A Changeling Named Sin

Chapters

Part One: Right or Wrong?
Part Two: Speculations Compared to Facts
Part Three: Celestia's Changeling Documentation Summary
Part Four: Obstacles of Happiness
Part Five: She's Leaving Home
Part Six: A Silver Dream
Part Eight: Evolvers
Part Nine: First Encounter
Part Seven: Running from the Living and Chasing the Dead

Part One: Right or Wrong?

Right or Wrong?

“The devastation count rises with every calculation of the Canterlot city and palace. Those who were there have a new kind of fear and know to avoid changelings, so why is it that so many fear a changeling? Princess Celestia is with us today in the Canterlot throne room to discuss the issue at hoof… We’re entering now.”

As the news pony reporter entered the room, Celestia could be seen speaking to one of her guards about the recent rush of events. The reporter respectfully asked if her highness was ready for her interview.

“Of course, please… ask me anything.”

“What was your initial reaction to the changelings?”

Celestia lowered her head, and explained, “Well, you see, this was an upsetting development. As princess of the sun and ruler of the day, I am entitled to say that I love all living things… but these changelings take on a new form of threat to the pony civilization. I cannot love something that steals love away from others… I’d like to point out that there may be other changelings that weren't blasted away in the explosion of Cadence and Shining Armor, so with all this in mind, I currently have multiple guards in search of hidden beings around the palace, and the outside city as well. If you see anything, please, inform me at once.”

The reporter nodded his head and continued with his next question. “If you do find one… what will happen to said pon- … uh… changeling… thing?”

Celestia looked around the room, searching her thoughts for a proper answer, but all she could muster was, “I don’t know…” Her highness looked at the reporter's worried eyes and continued, “I guess, if it comes to that, I won’t have much choice but to carry out the worst punishment imaginable… Death.”

Soon, the other questions, which were basic for the interview and not needed as additional information but just juicy knowledge the news columns wanted in order to make the report more enthralling to the audience, ended, and the princess was left in silence while she signed some notifications, prepped the other guards for their nighttime duty, and was just about to leave the throne room when a guard busted through the door panting. “Your highness,” he said in shock. “There’s… a changeling! In the dungeon, hurry!”

As her highness quickly followed the stallion to the cells, the two passed many halls, circled corners and finally descended a flight or two of stairs to reach their destination. As her highness asked where it was, the guard walked to where two of his own were standing. Each one had lances at the ready, pointed threateningly at the bars. Through them, Celestia could see a small, yellow; almost golden maned filly changeling, bawling her poor eyes out. Celestia stared at the young monster for a moment, considering her options, but this was a tough call on her part.

During the interview, she meant changelings that could actually threaten her subjects and loved ones, but this young, harmless filly didn’t look to be beyond three years of age. She probably couldn’t talk or chew her own food, assuming she didn't just eat love, that is. The left guard raised his head, sat his lance down and said, “Your highness, would you like to perform the deed, or should one of us?”

Celestia, finding her words hard to grasp and even harder to spit out, cleared her through before saying, “I’ll do it. Just leave us.” Once the guards did as they were commanded, the one who informed her unsheathed his blade, a golden handled, straight edge sword, unused and ready for the job.

As he looked into Princess Celestia's eyes, he asked, “Are you sure you wish to do this?”

Celestia grunted at the question and said, “I… don’t wish to, but if I don’t, who knows what could happen.” Looking at the young being now, she found herself morally unaligned. This wasn’t yet a monster, but a child whose mother abandoned her yesterday, and needed a family, not death. The princess knew this. Was this right, or was it all just one big outcome that didn’t need to occur? “We could banish her to the Everfree Forest, perhaps.”

The guard chuckled and said, “Yeah, so she can die a slower and much more gruesome death, or even worse, come back after so many years with a new army of changelings and takeover the land... I think this is the quickest way of resolving the matter.” As his sight turned from the young fiend to the princess, he saw her eyes to be worried and sympathetic, something scary in this position he found himself in.

“True… The being isn’t safe in the forest, but what about here?” her highness asked.

“This is your decision, but my personal opinion of this matter is that… thing needs to be put down.”

While the guard exited the room, all that could be heard was the filly’s cries as it bellowed with tears running down its face. Celestia opened the dungeon cage and entered with the sword ready by her side. Slowly, she pointed the tip to the monstrosity’s chest and let the very tip slide in, just enough for a small drop of blood to escape, but then it retreated. Red; the color found of all living things dripped thick and warm on the concrete where she stood. Celestia bit her bottom lip in bafflement on how she couldn’t bring herself to go through with the procedure.

This wasn’t something she planned on doing today, nor was it something she thought she could carry out in the first place. Her choices were always just and for the right reasons, but now, something prevented her from being able to end the life of somepony who could endanger every living thing in all of Equestria. That force that stopped her from ending it all was her moral alignment, her conscience and love for all living things.

The sword was dropped to the floor with clanking sounds, and her horn was flared up as she mended the wound she inflicted. Her body lowered itself to the ground, the changeling leaping to her with open hooves. The small filly hugged tightly as her eyes closed and her cries slowed to small sighs. Celestia felt a small tear of her own escape when her hoof wrapped around the young changeling.

This thing wasn’t a thing, at least it didn’t have to be in this case. The only reason other changelings turned out like fiends was because of Chrysalis always torturing their minds with lies and propaganda, but this filly didn’t need to die today, not for reasons she didn’t commit, and certainly not because of fear among other ponies. All she needed was some love, and moral guidance that Celestia might be able to provide for her.

The changeling crawled up and onto her back while grasping her neck tightly. “Okay…" Celestia began. "Well, if you’re going to be my adopted… uh, daughter, I suppose… I guess you’ll need a name. Let’s see here.” Her highness exited the room and wandered out with the changeling riding on her back. Once the guards saw the two, they all gasped in sheer terror.

"Princess C-Celestia!" one of them called.

Her highness simply calmed them with a wave of her hoof as she explained the new arrangement. Soon, she returned to her quarters with the young filly and placed her on the bed while Celestia thought long and hard about what to call her. “Changelings… and I almost committed a horrible sin… Sin? Hmm, that sounds good… What do you think?” she asked the young filly. “Do you like Sin?”

The changeling hopped on the bed in excitement, signaling she indeed enjoyed the name. Eventually, the next day would come, and with the new day came the news reporters wanting answers about the rumored changeling adoptee, which her highness answered each question truthfully.

This was a shocker for the city of Canterlot. One second, the news articles explained each and every changeling that was found would be executed, and the next day, they were filled with the story of how this changeling, Sin, was spared. Celestia herself was on the cover page with the changeling sitting behind her back looking happy and blissful. In time, the changeling would be accepted by many ponies, while others would outright dislike her every step of the way, just because they thought her to be a threat that only wanted to feed upon love.

Celestia understood, though, that Sin would ultimately compose herself and restrain from constant feeding, especially considering there was only one of her and so many other ponies that now welcomed her. It wasn’t an entire colony of changelings, just one that fed, and this wasn’t too bad, just as long as she didn’t develop extreme lust for love with the years to come, or something around those lines.

Author's Note

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Part Two: Speculations Compared to Facts

A Changeling Named Sin

Speculations Compared to Facts

Three years have gone by since the day Celestia made her choice, and though the adopted daughter acted spoiled at times, there were more incidences which she behaved commendably. Her outbreaks were obviously due to her age and the mentality of a child that was present, but it had been a few months since her last temper tantrum.

With the days going by, Celestia grew curious if Sin could change her form. Her highness could normally be found in the throne room. Huge pillars lined the walls with statues of old and amazing idols like Star Swirl the Bearded. Ivy of shimmering gold flowed on the pillars towards the ceiling, which reflected ones image clearly on each leaf. The young changeling entered one day and cautiously looked around to see her mother and aunt discussing general topics.

Luna never did approve of her sister's choice of letting the young, yellow maned filly live, but had no real say so in the matter. She saw the innocence approach and hinted to her using a hoof. Celestia turned her head and smiled. As the changeling gazed at the two royal sisters with a beaming face, she said, “Mommy, aunt Woona, watch!”

