Trials of Ivyby AfroBladeMasterChaptersThe RuntThe First NightThe First Encounter The CityThe PrincessThe RuntSeven years ago, in a large Changeling Hive north of Canterlot, it's the time of year where the young-lings are to be hatched form there cocoons. The females of the Hive make there cocoons all at the same time, so it's harder to from parental bonds with the newborns. Changeling workers go and put small cuts in each cocoon to make it easier for the young-lings to come out. One by one the infants emerge form there shells, and an Elder looked each one over, looking for defects. A few were small or deformed, so the elder marked them to be disposed of. When the Elder reached the last hatching, he noticed something odd about it. It was born with a mane. Normally Changelings born with manes are much more intelligent than the others, most grow up to be stronger as well. However, this one is a runt, so he didn't know how to proceed. He brought it to the leader of the Hive, Lady Cactus. "My Lady," said the Elder after knocking at the door to her office. "I have something I wish to show you." "Enter." said a powerful voice from behind the door. The Elder opened the door, behind a desk sat a large Changeling with a long pail green mane and yellow eyes. "What is it you wish to show me?" "During the hatching, I found this one, I'm not sure what to do with it." He presented the runt with a short silver mane and pail blue eyes, when it looked up at Lady Cactus she smiled. "Hmm," Cactus started to look over the hatching. "It appears to have been born with a gender, as well as a short mane. That's unusual." She picked it up. "It's horn is very small too. It might not be able to focus magic enough to transform." Cactus looked at the small hatching closely, thinking of what to do with it. "Take it to Rose Thorn, and have her teach it, if it can't transform fully in five years we shall exile it." "As you wish." Said the Elder, taking the runt and leaving. He approached a large chuck of the Hive, dedicated to teaching and training young changelings. It was filled with young Changelings who's ages ranged from infant to teenage. The only adult was another large Changeling with yellow eyes and a shoulder length silver mane. She is shouting orders to the young Changelings, telling them what to do and how they can improve what they were doing. "Miss Thorn." Said the Elder walking up to her. "Lady Cactus told me to give you this runt to teach." "Oh?" said Rose as she turned around. "Let me see it." Rose used her magic to pick up the runt. "It's pretty small, even for a runt, but it has a mane." She looks it over closer. "And its female." Rose smiles and looks into the runts eyes. "So I get to teach one of the future leaders." She giggles slightly. "This one's going to be a challenge." "Indeed, Lady Cactus said you have five years to teach it to transform fully. Good luck Miss Thorn." The Elder left. "Mi Tern!" shouted the new born Changeling, reaching her arms towards Rose. "Hatched for less than an hour and talking already?" Rose smiled. "You are a smart one aren't you?" A few years have passed. The Runt, as she's now called, is three years old and can now read the Changeling language and speak both Changeling and Equestrian. She is learning much faster than any of the other Changelings could have ever guessed possible. However, she can only change her color and her eyes when transforming. The Runt is way behind the other Changelings her age, who can almost fully transform. Rose has The Runt living with her, so she can teach her whenever necessary. One day The Runt came home, a little ruffed up. "What happened Runt? Did the others push you down again?" "Y-Yes, they keep getting m-meaner." Replied the Runt. She used to speak normally, however, when the other children started to pick on her and attack her for being so small and week she started to shudder. "I see, well they are trying to prove how strong they are." Rose walked to the Runt and knelled down beside her. "Don't worry though, they wont do anything to really hurt you. Remember what I teach them, to bring serious harm to other Changeling is punishable by death." She hugs the Runt, giving her the Love Energy she needs. "Now, let's try and transform all the way. We need to make more than just the color and eyes this time, try to change your mane." "O-Okay." The Runt tried changing, over and over. Eventually she was able to change her mane stile slightly, but she ran out of energy before she could make any real progress. The Runt fell asleep when she ran out of power, she only slept for a little while. When she woke up she apologized for being so weak. Rose told her it was okay, everyone starts out weak, and she will get stronger. This cycle repeated for the next two years. The Runt got good enough to where she could change her mane, tail, and coat to any color and style, however she can't hide the holes in her legs and mane, and her fangs still show. "So you can not fully transform Runt?" Said Lady Cactus with an angry expression. "Than you are just a waste of resources." Cactus scoffed and started to walk away. She stopped and looked at the Runt over her shoulder. "You are here by exiled from the Changeling Collective. Get out of my Hive." Cactus returned to her office. "I'll escort you out of here." Rose said, with a sad look. They made it to a field, a little ways from the hive. "There is a cave near here. You can stay there for now." Rose got a worried look on her face. "I still have things to teach you. You need to learn how to survive." Once in the cave Rose sat down next to the Runt. "But before I teach you, you need a name. What do you think about Ivy?" "I-Ivy? I l-like it." The Runt was known as Ivy from that day forward. The First Night“I’m glad you like it, Ivy.” Rose said with a smile. “Now, once we get to the cave I will start teaching you.” “O-Okay Miss Rose.” Ivy stated, trying to keep up. “What will y-you be teaching me?” “Mainly survival techniques, like finding water and how to absorb Love Energy that’s not directed at you.” Rose looks over her shoulder to make sure they’re not being followed. “You must be careful Ivy. Being an exile you are not aloud this close to the Hive. I also need to teach you how to stay hidden.” “Okay, I will tell you a few things that should help you out later.” Said Rose at the entrance to the cave. “We can stay here for now, but after I tell you a few things you will need to go deeper into the cave.” Ivy makes a whimpering sound when she hears she must go deeper in the cave. “First of all, when hiding you need to stay quiet, no matter what is happening.” Rose went on to explain a few tricks on staying hidden. She goes on to talk about ways she might be able to improve her Transforming skills. However, before she could finish her lecture the sun started to set. “It’s getting late, let’s go inside.” Ivy nods as they enter the cave. “M-Miss Rose? Are you g-going to stay here with me?” Ivy asked with a fearful look. “No, I must return to the Hive, I am sorry Little Ivy.” Rose used her magic to light a small fire in the cave. The fire continued to burn, despite not having anything to burn. “This fire should last until tomorrow. Also, you should put on the socks I placed in your bag, the fire plus the socks should keep you worm for tonight.” Rose than gave Ivy a big hug. “I had always hoped that this wouldn’t happen, but it has, and I feel as if I must keep you alive.” Rose lets go and walks towards the entrance of the cave. “I will be back around mid day tomorrow. Please don’t leave the cave.” Rose disappears. “O-Okay. I w-wont.” Ivy says with a sigh, watching Rose leave. “B-But what will I do until t-than?” Ivy started to panic after a few minuets, she has NEVER been alone before in her life. She didn’t know what to do, she looks through the bag that Rose left her. Inside is two bottles of water, a book about survival, a story book, a med-kit, and a small folding knife that was taped shut. “M-Maybe I should try to r-read something.” She says to herself putting everything but the story book in her bag. Ivy starts to read aloud, it’s a simple story book about a Changeling rising to the call of the Queen, saving it’s hive. She struggles on some of the bigger words, and every little noise scares her so she keeps lousing her place. After getting half way through the book she gives up and puts it away. “I w-wish I had somepony t-to talk to at least.” She said slowly walking around the fire. “Maybe I c-can make a friend.” Ivy stated as she ran around the cave, looking for anything she could use to make a new friend. To her surprise, it looks like somepony stayed deeper in the cave at one point, she found a small fire pit with some grass bedding near by, as well as some rope and a few peaces of fabric. She took a chuck of burnt wood form the pit, the rope, and the bedding with the fabric on it. She tied a few rocks together using the rope and drew a face on the bigger rock using the burnt wood like a charcoal stick. “Done.” she smiles at the doll she just made. “N-Now what‘s your n-name?” She looks at the doll for a moment. “Jade? That’s a lovely n-name. It’s nice to m-meet you Jade, my n-name’s Ivy.” She continued to talk to the doll until she was about to fall asleep. She took it and placed it on the grass bedding, and she snuggled up next to it. “G-Good night Jade.” She said to the stone doll before falling asleep. ******** After leaving Ivy in the cave, Rose returned to the hive. She was met by Lady Cactus’ Aid at the entrance. “What took you so long?” said the Aid. “I had to make sure it wouldn’t get captured, so I had to teach it how to hide itself without