Chapters "Milky, time to wake up," Mum said soothingly, shaking me. "It's time to get ready for school dear."
"Just five more minutes mum." I moaned, turning over.
"You wanted to go to school like a regular kid, so you're going to school now get up." Mum bossed, pulling blankets off. I shivered and turned back. I opened my eyes to the sound of her moving out of my room. I sat up and yawned, waking up sucks. The morning birds chirped as ponies outside said their goodbyes. I walked towards my closet and went around for my school uniform. I felt it and took it out. I put the shirt on and button up the jacket, then the skirt slid on. I was ready and I grabbed my saddlebags and trotted downstairs.
"Bye Mum, Bye Pops I'm off now!" I exclaimed and went for the door.
"Not so fast Milky, you need to do two more things before going out," Pops said.
"What? Did I forget something?" I asked, spinning around to check.
"One is you would forget your lunch, the second is your disguise," Mum said, giving me my lunchbox.
"Oh right," I said, transforming myself into a brown and copper mare. "There now am I all set?"
"Yes, now have fun dear," Mum said, kissing my cheek. I left the house and walked down the path. I looked around and sensed the warmth of the sun. I turned and continued walking down the path, towards school. I'm a changeling, I was abandoned by my mother at birth and was adopted by my current guardians. I was mischievous as a foal, that's how I was adopted actually. Long story short, they found out I was a changeling after my foal magic wore off, but they still love me how I am. But not many ponies accept changelings, they aren't wrong for hating them, but few aren't bad ponies and shouldn't be grouped up with them. I hide in disguise, with parent permission when guest come or I go outside. I knew this forever though so I'm used to hiding my true side.
The sidewalk grew colder as I continued, at the end of the trail lies the schoolhouse. I hear ponies trotting from all directions, heading towards the same building. I walked up the steps and enter through the door, feeling the breeze of a different life up ahead of myself.
The chattering was everywhere. Something about this or that coming from two different directions.
"Oof, sorry." I apologized as I accidentally bumped into somepony while walking in the hall. "Sorry." As another one bumped into me. I went straight into someone else instead. "Sorry, I'm deeply sorry."
"Sorry now? How about you look where you are going?" He said, intimidatingly. "You should learn how to walk down a simple hallway without bumping into others." I felt meek, and I was nearly cowering, legs shaking.
"Oh, there you are." A voice from behind said. I felt a hoof around my shoulder and being pulled towards someone. "Thanks for keeping her company." The big guy just grunted and walked off. A sigh left the pony next to me as his hoof fell from my shoulder. "You should really be more careful around here and stop bumping into others."
"Sorry, I'm just looking for room 115," I said.
"I'll show you where it is since that's also my class, but you'll be owing me one." He stated. He took off and I followed behind, trying not to lose him. The halls were crowded but for some reason when I'm with him, they seem nearly empty.
We come to the classroom, door open and all. He enters and I follow. I looked around, trying to get a feel for things. I walk towards the back for a desk, try and sit down till class starts. I place my bags underneath the desk and sit down. Then more ponies come pouring in as the bell begins to ring, with the teacher behind them all.
"Welcome students, I'll be your teacher for the year. I'm Ms. Moonlight." The teacher said to the class. "Now we'll begin introductions, so may the first student come up to the front and tell us about them a little." I heard a chair scoot back as a student got up.
"I am Bell Shine, its good you meet you all." She said, moving back to her seat afterward. Eventually, I was up, so I stood up and began walking to the front. So many eyes were on me, I could tell because I was somewhat a new girl.
"My name is Milky Glow, and I hope for a good year with you all," I said gleefully. I heard gasping from multiple directions.
"She's cute!" exclaimed many of the stallions in the class. I begin glowing red afterward and began walking back, trying to hide my embarrassment. I sat down with a little sigh of relief, still with eyes looking at me. The teacher sighed and continued on. The next student got up and walked down the row. Everypony was silent when he got up.
"I'm Crisp Mark, just stay out of my way." He stated. He just walked back to his seat afterward. His voice was familiar to the stallion who helped me out.
"Now is some free time before lunch, afterward you'll be learning your schedule for the day and will go home." Ms. Moonlight said. Once she said that many ponies made their way to me. I was surrounded by them. They began throwing questions at me like, where did I come from or if I was single. It was bombarding and I was getting meek again. Then I heard a grunt of a familiar tone.
"She is nothing new to a school, most of you stallions are just happy because this is basically a clean slate." Crisp said, then the bell rings. Lunch is happening as ponies moved away.
"Thank you," I said to Crisp. I opened my bag and began to pull out my lunch. I heard a growl and turned to Crisp. "Aren't you going to have lunch?"
"Hmmm? No, I don't have anything for lunch" he said.
"Do you want some of mine?" I asked, offering him some. He took some from my box and I pulled back to begin eating myself.
"Guess you paid your debt." He said, munching on one of my cookies. "You shouldn't hang out with me though, just a warning."
"Why not?" I asked. "You don't seem like a bad pony." He chuckled at that statement as we both ate lunch. The classroom felt empty as if no one is eating lunch in the classroom. I wasn't paying much attention at the time. I begin eating my daisy sandwich.
"What school did you come anyway?" He asked. I finish swallowing a bite of my sandwich.
"I was homeschooled," I stated. "My parents were kind of scared for me being in a public school, so they homeschooled me."
