//------------------------------// // 14. That Tingle Down My Carapace // Story: Dear Small Pony Book // by Carapace //------------------------------// Dear Small Pony Book, I found myself in a most perplexing position today. One, admittedly, I hadn’t expected outside of a few instances in which my hosts had to come track me down after I made some sort of mistake and scuttled off to one of my normal hiding places. Forgive me, I’ve gotten a bit ahead of myself. Today was odd, so I’m a little scatterbrained—a funny word, that, wouldn’t you agree? Let’s backtrack to last night. I never did finish recounting my initial reunion with Spike and subsequent dinner. It was quite an evening. Twilight led us through those winding crystal hallways, with Spike once again claiming my back as his perch, to the dining room. She made sure to take the time to let me get my bearings and offer a few directions here and there. Directions I quite appreciated, as I had still not quite committed Spike’s to memory just yet. Things like “here is the bathroom, here is where I store chemistry supplies, do not go in there and open anything up” were most prudent, as you might guess. At least, I assume so. I don’t think you need either of those things. Definitely not bathing. Anyway. When we arrived in the dining room—which was maybe about a third the size of the one in the Crystal Palace—we were greeted by the same smiling faces which met us on the platform. My hosts were seated together, on the right side of the head seat position, with Flurry Heart in her high chair between them. No doubt the arrangement had been made both so they could enjoy a conversation with her, while remaining attentive to my overlady. My overlady seemed quite pleased with the seating arrangements, as it allowed her the chance to squeal and babble and point out new sights to her parents. Of course, they were happy to tell her just what it was and help her sound it out. Shining, rather mischievously, kept trying to get her to stumble through “chandelier” until Princess Cadence shot him one of her bemused smiles. “What?” he asked with all the faux innocence of a nymph. “I’m just trying to help!” The Princess of Love raised her brows. “A likely story, I’m sure,” she drawled. “And Auntie Celestia only enjoys her jokes a little bit.” Even I had to bite my lip at that remark. Spike and Twilight, on the other hoof, had no such inclination to keep quiet, and snickered. I took it upon myself to see what everyone else was doing rather than comment. Predictably, I noticed that Starlight was seated across from my hosts so she would be on Twilight’s left side when she joined the group. To the mare’s left, Sunburst sat, his cape removed and hung on a coat rack off in the corner, and seemed to be excitedly babbling about various things he’d been researching since their last meeting. From the way his eyes were lit and his hooves moved about in near comical fashion with each word he spoke, I could only guess it was about those times he disappeared into the library for hours on end to read over ancient Crystal Empire magical texts. And the way hers were focused and ears perked, hanging on his every word, I must confess, I’m quite confident we might see her visiting sooner rather than later. After Sunburst, there were Twilight’s friends, each chattering away with one another or my hosts at random. Pinkie Pie had managed to sequester herself a spot beside Shining so she could entertain my overlady with silly faces—I make no promises that my first thought wasn’t a smug note that my silly faces were far superior and garnered more laughter from little Flurry—while Fluttershy simply laughed and shook her head. Opposite of her, Applejack and Rainbow Dash were bantering with Rarity about something I confess I had such little interest in that I couldn’t recount, an argument the pair seemed to be losing despite their numbers, if that coy smile on the unicorn’s beautiful face was any indication. The fillies … well … Even in that instant, that very moment we stepped into the dining room and their bright, eager eyes affixed upon us, I knew they were up to something. Though I only knew them by name and reputation from Spike’s depictions of them in his letters, I was quite well-versed in the “wheels turning in their heads” look from dealing with the machinations of nymphs. And, well, my overlady. I also realized that their eyes were trained upon me rather than us. The mouthful of slime I was forced to swallow was not a product of any allergies I’d developed, though I would so love to pretend otherwise. Just the memory of those looks and the gleam in those eyes was enough to force me to swallow more just now, lest I make your pages sticky and gooey. The way Sweetie Belle smirked and leaned in to whisper some little additive to her grinning cohorts still brings a shiver down my spine—and we’re currently safe in my lodgings! “Boys, why don’t you sit over here,” Twilight said nodding to a pair of seats between Rainbow Dash and Sunburst which I hadn’t noticed before. A welcome position near my hosts and friends, despite how loud Rainbow could be. And very well was when she heard Twilight’s voice and noticed where she pointed. Her sky blue ears flicking, she turned a cocky grin at us and waved us over. “C’mon over, dudes!” she called. “Plenty of