//------------------------------//
// Chapter 13.5 - ... a Changeling 
// Story: Little Lost Raichu 
// by CommanderX5 
//------------------------------//


Little Lost Raichu

-

Chapter 13.5
-

...a Changeling







Thorax examined his new features, now being a fluffy little creature himself. Looking behind, he glanced at his long tail and flapped it playfully, before poking his ears. Despite having a wide belly, he felt light as a feather, and every movement of his limbs seemed quick and responsive. He had to admit, it was a nice body to use.

He examined the room as everything became giant from his new perspective. The armchair itself was three times bigger than his entire body. Looking down, he noticed the mysterious creature staring at him in disbelief, its mouth agape. <You must be really confused, but fear not, I’ll explain everything.> He raised a forepaw up to his chest and continued, <As a changeling, I possess the ability to shapeshift into other species… and sometimes even into objects. I just turned into you in a hope to understand you.>

<You… turned into a Raichu to understand me?> Nica asked.

<I sure did, and it’s working,> Thorax said, his very words putting a wide smile on Nica’s face. <I must say, your body feels very light and flexible.>

Nica chuckled. <It is, though it sometimes backfires, especially when jumping.>

<Jumping, what’s wrong with jumping?> Thorax asked in confusion. He looked down at his rabbit-like rear paws before using them for a simple jump. Most of his childhood flashed before his eyes as his entire head ended up stuck in the ceiling of the library. <Ooooh… that’s why.> His voice was muffled by the crystal he was stuck in. It didn’t take long before he felt something –most likely a long tail– wrap around his belly and pull him down, landing softly despite the long distance from the floor.

Thorax shook the rubble from his head and examined his rear paws once again. <You have quite jumpy legs.>

<You have no idea,> Nica said while having an even look with a fellow Raichu, as if staring into a mirror. <You know… even if it’s just a transformation or an illusion, it feels nostalgic to talk to someone of the same species. Thank you.>

Thorax kept smiling. He didn’t need to sense emotions to know that this creature was friendly. <Is there anything else I should be aware of?>

Nica nodded and started rubbing yellow dot on her own cheek, gritting her teeth from the pain she felt. After a few seconds she stopped and explained, <My body produces electricity when under stress, especially when rubbing the yellow dots on my cheeks. Be wary of that.>

Thorax raised his paw and pressed it against the yellow dot, only to withdraw it in an instant as if touching a flame. A quick repetitive yelping escaped his mouth while bolts of electricity escaped his cheek. <L-lesson... > he gulped, <l-learned.>





Nica stared curiously. While from personal experience she knew how extremely painful such experiences were, she could still endure it for a bit while rubbing the dots on her cheeks violently, and Thorax unleashed electricity by lightly pressing against it. They may have the same body, but there was a clear difference in pain resistance and willpower between them. Now she understood why Starlight called him a kind softy. Now that I think about it, I often called my trainer a softy while being a Pichu. It was an insult no less. Her ears drooped for a moment. She didn’t mean to think about the changeling in a negative way.

<Oh, my apologies, I forgot to introduce myself.> He grabbed Nica’s paw between his and started shaking it in haste. <My name’s Thorax, and I’m the leader of the changeling’s hive, though I prefer to call it a changeling’s pack now with all the changes we went through. Nice to meet you.>

<My name’s Nica, and I’m a Raichu, but where I come from they also call me a pokemon. It’s very nice to meet you too. Oh, and to answer one of your previous questions, Twilight and Starlight took me in, so I’m their pet in a sense. Not that I mind, it’s actually great and they’re very kind,> Nica said in haste. There seemed to be something about Thorax that made her feel like opening up, similar to how she felt around Fluttershy. Though she couldn’t help but sense an aura filled with depression, something worth asking about later.

<Interesting,> Thorax said before carefully climbing up the armchair, perching his little body on the left side. <Can you tell me more about yourself? If you’re a friend of my friends, it’s only fair I get to know you better.> He patted a free spot on the armchair in an invitation.

<Only if you’ll tell me more about yourself. That ability of yours is amazing,> Nica said before taking a spot next to Thorax as they now started at each other, sharing limited space.