transforming.” “You should have just killed it. Would have been much easier.” The Aid retorted with a chuckle Rose hid her utter disgust at the Aids remark. Ever since Rose took to caring for the Runt she finds herself disliking the way the other Changelings think and deal with problems more and more, a cold and more often than not violent answer. She is ashamed in herself, because she was the same way. “Well, in any case, the Lady has orders for you, directly from the Queen.” The Aid informed her. “She told me to take you to her.” Rose followed the Aid to Lady Cactus’ office. “You wished to see me my Lady?” “Yes, as my Aid told you, I have a mission for you.” Cactus picked up a scroll and tossed it to Rose. “She wants you to scout out a Pony city called Canterlot. As far as I know it’s the capital of this country.” “Wont one of the others be sufficient?” Rose asked. “After all, we are a hive specialized in making scouts.” “No, Queen Chrysalis said to send our best.” Cactus shouted. “You have three days to prepare. This is going to be a long mission. The Queen informed me that they plan on invading Canterlot in a years time.” “Very well. I shall start preparations imminently.” Rose bowed and turns to leave, but Cactus called out to her. “Tell me, where did you hide the Runt?” Cactus got a sinister grin on her face. “I saw how sad you looked when I exiled her.” “I didn’t hide her. I thought her how to hide herself.” Rose turned around. “The Runt might not be able to transform fully yet, but she has the potential to lead the whole collective. As a teacher and as a Changeling I just can’t look the other way without giving her the best chance I could.” “Fine, fine.” Cactus said wavering her hoof. “I don’t care what you do with it, just don’t let me catch it near the hive, or it will be exterminated.” Rose gave her a slight glair, than returned to her home to prepare for he mission, as well as gather a few things for Ivy. After a few hours Rose stopped and looked around her home. Her expression grew sadder as she scanned the living area. “It’s only been a few hours, yet I feel like I haven’t seen her in years.” She said to herself. “I hope she’s okay.” ***** The next day Rose left the hive once again. When asked she said it was to see if the Runt was still around. The guards aloud her to leave, as long as she doesn’t take all day to return. She walked straight to the cave. Entering the cave she finds Ivy still asleep, hugging a crudely made rock doll. “Ivy,” she said lightly tapping the sleeping runts shoulder to wake her. “Ivy, it’s time to wake up.” Ivy slowly awakes. “G-Good morning Miss R-Rose.” She smiles up at her teacher, than picks up the doll “Good m-morning Jade.” “Jade? You mean that rock doll?” Rose inquired. “Ivy, I know you’re lonely, but you can’t just make dolls out of whatever you find.” “W-Why not? Jade h-helps me feel l-like I’m not alone.” Ivy says clutching the doll tighter. “Carrying a heavy doll like that around will just tire you out, I can get you an actual doll. One made out of fabric, and other light weight materials.” Rose sits down next to her. “I’m not trying to upset you, I just want you to survive. I know a doll will help you, in fact, I was planning on surprising you with one tomorrow.” Ivy takes a small rock out of the middle of her doll. “C-Can you put Jades h-heart in it? S-So it will still be Jade.” Rose takes the small rock and places it in her bag. “Of coarse.” She hugs Ivy tightly. “Okay, now I need to give you a couple more things.” Rose takes several vales of pink liquid out of her bag. “This is pure Love Ivy. One sip of this and you wont have to feed for at least a couple days. I want you to only use these for emergencies okay?” “O-Okay Miss Rose.” She takes the vales. “Where d-did you get these?” “The Changeling in charge of making new tools for out scouts owes me a few favors.” She giggled. “I covered for him a few times.” Rose got up. “Okay, now down to business. I need to teach you a few more tricks to survive and I don’t have much time to do so.” “D-Did you get a mission?” “Yes, I need to scout out a City to the south of here called Canterlot. It’s the capital of this country so it might be an exultant source of Love Energy.” They spent the rest of the morning and a part of the afternoon practicing survival techniques. Ivy seems to have them down, so Rose says her goodbyes and returns to the Hive. Ivy, now feeling much better after spending one night alone, spends most of her night reading the story book and the survival guide. The next day Rose brings her a doll and tells her that she needs to leave for her mission. “Ivy, I must worn you.” Rose says before she leaves for her mission. “The others from the Hive have orders to kill you if they see you near it, so you need to leave this cave. I don’t know where you should go, I don’t know if I will ever see you again, but please stay alive.” Rose hugged Ivy tightly, and tried not to cry. “Goodbye Ivy.” The First Encounter The First Encounter It has been a few days since Rose left, Ivy followed her instructions and left the cave shortly after Rose left for her mission. She is now alone, wandering through the wilds of Equestria. She did her best not to give into the overwhelming fear she felt, having her doll around helped her feel safe. She spent the first few nights in small caves. Part of the reason the Hive was in that area in the first place were due to the caves, they made good starting points for building the Hive. However, on this night there was no cave, just a large field with a hoofful of small trees dotting across the landscape. Once it got dark she used a trick that Rose showed her to make a small green campfire. Luckily for her, most of the monsters live in the darkest forests or the deepest caves, so she was safe for the most part. “W-What do you think I s-should do before bed Jade?” Ivy asked her pony doll. “Yeah, I g-guess I am a little thirsty.” After Ivy drank half a bottle of water as she took a good look around, in order to assess a good escape route if somepony were to show up. It was a cloudy night so she couldn‘t see very far. “M-Maybe I can get up to that tree in time, but if t-they can fly, then~” Before Ivy could finish her thoughts she heard a couple faint voices in the distance. She looked up and can see figures of two Pegasi flying across what she could see of the moon. She ran and hid behind the nearby tree. Once they landed next to her fire, she could see that they are wearing armor similar to the Royal Guards that serve the Princesses who rule over Equestria, however the look of their armor seem somewhat darker and more bat like than the picture that she was shown. “Well, what do we have here? A green camp fire?” said one of them. “It would seem a Changeling might be nearby, so far away from the nearest Hive too.” The second one said as he looked around. “Maybe we should capture it, it could be a spy heading for Canterlot.” “No, remember what Celestia said. Her sister returned last year and is still isn‘t used to modern Equestria, we need to patrol the area, and then head right back. I‘m not going to spend half the night hunting down a Changeling. It‘s our turn to escort her around after patrols are over.” “Fine, the least we could do is take another pass, see if the Changeling comes back so we can find out what it’s up to. That shouldn‘t take too long.” The two take off and fly around for a little while before departing. Once she was sure they were gone, Ivy climbed down the tree and back to her campfire. “Princess C-Celestia’s sister?” She inquired aloud. “I w-wonder who that is. Do y-you know, Jade?” She looked at the doll for a moment. “You don‘t? O-Okay.” She soon curled up into a ball and fell asleep. The next morning, Ivy awoke to a pair of young colts poking at her with a stick, one of them being an Earth Pony, and the other one being a Unicorn. They didn’t notice her waking up so she decided to play dead, hoping they will go away. “What do you think it is?” asked the Unicorn. “I don’t know. Kinda looks like a really big bug.” the Earth Pony answered. “Maybe we should tell the Guards, they might know.” The moment Ivy heard that, she jumped up, tried to run away. The two colts gave chase. “Why are you running?” yelled the Earth Pony. “We’re not gonna hurt you!.” The Unicorn used his magic to throw a big rock at the tree Ivy was running towards, he knocked down a branch which tripped her. This gave the Earth Pony enough time to catch up. He tried to grab the small Changeling, but instead took the doll by mistake. “J-JADE!” Ivy shouted as she tried to grab her doll. “Hey, it can talk.” he said in surprise. He held the doll just out of Ivy’s reach. “You know, I think I know what it is.” Stated the Unicorn. “It’s a Changeling.” “You mean those things that can change into somepony and feed off their families? Well then, we should take it to the Guards.” The Earth Pony tossed the doll to the Unicorn, Ivy ran after it. “P-Please, she’s m-my friend. Give her b-back.” she pleaded with the Unicorn. “No way, you probably stole it from some poor filly. There’s no way I’m giving it back.” Ivy panicked. She bit the Unicorn’s foreleg, and injected him with her venom. “Ah! What the hay do you think-” The Unicorn collapsed. “W-What did you do to me? I can’t move, or use my magic!” Ivy took Jade. “I-I’m sorry, you’ll b-be able to move in a c-couple hours.” She ran as fast as she could back to her campsite to get her belongings, but she was not fast enough to outrun the rock the Earth Pony threw at her. It hit her in the hind leg, almost breaking it. The Earth Pony tried to give chase, but even when hurt, the fear carried the Changeling too