Ocellus sighed heavily as she sat down in front of her desk. Her room was dark the only light was coming from the lamp on the desk. She rested her head on her hooves and sat in silence; before she hid her face behind them. Only to have a fragile whimper escape from her. It wasn't long till a stream of tears began to flow out from under her. Like a river it moved to the edge of the desk and fell. Before landing on the floor below. Most of the students knew her as the shy yet friendly changeling. But, little did they know of the pain she hid. None of them knew she was suffering. What was wrong with her? She wasn't mistreated or bullied in the school. She was never taunted or exiled by her peers. She was even nominated for top of the class. So, why was she in emotional pain. The answer was not one would expect. She was sad because of what she was. She was a changeling a creature that although had changed. She could still feel the temptation to feed. Many times she caught herself about to hiss; how she almost barred her fangs like a snake. The love she felt made her body and tingle and ache. While her stomach would growl for the food it craved. It was driving her to the point of insanity. Sometimes at night when she was asleep. Her dreams would be filled with her feeding off those she had come to care for. Only for her to wake up not only in a cold sweat. But, sometimes her mouth would be inches away from one of her friends maws.

The first time it happened she didn't talk to her friends for about a week. For a changeling there where many ways to feed off love. The most typical was through social contact; simple hellos, high fives, even friendly hugs would satisfy their appetites. Others found it more filling through sexual intercourse. It was both a way to gain the nessecary love for survival. But, also a way to increase the size of the hive. The third was like a vampire from a horror novel she had read. That's why they had such sharp fangs. But, the fourth way was the most effective and most lethal way. The changeling's kiss. The reason why their species had such long tongues was not mainly for intimidation. When a changeling would kiss their victim; their saliva would immediately paralyze the victim. Allowing them to do whatever they wanted to do with their prey. If they wanted to initiate the act of intercourse they could. Take their prey alive back to the hive they could. But, the changelings kiss was the most lethal way for them to extract love. They would kiss their target, paralyze them and then their tongue would slither down their throat until it reached the area close to the heart. From there their tongues would borrow through all the way to the heart. And, then they would suck the love out of their victim. While their toxin would keep their bodies paralyzed indefinitely.

She drew in a quivering breath as she sat up in her chair; she used her magic to levitate a tissue up to her face. Allowing her to dry her face of the tears she had cried. Her eyes were slightly swollen from the crying she had been doing. Her expression was that of much sadness. She then threw the tissue into a nearby trash bin. Before using her magic to bring out her diary along with a quill and some ink. She opened her diary to a blank page and began writing. After awhile she eventually put away her quill and ink. Only to tear the page out of her diary, fold it, and leave it on her desk before she walked out of her room.

Smolder walked down the long hallway back to her room. Today was a rather eventful day at the school. Head-mare Starlight had called an assembly, coach Rainbow made them all run an obstacle course, professor Applejack taught them when to plant and when to harvest. She wondered if the dragons could potentially grow crops out in their lands. Yes, some of their lands was mostly brimstone and wastelands. But, there were some areas that was open grasslands and forests. As she walked she eventually passed the door to Ocellus's room. She stopped mid-stride when she noticed the door was slightly open.

She gently walked up to the door and pushed it open. She called out, “Ocellus,” She pushed the door further and walked into the room calling out again, “Ocellus, are you in here?” She then noticed the folded note on the desk.

She walked up and picked up the paper; unfolding it and reading the words written onto the paper. Her expression turned from that of curious to that of complete horror. She quickly turned and exited the room. She unfolded her wings and took flight down the hall; she had to find the others now. Before Ocellus did something she was going to regret. Thankfully she didn't have to search for long. She found them in the library doing some last minute studying.

Smolder shouted, “Guys!” she earned herself a few harsh shushes. She brushed it off as she ran towards her friends.

Sandbar greeted her, “Smolder whats?”

She interrupted him by slamming down the note she found. Each of them looked at her in confusion. They heard her speak, “I found this in Ocellus's room.”

Gallus raised an eyebrow before asking, “What's so important about?”

Smolder interrupted him, “It's what she wrote,” She opened the note and read its' words, “My name is Ocellus; I'm a student at the school of friendship. My time at this school was short. But, it has been the greatest time of my short life. Lately, I have been having very bad dreams. Dreams, that I fear may become true. I've had dreams of feeding off my friends love. Dreams of using the changelings kiss. I wouldn't be able to live with myself if I did that to any of my friends. I can't, I won't allow this monster inside of me feed off any of my friends. So, right now to all of you this is goodbye. Sandbar, you were the first earth pony to make me feel welcomed in Ponyville. I remember how you helped us all hideout in the castle; how you brought us the pillows and food. I am grateful and thankful for a friend like you. I hope you never forget me my friend. Gallus, at first I thought you were like other gryphons. You acted like you didn't care for about anybody or anything. But, as I have come to know you; I learned you're a very kind and caring soul. I may not know what it's like to not have a family. But, I hope you've consider me as a sister. Yona, you were always straight and to the point and I bet yaks are best at that too. But, you are best at being one thing no other yaks can be. You are best at being my friend. Silverstream, you scared me when I first met you. But, as I got to know you; I learned that like me you were curious about many things. I learned how to always find some wonder in the world. How to always expect something new with every passing day. Smolder, smolder, you are more than a dragoness to me. I...i love you more than any changeling could love a dragoness like you. You made me feel loved. But, I was a coward. I couldn't tell you how I felt towards you. And, I guess it's better if it stays this way. The longer I'm around all of you; the more danger I put each of you in. Again, I would not be able to live if I hurt any of you or worse. So, I'm going to make sure this monster doesn't hurt any of you. Goodbye my friends, I love you all.

