Frost shook his head in disbelief. If all that this changeling said was true, she was incredibly powerful and incredibly dangerous. Aldus was under her spell for several nights before breaking free by some unknown means. Aldus, his master, and one of the most powerful ponies alive today.

“But... that’s history now,” Silth lamented upon finishing the story. “Now I’m hiding in the slums with a little blue pony. I have no hive, no servants, no warriors, nothing. I’m alone.”

Frost was still sitting in her lap staring at the door to their little room. “How is it that love magic can make you so powerful?” he asked the changeling.

Silth looked down at the colt and smiled, “Changelings are able to merge emotions with our magic. The resulting product is most potent, but it comes at a cost.”

“What’s that?” Frost queried.

Silth sat Frost on the mattress and stood up. She made her way to the window and peered down at the small market below their building. “We changelings aren’t able to hold emotions within us the way other creatures do.” Silth held up a hoof and examined the holes in it. “There are places where we aren’t... whole. Places where emotions just leave us.”

Frost rolled around on the mattress trying to right himself. Silth chuckled at his struggling and enveloped him in her magic, depositing him against a pile of blankets. Frost smiled at the gesture and put a hoof to his face in thought. “Why is that? Does Chrysalis know? You said she is your mother.”

Silth growled and turned away from Frost, “Was my mother. She’s dead to me now.”

Frost winced and lowered his head, “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have mentioned her.”

Silth frowned and shook her head, “It’s fine, Frosty. It’s fine. To answer your question, none of us know. Whatever happened it was so long ago that even the oldest of us don’t remember anymore.”

“I see,” Frost said. “Where are you going?”

Silth smirked at Frost and transformed into a beautiful blue mare. Her mane was curled at the edges and her tail was long and wavy. “I need to feed, sweetie.” she cooed while batting her eyelashes at him.

Frost raised and eyebrow and laughed, “That isn’t going to work.”

“Excuse me?” Silth said, a bit taken aback.

“It’s not bad, but needs some adjustments.” Frost continued.

“What are you talking about, you silly little colt? I’m a changeling. I’ve been doing this since before you were born. I know how to disguise myself.”

Frost nodded, “I’m sure you do, but have you ever disguised yourself as a prostitute from a dirt poor neighborhood before? I’m assuming that’s the look you’re going for...”

Silth narrowed her eyes at the colt, “And if it is, what of it?”

“I grew up on some of the most terrible streets in Equestria. I know what they look like, and that’s not it. Nopony is going to buy that and you might get us caught.”

“We’re not going to get caught, I’m just a whore. Nopony is going to care about a whore.” Silth said with a laugh.

Frost shook his head and let out a sigh, “A changeling princess is still a princess... royalty have no idea what life is like on the streets. Prostitutes are watched by their handlers and several of their... customers. You’ll be new and draw some attention. If the other mares, their handlers, or skittish patrons get suspicious they might check in with their bosses. Some of those bosses could be crooked guards, and by now every guard in this part of the city has heard about us.”  

Silth paused for a moment, the colt had a convincing argument. Silth prided herself on being a master infiltrator. She’d once spent months studying a mark before taking their place in a royal court. But she had never tried something like this.

“You have a point, so what do you suggest?”

Frost grinned and held out his hooves, motioning for her to pick him up. Silth enveloped him in her magic and floated him in front of her. He pulled himself behind her and began to mess up her hair. “You’re a changeling, I’m sure once you’re out there you’ll be able to act the part. But that isn’t enough, you’ll need to look the part as well.”

The colt levitated some dirty blankets and rubbed them across Silth’s chest and face, smearing it up with dirt. After a few more adjustments he grinned and let out a low whistle. “Now that’s what I call gorgeous, right out of the gutter.”

Silth chuckled and deposited Frost back on the mattress. “I’ll be back later, don’t try to escape, Frost. If you do I’ll find you...”

Frost looked down at the cocoon restraining him, “Where am I going to go?” he asked with a frown.

Silth nodded and started toward the door. She turned around called over her shoulder, “I’ll have some food for you when I return, and... thanks for the advice, Frost.”

The changeling quickly shut the door behind her, leaving Frost with an amused smirk across his muzzle. He didn’t seem to be in any danger, and whatever Silth had planned for him wasn’t going to happen until she had most of her power back. Until he had more information there was nothing he could do. But that wasn’t the big problem, the big problem was going to be Aldus and rest of his family wondering where he was.

------------

Aldus reclined in his chair and smirked at Rigel, “This has got to be some story, lets hear it.”

