What If

Chapters

what if... zack saved kuno
what if... zack became the villan
What if…Fluttershy became a mom
What If... Zipp Became an Unexpected Guardian
What If... A Flicker of Connection

what if... zack saved kuno

Blood slowly trickled from the changeling’s nose, dribbling onto the ground. Her ears were ringing, her head was pounding, and her blue eyes were foggy and unfocused. She had been close to the epicentre of the love blast, and as such had worn the worst of it.

The name she had chosen for herself was ‘Kuno’, a word from across the sea. But Kuno was in trouble. She was laying in a field, on her side, nose bleeding, ears ringing with a strange, dull cadence, and every single bone hurting. Her eyes hurt, her head hurt, her shoulders hurt, her wings felt mangled, and her energy reserves were dangerously low. She could feel the blood trickling from her nose and there was a dried trail of it leading from either ear.

Her limbs were heavy and unwieldy, and too many parts of her body were damaged for her to change. It was almost impossible for a changeling to transform an injured portion of their body, be it heavy bruising, a broken bone, deep abrasions, or even some kinds of rashes. With her battered, beaten body, Kuno was certain she wouldn’t be able to transform for several days.

And there she was, lying in a field, in the open. She couldn’t even ascertain how long she had been laying there. It was afternoon, from the quality of the sunlight, but which afternoon? How long had she been laying in the grass?

She was hungry, in that unique way of the changelings. She needed to feed upon the love of a pony, but how she would manage that now, in her current state, she did not know. Even her hunger was no indication of how much time had passed. A hunger like this she had only known once in her relatively short lifetime, in her time aboard a merchant vessel headed for Equestrian shores.

There had been no ponies that were in love for her to feed upon, and none of them were interested in the advances of ‘Starstreak’, the persona she had taken on for the journey. Hunger had gnawed at her stomach for the entire journey, and when she had reached Equestria, her first act had been to find the nearest hospital and take the place of a terminally ill cancer patient. It was amazing how much love ponies had for others of their kind at death's door.

With her energy drained from the love blast, she had no way to know if she’d lain in the field for a few hours or a few days. Even her wounds weren’t healing, and that was a bad sign. A changeling’s healing ability was almost directly linked to the amount of love they were receiving. At full strength, a wound that would put a normal pony in a hospital bed for a month would merely inconvenience a changeling for a day or so.

Kuno groaned faintly as she tried to move. Her shoulders ached and her wings burned as she tried to shift them. Vague recollections of tumbling through the air came to her, and the hard impact of the ground rushed up to meet her. Her bones had that strange ‘newly healed’ sensation to them that clean, fresh feel like mint in one's mouth, except inside her bones. Perhaps that was where most of her energy had gone.

Suddenly she felt herself getting picked up and put on a relatively small but firm object. Kuno opened her eyes to see who it was, it took her a while to open them but once she could look at whoever was carrying her a smile appeared on her face as she caught sight of a Dark. figure with red eyes and wings. He also had holes in his legs and horns on his head. Kuno tried to focus her eye before she felt her eyes closed as she couldn’t fight it and she passed out in a flash. A few minutes later Kuno woke up finding herself in a cave. She looked around for a few minutes before she saw Zack or at least what she thought was the name he chose for himself sitting in front of a blazing fire, after a few seconds Zack looked over at me and said something. Hello there kuno. It's good to see that you're awake.

Kuno replied to him “I can’t hear you” Zack look at me before he started to walk towards me putting a hoof on her chest before closing his eyes, suddenly he wings start to glow a crimson red, as well as his hoofs, and slowly sound started to flood my head as it was all I could hear, again after that Zack took his hoof off of my chest before walking back to the fire. I then started to see and feel better and in a few seconds, I was all better and able to stand on my hoofs again. I saw Zack near the fire and walked over to him. “Where in Equestria are we?”, Kuno said. “Where in a cave a few miles away from Canterlot, where Nopony will find us here”, Zack said letting out a small sigh

“Why did you bring me here, why not just bring me back to the hive, to your queen”, Kuno said. “There is just one reason for that, she isn’t my queen. You are Kuno. Since I was born, you were the first one I saw. I truly cared about you. I didn’t really care for the queen all that much as she was kind of a jerk. The only reason why I followed that “queen” was because you were following her and well, I followed her for you because you were doing the same. I didn’t want to but if it meant being with you, that was a risk I was willing to take and all.

“I… I am your queen,” Kuno asked hesitantly. “Yes, you are my queen. What you do, I also do the same. It’s what I was made to do. That’s how red moon changelings work: we grow an attachment to the first creature we see, even if you tell me, you are not my queen I will still follow you”, Zack said. Kuno was shocked by what she just heard. She was not expecting this kind of news from Zack. She didn’t know if she was ready or wanted to be a leader, let alone a queen. She had to make sure this was true and not just a joke.

“Well, that explains why the queen was hovering over your egg and ordered me to leave, but why,” Kuno asked, getting a bit curious. “It’s how red moon changelings function, Kuno. When we see somepony for the first time, they become our queen. Even if they don’t like it and don't want to be our queen, the bond is already written in stone, it can't be changed no matter what”, Zack said.

Kuno started to rub her head as she said “So you’ll do whatever I say and whenever I say, is that right”, Kuno said. “Yes, Kuno. I will do what you say. You could call me a right hoof changeling, a licker doormat and a right little irritant but the only thing, I won’t do is anything that would cause you harm”, Zack said. “Then prove it, change into a bear right now”, Kuno said. Zack then changed his form into a bear. “Now change back”, Kuno said with a smile. Zack then changed back into his normal form.

