“Oh, Spike, this eggs benedict is delicious,” said Fluttershy quietly between mouthfuls of her breakfast.

Almost a bit too quietly, Spike thought with a smirk. He looked across the table towards a certain rainbow-maned pegasus as he held back a chuckle.

Rainbow Dash gave a noncommittal grunt as she poked at her food. She had claimed earlier, after Scootaloo had more or less dragged her out of bed, that hangovers and food never mixed well for her. Even so, she wouldn’t turn down a good meal, even if her body would rebel against her later as punishment. Fluttershy on the other hand, was faring quite well. Aside from a serious case of bed-head, she was fine. She apparently had more of a fortitude for hard cider than Spike thought.

Lyra and Bonbon were in similar states of post-inebriation like Rainbow Dash. Lyra was shoveling in food and gazing a hole into the wall on the other side of the room, rubbing her head every so often with a hoof. Alcohol induced headaches didn’t seem to stop Bonbon from being as cheery as ever, though.

“Oh, if you think this is good, you should come over here during Hearth’s Warming this year, Fluttershy. Spike makes the best breakfasts on the holidays. Why, just last year he made a coffee cake with apples and pear slices in it, along with a cranberry, raisin, and spinach salad bowl, and a vegetable stuffing and eggplant parmesan…” Bonbon sighed. “By the sun, it was amazing. He’s almost as good as Applejack and Pinkie Pie when it comes to working in the kitchen.”

“Whoa, let’s not put my skills on a pedestal now,” Spike laughed. “Applejack and Pinkie Pie could blow my baking and cooking out of the water if they wanted.”

“Don’t forget the baking contest last summer,” Scootaloo added as she walked into the dining area with a large helping of breakfast. “Mrs. Cake annihilated your wild berry pie.” She gave Spike a teasing smile as she sat down beside him.

“Hmmph,” Spike snorted. “I still say it was unfair, seeing as Pinkie Pie and Mr. Cake were among the judges.”

“So, um…” Fluttershy began, deciding to steer clear of year-old arguments. “I hear you’re working at the Everfree House. It must be really exciting.”

Spike gave Fluttershy a nod. “Yep, I actually met a few changelings who know you, apparently. Blur is one of them.”

“Oh, Blur is such a nice pony—I mean, changeling. She’s so polite, and wouldn’t hurt a fly. She has some wonderful tea blends, too. I really need to introduce her to Rarity some day.”

“Ugh, tea,” Rainbow stuck her tongue out. “Give me coffee any day over that stuff.”

“Oh, well… she makes more than just tea, if you don’t like drinking it. She also makes incense candles, practices calligraphy and poetry, and is pretty good at playing the shamisen… it’s very relaxing to hear her play.” A light blush formed on Fluttershy’s cheeks. “She… she’s been trying to teach me, but I’m not very good at it.”

“Shamisen?” Bonbon repeated. “Is that a type of musical instrument?”

“Mmm, it’s like a lute, but has a longer neck,” Lyra answered, her ears having perked up at the mentioning of music. “The shamisen, huh? They were introduced to Equestria about four hundred years ago… I didn’t think changelings created them, though.”

“Oh, well, I don’t know if the shamisen was invented by changelings, but Blur told me it’s been a part of changeling culture for… a very, very, very long time.”

“Blur… that’s the changeling you said you were going to help with getting stuff at market today, right?” Scootaloo asked.

“Yep,” Spike said between mouthfuls of food. “You feel like coming along?”

“You don’t think she’d mind, do you?” Scootaloo asked. “It’s been awhile since you and I went to market. Maybe we could do some shopping as well.”

“Oh, if you’re going, do you mind getting some horseradish sauce?” Lyra asked. “We’re almost out.”

“Ugh, I don’t know how you can stand that stuff,” Bonbon said, turning from her marefriend to Scootaloo. “If you don’t mind, could you two do that for us? Maybe some sugar, too?”

“No problem, Bonbon,” Scootaloo said with a wave of her hoof.

“Well, um… if you’re going to be helping Blur, maybe I could join you?” Fluttershy asked. “I’ve been hoping to stop by and see her, to be honest.”

“I don’t have a problem. I’m sure she would be happy to see you, too, Fluttershy,” Spike replied with a grin. “Though, if you two want to come with, we have to meet her at Quills and Sofas. Apparently, Blur’s become a regular with Davenport, so she gets a discount on upholstery and quills.”

“Rainbow, you want to tag along?” Scootaloo asked.

Rainbow gave a small smile. “Wish I could. I’m meeting Applejack around noon to help her make some repairs on the barn’s roof. Otherwise I’d join up with you guys in a heartbeat.”

“Lyra? Bonbon?” Scootaloo asked, turning to the two mares.

“I need to get ready for a gig tonight at the Rusty Plow,” Lyra explained.

“I have an order for a carrot festival banquet in the Coltachella Valley that I have to prepare desserts for. Carrot Top and I are actually going to be working together on it, so I need to meet her around three as well.” Bonbon looked at the clock. “Which… is actually less than two hours from now. Wow, time flies, huh?”

“You girls did get up only a half hour ago,” Spike laughed.

Breakfast was finished shortly after, and Spike, Scootaloo, and Fluttershy cleaned up and made themselves presentable for going to market. With a half hour to spare, the trio made their way to the town square, heading towards Quills and Sofas.

As they entered, Spike’s eyes were immediately drawn to a figure dressed in black kimono with a red and white floral design.

“Blur,” Spike called out.

Blur, who had been looking over a display of fine swan feather quills—all generously donated by the local flock living in the pond near town—beamed as she looked up to see the trio. “Spike!” Her eyes widened further as she saw the yellow pegasus accompanying him. “Oh, Friend Fluttershy!” Her wings buzzed as she lifted off the ground a little and made her way to the pegasus.

The two embraced in a hug, and shared a laugh. “Hello, Blur. How are you?”

Blur grinned happily. “I am doing most well! Mister Davenport has been helping me pick out some fine quills to take home for Colea and I to use.” She pointed towards the proprietor of the store, who nodded to the group. “He is a kind soul, and a most chari… uh… charitif—no, that is not the word…” She looked to Spike. “Spike, do know of the word used for… how do you say… being very giving?”

Spike quirked an eyebrow, but quickly caught what she meant. “Oh! Charitable?”

“Yes! That is my desired word! Mister Davenport is a most charitable pony!” Blur clopped her hooves happily. She turned to Scootaloo. “Ah, forgive me. I have not introduced myself.” She bowed slightly. “I am Blur.”

Scootaloo smiled and held out a hoof. “Scootaloo.”

Blur looked to the hoof, and smiled before taking it in hers. “It is most pleasing to meet you. Tell me, are you Spike’s special somepony?”

Scootaloo quirked an eyebrow, but recovered quickly and smiled. “Yes, I am.” She glanced over to Spike and smirked. “Has he been talking about me?”

Blur giggled. “Oh, not too much, but he always becomes very happy when he mentions you, from what I can feel.” She reached out and took Spike’s hand and Scootaloo’s and held them together. “I am most happy for both of you. I sense much… love and joy between the two of you…”

The two blushed, but smiled nevertheless. Spike was the first to speak, chuckling softly. “Heh, thanks, Blur.”

Blur let go and nodded. “You are most welcome, Spike. Now then…” She made her way back to Davenport’s desk. “I believe these two dozen quills will meet my needs, Mister Davenport.”

Davenport smiled. “Alright, then that shall be… fifteen bits.”

Blur blinked, “Fifteen?” Blur paused for a moment. “But… I have two dozen quills. That’s almost thirty five—”

Spike stepped forward and leaned down to Blur’s side. “Blur. He’s giving you a discount.”

Blur paused, and her lips slowly curled upward into a brilliant smile. “Thank you, Mister Davenport!”

“Oh, don’t mention it, Miss Blur. You’ve been a wonderful customer to my establishment. It’s the least I can do.”

Blur took the stallion’s hooves in hers. “May the World Soul embrace you with joy and love.” Davenport’s eyes widened a fraction as she leaned forward and hugged him. “Thank you again for your kindness!”

With that, Blur paid the stallion and made her way out the door with Fluttershy trailing behind. Spike shared a look with Scootaloo and Davenport. Scootaloo gave him an equally surprised look while Davenport still looked like he was trying to register what had just transpired.

“Um… well, that was unexpected,” Davenport said, though the smile on his face showed he clearly didn’t mind the affectionate gesture from Blur. “You know, I heard just last week that she bought almost all of Applejack’s produce, then went and donated half of it to the orphanage in Hoofington.” He shook his head and chuckled softly. “She’s just a little sunbeam, that one. ”

“So I’ve noticed,” Spike laughed.

Luna was old.

She would never deny such a claim.

She had been alive back when the Ancients’ Run mountains were still a smoldering line of volcanoes south of the great plains where she and Celestia had lived as foals. She had seen the rise and fall of many nations. Luna remembered back when Cloudsdale was known as Stratusloft, and made up of only a few pegasi who were bold enough to experiment with the idea of a wandering cloud city. She could still recall the days when dragons had lived in groups as tribes, quarreling over and sharing land as they saw fit.

Suffice to say, she had seen many things in her life.

Even so, the daytime was an aspect of life she was still less familiar with than most ponies. This was understandable, given her nature and her duties as an alicorn. Still, since her return, she made an effort to adjust to modern life in Equestria. This required her to get to know her subjects better, and part of this involved her getting less sleep.

“Princess?”

Luna turned to her side to see one of the castle staff holding a cup of steaming coffee in her magic. Luna took the beverage with a gracious smile, and dismissed the mare with a polite nod and a quiet word of thanks.

Coffee. By the stars, she wished she had known of this brew long ago. According to Celestia, it was a common brew in the southern climates of the world, especially in the islands of southern Zebrica and the Capricorn Tropics Archipelago. The plant had been a common item in trade for almost two thousand years within Zebrica and Saddle Arabia, but Equestrians had only begun enjoying the wonderful plant’s roasted seeds about eight hundred years ago. So, Luna couldn’t really be faulted on not knowing of it until recently.

“I see you’re up late again.”

Luna turned from her brew and saw the familiar face of her older sister peeking into her study. Luna smiled, a silent invitation for Celestia to enter. The elder alicorn did so, her gilded hooves making a soft clicking against the wooden floor.

“Looking up the recent tax reforms?” Celestia asked conversationally.

“Mm, not today,” Luna replied as she took an experimental sip of her still too-hot drink. “I’m reading over a report from Ms. Orthopaes, actually.” She lifted a scroll with her magic, holding it up before Celestia. “She’s says there has been a significant amount of progress with changeling integration in Fillydelphia. Her charges are settling in quite nicely.”

Celestia’s smile grew a little. “That’s wonderful to hear.”

Luna’s own smile fell a bit. “She also reported to me that there has been slight increase in the amount of reported harassment claims from changeling residents in Manehattan, Chicacolt, and here in Canterlot, as well.”

“I’ve heard the same,” Celestia nodded. “I’ve sent orders to several cities to increase their patrols during day and night time hours. Hopefully that will help a little…” Celestia shook her head. “Normally these sorts of incidents would be something that would simply be taken care of without much interest from the press, but…”

“Changelings, yes, I know,” Luna said, her tone a little harsher than she meant for it to be. Upon seeing Celestia gaze away from her, she added, “I… sorry, Celly. It’s been… stressful.”

“I know, Luna. I still don’t know why you haven’t elected some of your advisors to help you with these issues.” Celestia gave her a smile, one that conveyed multiple meanings: her pride in her younger sister, her admiration for Luna’s dedication, a dash of worry, and perhaps a bit of mirth from her sister’s slight pigheadedness.

Luna frowned at Celestia. “I’m quite capable of helping our newest members of society by myself. Besides, I don’t have many advisors, and they’re already swamped in their own work as it is.”

“Luna…” Celestia began.

“Orthopaes and the other ex-Councilors entrust us with helping the changelings, and I won’t let their trust be misplaced…” She placed the report back on the table while she continued reading over it. “Besides, Orthopaes and I are both, as you say, night-owls. This is the best time for me to work.” She looked up to Celestia, and added quickly. “Yes, I am quite aware that the sun has been up for several hours. My reasoning still applies.”

Celestia pursed her lips, knowing that any further argument would be futile. Regardless of how much stress Luna was shouldering with this added workload, Celestia knew that trying to reason with her would be foolish. Luna was passionate about these sorts of things, Celestia had come to learn over their many years ruling over Equestria.

As was the case, Celestia decided a change in topic was in order. “Rainbow Dash stopped by yesterday.”

