Warning: This Chapter contains Implied Death.

Changelings, Pegasi, Earth Ponies, and Unicorns were trying to battle a gaint black demon.

"King Virum, it seems we can't hold out for much longer. I don't think Plan A is going to work, your highness." A male yellow pegasus said.

"...Then we have no choice: We must resort to plan B." The Changeling King known as Virum said as he stepped forwad. "I will distract the demon. You tell the chosen Changelings and Unicorns that Operation 'Sacrfice and Seal' has been authorized." Virum added.

"Your highness, there has to be another way. If you go out there, you'll be killed by the demon. And then who will lead the changelings?" The pegasus asked.

"There is no need to fear." Virum said with a smile as he turned to the pegasus stallion. "If you have a child, then if and when I fall here today, pass this knowledge onto them: The one known as Amicitia; a name that is in latin like my own is; he is the future of the changeling race on my authority." Virum explained as he prepared to battle the demon.

"...Understoond your highness." The pegasus stallion said.

An earth pony balloonist couldn't believe his eyes as black creatures were flown from Canterlot. "Whoa, wonder what that's about?" The stallion in question asked. Suddenly, he heard a big thump happen on the bottom of his balloon. "...What was that?" The stallion asked.

A lone male changeling had hit the bottom of that balloon, and it quickly decended and crashlanded into the basement of the Golden Oaks Library. Which unbeknowest to him, was the home of Twilight Sparkle.

But what nopony or changeling realize that this changeling had a name: That name was latin, and it translated to something ponies shared between each other.

And this one thing would cause a ripple effect to take place, changing history as all have come to know it.

My Name is Twilight Sparkle. Originally, I had wrote this as a way to document and study changeling behavior on a scientific level. However, when push came to shove, I found myself removed from my scientific mind and thrust into a world of romance and changes; which in turn made this documentation worthless as research material. And yet, considering the circumstances, I wouldn't dare change the results even if it meant the end of the world if I didn't.

It all started that day me and my friends returned from defeating King Sombra and restoring the Crystal Empire to it's former glory. That was when I came home and encountered one of them, a changeling. This one male, and different then any others as I would find out. That was the day our paths crossed. That was the day my life would take a huge left turn.

I will forever remember that day in my mind, for it is the day I met my husband. The heir to the Changeling Throne as told by the late King Virum. The one whose name I know all too well: Amiticia the Changeling. But not just any changeling.

Amicitia was The Changeling of Friendship.

And this is our story. A story of friendship, a story of love, and a story of changes.

Returning to the Ponyville Library after saying goodbye to my friends, I opened the door with Spike right behind me; both of us ready to call it a day. Little did I realize just what would be waiting for me once I opened that door, let alone the fact that my day had only just begun.

"Ugh. It's so good to be home again." I said as I walked through the door.

"You're telling me, Twilight. I'm all ready to cozy up on my bed and get some well-deserved sleep." Spike had told me.

"The same applies to me Spike. Trust me on that one." I said to him. That's when we both heard banging coming from the library's basement hatch. "I wonder, did perchance some pony lock themselves in the basement of the library by accident while we were gone?" I asked aloud.

"They couldn't have. I remembered to lock the door and everything." Spike said before openening the basement door. But when he did, a changeling burst out from under there.

"Ugh! FINALLY FREE! I'VE BEEN STUCK IN THAT DARK SPOOKY PLACE FOR DAYS NOW!" The changeling said.

"You!" I yelled. "Who are you, do you work for Queen Chrysalis?!" I exclaimed.

"Uh, what are you talking about? Who are you? Whose this 'Queen Chrysalis' creature? Did she do something bad?" The changeling asked, his tone containing a genuine feeling of confusion.

However, after encountering Chrysalis, I wasn't about to take this at muzzle value. "She nearly conquered all of Equestria, impersonated my sister-in-law, and almost permanently drove a wedge between me and my friends." I told him. "Does this ring any bells?" I asked.

"Nope sorry. But I can tell that she must not be a very nice changeling. By the way, what's a changeling? I've had that word stuck in my head the whole time I was down there, and I don't know what a changeling is. I just know that I happen to be one, somehow." The changeling said.

"Um, changelings happened to be creatures who can steal love from ponies like myself." Twilight said.

"Now that's not very nice. And very very wrong. I'd never do anything like that. I swear to the First One's image on that." The changeling said.

"...The First One’s image? What in the world does that mean?" Twilight asked.

"I'm not sure, I just somehow know that when a changeling swears on the image of the First One, they mean it." The changeling said.

"Okay then. So, what name do you go by? Is it insect related?" Twilight asked.

"My name? I do remember that. It's Amicitia. But I don't remember who called me that. I just know that it's my name, and that it's supposed to be special somehow." The changeling said.

The moment he said the name Amiticia, I had unique reason to trust what he was saying now. For that name was Latin. In English, it means "Friendship". Regardless, I had promptly told Amiticia to wait with Spike as my number one assistant sent an emergency letter to Celestia while I went to round up my friends.

...I had no idea that our meeting would end up the way it ultimately did, but as I've stated, I wouldn't change a thing.

Spike was kind enough to tell me of what he discussed with Amiticia prior to my return with the girls. This next part was written in thanks to what he told me.

"So, changelings do need love to survive it seems. That much I get. But couldn't I you know, ask for permission or something? Besides, from what I can tell, there's a lot of postive emotions floating about." Amicitia said.

"You can sense emotions?" Spike asked, worried and confused. I personally knew why he would be worried, but he'd never tell Amiticia.

"Seems I can. Now that I'm not stuck in that basement, I can tell that this village you call Ponyville has positive emotions running rampant. There are some negative emotions mixed in, but every pony out there seems to be experiencing some form of positive mood-outlet." Amicitia said.

"Oh. So you can sense negative emotions too." Spike said.

"Yeah. But too many negative emotions around a changeling would most likely make one catch the deadliest form of illness to us changelings. I don't know how I know about this, but I know too many negative emotions can cause changelings to contract something called the Love Sickness. It's lethal and as it stands, there is no known cure." Amicitia said.

"That's not a fun thought. Have changelings experinced such a sickness before?" Spike asked.

"Well, I know that from what I recall, Chrysalis's hive is the only hive left after all the other hives suddenly contracted the sickness. I don't know how I know that, but I do." Amicitia said.

That actually made Spike wince. The fact that Chrysalis's hive is the last hive standing sure put things into a greater perspective.

And later, once I gathered my friends and Princess Celestia arrived alongside Princess Luna, Cadence, and Shining Armor, Spike had revealed what Amiticia had told him.

"...It seems Chrysalis made a desperation play. It may not fully excuse her actions, but at the very least, this was an act done to make sure her hive would not fall like the others have." Celestia said.

"So, that leaves the question of what to do with Amicitia? He still doesn't remember much. And can we really punish him for acting under orders?" Fluttershy asked. Every pony turned to her. "Um, I'm just saying that, maybe we shouldn't be too hard on him. You know, if you want to..." Fluttershy was growing quiet.

"Well he can't just get off scot free. Community service at the least." Rainbow Dash said.

"You more so just want to not suggest prison time just so you'll have some pony new to fly with." Applejack said.

"And what's wrong with that?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"Actually, prison time might be a bit harsh for this one. His name is in Latin, that much I am aware of. But the translation escapes my mind at this time." Luna said.

"Twilight, have you ever read latin before?" Applejack asked me in particular.

"I don't have special field in it, but I know enough of it from the various reading I've done that I can translate Latin into English. And the translation of his name, well, that's what convinced me that he may have been brainwashed by Chrysalis into obeying her orders." I answered.

"You mean that witch was willing to brainwash unwilling members of her own hive into obeying her orders just because she wanted to invade and enslave us?!" Shining Armor exclaimed. "I didn't give you enough credit with the wedding situation, so I'm willing to listen to you this time Twi." He added.

"Well don't keep us waiting sugarcube, what's this feller's name mean in English?" Applejack asked me.

"Amicitia in Latin, translated to English to mean the very thing that Celestia has asked me to study: Friendship." I answered.

"His name translates to Friendship? Considering he's a bug and all, I expected it to translate to something bug related. Not Friendship though. Not by a long shot." Rainbow Dash said. The main six turned to the pegasus. "What? Just because I'm not Booksmart like Twilight is, doesn't mean that reading the Daring Do books hasn't allowed me to at least be booksmart enough to know a few things." Rainbow Dash argued.

I chuckled at that. "Wonder if Scootaloo knows." I said.

"She doesn't mind at all. Then again, she thinks anything I do is cool." Rainbow Dash said.

"...Yeah that sounds like Scootaloo alright." Fluttershy mentioned.

Amicitia blinked though. I could tell he was thinking something, but I don't know what that was. It's not important for the time being anyways.

"Speaking of Scootaloo, I saw her hanging out with Rumble who was helping her fly like he does. Which is good because his brother Thunderlane is a good friend of mine." Rainbow Dash said. "So, if any pony was going to help Scootaloo, it'd be Rumble. He's got underdeveloped wings too yet can still fly." She added.

"Isn't Thunderlane retiring from the Wonderbolts at the end of the year?" I asked Celestia.

It was Rainbow Dash who answered me though. "And for good reason: He and Derpy are getting married in a couple of months, and he wants to focus on his family more than his job." Rainbow Dash said.

"I am aware that Thunderlane is retiring in two months, but he never gave the reason for his resignation. I suppose now I know why." Celestia said.

"So, who are the Wonderbolts exactly?" Amicitia asked.

"Oh buddy, you don't even know, then let me fill you in." Rainbow Dash then proceeded to give out quite a bit of information about the Wonderbolts to Amitiicia. This was stuff I already knew about, and would be more important later on, but safe to say, right now it wasn't important.

"...Wow. And you said you wanted to become one right? Well I really hope you get in then. In fact, I'll be rooting for you." Amicitia said.

"Uh, thanks I guess?" Rainbow Dash said in a confused tone.

"I mean it. I really hope you get in. I want you to make your dream come true. I would love for us both to make our dreams come true." Amicitia said.

"...You have a dream of your own?" Rainbow Dash asked, curious now. I was a bit surprised that Rainbow Dash would ask that, but I wanted to know the answer too.

"You're probably going to think it's silly. It's just that, for some reason, I had this dream about a battle once some time ago. I don't know why I can remember it so vividly, or what it was really about, but in that dream, I saw Ponies and Changelings fighting this strange giant black demon. I saw them struggling to defeat this demon, until one changeling male; one that was bigger than the others; stepped forward and gave six unicorns and six changelings a chance to cast a spell that sealed the demon away." Amicitia said. "I wish that ponies and changelings can work together for the betterment of the world, instead of having to be at odds with one another. Just like they were in that battle I dreamed about." He added.

"Amicitia that's quite the dream you had. I don't know how you are able to recall such a dream like that, but I can tell you this: If it's possible to achieve, we may be able to do it. Provided Chrysalis is willing to try and be more peaceful with us the next time we see her." Luna said.

