The past couple of days have been a pleasant return to normalcy for me. My friends all enjoyed their gifts from Capricorn Island and I have appreciated the extra days to myself that my employers have provided me for the remainder of the week. Although after roughly two weeks of free time, I am genuinely looking forward to getting back to work. I am sure my regulars at the spa miss my massages.

With it being a Sunday, I took the opportunity to pay a visit to Zecora to pick up some more tea that we were running low on. While my visit to her hut was relatively uneventful, I experienced something unexpected on the return trip. I never venture into the Everfree Forest without that wooden sword the Cutie Mark Crusaders put together for me, but I always tread carefully while keeping my eyes and ears open for the approach of anything that sounds like trouble. Timber wolves have given me trouble before.

Maybe halfway down the path that led out of the forest, I paused when I thought I noticed movement up ahead for just a second. I froze and scanned the distance ahead with little light shining through the canopy above me. Whatever I did see, it had gone off the path and into the woods. Or had I seen anything at all?

With some caution, I approached the spot where I was sure I had seen some movement. And a look to the edge of the path revealed that something had just passed through while pushing some foliage aside. If it was a timber wolf, it probably would have detected me by now. Since I was not being harassed, I knew I could continue on without trouble. And yet...my curiosity had been piqued. What had I seen?

With sword over my shoulder and my backpack secured, I ventured into the woods while being very mindful of where I was stepping. I did not want to be detected before I got a confirmed sighting of whatever it was I had noticed. Barely two minutes of wandering in, I came to a very small clearing. And then...

I was greeted by a loud and startling hiss. Something was in the middle of the clearing. Small and black with fangs bared, its round empty blue eyes glaring at me. Thoroughly startled, I turned and fled back the way I came without getting a good look at the thing. I made it out onto the path and readied myself with sword in hand as I expected whatever that was to attack at any second. And yet, it did not.

I stood there with a proper stance while keeping my sword's hilt firmly grasped in both hands for a good thirty seconds before I realized I was not being pursued. It certainly gave me quite a scare, but why had it not chased me? Once my nerves had settled, I decided to go back in for another look now that I knew where it was. I was extra careful to not make a sound before I peered out from behind a tree at the dark creature. I got the drop on it that time as it did not detect my presence at first. And I was perplexed by what I was seeing.

The creature was distinctly reminiscent of a pony to the point of even having the same proportions as one, though the muzzle structure was...inconclusive. A mare? A stallion? It was just too ambiguous. I could not discern its gender through the contours of its head. Although while the body was distinctly equine, the creature's black coat was...too smooth. Like it was not made up of fine hairs at all. It seemed more like a...smooth layer of chitin. The eyes were an almost turquoise hue while being strangely unfitting of a pony. Almost insectlike with a noticeable paler spot where I would expect to see the iris and pupil. They did not seem to be compound eyes, but instead a pair of ocelli. A pair of rather long fangs hung down at the front of its upper jaw. A curved horn ending with a sharp point sat upon its forehead while a pair of small translucent insect wings of similar hue to its eyes stuck out from a dark emerald carapace on its back. A very minimalistic rigid dark gray mane lined the back of its head while a tattered tail of matching color extended from the tip of its carapace. But what caught my eye most were the many holes and gaps in its legs. What kind of anatomy would allow that? What was this creature?

Somewhere at the back of my mind, I thought I had heard of this kind of creature before. But the name eluded me. As my eyes scanned the creature, I only then noticed that it seemed to be in a lot of discomfort. Scrapes and scratches lined its exoskeleton as I immediately suspected it got into a scuffle with a local predator and had to beat a hasty retreat. I guess it was looking for a place to rest and heal. As I contemplated this creature further, it finally detected my presence and once again began to hiss at me with a deceptively hostile glare in its eyes.

By this point, I started to suspect this hapless creature was not as dangerous as it seemed and was only trying to scare me off. Now that I saw that it was likely in no shape to fight back, I stepped out into the clearing as it continued to hiss at me incessantly without moving from that one spot. I merely stared at it with sword hoisted over my shoulder while it continued to hiss, waiting until the twelfth time before I finally decided to get my point across. "Oh, what are you hissing at? If I was gonna hurt you, you think I would've done it by now?"

That got it to shut up. It looked genuinely surprised while it looked at me in realization in much the same way a pony would. Now that it had gone quiet, I asked, "You OK there? Looks like a timber wolf or something got to you."

That paler spots at the center of its eyes visibly moved to the corners in much the same fashion as those of a pony's iris when looking at something out of the corner of their eyes. The strange creature looked embarrassed or was just acknowledging its predicament. I was expecting the creature to not really have the strength to move. But what I was not expecting was for the creature to talk to me. "Yeah... I was lucky that I only found one."

I was taken aback by the voice coming out of this strange creature. Despite its bizarre and debatably ghastly insectoid appearance, this creature spoke with the voice and tone of a polite young man. "You can speak...?"

"Yes...?" He muttered while sounding and looking like he was completely not expecting his predicament to end up going this well. Almost like he could barely comprehend that I had not responded to his presence with hostility.

We stared at each other in confused silence for a moment before I analyzed the situation. This strange creature seemed amicable enough and was no longer trying to pass himself off as violent now that I had made it clear that I meant him no harm. He was in no condition to move, leading me to suspect he had suffered deeper injuries that I could not visually detect. Knowing that another wild predator could stumble across him and make a meal out of the poor guy, I asked a question. "You need a hand?"

"Are you...asking if I need help?" He replied while looking very indecisive. He really did not know how to respond to my offer. "I'll...probably be OK if I stay right here. I know how to hide..."

No matter how true that may have been, my gut was telling me to not let this poor creature out of my sight. So I stepped a little closer as I said, "You sure that's a good idea? You don't look so good. I can get you some help if I get you outta here."

He looked doubtful. As if he was afraid to request my help while not being very confident with his chances of survival. After a moment of silent thought, he let out a defeated sigh. "All right... If you can get me out of here, that would be nice."

