“I fucking looove doing that.” I say with a bit too much of enthusiasm.

“That much is plain.” I turn back to the Queen. She has a somewhat surprised expression. “But I believe you had me call him here for a reason?”

“Oh! Right.” I turn back to the guy and cast the same spell as with the queen. His jaw broken so I fixed it. Can’t have a correct x-ray if bones are broken. That also caught me off guard. I already knew they had chitin instead of skin. But they also have a skeleton. *Maybe they molt or something.* “Say, do changelings molt? If you know what that means?” I ask as I prep the anatomy spell.

“Yes, we do.” So I was right then. Fascinating!

“Huh. Odd.”

“What is?” I cast the spell on the ‘King’ I assume and turn back to the Queen.

“You have both an exoskeleton and an endoskeleton.” She raises a brow at me. “Chitin and a skeleton.”

“Oh.” She said. “Why is that odd to you?”

“Well, where I come from it’s one or the other. No one creature has both.”

“Oh...” An x-ray image of the Kings anatomy manifests in my head. It’s similar to the Queen, only differences being the stinger. And looks to be the exact same as a scorpion. Same glands and all. And that there was this empty space where the intestines would be. Or rather this sack-looking thing that lead up to his mouth. Storage maybe? And then I had to take a look at his haunches, yup, definitely male.

“I have what I need.” I turn back to the Queen.

“Very well. Take him back to his room.” She instructs the changelings and they do so without missing a heartbeat. “Is that all?” She kindly asks.

“If this next part doesn’t fail, no. If it does, yes.”

“What do you mean?” I didn’t answer, verbally anyway. I close my eyes and focus on the results of the spell I cast earlier. Using the detailed image as my catalyst. I felt my magic course through my being before I felt my body change. My legs got shorter, my wings became smaller and more insect-like, my tail changed as well, becoming longer and more maneuverable. I lost feeling to my hands and feet, and I was forced into a quadrupedal stance. Once the spell subsided and as the last of it lingered around my hip area I open my eyes. Nothing is immediately different, but my body felt alien. I expected that.

“It worked!” I say happily, I can feel the large fangs poking my bottom lips. Feels kinda weird to talk with a mouth full of sharp teeth. Although there are some molars towards the back. They’re just sharper from canine to front teeth. “It worked!” I repeat, and wow my voice is different. It gained the double-tone with and it sounded much more gruff and deep. I sound a lot like Liam Neeson, just with that epic double-tone effect that makes it sound all the more badass. “Oh, hell yeah.” I look down at myself and see my new forelegs. Holes litter the middle section while the hoof and upper-arm are left untouched. And I can a black muzzle poking out at the bottom of my eyes. All these new features! I don’t even know where to start.

“What… just happened?” Oh yeah, I was talking to her before the spell took effect.

“I just used a transformation spell a friend taught me to turn myself into a changeling.” I answer nonchalant.

“A transformation spell!?” She shrieked.

“Yeah. What?”

“How could you pull off such a complicated spell without any help?”

“Simple. It’s all thanks to the Alicorn Amulet.” Her eyes widen.

“The Alicorn Amulet!? She shrieked once again.”

“Yeah. I have complete control control over it’s magic if you’re worried about that.”

“H-how do I know?” She asked in a somewhat demanding and sceptical tone.

“I already would’ve done something to you and your children if I was influenced by it.” She managed to calmed down enough to not sound utterly terrified.

“Oh. I see. I should no problems with that… thing?”

~I really hate how she called me a thing like that~

“Correct.” *Relax Ruby. Besides Celestia and Luna. I’m the only one that knows you’re more than a powerful piece of jewelry.* “You won’t have to worry about me and the Amulet.”

~Yes, don’t remind me.~ Ruby said bitterly.

“Good.”

“Anyway, how do I look?” Might as well find out if I look alright as a changeling from a changeling, right? *Don’t be like that! Not much is known about you, and if you really think about it, none of your… history is really your fault. It’s always been whoever used you.*

“I... What?” She asks,dumbfounded.

