Chapters Moments passed until Twilight spoke up. "I'm sorry Thorax, but we can't. We'll happily help you where we can, but we can't afford to become changelings."
"But if you try to get to Chrysalis' new hive, she'll know you're coming for sure, she knows your smell, if you were changelings, you could look and smell like anything to get the upper hand. It may take a couple of months for the transformation to complete, but I believe it's worth it." Thorax protested, trying to reason with the princess.
"Thorax! We can't." Twilight raised her voice in a stern, but still caring tone."
"Listen sugarcube, I get that you're worried, but I have to help on the farm. I can't afford to be away for months, even if it's a couple." Applejack interjected.
Rainbow rubbed the back of her head as she spoke. "I'm sorry, but I have to be at the ready if the Wonderbolts need me." Rainbow said apologetically.
"I as well, have to politely decline your request, I have to run my boutiques, I can't afford to be away." Rarity informed Thorax.
"And I couldn't possibly be away for months, I have to care for sick and injured animals, I'm terribly sorry, Thorax." Fluttershy said as she twiddled her thumbs.
Starlight then spoke up. "Everypony has their responsibilities and are way too busy just to practically disappear for months, we really need to think about a decision like this through, Thorax." Starlight said before Twilight interjected.
"Not to mention, if word got out that Equestria's protectors just vanished, surely we'll be invaded, putting more lives at risk just to help you." Twilight spoke as kindly as she could, all Thorax could do was give a slight nod.
"You're all right, I'm sorry, I forgot about your other responsibilities and the fact that you're all Equestria's most important means of defense." Thorax said as he tried to ponder another way.
Twilight put her hand on Thorax's shoulder. "We'll help you in any way we can, but we can't just-"
"WE'LL DO IT!" Spike and the Cutie Mark Crusaders said in unison, cutting Twilight off. Another wave of silence swept through the area as the reality of what they all said sunk in.
"Apple Bloom, what the hay?!" Applejack exclaimed with worry in her voice.
"Scoots, no." Rainbow Dash spoke with sadness in her voice.
"Look, y'all are too important to just disappear for months, like Spike said no one will take notice if we disappear, but they'll take notice if any of you do." Apple Bloom said.
"No way, Apple Bloom. Ya can't just make a decision like this." Applejack said, trying to talk her sister out of it.
"I'm sorry sis, but I don't care. I want to help and I'm going to do it." Apple Bloom said standing up to her sis.
"And what's your excuse, squirt you can't just go doing this without your parents knowing."
"Honestly, I do stuff without them knowing all the time. I know that they love me, but with them hardly around it feels like I'm raising myself." Scootaloo said, pleading her case.
"And why do you want to do this, darling?" Rarity asked Sweetie Belle.
"I just really want to help, since you can't, I figured I would." Sweetie answered.
"Are you sure about this, Spike? You know it'll be irreversible?" Twilight asked Spike.
"I'm sure Twilight, like you said, without you Equestria will surely fall, and as Apple Bloom said no one would take notice if we vanished for months, no villain's at least." Spike said as he gave Twilight his reasoning.
Twilight sat and pondered. "You all have valid points, but this should be planned out carefully." Twilight said.
"The more time we think about this, the less time we have for action." Spike said as he hugged Twilight. "Please just let us do this."
"Alright Spike, if you feel like you need to do this then go do it. Although I will miss you." Twilight said.
"Don't worry I'll come and visit." Spike said, hugging her close.
"That goes double for you, Apple Bloom." Apple Jack said, realizing Apple Bloom's mind was made up.
"Keep in touch, squirt." Rainbow said, patting Scootaloo on the back.
"Just be careful, darling." Rarity told her sister, hugging her.
"I thank you four for helping." Thorax said to the crusaders and Spike. "And don't worry, they can move back in with you all anytime they want, but rest assured, we'll take good care of them." Thorax reassured Twilight, Applejack, Rainbow, and Rarity.
"Thank you Thorax, if you wouldn't mind, could we see them off?" Twilight asked.
"Sure, they should be done in two months if you all want to see them out as well, follow me." Thorax said as he led them into a chamber with four cocoons ready and a mortar filled with some green substance rested on a table.
"Alright, for the transformation, all four of you will have to get into these pods." Thorax said as he picked up the mortar with the green substance. "We just need to apply this cream to you four liberally, it will speed up the process a bit." Thorax continued as he and the other changelings began applying the substances to the crusaders and Spike.
Five minutes passed and the changelings and Thorax had finished putting the special cream on Spike and the cmc, Scootaloo looked at the mirror with the cream on her body; knowing that once the transformation starts, there will be no turning back now. So, Spike put his arm around her.