Luna smiled. “Ah, how is our favorite Wonderbolt doing these days?”

“Same as always. Brash, full of pride, and still a wonderful mare.” The two shared a quiet laugh.

“I imagine Twilight was happy to see her. Poor girl has been working herself to the bone after her recent tour of the Bovidian Lands,” Luna said with a frown. “I’ve offered to help her with her work, but she’s stubborn.”

“That sounds rather familiar,” Celestia teased.

“Oh hush, Celly. I am used to the work. She’s still young. Why, even when Spike…” Luna paused for a moment. After clearing her throat, she continued. “Even when she was still new to her royal duties, she was taking on more work than any of our veteran staff do on even their busiest days.”

Despite her hopes, it appeared that Celestia noticed Luna’s slip. The white alicorn frowned sadly. “I was going to mention him, actually…” Celestia’s head drooped. “It seems that Rainbow’s visit also brought Twilight into a bit of a slump. She… they talked about Spike while the two had lunch together.”

Luna said nothing, simply nodded with a slight frown marring her features.

“I… Luna, I don’t know how else to say it. I miss him. Twilight misses him, even more than I. I was so…” The Sun Princess shook her head. “I was boorish and not thinking clearly. When he managed to circumnavigate me on the policy regarding changelings, I just… I got so upset. I thought he was trying to simply spite me.” She sighed, “No, that’s not true. I knew he was doing what he thought was right. I… I was paranoid.”

“Well, that paranoia was based on reasonable distrust. The changeling army did nearly conquer Canterlot,” Luna commented. “You were being stubborn, though.”

Celestia paced around Luna’s study, stopping every so often to glance at the title of some obscure book in Luna’s personal library. “Do you remember when I tried to stop you from participating in the initiation ritual to become an honorary dragon?”

Luna chuckled, “How could I forget? You were so worried about me that you almost made the sun set by midday. We had to make up an excuse to the entire kingdom about a ‘minor fluctuation in the celestial leylines’.”

The elder alicorn had the decency to blush in embarrassment. “Not one of my prouder moments. Still… if I had stopped you, I would hate to imagine how our relations with the dragons would be today.”

“We’re only equine, sister. If you are able to forgive me for what I did one thousand years ago, then I can forgive you for a minor lapse in control for all of eternity.”

Luna found herself wrapped in a pair of snow white wings while a strong neck rested over her own. “We need to talk to Spike…”

Luna knew her sister well. Celestia, much like her, was proud. Perhaps a lot more modest, but still proud. Her older sister was more subtle with her words, but, because she had known her all her life, Luna had a way of catching the hidden meanings to what Celestia said. In this case, she was asking Luna for help. “I can… try to talk to him. Face to face, even. Perhaps see if Cadance and Shining Armor would be willing to lend me their thoughts as well. The stars above know that those two think the world of him. I know for a fact that he still keeps in touch with them.”

“I imagine so. Cadance and Shining were much more… receptive to the changeling refugees.” Celestia’s voice betrayed her exhaustion. “Yet another mark against me, I suppose. If those two were able to welcome changelings with open hearts, then why couldn’t I do the same?”

“It wasn’t just you, Celly. You were a reflection a great many ponies.”

“Still…”

Luna pulled away gently from Celestia and gave her a frown. Celestia blinked, then gave a nod. “Alright, alright, I’ll stop.”

“Good. What’s past is past, after all. Learn from it, but don’t live in it.” Luna’s smile returned as Celestia gave another nod. “Now, I have been keeping tabs on Spike. Nothing too intrusive, but I know that he’s still living with little Scootaloo.”

“You mean your adoptive little sister?”

“N-no, Rainbow Dash already has that claim with her,” Luna said while looking away. “She is simply a filly whom I have come to know well over the years. She’s a charming young mare.”

“Mm, if you say so.”

Luna pouted. “Must you tease?”

“That’s what big sisters do, Lulu.”

At the mention of her seldom-used nickname, Luna’s cheeks turned beet red. “I-I just… ugh!” Luna turned away, doing her best to look affronted by Celestia’s teasing. “Hmph! Well, if you insist on embarrassing me, then perhaps I shall reconsider offering my help!”

“Okay, I’m sorry for teasing,” Celestia said, only sounding partially genuine.

Luna looked back to her sister, noticing the playful smile still on her lips. Deciding to surrender just this once to Celestia, she continued, “As I was saying… I’ll write to Cadance and Shining and see if they have any thoughts on the manner. Perhaps I shall pay Ponyville a visit as well. Nothing grand, just a little public visitation, check on the girls and Discord.”

Celestia’s smile softened. “Thank you, Luna. This means more than you can imagine.”

“I can imagine quite well. I care greatly for Spike myself. He’s like a nephew to me.” Luna lifted her nose a bit, trying to appear dignified. “After all, as the only honorary dragon within Equestria, and as Spike’s finstven, it is my duty to help guide him through such times.”

“Indeed,” Celestia agreed. “Regardless, your help is appreciated. If… if you need any assistance with your work, please don’t be afraid to ask Twilight or myself. Preferably me, though. You know how Twilight is about anything involving a quill and paper.”

“All too well, I’m afraid,” Luna laughed.

“Yes, Love! Love! Love for your family, love for your friends! Love for all of Equestria! For to love is to be one with the World Soul, and to be a part of the World Soul is to know true joy!”

Spike stood in the plaza of Ponyville, a slight blush on his face as he tried very hard to hide behind the two pegasi standing in front of him. Fluttershy for her part was just slightly less flustered, a small smile on her face as she watched Blur speak to the crowd before her. Scootaloo looked amused, simply enjoying the spectacle developing before her.

“So… this… World Soul, right?” began a mare who Spike recognized as Berry Punch.

“Yes, what do you wish to know, dear friend?” Blur asked.

“Um… what is it?” Berry asked with a lopsided smile.

Blur’s vibrant blue eyes blinked once before a smile broke across her lips. “Ah, the World Soul is the most generous and loving of entities in our world. All things that are living, they are part of it! It is a most wonderful thing, for we are both a part of it, yet still ourselves!”

“So… it’s like a puzzle?” voiced another mare.

“Um…” Blur frowned in confusion. “I… do not understand, friend.”

Fluttershy leaned close to Blur. “I think she’s asking if it’s many things that are… well, a part of one big thing when put together…”

“O-oh!” Blur brightened once more. “Yes, it is very much similar to a puzzle! We are all bound to each other by the World Soul!”

A stallion frowned a little. “Is this some kooky cult thing you changelings follow?”

If she was offended by the question, Blur didn’t show it. “Not at all, dear sir. Even if you do not believe in the World Soul yourself, simply living your life as happily as you can while giving the same joy to others is what matters most. The World Soul asks for nothing from us but to simply live as we see fit.”

“So, what, crime and stuff is okay according to the World Soul if somepony enjoys doing that kind of stuff?” the stallion asked skeptically. “Sounds flawed to me.”

“Oh, no, not at all!” Blur said quickly while waving a hoof before her, her wings buzzing nervously under her kimono. “No, for you see, the World Soul does not wish sadness or harm to us. Um… while it is good to find joy and love in life, it is… well… it is equally important to not bring unnecessary harm to those around you!” Blur smiled. “That is the belief that we of the World Soul follow.”

The stallion’s frown lessened. “Oh, well, I guess that makes more sense.”

Blur nodded enthusiastically as she continued. “I thank you all for listening. I also thank you all for giving us changelings your kindness. All of you from Ponyville, you are most wonderful ponies. Your open hearts have given us who thought we had nowhere to go a second chance. We will not forget this.” She bowed a little.

Spike noted a few changelings were actually among the crowd. Some nodded in agreement while others simply smiled. A few were even speaking to other ponies. He didn’t recognize them from the bordello, but he reminded himself that not all changelings in town worked there.

“Oh, oh, question!” spoke another pony. “Does the World Soul like cookies?”

Blur laughed as she looked up to the owner of the voice. “I believe it would, yes!”

Spike grinned as he watched Pinkie Pie trot through the crowd with two Cake twins close on her tail. “Great, because Sugarcube Corner is giving out free samples of our new Butterscotch Choco-nut cookies!” She bounced in place as she continued. “Everypony’s welcome to have one!”

A few ponies walked over to one of the cookie trays held by Pinkie, Pound Cake, and Pumpkin Cake. Within moments only a scant few of the cookies remained. The crowd dispersed, a few of the ponies and changelings bidding Blur a quick goodbye before continuing to go about their business.

Pinkie and the Cake twins made their way towards the four. “Hiya, Spike! Hi, Scootaloo! Hi, Fluttershy! Hi, Blur!” None were surprised that Pinkie knew the changeling by name. It was Pinkie Pie, after all. “Whatchya all doing?”

“Just helping Blur do some shopping in the market,” Spike answered, nodding to a large rucksack over his shoulder. “Just some groceries, mostly.” The drake turned his attention to the two foals behind him. Pound Cake and Pumpkin Cake gave him wide grins.

In the past seven years, the two had garnered a bit of a reputation in Ponyville. Pumpkin had taken after Pinkie in the pranking department, much to her parents’ dismay and to Pinkie and Rainbow Dash’s delight. In fact, the “Great Cookie Dough Incident of Ponyville,”as papers had dubbed it, was caused by none other than the little filly and her adoptive aunt. Lily Valley, Daisy, and Roseluck had needed weeks of therapy to recover, and Thunderlane still couldn’t look at macadamia nuts without trembling in terror. No one had been injured, but Pumpkin had been grounded for three months while Pinkie had been grounded for four…

… Mrs. Cake could be downright scary when she was pushed far enough.

Pound Cake, on the other hand, was almost the complete opposite of his sister. He studied hard in school, and seemed to be allergic to the idea of pulling pranks. In a way, the colt reminded Spike of himself, but with less scales and a lack of appreciation for gemstones.

“So, what are you two up to today?” Spike asked the twins.

Pumpkin grinned widely. “We’re just helping Pinkie Pie out with stuff. Mom and Dad went to Coltsburg for a baking conversion, so Pinkie Pie’s in charge.”

“I think it was called a ‘convention’, Pumpkin…” Pound corrected, earning a frown and raspberry from his sister.

“Coltsburg?” Scootaloo let out a low whistle. “Dang, what are they doing holding a convention that far north? They might as well go up to the Crystal Empire if that’s the case.”

“I dunno, but Mom said we had to stay in Ponyville.” Pumpkin made a face. “She said we had to stay here and go to school and stuff.” She pouted, clearly unhappy. “It stinks, too, because Ms. Cheerilee’s making us read boring stuff about old ponies right now. I could be helping Mom and Dad make sweets, but instead I’m stuck reading about how Equestria was founded. It’s soo boooring! We learned all about that stuff at the Hearth’s Warming Eve pageant…”

“It’s not boring, Pumpkin. It’s history, and we need to know that kinda stuff when we grow up.”

“Why?” Pumpkin grumbled. “What’s so important about knowing when Canterlot Castle’s roofs were changed from blue to gold?”

“I… I don’t know, because, grown-ups know those kinda things,” was all Pound Cake said.

“Canterlot Castle’s roofs used to be blue?” Pinkie asked.

“See?! Grown-ups don’t know those kinds of things!” Pumpkin said, sticking her nose up while Pound rolled his eyes.

“Looks like you got your hooves full,” Spike chuckled to Pinkie as the twins began arguing.

“Eh, they’re not that bad,” Pinkie smiled. “Besides, they’re great help at the bakery.” She nudged the two, cutting off their debate, which had descended into name-calling. “Hey, why don’t you ask Blur if she wants any of the cookies?”

The twins perked up a little, and walked over to Blur. Pumpkin grinned as she balanced a tray with the few remaining cookies on it in her magic’s wobbly hold. “Hi, Miss Blur! Want a cookie? They’re free!”

Blur beamed happily as she took one of the morsels in her own magic’s hold. “Thank you, I very much would, Pumpkin Cake!”

Spike felt his smile grow as the twins talked with Blur about how they helped make the cookies. He glanced over to Pinkie Pie, who was describing in great detail how many batches of cookies she had to go through before she got the recipe just right to Fluttershy, who for her part tried to look as interested as one could be about the intricacies and differences of dark chocolate and milk chocolate.

“It’s cute, huh?”

Spike looked to his side to see Scootaloo watching the two foals bouncing, suddenly flooding Blur with questions.

“Is it true that changelings eat love? Where does it go?”

“Um, how come changelings don’t get cutie marks?”

