He opened his eyes for the first time through a viscous gel distorted haze. He was soaked head to hoof in this green mucus as he peered out the open flaps of a translucent clamshell container. He tried to wipe the goo from his eyes to see more clearly. It had some effect, however the blurry haze persisted for some time. Despite the lack of clear sight, he was fully aware of his surroundings, although he lacked any concept of where he was. The walls were not walls, but more like an endless menagerie of twisted spires and corridors he could scarcely see down in the dim green lighting. There were orifices piercing the hallway spires. A violence that made no sense for either construction or biological growth. The many holes were accompanied by a constant buzzing hum, giving the impression of a pony sized wasp nest.
“It’s awake.” Came a gravelly voice from above.
A tall black figure towered over him. The figure was unnaturally slim and tall. His hooves were filled with holes, an imagery similar to the room surrounding him. Was it a disease? An injury? He wanted to crawl out of his birthing shell, but the gangly mass stood in his way. A holey hoof reached out and grabbed him by the jaw. His neck strained as the figure twisted his skull around, carefully inspecting his new born features.
“It seems healthy as far as I can tell. No apparent genetic defects or damaged tissue from the gestation process.” The disfigured figure spoke again.
His jaw was released sharply and he fell backwards, slapping back into the pool of goo that he came from, causing a mound to seep out onto the jagged floor.
“What does it look like?”
Disembodied words reverberated their demand.
“The anatomy is largely Changeling. Wings look functional and capable of flight once dry. There’s a thin layer of mammal fur from the abdomen up to the head. And it has the horn of a unicorn. Possibly magic gifted.”
A whaling screech ripped through his ear drums. He quickly covered his ears with his hooves to block out at least some of the skull crushing noise.
“It’s an abomination. No changeling could look so disgraceful. It is the Prince’s seed. His pony poison has spoiled the child.” There was a short pause filled with a tense release of breath. “It cannot be allowed to roam these halls.”
The words grieved like venom. He could understand them, but he couldn’t fathom what he had done wrong.
“What shall I do with it, my Queen? Shall I dispose of it?”
Panic curled and twisted in his belly. He attempted to rise, but only managed to slip around in the goo.
The spindly one held up his hooves as they reformed into a hook and a dagger. His face was cast in shadow and barely visible.
“No.”
A single word escaped. The softest word so far.
The stern voice broke through his panic.
“Release it into the wild. If it can scavenge for itself, then it can earn its life.”
The judgment was cast. Before he could protest or beg, the looming one’s hooves returned to normal and bent over grabbing him by the back of the neck. He was abruptly lifted out of the artificial womb and suspended over the warped ground. The air was cold, his damp fur stood on end, and he shivered. Droplets of mucus oozed off his body as he was carried down the dark corridor of the hive. The tall one said nothing else as they traveled towards a small source of light at the end of a long pathway. Other changelings scurried in and out of the warped holes in the ground, walls, and ceiling. As he passed by, the members of the swarm would pause to look at him. They sneered and growled. Some made hissing noises. That low constant buzzing grew louder over time as more changelings joined in to the chorus. The closer they moved towards the light at the end of the corridor, the more eyes he could feel on him. By the time they reached the exit the blinding light of the outdoors forced him to close his eyes, and the buzzing and sneering overwhelmed his auditory system.
Suddenly thrust out into the open air, his eyes opened just in time to see the rocky terrain of the mountain side. He tumbled a few feet before crashing to the ground. A jagged rock dug into his spine. He clambered onto his stomach sloppily. Forcing his new body to work. He tried to stand up, but his legs were so weak they immediately buckled. He collapsed back onto his abdomen and stared up and the giant one who had carried him here. The slender creature looked hideous in the daylight. Greasy black skin covered his body, thin crispy wings on his back, and pupils as wide as the holes in his hooves and as dark as his hide.
“Wha- wha-” He attempted to speak. Unfortunately, forming words was almost as difficult as standing.
