Night had fallen onto the never sleeping city of Las Pegasus. I had gone through my tin of Mint-als and was craving for more. So I bought another tin for only 50 caps. Good deal on them. And damn me, I had missed out on such awesome tablets! Seriously, these things made me feel like I could do anything! And let me get one thing straight, I realize that I have become addicted to them. But that didn’t stop me. These things weren’t as bad as I thought they were. Of course the only downside to them is when they wear off, I begin to feel stupid and it gets harder to think. Not to mention, it also relieves some of the stress. Damn, and I was worried about these things for nothing. I patted my vest pocket with my newly bought chems, popping one in before getting to work.

I had to choose night as my means of recon. The Omareta thugs would be patrolling the upper suites. That is where Al Capony’s own room is. And it was there that I was going to begin my investigation. I quietly entered the elevator and hummed one of Velvet Remedy’s songs as I waited for the elevator to reach the destined floor. When I felt the elevator stop, I quickly brought out a Stealth Buck I had bought along with my Mint-als for this recon mission. I activated it and slid out into the hall, avoiding the aristocratic party going group of ponies on their way down to the casino for gambling fun. I snuck lightly on my hooves.

'If I was a gang head, let alone the daughter of the Omareta’s leader, what suite would I be in?' I frowned, seeing that there were two sets of doors on each opposite ends of the hall with one Omareta thug patrolling between them. I quietly waited and when the thug got close, I reached out with my magic and plucked the keys from his pocket. I smiled triumphantly as the thug continued his patrolling without noticing a set of keys floating in the air. I went to the door on my left. Peeking through the key hole, I took note of the décor. Fancy, but plain. Nothing big or aristocratic. In fact, this room looked like it hasn’t been used in ages. That left the other door.

Using the keys once I waited for the thug to make another patrol back, I unlocked the door and quietly slid in, closing it shut slowly as to not make a sound. I turned and blinked.

Al Capony sure did have a lot of velvet in her room. Almost everything material wise was either silk or velvet. I guess she liked the way the material felt. But I wasn’t here to see her room. Actually, it is, but for a different reason. I had to keep a look out for anything that looked… native I guessed. I began by searching her wardrobe. Pre-war dresses, some pre-war bits. Nothing native. I went over to her night stand and looked in. I flushed when I found something I shouldn’t have.

Putting back the colorful looking toy, I couldn’t find anything else that seemed native. Perhaps the bathroom? I crept back downstairs in the suite and entered the bathroom. I looked in the cabinet over the sink. I frowned, seeing nothing but Med-X and a bottle of apple cider. After the bathroom, I began looking everywhere else. Under the sofa, the bed, behind curtains and in small nooks and crannies. I sighed in defeat when I came out empty hoofed. I stiffened as I heard the door open.

“… I’m sorry, Al. I didn’t think it was that big of a deal.” I heard Bucky’s voice. I crept low and ducked behind the radio stand. I heard a frustrated groan.

“Bucky, that was Stiletto’s own handiwork! How can you just think it was a good idea to throw away that locket?!” she barked. Uh oh. Bucky sighed.

“Listen, Al. I know things have been rough, but you have to understand, I’m stressed out too.” He said. Al Capony snorted.

“Oh, and just because you are sooo stressed that you had been making all the decisions by yourself. Honestly, what is with you!? You always seem to never be around!” I heard her hiss slightly in pain before continuing. “When I ask for my medicine, I mean I want it. Your own spell has been… I don’t know, weird. It’s not lasting as long as it used too.”

“Like I said. It’s because I’m stressed. Or, it maybe that you are constantly relying on me to keep that headache of yours checked.” He said. Al Capony sighed.

“I can’t believe this… look, that’s not important right now, what I want to know is why you thought it was a good idea to throw away Stiletto’s gift to us?” she said, her voice raising slightly.

“I didn’t mean to do it! I had thought it was just a trinket somepony left on the counter.” He said. Al Capony snorted.

“Right, and you didn’t happen to notice it was Stiletto’s gift to us. You can’t miss his insignia.” She definitely didn’t sound happy at all. But Bucky seemed to remain calm.

“I’m sorry, doll. I didn’t know.” He said. Al Capony groaned now. “Is it getting worse?” There was a brief pause before Bucky continued. “Don’t worry, doll. You don’t need that stripe’s medicine. I’m the only cure you’ll need.” I winced slightly. That sounded… sinister. I peeked out and saw Bucky’s horn glow. A small beam shot out and brushed Al Capony’s head. I gapped as she nearly crumpled to the floor, biting her lip in pain. When Bucky stopped his spell, Al Capony seemed to sigh with relief. “Alright, doll?” Al Capony smiled, rubbing her head slightly.

