“James can you give me a hoof over here–Termite quit that right now!” Odonata shouted from outside a small cottage, next to him was a young teenage Changeling with a stick in his mouth.

“But it has nutritional value!” the teen, Termite, protested with a pout.

His short mane was silver and his pupils were a pale blue, he was slim with a slightly muscular build.

The stick was pulled from his mouth by Odonata, who glared weakly at him. He shouted again, “James!” the door was opened and another Changeling stepped outside.

This Changeling had a bright green cob-webby mane that reached his jawline, his pupils were green and his horn had holes in it. It was James Bridge, now twenty-seven years old.

His ear had a small scar on it, but it only made him look even more charming. He had a smile on his face as he said, “sorry Odie, Willow needed my help with dinner!”

His friend turned back to his son and grumbled, “see, at least your brother knows how to follow directions. Now go help him in the kitchen as a good brother should.” Termite groaned before going back into the house.

James couldn't help but laugh at the sight, it was such a common occurrence that would never get old. Odonata sighed before putting a hoof to his head, “these kids are going to be the death of me, just wait for when you have your own James...”

“Like anyone would be that interested in me, I'm happy just helping out,” James responded in a kind tone, going over to sit next to his friend.

Odonata cocked an eyebrow, “Is that so? I'm sure you're a pretty good catch from what I've seen, haven't you tried dating at all?”

“I have, it’s just that none of them stick. To be completely honest I think most of them just wanted a physical relationship with me... It's gross once I think about it. How about you, still not over your prince charming?”

“Oh hush you,” Odonata blushed, “I can remain loyal all my life if it's necessary, I've already settled down in a way. Besides, I'm sure that I'll see him again one day.”

James shrugged, “that doesn't sound very likely but, who am I to judge. I've never been in love, not really.”

“Remember that boy you told me about a couple of years ago? What was his name, oh right! Cricket, you said he was the cutest—” Odonata was interrupted by a hoof being slapped over his mouth.

James’ cheeks flushed bright green as he hissed, “shut it! We don't speak of that, it's in the past anyway.”

His friend gasped aloud, “you so still like him, that’s so sweet! Or is your type similar to him, tell me about it,” James had no idea how he constantly forgot how much Odonata loved to tease him.

“Leave me be, you heathen!”

“Mama, why are we here again?” a pale green earth pony asked in a whisper, her raven black mane was in a low ponytail.

She was walking down a path with her family, her father was pulling a wagon full of luggage and sentimental items. Her mother was walking right beside her while her younger and older siblings were behind them.

Her teal eyes held nothing but exhaustion, especially when her mother responded with, “because Lily, you're helping out by being a nurse here, they need all the help they can get. Plus your pretty face might help recruit a few more stallions, maybe you'll meet a particularly handsome one here?”

The young mare gagged, rolling her eyes before grumbling, “yeah right...” the mere idea of finding interest in a stallion that was probably decades older than her was enough to make her sick.

Her cheeks flushed a soft pink as she remembered someone who caught her eye over a decade before, she still remembered his handsome face and kind words. Too bad she was never going to see him again, maybe it just wasn't fate.

Lily never really believed in all that anyways, if fate was real then her mother wouldn't be stuck with her lousy father. All she could do was hope that the same wouldn't happen to her, then again she was still young.

Eighteen-years-old, the year she was supposed to be enjoying her life before her parents kicked her out of the house. Well her father would, if it was her mother's choice she’d be allowed to stay until the day she dies.

“We’re here, set your things inside won't you, Liliana?” her mother gently instructed, Lily did as told as she found no reason to ignore her.

The cottage was small, but then again it was only temporary. Her father told them that they'd only be staying for a few months to recruit soldiers, then they'll be gone to who knows where.

Lily felt out of place when she stepped inside, hearing the floorboards creak underneath her. She could only hope that there weren't as many bugs as she feared, just imagining it made her cringe.

A sharp voice barked behind her, making her jump, “Liliana, get your useless ass out here and help me unload the wagon!” she sighed, having not expected anything less from her father.

She set her things by the doorway before walking outside, she wasn't in the mood to have her hair pulled out of her skull again. She saw her father's harsh glare towards her, she didn't feel scared though.

If anything she was bored by how normal it was to her.

“Here's your dinner, uncle James!” a young teenage Changeling cheerfully said, placing a bowl of Cao lau in front of the elder male.

His hair was long and silver, reaching below his shoulders and being silky. Unlike his brother who's blue eyes held a sense of adventure and wonder, his held kindness and contentment.

“Thank you, Willow,” James responded with a smile.

He then took a bite out of the dish, tasting the rice noodles mixed with pork. He still couldn't believe he once went over a month without the meat, he'd lose it if he had to do that again.

Poor Willow had been so embarrassed to ask for help earlier, but thankfully James stepped in without teasing him. The ingredients were rather simple: rice noodles, pork, greens, bean sprouts, herbs, and some broth.

Judging from the salty yet sweet flavor, Willow did an excellent job!

“It came out even better than expected, amazing work Willow!” James praised, lightly patting the young Changeling’s head.

Willow uttered a shy thank you before sitting down as well, serving himself a noticeably smaller amount of food. He was always self-conscious about his weight, James surprisingly never really went through that when he was Willow’s age.

Willow’s twin brother Termite, on the other hoof, ate like there was no tomorrow. Quite typical of him...

“Do you think we can go on a walk by the river tomorrow?” Willow asked his father, who nodded with a grin.

“Of course we can, Willie... Oh, or do you just want to see that kelpie again?” Odonata teased, making his son flush bright blue.

Then he bit his cheek as he mumbled, “m-maybe...”

His brother shot out from his chair and pointed at him, “I knew it! I saw you kissing a girl last week, that was her, wasn't it?! That kelpie!”

“S-stop, Myrtle and I aren't together!” Willow squeaked, covering his flushed face.

James couldn't stop himself from snorting as he watched this exchange going on between the brothers.

“Willow and Myrtle sitting in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G!”

“TERMITE!”

Author's Note

The sequels here!!! Also I really wanted to show the different family dynamics between them, one is healthy while the other is clearly abusive