Author's Notes:

Part 1/3 of the Changelings
This chapter does feature references to the movie They Live.

● PARTS UNKNOWN ●

“Apparently, they figured out our secret,” a voice said out loud

“Chrysalis, what do you plan on doing,” the other asked

“Easy. We continue with the plan. We select our picks and get rid of the real thing. The changelings will live, without that traitor Thorax,” the now identified Chrysalis said

● BRIAN ●

“When you hear your number, step forward. M619, K381, P101,E316, C295 and I674. On this date, February 27, 2035; congratulations on being the next members of the Midnight Guard.”

He looked at the six in front of him and was surprised. Three of the members were the males that were in the forest during mating season. Cien Oros, Francis ‘Hannibal’ Paine and Carmichael Locke. The other two, he learned were Lightning Flash and Selena Locke not to mention his daughter.

“That's not right. One of the girls is your daughter,” one of the recruits said

“These were selected randomly, as you've seen. I have no idea as to the owner of each number.”

Each of them went through the tradition of being water boarded before they were full members. Brian handed them a set of black armor that covered every inch of them, including wings and horns.

“There is one modification that needs to be made to the pegasi armor. Both of them will be armored, and contain blades to use in combat. With your speed, it should be easy to stop someone.”

“What about the rest of us? Aren't we getting something,” Carmichael asked

“All of you are going to receive sword training and will have custom swords made.”

“Brian, a moment of you time, please,” Celestia asked

The two headed away from the others and ducked into an empty room to talk.

“Have you heard the latest reports? Ponies are believing they have seen doubles of their friends. The changelings have returned, but we don't know about what they have planned” Celestia said

Brian stayed quiet as he had a lot to think about. First, was the revelation that changelings had returned and were possibly impersonating others. Secondly, he had to be careful with what he said in case the person was an imposter.

“Discord, can you help me?”

“What can I do to help,” Discord asked
“Is there any way you could assist me in finding changelings?”

“There is one way, but it's going to hurt like hell,” Discord said

The next day, Celestia had invited the group to the castle to let them know about the return of the changelings when Discord arrived as well.

“Brian, are you ready,” Discord asked

“Do it.”

Discord walked over to Brian and plunged two claws into Brian's eyes and pushed until they reached to his brain. Everyone had to look away from the gruesome sight that was taking place. A moment later, Discord pulled his fingers out, with no evidence of any change.

“I just altered your eyesight to act like night vision goggles. All you have to do is think about changelings and your vision will alter. It will look grayscale with changelings standing out in green to only you. Try it out,” Discord suggested

Brian blinked and his vision did change. In front of him were his friends and family.

“Now that I can see them, we need to wait. Contact Thorax about what he knows about their return. In the meantime, keep an eye on everyone and see if they act strange. If so, all of you need to leave town and I'll clean up here. After that, I'll exterminate the rest of the hive.”

“Are you sure? No one knows what they will look like. Besides, when Chrysalis impersonated Cadence, no one believed me,” Twilight said

“Keep an eye on those we know and see if there is any change in personality. That might be a sign of changeling impersonation.”

“What do we do if we find one, darling,” Rarity asked

“Hopefully they could spill something, but that part is problematic.”

“That's nice. For once we don't have a plan,” Rainbow Dash said sarcastically

“Alright, what do you propose,” he asked sarcastically

“Find the hive and pummel them until they leave,” Dash suggested

“If this is worse then we think, we won't pummel them; but I will eliminate them. You don't need to know how.”

After everyone headed back home, Brian looked around and was surprised to see that dozens of changelings were there in Ponyville. One happened to be impersonating Cheerilee; which was a major insult, as although she retired from teaching, she became the principal of the school. The others agreed to just go about their everyday lives, so as not to attract attention.

“How many did you see,” Octavia asked when they were home

“At least a twelve, but there's more. One is Cheerilee, Lyra is another, and there are others whom I don't know.”

“What do we do about it,” Harmony asked

“Like I said at the castle; nothing. Just observe. I'll try to find someone who won't be missed.”

“Then what,” Melody asked curiously

“Send him to the castle for some answers. I'll use torture as a last resort.”

That night, Brian went for a walk to clear his head and deliberately ran into a changeling. He decided to start a simple conversation to get their attention.

“Nice night, isn't it? I never got your name before. I'm Brian.”

