A Series of Letters

Chapters

1-5-11

To, my wife, Crystal Gem;

Hey, it’s Corn Husk here. Just wondering how you’re doing at home. I’ve been sanctioned here in the Changeling Lands as an infiltrator. It’s so cool actually being able to infiltrate the infiltrators. I know you work education, so you weren’t really going to be able to do that.

Anyways, I know you probably teach about the old Changeling invasions, but they haven’t gotten better. The Changelings are just as aggressive as they were so long ago. It’s quite disconcerting, really.

I trust you’re doing well, and I sure hope you haven’t been any affairs, because, you know, that isn’t what ponies should do. I’ve been here for a while, and I miss you every day.

Up in my lonely room
When I’m dreaming of you...

Of course, still like music. More than ever in fact, it’s helping me get by in these trying times. I want the changelings to go just as much as you, probably. I just wish I could be there with you.

Well, this letter has nary a structure. I wouldn’t write a letter like this to my general, so I don’t know why I lose all structure when it comes to you.

I should probably talk about what I’ve been doing.

Of course, I’ve been sanctioned to take care of some known Changeling infiltrators, but we can never be too sure who’s a Changeling. Heck, it could be one of us even! Despite that, we’e taking all precautionary measures to make sure we don’t pull a ‘Neighlem Witch Trials’ and execute literally anyone who acts strange. We might get rid of some of our best Corporals that way. You can never be too careful.

Generals yelled at me again. I got the nickname Boot Camp for a reason. Not only because I excelled there, but because generals like to use me as their stomping grounds. My fellow soldiers had a good laugh about that nickname. They’ve called me it since. It kind of has a ring to it. Of course, I’ll always be Corn Husk to you, Chrissy.

Yikes, you share the same name as the Changeling queen. Never mind, I’m sure you’re nothing like her.

Regardless, the generals yelled at me again recently. They always get on my case. Of course, I’m one of their best soldiers. They believe in me like some parents believe in a straight A kid. They may get straight A’s, but’s that’s usual. One B, and their parents get all over their case. I’m sure you’ve had plenty of experience with that, being a teacher and all.

They wanted me to plot the most efficient route through the Changeling Lands. Apparently I was a centimeter off. Brutal, but it’s how the military works, I’m sure you’re aware. I remember one time, the generals forced me to bunk for another additional day at the barracks because my snazzy hat was facing the wrong way. Military life, it’s quite hilarious. Hey, that’s part of the reason I even stayed in this job! I’m sure you know all that, but it’s always fun.

The MREs haven’t gotten better with time. In fact, I think because we’re so close to enemy territory, we’re down to the bad stuff. I’ve begged my generals to get more food. They usually make me run a few laps and don’t move a single muscle on their body. Stiff as a stone.

It’s always been hard. That’s one reason why I really just want to see you again. I love being in the military, making a difference, infiltrating the infiltrators. However, it doesn’t hold a candle, not even those awful scented linen ones, to being with the one I love at least a couple days of the week.

I’ve talked more than enough about myself. That’s kind of what letters are for, but this type of one-sided conversation usually leads to dead correspondence. Like seriously, I did this with a telegraph wire and the conversation died before it even reached the destination. Like seriously, I think the Morse code morphed into one giant line with how quickly it died.

Again, talking copious amounts about myself. Excuse me.

Because I want to keep these letters’ correspondence open. I’m going to ask you some things, Chrissy.

Like, how’re the children? Are they doing well, doing their homework, and even just doing anything at all? I really want to know.

How’s the job been going? Still like teaching? Is it hard to make ends meet?

How’s your health? Seems like a silly question, but I’m about to go headfirst into a Changeling base, so it’d be quite a breather to know there aren’t two things to worry about.

Also, how’s it just been going in general? We sometimes have those days that are a little awful, and you should give me the bad along with the good. I won’t pass up a chance to comfort you.

Anyways, those questions should help keep an open correspondence. I encourage you to ask me the same things. Not just because I like talking about myself (if it wasn’t evident by the stuff earlier), but because I want to keep you informed. Although, I can’t keep you informed if the infiltration goes to pot, I’ll be dead. If you don’t get a letter from me for five days, just assume the worst. It’ll suck, but I trust you know what to do.

Let’s not focus on that though, let’s focus on the now. Right now, I’m doing pretty well. I can’t wait to see you again. I trust you believe the same. What I do is dangerous, but I’ll live, if only for you.

I really want you to get back to me, so please send another letter quickly, so I don’t assume the worst as well. I trust you’ll hold me to that. With all that said, my wings are getting tired. Write you back, hopefully.

With all my love and affection;

Corny.

PS:

Know any good places near the Changeling Lands to sneak food from? I’m dying for some really good meals right now. If you know, please do tell me.

Author's Note

Dashite has decided to release another story he’ll never finish. Except, that shouldn’t happen with this one. It’s a part of the Quarantine Writing Contest, so expect 1k less-than-quality words (perhaps) a day.

I know, the most exciting story in the world, it’s literally called A Series of Letters. Hold your applause. I actually have some good ideas for this one. Trust me, I know it seems so rare that I plan out a story, and I haven’t! But I have ideas, and that’s what matters.

Influences:

Your guesses are as good as mine, “learn as you read” stories are probably the biggest ones. Otherwise, I haven’t necessarily seen this format done before and I rolled with it.

6-5-11

Dear, my husband, Corn Husk;

Nice to hear you’re still alive and kicking. Also, I didn’t know you thought so much good about me. Love you, too, honey <3.

Since I’m getting this letter a few days late due to mail delay, I’ll hope you made it in and out of that infiltration job. The Changelings are no joke, and you are right in that I teach things about Changeling s and what happened in Canterlot. The Elements are already stuff of history you could say. It’s quite amazing that they happened to be in the right place, at the right time, and that none of them were Changelings themselves, thank Celestia.

I’m more surprised the Changelings haven’t gone for outright retaliation until now. The Canterlot invasion was a while back, and it’s taken them this long to pose a threat. Despite this, we’re still a superpower, but that doesn’t mean we never lose troops. I appreciate how much you risk yourself, Corny, considering how dangerous war has historically been.

Those questions you posed, I suppose I could answer them.

Corny, I know you like talking about yourself, and I love you for it, but I’m more happy with settling for less. That’s what you’ll get.

As for the children, they’re doing great. I think they have a favorite teacher at school, but I try not to treat them any differently from my normal students. Both Jumping Jack and Shine Sparkle are doing great, I’ve tried to help them at any opportunity.

You’d be bemused to know that Jack is actually really into technology and books, and Sparky is the one we should register for the military, she’s always been that way, but it’s showing very much about now. I’m sure they were supposed to be a little different when they were both named. Another thing I really want to mention, Jack’s growing up so fast. It just seemed like yesterday when he was still learning to talk, now he’s gotten a girlfriend. So has Sparky, exact same deal. I do mean, exact, it’s pretty funny actually. She’s always acted so tough, I think it’s always been because she’s interested in girls. She’d probably refute that statement though, some stuff about how I’d never understand even though I don’t complain about it.

Children, they’re such a handful, but we love them. Right Corny? Please don’t disagree, that would look very bad.

Life’s been alright, I await you coming home every day. I’ve been holding it together, they’ve been sending your salary in the mail. I suppose that’s pretty foresightful on their part, I mean, if you’e sanctioned somewhere in Zebrica, they have to have some means of communication, you won’t get home overnight. Not that we’ve had much conflict with Zebrica, except a minor little bit around Saddle Arabia, but that’s historically been a ticking time bomb. Different religions, interreligious quarrels, and overall just an air of hostility when the Royal Guard is there. Thankfully, that’s been taken care of as well.

It’s easy to mistake life as being in a perfect little world, sometimes I wonder if that’s what outsiders think of Equestria. Equestria has its own problems, an undertrained military (which I know you are not part of, the untrained bit I mean), some minor quarrels about which sister should be the leader, and just being the good guys. It’s not perfect, but I think it’s certainly better, and I hope you do, too.

Where was I?

Easy to go on historical rants. Maybe current-history rants, but whatever.

Just like you sharing entertaining stories I love no matter how many times I’ve heard, you’re probably very familiar with my historical rants.

As for health, the kids are fine. That much is true, the kids are even probably doing better than me in fact. At least both sides of their family don’t have really bad genetics. Unfortunately, that seems to be more or less that case here. I’m healthy thus far, but my family is awful with hereditary diseases. The last thing I want is to die of some aggressive brain tumor before I can see you again. It’d be even worse because the generals would probably never let you leave your post, you are one of their excelling soldiers after all. I think half the family has died from some type of brain cancer, and well, that’d really suck, to put it very lightly.

My mother constantly says she’s paranoid, I never blame her, I’m half her age and I’m paranoid.

I’m sure you know that one, but the lyrics never fit, as they never do. I never know why you have so many lyrics in your letters. Like, every single one I get has some lyrics embedded in there. It’s cute, but also very odd.

Besides that however, the doctors say I should keep a lookout. They haven’t detected any severe growths yet, but that might be chalked up to the old technology, so I’m taking every precaution I can. Jack seems to not trust the X-rays, so if he doesn’t, I should be wary.

That’s one of the things I’ve really always wondered. Since the Shadow Incident, we’ve had some incredible minds of ancient times helping us, especially Star Swirl. They’ve done some pretty impressive things with technology, including the telegraph, which you’ve mentioned. It’s quite embarrassing that they haven’t figured out a way to improve normal hospital equipment.

So yeah, I’m good, but keep an eye out, who knows what could possibly go wrong.

So, Corny, since I’ve about run out of things to say, I’d just like to scold you nicely to please make it home in one piece. One’s given us all nightmares about that, even Sparky, fearless as she is. But yeah, my wings are getting tired as well, I relay your questions back to you (you should remember what you wrote), and I look forwards to seeing you again.

With all love and affection; Chrissy.

PS:

Yeah, try the Sunbucks down in Vanhoover. There might also be a Hayburger there as well. I’ve heard they have great sandwiches.

Author's Note

Here’s my second batch of 1k less-than-quality words. On the plus side, I truly know of no other story that usually takes these ideas and runs with them. The final chapter has slotted into place, as have the few before that, so let’s hope it stays that way.

All these chapters are titled with dates by the way, it’s [DD]-[MM]-[YY] because I didn’t want my filthy Americanisms to leave the rest of the world confused.

Does it count as a romance if the romance has already developed? :thonk:

11-5-11

To, my wife, Crystal Gem

I’m so happy to hear you’re doing well. Yeah, I always suspected Sparky would be the militaristic one, but it’s always pretty funny. The girlfriend thing is new though, can’t wait to see them.

The Changeling infiltration could’ve gone better, we got caught. So naturally, we ran like Tartarus until we lost the Changelings. It was very entertaining, but the generals chewed us out a good deal about that one. They made us run laps, as per usual. Luckily, that is the least painful form of military punishment, as it’s generally over quickly, and we could be forced to do other things, like climb up a tower a couple times.

Chrissy, in case you haven’t gathered, I don’t like heights. Never have, never will. They freak me out, especially when I don’t have any harness or anything of the sort.

Naturally, the military doesn’t provide harnesses. It isn’t that high, but it’s enough.

But of course, you know...

What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger
Stand a little taller

(After your comment about song lyrics, I’m absolutely including more.

So anyways, before the Changelings caught us red-handed, it was a blast. The hives are ever-changing, I don’t know what voodoo causes that, but it’s very cool. There might be Changeling wizards or whatnot. In that case, Chrissy, please get every book about Changelings you can find in the library, I’ll read them all through when I get back. Changelings are very cool.

Oh, I think I found out where Jack got his passion for things from. Well, and your passion for history, so I’m more surprised Sparky doesn’t have that trait.

So, the hives are ever changing, right? Well, we had to follow the line of best fit to see which hole would lead to Queen Chrysalis’ throne most efficiently. We had to do some architectural problem solving using what we knew. It was very fun.

As for dodging the Changelings, I suggested we all paint ourselves black, but the other lieutenants looked at me like I grew another head. Then they went right back to hatching a plan to get through. Well, you win some, you lose some.

The other lieutenants eventually settled on us to all move as a unit and hide in the shadows. Ol’ yellow-pelted me couldn’t exactly use that to my advantage. Somehow, we made it at least halfway through. Dodging Changelings was a chore, I had to hide behind the black-pelted ones. As did everypony with a highly visible color. It was almost like an Umakyo underground back there. We dodged and weaved our whole way through. Except, once we got to the elite guard squads, they very clearly noticed us.

Refer back to the first paragraph to see how that ended.

The generals scolded me and the crew very sternly and said something about how it was an easy task and us worms somehow failed it. It wasn’t exactly easy, but you should argue with generals.

So then, we ran several times around the camp.

Regardless, we’re setting up a better-planned infiltration to happen pretty soon. Let’s hope we’re successful and get some pretty cool information about Changelings and their queen. Notably, we will be taking note of that elite guard squadron.

So, it’s been pretty fun. Not as fun as playing catch with Sparky back home, though. While military’s great, sometimes you don’t want to be in the military 24/7. So, like I think literally everyone else, I’m really looking forward to getting home.

Perhaps we can have even more fun, Chrissy. (With that, don’t let the kids find out about this letter.)

So, about the questions, I can’t answer about the kids. I mean, you’re the one staying home with them, Chrissy. I’m the one sanctioned a hundred miles away in the Changeling Kingdom.

I can answer about the other two. I mean, my life is going well, can’t exactly say anything different from what you said. I mean, I’m having fun, and Changelings are really freaking interesting. Much more interesting than I’d expect, I can imagine how awesome it would’ve been to see the Changelings actually willingly become neutral or at the very least nice. Then, we could talk to them about exactly how a bug-pony’s built. How can they change? Can they do magic?

I’m sorry, it’s just that I’m very much enjoying this sanction. If only because of the Changelings. Of course, it’s not as good as being at home with you (please take up my request for fun). As I said before, it’s fine being in the military, but I’d rather be playing catch with Sparky and talking about my interests with Jack. It’s a tough job, and it does sometimes get tiring.

As for health, I mean, the Changelings didn’t do a thing. Unless, of course, they line their hives with asbestos, which is a silly thought to imagine.

Chrissy, I’m sure you’ll be fine. Your mother’s still alive, isn’t she? If she’s still alive, you can probably still live, too. If anything, I’m going to be the one that dies far from home. But please, if I do, come visit my grave, alright? I don’t want to be forgotten like some people are.

Before I close this letter I have an anecdote that I know you haven’t heard, because you weren’t here for it. In fact, it happened today. That’s why I’m mentioning it here.

So, I with with some of my squadron. We were eating our MREs for lunch. So then, one of them says that they are tired of this MRE stuff. So, I told them about what you wrote down about the Hayburger and Sunbucks. I get your letters in the morning, write up mine in the evening.

Well, one of them asked if I was in love with the Changeling queen, the others understood me though.

They offered to take me there, as if I couldn’t fly there myself. I may have injured my wings once or twice, but I can still fly. Anyways, I said no, couldn’t have too many ponies leaving at once. One may not be noticeable, but multiple is very much noticeable.

Anyways...

With all love and affection; Corny

PS:
In case it wasn’t obvious, I’m on my way to try and get to that Sunbucks and Hayburger.

Author's Note

God, I’m so excited for this story. These words are slightly lower-quality than the other ones, but 1k word letters aren’t easy to write.

Anyways, I’m trying to reveal more about these characters as they go along, so see if you can figure out what I’m doing.

16-5-11

To my husband, Corn Husk;

I’m not sure if you’re interested in Changelings, could you run that by me again?

Glad to hear you’re having fun, don’t have too much fun though, I don’t want you to forget about us down here! At this rate, you might not ever be coming home, just hanging out up in the Changeling Kingdom without giving a thought to your wife and children.

Regardless, it’s always nice to have fun on your job. I have fun as a teacher, too. Celestia knows I have to because of the outstanding pay I get. Thank goodness the year’s almost over.

Referring back to your Changeling ideas. Historically, there hasn’t really been much research done, and most ponies who are brave enough to approach the badlands never come back. I always wonder where Chrysalis keeps all her victims. Does she catch them in a web? Stockpile them somewhere? Burn the bodies? Don’t know how’d she burn them considering Changelings are technologically inferior to us. They might have lighters, but I’ve never read about Changelings committing arson. Mainly, they just live off of the scraps of love everypony else throws at them. There’s not even any information concerning whether Changelings are vicious by nature, or if growing up with ponies, they generally shed their Changeling forms entirely. Like you said, they might even be among us, but committing no harm.

Unfortunately, further study on Changelings probably won’t be possible. I mean, we’ve had a couple of newsworthy reformations in the past few years, notably antagonists like Discord and Starlight Glimmer.

Regardless, your admiration for Changelings is really cute. I’ll take a trip down to Golden Oaks Library (in name only, sadly) and see if Sir Spike and Princess Twilight have anything for us. I’ll try to study over the books with Jack, again, if we can find any.

So, I see you’re still putting song lyrics in your letters, and you’re going to keep doing that. Unless that song is something like P.S. I Love You, I’m going to grow very annoyed. You’re impossible to outright hate though, Corny.

About your idea of fun, yeah, I’ll take you up on it. When you get back, if I’m still here, promise.

...

The kids walked in and accidentally read that, Jack backed away slowly. Sparky was unfazed, which concerns me. You didn’t teach that girl any terrible things did you? Well, I’m sure they would’ve found out on their own, if we didn’t say anything.

...

Sparky has said “Tough girls aren’t afraid of anything,” Celestia help that girl. Please keep her away from unsupervised BASE jumping.

Anyways, yeah, the kids are doing great. Can’t say anything I haven’t said, but they aren’t sad. In fact, they seem quite happy, maybe I should ask them how they feel. I’m sure they all feel the way I do, which I’m sure you’re well-aware at this point.

The job’s doing well. Got your paycheck in the mail the other day, enclosed a few dollars in this letter if you want to go to those restaurants again. I also sure hope you had money, because I neglected to send any.

But seriously Corny? Your flippant disregard for any hereditary health problems I may have or have in the future makes me a little mad. It’s hard to stay angry at you, but let this be a warning. Please pay more attention to my health in the future, or there will be words. There will be several words when you get back. This is a real thing, and yes, my mother is still alive, but that’s because she takes every precaution. I don’t. She’s also constantly paranoid that she might get a brain tumor at any second, because those things develop remarkably quickly.

Despite all this, I haven’t taken the time to research any symptoms. I mean, I’ll be doing Changelings first, but the symptoms will probably be afterwards. I’m sure I’ll live long enough to do that, Corn Husk.