Slowly, her petite wings began flapping, making a strong humming sound. Her body rose off the ground while her expression was curled up in devotion for flight. Once she stabled herself thoroughly, floating in midair, her parent smiled blissfully while saying, “That’s marvelous, Sin! How’d you manage to grow up so fast?”

The changeling landed back down and gazed at the princess of the day in some sort of trance. Now, most would wonder if a changeling is able to see the aura-like material known as love, and this was actually true. Celestia’s fluently developed love could be seen emitting from her being, purple and shimmering. Only Sin could see the awe inspiring substance enter her holed hooves. When it did, she felt the energy that came with it, powerful and robust. The smell of admiration intoxicated the changeling, making her feel as though she just had dessert before dinner. Celestia’s interested face inspected the young being as she fed, and asked “Sin, are you alright?”

The small girl smiled, and claimed with closed eyes, “Fine mommy, it’s this… stuff! It tastes good.”

Celestia nodded her head, levitated a note pad and quill and began to take notes. Subconsciously, she felt weaker, but not enough for her to actually notice it. She questioned the little one about what exactly she saw while documenting the answers. Luna just sneered at the child while trying hard not to lose herself in anger. The changeling was dismissed, and Celestia asked her sister, “You hate my child, don’t you?”

Luna’s averted looks gave her sister the answer she searched for. “Hate is too strong a word… Distrust is the better way of putting things. She IS a changeling after all.”

“But she has yet to show any real, threatening powers. I’ve never even seen her morph into… anything. She’s been the same, young daughter that I’ve learned to love, and even enjoy her company. She’s obviously not like Chrysalis, but she hasn’t fully grown yet, either.”

The documents she’d been jotting down lofted to Luna and presented themselves to her. "What's this?"

“See," Celestia explained, "three years have shown her to be the same as any other child; Playful, serene and mostly innocent. The outbreaks were her being a child, not a monster. What happened all those years ago, it wasn’t the changelings that did it, but Queen Chrysalis, the mastermind and puppet ruler of her army. She alone manipulated each changeling into believing they needed to feed on love forcefully. I've been researching the events of that day all this time, and I'm confident this is true. This young daughter of mine has had love given to her, and I’ve been raising her to develop a good mentality, not one that is corrupt, but one of a good nature, and pure intentions.”

Luna brought a news article over, and while she did, she debated, “But look at these.” The news article showed the changeling army picture next to Sin. “Depictions of old folklore say that all changelings will eventually revert to their original, evil ways with time. It’s written in their biological code to behave and feed on other’s love. In other words, eventually, that young, playful filly will find herself wanting more, and more... She could devour everypony’s love ruthlessly once she comes of age! This, we're sure of.”

Celestia giggled and said, “Still not use to the new way of talking, huh?” She shooed the paper away. “Well, this is all just talk, and we have no consecutive evidence of her being evil. Not at this point in time, and not for a couple more years, but I stick with the thought of her becoming a respectable pony, and not the love eating beast you say she will become.”

Luna looked around the room and pondered a new subject. “Celestia…” she began. Her sister looked at her and asked what she wanted. “Has she been able to… morph into anypony yet?”

Celestia looked down at the floor and snickered. “Oh, Luna… No, she hasn’t.” She looked gleefully at the princess of the night and continued. “She has shown no changeling powers like morphing, or any form of magic either, and I think that it’s good she hasn’t."

Luna nodded. "Yes, but..."

"Someday," Celestia picked up, "she will undoubtedly attempt it, but for now, she still hardly knows what befell the palace during the wedding. Soon, I’ll explain everything, but I doubt she would attempt to try and change into somepony as she has no need to do so. This will probably be a power that will never be discovered, but when I say that…” She lifted her hood and knocked three times on the wooden handle of her throne. She then looked back at her sister and said, “Just in case of jinxes.”

Luna chuckled sheepishly before stating, “I didn’t know you believed in superstition.”

“And I didn’t think I’d be raising a filly changeling, but I am… and I really do hope she turns out alright. It would be dreadful to find out all this time spent on her, trying to get her to behave in an orderly manner, wipe out all dark fallacies in her head and provide a constant flow of love for her... was all in vain.”

Sin was regarded by many ponies as a demon infiltrating the castle wearing the skin of an angel, but these accusations were just improvable at this point. Years would pass before the filly would be considered truly harmless to the public. But, in time, just as everything in life, many would learn to accept her for who she was. Sin never did attempt to change form, but she did experiment with her magic. She would often try spells like summoning flowers for her mother, or making her bed.

Magic wasn’t her specialty, but despite her lack of talent, she still persisted with her abilities of magical control. Some years later, she would be considered a princess. Thanks to her strikingly amazing beauty, which was catered for from being royalty, she caught many eyes of gentlecolts. She wasn’t like other changelings who were grotesque and scary. Her eyes almost shined with kindness, and her overall appearance seemed to mesmerize stallion guards every time she trotted close to them in the halls.

She was about the same height as Celestia, but a tad bit shorter. Her mane shined like the sun itself; yellow, nearly golden and flowing freely like the waves in the ocean on her shoulders. The only problem with her was the insecurity she felt when feeding on the freely given love her friends and family gave to her daily. The mare felt like she still stole it somehow, but with no way of stopping herself from constant feeding, she would try not to interact with the ones that loved her the most, especially her chamber guard, Silver Blade. He'd been on the job for roughly eight years now and was a bit older than her, only by a year, though.

Author's Note

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Part Three: Celestia's Changeling Documentation Summary

A Changeling Named Sin

Celestia's Changeling Documentation Summary

In research terms, I’ve compiled several documents and summarized them into a complete and total summary. The changeling subject who I’ve named Sin has… odd attitude patterns, but shows no animalistic behavior. Some reported speculations on my daughter accusing her of being that of an ant with a collective mind and living to serve the queen, but this isn’t the case.

She has no memory of her mother, and she seemed very… disgruntled when I told her about Chrysalis. She seemed to think of her own race to be a threat, much like anypony else. She can change form, this I am confident in, but hasn't, even though she's had more than one opportunity. I even came to her and asked for the ability to be performed, but she refused, saying she doesn’t wish to experiment with her changeling powers.

The guard who came to me explaining they found her, which I’m still baffled on how exactly she wound up in the dungeon of all places, said he’s been keeping an eye on her. I’ve known this guard for roughly six years now, and still chat with him from time to time. Even though he is a bit informal on occasions, I know he means well, but this is beside the point. It is he who offered the suggestion of me keeping documentation on the being.

Research on her is vital, and good for future references in case of another changeling invasion. I’ve been using a spatial spell that allows me to keep constant surveillance on her, even though sometimes, I forget to check up on her, but I never do catch Sin doing anything harmful anyway.

As these years go by, I’ve discovered she can actually see love emit from an individual. Through questioning and documenting the information, I’ve been able to decipher this: Changelings absorb love and devour it like food. Actual substance like… I don’t know… apples will be eaten to maintain physical strength, but love is an energy their minds require in order to live. Without it, I’m thinking they will die regardless of how much physical food they consume.

The bigger Sin gets, the more weak I feel after admiring her. It’s not just the kind of love like two special someponies give off, but family love, friendly love, even liking her is a form of love, but at the weakest level; changelings eat all kinds. Then there’s the problem with the public opinion. There’s an eighty six percent of pony’s that say she’s perfectly fine, but then there’s the other fourteen percent that believes the opposite.

News articles are published every day with seemingly bias reports of my daughter. Though this is difficult for me to allow, freedom among press is lawful, and to stop it would place me in an awkward role as the princess of the day. I just wish they’d be more open to her. She really is a gentle mare who only wishes to be loved, and lately… not even that. Her avoidance is questionable, mainly because she’ll come in, say hello, but immediately retreat from the throne room. I think she feels guilty for taking the power I’ve given her. I love her with all my heart, and feel depressed when she does this to me.

Luna’s been the most skeptical of the changeling. She sides with the fourteen percent who believe she will bring the destruction of Canterlot. It’s good, though. She is just now beginning to accept her, but she still shows no real love to the young mare. Her attitude is like a friendly enemy, which lets her talk with Sin without feeling drained like everypony else does.

