Author's Notes:

This is a Patreon-suggested chapter by nfreak.

Even though some rather… controversial activities were occurring on the grounds of the School of Friendship, there was one particular teacher who wasn’t present to discover Stygian and Yona’s antics. Instead, the professor was out in the far reaches of the Changeling Kingdom, and being escorted with a local Guard while their close friend was in tow. The pony would’ve preferred to have one of their adult friends to accompany them for this, but it was difficult to arrange such a trip on such short-notice when their friends were either Wonderbolts in training, or fellow professors at the school with equally hectic schedules. Even their parents couldn’t accompany them (even though the two would’ve dropped everything to do just that), since the two already had vacation plans they arranged months in advance. In fact, the only reason the pony themself managed to come out to such a barren landscape was due to their Medical Leave provided by Twilight Sparkle.

Fortunately, the cyan pegasus was still grateful they weren’t on this endeavour alone. Even though it was comforting to see a couple other ponies stationed at the Hive as part of Equestria’s exchange program, it meant even more that their flying pupil was able to come along as well. Scootaloo may have been a bit young for such a big “vacation” (especially considering what the reason for this trip actually was), but the filly seemed more curious about the alien landscape instead of fretful. Of course, that may have been due to the welcoming tone their Guard carried as he walked them along the labyrinth-like caverns with ease.

Private Atom, who had gotten a much more toned build since he was last seen, spoke rather cheerfully while escorting the two ponies to his superior. “As you can see,” he noted while motioning up towards the thick vines that hugged along the top of the tunnel they were trotting through, “the Changeling Kingdom’s botany team have done tremendous efforts to make this Hive easier for ponies to navigate through. Each walkway between caverns has different flora to guide the way, which ensures that ponies can’t get easily lost.” A hefty plume of bright blue flowers covered most of the vine, which helped make the space much easier to identify for Scootaloo and her mentor.

Rainbow Dash nodded silently as they glanced around the well-illuminated space, and tried to keep a neutral expression to counteract with their hesitant steps. “Huh. I… I gotta admit, this place looks way nicer than how Starlight Glimmer described it.”

The Guard huffed with an understanding shrug, and glanced back at the pegasus to say, “Well, the Changeling Kingdom is always trying to improve in every way it can. And considering how Starlight was last here before General Pharynx was reformed, I bet most of this Hive was completely different as opposed to now.”

Scootaloo appeared to be much more carefree about the tour in comparison to her chaperone, and nodded with a smile as she replied, “Yeah, that makes a lot of sense. I mean, I heard Mount Aris rebuilt a LOT of cool stuff since the last time we visited it! I’m really hoping the Cutie Mark Crusaders can go back out there sometime.”

“Oh, you went to Mount Aris?” Atom asked with a curious smile, clearly intrigued since the location was still such an unknown region. “That’s really cool! I heard a couple of the other Guards were gonna head there on their next paid leave.”

“That’s a good idea,” said Scootaloo with an affirming nod. “From what I heard, they have a lot of respect for Equestria’s Guards, so they’ll probably have a lot of fun!” She then looked up towards Dash and added, “Heck, they’d probably love to have you back there too… Ummm… Rainbow?”

Unlike the younger pegasus, Rainbow Dash didn’t seem like they were paying much attention to what was being said. Instead, they were looking around the tunnel with a wary expression, almost as if they were experiencing claustrophobia from being in such an enclosed space. However, the instant they heard Scootaloo address them, the pony quickly shook their head clear before blurting, “H-Huh? Oh! Umm… Sorry, Squirt. I was just kinda... lost in my own thoughts there...”

Dash then breathed out with a more guilty look, and glanced away from Scootaloo while the two continued to walk. Private Atom seemed to notice the pony’s behavior as well, and was the first to ask, “Ummm… is something wrong, Rainbow Dash? Because if you need any assistance, I can put out a spell to--”

“N-No! I… I’m fine,” they said assuredly back towards the Guard, making sure to hold out a hoof in insistence. Rainbow then sighed with a more hesitant expression on their face, and stopped so they could scratch the back of their prismatic mane. “Uhhhh… sorry, guys,” they said while looking between the two ponies staring back at them. “It’s, ummm… It’s just kinda awkward being back here after so long. Especially since the last time I was here, it was because of, uhhh… you know…”

Atom and Scootaloo didn’t need any additional context, as both of them winced the instant Rainbow gave that response. The Guard looked especially uneasy as he cringed from that discomforting reminder, which made him sigh before replying sincerely, “Well, I… I’m really sorry that happened to you, Rainbow Dash. But I swear, the Changeling Kingdom is nothing like that anymore.”