room down here at the cool section! Just watch out for AJ, we have to excuse her being raised in a barn and all!” I feel the need to note the round of eye-rolls and muttered quip from Applejack her comment earned. One which just made the ever-mouthy pegasus fluff her feathers and give a merry waggle of her ears in defiance. A tried and true routine between them, if I were to hazard a guess. By Spike’s renewed mirth, I felt quite confident that my hunch was correct. As requested, I trotted over to take my place, my mind already made up that I would take the seat to Sunburst’s immediate left. Not out of any distaste for Rainbow’s antics, mind, but I did know him better. Fortunately, Spike seemed to read my mind, and hopped down onto the seat nearest Rainbow as we approached. I slipped into the other, and scooted myself in, careful not to jostle anyone’s shoulders. A rather sizable spread awaited us, already dished up. I was quite pleased to find that, once again, I had been gifted a plate of fish. Trout, if I were to guess by the scent—and, oh, did the scent make my mouth water and fangs itch to lengthen and sink into the tender meat. My instincts practically demanded that I tear into it, but I fought them off. Instead, I looked up at Twilight and tilted my head in silent askance. “We sent word in advance,” Princess Cadence supplied. “And I felt it might be more prudent that everypony hold onto their energy during the visit,” Twilight added. Then, thinking on it a minute longer, she raised a hoof and said, “No offense, I mean.” I shook my head. “I understand.” She had every right. I mean, let us be frank, feeding me would probably leave any of the ponies present laid up in bed for several hours in need of quite a bit of rest and nutrition to recover. Any aside from my hosts or overlady, I should say, but they are the anomaly. And I could hardly blame them all for wanting to be full of all their happy pony pep and energy to spend time with one another. I certainly did with Spike. Still, that begged the question. “Where did you get the fish?” To my surprise, the answer didn’t come from Twilight. “That was my idea,” Fluttershy said from across the table. As my eyes fell upon her, the mare ducked her head as if to hide herself. I saw her wings shift and feathers rustle nervously, a sign of her want to hide. But then, almost as soon as it came, it was gone. “I’ve cared for some of my bear friends and wild cats when they were sick, and they love fish,” she continued, “so it wasn’t too difficult to take make an extra cast or two with the nets. I do hope you like it.” I looked down at the fish and gave it a sniff. It smelled delicious. Fresh, as if she’d just caught it today. I ran my tongue along either edge of my snout and said, “Thank you, Miss Fluttershy. I think I will.” Before she could reply, I confess I attacked the helpless fish with the same vigor I did the cookies Princess Luna had shared with me. The taste, the smell, even the texture were just perfect. When I finished, all eyes were upon me. Some betraying stunned looks, others mild amusement, but one pair expectant and more than a bit nervous. Is it wrong that I found Fluttershy’s eyes beautiful in that moment? I’m not sure if I should blame it on the fish or that those baby blues could probably make even my brother stop a moment to appreciate it. He might even be so stunned he might ask to feed. “It was wonderful,” I said with a bright, toothy grin. I licked my lips and fangs clean. “Thank you, Mis Fluttershy.” The way her feathers fluffed and sweet, delectable happiness rolled off her in waves was only matched by the bashful smile that spread across her features. “You’re—you’re welcome. And it’s just Fluttershy.” Her cheeks colored a rosy red. “I’m not really all that important to get a ‘Miss’ anything.” A contrary word leapt to mind, but I caught a quick look from Spike which made me bite my tongue. I would leave it. For now, at least. “So, Thorax,” Rainbow began, reaching over my little friend’s head to poke my shoulder and give me a friendly shove. “What’s it like living up in the Crystal Empire? Better than wandering around in the snow, I bet!” Unbidden, a shiver ran down my spine. Yes, I remembered those days wandering, lured by the scent of tasty, tasty love, and how my carapace had gone so brittle it would’ve cracked had I not sought shelter in that cave. Or if the guards had gotten a shot at me with their spears. Actually, most of them have apologized for that. “It’s … much more preferable,” I replied slowly. “Changeling carapace isn’t good with the cold. I got rather sick because of it during Hearth’s Warming.” “We did hear about that,” Rarity cut in from just down the line. Her lips were curved into a frown. “Poor Spike was fretting for days when he learned. Had I known, I would’ve offered to try to fashion some winter wear for you, but I’ve never exactly fitted …” she trailed off, rolling a hoof through the air in search of the right word. “One of my kind?” I offered. “I was trying to be delicate, but yes. I didn’t want to guess and leave you with something too big or small.” A gleam flashed through her eyes. “Although, now that you’re here …” I tilted my head. “What about me being here?” Applejack groaned and pulled the brim of her hat over her head. “Oh, Celestia, here she goes.” “Save