Sometimes, I’ll be watching Sin approach the throne room, and as she approaches the guards, they all lower their heads, not from respect, but from her gobbling up all their love for her. Love is energy, and without it, ponies somehow feel weak. I’ve tried to find a substitute, but through experimentation, I’ve learned that this is impossible. There is no substitute for the naturally made emotion known that I know of.

There is also the matter of the odd coloring of her mane. Possibly a new form of changeling, but I’ve never seen one with a blonde… well, more yellow… almost golden mane. Anyway, the point is, she’s unique. Her attitude is very respectable, and her ways of kindness are amazing. She doesn’t wish to take, but instead, she wants to give. I’ve never known any changeling like her.

My first thought on the species… or maybe race is a better word, was that they were ruthless, mindless animals, and simply showed primitive behavior, but I see now that they, given the chance, can be civilized, and even generous. Her odd, self-developed hatred for her mother, Chrysalis, is something she made on her own. I never talked crudely of her, but I was able to show Sin a photo of Chrysalis summoned from my memories. Her opinion of the changeling queen is best described as ultimate loathing.

It was odd, seeing her rant about how her biological mother abused her family members, using her brain washing propaganda to turn them against ponies. Once again, this is what she had to say, and not what I’ve told her. I just showed her my memories of the incident, and let her form her own perspective of it. It’s clear that living with ponies has taught her how to take things with a critical eye, something that the changelings never really showed. They never seemed to have opinions, and they certainly didn’t have a mind of their own. They would follow the orders of their queen, and seemed to respect her decisions.

The years go by, and I consider sending her to Ponyville to learn about the magic of friendship, something that all ponies should educate themselves in. Twilight and the others know about her by now. I’ve received letters asking about her, and I explained everything to them, but I never hear their thoughts on Sin. I can only hope that they don’t hold a grudge, but as the elements of harmony, I highly doubt they would be so cruel to my Sin.

This concludes my summary of the documentation. Research will continue, and I intend on observing Sin. I hope her behavior stays consistent, which it should. Otherwise, this whole thing I’ve just explained might as well be tossed in the fire, and a new, shorter one be written explaining that the behavior of a changeling will never be pure… knock on wood.

Author's Note

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Part Four: Obstacles of Happiness

A Changeling Named Sin

Obstacles of Happiness

Early in the morning when the sun wasn’t even up yet, and Sin lay in bed, unable to sleep, her mind wrapped itself around fears of hurting her loved ones by stealing their energy, a phobia that kept her awake for long durations of multiple nights. Believe it or not, this was normal.

Nightmares were accustomed in her sleep, as was the affliction of staying awake the whole time. She only got a few hours of rest tonight, but the slumber was filled with ponies dropping due to the lack of love, the love she was given. Her eyes opened angrily as her mind realized it had been yet another night of dreamless repose. Her hooves, holed like Swiss cheese, lifted her head up while the princess looked out to see the miracle made by her mother.

Magically grabbing her triple horned crown, which she didn’t wish to wear usually, she took a gander in the mirror that sat on her dresser. The golden, lustrous mane she took care of with intricate attention almost glittered as the sun’s rays swept across the strands, while her eyes, kind and forgiving began to form into an angered gaze. Disrespect for her entire being was the cause of this mean mug.

Her hatred for taking the energy of all her friends and family members grew with each passing day, just as their hurting increased every time they saw her. With every guard that lowered their heads as she passed followed extreme guilt, and with that came self-loathing, but today, things would finally send her to do something she never considered doing, but knew was the right choice.

As her door opened, her loyal and well trusted guard Silver Blade raised his tired head. After being asleep for several minutes in the night, and his love for the princess seeping through the very walls, his duty was almost complete, but this was the toughest part of the job, and the most enjoyable in his opinion. “Good day, your highness.” he said, smiling at his crush.

The princess looked him up and down, taking in his features. He was well fed, but the absence of love made him seem pitiful. The dry lips, the blackness under his eyes, the heavy breathing he always gave off, it was all too easy for Princess Sin to see he loved her more than any stallion else in Canterlot, and after so many years, she too fell in secret love with Silver Blade, despised the state her feeding left him in. “You look pale…” she said with a worried tone. “Please… I’ll walk alone today.”

“Nonsense,” the guard said, sounding more beat than ever. “I’m perfectly fine… Never better.” His voice was unenthusiastic regardless of his proclamation. The princess loved this stallion, and if it wasn’t because of the love she ate, she’d tell him. The two walked down the hall headed for the throne room. Silver said, “May I… tell you something?” Her highness tilted her head, signaling she was all ears. “We’ve known each other for a while… and… I’m ready to tell you… how I feel.”

Before he could attempt to finish his sentence, Sin intentionally ruined the moment, knowing what he was about to say. “You love me, I know.” The guard’s silly and surprised face stared at her, and soon, she came to a stop. Staring into his eyes, right there in the halls, she was ready to explain the reason of why she couldn’t be with him, even though her heart wanted nothing more.

“I’m a changeling, Silver… In other words, I feed on your love! It’s not something I like to do, but look at you.” She summoned a cosmic mirror that reflected himself. He stared blankly, his head lowering slowly. The guard looked thrashed; worse in fact. His mane, originally blue was becoming grey, and it laid in scraggly lines down his face.

"I'm fine, Sin. Really, I'm-"

“This is what offering your love constantly to me has done to you! You think I don’t feel the same? You think I never noticed?” The mirror vanished while she finished. “I did notice! I’ve loved you since the day we met… and the constant flow of your emotions told me everything you were feeling, and more. I can’t tell you how much I truly wish to be with you, but if I do take advantage of this, I dread what could happen.”

The stallion smiled, love lost and completely submissive, he explained, “But, your highness… I don’t mind if you feed on my love… It’s what you do. Please, you can have my love…” His next words were followed by a flood of nutritious nectar the changeling fed on, which would ultimately make her feel horrible about ever telling him about her feelings. “All of my love… and gobble it up… I would love nothing more!”

The purple aura gushed out of his body and encircled the princess like dense fog. All that love was absorbed, and with no way of stopping the freely given emotion, all she could do was relish in the flavor of such potent love. While she did, however, Silver, finally tired and weak, collapsed to the floor with a heavy thud. His groans of seemingly painful agony tortured Sins ears, and as she forced herself to run so that she might be able to stop his offerings, all the stallion could do was smile, knowing he could never stop his love for her.

Entering the throne room, Sin held back tears and tried not to let the experience get to her. Though, easier said than done. Her mother, Celestia, sat on her throne looking over documentations of her daughter. Sin looked around at the fairly empty room and approached her mother, trying to smile and seem like nothing was amiss. Celestia lowered a scroll to view the golden maned mare with a grin. “How’s your morning going?”

Sin lowered her head and asked, “Why do I feed on love?”

Celestia’s lips opened to say something, but then closed again. Already, Sin could feel the energy leaving her mother's body, and seeing her daughter watch the emotion loft through the air told the sun princess she was already, unknowingly absorbing it. “You’re a changeling…” she began. “And because of this you just… eat it. There’s not much of a better explanation to it.”

“But why can’t I feed off hatred? Why can’t I eat that instead?!” Celestia knew her daughter was becoming more absorbent, like a sponge to water, but didn’t know why. It had progressed through the years, but now, things were getting drastic. Guards collapsing, Celestia’s energy being depleted; the only one that wasn’t being affected by Sin's feeding habits was Luna, who didn’t love her, but still accepted the mare as a friend by now.

The sun princess shook her heavy head and asked, “Maybe there’s a way to make that possible, but my research on you leaves many questions unanswered… Like your mane. It’s an extremely different shade all together compared to other changelings I've seen, and I don’t know why that is, but know this… You’re a good child, and ponies give you their love freely because they admire you.”

“If they truly liked me, they’d stop admiring me so much… It's just gonna get them killed."

With this said, Sin left in a bitter fit of galloping. All she wished for was to be loved, but not feed on it. She headed to the Canterlot garden and run into Luna sitting next to a lawn table. Sin spoke, while Luna invited her over with a kind smile, something that was rarely given.

“I’m having a horrible day today,” Sin said. “May I please… uh, vent?”

