A Changed Heart

Chapters

Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Optional Chapter 2
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Optional Chapter 1

Chapter 1

Life came in flashes. The conquering of Equestria. The bright light. That indescribable pressure coming from the duality of the feelings of ecstasy and fullness clashing with that of pain coming from extreme amounts of energy and being forced out of the city. Being flung through the sky. Coming down into the river. Being swept along the current. Banging against the rocks. Lungs burning. Pain. Fear. Gasping for air, only to find water. And finally, blackness. For the briefest moment, life again. Blurs of colors, then blackness again.

The changeling grunted, shifting softly. The very fact that he was alive was a small miracle that had not escaped his notice. Making his body as still as possible, he took stock of everything that he could. His armor was missing and he was starving. He began testing his limbs. Back right, back left, Fron-

Upon moving his front right leg, he gave out a shout of pain. He clutched the limb in question to his chest as his body curled inwards. When he yelled, he heard a startled shriek answer him from not far away. Opening his eyes, he took in his surroundings. He was on a soft object, obviously made for two beings. While it was strangely plushy, it was also very comfortable. The walls were tan and wooden, with thin rails and circular windows. There was a fireplace with a photo and a potted plant above it. On the green floor before him, lying on a green cushion was a very startled looking, butter-yellow pegasus po-

Pony!? The changeling shot up, willing his body to shift into a different form, only to stop with another shout of pain as soon as his foreleg hit the object he was laying on. The pony was immediately by his side.

“Oh! I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you. Please, be careful.” Her gentle voice rang with genuine concern, concern that was immediately ignored by the frantic changeling. He looked to his foreleg, which still sang with pain. On the limb in question, a bandage had been wrapped, where a soft red was beginning to stain the cloth. “Oh no, see there? You’ve re-opened your wound. Here, let me tend to it…” The pony reached out, moving to grasp his hoof. The changeling snatched his hoof back, only to grind his teeth in pain. With a firm grip, the pony took his hoof, her eyes hardening as she looked him straight in the eye. “Now see here.” She snapped. “You need to be careful. If you keep acting like this, you’re really going to hurt yourself. Now, hold still.” Slowly, she began to unravel the bandages, revealing the rather large crack in his exoskeleton. As the pony replaced the bandages, the changeling finally spoke.

“Why?” He hissed, looking at the pony working on his leg. The yellow pony stopped and looked up, still holding his foreleg with a tender yet somehow firm grip.

“Hm?” Her eyes, the changeling noticed, were different from when she first woke. While they still held kindness and tenderness, there was a focus to them not unlike a soldier in the swarm. “W-What do you mean?”

“Why…” The words came slow to the changeling, still recovering from…however long he’d been out. “Why…why are you…helping me…?” He wheezed out, his voice unlike anything the pony had ever heard. The only way she could describe his voice was that it sounded as if his voice had metallic echo to it. The pony before him smiled softly.

“Oh silly,” she began, resuming her work on his open wound. “You were, and still are, in need. You’re hurt, and need help. So I’m helping…”

“But….what do you get for it? Do you intend to…return me…to Canterlot?” The Changeling eyed the kind pony, suspicion emanating from him. He couldn't imagine this much kindness being given to him so freely, even amongst his own. Not that his people were unkind, but in the harsh environment that was the swarm, nothing was free.

"Why would I do that?" She asked, seeming honestly confused. "I don't need to 'get' anything to help somepony. It's..." The pony stopped, seeming at a loss for words for a moment. Then she smiled, giving a slight chuckle. "Why, it's just the kind thing to do." The Changeling watched her, his trained eyes taking in every detail of her movements. Her hooves worked diligently, careful, but well-honed from years of practice. She moved so fluidly, and her body radiated with a simple joy, some worry, and more than a little fear. However, these weren't the signs of somepony holding a hostage; the changeling didn't need any sense but his eyes to tell him that. His eyes traveled to her smile, which told him more than his sixth sense for emotion ever could. The smile was genuine, lighting up the room, and nearly glowing with pure kindness. It was a far cry from the love his body so desperately craved, but it was still miraculous in its simplicity. Still, the changeling hadn't lived as long as he had, gotten to where he was, by being naive.

"There, all done!" The pony announced, stepping back. The re-bandaging hadn't even stung. In fact, he hadn't even noticed she'd finished. "So what do you think Mr. Changeling? Does it hurt at all?" She asked, moving her head just slightly towards him. The motion seemed subdued from both her own worry, and, if he wasn't mistaken, from her want to not scare him. He moved the limb, testing the limitations of the bandaged appendage. The wrapping felt top notch and, with the exception of the slight stiffness that was to be expected, he had full range of motion. Of course, he still couldn't put any weight on the limb. He looked at the bandage, then back to the pony. He sighed.

"It's fine...you're...very good at what you do..." She seemed pleased with the answer, and went about cleaning up the area and putting away the supplies. Silence filled the cottage for a moment, before the changeling spoke up again.

"Thank you...and...my name is...Imago..." He said slowly, looking away. He couldn't simply ignore her kindness, foreign as it was to him. The pony squeaked in surprise, but turned to face him, her smile seeming even brighter than before. Had sharing his name really given her so much joy?

"You're very welcome, Mr. Imago. Oh! And I'm Fluttershy."

Chapter 2

A week had passed since Imago had awoken in Fluttershy's cottage, and the lack of love was taking its toll. Fluttershy had fed him, and he had eaten, but the food had tasted like cardboard in his mouth. It had an utter lack of flavor, and a weight in his stomach that felt uncomfortable in its uselessness. He attempted to hide his weakening state, keeping a happy face for the kind pony's sake, but he felt it. After the second day of his awakening, he had insisted that he slept on the floor, while Fluttershy reclaimed her bed, an idea that was met with more resistance than he had expected. After assuring her that the wooden floor reminded him of home and made him feel more comfortable, she relented, and took her bed back. What he told her was mostly true. While the cold floor did make him think of home, it wasn't perfect. Still, it was nicer than the big fluffy bed.

It had become an unspoken rule between the two that Imago was housebound and to remain out of sight from other ponies. Fluttershy hated lying to her friends, but she knew now wasn't the time to show them the Changeling. Imago had proven friendly enough, but she was still scared around him. But he was a creature in need, despite what his kind had done.

At one point, Fluttershy headed into town in search of Rarity. She needed to cancel her weekly spa date with her, just to be safe. Imago hadn't needed to be fed, but occasionally he needed help clearing the stairs and she'd just feel more comfortable helping speed his recovery along. On her walk back from the boutique, she began thinking.

'What will I do? I mean...he's going to heal up. And he's a Changeling. The others were so mean...But, he doesn't seem all that bad. Could that be because he's hurt? Thank goodness Rarity was so understanding. Hm." Shaking her head once, Fluttershy stopped at her door, bumping one hoof to the top of the other. "No! I have to help him. I promised I would. What I'll do afterward will just have to wait." She put on her most confident smiled and opened the door. "Hello everyone! Hi Angel, Ima-" She cut herself off with a shout of fear and surprise. The male she was referring to was on the floor in the center of her house, eyes closed. The way he was laying seemed unnatural. Rushing to his side, she put a hoof on his shoulder, shaking him once. When he didn't respond, Fluttershy began to panic. Was he ok!? What happened?

"I-Imago?" She asked, her voice barely rising above a whisper. When he didn't respond, she steeled herself, and tried again. This time, her voice rose to normal speaking levels. "Imago, wake up." She coupled this with shaking him again. The Changeling stirred, opening a single eye halfway. He shook his head, attempting to rise.

"S-Sorry", He said quietly. The changeling hadn't been very vocal with the pony. Fluttershy knew this was because he still distrusted her, but there was something else in his voice, something she didn't recognize before, and she was near slapping herself for not realizing it until now. The weak way he moved, his increased sleeping, his shaking…

Imago was starving to death.

B-But how!? Fluttershy had been making sure he was eating, and while he never seemed to enjoy the food, he always ate everything she gave him. She watched him move with newfound horror, his starvation glaringly obvious now.

“I-Imago!” She said, hoping her voice carried any amount of the disappointment and worry that she was feeling. He winced, looking over to the mare with a guilty, weak smile. “H-have you not been eating!?” It was a silly question. She’d seen him eating, but still… Imago gave a soft chuckle.

