A problem that you CAN'T squashby TacticusChaptersChapter 1Chapter 2Chapter 3Chapter 4Chapter 1The morning sun shone brightly through my window, landing on my face, and its brightness roused me from my sleep. I opened my eyes, then shut them again, cursing myself out for looking at the bright light this early, and then muttered a curse to Celestia for being a bitch and making the damn thing so bright. I rolled over, and got up. Already my room was getting warm from the combined heat from my body, and the morning heat. I stood up, rubbing my eyes to get the grogginess out of them. I walked over to the end of the bed, and slipped on a plain t-shirt and some shorts (I wasn't going out, so what was the point of getting dressed?) I yawned and walked out of my room to the kitchen to make a cup of coffee and some toast or something. I got the container out and began to make a cup, and after pressing a button on the coffee machine, stared at the dark brown liquid that streamed out and filled the mug placed under it. After what seemed like forever, the stream stopped, and I grabbed the now very warm mug and walked over the the living room. I sat down on the couch, thanking God for the hundredth time that my weight hadn't snapped the poor thing. It was as much as I was going to get, since even the biggest couch wasn't up to my weight limit. Fuckers need to make a human-sized couch sooner or later , I grumbled as I sipped my coffee, ignoring the scalding fluid on my tongue, and chugged the weak shit like a pro. I winced slightly at the fire in my stomach, and put the mug down on the tiny, pony-sized coffee table and got up. It was usually around this time that the Mailm- fuck, no, Mailmare, came by to give me the awkward assortment of mail she managed to dish up. It ranged from ''Fan'' mail, mostly from curious ponies, Pegasus, and Unicorns who were to much of pussies to approach me and ask me a question. I remember fondly how my appearance scared the fuck out of Discord, the embodiment of chaos. That was funny; He though I was one of his creations that wanted vengeance. I still haven't corrected him either. And the rest was just magazines for various products THAT I COULDN'T EVER USE and the occasional 'Job' that was requested of me. No, you fucking pervert, not that job. Some of the more...Shady inhabitants have used my presence to assist in the recovery of 'assets' or to get rid of 'problems' My armor was still covered in Timberwolf blood from last week... I reached out and grabbed the doorknob, but the second I did, I heard a shuffle outside mt door, then pure silence. There is someone there ...... Engaging possible hostile target in 3 2 1 I yanked the door open, expecting either a hitpony, or a spying colt. But there was nobody, nothing. I looked left, right, then up: nothing, but there was a aura in the air, I could literally taste it. Teleportation Fuck, they could be anywhere... I was about to step out of the doorway, until a little rustling sound caught my attention, directly under me. I looked down, and my eyes widened more than a over-used cunt on New Years. It was a basket. No mail, a basket. And there was something in it. Something alive. NO. HELL NO. FUCK THAT SHIT. I stepped back and slammed the door. Nope, nope. fucking NOPE! I walked back to the kitchen and planted my hands on the table. No way, no fucking way that is what I think it is... Why me? Out of all the other chumps here I'm the one stuck with a basket full of baby... I shook my head. I couldn't just leave it out there...could I? I remember back on Earth, I learned in High School that sometimes Spartans from Ancient Greece would leave unwanted babies outside to be killed by the elements, or animals, whichever came first. Romans were more straightforward, opting to just drown the poor bastard than let it be mauled by an animal. But I couldn't do that, no... If word caught on that I killed a Baby, I'd be executed in Canterlot by Celestia herself, or I'd be lynched right here in Ponyvile. That left me with no other option. I took a deep breath, and walked back outside. The basket was still there, but there was no visible movement under the cover whatever inside was still. Too still... No, no, no... I picked up the basket and brought it inside, I ran to my room and gently placed it on my bed. I saw very faint breathing. whatever was in here was struggling to hold on to life. It needed someone, anyone, to show it mercy and compassion. I swallowed hard. Whatever this thing was, I couldn't just let it die. I swallowed even harder, and gently lifted the cover. I held my breath, expecting the worst: a dead pony, it's movement caused by nothing but a facade caused by maggots devouring its flesh, a Unicorn without a horn, Pegasus without wings, only pathetic bloody stumps... My eyes widened, and I gently lifted out the fragile contents. All that was in there was a small black pony, but it wasn't a pony at all. It had hard chitinous skin, like a bug, It had wings, but they were fragile things, see-through, and perforated near then ends. It had no mane, only a small frill. Its eyes were closed, but I saw a flicker of blue, lacking pupil or iris. The thing was so small, it fit in my hand perfectly. I looked at it for a moment. watching it breath weakly, struggling to hold on... Something white caught my eyes. I turned and noticed inside the basket there was a small note, along with what appeared to be a doll of some sort. I picked up the note and read it. I can't take care of him. Please, please don't turn him away. I'm begging you. Show him love... The note was hastily written, but I could tell it came from someone desperate. There were tear stains on the note, some fresh, and still wet. I put the note down. and turned back to the...whatever it was...and held back a sob. I looked at the thing, and planted a small kiss on its forehead. I will. I promise. The thing cooed out and let in a strong breath, and began to breath easier. and it's heart pumped stronger. X X X Outside, looking through the window, Chrysalis looked through the window, masked by an invisibility spell. Tears fell down her face, and she felt a heavy weight lifted of her chest. She looked longingly at her last child, all she had left in this word that had meaning. Then turned her attention to the Human who, despite initial rejection, showed her child love, and saved its life. "Thank you...so much" She shimmed and teleported away , noticed by no one. Author's Note Hey guys! Thanks for reading my debut story! Trust me, its not over. I hope I can get some suggestions on how to improve both this chapter and the future ones! I'm also sorry if it seemed too fast, thats one thing I'm trying to work on. Chapter 2I woke up. Pain. I sat up. More pain. I reached over, and grabbed a little orange bottle on the nightstand nest to me and popped the top. I tilted the bottle up to my mouth took 3 pills into my mouth. I gagged a bit at the bitter taste, and swallowed hard a few time, trying to get the medication down my throat. Eventually, they worked themselves out, and I got up, relieved that the pain throughout my whole body was fading away, to nothing but a pleasant tingle. I reached down and grabbed my shirt, putting it on lazily, ignoring the wrinkles in it. I reached down to grab my pants, but a small squeaking sound caught my attention. I turned around, seeing the little creature on my open it's mouth to let out another, may I say, adorable squeak. Any normal person (or pony) would have jumped out of their skin when seeing the insect-like creature in their room, much less on their bed. But not me. "Shh, daddy's here." I said gently, reaching down and scooping up the small thing into my hand. I still didn't understand what I was holding, but I did know that I had made the right decision to help it. It seemed strange really. I had always considered myself a ''Hard-ass" Unable and unwilling to help anybody but myself. Whelp, I was wrong by a mile. or two... I guess it was the opportunity that opened me up to the idea. I never expected that in my life someone would dump a baby on me, and tell me to take care of it, I always thought that shit happened to orphanages and well-off families, not a human mercenary who was (formerly) motivated by money and what it could buy. I gave the little thing a gentle tap on the nose, making it chirp in delight. I knew very little about babies, but I think I was doing well so far. It has been about a week since I started taking care of this thing, and Its actually very easy. To start, I don't need to feed it. I found this weird, but didn't question it. Secondly, there were holes in its legs, like, ALL THE WAY THROUGH. I noticed these on maybe the third day. And I about lost my shit. I swear to God I thought he had some Necrosis or Leprosy thing going down with him. But it wasn't uncomfortable or upset, so I never really pursued the situation. As long as it was happy, I couldn't care less. It... I did NOT like calling it that, but that was my final problem. The little guy had no junk. I couldn't tell if it was a male or female. So I called it, well, 'it'. I did plan on picking a name soon, something unique and interesting, not Bob or some dumb-ass shit like that. I still hadn't decided yet, but I had some good ideas... The baby cooed quietly and nuzzled my chest, sighing happily as it fell asleep again, only after a few minutes of being awake. Damn you sleep a lot I thought to myself as I walked over to the bad and put the thing down gently, not wanting to rouse it out of its sleep. I looked at the little thing, and I knew I needed more information on what the thing was, or just anything that could enlighten me to my most noble quest yet, If your call this noble... It was heroic, legendary even, not noble. 