I looked at my surroundings, bewildered. They had not changed since I reappeared. Just like every previous time I glanced around, there was a layer of pure white snow where spring grass should be. I hate to admit it, but when I teleported, the landing hit my little "panic" button. Mostly, though I did eventually sit down, I ran around hissing. It took me a minute to get my bearings. I knew teleportations could send you a bit forward in time, but it was never this far! When I finally regained composure, I reviewed everything that happened previously. I was stationed in Canterlot, I looked out to the horizon, seeing the majestic buildings in the distance. And we were invading.... So why am I.... Suddenly, realization hit me as I remembered the previous events. We... We lost? Great. The panic button was hit again. I remembered the Queens policy back at the hive. "If an invasion is unsuccessful, all Changelings that are left behind lose ties with the hive." I whispered. I had once said those words myself to a few poor changelings who came seeking re-entry to the hive. After a few minutes of just sitting at the mouth of the cave, I realized something.
"I need to get moving."
It was a long way to the city of Canterlot. I had been walking for a while now, but my destination still seemed as far away as when I started. "Stupid ponies." I grumbled. I had decided to try and go back to the hive, even though I already knew the rule. I thought maybe, if I can bring useful information on ponies, like how they did that strange glowing explosion, I would be let back in. Somewhere along the way, I decided to shed my old form and take a new one. I also decided to form a completely new identity, since I was likely to be in Canterlot for a while. When I transformed, I took a look into a nearby frozen puddle. I was a pegasus, that much I made sure of. My coat was stark white accompanied by a pair of amber eyes. I craned my neck so I could see my cutie mark. See, when a changeling transforms, they take on every physical aspect of the pony they are currently imitating. When they make a completely new pony to become, their identity, cutie mark included, is what said changeling would have been, were he born a pony. Of course, I was shocked when I saw my cutie mark. On my flank was a golden circle with the Sun and Moon. The royal seal itself! After my initial shock, I leapt into the air and shouted. "Yes! This couldn't have gotten any easier!" I had just been handed an opportunity. The royal guard would have to accept a pony who had a royal cutie mark! I sped off towards the massive mountainside city with renewed energy.
When I finally arrived in Canterlot, I found that it was very much the same city as when I was last there. The difference being, of course, a very present lack of shielding and a sheet of white snow covering everything in sight. I soon realized that since there is no longer a threat to Equestria, the princesses might not need any guards. "Hello! Excuse me, sir!" I trotted over to a nearby stallion. He turned over and looked at me with a smile. I found him a bit peculiar, as he was only wearing a suit and monocle. This odd pony took a breath and said.
"Oh, hello! Did you happen to need something, perchance?" I glanced up at the castle and said,
"Yes, sir. I was wondering if the royal guards were still recruiting. You seem like you might know quite a bit about this town." I hadn't realized it when I was speaking, but I had suddenly adopted a perfect dialect. The Canterlonian accent is hard to mimic. Well, hard to correctly mimic anyway. I had to assume it was my pony form still working out the kinks.
"Why, yes! I do believe the guards are still recruiting. I must say that I haven't met anypony actively seeking to join them in quite some time, though! What did you say your name was?" I hadn't thought of that. I walked into a pony capital without even thinking of a name. I knew my actual name would be no good, seeing how I would be caught instantly using a changeling name. I looked around me, hoping to come up with something.
"Snow....fall. My name is snowfall." Shut up. It was the best I could find. The pony looked at me quizzically for a moment, then grinned again.
"I am very pleased to meet you, snowfall. My name is Fancy Pants." I instantly recognized him. Fancy Pants! One of the most popular ponies in Canterlot, I believe. If I have his influence, then I would be set for anything! I decided to say goodbye. I could "befriend" him later. Right then, I had a mission. "Well, I'm afraid I must go. If I make it into the guard, maybe I'll see you around!" He nodded his head, and simply said, "Best of luck to you!"
I soon arrived at the palace gates. Still just as majestic as they always were. Yet again, I noticed that there was a lack of heavy security and said gates were open. I knew the layout of the castle fairly well, as I had technically been there just hours ago. I looked to my right, and spotted the barracks, a large square building that was decidedly out of place in the city. I trotted closer to see a small desk and a royal guard right behind it. I trotted over to the pegasus and said, "Good morning! Is this the recruitment area?" The guard quickly looked up, and his eyes widened. I had to assume it was because nobody, or pony, was signing up. Ponies are rather strange. All the time I have spent on undercover assignments indicates that ponies would rather play, bake, or sing and dance than fight. I found this to be ridiculous, but such is the way of life.
"Yes. This is the recruitment center! Why? Are you wanting to join the royal guard?" He still seemed genuinely surprised.
"Yes. Is that so odd?" I wrinkled my brow, wondering why this was a such a shock. As I just explained, I knew ponies didn't like to fight, but I didn't think it would be this bad. The guard handed me a form.
"Fill this out please. And yes, it is odd for somepony to join the guard after the recruitment test was issued. It's very difficult to pass, and most just give up." Now I was curious. What could be so difficult that seeing one single pony trying to join is a surprise? I guess I was about to find out. Almost as if on cue, the guard spoke again. "Well, you'll have to enter the basement to the barracks and take the test. Follow me." His tone was extremely serious. I followed him into the cube in front of me, past the cardboard cutout of every military installment in existence, and towards a small hatch labeled "Training room." He paused and turned around. "Are you sure you want to go through with this? I'm not sure you'll make it through." He stood on top of the door, making it impossible to enter.
"I would know I was ready if you told me what I was going to be doing, but I said I would face the test and I meant it." I planted my hooves solidly on the ground and waited for him to reply.
"Well," the guard said, "Your test is to face one of the strongest ponies on our force. It won't be easy, but if you want to face the challenge, then so be it." He stepped backwards and opened the door. A familiar voice called out. A bit too familiar for my liking.
The voice called to the guard, "What is it, lieutenant stormcaller? You know not to interrupt me when I'm training."
"Yes sir, we have a potential recruit! You told me to tell you-"
"I know what I told you, lieutenant. Send him in!" After realizing who the voice belonged to, I didn't want to enter the room. I would've ran off, had I not been so stubborn about entering. I have manners, after all. I slowly walked down the stair, legs trembling, to find myself face to face with Shining Armor, the captain of the royal guard, and newly crowned prince of Equestria.