Chapters I must keep, keep running and don't look back. I can hear them chasing me, the buzzing of their wings, the snapping sounds of branches as my pursuers smash through them in an attempt to get to me. My legs are aching, protesting after each and every step I take, but I can't stop not even for a single second. If they catch me, I'm dead; I refuse to let that happen. Just keep running.
I can feel my green blood slithering out of cuts across my black chitinous body from my escape. The other didn't make it, they're d- NO! Shut up, they're alive! It'll take more than that to bring them down. But I can't help but doubt, maybe after this, I can return and look for them, heck they may even look for me. I can't stop thinking about them if they're still alive, what if they have been captured by her and being tortured?! No, I must stop thinking, there are more important things I need to handle like getting rid of Chrysalis' guards.
Jumping and sliding over obstacles and through the wet mud feels like someling is rubbing vinegar and salt into my wounds, eliciting small whimpers from me but never slowing me down, I can't afford to. The night sky is shrouded by the storm clouds above, releasing a monsoon that is drowning the forest in a torrent. The thunder's low and thunderous cracks, and bright flashes of lightning shroud my senses, making it even more difficult to tell where I'm going.
I want to fly, to get off the ground, but I can't. They'll spot me and all it will require is one clean shot at me to take me down. And even if I attempt to, my fragile wings are in ruins and are beyond its capabilities to even take me off the ground for even a moment. Looking around my surroundings to see if I can find a place to hide, all I can see are trees and large boulders that are scattered across the landscape like dragon eggs. Growling, I take a sharp left hoping to at least throw off them for even a few moments to allow me to figure out something, anything to get me out of this predicament.
I breach through a wall of shrubbery only to stop dead in my tracks. My front hooves teeter at the edge of the cliff, that descends a great distance into a river below. I turn around, hoping to find another way out, but it's too late. I can hear them coming closer and closer. I'm trapped. There is only one way out of this; it is stupid, suicidal, but if I want to survive I have no choice. Swallowing my fears and doubts, I seal my eyes shut, praying quietly to myself that I will live to see the dawn of day again. I can hear them, only meters away now.
Taking in what might be my last breath, I jump. The wind rushes past me and through the holes of my hooves as I hurtle towards the river underneath. Opening my eyes, I watch as the cliff face rush upwards into the sky, four tiny black heads poking out from where I jumped, peering over the edge to see me falling to what will possibly be my death.
Pain erupts through my body as I crash against the freezing cold water. I try to scream, but water only seeps into my mouth causing a sharp pain in my lungs. My hooves instinctively start to claw themselves out of the water, fighting the strong currents that are pulling me painfully fast to the unknown. I surface from beneath the raging water in a coughing fit as my lungs expel the intruding water, only to be dragged down underneath the water again while spinning out of control like a one-winged bird falling from the sky. Again, I attempt to claw myself out of the water but only managing to keep my head about water for a mere few seconds before being pulled back down once again.
I frantically flail my hooves around, hoping to find something I can latch onto so I can escape this water slide of death. But I can't, there is nothing. I collide into the bank, tossing me through the water like a ball. After what feels like hours of trying to stay afloat, my muscles finally give in to letting the water carry me to where ever it may lead. Then miraculously, I find myself thrown out of the river and into the sweet sweet grass. I unleash in a torrent of coughs before my vision fades into darkness.
***
I can hear chirps, the fluttering of birds as they take off from their nests within the trees. I can feel the warmth of the sun falls over my back, bathing me in a light warmth after almost being drowned in freezing waters. Groaning, I force my limbs to stand up despite their burning protests. As soon I place pressure on my right forehoof, I recoil back, yelping in pain. My injured hoof begins to throb with pain underneath the cracked chitin.
"Damnit, I think I sprained my hoof," I mumble to myself, biting back a hiss as I try to move. "I'm alive though, I'm alive." After all that, despite all the odds stacked against me, I'm still alive.
My eyes wander upwards into the great blue expanses, a small smile appearing on my muzzle while I take in the light and warmth from the sun I thought I'd never see again. Looking down to examine my external injuries, I've sustained quite a few cuts and bruises all across my body, but luckily the bleeding has stopped, replaced with the dried blood that is acting ling a plug. My wings, if you can even still call them that, are beyond repair. They hang off the side of my body, looking like they've been chewed up and spit out. I let out a small sorrowful sigh, looks like I'm never going to touch the sky again.
After finally ripping my gaze from my useless wing, I check my surroundings. Around me are many trees, but not the thick ones like where I was being chased, these ones are thin, tall and vibrant. Its leaves seem to glow as the light shines off them. The raging river behind me flows steeply downhill before turning off behind the rocky hill. The birds fly through the air, singing their songs for all the woodland creatures to hear. The sight is calming, a nice change after my grand escape.
I have to start moving again though, I may have lost them but there is no doubt that they are looking for me right now. With that in mind, I start hobbling quickly into the woods. The ground is still wet after yesterday's storm but is significantly drier to my joy, this makes moving so much easier for me. I have to keep an eye out in case anything is following me. In my state, I doubt I'll even be able to hold off an aggressive fox, let alone of Chrysalis' guards who are fully trained, armed and ordered to kill.
Sighing, I keep traversing through the brightly lit woods. All around me are endless amounts of flowers that mirror the rays of light that are penetrating through the treetops, bathing the woodlands in a warm, tranquil orange glow. Seeing insects of all different kinds climbing the diverse amounts of plants and tree and darting quickly through the air is joyful, to say the least. I stop off to grab a few berries from a bush to sate my growing hunger, it isn't much but it'll last me for a bit.
Scanning around the environment, I continue to push forward in the search for civilization. Then as I push through a piece of shrubbery, I stumble over slightly onto a path that is running through the woods. I gasp as my sprained hoof throbs with pain as I almost fall onto the dirt ground. It takes a few long moments before the pain begins to wear off, but leaving an annoying numbing sensation to make its presence aware to me. I look up and down the path that is devoid of any travellers luckily, I'd rather keep my existence to a minimal.
I can't remember exactly but I believe if I head downhill from here, there's a small town which I might be able to stay at. Unfortunately, however, it's home to the six elements of harmony bearers, the same ones we were taught during training that we are to avoid at all costs. If they even find out that changelings have been living within the population for centuries, feeding off their love by taking the forms of others, then there is no doubt in my mind that we are in trouble. It's a risk, but a risk I'm willing to accept over being imprisoned within the hive.
I start following the path downhill but from behind the trees, trying to remain concealed behind the bushes and trees in case there is a pony. My eyes constantly scan around me in case there is anyone following, but fortunately, there seems to be little evidence of any activity. As I near the forest edge, my eyes catch a glimpse of the top of a building that is hiding the bushes. I stop behind a bush that is between me and the small town, Ponyville I think they call it. Very creative indeed.
In the centre of it is a very tall building, what I think is probably the town hall, which has similar looking buildings surrounding. Their roofs are made of thatch, with white painted walls which have beams of woods running along then. Humming to myself, I envelop in a light green flame that quickly disappears as fast as it appears. My body, instead of having black chitin and an eerie green carapace that is littered with cuts, is now a light beige Earth Pony with a brown curly mane and has a cutiemark of a sword.
Her name is Sharp Point; I created her when I was training back when Chrysalis wasn't the Queen of our hive and ever since I've used her when on missions or collecting love energy for the hive. I enjoy being her out in the pony world, it's fun and really interesting. I'd always look forward to coming out here with her, but ever since Chrysalis came into power everything changed and now I am forced to hide.
Hopping on three legs, I hobble around the bush and begin making my way to Ponyville, the beginning of a new life. "This'll be fun," I mumble quietly to myself as I draw closer.
Chapter 2 - Making friends
I take in a deep breath before limping in the unsuspecting town. Hoping to avoid as much contact with as many ponies as possible, I enter through the least densely populated area I could find, which just so happens to share the borders with a large apple orchard that expands beyond what the eye can see. Ponyville's houses are deceivingly large up close, looking like they can hold a family of ten while still have room to spare. The streets are lined with a diverse variety of plant and flowers, giving off a pleasant scent and making the rustic town visually pleasant for the eyes. It breaks up the grey monotony of the city for a more brighter and colourful experience.
"HI!"
I leap backwards only to yelp in pain as my vision is wrapped in pink by a bouncing, energetic pink mare who has a jaw splitting grin across her face. Her brightly coloured pink coat and puffy pink mane seems to describe her overly energetic and joyful behavior for me. I could literally see the excitement leaking from her frame like tendrils of a jellyfish.
"I'm Pinkie Pie but my friends call me Pinkie you're new here aren't you I haven't seen you before so that means you must be new oh how much I love seeing new ponies OH MY GOSH I have to prepare you a welcome to Ponyville surprise party GOT TO GO BYE!" And just like she is gone, leaving only a vague pink cloud in the shape of her form.
My eyes linger blankly on the now empty space as my brain failed to update quick enough of the events that just occurred in what feels like mere instant. The unnamed pink pony appeared out of nowhere to assault me with a trillion words a second before speeding off at unfathomable speeds. And I thought I've seen everything. Shaking my head, I rubbed gently my sprained hoof which only causes the ache to become a thudding pain. The pain instinctively pulls my hoof away as I grimace.
I have to keep moving, I can't allow myself to get distracted by the Pink Pony. Wait, was that one of the-? My head creeps up to stare at the vacant space, once occupied by our mortal enemy. My stay her hasn't even exceeded five minutes yet and already I'm being confronted by the element bearers? I'm starting to reconsider my choice in coming to Ponyville to hide, but there is nowhere else I can go, unless I want to get captured by Chrysalis. The next closest city that can be considered as secure is Canterlot, but there is no way in Tartarus I am stepping hoof in that death zone. The entire Equestrian military lives there.
Sighing inwardly, I proceed to limp deeper into the center of the village, taking as many back alleys as I can. While observing the crowds from beneath the shadows, I come to realize how lively Ponyville is. Their emotions of joy and happiness lives within the very air they breath, the love that emanates from each individual seems almost impossible yet I can feel and see it. I've never seen so much love in my entire life.
Without warning, the sky starts to darken as the ponies start to take shelter within their homes. Looking up into the sky, I find groups of pegasus ponies moving cumulonimbus clouds and setting them above Ponyville, replacing the sun and the deep blue sky with a blanket of dark and hazy storm clouds. A single drop of water falls onto my muzzle, and then another until I am being assaulted with another army of water droplets.
Even when the streets are empty, I can still feel the presence of love as I walk out into the open. Unlike before, I welcome the rain, the droplets soaking into my faux coat and mane. It's warm.
"Hey what are doing out there! Get inside!" A stallion shouts, motioning me to come into his home.
I hesitate, questioning whether I should enter the complete stranger's home, but he won't do anything to me. As quickly as my three hooves can take me, I make a hasty move into his home. He shuts the door behind me before disappearing into another room. My whole body is dripping wet from head to hoof, but I fight off the urge to shake it off. It would be very disrespectful of me to do so.
The stallion reappears and tosses me a blue towel; I thank him and and I quickly dry myself off. He walks off into the first door on the left, leaving it ajar into what I think is the living room. While rubbing down my mane, I discreetly take note of his home. The short hallway is lit in a bright orange light, showing off the polished dark oak planks that hid underneath a small stretch of brown carpet. Picture frames hang from the wall that depict him and other ponies who I are think are probably his parents. I take note of one of the frames, which is a image of him when he was a foal, surrounded by three ponies. Surprisingly, one of those ponies is the element of loyalty when she was young. Rainbow Flash I think that's her name. Who is he?
After thoroughly drying myself, I enter into the living room. It is very spacious. There is a small couch that sat opposite a small arm chair, with a low standing coffee table in between. All of this sat before the fireplace that crackled and burned quietly within the background, bathing the room in a small and warm light. The stallion, who's sitting on the couch with a cup in hoof, is a pegasus who has a light grey coat and a bright blue mane.
"Um, thank you for letting me stay," I tell him.
"No problem. Say, what's your name? I don't think I've ever seen you before." He asks, taking sip out of his cup.
"Oh, my name is Sharp Point." I hiss quietly as I accidentally put pressure on my injured hoof. It looks even more swollen now than it did earlier.
"What's wrong with your hoof?" He asks concernedly, placing his cup onto the table and getting. I back away as soon as he starts to get closer to me. "I just want to see if it is fine," the stallions says reassuringly. He doesn't want to hurt me, there isn't a reason for me not to allow him to just see my hoof even in my injured state. It will take a lot more than that to interfere with my disguise.
Nodding, I give him permission to inspect my hoof, although my concern still present.
"I was attacked by bandits, and I sprained it while trying to run away." I lie.
Even though it isn't exactly false, I was attacked, to tell him that I was attacked by shape shifting creatures that live among pony society isn't the way to go. It's the reason why I'm still alive, right? Taking advantage of the pony's weaknesses by telling feasible and logical lies to get what we want. This what I am trained to do. Although, I believe that this ethic won't last for much longer.
He growls aggressively. "Damn bandits, they keep appearing near here and Whitetail, apparently they like to keep near the forest. You say it's sprained? I have something for that, stay here." He tells me before jumping up and leaving the room.
I let out a small sigh. As soon as he began growling, all of a sudden I could feel anger emanating from him. It may not have been directed towards me, but the bitter taste is all too recognisable. It was so unexpected to, for a pony living in a village filled with so much love, I actually didn't expect him to be so capable of anger. Tremor walks back in the room with a veil filled with a red liquid, another veil which has green fluids, as well as an ice pack. I pass him a questioning look as he hoofs both veils to me.
"I know they don't look pleasant but it works. The red veil speeds up the healing process to only two to four days while the other one kills the pain." He explains. "One of my friends is from Zebrica and she knows how to brew up a potion or two." Zebrica he says, I don't think I've ever met a zebra before.
I uncork the veils and take a sniff before recoiling back from the lethal smell wafting from it. I eyes the contents fearfully, and taking a deep breath, I down both the contents as quickly as I can despite the foul and bitter taste. My body lurches, trying to remove the horrid substances from my mouth, but I hold back long enough to swallow it and not regurgitate it back out. I shudder, wiping my mouth and give him back the empty veils.
"You could've warned me." I force the words out over my panting.
He smirks, "nah."
Wait, he didn't tell me on purpose?! Does he enjoy seeing me suffer? At least now I will only have to wait a couple of days now till I am fully healed. It's fascinating how zebra's are able to create these extremely powerful potions, they can probably invade Equestria and have a fighting chance if they try, but I'd rather not have that happen. I once attempted in making a potion, but lets just say it didn't go to plan and end it at that. At least that one tasted good.
"Do have a place to go to?" He asks.
I shake my head, I completely forgot about that. "This is my first time here."
"If you want, you can stay her for as long as you need. I live my own so it shouldn't be too bad. In return I am only asking for you to help around the house" He offers.
Already? We only just met, and we barely know each other, yet he is already offering me a place to stay for something as minute as helping around the house? I would question his offer as being suspicious, yet I can not find anything about him that can mark him a threat. But, this is practically free housing I am being offered.
"Sure." This is great, so not only do I no longer have to not worry about ever running out of love, but now I have a place to stay at. I can't believe how generous these ponies are. From my past experiences within Manehatten, it showed me that ponies are selfish and arrogant, but this small village juxtaposes this. Ponies are confusing.
He offers me noodles, which I thankfully accepted as I followed him into a small dinning room area, with a table a chairs and cabinets. It isn't anything too great, only seasoned soup with noodles with cut vegetables and spices in it, but it's enough to keep me alive so I am grateful for that at least. The rest of day is spent upstairs in a small spare bedroom in silence, while Tremor is downstairs doing who knows what. The storm outside isn't getting any worse but at the same time isn't improving, and apparently it will be staying like that until early tomorrow morning.
I need get some rest, my body is aching for some rest and, coincidentally, so am I. Carefully laying myself across the bed, I close my eyes to slumber. Rose, Private and Dark Skies, I know you're still alive. I will find you. I promise you that.
Author's Note
I hope you enjoyed the next chapter, I made sure to look over for mistakes but I doubt I got all of 'em so please tell me if you find any. I am bad at writing so don't judge me, I had trouble writing this chapter because I didn't know what I was doing. Hopefully it turns out better next chapter.
One last thing, don't expect chapters to be released as quickly as this one. So yeah, have a great day and enjoy life.
The long and narrow caves digs deep through Earth's crust, pitch black accept for the dim light being created by the bio-luminescent creatures who've made this their home. These cave systems branch out into other tunnels that lead deeper into the ground. At the center of the cave system opens up into the large underground city, the home of the Chrysalis Hive.