<It’s kind of neat…> Thorax said with a blush. <Alright, I’ll speak first. I think it will the best to start from an important event, like that one time when changelings invaded Canterlot with me among their ranks…>





Minutes of storytelling turned into an hour. Time passed quickly for the two Raichu as they exchanged their stories to their hearts desire.

<I... can't believe it,> Nica said as she started to look in random directions, trying to comprehend the story she’d just heard. <So your former leader, Queen Chrysalis, pony-napped and replaced a pink pony princess to steal love unnoticed, tricking everyone, only to follow it up with an invasion? She's dangerous!>

<She was actually, but she’s a threat no more. She lost her hive and her subjects joined my side,> Thorax pointed out.

<You're wrong!> Nica interrupted. According to her dreams, her trainer's parents were part of an organization that fought dangerous criminals in all regions, only to hide their daughter in fear while probably meeting a poor end. Cunning foes shouldn't be underestimated. She shook her head and added, <On her first try Chrysalis took over the capital, and her second attempt almost let her take over an entire country. She lost only because she lowered her guard.>

Thorax looked to the side, unable to deny the critter's words.

Nica narrowed her eyes, only now aware of a big threat to her precious caretakers that was lurking up there, hiding and planning her revenge. The way Chrysalis lost for the first time reminded her of her trainer's teaching. Being powerful is useless if not backed up with skills and efforts.

Princess Celestia assumed she could easily overpower the evil queen, using the most basic combat strategy called brute force which quickly backfired. If the tall mighty princess at least tried to dodge or ask ponies to assist her by attacking the distracted queen from all sides, the battle would turn out differently.

Chrysalis at the peak of her power could easily break any resistance, but instead allowed her foes to do whatever they wanted, only for her invasion force to be banished from the capital.

One can be the most powerful being in the world and still lose to a weaker opponent, she thought, understanding her trainer’s intentions. Power leads to overconfidence, which leads to failure. My trainer must’ve been afraid of that.

<I can sense your distress and fear. If there's something on your mind, please speak up,> Thorax encouraged.

<Well... I was thinking... Because Twilight's brother and his... pink princess special somepony... fell for Chrysalis' trickery, the evil queen managed to infiltrate the castle. Because the Princess of the Sun underestimated her foe and lost so quickly just because Chrysalis was only a bit stronger, Twilight and her friends had to struggle in their fight against hundreds of enemies, pushing themselves to their limits in a lost battle. And because all the most powerful ponies in Equestria and in that empire you mentioned allowed themselves to be captured by mere disguised infiltrators, you, Starlight and her other friends had to fight against an entire swarm without access to your magic.>

Nica rubbed her forepaws nervously. Just because those who possessed great power used it so poorly, those weaker had to put their lives in danger and struggled against impossible odds. It seemed incredibly unfair. Those possessing great powers should work harder and put all their efforts in protecting others, not push their heavy burden on those who could barely lift it. Wait… wasn’t my role… to bear heavy burden so others wouldn’t need to? She massaged her forehead. Whatever memory she was about to recall vanished in an instant.

Thorax rubbed his soft chin. <You do have a valid point. If the ponies in power saw through Chrysalis’ disguise from the get go, or if the pony princess defeated the queen with skills or numbers, they could use Queen Chrysalis as a hostage to stop the hive from invading.> He massaged his arm nervously. <And the weirdest part is that all of Chrysalis’ plans would succeed if she didn’t let her victories and arrogance get to her head. I even heard a rumor circling in the hive that Tirek gained near infinite power, just because the princesses didn’t hunt him directly and because of Discord’s betrayal. I mean, why would they send the Spirit of Chaos on his own without any company? Shouldn’t they see this coming?>

His ears drooped and he held his paws on both sides of his head. <Oh, this is terrible. I’m now in power, ruling over the changeling’s pack while possessing very powerful magic. What if I do the same mistakes the princesses and the evil queen did?> He started hyperventilating as his tail was moving left and right at an increasing speed, forcing Nica to hold it in place before it could damage their comfortable seating spot. <If I fail, Chrysalis will retake the swarm, and it would be up to the ponies to risk their lives to fix my mistakes. How can I handle such responsibility when I’m the worst leader material?!>

<Calm down and take slow breaths,> Nica said as she held her fellow Raichu in place, giving him a worried stare. <I’m not sure if I can help, but I’ll try, so please, just calm down.> The aura of fear and desperation she felt became overwhelming.

