The Long road for love and life book one

by jeeves301986

Rating: mature
Tags: Adventure, Alternate Universe
Length: 79397

travel along the confusing world of a changelings quest to find his meaning in life

join a changeling on his adventure, set in a alternate pre war universe, he finds it difficult to live in a hive were you get moved around constantly, and with the threat of an ancient evil, the only question is, will he be able to fight? will the world turnout to be sunshine and rainbows or will Equestria fall too far?,
(ongoing)
hello my name is paul this is my first public story, and i have dyslexia, so sorry about the grammar and spellings in advance :twilightsheepish: , i based this story in the pre war part first just to build on the fallout universe, as i do enjoy so many other works set in the apocalyptic future, i also wanted a way for my oc to be challenged and not always win and be on top of the world, i think he might have a few problems but his heart is in the right place, but he is also. . . so naive to the rest of the world, but he will try and do the right thing, but the right thing does not always grant good karma now does it? in my own opinion not always, but this world is just starting to form, thank you for your time, and i hope you enjoy The Long Road For Love and Life

Published 1970-01-01 00:00:00 UTC
Last updated 2016-07-31 03:26:47 UTC

chapter one with new eyes

Chapter one with new eyes

I can still remember my first haich day, I was nothing too special, just a little ball of hunger and curiosity, I remember feeling restless and a strange desire to escape what could be called home, but escape is not necessarily the right word more like I wonder what will happen if I move like this, and then hearing a rip and the new sensation as the outside air came through the little crack, upon hearing more sounds, and finding that these just increased my curiosity.

in no time at all I could see the faces peering at me I could not help but feel happy, I also felt something else that I can explain better now but it felt like a warm blanket covering me but only like a liquid, which seemed to wake my sleepy mind up with the knowledge that this was love and food, it did not last too long as I started to feel like I would explode,I quickly learned how to stop the feeling.

I also found myself listening to words inside of songs and I found I could hear more in side of the songs which turned into coilers, reds blues and greens are dull in comparison, it is hard to describe as it is like trying to explain color and shapes to someone who never seen such things, so the best way for me to explain it would be like this.

imagine being in water dyed different colors of the rainbow on its surface and you are blew looking up, with each line dancing side by side but at different speeds, and if you look closer you can hear the spiritual voices chatting to each other and if you really concentrate, you can hear and see one dot of light with one voice, As this display continue you can feel your mind grow a bit like eating an entire library of books in minutes instead of reading one book at a time which could take weeks or longer.

Within a few minutes I found that I could sing as well, I could also use my mouth to make sounds as well, sorry dear reader I mean apart from moving and vibrating body parts. I found myself looking up into the eyes of another, something from the swirl of colors called it sister and friend, she just smiled at me saying in vespid," well you're going to be a hoofful aren't you? She  chirped, your brothers and sister hach mates are not due yet and neither were you for another day", I don't know how or why but I started myself by given a sad apologetic chirp.

"Oh don't be so silly" sister said as another volley of love left her which made the am going to explode feeling feel rounded as it felt like another empty well had appeared, the voices called this feeling and the empty wells my reserves, my reserves mean strength, strength means serval. Well sister continued welcome to the woavon and with that she picked me up out of my shell and placed me back down then off we went.

I wanted to follow, as I could feel something big and strong.. Something powerful, something that made me feel terror and fear, but more than that, a kind of love that made me want to behave and follow no matter what happens, this kind of love was not food, I can only describe it a bit like meeting your maker its beautiful and terrifying all at the same time, the feeling just screamed do not mess with this, as we moved through the tunnels closer to this power we came closer and closer,

As it did so the colors began to merges into a blinding light of songs which both answered and listened, at the same time I watched as sister and i walked along the many corridors covered in a light blue glowing lights, like stars covering the walls and the ceiling along with a light green glow on the floor, the voices sang of this new world as I looked again and I could identify that the blueish lights were mushrooms and the green glow was lican a sort of plant, the knowledge I had been learning told me, i also learnt that they were alive but were not the same consantices as me, they also told me that sister was called Av-tav-on and that's how you say it when you get your wings to scratch and rub, but with my mouth I can call her sister and Avon, they also told me that I was special and that the bright light that was getting closer was our mother who we all love, but before we entered Avon picked me up, probably so i would know what to do, or out of fear that i would do something stupid.

as we entered a big chamber the voices stopped dead, it was a bit like having a meeting where everyone is talking and as soon as you appear the room goes silent, I felt something before the silence something that said fear it, silence is evil. But I did not as I was more curious than anything, I had to say almost seen but it was more described, Avon brought me to our mother who sat on her throne of carved rock and moss, she turned and looked at us, well me mainly as I stared into her eyes I felt a name, a powerful name, well it was to me. Sandra-carver-of-stone mother of all! it boomed in my head and my heart before she spoke "so this is the one that comes to use so strong for something so small," Avon chirped in acknowledgement "put him down, we must know if this one is the one, or if he is just early and Eager to work!

Chapter two against the grain

As I was placed down gently, I found myself wanting to flee from both the empty silence and from the power of the queen, but in the same instances I felt excited and curious, here I was, in a new place and I just wanted to explore, so I did by looking around at first.

the Queen sat on her throne watching the little changeling with a steady motherly look on her face, silently studying the emotional state of the as to be named changeling,  at first she felt the little ones fear, as normally happens since he was in the main chamber even her own attendants felt fear in here, but the thourt stopped as she felt the fear melt away from the changeling, to be replaced by what she needed from at least one of her children, a urges to explore and find new lands and maybe new allies she mused, yes her hive was advance, and they could use Cristal's powers by the sun and moon, a gift from the ancient Crystal ponies and their empire the old king and Queen of Equestria had established way before her time, that her great grandmother received for helping them defeat an ancient evil whose name had been lost in the sands of time. The only knowledge that she knew of was that of a mural carved into the stone depicting a violent battle where scores of ponies and changelings died along with many other races.

There was even other creatures some of which were believed to have been wiped out, whose deeds were etched to a high degree of detail made with tools and magic to protect the carvings from time and damage, her favorite were the ones standing on two legs and where the front hooves should be, they had what looked like long sticks and larges scales, they also had square heads and had stranger markings of a cross on their mid sections, now they always intrigued her curiosity as ponies had their cutie marks but each one was unlike the others.

some of the pony's had wings of feathers but some had bat like wings, some had horns and ether had sticks in front of them, others were using magic, but the sands of time...suddenly she was shocked out of her memories by the little changeling climbing up onto her, none had ever been so bold before and non would dare because of the fear they felt, and yet this one seemed not to care!

But this one was strong and bold, See allowed the little one to ries next to her, he just sat their staring into her eyes with a smile on his face, she just looked into his blue eyes and smiled, she could see what others could not a trait past to her by her mother, as she did so she saw determination, honor,and respect, along with a bit of innocent stupidity.

He has a heart of gold she thourt as the little changeling snuggled up to her, she glanced at her daughter who was unable to move due to the fear that she felt either out of the shear power of her or by the fact that this young one done something she always wanted to feel actual freely given love that did not come from a crystal or one of the stupid diamond dogs that kept trying to invade.

this was special. All of her children had strong vespid names but this one was different, and for her plans to come to fruition he will need a vocal name for when he was old enough to go and leave the lands of her domain, suddenly a strange unknown voice seemed to whisper to her.

His name will need to be strong and cunning, it should be wies, it should honor the past promise..

As quickly as it came it left again and just as quickly she forgot the voice

"Your quiet the explore aren't you,(she said with a smile) I think I have a special name for you one that you can use in the wider world, I shall give you a name carved on the these very walls, I will call you Paul".

I still don't really know why I desired to climb up to this being of pure power but something said inside of my heart said that she was lonely and since she is our mother, and that fact just did not seem right. after nurseling up to her I notice Avon looking and standing weird, but when I looked into mother's eyes before getting comfy I saw in her eyes that she needed someone to show her how much she meant to us, and despite the fact that the sheer power could easily rip me apart.

there in her eyes was a great pain that could never be healed by words alone. As I snuggled up to her I could feel her heart beating and each breath that she took, she was strong and proud, I was startled from my state of well ore when she moved, I was not as scared as I should of been as she just giggled and said that I was this and that which kinda made me a bit confused as none of these words were what I needed, I did chirp my confusion but her eyes were almost glazed over, then she spoke with her mouth and said I will call you Paul..

mmm I liked this. "Yes I am PauI" i said along with chirps,  up till I found out that I could not say my name in vespid... I wonders why? mother could sense that I liked my name but I could not manage say it in our language, she smiled at me and give me a quick kiss and told me to go back to Avon, which I did do I felt kinda bad for leaving her, so before I got up I said in vespid I love you mom.

Chapter 3 monsters at home

Over the few months of life I found that we grow fast to reach adulthood, and we do live long lives but we are not immortal so I was not worried but we do not measure time like the ponies do, I found out more about my magic and became quite adept at spellcasting. I even mastered water from air which mother insisted that I learned even though I want to stay as far away from water as possible, because we have a bad habit of mainly drowning when we go into it, also i had found using my wings to be so much fun! if I could of flown everywhere I would of. But my favorite part would be taken off from the ground and spinning myself round to land on the ceiling.

Later when I had reached my full height and my magic reserves had grown immensely, I found myself being passed around by orders of the Queen, mother wanted me to, as she put it, to learn as much about the hive and my family by doing not just absorbing the information from the collectives knowledge of the hive, I did enjoy working in the fungi chambers,I liked how the fluff balls on top of the storks looked with the white veins criss crossing over the refuse, making a field of white fluffiness.

I would be lying if I said I was not startled by an actual skull of a fairly deceased family member, now I am not emotional but the way the head was sticking out of the mound it looked like someone was going to try and jump out at me, so I snuck around and jumped out, only to see her lifeless dull eyes staring into the void, so I did give a startled (and I am not proud of it) shriek, my family and work mates could not stop laughing at me, of course I felt embarrassed as a few teased me by saying things like hatchling, soft shell, you know to get over the fact that I started them, and made them a bit mad at me so i could understand, so I was not offended,

that's one of the perks of being able to detect others feelings, of course if you have a crush on someone everyone knows! As I continued with my tasks of picking the the fungi blooms and placing them into a basket which was placed on our backs, once it was full another sibling would take it after replacing it with a empty one,

this would continue until we had finest then we had to turn over the pills of refuses for the fungi to take over again, and this was just one of the chambers that grew food to tie us over, each one was at least the size of a large town or a small city, after we had finest it was apparent that the day cycle had ended, I was hopeing that I would be able to rejoin the team when the overseer came over to me"Paul" he said with some distaste and continued in vespid "mother wants you to report to the Crystal field after combat training and trust me you'll need IT!"

I almost shuddered at this thourt but I just gave a tired "yes sir" and I slinked off towards the nearest resting chamber, the others always gave me ample space saying that I would wake them sometimes with flashes of emotions both positive and negative, this confused me as when I was a sleep I would dream of searching the world fighting monsters and saving the lady or princess, of course I did not always win sometimes I would die or dream of drowning or falling then drowning, which would wake me up to see a bunch of angry eyes glare at me then they would go back to sleep but I never felt anything from them when they were asleep.

I did ask mother about this and she said only special changelings like the over seers and royalty, dreamed to help them to become better at their jobs and assigned tasks, that's why they had their own chambers but it would not be fair if I was given my own chambers, I was not totally satisfied with this but I am not stupid enough to defy anything mother said, so as I settled in a corner I felt sleep take me.

This time it was different I was in a land with lush green grass and trees with red fruit there was buildings in the distance, that did look weird I swear one looked like something I once knew in fact most to all did, as I past through this little village or town, I finally came to a tree house I mean latterly a house made out of a tree, during my little walk I felt at peace, until a booming voice came from behind me. "WHAT ARE YOU?" My heart seemed to speed up and stop at the same time I felt my stomach do somersaults, "m-my name is Paul and I am a changeling"I said trying in vain not to let fear grasp me " WHY ARE YOU HERE" "I don't know but I do not mean anyone any harm and if you don't mind I am not def"

I did not care if i had upset anyone as my ears were sore, all I could see was a black cloud almost like something trying to hide but it would twinkle, as soon as I was about to say something like why are you hiding, the cloud came together and and formed a blue winged and horned pony, I could not stop my jaw from opening. Evan in my shock I could only think one thing wow she is beautiful her teal eyes noward as i thourt that.

"So you admit it then!? And without trying to play any tricks we see, humm this is interesting, we would of thought after the defeat of your Queen Chrysalis (I immediately interrupted her) "That's not my queen!" I shouted in utter shock and disdain clear in my voice, I continued in a happier tone, "my mother is called Sandra, and I do not know this chrysalis queen, I take it that she has done something bad?" I asked confused.

She just stood their with her mouth open for a brief moment before she regained her senses then she chuckled "I do apologize but I was not expecting this, (with a sigh of a held breath she continued in a more friendly tone) I can tell you are being honest with me, (she stretch out a hoof) my name is Luna and it is nice to meet you Paul (I reported the action, I admit I did feel weird with my hoof in the air,she giggled) "no my dear like this" (she moved closer to me and touch my hoof and wiggled it up and down) as she did so I felt a smile cross my face and I felt pried like I had just made a new friend

Chapter 3 part two

When I had awoken I still felt pride well up inside of me I also felt stronger than I had ever felt before in my life, one of the changelings said something as I stood still not fully awake, "wow what happened to you?" As I realized who she was, "morning Laura, sorry for disturbing you" I said with a touch of sadness in my voices, she just gave me a hungry longing look "mmm you can disturb me any time you want" she gave me a shiver which went down my spine with that.

what in tartarus is going on? I glanced at the rest of the changelings who had a I am full smiles on their faces like they had been throw an entire two loc-love Cristal's, she continued "it's a pity you're moving cast today, (she stopped and motioned for me to follow, once outside of the sleeping chamber and out of earshot of the others she continued, " I know I have not been erm well the kindness one here, as I know you had a Crush on me, but I was worried that it was just a meal thing" she said in a sad tone, and that got me as well she was speaking and it was not in vespid!

I feel so dumb sometimes, "I am sorry Laura but I thourt you were not interested in me?, so what changed?" I braced myself, half dreading the answer and their other half of me just felt strange like wanting something that seems so far away or impossible to come true, she gave a shy "you changed, (a baffled look spread across my face but she continued) you've actually made an impression on me, and when you were dreaming again you fed everyone and you are still stronger than ever, I am sorry for doutting you, and I know you will be great some day, I just wanted to give you something for good luck" the baffled look disappeared off of my face when I saw a twinkle in her eyes.

As she came close to my face and gave me a kiss, which I happily gave back in kind, my heart felt like dancing, and as quickly as it came it stopped as soon as she left, my lips tingling to and from my heart, i just froze for a moment as my brain began to put what had just happened together, of course my wings had stood up on my sides, as I opened my eyes I saw she had the same reaction, we both blushed as reality hit me and her, I had to go and fulfill my duties, "I really wished we had of had more time" I said as my brain seemed to realize what just came out, "well I have to try and go back to sleep, you take care and I'll see you around stud" she gave me a wink turned and with a wow under her Breath went back to the dormitory.

I turned and went in the direction of the army training centre, the best thing about being in the hive is you just know where everything is, it is the same for other changelings, we can communicate with each other over great distances but we mainly do that with the our mother and the ones we love, we can love others in the hive if we want to but no one would love their hach brothers and sisters the same, and i do not mean feeding them love i mean the special kind as that would be kinda gross, as i approached my destination I could just smell the pheromones and blood in the air.

I knew I was going to regret this as I came closer to the training ground, a guard came out of the nook in the wall as soon as I touch the webbing on the floor that was mixed in with the moss, he took a glances at me "well I was not expecting this you acutely look like you can Handle yourself!? Well your early so you must be a sucker for punishment, (he chuckled at the thourt of a newbie being thrashed) go inside you will know the overseer when you see or hear him" (he allowed himself another chuckle before he slunk back into the hole, as I continued the hallway became smaller and more restrictive, by the end of the hallway it was just big enough for me not to scratch my horn off of the ceiling.

Suddenly I found myself in a chamber that could comparably houses at least two fungi crops and still have room, I quickly surveyed my surroundings taking note of the different chambers entrances, when I heard "GET UP YOU FILTHY GRUBS!!! IF YOU WANT TO GO BACK TO THE HACH.." I am going to go out on a limb here and say that he is in charges. As I thourt this how ever I noticed everything went quiet, a quick scuttling sound made me turn to my right, to see a really small changeling scuttling towards me at speed. I ready myself especially when I started to feel the eyes of the others on me and the tension in the air, this is going to get really bad, he stopped just short of crashing into me, I did not move but I did have a spell ready,

"So you're the new grub our Queen wants me to whip into shape, (he laughs in vespid) looks like you know a few things already so why don't you show me!!" With that he jumped with his teeth aiming for my throat, I stept to the side and when time seemed to slow down I charge up my spell when he was in a prime position I unleash a blast that hit him harder than I meant, the channeling was flung to the far wall, it was kind of comical the way he stuck to the wall for a about a couple of seconds then slid down it, with an unceremonious plop he landed on the floor dazed and out of it.

After a few seconds the silence was interrupted by "MEDIC , WHERE THE HELL ARE YOU? It was one of the changelings peeking his head around the corner of a rock and some from behind stalicticks and a few from door ways with a look of shock on all of there faces, I calmly walked over to the stund changeling, and let out a gentle bit of healing magic which hit his horn, his charred and smoking carapace still smoking, he began to heal and repair his chican, after a moment of this I stopped as I did not want to start round two to start off so soon.

He picked himself up not expecting it to be me standing their, " you, you, what are you? You're not normal, you're a freak or something!" He picked himself up again "no one should" he stopped dead as a sound echoed throughout the hive the very earth and walls moved with the sound, "quarry eel attack!!" came a voice of one of the soilder cast members, it came Without warning, and without thinking about it we all assembled and followed the feeling of fear and pain, now I had learnt about them but seeing one, that's a different matter entirely.

It did not take long to figure out why this one was so far from its home, as the diamond dogs had used the porthing like a battering ram, by having it head our way, what made it more dangerous was it was in pain and was scared, I could feel its pain and a longing to go home, now not every diamond dog is evil or bad just as quarry eels are not unless you provoke them, but this group of Diamond Dogs had there eyes on the Cristal's, and did not care about the pour crecher that they had hurt with iron and whip,

as far as they were concerned it was nothing more but a tool to be used, it was close to death because of what they had done to it they did not even wait for the wounds to heal, they had pushed a helmet over its eyes and ears which was held in place by metal spikes, they jabbed it forwards with sticks and fire Cristal's, despite this there was nothing else that could be done for it other than death as it was only alive on adrenaline, which made their weapon more dangerous and rabid, as it would get a Diamond Dog if they strayed too far forward.

As we came to the entrance point I stopped, my heart stopped as I saw Laura or what was left... I felt something that no changeling had felt before, yes we can feel anger but this this was pours uncut rage, I literally blacked out. When I came to everyone was just staring at me the quarry eel was splattered across the walls along with bits of diamond dog with the red and the oranges blood mixing together, the dogs that did not flee were being enveloped by viscous liquid secreted by the others by the glands in our legs soon to be cocooned,

Evan then I still wanted them to die as I moved to Laura's corps I whield and cried holding her unable to move, I heard voices in both languages and even felt a touch or two, but I was numb to the world, it was like some kind of sick joke as my world had stopped and yet everything else kept moving and going on as if nothing had happened,i felt a heat build up inside of me and suddenly I was hit by a bright light and then everything went dark.

Chapter 4 halfway to death a new chance for a life

It took months for me to get back to my self so much so that I was put into a pod, I still grew slowly healing as I was the diamond dog's worst nightmare, even though I had no direct contact I could feel them, I saw what they had done and how THEY ENJOYED IT!!.

So I made them pay, they were useless for healing in this state but I made them wish they had of died, I tourcherd them making sure to learn from my mistakes and my triumphant making new nightmares, why did I not just stay in the pod and continue to be sick i did not understand but i really did not care, Laura came to me one day in my dream state and..well whent down my throat about how selfish I had been, I did not deny it how could I?

I tried to explain about how they had enjoyed killing her and injuring the others, I told her about what had happened after I found her, and how there was nothing left of the quarry eel and one diamond dog, how whatever I did knock out the other dogs, then I realized something, "you're not really her are you?" She focused her eyes in surprise, "what makes you think that!?" she said " Well vespids can not dream, and for what it is worth I am sorry miss Luna" the look of shock grow as her reply but I continued, "I meant no harm to anyone and yet I have coursed harm to those dogs and I think that i enjoyed it...that's the worst part, and it is only now (I collapse on the ground) I feel sorry for them, I lost my self to anger and hate, that is why I was put in here, I think I know what to do but I would to ask you a favor if I may please".

She just looked shocked and in a curious tone said " what is that?"the changeling Luna said "Could you please changes back to your own form as I know what I must do and it is upsetting me" I released tendrils of healing magic and I relist them from the nightmares and torment that I had done to them, as soon as I did my heart started feeling warm and started beating normally again,

it felt like being locked away in the cold for years and finding the heat of the sun for the first time, the changing in front of me turned into her original Luna self "I must say I am shocked at how you knew it was I, normally I have to show myself because of the dreamers dream, which starts to makes you see what I want you to see, you are stronger and wiser than most, what you were doing was wrong, and I to know what it is like to be in that dark and cold place, but we did not expect to meet someone so strong of heart, we will need to tell our sister of this news maybe we'll meet again"

And as if she seemed to somehow knew I was beginning to wake up she disappeared. As i started waking up I could feel the nutritional fluid flow in and out of my mouth and nose, it felt like breathing in smell less taste less liquid air, I did not have long to ponder this sensation as the pod started to drain, I unceremoniously coughed up what was left in my lungs, after this I opened my eyes,

My vision was covered in black clouds which slowly began to returned to me as my vision became more clear as the pod cracked and clicked open, as soon as the green tinged ripple cover lifted upwards, and as the light came rushing into the pod, I found myself temporarily blinded again.

"I am sorry for everything that I did" I said as my eyes began to adjust to the light, I noticed they were female by their sent, and that I had never meet them before, but I continued "I am sorry for letting the hive down by being selfish"

One of the females turned her head to one side" what are you talking about?" To which the other joined in "I don't get it, you killed a query ell which was on a path towards a hatchery and defeated the group's leader, knocked out about ten diamond dogs, not to mention some of the ones that were behind those, exactly how were you being selfish again?" Again the other one picked up from where the last left off,"if anything you're a hero, I guess using so much magic at onecs was not a great idea what possessed you to do something so,so, stupidly dangerous?"

So I explained every thing that I thought had happened to me and what had, when I had finished the two of them stared at me unblinking until "wow you must of hit your head harder than we thought (the one on my right said trying not to laugh) it has only been about two days and the captives are in the tanks in the other part of the hive until we find out more about them, after all they did attack us so we may end up with feed tanks for emergencies".

Evan tho we don't attack others, if we have their tribe men sometimes we would receive compensation from the tribe for the return of their kin, or they would be used to heal those who were badly injured and beyond the care of the pods themselves. It was not frowned upon nor was it common practice, as we did try not to use the emotions of others as our ancestors did in the dark times.

The other changeling joined in again after the first, "oh how denics can I and my sister get (she hoof faced) my name is jenny and this is my sister penny" I instantly began to leave the pod I turned to jenny and stuck my right hoof out without thinking, Jenny stared at my outstretched hoof and followed the action,

a gasp left her mouth as I began to shake her hoof "it is very good to meet you miss Jenny my name is Paul" I then turned to Penny and repeated the gesture, and after seeing the actions of the gestor used on her sister she was prepared for it as she shacked here hoof more confidently "it is very nice to meet you to miss Penny" I notice that they were both blushing.

"Oh I almost forgot a runner came by to tell you to go back to the main chambers as mother wants to see you" they both gave a little sad disappointing shy, "that's a putty" Jenny said as quietly as possible, her sister Penny joined in as if to cover the disappointment that I could feel, I also felt there was well a longing to know me better let's just say.

"Orders are orders" and with that I noded and set off, a little bit more confused than anything, now we are not heartless but the other changelings seemed to get over things like death quicker than me, but I could still feel a little pain at the what could've been, I than relies that I was somehow indeed in a different part of the hive, scratch that a completely different part of the country, and if I am correct I was about ten days fast march from where I was, I think I could've pondered about this all day if I did not need to concentrate to find my way, I could also feel the pain of loss leave me, but I could not forget Laura and I knew I never would, but I knew that the pain would not be there for ever or at least not as bad.

Chapter five, leave the hive

As I walked the halls of the hive I felt more and more like myself as I started to remember myself, as I proceeded along the winding corridors and hall ways, I thourt about what Penny and Jenny had said. I also thought about Luna and how she seemed to know more about these dreams than I or any other changeling, I also started to wounded what my purposes is in life was? everyone in the hive has a permanent job so why am I different? These thoughts ran through my mind not given up any answers or clues to the answers that I longed for.

When another thought placed itself in my mind out of nowhere, it was that town I had in my previous dream, it was giving me the strangest feelings which had accompanied it, a feeling of love and of purpose, as I had this in my mind my heart felt like there was a hole in it, i felt as helpless, as when I was but a little nymph seeing the world for the first time.

I thought more and more about mother and how lonely she was and also how happy I had made her which seemed to be longer than it was, my heart agreed with a fluttering warmth which went from my heart up through my reserves and continued towards my head, but it did not stop as it surged like an unstoppable forces of power towards my horn which responded to it,

but I only focuses on that moment, then I was engulfed in a bright white light, the next thing that I knew I was inside a tunnel of pure light moving at speed, but I still had that memory clearly in my heart, than just as it began it stopped, as I found myself standing in front of the entrance to mothers chamber.

I did not have long to ponder on what had happened as a series of hisses and clicks along with shreks broke me from my wonderment, I turned to see my hatch mates panicked clear on there faces, "what, what are you where did you come from!!" One of them said in vespid, he was clearly older than me and a member of the royal garde.

This countied with multiple changelings speaking in equestrian and vespid with all their voices blurring together into a chorus of the damned, I say the damned because of the emotional state of my family group, there was anger and fear but the one I will never forget was pure hate unbridled along with fear,

I could barely move from the onslaught of negative waves emanating from them the ones who I thought loved me, a wave of shame washed over me, which was only broken by one voice, the only voice that could stop this pain. "LEAVE HIM ALONE OR ANSWER TO ME!!! The voice boomed, its very presence was a gift, the best way that I can described it would be like being on the Battlefield of war and seeing reinforcements coming in to join the theater of war, you regain your strength and determination to continue.

"COME HERE CHILD" the voice boomed again it sank in as to whom the voice belong to, it was mother. I promptly left my brethren behind still in shock and oar, as I entered I felt no fear and proceeded towards her, I was not smiling as much as I would like to deny it as the shock of this endeavour was clear on my face.

I quickly proceed towards her "It would appear that I have underestimated you little Paul, I was expecting you to master the basics of magic, but not the advanced forms for another few months at least, to say I am shocked is an understatement to say the least, you are only twenty eight ". She gave a motherly smile along with a laugh.

"mother why am I different from the rest of my siblings?" I asked in a I am sorry tone. She turned from laughter to coursaty "what do you mean my dear Paul? If this is about before I am sure they were confused, I am not sure if they thought they were going to be attacked or if I was going to be" she said Still studying the little changeling before her, she could feel a emotional war being waged within him, she also felt a longing for home, that would be the best way to describe it, she also knew about his little crush and what had happened to her, but she did not have long to ponder on this how ever as the little one spoke.

"Everyone has a place in the hive but...I... do not, when I go to sleep I sometimes see a strange creature in my dreams she looks like this" then with a green flash of flames her little one had turned into a blue female pony with wings and a horn,

mother instantly turns her head towards the carvings on the wall to the two alicorns depicted on it and then back to her son, she noticed the shape of the moon on his flank, and then back again to the carven, she knew of the story but the alicorns depicted on the wall were a male and a female, but the markings on the female were different from the one her son had on, maybe the story's were more true than she used to think, maybe he was the one brave and both strong enough and smart enough for her dreams of an alliance to become true like in the times of old.

"What does she say to you?" She asked as gently as possible as only a mother could. With another green flash of flames he returned to his true form and began to explain about Luna and how she had asked him if he knew of Chrysalis, she knew that they were different hives out there but she also knew that not all would want the same type of peace that she wanted for her children.

She wanted to be able to traded with the other races, but needed animosity or a diplomat. She paid more attention to the part about how he was practically given an invitation. "So you want to know what your role is in the hive." She pursed than continued after working out how to explain it to him. "Please understand my dear that you do not have a role in the hive like the rest, (she pointed to the carvings on the walls with a hoof) you see long ago before my time a great evil tried to enslave our world, so the different factions and races banded together to fight for their own children's, children's right to be free from enslavement and free to love whoever they want to for love without persecution .

Our hive was involved along with the other races depicted on the wall, some of them never recovered from the battle, as the evil had split families, infact the leaders of the ponies give there own lives to defeat it, we or I know most of there species names but I did not think that the alicorns had served. You have told me that you want to know what your job is? it is to be an ambassador for the hive, do you think you could do that my little one?" mother said "But wouldn't I have to leave the hive?" I said with Curiosity in my voice. She nodes before continuing "you will be given six loc-love crystals I take it that you know of them and how to use them?"

"Yes I do, you need to keep them covered when not in use as they use the light of the sun and the moon to regain there power, and they can not be moved as they become more fragile when charging, when they are empty you need to leave them for at least eight hours to fully charge and when they are you need to cover them over and let them settle for about half an hour before using them as they become volatile, and each cristal once changed has enough power to feed a changeling for a week and three days, or nine days of constant feeding or longer if taking in moderation, but can be drained entirely if needed for healing, but the maximum of two in emergencies depending on the situation."

Chapter five part two

"Good my child, you are a quick at learning which will serve you well, but for your journey to continue you will need to cross the sea" the little changeling gave a scared shriek of fear, every changeling knows of the fear of deep water as their Chechen armor would drag them down to depths and to certain death.  Evan with his knowledge of magic and the spells which could allow him to breath under water, this fear was in every changelings mind as a survival trait. But despite this reaction the Queen could feel the determined and resolve of the little changeling "if it means I can do my part than I do not care, I can always use my magic but I would prefer to be above the water if I can, as I get the feeling I can not just fly to the land of Equestria?"

The Queen laughs at this which made the changeling feel a lot better. "no my child, as I am sure you want to leave as soon as possible, you would have to wait for the winds to change but I do believe you can use your magic, when you leave this hive you will have to travel by a raft as there are trees up on the surface" the changeling tilted his head in confusion as The queen chirped and squeaked in vespid

now as you have probably guessed I have tried my best to give everyone in the hive an Equestrian name and as you dear reader probably can not read vespid so if one of my family is reading this or one of my kind than I am sorry for any insulting feelings you may have, but this is the language I use now.

the Queen asked for Frost, the name stuck in my mind I had heard this name around from time to time, generally in a mocking way like.

"O that must be one of frost as its just broke", things like that. Acutely I believe it was out of Jealousy as he was the chief building artitec, and was the overseer of the building cast. He came into the chamber through a hole in the ceiling and dropped to the ground using his wings to turn and to slow his descent, as soon as he was upon the ground he chirped in vespid "yes my Queen, what can this one do for you"(he gave her a bow out of respect) even though he meant this I could still feel his fear, but he manage to keep his out ward Compuserve.

"Yes Frost I have an important task for you, this is Paul and I need you and your best workers to go to the surface and build one of theses" my mother's horn lite up in a green aura and a scroll came floating out of what I would suspect was her sleeping chambers, the scroll was placed in front of Frost, he then proceeded to unravel it, as he glanced over the scrolls constants his eyes widened at what he saw.

"Is their a problem?" Mother said in an inquisitive manner, "yes my Queen there's a problem, the griffons have been more active than normal and our scouts have reported that they may be wanting to expand their territory, and all the main materials such as wood can only be found on the surface, and even I could not forces our builders to take on such a task for fear of them showing the damned creatures our home, as they will try to gain access to the hatchery, and I do not want that on my consensus let alone on any of my cast" he said in a disappointed tone.

"I will have our troops ready, and you and your cast members will have an escort, you will have Paul with you as well, I take it you have heard of him?" she somehow managed to say in a motherly but dangerous tone of voice, "I meant no disrespect my Queen, but if my workers are to go top side it would help them to know what part of warrior cast will accompanied us, as my cast are not as adept at fighting griffon as some like to boost," frost lowers his head in respect and sham, "I know my child, you have not offended me, I just have a lot to think about (she give the changeling a smile) I will send seven of the onclave troops along with you, they have the knowledge of spell casting and fighting that can only be rivaled by Paul,"

Paul tried his best not to blush and failed as his wings gave a tell tail little flutter, thankfully mother continued "so frost will this be satisfactory? As the tunnel you will use is on the western side of our land, you should not have problems with griffon's or any others."

Frost took this news with him after bowing to our Queen and leaving to relay the news to his team, mother give a series of squeaks and chirps as an attend appeared moment early he gave a nod after appearing giving a confirmation series of squeaks and clicks and then disappeared again, it was obvious he was listening to the exchange.

Mother then turned to me and said. "It will take some time my little one for the arrangements to come together, and you have been through quite a bit already, I think it would be best if you go to your...(she paused thinking about all that had transpired) acutely I think you should rest but I think you should use frost chamber (she pointed at the hole in the ceiling of the chamber) I know he will not mind."

I just noded but before I flowe off to rest, I gave her a huge "thank you mom." I did feel tears start to build up as I did not want to leave, but part of me wanted to see that pony, no that alicorn again as she was a friend, but I knew their was no guarantee, but still I wanted to see that town again, with this on my mind, I automatically give a bow and flew up to the entrance and started to trot on the surface of the inner hallway, after a couple of feet the tunnel opens up to a chamber covered in white marble, but they were of different types of marble Statues of different creatures, each one was in almost regal clothes.

I manage to find a clearing in the center of the room, as I looked around it was what a town market must look like, I mused to myself, remembering what I had learned from my teachings, it is hard to explain but some of the colours if you focuses on are like vivid dreams only it is like your there. You can smell and taste and hear but you can not feel or change it, I suppose it is how most changelings dream, I do not like it myself, I prefer my own way

Chapter 6 a journey and a dream come true

As I made myself conferrable I noticed a slight hum or more like a hazy faint buzzing, I found it to be relaxing as the sound give way to colours, which in turn took shape. As images began to come into forces I noticed so to did the sound.

I found myself sitting in a extremely lavest carriage, the in sides were covered in padded Purple Staten fabric with diamond scorers, which made the padden bilges slightly, as I began to look around I notice that all the corners had a silver running between the ceiling and the wall, and tuning along the carriage doors and windows, the silver had been in graven with some kind of ivy pattern that seemed to change as the light of the moon would break from in between the trees,

I could see barely as they blurred by the window at speed, my eyes focusing on a lone silhouette of a tree agents the starry background. I began to keep looking at the silvery dance around the window frame which I watched with a sense of joy and interest. Suddenly a voice broke me from my trances and musings gently but quickly.

"Well I can not wait for..." The female prod tone dwindled and then came back "are you alright dear? You look a bit out of sorts." This voice sounded familiar somehow, as the thought hit me I noticed the slight reflection of a griffon stared back at me. My head turned to face a female griffon who had a look of concern upon her face. "I am sorry miss Heart tale, I am just worried about the security of this galer, and I would prefer to be my self". He said in an agitated but calm tone he continued " having such an event after so much loss is confusing me, not to mention" but I or rather he was interrupted by the Griffin "Do you remember how we met in that horror of war?"

I noded when an images of broken building's and the flashes of colors from different spells danced to and throw from different sides, with the sounds of explosion and screams, as i and my team continued to push back the hordes of chaos followers, rounding the corner of a onces busy street I noticed something in the sounds of war took my full attention, as I turned to face a monstrosity of what was a pony standing on its hind legs, which were now warped and twisted, they now resembled those of a minotaur, the chest was the same almost human, but it had no skin just mussel its fore hoofs were gone replaced by hands which had five long black claws dripping and oozing with what can only be described as vile and pure evil taint, its faces was barely recognisable as that of a pony's but it too was warped, its mouth held visus and sharp teeth that resembled dangers which to ozed with the same viel taint, the beast muscle was twisted into a snout and where the eye should of been were black orbs with a monstrous red diamond slit, with the look of a cat's eye when their in hunting mode.

I was only distracted from the view as a bolt of green light emanated from my horn above my view, and as if time slowed down I took in the full scope of what was before me.

I noticed that a griffon was pinned to the ground by a book self, and my target barely had time to move with all of its attention focused on what could be its newest victim, I felt the magic punch leap forward from my horn, this spell was meant to kill. Then time sped up slightly at first as the sound of the Griffin screamed came into focus, with the pain to face death and not being in honorable combat filled my senses such are the ways of Griffin culture, I watch as the ball of bright light which had an aura of green flames dancing behind it, i watched with glee as it punch into its target. I felt the pride and satisfaction as the monstrous forum began to burst into flame, it had a look of bewilderment upon its face as the body began to disintegrated into nothing but ash in the brezs.

"How could I forget, you were not pleased by being saved by.…what was that term again..oh yes I remember now, by a useless bug pony." I could hear myself chuckle at this. As the memory continued, as I darted over what could only be described as ruble of stone and ash, as the monstrous from gave a unworldly Moran as the flames finally took what was left of its warped and twisted head, which just flouted before disintegration as the flame took it away from this plane of existence.

Without a pause in my step I enveloped the book self with my magic from my horn which was light up in a green aura, as my ears selected a nearby hoof step deserving the ruble not to far from where that abomination had been, I turned to see a pony dressed in red armour with a diamond pupil in center of an eye, this ponys (and the term was used with hatred and a feeling of wanting to vomit out of disgust) followed their master and the elements of chaos and disharmony with enduring devotion, and if told to kill a newborn they would before the last letters of sound had faded from their masters lips,

these things along with other races ether joined out of respect and greed for power, some out of fear and or by spell, but all had sold their own will and there self control, being willing to kill there own family, as many had done so at the start of this war.

as I stood there this traitorous thing opens its mouth to speak "two more souls for my MA's" was all he managed to say as a low fast flying book shelf went hurtling through the air and struck his head, sending his body flying for about ten feet or so, jugging by the clatter hitting some of his Buddy's hard along with said bookcase.

