The Halfling Chronicles: Book 1by theultimatebronyChaptersChapter 2Chapter 3Chapter 4Chapter 5Chapter 6Chapter 1Chapter 2Twilight The next morning Twilight woke up and told Spike to watch the library. She went to Sugarcube Corner to grab a muffin, which Derpy promptly swooped down and stole, still chasing the illusion muffin. After that she went to Sweet Apple Acres where Applejack, Fluttershy, and Rainbow Dash were waiting. "Okay everypony," Twilight said, "Do you all remember the plan?" The plan was that Twilight would go to Doodle's, where Owlowicious was already waiting. The other three would be out of sight, waiting for him to give the signal if anything was wrong. When Twilight got to Doodle's, Midnight said, "Good morning Twilight. Are you ready for your first lesson?" "Hi Midnight. Yes I'm ready," Twilight replied. "Well, I believe that before one learns a technique, they should know how to counter it. So I am going to teach you how to see through illusions." "How do I do that?" "You must have complete, singular focus. Now I am going to blind you with my powers,so do not be alarmed." "Uh, okay," Twilight hoped that Owlowicious was watching. Suddenly, it was as if the sun had been extinguished. Twilight tried to use a light spell for a few minutes but couldn't produce any light. Midnight's words echoed through Twilight's mind, "You must have complete, singular focus." Twilight closed her eyes, or at least she thought she did, and banished every thought in her mind except for the desire to see. She opened her eyes and saw that the world was as it should be. "It worked," Twilight said happily. "Yes and the technique does not require magic." "Really?" "Yeah, so you can tell your friends to come out and they can learn as well." Twilight was surprised that Midnight knew her friends were there, "How did you know?" "The owl," Midnight began, "it was out in daylight, though that wasn't what tipped me off." "Then what was?" "While you were blind I created the a mouse. A regular owl would have swooped down to get it, but this one didn't even bat an eye. Then I remembered that you told me you had a pet owl." "That was a very good deduction, Midnight. I'll call my friends." Twilight called her friends and they introduced themselves, whith Raindow adding, "If you touch our friend, I will sonic rainboom you in the face." "I swear I will not lay a hoof on a single hair on her mane without her permission," Midnight promised, "I can understand what you were thinking. I mean a new stallion in town wants to bring your beautiful friend to the place he's staying, I would want to make sure no funny business was going on too." "Did he really just say I'm beautiful?" Twilight thought, blushing. Then Midnight's widened as if he just realized what he said "So," Midnight continued as if nothing happened, would you like to learn to see through illusions?" "Yes," all four mares said in unison. Midnight told the ponies what to do and blinded them. It took Twilight seconds to break the illusion and the other three a few minutes. "Good," Midnight said with a smile, "Now we can move on to more complex illusions." The rest of the day the mares were working on breaking increasingly complex and sometimes subtle illusions. At midday they took a lunch break and watched Derpy chase the illusion muffin. Every time Twilight saw Midnight look at her, she could see his eyes light up. This made Twilight feel something, but she didn't know what. As the sun went down, and everypony was about to go home, Spike came running. "Twilight! Twilight!" Spike yelled. He began to wheeze from the run. When Twilight came over, he gave her a note. Twilight looked atbthe signiture and exclaimed, "It's from Shining Armor and Cadence!" "Well don't keep us waitin' girl," Applejack said, "What does it say?" Twilight looked at the note, "It says; Dear Twilight We have something important to tell you that can't wait until the party. We want you and your friends to come to Canterlot tonight. Shining Armor & Cadence "Okay everpony, grab your things and meet me in the ballon in one hour." Chapter 3Midnight Midnight couldn't think Twilight enough for letting him come along. But she insistedthat she wanted to help him get the books he needed and Midnight thought there was something else. During the ride, Midnight decided to teach Twilight how to do illusions since she was so good at breaking them. First they started with changing the colors of existing objects. "With most illusions," Midnight said, "you have to picture the outcome in your mind." It took Twilight a few tries, but she managed to make Rainbow Dash look exactly like Fluttershy. "At least this time I don't have to use any spell to fix her," Twilight said. "What do you mean?" Twilight told Midnight about the unfinished spell and her friends' cutie marks getting switched. "Wow, between destrying the Grand Galloping Gala and that, you mares have had some strange things happen to you," Midnight said, "Though that explains why you are an alicorn now." "Yeah, I guess some weird stuff has happened to us," Twilight gave a little giggle. Midnight noticed Twilight's friends scoot away from them. "Uh Midnight," he heard Twilight say. "Yeah?" "Is that Derpy?" Midnight looked and, sure enough, Derpy was flying towards the ballon, still persuing the illusion muffin. Midnight ended the illusion but it was to late! Derpy smashed into Twilight and knocked her into the water below the baloon. "Sorry," Derpy said. After a few seconds and Twilight still hadn't come up, Midnight jumped into the water. When he hit the water, he felt the shock of cold water but ignored it. In the dim moonlight he could make out Twilight, unconcious, slowly sinking. When he got to her, he tried to shake her awake, she was out cold. Midnight didn't want to do what he was about to do, but he was running out of air and couldn't carry Twilight to the surface. Midnight touched his horn to Twilight's and felt a rush of magical energy. He began to cast a spell that he never had the strength to cast before and. Midnight saw a rainbow cut through the water just before he teleported with Twilight. Midnight reappeared in the basket of the balloon. He heard Applejack yell something to Fluttershy but was to shocked to understand. Applejack pushed on Twilight's abdomen until she spit up water. Then the magic high wore off and Midnight passed out. Rainbow Dash When Rainbow Dash saw Midnight jump over the side of the balloon, she thought, "That stallion is crazier than Derpy." Then she yelled, "Derpy, help me save those two!" When Rainbow Dash hit the water she did a sonic rainboom. In the dim light she saw Midnight's eyes glowing and Twilight missing her cutie mark. Before she could think about this, the two disappeared in a flash of light. Rainbow Dash flew back up to the balloon and saw Midnight and Twilight passed out under a blanket. Fluttershy After everpony started jumping out of the balloon it was just Fluttershy and Applejack. "So, how's Big Mac?" Fluttershy asked. "Uh good," Applejack replied, "Ah think he's been goin' out with Cheerilee." "Oh," Fluttershy looked at her hooves, "Good for them." Suddenly, Midnight and Twilight appeared in the middle of the basket. "Fluttershy, get a blanket!" Applejack yelled as she tried to get Twilight breathing. Fluttershy grabbed the blanket she brought and threw it on top of Midnight and Twilight. "Aw, they look so cut together," Fluttershy thought Shining Armor Shining Armor and Cadence walked out to meet the balloon. He expected Twilight to come out and do that dance with Cadence and then talk to him. But when he saw her passed out under a blanket with a strange stallion, he didn't know what to think. "What's going on here?" he asked, looking at Applejack. When she told him what happened, he said, "Cadence, could you help Twilight get to a room? I'll grab her friend." Chapter 4Twilight Twilight was standing in the caverns underneath Canterlot. This reminded her all too much