Rigel stood in front of Aldus’ desk in the cottage’s small study. Despite being older than Aldus, he still served under him the court. Rigel reported to Aldus, then Luna. That was it. He stared at Aldus with a cool neutral expression, the two of them barely ever got into arguments. He glanced over his shoulder at Iris, who was struggling to hold back tears.

“I was with them the entire time until Iris wanted some food. I went ahead to get the tram tickets and before I knew it, Frost was tearing off after some thief who took his saddlebags.” Rigel said with a shrug. “Iris tried to follow them but lost track in the crowds.”

“Please don’t be mad, Aldus.” Iris squeaked, “He didn’t want to lose your money and the things he bought.”

Aldus ran a hoof through his mane. “I’m not mad, Iris. Don’t worry.”

Rigel picked Iris up and smiled, “We’ll find him. No need to cry.”

Polaris was looking out the window on the other side of the room. He turned to Aldus and shook his head, “Quite the rascal, your apprentice. I seem to remember another little pony who got himself into trouble frequently. He was around Frost’s age when Rigel and I met him.”

Aldus laughed, “Alright, alright. I get it. Have you heard anything from the guards?”

“Nothing yet,” Polaris said, “But I imagine we’ll be hearing something soon. The guards in the area have already been notified.”

Rigel and Iris turned around when loud knocking came from the door.

“Enter!” Aldus said.

Willow trotted into the room with a unicorn in ornate silver armor. The unicorn caught site of Polaris and froze. “You- You’re-- I-”

“Captain, I’m just a soldier same as you. Have you something to report?” Polaris asked.

The captain regained his composure and bowed to Aldus, “Members of the Lunar Court, I’m afraid there has been an incident.”

“We know, one of the foals we were looking after disappeared chasing a thief. Have you located Frost?” Rigel queried.

“That is not the incident, Lord Rigel.” The captain said with a quivering lip.

“What is it then?” Polaris asked, now growing impatient.

“There has been a breach in one of our secure research facilities and its occupant has escaped. The occupant was the prisoner taken from Darkmire Moors...”

“WHAT?!?!” Aldus roared, his face taking on a monstrous appearance.

A loud thud impacted the floor behind Iris as Willow fainted. Rigel rushed over to her and shook his head at Aldus.

Polaris narrowed his eyes and turned to Aldus, who was absolutely seething. Iris cowered behind Rigel after seeing Aldus in such a state.

“Captain...” Aldus said, “I want to know everything that happened, and I want guards posted around the island this instant.”

------------

Silth returned in the late afternoon and levitated a bag of food to Frost, who ate it immediately. The changeling chuckled and dropped her disguise while laying down next to Frost.

“Don’t eat too fast, you might get sick.” Silth said with a small smile.

Frost stuffed a hoof full of hay fries in his mouth and swallowed, “What about you? Did you eat fast and get sick?”

Silth licked her fangs and stretched her forehooves, “No... the stallion was succulent enough for me to take my time.”

“Poor guy...” Frost said while continuing to eat.

“Is that all you have to say about it?” Silth asked, “You know I just fed on a pony, that doesn’t bother you?”

Frost finished his food and looked at Silth, it was only now that he realized just how big she was. For the most part it was her long slender legs, but her chest and body were large as well. She was easily as big as Selene. But for some reason, he wasn’t scared anymore.

“Suppose it did bother me, what good would that do?” Frost queried, “Did you feed enough to kill him?”

“No.” Silth replied. “What happened to make you this way?”

“I’m cold, Silth.” Frost said with a sigh, “It’s in my name, and it’s in my nature. Both my parents were killed just after I was out of my diapers. The orphanages didn’t care about me. I was abused and mistreated. Once I was old enough to make it on the streets, things improved, but not by much. The attitude helped me take care of the only friends I ever had, and back then I didn’t have any magic.”

“What do you mean?” Silth asked.

Frost pointed to his horn, “This thing was busted, I could only do a few spells before it would sputter out. Aldus fixed it.”

Silth smiled rested her head against a hoof, “Of course he did.”

Frost finished the food and burped, “Thank you for the food, Silth.”

“Don’t mention it cutie, I’m going to start work on a little project. It’s going to take a few hours, but it’ll be worth it.”

“What project?” Frost asked.

“You’ll see,” Silth said. She rolled onto her back and picked up Frost’s cocoon with a single hoof. “But I can say that it’s for you.”

“Joy...” Frost groaned as Silth held him above her head.

“Is that attitude I’m hearing?” Silth asked with a slight giggle.

Frost rolled his eyes, “Very observant, now why don’t you let me go?”

“Let you go? So soon? But I thought you were just starting to like me?” Silth pouted. “You were all smiles last night...”