I turned my attention back to the Griffen. "Are you injured at all?" Allowing my voice to be raised but still full of concerned. "Oh just fine"she snarked before she rose to her feet, and stretch her wings, and relaxed her eyes at me in surprise "I was was saved by a useless bug pony" she muttered under her breath, thinking that the sounds of battle would make her racist remark mute. But the changeling just giggled a bit, which court her off guard.

"Well my dear it would seem that this useless bug pony just saved your flank twice now!" As he continued to chuckle at her shocked face, he also felt a twinges of feelings coming from her, a mix of shock and surprise, and a dash of what could be at least a crush forming. She tried but failed to stop herself from a small blush on her face before quickly getting back to the task at talon, "I have a message for captain Cavan of the onclave its urgent"

just then another changeling dropped down and landed beside me, I turned my head to faces the new arrival. The other changeling lowered her head before rising again to speak while raising her hoof to Sault. "Sir! We have the enemy on the run and we have started to reinforce the Crystal city by erecting guard towers alongside the wall for added defense the rebuilding will start as little as tomorrow, we have also found survivors and have either treaded the injured or are still in the process of doing so,

we have had two casualties nothing too serious, we did lose one of our brothers to a abomination...." "do you know how?" I asked in a cold monotone voice out of shock. "I was there sir, their was no way anyone knew it was there", "could you identify the base spices?" I asked as most in Equestria are susceptible to their taint, only are a few apart from us changelings are immune to the poison that turns others into them. "We think it was a griffon sir, it dropped down onto us as we were heading toward the chapel for survivors, we thought going through the ruins would be quicker than going around them, we encountered hostiles nothing to tuff, until we were a couple of feet from the chapel, just one building to go throw. we checked the remains of the building which resembled a manor and everything was quiet so we proceeded, and when we were in the middle something fell behind me and the rest of us turned and saw this thing with a bloody featherless wings, its talons were warped elongated and blacker than my own Chechen, I could clearly see it starting to rip into."

I could feel her pain of a broken heart and a fire that I knew to well, but she was in control. "Its O-K, you do not need to say any more miss?" "Corporal Baf sir, sir permission to speak freely sir" "granted corporal" she gave out a syh and continued "Cavan they got my sweet Joleen, I just want to let you know I am all right and I want to tear them all a new one, sir" "very well corporal if that's all you are dismissed" with that I gave a salute back, and without a word Baf jumped up and took to the sky again and out of went out of view in a southern direction along with the rest of my command, even though it was classed as safe that does not mean it was for civilians.

The griffon was still in shock of finding that the changeling that had saved her from being turned into an abomination was the same captain she had been looking for before getting pined when that creature burst into the remains of the home. "Captain Cavan my name is Heart tale of the hours of clan Serbon, I was sent my father and by order of the king and Queen of Equestria to find you and deliver this to you.

The griffon reach under her wing with her beak, she moved a strap which she pulled out a green cylinder, which she then manipulated in her Talons screwing the top off, she reach in and pulled out a letter, just as she did so I swear the earth shook and so did the sky, everyone dropped down as a mash of colors like a mix of day and night smashed agonist a rainbow, every changeling including me felt a great senses of loss and a void,

as the sky and even the weather went aerie and as quickly as it had happened it stopped. The only signs that anything had happened at all was patches of hail and patches of snow and some scattered puddles, but the main sign was to the south East where the sun and moon light up the sky against the backdrop of stars. It was a mix of the kings spiked sun and of white stars, and the Queens purple and red spiked blue moon.

I found myself back in the carriage, facing the Griffin's eyes of love and concern and teary, "I am sorry, I just can not get over how they gave their lives to save us.....I might of.....we might of been able to help, but if they had of we would be inundated with those things.(the changeling Griffin shuddered at the thought) and then casualties would be to high a price to pay". "How can you say it like that but hurt so much" she clasped the changeling into her embrace.

I noticed myself slowly at first rises up as I was watching the two in each others embraced, now looking down at them as the scene began to grow darker and darker, then as if I had always been standing there I found myself on a mass of clouds, above me were Stars and Galaxy's moving by with enough speed to clearly see them dance and spin, I felt relaxed and safe and actually happy despite the pain I felt in my own heart, but witnessing parts of another's life gave me hope not pain, if I could I would of...

"WE DID NOT EXPECT TO (the voice changed from a booming sound, to a sweet melody in comparison) sorry little one" as the voice trialed off as I tuned around, "oh miss Luna (I said a bit more happier than I should have) I have to..." My own voice trialed off when I saw the blue alicorn face was running with tears, my heart went out to her and for the second time in my brief life I found myself hugging a creature that could easily kill me with a bat of an eyelash, but again I did not care.

Chapter six part two

As we stood their hugging the only other sound I could hear over Luna's sobs was her heart beat, "I'm sorry miss Luna I did not mean to make you cry" I said with tears of my own forming in my eyes, it was weird I could see she was upset, I could hear it in her voice, but I could not feel it, despite being upset she could hide her feelings which I was thankful for, as the last time we met she was only a little happy and that was strong, I do not want to think what would happen to me if she let go of her control in this or any state.

"Thank you Paul for sharing with us this memory" I let go of her and allowed her time to regain her composer, "it is true as I and my sister were not in the same part of Equestria but we still remember our mother and father's singe in the sky, but my older sister remembers star swirl the bearded took us to a quiet little village, far from the war, but I did not remember why until now (Luna's eyes had stopped running with tears but she still had a watery film over them which made her teal eyes shine like the stars and diamonds combined, which took my breath away as I looked at her, I could feel my heart flutter a bit, but I could never be with some pony so beautiful and strong, I think she knew what I was thinking as she gave a giggle before continuing) " we know about what your hive had done in the past little one, but we think you want to ask us something?"

My mind races with this, but I soon regain my self control, I then explained to her about what I wanted to do for the hive and my own need to see that town again and how I wanted to learn about a different culture, Luna smiled happily back at me "I think me and my sister would like that, but there are many dangers which I think you can handle." I was about to ask but the dream was ending, all I heard was a faint "see you soon little prin...

When I had awoken I noticed the statues had appeared to have moved slightly, but noticeably. With two statues of Griffins in an embrace of love was the closest to me, I fingered that I must of been more tired than I thought but they did look familiar.

I tried to let this idea go as I stretched my limbs to wake them up, after this I got to my hoofs and proceeded towards mothers chamber, It is just as well we changelings have well I suppose you can say hairs on our feet which helps us to climb on any surface but their made from chiching just like our carapace, and we can move them individually if we want, but generally it is done without thinking, just as well to when your still half asleep as I had forgotten where I was for a second and nearly lost my grip on the wall.

After my little scare, which woken me up quicker than a Concffen mushroom. (I suppose you could say one of our version of coffee, which I found out later I actually enjoy but I do not want to skip the rest of my little tail) I than proceeded towards the entrance of mothers chamber, she was just about to sit on her throne as I was about to enter, she looked up knowing I was their.

"so I take it you slept well little diplomat (she said with a smile and in a tiered morning tone of voice) I do believe everything is almost ready for your Journey to begin, I know you want to help" as my mother and Queen said this I left the ceiling and came to the ground with a perfect landing considering I do like flying and doing rotational rolls flips and other tricks.

"I see you are ready for what the world may throw at you but, I do hope you will stay safe my child" she said in her motherly voice, but she also had a pained sorry full tone, I could feel the pride and the pain in her as her emotions came like a giant wave, "I will be fine mother, and if you want I can send you some letters to let you know what I am up to, and what I have found if you want me to", (internal voice) "as I can still talk to you like this if I am not too far away mom" I said using my connection to the hive it is like talking but with your mind not your voice, you see many believe the hive controls us but in fact it is a sort of nexus for sharing information and communicating over distances that would be pointless to speak, or use vespid as the sound would not reach the one you wish to talk to, but it can be used in such a way but not by my hive.

" think I will leave it up to you my child, but I would like to have letters as if you were to strain yourself....well I do not know what I would do. Mmm I nearly forgotten" she give another series of clicks and squeaks for a attendant who appeared from a passage just hidden behind what looked like a wall but it was an illusion of the chamber wall which did impress me but that even now boggles my mind,

The attendant had a bundle which hung from her mouth with the straps dangled from like a lifeless animal in the jaws of the predator fresh from the kill, oh I have forgotten to mention that we changelings are omnivorous which means we can eat meat and plants, but our hive normally eats the fungus, but every now and then a nieces big rat or even an arthropod will come into the hive and you know the saying finders keepers?, that and the fact that their after our unhatched brothers and sisters, and not all of us eat meat, so they also get sent to the growing fields for the fungus once subdued, I prefer to use fire magic on mine just till it is nicely cooked but some prefer to eat meat raw or fresh as they call it (yuck!).

The attendant placed the bundle on the ground in front of me, but she did not have any fear like most of the others who normal do, in fact she seemed very happy as she fixed her gazes on me with an almost hungry look in her eyes.

i started to feel uncomfortable, very uncomfortable, "can I help you with something? Or is their something on my face? as that look is starting to make me feel like pray" The attendant chuckled at my comment and somehow gave an even bigger grin "you could indeed help me with something but I have work to do and my dear sir you have not even asked for my name, what a naughty stallion you are" I soon heard mother Laughing at this, as the attendant buzzed her wings hitting me with a blast of her pheromones or a chemical smell which told me she is in heat.

the blast sent my mind reling which i fought back almost immediately, I regained myself to the sound of laughter, I blinked my eyes which helped my vision to came into focus, the attendant was chuckling along with mother. That's when I realised what was so funny, as to my horror my wings were standing to attention, my face instantaneously turned red as I found myself wishing the ground would swallow me whole.

"OK Shera I think Paul has had enough excitement for one day" mother said in between fits of Laughter, "ok mother I will go back to my chamber, and I'll leave this handsome stud alone, Shera then turns to walk away before stealing a quick glance behind her given a cheeky wink "I will see you later, mmm, yes I shall" with that she left. I spent the next few minutes trying to regain my composer, before I could Evan speak mother had regained her own. "I am sorry, but that was so funny, oh my word" she wiped away a tear from her eye "Shera is my personal attendant, but the way you zoned out," mother coughs and clears her throat "but you still fought back against her pheromones, which is commendable, but you may find the pack a bit uncomfortable at first."

The pack was not the only surprise I also found I had also grown a new carapace, the kind that the onclave have, but mine was different, at my sides I found I had more armor at my sides, that I can move over the bag and my wings which too had changed, this new armor could also shield the bag and my wings from both the sun and from attack.

"Don't worry my child it was my own spell not hers" mother started to chuckle again, I was feeling a sense of calm and peace wash over me too relaxed. "Thank you mother it looks cool, but for now (my horn light up and a familiar green flame envelopes my form, when i was finished I did look normal except for the wing casing which I decided I would keep, I will keep the casing but the rest may gave others the wrong impression"

Mother give me a nod and told me in vespid where to go, and that construction had already begun on my new home for a few days at most, and that I should hurry before they had finished. "oh and Paul Happy hatchday" the Queen said after he had already left for his new life.

Chapter 7 the dawning of my new life

After say good bye to mother and giving her a goodbye kiss on the cheek, I proceeded west towards, where I would find the beginning of a new journey, I also started to remember breathing water spells just in case. i light up my horn and teleported near to where i was told to go.

As I proceeded along the various halls and tunnels that connected up the different parts of the hive on the other side of the country, one thing struck me as odd, I was moving a lot faster than normal and I hardly seen anyone, not one attended or worker or even a soldier, I could only think that mother had of started to evacuation of this part as a precaution, but it was the unearthly silence that got me, it was quite obvious to me that it was done in an orderly and calm manner judging how anything needed was taking, and how their was no debri.

As I was rounding a corner I was greeted by a cold blast of air, and I froze in place. I was about to leave the hive, and I had to stop myself from running around like a little grub about to be given a sweet root for the second time. OK I thought to myself take a breath and then started to walk towards the entrance and to my new life.

As I left the hive I noticed that the air was cold and smelled weird, it was salty and flowery. I glanced to my right only to be greeted by trees to my left the biggest body of water I had ever seen, then a gust of wind came from that direction and it did not take long to see or rather taste where the salt had originally came from, that's when I really notice the sky it was so beautiful I could feel the words of a song as I held my breath, stolen no doubt by the twinkling of the stars and by the bright moon, something Luna must see on a nightly bases.

Directly behind the surface exit/entrance came a few familiar voices, I walked forwards and went behind the arching mound beside the trees. once i was at the top my eyes were greeted with a view of Frost melting some sort ore with his magic, as another changeling was using her magic to shape logs into pallet's, every now and then a couple of changelings would appear either with fallen trees or with packs full of different ores and a few gems.

"No,no,no" Frost cried out, with all of his attention on his work he did not notice me approaching "dsrgh this is stupid the ore needs to be processed and refined, dsrgh this is going to take ages" as I approached Frost, a twig hidden from my view shaped under my front gave a loud (SNAP!) He instantly turned round without hesitation, judging by his stance he was ready for a fight, to his surprise I stood their instead blinking at him in confusion, which even a pony could plainly see upon my faces.

"Sorry Frost I did not mean to distract you from your work, is their anything I can do to help?" I asked as apologetic as possible, after all he was in charge of building a boat for me, and the last thing I needed was a slow leak in the boat. He regained his composer and sat on his hind legs, he moved his left hoof across his chest as he inhaled and out stretched his left hoof letting out a long breath as he did so. "It's fine Paul, I just hate being outside as this is just wrong"

I could feel the fear rising inside of him as he continued, "no I am not thinking about that!" He began his breathing again before continuing "if you want to help go and see Kack-tar, he was over their before" he pointed his hoof towards the tree line, where the others were going back and forth with the various materials, I both voiced my thanks and chirp it as well to reassure him that I meant it as his breathing returned to normal, i think it was the sky and the wide open space that he did not like.

I then proceeded towards where Kack-tar should've been but it was weird, I could only feel the builder cast presents, which was unnerving. As this felt like an empty void or more precisely nothing, no animals no ground no life which I could clearly see as a white moth flue past me, the only thing that could do this would be a dampening invisibility field which itself was small, and in a confined area, I thought it weird as the main area was untouched by it, so anything could clearly see the construction and the other changelings.

In this abnormal field I heard a branch rub against something! I instinctively flared a disable spell as a blur came towards me as far as I could tell, I unleashed my spell and stepped out of the way keeping my vision on the blur which landed behind a bush which then started to moan and groan.

then came a muffled murmur which sounded like someone saying why me through clenched teeth. I peered through the bush to see a stunned enclave soldier, "I am so sorry" i said as I undid my spell "I did not know who it was, I just saw a blur and reacted, I did not mean to.... Erm, do you need a hoof up or something" I finished saying with a sheepish grin on my face while rubbing the back of my head with my right hoof.

"Ooor my head!" he continues to groan, as he gets up to his hoofs then promptly shook his head "why you little....... So it's you, how could you move like that? I was at top speed and you dodged me...how in the world did you.." i interrupted him with "Know about your attack?" I asked sincerely, he just nodes in response. "Well that spell that's around you, gave me a hint that something was up but what alerted me was the fact that there's no wind, so when you brushed past that branch you might as well of rang a gong or a bell" I said as nicely as possible.

"Well my name is Napro I take it you're looking for Kack-tar?" "Yes I was, but now I am wondering why you attacked or tried to attack me I should say" I said with a hint of disdain in my voice as I did not appreciate nearly being pounded into the ground.

"Well I have not seen him since we got our orders which were. 1# defend building cast and the hive. #2 keep a low profile and ..." "And what part of your orders said attack others from our hive private!" Boomed a voice from behind me, Napro sprang over me and the bush in a single browned, I turned in time to see him land standing to attention. "Erm well..erm I.…i" he stammered, as a larger older onclave changeling seemed to tower over him with ease, his armor was much thicker than my own newer one, but it looked like it had taking quite the beating over the years by fighting battles as well as by time, you could see wear something like an axe or sword had taken a v cut out of his armor in places, especially the shoulders where it appeared in places like somebody wanted his head, and most likely did as the onclave thought in the worst battles and wars, just by looking ya can tell he had probably seen all if not than more than most.

"Were you orders to secure the area and watch for hostiles or goof off! Because that is what it looks like you were doing! What happens if we cock up PRIVATE!?" He bellowed at the now shivering slightly Napro "lives are lost sir" he stammered as the shock of realization spread across his face, from what I could tell by the reflection on the face from the changeling in front of us, "Get back to your post GRUB!" Napro instantly shot back to his post, the wave and mix of emotions coming from him more than let me know that he was sorry and that he meant no harm, and a promise to do better for all.

"So you're the one, that has a special assignment, you don't look like much" he said in a dry monotone tone, Sounding more skeptically to me, so with a green flame I returned back to my new form, I found myself looking at him at eye level, obviously I my have to change my sizes, I thought to myself before commenting "I am on a diplomatic mission and I thought this might seem more aggressive inserted of, I am here to talk, and mother has agreed to this" I erupted in green flame, but I remained the same height, "I am able to change my size so hopefully I will be a Nice's standard height as well if I may sir" I said trying not to sound like I was mocking him. After saying my peace I light up again in green flames as I returned back to my previous normal height. "Well that means you have brains and brawn I hope they serve you well sir, he gave a little salute,

Chapter 7 part two

I promptly returned the salute, "I was also hopeing that their might be some way that I may be able to help Kack-tar sir". He glanced at me again before speaking "well we have the outer promoter so you could look after the center, as we are here to protect builder cast as well as you".

I did not respond back as I felt really stupid for wasting his time, I did how ever give Kack-tar a node then I promptly turned around and proceeded towards the construction area, as I walked back through bushes and some trees which blocked my view, I could not stop thinking about the what ifs questions such as, what if Lura was still alive would I, could I still be so eager to see a new land? Ovbelesly I would've tried to get her to follow me or I would of had to set up a connection spell, which if my research into magic was correct, it would be essayer to find a willing dragon to help but it wouldn't be much help unless you can control the dragon fire spell, which only the strongest and most strictest and dedicated spell casters could manages as for an example, you could potentially send a love letter to someone or something and be in for one ell of a shock, its weird I can use teleportation which is dangerous if you do not know the area as you could end up inside a rock, the only reason why I had managed such a dangerous spell was because I am a changeling, and this is my homeland.

As I continued towards the construction area going through the dense wood, I continued with my mind racing with thoughts and ideas until a tree branch hit me in the back of my head, which was a blessing. I was snapped back to my sense to a view that took my breath away, in the few minutes that I was away, building cast had built the boat from the ground up to the hull, all that was needed was a canopy for shelter and some boards to walk on as well as for stability and it would be completed.

I saw a building cast about five of them dragging a few trees in their magic (a few trees being about five each), which when they were placed in a area covered in sawdust and bits of twigs and leaves on the ground, as soon as the trees were in the area the building cast started to trim and shape the trees into the needed shapes and pieces needed for the boat, I watched in amassment as they skillfully fellayed the tree and transformed each part individually and at speed.

I proceeded towards the outer edge of the work area, and since I had no jobs to do I felt bored, I noticed a little grassy hill overlooking the work area and the beach which I guess would be the last place I will sit, on dry land for quite a long time, I proceeded to the top of hill which turned out to have a share drop on the other side of it so I guess I could call it a cliff but whatever.

when I reached the flat top which was farther than it looked, I looked around from the west I could only see the expanse of water with it deceptively calm looking state, to the east was the entrance to the hive (if I did not know where it was it would be very hard to see it, as it blends perfectly into the surrounding area), and to the south is where I met Kack-tar which was obscured by the woods which seemed to be spread in all directions with a few patches of clearings every so often, but it was the stares that captivated my attention, each seemed to twinkle to one another as if they were singing or talking to one another, I wondered if their was, well if something was thinking the exact same thing but from the other direction, looking in my direction and wondering if they were alone or if they would ever find love at all, I knew why I thought this as I was asking the same.

what with finally being accepted by the one I had a crush on only to loss her the very same day. As I thought this I gave out a sigh as my heart breaks at her memory, how she laugh, how she worked harder than most, then my brain piped in with the fact that I hardly knew her as well as I know myself, but I would of I said to myself, if it was not for the diamond dogs attacking, that's when my brain continued with, wake up and smell the coffee root she only notest you after you saw Luna in your dream, and even she might not be real.

I shooked my head to get rid of this thought which stuck in me like a knife, along with a bit of fear of it being right as I did only hear and see her in my dreams what if, the thought stopped as my heart seemed to of slapped my mind as I remembered Luna and how we had interacted, and how we seemed to know one another but since she can enter dreams, I suppose that's how she would know of me but as for myself maybe where she come from its normal to be that way?

oh! I thought, why am I panicking and thinking like this for, as a voice pulled me from my thoughts. "Hay there sexy flank" my blood froze as I knew that voice, it was shera mothers attendant, I turned to face her "I just wanted to say that I am sorry for using my pheromones on you but I did not want you to feel any pain for you're let's say growth spurt" she allowed herself a giggle before she let out a sigh and then she continued "you know you are cute, I can see why Laura had such a hard time trying to tell you how she felt," her eyes started to water up with tiers. oh here we go again i thought then almost immediately I scareled myself for thinking like that, then I processed what she had said, " you knew Lura?" I asked stupidity, she give me a node "of course I did know her especially during our conversation about you and how she found out that you had a crush on her, I think she was scared incase you just wanted....well sex and love as food." My jaw hit the ground (well my moth did fall open but its an expression).

"But I, I, I, never wanted that!! I just really liked her and I wanted to know her better as she made me feel special, but then she said that she was not interest in me and then out of nowhere she asked me if I still felt the same way....and I did and..." I had to stop as my heart felt like something just plunged a sharp shard of ice into it, the pain took me off guard and that's when it happened, me a proud member of my hive, apparently one of the strongest and gifted spellcasters on top of a cliff which looked more like a hill, and I just wept with tears streaming down my face, my soul on show for all to see, my pain and anguish spilling out of me like a dame exploding, I don't know how long that lasted but the relief I felt afterwards was and still is indescribable but in a good way.

When I came to Shera had her hooves around me in an embrace, I looked into her eyes as she said, "I know you loved her and have been bottling up your emotions, but if you're going to represent the hive you will need to learn sometimes you just need to stop and let it out," she give me a kiss next to my horn before continuing "I know I seem just to say this so far but I am sorry for pushing your buttons, but you need that, you have to remember to trust in your emotions as they are part of your personality, and that's what Lura liked about you Paul, in fact from what i have hured you have been turning heads of quiet a few mares and some stallions too."

Now same sex couples are not a new thing but personally speaking I have never looked at another stallions in that way, I gave Shera a chuckle then I gave her a kiss of my own on her cheek "Thank you Shera I needed to hear that, Shera are you alright?" Sheras normally dark chichen started to turn red and her wings began to rise "oh! My... I, I better go before I do something that I want to!"

She immediately flew off towards the entrance to the hive, what was that about I thought until it dawned on me, honestly I can do practically any spell and I can fight but when it comes to mares I am clueless or maybe I should pay more attention, either way I just broke into laughter, I don't know if it was from what happened to Shera or the way it had happened or contemplation of having no clue, but it did feel good to laugh and feel happy.

After getting back my composer I proceeded back towards the building site, as I came back, I could see glimpse of the boat through the spaces in the trees and their leaves, when I was in the clearing I saw the ship was indeed completed and sitting on a raised platform with a line of logs heading towards the sea, each log was cut with a grove which held little round spears of wood most likely sitting apon building casts secretions probably mixed with their sliver so the air would not make it solidifie.

But one thing disturbed me, and that was the silence even the night time chorus of the animals and the insects had stopped, the air felt like it was electrified, something was very wrong and I proceeded towards the hive's entrance at speed, I galloped with the forosatiy of someone being chased by a manticore in mating season, I was nearly at the entrances when I saw the onclave were in a fight with griffins, now most griffins do not use magic but it is not unheard of but apart from being nimble in the air it's their talons you need to watch out for.

Chapter 8 you gotta fight for the right

As I came into the clearing surrounded by trees next too the hive entrance my view was greeted to one of battle and carnage, their in the sky and on the ground were changelings fighting Griffin's, now Griffin's do not usually use magic but it is not unheard of, but being mercenaries they mainly relay on their claws and beaks and they are also very nimble in the air and on the ground, I was about to try and cover the entrance when I heard a voice from behind me "looks like I am having baby bug for tea, ha, HA" said the unknown voice as I felt the talons of a Griffin try to impale me, acting on instinct I bucked my attacker hard with a sickening crunch my rear legs connected with the Creatures lower ribs which felt half fur and feathers, I had bucked it so hard that barely a second had past and I heard another crunch and the snapping of wood as it hit a tree, I did not have the luxury of time to celebrate as another Griffen came for me,

This one had a black head he also had a series of scars one over his left eye which had a patch over it and he was quite obviously male, he wore a belt with skulls attached to it and even had a small changeling and a Griffen skull on it with different parts of other creatures on it, he screamed at me "you're head is for me!" I waited for him to come close pretending to be struck by fear until he came at me, I ducked under his front talons and with all my strength I shoved my horn into his chest, as my horn perst his chest I could feel his heart beating which I had just mist, but I did not miss his lung which covered me in blood and feathers, I manage to change his direction hopeing to get him to plow into the ground as i released him, but he surprised me as he flipped in the air as I also did, so I could land on the ground facing him.

"What are you some kind of freak bug, (coughs up some blood and slaver) I am going to have your head for that!" He said weissing and rasping as bubbles of blood came from his wound which did not look as bad as it was, I could not help but chuckle at his comment "oh bringing it on I feel like chicken to night" I think this angered him as he blindly charged at me, I think he wanted me to fly but that did not happen instead I just waited watching him bleed more and more with each stride which slowed down to a crawl, I walked up to him and I got onto his back keeping my weight off of him to keep him alive but I did put my hoof on his head, "YOU WHO CHICKENS STOP NOW OR YOUR LEADER DIES!!" I shouted to all of them, almost immediately the fighting stopped and I felt their eyes on me "do what the bug says" he managed to say with a coughing fit full of blood which did the job.

"Now if you want to live, you and your friends will leave and never come back or I will kill you and your flock, but first why are you here for?" I asked in a I am going to rip you in two tone of voice, "we won't come back we were hired but I swear (he cough again) the payment was in full and was sent by...by" he started to blackout, dam you if you think it is going to be that easy mate! I thought as I light up my horn, I teleported out the blood that had filled up his injured lung and had started to spill into his other lung, he took a deep breath as the blood that was in my magic fell to the ground behind us, "you have to believe me the contract was sent by dragon fire spell along with full payment to keep or kill a bug" I interrupted him this time, "say bug again in your condition one more time and I swear upon my Queen's name I will" he interrupted me with "Paul his name is Paul we are to stop him going to Equestria I sewer on my hatchlings it is the truth."

What in Tartarus is going on here? No one other than my Queen and Luna should know evan if a member of the hive knew where I was going they would not higher Griffin's, "I believe you" and before anything else happens I light up my horn again and I healed him, and then I turned around to get off of him when the first Griffen that attacked me got up and screamed at me "I going to kill you bug!!" When the Griffen I had just released got up and absolutely took my breath way in shear shock,

"no you won't this one saved my life, he could of killed me Storm, so as leader I order you to stand down" the now known Storm weekly noded in agreement, I brought my attention to their leader before he spoke, "I don't know why you saved me for, but I am now in your debt, now my name is Gotten Sky's and this is my band, we are called blood wing if you want us to help in any way just let us know and we will be at your hives side, but what is your name oh great worrier?"

He gave a bow as he asked for my name "well dear sir if you don't mind agreeing to protect the hive, I know my mother will allow you to live here if you want to call it a win win" "we agree but we will need your name sir" he said in a tone of pleading, "hi I am Paul" his beak opened and started to look like he was about to say something "what's wrong I thought you give your word?" He sigh and continued "we will honer our agreement I just never fort anything like you before"

just then a rush of black and blue armored onclave came out of the entranceway, better late than never, I was about to explain to them what had happened, when a green flash appeared in the center of the reinforcements, it was mother and boy did she seem to contain all the rage and fury of a mother who has just seen her child get hurt, but before she could speak I interrupted the frenzy before it began, "hi mom ERM I have something to tell you before anything else" I turned to see the Gotten Sky's was standing in shock until I told him to bow which he did, then I had to explain to mother what had transpired between us.

"It would appear that something does not want you to go on the quest of ours" mother said in an almost concerned but still irritated tone, "but we will honor the agreement with the blood wings, they may have a home and we will help them and help to protect them as they will us, but since we are all here I would like to see you on you're way Paul, but you must drop your descries", Mother said in her Royal tone of voice and that was final.

So before anything else happened I dropped my normal changeling disguise in a brilliant ring of green flames, which started from my hoofs and roes up, a series of gaps left all the members of bloodwing except for two who seemed more shocked and silent, after I was at my full height and with the spell over with I opened my eyes and I saw and felt the fear of the two Griffin's who looked thankful for being alive, especially since i was now bigger than them, I smiled at them with my mouth closed as to not look like I wanted to eat anyone. But Gotten Sky's spoke up "well that explains a lot" he said out loud which I did not think he meant it to be that loud but his comment did not seem to offend any of the changelings nor me, I bowed to mother who returned it then as I raised my head again she pointed to where the boat was and that's when I lead the procession who followed me, I swear all we needed was some music and ticker tape and it would be complete, I for one was happy about two things, one the green flames from my transformation had cleans away the blood fur and feathers that were on me, and secondly that nobody had to died.

As I and the farewell parade neared the boat that will be my home for as long as it takes, I started to wonder, we know how to build boats and how to use them, but we know next to nothing about the sea and what might live their in its depth, a shiver broke me from this nightmare right before a familiar voice of Frost broke from the crowd. "if I was you I would get on now while the tide is on your side!" Of course I flew up and landed on the top deck which did allow me to stretch, I took a quick look at the boat house that will be my everything until I reach the shores of Equestria, all I have to do is go west, and try to not get bored and go insane, as this thought past through my mind I was shaken from it both mentally and physically as the boat was released by some mechanism which I could not see.

A sudden whoosh past my ears as gravity done its job and along with the other forces that sent the boat hurtling, I then noticed and remembered that cliff, as in stead of a small drop and a splash, the boat was greeted with air and a senesce of falling along with an oops coming from the crowed, I light up my horn with a lighter than air spell which covered the boat and me, thanks to the boat's speed I did not have to worry about clearing any rocks, I just needed to make a safe landing,

it was not long then the boat was greeted with a thud as a wave crashed against the hull followed closely by a another couple of thuds, when the boat had made a safe landing and had settled on the waters surfaces rising and falling as the waves took to cradling the boat, is all I can recall as I did over do it and promptly passed out.

I opened my eyes to a familiar landscape of stars and galaxy's passing me by, when suddenly a bright light appeared just off to my left side, the next thing I knew a series of doors appeared to be shooting past me going into the distances to my right, I did not understand what was happening, was I dead? was this where everyone is judge for there own actions?

that's when a door stopped in front of me it was painted in a blue green mix that took my breath away, even though I was not breathing I really liked it, then it opened to revile a little baby changeling playing and laughing, I remembered this.

I continued to watch myself playing tag with the rest of my family who I will not see again I throat, I watch as little me slowly but surely grow as the shadows of my past appeared and disappeared as day turned into night, I realised that I could not make out any of the others faces as they went by, until that day I started to notices Lura, she started to become clearer as the days past by, I also remember taking any job that I could just to talk to her, I did kinda see her point of view of thinking it was just after a meal but , I also saw how we kinda became closer over time, something I was not aware of at the time as it was gradual, I think she started to feel my admiration for her, as her eyes started to look more interested at my own little shadow.

I started to notices the days turn into years more now than at the time, I watched in horror as it came to that day, the day I lost it all, I watch as I fought with all my heart agents the quarry eel, as it did indeed try going into a hatchery chamber that's when the diamond dogs leader and a few others tried to kill the rest of my family and colleges, that's when I used the push spell but it was turned into a killing spell, as the blast hit the quarry eel first which slammed it into the diamond dogs, splattering them and the eel, the shock wave passed harmlessly over the changelings but slammed down the tunnel that they had made, I then saw myself with my eyes burning red with heat and anger and then another spell sent me through that tunnel of light slamming head first into a wall.

suddenly I was engulfed in the bright white light and I was onces again standing in the corridor of doors, the door which had shown me part of my life slowly closed, with the bright light still visible in side of its entrances way until the door had fully closed, after it had done so the doors started shooting past again until they had once again stopped but this door was purple.

chapter 9 the uninvited guest

The purple door before me did not open as I had assumed it would, "well that was interesting" came a female voice from behind me, I turned around not sure as to what to expect or who, as the voice seemed off, when I turned around I saw Shera standing their with a grin on her face, "Shera what are you doing here (as a terrible thought crossed my mind) did you die to?" Sheras face did not change "were not dead" (she said in between bouts of laughter) "but if we are not dead then how did you get here?" I asked still in shock and joy of being alive, "well after I left you I was on my way to the entrance to the hive and that's when I saw the griffons attack, and since I am not a fighter I hid myself in side of the thing that was being built for you and well, I kind of fell asleep as it was nice and choosy, and when I awoke I was (she gave a visible shudder) I found myself in...in the middle of the sea, and then I saw you collapsed and that's when i".

she did not have to explain to me that she was dream stalking me, a way we changelings enter a creature's mind while they are inside the pods, but can also be done while they are asleep or unconscious, "so you decided to dream stalk me, may I ask why you have done this for? I mean was it for food or", after interrupting her before now it was her turn.

"I wanted to make sure you were not hurt and I was and have been sharing my energy with you, (this I knew to be true as I was feeling stronger) I am sorry" she said, now I know I had up set her as her tone was full of sorrow and her eyes started to water up, "look you see that thing in my mouth? (I said In a way that made her look at me with all of her attention focused on me) that's called my hoof" I said in the same tone, Shera looked at me blankly for a moment before letting out the strongest and cutest laughter I have ever heard, suddenly the dream started to shake as I started to wake up or should I say we were waking up.

When I came to Shera was already up, well she was awake but sharking with fear Evan tho we were in the middle of a calm sea with setting moon on the horizon, I had never seen such a sight before as I had never left the hive before, suddenly the moon dropped being replaced with the sun just as quickly which made something inside of me say that was not normal, my eyes and I think Shera's to were blinded temporarily and became painfully sore.

After a few painful seconds which seemed more like hours my eyes adjusted to the light and the colours became more focus and more defined, I saw Shera still shivering out of fear, I trotted over to her knowing the fear that had hold of her far to well, so I gently settled next to her and placed a hoof over her pulling her into a hug "its alright Shera I am her for you as you were for me, I am glade that you are safe as I was hopeing to see you before I left and now I have you to keep me company, otherwise who knows what might of happened" as I finished this I rubbed my head against her shoulder in a reassuring manner.

This seemed to calm her down as she started to stop shaking, "do you mean that Paul?" She asked in an unsure voice not knowing the answer but wanting it to be honest and true, as she did have feelings for him but after his love was announced to him only for it to end the way it did, she did not want to make him feel like she was intrusion on what could've been, but a look to her left almost made her cry as she saw a glint of something in his eyes, compassion maybe she thought trying hard to keep her own feelings hidden in case they somehow change his words to make her feel better, but she wanted the words to be his own and not out of pity, she also felt bad for lying to him about being in heat as she knew that was a lie, as female changelings can produce pheromones to distract or immobilize males and almost any would be attacker, her mind raced with different thoughts all the while she kept her feelings hidden.

I was almost unable to answer Shera's question searching my heart for the truth that's when it came from out of no wear, "yes I do mean that and even tho you scared me a bit I now relies why you scared me for, as I" I paused allowing myself to breathe before continuing " I was and am scared of losing someone special to me, and I must apologize for not saying this when I had the chances before but I do really like you and I want to be their for you to, but I thought you pretending to be in heat was kinda cute, but I did not want to seem like I was taking advantage of you so I played along just in case."

Then another voice boomed shattering the world around me, "so you are on your way now to Equestria?" I must admit I was not to pleased to find out that I was still asleep but I did feel stronger "so was this a test or something miss Luna"?  "Indeed I am sorry for not being able to reach you sooner Paul and if this was a test it was not one of ours" this gave me pause "so I am on my boat all on my own in the middle of the sea unconscious, well this just seems to get better," I stopped for the moment to regain myself before continuing "I am sorry for snapping at you it was not your fault, but I am alone and unconscious in the middle of the sea and I am in enough trouble as it is, but if I can not do anything about my predicament could you make sure that Shera is OK? as I do worry about her safety, and if a wave sinks the is boat I will not see your land and I would like my mother to know that I love her and that I am sorry for failing her".

The alicorn stared at me before continuing "you have been in my realm of dreams for the past three days or so, and you are on a boat but not your own, as you see your on a fishing vessel on its way to Equestria it is only a few hours away and I am afraid you were found on your own, and when the vessel comes into port, the guards will escort you to the palace, and me and my sister will discuss what will happen to you as we have had problems with your kind before," "I understand and I shall comply peacefully and do any thing that I am told but when I awake, I shall feed on my crystal or maybe two" the alicorn nodded "be warned if you hurt anypony I will destroy you myself and that goes for feeding on them!" I noded "I have already told you that I do not steal emotions and would never do so, that is also why I shall comply peacefully, as I look like a monster" "you will wake up soon"Luna said as her voice echoed into the void.

When I came to I was so hungry like never before, I reach out with my magic trying to reach my Cristal's that lay under my wing casing, I heard someone say he's awake and then give a scream when my magic pulled out a hidden crystal which landed almost onto the ground before I caught it again and fed eagerly on the energy, I was no longer as weak as before and I helped myself to another one, afterwards I was back to my old self and I placed the empty Cristal's back, I looked around and noticed that I was bound with just enough room to get at the Cristal's,

I looked around the area but from my view I could only see the back of the cabin, on the walls hung selves designed to keep their constants safe in the ruth sea, their was also a bunk bed that folded into the wall but was still slightly protruding outwards, the cabin had a slightly musky smell something I could not put my hoof on along with the smell of wood and books.