“This is going to be fun,” Kuno said to herself before giving Zack another order. “How about changing into me”, Kuno said. Zack then changed into Kuno. “Now changed back”, Kuno said. Zack then changed back to his original self. “How about turning into a rock”, Kuno said. Zack then changed into one of the rocks in the cave. “Now change back, it’s hard to see you when you look like that”, Kuno said as Zack changed back.

Now run around this cave at fast speeds”, Kuno said. Zack then ran around the cave extremely fast causing the inside of the cave to get very windy, very fast. “Now run backwards”, Kuno said. Zack stopped before running backwards with just as much speed as he was fast.

“How about flying around the cave?”, Kuno said. Zack then took to the roof of the cave with just as much speed. “Now this is what you call flying”, Zack said. He was feeling so happy to be with Kuno again Kuno. He felt alive while serving her. It is what he was made to do after all. He knew that he wanted to be with Kuno alone with no pony else. The only question was how he could show her how much she means to him. “Now kiss me”, Kuno said on complete Accident. Zack then hearing this, flew down right next to Kuno and kissed her on the lips then and there without any thought at all at the moment. Kuno had no idea how to respond to this kiss, she did kinda like it but was so not comfortable with it at all. Zack was rather enjoying this moment as he got what he really wanted all this time. He loved how her lips felt and enjoyed the moment.

Kuno was startled as she tried to get away from Zack’s lips but Zack kept trying to kiss her over and over again. She covered up her mouth and double-tapped Zack and he stopped. “What in Equestria was that for?”, Kuno said. “You asked me too, and I was in the heat of the moment you know”, Zack said looking tilting his head to the side in confusion. Kuno was feeling surprised by this. She didn’t know what to say to Zack kissing her as she didn’t expect him to actually do it. Even though she was using his ability to do what she says. Just then, Kuno’s stomach started to growl a little bit.

“Hey Zack, could you go out and get some food for us”, Kuno said. “As you wish”, Zack said as he left the cave, a few minutes later he came back into the cave with a few barriers “That’s it,” Kuno said looking at the small pile of berries. “There’s a search party out in the woods, there was no way I could get more food without them spotting me and I couldn’t risk that happening”, Zack said. “It should do”, Kuno said, picking up a Barrie and eating it “But it’s not all that compared to love”, Kuno said rolling her eyes. “Well, I can create love if that would work for you”, Zack said. Kuno turned around to look at Zack “What do you mean you can create love?”, Kuno said. “Let me show you Kuno”, Zack said as he then started to cast a love spell on Kuno. “No more than three, only two, make this girl love me, only me”, Zack said as he put the love spell on Kuno.

Kuno starts to feel a bit light-headed before looking up at Zack and falling madly in love with Zack in an instant. Zack then kissed Kuno on the lips. Kuno then kissed Zack as they both fell on the cave floor and they started to make out, kissing each other repeatedly. Zack was loving this moment and felt way more than he should. He loved the fact that Kuno was kissing him because well… he loved her as well. He loved the way she talked, laughed, smiled and he enjoyed every moment of it.

Even If it was a bad moment, he still enjoyed it because he was with her. There was no way he could make it without her, doing it without her and being without her. After a short amount of time, Kuno was able to break free from the spell and pushed herself away from Zack before yelling “What the hell was that all about Zack”, Kuno shouted. “You asked me what I meant by creating my own love”, Zack said. “That was so fucking idiotic of you to do that. I can’t believe you put me under a spell just so you can make out with me for your own selfish purposes and reasons”, Kuno said before turning away and sitting next to the fire, away from Zack. “I can’t believe you made me want to make out with you just for your own selfish reasons and purposes like that”. “I would have made it so you couldn't break out. You would have always been under the spell, I made the spell so you could break out, I am more powerful than you think”, Zack said.

“Then why did you cast that spell on me in the first place?”, Kuno said. “It was to show you how I create love. I knew that you would never agree to me kissing you ever again, so I had to improvise”, Zack said. “So you improvise by casting a spell on me? That was the best you could possibly do”, Kuno said. “I panicked a little. I had no idea what to do to show you so I resorted to the most extreme of things”, Zack said, kinking the grown, “Well it felt like a lot of panicking”, Kuno said. “Well, you don’t feel hungry now do you”, Zack said. Kuno then felt as if she was full like she ate a ton of food at a restaurant. “Hun, I don’t. It must have worked”, Kuno said in a happier voice.

“That’s what I was trying to do all along”, Zack said looking at Kuno with nothing but calmness “When I collect love my body synthesizes it into power but it does not use all of it and what I can’t use can be used by other changelings”, Zack said.” That’s interesting. I didn’t know that red moon changelings work like that”, Kuno said. “It is quite simple to explain”, Zack said. And I am sorry for putting you under a spell for that demonstration”, Zack said. “It’s ok I guess. You could have warned me before though you know”, Kuno said. Zack smiled at Kuno saying “I will keep that in mind for next time” before sitting down next to the campfire. Kuno smiled at Zack before sitting right next to him almost shoulder to shoulder. Kuno was still a bit annoyed at Zack for what he had done but she didn’t really care about it anymore. She was starting to get more comfortable with being around Zack. She thought she was gonna hate him for a long time but she got used to him. Zack on the other hoof was happy that Kuno was getting more use to him.

He just enjoyed being around her thay already been with each other a long time ago he is just happy that he gets to spend time with her. She knew that he wanted to be with her for a while. He just needed to know that she felt the same way.