of the time Chrysalis trapped. In the darkness Twilight could hear a voice, "Twilight Sparkle," the voice sounded deep and infinitely old. "Who, who are you?" She asked. "You will find out soon enough, but I have a message. The pony that holds your heart will fall and the ones you hold dear will prevent you from saving him." Twilight couldn't believe what this thing was saying. If anypony she knew was in trouble her friends would help. "What do you mean?" Twilight's eyes snapped open and she looked around. She was in one of the rooms at the castle. Shining Armor walked in and exclaimed, "Twily! You're awake!" "Yeah," Twilight replied, "What happened?" "You got knocked out and nearly drowned. Luckily your friend Midnight teleported you back to the balloon or who knows what would have happened." "How's Midnight doing?" "Where am I?" Yelled Midnight from across the hall. "Could I go see to make sure that he's okay?" "Sure, if you can get up. I'm going to tell Cadence and the others that you're alright." Twilight got up and nearly passed out from a sudden hunger. She walked over to Midnight's room and didn't see anypony. Twilight focused and saw Midnight levitating a chair. Midnight dropped the chair and hugged Twilight saying, "Thank Celestia you're alright." "Same to you," Twilight said happily, "Though I didn't realize you could teleport." Midnight looked at his hooves, "Don't be mad or anything but, from what I researched on Changeling magic I was able to create an energy absorbtion spell. I used it to get enough strength to save us both." Twilight had no idea what to say. The energy absorbing thing was strange but at least Midnight was honest and didn't try to make something up. Then her stomache growled loud enough to be heard from the kitchens. "We'll talk about this later but right now I really need to eat." Twilight and Midnight walked down to the kitchens where Twilight's friends, plus Shining Armor and Cadence were. When Twilight and Cadence saw eachother, they began to sing and dance, "Sunshine, sunshine. Ladybugs awake. Clap your hooves and do a little shake." "Glad to see that you're okay," Cadence said. "Thanks alot," Twilight replied. Rarity walked up and said, "It's so nice that you are alright darling, but is your friend?" She pointed to a corner where Midnight was just standing and looking at everypony. "He's probably just not used to all these ponies," Twilight replied, "You could try to start a conversation." Twilight went over to a table and ate until she couln't eat any more. When she was done, a loud noise came from the center of the room. A dark cloud appeared and said, "Hello everypony." It was the same voice that told Twilight the prophecy. "Who are you?" Shining Armor yelled. "I go by many names, but you may call me Darkness, as I am the embodiment of the darkness in all creatures." "Why are you here?" "I wish to shroud the world in eternal shadow and have spent so many millenia working towards that goal." "We have not seen signs of your influence," Twilight said, trying to sound braver than she felt. "But you have," Darkness assured her, "For it was I who planted the seed of jealousy in Princess Luna's heart. I sired Sombra and created the Changeling race." "Be gone!" Twilight heard Midnight shout, "I can see that this form is an illusion." "Ah, young Halfling," Darkness chuckled, "I can see into your heart. You wish to change yourself before the one finds out who and what you are," Midnight suddenly went pale, "If any wish to visit, I am in the crystal caverns under the city. Until then..." After the cloud fade away, Twilight looked at Midnight and said, "What did that thing mean when it called you 'Halfling'?" Midnight took a deep breath, "Being a Halfling means that I am half pony and," Midnight almost whispered the next part, "half Changeling." Author's Note I know someone said that he was a Changeling, looks like you were half right. I have only found like 5 stories where the halfling isn't related to Shining Armor. I also found a huge lack of TwilightxChangeling shipping. Chapter 5Midnight saw Shining Armor's horn spark with anger. "I guess I should start from the beginning," Midnight said, "All I remember of my time in the Changeling hive is one story my mother used to tell me. Don't ask me why, that's all I remember, but I probably should tell you it. "There was an alicorn queen visiting Equestria. She fell in love with a native prince, but he loved a princess. When the prince gave his love a love potion, the alicorn was filled with anger. She went to a being made of pure dark energy and demanded it to gave her the power to transform into the princess. Unfortunately the Dark One's spell turned the queen and all her subjects into the first Changelings. "I wish to find the spell used to create the Changelings in order to reverse engineer it and cure myself. That's why I've been traveling." "Yer not telling the whole truth," Applejack said. Midnight sighed, "You are correct. My mother is that original, immortal Changeling. I am the son of Queen Chrysalis." Shining Armor slammed Midnight against the wall with magic and growled, "How dare you go near my sister!" "Shining Armor stop! Your hurting him," Twilight cried. "Why should I care? His mother tried to me and Cadence, tried to hurt you. Give me one reason I shouldn't hurt him." "I assure you," Midnight choked out, spots appearing in his vision, "the only bond I have with the Changelings is the bond of blood." "I don't believe you," Shining Armor replied, "How do I know you won't hurt or take advantage of Twilight?" "Trust me, I've had enough chances." Shining Armor put Midnight down and said, "Is this your true form?" Midnight put his head down, "No, but I do not wish to show it so don't ask." Shining Armor stared at Midnight. "Fine," Midnight said, "Here it is" Midnight felt pain all over his body as he transformed. His transformation was different from a Changeling's and he didn't transform often. Midnight saw tears come to Twilight's eyes and she ran away. This was what Midnight feared. "Twilight wait, come back!" Midnight yelled after her. Midnight looked at Shining Armor and said, "This is your fault." Midnight wouldn't directly hurt anypony so he used his magic to make Shining Armor to look like a giant muffin in Derpy's eyes. Then he took off in the direction Twilight went. When Midnight got to Twilight's room he knocked on the door. "Who's there?" he heard Twilight sob. "It's Midnight. Could I..." "Go away!" Midnight returned to his room and looked in the mirror, seeing a face of black chitin staring back. "Am I just a monster?" he thought. Midnight shifted back to his unicorn form and wrote a note to Twilight explaining what he was about to do. He knew a spell that could destroy Darkness. Maybe. Midnight walked down to the entrance of the crystal cavern, surprisingly meeting no resistance. When he entered the caverns he felt a magnetic force pulling him towards the right tunnel. He put some crystals in an arrow shape pointing towards the tunnel and made it invisible in case Twilight wanted to find him. Midnight went through the tunnels, following the magnetic force and marking his path. Eventually, he found a large iron door. In the center was a hole big enough for a horn to fit into. Midnight put his horn into the door and used a little magic. The door opened inwards to reveal a large room. In the center was a large, black cocoon. "Hello Midnight," Darkness' voice echoed throughout the room. "Cure me of this," Midnight said as he transformed, "and I will make your destruction quick." The cocoon shook as Darkness laughed, "You may destroy my body my body, but like my brother Discord, I am a primal force and will always exist. Now, I have a counter-proposal. Swear your allegiance to me and I will give you all you desire. This includes curing you and giving you Twilight Sparkle." Midnight was tempted by the offer. He could become a full pony and have Twilight and a real