“W-What do I do?” His voice cracked as he spoke his first sentence with a high pitched tinny tone.
“Go.”
The gangly one pointed his hoof at the forest beyond and far below the rocky cliffside.
He strained his neck to turn his unsure head behind him. The forest tree line was far away from where he lay helpless. It would be a painful journey to reach the supposed safety of the trees. Or at least the shade they offered. The overseeing, uncaring beast retreated back into the hive before he could ask anymore questions. Suddenly alone, he focused all his concentration on the muscles in his legs and hooves. Wobbling all the way, he gingerly got up on all fours. His walking was slow, but the rhythm came to him naturally.
Shamelessly, he turned around to take one last look at the hive where he was born. The hive looked like a castle made out of jagged knives. The sharp spires were asymmetrical as the unnatural structure protruded out of the ground and ripped into the sky.
It was wrong.
He was terrified to venture into the world alone, but he was not upset to be leaving such a place.
The rocky land did little to aid his movement, except for the occasional loose rock that forced him to trip and slide down the angled ground. The dust he kicked up from walking (and falling) mixed with the goo coating his fur and formed a paste, which smelled terrible and made his skin crusty. By the time he made it to the trees, it was falling off in chunks like dried mud.
He carried on through the forest, getting as much distance as he could from the hive. The endless greenery of the forest was much more pleasant to look at. He appreciated the various types of brushes and flowers that he ran into. There were so many colors to experience. Each time he saw a flower or plant with a new color he hadn’t seen, he stopped to admire it. The forest had many soft and rounded edges, unlike the spikey hive. There were many comfortable grassy spots to sit and rest in. He found a narrow creek and followed the body of water. The sound of flowing water was soothing compared to the buzzing of his birth place. The sunlight bouncing off of the trickling brook made the water look like it was dancing. He leaned over to taste it and it was cool and refreshing. He gulped down sip after sip, not realizing how thirsty he had been.
Then the hunger came.
He wanted to eat so badly it hurt him. His limbs shook and his back shivered. His muscles immediately ached, starved for nutrients his body didn’t have. Looking around, he didn’t see any fruit on the trees he passed, and he had no idea what plants may be edible. He came across a patch of daisies and bent over to taste them. They didn’t have much flavor, but he ate them anyway. It filled his stomach somewhat, unfortunately he was still left unsatisfied. The hunger pains continued after a few minutes. He continued on desperate to find something, anything, he could eat. He feared that eating the wrong thing could end in disaster for him.
He froze for a moment as he heard rustling coming from behind him. There was breathing and low snarling. He snapped himself around to see. There stood a creature that was made of wood. It was shaped like a wolf, but its body and limbs were twigs and logs. Its green eyes stared directly into him. Seems he wasn’t the only one looking for a meal out here.
He broke into a run. Having only walked in his life so far, his movement was sloppy and inefficient. He quickly fatigued as he clambered on through the forest. He didn’t need to turn and look to see if the creature was pursuing him, he could hear it. The creature chased him. Muscles burning, and breath shortening, he was unsure how much longer he could run before he collapsed. Up ahead, there was a break in the trees. Vision focusing, he ran with all his might towards the opening treeline, even though danger ran just as fast behind him. He ran up a small hill and out into an open area. The hill turned to a gorge at the edge with a massive drop off. Below the gorge was a lake with calm, blue water. Next to the lake he could see a small group of buildings. There was a town here. He had finally traveled far enough to run into civilization.
Without a second thought, he dove off the edge and into the gorge. He took a deep breath and held it as he fell closer and closer to the water. The water stabbed him like needles as his belly broke the plane of the lake. He tumbled and twisted underwater, briefly losing track of where the surface was. Only a ball of glittering daylight shimmering above the surface helped guide him to swim up. Eventually, he found the light and clawed his way upward towards the surface. His lungs burned for air as his head sprung out of the lake. He gasped for breath slightly too early causing him to swallow some of the water. Treading water frantically, he coughed and gagged until his stomach muscles hurt. Losing strength, he turned himself onto his back and stretched his hooves out to float. Slowly he drifted looking up at the gorge he leaped off of. The Timberwolf grunted before backing off the ledge and disappearing out of sight. It’s prize lost to the water below.