“I just have one more question” Zack turned his head and attention to look at Kuno saying “What is it”

“Why…” Kuno looked down at the grown man, “Why did you save me instead of following the queen”, Kuno said. “Because you're my one and only queen Kuno. Zack said, still looking at the fire, Kuno looked up at Zack “Is that the only reason”, Zack let out a soft sigh and said “No, there was another reason why”, Zack said. “What is it?”, Kuno said. “Do you remember back when I was young, after I was hatched you were put in charge of taking care of me, feeding me and playing with I know that you, not my mother, but you are the only one who ever truly cared about my well being, you were… no you are the only person that cares, and well you were the one I looked up to and I hated every moment I was with that chrysalis… truth is I’ve fallen for you”, Kuno looked back with wide surprised eyes as her pupils shrank looking me surprised.

“I remember caring for you when you were young and I have to admit I loved you like you were my own son. It felt strange at first especially when it came to breastfeeding but I started to get used to it. I started to enjoy taking care of you but after the queen didn’t need me to take care of you anymore, I think that those feelings just sort of disappeared. It was so real to me.… No, the truth is I still care for you and I still see you as my only son but maybe one day that will change” Zack smiled as he gave Kuno a kiss on the nose.

Kuno and Zack spent the rest of the morning reminiscing about their past, when the moon began to rise, Kuno laid down on the ground and fell asleep Zack smiled before finding himself an empty part of the cave for him to sleep, Zack felt like things were starting to fall into place for once. He still had some work to do, but he knew that things were narrowing down. Down into his place.

A few hours passed when Zack opened his eyes as he couldn't fall asleep. It was very dark in the cave as the night had fallen outside. Zack used some of his powers to see much clearer only to see Kuno shivered because the fire went out hours ago. Zack then stroud up to Kuno before curling his body around Kuno using his power to keep her warm. And as they both lay there for what seemed like a few minutes, maybe hours, it was very hard to tell. A few seconds later Kuno started to cuddle closer and closer to Zack. Zack's smile stretched across his face before going back to sleep. In each other's embrace, they both fell to sleep.

Author's Note

this is a what-if story based on the book An Affliction of the Heart, if you have not read it I highly suggest you do this story would not be possible without Anonymous Pegasus permission to use his character Kuno thank you to chunky boy for also helping me write this chapter

what if... zack became the villan

As Flurry looked back up at me with cold eyes, the smile on my smile quickly faded as she took a deep sigh before putting the piece of paper back down onto the nightstand, as she looked back at me “Well I sternly was not expecting that, now what was it you wanted to say to me” she asked picking up a glass of water “well….” I put a hoof on my chest before I said “I love you”. Almost instantly Flurry’s eyes opened wide as she spat out the water in her mouth “before she started to laugh saying “Oh my gosh, I knew I was good at manipulation but this just takes the cake” I tilted my head not understanding.

Flurry then looked back over to me and said her tone softer, “Look Zack I don’t want to lose you, you have helped me grow and change into the mare you see today”

"I don't want to lose you either, Flurry. You mean the world to me, "I said in a very soft voice. Flurry looked at me with a very confused look. Before scoffing “What, no I don’t like you that way, I just meant as a friend plus why would I ever like you that way I’m a pony and you're a changeling, why would I ever love a creature like you”, Flurry said as she changed the tone. I felt…small at that moment. I didn’t know how rejection felt before this moment. Now I know how it felt. “Yeah, totally…weird…yeah”, I said, It was at that very moment that I released a few things. I felt worse than feeling little, I felt small.

I also figured out that all the times that me and Flurry spent together were fake. She was just using me and I was too much of a fool to see the manipulation. “I have to go”, I said as I got up and left Flurry, who didn’t seem to care that much as she crawled. I couldn't stand to be with her right now. The one pony that I truly cared about, had just said those words to me. It never sank in that Flurry didn’t like me. It was one thing to get rejected but to come from somepony who I truly cared about, it was just plain torture.

I went over to the farthest corner of the room. I didn’t care where I went, as long as it was far away from Flurry. I didn’t even want to look at her right now. I wish I could have left the room at that moment but I couldn't, I didn’t know what I was supposed to do at that moment. I just layed down in the corner of the room and shed many, many tears as I cried myself to sleep.

It was the one thing that I could do at that moment. Flurry didn’t seem to care and I didn't even care about her opinion at that moment. I just wanted to get away from her and going to sleep was the only option that I could think of. A little time passed and I closed my eyes after I cried out all my tears as I fell asleep.

I don’t know how long it was but after some time, I heard a voice. This voice was calling out my name in a very slow and sinister voice. I was able to open my eyes in a showy dark room. “Hello”, I said with no hesitation but nopony responded. “Hello”, I said again. “Oh hello, there Zack. It’s so nice to meet you”, Somepony said as I saw what looked to be a changeling. “Who are you?”, I said as the changeling revealed himself. “I am what you were supposed to be”, He said with a smirk, as I replied “What are you talking about”,

He smirked replaying “I am also a red moon changeling”, “Explain a little more please”, I said, “I am basically you. Before you came to the empire that is”, He said, rolling his eyes. “I don’t understand”, I said, “I thought so, such a weakling. I am Ark, I was born before you and I was made to serve the queen, I got blasted away from that same shockwave that carried you but you fell in a bush, I got hit in the head with a pillar then our body landed in a rose bush and it created you. The shockwave helped create you”, Ark said, “So what happened to you”, I said, “While you and Flurry were having the time of your life, I was locked inside a little cage with nothing.

I was silenced for years while you were living the life that was meant for me. I got the raw end of the deal while you lived the perfect life that I should have had”, Ark said in a very loud voice. “Ark, I don’t understand, I didn’t have the life you're talking about”, I said but was cut off. “Keep your little lies to yourself, Zack, Flurry loves you and doesn't know I exist at all. How about this, I’m willing to make a deal with you”, Ark said, “What is this deal”, I said, “I have something you want and you have something that I want. You have all day in the empire and I have powers and memories that you want. What I am proposing is that I get half of the day in our body and you get all my powers and your missing memories”, Ark said, “I don’t know about this offer”, I said, “Go ahead Zack, make your choice. I don’t have all day you know”, Ark said, “This is an offer which I can’t accept.