Silth winked at Frost and held one eye shut, while the other began spinning with blue spirals. Frost immediately was drawn to it and felt his vision began to fade. He tried to lean away and resist. “This magic... it’s hypnosis...” Frost said, struggling to think straight. He’d never felt this way before, his mind still remembered the taste of euphoria, it hungered for more, all he needed to do was look at Silth.

Frost’s left eye cracked open and barely caught a glimpse of Silth’s face, but that was enough. Soon it began to mirror Silth’s and caused Frost lean back in momentary ecstasy. “Please... stop,” Frost said, trying to fight it.

“Frosty...” Silth cooed, “It’s okay... just look at me, you can trust me. I just want to help you.”

Frost shook his head and covered his right eye. He focussed as hard as he could on certain image, an image that gave him hope. A beautiful gryphon smiling down at him while extending a claw. Frost gritted his teeth and erected a mental barrier.

Silth could not believe it. He was resisting the spell, at least for now. Granted, it was way below full power and she was only toying with him. But still, that was an accomplishment. Silth smiled as she watched him rub his eyes. He was starting to grow on her.

“Don’t do that!” Frost said, “It’s not fair, I have no clue how to defend against magic like that. I-”

Frost stopped as he was lowered down and Silth softly kissed his forehead. “But if I stop, how are you going to figure out a way to resist it?”

“Well I- wait what?” Frost stammered.

“I’m hardly the only changeling who knows this magic, Frost. Though I must say I am pretty good at it.” she said with a giggle. “Someday you might be up against it again. Also, if you figure out how to resist it, that makes learning it a bit easier...”

“What?!” Frost gasped, “I can learn that? It’s not changeling magic?”

“It is,” Silth answered, “But it’s not exclusive to our race. It just hasn’t been taught to non-changelings because, well...” Silth paused with a shrug, “I’m sure you can imagine why.”

“So you’re going to teach me?” Frost asked.

“I didn’t say that...” Silth said while licking her fangs, “I might entertain the idea if you show promise resisting my magic. And that’s a big if...”

Silth blinked and resumed her hypnosis, still with one eye. Frost tried his best to prevent it, and for a few minutes he was doing well. But ultimately it was a battle of attrition, and the child’s mind was weakening.

“Frost...” Silth cooed. She tickled under his shoulders and leaned forward. The blue unicorn made the mistake of cracking his eyes open the slightest, and was captured by Silth’s spell. His mouth dropped open in a stupid smile. “I thought you were going to resist it this time?” the changeling chuckled.

Frost only managed to moan as the spirals pulsed from the center of his eyes. With care, Silth cut open the cocoon and examined the colt’s legs. She gingerly lifted Frost out and nestled him in some blankets. “Nice and warm?”

Frost managed to nod his head in response.

“You’re drooling, Frost.” Silth playfully admonished. The colt grunted and wiped his face with a hoof, an act that appeared to take significant effort.

“Are you tired? Then shut your eyes, Frosty. I’ll have something special for when you wake up.”

Frost yawned and groggily nodded his head. Once he was asleep, Silth gathered her magic and began her work, all while being sure to not disturb the colt.

-------------

At the cottage, Pyrite sat in the corner of Frost’s room with the book they had been reading. He looked over at the dresser and thought about its contents. They never had much, being on the streets, but Frost always kept a special trinket with him. Pyrite opened the drawer and found the locket laying atop some blankets. He didn’t open it, for he already knew what was inside. A picture of Frost’s deceased mother. He rarely talked about her, but that locket was easily his most treasured possession.

The silver earth colt curled up in the corner and felt a tear fall down his face. The other ponies said Frost would forgive him, but what if he didn’t? Pyrite was never as competitive as Frost, and now he had made his big brother angry at him. If Frost didn’t come back how would he ever get the chance to apologize?

The door to their room opened as Andromeda stuck her head inside. “Pyrite, what are you doing sitting there all by yourself?” The blue pegasus filly frowned when she saw Pyrite crying.

“I’m sorry, Andromeda.” Pyrite sniffled, “I just want to be alone right now.”

“Well that’s too bad, cutie. You’re not getting rid of me.” Andromeda said as she picked up Pyrite and sat down with him in her lap. “What’s wrong?”

“It’s Frost, I’m worried about him. I hope he’s not mad at me.”

Andromeda shook her head and shushed the colt, “He’s not mad, he’s just stubborn and prideful.”

Pyrite leaned against her chest and wiped some tears away, “I guess...” The earth colt looked up at Andromeda with hopeful eyes, “Hey, do you think we could go look for him?”

“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” Andromeda said, “Mommy and Aldus seem very upset about something, I think it’s dangerous to go around looking for him now.”

“Okay...” Pyrite relented.

