//------------------------------// // Eternal Night - Awakening // Story: The Ever Changing Moon // by CommanderX5 //------------------------------// The Ever Changing Moon - Chapter 3 Eternal Night Part 4 - Awakening The awkward silence lasted for several seconds as Fluttershy lay on the grass among the fragments of the shattered coffin, buried under a pile of her friends while wearing an Apple Hat. Ever since Nightmare Moon and Princess Luna had visited Fluttershy in her dream and updated her about the recent events, she was more than eager to be greeted by her friends, expecting a touching reunion which would become the first chapter in her new and happy life. An exploding Pinkie Pie and being buried under the weight of her friends was certainly not what she had in mind. Fluttershy whimpered and slowly opened her eyes, looking at the beat up face of Rainbow Dash. She felt her friend’s muzzle press against her chin, two forelegs wrapped around her wings as well as her neck getting wet because of saliva dripping from Dash’s mouth. Applejack didn’t have it any better as her face was being ground into the dirt. “L-let us help!” called a firm voice which seemed familiar, yet it was none of her friends. “Eeyup!” With a slow turn of her head, she noticed how Big Mac, Hawkeye and three of the survivors from Cloudsdale’s clan approached and pushed the bear aside. A dull thump followed the moment bear’s back hit the ground. Both stallions helped her stand and Big Mac picked up Apple Bloom to examine her for any sign of injuries. “S-she’s fine,” Fluttershy said while pointing at the filly, only to cover her yawning mouth. “Thank you…” Her eyes widened. “Wait, Big Mac? What are you doing here?” she asked in panic while taking a few steps back, tripping over Applejack with a yelp of surprise. She raised her head and pointed at the stallion while lying on her back. “Did Applejack… tell you about me?” “Eeyup,” Big Mac responded, looking between his younger sister and Fluttershy. “And… you’re okay with it?” she squeaked. “Eeyup.” Hawkeye patted his son on the back and said cheerfully, “It took mah daughter a while, but she come clean with the rest of the family. Big Mac was fine with ya bein’ a pureblood from the get go.” “R-really?” Fluttershy asked in confusion. “Eeyup,” Big Mac said, raising his head proudly. “Yer the nicest pony Ah’ve ever met. Ya looked after mah kin, protected mah sis and saved mah father.” He bowed. “Ah’ll repay ya for saving us. Ah swear on mah honor as an Apple.” Fluttershy’s cheeks brightened red as she shook her forehooves in panic, sheepish smile present on her face. “W-what? N-no no no, I just did what was right. Nothing more.” Applejack whimpered and massaged the back of her neck before standing up, only to notice her brother bowing to Fluttershy. “Huh, what did Ah miss?” She picked up her hat and placed on her head before giving Fluttershy a questioning stare. Big Mac continued, still maintaining a respectful bow. “Yer too modest. Mah sister told me ‘bout yer troubles. All ya endured to keep us from harm.” “She did?” Fluttershy said, glancing at Applejack as one of the pegasi thestrals helped her stand. “It wasn’t that bad. I’m used to it by now.” Her ears drooped as she held her forehooves together in a pleading gesture while displaying her puppy eyes. “W-would you please stop bowing to me? Pretty please?” Before the stalion could respond, Applejack said, “Big Mac’s right, yer too modest. Ya deserve all thanks ya get, and then some.” The farm mare rubbed back of her head. “Aw shucks, Ah don’t care how humiliating it is, ya deserve it and Ah’ll swallow mah pride for ya.” She approached her brother and took his example, bowing. The three pegasi thestrals joining in a moment later. Fluttershy bit her lip and looked down, her wings clamped tightly against her sides. “Applejack… not you too.” She sighed. “I asked for no more bowing to me, not for more of it.” She rubbed her foreleg nervously. “It’s really uncomfortable.” “My turn, my turn!” Pinkie shouted as she fired her party cannon, starling Fluttershy while Big Mac and Applejack stood up and stepped to the side. “Here comes a big welcoming hug!” Two pegasi thestrals flew at the charging Pinkie, restraining her before she could crash into Fluttershy who spread her wings and raised her forelegs defensively. “You’ve been away for too long! I missed you sooo much! And you missed your birthday! This calls for a super-duper extremely special welcome back party!” Pinkie took a quick breath before continuing, “I’m sooo happy you’re back and so