It is a warm summer morning. The sun was shining, the birds were chirping, and all have woken up bright and early to do their daily routine. It is just a typical day.

At least it would have been if it were not for the large amount of people at the Castle of Friendship.

The Princess, Twilight Sparkle, just made an announcement. Outside the palace stood about several dozen people of all different races. They had come to enlist in her new royal guard, Ponies, Minotaurs, Griffons, Diamond dogs, and more.

Through the hallways of the palace, a lone figure walks. He is in awe looking at what he sees around him. He draws closer to the throne room. Some of the new recruits pass him by, scowling at him and keeping their distance. He wasn’t surprised by this at all but he couldn’t help but sigh.

No one would ever trust a Changeling.

He soon stands before the doors to the Princess’s throne room. He takes a deep breath and walks forward, ready to enter. Only to be stopped right in his tracks by a tiny purple dragon.

“So I’m guessing you wanna join too?” asked the dragon. “A little late don’t you think?”

The Changeling rubs the back of his neck, caught off guard. He didn’t notice there was someone standing nearby.

“Spike? Who is it? Is it a new conscript?” a voice spoke out from behind the doors.

“From the looks of it”, the dragon, Spike, answered.

“Then let them in”, the voice requested.

“You heard her, head on in”, Spike said to the Changeling, moving away so he can enter the throne room.

The Changeling soon opens the door carefully, clearly uncertain. The room was quite the sight. The sunlight shone bright through the windows, making it all shimmer. Up above was a beautiful chandelier made out of wood with colorful gems hanging off it. Before him sat a Map filled with magic and several thrones surrounding it.

There sat the Princess of Friendship, Twilight Sparkle.

“Hello there”, she said sweetly.

The Changeling simply stood, nervous and in wonder. The Princess giggles at seeing his expression.

“I see you are impressed, come in please”, the Princess invited, standing up and walking over. “What is your name?”

“I-I-I... my n-name is...” the Changeling stuttered, anxiety taking over. The Princess waits patiently, giving a warm smile. This helped him gather himself.

“My name is Night Wither.”

“It’s nice to meet you Night Wither, I am Twilight Sparkle”, said the Princess.

“It is an honor to be here your majesty”, responded Night, bowing to her.

“No need to be so formal, just call me Twilight, we’re friends here after all”

“Oh... um... if that’s okay...” Night responded awkwardly. Twilight simply smiles, now used to seeing someone be intimidated by her title. Wanting him to be comfortable, she used her magic to bring a chair over for him to sit.

“I hope your travel here wasn’t too difficult or long”, said Twilight, leaning on the map. “So tell me, what was your reason for coming here? I admit I didn’t expect any Changelings to sign up considering our history...”

To this, Night looks down in shame. Twilight notices this.

“But I’m very happy you’re here!” she quickly assured. “I was really hoping that at least one person from every race would join my guard so you certainly made my day. I just want to know what caught your interest.”

“I... well...” Night clears his throat. “Ever since I left the Hive... I’ve been going around... not like I can stay in many places being what I am and all... but I just wanted to find a place where I could do something...”

Night stops for a bit. Twilight waits for him to continue.

“Leaving my home wasn’t easy... I... I want to be a part of something again... so... here I am...”

Night looks up to see Twilight’s reaction. She ponders on his answer before nodding, seemingly satisfied.

“So you want a purpose”, she responded.

Y-Yes...” Night confirmed.

“Something many people want”, Twilight continued. She stands and walks to him. “Stand please.”

Night does as she says.

“I can’t imagine how much courage it must have taken to not only leave your Hive but to come here. I know that it was a huge risk, considering many people’s feelings toward Changelings. But believe me when I say that you being here is an important accomplishment. I hope that one day, your decision will resonate with your people and mine. And I hope you will find your purpose here. As my knight.”

Twilight offers her hand with an encouraging smile.

“You mean... I’m...” Night started but didn’t dare to finish, unsure if this was real.

“Yes. I hereby accept you as part of my royal guard.” Twilight answered with finality.

Night felt a weight he didn’t know he had leave his shoulders. Steeling himself, he gladly takes the Princess’s hand.

The firm handshake sealed their fates.

“Thank you... thank you so much your highness.” said Night, filled with reverence for his new lord.

“No. ‘Thank you Twilight.’” Twilight corrected.

“Thank you... Twilight.”

With a nod of approval, Twilight lets go and gives an excited smile.

“Well now that introductions are done, it’s time for your first mission!” she said with glee.

“Wait, right now!?” Night said in surprise. She is giving him his first mission just after joining!? He is not ready! He needs time to prepare!

“Yes, and it will be the most important mission I will EVER give you.” the Princess said ominously.

This only made Night more worried. He gulps and tries to calm himself.

“W-What will you have me do?” he asked nervously. Twilight gives him a big grin.

“Make some friends.”

... What?

“I’m... sorry?” Night responded, clearly confused.

“That’s your first mission. Make some friends” Twilight repeated.

“I... I apologize but why?” Night asked. “How is that an important mission?”

To this, Twilight gestured to the thrones.

“Do you believe I earned my crown on my own? No, I could never have. Not alone. It was thanks to my friends and all they taught me that I became a Princess. If I didn’t have them, I would still be cooped up in my room reading books. While I would still gain a lot of knowledge, I would’ve never progressed. I would’ve never become the mare I am today. I’d be stuck in the same routine over and over. There would be no change.”

The Princess’s lips form a slight frown at the thought. Then her smile quickly returns.

“But I DO have them. They showed me so much. I didn’t know what I was missing until I met them. They have helped me through all the trials that brought me here. And I know they will continue to now and forever.”

Twilight holds Night’s shoulder, making him freeze up.

“THAT is why this mission is important. Imagine all you can learn. No doubt there will plenty. I’m still learning something new everyday myself.” she added. “And imagine what YOU can teach others. I won’t hide the fact that many people don’t trust Changelings. But by befriending them, you can show them that there is nothing to be afraid of. You can show your people that they don’t have to be afraid of us either. That is what I want. That is why I made my royal guard this way. Is it clear now?”

Night remains quiet, not entirely sure on what she means. However, he can tell she really wants him to do this.

“Very well... I will... ‘make friends’... and do my best to complete this task”, he finally responded.

“Thank you Night”, Twilight said with a smile. “And stop being so formal, that’s no way to talk to your first friend here”.

Night looks at her in confusion.

“What? This wasn’t interview. Don’t you remember what I said when we started?”, Twilight clarified. “We’re friends here. Don’t you agree?”

Night blushes, having no idea what to say to that.

“Well, I won’t keep you. You have your mission. Can’t wait to hear your report about it tomorrow”, Twilight said with a smile.

“Yes ma’am...” Night said, causing Twilight to roll her eyes at his continued formality. With that, Night turns to the doors.

“Oh, and one more thing”, Twilight said before he could leave. Night looks back at her, noticing her give the same warm smile from when he first came in.

“Welcome to Ponyville”.

Author's Note

Here is the official first chapter everyone. Introducing our protagonist, Night Wither the Changeling! Please post your thoughts and let us know how you feel so far! We plan on updating every Sunday. If there is a delay, we will notify the reason why on our profile page.