Andromeda kissed Pyrite on the cheek and playfully squeezed him, “Cheer up, cutie. He’ll be back before you know it.”

“She’s right, Pyrite.” a voice said from across the room. An explosion of fire erupted near the bed revealing Firebrand.

The orange colt trotted over to Andromeda and sat down in Front of her. “Frost won’t be mad, he’s not that type of pony. Mother wants to see you, Andromeda. It sounds important. I’ll stay with Pyrite.”

Andromeda narrowed her eyes at Firebrand, then smiled down at Pyrite. “I’ll be right back, Pyrite. Don’t get into any trouble while I’m gone...” she said with a glare at Firebrand.

The orange pegasus chuckled as Andromeda left the room. “Now that she’s gone, want to have some fun?”

“What do you have in mind?” Pyrite asked.

Firebrand ignited his mane and conjured a fireball in his right hoof, “Playing with fire.” he said with a smirk.

“Don’t do that!” Pyrite yelped, “It’s dangerous!”

“Really?” Firebrand asked absentmindedly while throwing the ball of flame back and forth between his hooves, “Then you take it.”

He tossed the ball at Pyrite who jumped out of the way letting the fire land on the carpet. To his surprise, it didn’t catch fire. The ball of flame simply bounced into the wall and sputtered out.

Pyrite turned to Firebrand and scratched his head, “What just happened?”

“This is my fire, Pyrite. I won’t let it burn you. Here, catch.” the orange colt conjured another ball and lobbed it at Pyrite.

This time the silver earth colt caught the ball of flame in his hooves. He jumped at first, still expecting burning, but there was none. Instead it just felt like a lukewarm rubber ball. “This is fun!” Pyrite exclaimed as he tossed the fire back to Firebrand.

The orange colt grinned and took a deep breath, standing on his haunches. He exhaled a gout of fire at the ceiling and flexed his forehooves. “Dragons got nothing on me!”

A few minutes later Andromeda returned to find Pyrite wrestling with Firebrand near the foot of the bed. If he was crying before, you definitely couldn’t tell now. She couldn’t help but sit down and smile as she saw the happiness on Pyrite’s face.

Pyrite jumped onto Firebrand’s back and pulled at his mane, which was now a blazing inferno. The orange colt wailed for effect and spun around before face planting on the floor. But Pyrite wasn’t finished yet, he started tickling under Firebrand’s wings and around his stomach.

“No no, now you’re tickling. Stop, I can’t stand that!” he pleaded while rolling over. Pyrite only climbed onto his stomach and continued his assault. “He’s a monster, a tickle monster! Andromeda help me!” Firebrand wailed between laughter.

Andromeda grinned and flew over to her brother. She started tickling behind his ears while winking at Pyrite. “Sorry baby brother, but I’m on Pyrite’s side!”

“No!” Firebrand shouted as Iris flew in through the window.

The gryphon glared at Pyrite and narrowed her eyes. The silver earth colt knew what was coming and leapt off Firebrand making a break for the bed. He crawled under it just as Iris caught his tail. She dragged him out and fell onto her back as he struggled in her claw.

“So you like tickling other ponies?” Iris teased with with a smirk.

“Get him Iris!” Firebrand said as Andromeda shoved his head into the carpet.

The gryphon grinned and wrapped her wiry tail around Pyrite’s middle, suspending him above her. A single talon touched against Pyrite’s snout, “Say something nice about me and I might let you go.” Iris said with a sly grin.

Pyrite tried in vain to unwind the tail around him, “You’re the prettiest gryphon I’ve ever met!”

“Hmm... you can do better than that,” Iris said as she slipped the talon under Pyrite’s shoulders and tickled him.

Pyrite laughed as Iris’ tail twisted him around in the air, “Your feathers are soft and fluffy!”

Iris giggled and dropped him onto her chest. “Yeah, they are. That’s what happens when you practice good hygiene.”  

Pyrite giggled as Iris kissed him on the cheek and stroked his mane, she got up and allowed him to climb onto her back as they trotted over to Andromeda, who had Firebrand pinned on the floor. “Do you know what’s going on?” Iris asked Andromeda. “Aldus was very mad the last time I saw him.”

Andromeda frowned and shook her head. “I don’t know, but we’re all supposed to be on our guard until this situation passes.”

The door to their room burst open revealing Rigel and Marigold. Selene glided in soon after with the rest of the children on her back. “Listen carefully children,” Rigel began, “Aldus, Polaris, Selene, and I are going into the city. Something urgent has come up.”

“What’s the matter?” Iris asked, “You wouldn’t tell me earlier, you just shoved me out of the room.”

Rigel frowned knelt in front of the gryphon, “I know, Iris. I’m sorry about that.”