“Yeah, I know that,” Dash stated with a shrug and a light scoff back towards him. Even though it was clear they were still weirded-out by being here since their kidnapping by Chrysalis, Rainbow tried to speak with a more positive tone of voice. “Honestly, given why I’m here now, I think my mind’s just trying to focus on anything else as a defense-mechanism or something. I dunno… Maybe I should’ve taken Starlight’s offer to talk with her before I left...”

Fortunately for Dash, Scootaloo was quick to reach up and give them a reassuring pat on the back with her hoof. “Hey, it’s okay, Rainbow Dash,” she said as she gave her mentor a warm and comforting smile. “I’m sure that she’d understand. I mean, heck -- even I can tell this is a big thing for you, and I’m not even half her age!”

Rainbow gave a light smirk as they chuckled to Scootaloo’s truthful comment, happy that she was able to cheer them up a little bit. The pegasus then brought their hoof down to ruffle the filly’s mane as they said, “Yeah, that’s definitely true, Scoot. It really means a lot that you were able to come with me~”

The little pegasus smiled proudly up at them, and leaned in to give Dash a much-deserved nuzzle against their chest. Even though Scootaloo wasn’t their first choice to bring out here, Rainbow couldn’t have felt more content as they hugged her back just as affectionately. Meanwhile, Private Atom just stood patiently in wait, and kept himself silent while the two had their moment. It wasn’t until Dash and Scoot pulled away from one another that he was able to speak up while motioning down the tunnel. “Well, umm… I don’t think General Pharynx is that much further, so… are you two alright to keep going?”

Scootaloo glanced up at Rainbow in affirmation, and smiled when she saw the pegasus nod more comfortably back at the Guard. “Yeah,” Dash said as they gave a more determined smile than before. “I think I’m good. Thanks.”

With that, the three went back to walking through the floral tunnel in higher spirits, with even Dash seeming less wary about being so deep within the Hive of a former enemy. Fortunately for the group of ponies, it wasn’t long until they came across the very Changeling Rainbow came out to meet. As soon as they exited the tunnel lined with blue flowers, the vine sprawled out into a massive cavern that was lined with multiple other vines of various colors; within the beautifully revitalized space, General Pharynx was standing in wait like he knew the Wonderbolt would arrive.

“Ah! There you are, Rainbow!” As he walked up towards the three, Pharynx made sure to give a brief salute towards Private Atom so he could make his leave. The unicorn gave one last wave back towards the other two before he ventured down another tunnel, which was lined with vines covered in yellow flowers. Despite his usually stern and brutish demeanor, the olive-green Changeling kept a much friendlier appearance as he extended a hoof out towards Rainbow Dash. The pegasus may have taken a couple seconds to admire the colorful decor of such a formerly drab space, but they were quick to return the gesture as they shook Pharynx’s hoof kindly.

“Hey, Pharynx,” they said as they nodded respectfully towards the General. Even though the two may have previously been on opposing sides during the Equestria/Changeling conflicts, it was obvious that the pony wasn’t holding any grudges regarding Pharynx’s past. Instead, Dash was keeping their friendship bound by more recent events as they asked cheekily, “So, how’s the whole ‘Long-Distance relationship’ thing going between you and Spike?”

“Ehhhh, I can’t complain too much,” he replied as he shrugged and let go of Dash’s hoof. “Since we both have our own Royal duties alongside our nations, it’s not like we were unprepared for that. If anything, I’m just glad transportation between here and Equestria is getting better.”

“Yeah, you’re telling me,” Rainbow replied with a huff and a shake of their head. The pegasus looked away briefly as they added with a discomforted shudder. “Ugh… I still can’t believe how far this place was from any train stations.”