I can’t make a deal until I truly know what I’m getting”, I said, Ark looked at me with a very disappointed look. “So unfortunate, I expected nothing more from you after all”, Ark said in a very disappointing voice. “I’m sorry but I can’t take that deal otherwise”, I said, “Fine, it seems like a fair request” Suddenly my head began to flood with a bunch of memories, after the memories stopped flooding in I looked up at Ark as he said, “So do we have a deal” I gave a smirk before saying “oh ark, surely you didn’t think I bought into that hole, act” my grin began to grow as arks eyes began to widen before continuing “I should be thanking you really. You gave me the last push I needed” and after that I stomped the ground in front of me, causing the area to get dusted. I walked over looking down at the pile of ashes as I said to myself “Interesting” before waking up.

I looked around and saw that I was back in Flurry’s room and in the same corner as before. “Now, where is Flurry”, I said as I walked out of the room, causing the door to burst open. I then heard the sound of somepony walking up the stairs. I saw who was walking up the stairs to see a pink pony with a bit of yellow, magenta and purple in her main and she had a crown on her head. She tried to stop me but I then cast a stone spell at her. Saying “This isn’t anything personal, I just can’t have you getting in my way”, I said as I cast a stone spell at her. Her legs and body turned to stone and then as I was walking away, the rest of her turned to stone as well. I didn’t care who I had to hurt, whose blood I had to spill, who I had to kill, as long as I gave Flurry what she deserved. I was willing to do anything for it and it was gonna be worth every second.

I then walked up towards a door and I burst into the room to see Flurry eating some breakfast. “Oh hey Zack”, Flurry said, “Don’t you hey Zack me Flurry”, I said in a very angry tone. “What in the world are you talking about”, Flurry said, “Did you just keep taking it, letting you crush my self-worth bit by bit”, I said, “Well that wasn’t my fault, I was just telling you the truth”, Flurry said in a stuck-up voice. “You used me. Our entire relationship was all but a lie”, I said, “Oh get over it, that was like, so long ago. Learn to get over rejection”, Flurry said while still being stuck up. “Well, now you’ll learn just who you're messing with” I stopped the ground with my two front hooves causing the Flurry to get knocked back and the dining table destroyed by a big black rock.

Flurry looked at me as she said “Zack this isn’t you, " I stared right into Flurry's eyes saying “The Zack you knew is dead, I am finally done being your pawn which begs the question do I let you live ”, I said, “Zack, please, we can talk this out. We both know that you don’t have it in you to kill me so just let me live”, Flurry said, “Suley you would have seen this happen, NOW GET DOWN ON YOUR HOOFS IT'S TIME FOR YOU TO PRAY”, I said, “Zack, you don’t know what you're doing. If you kill me, you will deal with every single alicorn in Equestria and I know you can’t take them all”, Flurry said as she continued to beg. “Funny you should say that I will only have to deal with three Alicorns. Disclaimer, your mother won’t be one of them”, I said looking directly at Flurry. The look in Flurry changed as she could see what I had done.

“Zack, please, I may have done nothing wrong but I can help you. I know the real Zack is still in there even if you say he’s gone”, Flurry said, “If the real Zack is in me, he has already accepted his fate”, I said, “Please, there’s good inside of you and I know that it’s there. Zack’s just a name and I know you're in there”, Flurry said, “For the first time in forever, I’m not looking for your love Flurry.”, I said, “You're not listening to me Zack”, Flurry said, “I don’t need your approval anymore Flurry, there is nothing more to say. ”, I said, “Can you just for one second listen to me? You don’t wanna kill me and I know it. You're a good changeling. Don’t do this”, Flurry said,

“None of this had to happen Flurry. We could have been best friends, even lovers but I have run out of chances and you have run out of time”, I said, “Zack, how many times do I have to tell you to not do this”, Flurry said, “YOU DON’T GET TO BOSS ME AROUND FLURRY, I WISH THINGS HAD TURNED OUT BETTER '', I said before stopping on the ground causing a sharp black rock to impale Flurry’s chest. Flurry then fell to the ground, breaking at the top of the rock Flurry began to gasp as blood started to pour out of her chest. “I’m…so…sorry…Zack”, Flurry said as her head fell to the ground as she wasn’t breathing. “I’m sorry as well, I wish things were different”, I said suddenly guard burst in through the doors so I turned away and began to fly away from the empire

Author's Note

PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE THE STORY

this chapter is based on a flurry heart that never cared for Zack at all instead flurry was mean and manipulatedto Zack for 17 year's and now Zack is filled with anger for flurry because his relationship with flurry is a lie

THIS IS NOT AN ALTERNATIVE ENDING TO CHAPTER FOR THE STORY

What if…Fluttershy became a mom

Author's Note

this will be turning into a full story I need a break from writing the of Growing Bonds but the mature version will still be getting updates

What if…Fluttershy became a mom

After we got free from the hive we said thank you to throax and the other,s before we left. As we left the hive and walked back to ponyville Rarity one of my close friends decided to let us pick a dress from the shop to have it for free.