“It’s about the prisoner escape, isn’t it?” Iris asked. “You don’t think that is related to Frost’s disappearance? Do you?” She asked with worry in her eyes.

“Frost might be in trouble?!” Pyrite asked as he climbed on Iris’ head to stare at Rigel.

Marigold took the colt from the gryphon and embraced him, “We don’t know that, Pyrite. Uncle Rigel and Aldus are going to get him back, wherever he is.”

Rigel nodded with stoic determination, “While we’re gone, several guards will be posted around the cottage. None of you are to go outside, not even for a second. Marigold and Willow will remain here with you.”

“When will you be back?” Iris asked while grabbing Rigel’s wingtip with a claw.

He turned around and ruffled her feathers, “We’ll be back before you know it. But Iris, stay here. I’m serious.”

The gryphon smiled and nodded. “I’ll look after everypony, you can count on me.”

“Outstanding.” Rigel replied. Selene deposited the children on the bed and nodded to Rigel before disappearing into a black portal.

The red pegasus waved goodbye to the rest of the children and began to leave when he was stopped by a hoof. He looked down to see Marigold holding him back with Pyrite still in a hoof. “Be careful.” she said while planting kiss on Rigel’s cheek.

He blushed the slightest shade of red before regaining his composure. “I will,” he replied with a slight bow before shutting the door behind him.

“Ooooooo!!” came a chorus of voices from the bed, “Somepony has a crush!”

Marigold blushed and sat down with the children, “No... it’s nothing like that...” she blushed even more when they continued to giggle. “Alright alright, that’s enough. Who wants some dinner?”

--------------

Frost stirred as the sound of the slums made it’s way into the attic. Much happened at night in this part of town, and little of it was good. Silth was gone, but there was something on the other side of the room. A small oval shaped protrusion coming out of the wall. It glowed the faintest green and pulsed every few seconds like a heartbeat. Frost uncovered himself from the blankets and examined his legs, they were starting to hurt now. The splints Silth used were still helping, but after her hypnosis wore off the pain started to creep forward.

He leaned against the wall wondering what that new thing was, then he remembered Silth talking about a pod. As if on cue, the changeling entered their room again, this time disguised as a proper rich looking unicorn mare.

Frost yawned and raised and eyebrow, “I thought I told you that getup wouldn’t work around here?”

Silth reverted to her changeling form and licked her fangs, “Who said I was around here?”

“You went somewhere else?” Frost asked, now a little interested.

“I took a stroll uptown and hit up a fancy party, that scene is more my style.” she said with a chuckle.

“Oh?” Frost asked, “And are you well fed?”

“Full to bursting,” Silth replied with a less-than dainty belch.

The changeling noticed Frost wince as he shifted on the mattress. “Any pain?”

“Just a little...” Frost mumbled, “Maybe removing me from that cocoon wasn’t such a good idea.”

Silth sat down next to the colt and examined his legs, “After tonight you should be fully healed, so it won’t be a problem.”

“Silth... why are you doing this? Why help me?” Frost asked with a frown.

Silth looked perplexed, “What are you talking about? You saved me, I owe you. Remember?”

Frost turned to face her and winced again, “You were a changeling princess, in possession of an army ready to conquer this entire kingdom. You would have fed on these ponies and many others.” Silth appraised the colt with a neutral expression, but let him continue. “Who knows how many ponies and other creatures you’ve killed, and you could’ve killed Aldus, too.”

“Yes, I could have.”

“Obviously you’re planning on giving me back to Aldus, perhaps as some sort of leverage or message.”

“You have quite the wit, Frosty.” Silth mused while stroking his mane.

“You could have just taken me to Aldus after you regained some energy, you didn’t have to place me in that cocoon. I’m certain your hypnosis is so powerful I could be put under for days or maybe even weeks.” Frost said, staring Silth in the eyes. “You could have delivered me and been leagues away from here by now. Yet you’re still here looking at me with caring eyes, eyes that don’t make sense.”

Silth got up and trotted over to the window, for a while she said nothing until transforming into Aldus. “It’s because of him that I’ve changed.”

“What are you talking about?” Frost asked.

“Aldus spared my hatchlings, he could have burned them all, incinerated the hatchery. He could have stopped an entire new generation of changelings from growing and threatening ponykind, but he didn’t. He spared them.” Silth said while returning to her original form. “Once he captured me, Aldus revealed the fate that awaited me, the torture at the hands of the silver ponies.”

“I can’t believe Aldus would do something like that, even to a changeling.” Frost said. “It’s so... cold.”

“He offered me an easy way out, to end it right there and save me the pain. I refused.”

“Why?” Frost asked.