family. But if he did do this, he would be helping the one responsible for the death and enslavement of thousands, maybe even millions. Midnight may have wanted to be normal, but he was not going to turn evil to achieve his goals. "Thanks," Midnight replied, "But no thanks. If I'm going to do this, I'm going to do it myself." "So be it. I'll just kill you and give your powers to somepony who will join." "Midnight!" he heard a voice behind him say. He turned around just as a tendril grew from the cocoon and shot at him. Author's Note Sorry it took so long to update. Now there is only one chapter left in the story. Chapter 6Twilight "Fine. Here it is," Midnight said as he transformed. Midnight's transformation was nothing like a Changeling's. It moved slowly and Twilight saw every stage. First, insectoid wings burst from his back. Then, black chitin grew over his fur and his cutie mark appeared where it normally was. Midnight grew fangs and his horn turned blood red. Twilight felt tears come to her eyes as she ran to her room. She could here Midnight yell for her but she ignored it, she just needed someplace to think. Midnight had seemed like a nice enough stallion, but was that just an act. And what about the feelings she felt for him? She didn't know exactly what they were but was he just harvesting them. A few minutes later Twilight heard a knock at her door. "Who is it?" Twilight asked through her her tears. "It's Midnight," a voice said, "Could I-?" "Go away!" Twilight didn't want to yell, but Midnight was one of two stallions she didn't want to talk to. Some time later there was another knock on the door and a voice said, "Twilight, can I talk to you?" The voice sounded like Cadence but Twilight couldn't be sure. Midnight could probably mimic voices and Twilight wasn't able to focus. "If you're Cadence," Twilight said, "tell me something that only she would know." "When you were eight you broke your mother's favorite lamp to practice spells to fix it. And when you failed you tried to by a new one." Twilight gasped. She didn't let anypony know that, not even Shining Armor. "Come in!" Twilight practically drug Cadence into the room. "Twilight," Cadence said in a serious tone, "I want to talk about Midnight." "Well I don't. He was one of them." "Twilight, he is not like the Changelings. Applejack would have told us if he was lieing." "True," Twilight thought, "If he lied Applejack would have seen through it." "Also, Shining probably wouldn't have reacted like that if he wasn't so on edge." "Why would he be on edge?" Twilight asked. "Well..." Twilight noticed Cadence's belly bulging slightly, "I'm going to have a foal." "Really!" Twilight couldn't believe it. She was going to be an aunt, "Wait. When were you going to tell me this?" "Tonight, but the little thing with Midnight happened." "Maybe I should explain to Midnight that Shining was on edge and apologize for running off." "Actually, that's what I was wanting to talk about. I saw Midnight run towards the entrance to the caverns." "We should see if he left anything in his room to explain himself." Twilight and Cadence went over to Midnight's room and looked inside. Twilight saw the note on Midnight's bed and picked it up. It read; Twilight, I'm sorry that you had to find out about me this way. I never wanted you or anypony to know about what or who I was for specifically the way your brother acted. Also, I have no need to feed on love. The spell I used to drain your power actually works the opposite, it only works on the one I love. It is because I love you that I am going to the caverns under the city. I have a spell that should destroy Darkness, so maybe his destruction will end the curse of the Changeling race. Wish me luck. Midnight Shadow P.S. Restrain Derpy or she might eat Shining Armor. Twilight set down the note and thought, "Even if he does have a spell to defeat that thing, the energy needed for it would destroy him as well." She showed the note to Cadence and said, "He really loves me?" Cadence nodded, "I could tell this from the first moment I saw him with you. I also saw that you have feelings for him." "Thank you Cadence. Now I have to go keep Midnight from getting killed." "I'll go get some backup in case you need it." Twilight nodded and teleported to the entrance to the caverns. Her focus on finding Midnight was strong enough that she saw straight through the illusions he placed around crystal arrows. Eventually, she made it to a large, round room. In the room, Midnight was talking to a large, black cocoon. Twilight couldn't hear what was being said, but Midnight looked mad. Twilight felt a surge of energy come from the cocoon and yelled, "Midnight!" Midnight turned around and was hit by a tendril that spontaneously sprouted from the cocoon. Twilight pulled Midnight into the hall out side of the room and asked, "Are you alright?" Midnight sat up and grunted, "I'll live." "You don't have to do this." "Yes, I do. If I don't, then Darkness will continue to spread its influence." "Then let me help. If you do this alone, then the energy requirments will kill you." Midnight stood up, "No, even if you help with the spell, there will be a shockwave that will kill anyone at ground zero. My shell should be strong enough to at least keep it from turning my body into a pile of dust." "Then at least allow me to give you some energy to keep you from dieing from the lack of it." "No," Twilight could see a tear run down Midnight's cheek, "I still have no idea of the full after effects of the spell and I care too much about you to risk your wellbeing." Midnight turned and about to enter the chamber when Twilight grasped him with magic. "What?" he asked. "I just want you to know, I love you," Twilight said, tears now coming to her eyes. Midnight smiled and walked into the chamber. His horn began to glow brightly as he prepared the spell. Darkness wrapped his tendrils around Midnight and Twilight tried to run to save him when a energy field closed off the doorway. Twilight turned and saw her friends with Shining Armor and Cadence and Celestia. "How did you get here?" Twilight aske. "I could feel the conflicting light and dark energies and when Cadence explained what was going on, I teleported everypony to the source," Celestia replied, "Now what is going on?" "He- he's going to destroy that thing with a spell," Twilight choked. "Does he know the risks?" "Yes." "Now," Darkness said, "I will destroy you." Twilight turned around and saw Midnight suspended in front of Darkness. "No," Midnight said, a large smile spreading on his face, "It's time for you to see the light." A blinding flash of light filled the room. When Twilight's vision returned, she could see Midnight's steaming body on the ground. "No!" Twilight cried as she galloped to Midnight. She felt all over Midnight's body, hoping to find a pulse. When she found none, Twilight sat on her rump and let loose all her emotions in a flood of tears. Midnight Midnight opened his eyes a crack and saw Twilight crying. He tried to open his mouth to say something, but didn't have the strength. Midnight could see darkness overtaking his vision and thought his only emotion. "I love you, Twilight Sparkle." Author's Note Thank you all for reading and watch for when I post the sequel (did anyone think it was called Book One because it was my first story?) Chapter 1Twilight Spike walked in just as Twilight was putting the finishing touches on a painting that she was planning to give Shining Armor and Cadence for their anniversary. "Hey Twilight, somepony wants some books," said Spike. The Spike's voice made Twilight jerk, causing the paintbrush in her mouth to smear paint all over the canvas. "Spike!" Twilight groaned as she used magic to remove the paint splatter. "Oh, sorry Twilight," he replied, "I forgot that you were working on the painting without magic. Why are you doing that again? "Spike, this is Cadence and Shining Armor's anniversary. It would be more special to paint