'noble' sounded too...heroish, and I wasn't no hero. I had at least 3 bounties on my head from Las Pegasus for various jobs and...things I had done there. Not to mention other cities and countries around Equis. I was no hero, but I could be, at least to this little thing. I looked out the window,noticing how high the sun was in the sky. It was almost noon. I had time to go out and visit the library or go to someplace with a WiFi hot spot. I looked back to the bed. I think he would be fine if I took him along with me. As long as I didn't go showing him around, I still had a eerie feeling that the town would probably lose their shit if I did. I finally put on my pants and some socks and boots. I went and grabbed a steel dagger that I had bought a few months back. It wasn't special, just a wooden hilt and a 6 inch steel blade, with a tip sharp enough to chop a dragon's balls off with one swing. I picked up a small bag, and after adding a soft blanket and cutting off some parts, I had made a decent portable bed. I picked up the baby and gently placed it inside. It cooed slightly and snuggled down deeper. I grinned a bit and gently slung the bags strap over my shoulder. I took a few steps, and was pleased to see that the bag didn't move around a lot, so the baby wouldn't be jarred around like a rock in a blender. I went out, opening my door and looking it behind me. I was on the east side of Ponyville, and the library was a straight shot from where I was standing. The town hall had to have part of its space turned into a library, due to the first one being destroyed a few years back by a crazy centaur. The building itself wasn't that special, a tanish color with a dark red roof on it, and about 3 stories tall. It was one of the second largest building in the town, the tallest being the Castle of Friendship. Goddamn...that name is so gay... I began to walk to the library. I choose to keep to myself and just walk, not that anybody would talk to me anyway. I was an intimidating person to look at. I was almost 6 feet tall, 290 pounds, and a strength greater than Big McIntosh, who was one of the strongest ponies I'd ever seen. Add to my dagger, and just huge size in general, and you had a scary guy to look at. Most ponies here were already scared of me right off the bat, considering their high-strung demeanor. But I had kinda dug myself a huge hole when I made it clear that I wasn't to be interacted with, in par with my hostile nature. I then was labeled a 'danger' and most ponies now just ignore me. Any interaction I have with one they are either scared, intimidated, or both. Even now, as I walked, ponies gave me a wide berth. Guards raised their weapons slightly as I walked past, conversations stopped, some starred. It became silent as I walked, each pony holding their breath as I went by. Pussies... I made it to the town hall and walked in. There was a receptionist on a computer, and a few ponies waiting in the lobby. I walked up the the front desk, ignoring the eyes of the ponies around me as they realized who had walked in. The receptionist just looked at me with wide eyes, completely caught of guard that I had walked in. When I opened my mouth she filched a little, as if she expected a demon to come out and eat her. I rolled my eyes in annoyance. "Where is the library?" I asked as kindly as I could, really trying not to scare the already nervous pony. She trembled slightly as she stuttered out that it was "to the left" I gave her a smile, then walked where she told me to walk. Behind me I heard a murmur, then a thump, along with a gasp and yelp. I looked behind me, and was somewhat amused to see that the pony had fainted, In a classic movie-style type of way, and was being cared for by the ponies that were in the room. Oops I said to myself, and I hurried on to the library entrance. When I walked in, I took a look around. There was a few computers, and lots of books. So basically a normal library. I walked over to one of the computers and sat down. After a quick start up, I clicked on the web browser and typed in "Mythical Creatures". Not the best choice, as the page then exploded with all kinds of animals that inhabited Equis, tabs showed how to catch a Hydra, or how to kill a Manticore. Not what I wanted at all. I backed out of the page and tried again. I needed something, a keyword to make the damn thing find a relateable search. I looked down at the bag, which I had set down next to my chair, which was still too small. I studied the baby closely, noting its pony-like body structure. I turned back to the screen and typed in a generic search: Bug Pony. That seemed to work, as a few tabs showed up, some on news sites covering an attack on Canterlot some years back. The preview picture showed exactly what I was looking for. It was the same thing, only bigger and more scary. I scrolled down some more and found a tab on "Changelings" within a wiki domain. Good enough I thought to myself as I clicked on the tab. The page was surprisingly small, with only a few details. The page said that the species that attacked Canterlot was commonly know as "Changelings" And that they work as a hive mind, almost like bees or ants. They are ruled by a queen, who is far different in size and shape than the other members of the hive. It went on to say that the Changelings were hermaphrodites, each one, including the queen, having both sex organs. This was due to their ability to transform into other creatures, and they needed this to copy any gender of their target. There was no life span data, or name data. Only that the queen who had attacked had said she was named "Chrysalis". There was nothing else useful on the page except a warning at the bottom. In big bold letters, it stated that if any inhabitant was caught helping or aiding the Changelings or Chrysalis in any way, they would be arrested and charger with treason, and sentenced to life in prison...No exceptions. Oh shit... I looked down at the bag, the Changeling was still asleep, and it cooed ever so often. I shut down the computer as fast as I could and grabbed the bag. I rushed out of the library. I had to get away from here, the risk was too great. If I was caught, I'd be doomed, and God knows what they would do to the Changeling... I was at the doorway and opened it up. Almost there I thought to myself as I walked out of the building. A loud Zap rang through the air, and before I could react, I felt something along the lines of a lightning bolt hit my chest, I sent me flying into the street. It knocked all the wind out of my lungs, and I lay there gasping for a moment. I coughed, and reached for my dagger, but a hoof stomped down on my hand, making me yelp in pain. I looked up, meeting the eyes of a guard pony. He was in golden armor, and not the normal bronze of the local Ponyville guard. I then felt my bag get magically ripped off my body. I turned to took, and saw a few more guards with it, looking inside. Some of theirs eyes widened, others just snarled at the Changeling on the on inside. I began to struggle violently, actually managing to get up and get the guard off of me. I charged the group, trying my hardest to protect the Changeling. I was mid-dive when I was stopped by magic. A golden aura held me in midair. I grunted and struggled, but I couldn't get out. I couldn't even talk. "Is he harmed?" a voice asked calmly. It was female, and I recognized it immediately. Shit... A guard nearby answered "No your majesty, he nor the Changeling are harmed, what do you want us to do?" I heard footsteps behind me, going around my left side. I was then face to face with Princess Celestia herself. She was intimidating, easily a foot higher than me, and very larger. Not fat, but just body size she was far bigger than most other ponies. Celestia looked me in the eye, a small smirk on her face. "Take Stéphane and send him to the castle dungeon until I can speak with him. As for the Changeling, put it in an isolation room away from our friend here, at least until I can get some answers from him." Celestia then turned and looked at the guards. "Is that clear?" she asked calmly. "YES YOUR MAJESTY!" they all shouted in unison. She then turned back to me and sighed. Without a word, her horn glowed, and I felt my mind began to fog, and I became drowsy. It wasn't long before I passed out, and was led away into custody. Chapter 3Holy shit... Where the hell am I? I shook my head slowly, trying to remember what the hell happened to me. My mind was foggy, and I couldn't think