Silth put a hoof to her forehead, “Because he beat me. I thought I had all the pieces of the puzzle figured out, and yet he still won. I wasn’t going to take the easy way out.”

“That’s why?”

“What do you know about your master, Frosty?” Silth cooed, returning to sit next to the colt. “Do you know why he’s called ‘Aldus the Moondeath’?”

“I didn’t know he was called that at all,” Frost admitted.

“Mmmm I thought as much,” Silth said while resting her head next to Frost’s. “Might want to ask him about it sometime...”

“Why? How did he get that title?” Frost asked.

“Your master was a very bad pony once, Frost. He did some horrible things. But... he’s different now.” Silth said while she collected Frost in her long forehooves, “In my intimate time with him, he’s not the same pony he was back then, he can’t be. He’s changed, and if he can change, perhaps I can too. Starting with helping you.”

Silth buzzed her wings and floated over to the pod. Frost crawled backward as she set him down. “You’re going to put me in that thing? I thought you said you weren’t going to feed on me!”

Silth grinned and caressed the pod, “Frost, I’m not. These are what we keep our prey in, its true. However there is no feeding that occurs inside them. The pods are designed to rejuvenate and revitalize their occupants, restoring both emotions and energy. They also possess healing powers. The liquid will heal your legs completely.”

Frost gulped and continued to back away, not convinced. “I don’t think I want to.”

Silth enveloped him in a magical field and brought him in front of her, “Did I mention you’ll be asleep the whole time? Having the best dreams? It’s a variation of our changeling magic. The best way for the prey to be refilled with happiness and love is by experiencing it themselves...”

“I- I don’t know...” Frost said, “You’re sure this will work?

“I’m sure, Frost.”

Frost looked at the changeling and grabbed her face with his hooves, “Use your hypnosis on me, then put me in there. I don’t want to just go in.”

Silth shook her head, “I don’t want to, Frost. You can do this. Don’t be afraid.”

“I’m not afraid, I just-”

“I’ll be right here until you go to sleep.” Silth said with a small smile.

Frost stared at her for a few seconds then nodded, “Let me down.”

The changeling complied and deposited Frost in front of the pod. It seemed to pulsate at a more rapid pace, perhaps sensing the blue unicorn. Frost pulled aside the thin membrane and crawled inside. The fluid filling the pod did not escape when he opened it, but remained still. Frost held his breath before Silth motioned for him to breath. Eventually he did, and noticed it was just like air, another marvel of changeling magic. The fluid razed him up to the center of the pod and suspended him there. The green glow became dim while the fluid began to warm up. Frost felt his eyelids becoming heavy as the pod began to lull him to sleep. He looked outside the pod to see Silth standing there watching him, just like she promised. With a bit of effort Frost reached out a hoof and touched it to the pod membrane. Silth mirrored his movement and held her hoof to Frost’s for as long as he was able to remain awake.

After a few minutes, his hoof dropped to his side and he was fast asleep. A calm smile played across his face while he bobbed up and down in the pod. Silth smiled in return and trotted over to the window. Several silver guard ponies were patrolling the streets and questioning some ponies. The changeling felt a tinge of fear run up her spine. She looked back at the colt floating in the pod. He had at least five or six hours to go at minimum. But Silth didn’t know if they had that long...

Hurry up, Frost. Silth thought while watching the silver guard, We won’t be safe here much longer.

-------------

The next night, the cottage was locked up tighter than a fortress in wartime. The courtiers were still in the city and none of the ponies could go outside. Ruby trotted to the baths with Pyrite after a short dinner. Marigold had advised the ponies to stay in their rooms as much as possible, something that Ruby didn’t like one bit. She hated being cooped up all the time. Like the hotel embassy in Manehatten, this cottage had a group sauna bath, only it was considerably smaller. Pyrite wrinkled his nose and tried to slink away, but Ruby caught him with her magic.

“Where are you going, mister?” she playfully scolded her baby brother, “You’re filthy, you need a bath.”

“Am not!” Pyrite shouted, “I’ve been inside all day, I’m not dirty.”

“Kiddo, you know mares like clean colts. You should enjoy it.” Stormcaller said as he trotted into the room behind Ruby. The red unicorn filly blushed and set Pyrite down.

“I do like a good smelling colt... if only there was one around here. Oh well.” Ruby said with sly grin, turning her flank toward Stormcaller.

The blue and purple pegasus sniffed under his shoulders and looked at his reflection in the water. “I suppose I could use a good soak. If only there was a stunning filly to join me. Oh well...” Stormcaller teased as he winked at Ruby. He trotted into the bath with Ruby following soon after.