Suddenly a voice came from behind me where I suspected the door was, "I am warning you drop all your weapons and you won't be harmed!" This voice was female with the hint of fear in it, "my dear I am a weapon and I could easily slip these bonds and overpower you if that was my intention, but Luna told me while I was unconscious that you saved me and so I am in your dept, and I also promised Luna that I will comply peacefully with all that is asked of me, besides I will not be your problem when we get to port as the guards will take me to see Luna and Celestia", I had manages to say before "so you're a wanted criminal then, I know of your kind taking advantage of lone mares that's why you're tied up for, you will not have your way with this mare"

she stated confidently, I just yawned not out of boredom or sharkasm just out of being asleep for so long, I had barely flexed myself as I stretch and all I heard was a series of snaps as the ropes broke "don't worry you're safe I have just fed, you know the Cristal's? that's what my hive feed on amongst other sources of sustenance, but to you I am just a monster, (I looked at my, well what was left of the bonds) I am sorry for breaking your rope but when ya Got A yawn and stretch ya know, so i am sorry" I said truthfully still remaining in the same place unmoving.

"So what? Why are you staying put for if you're so strong?" She had a hint of something more than just curiosity in her tone, "if you don't mind me asking a question of my own why are you so surprised to find somebody who honors their word for? I thought that would be a good thing to find?" Well I kind of answered her question but I still wanted to know how worried I should be about this unknown creature as first contact can say a bit about a race, but not the whole story, "well maybe I would talk better facing you rather than your....flank" great I thought I am going to be in for trouble, but I got up and turned to see a dark grey mare with wings but these were not covers in feathers but had a membrane with visible appendages running in between the membrane, her eyes were golden, and she to had fangs and a dark light blue mane, I nearly fell at the spectacle before me, I am not proud to say my eyes were drawn to her flank as her tale switch back and forth, but I did, and she had a symbol on her flank of a fish being grabbed by a net and a claw, I nearly fell at the sight before me, my mouth dropped open and I realised with some horror that I was in my true form and my casing was open, yes my wings had their own way of behaviour which was clear for all to see.

Her own wings were standing up and a blush had appeared on her face, you did not need to be a changeling to feel this or to understand what this was, but would this counted as a, oh no! no! I thought as Luna's words echoed in my mind, time for Dr love killjoy, "I am called Paul and I am sorry but I didn't coach your name miss?" "Moonlight, that's my name" I felt a stupid grin spread across my faces and my inner changeling picked up a loudspeaker and started screaming at me, but my heart was in charges and had the batteries for the loudspeaker, "wow that's a. A beautiful name" she gave a giggle then the boat rocked then titled sending Moonlight sailing towards me, before I knew what I had happend, i held her in my magic and I placed her down gently but as quickly as possible, my attention was drawn to the outside, I gallop as fast as I could with Moonlight right behind me.

The sight that loomed over us was like a quarry eel but it had Gil's and was a more greeny blue, the eyes were more of a fish type of eyes, "oh my sweet celestial it's a sea serpent they don't live this close to shore" Moonlight said trying to keep her fear at bay, I was not to sure if it was after us until I noticed what was left of my boat was in its jaws which made it and the boat we were on look like bath toys, I nearly lost it when it easily chompted down on my boat like it was candy and with a crunch it was gone, and that's when the creature turned its attention to us, "no not my boat you beast, my father made this before he past" the creature came down with its mouth wide open,

"Sorry (I growled as I ready a spell) but this boat belongs to my friend" I unleashed a electrical bolt from my horn which struck deep inside of the creature mouth, which sent it flying through the sky in fits of spasmes,  the electrical pulses still visible on its body as it flew through the sky gradually getting smaller until it was the size of a small children's toy when it landed with a splash, my heart stopped until it aroused not to far from where it had landed, "oh good it's not dead" I let out a sigh of a breath that I had held, it looked like the sea serpent was going to roar but instead a purple and red cloud left its mouth which shot towards the sky, then the serpent dove beneath the waves, as the cloud disappeared from view.

I turned to face moonlight I am sorry" is all I manage to say before moonlight leapt and throw her hooves around my neck "thank you no pony has ever done such a thing for me before" and she kissed the side of my head "it is alright miss moonlight I am just glad nobody was hurt" I said with a blush on my faces and pride in my tone, "if you don't mind Paul I think I will accompany you when we reach port, and you're not a monster (she let go of me) never be ashamed of who you are because your the beast stallion I have ever seen, even if you do speak weirdly but I guess I do to you" I looked at her and give her a hug in return "no you don't, but I think I will be in trouble because I can feel your emotions and I don't want you to get in trouble, as I think i feel the same"

she looked at me blankly, oh great now you have probably scared her off smooth going slick, realisation crossed her face along with a blush, "well I must say that's nice, I don't have to hound you for a couple of months until you understood that I have a thing for you, and I believe the princess said you can not feed on me, but nothing about falling in love with me" her and my own blushes were visible so much so I bleave if this had happened at night we could of been used as beacons, that's when I kisst her, she was taken aback by this for a second then she took charge and returned it with a passion that was given back in equal amounts, and contrary to what some might believe this was out of love, not food.

chapter 10 on wards

later on Moonlight made us both something called an all day breakfast, I more out of comfort had change my size to fit into my new surroundings, that's when I noticed their was the smell of something nice being cooked along with a smell of something else just as nice mixed with the scent of the Bat pony mare and the static charge of residue magic, I was glancing in a book called the seven seas and the equestrian way, which explained about how the different types of ponies navigated the seas and the different types of problems they may encounter, when Moonlight shouted from the kitchen, "Paul my sexy changeling (she gave a cute laugh) I thought you might like to try some coffee" as I got up I notes that I was eagerly waiting to explore what cruelly treat that will await me, I placed the book back into its protective case.

I thought of what Luna had said and I hoped that the sea serpent did not count as one of her subjects, and despite what Luna might think I still did not feed Moonlight,  as I don't think I could of even tho it would not of harm her, I did not want to even if she asked me to even tho her emotions were strong, I knew that would make me hurt in my heart and my very being, as that would be stealing and I never wanted to do any thing that may hurt my special bat pony or some other pony, suddenly I was broken from my thoughts by a delicious aroma which I found was controlling my legs.

"mmm that smells gorgeous, but what's coffee?" I said as I entered the dining area, Moonlight looked at me blankly for a second before laughing mainly out of shock at the statement, "So my little changeling still has a lot to learn" she gave a chuckle as she placed a cup of dark liquid down on the erected foldable table "i was not sure how you would like it so I done it black one sugar and I hope you like meat as well as there's is sausage bacon and chicken eggs with some fried tomatoes, but no mushrooms as I don't like them, I could make something else if you want?"

"No I do eat meat and vegetables as I am an omnivore" I said as I sat down at the table and watched as she used some strange metal objects one was a small knife the other was a little pitchfork with more prongs about four in total, she used the pitchfork to hold the meat as she cut the sausage into smaller bite size pieces, which she placed in her mouth, I then followed her lead and placed the cooked meat in my mouth the taste was amazing in fact the entire meal was, I could not help but give a mmm as the flavours hit my mouth and tongue with an expulsion of flavour, Moonlight began to explained that the plates and the cups have to be metal in case of a freak wave hitting the boat as normal cutlery would smash, and having bits of poetry flying around would not be good for anypony.

after I had decimated half of the meal I tried the coffee, it was even better than cofer root but much stronger and nicer, " I think I could get used to Equestrian food " I said absentmindedly to which Moonlight give a stifled chuckle, after swallowing her mouthful of food she added "and one day you can cook me a meal, after I have shown you how"  the prospect of learning something new which must take a lot of skill to make filled me with a sense of longing, as I wanted to make something special for Moonlight to thank her, after the meal I spoke up " I have never tasted anything like that before and since you cooked the meal may I clean up for you?" I asked with all the good intentions anyone could have, I grabbed the cutlery and placed them into the cup and then placed the cup onto the plat which I held in my hoof, I was glade that I could use my claiming hairs to aid in grabbing and holding .

"Oh no it's ok Paul, maybe you could watch how I do things as magic leave a strange taste on the plates and that's why I am glad that you used those wonderfully skilled hooves of yours" she give me a smile, and without magic I grabbed the other now empty plates in one hoof as I balanced the metal cups on top of the plats and followed her to a side passage that I had just noticed.

inside was a big metal thing with a door opening on the front and four round flat disk on top with a metal rings around them,and there was another more elongated metal object with a concave square in the middle and a slanted surface with a line of diverts or a line of raised lines on it to the left the angle sloped into the big divert, it also had three pips attach to the bottom of it with two smaller pips on top with crosses on them, the one on the left had a C and the right one had a H which was obvious when you were looking at them from above I figured that the plates go into the divot, I watched as Moo light placed a small circular black object attached to a chain which was attached to the top of the divot, she placed it in the middle where there was a hole which had a series of holes in it.

"you really have not see a kitchen before have you?" Moonlight asked with a caring tone, I shook my head from left to right adding "no never before today" Moonlight explained to me about these objects and the room, after she filled up the divot with water from both of the pips she then added a squirt of some slimy looking liquid which came from the see thru bottle which had a picture of a foil wearing a diaper on it with the words, Breezily cleanly, around the outside of where the foil was, the sink filled up with bubbles which turned into form, a bit like sea form found on the shore but these were white and did not smell,

before Moonlight left I asked her if I could get myself cleaned up to which she told me where the wash room was and explained it was also known as the rest room as the shower and the toilet where in the same room, I read the label after Moonlight had left me to clean the plates and the now known knife and forks and the small shovels which are called spoons, it continued with Breezily cleanly gets to work on grease and stains and now with our patented cleaning formaler last much longer than our leading reives by as much as three times the equivalent amount of dishes cleaned, I then returned to my task after I placed all the plates and cutlery back in their correct placements,

I set off for a well deserved wash and I thought about how this Equestria has some stranges things in it, I hope I do not get something horribly and embarrassingly wrong as that would not be good for me or anypony concerned.

while her new love was in the galley moon light began to place the boat heading for the town of shield and its port of the Tyne and the protection of its harbors walls which could be a double edged sword due in part to the currents, she had never mist her lain before and was not going to this time, after entering the harbour she aimed for her dock, all the while thinking how lucky she was that she had met some pony who was not a jerk, her love Paul had shouted to the boat house to let her know that he had finished his job and was heading for the shower, she felt so proud of her newly acquired love as she never would've thought that any pony would make her feel this way ever, and before meeting him she thought she would be all on her own for ever, as most of the stallions would call her for being a bat pony, names like blood sucker, and vampire and all manor of hateful words, she shook her mind free of such things as the pier came closer.

she had done this a thousand times before so once she was docked she immediately began to tie the boat to the moorings almost on instinct, ones she was satisfied with the knots she breathed a sigh of relief then she notes some pony was singing about her in a delightful tone and some flattery comments about her, she gave a loving smile as she started to feel all warm and fuzzy inside as Paul was the one singing and it was about her saving him, it was in vespid but some of the words almost sounded like bat.

she did not notices the guards approaching from behind her until one cleared his throat, "by order of the princess we are here for the changeling called Paul" said a guard from clesteras court, moonlight did jump a bit and was ready for a fight until she realised what was said and who said it "oh sorry you startled me, he will be along soon I think he is freshening up, changelings like to be clean, and I shale be accompanying him as well, I take it I was expected"?

The first guard looked confused he was not expecting any pony else to come, then another guard a mare Batpony from Luna's guard spoke up "it should be fine miss?" "Moonlight, my name is Moonlight" "well miss moonlight it should be alright, but I think your love is nearly finish as his song about you is nearly done" Moonlight turned bright red at this news, as she had been enjoying the song absent mindedly and did not think about any other Bat Ponies coming near enough to hear it, as she was the only one in the town, but the guard continued "well it's obvious to me that he has not fed on you nor has he put a spell on you, but I think you have put a spell on him" she had a shared chuckle with her counterparts.

mean while I was indeed enjoying a shower and a sing song, oh the hot water felt lovely against my chechen armor as the warmth came through in the most delightful way, once finished and I had dryad myself, I then proceeded towards the deck, it was quite a lovely boat I thought to myself as I braced myself for the real suns onslaught on my eyes.

when I came into the sunlight I was shocked by its warmth, it was like a blanket of love was washing over me and my eyes quickly adjusted to the light as if it was nothing, I noticed Moonlight was standing in front of eight pony's, their was two of each but both types wore different colored armor, their was a Earth pony, a Pegasus, a Unicorn, and a Bat Pony wearing a set of darkened armor with a moon on them and the others were wearing golden and white armor with a sun in the same places as the others,

when I approached the group after jumping down from the boat I saw them ready themselves which made moonlight turn and faces me she promptly trotted over to me a bit of red still in her cheeks, when she came close enough she spoke up.

"hi Paul that was very nice" she said with a smile, but of course I had no clue as to what she was on about, "what was?" I asked still wondering mainly to myself, "why that song, and also my kind has sensitive hearing" she said blushing even more, I took a glance at the two bat ponies of the group the male who looked more like he would rather be some place else, but the other female had a wide grin on her face, the other ponies were unemotional and unmoving when I saw them, "oh my, I erm....I mean I was erm" moonlight could clearly see I had no knowledge of this and if she could read minds she would know how much I wished the ground would swallow me, my face must of turned a brilliant colour of crimson as the guards did not help much letting out a collative arrr alongside various murmurings like, arr that so cute, and arr young love,

I cleared my throat and continued with my conversation with moonlight fighting the urge to scream and flee gradually returning back to my normal shade of black, "I am glad you liked it, I just felt something in my chest that came up and formed the words I have never felt anything like it before let alone acutely sign in vespid but its weird I can not really remember the words to it" I said truthfully as I placed a hoof to my chine.

Moonlight just giggled cutely "That sounds like you are getting close to the magic of harmony,  just don't be too surprised if you start to join in with random songs as that can happen, but now that I think of it it's weird how it does not stop you from doing any tasks you are doing at the time, ah but I think we have an appointment to keep don't you?" I nodded and followed her as I approached the group of guards  I stopped just in front of two ponies with plumes in their helmets, the one wearing the golden armor had red white plume, while the other in a clearly dark purple armor had blue and black plume, who I hoped were the leaders of their own groups as I did not want to look like a fool upon first contact.

"hail soldiers of Equestria, my name is Paul and I am here as representative of my mother Queen Sandra carves her name in stone and it is a pleaser to make your aquatints, it is an honour to meet you, I have been instructed to follow any instructions given to me and I will freely do so, I was also instructed not to harm any of equestrian subjects which brings me to ask a question of you if I may" I said in my most diplomatic tone of voice that I could muster.

"and what would that be?" asked the golden pony while his counterpart a female bat pony watch on with a amused smile on her face, "I don't know how to word this so I will just say it, me and Moonlight were attacked by a sea serpent and I was forced to defend Moonlight and myself from it, and I say that in the nicest way possible as I don't know if it was male or female, it is still alive but may have a sore head and throat for a while" "your point being" asked the stallion "well does that count as a subject of the princesses as I am prepared for any punishment that I will receive" the stallion just blinked in a soupier of some kind which was broken by his bat pony counterpart who burst out in a fit of laughter.

the stallion turned to his Bat Pony counterpart "Night sergeant Ivy this is a roily matter and I would appreciate it if you would treat this as such" the male Pegasus said in an exhortatory tone of voice, which was short lived as the bat pony mare turned to him without hesitation and said " oh Morris I do love it when you try to pull rank, but I am the same as you, and my kind can tell that this situation does not call for it" she finest with a smirk, while Morris had a look of a pony in deep thought, "you're kind? you mean bat ponies? it's just I have never heard of such a thing before?" he said in a know it all questioning tone of voice which was quickly shot down by her saying "No my dear I mean us women know these things more than males" the stallion once bold and brave soon turned into a foil in compression, but she was not finished just yet "after all my love it took you more than a few hints during training for you to understand what I felt for you" she said with a gleeful smile on her face.

mean while I was trying hard not to start laughing at this exchange between the two loves, as even a blinded pony could tell that these two are in a relationship of some kind, but still something about this reminds me of my own family and how we carrion so maybe ponies are not so different to us after all i thourt,

after turning a nice shade of pink (probably due to his coat being white) he continued "oh sweetheart I am only fowling my orders, their is no need for that" he said with a very worried look upon his face " you should have that look on your faces mr as their will be no snuggling up to this mare tonight!" "oww but that's the best part of night shift, besides I promises to be a good pony and make you something special" he said looking into her eyes with his own grown wider than I could ever imaging along with a quivering lip.

I will only forgive you if you apologies to Paul" she said holding both front hooves in a folded cross. " oh Fine! I am sorry Paul for being mean, I have just not had a good experience with you're kind and I am sorry for taking it out of you Paul, that was and is wrong of me, and I hope you can forgive me" he said it in a tone that I heard a ninth say when he was court in the act of stealing a fungus root, how I did not burst out laughing is still beyond me to this day, but I did manages a "it's ok Morris I had come to suspect some hostilities after all, I do not know the extent of the problems, but Luna made that much clear to me that their will be some friction as there is a hive that has given my kind that reputation for which I am sorry"

Ivy turned to Moonlight "oh it looks like you have a keeper their, I still have mine in training, but he will get their in the end" she fishnet in a shared chuckle with Moonlight.

after the laughter had died down we finished with the introductions quiet quickly as I did not want to keep the princess waiting, so the gourds parted their ranks and me and Moonlight entered the middle and we proceeded to march forwards, Moonlight continued to have a conversation with the two generals, I would from time to time find my self haven to explain my past multiple times or have to explain about the hive but that's for another time

chapter 11 on the road again

after leaving the bout, me and moon light were surrounded by the different ponies from Celestia and Luna's guards, I think they were chosen to show how equality works in Equestria and the daily lives of the ponies who live here regardless to type or gender. as we walked I found myself being asked a question by a male unicorn from Clesteras court "So what's your opinion of Equestria so far?" "I think it's great so far, would of been better if it was not for that hive given all changelings a bad name as a species, but I guess that's one more reason for me coming here, to prove that not all my kind steal emotions of others unless they attack us" and of course I was interrupted with a questioning "Oh?" by the unicorn and a few murmurings from some of his fellows.

"well yes, we generally get attacked from the diamond dog tribes and a few griffons too, once captured they are put into cocoons that give them the nutrients they need to survive along with oxygen, and it gives them pleasant dreams, the process does not harm them in any way and we only use them in life and death situations to heal the wounded, and sometimes their tribes will trade for their peoples return, as you can not control everyone in your tribe, and sometimes you get those who think they can take what they want when they want it, as not all Diamond dogs are evil the same with griffins"

"so what happens if the tribe does not want them back?" he said in an I know the answer and I am superior tone of voices. " well when that happens we generally ask why, let's just say they get it better than they would if they went back, as some would face the death penalty, or worse. we tend to know how....erm shall i say messed up they are by their dreams, some evan give us trade to keep them locked up and that's one reason we get attacked another reason would be because of our main food sources the loc-love crystals (my mind kicked in and I realised I had used half of mine already) which reminds me will we need to set up camp for the night or are we close enough to our destination as I need eight hours to recharge some of my used loc-love crystals" I manage to say in a sorrowful tone.

another unicorn who was female from Lunas court spoke up "is that what your kind ues for food?" she asked in an inquisitive tone of voice, to which I answered with all the honesty that anyone could whither good or bad. " well yes but that mainly supports our life and our magic as ponies and other creatures seem to get it naturedly, so we generally use them to keep us alive, apparently that same hive has none so I am hopeing that I can give them some, so that they can grow them for themselves but I don't think that will be the only solution, as I can not predict the future, but we can sustain our bodies with food but we wont last as long, me personally I am classed as an omnivore as long as it is cooked" I said with emphasis on cooked, "so not all changelings like there meat cooked she asked" oh buck I thought still remembering how some like their meals to move or fresh as they call it, which seems cruel to me, I was going to leave it but I had to answer it despite wanting to ignore it and change the subject.

"well we do get weevils and other creatures that are not sentient, that break into our hives from time to time who would feed upon our unhatched eggs which are alive with unhatched changelings, and some like them to be still moveing or fresh as they call it, me i like mine cooked as that seems less cruel as I am sure they can still feel even they are mindless", my answer seemed to get some approval which I was not expecting, in fact most seemed to be relieved by my honesty.

suddenly Morris who was leading us stopped along with the rest of the guards he turned and faced me and Moonlight. "Right Paul we are about to go throw this village, now most of the ponies here have not seen a changeling before but most likely have heard stories of the attack on Canterlot, so I don't think they will be to welcoming to you, and Miss Moonlight if you need to get anything now would be a good time to go on ahead we'll wait for you outside of town for you but please only take what you can carry as I want to get thru this place as quickly as possible" I could not help but give a chuckle at this statement which did not seem to pleas Morris to much "you do relies that I can change my form don't you?"

"I thought changelings could only take on the forms of ponies they have captured?" I looked at him with your Kidding me look on my face before speaking "I don't think so, besides that sounds like a tactic used to infiltrate as it would be suspicious to have one pony in two places at once don't you think so?" I said in a tone of disbelief "so what you going to do if you look like somepony else hmm,?" "that's easy I would do what you would do" "oh and what would that be?" "blink and look shocked and ask if we are related or something"

Ivory burst out laughing at this exchange which stopped when Paul burst into green flames and in his place stood a blue unicorn with a black and white mane, every pony looked shocked, until he spoke "so what do ya think like" Paul said in a slight accent but was still understandable.

Moonlight had a look of confusion on her face "Erm Paul why do you sound so odd" she said still in shock "oh that's charming like ya kna what I mean like, its still me ya kna and I think its gotta dee with where I come from like, look if ya want me to I will try and lay off of the accent but no promises like," I said with a smile and a wink.

Moonlight blinked blankly she could not understand why he would choose to be like this, but I could see the distress in her face "Moonlight I was just joking with you, and that was a northern accent from my home I did not mean to offend you and I thought this would make going throw your village easier for all concerned, as I don't want to upset any pony or anyone for that matter like as I can prove that its me or rather that I am still me, but if you think I am deliberately going to be lying to the ponies then I am sorry but I don't want to start a riot or scare any pony"

I said with all the compassion that I could but in this form I could not feel her emotions as much and I was getting worried in case I had scared her or offended her I was about to say that to her when I noticed something on ..... well om my flank in fact both sides of it I was not prepared to see what appeared to me as a black smudge as I could not really get a good view "erm Moonlight could you do me a favour please" I asked as nicely and not as worried as I wanted to as I do like to keep clean and this looked like it could be dirt or muck of some kind to my current view.

"what is it Paul?" Moonlight said in a distant not sure tone of voice. I stepped a bit closer and whispered to her "could you tell me what that is on my flank pleas as I don't want to freak out if that's dirt" to which Moonlight just blinked at me then she just burst out laughing "That's not dirt" she manages to say in between fits of lather "that your cutie mark (giggles again and then controls herself after clearing her throat) you mean you did not make it along with your coat and horn?" I was relieved to hear her say it was not dirt but I was confounded by the fact that I did not make such a thing.

"No I just thought I changed into a unicorn I did not choose anything as I thought it would be beast if it was blank that way no pony could mistake me for some other pony" I said with all honesty and truthfulness, I moved my head into a better position to view this thing better it was a hat with a sword "a hat and a sword I wonder what it means?" I said absent mindedly mainly to myself in disbelief that's when Moonlight spoke up "maybe its from when we were attacked and you defended my father's bout?, but i'd better be going (she turned her attention to Morris who did not look amused) there is an old barn outside of town if you want to meet up their " Moonlight said still wondering about the changeling as she left the group of guards.

Morris nodded his head in response and then turned his attention back to Paul,  "Paul I think we all appreciate what you are trying to do, but would you please change back as that form really makes me uncomfortable, as me and Ivory were at the palaces when it was attacked" to which Ivory nodded in response "Morris is right but we will not forces you, but either way it will look weird to the pony's one way or the other" she said in a soft knowing tone of voice.

"so you do realize I am only Pony height because Moonlights bout was small and I was not able to stand fully......" that's when something that had been at the back of my mind came back in strength, how did Moonlight manage to get me onto her father's bout? a sudden feeling of dread began to grip my entire being, what if she...what if she was not who or what I thought, I will have to keep an eye on this as evan I know a few spells that can make me seem to be something else, I felt my heart twinge at this thought, and that's when I decided to keep it to myself unless she turns out to be a risk to the pony's and my mission, I only pray that I am wrong as I don't want to think about it.

"are you ok Paul? it's just you don't look so good" said a concerned Ivory "sorry its been a hectic few days that's all, but I think suspicion from the pony's is better than fear and panic from them" I said pushing my doubts as far away as possible but still keeping them within reach.

Sub chapter 11a loose lips sink ships

Meanwhile moonlight proceeded towards her home going through the winding road towards the town from the docks, she still had feelings for Paul but seeing him change in front of her was strange, one minute she was standing with him the next he was a complete stranger, she had heard the stories from other ponies that had witness changelings change in front of them, but that was not what she was expecting it to be like as it was so alien, she continued to have these thoughts run through her mind not noticing she was now in the bottom half of the market district where she would normally sell her cache when a familiar voice broke her contemplation.

"you who, Moonlight are you ok dearie?" came the familiar voice of her next door neighbor miss Lilly who is a aqua collard earth pony with a cutie mark of a paw wrapped in a bandage, she is the villages local village vet and Moonlights best friend. "Oh hi Lilly sorry I was not paying attention, am just going to be popping in to mine as I will be gone for a bit, which reminds me how are your patients doing?" Moonlight asked with concern and attentiveness in her voice, "well we loss the male cat due to his injuries but the female and her kittens are in a stable condition, I just hope Marigold is alright after the fire" Lily said with a strong sense of remoras in her voice knowing how Marigold loved her cats.

"did anypony find out how it started or are they still searching?" moon light said hopeing that the one responsible will face the punishment of the law or this would turn out to be just an unfortunate accident. "it's hard to say really as nopony saw any thing but the weird thing is they found a symbol that was a red eye apparently burned into the brick, but no pony knows what it is about or what it means, and I don't have any clue as to who would want to hurt her as she has always helped me to find the ingredients that I use in the various potions and creams needed to treat almost any injury" Lilly said with her eyes starting to tear up.

Moonlight upon seeing her friend start to tear up, she instinctively rushed over and hugged her friend, who if truth be told was more like a sister to Moonlight after all being left in the care of the Luna House for lost foils will do that to you, as you hold anything that resembles your family close to your heart, you see dear reader unlike most fillies and colts Moonlight was spared the pain of misplaced hope, as a stallion with a cutie mark of a sun rising over the sea, he was a dark blue earth pony with a white mane he was called Henry and along with his wife who was a white Pegasus mare with a black mane and had a depiction of three fish,

the first fish being caught by a fish hook, the second by a spear or harpoon and finally the third one was covered around the waist by a net, all of them were joined into one at the tail, they both saved her from that torment as they could not have foils of their own, but in their hearts they knew if they had a child, that child would be Moonlight,

but Moonlight had a different view of what their child would look like all except for the cutie mark her new special pony friend Paul in pony form was in fact the spitting double of what moonlight use to think what her brother would look like if they could have children, needless to say that was in fact why she almost freaked out at the sight of Paul's pony form.

chapter 12 a new view

well as you can imagine me standing talking to Morris about the ethics of my form on the pony's around me was really about as fascinating as watching paint dry, I was finally allowed to remain in my pony form, yay for me! my life is so good that I might have permission to go to the loo by myself later, I thought to myself in sarcasm before changing the subject. "So could you finally answer my questions Please, One what is this town's name and two how long are we from our destination please as I do need eight hours to recharge my crystals, and thank you for your time," I said in a smooth diplomatic tone. "we ... I mean you will have enough time to recharge your crystals as Luna was very clear about that Fact" said a Thoughtful Ivy "and this town is called coastal shield" she finished.

"well for a fishing port its not a bad name" I said in a charismatic tone (posh and smooth sounding). "well that's nice to hear, oh! I almost forgot with that debate early that the princess's have given you a diplomatic paying job while you are here as we use a currency here to obtain goods and services" ivy said to which she was met by a blank stare like she had just asked a Ludicrous Question "you don't understand currency yet do you? to which she got an affirmative nod from me "not a clue" I said in a cheerful tone "well you have 250 bits in this bag so if something cost 20 bits, that's how many bits you give its that simple" Ivy said in her friendly tone.

fascinating I thought to myself, there must be more to it than just that but for the time being this will be quiet useful. "thank you Ivy for explaining that to me I still have a lot to learn but it should not be to hard to work out most of the do's and don'ts, but with friends like you it will be easier and quicker than being on my own, and yes Morris I class you as a friend too" the rest of the guards said thank you, some nodded and Morris looked blank "what evan after the argu- I mean debits?" "yes Morris evan after the debits, I still class you as a friend after all it shows that you care about t you're home and my own safety, so thank you" "oh...well thank you Paul,(Morris said with a truthful happy tone of voices) Ok ladies and gents let's go!"

and so we were off and then after rounding the multiple curving winding walled road towards town, as we rounded the last corner we were stopped by a wall of pony's many of whom seemed to be expecting something more than a unicorn and a bunch of guards coming up from the path to the harbor, their grievances were over the fact that the packages and/or ships with cargo have or had not come through yet, and they wanted to know why, so me and my guards did what you would expect in this situation, we blended in with the crowd slowly meeting again on the other side of the heaven mass.

once across we heard a unmistakable horn of a ship followed by many others, followed by cheers from the crowd along with comments like "it's about time" said one voice of the crowd of ponies followed by a comment that shocked me to the core along with my companions, "yer I know Bill all that waiting because of a bug" this was followed by the same voices laughing along with a couple of others.

honestly speaking I was not and I am still not sure who was more shocked and desterved by this revelation in events, infact Morris's demeanor had completely change to one that made me think he was going to be sick, infact every guard had a similar look about them along with me, it had confirmed my suspicions others did indeed know about me coming here and maybe Luna and Moonlight had saved my life. "maybe it will be for the beast to split up until we leave the town, as I bet who ever let it slip that a bug was coming to town, even if it was by accident, who ever needed such information will be looking for anything out of the ordinary, like oh i don't know let's say a large group of armored ponies"

"point taken" said Morris and Ivy at the same time, then without saying a word Ivy and Morris waved a hoof to gather all of us to gather around, once we were all assembled Ivy stated our new plan which was to get through town as quickly as possible without drawing attention to ourselves, then I pointed out the fact that they are all in their armor and could not draw any more attention if they tried, so I started my plan which was that two ponies of ivy and Morris choosing will accompany me as an escort and I will buy some of the wears that the venders are selling.

This seemed to go well except for Ivy stating that standard Diplomatic detail is four ponies and I got eight to show how equality and diversity works in Equestria, as is standard in diplomatic meetings with a new diplomatic representative which is standard procedure when dealing with a new tribe or a new species wishing to have dealings with Equestria, as you could imagine I found this really fascinating like watching paint dry but it was knowledge all the same.

After another lengthy conversation it was decided that I would not be with Ivy or Morris who I would meet up with again at the meeting point, but I would be accompanied by an earth stallion pony called Carl, a unicorn mare called Soya, a Pegasus mare called lone cloud, Steve a bat pony stallion. so me and my group of guards left Ivy and Morris behind and I finally began a little sight seeing of this town, I found it to be a quite a beautiful town which had cobblestones on the roads and concrete on the walkways which had a line of black polls which were spaced out evenly in a line my ontroges told me that they were lights for ponies to see better when celestia sun has gone and luna's moon comes out, the black polls had baskets hanging from them which contained flowers most likely for decoration, but my view was obscured by the street being full of ponies going back and forth on their daily routines going into shops and going to the many stalls which had lots of wears and various knickknacks on display.

I did notices that the buildings looked some what bland in comparison to the vision I had with Luna, but one of the stalls had a rotating display with a sing on top of it which read Towns and city's of Equestria buy one for 2 bits, three for 5 bits, one of them stood out which I took a closer look at as it had the same buildings as the vision with a caption that read Ponyville friendless town in Equestria, the stall owner must of noticed me looking as the yellow unicorn spoke up "well howdy their stranger is their something I can help you with their cutie pie?" my ontroges had muffled giggles at that comment "well miss I was just looking at you're fine display" I said as I garbed the card along with two others, one read canterlot home of Equestria's princess which had a pitcher of a castle city set into a cliff face, the other card read come and see the northern Empire the colds place with the warmest welcome, the pitcher was one of buildings covered in ice and snow. I did see a third one which read the crystal Empire back again, it depicted a city in the shape of a snow flak with a crystal castle in the centre with green and brown farm land around it.

"oh an excellent choice sir, could I also interest you in some figurines of Equestria's saviours the Elements of Harmony too? I can give you a good deal on the full set if you want as am sure you would be the vain of your friends that will bring your total up to fifty five bits and I will throw in a paper bag for your cards along with a bag for life to carry them all?" to which I agreed and paid for the lot, the yellow mare picked up my cards and placed them into a brown paper bag then put the figurines into a bag made out of some type of what appeared to be dried woven grass, she then added the brown paper bag to it, I grabbed the bag in my magic after she had finished packing them,

"thank you ma'am and have a good day" I said with a smile which she returned along with "you to sir, after all it's not every day I get an ambassador at my stall and I must say it's a privilege to welcome you" she finished with a bow "oh there's no need for that my dear as I don't think it is official just yet" "well my parents brought me up to know my manners and it has been a pleasure serving you" I nodded my head and said my thanks again.

as we left the stall behind us and were out of earshot of the store keeper Carl spook up "you know you most likely were ripped off buying that junk?" he said in a snickering tone, to which I ignored him as I did not want another Morris argument. a little bit further we past a shop with a sing in the window which read, Yes we do have the famous Rarity's dress in stock, call in store for measurements and order placements. the store was called Fabulous Fashion I was about to continue on my way until I noticed a suite that stopped me in my tracks, it was smart and also casual, the only problem was it was for, well a human which I thought to extinct, this drew the attention of my guards but soya spook up "what's wrong Paul you look like you have seen a ghost" "that suit in the window looks like it was made for a human.... I thought their species was extinct?" "well that's a long story and I think we are the wrong ponies to ask, I think that's for the princess to explain in more detail."

(mean while in a side street or a back ally)

Moonlight had just finished comforting Lily, after all Moonlight was used to her friend being a bit emotional after losing a patient no matter the species, Lily look back at Moonlight with lessening blood shot eyes slowly returning back to their original white surrounding her teal iris, her fur underneath her eyes were matted from the now drying tears, it would not take to long for her fur to go back to normal.

"Hey i almost forgot to tell you why am back early for" Moonlight said in a happy, dreamy, carefree way, this took Lily's full attention "Let me guess (an awkward silence which was broken by a sharp inhale of breath) YOU FOUND SOME PONY!? (Quickly became) oops sorry for shouting" this made Moonlight jump slightly due in part to the pain in her ears, but her friends acknowledgement and apology made the pain more bearable, "No it's ok Lilly am fine, and i did meet some pony, but i don't know if it will work tho..as..as he is different even by our standards." "oh i don't think he can be too bad after all i have not seen you so happy before" Lilly said with a smile.

But Moonlight did notice something for a second in lily's eyes, maybe it was a trick of the light but their was something that looked like a fint red glow just on the inside her friends teal iris, it was their for a second and then faded, "well he is not a normal pony and infact he is...erm that is to say....(Moonlight takes a deep breath before continuing) he is a changeling, BUT he is a good changeling." moonlight took a step back from her friend expecting a scream, a scream that never came.

Lilly just stood shaking slightly, which scared Moonlight but it was the fact that she noticed it was the air around her friend that was shaking not her friend, every pony knows of a spell when they see it, but this felt like evil incarnate. unknowingly Moonlight was taking wider steps backing away from what was once her friend, the feeling to flee that grasp her every fiber of her being was being over ridden by concern for her friend and curiosity type of

fear.

her friend Lilly's head was drooping with each step back Moonlight took, when it looked as tho Lilly would hit her head off of the ground, the unworldly shimmering stopped as Lily's head snapped up at a speed which would kill anything nachural, that is when it spoke in a two toned voices one was audible deepening of Lilly's voice the other was more a sound of screams of the damned came forth "so IT!! is here, no matter, his kind almost stopped me and mine once before" the being opened Lilly's eyes to reveal the normal white surrounding the iris, but the iris and the pupil where glowing with a burning red and blue flame from some other dimension.

Moonlight felt her fear and anxiety melt away, being replaced by anger, anger at what this thing had done to her friend and also for being played for a fool, but she kept it hidden as you can not blame the puppet for the master's work "what have you done to my friend you monster!" she said in a tone that a nomal pony would think that the gates of tartarus were about to be opened upon them, and a world of pain was going to begin on this thing, "she is quiet safe for now anyway, Tell me where that bug is or i will have my puppet kill you, and this time i will not let her emotions will take over" the creatcher made a scoffing sound before taking a step forward with an eerie smirk upon its face "no matter dearie am sure he will come when he know you'er in trouble, if not don't worry i will make sure to leave him a note in you'er blood!!!"

chapter 13 the tip of the iceberg

Paul was still just getting over the shock of find out that he had the possibility of actually meeting a human then the air seemed to burn cold as if he was plunged in the breath of a Astronch an ice elemental monster, followed by a sensation of being in something awful which made his now pony fur stand up as the skin underneath felt like bugs were crawling all over it, his guards were about to ask what was wrong when he bolted leaving his bag behind him which carl picked up the bag an followed soya and steve as lone cloud shot off to find ivy and morris's group at speed.

as i pelted throw the street i had one memory burning in my mind of a city burning and a swearing oath to never allow such things again, i also found the vile sensation was like a compass pulling me towards it, i may have focused a bit too much and dropped my pony form, and i may of knocked a few ponies over....ok it was a lot more than a few but this was more important than pleasantries, i saw what one of those vile things could do, tear into ponies and changelings with eaz.

after scaring a few more of the town's inhabitants i skidded into a side street (or a back alley), as i rounded the corner i had no choice but to jump over Moonlight while i began to slowly charge my horn, and yes i did forget that i was not in my pony form otherwise i could of used my wings or just gallop up the sides of the buildings, after leaping over Moonlight and putting myself in front of a hoof which bounced off my chechen harmlessly, that is when the demonic looking pony spoke. "what is this before my eyes, it's a bug from the mountain of lies!! (demonic two toned laughter) welcome to my paler little fly!"

then the posets pony lunged at me, all i done was to grab her in a simple levitation spell when Moonlight who was still behind me spoke up "Paul don't hurt her, there is something wrong with her....it's just using her" this was then followed by my guards and some of the local guards appeared seeing Moonlight in distress with a changeling floating a pony in his magic and is probably going to heart said pony, honestly i was glad and thankful for Moonlight and my guards who bought me enough time to find the source of the possession on the disheveled aqua mare with now fiery eyes,

putting the mare into a spin was the easy part, trying to stop her flailing her limbs was not so easy but she or the thing controlling her mad it easier to locate a black round lump which had what appeared to be oranges glowing veins, with some quick work i dropped the spell and focused on removing the parasite, all the while hopping that their was still time to save the pony's life mind and soul, with a lot of cursing and words of profanity in ancient tong's, i managed to remove the parasite and the tendrils that it used to manipulate the magical field generated by the pony's access to the planet's energy or its life force.

after fully removing the foul thing and making sure it was quiet died by a fire spell, that was when morris and ivy turned up to see a blast of flame and a colapts pony, the rest of the events that transpired are blank to me as i was hit by a spell of some kind, all i felt was intense pain all over my body before i blacked out, when i eventually came to i noticed a strange sound, it was faint but every now and then i would hear a beep, followed by another one of a similar tone, then i noticed a strange soft but firm sensation along my left side and the feeling of something lighter on my right, i was as you can expect i was feeling quiet comfy and warm, i felt at peace until i started to remember what had happened to me.

when i opened my eyes i found myself in a strange bed with a stranger object which was making the sound, i noticed it was night as i could feel it in the air as a cool refreshing breeze, i noticed that my room had no windows to big to see out of or in, the air was coming from one of the two rectangle shaped windows which were close to the ceiling. i did try to move but i found myself unable to do anything but breath and blink, i must still be under the effects of that spell and if i am now in jail for helping a pony then so be it i thought, suddenly the room was bathed in a light which almost completely obscured my vision.