fast for him to keep up. When Ivy finally reached her campsite she found a Guard there. Her heart started to race, she knew if she was caught by the Royal Guard she would be in big trouble. She needed to get her stuff, but she couldn’t let the Guard see her. She also didn’t want to waste time, in case those two colts were still after her. She decided to try and transform. She managed to hide her fangs and her eyes change correctly, but there are still holes in her mane and legs. She wasn’t worried about her legs, they were covered by socks, it’s her mane she knew will give her away. She tried desperately to think of a way to get her things back without alerting the Guard. “Umm…c-come on Ivy, think…t-that’s it!” She said quietly before attempting to tie Jade on her head. Jade was just big enough to cover the few holes in the top of her mane, the holes elsewhere on her mind she could just say was a style. She approached the guard with a limp. “Oh hey there little one. Is this your campsite?” The guard asked with a smile. “Umm…Y-Yes it is. I j-just need my stuff, then I-I’ll be on my w-way.” She started to walk towards her stuff when the guard stops her. “Whoa there, you look like you’re hurt. Not to mention all alone.” He said in a concerned voice. “Do you want me to help fix your wound and find your parents?” “N-No, thank you.” She quickly stepped away when he tried to reach for her. “I-I’m okay, really. My M-Mommy isn’t t-too far away, and I t-think I saw some colts b-back there who needed help.” She points to where she left the colts. “Well, okay. But I should take care of your leg first, it looks like you hurt it pretty bad.” “No i-it’s okay. I think they need y-your help more.” “Fine,” The guard said with a sigh, seeing that she won’t budge. “Just stay here until I get back, okay?” Ivy nodded, anything to get him to leave. “G-Good luck.” She said with a wave. The Guard waved back and left. The moment he was out of sight Ivy changed back, not able to hold it anymore. She then gathered her belongings and limped away. The CityIt had been about a month since Ivy encountered those two colts. After she collected her things, she limped to a cave and did her best to hide the entrance. She remained there for a week or so to allow her leg to heal. As soon as it had, she left the cave and continued to head south. While hiding in a bush one day, a few miles north of Canterlot, she heard a couple of Royal Guards talking. One was a Unicorn with a gray coat, the other was a Pegasus with a light blue coat. Both of their manes were covered by their helmets. “Hey, do you remember that colt who got bit last month?” The first one said. “Yeah, didn’t he say it was a little Changeling who bit him?” “Yes, and then the newby, Pommel, said he found that filly, I think that might have been the Changeling.” The second Guard paused. “You sure? He said he didn’t notice anything odd about the filly, other than she was alone.” “Yeah, I mean think about it. Both of those colts said they found, then chased a tiny Changeling, and one of them got bit after his friend got rough with it. Then Pommel finds a filly returning to a campsite by herself right after, with a limp no less.” “He should’ve just taken her with him to make sure she was safe, whether she wanted to or not.” “Yeah,” he chuckled, “I bet you one hundred bits that that filly was a Changeling.” Ivy starts to get nervous. She tries to get out of the bush without making a sound. However, the bush shakes and rustles a bit, causing the Guards to turn their attention away from their conversation, and towards her. Ivy stops moving completely, hoping that they will just write it off. “You...you don’t think that Changeling is still in the area, do you?” The Pegasus Guard said. “It might be, I mean Pommel did say it was very small, and hurt. So it couldn’t have gone too far.” They started to move towards the bush. “It’s probably just a squirrel or something, but we should still check it out.” Ivy shot out of the bush like a bat out of Tartarus. Before the Guards noticed that it was a Changeling, she was already gone. They followed once it clicked, but she was too far away. “Damn, that little thing is fast,” the Unicorn Guard said, out of breath from several minutes of sprinting. “Can you see it from up there?” “Negative,” the Pegasus Guard shouted back down from the sky, “it was pretty scared, the fear probably carried it. It must be halfway to Canterlot by now. We should report this to the Captn’.” Ivy, still running full speed, looked back and didn’t see the Guards. She slowed down to a stop and dropped to the ground behind a bush to rest for a while. “I t-think I lost them,” she whispered to herself. “Do you s-see them J-Jade?” Ivy tossed her doll up a little ways in the air then caught her when she fell back down. “No? O-Okay.” After laying on the ground for a bit, Ivy picked herself up and continued south. The sun started to set, and she saw lights in the distance. Ivy began to make her way there, and saw a large City, that was partly sticking out of the side of a mountain. Ivy could almost see the Love Energy emanating from the city. She started to sneak towards the walls. She noticed Guards were patrolling, but her hunger was getting the best of her, so she ignored her fear and continued. “I o-only have two vials of L-Liquid Love left. I b-better save them,” she whispered to herself as she cautiously approached. She noticed the Guards in the white and gold were switching with the Guards in dark armor with bat-like wings. She used this to her advantage, and found her way into a storm drain in the wall while they were talking. The bars were rusted pretty bad so she managed to wiggle them apart enough to squeeze through. She found herself just under the city streets, in the storm drains and sewers. Ivy could feel love all around her, even though she was under the stone streets and not many ponies were out at this late hour. She used a technique that Rose taught her to feed on the love that wasn’t directed at anypony. It wasn’t enough to fill her, but it was enough to stay alive. “I think I can survive here Jade,” Ivy said with a smile. “M-Maybe we should set up c-camp down here.” Ivy looked around for a while. She couldn’t find anything she could use to make a bed, which was surprising to her because Rose told her that most cities have a lot of homeless ponies, so it should be easy to find stuff like old blankets or strips of clothing to make bedding out of. So, Ivy just emptied out her bag and used it as a pillow. She fell asleep quickly, despite how uncomfortable the cold stone floor was. A few more weeks passed. Ivy had ventured up to the streets a few times to get some water and other needs. She stole a bunch of blankets, but used a burnt stick and a piece of scrap paper or other litter she could write on, to leave a note saying she was sorry each time. The notes were in Changeling, so not many ponies in the city could even read it. At one point, a middle aged stallion caught her trying to take a blanket. She was transformed so he didn’t know she was a Changeling. He grabbed her and took her into his home. He tried to get rough with her, so she bit him on the neck, using her venom to temporarily paralyze him. She stuck her head out of his window and screamed before she ran away. Rumors spread pretty quickly about who bit him, ponies started saying that there was a vampire filly running around. However, the citizens weren't too worried about it, because the stallion she bit was a criminal who was pretty high on the wanted list, so they figured the filly would only try and feed on bad guys. The Royal Guard, however, started to look for her. One day, Ivy was under a storm drain near the castle. She overheard a Guard talking to a Unicorn stallion in purple armor. “Captain Shining Armor, I have a report,” the Guard stated with a salute. “Our scouts have found a campsite in the sewers near the first housing district. It would appear that our little ‘vampire’ has been staying there.” “I see, what did they find?” Shining replied. “Mostly standard camping equipment and some toys. However, we found several strange vials. Most of them were empty, but two of them had a pink fluid in them. The lab report says it’s love energy, but liquified.” “Changelings...” Shining said as he placed his hoof on his chin. “Is this what that mare warned us about?” “Sir?” “A while back, a strange mare approached the castle and told us that the Queen of the Changelings was planning an attack. However, it seems like this Changeling is a foal.” “Yes, according to our information this one is very young, but oddly resourceful for its age. Several of the toys looked like they were hoof made and a bed made from all those blankets that have been stolen.” “Hmm, tell the scout team that if they find this little Changeling not to harm it. I want to question it myself.” “Yes sir!” The Guard ran off. “Oh no!” Ivy shouted after she realised it was her campsite they were talking about. “Jade is s-still there!” Shining heard the shout and went to investigate. Breaking apart the iron bars of the storm drain, dropped down into it to find the small Changeling fleeing down the walkway. He gave chase. He caught up to the filly quickly, and used his magic to catch her and lift her off the ground. “Gotcha!” he yelled in triumph. “Now I’m gonna take you back to the base and ask you a few questions.” Ivy kicked and screamed, begging for him to let her go so she could get her doll. After about thirty minutes of this, Shining caved. “If I get you that doll will you please stop screaming and cooperate?” he said with a sigh. “Y-Yes...I will,” Ivy whimpered, making sure that