"You wouldn't last a week here, but you aren't one of those rich folks so you should be fine." He said with a serious tone. "Plus most of the stallions might have it out for you, so you might make it."
I finished eating my sandwich, I grabbed the apple out of my box and took a bite out of it. "Why are you like that?" I asked. "You're making yourself out to be a bad pony, but you really aren't."
"You only knew me the first day of coming here, if you were at the intermediate school." He said. I continued to eat my apple, hoping to hear more. He didn't continue, so I'm going to take a wild swing and say he did some things back then.
"What are we doing next?" I asked.
"Physical Education, and on first days they want to see what you're made of." He answered. My heart dropped, I'm not good at running or anything, when it comes to anything athletic, I'm a klutz. I jumped as the bell rang, signaling lunch is over. I gulped as now its time for P.E. I grabbed my bag and walked behind Crisp to where we are meeting up for it. I inhaled fresh air as we left the building. The pavement change to grass as we walked to where all the students are meeting up. I heard the teacher come up to the group of students.
"It looks like everypony is here." Ms. Moonlight said. "This is where we'll be meeting up for the exercise period of school. We'll start by stretching and then running around the track, after the warm-up we'll begin class with attendance. I want three laps." Everyone was waiting quietly to begin with the introduction of the class. "Now everyone give me two laps for today, you don't have to run for now."
Everyone went on the track as the few athletes ran and the others walked. I began walking in the front of the slow group. Knowing that I would have to run, it would be better to know how the others act first. Crisp was one of the runners, must be better so get it done while the slowpokes take longer to finish. I completed one lap an was on my second as the runners behind me finished. I continued trotting at a faster pace, trying to finish a bit faster. As I reached the finish line I heard hooves coming behind me.
"Behind you!" said a student. I turned around and collided with another student, who took off running. I fell down, blacking out from my head hitting the track.
I woke up on a bed inside a room. I rubbed my head, trying to get rid of the pain.
"You're awake." A familiar tone said. "You want to say something to me?" realizing it was Crisp who had carried me here.
"I'm a klutz, also where are we?" I asked.
"Nurse's office, but also I'm not asking about how clumsy you are, I'm talking about you." He stated. I touched my head again and realized my disguise was gone.
"What, no no no," I said worriedly. "This isn't what it looks likes." trying to hide.
"It looks like you are a changeling." He said. "So that's why you are so interested in me, eyeing me up to steal my love?"
"What!" I said in surprise. "I'm not here to eat love, my parents sent me here because I wanted to go," I said.
"You sure your parent sent you here for that?" He questioned. "I mean changelings can only..."
"They aren't changelings." I interrupted. "I was adopted and they care for me no matter what I am. This is the reason they didn't want to send me but I didn't care. I wanted to make some friends that weren't children of their friends." tearing up. "So time to spread this around the school that I'm a filthy changeling." Sniffling with tears down my cheeks.
"No." He said suddenly. "I would never do such a thing like that. One is no pony would believe me and two is that it would ruin your life." I stopped sniveling.
"Really... you wouldn't say anything?" I asked.
"I wouldn't, but your gonna have to talk to her about it." He said. I heard hoofsteps get closer as a mare begin speaking.
"Are you okay? I'm so sorry I ran into you." She apologized. "I thought you would get out of the way or something."
"I'm fine, it just hurts a bit," I said, rubbing my forehead again. "I may be a changeling but I don't have an exoskeleton to protect me."
"Is she okay?" The mare asked Crisp.
"I don't know anymore." He replied. They began chuckling a bit, and I was very out of the loop.
"Sorry I haven't introduced myself yet." The mare said. "I am Lemon Sweets."
"Its good you meet you Lemon," I said. I sat a bit, cooling down a bit.
"Who was that mare you transformed into?" asked Crisp.
"Oh, she's no one really, I kind of made her up," I said. "It was something a changeling didn't do till now. You could always come to my house to ask my parents about these questions."
"Okay, let's go after school then." Crisp said. My heart dropped again, he wants to come over now?
"Oooo, me too," Lemon added. that's two ponies coming over.
"Okay, I guess that would be fine," I said. "When does school end?"
"About now," Lemon said as the bell rings to signal the end of the day.
I disguise myself as my brown and copper mare persona. I then got up from the bed and took my bag. "Ready when you are." I left and they followed me to my house. My first day of school was over.
I was on the steps of my home with two new friends. I opened the door back to the gentle warm breeze.
"I'm home!" I said after returning. Mum walked up to welcome me back.
"How was your first-day dear?" she asked as she kissed my cheek. "And it looks like you brought guest over as well."
"When will dinner be ready?" I asked.
"In about an hour or so, so why don't you just hang out in your room with your friends till then." She said. I started walking towards the stairs as my friends followed. I opened the first door on the right, into my room.
"Wow, this room is really mundane," Lemon said in surprise. "Knowing the little bit about you, I thought it would be a bit decorative."
"I would agree as well, it isn't anything at all." Crisp said.
"Why would I need to decorate my room?" I asked.
"So that you feel at home inside it Milky, its nothing new." Lemon stated.
"But what's the point if I can't see it?" the room was silent.
"What!" They both gasped.
"You can't be dropping another bomb on us like that," Lemon said.
"Yeah, I think you are trying to play us." Crisp said.
"What do you mean?" I asked.