I did manage to move my head a little which was enough to get a reaction, as soon as i moved there was a sudden sound of hooves rushing over to my side then a strange female voice spoke up "you're safe Mr Paul, i don't know the details other than you were hit by a strong spell, you are currently in the lady of the sun hospital here in ponyville, now please try and get some rest, nurse Redheart will see you in the morning along with some important visitors" i am sure she said her name but the dream less sleep took hold of me once again.

when i came to the sun's rays wear streaming through the two window, i watched as the dust danced and swirled around as the breeze was coming through the opened window which from my current view was the one on the right all the while having that strange beeping for background ambiences(music).

A thought of shrinking down and escaping came into my mind which i ignored just as quickly, it was followed by a, you will be sorry feeling before everything went back to normal, i shooked my head to clear it, after a well deserved stretch i noticed that my crystals and the protective satchel wear missing, i almost panicked, but then i calmed down as i remembered that the pony's would give them back, after all this was a misunderstanding of some kind, i started to think more about what had happened and how i felt Moonlights pain at what happened to her friend, i was broken from this thought by the door opening and  i manage to turn round, still feeling stiff and a bit saw to see a brilliant White mare with a light Pink mane, she also had a hat that was White with a Red cross in the center, her eyes were a brilliant shade of Blue, that is when i twigged on about what that beeping was for a it sped up, i swear i went from black to almost red.

the mare after a quick chuckle, she spoke up. "well that's nomal for a male, but i am glad to hear that you have made a full recovery Mr Paul, that is good news, but since you are up i will first turn off the heart monitor then i will answer your questions, then i will tell you what will be happening" i swear this mare even tho she was calm and collective, she made me feel like i was being ordered by a general and her mannerisms and body language commanded the same respect, all i could manage was a node to show that i understood.

as she entered the room she closed the door behind her and proceeded towards the now known heart monitor, as she past me i noticed her name tag which read Red Heart : Head Matron. the rest contained the hospitals name and herbage number which i did not read out of respect, but i did see her cutie mark which had the same red cross as the one on her hat but it had four pink hearts one in each corner of her red cross.

I was musing over how she could of got her cutie mark when she cleared her throat "and in case you are wondering i got my cutie mark from helping a friend who had injured himself while we were on a trip with our school, and everyone asks me the same question who don't come from ponyville and it is mainly non pony patients who ask me that one as well" wow this ponys been around a very long time in the medical services, like a very scary long time as in, i feel sorry for anyone who would try and mess with this pony as i bet she could take you down with one presicce blow, mental note to self don't upset this pony.

"well miss Red Heart, i was wondering about a lot of things but here are my main concerns Ma'am, my first one would be about my loc-love crystals as they can become unstable if not cared for properly, second pleas tell me i was in time to save Moonlight's friend and lastly, how much trouble am i in?"

Now Red Heart had seen and heard a lot in her time, but this was the first time that she found herself speechless to a patient's questions, and to have it asked with such honesty and conviction from a changeling no less, well it was unheard of. The simple fact that this conversation was happening was enguth to give her pause for thourt, after all she and her team had to help the injured pony's and out of respect of her orth the changelings as well, even tho they did their best to save them all of them perished, the longest survivor from the attack on canterlot passed away a month later, her team tried everything they could but nothing seemed to help her changeling patents as the will to live was simply not their, unlike the one in front of her in fact not even a pony should of been up and about like he was after being hit by a spell like he was, infact it should've left him on death's doorstep as it was a spell used in war.

"you know something Paul, i have never met anypony like you before, and i can only answer one of your questions, with a bit of information, you have been in a stable condition for a week but have been unresponsive to outside stimuli, and your friends will be seeing you soon even tho i told them not to expect much in the way of conversation, infact i want to know how you are alive let alone able to walk and talk, you are not even connected to you'er Queen as all the changelings that we tried to save after the canterlot attack died after every thing me and my team tried to do to save them" Red Heart's eyes began to fill with the pain that she felt at the fact she could not save them.

the pain that she felt was like an ice cold dagger welded by death itself, each and every tear burned with the fury and passion of a parent who knows loss as she quite obviously throw herself into her work with all of her heart, and it was most likely why i was not abslutly famish as the emotions were freely given.

i could not just stand there as she was quite upset, so i put my hoof on her shoulder to support her. "thank you miss Red Heart, i want you to know that you and your team have done a great job by just simply caring about me, and in doing so you have manage to keep me in good health and also well fed with your emotions that were freely given, i do not think i can ever repay you or your team but if i can do anything to repay you please just let me know, and i am sorry but i do not think the changelings you tried to save could've survived too long anyway if my theory is correct, but i would need more information first, as they are many things that could do that to a few or an entire hive such as, their Queen is or was actively taking control of their minds most likely from hatching, so if they were controlled from a young age they can not develop properly and basicly will not be able to talk unless they are in their disguise, which is a very sad sounding life, altho their are many other such that can do the same as fungus parasites and even spells and disease."

thankfully this stopped the torrent of emotion enguth for her to collect herself.

"I am sorry about that, it is not professional of me" she said more to herself then to me. "well miss Red Heart if you did not care for your patents as much as you do i would probably be on the edge of starvation, and it also speaks volumes about you and your team, your patients should feel very lucky to be under your tentative care, i know i do ma'am, but could i ask one more question please?" Red Heart who was feeling better at the changelings kind words noded, still not letting go of all of her emotions as per her training but he did help her to regain her level head so he can't be one of the bad ones could he? or was he just messing with her? She thought to herself.

"from what you told me i am to be getting a visitor or two later, may i ask who they are please?" just as he said that their was a knock at the door which also gave the impression of a prison cell with it being painted white cream like the walls of the room, "come in it is open" Red Heart shouted with some reverberation from the bare walls.

the door opened and in stepped two guards clad in golden armor, who still facing forwards silently and unblinking took a step to the side of the door so each of them covered the sides, that is when a pony wearing something on his head took three steps into the room before bellowing "HER MADGESTY PRINCESS CELESTIA" now i do not wish ill on any pony but that hurt my head and as such i was temporarily deaf and i had my eyes closed wincing in pain, i was about to ask what his problem was when i opened my eyes and saw a brilliant white and tall mare with a flowing multi colored maine she also had a long hoen and by her sides where wings, i was glad that i just manage to open my mouth with a halfe silent word upon my lips as i bowed before her.

I manage to shut my mouth and promptly bowed before the princess of the sun.

"you may ries Paul, (which i promptly did not saying a word) I have heard a lot about you from my sister and also from my little pony's, but before we continue i must ask you do you hold anything against my pony's for you being here?" the princess said in an inquisitive tone of voice. "I must say no to that Princess, as to tell you the truth, i would most likely of done the same thing, but is Moonlight and her friend safe? did i manage to save her friend from that parasites control or was i to late?" i asked trying my hardest not to sound like a crazy frantic changeling, all the while also trying to fight back my own tears of desperation and trepidation.

the princess seemed taken aback by my response for a second before she spoke again. "well my sister was right about you, and yes you did manage to save Lilly's life and she is on her way to making a full recovery, and i believe there are some ponies that wish to meet you, that is if nurse Red Heart is happy with discharging you?" nurse Redheart was finding this quite flattering as she knew that the princess was more than able to discharge the changeling herself, but she was as always quite happy for the princess of the sun allowed her to keep her own authority in this matter, after all that is just one of the reasons why the ponies of Equestria love there princess of the sun and the princess of the moon.

"well apart from being freakishly able to heal himself quickly somehow with very little emotions, i would say he is a healthy typical stallion in his late 20s but it's hard to tell for sure as i have not really had such an opportunity to interact with a changeling before he came here, in fact i feel like asking the one responsible for him coming here in the first place to come in for a full physical and that is in my medical opinion, other than that he is free to go."

nurse Redheart said with an amused smile as the changeling looked embarrassed at the typical stallion references, and the princess was more than quick to smirk at the same references with a knowing smile of her own. "well my little pony that's good to know and i will get the pony responsible to report directly to you once we have clarified the situation, and i am sorry my little pony for not going into more detail but this matter is ongoing." the princess said with a bow of her head before continuing. "now i believe we have taken up enough of your valuable time Miss Red Heart, so if Paul has anything to add before we go?" the princess said in her warm cherry tone.

i noded my head and said my thanks and my gratachud at the hospitality i had received, afterwards the princess and i left the room behind us as we walked through the long maze of corridors of the hospital which had a stranges sent of its own which was a mix of smell beast left undiscovered if found separately, "Erm Princess Celestia i must ask how did i end up in hospital, that is if you can answer that one, that is to say if it will not impede any current investigation as i do not wish to seem disrespectful in any way, and if i come across as such then i more than apologies princess." "all in good time my little pony (the princess stopped what she was saying and had a chuckle at her mistake) sorry Paul but i am not so used to haven pleasantries with some pony....i mean some body such as yourself, but rest assured all your questions will be answered as i have many to ask myself."

chapter 14 so you zapped your friend?

(their is a sexual  part near the end of  this chapter this makes four warnings,)

after making our way out of the hospital and a few strange looks from ponies who were quite happy to see their princess soon had a look of confusion when they saw me, "erm princess celestia should i be in my pony form as your subjects seem to be a bit indifferent to my presence shall i say." i said with some concern as a green maned pony with yellow fur fainted she had a flower of some kind for a cutie mark, "oh it's fine my little ponies are just excited especially at meeting someone new, and i really should come and visit them more often" she said with another knowing smile upon her faces, i swear this princess is a prankster.

with this thought still fresh in my mind we were about to round a corner when Celestia suddenly stopped and turned to me, "now paul (her horn light up in a golden aura as her magic materialized a long-ish pieces of fabric) for this part you must put on this blindfold." As you can expect i would be lying if i said i did not expect a trick of some kind, "Ok princess i trust you" i said with a questioning tone with lots of trepidation and skepticism (miss trust to a degree)

"then it's agreed, now my dear guards you know where to meet us" was the last words she said before placing the fabric upon my faces covering my eyes, i did hear what i believe to be them walking away, "alright Paul i am going to lead you along with my magic so try not to panic i will make sure not to let you hit anything or anypony" it was then i felt the tell tale tingling of magic go around my neck and its gentle push spering me forwards.

now i could not see anything as we walked but i would occasionally hear ponies make sounds of joy followed closely by shock and awe, which was starting to sound comical to a degree, that is when i heard something new approaching at a steady pace but it was strange sounding on the ground as instead of the standard clip-clop of hooves upon the ground, this was more of a muffled slapping sound and it was bipedal not a quadruped judging by the sound and the timing of each strayed, this sent my imagination racing as it was to light to be a minotaur and to heavy to be an animal.

it was the princess who spoke up to greet the one approaching us. "Good afternoon to you Gaven, out for a jog are we?" " I was princess, but i must ask what or who is that behind you? i mean no disrespect but it looks like one of those bug pony things that feed off of love by stealing it until the one being fed apone is dead...erm is it so wiese to have one right behind you?" as you can guess this got a groan from me and i was about to say wrong hive and a witty come back to so degree when the princess interrupted me. "no he is a good changeling and his hive does not steal love, but in the meantime could you get the others for me as we are going to the castle as i think Paul here will be pleasantly surprised."

this Gaven then started to laugh "I think our Paul will be surprised to find out too (continues to chuckle), don't worry i will not say anything except that you need us there." judging by the fading bouts of laughter he was going off on his errand, after he took a couple of steps me and the princess were off again.

after a long time of hearing the ponies doing their thing of pleasant then utter shock, which was no longer amusing we stopped, as i heard a large door open "it will not be to much longer now my dear friend." i think she was talking to me as i heard the sound of galloping hooves on what sounded like polished stone getting closer "princess Celestia i was not exsp (the pony that was talking stopped abruptly skidding to a complete stop) princess behind you!!" was all i heard before being hit by another blast of magic, i am starting to wonder if this is some kind of greeting that these ponies have when another thourt crossed my mind, was it just me or was that not as strong as it should've been?

"TWILIGHT STOP THIS AT ONCES" boomed Celestia, i am guessing she stopped as much of the spell as she could, but i was still dazed by it. the princess took off the blindfold and all i could say was "did somepony get the number of that carriage" as my head throbbed a bit before i regain my senses.

when i did regain my faculties their stood a purple alicorn who had a sheepish grin on her face, "am sorry to both of you, i just saw a changeling and instinct took over, i am so sorry Princess i thought i would of been better prepared than that." she said in a truly sorrowful tone and the emotions that came with it to which i did use to help me heal myself without knowing it, when i noticed i abruptly stopped, it was about the same time i noticed that we were in the entranceway of a high cristal hall way which took over my scenics with awe.

"it is ok miss Twilight, i mean princess Twilight, i have been through worse than that plush from i have heard about this hive they have not left a good impression of my species therefor allow me to introduce myself my name is Paul and it is a pleaser to make your acquaintances" i said with a bow.

Twilight Sparkle stood open mouthed as the changeling spoke perfect Equestrian and was not in pony form, "by star swirls beard, i never knew a changeling could do that....speak i mean" she said more to herself than to anyone in particular that is when a little dragon came into the main hall from one of the many doors "Twilight there you are i have been looking every where for you as you have a message from the princess" he said as his little legs made him move quicker than it looked like they should've, when he was able to see princess Celestia he gave an "oh never mind, you know" he then gave a startled cry when he saw me and promptly hid behind twilight's hind leg.

"spike from what the princess has told me and from what i have see he is different from the other changelings, (she returned her attention back to me) sorry Paul i did not mean to be rude to you and again i am sorry for zapping you, i have been on edge since some kind of cult has started to spring up out of nowhere" "indeed (Celestia joined in) but that's why i have come here with him as me and my sister agree that he may help us to stop this from spreading, but if we may use your castle for our meeting?" "oh but of course princess i would be more than happy to, and i insist that he stays here in the meantime as it is the least that i can do (Twilight turned to Spike who was now by her side) Spike could you go and explain the situation to my pupil as i do not want a repeat of his welcome" the little dragon ran off down the hall further into the depths of the castle.

Twilight then showed me and Celestia in, and led us to the castle's main hall and with a flash of purple there was enough seats for fifty ponies to sit around a large rounded table, "erm how many ponies are coming to this meeting?" i asked in disbelief as it seemed a bit much, "well their are the humans and my other friends along with your friends, don't worry if there are too many seats i can change the arrangements accordingly, but if i may leave you here princess i will need to show Paul to his room." the princess of the sun nodded and Twilight showed me to my room and gave me a tour, we went to the first floor leaving the princess on the ground floor as she was sending letters, now my room was not to far from the restroom which it also had one on sweet and it also contained a desk with parchment ink and quills, the bed was a huge bed that looked as if i could get lost in it but what took my breath away was the view, it was of the town and the building were exactly like the one in my vision with Luna.

"well what do you think?" Twilight asked in a happy tone. "i don't know what to say but thank you, this has to be the best thing to happen to me sinces......" my voice trailed off as i remembered that day i felt loss for the first time as it was also the happiest thanks to Laura, " i am sorry Twilight i was just remembering someone that was special to me, i will tell you about it some time, but i love this room and the view is just to die for, if i can do anything to thank you please do not hesitate to let me know, ok?"

"well what do you think?" Twilight asked in a happy tone. "i don't know what to say but thank you, this has to be the best thing to happen to me sinces......" my voice trailed off as i remembered that day i felt loss for the first time as it was also the happiest thanks to Laura, " i am sorry Twilight i was just remembering someone that was special to me, i will tell you about it some time, but i love this room and the view is just to die for, if i can do anything to thank you please do not hesitate to let me know, ok?"

"well i am glad that you like it" twilight said with a smile. i was about to leave with twilight when their was what can only be described as a very loud voice which shook the castle to it's foundations,"WHERE IS HE, NO ONE MAKES A FOOL OF ME!!" needless to say me and Twilight both ran down to where a very angry Princess Luna was and very visibly gone princess Celestia, where she should've been, as soon as i entered the main hallway i was grabbed in a light blue aura, which lifted me up into the air and completely immobilised me. so i could not move nor speak as i was deliberately and slowly turned to face Luna the princess of the night and of the realm of dreams, she did not look amused and if i could i would of most likly of said something in vespid that would not be to plight but would of summed up my situation and predicament quite well.

"I TOLD YOU NOT TO FEED UPON ANY PONY DIDN'T I" boomed Luna so much so that i thought my chichen would crack under the shear forces of her voice. "Princess Luna i would appreciate that you stop using the royal canterlot voice while you are in my home, and i believe he could speak and answer you questions and accusation fully" Twilight said in a stern tone of voice "indeed dear sister he has been through much as it is, i believe you are allowing your own feelings in this matter to cloud your judgment my dear sister" came the calm tone of Celestia, now i take it dear reader that you have not been in such a situation but it is very hard to judge how high up you are.

as soon as i was released from Luna's magical grasp i opened my wings casing a gently fluttered down to the ground, once i was down i proceeded to bow before her, "Princess Luna when i arrived safely thanks to Moonlight to these shores we were attacked by a sea serpent that was being controlled against its will by an unknown entity, as once it was apparent that it could not complete its task i noticed a visible red cloud leave the creacher vier its mouth, then Moonlight was attacked by possibly the same entity only this time it was a parasite of utter evil, i take it that you remember that vision i had about your parents and my own kind?"

Luna nodded and allowed me to continue "well that was something i felt deep with in me, i was not however expecting what i saw with my own eyes as it is complicated but i will try to explain to the beast that i can, from what i can tell most likely the red smoke is part of something bigger and it must of guest that the sea serpent would not be enough to stop me so it corrupted a nomal parasite before i had evan left my homeland which means it is not the only one, i am very happy to report that it was successfully removed in time to save the ponies life.....but the memories of what it made her do...will remain" i said in a truly sorrowful tone,

"once removed i made sure that the parasite was destroyed before it could infect anypony else or anyone else by using a powerful flame spell, i believe it was about this time the rest of the guards turned up to see the spells blast and a collapsed pony on the ground, all i know was that i was hit by a spell and i felt nothing but pain before i blacked out, i awoke last night almost completely paralyzed, something which i hate and a nures explained to me that i was in ponyville at the our lady of the sun hospital, i regret to say that i blacked out again before i heard the nurse's name. i awok again and a miss red heart told me about the other changelings she tried to save, and yes as a healing aid by my species i did feed off of the freely given emotions while unconscious, (i turned to Twilight Sparkle) i also feed upon your emotions after you zapped me but i did stop as soon as i noticed, i am truly sorry for that." i said with the shame of my actions clear on my face and in my tone.

Celestia responded to this "it is quite true my sister even tho he has not stolen any emotions he has tried very hard not to feed at all, even when he was unconscious when i visited despite being wounded he hardly fed on the emotions that were freely given to him, i think he has more than proven that he means us no harm and is probably why Queen Sandra sent him to us, in her words he is quite unique and strong of heart, he is also very stuben to being told what to do and how to do it by the hives collective mined something her children choose to listen to only second to her."

"so he has not broken our agreement, but Paul thowe has not stopped you from feeding on the emotions given freely to you" Luna said while walking towards me, she had a strange look in her eyes, i think it might of been relife maybe? i did not have long to find out as she came right up to me and placed her lips upon my head, the boost of energy i received was indescribable but i was fully charged, my chichen armor was back to it's shiny old self, which i had only then noticed was previously dull in comparison, i had also had returned to my full height and again at the worst time possible my wings were outstretched, that is when Luna giggled at the look of stark realisation of what my wings were doing spread upon my face.

Luna looked as tho she was going to speak when a strange high pitch note which went low and then high again (wolf whistle) sounded from behind me along with a familiar voice, "Looks like ya have scored there mate" followed closely by a group of laughter, i turned around to see a group of humans and even tho i did not see him i did notice that the voice was that of the one called Gaven but since he was quiet when i turned around it was really hard to tell which one he was, each one looked weird and slightly different from each other but i suppose i did look weird to them too.

"Allow me to introduce myself my name is paul and i come from a hive to the east of equestria." I said while i bowed to show some respect, all the while the little changeling inside my mind was bouncing around and screaming in excitement, "Humans yay real Humans whoo hoo", at first i thourt i might of said or done something wrong when Luna walked to my left side followed by Celestia and twilight on my right, then a human that was skinnyish bowed back slightly "it's a pleasure to meet you Paul, i will be able to remember your name as that is my name to, but everyone calls me Jeeves, this is gav, craig, lee, and our group leader nik is not here at the moment, we are from the Tranes Dimensional Team, northern uk team sector NC.

then another voice sounded like some kind of high pitch yay, as the next thing i noticed was a pink blur and then i was on the ground being jumped on by the pinkest pony i have ever see "yay you're new that mean i get to throw a party!! no wait that's three parties (she said as she bounced up and down on me and yet some how she was whitless and yet she tackled me to the ground????) that's a welcome to Equestria and welcome to ponyville and a we are glad your out of hospital PARTY YAY!!!!" she said without taking a breath before inhaling deeply "Hi Twilight, Hi Luna, Hi Celestia" the pink pony said still bouncing up and down on me, i found the entire situation hilarious so much so that i was shaking with a laughter fit.

that is when another voice spoke up "Oh Pinky Darling that is not at all lady like now is it?" followed by a "mer ha ha ha, well if there's one thing Pinky Pie knows its how to introduce herself Rarity" which was followed by the same voice snorting in an attempt to stop herself from laughing.  "i gotta agree with Rainbow Dash on that one Rarity, ya know what she is like when meeting new ponies and people, so why would this here fella be any different, plush jugen by the way he is laughing i don't think he minds much"

Pinkie Pie finally got off of me so i roshes up "well he's a big'un ain't he?" i could see the one that was talking was an orange Earth pony who had a nifty looking hat and lovely blond maine which was in a ponytail held by a red ribbon "well howdy there my name is Applejack, you have already met pinky Pie and Twi, this here is Rarity" "charmed to meet you Darling" said the brilliant white unicorn mare who had a most captivating purple mane.

"hi there (i looked around for the voice) hey up here (to which i looked up to see a blue pegasus who had a sporting Rainbow colored mane) am Rainbow Dash the awesome one, but please no autographs...ok maybe one or two" she said with a cocky smile.

it was about this time i heard a whimper which draw my attention as i thourt i might of stept on some pony, as soon as i saw where the sound had come from my heart melted at the sight of a yellow pony with a genital waving pink maned pegasus who was hiding behind her mane and just behind one of the pillars, which seemed to blend in with the rest of the hall, i then lowered myself down to floor level and in a gentle tone i said

"hi there my name is Paul what's yours" i said with a smile making sure that my mouth was closed, the answer came in a very quiet almost whisper response "fluttershy" "oh that is quite a lovely name miss Fluttershy, its nice to meet you, and do not worry i would not harm anypony or anybody."

the responses i got was her peeking around the corner and from behind her maine "i am sorry, i was not exspecting you to be so...so scary looking" she said with a slight whimper which was to cute for words, and i could not help but give a "arrr, am so sorry for looking scary but that is to scare the one's that want to hurt any type of life, but if you want me to i could change my form if tha-"

that was all i could manage to say befor out of nowhere "NO! never say that, you should be proud to be yourself and don't let anypony tell you other wies."Fluttershy shouted as she practically jumped into my face,  which well took me aback "it's nice to see that you do have a strong voice miss Fluttershy, but i am a changeling so it would not be so much of a permanent thing, and i would still have the same psychologically, but thank you that means a lot to me." i said rising to my full height, Fluttershy did not cower away this time in fact she seemed fairly relaxed in comparison.

Twilight Sparkle began to show the humans and her friends to where i would most likely have to repeat myself when i saw another group of ponies come through the sizeable doors. it did take my a bit of time to process who these ponies were, but one voice got rid of any doubts as to who their where.

"Paul!!" Moonlight said practically screaming my name like a pony needing a drink of water after spending a lengthy amount of time in the desert and coming across an oasis filled with life given water, followed by her running and using her wings to gain more speed towards me, at one point as she came at me i thourt she would crash into me but she stopped at the last second and jumped throwing her hooves around me, now whether by accident or by a cunning plan on her part our lips met, and my heart burned with an intensity of a thousand sun, and when i say sparks seemed to dances around use i of course mean literally, and i could feel that i was also given her strength, we had our first kiss and it seemed to last for hours as time itself was giving us our own moment. when our eyes opened i could see the twinkling of dreams and of love dancing in her golden eyes.

"i was so worried about you Paul, and thank you for saving Lilly, i don't want to think about what might of happend if you were not their for me in time, i might of had to fight her and i don't know what would've happened" Moonlight said before hugging the air out of me in thanks. i was about to most likely make some, inaudible attempt at speaking when Twilight saved me from this fate. "ah there you are Paul...oh my sorry for interrupting" Twilight said with a blush of embarrassment clearly on her face. "but me, Luna and celestia have agreed that your presence is not needed for our meeting and so you and Miss Moonlight was it?" Twilight asked incessantly and in a tone of a pony trying to solve a puzzle or one working on a study of scientific value.

"oh my your p,p, princess Twilight the same Twilight who studied under clester herself and who on more than one occasion has helped to saved us all from celestia knows how many tradugesidys and disasters, along with your friends of course...(it was about this time that Moonlights giddyness stopped and her brain kicked in with the acknowledgement of Twilight's question blinken on and off in yellow and red respond glowing for urgently need to address this A.S.A.P as in now!!) oh! sorry princess yes i am she...i mean her...i mean yes i am Moonlight"

moonlight said in a almost wishing for the ground to open and swallow her whole, but when i saw her expression i thourt it was the most beautiful and most adorable thing that i have ever seen, and i have seen and worked with the nymphs at one of the hatchery's in the hive.

"well miss Moonlight, we will still need a statement from you, but not at this point in time but if you could please remain inside the castle tho as we might need you for a testimony." it was just before Moonlight could answer when Twilight turned to Morris and the rest of the guards.

"if you are up to it captain Morris and captain Ivy we need you and any who were present to follow me, and if you have any thing that belongs to Paul or Miss Moonlight could you please just leave them here in the hallway and i am sure they can manage on their own" Twilight said in a tone that was cold and stern and made it quite clear that this was serious, and will be treated as such.

to say that i was taken aback by her tone would be an understatement as she can be very scary while in her regale frame of mind, it reminded me of the hacury training and instruction provider who teaches the nymphs of the do's and don'ts of the hive, and you know you have done something really wrong if one of them shout or raise their voices at you, and it would appear that Twilight had similar mannerisms, note to self to not upset this mare.

i am still not to sure who looked more ashamed as not evan Morris. Ivy nor the other guards could look at me, which made me feel like i had let them down, after the Klicken of metal and also from the sound of their hooves on the polished crystal like stone floor had faded, as the last of them entered the main hall meeting area Twilight turned to me and Moonlight. "i am sorry for being rude to you both please forgive me, but you two should catch up, and i take it you can find your room Paul and that's not an incentive" Twilight said with a sly smile, which went way over my head and Moonlight turned red and looked sheepish for some reason?

after a chuckle Twilight began her walk back to the great hall before turning around "i do hope you love birds don't sing to loud" she said before shutting the heavy looking doors which were covered in a pinky purple aura, that's when in my mind the little changeling apeard to be wearing an army uniform almost similar to what the humans were wearing only this was light Brown complete with a green tin helmet, "Brain new notification from the front for you" it was met with an internal oh! as it dawned on me what Twilight was getting at, it was now my turn to blush to which Moonlight laugh "wow that took a while didn't it?" she mused with laughter in her tone.

"well i am not really that adept at picking up hints and jokes yet, but that was funny like" it was then another thought crossed my mind of me using words like that seemed to upset Moonlight, "am sorry i did promise not to use slang terms as they seem to upset you Moonlight" i said in a i am sorry for being stupid tone in my voice. "i will explain later Paul, but right now i would like you to help me with those bags please." i blinked a few time before saying "but Moonlight i can grab these in my magic no problem" to which i got a witty remark of "yes but i can get the doors" she said in a mocking tone of i know that you would even if i did not ask you to so just play along, which made me laugh at her antics and i could feel the love for her grow and glow a bit brighter in this dark long road of life.

after what Moonlight called a few minutes, i had manage to get her and my own belongings to my room, "Moonlight how in all of Equestria did you manages to get so much stuff here? i thought you were only to pack light for our journey?" i said with a sneaking suspicion that she had guilt tripped a few of the guards and you know something i was partly right, "well after you were hit by that spell from one of your guards, i rushed over to cradle you as i saw the light blue of your eyes started to fade......Well i had no choices but to uses an incantation to send you to ponyville along with a note, am not a unicorn but a simple teleportation spell is about the strongest one that i know of, but i mainly get by with telekinesis (Moonlight started to cry which puzzled me but i did not have time to Question what was wrong) you're not going to love me anymore now" Moonlight continued to cry, to which i replayed with "sweet Celestia what the buck is wrong with you? you have saved my life twice now, fair do's i did wonder how you did it, and yes i did suspect you to be a changeling...but why on this green earth would i stop loving you? even if you were a changeling, that does not change how i feel about you!" i said with all the truth of of my heart and sole as i wrapped my for legs (arms) around her to show her how much i care for her, as she began to stop crying after i held her i did nuzzle her neck lovely and attentively.

"but..but why do you love me for? most ponies call me a vampire, which as they say i should of been tried as a conjurer of evil (sob) and..and" Moonlight was still visibly upset and worried about what others would think of her, "well when i first saw you my heart told me to look at this beautiful and strong lady before me, and it told me that she has a special something that will help me and i can repay her in kind, while my inner changeling was using a megaphone to remind me of what Luna might think, and how she would think i was trying to feed, all the while my heart stood their with the batters for the megaphone saying nothing but saying more than i can put into words as i gazed into your eyes, it was then i swore that i would do anything in my power for you and i meant it." i said to her in a soft honest tone.

"but what about the magic that i use? it's not nomal" she said in a still sad but much better tone than before "my dear Moonlight i would not listen to them as if it was as bad as such neanda-trolls say, as if it was used for such things i don't think the Princess would allow you into ponyville, and i would've known the same as i, as such things have a vile and terrible aura about them, that is how i knew where your friend was because of the parasites aura, and i heard that she is alright but my heart still goes out to her in sympathy, for what she was put through. so trust me when i say you are not evil" i finest saying taking the opportunity to give her a kiss to show her that i was sincere and that i would stand by her even in the face of the most evil of evil.

"thank you Paul, that means a lot to me, i must be the lucky's mare to have a special some pony like you my love" and she meant that by given me a kiss back.

the moment did not last long as a "ahem" from the doorway took my attention, their in the doorway was a light pink mare with a dark blue main with a light blue streak running through it. "i am sorry for interrupting your moment but i thought i would introduce myself, my name is Starlight glimmer and i am Twilight Sparkles student." i was about to say no worries to this mare when Moonlight spoke up "wait a minute, aren't you that pony that tried to make a town of zombified ponies who had their cutie marks taken from them? and then Twilight and her friends along with the towns pony's stopped you?" Moonlight said with somewhat of a venom's tone.

which was something i was not exspecting from Moonlight, of course i did not expect the argument that would ensue either, "well at least i am a unicorn and i don't need ruins and trinkets to help me to do mundane tasks" Starlight glimmer said in an equal tone of distant. "well at least i have my father's boat and a stallion friend" "well then i spores we can chat over a nice cup of tea later then can't we?" glimmer said in a neutral tone "agreed that sounds like fun, i could make some cucumber sandwiches." Starlight shimmer then clapped her hooves together and gave a squee of delight "oo i can barely wait, see you later." and she shut the door behind herself.

meanwhile i just stayed silent with a, what just happened look on my face as my brain held a sign which read, I have No clue don't ask me, written on it.

"Moonlight what just happened?" i asked still trying to figer out what had just transpired right in front of me. "oh nothing much unless you are on about us two kissing then that's self explanatory." Moonlight giggled in a follish (childish way) "no i mean with Starlight glimmer and you, you were arguing and then it turned into an invitation of tea and sandwiches?" i said still trying to put the puzzle together. "oh that, that was just sizing up each other that and she did interrupt us, but she seems like she will be a laguth" Moonlight said with a another chuckle.

my brain then put another sing up which read, just nod your head and smile and leave it at that, mmm good advice i thourt as i did just that, as i do not think i will ever understand mares even if a book was written then transcribed (read out loud) to me.

after sorting out Moonlight's items scrolls books and clothing, which all seemed to take over my room, but haven Moonlight for company would make a change from being by myself, i thought as i placed some frilly garment of Moonlights away for her, this of course meant that i had my back to Moonlight who pretended to relies something jugen by her tone, "oh my goodness (she said in mock shock), i just relies there's only one bed in this room, and that bed's too big for just me, as i will get cold in the night all by myself, i suppose i could always use my teddy bear," have i told you about how bad i am at taking hints, oh i have well then you know what i said then don't you. "i don't remember seeing a teddy bear" i said as i turned around to see Moonlight in fishnet stockings and black leather artier, my reaction to this spectacle was one of being winded and pleasantly so.

this part coming up deals with adult theams please move onto chapter 15 if you are squeamish or under the age of 18

still here? you know what this is a sub chapter and it is really boring and you must be 18+ to continue so if you get offended by this part it is your own fault as it is considered clop, just so you can not say i did not warn you as it contains accurate details of changeling anatomy in its entirety, so if you complain about this after reading the warnings i will point and laugh at your stupidity.

last chances, no more warnings shall be given, if however you wish to continue then i hope you like my style of written, well if you are sure you wish to continue.

chapter 14a make love for the sake of love

my wings extended straight out right along with my wings ceasing, what made this even more intoxicating was the fact that Moonlight was given off her own Bat Pony pheromones, so that, and what she was wearing made my chechen warm up between my legs as my penis begin to emerges from its protective covering and began to grow on its own,

"oh yes that's what mama wants and needs" Moonlight said as she came closer to me with her tail swishing back and forth wafting her heavenly scent of her arousal, i was unable to move as the scent began to caress my mind in the promises of sheer ecstasy that would soon follow, that also encouraged my penis to stiffen and it began to long for her touch, as my penis grow my wings and casing went back to its normal state as the blood rush from them,

"M, m, m, Moonlight this is my first time at th this" i said stuttering "it is my first time to, and i trust you and i need you now" Moonlight said as she pounced on to me knocking me to the floor so i was not facing her but i  face but her rear legs

"oh my that does look tasty but i should make sure" Moonlight said before placing her mouth over the head of my penis, i without saying a word placed my tongue over Moonlights outer folds, i could taste her and smell her juices that were building inside of her, and moisten her lips, we connected with each other rughtly at the same time prompting a morn at the sensation from us both, i could feel her tongue smoothly and deliberately wrap around my penis as she sucked and lapped at it.

while my own tongue was a wash with her juices which i happily lapped up from the outsides of her folds, but that was not enough for me i had to have more, so i pushed my lips to her outer folds which i moved with my lips as my tong plunges in and out of her vagina, i could feel the warmth of her inner walls and their movement at my tongues exploration of Moonlight and her flavor, i must of been doing something right as she gave a sexul morn of passion before dobaling and evan tripling her own mouth and tongs exploration of my penis as her mouth began to suckle and lap up my own pre cum juices.

Moonlights and my own moans were growing as i felt my erect penis twitch as her own walls began to quiver and seemed to be eagerly sucking my tongue inside her, wanting and needed it to go in even deeper, i felt another twitch in my penis followed by an eruption of ecstasy, which was made even better by her own vaginal walls which criverd and convulsed as a wave of pure Moonlight cum washed over my tongue which i eagerly lapped up, Moonlight was able to speak first after an audible popping sound as mypeniss met the coldness of the air.

"mmm that tasted so good, oops don't want to leave that drop to go to waste" as her tongue lapped at the the base of my still erect penis, as i finest lapen up her own juices that had mist my mouth, once i could i spoke up "oh my Moonlight i have never felt anything like that before nor have i tasted anything like you before" i said still recovering from my own waves of pleasure.

when i had finest my own moonlight clean up, moonlight got up turned and lay on top of me and she placed her lips on to mine and placed her tongue into my mouth, i could tasted my own cum and moonlights mix in our mouths along with our sliver as she began rubbing herself against my side, with my still wanting penis twitching in the air, we broke our kiss "well you know Paul now the real fun is about to began" Moonlight said as she flipped me fully onto my back, and with a hungry look in her eyes, and with a smile on her face as she lined her self with my penis which seemed to be self giden as it homed onto the source of her heat in the relative cold of the rooms air, as my penis hit its target it began rubbing agents moonlights entrance which made moonlight yelp as she was not exspecting it to do that.