“Well, at least we’re making progress now.” Pharynx then turned his attention towards the younger pegasus standing close to her mentor. Even though Scootaloo looked a little apprehensive, she tried to smile up at him when he extended his hoof towards her. “And you must be, errr… Scootaloo, right?”

The filly may have known that Pharynx was getting closer acquainted with Rainbow’s friends following his relationship with Spike, but she still seemed a little surprised that he knew who she was. “Ummm… Yeah, I am,” she said while staring up at him suspiciously, but still remaining polite enough to shake his hoof. “Did… Did Rainbow tell you I was coming or something?”

“Actually, no,” he admitted as he shrugged his head uneasily. After he let go of Scootaloo’s hoof, he explained, “However, I do remember seeing you as one of the bridesmaids at Princess Cadance’s wedding. Chrysalis had her top drones memorize every detail of that event, so… yeah, a lot of that stuff still stuck to this day.”

Rainbow may have known that the Changeling was involved in a lot of the details of that attempted invasion, but they tried to keep their thoughts on that matter out of mind for the time being. Meanwhile, Pharynx stared between the two ponies before he turned his attention back towards Dash. “So, ummm…” After making a quick glance back down at the filly, he leaned in close to Rainbow to ask in a hushed tone, “Does she know what’s going on? Or…”

Fortunately, Rainbow Dash was quick to sigh more easily and nod their head without hesitation. “Yeah, she knows what’s up,” they said as their smile grew more natural across their muzzle. “After I came out to Twilight about myself, she suggested I tell her too. I’ll admit that I was a little worried, but... she’s been totally cool about it.”

“Mmmhmm!~” nodded Scootaloo with a wide and prideful grin. She nestled herself in closer beside Rainbow while she looked up at Pharynx and said, “The Cutie Mark Crusaders and I help out ponies all the time, so it was only fair I got to be there for my hero for a change! Plus, my friend Apple Bloom has an awesome brother, so why shouldn’t I have one too?~”

“Daaaawwwww!!~” Rainbow was tickled pink from that last part, and pulled up Scootaloo to give her a much-appreciated hug. “That’s both the sweetest and dorkiest thing you ever said!”

Scootaloo giggled uncontrollably while the pegasus nuzzled her without mercy. “Hehehehe, Dash come on! Ha ha ha ha ha!”

While the two ponies had their moment, Pharynx chuckled happily to the filly’s statement as well. Since everyone was aware of why Rainbow was here, he waited for them to finish before he motioned for the two to follow him. “Well, if that’s the case,” he said while he lead the way towards a tunnel lined with red flowers along the vines, “then I don’t think we should keep the head of the Hive’s science team waiting.”

Upon hearing Pharynx say that, Rainbow bit their lip a little as they put Scootaloo back down. Fortunately for the pegasus, Scoot was quick to nudge them from the side while shooting a confident smirk. “C’mon, Rainbow!” she said as she began to follow Pharynx. “You didn’t wanna come all the way out here for nothing, right?”

Despite the butterflies Dash could feel in their stomach, they were able to breathe out sharply before walking in tow of the other two. “Believe me, Scoot,” they said while shaking their head with confidence. “I’ve spent way too long with cold hooves about this…”

Because of that, Rainbow Dash didn’t try to hesitate as they walked alongside Scootaloo, and followed Pharynx deeper within the maze-like caverns of the Hive. Despite the differently-colored tunnels, Dash was certain that they’d probably get lost if the General wasn’t here to escort them. With each twisting turn the three made through the cavernous space, Rainbow could feel their cheeks burning hotter with a nervous blush. Luckily, it was hard for them to even think about turning back when their long-awaited goal was so close before them; not to mention, Scootaloo’s accompaniment meant the absolute world to them, and helped keep them on track without a second thought.

When the three finally emerged from the tunnel, the room they came into was much smaller than the previous space. However, the cavern also carried a more sanitary feel as the walls were painted over with a heavy coat of white. There were a couple of hospital beds placed at one end of the room, while the other side had a large metal table lined with various glass beakers and flasks. Most of them were filled with differently-colored fluids, which reminded Rainbow of the setups they saw within Zecora’s hut in the Everfree forest. But unlike that striped Apothecary, the Changeling who was overseeing all of of the different potions looked much more professional in comparison.