yourself, dude,” Rainbow chipped in, her grin sharpening. “Run fast, run far, and shapeshift. I can only promise a three second head start before she catches you and drags you off to that torture chamber she calls a—” she ducked a sharp snapping napkin, turned and pointed at Rarity. “HA! Missed!” Frowning, Rarity glared daggers at the pair. “I’m trying to be helpful, you two! Do you want the poor thing to catch his death of cold?” A most unpleasant prospect. One which cowed and made both mares wince. “Fair ‘nuff,” Applejack muttered. “Sorry ‘bout that. Was just funnin’ with the lil’ guy.” I chose the course of silence while Rainbow quailed beneath a heated side-eye look and stammered out a quick apology. A well-timed sip of my drink gave me enough of a chance to wheedle my way out of that conversation, and find myself nose to nose—quite literally—with Pinkie Pie. It is with pride that I note that I didn’t jump or yelp. Though I did flinch back and blink, perplexed at the eager light shining in her eyes. “Um, hi?” I asked more than greeted, my eyes flitting to my hosts. They simply beamed back, a not-so-subtle hint of amusement shone in Princess Cadence’s smile, though. I had only seconds before I realized why. Pinkie Pie didn’t so much speak as she did launch an all-out verbal assault. Her mouth worked faster than I’d ever seen, her voice hit me in a rush and jumbled of words so fast they sounded more like one than anything else. More to the point, she didn’t even take a breath during it all! And didn’t seem to need one even after she finished and fixed me with an expectant grin, her ears perked and eyes so wide I wondered for an instant if she were one of my kin from another hive. She was also vibrating. I didn’t know ponies could do that, and I’m not entirely sure they’re supposed to. I shall have to consult my hosts. In that moment, though, I blinked twice and tilted my head. “Huh?” I replied dumbly. The mare deflated a bit, but perked back up. “I saaaaaid,” she drawled most deliberately. “I’m trying to plan out your Welcome to Ponyville surprise party, but I need to know what sort of cakes and treats you like because I’ve never prepared a party for a changeling before. Well, not a friendly changeling, anyway. A changefriend?” She furrowed her brows. “Friendling?” “Changefriend sounds nice,” Princess Cadence teased. “I think friendling rolls off the tongue a bit better,” Shining said with a coy smirk. Twilight Sparkle rolled her eyes, as if sharing my plight. “You two are terrible. Don’t tease him so much!” “Pot, kettle,” Spike retorted. “You’re black.” As the banter went on around us, Pinkie’s focus remained entirely upon me. As if she were hoping that a prolonged stare, her eyes wider and vibrating returning with each passing second, would make the information she sought fly from my head straight into hers. I was ill-prepared for such interrogative tactics. Ours involved threatening hisses in the ear, glares, licking lips and fangs, and no shortage of charm magic. A smile, though. Only wicked ones. Not the sunny, eager one before me, which filled me with both that light, fluffy happy feeling and the slightest trickle of wondering dread. My resolve broke as I was lost in her eyes. “Anything sweet,” I said quickly. “Princess Luna gave cookies, snickerdoodles, I think, and I found they tasted of love and cinnamon. I have only had cake once or twice before, so I don’t really have a preference aside from there being sweet icing.” I wrinkled my nose, thinking over her last question. “I … don’t think there is a term like that?” “Well, there is now!” Shining chimed, earning himself an elbow to his ribs courtesy of his little sister. Clearly, Twilight Sparkle was my only ally in this. Even Spike sat and stuffed his claws into his mouth in vain to hide a bout of snickering. I made note to repay him later. Laugh at me in my moment of need, would he? He would find himself laughing until tears flowed down his chubby little cheeks once I finished with him after dinner had finished. In the interim, I glanced between Shining and Cadence, and found no aid forthcoming. When my eyes fell upon Pinkie again, she leaned closer still. Her nose pressed so firmly against my own that I was forced to wrinkle my snout. Before I could think properly, I blurted, “Friendling is fine!” With a cheer, the mare caught me in a tight hug and lifted me out of my seat—such strength I never imagined she possessed—and resumed her rapid-fire babbling about all her plans for my surprise party. I trust you have noticed the same issue with the “surprise” aspect I did. “How is it a surprise party if you’re telling me everything about it?” I wondered aloud. “Oh, don’t you worry your silly, little head,” she crooned, gently petting my headfin. “Auntie Pinkie Pie has a way of making things work out.” “I … we …” I drew back and gaped at her. “But we’re not related?” My dinner companions burst into raucous laughter. Even little Flurry tittered and waved her hooves, though I suspect that was more her want to be included in the fun than her actually understanding the joke. Wise though my overlady may be for her years, she isn’t quite there yet. Soon, though. Pinkie took my comment in stride, giving my headfin another pet and even kissed my forehead like she would a little foal! I make no promises