sad you were gone for so long!” She burst into tears. “You did sooo much to make everypony happy, yet you were always depressed, always sad. It’s so unfair!” “Excuse me, Mistress,” said third pegasus thestral as he pointed at the restrained mare. “This mare hurt you and tried to assault you for the second time. What kind of punishment should she receive?” Fluttershy gasped. “Punishment? Heavens no!” She looked at the crying Pinkie, whose forelegs were straightened and waving, as if a foal trying to reach his mother while being held by somepony else. “Hug, hug! Please!” Fluttershy gulped. Her experience with Pinkie Pie had always been troublesome. Energetic nature and lack of respect for personal space made her too scary to handle. Yet today, Pinkie was literally exploding with energy, while the young pureblood could hear her heart beat which would almost rival the heart beat of a humming bird. She could sense an outstanding amount of magic as well. I feel as if by drinking her blood, I would fall asleep for additional year. Upon seeing tears and pout on Pinkie’s face, she pressed forehoof against her chest and exhaled, taking a few slow breaths. “Release Pinkie, please.” "W-what, are ya crazy?" Applejack asked. "Do ya know what yer gettin' yerself into?" Fluttershy spread her forelegs and wings as an invitation for the hug, smiling cheerfully. This is going to hurt. “Pinkie Pie deserves a hug after everything she did for me.” Upon hearing her words, Pinkie’s smile was so wide it took up half of her face. Both thestrals nodded and released Pinkie, who dashed right into Fluttershy’s belly. "Thank you! I missed you sooo much!" Fluttershy’s pupils shrank as she was struck by the pink bullet, sent crashing into soft fur of the bear as two pink forelegs squeezed her. She felt Pinkie’s head sink into her chest and heard several loud cracks as her eyes watered. Struggling, she returned the gesture, wrapping her forelegs and wings around Pinkie as she nuzzled her cheek. Despite the increasing pain, she felt the warmth she had missed so much. She slowly opened her eyes, only to see Pinkie’s pink fur turn red as her body vibrated. The magic she sensed in Pinkie increased in strength at alarming rate while her own reserves… were running out. Is she… draining my magic? But how? She bit her lip in panic, understanding what was about to come. She turned her head to the side and closed her eyes tightly with a whimper. A wild-eyed Twilight galloped towards the Everfree Forest with her parents and friends following her, lines of homes behind her. Suddenly, her ears pricked up at the sound of an explosion, squinting against the brightness. “What was that?” asked her worried mother, slowing down slightly. “It came from behind Fluttershy’s cottage,” Moon Dancer pointed out, wondering if the awakening of Fluttershy had something to do with it. “Whatever it is, we have no time to look into it!” Twilight shouted. “We have an alicorn to find and a crisis to stop.” Fluttershy lay in a crater as she slowly awoke to a pounding headache, her body covered in bruises. In her embrace was an unconscious Pinkie Pie whose eyes were rolled back in her head, while saliva was dripping from her open mouth onto the fur on Fluttershy’s chest. “Well… that happened…” “Lan’ sakes!” Applejack said as she ran over to the crater and looked down at her. “Ya alright, sugarcube?” Big Mac, Hawkeye, Rarity and the other thestrals joined as well. “Been better…” she said, her statement punctuated by a coughing fit. Her eyes flashed red as the bruises on her body vanished. Rarity’s horn lit as she levitated both Pinkie and Fluttershy from the crater, placing them softly on the ground. Dash groaned. “What… was that noise?” She stood up and massaged her forehead, wishing she had the toughness of an earth pony. Apple Bloom yawned and rubbed her eyes, only a few little scratches were visible on her fur. “What happened?” She peeked from behind Hawkeye’s neck, her attention now on Fluttershy. “Just Pinkie Pie unleashing her highly explosive enthusiasm,” Rarity said, shrugging. “I must admit, it is rather unusual even for her.” “Dash, are you hurt?” Fluttershy asked as she walked past her friends, ready to take the pain away with bits of her own magic. “Nah, I’m fine,” Dash said with a dismissive shake of her forehoof. “What about you? How are you feeling?” Fluttershy smiled. “I’m feeling alright. It's nothing my magic can't heal.” “That’s not what I meant.” “Um, I'm sorry, but I'm not sure what you mean,” Fluttershy said. Rainbow Dash approached her and sat