"Please, there is no way you are blind, you were walking home just fine." He stated.
"I memorized the way and where my house is on the street, I know my address but that also is memorizing more than anything. " I said. "I have no idea what color these walls are, but from feeling them, they must be a darker color for absorbing all the heat from the light."
"What kind of pony am I?" Lemon asked.
"Aren't you an earth pony? You did kind of knock me down and out." I said.
"Nope, I'm a pegasus." She stated. "Also I just noticed that you're still in disguise."
"Oh, I can fix that," I said, transforming to my changeling form. "Is this better?"
"Ooooo, I never noticed how pretty you are as a changeling," Lemon said. "That mane style fits your shy and weak personality sooo well."
"I... I'm not pretty." I said, blushing.
"But these pictures say otherwise." Crisp said. My eyes widen.
"Give me that!" I said diving for the album.
"Why, I thought you couldn't see?" Crisp teased. "We were just gonna take a look at some of these pictures."
"No, they are super embarrassing and I rather not," I said, reaching for the album. I heard the album open up with pages flipping.
"Oh my... sooooo cuuuttte," Lemon exclaimed. "There is little changeling Milky and little pony Milky, this is sooo adorable." I plummet my face into the floor, blushing profusely.
"Wow, you weren't kidding about being blind, in every group picture where you weren't in the middle, you looked past the camera while everyone else looked straight at it." Crisp said. "And the mare being made up, you were the exact same one growing up."
"Now I wonder what else is in here?" Lemon maliciously said. "There isn't anything weird here now is there?"
"What... Why would there be?" I clarify. "There is nothing I own that is of the sort."
"Hmmm? What about these?" She said pulling out something from my drawers.
"What about them?" I asked.
"These socks, come on now no ponies would wear these." She said
"What's wrong with them?" I asked. "They keep me warm in the winter." She sighed in disappointment.
"She's too innocent to be indecent." She mumbled.
"Please, you just noticed that?" Crisp said. "It was one of her shining traits."
"I'm not innocent," I argued. "What do you mean its a shining trait?"
"Please, you were homeschooled and raised by the kindest parents ever, you are one of the most innocent ponies I've seen at school." He stated. I stumbled back a bit at the words, I was always cautious and nice. I never got some jokes at all, they always flew over my head and now, I know why.
"Why do you know more about me than I do?" I questioned myself. There was a knock at the door.
"Dinner's ready," Mum said.
"I guess its time to eat," I said, hoping I could get past this question. We went downstairs to the dinner table where dinner was served.
"I hope everypony here likes spaghetti," Mum said, setting the bowls down.
"Thank you for the meal." Crisp and Lemon both said. We began eating dinner and it was going well.
"What's the story on how you adopted Milky?" Lemon asked.
"Oh, that silly old story, its nothing much," Pops said. I buried my face in my hoofs as he went on. "Me and the Missus went to the orphanage to adopt one day and we found this little rascal acting as cute as ever. After all the paperwork was done, they were willing to part ways with her pretty quickly. One day when she was sleeping, Her magic wore off and she was changeling, now this scared us to death. We realized the changeling was still a foal so she had no idea what was going on. The Missus was like, 'this is still the girl we adopted, even if she is a changeling' and kissed her. I was in shocked and thought it was some changeling magic, but after being scared to death of her for some time, I was left alone with her and had to watch her. Afterwards, I realized it was the same foal as always."
"Wow, that story was interesting at the least." Crisp said. "Didn't think you would have such an interesting origin story Milky."
"Of course I do," I replied. "I deceived them into adopting me as a foal."
"She sure did, but I couldn't be happier," Mum said. We finished up dinner at last and were getting ready for the night.
"Thank you for having us over," Lemon said. "I'll see you, wait how late is it?"
"Around 9 or so," Pops answered.
"What!" She exclaimed. "I won't get home before curfew."
"Then why don't the both of ya stay over for the night?" Mum said. I froze at those words.
"Funny, a boy staying over at a girl's house overnight." Crisp joked. "What problems would that cause?"
"Oh please, like our precious Milky would do anything like that," Mum said. I blushed furiously.
"Thank you very much, Mrs..."
"Cornbread," Mum answered. "You all should get ready for bed though so you aren't tired for tomorrow." I head upstairs to my room while they followed me. I opened my door and let out a sigh of relief.
"You two can stay up and talk. I'm just going to sleep." I said, hopping onto my bed.
"Night to you then." Crisp said. I pulled my blanket over me, and doze my first day away, relaxing for the night.
I felt vibrations underneath my back. I felt around but met a fur cover surface. The vibrations were worse on the surface as if it's under it. I then realized that it was a pony that I was touching groaned. It had a feminine tone to it, so I relaxed a bit. The vibration bothered me even more and it annoyed me. I heard a noise coming from the same direction. It was dimmed a bit, but I still could hear it. I felt towards the pillow she was laying down on. The vibrations were quicker and more intense. I felt underneath her pillow and pulled out it device of sorts. It was vibrating in my hoofs.
"Huh?" Lemon groaned, waking up. "Why do you have my phone?"
"This is a phone?" I asked. "It just woke me up and it was annoying me."
"It has an alarm on it, so I can wake up for school." She yawned. "Give it here." I handed her phone and she turned off the tiny vibration and noise off. "Did the alarm bother you that much?"