“I am now… thanks.” She said. Bucky smiled.

“Now then, let’s go apologize to Stiletto about that incident.” He said. Al Capony nodded.

“Wait, let me get ready first.” She replied as she trotted into the bathroom. Bucky waited patiently as Al Capony opened the cabinet and took the Med-X out, injecting herself at the neck before rinsing her hooves. I looked over to Bucky and he seemed to grin as he pulled out a small vial out of his pocket. I recognized that goo anywhere. Mother Dandy’s medicine. Bucky quickly pocketed it as Al Capony came out of the bathroom and smiled. “Okay.”

The two left the room and not a moment too soon either. My Stealth Buck was about to expire. I exited the room, noticing the thug no longer patrolling. Once I made sure to close the door, I entered the elevator as the thug came out. It was a close call. My Stealth Buck expired as I slipped by.

I had done my investigation. And I have come to a conclusion. Bucky may not be Bucky at all. Possibly another pony charmed as him? Just like Bud did with my brother? Is Bud really playing as Bucky? If so, why Bucky? No, something was still off. And I now know why. I just had to find someway to expose them.

When I entered my suite, I heard the quiet breathing of my companions. I quietly made my way up the stairs and with my magic, turned the knob. I stopped and blinked. Locked? But… this is my room in the suite. Why is it locked? Did I happen to lock it at some point? I frowned as I took out the bobby pin and screw driver. I picked the lock without much effort and opened only to stop and flush.

There was Shining Star and Goldenlee. On my bed. Star on top, Goldnelee panting in pleasure on the bottom. They didn’t seem to notice me. And they were going at it pretty roughly. After hearing Goldenlee orgasm, I quickly closed the door quietly and made my way back down to the living area. I took the vacant sofa and plopped myself, staring at the ceiling. Guess I wasn’t sleeping in my room again. Or, at all until I burn everything in it. Goddesses only knows how long they have been at it. Based on the smell, seemed like a while.

On the positive note, I’m actually glad that those two finally hit it off. It took them long enough. I sighed and rolled onto my side. I also noticed Iris wasn’t back either. Probably doing some late night activities with the Followers like she always had whenever we stopped in Las Pegasus.

Things weren’t right here in the vice city of Las Pegasus. Nothing ever really was. Only this time, I believe something even bigger than Bud and Alicron’s return is going on.

The next day, we found ourselves being greeted by Stiletto and two other Whitehooves.

“Hello all~!” he sang gaily as he entered our suite. I groaned slightly, rising from my sofa. I popped a Mint-al in and looked to him.

“Hi, Stiletto. What brings you here?” I asked. He clopped his hooves.

“Practice.” He said. I arched a brow.

“Practice?” Sanity asked. Stiletto nodded.

“For the wedding.”

“You have to practice for weddings?” Comp asked.

“Of course. It’s tradition. And plus, my dear Alabaster is feeling a tad feverish today, so I pray you all will be on your best behavior while we practice. Come along now!” he said.

I turned to Iris, who stretched and smiled at me.

“So. Ready to be a maiden of honor?” she asked. I sighed and shook my head. Iris nickered. “No worries, babe. It’s easy. All you do is after the groom and the bride exchange vows, you say a few words and start the wedding party off.” I arched a brow.

“You make it sound like you’ve been to a wedding before.” Iris nodded.

“I have. It was when Velvet Remedy and Calamity got married.” She said. I cocked my head. Right, I had forgotten they were married.

“So, what was their wedding like?” I asked. Iris shrugged.

“Nothing big and fancy like this one. No last minute preparations. Just pure and simple exchange of the vows, cut the cake and begin the party.” She sighed. “Course, I didn’t stay long. I was just there because Sharp Talon was a personal escort for Gawd.”

“Sharp Talon?” I asked. Iris flapped her wings once.

“A griffon. And a damn scary one too if provoked. He’s our group lead.” She said. I cocked my head again.

“Err… Iris? Is there like some sort of code you mercenaries have? I mean, you joined up with me, a courier, so you can see more of the land than just having to stick to a contract. Doesn’t your group know you are with me?” I asked. Iris smiled.