Stalactites hang from the ceiling like traps waiting dormant for it to be triggered from unwanted guests. Large pillars of stone reach out from the ground to grab the ceiling, with carvings of depictions of changeling, names of historical events and important changelings of time. The walls are shaped into large cathedral like structures, housing royalty and guards who are trained within them. Houses, made of stone brick, are built on the surface next to the water reservoirs and the bridges that arch over them. All around, changelings flying through the air and walking the streets, the entire populace up and active whether to do work, protect the hive or raise the future generations of changelings.
I am within the crowd of the busy miners, excavating through the Earth, expanding the size of our home to house the ever increasing population of changelings. Even through the pitch black, our sight was not impaired to deny our duty to our hive. The dark abyss of a labyrinth is our home to us and only us, intruders be damned ff they set hoof into our hive.
I work with the miners along side next to my dad, my third time working within the mining sector while he shows me the roots until I can work on my own. It is strenuous labour but it is one of the many sacrifices we must make in the name of the hive, and it is up to me to play my role in that cause.
"Why are digging here? We've been here for a week," I ask tiredly, grunting with every swing of my pickaxe.
"I'm not sure. I just supervise the workers her, they don't really tell me anything but to carry on digging." He chuckles to himself while he swings his large pickax against the black stone.
We both pause as I notice a group of other miners running back from deeper within mine. "GET OUT!" They shout in alarm.
What are they talking about? All of a sudden, the Earth begins to rumble as the tunnel seems to roar violently.
"Run Silver. RUN!" He pushes me forward, forcing me to drop my pickax and gallop with him.
I begin sprinting with the rest of the miners with my dad following behind, panic setting in from my confusion and fear. A small glimpse behind me and my eyes widen, there, chasing after me, is a large wave of rubble and rock collapsing from the ceiling. Large boulders careening through the narrow strip of tunnel, smashing away the supports and equipment and consuming changelings too slow to outrun it. I force my legs to run fast, push beyond its limits as death chases after me. But it is no use, even at my fastest I am still too slow. I won't make it in time, there's no possible way.
I feel myself being enveloped in a tingly green glow, the weight on my hooves being lifted, being lifted just off the ground before being propelled forward out of the collapsing mine. My head collides head against the gravelly ground but my hard helm absorbs most of the impact which leaves me dazed.
A wave of dust and tiny stones rushes over me in a large cloud, painting me and everyling else in a grey coat of dust. This cloud doesn't get very far, and begins to form a thin layer on the surface, revealing the catastrophic event to the onlookers further away. Nearby changelings flew in to assist those who were lucky enough to escape, those who were unfortunate enough to be underneath a large boulder were extracted and carried away hastily to the close by medical center.
I let out a low groan as weakly push myself onto my haunches and the now damaged helmet slides off my head, splitting into two as it thuds against the small jutting rocks. My head hurts, I can feel it heavily pulsing underneath my skull like a hammer. A word enters my head.
"Dad?" I call in a low voice, shaking away my dizziness.
"Dad?" I call once more, waiting for the voice of my father to soothe my ringing ears.
The reply doesn't come. All I can hear are the sounds of countless wings buzzing in the air, the endless distressful and painful shouting. None of which were my dad's voice.
"Dad," my hooves pushes me onto all four against the dizzying forces now acting onto my nimble legs. "Dad," I spin around, searching the crowds of changelings for that one face to appear and tell me he's alright. "Dad!" Panic begins to set in. "Dad!"
***
I shoot upwards with cold sweat, my eyes darting between each corner of the room in urgency. A bedside table, a wardrobe, a desk. I'm in Ponyville, it's just another nightmare. Sighing heavily, I remove the duvet covers from around me, sliding off the bed and dragging myself to the small window. Unlocking the silver latches, I lift open the stiff window which lets the cool air of night flood into the bedroom.
Leaning against the cracked window frame, I watch the calm town from above, bathed in the soft limelight of the moon descending from behind the horizon to make room for the ever expanding orange glow of the sun. Already, the birds are awake for the day. It's so peaceful and quiet. I don't think I've ever felt such tranquility in my life, to see the sun and moon like this is a gift.
"This is what we're missing," I mumble to myself. "Why do we even still live in those forsaken tunnels?"
Taking one last look at the sleeping village, I silently sneak out of my room while taking great care not to wake up Tremor in the other room. I open the front door, and into the night I begin to travel aimlessly through the town. Even during the struggles of war, one can still take the time to cherish beauty. But with the light of dawn ever so slowly approaching, I don't dare avert back to my normal form in case somepony is already awake and out.
The cool air has a sedative affect on me, relaxing me as my conscious recovers after re-living my past once again during my sleep. I find comfort within the silence of the sleeping village, warding off my anxiety and stress brought on by my troubled nymphhood. The water that had condensate over night seeps into my hooves, making them cold and slightly damp with each step.
I find a small gazebo sitting next to a water fountain, sending out gentle streams of water up into the air before landing into the bowl that is feeding it, near a much taller building like a tower. I sit down inside and and let my head rest against one of the wooden supports, letting my eyes gaze randomly as I'm lost in thought. I still remember the day my dad died and the days that came after, fresh in my head like it was just yesterday. I didn't want to believe it but I knew he was gone, and no prayer or wish will bring him back no matter how hard I try. I let out a solemn sigh, closing my eyes. It still hurts, even when I tell myself I need to move on, a part of me refuses to let go.
"Hey, you okay?"
I jump in surprise; turning my head I catch sight of Tremor standing just outside of the gazebo. "W-what are you doing?"
"I saw you leave, so I followed you to make sure you were alright."
"But I thought you-."
"Nope, I usually wake up this early."
I turn away from, letting out a small huff in response as I curled up tightly on my seat. Tremor enters slowly into the gazebo, sitting close to me while having the right mind to not disturb me as I sulk. "It's kind of creepy that you followed me through town," I mutter underneath my breath
"I wouldn't go as far to say that it's creepy, just concerned about your health and safety," he responds softly. "Speaking about health and safety, how's your hoof?"
Why is Tremor so concerned for me? Is it because I am, technically speaking, his patient, thus I'm his responsibility I heal correctly. He has done all of this for me, yet asks so little in return. His kindness eludes me. Why can't there be more ponies or changelings like him?
"My hoof is fine, it doesn't hurt as much as before," the elixirs which Tremor provided me have proven more to be more effective than I thought. The pain has subsided almost completely, save for a really dull ache, and I can now move my injured limb, barely. It's still very stiff and causes a lot of discomfort.
He smiles and nods. We stay silent, letting the calmness of the early morning take over as my thoughts once again brushes over the subject of the passing of my dad. Shaking my head, I divert my thinking processes someplace else. I like it out here in Ponyville. It's so peaceful and filled with love, miles away from the industrial cities. What if I move here? After it is all over, to finally detach myself from the hive to finally live free from those caves. But what about those I'll behind in the process? I don't want to abandon my friends, not like that, not after all that we've been through after travelling through hell and back.
"Have you met Pinkie Pie yet?" He asks out of the blue.
"The Pink One?" That pony is strange, she seems to lack any and all restraints, and is... impossible for lack of a better word. Although, I'll re-evaluate my opinion on her once I get a real chance to observe the mare's behaviour from slightly further than a safe distance away.
"Yeah, just a warning, she might have something planned."
"What do you mean?"
"You'll have to find out." He says, chuckling ominously to himself.
Well that doesn't sounds suspicious. I'm not sure whether I should be worried or not. Wait, I swear The Pink One mentioned something about a party somewhere during her rush of a speech, could that be what he is talking about? I've never been to a party before, but I don't know if I should go or not. Well, maybe I should. I'm probably going to end up staying here longer than I plan for, so it is best if I make a good impression to the inhabitants of this town.
We stay like this together quietly for much longer, admiring the rising sun as it starts to peek over the distant mountains. It's so beautiful, it is as if the sky is exploding into hundreds of shades of orange as it shines its warm, brilliant and lifting rays of light down onto the Earth. The last of the surviving stars in the sky extinguish to the deep blue ocean.
Slowly, the residences of Ponyville finally wake from their slumber, filling the streets as market vendors and store owners open their shops. The silence is broken by friendly chatter, that it is at acceptable volume which doesn't overload my ears. I stretch out my legs, taking note the lack of pain in my right hoof. I also may have to thank that zebra as well, even if that potion wasn't made directly for me, it is their extremely skilled art of potion brewing which is healing me. I thank Tremor for staying with me and I start to make my way back to his house, although he seems insistent with coming with me as my leg has yet to fully heal.
When we arrive back, he makes a small breakfast of hay bacon and beans. After that finishing off my plate, he leaves for work and will be returning back in the afternoon. So leaving me by myself and with nothing to do, I choose to scan every corner of Ponyville, creating a mental map of every road, back alley way, hiding spots and vantage points I can find in the event that Chrysalis's guards come looking for me here. Though it isn't likely for them to wander in like me, knowing the dangers that follow, it doesn't mean that they will not try in a desperate attempt to eliminate me from the equation.
By the time I return from my gallivant, Tremor is already at home relaxing in the living room. It seems like I've been out for longer that I thought. As I approach him, he jumps up to attention, startled from my unseen and unexpected presence.
"Hey, there's something I want to show in Sugar Cube Corner," he says excitedly, fighting the bounce in his hooves.
Tremor is oddly more overly happy than usually, making me question what he has plan. "Sure." I answer while giving a strange look.
I follow him out of the house, walking a pace just slightly slower than his. I can't help but notice, but why does the town feel empty all of a sudden?
Author's Note
Well, this took a while. I'm not entirely sure about this chapter, but don't worry it'll get better from here. Just a bit of backstory here for this changeling and know you know her real name. YAY!
-King of Eggs
P.S I just wanted to write P.S
P.S.S If you find any errors please tell me :P
Chapter 4 - The Welcome Party
Everything appears oddly quiet. While I did take note of this fact earlier before Tremor and I left the house, I am starting to see a noticeable difference between today and yesterday. And unlike yesterday, this towns feels almost empty except for the few odd ponies carrying on with their morning. Yet everything seems normal, I can't spot anything out of the ordinary that may suggest suspicious activities from an outside threat. Whether this is a good thing or not, I am yet to find out.
Tremor looks to be in a mood chipper today. His excitement is radiating off him, constantly engaging me into his discussions about anything while traversing down the roads to... Sugar Cube Corner? Sounds about right. He is very adamant about sharing with me what it is he wants to show me or why he's so exuberant today, stating that it is a surprise that I'll have to find out for myself for when we get there. No matter how many times I try to persuade him to give me anything to work on, he just gives me a smile before changing topic as if he didn't hear a thing. Yet, even despite his lack of cooperation to talk (and when he does it isn't what I ask for), I can at least enjoy his company. I might only be half listening to his stories, but it's a stress relief not having to think about whether or not I'm only mere moments away from dying.
"Rainbow and Egg were competitive during flight camp, and when they ever had race Wind Walker or I would have to dig at least one of them from the clouds. Honestly, those two would go at it for hours even though Egg Tosser knew perfectly well he couldn't win against her. At least those two put on a good show for me and Walker, even better than those Wonderbolt shows she'd always rave about. Those were the good days." Tremor says cheerfully as he reminisces on the past.
I look away, unable to bear the look of contentment on his face. Why must he drone on about his past for? It isn't because I am sick of hearing about his life, or tired of listening to his different encounters with different ponies during flight camp, it's something else. No, there's another emotion I'm feeling. Sadness? Anger? Boredom?
Jealousy.
No, I'm not jealous, I'm fine where I am right now. If it weren't for my past then I wouldn't have grown into the changeling I am now, someone who is no longer afraid or lazy. A soldier. I'm happy where I am.
"Hello? Anypony home?"
Blinking, I shake my head clear before looking back up to Tremor who is waving a hoof in front of my face to grab my attention. "You okay? You blanked on me," the concerned stallion asks.
"Um yeah, I'm fine. I was just thinking," I reply, shrugging off his concern as we continue walking through the empty streets.
"Are you sure? Because you don't look fine," he says while eyeing me up and down. I guess my injured hoof isn't helping to create a convincing image.
"Yeah it's nothing, where are we now?" I ask Tremor who is giving me a raised eye brow as I change the topic off me. I can tell that he is not convinced with my answer, but he doesn't push on subject and instead chooses to play along.
He takes a quick glance, and the bounce returns to his hooves . "We're here," Tremor states excitedly.
We stop outside Sugar Cube Corner, and my jaw unhinges. What I expected to see during the time in which we traveled to Sugar Cube Corner is your average bakery or confectionery shop. While the entire building is screaming bakery, it does extremely well as the entire building looks like an over sized gingerbread house. There are white trails of icing stretching across the rim of the roof that loops and swirls along its journey, and what looks like sprinkles decorates the top of the bakery. There is even a large, hollowed out cupcake which sticks out on top with a lit candle! Two tall candy canes arch over the entrance of the shop, like two sweet guards welcoming customers into their place of candy. I may not be a doctor, but I am pretty sure, even for a place that sells sweets and baked goods, that this is unhealthy.
The echoing sounds of laughing breaks me from my stupor, which it turns out is only Tremor bursting out into a hysterical laughing fit at my reaction. I roll my eyes as I watch him bursting in laughter for a moment before taking a step forward to enter the large scale gingerbread house. I can smell the sugar as I approach emanating from behind the doors of Sugar Cube Corner, it overwhelms my sense of smell almost sickeningly. When I push the doors open to enter, the inside is bathed in complete darkness, the only lighting coming from the open door which is casting a shadow of myself across the green painted floor boards. Taking a tentative step forward, I slowly walk into the darkness with Tremor behind my tail. As I'm about to question why it is so dark, the lights flicker on and-
"SURPRISE!!!"
A trap! Instinctively, I jump backwards in my attack stance, prepared to defend myself from the ambush. I watch as the multi-coloured pastel ponies jump from behind counters and tables, wearing party hats? Staring around the interior of the shop, I notice the countless amounts of colourful balloons and streamers scattered around the room as music which I've never heard before starts to pick up in the background. Then I take notice of the large banner hanging across the ceiling which reads clearly, 'WELCOME TO PONYVILLE SHARP POINT!'.
"WELCOME TO PONEVILLE SHARP POINT!" A voice booms which initiates the chain reaction of ponies whistling and cheering.
Its her! The same pink mare I met before when I first arrived here. It turns out she wasn't just talking when she said she'd host me a party, and only a day after a brief encounter with me out on the streets. I don't remember giving my name either. "I'm so glad you could make it!" How is her mouth still attached to her body?
"W-what is all this?" I stutter as my mind tries to comprehend what is going on in the short time I arrived here. Why is this happening? Why are they doing this? This village is so strange, yet there is something about Ponyville which I can't put my hoof on.
"It's your welcome party of course silly!" She giggles before bouncing off into the endless crowds of ponies that are cramped into the small establishment. "I want you to meet my friends!" The Pink One says.
I remember going to a few events like this before, however my experiences there are less pleasant. They were an excuse for ponies to get drunk and woo the first pony they saw while being drunk. But this feels nothing like that. The atmosphere is clear and joyful, lacking the ear shattering loud music and screaming that drowns out everypony. In here everyone is happy, and not because they've been invited to a party or because there is free food, but because this like a get together of the entire village to welcome a new member of the community. Each and everyone of their smiles and welcomes are genuine. What I'm seeing is the representation of what Ponyville really is, and it is like nothing I've ever seen before.
I'm once again pulled from my small stupor, feeling Pinkie Pie tugging at me to follow her through the dense crowd. Looking behind me, Tremor encourages me to follow the mare before disappearing entirely as I'm pulled into the epicenter of the party. The ponies are nice enough to give way for us, removing the need to resort to pushing and shoving as a way of going through the ponies. Even, I still find myself trying to fit through tight gaps and I almost lose my balance a couple of times.
The Pink One thrusts me out in front of the five most recognizable mares, and never before have I ever felt so small. Sure we may be similar in size, I'm definitely taller than the rainbow one in this form, but they trump me in every other conceivable way. They are the Element of Harmony Bearers, holders of the six most powerful and ancient artifacts that date back to the Fall of Discord, and lets not also forget that one them is personal student and protege of Princess Celestia. If there is anypony more threatening then it will have to be Princess Celestia herself or even Luna!
I can't stay here, if not for me then the whole of the changeling race who are in danger because of my mere presence. Even after all those lessons, panic slowly starts to build and all of sudden I feel scared. Any and all of my exits are blocked and out of sight by attendees. There's nowhere to run or hid, so taking a deep breath, I try to relax with the reasoning that they won't know anything as long as I don't act or do any suspicious. I turn back to face the five proclaimed heroes, sitting around around the table as they chat lightly between themselves.