<S-sorry…> He took a few slow breaths as his tail became motionless. His heart-beat returned to normal. <I just wish I could be a better leader. Starlight took charge when the situation was hopeless, while Twilight and her friends protected Equestria more than once. I’m nowhere near their level.>

Hoping to distract the guest from his fears, Nica said, <To be honest, I had no idea that Twilight, Starlight and their friends are national heroines. They're amazing. I really need to ask them to tell me more about their heroic deeds.> She tapped her paws in excitement. <I can’t thank you enough for telling me about it.>

<Oh, they’re great heroines, alright, and did you know that Spike saved the Crystal Empire from Sombra and his dark magic? You're really lucky to make such great friends.> Thorax grabbed his long tail and started stroking it. He spoke in a depressed tone, <Especially after what you endured. Being hurt and hungry, lost in the Everfree Forest with no memories. That's one depressing backstory if I ever heard one.>

<I can't argue with that.> Nica sat, sighed and lowered her head while her ears drooped. <Nearly everyday I ask myself if I even deserve such amazing friends. I caused nothing but trouble and pain.> Upon hearing Thorax laughter, she asked, <Do you find my regrets to be a source of amusement?>

<S-sorry, it's just that... According to your story and the emotions I sense from you, you regret being a burden, you regret hurting others and you think how to repay their kindness everyday. You're a good Raichu at heart and that's what matters the most.>

<Ev-even if that's true... I wish I could do more than just have good intentions.>

The disguised changeling placed his paw on Nica's shoulder and gave her a patient smile. <I'm sure you'll get your chance. You'll only fail if you give up.>

Nica nodded and closed her eyes. Trying to be helpful was all she could do, and that's what she should focus on. It didn't matter if she failed or not, regret and self-pity wouldn't accomplish anything. She opened her eyes and asked, <Is there any way I can help you with? I can’t do much to make you a better leader, but maybe there’s something else I can do. From the moment we met I sensed an aura of worry coming from you, and I really want to lighten the weight on your innocent heart.>

Thorax blinked in confusion. <Wait, you can sense emotions too? And here I thought changelings were the only ones.> Thorax's smile vanished as he started massaging his arm nervously. <To be honest, I came here because I wanted to ask my bestest friend, Spike, for advice. There's this group of renegade changelings who still feed on love, and I can't convince them to change their ways. As a leader I'm a failure…>

<Don't say that,> Nica said before wrapping her tail around Thorax's belly, raising him and placing him on her knees while stroking the back of his head. Despite being the same size, she felt as if she was holding a younger brother while listening to his problems. <From my dreams, I saw how a hesitant lonely girl turned into a great leader thanks to determination alone. I'm sure you can do the same.>

Thorax blushed as he found his new predicament slightly embarrassing, but also made him feel safe. Feeling as if his heart started opening further to his new little friend, he opened his heart and spoke, <I'm not sure. I think my lack of self-confidence started when I was still a hatchling, I was always bullied for being different, and then my brother...>





Nica could do nothing but listen to Thorax’s story, occasionally rubbing his belly or behind his ears whenever his voice was filled with depression. Being a peaceful creature among bullies with only his brother to defend him, especially if said brother also disapproved of his soft nature, had to be very hard. Just by listening to his story in silence forced her eyes to produce tears.

In her own case, the situation was reversed, she was the bully with very caring parents and a friendly herd, but she still found safety and support whenever feeling down.

<T-thanks…>

<What for?> Nica asked as the Raichu she held in her paws stepped onto the armchair.

<For being a good listener. I feel so much better now.> He moved his paw towards Nica’s face, wiping away tears from her cheeks. <I could sense it: Your pity, your compassion, your sadness. You heard my every word and took them very seriously.> He looked to the side. <I wish Spike would pay such attention to my problems, but he kept avoiding me whenever possible. Even his emotions were a mess today.>

Nica glanced at the window and rubbed her chin. For the past two days she had assisted with preparations for Ember’s arrival, and today Starlight asked her to keep Thorax and Ember separated, but why? According to Spike’s panicked comments from yesterday, dragons are violent, competitive and prideful, and Ember wanted to learn more about friendship so she could share principles of peace and cooperation among her people.