Timberwolf.
He knew the name of the creature. He knew many things. Sights, sounds, colors, creatures, and language. He didn’t remember learning them. He had emerged from his shell in the hive fully aware.
His hooves brushed the lake’s bottom, growing shallower as he swam. He turned back over to see he had reached the shore. Back on his hooves, he left the sandy, rocky lake side and found himself back on soft grass. The town stood before him and now his hunger was unbearable.
He marched directly into the town square. There were several ponies wandering around the well in the center of the square. The buildings were white oak with straw roofs. They were neat and symmetrical. Somepony had crafted them with care and design. It was nothing like the tangled mess that the hive was.
“Hello, do you have any food?” He called. Biting back the desperation clinging to his tone.
Nopony responded to him directly. The handful of ponies glanced at him at first, but then stared with horror on their faces.
“A changeling!”
“We’re under attack!”
“He’s come to feed on us!”
Many shouts and cries rang out. Someponies cursed and others just screamed in terror, fleeing the scene as fast as their hooves could carry them.
He was as shocked by their reaction as they were of him. They thought he wanted to feed on them. He was starving, but he couldn’t imagine what horrible monster would want to eat another pony.
“Wait what? I don’t… I’m not going to…” He spoke flustered, unable to collect his thoughts.
His words did nothing to assuage their fears. More ponies came out of the shops and houses, the whole town having been roused. He wanted to apologize and explain himself, but he noticed a group of stallions heading his way. They held tools, pieces of wood, or whatever was nearby that they could carry. Their fierce expressions told him everything he needed to know, yet he froze.
“Please, I need help. I-” He still believed he could reason with them as they interrupted him.
“Get out of here, Stranger.”
“You’re not terrorizing this town, Stranger.”
“Get him before he gets us!”
They jeered at him, hoisting their makeshift weapons high into the air. Without any choice, he ran away from the town. Not stopping until he could hide himself behind the treeline. Fortunately, the stallions didn’t pursue him to the forest edge.
He stared back at the town from the safe haven of the trees and bushes. Although, there was no telling how long until the next timberwolf or other predator came hunting for him again. Once he was able to calm down from the initial shock, the hunger attacked him once more. He worried that he may pass out.
Then he smelled it.
It was sweet and fragrant. The scent wafted all the way out into the forest. Perhaps his hunger heightened his senses. Drawn by the aroma, he looked at the nearest house and found the source of the intoxicating smell. There was a pie sitting alone on a window sill. Steam gently wafted over the crispy lattice. Possessed with desire, he made his way over to the window. He wanted to be careful, but hunger inhibited his ability to be stealthy and cautious.
At the window, he could see and smell it so strongly the flavor was already on his tongue. He knew it was going to be the most delicious thing in the entire world. Without remorse, he buried his face into the pie and greedily tore into the crust and filling. The hot pie burned his lips and throat, but he didn’t care. The heat barely registered as he consumed the whole thing in a heartbeat. He planned to lick clean every last morsel, but he was interrupted.
“Is somepony there?”
Guiltily, he sprinted back to the forest as fast as he could. His full stomach ached from running so soon after eating.
“My pie!”
He collapsed onto the grassy ground to rest. The sugar, bread, and fruit satisfied him greatly. He could feel his limbs and muscles calm down. The burning in his mouth stung, and his stomach complained. Going from empty to full to jostling around gave him some indigestion. However, he didn’t mind in the slightest. He burped with his hoof over his mouth to quiet the sound. A small smile crept on his lips. He was finally fed.
But he was still hungry.
The lingering feeling confused him as there wasn’t much room left in his gut. He would probably regret it if he ate more right now. Which begged the question, what was this hunger? Was it possible to hunger for something other than food? The ponies in the town feared that he wanted to consume them. It couldn’t be. He couldn’t fathom something so horrific. He remembered the Queen, his mother, calling him an abomination. He didn’t know why, but what if there was something dreadfully wrong with him?