straight. I tried to get up, but was held down by something. That's when my brain registered the horrid ache in my neck and back. I opened my eyes, realizing I was i sitting in a chair. My wrists were bound to the arms by thick metal cuffs. My first though was that I got into some kinky shit last night, and I was forgotten in a sex dungeon of some type. But when the door opened up, and Princess Celestia and her sister came in, everything flooded back to me. My eyes widened, realizing that the baby changeling I had with me was gone. I yanked at my wrist cuffs, trying to get out of them. "Your're not getting out of those for awhile Stéphane." Celestia said as she seated herself across from me. She looked over to her sister, Luna, who positioned herself behind me, simply standing there. Not making a sound, which is expected, since Luna is the Princess of the Night. "Where the am I?" I said, unable to hide the tinge of fear in my voice. I looked behind me, trying to get a look a Luna. I couldn't see her. Either she was moving out of my vision, or she simply melted into the shadows behind me. I shuddered and turned back to Celestia, who was looking at me with a look of dullness mixed with a hollow coldness that gave me chills. "You are somewhere..." Luna said from behind me, making me jump "We wish to ask thee questions about the Changeling." She said bluntly. My brain suddenly began firing up, and I snapped my head back to Luna's general location. "Where is it? What have you done? I swear to fu-" "YOUR SWEARS TO NOT PHASE US!!!" Luna suddenly bellowed, in a voice I could only describe as demonic. It was so loud, there was a ringing in my ears for a few seconds, and I winced in pain. I turned to Celestia, who was unfazed by her sister's outburst. "You are lucky she simply yelled at you. My dear sister has been know to simply annihilate a pony in questioning if they make her upset." Celestia smirked slightly when my eyes widened. "I have you here because you were helping the Changelings by housing one in your home. You do realize that is treason?" She asked, looking me dead in the eye. Oh...fuck me. "No ma'am, I didn't." I said as respectfully as I could. I could tell by the sudden wrinkle in her brow that she knew I was lying to her. "Now, I know your lying and I expected you to do so. So Im going to be very quick with what Im about to say." Celestia looked at me, making sure I was paying attention to her. "Normally, I'd have your head on a spike on my castle wall. But this...I think this is a opportunity of sorts, and I would hate to waste it. "Since the Changeling you had was a nymph, she could be molded into something beyond a Changeling, she could be used against them, considering how she could get by without somepony as much as batting an eye." Celestia paused and looked past me to Luna. "Luna, dear? Get Cicada for me please." She said calmly, looking back to me as she spoke. "Yes, sister." Luna said, walking out from behind me. She opened the door and stepped out. When she was gone, I turned to Celestia. "Why did you say 'she'? Changelings have both genders. And who is Cicada?" I asked quickly, before Celestia could tell me to be quiet. She shrugged her shoulders. "I don't see no harm in telling you. Changelings may have both genders, but at a certain age, they choose a preference. This one choose to be a female, and will soon develop the characteristics of one. 'Cicada' is what I named her, since it was obvious you hadn't named her yet. She likes it, and responds to it almost immediately." Celestia smirked a bit. "Now, as I was saying. Cicada is a valuable asset, and I don't want to lose her. Therefor, Im entrusting you with taking care of her. Be her guardian of sorts." My brain attempted to process what she said to me. 'Guardian'? So I was okay to have her? I opened my mouth, but Celestia raised a hoof. "Im not done." She said firmly. "With that, she will never know what she is. You will bring her up as a pony, not a Changeling. Discourage any transformations when she starts, and eventually she will forget how to do them. DO NOT allow her to know who her mother is. Last thing I need is for her to become curious and start asking questions. "You will do this until I say otherwise, and If for any reason you disobey me, I'll have you impaled on a spike in Canterlot. Do you understand me?" She asked, become slightly gruff in her speaking. "Answer me!". "Yes! yes, I understand!" I yelped out, jumping at her sudden rise in volume. "Good..." She said, more to herself than to me. "Good". The door open suddenly, and Luna came in, holding a squirming Changeling in her magic aura. It gurgled and whimpered, obviously not liking the sensation. It started squeaking, making the monotonous drone that actual cicadas make in summer. I grinned slightly, realizing where the name 'Cicada' came from, but then winced as the sound grew louder. Luna unceremoniously dumped Cicada into my lap. She squirmed there for a bit, until she realized who she was laying on. I swear her eyes brightened up so much they went from blue to nearly white. She launched herself at my chest, making little chirping noises as she clung to my shirt. I felt the shackles on my wrists unlatch, and I lifted my arms up and hugged Cicada, which made her gurgle out in delight. Celestia looked to her sister, who bowed and left the room, he job being done. She then turned to me. "Remember what I told you. You are dismissed..." With that her horn lit up, and Instantly the room changed from bleak white walls to my apartments tan ones. I looked down, realizing she had teleported me onto my bed. I picked up Cicada and looked at her. She giggled and began to flap her paper thin wings rapidly, and I could feel her actually getting lift from it. I lowered her down to the bad, and she sat down, looking at me and waiting for me to do something. Remember what I told you... I shuddered, remembering Celestia's words of warning. I picked up Cicada and held her close to my chest. She cooed out and splayed her legs out, trying to get as much contact as she could from me. We stood there for a moment, completely silent except for the occasion papery rasp her wings made when they twitched. I wont let anything happen to you. I though to myself, holding her tighter. Cicada looked up at me, and she opened her mouth, and gurgled out a few noises. "I know, I know..." I said quietly as I walked over to the bed and lay down on it. I...need a nap... Cicada chirped and closed her eyes, knowing what I was trying to do. So the familiar sound of her quiet breathing was all I could hear. "Good girl..." Author's Note This chapter might be of less quality, so forgive me if its not as good. Also fixed a error thanks to MkktBkkt's watchful eye, Thanks dude! Chapter 4I stood in front of the small red building, my heart pounding. I was about to undertake the most difficult challenge of my life, one that would throw me around like a toy in a dogs mouth. I was...enrolling Cicada into school. I looked down at her, watching her movements, trying to read what she was feeling. She simply stood there, shifting in nervously in place. Her wings twitched constantly, and I knew she was scared. Terrified even. Poor thing looked like how I did on my first day of school: Scared, confused, worried... "Do I have too?" She said suddenly, looking up at me with tears welling up in her eyes. She whimpered out, tugging at my jean leg with her hoof. "Daddy, I dont wanna go." She looked away, shaking violently and whimpering. I knelled down and gently lifted her head. "Sweetheart, dont you want to met new ponies and learn new things?" I asked, trying to sum up the whole meaning of why you had to go to school in a few words. Cicada looked at me, her face red and she avoided my gaze. "No..." She said quietly. I chuckled a bit, and gave her a little 'boop' on the nose. Her face scrunched up, and she staggered back a bit, rubbing her face furiously. When I was younger, I hated getting kisses in public from my mother. I had found it appallingly embarrassing, and tried to avoid it whenever I could. Now, as an adult, and 'father', I now know why my mom always tried to sneak in a kiss in public: IT WAS FUCKING HILARIOUS! I finally knew the secret to utter joy and happiness, and that was to embarrass my kid at every turn! But, that would have to wait till later...the matter at had called for more serious action. "GAH! Dad! I told you not to do that!" Cicada protested loudly. I laughed and scooped her up, planting a kiss on her forehead, right under the nub of horn that was finally starting to come in. Cicada blushed even brighter and tried to push away from me, but I was a 'wee' bit stronger. "C'mon Cici, we can keep stalling, if we are lucky, I can just drop you off and I can head to work." I said nonchalantly, making Cicada squeak squeak. "NOOOOOOOOO!" She whined out. "I DON'T WANT YOU TO GOOOOOOO!" Oh shit. "Cici, I was kidding! I was KIDDING!" I said over her whining. Cicada stopped and instantly began to pout. "Not funny..." "Hilarious, I know." I held her in my arms as I approached the small building, from the looks of it it was a one