"mmmm it seems some pony wants this as much as i do" moonlight said before pushing against my penis whom had a life of its own, i felt her lips slowly open wider to accommodate my eagerly await en penis as it began to wiggle its self to allow moonlights virginal lips to parted, we both inhaled deeply as i entered her most and warm love tunnel, after which moonlight slowly slid all the way down my shaft to land on my belly and inside hips, she placed her for hoofs on to my chest for support to find her balance, when my penis began to wiggle and move by it self, moonlight seemed to enjoy this as much as i, as she began to lift her self up to almost let my wriggling appendage fallout before plunging back down, she gave a morn as we rolled over to place me on top of her, i soon found control over my penises erratic movement which i used to my own and moonlights delight as i thrust my hips in and out of her love tunnel and while inside of her i deliberately wriggled and moved my penis in all directions to explore more of her inner chambers.

our movements seemed to shake the castle but my thrust were met head on as Moonlight began to meet my thrusting with her own, we started to move faster and faster, with morns of ecstasy coming in between breaths of air and kisses, "oh yes that's it mmmmm (gasps) faster Paul faster and deeper, don't stop" Moonlight urged in as much ecstasy as i was in "don't (gasps) worry i'm just getting started" i said before going in for a kiss before following my orders, i doubled my speed and slowed my appendages movement to make it stretch deeper into Moonlights tunnel of love, i did manage to keep up my pace and moment for about five of these minuet before.

"og!! grrrarr!!, am so close now Paul oh! yes!, yes!, Don't stop!!! Do- oh ohhhh!!" which along with her walls of warmth staring to restrict my movements inside of her to being just trusting in and out of her as her walls began to milk my penis for all its worth as i felt her first convulsion and my own tell tail twitching signaling that soon she and i will cum, i managed another three thrust before we both screamed in shear ecstasy as she cumed first which sent me over as soon as her juices covered my penis which sent me over the edge with my own, i lent in and kisst her as my thrust slowed to a crawl and slowly began to stop.

when my penis was happy with a job well done, as it slid out of her and back into its protective casing, the feeling of warmth and tingles all over my body was met with breathless gasps of air from me and moonlight as i slid my self off of her and onto the swet and other fluid soaked floor, "oh Paul that was out of this world, you can tell your not a nomal pony stallion" Moonlight managed to say as i used my magic to pike us both up and land on the awaiting bed, after placing the blankets around us we snuggled and feel asleep as the last rays of the sun came though the window.

author's notes

hi guys and girls its me Paul, i do hope i have conveyed the correct mood as i feel this was out of love and not just sex, i have used my past relationships as a reference and took most bits from them along with some imagination for the love seen, and i thought i would use what women say about men not being able to control their manhood to the next level lol, i do hope that if you are a lady that you have enjoyed this part as well, as i have never written any thing like this before and i hope it did not come off as another male porn story as i hope lady's enjoy this just as much as gents might thank you for reading this story, i am not sure if their will be another love seen in this story but if their is you will get the same warning, and if you have become offended by this sex in the story why the hell did you read it for??? i mean seriously what is wrong with you? i warned ya more than once, to those who enjoyed the story thank you it means a lot to me sincerely P.H.J.D

Chapter fifteen oh you naughty changeling

i awoke to the sound of some pony tapping upon my chambers door, i sat up in bed and looked to my left at Moonlight who looked quite content as she had a smile on her face and she also looked peaceful as she slept, i was about to go back to sleep when the knocking happened again only louder. fearing that Moonlight would awake i quietly and carefully left the warmth of the bed, and replaced the covers to keep as much warmth in them for my return.

i did notice that it was still night or very early in the morning as i reached my chambers door, i opened it to see three somewhat embarrassed alicorns, i closed the door gently behind me before saying "what have i done this time?" i asked in a half sleepy tone of voice, now Luna looked redder than i would ever think possible in comparison to her sister and Twilight.

"well erm we were here to give you back these and to tell you that you are officially working on a matter of great urgency for us all, here in Equestria and for your homeland" Twilight said handing me my pouch of loc-love cristals, as i took them Celestia let out a snicker and Luna started burning with embarrassment as she literally started turning reader instead of dark blue which prompted me to ask "is their something wrong at all? if this is about me and Moonlight" was all i got before Celestia burst out laughing and Luna turned to say something but it was so quiet i could not hear her as she made Fluttershy sound like she was positively screaming in comparison.

"what was that princess Luna i did not catch that?" to which she practically screamed in the royal canterlot voice "I SAW WHAT YOU DID IN YOUR DREAMS (shhh!!! was Twilight Sparkle response) and how you did it!!" Luna said in a quieter tone, "and what does that have to do with me and most likely half of Equestria?"i replied in a half sleepy tone, it was Twilight who spoke for Luna as well for herself "i think Luna was shocked to find out about your erm (coughs and clears her throat) body's talents and now can not seem to get rid of the images, and Celestia is Laughing at two thing one being the sandaler which fell due to you and Moonlight as well as the closing comments of the meeting, does anypony have anything that they would like to add"

Celestia flopped to the floor laughing hysterically, "and their was a an earth shattering yes which followed a few more erm shall we say affordable moments of a personal manner" Twilight said still embarrassed "oh i see, i am sorry, truly but i was not exspecting it to be like that as i have never done any thing like that before, and i am truly sorry for desterving your meeting and upsetting you and Luna and Celestia as well as everyone and every pony else"

i said truly sorry for the incident but Celestia was still laughing "erm is she alright?" i said quite worried for the princess of the sun but a now carmer Luna reassured me that she will be fine, i bid them well and went back to my waiting bed and to Moonlight who somehow managed to not be desterved by Luna's royal canterlot voice, to which i was truly very thankful for, when i slipped back in between the bed sheets i then felt Moonlight pull me into her embrace with her hooves saying something along the lines of my changeling in a sleepy tone along with a kiss to the back of my head, i soon fell back to sleep still proud of knowing that i am no longer alone as i drifted off back to dreamland.

while in my dreaming form i made sure to put up one sing that read, sorry Luna which disappeared along with my hold on my mind, as i soon found my self in front of a changeling, a rather tall and thin changeling with light blue hair and cute green eyes, "ok i will bite who in the (changeling sounds were used, think along the lines of. in the land of my hatching would be the closest translation but also envioles my ancestors too) are you?" i asked quiet up set at being forced to view this intruder, "I am Queen Chrysalis i am Queen of all the changelings in this land and i do not know of you, you are strange i warned you and told you to flee that place of death but you.... you still live and are stronger than ever HOW..how is this possible so many of my own children died at their hooves and yet you live WHY!?" this queen is making a fine how ya do...what the? so that makes sences.

(i was trying to think when my own inner voices echoed around me to her delight which i soon took the pee out of, after all you always give the inner voice of anything privacy of the mined, as that is private thort and does not mean you would actually do half of what you say while in their) "so you like to be in control, don't you?" my inner voice ecode "well we will take one cat, two cats, three cats more" this changeling Queen did not look as amused any more along with me think speaking,

"you" should "not" be "so" rude "reading" my "mind"...... i said to her in both internal and external voices which seemed to do the trick, "alright...their it is done you have your privacy which i never intended to intrude upon, but why are you not linked to your hive? that's not nomal even i" (a deep and light familier two toned voice or voices boomed all around us, and the dream world clouds turned from a scenic view of white to the very familiar blood red) "YOU ARE a TRA-" was all it could say befor i used a spell to focus on the Queen and my self.

"there that's better, now then i take it that you are a young Queen in comparison to my mother?" i asked in a respectful tone, but her voice changed in tone and almost broke my heart. "who are you? where's mommy? the Queen said in the voice of a female nimph (a young girl's voice) "you are alright, your safe little one, can you tell me what is the last thing you remember before coming here please, as it will help me to find your mommy" i said in the softes calm tone that i could, the same voice i used back home while talking to the nymphs. " my mommy Queen Red Heart had to hid us from the bad bugs, she went to fight them and we had to leave our homes in the city.. the Queen then backed away from me, and put on a determined face of defiance and anger "are you a bad bug?" she said still like a scared defensive nimph, "no little one i am like you but my home is far across the ocean" i said truthfully. "you're not lying.. You come from across the ocean? you must be brave so you can fight the bad bugs, and in doing so then maybe you can help me and mommy and then we can go back home yay!" "i might be able to help, but i will need to know more."

(starts to cry talk) please mister you have to help her, i...i love my mommy but were not allowed to go there any more unless mommy says we can (the clouds shifted to show what appeared to be a hastily constructed hive, this was a top view looking down at the changelings who were going about there daily/nightly routens, then the view shifted slightly and the tunnel walls faded to reveal a view almost like my home but it was more elaborate, the view before me must of taken generation to build as it was carved out of the rock and was one big hollowed out caven, and far below us was a city that appeared to have been recently and hastily evacuated) that my house the changeling Queen or should i say the reawakening princess? said.

she pointed to a large palaces that would make the builders of canterlot blush with embarrassment at the sheer size and scale not to mention the quality of the craftsmanship work, but what caught my eye was the fact that they did have there own loc-love cristals that sat on top of the five spiers that surrounded the main large keep in the center which had the most cristals, "excuse me my dear, but can you tell me what those cristals are?" i said as the big but nimph sounden Queen giggled "your silly there loc-love cristals, mommy says there from the good ponies for here and another hives work to save the big up top land... i can't say its name yet but i think its called equ-eeen-shea (yes it took all my strength not to go arrr) and mommy says that each spier represents harmony, and the center where i used to live with mommy rep-he-ents magic of friendship which is important, but i don't really know why yet but mommy says one day she will take me to see the pony folk and i might make some new friends" (the Queen started to prance around like a happy nimph who has been given some sweet root as a reward for being good while saying) "yay i like making new friends" she then give a tired yawn "am sorry mister but its time for my nap, if you see my mommy can you tell her that i love her, i just want to go back home (she yawns again) i wish the bad bugs would leave us all alone, there bad because they hurt ponies. she said as she curled up into an adorable ball, as the view of the city faded to be replaced by the white clouds.

i stopped the spell and watched as the changeling Queen faded away into her own dreams, a side effect from the spell that i used. as she started to fade away and before she vanished i spoke up with tears building in my throat, eyes and my heart "sleep well little one" i managed to say before she disappeared.

when i awoke the early rays of the sun were just appearing from the horizon as the sky looked a brilliant array of gold reds and puerperal, which normally would of made me feel happy, but all i could do was cry silently, i did manage to get out of bed silently, as some time during the night Moon light had let go of me and had turned to face the doorway.

i managed to leave my room quietly with my cristals, all the while i cried silently except for that shaky breathing you get when you cry. i did manage to stop after i walked the silent hallway i turned and went down one of the many staircases, when i was halfway down the stairs i sat down on a step that was neither at the top nor at the bottom which felt about right as i felt like i had broken a promise to a little nimph who just wanted to see her mommy, i was starting to think of my own mother and how much i loved her and my sometimes my annoying hache brothers and sisters who i also loved. a voice from behind me broke my concentration.

"i take it that thou has not had a restful night sleep" came the gentle soft caring voice of Luna, as i took in another shaky breath as the princess of the night sat beside me "am sorry princess but i just found something out that has me a bit upset and i am not sure why i can not shake the feeling that i had broken a promise, that i wish with all my heart that i could full fill" i manage to say still in a shaky tone as i could feel myself starting to tear up.

"maybe if you could tell me about it my friend" Luna said in her caring tone, and so i explained every thing that had happened in that dream world and how it mad me feel to hear the so called evil changeling Queen. "i see, do you have any thoughts as to how this happened?" Luna asked me, "i think chrysalis mother is still in that city somewhere she most likely is being used to control her daughter's actions and through her, her own children... i know i can save her but not her children nor her mother, as soon as the parasite is killed it will sever the link and as you know from the hospital here in ponyville" i said breaking down into tears again.

Luna put a hoof over me and cradled me "t'is a hard choice indeed, but are you sure they will all die?" to which the answer was "i really do not know, i do know that any unhatched eggs will survive and maybe some of the nymphs will, but with no one to help them....i do not think they would last long, and not to mention what seeing the adults collapse and most likely die will do to them as they are only children....." i did manage to stop crying but the thought of such things happening to adult and child alike made me feel numb from the sheer pain and weight of it all.

"could your hive not help at all? Luna asked with hope in her eyes "i do not know, as that thing is very strong and gods above only know how long it has been in charge for as we changelings do not count the days and minutes like ponies do, since we live long lives unless we are killed (that is when another thourt crossed my mind) oh by my ancestors i never thourt about Moonlight what will i tell her?...."

"you know we alicorns have long lives too, so i do know what you mean. my sister and i know of a spell that we use to help us to move on when a loved one has passed from old age and for when the pain grows to much, that is why shy always says one thousand years ago when in fact it is most likely ten's of thousands, pity us or not, but that spell lets us retain our knowledge of our enemies who in most cases find a way to come back. you know before i turned into Nightmare Moon, i was in love with a stallion called Night Breeze and he loved my night, when he passed it hurt me so much that my sister wanted to help me by using that spell but i refused as i did not want to forget him,

after fifty years had past the pain was replaced by an empty void, and that's when i noticed that the ponies seemed to love my sister more and here sun, but they shunned and slept through my night, this gelousy grow inside of me as not even my own sister would come to see my night, so i stopped going to the ceremonies during her day as my anger grows at her until one day my rage and anger broke my own hold over myself and Luna princess of the night was replaced with Nightmare Moon who attacked my sister and almost won if it was not for the elements of harmony, to which i am grateful for as i do love her, and she disappeared when Nightmare Moon returned just as i did when the changelings attacked canterlot, because it reminded me too much of Queen Red Heart that came to warn us of that vile traitor who calls himself king Zombra had taken over the crystal empire,

as it was because of him i met a cocky soldier called Night Breeze who was a changeling as well as his good mother and my good friend, but when our combined forces came to retake the empire, but Zombra tore a hole in the time stream and the crystal empire disappeared right in front of us, Night Breese's mother was upset because she had lost her friends and the princess who ruled their but her name escapes me as i must have used that spell on myself, i am afraid she was killed by Zombra and his black arts. but now Cadence and her husband Shining Armor now take care of the crystal empire. the point of this tail is to help get it off my chest and to let you know that we thourt all those ponies were lost by our actions."

the alicorn princess of the night had a look of pain on her face,and i could feel it inside of her. "i think i understand, what you mean as it is better to act to save as many as possible but you can not control what might be or what will be just like life and death which will happen no matter what you do, but you should hold on to the good that happens even if it hurts your heart in the end?" i asked raising an eyebrow well sort of as we changelings do not have them, but it was the same expression of hope i have got this right and i did not upset her anymore.

"you know you are right, and you do remind me of Night Breeze, but do not worry i will not steal you from Moonlight (Luna chuckled and then said) he passed away due to a new disease that is no longer new and deadly but still has the potential to kill we now call it the common cold something the humans know about as well, as they said they have the same microbe in their world.. in fact there not so different from us ponies" Luna said most likely out of habit. "so are the humans still here?" i asked trying to change the subject to something a bit lighter in tone, as the common cold can be deadly in a hive especially to nymphs and to those who have not fed in a long time due to their roles in the hive, something my kind knows too well.

"No the humans that came yesterday have gone back to their world through portals they made themselves, infact we have some of our ponies in their world studying their history and technology while some of the humans are studying our history and incantations in canterlot, oh that reminds me" Luna then pulled out a strange black thin thing from under her wing i think as she retrieved it from her left side, she used her magic to hold it in front of use, "oh Twinkle dear would up wake up please" luna said to the strange thing, i was about to ask what and who she was talking to when the an inner rectangle light up and a faces of a pony wearing a monocle appeared "ah Princess Luna you currently have no unread messages or e-mails, would you like to play a game?" the floating pony head said in a enajectic happy voice, "no that will not be necessary, i was hopeing that you could send a request to the human T.D.T HQ (Trains Dimenal Team Head Quarters) for a new unicorn tablet to be sent to Twilight's castle of Harmony addressed to Mr Paul and an earth pony one addressed to Miss Moonlight." at this request the pony face disappeared briefly then returned "the message has been sent my princess of the night" Luna had a slight blush on her face before it disappeared at the comment,"thank you Twinkle you can go to sleep now" there was a strange long beep then the face said "good night princess have a good glorious night" then the screen went back to black.

needless to say i was confused as to what had just happened as Luna put the device back from where she got it from, "there that's that" Luna said with a smile "that's what?" i said still confused as to what had just happened "and what was that pony doing inside that thing anyway?" i asked trying not to sound as bewildered as i was. "oh my how rude of me sorry Paul, it is a devices that can possibly help answer some of your questions as the humans can keep small portals open so the devices like these can be used to what they call it again? ah but of course, surf the web, think of it as..mmm how did Night Breeze put it so you will understand...ah that's it! it is the human vertion of your collective hive mind only it can do more than just share its knowledge, it can play music and show moving pictures called movies that have sound too, but you must be careful as some ponies got addicted to watching movies and stayed up for days watching them, they learned the hard way to use them carefully and sparingly" Luna said with some with sadness in her voice.

"oh there you are Paul i was a bit worried when i did not see you .... oh hello princess Luna" came the heavenly voice of Moonlight just the pony i needed to talk to. Luna giggled at the dreamy smile Paul had on his face at the voice of Moonlight, Luna then arose from the step not wanting to intrude "i shall leave you two lovebirds alone" Luna said still giggling as she was about to leave the stairway she turned her head to see Moonlight sit next to me and she smiled before saying "and don't worry Paul i will pass on what you have told me to Twilight and my sister."

"Paul are you alright? as something seems off about you" Moonlight said sounding concerned, so i explained to her everything even the part where we had disturbed the meeting which made me and Moonlight laugth, she also felt my pain at what had happened in the dream world and how the evil Queen was not as evil as first thourt, i had just finished telling her the last part of the events that had me upset. "so you might end up killing more than you can save, mmm but is that not better than being forced to hurt ponies and others alike?" i just shooked my head "i really have no i dear, its the famous dame if you do and damned if you do not" i said in a numb neutral tone of voice.

"you know something Paul, i believe you will do whats right in the end but their is something i want to talk to you about in private, so come on" Moonlight said as she got up from the step and i followed her to our room. once inside i shut the door behind us, "well i talked to Lilly after the incident and she said it was horrible to watch yourself hurt the ones that you love, but she also thanks you for saving her life, but that thing needed to be killed and that's coming from one of the gentiles pony that i know of, she spoke of how it felt to be used as a puppet for something that wishes nothing but death on us all, because we are different from it, it also hated to be on a pony and would make lilly cut herself deliberately for fun (Moonlight visibly shuddered at the thourt, and i could feel it) am sorry Paul for being a bit depressed, but i (Moonlight takes in a deep breath) i need to tell you why i was so upset for when you turned into that blue unicorn with the black and white maine for.., well as you know i was adopted and my parents..may they rest in peace could not have a child of their own and you looked exactly like what i used to imagine my brother or sister would be like.

"so it was not the accent then, but i am still sorry for upsetting you and if" i was cut off as Moonlight kisst me, after which she spoke up "i know Paul its weird but i can feel your emotion as tho they were my own, i do not know how or why but i can" Moonlight said in a loving serious tone of hers, "for how long?" i asked slightly confused and a slight sense of fear and also hope began to grow inside of me, "well it started when we first met, it went away after what happened to Lilly but as me and your old escort came closer to ponyville but it grew more stronger, for example you are feeling confused along with a mix of emotions" my jaw fell open as if to say something but i closed it again as i really was flummoxed, "Moonlight were you feeling ok when you woke up this morning?" Moonlight blinked then started to laugh "i don't think i am pregnant as am not in heat (Moonlight giggled again) but i will go to see the hospital for a pregnancy test if that will make you feel better," Moonlight said as she stepped to the side of me, and approached the door before i could do or say anything she shaped my flank with her blue tail "but i think you will make a wonderful father" Moonlight left me their with a huge smile on my face at the prospect of the future.

i must of been of in my own little world for quiet a while as a knock on the door snapped me out of it, i turned to see a cherry red mare in a maids outfit come into the room just as i was just about to open it myself, now in the stories that i know of like horror and drama, in them the female always screams with an AAAAAAAAA!! but that did not happen, when she saw me just about to open the door she mad a low pitched GRRRRRRRRROOOOOOOO kind of sound, which just sent me into hysterical laughter at the sound and at the weird walk she did as well, she seemed to shuffle in a zig zag in motion all the while making the sound as she walked into the room and then walked back to the door way, "oh dear i am sorry sir i thought this room was vacant i did not mean to startle you....sir are you ok?"

the mare said as i was still in hysterics and could not talk, it took me a while to regain control of myself "my dear that was the most unexpected thing that has ever happened so far today" i said with hints of laughter in voice. "oh please sir! am so sorry please do not tell the princess as i need this job" the cherry red mare said with some fear in her voice and tears starting to build in her eyes which seemed to expand.

"my dear my evan if i did tell the princess i do not think they would believe me, and getting startled is not a firing offence anyway, plus i was exspecting a different sound from you (i allowed myself a chuckle) but where have my manners got to (i cleared my throat) my name is paul and my love Moonlight is not here at the moment" i said in a proud tone "oh sorry sir, my name is cherry bloom and i like to make sure the castle stays clean for Tw i mean princess Twilight sorry sir" she said with some fear still in her voice. "well miss Cherry Bloom i shall leave you to your work, and it is just Paul if you do not mind unless protocol calls for it, but if i do get you into trouble by somepony over hearing you call me by my name i will sort it out, but befor i go could you be so kind as to give me some directions to the castle's library"

"oh certainly si.. i mean Paul it just down the corridor on the right hand side and is the only door on this floor that has a star shaped handle but a good push will open it, and its three levels high, that is including the 1st floor or ground level if you prefer" i said my thanks and left the mare to her work, which would not take her long apart from a light dusting i thourt, after all their was nothing of value in their.

it did not take long to locate the library which had the most books in it that i have ever seen in my life, it was here i saw the little Dragon was going about the selves making sure that each and every book was in the correct placement and occasionally muttered to himself, the ladder he was on was on was on the ground floor but he was closer to me on the first floor with his back to me, so i waited until he was in the center of the ladder before speaking up as i did not want him to hurt himself, but i did notice that he was almost the size of a pony give or take, and i say little in comparison to a dragon which can be huges in comparison to some islands that dotted the waters around my homeland, but right now i need help and i can measure the dragon later when i also found out that i am nine years older than him, but in being layd i really could not say as it takes the right conditions for any spices to hach.

"excuse me er Spike was it? i was hopeing you could help me with something" i sort of shouted, luckily the little dragon did not lose his balance but he did make it quite aware to me that we were in a library with a "SHHH!" he continued under his breath "we are in a lyberry, i thourt a bug pony would know that you don't shout in them" which was louder than he thourt thanks to the quietness of the liberty, oh ok little dragon that's how you want it i thought to myself as a smile popped up onto my face, i opened my wing casing and stretch as my wing which felt stiff at first but with a few practices flaps i took off like a pro and gradually descended to land not to far from the dragon, upon landing i put my wings back and spoke up "sorry for shouting as we are in a library, but i was wondering if you could help me find a book please" i said deliberately watching my volume, "oh i see do you know what the subject is about?" Spike said with a forced helpful tone.

but i could sense he did not really like me as it felt like i was given him some fear and repulsion, "i was hopeing for two if possible, the first one would be about time or more specifically how it is measured and also something that could help me to interact with the ponies here in Equestria with a bit more success than i have had so far as i wish to let them know that they do not have anything to worry about as i am just like them please and thank you" i said in a calm manner the little dragon scurried up the ladder to grab a book while saying under his breath when he was up high enough he must of thourt i would not be able to hear him "from what i heard yesterday your getting on just fine with the ponies" i could not stop myself but it came flying out of my mouth before i could stop it as i just felt overwhelming anger at the comment due in part to the rumors of changeling prematurely "THEIR IS ONLY ONE MARE I THANK YOU" i snapped at him for the insult and out of shock he fell from the top of the ladder, and let out an "ARRRR! ARR! AA! Oh!?" spike said or screamed as i curt him and the books that fell with him, i gently placed him on the ground and the books on the big golden colored reading table.

"i am sorry for shouting at you and startling you Spike but i do really love Moonlight with all of my heart, i mean you must know what it feels like to have somebody or pony insulted someone dear to your heart ether on purpose or indirectly?"

spike just blinked as memories flashed before his eyes, "i guess your right, i am sorry for being rude but i still get nightmares about canterlot and other thing's, i know it was not you or your hive, it's just going to take me some time that's all" Spike said with the sorrow thick in his tone.

that's when things went from calm to weird as Applejack came storming through the library doors which boomed as they hit the walls on each side "SPIKE ARE YOU ALRIGHT SUGARCUBE" Applejack shouted, she then came at me like well like an orange train of pain as she came striding over to me all i saw was an orange line then nothing but stars for a brief second as another hoof came into view, i had hardly any time to dodge it but i did manage to move out of the way in time, she then sent another hoof my way which i did managed to dogges as well, as i did i got a look at her face, and boy was she angrier than going up to a rock troll and saying let me guess you'er called cliff then laughing and following that up by calling him/her a dirty piece of limestone (soft rock).

if you are a troll of any type please note that i do apologize for the insult to your family and name as this is not my intention, she was angryer than that to tell the truth which helped me to doge each of here blows but anger does not really help to replenish as much magic used, then she thought that she had me cornered judging by the smile she had on her face as she charged at me agin trying to get in close to get another punch or two in before i calmly and quickly scurried up the side of the wall to be out of her rech "come down her and take ya medisin like a pony!!" she almost growled at me at the top of her voice.

I looked at spike for assistance as he just looked shocked by the action of Applejack, who had not given up on trying to crack me like a nut, i could feel it inside of her the same fire that i would use on anything that might try to hurt Moonlight but this was almost like i tried to kill him......"Spike will you tell you marefriend to stop trying to see if she can crack me like a nut please." i pleaded as i did not want to use force on her, she was now throwing books a couple of book stands and a few other items and chair at me sinces i was out of her reach, as you can imagine i held these in my magical field so that Twilight would not get upset at her friend or me, that was my plan before she tried to buck ((kick) the table, but i could not move other wies everything would fall as i was being tasked to my limit as i found out what other objects where paperweights, and the chairs waight a tone ech at least and its quiet hard to think of a spell and plan, it is not iampossible but very hard.

Spike snapped out of it as he put two plush two together in his head just as Applejack loosened the table, i am guessing another buck like that and she would of sent it flying but the weight of it would either drag me down slowly or quickly and that's only if my magic did not give out ether making me black out or not i did not want to find out. but to give Spike his dues Apple Jack was running around at speed. "Applejack STOP!!" the little dragon shouted at the top of his lungs this was enough to stop the mare who ran up to Spike "are ya alright sugarcube, the the big mean bug hurt'a at all which gave me enough time to put most of the projectiles back from where they came from, as Applejack fused over spike.

after slowly walking back down the wall with only the books held in my magic as i with lot's of trepidation approached the far side of the table which i placed the books beside and grabbed the table just putting it back in its correct position just as Twilight came in through the doors that Applejack almost ripped apart, "what in all of Equestria is going on in my library!!" Twilight shouted in her way which just sounded like somebody had turned up her volume but had forgotten to turn up the tone.

"er Twilight am sorry for reckon ya Liberty" Applejack said without looking around. "What are you talking about AJ? the library looks fine, oh hi Paul, you would not know what's wrong do you?" i did notice Twilight's horn light up probably a truth detection spell, "not a clue unless it is a love horror action story or a dramatic retelling of historical events, that i might tell you about one day" i said picking up the first book and haven to turn it around so the lettering was the right side up, the book read long ago humans were a common species in Equestria.

"oh well erm i will be going then" twilight said as she left gently closing the doors behind her. "why did ya do that for Paul, i was getting ready to buck you into da ceiling?" Applejack asked inquisitively "well i know why you did that for, and i could not sit idly by and let a friend get into trouble with one of her best friend now could i? but i think you and Spike need to talk, i will leave you two alone if you want me to, but i am taken the books with me if thats ok with you Mr Spike" "erm it should be fine as long as they do not leave the castle and you look after them" "done, i will see you two later" i said as i grabbed the books in my magic and flew up to the second floor and left them to hopefully sort out something as i have some studying to do even tho i asked for two books not six but i am a fast reader.

Apple waited until Paul had left before speaking to Spike. "erm Spike you know how me and Rarity used to argue?" "i remember as i used to help patch thing up between you and her" Spike said with a tone of disbelief at the quiet obvious answer to him,"how can i forget?" "well most of t'em where about the way she used you" Applejack said becoming fascinated with making circles on the table with her hoof. "what are you trying to say Applejack?" Spike said not wanting to give any clue about how he felt after getting hurt when he saw Rarity kiss a stallion who he did not know. Applejack gives a sigh, "you remember when you found out about Rarity and her friends, i mean other friends, and how ya felt.. well that's how i felt when she used you to help her" Applejack managed to say looking at the small Dragon in his big green eyes.

"so you're trying t-" was all that Spike managed to say be for Applejack interrupted him "Gosh darn it Spike am trying to tell ya that i love ya, thats why i was going to pummel Paul for when i thought he hurt ya, and now ya not going t'a want me around any more.... i guess i'll be going now" Applejack got up to leave feeling heart broken and she felt fairly stupid for attacking Paul and practically destroying her best friends library but most of all for telling Spike that she had strong feelings for him.

Spike listened to Apple Jack and his big heart burned with the fury of a thousand dragons, it was then he heard Applejack say that she was basically going to go and that Spike would not want to see her again, his eternal dragon franticly paced and jumped into pills of scrolls and books which he had read and/or written for the princesses looking for something abslutly anything that he could say, it was then he looked up and saw one of Rainbow Dash's Poster of the wonderbolts which read: do what you can and you will end up being AWESOME!!

so he swallowed all of his doubts as he jumped up onto the table and ran towards Applejack "Applejack wait!!" Applejack turned to see Spike running towards her, "Applejack (Spike said again only closer to Applejack than before) i never whooooow!" the little Dragon said as he fell off of the table gently landing on the stone floor with an adorable ploop and continued towards Applejack at speed, he managed to jump in front of her and the door "Applejack, i don't want you to go," Spike raised his velveted claw up to Applejack's face, letting it rest on her cheek "the truth is i had given up on finding my special somepony, well until today that is" Spike said in his brave and strogish voce which he did not fake, as not even the dragons from the dragon lands could stop him from him from what he was about to say and do.

Applejack could not understand nor comprehend why Spike stopped her for, as the little dragon who she had always had a soft spot for was now standing in front of her, her heart started to race as Spike placed his hand on her cheek and now all she could hear was the sound of her heart, if she was able to notice her little inner self she would of see a little filly vertion of herself nibbling on her hat in anticipation and hope.

Spike gently let out a breath, and gently and steadily came closer to Applejack, her breath, the smell of apples and farming equipment, guided him to his target.

Applejack unknowingly at the time began to move herself closer to Spike, the smell of books, ink,and quills sperde here on, as her little vertion was beginning to munch on her hat more intently then as her eyes widened to almost to their breaking point, she jumped up a and screamed YHEEERRAAEEr as she throw her hat strat up in celebration, Spikes little self was in the middle of his own celebrations to as he done a celebration dance and fist pumps, as the two met in the midle joined by their own lips in a much needed and heartfelt kiss.

meanwhile Paul had Finest reading Tick Tocks guide to time and clocks, which was full of information on how time has been measured, from water to candle clocks to the more modern wheels and cog of the inner workings of clocks of the present that where in great detail, the book also went on to explain why the measuring of time was important to the day to day lives of all, from playing with friends to meetings and the part that caught his eye cooking, altho it did not contain any recipes only an example, as pony books were made for both adult and fiol alike, he was now on a book called Equestria and your guide to the ponies do's and don'ts by long horn the traveled, when quietly the chambers door opened and in walked a stern looking Twilight...well Paul could of seen Twilight's face and could of heard the door open along with the sound of the carpet fibers rubbing together as they were crushed under a pony's hoof, if he was not gorging on the information in the book which took his full attention.

Twilight aproched him exspecting him to look up from the book but when he did not even turn his head to see her she let out a k-hermmm, the changeling just turned a page and continued to read. right that's it Twilight thourt to her self as she closed her eyes and let out a "HI PAUL!!" needles to say that got Pauls attention along with a yelp!! from the startled changeling, see that got his attention thourt Twilight as she opened her eye to see an empty chair and an open book fall onto its spine with the pages still open on their place chapter ten interacting with pony folk was clearly visible, .... where in tartarus did he get to? Twilight thourt until a "What the buck was that for??" said a very flustered changeling who was now on the ceiling.

"oh good i have your attention" "got my attention!? if i had not use the restroom before you would of got a lot more than just that Twilight" he snapped before he fluttered back down to the ground not saying another word, "well now that is out of the way would you please explain to me what happened back their in the library please" Twilight more ordered than asked juden by the look on her face.

"alright but you must promise not to do anything about it if i do because as far as i am concerned it has been dealt with..ok?" i asked with my heart still racing "ok i promise" said Twilight "Pinkie pie swear?" i said in a questioning tone.

Twilight let out a sigh "fine cross my heart and learn to fly stick a cupcake in my eye! i twilight sparkle swear nothing will be said to anypony or anybody and i will do nothing about anything that Paul tell's me....their now will you tell me" Twilight said along with the necessary movements that are associated with the pinky pie orth. "well i wanted a book and i thourt spike could help me since he was in the library" i began my tail lasted and it took about five to seven minutes longer to explain the emotions i felt as well.

"So let me get this right Applejack loves spike and she tried to crack you open, as you have said in your own words because she thourt you hurt him?" "pritty much so Twilight" i said with all honesty, Twilight then burst out laughing "oh good one Paul, you almost had me their, i mean that does sound pretty far fetched, i mean Spike used to have a crush on Rarity but i think he will most likely be for Ember a girl dragon rather than a pony" twilight said with heaps of scepticism and pessimism in her tone and clearly displayed on her face.

well that was until their was a knock on the door right behind Twilight who opened the door, and looked a bit confused at what she saw "AJ what are you and Spike doing here?" "hi twi is Paul here we want to thank him, and its also good th'a we chached ya here too as it will save us both from haen ta look for ya." Applejack said to a stunned Twilight who moved out of the way allowing her friend and adopted brother/son depending on how you view Twilight's relationship, personally i would agree with Spike who saw Twilight in the same light as a sibling that brings you up like a parent but mainly as a friend.

Twilight looked and felt almost numb at this turn of events, could Paul of been telling her the truth? how could this of happened? especially after what had happened with Rarity, Twilight thourt as Applejack and Spike entered the room, "I just wann'a thank ya Paul" Applejack said with a grin on her face "me too" said a very happy looking Spike, that is when Twilight spoke up "Spike this does not make any sense to me, i mean after that incident and the fact that you are only twenty and still...still" Twilight was interrupted by a not to amused Spike.

"Twilight we both know the only way i can be classed as a grown up dragon is if i horde and let my greed take over, and am surprised that i have to say this especially to you, but i do not want that to happen ever as i do not want to hurt anypony, so evan if it takes a thousand years for me to grow and become what you would class as an adult than so be it, but this is important to me and i thourt you of all ponies would be happy for me and Applejack, and i am not going to leave you Twilight as i will still help but i am my own dragon.

i know you hachced me but am not a pet and i am never going to be your son either but i have always seen you as my older sister and best friend, and despite everything that has happened over the years i have never deliberately failed you and yes i will and have made mistakes, but you show me one creature that has never made one and i will show you a liar or a really dull excuse of an existences," Spike said in a tone of strength that Twilight had never heard from him before, she knew he could be very brave and evan took on an overload timber wolf to save Applejack,

and Apple Jack was defensive about how Rarity treat and used Spike for her own gain... after thinking about it along with other incident twilight wondered how she never thourt about it at the time, Spike was even classed as a hero in the Crystal Empire but the one memory that stuck out in her mind was seeing him for the first time well his legs as a baybie giant that broke the roof, the same day princes Celestia took her as a pupil and it was Celestia who helped a little scared Twilight to control her magic and also helped Twilight's parents as well as resisting Spike. Twilight gave a sigh "you're right Spike except for that pet comment! and i am very happy for you both, but most of all i should've known sooner, as i can not believe that i missed the signs.

"And i am sorry for not believing you Paul but i will have to break my pinky pie promise" Twilight said raising her voice. "erm Twilight why are you" was all i manage to say as i noticed a strange flower pot which i swear was not in the room when i entered let alone Twilight, Applejack and Spike. i could not understand how it even got in mine and Moonlight's room i troted over to it with suspicion when out of nowhere pinky jumped out from behind the flat against the wall curtain needless to say i jumped only this time i hit my head on the ceiling and landed in the pot with my back legs wiggling around for purchase.

as Twilight expected a strange pot had appeared out of nowhere but what she did not expect was for Paul to go over to the pot which was next to the curtain, as expected Pinky Pie appeared unexpectedly but from behind the curtain which made Paul jump and hit his head in a comical fashion, "Twilight Nopony breaks a Pinkie Pie Promise!" came the sad whining voice of the pink party pony. "it is ok Pinky Pie i am not breakin it as he did not want anything bad to happen to Apple Jack or Spike, but i will need your help to throw a party tho" Twilight said with a grin on her face

What a Party? Well why didn't you say so!!" their was a flumpf sound "mmmmmm That is strange" Pinky said "oh wait i know what to do" the pink party pony pulled out a little black box surrounded with a metallic finish with a dile in the center with black numbers going from 1 - 10 on it, she pulled out a black marker and added 11 to it, "now let's hit it up to eleven" she said as she turned the daile and then hit it like a button, this time there was the familiar bang and whistles of multiple party canons, but along with the streamers and confetti flying through the air there was a new addition of Paul who manage to land on the bed after being bounced around the room like a black pin ball with a blue streak of his eyes on it, after rickosaion off of the last wall he landed next to the bed looking bewildered and a bit stunned but in a perfect gymnes stance.

pinky pie commented at the spectacle of the changeling bouncing around the room with a pinging sound when he hit a wall and other objects with "oh he's a pinball wizard but i bet he can't beat the best" she said with a giggle and then when he landed "that's a perfect dismount and it is a line of ten's from the judges yay!" she said with another giggle.

chapter sixteen a grand day out indeed

after my head had settled down from spinning and the little birds had gone, that seemed to be circling my head, i was focused enough to see Pinky Pie finished talking i think to Applejack and Spike or to Twilight, i turned to Twilight " erm if it's alright by you princes am taking some time off from reading for now and am going to chance a look at ponyville" i said still slightly dizzy from whatever that was.

