Darkness surrounded Lavion’s body. It was nothing new to him, the changeling was trained to hide within it and use the identities of others to his advantage. However, the darkness around him now had an eerie aura to it- like it was conscious. He looked around, finding a small light far from him. Curiosity took over as he strode towards it, not noticing the shadow slowly crawling behind him.
“Live to serve.”
He froze at that voice, a voice he knew all too well. He heard that voice before, only the last time he did it was angry. He quickened his pace towards the light, wanting to get as far from the voice as possible. As he drew closer, however, he found the darkness creeping upon him and gaining intensity. The light grew nearer, but so was the darkness.
“You’re a fool!You’ll perish without me!”, the voice bellowed.
Even if I do, Lavion thought as he leaped towards the light, I’d prefer it than starvation.
He gasped as he opened his eyes, sweat drawing down his muzzle. He looked around, finding himself on a couch and remembering the events that happened previously. He broke away from the hive and found his way to Ponyville, only to be attacked and end up in another world. He was at least lucky enough to meet someone friendly, whom he understandably felt indebted to.
Might as well get up since I’m awake, he thought with a sigh.
“Your highness, I believe we’ve found something.”
The sun was shining through the trees of the forest, though it didn’t do much for the lingering aura in it. Standing near a scorched spot in the ground stood a blue alicorn, adorning shining shoes on her hooves and a black crown atop her head. Around her neck was a necklace with a crescent upon it. On her flank was a black splotch with a white crescent mark on it. Her mane and tail flowed eternally, sparkling as if representing the stars themselves. Her blue eyes focused to a shorter pony in a lab coat.
“What have you found?”, the mare asked in an authoritative voice.
“There are lingering traces of magic around here.”, the coated pony said with his horn glowing faintly, ”It feels like remnants of a teleportation spell, but I can’t pinpoint the location it leads.”
“I see...we may need help from Twilight Sparkle. Her magical skills are quite advanced thanks to lessons from my sister. Although,I believe my sister may have an idea what has happened here.”
“You actually do this as a job?”
“Yup,though it’s sort of an 'on again-of again' sort of thing…”
After getting some breakfast, ZAM decided to show Lavion some of the things humans created. Currently he was explaining the concept of Youtube and his skills in animation. The changeling showed fascination when shown how humans could do so much with such a small device! The tall male explained that he also worked at a supermarket, as animation was a very long and time consuming process.
“Did you have a job while in Equestria?”, ZAM asked curiously, “You said you lived to serve your queen, but I’m sure you had a specific duty.”
Lavion pondered for a moment before answering, “Well, I was mostly a spy. I was sent to different parts of Equestria to find large sources of love and report back. Only a few of us did this, as others didn’t have the endurance or skill to take on the tasks.”
“Huh...the more you explain, the changelings seem more like a...scattered group, I guess. Based on what you said, it seems like only those with special skills can leave the hive. I’m guessing those that don’t usually train, right?”
“Mostly. There are some special changelings that are born with unique abilities, but they’re only sent when danger is imminent. I’m surprised Chrysalis didn’t send them during the Canterlot invasion…”
The human simply nodded in understanding. The sheer fact that only a select few changelings could leave to explore Equestria brought interesting theories to mind. This was only further supported by Lavion’s mention of special changelings! It fascinated him so much and he wanted to know more! Although, he knew it was best not to prod too deeply into things he didn’t understand. If there was something that would strike a nerve within Lavion, he had to be careful in what he asked.
For now, he thought, I guess I should keep the questions to myself.
? POV
That traitor was still out there, I could feel it. I could only get a small fix on his mind, hinting that he could be as far as the north! The least I could do was telepathically connect with him, though only in his dreams. No matter, in a way this would give me an advantage. Whenever he sleeps, that is when I’ll strike. I will make sure he learns the consequences of his betrayal!
When I’m done, he’ll know better than to betray who gave him life.