I still very much enjoy teaching. The finals are in a couple weeks for the history classes at the high school. I try to make them doable, but they aren’t easy. I’ve encouraged many students, Jack and Sparky included, to study. I know Jack does, Sparky might. I’ve never seen Sparky study, but I’ll trust she does.

When you left for a sanction, you neglected to mention how much of a hoofull Sparky is. That’s one child that can be tiring. More bark than bite, but she bites like a hydra. At least she still loves us deep in her heart. She’d fit right into the military, let me tell you.

As mentioned, I’ll be working with Jack on Changelings, and get back to you there.

Also, dear Celestia, Corny. You call me Chrissy in public. At least I have the tendency to call you Boot Camp when mentioning you to my friends. But seriously, just call me Crystal or offhandedly mention your wife. My parents weren’t exactly the most creative at naming a Crystal Pony.

Also, if you do call me Chrissy in public regardless of what I say, at least mention that to your squadron (you seem to, but that one guy...). Especially if you mention the children. I do not want ponies thinking you had sexual relations with a bug.

A more important note, why the heck do people call our Changeling Kingdom’s ruler by a nickname? Does she hate it or something? Please get back to me.

Anyways, as per the course. Hope that other Changeling infiltration went well, but the comical image I got in my mind of your fellow Royal Guards hiding behind two large back ones is too good to pass up.

Same questions, and please do tell me about the recent infiltration. Also, don’t act too happy, I want to at least have confidence that you aren’t having more fun there than you do at home.

With all love and affection;

Chrissy

PS:

Please see the enclosed money, hope you enjoyed that Sunbucks and Hayburger.

Author's Note

Timeline info:

This takes place in an AU where non-infiltrator Changelings live with Ponies to get away from the hive. In addition, Thorax was exiled and has never been seen. Therefore ‘To Where and Back Again’ didn’t happen, the rest of the seasons did, though.

Got the story planned out. Let’s hope it continues on an upward tick.

21-5-11

To, my wife, Crystal Gem.

That Changeling thing is absolutely awesome. I’m flattered that you’d research an enemy entity just for me. But seriously, Changelings are very interesting. I don’t even need to see their queen to understand that.

Speaking of which, got the money. I had some, but it was a nice gesture anyways. I had very little, so if i want to go to that Hayburger again, I will be using the money you’ve sent me.

So, we’ve executed our second Changeling raid! It was much more successful this time. Our architectural structure guys carefully examined the hive layout, and drew up a line of best fit. Finally, our crew decided to paint ourselves in black, or rather, magic invisibility cloaks courtesy of some very tired unicorns in the tent next to me.

Come to think of it, why didn’t we use invisibility cloaks in the first place. I mean, the unicorns were absolutely spent, probably have some hefty magical burnout, but it did work. The generals didn’t like it because of that. Which, is actually probably why we haven’t used them.

So, me and a few squadron members meticulously stalked our way through the Changeling hive. It was...

A world
A world of pure illusion.

Just some Princess there. But anyways, They got some high-ranking and respected soldiers, to stalk the hive, me included. I’m surprised they didn’t notice how tired I was. Vanhoover is actually pretty far from the hive.

So, we stuck to the line of best fit as well as we could. The cloaks covered us up completely, whatever spell it was, it was a good one. I’ll ask about it when I return to the unicorns.

So, they have several levels of Changeling soldiers, the soldiers grew gradually more elite as we got closer to Chrysalis’ throne room. Once we got there, I stayed back and took in the scenery. It was beautiful in a weird way. Some other soldiers went up and gathered some info. We now know how to attack them. However, the attack is being worked on, and isn’t expected for another couple weeks.

We didn’t learn about the history of Changelings, or if they have social structures or whatnot, so I expect you and Jack to fill in those uncertainties. Please do, I’ve only grown more interested in learning more after that infiltration.

In other words, the infiltration was awesome.

I’ll try not to have too much fun here. It’s true, I miss you guys, I really want to be home. However, duty calls. I want to attack some Changelings, but I’d rather find some way to reform them for further study. That shouldn’t be impossible, just very difficult.

So yeah, waiting to come back home. I have another song, but I’ll restrict it to one song per letter. If anypony’s interested, it’s Way Back Home.

So, onto the questions about life! I’m so glad they’re sending my paycheck to you. I don’t need it out here, all (awful) meals are already provided. So are all dwellings, and weapons. However, I don’t think the generals trust us with weapons yet, because we haven’t gotten any in case of self-defense.

So, again, I can’t speak for the children. I enjoy hearing about them near-weekly. Chrissy, I promise to never let Sparky go BASE jumping unsupervised. That’s also a weird thing to say, but I suppose it’s probably the best thing you could think of in the limited time you wrote this. Also, check what Sparky knows, I think she knows more than she lets on.

As for Jack. Hope your Changeling research goes as well as it can. Again, I’d love to reform them, but I think that’s far beyond my scope of work. It should be somebody else’s problem, if only there was one Changeling who could speak up. However, whoever they are, they’re probably far gone.

No amusing stories this week. Most of it was mainly spent planning for the infiltration, didn’t talk much about other things. This army division is the most laser-focused one I’ve ever been in, I swear. Not even a joke was cracked. I was too intimidated to crack one myself.

Now, there’s some big things I need to address.

Sorry, Chrissy, for making you mad. Yes, I do call you Chrissy in public, but you don’t call me Corny because that’s super weird. Chrissy, on the other hand sounds very cool. It sounds like your name is more intimidating than it is. Nopony listens to a ‘Crystal Gem’, but I think ‘Chrissy’ sounds much cooler.

Now, about your health. I’m doing fine and I’m expecting to stay that way. However, I didn’t mean to come off as flippant. I didn’t mean to sound like I was throwing all concerns to the wind. It’s true, I like talking about myself, but I hate making you mad. Most pf this is good-natured ribbing. However, this is a little more. It was more meant for a topic of reassurance. I just wanted you to feel better. I mean, we’re only in our what, early 40’s (you are, I’m late 30’s)? That’s rather early to be concerned about such serious concerns as a brain tumor. However, I can totally see where you’re coming from.

Now, know, that if you were to die tomorrow, I would be torn up. I wouldn’t want to make you very mad because you think that I don’t care about your life. That’d be incorrect. I much care for you, and your life.

Therefore, it wasn’t my intent to be flippant, but it could come off that way. So, I apologize.

So, I see you have taken up my offer of fun. I will make a mental note pf that for when I return.

So, here’s to a successful Changeling attack that I’ll hopefully get back to you with in a couple weeks. Love you, and sorry for anything that may have come off as rude.

With all love and affection;

Corny.

PS:
The Sunbucks was closed, but the Hayburger was fine. Know any sit-down restaurants in Vanhoover though?

Author's Note

So, this is late. Nevertheless, it was uploaded today. The challenge is still on. It’s very late, so if it seems less quality than usual, blame it on that.

26-5-11

To my husband, Corn Husk.

You apologized! That’s nice, I thought you wouldn’t. However, I still am giving you a warning, sir.

Also, what the heck is ‘Way Back Home’ and who the heck sings it? How old is it? Is it by Bang, Cole, or Dion if it’s like 940’s material?

Regardless, your enthusiasm for Changelings hasn’t wavered a bit, I see. You still willing to find out more about how Changelings function. Let me tell you, me and Jack stopped by Princess Twilight’s library, and we picked up every Changeling book we can find. We’ve found out a cool couple things as well.

Firstly, reports of their deadliness are hardly agreed upon. Some say that all Changelings are scum to be purged from the earth, while still others say that the actions define the Bugpony. They could be spies, you know. The last time Equestria got spied on, there was a very serious conflict on the border of Stalliongrad.

An interesting thing me and Jack found was that, which reading one of the oldest books we found, we opened a dusty old page, and out fell an ancient drawing. It almost looked like a Changeling with a little extra pizzaz. It was taller, slimmer, and the legs weren’t swiss cheese. Me and Jack pondered over this image, before taking it to Dame Moondancer for further examination. We expect a reply soon.

Secondly, Changelings do have magic powers, but very few of them can compete toe-to-toe with our Unicorns, even those that are disguised. Disguised Changelings keep all the Changeling properties, but simply look different. It’s more like a costume, it’s not like the Changeling literally becomes another pony. Apparently the shifting tunnels idea was thought up by a great Changeling wizard a long time back whose name has become lost to history. Some sources even say that this spell was thought up by a Changeling BNM!

Regardless, he was the only Changeling of his type. Future Changeling wizards have only hoped to live up to his expectations. They have approximately a 1:10 ratio for wizards.

Finally, for changing. Changelings change like putting on a costume, their physical appearance is the only thing that changes. All these ‘costumes’ will cover up whatever the Changeling chooses. These costumes can serve as a container for either the horn or wings. The horn and wings are still there, but Changeling infiltrators know not to use those appendages if they want to stay hidden.

I would’ve loved to learn more, however, I got a migraine-level headache. I joked with Jack that we had done too much studying. Eventually, it did go away. I went back to researching, however, I excused myself to get this letter done.

School’s out as of the weekend of the 23rd, so I don’t have to do any teaching jobs for a little while. That means more time to study with Jack (hopefully), and better though out letters.

As mentioned, I was studying, got a migraine. I don’t believe it was too much studying, I think it might’ve just been a momentary headache lapse. I mean, it’s gone away. Whatever the cause, we should keep an eye out. I really don’t want to disappoint you, Corny.

Speaking of which, you make a fair argument for calling me Chrissy in public. You get the go-ahead to do that. I do the same with Sparky. I still call Jack either by his full name or just by ‘Jump’, though.

So, about the children, Jack is still Jack. He’s helping me with incredible amounts of research. He’s enjoying learning about Changelings like you, Corny. It’s kind of nice having two children that reflect different parts of their dad that remind us of how hard you’re working. Sparky is, still Sparky. Really militaristic, very much a tomboy. She’s out on a ‘non-date’ with her girlfriend right now. You know, as if it wasn’t obvious that that girl is her girlfriend.

Dear Celestia, please don’t have this go badly.

Jack excelled on his finals, he’s going to go places. Sparky got a C, as I figured. She never studies anything. I’m surprised she does as well as she does. I constantly tell her to study, she blows me off. She doesn’t do the greatest. It’s a vicious cycle, really.

So, Jack and Sparky are doing well. As I say every letter, I just can’t wait to see you get back home.

So, the health is the tricky part, I have a few headaches. That doesn't necessarily mean anything by itself. It could just be some very bad headaches. Perhaps it’s allergies. Ponies are constantly mowing their lawns. I might have a grass allergy, I don’t know. All I know is that our lawn hasn’t been mowed because nopony wants to actually work on the lawn.

Perhaps the headache means something worse. I don’t know anything about that, if it’s bad, I don’t know. I’m too busy studying Changelings to worry about anything else. I’ll study what these headache can mean after I’m done. with Changelings.

Speaking of which, Jack is calling me out, I think he found something.

...

Jack has discussed the infiltrator practice. Apparently, the infiltrator practice is unique to Queen Chrysalis. Struggling for love, Chrysalis started taking her most elite guards and sending them out. She’d put them in their respective costumes, and she’d send them out to take love from the ponies she disguised them as. In turn, it has become the Changelings’ number one defense. She could even be doing it right now. Ask your squadron members a question only they should know. That will give you info on whether something is a Changeling or not.

Sparky also just got home, her hair was a mess. She seemed the be very much enjoying herself. Therefore, I will ask in detail about what in Tartarus she did.

So, hope this Changeling stuff is sufficient. With that, I eagerly await you reply.

With all love and affection;
Chrissy.

PS:
No, don’t know any sit-down restaurants in Vanhoover, I’ll ask around. Please do try that Sunbucks when you get the chance, though.

Author's Note

Late again, but whatever. Yard work is fun!

This chapter was actually surprisingly hard to write. I thought I’d hit the 1k mark with ease. But, it took a lot of padding.

Not to say it wasn’t fun to write. I realized one of my characters was researching Changelings and I quite literally said to myself,”Ooh, I get to do the fun part!” I love in-depth Changeling research, so I was ecstatic to write some. I like my interpretation.

31-5-11

To, my wife, Crystal “Chrissy” Gem;

Yes! Changelings! It’s not much, but it’ll have to do, thank you so much. The attack is scheduled to happen tomorrow, so I hope we can perhaps hold some interrogations instead of committing hive-wide genocide. So far, nopony in my crew is convinced that’d be a good idea. I tried, though.

So, since I managed to win an argument with you, Chrissy, I will keep calling you by Chrissy. Thank you for dealing with it.

So, may I add that Way Back Home is by Bob Crossby and not Bang Crossby. I would’ve expected you to notice that. It’s one of my favorite 930’s songs, mind you.

Yes, I am very happy today. We got a day off on campus to do what we wanted. I took a walk down to Vanhoover and checked out the Sunbucks. I said hi to a kindly stallion who was eating a bagel with black coffee and reading the newspaper. I ordered one of those sandwiches. Healthier than Hayburger, but it didn’t taste as good. If it was open 24/7, I’d probably come here more.

Did find a couple of sit-down restaurants, a Fresh Eat’s, Neighponese place, and a couple others. None of them are open 24/7 though.

When I got back, the generals seemed in a minor state of panic because I smelled like coffee shop, but they didn’t say anything. I don’t know if that’s good or bad, or if I’m being denied plan creation tomorrow because I left the campus. Whatever the case, I hope we get to see Changelings and not kill them all. They’re interesting creatures.

Anyways, all this research you’re doing makes me only more excited to get home.

The life the loveliest
The love the liveliest
Way back
Way back
Way back home

Would you look at that, there’s 5 lines there! You get a little bonus today, Chrissy!

So that’s the Way Back Home song I was talking about. If you can find Bob Crossby and the Timberwolves’ debut album, I’d suggest you put it in and give it a listen. I know I have it somewhere.

So, that was fun, I’m excited to attack tomorrow. Rather, I’m excited to just get into the Changeling hive and find out more about said hive.

So, onto the questions, my job’s going well. I’m excited, not getting too happy, and really, your Changeling research has made me absolutely ecstatic about coming back home. Compared to studying Changelings all day with Jack and you, attacking them seems like a downgrade.

Regardless, I’m still happy we’re about to do what we can for Equestria.

So, Chrissy, Jack seems like an amazing study buddy. However, it seems Sparky has moved on from her militaristic phase, she is not militaristic, and I don’t know why you keep saying that. She is very tough girl, and is quite the rebel. However, in the military, if you were to spend an entire night with your girlfriend than come back with the heavy implication of doing some... interesting stuff, they’d be very disappointed, tell you to get a room, then probably send you away.

I do miss when Sparky was incredibly militaristic though. She used to aspire to be like Daddy, and would check out some of my army books when I got home. She’d then ask us to answer some army-related questions. She’s simply rebellious now, but man, they grow up so fast.

I myself am doing fine in the health department, but I don’t know how well that’ll hold up when I’m eating Hayburger every week. I might have a heart attack! Wouldn’t want that to happen, now would we? Regardless, you shouldn’t have recommended these places to me. I’m going to be tired every Saturday, so oops.

So, as for the rest of the squadron. We did do a couple other games, I joined in on a game of Poker. We were doing it for fun, but someone started betting MREs, and well, that happened. Eventually, the generals came to break it up, but they actually found it funny. Shocking, I know.

So, we played some other card games instead. I was a little disappointed that we didn’t have any board games to play, because I kind of wanted to play Aggression. Nopony had it, though.

So, onto the serious topic. Your headaches sound fairly bad, I mean, muscles hurt if you use them too much. The brain is a muscle. Perhaps it did go through a little overexertion, however, I say we keep an eye on it. I mean, if it is overexertion, it shouldn’t get worse, right? So, keep studying with Jack, we can monitor it.

You know, that trot to Vanhoover takes a long time. The Changelings really need to build roads from their hive to pony cities. My hooves are covered in dirt and grime, and I’m hoping for a pathway every time I go there. It never happens, but, if we can convince Changelings to reform, maybe we can also convince them to build roads.

I can fly can’t I? Well, accidentally forgot about that.

Speaking of which, that picture of an interesting Changeling, I have a couple theories on that.

1: That was a reformed Changeling, but since then, Changelings have lost their way and no longer reform. Hey, the might still, they just probably don’t look like that upon reformation anymore.

2: That’s what Changelings used to look like. Then, something happened, perhaps Chrysalis took over, perhaps they just couldn’t find enough love to sustain themselves, or something completely unrelated. Whatever the case, they stopped looking beautiful and now look like the parasites they represent today.

But seriously Chrissy, I’ve been thinking about this all day. It’s so interesting. Keep researching with Jack, I’ll keep thinking up explanations.

But with that, I’m tired, and I need to take a shower before some general notices my hooves and wonder why I didn’t fly in that prolonged period of time I was absent today.

With all love and affection;
Corny.

PS:
I’ll find some really good sit-down restaurants my next trip down to Vanhoover. I’ll remember to fly next time.

Author's Note

Somehow, this was easier to write than yesterday’s.

Regardless, there seems to be a huge audience in Australia that likes this story, so I better upload this chapter now.

5-6-11

To my husband, Corn Husk;

Sparky’s not militaristic, eh? Okay, you know more than I do, but she is very tough and rebellious. When she came back the other day, she claimed she was at a water park.

I don’t believe her, not for a second.

Jack has been remarkably helpful these past few days. We’ve got word from Dame Moondancer that she might’ve discovered some ancient Changeling lore, and she might know what all the odd looking Changelings are about. This is splendid news for me and Jack, because in our bouts of studying, we’ve uncovered a great deal more. I’ve spent these five days studying, so forgive me if I’m not too talkative today.

I feel that it’ll be better to talk about Changelings at the end though, because I have some concerns.

Firstly though, please tell us how the battle went. I can practically see Sparky taking out popcorn to read what awesome battle scenes you’ve sent us in the next letter. Therefore, make them enjoyable, we don’t want to be bored reading your letters. Well, normally, I’m the only one who reads your letters, until Jack calls me out or Sparky bothers me, then they read the letters, but I’ll probably read that one aloud. It sounds very cool.

The children are being themselves, Jack is a wonderful study buddy, and Sparky... is doing Shine Sparkle things (what the Tartarus goes on in that filly’s head, I don’t know).

Sparky has so much bravado, she’s so fearless. If she wasn’t such a hoofull, I’d honestly respect her a lot more.

So, onto my main concern. My headaches are increasing in frequency, and somehow they’re getting worse. If they were migraine-level before, they are like super-migraines now.

