Pocket Change

Chapters

Chapter 1: Night-Time Escapade
Chapter 2: School Hours Scour
Chapter 3: Fated Encounter
Chapter 4: Pockets of Rarity
Chapter 5: Helping Hand
Chapter 6: Honest Work
Chapter 7: Patch Work
Chapter 8: Below the Surface Pt.1
Chapter 9: Below the Surface Pt.2
Chapter 10: Better Days
Chapter 11: The Good Doctor
Chapter 12: Taken the Wrong Way
Chapter 13: Thicker Than Water
Chapter 14: Friend or Foe
Chapter 15: Contemplation

Chapter 1: Night-Time Escapade

Change

After a long day of bustling traffic, busy workers, and countless transactions, Canterlot City had finally settled down for the night. I couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief as I allowed the cool air of the night to wash over me during my late-night stroll. It's been a long day for me as well. It was the school weekend, Friday, meaning once I finished my homework, I would have an entire day of thievery to myself. Unfortunately, the day hadn't gone how I would have liked. I was only able to pull a couple of wallets, their combined value no more than a few dozen dollars. For a pickpocket like myself, this definitely wasn't a good haul by any stretch of the imagination.

Rent was this Sunday and my mother couldn't always pull through on time, so I would have to chip in or handle the bills entirely when needed. If I didn't come up with more money soon, I would have to chip into my savings. It sucks that we have to scrape by for a crappy apartment in a rough neighborhood, but I suppose a roof is a roof.

"Come on, Adagio, we have to celebrate at least a little!" a voice whined through my headphones.

I feigned adjusting my right earbud when really, I was just removing it so I could eavesdrop. About fifteen meters away were three girls walking toward me on the same sidewalk. I kept my head down slightly, but not too low. It's important to not come off as a creep when being a creep. Taking another glance at the girls in front of me, I began taking in every detail I could, an essential skill of thievery. I was almost taken aback by the fact that I knew these girls: Sonata Dusk, Adagio Dazzle, and Aria Blaze. I know they pulled some kind of hypnosis trick on all of CHS a while back which I assumed didn't work on me because I had my earphones in at the time.

Anyway, I took careful note of Adagio in particular. She had a purse, a purse that had its main zipper open, a wad of cash ever so slightly visible. Rookie mistake.

Aria pumped her fist toward the air before relaxing her hands behind her head. "We made a lot of money from our last gig, why don't we reward ourselves a bit?"

"As much as I would like that, it's going toward our next gig. You know how expensive it is to book concerts."

Drowning out their conversation, I entered a state of hyper-focus as the distance between us closed. It just so happened that lady luck was on my side. Just as I was about to pass them, Sonata strayed away from the group ever so slightly, allowing me to slip right through, dextrously snatching the wad of cash and pocketing it. I accelerated ever so slightly on the last step to further conceal my actions as I continued past them.

I continued walking, adrenaline pumping through my veins and thinking I had gotten away with the crime.

Aria sighed from behind me. "Fine, how much did we make anyway?"

Uh oh. I picked up the pace, still walking as to not look overly suspicious. I needed to find an alleyway ASAP.

Adagio clicked her tongue, searching for an answer. "Hmm, I'm not exactly sure. Give me a sec, let me check...What the? It's gone! Aria, did you take it?"

"Me? No! What about Sonata?" Aria stated defensively.

"Nope, all I have are these flowers from our fans," she said cheerfully, holding out a bouquet of roses toward Aria's face.

Aria swatted the flowers away. Adagio began humming to herself in thought. "Well, if it wasn't either of you, and I don't have it, then...did we live it at the concert hall?"

"No way, we had it like thirty minutes ago," Aria interjected.

"I think that hooded guy took it," Sonata chimed in.

The two older siblings looked at their youngest in abstract horror. "Why didn't you say anything earlier?!" They both yelled at her.

Sonata's levity was still present in her demeanor despite the seriousness of the situation. "Well, I didn't want to assume anything," she said as she shrugged.

The two girls grunted in frustration before they took off in the direction of the figure. Sonata, not wanting to be left alone, took off after them.

Segment Music

Aria

In due time, Aria was upon her thief. He was fast sure, but she was faster. All she had to do was close the distance.

"Give us back our money, punk!" Aria screamed at the figure, quickly gaining on him.

Aria's athletism and martial arts prowess allowed her to easily keep up with the hooded figure, but it was clear that this wouldn't be easy.

Turning down a nearby alleyway, Aria noticed the figure had stopped in his tracks, realizing he had run straight into a dead end.

"There's nowhere to run now, give us our money back, dirtbag," Aria huffed from the entrance of the alleyway.

The figure stood with his back turned to Aria for a while before reaching into his hoodie, pulling out an object Aria couldn't see. Aria had silently hoped that it wasn't a gun, but to her almost relief, it wasn't. The figure turned around slowly, his face now concealed by a mask with an indefinite smiley face engraved in it. This ever so slightly put Aria on edge. An opponent that concealed their identity was always a dangerous foe in some capacity.

Aria took a fighting stance. "Last chance, dude," Aria warned.

He didn't move or say anything, causing Aria to rush him, unleashing a flurry of attacks. To her surprise, none of her attacks were landing. Even with the centuries of martial arts experience she had, she couldn't make contact with her opponent even once. Strangely enough, he never once tried to attack her or counter, even though Aria knew he had plenty of opportunities to.

Mentally, Aria cursed herself for not consistently keeping up with her training for so many decades.

"Is he a master? Why would a master resort to petty thievery?" Aria thought to herself.

For a few minutes, Aria kept attacking, growing more tired as time dragged on. To her dismay, she couldn't tell if her opponent was even wearing out due to the mask; he just kept dodging without any signs of fatigue.

"Aria, what are you doing?! Kick his butt!" Adagio yelled from the entrance of the alleyway, almost out of breath.

"What does it look like I'm trying to do?!" Aria screamed back.

"Aren't you like the best at fighting or something? Hurry up and get our money back!"

This only served to agitate Aria more, her attacks now missing by a wider margin than before. Eventually, the figure broke away from her stream of attacks, climbing up a nearby fire escape with grace and precision Aria had never seen before.

"Is he an animal?!" Aria wondered to herself attempting to make a mad dash toward the fire escape as well before tripping. Her shoes had been tied together by the laces, filling Aria with a great amount of confusion. Swiftly unbinding her shoes, Aria continued her pursuit of the thief, now more desperate than before.

Adagio began running for the fire escape as well, only to be told off by Aria before she could begin climbing. "Stay there! I'll be back soon," Aria commanded with a seriousness Adagio had seldom heard from her. Adagio listened.

Upon reaching the top, Aria had seen that the figure had already jumped several rooftops, gaining an absurd amount of distance in such a short amount of time. Booking it after him, Aria tied her hair off into a ponytail so that it wouldn't get caught on anything and began jumping rooftops as well. She was tiring out, slowly losing her speed, while her target seemed to be keeping the same pace as before. Eventually, the figure disappeared out of sight. Aria could have sworn that the figure saluted her before vanishing, Aria falling to her knees as a result. Upon catching her breath, she reared her head back toward the night sky and screamed in overwhelming frustration.

"DAMNIT!"

Segment Music

Change

It's been about an hour since I last saw that girl, Aria. I honestly had no idea she would pursue me so actively; I'm a bit surprised I got away unscathed. If it wasn't for a life of taking hits, I'm not so sure I could have escaped her. I'm nimble, that's for sure, but I certainly can't fight worth a damn, hand to hand at least. Good thing I know the city like the back of my hand. I've been surveying the area for the last twenty minutes using a miniature drone and a remote viewing and controller app on my phone.

Deducing that it was now safe, I called my drone back, hurrying over to my apartment complex. Luckily,﹣or unluckily depending on the outlook﹣the apartment windows opened up to an alleyway, meaning I didn't have to enter through the front door.

Climbing up the fire escape, I removed a small latch I placed in my window, allowing me to open it and slip through. I collapse on my bedroom floor, a loud creaking beneath me that I knew would piss off the downstairs neighbors.

Sorry, but I'm too tired to care right now, I muttered to myself, taking off my mask and laying on the floor for a while.

After a bit, I pushed myself off the ground, standing up and throwing today's spoils across my desk. Counting up the money, I found that I had more than enough to afford this week's rent. Rent was only $230, I had well over $2,000 here. Although the temptation to take all of the money for myself was palpable, I fought it off. I was just a petty thief after all. If I stooped any lower, I would run the risk of venturing into territory I might not be able to return from. Most of this money belonged to the Dazzlings, I knew that for a fact.

I sighed, running a hand through my hair and falling onto my mat that was in place of a bed. "Crap, that means I'll have to find some way to return the rest. I don't even know where they live."

Deciding that I had had enough for the night, I allowed myself to drift off to sleep...almost. I felt my nose itch slightly as one of my many roommates crawled onto my face. Roaches... can't live without em'.

I hate this place.

Dazzlings

The dazzlings filed into their tour van, laying across the mattress they had placed in the back seat. The dazzlings were understandably distraught, they had just lost big time after all. But the one that was suffering the most turmoil was Aria. She had been robbed and completely humiliated by this mysterious smiley face figure. To make matters worse, he had the audacity to not even attack her while she couldn't land a single blow.

"So, what do we do now?" Sonata asked, breaking the silence.

Adagio turned her back to Sonata, not wanting her anguish to be seen. "I don't know, but we probably won't be able to afford our next concert."

Sonata gasped. "Does that mean we'll...starve?"

"We won't starve, dummy. We don't need that much to feed ourselves, just go to sleep," Aria interjected.

"Think we should file a police report?" Adagio added.

Aria scoffed. "And say what? We got robbed by some punk in a smiley face mask that was as nimble as a weasel?"

Adagio shrugged. "Well, yes."

Unable to stand the frustration of their situation, Aria threw herself on her pillow, turning away from her sisters to face the side of the van. "Go ahead, I'm goin' to sleep."

After a few hours, gentle snoring filled the tour van. Adagio and Sonata had fallen asleep, but Aria was still deep in thought about what had happened.

Still thinking about the ordeal, Aria drifted off to sleep, that stupid smiley face occupying her fleeting thoughts.

Chapter 2: School Hours Scour

Segment Music

Change

As boring as school could be from time to time, it was actually one of the best opportunities to take a breather from my life of crime. Right now, I'm sitting in Professor Whoove's Algebra 2 class allowing my mind to wander a bit. I spent the entire weekend borderline-stalking the Dazzlings through practically every median I could find, but I wasn't able to find them. Oh, well, I can always look for them later. Even though I was a thief, even I had a code of conduct.

[Only keep cash, and jewelry, no credentials]
[Never show your face to victims]
[Do not speak to your victims]
[Return any other belongings ASAP]
[Never actively harm anyone, I'm just a petty thief]
[No robbing elderly, poor, disabled people, or children]
[Do NOT take any electronics, you never know what can be traced]
[Never wear the same outfit two days in a row]
[No thieving at school]
[Never take too much money from a single person, return excessive amounts anonymously]

"Mr. Change," Professor Whooves said in an authoritarian tone, causing me to perk up and snap out of my trance.
"Yes?"
"Would you please answer the problem on the board?"
"Yessir," I stated before standing up from my seat at the back of the class and making my way to the board upfront. I stared at it for a while to get a feel of what I was dealing with.

"A license plate begins with three letters. If the possible letters are A, B, C, D, and E, how many different combinations of these letters can be made if no letter is used more than once?"

So it's permutations...I know how to do this.

"If you don't know-" Professor Whooves began before being interrupted.

"Done. There are sixty possible combinations." I placed the whiteboard marker down in the ceil, going back to my seat after doing so.

Professor Whooves looked down at his clipboard then back up at the whiteboard. "That is correct. If you're paying attention, please making it seem so."

I guess I should focus more.

Next Period...

Physical education was a class I was mostly indifferent towards. Although, it did serve to keep my physique up, especially important given my line of work. The teacher didn't really care what you were doing, so long as you worked up a sweat. I usually just stuck to basic physical training in the corner, mainly using the monkey bars. As I was finishing a rep of situps, I saw someone approaching from my upside-down position, it was Flash Sentry. He's Sunset Shimmer's ex, but they're friends now from what I've seen. I'm pretty sure she also tried to brainwash the school, but I wasn't there during the Fall Formal, so don't quote me on that. I'm just not a huge fan of parties or anything along those lines.

I wasn't there though, not a huge fan of dances or parties, so I guess that worked out for me.

"Hey man, you're Change, right?"

I removed an earbud, still hanging upside down. "That's me, need somethin'?"

Upon closer inspection, I noticed that had been hiding a basketball behind his back. Crap, I knew what this was. "We need one more player for our team, could you help us out? Rainbow Dash has been talking a lot of game lately, and I don't feel inclined to let her get away with that," Flash said, smiling and pointing a thumb at a group of people.

Rainbow Dash, superstar, and magical girl extraordinaire, allegedly. She's like the god of sports or something, why would he ask me to join his team?

There were clearly a ton of other options, some even looked like they were made for basketball.

"Why me?"

Flash raised a hand to his chin, as if deep in thought. "Well, it's been going around that you have some monstrous dexterity dude. I was hoping that applied to sports as well."

Who the hell is spreading rumors about me? I hardly show my dexterity at school, I guess the cat's out of the bag. Anyway, it was like I was in any position to refuse. I wasn't particularly busy, and if you know anything about school politics, refusing an offer from the junior basketball captain won't look good for my reputation at all. Even if he's fine with it, the stans won't let me live it down. Okay, maybe I'm overreacting, but I still felt obligated to accept.

"Alright man, I'll spot you for one game."

Sometime later...

I'm not a very good defensive player, but the offense is in my essence, at least in basketball. Ball-handling skills are like second nature to me, it was part of my training regiment after all. It was a narrow victory, but it only seemed like my team kept throwing me the ball, I'm exhausted. Good thing, I keep my marksmanship up as well. Rainbow Dash really lives up to her titles, she would not let me breathe. In the end, the score was 30 to 28 in our favor.

Heading over to the bleachers, I took a seat, wiping my sweat with my towel. It wasn't long before Flash approached me again.

"That was awesome man! You actually made Rainbow Dash break a sweat. You gotta try out for the team," Flash enthusiastically encouraged.

Before I could reply, Flash was promptly shoved aside by Rainbow Dash herself. "Hey, don't get the wrong idea, I could have easily won if I went all out. I was just giving my teammates their time to shine is all. Say, why don't you enjoy my team? We could use a player like you," Rainbow Dash said pridefully.

Flash sighed. "We're on the same basketball team and I'm the captain, remember?"

Rainbow Dash's eyes seemed to widen a bit in surprise. "Oh...yeah."

I chuckled to myself a bit at this but joining the basketball team...I wasn't so sure about it. "I'll have to get back to you on that."

Rainbow Dash was shaken up by my indecision while Flash was more understanding. The rest of that period was spent talking to Flash and Rainbow Dash about hobbies and such.

Sometime Later...(Segment Music)

Now was easily my favorite time of day; it was lunch. To my benefit, I qualified for free-reduced lunch, meaning I didn't have to pay for the standard meal set. I didn't mind the cafeteria food, it was better than nothing. It always frustrated me to see so many kids throw their food away because they had experienced better. It's whatever though, I can't control their lives. On the bright side, this meant that there was hardly ever a line. Taking a tray, I walked up to the servery, sliding it under the glass. As per usual, Granny Smith greeted me with a familiar warm smile; I smiled back.

She served me up without saying a word. I had ordered the same thing so many times, she probably knew it by heart. Taking my tray back, I waved goodbye before heading for the cafeteria door. I hardly ever ate in the cafeteria itself, instead, opting to eat in the theater room. Why the theater room? Well, that's where Trixie is more often than not. I met her in middle school, where we quickly bonded over our love of the illusionary arts. I wonder what she'd think of me if she knew what I was using my talents for...

The theater room was dark, this was almost a one hundred percent confirmation that she was here. Walking toward the closest row to the stage, I took the center seat waiting for what I knew was to come. As if on queue the spotlights focused on a single area on the stage as a large cobalt blue cloud of smoke erupted from seemingly nowhere.

"Introducing The Great and Powerful Trixie!" Trixie self-announced through the cloud of smoke.

She's always so extra, I love it. That smoke bomb though...might come in handy later. Maybe I'll whip something up in the science lab when I get the chance.

For about the past forty minutes, we've just been catching up. Honestly, I was surprised to learn that she had participated in the battle of the bands that I was absent for. I couldn't help but curse myself for this. Then I remembered that everyone was likely brainwashed. Luckily, someone uploaded the video online. Honestly, she should have won just off of her confidence alone. Her performance was just full of the exaggerated swagger of Trixie Lulamoon, but I guess that's just me.

"You killed that performance, Trix, should've won if you ask me," I said after the video finished.

Trixie placed a hand to her chest, puffing it out slightly. "I know, right? No one can outperform yours truly."

I chuckled to myself. "Speaking of bands. You wouldn't happen to know anything about The Dazzling's next gig, would you? Asking for a friend."

"The Dazzlings? No, I haven't heard anything about their next concert, but I did attend their last," Trixie admitted, dwelling on the thought.

"Happen to know where that was at?"

"Actually, I think it was in a concert hall in Downtown. The Serine Display, I believe."

Bingo. I'll be sure to take a look after school gets out.

"Thanks, Trix, you always seem to have the answers," I admitted while smiling at her.

Before she could respond, the five-minute bell went off. "Guess we should start heading to class, talk to ya later, Trixie," I said before heading off.

More time passes...

School got out about an hour ago. Since then, I returned home exchanging my backpack out for my tool kit. The drone would come in handy for this mission especially. I stuffed the money I planned to return in an envelope. As for the wallets, I would be dropping those off at the Canterlot City Police Department. I learned to not stop by too frequently inside the department as it would arouse suspicion, so I usually just litter the wallets around the parking lot. More often than not, the wallets would be taken into the lost and found and returned to their rightful owners anyway.

Throwing myself out of my bedroom window and down the fire escape, I slipped on a disposable surgical mask. The surgical mask was something I wore to hide my face to some extent during the day without looking like a complete weirdo.

So, this is the place, the Serine Display. It looks a bit different than I had imagined; it had more of a punk rock aesthetic than the name would suggest. I wasn't about to head inside though. If the Dazzling's really performed here, then their tour van, or limo, or whatever, should be parked nearby. Upon scanning the parking lot, there was nothing suggesting artistic performers. If I were a group of artists, where would I park outside of my performance spot? Ah, an alleyway. Long behold, there was a tour van parked some ways down the alleyway to the right of the building.

Now, I wasn't just going to waltz up on this van and say, "Hey, here's your money I stole."

Instead, I walked into the alleyway on the left of the concert hall and stationed myself behind a dumpster. Pulling out my drone, phone, and envelope, I attached the envelope to hook on the drop wheel. Starting up my remote viewing/control app, I began flying the drop over the building from the alleyway to the other. Zooming in with the camera, I took a closer look inside the van. No one was in the front, but there was someone in the back of the van.

That hair...it's Aria.

I wasn't sure whether or not to be relieved that I found her, or scared that I found her. Maneuvering the drone over the van, I adjusted the drop wheel, allowing the envelope to fall onto the hood.

I couldn't help but sigh in relief. NIce.

Calling my drone back, I pocketed it and my phone. Now all that's next is to drop these wallets off at the police station. Maybe I'll visit Flim and Flam's pawnshop while I'm at it.The Everything Under the Sun Emporium was where I managed to buy my drone, mask, and a few other gadgets.