"No problem. That timber wolf really did a number on your legs, from the looks of it." I said while setting aside my sword for a moment. I was utterly bewildered at how there were so many gaping chunks missing from his legs while not bleeding profusely. I draped the guy across my shoulders, noticing that he was only a little smaller than the average pony. "At least all that missing mass makes you lighter... Like...really light. You're probably lighter than more pegasi."

As I grabbed my sword and hoisted it over my shoulder with the wooden blade resting across his back, the strange insect stallion gave me a response I was not expecting. "Actually, they've been like this most of my life."

"Wha... You serious? And it doesn't hurt? And they can support your weight?" I asked while barely able to comprehend such a thought. Neither pony, nor insect. What was this strange creature?

"Yes, no, and yes... It's just the way we are." He replied while not really trying to engage in conversation. He only spoke when spoken too. I could certainly respect that, but my curiosity was too strong to stay quiet.

Once we were back on the path and heading east, I went quiet for a moment as I carried my passenger along. I then decided to ask the most basic of all questions for a first encounter. "You have a name?"

"Thorax." He replied with brevity. Although he then asked, "And you're...James?"

I was initially puzzled over how a complete stranger could know my name. Let alone a most bizarre creature the likes of which I had never seen before. At least until I considered the fact that I was the only human in Equestria at the time, so the odds of him knowing my name on top of being aware of my existence were very understandable. "Yeah, that's me."

Thorax went silent for a few minutes. Probably just tired. However, I started to feel a...strange and subtle sensation. I thought we were in for some rain as I thought the air pressure had changed. Then I assumed that I was just giving off a lot of heat or moisture evaporating through my clothes as steam. But that could not be the issue either. All I knew was that I could feel...something leaving me. But what?

I did not feel weak or lethargic. I could just feel that something was being leaked out of me in a strange metaphysical sense. As I looked myself over, I noticed something about Thorax as I glanced at his head next to mine. His eyes were closed while he appeared to be very relaxed. A green magic aura was surrounding his horn, though the aura was not billowing as if casting a spell. It was just a thin outline. Wondering if this faint sensation was his doing, I asked, "Um... What're you doing?"

His eyes popped open as he seemed to not be entirely aware of his own actions. He looked away apologetically as he quietly stammered, "Sorry... I was...hungry."

Hungry? For what? It was not like he tried to take a bite out of me. I only then became aware of the fact that the sensations I had noticed could no longer be felt. Perhaps it was his doing. Although I did not feel like any harm had been done to me. Still, I felt I had the right to know. "What were you eating then...? My life force? My body heat?"

His response almost made me laugh due to the sheer absurdity of it. "Your...love. I can feel so much within you."

I snickered under my breath as I assumed he was just trying to sound cute or something. "Oooook, forget I asked!"

I continued on with an amused spring to my step, but I did not feel that strange sensation again. Although the mention of hunger did get my attention. "Did you break any bones back there? Proper nutrition is necessary to get them to heal... Wait a minute, do you even HAVE bones in that body?"

Thorax looked momentarily confused by my own confusion as he hesitated for a moment. "Huh? Well... Uh... Only in my head and body. Not so much my limbs. They're weird like that."

"Yeah, I noticed." I retorted with an amused smirk while wondering if his heavily chipped legs would grow back if they ever snapped off. Before long, we finally emerged from the Everfree Forest with Fluttershy's cottage in the near distance. Scootaloo was probably still hanging out at the clubhouse over in Sweet Apple Acres, so I would only likely find Fluttershy and Gladesong home at the moment. "Here we are. Fluttershy will get you patched right up."

"Flutter...shy? Why does... Uh oh." Thorax mumbled while starting to sound a bit alarmed. "Maybe I...uh...would be better off...dealing with this myself?"

"Come on, Fluttershy is as sweet as they come. I swear you won't find a nicer impromptu nurse than her around here." I replied as I felt Thorax becoming increasingly fidgety. The local critters just stared in bewilderment at the strange bug pony I was carrying over my shoulders. I then reached the front door and pushed it open as I called out quietly just in case Gladesong was taking a nap. "Fluttershy? Honey? I could use your help with something."

I looked to my left to see Fluttershy coming out of the kitchen. "Yes? Did you...you..."

She stared with wide eyes at the passenger draped across my shoulders while he stared right back. I waited in silence as the two locked eyes. Had they met before? Thorax then broke the silence as he said, "Um... Hello?"

Fluttershy's response was a shrill shriek before she zipped back inside the kitchen and came back out with a ladle in her mouth before backing away to the door leading into the nursery. "A Changeling?! Where did you even find that?! Get it out of here! Hurry!"

That term... I could swear I was told about that back on my wedding day. "Changeling? Where have I heard... Oh, them! Yeah, the royal guard was on high alert...for them during...our..."

I then froze as it finally dawned on me what I was carrying on my shoulders. I then suddenly turned my head to look at Thorax while he sheepishly tried to look away now that the truth was out. "You mean YOU guys were the royal wedding party crashers?!"

"Admittedly, I didn't do much that day..." Thorax mumbled in shame while trying to hide his face. "I was just there to scout the place out before the invasion..."

"Then...what were you doing out there in the Everfree Forest today?" I asked now that I understood that I was assisting someone who was likely marked as an enemy of Equestria.

His response was brief and concise. "Scouting. Like I always do."

I looked back over at Fluttershy, who was looking right at me. I then looked back at Thorax while he tried to avert his gaze. What little I have heard about the Changelings has been nothing but bad news. And yet, I was given no reason to doubt the guy. I mean yes, he did hiss at me in a menacing fashion, but that was obviously an attempt to scare off a potential threat while he was in a vulnerable situation. Everything I had been told was a severe contrast to Thorax himself. I mean I did not have reason to doubt the testimony I had heard from those who had actually witnessed the invasion back on that day, but still...