Super-migraine sound like a bad superhero. The superhero that’ll beat you up and concuss you! Yeah, that’s one comic I won’t read.

So, the headaches are increasing in frequency, I’m powering through them for you, Corny. Despite the problems, me and Jack have been researching and we’ve come out with several new discoveries. The amazing thing is that several of these things might not’ve even been discovered if it weren’t for your insistent Changeling curiosity. They’re actually pretty interesting.

Regardless, the headaches suck. Now, I need to get onto the main attraction, Changelings!

Dame Moondancer took a quick look at our Changeling picture and said that she’d examine older texts. Of course, since Old Ponish is essentially a different language (it sucks when detailing recent historical discoveries to teach about in class), Moondancer’s just about the only pony who could interpret it. I can, but only to small degrees.

So, Moondancer examined our drawing, and did some fancy magical reverse-picture-finding and tracked down the book it belonged to. Me and Jack were essentially speechless.

We left soon after that, but Moondancer recently sent us back a detailed letter explaining what happened. In summary, she used a spell to find the book the picture was linked too, and read some lines.

Apparently, the book said that it was a just a picture of a Changeling from a thousand years ago. So, quick break, I think that a thousand years ago is gratuitous rounding. I don’t think Discord, Nightmare Moon, The Ancient Pillars, and Discord sowing the seeds of, well, Discord, all happened exactly 1000 years ago. I mean, already, Nightmare Moon happened 1011 years ago, because it’s the foundation of our modern calendar! The sisters have been alive and in charge for thousands of years now. Who’s to say that this all happened over the course of a thousand years when the sisters have been alive much longer. It could’ve been over the course of thousands of years, but the sisters have said it all took place a thousand years ago for simplification purposes.

Whatever the reason, this Changeling picture from ‘a thousand years ago’ is noted to have multicolored plates, and unique eye colors when compared to a Changeling who hadn’t shared its love. These Changelings were subject to intriguing discussions amongst the xenophobes and non-xenophobes.

So, Corny, that’s what you have to do, get them to share their love with one another, and they’ll never be hungry again. I’d suggest testing it on one with Stockhoof Syndrome if you do capture them.

Good luck.

More things me and Jack learned on our own time were the fact that the Changelings work under a hive mind. All Changeling drones are ordered by their queen to do various things. This can be anything, including laying siege to a capital city.

Also, I don’t know if I mentioned it, but Changelings have a social hierarchy. There are the drones, who are the lowest of the bunch. If we’re discussing Medieval Equestria, they’d be the equivalent of the serfs.

Then, we’ve got the border guard. These guys are slightly higher, they are under a hive mind, but there’s a bit of a weakness in the telepathic link. The queen can only control them to a degree.

Next, there’s the main guard, who are essentially border guards except they have higher favor with the queen.

Then, the elite guard, these are the queen’s inner hive defender, they lurk inside and capture anycreature for the Queen’s questioning. Instead of a hive mind, these guys get direct orders and follow them.

Next, there’s hive magicians. They have magic powers, and are void from the hive mind entirely. They develop magic spells for the queen.

Finally, there’s the queen herself, the head honcho. She gives out the orders, and operates the hive mind. Most drones come from her family line. She also lives an exceptionally long time.

That’s about it, Corny. That’s all the research me and Jack dug up. I also feel a nagging pain in the back of my head, so I think the headache’s coming back. I better stop now before it hurts too much.

With all love and affection;
Chrissy.

PS:
Nice to hear you’ll be looking for sit-down restaurants in Vanhoover, I’ll be awaiting progress.

Author's Note

Knights and Dames do exist in this universe, also. Any princess can make them, including Twilight.

Celestia has knighted or damed Applejack, Pinkie, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, and Fluttershy
Twilight has knighted or damed Spike, Moondancer, Gallus, Sandbar, Silverstream, Yona, Ocellus, and Smolder
Cadence has knighted or damed Spike and Shining Armor
Luna has knighted or damed nobody because Hasbro never got into batponies even thought they’re adorable and deserved more than they got.

10-6-11

To, my wife, Crystal “Chrissy” Gem;

Sparky’s eagerly awaiting a play-by-play of the fight, is she? Well, the good news is that I finally convinced the generals to not commit Changeling genocide and instead capture a couple. This was before I knew about the reformation properties of Changelings.

So, since you’re all so eager, I guess I’ll give you a play by play.

So, the army waited outside the Changeling hive until we got the signal from the general. We went inside with stealth as our top priority, but we’d resort to serious measures if stealth wasn’t an option. We couldn’t use our modified invisibility cloaks because most of our Unicorns had all suffered severe burnout and psychic headaches. They couldn’t, and won’t be able to cast a spell that requires serious thought for another couple days. Being a pegasus, I’m only concerned about wing sprains and breaks, but apparently if Unicorns overexert themselves to insane degrees, like with this invisibility cloak spell, it’s like having a migraine for an extended period of time. Not to say our Unicorns were conspicuously absent, we had a couple who weren’t deemed strong enough to cast the spell. They were sent with us.

So, we put some units outside equipped with bow and arrows and the three (total) Magical Energy Weapons Equestria has. Me, equipped in our standard golden armor and clasping a spear in my wing, were sent with the units that were sent into the hive.

As stated, we tried being stealthy. Golden armor sticks out like a sore wing though, as does my bright pelt. I look like a hi-visibility vest in a cave, Chrissy, honestly.

Before we knew it, some main guard Changelings had noticed us, and it became a fight. They had direct orders from Queen Chrysalis to ‘exterminate all intruders’. I swiped with my spear to knock them over, just trying to progress further.

More Changelings took me on, and before I knew it, I was surrounded. I tried to poke them, but their shells were too hard. Then, a Unicorn blasted some Changelings away from me. Using the spear to the best of my ability, I knocked out a couple to get me some breathing room.

So then, I turned to the Unicorn, and I whispered,”Try to sever their mind links, I want to capture a couple.”

She tried to object to that, because our orders were to kill most of them. I stated my cause, and exploited some exact wording to get the Unicorn to capture a couple Changelings for experiments and studying and possibly reformation.

Next, I went back to the main entrance, and knocked out some Changelings that my squadron were fighting. I gave them some orders to divide and conquer and try to sever Changeling mind links, my squadron has no Unicorns, but it was worth a shot.

There were some ranged fighters who then were given orders to move in, and most of the knocked out Changelings were piles of ash before too long.

Me and my squadron then moved further into the hive, following what we knew our line of best fit was.

The elite guards were quite a task to deal with. We had the ranged attackers moving in from behind us, but elite guards are, well, elite. I swear, Chrysalis had to have coated their shells in steel. They didn’t even feel our spears, and knocking them upside the head generally resulted in a crushed skull. The generals noticed this, and called us back to regroup.

So, that’s essentially what happened. The elite guards are tough, and now the Changelings have a massive target on their backs. We lost some ponies, Celestia bless them, but I think the Changelings’ main populous lost more.

We also managed to capture a couple, the generals yelled at me and said they’d discuss my punishment. However, the Unicorn I had ordered to sever their mind links did say she was successful. Introduced herself as Lance, which I thought was a weird name. I mean, it could be a nickname or whatever, but it’s still weird for a female Unicorn to be called Lance.

She showed me a Changeling who essentially looked dead. He was still breathing, but his eyes were a lifeless black. I don’t even know if it was a he. I’d assume it was, since the queen seems to be the one all the Changelings come from, so that would mean every other Changeling would have to be male.

Anyways, his eyes were black. Lance said she had severed their connections, but they all turned ‘off’ when their link was removed.

This is most unusual, Chrissy, are you sure there’s nothing about severing mind links in there?

Regardless, sorry if that was a lot to understand and comprehend. It was an intense battle, I quite enjoyed it. I probably didn’t do it justice, but I’m a soldier, not a writer. I was rather tired after the fight. So, I didn’t do much. It’s been an uneventful week otherwise l other than the fact that I’e become more aquatinted with Lance. It is in fact a nickname, but it’s what she prefers to be called by. Therefore, I will call her by that.

So, otherwise, not much. Your headache does sound pretty awful. It seems like you might’ve just studied too much. Perhaps Pegasi can get burnout, too? Well, I think if it doesn’t go away in the next couple of weeks, you should probably see a doctor.

Regardless, life’s going well for me. I got a couple of bruises and perhaps a minor sprain on a part of my wing. When the general requested we do a fallback, I flew like Tartarus out of there. Otherwise, nothing too serious it’ll go away. I hope your headache will too, Chrissy.

Also, I hope Sparky and Jack (but mainly Sparky) found my battle description up to snuff. We’e planning another attack soon, so expect that in the next few letters.

With all love and affection;
Corny

PS:
Heading out tonight, I’ll check to see about sit down restaurants. I have money. I will also be flying this time.

Author's Note

I wrote an action scene, and it wasn’t half bad! It seems more like an excited writer is rattling off points of interest, luckily, that’s kind of the point!

21 days to go.

15-6-11

To my husband, Corn ‘Boot Camp’ Husk;

Two can play at the nickname game Corny. I know you like your squadron and just about everyone else to call you ‘Boot Camp’. Apparently, I’m now known as Chrissy, let anyone who reads your letters know that it wasn’t my idea. I’ll gladly let you call me by that, though.

I seem to notice that you didn’t use any song lyrics in your letter. I guess you were too interested in telling us about your attack, and rightfully so. Besides, there’s not really any songs I know at least that fit that bill. Just know, Corny, your admiration of Changelings is most likely going to get you fired. That or you’re going to get demoted, you probably already have. Given that the generals are noted to have went away to think out your punishment.

As I was saying, you didn’t put any song lyrics in your letter. Let me one-up you on that.

Am I the only one with a migraine?

Well, the headaches aren’t that bad anymore. In fact, they’ve even become a dull buzzing in the back of my mind (no Changeling pun was intended), but the problem is that they’re constant. I’ve built up a tolerance to them, but they’re just constantly there. It’s very tough to think through the buzzing all the time.

So, I read out your play-by-play of your battle with the Changelings to Jack and Sparky. They both seemed to enjoy it. For different reasons, but they both seem to enjoy it.

Jack listened with mad respect on how you’re trying to keep some Changelings alive. He seems to have fallen to the curse, after we read those books, he seemed to get into Changelings just as much as you. He’d even stopped by Dame Moondancer’s place to chat with her about some of the interesting bits he found out about Changelings. They’e really good friends now from the looks of it. They share an affinity for purple Unicorns and Changelings it seems. Well, Moondancer is more interested in a lot of other things, but so is Jack when given the resources.

He enjoyed it in respect. He seems to support the Changeling reform going forward.

Sparky on the other hand started at me in awe. She’s still got that militaristic girl inside of her, ready to serve when she can. She can’t yet, but only because she isn’t old enough yet.

Well, Sparky greatly enjoyed the story up until the point where you started rescuing Changelings. She ordered for me to stop and then asked with great curiosity why you didn’t just kill the Changelings. You know, as the orders asked you to. I had to give her the answer, she believed maybe half of it. She didn’t believe the Changelings had reformed variants. I ordered her to read the books I bought and talk to Jack about it. She listened, but only after a minor spat.

She is dead-set on following orders to the letter. She’ll make a great soldier one day, she’s just got to apply and well, stay applied. She might even become like you someday.

Speaking of which, Sparky’s birthday happened this week. It’s quite sad that you missed it. She turned 17! I can’t believe it. Jack’s 15, Sparky’s 17, they just seem to grow up so fast. I don’t know, can you believe it, Corny?

It’s quite sad that you weren’t able to make it, but the party was decently fun. Her friends and her girlfriend was there. She invited them all.

So, I hope you’ll be back for Jack’s party in 10 months or so. But seriously, if you aren’t back by then, we’e all going to be concerned. If we’re still here.

I shouldn’t say I won’t be here for Jack’s party. That’s very negative, considering this headache is a light buzz, I’m sure it’s nothing serious.

If I die, Corny, don’t have them put that on my gravestone. What an embarrassing epitaph.

Regardless, I did eventually find your Bob Crossby record. It’s actually a record, and I have no clue where the turntable is. However, we have to have one, because you have almost every Beatles’ record. Even the singles.

Corny, there’s a fine line between being a fan and being obsessed. Please reconsider your stance on The Beatles. Make sure you don’t buy another dozen Hey Jade/Revolution singles. I don’t eve; thing you have money, but you’d probably find a way.

So, about the children. I’ve kind of talked a lot about them this week. Well, Jack is friends with Moondancer, and I’ve seen Sparky’s girlfriend. She’s a pegasus, just like Sparky. Light blue, seems to be a little more open about being Sparky’s girlfriend. She’s confirmed my suspicions.

So, I’m not doing much of anything, school’s out, all the children are happy it’s out. I don’t have to teavh a history class for another couple months. I’m good.

Your money’s still coming by mail, and I have attached yet more money to this letter for your use. I trust you know where to spend it after your excursion. If worst comes to worst just eat at the Hayburger.

I’m surprised the generals haven’t found you out get, they seem awfully strict on when you can leave.

My head constantly hurts, but otherwise I’m doing relatively well.

I can’t wait for you to show those elite guards what for. I highly suggest against capturing them, since you seem to have some border and main guards in your camp. Besides, elite guards don’t have a mind link, so they are usually impossible to convert without getting the queen first. Knowing Chrysalis, that’s a slim chance.

Also, there was nothing in the books about severing mind links killing the Changelings. They seem to have a period in which their brain needs to fix itself and start to work independently for a couple of days. For those couple of days, they’re essentially in a coma. They can still feed off emotions, as that’s how they work biologically, so don’t feel the need to feed them.

I hope you give those elite guards what for.

With all love and affection;
Chrissy

PS:
Hope you find your place. See the attached money.

Author's Note

How’d I pull 1k words out of this? Oh well, I’m not complaining. It’s even my second-longest chapter, so there’s that aspect.

I don’t claim to know pony genetics, so I’m not going to attempt to decode them. This is what you’ve got.

20-6-11

To, my wife, Crystal ‘Chrissy’ Gem;

This week should’ve been very eventful. What with the second battle, Changelings, and various other minor things such as talking with Lance.

This week has only been half-eventful.

Unfortunately, the generals decided on my punishment. They decided that because I took the reins and gave orders I shouldn’t have and brought back some free samples of the enemy, I wouldn’t be able to fight int he second battle.

It’s probably so they don’t get all mixed up with the enemy, and I’m the only one who has Sympathy for the Devil, let’s say.

Regardless of anything, I’ve been demoted from Lieutenant to First Lieutenant. Your sent pay will be cut, so I hope you’ve ended up spreading your teacher pay out.

The demoted me, and essentially blocked me from participating here, apparently, they managed the get past the elite guards as well. Not to the queen yet, so hopefully I have a chance to examine Chrysalis.

On the plus side, our Changeling woke up! He was very confused. Having sudden free will is comparable to cutting a bungee cord, and by some miracle surviving. The Changeling asked me where he was.

Me and Lance had been examining him, and his eyes suddenly turned a deep blue.

Naturally, me and Lance asked for his name. He looked at me confusedly. He said he didn’t necessarily have one.

Upon asking what his hive referred to him as, he squinted a little and said,”Well, they usually call me ‘drone F5’.”

Perplexed as to why the Changeling would get a number, in hexadecimal no less. We did inquire him on this. He had no answer.

Therefore, we decided to call him Slate. For the record, I vouched for Crystal, but you’re the only Crystal I’d rather be associated with.

He accepted his new name with ease. We then advised him to keep a low profile.

We’ve been treating him as a friend for experimental purposes. I’m more interested in if they still reform, but one with a severed mind link should have no reason as to not reform.

Anyways, Slate’s an interesting stallion (‘Ling?) he immediately took to living amongst us using carefully selected disguises. Me and Slate have made it clear that we don’t want to hurt him, but he is in an active war zone between ponies and Changelings.

So, Slate usually disguises himself as a grey stallion with a scruffy beard. Don’t know who in particular that shape is based on, but it definitely looks interesting.

Just like Jack is hitting it off with Dame Moondancer, Lance is really cool. She also is very interested in Changelings. She also has the bonus of being one of the few Unicorns I know. I think that Unicorn genes have been completely purged from our families Chrissy. I don’t even recall my great-grandpa being a Unicorn.

Speaking of Jack, this was probably the single most you’ve talked about the kids in a letter. Given some hints you’e dropped, I’m deducting that Jack’s girlfriend is a purple Unicorn that isn’t Twilight Sparkle. Given that Moondancer became a Dame under Twilight, I’m guessing that that’s the purple-Unicorn she’s into, perhaps even in a relationship with.

Sparky seems to be going back to being militaristic. Anyways, I’m glad they both enjoyed the letter for two very different reasons. Sparky however deserves to know that Changelings are ponies, too. Usually that’s very literal, but when he’s not under the mind link Slate seems to hold no ill will towards ponies. He seems to actually enjoy living among them.

Lance is also fairly militaristic, she hates defying orders, but she’s also relatively new. Therefore, several ponies can order her around.

So, the summarize this week, I’ve been demoted, and made two new friends, one of which is a Changeling. It’s been very eventful, trust me. Not as eventful as it could be, but it’s been eventful.

So, glad the children are doing well. I too am very sad I missed Sparky’s birthday. I wonder what she got and if she enjoyed it. I also wonder if Sparky and Jack miss me at all. You’ve made it very clear you do, Chrissy, and that is a two-way street. I do wonder if the children miss you though. I know, however that I can get by.

I get by with a little help from my friends
Gonna try with a little help from my friends

Naturally, I’m talking about Lance and Slate. My squadron’s great, but they aren’t necessarily my friends.

Speaking of which, my Bob Crossby album is indeed record, and I do love me some Beatles. You should find the record player somewhere in the house. Perhaps you can find it in the loft somewhere.

I really wish I could give you updates on the recent battle, trust me. I’ll rely on my squadron to provide more details about that going forward.

I do like to note that Slate sleeps next to my sleeping bag with his disguise off, and it’s actually kind of cute. As cute as Changelings can be anyways. Hold on, he won’t drain all of my love, right? If I can convince him not to, he won’t? Please tell me about that Chrissy, you know more about Changelings than I do.

Now, about your health. My lack of anything serious to do does get me thinking. This time, it’s no different. I read about your constant headache. After musing for a bit, I think that you should go to the hospital. The headache doesn’t hurt as much as it did, but it’s always there. Besides, your family history is very bad. Perhaps you should go to the doctor. I’ll request the mailpony to send this forward as fast as he can and hope it gets to you sooner.

Please listen, I’d absolutely hate to lose you, definitely not when I’m losing trust on military grounds.