down. “Listen, Flutters, we’ve been a team for a long time.” She gently draped her foreleg around Fluttershy. “I tried my best to help, to protect you, but I failed. You’ve endured tragedies, faced dangers, undergone trials. For years I’ve seen you sad, depressed. Breaking and raising over and over. Yet one and half a year ago you were devastated.” She wiped her watery eyes and looked to the side. “You were sick and in pain, hurt by your enemy and by the words of your oldest friends, only to fall asleep when you tried to save Hawkeye.” The thestral stallion nodded. “Now tell me, after all this, after all that pain, how are you feeling?” Dash asked, concern clear in her voice. Fluttershy looked up at the star-flecked sky to gather her thoughts. Everypony kept staring at her patiently and curiously. “I know it may sound weird, but I feel… fine.” Her ears drooped as she rubbed her foreleg nervously. “I mean, I’m starting to remember past events. I remember my parents and know they will never embrace me again.” Dash bit her lip. ”I remember the painful experience and mean words when I was trying to save Applejack,” she continued. The farm mare looked to the side and closed her eyes. “Yet, despite all the past events I had to endure… I feel at ease.” “But… how?” Dash asked and released Fluttershy as she struggled to understand. The young pureblood lowered her head and held a forehoof against her chest. She replied calmly, “I find it hard to describe. It’s as if a large weight has been lifted from my heart. I just… feel at peace. As if all the pain and depression I have been struggling against is no longer there.” A pegasus thestral who was now sitting in front of Pinkie Pie while keeping an eye on her, said, “This is the nature of thestrals and purebloods. Similar to phoenixes, each one hundred years we fall asleep not just to adapt to our increasing power, but also to heal our minds.” Fluttershy nodded. “My parents told me as much, but it was my first time experiencing it. Now I understand what they meant.” Dash asked, “So… you’re no longer sad?” Fluttershy smiled warmly and nodded. Dash’s eyes watered and mouth started wriggling as she struggled to maintain her composure. After a few moments, she placed her wing on Fluttershy and choked out, “C’mere,” before hugging her. She nuzzled her cheek, her tears darkening Fluttershy's fur. "You're happy at last after all these years. I wish you could stay like this." Fluttershy blushed and leaned into the hug, patting her friend on the back. "There, there. Don't bottle it, let it go." Applejack rubbed her eyes, not believing what she was seeing. "Whoa, Nelly. Now that's side of Dash Ah didn't expect to see." A rush of joy filled the air, attracting the attention of an unconscious mare. Pinkie’s eyes fluttered open as she raised her head, noticing the warm honest smile she had wanted to see on Fluttershy for so long. She wiped tears from her cheek with a sniff and sat, savouring the moment as if eating the most delicious cake. Apple Bloom leapt down from Hawkeye’s back and approached, now looking up at Fluttershy. “Ah want to thank ya for savin’ mah Pa! Yer the best foalsitter, an’ Ah’m proud to call ya family.” She jumped towards Fluttershy and hugged her neck. Fluttershy sighed as she embraced the filly with her foreleg and her wing. “I know how much losing a family member hurts. I would give up my own life to spare others such pain.” She felt the embrace tightening. “Ever since I lost my family, I felt lost, unsure how to use my power and talents. I’m glad I could help your family and save you from what I experienced, Apple Bloom.” She looked to the side, her smile withering. “And I’m really sorry for putting your family in danger in the first place.” Applejack rolled her eyes. “Ya can’t blame yerself for bein’ in the wron’ place at the wron’ time. So that jerk Moon Shadow made ya face trials and we got up rounded in them. It’s a small price for all ya did for us. Ah don’t know what we’d do without ya.” Hawkeye stepped forward and added, “If mah memories ain’t fooling me, Ah was ordered to kill mah family. Yer very presence kept me from fulfilling that order.” “Eeyup,” Big Mac nodded emphatically. Fluttershy released the filly and glanced between their faces, each of them happy to see her, beaming with gratitude. Their very presence and words were proof that her life was worth living, and the challenges and struggles were worth facing. She looked at Pinkie who had calmed down, her magic no longer as enthusiastic as a few moments ago. Her attention turned to three thestrals