The Pink One clears her throat purposefully loud. "Girls this is Sharp Point," Pinking Pie intrudes from behind them, pointing to me with that same jaw breaking smile. Seriously, how does she do that?
"Well howdy there Sharp Point," The orange one, also known as Applejack, says. She gets up to shake my hoof but I stop her, pointing my head down to my only operational foreleg still. "Sorry, didn't notice 'bout your leg," out of fear that I might say something I'll regret, I only nod my head.
"Hi Sharp Point, welcome to Ponyville I'm Twilight Sparkle and these are my friends: Fluttershy, Applejack, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, and I'm guessing you've already Pinkie Pie." The purple unicorn of the group says, arguably the most powerful of the six.
"Thank you Twilight, but I'm sure we could've introduced ourselves dear," Rarity speaks out which makes Twilight blush in embarrassment.
They don't take notice on how tense I am, which I am grateful for, my muscles feel as if they are burning and about to snap. But one certain blue pegasus is nothing but up close and personal, eyeing me up and down as if reading me like a book. I shuffle nervously away from her, the close proximity of the mare making me feel anxious.
"Rainbow Dash please, can't you see that your making her uncomfortable?" Twilight tells Rainbow Dash sternly. The pegasus backs away from me, seeing the affect she has on me.
"Sorry about that," Rainbow Dash replies. On the inside I am thanking Twilight Sparkle, and I was beginning to think that the elements gave them the ability to see through this facade.
"H-hi," I squeak out.
"There's no need to be nervous my darling," Rarity reassures with a kind smile. "Tell us about yourself, I bet all of us are dying to find out a bit about you."
"Yup," Applejack agrees which elicits a chain of agreement from the other mares.
Taking in a breath, I build up the courage to formulate my story and sentences in my head. My character may already have her own story, but execution is a key when presenting myself as a believable character to these ponies. And she's right, there isn't a reason why I should be nervous about telling ponies about myself because I do it all the time. But this time feels so much different from those times back in Manehatten because they were just your average citizens, but these six ponies are heroins. They may look and seem normal, but I know better than to underestimate them. Okay, lets do it, share a bit of unimportant information.
"I'm from Manehatten." Rarity squeals in delight at the name but quickly catches herself and settles down before twisting her hoof for me to carry on. "I used to work as a security pony for a storage company, it wasn't much but I enjoyed it for the time I was there."
"I'd love to go to Manehatten," Rarity interjects, her excitement to the city getting the best of here. "The shows, the lights, the fashion! It's just full of inspiration and art."
"It's nice I guess. Though I don't like to live there it's loud, I doubt I can with those ponies," I tell her which leaves an unreadable expression on her face which quickly disappears with a face of understanding.
Rarity replies to my answer but I don't hear; By now I've blocked them out and too busy trying to look for a way out of this and put as much distance between me and the six mares. And then, I notice a long table pressed up against the wall that is being stripped from the muffins and cookies quickly.
"I'm going to get something to eat," with a excuse to depart myself from these mares, I make a swift move towards the table
"Okay, enjoy the party!" Pinkie shouts out to me before engaging in a conversation with her friends.
I let out a sigh of relief as I the table, leaving those six behind to do whatever they please. That was absolutely nerve wracking; I didn't think it would be that easy to just walk up and talk to them. Heck, it could've been much worse and I should consider myself lucky. Tremor is on the other ends of the long table as well, picking away at the food.
"How was it?" He asks with his mouthful of cookie, spitting out crumbs.
"Interesting," more like terrifying.
"Want some?" He offers me a plate of cookies that I thankfully accept.
While munching away on my cookie, my eyes aimlessly glances around the room and its party members who are enjoying their time together. I don't know why, but the sight of these ponies being happy brings a smile onto my face. However after a while though, I can begin to sense something strange. It isn't much, just a small tingling sensation at the back of my neck, but I know all to well what it is. Someone wants to make themselves known.
"Tremor?" The pegasus hums in response. "You know that Zebra who made the potion you gave me?" He hums in response. "I'd like to meet them."
"Are you sure? You'll miss out all the fun here," he says.
"I don't feel to well," I lie.
"You don't? I guess if that's the case we should go. Pinkie!" He shouts over the cheering crowd.
The mare appears in front of us, somehow still bearing that grin which refuses to remove itself from her face. "Yes Tremor?" It is starting to worry me a bit now.
"Sharpy here is feeling ill, We're going to go to Zecora." He says. Did he just call my Sharpy?
"Awww, I guess if you don't feel well then you should go. Don't worry, I'll make sure to save some cake for you."
"Thanks," and from there we make our departure from the party after saying goodbyes to the few ponies who speak their welcomes to me.
"Ready to go?" He asks after placing the cookies once on his plate and into the bags.
"Yeah," I take a few last cautious glimpses around me. "I'm ready, lets go."
Author's Note
Sorry it took a while to post the new chapter, but lets just say, I've been busy. cough cough FTL cough cough. Anyways I hope you enjoyed this chapter and maybe the next one will be out soon. So far I'm really liking this story so yeah. Have fun and enjoy life.
P.S. I can't think of anything to say.
Chapter 5 - Not without a fight
I can still feel the tingling sensation triggered at the back of my neck, refusing to leave me be as we traverse through the daylight. Every now and again, I take short looks around, specifically towards the dark alleyways and side streets, to reassure myself that we're not being followed. However, I'm starting to worry about the fact of what I can't see.
Most of the roads are vacant and barren, even the shop keepers have chosen to close early to join in on the event seeing as their customers won't be going anywhere any time soon. And with the more time I take in analysing our surroundings, the more vulnerabilities I can spot as a consequence to the lack of ponies.
But with Sugar Cube Corner located near the outskirts of town, it only takes us a few minutes of walking before Tremor and I are outside of Ponyville and on the path that leads deep into the Everfree Forest. Built extremely close to the most dangerous natural anomaly in Equestria, it is surprising that Ponyville still stands. Even my adaption to see even in the most darkest of places becomes obsolete in the Everfree, and with the dense and thick foliage obscuring whatever demons may lie beyond the wall of the terrifying sickly shade of green, there is no telling what may greet us. I can hear, see, and feel the power of the Everfree. The darkness that it represents and boasts, the pulsating energy that radiates deep within its heart can send even the most strongest and courageous running for mountains.
I've read stories about this unknown place, not only about its mortifying nature that stands out like a beacon, but the dark history behind it. If I remember correctly, this was the location where Celestia and Luna once lived over a millennia ago before she was imprisoned on the moon after declaring war with the Solar Sister. After her banishment to the moon, fragments of the Nightmare purged and practically reanimated the forest in dark magic, almost like necromancy. After that, everything turned obscure as no one dared to enter the forest. There are stories telling that even the most powerful of changelings who have tried to fight off the Everfree have fallen to the might of the forest.
Tremor sees my uneasiness, and he stops be just before the treeline to console me. "Are you okay?" He asks. I nod silently, an obvious lie. This is suicidal, and apparently the zebra lives in here? This death trap of a location is somehow their home. "Don't worry, if anything comes, I'll protect you," He says giving me a sincere smile.
"I know."
"Stay close," he advises before taking one step forward into the Everfree, letting the darkness consume him whole as he disappears within it.
I hesitate, but after mustering all my willpower, I reluctantly but quickly catch up towards him. The fur on my body stands tall as the cold leaves rub against it, leaving me with a cold and empty feeling inside of me. As I eventually catch up with Tremor into an opening, I gasp at the terrifyingly beautiful sight of the forest. It's an alien world, an unseen sight that screams discovery and danger at first glance. Everything, even the blooming flowers, are of a petrifying dark shade compared too their bright counterparts. The trees are thick and jagged, its branches protruding from the bark like spikes climbing upwards into the somber canopy that lurks above. Light is scarce, being denied access from the impenetrable roof. Ferns and shrubbery are scattered across the slightly damp ground, limiting my range of sight which is making me feel more tense as time agonizingly slowly ticks by.
As much as the curious nymph inside of me wants to explore, to poke at the different unidentifiable plant and insect life, I fear that it will do more harm than I can bare to deal with at this point. I jolt upwards at the sound of rustling bushes, yet there is nothing I can see hidden behind walls of foliage. Tremor, who is casually strolling through the forest, isn't even phased by the danger he is putting himself in. He's so calm, yet he has an aura of strength surrounding him. Sighing, I raise my head up and follow his lead deeper into the Everfree while keeping a watchful eye over us. At least one of us has to be cautious about this ordeal.
He unexpectedly stops me, glaring into the what seems like nothingness. It is only now that I realize that there is something, or someone, close by. Tremor must have the same idea as me as we wait silently, his now piercing eyes searching through dense forestry in search for its target. He creeps extremely slowly forward, keeping his watchful glare out in front of him. It isn't until the sound of bushes and twigs snapping that stops us in our tracks as three hooded ponies, or what looks like ponies, reveal themselves. But I know better, these are no ponies.
They're all wearing torn rags that are covering their body from head to hoof, doing little to even hide their false colourful bodies underneath. The only female in the group is a small and flimsy looking changeling, her body suggesting that she is more trained for scouting than actual combat. The same can be said for the second changeling, although he is only slightly bigger. The much larger and muscular one, I assume, is their leader as he places himself ahead of his two subordinates. Strangely, all of them are Earth Ponies. You'd think for a trio that they would have one of each of the three pony species, apparently they must've underestimated what a rebel soldier can do.
The leader steps forward with a menacing glare. "Give it up," he begins in a low and commanding voice. "You're out numbered, might as well save us and your friend the trouble and come with us quietly."
"Like she is!" Tremor shouts, offended by the disguised stallion's words.
"Hmm, you're a bit feisty now aren't you?" He says. "This is your last chance, come with us, we will even let your pony friend without problems." There is no way in Tartarus I'm going to go back to the hive, let alone be imprisoned there. If he thinks he's going to capture that easily then he has another thing coming.
"Go buck yourself," I growl at him, flashing my teeth aggressively. "I know perfectly well what will happen," I hiss defiantly towards the three.
"Have it your way." He says finally before his two silent companions rush forward towards me.
The first one, a small and skinny mare who's yellow fur is poking from the makeshift garment, comes in swinging a hoof towards my face. Her movements are slopping and amateurish, the attack predictable and easy to read. I quickly duck underneath it, managing to get tangled in my mane instead of its intended target. Her first mistake, leaving her head unprotected. My left hoof quickly ascends before connecting with the underside of her jaw with a crunch . As I rise, I throw a hook with my right hoof to the side of the head that sends her careening to the ground. Seems likes that the healing process seems to have done a number on my leg. I like it.
As I turn back to face the second changeling, I find that he is already swinging at me; there isn't enough time to dodge his attack. Tremor tackles him to the ground with a loud thud before he can get a direct hit on me. The offending changeling starts swinging his hooves sporadically to get Tremor off him, but to no avail. The female is slowly getting up but seems to have no intention of fighting any longer. Obviously they're recruits, both of their movements are like new born, sluggish and readable with barely any power. And the fact that they're already giving up or failing to even get a hit off of their opponents, this is just sad. I forcefully push her too one side causing her to collapse back down to the ground. No point in hitting her anymore, the fight is already over.
The leader, I notice, is just observing. Why isn't he fighting? As I'm about to question him, he speaks, "Well it look like we were right," he takes a look at Tremor who still has the Changeling struggling underneath him. "No point delaying any further, fall back!" And just like, him and the limping changeling are retreating into the darkness and vanishing out of sight. Tremor, looking up in surprise, is thrown off the pinned changeling who starts sprinting off to regroup with his comrades.
They know I'm here now, maybe that was their purpose. Not to capture us or bring me back to their hive, but to scout Ponyville to discover my whereabouts. That explains so many things, but what happens now that they know where I am? Will they send more changeling's after me, or will they wait until they can find a perfect opportunity to grab me when I least expect me? As predictable as they are, their tactics are so spontaneous that I don't know what they're going to do next.
"You okay?" Tremor asks, his tone distressed but still calm at the same time.
"Y-yeah." I look back in the general direction they ran off. I can't sense their presence anywhere anymore. "They thought they could fight, they thought wrong," though something tells me that they're the signal for what next is going to come.
"You're not bad of a fighter out there if I do say so myself, could use somepony like you." Is he offering me a job?
Before I can ask what he meant by that statement, he quickly diverts the topic. "We should carry on moving before they come back with reinforcements."
I nod in agreement before we carry on moving, the only difference now is that we are on high alert in case of another ambush. But as time passes, I begin doubting that they will strike again.
"Do you know who they are?" He asks.
"Not a clue," I respond. They are definitely aren't the same ones that chased me out of the hive, that's for sure. Their disguises are none that I know of, and so are their voices indistinguishable.
"I can't say that I haven't run into bandits before, but I can tell you from experience that they're and really annoying gits."
"That's an understatement of the century," I comment which earns a small chuckle from him.
If only I could share his amusement, but whenever I look at him a pang of guilt shivers up my spine. He is offering help to me, someone who he has never met before, and I fear that my presence may be the thing which will get him hurt.
While travelling through the darkened forest, I kept a keen eye watching over our surroundings without incident. The paranoia now greatly diminished, with no changeling sense, or out of the ordinary sounds, or movement, it is as if the forest has come to a standstill. But then, from out of the darkness, a faint light can be seen coming from behind a wall of trees.
"Here we are," Tremor states brightly as we approach the luminous home of his zebra friend.
We find ourselves on the front porch of zebra's home, and to my surprise there is no hut. Instead is a large tree that looks like it has been carved out to give it the resemblance of one, with a door and windows which releases a soft orange glow. When I look closer, there isn't even glass, they're literally round holes with two pieces of wood crossing over each other. The front door is decorated with what I think are charms and peculiar looking objects, some of them looking like tiny masks which emote a range of different expression. Pleasantly, there is a small lantern hanging above the entrance.
Tremor knocks quietly, and for a while responded until I could hear the sound of hooves resonating from within the tree house. The door opens to reveal a female zebra, adorning large ear rings and an unfathomable amount of golden bracelets around her legs and neck. While it doesn't seem to hinder the zebra's movement, there's no doubt in my mind that it's to protect her most vulnerable parts from the dangers that lurk in the forest.
"Ah, Tremor, it is so nice to see you. Please come in as I make you some stew."
I give an odd look to Tremor, telling me to follow him into Zecora's home. Surprisingly, the place is surprisingly spacious and homely, of course not accounting for the creepy masks that hang from the ceiling and being displayed on shelves.
"I see you have brought a guest, please, do not feel oppressed. While my masks may cause confusion and fright, I can assure you that they do not bite." She gives a warming smile before turning back to cauldron sitting in the center of the large room, which I assume is full of her so called 'stew'. "It looks like the pegasus has made a new friend, usually alone he comes to me to spend," she says out loud while stirring the thick, bubbling liquid.
"Yep, and that smells good! Sharp Point, I would like to introduce Zecora. Zecora this is my friend Sharp Point." He says enthusiastically.
"Sharp Point How do you do? It is very nice to meet you."
As I observe the zebra, something about her stands out to me like a sore hoof. It doesn't make any sense to me, yet here it is being displayed as if it is casual practice. Why is she rhyming?
"I'm fine."
"So what brings you here? You don't visit this time of year. Would it be about this mare, who is now within your care?"
Wait, how does she even know that he's taking care of me while I am still recovering? "Looks speak for themselves, even from the tiniest of elves." What is that even meant to mean!
Zecora smiles knowingly at me, almost mocking me. This is going to be a long visit.
"Zecora, I need to ask you something." Tremor begins. Zecora hums while grabbing three bowls within her mouth and placing them on a nearby table, filling each bowl with a creamy liquid full off a variety of coloured blocks of what I hope is edible food. "Have you noticed anything weird happening here recently? Maybe strange ponies, or the fact the Everfree is much quieter than it should be."
"I thought that it is no coincidence, strangely I can count their absence. I have a theory so please, enjoy the stew with ease. But do not expect to be pleased."
Author's Note
So, another chapter, more stuff, still have no clue if I am doing this right. I have attempted to write a bit of action into this, but I don't think I have succeeded well. Anyways, it has been quite a while since the last chapter update. When I said things are going to be slow, I didn't expect it to be this slow. I guess FTL is just too addictive, as well as my new found love for the quantum realm of quantum mechanics/physics/theory. Still, despite all that, this turning out really enjoyable to write still so expect more... eventually.