"Excuse us for a minute." I said to Thorax before I set him down upon the sofa at the far end of the room. I looked around and saw Angel eyeing Thorax warily with Angela doing the same from the rafters above. "If he tries anything, you know what to do."

"I'm not going anywhere..." Thorax muttered while staying curled up on the sofa. I then entered the nursery and saw Gladesong still slumbering in her crib for a nap while a number of Fluttershy's little critter friends were situated around the room like her own little team of helpers.

I set my wooden sword in the corner while Fluttershy barricaded the door with a bit of furniture. The window that used to look outside had been left alone when the nursery was added onto the house, allowing me to keep an eye on Thorax from behind some curtains. If he was dangerous, we had to keep him from getting anywhere near our daughter. Fluttershy then whispered, "Where did you find that?"

"Entirely by chance on my way back from Zecora's place. I thought I noticed something odd stagger off the path and into the woods, so I went to investigate and found him. It looked like a timber wolf got to him and he only narrowly got away. He seems like a nice enough guy, but considering what I've heard..." I retorted quietly as I looked back out the window. Thorax was making no attempt to leave that spot and would only occasionally look left to right while being completely oblivious to my watchful gaze from behind that window. "You saw the invasion too, right?"

"Yes. I was there. And the Changelings were all mean and scary." Fluttershy whispered before looking at our slumbering foal. She then looked back at me with a look of fear. "James... Please, take that thing away from here. I don't trust it. Not with Gladesong in the house."

I too felt a paternal fear for the welfare of our infant child. The Changelings are a violent race not above the use of invasions to get what they want. I believed that and I had no reason to doubt it. But as I observed Thorax, I noticed I could see into Scootaloo's bedroom from where I was standing. And at the far end, I could see the sawed off pieces of Smolder's horns. My thoughts quickly went to that precious dragon girl and I immediately had an epiphany.

As I thought about Thorax, I also thought about her. I have heard nothing but the worst things about the dragons that live beyond the borders of Ponyville. Even from Spike and Smolder themselves. And yet, I have nothing but the nicest things to say about both of them. Exceptions among their own kind. And so I wondered... Was Thorax in the same boat as them?

"I think....I'm willing to give him the benefit of the doubt for now." I explained while Fluttershy looked like she was about to shriek in disbelief at my response. She only stopped herself since Gladesong was sleeping right beside her. I tried to explain my decision. "He never gave me reason to doubt him. Why else would I have brought him back here to get patched up?"

"But...I saw the invasion. I was even attacked by them when the rest of the girls were with me. I don't...think I..." Fluttershy muttered as she looked past the curtains warily. I did not want to disregard any personal experiences she may have had with Changelings, but I felt compelled to at least give Thorax a chance. He did not take advantage of me. I knew he had not been crying wolf. He tried to repel me at first instead of manipulating me to bring him under our roof.

"What about Smolder then? I've heard nothing but bad things about dragons, but she and Spike are still cherished friends to you, right?" I asked while Fluttershy fell into conflicted silence. I could tell she was trying to find a rebuke to that, but no words came. And so I said, "I'm not saying we have to completely trust him. I'm just saying he seems like a decent guy and nothing he did when I first met him is serving as a red flag in hindsight. Let's just patch him up, let him rest, and send him on his way once he's well enough. All right?"

Fluttershy sighed before stepping forward and passing me that ladle she had in her mouth. "All right then... I'll give him some first aid. But he can't go near Gladesong. I won't budge on that."

"Agreed." I spoke while taking the ladle in hand and stepping out into the living room with Fluttershy closing the door behind her. We stood before Thorax as he looked up at me silently. "We've come to a decision. We will see to it that you're patched up and are allowed to rest. However..."

I then firmly slapped the head of the ladle down into my open palm to get across the fact that while I did not want to doubt him, I had to be strict in this situation. "I understand your kind has an unfortunate reputation in Equestria. I don't want to doubt you, but if there is any sign of trouble from you, you're going right out the door. All right?"

"Uh huh..." Thorax muttered in resignation with his head bowed. I handed Fluttershy the ladle and watched as she headed back into the kitchen with it while uncharacteristically quiet and stiff. It is not like her to be so uptight in her own home or even around most other people. I think she really wanted to believe Thorax meant no harm in spite of her prior experiences with his kind. She was less concerned about herself and more about Gladesong, her maternal instincts likely conflicting with her very kind nature.

I had Thorax scoot over enough so I could remain seated by him. Angel left us alone now that the situation was under control, but Angela remained ever watchful. I looked over at Fluttershy as she emerged from the kitchen with a first aid kit hanging from her mouth. Thorax was silent and submissive, but I felt compelled to rub my hand over his head in a reassuring manner. I did not want him to feel intimidated. I had no reason to believe he meant any harm. He was a nice guy, he had been hurt, and I did not want to see him in dire straits.

His insectoid flesh felt exactly the way it looked. Not like skin, but like a firm smooth surface on the back of a beetle. Fluttershy began to closely examine his wounds and proceeded to apply various ointments before wrapping bandages over them. It only took a matter of minutes before she had finished. "That should do it."

"Thank you, dear." I said quietly while keeping my hand upon Thorax's head. "How'd she do? Did she miss anything?"

"No, I think that covers everything." Thorax said while he looked himself over with patches of white conflicting with his dark complexion. "Thanks."

Fluttershy did not offer a response. She was still wary even as she closed up the first aid kit. Although after a moment of looking at Thorax, she did finally say, "Would you.....like a light snack?"

Thorax glanced at her in genuine surprise. He really did not anticipate that offer. Although his response was not something we expected. "That would be nice, but...I wouldn't really get anything out of it. Changelings can't absorb nutrients from food as easily as other creatures."

"You...can't? Then...how do you sustain yourselves?" I asked while wondering how such a thing could even be. But as I contemplated that, I suddenly remembered something from just a little while earlier. "Wait... When you said you eat love, you meant...literally?"