“Do you know Tenae? He’s a changeling in my class, and he can do this really gross thing with his tongue where he horks up a loogie and—”

Spike decided to forgo listening any further, “Yeah, it’s… cute. Though I do hope Pumpkin doesn’t start getting any changeling friends of hers to help her pull pranks.”

Even Scootaloo shuddered at the thought. “Dude, that’s terrifying. Don’t joke about stuff like that.”

Spike gave her a serious look. “Who says I’m joking?”

Scootaloo gulped. “It’ll be like when Pumpkin dumped hot sauce in the Nightmare Night apple-bobbing tub all over again. But… this time without the stale hay.” The two shook their heads, forcing away a night of terror from their minds.

The two returned their attention to the group. Blur was doing her best to answer the twins’ questions while Fluttershy tried, in vain, to have the colt and filly ease up on their friendly interrogation.

“Does it hurt when you light up with that green fire? Spike burps out green fire, but he says it doesn’t hurt him,” Pumpkin said as she continued to bounce in place.

Pound’s eyes widened a little as he looked to Pumpkin. “Maybe dragons and changelings are related!”

Pumpkin gasped, then frowned. “Nu-uh! If they were related, then changelings would have scales, dummy!”

“I’m not a dummy, pumpkin-head!”

“Hey, Mom told you not to call me that anymore!”

“Then stop calling me dummy, pumpkin-head!”

Blur looked between the two, then to Pinkie, a look of helplessness crossing her features. Pinkie simply sighed good-naturedly and stepped between the two foals. “Alrighty, no more arguing!” She ruffled each of the twins’ manes, earning a grumble from Pound Cake and a whine from Pumpkin Cake. “Siblings are supposed to get along, not fight.”

“Tell that to Sweetie Belle and Rarity…” Scootaloo chuckled.

“Oh, but Pinkie is right, you two,” Fluttershy said, walking up to the two foals. “Um, I mean, it’s okay to disagree, but fighting about something and calling each other names is, well… not really nice.”

Blur chuckled softly. “It can be very hard to get along with siblings, though. I agree. My sisters and I would argue a lot when we were younger.” She shook her head while smiling. “We sometimes still do, but it is not as often anymore.”

“You have sisters?” Spike asked.

“Oh, yes! You know one of them, actually.”

“I do?” Spike asked, now confused.

Blur nodded. “You met her the first day you came to the Everfree House.”

Spike frowned a little. “Alright, I’ll bite. Who was it?”

Blur giggled. “Wisp.”

“Oh, I know Wisp! She’s really fun, and really nice! She invited me to the Everfree House a few times to play some games.” Pinkie looked to the twins, then leaned close to Fluttershy and whispered, almost too loudly. “Adult games.”

Fluttershy’s wings flapped a bit, “Y-you… really? I mean, not that there’s anything wrong with that, but—”

“Oh, nah. I mean, she’s really pretty, and I was tempted… but I hardly know her. Maybe when I get to know her better, but for now, nah…” Pinkie said with a wave of her hoof.

Fluttershy, who was now flushed in the cheeks, just nodded in agreement.

“Well,” Spike began as he gazed at the town square’s clock. “Blur, did you want to head back, or was there anything else you needed to get?”

Blur shook her head. “No, I believe I have everything I needed to get.”

Spike shifted the rucksack on his back, wings adjusting as did so. “Alright, well, I’m ready when you girls are.” He looked to Fluttershy and Scootaloo, both nodding in turn.

Blur smiled as she looked to the Cake twins. “It was most nice being able to meet you two. Please continue to listen to Pinkie Pie, and do your schoolwork well.”

“We will, Miss Blur,” Pumpkin and Pound replied with nods.

“Don’t worry, Blurry, we’ve got everything under control at Sugarcube Corner.” Pinkie looked to the twins. “Right?”

“Right!” They answered.

“Alright, now let’s get back so we can make more of these cookies and start selling them! Onward!” With a bounce in her step, Pinkie made her way back to Sugarcube Corner, Pumpkin mimicking her gait while Pound fluttered a few inches off the ground, following after the two mares.

Blur continued to smile fondly. “I enjoy the youth of Ponyville. They are so open-hearted and curious.”

Scootaloo laughed. “Don’t let them fool you. Pumpkin’s a natural disaster waiting to happen when she’s scheming with Pinkie Pie. Now that Rainbow Dash is in town, things are going to get interesting real quick.”

Fluttershy sighed. “Oh, I do hope they don’t get into too much trouble…”

“They’ll be fine,” Spike said, waving a claw dismissively. “Pinkie Pie’s got a emergency plan for almost everything, anyway. Ponyville’s endured worse.”

Fluttershy bit her lower lip, then whispered. “Even worse than the Great Cookie Dough Inci—?”

“Okay, okay, point made, but in Pinkie’s defense, she was out of egg beaters, otherwise we would have had that contained from the beginning,” Spike replied with a heavy sigh. “Not to mention Discord.”

The four made their way out of town, heading down the road back to the Everfree House. The vast treeline that made up the eastern edge of the Everfree Forest loomed ahead as they crested a small hill, and Spike could see Scootaloo’s wings shift nervously.

Blur must have sensed her sudden shift of mood. Looking over her shoulder to Scootaloo, she said, “Do not worry. We have been living here for months, and we haven’t had any problems outside of a few stray timberwolves.”

“Timberwolves, huh?” Scootaloo asked. “Sounds like a problem to me.”

“Oh, most Timberwolves simply are looking for scraps of foliage or vegetation to eat,” Fluttershy said. “They aren’t actually carnivores.”

“They sure seemed to want to take a bite out of me way back when,” Spike mumbled.

Fluttershy’s gave him a sympathetic smile. “Timberwolves can be aggressive, and they do have have sharp teeth. But they don’t eat meat, Spike. I mean… they do bite, but they don’t actively hunt other animals. They’re just very protective of their family groups. And they’re so important to the recycling of plant matter in the wild…”

Scootaloo frowned. “You scare me when you talk like that, you know that, Fluttershy?”

Fluttershy smiled to the younger pegasus. “You just have to learn how to appreciate how fascinating nature is.”

When they reached the front lawn of the Everfree House, the group was welcomed by a changeling who bore a similar body type to that of Double Take, though she had the typical light blue wings and eye color. She was missing a fang, though, Spike noticed.

“Sister!” Blur cheered, her wings buzzing as she galloped to meet the changeling. However, Blur stopped a few feet short. She turned to Spike, Scootaloo, and Fluttershy, then gestured to the new changeling. “Spike, Scootaloo, this is my eldest sister, Fade. Fluttershy, I do believe you two have met, yes?”

Fade gave a small bow to the group. “Hello, and welcome…” She looked to Spike, then said with a grin. “Well, Spike, I believe I’ve seen you in passing already, but still, it’s nice to finally speak to you face to face.”

Spike nodded. “Pleasure’s mine.”

“Fade takes care of public relations, and is very well spoken in Equinic. She studied in Manehattan for six years before she started taking care of Wisp and I back in the Changeling Nation,” Blur continued, puffing out her chest just a little, clearly proud of the older changeling.

“Alright, alright, enough making me out to be some hero, Blur.” Fade stroked her younger sister’s large dorsal frill and chuckled as Blur blushed a bit. “How was the trip to the market?”

Blur’s face lit up. “It was wonderful. Mister Davenport gave me a generous discount on his quills, and little Lemon Daze gave me some fresh cut wildflowers.” She frowned a little as she continued. “Mister Waddle’s hip has been hurting lately, but I suggested a herb to help him. I hope he gets better, he is a friendly stallion.” She sighed. “It was a fun day, though. I even told some of the ponies a bit about the World Soul!”

Fade’s smile fell a little. “Blur, we talked about public speaking and our beliefs…”

Blur waved a hoof defensively. “Oh, no, I wasn’t telling them to believe in the World Soul… well, I mean to say, I was telling them what we believe, and why we value love and making others happy. That is all.”

Fade’s smile returned. “Well, okay, but you have to remember that everyone has a right to believe what they want.”

Blur sighed, “Of course I know that, I would never disrespect someone else’s beliefs.” She pouted a little as she continued. “I am not a youngling, Fade. I’m an adult.”

Fade shook her head and pulled Blur in for a hug. “You’ll always be my little sister, though. Someone has to look out for you.”

“So, you’re also Blur’s sister?” Scootaloo asked.

Fade smiled and gave a nod. “Yes, Wisp and Blur are both younger than me. Though, everyone in the Everfree House tends to see Blur as our little sister.”

Blur blushed, then said a few words in the changeling tongue before folding her forelegs together and frowning. Fade just giggled softly while nuzzling Blur, who continued to pout.

“Blur, there’s no need to be so upset…” Fluttershy said gently. “I mean, I suppose it can be hard being youngest. I… well, actually, I was usually the oldest in my classes when I went to school. Though, I was picked on as a filly by some a lot of the more social foals in school…”

Exhaling and unfolding her forelegs, Blur nodded. “I know. It is just embarrassing to be teased like that.” She looked to Fade. “My sisters seem to be most fond of doing it, too.”

“I only tease because I love you, Blur,” Fade replied, giving her a final nuzzle. “I’ll help get the groceries and other supplies inside. Daze was looking for you. She’s in the lobby, asking something about her shamisen.”

Blur perked up at the name. “Ah, she is the new changeling from Manehattan that we met, right?”

Fade smiled. “Yes, yes, and she said you were going to help her tune her instrument so she could start performing today. Now go on, the poor dear has been waiting almost two hours for you.”

Blur looked to the three and gave them all a quick bow before scurrying inside. Fade shook her head and chuckled softly as she watched Blur disappear beyond the double doors.

“She’s a great sister, isn’t she?” Fluttershy asked.

Fade looked to Fluttershy and nodded. “Wisp and Blur are both wonderful siblings. They… can be a bit of a pain in the carapace sometimes, but I wouldn’t trade them for the world.”

Spike laughed softly. “Hard to believe that Wisp is related to you.”

Fade rolled her eyes. “Wisp was always more of the mischief maker of the two. She usually got Blur in on her little schemes when we were younger. Though, she was always the protective sister as well. She got in more fights at school over someone calling Blur a name than I can remember.” She gave a wistful smile, then looked to Scootaloo. “Ah, forgive me. Scootaloo, correct?”

Scootaloo took a step forward, offering a hoof. “Yep. I’m this lug’s marefriend.” She gave Spike a playful grin, which he returned with a smirk. “He hasn’t gotten into any trouble yet, has he?”

Fade took Scootaloo’s offered hoof and gave her a firm shake. “Spike, getting into trouble? None that I’m aware of,” Fade replied good-naturedly. “Though, I must admit, more than a few here have been curious about Spike’s supposed marefriend.”

“Oho? Really?” Spike recognized that smirk on Scootaloo’s face as she arched an eyebrow. It was the same smirk she gave whenever she encountered a challenge, or something that had caught her attention. “Do tell.”

“Um…” Fade seemed to pause. While he had been here for less than a handful of days, Spike was already starting to pick up on the subtle messages that showed a changeling was reading the surrounding emotions. Fade’s ear’s twitched a little, and she looked quickly between him, Fluttershy, and Scootaloo. She gave a quick smile, then said. “Honestly, it’s mostly just us giving Spike a bit of a hard time. Namely my younger sister, Wisp. She’s… well, as I said before, she can be a bit of a pain in the flank. Love her to death, but you get the idea…”

Scootaloo’s smirk fell a bit, settling for a small smile. “I understand. My older sister’s great, but she can be real stubborn and impulsive.”

Spike chuckled at that. “Kettle called the pot what, again?”

“Spike, be nice,” Fluttershy said, though he could see a faint smile tugging at her own lips, which she tried to hide behind the locks of her mane. Scootaloo stuck her tongue out as Spike continued to chortle quietly.

“I suppose you would like to come inside?” Fade said, though she seemed to be speaking mostly to Scootaloo. “If you wish, we could even throw in a luxury spa treatment for you at a discounted price, so long as Spike is willing to join you.” She winked. “Employee discounts.”

Scootaloo perked up at the mentioning of a spa. “That’d be great, I’d—” She paused. “Wait, is this one of those deals where you give me a hooficure, mudbath, and stuff?”

“That all depends on what you two decide. We have numerous options available here at the Everfree House.” Fade gave Fluttershy a small smile. “And of course, Miss Fluttershy, you are more than welcome here, free of charge.”

“Oh, no, I insist that you let me pay this time.” Fluttershy dug into the saddlebag on her back and fished out her coin purse. “I mean, that is to say, I’d really appreciate it if you would let me pay for the usual this time.”