With all love and affection;
Corny.

PS:
Found an ‘Aged Cheddars’ I like their food, I’ll probably try to eat there. Got the money.

Author's Note

I can’t believe me and the challenge creator are the only two people left in the challenge that’ve applied. Like, seriously, I never update this fast, and yet I’ve been doing it consistently for 11 days.

Trust me, we’re about to hit the good stuff.

24-6-11

To my husband, Corn ‘Boot Camp’ Husk;

Well, you had an eventful week. When you come home, please bring Slate with you, I’d love to see him. Also, remember, sharing your love won’t reform them, just having them share theirs. He has to consider you and Lance as friends for him to look all beautiful and stuff.

Regardless, you’re getting rather close to Lance. I don’t like this one bit, don’t tell me you forgot about us. Also, I am your WIFE. Lance cannot get too close to you, I forbid it. Skate’s fine though, just don’t treat him as a pet.

I did find the record player, after searching a very long time around the house. It still works well, except when I put in Sgt. Pepper”s Lonely Hearts Club Band, the needle seemed to get stuck at the end. I think that record might be scratched up a little. It was making all these weird noises.

So, Jack’s happy about your new friend/pet/Ling/whatever, as he knows that those Changelings can be better creatures.

Sparky doesn’t exactly care, but even she had to admit that that was very cute.

So, Jack’s been heading out to see Dame Moondancer more, and indeed, you hit it right on the nose. His girlfriend is a purple Unicorn. She’s very nice, and respects us.

Also, Jack keeps claiming to give Changelings a chance to anyone that says that they are monsters with no hope of redemption. He seems very adamant on his stance. Also, he’s been listening to a ridiculous amount of Dawn Lemon. I’m no longer concerned about you dying in the war as much as I am that Jack will start a new one. Civil rights movement, fun. To be fair, I teach about the last civil rights movement. You know, the one where the Earth Ponies rose up against the Unicorns because they were being treated unfairly in Unicorn-centric towns. I know just how awful that was for everypony in Equestria. I don’t think I could handle one happening during my lifetime, especially not one that’d start a war. Not t9 mention, a war were we’d be hopelessly outnumber because of the Changeling queen’s production rates.

To avoid all headaches, bring Slate back home in his disguise. In his default form, he’ll be treated like a crappy band in the nightclub. Perhaps he’ll even be treated like a witch from Neighlem. Just disguise him, Corny.

Speaking of headaches, mine’s gotten worse. I got you letter a couple days ago actually. I felt bad for the mail pony, he looked like he’d been run ragged! I read about you wanting me to go to the doctor. So, I obliged yesterday. They ran a quick series of scans, checked my pulse, and then asked me for some general questions. When I said 8 had a headache, the doctor comically jumped out of his seat and rushed me over to get my head checked.

I didn’t get the results, I’ll be getting those tomorrow. I hope to Celestia that it’s nothing too terrible. Perhaps it’s just an unusually painful headache, I highly doubt it, though.

The headache’s been steadily ramping up in intensity. It almost seems that I wake up with a worse headache than what I had the day before.

So, aside from that depressing news, Sparky!

Now, Sparky’s been reading some books. She now tolerates Changelings, it still isn’t equality, but it’s a start. She really hates Jack’s constant Dawn Lemon songs, and asks where all the Rock and Roll is. Naturally, I don’t know because I’m not the owner of all the records in the house, so I just shrug.

Speaking of which, they both miss you as well. Jack misses you for reasons such as Changelings, a great taste in music, and the fact that you’e an awesome dad.

Sparky misses you, but she misses you because you were quote,”The only person in the house who had sense.”

I felt attacked.

Regardless, she still misses you for reasons such as the fact that you were an awesome dad, played catch when she asked, and didn’t question her when she wanted to do a typically masculine thing.

The entire household misses you Corny. It’s not just limited to me.

So, the questions have kind of already been answer in this letter.

I’ve talked about the children, except I didn’t mention that Sparky’s kind of tired of Jack. She’s 17, and she’ll probably move out when she gets the chance. She probably could.

However, in celebration of her 17th birthday. She went out and got a job. She really wants to be in the military, but she isn’t quite old enough for that yet. She currently works at the sporting goods store in the Ponyville mall.

Jack is playing peace activist and isn’t scared of starting fights, as I’ve mentioned. He hasn’t gotten physical yet, but I can tell that sometimes he really wants to punch the pony upside their head.

So, my life is going well. However, I'm so bored. I love being a teacher, but getting the summers off tends to leave me incredibly bored. Three months of nothing to do. You may call me a workaholic, but I think it’s just AD/HD or something of the like. I haven’t been tested for it, but I don’t know if it’s really a problem I have to address.

As for my health, you already know how bad that’s going. I have an ever-intense headache, and I’m still working on trying to fix it. It makes these letters a little harder to write, but I can still remember several things, thankfully.

Other than the massive headache, the doctor says I’m healthy. So, I say it’s the only thing we have to worry about.

That about concludes my letter today, not much else to discuss.

Corny, come home soon, we all miss you.

With all love and affection;
Chrissy.

PS:
I too like Aged Cheddar’s. I sure hope you remembered to fly when you got there though, I don’t want to remind you.

Author's Note

So, some of you might know that I wrote another story last night. Compared to Reinventing Music, this story seems tame in comparison.

But, I have 18 days left and I’m not giving up now! You can still expect daily updates from this one.

1-7-11

To my husband, Corn “Boot Camp” Husk;

So, the mailpony was run ragged again. Corny, you’ve gotta stop overworking the poor thing. Thankfully, I was able to read the letter. Sure, just talk about Slate and Lance, I mean, I’m talking about the children every letter, you can tale about your friends. Also, check that Changeling’s hand, who knows what he has, he’s built his life on deception, who says he can’t pull a Royal Flush every time he wants to? He probably reshuffles the cards to benefit him and him only.

Jack is very disappointed that I’ve reverted to Changeling speciesism, alright, it was just a joke! You have no need to get a twisted up over it!

As for what I’ve done, nothing much. The headache has not gone away. I have some terrible news about that later on. The headache makes it very difficult to do much of anything. However, I wouldn’t miss writing you a letter for the world, Corny.

Ok, so you’re treating Slate as an equal, that’s nice. I presume you haven’t told him about the reformation requirements, nor do I expect him to have truly made a friend with you and Lance and thus have enough love to share. I mean, Dame Moondancer didn’t say anything about reformation requirements, but I’m expecting there’s at least a lower limit, if not an upper one.

So, it’s not like I’ve been moving much. I’ve been relocated into the hospital because the doctors found something very worrying. All of are suspicions have been proven uncannily correct, as they found a brain tumor. The doctors let me know that they don’t exactly have a way to remove it at the moment, but they can ease the pain and perhaps try to kill it. It’s very scary, especially with my family history. It’s also terrible for many reasons, among them that I’m so young and this shouldn‘t be happening to me. They made that clear as well.

Regardless, they’ll try the darnedest to take the thing out, but they can’t make any promises. So, I really hope that you’ll come home soon, no need to worry and run away, as I’m not in any immediate danger. So long as you get home before I die, we’ll be all good.

Jack and Sparky have been seeing me on the daily, still doing the things they do. I’m fairly certain that Jack preaches to the ponies inside here, as he constantly gets thrown out. He always comes back though, I’m a little surprised he hasn’t been arrested for disturbing the peace (ironic) yet. I’ll tell him to just stop with the Changeling equality preachings the next time he comes in.

Sparky’s worried like heck. I can’t believe just how much she loved me until the brain tumor was discovered and she broke down crying. It seems like the toughest ponies are sensitive inside.

Despite that downer, and the terrible food, I’ve been doing alright. I’m writing on the nightstand next to the bed for these, as I can still write. On the plus side, I now know how you feel when you complain about MREs. You have permission to complain about those all you want.

Unfortunately, the hospital doesn’t have any record players, so your Beatles records will be collecting dust for just a few more days. Hopefully not weeks, however, I’ll be dead by then. With that, I’ll have to say that your offer of fun is no longer accepted, as I shouldn’t be doing that in my state.

So, the children are devastated. Despite Jack’s insistence that Changelings are ponies too, and the fact that nopony listens to a 15 year old in the first place, he still feels very sad for me. He says that he hopes you’ll be able to see us all together one more time.

Sparky cries a lot. She’s so tough, but I’m fairly certain of so much time hiding her feelings behind a wall and being trapped in the proverbial closet, she’s kept all her feelings bottled up. When she heard that I probably wasn’t going to last another year, she released those feelings all at once. She’s coming more frequently than Jack, probably because she isn’t thrown out every odd day. Regardless, she still loves us and hopes you’ll come back one more time.

Well, life could be better. A brain tumor kind of puts a damper on the party, but other than that, I’ve made the most of my time. I want to spend more time with family, because I really want to spend my last days on Equis as best as I possibly can.

They’e giving me very crappy food. They claim that it’s a well-balanced diet, but it all tastes like chalk. I don’t know what chalk tastes like, but a student has given a rough description of the flavor to me. They say it tastes like solidified dust, which is pretty much what the food here tastes like.

I’m pretty sure they’re still depositing your paycheck at home, so I’m probably going to have to ask the hospital staff to dig through our mail. I do want to send you eating money, especially now since I know your pain. If the MREs taste like chalk, than I can’t imagine how good it must feel to receive money enclosed in your letter. I know I’d be very happy.

My health is a hot mess. I mean, it’s not getting any better. I can’t expect a brain tumor to feel very good at all, and I certainly don’t feel very good. Also, the hospital staff is giving me just a few months to live, perhaps shorter. I will be doing the same thing you did to the mailpony so we’re able to keep in as much touch as possible. I want to keep you updated, and I’m sure you want to get updated as quickly as possible. I certainly want to correspond more before I die.

Wish you the best.

With all love and affection,
Chrissy.

PS:
That sucks, please tell me that the next one will be better.

Author's Note

This is what the entire story’s being written around by the way. The last 4 chapters are practically already written, so I’m more than halfway done if you imagine it like that.

Also, I’m really tired, this was hard to write, see you tomorrow.

3-7-11

To, my wife, Crystal “Chrissy” Gem;

Dang, this letter got here fast. The poor mailpony is going to be perpetually ragged, especially since I’m going to request the same thing. I really want to see you healthy Chrissy, but this is going to take a good long while.

The Changelings launched a counter strike, and since my team doesn’t believe Changelings are intelligent lifeforms, we weren’t prepared. I followed all my orders and didn’t try any funny business.

Since we weren’t prepared in the slightest, the Changelings managed to capture a bit more of their hive. We did manage to hold them off so they didn’t get to the camp, however, even our Magical Energy Weapons weren’t enough to prevent us from suffering several deaths. More ponies died than Changelings that fight, and now we’re picking up reinforcements.

Essentially, we’ve declared war. Despite me saving a Changeling, they think I’m an even bigger threat for that. Apparently, the Changelings have a lot of propaganda, it claims that ponies are terrible and the only good place to live and be safe is in the hive, or so Slate has said. Apparently, it’s incredibly heretical if you allow yourself to be captured in any way, shape, or form, and much worse if you’re captured by ponies.

I honestly just think it’s Chrysalis trying to keep all the Changelings as upright citizens. Blinded by fear of the outside and what could happen over what will. Regardless, it’s incredibly devious and I don’t like it.

So, aside from the Changeling surprise attack, this week has been uneventful. Just some (friendly!) bonding with Lance and Slate. Some cards, some chats over food.

No, I haven’t been taking them with me at night, but rather bringing something back for them. It’s our little secret, and I know for a fact that Slate is good at keeping secrets. Like how the heck that bug go so good at Poker!

Speaking of Slate, the poor thing is absolutely distraught. He’s broken over why fights must happen between two factions who can get along if they only put aside their differences and see each other as more than just speciesist, bigoting, enemies. I think we’e getting to him.

His wings have turned into a weird see-through color. I don’t know what that means, but I don’t presume it’s bad. Lance and I still treat him like a friend regardless. He’s still using his disguise, and the army’s none the wiser. However, I made ot clear to him that if we were to reveal him, he’d be shot on sight. Slate actually understood, what with the battles, but that didn’t make him any happier. He’s still sad. Perhaps depressed even, it’s heartbreaking.

Lance is concerned. Don’t worry Chrissy, she hasn’t tried to make any moves on me yet. Anyways, Lance is very concerned when it comes to keeping Slate in the right state of mind. He seems to constantly be wondering what the heck he’s living for if these two factions can’t even get along. I’ve tried talking him out of it, but he still has a while to go. I’ll be giving him some more love. I really hope that helps, because I don’t know what’ll get through to him. He’s been moping around, thankfully, he’s not practicing Nihilism yet, which would make that problem even harder to adress.

So, that’s about it for Lance and Slate. We’re getting along quite nicely.

As for life, this one’s going to feel bad, it’s not great.

We’ve done nothing but be racist towards Changelings, and these battles aren’t helping matters. The general consensus is now that Changelings are awful creatures. Of course, I know better. This hasn’t gotten anypony else convinced. It’s quite disheartening to see such a thing happen. I’m not getting my pay, you’re in the hospital with a brain tumor that will almost certainly kill you, even my squadron hates me (I’m playing Poker with Slate and Lance now), snd really, life just sucks.

Now, their planning another battle against the Changelings, as they are now the number one Equestrian threat, and I’m being forced to attend. For saving one. They want to show me that they aren’t things worth saving. I’m placing my bets on being able to bring Slate, have him reform, and getting him to convince Changelings otherwise. As it should be.

It’s a true shot in the dark. It’s more than likely it won’t even work and I’ll be fired. However, all I’m saying is that we should have a little Sympathy For The Devil, as there’s some good about him. Slate’s certainly making progress.

So, otherwise, life is merely OK. Slate’s doing terrible, Lance is perpetually worried, and the generals want my head.

I used to be respected, but now I’m not. It’s quite disappointing. All I want to do is to make the world a better place, and I can’t do that if everypony hates me with a burning passion.

My health, I took a few nicks and scratches last battle, but I don’t think anyone came out of that unscathed. Not even Skate, his shell got a few cracks. However, I’m more worried about yours.

Chrissy, I hate to see you go. I do know that those doctors won’t be able to help, given some past experiences I know about. I know they’ll be able to slow it down, I’ll see you one more time before you die. I guarantee it.

I’ll be there for you
These five words I swear to you

Even if I have to run away and to your hospital bed, I will. I’ll bring Slate and Lance so you can see my friends too.

But seriously Chrissy, if you die on me before I can get there, I’ll be very angry. Please stay alive, a few more months at least. I want to see you without losing my job.

With concerned love and affection;
Corny

PS:
Thank goodness the Hayburger’s always open, I would be so hungry otherwise.

Author's Note

I’m so freaking tired.

That’s probably why this chapter has so little to do with the other one.

5-7-11

To my husband, Corn “Boot Camp” Husk;

The mailpony came very fast this time. Good on you for pushing it forward. Also, good on you for pushing through the crap we’re dealing with.

I have a brain tumor, and it’s worsening. I can no longer phase out the headache, and it’s killing me. The doctors still predict I only have a couple months to live, perhaps shorter. Regardless, nothing will get in the way of me writing to you. So, despite my ungodly headache, I’m still writing and trying my best to remember what happened these past couple of days.

So, I have a brain tumor, and you’re swiftly gaining a ton of disrespect, suspicion, and overall unfriendliness in your area. It absolutely sucks that such a thing had to happen.

Let me just ask you a moral question. At what point is it just not worth it? What point does the risk outweigh the reward and you should just give up? I know you’re trying to reform Slate, but it’s just him, and the rest of the hive probably won’t do anything given their propaganda, strict queen and whatnot. So, with Slate being all mopey, what time should you just give up? You’ve still got Lance, so perhaps you should just give up.

I know Jack would have my head for that one, but it’s true. At what point does the risk outweigh the reward? Please let me know this, I’m dying to know, literally, unfortunately.

Jack has reluctantly shut up after I told him he could get arrested for disturbing the peace. He still believes in equality in his heart, he just isn’t saying it. He’s still only 15 after all. Most ponies think he’s insane, and he’s almost been booked here for that exact reason. Therefore, he shut up after I told him to because he’d rather live free than die in chains.

Sparky is starting to break down. She loves us a lot more than you’d think, Corny. She constantly bemoans what’ll happen. She constantly hopes for an even better outcome than slowing down the tumor. She wants doctors to try and kill it.

Otherwise, I think she’s visited me like a filly would check their phone. She’s constantly here to see if I’m alright, and I try to convince her I am alright. I don’t think it ever works, after all, she’s always coming back. She doesn’t want to see her mother die.

The kids are very distraught. They aren’t distraught and sad like Slate is, but I know they feel powerless to do anything. They’re always concerned, and all in all, I think that they both don’t want to see their mother die. Jack still silently hopes for the bettering of ponykind, but Sparky has completely lost her militaristic streak and is now broken down and broken up. I think I’ve said it, now, I’m no psychologist, but I truly think Sparky acts tough because her natural instinct to not be weak overtakes her. She feels powerless, so the very least she can do is convince the other ponies around her that she won’t back down or give in. This gives her at least a little bit of power over herself and a feeling that she isn’t weak, but strong, at least to herself concerning other ponies.

Then again, I’m a history teacher, not a psychologist. That would be pretty cool, but I study the past histories of Nightmare Moon, Discord, and whatnot and teach my students how that affects today, such as Luna or Discord’s reformation. The Elements of Harmony are pretty historical as well.

My life is not going very well either. In fact, hearing you say that your life is going pretty poorly makes me feel worse. I like that I have someone to share my plights with, but you totally deserve better. Does Celestia hate us or something? Jack’s considered insane, Sparky’s broken, I have a brain tumor, and the food here is terrible. There isn’t a single silver lining I know about here. They say every cloud has a silver lining, but my lining is that pink insulation stuff that looks nice, but feels like a ton of tiny glass pieces on sandpaper.

Overall, it sucks. The only possible diamond in the rough is you succeeding in your quest to reform the Changelings. However, I highly doubt you’ll even achieve that. Slate? Maybe. The rest of the hive? Definitely not.

My health, as stated, hasn’t gotten any better. The doctors say that the tumor’s growing at an alarming rate. They tried their first slowing procedure on me today. They put me under, and reportedly (from Sparky’s account) put me under an x-ray. Then, they examined my head for where the tumor had grown out of control, and tried to kill it with radiation.