“I'm you,” the changeling said changing into him

Brian used his magic to bind the counterpart and teleported both of them to Celestia.

“Why are there two of you,” Celestia asked

“How do we know which is the real thing,” Luna added

“Stand up and face me,” Brian said untying his doppelganger “What is the capital if Thailand?”

“I don't know,” the doppelganger said cautiously

“Bangkok,” Brian said punching him in the groin

The changeling fell to the floor clutching his groin and unintentionally reverted back to his original form. Celestia summoned a pair of guards and put him in a bubble as the changeling was locked up.

“How did you know that would work,” Celestia asked

“No male wants to be hit there. Seeing that, we need a code for us. Tomorrow, Twilight and the others and my family will be here, along with my guards.”

The next day everyone gathered in the throne room for an important meeting. Brian took charge and explained what was going on.

“Last night I arrived with a doppelganger in tow. I managed to prove it was me by punching the changeling in the groin. To prevent anything from happening again we need a code to identify friend from foe.”

“Wait a moment. You punched yourself in the groin,” Dash asked shocked

“The doppelganger of myself to be precise.”

“How do we use the code,” Twilight asked

“You ask the first part and the other person replies. We'll use the phrase ‘Ignis, ignite’ as it's easy to remember. Next, you all need to leave.”

“Why, and where do we go,” Dash asked

“It's safety. We don't need you being impersonated and entering the castle. As to where, just get out of town. Let your loved ones know you've been called away. Three of my guard will be going with you. Lightning Dash, Harmony and Selena will be there. Anyone who doesn't provide the correct answer, tie them up for safety; same goes for the chance any of you sees a doppelganger. Hannibal, Cien, Carmichael; you three will be here guarding the princesses under my orders.”

“What kind of a name is ‘Hannibal’,” Rarity asked

“Brian gave it to me as a nickname as he said my mask reminded him of a movie character from home. Besides, I don't like using my actual first name,” Hannibal answered

“I never knew your name when you trained with the Wonderbolts. What is it,” Dash asked

“Francis,” Hannibal said as Dash chuckled

“And now you know why I don't use my name and wear the mask. It keeps others away,” he said

“Sorry. It does sound like a female's name,” Dash said

“What are you going to do while we're gone,” Twilight asked

“First, I'm going to get some answers from our prisoner. Secondly; Octavia, you and Mel are going with them. No one needs to see what is going to happen.”

“How long are we leaving for,” Fluttershy asked

“At least two weeks. If earlier, I'll send you a message.”

Once they headed home, the girls agreed to stay at Twilight’s castle and leave early in the morning. Luckily, their families were accepting of them being called away without question. Brian stayed at the castle as he had a meeting planned with the prisoner.

● OCTAVIA ●

“Where exactly are we going,” Dash asked

“I'm not sure. He said leave, but left it up to us to decide.”

“Perhaps we can see my brother and Cadence? Should we put it to a vote,” Twilight asked

“Agreed,” everyone said

“I'm going to send him a letter telling him we're coming,” Twilight decided

“No,” Harmony said defiantly

“I agree with Harmony. If we're dealing with changelings here, what makes you sure they aren't in the Crystal Empire,” Selena said

“I have to agree with them. We were picked as members of the Midnight Guard for a reason. We just go; without telling them. Better to be surprised, then be a part of a trap,” Lightning Flash added

“Alright. Let's go. Hope they don't mind us dropping in unannounced like this,” Twilight said

The three members of the guard led everyone to the train station as they were given a private car for the ride. Unbeknownst to them, a few changelings were riding along as well.

● CHRYSALIS ●

“So, they think by heading to the Crystal Empire, they will be safe,” Chrysalis asked

“We have two drones on the train now. They have their orders to impersonate two of them.”

“Good. Now we continue in Ponyville,” she said

● BRIAN ●

“How's it going?”

“I'm sitting in a cell in chains. How do you think,” the changeling asked

“Well, you do look like you're in need of a drink.”

Brian put a bubble around the prisoner and led him into the same room that was used for water boarding. The changeling was levitated over the table before being strapped down. Brian left the room and retrieved a pitcher and towel, as usual. He charmed the pitcher to always refill, as he wasn't sure how long a changeling could last.

“I won't tell you anything,” the changeling said

“Sorry about that. Before we start, I have to know. Do you have a hive mind? And trust me, you will be spilling your plans before I get done.”