It was surprisingly cheap. However, that might be because a lot of the stuff there was acquired through shady means. They don't even ask questions during transactions. They inspect what you have, give you a price, and that's about it. I usually feel like I get ripped off when selling though; I guess they make up for it in cheap prices. Oh well, who am I to judge? At least what they're doing is somewhat legal.

Chapter 3: Fated Encounter

Segment Music

Aria

"Aria, wake up!" Adagio yelled as she nudged her awake.

This was something her sisters had a bad habit of doing, waking her up prematurely. Aria jolted upright, eyeing Adagio angrily. "What? This had better be important."

Adagio held out an envelope happily. "Our money's back!"

Aria was understandably confused by this. Why would their money be back?

"Wasn't it stolen? How'd you get it back?" Aria said, taking the envelope in her hand and opening it. Sure enough, it was filled with their previously stolen money, most of it anyways.

"We found it on the hood," Sonata chimed in.

Sonata and Adagio were quite happy about this turn of events, yet Aria couldn't shake the indescribable feeling building up inside of her. Their money was returned in an envelope, manually. This meant that not only did the returner know where they were, they also returned the money discretely. This was planned, and Aria wasn't okay with it in the slightest. It was at that moment that Aria vowed to personally catch the thief. Not to bring them to justice, but to kick their butt herself.

With a newfound purpose, Aria began changing her clothes in the back, confusing her sisters in the process. As opposed to her performance gear, she was now sporting a purple hoodie, black sweats, and white tennis shoots.

"I'll be back later," Aria said as she stepped out of the van, shutting the back doors behind herself and walking off, leaving Adagio and Sonata dumbfounded.

"Does she seem...different, to you?" Sonata asked worriedly.

Adagio hummed to herself. "Now that you mention it, she's much more angsty than usual."

Change

The only things I ended up buying from Flim and Flam were powdered organic dye and ping pong balls. I stopped by CHS's science lab earlier as well. Why? I was making smoke bombs, courtesy of Trixie Lulamoon. Anyone's allowed to use the science lab so long as they follow proper procedures. Making the smoke bombs was fairly simple: combine potassium nitrate and sugar in a beaker at a ratio of three to two, stir until smooth and caramelized, remove from heat, then assemble the smoke bomb. There are more steps than that, but I'd rather not go into excessive detail.

Long story short, I have a few pockets full of smoke bombs now. Since then, I've just been going on a stroll around the city. By now, night had fallen meaning that most everyone had turned in for the night. As I walked, I heard somewhat of a loud commotion through my earphones. Taking my hands out of my pockets, I removed my earbuds and pocketed them, listening for any more noise.

It was coming from a nearby back alley to my left. Unashamed to admit it, my curiosity got the best of me. Leaning up against the opening, I peered down the alley. There was a person wearing a purple hood and sweats with their back turned to me. Based on their figure, they were probably a young adult girl. In front of her was a burly man brandishing a pocket knife, looking not all there in the head.

"Listen here, girly, hand over everything you have, and nobody gets hurt," a rugged voice said through stammered speech.

"At this rate, someone's going to hurt, I'd better step in...or maybe not," I whispered to myself, pulling out a smoke bomb.

Looking away for the briefest of moments, there was a sudden loud thud and grunt. Returning my attention to the scene before me, I was a bit taken aback to see that the roles had been completely reversed. The man was now laying flat on the ground, his arm being strained behind his back as he was being stepped on.

"Woah," I let slip out in disbelief.

The girl tilted her head slightly in my direction. "You gonna keep staring, or-" the girl paused as she looked at me from the corner of her eye.

It was...Aria, but what was she doing out here? Her eyes widened in surprise a bit, releasing her grip on the man. All of a sudden, she made a b-line for me. I almost ran right then and there, but my better judgment told me not to. She leaned in extremely close to me, inspecting me thoroughly. It wasn't until she began sniffing me that things changed for the worst. Out of nowhere, Aria grabbed me by the collar of my shirt, pinning me against the wall using her right forearm.

"It's you," she exclaimed, venom lacing her voice.

During times like these, it was best not to panic. Panicking only served to run you into a corner, I had to play it cool.

"I'm sorry, I don't think I know you," I said, feigning ignorance through an exaggerated voice.

The guy that had been on the ground earlier was now making a run for it. I honestly don't blame him.

"Oh, yeah? Let me jog your memory then," Aria said before throwing me to the ground with a surprising amount of force.

Segment Music

On instinct, I performed a back handspring, landing on my feet a few meters away from Aria.

"I knew it!"

Crap, I should have taken the fall. "What is wrong with you?!"

"Cut the shit already, would you?"

Aria suddenly delivered a swift jab toward my face which I narrowly managed to avoid.

"I couldn't stop thinking about what happened; I could hardly sleep," she lamented as she threw out a calf kick, followed by a butterfly kick which I blocked using my left forearm. It was now noticeably numb.

The jig was up. There was no talking any sense into this girl anymore, all I could do was run. Just as I was about to bolt, I was suddenly grabbed by my hood and thrown further down the alleyway, hitting the back wall. Just as I gathered my bearings, she delivered a straight punch to the spot just near the right side of my head, the sound of bricks crumbling under its force. I didn't even want to see what she was capable of.

Aria took a few steps back, removing her hoodie, revealing a black compression shirt underneath. To say she was toned would be an understatement. She downright had the perfect physique.

"You're not running away this time. I'll make you fight me seriously if it's the last thing I do."

Fight her seriously? What is she talking about? I can't fight worth a damn; I've been running away my entire life.

I raised my hands up defensively. "Woah, calm down, I don't even know how to fight!"

"This again?! Fine then, be that way."

Aria threw out a jab﹣which I narrowly dodged﹣before spinning around and throwing out a backhand, catching me off guard. She grazed my mask a little, tearing the straps on one side which caused me to have to hold it in place.

"Hiding your face still, you shy or something?" Aria mocked.

"I really don't want any trouble," I insisted as I raised my free hand defensively.

"Then you should have thought twice about robbing us!"

The unrelenting assault continued all while I was trap in the corner. This severely limited my movement options forcing me to take a few hits here and there. Each blow was extremely powerful, shaking me to the core after each impact, but I had learned to roll with the punches a long time ago, so I kept moving.

"Fight back already! I know you can."

To be honest, I knew self-defense, but only when using weapons. For one reason or another, my hand-to-hand combat skills were abysmal. Of course, using weapons was out of the question, it conflicts with my code of conduct, not after what happened with my old man...

A brief lapse in focus was my undoing. After regaining it only a few seconds after losing it, I was only able to make out the faint after-image of a shoe before my world faded to black.

Segment Music

Aria

After he had gone limp, Aria continued pressing him for about a minute until she realized something was wrong.

"Is he...dead?" She wondered to herself.

Reluctantly, she got down to his level, placing an ear to his chest. Thankfully, there was still a pulse, but Aria was still unsure what to do with him.

Aria began thinking to herself, questioning the legitimacy of her actions. "Could he really not fight? Did I get the wrong person? No, his scent and mannerisms are a perfect match. Who is this guy anyway?"

Reaching out toward his face, she removed his mask, a slight throb in her chest making itself apparent upon doing so. He was...cute, her type actually. It was a shame really. Given that he was unconscious, she was sure he wouldn't mind if she snooped around a little. Aria pulled out a bundle of hair ties, placing the teen's hands behind his back and tieing him up.

Reaching inside his front pockets, she found nothing but a pair of wireless earphones and their charging capsule. It wasn't until she opened his hoodie, however, that she found anything interesting. Pockets, so many pockets lined the inside of the hoodie, and close to the breast pocket was a large smiling mask.

"What in the world?" Aria muttered to herself.

She began checking the pockets one by one but never found any form of credentials, just strange objects: lock picks, weird bomb things, a drone, a phone, and many other obscure objects. Taking the phone, Aria powered it on only to be met by a lock screen. She frowned, putting the phone back and sitting down against the wall next to the unconscious boy, wondering what to do. This person was clearly a thief, an experienced one at that. It was at this moment that Aria had a realization.

She was tired of living paycheck to paycheck, of living in a van. Most of the money is usually spent on booking concerts. Without her amulet, she couldn't use her magic, meaning, no easy earnings. Performing and being adored by fans was more of Adagio's thing, and Sonata's fine with their situation because she can't stand being alone.

"Maybe...I could do it too," Aria thought to herself.

Change

I'm not sure what happened, but I feel like hell. Upon opening my eyes, everything was heavily out of focus. When I tried getting up, I found that I was unable to move my arms. Rubbing my wrist a little, I found that my hands were bound by some kind of semi-elastic fabric.

"Welcome back to the land of the living."

I focused my eyes in the direction of the voice, a blurred figure coming into view. She was sitting against the wall just beside me.

"Aria?"

"You a fan or somethin'?" She said as she absentmindedly looked down at her phone, texting away.

I remained silent.

"I guess it was true, you really can't fight. You sure are good at dodging though, you're like some kind of weasel," she continued

I subtly struggled against my bindings, finding a bit of leverage.

"I wouldn't do that, if I were you," Aria warned as she pointed the screen of her phone at me, revealing a picture of my unconscious self without a mask.

I immediately ceased my efforts. "So what, you're going to turn me in, report me?"

Aria placed her phone in her pocket before inspecting her fingernails. "That...depends on you."

Depends on me? Oh, I get it.

"You want me to steal for you," I declared.

This has happened before, but my clients always came to me first; mainly belongings from an ex or financial documents among other things.

"Not quite."

"Then what do you want?"

Aria looked me in the eyes before responding. "I want you to teach me how to steal."

Needless to say, this confused me. "Aren't you like a pop star or something? Why do you need to steal?"

She sighed. "It's not very lucrative from where I stand. We don't make much more than what it costs to book each venue. On top of that, my sisters just keep putting it toward more concerts, saving a little each time. And the savings aren't exactly open for me to just reach into. I'm tired of living paycheck to paycheck, of living in a van," Aria lamented.

I wasn't exactly sure how to take this, I did feel somewhat bad though. "That's rough."

Aria smiled softly to herself. "Anyway, I'm gonna need your phone number."

"Wait a minute, think about what you're asking."

Aria's smiled faded. "Digits, now," she demanded.

I guess there's no changing her mind. Reluctantly, I gave her my number, unsure what to think of this turn of events. On the bright side, it looks like I wasn't going to be turned in, but I was now at her mercy. With that, she stood up.

"We'll talk details over the phone, save my number, and don't you dare try to weasel your way out of this," she warned before turning to walk off.

"Wait, aren't you going to untie me?"

She smirked to herself back at me, putting her hoodie back on. "I'm sure you can handle yourself."

After that, she walked away out of sight. Just my luck...

Chapter 4: Pockets of Rarity

Chapter Music

Change

Today's been pretty rough at school. I've been sore all over after what happened last night, but at least I had a few icepacks to stop the swelling. I skipped P.E., instead, choosing to use that time resting in the nurse's office. Nurse Redheart was pretty understanding and let me in without any questions.

As I laid on the itchy cot, my phone suddenly began ringing, pulling me out of my thoughts. Taking my phone out, I sighed upon seeing who the caller was, Aria. Reluctantly, I took my phone out and checked the door to make sure it was closed. Pressing the accept button, I put the phone up to my ear, feeling tense with anxiety.

"I'm ready, where's the meet-up point?" Aria inquired.

I sighed under my breath. "Aria, I'm at school right now."

She paused for a few seconds. "Did I ask?"

I almost groaned in frustration until I remembered who exactly it was I was talking to. She has too much leverage over me for me to piss her off.

"Okay, fine. You know the abandoned laundry mat over at West Hoof, Dusty's?"

Aria hummed to herself as if deep in thought. "Yeah, no. Where is that?"

"I'll text you the location. Go to that building's roof and wait there. School should get out in three hours."

"Three hours?! Are you kidding me?!" Aria screamed, causing me to jump a little.

"Chill out. You'll probably take like two and a half hours getting there anyway, so you won't be waiting that long."

A few seconds after saying this, the five-minute bell went off, telling me that I had to get to class soon.

"Wait, that bell... you go to CHS, don't you?"

I felt a knot form in my throat. On impulse, I ended the call, grabbed my backpack, and began heading to my next class.

Sometime Later...

Once school got out, I stopped by my apartment to switch my loadout before heading over to the rendezvous point. Upon reaching Dusty's Laundry Mat, I used the dumpster and fire escape to parkour to the ledge of the roof, pulling myself up and over it.

I was relieved to find that all of my training equipment was still scattered all over the roof under various tarps; it was a huge pain getting all of it up here.

Aria was sitting in a sun lounging chair that was actually up here for longer than I can remember; she was staring up at the sky wearing sunglasses.

Without saying anything, I began taking the tarps off the stashes of equipment where I then proceeded to meticulously pile the equipment toward the center of the roof. Most of it was broken percussion instruments, ornaments, and metal objects.

At some point, Aria had come over to see what I was doing, wearing a somewhat disappointed expression. "Come on, man. What is this?"

I answered her question with another. "You ever played Soundbite?"

"No?'

"It's a game where you have to clear the stack of items as quietly as possible. I'll be spectating, you'll be playing. If at any point I think you made a noise too loud, you have to start over: footsteps, breathing, objects themselves, and so on can count toward noise."

"You can't be serious, how is this supposed to teach me anything?" Aria complained.

Without saying anything, I walked over to the pile and snatched out a set of wind chimes from the center without making a noise. "Sleight of hand and situational awareness; these are basic skills that any decent thief must possess."

Aria stormed up to me snatching the wind chimes out of my hand noisily, only to inspect them and see that they were indeed made of metal. I chuckled to myself at this. "Better get to it."

Aria's actually pretty impressive. In just under an hour, not only did she clear the pile quietly, she went back and did it multiple times, improving with each attempt. She might actually become better than me in no time.

I clapped my hands together, catching Aria's attention. "That's it for today, although, I do have a homework assignment for you."

I pulled out a lockpicking set alongside a few locks, handing them over to Aria.

"Until we meet up again, work on opening these lock in under forty seconds each."

She took the items, looking at them like they were some priceless jewels. "Thanks, I guess."

I turned to walk away, it was about that time I hit Downtown again, just to stay ahead of the bills.

"See you at school," Aria stated coyly.

What?

A few hours later...

I'm not sure what Aria meant by "See you at school," but for my sake, I hope she was just talking about the lessons in thieving.

Downtown's the place that's best for my line of work: large crowds of people, upper-class folk, and everyone's self-concerning. Right now, I have my sights set on an unsuspecting businessman. He's holding a suitcase, that's good; that means one of his hands is occupied. Stepping out into the crowd, I made my way toward the man as he exited some kind of fashion store. Reaching into his left-hand pocket, I snatched a thin metallic wallet. After doing so, I cut through a back alley and stopped behind a dumpster, but I didn't stop of my own will. I couldn't move no matter how hard I tried.

It wasn't until I calmed down a bit that noticed something strange. In the air around me was a faint shimmer of sparkling blue light. It felt strange being encompassed in it, I felt...safe, I think. Though, that obscure sense of security quickly left me as I heard someone begin speaking from behind me.

"You ought to be ashamed of yourself," a stern feminine voice said from behind me.

The voice sounded familiar, but I couldn't quite place my finger on who it belonged to.

"What is this?" I stammered out.

"The nerve to steal from one of my clients. Do you have anything to say for yourself?"

"No, not really. I don't even know who you are," I stated flatly.

Suddenly I was pinched by my left ear and dragged through the alley, my arms restricted by some invisible force. Finally able to see my captor, it all suddenly made sense, kind of. It was Rarity, the fashionista that hangs out with those other magical girls, allegedly. Although, I'm starting to think those allegations aren't just allegations. Eventually, after being led by the ear, I found that I had been dragged inside the fashion store the man walked out of earlier.

Once inside, Rarity let go before sticking her left hand out expectantly. Reluctantly, I pulled the wallet I had stolen earlier and placed it in her hand. She retracted her hand back, eyeing me vindictively, pushing me onto a couch with her free hand with a shocking amount of force.

She walked behind a counter, placing the wallet inside a drawer before walking back over to me, arms crossed and not particularly pleased. Again, she stuck one of her hands out towards me.

I raised an eyebrow questioningly. "What?"

"Your phone, I'm calling your parents."

Really? My parents? I couldn't help but smile to myself under my mask. I pulled my phone out, opening the contacts, and searching for my mom. I called the number and handed the phone over to Rarity.

She stood there listening to the phone ringing before it went straight to voice mail, my mother's deceptively sobber voice coming from the phone. "This is Purse Pockets, leave a message after the beep, and I'll get back to you when I can."

Rarity was about to start speaking when I interrupted her. "Don't bother, she won't actually get back to you," I said, looking down at my shoes and feeling somewhat conflicted.

I can't even remember how many times I've called her and got nothing; sometimes it feels like I live by myself, to be honest. Rarity began searching through my phone for other guardians she could contact, but once she found nothing, she gave the phone back.

"What was that back there, magic?" I said as I pocketed my phone.

Rarity's eyes widened a bit as if taken aback. "No, no, darling. You simply must have been imagining things," she said, stumbling over her words.

"I know what I saw."

Rarity sighed. "As do I. Just why were you going around stealing?"

"Survival."

Rarity cocked an eyebrow. "Survival? Couldn't you have just gotten a job, relied on friends?"

I shook my head. "You wouldn't understand."

"Pray tell."

I bit my lip at this, a tinge of frustration forming at myself for even getting caught. I clasped my hands together as I looked down at my shoes. "You don't get it, work isn't particularly easy to find in my part of town. The jobs that are available are far more...questionable than what I'm doing now. I've tried looking in different districts, but a lot of the businesses either weren't looking to hire or thought I didn't have the skill sets required. The jobs that I was able to find were too far away from my home to transit to consistently. As far as friends go... I'd rather not bother them with my issues."

"Darling...I'm sorry, I didn't know," Rarity placated.

I shook my head. "How could you? We all lead different lives after all."

It was quiet in the store for a while, quieter than I would have expected from a store Downtown. Where were all the customers? Is this one of those designer fashion stores?

"Wait here, I'll be right back," Rarity said as she walked out of sight.

I contemplated making a run for it, but after what happened in the back alley, I decided against it. There's no point in making things worse for myself. After a few minutes, Rarity came back with multiple articles of worn clothing, setting them down on a table.

"Come over here, won't you?"

Getting up from the couch, I walked over to the table. Rarity had opened a sewing kit, pulling out a thread and needle as she adeptly closed several holes shut. I knew how to sew too, but not nearly as well as this. I'm used to repairing my clothes and adding extra pockets to my jackets and hoodies.

"See what I'm doing? I want you to close all of the remaining holes in these clothes. If you do that, I might be willing to forgive your transgression earlier," Rarity said as she walked away to inspect a few racks of clothes.

That's it? She's not calling the police, and all I have to do is fix these clothes? A bit unsure about the experience, I took the thread and needle in hand and got to work.

It took a little under an hour for me to finish the job, but I was pretty proud of my work once I finished. As if on queue, Rarity showed up beside me just as I finished.

"Nicely done, I expected you to take far longer. Now that I think about it, I never did quite catch your name."

Really dissecting me for information here, huh? That's fine, I just need to stay on her good side. "It's Change."

Rarity abruptly stuck her hand out, beckoning me for a handshake. I returned the gesture with a semi-firm grip. This whole ordeal was making me nervous.

"Rarity. Oh, I almost forgot, this is for you. Don't open it here though," Rarity stated as she handed me an envelope.

"Thank you?"

"It's no problem at all, darling. And please, refrain from such activities in the future. You may go now."

I nodded before turning to leave.