So as always, if you notice any mistakes within this chapter, feel free to comment bellow. Or don't... Whatever floats your boat I guess. Not sure what to expect in the next chapter still, but hopefully we are able to delve into the history of changelings. Maybe, no idea.
Also, MERRY EARLY CHRISTMAS! I know it is the 2nd, or 3rd, or 4th... BUT STILL! I literally can't be bothered with it. We just do it for the presents.
Okays I think I dragged you on long enough so I'll end this AN or however you're meant to say it here. So anyways, enjoy life.
P.S. I might actually be going Saturday schooling at the Royal College of Music so that will also decrease the amount of time I can use to write stuff. But, don't expect it to take too much. Goodbye.
Chapter 6 - The Everfree Conundrum
"So let me this straight, the reason that everything has gone quiet is because there is an 'unnatural' pheromone which is pushing away all the animals from this particular area of the Everyfree?" By the way Tremor is describing the situation at hoof, it definitely sounds suspicious, but I already have an idea of what's going on. "Seems legit."
"So far these changes have had a massive affect, but for why it is happening I'm still yet to connect. Whatever is causing this is not from here, therefore make sure to keep a close ear," Zecora replies, standing up to peer out a small window next a shelf filled with books. "I have an idea of what's occuring, one of which needs refering" She begins.
Zecora looks to the shelf and grabs a large, black book within her teeth. She takes it and drops it between Tremor and I with a loud bang, shaking the table that almost knocks off my empty bowl that is hanging just slightly off the edge. The cover of the strange book has a drawn symbol on it that shows little to no resemblance to those I've read in books, however the style instantly screams Zebra. Zecora quickly flips through the pages of the oversized book, showing early signs of ageing by the yellowing of the paper, as she mutters incomprehensible words underneath her breath.
She finally stops on a marked page before running the tip of her hoof over the line of symbols that is contained on said page, still muttering to herself as she reads through it. The words on the page intrigues me, even if I can't understand it. Zebra writing isn't that common outside of Zebrica, and even in the Chrysalis Hive there's only a couple of pages of zebra scriptures locked in the Royal Vault. This is the first time I've ever seen of zebra handwriting, and it's magnificent.
I take notice of the crudely drawn diagrams on the page, using them to at least give me a basic idea of what the topic could be. Unfortunately, there isn't enough to go on from the crude sketches of plants and animals. Zecora's hoof leaps over to the next page, skimming though small boxes of text around a large image. My breath hitches as the back of my throat runs dry, my composure almost faltering completely. It's impossible, there's no way she or any other zebra would be able possess this, it should've been destroyed! Yet, here it is staring directly at me.
An almost perfect portrait of a changeling.
"What you and I call them may differ, but to the zebra's they are known as Shiftlers. Beings with the ability to change form, a dangerous creature when it is to perform. They have't been seen in many years, but may be living among your peers. But though it isn't confirmed, we must be on a look out to be reaffirmed." She finishes to carry on reading through the literally symbolic text, but it doesn't matter anyway.
She continues to explain what she knows about them, what the book says, and the story behind the 'shiftlers'. If there is one thing I'm grateful for, most of the information they've acquired is false accept for the most obvious of truths. What we eat, where we live, what we do, it's all fabricated lies. But whatever the case, the full portrait of the changeling is disconcerting. It must be destroyed.
An uncomfortable silence rings through the house as Zecora finishes up and pours us and herself a cup of water. Looking at Tremor, I feel his emotions are neutral. He doesn't seemed concerned at all in light of this 'possible lead', but I can see the gears within his head whirring away, no doubt still processing all that had been given to him. Zecora, on the other hoof, is completely calm as she sips quietly at her water. Her eyes trace over me, and a small feeling of distrust emanates from her for a split second before vanishing. I give her an odd look, but she ignores it, closing her eyes as she drinks the rest of her water.
"Wait, so even if they do exist, how the hell are we supposed to catch one?" Tremor asks, finally coming back to senses.
"No other creature can produce such substance, but searching for them will still prove a nuisance." Zecora shakes her head with a sigh.
She's got one thing right, finding a changeling won't be easy, and she has one right under her muzzle without realising. I'd almost call it comical if it isn't for the fact my presence here is causing the others to stir up such a commotion. But for a hive such as Queen Chrysalis', while she has number, she doesn't have the best when it comes to most things outside harvesting and pretending to guard. If they continue this up, I don't see our secrecy lasting for much longer,
"So, what do you want us to do." Tremor questions as he stands up from his stool.
"We must, until the time is right, wait, I do not know yet when they'll appear at this rate." The zebra replies, closing her colossus book of (probably) creatures. "It is best for you two to go, only until I call is when we'll know."
***
Tremor and I make a safe trek back to Ponyville safely, though it didn't stop me from feeling somewhat paranoid. Despite what seems to be normalcy, a voice in the back of mind tells me otherwise. There is a likely chance that they're watching me right now, masking themselves so I can't sense them, tracking my every movement with close tabs. At least once we get to Ponyville those eyes will retreat for some time.
With a sea of unanswered questions and too much going happening one after another, it is almost impossible for me to focus anymore. The situation is escalating to absurdity at a rate I can't imagine. Whether this is Chrysalis becoming more daring and desperate, or someling in higher command is giving out unauthorised commands, it needs to stop before someling does something they'll regret. I'm letting this stress get to me again; I can feel it shaking my insides like a fearful, quivering nymph.
Entering Tremor's house, I immediately climb my way to the guest bedroom, jumping onto the bed and digging my head into the pillow in cry of frustration. I flip, letting my eyes wander onto the dull ceiling as my mind tries to comprehend and make some sense from the chaos and turmoil coursing through my head like a symphony of disharmony. They shouldn't be doing this, not like this, it's way out of line, it just doesn't make sense.
Sighing, I switch back to my changeling form in a flash of green flames that lights up the room in a ghostly green glow. Tremor isn't home because he apparently he needed to deal with unsaid business so it's safe to be in my natural form, although I will have to avert back once he arrives of course. I can't risk compromising myself. As much as I like looking and feeling like as pony, it feels nice to, every once in a while, embrace my changeling heritage. Though the feeling of my chitin and carapace against a soft surface like a mattress is rather uncomfortable, it is almost like I am breathing fresh air when I am changeling once more. It is who I am. I am Silver, the daughter to Bedrock Breaker and a soldier of the rebellion.
I spend many long moments on the bed doing nothing, not even thinking anymore, just letting my eyes gaze around the bland room that has managed to attract my wavering attention. My brain, now too tired to even think, feels like I'm listening to a professor teaching a physics class on the Braggs Equation or whatever you call it. Oh how I love the luxury to just age my character to bypass school altogether. It don't need to know about numbers, as long as I have a good memory I'll be surviving better.
What if though? I can stay here as Sharp Point, a permanent resident in Ponyville who's temporary shelter is with Tremor. That isn't bad, maybe it can be a fresh start for me and-. Arhg! No, don't you dare start thinking about it! I sound like a coward. I am not a coward. But then what am I doing? Hiding? Isn't that what it means to be a coward? To avoid the main conflict when I can be fighting in it. It's not like I can leave to join the fight, it will be a death trap. To even enter the hive will be suicide, there's no doubt Queen Chrysalis is homing down on anything out of line. I'm waiting, that's what I'm doing. I'm being smart, letting the air cool down before I make a silent yet swift return. But when will that right time be? Will I overdue my return so much that it will classify me as a coward? Will I even not want to fight anymore so I can just live here happily? No! What am I even saying! I can't stay here, at least not forever. I'm still a changeling, a liability, a-
The raging war snaps at an instant to the sound of Tremor's front door. Finally realising my surroundings, the room is much darker than when I first came in here, and after looking outside, I can see the sun is only just beginning to set beyond the rolling hills. The sky showing off its many hues of orange and blue as little white dots start appearing in the darkening sky, signalling the approaching night and moon. I don't think of many things as beautiful, but this has to be one of them. Not allowing myself to be too memorised, I switch back to Sharp Point.
Sighing, I roll off my bed and start making my way downstairs to see Tremor. As I enter the kitchen, I see him unpacking what looks like food items from a plastic bag and placing them into their respective container. He doesn't notice me at first so I clear my throat to get his attention.
"Oh hi. I'm making spaghetti hay bolognaise, hope it's okay, there isn't that much apart from that." He says.
"It's okay I guess." I reply weakly. I don't even feel the energy anymore, I just want today to be over.
He doesn't even seem to pick up from my voice as he continues to doing what he was.
Maybe a nice walk will do? Yeah, I'd like that. So leaving him to his business, I exit Tremor's home and I begin trotting down a random direction, following the road to where ever it may lead. I find the area is awfully too familiar to me, before turning a corner to see the town's local gingerbread house: Sugar Cube Cor-
"HI!"
"AHH!" I launch backwards, but I calm once I realise it is only Pinkie Pie.
"Is that how you greet ponies? AHH! to you to. Sorry, Sugar Cube Corner is closed for the night, however I always bring with me a batch of cookies just in case! You never know!" She says excitedly, bouncing up and down while presenting a tray of cookies that seems to have materialised from nothing.
Even though I don't feel hungry, those cookies look good, I take one and slowly munch on it. "Thank you." I tell her. Though that mare is extremely weird, especially for a element of harmony, I have to admit that she isn't bad. The embodiment of happiness. And out of all the six, I'd say she's the most comfortable to be around even despite the fact that almost giving me a hear attack, or actually will give me one in the very near future.
"You look down, I don't like down. I always make sure ponies are up, why are you down, down is bad?" As I said, a bit out of the blue with her wording.
"Complications I guess, can't really talk about it." I reply flatly.
"You can tell me, talking makes ponies feel better." Is it just me or does she look visibly down?
"I can't." I can't say anything to her.
"Pretty please."
"No."
"Please."
"No."
"Please, please, please!"
"No Pinkie."
"Why not?"
"Because I can't, okay!" I shout, unable to hold back my irritation any longer towards the mare.
Pinkie Pie gasps and her face falls, her mane literally deflating so it is hanging from her head limply instead of its cotton candy... thing. Tears begin to well in the corners of her eyes, threatening to unleash wild throws of sobs. "I only want to help you though, isn't that what friends do?" She whimpers dejectedly.
"You think of me as your friend?" She considers me as her friends even though we barely know each other?
"Of course, I'm friends with everypony in this town, and you are a part of that everypony." She replies.
"But, you barely know me."
"The better the reason to get to know you I suppose," her voice sounds so sad, the mare once full of happiness now sunken into despair.
"I'm sorry," I tell her softly.
She looks up to face me with large, watery eyes; her emotions stink with depression and guilt. " I know," she says before turning and walking away to Sugar Cube Corner with her head hanging low.
I watch her walk the rest of the way. Not even bothering to look, she enters inside.
She is annoyingly pushy on the subject of my own personal feelings and I don't like that, but I know she is like that because she wants to help me. She feels genuine concern seeing me like this, and the selflessness of her personality won't allow it. I can see why she is laughter, because she is here to make everyone happy no matter what. But not me though, I've lost almost everything, and I might even lose my own life by the end of it all. I don't want to go back, but there are changelings back in the hive who need me. It's my duty.
Sighing, I look to the stars. With all that I have so far, I must wait for the time where my orders will come and I will return back to the war. But if there's one thing I need to do first, it's that I need to kick these changelings out of here, but it's easier said than done. I can't find them on my own, I don't know this forests. But I know a pony and a zebra who can...
I need Zecora's and Tremor's help won't I?
This won't end well.
Author's Note
So another chapter... I wasn't even planning of writing this but I managed to. Somehow. There isn't much going on here I think, I don't even know exactly what I'm writing :P Happens a lot. There won't be a chapter next week because I need to be studying for my tests coming this Monday all the to Friday. I will try to get something done, but it won't be much.
If you can see places for improvements or areas need correcting, don't be afraid to comment. Don't worry, I don't bite. Remember, those who want to hate my works will not be tolerated if you can't do it properly. So if you to hate on me, make sure that it is comprehensible. I wander how many other authors actually tell haters to actually try to hate instead of just out right kicking them out. Man it feels great to be different. Well I'm hungry.
Anyways, enjoy life.
P.S. There maybe stuff next chapter. What do I mean by stuff, i mean words.
Chapter 7 - Planning ahead
The next morning I find myself roaming the streets of Ponyville, without purpose accept for just wanting to wander instead of locking myself in an empty house. Okay, maybe my trip isn't all that purposeless; I managed to get a directions from a pony named Carrot Top who told me where the local library is. Given the current circumstances, it'll be useless to even try search for those changelings, assuming they are still here of course, which is probably most likely. I don't know how, but I think Zecora will somehow pull through on the dangerous mission she now embarks on. She knows the Everfree more than I do, and it'd be suicidal of me to think I'll survive there.
While traversing through the streets, I've been keeping a close eye on everypony within the town in case of any suspicious activity. Whether it is a good thing or not, I haven't been able to detect any changelings or even changeling magic residue which is making me believe that they're been watching from afar, or are avoiding touching down on the pony's turf all together. When changeling use their magic, like all magic users, invisible magical residue is left behind that is almost undetectable. However, we can only detect such thing if it is of changeling origin; it will slip completely undetectable if a unicorn pony were to complete a spell. That being said, it looks as if this town has been untouched by them. At least I'm not going to be running into any traps in this case, which I am willing to accept.
The library is meant to be near, on the right of the sweet shop I've just passed if my memory is working. Turning right, into a large open road that continues to leader deeper into ponyville, I continue moving as ponyvillians greet me with their hearty smiles and massive grins. At the end of the road, it opens into a small area that has a single large tree in the center. But this isn't any tree though, like Zecora's, it looks to have been hollowed out and transformed into a residents place. If it weren't for the fact that there was a sign outside of that read 'Golden Oak Library', I would've ignored. I do remember seeing this on the first day I came here, now that I think about it, but I didn't even realize that it was a library until now.
Without anything else to hinder my progression, I make my way to the tree library, letting myself in as soon as I reach the front door. Upon entry, I am instantly bombarded by the unexpected contrast of colours. The whole interior is a blinding shade of pink, depressions in the wall acting like bookshelves to store the many multi-coloured books of all sizes. The center of the library holds a circular pink table that has a large, wooden, and sculpted head of what I can only assume is windigo. A staircase near the back leading upwards into the second floor, which I assume leads to more of the same thing. Apart from that, the remaining space is left unfilled, leaving a lot of open space that can allow a changeling to fly with ease. Strangely there seems to be no librarian to look oversee those who may visit, maybe they went out and will back soon or are busy. With that conclusion, I begin skimming through the selections of literature. Though this may prove difficulty as the books are ordered in size than the contents themselves.
To be honest, I don't even know why I am here. I guess I just need a place to go, somewhere which doesn't make me feel as if I am isolating myself from everything. I do like to read, it is something I used to do a lot when I was a nymph growing within the caverns of the hive, to read about the world I was denied to see. Although, after my dad died... I lost that passion. Sure, I am still a curious one with a slight thirst of adventure, but now it isn't as driving as before. But after I joined infiltrators, my adventurous nature once again flickered into existence as I was finally able to see and feel the world I spent my whole nymphhood researching about.
I still remember my first reaction when I finally saw the outside world for the first time, I don't I've ever smiled so much in my life ever since he went. To me it was everything, to see the world we live in and explore all it had to offer; I finally got the chance. The work me and dad had done for so long had finally paid off, their training about the outside world was obsolete to me because I already knew the world from the outside in. I ramble a lot on my head don't I? It happens frequently, it is what keeps me afloat from falling down, to just talk to myself so I can distract myself from the memories. Maybe it is one of the reasons I joined the rebellion, to find a long lost purpose, to make my dad proud. He loathed Queen Chrysalis, ever since she came to the throne she has been changing the hive for the worse. I wander if he's proud for standing against her...
"Hello?"
I jump, not expecting to hear from anypony. I twist my head to see Twilight Sparkle on the staircase, slowly coming down with books floating in her magic. What's she doing here?
"What are you doing?" She says, her voice leaking with a bit of suspicion.
"I-I'm just... looking?" Twilight looks to be apprehensive, although I don't recall doing anything which would result in this sought of tone, maybe she is just surprised as I am to see me here.
"You do know this is my house, right?"
"Your house?" I question nervously, not liking or sure where this is going.
"Yes, my house. It is against the law to break into someone's property, even if you know that person?"
"B-but, I thought this was a library though." What is the sign outside that says Golden Oak Library, does it even mean anything or did somepony put it up to confuse new ponies into breaking into her house, the pony's house who controls the most powerful element: magic?