room school house, and the information I gathered, was ran by a mare named 'Cheerilee'. I was told she was a good teacher, having taught some of the last generations kids with great results. I reached for the door and turned the handle, giving Cicada a glance as I did. She buried her face in my shoulder, trying to hide herself in the crook of my neck. She used to be able to do that... One of the first things I noticed was that It was IN FACT a one room school house, with educational posters up on the walls, and a few rows of desks, some cupboards, books, a stool with a 'dunce' cap. That better be a joke... It wasn't until I felt the eyes of about a dozen colts and fillies, plus one mare, that I realized that class was in session, and I had just walked in without even KNOCKING. The mare who I assumed was Cheerilee was stopped halfway in the process of writing the word 'floccinaucinihilipilification' and was looking at me with her wide green eyes. It was VERY awkward. I could hear whispers in the dead silence, and I made out a few words, some simply curiosity, some pretty fucking mean for a filly to say. "Uh, bad time?" I asked awkwardly. "I could come back later..." I said, trailing off a bit. Cicada lifted her face out from my neck and looked over at the the fillies and colts that would soon make up her new classroom. She silently buried her face back into my neck, shuddering a bit, and gripping me tighter. Cheerilee finally snapped out of her daze and shook her head. "Oh! Um, no not at all, Im just not used to interruptions thats all." She put down the piece of chalk down from her hoof (how was she holding it in the first place?) and turned to the class. "All right children, You can take a early recess right now, I have some business to take care of." She said sweetly. Not a single pony moved. "Now children." She said, more firm. this time, all of them scurried out of the classroom in a hurry, some blowing right past me with out looking, and some soaking up the image of the only human in the world with a Changeling. 10 seconds later, the classroom was empty except for me, Cicada, and Cheerilee. "Well, this is a surprise. I wasn't expecting a new student today." She said to me as she took a seat behind her desk. "Please, take a seat" She said, nodding to the FUCKING MICROSCOPIC CHAIR in front of the desk. "No thank you, Ill stand." I said to her casually. I roused Cicada a bit, who looked at Cheerilee with a look of uncertainty and fear. "Say 'Hello' to Cheerilee sweetie." I said kindly. Cicada looked at her and I could just make out a soft "Hello" escape her lips. Cheerilee heard it though, and smiled warmly at Cicada. "Its nice to met you two. My name Is Cheerilee, what is your name?" She asked kindly. Cicada kept looking at Cheerilee, and I could feel her relax a bit. "I-Im Cicada." She said, more louder this time. Cheerilee smiled at her and complimented her on such 'a wonderfully unique name'. "Miss Cheerilee? I am her to see if Cicada can attend your class for her first year of school." I said. "Is there any paper work in need to fill out, or some sort of payment?..." I said uncertainly. I had clue about school enrollment, and it showed out like a sore thumb. "Well, my classroom is free, as I am paid a monthly wage from Canterlot. The only thing I could see you paying money for is some of the fundraisers we have every year or some other activity." She said. "I have the paperwork right here, why does't Cicada go out and play with the others while you fill out the paperwork?" She suggested. I nodded, and I lifted Cicada of my chest, and placed her on the floor. She looked up at me, fear in her eyes. "Daddy..." She began, "Baby, I'll get this done In Just a second, go and play outside until I'm done." She looked at me for a second longer, and then walked away with the attitude of someone who was just told that they would be executed at dawn. Cheerilee noticed this, and as she walked out the door, looked at me and asked: "Has she always had separation anxiety?". "Yes, she doesn't like going out without me. She knows she is...different, and cant stand ponies looking at her. Just getting here was a battle, and Im surprised she left so easily..." X X X "-Can't stand ponies looking at her. Just getting here was a battle, and Im surprised she left so easily..." Cicada shook her head, hearing her fathers words. He didn't understand how hard it was being who she was. She turned away, looking at the playground full of her new 'friends' She began to walk over to a colt who was playing on what Cicada could only describe as a small, hoof-held TV. The brown colt was hammering away at the buttons, and she could tell he was concentrating hard on his toy. She walked up to him. He was so engaged that he didn't even notice her. "Um...hello" Cicada said quietly. The colt kept smashing away, not giving her any notice, and she couldn't tell if he didn't hear her or was ignoring her to be an ass. Cicada rolled her eyes and moved away, making note to avoid the colt in the future. She walked to a tree, where there was a few toys laying there. Grabbing one, a toy train, she began to roll it along the ground. What she was doing, she had no clue. Cicada had never been without a playmate before. Her father was always there to answer her questions, or play. She had never goon out much either, only going when her father went out. Any other time, she just kept to herself. Cicada was so focused on the train, and being 'normal' that she didn't notice that 2 fillies had walked up to her. But she could SMELL them. She wrinkled her nose slightly at the putrid stench of smugness mixed with exotic perfume slapped her in the face. She looked up, meeting the eyes of what appeared to be the ring-leader. The filly had a light pink coat, and pampered mane. Her face wore a look of superiority on it. Atop her head sat a tiara which probably cost more than everything at Cicada's house combined. The filly noticed that she was eyeing her tiara, and smiled smugly. "Like it? Father got this for me this year. I have many more at home." she said, in an obvious attempt to impress Cicada. Cicada simply looked at her, her eyes showing nothing but disinterest. The second filly, a grayish one, with an absurd pear necklace, poked the first in the side. "Tiara, I dont think she cares about your stuff." She said, throwing Cicada an unsettling evil grin as she finished the sentence. "She does?" Tiara said, her face changing from smug to angry. She lowered her head. "What, do your think your're better than me?" She asked in a threatening manner. Cicada was becoming uncomfortable, as a crowd was begins to form. She could hear them whispering things. 'Bug', 'Changeling'...'freak'. The level of discomfort hit the boiling point when Tiara got in her face and repeated the question, adding a little shove to her chest, making her tooter over on her side. The crowd behind her offered no help, and Cicada became afraid. Her father always told her if she needed help, to call, and he'd be there. She had never had to that before, but now seemed like a good time. Cicada took in a breath. then let out an ear-piercing shriek. One with such a loud frequency that it caused Tiara and her goon to cover their ears. The crowd behind them did the same. Cicada kept her call going for a few seconds longer, then stopped. 3 2 1 The schoolhouse door blasted open, and her father charged out, a look of rage on his face. She saw him scan the playground and when she made eye contact, he rushed over to here, kneeling down nest to her. "Are you okay sweetie?" He asked, checking her for injuries. Cicada was surprised at the speed at which her father appeared. Granted he was just inside, but still, he was fast. She whimpered, pointing a hoof at Tiara. "She pushed me" Cicada said quietly, scooting closer to her father. "Oh, she did?" XXX I looked over at the pink filly, who had recovered from the noise and was looking at Cicada with fear and disgust. She then met my eyes, and the disgust went away. I got up, and walked over to her. I was a good 4 feet taller, and towered over her and the crowd. I knelled down, unknowingly giving her the same treatment she had given Cicada. "I suggest if you like living, you wont hurt my baby." I said calmly, making sure she maintained eye contact. I got up, and head back to Cicada, who was curled up under the tree. I picked her up, and walked back to the schoolhouse. Cheerilee was waiting for me at the doorway. "What happened?" she asked, a look of worry on her face. "Nothing I couldn't handle. Come in at 9 tomorrow morning?" I asked, changing the subject quickly. "Um, yes, that Is when class starts." "Good..." Behind me, I could hear the filly crying. Author's Note This chapter is a little different, as it has a more homely style to it... I meant for this story to span years in their time, so I thought school troubles would be something that is relevant. Also, If anybody wants an OC or canon character to appear for dialogue, Ill gladly take suggestions and plug in a few. Post Script: I needed some minor antagonists for the school setting, and so forgive me if I used DT and SS. I am aware they are no longer bullies in canon.