"Yeah..." He muttered while looking a bit uncomfortable about the subject. Almost like he was worried he was going to disturb us. "I mean we can eat food if we have too. It just won't sustain us forever... We need to eat love to live. That's how it's always been for us."

Fluttershy then asked, "But...does it hurt the person you extract the love from?"

"No, not at all. I mean they can end up a bit lethargic if too much is taken, but it doesn't hurt them. Since they always end up making more." Thorax explained while he kept glancing back up at me. "And...yours was..."

Thorax looked away as that topic was dropped for a moment. I think he knew what he needed, but was afraid to impose upon us. And so I asked, "If you need some... Do you want some of mine?"

He looked up at me with those big blank light blue eyes opened wide. "You'd let me? I'm...so very hungry right now... Really?"

I remembered the lack of pain or discomfort the last time he tried that and just nodded my head. "Yeah, sure. Go ahead. Drink up."

That thin green aura lined his horn once again as he leaned towards me. That subtle sensation returned. A sensation I fail to describe. Fluttershy was quick to ask, "Oh dear... Are you all right? Does it hurt?"

"Nah, I'm good. I feel...something...but it's not a bad feeling. Whatever he's doing, it's harmless." I explained before resting my hand atop his head. I then looked down at our guest and asked, "How's it taste? Does my...love taste good? Can't believe I just said that..."

Thorax let out a long and relaxed sigh as he rested his chin upon my thigh. "It's delightful. And there's.....so much of it. Almost as if it's...limitless..."

"Yeah I think I've been told that a few times." I said almost jokingly as even Fluttershy cracked a crooked smile at that statement. She then left us alone while she carried the first aid kit back into the kitchen. It sounded like she was starting to put together a light snack for us after that.

I found myself stroking Thorax's head like that of a quiet lapdog. He was not in the mood to talk much, instead choosing to just lie there with his head resting upon my thigh. He looked genuinely happy and at peace as he steadily drank up my love. For all the nasty things I have heard when it comes to Changelings, I have to admit the little guy was quite adorable. A little creepy in outward appearance, but still adorable. A literal love bug.

The quiet and relaxing atmosphere was eventually disturbed by a distant motorized buzz. I recognize that sound anywhere. Scootaloo was on her way home. Thorax's eyes popped open before he suddenly lifted his head away from me, his eyes directed to the door ahead of us. "Someone is coming?"

"Oh, that's just Scootaloo. She won't give you any trouble." I explained as I eventually heard the buzzing of Scootaloo's wings fade before it was followed by the sound of her little hooves galloping up the slope to the front door. She burst inside without even bothering to remove her helmet and safety equipment while her saddlebags remained at her sides. "What's up, Scoot? You forget something?"

She went trotting over to the doorway to her bedroom while sounding focused and even a bit frustrated. "Yeah, I forgot the list of stuff I wrote out for the other Crusaders. We can't get started on our next cutie mark attempts unless I bring it along! Did you see it?"

"Um... Maybe it fell under your bed?" I replied while Scootaloo hurried into her bedroom and went to the other side and out of sight. I noticed that she had not shown any reaction to the strange creature beside me. "Huh... It's almost like she didn't even notice...you?"

When I did look to my right, I noticed that Thorax had disappeared. I did not hear him scramble to hide, nor do I think he could have gotten away fast enough in his condition. But before I could think about it too hard, Scootaloo came trotting back out of her room. "Found it! And it was exactly where you said it was! Thanks, Dad! See you at dinner!"

I barely even got a goodbye in before she hurried out the door and rode away on her scooter. Those kids... I know I have mused in the past about giving the girls a push in the right direction since the skills they excel at are so obvious to everyone but them, but I just keep losing the nerve to do so. It really would be more satisfying to them if they found out on their own. I hope it happens soon. They turn 13 next year, if memory serves. That sounds like an age no one wants to be without a cutie mark by.

As I pondered that thought, I finally heard Thorax's voice to my right. "Is she gone?"

"Hm? HM?!" I mumbled as I looked to my right only to recoil in bewilderment. While Thorax was still not there, a pillow was staring at me with big blank turquoise eyes plastered on the front. They even blinked once. Thoroughly startled and confused, I jumped up from the sofa. "What the...?!"

"Oh... You didn't notice." I heard the 'pillow' say before it was suddenly yet briefly engulfed in a flash of bright green fire to reveal the bandaged Changeling once the flames had faded. "I wasn't sure if it would be a good idea to let myself be seen..."

"Uh... Eheheheheh wow... For a second, I thought we were dealing with some pillow-based body snatchers out of nowhere." I said with an amused chuckle as I found some humor in just how good he had gotten me without actually trying. I then asked, "So...you can do that? Change your look?"

"Uh huh." Thorax replied before once again being engulfed by green flames for just an instant before they faded and revealed that Scootaloo was now resting on the sofa. This genuinely messed with my head as I tried to comprehend the fact that Scootaloo had just been there and now someone else looked just like her even though I knew that was not her. Thorax was then again consumed by green fire for an instant as he removed his disguise without ceremony.

"Huh... So that's where the term 'Changeling' comes from. Kinda creepy." I muttered in contemplation before returning to my seat beside Thorax. He then rested his head on my thigh once more like a sleepily pet while his horn was once more coated by a thin green aura. I finally found it in me to ask. "I take it that's natural for a Changeling? Just...being able to change your body like that?"

"Yeah... I mean it's not like most people would even let us get close to them. Sad as it is to say, love is hard for us to get when we're not in disguise." Thorax said quietly as he closed his eyes. Despite the somber reality of his kind's standing in Equestrian society, he did not sound all that bothered by it. Almost as if he had simply come to terms with it a long time ago.

