I cracked open my eyes, feeling the ache spreading across my body as I was gaining consciousness, recollecting prior events as I groaned.

"Hmm...Wha-what happened?" I looked around slowly, but only found myself in the midst of darkness, but the smell had a cold, dampen scent. I felt confused, coming out from a daze and recollecting what was taking place prior to me being here...wherever here is.

My body felt strangely placed, as if I was suspended when I tried to move my arms, only for it to be futile as shackles bind me in place. I looked around with growing concern, hearing the metal scraping into the hard wall behind me, my wrist strain to support me in place as I shook my head, trying to get a better grip of my surrounding and to adjust to the darkness.

It only took a short while until I heard an abrupt groaning from my right, turning my attention to the source of the sound, spotting a blue figure arching from the wall, straining to get free from it's own bindings as it spoke in a tomboyish voice.

"Let me out! Let me out of here you creeps! I swear when I get out, you'll ALL be sorry!!!" I recognized that voice, it was Rainbow Dash! I squint my eyes, spotting her rainbow mane to further confirm it was her before calling out.

"Dash?! Is that you?" She stopped struggling after hearing my voice before turning to where she heard me.

"Vincent? What's going on? Please tell me this is some sick prank of yours." Rainbow hoped with a hint of awkwardness in her tone, surprising me from her strange assumption. "Does she actually think I would do something like this to her or any of the girls? Heh, if we get out of this, gonna have to talk to her about that."

"No Dash, I'm pretty sure we are both in the same position here." I replied. She started jerking away from the wall in an aggressive attempt to free herself once more, but was unsuccessful as she slumped back against the wall.

"Well, where exactly is 'here'?" She asked out of concern as I took another look around, only to see the room we were in to be like a typical dungeon. The walls rough and made of some black stone, the flooring tiled with flat stones and sand, yet the surrounding proved to show little clue as to where we are. Only thing that is clear is that we are prisoners, and this is our cell.

"We're at the Changeling's hive." I heard a more somber, but sophisticated voice that struck me as it belonged to Rarity. I whipped my head to the source of her voice, seeing her with a gloom on her face before she turned to face me. Her eyes still had that sparkle, but it shined from her discomfort, from seeing her friend and I chained to the wall, and then she gave me a small smile of comfort.

"Hello darling." She gently greeted, her mane roughly disheveled, her make-up undone and drenched down her cheeks.

"Rarity, you're okay. I was so worried for you honey. I can't believe it, but...I woke up to find that you were not by my side, nowhere in the house. I grew scared and worried for you. I searched all over Ponyvile and even the Everfree forest. How did this happen, and how do you know where we are?" I asked from my concern, but was relieved nonetheless to have finally found Rarity. She slowly blinked, giving me a soft and gentle smile before she answered.

"You were looking everywhere for me? Darling, that's so sweet of you. Thank you for trying sweetie. But... to answer your question, I was ponynapped in our own home." My eyes bulged wide open, staring at her in utter disbelief.

"At the Boutique?! But...HOW?!" I asked, finding it strange that she was taken from our own dwelling. Rarity only dangled from the chains that held her against the wall, her gloom remaining unchanged as she continued.

"It was still in the middle of the night when I woke up from my slumber. I was feeling thirsty and have forgotten to pack the displays. Finding myself restless, I went downstairs to do what I felt necessary to put my mind at rest..."

I awoke from a sweet slumber with the troubling reminder of my mistake that day, the thought of neglecting my responsibility to properly manage my business. But despite the agitation of my simple mistake, I found myself in the comforting arms of my dear stallion, his warm arms comforting me, putting my mind at ease just by his tender touch.

Feeling secured, safe, and knowing that I'm wanted only made me smile as I caressed his arms, gripping him in gratitude before lifting his arms from me to slip out from bed.

Adorned in my black nightgown, I made my way out of my room and down the stairs into the dark entry of the Boutique. The ponyquin's giving an eerie appeal, concealed within the shadows, but the ones who stand in display by the windows were the source of my trouble.

I was about to make my way over to grab them and put them in the storage before I heard a banging noise coming from the kitchen. Drawing concern, I made my way over as a growing chill coursed in the back of my spine, as if I was being watched from within the shadow while slowly approaching the kitchen.

As I slowly poked my head inside, I saw that there was nothing to fear. No intrusion, nothing misplaced or damaged, the only thing that gained my attention was the open window banging shut by the wind before swinging back open rather slowly. I took careful steps, still feeling uneasy as I reached out, quickly closed the window shut and locked it. I sighed in content, turning around and deciding to serve myself a glass of water, using my magic to grab a glass from the shelves and placing it on the table.