Chapter 1The morning sun shone brightly through my window, landing on my face, and its brightness roused me from my sleep. I opened my eyes, then shut them again, cursing myself out for looking at the bright light this early, and then muttered a curse to Celestia for being a bitch and making the damn thing so bright. I rolled over, and got up. Already my room was getting warm from the combined heat from my body, and the morning heat. I stood up, rubbing my eyes to get the grogginess out of them. I walked over to the end of the bed, and slipped on a plain t-shirt and some shorts (I wasn't going out, so what was the point of getting dressed?) I yawned and walked out of my room to the kitchen to make a cup of coffee and some toast or something. I got the container out and began to make a cup, and after pressing a button on the coffee machine, stared at the dark brown liquid that streamed out and filled the mug placed under it. After what seemed like forever, the stream stopped, and I grabbed the now very warm mug and walked over the the living room. I sat down on the couch, thanking God for the hundredth time that my weight hadn't snapped the poor thing. It was as much as I was going to get, since even the biggest couch wasn't up to my weight limit. Fuckers need to make a human-sized couch sooner or later , I grumbled as I sipped my coffee, ignoring the scalding fluid on my tongue, and chugged the weak shit like a pro. I winced slightly at the fire in my stomach, and put the mug down on the tiny, pony-sized coffee table and got up. It was usually around this time that the Mailm- fuck, no, Mailmare, came by to give me the awkward assortment of mail she managed to dish up. It ranged from ''Fan'' mail, mostly from curious ponies, Pegasus, and Unicorns who were to much of pussies to approach me and ask me a question. I remember fondly how my appearance scared the fuck out of Discord, the embodiment of chaos. That was funny; He though I was one of his creations that wanted vengeance. I still haven't corrected him either. And the rest was just magazines for various products THAT I COULDN'T EVER USE and the occasional 'Job' that was requested of me. No, you fucking pervert, not that job. Some of the more...Shady inhabitants have used my presence to assist in the recovery of 'assets' or to get rid of 'problems' My armor was still covered in Timberwolf blood from last week... I reached out and grabbed the doorknob, but the second I did, I heard a shuffle outside mt door, then pure silence. There is someone there ...... Engaging possible hostile target in 3 2 1 I yanked the door open, expecting either a hitpony, or a spying colt. But there was nobody, nothing. I looked left, right, then up: nothing, but there was a aura in the air, I could literally taste it. Teleportation Fuck, they could be anywhere... I was about to step out of the doorway, until a little rustling sound caught my attention, directly under me. I looked down, and my eyes widened more than a over-used cunt on New Years. It was a basket. No mail, a basket. And there was something in it. Something alive. NO. HELL NO. FUCK THAT SHIT. I stepped back and slammed the door. Nope, nope. fucking NOPE! I walked back to the kitchen and planted my hands on the table. No way, no fucking way that is what I think it is... Why me? Out of all the other chumps here I'm the one stuck with a basket full of baby... I shook my head. I couldn't just leave it out there...could I? I remember back on Earth, I learned in High School that sometimes Spartans from Ancient Greece would leave unwanted babies outside to be killed by the elements, or animals, whichever came first. Romans were more straightforward, opting to just drown the poor bastard than let it be mauled by an animal. But I couldn't do that, no... If word caught on that I killed a Baby, I'd be executed in Canterlot by Celestia herself, or I'd be lynched right here in Ponyvile. That left me with no other option. I took a deep breath, and walked back outside. The basket was still there, but there was no visible movement under the cover whatever inside was still. Too still... No, no, no... I picked up the basket and brought it inside, I ran to my room and gently placed it on my bed. I saw very faint breathing. whatever was in here was struggling to hold on to life. It needed someone, anyone, to show it mercy and compassion. I swallowed hard. Whatever this thing was, I couldn't just let it die. I swallowed even harder, and gently lifted the cover. I held my breath, expecting the worst: a dead pony, it's movement caused by nothing but a facade caused by maggots devouring its flesh, a Unicorn without a horn, Pegasus without wings, only pathetic bloody stumps... My eyes widened, and I gently lifted out the fragile contents. All that was in there was a small black pony, but it wasn't a pony at all. It had hard chitinous skin, like a bug, It had wings, but they were fragile things, see-through, and perforated near then ends. It had no mane, only a small frill. Its eyes were closed, but I saw a flicker of blue, lacking pupil or iris. The thing was so small, it fit in my hand perfectly. I looked at it for a moment. watching it breath weakly, struggling to hold on... Something white caught my eyes. I turned and noticed inside the basket there was a small note, along with what appeared to be a doll of some sort. I picked up the note and read it. I can't take care of him. Please, please don't turn him away. I'm begging you. Show him love... The note was hastily written, but I could tell it came from someone desperate. There were tear stains on the note, some fresh, and still wet. I put the note down. and turned back to the...whatever it was...and held back a sob. I looked at the thing, and planted a small kiss on its forehead. I will. I promise. The thing cooed out and let in a strong breath, and began to breath easier. and it's heart pumped stronger. X X X Outside, looking through the window, Chrysalis looked through the window, masked by an invisibility spell. Tears fell down her face, and she felt a heavy weight lifted of her chest. She looked longingly at her last child, all she had left in this word that had meaning. Then turned her attention to the Human who, despite initial rejection, showed her child love, and saved its life. "Thank you...so much" She shimmed and teleported away , noticed by no one. Author's Note Hey guys! Thanks for reading my debut story! Trust me, its not over. I hope I can get some suggestions on how to improve both this chapter and the future ones! I'm also sorry if it seemed too fast, thats one thing I'm trying to work on.
Chapter 2I woke up. Pain. I sat up. More pain. I reached over, and grabbed a little orange bottle on the nightstand nest to me and popped the top. I tilted the bottle up to my mouth took 3 pills into my mouth. I gagged a bit at the bitter taste, and swallowed hard a few time, trying to get the medication down my throat. Eventually, they worked themselves out, and I got up, relieved that the pain throughout my whole body was fading away, to nothing but a pleasant tingle. I reached down and grabbed my shirt, putting it on lazily, ignoring the wrinkles in it. I reached down to grab my pants, but a small squeaking sound caught my attention. I turned around, seeing the little creature on my open it's mouth to let out another, may I say, adorable squeak. Any normal person (or pony) would have jumped out of their skin when seeing the insect-like creature in their room, much less on their bed. But not me. "Shh, daddy's here." I said gently, reaching down and scooping up the small thing into my hand. I still didn't understand what I was holding, but I did know that I had made the right decision to help it. It seemed strange really. I had always considered myself a ''Hard-ass" Unable and unwilling to help anybody but myself. Whelp, I was wrong by a mile. or two... I guess it was the opportunity that opened me up to the idea. I never expected that in my life someone would dump a baby on me, and tell me to take care of it, I always thought that shit happened to orphanages and well-off families, not a human mercenary who was (formerly) motivated by money and what it could buy. I gave the little thing a gentle tap on the nose, making it chirp in delight. I knew very little about babies, but I think I was doing well so far. It has been about a week since I started taking care of this thing, and Its actually very easy. To start, I don't need to feed it. I found this weird, but didn't question it. Secondly, there were holes in its legs, like, ALL THE WAY THROUGH. I noticed these on maybe the third day. And I about lost my shit. I swear to God I thought he had some Necrosis or Leprosy thing going down with him. But it wasn't uncomfortable or upset, so I never really pursued the situation. As long as it was happy, I couldn't care less. It... I did NOT like calling it that, but that was my final problem. The little guy had no junk. I couldn't tell if it was a male or female. So I called it, well, 'it'. I did plan on picking a name soon, something unique and interesting, not Bob or some dumb-ass shit like that. I still hadn't decided yet, but I had some good ideas... The baby cooed quietly and nuzzled my chest, sighing happily as it fell asleep again, only after a few minutes of being awake. Damn you sleep a lot I thought to myself as I walked over to the bad and put the thing down gently, not wanting to rouse it out of its sleep. I looked at the little thing, and I knew I needed more information on what the thing was, or just anything that could enlighten me to my most noble quest yet, If your call this noble... It was heroic, legendary even, not noble. 