Novel Tale is an author that's been living in Canterlot for about ten years now. That's a pretty good track record for a changeling. He's even included a changeling character in his latest book, and his fans have been loving his take on such an obscure mythological creature, especially his biggest fan, Twilight Sparkle. Things are looking up!
Then an army of changelings from another hive attacks Canterlot.
Now all of ponykind knows that changelings are real, and his readers are sure to realize that the changeling in his book was too similar to the real thing to have just been based on a myth...
earlier chapters have been revised as of 7/19/13 to be more inline quality wise with the later chapters.
Let it be known that there will be extensive changeling world building in the chapters to come.
cover image courtesy of ackdari.
Much thanks to Nyerguds for proofreading and to all my fellow tropers on the TvTropes pony fanfiction thread for helping me develop this from a vague idea into an actual story.
Wow, three chapters and no comments?
Either someone's been busy or or no-one wants to tell you how much it (Adjective)'s
...
IN I GO, LAD'S
TALLY HO.
i.chzbgr.com/maxW500/6890602752/hBA7391E3/
*EDIT*
**EDIT**
*EDIT*
Well, that was good, felt a bit rushed at times, but otherwise good.
I sense great things from this story.
Carry on writing.
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Well as you saw from it being in the "new story" part, they were all posted at the same time, "now" so hardly a chance to get comments?
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i.chzbgr.com/maxW500/7047164416/h7236230C/
I am interested to see more and the drama that comes out of this.
This is your first time writing? it's pretty good ^w^ keep up the work, i'd love to read more
Awesome!!!
I'm sorry I didn't notice this before. Probably because it was a while between when I checked each chapter, but Twilight was visiting her parents 2 weeks before the wedding? And she still didn't know about it?
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well, SA's reason for not telling Twi was being too busy with the big security hike, which I assumed was a fairly recent development before the wedding. I wouldn't be surprised if the whole thing was kinda thrown together at the last minute and even Twilight parents didn't know about until a week before.
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All the more reason for her being angry about not knowing it!
I am really enjoying this story.
It has a strong start and kept me wanting to read more. It's amazingly well written so please continue with your story of this changeling who is unaffiliated with Chrysalis.
Oh boy...Is Twilight suspicious? Did Rainbow Dash know something we don't? Oh! I bet she's also a fan of Novel's work and somehow Dash made the connection before Twilight because she naturally looks for spies! Because Dash is awesome like that.
I'm amused that it was Dash that apparently figured things out. That's actually kinda fitting. She's always been a little suspicious, and I can see her connecting things from a work of fiction to real-life events quicker than Twilight (Who would get there eventually, but probably puts less thought toward fiction when dealing with such things). Plus, I like reminders that Dash isn't just some dumb jock.
Novel Tale would probably do better to just spill the beans to Twilight. He apparently knows that she's smart, and that she'll figure it out sooner or later. His disguise is going to be blown, so it's probably better to do it on his terms, rather than being found out (Plus, that gives him a better chance to make it clear that he's not with those other changelings. Actually, probably better to lead off with that right away!). At least, that's a somewhat rational plan. Hard to be too rational at a Pinkie party, though, even if you're not susceptible to the flood of happiness!
And after ten years of hiding what he is, the thought of actually telling a pony that is probably not something that would come very naturally. Different perspectives and all that. Our view of ponies is probably a bit different than a changeling that's hidden among them. I can look at it from outside and think that Twilight, being a generally rational and logical sort (When she's calm, anyway), and big on friendship and acceptance, would at least have a fair chance of being convinced of his good intentions if he handled it right. To a changeling that's relied on hiding from ponies for ten years, where the idea of discovery means total failure (And possibly worse, by revealing that changelings are real!), it might not look that way at all.
Actually, the safest bet would be to abandon the Novel Tale persona. That'd suck, of course. He's got a good position, and looks to draw in plenty of emotion. Certainly not ideal, but safer. Less risky than telling Twilight (Or other ponies) who he is and hoping they'll be understanding. I can certainly see a changeling getting attached to a successful persona and taking a few risks to preserve it, though.
...Yeah, Numex is probably in for a bit of a hard time, whatever course he takes.
