1077 would never understand pony society. It did not matter how many meetings on strategy he attended, how many scribes and archivists he asked, or how many times Lampyridae explained it to him, ponies were just strange. This was demonstrated most clearly by the pony town far in the distance, Dodge Junction, with its stores, workers, coin, and culture. 1077 shuddered at the sight of the settlement as if it was a wet rag draped across his back. Even as he stood atop one of the numerous McIntosh Hills and with a desert between him and Dodge Junction he felt anxious.

Ponies did not work together as changelings did. They all strived towards their own goals, often in competition with one another. 1077 couldn’t claim there was no such competition in the hive, but such in-fighting was for prestigious positions and roles within one’s brood in service of the hive and hive Queen, not for frivolous things such as money, entertainment, or to reach the upper echelons of society. A poor earth pony in Dodge Junction might dream of the life that a rich unicorn of Canterlot enjoyed, and if his mind was not tempered against violence he’d do anything to reach such a position. A lowly changeling scout or warrior dreamed of being of service to the praetorians or the Queen, not to subsume their place, even if they were inclined to violence they never turned this against the hive. It was as things should be, a stable system where the Queen could direct the hive to greatness. It was a system where your purpose was found in your brood brothers and brood sisters. To keep your hive safe from invaders and dissent against the natural order was the greatest purpose in existence, something devised by the Seamstress herself.

“You have that look in your eyes again,” Lampyride joined him atop the hill and bumped his side. “You need to relax a bit. Ponies are fun, trust me.”

“They’re unnatural and strange…” he mumbled and eyed their camp below.

“Oh shush you. You are a Soldier guarding a Princess, you’re not anymore normal than they are.”

1077 huffed and looked towards the far-off town with a grumpy look. “A Soldier or Praetorian with sufficient skill and knowledge may obtain the position of royal guard if they come recommended by an older Praetorian. There is nothing strange with our relationship, Firefly, old Scourge just recommended me and I proved myself worthy, as things should be done in the hive.”

The changeling princess gave him an amused look. “And most royal bodyguards are affectionate with their charge and refer to them by cute nicknames?”

“I don’t know what you speak of, Princess Lampyridae.”

“Oh that’s cold,” she laughed and bumped her flank against his before she walked down towards the camp. “Come on let’s tell Infiltrator Tarsus that we’re ready to go.”

1077 gave her a confused look. “We? Princess, I'm staying at the camp. This is your exam and I don’t want to go anywhere near that—”

“Is it not your duty to follow me wherever I go and watch over me, 1077?” Lampyridae said and looked over her shoulder with a cheeky grin.

He mumbled a curse under his breath before he gave Lampyridae a stiff nod. “Of course, your highness, you're right.”

1077 followed the Princess down the hill to the concealed base camp. The camp literally buzzed with activity as young infiltrators prepared to infiltrate the town. Their cover stories were all simple: one infiltrator was visiting her grandmother, another was looking for a place to stay the night, and another was meant to visit the cherry orchard and look for work. They were the standard stories that ponies did not blink twice at and the stories were aided by the fact that a few infiltrators lived within Dodge Junction to act as grandparents, workers, and other convenient excuses. The operation was fairly old and some of the infiltrators that lived in the settlement were older than any living member of the hive, not counting members of the royal household of course.

“We’re ready, Infiltrator Tarsus,” Lampyridae said as they entered the camp and walked up to the main tent.

An older changeling Infiltrator looked up from a map splayed out across a table. Unlike the shiny black chitin of 1077 or Lampyridae, Infiltrator Tarsus chitin was dull and brown in places. The old changeling had wrinkles underneath her eyes and she wore a constant frown like she was gonna drive her head through the table at any moment. She reminded Mute a lot about old Scourge, though Tarsus did not scream as much.

“You see anything interesting, Princess?” the changeling mare huffed and looked back at the map, a younger infiltrator pointing to something on it and whispering in her ear.

“Nothing worthy to report. Though I did get a chance to ask my guardian for some pointers, like behaviors and the like,” Lampridae smiled and looked to 1077.