I could certainly see why so many would not be keen on even allowing a Changeling to get near them on principal alone. There is something inherently unnatural about their appearance. A bizarre fusion of pony and insect. Even I fled from him at first when he let out a hiss while baring his fangs. What a paradox, needing to absorb love for the sake of nutrition, yet not being able to have others give them that love easily. I started to feel a twinge of sympathy for his kind. Was there more to that invasion? Was it out of desperation for a starving colony of Changelings? I am not saying it was right, but the more I think about it...

I looked down at the quiet Changeling as he silently fed upon my love. My hand continued to rub his smooth rounded scalp. I could not see a dangerous individual in him at all. And so I decided to just speak my mind in a delayed response to what he said. "Well...I think you're simply adorable in your own weird way."

Thorax's eyes immediately popped open as those words reached his ear. I saw those white sections of his ocelli look up at me out of the corner of their sockets as if he could not believe what he had heard. I then added, "Really... You're a cute little love bug. I can call you that, right? A love bug? Because you eat love?"

I noticed a greenish hue fill his cheeks. Was he blushing? And if green instead of red... Is Changeling blood an unusual color? I suppose that makes sense when considering their insectoid qualities. Regardless, he quietly muttered, "Thank you... I... No one has ever said that to me, even if it's just a lie."

Poor guy. He really was resigned to being viewed as a vile entity. And so I tried to reinforce my words while applying a bit more pressure to his head with my hand. "No, I meant it. You're cute. Strange, but cute. And you've shown yourself to be a really cordial and pleasant guy. I'm...glad I got to meet you. And I'm glad you're going to be OK. Really, you're not a bad bug. You're a good guy."

Thorax let out a haggard breath as I noticed a tear trickle down his smooth cheek He turned his head sideways to wipe it off onto my pants leg. "OK... OK, I believe you... It's just...we Changelings don't expect others to be kind to us..."

"Thorax... Come here." I muttered as I scooped the little guy into my arms and lied down on the sofa with him resting in my embrace. "It's gonna be OK..."

He did not say anything at first, but I felt his strange and heavily damaged legs hold onto me as he held onto my body. I then heard him whisper, "Your love is... It's so...deep... It's...endless... It doesn't feel like the pool has been drained at all, no matter how long I drink from it... It's so...reassuring..."

I tried to not pay too much mind to those words. I did not want to think of myself as something special. Certainly not in that regard. But his words did bring a question to mind as I stroked the back of his head while being mindful of that hardened crest a little ways down his neck. "How does my love even taste...?"

Thorax sighed deeply with his head resting against mine. "It's... Well, I don't think I can describe the flavor of love the same way I can describe that of food, but... It's not the sweetest love I've ever tasted, but... It's... It's so rich. Like it's been aged behind a locked door for years..."

"That's an...interesting way to describe it." I said while trying not to laugh. He almost sounded like a food critic worth his salt. "Well...drink all you want. I have plenty to spare."

"I know... And it's...so good." Thorax mumbled as he completely relaxed into my embrace. I took the time to explore his body. And no, not in that manner. His body felt like smooth insect chitin everywhere I stroked him, as did the carapace on his back. It did give when I tried to lift one side, leading me to believe he could store his wings under them like a regular beetle if needed. I guess the almost pegasus-like structure of his body compelled hi to keep his wings at his sides at all times. I then examined his wings, finding them to be of similar composition to the wings of most insects. They were probably stronger than they looked, but I was still immensely careful to not damage them regardless due to their outward delicate appearance.

Fluttershy soon entered the room with a platter resting upon her back. "I thought I heard Scootaloo. I she...still...um..."

She stared at the two of us in utter bewilderment as I held the exhausted Changeling in my arms. My eyes glanced left and right as I suddenly became aware of the awkwardness of the situation. "Um... See anything that looks a bit off in here?"

"I see my husband getting cuddly with a big scary and dangerous Changeling, even though I warned him about what happened at Shining Armor's wedding." Fluttershy grumbled while looking both confused and a bit annoyed. I guess she thought I was taking the situation far lighter than I should have, even though I was thoroughly convinced that Thorax himself was of absolutely no threat to us.

"He's cool, Fluttershy. I know the other Changelings gave you trouble, but he's a good little love bug." I said while not being accusatory towards her. I knew she had a terrible first impression of them, but my first impression with them was far more positive. Especially since Thorax likely did not have a violent history as a mere scout. "Anyway, whatcha got there?"

"I heard Scootaloo come in, so I made an extra sandwich, but... I guess she's not here now?" Fluttershy asked while noticing how quiet it was in the house now. Her eyes scanned our surroundings, likely searching for any signs of the little sparkplug. "I guess now I have one extra sandwich for anyone who wants it..."

Indeed, a trio of sandwiches rested upon the platter that sat upon her back. They seemed to be entirely of vegetables. Lettuce, cabbage, carrots, tomatoes, and cucumbers smeared with honey mustard. With no one else around, I looked at Thorax in my arms. "You can at least get some nutrition out of food, right? You want some?"

"You mean... For me?" He asked while looking at Fluttershy and the trio of snacks upon her back. "Um... Sure, I wouldn't mind some real food."

Fluttershy approached us in resignation and allowed me to reach for one. I set Thorax back on his spot upon the sofa and watched as that green magic aura around his horn properly flared up to use some levitation magic to bring one of the sandwiches closer. He held his hooves up to the sandwich to balance it in the air while he took a bite. "Mm... It's good. Thank you, Miss Fluttershy."

"Mmhm..." She mumbled while looking more unsure of what to think than being genuinely hostile or wary of Thorax. She began to make her way back to the kitchen and then returned with her own sandwich in her mouth after dropping off the platter. She sat beside the sofa while joining us for a snack. I kept my spare hand on Thorax's head, rubbing his bare scalp gently.

Once Thorax had finished his sandwich, he set his head back down upon my thigh and went back to feasting on my love. By that point, I barely even noticed the sensation anymore. Fluttershy must have suspected that was what Thorax was doing and asked, "How does that feel? When...your love is being eaten?"