Luna rolled her eyes with an amused grin and said, “You know I only have a short time before I go, so make it quick.”

“Well… I think I’m going to run away, but I don’t know if I can.” Luna’s stunned face made eye contact as she heard the statement. “See… I’m taking too much energy, more than a normal changeling should. Love, I know, is a powerful thing, and if I take too much of it, I’m scared of what might happen to my friends and family.”

Luna nodded her head and asked, “You really do drink a lot, don’t you? Well, if you need to run from this, I say go ahead.” Luna smiled at her niece. “It’s not that I want you to leave, but I understand your position, and I think the time away from Canterlot for… about a week or two will clear your head pretty good.”

Sin chuckled at the kind words. Even though Luna didn’t exactly love her, she could see the blue traces of liking. Like-emotions had a cyan pigmentation compared to love due to it being a lighter feeling. Luna sighed, “I’ve got to head on out. When you’re ready to leave, just let me know, and I’ll remove that tracking spell Celestia placed on you all those years ago.” Princess Sin looked at Luna with a curious and confused face. “Oh, you didn’t know about that? Whoops!" Walking off, Luna shot one last, friendly snicker at the changeling, leaving her to enjoy the sounds of the wildlife.

The changeling princess yawned as she sat, staring at the flora and fauna. Small, bloomed flowers of red and purple fell from the tree tops as gravity pulled them loftily down. Some rested on the ground, and some landed in the princess's mane. Her whole perspective of the situation was melted away, if only for a moment as she sat in the heavenly nature filled environment.

No disturbance so far, which was perfect for her. All she wanted right then was to contemplate on what she needed, and wanted to do. On one hoof, she could endanger all the ponies in the Canterlot palace by staying, but then, if she ran away, they’d be sure to chase her, and her mother would be worried sick about her precious kin. Finally coming to a decision, she told herself she wouldn’t run from the ordeal unless it was crucial that she departed from the city.

Returning to her room, she saw Silver Blade standing next to the door, tired and weak as usual. She attempted to walk right past him, but he stopped her from entering by saying three, heart shattering words. “I love you.”

Her highness slowed in a whimsical way. Her magic, just barely gracing the knob, she looked at his smiling face. Everything she feared came true. His love was too strong, and even though she felt like slapping him, she never would figure out why she decided to do her next deed. Her hoof wrapped comfortingly around his neck, and with a simple peck on his forehead, she sealed his fate.

Once again, his emotions for the princess flooded her holed hooves, and the sweet, tangy taste of his love roared through her veins. Soon, he collapsed, but this time, he wouldn’t be able to stand ever again. When she realized he was choking, wheezing with exasperation, she called her mother for assistance. In a flash of yellow radiance, Celestia appeared right in front of the two asking, “What happened here?”

“I don’t know!” the daughter exclaimed. “I think he's fed me every ounce of love he had left!”

The guard’s body began to hyperventilate while going into a stroke. His hooves swung violently as his eyes widened, turning blood shot. Celestia teleported herself and Silver to the Canterlot palace infirmary, leaving the changeling mare stunned. All she could do now was retreat to her room and wait impatiently for the answer of what just befell her guardian.

Hours passed while Sin paced the room, fearing the worst. Never had this happened before. A guard might bow his head, but could they actually die from the extreme loss of energy? Her thoughts swirled with fright, her entire body feeling cold. Chills sent her mind into crude fallacies of her guard and friend’s death. "Surely, he just had a small collapse," she thought. "He couldn’t actually…" She gulped at the mere thought. The room, silent except her hoof steppes was strikingly brought back to life with Celestia entering, tears running down her face.

Sin stared at her mother with a horrified look, knowing her worst fear had arrived. Her petrified face of terror was tainted with water leak from her teary eyes, and all she could say in a low, scared voice was, “No…”

Celestia bowed her head and apologized for her losses. “I know… he loved you… I often sensed it… and I wish this didn’t happen… I’m so sorry, Sin.”

The changeling gritted her teeth and shut her eyes, forcing back the tears that dominated their way through her lids. One powerful yell of anger and despair released her feelings dramatically with one single, but strong word. “NO!”

Her body fell as her whole life began to spiral. The memory of her first meeting him, the incident when she realized his feelings for her were as strong as her own mother’s, every occasion they shared flashed in her mind repetitively, causing her unimaginable mental pain. No physical torture could be worse than knowing she lost her best friend she ever knew in life. All those memories, all the heartwarming events were reduced to tears that now fell to the tiled floor.

Celestia tried to come near her daughter, but was immediately pushed back by Sin whispering, “Please... I'm sorry, but get out...”

The alicorn understood that her daughter needed to be left alone, and chose to hesitantly leave the room, followed by a trail of her own salty tears leading down the way. Princess Sin raised her head and looked around the room, and with one last anguishing yell, the area was filled with the sorrowful echoes of a changeling who now regretted ever allowing the dead stallion into her heart.

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Part Five: She's Leaving Home

A Changeling Named Sin

She's Leaving Home

Dread is something that usually isn’t liked, nor wanted in the hearts of others, and for the most part, it’s something that nopony really worries about. However, one in particular, who’s dealt with the feeling knows her heart can’t stand the torturous emotion any longer. For too long, Sin’s contemplated the thought of escape without followers or pursuing guards after her tail, and with the death of her technical special somepony, things would never be the same for her if she stayed. Her mother, the other guards; they’d be threatened every day by her constant absorption of love and vital energy.

If she left, however, they could resume, regenerate their personal vigor, and understand why she left them years later. Thinking about it, for her not to leave would be immoral. Celestia was considering sending her to Ponyville, but that would just cause problems for other ponies over there as well. A thorough disappearance was what she needed, not a new area in which she could easily end up sucking the life out of yet another family.

Walking towards Luna’s chamber, her only friend that didn’t have the family-like love for her, she allowed tear after tear to run solemnly down, leaving a well noticeable, tiny puddle on the floor. Her hoof rose to knock, but had no need to do so as the door already opened. Luna stood, pearl eyed, and looking like she already heard the news of the departed soul Sin had undesirably took. “Sin,” she began, “I’m… so sorry for your loss.”

The changeling princess lowered her head and stared at the ground. Her words of apologies wouldn’t mean anything now, and Luna understood why. What had been done cannot be undone, and there was no changing things now. Silver Blade was dead, and his life, though it was well lived was gone.

“If I knew he was going to…” Sin’s voice crackled and kept shifting pitches from high to low. The pain she felt in her heart was almost unbearable. Things seemed out of place for her, and the only way to stop the hurting she felt was to leave; run away and never return. “Please, Luna, you have to remove this spell that my mother placed on me, and don’t tell her where I’m going. I’ll live off the love that looms in the forests. I’ll feed on the food Equestria grows from the soil, but I will not live here, where I can oh, so easily harm others.”

The night time ruler turned her head and illuminated her horn. Swirling, crescent amber waves of a darkly hued blue swirl circled in loops, surrounding the depressed changeling until they all aligned with her horn. Three tugs on a petite, pallid and beige orb was all it took to force the enchantment out of Sin’s being.

As it dissipated into ashy winds and blew out the openings that could be found to the left of Sin, Luna said, “Follow me, please.” The two entered the princess’s balcony, and in the distance, she could see large trees spanning far and wide. This would be her destination, the place she needed to aim for.

"Wow," Sin said.

“The Everfree Forest…" Luna turned with a raised eyebrow. "The home of many odd animals is your best bet, but be warned,” Luna instructed, turning to gaze at the still slightly sobbing mare, “it is the home of many wild and dangerous beasts. We haven’t been there for quite some time, me and my sister… but we believe it’s still safe. Fly in the night with haste, for once my sister awakens, the guards will be departed instantaneously."

Sin looked out, her wings rising up. "Alright..."

"They will be looking for you in all the major cities as well, forests alike. You’ll probably only get a good head start if you keep going through the day and night, and yes, they will most definitely be chasing you into the woods. They will stop at nothing to retrieve you. If they do, you will probably never get this opportunity again.” Bowing her head, the princess thanked her aunt and summoned a note to leave for her mother. After finishing it, she spread her wings and hummed off, into the safety of Luna’s evening.