“A what,” the changeling asked

“Hive mind. All of you share one thought? Secondly, do you have a name I can address you by?”

“No, we don’t have names. We're simply drones. As to the hive mind; no, we don't. At least, not anymore,” drone answered hesitantly

“Good. That helps knowing you're all alone.”

Brian stuck the towel on drone’s face preparing for the first pitcher.

“Who's your leader?”

“Not telling,” came the answer as half a pitcher of water was dumped

“Again. Who's your leader?”

“No one,” he answered getting the rest of the pitcher

“Third time. Who's your leader?”

“Chrysalis,” the drone said as the water stopped

“How's that possible? She's dead.”

“You can't kill an idea,” the drone replied

“Chrysalis is a title? What happened to being a ‘queen’?”

“That was self-given. The original died after living for hundreds of years. After Thorax took over, most went along with him. Obviously, I'm part of the group that didn’t,” the drone explained

“Next question. Where's your hive?”

“Don’t have one,” came the answer and more water

“Want to try again?”

“Deep in the Everfree Forest, near the outskirts. She thought no one would ever find it,” the drone said desperately

“Final question. What's she planning?”

“I don't know,” resulting in more water

“That's not good enough.”

“Takeover,” the drone said quickly

“What kind of takeover?”

“Something about wanting to be equals. Find someone who won't be missed and abduct the original. Chrysalis mentioned about their elimination later,” the drone answered, spilling everything

“Thank you for your ‘cooperation’. I did tell you that you would be spilling everything. Now you'll have to excuse me. I will be back soon.”

Brian left the room and activated his ‘changeling vision’ to make sure there wasn't any surprises waiting for him as he approached the throne room. Luckily, there wasn't any other changelings in the castle, except the one he tortured.

“I have something you may want to know.”

“What's that,” Celestia asked

“Chrysalis returned. Her plan is to find a host and abduct the original. They plan on eliminating them later.”

“How is that possible Chrysalis returned? She died years ago,” Luna asked

“Because it's an idea. The leader becomes known as Chrysalis. Our guest explained it to me.

“What are you going to do with the prisoner,” Celestia asked

“Release him.”

“Are you sure that is wise to do so,” Luna interjected

“As I was saying, I'm going to release him. He heads back to the hive with a little surprise for them. Of course, before I do that, I'm going to eliminate the changelings in Ponyville first.”

“Do what you have to. Just try not to make a mess,” Celestia said

“No guarantees.”

● CRYSTAL EMPIRE ●

Once the group arrived at the train station, Octavia noticed the area was completely snowed over, but didn't seem to be cold. Upon arriving in town, all houses and shops were closed with the entire city looking abandoned. As they walked inside the castle at the center of the city, Twilight decided to announce their arrival.

“Shining? Sorry to arrive unannounced like this. My friends and I wanted to see you,” Twilight called

Twilight led the group in searching the castle for her brother and came up empty. Lightning Flash and Selena were at the rear of the group, while Harmony kept pace at the front. While everyone's attention was devoted to the search, two changelings knocked Flash and Selena out and hid them in a closet, before taking their forms.

“You two alright? Ignis,” Harmony asked as her fellow guards looked around cautiously

“Swamp,” ‘Selena’ said

“Castle,” ‘Lightning Flash’ replied

“Restrain them. They aren't themselves,” Harmony directed

“Help,” a voice yelled from a closet

Applejack opened the door and found both Selena and Lightning Flash tied up, along with Shining and Cadence.

“How do I know it's you,” AJ asked curiously “Ignis?”

“Ignite,” the two guards said simultaneously

“What happened,” Twilight asked

“We were sleeping and woke up in the closet. Chrysalis is back,” Shining answered

“What are you doing here, Twilight,” Cadence asked

“We wanted to see you. The same thing is happening at home,” Twilight said

“How long are you here for,” Shining asked

“My husband said to be gone for about two weeks,” Octavia answered

“Well, allow us to welcome you to the Crystal Kingdom,” Cadence said

● BRIAN ●

“Luna, could you also grant me the shadow-walking ability again?”

“Of course. This time, it'll last as long as you need it to,” she said

That night, he prepared for the next night and the potential problem that might cause for the town.

“Discord?”