Sometime Later...

I laid on my bed thinking about all that had happened. Upon opening the envelope, there was $240 inside, a "see you soon," card, and a schedule detailing various work shifts. All of Rarity's shifts were highlighted, but I'm not sure what any of that meant. On top of this: she didn't turn me in, paid me, and shook my hand. None of this is making sense. That's not exactly the normal approach to dealing with a thief. She's so absurdly generous, it's unnerving.

I'm also training the girl who kicked my ass to become a thief like me. I feel like I just got caught in the middle of two completely different worlds here. I...need sleep.

Chapter 5: Helping Hand

Chapter Music

Dazzlings

Aria jimmied a small lock open with an audible click, letting out a content sigh as she did so. She had been at it for a few hours now, practicing opening the locks she had been given in under forty seconds each. To her delight, she had managed to successfully do just that. Now that she had learned this, she was somewhat excited for the next lesson from the thief. It occurred to her at this moment that she didn't even know her trainer's name.

"Aria, will you stop messing around with whatever it is you're doing," Adagio groaned, "some of us are trying to sleep."

Satisfied for the night, Aria put her items inside her duffle bag, pulling it in close so that she could use it as rest support, closing her eyes. As the silence grew in the van, Aria felt a tugging sensation on the base of her hoodie.

Aria languidly opened her eyes. "What is it?"

To her surprise, it had been her older sister trying to catch her attention, not her younger one like she had expected. It was unlike Adagio to act so timidly.

"Hey, uh, is everything alright?" Adagio asked, a hint of concern lacing her voice.

Aria was a bit shaken by this, Adagio had a streak of being callously overprotective in the name of "Doing what's best for everyone," so this was out of the usual.

"I'm fine," Aria said in her usual tone.

"Are you sure? You've been acting...weird." Adagio lamented.

"Yeah, you've been leaving more and staying out way later than usual. You're also a lot quieter," Sonata chimed in sheepishly.

Aria hadn't planned to worry either of her sisters; she made a mental note to act more casual in the future.

"I'm fine, really...it's just that, after we got robbed, it...affected me, you know?"

Aria felt her sisters sit up, Adagio placed a hand on her arm. "We've been robbed before Aria."

Aria shook her head, shrugging off Adagio's hand as she sat up to face her sisters. "I know, but this was different. In the past, we had our magic. We could catch whoever robbed us with ease, sometimes being robbed wasn't even a concern. Now, look at us." Aria said as she waved a hand around the tour van.

Before her sisters could say anything, Aria spoke up again. "And the guy who robbed us? He made a complete fool of me."

"Aria..." Adagio reached out a hand again.

Aria laid back down, rolling over to face the side of the van, stillness consuming the space. A familiar shuffling sound returned, as something Aria hadn't expected to happen took place. Aria was suddenly dragged to the middle of the van, Adagio rolling over her, as her sisters wrapped their arms around her from both sides, saying nothing. She struggled against their grip slightly before giving in. It was a sensation she hadn't known she had missed. Occasions like this were rare, they hadn't even embraced like this when they were first banished from Equestria. It was...nice.

"Hey," Aria uttered.

Her sisters hummed in response.

"I think I want to go back to CHS," Adagio's and Sonata's grips tightened around Aria every so slightly in response.

The Next Day...

Change

That's twice now that I've been caught in the span of a few days. The first time was my fault, but the second...well, that was just cheating. Then again, who am I to decide what's fair?

I'm still a bit sore, but I'm far better off than before. Right now I'm in the middle of finishing up a set of pull-ups. Straining my arms for the last pull-up, I completed it and allowed myself to fall to the ground. The moment I finished, however, I heard a familiar voice from behind. "Hey, you're back. Didn't see you yesterday."

I turned around, already knowing who it was, Flash Sentry. "Yeah, I was feeling a bit," I trailed off as I noticed something bone-chilling just beyond Flash on the other side of the gymnasium, "sick."

"You good man?"

No, I wasn't. Walking through the entrance to the gym was Aria, sporting a familiar compression shirt and sweats. What was she doing here?

Aria looked around the gym wearing a bored expression for a bit before her eyes landed on me, her mouth curling into a fiendish grin. Slowly, yet methodically she began making her way over to me. A sudden snap pulled me out of my horror-stricken state.

"Dude?"

"Oh, yeah. I'm fine. What'd you need?" I asked Flash, still a bit on edge.

"I just wanted to know if you were interested in a game, Rainbow's at it again," Flash said as he pointed a thumb at a very cocky Rainbow Dash performing stretches.

Aria's here now, I don't know what she's planning, but I doubt I can stop her. I might as well take my mind off things. "Yeah no, I'm down for a game or two." I stammered out.

It's been maybe fifteen minutes since the game started and Aria has yet to stop watching me. She's sitting in the bleachers, watching me, studying me. I snuck glances over at her during key points in the game, and her expression only ever changes whenever I do something. It's a look of pride or confidence? I can't quite place it.

This game's going far different than last time. Although I'm a bit sore, I'm completely outperforming my past self since I last played. Rainbow Dash seems to be genuinely going all out this time, but her teammates are becoming more discouraged as a result.

After a while, the game ended with an overwhelming victory; 30 to 18 in our favor. My team ran in my direction, crowding around me as they cheered my name. Many high fives were exchanged, leaving my hands a bit in shock. The celebrating didn't last long though. Through the praise, we all heard someone clear their throat rather loudly.

The team turned around, revealing that it was Aria who had been standing there waiting. "Mind if I join?"

Flash looked at her then back at the team. "Um, I don't think we have any room on our team."

Aria shook her head and pointed over at a deflated Rainbow Dash on the ground, a few teammates walking over to the bleachers. "I meant her team."

"Sure?"

Aria walked over to Rainbow Dash, to have a conversation I couldn't hear. Rainbow Dash's face went from one of defeat to confusion, and finally to one of confidence. Aria stuck her hand out, which Rainbow Dash took as she stood up. I had a bad feeling about this.

I advanced slowly as I dribbled a basketball while Aria made it a point to stay on me. I picked up speed, performing a Eurostep delay, behind the back crossover only for the ball to vanish from my possession. Whipping around, I noticed something strange. Aria was now dribbling the ball, but her movements were familiar. They were...mine.

This pattern went back and forth. Each time the ball was stolen, I threw in more moves that I was sure would throw her off, but she never wavered. It wasn't until I switched over to more of a free-form style that I broke through her nigh-impeccable defense. After getting a few points ahead, Aria had already adapted scoring a few points of her own. I'm sure to the rest of our teams, it looked more like a 1 on 1, but she was really pressing me.

I couldn't help but smirk at her impressive display of skill. So this is what overwhelming talent looks like... I guess I'll have to close the gap before she can adapt.

The game had ended with a score of 31 to 26 just in time for the class period to end. We all celebrated and all that jazz; I had attempted to get out of there and head to lunch before Aria noticed. Needless to say, she's following me now. I slowed down a bit to match her pace.

"Aria, what are you doing here?"

"What, can't I go to school?"

"I'm pretty sure you and your sisters dropped out."

"And we came back," Aria stated nonchalantly.

I walked through the cafeteria doors, letting out a defeated sigh. "Alright fine, but why are you following me?"

Aria simply shrugged in response before she started waving just beyond me. It was her sisters who were already seated at a lunch table. "See ya around, Change," Aria said smugly.

Wait, she didn't know my name until now? Of course...the cheering.

After acquiring my lunch, I turned away from the server only to stop dead in my tracks. All the way across the lunchroom was Rarity with her hands folded in front of her face as her eyes bore into me. Did she recognize me? No, it couldn't be. wearing completely different clothes and I had a mask on at the time.

As Rarity stared at me, her friends seemed to notice her strange behavior, looking over in my direction as well. Rainbow Dash waved enthusiastically beckoning me over. Her sportsmanship was so overbearing it would be rude to ignore her, but Rarity was right there, and all of her friends were staring at me.

Feigning composure, I walked over to their table, taking a seat beside Rainbow Dash who promptly nudged me the side with her elbow. "No need to be so shy, that's Fluttershy's job."

The girl I assumed was Fluttershy sank into her seat a little, her cheeks flushing red.

I twirled a fork around between my fingers. "These your friends?"

The answer was pretty self-explanatory as everyone at the table introduced themselves. Twilight, I knew for sure had some magical nonsense going on. I was at the Friendship Games when everything went to hell. Principal Celestia and Vice-Principal Luna tried to convince the student body that it was all practical effects, but I doubt half of us are that naive.

Surprisingly, Fluttershy was the first to ask me anything. "Um, what's your name?"

Crap, if I lied, Rainbow Dash would think something was up, she already knew my name. But if I told the truth, Rarity would know for sure that I'm the same individual for yesterday... screw it, she probably already knows.

I guess I'll just have to bite the bullet on this one. "It's Pocket Change."

Rarity's expression changed to one of satisfaction upon hearing this.

"So, you finally decide on joining the team, or what?" Rainbow Dash asked expectantly.

As a matter of fact, I had. "Yeah, I'm down. Registration is after school in the gym, right?"

"That's what I like to hear! Yeah, it's after school in the gym."

I should get going, Trixie's probably waiting. "Well," I said as I stood up, "it was nice meeting all of you. can't keep a friend waiting too long."

"Goodbye, darling, see you soon," Rarity called after me.

I simply gave a contented wave and smile, when really, I was feeling pretty tired. I need to relax a bit with Trixie.

As I reached the Theater room door, I heard something that instantly sent me into fight or flight. It was Trixie screaming for help.

I placed my tray on top of the waste disposal bin and rushed inside the theater room only to see Trixie hanging from the ceiling beams by her cape with her eyes shut tightly. How the hell did she get up there? Trixie has a fear of heights, what was she trying to do?

"Hang on Trix! I'm here!" I yelled as I ran toward the stage, vaulting over the ledge and surveying the situation.

Trixie was at least ten meters off the ground. A fall like that with no directional momentum other than downward definitely wouldn't end well. As a parkour enthusiast, this was something I was very familiar with. Looking around, there didn't seem to be any obvious way of getting Trixie down safely. The only way to save her would be to pull her up from the beam itself.

"Trix, how long can you hold on!?"

"I-I don't k-know!" She stammered out.

Well, crap, it was a race against an invisible clock. "Alright, hang tight!"

Running to the back of the stage, I began searching for some way to get up to the stage lights. In my desperation, I spotted a ladder that just so happened to lead to scaffolding that seemed to lead all the way around to Trixie. Climbing them as fast as I could, ran all the way around to where Trixie was and peered over the ledge.

"I'm gonna pull you up now, alright?"

Trixie vigorously nodded her head, eyes still closed. Leaning over the edge, I extended my hand out, gripping the edge of the cape caught in between the girders. As I began pulling up, my heart sank as the sound of fabric tearing filled my ears.

"What was that?!" Trixie yelled.

I couldn't tell her, she would only panic and that wouldn't make the situation any better.

"Nothing Trix, just try to reach out to me," I urged.

While still holding on with one hand, Trixie extended a hand out to reach my own. In one motion, I released my grip on the cape from one hand, and reached out, grabbing her hand in my own. Unfortunately, at that moment, the cape tore completely, causing Trixie to violently panic, pulling me over the ledge with her as a result. In an instant, we were falling to our demise. I pulled Trixie into a hug, placing myself between her and the stage floor.

Wait a second, I might actuallly die from this... oh well. I'd rather it be me than her. Not to be a downer, but I never exactly saw my life going anywhere good. Don't get in twisted, it's not like I wanted to die, I just wouldn't be all too upset if I did.

I closed my eyes, accepting my fate, but after a few seconds, all I heard was a faint wind chime-like sound of sorts. I opened my eyes, wondering if I had maybe gone to the afterlife, yet I was still holding Trixie while looking up at the stage lights. I swore I could almost see a faint blue glow just in front of my face, but it vanished before I could fully make it out. Once the glow had vanished, Trixie and I had fallen the remaining distance of about two feet, knocking a bit of air out of me.

The sound of the theater doors closing caught my attention. As I shakily lifted my head, I caught a hint of indigo hair slipping through a crack in the doorway.

Rarity? Did she save us?

My thoughts were interrupted by the quiet whimpering of Trixie, her grip still tight and her eyes still shut. I tapped her back a few times. "Trix, it's fine now, but...you have some explaining to do."

Chapter 6: Honest Work

Chapter Music

Change

I pinched the bridge of my nose as I took a few deep breaths, Trixie and I sitting on the edge of the stage. "So...the reason you almost died was that you wanted to surprise me with a new stunt?"

Trixie nodded her head in shame. "You're mad, aren't you?"

I removed my hand from my face and clasped my hands in my lap. "No, Trix, I'm not. But," I paused thinking about what to say next, "you scared the mess out of me. You seriously can't do anything like that again."

"Yeah, Trixie knows," she mumbled joylessly.

Trixie wasn't the best at taking any form of criticism or scolding, so when she acknowledges her wrongdoings, you know you've gotten through to her. I threw an arm around her shoulders, bringing her in for a one-armed side hug. "I'm glad you're still among the living."

Trixie returned the gesture and at that moment, I made it a point to pay Rarity back in some way. She's only done me favors thus far, favors that I'm sure I didn't even deserve.

After school got out, I signed up for try-outs on the Junior Basketball team and immediately headed straight for the Carousel Boutique. The schedule Rarity gave me indicated that her shift was almost directly after school. I figured I'd give it a shot working at the shop after all. I also wanted to thank Rarity personally.

Reaching the storefront, backpack in tow, I stepped through the doors, a welcoming bell sounding from overhead. I spotted Rarity behind the counter, overlooking what looked to be a long list as she wore a pair of glasses. Shortly after I walked through the doorway, Rarity had looked over in my direction, a smile spreading across her face. I felt extremely out of place in a store like this, but it's not like it was unmanageable.

"Oh good, you're here," Rarity said as she stepped from behind the carrying some clothing over her right forearm, "the shifts just about to start, go get dressed."

She handed the clothes off to me, which I took. "Rarity, I-"

"Ah, bup bup, go get dressed first, dear," Rarity urged.

"But-"

Rarity was suddenly pushing me toward a dressing room, a familiar feeling of paralysis overtaking my body as I glided across the floor. "Alright, alright, I'm going," I relented. There she goes using her magic again.

Pulling open the curtain and closing it behind myself, I could hear the tapping of Rarity's foot on the other side. She must really want me to put these clothes on. I took my current clothes off, stuffing them inside my backpack, and switched them into the clothes I had been given. Looking at myself in a nearby mirror, I couldn't help but feel that I looked good in them. The outfit consisted of four pieces: a white button-up long sleeve shirt, a dark grey servers vest, dark grey slim-fit wool trousers, and a little grey bowtie to top it off. I step outside of the dressing room, carrying my backpack in one hand and tugging a bit at the bowtie with the other.

"Oh, my, you look absolutely stunning," Rarity said as she clasped her hands together and inspected me from every possible angle, "here let me get that for you." Rarity offered, taking my backpack. She moved behind the counter, placing the bag in a cabinet before walking back over to me, and adjusting my tie a bit.

Rarity hummed to herself, as she took a step back to inspect me. "We should do something about that hair though, follow me, won't you?"

Leading me through an open doorway, I found that it opened up to a larger room that looked like a mini barbershop. "Take a seat, please."

I picked the closest chair and sat in it. Rarity began searching through a few door drawers before finally finding what she was looking for. She began working on my hair with a comb and brush, spraying and cutting here and there.

I decided now would be an opportune time to finally get what I wanted to off my chess. "Rarity," I paused for a second to articulate my thoughts, "I wanted to thank you."

She turned my head as she snipped a stray piece of hair off. "For what, dear?"

"For...everything, actually: sparing me, paying me, offering me a job, and saving my friend and me. You're pretty amazing now that I think about it," I admitted.

"Well, aren't you just a sweetheart? It's no trouble at all darling, I just did what I felt was right," Rarity conveyed with the utmost sincerity.

What she felt was right...

"There, all done. A lot better now, don't you think?"

Staring at my reflection, I couldn't help but smile to myself. "Definitely."

As instructed, I was currently organizing various clothing racks by size, most of it was women's clothing so it was a bit difficult getting used to it, but Rarity helped me out. As I hung up the last few articles of clothing, the store's doorbell went off. It was a girl, no older than I, and Rarity. She seemed to strike up a conversation with Rarity, the two of them laughing and smiling. At some point, the girl started looking me over with a sultry expression, saying something to Rarity that I couldn't hear. Given the expression and Rarity's sudden tomato shade of red, I could only guess it was probably something perverted. I didn't really mind, it wasn't like I was in earshot to hear it.

Hanging up the last article of clothing, I moved over to a table with a few torn pieces of clothing. Opening the sewing kit, I got to work repairing the clothes. My stitching could use a bit of work, but it was good enough to go unnoticed without careful consideration.

My concentration was broken by a light tap on my shoulder. "Excuse me, sir, the misses behind the counter said you might be able to help me find a dress."

I looked over at Rarity, cocking an eyebrow slightly. She shrugged and smiled sheepishly in response. Placing my materials down, I addressed the girl directly. She had an overall heavy pop teen aesthetic to her, scrunchies and all. "Sure, what kind of dress did you have in mind?"

She pursed her lips, raising a finger to them. "Something flashy. The kind of dress that'll catch my boyfriends' attention. You know, get him in the mood," she said with a wink.

I almost choked on my spit at this. "I...see. Follow me then."

As we walked over to the isles of clothing, I began pressing for more details as to what she might want. "Could you tell me a bit about your boyfriend's...tastes?"

"Yeah totally, he's a bit of a pervert, so the more skin the better," she said as she pulled at the straps of her tank top under her shirt.

Okay, something to work with. I'm thinking maybe an off-the-shoulder type of dress. Honestly, I never thought I would be having a conversation like this with anyone, ever.

"So," the girl said as she drew out the word, "like, how did you and Rarity meet?"

That's a bittersweet topic, but I guess I can twist the story a bit. "She kind of found me."

"Found you?"

"Yeah, I'm pretty good with my hands, so I'm kind of good at this."

She giggled to herself as if what I had just said was funny. "You don't say..."

Right, this girl's weird. Arriving at a rack of clothing, I began sorting through it, referencing the girl's stature to an appropriate dress size. I wasn't about to ask her, I heard that it could be rude. Her colors seemed to pop, so choosing something to complement that or contrast it was the way to go. Stopping upon a light yellow dress, I pulled it out, holding it up to her. "How's this?"

She hummed to herself. "Gee, I don't know. I think I'll have to try it on first. Mind helping me out?" She suggested coyly.

Absolutely not.

"I'm sorry ma'am, but I'm afraid you'll have to ask my manager for assistance with that."

The girl pouted a bit at this. I looked around in search of Rarity, only to catch her peering at us a few isles over. "Speak of the angel, there she is."

I walked over to the isle she was in; Rarity was clearly faking sorting through clothes, but I pretended not to notice. "Rarity, our customer requires your assistance."

Rarity perked up as if she had just noticed us. "Assistance? With what, might I ask?"

"Fitting a dress," I stated professionally.

Rarity stepped forward, guiding the girl to the changing rooms by the shoulder. "Oh, of course, right this way, darling. "

Thank goodness that's over with.

My shift was over now after five long hours; I swapped out of my clothes and exited the changing room. Rarity handed me another envelope as we said our goodbyes. She threw in a soft hug as well, which I returned with my free arm. Making my way out of the boutique, I decided to stop by Film and Flams, wondering how much money I had earned.

I stopped just outside the emporium, taking a seat on the nearby bench as I took the envelope out. The first thing I saw was a letter.