"It felt weird and the constant buzzing just annoyed me," I stated.
"Oh yeah, you're blind so your other senses are more sensitive." She said. "I always get up at this time so I can finish some things in the morning."
"Like what?"
"Homework, Games, you know."
"Games? what kind of games?" I asked. "My family isn't that big into technology and all."
"True, you can't really see so its hard for the ones I play." She said. "Why most ponies don't talk to me is because I'm either known as a showoff or a hardcore gamer who no one in this town really relates too."
"Really?"
"Yeah, I play games which most often or not, aren't meant for casuals but I'm also decently fit so I could hold myself in P.E." She answered. We sat in silence for a bit, trying not to go back to sleep.
"What time is it anyway?" I asked.
"About five or so." She replied.
"You wake up at five every day?" I asked. "I could've gotten another 2 hours of sleep before having to worry about waking up." Complaining about it.
"Oh please, waking up early is good sometimes." She said as a fan turned on.
"What is that?" I asked.
"What is with the questions?" She asked back with a sigh. "This is a laptop, a mobile computer."
"What can you do on it?"
"Plenty of things, I just primarily use it for games though." She said. I let out a breath and tried to wake myself up a bit. I heard small blasting noised coming for her headphones. I felt her leaning on me as a way to prop her up. Her gentle, warm coat touching my skin. I relaxed a bit, letting out a sigh. I wrapped myself in my blanket and made myself comfy. I started lying down, then I just rolled off the bed onto the floor. I felt the touch of fur again, realizing who it was. I tried to get up and move but I was getting weary from my lack of sleep. I felt my eyes closing as my sleepiness got the better of me. Before I knew it, I was out.
"Hey wake up Milky," Lemon said. "It's about time to get ready for school."
"She's too comfortable to be awakened like that," Crisp said. I felt a shake and finally decided to fully wake up.
"What's the time?" I yawned.
"Seven o'ten," Lemon replied. "But I almost didn't wake you up."
"What's with the smug tone?" I asked.
"You were latched onto me," Crisp said. I blushed furiously. I tried hiding my embarrassment with my hoofs, but I couldn't.
"It didn't mean anything I swear," I said. Hoping they believed me.
"I know, you don't have any fur on you like to being warmer while sleeping," He said.
"I agree, you are a changeling that likes to be warm but your lack of fur makes it difficult," Lemon said. "It does get colder around this time of year and your blanket isn't thick at all."
"I do get cold, and I do normally have another blanket but that was being used for him," I said, gesturing towards Crisp's general direction.
"Make sense now," Crisp replied. "Couldn't you just ask your parents for another blanket then?"
"I could've, I just was a bit tired so it didn't bother me at the time," I answered. "Also Lemon was next to me when I woke up so I guessed that was enough,"
"We should start getting ready for school now," Lemon said.
"Yeah, let's do that," I said. I got up from the floor and walked to my closet for my school uniform. "Do you guys have a second pair of clothes?"
"I always bring one with me," Lemon said. "For any scenario that could happen."
"I'll just wear this one," Crisp said. "It really doesn't matter."
"You can wait for us outside my room then," I said to Crisp, gesturing towards the door. I heard hoofsteps walk out of the room.
"He's out," Lemon said. I closed the door and began to change. "Hey, doesn't changing your shape ruin the outfit?"
"It's made to fit both of my forms, it would normally but both of my forms are so close in size that the uniform doesn't stretch out," I informed.
"That's neat, but why don't you go to school as a changeling?" She asked. I sigh at the question before giving my response.
"Changelings have been hated for awhile and that will never change."
"But don't you need to eat love?"
"My meals are made with love so it satisfies me as well as my parents giving me plenty of it."
"Wow, I didn't think you could receive love from meals."
"It helps because normally I would drain the love from them as they give it," I said. "It prevents me from full out hurting them from taking too much."
"You do really love them," She replied. I finished putting on my outfit for school
"Are you set? I asked.
"Yep, now let's get going," I opened the door and started walking down the stairs. I grabbed my bags and lunch and walked out the door, waving goodbye to my parents. I walked down and turned around.
"Remember to keep my secrets," I said, transforming into my persona.
"Yeah we know," They both said back. I turned around and began walking down the path to school.
The coolness of the dirt road told me that I was near the schoolhouse. Hearing the distance hoofsteps and chatter as we closed it, confirmed it. I stepped up and open the doors, changing from concrete steps to tiles.
"It him," I heard somepony mutter as we walked by in the hall.
"What kind of blackmail did he use?" I heard another whispered.
"I don't know, but I feel bad for her, she is forced to be with him," I was with him by my own standards. He may have some sort of blackmail but that isn't why I'm here, he actually noticed it before anyone else and got my isolated from the group as quickly as possible. As we entered the classroom, the pair of hoofsteps stopped behind me.
"What's wrong?" I asked. I heard light hoofsteps come closer.
"It's a bunch of names, insulting you," Lemon whispered. "But I'm more worried about him." I turned toward the board, I must've made someone mad enough for them to say mean things about me.
"Alright! Whoever wrote this shit stand up," Crisp stated. No one stood up to confess. "Fine, whoever knows about who wrote this, say so now," The room was silent. I felt his anger brewing as no one confessed to the crime.
"I may know who did it," A mare on the other side of the room said. Crisp left, walking towards her.
"Who?"