Not only was the purple creature donning a white lab-coat and thick goggles, but they also carried the utmost concentration while using their magic to pour the blue contents of a beaker into a flask filled with some orange substance; as soon as the liquids were mixed together with a glass stirrer, Rainbow and Scootaloo’s eyes widened as the mixture bubbled wildly, and quickly turned a bright pinkish hue within the glass. Upon seeing that chemical reaction, the Changeling chirped excitedly before pulling up a clipboard, and scrawling down some notes regarding their results.

Pharynx waited until the clipboard was put down to clear his throat audibly, which helped to catch the Changeling’s attention. “O-Oh!” they blurted in a high-pitched and raspy tone of voice, before giving a respectful salute towards the General. They then took notice of the two ponies beside him, and was quick to shake Rainbow Dash’s hoof while smiling. “Oh, you must be Rainbow Dash, right? I was told you were curious about participating in this trial I’m holding?”

“Uhhhh… yeah, I am,” they said while shaking the Changeling’s hoof. Scootaloo made sure to remain close beside her mentor, but she couldn’t help glancing around the room curiously while hearing Dash ask, “So, I take it you’re the scientist who wrote that pamphlet?”

The Changeling giggled oddly before pulling their hoof away, and using it to rub the back of their neck awkwardly. “Actually, I had someone else write that stuff in the brochure to make it look more professional. But I was the one who came up with the methods.” They then smiled proudly at Rainbow Dash as they brought their hoof to their chest to better introduce themself. “My name is Professor Coxa. I was formerly the Head of Research in Weapons Development during Chrysalis’ reign. But fortunately now, I’m able to place my work into more... significant outlets~”

“Hey, don’t sell yourself short there,” said Pharynx with a supportive nod of his head. “Your development in brainwashing magic was absolutely phenomenal! Not to mention, your oviposition tools were--E-Er, I mean uhhh…” Upon realizing who else was in the room when he said that, the Changeling glanced back and saw the flat stares Rainbow and Scootaloo were giving him. Pharynx blushed while his muzzle scrunched inward, and he tried to avoid their unamused looks while giving a nervous chuckle. “Ummm… Heh heh heh… I… I’m not condoning what we used to do,” he said as insistently as he he could, “I-I’m just saying they were technically impressive feats Coxa made in her work. That’s all.”

Despite how uncomfortable Coxa looked as she glanced away from him, she tried to smile back at Rainbow before shrugging her shoulders. “Well… if it means anything, I was also planning multiple ways to assassinate Chrysalis behind her back. Nobody in the science divisions liked her, and it means a lot that ponies like you are able to see us apart from her.”

Given how quickly the Changeling race managed to accept King Thorax as their new ruler, Rainbow wasn’t one to doubt Coxa’s claims by any means. Even though the mention of assassination made Scootaloo appear a little uneasy, the Wonderbolt was still able to shrug and smile back at her in acceptance. “Well, if Pharynx is able to vouch for you, then I don’t see why I shouldn’t put a little trust out there too.”

Coxa gave a thankful smile back to them, and sighed with a look of gratitude that Rainbow couldn’t ignore. “Well… I still greatly appreciate you coming out here for such a procedure, and… and I promise I’ll do everything I can to ensure this trial will be a success.”

Upon hearing the honesty and thankfulness in the Changeling’s tone of voice, Rainbow smiled more naturally back at her. Meanwhile, Scootaloo looked up at Coxa for a moment before she decided to ask, “So… Is Rainbow Dash the first pony to try this?”

Coxa and Dash both turned their attention towards her while their brows were raised. But before the Doctor could give an answer, Pharynx decided to speak up in her place. “Well, technically I think Rainbow would be the first pony. However, I know for a fact that Coxa has done a successful trial before this.”

Coxa sighed while clenching her muzzle tightly, and giving the General a stern stare. Even though it was clear she didn’t appreciate him speaking up on her behalf, she still nodded in confirmation and gave a brief smile. “I… Yes, I will admit this is new territory for me.” She then looked back at Rainbow to clarify insistently, “But! This process is supposed to be effective for both Changelings and ponies. I swear to you, I wouldn’t even think of trying this on you if I didn’t trust it myself.”