“They don’t. They only know that I’m taking a break from mercenary work. Sharp Talon calls it ‘retirement’, but I haven’t been in the business that long to call it that.” Iris rubbed her chin. “He can be a pretty tough griffon to read sometimes.” She shrugged. “Ah well, what can you do?” I smiled as me and my companions followed Stiletto down to the lobby and enter through a pair of double doors that led to the show room. I was blinded by the white and silver decorations and fancy white table clothes. Never have I’ve seen a room looking this… well… nice. Sanity whistled.

“I have to admit. You’ve certainly have out done yourself, Stiletto.” She said with a smile. Stiletto chuckled.

“Why, thanks to everyone’s help, I’ve been able to set something up in record time.” He said. As my companions spread out to examine the decorations and chatting amongst themselves, I stayed quiet, watching as Al Capony and Bucky entered the room with Kingpin. I narrowed my eyes slightly when Bucky looked my way. He was looking even paler than Al Capony was. In fact, I think Al Capony has been given a little too much of Bucky’s miracle spell. I snorted quietly.

‘As if I could call it that.’ I thought back at the pain Al Capony was in when Bucky cast the spell. It looked painful. And that argument they had. It completely seemed to cross Al Capony’s mind after it was done. Despite looking sick, she seemed… happy. She smiled as she looked around the room. She waved at me before trotting over to Stiletto, leaving Bucky to wander the room himself. I felt something tug my hoodie.

“I don’t trust him.” Comp said, narrowing his eyes at the gang head. I nodded.

“I think so too.” I said in a whisper. “Something is off about Bucky. Come to think of it, the whole thing.” I said. Comp arched a brow.

“Wait… so you think so too?” he said. I smiled.

“Yup.” Comp now looked saddened.

“Courier… do you think… maybe we can talk again?” I nodded.

“Of course. But it better not be something to convince me to kill you.” I said. Comp smirked and we exited the room. We made our way down the hall, not too far from the doors that lead into the room where the others were.

“Courier. I think… I don’t know.” He said. “I can’t be so sure that I am a pony.” He looked sour. “Bucky made it clear.” I arched a brow. Bucky told him he was a monster?

“What are you talking about?” I asked. Comp sighed.

“I think what I’m trying to say is that we don’t need to wait any longer for me to figure out who I am. Take a look at my eyes.” He said. I did. After staring for a moment, I gapped when I saw his eyes change color quickly. But I had seen what he was trying to show me. He went from dark brown eyes to emerald green.

“Comp? Are you…” he nodded.

“I am a monster. Bucky showed me when I took Rex out for a walk around the town.” He said. I looked him dead in the eyes now.

“Comp. Did Bucky show you anything else?” I asked. To my surprise, he nodded.

“He said I was one of them.” He bowed his head and shuddered. “To… prove his point… he… made me…” I saw tears streaming out now. I brought him in and stroked his mane as he cried quietly into my leg. Damn, I can’t believe it. No, I refuse to believe it. Comp isn’t a monster. He’s a normal colt.

“Comp. What did he make you do?” I asked. Comp took a long moment to calm down. He was still crying when he spoke.

“He… brought an unconscious filly in front of me.” He shuddered. “They must have beaten her badly. She looked like she was ran over by something. And Bucky? He wasn’t what he looked like now. Neither was his posse.” More tears streamed. “He… did something to me. Made me… change. And after that, I felt that craving again…” He looked at me. “Courier… I…”

I shushed him and stroked his mane. He didn’t need to continue. I didn’t want to hear it. No, Comp isn’t a soul eating monster. He isn’t! But… what if he is? I mean, all the evidence points to Bucky not being a normal pony himself. And if Bucky is trying to change Comp into a monster, then I won’t let that happen. I was angry. No, I am angry. Angry that Comp had to find out who he was on his own and from a very bad pony. Angry that Bucky was trying to manipulate him. I won’t let Bucky try the same thing again.

So, how am I going to expose him? There has to be a way… I looked as Stiletto clopped his hooves together.

“Alright, everypony. Places!” He started directing my companions to stand near the podium where the bride and groom was going to be. I narrowed my eyes as Bucky grinned and watched as Al Capony was led to the exit of the room. She didn’t seem… nervous. No, she looked exactly how she came in. Smiling. Nothing else. I had to think of something. I need to expose Bucky before it is too late. Come on, Courier. Think!

“Dears, over here please!” Stiletto called out to us. I looked at Comp and gave him a reassuring smile.