"The prancing queen, Bright Lazuli," She answered. "She's the only one who hates attention being taken away from her," I must've made a diva angry at me, just for being a new student. I heard Lemon grabbing the eraser, and getting rid of the words. I just walked towards my desk, at the back of the class. They both did the same once they finished doing what they were doing. Crisp sat right next to me, and Lemon surprisingly sat in front of me.
"Looks like you have a guardian," Lemon whispered. "But seeing how he is, this might end badly," The teacher walked in the room as the bell rang,
"Hello class, let's get started by turning to page 4 in our textbooks," Ms. Moonlight said. Books slammed down on the desks as students opened them. I pulled out my book and started turning the pages.
The bell rang, letting us go for lunch. I was pulled up by Crisp and pulled out of the room. I never saw him like this, I think I'm understanding why ponies avoid him. I heard hoofsteps running behind us.
"Wait up!" Lemon shouted behind us. We finally stopped. "What is going on?"
"Going to have a chat with Lazuli," He said.
"What's with the sudden change in heart? She asked.
"I'm not going to let someone talked down to Milky."
"Why are you defending me?" I asked.
"As much as I want to say its a change of heart, its just karma getting back at her," He said, but in a weird tone, something felt off. We were beginning to walk again but were cut off by the very pony he was looking for.
"Sorry new girl, I don't have time for you," She sassed. I'm beginning not to like her very much either.
"I hope you have something to say to her besides that," Crisp replied. I don't really like this, it's getting too serious for me.
"Hey, do I know you from somewhere?" Lazuli asked me, getting closer. I felt like I heard that tone before.
"I don't know, you sound familiar," I answered.
"Little Cornmuffin?" I haven't heard that nickname in awhile, and only a few ponies know about it. "It is you. You bugger," She said, hugging me.
"Wait, Lazzy?" I said. "You've changed soo much."
"Wait a minute!?" Crisp and Lemon said in unison. "You two know each other?"
"We're cousins," I told them.
"But what about the writing on the board?" Lemon asked.
"What writing?"
"Wait you didn't do it?" Crisp questioned Lazuli. "You didn't call her a whore and a slut?"
"What do ponies think of me?" She asked. "I know I'm a bit petty but I'm not a stuck up bitch."
"You really did change Lazuli," I said. "I honestly still don't know if it's for the best or worst yet."
"Oh please, you're friends with Crisp, he's a half decent bodyguard but otherwise, he scares ponies."
"Ha Ha, but who wrote those names on the board then?" He asked the group. I was willing to let it go, but they all seemed pretty determined to catch the culprit.
"Can it wait till tomorrow? I would like to eat something today," I said, slightly annoyed.
"Okay then, I guess we'll continue tomorrow."
"Hey, he seems pretty protective of you still, is there something you're not telling me?" Lemon whispered.
"No, I don't know why he's doing this, it just seems different," I answered. "Let's just eat lunch, I rather not do P.E. on an empty stomach."
I was walking home with Lazzy who decided that she wanted to visit before heading home. It was rare to have some sort of relative in school, especially if you never knew which school they were in. I opened the front door to my home and we walked in, being greeted to a sweet smell.
"Welcome home Milky," Mum greeted. "Who do you have with you this time?"
"It's Lazzy, she came over to say hi," I answered. Mum came out of the kitchen and met us.
"How are you doing Lazuli?" Mum asked her.
"I'm doing well Aunt Cornbread," Lazuli said. "I'm surprised that Milky was in the same school though."
"Why don't you spend the night then. I'm sure my sister would allow it," Mum said.
"Really, that'll be great," Lazuli said with a hint of excitement. "We have so much catching up Milky."
"I know, we have plenty of catching up to do," I said. "When will dinner be done, Mum?"
"Thirty minutes or so, plenty of time for you to spend some time in your room," We walked up the stairs, and went inside my room.
"Good to see that nothing changed," Lazuli said.
"What would change?" I asked sarcastically.
"I thought some sort of decoration would be here, but it's still just plain. By the way, how did you get to hanging out with Crisp?"
"Oh, I really don't know but we just do. It really doesn't seem like it but we kind of just kept getting stuck together yesterday so I guessed we both just accepted it. Lemon was just an add-on after trampling me."
"Why do you seem different when you talk about him?"
"What do you mean? I don't feel different."
"Oh please, I have to listen to your words carefully, half the time you don't even show emotion."
"I guess I don't do that very often now do I?" I lied down on my bed, looking up at the ceiling. "He stood up for me, and he tried hiding it as something else."
"Really? You two seem like you would hit it off," Lazuli said.
"Hit it off?" I asked.
"Start dating Milky, are you really this deprived of simple slang?" I haven't thought about us dating at all, but thinking about it... it brings butterflies in my stomach. "You're blushing."
"I am not!" I said, hiding my face. "I never thought about dating somepony, more or less him."
"Please, you have some sort of crush on him, just slightly."
"But I don't really feel it, I just feel embarrassed with thinking about dating him."
"How about Lemon then?"
"But I'm not into mares."
"How about Chill?"
"No, not really."
"But you only embarrassed when its Crisp." I do, it really is that way.
"Would it work? I mean I don't think he would date me."
"He would, I would just wait a while before asking him out though." I feel a bit different inside now, and it's new. Changelings normally don't have affections towards someone else, but they can. I sighed before heading down for dinner, being more confused than ever now.