Rainbow may have been aware that this was still an experimental process, and even waited until Twilight Sparkle overlooked the details before agreeing to it. However, the realization that they would be the first pony to undergo this made them more than a little fretful. Fortunately, Dash was able to keep their expression unchanged as they decided to ask curiously, “So, uhhh… would it be alright if I asked who else has done this?”

Coxa blushed a little as she looked away from them, obviously needing a moment before she could answer. Fortunately for the Changeling, Pharynx didn’t try to answer for her that time. Instead, the Doctor waited until letting out a brief huff to look back at Dash and say, “W-Well, ummm… Let’s just say that back when I worked for Chrysalis, I… I went by Professor Coxo.”

Rainbow and Scootaloo’s eyes widened quite a bit upon hearing that answer, and instantly realizing what the Changeling meant. Dash involuntarily glanced up and down her form, and tilted their head as they grew an impressed smirk at the end result. While the Doctor blushed awkwardly upon coming out with that detail, Scootaloo was the first to respond with an equally astonished, “Wow! I… I didn’t expect to hear that, but… Honestly, you look amazing! You go, girl~”

Coxa may have looked embarrassed, but she still huffed with a smirk as she tried not to giggle at that remark. Fortunately, she was able to appreciate Scootaloo’s response enough to smile and nod back at her. “Well, thank you,” she said gratefully, before returning her attention towards Dash. “I know it might seem unusual for a Changeling like myself to go through such a process, since we can easily change form whenever we want. But in my own case, I knew that I could only do the same spell so many times before wanting to give myself a less... tedious means to feel like myself. And hopefully, my personal experience will give you more confidence in regards to your own procedure.”

Luckily for Coxa, Rainbow nodded their head rather quickly while smiling in return. “Yeah, no doubt,” they said with a more relaxed shrug of their shoulders. “I mean, if you’re willing to do it yourself, I don’t see why I shouldn’t too, right?”

“Exactly!~” With that, Coxa walked back towards her table so she could collect her clipboard. “And not to mention, I’ll be able to do this in a much shorter time than my own work. It took me almost a year before I was able to fully transition. But with you, even with your busy scheduling, I think the end result could be achieved in... less than four months.”

“Wait, really?!” Rainbow beamed brightly upon hearing that estimate, looking pleasantly surprised that it was such a short process compared to Equestrian methods. They let out a stunned breath while looking back at Scootaloo, who looked equally as happy about that time as they did. “Well then! I guess I’m not the only one who works fast!~”

Coxa chuckled at that compliment, and nodded her head with a knowing grin. “Well, that’s pretty high praise from a Wonderbolt like yourself~” She then looked back at her clipboard, and skimmed over her notes while adding, “And rest assured, Rainbow Dash, this procedure will not impede your flying abilities in any way, shape, or form. You might need to rest a day or two after each spell, but that’s about it.”

“Wait, a spell?” Scootaloo looked a little confused upon learning that detail, and glanced between Coxa and Rainbow for clarification. “I… I thought it was like, hormone injections and stuff.”

“In Equestria, it might be the norm,” noted Pharynx with a shrug, “but ever since the Changeling Kingdom’s magic superessing systems went down, we’ve been able to use our transformative magic without any interference. That’s how Coxa was able to transition herself without any issue.”

“That’s right,” she said with a nod back at Pharynx, before she lit up her horn to grab a couple vials with her magic. “And with my additional research alongside Equestrian medicine and Zebrican potionmancing, my spells will be able to transfer flawlessly with different biological systems. Whether you’re a pony, a gryphon, or even a dragon, this process will help ensure my magic will remain permanent over time.”

Rainbow Dash nodded in confirmation back at their friend, making it clear they already understood the process themself. Meanwhile, Pharynx used his own magic to conjure up a piece of paper. “Oh! Before I forget,” he said as he handed the parchment to Dash, along with a pen. “We kinda need your signed consent before starting this. You know, legal reasons and all.”