Pinky Pie seemed to cheer up at my decision to get out of the castle for a while although it's really hard to tell what made her happy, as far as i know she is always smiling but i swear somehow her smile seemed bigger. "yay now we can make plans for an extra special super duper special party" she said as another bang and a whistle sounded as confetti and streamers came out of nowhere, the strangest part was as soon as i was not looking at the confetti on the floor it disappeared without any hint that it was their in the first place, i was going to ask about it but my inner changeling and brain both said just accept it and move on!! with my brain adding plase for the love of of my sanity just don't ask!!

the other strange thing was that despite everything i was still at full strength despite everything that had happened, before i left however i checked my loc-love cristals which were all in useable order and fully charged, i guess i have my guards and Luna to thank for that, after which i light up my horn and retrieved my pouch of bits which i teleported them to be under my wing casing i did only take five hundred bits with me just in case i saw something nicer for moonlight as i could sences i had over two thousand at least, i then proceeded towards the door way.

"Take care Paul, and do not get too upset if some of the ponies look nervous around you as you are bigger than a nomal changeling from Equestria, but am sure they mean nothing by it" said a slightly concerned Twilight who was still slightly in front of the door because Applejack and Spike had moved next to Pinky pie in the center of the room for their unannounced meeting, "am sure it should be fine Twilight, after all Princes Celestia did sort of show me off to them, and i think as long as i am nieces and polite everyone should be alright, although they will be one or two ponies that might run and scream, but rest assured ma'am if a pony faints and may be at risk of injury i will do all in my power to make sure that they are safe and sound," "that is good to hear Paul" Twilight said as i left the room.

"erm sugarcube i do trust him, but i only hope the other ponies give him a chances as ya know they can be" Applejack got to say before Pinky Pie finested Apple Jacks words with a list of words "finicky? scitish? panicky? ooo! ooo! i know! i know! judgemental?" said an excited Pinky Pie "ee-yer that" said an accepting Applejack "oh girls what's the worst" twilight manage to say before Pinky Pie zipped over and stuck a hoof on Twilight's mouth "Never say that Twilight!" said a almost deflated mained Pinky Pie with the look of slight sadness in her eyes "what's wrong with you Twilight, you know you never say what's the worst that can happen after talking about a friend when their about to do something, or after something bad has happened!" Pinkie Pie said as she removed her hoof from her friends mouth. "but you just did Pinky Pie?"

"yes as an explation, so that should be fine.........shoulden it?" "i do not know Pinkie Pie" said a slightly worried Twilight Sparkle, "No i am not asking you Twilight am asking that fan who is making his own story about changelings, set in a different universe than the maine show that he likes!" "erm pinky who are you on about? and what are you on...you know what never mind the last one" said a well knowing Twilight "you know that bloke who made the chapter with Moonlight and Paul haven hanky panky, he initiales as P.H.J.D, hmmmm i wonder what it means? i mean it can't mean ponies hit jumping dinosaurs could it? or maybe it means ponies help jabing dear?" Pinky had more to say but the writer wanted to move on before she could add anymore "hey that's cheating!! and you spelled explanation wrong!"

Paul had just left the stairway and was about to "hey writer..yes you i tell you what you make sure that i can get something nice for Moonlight and i will not tell pinky Pie your name and which dimension you live in, oh and make sure that the changelings get a good light ok?" paul said as time stopped (me) "look Paul i can't say what's going to happen as i do not know yet like, and i really do want to continue with this story so we can all find out, but i will try to write something in for Moonlight but if i keep getting interrupted i will not finish this story, and it already looks weird with Pinky Pies bit, so can i please can i continue as i have a weird feeling Pinkie Pie will make this very confusing for me, let alone anybody reading this.

ok i just saw something pink go past my window i will write something in for Moonlight just please stop breaking the 4th wall" "done! now let's continue after you have apologised to the readers, and i will pretend this never happened ok?"

(me) I do apologies for the interruptions so without any further delays let us continue shall we.

Paul was on the stir's and about to set hoof on to the floor when he noticed Morris coming from one of the adjacent corridors that seemed to fill most of Twilight's castle, "oh hey Morris how is Ivy and the rest of you doing?" said in a happy but concerned tone. oh hi Paul we're all doing good, but we are on strict orders to stay at the castle while on duty, are you having a stroll around the castle by any chance?" Morris said happily to see that Paul would still talk to him after what had happened in shield's.

Paul walked towards his friend with a smile on his face "actually Moris i was going to pop into town, see the sights you know, is their anything i can get you and the rest just let me know ok mate?" paul said happily, "nope it's ok Paul i just want you to know that we are all sorry for what happened to you as Moonlight was upset with us all to say the least, but i am happy that you are alright" Morris said with his ears splayed to the back and slightly to the sides "we should of been their for you and maybe" "oh please we both know that it was my choice at the end of the day and who know what would've happened if you all had of came along with me, the ponies probably would of thourt i was some kind of criminal" paul said with a chuckle "anyway i will see you and the rest later, and you can tell them all we are still friends" Paul said as he proceeded towards the castle's main door.

the castle door's seemed to open by themselves as the changeling approached them, Paul was not fazed by this as they were most likely enchanted, as soon as they had opened Paul could feel the sun's rays wash over him, and the view that greeted him was a sight to behold as ponyville seemed to bustle with the sight of the multi colored ponies on the ground, and with the pegasi in the sky, it was like a dream come true for him as he set off in the direction of some of the stalls, their vendors shouts and calls which were too far away and to mixed together to be understood clearly, Paul did notice he got a few doble glances from the guards that patrolled ponyville, but Paul did not pay them much attention as they are their to keep the peace.

as he troted through ponyville he could not help but admire the architecture of the buildings, they had wooden pallets on the outside of them in v patents that had a square border and were painted different color but the main one was a whitish yellow, most of the windows on each of the house had flower beds full of a variety of different types of flowers that where an array of different colors and some were being used to grow what i recognised as food such as tomatoes cucumber etc, but i would not be to surprised to find out that the ponies ate them or used them for homemade remedies.

as i walked and marveled at the it was not long before i literally bumped into my first resident, "what the hay" was what i got before returning my attention to the situation, i had only walked into brilliant minty green unicorn "oh i do apologies miss, it was my fault as i was taking in the fascinating scenery and architecture of the buildings, are you ok miss?" the green minty colored unicorn turned to face me but had ries her head to look at me "......." "my name is Paul and i am currently residing at princess Twilight's castle, just so you know you have nothing to fear from me, but i am very sorry for bumping into you miss?"

"Lyra....my name is Lyra Heartstrings, and i saw you come through with princess Celestia, but what do you mean fascination with what altucher their is not that much here if you ask me, but ponyville is still a nice town...well most of the time anyway" Lyra said with the honesty of somebody trying not to say something untowards the one who has slightly annoyed you. "i am sorry miss Lyra for bumping into you like i did, if their is some way that i could make it up to you, like over a cup of tea perhaps?" i said with a smile.

the little mint colored pony giggled to herself "their really is no need to but if you mean it, i could also show you where the best restaurant is" she said with a giggle before continuing "as it's the only one which serves human and pony alike without much trouble, they even serve griffons as well" the mint colored mare said, i was going to make a joke about serving as a play on words but i thourt better of it, after all i do not want to upset this mare and maybe i could ask her about the shops and stalls so i can get something nice for Moonlight.

after about 5 minutes or less of walking and the occasional conversation of "oh that's the joke shop, you can tell as it's in the shape of a jester's hat, and their is the local bakery where mr and mrs cake work along with Pinky Pie" when we had reached our destination which was a very nice building with tables and chars outside with white cloth covering the tables. Lyra was the first to find a table and a seat, as soon as she sat down the waiter appeared from inside the restaurant, "ah miss Lyra will you be..........oh my" "good afternoon to you sir could i ask for a menu" i said hoping that i had said the correct term as the pony who was about to talk to Lyra had a look of shock on his face as soon as he saw me, something inside of me knew this is probably going to happen quite a lot. "erm certainly sir sorry i did not mean to be so rude i shall get you two one at once" and with that he disappeared from view.

"oh i do love it here as they make the beast hayfries you have ever had" Lyra said seeming to ignore the waiters surprise and shock, i found myself a seat and proceeded to get as comfortable as possible when as if by a miracle i saw Moonlight walking back towards the castle looking a bit down. "oy Moonlight" i shouted which got her to look over as i waved her over, she seemed to perk up but looked a bit taken aback with the company i had with me, as she proceeded towards me and Lyra i grabbed an empty chair for her and placed it so i and Lyra could chat to her but mainly me,

"hi Paul who is your friend?"moonlight said with some suspicion which just made me want to laugh as it seemed to cute to me. "Lyra this is the love of my existence Moonlight, Moonlight this is Lyra Heartstrings a pony i literally bumped into and i was going to get a cup of tea for but since you are here i would not mind getting us all something to eat as well as i fancy trying some new foods and drinks" i said mostly truthly missing out the part about wanting to get something nice for Moonlight, but i might still be able to ask about the stales as long as i mention ponyville and if i can word it as if i am more curious about life in town then what the best shops are.

the waiter came back just as Moonlight sat down "oh my am so sorry miss i have only brought two menus with me" "my good pony two menus will be enguth thank you, but please let the ladies choues first" i said in a polite manner which mad Moonlight giggle."so miss Lyra is there anything you would suggest on the menu" Moonlight asked "oh yes i would say the hay fries are quiet nice here but that's all that i wanted before your love offered to get us all a meal so i might get the quorn veggie burger with them but i will pay for that" Lyra said not wanting to be a burden but Moonlight interjected "if he says that he will pay trust me he means it, when he gives his word he means it" moonlight said with knowing in her voice and some affection.

Lyra was not going to argue as she was still getting used to everything "so how did you and Paul meet if you do not mind me asking that is?" Lyra said passing the menu to Paul to which she got a thank you from the changeling who started reading. "well i was having a bad few days fishing out at sea in my bout not getting anything in my nets and i decided to call it a day, i will spear you the details but once everything was packed i went to bed and in my dreams Princes Luna came to me and told me that a changeling from another land was adrift and from what she could tell had been unconscious for a few days, well when i awoke it was nearly morning and after a coffee i left the cabin and proceeded to the boat house, that's when i saw this strange looking about which stood out amongst the waves as it looked...well unfinished seaworthy but it could've used some varnish and paint, when i shouted and did not get a reply i boarded and that's when i saw him unconscious his chichen as i think he calls it was a dull black almost gray in color so after jury rig my wings (which was kind of true, but she was not going to say that she uses ruins) i manage to get him into the galley and i tied him up just incase he rolled around while i steered us back to shore, i was very worried about him as he did not seem to move until we were not far from shore, i was about to make some food when i heard him grone,"

the waiter had appeared for the orders Lyra and moonlight had placed theirs but moonlight order of earth corn fed beef stake with peppercorn sauce and seasoned spring veggies along with a bottle of blood segin wine making sure to ask for the stopper before continuing her tail, "well i was just coming out of the kitchen and he told me that he was sent to Equestria by invitation of Luna, and that he would not hurt me (Moonlight said skip over the part about knowing how males like him try to take advantages of mares like her which she meant as a joke at the time) he did break the ropes after he fed on his cristals but he did look a lot better afterwards, i think it was about then the boat rocked and he grabbed me in his magic as i would've crashed into the cabinet, and do you know what was making the bout rock so violently?" moonlight asked Lyra who shook her head "am sorry i do not really know that much about the sea, but if you need to know anything about the humans feel free to give me a shout" Lyra said feeling a bit silly for not knowing anything about the sea except how to use the seawater to help build sand castles.

well Paul rushed out and that's when i saw a giant sea serpent which snapped Paul bout with easy and would of done the same to my father's bout too if Paul did not blast it to the horizon (moonlight giggled) one of the first things he asked the guards was if the sea serpent counted as a citizen of Equestria, it was so cute, i guess you could say i wanted him to be mine from the first time that i saw him which seems strange saying it out aloud like that.

mean while i was glad when the waiter had came back over because i wanted to try earth corn fed steak medium rare with assorted veg and those hay fries Lyra had suggested, i also asked how big the bottle of that wine was as i figured it might not go around two ponies and me the waiter explained to me that singing win comes from the northern Empire but the ice bears were also grow in the crystal empire and that it was a four liter bottle which could go around five or seven ponies he said with an apology incase i was offended by the term, i told him not to worry but i did have to glance back at the menu when the bottle itself was nity bits, in total the meal would come to one hundred and forty bits the most anypony had spent, and sizes Moonlight and Lyra were so engrossed with there conversation i asked him for a favor if moonlight likes that wine that i would buy another for later but just to be safe i would follow him inside pay for the lot which he agreed to, once inside he told me that for the same price there was a more alcoholic one used mainly on hearts and hooves day called cristal blood love which i bought instead of the sengin wine, the bottle was in the shape of a crystal but was a three liter bottle of course i sent that to my chest in the castle so now i had two hundred and seventy bits left but i did give him ten bits for himself as a tip two hundred and sixty bits should be more than enuf for something special for Moonlight.

when i sat back down Moonlight had just finest her tail of how we had met that's when she said "aloud like that" that's when lyra added "wow you probably have every ponies dream come true love, he is strong, and very caring and he keeps his word you must be one of the most luckiest mare in all of Equestria, i don't think i will be as lucky to find somebody as special" when Lyra said that my attention was taken by a gray pegasus with one eye pointing up and the other looking at us on the ground she smiled and waved at us so i waved back with a smile as she went from view.

"erm Paul why are you waving at the sky?"Moonlight asked with a puzzled look on her face "oh, well, there was a gray female pegasi who was waving at us so i waved back, i do hope that was the right thing to do?" Lyra started to laugh "oh that was Derpy Hooves she proble just finished her deliveries and was probably waving at someone else as it hard to tell." as she continued to giggle i started to get angry "what is wrong with you making fun of her because of her eyes? she was waving at us and i do not like it when anyone does that" as i said that their was a tud of a pegasus landing hard behind me, i turned and their was Derpy "hi Lyra who's your friends" Derpy said both with a smile on her face and in her tone, Lyra had turned red "sorry Paul, erm Derpy i did not see you and i may of said that you were not looking at us and giggled and i think i may of upset Paul and this is Moonlight" "oh it ok Lyra i know you did not mean it that way, after all it has happened more than ones" derpy said in a carefree manner "i must apologize then Lyra for misunderstanding i am sorry" "well it was nice to meet you Paul and you miss Moonlight and i will see you later Lyara i would stay but i have Muffins with my name on them back home see you guys later" and with that she was off.

the waiter and two of his collages came out with the food and placed them perfectly onto the table and as the glasses were also placed was when i apologized to Lyra "it ok Paul it was my fault but thank you for that, Derpy is my friend and i was remembering when i thourt she was waving at me as we had agreed to meet up, turns out she was waving to somepony else, and i ended up waking into a post, and again thank you for this treat Paul it shows that you have a good heart and sticking up fro my friend shows that you have a heart of gold, never loss that" she said then tucked into her meal along with moonlight, but when i tried the stake oh the flavor was of beef that has been slow cooked which seemed to melt in my mouth, but the sanguine wine was cold and very rich in color and was thick which made it look like blood but it tasted of exotic fruits with a hint of flowers and oke which is strange as i have never experienced such things before but with my first sip as it hit my tongue i was transported to a sun filled field with blue crystal clear sky and green grass with different type of flowers dotting around.

Moonlight found the look on Paul's face to be priceless as his eyes widened as the flavors transported him to some far off dream world which also seemed to happen to Lyra, Moonlight giggled as she remembered celebrating the start of the newyear with her father and how it happened to her and also the hangover she got the day after, she stopped her memories their not wanting to get overwhelmed as this was nice she thourt, she did not want to make Paul feel stressed as she was sure that the up coming days will be stressful enough without him panicking about her birthday tomorrow, and felt kind of awkward trying to tell him that she will be twenty nine herself as she thourt that might up set him or even scar him off!! no no she thourt i will just not say anything as it should not come up conversation, and she did not want him to worry she thourt as she continued her meal hopeing that the courier will take the flowers to her parents graves, this will be the first year she has not been their herself.

the meal went well, as the flavors seemed to complement each other quite well, the hay fries were ok but nothing to write home about,but the veg was succulent, the peas were sweet but not sickly so, the carrots were the same and the potatoes were cooked in butter and garlic with parsley which complemented the dish, so i ate the meal enjoying and savoring every bite, but i needed to asked Lyra about ponyville. "so Lyra what is ponyville like to live in?" Paul asked feeling very contented with the meal but still wanting to know more about the shops, "oh its very good when monsters do not come from the everfree forest, or something comes trying to take over the town and or Equestria, when that happens it can be quite stressful to say the least, but we can manage because we have the elements of harmony" Lyra said smiling but splaying her ears back slightly at thourt of some of the excerpted from over the year's.

Moonlight found this conversation really fascinating and wanted to know more so that's what happened, Paul did manage to say his goodbyes to both Moonlight and and Lyra, moonlight asked Paul to send the bottle to their room and invited Lyra to join her and starlight glimmer for tea, as the mares left Paul was feeling slightly defeated as he really wanted more information but had to make do with a full stomach and an even more determined attaches to find Moonlight something from the heart for his love for her as something was nagging him, but did not want to ask her what it was as he did not want to seem like he is intruding as he did not want to lose her.

after a few strange looks and some whispering from the towns inhabitants, Paul found him self in front of a building that had some garments on display, he hoped as the windows were not made for viewing the dresses in their entirety, as he approached the front door he hoped that the owner was in and that the shop was indeed open, he opened the door with a ring of a little silver bell above his head singling that somebody had entered the shop, he proceeded inside, the view that met his eyes was of a circular room painted white with gold trimmings and purple curtains that covered the doorways and neatly bunched to the sides of the windows. as he took in the sights a familiar voice of a mare said "just a minent, am almost Finest her, James do be a dear and see to them, am just finishing the hem! to which another replied in a cheery go lucky tone "at once mad'am."

as this exchange continued i swear i could hear something like a kind of wind or a gas leak as it was a whooshing kind of sound? my puzzlement at this mystery was soon answered as a floating metal thing came from behind the puerperal courten to my left, "Good Day to you sir and welcome to Rarity's Boutique, My name is James and i detect that you are not on our record's, Please wait while i up date......(Elevator music)......... "Righty oh! my scans show you are working for the ministry and the princesses," was all James could say as a crash from behind the purple courtens from my right followed by the sound of scampering Hooves.

"That will be all James" came the voice of Rarity as she hurried to the Parlor and haven to fight her way into it by the courtens that complimented her art works perfectly, she managed to regain her compressor and her vision,which was one she did not expect to see and which stopped her in her tracks. "oh my word, it's you Paul sorry i thought you were somepony else" Rarity said using the pause to straightening up her maine, after all it simply would not do to go around unladylike.

"Hello miss Rarity, i am sorry to intrude but i was hopeing to see you about a dress for Moonlight, but now i am fascinated with this floating talking metal thingie" Paul said trying to process what,why,and how this James worked. Rarity began to approach the changeling and James, this time in a more Ladylike paces she thourt "That will do James i will take this, Do be a dear and tidy up back there for me" James gaved a "at once Ma'am" and shot off behind Rarity and disappeared out of view by going through the courten. "so a Dress for Moonlight is it? well i can make it in no time at all in fact i wanted to see you so i can get your measurements, if you don't mined?

"measurements? for what because i do not want a dress that's for Moonlight" Paul said in a mono tone of voice in disbelief at what he had heard. Rarity just laugh "no deary, a dress for Moonlight and a suit for you" she manage to say as the blount response helped her to laugh, "oh thank you miss Rarity bu" "But nothing i insist" finished Rarity with the type meras in her magical grasp, after a long and awkward silences that Paul had succumb to Rarity was quickly and efficiently measuring him, mumbling now and them which Paul could not make out. "and Done, their that was not so bad now was it? "Rarity said in a cheerful tone, Paul just noded "now i will have them delivered to Twilight's castle tonight as i was not off by much." Rarity said as she proceeded to show him the door to which he happaly left. with a quick "see you later bye now" the door shut behind him.

after Blinking about five times Paul managed to process engoth of something is indeed wrong here, and that he should fined out about it as something indeed seemed off like he was being watched when "YO, PAUL UP HERE!" came the shout of Rainbow Dash who was on what looked like a white fluffy cloud, "AND I KNOW YOU CAN FLY, SO YOU CAN COME UP HERE" she said still shouting from the cloud.

as Paul began to spread his wing casing he could hear an audible yawn from the cloud so he flew up as Quietly as possible, he then tried to land on the cloud and found it to be cool and refreshing under his hooves and strangely took his waite. "yes Rainbow Dash you wanted something?" Paul said as Rainbow Dash opened her eyes "wow i didn't even hear you, so you can be quiet but can you beat the Dash?"

and with that she shot off, Paul shot off after her at what he thourt was a brisk pace "so you can keep up then?" Rainbow Dash said in her in her calm sporting tone of voice meaning that she was not going so fast, Paul soon found out the hard way that Rainbow Dash has a real competitive attitude to life as she began to gain speed,

it was not that long before Paul found himself along with Rainbow Dash breaking the sound barrier, and yet he knew she was taken it easy on him, their speeds continued to rise as a cone of another barrier started to form around Rainbow Dash which was in the color of the rainbow, but for Paul it was a brilliant white for the changeling which continued to grow and started to involve the other colors until a boom happened full of color followed by a chingeling losing his crona due to an unanticipated sonic rainboom.

Paul found himself falling from the sky in a tail spin and was unable to control his direction, so he closed his eyes and focused as his horn light up and a green bubble surrounded him. he then went back to his original height and still using the spell to reduce his drag and shot off at speed, and soon caught up to where Rainbow Dash should of been. it was about this time he slowed down to hear Rainbow Dash shouting behind him but she was too far away to hear so he stopped and landed on a nearby passing cloud, it did not take a rather flustered Rainbow Dash to catch up.

"what the hay was that about back there?" Rainbow Dash said as she flumpted down onto the cloud catching her breath "i am sorry for scaring you miss Dash, but i was not exspecting whatever that was to happen, so i could of just hit the ground, but at that speed i would of hit the ground... well lets just say their would be a deep big hole, and a lot of mess" Paul said honestly "no i mean what is up with that green ball of fire! you just shot off?" Rainbow Dash said trying not to seem a little impressed at the fact that this conversation was on a cloud and not her peering down a dark hole wondering why it took her so long to realize that he was in trouble, she nearly reached him when he was engulfed in green flame.

"that was just a simple spell to reduce my drag and friction, i did not expect you to have even notice that i was in trouble, that's why i tried to continue in the same to meet back up, and thank you for trying to help me" Paul said with a friendly smile "well then i will races you back to Twilight's castle" and with that she was off with a head start, with a changeling flying after her but still far behind her.

if Paul had of noticed where he was at the time he did not show it, as he was not to far from the border to the badlands as the ponies called it, as the land was barren and more of a desert than the rich lushes land that they called home, there were a few towns dotted around but they were all a good day's trot (walk) from each other, another ponie fact just as in the everfree forest parts of the land could not be tamed and was prone to freak whether but the main being an unbearable heat during the spring and summer and torrential downpours during atrium and winter,

the high mountains always had snow on them but the rivers of water they could make made it hard to build more towns, whose main exports where gems and coal, they were evan deep canyons that seemed to jump up out of the ground to the unexpecting traveler.

Paul nearly caught up to Rainbow Dash a few time but ultimately she had won and was now doing a celebratory dance while still airborne going "aaaarrrreee yer, umim, nooo ponie can beat the Dash" Rainbow Dash said in time to her ritum. Paul was still trying not to laugh at the spectacle in front of him,as he had to hand it to her that she was indeed fast in the air, but if he was to use any spell at all to beat her, well that would be cheating he thought as he failed to hold in his laughter.

"ok dash you are the fastest pegasi that i know of ever, but if i had of used my spells as well, then i would be celebrating too" Paul said with a grin. "oh is that so? well then why didn't ya then mmmm?" Rainbow Dash said with a cocky smile on her face. "well that would've been unfair, after all i don't want to out Dash the Dash now do i" Paul said with a grin

Chapter seventeen I just don't know what i did wrong, but am going to fight

After losing to Rainbow Dash and having had a laughed at the spectacle of her winning celebration just above one of the many balconies, i was about to enter the window door when they opened from the other side by a stressed out ponie who was dressed in golden with a blue star in the center of the chest plate of his armor,

as the window door was opened, and just from the look that i was met with i knew something was very wrong even before the white stallion opened his mouth. "Sir a situation has developed and both Luna and Celestia need to see you now, Follow me!" I swallowed a lump in my throat and silently followed close behind him, Rainbow Dash had silently agreed that this was the right course of action and had left me to it shooting off with audible whoosh and a pop, as the air rushed to fill the void that once was filled by her.

i entered the vacant room which was bare except for the courtens , each step taken by me and the yet unknown stallion still seemed to reverberate making it sound like ten ponies were walking instead of one and a changeling, my mind began to races with numbers and probability of what this might be about, i wanted to ask the stallion but since i was not told the why of the situation it seemed futile to ask. we continued in silences with only the clip clop of hooves hitting the stone of the castle, which so times was muffled by the occasional rug,

this continued up and down stairs and along the many side passages, until we reached a large archway which blocked my view by the big Black and purple ornate doors, which seemed to depict a tree that was devoid of leaves but also depicted ponies playing around the base of its trunk, if you looked hard enough you could just make out the seem that split the door in two, right down the it's center.

"I have my orders Paul this is as far as i can go, i do not know what this is about but if you have done something then may whatever you believe in help you, if you are truly innocent or it is something else than good luck to you, as you have friends in the guards but our duties come first," he said solum and true "thank you, and if i see you again you will have to tell me your name, as i know about as much as you do sir."

this seemed to be acceptable, " i will but i must say this before you can continue and it is not my name, and if you are innocent then i will buy you a drink and i will tell you my name sir,

Sherbet Lemon brings forth the waters of life my dear brother" he said as he trotted away, i was about to ask when the doors opened, in a sound that made them seem to be thousands of years older,

i was met by a view of a vial of pure white light, i entered at a normal pace when a familiar feeling of being stretched and pulled and scrunch and squeeze me which filled my senses, after it had stopped i found myself in a grand hall covered in white marble with a golden trim on the borders and pillars which seemed to far apart to be anything else than decoration, i did not have that long to take in the sights as i solum voice broke me from my shock and ore.

"It is good to see you Paul" came the joy less tone of princess Celestia, which made me turn around to see that Luna Twilight and a pink alicorn were looking at me from behind a elongated table, which from my view looked like a sword with four alicorns behind it, from what i had heard from different conversations i could honestly say that the pink alicorn is the one they called Cadence,

"you needed to see me princesses" i said in a calm manner while my mind still raced with the questions. Luna was first to speak "thou has done nothing wrong, but we.....I have wronged you it would seem" Celestia continued " , Indeed... Paul has Moonlight seemed a bit off to you?" "Princess what do you mean?" i said as a sudden sense of dread shock and pain grasped me as every fiber of my being began to scream is Moonlight alright? is she safe?

"Paul you have to understand something, Moonlight is not a nomal Bat pony and has served Equestria well over the many decades that we have knowing her, but she is a Sengiwing pony or a vampire if you prefer, she and her brethren have served us well, and the fact that she has saved our lives on more than one occasion that is why we have summoned you to canterlot, their has been an incident and we believe that she was involved." "what kind of incident are we talking about?" i asked not actually wanting to know, but more out of a needing to.

Twilight Sparkle took over control of the proceedings "Paul after you left a body was found we know it could not of been you due inpart to the evidence that the body had been completely drained of blood and had been skillfully butchered, the pony in question had been presumed missing for about a month, Luna and Celestia and Cadences, as well as i know that you were not evan at sea when this had of occurred, but we are all worried about her as it was a very close friend of her family of sorts, the easiest way to put it would be to say a distant relative of her family who was not shall we say infected by the condition."

i felt a bit of relief at the news but still knew that this was not over and that i will go throw much worse, Cadences now took over " Love is a strong emotion especially when it involves family, and we need you to try and find her before she does something that will hurt her and you" "so you want me to find her and then what? somepony has hurt her and from what i understand you......"

i cut myself off as i got a bad feeling, like part of me was in pain, i closed my eyes and focused on the sensation, it was close and yet so far away from me, it was coming from far below me, almost as though i was standing right on top of it, without much effort as i felt my magic rises up from my horn and like an extra eye it probed its way down through the many layers of the castle, my tendrel eye past through the many rooms and chambers of the castle which held no significance to me.

i could hear the princess's talking but i focused on my task, i was concerned when i could only see nothing but black for a few feet until i saw a large cavon which had what would look like many walkways made out of stone with a sheer drop below them each one headed off into the darkness with only the torch lights to show the path was still their, but at the furthest distances the lights merged to form an orange line, i scanned the area to get my bearings to plan for another spell so i would reappear above the closest walkway when i felt a burning sensation again and it was closer.

"am sorry, she is in trouble" i said quickly and sharply as i changed my spell and i opened my wing casing and spread my wings as i was enveloped in my magic, if the princesses protested i did not hear them properly and i did not care to listen, once on the other side i did fall a little bit but i was soon hovering silently, i then rotated and landed on the roof of the cavern and i closed my eyes and found the direction, i opened my eyes again and ran towards the source which was right up against the cavern's wall that was closest to me.

after a short gallop i was almost at my destination,i could hear what sounded like plees for the pain to stop and for it to end if it will not,when i was at the wall of the cavern i once again sent my magic wandering eye through the solid stone, it was not long before i could hear and see what was on the other side of the wall, their was one door that had a beam across it to keep it locked from the inside, their was blood on the floor that had been smudge and splattered, that is when i saw Moonlight thanks in part to what i can only guess to be a roaring fire.

to say that Moonlight was in a bad way would be an understatement, Moonlight was hanging from the wall by her front hooves and her legs were also shackled to the wall, she had a swollen black eye various cuts and bruises, some of the cuts had been cauterized and she also had burn marks but that is when i noticed her wings were missing.

"why are you doing this" Moonlight tried to say "ha hah, i think you know why don't you, you're a vile evil monster and i am the monster hunter, killing you will be fun for me and once am done with you i will go for the rest of you'er family i think i will keep those little lovely wing for my mantle piece" the male sounding voice said with a maniacal laughter in his tone, i did noticed that the speaker was a griffon when he came into view and was holding onto a yellow hot tipped iron bar and was slowly walking back over to moonlight.

I stopped my spell and focused, again i was engulfed in my magic but this time when i appeared on the other side i gave a bright white flash as i appeared behind him, the griffon dropped the iron bar from his talon to cover his eyes, i then grabbed the iron bar in my magic as i ran towards him, with my magic i levitated the bar so that the hot part would hit is head once it was over him i let it go and jumped, as expected once the bar was released from the magic it landed on his head and he screamed in pain and spread his wings in pain, which was exactly what i wanted him to do as i grabbed them in my magic and pulled myself towards him while i was still in the air, i also opened my mouth and aimed for his back with my fangs bared.

i soon felt my fangs pierce his flesh as his wings joints snapped and crack like twigs under hoof, i felt my venom pump into him as i forcibly pushed it out through my fangs, i relished my bite and my magical hold on him still moving through the air by the momentum which i used to flipped and spined to land in front of Moonlight and to land facing the griffon who did not look to happy.

"My wings you horrid bug i am going to kill yo........" the griffon then collapsed into a heap as the toxin went to work making him fully paralysed and out cold. i then turned my attention to Moonlight, and i was close to tears by the sight of her but i held them back, i then used a spell to free Moonlight who briefly fell but i caught her before she could hit the stone ground below and i floated her over to me and placed her on the ground gentilly "Paul why are you here for? i am a monster" Moonlight said in a sad sleepy tone "my dear Moonlight you are not a monster, but i will use one to help you, now this will feel weird and it might hurt" i said as i placed my lips on her head as my horn light up and sent a tendril of magic that wrapped around the griffons head.

as i fed on the love of the griffin i pushed it back out and into moonlight in the form of a healing spell, i kept this up until the git, i mean griffon had the worst nightmare's in his life that he will not wake up from for quite a while, but moonlight was still in a bad way, but she was able to speak a bit stronger "Paul why" Moonlight said with a strange senices of regret as i stopped taking from the griffon and removed my lips to look at her, "because i do love you Moonlight, just remember that no matter what happens i love you"

i said as my horn light up and i sent her more of my magic to heal her, as this went on i noticed my vision had turned green and i could feel the tingling sensation of love leave me as i kept giving, soon i was hit with the sensation of being hit by a steel slab as everything went black, but i felt happy especially when a strange thought crossed my mind in the form of i can almost call a song it went; Hello Darkness my old friend, i have come to see you once again:

it was nice but i felt nothing but happiness as i fell to the ground no longer in pain but at peace, knowing that Moonlight was safe as the darkness took me into it's warm embrace.

???

"Hey Paul you know i had a strange dream about you today"

"oh Lura what was it about, as i can not guess, but as long as it does not involve monster, then i would call it a good one"

"i dreamt that we lived in a house with a front and back garden and we had two cats, you went to work each day and came back at night, but that was a dream, and this one will be ending soon as you need to look after Moonlight"

"why does that name sound so familiar to me"

"it is this place, i need to go, you need to move on and focus on your Moonlight, if i can check up on you i will but she needs you, she needs you and i need you to let me go, as you can not follow me, i will not let you"

"i know Moonlight i love her i truly do but i will not forget you Lura and thank you, i hope everything works well for you but i have to go Moonlight needs me and it is not my time is it?"

"no it is not your time yet, bye Paul and look after Luna as you would me",

and with that the dream faded away, but to tell the truth, i do not know what it was, but the darkness began.

i began to hear a familiar BEEP! BEEEP! and then the sensation of pain in my horn which throbbed and i felt my reserves were nearly empty but i knew i would live, i stird and that is when i heard a familiar voice telling me not to move and that i have been out for about three weeks, so slowly i opened my eyes "cristal?" i manage to say as i noticed one was already beside me, i fed eagerly on it which made everything feel better, after that was done i sat up "thank you but is Moonlight going to be ok? is she up yet?" i said as the memory of her hanging up assaulted my mind vividly.

"Moonlight is fine but the griffon might not be able to fly again, but after what he had done to Moonlight, well let's just say we are having a hard time finding the changeling antivenom but since he is safe why waste it, he has not shown any sign of being allergic just bad dreams. i looked at her titling my head slightly and squinting.

"we have met before haven't we?" "indeed but i did get an apology from the Princesses as you did not catch my name apparently the first time we met, it is Dorria and if you want to make any jokes just remember who out ranks you and gets to inject you and so much more" she said matter of factly with a smirk as she turned off the heart monitor and released me from the machine's tendrils "i was not going to do any thing of the sort mis dorria, but can i or rather may i be allowed to see Moonlight please" i said in a respectful tone.

"only if you put this on by order of the princesses" she grabbed a strange looking thing that looked like a pipe had been cut twice painted black and filled with dark blue padding it had a hinge that looked like it could fit around a pony's leg, it had a black shiny screen on it with various knobs underneath. "what is that thing? that can not be a tablet" she gave me a sigh "this is now part of security here in the castle and is now standard issue for all employees of the princesses and the ministry's" she said as she showed her front right leg but hers had a screen with yellow coloration.

"could i have mine on my left then as i prefer to have my right free" i said as i lifted it up "sure one moment ..... and their we go" all i huard was a click then my vision changed, "i will leave you to get acquainted and please take your time to get accustomed to it, as it is a bit disorientating" Dorria said as she left with the heart monitor in tow, all i could see was green words which read scanning one moment please....

then things went weird as text appeared in front of my eyes. .

Pip Buck mad in association of Equestrian and human knowledge and technologies. E.H.K.T

special and user stat's

greetings Paul, age 29, Male, works for Classified no more available data by royal decree

intelligents 6, charisma 3, strength 6, perception 2, agility 8, Luck 8

perks

changeling training +2 to intelligents +2 to strength +2 to perception -5 to all attributes when in deep water.

honest feeding: gain health from friends and allies alike, why not its freely given

but can not repair broken limbs or a broken heart. health restores 20% faster per person with you and gives +2 to charisma this perk will only be available if carmare is good, but only +1 to charisma and 10 % if neutral and -5 to charisma and 0% health if evil .

adaptive magic: think it, do it, learn it, magic come as easy as breathing just remember the spell, but remember Deep water bad, grants magic regeneration follows honest feeding, except if evil i mean you could just take what you wanted to, who's going to know right? take 50pt of health and 50pt of magic per second from target if evil karma is reached.

flight of the cave changeling: you could fly blindfolded and still land after performing stunts, and why stop their you can run upside down from a ceiling perfect for exercise, grants movability in the air but reduces your top speed by 50pt.

venom: you carrie enguth poison to in compensate one manacore, just a pity the manacore can kill you fifty times over.

hardened hide: the term it is but a smudge, rings true just as long as it is not a high calibre or a critical hit, reduces damage by 10% but reduces carrying weight reduced by 20pt regardless of strength.

Queens blessing: your armored hide has been modified by the Queen, just as long as you are a good boy or girl depending on your mood, reduces damage by an extra 15 points and reduces weight limit by 22pt but only if you have good karma.

Power of the Crystal: restore your health and magic by 50pt per second by feeding on what else but loc-love Crystal.

Hidden knowledge: not available

changeling sight: see that i knew you could it's pitch black but not for you as you can see further than a pony without a charm or spell, who needs cats eyes while in complete darkness? not you. but suffer temporary blindness if a bright light is used while in their. depending on light levels.side note does not affect enemy detection or perception,

changeling of the night: you are as silent as can be, but do not stand in direct light as they still have eyes.

grub (child) at heart, your time in the hatchery paid off so much so you can speak to any child to keep them calm even during a thunderstorm, also helps to speak with Fluttershy.

Quick learner: you can learn thing that are new quickly now who's a smart ponie

fast reader: you do not simply read books you almost eat them, read books fast grants an extra skill point if granted one

collective hive mind control: disabled by mother's blessing

mother's blessing: collective hive mind disabled, also grants silver tongue, but be careful it can turn to lead. gain access to the collective

knowledge of any hive but you can not be controlled by any hives Queen.

bonds of love, you can always find a love one if they are lost like a companion, but you can feel the emotions and feelings of your hearts desire to make .

after the text had cleared another message appeared.

"starting setting and demo in 5, 4, 3, 2, 1" said a monotone neutral female voice.