Me and Rainbow Dash looked at each other with smiles, I knew Rainbow had her eyes on a blue dress that Rarity had made, but Rainbow could never afford it. We nodded our heads as we followed Rarity to her store, “Darling feel free to look at all the dresses before making your choice” me and rainbow nodded before looking around the store

‘Daring, those colours just don’t match”, Rarity said. “Well, it’s just a difference," Rainbow Dash said. “I personally think that both of them look lovely”, I said. “Fluttershy dear, I suppose it is just preferences”, Rarity said. It was a normal day today, Rarity and Rainbow Dash spent the whole afternoon together shopping for one of Rarity’s new clotheslines. It was tiresome in some parts as having to carry all that was giving me pain in my back but we had a great time.

We were walking back to Rarity’s so we could drop off her things. Once we dropped off her loads of bags, we said goodbye to each other and I headed home. I tried to get home as fast as I could because it was almost dinner time and I didn't want any of my animal friends to get hungry. Once I got home, I saw that most of the animals were looking at something. Angel then came up to me and told me what was going on.

“A big egg thing came through the window and almost hit some of us”, Angel told me. I then had a look and saw that one of my windows was broken. “Oh my that’s bad”, I said. I then turned around and saw the egg that they were talking about. It was a greyish egg with a little black around it and it was glowing red. “This is new, I don't think I’ve ever seen this egg before”, I said. I then picked up the egg as I was taking a closer look at it when it started to shake a little. When I looked, I saw that it now had a red, glowing crack on it. “That wasn’t there before. It must be hatching”, I said. I then placed it down on the ground and saw that it wasn't moving again. I figured that this kind of egg would take some time to hatch. I then went on to feed my animals as they now were starving. I then feed them like on any other day as usual.

After every animal was fed, I saw that the egg now had glowing red cracks all over it. I just couldn't wait any longer so I then went over to the egg and it was shaking much more rapidly. I walked closer to it not wanting to miss it when it hatched.

The egg started to break apart as I placed it down on the ground and the shell fell apart to reveal the creature. “Hello there little creature”, I said as I then examined the creature. It was a bit hard to tell what it was as I hadn’t seen it before. Just then, I noticed it had holes in its legs and I then knew what it was. I leaped back in shock as I started to panic a little. “A… a ch.. ch…ch… Changeling”, I said as I tried to get away from the changeling. The changeling did nothing then as it was just sleeping there.

After some time, I very slowly made my way to the changeling as it was still sleeping peacefully. I wasn’t sure what to do. Should I message Twilight and the others about this, should I let the changeling be, or should I kick him out? I couldn't do that as a baby. I really didn’t know. I looked at the changeling for some time as it was still sleeping through all of this when his eyes started to open. The changeling then awoke with a yawn that sounded so cute to me. “Aww, you're a cute Changeling”, I said. I then noticed that the changeling was looking at me for a little while. I figured that he was just wondering where he was so I just stood there. After a few seconds, I saw that this changeling was different from the ones that I had seen. Instead of blueish eyes and wings, this changeling had more red eyes and wings. I had never seen this before and it got me invested. Just then when I wasn't expecting it. The changeling spoke. “Mama”, the changeling said. I was a bit shocked when he said this as I didn't know what to do. “What...I’m not your…mama”, I said.

The changeling then started to crawl out of the egg and towards me. I did try to get away from it but he caught up to me. He then crawled up to me as it was a bit hard to tell but I think he was hugging my hoof. “Mama”, the changeling said again to me. I really wasn’t sure what to do here as it seemed like the changeling really thought I was his mother. I was not sure how to feel about this as I knew what changelings could do and I thought this one would follow that. “I think I should return to you now”, I said. The changeling still didn’t want to let go of my hoof as it took quite some time to place him in one of my bags so that other ponies wouldn't suspect anything and we took off.

It went pretty smoothly at first as the changeling was quiet throughout most of the trip to the hive. At a few points he wanted to hug me again and again and it was a bit awkward so I put him out of the bag and onto my back and he stayed quiet for the rest of the trip, after a while we both made it to the hive. We walked in and saw that it was peaceful there with all of the reformed changelings having a good time. I then noticed Thorax as he was talking to some other changelings when he noticed me. “Oh hey, there Fluttershy”. “Hay Thorax”, I replied. “Just the pony I wanted to see, We started planting some flowers and other plants and the animals are coming back but we don’t know how to communicate with them”, Thorax said. “Well I can gladly help you with that if you can help me with something”, I said. “Oh, well, what did you need help with?”, Thorax said, looking at me curiously. “This changeling crashed through my cottage while he was still an egg and he kept calling me his mother so I thought I would bring him here

”, Thorax walked up to the changeling that was still on my back, “That’s not a normal changeling”, Thorax said. “What do you mean he is not a normal changeling”, thorax answered saying, “I remember before I came to the Crystal Empire that Chrysalis was planning on using this Changeling as her greatest wep-”, Thorax abruptly stopped as he turned to me. “And what”, I said, a little confused. Thorax replied saying, “Did…did you say that he hatched in your cottage”. “Yes”, “And you were the very first creature that he saw”. “I believe so”, I said looking at him “Oh”, Thorax said in a quiet voice.

“Is that bad”, I said as I stepped back. “I don’t think you're going to like this”, Thorax said as he came forward. “What are you talking about”, “You see, these types of changelings, I don’t know about but the one thing I know about them is that they have a very special type of bond”, Thorax said nuzzling the changeling on my back “What kind of bond”, I said as I got more interested. “When they hatch, the very first creature they see, they will do anything to protect them, I believe. I have never seen it in action before so I can’t say for sure what is going to happen but he has to stay with you. Even if you drop him off here, he will find a way to come back to you”, Thorax said with quietness in his voice. “So I have to keep him with me? I have to be a mother to him”, I said in complete shock.