Her expressions changes to confusion, but after a moment it changes to realization before her face flushes red with embarrassment. It's relatively easy to read emotions through facial expressions. "Oh, yes, about that, I may have forgot." She says, rubbing the back of her neck while giving my a sheepish smile. How does one forget they live in a library? "I haven't seen anypony come to look for a book here even since I moved in, and I may have, well, forgotten that this is a library."
How do I even reply to this? Twilight Sparkle, protege of Princess Celestia and Element of Magic, has forgotten she lives in a library and is apparently one of the most feared ponies. I know I met her earlier and she has proved friendly, but for a unicorn who has excelled in magic, to see that she can forget the most obvious details is making me question everything. But then again, everything here has proven surprising but oddly nice. Although I still believe that hanging around these ponies puts me at risk, no matter how friendly their demeanor may be, we're still monsters to them even if they don't even know. There have been cases where a changeling's disguise have dropped due to unforeseen and inexplainable magical anomalies, I can't risk it happening it to me as well.
"I need to go." I tell her, quickly walking towards the door.
"Already?" She asks. I turn back to nod. "Well stay safe, and sorry about earlier, I didn't expect to see anyone."
Shutting the door behind I let out a sigh; going back to the house feels like an ideal solution. I believe I will need to get myself a job sooner or later, but it doesn't look like I'll be able to attain one which fits within my skill set of combat, seeing as ponyville won't need one. I can try for a botanist with the knowledge I have gained over the pass few years, however I'm guessing I'm going to need some sort of certificate showing my skill within that area of study, which I don't have. Anyways, after I figure that out that, I'll need to find a permanent place to live in. Of course, this assuming I live and the rebellion is over. Even if we win and we overthrow Queen Chrysalis for good, I won't be returning back to the hive. My home is out here in the open and in the nature filled environment, not trapped beneath the surface, in the darkness where the sun doesn't shine. If we fail to achieve our goal then I'll still try to find refuge here from Chrysalis. They will kill off the rest of the rebels as the hive rebuilds itself and replenishes the lost.
I play a dangerous game, and so does tens upon tens do as well, a game of power and who'll lead the hive for future generations to come. In our hive's history, it was unheard of to see changelings going against their king or queen, but somewhere along the line it has changed and now we have to fight for our diminishing freedom. The same freedom loyalists believe they still and will have, fighting blindly with Chrysalis with hope that she'll protect them when the time comes. The though itself is foolish, let alone to follow them through.
I arrive at the front door of the house and I enter through it, my body missing and yearning for the sunlight and the warmth that comes with it. But as I'm about to head upstairs, something stops me, a sense of uneasiness as the observational part of me kicks into gear. If I closed all the doors in the house before I left, then why is the far one open and lit. Someone has broken in, but it doesn't feel like a changeling. It's a robber. Slowly and stealthily, I creep towards the open door where the noises of movement of coming from, like a panther. I hide behind the door frame, keeping myself concealed by the silhouette of it. To my disadvantage I'm unable to see what's on the other side.
Unexpectedly, the hoofsteps starts becoming louder and closer as the perpetrator nears the doorway I am hiding at. Taking a deep breath, I stare expectantly at the shadow of my target as it envelops the floor in black. Counting my breaths, I prepare to leap and immobilize whoever this may be. The steps are much closer, literally seconds from passing me. I close me eyes. 1... 2... 3... I can feel a small amount of wind pass me which can only mean one they. 4... 5! I pounce on top the pony who buckles straight into the ground with a yelp of shock and surprise, securing his left foreleg.
"Who are you!" He shouts threateningly as he struggles to get up from my grasp. Wait, hold on a sec, I know this voice.
"Tremor?"
"Sharpy?"
"Sharpy?" Since when did he call me that?
"What are you doing on me?" His voice more calmed but slightly annoyed.
I quickly jump off him and he slowly gets up after unexpectedly being assaulted by me. "I though you were someone else." I say, my face fully flushed with embarrassment. "I may have mistaken you for a... robber."
"A robber?" He asks, sounding amused, which I reply with a small nod.
"I thought you out at work still, so when I came in I though you were getting robbed so I decided to take action before anything bad could occur, although it seems backfired slightly. Sorry about that as well."
"Hey no need to worry about, you had good intentions at least and, plus, getting hurt is usually a part of my job. And the reason I am back, by the way, is because our equipment was malfunctioning and we couldn't find anypony to fix it. They thought it'd be too dangerous to carry on without them so they called off work today until they can get somepony to look at it." He explains. At least he isn't angry about it, he is quite friendly about it.
After that he changes topic and starts talking casually with me, describing his day today and speaking about the news. The way he describes things can miraculously make the absolute mundane sound like the best thing he has ever done. The more I learn about him, the more childish he is, but at the same time the more comfortable and enjoyable it is to be around him is. He's so happy, too happy, and carefree, it's amazing. He sort of reminds me my dad. Sigh, I wish he were still alive.
A few hours pass since that 'small' incident, but it seems to been forgotten entirely by him. We are both are sitting in the living room with cups of water, still deep in conversation as we kill the time we still have left. To be honest I'm just happy to just sit down and listen to him, my input isn't even needed to keep his streak alive as he draws more topics from the endless ocean.
"And from that day on, Prince Blue Blood was known as the biggest Canterlot snob out of all the elites." He finishes as if it some sort of ghost story, waving his hooves in front of him before settling down moments later.
"And ponies like him?" I ask, astonished someone like him, who isn't a griffon, (no offense but your race is the reason why we don't come to Griffon Stone) even exists.
"I wouldn't say liked, but he has an interesting sort of relationship with the other celebrities and elites, whether they are healthy or not are up to debate." Tremor replies, smiling. "Also I wander, because there isn't much to eat, do you want to head out? I know a place here you'll enjoy." He offers.
Looking outside, I realize the sun is going to be setting soon. Time certainly has a way to lose track of itself. "Sure, I wouldn't mind, what is this place?" There are a few restaurants dotted around ponyville, all of which seem promising, so I don't mind visiting one considering that I haven't actually had a meal since this morning.
"You'll see, let get my bits and we can begin to head there." He leaves the room before coming back with a bag of bits secured around his neck by a thread, and we start making our way outside. His expression seems to have exploded tenfold after I accepted his offer, probably just as famished as I, I suppose. "Ladies first," he says mockingly as he holds the front door open.
I role my eyes to childish acts although I flash him a smile of amusement as he quickly follows behind. Now that I think about it, I actually look forward for this outing. It'll be fun, especially if Tremor is here, I can see myself enjoying myself. Maybe It isn't bad to start planning ahead for my future, a home and a fresh start. Even though I already am in a way, I mean until the day I die where I will have the freedom I crave so much. With Tremor helping me, I can see myself living long in the long and predicted future.
Lets be sure not to waste any chances, maybe it could change the fate of everyling for better.
Author's Note
Okay, maybe a few days late but it is finally out. It took me a while to figure out how I was going to write this chapter but now I know and now I have done it, whether it is done well is up to you to decide.
I guess it is safe to say that the romance tag is finally coming into action, I have no idea how to write romance but lets do it anyways. I'm going to make this short because I need to go bed and I have school tomorrow. And on the subject of schools, it is my holidays soon so I will have more time to write so make sure to remind me to get off my plot and get stuff done. Anyways, enjoy life.
P.S. I am really tired. Also, just an off topic note, I want to make a Snowdrop story :P So many idea, not enough time xD
Chapter 8 - Interruptions
Author's Note
Okay, so, it has been like over month since the last update. Now, I can do the normal thing like apologize, but that'd be a lie. You should know me by now (probably) I don't really have a schedule, and I hit a block half way through in creating this, so yeah...
Anyways enjoy and please don't kill me.
Anyways, enjoy life.
P.S. I'll TRY to get the next chapter as soon as possible. No promises, unless you pay me :P
Chapter 8 - Interruptions
"Welcome to The Dan Pan!"
So after a short walk through the heart of town, we end up on the doorstep of a building that resembles a lot like a hunts pony's cottage, dark and long logs making up most of the building with windows and small designs carved into it. It has a large sign bolted onto the front that depicts a pony in a chef's outfit shouting out the name of the restaurant in glowing neon lights. The diner looks to be relatively full with ponies coming in and out every so often, however something tells me that isn't going to be a problem.
"This is the place?" I ask, observing the design of the diner.
"My favourite! I come once or twice a week, they make some good food. So, you want to come in and get something to it?" My stomach replies with a loud grumble to answer Tremor's invitation for lunch. "I'll take that as a yes. come on."
Even without entering The Dan Pan, I can smell the food and feel the heat radiating from the inside. I can't tell what exactly I am smelling, but by judging how positively my noise is reacting to the new scents, I can only imagine what it'll be like inside my mouth. But there is no need to use my imagination when I discover that for myself soon.
As I enter, the diner reveals itself to be uncomfortably loud, although I should've seen this coming due to the fact it looks to be popular in this town apparently. Luckily there are many seats that are unoccupied near the back where it is quieter so I can eat in peace. The tabes are laid out in rows spaced, just over, a pony's width apart from each other. Everything is lit by the small lanterns hanging above from the ceiling and the blazing kitchen, providing a dim setting but a light atmosphere that is accompanied by the friendly, but loud, chatter from the other ponies.
I can recognize a few ponies who are dining here from interactions on the streets, although I can't recall any of their names, they have proven themselves useful in helping me navigate around Ponyville. They look to be enjoying themselves, which is making me question the quality of their food.
We take a seat in the more quieter area of the diner, where the tables are covered in salts and fluids left by the previous customers to our dismay. A few moments pass and I realize Tremor is oddly silent, his eyes trying to avoid contact with mine. I don't think anything of this behaviour, coming to the conclusion that it is just apart of his strange personality. He does this from time to time where he will go silent, as if he is too shy to speak despite always being so loud, so I will have to restart a conversation to get him to talk.
I still find it shocking that the ponies here alone is able to feel the diner with unbridled amounts of positive energy that makes The Hive's supply look minuscule compared. It makes me wish for a time where we changelings can finally live in peace with the ponies, never again will we struggle for that energy we crave. But no such a time will come.
"What is Cloudsdale like?" I ask, attempting to bring Tremor from his period of silence.
"Oh Cloudsdale? What is there to say about it? It is a massive cloud and everything is built into it, although they do a pretty good job at making things look fancy up there though. It's a shame your not able to since your an Earth Pony," he says sounding slightly disappointed.
"I guess so." I don't know if changelings are able to interact with the clouds like the pegasi can, but maybe I can try eventually.
"I kind of miss Cloudsdale, it is where I was born and raised and it holds some of my best memories, but I love Ponyvilled too much to leave. If you want to know more, you should probably ask Rainbow Dash, she'll glorify it for you even."
"I'm good." I tell him while trying to imagine what that may look like.
"So how have you found Ponyville? I hope it has been a somewhat enjoyable experience; I can assure you my first time was electrifying." He says, grinning.
"It was something alright." I reply, smiling as I look back through the chaos that has happened. "Although, it was fun. I'll have to say that Pinkie Pie is one of my biggest highlights here."
"Yep, even if she is weird, she has the ability to make everyone smile. Oh and also, about the party, we didn't save you cake." I don't know why but, after that comment, I feel slightly disappointed.
"Hello, are you are you ready to place your order?" says a turquoise unicorn mare. It is now that I realize that I haven't even touched the menus that still sit lifelessly in the center of the table, waiting to be opened.
"I'll have my usual. What about you?" Tremor asks.
"Oh, um, I'll just have what you're having."
The mare smiles and nods, but instead of leaving with out orders, she leans into Tremor's ear and whispers something into his ear. His face lights up in a light shade of red. "Lyra, you are thinking a bit too far." he lets out a laugh as he waves his hoof at her.
"So you admit?" Tremor shrugs in reply. The mare lets out a high pitched squeal before whispering something else in his ear, but this time staring at me a, uncomfortable, smile.
I give a confused look, baffled by their actions, and especially that mare who keeps looking at me with her goofy smile of hers. Before I have a chance to question, the unicorn leaves, leaving me with Tremor who's face is beet red with embarrassment. I stare at his red head as if it is some sort of code I am meant to decipher, even if those two were just exchanging petty words between each other, I find intriguing none the less that she is able to leave him flustered like this.
It is sort of strange, I didn't plan attempting to befriend ponies or make contact with them unless necessary. But now, here I am having lunch with somepony, who I can consider a friend, after having a party with the elements - the same one I told myself to avoid at all costs. I am grabbing everything I said that I shouldn't do and then tossing it out a window. Maybe its this town rubbing off on me, an affect of living here a few days too long. Heck, I am even considering on moving here for good once the rebellion is over. The real question I should be asking my self now is: Is it worth it?
Choosing to leave that topic for the near future, I focus on what is happening now.
"Who is she?" I ask, grabbing his attention back after dozing off into his own world.
"Oh, uh, she's Lyra, a friend I met when I first moved here," he says. "There isn't that much to, well, to tell about her. She plays a lyre and has a part time job here. She doesn't play professionally but ponies every once in a while do request for her to play at parties or small concerts."
I hum in response before letting my eye's gaze to wander around, but there isn't much to see so I quickly turn to play with my hooves while waiting for our food to arrive. Neither of us says a thing, building an uncomfortable silence over large racket. I want to say something but I don't know what exactly to say that can make the situation less awkward (if that's the right word to use). Even with my experience in pony society, I have found that I can be socially awkward. Tremor is trying to avert his eyes everywhere else but at me again, but I simply allow it instead of trying to question his actions.
As minutes pass by in silence, the same mare who was previously taking our orders comes back with two plates of food floating to our table before releasing it from her magic grasp. A large slices of pie, leaking with a pale gooey substance with chunks submerged in it which is contained in a golden crust. Lyra hoofs them between the two of us before going off to attend to the other customers, this time not pausing to stare at me or whisper into Tremor's ear.
Tremor brightens after realizing that it has finally arrived, his face contorting into a grin as he licks his looks.
"What's this?" I ask, poking at it with a hoof.
"This my friend, is a apple pie. One of the best, although not as good as the Apple Family's Apple pie, oh how I'd die for those." he says, his mouth literally beginning to water.
I stare at the 'apple pie' in front of me. I have had an apple and a pie before, but never an apple pie, the two put together actually doesn't sound to bad. Hopefully it is as good as he is making it out to be. Lifting the fork that came with it and slicing out a small chunk of the pie, I take a tentative bite out of it.
Oh my, this is something else. This is delicious! Who knew that such a combination would make for such a delectable combo, as if the two were created to be mixed together. It is like chemistry sort of, you have ingredients and you just add them together until they all balance out to create a perfect and stable dish. Okay, maybe that analogy doesn't truly apply, but they both are similar in the sense that you can only add what is needed, and no more or less.
My fork rockets back down to get another piece, only to find crumbs replacing what was the apple pie.
"That was quick, you're either really hungry or it was that good. My guess is both," he says smirking.
Did I just eat it without myself realizing? I don't if that is a side-effect or I'm developing a problem, hopefully it isn't the latter.
"How do you do, you two? I was hoping to have a speak you with you," a cloaked pony, or should I say zebra, says underneath their brown and unkempt cloak that is covering her body and facial features. "Though there is no time to explain, but there is a lot to find on the plains. I will explain on the way, but we must not delay," Zecora says urgently, fidgeting in place.
I turn to Tremor, who shrugs, as he starts getting up from the table, though eyeing is unfinished dish longingly as he does so. She must've found something big, I can feel the agitation inside of her building the longer we're here and not on the move to wherever that may be. If it is the changeling camp that she has found, then I don't believe that there is much I can do but hope that she doesn't warn the elements. However, if she hasn't, then maybe there is a chance that I will run into them before either Zecora or Tremor can.
The three of us hastily exit the diner, Tremor throwing bits onto the counter before leaving. Instead of going into the Everfree, she leads us around it and into a hilly field. It is an expansive patch of green that is empty of any tree or pony-made structures, the only things present being the wildlife of bunnies and butterflies. However, something looks odd in the near distance: a line of puffy black smoke from, what I can make out is, a small out campfire.
We stop in front of it, and it turns out that I'm right. What was a campfire has now been reduced to black and white ash, however it is definitely recent as I can feel the last dying embers burning off the remaining heat.
My eyes drag across the ash covered ground to follow the trail of black and grey circles that disappears straight into the Everfree. Wherever they are, it is most likely that the owner is taking refuge within the darkness of the jungle like forest. Although, it is more like walking into your own death than anything else.
"Do you think this is them?" Tremor says as he pokes his head into the bushes that separate us from what is in there.
"I am not very certain, they are hidden behind the forest curtain. We must go in to be sure, but we must be well aware not to detour." she explains.