As I opened the cooler to grab the water, a warm rag was wrapped over my muzzle with my arms locked to my sides. In a state of panic, I thrashed about, screaming out and kicking, trying what I can to get free. I tried to use my magic but felt something blocking my channel's flow.

The only thing I could see were slim, gray arms with a feminine hand gripping the rag against my mouth, forcing me to inhale some strange dust substance that made everything grow dim with darkness. No matter how hard I tried to stay awake, to try to break free, I only went limp against my will as I passed out.

"So, you never got a good look at the culprit huh?" I asked, as she shook her head in response as I continued. "But you must have seen Changelings here then if you figured we're at their uh...Hive?"

"I have, they only come in to bring me food, water, and nothing more." Rarity confirmed. My eyes searched around as I was in thought before a question dawned upon me.

"Rarity, have you tried using your magic to get you out of this?" She gave a disapproving sigh as she replied.

"I have, many times, but my horn is being bound by this ring. It cancels my magic, rendering it useless." I shook my head in disappointment, given that option of escape out the window as I looked over at Rainbow Dash, seeing her fidgeting with the shackles on her wrist. If only I was more prepared and not have had my guard down...

I woke up feeling incredibly rested, shifting about before I felt somepony holding me in their arms. Looking down, I was no longer disguised before seeing Swiftriff's face, with his eyes closed as he rested. I smiled lovingly, feeling incredibly happy that for once in my life, I've found someone who can genuinely love me for me and not for a lie that I display.

I brushed his long bangs to the side, caressing his cheek as he smiled. Cracking his eyes open to seeing me smiling at him before I felt his gentle touch on the side of my head, guiding me closer before we pressed our lips together, massaging each others lips before feeling his tongue invade my mouth. I only hummed in acceptance before caressing his tongue with my own.

He has a soothing flavor in his kiss, gentle but thorough with how he kissed me, as I returned the passion back before we parted our lips.

"Good morning Star." He greeted. I internally squeed, for this was the first time I'm experiencing such a welcoming first thing in the morning. I couldn't help but squeeze him into a hug, nuzzling into him as I replied.

"Good morning Swift." He chuckled before he gripped me tighter in his arms, feeling his cheeks nuzzling into my mane followed by a kiss on the side of my head. We held each other for a while before he asked.

"So Star, you've been a Changeling this whole time and you never thought to tell me? I know you were probably scared earlier, but hopefully, now you are more comfortable and can trust me more." His words sunk deep into my mind, giving me something to consider as I stared into those wondrous hazel eyes of his. "Has it really come to that point, or rather will I allow it to come to that? He's a pony I met this week, and...I feel this was an attempt for a real relationship, and... this is something completely foreign to me. I mean...it's now clear that I do care for him, rather deeply if I dare admit, but can I confide in him about my purpose here, will he still accept me, knowing my intentions. Perhaps...I could tell him what he likes to know, to a degree."

"I'm sorry Swift, for lying to you about who I really was. But...I never intended to seek out a companion or a relationship when I met you. I wanted to see what life was like outside my hive, so when I came here, obviously first impression was dreadful with those rude stallions, but then I met you. You weren't like those jerks. You were sweet, humble, and hospitable. As well as courageous for putting yourself on the line to help me that night. It was obvious how much different you were compared to them." I blushed during my explanation. Looking up briefly to see his admiring eyes, taking in my words as he glowed with a modest smile, making it even harder not to grow fluster by him and his adoring reaction.

"Thanks Star, I bet it must be a load off your chest to finally be yourself like this. But um...between us, now that everything is cleared about you being a Changeling, are we um...I am your Coltfriend, right?" He asked sheepishly, throwing me off before smiling turning around to lie on my back, facing the ceiling with arms crossed before lifting my hand against my chin in thought.

"Hmm, so you really want to be my stallion?" I asked with a coo.

"Of course I do, you're not some one-night stand, and I've grown to like you immensely." He replied back, turning my attention to him with a teasing smirk.

"But I thought you loved me, and if we did became an item, what do you expect out of me?" As I teased, I was actually rather curious on how he viewed me and why he was still committed to being my stallion.

"Honestly, just your acceptance." He simply stated, looking at him with interest and wondering if there was more to this statement.

"My acceptance?" I repeated.

"I really only want you to take me as who I am, not out of sympathy or as a tool or an accessory, but with genuine intention that I can be that stallion who can treat you right. I want to be that stallion who wakes up every morning to make you breakfast, to support you in your accomplishments, who can give you the space to do what you wish out there, and then come home to a stallion who can make you feel at home." I blushed incredibly, imagining myself coming here, everyday, this being my home and not coming into the guest room but instead in the same room with Swift.

I ended up turning around trying to hide my blush with a soft squee of delight before I felt Swift wrap his arms around me. Holding me close from behind with his soft fur caressing my body as I could feel his warm breath on the nape of my neck as he whispers.