“You called,” Discord asked

“I'm going to need a little help tomorrow.”
“You kill, ‘em and I'll dispose of the remains,” Discord replied before disappearing

The next day was nothing special as he spent as much time sleeping as he could, as it was going to be a very long night. He decided on having a small steak for dinner that he withdrew from the bag to give him something filling for the running around.
He strapped on his butterfly swords and blended into the shadows as he moved from house to house. Once he crept inside, headed over to the beds and had one hoof over their mouth to silence them as he proceeded to slit the changelings’ throats. Once they were dead, they reverted back to the black bug-like form.

As he thought he was almost done, a changeling decided to take a midnight stroll. Brian followed along and found an area where they were completely isolated. Once again, he crept up behind his prey and slit his throat, being the last changeling in Ponyville. Discord popped up for a moment and snapped his fingers, removing the bodies and left.

● OCTAVIA ●

“I know it's only been a week, but let’s take these two home for Brian to deal with.”

“Agreed. Sorry to cut our visit so short, Shining,” Twilight said

“It's alright. It was good to see you, even if for a little while,” Shining said hugging his sister

“Octavia, what do you think of the Crystal Empire,” Cadence asked

“It's beautiful. Maybe someday my husband can check it out.”

The group headed to the train station with Harmony leading followed by Twilight and the prisoners.

“Good morning, Princess Twilight. What can I do for you,” the conductor asked

“We'd like the private car in the back. No questions asked,” Twilight replied

Lightning Dash and Selena agreed to be tied up, just in case they were changelings.

“Well, this is going to be long and boring,” Dash complained

“Sorry, but we can't say anything just in case,” Twilight replied

Twilight made sure to keep the prisoners contained and sealed off the car to prevent anyone from entering. After a few hours, they arrived and found the town in a panic.

“Where's Lyra? She was sleeping next to me and now she's gone,” Bonbon said through tears

The group heard others complaining about missing loved ones as Octavia headed home with her daughters. Twilight and the others elected to stay at by town hall with their guests.

● BRIAN ●

“Sorry, we're back so early,” Octavia said
“We do have a little problem. The others are outside in the center of town waiting for you.”

“Lead the way.”

He saw two of his guards tied up and two doppelgangers next to them.

“Split the four of them up. I'll take care of the rest.”

Once the four were split, Brian activated his vision and found which were his actual guards.

“Both of you. Ignis,” Brian said as he put a bubble around them

“Ignite, sir,” Lightning Dash and Selena said confidently

“Very well.”

Brian reached in his pouch and withdrew a 9mm pistol with a clip of armor-piercing rounds and walked over to the other two that were tied up, knowing they were changelings.

“Ignis?”

“Ignite,” one drone said

“What he said,” the other said

Each of them received a bullet between the eyes for their trouble, which caused everyone in town to stop and stare. Once the two changelings reverted back, many were horrified at what transpired.

“Changelings? Here? I thought they were gone,” someone asked

“Unfortunately, these two weren't the only ones. It's possible that you missing loved ones have been taken. I will get them back, no matter what.”

Luna and Celestia arrived and saw the remains of the two dead drones before Discord removed them. He directed them to his house to explain what transpired.

“What did you use to kill them,” Twilight asked

“Before I answer that; take a look at this.”

He summoned a dummy wearing a bulletproof vest and a 9mm pistol with two clips; one that contained regular rounds, and the other had armor-piercing. Loading the regular clip, he fired a single round that fell to the ground. After switching the clips, six bullets were fired before Brian retrieved the dummy.

“Do you know the difference between these two bullets?”

“One fell while the others didn't; that's obvious,” Dash said

“Anything else?”

“The first was different then the other,” Twilight said

“The first bullet was regular, with nothing special about it. The other six are very different. In fact, they did what they were designed to do.”

“Destroy clothing,” Rarity asked

“Partially true. This is a bulletproof vest. The six bullets were armor-piercing rounds,” he said showing off the damage “This is what I used to shoot the two changelings. They weren't the only ones here.”

“How many changelings were there,” Celestia asked

“About twenty, maybe more. They died last night. I wasn't lying when I said the others were abducted. I will get them back, and it has to be alone.”

“Dad, why do this alone? We can help you,” Harmony asked

“Because I plan on eliminating them. While you might have to kill, I don't need any of you seeing this.”

“All of you are going to stay at the castle in the meantime,” Celestia decided