"Sorry about what happened with Amber. I know she can be a bit...forward, but she's a good girl and a loyal customer. For future reference, you can always refuse such a service to customers. Although... if you feel inclined to accept their request, I can't stop you. Just be sure to behave yourself," my eyes drifted down a bit further down the paper, "p.s. I threw in a bit extra for your troubles. Love Sincerely, Rarity."

Upon moving the envelope out of the way, I found $188. "Holy crap," I muttered to myself in bewilderment. If this is consistent pay, then bills will never be a concern again. I might even have extra to treat myself. Putting the envelope in my hoodie, I walked inside the store, a rustic scent filling my nose. I began walking through the isles of casings, searching for anything interesting. My eyes stopped on a pair of tactical gloves and a tool kit. I walked up to the display chase, hitting a bell that sat atop it.

The two over theoretical brothers appeared from seemingly out of nowhere and opened the cases, allowing me to examine the items. The combined cost was $32. A good deal if I do say so myself.

After purchasing the items, I placed the toolkit in my bag and tried the gloves on. The gloves felt so good, it was like another layer of skin...but better.

I fetched my phone out of my pocket as I felt it vibrate. It was Aria again; I moved the slider to answer it, putting it up to my ear.

"Yeah?"

"I'm ready," she stated.

Of course. I'm starting to second guess this whole training thing. I wonder if Rarity could help her out as she did for me.

"Cool, the same place, bring a few hoodies and jackets."

"Uh, why?"

"You'll see," I said, hanging up.

Guess I should stop by the apartment.

Chapter 7: Patch Work

Chapter Music

Change

"Alright, pay close attention," I said as I began stitching a cut I had made in a piece of fabric in such a way that informed a pocket, explaining my steps as I did so.

Aria leaned in, inspecting my movements closely. After a while, she looked satisfied and turned her attention to her clothes. Picking up and thread and needle, she began stitching a pocket in a jacket of her own.

"Hey, that's pretty good. Just space make sure to space the pockets out more." I admitted.

Aria huffed before going back at it, sewing in a few more pockets, and holding the jacket up confidently. I couldn't help but feel a little impressed, maybe even proud, "There you go, not bad at all."

Aria continued to sew pockets in her articles of clothing as I sat there staring at the sky; my mind began drifting to Rarity. I couldn't believe that I actually had a job now, an honest one. There was a sudden tinge of guilt at the realization. Here I was teaching someone how to become a criminal, practically damning them to the same fate as myself.

I calmly spoke Aria's name as I looked up at the sky. "Aria..."

"What?"

I paused for a moment, articulating my response. "If I managed to find you some honest work with decent pay, would you take it?"

She looked at me with surprise and worry; I returned a look of tranquility.

"Uh, where's this coming from? Did I hit you too hard?" Aria questioned.

"Come on, just answer the question," I urged lightly.

She groaned, rolling her eyes before relenting. "I guess it depends. I absolutely refuse to work any retail jobs; been there, done that. I'll never go through it again."

"Like, all retail jobs?"

"All retail jobs."

I guess it was worth a shot.

"Now it's your turn to answer my question, why'd you ask something like that?" Aria asked, eyeing skeptically.

I shrugged. "Just wanted to see if this was a necessity. This career path isn't exactly the most...healthy." Aria titled her head and cocked an eyebrow.

"Let me elaborate. This is a job shrouded in danger: no one close to you can ever know, you have to lead a double life, you're under constant evasion of law enforcement, you're constantly under threat of being consumed by your own inner demons, and you never know when you'll rob the wrong person."

Aria stifled a laugh. "Like you did?" She said as she pointed a figure.

I chuckled a bit at this myself before taking on a more serious tone. "I'm serious though, is this something you really want?" I asked earnestly.

For a moment, I saw her resolve waver, but only for a moment.

"Yeah, I am," she responded, calmly returning to her sewing.

I didn't reply, not out of confusion or disappointment, but out of empathy. I was sure the feelings she's going through were similar to the feelings I went through when I was eleven. Though I was a child, I had to grow up and I make hard decisions most children shouldn't have to. Otherwise, my life would have gone to hell. Seriously, screw foster care. I'll take an absent mother over that crap any day.

Aria continued talking absentmindedly. "Things were never exactly easy for my sisters and me, it's only ever been us. The world hardly ever took us seriously unless we actively proved ourselves. Surviving was hard by ourselves. My older sister's an egomaniac and my younger one's a ditz, yet we managed to make it work so far. But that's all it is, survival. No matter how hard we work, we're hardly ever living. One can only be a roach for so long before they start to lose it."

Roaches were something I often compared myself to; opportunistic bottom feeders. Also, very abundant roommates.

"So, what's your story?" Aria asked with a tone of comradery.

My story...it's not often anyone asks about it, but it's always fresh on my mind. It keeps me motivated. I've only ever shared it with Trixie now that I think about it.

"Oh geez, where do I even start? Grew up poor and nomadic, the family settled down in an underdeveloped part of Canterlot. My dad was ex-military and my mother was more of a housewife. I was about eight when everything took a turn for the worst."

I fell from my sitting position to a laying one, something I often did when I got into my feelings.

"We started falling behind on bills, eviction notices started rolling in, and my parents were growing more irritable by the day. But one day...it all went away."

"Went away?" Aria said, sounding confused.

"All of a sudden our bills were magically taken care of, our quality of life had improved, and my parents were a lot happier. At least, that's how it looked from the outside. My old man...he started acting strange. He refused to tell us about his work. He was constantly jumpy, paranoid; he would scold me if I was up too late, would brush me off if I wanted to hang out with him. You know, he actually taught me how to fight based on his military training when he used to have time for me."

Aria couldn't help but laugh this time. "No way. You? Fight?"

I sat up. "It's true," I solemnly stated.

Aria's humor quickly faded into curiosity. "What happened next?"

I laid back down. "One night, I decided to sneak outside of the apartment through the fire escape and snuck into the family car. The left backdoor was broken, all you had to do was pull up and outward on the handle to unlock it. I snuck inside and laid across the floor of the backseat, clenching my magic rabbit plushie. God, I wish I didn't, but how could I resist the mystery. That night, my father drove through the city for hours, talking on the phone with some snobby rich dude. But it was all in vague terms that I couldn't understand at the time."

At this point, Aria had stopped sewing, leaning in a bit closer. "Eventually the car stopped, my dad got out, popped the trunk, and walked off. After a few minutes, I peered out of the windows to see that we had arrived at some high-profile neighborhood. The next thing I saw was some stubby rich guy storming out of a house, clenching his throat before collapsing on the front lawn. Then my dad walked out of the house, brandishing a crowbar. I saw everything. I witnessed my idol, my role model, my hero, murder someone in cold blood. I wanted to look away, but I couldn't. I wanted to find any reason to believe that it wasn't real." I felt my face tense at the bitter memory.

"I returned to my hiding spot, scared out of my mind, crying and tightly hugging my stuffed animal. My father drove home in silence, eventually exiting the car and entering our apartment. I carefully returned to my room through the fire escape and cried myself to sleep. Unfortunately, I made the mistake of leaving my stuffed animal in the back seat. The next day, my dad found it, confronted me, flipped his lid, and stormed out of the house. Long story short, he was caught, tried, and found guilty of eight homicides. To the very end, he wouldn't reveal his employer, said it was to protect us. A few months later, he was found dead in his prison cell. That brings us here. I'm a two-bit thief, stealing to survive," I lamented.

"Woah, that's...heavy," Aria placated.

"Tell me about it, but at least things look like they're finally looking up. By the way, how are those pockets coming along? We've got another lesson planned."

Aria looked over all of her clothes and groaned.

Aria

I lugged a large duffle bag into the back seat of the tour van, breathing a sigh of relief. My sisters weren't home, so that was good. Probably at a restaurant based on all of the coupons strewn across the back of the van. I swept it all aside, tossed my hoodie off, and laid down.

Man, that sucked. Had I known this would have been so tedious, I never would have asked...no, that's a lie. I would have done anything to get out of this rut. Rut...

It seems like that guy, Change, is stuck in a similar situation, probably even worse. Normally, a siren wouldn't empathize with mortal races, but after being banished for thousands of years, it was hard not to. At least, empathy for fellow bottom feeders. Everyone else could screw right off. The poor weasel almost seemed destined for misfortune. That's something that wouldn't exist if we had succeeded in conquering the world... probably.

To witness a murder is one thing, but he was just a kid. To pour salt into the wound, his father was the killer. My father may have been an ass, but at least he wasn't a killer. That's gotta be rough.

"Look, Aria's back!" Sonata practically screamed.

I shot up in response, feeling a bit irritable. Why was she always so loud? The other backdoor opened, revealing my older sister, holding a bag stained with grease at the bottom.

She extended it out to me. "Here, we got this for you."

I took the bag in my right hand before opening it. Classic Diner's burger and fries, nice. " Thanks."

I moved a bit aside as my sisters filed into the back and formed a sort of triangle with me. I sat there eating while they kind of just talked about nothing. Somewhere along the line of monotony, Sonata was the one to bring up an important, yet sensitive topic.

"I'm tired of sleeping in a van," Sonata muttered.

Adagio groaned. "We've been over this, it won't be for much longer."

I stopped eating. "In mortal time or..."

My sister's face fell at this, becoming somewhat somber. "Soon."

She always does that, but I usually don't pursue the issue any further. Arguing with Adagio was definitely not a pleasant experience. She seems to think that being born a few hundred years earlier gives her authority over everything, so it's just not worth it. An awkward silence passed over all of us before Adagio spoke again.

"The next concert's in two days, be ready," Adagio instructed as she laid down facing away from the two of us.

I won't lie, I do enjoy performing for what it is. The rush of being on stage with my sisters and singing our hearts out is exhilarating. It never gets old, but it just doesn't pay well. With the music industry nowadays and competing bands, we've only been able to garner a small following. Why didn't we use our magic, you might ask? Well, we simply didn't have enough of it for the hypnosis to have any lasting effect. Of course, the real fans stayed: for either the music or for our personalities.

You would think Adagio was the most popular with her sex appeal and whatnot, but it was actually Sonata. The fans can't seem to stop talking about how cute she is. As for my fanbase...it's there, just significantly smaller than both of them. Although, I am the coolest across the board so I have that going for me.

I wonder when I'll be ready to start stealing. I may be an impatient person, but even I wouldn't jump into something so dangerous without being fully prepared.

Chapter 8: Below the Surface Pt.1

Segment Music

Change

Something's wrong. It's been three days now since Trixie showed up to school and no one seems to know where she is. I visited her residence only for the door to be answered by her very tired and dejected-looking father, Jackpot. His usual charismatic self was nowhere to be found and he just seemed to want to be alone. The strangest thing is, Trixie's cellphone ping consistently responds along the outskirts of Canterlot City, yet it just keeps going to voicemail. The only thing out there is Canterlot's Medical Research Facility, but why would she have gone over there?

It seems like Trixie's not the only one missing either. Missing person reports are popping up all over the city; they range from children to the elderly, but none of them are important figures. I think... people are deliberately being taken. The only reason this is just a thought is that every now and then missing people come back. But according to the people close to the returnees, they're not entirely the same. I know, I sound like a tin-foil head.

Things have been quiet at school, everyone's scared. Principal Celestia has started urging students to use a buddy system if they walk home. At this rate, a city-wide curfew will be instated which won't be good for me. CCPD says they're cracking down on the issue, but from what I've seen, they've hardly made any moves. Their inactivity regarding some things is concerning, to say the least. Hopefully, they're not in on this.

Rarity and her friends have been acting weird as well. Not weird like the returnees, just secretive. I think they're planning something. I would be worried, but I'm fairly certain they have superpowers.

Against my better judgment, I've already decided to go investigate the cellphone signal myself before the phone itself dies. I told Aria of my intentions and of the fact that I wouldn't be able to teach her for a while. This brings us to now.

"Remind me again why we're doing this at night," Aria groaned as we tracked through a wasteland toward the research facility.

I looked up from my phone and over my shoulder. "Because I'm tired of waiting. I said you didn't have to come."

Aria rolled her eyes in response. After a few minutes, we had arrived at the facility. Oddly enough, it seemed like the power was out. According to their website's front page though, they should still be open 24/7. I walked up to one of the doors and tried the handle; the door didn't budge.

"Damnit," I muttered to myself.

Aria tapped me on the shoulder before pointing at the ground a little ways away from the door. It was a phone, Trixie's phone. I picked the phone up and turned it over. The screen had been cracked beyond belief. Upon powering the phone on, I was met with the static and distorted colors of a broken backlight. No luck.

"So, what do we do now?" Aria asked as she turned to look at the front doors.

I had come all this way only to find the place to be closed. I was not going home now. Luckily, I have a bit of experience with breaking and entering. "Follow me," I instructed, walking around the left side of the building.

The place was huge, which was good in some capacity. The bigger the facility, the more opening there probably were. To the CMRF's credit, there were only a few. I stopped just under a vent, looking it over. It was fairly large, I could easily fit through it if I removed the cover. I looked over at Aria who was standing next to me with her arms crossed and looking bored out of her mind.

"Give me a boost?"

Her eyes widened as she took a few steps back. "You're not actually planning on breaking in, are you?"

I smiled coyly, whipping out a multipurpose tool.

"You almost done up there?!" She yelled up at me as I had just finished removing the last screw, balancing atop her shoulders.

I popped the lid off and tossed it aside before climbing in through the vent.

"Hey, wait up! What am I supposed to do?" Aria called after me.

I stuck my head back out to look at her. "Wait here in case anything happens."

She threw her hands up in the air and crossed them before turning around, leaning her back against the wall. I'll thank her later. Slipping on my smiling mask and tactical gloves, I continued through the vent.

Segment Music

I've been crawling through the vent as silently as possible for some time now. If the facility really did have no power then I wouldn't have to worry about being baked to death or shredded by fan blades. I wasn't exactly sure what the plan was, but I had a feeling Trixie was here.

It was dark so I had been utilizing my phone's flashlight to make my way through the maze. Also, ever since I entered, I've lost cell signal.

Eventually, I reached a vent that led to what seemed to be a storage room. There were still no lights on, but the flashlight revealed the room to be devoid of people. There was just one problem; the head of the screws was on the other side. This meant that I would have to use brute force, in other words, make some noise. Getting into a laying position, I kicked the vent with my right leg rather forcefully. I paused for a minute, listening for any hint of notoriety, but there was none. I repeated the process until the vent hung loosely by a screw. Silently, I removed it and hopped through, landing on my feet.

Unfortunately, my landing was met by a thick-sounding splash. Shining my flashlight down, I found that I was now standing in some green slimy substance that was almost translucent. "Gross."

I took a few pictures of it before inspecting the rest of the room. There was nothing else of interest so I searched for an exit. Oddly enough, there was a stack of boxes blocking the door to the room.

Moving the boxes out of the way, I suddenly heard a voice from behind. "No, stop! You can't!"

I whipped around toward the direction of the voice only to see a little girl crawling out from behind a few boxes. "Woah kid, you scared the life out of me," I said as I shined my flashlight.

The girl looked sickly, almost anorexic. "Put them back, put the boxes back," she pleaded desperately.

Hearing the growing desperation in the little girl's voice, I did as I was told. When I finished, I put my hands up to show that meant no harm. I also made sure to lift my mask up. "What's your name, kid?"

The girl fiddled with her hands nervously before replying. "Petal."

"Well alright, Petal. I'm Change. Mind telling me what a kid like you is doing in a place like this. Did your parents leave-"

"They didn't leave me!" She yelled feebly.

I took a step back at the sudden outbursts. "They didn't leave me," she continued, "the monsters took them, so I hid."

I was now a lot more on edge. "Monsters?"

At this point, the girl had begun shaking with what was probably fear, so I didn't push the subject further. "Petal, I have reason to believe a friend of mine went missing here. Unfortunately, I'll need to move those boxes to search for her."

Petal looked at the door then back to me fearfully. "Can't you just call the police? Mommy said the police can protect people."

I sighed before showing her my phone screen, revealing that I had no cellphone signal. It was strange though. Even inside the building, I still had no signal. I can understand the lack of signal inside the vents, but it was almost as if it was purposefully being jammed.

Lowering myself to the girl's level, I began speaking calmly. "I'll tell you what, I'll look for your parents too. I have a friend waiting outside, do you think you could climb through that vent and find her? Just go straight forward, can't miss her. She looks like a rockstar."

"Like...the dazzlings?" She said meekly.

I smiled at this. "Yeah, you know Aria?"

Her eyes widened a bit at this as her shaking stopped. "Aria's outside," Petal coughed, "she's my favorite," Petal said excitedly, yet weakly.

I smiled brighter. "Mine too, and she can sure as heck beat up any monsters. So, what do ya say?" I said, pointing a thumb behind me toward the vent.

Petal glanced at the door once more, then to the vent, and nodded. "Okay, I'll go. Promise you'll look for my parents," she said as she stuck a pinkie out.

I took her pinkie in my own and shook on it. "It's a promise," I picked petal up and lifted her up toward the vent, "here, let me give you a boost."

She looked down the vent once before violently shaking her head in defiance. "What if there are monsters in there? It's too dark."

We won't get anywhere at this rate. I began searching my pockets for some sort of light-emitting device only to find a few lighters. I wasn't about to give a little girl a lighter and tell her to crawl through a vent. Reluctantly, I pulled out my phone and handed it to Petal. "Use this, it's light's pretty bright."

Petal took the phone and crawled into the vent, turning around to face me. "Bye Mr.Change. Be careful, there's a lot of monsters," she warned before she turned away from me as she crawled further into the vent. I might come to regret that later, but at least the phone gave her courage.

What the hell man? Kids shouldn't have to deal with crap like this. What are these monsters she's so terrified of? This feels like the start of a Resident Ponyville game. I took a lighter out and flicked it on so that I could see. Maneuvering back over to the door, I moved all of the boxes out of the way and gripped the door handle, taking a deep breath. I flipped my mask back down. Slowly, I opened the door and stepped out of the room.

Off appearance alone, it seemed like a tornado had run through the place. More concerning, however, were the occasional splotches of red and the smell of copper in the air; it was blood. Yet, there was no one in sight.

"What the hell?" I whispered to myself, pulling out a pocket knife.

It wasn't much, but it was better than nothing. I just need to search around, but it was best to know where I was going first. Walking up to a wall with a map encased in glass, I found that I was currently standing in the West Hall of floor one. Why would floor one be specified in a one-story building? The facility was large, sure, but it definitely didn't seem to be taller than one story from the outside. Finding this a bit strange, I began searching the entire floor: every room, every casing, and every sign of struggle. So far, there hasn't been anything like a monster which was strange because Petal said there were a lot.

In the end, I was only able to find a few lanyards of various employees: Dr. Delilah Dusk, Dr. Cloud Sweeper, R.N. Cinnamon Spice, R.N. Amythyst Rose, and Dr. Chrysalis. Doctor Chrysalis was the only one not smiling in her picture; her eyes seemed so cold. I collected the I.D's just in case any of them related to Petal's parents. It wasn't until I entered the East Hallway that I discovered something odd. There was an elevator embedded in the left wall toward the center of the hallway. Judging from the control panel being lit up with L.E.D.s, it still had power. I called it with the press of a button, waiting for it to come up. When it finally did, it opened to a rather unappealing site.

The interior of the elevator seemed to be lined with that green goop that seems to have hints of black that stretched up the walls like a fungus. Aside from this, the elevator seemed to be in working order. The elevator was bathed in a green hue as the slime had managed to stretch over the ceiling lights. They flickered ominously as if warning me.

