Rarity and I stood at the train station, waiting for the train ponies to load her coat racks onto the baggage car.

“Are you sure I can’t be of more help?”

“You have all those meetings with Celestia. I don’t expect you to drop everything to help me with the fashion show. Besides, I don’t think you’d be much help at the show itself. Unless you plan to wear one of the dresses.”

“You don’t think I could pull it off?”

She giggled and leaned against me.

“Four days went by too fast.”

“We’ll get used to it. Adjust our schedules as best we can. Soon we’ll think we have too much time.”

“Let’s hope not.”

The coat racks were stored and the train whistle blew. I turned to Rarity and kissed her.

“I’ll make sure the dresses make it to the venue safely.”

“I can never thank you enough. I’ll see you there in a couple days. I've just got to get Fluttershy situated in Manehattan.

“Do you really think Fluttershy will be alright at your Manehattan shop?”

“I wouldn’t have asked her if I didn’t.”

“And yet you asked half the town before her.”

She glared at me. I raised a hoof.

“Sorry. I’m sure you chose wisely.”

The glare disappeared as she smiled and nodded.

“That’s right.”

I gave her a kiss and stepped on the train. As it pulled away I felt a weird pain in my chest. I put a hoof to my heart.

“Strange..”

I sat down and waited for the pain to return. It didn’t.

——————————

I made sure that all the dresses were on the racks before taking them to the venue. I couldn’t wait to see the show! I wanted to support Rarity in her career.
Once the dresses were stored in the proper area, I ran off to the castle. I had to get ready for the meeting with the hippogriff delegates. Twilight had been able to acquire a book for me to study on hippogriff culture. It was old and probably outdated by decades, but I had to have some sort of basis. I would have to visit Mount Aris someday to get an updated view on hippogriffs and seaponies.
I entered the throne room to find Celestia and Luna sitting in their respective seats. Luna held out a bit to Celestia.

“Fine. He was on time.”

“I told you he would be.”

“Betting on my arrival? Really?”

“Luna was convinced you’d be busy and forget the time.”

“Twilight’s work isn’t too bad. I wasn’t busy.”

“I think she meant Rarity, not paperwork.”

I turned to Luna.

“Nosy much?”

“I only said it in terms of the bet. I said it was possible that you could be late if you had reached that stage of the relationship.”

“You’re trying to get an answer out of me Luna.”

“I am not!”

Celestia passed the bit back to Luna.

“You win. They’ve definitely gotten to that point.”

Luna snatched the bit and smiled. I turned to Celestia.

“Please stop making my personal affairs the source of your wagers. Don’t we have hippogriffs coming in twenty minutes?”

Luna rolled her eyes.

“We’re ready. If you can take a break from your extracurriculars for a moment and catch up, we’d greatly appreciate it.”

I rubbed my temples.

“I’ve been back five minutes and the two of you are already giving me a headache.”

Celestia smiled.

“I think Starswirl used to say something similar.”

I pulled out the book Twilight had given me from my saddlebag. It was old, dusty, and loose in the spine. I carefully opened the cover and perused the pages. I read as fast as I could without damaging the book further. When I was done I closed it and gave Luna a smug look.

“There. Now we’re all ready. I honestly don’t know if this book is going to be a huge help. It’s from 50 years before they were driven into Seaquestria. They may have changed their customs drastically by now.”

Celestia nodded.

“It will be a learning experience for us as well. We haven’t had contact with the hippogriffs since they went into hiding. Now that they’re back, we want to have a healthy relationship with their kingdom.”

Luna nodded her agreement.

“They were once great allies. It will be good to see them again.”

I straightened up.

“I’ll help as much as I can.”

The doors to the throne room opened. I turned to see two guards leading a group of hippogriffs inside. Celestia motioned me forward as her horn lit up. A miniature version of her throne came out from behind her and she set it on her right side. I hurried up to my new spot and sat down. The guards parted to the sides of the room, letting the hippogriffs come to the bottom of the stairs. The hippogriff at the front of the group stepped forward and bowed.