“Don’t worry Comp. I’ll make sure nothing bad happens to you. And I’ll make sure Bucky is exposed.” I whispered to him. Comp said nothing but nodded. Comp walked over with his head bowed as Stiletto placed him next to Bucky. I snorted quietly and waited for Stiletto to do some last minute places before he turned to me.

“And you dear. Since you are the maiden of honor, you stand next to Alabaster. Alright?” I nodded. “Now then, when I call on you, enter the room and stand in your places that you are now.” And so we did. I honestly was impressed. My companions were showing more formality than I was. Which made me bear a question in my mind. Am I too harsh on the aristocratic? I always see them as snobs and stuck up bigots that want nothing but caps and fame.

And since all of us lived in the Wasteland and out of the city, I figured half of the Wastelanders to be dirty, bad attitude and all around cocky and maniacal. And during my travels as a courier, I’ve met plenty of dirty Wastelanders to deliver packages too. Hell, some of them even crapped on their packages in front of me and gave it back to me, much to my disgust. I guess seeing so many filthy ponies in my life, I couldn’t really blame myself for having second thoughts on my friends.

At least they had some decency to be polite and caring around one another. I sighed when it was my turn to enter the room. Stiletto straightened out my head and made me feign a smile.

“Now then, just walk down the aisle and stand next to the place where Alabaster is standing.” He said. “And don’t worry about being a mare. Alabaster said you were a lost cause anyway.” I gave a small smirk at the comment as I entered the room and walked down the long aisle.

Comp looked sourly as he stood next to Bucky. Bucky grinned and watched as I made my way to the podium. Our looks met and he suddenly smiled. I didn’t return it. I walked and stood next to Al Capony. I studied her. Pale, smiling, even looked… uncomfortable. As Bucky and my other companions focused on the wedding practice, I figured I might see if Al Capony could talk.

“Psst, Al.” I whispered into her ear. Al blinked and looked at me.

“Courier, quiet. We can talk later.” She said with a sudden annoyance. I shook my head as Goldenlee, Iris and Sanity began walking down the aisle.

“It’s important.” I said. Al grumbled quietly before whispering back.

“What?” she asked.

“I don’t think you should go through with this.” I said bluntly. Al looked offended and bristled.

“Everything okay, babe?” Bucky asked as he looked between us. I glared at him and Al scoffed.

“What’s with you?” Al asked. I sighed and looked at Bucky. If I was going to expose Bucky, it had to be now.

“What I am saying is, I don’t think you should marry Bucky.” I said out loud. The room grew quiet and I heard Stiletto gasp. Kingpin, who was standing in between the two to give them their blessings, arched a brow.

“And what makes you think Bucky ain’t good enough for my daughter?” he asked. I shook my head and walked down the podium.

“What I’m saying is Bucky isn’t really Bucky.” I said. Still, quiet. I pointed a hoof at Bucky “All the evidence points to him. The attacks on the preparations, Bud, Alicron. Everything!” I said. Bucky shook his head with a small chuckle.

“What are talking about, kid? I thought we went over this?” I glared at him.

“I wouldn’t say ‘all’ of it. Mainly the things you wanted us to hear. The truth of the matter is that you aren’t Bucky.” I pointed a hoof at him. “Al, he’s hiding your medicine from you! I saw it myself.” I said. Al blinked, then glared at me.

“You mean to tell me you… broke into my room!?” Al Capony said. I nodded.

“It was for a good cause. Somepony gave me info and the way you two have been acting lately hasn’t gone right by me. So, I decided my own investigation.” I said.

“Uhh, Courier.” Iris began. I shook my head at her.

“Check his suite pocket.” I said. No pony made a move. I stomped my hoof on the ground. “What’s wrong with everypony? We finally have our culprit! It’s somepony charmed as Bucky. Isn’t that right, Bud?” Bucky arched a brow before sighing.

“Kid, what is the idea of going around and accusing me of being charmed? Honestly?” he shook his head. “Those chems must be affecting your brain. Mint-als have been known to make ponies not themselves.” I bristled slightly.

“If you are implying I’m addicted, I am not.” I lied. “I can stop when I want too.”

“Courier? You’ve been taking chems?” Goldenlee gasped. I gave her a sour look.

“Not all the time. Just the occasion. And right now, we have more important things to worry about. Now cough up, Bud. We got you from the get go.” I said.

“We?” Kingpin arched a brow and looked at my friends. “Are you all on this?” I smirked and nodded.

“Of course. They are my friends. And they’ll back me up with the evidence.” I said. It was Iris that whispered into my ear.