she recognized from the time when her parents were still alive. She noticed that their thestral nature was no longer disguised. “Ummm… forgive me, but while you all look familiar, I can’t recall your names.” “Stormfang,” the tallest one spoke up, puffing his chest. “I worked at the Cloudsdale Weather Factory. Your father helped me out after I lost my job.” “Ice Breeze,” the smaller one spoke up. His coat was sky-blue while mane was made of five lines; bronze, green, yellow, red and blue. His cutie mark being five scoops of ice cream. “Making ice cream is my speciality.” “Soft Breeze,” another one said as he grabbed Ice Breeze with his forehoof. “I am his older brother. He makes the ice cream and I sell it. At least that was our job before the tragedy.” He lowered his head and sighed. “Your parents were our masters and our best customers at the same time. We… really miss them.” "We all do, Soft Breeze, we all do," Stormfang added as he patted his younger brother’s shoulder. He looked back at his mistress and forced a smile. “But enough about the past, let’s talk about the future. You’re finally back, Mistress Flutterbat… I mean, Mistress Fluttershy. It’s an honor to be a part of your clan. We’ve heard a lot about your achievements.” He half-bowed, much to Fluttershy’s discomfort. “We were hired by Lady Rarity shortly after you went to sleep,” Ice Breeze said, pointing at the fashionista before clapping his hooves in excitement. “My Lady, would you please share the good news with our mistress?” Rarity emerged from behind Ice Breeze and poked at her own fangs. “You won’t believe this, darling, but Princess Nightmare Moon revealed our secret to the rest of Ponyville’s citizens, and they accepted us.” She held her forehooves together and added cheerfully, “Is not this a wonderful development? We no longer need to hide our secret.” Rainbow Dash nodded as she stood up on her rear hooves and held forehooves on her sides. “How about we tell everypony about your secret? I’m sure it will turn out just fine.” Fluttershy gasped and raised her forehoof to her mouth. “She really did it?” She looked around in panic. “Where is Her Highness Nightmare Moon? I thought she wished to talk with me.” “Excuse me,” called a hesitant voice as Fluttershy looked at the source. She recognized the old pegasus as Little Seed, who was now peeking from behind the bear. “Little Seed?” Fluttershy asked as she spread her wings and flew over, stopping herself in mid air the moment her friend hid behind his large cover. She bit her lip and descended with slow flaps of her wings, landing softly and gracefully. “Please… don’t be afraid of me. I promise I won’t hurt you.” “It’s not... that I fear you,” he replied, slowly walking from behind the bear, Sunflower right behind him. He massaged back of his neck, feeling a weak pain in his old bones. Sunflower spoke up, “We’re just…” she paused, searching for suitable word, “embarrassed.“ Fluttershy quickly noticed the pair's shivering and chattering teeth, in addition to their low body temperatures. “Were you waiting for me all night, in this cold?” Upon seeing a weak nod from both pegasi, she exclaimed, “But it is very unhealthy at your age! I can use my magic to heal your aches and keep you warm.” She tapped her forehooves together as she lowered her head. “I-If that’s okay with you, that is.” “S-sure…” Little Seed said hesitantly, approaching Fluttershy. The rest of the group approached as well, though they kept a respectable distance. Fluttershy turned and sank her fangs into her own foreleg, creating a bleeding wound. Her eyes flashed red as she charged her blood with additional magic and commanded it to levitate towards Little Seed. “I… I know it may be quite disturbing… but it is the only way I can use my magic to help you.” Little Seed looked away from the blood, remaining silent. Drops of blood fell onto his back as Fluttershy’s magic spread across it, healing his aches while providing him with a pleasant warmth. He smiled, finding the experience somewhat pleasant, as if spending hours in spa or hot springs. “Thank you, Fluttershy.” “Y-you’re w-welcome,” the pureblood responded, caught off guard by Little Seed’s gratitude. She looked at the old mare and asked, “What about you, Sunflower? Would you accept my help?” “N-no need,” she responded, rubbing her foreleg nervously. Upon seeing a hint of sadness on Fluttershy, she added, “It’s not that I find your magic disturbing… but unlike Little Seed, I’m keeping myself in shape.” She massaged her shoulder. “On the other hoof, I suppose a bit of