The cmc and Spike start to get in their pods, Scootaloo goes in first. "I should tell you after the pod closes it will fill with liquid, but try to remain calm you'll be able to breathe in it." Thorax told Scootaloo as she stepped inside, the little liquid that was in there was between her toes and felt warm to the touch, and a little slimy, as she leaned back the pod began to close and her heart started racing, she could feel every beat and almost hear it. Before the pod closed completely she let out a scream.
"WAIT!, I-I changed my mind, I d-don't want to do this." She says as she starts to hyperventilate and shake causing Thorax to open the pod back up.
"Are you sure?" Thorax asked, shocked at this sudden change of heart.
"I-I'm sorry, I just c-can't, I'm scared." Scootaloo admits before Spike comes in and hugs her.
"It's ok, I'm here, and if it's ok with Thorax, I'll share your pod with you." Spike said as he hugged her close.
They both look to Thorax who gives an approving nod. "Two people can share the same pod, it won't change the process." He said as he started to close the pod again. Spike pulls Scootaloo into a hug as she leans on his chest, with his arm wrapped around her Scootaloo starts to calm down as the liquid begins to fill up, the last thing they see is their friends staring at them as the liquid covers their entire body and they slip off into sleep.
It has been a month since the Crusaders and Spike entered the pods, late in the afternoon of the final day the pods burst open as the Crusades and Spike laid in a pool of green slime. Spike and Scootaloo were holding on to each other tight as they slowly woke up to see the mane six and Thorax staring at them in awe.
"Good morning, your transformations are complete," Thorax said as Twilight approached Spike to get a good look at him.
Spike was now a changeling with a purple exoskeleton and solid green eyes. Twilight lifted a hand to Spike and gently caressed his cheek, he felt hard to the touch but still warm. Spike blushed as she stroked him. "Twilight, you're embarrassing me." He said before bringing her into a hug. "It's ok, I'm still the same Spike, I just look different is all." He said as he hugged Twilight tightly.
Apple Bloom broke the silence as her sister hugged her. " It's not over yet, we've decided to stay here, at least for now." Apple Bloom said as she hugged her sister tightly, knowing what she's giving up, she let out a tear.
"We don't know when or if Chrysalis will attack but now we're ready, all we need to do is train the four of you." Thorax said as he told his subjects to bring them armor. "There is someone I'd like you to meet though, you'll also be trying to help her out." Thorax continued as he motions to someone. A young female came out, about the age of the CMC or maybe half their age.
"I-I remember you." Spike said as he saw her. "You were the one watching us as we transformed" Spike contained.
"This is Ocellus, she's really interested in learning about friendship, but relies too much on what's written about it."
Spike smiled smugly and gently nudged Twilight. "Kinda like someone else I know."
Twilight just coyly smiled and ruffled Spike's head. "Really? Who would that be?" She jokingly asked?
"Anyway, I was hoping you four could help." Thorax continued as Spike and the CMC gave a nod that they'll help.
Months go by as Spike and the CMC help young Ocellus try to make friends within the hive, though besides her family, she spends most of her time with the Crusaders and Spike, after they are done training of course. "Ocellus, you know ya really gotta try and make more friends right?" Apple Bloom asked her.
"I know, but I think you and the others are enough." Ocellus said as she hugs Apple Bloom.
"But you can never have too many friends." Apple Bloom tried to convince her to try but to no avail.
That night Spike and the CMC talk about the progress, but also the lack of progress Ocellus is making, King Thorax is there to also discuss. While discussing Spike brings up how he and Twilight have been writing to each other and reads one of the letters aloud.
Dear Spike, I'm glad that everything is going well for you at the changeling kingdom, though I really miss having you around. I've read your letters about Ocellus and it seems like she really needs a push to get out of her comfort zone, I think I have the perfect solution, I plan on opening a school of friendship for all creatures big and small, I honestly think this place will help her make friends outside of her circle and to not rely on what's in books, so she can experience how different friendships works. She can always sign up at any time. The school will be open next week so I hope to see her there. Love, Twilight.
"So, what do you think?" Spike asked the rest of the small consul.
A moment of silence swept through the room until Thorax broke it. "If you all and Twilight think this is the best course of action, then I support it, you have my full gratitude for trying to help Ocellus.
A week passed and Thorax escorted Ocellus to the School Of Friendship. Ocellus showed a little resistance saying that she wants to stay at the hive, but Thorax told her this would be good for the hive and for her.
Upon returning to the hive Thorax saw Spike and the Crusaders training, they've mastered changing forms quickly, so all that was left was combat training, Pharynx was harsh and rough, but also kind when needed. He thought to himself that this could work, he looked up in the sky to see a black cloud moving, but soon sounded an alarm.
