~Catt~

“So. You’re a noble now.”

“...Y-yeah. Kinda… scary, I guess?”

“I can imagine. I mean… we don’t even know what it means to be a noble.”

“Yeah… And you’re sure Sonya didn’t know anyone that could even remotely help?”

“Could is another story. It’s a matter of whether or not they would. Friggin people wouldn’t stick their neck out unless it meant getting in their enemy’s way.”

“Then I guess I really will have to wing it…” A knock on my room door pulled me and Catrina out of our conversation, and I sat up on my bed.

“Duchess Catt, the Princess has sent me to inform you that she has arranged for me to teach you how Nobility works.” The familiar voice of Fancy Pants called. I breathed a hefty sigh of relief, thankful both that I was getting educated in regard to Nobility, and that it was Fancy Pants I was being taught by.

“Thank Celestia…” I muttered, fittingly using one of the ponies’ expletives. “Alright then, any special place we should be then?” I asked, climbing off my bed.

“Yes, come and meet me in the Royal Gardens when you’re ready.” Fancy told me. I soon heard him walking off.

“Something feels weird about this… I just can’t put my paws on it. Let’s just go grab us some breakfast, then we’ll head off and see what he’s got to teach.” Catrina muttered. I just nodded, stuffing my gloves in my tails again, and heading out. I hadn’t taken off my dress yet, since I loved it that much, and it was my only dress too. That, and I was kinda lazy. My gloves just didn’t add well to the image. I grabbed my personal guards Red and Razor on my way to breakfast, which was a few pounds of fish since I wasn’t really in that much of a rush today. Tuna actually tastes better as a cat, apparently. I used to really dislike fish as a human.

As I made my way to the Canterlot Gardens, I saw Spec. “Oh hey there, Spec. What are you doing up here?”

“Oh? Hey Catt. My brother is finally better, so I came to visit him myself.” Spec responded when she noticed me.

“That’s cool. How’s Sweetie been?” I asked, curious since I haven’t heard much of her since I left.

“Sweetie woke up just yesterday, and is already up and about, trying her best to catch up with what she missed. But the way she acts… it’s as if nothing happened at all, it worries me a bit.” Spec cheerfully replied with a large smile, even though it fell a bit when she expressed her concerns, she was still smiling.

“She’s probably trying to get people to stop worrying. She knows ponies aren’t exactly going to be happy after that nightmare, and probably doesn’t want them to be too sad about what happened. Sonya used to do it all the time, pretending something didn’t bother her so no one else worries about her unnecessarily.” Catrina informed me, to which I simplified and translated for Spec.

“Yeah, that’s probably it, but I still fear what will holding it all in do to her.” Spec said, just as we got to a place with doors to the deeper parts of the castle. “Well, here is where I split off. It was nice seeing you again.” She then went in the direction of said doors.

“Alright, hope to meet your brother! I’ll see you around.” I said goodbye before heading off on my own way. When I got to the gardens though, I didn’t see anyone. At first I wondered if maybe I’d heard him wrong, because I wasn’t paying attention or something, but then I got worried something might have happened to him. I was about to ask Red and Razor to help looking for him, but suddenly they weren’t there either.

“Hah… so naive…” I heard a buzzing voice, before the electric tingle of magic ran up my spine and everything went black.

"...Well crap. Hey, wanna play go fish while we wait to wake up?"

~Summer~

The clatter of pots rang out through the kitchen as once again, Manic and I were working together cleaning Dishes. The restaurant was just about to close for the day, so we were cleaning in the kitchen while the rest of the team worked on pretty much everywhere else. Reason I was doing dishes instead of basically whatever else was because it was something familiar to me. It reminded me of home, and how I pretty much hogged cleaning duty in the kitchen all to myself back when I was human. I still did a damn good job of making everything spotless, which Manic praised me for. Apparently, no one else on the team bothered, and just threw everything in the dishwasher, which half the time didn’t really clean everything. My method was quicker, and by far more efficient, even if it did work as good as some of the newer models. Hell, even Tinker’s thanked me, since now he doesn’t have to do maintenance on the dishwasher anymore. Another job off his plate, and we have cleaner plates!