it manually." "Oh, well there's a pony downstairs who wants some books." "Well we are in a library Spike. Of course they want some books." "Just go down there. I think you'll know what I'm talking about." When Twilight came downstairs she saw a handsome unicorn stallion. His coat was chocolate brown and his mane and tail were dark blond. His eyes were a piercing green. "Hello," Twilight said, "What is your name?" "It's Midnight Shadow," the stallion replied, "What is yours?" "My name is Twilight Sparkle," Twilight felt that something was strange about this pony. Not a bad strange, just strange, "What books are you looking for?" "Oh,right. I would like books on ancient magic, pre-princess history, and magical creatures." "The only pony I know with this appetite for reading is me," thought Twilight. It took a few minutes to get all the books Midnight wanted. After getting some of the books in his saddlebag and levitating the rest, he bid Twilight farewell. Midnight As Midnight walked away from the library, he couldn't stop thinking about the beautiful mare within. If Modnight could find what he was looking for he could think about settling down in Ponyville. "Focus Midnight," he muttered to himself. When Midnight was about fifteen feet from the library, a grey and blond pegasus mare smashed into him, causing the books he was levitating to fall. Twilight came out and said, "Derpy, I told you to stay away from town when you are trying to do a rainboom." "Sorry Twilight," Derpy said, "I just don't know what went wrong." Twilight walked over to Midnight and asked, "Are you okay?" "Yeah," he replied, "Do you know what distracts that pony the most?" "Muffins. Why would you ask..." Twilight stopped as she saw a muffin appear in front Derpy's face. As she tried to grab it, it moved just out of reach. Derpy flew off chasing the floating muffin. "How did you do that?" Midnight shrugged, "It's not a real muffin. I just created an illusion that will hover just out of reach. It will disappear when that Derpy stops chasing it." "Wow, that's amazing! So your talent is illusionry?" Midnight turned his flank towards Twilight. His cutiemark was a smoke cloud inside a mirror. "Yeah," he replied. Midnight focused and Twilight began to look around. He smiled and allowed himself to become visible. Twilight jumped and said, "How did you do that?" I told you, illusions. I can do just about anything with them." "Could you show me how to do illusions?" Midnight thought about this. Normally he wouldn't even show his abilities, let alone teach them to somepony else. Under normal circumstances Midnight would just check out the library and leave. But this mare mare was different. Finally he said, "Okay. I'll teach you how to do illusions." "Yes!" Twilight exclaimed. "But you have to do something for me first." "What?" "Help me with these books. I don't want another nutty pegasus hitting them." Twilight Twilight was interested in learning a new form of magic. She never saw much about illusionsists in history and there were no spells written down. Twilight also wanted to learn more about this mysterious pony. "So, what brings you to Ponyville?" Twilight asked. "I'm looking for the origin of a species," Midnight replied. "Which species?" "Some of the best illusionists in the world, Changelings." "I met their queen. Those things are evil," Twilight objected, remembering the invasion of Canterlot. "I know of their habits. I happened to be in Canterlot during the invasion." "What did you do?" "I made myself look like a Changeling and tried to run. But some pink earth pony hit me with a confetti cannon and it was all I could do to keep the illusion up." "That was probably my friend Pinkie Pie," Twilight could barely keep from laughing. Twilight told Midnight some basic information about her friends. He seemed to listen intently. "So where is Pinkie Pie?" Midnight asked, "From what you said, the would have been the first pony I would have met." "She and Rarity are in Canterlot helping my brother and his wife get ready for their anniversary," Twilight replied, "Pinkie is helping get the party together and Rarity is making Cadence a dress." "Wait. Princess Mi Amore Cadenza is your sister-in-law?" "Yeah." "So that means Shining Armor is your brother?" Midnight had a hint of fear in his voice. Twilight figured it was because Shining Armor was such a powerful unicorn, though that didn't explain why he didn't react when she told him who she was. "I don't get alot of news when I'm researching," Midnight said as if reading her mind. After walking a bit farther in silence Twilight asked, "So, tell me about yourself." Midnight took a deep breath, "When I was small I was abandoned. But I managed ti stay alive using my illusion abilities. After a few months I ran into a cranky old donkey named Doodle. He taught me to read and I stayed with him through the winter." Twilight wanted to tell Midnight that Doodle was living in Ponyville, but she didn't want to interrupt. "That spring Doodle and I split up and I went from town to town, doing odd jobs and reading everything I could on illusions, and eventually Changelings. The only pony I've tried to teach my abilities to was a mare named Trixie." "Wait, you taught Trixie!" Twilight burst out, nearly causing the books to fall. "Yeah. All she could do was make little star pictures. That was two or three years ago. Life continued as normal until I snuck into the Grand Galloping Gala. It was actually one you went to." "How do you know? "I remember Rarity getting hit with cake. Anyways, after the Gala I spent most of my time in the archives until the Changeling invasion. After that I just traveled until I got a message from Doodle telling me he needed somepony to housesit. I'm staying until the end of the week." "At the end of the week we're going to Canterlot for the anniversary. You can come and we can go back to the archives after the party." "Thanks, that sounds good." Just then the pair made it to Doodle's house. "If you're still interested in learning illusionry meet me here tomorrow morning," Midnight said as Twilight left. Twilight told Rainbow Dash, Applejack, and Fluttershy to come to her home. When they all got together, Twilight told her friends what happened, minus the part about researching Changelings. After a long silence, Applejack finally spoke, "Well Twi, it's nice you found somepony to teach you a new form of magic, but you just met this pony." "Yeah Twilight," Rainbow Dash piped in, "He might try to hurt you, and lets face it, if this Midnight's as good at illusions as you say he is, you won't stand a chance in a fight." Twilight thought about this. If Midnight did want to do something to her she wouldn't be able to fight. And if he saw het friends he could make it look like nothing was wrong. Finally Twilight found a solution. "Owlowiscious," she called. Once he was in the room Twilight said, "Owlowiscious can perch on a tree and signal you if anything goes wrong. Won't you?" "Hoo," Owlowiscious hooted. "He says he will do it," Fluttershy translated, " And how is the painting coming?" "Great. I finished this morning and repaired it after Spike made me smear paint." "I said I was sorry!" Spike yelled from the other room. "Anyways, do we all agree?" Everypony agreed. That night before Twilight went to sleep, the last image she saw when she closed her eyes was Midnight's eyes. His familiar green eyes. Midnight Midnight sat do the last book and sat down and shook his head. Even before he read them he knew the books wouldn't help. He saw every book in the group im libraries all across Equestria. "Why can't I find it?" Midnight thought to himself. Midnight thought about the lessons he was supposed to give Twilight in the morning. "I should have never made that muffin." Just seeing Twilight made Midnight feel something he hadn't felt in years. And if Twilight knew what he was she might not feel the same. He must find his cure or leave. Author's Note I will be updating this story once every week. See you next saturday.