The dark air rustled against her, almost pleading the mare to return to the safety of Canterlot, but this was unacceptable. She fought the gusts all the way. Hours into the night, she flew, headed for the forest while Luna observed the little spot grow smaller and smaller, until it finally disappeared.

With Sin being too far from the city now, the princess of the night understood that this wasn’t her choice; it was an enforcement of her soul. If she left, then the civilians, family members, friends and any other loved ones would no longer be threatened. Not to mention, if she stayed, they’d all be in danger by her mere presence.

The second somepony falls in love with the gorgeous mare, she becomes a hazard, and a problem to whoever it may be. Celestia herself has been under the worst pressure due to the ever growing love for her daughter. It was time she ran away, and possibly, never returned.

Soaring high in the clouds, she spoke to herself, trying to clear her mind of what she was doing. “I know I’m different in all sense of the word. A golden maned changeling was never spotted during the invasion, and I know this because I’ve researched it myself. I absorb about ten times more love than any other changeling, even Queen Chrysalis herself!"

She remembered the words of mer mother from years ago when she first learned about the Canterlot changeling invasion. "Chrysalis intended to take everything that was of value to her and the others. That was love."

She shook the thought away. "If I stay in the palace much longer, I’ll never be able to get the answers I seek, and this might be the only way I can learn about my origins and get valid information on it.”

Hours of flying weakened the mare, and soon, just on the edge of the forest, her wings gave out. Landing roughly on the terrain, her head looked around, taking in her surroundings. Her eyes were half open, and soon, she felt herself pass out due to over exhaustion. It'd would be day time soon, and the princess of the sun would be awaking any moment to raise her star like she did every other day.

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Part Six: A Silver Dream

A Changeling Named Sin

A Silver Dream

While sliding into unconsciousness, Sin could just barely make out the sounds of falling sand. The world her mind created for her took mental form as an immense desert. High mountains with falling sand circled her, while she stood in the middle feeling the warm breeze glide across her face and mane. She thought about her life, the choices she was making, but most importantly, the steed that she killed.

Silver Blade trudged through the sands of imagination, his lips curled into a pleased smile. He looked as he did when the changeling first met him. No scars or wrinkles. His eyes were well lit up with happiness, and his mane was thoroughly kept in good condition. All that was missing was his general regalia. Princess Sin gulped once he reached her. His smile taunted her memory of his last, dying moments.

She just stared at him, listening to the oceanic rustling coming from the sand-falls. Her mouth opened, but nothing came out. Her mind tried to think of something to say, but no sentence would structure itself. It was as if her freedom over everything, physical and mental, had been removed, and all that remained was the senses of smell, touch, sight and sound.

The stallion, who still donned that same exact kind grin, torturous to Sin, spoke after too long a pause. “I’ve been to see the gates of death… Their inviting, but… before I go; I want to thank you for accepting my love for you.”

Sin’s soul churned with anger made from the appreciation, and she found the strength to blurt out, “You’re a fool!” Silver stared at her, transfixed by the statement. “You gave your life to me! You shouldn’t be happy! Because of you, I’ve had to make the harshest choice in my life…. Why did you have to love me? Why didn’t you stop feeding me when you knew it could harm you even further than what anypony could have expected?!”

Chuckling, Silver claimed, “I suppose I’m just that generous. It was my choice, and I knew I would die from it. You needn’t beat yourself up over my death. One could go as far to call it suicide, but I did it for you… I loved you, and still do, so for me not to offer every ounce of energy I had left would leave me depressed. It was worth loving you, than never loving at all.”

“But you’re DEAD!" Sin stomped a hoof into the soil. "It’s my fault! I should’ve stopped myself from giving you that infernal kiss… You didn’t need to die! This wasn’t your time to go!”

Time slowed down as the two gazed into each other’s eyes, and every petite second slipped by unnoticed. Things were hallucinogenic for Sin. Her best friend, and loved one was standing right in front of her giving thanks for killing him. He lowered his head, and moved in. The love seeped through his being, and as his face rose to make eye contact, the wrinkles grew coating his face and body.

Slowly, grey strands of his mane drooped down, sliding over his nuzzle and cheeks. His eyelids became a darker shade, and all in one moment, his form returned to that of him perishing. The memory scorched Sin’s consciousness, and all she could do in this nightmare she found herself in was feed on the nonexistent love he, once again, offered to her like there was a plentiful supply, needing to be given.

Its purple hue loomed over her, and the more she fed, the older Silver Blade grew. His face morphed into the crippled appearance of an old steed. His body shriveled with loss of vital nutrition, and soon, skin deteriorated into the emotion, leaving his bones lying there in the sand. The yellow daylight flashed out while the last drop of love was unwillingly gobbled up by Sin’s holes.

The sand became dust that blew away with the heavy gusts of wind. They blew the changeling’s body roughly, almost as if the nature-made element was trying to make her fly away. The mare just closed her eyes, attempting to stay put, but when she opened them again, she saw herself to be in a dark, menacing void. The winds of rage ended instantaneously, and was replaced by still air.

Voices of her loved ones, and others; Luna, Celestia, Silver, and some of the local guards loomed through the air. Some were mentally made up while others were from deep, longtime forgotten memories.

“And why do you think she absorbs so much power?” This was Luna’s voice, asking her sister for the answer.

“I don’t know, but she’s behaving in a respectable manner, so I say we let her live.”

***

“Sin,” Silver Blade asked, “how’s my favorite changeling? What... you’re running away? Why?! Don’t even try it! They’ll just chase after you, and return you to the palace. Just stay, and everything will resolve itself soon, I promise.”

***

“Some say she’s a spy, trying to take over Canterlot. When the time comes, I’ll be there to say I predicted it!” That was an old woman from the streets Sin heard from around the corner when she was just a filly. All these memories conflicted with each other. Some told her she was nothing more than a threat, while others begged her to stay, or return to the safety of her home.

Regardless, this wasn’t going to happen. For as long as she could, she’d run, hide, escape, and even fight to keep herself secluded from anypony. If she didn’t... Well, things could get ugly if the world kept trying to accept her, and feed the changeling its love. If it came down to things, she would force others to despise her, something she dreaded on resorting to.

While Sin slept in the grassy edge of the Everfree Forest, the princess of the sun awoke to a startling development. Her usual morning would be one in which Sin’s thoughts could just barely be heard in the back of her mind. Instead, calm silence. Nothing but the birds chirping outside the window and the streams of soft liquids pouring from Celestia’s rainbow fountain that sat next to her bed. She frantically jumped to her hooves and ran with haste towards Sin’s chambers. Upon entering the door, all she saw was the messy bed, and a note sitting on the changeling’s dresser. Celestia opened it and read the stunning news.

Dear mother,

It’s with the heaviest heart in all of Canterlot, maybe even Equestria, that I must inform you that I’m running away from home. You must understand that this is my choice to make and in order to ensure the safekeeping of others like yourself… and like Silver Blade, I must disappear. I know you’ll ignore this plea, but don’t search for me. You’ll never find me, and even if you did, I’d still find some way of escaping.

Don't you see? Too many feed me their precious energy, and I’m sick of it! It’s not the taste; it’s the state that I leave them in once my feast has ended. All of them, even you, are weakened and thoroughly unfit for daily tasks, even the simple ones. To return me to Canterlot would be a crime, and you know it! With all due respect, I love you, Luna, and all the other ponies, and it’s because I love you that I must leave now. Good bye… Forever.

Sincerely, your daughter, Princess Sin.

The note fell to the floor while her highness took off for the throne room. Upon entering, she informed Luna about the situation and ordered guards to seek Equestria for her daughter. “Don’t you think this is a bad idea?” Luna asked timidly.

“She’s my daughter. I’ll figure a way out for her to stop absorbing love from us, even if it damages me in the process. There must be a way… there has got to be a solution!”

That morning, at least thirty to fifty royal Canterlot scouting guards were sent in search of Princess Sin. Once found, they were ordered to return her to the palace immediately. Considering her low levels of magic, they were informed not to be feared by her, something nopony seemed ready to accept just yet. All the energy Sin absorbed was supposed to be converted to magical power, but never was. Her enchanting abilities were medium at best, but the amount of love that was collected over the years should’ve been enough to generate more power than the alicorn princesses themselves.