Today though, something interrupted my sacred duty. I felt an invasive presence in my head, like a compass screaming at me to go to the edge of town, a presence I was certain Shin could feel as well. I sighed, dumping the rest of the dishes in the soap water I’d prepared to let them soak, before turning to Manic.

“Sorry, but something’s trying to bust into the local Hive Network. I’m gonna go check it out real quick, and hope it’s not something bad.” I told him, before heading out. I let the rest of the team know about it too, and Degroot allowed me leave, agreeing that it was important. He sent Fleet with me, in case it was something bad though, so I at least had the comfort of backup that could stuff me full of pride.

“So, another changeling, huh?” Fleet said as he flew with me.

“Yeah, one that apparently wants to be found, so either he’s got a message, or a trap waiting for us.” I replied, thinking logically.

“Heh. No problem, I’ve gotten outta lots of traps before.” Fleet pridefully boasted.

“I bet none of the traps that you escaped were Times Ten Quickie Bombs.” I shot back.

“Well duh. Who the hell can get away from those monsters?” Fleet huffed.

“Dead Ringer Spy?” I suggested. “With a Kunai?”

“Forget I asked…” Fleet facehoofed. When we got there, we found no more than three changelings waiting for us, all of them Blue.

“So you did come. I was getting worried you wouldn’t bother, and the local Queen would hit first.” the apparent speaker of the group said almost smugly.

“Yeah, I came. Would probably be in another way if you hadn’t interrupted.” I hinted. His face twisted in disgust as he caught the hint.

“Wow, what a joke.” Fleet sarcastically remarked.I ignored him, just giving the speaker a demanding look.

“We came to tell you we have your sister. Queen Chrysalis offers Catt’s safety in exchange for information you hold.” The changeling bluntly stated. I blinked in surprise. Queen Chrysalis was already striking this early? Discord’s return hadn’t even happened yet! What the hell info did they want anyway?

“What information? Why attack now? I thought you guys were planning an invasion of Canterlot in a couple years.” I asked, making Fleet do a double take at me.

“I was there when you were talking to the Bearers. I overheard you sharing what you knew about the future, and reported it to my Queen.” The changeling answered. I gasped as I remembered that…

“Summer, we… we gotta know. Just how much do you know?” AJ asked, about a day after we’d faced Nightmare Moon. Of course, they still haven’t gotten everything out of me since Celly pointed it out, and I still owe them answers.

“I know a lot, really, too broad to cover it all at once. But the first few things we should be watching out for is Discord’s return, and Queen Chrysalis attacking your brother’s wedding, Twilight.” I said, turning to her when I spoke of her brother.

“Any idea when those happen?” Twilight asked, worried for her brother.

“Some, but my knowledge of the timeline isn’t perfectly linear. I do know Discord doesn’t come until after the next Grand Galloping Gala. Don’t worry about Chryssie though, I’ve got a plan to deal with her.” I assured with a grin. Probably right then was when that other changeling heard me. I mean… we had been out talking on the street after all. It’s not that hard to listen in. Admittedly not my smartest choice… but that’s not saying much, really.

“Right… probably shoulda had Twilight use Soundproofing. Then again, this means I can actually put my plan to work sooner than later. Tell Queen Chrysalis I’ll deal with no drone. I want to speak with her in person.” I told him. He scowled at me, but I could almost swear I saw the faintest hint of a smirk.

Hmph… he’s got the aura of a traitor. I should know, I made one. Nightmare warned me. I took note of that.

“And tell the truth. I’d rather not have my sister killed because you’re a greedy bastard that wants the throne.” His face full of shock told me my guess was right.

“H-how did you know…?” he whispered, the two changelings at his side glaring full force at me.

“You’re easy to read.” I lied. The instant I said that, I lanced out with my mind, taking my shot through his shock to connect to his Hivelink.

<Jade? What’s wro- Oh shit… Hmph. What do you think you’re doing, grub?> I heard Chrysalis demand.

<Just giving you the truth. Your Messenger was planning on lying. I wanted to tell you I would only deal with you in person.> I replied coolly. I sensed hateful surprise from her, and fear from the Messenger.