Chapter 2Twilight The next morning Twilight woke up and told Spike to watch the library. She went to Sugarcube Corner to grab a muffin, which Derpy promptly swooped down and stole, still chasing the illusion muffin. After that she went to Sweet Apple Acres where Applejack, Fluttershy, and Rainbow Dash were waiting. "Okay everypony," Twilight said, "Do you all remember the plan?" The plan was that Twilight would go to Doodle's, where Owlowicious was already waiting. The other three would be out of sight, waiting for him to give the signal if anything was wrong. When Twilight got to Doodle's, Midnight said, "Good morning Twilight. Are you ready for your first lesson?" "Hi Midnight. Yes I'm ready," Twilight replied. "Well, I believe that before one learns a technique, they should know how to counter it. So I am going to teach you how to see through illusions." "How do I do that?" "You must have complete, singular focus. Now I am going to blind you with my powers,so do not be alarmed." "Uh, okay," Twilight hoped that Owlowicious was watching. Suddenly, it was as if the sun had been extinguished. Twilight tried to use a light spell for a few minutes but couldn't produce any light. Midnight's words echoed through Twilight's mind, "You must have complete, singular focus." Twilight closed her eyes, or at least she thought she did, and banished every thought in her mind except for the desire to see. She opened her eyes and saw that the world was as it should be. "It worked," Twilight said happily. "Yes and the technique does not require magic." "Really?" "Yeah, so you can tell your friends to come out and they can learn as well." Twilight was surprised that Midnight knew her friends were there, "How did you know?" "The owl," Midnight began, "it was out in daylight, though that wasn't what tipped me off." "Then what was?" "While you were blind I created the a mouse. A regular owl would have swooped down to get it, but this one didn't even bat an eye. Then I remembered that you told me you had a pet owl." "That was a very good deduction, Midnight. I'll call my friends." Twilight called her friends and they introduced themselves, whith Raindow adding, "If you touch our friend, I will sonic rainboom you in the face." "I swear I will not lay a hoof on a single hair on her mane without her permission," Midnight promised, "I can understand what you were thinking. I mean a new stallion in town wants to bring your beautiful friend to the place he's staying, I would want to make sure no funny business was going on too." "Did he really just say I'm beautiful?" Twilight thought, blushing. Then Midnight's widened as if he just realized what he said "So," Midnight continued as if nothing happened, would you like to learn to see through illusions?" "Yes," all four mares said in unison. Midnight told the ponies what to do and blinded them. It took Twilight seconds to break the illusion and the other three a few minutes. "Good," Midnight said with a smile, "Now we can move on to more complex illusions." The rest of the day the mares were working on breaking increasingly complex and sometimes subtle illusions. At midday they took a lunch break and watched Derpy chase the illusion muffin. Every time Twilight saw Midnight look at her, she could see his eyes light up. This made Twilight feel something, but she didn't know what. As the sun went down, and everypony was about to go home, Spike came running. "Twilight! Twilight!" Spike yelled. He began to wheeze from the run. When Twilight came over, he gave her a note. Twilight looked atbthe signiture and exclaimed, "It's from Shining Armor and Cadence!" "Well don't keep us waitin' girl," Applejack said, "What does it say?" Twilight looked at the note, "It says; Dear Twilight We have something important to tell you that can't wait until the party. We want you and your friends to come to Canterlot tonight. Shining Armor & Cadence "Okay everpony, grab your things and meet me in the ballon in one hour."
Chapter 3Midnight Midnight couldn't think Twilight enough for letting him come along. But she insistedthat she wanted to help him get the books he needed and Midnight thought there was something else. During the ride, Midnight decided to teach Twilight how to do illusions since she was so good at breaking them. First they started with changing the colors of existing objects. "With most illusions," Midnight said, "you have to picture the outcome in your mind." It took Twilight a few tries, but she managed to make Rainbow Dash look exactly like Fluttershy. "At least this time I don't have to use any spell to fix her," Twilight said. "What do you mean?" Twilight told Midnight about the unfinished spell and her friends' cutie marks getting switched. "Wow, between destrying the Grand Galloping Gala and that, you mares have had some strange things happen to you," Midnight said, "Though that explains why you are an alicorn now." "Yeah, I guess some weird stuff has happened to us," Twilight gave a little giggle. Midnight noticed Twilight's friends scoot away from them. "Uh Midnight," he heard Twilight say. "Yeah?" "Is that Derpy?" Midnight looked and, sure enough, Derpy was flying towards the ballon, still persuing the illusion muffin. Midnight ended the illusion but it was to late! Derpy smashed into Twilight and knocked her into the water below the baloon. "Sorry," Derpy said. After a few seconds and Twilight still hadn't come up, Midnight jumped into the water. When he hit the water, he felt the shock of cold water but ignored it. In the dim moonlight he could make out Twilight, unconcious, slowly sinking. When he got to her, he tried to shake her awake, she was out cold. Midnight didn't want to do what he was about to do, but he was running out of air and couldn't carry Twilight to the surface. Midnight touched his horn to Twilight's and felt a rush of magical energy. He began to cast a spell that he never had the strength to cast before and. Midnight saw a rainbow cut through the water just before he teleported with Twilight. Midnight reappeared in the basket of the balloon. He heard Applejack yell something to Fluttershy but was to shocked to understand. Applejack pushed on Twilight's abdomen until she spit up water. Then the magic high wore off and Midnight passed out. Rainbow Dash When Rainbow Dash saw Midnight jump over the side of the balloon, she thought, "That stallion is crazier than Derpy." Then she yelled, "Derpy, help me save those two!" When Rainbow Dash hit the water she did a sonic rainboom. In the dim light she saw Midnight's eyes glowing and Twilight missing her cutie mark. Before she could think about this, the two disappeared in a flash of light. Rainbow Dash flew back up to the balloon and saw Midnight and Twilight passed out under a blanket. Fluttershy After everpony started jumping out of the balloon it was just Fluttershy and Applejack. "So, how's Big Mac?" Fluttershy asked. "Uh good," Applejack replied, "Ah think he's been goin' out with Cheerilee." "Oh," Fluttershy looked at her hooves, "Good for them." Suddenly, Midnight and Twilight appeared in the middle of the basket. "Fluttershy, get a blanket!" Applejack yelled as she tried to get Twilight breathing. Fluttershy grabbed the blanket she brought and threw it on top of Midnight and Twilight. "Aw, they look so cut together," Fluttershy thought Shining Armor Shining Armor and Cadence walked out to meet the balloon. He expected Twilight to come out and do that dance with Cadence and then talk to him. But when he saw her passed out under a blanket with a strange stallion, he didn't know what to think. "What's going on here?" he asked, looking at Applejack. When she told him what happened, he said, "Cadence, could you help Twilight get to a room? I'll grab her friend."