I woke up, rubbing my eyes. I sat up, trying to wake up but not having any luck at all. My internal clock is telling me that it's way too early to wake up. I tossed over, trying to fall asleep again. I bumped into Lazuli, who was sleeping next to me. She groaned, and turned over, ignoring me. I pull the blankets a bit tighter and try to snooze off. I tried tossing more, hoping I would fall asleep faster.
"What's going on Milky?" Lazuli asked after I woke her up.
"I can't fall asleep," I whined, still tired.
"Just go drink some warm milk or something," Lazuli yawned.
"Can you help me Lazzy?" I asked. "I know my way to the kitchen but I can't really pour my own drinks," I groaned again and got up.
"Come on Milky, you helpless bug," She said, grouchy and tired. I followed her downstairs to the kitchen and where everything is. "Now where are the cups?" I heard her rustling in the dark, I tried to light the place of up with magic. I couldn't feel a difference in the place so I had no idea if I was doing it correctly. I heard the fridge being opened and closed. "You're a hassle sometimes Milky you know that," She yawned.
"I'm sorry, I don't know what came over me," I heard her turn the stovetop on slightly and started warming the drink.
"It should be finished in a few seconds," I waited, and heard the tick, turning off the stove. "Here, drink it and get back to bed," I picked up the cup, warm to the touch. I lifted it up and began drinking it. There was a gentle warmth to it and a bit of love as well, knowing that Lazuli really did care. I finished the cup and sat it down in the sink. I began to walk back to my room. I climbed back into bed and let the warm milk do its thing, help me fall asleep. It started to sink in as the drowsiness settled. I closed my eyes, drifting off to slumber.
I got up, still before any kind of alarm that Lazuli set for the morning. The weekend starts today after school so I can relax for a few days. These first few days of school have been exciting nonetheless and having friends already, its been full of activities. I stretched the weariness out and try to properly wake up for the morning. I haven't really taken proper care of myself yet and since its early, I do have time. I grabbed a new pair of clothes and entered the bathroom. I set my clothes on the shelf next to the towels. I turn the shower on, hearing the water hitting the floor. I waited for the water to warm up a bit before stepping in. The droplets trickled down my skin, soothing my mind. I let out a sigh, enjoying the calm, quiet moment of peace. I grabbed the wash and began rubbing myself with it. I haven't really taken a shower in awhile and it feels nice once and awhile to be alone. The door cracked open and hoofsteps rang out from the tiles. I felt a familiar presence near me.
"Hi Milky," Lazuli said, rubbing my shoulders. I continued looking up at the showerhead, drenching myself in nice, relaxing water.
"What do you want Lazzy?" I asked. I sat down, continuing my soaking. My muscles relaxed as droplets steam on my skin, hissing away.
"I thought you would like some help," she replied, rubbing my back. "I thought you had difficulty with these kinds of tasks?"
"I do, but I like to do things myself."
"Don't be so stubborn, otherwise you won't win many fights." I felt my her hoofs on my back, rubbing shampoo on me. I heard her gentle breath, breathing in the damp air. This must be how a spa feels like. "Can I even wash your wings?"
"Only with a rag and very carefully." I let my wings out and felt a warm cloth against them. The droplets fell down and against my back. She started to whistle a tune, a familiar one. "What is that song?"
"Really now? You don't remember Bright Star?"
"I do, I just needed a reminder." I turn the shower off, stopping the stream. I stepped out, grabbing my towel and starting drying off. "Why can I never get away from you?"
"Cause you make so much noise that I notice you, also you stand out with a bit of investigation," She teased. "Honestly I just think we can't get separated for long."
"It's because destiny has plans for us, also you were the only cousin who knew about me being a changeling."
"That's because you wanted to show me a cool trick and it didn't work." I shoved her a bit, for being rude.
"And you screamed as if you were being murdered afterward." I started to put my clothes on, getting ready for school. "Now let's just get ready."
"Why don't you go to school like that? You have plenty of friends to defend you."
"Anypony whos afraid of changelings would accuse you guys of being changelings and things can only get worse from there," I explained. "I'm fine with how I am because I thought of this myself."
"It is your own persona after all," She said. "That is a fancy trick to make your own persona and get away with it." I finished getting my clothes on. I felt the cool tiles as I walked out into the hallway. I heard some commotion in a room, realizing my parents were waking up.
"Is that you Milky?" Mum asked. I nodded in confirmation. "You're up early."
"I thought it would be nice to clean up a bit," I walked down the stairs, with mum following behind. I sat down at the table as mum started getting breakfast ready.
"You're finally awake to enjoy breakfast with us," Mum said. I released a small yawn, trying not to fall asleep. The batter started to bubble as its eggy smell fills the room. I continue to sit as more hoofsteps come down the stairs.
"Thankfully I brought a spare," Lazuli said. "How do you wear an extra small size Milky?"
"Because my size is frail and weak," I said with a sigh. "But really I'm just puny."
"Don't talk like that dear," Mum said, setting down the plates. "You're still growing that's all."
"That's not what the doctor said. I think he said that I'm as big as I'll get." I heard giggling from Lazuli.
"You still have hope though, you know what I'm talking about," Lazuli said, bumping me.
"Stop it, it's not like that," I blushed, rubbing my hooves together. "Plus I just like to have friends to hang out with."