Given no other option, I stepped through, a wet spongy sound following my footsteps. Navigating the control panel, I was able to see that there were in fact more floors to the facility. There were two more floors under this one: Floor two and the basement. I don't think I've ever seen an elevator's floors laid out like this. I figured I'd cleared the basement first. If horror movies have taught me anything, it's that the basement is where the magic happens. I pressed the basement floor button only for nothing to happen. I tried a few more times and got the same result. I eyed the panel suspiciously, noticing something strange just off to the right of it.

It looked like an I.D. scanner, the kind the faculty members of CHS use on certain doors like the teacher's lounge. Using intuition, I began scanning the I.D.'s I had picked up earlier. I almost gave up when all of a sudden, the lock indicator on the scanner that had been red, turned green. Doctor Chrysalis' I.D. had worked, she must've had access to the bottom floor. Wait, why would the basement be off-limits to other staff members anyway? Probably has to do with top-secret research. Top secret research that might have destroyed the facility...

No turning back now.

I pushed the basement floor button once more; the doors began sliding shut. The slight disorientation that came with lowering elevation set in as I stood in waiting.

I know what you might be asking, "How is Change so calm?"

Well, the answer's fairly simple. I'm not. Fortunately, I pretty used to the sensation of adrenaline pumping through my veins from all of my thieving exploits. During those times, I found that fear and excitement were two very closely related feelings. It's just a matter of outlook to decide which one you end up with. Right now though, I'm on the border of excitement and fear, so I'm just feeling anxious. I'd be lying if I said I didn't want to leave, but I needed to find Trixie. She's my best friend. Hell, for a long time, she's been, my only friend. I owe it to her to at least search. Admittedly, her father's also taken care of me more than my own mother has. I hate to see him in such a distraught state, he doesn't deserve it. I have to find her.

With an innocent and friendly chime, the elevator came to a halt and the doors slid open.

Chapter 9: Below the Surface Pt.2

Segment Music

Change

With an innocent and friendly chime, the elevator came to a halt and the doors slid open. If I thought it had been dark on the upper floor, then I didn't know what dark was. Even with my lighter, I could hardly see a few meters in front of myself. The strange fungus present in the elevator seemed to stretch out into the room itself to no end.

I was hesitant for a moment but decided to press on. It was abnormally cold on the basement floor; I could see my own breath. The only noise present were dripping sounds from my environment, my footsteps, and my own breathing. Upon closely examining various areas of the floor, I saw that this place had been in use to some degree, only everything was covered by that fungus.

After maybe fifteen minutes of walking, a faint green light cut through the darkness, catching my attention. Judging from the angle of the light, it seemed to be just around a corner.

Rounding the corner, I was immediately taken aback by shock. It was a scene straight out of a sci-fi alien horror movie. There were isles upon isles of pods that seemed to be formed from the fungus, a translucent green casing covering the front of each shell. Each casing was laced with a thin layer of fog like a freezer display section in a convenience store. Approaching the nearest one, I wiped the front of it, eyes widening as a result.

There was a person inside. They wore no clothing and seemed to be unconscious, but they didn't appear to be injured. Luckily, they were still alive judging from the steady rising and falling of their chest and the air bubbles escaping their nostrils.

Whatever they were stuck in, it was keeping them alive for a reason. Instantly, I jumped into action. Rushing from pod to pod, I continued to wipe away at the fog, each one filled with a different person. Some of them, I recognized from school.

I stopped dead in my tracks when I saw a familiar girl with light-gray hair that had light cornflower bluish-gray streaks running through it.

Segment Music

"Trixie!?" I exclaimed as I pounded a fist on the pod.

Unsurprisingly, I got no response. Pulling out my pocket knife, I began cutting away at the aperture which actually gave way fairly easily. The problem lied in the fact that it kept regenerating after every wound. I devised that if I cut it fast enough, it wouldn't have time to repair itself, but I wasn't given the chance to test out that theory yet.

Not terribly far away, I heard a horrible high pitch screech sound throughout the basement. The screeching was quickly followed by fast-approaching footsteps that were already dangerously close. It sounded like at least thirty pairs of feet. I wasn't intent on finding out what the source of the sound was, however, so I flicked my light off and hid behind Trixie's pod, covering my mouth. In no time at all, I heard the footsteps slow down near the area I had just been at. More screeches rang out, shortly followed by the sound of sniffing. It was growing closer by the second and I had no idea what I was dealing with.

My fear was growing. I had to make it back to the elevator. I had to tell the National Guard, the FBI, anybody! This definitely wasn't natural. Mother nature isn't this twisted. During my panicked thinking, I hadn't noticed the abrupt lack of noise. Slowly, I peeked my head out from behind the pod, jerking it back instantly when I saw that those things were still there. They looked like insectoid versions of various existing creatures but twisted in a sick way. Some stood upright on two legs, some looked quadruped, and others had way too many legs. They had jet black caprices with limbs that were riddled with holes. I barely had any time to make out their figures so I thankfully couldn't see their faces if they had any.

With them around, there's no way I could get Trixie and leave. I began racking my mind for a solution until I eventually settled for a crazy idea. I pulled out a few smoke bombs, took a deep breath, and chucked them over the pod as far as I could.

When I heard a synchronous screech and the sound of rushing feet moving away from me, I went to work. I flicked my lighter on to maximum output and pressed it to my knife. When the steel turned red-ish in hue, I put the lighter in my coat and began cutting away at the back of Trixie's pod. Each slash cut through like butter with a sizzling sound. The pod attempted to regenerate the wounds but ultimately couldn't. I was right to use the lighter. Every slash caused a green luminescent fluid to pour out, splashing onto my body. That couldn't have been good.

After opening the back of the pod a good amount, I began tearing at it with my gloves until Trixie fell out. I caught her in my arms and tried my best to resuscitate her quietly to no avail. Lugging her over my shoulders, I began silently retracing my steps. Not two minutes later, I heard the screeching from behind and what sounded like a stampede fast approaching. I broke into a full-on sprint, my path barely illuminated by the fluid that had splashed onto my clothes.

I didn't have much time and I knew that. If I was lucky, the shaft would still be on the same floor. I just had to push a button, open the door, and escape in time. As the elevator's electron L.E.D. sign came into view, I somehow found in myself to run ever so slightly faster. It was the final stretch and conserving stamina wasn't exactly a concern right now.

Reaching the elevator doors, I began desperately mashing the call button, constantly looking over my shoulder into the shrieking darkness. Thankfully, within ten seconds the doors slid open. I rushed inside and pushed the button to the first floor, setting Trixie down. Just as the doors were about to close, however, a snarling insectoid creature shoved its body halfway through the opening in the doors, gnashing and attempting to bite at me. It had long fangs that seemed to be dripping with a malignant green liquid.

I kicked at it a few times, not wanting to get too close, but it didn't seem phased in the slightest. Reluctantly, I thrusted my knife at it only to have my right hand caught in its fangs from the lightning-fast jerk of its head. It managed to bite through my tactical gloves, striking bone, forcing me to drop my knife. Swiftly, I caught it with my other hand and drove it into the side of the creature's head, causing it to retreat from the elevator with a pained shriek. The doors closed and I fell beside Trixie holding my hand and breathing heavily. Unlike most bite or stabs wounds, the psychological heat that came with the wound wasn't present. Instead, it felt ice-cold.

"What the fuck was that?!" I yelled to myself.

Shakily, I stood up, picking up Trixie in my arms. As soon as the doors opened, I made a break for the front door, running as fast as possible and hurdling over any obstacles in the way.

There was no way I was getting an unconscious Trixie through a vent that I could narrowly crawl through. My fear soon returned full force when I heard rattling from every vent lining the building. They were coming.

When I reached the front door, I saw that that fungus had stretched over the glass and handles. Was that why it wouldn't open earlier? Not because the place was closed but because it had been overrun by whatever these creatures are? I set Trixie down near the front door, pulling out my lighter and knife again. I reheated my knife, the rattling of the vents growing louder as distant shrieks could be heard.

Cutting the fungus away, I tore the doors open, picked up Trixie, and ran around the building where Aria and Petal were waiting. It's a shame, they looked relatively happy conversing with each other.

"We have to go!" I yelled, running past the two towards Canterlot City.

Aria picked up Petal and followed after me. "What's with the naked girl and why are you bleeding?!"

"Just go!"

Segment Music

After maybe thirty minutes, we slowed down to a walking pace. By now, it was likely that we weren't being followed.

"I called the police, but they never came," Petal said sadly as Aria put her down.

I half expected that, but I figured I would try to comfort her in some capacity. "Maybe they're just busy."

Aria cleared her throat. "You mind telling me what's going on?"

"Something bad's happening. People are being taken and there are some kind of monsters under the facility," I told Aria.

"So it's true," Aria said to Petal, "sorry for doubting you."

Petal nodded before turning to me. "Did you find my parents?"

I shook my head, "I don't know, but I found these," I pulled out the lanyards from earlier.

Petal looked at them before snatching two specifically. "That's them!" She exclaimed.

They were the I.D.s of Amythyst Rose and Cloud Sweeper. "Those are your parents?"

She hummed contently. "Yeah, they were trying to cure me, I'm sick."

Suddenly, a wave of nausea passed over me, causing me to fall to my knees. I put Trixie down before falling down to my hands too. I felt frigid, like, there was ice coursing through my veins. I tore the glove off my right hand and rolled my sleeve up to inspect my wounds.

The wound festered and my veins were turning black like dark tendrils.

Aria took a step back. "Holy shit!"

I chuckled before grunting in pain. "Language," I said, looking over to Petal.

"We need to get you to a hospital." Aria urged.

"No, no hospital..."

My mother nor I could afford the medical bill and I doubted we had health insurance. I also didn't want to explain my injuries to the hospital staff.

"Then what do we do?!" Aria yelled.

I had a feeling sleeping this off wasn't going to work and I doubted there were any possible cures. For no reason, in particular, I thought maybe Rarity could help. "Downtown, the Carousel Boutique. Rarity can help, I think."

I stood up attempting to pick up Trixie, but I couldn't muster any strength in my right arm. I bit my lip in frustration before Aria chimed in. "Let me," she stepped in front of me, lifting Trixie over her shoulders.

"Thanks," I feebly placated.

With that, I led the way to the boutique, walking as fast as I could. Which actually wasn't very fast at all. Unfortunately, buses don't run this late at night.

Sometime Later...

I collapsed just outside the Carousel Boutique, feeling horrible: head spinning, body freezing, ears ringing, the whole package.

I could see Aria from my peripheral yelling something, but I couldn't make out what she was saying. She ran inside the boutique, shortly after, coming out with Rarity. The last thing I saw was a translucent blue shimmer before my world faded to black.

I tuned out Miss Cheerilee's lecher as I messed around with a small stack of cards, practicing my sleight of hand. It was exceptionally hard to master for whatever reason. Back palm, Gambler's Palm, Hermann Pass, no problem. But this was a different beast. My focus was interrupted when a shadow was suddenly cast over me. Crap, was Miss Cheerilee mad again? That's the second deck of cards taken this week.

I slowly looked up, wearing an apathetic expression only to see someone who not, in fact, Miss Cheerilee. It was Trixie Lulamoon, her reputation proceeded her after all. Although, most kids tended to avoid her because of her infamy.

She stood there, standing over me confidently with her arms crossed. "You there, you have the exclusive opportunity of working with the Great and Powerful Trixie, rejoice."

"What?" I looked over the classroom to see that practically every student had paired up.

I hated when Ms. Cheerilee did this. I could never find anybody so I would always end up as a third wheel. But this girl...

"What do you mean?" I asked, tilting my head slightly.

She brushed off the question. "I see you are practicing Sleight of Hand. You know, Trixie could give you a few pointers," she stated, now inspecting her nails.

"You know it?"

Thinking about it now, she did seemed to dress like a stereotypical magician.

"Know it? I have mastered it."

I stifled a laugh at this. "No way."

Trixie smirked, before pulling a familiar box of cards from behind her back. It was mine. Wait, but that shouldn't be possible. I'm wearing jeans and it was in my left pocket. I would've felt something, wouldn't I?

My head darted back and forth from my now empty pocket to Trixie's hand. "When did you-how?" I stammered out.

Trixie waved the cards in front of me teasingly. "I'll only give them back if you partner with me."

I thought about it for a second, deciding that I had nothing to lose. It was a temporary arrangement anyway. I doubt we'll get close. "Fine."

She tossed the deck of cards back to me before pulling up a chair opposite to me. "I'm sure it's your pleasure, Change."

How did she know my name? Oh right. Ms. Cheerliee made us write nametags and put them on our desks.

Chapter 10: Better Days

Chapter Music

Rarity

As much as I enjoy working at the boutique, even that's not enough to shake the feeling that something is awry. Luckily, my friends and I plan to get to the bottom of this in just a few days. People are going missing and the returnees are acting strange. I don't particularly enjoy the sensation of hiding our superhero antics from our other friends. But it must be done. We decided as a group to hide them to protect the people around us. Although, you can only get away with a pony-up and magic use so many times before people start getting suspicious.

Luckily, we're able to convince everybody that it's just practical effects whenever we let our powers slip. There are only a few others outside of us seven that know about our power. Though, I pretty sure Change knows too. Speaking of Change, he didn't come to work today. Hopefully, he hasn't turned back to his...troubling ways. I've only had the pleasure of knowing him for a few weeks, but I can tell he has a good heart. He likely just drew the short straw in life. It's a shame so many good people are lost to the cruelty of the world.

I was suddenly whisked away from my thoughts by the sound of the store bell. I perked up, expecting a customer on this abnormally slow day. What I saw instead was someone I never expected to see inside the boutique. "Aria?!"

She stormed through the door looking both disheveled and distraught, holding the unconscious and unclothed body of Trixie. I really hoped she wasn't here to spark trouble, but I was more concerned for her than anything/

"The weasel needs your help," Aria stated willfully.

"Weasel?"

Aria rolled her eyes before pointing outside of the storefront. Looking just past the window display, I saw something that sent a terrible chill down my spine. A sickly Change lay on the ground in an unconscious state just outside the store. My samaritan instincts took over, as I rushed outside, levitating his body into the store using my magic. A little girl followed close after, was this his sister? He never mentioned anything about her. I made sure to flipped the open sign around so that there wouldn't be any disturbances.

I placed his body on a nearby sofa traditionally reserved for guests in waiting, but this was a desperate situation. I got to work immediately, flipping on my glasses to inspect his body. Coming from his entire right side were veins the color of coal. This definitely wasn't good, it appeared to be some kind of poison. Tracing the branchlets back to their point of origin, I found that there were a few rather nasty puncture wounds in Change's right hand.

Upon physically touching him, I reflexively retracted my hands in surprise at how cold he was. He seemed to zap the heat right out of me. Immediately, I whipped my phone out and began dialing the number for the emergency services only for it to be snatched away by Aria faster than I could blink.

"Whatever are you doing?!"

Aria took a few steps back, looking both fearful and concerned. "He said no hospital. He can't afford it a-and it would only bring him trouble."

I restricted Aria using my magic and snatched the phone back. I resumed dialing the number for the emergency services, Aria yelling for me to stop. "Stop, you don't know what you're doing."

"I know exactly what I'm doing, I'm saving his life," I said as I glared at her, looking away from my phone.

"He can't afford it."

"Then I'll pay for it."

"Do you think he'd want that? Besides, he didn't exactly sustain that injury legally. He'll only get in trouble. I'm sure you know what kind of person he is if he trusted you enough to come here."

I was upset, angry even, but not at Aria. She was right in some capacity and I was angry at how helpless I felt. There was someone right in front of me who's desperately in need of help, yet I couldn't do a thing. My head snapped back to Change who suddenly began violently coughing up a green viscous fluid.

"Then what do you suggest we do?!" I yelled, releasing Aria from my magic.

She shrugged anxiously. "I don't know, don't you have friends that could deal with this stuff?"

Twilight. Twilight might be able to do something about this. But judging from his condition, she probably won't make it in time. No, there is a way. Scrolling through my contacts, I stopped on Rainbow Dash's number, calling her. As always, she picked up before the first ring even came out.

"Hey Rarity, what's up?" Rainbow Dash said from the other side of the line.

"Rainbow Dash, I need you to bring Twilight to the boutique, it's urgent. Bring her sciency equipment too," I stammered out.

"Woah, what's going on? You sound-"

"Rainbow Dash, please," I begged, hanging up the phone.

I ran over to a cabinet behind the counter, pulling out a medkit. I opened it, taking out a pair of disposable sterile gloves and putting them on. I took antiseptic cream, distilled water, and alcohol-free cleansing wipes as well. I took care of the wound as best I could, but I wasn't able to do much. Sewing it shut or bandaging it probably wasn't the best course of action. From what I was seeing, Change appeared to have some kind of poison or venom in his system; closing those in likely wasn't a good idea. Dressing this wound wasn't an option.

After a few minutes, the door to the store flew open, a rainbow trail of color following through. With a burst of air, a very confused Twilight Sparkle was left standing behind Rarity alongside a proud Rainbow Dash. Although, that pride Rainbow Dash had, quickly turned to horror as she saw the scene before her.

"Holy crap, is that Change?! What the heck happened?!"

I turned to Twilight with pleading eyes.

Without exchanging words, Twilight snapped into action, snatching her suitcase from Rainbow Dash and setting it down in front of the sofa. She popped the lid before turning to examine Change's body, tracing the black veins to their point of origin. By this point, they had overrun half of his body and green splotches of fresh something covered the front of his shirt. Twilight audibly gulped.

Twilight

After a few hours of operating on this person who I learned was Change, I had managed to stabilize his condition. The black veins seemed to recede a bit, but he definitely wasn't in the clear just yet. He would need to be under constant surveillance. I wasn't exactly sure what was happening to him or what had happened to him. Whatever this toxin was, it didn't show up in any database, nor did it appear to be naturally occurring from any known species.

Unlike most toxins that simply cause damage to living tissues or systems, this one seems to be causing rapid changes throughout the entire body, violently. Under a microscope, I could see that it was causing cells to rip themselves apart and reform into something different. It wasn't mitosis, the cell count remained virtually the same. They were still cells in appearance, but they didn't act very much like cells at all. They almost seemed... smarter.

"He'll be alright for the time being," Rarity stopped pacing and breathed a sigh of relief, before walking over and kneeling by his side, "Now, can someone please tell me what's going on?" I said, turning to face Aria who had been standing in the corner of the room with a little girl.

Why was one of the Dazzlings here? Why is there a half-dead guy in Rarity's boutique? Why are there trace amounts of magic in his body? And why was I kidnapped to deal with it?

"Well, I don't exactly know what happened, but between the two of us, I think we can come up with something," Aria said, looking down at a small girl standing beside her.

The little girl nodded before speaking up next. "I think...the monsters got him."

I was understandably confused by this. " Monsters? What kind of monsters?"

The girl began to shiver before Aria placed a hand on her shoulder causing the shaking to stop. She took a deep breath before speaking again. "The bugs."

This only served to raise more questions. "Do you think you can describe them for me?"

The girl's eyes widened a bit as the shaking continued. She seemed to stare just past me. All at once, the shaking stopped and she approached Change, staring down at him. She reached out to touch his hand, looking sad for him.

"That's Petal, Change found her in the facility by herself," Aria said from beside me.

"The...facility. What facility? Where were you?"

Aria rubbed the back of her head, looking nowhere in particular. "Uh, I think it was called the CMRF."

"The Canterlot Medical Research Facility?"