Fade sighed, though the smile on her face showed she was far from upset. “Very well, if you insist. The sauna and shamisen treatment, right?”

“Oh, yes, and… well, if Blur is available after I’m done with my sauna, and if she wouldn’t mind, I’d really like for her to play for me. I-if she’s okay with that, of course.”

The changeling nodded. “I’m sure she’ll be more than happy to play for you. In the meantime, I’ll get you jotted down for our next open slot.” Fade ushered them to the entrance. “Right, shall we?”

The trio followed Fade through the doors and into the lobby, and as usual, Colea was sitting behind the front desk, eyes scanning over some paperwork. She glanced up and nodded to Spike, then returned to her paperwork. She did a double take before giving the drake a confused look. “Spike? You’re off today, what—?” She paused upon noticing the two pegasi mares. Her eyes lit up in recognition as she noticed Fluttershy. She took a few moments to study Scootaloo. Her eyes fell back on Spike, then back on Scootaloo, and a small, barely noticeable smirk formed on her lips.

Either it’s that easy to see we’re together, or changelings are real good at this emotion thing…

“Hey, Colea. Yeah, I am off today. I said I’d meet with Blur at market, and just followed her back here. Scootaloo and Fluttershy came along with me. We’re thinking of trying out the services here,” Spike explained.

Colea’s smile slipped, and her eyes widened. She cleared her throat, then looked into large binder. “Um, well, I’m sure we can accommodate for a dragon and two mares… we have some larger rooms on the far end of the building, and we can assure you that you’ll have the utmost privacy—”

Spike’s cheeks flared up as he waved a hand. “N-no, I meant that Scootaloo and I were going to maybe try out the spa or something while Fluttershy did her own thing! That’s all!”

Colea blinked. “Ah, right, right.” She cleared her throat again. “As I was saying, we have numerous services here for our customers.” She waved a hoof. “That can wait, though. I don’t think I’ve met you before, Miss Scootaloo. Welcome, and it’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“Thanks, same here,” Scootaloo replied with a grin. “Nice place you’ve got here, by the way. I was hoping to get a look at where my Spike’s working sooner rather than later.”

“Well, thank you. Not too many consider how much work goes into maintaining this place while being so close to the Everfree.” Hopping down from her stool, Colea continued. “We may have only been here for a year at most, but most of that time we weren’t in operation. It takes time to make a place like this, but we’ve managed to do well, I think. That and it helps when you have wonderful ponies like Fluttershy here to lend a hoof when needed.”

“I’m just happy to help,” the mare replied softly.

Fade laughed softly. “Fluttershy here managed to help us relocate a lot of cockatrice nests. She’s also been giving us advice when we’re dealing with wild animals around here. Without her, I doubt we would have succeeded nearly as well as we have.”

Fluttershy clearly was flustered with the praise, choosing to smile and look to the ground. “It’s nothing, really…”

“Alright, Fade, enough teasing,” Colea chuckled. “Fade, feel free to help Fluttershy with whatever services she desires. I’ll help Spike and Scootaloo get situated here.”

“Sure thing, Colea.” Fade looked to Fluttershy and nodded, indicating for the mare to follow. Fluttershy bid Spike and Scootaloo goodbye, and followed after the changeling.

With Fade and Fluttershy gone, Colea returned her attention to the couple before her. “So, what did you two have in mind? We have a list of options, but do keep in mind that we only have so many staff members available, so there may be a bit of a wait on some of the services.” She handed Scootaloo and Spike a list, and waited as they looked it over.

“Oh, hey, they got dance classes,” Scootaloo whispered excitedly. “I’m definitely going to give that a try sometime.”

“Count me out. I got two back left feet.”

“Aw, come on, what happened to the Spike that was dancing up a storm all those years back at the wedding while wearing a tuxedo and hat?” Scootaloo asked, elbowing Spike playfully.

“He gained about an extra six feet in length, about four hundred extra pounds, and then grew wings,” Spike countered in a flat tone. “Dragons and dancing don’t mix, Scootaloo. You know that.”

“We do offer courses for traditional dragon dances, actually,” Colea offered. “Blur is actually the one who runs those lessons.”

Spike quirked an eyebrow. “Wait… traditional dragon dances?” He paused, but then shook his head. “I-I mean, thanks, but no—”

“Aw, come on, Spike, it could be fun!” Scootaloo urged. “It can’t hurt, right?’

“Today, though? I mean, I’d at least like to prepare for one of these things. Besides, Blur will already be with Fluttershy, remember?” Spike countered.

“Ugh, fine, fine, some other time, then…” Scootaloo said, putting up her forelegs and surrendering. “What about a massage and hot tub? That sounds nice.”

Spike shrugged. “Sure, sounds fine to me.”

With a pleased grin, Colea filled out a time slot for the couple. “Luckily for you two, there’s a time slot open for the next hour, so you don’t have to wait.” She flitted over to her desk and scribbled in a few notes in her gigantic binder, then she closed it with a dull thud. “Alright, just sit tight and I’ll have someone here to take care of you two in a moment.”

Sure enough, Colea had found two changelings available to tend to Spike and Scootaloo, who were now being ushered down one of the main halls. One of the changelings was Wisp, the other being a younger drone named Odonae. Spike suspected that Wisp had pulled a few strings so that she was attending to him and Scootaloo. Not that he’d dare vocalize such thoughts, lest he provoke the unending teasing that would likely result from Scootaloo and Wisp.

“So, like, where are you two from?” Odonae asked casually.

“Well, I’m from Ponyville. Born and raised,” Scootaloo answered.

“And I’m from Canterlot, but I’ve lived in Ponyville for more than seven years now.”

Odonae gasped. “Oh wow, you’re from Canterlot? No way, you’re joking!” She didn’t even give Spike a chance to speak as she continued. “Like, my BFF and I went to Canterlot once. Most of the ponies were really snobby, but we totally loved the sights. Kinda gaudy, but it’s still pretty neat. A lot more shops and stuff then there are back in Las Pegasus. Oh, like, this one time while we were there, we went down to the market to get some food, but were stopped by this merchant who—”

“Odonae,” Wisp cut her off, loud enough to be heard, but gently enough to not be rude. “Reel it in, sweetie.” She gave the changeling a smile, and Odonae ducked down a bit as she continued walking ahead of Spike and Scootaloo.

“Oh my Celestia, I’m like, so sorry. I talk a lot sometimes, and I…” Odonae caught herself this time, and just smiled. “Sorry, hehe.”

“Don’t sweat it,” Scootaloo said with a laugh. “So you’re from Las Pegasus, huh?”

“Chyeah! Born there, actually. My mom left Hive City when she was still young with my grandad. She met my dad some years later, and eventually I came along. Like, my mom says I take after my dad, but I’m not sure how true that is, since my dad’s a pegasus. My mom’s a little crazy like that, but she’s alright, I guess.” Odonae shook her head. “But yeah, once the changeling refugee stuff went down in Canterlot, I decided to move east. Ended up finding work here. Pretty cool shindig we got going on here.”

Spike raised an eyebrow. “Was your mom… in disguise for all those years that she was with your dad?”

Odonae flicked an ear while cocking her head to the side. “Huh? Oh, nah. Well, at first she was, yeah. But then when they started to take their relationship seriously, she told him the truth.” She laughed, “My dad actually taught me how to fly and all that stuff, which is weird with him not being a changeling, you know? You think it’d be hard to teach a different species, but he did alright. Mom was always more down-to-earth, I guess.”

“Odonae’s one of our newbies, as we like to call our new associates. She’s learning the trade.”

“Huh, looks like Aloe and Lotus got some competition, huh? We don’t have many massage therapists in Ponyville,” Scootaloo commented.

“Masseuse, actually. Not a therapist,” Odonae corrected. “And yeah, I know the difference.” She gave Scootaloo a wink before looking ahead.

Scootaloo glanced over to Spike, a small grin on her lips. He just shook his head and continued onward.

Eventually the group reached a larger room that smelled heavily of jasmine and cinnamon. There were several massage tables within, all of varying sizes. Spike was relieved to see at least two that he would easily fit on with room to spare.

“Alright, Spike, you’ll be with me. Scootaloo, Odonae will be attending to you. Is that alright?”

Spike and Scootaloo shared a look, both nodding their consent and following the changelings to a pair of tables, one of them being large enough for Spike. Wisp gave Spike a nod, then tapped the table with a hoof. “Hop on up, big guy.”

Spike looked to Scootaloo with a small frown, who was already on her own massage table and gazing at Spike with a smile. Her smile vanished as she noted the concern in Spike’s eyes, and spoke. “Spike?”

“Um, Wisp, can… can I have a word with Scootaloo?”

Wisp frowned, and looked to Odonae before nodding towards the door. The two changelings left, leaving them alone.

“What’s wrong?” Scootaloo asked as soon as they had privacy.

“Scoot, I… I’m getting a strong suspicion that this massage might be more than just a good back rub and loosening of muscles… if you know what I mean.”

Scootaloo rolled her eyes. “I kind of figured that out before, too. Odonae wasn’t exactly subtle about it.” Her expression softened. “Are… are you uncomfortable with this? Do you want to do something else?”

“No, no… I mean, I’m okay with it… as long as you are.” Spike flashed her a toothy smile.

Scootaloo’s smile returned. “If it’s with you, I’m all for it.” She nudged him a bit and added. “Who knows what might happen with those two, though, huh? I think that Wisp has a thing for you.”

“And I think it’s odd how you’re okay with that,” Spike laughed.

Scootaloo shrugged. “Hey, if she’s interested, it’s your call.”

Spike sighed. “Yeah, but… we’re already in a relationship. It should be our call.”

Scootaloo shook her head while smirking a little. “Spike, you and I both agreed back when we moved in together that we were okay with—”

“In my defense, Scootaloo, you’ve always asked me if it was okay before you invited someone over for a night.” The drake grinned as Scootaloo’s smirk drooped. “So, I think it should be a bit of give and take for both of us, don’t you?”

Scootaloo chuckled. “I… guess I didn’t realize that. Selective memory, that must be it.” She leaned up to nuzzle Spike’s chin. “How about we make a new agreement?”

“Alright. Shoot,” Spike said encouragingly.

“From now on, if we find ourselves in a situation where we might get more than just a little friendly with someone, we run it by each other first if we can.” She pulled back and smiled. “I mean, one hot night with someone isn’t worth possibly hurting you.”

“Heh, same with you.” Spike wrapped a wing around her, pulling her a little closer. She hummed in contentment. “Though, if it makes you feel better, I do recall involving myself in more than a few of those nights with a third party.” He waggled his eyebrows a bit.

“Heh, believe it or not, Archer still talks about how your tongue is better than any lover she’s ever been with.”

Spike flushed a bit. “Archer?” He recalled a blue pegasus mare and smirked. “Heh, she was… something else.”

Scootaloo sighed dreamily. “I’ve never looked at black lace the same way ever since…” She paused, then added. “You don’t think Rarity ever noticed us take some of her samples that one time she needed our help with modeling, do you?”

Spike shrugged. “If she did, I doubt she still holds anything against us.”

The mare nodded, then turned back to the door where Odonae and Wisp had exited. “I guess we sorta need Wisp and Odonae in order to get a massage in the first place, don’t we?”

Spike laughed as he let his embrace loosen, then pulled away from her and made to the door. He opened it, finding Odonae and Wisp sitting on benches in the hall. Both looked up as soon as he poked his head out.

“Is everything okay?” Wisp asked. “I… I hope we didn’t come off as too forward. If either of you are uncomfortable with things, we’ll be happy to change things up or reimburse you. We never meant to upset either of you.”

Spike smiled. “Scoot and I just had a quick chat. Nothing to worry about.”

Odonae frowned. “You sure?”

“Positive,” he replied.

Wisp and Odonae both smiled with relief. Wisp quirked an eyebrow, a bit of her teasing tone leaking back into her voice. “Good. Shall we get started, then?”

Spike simply nodded, a broad grin crossing his lips.

“Guuhhh…”

“Hive’s sake, Spike, your shoulders are like a mess of knots. Haven’t you gotten a massage before?” Wisp grunted as she pushed down on the drake’s scaly hide. “I mean, I’ve worked on minotaur bodybuilders that have looser muscles than you.”

“Duly… noted…” sighed Spike as he closed his eyes. Right now he was too relaxed to care about how stiff his muscles were.

Scootaloo, though?

“Ohhhhhh, sweet Celestia, yes…” Scootaloo moaned, almost a bit too loudly.

