//------------------------------// // The Changed // Story: The Changeling War // by Captain Morgan //------------------------------// I had no words as to what we were witnessing. All we could do was stare in disgust and horror as the guy in front of us dug his hands into the corpse, feasting on its flesh all the while. Evan shook his head in disbelief, hoping that what we were seeing wasn’t real. Shift buried her face into Evan, wanting to hide herself from the scene. Markus just stared wide-eyed and as for me, part of myself just wanted to vomit, but I held my hand to my mouth, preventing that from happening. “U-u-umm… Ok, it seems you’re a bit busy with your… b-breakfast.” Markus started, almost vomiting at the word. The guy in front of us stopped as he heard Markus’ voice. “So, w-w-we’re just gonna go and we’ll leave you to… your…“ Markus trailed off as the guy turned his head and showed his face to us. Something was obviously wrong with the guy and I doubt it was from drugs. He had open wounds all over his face, some actually showed the bone. His eyes were soulless blue which resembled a Changeling’s, but what really stood out was a very dark black pigmentation on some parts of his face. He looked at all of us before he turned his gaze towards Markus. He bared his blood-coated teeth with two noticeable fangs at Markus and made a growl that sent shivers across our bodies. “Oh hell no!” Was all Markus could say as he was pushed to the ground with the guys on top of him, trying to bite at his face. “Get this psycho off me!” Markus yelled as he strained to push him off. Evan and I rushed to his aid as we grabbed the guy by his shoulders and pulled him off, but after that, he wouldn’t stop struggling to get out of our grip. “Buddy, you’re not well!” Evan said, trying to calm him down. “I’m a doctor, let me-” He was interrupted as the guy flailed his arm in Evan’s face, knocking him to the ground. “Dude! Just calm dow-” I said but was hit in the face with his other arm, knocking me into the side of the truck. The guy darted his gaze back towards Markus who sat on the pavement with Shift trying to help him up as he then started limping back towards Markus, wanting to finish what he started. Shift noticed him staggering back towards Markus and quickly got in front of him. “Sir, please. We’re not here to hurt you, we just wanna-” She didn’t finish as he pushed right through her, knocking her to the ground as if he didn’t see her in the way. Markus could only back up until he up touched up against the building behind him. He quickly pulled out his Beretta m9 and aimed it at the man closing in on him. “Dude, Please. Do not make me shoot you.” Markus warned, fear in his voice. But the guy continued staggering towards him as if he didn’t hear him. They were about three feet from each other and Markus was about to pull the trigger till a gunshot rang out and a bullet came out of the guy’s left eye. The guy then kneeled to the ground and fell face flat on the sidewalk. Markus looked at the guy now dead in front of him, but yet, he never pulled the trigger. He then looked up and saw me leaning against the truck with my desert eagle in my hand, the barrel still smoking. “You alright, Markus?” I asked as I lowered my gun. “Yeah, I… I… I… I’m not ok!” He replied as he ran toward the garbage can that was knocked over from the nearby alley. He quickly set it up right and started throwing up this morning’s breakfast into it. The sound of clopping was heard as I turned around and saw Twilight, Celestia, Luna, Kenny, Jacob, Chris and the others running towards us. “Morgan,” Celestia said with worry. “Is everything- oh my.” She turned her gaze to the man, now dead on the sidewalk. “Morgan, I thought you were gonna help him?” Twilight yelled, upset that I had just killed someone. “Trust me Twilight, this guy was way beyond our help,” I stated as I knelt down and rolled the body onto his back so that the other could get a good look at why I killed him. Everyone gasped in shock at the sight of the guy’s ripped up face. “Sweet Celestia.” Twilight quietly exclaimed as she stared at the body. “Dear God, the hell was wrong with him?” Kenny questioned, kneeling down to get a good look at his face. “Well, I have a hunch that this is what the virus did to the people who got infected and why countless people have upped and vanished while in this damned place,” I suggested as I pointed at the corpse. “As my time as a doctor, never in all my life have I come across something like this,” Evan stated as he kneeled down next to me and started examining the body. I heard movement behind and looked over my shoulder and saw Markus walking back, wiping some excess vomit from the corner of his mouth. All I could do was smirk at him. Of all the times he told us that monsters in the Dead Zone weren't real, he was dead wrong. “So Markus, you think this guy was on drugs as well.” I joked. “Screw you, Morgan.” He said emotionlessly as he narrowed his eyes at me. “Hey, Markus! You still think monsters are