“Thank you for your invitation Princess Celestia. We are honored to join you and Princess Luna for this summit. My name is Wind Rider, brother and advisor to Queen Novo.”

Celestia and Luna bowed their heads. I realized I must seem rude and bowed a few seconds behind. When Celestia raised her head, she smiled.

“Welcome all of you. I’m looking forward to discussing what we can do to strengthen the bonds between our kingdoms.”

The hippogriffs bowed theirs heads. They were such interesting creatures. Half pony, half eagle. They were taller than the average pony. Closer to Celestia’s height actually. I thought over the book I’d just read. They were related to the griffons, but distantly. They were some of the fastest flyers in the world. But what interested me the most wasn’t from the book. I was curious about their ability to turn into seaponies.
Celestia motioned to me.

“How rude of me not to make introductions. This is Shade, Right Hoof to Luna and I. He’ll be joining us for the summit.”

Wind Rider nodded to me.

“An honor Shade.”

“The honor is mine Wind Rider. May your wings stay strong.”

He smiled, his brow arching.

“And may your heart be stronger. I’m impressed! I haven’t heard the old greetings in years. You’ve done your homework.”

“Not much. I was lucky to come across one book.”

“I’m sure you’ll learn more in the next few days.”

He turned back to Celestia.

“Would it be alright if my guards and assistant retired to their rooms for the day? They’ve had a long journey.”

Celestia stood up.

“Of course. My guards will show them to their rooms.”

Celestia’s guards stepped forward and led the other hippogriffs towards the East wing of the castle. Wind Rider stayed where he was.

“I hope it’s alright if I stay. I’d like to talk.”

“Of course. That would be lovely.”

Luna stood up next.

“I wish I could stay, but I have my nightly duties approaching in a few hours. I need to get some rest.”

Wind Rider nodded.

“Of course. I’m glad you took the time to meet us. I’ll see you again soon.”

Luna bowed her head and then exited. It was just me, Celestia, and Wind Rider. Celestia descended the stairs towards Wind Rider. I stood and followed her. Halfway down the stairs I felt that weird chest pain again. I stopped and touched my chest. Celestia looked back at me.

“Everything alright Shade?”

“Of course. Just..lost my breath for a second.”

She nodded and we all began walking towards the entrance. Celestia fell into step with Wind Rider.

“Was your journey difficult?”

“No. Just a little longer than some of my griffs are used to. They’ve only had their wings back for a few months.”

I stepped forward so I wasn’t hidden by Celestia’s taller body.

“I hope it’s alright if I ask, but what is it like? Having the ability to be two vastly different creatures?”

“Oh there’s nothing like it! With the shards of the Queen’s Pearl, we hold the ability to transform at will.”

He touched his necklace. I looked closer and noticed the broken shape. It had a gleam to it that caught the light at every angle.

“That’s a powerful magic! And all of you have them?”

“Most of us. Some choose to stay on Mount Aris. Some in Seaquestria. We don’t believe in forcing that choice.”

“Where did the Pearl come from?”

“I never thought to ask my sister. Though I doubt she’d tell me. She’s secretive like that.”

“I can only imagine what the Pearl must have been like based on the amount of magic in that tiny shard.”

Celestia glanced at me, her eyes questioning what I’d just said. Wind Rider took no notice.

“So! How has Equestria been since the Storm King?”

Celestia turned back to the hippogriff.

“Very well! Any damage that was caused has been repaired and everypony is doing fine. Our enemies don’t keep us down for long.”

“I don’t doubt it! Canterlot has been attacked a few times, hasn’t it?”

“Twice in recent history.”

“Yes..the Storm King and the changelings, right? Of course that was before King Thorax took over.”

I felt a little sick to my stomach. And another shot of pain in my chest. Wind Rider looked in my direction, his eyes wandering over me.

“Come to think of it Shade..you seem to resemble a changeling. Or at least what they once were. I’ve only ever seen a few in my life, but they’re not easily forgotten.”

Celestia interrupted.

“Shade has a complex past. Suffice it to say that he wouldn’t be here if I had any issue with his allegiance.”