Now, ponies haven’t harnessed radiation. Or at least, radiation that could kill stuff. We have harnessed radio waves, microwaves, and x-ray waves. However, most of the lethal ones, are, well, lethal. Too much exposure to something like x-ray could mean disastrous results. Unfortunately, x-rays are just about the only thing we have.

Reluctantly, the doctors decided to use the x-rays. They shoved a ton of x-rays right where the tumor was and shrinked it a little bit. Now, x-rays can be very dangerous, and they aren’t the most effective killer in the world. Therefore, the doctors can only use x-rays a couple times a day, and the tumor then grows back.

As they stated, it’s growing at an alarming rate, to the point where I might only have a month to live. They said two months, but that’s for the best-case scenario. Realistically, it’s poor about going to be shorter than that.

So, get done with your military stuff quickly. Don’ run out of money while trying to fight/reform the Changelings. I truly hope you succeed in your goal. I’m certain that my goal to stay alive isn’t going to be met, but your goal is tangible.

Wishing you better than my situation;
Chrissy

Author's Note

Remember when this story had potential to be great? So do I.

7-7-11

To, my wife, Crystal ‘Chrissy’ Gem;

The sanction is going to go on for a little bit longer, as we’re planning to retaliate against the Changelings. They won’t stop at anything until they kill the queen. The silver lining here is that, presumably, when Chrysalis is killed, all the border guards, main guards, and drones will go all dead inside.

This series of events is going to probably pan out like this:

The army kills Chrysalis
All the Changelings figuratively die their first life
The army thinks they’re all dead anyways and doesn’t do anything with them.

This is a silver lining, because it means that new, free Changelings will be able to live a somewhat normal life. They might be exiles, or disguised as guards in Canterlot, or even perhaps just working at an Inn in the middle of nowhere, but they will be alive. That’s one big step in the path to Changeling redemption and acceptance.

Now, we’re still going to kill several Changelings, I don’t want to, but I don’t exactly have a choice in the matter. If I refuse to kill or I simply capture another Changeling, they’re probably going to fire me, no questions asked. This would suck, but I might be able to actually see you. This fight planning is taking an irritatingly long time. Every single general wants to do something different, and they just can’t agree on a simple course of action.

One wants to annihilate the entire force, one wants to take a trip straight up to the queen and capture her for questioning (a very bad idea), one wants to sneak and kill Chrysalis, it’s a mess.

Again, nobody listens to me anymore. Going from the most promising lieutenant to an absolute joke hasn’t been good for my psyche. Also, Lance is guilty by association (but not Slate, they don’t know anything about him), and she has become mistrusted just as much as I have.

Speaking of which, Chrissy. You asked that,”At what point does doing all the good become not worth it.” To that, I say, never. Sure, I've been through Tartarus, and honestly, I’m still stuck in Tartarus, for Slate and Lance. However, they aren’t another checkmark on my list of failures that’s been growing steadily since I got here. They are more than just ponies (/Changelings). They are my friends. Friends don’t let other friends fall down, we pick them up.

Honestly Chrissy, you’d do the same for Jack and Sparky. Wouldn’t you? Given what you’ve done even while being stuck in the hospital, you’re a natural mother. You’d give your life for them, or at least I sure hope you will.

Because, I’m not giving up on Slate just yet. I’m not cutting ties with Lance because doing the thing she wants to do is killing her. They are my friends, Celestia dammit, and I will say anything to save them is worth it. There is no proverbial line, they are priceless. A good friendship is the greatest reward of all.

A true, true friend helps a friend in need
A true, true friend helps a friend indeed.

Ok, I heard the Elements randomly break into song in the Ponyville plaza one time. That was the song they song.

Oh yeah, Chrissy, I’d do anything for you, too. Just hang in there, I’ll be home for Hearth’s Warming, if only in my dreams.

So, about Slate and Lance.

Well, Lance has confessed that she may think of me as more than just a friend. I felt bad, but I had to rebuff her, I’m already married you see. She seemed to understand, she hasn’t talked to me in the last few hours.

Actually, where the heck is she?

...

She doesn’t want to talk to me. Ah.

Well, regardless of any awkward circumstances that may have arisen, she’s been nice. She’s been nice for me, respected my constantly declining mood after my failed Changeling savings. She also is perhaps the only military pony who actually likes me at the moment. I have a reputation as a Changeling saver, let’s hope that reputation doesn't get any worse. Now, everyone calls me Boot Camp, because I’m walked all over. Lance also treats Slate like an actual pony! So that’s a bonus.

Slate has gotten a little bit better. After me and Lance gave him some of our love, and we clarified that we don’t want to kill most Changelings, and everypony else hates us anyways, he cheered up a little bit. He now isn’t moping around anymore, he’s back to killing us at Poker. That’s an exciting development. Also, his shell has recently got a glossier tint to it. I don’t know if this is part of the Changeling reformation process. Regardless, I think he looks sleeker and overall very cool.

So, Slate seems to be sharing more love with us. I’m very excited to see where this leads.

Life has been going alright. I mean, everypony hates me. However, at least I’m not alone in my army’s disappointment. I mean, life’s better than just two days ago because, after all, it’s just about the same. I’m slowly getting used to it, and I’ve got Slate and Lance with me.

I’m not as torn up over all this crap happening to me because I know that I could have it worse. My friends could’ve left me and left me blue. I’m also not incredibly torn up over this because I know I’m doing the right thing. I’m getting a feel for Changelings and how they work, and I also want to have Changelings and ponies live as equals.

My health is fine. However, I’m very concerned for you.

I mean, I lost my dad in the military, he fought a couple battles and didn’t make it through one. I’m terrified of having that happen to the only filly I love with all my heart. Lance is my friend, but you’re my wife.

I miss you Chrissy, I really do.

With all love and affection;
Corny

Author's Note

Wow, this chapter ended up being way better than the last one, I wonder what happened.

10-7-11

To my husband, Corn “Boot Camp” Husk;

Well, it’s nice to hear that everyone’s getting better, and you may actually make it home before I die. Also, I have a request, could you bring Lance and Slate, undisguised, to my bedside if I die? I want to see my Corny as a pony who learned that life could be worse. I love you, and I love everything you do. However, bringing Slate and Lance would not only make Jack shut up, but it’d make me super happy.

With that being said, the doctors said that the tumor is getting a little better. It’s slowed down, and the doctors are slowly chipping away at it. However, they still said I probably won’t make it past the end of the month. Corny, get home, bring your friends, and see me. I might be close to dying, or I might be recovering, either way, come home.

So, with that news aside for now, Jack has heard about your true friendship with Slate and now considers you the perfect pony for Changeling/Pony equality. He hasn’t gone back to preaching yet, but even then, he’ll probably use Slate as an example. Whatever the case, Jack firmly agrees with your assessment that no risk is too much to help your friends. He says he’d do the same thing for Sparky and his friends at school.

That’s part of the reason why this letter took an extra day to write, because Jack’s been constantly talking my ear off about how awesome you are. His chattering has been hard to block out. He still has the idealism of someone younger than him, but he’s at least a little more mature now. He’s for equality, as mentioned. His methods are a little strange, though. There’s also a ridiculously high chance that even when he does start preaching, nopony will care, as they always have done.

Now, you letters have been observed by a few people. They seem to see Changelings in a slightly more positive light. However, they’re still paranoid that another Canterlot Invasion will happen. They don’t trust Slate 100%, and they seme to be with the army.

It sucks seeing everything you say being so irrationally torn up, however I knew we’ll get through this together. Every other time you’ve been sanctioned, you come back a hero. This time shouldn’t be any different. You’re doing the right thing, so keep doing this. You’re on the right track. Just a little bit longer.

So, Sparky has mentioned that she feels a little better. She hasn’t talked with her girlfriend in a few days, so I do have reason to be concerned. I do believe my observation was correct. Sparky checks on me several times a day, and I have a sneaking suspicion that she doesn’t even go home. I at least know Jack goes home, because he always comes back fresh. Sparky comes back an emotional mess. Her mane’s a mess, and she always hugs me as if she’s sure I’m there.

She’s so precious, all that toughness has completely gone. She’s becoming a new mare, perhaps a more vulnerable one. One I can love without being told I don’t get her. I’m tearing up just writing about it.

Other than that, she’s been attentive, and I’m happy. Jack and Sparky are still our children and I love them very much. I don’t think I could imagine anyone else. Despite their differences, they seem to have bonded over my unfortunate condition. It depends on perspective if that’s a good or bad thing, I see it as a good thing. Despite all the problems my inevitable death will cause, I’m happy that it’s at least bringing others together. Even if those others are ones who were already close. They’re closer now.

After that, they ran a more directed treatment on me this time. Of course, they tried to kill the tumor with directed x-rays. As recounted by Sparky, the got pretty far this time. They’re slowly chipping it away and trying to slow it down. I requested that they try to keep me alive for as long as you were gone. They said they’ll try, but they can’t make any promises. As long as they’re trying that’s OK with me.

Speaking of which, the tumor hasn’t gotten any better. My headaches are still worsening. I feel like I’m snapping a little bit more when talking to other ponies. It could be stress, or it could be something more sinister. After all, I did never get to research particular symptoms for my case, and Jack’s too busy championing Changeling equality to do it for me.

The headache is no longer just something you can ignore. It’s yelling in the back of my mind constantly. I’m still getting the OK to write, but it’s very hard. That’s part of the reason this was delayed by a day as well. It’s just getting harder and harder to write. Before too long, I might have to relay the words I want to write to another pony to transcribe them for me. That’s how it’ll happen if this headache continually worsens. Therefore, these will be very difficult to continue writing, so you might get some transcripts instead.

So, about life, it could be better. It could also be worse. I mean, I’m dying, but there’s a very slim chance I might not, that chance is very small though. In addition, I’ve never loved our children more than right now. They’re cooperating, and I absolutely love them for that. Your friends sound wonderful, and I can’t wait to see them. Also, Sparky’s more vulnerable, she seems to be continuing on that path. I think she still might be militaristic, but it isn’t as easy to tell now as it was a month ago. They’ve both changed, and while if those changes were good is up in the air, I love them.

So, Corny, that’s about it today. Come back soon, you’re doing the right thing.

With all love and affection;
Chrissy.

Author's Note

I too almost teared up to while writing about Sparky.

Yes, I call her that in my notes, I accidentally made her nickname too cool. Whoops.

12-7-11

To, my wife, Crystal “Chrissy” Gem;

Well, guess what’s finally going on tomorrow? The new Changeling attack. Nopony’s retaliated yet, so we’re at a stalemate. Not for long, because we’re going to be releasing Tartarus on the Changelings. Slate’s coming as well. He’s frightened, he too seems to believe that the Changelings are under a hive mind, and that’s they’re fine if they aren’t. I mean, he should, he is a Changeling himself. He should trust that Changelings are fine. It’s not like he hates himself for being one in a direct sense.

In addition to this, the plan decided on is even worse. No mercy, than capture the queen for questioning. Nopony will listen to me when I say that that’ll just make her madder and have her command an entire army to our doorstep. Of course, they believe that all Changelings are doing terrible things of their own free will. So naturally, they don’t believe in the concept of ‘hive mind’. They think the queen’s separate from everything else. Despite the fact that you did unbiased research and confirmed that the hive mind is very real. They won’t listen to me there, either.

On a more positive note, I’m so happy Jack and Sparky are getting along better. Now, it’s not like they were fighting with each other constantly. However, they had their disagreements, mainly with what type of music I listened to. Jack wanted Classical, Sparky wanted Rock. It’s kind of hard to find a genre that’s both Classical and Rock. So, I usually just listened to The Beatles, which is more or less the closest thing that combines those two together.

Though, to be honest, I don’t see your death as a good thing. Sure, it’s bringing family together, but at what cost? Just my true love, my reputation, and my life. Chrissy, it may seem a bit selfish, but I think bringing Jack and Sparky together has simply been too high a cost. They’re already together, and if you die, we won’t be. What are those doctors doing to keep you alive? I sure hope they’re doing their best, because genuinely, you dying to bring family together is too high a cost. It’s just my entire life and my love.

Well, aside from that, are you getting any better? Are Jack and Sparky getting closer? These are things I have to know. I can’t just lie here and die inside while you die literally. You need to keep me updated.

Regardless, the generals are about ready to murder their way through the Changeling hives. Not even giving other sentient species a chance to explain themselves. Perhaps they’re under orders that they’e forced to follow, just like us. They aren’t so different, they just happen to have an evil queen.

You may notice that I’m incredibly ticked off this letter. That’s because everypony won’t listen to reason even though I’m telling them. It’s only making my reputation worse, and I certainly don’t like how this outcome’s looking. I think the genrals are so fed up at this point, that if I even say “hi” to a Changeling without it being considered showing good will to the enemy and getting me fired.

Not to mention, but talking with Lance has become increasingly awkward. She has a crush on me, but she can’t act on it. Or well, act on it with my consent. Then again, she wouldn’t do anything without my consent, so I think I’m safe there. So, she constantly thinks she’s going to say something wrong. Ergo, I can’t talk to her without everything getting insurmountably awkward. Luckily, I can still say hi and play Poker without feeling weird.

Slate is getting better, and worse. As in, he has almost a glossy coat over him now. I think if the past couple pallet changes are any indication, this might be step three of the transformation, whatever that looks like. Step one was the wings, step two was the shimmer, and step three is the shell gloss. He kind of looks ridiculous, but we don’t say that to his face.

Because me and Lance are sharing our love, he’s been feeling better about the whole thing. We’re essentially 2 outcasts, and Slate is our third musketeer. He’s been with a while. I also have a funny feeling that he’ll stick with us for a longer while. He’ll be with us through thick and thin, after all, he’s lived in much worse.

On the other hoof, Slate is also feeling worse about his choice to join us. We’ve convinced him not to run away because that would be suspicious. However, he still has to participate in the attack tomorrow. He doesn’t want to hurt such things that could have free will. I don’t know if I can convince the generals to leave them alone. Slate will probably have to fight tomorrow, and that’s the thing he doesn’t want to do. That’s making him feel real bad, and me and Lance are trying to convince him that everything will turn out alright. He doesn’t believe us fully, but it’s a start.

So, life has only gotten worse. My closest friends (aside from the kids, of course) are both not themselves. Lance is acting weird, has unrequited love (presumably), and is all in all awkward to talk with. At least she understood that I was married. Slate is very unlike Slate, he’s no naïve soul like he used to be. It seems that Equestria decided that it would release all the horrors of the military on him, and he was crushed under the weight. Chrissy, it’s killing me I just can’t take it.

In addition, there’s a battle I’m being forced to fight in. I don’t want to attack Changelings, I don’t want to follow the rules. However, I have to. I’m just so glad that despite everything that’s happened, you still have full trust in me that I’m doing the right thing. Chrissy, you don’t deserve to be with me.

Chrissy, come back to me.

With all love and affection;
Corny

Author's Note

Now, this one got gradually easier to write.

16-7-11

To my husband, Corn Husk;

There is no way to convey in writing how bad I feel right now. My head is beeing hammered by a jackhammer, and I think this is probably the last time I’ll ever be able to write.

The doctors aren’t very optimistic, they’re giving me just a couple weeks before I die. However, I suggest youstill hold on, because I don’t feel nearly happy enough to allow somepony to come see me. Besides, you’ve got a ton of problems to worry about. Slate, that Lance situation, and that battle that’s not going to end up very well no matter what you ponies do. Capturing the queen is truly a bad idea. I should know, I’ve read about it.

So, in classic Chrissy fashion, I suppose I have a lot of things to talk about overall. I don’t really remember them all that well, so I may be able to recall them. Perhaps not very well, wait, where was I?

Right.

So, not only has my headache grown up into a big headache. But I’m getting dizzy, and Sparky says I’ve passed out a remarkable amount in the past couple days.

I almost forgot to write you, sorry. However, this tumor isn’t making anything easier. In fact, it’s made things... less easy? I’m sure there’s a word for that.

Whatever the case, the doctors identified that I’m a little beyond saving now. If they just let it loose, I should survive another couple weeks before dying. However, these symptoms have been messing withmy. Mind.

In case it wasn’t already evident.

Jack has continued his Changeling crusades. Well, not crusades, but that peace activist thing. The thing he’s been doing recently, if I remember correctly.

He’s not doing it in the hospital, thank Luna, but he’s been continuing outside... of here.

Some ponies are listening, but not much. It seems that his peace activist thing isn’t really doiing much else. That hasn’ already been done. Or what ponies have been doing already.

What I’m trying to say is that some ponies believe Changelings are alright. Most believe they’re stupid and villains without remorse. Slate’s been getting a few supporters right now. They don’t believe he’s representative of the entire population, however.

I don’t know how Jack managed to copy ypur letter thingies, but he’s been using them for the overall benefit of Changeling populations. Or for the overall benefit of how ponies view Changeling populations. He wants Changelings to be viewed very good.

Also, Lance, might be a good choice if I ever die. You have my blessing when I do pass on.

The doctors have decided to stop treatin me. I’m not getting any better, but they don’t think they could prolong my life any longer than they have. They’ve been doing some stuff to keep me alive long enough to see you. I don’t know what they’re doing, but I presume that anything that allows me to see you is... good.

Life’s been such a slog. In case it wasn’t already evident. I’m so fuzzy, and I don’t know what to write, or say, and everything hurts, and I just don’t know how long I’ll be here. I’m forgetting words left and right, and I simply can’t think without that really bad buzzing in my mind. Screwing with my writing, of course.

Now, I’m dying to see you again, Corn. Please don’t make it literal. I don’t think I could see you if I’m dead. That would be very hard to arrange. I couldn’t see.

Right, so presuming you’ll get back before I die, I wish you the best in that battle thing. Defeat as many of the enemies as you can!

So, my health, that’s out the window. The doctors say my health is rapidly decling, they aren’t able to do a thing about it! That sounds good, but also kind of worrying. I should still last a while longer! I can still hang on until you come back! I hope. Corn, come back. Please. I beg you. I’m dying.

I mean, I feel like I’m forgetting something. Well if I forgot something than it can’t possible be important! I mean, it’s not like it’s anything I’ve covered.

With all affection and love,
Chrissy.

Right! I forgot to mention Sparky! Silly me.

Sparky isn’t doing that much better than last week. In fact, she’s probably worse. She’s not happy over my declining mental state. She in says that she could’ve transcribed this week. I think that even though my headache’s bad and I can barely think straight. I can still write, so why should I have her transcribe them. Sparky, she’s so crazy sometimes.

Regardless, she’s not crying over me like she was last week. She’s still very concerned for my health. Oh, and her and Jack have been getting even closer! My death is truly bringing our two children together! That’s good, right?