'noble' sounded too...heroish, and I wasn't no hero. I had at least 3 bounties on my head from Las Pegasus for various jobs and...things I had done there. Not to mention other cities and countries around Equis. I was no hero, but I could be, at least to this little thing. I looked out the window,noticing how high the sun was in the sky. It was almost noon. I had time to go out and visit the library or go to someplace with a WiFi hot spot. I looked back to the bed. I think he would be fine if I took him along with me. As long as I didn't go showing him around, I still had a eerie feeling that the town would probably lose their shit if I did. I finally put on my pants and some socks and boots. I went and grabbed a steel dagger that I had bought a few months back. It wasn't special, just a wooden hilt and a 6 inch steel blade, with a tip sharp enough to chop a dragon's balls off with one swing. I picked up a small bag, and after adding a soft blanket and cutting off some parts, I had made a decent portable bed. I picked up the baby and gently placed it inside. It cooed slightly and snuggled down deeper. I grinned a bit and gently slung the bags strap over my shoulder. I took a few steps, and was pleased to see that the bag didn't move around a lot, so the baby wouldn't be jarred around like a rock in a blender. I went out, opening my door and looking it behind me. I was on the east side of Ponyville, and the library was a straight shot from where I was standing. The town hall had to have part of its space turned into a library, due to the first one being destroyed a few years back by a crazy centaur. The building itself wasn't that special, a tanish color with a dark red roof on it, and about 3 stories tall. It was one of the second largest building in the town, the tallest being the Castle of Friendship. Goddamn...that name is so gay... I began to walk to the library. I choose to keep to myself and just walk, not that anybody would talk to me anyway. I was an intimidating person to look at. I was almost 6 feet tall, 290 pounds, and a strength greater than Big McIntosh, who was one of the strongest ponies I'd ever seen. Add to my dagger, and just huge size in general, and you had a scary guy to look at. Most ponies here were already scared of me right off the bat, considering their high-strung demeanor. But I had kinda dug myself a huge hole when I made it clear that I wasn't to be interacted with, in par with my hostile nature. I then was labeled a 'danger' and most ponies now just ignore me. Any interaction I have with one they are either scared, intimidated, or both. Even now, as I walked, ponies gave me a wide berth. Guards raised their weapons slightly as I walked past, conversations stopped, some starred. It became silent as I walked, each pony holding their breath as I went by. Pussies... I made it to the town hall and walked in. There was a receptionist on a computer, and a few ponies waiting in the lobby. I walked up the the front desk, ignoring the eyes of the ponies around me as they realized who had walked in. The receptionist just looked at me with wide eyes, completely caught of guard that I had walked in. When I opened my mouth she filched a little, as if she expected a demon to come out and eat her. I rolled my eyes in annoyance. "Where is the library?" I asked as kindly as I could, really trying not to scare the already nervous pony. She trembled slightly as she stuttered out that it was "to the left" I gave her a smile, then walked where she told me to walk. Behind me I heard a murmur, then a thump, along with a gasp and yelp. I looked behind me, and was somewhat amused to see that the pony had fainted, In a classic movie-style type of way, and was being cared for by the ponies that were in the room. Oops I said to myself, and I hurried on to the library entrance. When I walked in, I took a look around. There was a few computers, and lots of books. So basically a normal library. I walked over to one of the computers and sat down. After a quick start up, I clicked on the web browser and typed in "Mythical Creatures". Not the best choice, as the page then exploded with all kinds of animals that inhabited Equis, tabs showed how to catch a Hydra, or how to kill a Manticore. Not what I wanted at all. I backed out of the page and tried again. I needed something, a keyword to make the damn thing find a relateable search. I looked down at the bag, which I had set down next to my chair, which was still too small. I studied the baby closely, noting its pony-like body structure. I turned back to the screen and typed in a generic search: Bug Pony. That seemed to work, as a few tabs showed up, some on news sites covering an attack on Canterlot some years back. The preview picture showed exactly what I was looking for. It was the same thing, only bigger and more scary. I scrolled down some more and found a tab on "Changelings" within a wiki domain. Good enough I thought to myself as I clicked on the tab. The page was surprisingly small, with only a few details. The page said that the species that attacked Canterlot was commonly know as "Changelings" And that they work as a hive mind, almost like bees or ants. They are ruled by a queen, who is far different in size and shape than the other members of the hive. It went on to say that the Changelings were hermaphrodites, each one, including the queen, having both sex organs. This was due to their ability to transform into other creatures, and they needed this to copy any gender of their target. There was no life span data, or name data. Only that the queen who had attacked had said she was named "Chrysalis". There was nothing else useful on the page except a warning at the bottom. In big bold letters, it stated that if any inhabitant was caught helping or aiding the Changelings or Chrysalis in any way, they would be arrested and charger with treason, and sentenced to life in prison...No exceptions. Oh shit... I looked down at the bag, the Changeling was still asleep, and it cooed ever so often. I shut down the computer as fast as I could and grabbed the bag. I rushed out of the library. I had to get away from here, the risk was too great. If I was caught, I'd be doomed, and God knows what they would do to the Changeling... I was at the doorway and opened it up. Almost there I thought to myself as I walked out of the building. A loud Zap rang through the air, and before I could react, I felt something along the lines of a lightning bolt hit my chest, I sent me flying into the street. It knocked all the wind out of my lungs, and I lay there gasping for a moment. I coughed, and reached for my dagger, but a hoof stomped down on my hand, making me yelp in pain. I looked up, meeting the eyes of a guard pony. He was in golden armor, and not the normal bronze of the local Ponyville guard. I then felt my bag get magically ripped off my body. I turned to took, and saw a few more guards with it, looking inside. Some of theirs eyes widened, others just snarled at the Changeling on the on inside. I began to struggle violently, actually managing to get up and get the guard off of me. I charged the group, trying my hardest to protect the Changeling. I was mid-dive when I was stopped by magic. A golden aura held me in midair. I grunted and struggled, but I couldn't get out. I couldn't even talk. "Is he harmed?" a voice asked calmly. It was female, and I recognized it immediately. Shit... A guard nearby answered "No your majesty, he nor the Changeling are harmed, what do you want us to do?" I heard footsteps behind me, going around my left side. I was then face to face with Princess Celestia herself. She was intimidating, easily a foot higher than me, and very larger. Not fat, but just body size she was far bigger than most other ponies. Celestia looked me in the eye, a small smirk on her face. "Take Stéphane and send him to the castle dungeon until I can speak with him. As for the Changeling, put it in an isolation room away from our friend here, at least until I can get some answers from him." Celestia then turned and looked at the guards. "Is that clear?" she asked calmly. "YES YOUR MAJESTY!" they all shouted in unison. She then turned back to me and sighed. Without a word, her horn glowed, and I felt my mind began to fog, and I became drowsy. It wasn't long before I passed out, and was led away into custody.