"Yeah, that's it."

Why would they have gone there?

Aria placed a hand on her hip. "We went there looking for one of his friends," she pointed a finger over at the unconscious body of Trixie Lulamoon who was lying on another guest sofa with a blanket thrown over her, "her, actually."

Boy, do I have a lot of questions.

Sometime Later...

I nodded as Aria and Petal finished recounting their stories while I tended to Trixie. She was perfectly healthy. She just seemed to be in some kind of medically induced coma based on her vitals and brain activity.

"I won't lie to you, that's a lot to take in," I muttered as I stood up, dusting my skirt off, "but I one hundred percent believe you."

Petal approached meekly, clutching a sketchbook. "What do you have there?"

"Rarity gave me her sketchbook, so I could draw. I drew the monsters," she stated, turning the sketch around for me to see.

I took the sketchbook in my hands, inspecting the illustrations closely. She was able to draw exceptionally well for a child, probably better than most adults actually, but that's what was frightening. I had never seen creatures like these before and I doubted Petal exaggerated any details based on what I had been told. The illustrations were of jet-black insectoid creatures attacking crowds of panicked people as they stumbled over each other to getaway. Those that couldn't get away were being wrapped up by spindles of green thread until they were completely enveloped. I had no idea what we're dealing with, but I think I knew someone who might.

I walked over to Rainbow Dash who looked bored out of her mind. "Rainbow Dash, do you think you could bring Sunset here?"

This seemed to raise her spirits. Standing upright, Rainbow Dash gave a salute, "On it," before she vanished with a trail of prismatic colors.

In all but a few seconds, Rainbow Dash returned with a very tired-looking Sunset Shimmer who was in her pajamas. She rubbed her eyes sleepily before looking around, "Is...this a dream?"

"Sorry for bringing you here on such short notice, Sunset, but I need your help." I lifted the drawing Petal had made up to Sunset's face only for her to become wide awake.

"C-Changelings?!" She stuttered, stepping back.

"Sunset?"

Sunset put her hands on my shoulders and looked me dead in the eyes before violently shaking me back and forth. "Twilight, how do you know what a changeling is!?"

"I don't, that's why I brought you here, I didn't even draw this."

Sunset tilted her head at me and raised an eyebrow. "You didn't? Then, who did?"

I pointed at Petal causing Sunset to rush past me and over to Petal. She kneeled to her level, placing her hands on her shoulders. Suddenly, Sunset began shaking her sporadically. "Where are they?!"

Petal looked like she was on the verge of crying causing Aria to step in, pushing Sunset off a little. Sunset looked around, noticing that everyone was now looking at her questioning. She blushed before returning to my side. "Sooo...what's going on?"

"But that still doesn't explain what changelings are doing here," Sunset said as she crossed her arms and looked at the ground, a conflicted expression written across her face.

There it is again, changelings... "That's right, what is a changeling anyway," I asked.

Sunset scowled. "Emotivorous leeches that prey upon ponies. They can take the form of anything and anyone down to the cutie mark, draining the love from the very being of their unsuspecting victims."

"Oh, that sounds bad."

"But changelings don't operate alone, they need a leader. That means...someone's controlling them."

Rarity suddenly spoke up, causing us to look over in her direction. "Uh, girls," she said, pointing a finger over at the sofas.

"What in the world?" Sunset muttered to herself.

Change was nowhere in sight, but in his place was a jet black human-sized cacoon with green luminescent accents lining it. To my delight, it seemed like my vital monitor system was still functioning properly. Strangely enough, the vitals seemed to be eerily similar to that of Change. Wait...no, it can't be. I walked over to the monitor and performed a diagnosis, then again, and a few more times. The vitals undoubtedly belonged to Change.

"Changeling...we have to get rid of it." I heard Sunset mutter from behind me.

I whipped around to face her. "What? No! He's a person!"

"That thing's dangerous, Twilight," she stated in mock tranquility, walking toward me slowly.

Rarity had joined my side, attempting to calm Sunset down. "Now now, darling, I don't think there's any need to do anything rash."

Sunset attempted to lunge past us towards the cacoon only to be caught in Rarity's magic. She thrashed around violently screaming all sorts of nonsense. "Let me go! You don't know what you're messing with! That thing's evil!"

"If it's as evil as you say it is, then why don't you use your power to read its thoughts." I knew Sunset had been practicing with her power a lot lately. When she used her power there was practically nothing you could hide from her. Thankfully, she formed a pact with us to only use it with consent or in times of crisis.

She stopped thrashing, looking back and forth between the cacoon and us. She sighed before giving in. "Fine, but if it tries to drain us, I'm stomping it."

"Thank you, darling," Rarity said before putting Sunset down.

Sunset walked up to the chrysalis with conviction, hesitantly placing a hand on the top of it and closing her eyes. A few moments of silence passed; Sunset retracted her hand and cradled her temple before turning away from the cacoon.

"How did it go?" I asked expectantly.

She shook her head. "I...don't know. It doesn't seem to be evil though."

"What did you see?" Rarity asked.

Sunset rubbed her forehead. "A lot, it was like his life was flashing before his eyes. It was...depressing for the most part. But there was some stuff I couldn't reach."

Change

"Rise and shine, my little prince. You've gotten enough rest already."

My freshly cleaned sheets were abruptly thrown off of me as my mother stood over me, smiling and wearing her signature lab coat. Her beautiful green hair flowed in the breeze of the ceiling fan; I guess it wasn't a bad way to wake up.

"Yes, mom. But, you know, you look like you could use some sleep yourself," I teased, earning me a soft smack to the back of the head.

I stifled a laugh before getting out of bed and stretching; it was a beautiful day and the sight of the city from our high-rise apartment only enhanced it. My mother was a genius scientist who made great contributions to the field as a whole.

Doctor Chrysalis Cures Cancer. She's Done It Yet Again, Neuromuscular Disease Is No More. I hope to be like her someday.

"Get ready, your brothers are waiting. Today's lessons are on changeling and human anatomy and I know they're your favorite."

That's right, I'm homeschooled and my teacher is none other than my mother. I'm still not sure how she's able to have so much time for us, but I wasn't about to complain.

My mother brought me into her embrace, feeding me love until I burped. It was always embarrassing, but necessary and it felt nice. She walked out of the room and down the hall out of sight while I walked to my bedroom bathroom. I opened the door and flipped the light on, stopping in front of the mirror. I never really looked much like my mother or my brothers for that matter, but I didn't mind. If I really wanted to, I could just shapeshift to match them.

I've been told I look like my father, but I don't have many memories of him, so this appearance is kind of the only thing tieing me to him. It's strange though. I feel like I had an important dream, but I can't remember it for the life of me. Oh well, it's probably as my mother says, "If you forgot it, then it likely wasn't important."

I brushed the thought aside and began my morning routine.

Chapter 11: The Good Doctor

Chapter Music

Chrysalis

Doctor Chrysalis sat atop a throne of chitin, gently stroking a sleeping cat-like changeling hybrid, eyes closed with an unshakable concentration. Though the hive mind had increased her intelligence and computational abilities by several orders of magnitude, maintaining a psychological simulation in real-time was no easy task. However, she had reason to believe that if she saw it through until the end, it would all be worth it.

After all, this was the only human test subject aside from herself to show high compatibility with C-cells and Chrysalis was determined to have him. In theory, he should have suffered a rather slow and agonizing demise. Only...he didn't.

"This child, Change, shows remarkable promise," Chrysalis giggled at the irony, "Just a bit of memory manipulation, oxytocin regulation here and there, and he'll practically become my own child. Honestly, I was never big on the idea of having children. I mean, I did eventually want children, but I just couldn't see myself having enough time, and the opposite sex never gave me a second glance so finding a suitor was also an issue. This child though... he's a kindred spirit. Those familiar with suffering to such a degree are few and far between, yet it's those with unshakable willpower that makes all the difference." She thought to herself, giddy with excitement.

Change had that willpower. Although a life of crime and hellish survival had hardened him, his sense of self had remained intact. He possessed remarkable intelligence, adaptability, and strength; traits Chrysalis thought befitting of one to be called her son.

Being a genius geneticist who clawed her way to the top of her field, only to have funding cut on her greatest project yet, she had developed a soft spot for the boy. At first, she was vexed that someone had managed to not only weasel their way into her lair but they also escaped her most vicious changelings while retrieving one of the kidnapped people. However, what she thought to be a mishap, turned out to be an opportunity.

Even if the current circumstances didn't stand to benefit me, it really wasn't cause for concern. I would still conquer the city and eventually the world, pushing it forward into a new era where I would rule over everything as the monarch of Earth, as Queen Chrysalis.

The police were of no concern, I had strategically replaced every member of the force with a changeling as fast as I kidnapped them. Once I eliminated them as possible threats, I began taking my time with the rest of the city. A changeling's metamorphic properties were extensive. They could easily mimic a human in appearance and thanks to the adaptive property of C-cells and the hivemind, their intelligence reached that level as well.

It's a similar concept to that of the internet actually; It's just a vast network of computers that communicate and share data from all over.

And to think, all of this was made possible by a chance encounter that defied all reason. I had been having a particularly rough day, attempting to make the C-cells obey my orders. Every test subject from the previous trials had tragically passed. Admittedly, they were animals, but each death weighed down on me. As cold as my heart was, I was not heartless. I had full confidence in the C-cells with every trial. Although, at the point of the incident that changed everything, that confidence had begun to waver.

Just as I was about to give up, the space in front of my work desk began distorting, folding in on itself, and twisting in mind-boggling ways my mind was struggling to comprehend. A tear in space and time opened, strange ethereal energy emanating from the seams and a window to another world was visible. At the time, I had been alone, thankfully. One of the many benefits of being infamous amongst your peers I suppose.

The rational part of my mind told me to get away from it, but the scientist in me said otherwise. Upon reaching out to it, I found that it freely let me guide it, my body even absorbing some of it without any issue. In fact, it made me feel young again, the fatigue of overworking myself and doping on caffeine no longer present.

As abruptly as the tear had opened, it closed, leaving only trace amounts of its energy behind as proof that it had existed. Thinking I had gone mad, I went back to work on the cells only to find that they were doing exactly as I willed them to.

Hesitantly, I ran another trial, injecting a minor concentration of the cells into a mouse with a rare type of cancer. After all, curing diseases was what the cells were intended for. At first, it displayed the telltale signs of violent immune system response, wild thrashing, blackening of its blood vessels, and so on.

Yet, somehow, this trial was different. It did not parish, it instead...changed. Its fur and flesh had morphed, melding together into some sort of black shell perforated by holes, its eyes protruding from the sockets and changing to a form similar to that of a Diptera. I named him Alpha for being the first success. However, it seemed like being cured of his illness and a change in appearance weren't the only effects of the C-cells.

After the change, Alpha displayed an extraordinary level of intelligence. Rat mazes and other various puzzles no longer posed any challenge, solving them in mere seconds. It also seemed to communicate with other mice, guiding them proficiently through various tasks of their own.

Mice were already intelligent creatures, however, this was something else entirely. I noticed that the longer Alpha spent around the other mice, the stranger they began to act.

For one thing, their overall libido and companionship dropped dramatically to the point where they stopped mating. Running a simple diagnosis, I found that the small concentration of oxytocin that was supposed to be present in the mice was nonexistent.

Alpha, on the other hand, only grew larger and more astute. He quite literally fed off of love. I began to wonder why he didn't attempt to escape even once, given his adaptive prowess. Imagine my surprise when I found out the reason was none other than myself. Alpha would follow my instructions before I would even give them; somehow he could understand my thoughts.

After many more successful C-cell trials, I injected myself with them. It was...painful, to say the least, but I lived. No, that's not the right term for it; I was reborn. And with my rebirth, my connection to my changelings grew far stronger, thus we grew far smarter as a whole. This was all impressive in itself, but it was when Alpha did something unprecedented that my plans changed.

One of the stray cats had managed to escape confinement and began chasing Alpha around the lab. Admittedly, this was my fault. Due to Alpha's properties and accelerated growth, I had taken him outside his habitat, allowing him to reside close by my side. He, alongside his kin, began excreting a sort of chitinous compound that spread throughout the entire lab like a fungus, infesting the other containments. I assume they did this to lower the overall temperature of the basement as well as feel more at home.

Anyway, Alpha had gotten cornered by the rather large cat and with nowhere to go, he morphed into a near mirror image of his assailant, only much larger. The only trait he carried over was his jet-black color. Understandably, the cat freaked out, running into a wall and knocking itself out in the process. Alpha showed me that changeling's abilities were far more extensive than I had initially thought.

By focusing my energy and envisioning what I wanted to become, I not only felt younger, I became younger. I also may or may not have tweaked my form to be more...alluring. I never did have a figure that could turn heads quite as much as other girls, like the queen bee of high school, Celestia, for example. I've been meaning to capture her for quite some time now, but she always seems to have eyes on her. I suppose not much has changed after all this time, but I digress.

I've changed my plans since then. Why settle for curing simple diseases using the C-cells, when I could take what I've always deserved using them? My funding had already been cut anyway. Besides, I found that incubation not only rejuvenates the body completely, but it also induces a coma for the host to enjoy a pleasantly endless dream. One by one, conquer cities, replacing their human population and putting them into hibernation.

I discovered this from Alpha when he captured a few smaller rodents and placed them in small openings within the chitinous fungus. Rather quickly, the fungus grew around them, suspending them in a pod filled with green liquid that somehow enabled the host to breathe, but otherwise rendered them unconscious.

I quickly figured out that this was so that Alpha could have a steady supply of love to feed on. When I ran a remote MRI scan on the rodents, their brainwaves indicated that of a blissful dream.

I have reason to believe that strange otherworldly energy may be supernatural in origin. As a scientist, it's inherent to denounce the existence of things like magic. Unfortunately, I don't have that luxury anymore. After scouring the internet as well, I stumbled upon several instances of absurd reality-breaking events and individuals harnessing this otherworldly power. The epicenter of these magical happenings seem to be none other than my old high school, Canterlot High.

I've sent scouts to investigate the school, but nothing's come up so far. I've kept an especially close eye on the group of girls that consistently showed up in videos capturing the supernatural events. I haven't thought to replace any of them yet, there are just too many unknown variables.

As for the boy, I've already thought everything over regarding how I should go about converting him. Judging from his memories, the parent and role model positions of his life appear to be mostly vacant. The boy doesn't even appear to have any siblings. All I need to do is fill those roles and... re-educate him while his body finishes undergoing its metamorphosis.

There is the possibility of his friends and mother somehow influencing his mind, but I doubt it'll be an issue. His mother is a dead-beat who's already been cataloged by the hivemind. She's been captured. As for his friends... there aren't many, but their presence within his psyche is strong. Perhaps I can use them as tools to speed up his progression into changeling-hood...

Friends are among the greatest assets after all.

Chapter 12: Taken the Wrong Way

Chapter Music

Change

My brothers and I stood lined up in a row, facing our mother expectantly. She looked down at a clipboard accounting for each of us, "Alpha, Thorax, Pharynx, Kevin, and...Chimera. It appears everyone's here. Alright, boys, you know the drill."

On queue, all of us stood up straighter, hands firmly pressed to our sides.

"Eagle eyes."

Focusing our energy into our eyes, they shifted into those of an eagle. It was a bit of a jarring change, much to our mother's amusement. "Good, bladed hands, augmented muscle, and dragonfly wings."

We sharpened the tips of our fingers into metallic blades, the muscles in our hands strained as they underwent the change. Wings sprouted from our backs, although my clothes were the only ones that suffered from this. I'm still not sure how my brothers can morph freely without their clothes paying the price. Wait...were they naked, are their clothes a part of their bodies? How did I not figure this out until now?

"Next, weave a cat's cradle in between your fingers using changeling silk."

This would go on for some time, but it's necessary to fully be in tune with my body, so I wasn't complaining. Although we lived amongst humans, it was important to know that we are not humans. We're changelings, we're special.

Aria

I flung open the back van doors, climbed inside, and threw myself beside my sisters. I didn't even bother changing clothes, I was in desperate need of sleep. The night had been an emotional rollercoaster. I mean seriously, what was going on? Change got attacked, almost died, turned into a cacoon, and that doesn't even begin to scratch the surface of the bizarre happenings of Canterlot City. The girls that kicked our butts in the battle of the bands can use magic, which I already knew, but it was still frustrating to see.

There are also monsters under the city that look like unholy equivalents to changelings, so that's a thing. Honestly, Petal's talent in drawing was terrifyingly developed. Speaking of Petal, Rarity offered to take care of her. Apparently, she lived at the research facility before the place went to Tartarus. Poor kid. Who would have thought that a sick little girl would be a fan of some obscure girl band, let alone of me?

I didn't like Rarity or her friends for my own reasons, but I knew they weren't bad people, so I didn't mind so much leaving Petal with her. Besides, Petal didn't seem keen on the idea of leaving Change's side, even if he was a caterpillar now... I really shouldn't crack jokes like that. Well, I guess she was torn between going with me or staying with Change, but I doubted I would be able to take care of her. My sisters would probably be full of questions anyway.

It was at that moment that fear took hold of my body, causing me to jolt upright. My sisters... Where were they? I was so tired I hadn't even noticed that they weren't in the van with me. Last I checked, it was 2:00 AM; they were never out this late, even for food. My heart was racing and I could hardly breathe at this point. Oh Faust, was this how they felt when I stayed out late? I had to find them.

Pulling out my phone, I dialed Adagio's number first only for it to go to voicemail. Okay, stay calm. Adagio doesn't always answer anyway. I scrolled down the contacts list, stopping on Sonata's number and taking a deep breath. I pressed the call button, sitting in the back of the van with bated breath. It went to voicemail too. No...no, no, please no. Sonata always answered her phone, even when she was stuffing her face, even when she was in the bathroom. Something's wrong.

My body was yet again overrun with a wave of terror as a thought came to mind. It was something the weasel had said, "Something bad's happening. People are being taken and there are some kind of monsters under the facility."

People are being taken...

I bursted out of the back of the van, desperately surveying the area. I didn't want to acknowledge the possibility that they had been taken, but I needed to be thorough. That's when I saw it. There were a few scratches in the paint on the left side of the vans, green volatile stains on the van, and lining the ground of the back alley. I followed the trail, stopping dead in my tracks when I found a taco keychain lying on the ground.

I picked it up, gripping it tightly, my heart sinking in my chest. It's Sonata's, Adagio got it for her, she wouldn't go anywhere without it. Apprehensively, I continued following the trail, finding that it abruptly stopped at a manhole cover toward the middle of the alleyway. The malignant green liquid laced the cover as if mocking me, beckoning me to follow. They took my sisters. Those freaks took my sisters. What if they get cocooned too, or worse?

Without any hesitation, I stomped on the manhole cover causing it to fly into the air which I promptly kicked into the nearby brick wall. My best bet was that the slime trail continued. Looks like down is the only way.

Underground...

Sonata and Adagio

Adagio kicked and screamed violently, struggling against her restraints, but there was hardly any wiggle room. Just as she and Sonata had returned home, they were suddenly ambushed. Both of them were engulfed in a moist adhesive substance that vaguely resembled the texture of silk. Unfortunately, the girls didn't get any time to see who their captors were, swiftly and abrasively being dragged across the ground as soon as they were ensnared. After a few seconds, Adagio and Sonata felt themselves being lugged over someone's shoulders as they moved swiftly.

Not more crazy fans again, Adagio thought to herself.