he saw her tears as she looked at him. “Okay then, let’s go get it,” He sighed, not quite believing that he was actually doing this. Shining, still holding her with his magic, approached the campsite that the other Guards were still securing. They stopped to salute him. “At ease, did any of you find a doll?” “Yes sir. I found one over here,” another Unicorn Guard said, holding up Jade with his magic. “That’s h-her!” Ivy yelled, reaching for it. “Captan, you captured it?!” another guard said with surprise. “Yeah, and she said she would cooperate if we came and got her doll, so please hand it over.” “Yes sir,” the Guard gave the doll to Shining, whom held onto it until they got to the barracks. Shining placed Ivy with her doll in a special cell, made for holding young fillies and colts. “Be good now, I’ll come by later to question you. You should get some rest,” he said and left her there, with a pair of Guards to keep and eye on her. “A-Alright. I’ll t-try,” Ivy said meekly. She looked at the Guards, whom both gave her a stern look back. She whimpered a little, then curled up into a little ball and fell asleep on the cot that was thrown in the corner of the small cell, as she tried to hide the fact that she was scared out of her mind. The PrincessShining Armor tried to interrogate Ivy several times over the next few days. However, every time he tried he started off aggressively and she curled up into a ball and whimpered, not answering any of his questions. To his surprise, Ivy appeared to be getting weaker as time passed. He had been making sure she got plenty of food, he even had been mixing a few drops of the Liquid Love they found in her campsite in with it, unknowingly dampening the effects. He walked to the throne room to give his report to Princess Celestia. “Princess, I’m ready to give my report.” “Proceed,” Celestia said while signing some scrolls. “I can’t get it to talk. I’ve tried everything I could, but it just curls up and starts to cry whenever I ask it something.” Celestia’s quill stops. “Are you treating it like a foal, or a prisoner?” “A prisoner of course. It is a Changeling after all.” Celestia glared at him, Shining flinched. “I am disappointed Shining Armor. Changeling or not, from what you tell me it’s still just a foal. I hope you have at least been feeding it.” “O-Of course, Princess. I have been adding the Love from the vial into every meal we bring it.” He paused. “Although, I’m starting to question whether that is actually working. It does appear to be a little weaker than when we first brought it in.” Celesta puts down her quill and scroll and stands up. “Take me to it, now.” “Y-Yes Princess.” Shining led Princess Celestia to the cell where they were keeping Ivy. The moment Ivy laid eyes on the massive Alicorn she backed to the corner. Celestia entered the cell and closed the door behind her. Celestia smiled and spoke in a motherly voice, “it’s okay little one, I’m not going to hurt you.” She layed down next to Ivy. “My name is Celestia, what’s yours?” Ivy looked up at her, and began to feel a little safer. “I-I-Ivy. I’m Ivy.” “It’s very nice to meat you Ivy. I don’t want to scare you, or make you uncomfortable, but do you think you could answer my questions?” “I-I’ll try, but I’m very h-hungry,” Ivy looked at Shining, “he g-gave me food, but I h-haven’t fed in a l-long time.” “Well, how about this. If you promise to stop when I say so, I’ll let you feed off of me, okay?” Shining steeped to the cell bars. “Princess, I don’t think that’s a good idea.” “It will be fine Captain. I know how much love an adult Changeling needs after days without, so I should be able to handle feeding this little filly.” “D-Do you mean it? Can I r-really feed off you?” Ivy’s eyes grew hopeful. “Yes, go right ahead,” Celestia smiled at her. Ivy smiled back and hugged Celestia. The Princess started to feel like something was being gently pulled from her chest. It didn’t hurt, and Ivy was feeding so slowly Celestia could barely feel it at all. “You know, you don’t have to worry about hurting me,” Celestia said while wrapping Ivy up with her wings and holding her close. “Take as much as you need.” Ivy did as Celestia said and started to feed faster. After a few minutes Celestia started to feel a little tired. But before this could become an issue, Ivy stops feeding. “T-Thank you Miss Celestia,” Ivy said with a smile as she looked up at her. “You are welcome Ivy, now will you answer the questions I have?” “O-Okay,” Ivy said with a nod. “Okay, first of all, why are you in Canterlot?” “Canterlot?” “It’s the name of this city dear.” “Oh, I j-just thought I could feed h-here,” Ivy said, holding her smile. “Well that answers that...” Celestia said to herself, not truly convinced. “Well what about the others? Certainly you can’t be alone.” “I w-was exiled.” Ivy had a sad look on her face. “F-For being w-weak and worthless.” “Oh my, that’s horrible,” Celestia could tell by the sound of her voice that Ivy wasn’t lying. She held the filly close. “Well, given our current relations with the Changeling Collective, I can’t let you stay here in the castle with me, not for too long anyway. But I will try and find you a safe place to live. Now come with me, let’s get out of this dank cell,” Celestia stood up, and used her magic to lift Ivy onto her back. “Princess, I must protest. Foal or not, she is a Changeling, and they have been hostile since Queen Thorax left the thrown a few years ago.” Shining stated as he stood in front of Celestia. “Ivy, what Hive did you come from? I want to confirm that you were exiled, okay?” “I-It’s in the north, in a b-big cave that has a b-bunch of other caves in it.” “How far?” “Umm...M-Miss Rose said that t-the nearest Pony city was one d-days flite from the H-Hive.” “I see. Shining Armor,” Celestia looked at her captan. “I want you to take a couple Guards and go to the Hive. I know a few Changelings there, and I want you to ask them about Ivy.” “But what about her? We can’t let her wander around the castle.” “I know, she will be with me at all times. If anypony asks, we’ll tell them that we found her as an egg, and are trying to raise her to live with ponies.” “I doubt that everypony will agree, but very well Princess.” Shining turned and walked out. “Okay Ivy, let’s go to the throne room.” Celestia walked to her throne, carrying a tiny Changeling on her back. The servants and visitors stopped and stared, but none of them said anything at first. Right before they got to the throne room one of the maids stepped up. “Umm, Prencess?” “Yes?” “If I may ask, why do you have a Changeling with you? Aren't they parasites?” “Some may say that. But we found this one before she hatched. I had her studied and now I have decided to try and raise her to live along side ponies as who she is.” “Are you sure that’s such a good idea Princess?” The maid stepped back when she looked at Ivy. “There is no need to worry, she’s harmless. The worse she could do is immobilize a pony for an hour or two, and as long as she feels safe there is nothing to worry about.” Celestia sat on her throne, and Ivy sat with her and watched her sign scrolls. Ponies who came in seemed a little more nervous than usual. Some told the Princess that they didn’t like the fact that there was a Changeling so close to her, others didn’t seem to mind. Several hours later. “That should do it for the paperwork, I could use a brake,” Celestia said as she stood. “How about a walk through the garden?” “Are t-their flowers?” Ivy asked with an innocent look. “Yes, their are beautiful flowers.” Ivy smiled and nodded. The two walked through the garden for some time. Ivy played with the animals for a while as Celestia talked with one of her gardeners. Another servant soon approached them. “Princess, may I ask you something? It’s about the Changeling.” “Yes, ask away.” “I was wondering, what’s going to happen to her? Given our relations with them, she can’t stay here for too long.” “Captain Shining is on his way to a Changeling Hive to speak with them about just that. Worse case scenario we have to let her leave, live on her own.” She watched Ivy play with a squirrel. “If that happens I intend to give her the best chance of survival I can.” Another couple hours passed, and Celestia would have to set the sun soon. She walked to the corner of the garden where Ivy was playing. “Come Ivy, it’s time to go inside,” she said as she approached the tiny Changeling, whom is rolling around on the grass. “Really? Aawwww,” Ivy whimpered. “Yes, and do not worry, we can spend some time out here again tomorrow.” She smiled as she lifted Ivy onto her back with magic. “Now come with me, I need to lower the sun so my Sister can raise the moon.” Celestia, after she made sure Ivy was holding on tightly, flew off to the balcony of her bedroom. She then used her magic to pull the sun down below the horizon as the moon started to rise. Ivy could see the other Alicorn who raised it. “Umm...M-Miss Celestia, who is t-that?” She pointed to the other Alicorn. “That is my younger sister, Luna. She is usually busy with her duties, or is resting, but you may get to meet her soon.” Celestia walked into her room. “Now, you must be tired. When do you normally rest little one?” “Umm...I n-normally wait until m-midnight to s-sleep. So it’s s-safer to get f-food.” “I see, well then, let’s try to get to sleep a bit earlier okay?” Celestia levitated Ivy onto the bed, and covered her with the blanket. “B-But I’m not tired.” “Then I will sing you a lullaby.” Celestia smiled and began to sing a soothing song. Ivy fell asleep within ten minutes. Celestia used her magic to bring up a barrier around the room, so nopony would harm Ivy. She then left the room, leaving Ivy to sleep.