not real?” Rainbow Dash asked with a smile. “Mon-ster. I only see one and only one. So just because there’s this… thing, lying dead in front of us, doesn't mean there’s more of them!” He protested in annoyance. “Hey everyone, I found more people!” Pinkie Pie announced. “Really, where?” I asked with an eager tone as I came up next to her. “They’re coming down the road, there!” she replied with a smile, pointing her hoof towards the road, from where we came from. I looked at where she was pointing and my face went from excited to utter fear. “Oh, you have gotta be kidding me,” I muttered as I saw the people she was talking about. Coming down the street was a large group of people, staggering or limping their way towards us, and moans could be heard as they got closer. I instantly knew that they were infected with the virus, just like the guy that attacked us. “Well Pinkie, you did find more people, just not very friendly ones,” I said as I put my hand in front of her and started backing away. “Morgan, there’s more coming down that other way,” Chris stated with a worried tone. I turned around and he was right, another large group of infected people coming down the other way. I then looked at Markus and gave him an unamused look. “You just had to say it, didn't’ you?” I said sarcastically. “Everyone, weapons up!” I ordered as Chris, Jacob, Markus, Evan, Kenny and I held up our weapons and aimed at the enclosing groups of infected people. Everypony got behind us for protection as they were defenseless without their magic or wings. “Morgan, what do we do? We’re being surrounded.” Luna said as she got beside me. “I-I don’t know, Luna,” I replied, nervously. “We never prepared ourselves for the Dead Zone. Hell, we never even wanted to come here in the first place.” “Well, you better think of something fast,” Fluttershy asked as she cowered behind Markus. I started looking at our surrounding, hoping to get an Idea. There were buildings around us with boarded-up doors and window, but even if we got inside, it wouldn’t stop the horde of infected from getting it and fighting them off was way out of the question as I doubt we had enough ammo to kill that many infected people. “Guys, I got nothing. I don’t wha-” I was interrupted by the sound of a gunshot and Twilight yelping from behind me. I quickly turned around to see an infected woman with a bullet hole in her head, fall to the ground only a few feet from Twilight. We looked down the road from where the shot came from and saw a man standing in front of the CVS pharmacy with a grey beard, wearing an olive field coat, a white shirt, jeans and a black beret. He was holding a scoped AR-10 which was aimed at where the woman was shot. “Get your asses inside, NOW!” He yelled in a gruff voice as he mentioned to the open door of the pharmacy. I looked back at everyone who were looking at me, whether to trust the guy or not. “You heard the man, Move!” I exclaimed as we all started running towards the pharmacy with the guy firing at any infected that tried to get close to us. I was only a few feet from the door when I heard Celestia yell out in pain. I turned around and saw her on the ground, struggled to get back on her hooves with infected closing in on her. “Jacob, Chris, cover me!” I yelled as I ran back to help Celestia with Jacob and Chris giving me and Celestia cover fire. Drawing my machete from its sheath, I started swinging it at any infected that stood in my way. “Celestia, you ok?” I immediately asked as I knelt down in front of her. “My leg, I-I think I sprained it.” She replied with a look of pain as she continued to get back up. On instinct, I put my machete back in its sheath and quickly put my arm around her neck, giving her leverage as I helped her back up. Once she was up, we briskly made our way towards the pharmacy as I fired my pistol at a few infected on the way. Just as made our way through the door, Markus, Applejack, The bearded man and three others in military gear immediately started barricading the doors with shelves, crates, and shopping carts. The sounds of growls were heard outside as the infected peoplepounded on the door in vain, trying to get in but the barricade proved to be strong enough. I was literally panting like a dog as put my hands on my knees in exhaustion as Evan took Celestia from me. “Tha… Thank you!” I said, gasping, as I tried to catch my breath. “No problem, son.” He replied, “Now, Y'all wanna tell me exactly who the hell you all are?” He asked as he crossed his arms at me, giving me a stern look. I held a finger up, showing that I was still trying to catch my breath before I finally eased my breathing. “I… I’m Morgan, and the people and ponies you see before you are my group.” I introduced. He raised his eyebrow as he looked upon the equestrians. “You say these creatures with you are... ponies?” He asked in a confused manner. “Long story short, We saved them from Changelings twice yesterday and they’re helping us take back the city because they happen to be Chrysalis’ enemies back