Seeing the two of them distracted, Pyrite crept away only to be stopped by a tentacle wrapping around left leg. “Selene?” he asked while turning around to see who grabbed him.

Andromeda grinned at her charge while bringing him to sit in front of her. “You do need a bath, cutie. I love cute colts, but not when they’re stinky.”

“I’m not stinky!” Pyrite protested while waving his forehooves in the air.

“Fine, I guess you’ll have to find some other filly to cuddle with tonight.” Andromeda said while returning her hoof to normal.

Pyrite sighed and shook his head, “Okay, Andromeda, I’ll take a bath.”

“Good, now lets wash you up.” the filly giggled while flying into the bath with Pyrite.

Across the cottage, Iris and Black Star were resting together in Selene’s room with the other children. Marigold was checking with the guards to make sure everything was in order for the shift change. Meanwhile, Willow was preparing the children’s beds when a terrible chill ran down her back. She jumped and turned around, making sure nopony was there. When she was satisfied she was alone, she continued her work. She was alone, but the sooner Aldus got back, the bet-

“Ciaran.”

Willow froze... that voice, there was no mistake, it was her. The moment she had dreaded was finally here. But she knew this day might come. Willow calmed herself and made for the rear of the cottage.

-------------

Outside their was a cool breeze winding it’s way through the trees near the center of the island. A small forest lined the rear of the cottage, and that was where Willow was headed. She had to hand it to her sister, it was perfect timing. All the guards were gone for at least five to ten minutes changing shifts. But Silth was taught by their mother. Still, she winced wondering what pony had to suffer for her to acquire such information.

“Such a clever girl,” came a sultry voice from about ten paces away. “But not clever enough...” Silth revealed herself by stepping out of the shadows near a large tree, “It’s been too long baby sister, now drop that hideous disguise. I would speak to you in your true form.”

Ciaran dropped her disguise and stretched, now able to resume her full height. “I was really hoping to never see you again, wretch.”

“That hurts, Ciaran. You don’t mean that.” Silth sneered.

“I do, with all my heart. Have you come for revenge?” Ciaran asked, summoning magic to her horn.

Silth shook her head, “No, I have not. Even though I should kill you for what you helped Aldus do. I’ve come to deliver something to you.”

Ciaran relinquished her magic and stepped forward, “You have him? I knew it.”

Silth produced a bundle in her left forehoof and cautiously stepped closer to her sister. Both changelings appraised each other, ready for anything. She stood next to Ciaran and unwrapped the top revealing a hypnotized Frost. The swirling blue spirals in his eyes pulsed rapidly as he saw Silth and Ciaran staring down at him.

Ciaran shook her head and snarled at Silth, “You fed on him?! How could you?!”

“I did nothing of the sort!” Silth snapped

Ciaran stared at her sister, clearly not buying it. “Why should I believe anything you say?”

Silth smirked while stroking Frost’s mane, “You shouldn’t, but I’m going to tell you what happened anyway. I don’t have much time. This little cutie saved me.”

“What?” Ciaran deadpanned.

“He saved me, and the guards attacked him. They broke both his legs to punish him. With his help I was able to kill the guards and escape. While I recovered, I tried my best to mend his wounds. I created a small pod for him to heal in. He’s just come out of it.”

Ciaran could not believe what she was hearing, “If you were in my position, you know how hard this is to believe.”

Silth nodded while smiling down at Frost, “I know... I know. This colt, he’s something else. I couldn’t let him suffer like that. When he wakes up, listen to what he has to say. Then decide if you want to believe me.”

“Since when have you ever cared for anypony but yourself?” Ciaran asked.

A fair question. Silth had been selfish her whole life, with little in the way of consequence, aside from the occasional beating from their mother.

“I know, Ciaran. But... I think I want to change. I understand you don’t believe me, and that’s fine. Just take care of Frost, I don’t want to see anything happen to him.” Silth said while handing the bundle to Ciaran. Frost was vaguely aware of what was going on and reached out for Silth. The elder changeling frowned and leaned in to kiss Frost on the forehead one last time. “Goodbye sweetie.”

“You’re just going to leave?” Ciaran asked.

“Are you going to stop me?” Silth asked with a raised eyebrow. “My old life is gone, baby sister. My colony destroyed and what’s left have surely chosen a new princess to lead them. From here on, I’m starting a new life.”

“No, I’m not going to stop you. Start your new life, just do it far away from here.”

Silth chuckled and began to trot away, but stopped near the large tree and turned back to her sister. “Ciaran?”

“Yeah?”

“Did you taste Aldus?” Silth asked with grin that nearly split her face.

Ciaran propped up Frost in her hoof and nodded, “I did, briefly.”