1077 was certain that nothing he had said was interesting or useful when it came to infiltration, but at this point, he was used to Lampyridae’s excuses. “Aye, the Princess needed some help with understanding their customs regarding coinage and trade. It is after all much unlike our system.”

Tarsus looked unimpressed at the two of them before her eyes settled on Lampyridae. The icy yet emotionless stare of the old changeling made the Princess freeze up. 1077 looked on, uncertain as to what was wrong.

“What is a bit worth in gold?” Tarsus asked with a commanding voice.

Lampyridae responded quickly and precisely. “It fluctuates! Normally ten bits are worth about twelve grams of gold but this can change!”

“How much gold is there in a bit?”

“Five percent!”

Tarsus scoffed. “Who and what is depicted on each side of a bit?”

Once again the Princess answered quickly. “Princess Celestia can be seen on one side with the mark of the royal Mint on the other!”

The old infiltrator cast a glance to 1077. “You would like to claim that the Princess needed lessons from a Warrior?”

1077 stammered. “I…”

“Don't try to lie to me, because I will know. Get ready to move out,” she said and turned to face the camp. “Everyone listen up! Know your disguise and story! We have infiltrators in town that can provide aid if need be, but this is your test! You must return with a vial of pure love before tomorrow or you will have failed the test! Should you fail then I’ll put you on latrine duty and I’ll drag you through so many lessons that you won’t know where the disguise begins and changeling ends!”

The infiltrators in camp immediately began to transform into their selected roles. One turned into a small pink pegasus filly, another into a meek green unicorn stallion, and a third into a large brown earth pony with a straw hat. Green fires rose and fall across the camp as the changelings transformed and Lampyridae took a deep breath before the green flames washed over her as well. The Princess took on the form of a sleek unicorn mare with a dark coat and pink mane. She rolled her neck and walked around to get a feel of her new body.

“It is always strange being this heavy…” Lampyridae mumbled.

1077 snorted. “And it is strange that you lack a cutie mark, Princess.”

She stuck out her tongue at him once again there was a wave of green flames that washed over her. She now had a cutie mark, a simple spellbook. It was rudimentary at best, but it looked real. 1077 gave her a nod and soon closed his eyes to concentrate. He felt the warmth of the transformative fire roll over his body and he imagined himself as a grey earth pony with large muscles and a cutie mark of a sword and shield. As he opened his eyes he saw the disguised Princess eye his form with an approving smile.

“I like the muscles,” she said.

“I don’t like pretending to be meek. I can do stupid, but I refuse to grovel like a craven.”

Infiltrator Tarsus walked up to them and eyed their disguises before nodding and pointing towards Dodge Junction far in the distance. “You two will enter from the train station and pretend you came by train. You are friends from Canterlot out seeing all the far corners of Equestria.”

1077 sighed. “Do I have to go near the train?”

“Yes you do,” Tarsus said with a growl. “You will not let the Princess out of your sight, is that understood? If anything were to happen I will have you sent to the Frozen North.”

Lampyridae rolled her eyes. “It is fine. Just seduce a stallion, get his love, and leave. Mother drilled me extensively for this trip.”

“And knowing you that might still not be enough…” Tarsus mumbled and hurried away to help the other changelings.

Lampyridae feigned offense. “Did you hear that, 1077? She accused me of being a bad student!”

“I can’t imagine why. You who always take studying so seriously, a bad student? It is not like you need the Queen glaring at you to memorize something,” he said with a laugh.

“Haha. Just lead on so we can get this over with,” she said with a smile.

“It’d be my pleasure, Princess.”

The journey to Dodge’s Junction was a long and grueling task. Once the desert started the heat hammered down upon the disguised changelings. The dry air felt rough against 1077’s lungs and his coat stuck to him like a wet rag. He cursed numerous times as they traveled over the sand and he tried to conserve as much water as possible. Lampyridae’s needs came first and she chugged down their canteens of water so quickly that he worried she was dying from a fever. But eventually, they neared their goal, the train station of Dodge’s Junction. Lampyridae was the one to cast the invisibility spell and they both snuck up onto the platform. They waited on ponies to step off the train and open the door to the station, and once they did so the pair snuck into the small wooden building. Once inside they both looked around for an empty room and stepped into an empty restroom. Lampyridae released her hold of the spell and they walked back out into the train station, both of them drenched in sweat.