“…You could say that…”

“Why not?” She asked, aiming for angry, but only concern coming forth.

“…Do you forget what I am?” He said slowly. “I am a Changeling. I cannot survive on your food. You know this, Fluttershy. You heard what your Princess Cadenza told you...” Fluttershy lowered her head, ashamed. She had remembered what was said, that Changelings feed off of love. However she, as all the others, had assumed that Changelings only stole love to grow stronger, not to survive. She felt so terrible, allowing her prejudices to almost let a poor creature starve. She had to make this right! Bringing her head up, she looked to Imago, who had made his way onto the couch with his head sinking sadly onto the head-rest, and focused every last bit of attention on him. Mustering up every last bit of assertiveness and courage in her body, she still could scarcely more than breathe the words…

“I-I…..I-…loveyou…”

Imago blinked at the kind mare, unsure he'd heard her right. She loved him? Of course, even a nymph could've sensed the lack of emotion behind her words.

"...You didn't really think that would work?" He asked, unable to keep the humor out of his voice. Fluttershy frowned.

"I-I do!" She insisted. "Y-you need love to eat, right? S-So, I do.."

"Fluttershy... Even if I couldn't sense your emotions, I feed off of love. I can tell." As he explained, Fluttershy seemed to deflate. "It has to be genuine love, of any kind. Parental, fraternal, romantic, I've even heard of some Changelings eeking out a life on the love of a pet." The commander didn't know why he was telling the mare this, explaining the feeding habits of his people, but it couldn't hurt, he supposed.

"Love of a pet?"

Imago nodded.

"If the story is true, that is." Fluttershy looked down, her bangs covering her face, obscuring her thoughts. Suddenly, her head snapped up, her eyes alight with joy, and rushed out of the room. Imago only had enough time to question what the butter yellow pony was planning before she rushed back in, flying with a bundle of white fur in her arms. Gently depositing the fluff-ball by Imago's side, she landed and watched with a large smile on her face. The bundle of fluff looked up to the black creature on the couch, the eyes of the kitten meeting the large blue multi-celled eyes of the Changeling. Then, without a further thought, she rubbed against him, showering the creature with love. Imago had to admit, the feeling of weakness was slowly beginning to fade. The love from the kitten would be enough to sustain him, but not make him comfortable. He'd still have to hunt to feel full. Even as he thought, the kitten nuzzled him, tucking under his uninjured forearm and quickly fell asleep, love and trust emanating from the animal.

Imago blinked, looking at the animal, unused to the feeling coursing through him. Still, his hunger, though no-where near sated, was no longer threatening to consume him. Fluttershy watched the kitten sleep, even as the Changeling gingerly stroked her head, and lay his own down, idly wondering how a creature she once thought to be evil and monstrous could make such an adorable scene, lying with a kitten.

Chapter 3

Imago sat in silence as he and Fluttershy had done so many times before. He couldn't help but notice that this time the silence felt...odd. He was fully aware that his silence towards the kindhearted pony was due to his distrust of her and her silence due to her shyness (and possibly to the mild fear she still had of him). Before, this was perfectly acceptable to him, but for the past three days the silence that came when she sipped her tea, when she stayed indoors just to keep him company, even while he stared at the wall, felt different. The silence that came during the routine that had been repeated every day since he arrived felt...wrong. Scratching the head of Sapphire, the kitten that was kept by his side as his companion and source of love, he knew that he had no reason not to trust her. By Chrysalis' crown, she had even tried to offer her own love to him. She had done so in a hilariously incorrect manner, but still, the kindness of that gesture had not escaped him. He felt like something should be said, if for no other reason than to eliminate the fear she emanated...

"...Fluttershy..." He began. "What do you intend to do with me when my leg heals?" He asked slowly. Fluttershy gave a slight yelp as though she'd forgotten his presence, and looked to him, setting her tea-cup down.

"Intend to do with you?" She parroted, looking at him with a curious glint in her eye. "What do you mean?"

“Once I heal up. I doubt you'll just keep me here." He stopped, looking at the ceiling idly. "So, what do you intend to do with me?"

"I...Well, I don't know, to be honest. I'm certainly not going to turn you in, if you're worried about that." She promised, quite out of the blue. "I know now that you didn't mean to hurt anypony. You or the rest of the changelings, I'm sure." Imago shook his head.

"No, we had no other reason to attack your capital. In fact, many of the soldiers were resistant to the idea." The commander looked to the pony, whose response seemed surprised. "Yes, we do feel fear. Attacking the seat of power of the largest kingdom known to the world? I myself didn't like the idea. We were desperate. And tired...We wanted so much to just stop running and have a home again." The changeling looked sad for a moment, as though thinking.

"Have a home again? What do you mean?" Fluttershy asked, leaning in.

"According to our legends, ages ago, we changelings were ponies, like you. Due to the treachery of a great monster from a neighboring kingdom, our homeland was destroyed and our princess was transformed into a love-devouring monster. Over the years, she led us, wandering the world, searching for a home. When the princess defeated the beast, the queen returned, pleading for help, only to be turned away, accused of being creatures who only preyed on others. Still though, our Queen led us, and for generations, the plan was held to lead her people back to glory..." The male smiled, seeming to lose himself speaking of his people, becoming more relaxed. Maybe it was because he was reciting a legend, a story that had been told to him many times when he was little. "By Tarturus, it's probably half the reason so many agreed to the attack." He chuckled softly.

"O-Oh my, I-I never knew..."

"I wouldn't expect you to." The changeling said with a shrug. The room was silent once more, only now with a much more smothering, depressing atmosphere. The changeling sighed, shaking his head, berating himself for making the situation worse.

"Forgive me, Fluttershy. I-...I'm not what you'd call gifted in small talk. Never was much use for it in training."

"Training? Oh, forgive me, I seem to just be repeating you...I'm not much of a talker either…" Imago chuckled, and motioned towards his prized possession, still in the corner of the room, his commander’s armor and helmet.

"That's alright. I'm used to hearing changelings barely out of nymph-hood parrot anything I tell them. You probably gathered from my armor that I'm not an average Changeling." He smiled, trying to stand up. Fluttershy moved across the room, offering herself as a crutch to help him stand. With her help, he stood proud, announcing. "I am Imago, son of Tarsus, commander of the army of the Magnificent Swarm." Looking down to Fluttershy, he smiled softly, almost sheepishly. Moving back to the couch, where Sapphire sat waiting, he bowed his head. "Thank you, and I'm sorry, just...something my father always taught me. He always said: Imago, remember this: When you speak your name, always speak it with pride, for a name spoken with shame is a name disgraced." Fluttershy couldn't help but notice the soft smile on the Changelings face when he spoke of his father, the soft twinkle of his eye.

"You really love your father…" Fluttershy spoke, smiling in answer. The changeling nodded.

"Mmm, he's why I became a soldier. I still remember how proud the old exuviate was when I told him I'd surpassed him, and again when I made commander."

"You chose to be a fighter? I thought insects were born into roles?" Fluttershy asked, squeaking as she realized how insulting it sounded. "Oh! Sorry! I didn't mea-"

"No, no, I understand. We are insectoid, but not insects. we do choose our jobs, our lives..." He lowered is head softly, his eyes shifting in a manner not unlike nervousness. "O-our mates..." Fluttershy blushed at the word, but cocked her head. "And yes, we have females. Despite being our queen, Chrysalis doesn't birth all of us." He chuckled, before suddenly frowning, looking out the window sadly. Fluttershy watched him, following his gaze, realization sinking in.

"...You're homesick...aren't you?"

"Scared...is the better word. Fluttershy, you must understand. I witnessed my queen, my people, thrown to the four winds, scattered. I was nearly killed from that blast. I'm worried about my friends, my troops. But mostly, I'm worried about my queen." The male looked down, worry deep in his being. Fluttershy looked to him, unsure of how to console him, even as Sapphire rubbed against him.

Suddenly, it came to her! She smiled, closed her eyes to let her fear ebb away, opened her mouth, and sang.

“I want to tell you that everything will be okay,
That everything will eventually turn itself to gold
So keep pushing through it all.
Don't follow, lead the way.
Don't lose yourself or your hope,
Cause life's like a jump rope..."

