Shining Armor was there, armor on and a frown worn. "Nopony panic, I'll take care of that changeling."

Spike pushed in between, wings up. "Whoa whoa! He's fine! Just hold off a minute." He looked over his shoulder at Thorax. "You can tell them your name, right?"

Thorax tried a smile, shaking with nervousness. "I'm, uh, Thorax. Hello."

Beat was still holding Thorax, clutching possessively. "He is nice. There is no reason for concern."

Shining Armor shook his head slowly at Beat. "I know you want to believe that. But, he could be hiding his true form." His frown deepened. "I hope you're wrong, because otherwise the changeling has been found."

Cadance elbowed her well-meaning husband. "That he is a changeling he isn't hiding." She took a slow breath. "But you want us to be alright with one. My own history with them is, shall we say, spotty at best."

Tempo corrected precisely, "Cadance was attacked and kidnapped by their leader, Queen Chrysalis. She almost ruined her wedding and tried to steal Shining Armor."

Cadance applied a hoof to her face. "Thank you for that recap."

"You're welcome." Tempo seemed blind to the sarcasm in that statement. "Thorax does not appear to be a changeling queen. I can present evidence."

Shining blinked at Tempo. "Evidence?"

"One." She tapped her metal hooves together. "They are male. Queens are not male. Two, the queen we encountered had several abilities, none of which have been used by Thorax. Probability of Queen, less than ten percent."

Cadance smirked gently. "I don't know changelings that well. Twilight, what do you think of this?"

"I think my little brother loves getting into trouble."

"Hey!"

Twilight made placating gestures. "Calm down. Putting that aside, Beat seems very certain of this changeling not being like the others we encountered. Spike agrees with her. As tempting as it is to judge all changelings, as you just admitted, we really don't know them that well."

Cadance nodded. "I'll allow Thorax a chance. Beat, please let him go."

Beat released Thorax, who gasped for fresh air.

Twilight stepped forwards, offering Thorax a hoof. "Hello, Thorax. My name is Twilight Sparkle. It is nice to meet you."

Thorax touched a hoof to hers. "Hello. You seem very important. Are you a princess too?"

Twilight laughed gently. "I am nopony that important. They just called me to help find, well, you." She pointed at him. "I think I found them."

Shining joined the laughter at that joke. "Good job, Sis. Look, um, if you're good, well, alright, but we'll have an eye on you."

Thorax smiled as he nodded. "That's fair." He looked around the group of ponies and dragon, then to Beat and Spike specifically.

Cadance stepped forwards once more. "Thorax, we have one problem still. That being the matter of feeding a changeling. They eat love, do they not?"

Thorax put a hoof at his chest. "I don't feel that hungry." He turned and hugged Beat back for a change of pace. "I am learning, a new way. Maybe friendship could be a different way for changelings to live."

Beat held Thorax close, rubbing her face against the top of his head. "Good friends." She seemed content with that.

Twilight nodded, taking a step towards Cadance. "They seem happy as they are, so I'm sure we can work something out."

Cadance let out a sigh, some tension fleeing her. "We found the changeling, and took it in. It would appear I've gained a new subject." She laughed with a bit of that tension still lingering. "A happy ending."

***

Twilight stood, regarding Thorax and Spike. They stood close, but Twilight didn't press the issue. Thorax had taken on the same shape as Beat, and Twilight could guess why. "Thorax, an important lesson, but you should not take the form of a specific pony without their permission." She focused on Spike. "And we need to get going back to Ponyville."

Spike nodded at Twilight, already feeling homesick. "Yeah, I miss it too." He nudged Thorax with an elbow. "You can come visit us, right?"

Thorax looked up at Spike with a big smile. "I can do that!" His eyes turned to Twilight. "I should be able to, if Princess Cadance gives permission, right?" Thorax turned to look at Cadance with his ears perked hopefully.

Cadance shook her head. "You don't need my permission to ride the train. As a citizen of Equestria, you can go wherever you want. But, if I can suggest, returning what you've learned to the changelings may be good for them."