“You two city folk?”

1077 turned around to see a white pony stallion watching them with a friendly grin. The stallion had a black hat on his head with a cherry patch sown onto its side. 1077 nodded at the stranger. “Aye, we’re trying to see most of Equestria this year.”

Lampyridae stepped forward and smiled at the stallion. “I am Lusterious Arcane and this is my friend Valiant Sword. We’re from Canterlot.”

“Ah! Not just city folk but proper capital residents eh? Well, welcome to Dodge Junction! I am Patient Birch, but call me Pat. We don’t get many folks from the capital coming all the way out here. Final station and all that.”

1077 eyed the stallion curiously. This Dodge Junction resident seemed friendly enough, though there was something… off. It took him a while to see it but he finally noticed the green shimmer in the stallion’s pupils. It would be hard to spot for a non-changeling, but 1077 was certain that he’d seen the tell-tale signs of a disguise. “Yes, we were told that our appearance would be a bit odd. You wouldn’t mind showing us around, sir?”

The stallion gave them a happy grin and nodded. “Of course, just follow me! I know all of Dodge Junction you see and I’ll happily tell you all about our little town!”

Pat led them out from the train station and out into the sandy streets of Dodge Junction. The small town was bustling with activity as ponies walked between the saloon and small shops. Most headed in the direction of the cherry orchard on the outskirts of town, likely to continue working after their lunch. As they passed the wooden buildings 1077 eyed the residents one by one. Now and again he caught glimpses of the same green shimmer he’d seen in the eyes of Pat in the eyes of other ponies, all of which gave him a curt nod.

“Our town may not look like much but we are famous for our cherries! You won’t find any more quality cherries than ours or workers as dedicated as those we have in Dodge Junction,” Pat mused.

“May we try some of these cherries?” Lampyridae said and licked her lips.

1077 gave her a confused look. Was that meant to be sensual? Why would she— His eyes widened in sudden realization and he choked back a laugh. She didn’t know. Perhaps Infiltrator Tarsus was right to worry if the Princess couldn’t tell their own people apart from the actual ponies.

“I can let you taste some! I have a few at home,” Pat responded to Lampyridae’s question with an amused grin and led them to a simple one-story house. He pulled out a key from his hat and unlocked the door, leading them inside.

As Pat closed the door 1077 sighed. “We don’t need an escort.”

The disguised princess gave him a strange look. “What are you—”

“I have orders from the Queen, as do every ling’ in town! We are to not let the Princess out of our sight for any reason,” Pat said. “You may have some muscle, but you’re still new to your duties. You guard the Princess and we keep an eye from afar.”

1077 sighed and rubbed his forehead. “You expect me to focus with every other pony in town staring at us? Let the Princess deal with it herself, she’s capable.”

Lampyridae watched the conversation with growing annoyance. “I am right here, you know?”

“The Queen gave an order.”

“And I am telling you—”

“Do not ignore me!” Lampyridae growled.

1077 and Pat immediately turned to face her and they both gave her a quick bow.

“That’s better…” she mumbled. “Now I want to know just exactly how many infiltrators we have in town.”

Pat swallowed nervously. “That information isn’t for—”

“Your Princess asked a question,” 1077 said and gave the Infiltrator a stoic stare. “Unless of course, you wish to disobey a member of the royal family?” He asked and placed himself next to Lampyridae.

Pat looked to have an internal debate, his gaze flicking between the two of them now and again until he let out a sigh. “Around forty. Fifteen are permanently stationed to help out new broddling infiltrators, me among them. The rest are here temporarily to grow accustomed to pony society before they are sent off on other assignments further inland. And then there are the Infiltrators that came with you. None of us will get in the way of your assignment, your highness.”