Anyways, I absolutely love her and her girlfriend, too. Jack, I love him as well, but his Changeling stuff is really gettingin the way of spending time with family. Sparky’s considerate, though. She’s always by my side, and I truly hope it’ll stay that way.

Also, your friends sound really nice. I’d love to meet them when you come back. I think you’re doing the right thing. I think. Jack convinces me you are. I wouldn’t know, I’ve never met a Changeling. Perhaps they’re good souls. Perhaps they aren’t.

Whatever, I truly love you, can’t wait for you to get back. Also, it’s so nice that you think of Slate as a good friend. More importantly, you do still love me, right? Lance isn’t convincing you otherwise.

Like I said earlier (I think), you have my blessing to love her if I die. She seems like a perfectly respectable pony. I would love to meet her along with Slate when I get the chance. Bring then both when you come back. Love you Corn!

With all affection and love (for real);
Chrissy.

Author's Note

You may notice that this letter is an absolute mess to read, this is intentional. She’s not in her right mind, and this is emphasizing that.

18-7-11

To, my wife, Crystal “Chrissy” Gem.

You’re sounding a bit loopy there, you alright? You’re very incoherent, and you seem to be messing up, stumbling over your words and whatnot. Also, you seem to have forgotten that the enemy is Changelings, and I don’t want to kill the enemy. Slate is also a Changeling. If Sparky isn’t writing your letter for you, I’ll be very concerned with actually reading them. Besides, I’m missing the kids, too, I want to hear Sparky’s dry wit intermixed with these as well.

To wit, you forgot Sparky existed, repeatedly called Jack’s Changeling Rights Movement a ‘peace thing’, and also gave your blessing for me marrying Lance. I know that the Chrissy I love is more well-read, attentive, and possessive than that. I’m really concerned.

However, the battles happened, and I hate it. I had to purposefully kill Changelings and act dumb about it. They led a full on push into the queen’s chambers, and they put me in front because I was a dirty Changeling sympathizer, and I needed to prove I wasn’t such a terrible thing. In addition, to rub it in, they handed me one of the Equestrian army’s three Magical Energy Weapons. The only thing that can reliably kill elite guards and above.

I don’t mean to imply that the queen is all good. I truly think Chrysalis is beyond redemption, but the rest of the Changelings aren’t, and the army thinks they are. Also, capturing Chrysalis is beyond idiotic. She controls the entire bucking Changeling body, she’s going to pull them right back when she wakes up.

As for what happened in the battle, I don’t know nor do I particularly care. My heart wasn’t in this one, I couldn't just go on a Changeling killing spree like my orders said. I halfheartedly shot at what I was ordered. I did no more than I asked, nor could I summon up the will to go above and beyond.

Presuming you have the mental health and/or capacity to answer me, Chrissy. Is that what it feels like being a teacher, is it this redundant cycle that never ends? Do I have a idea what this feels like, the monotony of following orders? Can you answer me, Chrissy? I’m hoping you can. It just struck me as I was being forced to kill Changelings.

One thing I do remember from that attack is that we managed to keep some of the lower-tier Changelings alive. We also managed to capture Chrysalis, alive. This means that because the army doesn’t believe in how the hive mind works, they’ll be in for a nasty surprise whenever they come around. I’m going to hide throughout it, because they can’t say I didn’t warn them. I told them exactly what the hive mind was, and they didn’t believe me. It’s their loss.

So, in other news, we’ve got a massive Changeling in the base. The queen of the entire hive. Slate’s terrified, the poor thing. He doesn’t want to incur the wrath of Chrysalis. He likes his life here, he’s truly friends with us. He’s sufficiently shared his love for reformation, and Chrissy, I have some big news. In a supernova of love release, after a sufficient push, Slate went from a ratty old bug to something new. New and exciting.

Slate’s become... different, a light purple bug that reminds me of you every time I see him. It’s heartbreaking, seeing someone so close to you so aptly represented by a species so different from ponies. In the same vein, it’s almost soothing, and it gives me hope for the future. Perhaps Changelings and ponies can live in harmony, they just need a little push.

All you need is love
All you need is love
All you need is love, love
Love is all you need.

It’s beautiful, even though his colors are actually kind of an eyesore. It still reminds me of you though, but that crystal sparkle gives that purple a little extra shine.

Regardless, Slate could probably get by by claiming he’s a real pony. Then again, several squad members will see right through. He’s still remarkably unusual, and he still doesn’t want to become a Changeling. This is not helped by the fact that we now have his queen who he’s very particular on irritating in the camp. He doesn’t want to reveal himself for fear of being called a heretic or worse.

So, he’s still the grey, rough-shaven, heavyset pony, he’ll probably remain that way for a while. I’ll try to talk him out of it when I see you.

At this point, Chrissy, it’s not the fact that I can’t see you. It’s the fact that I’m afraid of what’ll happen if I do. It’s not so much the firing, I don’t want to be a military pony for much longer, it’s the fear of something worse. Something Celestia would try her hardest to keep covered up.

I’m probably paranoid, but let’s hold out a little while longer. You can do that, right?

Now, talks with Lance have become slightly less awkward. I can now communicate my words properly. I think she’s getting used to it. I don’t want to spit on you when you die, so I might not be convincing Lance to stick with me as more than just a friend. You never know, but I don’t see myself doing this in the future. Totally.

Life sucks. While it’s gotten better since last week, I still don’t like it. Lance and Slate are sticking by me, and the army doesn’t see me as a traitor anymore. However, that’s the problem. To get that title, I had to kill so many Changelings, no, ponies, I didn’t want to. Since the army aren’t my friends, this isn’t worth it. Lance and Slate know that I did what I had to. They still love me.

So, my health is fine. There’s much more pressing matters on my mind then health, though, you among them.

With all love and affection;
Corny

Author's Note

See how this one’s coherent? More coherent Chrissy letters start tomorrow.

23-7-11

To, my wife and/or daughter who happens to be writing for her, Crystal Gem and Shine Sparkle;

I didn’t know you managed to convince Chrissy to not wing-write her letters. However, I commend you Sparky. You managed to get Chrissy to change her mind, or just outright wrote the thing yourself. Impressive, I do have to say. Now, I’m sure you’ll make a good military soldier one day.

Sparky, I appreciate you keeping me posted on Chrissy’s status, even if the status is rapidly declining. I still love her, you still love her, we all still love her. I’m sure we all wish the doctors could do more. Trust me, we’re all in this together.

To the surprise of everypony but me, Chrysalis decided that it didn’t matter that she was captured if she could just convince half her hive to attack us. Therefore, the camp got attacked by a bunch of Changelings. I wish I could say,”I told you so,” but I don’t think that’ll help my standings at all. I’m not considered as poorly as I was at one point, but I think they’e a little miffed that the Changeling sympathizer was right. Rubbing it in won’t help a thing.

Now, I didn’t want to fight, but I had to. In my defense, a lot of it was in self-defense, so I didn't have as much remorse as I would in a usual fight. However, they’re still equivalent to ponies and they aren’t under their own will. I expected this, so I hid Slate as best I could. Chrysalis was none the wiser, she has so many Changelings that a simple runaway renegade won’t hurt her production in the slightest. Slate is essentially his own pony by now, and Chrysalis couldn’t care less.

Now, in response to you talking about Changelings. Sparky, they think for themselves, after mind link breakage at least. Drones and border guards are under direct control from Chrysalis, so after breaking the link, everything’s fine. I don’t think Changelings can reform off of fake love, so I think Slate is well and truly honest. He seems like an okay guy. He slays me and Lance in Poker all the time, and I think he considers us friends.

Sparky, you don’t have to absolutely support everything about Changelings, but you tolerate them, and that’s more than 90% of the people at the army camp. If you were to become a soldier, you’d be one of the greatest and most respected people in the army. Don’t let some bad apples ruin your dreams, Sparky, you’d make a fantastic soldier. Trust me, I know.

Also, it’s quite intriguing that you actually thought about that question I asked. I mean, it was directed at Chrissy, but I’m pretty sure you’re the closest I’ll get. I hope you can think about said question. I really want to know the answer because, seriously, I’m starting to get tired of this tired routine.

Now, my friends. They’re doing well. That’s fantastic in my eyes.

Slate thinks Chrysalis is evil now. I think this is a fantastic step forward in his development. He’s reformed, and he loves us with all our heart. He used to be a glorified pet for me, and now he’s a pony like the rest of them. He doesn’t act like a pet. He’s sapient. Honestly, I’m proud to call him my friend.

In addition, I personally think that he loves us just as much. He’s so happy now. I don’t want to take that away from him flr the whole world. He may be living in disguise, but he’s at least got friends that can see him for who he is, both figuratively and literally.

About Lance. I don’t know how you’ve found my diaries, but yeah, I might have a little crush on Lance. It’s terrible, I feel terrible for it. I do like Lance a little, I do still love Chrissy more. Sparky, I don’t know how Chrissy will react to this, and really either extreme is very bad, so I’ll have to respectably ask you to keep this between us for now. At least until I can take a sand sifter to my feelings and figure out what the heck this is.

Sorry Sparky, while she is a little young, and she’s not taken. I’m also fairly certain she’s straight, so you’re going to have to stick with your girl. I think Lance would be significantly weirded out by a 17-year old First Sargent’s daughter asking her out.

Now, as for life. Your life is my life. I’m torn up inside, too. I do have my friends, but I also have a fight to recover from. I’m fairly certain the generals hate me. They probably really hate that I ended up being right, as well. Chrysalis has since fled and the generals predict we can end this with one more battle. Hang in there, I’ll be home. Someday.

I’m not longer a dirty Changeling sympathizer, and some ponies are actually calling me Boot Camp again. It’s quite cool being called the nickname I’ve since been denied. However, I’m still that same sympathizer, and I enjoy it. In addition, my favorite ponies are at home far away from here. This isn’t really ideal. Also, my favorite pony in the world is dying and will probably die in a matter of days. I still have to fight all the Changelings I want to protect, all in all, I’ve been having a fairly bad time.

So, let’s hope this battle will truly end it. We can get through this together. I can get through this.

About my health, it’s nothing too serious. I may have split my hoof last battle, but otherwise I’m fine. It’s not my health I’m concerned about. There’s more problems with you than there ever will be with me.

As stated, I can make it through this. All we need is hope, a shining star, something that’ll leave everything behind. Hope for me.

With all love and affection;
Corny/Dad

Author's Note

I should add a Changeling tag to this, shouldn’t I?

25-7-11

To, my father, Corn Husk;

Well, that’s nice I guess. I’m sorry, my mind’s just a bit preoccupied right now, everything’s terrible, and ugh! Regardless, I don’t think Mom’s getting any better, nor do I expect her to.

But seriously, that’d be fantastic, the tumor magically gone. I want Mom back. I don’t want this empty shell of her that’s here right now. The one who barely remembers your name, and cheers for you to do great in your battles, and tells you to marry Lance because why not.

In case you can’t tell, I’m angry at the world right now. There’s nothing like taking Mom, who I’ve known all my life, away and leaving a husk of her to add insult to injury. Why does this world hate us so?

Speaking of which, Mom is saying more or less the same things. She loves Slate, vouches for Lance, and cheers you to do well in your battles. She claims she’s doing just great. A complete lie, one she wants to believe.

So, I’ve been thinking, about that question you asked us. What’s it like to work for something against your will? Honestly, I don’t know. I’m not being forced to work against my will. I can imagine, just that idea of ‘I must do this to survive’, when you’d rather just give up. At some point you don’t want to do the repetitive task that allows to live, and what happens next? It’s a thought I’d rather not have, especially when it comes to jobs I’ll have in the future.

I really understand why you don’t want to do what’s asked of you, even if I don’t like Changelings myself.

Now, as for me, I’m expected to be a good daughter, stay out of trouble, listen to your parents. However, something got to me, and I just didn’t want to. I started rebelling, I started acting tough, listening to My Magical Romance, not doing what was requested of me. Now, I lie here, at what might as well be Mom’s deathbed, and I realize that I took my life for granted.

Honestly the thing that’s really getting to me this time, while Mom’s continued worsening of her symptoms is playing another large part. It’s the fact that I wasn’t a good daughter when she expected me to be. Now, she’s dying, and I’m trying to remedy that by being the best daughter I can be now.

That’s what’s tearing me up inside, the fact that I never acted nice when she expected me to. Now, I sit here, crying as I write this letter, and I wonder, what got into me. It’s like I’ve been smacked upside the head with a buck from a farmer. All at once. Why couldn’t I have been a better daughter, Dad? If I could start all over again, I’d be better.

I’m sorry, it’s just, I don’t understand myself right now.

With all that out of the way, I want to talk about Slate. Mom still loves him, she’ll always love him ‘till the day she dies, which will unfortunately be next week. 7 days, that’s when she’s expected to kick the bucket. Dad, if you don’t come home soon, what will become of us?

I see Slate in a more positive light than the rest of them. I notice Slate truly cares for you, you truly care for him. It’s a mutually beneficial relationship. You get companionship and he gets food, and companionship. It’s quite amazing all the things he’s done for you. He’s tried to fit in to make you feel better, he’s made you happy, and he’s just all in all a really cool Changeling. I’d call him a pony.

The news about Lance sucks, and as you asked, I won’t tell Mom about the unfortunate situation. I would on the grounds of thinking it’d be funny, but I don’t think it’d be funny in her current state. I mean, I’d expect that with a name like that, she’d be a lesbian. But of course, not all tomboys are lesbians. I think most aren’t actually, I’m just a unique case.

Heck, I’m not even that much of a tomboy right now.

Mom says she’s doing great, and that she’s sending you her condolences. That’s nice, but she’s not doing great.

I’m trying to act all nice. However, everytime I try to, I think back to the scenario I described at the beginning of this letter. You know, the one about me being a terrible daughter. Then I can’t help but to cry. I try not, too. But you know what they say.

Every rose has its thorn
Just like every night has its dawn

Everytime there’s something good that happens, my mood brings it down. My girlfriend’s tried to help me, but I don’t really want to listen. I want to muse.

Now, Jack’s coming to visit Mom more frequently, too. He seems to finally be focusing on something else other than that damned Changeling Civil Rights Protest he’s been doing. I don’t know his feelings, so perhaps I’ll ask him. He’s either more heartless than me or he doesn’t have as much remorse as I do, because I’ve never seen him cry. I don’t know if that’s particularly bad, or if he’s just coping differently. I mean, he was a good son, so who am I to compare myself to him?

Finally, my and Mom’s health.

Now, my mental health is awful. As mentioned, I feel like a terrible daughter. It’s getting me everytime. My physical health is alright. I don’t know of anything that’ll change that. Unless I break my leg somewhere, but that’s a whole different can of worms.

Mom, bless her heart. She’s suffering so much. Her tumor is irreversible, and that much is evident. The doctors can’t help her because they need to research the necessary technologies. I don’t like it, but sometimes, sometimes it’s got to rain. I don’t like this, but maybe there’s a silver lining. I hope you know that silver lining better than I.

Marching in lockstep;
Shine ‘Sparky’ Sparkle

Author's Note

Cutting it close, but alas, it is still today. We’re in the home stretch folks. One more Corn Husk chapter, and the rest has been planned out and will be done.

27-7-11

To, my wife and/or daughter writing for her, Crystal “Chrissy” Gem and Shine “Sparky” Sparkle;

That introduction is getting ridiculously long.

Regardless, Sparky, I have some things I need to address. I still hate doing my job at the moment, and would rather quit. I couldn’t just leave Lance and Slate behind by being influenced by my own selfish desires. I’m starting to wonder what the point of me working here is. I mean, it’s quite interesting the things that can change in few months.

You shouldn’t have done that research, if you didn’t do that research, I wouldn’t be in this situation. I’d be happy as everyone else, and I wouldn’t care so much for my friends.

But then again, if you hadn’t done that research, I wouldn’t have made Jack get out there and share his message. I wouldn’t have met Slate. I wouldn’t have met Lance. See, actions come with consequences, but sometimes it just happens to be worth in in the end. I can comfortably say that I believe this was one of those times. I wouldn’t have it any other way, even if Slate is stealing all my money that I don’t bid in Poker.

Sparky, why are you tearing yourself up so much? You may have your flaws, but then again, what pony doesn’t? I’m flawed, Jack’s flawed, heck even Chrissy’s flawed. She’s beautiful, but she’s not perfect. Nopony’s perfect, and it’s sad if that’s what you think. It’s not like we hated you Sparky, you may not have been a perfect daughter, but that doesn’t matter. Sparky, we love you. Me and Chrissy both. I wouldn’t trade you for the world, Sparky. I wouldn’t trade Jack either. Despite how silly that statement sounds, it’s true. It’s always true.

We love you, Sparky. Keep that in mind. You don’t have to be a perfect daughter for this to be true. You just need to be you.

Now, onto other news.

Slate’s been doing well. He’s fitting in with us remarkably well. He’s been doing all the things a Changeling like him does, but he’s also adopted some pony traditions. He treats everyone like a pony would. I mean, he treats everypony the exact same as other ponies treat other ponies. I also think he might not be eating anymore. Of course, you can never tell, now can you? He might just have enough love in his new reformed form to sustain him for Celestia knows how long.

Again Sparky, tolerance is a great first step into finally accept Changelings for who they are.

Now, Lance, thank you Sparky for keeping that a secret. She’s taken a shine to me, perhaps a little more than I’d like. Of course, she wants to date me. It’s a minor problem, so keep me strong.

Otherwise, she loves Slate as much as I do. It’s amazing, the things she accepts. She might like Slate more than me, as impossible as it sounds. She loves seeing Slate just do Changeling things.

It’s honestly very hilarious.

So, life has been going alright. I mean, nopony really cares about that one Changeling sympathizer anymore, battle’s happening in s few days. I hope to be there. But again, why do I want to, and also, why don’t I want to see Chrissy with my friends before she dies? It’s not like I’m feeling happy right now, but then again, why do I feel content? Is Chrissy’s death not getting to me as much as it should? Should I be worried?

Of course I should be worried. She’s my wife, for crying out loud. But then again, I don’t know if I’ll make it. More importantly, why haven’t I left yet?

Scratch that, Sparky. Now, going through this crisis while writing. I feel exactly like you do. I feel as if I’m not good enough. As if I’m just here because I’m here. There’s no rhyme or reason to why, but for some reason, I do. It’s terrible to me. I don’t feel happy. I feel worried, not about Chrissy, but instead me and why I’m not worried about Chrissy.