It was strange though, Adagio nor Sonata ever once heard their assailants say anything, they were dead quiet the entire time. Well, aside from the pattering of their feet, the sound of rushing water, and panting. Based on the footsteps, Adagio guessed there were at least 8 people. Adagio would have thought that with all the people involved with this, there would at least be some verbal communication.

Whoever kidnapped us, they're good. Wait...then that means we're completely screwed. We've never been kidnapped without our magic before, and Aria's not with us. We can't fight our way out of this. Adagio began panicking, thrashing around more wildly to no avail.

The longer the ride lasted, the colder Adagio and Sonata noticed their surroundings become. It was freezing, which made no sense given that it was nearing summer. And as far as they could tell, they weren't in a vehicle so air conditioning was out of the question.

Just what in the world is going on?

After some time of being carried, the movement suddenly stopped as Adagio and Sonata were thrown on the ground. Luckily, their makeshift bodybags minimized the damage, but it was still rude. Adagio noted to give her kidnappers a piece of her mind once she was free.

As the two girls lay on the grow in anticipation, they felt their restraints being torn away. The moment Adagio felt she had enough leeway, she lunged out of the bag, ready to attack the first person on sight. Only she didn't see a person standing in front of her. Instead, she was met face to face with threatening alien bug creature things, faintly illuminated by a green glow in an otherwise completely dark environment.

Needless to say, Adagio lost the will to fight as she was frozen with fear.

What in Equestria?! Are those changelings? They're so... creepy. Why are they on Earth?, Adagio wondered to herself.

It wasn't long before Sonata emerged from her cocoon, coming face to face with what had kidnapped her. Upon seeing the changeling, Sonata slowly laid back down in her prison pulling the ends back over herself. The changeling made a gesture of annoyance, rolling its eyes before pulling Sonata out of her containment and standing her upright. She stood there straight and rigid, much like a statue

"Good evening girls. I trust you're doing well," the charismatic voice of a woman said from within the darkness in front of them.

Well, we were... until we were kidnapped. Adagio called out into the darkness, "Who's there?"

A malevolent chuckle emanated from the darkness as a large jet-black throne was suddenly illuminated by bright green lights coming from the ground.

"A rather big fan of yours actually," Chrysalis said as she sat atop the throne, one leg laid over the other, her chin rested on a balled-up fist. Adagio and Sonata immediately felt the air change, an imposing aura irradiating from her as if one wrong move would get them devoured.

Despite the terror, Adagio couldn't help but feel that the figure was eerily beautiful. She wore an armor-dress hybrid of varying gradients of green and black, insectoid wings wrapping around her torso. Her ebony skin was perfectly smooth, almost shining. Although Adagio couldn't see her eyes due to the inconspicuous black mask she was wearing, she couldn't shake the feeling of her direct gaze coldly looking over her.

In spite of how nervous she was, Adagio couldn't help but chuckle, "A...fan?"

"Yes, does the Battle of the Bands ring any bells?" Chrysalis said as she waved a hand, the sound of a monitor coming to life behind the sirens.

Both Adagio and Sonata whipped around, their eyes locking on a screen elevated off the ground displaying segments of said event. It seems to be on loop, showcasing the exact moment they and the Rainbooms had used their magic. Adagio felt a tinge of sadness at seeing this, but it was quickly overruled by concern.

"What is this about?" Adagio said, turning back to Chrysalis as she put herself between the creatures and her sister.

Chrysalis rubbed her chin as if thinking about what to say, "Practical effects?" She said, shrugging her shoulders.

She thinks it was... practical effects. No, this is good. She's obviously not that stupid and by no means does she appear to be benevolent. She wants something from us. It's...magic. It's faint, but I can feel it coming from her and these creatures. We could use our knowledge as bargaining chips; at the very least, we could buy time. I think I still have my phone on me, luckily it's on silent. If I could just make one call, then maybe we might stand a chance. These changeling things, whatever they are, look like her pets. If we aren't careful, we'll get ripped apart, Adagio silently plotted.

The sirens felt a bit of tension leave their bodies, one more than the other. "That wasn't effects, that was magic," Sonata innocently stated.

Adagio facepalmed as Chrysalis clasped her hands together in mock joy. "I thought so. Why don't you tell me more about it? Specifically, about those girls, you were competing against. And please, don't worry about the time, I have plenty."

Sonata hummed to herself before shrugging. "I don't see why not, but first... do you have anything to eat? I'm kind of hungry," her stomach rumbling on queue.

Adagio watched as Chrysalis sat on her throne, bewildered, before sighing. "Kevin," she tiredly called out, resting her forehead on a hand, holding out a credit card with the other as one of the creatures scurried over to her, "quickly get us some food, would you? And please, for the love of all that is good, no more pizza."

The creature whimpered and frowned before taking the card in its mouth and running away into the darkness.

Good job, Sonata?

"Could one of you get the lights?" Chrysalis asked of no one in particular.

Why does she need the lights? She's wearing a blindfold. The older siren wondered.

Alas, one of the changelings ran into the darkness, the basement lights coming on shortly after. Sonata and Adagio were taken aback by the sight. The room they were in vaguely resembled a lab, only it had been overrun by some kind of black fungus. Sonata and Adagio were appalled by this, huddling close together to avoid it.

"Oh please, it's not that bad," Chrysalis said as she extended a hand out in front of her, the chitinous fungus clearing a wide space for the girls to stand in.

Chrysalis suddenly began massaging her temporal muscles, groaning as she did so. "It appears I'm a bit more tired than I initially thought. For the time being, wait here until the food arrives, then we'll talk. Don't do anything stupid," she warned as the throne seemed to envelop her, hiding her out of sight.

Running this simulation and interacting in the real world is too mentally tasking. It's one or the other until I get my energy levels back up. I can't take too much love from my patients at a single time, otherwise, I'll run the risk of them losing the ability to produce it entirely. I'll be needing more batteries soon, Chrysalis theorized.

Adagio and Sonata held each other in silence as they stared at the remaining changelings surrounding them. Admittedly, there were only two, and they weren't all that terrifying in the light, well, one of them at least. One of the creatures seemed slightly larger than the rest, a scar running across the right side of its face. It eyed them apathetically, watching their every move, never once blinking. Adagio wasn't even sure if they could blink.

The other sat close by, drooling and panting like a bulldog, a green slime oozing from its muzzle onto the ground as it looked at nothing in particular. Sonata reached out to touch it only to have her hand gently lowered by Adagio.

Change

I wiped the sweat off my brow, sighing in relief. As much as I enjoyed the daily lessons, I was glad they were finally over. Just as I was about to sit down and rest, we all heard a knock at the door.

"Chimera, would you be a dear and get that?"

"Yes mom," I said, walking over to the door and looking out the peephole.

My body seemed charged with newfound energy at the sight of my childhood friends, Trixie and Rarity. I flung the door open, eager to greet them.

"Hey, guys, what's up?"

Trixie crossed her arms, raising a brow. "What's up? Have you forgotten about our plans?"

Plans? What plans? I don't rem...member...

I racked my mind, trying to remember what she was talking about when it suddenly dawned on me.

That's right, we were going to the fair.

"Mom, could I go to the fair with Trixie and Rarity?" I called out into the apartment.

Mother hummed to herself melodically before replying. "I don't see why not. Don't stay out too late, Chimera."

"Thanks, mom, love you," I replied before stepping out of the apartment, locking the door behind myself.

Why did that feel weird? Of course, I love my mom, she birthed and raised me after all, but it felt strange saying it out loud.

Rarity and Trixie eyed me with concern. "Is everything alright, dear?" Rarity consoled.

I snapped out of my trance, smiling back at the two of them. "Yeah, I'm fine, great actually."

"Well then, we should get going. The others are waiting after all. While Trixie does prefer being fashionably late, there's is such a thing as being too late," Trixie declared.

Never change Trix, never...change.

Chapter 13: Thicker Than Water

Segment Music

Aria

Unbeknownst to no one, the sewers smell like shit. It got so bad, I had to cover my mouth and nose for most of the duration of the search. I also took to wrapping my hands with some spare bandages I usually keep on me, in case I have to fight. I've tempered my body to the pinnacle of what's humanly possible, but you never know what you're hitting. I've been walking for thirty minutes now, the trail still apparent using the light of my phone.

At this point, I had already lost cell signal so if I wanted back up, I would have to turn back. I had no intention of doing so. The further I went, the hotter my conviction burned in contrast to the falling temperature. Eventually, I reached a clearing in the sewer systems, a brick wall was clearly broken down, leading to Faust knows where. I almost blindly progressed into the opening until I noticed the black roots lining the interior of the hole.

Trees? Why would there be trees in the sewers?

After a few moments of staring into the darkness, I felt the hairs on my body stand up as a gust of air hit me. I jumped to the side, a black mass rushing past me toward the direction I had come from. I shined my flashlight in the direction of the figure, but it was already too far for the light to reach it. Whatever it was, it was large, but I wouldn't let that stop me.

I progressed further into the darkness, my light barely illuminated the path in front of me. Those roots seemed to stretch into the darkness to no end. The only sounds present were those of my footsteps, my own breath, a faint dripping sound, and the ambiance of moving air.

Change

I sat in the window seat toward the back of the bus, staring out the window, taking in the sight of the large attraction rides peering over the rest of the amusement park. So we finally made it; I've always wanted to go to Equestria Land. Wish I could have gone with mom too, not that I don't appreciate this.

"Next stop, Equestria Land," the bus driver announced as a bunch of people stood up, my friends and I included.

Making sure to thank the bus driver before stepping off, I was elated to see the rest of our friend group waiting just outside the front gates.

"Well, it took you, slowpokes, long enough!" Rainbow Dash called out to us as we made out way over.

I brushed the comment aside, remembering that I had completely forgotten about the trip up until a few hours ago. Sunset nudged Dash in the side before brandishing three bracelets for the three of us that had just arrived. "Everyone ready for a night on the town?"

Do you even have to ask? Let's do this.

That may have been the most fun I've ever had. Although, most of my time was spent laughing at the expense of my friends who couldn't stand the thrills and utterly destroying the fair games scattered throughout the park.

"You went overboard," Trixie mumbled from beneath a pile of stuffed animals across the seat from me in the Ferris wheel carriage.

"Huh, you think so?" I said, turning my attention away from the rising view.

I mean, when Trixie's telling you that you went overboard, you must have.

It was night by now, meaning our outing would have to come to an end soon. It was sad though; I couldn't remember the last time I did something like this.

A sudden shift in the weight of the carriage pulled me out of my thoughts as Trixie and I lurched forward. I peered over the edge of the carriage searching for whatever had caused the sudden disturbance. That when I noticed it; the industrial-grade mechanisms that had held the contraptions in place had all come loose. There were at least eighteen different carriages on the wheel threatening to fall off their hinges at any given moment.

It didn't help the situation that a crowd of onlookers had gathered around the giant metal deathtrap out of morbid curiosity. Not good; at this rate, people are gonna end up dead.

My attention was brought back to a freaked-out Trixie who seemed glued to her seat. "What was that?!"

"Uh, nothing Trix, just stay put for a bit." I hopped out of the carriage, sprouting wings to maneuver around it shooting sticky silk from my hands at the loose parts of the ride. I repeated this process for every carriage before attempting to safely evacuate everyone who was close enough to the ground.

Unfortunately, I overestimated the strength of my silk and one of the carts came loose, barreling toward the crowd of onlookers. I shot my webs at it again, grabbing the ends with augmented muscle, as I flew against the force of gravity, forcing me to grab onto another carriage that was a bit higher up. I was losing the fight.

Slowly, but surely, I could hear and feel my strands tearing, so I settled for a last-ditch effort. It was a skill I had been refining, something that would knock the socks off my family members. As the webbing tore away, I began building up a dangerous amount of pressure on the arm holding the webs, contracting it into itself.

Just as the last strand gave way. I released my hold on the web as well as the pressure in my arm, shooting it out like an elastic rubber band, sharpening my fingertips into sharp pincers, and grabbing the cart. My claw successfully dug into the metal frame, stopping its descent, to which I then slowly extended my arm further until it reached the ground.

I was dead tired after the whole fiasco, but a new fear had suddenly taken hold of me. I was suddenly blind-sighted by flashing lights. In the momentary glimpses I was given, I could see that the crowd had pulled out the camera's snapping shots of me.

Crap, I moved without thinking. I'm not supposed to show my powers in public. Changelings live in secrecy. Sorry, everyone, I have to go. It was fun while it lasted.

With that, I gathered one last burst of energy and flew home as fast as possible.

Segment Music

Well, that was an...eventful day. I thought to myself as I opened the front door.

"Chimera, dear, is that you!?" My mother called out.

"Yeah, it's me, mom!" I responded, making sure to take my shoes off before following her voice into the kitchen.

My family was seated in a circle in the living room, mother's arms wrapping around everyone, a blatantly open spot in the center beckoning me. It's dinner time.

I walked over and took my place in the circle, mother warmly pulling us in. The longer the embrace went on, the fuller I felt, yet felt myself growing tired in contrast. Eventually, I felt myself drifting off into a peaceful sleep, comfortable darkness clouding my vision. The days became months, and the months became years as we lived our lives peacefully. Birthdays and all manner of celebrations passed.

Where...this is...Canterlot. Although I'm overlooking the entire city from atop a building, I couldn't see our home anywhere. What's happening? My body's not listening to me and I feel practically weightless. With what little control I had, I looked over my body examining it closely. It was undoubtedly my body, but it felt so alien. Also, I was butt naked and dripping wet, so that was a thing.

Without warning, my legs carried me off the building, diving toward a closed manhole. Despite the otherwise horrifying sensation of not being in control of your body, I didn't feel like I was in any danger. I threw both of my arms out shooting green webs from my palms, attaching them to the manhole, and pulling the cover off, diving headfirst through the opening.

I landed in the sewers with a moderate thud. Somehow, my body wasn't even phased by the sudden impact. I began moving toward. First, I was moving at a slow walking pace which quickly progressed into a light job, run, and finally an inhumanly fast sprint. As time went on, I slowly regained control over my body, yet I didn't feel the need to stop myself.

I knew where I needed to go, I knew who I was going to. Mom's calling me, I could feel it. Why is everything so different? Where are my brothers? Mom will have answers, she always has the answers.
Huh, I didn't know the sewers were fully illuminated. I can see just fine.

Chrysalis

Finally, I've done it. The child is mine. I've overwritten his human identity. Even if he does remember who he is, with the memories and experiences I've implanted, what reason would he have to go back?

My little prince is on his way, reading to take his place within the coming kingdom. With the recent accomplishment, a massive burden on my mind has been lifted. I can finally rest. The final stretch really took a toll on my mind, the hyper dilations in time pushed the hivemind to its utter limit, but it worked out just fine.

There are still the issues of those who were close to him before his rebirth, but I'll figure out what to do with them later.

I released myself from my cocoon, returning my attention to my guests. To my delight, the girls were still here and in one piece; they hadn't done anything stupid. It's a shame though, I would have loved to invite all three of the dazzlings, however, one's missing. I sent a scout out to find her, but I suppose nothing's come up.

"I'm starving, where's Kevin? Alpha, please go check on him," I said as I waved a dismissive hand toward him.

"Sorry girls, it appears the food's taking a bit longer than expected."

"That's okay," the blue-haired one placated, "sometimes, we go days without eating."

I'm...not sure what to say to that.

"That's...unfortunate."

Aria

This is crazy. This literally looks like a scene out of those cheesy sci-fi horror movies Sonata loves to watch. Only, it's real. I just need to find my sisters and get out of this place.

The first thing I saw was an almost endless sea of some kind of pods connected to the black roots consuming the entire area. Surprisingly, the places' lights were still on, although dim. As I progressed further, I slowed down a bit, my attention being drawn to the rows of pods I was walking past.

I-I just had to know.

I inched closer to a pod a few meters away from me, taking note of the clouded over the aperture. I wiped the mist away, stumbling back a bit at the sight that greeted me.

There was a person inside, was this what Change meant? Should I help them? No, I'm not here to play hero, I just need to find my sisters and get out of here. What if they ended up like this though?

Pushing myself away from the pod, I found myself face to face with something. To my shock and horror, it was one of the monsters that Petal illustrated, a changeling-like thing.

Its eyes bore right into me, a prominent scar across its right eye. It huffed mere inches away from my face, probably as an intimidation tactic, which sort of worked. But it didn't look so tough; how strong can an overgrown bug be?

Segment Music

Sensing imminent danger, I leaned back just as one of the creature's spidery legs from the right made a horizontal swipe for my neck. A subsequent slash came from the left which I managed to easily avoid, counterattacking with a swift blow to its jaw.

The creature stumbled back in disorientation, shaking the attack off before screeching at me in rage. At that moment, I took note of how numb my hand felt.

Okay, maybe it's a little stronger than I thought. What's this guy made out of anyway?

It rushed me this time, swinging its blade-like legs at me far faster, forcing me on the defensive. Every slash caused me to back up further, a few of those slashes tore open some of the pods like butter.

If I get hit, I'm done for.

Suddenly, the creature stopped its assault. If I wasn't mistaken, it seemed to be smiling its body heaving as it let out a high pitch clicking sound.

Was it...laughing? At what?

As I stared at the creature, I noticed strands of a moderate purple and aquamarine drifting through the air.

Wait, that's... my hair. I forgot to tie it up. This asshole's laughing at me. Alright, fine.

I slipped between the creature's legs, maneuvering under and behind it. It spun on a dime, charging at me with its jaws wide open, I waited until it was in range to deliver a flawless sweep quick to three of its legs, causing it to fly over me into one of the pods. Taking the opportunity, I deliver a barrage of attacks to the changeling, accurately targeting its vitals and finishing it off with an ax kick to the head.

The creature went limp, causing me to check if it was still alive. It was still breathing, but I wasn't sure if that was a good thing.

There's more of these things and they took my sisters, then this one tried to kill me... I might as well return the favor.

Positioning myself over the creature, I pinned it down by the back of the neck using my left and balled my right hand up into a fist.

A swift blow to the cervical nerve should do it. I took a deep breath. It's been a while since I've killed anything.

Just as I was about to bring my fist down for the killing blow, something forcefully threw me back. It wasn't a damaging push, but it did knock me a few meters away. I spun around in the air, landing on my hands and feet until I skidded to a halt.

What the hell!?

Regaining my equilibrium, I returned my attention to the downed creature. There was someone standing defensively in front of it, someone I knew. It was Change.

"Aria, what are doing?!" He yelled at me, sounding hurt and confused.

"That's what I should be asking you? Where did you even come from, and why are you naked!? Last time I checked, you were a cocoon!" I screamed back.

He looked at me even more confused "What are you talking about?" He said looking over his body, "Oh, I am naked."

Just like that, in a matter of seconds, Change was clothed, but he wasn't wearing his usual casual clothes. Instead, he wore some kind of sleek black spandex suit with hints of luminescent green running through it. The lines of the suit gravitated toward the center where a triangle was present on his chest. The only part of him still visible was everything above the neck.

No way, it can't be. He's...a changeling?

"That's better," he muttered before turning his attention back to me, "why are you attacking a changeling, Aria?"

What does he mean, why?

"Uh, because it tried to kill me and they kidnapped my sisters!?" I screamed sarcastically.

He looked down at the ground, shaking his head in hopeless confusion. "No, no," he muttered, "my mom wouldn't do that. I'm sure she has an explanation for it."

His mom? What did she have to do with any of this? He should already know that people are being taken, why is he in denial?

"Change, what in the world is wrong with you?"

"Change? Who's that?"

What?

"That's you," I pointed at him, "isn't it?"

"No, my name's Chimera. You should know this, Aria. We've known each other for years."