The RuntSeven years ago, in a large Changeling Hive north of Canterlot, it's the time of year where the young-lings are to be hatched form there cocoons. The females of the Hive make there cocoons all at the same time, so it's harder to from parental bonds with the newborns. Changeling workers go and put small cuts in each cocoon to make it easier for the young-lings to come out. One by one the infants emerge form there shells, and an Elder looked each one over, looking for defects. A few were small or deformed, so the elder marked them to be disposed of. When the Elder reached the last hatching, he noticed something odd about it. It was born with a mane. Normally Changelings born with manes are much more intelligent than the others, most grow up to be stronger as well. However, this one is a runt, so he didn't know how to proceed. He brought it to the leader of the Hive, Lady Cactus. "My Lady," said the Elder after knocking at the door to her office. "I have something I wish to show you." "Enter." said a powerful voice from behind the door. The Elder opened the door, behind a desk sat a large Changeling with a long pail green mane and yellow eyes. "What is it you wish to show me?" "During the hatching, I found this one, I'm not sure what to do with it." He presented the runt with a short silver mane and pail blue eyes, when it looked up at Lady Cactus she smiled. "Hmm," Cactus started to look over the hatching. "It appears to have been born with a gender, as well as a short mane. That's unusual." She picked it up. "It's horn is very small too. It might not be able to focus magic enough to transform." Cactus looked at the small hatching closely, thinking of what to do with it. "Take it to Rose Thorn, and have her teach it, if it can't transform fully in five years we shall exile it." "As you wish." Said the Elder, taking the runt and leaving. He approached a large chuck of the Hive, dedicated to teaching and training young changelings. It was filled with young Changelings who's ages ranged from infant to teenage. The only adult was another large Changeling with yellow eyes and a shoulder length silver mane. She is shouting orders to the young Changelings, telling them what to do and how they can improve what they were doing. "Miss Thorn." Said the Elder walking up to her. "Lady Cactus told me to give you this runt to teach." "Oh?" said Rose as she turned around. "Let me see it." Rose used her magic to pick up the runt. "It's pretty small, even for a runt, but it has a mane." She looks it over closer. "And its female." Rose smiles and looks into the runts eyes. "So I get to teach one of the future leaders." She giggles slightly. "This one's going to be a challenge." "Indeed, Lady Cactus said you have five years to teach it to transform fully. Good luck Miss Thorn." The Elder left. "Mi Tern!" shouted the new born Changeling, reaching her arms towards Rose. "Hatched for less than an hour and talking already?" Rose smiled. "You are a smart one aren't you?" A few years have passed. The Runt, as she's now called, is three years old and can now read the Changeling language and speak both Changeling and Equestrian. She is learning much faster than any of the other Changelings could have ever guessed possible. However, she can only change her color and her eyes when transforming. The Runt is way behind the other Changelings her age, who can almost fully transform. Rose has The Runt living with her, so she can teach her whenever necessary. One day The Runt came home, a little ruffed up. "What happened Runt? Did the others push you down again?" "Y-Yes, they keep getting m-meaner." Replied the Runt. She used to speak normally, however, when the other children started to pick on her and attack her for being so small and week she started to shudder. "I see, well they are trying to prove how strong they are." Rose walked to the Runt and knelled down beside her. "Don't worry though, they wont do anything to really hurt you. Remember what I teach them, to bring serious harm to other Changeling is punishable by death." She hugs the Runt, giving her the Love Energy she needs. "Now, let's try and transform all the way. We need to make more than just the color and eyes this time, try to change your mane." "O-Okay." The Runt tried changing, over and over. Eventually she was able to change her mane stile slightly, but she ran out of energy before she could make any real progress. The Runt fell asleep when she ran out of power, she only slept for a little while. When she woke up she apologized for being so weak. Rose told her it was okay, everyone starts out weak, and she will get stronger. This cycle repeated for the next two years. The Runt got good enough to where she could change her mane, tail, and coat to any color and style, however she can't hide the holes in her legs and mane, and her fangs still show. "So you can not fully transform Runt?" Said Lady Cactus with an angry expression. "Than you are just a waste of resources." Cactus scoffed and started to walk away. She stopped and looked at the Runt over her shoulder. "You are here by exiled from the Changeling Collective. Get out of my Hive." Cactus returned to her office. "I'll escort you out of here." Rose said, with a sad look. They made it to a field, a little ways from the hive. "There is a cave near here. You can stay there for now." Rose got a worried look on her face. "I still have things to teach you. You need to learn how to survive." Once in the cave Rose sat down next to the Runt. "But before I teach you, you need a name. What do you think about Ivy?" "I-Ivy? I l-like it." The Runt was known as Ivy from that day forward.
The First Night“I’m glad you like it, Ivy.” Rose said with a smile. “Now, once we get to the cave I will start teaching you.” “O-Okay Miss Rose.” Ivy stated, trying to keep up. “What will y-you be teaching me?” “Mainly survival techniques, like finding water and how to absorb Love Energy that’s not directed at you.” Rose looks over her shoulder to make sure they’re not being followed. “You must be careful Ivy. Being an exile you are not aloud this close to the Hive. I also need to teach you how to stay hidden.” “Okay, I will tell you a few things that should help you out later.” Said Rose at the entrance to the cave. “We can stay here for now, but after I tell you a few things you will need to go deeper into the cave.” Ivy makes a whimpering sound when she hears she must go deeper in the cave. “First of all, when hiding you need to stay quiet, no matter what is happening.” Rose went on to explain a few tricks on staying hidden. She goes on to talk about ways she might be able to improve her Transforming skills. However, before she could finish her lecture the sun started to set. “It’s getting late, let’s go inside.” Ivy nods as they enter the cave. “M-Miss Rose? Are you g-going to stay here with me?” Ivy asked with a fearful look. “No, I must return to the Hive, I am sorry Little Ivy.” Rose used her magic to light a small fire in the cave. The fire continued to burn, despite not having anything to burn. “This fire should last until tomorrow. Also, you should put on the socks I placed in your bag, the fire plus the socks should keep you worm for tonight.” Rose than gave Ivy a big hug. “I had always hoped that this wouldn’t happen, but it has, and I feel as if I must keep you alive.” Rose lets go and walks towards the entrance of the cave. “I will be back around mid day tomorrow. Please don’t leave the cave.” Rose disappears. “O-Okay. I w-wont.” Ivy says with a sigh, watching Rose leave. “B-But what will I do until t-than?” Ivy started to panic after a few minuets, she has NEVER been alone before in her life. She didn’t know what to do, she looks through the bag that Rose left her. Inside is two bottles of water, a book about survival, a story book, a med-kit, and a small folding knife that was taped shut. “M-Maybe I should try to r-read something.” She says to herself putting everything but the story book in her bag. Ivy starts to read aloud, it’s a simple story book about a Changeling rising to the call of the Queen, saving it’s hive. She struggles on some of the bigger words, and every little noise scares her so she keeps lousing her place. After getting half way through the book she gives up and puts it away. “I w-wish I had somepony t-to talk to at least.” She said slowly walking around the fire. “Maybe I c-can make a friend.” Ivy stated as she ran around the cave, looking for anything she could use to make a new friend. To her surprise, it looks like somepony stayed deeper in the cave at one point, she found a small fire pit with some grass bedding near by, as well as some rope and a few peaces of fabric. She took a chuck of burnt wood form the pit, the rope, and the bedding with the fabric on it. She tied a few rocks together using the rope and drew a face on the bigger rock using the burnt wood like a charcoal stick. “Done.” she smiles at the doll she just made. “N-Now what‘s your n-name?” She looks at the doll for a moment. “Jade? That’s a lovely n-name. It’s nice to m-meet you Jade, my n-name’s Ivy.” She continued to talk to the doll until she was about to fall asleep. She took it and placed it on the grass bedding, and she snuggled up next to it. “G-Good night Jade.” She said to the stone doll before falling asleep. ******** After leaving Ivy in the cave, Rose returned to the hive. She was met by Lady Cactus’ Aid at the entrance. “What took you so long?” said the Aid. “I had to make sure it wouldn’t get captured, so I had to teach it how to hide itself without transforming.” “You should have just killed it. Would have