warmth wouldn’t hurt.” “Oh…” Fluttershy said before shaking her head and displaying a cheerful smile. She held her forehooves together and suggested, “I can make some hot tea.” She looked at her other friends before pointing at her cottage. “Would you all like to join? I have enough for everypony.” She hesitated. “At least I did over a year ago, not sure if it’s still the case.” Sunflower raised her head proudly. “Don’t worry about it, you’ll find enough for everypony. Miss Zecora has been providing us with variety of ingredients from the Everfree Forest.” “Sounds good to me,” Applejack said while Hawkeye nodded. “Eeyup.” “Sure thing,” Dash said with fast flaps of her wings and big smile. “Why are you so excited?” Rarity asked. “I had assumed you were not a fan of such events like tea parties.” “You kidding? You can’t dislike drinking tea with Fluttershy around. Her teas are the best,” Dash said as she gave the pureblood a proud smile, who blushed at the complement. “Besides, it will be like the good old days.” Rarity giggled. While being around Dash taught her that her athletic friend avoided all so-called “girly activities” like it was a plague, being around Fluttershy turned her attitude around. Fluttershy glanced at Harry and rubbed her chin. I can’t detect any significant injuries, but those two explosions sure wore him out. I shouldn’t interrupt his nap. “Is something wrong?” asked Little Seed as he glanced at the bear. “Are you worried about Harry?” “A little bit. He looks very tired. I should pull him into his cave, or at least provide him with a pillow and blanket.” “On it!” Pinkie said as she galloped into the cottage, only to jump down from a nearby tree with several blankets and pillows balanced on her head. “Thank you for choosing Pinkie's Party Delivery Service. We're the fastest one in town, free of charge, and if we won't make you smile in ten minutes, we offer a full refund and a free cupcake.” Fluttershy covered her mouth with a hoof as she chuckled, finding herself enjoying Pinkie’s over the top antics for a change. “But how can you give refund if...? Ohhh.“ Apple Bloom rolled off of Hawkeye's head laughing, as she was caught by Hawkeye’s hooves. “Good one, Pinkie!” *** “Six seconds! Well, Ah'll be,” Applejack chuckled, “now that’s what Ah call a fast.” She looked at Harry, whose head sank into a few pillows with a few blankets over him. She poked Dash’s side and said, “Ah bet Pinks could steal yer title of the fastest pony in Ponyville if she tried.” Dash rolled her eyes. “Six seconds? Oh please, I could get it done in four.” She smirked and crossed her forelegs. “By the way, AJ, how long would it take you to get Harry into his cave?” Applejack looked at the cave as she examined the gap between it and the bear. “Ah dunno. He’s pretty big. If Ah had to guess, two minutes by pulling him inside a cart or five by carrying on mah back.” Upon hearing laughter from Rainbow Dash, she asked, “What's so funny?” “You really want to know?” Dash asked as she pointed at her pureblood friend. “Hey, Flutters. How long would it take you to get Harry into his cave.” Fluttershy blushed as she looked at Applejack and smiled awkwardly. “It w-would t-take a bit…” She looked at Dash. “Please, don’t ask.” The pegasus said, “Don’t be so modest. I still remember how Harry fell asleep during a picnic. You got him into his cave in less than a minute.” “She’s gotta be pullin mah leg. Are ya really that stron’, Fluttershy?” Applejack asked, giving Fluttershy a curious glance. Fluttershy looked away, refusing to look Applejack in the eye. “Ah would take less than a minute,” Big Mac pointed out. “So would my sister Maud,” Pinkie said with her head raised proudly. “My family owns a rock farm and they’re all really good at lifting and carrying stuff… though not as good as they’re at breaking them into tiny pieces. Maud Pie is the strongest of us, so I think she would get Harry into the cave faster than Big Mac… On the other hoof, she’s rather slow unless the cave is collapsing or something dangerous is happening. Limestone is a faster worker, but she may not surpass Big Mac’s strength… Wait, what were we talking about?” Stormfang spoke up, “After Mistress Fluttershy had her long rest, her strength has no doubt improved. I think she would best you and the Pie family.” “Stop, please,” Fluttershy interrupted, hiding her face behind her mane. Applejack chuckled. “Yer a pureblood, Fluttershy. Yer in a different league.” She poked Fluttershy’s side. “Ya don’t hafta worry bout me gettin jealous of ya.” *** Fluttershy could hear