"I sure hope so. Because I would love for ponies and changelings to co-exist in peace." Amicitia said.

"...That settles it then. Until further notice, I'd like Amicitia to stay with me." I had said. There was a collective yell that occurred as soon as I finished my statement.

"YOU WANT WHAT NOW?!"

Yes I'm using the same logic from My Little Pony: The Draconic Sister - Reboot when it comes to Rumble. I mean seriously, Rumble's wings look just like the ones Scootaloo has, so how has this NOT been brought up before? When I made the original version of this story, I originally just had Scootaloo use a special ramp Rainbow Dash designed to get her to and from Rainbow's Cloudhouse as Scootaloo's aunts don't exist in this universe. However, by using the same logic from the Draconic Sister universe with Rumble here, I decided early to get Scootaloo flying as soon as possible so I can drop the related bombshell as to what's in Rainbow Dash's home a little sooner so I can expand certain aspects of this story out and have a few third person P.O.V. chapters in the mix so this story can introduce the Rainbow Dash and Pharynx romance sooner than the original.

Considering the bombshell I dropped on every pony, I should've expected this sort of reaction. But it wasn't the only bombshell that happened that day...

"Look sis, it's not that I don't trust you, it's that I'm not sure if I can trust him so easily." Shining Armor said.

"Why is the stallion guard giving me the evil eye? I don't mean any harm, I swear." Amicitia said.

"I'll be fine BBBFF. If Amicitia wanted to harm me or any pony else, he'd have done so by now." I argued.

Amicitia was gazing at Rainbow Dash's mane and tail. "Wow, I love the rainbow design of your mane and tail." Amicitia said, eyes full of wonder.

"...Heh. It's pretty awesome, isn't it?" Rainbow Dash asked, smuggly.

"Oh boy. Amicitia just stroked Rainbow's ego." Applejack said slamming her head onto my table.

"Please do be careful with Twilight's table darling." Rarity said.

"...See what I mean?" I asked.

"...That is an extremely good point." Shining Armor said.

"By the way, what's with the amount of love the young drake is producing?" Amicitia asked.

"Drake? What's a drake?" Fluttershy asked.

"...Are you serious? You don't know that you have a baby dragon in this library?" Amicitia asked.

"You mean Spike right? Is drake another word for a baby dragon, perhaps?" Applejack asked.

"Drake is the term we changelings use for baby dragons who have yet to gain their wings." Amicitia said. "...Huh. Seems parts of my memory are starting to return but I still can't seem to remember everything yet. Such as who gave me my name. There's even a whole two years of my life missing from my memory." He added.

"T-two whole years?!" Princess Celestia exclaimed.

"...Her being taken aback by that statement is a bad thing, right?" Amicitia asked.

"Eeyep." Applejack said simply. I don't blame her.

"Okay. Just making sure." Amicitia said.

"It could just be that Amicitia doesn't remember anything for the past two years, because Chrysalis had him brainwashed for that long." Twilight said.

"That's a disturbing thought, and quite frankly, it disturbs me." Princess Luna said.

"It disturbs me too Luna." Princess Celestia said.

"...That's a bad thing, right?" Amicitia asked.

"Yes, it is; because it means that we can officially have Chrysalis charged with more than just invading Equestria. Of course, we'd need to be able to know if she had any heirs to the throne before we consider stripping her of her throne." Princess Celestia said. That's when a knock on the door occured.

"I'll get it." I said and opened the door to find Spitfire there.

"C-captain Spitfire, wh-why are you here?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"The Wonderbolts found a Changeling flying around Cloudsdale. But all he's been asking about is when he can get to finding his brother." Spitfire said. "Since he didn't seem like he was attacking any ponies and was just going around using some sort of harmless magic on them, I'm not sure what to do." She added. She noticed Amicitia. "Another changeling is here in Ponyville?" Spitfire asked.

"We were just talking about him Captain. This is Amicitia." Princess Celestia said.

"...Did you just say his name is Amicitia?" Spitfire asked.

"That's my name. I know it's in latin and everything, but I promise I'm not a bad changeling." Amicitia said.

"Then you've found him. You've found the heir to King Virum's throne." Spitfire said, relaxing.

"Virum? Whose Virum?" I asked.

"That was the name of the late Changeling King who lost his life in the battle of Radical Hill long ago. He along with six changelings, and six unicorns lost thier lives to defeat a demon known as Astrotle Mondoli. It was Virum's plan B of sorts. Plan A involved Changelings, Unicorns, Earth ponies, and Pegasi simply trying to overwhelm the demon." Spitfire said.

"Th-that describes my dream to a T." Amicitia said. "Could Virum have given me those memories? But why me? Why me out of every other drone in the hive?" He asked.

"You don't know? Amicitia, you are the son of King Virum and Queen Uxorem." Spitfire said.

"Those names are both latin. They mean ‘Husband’ and ‘Wife’ respectively." I said.

"But, I thought Queen Chrysalis's hive was the only hive left?" Amicitia asked.

"...Right. You wouldn't know. At some point just before the battle took place, Queen Uxorem changed her name to Chrysalis." Spitfire said. "I only know because my father imparted this knowledge to me. He was one of the Pegasi in that battle." She added.

"...Wait, you're saying we already have the rightful heir to Queen Chrysalis's throne right here in this room?!" Twilight exclaimed. "But that means that Chrysalis brainwashed her own son. And just when I thought things couldn't have gotten worse for her." She added.

"There's no doubt we'll be able to strip Chrysalis of her throne and power now, and give it to Amicitia." Celestia said. "Better to give it to him anyways." She added.

"...Yeah. He doesn't seem to want to harm any pony." Shining Armor said.

"C-can you bring the changeling drone here then? I wish to talk with him or her." Amicitia said.

"Sure, I guess I can do that." Spitfire said.

Some time later, the changeling was here in my library.

"I-I know you. Your Pharynx, right?" Amicitia asked.

"...Prince Amicitia? Is that you again? It's been two years since you've been yourself again. I never knew what happened to you that caused such a strange change, but I always suspected your mother had something to do with it." The changeling said.

"Well that just confirmed that Amicitia is the heir to the throne if this changeling drone amitted it himself." Rainbow Dash said. "Not that I doubted Spitfire's word on the matter to begin with, but it's good to have additional evidence." She added.

"Heh. I don't take any offense to that statement." Spitfire said.

"Pharynx, what happened for you to be here, exactly?" Amicitia asked.

"My brother didn't return to the hive. And your mother brands him an outsider now since it's been more then three days with no contact. I came to come find him, despite knowing that Chrysalis would exile me from the hive for it. But I don't care. My brother is too important to me." Pharynx said. Rainbow Dash couldn't help but admire the loyalty there.

"We'll find him Pharynx. As the heir to the Changeling throne, I promise you that we will find him." Amicitia said.

"I know you will Prince Amicitia. And I swear I'll help protect you and any others you want me to. Right now, I turn to you for guidance." Pharynx said.

"Then I guess you'll be staying here in Ponyville with me. That's alright with all of you, right?" Amicitia asked.

"Just so long as neither of you do anything that goes against Equestria as a whole, you may stay here in Ponyville if you wish." Celestia said.

"Thank you Princess Celestia. I hope that eventually, the entire rest of the hive can be liberated from my mother. May I make just one request though?" Amicitia asked.

"That depends, what is it?" Luna asked.

"Can you please not kill her? I don't want to lose the only family I have left." Amicitia said.

"...I suppose we can agree to that. But know this: Should she attack Equestria again, I won't hesitate to defend my citizens." Celestia said.

"I understand Princess." Amicitia said.

It didn't take long for Princess Celestia to make a royal announcement to Equestria at large in regards to Amicitia and who he is exactly. While there were a couple of nobles that didn't seem like they appreciated that the son of Chrysalis was being given a free pass, Celestia had explained the entire situation around Amicitia and what exactly happened with him. That pretty much made pretty much all the nobles shut up. All except one. Care to take an early guess who?

"You can't be serious Aunty. I get that he was brainwashed, but I say we blackmail Chrysalis with this information. Tell her that if she doesn't turn herself in, her own son will be executed in her place for the various crimes she's committed." Blueblood said. I growled.

"...Tell me something, Blueblood, how would you like it if Princess Celestia suddenly turned evil, and then the populace basically blackmailed her to turn herself in or you'd be executed. By a show of hooves, how many nobles here would be willing to risk your life like that?" Amicitia asked. Pretty much every noble in the room raised their hoof. In fact, the only pony who didn't raise their hoof was Blueblood. "...Thought so. Seems you've burned every bridge you could with your fellow nobels. Not a single one would think twice then to use you for blackmail. I wonder why that is?" Amicitia asked. "Seems to me, that you've been flaunting your position so much, that you've stepped on the toes of at least every noble in here. So I ask you now, 'Prince' Blueblood: Which one of us is more of a prince now?" Amicitia asked.

"...Auntie, I demand that you go through my demands at once, because this one cannot be trusted." Blueblood said.

"I refuse. Plain and simple. Because it seems that you have not been doing what I asked of you and straightened out that attitude of yours. This better be the last time any evidence of your incompetence to actually work with your fellow nobles, or you may find yourself stripped of your lands and title." Celestia said.

Blueblood gulped. "...Yes Auntie." He said meekly.

After that, my own brother practically praised Amicitia for this little act. Even he had to admit the way he stuck it to Blueblood like that was something many nobles wish they had the heart to do. When I asked Amicitia how he knew, he brought up once again how Changelings can detect feelings, no matter how distinct. And it had occurred to him, that every noble in that room had resentment towards Blueblood for some reason. My brother quite liked that Amicitia practically revealed that Blueblood has burned many bridges over the years.

In fact, Amicitia's changeling abilities came in real handy a couple of days later when Pinkie Pie cloned herself with the mirror pool. This allowed me and the rest of my friends to isolate the real Pinkie Pie so I could dispel all the various clones around Ponyville. It was this act alone that made the populace of Ponyville accept Amicitia a lot more, since he was able to help me get rid of the horde of Pinkie Pies. It was the day after the Pinkie Pie hoard that was very interesting however.

Amicitia was enjoying his time outside with me when who else would crash into him but Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo.

"Ouch. That hurt you know." Amicitia said.

"Scootaloo, you should really watch where you're driving that scooter of yours." I said to Scootaloo.

"I know Twilight. Hey, is this that Prince Amicitia fellow?" Scootaloo asked.

"That is me. You can just call me Amicitia if you'd like." Amicitia said.

"I'm Scootaloo." Scootaloo introduced.

"I'm Sweetie Belle." Sweetie Belle said.

"And ah'm Apple Bloom." Apple Bloom spoke up next.

"AND WE ARE THE CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS!" The three fillies yelled at once.

"MY EARS!" Amicitia exclaimed. "How on earth are the three of you able to have such high volume when you yell together?" He asked.

"Beats us, we just go with the flow mostly." Scootaloo said.

"Besides, we're busy trying to get our cutie marks. So that Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon won't pick on us anymore." Sweetie Belle said.