been much easier.” The Aid retorted with a chuckle Rose hid her utter disgust at the Aids remark. Ever since Rose took to caring for the Runt she finds herself disliking the way the other Changelings think and deal with problems more and more, a cold and more often than not violent answer. She is ashamed in herself, because she was the same way. “Well, in any case, the Lady has orders for you, directly from the Queen.” The Aid informed her. “She told me to take you to her.” Rose followed the Aid to Lady Cactus’ office. “You wished to see me my Lady?” “Yes, as my Aid told you, I have a mission for you.” Cactus picked up a scroll and tossed it to Rose. “She wants you to scout out a Pony city called Canterlot. As far as I know it’s the capital of this country.” “Wont one of the others be sufficient?” Rose asked. “After all, we are a hive specialized in making scouts.” “No, Queen Chrysalis said to send our best.” Cactus shouted. “You have three days to prepare. This is going to be a long mission. The Queen informed me that they plan on invading Canterlot in a years time.” “Very well. I shall start preparations imminently.” Rose bowed and turns to leave, but Cactus called out to her. “Tell me, where did you hide the Runt?” Cactus got a sinister grin on her face. “I saw how sad you looked when I exiled her.” “I didn’t hide her. I thought her how to hide herself.” Rose turned around. “The Runt might not be able to transform fully yet, but she has the potential to lead the whole collective. As a teacher and as a Changeling I just can’t look the other way without giving her the best chance I could.” “Fine, fine.” Cactus said wavering her hoof. “I don’t care what you do with it, just don’t let me catch it near the hive, or it will be exterminated.” Rose gave her a slight glair, than returned to her home to prepare for he mission, as well as gather a few things for Ivy. After a few hours Rose stopped and looked around her home. Her expression grew sadder as she scanned the living area. “It’s only been a few hours, yet I feel like I haven’t seen her in years.” She said to herself. “I hope she’s okay.” ***** The next day Rose left the hive once again. When asked she said it was to see if the Runt was still around. The guards aloud her to leave, as long as she doesn’t take all day to return. She walked straight to the cave. Entering the cave she finds Ivy still asleep, hugging a crudely made rock doll. “Ivy,” she said lightly tapping the sleeping runts shoulder to wake her. “Ivy, it’s time to wake up.” Ivy slowly awakes. “G-Good morning Miss R-Rose.” She smiles up at her teacher, than picks up the doll “Good m-morning Jade.” “Jade? You mean that rock doll?” Rose inquired. “Ivy, I know you’re lonely, but you can’t just make dolls out of whatever you find.” “W-Why not? Jade h-helps me feel l-like I’m not alone.” Ivy says clutching the doll tighter. “Carrying a heavy doll like that around will just tire you out, I can get you an actual doll. One made out of fabric, and other light weight materials.” Rose sits down next to her. “I’m not trying to upset you, I just want you to survive. I know a doll will help you, in fact, I was planning on surprising you with one tomorrow.” Ivy takes a small rock out of the middle of her doll. “C-Can you put Jades h-heart in it? S-So it will still be Jade.” Rose takes the small rock and places it in her bag. “Of coarse.” She hugs Ivy tightly. “Okay, now I need to give you a couple more things.” Rose takes several vales of pink liquid out of her bag. “This is pure Love Ivy. One sip of this and you wont have to feed for at least a couple days. I want you to only use these for emergencies okay?” “O-Okay Miss Rose.” She takes the vales. “Where d-did you get these?” “The Changeling in charge of making new tools for out scouts owes me a few favors.” She giggled. “I covered for him a few times.” Rose got up. “Okay, now down to business. I need to teach you a few more tricks to survive and I don’t have much time to do so.” “D-Did you get a mission?” “Yes, I need to scout out a City to the south of here called Canterlot. It’s the capital of this country so it might be an exultant source of Love Energy.” They spent the rest of the morning and a part of the afternoon practicing survival techniques. Ivy seems to have them down, so Rose says her goodbyes and returns to the Hive. Ivy, now feeling much better after spending one night alone, spends most of her night reading the story book and the survival guide. The next day Rose brings her a doll and tells her that she needs to leave for her mission. “Ivy, I must worn you.” Rose says before she leaves for her mission. “The others from the Hive have orders to kill you if they see you near it, so you need to leave this cave. I don’t know where you should go, I don’t know if I will ever see you again, but please stay alive.” Rose hugged Ivy tightly, and tried not to cry. “Goodbye Ivy.”
The First Encounter The First Encounter It has been a few days since Rose left, Ivy followed her instructions and left the cave shortly after Rose left for her mission. She is now alone, wandering through the wilds of Equestria. She did her best not to give into the overwhelming fear she felt, having her doll around helped her feel safe. She spent the first few nights in small caves. Part of the reason the Hive was in that area in the first place were due to the caves, they made good starting points for building the Hive. However, on this night there was no cave, just a large field with a hoofful of small trees dotting across the landscape. Once it got dark she used a trick that Rose showed her to make a small green campfire. Luckily for her, most of the monsters live in the darkest forests or the deepest caves, so she was safe for the most part. “W-What do you think I s-should do before bed Jade?” Ivy asked her pony doll. “Yeah, I g-guess I am a little thirsty.” After Ivy drank half a bottle of water as she took a good look around, in order to assess a good escape route if somepony were to show up. It was a cloudy night so she couldn‘t see very far. “M-Maybe I can get up to that tree in time, but if t-they can fly, then~” Before Ivy could finish her thoughts she heard a couple faint voices in the distance. She looked up and can see figures of two Pegasi flying across what she could see of the moon. She ran and hid behind the nearby tree. Once they landed next to her fire, she could see that they are wearing armor similar to the Royal Guards that serve the Princesses who rule over Equestria, however the look of their armor seem somewhat darker and more bat like than the picture that she was shown. “Well, what do we have here? A green camp fire?” said one of them. “It would seem a Changeling might be nearby, so far away from the nearest Hive too.” The second one said as he looked around. “Maybe we should capture it, it could be a spy heading for Canterlot.” “No, remember what Celestia said. Her sister returned last year and is still isn‘t used to modern Equestria, we need to patrol the area, and then head right back. I‘m not going to spend half the night hunting down a Changeling. It‘s our turn to escort her around after patrols are over.” “Fine, the least we could do is take another pass, see if the Changeling comes back so we can find out what it’s up to. That shouldn‘t take too long.” The two take off and fly around for a little while before departing. Once she was sure they were gone, Ivy climbed down the tree and back to her campfire. “Princess C-Celestia’s sister?” She inquired aloud. “I w-wonder who that is. Do y-you know, Jade?” She looked at the doll for a moment. “You don‘t? O-Okay.” She soon curled up into a ball and fell asleep. The next morning, Ivy awoke to a pair of young colts poking at her with a stick, one of them being an Earth Pony, and the other one being a Unicorn. They didn’t notice her waking up so she decided to play dead, hoping they will go away. “What do you think it is?” asked the Unicorn. “I don’t know. Kinda looks like a really big bug.” the Earth Pony answered. “Maybe we should tell the Guards, they might know.” The moment Ivy heard that, she jumped up, tried to run away. The two colts gave chase. “Why are you running?” yelled the Earth Pony. “We’re not gonna hurt you!.” The Unicorn used his magic to throw a big rock at the tree Ivy was running towards, he knocked down a branch which tripped her. This gave the Earth Pony enough time to catch up. He tried to grab the small Changeling, but instead took the doll by mistake. “J-JADE!” Ivy shouted as she tried to grab her doll. “Hey, it can talk.” he said in surprise. He held the doll just out of Ivy’s reach. “You know, I think I know what it is.” Stated the Unicorn. “It’s a Changeling.” “You mean those things that can change into somepony and feed off their families? Well then, we should take it to the Guards.” The Earth Pony tossed the doll to the Unicorn, Ivy ran after it. “P-Please, she’s m-my friend. Give her b-back.” she pleaded with the Unicorn. “No way, you probably stole it from some poor filly. There’s no way I’m giving it back.” Ivy panicked. She bit the Unicorn’s foreleg, and injected him with her venom. “Ah! What the hay do you think-” The Unicorn collapsed. “W-What did you do to me? I can’t move, or use my magic!” Ivy took Jade. “I-I’m sorry, you’ll b-be able to move in a c-couple hours.” She ran as fast as she could back to her campsite to get her belongings, but she was not fast enough to outrun the rock the Earth Pony threw at her. It hit her in the hind leg, almost breaking it. The Earth Pony tried to give chase, but even when hurt, the fear carried the Changeling too fast for him to keep up. When Ivy finally reached her