Imago blinked, hearing the mare's beautiful singing voice. Fluttershy opened her eyes and saw Imago staring at her, mouth agape. Fluttershy looked down, attempting to hide herself and her blush behind her bangs.

"W-What?"

Chapter 4

Time had passed much quicker now, with Sapphire at his side and the cottage, more often than not, alive with conversation between the commander and his savior. Fluttershy still rarely initiated any conversation, but Imago’s sense for emotions told him the truth, that it was more due to her shyness than her fear anymore. The little cottage was becoming a comfortable home. And this was terrible. Imago knew this, knew that becoming to accustomed to this pony, to this comfortable life was not what he wanted. Imago needed to stay and be pleasant long enough to heal, then leave. Find and reclaim his place beside his queen. Even becoming her friend was not an attractive prospect. After all, once he healed, he’d not be returning to ponyvile for any good reason ever again. Still, as he looked over to the yellow pegasus, currently feeding and talking to her animals, he knew it was too late. He knew he’d miss her upon returning to the swarm. He shook his head. Here he was, a commander of the Changeling Swarm, befriending a pony. And one that had helped defeat his people, no less. He looked down, regarding the bandage on his leg that had been freshly changed by his own hoof. The break was growing smaller by the day. Soon enough, it’d be time for him to return home. Imago looked forward to that day, simultaneously eager and dreadful for his departure. He longed for his own people, for the Swarm, those whom he had grown from nymph-hood with. He wanted to be back at his queen’s side, beloved by many, feared by plenty, but respected by all. Yet, as he watched the mare, he knew he’d already sunk to far, and that he’d miss his friend once he left. He hated himself for letting himself get attached, but it had happened. Now he’d have to deal with the consequences. Feeling the kitten rub against his leg, he looked down to Sapphire, who was begging for attention. Of course, what would he do with her? No way would the little love-ball survive for a minute around the Swarm. She’d be a husk in seconds. Imago buried his head into the couch, where he was fairly sure he’d made an indent. Maybe all this lying around, being stationary, was getting to him. He needed something to happen, and soon.

As though Chrysalis heard his wish, and deigned to show him the folly of wishing, the door was cast open, wreathed in a bright purple magic, only to reveal a lavender unicorn standing in the doorframe, wearing the friendliest smile she could manage, her eyes closed. Fear ratcheted through Imago’s being, as he recognized the pale purple pony instantly as Twilight Sparkle, one of the leading causes of his predicament. Panic spread through his being just as Twilight began to speak.

“Good afternoon Fluttershy, I’m sorry for coming in unannounced, I just wanted to check on you. Rarity told me you hadn’t made it to the spa in a while, and we haven’t seen you around town.” The prized student of Celestia opened her eyes, looking to the butter-yellow pony before her. Odd, Fluttershy seemed really scared. Well, more so than normal. Fluttershy galloped over to her, seeming to purposefully take up her field of vision.

“Oh no, it’s no problem!” The mare said a little too quickly, her smile far too wide for her face. “But, um, as you can see I’m perfectly fine I just haven’t wanted to head to town so thanks for checking up on me haveanicedaybye!” Twilight looked at the shy pony, a single eyebrow raised. Idly, she wondered if she herself was as terrible a liar as her friends were.

“Um, Fluttershy? Please don’t take this the wrong way, but are you hiding something?” Judging by the way Fluttershy’s wings immediately flared in surprise, not to mention the clearly shocked look on her face, Twilight was pretty secure in the thought that her friend was trying to keep something from her.

“H-Hiding!? W-What would I want to hide?” A nervous laugh came from the worried pegasus. “T-That’s silly Twilight. I don’t have anything to hide. Nope, nothing here, just me and the animals.” Twilight sighed, attempting to push her way past as gently as possible, only to have her face jerked to the side, Fluttershy forcing her to look at a small family of mice.

“L-Look Twilight! Squeakson’s leg got all better! Remember? I had gotten him that tiny wheelchair?”

“Yes Fluttershy, that’s very nice, now if you’ll let me-“

“O-Oh! And the birds learned a new song! Here, let me show you!” Fluttershy nervously began to vocalize a familiar tune, before Twilight finally wrenched her head back from the panicking mare. Speaking in as soft and friendly a voice as she could, she tried to sooth the mare before looking about the house.

“Fluttershy, I’m your friend, and friends will always accept any problem you ha-“ Suddenly, Twilight stopped, her vision catching. “Fluttershy…” She spoke slowly. “Is that-“

“I’msorryTwilighthewashurtandhe’sreallynicepleasedon’tbemadhe-“ Fluttershy fell at her studious friends feet, hoping that the unicorn wouldn’t be to mad. Hundreds of possible situations ran through her head, all of them bad. She couldn’t imagine Twilight reacting well to her harboring a Changeling, not after what had happened to Shining Armor and Cadence. What if she told the princess? The Princess would surely be furious with her! Maybe even mad enough to-

“Is that Chrome Quill!?” Twilight’s voice contained not fear, or anger, or fury, or terror, or any of the other things that Fluttershy had expected, but instead, surprise and joy. Slowly looking up, peeking from her bangs, she saw a strange pegasus stallion sitting where Imago had been before. This stallion had nearly gleaming bright grey fur, and a long mane of black. He wore a friendly smile under his green eyes, seeming completely at home. His forelegs were tucked under his body, lying comfortably on the couch. Fluttershy looked at the strange intruder, her mind sluggishly processing the sudden change from fear and panic to confusion.

“U-uhm-“

“Yes, I am.” The male responded with a slight chuckle. “I have to admit, I wish I was greeted like that more often. “ His voice was more of a middle tone, for a male. Not quite high pitched, but not low enough to be called deep. He spoke with a slight rasp, as though recovering from some throat sickness.

“Oh my gosh! I’m such a fan! I can’t believe your books don’t get more recognition!” Chrome Quill blinked, looking a little confused.

“You really think that highly of them?” He asked the mare. “I mean, there are only three.”

“I know, I know, I own all of them, but I mean, The Chronicles of Dawn-Breaker was a great fantasy, but Mindful Musings and Curious Quandaries was such a thought-provoker. I really didn’t expect you to be able to do both fiction and deep, thoughtful writing. No offence.” Chrome Quill gave a sly grin, watching the mare closely.
“I thought you said all three. What about The Thief and The Sorcere-“
“I-I really liked that one to!” Twilight said quickly, a faint redness appearing on her cheeks, hinting at the nature of this book. “B-But that’s for another time.” She looked over to Fluttershy, seeming happy to change the topic. “S-So Fluttershy, wh-what’s Chrome Quill doing here?” Fluttershy blinked in slight surprise, not expecting the sudden shift of attention to her. The stallion spoke up, answering for the mare.

“It’s, um, not a story I plan on publishing,” the author chuckled at the joke, before continuing. “I...” The stallion sighed, as though embarrassed. “I crashed.” He finally admitted, seeming humiliated by this simple mistake. “Ended up in the river, and I broke my leg in the fall.” To emphasize, the stallion moved the offending foreleg, showing off the bandage without removing the limb from under himself. “To top it off, I seem to have had caught a cold.” He sighed, bringing his other foreleg out and rolling it in an annoyed fashion. “I know, I know, sounds like the most clichéd opening to any story, Daring Do did it first, I know.” He rolled his eyes. “Still, I made my way here, since it was the closest building, and Fluttershy here insisted on patching me up. I’m sorry to keep her, I told her she should go.”

“No, no, I understand. Fluttershy is Fluttershy after all. She lives to help out those in need.”

“I can tell.” Chrome nodded. “In any case, I should be gone soon, then I’m sure she’ll be around again.”

“I-I’m sorry to worry you.” Fluttershy mumbled, looking at the ground and kicking her hoof. Twilight smiled.

“Fluttershy, didn’t we go over this? You shouldn’t be afraid to tell your friends what’s going on.” Twilight turned, beginning to leave. “You know we’d understand.”

“I know.” Fluttershy meekly responded, but smiled.
“I’ll go tell the others. Have a good day Fluttershy, and nice to meet you Mr. Chrome Quill.” Twilight said, happily making her way away as the pair bid her farewell.

