huh?" Nautica asked carefully.
"Nnope. Ah'm afraid of the sudden stop at the bottom." Applejack said stiffly.
Nautica didn't respond verbally. Instead she just gave off a look that screamed 'bullshit'.
"Alright. Yes. Ah'm afraid a heights." Applejack resigned.
"First step is to talk about it." The young red eyed changeling said sagely.
"Ain't nuthin to talk about! Ah just don't like heights." Applejack snapped.
"Okay okay! I get it!" Nautica said raising her hooves. "No more talk about up-up."
"Sorry... just... Earth ponies belong on the ground. Not up here!" Applejack said.
"Yet you were at Cloudsdale's cloudesium for the 'Best Young Fliers' competition." the helms-ling countered.
"To support her."
"If it helps, there are twenty-five changelings, six pegasi, and one alicorn on this ship. If you somehow fell over, you'd be caught. I can guarantee it." Nautica said comfortingly.
"Ah believe it."
Not much happened aboard the ship. Twilight and Starlight learned as much as they could from various changelings aboard the ship, their lives before they left their respective hives, how the hive works. They soaked it up like a sponge. Rarity and Almond passed the time by talking about fashion and sketching designs, Rainbow kept her distance from any changelings, still not trusting them. Fluttershy was slowly coming out of her shell when the cabin pony started talking to her. Pinkie Pie however, was quickly turning into a changeling buffet. Her constantly bubbly attitude causing sluggish changelings to burst into life, and already lively changelings to be about as hyper as her; Moving and talking a mile a minute. Before anypony knew it, the bell signalling dinner rang and everypony filed down into the galley, the smell of warm enchiladas wafting into their noses.
Author's Note
If you see an issue with this chapter, please send a PM instead of the comments please.
