Chapter 7_____________________________________________________________________
“Stormy?! What are you doing out here! Haven’t you noticed the changelings are attacking?!” screamed Autumn. “Oh, whatever... at least you’re safe with me, now...” “Mom, you didn’t answer my question.” said Stormy. Her mother sighed. “Yes, it is. I found your egg abandoned underneath a changeling nest 3 years ago, while I was searching the Everfree Forest for a plant Zecora needed for a new potion. I never found the Vehkido Herb, but you mattered more to me that some stupid old flower.” Autumn looked down at the floor. “I suppose you know what you really are now...” she whispered. Stormy felt pity for her mother. She was about to ask her another question, when a blinding flash of golden light came from central Ponyville. “We should check it out,” said Darkest Autumn. Stormy nodded and followed her mother, not bothering to turn back into her alicorn form.
Contrary to what Stormy Skies had expected to see, the center of Ponyville was devoid of any Changelings. However, some ponies were sitting on the ground, tending to their wounds. Others who had not had serious injuries were helping those who did. In the middle of it all, Stormy could see all 6 elements of harmony standing next to Princess Celestia. “Is Pinkie Pie fully recovered?” asked Celestia. Pinkie Pie nodded. “Good,” said the Princess. “I apologize for being late. I would’ve gotten here sooner if it weren’t for the changelings already crowding my doorstep... However, it seems you solved the problem with the Elements of Harmony quick enough. However, there’s just one more thing that needs to be done...” She turned and stared at Stormy Skies, and the 6 Ponies glared too. “What? WHY are you all staring at my daughter? I’ll have you know she had nothing to do with this!” Celestia’s expression softened as she moved it to Darkest Autumn’s. “Unfortunately, it seems just the opposite.” she said. She approached Stormy, and the young changeling fell under her gaze. “Princess Celestia, I-” she began, but Celestia continued as though she had said nothing. “When Fluttershy’s friends would not believe what she had seen happen in the Everfree Forest, she contacted me as soon as possible. She told me all about Pinkie Pie’s capture, and the true identity of Stormy Skies. I decided to wait until there was proof... foolish me.”
“It appears as though Stormy has been in contact with Queen Chrysalis for a month now, kidnapping ponies for her cause. I believe you have quite some explaining to do.” Rainbow Dash shoved Princess Celestia aside, pushed her face into Stormy’s, and growled, “What did you do with the real Stormy Skies?” Darkest Autumn and Pinkie Pie both answered. “She IS the real Stormy!” Applejack tapped them both on the forehead. “Uhh, is she messin’ with yall’s brains? She’s a changelin’, and she’s sitting right here in front of ya.” Darkest Autumn answered her this time. “No, she’s always been a changeling. I found her as an egg, and took her in. I raised her and loved her as any normal filly...” Stormy’s courage seemed to return to her. “No you didn’t! If you loved me, how come you never told me who I am? How come you never told me I was a changeling? How come you didn’t tell ANYPONY I was a changeling?” Didn’t you CARE at all?!” she scolded. “Stormy Skies, I’m ashamed of you.” said Autumn. “I knew one day I would have to reveal to everypony that you were a changeling, but not like this! I never told anypony that you were a changeling because I didn’t want them to shun you for what you were. I never told you because I thought that if you knew, you... you would feel ashamed about sharing the same species name as changelings as evil and vile as those creatures. I was trying to protect your feelings out of love...” Tears once again began to stream down her face. “I thought you, of all ponies should know that...”
Suddenly, her own ignorance dawned on Stormy. How could she have possibly been that STUPID? Changelings fed off of love! If Darkest Autumn had not loved her, she would have starved to death! Yet here she was, still alive after 3 years of living with her. Stormy Skies began to feel shame like never before. Ashamed that she had been so ungrateful towards her mother, ashamed for criticizing the ponies for their ignorance when her own was larger than all of theirs put together, ashamed for destroying Ponyville...
Ashamed of stabbing the backs of those who loved her.
Stormy, too began to cry silently. She hung her head in shame, for she felt she did not deserve to look into the eyes of those she had betrayed. Princess Celestia looked down upon the weeping changeling, her eyes showing no pity. “Stormy Alexandra Skies. I, Princess Celestia, hereby banish you from Equestria for as long as you live. Should you choose to disobey and cross the border anyway, I will see to having you executed. Now begone with you!” Stormy nodded. Without a single goodbye or word, she turned tail and walked away, growing smaller and smaller in the distance until she was no more.
“There is one more punishment to be carried out,” said Celestia, as she turned on Darkest Autumn. “For the naivety of raising a changeling, sworn enemies of Equestria... meet me at Canterlot Castle tomorrow at noon.” And with that, Princess Celestia flew off, back to Canterlot.