~I suppose you’re right...~

*Now that’s the spirit!* Ruby saw the irony in that statement and chuckled. “How do I look?” I repeat while striking a pose as best I could. I crossed my forelegs while I stutted my backside towards to the side. All while making a pout just for shits and giggles. Got her to laugh so I can care less.

“I must admit. You do look… rather dashing as a changeling.” She said that with a tone that suggested something I don’t like. “I’ve especially never seen a Changeling King with Yellow eyes.” Oh yeah, I gotta look awesome with yellow dragon eyes.

“Oh yeah, that reminds me. How diverse are changelings? I mean like, what physical differences are there?”

“What a changeling looks like completely depends on their queen. If a Queen has large wings for example, her children will have large wings.”

“I see, and if you have a daughter that will replace you in time?”

“Ah, my princess.” She says soulfully. “Yes, what traits she retains will be both from the King and Queen.” Really? Well that explains why Chrysalis's eyes were teal, as far as Twilight has told me, and the Chrysi’s eyes were a dull grey. I just wonder how much diversity there is.

“Cool. So, moving to more important matters. Can you teach me some changeling magic? Like shapeshifting and things like that?”

“I will. Come.” She motions with a hoof to get closer. Figuring I would need practice in this new body. I take slow, calculated steps with my new limbs. It… actually doesn’t take much to get used to. At least, the way I did it anyway. Let me put it like this: Are very imaginative? If so you know what I mean by ‘getting used to it’. I just simply created an image of a pony walking, and mimic the motions of each leg. When I get that done next cantering, and galloping. Those two speeds might get some more getting used too. And flying! I can’t forget trying to fly.

Anyway. I walk up to the Queen and stop just a foot before here.

“Closer.” She says. “And tilt you head down.” I take a step closer and do as she says. I just wonder why-

She touched her horn to mine.

Instantly my mind is assaulted with knowledge. A shiver ran up my spine as this weird feeling of alien knowledge filled my brain. I quickly went away, leaving me with…

“Did you just do what I think you just did?” She nodded. “But… How?”

“It is just something we changelings can do. Plus this was much more easy compared to physically teaching you.”

“Mm… Fair point. So now I can change looks...” Who should I try to be first? Hmm… Ah! Coery!

*FWOOSH!* My vision is filled with yellow fire for a second and fades as soon as it came. I look down at myself and see that I’m covered in fur, I’m even wearing the same clothes he was when we last met back on Earth.

“Fucking coooool...” I say.

“Excuse me?”

“Yes?”

“Could you not change while this close to me? I was nearly burnt by your flames.”

“Oh! Sorry!” I back away. “Now how do I change back..?” Another flash of yellow and my perspective changes. “Wow. That easy?”

“I assume so.”

“Nice…”

-Not to burst your bubble or anything, but we should probably go back home.-

*Right.* “Well, this has been a fun few… however long this has been. But I think I need to go now. I have a few things I would like to take care of. You know where my house is, right?”

“Yes, I do.”

“Would it be ok if… I guess three of your children come to my house tomorrow? … Wait, no, scratch that.” I say as a new thought came to mind. “How about… a week? I just remembered that I need to get things situated back home. Is that ok?” She nods. “Cool!” I look behind. “Uh, can you have one or two of your changelings escort me out of here? Kinda don’t know where to go to leave.”

“Of course.” She closes her eyes and the same armored changelings walk in. “Escort… I don’t Believe I ever got you name.”

“It’s Ember. And I can say the same for you.”

“Queen Mirage,” She turns back to the changelings. “Escort Ember back to the entrance.” They nod towards her and nod their head in a ‘follow me’ sorta way and leave with me close behind. And holy shit my human eyes got nothing on these new eyes. “Oh, and Ember?” I turn back to her. “Just a warning, but stay on the path. It will eventually lead outside the forest.” Give her a thankful nod and continue following my escort. Anyway, I can see perfectly in the dark. In no time they lead me to the exit, as I leave they even wave at me. Which highly unusual if what Mirage has told me. Did I really make that good of an impression on them? Well, I am helping them out with their whole near starvation thing. I guess that makes sense…

Anyway. I decided to teach myself how to canter and gallop while I headed back home. It was easy to keep a steady canter pace, I just needed to speed up my normal pace. But to gallop was a challenge. It felt weird trying to gallop, I basically had to synchronize my forelegs to some kind of downward pulling motion while I had to do the same in the back but with a pushing motion everytime each end hit the ground. It was also a pain in the ass to gallop just like a horse would. I couldn’t run like a dog, no, that would be weird to them. I had to separate each leg’s pace so they would each hit the ground at a different time than the rest. Ugh, this is just so… Weird! At least I’m getting used to it.