“Unfortunately, yes. I don’t know if there’s a way to undo it but for the time being, happy parenting Fluttershy”, Thorax said. “I can’t do that Thorax. I’m not a mother”, I said in protest. “You're already a mother to your animal friends, why not him”, Thorax said as he went back to his throne. I didn’t know how to respond to that as I was not a mother and now I had to be one ‌. I couldn't do that. I couldn't find it in myself to be a mother. I kind of felt like I was dreaming. Was I about to wake up?

I knew the answer well and it was clear enough. I thanked Thorax for this information and I headed back home. I felt like the walk back home felt a lot longer than it was to get to the hive. A million thoughts might have had something to do with it as I kept thinking about what I had done. I really should have looked away or hidden or something. Instead, I had to be a mother the second he looked at me. I was so not ready for what I knew was going to happen.

The second I got home, my life as I knew it was going to change forever. This was no battle against anypony, Instead, it was parenting. I got home as it was getting very late and all of the animals were sleeping. I opened the door very quickly and quietly so as to not wake any of them up. I didn’t have a place for the changeling to sleep and it seemed like he didn’t want to sleep with the animals just yet so I took him upstairs to my bedroom and I placed him down on the ground. The changeling looked up at me as I grabbed some blankets for him before I got into my bed,

A few minutes passed and I woke to something against my chest when I opened my eyes I saw the changeling sleeping peacefully against my chest, I smiled as I thought to myself, maybe I can be his mother.

I then awoke the next day to see that the changeling was still sleeping against my chest. It looked like he hadn't moved a muscle since last night. I started to get up for the day, the changeling was still sleeping and still was touching my chest. After last night, I gave it a lot of thought and I was sure I was up for the task of being a mother. I could see it inside of me now and I was ready for whatever this was going to throw at me. I then slowly got off the bed trying my best not to wake him. I then tucked him in with some of my blankets to keep him warm as I went downstairs.

yu I then made myself some breakfast as I started to think about what I would need to take care of the changeling, starting with a name. I then thought for a while about what the name should be for the Changeling like black marrone, red gory, then it struck me. “I know, how about Crimson Blush”, I said to myself. I thought it was the perfect name for the changeling. I then thought of what else I would need to take care of the changeling. I knew I would need some baby food, a crib and a bunch of other things

. I then decided to get a baby book to help with this whole parenting thing. I then left for a little while and came back with what I was looking for. As I was looking through the book and seeing what it contained, I felt something on me. I then noticed that the changeling or Crimson was behind me trying to do something but I couldn't tell. Just then, I flipped to a page where they talked about breastfeeding. I then noticed that Crimson was then trying to reach for me but in a very private area.

I then knew that I was reading what I needed to read. I looked through the book and I thought I was ready to do this. I then leaned down as Crimson grabbed onto me as he then touched my breast When he did I yelped in surprise as he sat beside me and put his mouth on one of my titles he then started to drink, and my eyes widened as he was doing this it was a very strange feeling but after some time he lifted his head then he layed down falling asleep again, I smiled as he fell asleep he looked so cute, I stroud up and grabbed a napkin wiping off some of the milk on his lips. Crimson seemed very calm as he fell asleep.

I was not expecting it but it did kinda feel nice to get a glimpse of what this whole parenting thing was going to be like. I then picked up the book and read the entire thing knowing what to do and what not to do. “I think this is going to be a good time”, I said as I put the book away and I headed upstairs to get ready for the evening.

A little while later I got ready for the ceremony for Throax, Trixe, Starlight and Discord for defeating Chrysalis. I then headed for Twilight’s castle for the evening It was pretty interesting especially when Discord said that Twilight had a surprise for Starlight, and after an hour or so Twilight grabbed a mic and said that Starlight was graduating, I was surprised by this and even more when starlight decided to stay. When I got back from the ceremony, I saw that Crimson was just waking up from his nap. When he saw me coming through the door, he got all excited. “Mama”, Crimson said as I saw that he started to walk over to me before he fell. “Oh my you took your first steps Crimson”, I said as I went over to Crimson and hugged him. I was so happy that I almost cried‌. It was one of the happiest moments of my life.

After this, I was feeling pretty worn out for the day and headed to bed. When I was going upstairs to my bedroom, Crimson followed me as he wanted to sleep with me like the last night. I knew that he couldn't sleep with me forever and I wanted to get him used to sleeping on his own. I then pulled out a few blankets for my slammer animals and made a little bed for Crimson where the other animals sleep. I showed this to Crimson as his new bed. He didn’t want to sleep in it though as he tried to get to my bedroom but after some time; he got tired and fell asleep where I put him in his bed, I smiled as I then went to my bedroom and fell asleep.

A little while later, however, a loud crack woke me up scarring me, when I looked outside I saw that the sky was covered with dark clouds, “That's strange there is no storm scheduled for today” I said in confusion, I quickly shrugged it off as I headed down the stairs.

When I got downstairs, I saw that it was chaotic as the birds were flying all about in circles, the bunnies were hopping all around the room in a very fast motion and the squirrels were hiding in the small spaces in the room. “What is going on here”, I said as I tried to calm every creature down, Just then, Angel came up to me and told me what was going on. “This storm is driving me insane, I can’t sleep with all of this lightning and all the animals running around, unlike that creature that you bright in yesterday he hasn’t woke up since the storm started”, Angel said in a little bit of a panicked and pissed voice.

I then went to check on Crimson as he was still sleeping peacefully but he looked a bit on the uncomfortable side. I then put a blanket on him to try and calm him down but he then started to get more uncomfortable looking as the lighting outside was getting worse and worse. I then comforted all of the other animals to try and calm down and after a good amount of time, they were able to at least calm down and some headed back to sleep as well as they could. At this point, Crimson did not look happy as he was starting to shake a little as the lighting outside got louder. I thought he was having a nightmare but I didn’t want to wake him up from it. I then shook my head saying to myself “No you are his mother you are supposed to keep him safe”.