"Of course. just finish up your meal."
The bell rings, signaling the end of class. I gather my bags up to head for lunch.
"Doing anything for lunch Milky?" Lemon asked. I shook my head in response. "Well follow me then." I quickly got my bags as she walked away. Catching up, I was led down the hall. I felt the grass and the gentle breeze. I sat down at one of the panic tables scattered throughout the courtyard of the school.
"Took you both long enough," Lazuli said. I pulled my lunch out and prepared to eat.
"So what did you want to talk about?" Lemon asked. I wondered myself now that I was here.
"I thought we should do a girls hang out at the mall," She answered, leaving both of us speechless.
"I'm a gaming nerd and she's... well I guess changeling but that's it," Lemon said with concern. "I mean, I kind of kill your style."
"Oh please, if you took care of yourself just a bit, you would look great."
"What are we even going to do there? You lose a decent amount of options with me there," I said.
"It's just to invite you to society really and a somewhat normal girl life," Lazuli said. "And get Lemon out there as well instead of her games."
"My games aren't the problem, I just don't like interaction," Lemon argued. "I'm also not looking for anyone."
"And yet here you are talking to me and hanging out with the new girl which would be some of the stallions dreams right now." I took a bite out of my lunch while they chatted away.
"She's different in a way, I can be myself around her."
"What do you mean I let you be yourself?" I asked.
"My parents want me out of the house with friends because of my hobby, the thing is I don't click with anypony here and I'm not into converting others," Lemon responded. "I wake up early because that seems the be the only time I can do something like that but you don't seem to care."
"You kind of took over my bed."
"And looked where you were afterward. You were nice and cuddly wit..."
"Stop saying stuff!" I interrupted, covering her mouth. "I do not want to be reminded." I blushed profusely.
"Ooohhh what is this about now?" Lazuli asked. She was most definitely smirking. "Did something happen?"
"No, not at all," I responded with a stern tone. "She is just trying to embarrass me." I settled down, trying to continue my lunch but that thought she brought up, that warming feeling was different. I tried to ignore it but it keeps coming back for some reason. This isn't what I'm used to but hopefully, it'll go away soon.
"After school is when we're are going right?" Lemon asked.
"Yes," Lazuli confirmed. "I mean we could skip school but I doubt anyone would want that on their record." I finished lunch up and toned out their conversation once it started to get to prettying up Lemon again. I would be with Lazuli and Lemon for the afternoon and I feel somewhat bad for not Inviting Crisp to this but I guess he feels better off not being invited to a girls hangout session. The ringing of the bell signals us to get back to class. We pack up our things and started heading back to class, which happens to be math next.
Math class isn't bad, I'm not the greatest nor the worst at it but like the other classes, when I get called up to write on the board I sometimes have an inside meltdown. I try to hide the fact that I'm blind from others. I don't like being helped, it makes me feel useless and handicapped. Fitting in is easy enough as is but when I'm forced to do something that relies on sight I have to rely on luck to get me out of it. Luckily today class went smoothly, it was more of a study session than anything else so no one got called on. My luck will run out eventually, but until then I plan on using as much as I can.
The chatter of others surrounds us as we walked down the busy sidewalk, getting closer to the entrance of the mall. We were still in our uniforms and kind of stood out from the crowd. From what I heard though, it's not that rare to see ponies from school who went straight to the mall. The noise grew louder as we entered, ponies everywhere having their own conversations.
"So who's ready for a little shopping?" Lazuli asked.
"Eh, not really into browsing clothes," Lemon replied
"But I bet you would look good in some of them... or are you scared to try new things?" Lazuli teased, provoking Lemon.
"Why does it matter what we do? Wasn't the whole point to have a bit of fun out of school?" I asked. "We can do things we all like, I mean it isn't hard."
"I guess Milky can be right," Lazuli sighed. "Shopping for some anti-social girl is hard."
"I may be anti-social but I still like my own things," Lemon responded. "Is it that hard to accept that I'm not so into the girly things?"
"The only girly thing you have is your body, otherwise I feel like I'm talking to some guy who has a feminine feel."
"Can we just start the shopping?" I interrupt, trying to break this conversation.
The mall was really nice, or so I believe and while checking out the many stores, bonding actually happened. Lemon actually tried on dresses while Lazuli was able to test out games. They were seeing each other's worlds while I sit in the back content on them actually being able to stop bickering for a second. But of course, it all ended up with two more stops. One was a clothing store and the other an arcade. The clothing store from what I heard, was really tame clothing which were unisex as well so Lemon didn't even put up a fight. The worse is when they both decided I should try something. I couldn't even see what it was they had me try on which was the worst part. It almost felt like a mini fashion show that was only me as the main star and those two as judges. After that torture was the arcade, which was almost nothing different. They were having their fun and then they dragged me into it, and most of the games were disastrous due to my lacking of the ability to see. The day ended though and even though I was put through what was hell to me, it still was fun. We went our separate ways home after saying our goodbyes. I never thought I would be doing something like this. I carried my bags home and got ready for my break from school.
Home at last. The sweet smell reminding me that it's nearly dinner time.
"No friends this time?" Pops asked.
"Not this time," I answered. "I require breaks from others too."