“I apologize Celestia. I meant no offense.”

I chimed in.

“I am a changeling. Half changeling anyways. I’m a bit of both worlds. Just like yourself Wind Rider.”

He looked back at me.

“That’s amazing! You’ll have to tell me the story some day. I wasn’t wasn’t aware of any new hybrid species.”

I sighed. Hybrid. That’s a nice word for it.
We came to the door to the gardens. Celestia opened it and we continued outside. Wind Rider took in the gardens, complimenting every bush and flower he saw. I was distracted by another mild spike of pain. I put a hoof to my chest again. Celestia leaned down to me.

“Are you okay?”

“I’m fine.”

I could tell she wasn’t convinced, but she changed the subject.

“What is this about being a hybrid? You’ve never said anything about it to me.”

“I found out up North. Sunburst figured it out.”

“So you’re still a changeling?”

“Yes and no. It’s complicated. And apparently I still have magic.”

That made her stop in her tracks. Wind Rider looked at us.

“Is everything alright?”

“Yes. Shade was just reminding me of a letter I need to write.”

“I’m sorry. I must be keeping you from your duties. I’ll find my room and get some rest. I assume I’ll see you both at dinner?”

I put on a smile.

“Of course. We have a great meal planned out.”

“Excellent! I’ll see you then.”

He made his way back to the castle while Celestia and I continued further into the gardens. She led the way through a tunnel covered in vines and flowers. At the halfway point she turned right. There was a gap in the tunnel that led to a plant-covered gazebo. It seemed to be completely cut off from everything, even outside sounds. Celestia sat on a cushion and beckoned me to do the same. I got comfortable and looked at her.

“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner. I’ve had a lot on my...mind.”

Another pain had gripped me at the end of my words.

“We have time now. Are you sure you’re okay?”

“Yes. Apparently my magic reserve is still intact. But without my horn, I have no way to tap into its full potential. But on the subconscious level, I’m still using it.”

“Your reading abilities.”

“And the way my body has changed. I don’t know why it never occurred to me sooner.”

She sighed.

“I should have spotted it instantly. If you’d agree, I’d like to take a reading of your magic.”

“Go ahead. I’m curious as well.”

She closed her eyes and concentrated. Her horn lit up and I felt the smallest amount of pressure at the center of my forehead. Right where my horn used to be. As she continued the spell, I felt myself getting a headache. And another flare-up in my chest. Was this normal? Her magic finally dispersed and I took a breath. I rubbed my forehead.

“A little intense.”

“Normally one connects through the horn. But without yours, I had to focus a lot more. I’m sorry if I caused you pain.”

“I’m alright. What did you find out?”

“You were right. There is a space where unicorns and changelings hold their magic. It’s at the back of the skull, below the brain. That’s your magic reserve. And yours is not only intact, but at full capacity.”

“So I have a lot of magic sitting in my brain?”

“Essentially. But without normal usage, your magic has seeped into your body. The physical changes and the brain power to process information as fast as you do are side effects of this saturation.”

“So my entire body is magic?”

“In a way..Yes”

“What does that mean?”

“It’s difficult to say..”

I closed my eyes, looking into my mind for any information that could be useful. I thought of everything to do with unicorns and their magic.

“There’s a phrase I read once. It might be what I’m experiencing. Magic overflow.”

She didn’t say anything. Was I right?

“My reserve is full. It’s spilling over, flowing through my entire being. And the amount of magic will only increase. Soon it will be in every part of me. But..I don’t remember reading anything about the effects.”

“Erratic discharges of magic and alterations at the microscopic level.”

“How do you know that?”

“Because I erased that information. I forgot to erase the name of the condition.”

“Why would you get rid of information concerning such a condition?”

She sighed.

“Because it’s an alicorn condition.”

“What?! But I’m not an alicorn!”

“I know. But your predicament seems to have caused a similar event. And what’s worse is the erratic discharges are usually controlled by casting spells.”

“Which I can’t do.”

“We have to see if we can figure out a way to discharge some of that energy before it builds up too much.”

My chest flared again. I shuddered.