And at least I didn’t fall about ten times on my face trying. Naw…

Anywho… After practicing for who knows how I leave the forest and see Ponyville in the distance. Fluttershy’s house a short distance away from me. I could walk over in no time…

~What are you scheming?~

“A test.” I respond. “If I can alter some parts of my body to make it look like...” Flames erupt around me again. I look at my side and see a large crack going along my barrel, oozing a yellow substance… “I can feel that.”

-Does it hurt?- Embris asked.

“Y-yeah.” I look down at my forelegs, and they’re covered in cuts and scratches. Same could be said for my hind legs, all-in-all, it looks like I got in a fight with Timberwolves or something. “I th-thought changing my looks just meant that. Not physically altering,”

-In this case, hurting.-

“Shut up.” I shake my head. “Let’s just go over to Fluttershy’s. The pain’s getting a little overbearing.” I carefully walk over to her place. The trip lasting longer than it should have thanks to my self-inflicted wound. I figured I would have to develop a limp if it would help alleviate some of the pain. Although it did, it just made the trip that much longer.

*Ruby?*

~Yes?~

*Can you make a letter saying I’ll be back in a week? And then teleport it to one of the tables home?*

~I believe, though, I haven’t tried anything like that before.~

*Well… Might as well try right?*

~I suppose…~ I felt something leave my body while a scroll appeared in front of me, an inkwell and a feather appeared as well. The latter dipping into the former. ~What should I wright?~

*’I’ll be back in a week, don’t worry about me, I’ll be fine’. And write it to corey please.*

~Alright.~ The feather writes out my note, when it’s done the inkwell and feather poof into thin air while the scroll rolls up and teleports to some table back home. ~Done, I left on the kitchen table.~

*Thank you Ruby.*

~You’re welcome.~ My mind falls silent as I trudge on, the pain on my side becoming a dull, but still very noticeable, throb. I don’t know if it’s still bleeding, and I didn’t care enough to look back at it. I was within mere meters of Fluttershy’s. And she’s outside, perfect.

-How do you think she’ll react?-

*If I know her well enough, she’ll freak out at first, and probably hide behind Mr. Bear.*

=It’s fucking weird that everyone calls him Mr. Bear. And that he’s ok with it.=

-Emby, we’ve been over this!-

*Not now guys. I don’t want to get a fucking headache. The pain is enough.*

-=Whatever.=- They both mutter. I’m close enough that I can call out to her. But I decided against it. Letting her notice me would be less of a scare for her.

*When will she turn AROUND!?* I think to myself, she’s been doing whatever she’s been doing this whole time with her back towards. Looks like she tending to some of the animals.

As if hearing my thought. She turns around to continue with… tending I think. She instead notices me and squeaks out a sorta loud ‘eep’. And takes refuge behind the huge bear. All the animals look at her weirdly before looking at the same direction she did before flipping out. And promptly scatter upon seeing me. The hide wherever they can, I never cared enough to look where they hid. I was busy keeping up the act of a wounded changeling.

*I just hope those drama classes back in highschool paid off.* I think before falling on my side that doesn’t have a large gash. And look at the bear pleadingly. As beast as I could, with having to get used to a new facial structure and all. Mr. Bear looked at me curiously as Fluttershy dared a peek from behind him. Upon seeing me clearly in my ‘wounded’ state. Her initial fear is replaced with concern.

“Oh my goodness!” She bolted out from behind Mr. Bear and got close to me. Taking cautious steps until she was about a foot away from me. I just gave her a defeated look as she spotted the crack in my chitin. “Oh my, you’re really hurt...” I can taste the sympathy coming off her. No, I literally can. Those… instructions I guess? Mirage gave me tells me I can feed off positive emotions, not just love. And that I can just drawn it towards with my magic. I don't know how it’s possible to do it. I can just do it. And right now it’s tasting like mint ice cream.