No.
He banished the thought from his mind. Traveling through the trees, he found the river and walked along the water’s edge, looking for some type of natural canopy or shelter he could stay for the night. The late afternoon sunset had begun and the chilling wind was picking up. Feeling the thin hair stand on his fur, he knelt down to rest on the rocks by the river. He had never seen a sunset before. The intense red and orange hues filled his vision. The light was gentle, but also powerful. Proof that a natural dichotomy could exist.
“Hey Stranger.”
He jumped from his rock and turned around to face the new voice. His hamstrings stung, being caught off guard by the sudden explosive movement, yet he remained standing.
“Don’t come any closer! Leave me alone!” He flapped his wings like a hummingbird, making a strange buzzing sound.
“Woah, woah, hold on I’m not here to hurt you.” A beige coat and orange maned earth pony stood with her hooves held up in front of her.
Based on all the chasing he’d been through recently, he was hesitant to believe her.
“You’re not?” He mimicked her raised hooves so now both of them looked like they were surrendering to each other.
“No, are you gonna hurt me?”
They held their defensive stand off for a few seconds. His mind raced, trying to figure out if it was some sort of trick. However, she didn’t seem to have any weapon or other ponies with her.
“No.” He dropped his hooves and she followed suit. She boldly approached him.
“I’ve been tailing you since you left town. Sorry for not saying anything, but I just…” She stopped just in front of his face. He leaned back a bit, away from her.
“But what?” His eyes darted around, waiting for other ponies to hop out of hiding from the bushes.
“I wanted to make sure you weren’t dangerous.” She turned her head away from him.
“Am I dangerous?”
“You don’t seem dangerous.”
“How do you know?”
“What’s your name?”
He paused at her question. He didn’t have a name. He struggled to think of something to say.
“Stranger.” His eyes looked blankly at her.
“Stranger? That’s not a very good name?” She shook her head.
“It’s what I am. What they called me.” He shrugged his shoulders.
“Alright, Stanger it is.” She relented.
“My name’s Honeysuckle.” She held out her hoof, but he just stared confused.
“This is where we shake hooves.” She laughed at his confusion.
“Oh.” His face turned a deep maroon on his black furry skin. He shook her hoof.
“So, you're a changeling right?” She got up near his face again. He was starting to get used to it.
“Yes.” He admitted as if confessing a crime.
“You steal the love from ponies, right?”
He looked horrified at her.
“I don’t want to do that. Ever.” He shook his head as a sick feeling crawled down into his stomach.
“Oh.” She looked away disappointed. “I was hoping you could help me.”
“Help you with what?”
The mare suddenly looked like she wanted to cry.
“I- I was supposed to marry a stallion. We grew up together in this village and he proposed to me last summer but...” She stopped to catch herself. Waiting until she could continue without sobbing.
“He ran off to the big city with another mare. No explanation, no goodbye, just poof gone.”
She gazed deep into Stranger’s glossy eyes.
“I hate him. I hate him so much for doing it. But the worst part is, I still love him. I love him so dearly, it disgusts me. I don’t want it. I don’t want this love anymore! Why should I love somepony who ran off with somepony else?”
She grabbed his hoof and held it in hers like he was her saving grace.
“Stranger, will you take it from me?”
His eyes went wide as she persisted and kept talking.
“Take my love away, I beg you. It’s killing me. I don’t want to feel like this.” She finally allowed one tear to flow down her cheek.
The sight of her tears made him jolt.
“I- I don’t know how.” He admitted, wishing he could help.
She stared at him in disbelief. “You don’t? But you’re a Changeling, aren’t you?”
He suddenly didn’t want to be a Changeling anymore. “I-I am. But I’m not like that. I can’t do that. I don’t want to.”
“Oh.” She released his hoof. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to impose.”