"Hello their new user my name is please assign a name for me by using your horn or say my new name is followed by your request, so for example, my new name is pip you will hear a tone then i would repeat the name, all you would have to do is say confirmed when prompted give it a try" the female voice said.

"my new name is Little Light" i said still wondering if i was losing my mind when the female voice repeated "my new name is Little Light is that right?" "confirmed" "ok then my name is Little Light, let us continue, do you want to change my voice? you can go back to the previous part if you need to change the name to suit the voice selection, this went on for five minutes until i found one that remained me of Lura but was off by a mile, it was how ever what i thought was suited for Little Light.

the rest of the settings were things like brightness and text color which i changed to blue, it was not until l saw and learned how to use a Pip Buck delta star, their was another tutorial which talked about storage and items and finances although i thought it was quiet off as i could not really see how i could possibly have that many Bit's, but what caught my eye was s.t.a.s which can make it easier to hit multiple targets more accurately.

the next part of the tutorial talked about how to use healing potions more effectively by using the interface and medical diagnostics which comes as part of the A.I interaction and learning program which had (live trial) next to it, it went on to say how the A.I will make cracking encrypted terminal or to pick almost any lock as long as i have bobby pins easy as pie, and how the spell matrixes will also help to keep track of your current objectives and will also gave place names on the map,and it had a side note attached fast travel available to unicorns but what got me was (and Changelings).

the rest could wait until later Right now i need to find Moonlight i thourt as a display appeared in my vision at the top was n. e. s. w. as i turned my head left and right , thats when in the top left of my vision a list appears, New quest finding Moonlight, i noticed on the compass part were little blue dot moving all around me in between the little markers of the compass, but then a new note was added just after the first new waypoint was found on my map along with new marker added canterlot castle.

"ok i thought lets give this a try" i said out loud as i pushed myself off of the bed as time stopped a note appeared. friend and foe tracking system, your current settings are friendlies are blue and enamels are red, if you are sneaking and have raised suspicion the marker will be yellow use discretion.

the text disappeared and time resumed as i landed, and i promptly followed the way point but before i reached the doorway another text box appeared new objective available my Princesses along with new quest marker added. i had a sinking feeling that this was something that i would have to get used to, but it did have it's advantages i thourt.

the view from the doorway was one of different ponies rushing about most likely doing their duties, when a space came i took it and followed the way point, it did not take me long to notice that it did not help to find the right floor but when i manage to find the stairway i decided to go up as i had a strong sensation that she would be above me, and once again i followed my feelings and found them to be more reliable.

as i climbed the staircase which was almost empty except for one or two members of the castle staff who did not have a Pip Buck, and a few soldiers from the Luna court who did look a bit startled to see me and, took a double look just to make certain that i was a friendly i supposed, but that did not faze me neither did the other several that i received other soldiers from both courts as i climbed ten floors, i finally come to the top of the stairway and was met with a view of a picture of a brilliant night sky with some clouds which covered the moon slightly, the wall behind was painted a light purple which had a silver border,

the white and gold trim of the sun court stopped abruptly at the top of the stairway to meet the purple and silver of the night court hallway, i proceed along the hallway following the feeling which brought me to a reception desk which had a female Batpony behind it that was looking curiously at me with a ornate silver door behind her.

"can i help you? Sir?" the Bat Pony said with some confusion as to my own sexality, "you are correct miss i am a male, and my name is Paul a" "Your the one that saved Moonlight, and almost killed yourself to save her, correct?"

she said excitedly to which i merely noded and added "she was in danger but if i had of known sooner i would of been their sooner, i just wanted to see her, if she wants to see me that is as i feel like i have failed her"

the Bat Pony looked at me like i had just said a bunch of nonsense which i probably did. "you have just woken up haven't you?" "yes ma'am" "well she will be pleased to see you, after all she stayed at your side when she could, just one moment please" with that she got up and proceeded to go through the door.

a few moments had passed and then the door was flung opened and Moonlight came bounding over the desk and my hud display turned red as she hit me right in the face with her right hoof, "ommff" was all i said from the impact but i still remained standing that is when i noticed that she had a Pit Buck too. "that is for saying you had failed me you stuben stupid idiot and this" she said as she turned my head in her hooves to face her as she became blue again and then she kissed me "and that's for saving me from that nut" she kissed me again only a bit longer "and that is for given me my new wings, but that still no excuse for trying to kill yourself, understood" i could not help but noded in agreement.

"you are right Moonlight it was stupid of me but you know i would do so again if needed, but our discussion can wait until later as for now i need to know what has happening and i thourt it best to, one make sure that you are ok and, two to see somepony that can fill me in on what i have mist without feeling like i am asking for more information than i need" i said with a smile as i brushed her hair away from her golden eyes .

Paul was about to continue when the sound of hooves running towards them from the corridor to the left of him took his full attention, and the attention of the little crowd of female Bat Ponies and other female Luna guard, that had gathered to watch the spectacle of Moonlight and Paul,

the one that was running towards them was an orange unicorn who was covered in a golden armor which had a blue star in the center of the chest plate and his PiP Buck blended in with his armor except for the screen which stuck out like a cast on a broken leg, his helmet was also golden and had a blue tuft of feathers standing rigid on top. the unicorn stopped in front of Paul and Moonlight and gave a salut.

"Corporal Moonlight, special Agent Paul, i am head of Twilight's personal Guard Flash Sentry, princess Twilight Sparkle sent me to gather you two and i am to escort you both to the throne room" Flash Sentry said before he started to turn red at the realisation that he was outside the Luna guard Female dormitory entrance.

he gave a "Lady's" which seemed to not have the desired effect as the female guards gave a "bye Moonlight" and a "it was nice to see you Paul" as they all went back through the silver door, all except for the receptionist Bat Pony who seemed happy to see him, as she held Moonlights helmet. "hi Flash Sentry, you know you still owe me lunch" she said with a wink in his direction. "well i should be free this evening if all goes well miss shadow" he said a lot happier than he intended but such is the way of new love, "Oh, mr Flash you are a dear, i will see what happens to, but, you can call it a date" midnight shadow said with a twinkle in her eyes.

as this exchange went on Moonlight picked up and placed her helmet given a "well no rest for the wicked, is their Midnight?" she gave a little chuckle before continuing "well we better go before they send more ponies to look for us, coming Paul" "after you my lady" and with that we walked past a day dreaming Flash who quickly came back to his senices, and court back up to us both and proceeded took the lead.

as we walked Moonlight explained to me that the humans and Equestrian science and magic had developed what in our world is called a Pip Buck, but they called there's a Pip boy, i had to stop myself from laughing at such a weird name, but she also went on to explain that the griffon had used a spell on himself to fool us into thinking we had been having Lunch with Lyra Heartstrings, who was in the human R&D labs in the human world working on special projects.

the griffon however was using a shimmer cloke and a unknow spell of which too came from the zebra nation and is against equestrian law, while i was out it was found out to be a lot more complex than a simple vigilant anti goin at it alone as he had funding but all the lead turned out to be either a dead end or lead to a corps. it would appear that some pony is trying to undermine or disable the Equestrian government, but that was only speculation, and that the princesses would know more about it than her as it was over her pay rate.

i did ask Moonlight to simplify it for me as i was not that used to such terms and she explained that it was a quicker way to explain the chain of command and if i wanted to know more i would have to ask her boss the princess for permission, as you can imagine this conversation was met by a snicker from Flash Sentry.

"really Paul, you did not know that one? oh my Celestia we are doomed" Flash Sentry said mainly out of shock at such a thing being said and tried to deflect his own self confidence, Moonlight looked at me with a look that said can i say something to him? i just shocked my head as i felt that the silence would be the best indicator of his forpar (mistake).

this continued as we went through the many hall ways and passages going up and down many passageways, but the Luna coloration was still very visible with the odd suit of recently outdated armor and the odd painting with various depictions of ponies of different types and sexis but all had some depiction of the moon in one form or another,

one that caught my eye was of a Bat pony that closely resembled Moonlight, the lady was wearing a dark velvet dress with her haven golden hair which draped over her left shoulder, she holding a glass in her right hoof which held a red liquid, she stood by an open window which had a new moon in the top right of the picture which illuminated a town or part of a city in the foreground, to her left was what looked like a line of books on the shelf, their was also a table just slightly to her left but due to it's promasens( it was slightly in front of her), with the lighting being in front of her as suggested by the shading, all the pictures were of a high degree of quality.

but Moonlight did catch me looking at this one with interest and give a slight giggle at me pretending not to have any intrest in it at all, eventually we came to appeared to be a dead end with nothing but a wall which did not seem out of place except for the picture which was the only one with Luna in it she was standing on a green field covered in flowers during the evening setting sun was in the foreground, Flash Sentry's horn light up and the wall faded away,

this did set off a few warnings to me especially after what moonlight had already been through, but as i turned my head to see her she just gave me a reassuring look that said, i am fine and it is as safe as any other place in Equestria.

Chapter eighteen now the real work begins

as the picture faded away it revealed a winding staircase that was leading downwards, the path before us was light by touches most likely powered by an enchantment of some kind, after the three of us had past the threshold i glanced back and saw a wall reconstruc itself as it resolidified blocking the view of the hallway.

the winding stairs continued downwards into the depths of the castle, the view was one of square stone white blocks that seemed to merge to form an erratic pattern that seemed to be almost hypnotising, because of either that or something else the passage of time seemed to pass unannounced but soon i was suddenly taken from my stupor by the view suddenly changing.

my gaze was met by an open room as we entered back into the same hall that held the princess had all been behind that knife long table, where four sat now there was only two both of whom looked very displeased.

"so tho has seen it fit to speak with us?" boomed Luna, but we merely continued towards them as the passage disappeared. "my princesses i have brought you the one that you wanted to see, will you have any more need of me?" Flash Sentry said with a bow before the two sisters.

"you may leave Flash and so may the rest of the guards, as this is a matter that does not concern any of you" Celestia said "but prinses we must remain especially from him" came the voice of a unicorn pony wearing golden armor that was more ornate than the others, and had a sword and sun as a cutie mark, which was followed by "do you need me to stay princess Luna?" came the more softer tone of a pegasus wearing Luna's armor colors which too was ornate but he had a crescent Moon with a sword for his cutie mark, "yes my dear friend you must go now" came Luna, "are you questioning my judgement? please old friend know that i can handle my self" Celestia almost boomed.

with that the guards left through the main entrance leaving me and Moonlight to talk with the princesses in private, the doors give a boom of their own as they closed, at the same time a golden and purple aura surrounded the room.

"now Paul to say we were displeased by your sudden departure would be an understatement but we understand why you did it for" came the words of Celestia "indeed we hope that tho will remain this time, as we have a lot to discuss with thou" Luna said in a more civil tone that was very much appreciated.

i give a bow before speaking "thank you my princesses for understanding my behavior as i did not mean to be disrespectful to you" i finest raising my head back up to look at the two almost god like alicorns, "Equestria has need of your talents in matters most grave indeed, you see we have been incontact with your mother and even she agrees that we are stronger together"

it was then i noticed a scent of home that seemed to come from the room. "i take it that one of my family has been here" i said given an audible sniff of the air. "we would of told you sooner but you went off like a knight on a quest and save your damsel to which we are thankful, but yes we are working closely with your hive, how else could we make you a Pip Buck? it took the humans a while to sort out some of the issues that interfere with your kinds integration to the unite, but rest assured we are sharing our knowledge equally with all parties involved." Celestia said with a warmth that reassured me that all was well.

"but we were all in agreement that, we want you to go and help Queen Chrysalis and her children, your mother has also sent sent some of her onclave soldiers, we have even had them team up with our enclave troops to share their training and experience, which reminds us that you will have to go to the armory after this as all the troops that are involved are wearing a new armor and we think you may like it, as you did respond well to the training" said princess luna.

"what training was that Princes?" i asked a bit confused "you will see, it is a pity that tho has mist so much, but miss shear will help to explain, but now we must dismiss you and Moonlight and Paul welcome to the court of the Moon" Luna said with a smile "indeed dear sister, after you have been to the armory Moonlight will show you to your new Squad but remember Paul the mission must come first before your emotions, now go, we have an important meeting to attend to" with that Celestia and Luna both stamped a hoof down and the spell that surrounded the room lifted and the doors opened.

me and Moonlight begin to leave by the main entrances as the guards filed past us to take their respective positions, beyond them wear delaget all chatting to themselves as we past them, one pony in particular made me want to smack him right in the face "as if it was not bad enough that i have to take my bastard son with me, aunty Celestia comforts with dirty bug's too" came the voice of a white pony with a golden mane and wore a stupid looking suit with a rose in the lepile.

Moonlight gave me a nuge as if to say leave it as we continued on our way, after about five minutes of walking i turned to Moonlight as we continued to walk "Moonlight who was that ass of a pony, i mean no disrespect to Princess celestia but i really want to teach that git some manners" i said in a heated tone of voice "That would be Blue Blood, and yes he is a stuck up ass of a pony, i am just glad that i do not have to speak with him as often as his servants, but the one's that have to deal with him do get paid more and are given more days off than the rest, to deal with his attitude, i think it is because his mother past given birth to him"

Moonlight gave a smile "oh if only you could've seen him when he was younger, he was kind polite the type of pony who you would of been proud to call friend" "so what happened?" i asked in an inquisitive tone.  "his father had to go off to battle when he was but five years old, and when he did not came back it hit him very hard, at first we did not see him any different until he started his teen years and that is when he started to become that stuck up ass of a pony that you have just seen, and yes the Princess know about him, but i think she feel's responsible for his father's death, that is why the one's who deal with him get so many perks so they can deal with him." "i think i can understand, but still he need's a smacked bottom and a time out" i said as Moonlight laughed.

after going through a big oak wooden door with black metal straps and studs, the hallway on the other side had bare stone walls except for the occasional touch and other doors and the ceiling was bare, it would appear that all the furnishings were for the visitors and delegates, i was going to ask myself how i could know such things when Moonlight opened another door that i nearly walked into, which is the reason why my thourt process was interrupted.

the first thing that i notice was a smell of oil and grease, i turned and entered the room, i was met with a strange view of big metal humans hanging up on red colored supports, their was also metal pony hanging up on yellow and some on blue with wings.

"a, so this would be Paul then" came the voice of a stallion, he was a blue earth pony who was wearing a boiler suit his cutie mark was of a spanner and a screwdriver in front of a welding helmet, as soon as i saw him my vision changed as text appeared.

Luna's teaching perk unlocked, you know more than you know, grants extended vocabulary and power armor usage, and weapons skill gained. part one of 5 part of hidden knowledge.

"sorry, my Pip Buck, just got a load of text" was all i manage to say before continuing "sorry about that, and yes my name is Paul and this (i gestured to Moonlight) is Moonlight" i said as the stallion chuckled "i know Paul but we need to get you suited and booted,now if you would be so kind as to follow me".

so i followed him despite Moonlight having a chuckle at her silly changeling while she stood in the doorway, i followed the stallion into a side area that is when i saw it standing on the ground, it was as black as the night maybe even darker than that, it was bigger than me when i stode by it...i was in love staring at it, it had blue eyes like mine but it had a strange fringe going along the back of the head which followed the spine, on the back was a pair of silver spears.

"well are you going to try it on, or are you going to marry it" the stallion said with a laughter in his voice, i approached the suit of power armor and as i did so it opened not like metal would normally, it was more organic like a flower opens its petals to great the sun if you were able to see it sped up, as it opened along the spine.

i think the stallion wanted me to use a platform, i how ever decided to use my wings to hover slightly above the opened suit, when i was in position i closed by wings and placed them back into position as i closed my casing, i landed on what could only be described as another body.

the suit closed it self at a steady pace that was slower than it opened, with a sloppy splat or a squish was all their was apart from the darkness to signal that i was now encased in the only thing that i could see was the compass and the blue blips, that was when a big question hit me, what is this thing and why..

a greenish blue light appears in front of me (musical tone) "welcome to genetic integrated technologies, one moment please.... i felt a sharp stabbing sensation and i did give an "arrrr what the buck was that for", but judging by how the suit did not move when i tried to jump, i do not think anybody or pony could hear me,

a new message appeared. genetic sample acquired... analyzing.. compleat acquiring Pip Buck data...uploading A.I.

it was then i heard Little light, "well this is very cosy, now lets see a-ha!" with that and the sound of steam my vision came back to me, "well you will be happy to know that i am now fully integrated, Yay me, oh i nearly forgot to mention you can now move." it was true i took a few steps out of the harness and i continued towards the wall to begin my own test by placing a hoof on the wall followed by another, soon i was standing on the wall fully and i continued towards the ceiling and everything went well.

"erm Paul i would strongly advises against trying to fly as your wings in that suit are weapons, and i do not want to rebuild my workshop" a text box said his name was fix it, "it's true look at this Paul" Little Light said as text begin to run across my vision, laser wings your enemy's will lose their head at this more so than your nomal wings, the rest of the text explained about walking on walls and the speed increase,

so i did not damage the suit i began to walked back down to the ground, "well i think this is going to be fun, but you will have to spice things up to keep me interested" Little Light said with a chuckle "now Little Light behave yourself, you know i only have eyes for Moonlight" "humf she only want's you for your body....which is also mine....oh my lord that mean's i am a mare chaser" Little Light said in a mock shock tone to which i chuckled at.

"you know Paul nomaly i would be worried to listen to a stallion talk to themselves, but i think i can let you off" fix it said with his own chuckle, when i was on the ground fix it sent me through the doors at the far end and into another hallway, "looking good sexy, i thourt you got lost in their" the voice had a metallic eco but even without a label i could tell it was Moonlight, i turned to see her wearing a purple with silver highlight power armor, "Moonlight you know if we are going into a hive you and anypony wearing something so bright is...." i froze as Moonlight disappeared.

their was a strange crackling from behind me followed by "mmm i gotta say Paul that is one sexy flank" Moonlight said to me as i jumped and nearly erther cracked my on the ceiling or vice versa, when i landed "ok i did ask for that, but you could've told me, oh that reminds me" moonlight tilted her head slightly at that remark "Little Light can i do that?" i said with inquisitive tone, "no we can not, but then again we do not need to show off" Little Light said "right this stops now, at least for my sanity Little Light say you are sorry to Moonlight" i said as one would to a child that was being rude and spiteful. "No she only want you for your body"Little light said giving a raspberry.

Moonlight just gave, well i want to say a chuckle but this was more "oh my Celestia this is too much" Moonlight said between fits of laughter "and what is so funny?" Little Light said. Not only does he have me as his special somepony, but now he has a mare inside his head, i think it is safe to say we out number him now," Moonlight stopped laughing and took on a more serious tone "but if you get him killed i will make you beg me to delete you, DO I MAKE MYSELF CLEAR!" Little Light went silent then came out with "i can see why he loves you, and do not worry i will keep him safe, so maybe being a Mare chaser will not be so bad" she said then there was an audible click and once again i was met with silence.

"well shouldn't we get going" i said to break the silence which was only met by Moonlight staring i did not and could not see her but i would bet my last bit that she was not happy, and that if looks could kill Little Light would be no more, but thankfully a new waypoint appeared on my compass, "well if you are both finest fighting then i think we should be on our way, and Little Light i do love Moonlight with every fiber of my being, just so you know that if it came down to it you know i will be on her side" i said in a calm tone of voice.

as i started to walk to wards the marker Moonlight bumt me, "thank you Paul, i will have to give you something extra special later" Moonlight said with a giggle and i think she gave me a wink, as the golden light on her helmet where her right eye would've been went off briefly and then came back on, Little Light gave a "oh brother, this lovey dovey stuff is going to make me sick.....if i had a stomach that is" i had a light hearted chuckle at them both as moonlight took the lead swaying her hips in front of me, a view i could look at all day if i was not preparing for what i can only imagine to be a mission or a battle.

we came to a reinforced door, and once again Moonlight opened it, and was met with metallic sounding voices, "hey Moonlight" came one, "oh no it's the hyper sniper, quickly hide the pencils" chuckled another, "No stormies that is only for you"Moonlight replied with her own chuckle before allowing me to enter, as i did so the room fell quiet.

chapter 18a now the real work begins

i was met by silence as all the ponies in their power armor were staring at me, they all had their own armor with different colors, some even had their cutie marks painted onto their suits helmets, one even had born to flame above the square with cutie mark of flames, i calmly ignored them and sat next to Moonlight after closing the door behind me.

the silence was broken by a door opening somewhere in front of me, and behind the gorking ponies in power armor, "ATTENTION" came a powerful shout as the ponies snapped out of their fixation, the sound of the ponies simultaneously turning their head filled the room with a metallic scraping, "INTRODUCING PRINCESS LUNA" the second sound was of them sitting down with the same sound of scraping metal and mixed with a series of thuds as they sat down.

"alright my little ponies settle down and pay attention, i take it you have seen your new team member, yes he is a changeling and you will be working with more from his hive, as this is a joint operation we will also have the humans to assist us, they are being bereft on their orders just as you will be, but before we continue are their any questions?"

one of the metal ponies raised a hoof and in a female voice asked, "Princess i know we have unicorns and earth ponies involved in this team but why in the name of you and your sister is that bug joining us for? i mean we fight them and now we are to have one on our team? no disrespect but isn't haven vamp's bad enough now bugs too?"

Luna just glared at the mare "THAT BUG! as you have so bluntly put it is a good friend to both i and my sister not to mention the new ministry mares, you might know them as the elements of harmony, and his hive is an ally to Equestria and to the humans, and i would expect such slanderous words from a foil, AND NOT FROM ONE OF MY OWN SPECIAL BRANCH, do i make myself clear?" Luna said with a threatening tone.

the mare in question was shaking visibly so, as her suit rattled, she gave a "yes ma'am" in a shaking tone in her voice, i did feel a bit sorry for her, but it is definitely not my place to say anything, so i remained silent as Luna continued.

"now that, that is done let me introduce gunner Edwin and Lances corporelle Roberto along with weapon specialist Aldowin, i do hope you show them some respect and give them your full attention" i noticed that the pony who must of shouted reminded by the door he was a brown Earth pony who wore a red cape and matching hat, thankfully he did not shout as Luna gave him a node after walking to the side of the big screen which i also noticed,

the door was opened by the pony who was labeled as Albert, i only know that because it was written on his cape, Little light said "it was so nopony else would wear it" but i just ignored her as i watched as three metal humans came stomping into the room, each of them wore visibly different armor but they had the same...erm cutie mark or something similar as it depicted a red human with horns, it had writing just above the picture but i could not read what it say's from where i was sitting.

the metal humans lined up with the leader or i think he was, taking the center of the room with the others on each side of him, his armor was smoother and more rounded than the others with silver as the main color the shoulders plates were red with luna's Moon and a sword on them, the helmet had tubes going around to the back with a single black slit for him to see out of.

the other two had the same colors but the one on his left had what looked a bit like pointed ears and his metal plates bulged in parts like he was mad out of pointed cubes set on their sides, the other had a helmet what looked like a pig but where the snout should of been was conceived slightly, his armor bulged but was more rounded.

the one in the middle started to speak, "hello and thank you Princess Luna for allowing us to be apart of this team, befor i be gain is there any questions?" i raised my hoof, "yes you their" "i was just wondering what the writing is above your cutie mark says if i may" Luna's mouth opened in shock at my question but promptly closed it when the human started to laugth and dispelled any tension before it had time to build ""what is your name mr pony?" he said after his laugth,

"Paul Sir and i am a changeling Sir" "well my apologies mr Paul, but this (he pointed to the little red horned man) is supposed to be the devil, you could say he is incharge of hell or your tartarus, the writing says hell jumpers push them back in, it means that we generally jump pack into the fray and we send our enemies back to the hell from whence they came, i hope that answers that one for you?" i just gave an acknowledging nod, quiet satisfied at the answer, "are there any more questions? ..... no alrighty then let's begin, as some of you know we have sent unmanned drones across what you call the bad lands"

their was an adebule click then the screen behind him sparked to life with a moving picture of something flying at speed, it slowed down as it approached an abandoned pony town, the name lost dove appeared on the screen, "following reports in a dusty scroll we manage to find this town, as you can see it is called lost dove, we are calling it lost hope just incase you get any reports from us humans" the picture continued to show the drones flight as it veered right and continued, the screen changed to a dark blue as it continued to look at the ground, than it was bathed in bright yellow except in parts that looked like blue lines that criss crossed, but their where yellow dots that seemed to move at a calm pace,

"as you can see in infrared or heat vision, if you will, the land is generating a lot of heat except in places where it is blue indicating that the ground is colder and in these cold spots are heat signatures" the droun gained alutichewd as it passed over the the many mountains but one stuck out like a sore thumb, as it was green while the outer rim was yellow, which meant only one thing to me, it must be a chamber for the sun and the moons light to hit the cristals far below in the old city, "as you can see their are these green circles which means that the top is moveable, and as you can see this feed goes black as we change the view, the screen did indeed change to a higher view as we watched what i can only describe as a white flying cross which blow up, well to be honest it was hit by a greenish fireball then it exploded in a bright fireball.

the second drone zoomed in onto where the green blast came from, as it did so their was a brief glimpse of a lone black figure, "we can clearly see the first drone is destroyed by an unknown hostile, as we zoom in you can see this lone figure is clearly visible, but as we begin to zoom out this happens"

as the drones camera zoomed out a green spear was approaching at speed, a greenspear with a black center that stopped, just as the screen slowed down the video feed and highlighted it as unknown object two meters away, but i knew what it was and so to did the others, "as you can see as we slow down the video feed from the camera, this as unknown" the human paused in his speech and gave me a quick glance before he continued, " intervigil then attacks the second drone by smashing it out of the air, as you can see this is a changeling, so we know or we strongly believe that our vehicles will be able to withstand their magical and physical attacks judging by the data"

at this Moonlight raised a hoof, "yes you their in the pink and golden armor?" "yes sir, and my name is Moonlight sir, i was just wondering how you can say that, after they destroyed those drouns so easily?" Moonlight said in a tone of concern, the metal man chuckled "thank you for your concern miss Moonlight, but they did not destroy the drones, in fact that was us, i believe princess Luna has more to say about this."

Luna stepped forwards as the metal men stepped back, almost as though it was coriorgraft as the metal men turned and raised a arm each to Luna, which she acknowledged by given a bow to them, they sharply and promptly put them back down and marched off towards the door and next to Albert they stopped next to him in an orderly line and turned to face us all.

Luna took to the center of the room after i was almost blinded as the lights flashed back on which i did not noticed were either switched off or were dimmed, but och that did sting my eyes, i must off seemed more distressed than i meant, as Moonlight gave me a nuge to which i gave a nod, Luna must of noticed my reaction as when my vision came back she did seem a bit worried but swallowed it down and cleared her throat,

"thank you mr Aldowin, the humans deliberately destroyed the drone's, so hopefully when we begin our assault they will not think you are that much of a threat, so most of the hive soldiers will stay underground, and we can provide a diversion, as the humans and the changelings who are outfitted in chameleon hybrid armor will attack in different waves, the humans will attack first once the changeling are in position, we are also going to send in our troops after the humans have their attention, the royal legions will be providing support on the ground as we expect the counter attack to be a major offensive, and despite their technology they would be overwhelmed if they went in alone, our changelings will be their in waiting to help stem the tied, now your job will be simple as from our reports the old metal doors are wide enough for one of the humans flying machines to fit but there's not too much room for them to land.

the wonderbolts will be using their own power armor to provide air support for your assault along with our changelings, as their second job is to keep the queen chrysalis troops as busy as possible, but their main one is to stop them getting air born if possible, once you are inside we do not think you will be ingased by any changelings but you may encounter other things that is why your armor is different as we have our very own Paul to thank for this intelligence"

Luna gave a smile that was aimed in my direction, all i thourt was why, rule one if you like someone and you are a higher rank do not show them any special attention,

Luna then continued "this operation will start in three days so after this you are going straight to training to make sure that every pony is up to speed, now i know most of you have weapons training but we need to make sure that you can", oh goodie i thourt swards but then another thourt crossed my mind, what if it is something else? that was when the door was opened by the humans as i court Luna saying "dismissed and make us all proud my dear ponies"

we all roes as the front row went thru the door that the humans went thru, one by one each of the rows went out, finally it was our row and i promptly followed close behind the others, after what seemed like eternity of walking around until we came outside, i saw everyone going into what looked like a metal shed, as i passed by the door, i did notice the sign on it that read, authorized personnel only and had what looked a bit like a monkey with an open mouth and had a big black hand, i realised as i started down the steps inside that it was a human, i was so glad that i did not say that out loud, i saw some weird and bright elongated glass tubes, but something inside said light bulbs.

at the bottom of the stairs i saw a large structure had been built to contain buildings that looked familiar to me, that is when i remembered the old city. i did not have long to look at the, and i mean this in the best way possible poor representation as the line moved on, i did notice that this part of bunker was about the size of two fungal fields, we proceeded through an open corridor and i was met by a view of gray walls made out of steel and concrete,

ok i thourt where are these words coming from? i sighed at this, and followed the line down another corridor to where i saw most of the steel ponies standing wear standing next to a door each, there was only one door left right near the entrance way that had my name and Moonlight but it read, comander Moonlight and spc ops Paul, this was one of those i will have to ask Moonlight later as i think i have missed something, but i was snapped out of it by the metal human, "ok it is currently 17:53pm get to your rooms, get your gear sorted because we will get up at 04:00am breakfast then training, until 17:00 for lunch, then more training until 21:00 pm for sleep and then we do it again, understood?" we all gave a resounding "sir yes sir" then every pony entered their rooms.

as me and moonlight entered i was met with a view that i had forgotten about as Moonlight stated, "oh good i wanted to see that" we were somehow in Twilight's castle "Moonlight am i losing my mind or have i ingested something, because this is hurting my head" Moonlight giggled at my confusion, "look close the door and then turn the handle to the left" Moonlight said in the cheery tone she uses whenever i am being silly in her eyes which seems to be quite a lot, so i did just that and was shocked to open the door and i could see the hallway of Twilight's castle, i then shut the door and turned the handle to the right and i was met with the view of the metal and concrete of the training facility,

"ok Moonlight how does this work? on second thourt never mind...." Moonlight gave another chuckle "the door will open to canterlot for us as if anypony else was to try it nothing would happen, and do not worry about it" then with a whoosh of steam or a gas of some kind as i did not feel any heat, althour i then remembered that i was in a suit that was very comfy, ok how do i get out was my next question, little light answered me "are you sure you wish to exit" "yes Little Light i would like that," soon and silently the suit opened, i could feel the air on my back and it was a refreshing.

after unceremoniously exiting the suit it sealed itself back up and made me jump to the ceiling as it moved by itself, then came Little lights voice "what are you doing up their Paul?" came the almost innocent tone, Moonlight did look a bit shocked but i think that was more at my reaction than at the suit, "Paul you did know that the AI can control the suit if needed, for example if you are unconscious then the suit can take you back to the medical center for treatment if you do not have any potions".

"That is true but that is not all i can do" Little Light said in a cheery tone, she then gave a yawn, "well i am going to hit the racks, please keep it down" she said with a wink, then turned her head as she proceeded to go towards the far wall, once there she cured up and the lights went out.

after a few friendly bouts of a private nature ;)

Moonlight and i lay together on the mattress, but i was not having a restful sleep, in my dreams i was sitting at a poker table, the dealey wore a cape, the other players how ever, one was a dimon dog with a metal jaw, the next one looked like a quarry ell only with little producing arms, the third was a red cloud in the from of a pony with glowing red eyes,

we remained silent, as the hooded figure dealt us our cards, "so war is it?" the diamond dog, "don't woers'ss am sure you will do fine" hist the serpent but the red cloud chuckled, a female waitress placed a brown glass bottle down, it had a picture of a white mare wearing a bunch of bottles like crown, her eyes seemed to glow and her main was black and red, i looked at the waitress who had a big yellow 92 on the back of a blue suit?, i looked at my hand that lay on the table, i had a Queen of hearts that looked like princess celestia, the Queen of spades looked like princess Luna, the Queen of diamonds was that pink alicorn princess Cadence, and Twilight as the Queen of clubs, i also had a Joker card with my own face on it, i looked out of the window as a bright flash happened followed a second later by a wall of rainbow colors,

just as the wall of color hit the window my set disappeared as i was now falling, i stopped in the dark as a new figer appeared, it was in heavy looking armor and was using a beam rifle, but it was killing grubs nymphes and newborns and fillies alike, it was laughing, "ENGUTH OF THIS!" i said as i concentrated, as i did so i felt to entities, one that just seem to watch the other, other one was feeding on my emotions trying to make me have a nightmare? i did not have time to think of anything else at the moment could wait,"help me Luna" i thought when "you do not need my help Paul" came Luna's voice.

i started to think of the good that i have seen and felt, i remembered my mother, princess Luna, "What are you doing?" came a slimy voice, i remembered princess Celestia, and how she got to have a funny joke or two by me, "this is not right" the voice countered with "your nothing, but a bug" i remembered how Twilight felt after acting on instinct which also made me happy, i remembered A.J and spike, i then started to "stop this stupidity, you're going to" remember Moonlight and i felt a surge of emotion built up and i held it as the world around me flickered like an out of tune tv or when you get a poor single?

as the familiar white clouds of the dream world fizzled into existence revealing a green blob of.......green slim? it had two yellow eye that seemed to float mainly in shock "you're not nomal" it said in a bubbling mass sounding voice, it was then that Luna spoke up from behind me, "Be Gone Nav, leave this realm" the green slime shuddered, so i leaned in closer to it "go now before i forget myself" with that message received, it slithered off at full speed,

Luna chuckled at the sight, "we did not know if you remembered our teaching, but you were a quick learner" i did catch a smile on Luna's face as a series of flashes from behind he took my attention, one of the lights turned into a beautiful blue unicorn with an almost white mane, another flash and their was Twilight Sparkle, after the rest had appeared, the blue unicorn with a light purple hat with blue stars spoked "Trixie for one would like to know what is that black thing is, as that does not look like a Boogle, i also notice Lyra, i hoped that was the real one had gave a affirmative node

Luna looked at the group, "Twilight what can you see?" Twilight took a few steps forward, squinting in my direction as she moved closer until "is that Paul?" to which she was given, "it is good to see you miss Twilight, but miss Luna why can they not see me as clearly as you can?" i said spearing Twilight from the feeling of i know this is going to seem daft, but please just answer it as i feel daft enguth

Luna gave me a i know and thank you, but they must ask not you kind of look, "indeed as your skills grow, so will you fined that the more you know, the more that you can see, oh and Paul i would cover that screen up when others are around, and welcome to the dream guard,

i awoke in a state of swete and almost terror which left me just as quickly, well that was fun i thourt as i noticed, i had half an hour then my day would begin, i stepped out and made my way to the kitchen, a few of the staf seemed shocked at me proceeding to get to work, in the pantry, what luck i thourt as i saw bacon and sausage and some eggs, i grabbed them in my magic and nearly walked into a, really annoyed looking stallion, "hi i am Paul, and this is for Moonlight and me, i can pay for the items, i said as i past him and began to position everything that i was going to need by hoof,

i washed up and started by unraveling the sasges and adding them to the pan with a little oil, the bacon was soon to go at to the browning of the sages, the plates were ready as the eggs went on last as the sages and bacon were coming off the heat, soon the eggs were ready, i turned off the heat and quickly cleaned the pan and anything that had been used, i placed everything back and proceeded back up to the bed room,

Moon light was getting her self ready for the day to come, as i came into the room holding the door open she looked at me and chuckled, "you know" she then stopped and asked "since when did you start cooking?" i gave a wait a minute grunt, so that i can places the treat down on a side table, onces i was finest "well i think Luna gave me the tools to learn when i was down, as i look at something that i know i have never seen before and now i can name it, and i know how to use it,"

""well what don't you know then?" Moonlight said in a i am not fully paying attention as this will gave me a headache tone as she began, i darted back into the hallway and brought out my secret weapon, "well the time i was down their i thourt i would of" i manage to say before a cup betrayed me and my actions as i turned back around to see Moonlights eyes widen almost to breaking point as she eyed the coffee,

it took all my strength not to break, it was like i had a sweet and was going to eat it without ether sharing or offering it to her, i filled up her own cup first, followed closely by my own, i wanted to ask her about my dream but i also did not want to spoil the silence, she gave a contented sigh, then "What is it? this is more than just Luna teaching you?" Moonlight said with a i know you just as you know me smile, "i began about my dream, but mainly at the bright light and wall of rainbow cloud, but mainly what clasped me in fear was, how helpless i felt and how resigned to my fate i felt, and then i went into how that Boogle had used my dream to feed itself trying to show me killing children, to make my fear and discus at the same time",

Moonlight managed a "i see" followed by "that is a tuff one, plush you can not really tell when the attack happened" i could but, the story of the bright light probably was what made me look tasty, "i am sure, that it was nothing much, but i am still good for the mission, Commander" Moonlight coughed at my statement, i just gave a little smile "ok my sexie spec ops" she retorked and was met by mr stupidity "so what does spec ops do?" i said with a grin

after our breakfast and a conversation of how i mainly answer to Luna and moonlight, we had to get back into the mind set and after a quick kiss we reentered our suits, i was greeted by Little Light who gave a tiered good morning along with a yawn, as we left our room behind us i noticed another list of to does, it still read new quest by the grace of Luna, it was mainly weapons training and maintenances, and hoof to hoof combat, then explosive training which i was hopeing was not going to be that oerder, me and moonlight lined up as the second group of ponies fell in alongside, in less than a minute the whole squad had turned up followed by the metal humans,

"right since we are all here and since i know you have Pip Bucks and we have ours, i will not bore you with any details other than, you have half an hour for breakfast, although most of the timetable is not in order that can wait for now.

chapter nineteen, showing the new and old alike

after what could only be described as the worst feeding frenzy ever which was accompanied by...the sound of munching and crunching and slurping and smacking of lips, as you could imaging i was not having a good time, far from it as i snacked on a loc-love cristal,

i could feel the mix of emotions from the ponies as they ate, i could also feel the occasional burning glances of hate from one or two of the ponies, but only when they see me, soon i found relief from their hate and scorn, as we lined up to the human inspection.