“Really?” Silth replied, “I’m surprised to hear that.”

“Best love I’ve ever tasted,” Ciaran admitted.

“It was, wasn’t it? And I’ll have it again... farewell, Ciaran.” Silth said before disappearing into the shadows.

Ciaran looked at Frost, still completely under her sister’s spell. She quickly transformed back into Willow and teleported back into her room.

------------

Once inside, Ciaran sat down in her room and lit some candles, bringing light to the otherwise dark room. She sat on her haunches and gently rubbed at Frost’s chest to get his attention. Ciaran began to use her own spell to replace her sisters. He watched the purple spirals and touched a hoof to Ciaran’s face. Once he was completely under her control, she ended the spell and shook Frost lightly.

“Frost...  Frost... wake up, can you hear me?”

Frost regained control of his forehooves and rubbed his eyes, he saw Willow staring at him and realized she was holding him. He looked around and realized he was back at the cottage.

Frost kicked Willow in the chest enough for her to drop him. He landed on his feet and backed away. His legs were healed, Silth was telling the truth. Frost figured she must have hypnotized him as soon as she removed him from the pod, then brought him here. Silth healed him and let him go, just as she promised.

“Frost, I’m so glad you’re safe. I-”

“Transform, now.” Frost growled.

“Frost, I can explain...”

“Transform!! Now!!” he shouted.

Willow held up her hooves, signalling him to be quiet. She shut the windows and locked the door before trotting over to Frost. She bowed her head and transformed into her true form as a changeling princess. Much taller than her ‘Willow’ disguise, she was not quite as large as Silth, but still held a similar presence.

Frost sneered while pacing around her in circles. “So, Ciaran is it? Seems Silth wasn’t lying about you either.”

Ciaran frowned as the small unicorn circled around her. “Frost, I can explain everything.”

“Oh I’m sure you can...” Frost said with a chuckle. “And I want to hear it all. But first, where is Silth?”

“She brought you here and gave you to me. She’s gone now, you don’t have to worry about her anymore.”

“Worry?” Frost asked with a laugh, “I’m not worried, so far it seems everything she’s told me is true. Unlike Aldus deceiving me letting a changeling take care of my friends.”

“Frosty, sweetheart...” Ciaran said, lowering herself to the ground, “I didn’t hurt or feed on any of your friends, if that’s what you're thinking. I would never.”

Frost stopped and sat on his haunches in front of her, “I’m a bit sad, Silth told me the truth about all these things. She nursed me back to health and returned me home, and I never got to thank her.”

“You don’t know her like I do, Frost. It’s not wise to trust what she says.” Ciaran said.

“Oh? And I should trust you, ‘Willow?’ I don’t think so, not yet.” Frost said. “Just how long were you going to fool us? Maybe I should go and get my friends, they deserve to see the truth.” Frost said while turning to leave.

Ciaran stopped him with a forehoof, “No Frosty... please, they can’t know.”

“Why not?” Frost snapped, “What are you going to do? Are you going to stop me with your hypnosis. You must have the same powers Silth does.”

Ciaran blinked and let a single tear fall from her eye, “No...no I won’t do that. I’m not like my sister.” She pulled Frost closer, he didn’t resist. “I’m so sorry, Frosty. I didn’t want to deceive you or anypony else. But I didn’t have a choice.”  The changeling hugged Frost against her chest and shook her head. “It was Aldus’ idea, it was part of the bargain I made to keep my colony safe from Silth.”

Frost let the changeling embrace him, he wrapped his forehooves around her neck and sat there a few moments. Despite everything that happened, it was good to be home. “Alright, Ciaran. Alright.” Frost said while gently pushing away, “Where is Aldus?”

“He is with Selene, Rigel, and Polaris in the city. I think they went looking for you.” Ciaran said.

“Ciaran, I want some answers, and I’m sure you have some questions for me as well.”

“I do,” Ciaran said. “Now that you know what I am, I see no harm in telling you everything else.”

“Don’t tell my friends I’m back just yet,” Frost said, “Let’s stay here a while so we can clear things up. But I’m hungry, could you get me some food please?”

Ciaran smiled, “Of course, Frosty.” The changeling transformed into ‘Willow’ once again and left the room for the kitchen.

Frost dimmed a few candles so he was surrounded by darkness. It was starting to rain outside the cottage. He stood on his hind legs and stretched them, admiring how they were completely healed. Frost closed his eyes and remembered a memory, or was it a dream? The pod had given him many good feelings and dreams, but this seemed different. It was Silth’s voice.

“I will always remember what you did for me, Frost. You’re a sweet colt, and you know much already. But there is always more to learn. Continue to grow, and be safe. We’ll meet again someday.”