that I didn’t siphon a trickle of love in that instant. It was too sweet not to. Like cotton candy and pudding. “Silly, friendling!” she teased. “You don’t have to be related to me to be close. But you’ll get used to it!” Without another word, she plopped herself down in her seat again, and began devouring her dandelion and daisy salad with vigor near my own. An impressive feat. I sat in silent contemplation while the rest began their own meals. Mostly contemplating the strangeness that was Pinkie Pie, admittedly, though there were a couple of things on my mind. Namely, what Rarity could have possibly meant. Surely she wasn’t thinking of fashioning something for me, right? Why should she? I’m a changeling. And I don’t think we know each other well enough to be called anything more than passing acquaintances at best. At worst? I suppose one could say I’m the oddball she tolerates because we have companionship with Spike in common. Not that either is bad, mind, but … I didn’t understand it. Changelings didn’t go out of their way for anyone. Why should some pony who barely knew me? Then again, why should a Prince-Captain and Princess who suffered at my hive’s hoof allow me to live under their roof and play foalsitter to their filly? These thoughts plagued me all the way through the meal, questions I batted about like a cat playing with yarn, with no real end in sight. None until I felt a prod upon my shoulder, the tiny claw made a little click as it touched my carapace. I turned and looked down, offering a little smile to my friend. “Yes?” I asked. Spike regarded me with a look one part bemusement, two parts concerned. “I was trying to ask what you wanted to do tomorrow,” he said. “But I think you had your head in the clouds.” I blinked, furrowing my brows a moment. I knew that idiom from somewhere—oh, I’d heard a few pegasi say it around the palace. With a sheepish grin, I noted, “We would say that I have my head in the slime back home, but I suppose I did. My apologies.” “’S fine. So?” He rolled his claws through the air. “What do you wanna do?” This time, it was my turn to fix him with a look. “I don’t live here, Spike. Other than sit and read comics, I don’t exactly know what there is to do around Ponyville.” I will admit I did take a little joy in seeing his cheeks flush, Small Pony Book. My quip had worked quite well. “Oh, right.” Spike tapped his claws against the table, his eyes darting about in thought. “Uh. Well, there’s the comics. And sweets at Sugarcube Corner, but given that you’re going to have a party, we could probably stand to skip that.” Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Pinkie make to object, before a look from Twilight made her sit slowly. My little friend, however, did not. His focus was on the task at hoof. Er, claw, rather. Which he was currently drumming in a cadence only he knew. “Uh, normally, I’d probably go help Rarity in the boutique.” The little dragon cast a glance toward the mare, fixing her with what I could only imagine to be his best pleading look. A look which earned a bell-like laugh and shake of her head which sent her magnificent curls bobbing. “Darling, as much as I love having your help, I think you should spend time doing things you and Thorax might actually enjoy together.” Her smile radiated affection. She gave a little bob of her head toward the far end of the table, where those scheming fillies were sitting, still murmuring and shooting glances our way. “Why don’t you two and the girls play or something tomorrow, hmm?” Their smiles became far too sweet to be true. Every instinct in my body told me to run and find a nice, dark place to hide—and I’m supposed to be the scary predator! I swallowed a mouthful of slime. The first of many times I’d do so since meeting the … ah … precocious little things. “Um,” I began, “I wouldn’t want to just … insert myself into friends doing their own thing.” Little Sweetie Belle’s smile was sweeter than honey straight from a beehive. “Oh, we’d be happy to show you around and play!” she said, waving my concerns aside. “We’ve got plenty of friends who’d get a kick out of meeting a real live changeling,” Scootaloo added. “A regular hoot ’n a holler,” Apple Bloom said with a solemn nod. “’N we were gonna do a group game tomorrow anyhow. Addin’ y’all ain’t no real cause for fuss.” Spike and I exchanged looks, my own unsure. Something about those smiles was just a bit off-putting. They’d been hatching some sort of plan the moment I walked in, for what purpose, I didn’t quite know. But if he approved, I would follow his lead. He stole another glance back at them, then returned his gaze to me and shrugged. “I guess it couldn’t hurt,” he said. “They are pretty fun.” I smiled shakily, giving a noncommittal noise of agreement. Their widening grins did little to aleviate my worry. I should have paid more attention to my instincts and slime glands. Little did I realize that my friend had just set me up to spend a full day at the mercy of foals. This is where I must stop, as my overlady has summoned me for peek-a-boo, so we will have to pick this up later. I apologize for this “cliffhanger,” Small Pony Book. I assure you, the tale does go … some rather interesting places. Unfortunately, you will have to wait until Flurry Heart has deemed my performance satisfactory. Until then.