“Courier, the intel we had was a miscommunication. They told me about it last night. The rookie scribe made an error with the decoding.” She said. I blinked and looked at her.

“I… what?” Iris sighed.

“Bucky isn’t Bud. Nor is he charmed. He’s the real deal.” She said. I gaped and looked at Bucky. No, he can’t be. Wait, there is still more evidence. A witness. I looked at Comp.

“Comp.” I said. He stiffened and looked at me. “Go on. Tell them what you told me.” Comp bit his lip and looked at Bucky, who arched a confused brow. I felt my hopes falter as he sighed and shook his head.

“Sorry, but… I have no idea what you mean.” He said. I balked. But didn’t he? He did! I wasn’t playing a joke on myself. This… he… argh! I huffed a little.

“You don’t need to be afraid Comp. We are your friends. Go on, tell them.” I said. Comp shook his head.

“It was a mistake. It was just a nightmare I had.” He said with a slight turn of his head. He looked guilty. I looked around, seeing the worried and confused looks of my companions and the gang heads.

“B-but, I know for sure Bucky isn’t Bucky at all! I saw it! Heard it! You said so yourself, Al. For three weeks you’ve been relying on Bucky to ease a head ache. Mother Dandy gave you medicine.” I said. Al sighed, looking tearful.

“I… I can’t believe this. To think the Omaretas put our trust in you. Why are you accusing Bucky? He didn’t do anything wrong. We’ve all seen it. Bucky is a good pony. He’s looking out for us. For me…. Right?” she looked at Bucky and he nodded.

“The whole world, doll.” He said with a wink and a smile. But Al Capony looked at me with a tearful glare. “I’m sorry, Courier. But you leave me no choice.” She looked at Kingpin. Apparently, he knew full well what Al was going to say.

“For the acts of going behind the Omaretas, sneaking into my daughter’s room and abuse of our generosity, you are no longer welcomed here.” He waved a hoof at me. “Get out. And don’t think about talking yourself out of this.” I felt something tap the back of my head. I turned and saw one of Bucky’s boys putting a .45 at me.

“Wait! If she’s going, then we are too.” Goldnelee said with a confident look. I bowed my head. I couldn’t believe this. We had the evidence. We had the witness. Why is everything going wrong? Kingpin sighed.

“I didn’t want it to come to this.” he said. Bucky held up a hoof.

“Wait. Me and Alabaster have been planning this thing for weeks.” He said. “You are all part of this. And you have to stay.” He said. Star arched a brow.

“I think this wedding is capable without us.” He said. Al bowed her head.

“I… can’t believe this is happening. I so desperately wanted you all to be here…” she sighed. “You are all friends I’ve never really had.” That did it. I bowed my head as did my companions. I never thought about it like that. I always just saw gang heads as gang heads. Now that I think about it, I’ve never really thought of Al Capony as a friend. More like a humble hostess. Somepony who is just trying to make their gang look good.

But hearing her say it now? I felt guilty. I looked to my companions, who were also looking rather guilty as well. Bucky cleared his throat, catching everyone’s attention.

“I think we can remedy this, however.” He said. I arched a skeptical brow. Al looked a little hopeful while Kingpin looked a tad annoyed.

“Bucky, may I have a word?” Kingpin asked. The two huddled away from us as they discussed our fate. My companions took this time to discuss my own problem.

“Since when have you’ve started doing chems?” Star asked with a worried arched brow. I bit my lip and shrunk back.

“I… I don’t have a problem with them. Like I said, I can stop if I want too.” I said.

“Courier.” Iris said. When I saw her look, I knew I had done something wrong. She wasn’t mad. She was sad. I quickly spoke up in defense.

“Look, It’s not that big of a deal. They just make me two times better.” I shook my head. “It’s not killing me.”

“But it will get you into a lot of trouble.” Goldenlee frowned. “What kind of chems have you’ve been taking? Hydra? Buck? Dash? PTM?” I blinked.

“PTM?” I asked. Goldenlee opened her mouth to explain, but then thought better of it.

“You don’t need to concern yourself with that anyway. But seriously, dear. Why haven’t you told us?” she asked. I shook my head.

“I did tell you I was going to use chems during the investigation.” I looked at them and they gave me looks that told me ‘and?’. I gave a sheepish smile. “Aaaand I kept a little bit more just in case things went wrong.” I was hoping they wouldn’t ask more, but their looks told me otherwise. I sighed. “Alright, fine. I’m addicted to Mint-als. But only recently. Happy?” Goldenlee frowned.