Ponyville, Manehatten, Las Pegasus, and the Neightherlands had pairs of guards patrolling the inside and outside perimeter of each major city. Small villages and rural towns had only a few, while the ones that covered more ground required the extra enforcements. Posters were hung up on every block with the changeling’s image. Her name was the talk of every borough and tightly knit community, but for what it was worth, it would never be enough.

Sin awoke to the sounds of approaching scouters. She heard one yell, “I’ve found her! She’s over here!”

Turning to see them galloping her way, she leaped into the forest, and vanished into the void-like darkness with twenty or more pursuers after her, determined to return her highness to the safety of their sanctuary.

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Part Eight: Evolvers

A Changeling Named Sin

Evolvers

Chrysalis, the once mighty queen of the changelings sat, crippled and rotting. Her head slowly swung back and forth looking for the mare she wished to find. All she could see, though, was blurred visions. Her blind state made Sin almost shaken. It was like staring into a statue, black and deteriorating due to rain and other natural occurrences.

“Cocoon, let me know it’s you… Please,” Chrysalis pleaded.

Sin gulped and chanted, “I am not this… Cocoon you speak of.”

The changeling queen smiled, and asked, “But it is you… My golden maned daughter… Right?”

If that wasn’t proof of her being this Cocoon, nothing was. She gulped, and explained, “I may be your daughter, but I am NOT Cocoon. My name is Sin… Princess Sin.”

A frown formed upon Chrysalis’s lips. Her mumbles grew smaller as she asked herself questions that Sin couldn’t hear. She looked up and blinked before asking, “How could you be a princess?”

Sin approached, feeling no threat now, she was sure the changeling was perfectly harmless. "How could she possibly be any danger now?" she asked herself as she sat. “When I was young, I was found hiding in the palace of Canterlot. Mother… you know her as Princess Celestia… she adopted me. She was going to execute me, but realizing I could not only be a vital source of information, but a good daughter as well, she spared me… took me under her wing, and treated me like family.”

Chrysalis gazed menacingly, almost like this was a sick, cruel joke to her. “You mean she adopted an Evolver?”

The word confused Sin beyond imaginable scales. “What’s this… Evolver you’re talking about?”

“Who did you kill, my spawn? It was a stallion, wasn’t it?!”

Sin’s mind raced with fear. She asked herself, "How did she know about that, and what’s an Evolver? Is it… “Tell me what you're talking about. Tell me everything.”

The demands were followed by an awkward pause. Sin sat there, confused and hoping for answers. Suddenly, from the bushes, Silver approached. The translucent, handsome being left the shrubs and stood there staring into the eyes of the one he once loved. Chrysalis noticed her daughter gazing past her and turned to see nopony there. She turned back and started her explanation while Sin just kept staring at the ghost of a guard.

“You see… there were more than one reason for us invading Canterlot. It was the strongest emotional area in all of Equestria. We didn’t just need love… We required all sorts of feelings, from hatred to curiosity. Love was vital, though. The reason for this was you, Cocoon. You are an evolved type of changeling. You’re gifted with abnormally unique traits. There are others like you who have varying abnormalities. Some absorb other emotions, but those are easily obtainable. It’s simple to make one curious or even loath you, but to get a pony to love you is a difficult thing…”

Sin looked into the eyes of her blood mother, now thoroughly lost in questions, but the queen simple continued. “You absorb love like no other… You’re like a conduit… You channel love nonstop, always absorbing the emotion. You can’t stop. There is no limit. Not only that, but where does it all go? It is collected and stored within your heart. In dire emergencies, when you need a sudden burst of energy, you summon great amounts of love, and use it to your whim. I think that if you learned to truly control your power, you’d be unstoppable."

Sin shook her head. "Impossible."

The queen laughed. "Magic comes in all sorts of shapes and sizes, but the best type of magic is love… Now, I brought you to Canterlot and hid you in the cell for safe keeping. You were dying, Cocoon… If you didn’t feed soon, you would have withered away into dust. This was something I simply couldn’t allow. I didn’t predict that me and my children would be thrown to the farthest reaches of Equestria, though… I looked for you, Regrouped with some of my children… only to have them... all... die.”

This made Sin’s mind stop functioning correctly. She looked into the almost unemotional eyes of Chrysalis and asked, “What d-did you say?!”

Chrysalis stood with trouble and began limping towards Silver Blade. She walked right through the stallion as though he was nothing more than a cloud of fog. As she did, she instructed her spawn to follow her. Sin obeyed the order and trotted through the trees. While they walked, Chrysalis kept explaining.

“You see, there was one who… well, let’s just say, he had an unquenchable thirst. Once he couldn’t ascertain love, hate; any and all emotions, he decided at a very young age to steal it from his fellow kin. It was five years ago, and he was the most powerful of all other evolved changelings. We would feed off the land, but his lust for energy became unsatisfactory. So, what did he do?”

Chrysalis pulled the curtains of leaves out of the path they ventured through to reveal long, skinny, triangle tomb stoned, all the same height as Sin. Each held a name, and old mounds of dirt that covered dead bodies of the once proud changeling race.

“He decided to take what he thought was rightfully his.”

Sin’s mind churned thanks to the area. At least one hundred tombs of her blood relatives surrounded the clearing. She tried her best not to faint from this. Chrysalis merely walked along the rows as if this didn’t bother her one bit. She reached the only one that stood away from the others, all the way at the end.

She turned to the following daughter and muttered, “This was what I’ve had to deal with… My children died only a few years after the invasion, but the Evolvers, just like the one that killed all these souls are still alive… Some might be pure hearted due to them only needing something like sunlight to survive, and others will definitely be more aggressive. Be on your guard Cocoon… My time has come. The age of the lower life changelings… is over. Evolvers walk everywhere now, in different parts of Equestria, and outside its boundaries… I don’t really care what you choose to do about it, but I have a feeling you ran from home because of the death of somepony.”

Sin gulped and said, “H-his name was… Silver Blade… He was my friend, and he gave his love to me with little regret. Shortly after that, he died.”

The queen nodded, and explained, “He lives within you… Now and forever, he will visit you in your dreams, in real life; Don’t be confused with him for being alive, though. He is past dead. He is long gone, but his soul resides within your heart. This is yet another power you contain. With all the love you’ve absorbed, you could live for over five thousand years, so long as you continue to consume actual food as well… Just remember that your friend will help you when you’re lonely, but you can never run from your problems, Cocoon. They will chase you through thick and thin. No matter where you go.”

The final warning was harsh, cold and unpredictable. Once it sank into her thoughts, Sin saw her mother slowly turn to grey ash. Her hooves grew bigger holes, and once Sin realized her mother was finally dying, she accepted the fact that she did love her, but couldn’t do anything to resolve this incident. The dust blew from the wind and onto her mane. Slowly, the mare withered into dirt.

All that remained at this point was the tomb stones. The death of Sin’s blood mother was unreal. She never knew things about herself, or her family, but now, things changed. Sin couldn’t think here; how could she? Being surrounded by the dead was making her claustrophobic, so much, in fact that she had to run. She needed to get out of the forest as quickly as possible.

Her galloping echoes chimed through the trees and branches while her haste increased. Wind whipped her face with stinging force. She ripped her way through the forest leaves and reached something that just might be able to calm her nerves.

Sand seeped through her holed hooves while they sank. The sound of waves mesmerized her into a peaceful state. Her huffs began to stop while her breath returned to an easier pace. A beach, sublime and paradise were her surroundings. Rocks held their position in a straight line above the water while the sea crashed against the shore. Everything that was running through this changeling’s mind would be able to be thoroughly processed with these landscape features.

Sitting on the edge of the rocks and looking out towards the ocean, her mind calculated the revelations smoothly and slowly. Her ghost of a friend, Silver blade, came from behind and sat next to her. She stared at him, seeing the mountains up ahead through his mane.

