Once upon a time, there was a young unicorn who was scarred and battered by the cruel world until he was forced to retreat behind the walls of a solitary life as a bitter and spiteful creature. As he grew up, he remained a lonely recluse, with only his best friend for occasional companionship.

Until one day when he found something the world had treated even more callously and cruel than himself. She was a changeling, badly wounded and crushed until she hung onto life by a slender thread. The only chance she had for surviving her injuries was love, but that was no chance at all, for she was a monster in pony society.

And who could ever love a beast.

Rated T for references to sex, crude language, obnoxious behavior, and weathervanes.
Editors: Peter, docontra, D48 and Tek
Cover picture FIM Sleeping Changeling is courtesy of Avarraptor at Deviant Art.
(Gypsy the Changeling is so cute.)

This story is a sequel to Eyes in the Illusion

"There is no good nor evil, there is only power and those too weak to seek it," J.K. Rowling

When one faces death, one sometimes questions the actions taken in the past. In a state of delirium, one such individual lay within a frozen cave, aware her mortal end. As she awaits the inevitable, her past returns to haunt her in feverish nightmares.

The name's Slate. Straight Slate, detective by trade. It's no easy job, tracking down changelings on the cold city streets, but I'm good at what I do. I've been doing this a long time, ever since the attempted invasion at the royal wedding. But these days... These days, things are different. Something's rotten in the city of Canterlot, and one way or another I intend to get to the bottom of it. Even if it kills me.

Note: Comments are likely to contain spoilers as the story progresses. If you're starting from the beginning, I recommend avoiding them until you've caught up to the chapters in question.

Cover image by: Coin-Trip39

Thanks are due to many people for help and inspirations, both large and small.

Glitter was banished from her hive because she's different: instead of feeding on love, she feeds on anger, fear, and sadness. Ponies are easily fooled and more easily manipulated. Staying undetected and sustaining her dietary needs, she goes through life bringing misery to those around her. All changes though when he turns up, tearing down walls built throughout a lifetime.

Featured on Equestria Daily 27th of August 2015.

Originally written for the The Writeoff Association's June contest "A Matter of Perspective".

Thanks go out to InquisitorM and Fimbulvinter for editing and proofreading help.

Additional Thanks to all the Writeoff Association members who reviewed or commented on the contest version. In no particular order: Titanium Dragon, Baal Bunny, Bad Horse, Bradel, FanOfMostEverything, horizon, Not_A_Hat, PresentPerfect, Thornwing, The Cyan Recluse, The Letter J, BlazzingInferno, bookplayer

Lovey Dovey is not only a professional matchmaker, but she's pretty sure she's the best in all of Equestria! What happens when Lovey hears about an eligible bachelor in Manehattan that isn't giving any mares the time of day? Well, she packs her bags and hops on the next train, of course!

My name is Tjjait. Hmm? Can't pronounce it? Well, ponies, you can call me Last Stand. It is my name, might as well use it. I'm the last of my kind, but you don't care about that, do you? I'm just a changeling, filthy vermin in your clouded eyes. And you caught me. It's the end for poor old Last, just grant me one request. No, it's not to kill, capture, or damage anybody. It's to tell you a story. Ponies, listen to my tale, and think twice before taking my head off.

Just a little one-shot.

As Canterlot picks up the pieces after a surprise attack that left the city reeling, ponies whisper and spread rumors of their attackers. A lone infiltrator in their midst knows the truth, for he has kept their existence secret through deception and bloodshed.

Now the secret is out, and with his brothers and sisters blasted into the wilderness, he begins the task ordered by his Queen. Hiding among the ponies behind a smiling mask, he eventually finds a mare with information he needs.

An offer of friendship is made and accepted. As she lowers her guard to him, he takes one step closer to reaching his goal.

He has a role to fill. To avenge the Hive, Princess Celestia must die.

Edited by Noble Thought

Thanks to Zodiacspear and ZOMG for prereading.

Cover art: Changeling by Engavar

Chrysalis laments on what it means to be a changeling.

This is a submission for the latest Rage Reviews!-F*** THIS PROMPT #9

Somewhere within the vast reaches of the Crystal Mountains, a changeling scout stumbles across a dying mare. Confused, upset, and unsure what else to do, he decides to carry her back to his queen…

Artwork by the Inimitable Plainoasis

Kuno, a young changeling, is left weak, bloodied, and bruised after the events of the Canterlot wedding. She is soon discovered by Warden, a Royal Guard. But for some reason, Warden shows her mercy. Instead of taking her into the custody of the Royal Guard, he becomes both her captor and her savior. But over time, Kuno will come to ask herself the hardest question she has ever pondered: Can a changeling feel love?