<No! My Queen, please! I-> The traitor’s voice was cut off as I felt Chrysalis’s mind pretty much stabbing into his. Before me, he curled up in a little ball of fear, shaking in despair. Fleet looked between me and him in awe.

“Wow. You really know how to mess them up.” Fleet muttered in awe.

“That’s not me. That’s his queen, finding out about his attempt to betray her.” I replied casually. Fleet whistled in admiration.

<How the hell he managed to get by my side as an advisor without me learning of such plans, I’ll never know… But thank you for alerting me of his betrayal. In return, I shall meet you personally as requested. We seem to have more to discuss than I previously anticipated… I’ll be waiting at Dodge Junction for you. Your sister will be with me. Take any longer than two days, and we will convert your sister and take her will.> Chrysalis promised.

<Fair enough. I’ll be there. Now, the local Queen here is really anxious to get her hooves on these three. Would you mind?> I asked, since I had sensed Shin’s murderous desire from the moment these three announced their presence so loudly.

<Do as you will. They no longer belong to my hive.> Chrysalis replied flippantly. The connection was cut then, and I grinned at the three.

“Alright then… looks like Chrysalis is letting you three have a bad time. Who wants to go first?” I said with false joy. All three of them seemed to panic at that, at least until their leader slumped over, his eyes dulled to grey.

“Oh boy… hey, uh… Summer? We kinda got a…” Fleet muttered as he spotted Shin. Turning, I smiled at him.

“Relax… she’s not here for you.” I said ominously. The two lackeys turned around just in time for Shin to pounce on one of them with a loud screech, and within seconds he was no longer struggling, already fully under her influence. The other remaining changeling tried to run, but Fleet was faster.

“Hey, where you think ya goin’?” Fleet taunted as he flew upside down in front of the changeling, who by now was scared beyond reason. Said changeling just cowered, hiding his head under his own hooves.

“Please… please just…” I barely heard him whimpering. I just sat there, watching with a satisfied smirk. This is the fate that befalls traitors.

Absolutely beautiful. You know, for once, I’m thinking maybe we can actually be friends. Nightmare approved.

“You two, bring him with you.” Shin demanded the two changelings, who started slowly heading toward the remaining changeling like zombies. Slow, shambling movements, legs full of holes, groans from time to time… it was really horrifying to the last one, who was trying to scramble away from them in blind fear. It was useless though, and he was hauled away.

“That is gonna haunt my dreams for decades to come.” Fleet stated.

~Sweetie Belle~

As I went up the stairs to my bedroom at Rarity’s, I rubbed the gift Spec had left me with. It was a shadow-weave scarf, and while it didn’t do anything for warmth, it did look pretty cool. She made it during her demonstration, where she created it using her own shadow. It is kinda long and it looks like it fades away into nothing at the ends, but it seems to just trail in the air behind me and doesn’t get in the way at all, I also noticed it get’s shorter if there isn’t room or if it were to obstruct anything. Unfortunately, Spec had to go back home to Canterlot after the class ended, it sounded like her brother is finally better, so she went back to be with him. I think she gave me that scarf so I have something to remember her by in case it is a long time before she can visit again.

I froze in my room when I saw my calendar. I was going back to Mom and Dad tomorrow… Oh no, what are they going to think when they see me like this?! There is no way they won’t freak out, and even worse, while the chance of them not liking me anymore is close to nonexistent, they will DEFINITELY not look at me the same way ever again… I might not like the way they look at me now. Worst of all though, they might blame Rarity for not protecting me, and never let me come back here again! Ugh… this is going to be one heck of a mess… maybe I could ask Summer or Twilight for help?

In any case, my new body still used up energy, and I needed to recharge. I’ll have to worry about all of that tomorrow.

My dreams showed me no comfort, and left no room for mercy. The first thing I saw when I went to sleep was a bunch of freaky, nightmarish robots. Something about them though… it was almost like the freakish appearance they had meant nothing. Like they were innocents forged into monsters. I was given no rest though, as the very second I registered that, I was interrupted by somepony slamming a crowbar over my head.