“Mint-als. Side effects may include irritation of the hide and confident attitude. Withdrawl includes depression, loss of memory, slurring and of course the killer headache.” She said. I took a second to process that. I smirked.

“Okay, not as bad as I thought.” I said. Goldenlee glared and I shrunk back a little as she held out her hoof.

“Hoof it over, Courier.” She said. I waved my hoof at her hoof.

“Nope.” I said flatly. That seemed to cause confusion in my companions. Goldenlee shook her head before looking at me with a glare again and jabbing her hoof at me.

“Give it.” She said. I crossed my hooves and turned my body sideways.

“Why?” I asked. Seriously though. What’s so wrong about them? I mean I’ve experienced depression, I have some memory loss of my brother and goddesses know what else. I slur sometimes when I’m drunk and I get headaches whenever I think too much. In fact, my head was killing me.

“Don’t question why. Don’t you trust me?” she asked. I nodded.

“I do, but I don’t see what’s so bad about them?” I said as I quickly popped another in and sighed with relief as the tablets did their magic. I suddenly felt the tin be yanked out of my hooves by Goldnelee’s magic. I comically flailed my hooves at it as she held it high above me. I put on my best pout and looked at her, making a small tear run down my cheek. “Why do you do this?”

“Because it’s for your own good.” She said. I sniffed and bowed my head.

“You’re right… I’m sorry. I don’t know what came over me.” I said sadly. I glanced quickly at her and saw her give me a small smile.

“Don’t worry. We just need to keep you off of them until we can get it out of your system.” She said. I nodded and smiled at her. Iris chuckled.

“I’m okay with her getting drunk.” She said with a smirk. Bucky cleared his throat and caught our attention. I smirked when I saw how lazily Goldenlee put my Mint-als in her bomber jacket. I glanced between my companions. They all had their back turned on me. I squeed quietly as I skillfully picked the tin and quickly stuffed it in my vest pocket before turning my attention to Bucky.

“Well then. I do believe we can give you a second chance. But it’ll require a group of two ponies.” He said. Sanity cocked her head.

“Two? Are we going on like a mission or something?” she asked. Bucky rubbed his chin.

“More of a scouting one. I want you all to patrol the city. See if you can find any leads about certain… doings against our wedding.” He locked a hoof around Alabaster’s hoof, making her flush and smile. “There is still a week left before the wedding is under way. So, Kingpin and I decided to give you a second chance at redemption. If you can make sure that no pony or nothing is going to stop the wedding, then we will forget that this ever happened.” He looked at me and I narrowed my eyes. There was something about the look he was giving me. And it made my brain go off on alerts.

I found myself paired with Bucky’s boys along with Comp while my other companions became the second group. We went east into the city while they went west. Bucky led us down the busy streets of Las Pegasus. Bucky and his boys were talking amongst themselves about inside jokes I couldn’t understand. I guess I was wrong about Bucky. But my brain was telling me otherwise. I didn’t know what to say or think. I turned my head and quickly popped another Mint-al in before turning to Comp.

“So, why didn’t you say anything?” I asked. Comp winced. I smiled. “You’re not in trouble. I’m just curious.” I said to him. I honestly wasn’t. I’m sure Comp had his reasons for hiding it. And I was dead worried about him. Bucky had showed him what he was and what he does. Comp bit his lip before speaking.

“I-I’m sorry, Courier. I just…” he tried to find the right words with his mouth. I nuzzled his cheek in comfort. That seemed to ease his tension a bit, but he remained hesitant. He was scared. He kept looking at Bucky everytime he thought he found the right words. What made it worse was Bucky was glancing back at us every now and then. I narrowed my eyes when we suddenly turned down an alley. I conjured one copy not too far away and had her hide in a dumpster while we traversed further. Now to play along.

“So, is there a reason why we are here?” I asked as I looked around. Bucky nodded.

“Yes. There has been some reports of a certain rat that has been going around and infecting ponies with a disease. We are to make sure it is dealt with so as to not have any more of our guests tainted.” And there it was. I was right about Bucky all along. His boys suddenly circled me and blocked all means of escape. I remained calm when Bucky smiled and turned to me. “And I do mean to dispose of it right away.” I feigned a smile and smacked my hooves together.

“Great, I’ve been itching for a fight. Rat or no rat.” I said. Bucky chuckled and nodded.