As soon as she was out of earshot, Chrome Quill was wreathed in green fire, stemming from the bandaged leg, and engulfing the rest of him, before returning his form to Imago. The changeling let out a long, relieved sigh as he sank down, grateful for that to be over.

“That was too close.” Was all he had to say.

Twilight Sparkle returned home, her messages delivered to the others. To think, they’d been so worried about something being wrong with their friend, when all she was doing was taking care of somepony. And an author no less! Twilight allowed herself a happy sound, still glad that she got to meet the author in person. She would have to speak with him more before he left. As a matter of fact, she wanted to re-read some of his works now, just to brush up on topics to talk about. As she pulled a book from the shelf, using her magic to bring the book of theoretic debates and questions closer, she couldn’t help but wonder something that’d been plaguing her since she left Fluttershy’s cottage. When Chrome Quill had showed the bandage, why hadn’t he shown the whole leg? And, on what he did show, she could’ve sworn she’d seen black on the metallic colored pony’s leg. Black with…a hole…?

Optional Chapter 2

The Hive: A large, hollowed out rock spire deep in the Badlands; the home of the Changeling Swarm; a tower like structure, housing the entire race. At the top, the pinnacle of both home and race, sat Chrysalis, the Queen of the Changelings. Truly a legend amongst her people, she is known for her grace, beauty, and intelligence. And yet, there she sat, her mane ruffled in a fatigued mess. She was well used to being needed at all hours of the night, to being the hoof to guide and feed her people with little, if any, regard to her own wellbeing. However, as she looked out in her court room, she found that the members of the Swarm seemed to stretch out the door and around the side, lined up for her orders. They were Changelings needing her direction of where to search for others, Changelings needing her direction for how to rebuild their once significant military force, Changelings needing her direction on what to do with their rapidly dwindling amount of food. It seemed as if they would never stop. Even now, the queen could scarcely pay attention to the females speaking to her.

“-ports still indicate that we’re still missing over half of those who went to the attack, your majesty. Do we have your permission to spare some of the Swarm’s military resources to search for them?”

“Hm?” Chrysalis asked, shaken from her inner thoughts. “Oh, yes, of course…”

“But, your majesty!” One of the captains of the Swarm’s military, Captain Tarrlok, stepped forward, opposing the other female. “Our resources are drained enough as is! If we send any more warriors out, we’ll be completely unprotected! The Orthi will tear us apart! We need to focus on our home, now. We need food! Those who are lost can take care of themselves.”

The same speaker from earlier seemed appalled by this notion. “Captain! Those who are out there are-“

“Soldiers, just the same as me!”

“No! Those who are out there are our mates and our Nymphs!”, She retorted

“Who knew the risks!”

“ENOUGH!” Chrysalis cried, demanding the attention of both of the bickering changelings. The queen was well used to having to settle disputes between her people; a job that could just as well be accomplished by allowing the changelings under her command to work their own issues out amongst themselves. But Chrysalis knew that this would lead to her people’s independence from her, as well as far too many squabbles that could result in far too many issues that would break them away from their task of gathering love. Better that she dealt with issues like these herself. However, the Queen would admit (though never to her subjects) that dealing with her military would always be a confounding issue to the Queen. She didn’t quite know why. Shouldn’t it be easier than dealing with the other needs of her people? No matter, this wasn’t the time for her to be thinking of this.
“Tarrlok, do you believe the Othri to be such a threat that we need all of our remaining forces to defend ourselves from them?” The senior captain looked to think on this for a moment, before finally answering her queen, bowing her head in respect to the monarch.

“My Queen, I do not want to deceive you. Of our forces who’ve returned…less than a third of them were our warriors. Those who have, spies and the occasional scout, have been in hardly a condition to defend our home from the beasts, being starved and injured.” Chrysalis was silent for a moment. Looking again to the line, she spoke, a wonder niggling into her mind.

“Who among you is here with issues regarding our military force?! Be it protection, missing Changelings, or anything of the sort?” A chorus of affirmations rang out, bringing to light the source of all these problems. Looking back to the Captain, who seemed to be anxiously awaiting her ruler’s word, the Queen spoke. “Tarrlok, who is the acting commander of what remains of our military force?”
“That would be myself, your highness.” The warrior responded, dipping her head. This wasn’t good. While Tarrlok was a long time member of the Swarm’s forces, and a truly loyal Changeling, Chrysalis knew the female’s strengths were not in training and leading the entirety of their forces. She was a fine soldier, and a great gatherer of love, but a phenomenal record keeper. The Queen knew that not she, nor her mother before her, had ever had an issue with records with her in charge. Not to mention, when her duties called, the captain did have a way with the Nymphs. Chrysalis rose from her position, hoping the movements would help her weary mind come to a satisfactory decision. It was after a few moments of this pacing that a solution came to Chrysalis. Turning to the pair, the queen spoke.

“I am sorry, Gyne, but I cannot, at this time, send all of our soldiers out to search the whole of even Equestria for our people. They have been trained, and prepared for a situation such as this...” Gyne bowed her head, her eyes closed.

“Of course, your majesty. I understand...By your leave, my lady…” With a nod from Crysalis, the mother turned, making her way from the throne room. Crysalis watched her retreat for a moment before returning her attention to Tarrlok.

“Captain, you told me you’d another message for me?”

“Hm? Oh, yes! Your majesty, one of our scouts reported that ponies had spoken of seeing a bright gray pony matching the commander’s disguise’s description in Ponyville. The stallion in question has been staying with a local animal tender...” The Captains report trailed off as she saw the expression that her queen was wearing. It was a mix between devious joy, and elated relief.

Finally, thought Chrysalis, If that truly is the commander, then I can be done dealing with his responsibilities!
Noting the Captain merely staring at her, Chrysalis chided herself. She mustn’t act a fool in front of her people.
“Captain!” She spoke suddenly, startling the female. “Gather the finest squad we can spare. They will be going to retrieve our dear commander. And fetch...Him…”

Chapter 5

I won’t get a chance like this again, Imago told himself.

With the close call that was the lavender mare, Twilight, he knew that he had to leave, and he had to do it now. Besides, he was already going against the Swarm’s rules. For him to abandon his post for so long… He gave his head a single shake, refocusing his mind. He opened the door to Shy’s house, the green magic engulfing the door and pushing it open. He was quite thankful that her door didn’t creak, as he knew his escape would be foiled by the softest noise. It didn’t take him long to flee the home, silently closing the door behind him, and make his way into the Everfree Forest.

Angel Bunny blinked the sleep out of his eyes, his large ears still ringing with the nearly inaudible click he had heard just seconds before. The foul tempered rabbit grumbled, his mind wondering what that senseless, giant bug could be doing that involved the door of all things. The bunny hopped out of his basket, looking around the dark room for the Changeling. Not being able to find him caused the bunny no fret. Undoubtedly, thought Angel, it was just because he was black, and blending into the dark room. However, as the minutes passed, and the bunny found his eyes adjusting to the dark, still, he found no changeling. Curiosity rising in his head, he hopped up onto the ledge of an open window, and turned his ears towards the Everfree Forest. Hearing the soft buzz on the air, uncommon to any insect he’d heard before, Angel smirked, hopping back down to his bed. Finally! That oversized pest was gone, and he could resume his role as the king of the cottage... And yet...

Angel couldn’t seem to get comfortable, no matter how he turned, trying to find that spot in his bed that’d let him get to sleep. Something just…bothered him. The room was nice and pleasant again, only the sounds of the animals sleeping that he was used to. There was no threat of that insect trying to take over his spot as king of the roost. So why couldn’t he get to sleep. Images of the next morning flashed into the bunny’s head. Fluttershy worried, looking for the bug, desperately trying to figure out where he went and if he was okay. She’d ask Angel, and the bunny would shrug, play dumb, pretend he had slept through the night, and Fluttershy would panic, and go to Everfree to look for him…She’d be fine...right? He grunted, mumbling to himself. For a few moments, he simply laid in his bed, staring at the wall. Finally, the rabbit made a frustrated sound to himself, kicking his bed over in aggravation, before heading up the stairs to tell his keeper what had happened as best he could.