In any case, I'm liking this so far! I'm a bit of a sucker for changeling stories, particularly ones that make me immediately go off thinking on tangents like this
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dropping the Novel Tale persona is actually the most likely outcome if Nurex were to make it back to the hive as he plans to. It is, as you say, the safest bet.
Of course, it wouldn't be nearly as interesting if things worked out so smoothly.
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Indeed!
Wow, found out this soon?
Novel Tale/Nurex just can't catch a break since the fiasco at Canterlot, huh?
IN BEFORE RAINBOW DASH IS A CHANGELING!!!
Sorry, couldn't resist sharing that theory.. I mean, she just got a LOOK at him and immediately figured him out! Looking forward to reading more!
Sir, are you in fact, AN INSECT?!
this story interests me...Continue....
STOP RIGHT THERE, CRIMINAL SCUM!
Now that I have your attention, who is Novel/Nurex's hive queen? You DID say he had a hive, right?
Bueno.
Awesome story dude.
I'm pretty sure that, if Novel came up with a half-decent excuse ("Oh, I already have a hotel reservation. Non-refundable. Thanks for the offer, though.") Twilight wouldn't give it a second thought. Novel's paranoia is messing with him.
Just get to the interrogation!
Dash would really love to do the interrogator.
Let's see Twilight use her Astounding Mystical Powers to magic an answer from Buggy McFakepony.
I saw this had updated and a thrill of excitement shot through me. I sooo love the alternate hive concept.
Ah, stairs. The bane of all disguises.
No! Don't stop there!
dis gun b gud
MOAR!
Someone really should have warned Novel about those stairs, so these sorts of accidents wouldn't keep happening.
So, the jig is up.
Let's hope the interrogation goes smoothly; things are bad enough already for Novel.
Also, I seriously hope the next chapter features Rainbow and Twilight pulling a "good cop/bad cop" routine.
Interogation
Interogation
Interogation
Interrogation
Interogation
interogation
noitagoretni
noitagoretni
noitagoretni
One of these is the correct spelling.
Oh god his hive is going to get raped by Twilight's inquisitiveness
What? No! Don't stop there!
If there is one thing Changeling Queens hate it is having their hive discovered.
Nurex said his hive is in the White Tail Woods. The day is already halfway over, so there’s a good chance I might end up spending the night there.”
Missing period
Huzzah! The story is moving away from the generic "Changeling living in Ponyville." idea. Good luck with your next chapter.
Interogation
Interoga
teroga
tero
ro
r
^ Where did you put the other one Mr. Author?
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Now I know that google docs does not spell check the titles of documents. thanks for pointing that out.
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fixed
Ah, massive ethical failure. That kind of thing really bothers me in pony fanfiction. Not the decision itself because I can see Twilight deciding to trade off respect for individual freedom in exchange for ensuring Equestria's safety, but the fact that she doesn't even acknowledge that there's a tradeoff to be made.
I am really enjoying these changling stories that are popping up.Keep it up , this one's looking interesting
One Hive visit and one intimidating Queen. This won't start and end well.
This is taking an interesting turn. Now as long as the other queen isn't a card carrying member of the evil cliche club, I'll continue to be interested.
It's a little off putting how Twilight doesn't even mention writing to Celestia if she doesn't come back in a while, though.
whosoever rates this story down is an inconsiderate
, pompous
, mean ass
.
i need more descriptive words that fit my statement. supply me with some words, and i will follow you and rate up and fave all your stories regardless of if i like the story or not.
no repeated word submissions please and thank you.
Another different take on changelings, MOAR!
Yay great story, Nurex is one of the most tolerable and acceptable changeling Oc's I have read about. I love Twilight in full on scholar / researcher mode, and her attempting to be intimidating during the interrogation was cute. I hope this story will stay as a slice of life like it says and not get sidetracked into any dark or sad tangents that most stories do.
And much like a paper wasp, Twilight is gonna burn the queen with hairspray and a lighter.
Ha, that's pretty ingenious using their leg(s) as a key.
That's a clever use of biology.
To the Queen!!!
Or forcing Nurex to explain to Twilight what these chambers are.