"...Two fillies are not treating you as equals?" Amicitia asked.

"Yeah." Apple Bloom said.

"...I'll be right back. I'm getting to the bottom of this." Amicitia said before teleporting away.

"...Wonder what that was about?" Scootaloo asked.

"Do you honestly think he believes Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon have a reason for their actions?" Sweetie Belle asked.

"Well he is a changeling. Didn't you hear how he basically turned the entire noble class on Blueblood with just one question?" Apple Bloom asked.

"...How do you know that?" I asked after blinking.

"We may have heard a few rumors of about it." Scootaloo said. "Even if we don't work for the Foal Free Press anymore, we still can't help but here about gossip." She added.

"Fair point." I said. There was a large yelling coming from half-way across Ponyville.

"...That did NOT sound like Diamond Tiara." Apple Bloom said.

That was when Amicitia re-appeared. "...Well. Turns out that Diamond Tiara's mother was mostly to blame. Got the full story. Silver Spoon was only doing things because Diamond Tiara was her only friend, and Diamond Tiara was being trained to basically step over all her peers and drag them into the mud. I highly doubt that after basically scaring Spoiled Rich into stop raising her daughter so harshly, that those two will ever do it again." Amicitia said.

"Wouldn't that be a bad thing?" Apple Bloom asked.

"...You're complaining to me about not having to deal with Diamond Tiara's bullying anymore?" Amicitia asked.

"Well, when you put it that way, guess scaring DT's mother was better than anything else you could've done." Sweetie Belle said.

"How exactly did you scare Spoiled Rich anyways?" I asked.

"I just hope I didn't scare her so bad that she'll end up needing to be sent to a mental hospital. I shouldn't have been able to scare her that bad by transforming into a manticore and roaring at her." Amicitia said.

"I guess it depends on how afraid Spoiled Rich would be by something like that." I said.

The good news is that when Apple Bloom's cousin Babs Seed came by things went by rather smoothly and Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon stayed mostly away from the action, allowing the CMC to get one new member easily. The bad news, is that Spoiled Rich did have to be given therapy, but after what was revealed about how Spoiled Rich was raising Diamond Tiara, Amicitia was given a pass since it pretty much stopped Diamond Tiara's bad behavior around other ponies for good. There was one more thing the day after Babs Seed left back to Manehatten that Scootaloo told me about.

"I'm...I'm sorry. For everything." Diamond Tiara had told the entire class that day. And then she even said it to the Cutie Mark Crusader's face later. "I don't know if I'll ever earn your forgiveness especially so, but I'll do what I can to do so." Diamond Tiara said.

"Hey, so long as you don't try and bully us no more, we'll gladly accept your apology." Apple Bloom said.

"Th-thanks. I have more apologies to give out. And after that, I'll try and see how I can start earning forgiveness from others." Diamond Tiara said.

Don't worry, the CMC will still be getting their cannon cutie marks roughly the same way, it's that the circumstances around it will be different.

Scootaloo was doing a few flight maneuvers while Rumble and Rainbow Dash were watching her.

"I can't believe I'm doing this. This actually feels good." Scootaloo said. "I'll probably still scooter places, but I can actually fly now. That's the important part." She added.

"I'm glad I could help out so much. Hope your still up for hanging out at other points in time." Rumble said.

"Sure thing Rumble. And thanks for the help." Scootaloo said.

"Think nothing of it, Scoots." Rumble said before leaving.

"You really made it in the air Scoots. I'm proud of you." Rainbow Dash said.

"That means a lot Rainbow Dash. And thanks for taking care of me for so long. I can still stay at your place, right?" Scootaloo asked.

"Yep. My home's your home Scoots. Now and forever." Rainbow Dash said. "Listen, I'm going to be talking with Pinkie Pie. I'm sure she'll want to throw you a party over being able to fly now." She added.

"Yeah that sounds like Pinkie Pie alright. I'll head home and grab a few things." Scootaloo said.

"Yeah, you do that." Rainbow Dash said before flying off. Scootaloo flew off towards Rainbow Dash's home.

"This is the best day ever. I can't imagine how it could get any better." Scootaloo said.

Eventually, Scootaloo entered Rainbow Dash's home. Rainbow Dash had been nice to let Scootaloo stay there while Scootaloo searched for her family. Her real family. Just before the two ponies who adopted her left Ponyville, they had revealed that they had adopted her. And that they wanted her to find her real family. Rainbow Dash had offered to let Scootaloo stay with her for as long as it took the orange pegasus to find her real parents, going so far as to even build a scooter ramp for the filly.

Scootaloo smiled before she noticed that Rainbow's room was opened. "That's strange. Rainbow Dash usually keeps her door locked." Scootaloo said before heading inside. There, she found a journal with Rainbow Dash's cutie mark on it. "Is this perhaps Rainbow's diary. I suppose a small peak wouldn't hurt." Scootaloo said.

Celestia year 988, fourth day of Spring Moon

So, this is my first attempt at actually writing a diary. My parents got me this one after I got my cutie mark today. Guess it was their suprise. Though I couldn't find Fluttershy anywhere in Cloudsdale. I hope she's alright and that nothing bad happened to her.

Celestia year 988, third day of Rain Moon
Turns out Fluttershy is okay, but she did get knocked off of Cloudsdale and into some place called Ponyville. She says she's not mad at me, but I can't help but feel a little guilty for it. I told her that I promise her, that if I ever need a favor, I'll come to her. I hope that I never need it though. Still, flight school is starting to get boring. I wanna start doing some advanced stuff like the Wonderbolts do.

Celestia year 995, fourth day of Harvest Moon
Guess I'm not too keen on this diary thing. I don't know how much booze I had last night, but by Celestia do I have a massive hangover suddenly. That and I don't feel very well at all.

Celestia year 995, seventh day of Harvest Moon
Well I don't have got a hangover anymore. But I still don't feel very well at all. If this problem presists into next week, I'll go see a doctor.

Celestia year 995, fourteenth day of Harvest Moon
Just got back from the doctor's today. Turns out I was never sick. I've been pregnant this whole time. Great. A mare like me getting knocked up just as I'm hitting my teen years. Guess I must've been so boozed up the day before my dairy skip that I had some pony breed me. But what makes me really angry is that my parents want me to have an abortion. Buck that noise. I don't care if this child was a mistake. I ain't about to let them die before they can live just for that. No. This colt or filly is going to be my responsibility, and my responsibility alone. I won't let my parents take him or her from me.

Celestia year 996, third day of Spring Moon
For the past ten months, I've been at Fluttershy's house so my parents couldn't take my baby away from me. Fluttershy understood me perfectly. She says that it's part of me being me and me about to be a mother. I couldn't care less honestly. If I'm to be a mother, I wanted to be the best and most awesome mare at doing so dammit. Sadly, that was not to be. My parents somehow found me shortly after I had the kid and took her away from me. I only had time to give her a name: Scootaloo.

Scootaloo gasped. She remembered her parents telling her she was really born on the third day of spring moon once. Now she had a year to go with everything. But would this really mean that Rainbow Dash was her mother? Scootaloo read further.

Celestia year 996, third day of Summer Moon.
I can't take it anymore. I can't stay here in Cloudsdale while my baby girl is out there. I have to find her. No matter what. I'm moving to Ponyville and then starting my search from there. I don't care how long it takes. I'm finding my Scootaloo.

Celestia year 998, fourth day of Spring Moon.
That Orange Pegasus filly that calls herself Scootaloo. She looks almost like my own baby. But I can't be sure yet. I have to check things.

Celestia Year 998, eighth day of Spring Moon.
...It's her. It's my daughter. There's no doubt about it in my mind. But...she has such a stable family right now. The best I can do is pretend we don't have a relationship and support her from afar. That way, I can still be there for her.

Celestia Year 999, seventh day of New Moon
Just yesterday, the adopted parents of Scootaloo left town. And then she told me that she wanted to look for her real family after finding out she was adopted. It took everything I had to not tell her right there and then. I didn't know how'd she react to me dropping that bombshell. For now, I'm just going to play it cool and pray I can keep it together. But I know this: I'm not going to disappoint her. No matter what.

Celestia Year 1000, third day of Summer Moon
So the Summer Sun Celebration came and went, and now that I've become the element of Loyalty, I want now more than ever to tell Scootaloo the truth. But...I can't seem to do it. I want to, but I can't.

Sister Year 2, eighth day of Spring Moon
...I can't wait any longer. Not only did the wedding between Shining Armor and Cadence almost end in disaster last month and almost drove a permanent wedge between my friends and Twilight, but we just barely were able to stop King Sombra in time. So I've decided that I'm going to tell Scootaloo the truth tomorrow. No more hiding. I'm going to tell her at the party Pinkie Pie is no doubt going to hold for Scootaloo being able to fly. I don't even care if she hates me. But Scootaloo, if your somehow reading this, just know this: I've wanted to tell you the truth for the longest time. But please, don't hate me. I don't want to lose you. Not again. Never again.

Scootaloo dropped the journal right there and then. She knew the truth now. That entry was written just yesterday after all. But no matter what, Scootaloo couldn't be angry and Rainbow Dash. Scootaloo instead felt a sense of excitement and joy. The very mare she had looked up to this whole time was her own real mother. Scootaloo couldn't have anger. Even if Rainbow Dash hid it all this time, she wanted Scootaloo to have a stable life above all else, and Rainbow wanted to be as good as she could be for Scootaloo without revealing the truth.

"Scootaloo, are you ready for the party?" Rainbow Dash asked from the living room. She came into the room and saw Scootaloo had just finished the journal. "...Oh." Rainbow Dash said, bracing herself for hate.

...But instead, Scootaloo gave Rainbow Dash; her biological mother; a loving hug. "...I love you too mom." Scootaloo said.

Rainbow Dash smiled. "...I'm glad you don't hate me. I don't know what I'd do if you hated me." She added.

"I can't bring myself to do it. Your still too awesome. And you're still going to be awesome, mom." Scootaloo said with a smile.

A tear escaped Rainbow Dash's eye. "...I'll always be your mother, Scootaloo." Rainbow Dash said, pulling her daughter into a wing hug.

Outside, Fluttershy smiled and then flew down. "So, what's going on? When's Scootaloo coming for her party?" Applejack asked.

"I think, we'll be waiting for a bit." Fluttershy said.

"That's good. Because my Pinkie sense tells me that I'm going to have to do a bit of re-structuring because some pony found their birth mother today." Pinkie Pie said before rushing off.

"...Wait what? I don't understand. How on earth can Pinkie Pie know that of all things?" Amicitia asked.

"Want to know something I've learnt about Pinkie Pie the whole time I've lived here, Amicitia?" Twilight asked.

"What's that Twilight?" Pharynx asked for Amicitia.

"It's Pinkie Pie; don't question it." Twilight said simply.

I wouldn't learn about Scootaloo's true birth mother until a few days later, as the very next day Trixie had returned and had gotten ahold of the Alicorn Amulet. Thankfully, Amicitia and Pharynx were able to assist me with their changeling magic so that I could trick Trixie into getting the Alicorn Amulet off of that magician. Trixie had tried to run, but Pharynx had captured her quickly. I didn't know why he did this, so I asked him.