Imago stopped just outside of the cottage he had been staying in, letting his eyes take in his surroundings. The night was black, clouds masking the moon’s rays, preparing for tomorrow morning’s rain. It was as though the pegusi had chosen for tomorrow’s rain solely to aid his escape. Imago looked down, examining the wound on his leg. He knew the crack in his foreleg had been large, but surely it would be healed enough by now that he didn't need this bright white signal attached to his leg. Tugging on the bandages with his magic, he unraveled a little of the bandage, wincing as soon as the pressure was removed from his leg. No, he thought. I still need this… He shook his head, using his magic to rip the bandage, tucking the free piece he had just made into the bandage in an admittedly shoddy attempt to hold the wrapping. Dropping the piece he had just torn free, he took to the air once more, making his way towards the badlands again.

Out in the Everfree Forest, Imago slowed his flight as he came across a clearing, landing unsteadily on his three legs. He needed a break. Even though the love from Sapphire had been enough for him to live on, it was far too meager to keep him in peak physical health. The changeling bit his lip gently, looking over his shoulder to where he had come from. He had told himself he wouldn’t look back, but it nagged at him, and the he just couldn't help himself. The pony had shown him such kindness, saved his life (twice!), and attempted to befriend him in her own way. It felt wrong to just up and leave… Unbidden, his mind played back moments from his time with the butter-yellow mare. Even now, the commander was impressed by her bravery, to rescue a changeling who appeared and attacked just earlier that day, and let him recover in her home. To offer a kitten to the Changeling, who she had still, at the time, thought was a ravenous love-hungry beast? He gave his head a single shake to try to clear away these thoughts. Looking forwards, the spires of the badlands just breaking the horizon, reminded him of how far away home was. He gave his wings a testing beat before rising into the air. Just as soon as he got off the ground, a twig snap alerted to him to another being in the area. Turning to see what predator stalked him, he blinked, his wings ceasing their beats in sheer surprise, causing him to land.
“How…How are you here?”

Angel hopped up to Fluttershy’s bed and stared at the post for a moment. He was wondering, if only for a moment, if he should let the mare sleep and let her little bug pal wander off and get lost in the Everfree. The thoughts of Shy crying and scared leapt back into his head, unbidden, almost as if his conscience was reminding him what was right. With an annoyed sigh, he lifted his big, bunny foot and kicked the bed post several times, demanding the sleeping mare’s attention. Shy yawned, sleepily raising her head to search for the source of the disturbance. Seeing Angel, she smiled softly, dreamily.
“Oh, hello Angel Bunny…” Seeing that he had her attention, Angel did his best to portray what had happened with his body. He motioned a door being opened, then someone escaping out it and running, jabbing his fore-paw towards Everfree, before running downstairs. Fluttershy blinked, sleep causing her mind to work as sluggish as it ever had, before yawning and allowing sleep to reclaim her. This restful sleep lasted all of a minute before she was interrupted by a perturbed bunny foot shoving her out of her bed and sending her tumbling to the floor. Looking up at Angel’s upset and very impatient face, she gave a soft, sheepish grin.

“O-Ok…I’m up.”

Fluttershy yawned again as she followed Angel downstairs, curious of whatever could have her little animal friend in such a mood. Surely, if it were anything too scary, it would’ve woken Imago. Upon that thought entering her head, she slowly noticed what the problem was. While Imago could be hard to see at night (a fact that was reinforced by Imago having scared the poor mare more than once with those glowing blue eyes of his), she could usually make out what little light there was reflecting off of his carapace, or hear his soft snoring, often accompanied by the occasional buzz of his wings. But, when she looked now, she saw nothing. No one was in the room.

Forcing the panic rising in her chest back, Fluttershy rushed to the door as quietly as she could, so as not to disturb her animal friends. Thrusting it open, her eyes scanned the region she had come to know better than her own hoof, and quickly found the small discarded piece of cloth. It was the same kind that she used to bandage her animal friends. The same kind that she had used to bandage Imago.

“Oh my. H-He couldn’t have…” She stopped, letting the statement hang for a moment. She knew. He had left. He was probably returning home. Fluttershy tried to tell herself this was for the best, and that she had intended on him doing that very same thing. She tried to remind herself that she was only tending to his wounds, as she would any of her friends, and the feeling she felt was merely worry. Her head sank softly, her bangs falling before her eyes. “H-…He could’ve at least….said goodbye…” She whispered to herself, before a scream, and a loud crash startled the mare, eliciting a squeak from the pegasus. Her eyes drawn to the source of the sound, she saw a green glow fading in the horizon. It was in coming from Ponyville.

Back in the forest, Imago narrowed his eyes, looking into the eyes of the female who had surprised him so much. He didn’t trust this. He didn't trust this forest, and he didn't trust the image of the being in front of him. The Changeling commander couldn't begin to believe that there would be a Changeling nymph this far from the Badlands. And yet, before his eyes stood a young Changeling, her perforated mane barely reaching her shoulders; her fangs tiny, hardly poking out from under her lip; And her wings positively minuscule, folded to her back.

“What’re you doing here?” She asked, her voice sounding excited, happy, and curious all at once. Imago’s sixth sense backed up his hearing. “I thought I was the only Changeling around Ponyville!” She stopped, her mind working why this older male, obviously Swarm military, would be here. Slowly, she frowned. “Y-..You’re not here to bring me back…are you?”

“N-No…” Imago said slowly, cocking his head. “How’d you get here, who are you?”

“I’m Diapause, but my friends called me Skitters.” The Nymph said, deliberately ignoring the first question. “How ‘bout you?”

“Imago.” He said. “I kind of wound up here after the attack.” At the mention of the failed attack, the little nymph winced, as though remembering. “How have you been surviving here so long?” He asked, watching the little female. Diapause, Skitters, grinned; seeming very pleased that he had asked this question.

“I taught myself how to transform!” She said, pride in her voice. “I’d show ya, but I don’t want to blow my cover. What’re you doing in Everfree? Shouldn't you be getting love? Or heading back to the Hive?” Imago sighed. He couldn’t see the harm in explaining the events to this little Nymph. Besides, he had wanted to rest anyways. Settling into a laying position, ever mindful of his injury, the elder Changeling told his tale to the eager youngster, stopping only at times to indulge the reactions from the nymph.

“…and so I decided to leave…” Imago said as his story drew to a close. “I can’t live here with her. I have to go back to the Swarm, and I have to forget about her.” As he said this, he couldn’t help but notice the sigh that escaped his lips. The air was silent for a moment, save for the animals and insects of the forest, before the nymph spoke up.

“Why?”

Imago blinked, somewhat shocked at the response. “W-What?”

“Why?” She repeated. “Why can’t you stay here? Why not live with Fluttershy. Sounds like you two get along well. So, why not stay? I mean, look at me! I have two really close friends, I got an idol! I get to see things and places I never would hanging around the Hive. And I get tons of love all the time! ‘Course, no one knows I’m a Changeling. So least you’d have someone to talk to about Changeling stuff!” Skitters kicked her fore hoof, kicking up a small patch of dust and looked down. “And…It’d be kinda nice to have a Changeling to talk to.” Imago was silent at this, taking in the young female’s wisdom. Other than his responsibilities to the throne, why couldn't he stay? With love from Sapphire and (if he blended into the Ponyvillians) friends he could possibly make, he could survive… even flourish. Before he had time to consider this further, there was the unmistakable sound of a magic blast rocking the nearby town. Diapause blinked and looked up, her eyes wide.

“W-What was that!?” She got no answer from him, but Imago knew all too well that it was the sound of a Changeling destruction spell.

He knew that he had to go back now. The Changelings were attacking the town… looking for him…

Chapter 6

“I don’t know why we’re here.” The Changeling drone said, buzzing his wings, annoyed that he had to be dragged all the way out to Ponyville on an empty stomach. Settling his annoyances by launching another blast at the wall, he turned to another one of the drones. “Honestly, we all know what’s going to happen. We’re just going to execute the trai-“

“Silence!” Tarrlok snapped, making the young male jump. “There’s no evidence to suggest that Commander Imago has betrayed us! Now, stop blathering about this, and keep focused, understand?” The male who was talking snapped back to attention, saluting with his forehoof.