We silently agree on her terms before following Zecora into the darkened and ominous forest, the warmth leaving my body underneath the shadows that surrounds. It still feels wrong despite already having dared myself venture into here, but at the same time I don't feel as shaken as before. But, I'd rather not be here at all if given the choice, and if it weren't for the fact that Zecora had picked up a trail left by a changeling. Even if there is no confirmation that it is even a changeling, no one in the right mind will attempt to even come close unless they're insane enough or probably under orders.
I still find it strange how anything that is meant to be, isn't. There have been rumours spread across the hive about how the Everfree became what it is today, some say that it was always like this while others believe it was the making of another changeling hive. I believe that when Nightmare Moon was birthed, her darkness tainted the once lush forest which transformed it into the last remnants of what was the fall of the Lunar Republic. Maybe that's why it is always shrouded in eternal darkness no matter what time of day it is.
All around me feels so empty, not a single creature in sight to prowl through or guard their dangerous habitat. It is as if everything has evacuated and we're travelling through the remains of what was. But that is probably the case.
I am beginning to pick up something familiar, something that isn't natural. Something changelingy. It is also very recent, I am guessing at most on hour at most. I can even see the trail they left in the dirt, though it is very faint, by the green goo that is camouflaged next to the unnaturally dark grass, that is somehow swaying sluggishly left and right despite there being no breeze.
They can't see the trail I can see, and are going in the wrong direction in a random attempt to find the changelings. For now I'll keep following them until I can detach myself from them.
"I still think this place is creepy," Tremor mutters to me. "I wander if we can go camping here."
"You can be insane sometimes, I don't trust being here for a single second," I reply.
He snickers to himself, slightly nudging me in jest. "This place isn't that bad once you look past all of the things that can kill, it turns out you can find some of the best pranking plants here," he says trying to make the most dangerous area in Equestria sound somewhat pleasant. "One time I managed to get Carrot Top with some poison joke; I have never seen her so orange in my life!" he quietly laughs, giving his best to keep quiet.
I roll me eyes, "you're weird."
"Thank you," he proudly responds as if he won an award.
What a strange pony, he's unlike anyone, although he is strangely likable because of it. Though, I'm only able to spend time with him because I built a level of immunity to his antics. Even being in the center of who knows what, he can joke around as if it is a normal day to him. He is kind of like Zecora, but he is actually understandable and straight to the point, and much funnier.
Zecora continues to lead us, still unbeknownst to her that we are actually going down the incorrect path. The incorrect path leads us to a cliff overhang. The ground underneath is devoid of all vegetation, the ground is almost sludge from the dripping water above. It is almost impossible to make out anything else through the blackness; this area is untouched from any changelings. Zecora lets out an inaudible sigh before turning around in defeat.
"It seems we have no choice but to turn, we have lost the answer that we yearn," she says, her voice leaking with disappointment.
With that, we start backtracking out of the Everfree, following the same path we took to end up where we have. I purposely place myself behind the two pony crowed, slowing down until they are out of sight and shielded behind the shrubbery and ferns. Quickly, I divert my course and begin following the trail of goo I discovered. Whoever they are, they're still close, I can sense them, and there is no doubt they can sense me if they try.
I'm not entirely certain about what I'll do when I get my hooves on them, but I don't think it is going to be anything delightful.
Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter. Chapter 10 - Devious Turquoise
With the day starting to slowly turn to dusk, the sun begins to make its slow descent from the sky that paints the sky and the clouds in a gleaming, bright orange tint. The ponies of Ponyville are already making their ways back home for the preparation of night or closing up their shops as another long day of many pass. The ending of today is soothing and serene one, almost as if this is a surrealistic painting than reality. In a way, the sky is a painting, a canvas that is shared by both the Princess' to express themselves. Maybe it is why we associate the sky with emotions, because it is built upon them.
Tremor, who's walking next to me at a steady pace, has finally attained some sense of speed and is now calmly next to me on the way home. Zecora isn't with us, leaving our small group to return back to her tree house. She warned us not to return to the Everfree for now, fearing that it may place us in danger and interfere with whatever she is doing.
As Tremor and I silently make our way back to his home, my mind keeps going back to what Fritter told me in the Everfree Forest not too long ago. It is comforting to know that he and everyone else is safe. I wouldn't be able to sleep knowing that my family is in trouble, but now I have no reason to fear. It may not mean that they are safe for good, but it does mean they are surviving through current conflicts.
I have a strange feeling we're going to with the rebellion, with all that is happening I will not be surprised. However, Chrysalis is a tough opponent and it will not be easy to eliminate her or her army she posses, but we as well have strong soldiers. I can only hope at this point that I can make it back before the fighting ends.
We arrive at out destination, finally able to let myself relax as I enter the household after, what can be classified as, a strange day. He flips a switch besides the door frame, igniting the lamps that start to glow in the hallway and surrounding rooms until all is brightly lit. Even the dust particles are now visible as they float and interweave within the air, swirling and dancing with each other. The door swings shut and the locks move into place, securing us from the outside.
Like all the other times, we both retire into the living room, Tremor lighting the fireplace that warms the air from the crackling fire while I make myself comfortable on the couch, Tremor sitting on the arm chair opposite. I don't know why but this feels different than before, there isn't a word to describe it other than 'it just is'. I can feel myself fidgeting and shifting in my place, which is unusual of me given how I'm always in control of myself. Luckily the pony in front of me doesn't seem to take any notice.
Overtime, I start to relax until I can finally hold myself still. Tremor, surprisingly, hasn't spoken a single word since we got here. By now he would've begun to strike a conversation or mock the day's events, but instead chooses to remain silent and stare at the fireplace.
"I really want to see a shiftler guys, they sound really cool but we haven't been able to find one yet," Tremor whines, making me jump slightly.
"Why's that? I thought we were trying to get rid of them," I ask.
"I guess we are, but they don't seem that bad to be honest. And plus, it isn't everyday you are sent to go investigate about shape shifting creatures, a once in a life time opportunity," he says with a hint of excitement.
"I guess it isn't," I mumble faintly, only just able to hear me.
"You okay? you've been a lot more quiet earlier than usual," Tremor asks worriedly.
"I guess I'm not feeling too well, all this is getting to me," sighing, I sit back against the couch as I let my eyes drift shut.
I mumble incomprehensible sounds to myself, not caring for what it means or what it can mean. I don't know what I'm doing but I just feel comfortable all of a sudden for some odd reason, and it seems like there isn't much I can do to make myself fee better. Quietly groaning annoyingly to myself, I let myself sit upright, sliding a hoof down the middle of my face as I drag my eyes open irritably.
"Hey, I have an idea. The sun's still out so why not go for walk a bit, you're obviously stressed out and it works to be outside," he suggests, already getting up as if knowing what I'm going to say next.
Without any objection, I silently agree with Tremor who is starting to drown the fire with a toss of a small jug of water found next to fireplace. I exit out of the front door into the cool air. The sun is closing the gap between itself and the horizon, casting long black shadows across the ground from the houses. The door shuts behind me and Tremor walks to my side, packing his keys away despite carrying nothing to store it away. It is a trait that ponies have which I don't apparently.
We take off into a random direction at a slow canter, although in reality I am merely just following Tremor through the lifeless and silent roads. Quickly, the houses disappear to make way for single stretch of dirt road that leads to a large pink building at the edge of Ponyville. Equipped at the front is a small playground. It is probably a school house considering it is the closest thing they have here which resembles an actual school of some sorts.
We pass it, continuing down the dirt path which ends at a much larger playground, this one fenced off with multi-coloured wooden fence, consisting of: many pairs of swings, seesaw, multiple climbing frames and circular spinning things on top of a smooth bark covered ground. I start to question why we're here at a children's playground, but I stop myself as Tremor casually waltzers in. I hesitate but eventually following him in as my legs take me instinctively to the swings, the only thing I care for in a park. The chains holding the black plastic seat is makes me shiver is the cold metal rubs against my sides, but I disregard. Tremor takes his place on vacant swing next to mine.
I let myself gently rock myself, using my legs just to give myself a soft push as I lean against one of the chains. This is nice, being outside in the silent and peaceful ambiance. Even though if I'd usually be alone, Tremor's presence isn't unwanted. To be honest, I prefer him being here with me instead of being out here alone.
"Feeling better?" he asks looking at me.
"Y-yeah," I reply quietly. "Thank you."
"Huh, for what? I didn't even do anything," Tremor comments confusingly.
"For everything, ever since I got here. You've helped me a lot so I think you at least deserve a thanks," I state warmly, looking up to him with sincere eyes.
He blushes, giving a big smile of appreciation. "No problem. Although, I guess I have to thank you as well. I quite enjoy having you around, your nice to talk to and have as company. After Cloudsdale most my friends I lost contact with and it was quite lonely, and after you came I started to become, unlonely again and interesting? So thank you for coming."
I can feel my face start to warm up unexpectedly. I turn away, hiding my flushed face from sight, but even as I do that I can feel my eyes being drawn back to Tremor like some sort of magnet. It takes me almost all of my will power to draw my attention else where, preferably the ground. My entire face just keeps getting warmer the more I try to force myself not to stare.
What is this? I need pull myself together, need to regain control.
"Oh boy, I forgot I have work tomorrow. I need to go, you coming or are you stay?" Tremor asks while jumping off his swings, panic leaking ever so slightly into his voice.
"I'll stay for a bit," I reply slowly. I'm going to need these few moments by myself.
"Whatever you say, I bid you farewell until the next time we meet," he says gleefully before flying off, each pump of his wings becoming fainter and fainter before silencing.
I let of a groan as I dig my head into my hooves out of annoyance with myself. What is happening with me? Never before has this occurred so why is it now? Is it because I did something? It makes no sense, it's indescribable sensation which is nothing like anything I've felt before whether it is through feeding from somepony or experiencing it myself. I just don't know what to make of it.
The internal quarrel I'm having with myself is failing to get me anywhere for an answer, but somehow it is only making myself feel worse as I start to get more confuse with myself.
It probably is nothing, a passing reaction that'll go away by itself over time. But even trying to think of a conclusion isn't getting me anywhere either, it, for some reason, doesn't feel right, as if I am rejecting my own lie. It sort of ironic now that I think about it. A changeling, who is built upon lies, is failing on lying to themselves. Maybe I'll come to terms with whatever it is, but for now I just wish for a clear head before I turn myself into a soup.
As I'm about to close my eyes delve away from my internal conflicts, a silent high pitched screech comes from behind me. Twisting around, I find that it is only Lyra who is walking pass the gate towards me with a sincere smile on her face as she sees I acknowledge her presence. She takes her place on the same swing Tremor once occupied.
"So, how is he?" she questions with strange enthusiastic curiosity.
"What do you mean?" I reply, dreading where she is taking this conversation.
"Well, I'm just asking that is all. Do you think he is nice?" Lyra leans in, awaiting my answer.
I stare at her questioningly, slightly put off by her eager personality. I shake my head clear, deciding to play along with whatever game she is trying to play in hopes I gain some understanding about her sudden interest in me. Seriously, we only met a few hours ago and she is already all over me. Okay, that might be an over-exaggeration, however it certainly feels like that given the way she acts and interacts with me.
"Well, I do admit he is quite nice. I do enjoy spending time with him whenever we do choose to sit around. He's fun and he sort of reminds me of my younger self," slowly I can feel a smile raise the more I speak, but I don't know why.
"It sounds like you two are really good friends?" she asks, craning in even further and grinning like a devious foal.
"Yeah, we're very good friends."
"Have you maybe been thinking about taking it to the next level?"
Next level? What does she mean by that? I don't remember relations being measured in levels when I was in training. Actually from what I cam remember back in relation classes, ponies' relationships go in stages. First it starts off as simply being acquaintances, but then if they're good to each other then they'll eventually become friends then eventually very close friends. Finally, if the two ponies are extremely close, then they may then choose to go into a romantic relationship...
WAIT WHAT! "No, no no! There's no way that I can do that!" I frantically deny while trying to keep myself from falling off the jangling swings. "It wouldn't even be possible," because he's a pony and I'm a changeling.
"Hey, I'm just saying, you two look cute together," she smirks, winking deviously before hopping off making her exit as everything is starting to be come visibly darker quickly. "Anyways, I'm gonna go. Try not to have too much fun!"
I'm about to shout out a retort, however I quickly stop myself. She is only trying to provoke me into responding. The turquoise mare quickly moves out of sight, leaving me, once again, alone with the quickly darkening sky. Sighing, I follow Lyra's example and I, as well, remove myself from my spot and begin returning back home.
A full on relationship with Tremor? It wouldn't even work, given how different our species are and how we survive, something as daring as that would be seen as suicidal than anything else. It doesn't mean changelings can't feel love, we can feel it. But we can't create the love energy we need to survive unlike ponies, that is why we can't live off a love between two changelings.
However, a romantic relationship doesn't seem all that bad. Even though though logic side of me is screaming that something like that is stupid, another side is arguing to risk it all... What am I even saying, it is a suicidal and worthless endeavour. And plus, I'll be endangering myself and every other changeling. I groan out loud, lightly smacking myself on the head.
"I need to get some sleep," at least sleep is something both my mind and my body can agree on. This has been a hectic day for me, I really do need some rest.
***
Closing the front door behind me, I trudge upstairs into my small little room. As soon as enter my room, my body collapses onto the thin bed and I let out a sigh of relief as now my body can finally relax. The sun has fully descended from the sky and everything is pitch black accept for the faint light creeping in through the window. My hoof unconsciously stretches out from my exhausted body to the handle of the window I never never knew existed and, just managing to reach it, I twist it and lightly push it open. Instantly, I can feel the room cool, the outside air rushing in like an opened valved.
The door to my room slowly opens then Tremor creeps in. I look at him, which he takes as an invitation to come in with a mug in balancing on his back with the support of his wings. He gingerly places the mug on the small bedside table before sitting down on the edge of the other end of the bed.
"You feeling better?"
I hum in response into the pillow, too tired to provide a proper reply or even turn my head to give a proper reply.
"Do you want to have lunch together again? Because, you know, the last we had was interrupted like everything else I try to do," he chuckles to himself.
I look to him, just able to see his flushed faced which he thinks is disguised in the darkness. I smile faintly, "sure."
He beams at me, showing off his teeth as if it is a something to be proud of. Tremor whispers something but it is too inaudible to make out. Sitting up, I grab the mug in between my hooves. I lift it to my lips and I down the contents into my throat, letting the cool water slide down my throat which makes my body shudder in reply.
As the last drop disappears, I pass the now empty mug to Tremor. He wishes me goodnight before leaving me to rest, closing the door before moving downstairs. Quickly, my body starts to relax once more and I doze off into sleep.
Author's Note
This one took quite a bit to come out. I'm not entirely sure what to think about this, not sure how good I am taking this but I hope it's alright. The next chapter may not come out in a bit as I am working on something else. So yeah, if you see mistakes feel free to comment them down below. Anyways, enjoy life.
P.S. I am also trying this thing called, planning which is something I've never done before. So far it is working well.
Chaper 11 - The Amethysts
I return my focus to the endless fields in front of me, shimmering from the rays of lights that shine onto each blade of grass that is coated in water droplets. The cool and windless atmosphere attracts the birds out from their nests to begin collecting their food, the squirrels making themselves aware by poking their heads through the leafy branches of the tress they've scurried up.
While others are only just starting to awake for the day, or continue snoozing in their beds, I have already woken up to greet the early morning. I breath in deeply and cool and grassy air, washing away my drowsiness and continuing along my away across the hills. Even though I should do more than going on a small stroll, at least it is exceedingly better than cooping myself in Tremor's home until he returns after five o'clock.
Feeling like lying down, I drop myself unceremoniously, ignoring the sudden coolness and dampness on my belly as the water drops onto my faux fur. I cross my forelegs and rest my chin onto it while letting my eyes close for a few moments before reopening them to witness a fast approaching blue blur. It probably is a just a bird, but I'm pretty sure a blue bird sporting more than five colours can't travel that fast. It's coming straight for me.
I frantically jump away in an attempt to get out of its way, the hurtling object on a collision course directly on top of me. I throw my hooves around my head and lay myself as low as possible. Moments pass as I await for the sudden crash that'll leave a huge crater within the Earth, but not happens. Cautiously, my head rises from out of the dirt to see a certain cyan mare hovering above with a amused smirk on her face.
"Enjoying the taste of the grass I see, don't worry, you're not the only one who has got a taste of it after I leave 'em in the dust. Anyways, watcha doing?" Rainbow Dash asks before landing on fur hooves-not without performing a flip for good measure however.