“We’ll see.” He said as he motioned to his boys. Outnumbered huh? Time to even out the odds. Before they could make a move, my copy in the dumpster hopped out, wielding a nailed 2x4 in her magic and rammed the nail into the temple of one of them. The gang member hissed an inequine scream before falling down into a bloodied green heap. My eyes widened when the pony suddenly began to… change. The body was now black and looked insectiod. Fangs protruded from the muzzle and fragile looking wings twitched. Now the others began to change. I was surrounded by strange looking ponies I have never seen before.

I blinked when a flash of Ms. Cheerilee explaining something to Cadence’s and Armor’s kids in the memory orb.

A changeling is neither pony nor insect. It is born of corrupt magic.

Changeling.

“You are all Changelings?” I grit my teeth, turning to Bucky. Bucky still remained a pony as he smirked.

“Guilty as charge. And we are dying of starvation.” He said. His eyes suddenly flashed green. Just like Comp has done. I looked at Comp with shock and surprise. No… he couldn’t be… But he was. Comp bowed his head and sighed.

“I’m sorry, Courier… I didn’t want this to happen.” He blinked once and his eyes changed to green before his body changed into a colt version of a changeling. I backed away a bit. Comp winced as I did.

“See, brother? I knew she wouldn’t accept you as you are.” He stood next to him. No, I wasn’t thinking that. I would never think that. Comp has stuck by me since the beginning. He’s saved me and our companions multiple times. We’ve come a long way. We only knew about a memory of him, but now he knows full well what he is. A changeling.

“Brother?” I asked. Bucky nodded.

“Dear Comp here is just like us. A monster. And he is long overdue to be delivered to mother.” He said. Overdue? Delivered? Wait…

“How did you make contact with the Crystal Express? I thought you changelings were still hibernating.” I said. Bucky sighed.

“Time and effort. Mother has finally woken up and has finally begun her revenge against the ones who have defeated her.” He said. Defeated her? I rubbed my head, trying to think back to what Ms. Cheerilee has talked about.

It was the love your mother and father had for each other that defeated the Queen.

“The Queen…” I said. The name was also mentioned. “Queen Chrysalis.” Bucky chuckled.

“How very astute of you. It gives us all the more reason to eliminate you.” He said. I smirked.

“You’ve certainly gone through a lot of trouble trying to get me off your tail. I didn’t know how desperate a changeling is.” Bucky arched a brow.

“And what can you tell us about changelings?” he asked. I glared at him.

“I know that Changelings are born as neither pony nor insect. You are just corrupt magic in the shape of a being.” I said. “So, I’ve been dying to ask. What did you do with the real Bucky? And why are you in his place and want to marry Al Capony?” To my slight surprise, he laughed.

“You think I want to marry a tribal harlot? I only care for the love she has for the fool.” He shuddered in delight, which made me look at him in disgust. “We’ve been asleep for too long. It is high time for the world to see us. Fear us! This land is filled with the emotions of ponies. It’s enough to sustain us for eternity.” He said.

“That’s where I come in to stop you.” I retorted. Bucky scoffed and smirked at me.

“How are those chems working for you?” he asked. I blinked. Chems? Bucky smirked. “By now, those Mint-als you took must be wearing off.” I had no idea he knew the effects of the Mint-als, but I won’t be played a fool. So, I played along. I slumped and shook my head, rubbing it before glaring back at him.

“So what? I can still stop you. You changelings won’t even get one hoof towards Alabaster.” I said. Bucky laughed more.

“So naïve. You should have done something three weeks ago then.” He said. “The fool Bucky must be a skeleton by now. With half the other ponies we’ve replaced in this city.” I grit my teeth. No, there is still a lot of ponies that haven’t been attacked by Changelings. But it makes me wonder why and how they have been able to avoid the detection of the Followers.

“So, how have you’ve been throwing everypony off?” I asked. Bucky sighed.

“I’ve already explained. We are changelings. And for three weeks we have been replacing ponies one by one by one.” He smirked. “Nearly half the city is a changeling swarm. We are just waiting for the right opportunity.” I frowned.

“Three weeks of being ponies? But that can’t be right.” I said. “If I recall, weak changelings only last five minutes in pony form.” Bucky rubbed his chin and smiled.

“Ah yes. The beauty of the war that you fools have brought. We must thank you for giving us more control of our shape shifting. If it wasn’t for those bale-fire bombs, we would still be asleep.” I looked at the changelings around me before grinning.