“Yes Ma’am!” In truth, Tarrlok didn’t want to think of her commander being killed, even if it were by her own people. She knew that, if they found Imago to have stayed here of his own volition, he would be deemed a traitor to the swarm, for putting his own needs and wants over that of The Hive.

“And stop firing blasts off everywhere!” She added. “If you keep that up, you're liable to hit the Commander. Besides, we only fired that one to draw him out, or the-“

“Stop right there!” A female voice shouted. As one, the Changeling’s turned to face the five mares before them. Right on time. Twilight Sparkle, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, and Rarity. Turning to their leader, Tarrlok spoke.

“Just as you thought sir, here they are. “

“That’s right we’re here! And you can think twice about taking another step into Ponyville!” Rainbow Dash snapped, flying towards the group, as though to intimidate them. Ignoring them, the male narrowed his eye, smirking.

“As expected.” Turning his head, provoking a gasp from the five mares before him, he looked to the three drones he and Tarrlok had brought with them. “You there, Caudal, you come with me. You two stay with Tarrlok and keep these five occupied.”

“Ha! You think three of them can handle us? We fought half your army bub!” Dash spoke, all of her usual bravado shining through.

“What do you want!?” Twilight demanded. “You’re obviously not here trying to take love, so what are you doing here!?”

“None of your business!” One of the drones, the same from before, snapped, slamming a hoof down. “All that matters is- Ack!” He was cut off by a tail whip from Tarrlok, and a harsh glare sending him back into silence. She turned to the group, her eyes attempting to show compassion and friendship. Meanwhile, the strange male and Caudal spread their wings, taking off in the direction of Everfree Forest, and Fluttershy’s cottage.

“Oh no you don’t!” Dash said, flying after the two, only to be stopped by the smart-mouthed drone from before.

“Where do you think you’re going?” He sneered, yelping as he dodged a buck from the angry weather pony.
“Rainbow, hold on!” Twilight called.

“Clypeus, knock it off!” Tarrlok ordered, speaking in unison with the mare before her. Turning her head back to face Twilight, she opened her mouth. “I think we can avoid a fight here…”

Imago flew as fast as his body would allow, his wings being weighed down by fatigue. Grinding his teeth, he pushed his body harder.
‘How could I have been so stupid!? ‘ He chided himself, shaking his head. ‘I should have known not to use Chrome Quill. To be somepony else when I went outside of the cottage. Of course there’d be scouts out everywhere! He doubted the hive was back to full force after only a few weeks, and if it was, then they’d be sending out scouts to either find me, my body, or sources of love.’ He shook his head, clearing his mind. Now was not the time to be berating himself. It achieved nothing, and only served to distract him.

“N-No!” Fluttershy squeaked, disbelieving that she’d managed to tell some pony no. The Changeling before her hissed in irritation, slamming his hoof down, further frightening the animals inside.
“I told you mare, let us in, and we’ll leave you alone! We won’t even bother any of your stupid animals!”
“M-My animals aren’t stupid….”She said, more to herself, before taking a breath, puffing out her chest as she swallowed her fear. “A-And I won’t let you in, until you apologize and agree to be quiet.” The changeling before her rolled his eyes, giving a groan.

“By Crysalis’ crown, why am I even dealing with you? Get out of my way!” The drone shoved her, attempting to make room for him, and the large male behind him. Fluttershy hit the ground with an “oomph,” but reacted quickly. Looking up at the Changeling, she focused her eyes, and Stared at him. The drone found himself nearly paralyzed, a gut-wrenching feeling running up and down his spine. At once, he felt the weight of everything he’d done wrong, every lie told, every pony hurt, every mare stolen to siphon love, and every cookie stolen. His breathing sped up, his heart raced. He felt tears brimming in his eyes, and the irresistible urge to apologize began to overtake him.

“Oh, for goodness sakes…” The large male behind him groaned, shoving the drone aside. The Stare was broken as Futtershy gasped in horror at what she saw. The male’s left eye was missing, three large markings where it had once been, and nothing else. Not even a hole. The left side of his face was merely blank. The male was also huge, not quite the size of Celstia or Luna, but easily taller, and wider, than Big Mac, and his body bore many other markings like the ones on his face. He also looked very mean, judging by the look on his face. “It’s a pony, Caudal, not a Changeling. It’s made for draining love from. You don’t have to talk to it, just knock it out of the way.” Raising his hoof, the male swung hard, causing Fluttershy to duck and cover her head, waiting for the blow.

But one never came

Opening one eye, she looked up to see two black, perforated legs standing before her, and one white wrapped leg.
“Imago!” She cried, even as the Changeling in question struggled, holding off the larger male’s blow. The one-eye’d male spread his wings, flying backwards to stand on all fours, before Caudal stepped forwards.

“Commander, you are here!”

‘Yes.” He said, speaking evenly, keeping his eyes on the two of them. “I’ve been here since the attack.”

“You admit it…” The one-eye’d male spoke, his eye narrowing in anger. “You’ve been sticking around here, feeding yourself, and not making a effort to return? I hope you at least have been stockpiling love from this one.”

“I haven’t. “ Was all the commander said, sitting in front of Fluttershy. “And I wouldn’t, even if I could have. “ Now the one eye’d male snorted in anger.

“You understand what’s going to happen?”

“Yes, I do. And I’ll come back without a fight, under one condition. I go peacefully, you leave Fluttershy, and the rest of ponyville alone. “ Fluttershy gasped, coming out from behind Imago.

“B-But, Imago-“

“Fluttershy!” The voice of Twilight Sparkle rang out, the mare herself, along with the other four Elements of Harmony. Tarrlok and the other drones weren’t far behind.

“Sir, we’re sorry for letting them get here, but-“

“No need Captain. I’ve found the commander, and he’s agreed to come back with us.”

“Imago, wait!” Fluttershy cried out, coming around to stand in front of the Changeling. “You don’t have to do this! We can-“ Imago shook his head, prompting Fluttershy to stop.

“No, Fluttershy. It’s better this way. If I refuse, they’ll fight me, and I won’t win. I’ll be dragged back either way. Better for me to go with them.” Fluttershy shook her head, fighting the tears the bloomed in her eyes as she stepped forwards.”

“But that’s just it! I don’t want you to go! I…”She grew quiet, looking down and away. “I…like having you around. I like you being here…I don’t really….I don’t know what it is…b-but it’s true…Please…Imago…Please don’t go…” Hearing this, Imago smiled softly, bumping his head to Fluttershy’s in an action that turned the pegasus’ face crimson.

“That’s all I needed to hear, Fluttershy.” He spoke softly, uncaring if the other heard. “I…really enjoy being around you as well.” He gave a soft chuckle, smiling gently at the tearful, butter yellow mare. “I’ll be back…Alright? I promise.”
Fluttershy looked up to the male, sniffling softly as she did.

“A-…Are you sure?”

“I...oh, what do you call it? Purple promise? Peely promise?”

“Pinkie Promise!” Pinkie Pie said, joyfully hopping once to emphasize her words.

“That’s it. I pinkie promise I'll be back…” Seeing the small smiled on the mare's face, he turned. “Alright, I'm ready to head back…Father.”

Author's Note

I'm back!
Sorry that I know you guys deserve a better chapter than this, but I enjoyed this story so much, I decided I needed to come back and wrap it up. (6 months later) now that my life isn't so hectic and I have some time on my hands.
Enjoy!

Chapter 7

The room buzzed with activity, Changelings having come from every corner of the Hive to witness the even unfolding before their eyes. Imago, commander of the Changeling army, stood before Queen Chrysalis, awaiting her judgment on his actions. Changelings whispered from one to another on what they thought was going to happen, and what had transpired.

“There’s no way that the commander was hiding out and abandoning us!”

“But they said he confessed!”

“What do you think that the Queen will do?”

“Oh, execution for sure! She’s made it clear that even at the best of times, for the Swarm, you know?”

“Did you hear he was staying with a pony?”

“And he DIDN’T drain them? Unbelievable!”

"That's banishment for sure!"

"Don't be stupid, Imago has done so much for the Swarm, Her Majesty wouldn't strike that from the records." For the Swarm, banishment was the worst punishment available. You were considered to worthless to even be put to death, and worse than simply dying, your name would be struck from any record it appeared on. Being exiled was worse than just being sent away from home, to the changelings, an exile didn’t exist, and never had.