Thorax's smile returned. "That's true. I'll have to visit home, someday. But, for now?" He looked between all the ponies in the room before turning back to Shining and Cadance. "I have so much to learn, and ponies patient enough to let me." He made a little bow towards Twilight. "Thank you." Turning again, he faced Spike. "And you too. Thank you so much!"

Spike wrapped an arm around Thorax, pulling him into a hug. "Any time, pal." He bounced away into a walk, leaving at Twilight's side. "Let's go home, Twi." He looked back and waved. "We'll see you soon! Bye!"

Beat closed in with Thorax, looking over that copy of herself. "I will miss having another metal colt."

Thorax smiled up at her. "I like this shape. I can be like you. I can be as loved as you are."

Beat sat back, stunned a moment. "I am loved?"

"By many." Thorax grabbed her in a hug. "By me, for a start. Thank you so much."

Beat held Thorax gently. "Well. I suppose it is my turn to request your permission."

Thorax blinked up at Beat, confused a moment. "For?"

"Friends should be able to share each other's shapes." Beat inclined her head.

Thorax rubbed behind his head with a metal tink. "But you're not a changeling. You can't change shapes, can you?"

Beat stamped a hoof, the metal ringing. "Not yet, but I have been learning from you. Let us practice this together."

Thorax laughed. "I'm glad you're happy, if a bit confused." Not that he wasn't looking confused himself.

Tempo trotted over and sat near Beat. "Do you have a function I was not aware of? Please show me."

Beat's ears fell back as she blushed. "I was trying to be dramatic about learning how a changeling shifts shape."

Tempo nodded. "But have you made progress? If this is an ability you have learned, even the start of, we should celebrate."

"Wait." Thorax tapped a hoof to his chest. "I don't understand. What are we talking about now?"

Beat spoke slowly, working the problem out. "I want to learn to turn into things like you can." She pointed at her mother, Tempo. "She has learned additional routines with age. I am trying to emulate her, by emulating you."

Tempo nodded quickly, bobbing their head. "Exactly. If she has discovered a new function, I want to cheer for her."

Thorax rubbed over his forehead. "It's a shape. I'm just doing what changelings do. I'm not sure it can be taught." He looked between them. "If that makes sense?" With a flash of flames, he was back to being changeling shaped. "See?"

"I can't change like that." She sat back. "I am built differently. But." She closed her eyes with clear concentration. Metal plates shifted to and fro within her, one large exterior plate withdrawing into her. She grunted, opening her eyes. "I will need more practice."

Tempo reached for the now-misfitting part of Beat. "You are learning step by step. I often learned all at once, but under duress. I like your way better, daughter. Take your time, and learn it well."

Beat hugged Tempo with a giggle. "Mother, you always support me." She nuzzled up against Tempo firmly, pressing her body close. "I will do my best."

Tempo kept her hug gently, rubbing Beat's head. "You are making me even prouder than I already was. Your brother will be excited to see this as well."

Thorax circled around Beat curiously, her and Tempo with them so close. "That's amazing. You're learning to do that, your way."

Beat looked down and gave a small nod. "Thank you."

Tempo rose slowly, releasing her daughter. "We should get home. I am sure your brother is concerned about you." She looked to Thorax. "Thank you for being her friend. She will see you tomorrow. Is this acceptable?"

Thorax nodded up at her with a smile. "That sounds good to me." He stepped forwards and hugged Beat's forelegs together again. "Tomorrow."

Beat patted Thorax's head gently as she rose. "Tomorrow. I would like to show you the school I attend."

Tempo pulled Beat away, giving a wave over her shoulder. "Tomorrow."

Thorax waved back. "See you tomorrow!"

Beat was quiet until they were on the streets, then turned to Tempo. "Did I do the right thing?"

Tempo looked ready to respond, but changed her mind on what words were correct. "What makes you reconsider your actions?"