where she came from,” I explained. They looked at like I was crazy before Twilight and Luna stepped in. “He’s telling the truth sir,” Twilight spoke up. “Queen Chrysalis has tried to take over Equestria, our home multiple times but we’ve always beat her. But she vowed revenge after we reformed her old army!” “Morgan’s been protecting us against Chrysalis’ guard since yesterday and he has earned our respect because of it. Without him, we would have perished from Chrysalis’ forces long ago.” Luna added. The bearded man looked at us for a few moments before his expression softened. “You’ve all been through a lot of shit, huh?” He asked as we all nodded in response. “Alright, I believe ya.” He said as he turned towards me and held out his hand, wanting me to shake it which I gladly accepted. “I’m First Sergeant William Henderson or Will for short, And the people behind me are my group. Brandon, Sarah and Kyle, our medic.” Will said, introducing us to his team. The first man Will introduced, Brandon, was Caucasian, slightly muscular, bald and had a scar across his right eye. Sarah, also Caucasian, had the body of a model and had long brown hair, and last was Kyle, an Asian who had a skinny body, short black hair and a small mustache “So what brings Y'all to the Dead Zone.” Will asked. “We could be asking you the same thing,” Jacob replied. “Five days ago, my team and I were ordered to investigate the Dead Zone, find out why countless people had gone missing over the years, and as you can see, that’s why.” Will said as he gestured his hand to the infected people still pounding on the door. “And so this is what the virus did, it turned all these people into monsters?” Luna asked. “Apparently, yeah,” Kyle replied. “We all thought at first that the virus was somewhat like the flu. But upon seeing all those innocent people infected with it, we knew that it was something much more.” He explained, gazing at the door with countless infected on the other side. “We ended up calling them The Changed.” “The Changed, why call them that?” Kenny questioned with a confused look. “You all noticed that all those people had black pigmentations on their faces and bodies, right?” Kyle asked as we nodded. “Well, it turns out that it’s Changeling chitin.” “Changeling chitin? But how’s that possible?” Twilight questioned. “You got me.” Kyle shrugged. “But whatever kind of virus infected them in the first place, it changed their DNA and it ended up turning them into a Human-Changeling hybrid.” It kinda made sense, the black markings, the fangs, the soulless eyes, all these features resembled that of a Changeling. “So, now that we’ve told you our story, you mind telling us yours?” Will asked in a polite manner. “We stopped for the night in an apartment complex not too far from here as we were being hunted by Changelings. Just this morning we found out that they trapped us in here by expanding the area of the Dead Zone.” I explained. “Where were you traveling?” Sarah asked. “We’re heading south to find the Remnants of Minnesota. Morgan’s Uncle told us that they were real and we’re hoping they can help us take back the city of Saint Paul.” Luna replied. Will started chuckling, shaking his head as he heard this. “What so funny?” Twilight questioned “Nothing kid, nothing at all. It’s just, your looking at a few members of the Remnants, right in front of you.” Will said, smiling as he says this. “Hold on a second!” Pinkie Pieexclaimed as she grabbed a cup of water from… somewhere, and did a spit take. “Y-Your members of the Remnants?” Twilight exclaimed, astonished. “And have been for the last few years,” Sarah replied. “John, the leader of the Remnants has been waiting for the right moment to plan an attack on Saint Paul and retake it.” “But to hear that you Equestrians are helping Morgan and his crew, wanting to take back the city... John’s gonna need to see all of you ASAP!” Kyle added. “Except we need to get out of this hell hole if we’re gonna do that,” Brandon said, stepping forward. “But, if all of you came here to investigate the Dead Zone, how did you get inside in the first place? I mean I doubt Gramps here wouldn’t have enough energy to climb up and down the Dead Zone wall to escape.” Rainbow Dash stated, mentioned towards Will but only to get a glare from him in return. “Eh heh, n-no offense.” She added, nervously. “Well the Rainbow Pony's right, I’m too old for all that rock climbing crap. That’s why we had a Changeling, part of the rebellion help us get in through the front door.” Will said. “Ok… so then where’s the Changeling?” Jacob asked, seeing that there was no Changeling with them. “He tried ditched us when we were being overrun by the Changed. Turns out the bastard was working with the Queen’s Guard but had been with our group for only a few days. Littered him with bullet holes before he could escape.” Brandon replied confidently. “Yet your action ended up leaving us stranded in here with those freaks roaming around, Brandon!” Kyle added as he glared at Brandon, but he just