I went to my room after finishing dinner, hoping to get some rest. I had to carry my school bags with shopping bags all the way home. I'm not the strongest but it still is tiring. I laid on my bed, thinking about what exactly I would be doing on my weekends from now on. I don't really have any other things to do and very limited selections on thing I can do. I ponder these thoughts while I slowly snooze off.
I heard that weekends are a pretty big deal, but it honestly feals like a normal day to me, just without school. I continued to lay in my bed, feeling kind of bored. I just got into school, made friends but now... I'm feeling lazier then usual. Must be from yesterday, I normally never do thing like that on my free time but having other ponies along made it enjoyable. If only I could see the good times, at least once.
I heard knocking at my door, a gentle, motherly tap.
"Hey Milky, you have a visitor," Mom said. I got up from bed, groaning.
"Who is it?" I asked, rubbing my eyes.
"I think he said his name was Crisp," answered Mom. He came over by himself, that seems surprising.
"Alright, I'll be down in a second." I grabbed a pair of clothes to wear and hastily put them on. I walked out into the hallway and down the stairs. The cool tiles switching to warm carpet as I walked into the living room.
"I was wondering what was taking you so long," Crisp said with a relaxed tone. I heard sipping from my Pop's spot.
"You should've told us that you planned on having friends over," Pop said, continuing to sip his beverage. "Also your shirt is inside out."
"It is?" I felt around the neck line and felt the tag. I normally would feel for the tag first but I rushed. I went back to my room and switch the shirt back from inside out and went back down. "Better?" I asked.
"I can't believe you would be wearing something like that," Crisp said bluntly. "I mean, it doesn't seem something you would wear."
"Hah hah, I don't choose my style of clothes as I don't have a sense of fashion in the first place," I mock laughed. "What's wrong with the clothes I picked out anyways?"
"Maybe it might look better in your pony form."
"I mean, I'll be transforming anyways." I cast my spell, enveloping myself in warmth as my appearance changed. My persona covered the shell like exterior, giving me my disguise. "What did you even have planned Crisp?"
"I thought you would like to hang out. I just assumed you had nothing to do on the weekend."
"And why wouldn't you just chose your other group of friends?" His breathing increased slightly, in a nervous way.
"I just thought you would be a better choice that's all," he said, chuckling slightly. "I mean, they aren't always available and I just don't feel like be cooped up in my house all day."
"Where to? If you're asking a girl out you must have some sort of location in mind. How about we just go to a fast food place?"
"Sounds great..." Crisp sighed. "Let's get going then." I nodded then proceeded to leave with Crisp.
"Is something up Milky?" Crisp asked.
"Huh? Oh, just a bit hot out today that's all." I answered. I started tugging at my collar, trying to cool off. The concrete sidewalk felt cool under my hooves.
"Are you sure you're alright?" He asked with a worried tone.
"Yeah, I'm peachy, why did you ask?" I tilt my head to the side, questioning him.
"Nothing, just my imagination I assume." he responded. "We're here." I felt a spell of dizziness hit me, slowly losing thought. I felt a myself being pulled somewhere else, along the concrete sidewalk. I couldn't concentrate on what was exactly happening around me or to me.
I felt a worn out mattress beneath me, trying to act comfortable. I realized that my transformation has ran out. The smell of damp furniture hit me.
"You're awake, you had me worried." Crisp said. I slowly pushed myself up, settling fully.
"Where am I?" I asked, still a bit woozy.
"You're at my house," a mysterious mare answered. I nearly jumped out of the bed after hearing her. "I'm Crisp's mom, and also a medical... "professional" you can say." I did not like how monotone she spoke and what she just said.
"That's great to hear, but I should prob..."
"You're low on magic." she interrupted. "Changelings use more then ponies do when disguised and changelings can only replenish it through love extraction."
"But I've been gaining more love recently," I said, confused.
"Have you now? Yes you have but just because you gain more doesn't mean you can hold more."
"What do you mean?"
"Think of it like a cup of water. Every living thing has magic, even the plants, and every living thing needs it to live. Now each body has a capacity of magic it can hold, no harm if they overflow but they still can't hold over the limit."
"But that doesn't explain why I ran out so soon."
"That's something else," her monotone expression continued. "Changelings has the highest capacity for magic, but due to this they can only regain it through something called love. They use their magic to morph into a pony to steal love or how you do it, disguise and just gain love naturally. That takes a decent amount of magic and makes them run out about the same time as a regular pony would when rest is required. You made that whole form from scratch and imagination, that is impressive itself but also taxing on your body that it requires tremendous amount of magic."
"And why aren't you a actual professional?" I asked.
"I didn't pass a test even though I knew everything else. It costs way to much to retake for a whole quarter again so I decided to become a back alley doctor afterwards."
"This isn't a bad place, but it could be better."
"Yeah," Crisp said. "Its good enough honestly, also not many people ask for a illegal doctor nowadays."
"Why would anypony need a one in the first place?" I asked.
"Well if your "associate" was injured and the basis of hospitals is asking questions of said injuries and you wanted to keep the cause of the injury a secret, you would see me."
"You're saying that you help gangs?"
"They're more like families to be honest." Crisp corrected.
"So mafia members. That's slightly better slightly better." I continued to lie down on the mattress, fearing for my health under her care. I do start feeling slightly tired, eyes grasping. Before I knew it, I was passed out on the mattress.
Author's Note
Hello, its been a long time since I wrote but wanted to get a quick chapter in to update that I'm not abandoning this story.