“So… You’re dead… But, you live within me.” He just sat, staring and taunting her with his gaze. “Can you… Speak?” He shook his head, making her sorrow grow. “Well, at least I can talk to you… That’s something, right? Look, I’m sorry for allowing you to love me…” Silver, once again shook his head, signaling he didn’t mind, nor did he care, but she continued anyway. “Silver, you died because of me… How I am supposed to explain the fact that I’m sorry if you won’t let me apologize?! Not only that, but I have to deal with your soul haunting my every location… How am I supposed to cope with this?”

His head reached over and pecked her on the forehead. Though she couldn’t feel it, she knew this to be real. Her mouth quivered as a tear ran down her cheek, and for all she had to put up with, this soul following her might not be too much of a bad thing. The only dilemma she faced was that if she ever killed somepony by sucking them dry of their love, she’d have another soul following, or even chasing her. She promised, though, then and there that she’d never let this happen again.

Author's Note

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Part Nine: First Encounter

A Changeling Named Sin

First Encounter

Waves crashed against the shore of the beach while a grey overcast took control of the skies up ahead. Sin, the evolved changeling princess trotted with her ghost of a friend next to her, wanting answers.

"Who are these… Evolvers?" she thought, kicking some sand up with every unmotivated step. "I mean, what might they really be like? Will I have to defend myself, or…" Her mind relapsed to her mother, Princess Celestia. It’d been almost a week now since they last saw each other. “Princess Celestia’s probably worried sick… What do you think, Silver?”

The transparent steed made no signs of agreement or dispute. He just kept walking along. Every step he made in the sands didn’t move the soil at all. He was almost floating an inch above. With them continuing, Sin hoped her mother wasn’t too upset. She didn’t think of Chrysalis as her mother. This was because Sin never really approved of her ways. There might have been a better alternative to feed her children.

The golden maned mare cared not about how her blood mother decided on the choices she made mostly for her own, Evolved daughter. For what it was worth, she actually wished to have never been born. “If I hadn’t come into existence, Silver…” she turned her gaze from the ground to her friend’s eyes. “I would have never taken your life… Not only that, but I’ve caused so much pain for everyone who I’ve come into contact with… Mother, the guardians…”

She allowed a single tear to escape. Despite her reluctant attempts, crying seemed like the only thing in the world that somewhat soothed herself, if only a little. She never cried for herself, though. She always cried for those who she hurt, and killed. “I shouldn’t even be living!” she shouted out, her anger rising along with her sobs. “I’ve done enough damage to others as it is! I should-”

Her chanting was cut off by something in the corner of her eye, something that looked like a rock with seaweed coating the top of it in the far off, murky waters. She turned her head, stared for a moment, and even saw it move. Giving a slight gasp, she wiped the tears away and waited, staring blankly at the now approaching boulder. As it lifted from the fog that rose off the cool waters, Sin began to see two kind looking, sky blue eyes. The mane was a more deep azure color that faded a solid into a liquid.

The holed hooves had water seeping upwards, only to delve into her pitch black coat, and the dreary smile she had was almost heartwarming. This being finally reached the land, but remained in the hoof leveled shore, staring deeply into the eyes of Sin.

“… My name is Aqua.”

Sin blinked, and found herself unable to speak. Aqua, her Evolver sister spread her tattered wings and splashed mist freely into the air. After they returned to her back to rest gently, Sin gulped, and asked, “F-friend… or foe?”

Aqua seemed to giggle, but let no sound escape from her mouth. Looking at her kin, she explained, “I am a friend, and I’m the liquid Evolver… You uh... know what an Evolver is… right?”

Sin nodded her head and explained she’d learned all about them from Queen Chrysalis, and wished to be on edge about them. “I’ve been to understand… there’s evil ones out there as well… Is this true, Aqua?” Her voice sounded more interrogatively suspicious than usual.

“You may relax, my friend… I’m not a threat. I feed of the water and liquids, not emotion. I’m no threat. But… yeah, there are others that can be much more aggressive.”

Sin lowered her head, but kept a close watch on the Evolver. Looking up, she said, “My name’s Sin… I wish to say it’s nice to meet you… but I can’t trust you at the moment.”

The mare looked to the right and began walking as if she’d not heard Sin say anything. “Walk with me, my sister.”

Sin decided to do so, but made sure to keep her wits about in case she turned. “What’s on your mind?”

The liquid changeling sighed and began, “We’ve all been through losses… You’ll have to forgive me, but I was eavesdropping on you earlier. Everyone in this world loses something precious. A loved one, a family member, a brother…”

Sin’s curiosity piqued at the last word that left Aqua’s mouth. "Go on," she said.

“Acid, my brother… our brother was the one who killed the normal changelings. He and I fought, and even though I tried with all my might, he still won. I miss him, and he wasn’t always evil like he probably is now… I don’t know where he might be hiding, but wherever he is, I know tyranny is left in the path he walks.”

Sin felt odd, as if she’d been left out of some secret for years, and was only just now getting the opportunity to learn about it. “What should I do?” she asked, concerned for the sister she was starting to feel sympathy for.

“Nothing. He’s a power-hungry menace that will destroy you if he gets the chance. The only reason I’ve survived is because… Well, I ran… like a coward… I had no choice though! He was literally going to obliterate me.” Aqua turned her head while stopping to look at Sin with a very animated expression. “He’s the threat that cannot be defeated. You must promise me, Sin, that you will not attempt to challenge his wrath.”

Sin bit her bottom lip and contemplated before uttering, “I’ve been given the power of being a conduit… Chances are, I have this power because it is my destiny to end the chaos our brother has wrought. If that’s the case, I’m most likely ten times more powerful than you. All I need to do…"

"Is harness the ability of controlling your energy and learning how to use it to your ultimate advantage?"

Sin nodded. "I’ve been wanting to find a way into redemption for… Well, you don’t know, but I’ve caused much suffering to ponies whose love I’ve taken… Now is the time to use this power for good. I’m sorry Aqua, but I must decline that request.”

The water Evolver shook her head in dissatisfaction. “You’re making a mistake. You’ve only absorbed so much… Our brother, Acid, has literally stolen almost an entire race’s power of love, hope, fear, all those emotions! You’ll need more than what you’ve gathered thus far to defeat him, believe me.” As she turned and headed off towards the sanctuary of the sea, Aqua left with one last note. “Even though, Sin… You’ve got a good idea about what you think is right, you’re making a mistake. Please, be careful, and know I’ll always love you, just as I love all my brothers and sisters… even Acid.”

Sinking into the far off greenness of haze, Aqua’s kind, gentle voice sounded stern and highly worried, as she should be. Sin decided to continue on her route and hopefully avoid any threatening beings on her travels.

Meanwhile, in Canterlot, Celestia gazed at the land of Equestria, thoroughly stressed from the reports of her soldiers. She had spent most of her mornings and afternoons worrying dreadfully about her daughter. All she really wanted now was to see her again, and to know she was alright. Finally fed up with the whole ordeal, she set out for the Everfree Forest to hopefully find Sin and forcefully return her to the home where Celestia believed she belonged. That's the last reported sighting, after all.

Deep in the silhouette shadows of darkness, Celestia flew high above the forest, seeking the being she knew was nearby. The edge had been unexplored, and nopony had dared to go that deep into the horrific backend of the woods. As the blue, shimmering waters entered her sight, Celestia was a bit surprised to find a beach, and made a mental note to map it out in case she’d wish to explore it a bit more once her daughter was back within the palace, safe and sound.

Soon, Celestia spotted the overly noticeable glow of Sin’s golden mane fluttering in the wind and landed behind her. Sin made no such movement, but instead, simply closed her eyes; a tear could be felt sliding down her cheek once again. The alicorn came closer, a serious face observed her daughter, wishing for her to say something, anything. No words left, though.

The moonlight illuminated their manes, and each one was almost challenging each other on how brightly radiant the other could become. The swiveled reflection cascading upon the waters showed Sin slowly turning to face her mother with truly depressed eyes.

“Sin…” Celestia began, but the changeling denied her the relief of saying much more.

“I’m not returning to Canterlot.”