"The Alicorn Amulet was created a long time ago. A cruel and evil pony had created it because he felt that he should be in charge of Equestria and not the mother of Celestia and Luna." Pharynx said.

"Wait a minute, you mean those two actually had a mother?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"...And this is surprising to know how?" Pharynx asked.

"I personally only had a guess as to that being the case, but I never had anything concrete." I said.

"I guess it is that big of a deal to learn that the mares you thought just came out of nowhere one day, really did have parents. Heck, from what my grandfather told me, Celestia and Luna were once both unicorns. It's just that unlike most, they were fine tuned to being able to raise the sun and lower the moon respectfully." Pharynx said.

"And at some point, ponies just did not appreciate Princess Luna's night sky, which caused her to turn into Nightmare Moon, which made her have to get sent to the moon for a thousand years so Twilight could gather all of us together to purify her." Pinkie Pie said.

Pharynx just stared at Pinkie Pie, who had said all of that in one breath. "...How in Eques did you say all of that in one breath?" The changeling asked.

"It's Pinkie Pie, don't question it." Rainbow Dash said.

"...Regardless, those are the facts as my grandfather imparted onto me." Pharynx said.

"I guess it's only natural that Princess Celestia and Princess Luna were not always alicorns. I know my foal sitter Cadence wasn't always an Alicorn either. In fact, she used to be a Pegasus if you can believe that." Twilight explained.

"That's possible I suppose. Any pony can potentially become an alicorn, so long as they have the potential to do so and do something that would warrant them ascending into becoming an Alicorn." Pharynx said. "To this day, that has always been the case, and I don't see that changing anytime in the future." He added.

Pinkie looked like she was doing her best to keep her mouth shut. But every pony just ignored her. It has to be something her pinkie sense is telling her that I really shouldn't question for my own sanity.

"I have to wonder, what drove Trixie to get such an artifact in the first place? I doubt the story is as clear cut as she was making it out to be." Amiticia said. Knowing he would ask that, I very quickly told him everything about Trixie's last visit to Ponyville. "...Um, no offense, but Trixie, why are you mad at Twilight? It's not her fault that the Ursa Minor incident of this town happened." He added.

"You know nothing about a Magician's reputation do you? I prided myself on my shows so much, that well, she overshadowed me just from calming that Ursa Minor down." Trixie said. To hear her not talk in third pony made every pony else realize this was Trixie being serious. "After that, no pony would even want to see Trixie perform again." Trixie said.

"So what?" Amicitia asked. "You didn't have to stoop to this level. You could've easily done something to recover your reputation. Found some way to crawl out from the gutter. But this was never the answer." He said before taking the amulet in his possession. "One doesn't achieve greatness from using trinkets to get ahead. One doesn't cheat to win at life. For cheaters could never hope to prosper." The changeling prince finished.

"...Your right..." Trixie said, head hung in shame.

"This was the path you chose to take however. Any hope you had of saving your reputation has been lost to the winds. Personally, I don't think you'll ever be able to salvage your reputation now. When word gets out that you used a forbidden and evil gem just to get revenge on the pony who calmed down the ursa minor that destroyed your wagon, any little reputation you did have out there is shot. Personally, I don't see how you'll be able to get any of it back on your own." Amicitia explained.

"Buck, your right. As much as even I; the formally great and powerful Trixie; would hate to admit it, you are correct. Trixie; no; I suppose I had become so target fixated that I couldn't see the forest for the trees." Trixie said.

"Language, darling!" Rarity stated. "There are kids here." She added.

"...You're not hearing me, Trixie. I said there's probably no way you'd get your reputation back on your own." Amicitia said. "My name is Latin for Friendship after all. And if you'd be willing to swallow that pride of yours, I'm sure that letting Me, Pharynx, Twilight, and her friends help you, you'll be back on your hooves in no time at all." He said.

"...Would they even be willing to do that is the bigger question." Trixie said.

"I may not have liked you throwing me out of Ponyville Trixie, but as I'm sure Fluttershy would attest to, kindness is about helping others even when some pony or creature has done something wrong." I said. "Granted, it's either let me and my friends help you, or Princess Celestia will be informed that you used dark magic on her own personal student." I added.

"Is that supposed to be a threat?" Trixie asked.

"I wouldn't think of it as a threat. More like a guarantee. Or did you not know that Twilight Sparkle is Princess Celestia's student?" Pharynx asked.

"Well, I didn't until you just told me." Trixie said.

"Like I said, you need help." Amicitia said. "And swallowing that pride of yours to ask for it is probably hard for a pony like you but trust me when I say this: If you don't accept my offer, I'm pretty sure you'll become a wanted criminal." He added.

Trixie visibly gulped. "...Point taken." She said.

Originally, this was going to be an AU of Magic Duel with more than just some text on how Amicitia and Pharynx were able to help get rid of Trixie, but then I realized that that's really all that would happen different from the original cannon. So, I decided to go a different direction with this chapter; I hope what I provided makes up for the Magic Duel becoming nothing more than a footnote in this universe just like it did last time.

...And before anyone points it out, Pharynx's little spill about Alicorns is done deliberately, as Flurry Heart has yet to even be born. So yes, you could say Pharynx is doing some anti-foreshadowing for later.

Pharynx was currently doing some training when Rainbow Dash suddenly landed nearby. "Rainbow Dash? What are you doing?" Pharynx asked the Pegasus.

"What am I doing? What are you doing here in Whitetail Woods? Don't you know this clearing is used for part of the Nightmare Night activities?" Rainbow Dash said.

"That would explain the statue." Pharynx said, looking over to a statue of Nightmare Moon.

"Yeah, we use this for Nightmare Night. Since it's too dangerous to use the actual Everfree Forest, we use this part of Whitetail Woods instead." Rainbow Dash said.

"Huh. Still, it's not even close to that time of the year right now, is it? So, I doubt any pony would mind that I'm using it for training. I have to be able to protect his highness after all." Pharynx said.

"Is practically every changeling drone a soldier?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"Not really. Some are trained in various other areas depending on the changeling. Except me. I was originally planned to become a farmer drone. But I didn't want that for myself. I find farming lame as heck. Besides, I don't have the patience. So, I was always working on various changeling soldier techniques in my spare time which I happened to get a lot of. One day, I was caught in the middle of it by a passing soldier who thought that I should be put in my place as normally, if your given a role, your supposed to stick to it; no questions asked." Pharynx said.

"And yet, you managed to over power him didn't you? And let me guess, he was no ordinary soldier drone either?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"...Apperently Twilight's not the only perceptive pony." Pharynx said.

"Hey, I've read enough Daring Do books to figure out where you were going to go with your story." Rainbow Dash said.

"I see. Regardless, what you just said is what happened: I managed to overpower him despite his experience in the field over me. And it had turned out, that that specific soldier drone was already at the top of his class in soldier training. In fact, he was originally planned to go into the Elite Class of soldiers." Pharynx said. "And I had just defeated him without much effort at all. Of course, the queen after finding out, initially was angry. As she had rules for the hive. So, she had one of the Elite Soldier drones battle me to detirmine my ultimate fate. And trust me, those guys are no joke when they are much older then you. Still, Chrysalis had seen enough, and had deemed me worthy to transfer me to Soldier Class at once. I bet she wanted me to see how tough the regimine was and have me accept my original position over it, thinking that a taste for the regimen would make me fall in line." Pharynx said. "Big mistake there. I ended up crushing the regimen. In no time, I was already in line to become part of the Elite Class Soldiers once the invasion was over. You know what happened instead." He added.

"Your loyalty to your brother won out over your want to become an Elite Class Soldier." Rainbow Dash said.

"Yeah. And the Elite Class Soldier rank to me is what the Wonderbolts mean to you. It was my dream. And Amiticia, he's going to need his own Elite Class Soldiers eventually. Even if it's just the one. So my dream isn't totally busted. This isn't like a one chance thing." Pharynx said. But then he went wide eyed. "...That's why your out here flying, isn't it? Your hoping to get into the Wonderbolts. Why else would you be out here." The changeling soldier said.

"Actually, I just got a letter in the mail today. I've been accepted into the Wonderbolt Academy. And I'm doing some training before I head off. Thunderlane is going to look after Scootaloo while I attend." Rainbow Dash noted.

Pharynx's eyes went side to side for a moment. "...Can I...be honest with you about something?" Pharynx asked.

"Yeah sure. Your my friend. And as Applejack has made it clear, honesty can mean a lot." Rainbow Dash said.

"Scootaloo told me about the journal she read. Or rather your diary. Because she wanted me to know about you being her mother. No idea why. But regardless, ever since then, I've had this irk about the Wonderbolts. I...can't explain it. There's this weird sensation I have whenever the Wonderbolts and you are mentioned. I know it's probably nothing at all, but...you never know." Pharynx said.

"It most likely is nothing. But if something starts going bad, I'll keep that in mind." Rainbow Dash said.

"Well, I may not be as fast of a flier as you, but I'm about to do some flight training. Want to join me?" Pharynx said.

Rainbow Dash grinned. "You had me at the word 'flight'." She responded.

Wanting to be fair to Pharynx, Rainbow Dash didn't want to activate her Sonic Rainboom. The cyan pegasus did NOT expect that the changeling soldier would even then be just about as fast as she was. This led to Rainbow Dash joining Pharynx in for the rest of his training, which resulted in the two tieing overall.

"...That...was one tartarus of a workout..." Rainbow Dash noted.

"Yeah...it was..." Pharynx said. "I've never really trained so hard before..." He added.

"I think I've just found my new training buddy. See you around, Pharynx." Rainbow Dash said before flying off.

"I'm sure I will Rainbow Dash. But I still can't shake that irksome feeling about you and the Wonderbolts." Pharynx said.

It can be really nice having your friends tell you certain things. And Pharynx was kind enough to tell me about that day before Rainbow Dash had left to attend Wonderbolts Academy. A few days later though, while Pharynx and Amicitia were with me and the rest of my friends at a picnic; with it now being obvious what Pharynx wanted to talk to Amicitia about in private; that was when we were almost hit by a tornado, but Rainbow Dash managed to stop it, thankfully. However, it was the day after when something shocking occurred...

"YOU DID WHAT?!"

Pharynx's voice could be heard coming from the Golden Oak's Library's front doorstep for literal miles.

"I said I dropped out of the academy. That tornado that almost got you guys? Was because of someone else I got teamed up with at the Academy. Her name is Lightning Dust. And her recklessness almost took the lives of you guys." Rainbow Dash said.

"But...what about your dream?" Pharynx asked.

"Meh. Maybe I'll have a chat with Princess Luna about creating my own stunt flying group under her." Rainbow Dash said. "It'll at least be similar." Rainbow Dash said.

"Heh. That would be something." A female voice said suddenly. It turned out to be Spitfire.