When Smolder finished readying none of them had a dry eye on their faces. They each looked at one another and nodded. Before they got up and left the library; they had to find Ocellus now. Before she did something that she was never going to be able to take back.

Ocellus was currently walked through Ponyville's park; a nice and quiet place. Especially at night when the moon was high, the air was cool, and some of the fireflies were out. But, for the young changeling the walk was anything but pleasant. He mind was filled with many sad thoughts and nothing was able to help her. She began to slowly walk over one of the small bridges. She stopped halfway and looked over the side and down into the water. She watched as her reflection stared up at her. But, she did not see herself.

(Looking in the mirror what do you see.)

a single tear fell from her eyes and into the small stream bellow.

(For some they see a friend, my family see me.)

she sighed heavily thinking of all the wonderful times she had.

(But the reflection I see is a monster so ugly.)

She shut her eyes for a moment and then opened them again; she looked down at her image again and saw the evil changeling that she was.

(On the inside I can feel it moving; on the inside I can hear it talking, there's a monster alive inside of me)

She remembered all the nightmare that she had. All the times she woke up close to her friends. All the ties she almost fed off their love.

(the queen is gone but she lives in me. I see her in my reflection; my dreams, I can hear her voice in my head.)

Tears fell from her eyes as she moved along the path.

(It makes me cry every time I hear the words that she's said.)

She shook her head as she heard the monsters words echoing in her mind.

(They are not my food source; they are my friends and family and I love them all dearly.)

She continued walking further into the park; hoping she would somehow disappear into the dark.

(All the monster sees are meals; meals that are easy to devour. There's only one way to stop this monster in me.)

As she walked deeper into the park she came to rest at the fountain in the center.

(it's the only way to keep those I love safe. I know I may not be that brave. But, the only way to stop this monster is with my last breath.)

She looked down at the water below all she had to do was change into a rock. And, the monster would be gone.

(I'm sorry my friends but you will be safe after my death.)

She gasped loudly as she was suddenly grabbed and pulled into a caring hug. She almost screamed until she realized who had grabbed her. It was Smolder and the others. Each of them were holding her tightly as she tried to figure out what was going on. That was when she saw in Smolders hold; the poem she had left on her desk. She was about to say something but she was cut off by Gallus.

(What is a family?)

She grew curious until he continued.

(I don't know cause I have no mommy and daddy.)

Ocellus remember the story he told all of them on hearths warming.

(But every since I came to school; I've felt what its like to love and be loved by others.)

Ocellus felt his hold on her become a little tighter.

(Sandbar is like my brother. Smolder, Yona, Silverstream, and you Ocellus are like my sisters.)

She could feel his tears on her shoulder.

(None of you are gryphons like me. But, I love you all like a family.)

Ocellus was shocked to hear that from him. She then heard sandbar.

(In the cave below the school; the tree said I had to abandon all of you.)

She could feel him gently nuzzle her.

(That is something I am never going to do.)

she knew how she was tested beneath the school. He never told them how he was.

(I may be picked on and teased for being call your friend.)

Sandbar was being teased? By who?

(I don't care what they say. But, like my family I'm with all of you till the end.)

His hug was gentle but still held some pressure; almost like she was about to disappear.

(For many years I lived underneath the sea.)

Now Silverstream was starting to join in. She gently nuzzled her friend. Tears still falling from her eyes.

(But, up above on land I've seen so many beautiful things. And you are a gem with wings.)

Silverstream may not have been good at rhyming but, she tried her best with this.

(Yak, may not be good at singing.)

Yona was doing her best to keep the tone.

(But, Yona will do her best at rhyming.)

She then hugged her friend tighter.

(I may be too clumsy sometimes. But, Ocellus I want you around all the time.)

Ocellus was about to speak; but now it was a certain dragons' turn.

(For dragons we are not know for showing our emotions.)

She was then forced to look at Smolder.

(But, now I know its time for me to take action.)

Smolder pulled her in close for a loving hug.

(Ocellus, you are more than a friend to me.)

She pulled her head back and looked her in the eyes.

(I love you too. You are the definition of beauty.)

She then kissed the changeling and Ocellus's eyes went wide while her whole body went stiff. Until she relaxed and hugged the dragoness. When they broke the kiss; Ocellus had started to cry. All of her friend were there for her. They were there for her while she thought she had to leave all of them for good. She had almost hurt all of them in a way she could never had imagined.

She took in a quivering breath before she started to apologize, “I'm sorry,” she sobbed a little between her words, “I'm so sorry.” He voice was soft and gentle one could say it was almost fragile.

The each reassured her that she had nothing to be sorry about. They had already forgiven her and they were there for her. After a little while they lead her back to the school. Ocellus and Smolder headed towards her room. While the other left for their rooms; only to come back minutes later with pillows and blankets. Together they each made a large makeshift bed and one by one each of them layed down around Ocellus. Smolder was snuggled against her; while Yona and Sandbar acted as their pillows. Gallus and Silverstream did their best to cover everyone with their wings. Ocellus could fill the love from each of them. It caused her to gently cry; while Smolder gently wiped away her tears.

Ocellus spoke softly, “I love you all.”

They all replied, “We love you too.”

Author's Note

To be clear I was dared to write this. that's all.