Odonae continued to knead the back muscles of Scootaloo, all while a healthy shade of green tinged the changeling’s cheeks. The smallest of smiles tugged at the changeling’s lips as she pressed against a particularly sensitive spot, right between her shoulder blades.

Spike couldn’t help but watch the display before him. He wouldn’t lie to himself: watching Scootaloo being stimulated while simultaneously being massaged was a major turn on for him. Not that he was all that surprised. If he were to be completely honest with himself, Scootaloo never needed to work that hard to excite him. Her moans and heavy gasps were usually enough for him.

Odonae ran her hooves along the length of Scootaloo’s wings, causing them to go rigid seconds later. The mare let out a gasp as Odonae’s hooves brushed the very tips, and Scootaloo’s tail began to swish from side to side.

“H-hey… give a mare a warning next time, huh?” Scootaloo said breathily, grinning as she looked over her shoulder.

Odonae giggled softly. “Sorry, couldn’t help myself. I have a thing for pegasi, I guess.”

“Really?” Scootaloo questioned, glancing over to Spike. “Looks like Spike and you have something in common, then.”

The drake cleared his throat as Wisp halted her massaging. He could feel her leaning forward, her warm breath tickling one of his ear frills. “Is that true, Spike?”

“M-maybe…?” Spike asked. “I mean, I’m not one to exclude anyone, regardless of species or—gya-hello!” Spike felt a set of sharp teeth gently nip at his right ear frill, sending wonderful sensations down his spine. “Oh shi—Wisp, k-keep doing that…”

Wisp giggled as she continued her gentle nipping, every so often darting her tongue out. “So, looks like someone has a sensitive spot, hm?”

“O-only when he’s turned on,” Scootaloo said breathily as Odonae began putting more weight on her shoulder muscles. “He’s… he’s also sensitive around the throat.”

“Unnngh… Scoot, don’t give her too much ammunition…” Spike moaned as Wisp planted a soft kiss on the base of either of his ear frills.

Scootaloo giggled between heated breaths. “T-try… s-sucking on his neck. He likes that a lot…”

Well, if Scootaloo was going to play that game with him, Spike would fight fire with fire.

“Hey, Odonae?”

“Hmm?” the changeling asked as she made circular motions at the base of Scootaloo’s wings and drawing out a moan from the pegasus.

“You see her hocks?”

Odonae raised an eyebrow. Scootaloo’s eyes snapped open as she turned to Spike with a nervous smile forming on her lips.

“Yeah…?” Odonae asked with fanged grin.

“She likes being licked there.”

Odonae smirked, then looked down at Scootaloo like the wolf who had managed to separate the lamb from the herd. “Oh yeah?”

Scootaloo found herself being rolled over gently onto her back. Odonae continued to grin hungrily as she scooted back a bit and raised up the mare’s right back leg so that she was facing it directly.

“Heheh… l-look, Odonae, just promise to be gentle at-oohhhhhhhhh yeaaaaah!” Scootaloo groaned loudly as a velvety tongue grazed the leg joint. Scootaloo arched her back and bit down on one of her forelegs to stifle her moaning.

Wisp paused her trail of nips at Spike’s jawline and chuckled, “Huh. She pulls off the ‘cute and sexy at the same time’ deal rather well.”

Spike, doing only a bit better than his marefriend as far as coherency went, laughed. “Only… only one in thirty ponies find the hock to be like an erogenous zone. Couple that with the fact that she’s super sensitive at the base of her wings and…” He smirked. “You get the picture.”

“Mmm… but what about you?” Wisp whispered softly into his ear. “You seem to like helping others feel good, but aren’t too quick to having someone returning the favor.” She leaned forward so he was able to face her directly. “A guy like you has needs too, you know.”

His heartbeat began to quicken its pace. He glanced over to Scootaloo, who, much to his surprise, was watching him amidst all the attention she was receiving. She nodded slowly to him, and moaned as Wisp began to plant butterfly kisses along his neckline.

Spike let out a growl, and found one of his claws ending up around Wisp’s side, pulling her closer. She hummed into his neck, her fangs grazing against the sensitive skin of his throat.

“Wisp… what… what do you want me to do?” Spike groaned softly.

Wisp pulled away. “Huh?”

Spike blinked, surprised by her sudden movement. “I… well, I mean… do you like having anything done in particular? Scratching the neck, massaging the flanks…” Spike blushed. “M-maybe… more?”

Wisp opened her mouth a bit, then closed it. She eventually found her words, and said, “I… huh… really?”

Spike frowned. “I-is something wrong? Oh no, what did I do? Am I not supposed to offer—”

“Spike, it’s okay,” Wisp chuckled softly. “It’s just… It’s usually me asking the questions.”

“Oh.” Spike looked away. “Sorry.”

“Don’t be,” Wisp replied. “To answer your question…” She bit her lower lip a little, then whispered. “If… if you could use your fingers and… maybe…?” She gave a nod behind her, and wiggled her hips to make sure there was no misunderstandings.

Spike laughed. “Not the first time I’ve gotten that request.” He looked over to Scootaloo once more, and much to his surprise, was rewarded with the sight of Scootaloo and Odonae both having paused their rather heated massage, watching the two closely with what Spike could only interpret as eager smiles on their face.

“Well, they didn’t take long,” Wisp remarked with a giggle. She returned her own gaze to meet Spike’s and smiled. “Something we can help you two with, girls?”

Odonae’s grin widened. “Maaaybe.”

Wisp snickered, then looked to Scootaloo. “Surprised to see you back with us so quickly.”

Scootaloo flushed a bit, though it could have been from the recent activities she had been engaged in. “Yeah, I… sorta like watching.” She looked down, her smile faltering a bit as she cleared her throat.

Wisp quirked an eyebrow, then looked down at Spike. He gave her a sheepish grin. “For what it’s worth, the same can be said about me with her.”

“Wow, did we luck out with these two, or what?” Odonae asked as she looked to Wisp.

“Mmm…” Wisp smirked, turning from Spike back to Scootaloo and Odonae. “Interested in joining us?”

Scootaloo’s wings, which had managed to relax a bit, became as stiff as iron rods once more. She grinned like it was going out of style, and looked to Spike. “Would I?”

Odonae gave a more reserved nod and hopped off the massage table. Spike watched as Scootaloo hopped up on the massive massage table, lying beside him. She wrapped a foreleg around his arm, and smiled. A sudden weight settled on his stomach, and he looked to see Odonae had joined Wisp on the drake’s stomach.

“So… where were we, again?” Wisp tapped her chin, her eyes lighting up moments later. “Oh yeah!” She gave Spike a final grin before slowly turning around so that her backside was facing him and Scootaloo. Both Spike and Scootaloo had unknowingly been holding their breath as Wisp lifted her tail.

After several seconds, Scootaloo said. “Huh… so that’s what it looks like?” She glanced down at herself for a moment, then turned to Spike. “Not all that different, huh?”

Spike wasn’t sure what he had been expecting. “Yeah…”

Much like Scootaloo had said, Spike wasn’t all that surprised by what he saw. Wisp’s… marehood? Was that even the proper term for a changeling? Well, whatever the case, changelings and ponies apparently had a lot more in common than Spike had initially thought. Two small, lip-like folds of skin covered either side. Similar to the the labial scales of female dragons, his mind thought, but… not scale-like…?

Shaking his head and focusing on Wisp, Spike placed both hands around her rear. He gave her a soft squeeze, and was surprised when Wisp’s skin gave a little beneath his claws, much like that of skin. It wasn’t as soft as the skin of a pony, but the carapace of a changeling was surprisingly pliable in his hands.

Wisp’s tail twitched at the contact, and her wings buzzed. She lifted her right and left legs every few moments, as though she were attempting to adjust her footing. She rolled her neck a bit and let out the softest of hisses. She looked back and gave Spike a lustful smile, then glanced over to Scootaloo. “H-hey, come over here.”

Scootaloo cocked her head to the side, but smiled and got to her hooves. She walked around to face Wisp, who whispered into the mare’s ear. Scootaloo’s ears twitched, and she nodded excitedly. Then she crawled beneath Wisp, head first so that she was facing the same way as Spike, but lying belly to belly with the changeling. Wisp and Odonae were silent for a moment, though if their eye contact was any indication, they were likely communicating with each other.

Sure enough, Odonae’s lips split into that mischievous fanged-grin of hers. She got onto her back, and slowly positioned herself so that her two back legs were entwined with the mare’s. A moment later, Scootaloo let out a surprised gasp and bucked her hips as Odonae scissored her legs with the pegasus.

If Spike could have, he probably would have taken a picture of the scene. A dragon lying on his back on a massage table, with a pegasus mare on her back lying on his stomach. Add to that a changeling scissoring said pegasus just above the dragon’s crotch, and a second changeling lying on her belly over the pegasus mare.

Yeah, definitely wish I had a camer— wait, no, Lyra would steal the photo, knowing her.

Scootaloo let out a shuddering gasp that was accompanied by an equally sensual moan from Odonae. The fact that their grinding was right above the quickly swelling spot on his venereal scales wasn’t helping him maintain his focus. He glanced ahead to Wisp, who was patiently waiting for him, batting her eyelashes as he made eye contact with her.

While Spike may have been drowning in a sea of ecstasy right now, he was still a proper gentledrake. And it would not be proper to leave a lady like Wisp waiting.

Wisp let out another low hiss as he parted her lips with two claws. He stuck an experimental digit in with deliberate slowness, eliciting a shuddering moan from Wisp as her legs shook. Her knees buckled a bit, but she remained standing nevertheless. Spike pulled out his completely soaked digit, and a heady scent that was both new and yet familiar to him flooded his nostrils.

Well, looks like she enjoys that… Spike thought. He grinned as he once more stuck in a claw finger, gently probing her as she began to rock her hips. Wisp’s head snapped upward as let out a few loud clicks, and Spike stopped abruptly. He cast her a worried look.

“Hah… s-sorry…” Wisp breathed heavily over the moans from Scootaloo and Odonae. “Changelings… do that sometimes w-when… we’re really getting into it.”

“O-oh,” Spike said, his mind only half-registering what she said as he felt a growing moistness around his lower belly area, and it wasn’t sweat. Forcing his thoughts back to the task at hand, he smiled. “So… keep doing what I was doing?”

“Please,” Wisp answered in a sultry voice.

Spike could only grin, and continued tending to Wisp’s swollen sex. Her moaning and clicking were beginning to meld together into a single noise. It was rather encouraging, to be honest.

Meanwhile, Scootaloo and Odonae were still grinding against each other like there was no tomorrow. Spike couldn’t get a good look at her, but the pegasus’ airy gasps were all he needed to hear. “Getting close, Scootaloo?”

“Unnn, mmhmmm,” she moaned in reply. “Oh, buck, Odonae, I-I…”

Odonae was clicking as well, Spike noted. It was still new to him, but he wouldn’t deny it. It was sexy to hear.

“W-whoah, heheh…” Odonae gasped. Scootaloo and Odonae had paused in their little session, causing Spike to snap out of his thoughts. “Well hello to you, too, Spike,” she giggled.

Spike blinked. “W-what?” He craned his neck, only to find his gaze falling upon his fully erect hemipenes, standing at attention between Scootaloo and Odonae’s thighs. “O-oh, sorry. I didn’t even notice—”

“Sorry? Spike, I’m flattered,” Odonae purred. “Take a look at these, Wisp.”

Wisp managed to come down from her near-climatic high, and chuckled. "Huh, I almost forgot about you dragons and your awesome anatomy.”

Scootaloo chuckled, “The first time I saw them, I thought I’d hit my head or something.”

Spike rolled his eyes, fond memories coming back to him. He felt a gentle hoof drape over his right arm and gently squeeze him. He smiled. “Love you too, Scootaloo.”

“Urp!”

Spike, Scootaloo, and Wisp looked to Odonae, who was blushing a furious green now. She gave them a sheepish grin. “S-sorry. There’s… a lot of love going around and, um… I was kinda hungry.”

“Oh, um… no problem, I guess,” Scootaloo replied in a slightly muffled tone, Wisp struggling to keep her weight over from pressing down fully on her. “Did… did it taste alright?”

“Y-yeah. It’s really rich tasting.” She licked her lips. “I think I want another taste… if that’s alright.”

“Oh? I think we can help with that,” Scootaloo laughed. “Right, Spike?”

“Huh—?” Spike answered.

Without prompting, Scootaloo began to grind against Spike’s erections. He bucked his hips at the contact. To add the sensation, a velvety tongue began running up the length of one of his shafts. A moan had escaped his throat before he could do anything about it.