cheerful laughter coming from her friends, and couldn’t help but join in. How long had it been since she could talk with them so casually? How long had it been since she could just enjoy the moment in the pleasant company of all the wonderful friends she had made? “You won’t mind if I bring birthday cake to your tea party? You missed your birthday after all,” Pinkie asked from Fluttershy’s back. The young pureblood looked at her rider, remaining calm despite Pinkie's sudden appearance. “S-sure Pinkie. I would love it.” Pinkie gasped and ran behind the cottage, vanishing from her view. “Wow, Flutters, you sure became braver,” Dash said as she caught up with her. “I still remember how you were flinching every time Pinkie caught you off guard.” Fluttershy looked at her friend curiously before opening the door into her cottage, instantly ending up buried under her little friends. Birds, critters and even a seal now showered her with their affection the best way they knew how. She returned the gesture, welcoming back each of her friends by nuzzling or patting them with her hooves and wings, while she considered Dash’s words. She does have a point. I was always wary of my surroundings, sometimes even afraid of my own shadow. Yet, now even the hyperactive Pinkie Pie failed to startle me, She thought before standing up, gesturing for her animals to give her some space. She held her forehoof against her own chest and closed her eyes. The weight of tragedies I endured must’ve affected me more than I thought. Life’s so much better to enjoy now when I can keep them at bay. She opened her eyes and gestured for her friends to come in while maintaining a cheerful smile. She was about to go into the kitchen when her eyes set upon an empty basket. After searching between her little friends, she asked with a hint of disappointment in her voice, “Why wasn’t Angel waiting for me with the rest of you? Did he not miss me?” Her ears drooped. “That’s not the case, Flutters.” Rainbow Dash smiled awkwardly as she approached her. “He’s just no longer with us.” Fluttershy gasped in shock as her legs started shaking. Dash bit her lip before correcting herself, “No no no, not like that. He just… moved on. No, that's not what I meant! What I mean is, he moved out.” “Moved out?” Fluttershy sighed in relief, only to raise forehoof up to her mouth. “But why? Where is he?” “No clue,” Dash shrugged, as did several birds and critters. “A few months after you fell asleep, he kinda left.” She stomped at realization. “Ah, right, he left a letter for you.” She flew upstairs and returned with the letter. “Two seconds, beat it Pinkie.” “That bunny writes letters?” Apple Bloom asked. “That bunny does waaay more,” Applejack answered. “Trust me, little sis, you don’t wanna know.” Fluttershy opened the envelope and grabbed the letter between her forehooves, reading it aloud, “I am sorry Mistress Fluttershy, but while you have shown great potential to become a good leader, I cannot afford to wait until you wake up. Do not take it personally, but I need to find a master capable of appreciating and utilizing my talents. A job worthy of my skills. Not to be treated like a house pet.” “Seriously?” Dash asked before frowning and crossing her forelegs. “I knew he was kind of an arrogant jerk, but not this.” “I wish you the best of luck leading your clan. Hopefully we will meet again. Angel.” Fluttershy took a quick breath. “PS: Do not summon me with your magic. I will try to visit you when I will find an opening in my schedule.” She finished before placing the letter on a nearby bookshelf. “I suppose I was spoiling him a little. I hope that whoever he serves now will be kind and care for him.” "You seem to posses quite impressive qualifications," said a firm female voice as two green eyes were focused upon a white little bunny, who was perched upon a stone with small stains of green goo. “However, how will your talents contribute to my hive?” Angel exposed his paw as dark aura surrounded it, growing in size with each passing second. The moment he pointed it at two changelings in blue armor sitting at entrance to the throne room, both guards gulped, narrowing their eyes and taking a fighting stance. The room for outsiders looked more like a cave covered in green goo and shining crystals. The throne itself was made of multicolored gems; mostly green, red and blue. Unlike Celestia’s throne, this one lacked a cushion. Rare decorations were present which seemed to be more like trophies: A few paintings made by pony artists alongside lamps with illuminating