"I was rude and disobedient. I am not mad at you, though." Beat looked aside. "I did it to protect Thorax. Is that good enough reason? Do you approve of what I did?"

"I will answer that." Tempo touched her daughter's cheek with her nosetip, the two clinking as metal touched metal. "But only after you answer it first. Do you approve of what you did?"

Beat considered that, her ears low. "He was afraid and alone. I could not let that go. And I was rewarded for my actions, so I think I did good." She looked aside with a sigh.

"I would agree with that decision." She bumped against Beat on the way past her. "Whenever I did what I could, I questioned myself as well. What could I have done better? What did I make worse?" Tempo looked back at Beat. "You will always ask, we cannot know. We must do our best, and proceed."

Beat closed her eyes, letting those words settle. "I understand." She opened them again and looked at her mother. "I am happy with the outcome."

Tempo nodded once. "Now let us return home."

The two strode side by side, content with things as they were for the moment.

It was evening before the rest of the metal family made it home. Tempo walked to her desk and stood there, a moment to consider. She turned to her children and nodded once. "Hello. I hope you are doing well today."

Beat approached. "Mother, I would like to go to the tree tomorrow."

"What tree?" Pulse trotted up alongside her, eyes alight with curiosity.

Beat blushed as she looked away. "I mean the tree that is my and Thorax's special place. We share our friendship there, and that is where he would go."

Tempo nodded once. "I permit this." She turned in place. "Your friends are yours, and you do not need to do this, but would you introduce him to Pulse? Perhaps you could all get along."

Pulse clapped joyfully. "Oh, please! I'd love to meet somecreature that you like. In return, I'll introduce you to a friend of mine?" He looked between his parents hopefully. "Could I take Beat out tomorrow?"

Beat hesitated. "Well, I mean. Thorax is great, but I don't think you two would get along as well as we do." She glanced away with uncertain feelings. "I met your best friend when we went camping."

Pulse shrugged helplessly. "You're right, she's not a colt. But, I've got friends who are boys! We can all go on a friendship date."

Beat considered this, then nodded once. "I am being unkind." She leaned in and Pulse went in instantly, the two touching noses with a little tink of their hides colliding. "We are siblings."

"And we love each other!" Pulse danced with joy about that being settled. "Quartz will love meeting you for real. You didn't have any chance to talk to them much when we were camping."

Beat smiled. "I would like that." She waved over her shoulder. "It is getting late, we should sleep."

"Agreed, Beat." Tempo nodded. "I have work tomorrow." She paused. "Though its nature has changed. Changeling hunting is surely terminated. I should report in to find out what my new task will be."

Pulse raised a hoof. "What about school?" He pointed at Beat. "We can't stay home when there's classes!"

Beat nodded once. "Yes. We are not truants."

Tempo laughed at her children. "You both know the way. You do not require my presence to go there." She waved them closer and hugged them when they got close enough. "Are you feeling lonely? My love is a routine that remains with you even while I am otherwise occupied."

Beat returned that embrace, Pulse joining in instantly. "I enjoy being near you."

Tempo nuzzled them both fondly. "And you are loved."

Pulse chimed in happily, "And I love both of you!"

With that all settled between them, the little ones made their way to bed at last. They still shared a bedroom, having less need for privacy than biological ponies might.

Tempo moved to Blueblood's side. "The day was very good, as well as busy. You should go to bed."

Blueblood laughed lightly. "Because you wish to use my chest as your pillow?"

"That is only one reason." She threw an arm over his back and drew him closer. "Mmm, you are warm." Even in the warm interior of the house, a living pony was always a little warmer still. "Our children are developing in wonderful ways. Did you see? Beat is gaining a new function. She wishes to change shapes like a changeling."

Blueblood considered this. "Does it work like that? She seems rather different, I think."

Tempo inclined her head. "I do not know. She may be merely emulating the behavior. If she wishes to learn, I am glad of it." Tempo leaned in against him, pressing her chest along his side. Her head came to rest on his shoulder. "I saw her adjust her outer shell and heard internal changes. With practice, I bet she'll manage it. I am so proud."