I confess. I have no solid reason why I’m still here. Am I worried about losing my job? Heck no, I absolutely hate it. I hate the things they’re trying to get me to do. Do I want to kill Chrysalis? Yes, but my squad can handle that. They know Chrysalis better than I do. I’m not the one who captured her. Then again, I’m the only one who knew she had a hive mind, so, you win some, you lose some, I guess. However, I don’t know how to kill her. They know better than I do, that way of doing things.

That really only leaves one option: my friends.

They won’t be coming home with me, and I don’t know where Lance sleeps. Nor will I ask, because that’s creepy. So, if I wanted to take a hike in the middle of the night with them, I could really only do so with Slate. He sleeps at the foot of my bed, so I can wake him up anytime.

Now, I’m so worried about my friends. I want to go home and see Chrissy, but I don’t know if they’ll come with me. Lance likes this job. She doesn’t approve of the Changeling massacres, but unlike me, she follows orders without questioning herself. Slate will just have a hard time fitting in. Especially if his true form is revealing, then we’d get scorned.

Now, I don’t know if I can go home with them, that’s why I’m still here.

After that strange ramble, my health!

Nothing to out of the ordinary, I’m healthy as a horse. I’m more worried about Chrissy’s, though. Just a little worried, but still worried nonetheless. I’m not worried as much as I should be, let’s say.

So, Sparky, keep me updated. Just know that if you want me to come home, say the word, and I’ll be on my way.

With all love and affection;
Corn Husk

Author's Note

This chapter was hard to write.

29-7-11

To my father, Corn Husk.

Dad, this is it. She’s going down. You are almost done, right? I really want you to come down, because I can’t handle this. I can’t handle this, Jack can’t handle this. We’re just watching Mom die right before our eyes. The doctors claim that she’ll make it at least until the 5th. So, if you can make it, please do. The last thing I want is for Mom to go down, and you not being there. I’ve already accepted she’s going to die. Now, you just need to join us.

We’ll be waiting here for as long as it takes. However, the doctors say you’ve got until the 5th because of some,”It wasn’t as bad as we thought” bs. I don’t care if it wasn’t as bad as you thought, Mr. Doctor Pony, it’s much worse than I thought. I don’t want Mom to die so soon. I want to have that chance to be a better daughter. Dad, when you come back, I’ll be the best girl I can be. Whoever you come back with, be it Lance or some other hot girl, I want to be that daugther for them, too.

The worst thing that can happen is as follows: Mom’s death is for nothing. What I mean by that is her death fractures the family instead of bringing us together, you’re fired and can’t find employment, and we end up just barely getting by because of one death. One singular death.

It can have the power of love, and the power of fracture. Ponies adapt to death in different ways, and if those ways conflict, then oh well. We’re royally bucked.

Now, I don’t mean to imply that Mom’s death will do that. However, it’s always a distinct possibility, and that’s what worried me. Dad, I’m so worried for Mom that it isn’t funny. I mean, under no circumstances would this be funny, but I’m taking this really seriously. Is there such a thing as taking this too seriously? Dear Celestia, I hope not.

Dad you’re worried about Mom too, aren’t you? Right? Please tell me that what you wrote no longer holds true. You should be worried about Mom, or I’m stomping over there and taking you myself.

Dad, we’re all feeling horrible about this. I suppose that it’s more of an anger, because we want to attack the people with couldn’t help. We want to lash out, because Mom is dying, so really, why did she have to? Is the universe on some twisted whim that’d tear families apart for the purpose of a cruel joke, or is it something greater. Maybe a deity who thinks that the ends justify the means and is killing Mom to teach us a lesson.

Perhaps we may never know, but neither option is truly favorable. I just want to see her alive and well again, chatting with us happily. I want to see the woman who researched Changelings for her husband a couple months ago. I want to see the teacher who loves her job, that she’d bring up history in letters. I want to see her again. However, I have this funny feeling that I never will. Mom’s dying, and there’s nothing I can do about it.

I don’t want this letter to become too depressing, so let’s examine those questions. Maybe it’ll give me some solace in these dark times, where nothing goes my way. For that matter, nothing’s going anyone in the family’s way, we all have things to worry about.

For example, I’m too worried about Mom to do anything else. As much as I wish I could forget about it, it’s harder than that. I don’t want to talk to my girlfriend because I don’t want to lash out at the ponies I love. Therefore, I haven’t talked to her, and she hasn’t talked to me. We’re drifting apart. I think she’d be concerned about Mom as much as I am. Maybe I should return contact with her so that we can grieve together.

Jack, again, is running his Changeling Civil Rights Movement, but nopony’s listening. They all think he’s either lying, or one of those hippies nopony likes. At least he’s still talking with his girlfriend, but again, his movement is going nowhere. He’s been halfheartedly giving speeches for a while, but again, he’s too young. I think he too is worried about what’ll happen to Mom. Therefore, it’s cutting into his talks for equality. I think he might actually be on the verge of giving up. My heart hurts for him. I may not like Changelings, but it’s terrible to see somepony with such a message as equality get blasted by the populous. He’s trying, but he’s going nowhere.

Mom is lying in a bed, dying. She’s talking in hollow lies to reassure herself that her death isn’t all bad. This is depite the fact that it obviously is. We love her too much.

And Dad, you’re on the front lines, fighting a war you don’t want to fight. Striking conflicts that you don’t want to strike. You’re keeping a Changeling under wraps as one of your friends. This Changeling is unable to change because if he were to change, he’d get shot. Maybe even several times. All because of a deep-rooted hatred that ponies are to prejudiced to lose. At the same time, you’re also struggling with terrible feelings for Lance and a overall apathy for Mom, and it’s killing you inside. All you want is for everything to be normal, but it certainly isn’t.

So, I’d say that nothing’s going our way. Life’s going badly for all of us. There isn’t a single thing that is going our way. However, we’ve got to power through it! There’s a light at the end of the tunnel, we can reach it. We’ve just got to believe that we can make it through these tough times and it’ll be alright.

Honestly, I’d love just to see you and Mom together again, Dad.

Marching in lockstep;
Shine “Sparky” Sparkle

Author's Note

I have 10 minutes left before the day ends. It’s still today, though!

I actually haven’t had a close family member that’s died. I’ve gotten close to it, and Sittin’ on the Dock of the Bay was actually a partial response to that incident.

30-7-11

To, our father, Corn Husk.

As expected, the doctors predicted way wrong. I don’t know why I had any shred of hope in the first place. Mom’s dying in two days, and that’s being generous. You said that if we gave the word you’d come right down. So, here’s the word:

Dad, come down now. I don’t care what the generals say, I don’t care if they say,”No, you can’t see your dying wife.” You’ve got to see your dying wife, and you’ve got to see her now. She’s lying in bed mumbling to herself, I can’t pick out any words, frankly, I’m not sure if I want to. It could be more boldfaced lies, it could be her saying that this is all for the better. I don’t care what she’s saying, I don’t want to hear it!

But seriously, I’d give anything to see Mom again. I’d give my own life if I had to. There should be no reason why a pony as great as Mom should suffer. I haven’t been the best daughter, have them take me instead. I’d do that, just to see Mom smiling a real smile. It may sound terrible, but I truly feel like that’d be the best thing to do.

Alas, I can’t, and I have to suffer while watching Mom die. Or rather, suffer by watching Mom die. I just can’t handle this terrible turn of events.

Besides, I wrote this letter to notify you that Mom’s dying. I rambled, like always. See, how I should be taken by Death instead.

So, I mean, I’ve come so far with Mom. I went from a filly that was interested in being in the miltary someday, and trust me, I’ve heard you talk about that so much. Then, I accepted myself and got a girlfriend. Mom’s been so accepting of my slightly oddball qualities. She truly loved me, even though I did some pretty silly things. Maybe not even silly, and instead just stupid, or ridiculous.

The point is, she loves me despite the circumstances. She’s always loved me, she loves me now, even though she might not know it. She might not even care to remember. But, it’s there, that’s all I care about. Mom, she’s always loved me. I don’t even need to mention that, yet I always do.

It’s always true, and I think I owe Mom for making me the mare I am today. Now, you’ve heard from Mom, you’ve heard from me, but you haven’t heard how Jack’s doing in his own words. Therefore, I called him in to help me write this letter. This sincere look back on all Mom’s helped us through.

…

Shine just handed me the quill. She’s asked me to write about my experiences.

But firstly, I just can’t believe it. There’s no way Mom has died or will die. It’s got to be some mix-up. The doctors mistook her for another pony, right? She’s not dying, and she’ll just wake up in a few days perfectly fine, right? I’m well-read, and I’m fairly certain brain tumors don’t work that fast. It’s just so unlikely that she’d be killed so quickly by such a thing. Also, it’s impossible that the doctors couldn’t help, they had to mix her up. She doesn’t have a brain tumor, she’s perfectly fine.

Therefore, I don’t know why Shine has asked me to recount my experiences with Mom. Because she isn’t dying. Nope, just a mix-up, everything will be perfectly fine.

But, in the— very rare— occasion Mom does die. Fine.

You have heard about my Changeling Civil Rights Movement. Well, you don’t know why. It may have put a strange implication in your mind that I am insane. I would like to fully assure you that I am not. Now, you may be leading a similar movement at your base, but nopony’s listening. Well, can’t say I have it any better, but I do really believe in the power of Changelings and ponies side by side.

Well, I used to start out as your normal student. I studied, loved reading, and of course, wore glasses. Now, I still do all these things, but now I’m a little more. I’m an activist, and as Mom’s awesome history class teaches, those ponies always leave an impact. I may not be leaving my mark now, but I assure you, Dad, I will do it later.

You can blame Mom for this. She’s the one that she insisted we research Changelings. I have to say that she did the right thing. Once I learned about the hive mentality, I realized that a lot of what Changelings do isn’t their choice. Also, you usually don’t see anything above a lowly drone out, and you sure don’t see elite guards and the queen out in the wild.

Drones are ponies too. They’re just a little misguided and maybe a little mind-controlled. Therefore, I support them and their endeavors, and insist that ponies try to break that mind link. My girlfriend supports this, and despite her coloration, she is not Twilight. She’s just somepony that looks like Twilight.

To think, Mom’s been with me the whole way. She may be a little sick right now, but she’s still Mom. She’s still the pony me and Shine grew up with. She still loves us, and I’m glad she’s okay.

Anyways, I’ve covered my experiences. I definitely think Shine has it from here. So, I guess that I’ll hand off the quill. It’s hard to write with hooves anyways.

…

Don’t mind Jack, I’m fairly certain he’s still in denial. Also, he’s probably the only pony in the family who calls me by my name, me included.

As stated, Dad, come back home now. We need you by Mom’s side before it becomes too much to bear. You’ve already missed Christmas, don’t miss this event.

...

Mom would like to say that she loves you.

Our hearts beating in lockstep;
Shine “Sparky” Sparkle, and Jumping “Jack”.

Author's Note

Wrote this two hours ago, just now got the wi-fi.

31-7-11

Author's Note

Sudden format change. The next two chapters won’t be letters, but physical responses to them. Just a fair warning.

31-7-11

Corn Husk

I look at the table in front of me. On there is Sparky and Jack’s heartbreaking letter. Their talking about Chrissy, and Jack’s insistent denial that she’s dying. I read it through, several times.

Now, one of the reasons I hadn’t left yet was the fact that the generals had said no. A fact I really wish I’d mentioned in my letters so that Sparky could’ve had more time to warn me. They always think that the war will be over in another couple days. It’s never over.

“Slate,” I whisper to the Changeling in question, lying undisguised at the foot of my bed,”Slate, wake up.”

The light purple mass stirs a little. I shake the bug, hoping to get a response out of him.

Finally, Slate wakes up.

“Corn, are we leaving super early today? I’m fairly certain the generals aren’t up yet, could I get five more minutes?” he responds, still not in full consciousness.

“Well, actually, it’s late. It’s about midnight. However, we need to find Lance now. We’re heading down to Ponyville for reasons I’m going to have to explain on the way down,” I respond, spreading my wings to fly out.

“That’s weird, I’m fairly certain Lance can’t fly. She’s that pretty blue Unicorn, isn’t she?” Slate unintentionally deadpans, rolling over.

“Yes, she’s the pretty blue Unicorn. Regardless, we need to find her. Do you know where she sleeps?” I ask, panicked.

Slate looks at me a bit funny. “Have you tried the female Unicorns division?”

I facehoof. Of course she’d be there, after all, she is a female Unicorn.

I fly out of the camp, leaving my letters behind. Slate’s on my tail the whole way as I travel to that division.

I open the first tent I find. There’s nopony I distinctly recognize in there. I do it a few more times until I see Lance lying down on the rock-hard beds the military gave us. Beside her is her pike that she loves to fight with.

“Lance,” I hiss,”wake up.”

There’s no response. So, I walk up to Lance and shake her awake. She immediately sits up with a jolt.

She wastes no time in slapping a comeback onto me.

“Hey, Boots, I know you think I’m hot, but you don’t have to watch me sleep. I’m fine with sleeping by myself, thank you,” she says, with a big stupid grin on her muzzle.

I try to shake off the blush I feel rising, unsuccessfully.

“Shut up, True Blue, this isn’t about that,” I says.

“Hey, hey, hey. You know I like being called ‘Lance’, repeat after me—“ She starts.

“Can you two lovebirds be quiet and agree?” Slate butts in.

“I agree with the purple eyesore. What’re you actually in here for, Boots?” Lance says, while Slate audibly flinches.

“We’ve got to get to Ponyville, now. I’ll explain on the way down. Lance, you can’t fly, so run,” I say.

“Oh, I’ll match you hoof-for-wing. You’re on,” Lance responds.

“Lance, this isn’t a competition—“ I sigh, she’s already out.

I turn to Slate,”Let’s fly after her.”

Slate nods in agreement, so we take off towards the blue Unicorn that’s quickly running away.

When we catch up, I turn towards my companions, and signal them to slow down a little. They oblige.

I land, and Slate follows. Running alongside Lance, I turn to her.

“So, my wife is dying, and she’s currently stuck in the Ponyville hospital. She’s predicted to die in two days, and I want to see her before she dies. She asked me to bring you guys along, so I agreed. Lance, my daughter’s well-aware of our mutual crush. My wife isn’t though, as far as she’s concerned, Lance, you have an unrequited crush.”

After finishing with Lance, I turn to Slate.

“Slate, everyone in my family knows that you’re a Changeling. In fact, Chrissy wants to see you in your reformed form. In fact, my son’s a Changeling civil rights activist. He’ll be welcoming of your presence.

“Lance, I know you need to rest, but you’ll need to push through. I don’t want to lose out on my chance to see my wife again. Let’s go.”

So, we speed up, and I push towards Ponyville. I really hope I’ll make it in time. Ponyville ins’t necessarily close, but it’s close enough to fly to. I know I can make it.

After several rest stops, and my insistence that we run straight through, we reach Ponyville by train from Vanhoover the very next day. I’d kept the bits Chrissy was sending me, and was able to pay for a train ticket for two ponies and a disguised Changeling.

Now, the train pulls up in Ponyville very early. Lance is passed out, and Slate is perpetually worried. As the train stops, I shake Lance awake.

“Now, why the Tartarus would you wake me up?” She asks, then adds”Oh wait, we’re in Ponyville.”

Slate’s still disguised. So, we have no problems as we leave our train. I quickly looked around for Ponyville hospital. Is Sparky’s timeline was correct, Chrissy was going to die today. I needed to find her before that. I step off the platform into the main square.

I’m very tired, so I don’t notice anything.

“Anypony know where Ponyville hospital is?” I ask, not bothering to look around for said hospital.

Luckily, Lance had gotten plenty of sleep on the train ride, so she’s able to pick it out right away.

“I think it’s over there,” she says, pointing her hoof to a large and proud building with a Caduceus on it.

“Yeah, thanks Blues, you’re probably right.” I say, not bothering to argue or even offer any alternative points of view.

I quickly dash up to the hospital, and throw open the door. Ponies notice this, wondering why a tired Pegasus, Earth Pony/disguised Changeling, and a Unicorn just dashed into a hospital.

Not missing any beats, I run up to the receptionist and demand an appointment.

“I’m Corn Husk, and I’m here to see my wife, Crystal Gem. Now.”

1-8-11

Well, the receptionist clearly saw that I was worried and panicked, because they let me see Chrissy with no questions asked.

Do now, I’m here with Slate and Lance, sitting at my wife's bedside, and I’m freaking out. The most beautiful Crystal Pony I know of, in a deep shade of purple, lies in the bed. She’ clearly conscious, but I don’t know how long it’ll last.

“Chrissy, say something, can you talk? Can you say anything, just a simple word of affirmation?” I ask, the spaces between my words nonexistent.

Chrissy looks up at me.

“Corny, is that you?” Chrissy asks, confusedly.

I don’t pay attention to Lance stifling a laugh at my admittedly embarrassing nickname.

“Yes, it’s me, and I’m probably fired. I’ve come from the Changeling Lands to see you, Chrissy. You might not remember what you asked me to do, but I’ve brought my friends. I’ve got True Blue, though she likes being called Lance, and Slate.” I say, gesturing at my two friends in question.

“Slate!” I prod.

Taking the hint, the Changeling drops his disguise.

In five seconds, Jack’s already all over him. He wants to know everything about Slate.

“Chrissy, I was so concerned that you wouldn’t remember me, or that you couldn’t talk or something. But, I’d love to talk with you just one more time, if you can.”

Chrissy weakly nods.

“So, what’ve you been doing?”

“Well,” Chrissy weakly chuckles.”I haven’t been doing much. Just lying here.”

“What’s with Sparky saying you’ve gone loopy? You seem perfectly normal today.”

“She wrote that?” is Chrissy’s only response. I stare sternly at Sparky, who is parked in the corner, covered by her purple wings. We will talk about this later.

“Well, I’ve just been wondering, you still love history as much as ever, right? You seemed to stop talking about it in your more recent letters.”

“Yeah, I stopped writing about it because I didn’t have anything to talk about. There’s only so much history.”

I nod. The heart monitors are the only noise I’m paying attention to now. Not even Jack’s insistent questioning of Slate, not even the rustles or any other noise in the world.

All I hear is the heart monitor, and that’s it.

“Chrissy,” I say, breaking the silence.

“Yes?” Chrissy responds, her voice faltering more and more.

“She loves you, yeah, yeah yeah
She loves you, yeah, yeah yeah,”
I sing. Chrissy smiles. That was the first song we played at our wedding. I’m still glad that Chrissy remembers that. She clearly remembers the song.