Lampyridae mumbled under her breath and looked out the window. “There’s more changelings here than ponies…”

“Not true! Dodge Junction has over three hundred—”

Lampyridae glared at Pat and took a step towards him, backing him into the door. There was a dangerous glow to her pink eyes. ”That. Is. Not. My. Point. How am I meant to learn about ponies if I’ll be surrounded by changelings at all times?”

1077 could not help but feel some amusement at the look of pure terror in Pat’s eyes. Rarely did Lampyridae get angry, but when she wanted something…

“Princess I assure you we—”

“Does mother expect me to learn by having me surrounded by fake ponies all day? Did you prepare a stallion for me as well? Is there a pony out there right now that’s been hypnotized or conditioned to be susceptible to my advances? Mother knows what my disguise looks like, did she plant the image of this shell in a stallion’s mind?” the disguised Princess hissed. “And don’t try to lie, I’ll know if you are.”

Pat swallowed audibly and gave a weak nod. “There is a stallion named Baeful Wind… He’s a newcomer, working at the cherry farm. A fool on most accounts. The Queen said—”

Lampyridae let out a spiteful hiss and leaned in closer, pushing Pat onto his hind legs and his back into the door. “I will not take part in mother’s game, I will find my own prey.”

Lampyridae’s horn glowed a brilliant pink and she picked up the fake stallion with a strong telekinetic grip. Pat let out a yell as the Princess tossed him into the living room and she opened the door and stormed off. 1077 cast an amused glance at Pat before he followed Lampyridae. The Princess cast deadly glares at any disguised changeling she saw and most scurried off or focused on other things.

“There must be some stallions in the saloon…” Lampyridae mumbled.

“Certainly, and perhaps something to drink. This heat is killing me…” 1077 said and wiped his brow. “Though I believe you will find it easier if you went to the orchard.”

The Princess stopped dead in her tracks and gave him a challenging stare. “What?”

1077 sighed and nodded in the direction of the orchard, the cherry trees visible in the distance. He looked around to make sure they weren’t observed by any ponies before he began to speak. “The Queen ordered it, did she not? While I am not fond of such underhanded tactics—and I will confess I see it as awful training—the Queen has commanded it. If you disobey her not just you will be punished but all Infiltrators in town. Many who are simply doing as they’ve been ordered will face penalties if you disobey. While they are craven for trying to trick their Princess, they are doing so to obey their Queen.”

Lampyridae cursed beneath her breath and eyed him closely. Her pink eyes stared deeply into his grey ones like she was trying to see his true irises beneath the disguise. “Would you follow me anywhere?”

“I would.”

“Even if it means punishment?”

“If that is a consequence for keeping you safe and furthering your education then so be it,” he said with a nod.

“Then today you will come with me to the saloon, disobey my mother, and help me find a real and unsullied stallion to feed from,” she said and stood tall, like a Praetorian giving orders to a Soldier.

1077 couldn’t help but give her a proud grin. “As you command, my Princess.”

The Dodge Junction saloon was surprisingly crowded despite it being mid-day. Multiple mares and stallions sat around the tables and drank cactus juice and cider, their chatter a constant buzzing in 1077’s ears. An automated piano sat by a staircase leading up to the floor above and the floor around it had been cleared so ponies could dance to the infernal sounds. And many did dance as the music had possessed them. Considering what it sounded like 1077 assumed it indeed possessed them. Despite the crowd by the piano, the saloon bar was crowded by stallions demanding cider to help with the dry heat. The sounds of laughter, inane conversations, and general chaotic air made 1077 scrounge his snout and he shuddered. Ponies were just like he remembered them. Especially since many let out loud greetings and a few threw some not-so-subtle hints at Lampyridae.

Almost as if she felt his discomfort, which she in all likelihood did, Lampyridae bumped his side and motioned to a table in the corner. “Come on.”

The pair sat down and 1077 looked at the ocean of ponies, and a few changelings, with a sigh. “We should return home as fast as possible.”

“I don’t know why you’re so against being around them. You have done this before haven’t you?” Lampyridae asked.

“I have, but that doesn’t mean I like being in Pony settlements.”