Blueblood reached up and rubbed gently at her neck. "As am I." He nuzzled at her gently, then pulled her closer with one hoof. "Let's get to bed."

Tempo patted him, then rose, him at her side. "Let's." Together, they walked leisurely to their own bed to retire for the evening.

***

The next morning arrived with the gentle sounds of birds singing in the trees just outside the house. Tempo was the first awake, and sat there quietly with her eyes closed, just enjoying the stillness. She had learned to treasure those moments of quiet, and was in no hurry to disturb them.

Still, she had an agenda. She rose, kissing Blueblood's cheek before she trotted into the living room, headed for the kitchen. She nodded at the children. "I am glad to see you both awake and ready. Have a nice day at school."

Beat rose and gave her mother a hug. "I love you." She looked aside with a smile. "We will be careful."

"Good." Tempo nuzzled Beat's face. "You should be able to manage." She waved Pulse over for a little hug as well. "I am off." She trotted right up to the door and pulled it open. Her head twisted as she looked back. "Good bye."

She trotted down the street, the city still waking around her. It was quiet, but little details told her all she needed to know. The ponies were relaxing, coming down from that guarded high. The changeling threat had been called off and their regular lives could resume.

She stopped as she spotted a young guard coming her way, one she'd never seen before. As they passed each other, he saluted her. She nodded to him in return, then continued on her way. With a soft sound of consideration, she went up the steps into the palace. She could hear Cadance already in court, speaking to somepony about something.

Instead of heading that way, she headed for the barracks. If nothing else, she could get some exercise and help maintain the weapons until she received new orders. The door swung open at her touch, and she stepped inside.

Shining Armor was there and brightened on seeing her. "Good morning!" He trotted over to her and offered a hoof. "I bet you'd like your new assignment?"

Tempo touched hooves with Shining Armor, then released him to stand at attention. "Affirmative. How can I assist Sister." She frowned, rewording that, "Princess Cadance."

Shining Armor waved a hoof through the air. "Easy peasy, just walk with me." He headed back out into the hallway. "Cadance wants Thorax to feel as welcome as we can make him." He leaned in, voice dropping to a whisper, "She also wants eyes on him. We can do both at the same time. Making sure he's happy means keeping him where we can see him."

Tempo nodded. "This is an excellent way to do both."

"I thought so, but she'll be happy to hear you agree." Shining Armor turned and tapped a hoof to his chest. "Your daughter's interest in Thorax may help us with this. We can't trust a foal for surveillance, but feel free to allow her to bring him home, where you can do your part, to make him welcome, and monitored."

Tempo gave another little nod. "Understood."

Shining Armor stopped, turning to face Tempo. He raised a hoof, rubbing under her chin. "We're not bad ponies, we just want everypony to be as comfortable as possible. And Cadance has good reason to be on edge about changelings." He laughed nervously a moment. "I was out of it for most of the time there were actually changelings swarming everywhere."

Tempo smiled at Shining Armor. "Affirmative, Sister's concerns are reasonable. I am going to guard my children." She frowned. "Are you having bad dreams because of your attack?"

Shining raised both hooves wardingly. "No! No. I, uh." He looked away. "I'd be more worried if Thorax was a ladybug."

Tempo inclined her head with precise clicks. "Changelings are not ladybugs. They are a different manner of insect, capable of shapeshifting and—"

"Wait wait, stop. You actually got me for a moment there." Shining Armor blinked rapidly at Tempo. "I meant a bug who is a lady, not an actual ladybug. Thorax is a guy. Bug. A stallion, instead of a mare. Bug. Get it?"

"I get it." Tempo nodded again. "Why are you concerned about female changelings?"