*No, really? I thought I was just a little tired.*

-Nice.- I force out a groan.

“Oh! I should go get help!” She casts a concerned glance at me. “But... you’re a changeling.”

“And… that matters… because?” I mutter. She jumps when I talk.

“Oh… um… it’s because… my friends… They… they don't like changelings.”

“What?” I pick my head up slightly. “Ugh, whatever.” I lay back down. “I don’t even need them to help me. It can… just be… you...” I pretend to lose consciousness and fall silent.

“Mister?” She called to me. “Mister!?” I hear her rush to me and touch a hoof to my shoulder. “Mister! Please wake up!”

“Ugh… what?” I groggily respond as I open my eyes. She got very close to my face.

“Uh.” She stood back up at light-speed. “Umm...” She went silent. Looking at a blade of grass that seemed interesting to her for whatever reason.

“Ugh. If you’re not going to help me, then just leave, and let me lie here.” Ruby! Cast a sleeping spell! I wanna see what she’s gonna do with me after I ‘pass out’.* I was enjoying this a bit too. But I could care less, Fluttershy had no idea, nor will she ever have any idea, that it was me. I felt the spell hit me like a truck and I fell into a deep, dreamless sleep.

“-any idea what could’ve happened to you!? You’ve been ponynapped! Or worst!” I loud, familiar voice shouted through something that muffled the voice.

*Right, Twilight. I must be in the hospital again.* I flutter my eyes open to quickly adjust to the light. And sure enough. I’m laying in an oh-so-familiar bed, in an oh-so-familiar room. I survey my body and see that my barrel is covered in a loooot of bandages. A big yellow spot on my side where the crack is. *Huh, they actually took care of me.*

“But, but-”

“But nothing Fluttershy! He’s a changeling! They are nothing but trouble! Monsters!” Wow, ok. I know she has a thing against changelings. I didn’t know it was this bad. I heard nothing for a few seconds, then the sound of hooves on tile greeted my ears before it faded.

“Uh… Twilight. Ah think you went a bit too hard on Fluttershy.” I heard Aj say with a clearly pissed tone. “Ya need to go apologize her,”

“But-”

“Now.” Oh jesus I never heard Aj like that. Twilight let out a defeated sigh and walked away. “Now let’s check on this fella, from what Fluttershy said he should be out cold.” I heard some mumbles of agreement as the knob on the door turned and the door opened. The four mares walk in and freeze at seeing me fully awake.

“Hello.” I greet them. Keeping a straight face. “Where am I?” Applejack decided to speak up.

“Ya’ll in Ponyville. What’re you doin’ here?”

“Can’t remember. Last thing I do remember was being chased by some lion thing with wings and a tail like mine.” I flex my stinger tail to accentuate my point. They all flinch when my tail rises, but relax when nothing else happens.

“Ya ran into a Manticore? What’s a changeling doing in the Everfree forest?”

“Reasons.”

“Oooookaay...”

“I’m sorry. I just can’t tell you. So can we move on?”

“Alright… Can ya at least tell us what’re ya doin’ here?”

“Food.” They cast critical looks at me. The color draining from their faces.

“F-food?” Aj sutters. “As in, love?”

“Yes, that.” I coolly answer. “Are you going to allow me to feed?”

“What!? No!” She yells.

“Alright! Sheesh, calm down. I was just asking-”

“Ah don’t care whether you were askin’ ‘r not! We don’t want the likes of you in our town!” Aj exploded, causing me to recoil slightly.

“Hold, on Applejack.” Rarity spoke up. “Let me handle this.” The still fuming apple pony looked at her before stepping back, giving Rarity the center of attention.

“You said that you asking if you could… feed. Correct?” She asked as soon as took the floor. I nod. “So you weren’t just… taking it from other ponies?” I shake my head.