"And I can feed you all the love that you desire." Hearing those words sent shivers up my spine, making my fur stand on ends as I gulped, remembering how delicious his love was. Never in my life had I tasted something so pure, rich, and filling. Even now I can still taste him as I licked my lips and bit my bottom lip. Then he pressed himself against my rump as I can feel his bulge poking into me, making me exhale in want as I looked back at him before he nibbled into my ear.

"~gasp~ S-Swift...D-don't do that please. It feels..." I almost blurted out before he released my ear and nuzzled into my cheek.

"I wish to make you feel wanted, satisfied, and loved. I may not be the riches stallion, the cutest, or the strongest, but I mean well and treat very well, and if it ever came down to it, I'd do whatever I can to keep you alive and happy." He kissed me on the cheek, holding me with such wanting affection that I could feel myself welter up with emotions I thought were diminished.

But before I cracked, I shook some sense back into me and caressed his leg with my short tail. He sighed with appreciation, feeling my tail going up his leg and coming to his waist, his grip becoming more firm and his breathing heavier as he was enjoying my stimulation. I gave a sly smirk before whipping him on his plot, making him yelp out as I laughed out loud.

"Hehehe, now don't get all mushy on me lover-colt. The day just started and we have things to do." I was about to turn around before I felt his teeth bite into the nape of my neck, making me gasp out not in pain, but in pleasure as he bit me at just the right spot. "This stallion! I don't know how he does it but at this rate, I will never be hungry with him around. Perhaps it's a good thing nopony knows about him but me." I smirked from the thought as I reached out behind me, gracing my fingers into his mane as I hissed in delight.

"Swift, we should really start the day hun." I urged him, gripping into his mane before he released his lock on my neck, turning his muzzle to kiss my neck.

"Alright sweetie, I'll get our breakfast going." He stated as he tossed the blanket off of him, feeling the bed sinking behind me, but then I felt his firm hand spank me on my ass, making me yip in surprise, twisting around and meeting his smug grin as he slipped his shirt on. I looked down and grabbed him by the tail, giving him a hard yank as he yelps out, falling back down on the bed and turning with a scrounge.

"What was that for?" He asks in a playful whine before I pulled him in a warm embrace and replied.

"For being a sweet stallion. Now..."I hopped on his back, my arms wrapped around him as I pointed outwards. "TO THE KITCHEN!" I exclaimed, earning a chuckle from Swift below me as he held my legs and carried me out of the room and towards the kitchen. Hopping off his back, I made my way in the kitchen to grab some of the plates before Swift called out from behind me.

"Hey Star, how did you get that scar on your back?" He asked with a hint of concern. I turned my attention behind me, realizing that which I didn't bother to put on a shirt as I was bare naked before him, giving him a clear view of the scars on my back as I replied.

"I...had something taken away from me." It was a touchy subject for me, but for some reason I felt it was alright to tell him just a bit. He's already accepted me for who I am and I don't see the harm in telling him a bit more about myself.

"Like what?" He continued, showing curiosity to know how I got this wound. I took a moment to recollect the event that took place, remembering the damage I've endured on my wings, shrieking in panic,thrashing about before they were ripped and rendered useless. Coming back to the present, my face clenched from distress from the memories as I simply replied.

"My wings. I had my wings taken from me many years ago. Oh how long has it been?" I began asking myself, remembering the war I was involved with over what may have been about a century ago, perhaps more. The ponies do not talk much of it, but we Changelings remember. How can we forget? We were desperate, struggling for a means to survive and needed to take action. I shook my head from the memory before it absorbed me in, drowning me in it's depressing discomfort. I then felt warm, gentle hands upon my back, caressing my scars delicately as if to mend an open wound. Out of reflex, I sharply inhaled from the sudden yet tender sensation, still tender and delicate despite my sturdy body.

"I never knew you were an Alicorn. I thought the Queen was the only one." He commented in fascination as I dropped my gaze, turning my head around as I replied in disdain.

"I'm no Alicorn. That was taken away from me long ago. I am not even considered a unicorn. Just a Changeling and nothing more." I felt his hands withdraw from my back before they wrapped around my form, resting over my shoulder as his body pressed against mine in comfort.

"You're far from a simple Changeling, and you need not be an Alicorn to be great. You are Star, a beautiful Changeling mare who seemed to have experienced more then you deserved. Whatever struggles you may endure, I wish to be there by your side, to aid you however way I can." He truly is a sweet stallion, but such nicety may only get him hurt.

I know he means well, but I can't have him involved with my affairs. I...I've grown to care about this stallion, and the thought of something happening to him, it doesn't sit well with me. I grasp his arms with care, nuzzling into them with my eyes closed as I sighed.