Shining Armor took a deep breath, letting it out slowly. "Queen Chrysalis. I bet she's still out there, somewhere. Maybe even plotting her return." He rubbed at the side of his neck. "And, uh. She played me, and played with me. Those, um." He could see Tempo looked a bit lost. "You wouldn't understand. You're a mare, and you don't even have equivalent parts. She, uh, attacked me. It's, like a scar, but on the inside."

Tempo tilted her head. "Ah." She reached out to put a hoof on his shoulder. "I have been attacked as well."

He turned back, though that look was still in his eyes. "Maybe you do have an idea then. The outsides patch up, but the insides are more stubborn."

Tempo nodded again, slowly this time. "Correct. It is harder to deal with emotional trauma than physical."

He looked down a little. "I didn't expect to hear that from you." He bumped to the side against her tough frame. "I have to give my sister-in-law more credit." With a smile returned, he led her out onto the training field. "Here we are!" His horn glowed, a sword flying up from its resting place. "Since I'm here anyway." He tossed it to Tempo who caught the handle easily. "Let's see if you can catch me!"

The two began sparring energetically, sparks flying when the blades collided. Both were putting their all into it, confident the other could deal with what they were putting out. A small crowd of guards gathered, watching the two fight back and forth with determination burning between them. Cheers started to raise as they picked sides and rooted and stomped the ground. The entire world faded to the background, there was nothing but the fight.

Eventually, Tempo and Shining Armor called it quits, both breathing hard and looking exhausted, but satisfied. The crowd cheered in full at that point, seeing they were too matched for a real finish.

Tempo planted her sword in the ground and offered a hoof towards Shining. "Your swordsponyship continues to show improvement."

"Right back at you." He met her hoof with his own, a new wave of cheers going up for their good sport. "Now." He turned to the guards. "Why are you all watching us instead of doing the ten laps I want to see?!"

The guards scattered to start running.

Tempo nodded. "Good thought." She pointed herself to the south and took off like a rocket. Running laps was good practice.

Shining watched her go a moment. "Can metal ponies do aerobics?" His mind whirred with thoughts of how that would work before he gave that up with a little laugh. "She's an odd one, but still, a good friend, and sister."

Tempo performed 10 rotations, just as Shining had requested of the others. The exertion had her fans gently whirring to keep her temperature within acceptable limits as she headed inside, leaving the training field.

She stopped, sensing eyes upon her. She couldn't see anything out of place. "Identify yourself." Nothing changed. "You are being foolish." She started on her way again.

The world plunged into blackness in an instant. She closed her eyes, useless sensory input as they were and turned to other senses. New fans turned on as she began sampling the air around herself. Somecreature was there. It was neither a pony nor smelled like the changeling she knew of. She turned, eyes opening again. "Leave." A pause. "Do not come back."

The air returned to normal with a sudden rush. Tempo gave that some thought. Something didn't want to be seen or known. Shaking her head, she went straight towards the palace and joined the line of those who wanted a turn speaking to Cadance. A few minutes later, she stepped forth before Cadance and bowed to her princess.

Cadance gestured for Tempo to come closer. "I have heard good reports so far. Do you think your new task can be completed?"

"Shining Armor has briefed me, and I have accepted. I came with other news." She stepped up to whisper to Cadance, "Something else was here. It was not a changeling nor a pony. I was unable to discern its true nature. It appears to have darkness abilities. When asked to leave, it did. Perhaps it is nothing, but a report felt proper."

Cadance frowned lightly as she listened. As Tempo stopped, Cadance leaned back, considering this new information. "That sounds unpleasant." She gestured Tempo closer. "Can you keep an eye out?" She sighed gently. "We're asking you to watch a lot of things, sorry." She drew Tempo in for a proper hug. "You're the best sister I could hope for."

Tempo hugged Cadance back. "And you are the best sister as well." They released each other and Tempo turned. "I will continue my vigil." Her steps carried her away.

Cadance raised her voice after Tempo, "Do be careful. I wouldn't trade you away for anything."

Author's Note

Since this month is Double Month for this patron, we finished one arc and galloped head first into the next!

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