"Captain Spitfire? What are you doing here?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"You didn't even give me a chance to speak. In fact, I was never going to accept you dropping out Dash." Spitfire said. "Look, even I'm willing to admit that I messed up with Lightning Dust. If your actually willing to stay on, I'll trust your judgement from here on out. Besides, I've already kicked that mare out of the academy for the incident and reported it to Princess Celestia herself." She added.

"Err...but..." Rainbow Dash looked like she was going to say something.

"No buts. I made you a wingpony because I wanted to try and deflate your ego a little bit. Instead I messed up and didn't trust your judgement with Lightning Dust. Never again. Do you even get how hard it is for me to remain as professional as possible with you? Because I feel like you really can go all the way, Rainbow Dash. Heck, I see myself flying with you as a fellow Wonderbolt one day, provided nothing else happens that makes me question that." Spitfire said. "But I have to remain as professional as possible. Sometimes the captain's seat isn't all it's cracked up to be." She added.

"...You're a good mare, Spitfire. That much is true." I had said. "I mean, you even came here out of uniform and everything." I added.

"Look, I'm telling you this as both your captain as well as your friend: Sometimes my job really does stink. It's not all lolipops and rainbows." Spitfire said. "But I know if something were to happen that would make me doubt the Wonderbolts, and it made you get into a situation where one of the Wonderbolts did something so bad to you, that it made you go down the path of making your own flight team, I'd follow, and become the team's manager. Because that's the kind of mare I am." She explained. "Admittedly, the odds of something like that happening at all, are something I don't think even your friend here can calculate." The captain had finished.

"...That...means a lot Captain. Thanks." Rainbow Dash said.

"But for now, I'm still going to push you. I can't show favoritism just because I want to see you succeed. This won't be a picnic, I promise you that." Spitfire noted.

"...Heh. It wouldn't be fun if it wasn't a challenge." Rainbow Dash said.

Spitfire grinned. "That's what I like to hear. Ponies like you and I are the same, Dash. We both want to inspire others to the best of our abilities. So don't you dare go lose that part of you." She had said.

"Not going to happen any time soon, Captain." Rainbow Dash said. Pharynx looked like he shuddered a bit. "...Pharynx, something wrong?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"I...I just got that irky feeling again. It's stronger now." Pharynx said. "I just can't explain it, but I've got a really bad feeling about something within the Wonderbolts." He added.

"It's probably nothing, Pharynx." I told him.

"Twilight, I hope you are right. I pray to the First One that you are right..." Pharynx said.

I didn't realize it at the time, but Pharynx had a right to have that bad feeling. But, that will come later. For now, the only other thing to note that occurred shortly after Rainbow Dash went back to attend Wonderbolt Academy, is that Applejack had gotten put in charge of the Apple Family Reunion, and she thought it was going to end in disaster. Thankfully for her, it did not.

A couple of days after the Apple Family Reunion, Applejack would save Spike's life, which made him start doing things for her a lot. Kind of missed him for a good while before he was finally convinced to come back to me. That took a few days though. It was the following week when things REALLY started to get crazy...

"Princess Celestia, are you really going to take this kind of Risk?" I asked.

"It's a risk I'm willing to take, Twilight. If Discord can be made to use his chaos magic for good and not evil, then it would be for the better." Princess Celestia said. "Besides, I think Fluttershy would be our best bet to reforming him." She added.

"I just hope this doesn't come back to bite us." I said. Amicitia suddenly showed up with Applejack and Fluttershy.

"Phew, we're here." Amicitia said. He noticed the petrified Discord. "...And why do I feel like I know that statue from somewhere?" The changeling asked.

Regardless, after a breif explanation, Discord was freed from his stone prison. "I AM--" Discord suddenly noticed Amicitia. "...Hold up there..." Discord said before he suddenly conjured a book. "I know I've seen you before." Discord said.

"Err, is it me, or does anyone else feel like Amicitia and Discord have history together?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"But that would be impossible. Prince Amicitia's odds of having met this creature before are way too slim to be the reality." Pharynx said.

"But I feel like I know him from somewhere." Amicitia said.

"Ah. I see now." Discord said. "I KNEW I recognized you somehow." He added. "Seems King Virum wasn't kidding about that son of his after all." The Draconequus said.

"You knew my father?" Amicitia asked.

"Oh yes. He often confided in me whenever some threat appeared. Though I warned him that the threat that took his life would do so, but he didn't listen it seems. From what I have heard, Virum was killed by the very thing he saught to seal away." Discord said.

"Well, we know it was a demon. And that the changelings didn't act alone." I stated.

"Oh this wasn't just any old demon, Twilight." Discord said. "It was the Demon of Absolute Hate, Astrotle Mondoli." He added.

"Absolute Hate? What's that supposed to mean?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"I have a bad feeling that it could be something worse than King Sombra..." Twilight noted.

"Oh? You've encountered King Sombra? Well, think of what he did, remove the enslavement part, and then multiply his evil deeds by a million. THAT is how bad Astrotle Mondoli was. He aboslutly HATED everything. Not just ponies or changelings. He hated EVERYTHING. And he wanted to burn it all." Discord said.

"F-father went up against something like that?! No wonder he felt there was no other way then to seal that demon up again..." Amicitia said.

"Admittedly, Virum had the ability to undo my chaotic changes just by himself. No Elements of Harmony required in the least." Discord said. "I wonder if you have that same ability." He added before causing a sudden tempature decrease.

"HEY! I know your trying to prove a point but--" Rainbow Dash tried to say before Amicitia's changeling horn suddenly glowed and in minutes, the tempature returned to normal.

"Just as I thought." Discord said.

"...Wha--? But that would mean..." I said. I was just as speechless as every pony else. Even Princess Celestia was stunned.

"I-I don't know how I just did that. I just acted." Amicitia admitted.

"Ha! This is just like old times indeed. I'm looking forward to seeing how your interactions with these ponies will effect their lives. I honestly cannot WAIT for what's next." Discord said, smiling before he poofed away.

"...Princess Celestia, what just happened?" I asked my mentor.

"I think that I could really use some alcohol right now." Celestia said.

"...Bwah?" I was pretty confused.

Yeah that was the most random thing I ever heard Celestia say in my entire life up to that point.

...I wonder if Luna would find this information funny, or just shrug it off as her sister being her sister?

I know this was shorter than normal, but I wanted to lump "Games Ponies Play" together with "Magical Mystery Cure". And yeah, that means that this would end the first arc right there and then. I know this arc was short, but I did my best to make it somewhat longer then the original version of this universe. Sadly, there wasn't much I could do when Season 3 of the show only had twelve episodes where as every other season; even season 9; had twenty-four episodes.

This is not a proper story chapter. This is purely documentation written on the point of view of Twilight Sparkle. You can safely skip over this chapter and not miss any big plot points if your only here for the story. However, I did want to add in these segments where Twilight reviews things that have been noted about Changeling behavior in the story so far. Think of this more as a review then a proper chapter. There will be additional information in these chapters that I just could not fit into the main story; mostly because it's information that either wasn't relevant to what was going on, or it just doesn't fit in with the main story's plot. Regardless, expect these to be EXTREMELY short chapters; at best upwards to 500 words if even that. These aren't meant to be proper chapters; just something to chew on while I work on some chapter that I'm struggling to not make short and/or rushed.

In any given changeling hive, there are two critical types of changelings: Royal Changelings; which are few and far between; and drones. While female changeling drones are fully capable of reproduction of additional changelings, this output is nowhere near as much as the Queen Changeling's output. This chapter will focus more on a hive's drones, rather than the royal changelings.

When a drone egg is first laid, the current King & Queen changeling discuss what occupation that changeling will have before the egg hatches into a new drone. This occurs even when the egg is that of two changeling drones, however if those changelings drones carry the same occupation, it will increase the odds that that specific changeling drone will end up with the same occupation; but it won't always be the case, and Pharynx is a good example of this.

His parents were both infultrators, but he was instead assigned initially to being a farmhand. Pharynx so far though, is the only known changeling drone who managed to convince the current ruler of his hive to transfer him to a different occupation, that being the soldier division. But this is more of an exception to the rule then the norm period as it is; most changelings stick to their newly assigned occupations without any signs of wanting something different. In fact, it's supposed to be a hard law that all changelings are supposed to stick to their assigned occupation as showing any signs of wanting something different gets you attacked by the soldier division's cadets as a way of putting you in your place.

The situation in regard to Pharynx though is unique, as he was transferred because the soldier cadet that challenged him was initially deemed fit enough to become an Elite Soldiers, who are not only the current ruler's personal bodyguards, but they are also highly skilled, highly trained changeling warriors meant to be conditioned that way from birth to death. Pharynx's transfer to the division occurred because he had managed to defeat a cadet who was promising to be one of these Elite Soldiers when Phayrnx was doing personal training, hoping to somehow transfer into the division which isn't supposed to happen in the first place.

Like I stated though, this is more of the exception then the rule to how Changeling Drones are treated. Farming is as you expect, and infiltrators are supposed to find creatures to leech love off of and bring it back to the hive. A general law is that you're not supposed to impersonate a living pony though. A law that Queen Chrysalis broke because of a love shortage, but this makes no excuse for her actions.

Two days later would spark an event I know all too well now. As it made me what I am today. Though, before those events could occur, I wanted to know more about changeling mating habits. Initially for science of course, but it would morph into something later. That is for later, however. During the two day wait, there was one point where me and my friends did our best to get the Crystal Empire selected as the place for the Equestria Games.

"Wait really? Changelings males aren't as restrictive in what species they can reproduce with as females are?" I asked, taken aback what Amicitia told me.

Amicitia had told me that changeling females can only produce eggs if they are mated with another changeling; preferably with a drone that is from either the queen's brood, or a changeling drone of different family then theirs. But males don't have that limitation. Of course, the hive's ruler needs to approve of the species they want to mate with before hand. It mostly results in changeling hybrids, but with ponies, the chances of the offspring having access to changeling magic is much more likely than with any other species. Amicitia guesses that ponies have much stronger magic then any other race. Even dragons do not compare. Of course, if the changeling mates with a unicorn, the chances for the offspring to have access to changeling magic and everything that comes with it skyrocket.

"But it's not restricted to just unicorns. If Pharynx was to mate with Rainbow Dash, sure the resulting pony-changeling hybrid would still have access to some changeling magic, but the hybrids resulting from unicorns have access to far more." Amicitia said.

"What about Alicorns?" I asked.

"...I wouldn't know. From what Pharynx tells me from the hive mind, no changeling has ever mated with an alicorn before. And I doubt that's from a lack of trying. Alicorns are just so rare to begin with. Besides, good luck with one of us changeling males getting with Princess Celestia or even Princess Luna. And your sister Cadence is already taken. We changelings may need love to survive, but we have a law: Do NOT target ponies who are married or engaged. Yeah, safe to say my mother has a lot more crimes then just with your nation, Twilight." Amicitia said. "But...I want to confine her to my custody." He added.

"So you can keep an eye on her, and even make sure she can't do anything else." I said.