Chapter 4Twilight Twilight was standing in the caverns underneath Canterlot. This reminded her all too much of the time Chrysalis trapped. In the darkness Twilight could hear a voice, "Twilight Sparkle," the voice sounded deep and infinitely old. "Who, who are you?" She asked. "You will find out soon enough, but I have a message. The pony that holds your heart will fall and the ones you hold dear will prevent you from saving him." Twilight couldn't believe what this thing was saying. If anypony she knew was in trouble her friends would help. "What do you mean?" Twilight's eyes snapped open and she looked around. She was in one of the rooms at the castle. Shining Armor walked in and exclaimed, "Twily! You're awake!" "Yeah," Twilight replied, "What happened?" "You got knocked out and nearly drowned. Luckily your friend Midnight teleported you back to the balloon or who knows what would have happened." "How's Midnight doing?" "Where am I?" Yelled Midnight from across the hall. "Could I go see to make sure that he's okay?" "Sure, if you can get up. I'm going to tell Cadence and the others that you're alright." Twilight got up and nearly passed out from a sudden hunger. She walked over to Midnight's room and didn't see anypony. Twilight focused and saw Midnight levitating a chair. Midnight dropped the chair and hugged Twilight saying, "Thank Celestia you're alright." "Same to you," Twilight said happily, "Though I didn't realize you could teleport." Midnight looked at his hooves, "Don't be mad or anything but, from what I researched on Changeling magic I was able to create an energy absorbtion spell. I used it to get enough strength to save us both." Twilight had no idea what to say. The energy absorbing thing was strange but at least Midnight was honest and didn't try to make something up. Then her stomache growled loud enough to be heard from the kitchens. "We'll talk about this later but right now I really need to eat." Twilight and Midnight walked down to the kitchens where Twilight's friends, plus Shining Armor and Cadence were. When Twilight and Cadence saw eachother, they began to sing and dance, "Sunshine, sunshine. Ladybugs awake. Clap your hooves and do a little shake." "Glad to see that you're okay," Cadence said. "Thanks alot," Twilight replied. Rarity walked up and said, "It's so nice that you are alright darling, but is your friend?" She pointed to a corner where Midnight was just standing and looking at everypony. "He's probably just not used to all these ponies," Twilight replied, "You could try to start a conversation." Twilight went over to a table and ate until she couln't eat any more. When she was done, a loud noise came from the center of the room. A dark cloud appeared and said, "Hello everypony." It was the same voice that told Twilight the prophecy. "Who are you?" Shining Armor yelled. "I go by many names, but you may call me Darkness, as I am the embodiment of the darkness in all creatures." "Why are you here?" "I wish to shroud the world in eternal shadow and have spent so many millenia working towards that goal." "We have not seen signs of your influence," Twilight said, trying to sound braver than she felt. "But you have," Darkness assured her, "For it was I who planted the seed of jealousy in Princess Luna's heart. I sired Sombra and created the Changeling race." "Be gone!" Twilight heard Midnight shout, "I can see that this form is an illusion." "Ah, young Halfling," Darkness chuckled, "I can see into your heart. You wish to change yourself before the one finds out who and what you are," Midnight suddenly went pale, "If any wish to visit, I am in the crystal caverns under the city. Until then..." After the cloud fade away, Twilight looked at Midnight and said, "What did that thing mean when it called you 'Halfling'?" Midnight took a deep breath, "Being a Halfling means that I am half pony and," Midnight almost whispered the next part, "half Changeling." Author's Note I know someone said that he was a Changeling, looks like you were half right. I have only found like 5 stories where the halfling isn't related to Shining Armor. I also found a huge lack of TwilightxChangeling shipping.
Chapter 5Midnight saw Shining Armor's horn spark with anger. "I guess I should start from the beginning," Midnight said, "All I remember of my time in the Changeling hive is one story my mother used to tell me. Don't ask me why, that's all I remember, but I probably should tell you it. "There was an alicorn queen visiting Equestria. She fell in love with a native prince, but he loved a princess. When the prince gave his love a love potion, the alicorn was filled with anger. She went to a being made of pure dark energy and demanded it to gave her the power to transform into the princess. Unfortunately the Dark One's spell turned the queen and all her subjects into the first Changelings. "I wish to find the spell used to create the Changelings in order to reverse engineer it and cure myself. That's why I've been traveling." "Yer not telling the whole truth," Applejack said. Midnight sighed, "You are correct. My mother is that original, immortal Changeling. I am the son of Queen Chrysalis." Shining Armor slammed Midnight against the wall with magic and growled, "How dare you go near my sister!" "Shining Armor stop! Your hurting him," Twilight cried. "Why should I care? His mother tried to me and Cadence, tried to hurt you. Give me one reason I shouldn't hurt him." "I assure you," Midnight choked out, spots appearing in his vision, "the only bond I have with the Changelings is the bond of blood." "I don't believe you," Shining Armor replied, "How do I know you won't hurt or take advantage of Twilight?" "Trust me, I've had enough chances." Shining Armor put Midnight down and said, "Is this your true form?" Midnight put his head down, "No, but I do not wish to show it so don't ask." Shining Armor stared at Midnight. "Fine," Midnight said, "Here it is" Midnight felt pain all over his body as he transformed. His transformation was different from a Changeling's and he didn't transform often. Midnight saw tears come to Twilight's eyes and she ran away. This was what Midnight feared. "Twilight wait, come back!" Midnight yelled after her. Midnight looked at Shining Armor and said, "This is your fault." Midnight wouldn't directly hurt anypony so he used his magic to make Shining Armor to look like a giant muffin in Derpy's eyes. Then he took off in the direction Twilight went. When Midnight got to Twilight's room he knocked on the door. "Who's there?" he heard Twilight sob. "It's Midnight. Could I..." "Go away!" Midnight returned to his room and looked in the mirror, seeing a face of black chitin staring back. "Am I just a monster?" he thought. Midnight shifted back to his unicorn form and wrote a note to Twilight explaining what he was about to do. He knew a spell that could destroy Darkness. Maybe. Midnight walked down to the entrance of the crystal cavern, surprisingly meeting no resistance. When he entered the caverns he felt a magnetic force pulling him towards the right tunnel. He put some crystals in an arrow shape pointing towards the tunnel and made it invisible in case Twilight wanted to find him. Midnight went through the tunnels, following the magnetic force and marking his path. Eventually, he found a large iron door. In the center was a hole big enough for a horn to fit into. Midnight put his horn into the door and used a little magic. The door opened inwards to reveal a large room. In the center was a large, black cocoon. "Hello Midnight," Darkness' voice echoed throughout the room. "Cure me of this," Midnight said as he transformed, "and I will make your destruction quick." The cocoon shook as Darkness laughed, "You may destroy my body my body, but like my brother Discord, I am a primal force and will always exist. Now, I have a counter-proposal. Swear your allegiance to me and I will give you all you desire. This includes curing you and giving you Twilight Sparkle." Midnight was tempted by the offer. He could become a full pony and have Twilight and a real family. But if he did do this, he would be helping the one responsible for the death and enslavement of thousands, maybe even millions. Midnight may have wanted to be normal, but he was not going to turn evil to achieve his goals. "Thanks," Midnight replied, "But no thanks. If I'm going to do this, I'm going to do it myself." "So be it. I'll just kill you and give your powers to somepony who will join." "Midnight!" he heard a voice behind him say. He turned around just as a tendril grew from the cocoon and shot at him. Author's Note Sorry it took so long to update. Now there is only one chapter left in the story.