gems, sturdy, but simple furniture crafted by minotaurs filled with potions and talismans from zebra lands and a pair of matching, gem-encrusted battle axes made in the griffon kingdom. “While I admit you have proven your fighting skills by defeating three of my guards, I must remind you that changelings are not fighters but infiltrators. In battle our strength lies in ambushing our foes.” Chrysalis said from her spot on the throne, her head supported against her forehoof. She smiled devilishly. “On the other hoof, being able to find one of my disguised love collectors, follow him into one of my hive’s hideouts and infiltrate it. This is truly a talent that can be of use.” She stood from her throne and approached regally, now towering over the little bunny who looked back at her with puffed chest and a prideful smile. “The question is, will you manage to fool citizens of other races?” Chrysalis asked, seeing a firm nod. “Would you demonstrate?” Angel raised both of his paws like a puppy and looked at the queen with fake watery eyes, his ears lowered flat next to his cheeks. The queen chuckled. “Impressive use of your features. It should fool most races.” In burst of green flames, her appearance turned into one of a griffon as she exposed sharp talons to Angel, who narrowed his eyes and refused to flinch. “Yet, how will you fool predators like griffons or dragons?” The bunny grinned as he focused magic in his paws before dark aura enveloped him. Chrysalis blinked a few times before noticing Angel’s movements, his body nearly transparent. She patted the bunny with her hole-filled foreleg. “You are hired, my little spy.” Angel canceled his spell and jumped in excitement. Chrysalis walked back towards her throne while Angel followed, sitting on a shelf next to it. “My hive has grown in numbers substantially and recent events are making collecting love much more difficult.” Her horn lit as she levitated over a map of Equestria, pointing at Canterlot. “My spies reported about increasing thestral activity and an evacuation of Canterlot. Some of your former masters are leading an all out assault against it as we speak.” Angel took a step back, gasping. “I was considering using this conflict to my advantage, yet the Royal Guard did not engage the thestral army.” She sighed. “There is nothing I can accomplish with two powerful armies on the scene. For the time being, all I can do is observe what will come out from this power struggle.” She grinned. “Should those armies destroy each other, however, I can come up with many ways to use it to my advantage.” Angel wiped sweat from his forehead. Working under many pureblood masters for centuries was enough to let him get attached to some of them. The idea of assisting changelings in a fight against them didn’t seem appealing. Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes. “Caring and loving master, yes, sure,” she said before looking to the side. She muttered to herself, “More like a lord of all evil.” “I can hear you just fine,” Fluttershy scolded. “Angel isn’t like that.” Dash sighed. “Ah’ll be honest, Fluttershy,” Applejack interrupted. “Yer great at seein’ good in everypony, but sometimes the good is the only thing ya see.” Apple Bloom poked her older sister’s foreleg. “Does that mean that Angel was secretly mean?” She gulped. “Or Evil?” Applejack took a step back and chuckled awkwardly. “Ehehehe… Maybe.” Ditzy spoke up, “Evil is a bit too strong of a word, but mean seems too soft in this case. Self-centered, greedy, prideful and trained for combat certainly, but also hard working and very loyal to those he viewed worthy. I suppose his biggest flaws were his pride in his work and the fact he rarely listened to his conscience. Most of it being result of working and learning from masters whose goals and methods were rather ruthless.” She took a quick breath and continued, ignoring shocked glares from Hawkeye and Big Mac, while Applejack tried and failed to cover Apple Bloom’s ears with her hooves. “Working for Fluttershy’s kind parents calmed him a bit, but because he viewed them as weak and cowardly leaders, their influence was rather small.” She pointed at the confused pureblood. “Mistress Fluttershy gained his respect by facing many trials with bravery, though her long nap got in the way of redeeming Angel by showing him new peaceful ways.” She knelt in front of the filly and added, “So to answer your question, Angel isn’t evil, but he’s missguided. Not the nicest bunny familiar to have around.” “Awww…” Apple Bloom whimpered in disappointed as her ears drooped.