campsite she found a Guard there. Her heart started to race, she knew if she was caught by the Royal Guard she would be in big trouble. She needed to get her stuff, but she couldn’t let the Guard see her. She also didn’t want to waste time, in case those two colts were still after her. She decided to try and transform. She managed to hide her fangs and her eyes change correctly, but there are still holes in her mane and legs. She wasn’t worried about her legs, they were covered by socks, it’s her mane she knew will give her away. She tried desperately to think of a way to get her things back without alerting the Guard. “Umm…c-come on Ivy, think…t-that’s it!” She said quietly before attempting to tie Jade on her head. Jade was just big enough to cover the few holes in the top of her mane, the holes elsewhere on her mind she could just say was a style. She approached the guard with a limp. “Oh hey there little one. Is this your campsite?” The guard asked with a smile. “Umm…Y-Yes it is. I j-just need my stuff, then I-I’ll be on my w-way.” She started to walk towards her stuff when the guard stops her. “Whoa there, you look like you’re hurt. Not to mention all alone.” He said in a concerned voice. “Do you want me to help fix your wound and find your parents?” “N-No, thank you.” She quickly stepped away when he tried to reach for her. “I-I’m okay, really. My M-Mommy isn’t t-too far away, and I t-think I saw some colts b-back there who needed help.” She points to where she left the colts. “Well, okay. But I should take care of your leg first, it looks like you hurt it pretty bad.” “No i-it’s okay. I think they need y-your help more.” “Fine,” The guard said with a sigh, seeing that she won’t budge. “Just stay here until I get back, okay?” Ivy nodded, anything to get him to leave. “G-Good luck.” She said with a wave. The Guard waved back and left. The moment he was out of sight Ivy changed back, not able to hold it anymore. She then gathered her belongings and limped away.
The CityIt had been about a month since Ivy encountered those two colts. After she collected her things, she limped to a cave and did her best to hide the entrance. She remained there for a week or so to allow her leg to heal. As soon as it had, she left the cave and continued to head south. While hiding in a bush one day, a few miles north of Canterlot, she heard a couple of Royal Guards talking. One was a Unicorn with a gray coat, the other was a Pegasus with a light blue coat. Both of their manes were covered by their helmets. “Hey, do you remember that colt who got bit last month?” The first one said. “Yeah, didn’t he say it was a little Changeling who bit him?” “Yes, and then the newby, Pommel, said he found that filly, I think that might have been the Changeling.” The second Guard paused. “You sure? He said he didn’t notice anything odd about the filly, other than she was alone.” “Yeah, I mean think about it. Both of those colts said they found, then chased a tiny Changeling, and one of them got bit after his friend got rough with it. Then Pommel finds a filly returning to a campsite by herself right after, with a limp no less.” “He should’ve just taken her with him to make sure she was safe, whether she wanted to or not.” “Yeah,” he chuckled, “I bet you one hundred bits that that filly was a Changeling.” Ivy starts to get nervous. She tries to get out of the bush without making a sound. However, the bush shakes and rustles a bit, causing the Guards to turn their attention away from their conversation, and towards her. Ivy stops moving completely, hoping that they will just write it off. “You...you don’t think that Changeling is still in the area, do you?” The Pegasus Guard said. “It might be, I mean Pommel did say it was very small, and hurt. So it couldn’t have gone too far.” They started to move towards the bush. “It’s probably just a squirrel or something, but we should still check it out.” Ivy shot out of the bush like a bat out of Tartarus. Before the Guards noticed that it was a Changeling, she was already gone. They followed once it clicked, but she was too far away. “Damn, that little thing is fast,” the Unicorn Guard said, out of breath from several minutes of sprinting. “Can you see it from up there?” “Negative,” the Pegasus Guard shouted back down from the sky, “it was pretty scared, the fear probably carried it. It must be halfway to Canterlot by now. We should report this to the Captn’.” Ivy, still running full speed, looked back and didn’t see the Guards. She slowed down to a stop and dropped to the ground behind a bush to rest for a while. “I t-think I lost them,” she whispered to herself. “Do you s-see them J-Jade?” Ivy tossed her doll up a little ways in the air then caught her when she fell back down. “No? O-Okay.” After laying on the ground for a bit, Ivy picked herself up and continued south. The sun started to set, and she saw lights in the distance. Ivy began to make her way there, and saw a large City, that was partly sticking out of the side of a mountain. Ivy could almost see the Love Energy emanating from the city. She started to sneak towards the walls. She noticed Guards were patrolling, but her hunger was getting the best of her, so she ignored her fear and continued. “I o-only have two vials of L-Liquid Love left. I b-better save them,” she whispered to herself as she cautiously approached. She noticed the Guards in the white and gold were switching with the Guards in dark armor with bat-like wings. She used this to her advantage, and found her way into a storm drain in the wall while they were talking. The bars were rusted pretty bad so she managed to wiggle them apart enough to squeeze through. She found herself just under the city streets, in the storm drains and sewers. Ivy could feel love all around her, even though she was under the stone streets and not many ponies were out at this late hour. She used a technique that Rose taught her to feed on the love that wasn’t directed at anypony. It wasn’t enough to fill her, but it was enough to stay alive. “I think I can survive here Jade,” Ivy said with a smile. “M-Maybe we should set up c-camp down here.” Ivy looked around for a while. She couldn’t find anything she could use to make a bed, which was surprising to her because Rose told her that most cities have a lot of homeless ponies, so it should be easy to find stuff like old blankets or strips of clothing to make bedding out of. So, Ivy just emptied out her bag and used it as a pillow. She fell asleep quickly, despite how uncomfortable the cold stone floor was. A few more weeks passed. Ivy had ventured up to the streets a few times to get some water and other needs. She stole a bunch of blankets, but used a burnt stick and a piece of scrap paper or other litter she could write on, to leave a note saying she was sorry each time. The notes were in Changeling, so not many ponies in the city could even read it. At one point, a middle aged stallion caught her trying to take a blanket. She was transformed so he didn’t know she was a Changeling. He grabbed her and took her into his home. He tried to get rough with her, so she bit him on the neck, using her venom to temporarily paralyze him. She stuck her head out of his window and screamed before she ran away. Rumors spread pretty quickly about who bit him, ponies started saying that there was a vampire filly running around. However, the citizens weren't too worried about it, because the stallion she bit was a criminal who was pretty high on the wanted list, so they figured the filly would only try and feed on bad guys. The Royal Guard, however, started to look for her. One day, Ivy was under a storm drain near the castle. She overheard a Guard talking to a Unicorn stallion in purple armor. “Captain Shining Armor, I have a report,” the Guard stated with a salute. “Our scouts have found a campsite in the sewers near the first housing district. It would appear that our little ‘vampire’ has been staying there.” “I see, what did they find?” Shining replied. “Mostly standard camping equipment and some toys. However, we found several strange vials. Most of them were empty, but two of them had a pink fluid in them. The lab report says it’s love energy, but liquified.” “Changelings...” Shining said as he placed his hoof on his chin. “Is this what that mare warned us about?” “Sir?” “A while back, a strange mare approached the castle and told us that the Queen of the Changelings was planning an attack. However, it seems like this Changeling is a foal.” “Yes, according to our information this one is very young, but oddly resourceful for its age. Several of the toys looked like they were hoof made and a bed made from all those blankets that have been stolen.” “Hmm, tell the scout team that if they find this little Changeling not to harm it. I want to question it myself.” “Yes sir!” The Guard ran off. “Oh no!” Ivy shouted after she realised it was her campsite they were talking about. “Jade is s-still there!” Shining heard the shout and went to investigate. Breaking apart the iron bars of the storm drain, dropped down into it to find the small Changeling fleeing down the walkway. He gave chase. He caught up to the filly quickly, and used his magic to catch her and lift her off the ground. “Gotcha!” he yelled in triumph. “Now I’m gonna take you back to the base and ask you a few questions.” Ivy kicked and screamed, begging for him to let her go so she could get her doll. After about thirty minutes of this, Shining caved. “If I get you that doll will you please stop screaming and cooperate?” he said with a sigh. “Y-Yes...I will,” Ivy whimpered, making sure that he saw her tears as she looked at him. “Okay then, let’s go get it,” He sighed, not quite believing that he was actually doing this. Shining, still holding her with his magic, approached the campsite that the other Guards were still securing. They stopped to salute him. “At ease, did any of you find a doll?” “Yes sir. I found one over here,” another Unicorn Guard said, holding up Jade with his magic. “That’s h-her!” Ivy yelled, reaching for it. “Captan, you captured it?!” another guard said with surprise. “Yeah, and she said she would cooperate if we came and got her doll, so please hand it over.” “Yes sir,” the Guard gave the doll to Shining, whom held onto it until they got to the barracks. Shining placed Ivy with her doll in a special cell, made for holding young fillies and colts. “Be good now, I’ll come by later to question you. You should get some rest,” he said and left her there, with a pair of Guards to keep and eye on her. “A-Alright. I’ll t-try,” Ivy said meekly. She looked at the Guards, whom both gave her a stern look back. She whimpered a little, then curled up into a little ball and fell asleep on the cot that was thrown in the corner of the small cell, as she tried to hide the fact that she was scared out of her mind.