"Yeah." Amicitia said. "Even if I'm a royal changeling male, I doubt either of your nation's rulers would fit me." He said.

"Are you...suggesting you want to try dating me?" I asked, a little taken aback.

"Yeah. I hope that's okay." Amicitia said. "It's just that the more time I spend with you, the more time I want to do more of that." He added.

"Wow. I've never really been pursued romantically before." I said with a blush.

"You were willing to take a chance on me to begin with. So, I think we can be more than just friends if we want to. Besides, I think it'd be interesting. I want to spread friendship, and I think if I stick by your side as much as possible, I can do that. Just a feeling I have." Amicitia said.

At the time, all I could do was blush and stammer. Amicitia really wanted to see if our relationship could become more then it already has been. Of course though, later that night, Princess Celestia had sent me a unfinished spell. One made by Starswirl the bearded. I had initially cast the spell without a second thought, and the next day, the destinies of all my friends were swapped around.

"See Twilight? I told you that you shouldn't have cast that spell on a whim like that." Amicitia said.

"But it was made by Starswirl the Bearded. He's my idol. I've always wished I could be a great sage like he was before he mysteriously vanished." Twilight said.

"Look, I get that you idolized Starswirl the Bearded, but keep in mind, that was an unfinished spell. As in it was incomplete. Meaning it would cause a lot of things to happen." Amicitia said.

"Hate to tell you this, but your changeling friend is right." It was the voice of Discord. He was tiny on my shoulder.

"Discord, what are you doing here?" Twilight asked.

"Actually, for the past two days, I've been hanging out with Fluttershy. She was very interested in learning more about me and my kind." Discord said.

"...Now that I would've never had guessed would be a thing." Amicitia said.

"And it seems, that her sudden change in attitude is because you cast an incomplete spell." Discord said.

"See Spike? It's things like this that make it so I have to fix my friends." Twilight said.

"Okay okay I get it." Spike said.

I managed to successfully help my friends rediscover their true destinies before that feeling of friendship made me realize how to fix Starswirl's spell. That ended up with me having mastered the magic of friendship, and becoming an alicorn because of it. I knew from my sister-in-law Cadence that ponies can accend to become alicorns, but I honestly never thought I'd end up as one.

"So wait, hold up, you MEANT for Twilight to accend into an Alicorn?" Amicitia asked.

"Yes. This is exactly what I wanted. Because I knew Twilight had the potential for it. Her magical potential is beyond even that of Luna and myself." Celestia said.

"Wait, Twilight is more powerful then BOTH of you?!" Amicitia asked.

"Even if Luna and I were to combine our powers together, we still wouldn't hold a candle to Twilight's overall magic output. That is how powerful her magic is. As it is raw, pure magic." Celestia said.

"Wait, you mean if she wanted to, she could move the sun or the moon just on her own?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"Essnetially? Yes." Celestia said. "In fact, she could do both." She added.

"...Applejack, do you have any hard cider I could drink?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"Okay, what is with every pony wanting to drink acohol when they get their mind blown?" Amicitia asked.

"Don't you get it? It means Twilight can just take control of the very thing that put Celestia and Luna in power to begin with." Rainbow Dash said.

"...GIVE ME SOME CIDER ALSO!" Amicitia said.

"No! Don't! Changelings cannot do Cider well." Pharynx said, chasing after his prince.

I don't know what was funnier that night: Seeing a drunken Rainbow Dash hit on Pharynx while the changeling soldier was very much sober, or to see Amicitia have just one glass of hard cider before throwing up and pass out in his own vamit.

...

I just noticed that I have basically done JACK shit with Spike. I even did the same with the original version.

I'm fixing that starting with the next story arc. And don't worry, I have a plan. A really good plan. And you might be able to guess what I'm going to do to add EVEN MORE romance into this fic.

These intermissions will always be third person like this will be. I won't bring this warning up again, so if you skip over this A/N section, then it's your own fault if you don't know this ahead of time when I don't point this out for future intermissions.

Chrysalis was down deep in the hive's caves. She was standing over a memorial to her husband.

"...So, it seems our own son has failed to return. I thought the brainwashing would show him just how cruel the world can be. But I guess he very much is just like you. So, then what is it? What is about ponies that made you want to sacrifice your own life?" Crysalis asked. "...I must find the answer, one way or another." She added before leaving the chamber.

Admittedly, this part of my notes is very incomplete. Here’s what I do know about Changeling mating.

The first and most obvious thing is that if a Changeling is born female, its only option for a partner is to mate with another male Changeling. Males however, can mate with any other species, but if they have a specific species in mind, the hive’s matriarch must approve of it.

This also extends to Royal Changelings as well, yet male royals have even further flexibility, barely even needing approval from their parents, just a natural promise to not attack the origin hive if the Prince wishes to spread changelings to a new area.

Interestingly, the off spring of such matings from male changelings with other species produces a Changeling hybrid, and if the female is a pony, the hybrid will have access to Changeling magic to a degree, with a unicorn allowing for full access.

According to both Pharynx and Amicitia though, no Changeling male; royal or drone; has had offspring with a female Alicorn yet. Hence the incomplete nature of my notes at this time.

The day after I had ascended into Alicornhood, I was given a coronation ceremony that would take place in the Crystal Empire. While we were there, this mare known as Sunset Shimmer came from the other side of a mirror and stole my crown which lead to a series of events that required me to track it down and get it back. Trust me, it wasn't easy. I was able to get my crown back however. Afterwards, in preparation for the next summer sun celebration, both Amictia and Rainbow Dash had been helping me get into the air.

"Seems your doing well with your flying." Amicitia said.

"Thanks, Amicitia." I told him.

"Oh yeah, butter up your marefriend why don't you?" Rainbow Dash teased. But then paused. "Wait, do you changelings even use that sort of language?" She actually asked.

"...You know what, that was actually a smart question. I'm surprised that came from Rainbow Dash of all ponies." Rarity said.

"I think we'll adapt it into our vocabulary. Because trust me, the actual term for a male changeling is something that is NOT safe for foals." Amicitia said.

"Really? What word would that be?" I asked. Amicitia whispered it in my ears. For the sake of this book, I refuse to write it down. "SERIOUSLY?! WASH YOUR MOUTH OUT WITH SOAP IF YOU EVER SAY THAT OUT LOAD!" I shouted.

"That bad huh?" Rainbow Dash asked. I then whispered it to Rainbow Dash. "...YEAH. I'll have to make sure I absolutely do NOT say that around Scootaloo." She said after.

Don't even ask me to write that word down. Because I won't. Not even if you threaten my life. Regardless, the next day was supposed to be the summer sun celebration, but when Celestia and Luna both went missing, I went with both Amicitia and Spike to Ponyville to see if my friends could help, which is when the vines occurred. I quickly summoned Discord.

"Discord, these vines, do you know what they are?" Amicitia asked the Draconequus.

"Amicitia, I was going to ask--" I tried to say but Amicitia shut me up.

"We don't even know if he even is involved with these things. So trying to accuse him is not the best idea." Amicitia said.

"Well, it seems Amicitia is quite on top of things. Not that I expected any less." Discord said. "But come now, what makes you think I had anything to do with these?" He asked.

"Discord, I asked you a question: Do you know anything about these vines? And don't dodge my questions." Amicitia said.

"Wait, can't Amicitia just magic these vines away?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"...Huh. Forgot I could do that." Amicitia said but found his magic quickly fizzling out from even trying. "...Uh, we may have a problem: I can't get my magic to work on these things." The changeling said.

"Oh that's not good. Discord, if you know anything about these vines; anything at all; now is the time to tell us." I told the Draconequus. "Or so help me, if you hold back any information at all, then once this is settled, the girls and I will beat you up for it." I added.

"Please be resonable, Discord." Fluttershy said.

"Oh alright. To be honest, I had planted the seeds of these things when I was first made into a statue. But just because I planted their seeds does not mean I can control them. I honestly thought that they had died off given how much time has passed." Discord said.

"Huh. Given how they are coming from the Everfree forest, I bet there's something in there that we need to get to." I said before I noticed Zecora coming out of the forest. "And I'm willing to bet Zecora might have a clue as to what!" I added before going over to the Zebra mare.

As it had turned out, the vines had been held back because of the Tree of Harmony, but without the elements for so long, the tree was overrun with vines which soon grew so out of control, not even Discord or Amicitia could do anything to them. Thankfully, we saved the Tree of Harmony, which soon spat out this strange box that had six keyholes on it. Afterwards, the next proper day, the Summer Sun Celebration was underway. A couple of days later, while I was planning to surprise Amicitia with a dinner at home, Spike had gone off to Rarity's early that day. But I was not prepared for what would happen next...

It was an hour before dinner time when Spike began to slump to the Golden Oak's Libary, but he was stopped at the door by Pharynx. "Whoa there Spike. What's got you down in the dumps?" Pharynx asked.

"I don't want to talk about it." Spike said. "Can I just get in? Please?" He asked.

"Sorry there pal. But I pinkie promised Twilight that I wouldn't let anyone but Prince Amicitia, Princess Celestia, or Princess Luna inside. And the only reason either of the other alicorns would come here is if some emergency situation popped up." Pharynx said.

"...What about Cadence?" Spike asked.

"The chances she'd come to Twilight would be to give the new alicorn love advice, but I think she'd already understand that Twilight wants to do something nice for his highness on her own." Pharynx said.

"Wow. Twilight's really into Amicitia and wants to really see if the two of them can become more then friends." Spike said. "...Wish Rarity could've done that with me." He added.

Pharynx grinned. "I think you just told me everything." The changeling said.

"What? How?!" Spike exclaimed.

"It's been no secret that you had a crush on that mare for a while now. Even I picked up on it, being a changeling and all. But guessing from your mopping and what you just said, sounds like she not only didn't return your feelings, but she tried letting you down easy." Pharynx explained. "...How close am I?" He grinned.

"...You pretty much nailed it right on the head..." Spike said.

"Hey cheer up. Your young. You'll find some pony else. The right girl. Don't lose faith." Pharynx said.

"...Heh. Your right. Maybe Rarity wasn't the right girl for me." Spike said. "Well, I suppose I'll just go somewhere else for the night." Spike said and left.

"...So, did you really just do that?" A female voice said. Looking up at a cloud, Pharynx spotted Rainbow Dash looking down on him.

"...How much of that did you just hear?" Phayrnx asked.

"All of it. Because I was napping up here. Also, you totally just did a loyalty move. You know, for being a changeling, you can be really loyal, you know that?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"Remember, I was in the soldier division. Part of that is loyalty." Pharynx said.

"Oh come off it. I know stubbornness when I hear it. Don't try and play dumb." Rainbow Dash said.

"...You're really something else, aren't you Dash?" Pharynx asked.

"Please, call me Rainbow. All my friends do." Rainbow Dash said.

Unbeknownst even to myself, there had been a female orange drake that had also heard that exchange.