Silence was heard along with the rustling winds after that. Celestia’s eyes scorned her daughter’s statement. “You will be back in the safety of my palace by the end of the night! If I have to use my magic to-”

Without hesitation, Sin’s own horn dimly lit up; ready to battle the one she loved so much. Celestia’s jaw dropped slightly at the sight. The light shielded Sin’s crying eyes, giving her an extremely agitated appearance. The princess closed looked away, became annoyed by her child’s ludicrous choice, but returned with her own horn flaring.

“You wish to be left in the wild, abandoned here to die?!” Sin didn’t move while Celestia’s wings extended, her spell weaving slowly. “I will not allow my child to be left here to fend for herself like some... wild animal!”

Sin finally objected, “I have to stay away from those that love me, mother! I mustn't allow another pony to love me, otherwise… Just look at what happened with Silver! He died by my hooves! I will never make that mistake again.”

Celestia, finally pushed over the edge shot a blast of radiant power at her own daughter, hoping to knock her out, but instead of making a direct hit, Sin released the dormant energy she’d conjured from all the years of feeding, and knocked it away with a simple swing of her hoof. Shortly after that, the same spell she’d used on the guards to put them into a deep slumber was casted upon Celestia. As the orbital sphere engulfed her highness's body, the alicorn’s knees gave out, and she fell into the same type of sleep those protectors were sent into.

Sin’s luminous body returned to normal, and for a moment, she could still feel the might of her love seeping from her eyes, mane and coat. Releasing a huff, she looked at her mother, tears still falling freely. She’d been so worried about her life, and now, she understood her destiny.

It was simple to understand: Find Acid, along with any other corrupted Evolver and end their reign of terror by whatever means necessary. Celestia would be fine, but as for Sin, traumatized memories would forever reside in her soul, her journey, and her every decision in life.

Author's Note

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Author's Notes:

As some of you might notice, this story is now marked complete. The sequel, however, is out now. The direction of events has shifted, and must now take on a new identity of its own. This choice was made because it's taking a new outlook in the flow of things, so I've decided to turn future chapters into a sequel. You can find the link to it below this note.

The sequel: A Changeling Named Sin: Acid's Rage

Part Seven: Running from the Living and Chasing the Dead

A Changeling Named Sin

Running from the Living and Chasing the Dead

Through thick branches and twigs, Sin ran with sweat and justly escaping tears slipping down her face. The guards chased her like hounds from hell, trying their best to catch the pony and return her to the place she mustn’t ever lay eyes upon again. Mud splashed as she quickened her pace to the best of her abilities. Things became foggy with smoke rising from the rough terrain her hoof kicked up with every trot.

Her vision blurred as trees became seemingly repetitive, vertical lines that passed by her sight, making the changeling become confused towards where she was going, and how she became lost in the forest to begin with. What started out as a seemingly well-lit trail she followed somehow became a circled death trap, and all she could do was continue galloping for not only her life, but her pursuer's as well.

Just when she thought safety had been reached, seeing a clearing that might give her some flying room, she slid to a halt, and stared at the immensely large boulder that blocked the remainder of her path. The treetops shaded the surrounding area, making small holes in the soil. Her teeth gritted, “No! Not now…”

Turning to see all the scouters approach from the small patches of moss, spears at the ready, and expressing somewhat relieved but still annoyed gestures, she gulped in terror of the possible outcomes. No room and no time to prepare for fly meant she was completely cornered. There was no escaping this, it seemed. Her only thought was the death of her friend. The way he blatantly committed suicide forced her to think all these ponies were going to eventually do the same thing he did.

The leader, a helmeted pony with jade eyes approached, and asked, “Are you alright, your highness?” No answer, just her backing up into the rock that shielded her way. “Please, we need you to return to the palace. Princess Celestia is worried about you… Why did you run? Where were you planning on going?”

The mare looked around and began to see it; the aura of energy she required to live, but hated to consume. Slowly, purple haze of shimmering, smoky energy left the stallion's bodies. Some were blue, which meant not all loved her, but still enjoyed her existence. Either the heat was getting to her, or the spirit of her friend, Silver Blade, was calling out to her. Behind the parade of royal Canterlot soldiers was a translucent being, young and well.

Silver looked at her, inflicting pain in her chest. Her woozy head felt light, almost as if she couldn’t focus on the actual world, but instead, just her mind. Inside, images raced, the thought of killing all those ponies, forcing them into committing suicide, all of them, giving their energy to her without her approval, destruction, madness, eternal pain; it all relapsed inside her head, and just when things became too much to handle, everything went yellow.

Her eyes opened, something that scared everypony as she did. Beaming radiance of unimaginably golden luminosity bursted from her eyes, and soon, the shimmering phenomenon was seen pouring from her hooves. Light, the kind that could blind a poor soul shined from the changeling’s vision, holes and mane. Some guards tried to shield their eyes while bafflement overcame each of them.

Soon, the mare’s wings hummed and lifted her entire being up from the ground. Her mane looked like it was underneath water while levitating strands hovered like seaweed, and in one moment, her horn flashed once, but it was enough to send a dense orb expanding outward towards the crowd. The moment it touched each guard, they fell.

Thuds of impacts sounded like a drum roll, and once all were lying in the grass, all motionless, Sin lowered herself. She landed with grace, opened her eyes, and stared at the sight of thirty or forty of her friends, all seemingly asleep. Her hoof rose to the mouth of the leader, waited, and felt his breath upon her fur. Relieved by this, she looked around, pondering what had happened.

Never had energy like this emerged from her heart. The feeling of power and aptitude was unreal. The overflow brought chills through her spine, and after she looked around, her saw Silver again, still staring at her from behind the shrubs of trees. She chased him, following the ghost as if she wasn’t going to survive without it. She felt stronger, more agile than before, but why? She was exhausted not ten minutes prior to now. Where did that burst of power come from, and why did she get an immense energy boost from it?

She asked herself questions like the answers were to rise up from Silver's grave. Soon, he was too far despite her amazing speed. Coming to a small, hasted trot, her vision observed the woods. The wildlife was nothing more than the same lines of bark that surrounded her. Things fell into the void of speculation once again. The power she felt was undeniably amazing, and random... Or, maybe not.

Her mind thought about how it came to pass, and the feelings she felt just before the incident occurred. Fear for her friends, a longing to somehow protect them from her, and how much she just wished for them all too… fall asleep. It was as if her mind crafted what she wanted, and given the situation she was in, power, dormant and secret released itself when she needed it most.

“Absurd!” she told herself. Madness is sometimes a good thing, for it keeps many on edge during harsh times. The first stages are talking to yourself, but if your intentions are good, why worry much about your conscious status? “I’m not magically skilled the way my mother is, nor her sister… How did this strength come to be? It doesn’t make sense… I’m a changeling, that means I live on love… but I haven’t feasted for a while. How can I possibly still feel energetic? This isn’t adding up… I need answers.”

The walk through the shades of leaves above head became an unruly stress for her, all because answers weren’t presented. Revelations would clear her mind of the headache for sure, but what other questions would arise once she received her answers? She knew things were never that easy. With every antiphon came a new mental interrogation. The process is repetitive, and never stops, no matter how much one wants it to.

Lines of light, visible thanks to the dusty dirt that lofted from the forest ground fell through the open spacing in the trees, and Sin, on the edge of losing her focus, heard humming noises coming from behind the bushes. Two sad and hurt voices in rhythmic unison chanted a song that was almost heart shattering. The changeling peered her head around to see an ash colored being with her back facing the mare. Her straggly mane resembled bog moss, and the holes in her hooves immediately brought about a deep phobia of who this must be within Sin's mind.

This mare’s head slowly rose, and turned to reveal an old, wrinkled changeling queen, ready for fate to take her soul to the next plane of existence. Her eyes, white and blind looked around for her daughter, wondering if she imagined the trotting of hooves. Slowly, with a broken, scratched voice, she muttered, “Cocoon… Is that you?”

Chrysalis had said Sin’s real, birth name, making things even harder for the golden maned mare. Her real mother, the one who truly brought her into the world was sitting, decrepit and just barely alive right in front of her. Would she be able to answer some of these enigmas that swirl through the princess’s head, or make matters worse for her, or even hazardous, do both at the same time?

Author's Note

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