Chapter 3Holy shit... Where the hell am I? I shook my head slowly, trying to remember what the hell happened to me. My mind was foggy, and I couldn't think straight. I tried to get up, but was held down by something. That's when my brain registered the horrid ache in my neck and back. I opened my eyes, realizing I was i sitting in a chair. My wrists were bound to the arms by thick metal cuffs. My first though was that I got into some kinky shit last night, and I was forgotten in a sex dungeon of some type. But when the door opened up, and Princess Celestia and her sister came in, everything flooded back to me. My eyes widened, realizing that the baby changeling I had with me was gone. I yanked at my wrist cuffs, trying to get out of them. "Your're not getting out of those for awhile Stéphane." Celestia said as she seated herself across from me. She looked over to her sister, Luna, who positioned herself behind me, simply standing there. Not making a sound, which is expected, since Luna is the Princess of the Night. "Where the am I?" I said, unable to hide the tinge of fear in my voice. I looked behind me, trying to get a look a Luna. I couldn't see her. Either she was moving out of my vision, or she simply melted into the shadows behind me. I shuddered and turned back to Celestia, who was looking at me with a look of dullness mixed with a hollow coldness that gave me chills. "You are somewhere..." Luna said from behind me, making me jump "We wish to ask thee questions about the Changeling." She said bluntly. My brain suddenly began firing up, and I snapped my head back to Luna's general location. "Where is it? What have you done? I swear to fu-" "YOUR SWEARS TO NOT PHASE US!!!" Luna suddenly bellowed, in a voice I could only describe as demonic. It was so loud, there was a ringing in my ears for a few seconds, and I winced in pain. I turned to Celestia, who was unfazed by her sister's outburst. "You are lucky she simply yelled at you. My dear sister has been know to simply annihilate a pony in questioning if they make her upset." Celestia smirked slightly when my eyes widened. "I have you here because you were helping the Changelings by housing one in your home. You do realize that is treason?" She asked, looking me dead in the eye. Oh...fuck me. "No ma'am, I didn't." I said as respectfully as I could. I could tell by the sudden wrinkle in her brow that she knew I was lying to her. "Now, I know your lying and I expected you to do so. So Im going to be very quick with what Im about to say." Celestia looked at me, making sure I was paying attention to her. "Normally, I'd have your head on a spike on my castle wall. But this...I think this is a opportunity of sorts, and I would hate to waste it. "Since the Changeling you had was a nymph, she could be molded into something beyond a Changeling, she could be used against them, considering how she could get by without somepony as much as batting an eye." Celestia paused and looked past me to Luna. "Luna, dear? Get Cicada for me please." She said calmly, looking back to me as she spoke. "Yes, sister." Luna said, walking out from behind me. She opened the door and stepped out. When she was gone, I turned to Celestia. "Why did you say 'she'? Changelings have both genders. And who is Cicada?" I asked quickly, before Celestia could tell me to be quiet. She shrugged her shoulders. "I don't see no harm in telling you. Changelings may have both genders, but at a certain age, they choose a preference. This one choose to be a female, and will soon develop the characteristics of one. 'Cicada' is what I named her, since it was obvious you hadn't named her yet. She likes it, and responds to it almost immediately." Celestia smirked a bit. "Now, as I was saying. Cicada is a valuable asset, and I don't want to lose her. Therefor, Im entrusting you with taking care of her. Be her guardian of sorts." My brain attempted to process what she said to me. 'Guardian'? So I was okay to have her? I opened my mouth, but Celestia raised a hoof. "Im not done." She said firmly. "With that, she will never know what she is. You will bring her up as a pony, not a Changeling. Discourage any transformations when she starts, and eventually she will forget how to do them. DO NOT allow her to know who her mother is. Last thing I need is for her to become curious and start asking questions. "You will do this until I say otherwise, and If for any reason you disobey me, I'll have you impaled on a spike in Canterlot. Do you understand me?" She asked, become slightly gruff in her speaking. "Answer me!". "Yes! yes, I understand!" I yelped out, jumping at her sudden rise in volume. "Good..." She said, more to herself than to me. "Good". The door open suddenly, and Luna came in, holding a squirming Changeling in her magic aura. It gurgled and whimpered, obviously not liking the sensation. It started squeaking, making the monotonous drone that actual cicadas make in summer. I grinned slightly, realizing where the name 'Cicada' came from, but then winced as the sound grew louder. Luna unceremoniously dumped Cicada into my lap. She squirmed there for a bit, until she realized who she was laying on. I swear her eyes brightened up so much they went from blue to nearly white. She launched herself at my chest, making little chirping noises as she clung to my shirt. I felt the shackles on my wrists unlatch, and I lifted my arms up and hugged Cicada, which made her gurgle out in delight. Celestia looked to her sister, who bowed and left the room, he job being done. She then turned to me. "Remember what I told you. You are dismissed..." With that her horn lit up, and Instantly the room changed from bleak white walls to my apartments tan ones. I looked down, realizing she had teleported me onto my bed. I picked up Cicada and looked at her. She giggled and began to flap her paper thin wings rapidly, and I could feel her actually getting lift from it. I lowered her down to the bad, and she sat down, looking at me and waiting for me to do something. Remember what I told you... I shuddered, remembering Celestia's words of warning. I picked up Cicada and held her close to my chest. She cooed out and splayed her legs out, trying to get as much contact as she could from me. We stood there for a moment, completely silent except for the occasion papery rasp her wings made when they twitched. I wont let anything happen to you. I though to myself, holding her tighter. Cicada looked up at me, and she opened her mouth, and gurgled out a few noises. "I know, I know..." I said quietly as I walked over to the bed and lay down on it. I...need a nap... Cicada chirped and closed her eyes, knowing what I was trying to do. So the familiar sound of her quiet breathing was all I could hear. "Good girl..." Author's Note This chapter might be of less quality, so forgive me if its not as good. Also fixed a error thanks to MkktBkkt's watchful eye, Thanks dude!
Chapter 4I stood in front of the small red building, my heart pounding. I was about to undertake the most difficult challenge of my life, one that would throw me around like a toy in a dogs mouth. I was...enrolling Cicada into school. I looked down at her, watching her movements, trying to read what she was feeling. She simply stood there, shifting in nervously in place. Her wings twitched constantly, and I knew she was scared. Terrified even. Poor thing looked like how I did on my first day of school: Scared, confused, worried... "Do I have too?" She said suddenly, looking up at me with tears welling up in her eyes. She whimpered out, tugging at my jean leg with her hoof. "Daddy, I dont wanna go." She looked away, shaking violently and whimpering. I knelled down and gently lifted her head. "Sweetheart, dont you want to met new ponies and learn new things?" I asked, trying to sum up the whole meaning of why you had to go to school in a few words. Cicada looked at me, her face red and she avoided my gaze. "No..." She said quietly. I chuckled a bit, and gave her a little 'boop' on the nose. Her face scrunched up, and she staggered back a bit, rubbing her face furiously. When I was younger, I hated getting kisses in public from my mother. I had found it appallingly embarrassing, and tried to avoid it whenever I could. Now, as an adult, and 'father', I now know why my mom always tried to sneak in a kiss in public: IT WAS FUCKING HILARIOUS! I finally knew the secret to utter joy and happiness, and that was to embarrass my kid at every turn! But, that would have to wait till later...the matter at had called for more serious action. "GAH! Dad! I told you not to do that!" Cicada protested loudly. I laughed and scooped her up, planting a kiss on her forehead, right under the nub of horn that was finally starting to come in. Cicada blushed even brighter and tried to push away from me, but I was a 'wee' bit stronger. "C'mon Cici, we can keep stalling, if we are lucky, I can just drop you off and I can head to work." I said nonchalantly, making Cicada squeak squeak. "NOOOOOOOOO!" She whined out. "I DON'T WANT YOU TO GOOOOOOO!" Oh shit. "Cici, I was kidding! I was KIDDING!" I said over her whining. Cicada stopped and instantly began to pout. "Not funny..." "Hilarious, I know." I held her in my arms as I approached the small building, from the looks of it it was a one room school house, and the information I