“Yeah, yeah. You don’t need to explain.” Rainbow Dash looked over the document with a quick skim, which basically amounted to the same legal mumbo-jumbo they’d find in any Equestrian paperwork. Since nothing in the paper looked amiss, they signed the bottom line of the paper without any hesitation. They then gave Pharynx a quick “Thanks” before handing the paper back to him.

While the General nodded happily to Dash’s compliance, the Wonderbolt themself went over to the bed that Coxa motioned towards. Scootaloo sat herself down in a nearby stool as she watched, but kept herself from saying anything while the doctor began. Fortunately, Professor Coxa wasn’t one to leave a curious filly uninformed as she got a beaker ready, and filled it with the pink substance from earlier.

“Now then!” The Changeling took an antsy breath before she made her way towards Dash, and handed them the glass container while she spoke for both ponies. “With Changeling-based magic, transforming others is a fairly tricky process. And even with the most potent spells at our disposal, we can only keep someone changed for less than an hour at most. However…”

She looked over her notes one last time before nodding back at Rainbow Dash, which prompted the pegasus to nod back and bring the vial up to their lips. Like they were taking a shot at a bar, Dash downed the pink mixture without any apprehension, and shivered with a strong grimace upon catching that sugary-sour taste. Coxa giggled a little upon seeing their expression, and said with a shrug, “Yeah, I know it’s not the greatest flavor. But, that potion will ensure that this transformation won’t be entirely temporary~”

As soon as Rainbow breathed out with their eyes closed, Coxa lit up her magic so that a bright purple aura enveloped the Wonderbolt’s body. With Scootaloo watching with widened eyes, her jaw dropped the instant she saw her mentor transform before her very eyes. Much like with Zecora’s potion, the pegasus’ limbs and bone-structure altered like something out a werewolf movie. Rainbow’s hooves thickened and grew additional muscle, while their mane retreated in length to grow a more stallion-like style. The pony’s muzzle expanded outward a couple inches, as did their chest and the width of their neck. Even though Rainbow had enough foresight to cross their legs so Scootaloo wouldn’t peek, a strained groan from their nostrils indicated that they definitely felt that appendage growing outward as well.

Professor Coxa’s face was tightly strained during that minute-long process, and her tensed-limbs made it obvious how much magic she was expelling to get this transformation nailed-down. By the time she got Rainbow fully changed into a stallion’s form, she almost fell over from sheer exhaustion. Fortunately, Pharynx was quick to swoop in and keep the Changeling on her hooves. Meanwhile, Scootaloo looked absolutely floored as she got her first look at Rainbow in his true self.

It may have not been the first time he saw himself in such a light, but Rainbow still looked beyond grateful as he stared down at his thick and fetlocked hooves. His muzzle was clenched in tightly while he struggled not to cry, but a smile could still be seen creaking at the corners of his wrinkled lips. His whole body was shaking from the realization of what he was doing. As of that moment, he was no longer in the pre-transition stage of his work. And because of that, all that could come out of his mouth was a shaky breath before he looked back at Scootaloo with tears coming down his eyes.

“Uhhh… H-Hey there, Squirt…”

Scootaloo looked just as emotional as her mentor did, and she didn’t hesitate to jump out of her stool to give him a much-needed hug. The stallion smiled exceptionally wide while hugging the filly back, and began to legitimately cry while she was nestled in his embrace. “Ohmigosh… Th… This is happening… This is really happening…”

That spell may have wiped Coxa out, but she was still conscious enough to see what was happening with a prideful smile on her tired face. The Changeling teared up when she saw (and inevitably felt) the amount of love those two ponies shared for one another. Even though both she and Pharynx knew that about eighty percent of Rainbow’s physical self would revert back to his original state in an hour, she couldn’t have been happier with how successful Dash’s first trial actually was. While the Changeling hung her head and tried not to sob in relief, Pharynx held her close and patted her on the back in celebration. “Well done, Doctor! Just think, you could end up winning some awards by the time he finishes up!”

Even though she was able to nod in agreement of that possible outcome, it was obvious that she didn’t care about the praise of outside sources. Instead, the teary-eyed changeling kept her thoughts on those two ponies before her, and smiled at the thought of changing more lives in the years to come.