“You’re two centuries late then. Most ponies in the Wastes don’t give a single fuck about others.” I said. Bucky laughed.

“More like two centuries ahead of time.” He said. I arched a brow. “Mother isn’t dead. In fact, she’s been well fed and had gone through hibernation. Now she has woken up and hungers for more.” I shook my head.

“Chrysalis better think twice before messing with Equestria again. We may not be all gullible than we were two centuries ago. It’s all about survival of the fittest now.” I snorted. “And I’m not going to let you start your crusade against Equestria. You began it here and I shall end it here. You changelings will die.” Bucky smirked.

“But, Courier. You are forgetting someone, are you not? Brother here is a changeling too.” He said. I looked at Comp. He continued to have his head bowed in shame.

“He’s an exception.” I said. Comp shifted slightly, but continued to bow his head. Bucky arched a brow. “Comp has saved me and our friend’s asses multiple times. He’s a normal pony. Not a monster. I don’t care what you say about him, he’s a friend. And we will do whatever it takes to make sure nothing bad happens to him.” Bucky looked at Comp.

“Really? Then why don’t we hear it from your friend then?” he said. Comp stood up, swaying a bit before looking at me.

“Courier… I want to help. I want to be your friend. And I know you don’t care if I am a monster or not. But… if I continue to follow you… I’ll die.” He put a holed hoof to his stomach. “I was able to live this long because I’ve been subconsciously feeding on other ponies without realizing it. But now that I am getting more… hungry by the second.” He looked away from my worried look. “I can’t follow you anymore. I’ll risk putting all of us in danger. Because even though you all accept me for who I am, doesn’t mean others won’t.” He looked at me with those white hollow eyes. “I have to go back to mother. She’s been expecting me.” I fell back on my rump.

“So… why me?” I looked at Bucky. “Why did you request me to… deliver Comp to you? To the Changeling Queen?” I asked. Bucky shrugged.

“You were one out of the million, kid. Just a string of bad luck I suppose.” He said. Once again, I was being used as the tool. I grit my teeth, the Mint-als finally wearing off and my copy vanished at the affect. Bucky chuckled slightly. “But now that we got to see what ponies are capable of now, we have no need for anymore of these simpletons.” Bucky’s horned glowed and a 9MM was suddenly aimed at me. I glared at him as his boys got closer.

I quickly spun, smacking one of the changelings with a hoof, grabbed him and threw him in front of me. Bucky fired just as I did and the changeling slumped with a hiss. I kicked the corpse at him before boxing the other one in the face twice and finishing it with an overhead swing, spiraling the changeling to the ground. I felt my body suddenly tingle and I screamed in pain before crumpling to the ground. I looked and gapped, seeing Comp with a shock pistol. He looked at me with guilt. He dropped the gun and stepped back towards Bucky, who tapped his head with the head of the 9MM.

“Couriers. Damn stubborn and suicidal. Like I said. You were one out of the million.” He said before aiming the pistol at me. I smirked.

“Do it. Then my friends will realize why I’m not around. They will stop you. And me being dead will do the whole world justice.” I said. It was true. I didn’t want to be some damn vessel of an evil spirit. I didn’t want anything to happen to my friends or my family. But I couldn’t avoid it. I had to survive. But I told myself right then and there not too. If I was going to die, I would at least want to bring down a very bad pony. And that pony was Din. Without her, the Maidens would be at a lost at what to do and have no choice but to go back and start from scratch. Bucky smirked.

“Actually, I’m doing myself a favor. Don’t worry. Your friends will join you eventually. But in the meantime.” He looked to his side and another Changeling came into my view. It was smirking. Its’ horn glowed and I found myself looking at… myself. Not a copy I conjured or in a mirror. This is a being looking like me. She smirked as Bucky nodded and aimed the pistol. I waited for it. But then Bucky handed the changeling me the pistol and I saw the vilest grin I didn’t think I could pull off naturally.

“Nighty-night.” The changeling said in my voice. I felt the wind leave me at the sound of a bang. I coughed once, seeing that my chest has been shot at. It hurt like hell. But…I was still alive. Bucky arched a brow.

“Resilient are we?” he said. “No matter. Just need to aim higher.” The last thing I saw was the gun shifting slightly, Comp looking stunned and everything went black at the sound of a bang.

Footnote: Max Level!

Author's Notes:

We all saw it coming. But it was just a matter of how it'll play out. The road is still long and winding. We are reaching the resting point slowly but surely.