“What, never seduced some cute pony mare? I know you completed your exam.”

He let out an amused scoff. “It is not my place to seduce mares and steal their love. I guarded the Infiltrators as they fumbled about making fools of themselves. I never seduced anyone.”

“Well, you wouldn’t have to steal their love you know? There are lings’ that have found a pony mate.”

1077 shook his head. “I am not interested in such treasonous thoughts. My duty is to find a strong Warrior and mate with her once the Queen demands a new brood. I follow the principles and orders that have guided our people for generations. Some Infiltrators might have ‘gone native’ as some lings’ call it, but I would not upset the natural order of things.”

The Princess rolled her eyes. “Yeah, because you always follow the rules when you’re around me.”

“I bend some of them to keep you safe, Firefly. I am still following the orders of the royal household by adhering to your commands and I am still supporting your endeavor to complete your exam by taking you to this place. I have yet to break any rules.”

She sighed at his words and leaned her head against her hooves. “You see ponies and changelings being together as unnatural, but odd couples are cute. I don’t see an issue in such relationships. A few changelings left the hive to be with their pony lovers and broke our rules, yet more love was had because of it. It was a positive change. Adhering to the castes at all times will stifle us.”

1077’s face darkened at her words. “Don’t compare me to the traitors! I would never abandon my brood brothers, even if there was a ‘cute mare’ waiting for me.”

The Princess pressed her ears against her head and looked crestfallen. “I was just—”

“I am not so selfish and stupid as to abandon my hive because I found some pony attractive. Odd couples are seen as odd for a reason. I know my place,” he said through gritted teeth. “You should know yours, Princess.”

Lampyridae sat up and looked at him with shock. Her expression quickly morphed into one of great sadness and she got up from the table.

1077 felt his anger dissipate as he saw her look and he looked at her remorsefully. “Firefly, I’m…”

“You want me to play my role? Fine, I’ll play my role!” the princess hissed and stormed off towards the dancing ponies.

1077 sighed and leaned back against the chair, closing his eyes. Conflicting emotions welled up within him and he did not know what to do with them. He felt a great amount of anger, both at himself and his charge. Who was she to question the divine order? And who was he to cause such great pain to the greatest changeling in the hive?... His anger quickly turned back into sadness and he tried to reason with his storm of sorrows. Why would he feel sorry? Even with the Princess being as affectionate as she was they could never be together. He was not a Praetorian. He was a soldier that had gotten lucky, enough Praetorians in the hive had told him as such. Yet… 1077 knew why she had brought up the traitors. They had broken the divine order, and he hated them for it, but they had not been struck down by the Heavens for their sin. The Seamstress had not whispered madness into their hearts as they left the Prowl.

1077 eyes drifted to the dancing ponies and he saw Lampyridae dancing with a stallion. She gave her dancing partner small smiles and moved her body in time to the piano. Each movement was meant to enchant and capture the attention of the male before her. The blue pegasus that danced with her was absolutely awestruck by the disguised Princess. A unicorn mare had to be rare this far out in the fringes of Equestria, and Lampyridae had chosen an alluring form that reminded 1077 a lot about her true self. Soon the disguised Princess and blue pegasus owned the dance floor, all giving them space to continue their twisting and quick movements.

As they danced and got even closer, the blue pegasus grinning as the false mare pressed against him, 1077 felt a great wave of rageful jealousy wash over him. He looked away from the dancing ponies and tried to clear his mind. "I know my place..."

But as the Princess kissed the pegasus' neck, drawing chuckles from the crowd, 1077 wished that he didn't. After the music stopped and the dance ended he watched as Lampyridae whispered something into the stallion's ear with a wink. The two of them went to the bar and after an exchange for some bits, they received a key from the barkeep. The pair then headed for the stairs and passed 1077, Lampyridae did not even acknowledge him, and they walked up to the second floor where the bedrooms were.

1077 just slammed his forehead into the table with a frustrated groan.

And this story has now officially hit 20k words. I am glad that all of you are enjoying it so much! I even reached 80 like with the last chapter! Have a good now!