"It's not painful, if that's what you're asking. I barely feel anything." I replied before chomping down the last morsel of my sandwich. "I guess it does sound creepy to have something eat your love, but it's not so freaky in practice."

Fluttershy must have developed a certain degree of trust for our guest since she then looked at him and asked, "What do you do for your...colony?"

Thorax's eyes popped open before he looked at my wife. He hesitated for a moment before he said, "Well...I was never cut out for a sentinel or soldier role... And I don't get along with most of the workers... So I'm a scout. I just survey the perimeter of our territories and...um...help prepare for invasions by investigating potential targets. Really, I'm sorry about what happened that day."

My wife gave Thorax a most shocked gaze upon hearing those last few words. "You... You are?"

"I don't like hurting people. I was just...doing what I could to help the hive." Thorax replied rather glumly. "The queen is the one who guides us. And I hear she has been doing so for eons. She's the only leader we have. It doesn't mean we have to agree with her, but she's kept us as a species from starving."

I decided to not inquire about the politics of the Changeling race. Especially when said queen has likely been marked as an enemy of Equestria. "Sounds like your people adhere to a type of insect hierarchy."

"Yeah, pretty much. That's just how things work in the hive." Thorax said before setting his head back down upon my leg. "I really shouldn't stay here long. If I don't report back tonight, they'll likely send out a search party. And...that might cause trouble if that brings them here."

Fluttershy scooted a little towards the door leading into the nursery. I too was not keen on a bunch of strangers descending upon our house in the middle of the night, especially if they thought we had taken one of their own captive. I then petted him on the head as I said, "Well, how're you feeling now?"

"A lot better, actually. Not all the way there, but consuming love does bolster the healing rate of our wounds." Thorax explained while looking quite relaxed as he continued to sip away from my love. However bizarre that sounds.

"Then I'll leave you to that." Fluttershy retorted before making her way into the nursery and shutting the door. She was afraid for Gladesong. I could see that. While I knew we had nothing to fear from Thorax, the rest of his kind...

I tried to keep my mind preoccupied while I looked down at the resting little drone. "So, you about full?"

"I'm getting there. We can only consume so much before we reach our fill." Thorax replied while he glanced up at me. "Although I don't think it works like that for our queen. I've heard her capacity for love is limitless..."

"Yeah... About your queen..." I muttered now that I had some questions floating around in my head. "Exactly...what does she want? Especially since she carried out an invasion of Canterlot?

A look of unease filled Thorax's minimalistic eyes. "I... I can't tell you."

"And why's that?" I asked with my curiosity growing stronger.

Thorax's voice became unsteady as if fear was beginning to settle into his heart. "She... She might be listening in right now. I don't think she is, but...she can establish a link to the entire hive. She can listen in on everything I say if she wanted. All I know about her right now is...there is someone out there. Someone she sees as extremely valuable. Someone who can give her what she wants and insure the hive never goes hungry again. But that's all I can tell you. Please, I can't say anymore..."

I grasped his head firmly while continuing to rub his smooth scalp. "OK, I won't ask anything else. I don't really get this whole Changeling thing anyway. But I don't want to get you in trouble either. Sorry I asked."

"All right... All right, thank you... I don't think she was listening that time anyway, but I can never be too sure." Thorax said with a sigh of relief as he regained his composure. Poor guy. I wonder what the rest of the hive genuinely thinks about their queen. Who even is their queen? I never heard of a name for her from anyone before.

"Although... You said she's been guiding the hive for eons? As in...she's immortal?" I asked while having a difficult time even imagining how the queen looked. Was she a hideous insectoid beast with no discernible equine features? Or a beautiful creature more than deserving of the title?

Thorax's head titled slightly as if he too was not certain. "Um... That's a good question. The hive doesn't have anything like a library to keep track of these things. But...I've heard whispers around the hive saying that she may be more ancient than Princess Celestia and Luna themselves."

"That's quite a bold statement..." I muttered while looking out the window. But as I did, I thought I noticed a flash of orange beyond the window to the left of the front door. "Was that who I think it was?"

"I don't hear anyone..." Thorax mumbled as his eyes darted around. I certainly did not hear the clip clop of hooves coming up the slope to the door.

My suspicions ended up being proven correct. The person I had seen was not a pony at all, so we could not really hear their approach. The door suddenly opened to reveal Smolder with a basket hanging from her arm. "I'm back! I found a patch of wild blueberries in the park, so I..."

She immediately fell silent the instant her eyes met Thorax's. The three of us engaged in a long silent stare as Thorax was left with no time to put on a disguise. Finally, Smolder pointed at him and asked, "Whaaaat's with the giant bug?"

"Changeling, if you want to be technical." I replied while Thorax remained deathly still as if hoping to go unnoticed. I tried to reassure him that he was not in danger by rubbing his head. "Hey, it's all right. Smolder's a sweetheart. Right?"

"Tch, only if you stay on my good side." She replied snidely while crossing her arms. I think she noticed Thorax starting to sweat since she then let out a hearty chuckle before approaching us. "Juuuuust messing with you. I'm not someone who likes to go out of my way to get myself in trouble. If you're cool with me, then I'm cool with you."

She then walked over to us with basket under her arm and looked Thorax over. "Whoa, what's with the bandages? Lost a fight to a flyswatter?"

"Pah! Nice!" I laughed while Thorax dryly averted his gaze while not finding that guess to be very flattering. I then decided to explain things. "Anyway, not really. Timber wolf got him, so I brought him home to patch him up."

"Whoa, that's much worse than a flyswatter." Smolder muttered while recoiling slightly at the revelation. As someone who spent a good deal of time wandering the Everfree Forest, she likely knew of how dangerous they could be. "So... You're a Changeling? What is that? Some weird combination of a pony and a black beetle? You have a name? Can you talk?"

Smolder obviously had no experience with such creatures. She likely never even knew they existed until that moment. Still, Thorax provided a response. "Yes, I can talk. And I am called Thorax."