She looked at Thorax’s depressed posture. He was a leader as well, but way too friendly and soft to enforce his laws. So why did her owners and Spike want to keep these two leaders from meeting each other? One of them want to become more assertive, while the other want to become more friendly and understanding, it was something they could teach each other.

<You look as if you had an idea, do you know how to help me?> Thorax asked while tapping his paws nervously.

Nica was about to respond, but closed her mouth quickly. Her plan would involve going against the command of her owners. It wasn’t her place to question their judgement but simply follow their orders.

Thorax sighed and stepped from the armchair. <I suppose it was unfair of me to expect you to find a solution. But I’m still grateful you heard me out.>

<Wait! Where are you going?> Nica asked as she stepped from the armchair as well and blocked Thorax’s way.

<Back home. We have been talking with each other for over an hour, while neither Spike, nor anypony else checked on us. I can tell that I’m not welcome here.>

Nica bit her bottom lip as she looked in random directions in panic. She couldn’t just let Thorax leave with such a problem, least of all leave with the impression that his friends abandoned him, but she couldn’t disobey orders. What else could she do that wouldn’t upset Thorax even further?

<You seem distressed, but there’s no need to be. You’ve already helped, and I would feel bad to worry you with my problems.> He forced a smile. <I’m happy to befriend someone as nice as you.>

Nica closed her eyes tightly as her mouth started speaking at a rapid pace, <Please, don’t go! Spike, Twilight and Starlight didn’t abandon you. They’re just attending to Ember’s welcome party. Ember is a Dragon Lord who came here to learn about friendship so she could teach other dragons how to be nicer to each other. Starlight is probably afraid you wouldn’t get along with Ember so she asked me to keep you busy. I’m really sorry for deceiving you, I’m really, really sorry, but I was asked to help and I didn’t want to go up against Starlight’s wishes. Still, I believe that you and Ember are able to help each other…> She dropped to her knees, desperately grasping for air. Hanging out with Pinkie Pie had apparently rubbed on her in terms of speech.

Thorax took a step back, trying to analyze the overwhelming amount of information. His mouth agape and his eyes staring at the wall.

Nica looked at him with watered eyes. <Please, don’t be angry at your friends, they meant well. And I’m sure you and Ember can get along if you’ll be confident in yourself and give it a try.>

Thorax smiled and wrapped his paw around his friend’s shoulder. <There’s nothing to forgive, I understand.> He pointed at the door. <I know that a soft-hearted changeling like myself wouldn’t be respected by a Dragon Lord, but if you believe in me, I’ll do my best.> He grabbed Nica’s right paw and pointed at the large door again. <Let’s not waste anymore time.>

<I agree,> Nica said with a nod. They both walked with firm and rhythmical steps, only to stop as a chill went down their spines. Behind the large door they sensed an unfamiliar aura filled with malice growing in strength, as if some evil force was making its way through the hallway in the direction of the library. <M-maybe we can take a shortcut… what do you think?>

<I agree, but what shortcut do you have in mind?> Thorax asked. <No matter. Whatever the alternative way, I prefer it to meeting this malicious force.>

Nica pointed at the window and ran towards it on two legs while pulling the other Raichu by his paw. <Jumping through the window is the fastest way.>

<Wait… what!?>

With a calculated jump, Nica reached the window while pulling her panicked friend. With a quick action of her tail she opened it and next jumped down.

Thorax’s closed his eyes, screamed loudly and was waving his paws in panic. After a few seconds he stopped screaming and opened one eye, and next the other, noticing that he was now standing on the solid ground. He glanced at his little feet and next at Nica’s wide grin.

<Surprised?>

<Very. I felt as if my heart was about to escape through my throat,> Thorax answered as his quick heartbeat was slowing down.

<I know this feeling. I once jumped up so high that I reached one third of a kilometer and fell back onto the grass without a scratch.>

<Wait… you jumped… and fell from such a height?> Thorax chuckled. <I’ll remember to transform into you should my wings ever fail me.>

They both took one quick look at the tall castle before heading deeper into the town, once again holding each other’s paws. Meanwhile, a bright blue eye flashed from the window of the library, glancing at the leaving pair of Raichu before vanishing into the darkness.