All this chatter was silenced by a single stamp from Chrysalis, demanding the attention of everyling in the room. Letting the silence hang in the air for a moment, the Changeling queen surveyed her people, her eyes coming around the circular room, before falling on Imago. As the leader of her military, the only Changeling who could preside over this was herself. Imago stood, his legs bound by goo, hardened to form leg cuffs of sorts. His head was bowed respectfully, masking his face, however, she could feel his emotions. Fear, yes, but respect, as well as a feeling not unfamiliar to her forces. A determination to keep his emotions in check, and to meet his goal. Taking a breath, she began.

“Imago, son of Tarsus. You stand before me accused of abandoning your post in a time of need, choosing instead to stay and live a pony life alongside one of the Elements of Harmony. You put yourself, your own selfish wants over the needs of the Swarm, assuring the continued starvation of our people. According to the reports from your own father, you chose to stay with the bearer of kindness, and rose your hoof against him, your own father, in defense of a pony. In addition, you had fed, but not kept enough to bring back and feed the others. Is this all true, Imago? Or do you deny these?” The silence was deafening, noling wishing to even breath in the fear that they’d miss something.

“I…do not, my Queen.” He said slowly, carefully picking his words, even as his nose nearly touched the floor. “I have only explanations for my actions, if you’d hear them.” Chrysalis rose a single brow. No denials? Interesting.

“Raise your eyes, Imago, and explain yourself. Perhaps your tongue can save your life. However,” she paused, eyeing the soldier below her. “I will tell you now, Imago. There is nothing you can say that can save your rank. Consider yourself stripped of your title now, and hope that is the least of your worries.” Dipping his head once more in a nod, Imago looked up, his eyes never daring to meet his queen’s, before he began to recount what had happened.

“Fluttershy, darling, you seem positively miserable! You must relax! The Changelings are gone, and all is well!” Rarity spoke with a smile, letting her body sink further into the hot mud that she was bathing in. Fluttershy had agreed to come out with her once more, Rarity telling her she needed to relax after that giant Changeling had almost hit her. However, Rarity could see her friends sorrow in her eyes, her resistance to relaxing.

“Y-yes, I know.” She spoke slowly, her eyes focusing intently on the mud that she was submerged in, her long pink mane touching the mud, obscuring as much of her face as she could manage. Rarity knew the truth, knew why her friend seemed so down. Making her way over to the butter Pegasus, she placed a hoof on her shoulders, smiling softly.

“You’re worried about that Changeling that you took care of, aren’t you? That…Imago, was it?” Fluttershy nodded once, confirming Rarity’s thoughts. “Well, don’t be. He’ll be back, sooner or later, he’ll come see you.” Fluttershy blinked, looking up to her friend, a touch of mud on her nose only enhancing her adorable factor.

“He will? How do you know?” She asked, confused even as Rarity gave a soft chuckle, seeming confident in her awnser.

“Simple dear,” She rose a single hoof, her smile never faltering. “He promised. And I don’t know about Changelings, darling, but a stallion in his mindset never breaks a promise to the mare he made it with.”

“His mindset?”

“Simple. A stallion in love…”

“…And yes, Queen Chrysalis, I didn’t stock any love to bring back, but as I mentioned, I could not change effectively and merely draining a cat would’ve brought to much suspicion onto myself.” Imago ended, hoping his reasoning were enough. Chrysalis looked down on the young male, feeling his emotions. He was afraid, worried, but what about, she couldn’t place her hoof on. However, she snorted, keeping her appearance as a harsh queen up.

“You expect me to believe you? You were found due to changing into your pony disguise, Chrome Quill. It wouldn’t be very hard to have changed to somepony else, and gathered enough love to grow strong and come back, or at least gathered love and waited to be found. The truth is, you didn’t want to be found, did you?” Chrysalis snorted, fairly angered about being lied to. Imago was silent for a moment, before breathing out.

“In truth, my queen, I don’t know.” He confessed with a shake of his head. He didn’t know? Chrysalis didn’t know what to think of this. Keeping silent, she motioned for him to continue. “The mare, the bearer of kindness, offered me such hospitality, she took me in, took care of me and asked nothing in return. I had never felt anything like that. I…admit to not gathering love, but I left as soon as I could. I was on my way to return to the badlands when the scouting party arrived.”

“I see…If that’s true…then you need to tell me now. And depending on what your answer is, I will decide your sentence.”

“I will answer to the best of my ability, your grace.” Imago responded, dipping his head again.

“Do you love her?”

Author's Note

I'm aware I ended it on a sudden note, and it's short, even for this story. I already have the next and last chapter(?) done, and waiting to be posted. I swear, this story will be finished within the week. I just want to leave you guys on a cliffhanger.
Ain't I a stinker? :trollestia:

Next chapter will be up soon, let me just wallow in your hate! XD

Edit: Added a small section to the Changeling whispers, detailing some more of the Changeling culture. I wasn't going to, since I'm deeming this story more or less non-canon of my future stories due to updates in my head-canon on how Changelings work (I.E. Changelings now can't shift if the exoskeleton is broken), but it's such a cool little detail.

Chapter 8

Fluttershy stood in her yard, absent mindedly feeding her birds. It wasn’t that she was unhappy to do so, quite the opposite, she loved feeding time! It gave her yet another excuse to interact with all her little friends! But today, her mind was elsewhere. Imago. The changeling commander had left two nights ago, leaving a deeply confused and worried mare behind. Fluttershy had to answer quite a few questions over the next day. Idly, her mind wandered back to that moment.

“Ok,” Twilight began, taking a breath. She had gathered her group of friends at her library, intending to, once and for all, settle everything that had happened with Fluttershy. “so let me see if I understand. After coming back from the wedding, you came home and found a changeling on the river. You gave him mouth to mouth” Rainbow Dash still gave a little shudder at the thought of her own mouth on a Changeling’s. “and saved his life, but his leg was broken. So, you took him in, and nursed his wound. When he woke up, not only did he NOT attack you, but he told you that Changelings actually eat love, instead of only using it for power. So, you gave him that little white kitten, Sapphire. Instead of hurting it, he seemed to just keep it around him, and feel better. But, after I came to visit, he decided to run away, and that’s when the changelings attack to get him back, is that right?” Twilight asked, cocking her head, as though unbelieving her own recollection of the past few days. Fluttershy nodded, looking away from her friends. She couldn’t help but feel like she’d betrayed them. It wouldn’t surprise her at all if they told her they never wanted to see her again.

“Well, I fail to see any problem in this.” Rarity spoke, a dainty smile on her lips. “After all, we’ve seen plenty of ponies who were such ghastly brutes, who’s to say that changelings can’t be kind hearted beings? At least a few of them.” Fluttershy’s ears perked in surprise. Her friends where…!?

“Yeah! And maybe they’re just grumpy because that mean ol’ Queen never lets them throw any parties! Or, Ooh! Maybe they’re actually all a race of ponies that once had butterfly wings, but some ancient curse turned them into love eaters! Or-“

“Or maybe they’re just ponies, just like us, that just happen to eat love. Fluttershy said that Chrysalis was a legend to them, and she did send Changelings out to find him. Maybe we’re just not seeing this from the right angle.” Twilight mused thoughtfully. Fluttershy couldn’t believe what she was hearing. Her friends…weren’t angry? In fact, they were starting to think that she could’ve been in the right?

“Yo-…You girls aren’t mad at me?” Fluttershy chanced, peeking out from behind her mane.

“Mad at you? Shoot, sugahcube, we couldn’t be mad at ya! You did what you thought was right!” Applejack assured, patting her shy friend’s shoulder.

“Yeah Flutters! Even if it was a bad idea!” Rainbow said happily. Seeing everypony glare at her, she hastily amended. “Which is wasn’t.”

The sound of aggravated chirping drew her back to the real life, Fluttershy quickly realizing she was overfeeding poor Mr. Flappers!