She sat down by the riverside and sighed. Wiping her tears away, she looked up at the sunset that Stranger was admiring before she arrived.
Curiosity got the better of him. If he was capable of such things, he suddenly had questions.
“If I somehow took your love from you, would you be able to love ever again?” He asked, sitting down across from her.
“If you don’t know, I don’t know. But I'll tell ya. Even if I couldn’t love again, I’d still let you do it.”
“I’m sorry.”
They watched the sunset together for several minutes. The colors morphed and shifted into different darker hues as the sun continued its journey past the horizon. Stranger appreciated the company in this brief, albeit calming reprieve.
“Stranger, where are you gonna go?”
His sunset induced trance broke and he looked back at her.
“I don’t know.”
She collected a rock from the ground. “You came to town alone. You’re out here alone. Don’t you have a home somewhere?”
She threw the rock into the river, skipping it a few times across the water.
“I don’t even have a name.” He reminded her. He picked up a rock and threw it at the river, just like her. It plunked into the water and disappeared with zero skips.
“Well, that’s not fair.” She picked up another stone and held it out in her hoof so that Stranger could see it.
“If you want a stone to skip across the water, don’t throw it over your head. Throw it low and sideways, and put some mustard on it so it has enough momentum.” She threw the rock hard and sideways just as she described. It bounced six times across the water before petering to a halt and sinking into the lake.
“Mustard?” Stranger looked sideways at Honeysuckle.
“Yeah, as in really hard. Put your muscle into it.” She pounded her hooves together with a grin.
“Oh ok.” Stranger’s expression looked as if he’d been given a striking revelation. “What does that have to do with mustard?”
“You’ve never heard that expression before?” Honeysuckle looked surprised.
“I’ve never been outside my hive before. Until today.”
“So this hive is your home? How far away is it?” Honeysuckle asked genuinely curious. Then she realized the implication that there may be a Changeling hive near her town. She shivered at the thought.
“I’m uh, not allowed to go back.” He mumbled.
“Why not? Are you lost?” She looked at him like the lost child that he was. He shrugged in response. How could he be lost when he had no place to call home?
“Have you traveled far since then?” Her gaze shifted to one of apprehension. She eyed him suspiciously.
“I’ve been walking all day. Sometimes running.” His shoulders trembled at the thought of the timberwolf.
A day’s travel wasn’t exactly around the corner. Still, it was too close for comfort when it came to Changelings having a hive only a day away. And for a rogue one to be wandering around, it made her nervous.
“Were you banished?”
“I don’t know I…” Stranger paused as he rubbed his shoulder. He could feel the short mammal fur on top of his greasy black skin. “Because I’m different? I’m not like other Changelings, so I was forced to leave.”
He picked up a flat stone off of the lake shore. He tossed it sideways with all of his might, just like Honeysuckle had instructed. It made two short hops on the water and then sank beneath the surface.
“That’s so cruel. I can’t believe they would abandon you just because you’re different.” She thought about it for a moment. “I mean, I guess it makes sense coming from those love suckers.”
Honeysuckle’s insult stung Stranger, even though he knew it wasn’t aimed at him.
“No offense.” Honeysuckle grimaced nervously. He nodded softly.
“Why don’t you come back to town with me?" Honeysuckle stood up and offered her hoof to him.
He sharply dropped to the ground and held his hooves over his head, cowering.
“No! They’ll come after me again.” He shivered though it wasn’t that cold yet.
“It’s alright, you’re not dangerous. I’ll show everypony. We’ll make them understand.” She insisted.
She kept her hoof out just above his cowering head. He refused to budge.
“Where are you sleeping tonight exactly? Out here?” She eyed him suspiciously.
“Uh…” He peeked up at her through his hooves.
“That’s what I thought. You’re coming with me, doggonit, I’m not letting you get sick out here alone. The temperature’s gonna plummet as soon as the sun goes down.”
She gently reached for his holey hoof and he gingerly accepted. Her touch was as warm as her smile.