Thorax and the other changelings rushed to their stations, in the middle of the dark cloud Chrysalis could be seen leading the charge. Some changelings shook with fear but stood their ground as Chrysalis landed.
"Hello my former subjects, it has been far too long." Chrysalis hissed as she walked up to Thorax.
"Hello, Chrysalis. I'm surprised you're not attacking." Thorax answered her greeting, standing tall and unfazed.
"Oh Thorax, what good would that do. You are still changelings, I'll let you live if you renounce friendship and surrender the hive to me, or you can stand your ground and have multiple casualties on your hands." Chrysalis threatened.
Thorax sat there in silence for a few minutes before answering. "No, you will leave peacefully or we'll fight you off. We will not renounce friendship and will defend it with our dying breath.
"Humpf, so be it." Chrysalis sneered as she flew back up into the air and ordered the attack.
Thorax ordered his soldiers to attack and a battle began. Clashes of swords rang out as each side started taking each other's lives, Spike and the cmcs helped fight off the assault. Their training paid off as they evaded attack after attack.
The fighting raged on for hours, which turned to nights, which eventually became a month. Both sides suffered heavy losses as the battlefield became a graveyard. Thorax ran through battle plans with his brother, Pharynx. Deciding to do a frontal assault, they decided to send Spike and Scootaloo to attack Chrysalis.
Sneaking around enemy lines, Spike and Scootaloo heard sounds of battle in the distance, Scootaloo felt a little worried for her friends as Spike grabbed her hand in his. "They'll be alright, Scoots." He assured her as they pressed forward.
Arriving at Chrysalis' base, they easily took out the guards and made their way to Chrysalis. Tasked with killing her, Spike snuck up to her chair only to find it empty and then a sharp pain in his back and blood seeping out.
Screaming in horror as he fell, Scootaloo saw Chrysalis standing over him, "oh, don't worry, he's still alive…….for now." Chrysalis laughed evilly as Spike laid in a pool of blood. "He'll bleed out slowly." She continued as Scootaloo watched with tears in her eyes, but her sadness became rage as she grabbed her knife and rushed the evil Changeling.
Following the struggle, Scootaloo was able to plunge her knife into Chrysalis' side as she screamed and backed away. Knowing that her numbers are dwindling and she's just been injured, Chrysalis orders a tactical retreat. Thorax's troops storm in as they attend to Spike's wounds.
A few hours passed since Chrysalis retreated, hopefully, it'll be a while before they have to deal with her. Scootaloo sat in the waiting room as the doctors worked on Spike.
A month had passed since the final battle, still in the changeling kingdom, Scootaloo prepares a few sandwiches and drinks on a tray. Grabbing the tray and walking into a room she sees how Spike is doing who now has bandages where he was stabbed wrapped around him. Giggling at the sight, Scootaloo sits down on the side of the bed with the tray. "How's my mummy doing?" She asks jokingly.
"Hey, come on, that hurt for real." Spike said while blushing and giving a slight giggle. Wrapping his arms around Scootaloo and pulling her close he smiles. "I'm doing better now that you're here." Spike said as he kissed Scootaloo causing her to blush.
Scootaloo lays her head on Spike's exposed chest as Thorax watches from a distance before leaving them alone.
The changelings whooped and hollered as the changeling gorbfest was underway, there were booths selling confectionery dishes, while some booths had games of all kinds, a large table was the centerpiece of the festivities lined with food of all kinds.
The changelings and ponies have been allies for a while now and the ponies thought it'd be a good time to go to a gorbfest, the mane six along with Spike, Starlight, and the Cutie Mark Crusaders walked into the changeling kingdom, each of the mane six carrying a dish they had made and brought for the potluck.
Rarity brought a croquembouche, Fluttershy got a garbage salad, Applejack worked hard on A+ with a big tub of apple crisp, Pinkie Pie tossed a Mississippi mud cake, Rainbow Dash showed off with a party platter of her favorite pasta and potato sandwiches with sourdough bread, and Twilight carried a vegetarian Lasagna..
The mane six settled down their dishes on the table as Thorax greeted them with a warm smile.
"Hey, you guys made it."
"Of course we made it, we're friends now, and I really wanted to see what a gorbfest is like." Twilight said as she came up and hugged Thorax, giving rise to his blush. Twilight chuckled and placed a kiss on his cheek. Thorax and Twilight have been going steady for a while, it's amazing how they made their long-distance relationship work, but with magic, it was probably a bread and butter.
The gorbfest went on with every creature enjoying themselves, Spike won a prize for Scootaloo at one of the booths, with Scootaloo hugging Spike out of sheer joy, all seemed fine except Thorax. The changeling king seemed on edge.