Chapter 6Twilight "Fine. Here it is," Midnight said as he transformed. Midnight's transformation was nothing like a Changeling's. It moved slowly and Twilight saw every stage. First, insectoid wings burst from his back. Then, black chitin grew over his fur and his cutie mark appeared where it normally was. Midnight grew fangs and his horn turned blood red. Twilight felt tears come to her eyes as she ran to her room. She could here Midnight yell for her but she ignored it, she just needed someplace to think. Midnight had seemed like a nice enough stallion, but was that just an act. And what about the feelings she felt for him? She didn't know exactly what they were but was he just harvesting them. A few minutes later Twilight heard a knock at her door. "Who is it?" Twilight asked through her her tears. "It's Midnight," a voice said, "Could I-?" "Go away!" Twilight didn't want to yell, but Midnight was one of two stallions she didn't want to talk to. Some time later there was another knock on the door and a voice said, "Twilight, can I talk to you?" The voice sounded like Cadence but Twilight couldn't be sure. Midnight could probably mimic voices and Twilight wasn't able to focus. "If you're Cadence," Twilight said, "tell me something that only she would know." "When you were eight you broke your mother's favorite lamp to practice spells to fix it. And when you failed you tried to by a new one." Twilight gasped. She didn't let anypony know that, not even Shining Armor. "Come in!" Twilight practically drug Cadence into the room. "Twilight," Cadence said in a serious tone, "I want to talk about Midnight." "Well I don't. He was one of them." "Twilight, he is not like the Changelings. Applejack would have told us if he was lieing." "True," Twilight thought, "If he lied Applejack would have seen through it." "Also, Shining probably wouldn't have reacted like that if he wasn't so on edge." "Why would he be on edge?" Twilight asked. "Well..." Twilight noticed Cadence's belly bulging slightly, "I'm going to have a foal." "Really!" Twilight couldn't believe it. She was going to be an aunt, "Wait. When were you going to tell me this?" "Tonight, but the little thing with Midnight happened." "Maybe I should explain to Midnight that Shining was on edge and apologize for running off." "Actually, that's what I was wanting to talk about. I saw Midnight run towards the entrance to the caverns." "We should see if he left anything in his room to explain himself." Twilight and Cadence went over to Midnight's room and looked inside. Twilight saw the note on Midnight's bed and picked it up. It read; Twilight, I'm sorry that you had to find out about me this way. I never wanted you or anypony to know about what or who I was for specifically the way your brother acted. Also, I have no need to feed on love. The spell I used to drain your power actually works the opposite, it only works on the one I love. It is because I love you that I am going to the caverns under the city. I have a spell that should destroy Darkness, so maybe his destruction will end the curse of the Changeling race. Wish me luck. Midnight Shadow P.S. Restrain Derpy or she might eat Shining Armor. Twilight set down the note and thought, "Even if he does have a spell to defeat that thing, the energy needed for it would destroy him as well." She showed the note to Cadence and said, "He really loves me?" Cadence nodded, "I could tell this from the first moment I saw him with you. I also saw that you have feelings for him." "Thank you Cadence. Now I have to go keep Midnight from getting killed." "I'll go get some backup in case you need it." Twilight nodded and teleported to the entrance to the caverns. Her focus on finding Midnight was strong enough that she saw straight through the illusions he placed around crystal arrows. Eventually, she made it to a large, round room. In the room, Midnight was talking to a large, black cocoon. Twilight couldn't hear what was being said, but Midnight looked mad. Twilight felt a surge of energy come from the cocoon and yelled, "Midnight!" Midnight turned around and was hit by a tendril that spontaneously sprouted from the cocoon. Twilight pulled Midnight into the hall out side of the room and asked, "Are you alright?" Midnight sat up and grunted, "I'll live." "You don't have to do this." "Yes, I do. If I don't, then Darkness will continue to spread its influence." "Then let me help. If you do this alone, then the energy requirments will kill you." Midnight stood up, "No, even if you help with the spell, there will be a shockwave that will kill anyone at ground zero. My shell should be strong enough to at least keep it from turning my body into a pile of dust." "Then at least allow me to give you some energy to keep you from dieing from the lack of it." "No," Twilight could see a tear run down Midnight's cheek, "I still have no idea of the full after effects of the spell and I care too much about you to risk your wellbeing." Midnight turned and about to enter the chamber when Twilight grasped him with magic. "What?" he asked. "I just want you to know, I love you," Twilight said, tears now coming to her eyes. Midnight smiled and walked into the chamber. His horn began to glow brightly as he prepared the spell. Darkness wrapped his tendrils around Midnight and Twilight tried to run to save him when a energy field closed off the doorway. Twilight turned and saw her friends with Shining Armor and Cadence and Celestia. "How did you get here?" Twilight aske. "I could feel the conflicting light and dark energies and when Cadence explained what was going on, I teleported everypony to the source," Celestia replied, "Now what is going on?" "He- he's going to destroy that thing with a spell," Twilight choked. "Does he know the risks?" "Yes." "Now," Darkness said, "I will destroy you." Twilight turned around and saw Midnight suspended in front of Darkness. "No," Midnight said, a large smile spreading on his face, "It's time for you to see the light." A blinding flash of light filled the room. When Twilight's vision returned, she could see Midnight's steaming body on the ground. "No!" Twilight cried as she galloped to Midnight. She felt all over Midnight's body, hoping to find a pulse. When she found none, Twilight sat on her rump and let loose all her emotions in a flood of tears. Midnight Midnight opened his eyes a crack and saw Twilight crying. He tried to open his mouth to say something, but didn't have the strength. Midnight could see darkness overtaking his vision and thought his only emotion. "I love you, Twilight Sparkle." Author's Note Thank you all for reading and watch for when I post the sequel (did anyone think it was called Book One because it was my first story?)