“Get out of here you freak! Machines like you shouldn’t exist!” the familiar voice of my dad screamed. I turned with tears in my eyes to find… an army of my mom and dad, each holding either a frying pan or crowbar. The metal nightmare things roared, jumping forth challengingly as if to my defense, but it stood no chance. A thousand frying pans crushed it in nearly an instant, a few of them made of gold… or was it neighponium? Either way, the resulting banging was… ear shattering. The others didn’t fare any better. Before they could get to me though, something shot past me on both sides, both forms darker than shadows.

~Rarity~

“Sweetie Belle… please, calm down, nothing can hurt you here…” I pleaded once again. I was losing hope though. Sweetie Belle’s screaming and flailing hadn’t gone down in the least since I arrived to quell it, and I was beginning to doubt I could help… but then suddenly, it stopped. As it did, I could feel something passing by me, but… I didn’t see anything. I worried about what it could be, but I could at least see Sweetie was still breathing. Just giving up on questioning it since I had no answers, I leaned down and hugged my sister with everything I had.

~Summer~

I rushed to try and get into Sweetie Belle’s dream, Nightmare right by my side. Her dream had turned black in the Dreamscape not that long ago, and since Luna was still out of commission in the dream-guarding business, I took it upon myself to get there. However, when I was almost there, Nightmare pulled me back.

“Wait! Something is already in there with her.” Nightmare said, pointing at the dream. I paused for a second to look, watching as it turned from black to cyan. I looked into the dream to see what just happened and what I saw caused me to pause. Sweetie was wearing that ‘totally anime scarf’ Spec made for her earlier, but that wasn’t the strange thing. The strange thing was that it was moving. Both ends of the scarf shot from either side of her and blocked all attacks and all attackers from view. Both ends then drifted in front of Sweetie and formed an archway in between them, from which a small figure walked out of.

“Shhh... it’s ok now Sweetie, the nightmare is gone.” The figure started to soothe poor Sweetie.

“Is that...” I muttered, recognising the voice.

“S-Spec…? Is that you?” Sweetie hesitantly said as if she couldn’t believe it, still shaking from fear.

“I’m here Sweetie, no nightmares are going to haunt my friends anymore.” Spec said hugging a still shaking Sweetie.

“How the heck is Spec there?!” I almost shouted in shock.

“H-how are you… how did you get in my dream?” Sweetie asked, almost as if she’d heard my question… but more realistically, she was probably thinking the same way.

“I said before that I know some Dream magic, I wanted to be here sooner, but you didn’t give me permission to enter. Only when it was almost over did I get in here. I had to use the scarf to get around needing your permission.” Spec explained.

“... Thank you!” Sweetie said, jumping forth to hug Spec with all her might. Seeing that, I felt touched. These two were starting to build a pretty deep bond. The thought of those two together like that… it filled me with emotion and threatened to spill out of my eyes as tears. Nightmare looked at me with disgust.

“Really, Summer? Really. You’re going to ship those two?” she said condescendingly. I folded my arms in defiance.

“What? They’re cute. Like that… and YOU RUINED A PERFECT MOMENT!” I shot back. I froze when I noticed Spec looking right at us.

“Oh shut u-” Nightmare froze too. Spec narrowed her eyes into a glare for a second before turning back to Sweetie.

“Keep the scarf close to you Sweetie, it’s a ‘Hero’s scarf’, it protects the hero, so that she might protect others. And try to talk about your problems with your sister and friends, don’t bottle them up, or it may end worse then just some nightmares.” Spec said while gently rubbing Sweetie’s back to fully calm her down. Sweetie smiled at that, breaking the hug.

“I will. Seeing an army of mom and dad beating things down with a lot of frying pans convinced me of that.” Sweetie said. At that point, I figured we should probably move on to another dream, but I wanted to do something… devious first. I stuck my head into the dream, and shouted for all I was worth.

“I SHIP IT!” I giggled madly as I ran the hell out of there. I could almost hear Spec raging in the back of my mind as I ran. Nightmare screamed out as I pretty much left her for dead, even though she'd just automatically teleport to me if I left her too far behind.

Author's Notes:

Obligatory Pan Spam:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HvGeztsIo3I