"Thank you Swift. Let's go ahead and start breakfast." He responded by kissing my cheek before releasing me, making his way to the fridge as I felt his arms slip my hands, raising said hands up to touch my cheek and smiled before I made my way to grab the plates and utensils.

After a moment of arranging for breakfast and enjoying our meals, I told Swift that I needed to head out to take care of something. He looked at me in question, that look that wished to know what was going on in my day, but he remained silent and only smiled.

"Alright Star. Be sure to come back home, okay?" I smiled, appreciating his respect for my own privacy as I kissed him on the lips, cupping his cheeks as our lips massaged one another, feeling him taking my bottom lip into his before it flicked back in place as we parted.

I stared in content into his hazel eyes, feeling a sense of warmth as his eyes told me how much he cared for me. My hands graced away from his cheeks as I made my way out towards the door, a black tube top and mini skirt appearing to conceal my bare frame. I turned to wave him goodbye before my hooves stepped out the threshold, feeling the soft rising sun's rays hitting my body as I closed the door behind me, leaving Swift with a departing smile as the door shuts. I turned around, looking up and sighed out. "Now, for the mission at hand."

I changed myself back to look like Clear, as my body began to fill out and my hair grew out to a crème color with a rainbow gleam underneath, my coat changing to it's crème color and my attire changing to a long pearl-colored dress as I made my way on the edge of town, heading towards the Everfree Forest to meet with the rendezvous and continue from there to the Hive.

As I was drawing closer to the forest, my mind conducting arrangements on how to proceed with informing the Queen before my ears flicked at the sound of of a rushing wind coming strongly towards me.

I gave no time to turn but instead jumped aside, twisting my body around as the strong velocity of air thrust my body adrift, sending my landing point further but landing squarely on my hooves with my hand down to keep me in balance, dragging across the ground and coming to a stop as I looked up to see a blue pegasus with a rainbow mane and tail standing before me. She had that furious glare in her eyes, her teeth clenched together and facing me with aggression.

"YOU! WHAT HAVE YOU DONE WITH RARITY?" The rainbow mare demanded. I regained my posture, dusting off my dress as I flicked my hair to the side as I replied, feigning ignorance.

"I have no idea who or what you're talking about." Her fist began to tremble from how tight she was gripping them as she stomped her hoof forward, taking a step towards me as she barked.

"Don't play dumb with me, I KNOW you did something with her. I saw you with my own eyes, so come clean and give my friend back." I smirked before laughing hysterically, seeing that my cover has been blown, but by just one mare, how unfortunate for her.

"Well that's too bad, I guess you weren't such a good friend after all. I mean, if you saw me with your own eyes, then you should have done something instead of ignoring me." I provoked, triggering her to snap in anger as she flew towards me at an incredible speed, in just less then a second, she already closed the distance between us as she brought her clenched fist in and smashed against my face.

She looked unsatisfied with just one attack, her anger still welling up, but her body remained in midair, her fist still connected to my cheek as I stood my ground. I only stared in annoyance as my body flicked with a gold flame, revealing my true self and surprising the pegasus as I brushed her arm to the side, gripping into it and swinging my fist into her face as she snapped in impact before she whipped away, only to be pulled back and slamming her into the ground face-first.

She groaned in pain, her body trembling to get up very slowly before I smashed her face back into the ground, my hoof stepping on the back of her head as she laid motionless. I was sorely disappointed, but then I shouldn't have such expectation from a pathetic, hot-headed pony.

"There's no point in just leaving her, I'll bring her along so the Hive can find some use for her." I lifted my hoof off of her head, leaning forward and grabbing her by the wing and dragging her across the ground and towards the Everfree Forest.

As I came into the entry thicket of the forest, I noticed a figure making it's way towards me from a great distance. Looking beyond the way, I discovered it being that human from before. Believing him to pose as a problem, I grabbed the blue pegasus and made my way inside the forest as quickly as possible, hurrying my way to my rendezvous.

Yet behind me, I can hear the metallic swish of his large black blade cutting down his path. Finally arriving to my destination, I grinned with a cunning plan as I dropped the pegasus and ran to cover. Shortly after, two large black snake creatures appeared, yet with no recognizable face or feature to them whatsoever, and Vincent came shortly after, looking down to find the rainbow mare and helped her out.

He only stopped to examine her when he heard a rustle off to the side, focusing his attention away from me and to the source of the commotion as one of the snakes went out to attack it. Seeing he was distracted, I made my way over and drop kicked him behind his neck as he passed out. With a large, victorious grin, my Changeling kin's appeared around the two unconscious preys as we approached them to take them in as our prisoners back to the Hive.