"You're named after a part of a bug... Wow, even your naming conventions are weird." Smolder retorted while Thorax seemed to roll his eyes the best he could.

I took the opportunity to jump on the bandwagon and mess with Smolder too. "This coming from someone from a culture where names are derived from smoke, flames, and so on?"

"OK, touché! You got me! It's like all of Equestria uses weird names for everyone!" Smolder said with a raised voice as she through her arms up and nearly spilled the contents of her basket.

It was at this point that Thorax let out a chuckle before looking back and forth at the two of us. "You're all such good people."

"Huh? We are? I mean... Of course we are. Haven't you seen Ponyville?" Smolder retorted while removing the basket from her arm and lifting one large blueberry from it. "Nicest town around. And I've seen lots of towns. Here, a good treat from good people."

Thorax made no attempt to turn the offer down and used some levitation magic to bring the berry to his lips as he began chewing. Smolder then carried the basket to the kitchen to unload her bounty of berries. The resting Changeling then said softly, "I almost never encounter friendly dragons."

"Smolder wants nothing to do with her people anymore. She figured out that they're all jerks and moved on to greener pastures." I explained in brief. "She's nothing like them, from what I've seen. She's a wonderful young lady."

Thorax smiled quietly as he looked at the doorway leading into the kitchen. "I felt a lot of love in her just now. And it became stronger when she looked at you."

"Ye... Yeah, I... I kinda...know..." I muttered while trying to hide what I could. Something like that should be kept hidden for now. Thorax looked at me in confusion, most likely noticing the hesitation in my voice. I then gave him the best answer I could. "Please... Don't ask. You're not the only one who knows things that shouldn't be openly discussed."

"Understood." He said in understanding before resting his chin upon my thigh again. I did not notice that thin green aura around his horn. Maybe he had drank his fill of love for the moment. He was quiet. Too quiet. I tapped him a few times on the head just to check if he was conscious, prompting Thorax to look up at me. "Something wrong?"

"Oh, uh... You just had me worried for a second." I muttered before looking at the window next to the front door. I kept idly caressing his head as he snuggled up against me to the point where I had to put an arm around him again. "I...get the feeling you don't really want to go back."

"I'll be honest... I really don't." He said with a sigh. "I get the hive has to do what it does to get by, but... I just don't think the queen has her heart in the right place."

"Sounds like it. If what I've heard is true, she sounds pretty devious." I said softly while trying to keep him comfortable. He was way too nice a guy to be associated with such an entity.

Thorax sounded very wistful as he spoke. "I... I don't want to say anything bad about here. I mean it's thanks to her that we're thriving. But...I just wish things could be better... I take no pleasure in being isolated from the rest of the world, you know? Especially now that I know there are people as kind as you out there..."

"Do you think there's a brighter future for your kind?" I asked without thinking that question over much. I probably should not have asked it.

"I don't know... I'm not even sure how things were like for us long ago. But I really...don't have the highest expectations for our queen. And I think a lot of the others don't either. But who else can lead us in a world that fears us?" Thorax glumly explained while his eyes looked at nothing in particular.

What a sad existence Changelings have. And it sounded like there are those who think similarly to Thorax as well. I was left feeling helpless and that is not a feeling I am used to experiencing. I tried to find something to say that could soothe his spirits. And so I whispered, "I don't fear you..."

I heard Thorax inhale sharply before he snuggled up against me even more firmly. I heard him whisper, "Thank you..."

A moment later, I thought I heard faint footsteps. And when I looked down, I saw someone looking back at us. A smile spread across my lips as I muttered, "I think someone else doesn't fear you either."

"Huh?" Thorax mumbled before he too looked to the floor. Little Gladesong had woken up from her nap and was staring up at our guest in curiosity. "Um... Is that your kid?"

"Mmhm. And I think she wants to say hello." I retorted while noticing Fluttershy was not in the room. Probably just resetting the sheets in the crib. I then helped Thorax to the floor as I said softly, "We have a guest, Gladesong. This is Thorax. And he's a big love bug."

"La ba!" I heard her say in an attempt to say 'love bug'. Thorax failed to hide a smile, unable to not grin at the precious filly before him.

"Say... You've had enough of my love, right? You got room for dessert?" I asked as an idea came to mind.

Thorax looked back at me in shock, as if he could not comprehend what I was offering. "You... You would let me do that?"

"It won't hurt her. Go ahead. I think she trusts you enough anyway." I said while seeing Gladesong looking through one of the holes on Thorax's limbs.

"OK then..." He mumbled before lying down before her as his horn was coated by a thin green aura. She did not respond to anything off, instead just nuzzling her nose against his while saying 'la ba' now and then. Thorax let out a sigh of delight as he said, "I forgot how sweet the love of the youngest ones tastes. It's so pure... Not a hint of negativity to add any bitterness to it. They don't know how to hate... They only know how to adore others..."

"That's a beautiful thing to say." I retorted while watching the two of them interacting. I then noticed Fluttershy watching in wary silence from the entrance to the nursery, but I just shook my head to try and dissuade her fears. Thorax was not a threat. He was just a nice guy who hailed from a race of people led by a monarch with a foul reputation and even fouler machinations.

I think Thorax knew he was being watched by the mother of the tiny filly before him. I had no quarrel with the guy, but I dreaded the thought of what Fluttershy might do if she suspected her own child was in danger. Thorax just lied there while letting Gladesong do as she pleased. She booped his nose and climbed all over him. I finally let out a snicker when she started to harmlessly gnaw on his wing. "I think you made a new friend."

"Are you talking to me or her?" Thorax asked while Fluttershy finally approached and gently coaxed Gladesong under her wing. Thorax averted his eyes while Gladesong began to suckle from her mother's teat.