"ok ponies, this is where we get acquainted, when i am finest, we will be the best of the best in both of the world's", this was met by a "sir yes sir" from all present, first he started on about how explosives should be used and how to use them, we were told to pull the pin in a grenade, and how to cook said grenade, but this looked more like an apple,

i was picked out first, i pulled the pin and throw the apple shaped object, it went throw the correct window, i was about to ask if i had done everything correct when their was a loud and bright flash, luckily i was still ducking, but i did get hit by the refraction as the light bounced around the room, but it was still bright, note to self only use in emergencies, the human in the rounded armor which my inner changeling named mr shourie, "it's alright, you done better than i had expected, but i just wanted to know what you could do, but i do not think it would be to helpful for you, even tho i know of what you have been trained in", i gave my best are you kidding me? "spec ops Paul, you have reading to do, i am confident that you can indeed use explosive, i was lead to the next room by the way point.

i was happy to go as the feelings were far from happy, and the fact that i was almost blinded had nothing to do with it, it was just the fact that i was not a pony, i was grateful to find out that with some with some displeasure that the books contained less useful information than i had hoped, i did learn how to turn a children's soft drink into a homemade grenade, i found that to be a bit excessive but understandable if you were ever in a pinch but unless i could shield my eyes which had become more sensitive than they were at home.

their was another few books that i started to read, the first one was not too interesting but talked about how to make homemade potions of different types and by the different plants, the third was about wounds and how to heal, i must of dozed off, as i found a fourth book, a very big old book, a tome if you will, and yet i was right in the prime viewing position, it read like this, the text just appeared as if it was being written by the sun, as the golden lettering begin.

once long ago the silence of the void was broken by a single note, the tone soon ended in an explosion which too sparked and split into different parts, as another five notes were present and this continued and for a time it was good, the notes were in harmony, that was the beginnings of life as far as we know, then one day a creature of the harmony took the power's that no one entity should ever hold onto, the name of his/her species was lost to its greed as it held onto the note as the world it was on was extinguished, as the song left back into the void from whence it came, the creature be stood it self the title of beater of death,

(page turned)

the harmony continued around the poor creature, as her/he could not dare sing or it too would be spread evan further than normal due to the power it so longed for, that is when they say the dark note rang in response to the silences, aye that day was the day the song turned bad, oh so bad, the dark fool found out that death will find a way to balance out, all the houses debts paid,, but we all knew the terrible price, that is why we give freely to the new, so life can begin a new, and by not respecting that,.....a new song began that was a sour yellow which was muddy, and yet it spread, it would spread throw lies and parties, then it took full control, those that fought back only found out that they too were being used, as they spread the news, they also spread the seeds, so they stopped, by doing so they saved many more and fourt with their friend and family, trying their utmost to stop the dreadful sound.

but as the years turned into centres and millenniums, almost all had forgotten about the dark song, what was left of the planet from whence it came was scared and twisted, all that life was not even a memory as the song cost the very sole of the planet, what was left could not be called a sole, it was dark, it was waitting, it was also thinking, it had such terrible ideas and plans.

it's plan came to light when the star the had birthed the planet, and the lives that were lost, the sun gave one last song, as it passed onto the next realm, its body exploded and we could only watch as the planet was crushed and fractured, and what came flying or flung out of the debris, it looked like a silver star that split multiple times by its own will, we watch as it left its home and hurtled through the depths of space, but it landed.

and just like that i was shocked out of the vision? a dream? by a not to happy Moonlight who was shaking me, i know she was speaking but i could not understand what, but i did try to manage a , i am fine, but what i heard come from me was almost a strange gurgling sound, my vision came back first, then the sound, i was able to speak by the time the medic had arrived and i began to explain, to the best of my ability, but it was hard to describe what i wanted to say, then i noticed that Luna had turned up, she did not say anything she just grabbed me in her magic and the world went dark,

Moonlight came into the room where Paul was, her little sexier changeling, but something seemed wrong with him, that is when "Moonlight something is wrong with Paul, and i do not know what to do, i have sent messages but i am not getting a response, and i can not move as he is tecanyl still conscience" Little Lights said with tones of worry which made Moonlight more than a little worried as she knew that his suit and the AI can monitor the user's vitals,

after Moonlight shouted for the medic she began to shake him, a bit gently at first but then increased the strength, "Paul, come on Paul" Moonlight said she stopped when Paul, Paul made a sound that sent shivers down her spine, it really took her all of her strength to remain calm, that was when Luna teleported into the bunker, she started to speak, "where is Paul?" she asked one of the ponies as the medic ran into a room who Luna followed, she was not exspecting what she could see, normally a pony has a light glow of the magical field around them, normally so does Paul, but what met her view was one of a changeling almost being crushed under the intensity of the magic vial, he was trying to speak but it was Equestrian but it was jumbled,

Luna garbed the confused changeling in her magical field which seemed to nullify the magical field a bit but it continued its assault, "Moonlight i am taking Paul with me, you can come to," Luna then turned to the metal man "understood" the metal man just said "clear the way" as the ponies parted to allow the princes and her package room,

Moonlight "Luna i will be more useful to you and Paul, if i stay, please keep me notified" she said as she was full of anxiety and worried, she knew that Paul would want her to be at 100%, so she would be safe, so he and her could be together,

meanwhile in the canterlot day court

"as you can understand Princess, these are trying times indeed, our mines in Zebrica are requesting more experience security, due to the recent events in the country" Celestia was not amused at this, sinces blue bloods son or mistake as her nephew constantly said, but she knew blue bloods son was right this Caesar would most likely want to show that he was strong, but to start a war with Equestria? no she thourt as the representative continued to talk and she just ignore him, politely until he had finest.

"you have said that, our mines are worried about the new Zebra leader trying to do something? what do you think would happen if we sent more skilled and armored personnel? do you think that would help to just protect our mines? my little pony, if that was to happen then they would most likely have a similar meeting, most likely on how to react to our actions, we are indeed in strange times, but i will not give anything any excuses to harm my little ponies, and as i understand it, this leader would most likely see the reinforcements as an excuse to see it as provocation to start a war, i am sorry but i can not grant your request"

the pony in front of Celestia noded and left, his corte was brilliant shade that looked black but when the light hit his fur it became a dark redie brown, as the light hit other parts of his corte it revealed a pattern looking almost like a zebra's, he did jump when the doors were flung opened and in came Luna with what looked to her as a bright light surrounding a small object, the pony who was trying to leave by his own will when a arour of white light grabbed him and drag him with a shriek out of the chambre,

"Sister i need you to help me" Luna said with panic and worry thick in her voice, Celestia approached and was about to ask Luna what she held when she saw a almost incapacitated Paul, she relies why he was glowing, but even she did not know why.

after Luna had grabbed me in her magic, everything went dark and back to normal, then i went back to the big book that floated me just

above as i continued to read.

it splintered under its own will, and we saw it slam into a young world.

Then the words disappeared and was replaced by a picture and a voice, the picture was of a world of fire and laver and its spin was knocked off balance as it barely turned, "when the dark and evil silver star crashed it did not plan on the world to be so new, it grabbed at the evil and used its own power against itself to trap the darkness" the planet cooled down over time, and i watched as the planet was pounded by meteors, soon the planet began to become covered by clouds of water, soon the clouds parted to reveal green land masses surrounded by the blue water, but i especially knew one land mass more than the other, to the right of the now Equestria was my homeland. "it tried to croup the life that had formed but each time it failed, but one day is not that far away, as we too do not see time as the ponies do, but we need you to help to try and save them as in the years to come it will come back, but so will you Paul"

my vision of bright lights dotted the world as little rings of color left each, on the dark side with each bright flash i watched as the dotted yellow lights went out, the rainbow circles were immediately replaced by an eerie orange, the voice continued "as each light was being replaced by fear and death, life stays underground and returns in time"

i awoke on the floor with two alicorns looking at me....strangely. i felt weird but thankfully i was able to understand them, "sister i think it is done, but as to what has been done to him. i do not know" Celestia said, in an almost mournful tone they both seemed startled when i spoke, "could someone... somepony please explain what just happened, please, and please tell me i have not been out long" Luna seemed happier to know that i was alright but something still seemed off, i had to to explain what i had seen and heard, i was worried afterwards as the room fell silent almost as if the world had ended.

the silence was broken by Celestia "i am sure this has been quite an experience, but rest assured, Equestria is safe, and i believe, your vision might have been due in part to the magical veil that wrapped around you, but i think you can go back to your training" she said with a smile, Luna looked concerned and added "Please wait for me outside Paul" i got myself to my hooves and proceeded towards the golden doors, as i did, my vision flashed to a strange surreal view, as the room turned into one of disrepair with the paint had bubbled and burst, the once supporting columns were damaged and cracked, then just as quick as it had happened it faded and everything went back to normal,

i think after everything i will keep this one to myself, as i am starting to think i am losing the plot, losing my grip on reality, i thourt to myself, righting myself as that vision nearly made me fall.

as Paul left the room and shut the doors behind him Celestia spoke to her sister, "i fear my sister that he will go throw more regardless of us, but i think you have your champion, just as long as Moonlight is safe, i fear he has seen what we have, i only hope for my little ponies" this conversation continued but it did not really make any sense due in part to a magical aura that sealed off all the sound,

Paul tried to remain calm, but being bored did not help, and one ponie would have a fit,

"Mr Paul will you stop pacing around, it is making me nervous" a ponie said in golden armor, so i granted him his request by walking onto the wall up to the ceiling and back round to the ground, and boy did that wined up the ponie he turned from a light brown into a brilliant red, i swear i even saw steam coming out of his ears, "right i am" was as far as he got as the door opened and Luna came out, the unicorn shuddered in rage at my antics but could not do or say anything. "excuse me but where is Paul?" Luna said to a rather red unicorn pony who just remained silent and shook slightly,

she followed the gazes of the unicorn to see me walking down the opposite wall with a smile on his face, "i see" Luna said smiling before she continued "i am sure he meant no harm, but i think you deserve a extra day off, next time you get a holiday" Luna said to a silent guard who started to return to his normal color, as soon as i came to the ground i walked up next to Luna and the guard.

i gave the guard a salute "i am sorry for upsetting you sir, but i had to keep moving just to make sure that i was still here, i am sorry, but my life has been wearied than normal" i said trying not to allow myself to sound crazy, but instead of sounding saying anything like you are crazy, "judging on how princess Luna looked, as she held you, i think i understand about as much as i need to, and thank you Paul" and with that he once again fell silent,

Luna smiled and gestured to me to follow her, and i did just that silently following the princes, we rounded the corner,and Luna broke the silence "We are proud of you" what proud of me for what i thourt as Luna continued, "you can be a hooful at times, to be sure, but you have honour and respect, i can see why your Mother sent you to us" we continued along and a door opened, "but it is not the right time" came the voice of a pony who nearly walked into me but gave a shriek, i turned to ask if they were ok when i saw a zebra but i did heard her say under her breath,"the star walker and her" as the door shut,

chapter twenty time to face the music

after walking with Luna i found out that things have not been going well for Equestria, infact things seemed to of been going downhill for quite a while, meeting the humans was a boost, but she and her sister were worried about the zebra nation, but she was also a bit worried about the students that she would give a lecture too as her sister had asked,

i remembered the feeling of the princes, i felt her pride and fear wash away as we just walked and talked, she seemed a lot better after just rambling on about her fear, her fear of being hated again, i just did what felt normal, i listened to her and i added a joke or two, i even bumped her playfully as friends. but their was a strange feeling of conflicting emotions, but it was not just from her it came from me to.

after what seemed like no time at all we came back to the bunker and i opened the door, i had a strange sensation, like wanting or longing but not knowing what that was, a feeling that i thought had stopped, "thank you Luna for everything, but i better get back to my training" i said in a numbed tone, Luna looked at me then blushed, "we better, go but we...i would like to talk again some time soon" she then trotted away, only to go past the door again and gave me a smile and a blush, "erm.. i knew that we want the wrong way, we were only testing" which made me laugh, really and truly laugh for the first time, it felt like the very first time.

i continued down the stairs, but i only felt the dread of all the negative feelings which never came, i reached the bottom and i proceeded to round the corner and i saw Moonlight and a metal ponie talking but they could not see me, "so how does it feel to be with him, Paul i mean?"said the unknown ponie "i do not know, he is good and hell he even saved my life from a phico, then he nearly died trying to save me, he gave me back my wings, but it feels like he would be better with somepony else, i just feel like he could do with true love, not just sex" i could not listen to this conversation any longer, with a gulp i rounded the corner but she continued "i just can not love him like he loves me and he deserve"Moonlight stopped as i began to walk towards them both

"i know Moonlight and it is fine, you do not owe me anything, but i have some things to take care of," i past her as i said that to her. i went through the doorway and i was back at the Twilight's castle, i did find Twilight who seemed to understand that things were not working out with me and Moonlight, most likly due in part to hardly being consis, i told twilight only what she needed to hear, but for the time being i was not prepared, it felt like a nightmare had physically pulled the rug away from me, but it did not hurt, and i am sure if it was a physical form it would be quite confused as i did not fall, i remained standing.

my new room was not that far away from the old one, i did ask twilight to allow Moonlight to stay if she so wished, but i still cared for her, but i did feel the same as she did, that we did have something special but i had spent more time getting to know the beeping of the heart monitor, than i did about her, but something was off, i thourt about being in the bunker again, then i was their but it was empty.

buck this, i thourt as something strange happend, ok stranger than normal for me, i mean getting hit on by a princes should of set off an alarm or two, "you are strong, we will release you but first we name you.... our champion" the voice of the book said, and i awoke in my bed with moonlight, for some reason i checked my pip buck, i checked the time about 3am, i looked over completed tasks before remembering, just to make sure, turned out i had indeed passed out, but moonlight had been by my side, i could feel it i could also see it from my own view,

this is starting to vex me a lot, but i need to be sure that i am indeed awake, so i built up a spell, the dream walker spell, i gave a little pray that i either read or was taught by Luna, than i released the spell, and thankfully nothing happened, i allowed myself to fall back to sleep and thankfully it was peaceful.

the second day started like the first, at least this time i know i was awake because of the hate coming from the other ponies, today being more about weapon maintenance and care, that is were i was able to find my second love, guns, the 10mm was average asultrifle just a bit worse, alright the recoil on both messed up my aim, and the other ponies just laughed at the poor wall around the target, next was a A.N598 laser pistol.

any laughter stopped when all the targets were hit with 100% accuracy, but the C.A965 laser rifle, <3 the rest of the ponies had to wait as ten out of the thirty targets vaporized, all of the emotion i noticed was not of hate but of shock, even the metal humans were speechless, when the rest had used the range i watched as one had a battle saddle with machine guns, the range was heavily pelted with what in terms of accuracy was laughable, but with that kind of spray you don't need accuracy, that is when reality came knocking,

i don't think this is right, if these ponies were to use such weapons, not to mention the explosives, they seemed to be getting ready to kill the hive, my eyes started to glow red, then without thinking oh you have two very live weapons that need to be handed in, i teleported to where i felt Luna might of been,

as you could possibly imagine, i appeared in a ball of green flames which startled the near by guards, all they saw was an armored armed intruder and leaped at me, Luna was facing away looking out of the window "hello Paul" was all she manage to say as i appeared and then was tackled by one male Batpony held onto my head, the other tried his beast to throw me off balance,

"hello Luna, erm are these friends of yours, because i really desperately need to talk to you when you have the time my que (coughs) Princess" i said as the bat ponies said did not speak but shrieked at me until Luna gave a shriek of her own then continued in Equestria as the bat ponies let go of me "i Do apologies Paul for my guards" Luna turned to see me as i manage a "it is fine princess, i can understand" "so can i" Luna raised a brow "i take it you like the laser weapons"

she said with a smile as i must of looked shocked as, not only did i have some strange armor but also weapons, i hung my head in shame "i am sorry Luna, i just noticed the power of such weapons, i know you helped me even though it is hard to remember, and you have helped me" "stop right their Paul," Luna turned to the guards "you may leave" the guards noded and gave a "yes princes, but if he tries to harm you we will not be so gentle" "he will not harm me, now go" and then they erupted in to a black cloud which dissipated almost immediately,

"you were saying Paul?" Luna said calmly as i really wanted to ask a thousand questions but i chose to speak with her, "Luna i fear that this will turn into a bloodbath, even some members of the team that i am in hate changelings, and i do not remember seeing any sign of the have having such things, and i know and thank Equestria for your help and support along with the humans, but i ask and beg you to let me go alone, i will be able to get in and out with hardly anyone knowing" Luna chuckled as she walked towards me, "you know that was part of your plan anyway," Luna's voice had changed to a softer warmer tone, i let out the dream walker spell, and again nothing,

"you really do not remember do you?" i shooked my head "i think i do, but especially after yesterday, i am scared incase i am losing my mind" Luna came up to my helmet and chirped something, then with a hiss my helmet opened with a "at once princess" from Little LIght, my helmet opened, i was greeted by the fresh air and a sweet scent, it smelled like the cool night air mixed with blueberries and some unknown flower,

the next thing i was met with were her lips upon my own, and that is when my little changeling appeared in my mind and said "whoops i knew i forgot something" as i remembered being taught by Luna and how she showed me what was happening to the outside world by letting me know a new spell, i saw Moonlight and another ponie doing more than just kissing, i could not hear but i know that armor, it was from the git with the flaming pony mark the same one that hated me, i saw how Luna looked after me and reassured me.

after the kiss i burst out crying as she just held me "i.i" "shh, it's ok Paul, i know you, but i also know her" "i just feel like i have failed you Luna, i feel used and angry, but mainly relief" i said as everything started to make more sense, Luna took a breath and said "how do you feel .... about us Paul" Luna said almost not wanting to hear, "you were their for me yesterday, but you have been on my mind and in my heart since i was back at the hive, i never thourt you would say yes to me, but why did i forget?"

Luna chuckled "gee i wonder why, maybe due in part to trauma and magical drain" Luna said more herself than as the princess, "ok, but why is Moonlight still living with me or i with her, i mean its like..... so how many Moonlights are their?" "as far as i know two, the one you saved and the one you sleep with" Luna said with a blush, "so could you do me a favor please?" i asked in a pleading tone "what is it my lov erm i mean Paul?" "just be you, and you can call me whatever you want to, Plush as a bonus if you ever need a guard i will be their for you, and only you will know who i am my love" i finest with given her back the kiss that felt better than anything, it felt real.

"so what now Paul? do you still feel like trying to get yourself killed?" Luna said in a grave mournful tone "no my queen of the moon, i have something to live for, but as for now i have to explain some things to Moonlight but i will not say anything but sorry for being weird around her, and that i shall play ball" i chuckled at that one "thank you Luna for all you have done, i am going to go back now" Luna noded and with that i returned.

the human's tried to pull rank until i explained that, one i was sorry for leaving and i can understand why such a thing would upset him, and two i am a higher rank than them put together, and three i will play ball and follow the orders given to me, i then turned to Moonlight and the metal pony with the flaming pony, i explained that saving her life along with magical depletion made me a bit confused, and that i was happy for them both, that is when the metal pony spoke in a male voice, "so you really saved her and nearly killed yourself doing it, and a side effect from doing that was you being off in your own world?" "in a nutshell" i said

"thank you for saving Moonlight for me Paul, and i am sorry for not given you a chance, but i will lay off of the hate and i will tell the others" he gave a salute which i returned, i then checked out the door plate which read spec ops Paul, no one else, Moonlight never actually came in or out of this door, and Luna knew that i was not well and tried to help me to see the truth, and i could not see it clearly, my little changeling put on some glasses and said i think you are never going to be 100% but i believe you can make it, just try to take it one day at a time.

the other ponies were eating their meals, and me i was working on the laser rifle, i used some whiskey to help polish the gems inside as i used my magic to change the gems shape and thickness, i also had to reposition the focus lense, so that their would be one beam not three, i did the same to the pistol but i did not mean to change the name and the serial number, the C.A965 laser rifle was now Love of the night, the A.N598 laser pistol was now champion,

the rest of the day passed quickly and a lot better since the hate had stopped, when i returned to my room i ran myself a bath and took off my armor, as i let the waters heat penetrate my car space and i was in a section of bliss, but soon i would have to put the crystals that were on the window, apparently i was taking care of them on autopilot, i also started to wonder just how much of my life from waking up, was real and how much was not,

as i finest my bath as my Pip Buck gave a beep, i looked at the screen, message from internal affairs, you have been charged 70,000 bits for a laser rifle and laser pistol, we would be very if you wish to purchase ammo 50 bits for MF 25 for EC, the bill did not make to much of a dent and i have also had paid Twilight Sparkle for my room and also for food, their was a note from the kitchen staff requesting that if i want to make food i can but try to not talk about ponies that are not here,

i just sigh, at what i must of put them all through, i continued to get ready for bed, i swallowed hard before "little light" i said to the suit as it got up and walked into the bedroom "yes Paul" came the voice of little light, "good night little light" "good night Paul" little light said as the armor walked back to its corner,

in the dream world i tried to find the answers and i did find them, but i did not like them, but Luna was always their in the foreground, making sure that i did not harm anyone, but now it was my turn to help her if she wants my help, i thourt as Luna's voice came from behind me, "we would enjoy the company"

me and Luna walked the dream realm, and it was nice, we had to enter a dream or two, but i remained silent only watching, except for one dream from a filly named clover, her dream or night mare, was one of a monster that was trying to eat her candy island, me and Luna were turned into pirates and we fourt the monster, with the filly reassured that we had her back, she fourt the monster off as Captain Clover ruler of the chocolate milk seas, we even scared off a few dream monsters or rather creatures, it was a great time, but soon it was time for me to wake, i gave Luna a salute and she gave me a kiss which i returned as i awoke,

day three

i entered the doorway after making the bed, i just stopped remembered my suit and Little Light, which or who i put on, then i went back to the door took a breath and walked into the bunker, but this day i was greeted by a robot, it was purple and had a strange head? or helmet? it's left arm appeared to have a gatling laser the other held a rocket launcher it had three legs with balls on them, possibly moved by the inner wheels? but mainly what i thourt was i wonder if i could get one of those gatling guns? then i squashed the idea as that would be a lot of extra weight,

my thinking was soon cut abruptly "intruder detected, please provide identification or be taking into custody" i just smiled as i said "Paul spec ops 193086" it replied with "one moment (elevator music plays) accepted, this solder will continue patrols, unless you have any orders sir" "no other orders will be given except for one solder, call me paul, understood?" "yes understood Paul, going back to work now"

a second voice spoke to me after a yawn, "Dam Paul you don't just quite do you?, and yes i know why you disappeared (he yawns again) i had your Luna in my head and she tried to explained everything, but i know the fear you have of hurting children and innocents, but you can only account for yourself, not for the actions of others, i have seen too many of my friend take on such an idea only to be destroyed by it, the same with others losing someone dear to them, it may take humans anything from days to years to understand that it was not their fault but by that time, it seems to late and they just give up as most have, i know that pain far to well, and one more thing my name is Albert not mr shouty" Albert said with a lot of laughter, "strange thing is, that is what my little brother called me on more than one occasion" he gave another laugh then added "i miss him so much" and with that he left,

i wanted to say something anything, but i could not find the right words of comfort, i opened my helmet without thinking about it, then all i could say was "my condolences", "thank you Paul, you will be happy to know, today is all about stealth" and with that he left for the canteen, or at least in that direction, after that i looked at my Pip Buck time 4:34am, i checked my notes no new messages, i was about to go and get myself a coffee when i reserved a message,

Paul come to me as soon as you can, you need to see this. Luna end of message, oh i hope this is not going to be too bad, as i was using my teleport spell i swear i heard the other doors open as the green flames took me away, but instead of being inside the palace, but i was pleasantly surprised to find myself in a garden, my nose was filled with the smells of different flowers, my ears were filled with the sounds of birds singing a light melody, but that is when i smelled a particular flower, i turned to see a bush full of white, five stared petals with a border of dark purple blue,

they smelled a bit like Luna mixed in the early morning air but not as nice as her, then i turned around just as a pupal spear appeared on the grass, and their stood princess Luna and then a bright golden spear appeared next to her princess Celestia, the looks that they both held did not look well, Clesti looked angry, while Luna looked upset, all i wanted to do was to make sure that Luna was safe and happy, but something told me not to, not to move, not to speak.

Celestia, glared at me and i lost it, that look was one you give somebody or pony that has done something wrong, "why are you looking at me like that for Princess Celestia?" i said in a respectful but still stop looking at me like i have just killed some ponie kind of tone,

"is it true?" Celestia said holding onto a angry soft tone, i was completely confused now "is what true? if i am being accused of something, the least you can do is explain to me what it is that accounts for Lun being upset and for you looking like, like i have hurt somepony or body" Luna cheered up a bit, given me a warm smile

"do you love my sister or are you after Moonlight?" Celestia said plainly, too which i replied to almost instantly "I love Luna and i always have, ever since i first seen her, Moonlight is a friend or an acquaintances, i went a bit crazy and to make so i was ok Luna played along, but i never had the same feelings for the real Moonlight, as she moved on, oh do not get me wrong i would help her and my team in the same way but, i could never do that to Luna, infact" i walked up to Luna who looked a bit shocked at me, but her face started to turn slightly red as she saw something in my eyes, if i was able to i would of been able to of seen Celestia's mouth hang open not exspecting me to move let alone towards her sister,

i gave Luna a bow before raising my head to face her "Luna i feel really strongly for you, you know that i have not done deliberately meant to hurt you, and you say i have not, but i feel like i have, and i want to spend evroy day of my life to make it up to you, from what i have read in books, i am asking you if you would be my special somepony" Luna gave a "yes" in the royal canterlot voice which almost sent me flying if she had not grabbed me,

Celestia spoke up "No, you cannot just be her special somepony as you already are, but i know you are sincere, i think you meant to ask her to be your fiance's, which means you wish to marry her one day, and you will not allow anything to come between you and my sister, of course you will need to get her a ring, but i do not know of any who makes rings for alicorns and changelings, but i think i can arrange something" Celestia said in a much more happier joyful tone,

Luna released me from the embarrass and gave me a kiss, a passionate one which i returned, i felt on top of the world, but then i remembered i had to do my job, not just for me but for Equestria and my own homeland.

we parted and i looked into her eyes and my heart sored at the sight of her beautiful teal colored eyes, which reminded me of a galaxy, so beutiful and so full of love, and life, "Paul, don't you have a job to do ?" Celestia said with a wide grin on face,

i gave and almost dumb "yer" before my inner changeling, hoof planted and put on an army uniform and proceeded to blow into a bugle, which knock me to my sense's, i immediately gave both of the princess a salute, "permission to return to the training program Ma'ams" they both gave me a acknowledged bow, with that i gave them both a happy smile, "i will see you before i go, Luna" i promised Luna, with that i then left in a burst of green flame as i planned to reappear on the other sided in a stealthy manner.

as soon as the changeling and his green flames Celestia smiled at Luna "you know sister, i think he will make you happy and will fit in quiet well"

back to work

i reemerged on the ceiling, as my pit buck updated, hide and no see, you have to get to the back of the bunker without being found, you can disable the robots and the trip wires and mines, but you will fail if seen, follow the waypoint and hit the big red button to begin, i proceeded to the canteen for some supplies before starting.

chapter twenty one, the storm builds

(work in progresses)

after a quick rummage through the canteen cupboards, i found a butter knife , some flour, a box of apple bombs , a tin of cram, and some hair pins found on the floor, i left the canteen and after climbing  back up to the ceiling, i proceeded towards the waypoint  on my hud,

i would have had to enter a door that was reinforce, this part as did the rest  of the bunker had a ventilation  systems, i changed my size,  after i had used the butter knife to unscrew the great screws,  and i had stuck the great to the ceiling  by my own secretions which i could still use in the suite , luckily for me that did or that would of been messy ,

now to be fair they did have a head start, but of courses  now that i am in the vent, i continued  going forward in the dark and comfortable spaces  almost remind me of home, the nostalgia was short lived when i came upon the next vent, the lights seemed almost like sunlight beams creeping out between the courtesans in the morning ,

i began by tying four separate and able to stretch webbing, after securing the great i  peard thru the mesh  to see another coriander , i was about to unscrew the screw by hoof, when i startled by a robot with a visible brain onshow for all to see, " scanning, resuming patrol" it said in a female voice and continued to roll along on its way.

ok that has to be the most messed up thing I have ever seen, new plan use magic, i used my magic to deal with the vent grill, i then flow out and replaced the great as soon i could, then i had to pay attention to the movement on my hud, their must of been a few robots around, as silently and as quickly as i could i proceeded to my objective, which was behind a small wooden door that was locked, i used my horn to open the locked room,

once opened i quickly entered and closed it again, as the robot started to return, the room held a petasil of white, with a big red button on top of it, next to the button was a note with a silver disc, as i approached a little blue light beam came from my suite and scanned it, time seemed to stop as i absorbed the information,

message read : Once the button has been pressed the test will begin, a safe will appear in the room with you, what you fined inside must be used by you to complete, please do not damage any equipment beyond repair as you will be charged for said damage, good luck.

after the message i pressed the button, the lights turned to a dark red, then the sound of metal crashing down made me turn, i watch as a heavy metal shutter came crashing down covering the door that i had entered, another sound made me turn back around, it was the sound of stone scraping away in a hexagon to reveal a safe that was just above the floor at a normal adult pony's head height,

i proceeded towards the newly reviled safe, i opened the safe to view its contents, i found a silent 10mm pistol, three boxes of 10 mm ammo, a screwdriver, and a tape which my pip buck scanned and download, once complete it played.

"Hay Solder its me Tim, i left this for you in case you have forgotten the override code, hay we were all noobs at one point right?, anyway, due to the risk of corporate or an enemy invasion this facility has been given a security upgrade, now if you see a robot, sneak up behind it and push the button on its back and it will go into sleep mode, if you hear a beeping sound then take a step back, as that is most likly a proximity mine, once located hit the button on the top to deactivate it, now you will have about ten second to deactivate it, Don't quart me on that, as i have not had the privilege to time them, now when you see the beames your pip buck should be able to hack them, ya could deactivate them or have them send security bot to go that area if broken by some ponie else, as they will allow you to pass through, once that is done with go to the office and use the terminal to deactivate the lock down, good luck and welcome to the fun world of Mc handies corp."

as the audio file began to play, the wall to the right of the safe opened up and reviled another hallway, i then proceed towards my new objective, all the while following the advice that i was given, see a bot sneak up behind it hit the button, hear a beep, locate the mine and then hit the button, see some lasers hack them, rinse and repeat.

after about ten minutes and a few close calls from some of the more secretively hidden mines, i found myself in front of a door that was brown with a fog glass panel, the glass was held in places by the golden small brass border, the handle complemented the frame with the same color of brass, the words Head Offices was painted on in black letters.

the lock did not take long to crack, but i did break two out of the eight hair clips that were labeled as bobby pins, the door swung open, the room looked as though some ponie had more bits than brains, what with the solid oke looking table, with a terminal and some papers and books stacked on top of it, their was a flag in the far right corner, just hidden by the filing cabinets that seemed to flank both sides of the room, leaving a path big enough for a pony to walk around , but that is when i noticed the red beams covering them, which made them look as thout they went through the table,

i took a step forwards then i heard that all too well beep, beep, of a mine, i quickly took two steps back as i ready myself, without pause i ran and jumped over the desk and then turned to see the familiar little red flash blinking under the desk hidden in the dark, which i promptly disarmed, after that i turned on the terminal, i put the terminal into recovery and began to look at the sea of code and words, i selected Puppy, then the screen went blank and then the message welcome miss Rainy Days have a productive day, followed by lift lockdown y/n ? i hit y, and was blinded by the lights coming back on and the wall  behind the desk lifted up,

"congratulations Paul your time was a very respectable eleven minutes, now come on we need to rest the course"  came the voice of unknowing person, who when my vision came back to me turned out to be a green earth pony wearing spectacles and a white lab coat, after the room behind me had resealed, i was  promptly shown the way out, through and up the stairway, it opened up to the surfaces, but before emerging i restored my self to my original height.

i reached the top and saw a small room with a wood chip panalse Mr shouty, i mean Andrew was waiting either for me, or for anyone that had completed the test to the right hand side sitting behind a foldable table and chair, "good time Paul, well you have the rest of the day off but you must be back at the barracks at 22:00 at the latest, understood?"  i gave him a salute and a "understood sir" i checked the time nearly 5am, and i had nearly whole day to do anything, after leaving another seemingly useless  tool shed,

i was contemplating how to pass the time, when my pip buck beeped, new message appeared in front of my vision, i was actually glad for the text appearing as i almost began looking for a proximity mine despite it sounding in a different tone, i had to chuckle at my actions as i began to read the message, Dear Paul, i would be most pleased to see you as thy sister has given me leave for the day earlier than normal, i do hope this has not distracted you in your test if so, sorry, but i will be waitting for you at Twilight's castle, sincerely Luna XX.

i then calmly walked towards the entrance to the bunker leaving the exit behind me, after reaching the bottom i replaced the grating on the vent and then proceeded to the door to my room at Twilight's castle, once i had entered and then closed it behind me, i left the suit and proceeded to take a bath, the door to the maine room opened and i could hear Little Light great the visitor,

"hi my name is Little Light, i am sorry but Paul is currently not available, i can take a message if you want me to, or you can wait until he becomes available, oh my Princess Luna welcome, i believe Paul is exspecting you, please make yourself comfy," at the news of who it was i promptly began to finished my cleaning, and drying. i came out to see Luna with a blush on her face, "pardon us, but we.. i did not mean to intrude, but we have that tablet for you," she said with her head turned,

"well it is just  about quarter past five, so maybe you could show me some of those films, that you told me about" i said as i approached the couch and Luna, who i sat next to, and with a wing around me she said, "indeed we wanted to watch some of these with you, the first movie that was picked was called the last unicorn (find out more The Last Unicorn), it was a movie about the human world, and a bright white unicorn's journey to find the rest of her kind, needles to say i enjoyed it,

the next movie was called The Labyrinth, (find out more on The Labyrinth Movie Fans )  and i was captivated, not only by the story but just like the first, it was by the music and the characters, we had enough time to watch one more movie and it was called The Dark Crystal (find out more Dark Crystal)

by the end and a few soft drinks and some snacks it was about 10am. and Luna looked as though she had finally enjoyed herself in what must of seemed like an eternity, i could not help but smile, i could feel the love between us which tasted better than the wine from, i stopped myself, i then checked my items and the bottle of sanguine wine was their still, i asked Luna to use my new tablet to see if their was anything going on, after a few minuets of searching Luna gave a happy squee of delight,

"In Canterlot their is a fair i have not been to in centuries, o, o, can we go Paul, Please!, as i am sure with you their the fun will be doubled" i blinked "i want to go, but do you think that the other ponies will be alright with me turning up?" i asked still wanting to go, but not wanting to cause any trouble for her, "they will like it or they can talk to my sister!" Luna said with disdain clear in her voice and in her tone, i agreed with Luna that, as long as i was not the problem they could do that so long as i did not start any trouble.

Luna looked at me with eyes widening "Pleasesss, Paul, can we go?" luna said almost like a filly, in truth i wanted to go but those eyes and the tone of her voice, their would never be a male defence against such a weapon, " i said we could and please stop using the cuteness on me,  as i cant take no more" i pretended to have a heart attack by grabbing my chest with my right hoof while raising my left in the air, while making a gurgling sound, then i pretending to faint all the while sitting on the seat next to Luna,

Luna just played along "oh no woe is me, i have killed my love, maybe i could resuscitate him" she placed her lips upon my own which seemed to do the trick, after a long kiss with we both enjoyed, i asked Luna if we could go and see Rarity and her bot assistant as i would need to see about some attire for such an event,

Luna gave a chuckled and said "why don't you check the wardrobe? after all it is enchanted the same as my own back at canterlot", i got up and proceeded towards the wardrobe "oh i almost forgot to tell you that we have been talking to Twilight and our sister, and have come to a conclusion" i stopped just short of the wardrobe and turned my head, "and what would that be?" i asked still trying to fathom what the conversation was leading to,

"well i wanted to ask you if you would.... that is if you want to, sort of move to canterlot castle as their is plenty of room in the castle, obviously i wanted you to at least be on the same level as i, and sister wanted you to be in a neutral part of the castle, so we have come to a compromise if you want to that is?" i interrupted "so you would like your fiance to move in with you, i will but on only one condition" Luna looked a bit fear full but pressed on,

"and what would that be?" "evan if we get married, i just want you to know that i will have an opinion, and that is all, if you ask me for advices i will give it to you but you must know i want as little as possible to do with the politics of the land as possible, if you need me for support than i will, but unless some pony or person threatens you and your sisters lives, than i will remain silent unless i am told that i can respond" i said sincerely,

"that is what Celestia said, along with you haven to be in between both my own and her wings of the castle, but still on the same level as my own, we had already taken steps to make it for you, along with my sister of course, but the castle saw it fit to change the coloration to black, the room itself is enchanted to make it feel more like home for you, so if you do want to"

i interrupted her train of thourt by "so what do you think? the tropical shirt or the  blue silk water dragon shirt?" Luna just sat their blinking numbly for a few seconds, as i proceeded back to my seat, she kept her eyes on me and continued with "the blue what?"

i still do not know how i manage to keep a straight face as i sat down, Luna looked at me blankly, then her pupils contracted in realization, "is tho making a joke?" to which i could not help my self "thy is'ith corrective, in thy assumption, Princes of moonlight" i said emphasizing in a tone to let her know i was joking, and that i do not want the day to involve any harder decisions than, what to eat see or do,

Luna blinked then started to laugh like a normal pony (not having to worry about keeping up an appearances) when she had finest her laugh Luna continued "Quite right, such things can wait" Luna then sprang from her seat spread her wings and landed on the floor with grace and elegance, to which my inner changeling through up a scoreboard with 10 on it,

when Luna had landed she turned  "come Paul the day is young and i want to get their before the rush hour, and with you their the fun will be doubled" she said with laughter in her voice, i closely followed princess lead, i was more than relived to find that the festivities were being held in the grounds, Luna ran at a safe, but brisk pace, i followed her through the halls of Twilight's castle until we came to a jet black door with shimmering stars, like little vertical pools of mercury in a pulsating spiked spears,

the door it self held a shield of, what i can only describe as white sea polished stone and pebbles that gave an aura of light that shone gently against the the darkened beauty of the void, the void being the realm of hopes and dreams both new and old, but as i stared at the door, a voice that sounded familiar but felt like light ecored "remember it holds onto them, all must bee freed".

while this was happening to me Luna  was all ready concentrating on her spell to unlock the enchanted door , i came back to my senices as the half moon dimmed and split inwards