The PrincessShining Armor tried to interrogate Ivy several times over the next few days. However, every time he tried he started off aggressively and she curled up into a ball and whimpered, not answering any of his questions. To his surprise, Ivy appeared to be getting weaker as time passed. He had been making sure she got plenty of food, he even had been mixing a few drops of the Liquid Love they found in her campsite in with it, unknowingly dampening the effects. He walked to the throne room to give his report to Princess Celestia. “Princess, I’m ready to give my report.” “Proceed,” Celestia said while signing some scrolls. “I can’t get it to talk. I’ve tried everything I could, but it just curls up and starts to cry whenever I ask it something.” Celestia’s quill stops. “Are you treating it like a foal, or a prisoner?” “A prisoner of course. It is a Changeling after all.” Celestia glared at him, Shining flinched. “I am disappointed Shining Armor. Changeling or not, from what you tell me it’s still just a foal. I hope you have at least been feeding it.” “O-Of course, Princess. I have been adding the Love from the vial into every meal we bring it.” He paused. “Although, I’m starting to question whether that is actually working. It does appear to be a little weaker than when we first brought it in.” Celesta puts down her quill and scroll and stands up. “Take me to it, now.” “Y-Yes Princess.” Shining led Princess Celestia to the cell where they were keeping Ivy. The moment Ivy laid eyes on the massive Alicorn she backed to the corner. Celestia entered the cell and closed the door behind her. Celestia smiled and spoke in a motherly voice, “it’s okay little one, I’m not going to hurt you.” She layed down next to Ivy. “My name is Celestia, what’s yours?” Ivy looked up at her, and began to feel a little safer. “I-I-Ivy. I’m Ivy.” “It’s very nice to meat you Ivy. I don’t want to scare you, or make you uncomfortable, but do you think you could answer my questions?” “I-I’ll try, but I’m very h-hungry,” Ivy looked at Shining, “he g-gave me food, but I h-haven’t fed in a l-long time.” “Well, how about this. If you promise to stop when I say so, I’ll let you feed off of me, okay?” Shining steeped to the cell bars. “Princess, I don’t think that’s a good idea.” “It will be fine Captain. I know how much love an adult Changeling needs after days without, so I should be able to handle feeding this little filly.” “D-Do you mean it? Can I r-really feed off you?” Ivy’s eyes grew hopeful. “Yes, go right ahead,” Celestia smiled at her. Ivy smiled back and hugged Celestia. The Princess started to feel like something was being gently pulled from her chest. It didn’t hurt, and Ivy was feeding so slowly Celestia could barely feel it at all. “You know, you don’t have to worry about hurting me,” Celestia said while wrapping Ivy up with her wings and holding her close. “Take as much as you need.” Ivy did as Celestia said and started to feed faster. After a few minutes Celestia started to feel a little tired. But before this could become an issue, Ivy stops feeding. “T-Thank you Miss Celestia,” Ivy said with a smile as she looked up at her. “You are welcome Ivy, now will you answer the questions I have?” “O-Okay,” Ivy said with a nod. “Okay, first of all, why are you in Canterlot?” “Canterlot?” “It’s the name of this city dear.” “Oh, I j-just thought I could feed h-here,” Ivy said, holding her smile. “Well that answers that...” Celestia said to herself, not truly convinced. “Well what about the others? Certainly you can’t be alone.” “I w-was exiled.” Ivy had a sad look on her face. “F-For being w-weak and worthless.” “Oh my, that’s horrible,” Celestia could tell by the sound of her voice that Ivy wasn’t lying. She held the filly close. “Well, given our current relations with the Changeling Collective, I can’t let you stay here in the castle with me, not for too long anyway. But I will try and find you a safe place to live. Now come with me, let’s get out of this dank cell,” Celestia stood up, and used her magic to lift Ivy onto her back. “Princess, I must protest. Foal or not, she is a Changeling, and they have been hostile since Queen Thorax left the thrown a few years ago.” Shining stated as he stood in front of Celestia. “Ivy, what Hive did you come from? I want to confirm that you were exiled, okay?” “I-It’s in the north, in a b-big cave that has a b-bunch of other caves in it.” “How far?” “Umm...M-Miss Rose said that t-the nearest Pony city was one d-days flite from the H-Hive.” “I see. Shining Armor,” Celestia looked at her captan. “I want you to take a couple Guards and go to the Hive. I know a few Changelings there, and I want you to ask them about Ivy.” “But what about her? We can’t let her wander around the castle.” “I know, she will be with me at all times. If anypony asks, we’ll tell them that we found her as an egg, and are trying to raise her to live with ponies.” “I doubt that everypony will agree, but very well Princess.” Shining turned and walked out. “Okay Ivy, let’s go to the throne room.” Celestia walked to her throne, carrying a tiny Changeling on her back. The servants and visitors stopped and stared, but none of them said anything at first. Right before they got to the throne room one of the maids stepped up. “Umm, Prencess?” “Yes?” “If I may ask, why do you have a Changeling with you? Aren't they parasites?” “Some may say that. But we found this one before she hatched. I had her studied and now I have decided to try and raise her to live along side ponies as who she is.” “Are you sure that’s such a good idea Princess?” The maid stepped back when she looked at Ivy. “There is no need to worry, she’s harmless. The worse she could do is immobilize a pony for an hour or two, and as long as she feels safe there is nothing to worry about.” Celestia sat on her throne, and Ivy sat with her and watched her sign scrolls. Ponies who came in seemed a little more nervous than usual. Some told the Princess that they didn’t like the fact that there was a Changeling so close to her, others didn’t seem to mind. Several hours later. “That should do it for the paperwork, I could use a brake,” Celestia said as she stood. “How about a walk through the garden?” “Are t-their flowers?” Ivy asked with an innocent look. “Yes, their are beautiful flowers.” Ivy smiled and nodded. The two walked through the garden for some time. Ivy played with the animals for a while as Celestia talked with one of her gardeners. Another servant soon approached them. “Princess, may I ask you something? It’s about the Changeling.” “Yes, ask away.” “I was wondering, what’s going to happen to her? Given our relations with them, she can’t stay here for too long.” “Captain Shining is on his way to a Changeling Hive to speak with them about just that. Worse case scenario we have to let her leave, live on her own.” She watched Ivy play with a squirrel. “If that happens I intend to give her the best chance of survival I can.” Another couple hours passed, and Celestia would have to set the sun soon. She walked to the corner of the garden where Ivy was playing. “Come Ivy, it’s time to go inside,” she said as she approached the tiny Changeling, whom is rolling around on the grass. “Really? Aawwww,” Ivy whimpered. “Yes, and do not worry, we can spend some time out here again tomorrow.” She smiled as she lifted Ivy onto her back with magic. “Now come with me, I need to lower the sun so my Sister can raise the moon.” Celestia, after she made sure Ivy was holding on tightly, flew off to the balcony of her bedroom. She then used her magic to pull the sun down below the horizon as the moon started to rise. Ivy could see the other Alicorn who raised it. “Umm...M-Miss Celestia, who is t-that?” She pointed to the other Alicorn. “That is my younger sister, Luna. She is usually busy with her duties, or is resting, but you may get to meet her soon.” Celestia walked into her room. “Now, you must be tired. When do you normally rest little one?” “Umm...I n-normally wait until m-midnight to s-sleep. So it’s s-safer to get f-food.” “I see, well then, let’s try to get to sleep a bit earlier okay?” Celestia levitated Ivy onto the bed, and covered her with the blanket. “B-But I’m not tired.” “Then I will sing you a lullaby.” Celestia smiled and began to sing a soothing song. Ivy fell asleep within ten minutes. Celestia used her magic to bring up a barrier around the room, so nopony would harm Ivy. She then left the room, leaving Ivy to sleep.