"Nothing," I reply as I climb up from off the ground, lightly patting myself from the loose bits of dirt and grass that refuses to detach from my legs and chest.
"That's nice, I'm just wandering cause I'm usually the early bird out here."
"Well, I just thought I should probably go outside for once, get myself some fresh air instead of staying inside to wither." I reply, sighing as I concede in trying to clean myself.
"So, you've been doing anything recently?" she asks.
"Not much really, I usually spend my time inside and talking to Tremor." I look away from Rainbow Dash to face the distant village. This doesn't feel right.
"Also, how's Tremor? I don't get to see him often anymore, with me training for the Wonderbolts and all."
I look back from being distracted, realising that Rainbow is asking me a question. "He is doing fine, although seems to be busy with work now. "
"That's good to know, it has been a while since we last spoke as at least he's taking care of himself. Have you heard about this wedding that's happening in Canterlot? Apparently Princess Cadence is marrying Shining Armour, who's Twilight's brother by the way," Rainbow whispers the last part into my ear.
So Twilight now has a brother who is going to marry one of the princess'? I don't know whether to feel scared or not; this is turning more and more scary the more I think about what this may result in the future.
"Hey, I need to go. I forgot I needed to meet with AJ soon. So I'll see ya around," Rainbow says quickly before launching straight up into the sky and turning to the direction of the apple orchard on the opposite of Ponyville.
I watch the rainbow blur shrink into the distance, slowly disappearing out of sight before vanishing behind Ponyville's town hall. With my interest fading just as fast as her, I turn away to locate a nearby tree to see a one standing alone on the way back to Ponyville. Dragging myself over underneath and into the yellow dotted shade, I collapse against the trunk as I let out a groan. While taking the liberty of being alone, I drop in a flash of green flames, allowing myself to stretch after being in my pony disguise after far too long. I let out a relaxed sigh as I recline back against the trunk.
"Might as well enjoy this for now," I mumble.
***
On the way back into Ponyville, a familiar bouncy pink mare stops me in the middle of the semi-packed street. Her emotions are bursting with an unhealthy amount of joy that could give a changeling diabetes, even more so than usual.
"Have you seen the new ponies, huh, HUH!" she screams, causing my to flinch back from the assault my ears are suffering. "When I saw them, I was like 'I've never seen these ponies before, they must be new', and then I was like 'there's is two of them meaning double the party'" she grins excitedly.
"Um, no?" I still don't understand this mare, and I doubt I ever will. "Wait, new ponies came here?"
"Yup, they're very secretive though, like spies. But nopony can hide from me for long, and if you find them, bring them to Sugar Cube Corner for their surprise . You can come as well; free food is hard to resist." Okay, she is starting to scare me. What is she planning?
"I don't even know what they look like," I reply, but by the time I can, she is already out of hearing range as she merrily hops away.
I've never know anyone like her before, a ball of an excessive amount of joy but is more baffling a little bit annoying at the same time. Is a being like her even possible, to have that much energy crammed into her? Maybe there will be a day where we can understand her, which is probably the same day the sun falls into the Earth.
More worryingly however, she mentioned about two new comers making their way into town in a suspicious manner. As soon as she mentioned it, alarm bells started ringing inside my head instantly under the words 'possible threat'. I felt something from here, it is a changeling but this time it is a different. Well, I'm about to find out because they're right up ahead... Right in Tremor's house.
When I reach the door to Tremor's home, as soon as my hoof touches the handle to open the door, the front door slowly creaks open. Gulping, I enter the dim house and into the main room where two forms are waiting, however they're not the company I am expecting.
"At least we got the right house this time," the one on the left mutters under her breath.
Unlike the changelings I am more familiar with, these two have dark violet carapaces and bright purple eyes. This is a completely different hive I'm dealing with. My question is what they want with me, and I hope I won't need to find out the hard way.
"Hello Silver, or should I call you by your guise?" the nymph says.
"What is it that you want?" I growl, shedding my disguise to reveal the chitin underneath.
"Woah, calm down there," the other nymph one rises, detecting my building tension. "We come in peace, we're just here to take you to our queen. Apparently she really wants to see you," the changeling explains.
"And whom may that be?" I question, still not quite convinced.
"Queen Amethyst of the Amethyst hive, not sure why she wants to meet you but apparently she spoke to someling who knew you."
"Did they happen to serve Chrysalis?"
They both shrug in unison, "we weren't told much other than to get you."
The two changelings engulf themselves in a purple flame and adorn their disguises. The one on the left, a female yellow earth pony and a pale blue mane that's tied back into a small little bun. Her tail is short but curly, and she has a cutie mark of a spark and a piece of string. One can only imagine that that means. The other changeling is now a female purple unicorn with a long night blue mane and tail, waving down her neck like a waterfall. She has purple star for a cutie mark.
"What are your names?" I ask.
"My name is Purple Star," says the purple 'unicorn'.
"Flaming Fuse," replies the other.
"So where is it we are going, I don't recall there being any hives near here." I return back my disguise before moving towards the front door with the two disguised changelings trailing behind.
"In the Everfree, thirty minutes from here," Purple Star answers before taking the lead and guiding me out of Ponyville.
"It's always the Everfree isn't it," I mutter quietly to myself.
The two changelings roll their eyes. "It isn't that bad, at least where our hive is there aren't any manticores or cockatrices. Although we do have a slight timberwolf infestation though," Purple Star turns and nudges Flaming who receives an unheard message. She advances further forward, almost out out of sight to the edge of the Everfree and waits patiently.
"What did a changeling like you do anything to gain the attention of our queen, she's not so easy to impress. I've tried but only got looks from her," she asks.
"I may have done something in my hive which forced me to go into hiding," I vaguely explain.
"Care to elaborate?" she asks intriguingly.
"I don't think you need to know."
While the Amethyst changeling may want to know, I don't feel as comfortable as her in order to give my reasons. The last thing I want is to be sent off back to Chrysalis or killed because they're afraid that I might target their queen, so to keep secretive is my only option. Of course when I confront their queen I will have no choice but to spill out the truth, but for now I'll just keep doing what I've been doing most of my life.
"Okay, keep being the changeling you're taught to be." She looks away to scan her surroundings. "Why are you so concerned about Queen Chrysalis? Is she after you?"
"Yeah, she will kill me if I return without a doubt."
"That serious?" she stares are me sceptically. I hum in response.
She stays silent, a thoughtful expression on her face. Maybe it will be best if she stays quiet, at least I won't have to answer anymore question of hers. Something tells me this is going to be a long thirty minutes.
***
"How much longer do we have? I thought you said it's only thirty minutes, and I'm starting to think you are lying." I was expecting a short journey to their hive, but it is looking life there is no indication that we're getting close and it is becoming really tiring.
"It's close, have patience little one." Purple Star says mockingly which earns a laugh from Flaming who's hopping next to her.
"I would if you two were more serious than this."
"But where's the fun in that though?" Flaming Fuse whines with her annoying grin.
If I have to deal with these two for any longer, I can't be held accountable for what I may do. For soldiers, they seem to lack any sort of discipline what so ever.
"Why did she choose to find me?" I mumbles just loud enough so they can hear me.
"We're her most trusted guards, doubt she can do anything without us." Purple Star says proudly.
"Yup," Flaming agrees before leaning in into my ear. "Although between you and me, I doubt Purple can operate without me," she whispers. Okay, I don't even want to know what that is meant to imply, assuming it is suggesting anything in the first place. The best thing I can do now is remain quiet for the rest of the duration if I can.
Soon after, we push through a thick layer of bushes and into a grey rocky cliff face. Looking around, I see nothing out of the ordinary or worth noting. We must've went the wrong way, do they even know where their own hive is? Before I can question their navigation skills, a changeling emerges from the rocks, materialising through it!
He wears dull metallic violet armour, padding his shoulders and legs which leaves the joint slightly exposed, and wrapping around his body. His head gear has a simple design, fitting around the head with three holes on the top for the ears and horn to fit through. On the sides are small spikes that stick dangerously out, most likely for anyone who gets too close which will render his weapon obsolete.
"Who's this?" he speaks in a low and imposing voice. Both Flaming Fuse and Purple take off their disguises, which receives a nod as a response from the guard. "Welcome back cap, I assume this is the package the queen wants to see," he says with a lighter tone. Although, I feel slightly insulted that he is referring me as only a 'package'.
"Yeah, she's a package alright," Purple giggles before walking through the wall.
"Well, you going or are you just going to stand their?" Flaming ask. I haven't even realise I've been staring.
The changeling, who is starting to get really impatient, comes behind me and begins shoving me towards the cliff face despite my protests. With one last push, she thrusts me forwards which ends in me tripping up and collapsing into the... ground?
Dragging my head from the gravel beneath my chin to see, instead of expecting to see the grey cliff face, I see is a gaping crystal cavern. All around the entirety of the Amethyst Hive, decorated with luminescent crystals that bathe the large cavern in a dim purple glow. Occupying the air and the ground are changelings who, look similar to Flaming or Purple, are moving and interweaving with each other to get from one location to the next.
All around me are stone houses which share almost identical designs, each one built on a different elevation to the next. Some houses are poking out of the hive walls whiles others are dug into the ground, into small tunnel systems that house both residents and workers. On the other end of the hive, there is a cathedral building carved into the wall.
The changelings around me, their faces and emotions show no sign of oppression or the hatred against their queen. They look happy, if only home was like this.
"Wow, this place is amazing, I never knew a hive could be like this." I say dumbfounded. This is absolutely shocking, not only the hive itself but the changelings here who live here. "It is beyond anything else."
"Welcome to the Amethyst Hive," Flaming Fuse says while picking me up onto four hooves.
"How did you do that?" I ask, gawking like a nymph who discovered honey for the first time.
"Illusion magic accompanied with sensor blockers to mask our location. Nothing fancy and we're pretty concealed except for those pesky timberwolves who keep sniffing us out," Purple Star explains. "Pretty neat, huh?"
"This is something," I comment, regaining control of my mouth.
"It's in our name, come before you get distracted even more." Flaming motions for me to follow her, and I do so while eating in the breath taking hive.
We take off down the gravel roads, weaving through the stretches of roads which web throughout the ground. Some of the changelings I pass by stop and stare at me with mild curiosity, before going back to their occupations. I probably would've been bothered about it if it weren't for the fact that the crystals that surround the hive are so distracting, I've never seen anything like this before. Why don't we have these back home? It would've made a great home improvements, maybe I can being some back for a closer look.
I can hear my escort in front laughing quietly, but when I ask they only respond with even more laughing. We turn off from the road and into a large pathway that leads into a large dome. The large pillars that supports the structure is connected by a ring that circles all around and connects the pillars to the roof. The ring is written with changeish scriptures that speaks about previous monarchs and history of the hive.
We pass the large gate like entrance, guarded by a number of guards, that goes into a large hall. There're paintings of different changelings which line the walls, with tapestries hanging on the side of each one. At the end of the long carpet, rolled out through the center of the dome, is a large throne that sits high on a platform which ascends up by a staircase. Upon that throne is the changeling queen. The tall figure with bright violet carapace that goes along the length of her neck has a hole filled purple mane is tied back behind her head. An escaping strand hang over he left eye which covers a partial amount of her left eye.
The throne itself is slim, and a tall backrest that's decorated with sharp spikes that curve upwards along the spine of it. Though it has a red cushion that goes up the back rest, it doesn't look like the nicest of thrones to sit in.
When I look over the queen, compared to Queen Chrysalis, she isn't as intimidating looking-maybe it is because she isn't staring me down with piercing eyes which can kill a cockatrice. If anything, Queen Amethyst looks calm, perched upon her over-sized personal chair.
"My queen," Purple star and Flaming bow their heads, now only standing a few feet from the queen. I follow their example, leaning my head downwards.
"Rise," she says slowly. "I assume she is the one that I've been told about?"
"Yes my queen," Purple answers back.
"Good, Flaming you're dismissed. Captain Star, Silver, please come with me." The changeling queen lifts herself from her throne and lands on the ground, walking behind her throne to a door.
As me and the captain follow the queen, Flaming makes her exit from the throne room and back outside. The queen looks back at me for a moment as she unlocks the door into a narrow corridor, which then enters into an endless stairwell that spirals upwards. On one side of the stairwell are small slits that, when looked out of, views over the entirety of the hive. We begin climbing up in, already knowing that it may take a while before we reach wherever we're trying to go to.
"You're name is Silver, correct?" I nod my head, earning a small hum from her. "Someone appeared on the doorstep of my hive; they spoke about you. You're a rebel warrior against Queen Chrysalis, escaped after a failed assassination attempt, I'm quite impressed."
Purple looks at me in surprise, not expecting that about me. It is to be expected to gain such a reaction, it isn't often that changelings will stand up against their queen. When it does happen though, it is usually a sign which means something is terribly wrong.
"I've never been one to care about another hive's affairs, but if what they said is true, then I will have to take matters into our own hooves."
"What do you mean by that?" I ask.
"Your hive, before she ascended the throne, had quite a history. It was seen as one of the most powerful hives out there, respected and fears by many hives from here all the way to the Badlands. Ever since King Elliptical died, she took to power and completely shattered everything he built. Right now, she threatens, not only her hive, but every other changeling. It is my duty as Queen to ensure that harmony between us and the ponies is balanced.
The reason you're here is because I want to help you, but in return I need information. I'm not just doing this for the sake of the Chrysalis Hive, but for everyling that will die due to her ignorance and stupidity."
I haven't even realised that the situation has escalate so badly that other hives are now being included in the fray. It is bad enough that there's is a civil war raging within the hive walls, but this is a deceleration of war we're talking about between the Amethyst Hive and the Chrysalis Hive.
When we reach the top of the stairwell, we're greeted by another door which is guarded by two guards who are already in the process in unlocking it. The door leads to a small pathway that has been dug out into the wall of the hive, the left wall has been completely demolished to overlook the bustling hive down below. It looks like I'm staring down into a disco ball from up here from the sparkling crystals down below.
I feel Purple poke my side, and lean close to my ear. "You never told me you're fighting a rebellion," she whispers.
"I doubt the conversation about why I am trying to kill my own queen will bode well with you," I reply back in a low tone.
"I don't mind, she doesn't sound nice anyway."
I turn back towards Queen Amethyst, who's staring at her hive below with a faint smile. "If you don't mind me asking, who was it that came to you that day?"
"A ling by the name of Fireclaw," she says.
Of course it was Fireclaw, only he'll go out of his way to gather pretty much everyling he can to join the cause. How did he even discover the hive in the first place? He doesn't seem like the changeling to have connections to royalty, but that is a question for another day.
"He told me I can trust you, which is why I haven't imprisoned you yet," she says coldly. I whimper, flinching away from the queen. "So that's why I need to ask you what I'll be dealing with?"
"If you do try to attack the hive, most of the lings that will be fighting on the front will be because they have no choice. There are some loyalists, but they're usually her personal guards or infiltrators. If you want to direct attack, then there will be a lot of collateral damage. Can I ask that you don't fight them, at least no yet. She may be a fool, but she is a smart one. Don't underestimate her, because she will beat you by her superior strategic ways."
"What is her army like?"
"They're trained well, both physically and magic. However, you might be able to talk some of them onto your side given the circumstances. There are two main groups you want to look at for, the infiltrators and the police. You know what the infiltrators are trained to do, implement themselves into pony society and feed off them and then return back to hive. Their training is hard and vigorous, but attack them in their hive gives them a home advantage. The police is different, they regulate the military. They're usually made up of the loyalists, so they have special training thus making them even more dangerous than first line of attack."
"So Chrysalis feeds off her changelings through fear, she is going down the wrong path. We need to hasten our efforts if we are to stop her in time before she does something she will regret!" Queen Amethysts looks like she ready to charge into the battlefield with her rising fury.
"Now won't be the best of times to attack, with the hive in total lock down, the guard will be on the highest of alert. If we wait for Queen Chrysalis to make the first move, then we might be able to strike."
"I suppose we can delay a battle, but when will we know when?" Queen Amethyst asks.
"I don't know, but I have changelings at the hive who I can't risk getting caught in the crossfire."
The queen looks at me for a moment, her face showing understanding. "Okay then, but if Queen Chrysalis makes a move then, I will not hold back."
"Understood," I reply back.
"I can't delay myself any further, I must go. Captain, please escort Silver to the exit and then await for me at the planning base. Hopefully you managed to remember this conversation," the queen says to the captain who is waiting to the side.
"Yes my queen," Purple bows and then turns away as she starts tugging me to follow.