Chapter 1Twilight Spike walked in just as Twilight was putting the finishing touches on a painting that she was planning to give Shining Armor and Cadence for their anniversary. "Hey Twilight, somepony wants some books," said Spike. The Spike's voice made Twilight jerk, causing the paintbrush in her mouth to smear paint all over the canvas. "Spike!" Twilight groaned as she used magic to remove the paint splatter. "Oh, sorry Twilight," he replied, "I forgot that you were working on the painting without magic. Why are you doing that again? "Spike, this is Cadence and Shining Armor's anniversary. It would be more special to paint it manually." "Oh, well there's a pony downstairs who wants some books." "Well we are in a library Spike. Of course they want some books." "Just go down there. I think you'll know what I'm talking about." When Twilight came downstairs she saw a handsome unicorn stallion. His coat was chocolate brown and his mane and tail were dark blond. His eyes were a piercing green. "Hello," Twilight said, "What is your name?" "It's Midnight Shadow," the stallion replied, "What is yours?" "My name is Twilight Sparkle," Twilight felt that something was strange about this pony. Not a bad strange, just strange, "What books are you looking for?" "Oh,right. I would like books on ancient magic, pre-princess history, and magical creatures." "The only pony I know with this appetite for reading is me," thought Twilight. It took a few minutes to get all the books Midnight wanted. After getting some of the books in his saddlebag and levitating the rest, he bid Twilight farewell. Midnight As Midnight walked away from the library, he couldn't stop thinking about the beautiful mare within. If Modnight could find what he was looking for he could think about settling down in Ponyville. "Focus Midnight," he muttered to himself. When Midnight was about fifteen feet from the library, a grey and blond pegasus mare smashed into him, causing the books he was levitating to fall. Twilight came out and said, "Derpy, I told you to stay away from town when you are trying to do a rainboom." "Sorry Twilight," Derpy said, "I just don't know what went wrong." Twilight walked over to Midnight and asked, "Are you okay?" "Yeah," he replied, "Do you know what distracts that pony the most?" "Muffins. Why would you ask..." Twilight stopped as she saw a muffin appear in front Derpy's face. As she tried to grab it, it moved just out of reach. Derpy flew off chasing the floating muffin. "How did you do that?" Midnight shrugged, "It's not a real muffin. I just created an illusion that will hover just out of reach. It will disappear when that Derpy stops chasing it." "Wow, that's amazing! So your talent is illusionry?" Midnight turned his flank towards Twilight. His cutiemark was a smoke cloud inside a mirror. "Yeah," he replied. Midnight focused and Twilight began to look around. He smiled and allowed himself to become visible. Twilight jumped and said, "How did you do that?" I told you, illusions. I can do just about anything with them." "Could you show me how to do illusions?" Midnight thought about this. Normally he wouldn't even show his abilities, let alone teach them to somepony else. Under normal circumstances Midnight would just check out the library and leave. But this mare mare was different. Finally he said, "Okay. I'll teach you how to do illusions." "Yes!" Twilight exclaimed. "But you have to do something for me first." "What?" "Help me with these books. I don't want another nutty pegasus hitting them." Twilight Twilight was interested in learning a new form of magic. She never saw much about illusionsists in history and there were no spells written down. Twilight also wanted to learn more about this mysterious pony. "So, what brings you to Ponyville?" Twilight asked. "I'm looking for the origin of a species," Midnight replied. "Which species?" "Some of the best illusionists in the world, Changelings." "I met their queen. Those things are evil," Twilight objected, remembering the invasion of Canterlot. "I know of their habits. I happened to be in Canterlot during the invasion." "What did you do?" "I made myself look like a Changeling and tried to run. But some pink earth pony hit me with a confetti cannon and it was all I could do to keep the illusion up." "That was probably my friend Pinkie Pie," Twilight could barely keep from laughing. Twilight told Midnight some basic information about her friends. He seemed to listen intently. "So where is Pinkie Pie?" Midnight asked, "From what you said, the would have been the first pony I would have met." "She and Rarity are in Canterlot helping my brother and his wife get ready for their anniversary," Twilight replied, "Pinkie is helping get the party together and Rarity is making Cadence a dress." "Wait. Princess Mi Amore Cadenza is your sister-in-law?" "Yeah." "So that means Shining Armor is your brother?" Midnight had a hint of fear in his voice. Twilight figured it was because Shining Armor was such a powerful unicorn, though that didn't explain why he didn't react when she told him who she was. "I don't get alot of news when I'm researching," Midnight said as if reading her mind. After walking a bit farther in silence Twilight asked, "So, tell me about yourself." Midnight took a deep breath, "When I was small I was abandoned. But I managed ti stay alive using my illusion abilities. After a few months I ran into a cranky old donkey named Doodle. He taught me to read and I stayed with him through the winter." Twilight wanted to tell Midnight that Doodle was living in Ponyville, but she didn't want to interrupt. "That spring Doodle and I split up and I went from town to town, doing odd jobs and reading everything I could on illusions, and eventually Changelings. The only pony I've tried to teach my abilities to was a mare named Trixie." "Wait, you taught Trixie!" Twilight burst out, nearly causing the books to fall. "Yeah. All she could do was make little star pictures. That was two or three years ago. Life continued as normal until I snuck into the Grand Galloping Gala. It was actually one you went to." "How do you know? "I remember Rarity getting hit with cake. Anyways, after the Gala I spent most of my time in the archives until the Changeling invasion. After that I just traveled until I got a message from Doodle telling me he needed somepony to housesit. I'm staying until the end of the week." "At the end of the week we're going to Canterlot for the anniversary. You can come and we can go back to the archives after the party." "Thanks, that sounds good." Just then the pair made it to Doodle's house. "If you're still interested in learning illusionry meet me here tomorrow morning," Midnight said as Twilight left. Twilight told Rainbow Dash, Applejack, and Fluttershy to come to her home. When they all got together, Twilight told her friends what happened, minus the part about researching Changelings. After a long silence, Applejack finally spoke, "Well Twi, it's nice you found somepony to teach you a new form of magic, but you just met this pony." "Yeah Twilight," Rainbow Dash piped in, "He might try to hurt you, and lets face it, if this Midnight's as good at illusions as you say he is, you won't stand a chance in a fight." Twilight thought about this. If Midnight did want to do something to her she wouldn't be able to fight. And if he saw het friends he could make it look like nothing was wrong. Finally Twilight found a solution. "Owlowiscious," she called. Once he was in the room Twilight said, "Owlowiscious can perch on a tree and signal you if anything goes wrong. Won't you?" "Hoo," Owlowiscious hooted. "He says he will do it," Fluttershy translated, " And how is the painting coming?" "Great. I finished this morning and repaired it after Spike made me smear paint." "I said I was sorry!" Spike yelled from the other room. "Anyways, do we all agree?" Everypony agreed. That night before Twilight went to sleep, the last image she saw when she closed her eyes was Midnight's eyes. His familiar green eyes. Midnight Midnight sat do the last book and sat down and shook his head. Even before he read them he knew the books wouldn't help. He saw every book in the group im libraries all across Equestria. "Why can't I find it?" Midnight thought to himself. Midnight thought about the lessons he was supposed to give Twilight in the morning. "I should have never made that muffin." Just seeing Twilight made Midnight feel something he hadn't felt in years. And if Twilight knew what he was she might not feel the same. He must find his cure or leave. Author's Note I will be updating this story once every week. See you next saturday.