“That’s what I’m feeling, isn’t it? Magic trying to discharge.”

“That’s what I’m afraid of.”

“What about the microscopic alterations?”

“Those could be anything.”

“Examples please?”

“You could grow taller, your cells could be rewritten to heal faster, and...”

“What? What aren’t you telling me Celestia?”

“Shade. Magic overflow is one of the factors Starswirl used in creating immortality. The magic coursing through you could alter your body to the point where..”

“Where it what?”

“Stops aging.”

I stared at her for the longest time. How was this possible?

“You’re saying that there’s a chance I won’t die?”

“I can’t be certain of anything. But the only ponies to ever deal with magic overflow, and the effect of immortality, have been alicorns and Starswirl. That’s six for six Shade. I doubt you’ll be an exception to the rule. But we won’t know for certain until we do a closer study.”

I stood up, but felt my knees growing weak. I began shaking.

“We...have to fix this.”

“Shade-“

I held up a hoof to silence her.

“I... I c-can’t live forever Celestia. I can’t do it.”

I started to cry. The tears fell onto my cushion as I felt my heart tear a little.

“I can’t...live...without her!”

I collapsed. I could only speak between breaths.

“There...has to be...a way...to stop this.”

“Shade, we can try to discharge all the excess magic. If that works, than you can live normally.”

I took a few deep breaths to calm myself.

“If we can get rid of the excess and keep the magic from spilling out of the reserve, will it undo anything that’s been done to me?”

“No. Your brain is still saturated. You’ll still have your abilities. And your body won’t revert back to its original form.”

“And at the cellular level?”

“Whatever effects have occurred will remain unchanged.”

“So...if my cells have already been rewired to halt the aging process?”

She shook her head.

“...I’m sorry.”

I began trembling. Not out of fear though. Not from sadness either. I felt a rage building within me. My own body was trying to destroy what little normalcy I had left. I felt the anger bubbling inside of me, growing stronger with each passing second.

“Shade? Shade! You need to calm down!”

I blinked away the tears and realized that the sensation I felt was real. It wasn’t anger. Something was literally shaking my body from the inside out.

“Wh-wh-what’s happening?”

“You’re emotions are causing a discharge.”

“What do I do?”

“You have to try to calm down. Take deep breaths.”

“Yeah. Deep breaths.”

I closed my eyes and concentrated. Inhale. I could do this. Exhale. Don’t focus on the danger. Inhale. You’re going to be okay. Exhale.

Promise me that you’ll always come back.

I opened my eyes and felt a single tear roll down my cheek.

“Rarity.”

“Shade. Don’t focus on her. Nothing emotional.”

“I...I promised her..”

“Shade!”

The tears came flowing out now. I felt my body tremble faster.

“Shade!!”

‘CRACK!’

Everything stopped. I felt a bead of sweat coming down from my forehead. It got to my brow and dripped onto my nose. And then another came. And another. Everything seemed to move in slow motion. I reached up and wiped my brow. When I pulled my hoof away, it was red. Celestia stood there, her eyes as big as saucers.

“Shade..”

I didn’t know what was about to happen, but I could feel something coursing through my veins towards the crack in my skull. I locked eyes with Celestia and whispered.

“Run.”

A bolt of energy ripped through my head and flew right at Celestia. The energy was blindingly white. I felt it pouring out of me. I tried to move, but my body had locked itself off from my brain. I couldn’t control the pain. I couldn’t control the magic. And I couldn’t control where it was aimed.
Celestia was on her knees, a shield holding off the energy. I could see that she was already injured. And she looked like she was in pain projecting the shield. I cried out to her.

“GO!!!”

Her shield cracked and I lost her to the white light. The pulsing magic continued for a few more seconds before stopping suddenly. I was left standing over Celestia’s body. I couldn’t tell if she was breathing or not. I took a step towards her and fell over. Blood was beginning to seep out of the hole in my skull. My vision began to blur as I heard somepony calling out for Celestia. I heard hoofsteps closing in. The last thing I remember seeing was a tall, midnight blue shape running into the gazebo.

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