“Oh wow, that is, like, the cutest sounding thing ever,” Odonae laughed. “Is he always that sensitive?”

Spike heard Scootaloo laugh. “I’m still learning about how dragons tick down there, but… think Spike’s an exceptionally sensitive guy around there.”

“I’m right… here… Scootaloo…” Spike moaned as he felt her inner thigh’s slick surface grinding against him. “Oh Luna, S-Scootaloo, please don’t… keep doing that…!”

Spike’s eyes had closed, but he felt the weight of Scootaloo and Wisp shift a bit. Curious, he cracked open an eye. Scootaloo was now sitting upright while Wisp had her hooves draped over either of her shoulders, Odonae was continuing to provide ample attention to his erections.

Trying to prolong the inevitable, Spike redoubled his efforts on Wisp. He pulled her closer, causing her to squeal in surprise. Without warning, he plunged his tongue into the folds of skin between her legs, and she clicked so loudly that he could feel her body vibrate against his muzzle. Her wings began to buzz arhythmically. She may have started shouting out his name and ‘yes’ several times, but he wasn’t sure. He was aware that she was enjoying it, though, seeing as she was now pressing herself firmly against his face.

“Ohhhh, Spike!” Wisp gasped. He opened an eye to see her trying to remain standing, her forelegs wrapped around Scootaloo. “Scootaloo, I…”

Scootaloo turned to her side, and captured the changeling’s lips in a heated kiss.

Spike felt both his shafts twitch as he watched the two pull apart slowly. Scootaloo’s eyes met his for a moment, and she smiled knowingly.

That mare is temptation in equine form, I swear it… Spike thought as Scootaloo pulled the changeling in for another kiss. He felt her hips begin rocking harder against his lengths as she moaned loudly.

Spike wasn’t sure how much more he could take. He continued tonguing Wisp, being rewarded with a throaty moan-click every few seconds.

Maybe… Spike smiled to himself as an idea crossed his mind. While his tongue continued its work on Wisp, Spike gave an experimental flick against the small nub near the bottom of her slit.

The results were more than he could have hoped for. Wisp’s head thrashed back, and she let out a silent cry. Her tail whipped left and right against Spike’s muzzle, and the overpowering scent wafting from her was becoming intoxicating.

“Wow, like, that’s crazy. Spike, I don’t think I’ve ever seen Wisp this worked up before,” Odonae commented with a laugh. “Having fun, Wisp?"

“Sh-shut up…” Wisp stuttered. “His… his tongue is…”

“Amazing?” Scootaloo offered.

“Yes!” Wisp answered, arching her back. “Sc-Scootaloo, c-can you… can you?”

Scootaloo tilted her head to the side, but smiled as Wisp wrapped her hooves around her. Scootaloo turned to fully face her, and held her tightly. Wisp shuddered, then went rigid. Not a second later, Spike’s muzzle was covered in a green, clear fluid. Scootaloo rubbed Wisp’s back and nuzzled her gently as Wisp rode out her orgasm, whimpering Spike’s name and gasping.

Spike didn’t have a chance to relax, though. Odonae was once more giving his hemipenes full attention, moaning as she dragged her tongue up and down, planting a soft kiss near the base of each one, then repeating.

He hissed as Scootaloo returned to pressing herself against his lengths. Every so often she would lift her hips and rub up and down.

Spike slowly sat up, allowing Scootaloo and the still-recovering Wisp to adjust. Scootaloo leaned against him while Wisp crawled off, deciding to simply watch for the time being. Spike wrapped both arms around Scootaloo as she slowly rocked back and forth.

“Spike…?” She began. The questioning tone wasn’t lost to him. He could feel her moving further and further up towards his tip. He looked down to her, could see her biting her lower lip.

Despite every part of him begging to give in, he just gave her a weak smile. “I… Scootaloo, I don’t…”

“Please?” she added in a needy tone.

He sighed, and shook his head slowly. “Not yet.”

Scootaloo frowned as her head drooped a bit, but gave a nod.

“But…” he continued.

Scootaloo looked up to him, an ear flicking as she met his gaze once more.

“M-maybe… we can give it a try, soon. If… I’ll see if I can get any information on… on proper ways to prevent injury. You know… stuff like that.” He smiled. “I promise. I… I know it sucks, trust me. I just want you to be safe.”

Scootaloo’s wings lifted as she gave him her brightest smile. “You… you mean that?”

“Yeah. Yeah, I do.”

Scootaloo leaned up and planted a wet kiss on his lips. Spike growled as he pulled her closer, and let a hand drift down to the space between her back legs. She pulled back as he slipped a digit inside, and grinned innocently.

“No fair! Stop distracting me-oohhhhhh!” Scootaloo’s protests were met with a second finger. She closed her eyes and wrapped her forelegs around his arms as she held tight. “Those… damn fingers of yours! Mmmnn!”

Spike smiled as he nuzzled her mane. “Would you like me to stop?”

“Don’t even think about it,” she replied. “Ohhhh, damn it, this is so unfai-ahaaaaah!” Judging from how slick she was, Spike was confident that she was close to her limit.

“Scootaloo, look…”

Scootaloo opened an eye. Sitting a few feet from her was Odonae, who was now preoccupied with tending to her own arousal, her eyes glued on the two. Meanwhile, Wisp was simply leaning against her fellow changeling, giving the couple a half-lidded smile.

“I think they’re enjoying this, huh?”

“Y-yeah…”

Spike lowered his head a little, and planted a few kisses on her neck. Scootaloo attempted to reciprocate the gesture, but her mind was too addled by the wonderful sensations her body was feeling thanks to her drakefriend. Instead, she simply leaned her head next to the top of Spike’s as he continued to nip gently at her collarbone while Odonae and Wisp watched with rapt attention and enjoyment. The momentum of his fingering sped up, and she finally could take no more.

“Spike… Spike… g-going…”

“Hmm…?” Spike whispered into her ear. “Already?”

She moaned an affirmative to him.

He smiled softly as she let out a whimper of pleasure. With that, he planted a firm kiss on her jawline and sucked on her skin, then plunged his fingers deep. Scootaloo’s wings snapped out fully as she let out a squeal. Seconds later a few flecks of fluid soaked Spike’s hand and the wooden table beneath them.

Scootaloo wasn’t finished though, it seemed. She ground her hips against his hand, letting out moans as she increased her fervent pace. Spike just held her closer, his tongue tickling her neck as he ran his free claw up and down her stomach.

“Spike…” Scootaloo breathed. “I… I love you-mmmmphhh…!”

As she went through her second orgasm, Spike and her locked lips in a desperate kiss. Scootaloo pulled him as close as she could with a hoof, practically screaming into his mouth as more of her fluids squirted onto the table.

When their lips separated, both were taking in deep breaths. The faint smell of smoke wafted into Scootaloo’s nostrils, and she could see Spike’s neck muscles throbbing a little.

“Frilling out, huh?” She grinned weakly. “Such a charm—”

“Uhhaaaaa!”

Spike and Scootaloo turned towards their two partners in passion. Odonae had one hoof rubbing herself while the other was frantically holding onto Wisp. The older changeling smiled with amusement as Odonae let out a few shaky breaths as the same clear, green fluid soaked her hoof.

“Easy now…” Wisp said softly as she placed Odonae in an upright sitting position. When she let go, Odonae swayed a bit before falling back. Wisp caught her with a hoof, and chuckled. “Oh boy, sweetie, I think you took more than you intended.”

Scootaloo chuckled. “Is she alright?”

“Love drunk,” Wisp sighed. “It’s a side-effect for some changelings who feed on too much love or lust at once, especially lightweights like Odonae.”

“Shu’ your face… m’not lightweight…” Odonae mumbled, snuggling up to Wisp. “Like… so not a light… mmm….” She closed her eyes and yawned. “Just tired…”

Scootaloo and Spike stared at the now sleeping Odonae. Scootaloo found herself giggling and shaking her head while Spike just snickered quietly.

“That is adorable,” Scootaloo whispered. “Do all changelings get like that from eating… uh… what emotions did you say?”

“Lust,” Wisp replied with a gentle pat on Odonae’s head. “No, though. A lot of changelings experience emotions differently. Lust with me, for example? I become relaxed and full. Maybe a little sweaty, like I just ate some spicy food. Some get a more tangy or sweet taste. Every changeling’s different.”

Scootaloo nodded, happy with the response. “I think she said our love tasted rich, right?” She grinned up at Spike. “Gives me some ideas for the next time Bonbon makes too much cake batter, huh?”

Spike’s blush intensified a bit. “Heheh, m-mabye.”

Wisp chuckled, “So, did you two enjoy that?” Both nodded happily. “Great. I really had a good time doing that, too. Spike, I’m not just saying this to be nice, but I can’t remember the last time someone, and I mean anyone, made me cum that hard.”

Spike laughed sheepishly. “Um… you’re welcome, heh.”

“I did want to ask a question, though,” Wisp continued. “I… felt some apprehension not too long ago. Scootaloo, you were asking something, and Spike got a little worried.” When they gave her a confused look, she clarified. “Emotions are very palpable during intense moments. I think it was right about when you two started going at it by yourselves, there.” She cleared her throat. “I… I don’t mean to be intrusive, but if there’s any problems with your sex lives, we do offer counseling. Free of charge for employees and their significant others.”

Scootaloo’s ears perked up while Spike blinked in surprise. The drake looked down to Scootaloo, who simply nodded, giving her silent consent for him to speak. “Um… there is a bit of an issue, actually.” He looked away. “It’s… I guess it’s a little stupid—”

“Spike,” Wisp cut him off gently. With a glow of her horn, she brought a clipboard towards her from the far side of the room. “It’s alright. What happens in this room is strictly confidential, unless you or Scootaloo wish to share with others.” She grinned. “You can trust me on this one.”

Spike nodded, the tension leaving his muscles a bit as he relaxed with Scootaloo still sitting against him. “It’s about… well, size. Erm…” He pointed down to his semi-erect hemipenes. “Scootaloo and I have talked about it for… quite awhile now. I’ve read and heard stories about interspecies relations on our… scale, I guess. Most of them weren’t very reassuring.”

“He’s worried about hurting me,” Scootaloo clarified. “I’m not, but I don’t want to pressure him into something he’s uncomfortable with. That’s not to say we don’t find other ways to be intimate with each other, though.” She flashed him a winning smile. “Right?”

Spike smirked. “You said it.”

Wisp smiled. “Believe it or not, that’s not all that uncommon of a concern. We’ve only been open for a few months, but we do have staff here with experience in the field of interspecies sex therapy. I’m sure we could help you with your concerns.” A pencil floated towards her and hovered a few inches above the clipboard.

“You could?” Spike asked. “I mean… that’d be great, because… to be honest, we’ve kinda been looking for some answers, but… well…”

Wisp raised a hoof. “It’s a personal matter, understandable. If you want, though, we could set you two up for an appointment in…” She glanced down at the clipboard, “How about… a week or so? Would that work?”

Scootaloo and Spike looked to one another, then Scootaloo nodded. “Yeah, fine by us. We’ll just make sure it works with our schedules before we plan anything.”

“Wonderful,” Wisp said with a smile, making a small note on the clipboard with her pencil. “By the way, Spike, you’re still frilling.” She gave him a sultry grin. “Need some help?”

Frilling. It was a term Spike had more or less made up, because there was no known term for it in any Equestrian literature that he knew of. His neck muscles bulged out a little, and his ear frills would flare out. Hence the term. To put it simply, when he did so, it meant he was either under lots of stress… or he was… under a lot of good stress. The kind that needed to be released.

“Heh, I’m alright. I imagine you girls are probably tired, so I can take care of it.”

Wisp cast her gaze to Scootaloo. “You want left shaft or right shaft?”

“Whatever works. I know the quirks with either of them.”

Spike felt his throat tighten as Wisp’s grin gained a predatory look. It didn’t help that Scootaloo was giggling the whole time, either.

One hour later found Spike and Scootaloo relaxing in a hot tub just outside of the building. The afternoon sun’s rays were shining through the tree line of the Everfree, and the songbirds’ calls filled the air. The gentle sound of a shamisen playing in the background completed the moment as the two let the hot water soak into their sore muscles.

“This… was a good idea,” Scootaloo sighed. “Spike, your job is awesome.”

“This isn’t usually a part of my day-to-day schedule, if I’m to understand right,” Spike laughed. “Patrol work rarely involves what we did today.”

Scootaloo ran a hoof through her soaked mane and smiled. “Still… I’m glad we did this.” She leaned against him and closed her eyes. “I’m also glad we talked to Wisp about… an appointment for next week.”