rolled his eyes. “So ah’m guessing Y'all came through the door Shift told us about and know where it is?” Applejack asked. “You’d be right, little lady.” Will complemented. “The door’s on the 35w highway, though it was gonna be problematic for us since we didn’t have a Changeling to open the door, but seeing how you have one with you, it may change that.” Will stated as he walked up to Shift. “I take it that your Shift?” He asked. “Y-yeah.” Shift answered with a hint of fear in her voice. “You don’t need to be scared, Shift.” Will said with a caring tone as he knelt down in front of her. “No one here’s gonna hurt you.” Shift made a small smile upon hearing this. “Alright, so how are we gonna get to the door with all those Changed out there?” Kenny questioned. “There’s another member in our group, CJ. Ever since we got ourselves trapped in here, he volunteered to scout the city for a working vehicle and has been for the last few days.” Sarah explained. “Speaking of which, I’m gonna need to radio him in, tell him to find something with more space that’s gonna fit all of us.” Will spoke up as he pulled out a radio and walked off. “As for all of you,” Kyle announced, gaining our attention towards him. “You better make yourselves comfortable. You’re gonna be here for a while.” With that said, everyone walked off to explore the pharmacy. As for me, Luna and Twilight, we went to check on Evan and Celestia. ******* As we entered the pharmaceutical area, I noticed that the whole area was still untouched. Cough syrups, allergy pills, prescriptions still in bags from before the war, the area was a medical gold mine. We ended up finding Celestia lying down on a bench with Evan putting a splint on her sprained leg. “How’s she doing, Doc?” I asked, smiling as I said this. Evan just scoffed with a smile. “Just a sprained leg, nothing too serious. I just put a splint on it and gave her some medication to ease the pain. All she needs is some rest.” He explained. “Are tho alright, Sister?” Luna asked as she knelt down next to Celestia. “I’m fine Luna, you don’t need to worry about me,” Celestia replied as she nuzzled Luna before turning her attention at me. “Evan and I heard everything, Morgan. Is it true? Are these people really with the Remnants?” She asked. “They are, Celestia, and Will think’s John will be happy to hear that you are willing to help us. I think luck is finally on our side.” I replied. “Even though it wasn’t with us after learning that you killed a Changeling General and made his friend pissed towards you,” Evan added. “Or that he followed us to your home,” Twilight added. “Or that he located us near the Dead Zone and trapped us inside as we slept,” Celestia added. I facepalmed myself as they finished listing of the negative outcomes that had happened to us. “Don’t remind me,” I muttered as we all starting laughing about it. The laughter went on for a few, till Will and Kyle walked up to us. “I just got in contact with CJ, he said that he’ll start searching for anything large enough to hold us all.” He said. “How long do think it’ll take him?” I asked. “Well, he left thirty minutes before Y'all came and riled up the neighborhood, So I’d say it’ll take a few hours, maybe more.” Will replied. “But look on the bright side, we’re all safe in here from the Changed,” Kyle stated. He wasn’t lying, the entire pharmacy was probably the safest places to be in. The windows were high enough off the ground so that the Changed couldn’t get in and the barricade at the door was still hold the Changed from getting inside. This place wasn’t almost as safe as the school, and it was nice. “Now, I don’t think I got your names.” Will said as he turned his attention towards the three Princesses. “Sergeant William, I’d like you to meet Celestia, Princess of the Sun, Luna, Princess of the Moon and Twilight Sparkle, The Princess of Friendship,” I announced as Will’s eyes went wide upon hearing their titles. “You’re Princesses!” He exclaimed as the three alicorns nodded in unison. “Damn, if you would’ve told me this sooner, I would’ve rolled out the red carpet! If this place sold one at least.” He said, muttering the last part. “You don’t need to be formal, Sergeant. We’re only here to help liberate your home from Chrysalis and her forces, not just to be seen a royalty.” Celestia reassured. “Very well your highne- I-I-I mean, Celestia.” Will replied, quickly catching himself from being formal. “If you don’t mind, Celestia,” Kyle spoke up. “Would you be willing to tell us about your home, Equestria. As a kid, I always believed in life on other worlds, but to see you guys before our very eyes… It would be an absolute honor to learn some information about your species.” Celestia, Luna, and Twilight looked amongst each other until they both nodded in agreement. “I think we’d being willing to see you about Equestria.” Twilight happily replied as Will and Kyle each pulled up a chair with Evan and I sticking around, listening to the three Princesses as they began to tell their tale of their home.