"Oh? What's this?" The young dragoness asked. "A young drake? Around my age? And he's available?" She added. "Well I can't wait to get to know this guy. Who knows? He might just be good enough for me~" The currently unnamed dragoness finished.

I know I skipped over Equestria Girls, but for all of them, there's really not much I can do. Except maybe remove the romance with human Flash, which I know is a thing for the first movie, but considering the second one...yeah...why did they even bother making that a plot point of the first Equestria Girls movie if they were just going to throw it out after the second one? At least with the "When Friendship Shimmers" universe, I made will make it a point that the same Flash will be following Twilight to the pony world and at least then the romance will make sense.

But that ending. Feel free to PM me who you think that could be. Even though the answer is obvious as heck.

It was still evening as Spike decided to just spend time around Ponyville. After having talked with Pharynx, the young drake felt a little better. Especially after the advice Pharynx had given.

"Cheer up, your young, you'll find some pony else; the right girl." Was Pharynx's advice.

Spike couldn't help but feel that Pharynx was onto something when he said Rarity wasn't the right girl for the young drake. Besides, what was he thinking anyways? Rarity is a young adult mare. And here he was, still not quite adult age for a dragon.

Of course dragons tended to be alive longer then ponies, but by the time Spike could be old enough to attempt to romance Rarity, Spike had realized by that point, the unicorn will have found some pony special to her. Her own stallion.

But right now, Spike's plan was to just take a day away from any romance. He needed time. He just didn't know that the right girl would come to him.

"Hello there." A female voice said. It came from an orange dragoness; a young drake about his age it seemed.

"Oh. I didn't know there was another dragon here in Ponyville." Spike said.

"Oh, I don't live here. Yet. I'm currently staying at the hotel while I find a place. I just checked in there the day before those vines showed up." The dragoness said.

"Regretting trying to move here already then?" Spike asked.

"Heck no! The hotel had to pay out insurance considering my room got wrecked by the vines in addition to upgrading my room status at no additional charge." The dragoness said.

"Oh. Well you might want to reconsider. Unless your ready for something crazy to happen like that every Tuesday essentially." Spike said.

"Sounds like fun. It was so boring in the Dragon Lands. That's why I wanted to move somewhere. Seems I hit the jackpot then." The dragoness said.

"The jackpot? I don't understand." Spike said.

"Duh! If something crazy like that is going to happen at least once a week, then that is the furthest thing from boring that I've ever heard." The dragoness said.

"But most of that time, the crazy will wreck the town." Spike said.

"So? Means I'll get paid if something wrecks my home." The Dragoness said. "I appreciate the concern, but I can take care of myself. The name's Smolder, by the way." She added.

"I'm Spike. You seem different then the dragons I met during the dragon migration." Spike said.

"Oh? Do you know what any of them looked like? Maybe their colors?" Smolder asked.

"I know one was Red. Was named Garble." Spike said.

"Oh. So you've already met him then huh?" Smolder asked. She sighed. "He was most likely acting tough around his so-called friends out of fear of not wanting to look soft." The dragoness said.

"How do you know that?" Spike asked.

"Garble just so happens to be my brother. He may act tough, but he's really a giant softie. He often just acts tough because he doesn't want to look soft to his friends." Smolder said.

"Soft is the last thing I'd label Garble as. He was willing to try and smash Pheonix eggs." Spike said.

"Yet another thing he was doing to try and look tough around his friends. Or what he calls his friends. If you ask me, I think their a bad influence on him, thinking he has to do things like smashing pheonix eggs just to have friends." Smolder said.

"Thought Dragons weren't too big on friendship." Spike said.

"Most aren't. It's the same thing day in and day out that made me want to move away from all that rough and tough attitude. Don't mean I'm a pushover though." Smolder said.

"Didn't say you were, Smolder." Spike said.

"...Heh. You know, your alright for being a dragon that lives around ponies." Smolder said.

"I was actually raised around ponies my whole life." Spike said. "But when I met Garble and his 'friends', I decided to try and redifine what being a dragon is to me." He added.

"Yeah. Don't follow Garble's example. You be your own dragon. Because if you ask me, every dragon can be a strong dragon of some kind. It just depends on what kind of dragon you wish to become." Smolder said.

Spike smiled. "Thanks for that, Smolder." He said. "So, what hotel are you staying at?" The purple dragon asked. Smolder just looked at him. "Oh right. I forgot Ponyville only has the ONE hotel..." Spike said.

"Yeah. Right now, I'm in room 202. But I'll let you know if I get upgraded or find a place to move into." Smolder said.

"Yeah. I wouldn't mind hanging out with you more. Maybe we can discovere what kind of dragons we want to be together." Spike said.

"That...is so corny. But, you know? I actually like that statement." Smolder said before getting up. "See you around, Spike." She added before heading off.

"...See you around, Smolder." Spike said.

He did not come out here to seek a new female to try and romance, heck, he didn't think he'd find a female that he could try and hang out with even. But Smolder taught Spike something that day: Sometimes, you never know when life is going to drop a girl that wishes to hang out with you into your lap on a silver platter.

I know normally I would give the third person P.O.V. warning with these A/Ns, but I couldn't do it for this one and have the chapter flow the way I wanted it to. As a result, I was not able to warn that this was a third person P.O.V. chapter. However, I think there are some excited people who will overlook that due to what occurred here. And yeah, it was super obvious who that young dragoness was from the last chapter. Of course I was going to ship Spike with Smolder; have you even seen my story My Little Pony: The Draconic Sister - Reboot yet? That story's main romance pairing is Spike & Smolder after all.

Amicitia really enjoyed the surprise date. I'd even say I did to a degree. I am so glad I had no plans for the date outside of the 'just surprise Amicitia with a simple dinner'. I think I enjoyed the date a lot more because of that.

"So, why are we going to the old castle?" Pharynx had asked me the next day.

"Because Princess Celestia suggested that the books in there would most likely hold secrets no pony has seen for a thousand years. And she suggests that there might be some information about the strange chest that appeared." I said.

"You and your books. But then again, we need all the information we can get if we're going to open that mysterious chest." Amicitia said.

"Which means reading. I'm not really that into reading." Pharynx said.

"You and Rainbow are a lot alike. Though she does read some, even if it's just Daring Do." I said.

"Don't understand why she reads those books. I don't really see the appeal." Pharynx said.

"I think she enjoys the adventure part of the books." I said.

"...You know, that would make sense for her. Maybe I'll give one a shot." Pharynx said.

"And I'm willing to bet you'll enjoy the series just as much as Rainbow Dash." I said.

"Did she diss it at first too?" Phayrnx said.

"Yes. I have every book in the series so far at the Library. I always get one on the first day." I told him. "And I'm even on the list for notification of new releases." I added with a smile.

"Because of course you are." Amicitia said, rolling his eyes.

"Regardless, I can't wait to see what knowledge lies in this castle." I said, ignoring Amicitia's eye roll.

"Pharynx, I know you may not like to read much, but some things can't be solved by using weapons." Amicitia said to Pharynx.

"Right. Something I will point out though, your highness, is that your starting to change colors." Pharynx said.

"Wait I am?" Amicitia asked. Now that we were in the castle, in the open area, there was actual light to show that yes, he was changing colors. His black was giving way to a teal color. "Oh my god. I am changing colors." Amicitia said. "This has never happened before." He added.

"You mean changelings are normally the standard black?" I asked.

"Yeah. But no changeling has ever had their body change colors before." Amicitia said.

I was practically in glee. "OH MY CELESTIA! I CAN'T BELIEVE I'M GOING TO GET TO BE THE FIRST TO DOCUMENT A BRAND NEW DEVOLOPMENT FOR CHANGELINGS! THIS IS SO EXCITING!" I practically shouted. That caused a piece of the ceiling to come loose and hit nearby.

"...I think we should try not to be so loud. This place is practically falling apart." Pharynx said.

"Pharynx has a point. You can get excited on this discover later Twilight. Right now, we best keep our voices to more normal levels." Amicitia said.

"Sorry. I guess I forgot this place isn't structurally sound after Celestia battled Luna when the later became Nightmare Moon." I responded. Just before we entered the Library, we spotted Spike and Smolder. "Spike? Whose your new friend? I was wondering why you wanted to head out early today." I told the purple dragon.

"Oh hey Twilight. I guess I should introduce you to Smolder. She's currently looking for a permanent place to stay in Ponyville. Right now, she's staying at the hotel." Spike said.

"Pleased to make your acquaintance. You must be Twilight." Smolder said. "Or should I call you Princess Twilight because your an alicorn? Then again, I have a feeling we might see each other enough for me to drop the formalities." She added.

"What's that supposed to mean?" I asked.

"It means I'm going to be hanging out with Smolder. A lot. But I didn't think you'd find us here while we explored this old castle." Spike said.

"A ruined castle that's just sitting in an untamable forest with very little nature intruding on the place that has parts of it that fall away every now and then? It's enough to get my adrenaline pumping." Smolder said. "I wish the dragon lands had something like this in it." She added.

"So, you're into adventures huh?" I asked.

"I'm looking for the exciting stuff in life." Smolder said.

"...And I thought Spike's comic book collection was weird." I said, rolling my eyes.

"Comic book collection? I've totally got to see that later." Smolder said.

"Not sure if you'd like them." Spike said.

"Hey, there is like zero reading material at the dragon lands. I may not be one for those big books, but I'm sure those comic books might be something I can read without needing a very high reading level. Seriously, the books in the library here? Not your typical books." Smolder said.

"These books require a high reading level?! Now I really can't wait to read them!" I said.

"Way to go Smolder, you just got on Twilight's nerd side." Spike said.

"I did?" Smolder asked.

What can I say? I really enjoy books. Of course, my other friends joined in the castle and caused enough commotion for me to take notice. It lead to one heck of a reunion at nightfall.

"Can't believe the two of you really thought that a ruined castle that was not structurally stable was a good place to have your 'Bravest Pony Competition' tie breaker." Pharynx said.

"It was originally going to be the bee stare, but the bee keeper needed his bees back." Rainbow Dash said.

"...Only you Rainbow Dash..." Pharynx said, face hoofing. "Applejack, next training session you are going to join in with me and Rainbow Dash. Let's just see if your able to handle that." He added.

"Heh. It can't be that bad." Applejack said.

"She can't fly though." Rainbow Dash said.

"So? We can do the session without flying. I sometimes do my training sessions with my wings tied." Pharynx said. "It's good practice in case I ever come across an enemy that can disable my wings." He added.

"Not a bad idea. Though, I've been a part of your training session without that handicap. I'm sure I can handle it, but I don't know if Applejack can withstand how brutal the training is." Rainbow Dash said.

"Are ya saying I'm not up for the challenge?" Applejack asked.

"There's only one way to really find out. Both of you are to report to the whitetail clearing at first light tomorrow. AND THAT'S AN ORDER!" Pharynx said.

"...Pharynx really takes his training seriously." Amicitia said.

As it just so happened, around the half-way mark, Applejack was already begging for mercy. She would not tell me what Pharynx does for soldier training, but judging from how out of breath she was and the various bruises she had when she gave up...I think I have a good enough guess...