Okay, no. What the hell is this? I'm done with this dude.

I began walking toward him slowly. "Get out of my way," I warned.

Chimera/Change

What's wrong with Aria? Why was she about to kill a changeling? Humans and changelings have had a symbiotic relationship for decades, this doesn't make any sense.

Aria stalked closer to me, no longer looking like she was willing to talk. "Aria, please, just calm down," I pleaded, raising my hands up defensively.

"Don't make me do this."

"Ari-"

Before I could finish talking, a lightning-fast fist whipped past my face cutting my cheek open, myself narrowly avoiding a direct hit. Two more consecutive strikes followed, which I managed to avoid before picking up my kin and jumping back a few meters and setting them aside.

"So," Aria's eyes narrowed, " you really are a changeling."

I whipped the cut on my face, sealing it closed, green blood staining my hand.

Damnit, I don't want to do this, but if I have to, I will.

Aria and I approached each other.

Chapter 14: Friend or Foe

Segment Music

Aria

His martial arts prowess is amateur at best, yet his speed and reflexes are inhumanly fast; he's nearly impossible to hit. Not only that, but he's also unreasonably strong. Simply stopping his attempts to restrain me isn't an option. Instead, I've been deflecting his hands, but even that's left my arms and legs numb.

"Aria, get a hold of yourself!" he yelled as he flipped a few meters backward.

As he did this, a projectile of some sort shot out from the spinning blur. I dodged it with minimal movement as it hit the ground behind me. Peering over my shoulder to see what it was, I was confused to see a patch of transparent green webs stretched across the ground.

He can shoot webs now? Alright, looks like I need to switch up my approach. Despite his overwhelming physical prowess, I can tell he's been on the defense, and he hasn't really gone for any decisive blows. He only reacts to what's immediately before him, meaning I need to subvert his expectations. You're delusional, so I'll pull out all the stops on you.

As fast as humanly possible, I lunged at Change from a low crouching position, throwing out a straight jab directed at his head, forcing him to dodge to the left. Fortunately, instead of just moving his head, he titled his entire body. I immediately followed up with a sweeping kick, making him jump into the air. Only, I didn't stop the motion of the sweeping kick, instead, using the rotational force to continue with my forward momentum.

You can't dodge in the air. Sorry, Change.

I planted my right foot into the ground, putting all of my strength into the finishing blow. Twisting my waist while simultaneously throwing my right fist into his gut. Once the blow connected, I twisted my forearm, propelling it forward one last time; a double impact.

In theory, it's a lethal technique, but I had a feeling Change would survive. Martial arts practitioners used it against heavily armored opponents, bypassing the outer shell and dealing internal damage.

Change's body recoiled backward, hitting the ground as he went limp, eyes wide open in shock. I turned my attention away from him, feeling a tinge of guilt set in.

Where did that monster go? After a few seconds of searching, my eyes settled on a changeling, feebly crawling away. I'm not letting you get away.

Chimera/Change

Wait, what was that? I can't inhale or exhale; it hurts. It feels like I just had a hole ripped through me. How could a human do so much damage to me? I reinforced my body, didn't I? How is she so strong? Her speed's nothing to write off either, most of her attacks are just blurs.

Without warning, my respiratory system resumed functions, allowing me to breathe again. Except, what came out wasn't just air. It was also a mixture of blood and vomit.

The pain before was nothing compared to this. How could Aria do this? What's wrong with her? We're friends, aren't we? I really didn't want to hurt her.

I laid there, staring up at the ceiling, wanting nothing more than to let unconsciousness take me, but I knew that wasn't an option. Reluctantly, I began mustering the strength to get back up once more.

I guess I have to get serious.

Segment Music

Aria

As I approached the downed changeling, I suddenly stopped in my tracks; something had changed in the air. It was an unmistakable feeling, a kind of pressure that could immediately put someone on edge.

A pressure that triggered a flashback from a conversation with one of my former masters. "It's easy to fight when you're confident you can win, but it's much harder when you're cornered. Oftentimes, even my tops students find themselves surrendering to the opponent after only a few decisive blows, for fear of further harm or embarrassment. Yet, it's those with the will to continue that set themselves apart from the rest. It's fighting spirit, understand?"

I craned my head to look over my shoulder, my eyes widening in surprise at what I was seeing. The figure was undoubtedly Change; it had to be. Only, his face was no longer visible, as it was covered by some sort of mask. The mask lacked openings for a mouth or nose but had glowing green slits for eyes.

He was hunched forward, arms hanging low like some feral animal.

How is he still standing?

In an instant, from several meters away, he was above me, already in the motion of bringing his right leg down. I rolled out of the way just as he did this, but as his foot collided with the ground, he immediately pushes off of it, spinning through the air at me like some kind of frisbee. I avoiding whatever that attack was, Change landing on the ground as he skidded to a halt, instantly rushing me once more.

I returned the sentiment, prepared to throw out an attack of my own as I dashed forward. Reaching striking distance, I reared back my right arm, prepared to throw out a punch. Change mimicked my action. As we both swung our fists, they collided, canceling each other out as my arm went numb.

His strength is no joke, and he's moving like a wild animal. What's going on with him?

Before I could follow, he threw out a flurry of attacks, forcing me on the defensive for once. That blow from earlier should have put him out of commission, but he's fighting like it never happened. Each movement is growing more accurate by the second.

Actually... his fighting style looks... familiar. Wait, those are the moves I was using earlier? But Change said he couldn't fight. So what the hell is this?! I knew it. This bastard was holding back against me. Why?

As I continued to avoid the endless onslaught of attacks, I felt my back suddenly brush up against something. Briefly looking over my shoulder, I found that it was a wall; I was cornered.

Returning my attention to the threat before me, I saw a jet-black fist hurtling toward my face.

Crap, I can't avoid it. I don't even have time to block. Am I...going to lose?

At that moment, I felt so inferior compared to him. Despite my prowess, I bore witness to a gap I would never be able to close through effort alone. It's so...unfair.

Segment Music

"That's enough!" An authoritarian feminine voice called out from just behind Change.

Immediately, his fist stopped just centimeters from my face, a draft from the air pressure passing over me.

Change stepped aside, revealing a tall woman with ebony skin, luscious green hair, and some kind of armored dress.

"Chimera," she said sternly, promptly Change to stand upright, eye slits widening, "come here."

I fell on my ass, taking in the sight before me with mild interest and confusion. Change rushed to her, throwing himself to her feet, prostrating and apologizing profusely.

She looked down on him with a displeased expression. "Where has your mind gone, child? Is that any way to greet our guest?"

"I'm sorry mom, but she-"

The woman's voice suddenly boomed, echoing throughout the facility. Strangely enough, when she spoke, it was like her own voice was layered over itself. "I don't care what she did!" Change went silent in response.

She sighed as she pinched the bridge of her nose. "Take that silly mask off and go help your friend up."

He stood up, the mask retracting from his face to the base of his neck, nervously making his way over to me. He held his hand out, offering it to me, which I softly smacked aside, standing up on my own.

What's with him? This is his mom? Who in Tartarus is she? She looks like a supermodel or something.

"Aria Blaze, correct?" The woman said, clasping her hands together, "I've been expecting you. Why don't you come with us? We shouldn't keep your sisters waiting, the food's just arrived." She offered, smiling warmly.

My sisters?!

I eyed her for a good moment, trying to read her. I couldn't detect a hint of malice or deceit in neither her words nor her expression. From what I could tell, she was being entirely genuine. I nodded silently in agreement, the woman snapping her fingers as Change rushed to her side.

"This way, dear." She wagged a finger as she began walking.

Despite her ridiculously long legs, she took slow graceful strides, allowing me to easily keep pace.

"You must forgive my son, he's quite... passionate is all. He didn't hurt you, did he?" She placated.

Change grew stiff once again. He actually never landed a direct blow, thanks to you. My hands are numb though.

"No, he didn't," I muttered.

"Well, that's a relief. I'm just not sure what I'd do if I found out he'd lost his way."

I could see Change's shoulders visibly relax, the tension leaving him like melted butter.

As we walked in silence, it had occurred to me just how strange this situation was. I mean, she's walking through this place like it's her home; the place where people are stuffed into alien abduction pods. She has some explaining to do.

I broke the silence. "What's going here?"

She hummed to herself without turning to look at me. "It's quite the story actually. I'd much rather explain it in front of everyone if you don't mind. It'll just save a lot more time in the long run."

While her logic made sense, I could tell that it was something more than that.

She knows my name; I can chalk that up to being somewhat viral, but I have no clue who she is. "What's your name anyway, ma'am?"

Change turned to face me, cocking an eyebrow in confusion. "What are you talking about, Aria? You've known her for-"

Before Change could finish speaking, he was cut off. His hair being ruffled rather forcefully. "How rude of me, where are my manners? You can call me Chrysalis."

"Right..."

After some time passed, we arrived at a set of doors. It was at this point, that I realized just how tall she really was. She had to lean under the doorway just to get inside the room without hitting her head.

"Aria?"

Two muffled voices said in unison as I stepped into the room. Sitting in the center of the room were my sisters, staring at me like dears caught in headlights.

They're okay, thank Faust.

I couldn't help but feel my heart jump in joy as I looked at their dumb faces, stuffed with food.

"It seems you girls started without us," Chrysalis said as she took a seat on a weird-looking throne.

Sonata swallowed a wad of food in her throat, downing it with a sip of soda. "Sorry, we couldn't wait anymore," she said with a slight blush.

Without saying anything, I walked up to them, crouched down to their level, and brought them into a silent hug.

Chimera/Change

Being a changeling means I'm in tune with other's emotions. I can feel what they feel if I'm close enough. So, why is mom upset with me? I didn't do anything wrong. Aria was trying to kill a fellow changeling; her emotions and actions told that quite clearly. I was only trying to stop her.

Still, I'm glad she showed up when she did. With her presence alone, she diffused the situation, and I didn't have to hurt Aria. When I cornered her, I was planning to knock her out but was that all the damage I would have done? She's strong, but she's still just a human. I might've accidentally killed her...gosh.

Mother really does know best; I have a long way to go before I can call myself a proper changeling. Also, where are we? I have so many questions myself, but I don't feel like I'm in a position to ask them right now.

I'm so confused.

Chapter 15: Contemplation

Chrysalis

As expected, everything's going according to plan. Although, I'm getting less information than I would have liked.

"Given your knowledge on the properties of magic, I'm willing to bet that you girls aren't from this world, are you?"

Their eyes seemed to go wide at this, confirming my suspicion. To be honest, it wasn't just their knowledge, it was also what I saw through the tears in space: civilization, sapient creatures, another world...

"Relax, won't you? You have nothing to fear. My plans concerning this world are for the greater good after all."

The girls eyed me suspiciously. "Right, your plans...what exactly does it entail?" Adagio asked.

"Evolution of the human race," I stated proudly.

Their expression changed from that of suspicion to confusion. I clapped my hands, a projector in the room coming to life and displaying the schematics of my plan on a projection screen.

Adagio stood up, taking a few steps closer to the projector. "Adaptive evolutionary enhancement, C-cells, Precision guided munition? Y-you plan to mutate the entire world..."

"Not quite. The population ratio of changeling to human should be about 1 to 3 when all is said and done."

"Okay, we've heard enough about your master plan, but that still doesn't explain why you kidnapped my sisters. Spill it."

Well, she's quite forward.

"Yes, well, that was more so a communication error on my side with my children, and I'm terribly sorry for that. I only meant to invite the three of you with the hope of discovering more about magic. One more time, for reference, you're absolutely sure the girls you were competing against possessed magic?"

Sonata hummed agreeably, much to my delight. I've already confirmed the identities of the Rainbooms: Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Twilight Sparkle, and Sunset Shimmer.

Now that I've gotten what I wanted, I no longer have any other need for these girls. I snapped my fingers calling Chimera to my side who had been sitting in the corner like a shamed dog.

"It would seem that I've occupied enough of you girl's precious time; my son will kindly escort you to the exit now."

"Yes, mother!"

Change/Chimera

"Follow me," I guided, somehow knowing where I was going.

I headed in the direction of the exit, the Dazzlings following closely behind me. I stopped in my tracts as I noticed the mycelium begin to stir. This development was soon proceeded by the sound of struggling. I whipped around, eyes widening at the sight of the mycelium forming pods around the Dazzlings.

"What the!?"

I rushed to Aria's pod, tearing away at the fungus, confused as to why it was trying to cocoon them. Unfortunately, the more I tore away at the newly forming pods, the faster they formed.

"Aria?! Aria!"

As the pod completely developed Aria, it soon began to fill with a familiar green liquid. While Aria fought tirelessly against her prison, her sisters hardly had any strength to. In just a few moments they were already unconscious and suspended in the green matrix. In time Aria succumbed to the same fate, leaving me confused and devastated.

"Leave them, dear," mother said from behind me.

"W-why?"

"They were no longer of any use to us and we couldn't simply let them go. No, that would simply have been too troublesome."

"They're my friends."

She remained silent for a bit. "Yes, I suppose they were," she said as she placed a hand on my shoulder, "fear not, they won't stay in such a state for long. Now come along dear, we have much to discuss."

I stayed fixated on the pods for a little while longer in disbelief. It was regrettable, yes, but mother must have her reasons, right? Even still, I don't like it. But what am I to do?

Reluctantly, I stood up and followed after her, looking back at the pods one last time, a tinge of guilt gripping my chest.

The Next Morning...

Rarity

It's been quite a chaotic night and things are only going to escalate from here. Luckily, things have seemed to die down for the while, allowing me to finally get some well-deserved rest.

Closing my eyes, I relaxed my muscles, laying down for the night.

"Ms. Rarity! Wake up, Ms. Rarity!"

I shot up out of bed to the sight of Petal rushing into my room and desperately tugging at my sheets. Good heavens, this girl nearly scared the life out of me.

"What seems to be the matter, darling?!"

"He's gone! Change is gone!"

My now racing heart somehow found itself able to beat faster at this. Throwing myself out of bed, I made my way into the hallway and down the staircase. Flipping all the lights on, I made my way over to the sofa Change should have been lying on. Trixie was still lying unconscious on the sofa, hooked up to one of Twilight's monitors.

Instead, all I was met with was the sight of an open human-sized cocoon, green viscous fluid pouring from it. My eyes followed a trail of footsteps making their way outside of the store and vanishing into a nearby alleyway.

Petal walked up beside me, pinching my nightgown. "Where did he go?"

I had no idea, but I had a feeling it didn't mean anything good. I should call the girls.

Hours Later...

We've searched for what felt like an eternity and still found nothing, even after Rainbow Dash cleared the entire city. Given no other leads, we opted to head to school.

"Sooo, are we still gonna raid that facility?" Rainbow Dash asked, breaking the silence.

"I already told you, it's not raiding, it's investigating," Twilight corrected.

Pinkie shrugged, "I don't see a difference."

Twilight sighed, sounding exhausted which prompted me to put a hand on her shoulder. "I just don't understand, it's like he vanished into thin air."

"What if he did?" Fluttershy suggested quietly.

Practically everyone ever so slightly grimaced at this, causing the poor girl to sink into her seat.

Rainbow Dash suddenly perked up, staring just beyond us toward the end of the lunchroom. "What...the?"

We all turned to look in the direction, all of us dropping our jaws in shock. Walking into the lunchroom without a care in the world was Change. But he looked...different somehow? I couldn't place what exactly it was though. We watched as he looked over the lunchroom, taking in the sight. If my eyes weren't deceiving me, I could have sworn he was talking to himself.

He continued scanning the room before stopping at our table, smiling, waving, and going to sit at an empty seat. He continued to talk to himself, sneaking glances at us every so often.

"Huh?!" Sunset exclaimed.

"Sunset, what is it dear?"

"There's another voice in his head."

Pinkie titled her head and cocked an eyebrow in confusion. "Doesn't everyone have a voice in their head?"

An awkward silence passed over us until Applejack spoke up, "Maybe Pinkie has a point, he might just thinkin' or somethin'."

"No, that's not it. Typically, everyone's internal monologue sounds similar to their speaking voice, but this...this is different."

Twilight leaned forward a bit. "Different?"

"The voice isn't remotely similar to his, sounds evil, feminine, and won't stop talking about us. Wait," Sunset paused before turning to address me, "you said his name was Change, right?"

"Yes, I did."

"Then, who's Chimera?"

"I'm sorry, darling, I couldn't hear you. What was that?"

"Oh, nothing...it's just that...from reading his mind, Change's name doesn't seem to be Change, but at the same time, he's instructing himself to go by Change. It's weird."

That does seem weird and it doesn't exactly help his case with his sudden appearance and disappearance. I stood up from my seat. "I'll go talk to him."

The girls looked uneasy, Sunset going as far as to grab my hand before I took off. "Be careful, something doesn't feel right."

I nodded, to which I was released. As I made my way toward Change, he seemed to grow more alert. Without warning Change suddenly stood up, making his way out of the lunchroom. I turned back to face the girls, all of them standing up to approach me. I proceeded out of the lunchroom, expecting to see Change walking away down the long hallway. Only, I didn't.

It was as if he vanished into thin air.

Twilight was the first to come up behind me. "Which way did he go?"

"I'm not quite sure."

"I can still hear his thoughts, he couldn't have gone far," Sunset added.

"Let's split up, we'll cover more ground, and don't use your," Twilight attempted to urge before Rainbow Dash super sped away, "powers..."

Within a few seconds, Rainbow Dash found her way back to the group in a gust of wind. "What the heck? I looked everywhere, it's like he just up n' vanished!"

"That can't be possible. Although faint, I can still hear his thoughts," Sunset interjected.

The following ten minutes consisted of us turning the entire school upside down in pursuit of Change. I made the right move when choosing to stick with Sunset. For lack of a better term, I feel like I'm playing a game of hot and cold.

"He's close, I can feel it," Sunset whispered to me.

I nodded as I continued to silently follow. We stopped in front of a custodial closet, Sunset gripping the door apprehensively. Taking a deep breath, Sunset flung the door open to...an ordinary custodial closet.

"What? This doesn't make any sense, he should be right here!"

Sunset turned away from the doorway in frustration, but something inside the small space caught my eye. There were two mops in the closet, one of them leaning against the wall rather strangely. Unsure why, I leaned closer to examine it. After a few moments of intense inspection, I noticed the handle of the mop was wet. Yes, not the tassels themselves, the handle. Beads of water dripped down the handle.

Brushing the last attempt aside, I reached out to touch it, only for the mop to...evade my grasp. Odd. Chalking up to it just coincidentally being knocked off balance. Reaching out once more, I attempted to grab the mop, only to be avoided once again. That's definitely not right.

Again, I grabbed at the broom, but before it could move, I restricted it in my magic. That's when the broom became violently shaking, struggling against my magic.

"Uh, Sunset, dear, could you come over here for a second?" I called out from the closet.

Sunset trudged behind me, letting out an exhausted moan. "I'm here," she paused, placing a hand on my shoulder, "what the-what's up with that mop?"

Sunset's face suddenly lit up with an air of realization. "Hold him still."

Sunset placed the index and pointer finger of each hand to her temples, concentrating her magic on the mop. Without warning, the mop exploded from my magic, Sunset simultaneously crying out in pain as she held her head in her hands. In the span of a second, the mop flung itself past us, sprouting legs and running away down the hallway.

Intent on chasing after it, I stopped, leaning over to see if Sunset was okay. "I'm fine, go after him! Don't let him get away!" She exclaimed, standing up shakily.

Needing no further instruction, I took off after the mop. Still, it is rather inconvenient having to run.