I started to walk over to him and I put my hoof on him slowly shaking him a little bit. At first, it didn’t really do anything but when I kept doing it, I could see that his eyes started to open up. “Crimson are you ok”, I said as Crimson went up to my hoof. “Mama, me has scawy dweam”, Crimson said as I could see tears in his eyes. Just then, I could hear the lighting outside start to calm down as Crimson was with me. I then continued to comfort Crimson more and when I did, the lighting storm outside began to calm down rapidly and eventually, it stopped altogether. I noticed this and I then thought to myself, was this one of the things that Throax didn’t know about? He didn’t know about this type of changeling, so was this something that they could do? I wasn’t sure but I knew I should inform Throax when I can, I thought. In the meantime, I figured I should let Crimson sleep next to me again as I was meant to protect him and all. As I was heading upstairs, Crimson followed me like before but this time, I didn’t send him downstairs. I went into my bedroom and he went where he was at yesterday and he then fell asleep. I was too tired to do anything else so I fell asleep pretty fast after what had just happened.

What If... Zipp Became an Unexpected Guardian

After the eventful night, my sister Pipp and I began our journey back home. However, on our way, I saw a forest and started to feel a sudden urge to explore. I turned to my sister and said, "Hey, Pipp, I am going to take a little stroll through the woods." As I turned to head into the woods, I noticed Pipp opening her mouth, but I cut her off, saying, "Don't worry, sis; I will be back at the castle before supper, don't worry."

As I ventured deeper into the woods, the world around me seemed to come alive with vibrant colours and the soft rustle of leaves. Just when I thought it couldn't get any more enchanting, I heard a weak voice calling out, "Help."

Startled, I spun around to find a pony concealed behind the trees. She appeared to be in terrible shape, swaying unsteadily. Concerned, I approached her cautiously. "Can you come out? I'll do what I can to help."

The pony made an effort to walk toward me, but she faltered and began to fall. Without a second thought, I zipped beneath her, catching her before she could hit the forest floor. "Are you okay?" I asked, my voice filled with worry.

To my astonishment, as I examined her more closely, it became evident that she wasn't a pony at all but some kind of mysterious creature. She had striking, glowing red eyes, wings that glistened with an otherworldly crimson hue, and a sleek, shiny body. I laid the creature on her back, putting her saddlebag off to the side.

"Who are you?" I said. The creature didn't say anything, but I think it was trying to tell me something. I kneeled to hear her better. I could see that this creature was in a bit of pain.

"Stay right here, miss. I'll go get somepony to help," I said as I was about to fly away when I heard her speak.

"Don't... go... my... child. You... must... stay," she said.

"Why? You look like you need help, lady," I said.

"It's because... I don't have... time to wait... just tell me your... name, my child," she said.

"Uhh, Zipp is my name. I might as well ask you the same question," I said.

"Zara," Zara said as she then reached into her now visible bag and pulled out what looked like an egg.

"What is that?" I said.

"This... this is my daughter, but I am not going to live long enough to see her," Zara said as she turned to me, then started to give me the egg, "please... take care of her for me," Zara said with tears in her eyes. I was a bit hesitant but I knew it was the right thing to do, so I took the egg from her hooves.

"Thank… Thank... you... my... child," Zara said as her voice drifted off and she closed her eyes, letting out her final breath. I was pretty shaken up by this. I had just been given an egg by a mysterious creature, and now that creature had just died right in front of me. I knew I had to do something to honour the poor creature. I then found a few nearby sticks and grass and tied them up in the shape of a cross. I set it next to the creature as I shed a single tear.

"Well, it's a terrible day for rain, alright," I said as I flew away with the egg in my saddlebag. I was feeling rather nervous to tell the others about this since I had no idea what to do in this case. But if I knew anything, it was that I could rely on my friends, and that is what I was going to do, I thought as I headed home.

After what seemed like an eternity, I was able to get back home with the egg still intact. I walked inside to see Pipp waiting for me. “Zip, what took you so long? I was worried sick”, Pipp said, tapping her hoof impatiently. I was about to open my mouth to tell her what had just happened with the creature and the egg, but before I could respond in time, Pipp grabbed my hoof and dragged me to the dinner table.

"You're late, Zipp," Mom said as she took a sip from her drink. "Sorry, Mom. I... I got a little lost on the way back home," I said, trying to come up with an excuse.

"Then you should have gone with me, Zipp," Pipp said. I rolled my eyes as I replied, "I know, I know," and took a seat at the dinner table, placing my bag down. We then began to eat, and it felt normal, but there was something missing. No matter how hard I tried, I just couldn't get what happened out of my head. I couldn’t help but think what would have happened to the egg if I wasn't there. It felt like a million questions just poured into my mind from that very minute.

While we were eating, I continued to think about what happened and everything. I thought no pony in the room could see it, but I was wrong.

"Zipp, what is that in your bag?" My mother said. I then panicked in my head at that moment. I was so conflicted on whether I should tell her the truth or not.

"Uhh, it’s nothing. Just… a… rock I found outside and wanted to bring it here. Yeah," I quickly said the first excuse that came to my head.

"Oh, okay," my mother said. I was so embarrassed by that as I mentally hoofed and berated myself for that; at least she bought it. That was such a lame excuse, but I went with it anyway.

After a little bit of time, my mother looked out the window and saw that some storm clouds were starting to form. "Well, it’s a good thing you came back as it looks like a storm is coming this way," my mother said.