Spike couldn’t help but agree. “Yeah. I want to make you happy, Scootaloo. I’m willing to see what ideas they have.”

“Spike, you big dolt,” Scootaloo chuckled softly. “You already make me happy.” She looked up to him, and her smile faltered for a split second. “Do… do I make you happy?”

“Never doubt it,” he answered.

Scootaloo let out another sigh, and closed her eyes. “I love you.”

Spike draped his wing around her. “I love you, too, Scoot.”

The shamisen playing faltered suddenly. Both looked to the changeling playing the stringed instrument, curious about what caused her to mess up so badly. She was flushed green in the cheeks, and looking to her instrument, intent on not meeting their gaze.

“Daze… are you alright?”

Daze was a soldier changeling who was probably a few inches shorter than Wisp in height. She had a body frame that was a bit thinner than Wisp’s, but she held a grace and poise that made her seem almost regal when she moved. Her movements were always purposeful, and she held an air about her that Spike likened to that of Luna, even Celestia, though his mind held reservations about the latter for a few reasons. She wasn’t above socializing though, much to Spike and Scootaloo’s relief. He could easily picture Daze and Rarity talking over a cup of tea in his mind, or perhaps having a thought-provoking conversation with him.

Her eyes, however, were very striking. He had seen enough changelings to notice the subtle differences between them. Her eyes held something, a sort of light that only an observant mind would notice. It was some sort of innate wisdom that came from years of experiences. She seemed older compared to Wisp, maybe even Colea. Perhaps she was around Ebon’s age?

She gave the two an easy smile. “Sorry, I was distracted by you two. It’s… refreshing to see love like yours. I apologize if I disturbed you.”

“No sweat,” Spike replied. “You’re music is lovely, by the way. I can’t say I’ve ever heard of the shamisen before today. A nice introduction, if you ask me.”

Daze frowned. “Really?” Spike and Scootaloo both nodded. Her frown softened a bit, the hints of a smile on her lips. “That’s unfortunate. The changeling race is rich with music. Though… I suppose what some might consider our isolationist behavior responsible for that.” She sighed. “I didn’t really start to appreciate our music until after the… Canterlot incident.”

Scootaloo frowned a little. “Why’s that?”

Daze smiled. “I used it to help get through some hard times. I’m still not very good at playing the shamisen, but I’m rather familiar with the Biwa.” When the two gave her blank looks, she continued. “It’s… another type of stringed instrument from our homeland. Typically shorter in length than the shamisen, to put it simply.” She lifted her instrument with her magic to emphasize her point. “It resembles the Lute of the southern regions in the Bovidian Lands. The Biwa actually descends from the Pipa… an even older instrument from before the founding days of the Changeling Nation.”

“Well, I still think it sounds nice,” Spike continued. “I wish I knew of this music sooner.”

Daze chuckled, “This is child’s play, what I’m playing.” She continued to strum the strings of the shamisen, its staccato-like notes setting the two back into a peaceful lull. “If… if you’d like, I’d like to sing you a song. It’s mostly from memory, and it’s in Morphelsic.”

Spike’s eyes widened. “You’d sing us a song in Morphelsic? I… I’d love to hear that.”

Scootaloo smiled at Daze. “That’s the changeling language, right?”

“Correct,” Daze answered. “It’s been awhile since I’ve had a chance to sing in my native tongue. I… grow homesick sometimes, but I’m happy here in Equestria. Singing helps remind me of the good times in the Changeling Nation.” She cleared her throat and closed her eyes, taking a few slow breaths. She strummed the strings a few times, playing to a tune only she knew. When she began to sing, Spike did his best to translate the words in his mind.

O, mother, to where do you fly?

Have the warriors come home? Have the cranes returned to the waters?

I hear the vendors, their voices rising over the din of the streets.

O, mother, to where do you fly? Take me with, take me with.

O, mother, to where do you fly?

The earth is rich, the roots are deep. The farmers’ are singing.

The taverns they ring with stories and songs of battles from days long dead.

O, mother, to where do you fly? Take me with, take me with.

The song was a lullaby, Spike decided. Soft, soothing, and fitting to the atmosphere around them. Spike still only had a rudimentary understanding of the song, but something told him that it wasn’t necessarily a happy one.

O, mother, where shall I go?

I can’t see your face, but your voice it still rings. Guide me, hold me.

The mothers and fathers, they stay in their homes. Weeping, lamenting.

O, mother, where shall I go? Come back to me, come back.

O, mother, where shall I go?

The ground is so cold, the sun it’s so far. Guide me, hold me.

The flowers rise up, the holes they are filled. More, yes, more everyday.

O, mother, where shall I go? Come back to me, come back.

Spike felt Scootaloo move a little closer to him. He looked down to see a bittersweet smile on her face.

O, dearest mother, where am I going?

I hear my name on the wind, but I cannot follow. It’s dark now, I’m lost now.

Love, surrounds me, but it no hunger do I feel. Mother, what’s happening?

O, dearest mother, where am I going? Find me. Please, find me.

O, dearest mother, where am I going?

I feel no pain, I feel only warmth. I sense you, where are you?

The voices they call, beckoning me to follow. Mother, who are they?

O, dearest mother, where am I going? Find me… f-find…

A soft sob cut into the music. Spike and Scootaloo turned to see Daze shaking, choking back tears.

“Daze?” Scootaloo asked, rising out of the tub suddenly. “Daze, what’s wrong?”

“Ah, forgive me,” Daze said softly, wiping her eyes. “This… this song is an old song of mourning. It… well, it was a song of mourning, but in the past century or so, changelings began to singing it as a lullaby to their younglings. A song to remind them of how much they love them.”

The corners of Spike’s lips curled upward. “It sounded sad, from what I got out of it. Sounds like a child singing to their mother… or… something like that.”

“You… you understand Morphelsic?” Daze blinked, then chuckled. “Of course you do. I forget who I am speaking to.” She sighed, and gave a nod. “ You are right, though, on both counts. It is a tragic song. You see, about four hundred or so years ago, the Changeling Nation was swept with a rather devastating sickness. While we changelings are a very hardy species, we still are capable of getting sick. Unfortunately, this illness was especially bad for the youngest changelings at the time.”

“Oh…” Scootaloo said softly. “So…?”

“There was, some scholars believed, a hatchling mortality rate of almost seventy-five percent during the worst years of this illness. Stillbirths… hatchlings dying in their sleep only hours after they were born…” Daze shook her head. “The Changeling Nation managed to find a cure for this illness, thankfully. We recovered in time, but…” Daze sighed. “The ‘Gray Rot’ as we have come to call it, still appears every so often. It’s rare, since most changelings are immune to it. I myself am immune to it, but… my hatchlings weren’t.”

Scootaloo put a hoof to her mouth. “Daze… I-I’m so sorry…” Without even thinking, Scootaloo pulled her in for a hug. “I can’t even imagine…”

Daze smiled, gently returning the mare’s embrace. “It was years ago. I’ve… moved on, for the most part. I still had one healthy daughter, and I was thankful for her. She grew up strong, and… and I am so proud of her.” She shook her head. “Look at me, though. I barely know you two, and here I am dumping my problems on you.”

“Hey, c’mon, don’t be like that,” Spike said softly, crawling out of the tub as well. “I believe Colea said it herself. We’re a family at the Everfree… we take care of each other.” He placed a gentle hand on her shoulder as he closed the distance between them. “Daze, thanks for sharing that with us. It means a lot.”

Daze smiled. “No wonder they gave you so many titles.” She laughed softly, “Former Councilor Spike. The Firebrand of Canterlot… the youngest known member of the Equestrian Council, even by pony standards. The Voice of the Lost.”

Spike blinked, caught off guard by her words. “W-well… I was only doing what any good pony… or dragon would do.”

“Perhaps, but I’ve heard enough about you.” She placed a hoof on his arm. “Spike, for what it is worth, thank you. You’ve gave us changelings a chance to seek a haven during a time when our home was torn in two. So many of us were at a loss of what to do, and we had our foolish Queen to thank for it all.”

“Colea tells me she abandoned her station after the Canterlot incident.” Spike frowned. “Is that true?”

Daze drooped a bit. “It is. I… I was actually an attendant at the Blackstone Palace. I practically lived there. When… Chrysalis disappeared from us, most thought that they had failed her, and she simply left us to suffer on our own.” The changeling closed her eyes and exhaled slowly. “Some of us… only a few, mind you, thought that… that perhaps she felt that she had failed us. That she was too ashamed to continue leading.”

Scootaloo gave Daze a curious look. “What is the whole deal with the Changeling Nation right now?”

Daze shook her head. “It’s a bit of a conflict… well… yes, conflict is a good word for it. Some call it a war, to jazz it up.” She set her instrument on her lap as she continued. “Shortly after Chrysalis left, some more… extremists wished to take the control of her seat in the government. These extremists believe that changelings were in the right when it came to invading Canterlot. In their eyes, they see themselves as a higher life form compared to, say, a pony.”

“So, they see us as nothing more than food, huh?” Scootaloo asked bitterly.

“Yes, but mind you, they are considered extremists,” Daze clarified. “They are a minority. A growing minority, but still a minority among the masses. Sadly, some changelings are following along because these extremists hold lots of power already in the government, or have massive resources and land. A lot of them are buying the loyalty of those with few options for survival.”

“What about Chrysalis? She sure seemed to think that way,” Spike asked. “She did attempt to imprison the Princesses while feeding off of Shining Armor.”

Daze sighed. “True, but… well, there’s a lot of speculation on that. Chances are Chrysalis wasn’t thinking things through when she planned that stunt out. A lot of citizens in the Changeling Nation suspected that she was being impersonated by some high ranking military officer, and some think she became drunk on power.” She gave a weak smile. “Being a queen among an empathic race has its downsides, from what I understand. The Queen is very susceptible to emotions. It’s believed that the Queen is even susceptible to fits of psychosis if things become too stressful for her. It’s why Chrysalis always had so many advisors: she needed a steady ground when things became too much for her to deal with alone.”

“So you’re saying she wasn’t aware of what she was doing?” Spike asked, a little bit harsher than he intended. “Sorry… I just find that hard to believe.”

Daze actually laughed wryly at that. “No, I personally believe that Chrysalis was aware of what she was doing. Perhaps she got overconfident after some time. Maybe she was a bit delusional, but our queen has always been a bit… arrogant. Concerned about our well-being when you boiled it all down, but… still arrogant.”

“Heh, rulers tend to follow that pattern,” Spike snickered.

Daze simply raised an eyebrow at that comment.

“Scootaloo, Spike, there you two are,” called a new voice. The trio turned to see Colea making her way towards them. “I figured you’d be out here in the hot tubs.” She grinned hopefully. “Have you two been enjoying yourselves?"

“Yes, absolutely,” Scootaloo answered with a bright smile. “I think I’ll be coming by here more often.” She glanced up at Spike, and grinned. “Hopefully I won’t have to pull this guy from work, though.”

Colea laughed. “I’m happy to hear that. Wisp mentioned you that you two wish to schedule a…” She glanced over to Daze, then lowered her voice. “A therapy session?”

“O-oh, yeah.” Spike and Scootaloo both flushed a bit in the cheeks. “Did… Wisp go into any details?”

“No, not really. She said that you two seem to be quite happy with your relationship… but want to improve it.”

Spike’s shoulders relaxed. “Yeah, that’s… sorta what we were hoping to talk to someone about.”

Scootaloo gave a nod of agreement, then added, “I just want to let you know that Wisp and Odonae are wonderful girls. We really appreciated all they did for us. That and… they seem to really care about their customers.”

“Well, between the four of us,” Colea looked over her shoulder, then to her left and right, and spoke. “Not all clients are accepted here. Some of them end up getting kicked out of our establishment for one reason or another.” She brightened up as she continued. “That’s why clients like you two are so valuable to have: we like folks like you.”

“Awww,” Scootaloo waved a hoof to the changeling, feigning flattery. “You’re just sweet talking us.”

“Well, I am a lady of business. Have to keep my clients somehow,” Colea replied with a wink. Scootaloo just chuckled while Spike rolled his eyes in amusement.

Colea turned her attention to Daze. “I’m glad you decided to play for these two. I was hoping you’d decide to finally play for someone. Blur says you’re learning rather quickly.”

Daze snorted. “She speaks too kindly of me. I’m still a novice.”

“Well, then I look forward to hearing you when you’re a master at the shamisen. You’re already sounding fine to me,” Spike said encouragingly. “Don’t give up on it, though. Seriously, you’ve got a great voice, Daze.”

