The sun rose over Ponyville, casting a golden glow over the bustling streets. Ponies went about their day, enjoying the pleasant weather, but for Nova, this was a day of decision. After a long and restless week, she was finally putting her savings to use.
Disguised, she made her way through a dark alleyway, stopping at an inconspicuous door. A small slot slid open, revealing a pair of sharp eyes that scrutinized her before shutting again. Moments later, the door creaked open, and she stepped inside.
To her surprise, the interior was pristine—white walls, polished floors, and a display area containing several cages. Within them were changelings, some hissing and snarling at onlookers, while others lay still, their expressions unreadable. But one, in particular, caught Nova’s eye. Unlike the others, this changeling sat silently in the corner of his cage, avoiding attention. There was something about him—his quiet demeanor, his lack of hostility—that intrigued her.
She stepped closer to his cage, tilting her head. He didn’t flinch under her gaze, but there was a sense of unease in his posture. He wasn’t afraid, just wary. Nova wondered how long he had been in captivity. How many ponies had walked past his cage without a second glance? How many had only seen him as property rather than a living being?
The auction began, and Nova wasted no time placing her bid. The initial price was set at 100,000 bits, shocking the audience. The numbers rose—110,000, 120,000, 130,000—until Nova had had enough.
“150,000 bits,” she declared firmly.
Silence fell over the room. No one dared to outbid her, and just like that, she had won.
Inside the cage, the changeling’s ears perked up. His wide eyes locked onto Nova as he cautiously approached the bars. Whispers spread among the crowd, but Nova ignored them as she stepped forward, unlocking the cage. Without hesitation, she fastened a red necklace around his neck.
“Come on,” she said, turning toward the exit. “Let’s go home.”
The changeling hesitated but followed. He had heard horror stories of changelings being bought and treated cruelly. Still, something about this pony seemed different.
As they walked, Nova spoke in a calm yet determined voice. “I need a partner—a boyfriend, at the very least. My heats have been unbearable, and I need someone to help me through them. So, you’re going to be my boyfriend. Got it?”
The changeling’s ears flattened. “H-huh? You bought me… to be your boyfriend?” he stammered. “And what do I get out of this? What’s stopping me from running away?”
Nova smirked. “That necklace you’re wearing is enchanted. Try to leave a five-mile radius, and you’ll be pulled right back to me.”
The changeling sighed. “Figures… And you want me to disguise myself?”
“Yes,” Nova nodded. “If we’re doing this, I want you to look the part.”
The changeling rolled his eyes but complied. With a green flash, his form shifted into that of a white unicorn, retaining the same mane style. “How’s this? I’ve used this disguise for years,” he muttered.
Nova smiled approvingly. “Perfect.” She leaned in and kissed his cheek, catching him off guard. “I don’t want a pet. I want someone to care for.”
For the first time, the changeling looked at her with something other than apprehension. Maybe, just maybe, this arrangement wouldn’t be as bad as he thought.
As they made their way through the winding streets of Ponyville, Nova felt a mixture of relief and nervousness settle over her. She had planned this moment for months, saved every bit she could, and now it was finally happening. But what if it didn’t work? What if he truly hated her for this?
She stole a glance at the changeling, who was walking beside her in silence. He seemed deep in thought, his gaze occasionally shifting toward her but never lingering for long. She wanted to ask his name but hesitated. Would he even want to share it with her?
After a moment, she decided to break the silence. “So… do you have a name?”
The changeling blinked, as if surprised by the question. “...I do.”
Nova tilted her head, waiting.
After a long pause, he finally muttered, “Shade.”
“Shade,” she repeated, testing the name on her tongue. “I like it.”
He gave a small, almost imperceptible nod. “Thanks… I guess.”
The rest of the walk was quiet, but something about it felt less tense than before. Maybe, just maybe, this wouldn’t be so bad after all.
When they finally arrived at Nova’s home, she pushed the door open and turned to Shade with a smirk. “Come on, pretty boy,” she said, stepping inside. He hesitated for a moment before following her, closing the door behind him.
A few minutes passed as Shade took in his surroundings. The house was modest but comfortable, the warm lighting giving it an inviting atmosphere. He stood stiffly near the entrance, unsure of what to do next.
Nova flopped onto the couch with a sigh. “You can relax, you know. Make yourself at home.”
Shade hesitated before slowly sitting down across from her, his posture still guarded. Nova studied him for a moment before deciding to break the tension. “You hungry?”
Shade blinked, as if the thought hadn’t even occurred to him. “I… guess so.”
Nova grinned. “Good. I’ll get us something to eat.” She disappeared into the kitchen, leaving him alone with his thoughts.
A few minutes later, she returned with two plates of food and set one in front of him. “It’s not fancy, but it’ll do.”
Shade picked up his fork and took a tentative bite. His eyes widened slightly. “This is… good.”
Nova smirked. “Stick with me, and you’ll eat like this all the time.”
They ate in silence, though it was more comfortable than before. When they finished, Nova stretched and yawned. “I’m exhausted,” she admitted. “Long day.”
Shade nodded, feeling the weight of exhaustion himself. “Where should I sleep?”
Nova considered for a moment before patting the couch. “You can take the bed if you want. I don’t mind sleeping out here.”
Shade shook his head. “I’ll stay here. It’s fine.”
Nova didn’t argue. She grabbed a blanket and tossed it to him. “Suit yourself.”
She disappeared into her room, leaving Shade alone with his thoughts once more. As he lay down, he realized how strange this all was. He had spent years surviving, and now here he was—warm, fed, and safe.
Shade shifted under the blanket, glancing around the dimly lit living room. He had never felt a sense of belonging before, but something about this place, about Nova, made him think that maybe, just maybe, he wouldn’t have to run anymore.
Within minutes, both Nova and Shade drifted into a deep, well-earned sleep, unaware of what the future held for them.