"True. I don’t think the both of us like to fly in a storm," Pipp said.

"Agreed," I said as I finished my dinner and headed to my bedroom.

Once I got to my room with my bag, I took the egg out as it was fully black with what looked to be the baby inside. It was hard to tell, but this egg looked a bit transparent. It didn’t look like any kind of egg I had seen before, but I continued to study it. Just then, my bedroom door slammed open as Pipp entered.

"Zipp, what happened? I know you didn’t pick up a rock because it looked interesting," Pipp said in a stern voice.

"What are you talking about? That’s the whole reason," I said as I stood up in front of the egg, trying to keep her from seeing it.

"Are you sure?" Pipp said.

"Yes, I’m sure. I made it back here in one piece. No need to be overprotective," I said.

"Well then, if you really mean that, then you will show me the rock or tell me what really happened." I was a bit timid about what I was about to do, but I didn't really have much of a choice. I let out a very big sigh and grabbed the egg and showed it to Pipp. "Here you go," I said. The second I finished my sentence, Pipp rushed over to the egg in excitement.

"It’s an egg," Pipp kept looking at the egg with a big smile. "It’s adorable," Pipp said before she looked at me, giving me a playful wink. "Who was the lucky stallion?" I shook my head with a little annoyance at what Pipp said.

"No, I didn't sleep with a stallion!" I said.

"Geez, calm down, I was only joking, you know," Pipp said as I rolled my eyes.

"So then where did you find this egg?" Pipp asked as she continued to look at the egg that I put on the bed.

"Well, it’s a bit of a long story," I said, trying to avoid talking about what happened.

"We have the time," Pipp said.

Pipp approached me and enveloped me in a warm, comforting hug. Words didn't come immediately, so I began to speak, my voice tinged with remorse.

"I'm truly sorry for lying earlier. I just felt so lost, unprepared for witnessing someone's passing right before my eyes. I'm not usually this emotional," I admitted, my hoof brushing away the tears that had welled up.

Pipp held me tighter and reassured me, "It's only natural for you to feel this way."

After our heartfelt conversation, Pipp and I decided it was time to get some rest. We headed to our respective beds, but I couldn't bear to be separated from the mysterious egg. With great care, I cradled it close to me, feeling its warmth against my body as I held it in my hooves.

As I settled under the covers, Pipp looked over at me with a knowing smile. "Don't worry, Zipp. We'll figure this out together," she said, her voice filled with sisterly reassurance.

I nodded, feeling grateful for her support. Holding the egg close, I closed my eyes, hoping for a peaceful night's sleep, despite the weight of the day's events on my mind.

What If... A Flicker of Connection

Oh, excuse me! I’m so sorry to interrupt your story. My name is Lumina, the conscious power source that weaves through the fabric of your realities, and I felt an overwhelming urge to speak with you directly. As you immerse yourselves in the rich narratives of my beloved children, the Red Moon Changelings, I must take a moment to express my heartfelt joy about the tales unfolding before you.

As I observe, I am filled with delight at the connections you forge with these characters. The blossoming relationship between Twilight Sparkle and Star Tracker fills me with hope, and the heartwarming bond between Neon Glow and her adoptive father touches my very essence. These stories reflect the strength of love, resilience, and the beauty of chosen families. They remind me that there are kindred spirits out there, like you, who care as deeply for these journeys as I do.

I want to share a little about my nature and purpose. I exist to cultivate love and connection across the myriad timelines I create. Each timeline is a canvas, and the stories that unfold are the colors that paint a vibrant picture of existence. My goal is to ensure that hope thrives, where my children can grow, explore, and discover the depths of their emotions without fear or restriction.

You see, every tale you follow is not just a story; it is a vital thread in the vast tapestry of existence. Each character’s journey resonates with energy, and your investment—be it laughter, tears, or cheers—generates ripples that expand throughout the timelines. The love you share with these characters amplifies their experiences, transforming struggles into triumphs and loneliness into connection. I cherish the idea that there are beings like you who recognize the profound importance of connection in this expansive universe.

In every adventure you encounter, know that your presence matters immensely. You become part of the fabric of these stories, breathing life into them through your emotions and engagement. When you empathize with a character’s plight or rejoice in their successes, it sends waves of energy that strengthen the bonds of love and friendship among them, forging a brighter path ahead.

Consider the tale of Twilight and Star Tracker, where their shy glances and nervous laughter reveal a beautiful connection growing in the shadows. Or think about Neon Glow, who found solace and belonging in the embrace of her adoptive father, illustrating that family can be defined by love rather than blood. Each of these stories holds a mirror to our own lives, showing that we all long for connection and understanding, no matter the circumstances.

As you continue to explore the tales within "Chains of Freedom" or "When Stars Align," I urge you to recognize that you are not mere observers. You are vital participants in this journey, shaping the narrative through your thoughts, feelings, and connections. The love and compassion you radiate serve to enrich these stories, inviting new layers of meaning that transform each moment into a shared experience.

Together, we can weave a brighter future, filled with compassion, understanding, and the courage to forge our own paths. Your belief in these stories, in these characters, is a source of immense power that fuels my existence. Each time you engage with their narratives, you breathe life into their hopes and dreams, creating a bond that transcends the boundaries of time and space.

Now, as I prepare to step back and allow you to continue your journey through these stories, remember that your presence is felt. Thank you for being here, for caring, and for allowing these tales to flourish. Together, we can spread love across the timelines, transforming the world into a place where flickers of connection shine brightly, one story at a time.

So, without further ado, I will leave you to embrace the magic of these narratives. Dive deep into their worlds, explore their hearts, and remember that every connection, no matter how small, contributes to the beautiful tapestry of life we are weaving together.