"And before you go, Silver, good luck and stay safe," the queen calls out.
"Understood," I say before going back in following Purple out.
Author's Note
This took quite a while to write up, I didn't expect to delay this for that long so here is a extra long one. Hopefully it is good enough, I tried my best to edit any and all errors as possible.
Hopefully the next will come sooner. With that done, enjoy life.
Chapter 12 - A Working Discovery
Before I left the live, I managed to get in a few words with Purple Star before she rushed herself off to their planning base. Because of that, I get that large of a time span to ask some of my questions to her. Though, when I asked her about how she fit into all of this, she told didn't know herself. I wanted to see Flaming before I left, so I asked Purple Star to send my goodbyes instead.
The entire situation is escalating rapidly, and it is starting to make me apprehensive on how this period of fighting will eventually conclude. Before, to me, was a win or lose situation, either Chrysalis wins and remains control over the hive or we win and overthrow the mad queen. But now entire hives are being added to the equation, other queens are now throwing themselves into the conflict. A war threatens to break out. This is getting out of hoof too bucking fast. I just hope Fireclaw knows what he's doing.
While I retrace my steps back out of the Everfree, I take a mental note to keep informed with these changelings before they do something brash which we'll all regret. These Amethysts may think they know what they're doing but, without the right context, they'll end up killing the entire Chrysalis populace because they don't know who's on who's side. This is going to be a nightmare.
I pull myself over the uprooted tree which has fallen across a huge ravine, down below being nothing but a bottomless pit. The tree ever so slightly shifts under my weight, the trunk of the dead tree creaking aloud but refusing to break apart. I let out a small sigh, as much as I love doing stuff like, I do not feel like dying today. My hooves take me to the other side as quickly as possible, but not so much that I lose my stability. If I still had my wings it would allow me to fly over the damned forest instead of having to tread through dangerous terrain.
Slowly, I continue my trek through the dark forest, hugging close to bushes and trees. I'd rather not know what is lurking behind the shadows. Along the way, I notice a small twig laying on top of a layer of almost black leaves, out of the many hundreds I've passed over the past hour. Picking it up, I examine the small stick. Shrugging, I put it in my mouth and begin chewing before moving along my way. It is oddly satisfying.
When a fang stab against the wood, I realise unexpectedly that I'm not in my disguise. I quickly avert back into my pony form. Going out without my disguise wouldn't exactly end well for anyling. While moving down the barely visible dirt path, I hear something following me by the faint sounds of bushes and crushed leaves following behind me. My eyes scan the corner of my vision, however whoever is following me is remaining concealed in the forest.
I'll play their little game, at least that will lure them out into the open once they choose to reveal themselves. Who could this be though? Whoever this stalking presence is looks to be keeping distant from me. A glow starts emitting underneath as soon as my right hoof lands onto something sticking. Looking down, I find hoof pressing down on a green gooey substance that has triggered a faint glow to emanate from it.
"It seems seems you really are one of them, it looks like I have found the problem's stem," a zebra emerges from behind a tree, wearing a familiar tattered brown cloak.
"Zecora? What is this?"
"It is a special concoction of mine, and it seems it works just fine. As much as the result is unexpected, it is the truth that has been baited."
"There isn't a need to be cryptic, Zecora. What does that mean and what is this green stuff?" I ask the enigmatic zebra with slight growing anxiousness leaking into my voice. Her unclear answers does nothing but make my worry about what her rhymes may imply.
"This solution shows what is underneath, a creature of black is what's beneath. A hidden and deceptive feeder of emotion, a being that's driven by great glutton," the zebra approaches threateningly and glaring daggers into me, her aura of such negative emotion almost making me want to run.
She can't be thinking what I think she's thinking, she just can't. It's impossible for somepony to look through a changeling's disguise, even with something like this. Unless, that book... I should have took it when I had the chance. Sighing, I look up to the approaching zebra, hiding away the fear from my eyes. I might screaming on the inside, but I must stay determined and assert myself. I can't lead the zebra into thinking she is in control, to show fear is to show weakness.
We both stare each other down as the forest groans tiredly around us. Her threatening gaze doesn't waver as her hoof snakes underneath her cloak, probably reaching for some sort of weapon. I remain stock still despite it, keeping myself concentrated on Zecora who's patience remains as strong as iron.
"What is your name little shiftler? Don't lie and make your sins even bigger," Zecora speaks sternly.
As much as I want to deny her accusations, it'd do nothing to help my case, but instead succeeding in doing the opposite. Whatever this puddle of green goo is, it has some sort of property which allows it to glow when a changeling comes into contact with it. And I fell into her trap.
"We're called changelings, not shiftlers."
"Changeling, a fitting name for such who thrives on changing. I'm lead to believe you were given a name, or does your kind not bother with a societal aim?" Zecora says flatly.
"We may be changelings but we're not savages; we have a stable society, not like the mindless creatures you believe us to be. My name is Silver," I tell the still unconvinced zebra. Said zebra stares at me before slowly lowering her hoof from the underside of her tattered cloak, pulling nothing from underneath.
"So what have you come to steal, to take more emotions till your target can't feel? Answer wisely, or face a toll so pricey." Zecora takes another intimidating step forward in attempts to scare me. It doesn't work.
"Nothing, I only wish to live without strife. I've been trapped underground for far too long, I only want to live my life from oppression and hunger. I don't want to hurt anyone, only the ones who threatens who want to hurt the ones I want to protect."
Zecora, now standing in swinging distance, looks over me quizzically before softening her stance ever so slightly, but her emotions still remain chaotic. She spends a while observing my form, taking in every inch as if to find a hidden weapon that's glued underneath me or stuck behind a hoof.
"You seem different from the changelings I first thought you to be, though are still troubled like a constant buzzing bee. Take great caution around ponyville, I trust you are able to fulfill. However, am I to be worried about the form you take, or is the pony just an imagined fake?"
I stare blankly at Zecora before realising what she's asking from me. "Don't worry, this pony you see is made up," I give Zecora my best reassurance in the form of a smile.
"You will be granted one and only chance, shatter it and you won't see my lance."
"Okay," I squeak out as I finally turn away. "You won't tell anyone, will you?" I ask.
"Not a single soul, as long you don't aim for a dark goal. So what is it now that you are going to do? I'm sure you have someone to return to." She says calmly now, her emotional storm beginning to calm.
"I suppose I do," I reply back to Zecora.
"He is a good stallion, definitely one fit for a battalion. I know you won't dare harm him, for I am sure he is keeping you from being too slim." The zebra chuckles to herself, although the jokes she tries to pull off completely blows over my head. I can feel the trust she holds within Tremor, and she is right, I wouldn't even dare try to hurt the stallion because I've put a certain degree of trust into him as well.
"My jokes may have little to take seriously, but my warnings are not be taken very lightly. Good luck little ling, and let judgement now sing." Zebra brushes past me to leave, leaving me alone and a hoof to be cleansed.
Sighing, I make the rest of the journey out of the Everfree and to a nearby stream which snakes down the hillside, the same one which cuts through Ponyville. I lie down on the grassy bank, craning myself over the edge to dip my hoof into the shallow waters. Luckily the substance Zecora brewed up doesn't stick and quickly washes away with the current, its glow instantly fades upon losing contact with me.
Even after cleaning my hoof, I remain on the bank to finally relieve myself in the time I have to myself. Now I have another layer of problems to add to my ever growing stockpile, but at least this one isn't trying to kill me on the spot. It is definitely one of my most distressing encounters. If looks could kill, Queen Chrysalis would've turned to dust. I dip my muzzle into the stream, letting the coolness of the water brush pass as I close my eyes to relax.
I'm worried about the Amethyst Hive being so dangerously close a zebra mare who can see straight through their disguises. Thought it is extremely worrying to me, I don't doubt their capabilities to hide from her. And judging by their concealed location and anti-sensory magic, they can probably remain hidden for a long while. Still, the fact remains that they find themselves deep in enemy territory.
I let off a small grunt as I lift myself back onto my hooves, smacking the water out of my face. The trek back to Ponyville is short, and it doesn't take me long until I find myself within the heart of Ponyville. The building of Sugar Cube Corner catches my eye, my stomach then rumbling a comment. A cupcake or two doesn't sound like a bad idea, and I definitely deserve one after today.
When I step into the bakery, I take in the sugary air with a delightful sigh before going towards the counter. Within the display case are all kinds of pastry goodness, from turnovers to cinnamon swirls to cupcakes and even cakes. The ponies here look to be content with the food, eating their delectable treats.
"Hiya!" A pink mare shouts as she jumps up from behind the counter with a tray of tarts balancing on her... tail? "Me and Mr Cake just made a new batch of these strawberry tarts, wanna try some?" the mare offers in a chipper tone.
"Sure, I was hoping to find something to eat here," I reply. Luckily I have just enough bits which I found underneath the duvet of my bed this morning, accidentally discovering it while digging underneath it out curiosity if I could find anything. I really need to find a source income, relying on Tremor will only get me so far.
I toss Pinkie Pie the dusty bits, who then hoofs me a tart as the bits land and slide down her mane into the register. I take small of the tart into my mouth, chewing slowly and savouring the taste of the sweet strawberry. I wander if Pinkie would mind if I take her back to Tremor's place for a day or ten.
The pink mare grins, proud of her work. Then all of a sudden, the mare's mane begins swinging violently which is then followed by a series of jumps. Strangely enough, both the tray and the tarts stick to Pinkie's mane like superglue. She looks back at me and gasps loudly, a lit bulb literally appearing floating above her head. I don't want to know.
"You should work with me as my assistant!" Pinkie voices her idea excitedly and with a bounce.
"Wait what. why- How do you know?" I stutter out of pure confusion.
"My pinkie sense!" she giggles innocently. "I'm sure you'll be great for this, and I'm sure I can convince Mr and Mrs Cake in letting you work with me. I'll be like your trainer!" As the mare plotted my future, she yanks me over the counter into her iron grip, suffocating me over the counter in an awkward position.
"Can't... breath," I wheeze out with the remaining breath in me.
Pinkie finally lets go of me, but then swiftly pulls me into the kitchen, seating me in front of a kitchen counter. In front of me is: a half empty bag of flour, a pink bowl, sugar, and a large cube of butter. Right under the counter is a silver oven. I feel the pink pony prop a chefs hat onto my head, happily squealing as she prepares me to use those ingredients.
"Pinkie, I don't think this is a good idea. It has been a while since I've actually baked anything." I used to enjoy baking when I was young, maybe that side of my still lives. Although, my problem is the fact that what I'll create will probably be served to the customers.
"The more reason to start now!" she beams excitedly. "Lets try making some cupcakes!"
That shouldn't be that hard to do, I may not have done much of this during my life, but I have done it successfully with surprisingly good feedback. Hopefully I've held onto that skill long to not fail miserably.
"So first we preheat the oven at one-hundred and eighty Celsius." I follow the mare's instructions and turn one of the four nobs of the oven which corresponds to the temperature. "Now take a bar of butter and this sugar, put it together in this bowl and mash it together, like this." She drops the ingredients into the bowl and begins using her hooves to press into the butter and sugar together. "Here, your turn," she says while pushing the bowl to me.
I copy the mare's action, digging my hooves into the bowl until the contents inside are fluffy and pale. Pinkie hums approvingly as he pulls the bag of flour and a shiv from the cupboard above. She hoofs it to me without saying a thing. I pour half of what's left through the shiv, shaking the white power over the bowl.
She remains silent for the rest of the duration, only speaking when announcing new ingredients to the table: two eggs and a table spoon of vanilla extract. I mix the eggs and vanilla into a separate bowl before mixing it with the rest, beating the contents until they've all combined together.
"Great! You're a natural at this, now all we have to do is bake it!" Pinkie Pie pulls a tray, already filled with blue paper cupcake cases and beings pouring the mix into it until all of the cases are filled. She takes the tray and places it into the heated oven.
"Now what?" I ask.
"We make more of course!" Pinkie cheers excitedly before tossing me in front of another set of ingredients I haven't noticed until now.
I might be here for a long while.
***
By the end of it all, both me and Pinkie Pie have created more than enough batches of cupcakes and cookies to feed the whole of Ponyville and beyond. To be honest, working with Pinkie is surprisingly much more fun than I intended it to be, and I feel absolutely exhausted because of it.
"Oh, that was fun!" Pinkie, even after a long and exhausting day, continues to merrily hop as we approach Tremor's home. "Oh, I also got you something," she says before tossing me a brown bag of cloth that's filled with bits in my hooves.
"What's this?" I ask her, examining the bag like I have no idea what the strange gold coins are.
"Payment, you deserve it after today. Also, welcome to Sugar Cube Corner assistant . Yup, Mr Cake was secretly watching us and he came down and told me he wanted you on the team. Oh, I'm so excited!" Pinkie runs up to me and wraps me into one of her bone crushing hugs.
"Please stop trying to kill Sharp, I don't to be living with a dead corpse." Out of nowhere, Tremor descends from the sky and touches down near me and Pinkie.
"Hi Tremor!" Pinkie says before releasing me, my lungs gasping for air after having it forcefully squeezed out of me. The mare is surprisingly strong, it makes me wander what she'd be like if she were to fight against another pony. She is an Earth pony though who are know for their unnatural physical strength and speed.
"Hi Pinkie," he replies, rolling his eyes before walking towards me and supporting me up as I recover.
"You look like you've been busy while I've been gone, it's good to see you're making friends for once," Tremor smirks at me.
"Are you suggesting I can't make friends with anypony?" I reply, playfully pushing him away.
"Yeah, but now you're starting to move on with life. I am basically your teacher now."
"Talking about moving along with life, I got a job now with Pinkie." I tell Tremor who stares back at me in surprise. He smiles at me while patting me on the back.
"You're growing so much."
"Well I need to head off now, don't try to get into too much mischief unless it's a party without me~" Pinkie sings as she begins walking off back to where ever she lives.
I let off a large yawn before looking up into the sky to see the sun beginning to descend form the sky, leaving the sky in a darkening hue of blue. Huh, I haven't even realised that I've been in there for that long. Bed does sound really appeasing right now, and after spending most of the day with Pinkie Pie, I think I deserve it more than ever.
"You want to go up?" he asks.
"Sure," I reply as I unlock and push through the door. "Although, I might make something before I go up."
I doubt a few cookies and a tart is going to appease my appetite, and a decent meal will be enough to sate my hunger. Hopefully Tremor has something at least edible in his kitchen in order for me to make a meal out of it.
"I didn't know you can cook," Tremor comments as he follows me into the kitchen.
"I didn't know I could, although I learnt a thing or two about baking with Pinkie Pie so it shouldn't too difficult to make something small."
Using what I can find in Tremor's kitchen, I fry a portion of cabbage and rice for me and Tremor who also felt hungry enough to snack on some food before going off to bed. It wasn't that bad, although I think I under-cooked the cabbage and overcooked the rice.
After finishing, Tremor volunteered to clean the dishes while I wait and rest within the living room for Tremor to finish. He eventually wraps up in cleaning the plates and comes into the lit room. Instead of going to occupy his usual place opposite me, Tremors comes next to me on the couch. I shift slightly in my seat as I can feel myself blush, though his presence isn't unwanted.
"You tired still?" he asks, yawning himself causing him to stretch his body outwards in response.
One of his wings falls over my shoulder, draping itself down my spine and ever so slightly wrapping itself around my side. My face heats up even more, but when I look back at Tremor he doesn't seem to notice what he's doing as his eyes begin to droop. His emotions becomes noticeably sweeter with affection.
I think he starting to grow attached to me... Oh my. This isn't love, however it is definitely affection I am sensing which is suggesting he may have a growing thing for me. Oh how uncomfortable this, having someone so close to me who is starting to develop emotions for me. I've had it happen twice before in the past, and it only ever ends up terribly or in me almost dying. But this doesn't feel like any of that though, for some reason this is only making me blush even harder. Why is it making me blush at all? It isn't like it would work out anyway.
I look up to Tremor, who's now fast asleep with a gentle smile streaking across his face. I let out a heavy yawn before snuggling deeper into his side, pulling his warm wing like a blanket around. This feels nice.
"Night Tremor," I finally say before shutting my eyes.
Author's Note
I hope you enjoyed this chapter, I tried going through it to make sure there aren't any mistakes although some may have gone unnoticed. So please, if you spot any spelling or grammatical mistake, comment it so I can fix it.
Going off topic, SEASON 7! I'm quite excited for it, can't want what's going to happen. I enjoyed the first new episode so I'm looking forward as to what will happen next.
Anyways, enjoy life.