Twilight noticed this and pulled him aside, making sure they were out of earshot Twilight spoke.
"Thorax, what's wrong? You seem to be uneager and reluctant. Don't you dare lie to me." she said, knowing that Thorax would try and put on a brave face.
Thorax tinted a bit and rubbed the back of his head with his hand, "hehe, we've been dating for three months and you can already read me like a book huh?" Thorax said while making a joke out of Twilight's hobby. Twilight playfully nudged him in the arm.
"Very funny Thorax." Twilight said red-faced before she continued. "But please, tell me what's wrong, I hate seeing you so tense and it's bad to hold stuff in like this." Twilight said while holding his arm.
"I know." Thorax said as he stroked her head then proceeded to hold her cheeks. "I promise I'll tell you what's going on, but not here. After the guests leave I want you and your friends to stay behind ok?
Twilight blushed bright red as her tail swished to the side a bit. "Ok, Thorax, I trust you. You're never one to deceive." Twilight said as she came in to hug Thorax.
"That's my girl." Thorax said as he softly kissed her forehead. "Come on, let's enjoy the fest." Thorax said as he walked Twilight out from where they were talking.
Rainbow noticed. "There you lovebugs are, what were you doing back there? Something naughty?" Rainbow Dash says teasing them causing both of them to blush.
"RAINBOW!" Applejack yelled. "Quit making them blush redder than mah apples, they may have been dating for months and we all know about it, but don't tease 'em like a dog with a ball." Applejack scolded Rainbow as she just shrugs and goes to a cider sampling booth.
The Gorbfest went on throughout the day and the participants enjoyed themselves, at the end of the fest all of the attendees went home, all except the mane six, Spike, Starlight, and the Crusaders.
Thorax approaches Twilight and her friends as the last of the guest's leaves. "I'm glad you all came, there are other reasons why I invited you all, I'm sorry for not informing you earlier. If you would all follow me." Thorax said as he leads his friends to a secluded area of the changeling hive. Thorax stops at a door that has two guards stationed at the entrance, one being his brother Pharynx. He turns to his friends with a serious expression. "What I'm about to show you, stays between us, I don't want the entire hive to know just yet," Thorax said as he slowly opened the door to reveal a black unreformed changeling bond to a chair.
Everyone besides Thorax gasped at the sight. The changeling was flailing around trying to get free. "Release me now!" he bellowed with hate in his eyes.
Thorax closed the door and sighed. "We captured him at our border hiding in a bush with a notepad and binoculars, we think he's a spy for Queen Chrysalis which only means one thing, we fear that she has started a new hive and is raising an army to invade us, hopefully without information on us, we staved off the attack.
"So you're all safe right?" Twilight asked with concern in her voice.
Thorax looked down. "Hopefully for now, but if our fears do come to fruition, we are doomed. We are underprepared and we lack some numbers, which is why I was hoping that you, Twilight, you, and friends will become changelings and help us when the time is right.
A deafening silence befell the mane six as the weight of Thorax's proposal sank in. Each one of them was silent in contemplation with Twilight thinking if it was even possible to change others into a different species.
Thorax broke the silence. "I know this is a big request, but if we don't raise our numbers, surely Queen Chrysalis will prevail. We do have a way to change you into changelings, but it is permanent, it will alter your appearance and abilities, but you'll still retain your memories." Thorax informed them of what was at risk.
The silence continued as all the mane six contemplated in utter silence.
(Ch 2.5) Voices and movements
Author's Note
This is short because it is a chapter that the requester wanted, and I could only do so much with it.
Hopefully the last few chapters will be longer
(Ch 2.5) Voices and movements
While in the cocoon, Spike and Scootaloo drifted in and out asleep, occasionally waking up to see the silhouettes of their friends through the water and their groggy vision. They heard their muffled voices, on how it'll be tough to adjust to their new bodies, on how transformations will take time and practice to perfect.
On occasion, Scootaloo would hyperventilate and Spike would gingerly caress her and stroke her hair. When she calmed down they would fall back asleep.
One day they awoke to see a silhouette of a young changeling, she was probably not much older than the crusaders and they could only see a few distinguishing features. She was arctic blue with a light amaranth neck fin and her eyes were a moderate cyan.
Then a familiar voice spoke to the one looking at them, it was king Thorax. "Don't worry, they'll be safe. They'll also be able to help you." He said to the young drone.
Spike and Scootaloo fell back to sleep as they left the chamber. The metamorphosis was going great, Spike could already feel Scootaloo forming an exoskeleton as her eyes changed from a pony's to a changeling's eyes. Spike held on to Scootaloo as he kissed her forehead in his sleep.