“Oh! I’m sorry Mr. Flappers, I was lost in thought.” Fluttershy said with a smile, cleaning up her mess. She blinked as she felt a presence against her leg. Looking down, she saw Sapphire, the kitten not her normal cheerful self, but simply staring up at Fluttershy, a confused, almost hurt look on her face. Fluttershy gave the kitty a scratch behind her ears, hoping to cheer the feline up. “Don’t worry Sapphire, he’ll be back. He promised, remember?” Fluttershy said, her voicing holding more confidence than she felt. Oh, she hoped he returned. And soon. Suddenly, Sapphire seemed to perk up, running away from Fluttershy and her house. Fluttershy blinked, her eyes following the small animal, until they were drawn to a figure in the distance. A flying, four-legged shape, but wings not really visible. It looked like a pegasus, but smaller. Could it be..?

The hearing room was abuzz…again. Only now, the changelings that crowded in the seats murmured of what they thought the Queen would say. The hearing had been just yesterday, a day given to Imago to fully recover, and allowed to feed, and the night taken for Queen Chrysalis to decide on what would be done to the disgraced commander. Now, once more, the Queen stood on an elevated platform, designed to ensure her eyes were above any in the room. And those eyes were cast down on the Changeling before her, once again, his eyes cast to the floor in reverence. Everything seemed to be a perfect match to the day before, everything except the weight on her mind. She knew what needed be done. With another stamp of her hoof, the room quieted.

“Imago, son of Tarsus, after a night of consideration, I have decided on what your punishment will be. After I tell you, the punishment will be put into effect immediately. Am I understood?”

“Of course, my Queen.”

“For the crimes of placing yourself before the Swarm, and desertion of the Swarm’s military, I have decided that you will be exiled, cast out from the Hive.” The room roared to life suddenly. Many voices rose in defense of the commander, while just as many agreed with the punishment, arguing with their swarm-mates. With a stamp of her hoof, and a shout demanding silence, the excitement died down. “However, in light of your crimes, I feel I will amend my normal laws. You will carry your armor with you, a reminder of your failure and betrayal. In addition, I will not strike you from our records. Your heroism and service to the swarm will stand as a reminder of how far you fell. To show future generations that even the greatest of the Swarm can still fail and become a traitor. Perhaps this will frighten them into following our laws.” Chrysalis snorted. Imago’s eyes shot up to Chrysalis, shock and confusion registering in his bio-luminescent orbs. He was to be banished, but not stricken from the records? Such a thing was unheard of! Chrysalis raised her nose, glaring down at Imago.
“Is there a reason you’re looking at me, traitor?” She snapped, causing the Changeling to snap his eyes back to the ground.
“N-No, Your Excellency. I-“

“Good.” She interrupted, turning her back, beginning to leave. “Now get out of my hive.” The order was crisp, cold. A show that she was through dealing with him.

As Imago made his way to the front exit of the Swarm, his walk from his home to the exit of the Swarm met with consolations and friendly words, as well as vitriol and hate, he was stopped suddenly by a voice he hadn't expected to hear.

“You understand what has been done, don’t you?” Chrysalis spoke coolly, her words measured and calm, as they seemed to always be. Imago snapped his posture upright, spinning and bowing to the Queen out of instinct. “Enough of that, Imago, you are no longer one of the swarm, remember?” The changeling Queen made her way to the disgraced commander, placing a single hoof under his chin, and bringing it up to look at her. “Now then, answer me. Do you understand what was done?”

“I…can’t say I do, your highness. You banished me, and yet, I am keeping my armor, my rank. I’m confused…” Imago shook his head, as though the movement would make the answer clear. Chrysalis released his chin, turning and taking a few steps away.
“Your crimes were not done out of selfishness, nor out of hate. You acted on your heart.” She spoke slowly, as though choosing her words carefully. “You don’t deserve hate for what you’ve done, nor do you deserve to be cast out.” She said.

“So, then why exile me?” Imago asked confused. Chrysalis gave a small chuckle, beginning to walk away.

“Imago!” Fluttershy shouted, as she returned the Changelings tight hug. She was so happy to see him, her worry easily transferring into relieved joy. “I was so worried! What happened!? What kept you? Are you ok!?” The mare quickly went to her default state, that of a loving, caring pony as she examined her changeling, trying to find if there were any wounds or injuries. She did notice that the crack on his leg had now fully healed, no doubt from the food he had surely received. Imago laughed, gently pushing her back.

“I’m fine Fluttershy. And…You wouldn’t believe me if I told you.”

“A-…Are you back…for good?” Fluttershy asked slowly, hopefully. She didn’t understand why she wanted for him to never leave again so badly, but she knew she didn’t. She knew she wanted him near her. Wanted to see him smile. And she got her wish as Imago nodded, a smile gracing his lips.

“Yes, Fluttershy. I’m here for good.” Joy welled up once more in Fluttershy’s chest, her heart warming to the point of a pleasant glow.
“

Oh, that’s…good.” She said, her voice wavering, tears of joy threatening to spill over. “That’s...very good.” She said with a nod, turning to hide her face from her dear friend. “C’mon, Imago, if you’re going to be staying here, we might as well get you a room set up.”

“Yeah, why not?” Imago said, his mind drifting back to the last words Chrysalis had spoken to him.

“Who am I to stop love?”

Author's Note

Finally! This is over! I'm sorry this has taken so long, but I am so happy to have this story wrap up. It's been a trip, and I'm truly thankful of everyone who's followed me to the end. Hopefully my other stories won't take this long to be done. ><
I don't intend to have this story in my head-canon, as I said last chapter, (if you didn't see, please check the small edit I made in the last chapter.) but I couldn't bear having this story just hanging in limbo.
Also, huzzah! The first story I've ever seen to the end!

Optional Chapter 1

Imago moved slowly, the lack of love in his body causing him to feel sluggish and irritable. Fluttershy had tried her best, feeding him everything she could offer. To the pony's eternal credit, she had even tried giving him fish, though the very idea of a pony-like creature eating meat had obviously horrified her. He yawned, his body craving sleep as a way of conserving what little energy he had left. Fluttershy had left, likely for some errands or groceries, and Imago had determined this to be a fantastic time to take a nap without worrying the pony. For all her kindness and caring, she seemed very high-strung, bordering on paranoid. Finding a nice corner of the house and taking a simple blanket, he wrapped himself in the warm cloth and allowed his body and mind to drift off.

His restful respite hadn't lasted long before he'd felt a soft, continuous thumping on his head. Opening a single eye, he faced Angel Bunny, the constant, fluffy pain in his hide. Angel had not appreciated how much attention the changeling had been getting, nor how Imago had seemingly "taken over" the house.

"What?" Imago asked, knowing he wouldn't get a word back. "Am I in your corner?" His stomach growled, reminding him even more of his foul mood. Angel was holding his basket. He pulled it up, jabbing at the corner where Imago slept. "Too bad. You can move your basket. I'm really not feeling up to moving." The commander said simply as he turned his head from the bunny. More thumps assailed his neck, no harm coming to his tough exoskeleton. Suddenly, Angel clutched the blanket Imago had been curled in and yanked it out from under the changeling, flipping the male on his back. As he tossed the cloth aside, his face showed a smirk that he was fully aware of. Imago snorted. "Ha, think I've become so soft I can't handle sleeping cold? Sorry to say, little bunny, but I'm not moving." As he stretched and moved into a more comfortable position, he felt a sudden pain flaring up his foreleg. When his howl of pain subsided, he found the cause of it. Angel smirked again, having obviously done the damage. Before Imago could stop himself, he lunged, baring his fangs and hissing loudly. The other animals didn't appreciate that, panicking at the sudden predatory hiss. Angel stepped back, but only a little. The rabbit then lunged, desperate to keep his place as king of the roost.

Hours later, the door opened. Fluttershy gasped, seeing the house in shambles, animals everywhere flying free, and her furniture scattered. In the middle of the carnage lay Imago and Angel, the former's bandage bloodied from being reopened.

"Oh my, what happened!?" She gaped, looking at the carnage. Angel suddenly looked very worried. Surely even Fluttershy would get angry abo-

"I'm sorry. I...went to pet the animals, and...well...things got out of control." The changeling spoke slowly. Angel, mouth agape, stared at Imago.

"Oh, I see. Well, that's unlike them. Just wait here, I'll get the bandages." As she headed out of the room, Imago turned his head to the bunny, grinning. He mouthed three words, and limped off after the pony.

'I own you.'