Once they were a young species, finding their place in a world still wild.
Once they hid in the shadows, trying to find a place to call home.
Once they took a gamble of great risk, and found a place to call their own.
Once they lived in harmony, a welcomed symbioses.
Once they were a society, becoming more than they thought possible.
Once they encountered the Nightmare, and fought united to defeat her.
Once they had a home, which was reduced to ashes.
Once they stood as equals, by those who now call them monsters.
Once they called for help, but their cries were left ignored.
Once they begged for help, but those who tried were lost forever.
Once they had all they desired, now left with only memories.
Once they had hope, but now only hunger.
Once they believed in friendship, back when they weren't hated.
Once they lived in peace, but violence is all they hear.
Once they were a proud species, which they long to become once more.
<<>><<>><<>>
The Murgröna has reawakened by the strength and conviction of Danny. Reaching out for him, an exceedingly rare thing to happen to any creature other than changelinks, Danny found himself in a strange place indeed. The collective memories of all changelinks, past and present. And none other to greet him than the late changelink king, Mantodea himself.
Within this strange realm of knowledge both ancient and new, Danny will learn what it is to be a changelink; what they are, who they are, what they endured, how everything fell apart, and who was ultimately responsible for their downfall. Discovering the truth long lost to the passing of time through the eyes of those who lived it.
These are their memories.
These are their stories.
This is their testimony.
<<>><<>><<>>
This fic is a side story of Guilt of a Phantom and contains the story left untold after the end of the chapter: A New Lease On Life. This is not a stand alone fic, but was meant to be a single chapter which became so much more; too much to remain as just a chapter.
It is strongly recommended to read Guilt of a Phantom and it's affiliated fics before this, because on its own it will not make much sense without the context provided in the main story.
A word of thanks to Crepusculo for his help with some of the names used later in this story.
Can you put that this happens after chapter 40 (="A New Lease on Life") of GOAP somewhere in the description? It may help viewers who come much later know when this occurs in that story.
I know this might be a tangential story, but at least the prologue ties back to GOAP, so I think that would be nice.
9922893
May I suggest you read the description again, cause I already did do that.
Coverart sauce: https://www.deviantart.com/28gooddays/art/Kindergarten-765058450 (SFW)
9922961
Hold on, did I forget to add the source? It should be fixed now. Thanks.
9922971 It's one of my favorite pictures.
9922974
You have good taste.
That was one of the most intriguing things I've ever read. To see from the perspective of someone to whom even clothing and language are alien concepts...
And I guess changelings don't know how to shapeshift yet?
Utterly fascinating. I love it
...wat?
Achievement Unlocked: Understanding
🍺 Another!
Um, please?
9980297
It's a side story telling of an important plot point not really delved into yet. The Balrimare Incident is another acting as a prequel given it took place before the main story chronologically as far as events go. This is too as well taking place long before the events of the show and thus the main story while also acting as something happening during the main story being a flashback from Danny's perspective as he's shared precious memories of the changeling origins that he'll have to hold tight. Elena of Avalor did the same with its first movie.
Fascinating as ever.
I'm really loving this side story and I'm really interesting in finding out how it all goes wrong for the changelings. But I can't help but wonder how would Pinkie Pie and AJ react if they find out it was their shared ancestor who first bonded with the changelings to the point they would show her the murgrnas and preserve her memories alongside their own.
Also am I going to want to punch Celestia in face afterwards?
Cause I can't help but think about that anime I was Reborn as a Slime, in which a small nation of orcs were suffering a famine and ended going on a feeding frenzy, attacking other nations and races, devouring them with no end in sight. They were stopped and snapped out of it. The MC, the man reborn as a slime, who led the army that beat the orcs decided to show mercy rather than punish the orcs as they were already suffering. Instead he helped feed them and had them work to atone for their actions.
Why am I bringing it up? Don't know really other than it's similar to the changelings' plight in this story and I love how it turned out.
10269463
Punching her in the face sounds about right.
10269596
Damn. She really f*cked up then. Will Danny punch her in the face then?
10271134
Not physically, that's all I say.
we need more of this story
They named themselves... WITH A PUN!?!
*Slow Clap*
Beautiful.
The excitement‼️‼️
Mud PIE hmmmm... I suspect a Pie ancestor there.
10432176
... Apple Pie.
10432199
Obviously Mud Pie is her child with Buzzy. This might explain Pinkie's sensitivity.
10432204
And what about Apple Jack's ability to tell if someone is lying, hmmm?
10432206
That is a learnable ability, although not many do learn it. Changeling heritage would make it easier though.
Celestia …. w..what did you do?
tia u just lost your sister dont make things worse. or i had to cut you down.
THE POWER OF THE WHACK!!!
So cute
Dear god...
Glad to see the story finished. The whole thing was well written, especially the ending parts