“I may be starving a bit, but even I have ethics.” That simple statement caught the four of them off guard. Even Rainbow dropped the angry glare she was giving me the whole time. Replacing it by lowering her jaw all the way to the floor. “What?”

“I… I… ah.” Oh man, even Rarity is at a loss for words. This is epic! “I… I just… would never think that, a changeling, of all things” she muttered that last part. “would be capable of developing ethics and morals.“

“Did you just call me a thing?” Rarity blanched, if that’s even possible. “I am a changeling. And I am just as much capable of anything you are! What am I to you ponies? A monster!?” I nearly ‘lost’ my cool at her. I started getting off the bed I was laying before my side said otherwise. “Gah! Damnit! Stupid manticore.” I mutter.

“Uh, we kinda do take ya for a monster.” Rainbow said.

“What? Why?”

“Well, some changelings did try to take over Canterlot a while back.”

“What?” I stare at her dumbly. “Who would be stupid enough to do that?”

“The Queen of the changelings. Chrysalis.” Aj answered in a sour tone.

“Oooooooh, her,” I say with venom dripping my fangs. Figuratively speaking, I’ve no idea if my fangs actually have venom. “I heard the rumors, I didn’t think they were true. Ugh, stupid hatchling.”

“Uh, come again?” Aj asked.

“Nothing. It’s just… Who in the right mind would try to take over a city where two of the most powerful beings in Equestria just happen to reside in?” It was getting really difficult to not sound like a human that knows the intimate details of this planet and the ponies. I had to force myself not to say anything that would normally sound human. Well, as normal as anyone can get. “An idiot, that’s who.”

“So yer sayin’ that, despite them bein’ yer own kind, you think she’s an idiot?”

“Of course! Only a moron like her with a hive on the brink of starvation would do something so stupid.”

“Wait.” Rainbow interjected. “You mean to tell us, that her… hive thing. Was starving to death?”

“More or less. If anything she and her hive must be dead already, they got shot to the badlands, right?” Rarity nods. “Good. Fu- Bucking idiot.” I nearly slipped with cursing. Eh, as if they’ll even notice. “At least her hive didn’t suffer much. If they didn’t survive.” I look at the ponies before me, all giving me mortified faces. “What? She deserves it!”

“Uh. We understand where yer comin’ from. Just to hear ya say so bluntly...”

“Whatever, it’s the past.” I wave a hoof dismissively. “But can we move onto a different topic?” Four nods of agreement later and Rainbow starts asking me questions. Well, more like demanding answers. With how she’s up in my face n’ all.

“Ok buddy, you better tell us why you’re here or else!” Rainbow flew up to me, coming to a hover just above my bed with her face not too far away from mine.

“Oh, I don’t know,” I reply sarcastically. “probably because I was hurt badly and I didn’t want to die in a forest?” What I said completely came out of left field for her. She just stared at me dumfounded as she continued to hover just above me. “If it wasn’t for that. You all wouldn’t here. And would still be that forsaken forest looking for food.”

“But,” Rainbow recovered. “how did you even end up in the Everfree Forest of all places? It’s like, the worst forest in ever!”

“Don’t worry about that.” I say. “I was hoping we would talk about leaving.”

“Why do you wanna leave? Don’t you wanna stick around so I can throw you a party?” Pinkie somehow came to the side of my bed without me noticing. I look at here and she’s giving me the puppy-dog eyes.

“For starters. I am clearly not welcome here. If what I heard from out that door is anything to go by.” All their ears flatten and fold themselves in on their respective heads.

“Ya heard that?” I nod. “Oh…”

“So without further adue.” I start getting up from my bed, trying to not cause as much pain as possible. Before I could get off the though, a white hoof pressed itself on my shoulder and forced back onto my bed.

“I’m sorry darling, but we can’t let you do that.” I scowl at her.

“Why not?”

“Because you’re hurt.”

“As if you care.”

“Oh, but we do.” What?

“Huh?”

“It’s obvious that you’re not like the changelings we… *ahem* met, in Canterlot long ago. And the fact that you didn’t just steal our love from anypony, or do anything to Fluttershy, that poor dear, gives me enough reason that you’re different.” Huh… can't argue with that kind of logic.