The changeling bowed a little. “Thank you, Spike. I’m sure I’ll have plenty of chances to play for you in the future, seeing as we’re co-workers.”

“Spike,” Colea began. “I didn’t mean to intrude on your personal time, but… well, as I said once before to you, we usually have dinner here. A few of us were hoping you’d like to join us.” She looked to Scootaloo, and added, “Of course, Scootaloo, you are more than welcome to join as well.”

Spike looked to Scootaloo, then back to Colea. “I don’t see why not. We’ll just make a quick stop to our place and let Bonbon and Lyra know. Yeah, though, we’d love to have dinner with all of you. The more the merrier, as they say.”

“Mm, also less food for Raxis to steal from others,” Daze added with a demure laugh. “Well, I do believe I should head back into town.”

Colea frowned. “You won’t be joining us for dinner, Daze? We always have plenty to eat.”

Daze gave Colea a regretful smile. “I’m afraid not. I have some errands to take care of before it gets to be too late.”

“Daze… you know, you’re more than welcome to one of our spare bedrooms. I know you’ve said you don’t mind your little flat, but—”

“Your offer is kind, Colea. I am thankful for it, but I’m happy with my current abode. Thank you, though, I do mean it.” She picked up a case and opened up, putting her shamisen back into it. “I’ll be by tomorrow, then. Same time as today?”

“Mm. Eight o’clock in the morning is fine,” Colea’s smile waned a bit. “You’re certain you won’t at least join us for dinner?”

Daze chuckled. “Perhaps some other time. I don’t eat as much as I used to when I was younger.”

“Oh please, you’re not that old,” Colea said said with a shake of her head.

Daze sighed. “Well, I’m happy to hear that. It means you youngsters still have some respect for the elderly, then.” She made her way into the Everfree House, waving a hoof to the group. “Spike, Scootaloo, it was… nice meeting you. I hope to see more of you in the future.”

“Take care, Daze,” Scootaloo said.

Spike returned the changeling’s wave with one of his own while Colea just sighed. He looked down to Colea, and smiled. “She lives in town, huh?”

“Yes. She’s been with us only about two weeks or so. Before her, our newest member was Odonae.” Her lips curled into a frown. “I don’t like to pry into the personal lives of others, but… she seems like she’s got a lot of troubles in her heart.”

“Yeah. She told us about her children… I give her a lot of credit for enduring all that,” Scootaloo said in agreement.

“Ah, yeah. She mentioned that once. The Gray Rot Disease had a resurgence back around the time I was born. I actually had it, but I managed to fight it off. I don’t remember much, considering I was barely two years old at the time. I have a faint memory of being cold and coughing a lot.”

“I’m sure you gave your parents quite a scare,” Spike added.

Colea’s frown deepened, but she didn’t direct it to him. “Perhaps… my… parents and I were never that close.” She waved a hoof. “Anyway, dinner won’t be until a few more hours, so if you have anything else to take care of before six, go for it.” Colea turned back towards the House as well. “I’ll see you two at dinner.”

As soon as Colea left, Spike and Scootaloo dried off and made their way to the front yard of the house, taking a scenic route through the gardens. As they made their way up the trail, they caught someone waiting for them up ahead.

“Hey, Fluttershy,” Scootaloo waved, flitting into the air to greet the mare. “How was the sauna?”

“Oh, it was lovely. It’s so nice to relax.” Fluttershy’s smile grew a little as she went on. “How about you two? How was your time together?”

“It was nice,” Scootaloo answered. “Been awhile since I could just kick back and enjoy a day of lounging.”

“Lounging, hm?” Fluttershy asked with a knowing smile.

“Y-yeah… and… other things,” Scootaloo finished lamely.

Fluttershy giggled. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to upset you.” She gave Scootaloo a gentle hug. “I’m happy that you and Spike are so comfortable with each other like that.”

“How did you know we…?” Scootaloo paused, then sighed, “Yeah, shutting up now.”

Spike finally caught up to Scootaloo, and greeted Fluttershy with a quick hug. “Enjoy yourself?”

“Oh, yes. Scootaloo says you two had a nice time as well,” Fluttershy replied. “Are you two on your way back into town?”

“Just for a bit. Scootaloo and I are going to have dinner at the House tonight.”

“Oh, that’s wonderful to hear. Um, but… Spike, what about our game night?”

Spike blinked. “Game… oh crap!” He slapped his forehead. “I forgot! Oh, wait, we usually start up at eight, right?”

“Usually, yes,” Fluttershy replied. “I mean, if you want, I can play as your cleric tonight. We’re not fighting anything right now, and we’re just in a town, so—”

“Ugh,” Scootaloo blew a raspberry. “Nerd-speak, incoming.”

“Oh, you’re just jealous,” Spike laughed. “But, yeah, Fluttershy, it shouldn’t be a problem at all. Dinner’s at six. Scootaloo and I will have dinner, and then I can just head on over after. Maybe we can finally recruit Scootaloo to our campaign, too.”

“Thanks, but no thanks. Making a… mage or whatever shoot magic lightning by rolling a die isn’t my idea of fun.” While she rolled her eyes and feigned disgust, Spike could clearly see the smile she was trying to hide.

“Someday, Scootaloo, you’ll turn to our side. You’d be a great monk,” Spike laughed.

Fluttershy giggled. “I always pictured her as more of an archer, actually.”

Spike paused, then gave Scootaloo a once over. “I… y’know, that’s true. Hm… maybe if we prestiged her, she could be a cool ranger.”

“Oh, a ranger?” Fluttershy repeated. “That would be fun to have on the team, but… oh, I don’t know if that’s too advanced for her. She’s just a beginner, after all.”

“You guys are talking about this like I’m already a part of the game,” Scootaloo laughed.

“Well, yeah, that’s because… uh oh…” Spike’s cheeks puffed up, and he gestured for the girls to back away. A moment after they did, he belched out a plume of green and light blue fire, and a scroll fell into his awaiting hands. “Huh… Princess Luna.”

Scootaloo’s eyes shined at the mention of the Night Princess. “Really? What’s it say?”

Spike smirked. “Easy, easy. I haven’t even untied the ribbon, Scoots.” He undid the dark blue ribbon tied around the parchment, then read it over, immediately recognizing Luna’s flowing, if not somewhat flowery, writing style.

Spike,

It has been some time since I last had a chance to speak with you. I hope this letter finds you well. How are things in fair Ponyville these days? Hopefully not too chaotic. I haven’t heard anything, nor have I read about anything devastating in the copy of the Ponyville Press I receive every day. As they say, no news is good news.

I am writing to you in hopes that we might be able to catch up. By “we”, I mean you, Scootaloo, and all of our friends in town. I do not wish to make a grand spectacle of my visit, but I know these things cannot be avoided most of the time. I shall make the proper preparations with Mayor Mare, as we both know how she enjoys giving her speeches. Perhaps I will give the excuse of taking a tour to see the local history: after all, I was on a tour of Fillydelphia’s museum of history not too long ago. It shall make for a convenient excuse to relax, hopefully.

Anyway, case in point, I hope you might be available later this week. If all things go well for me, I will have a weekend off to visit you and my favorite adoptive little sister Scootaloo (please do not tell that to anypony, by the way. The papers tend to make a huge deal out of any bit of favoritism). Also, I wish to speak to you about coming to the Grand Galloping Gala this year. I know you have never been a big fan of the event, but I would greatly appreciate you coming this year. You and Scootaloo might find yourselves enjoying it more than you might think.

That and if you do not come, I will be forced to read lines from the Power Ponies issue #258 to you in your dreams. We both know that would end badly for you.

I hope to see you soon. I shall give you an update if anything changes, otherwise, expect me to be in Ponyville this Friday sometime around noon.

Sincerely,

Princess Luna

P.S. Tell Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo that I would be happy to join them for a night of tavern hopping. Though I do not know what it entails, it sounds enjoyable. They both seemed rather eager for me to join them when I next had time available, and I know both of them are in town for the time being.

P.P.S. Write to Cadance and Shining more often. They both miss hearing from you, and say you still owe them a visit in the Crystal Empire.

Spike read over the letter once more, sighing with a mixture of annoyance and amusement. Princess Luna. Only she could so casually claim that she was making a visit to Ponyville to see him while under the guise of a public visitation. It wasn’t a secret among their circle of friends that she held a bit of a soft spot for Spike. She was both a mentor figure and a close friend to him… almost like…

Spike shook his head, driving the thoughts away from his mind before they ruined his good mood.

Scootaloo glanced over Spike’s shoulder while hovering a few feet off the ground. “Oh yeah, she mentioned the Grand Galloping Gala to me,” she said aloud as she looked over the letter in Spike’s hands. “You’re going to that with me, by the way. I promised Luna I’d force you if I had to.”

Spike snorted out a cloud of smoke. “Hmmph. If it’ll make the two of you happy…”

“So you are going to the gala this year?” Fluttershy asked him. “That’s wonderful, Spike. Oh, it’ll be so nice to have you come along with us girls after all these years. You know, I hear that Blur and Colea were given an invitation this year.”

Spike rolled his eyes, but couldn’t fight down the smile forming on his lips. “That’s right, I remember hearing about that. I’m surprised those uptight toadies and their—”

“Spike,” Fluttershy said in a warning tone.

“What? Oh, come on, I have every right to gripe about those ponies: I lived and breathed Canterlot for most of my life!” He groused when Fluttershy just frowned. “Alright, alright, some of them are okay… Fancy Pants knows how to have fun, and Fleur is pretty cool.” He chuckled as a memory came to mind, “One time, she dressed up in this really gaudy outfit full of peacock feathers, just for kicks. Three days later, half of the noblemares in the court were wearing similar styles.” He sighed while his chuckles died down. “Now there was a Councilor I enjoyed working with.”

The trio continued down the road, eventually parting ways at a fork leading north and and eastward to Fluttershy’s house and Ponyville respectively.

A tree just off the roadside leading to Ponyville proper rustled a bit as two voices conversed within its foliage. “So… that’s him, huh?”

“Yes. He fits the description, and I don’t see any other dragons in the town nearby.”

A rustling of paper was heard. “Yeah, that’s true. Kinda hard to get someone with a reputation like his mixed up.”

“Again. Dragon. Living with ponies. Not that hard,” said the other voice. “Look at this photo. Purple. Green spines, green eyes. You don’t need a degree to figure it out.”

“Okay, okay, I got your point,” grumbled the second voice. “So, what are we supposed to do? Monitor him?”

“For now, yeah,” answered the first voice. “Don’t bother approaching him, though. We’ve never gotten a good profile on the guy until a few years back, and even then, it’s just bare details. He knows his politics, is smarter than he looks, and is a valued member of this town. We don’t know how much of an actual danger he could be.”

“We’re going to need to be careful about this…” sighed the second voice. “This is almost as bad as when we had to deal with the Elements.”

“Ugh, don’t remind me of that debacle…” groaned the first. “Seriously; confetti as a weapon.”

“Crap, that’s right. The Bearers live here, don’t they?”

“Four of the six, at least. One’s a bloody princess living in Canterlot now, and the other works for that paramilitary flight team or whatever… the Wonderbolts.”

“... and they only sent two of us?”

“Bigger numbers make us more likely to draw attention, dingus.”

“No, you think? Still, I mean, it couldn’t hurt to send maybe four of us instead of only two.” The second voice groaned, “I’m not getting paid enough to deal with this.”

“Better than dealing with the the alternative,” said the first with a grumble. “All that damn cloak and dagger business back home is the last thing we need right now.”

“All that damn cloak and dagger business is what pays our bills, remember?”

“Oh shut up and get packing. We’ll head out at sunset.”

The second voice snickered, “Heh, I love you, too.”

Author's Notes:

Well, there you have it. Hot changeling on pony on dragon on changeling action... in no particular order. Unsurprisingly, this chapter is the longest single piece of work I've written for any of my stories on Fimfiction. Go figure, huh?

Anyway, this chapter was made possible in part by two individuals: the dapper littlerobotbird and the illustrious Superflyingcookie. Their proofreading and thoughts/suggestions/corrections given to this chapter helped a boatload. I'd erect shrines in their name and sing great battle hymns about them, but that'd be overdoing it a tidbit. So instead, they get this bit of thanks on the Author's Note.

(Seriously, though, you two rock. Thanks, both of you!)

So, yeah, things are rolling along for Spike and the gang. Where will this crazy ride take us next? Who knows, but there is likely going to be either a) Luna, b) Luna, c) Luna, or d) Luna. Choices, choices, choices...

Thanks for reading!