...Yeah the title of the episode was just too perfect for me to mess with it.

Besides, I can totally use the episode to create a Spike & Smolder background hangout while the mane six are pre-occupied with their various things.

"A.K. Yearling is coming over for a visit?" Pharynx asked Rainbow Dash as the Pegasus was moving a few things.

"Yep. Me and my friends sort of helped her a bit ago." Rainbow Dash said.

"I did notice that a Pegasus mare on the latest copy of 'Daring Do and the Ring of Destiny' looked exactly like you alongside Daring Do." Pharynx said. "But really, the chances that Daring Do is a real pony are--" He started before the doorbell rung. "...She's here already?" Pharynx asked.

Rainbow Dash opened the door, and in walked A.K. Yearling. "Your a little early." Rainbow Dash said.

Strange, I'm not sensing a cloudwalking spell. But then again, she probably is a pegasus underneath all of that clothing. It's probably just me jumping to conclusions. After all, the chances of her being Daring Do are-- Pharynx's thought process was interrupted by another ring of the doorbell.

"Were you expecting some pony besides me Dash?" A.K. Yearling asked.

"That has to be Scoots." Rainbow Dash said and opened the door. "Hey there squirt, you doing okay?" She asked.

"Yeah. Everything's fine. It's just that I didn't expect you'd have A.K. Yearling over. When I found out, I just HAD to make sure I did extra well in school today so everything would go great." Scootaloo said. "Oh, also I did hear your going to be the judge for the Flag Carrying Contest." She added.

"Oh, is that for the upcoming Equestria Games? I don't do big events like that. Considering well...you know." A.K. Yearling said.

"Yeah. I know." Rainbow Dash said. "By the way, this is my daughter, Scootaloo." She added.

"It's nice to meet you." Scootaloo said. But then once she was close, she gasped. "N-no bucking way!" The orange pegasus said.

"What? Is there something wrong with my--" A.K. Yearling started.

"YOUR DARING DO! DARING DO IS REAL!" Scootaloo yelled out.

"What?! I know Ponyville is like a crazy magnet, but the odds of A.K. Yearling being Daring Do are--" Pharynx said.

"I swear I didn't tell her!" Rainbow suddenly let out.

"...Say what now?" Pharynx asked.

"I doubt you did. But wow, a filly as young as you saw past it, huh?" A.K. Yearling asked.

"CAN SOME PONY PLEASE TELL ME WHAT IN TARTARUS IS GOING ON?!" Pharynx exclaimed.

"There's also that." A.K. Yearling said. "Should I just show him?" She asked.

"Well seeing as Scootaloo managed to see past your disguise..." Rainbow Dash said.

"Disguise? Rainbow, the odds A.K. Yearling is Daring Do are--" Pharynx started again before A.K. Yearling threw off her clothes, but put on a pitch hat. "--Are...are..." The male changeling had no choice but to see the proof for himself: A.K. Yearling WAS Daring Do.

"Higher than you think." Daring Do said.

"...And now I faint..." Pharynx said before doing just that.

"I had a feeling Daring Do had to be a real pony after the recent book release. I mean, sure mom's name was changed in the release, but c'mon, I know my mother enough to recognize her anywhere at this point." Scootaloo said.

"Heh. You're a smart kid." Daring Do said. "But what's this about her calling you mom?" She asked.

"Yeah...funny story..." Rainbow Dash said before she just showed Daring Do her dairy.

It took an hour for Daring Do to wrap her head around Scootaloo being Rainbow Dash's daughter. "So, you have no clue which pegasus is her father?" Daring Do asked.

"Yeah. I was so drunk, that I swear I had sex with three different stallions that day. Any one of them could be Scootaloo's father." Rainbow Dash said.

"It would explain why she has underdeveloped wings if you were buzzed when you got pregnant." Daring Do said.

"Yeah. I'm thinking of asking Twilight to see if she can figure out the mystery." Rainbow Dash said.

"Come to think of it, I wonder if it has anything to do with my irk?" Phayrnx asked.

"Your...irk? I don't follow." Daring Do said.

"For some reason, Pharynx has an irk whenever he thinks of me and the Wonderbolts. But I doubt any of them would be that irresponsible. Of course, if one turned out that way, I'd take Princess Luna's offer up on the spot and forget about the Wonderbolts." Rainbow Dash said.

"Come to think of it, didn't Spitfire say she'd follow and become the manager of that flight team if something caused her to doubt the Wonderbolts?" Scootaloo asked.

"No wonder you idolize her." Daring Do said. "You and her are practically the same really." She added.

"Is there a reason for your visit though? Besides just wanting to come by?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"Ah. Well, I'm not exactly sure how to put this..." Daring Do said.

"Wait, are you going to say your my birth mother? Because Dad always had these girlfriends around. None of them were my actual mom though." Rainbow Dash said.

"OH PLEASE! The chances of Daring Do being your mother are--" Pharynx said.

"Actually, that is exactly what I was going to say." Daring Do said.

"WAIT WHAT?!" Pharynx exclaimed.

"You should learn to not open your mouth." Rainbow Dash said.

Daring Do looked at her daughter curiously. "Your...not mad?" Daring Do asked.

"Maybe a little, but holding onto that is not the best to do. I've gone up against an evil alicorn, had my mind warped by a spirit of chaos, and gotten my destiny mixed up because of an incomplete spell. I think I can handle learning that Daring Do is my bio mom." Rainbow Dash said.

"Wait, if Daring Do is your mother...THEN THAT MEANS DARING DO IS MY GRAND MOTHER?!" Scootaloo exclaimed before fainting.

"...I think we just broke her." Rainbow Dash said.

"Indeed..." Daring Do said.

As I had stated, this had original been conceived as a document of Changeling Behavior and Knowledge. But something occurred that rendered making this book into a such a documentation. Something that would render any scientific knowledge this book holds has having become biased thanks to my feelings being brought into question. And yet, I would not change the results. It began that day, the day before the one where the CMC would win the Flag Bearer competition.

"You actually got the town to make you a bigger bed?" Amicitia asked me.

"Yep. I'm pretty sure that our dates as of late have proven one thing: We are very much a thing now." I said to him.

"Are you worried about others thinking it's strange that a pony wants to be with a changeling?" Amicitia asked.

"My friends have shown their support. Even Rainbow Dash supports us. And my friends' approval is all I need. If the other ponies want to complain, I'll just have to remind them that you are the heir to Chrysalis's throne." I told him.

"...You didn't call her Queen. Which can only mean something serious." Amicitia noticed.

"Princess Celestia said it's official: As far as Equestria is concerned, once Chrysalis is captured, her hive is to be given to you. Congratulations, King Amicitia." I informed him.

Suddenly both Pharynx and Rainbow Dash crashed through the window. "...Seriously Pharynx? Did you JUST crash through the window?!" Amicitia said.

"Rainbow, how many times do I have to tell you to stop entering the library using the window!" I yelled at Rainbow Dash.

"Sorry. We got a little carried away during Amicitia's training. He really wants to make sure I get a spot in the Wonderbolts, even if the thought of them and me irks him." Rainbow Dash said.

"I may have such a strange reaction to it, but I would be a fool to not keep Rainbow from her dream." Pharynx said.

"...Right. Pharynx, I have to ask: Do you think the rest of the changelings would follow Amicitia?" I asked.

"Once the hive his officially his, then yes, I believe they should. I might have to keep a few of them in line though." Pharynx said.

"Well Princess Celestia has told me that as soon as Chrysalis is in custody, the paperwork to transfer the hive's authority to Amicitia is finished and filed." I told the soldier.

Amicitia rubbed a leg against another. "...Why aren't you happy? Let me guess: It's a changeling thing?" Rainbow Dash asked. "I know you enough to know that there's something your not telling us." She added.

"...I didn't want to have to bring it up, but seeing as there's no way you ponies would know about this, then I guess it behooves me to say this. But I think it's best you call on Princess Celestia first." Amicitia said.

I could sense the seriousness in his tone. So, I sent an emergency letter through Spike's dragon breath right away. But what Pharynx would have to say with Princess Celestia present shocked even my mentor.

"WE HAVE TO DO WHAT?!"

Celestia had lost all composure, and this resulted in her using the Canterlot Royal Voice once Pharynx had told us the changeling law regarding hive succession.

"While the paperwork to transfer the hive into Amicitia's name is nice, changeling law states that until both the king and queen of a hive are dead, they still have the highest authority in a hive. Which means that in order for everything to be official, you have to execute Chrysalis." Pharynx explained. "That the only way to get the hive to acknowledge Amicitia without him winning against his own mother in what we call 'Challenge of Revolt'." He added.

"And what is this Challenge of Revolt you speak of?" I asked.

"It means that Amicitia will have to beat his own mother in direct combat. And trust me, he is no fighter. Meanwhile, his mother has at least some manor of combat experience." Pharynx said.

"It'd be like if Twilight was asked to defeat Discord on her own without the elements." Rainbow Dash said.

"Did some pony call me?" Discord asked, suddenly showing up.

"...I forgot you just show up whenever one of us even mentions your name." Rainbow Dash said, rolling her eyes.

"I might change it up a bit soon. That can get predictable." Discord said.

"...Anyways, we were just throwing around a hypothetical scenario because of Amicitia's right to rule." I said, trying to get every pony back on topic.

"Oh? And what would that--" Discord noticed Amicitia's changeing chitin. "...Oh. Oh my..." Discord said before he quickly started to examine Amicitia.

"What? is there something on my face? I know my chitin is changeling color, and I haven't had needed to feed on positive emotions as much lately." Amicitia said.

"Oh, this is so extraordinary. I've heard tales of this, but I never thought I'd get to see this in person." Discord said.

"You've heard tales of the chitin of changelings changing colors?" I asked.

"Of course he has; he was around a thousand years ago after all." Rainbow Dash said, rolling her eyes as if stating the obvious.

"...Oh right." I said, realizing what she was implying.

"This must mean Amicitia must be sharing his own love." Discord noted.

"But, the only pony that would apply to is Twilight." Pharynx said.

"Thanks captain obvious." Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes.

"You two behave now." Amicitia said. "...Suddenly, I feel a little strange..." He said before suddenly he was encased in a glowing caccoon.

"AMICITIA!" I yelled, quickly starting to pound on the caccoon. Soon though, it faded away, revealing a much changed Amicitia. He was obvious still a changeling, but his entire body had changed color and general shape. Before, he just barely reached up to my head. Now he was taller than me by a couple of inches and that includes my horn.

"I...I feel diffferent. New. And...I don't feel like I need to feed anymore." Amicitia said.

"That's new. I've never heard of this happening to a changeling before." Pharynx said.

"That's because he has found some pony he can love freely." Discord said, his tail tapping my head.

"It was obvious, but..." I said.

"I...guess this means we'll be getting married soon?" Amicitia said. "I know you ponies are big on your weddings and everything." He added.

"...Oh boy..." Pharynx said before fainting.