gathered, was ran by a mare named 'Cheerilee'. I was told she was a good teacher, having taught some of the last generations kids with great results. I reached for the door and turned the handle, giving Cicada a glance as I did. She buried her face in my shoulder, trying to hide herself in the crook of my neck. She used to be able to do that... One of the first things I noticed was that It was IN FACT a one room school house, with educational posters up on the walls, and a few rows of desks, some cupboards, books, a stool with a 'dunce' cap. That better be a joke... It wasn't until I felt the eyes of about a dozen colts and fillies, plus one mare, that I realized that class was in session, and I had just walked in without even KNOCKING. The mare who I assumed was Cheerilee was stopped halfway in the process of writing the word 'floccinaucinihilipilification' and was looking at me with her wide green eyes. It was VERY awkward. I could hear whispers in the dead silence, and I made out a few words, some simply curiosity, some pretty fucking mean for a filly to say. "Uh, bad time?" I asked awkwardly. "I could come back later..." I said, trailing off a bit. Cicada lifted her face out from my neck and looked over at the the fillies and colts that would soon make up her new classroom. She silently buried her face back into my neck, shuddering a bit, and gripping me tighter. Cheerilee finally snapped out of her daze and shook her head. "Oh! Um, no not at all, Im just not used to interruptions thats all." She put down the piece of chalk down from her hoof (how was she holding it in the first place?) and turned to the class. "All right children, You can take a early recess right now, I have some business to take care of." She said sweetly. Not a single pony moved. "Now children." She said, more firm. this time, all of them scurried out of the classroom in a hurry, some blowing right past me with out looking, and some soaking up the image of the only human in the world with a Changeling. 10 seconds later, the classroom was empty except for me, Cicada, and Cheerilee. "Well, this is a surprise. I wasn't expecting a new student today." She said to me as she took a seat behind her desk. "Please, take a seat" She said, nodding to the FUCKING MICROSCOPIC CHAIR in front of the desk. "No thank you, Ill stand." I said to her casually. I roused Cicada a bit, who looked at Cheerilee with a look of uncertainty and fear. "Say 'Hello' to Cheerilee sweetie." I said kindly. Cicada looked at her and I could just make out a soft "Hello" escape her lips. Cheerilee heard it though, and smiled warmly at Cicada. "Its nice to met you two. My name Is Cheerilee, what is your name?" She asked kindly. Cicada kept looking at Cheerilee, and I could feel her relax a bit. "I-Im Cicada." She said, more louder this time. Cheerilee smiled at her and complimented her on such 'a wonderfully unique name'. "Miss Cheerilee? I am her to see if Cicada can attend your class for her first year of school." I said. "Is there any paper work in need to fill out, or some sort of payment?..." I said uncertainly. I had clue about school enrollment, and it showed out like a sore thumb. "Well, my classroom is free, as I am paid a monthly wage from Canterlot. The only thing I could see you paying money for is some of the fundraisers we have every year or some other activity." She said. "I have the paperwork right here, why does't Cicada go out and play with the others while you fill out the paperwork?" She suggested. I nodded, and I lifted Cicada of my chest, and placed her on the floor. She looked up at me, fear in her eyes. "Daddy..." She began, "Baby, I'll get this done In Just a second, go and play outside until I'm done." She looked at me for a second longer, and then walked away with the attitude of someone who was just told that they would be executed at dawn. Cheerilee noticed this, and as she walked out the door, looked at me and asked: "Has she always had separation anxiety?". "Yes, she doesn't like going out without me. She knows she is...different, and cant stand ponies looking at her. Just getting here was a battle, and Im surprised she left so easily..." X X X "-Can't stand ponies looking at her. Just getting here was a battle, and Im surprised she left so easily..." Cicada shook her head, hearing her fathers words. He didn't understand how hard it was being who she was. She turned away, looking at the playground full of her new 'friends' She began to walk over to a colt who was playing on what Cicada could only describe as a small, hoof-held TV. The brown colt was hammering away at the buttons, and she could tell he was concentrating hard on his toy. She walked up to him. He was so engaged that he didn't even notice her. "Um...hello" Cicada said quietly. The colt kept smashing away, not giving her any notice, and she couldn't tell if he didn't hear her or was ignoring her to be an ass. Cicada rolled her eyes and moved away, making note to avoid the colt in the future. She walked to a tree, where there was a few toys laying there. Grabbing one, a toy train, she began to roll it along the ground. What she was doing, she had no clue. Cicada had never been without a playmate before. Her father was always there to answer her questions, or play. She had never goon out much either, only going when her father went out. Any other time, she just kept to herself. Cicada was so focused on the train, and being 'normal' that she didn't notice that 2 fillies had walked up to her. But she could SMELL them. She wrinkled her nose slightly at the putrid stench of smugness mixed with exotic perfume slapped her in the face. She looked up, meeting the eyes of what appeared to be the ring-leader. The filly had a light pink coat, and pampered mane. Her face wore a look of superiority on it. Atop her head sat a tiara which probably cost more than everything at Cicada's house combined. The filly noticed that she was eyeing her tiara, and smiled smugly. "Like it? Father got this for me this year. I have many more at home." she said, in an obvious attempt to impress Cicada. Cicada simply looked at her, her eyes showing nothing but disinterest. The second filly, a grayish one, with an absurd pear necklace, poked the first in the side. "Tiara, I dont think she cares about your stuff." She said, throwing Cicada an unsettling evil grin as she finished the sentence. "She does?" Tiara said, her face changing from smug to angry. She lowered her head. "What, do your think your're better than me?" She asked in a threatening manner. Cicada was becoming uncomfortable, as a crowd was begins to form. She could hear them whispering things. 'Bug', 'Changeling'...'freak'. The level of discomfort hit the boiling point when Tiara got in her face and repeated the question, adding a little shove to her chest, making her tooter over on her side. The crowd behind her offered no help, and Cicada became afraid. Her father always told her if she needed help, to call, and he'd be there. She had never had to that before, but now seemed like a good time. Cicada took in a breath. then let out an ear-piercing shriek. One with such a loud frequency that it caused Tiara and her goon to cover their ears. The crowd behind them did the same. Cicada kept her call going for a few seconds longer, then stopped. 3 2 1 The schoolhouse door blasted open, and her father charged out, a look of rage on his face. She saw him scan the playground and when she made eye contact, he rushed over to here, kneeling down nest to her. "Are you okay sweetie?" He asked, checking her for injuries. Cicada was surprised at the speed at which her father appeared. Granted he was just inside, but still, he was fast. She whimpered, pointing a hoof at Tiara. "She pushed me" Cicada said quietly, scooting closer to her father. "Oh, she did?" XXX I looked over at the pink filly, who had recovered from the noise and was looking at Cicada with fear and disgust. She then met my eyes, and the disgust went away. I got up, and walked over to her. I was a good 4 feet taller, and towered over her and the crowd. I knelled down, unknowingly giving her the same treatment she had given Cicada. "I suggest if you like living, you wont hurt my baby." I said calmly, making sure she maintained eye contact. I got up, and head back to Cicada, who was curled up under the tree. I picked her up, and walked back to the schoolhouse. Cheerilee was waiting for me at the doorway. "What happened?" she asked, a look of worry on her face. "Nothing I couldn't handle. Come in at 9 tomorrow morning?" I asked, changing the subject quickly. "Um, yes, that Is when class starts." "Good..." Behind me, I could hear the filly crying. Author's Note This chapter is a little different, as it has a more homely style to it... I meant for this story to span years in their time, so I thought school troubles would be something that is relevant. Also, If anybody wants an OC or canon character to appear for dialogue, Ill gladly take suggestions and plug in a few. Post Script: I needed some minor antagonists for the school setting, and so forgive me if I used DT and SS. I am aware they are no longer bullies in canon.