"Both of you, more or less." I said while Thorax smiled crookedly. But as he rested on the floor while Gladesong was fed by her mother nearby, I noticed Smolder watching patiently from the kitchen's doorway with her back against the arch. She had her arms crossed while not showing any signs of wariness towards our guest. I suppose Gladesong's acceptance of him was enough evidence for her. Although it was then that I asked, "Say... Didn't you mention that love energy or whatever it is promotes healing? How're you feeling now?"

"Now that you mention it..." He mumbled as he began to use the levitation spell to undo the bandages he had wrapped around himself here and there. Much to Fluttershy's surprise, any signs of injury were already gone. No bruising and no signs of scratches to be seen. "Oh! I guess I'm all healed up already!"

"That fast?! Wow... Love really does work miracles." Fluttershy said as she looked Thorax over from nearby. That honestly sounded funny to me, even if it was quite literal at the time.

"Well...thank you for everything. I guess I should be going now." Thorax said as he began to approach the door. He did not sound very happy about it and almost looked like he feared he was not welcome.

"You're heading out already? Didn't you just get here?" Smolder asked while not knowing the full extent of the situation.

"I really shouldn't stay... I should go before someone knows I'm here. But thank you anyway. And please... Don't tell anyone that you ever saw me. For your sakes as well as mine." Thorax replied while looking back at us.

As he opened the door, I decided to at least escort him to the forest's edge for the sake of being on the safe side. I hurried to the nursery and retrieved my wooden sword before rushing back out into the living room. "Hold on. I'll at least see you off at the edge of the forest."

Thorax did not object and allowed me to walk with him around to the backyard of the cottage and past the chicken coop. I looked down at him and asked, "Feeling better now? All healed up?"

The wayward Changeling flexed his neck while letting out a yawn of satisfaction. "Mmhm, much better. I'm not the least bit sore, I've got a belly full of love, and...I met someone nice today. I'm pretty happy right now."

"Good to hear. I'm glad I got to you before something meaner could." I replied before we stood at the edge of the Everfree Forest. I felt a bit apprehensive just letting him go like that. I felt like I had made a friend, but we were already parting ways. And when considering that he is affiliated with an enemy of Equestria, I was doubtful we would ever cross paths again. "You sure you have to leave?"

Thorax did not look happy with the thought either. He looked up at me with a frown as he said, "If I stay, other scouts will come looking for me. And if anyone from Equestria finds out you helped me, I have no idea what they might do to you... Will you be charged with treason?"

"I certainly hope not, but I see where you're coming from..." I muttered while averting my gaze for just a moment. "All right... I never saw you. And you never met me. That sounds about right?"

"Yeah... Still...I'm glad I got to meet you. No one's ever been so nice to me..." Thorax said softly before he leaned gently against me. "Thank you... You're...a good friend."

I gently rubbed his head while feeling quite melancholic myself. "You too, Thorax. You're a nice guy. And way too nice to be associated with bad guys. Be careful out there, all right? And...you're welcome at my place anytime, OK?"

"Thanks. I mean... We shouldn't be seen together. I know that it could mean a lot of trouble for us if anyone found out, but..." He mumbled for a moment before falling silent. However, he then looked up at me and smiled somberly. "If I'm...ever nearby and I think no one will notice...I'd be willing to risk a visit."

"Only if you're sure you can get away with it." I said with some caution as I stroked his smooth scalp. "Anyway, you better get going. I don't wanna get you in trouble. Take care out there, Thorax."

"Will do, James. Thanks for...being a good friend." He replied before his wings began to buzz and lifted him into the air. I watched as he took to the air and flew over the Everfree Forest's canopy in a manner very unlike any pegasus I had ever seen. Changelings really do fly more like bugs than pegasi.

When I looped around back to the front of the house with my sword hoisted over my shoulder, I found Fluttershy waiting for me right outside the door. It sounded like Smolder was playing with Gladesong for the moment. She then asked me, "Is he gone?"

"Yeah. He flew off without a hitch." I explained while noticing how conflicted Fluttershy looked. "Are you still convinced he was here to cause trouble?"

"I don't know... I mean...I was there. I saw the invasion. The girls and I even had to fight off a bunch of Changelings together. I don't know how I managed... I was so sure that all Changelings are just a bunch of mean brutes after that. But now..." She recounted as her gaze was directed towards the city of Canterlot way off in the distance. "I just don't know anymore... At least when it comes to him. If he comes by again, I... I might be willing to give him another chance."

"You should. He was genuinely pleasant. And he said he would be willing to take a few risks to come by again." I replied while stroking her mane. "I don't really have much of a grounded view of Changelings yet myself, but Thorax made a good enough first impression on me. He's cool as far as I'm concerned."

Fluttershy let out a long sigh, clearly trying to trust my judgment. "And I want to believe you, dear... We'll see how things go next time he comes around."

I have been jotting this down over the course of the day. Not much else worth mentioning happened over the course of the day that was not unusual for a Sunday in late summer. Although we all came to the agreement that Thorax should not be mentioned to anyone. I am sure we would end up getting an unpleasant visit from the royal guard if word got out, especially since Shining Armor himself would likely hold a personal vendetta against them after jeopardizing his own wedding. I should probably also keep this entry tucked away just to insure the wrong eyes never read it.

What even are the Changelings and what sort of history do they have with the rest of Equestria? Very strange creatures with an ability unlike anything I have ever seen. Literal shape shifters that feed on love? Probably the most outlandish discovery I have seen since meeting Discord that one time. I just hope they do not give us trouble. The thought of an army of them infiltrating and even potentially replacing everyone in Ponyville... An incredibly unsettling thought. At least for me. I just hope Thorax is going to be all right out there. I know for certain he is a very pleasant little love bug.

Anyway, sounds like dinner is just about ready. I better put all this away and go join everyone else at the table. After having all that love drained out of me today, I feel like I could use a little something to fill that void. They say the best way to a man's heart is through his stomach. I wonder if that is more true than anyone could have ever guessed.

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