“Corny, I don’t have much longer,” she says. The heart monitor beeps are weakening.”Corny, I love you, too.”

She lays her head down and the monitor flatlines.

My wife was dead, and I barely got to see it.

Why?

Why did I have to hold on to a job I hated? Why did I consider cheating? Why was I such a bad husband recently?

Why had I only been there at the end? I mean, I was there, but that’s not the same. I held stubbornly onto a fight I couldn’t win, I fight I’ve almost certainly lost, just to lose another one. I hadn’t won today, I haven’t won for the past few. I’ve got Lance and Slate, and that’s it.

“Sparky,” I say,”we need to talk.”

Sparky sheepishly comes up to me. She’s there, and I look at her.

“Sparky, why did you lie?”

Sparky looks at me and slowly says,”Well, I wanted you to come back. I just couldn’t handle it, Mom dying, and you not coming back for some arbitrary fear. I just had to get you down here no matter what it took. If it meant making Mom loopy, I’d do it. I just can’t, I just can’t, why...”

Sparky collapses into my chest and starts crying. I put my wings around her, comforting her.

“So, your marriage is open now, eh?” Lance states.

“True Blue, now is not the time. Maybe later, when I’m done with my daughter. Until then, hold off. Talk with Skate or something,” I respond, making sure to use her full name.

I focus my attention back on Sparky.

“Sparky, it’s alright, we’re all recovering. I’m actually glad you persuaded me to come. I needed to. But, you could’ve done it without lying.”

“It’s just, I wanted to see you again Dad. We’re not only worried about Mom. But, we’re worried about you. I wanted to tell you, but I just couldn’t, and now she’s gone, and you’re here, but you barely got to see her,” she sobs.

“You say that like it’s not prevalent on my mind. Why I didn’t come earlier, I don’t know,” I respond in earnest.

Sparky returns to her corner, and I examine my wife once more. She’s dead. Nothing will change that, as much as 8 wish something would.

Jack, finally taking his eyes off of Slate for ten seconds, notices me.

He walks up to Chrissy, and looks down.

“I guess she’s really dead,” he says, adjusting his glasses.”But why? Why did Mom have to die? Is it some trick of the heavens? That’s scientifically improbable, regardless! This was done, and I don’t like it one bit!”

Well, I guess he’s out of denial. But, I don’t know if I prefer this Jack more.

Taking my eyes of Chrissy, and leaving Jack to his ramblings. I turn around toward the door and my two friends.

“Meet me in about an hour,” I state.

I walk towards the door, and contemplate what had happened. Yes, Chrissy was dead, my beautiful wife. But, if her words were anything to go by, hers and Sparky’s, then her death brought ponies together. It wasn’t completely in vein, and I know that ponies have grown from it. I just wish this didn’t have to happen this way. Things were ‘t going very well.

Well, Chrissy was dead, but I got out of my dead end job, and found out that Changelings are great ponies. I wonder if Jack would let me do his Changeling Civil Rights Movement with him. I sense its needed.

So, I guess things were alright, all things considered, but I knew they could get a lot better. They would get a lot better.

I step out into the hallway with all this on my mind, prepared to start anew.

Author's Note

Longest chapter to date! Wonderful.

Well, the death scene was merely alright, but don’t worry, there’ll be another chapter tomorrow that will actually end the story.

1-8-16

To, my late wife, Chrissy;

Five years ago. Five years ago, you died. You left Sparky depressed, Jack angry, and me wondering why I didn’t come sooner.

Honestly Chrissy, I’m glad you did. I’m glad you left me feeling guilty, because it gave me the courage to quit, and Jack’s anger resulted in fiery speeches that I helped with. Now, the entire populous of Ponyville was truly convinced that Changelings aren’t bad. Especially after they noticed I had one in tow.

Now, I’m not saying that your death was a good thing. I’m writing this letter on the fifth anniversary of it, and I still miss you every day. Your death left a hole in the family that was slowly filled.

Lance, she came out and dropped her demeanor to have a serious talk with me. She loves me, yeah, yeah yeah.

Well, anyways, she finally convinced me to cave. I didn’t marry her because I wanted to spit in your face, or take advantage of a bad situation, but because I wanted the children to have a family. I’m sure you would’ve approved if you were still here, Chrissy.

Well, Lance is still working in the military. She’s been doing some rescue mission, and my name isn’t a bad word anymore. Slate went with her, and now they’re fighting together, the team we formed so long ago, unbroken.

Now, Sparky left home. However, your death has brought us together, and Sparky still visits me frequently. Just to chat with her and her wife. She finally married, and I couldn’t be happier.

Likewise, Sparky’s working in the military. She seldom gets sent on the same missions as my friends, but who am I kidding, they’re all my friends. She loves the job, and her militarism has been replaced with a more sensitive side. Effectively, she got the best of both worlds.

Jack’s Changeling Civil Rights Movement eventually succeeded. It took some perseverance, but when three ponies and a Changeling in the flesh participate, they listen.

Now, Changelings live happier among ponies, either disguised or otherwise. When my team finally killed Chrysalis, the Changelings with the mind bonds started wandering, and they eventually came here to live as their own ponies. They live amongst us as friends that were once enemies.

Jack’s probably rocking a technological job right now. Probably working with the hospital or working his way to it, as that’s the last thing I heard him say he wanted to do. That’s a tough job to get, though, and I’m sure he wants to do such a thing to remember you. He wants to find sufficient treatments for brain tumors. He wants to make it so families like pirs aren’t ripped away from each other when it comes to things like that.

As for me? Well, I quit. I felt like I wasn’t getting satisfaction from my job, and I decided that quitting was the most logical solution. So, I took a page from your book and decided to become a teacher. Luckily, my experience in the military made me a viable position for teaching about Magical Energy Weapons and overall weapon history. I could do something else, but I wanted to remember you in such a way that I wouldn’t forget.

As for Slate, he’s known as the first reformed Changeling. However, he’s used his title for good and talked about Changeling reformations as much as Jack and I have. He’s also pretty cute, as he still curls up beside my bed when he’s back from missions.

Well, my and Lance’s. We’re still together, it’s like we never left. I really love that.

Chrissy, I guess that the point I’m trying to make here is that your death caused so much pain. However, we used that pain to grow and build. We haven’t forgotten you, in fact, we’re remembering you in what we do. You’ve always been there, and in a sense, you’re here now. You just aren’t physically here. However, your spirit is, and I won’t forget that.

That’s the reason I writing this letter, in case you’re still watching us from the beyond. Chrissy, you’ve never left. You’ve done so much for us, and remembering you is keeping you alive. In our hearts at least.

I know that whenever Jack has children, I’ll tell them about the grandmother they never got to see. I’ll do this in hope that your memory won’t be forgotten.

Sure, these stories may be a bit exaggerated, but would you really care?

So, as the years go on, and I remember you. I ask that, Chrissy, wherever you are, you recognize this. Stay alive in our hearts, and I’ll never let you go. Not for a second wife, reformed Changelings or whatever, you are still Chrissy to me. Whatever you do, I’ll try to be there.

The idea is not crying because you’re dead, but remembering everything you’ve done for us while you were alive, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

My inner ramblings aside, I truly wish you were here. I’d love if you could see Sparky grow up, and Jack do the same, but in a way, you have been. Also, in a way, your death caused them to mature so fast.

Like I’ve said, this isn’t a good thing, but rather a thing that must’ve happened.

They say you grow from your experiences, and bad ones are a chance to grow more, and I’d have to agree.

We wouldn’t have done all this if it weren’t for what happened, but who knows, we might’ve done different things. However, I’m glad whatever happened, did.

Usually, I’d send this to your grave or whatever, but that doesn’t seem fitting. I think this’ll go up in a nice frame, so that, wherever you are, you can see it whenever you wish. Honestly, I’ll be leaving it up for myself.

With all love and affection;
Corny.

Treasure these few words until we’re together
Keep my love forever
P.S. I Love You...

Now and forever.

Author's Note

Don’t cry because it’s over
Smile because it happened
-Dr. Seuss

Curse Tangled Up In Blues for doing those posthumous letter-things and giving me the idea to write this one.

This is how it was always supposed to end.

That’s 1k words every day, for 30 days, I’ve done the challenge. As for the chapter that says it’s 998 words, it was 1,001 words in Google Docs. I can’t believe I finished another story.

And, you know what? I’m fairly happy with it. There’s some improvements that could be made, but aside from that, I’m fairly happy. It’s fairly emotional, even for me to write, and I’m happy with how it came out.

I can’t believe I’ve gone 30 days without getting a comment, so the few readers that have stayed with me for this long, I’d like to know your thoughts, any improvements that could be made, and overall, the story’s quality. Constructive criticism is allowed and encouraged.

Thanks for reading, have a nice day.

29-6-11

To, my wife, Crystal “Chrissy” Gem;

Don’t worry about me and Lance. I’m not sure her orientation, and besides, if she tries making a move on me, I’ll tell her that I’m already taken. She probably won’t care or listen, but I’ll try.

Yes, I haven’t told her yet, don’t judge.

I heard that the battles went well. They sent the Magical Energy Weapons out first and killed the elite guards, then the magicians sent them back. I’ve heard through the grapevine that there’s still a few Changelings who went into hiding. So, we just need a queen. I hope they don’t kill Chrysalis, or at least give us a chance at reformation. I think I might be able to strike up a deal.

Regardless if that works or not, we’ve got Slate, and he’s cool. He’s actually been passed off as a recruit who they haven’t bothered to look very hard for. For now, he’s safe. There are no guarantees about the future.

Me and Lance have been feeding him with our love. He’s just too innocent to not love. I just got your letter yesterday, and I didn’t think about telling Slate that he needs to share his love as well. Besides, I think he’s just very confused about this friend thing.

Apparently in the hives, being friends with inferior castes is punishable by death. Or exile, which is apparently worse. I mean, I’d rather be exiled than killed, so I truly wonder why they feel so safe and secure in those hives. Perhaps it’s because of the absolute xenophobia of the pony race against Changelings. I mean, they haven’t done anything nice to ponies, but they aren't incapable of such a thing.

Slate’s been nothing but cordial since we’ve ‘rescued’ him. Nopony knows he’s a Changeling, which could spell trouble, I’m sure a couple have their suspicions, but they haven’t acted upon them.

Speaking of which, you say Jack is turning peace activist? That surprises me, especially considering he’s never shown such traits before. Also, he dug up my Dawn Lemon CDs? I’ve always been more of a fan of Pull McCart, but there’s a reason I have them.

Imagine a world with no Heaven
It’ easy if you try.

That’s good stuff right there. Too bad it got him killed.

Sparky has always had that militaristic streak. You just never ask her the right things. For example, if you ask her to march in lockstep, she’ll do it perfectly. It’s quite amazing, especially for one such as her who doesn’t even have any training!

So, Slate’s cool, Lance is doing well. With your detailed account of the kids, Chrissy, I almost feel like I don’t say nearly enough. Like well, Lance and I taught Slate how to play cards. That’s not entertaining though. However it’s really all we have. Like, seriously, I got blocked from participating in the last fight (but hopefully I’ll be participating in the next one, it’s being planned), I literally have nothing to do except talk with Lance and Slate.

Slate’s actually a shockingly good card player. We taught him once and lost about a dozen times. Thank goodness we weren’t bidding anything, otherwise I’d be down a thousand dollars and have a very angry wife, which is probably worse.

Perhaps Slate’s been taught not to convey or feel any emotion which is why he killed us at Poker. Chrysalis doesn’t seem like the sort of queen who’d be like,”Do whatever you want,” she seems more like a ruthless dictator.

Well, Slate’s been talking a little about his background, he was a drone. Infiltration drone to be specific, which is why he knew how to change to his heavyset, scruffy, grey stallion form so well, presumably. That’s about it.

Changelings get one job and they’re expected to strictly follow it the rest of their life. They’e lives are that of a normal pony’s, and far as I can tell, retirement is essentially a self-condemning death sentence.

Lance, on the other hand, was told by her parents to work in the military to get a free college. She did, but then she found out that she actually enjoyed it here. She’s been in the military since. Lance is apparently the nickname she got for being remarkably skilled with both her horn and melee weapons. Not deprecating, interestingly, as most nicknames are.

It’s probably just an odd anomaly.

So, I myself haven’t been doing much. I’ve been talking, and that’s about as far as it goes. They don’t invite me to battle planning because I brought back a Changeling. Who, as far as they know, has run away and is now hiding out somewhere in Equestria. No, he’s actually standing right next to me. You just don’t know it.

So, as for life, it could be better. I could also be dead. We’ve taken a hefty number of casualties this war, that last battle I was barred from actually got pretty bloody. Makes me almost glad that I wasn’t invited, but it would’ve been so fun!

I’ve been running away, but very carefully. Slate actually caught me one day and wondered where I was going. I told him the truth, but then said he could come to the next excursion. The only bad thing about these if that flying still takes energy, but it leaves me very tired. At least we haven’t done anything that would raise suspicions about a tired soldier.

So, Chrissy, I hear your health’s getting worse. That really sucks. You know what they say, honey, prepare for the worst, but hope for the best. I don’t have any books on me, so I can’t exactly look for symptoms. So, perhaps it’s just an abnormally painful and long headache.

I sure hope I’ll see you again Chrissy. You know how stingy they are with those things. Just know that I’ll see you even if it costs my position and my job, I’ll see you before you die. If you die at all. I will be asking the mailpony to send these to you faster, so that you can keep me updated faster.

Wish you the best.

With all love and affection;
Corny

PS:
Of course I flew. Aged Cheddar’s was closed, unfortunately.

Author's Note

Wow, this got a view spike yesterday, I wonder why.

This story gets the weirdest view spikes, I swear.

21-7-11

To, my father, Corn Husk;

Hello, this is Shine Sparkle speaking on behalf of Crystal Gem here. She’s gone really loopy, I had to do some serious convincing just to get her to not write this herself. Instead, I’m going to ask her to relay some things and I will write them, or not, because I pretty much know how these letters work. Don’t take me for a fool, Dad, I know more than I seem to know. Alright?

So, I did ask Mom to tell you a few things about what’s going on.

Well, she said that she’s doing just fine. I know that’s a complete lie. Mom has never been worse. She’s so confused and says the strangest things. I know for a fact that she wouldn’t be so lax on allowing you to marry that other pony. Lance was it? She knows better than to say yes to everything, however that seems to be what she does the most nowadays.

To be completely honest, I hate it. I hate all the trials and tribulations and the doctors saying she’ll probably die sooner rather than later. The fact that they’re powerless to do a thing. Every day I see Mom getting worse and worse. I just can’t hold it. I tried to be tough, but I just can’t. I want to have some control over this life that’s wrecking me inside.

Honestly, I see Mom lying there on the bed, forgetting her nickname for me, and I wonder why this had to happen. Why did one of the ponies who understood me in my entirety. She never had any questions, she just accepted me for ‘Sparky’. I almost want to call myself that, now. That’d be so silly, but having her memory...

Otherwise, I question the doctors. I don’t know why they can’t do anything to save her.

Mom heard your question about working and doing things you don’t want to. I, for one, still want to be in the military. Tolerate does not mean love. Slate is the exception and not the rule.

Unfortunately, Mom doesn’t have an answer to that. She can’t exactly remember anything she didn’t want to do while teaching. I don’t have an answer for it either, but I’ll be mulling over that one when the next letter comes around.

Mom is very happy for Slate, says she knew all that research would lead somewhere. Surprisingly, that’s one of the most coherent things she’s said in a while. It’s saddening seeing such an awesome pony be reduced to mumbling incoherently.

I, am not necessarily happy for Slate. I mean, Changelings can reform, but whoop-de-do? What if he’s just faking loving you and Lance? What if he is doing this to gain intel? After all, he was literally raised on deception.

Now, all this is fine and dandy. I’m sure that you and Slate are friends though. I’m sure Changelings have some capacity for feeling, as it seems to be completely possible.

Now, Lance seems very nice. She also seems very attractive. You’ve been trying to dodge the question these past couple times. I think you might have a little crush on her yourself. Mom isn’t quite sharp enough to pick up on that.

Hey, how old is she? Is she like 15 years younger than you? If so, is she taken?

All that aside, Lance seems like a great friend to you. Just make sure that she and Slate come here as that’s one thing Mom’s still adamant about. That and she really wants you to come home soon. I’m pretty sure we all do.

So, you have a question about how we’re doing. Well, just like you guys, we could be a lot better.

While I’m still with my girlfriend, I haven’t been talking with her. She’s concerned, however, I’m too concerned about Mom to really care. Mom’s been getting progressively worse, and I’ve been by her side the whole way. I really wish it didn’t have to be this way, but sometimes that stuff happens. All in all, I could be doing a lot better than I am currently.

Jack’s the same way. In the candid conversations I’ve had with him, he says that he’s concerned to. His girlfriend has been participating in the Changeling rallies a little, but I’m not sure her heart’s in it. I’m not even sure if Jack’s heart is in it. He keeps giving halfhearted speeches, and if the ponies wouldn’t listen to a 15-year old then, they certainly don’t now. He still wholeheartedly believes in Changeling equality, but he doesn’t go around preaching it as much anymore. Mom’s inevitable death is killing us both inside. However, she’s right, I’ve never been this up-front with Jack. Her death is for better and worse. Truly, a death bringing ponies together, how funny.

How’s my life? Funny you asked. I’m absolutely torn apart inside. Mom’s impending doom isn’t helping anypony. Me and Jack have never been closer, on the plus side, but everything else is a minus.

Now, I know that question is always directed at Mom, so I asked her about it as well.

She claims she’s doing fine, which is a complete lie, as I’ve said. She seems to be content that her death will bring us together, but I think the prospect is ridiculous.

Needless to say, we don’t exactly see eye-to-eye here, but I love Mom too much to just let her go without saying goodbye. I spend most of my time checking in on her because I know she needs it.

So, my health is fine. Then again, that question is always directed towards Mom. Her health is becoming worse by the day. The doctors say she’ll be lucky to last another couple weeks. Her tumor is taking over, and she knows it.

Mom seems to have enough mental capacity to tell you that.

Like I said, I’m putting on a minor façade here, I’m absolutely torn up inside. I really just want to see you Dad, we all do. Just once. Please.

Marching in lockstep;
Shine “Sparky” Sparkle.

Author's Note

Thus, we meet Sparky. She wasn’t supposed to be like this, but hey, this story only has 8 chapters left, it’s been alright thus far. Hang in there.p

EDIT: Upon rereading this thing, I realized that this is very much Sparky. It didn’t seem like that at first, but rereading gives you a better perception on the story.