“I promise I won’t let anypony hurt you, ok?”
“Ok.” He said meekly, standing himself back up with her assistance. “Thank you.”
They walked away from Celestia’s setting sun and back toward the town, just off the purple horizon.
“Everypony deserves a little kindness.”
She hummed a pleasant tune as they strolled along the river side together.
“But I’m a changeling.” He stared at the ground as he walked.
“Maybe, but you’re not like other Changelings and that’s good enough for me.” She winked at him and continued humming her tune.
By the time they got back to town, Celestia had finished laying the sun to rest. The full moon was glowing bright blue in the night sky. The center of town was glowing in the light of fire. There were dozens of ponies congregated by the well holding pitchforks and torches.
“Oh no.” Honeysuckle stopped and Stranger tried to hide himself behind her.
“What’s happening?”
“It looks like a search party. They’re probably thinking you’ll try to return to the town while we’re sleeping.” She nervously bit her hoof.
“I did return to the town.”
“Ok, yeah, but not in the way they’re thinking.”
She motioned to the trees. They both nodded and retreated to the tree line out of sight. Anxious of the gathering mob, Stranger whispered to his companion.
“Maybe we should wait until tomorrow? If they find me they might… they...”
Honeysuckle placed her hoof on Stranger’s shoulder. Stranger just stared at the flaming pyres being paraded in the center of town.
“Follow me. Keep low and quiet.” She galloped off and Stranger followed.
“My house is on the outskirts of town. We’ll rest there tonight and explain the situation to everypony in the morning.”
They trotted along the edge of the forest until they came upon a large house with a field of flowers out front.
“Is this your home?” Stranger admired the flowers. Many of which he recognized from the forest. Some of them were new to him.
“Yes, do you like my garden?” Honeysuckle grinned with pride.
“It’s beautiful.”
He followed her into the house. The quaint wooden cottage was warm as there was a fire billowing in the fireplace in the living room.
“Hey Bud, I’m home. Come on out, I want you to meet somepony.”
A small colt came around the corner. He had a brown coat and a dark red mane. He looked up at Stranger with wide eyes and his mouth hung open.
“Hi Bud.” Stranger spoke as softly as he could. He expected the small child to run from him in fear.
“Are you a Changeling?” Bud asked, in a direct, unafraid tone that only children had when encountering something new and different.
“Yes.”
“Bud, this is Stranger.” Honeysuckle motioned to Stranger.
“Stranger?” The little colt looked confused.
“Yes, that's his name.”
“Do you steal love?” He continued with his direct line of questioning.
There were a few seconds of silence.
“I’ve never done that.” Stranger looked around the house. The furniture looked comfortable and there was a pleasant floral smell.
“Why do Changelings steal love?” Bud’s next question rang in Stranger’s ears.
“From what I understand, they have to consume love to survive.” Honeysuckle chimed in.
Stranger looked fearful at Honeysuckle. Her eyes were apologetic, but also concerned. He still felt the lingering hunger that wouldn’t leave him. Was that it? Was his body craving the love energy of others? The hunger was much stronger now than it was a few hours ago.
“Survive?” Stranger barely whispered the question. Honeysuckle looked away from him.
“Does that mean that if I don’t take away the love of somepony I’ll.. I’ll…”
“You’re a different kind of Changeling that doesn’t do that.” Honeysuckle stomped her hoof on the wood floor boards.
“Right.” He nodded, agreeing instantly. He didn’t want to become something that caused fear. He looked back at Bud who had walked all the way over to him, inspecting him from head to hoof.
“Why do you have fur? And why is your horn normal looking?” Bud rubbed his hoof on Stranger’s back. He jerked at the touch causing Bud to pull his hoof away.
“Sorry.” Bud's wide eyes were full of innocence.
“It’s alright.”
“Bud, don’t touch other ponies without asking.” Honeysuckle frowned at Bud. “He has a point though. You look much different than the pictures of Changelings on…” She stopped.
“On what?” Stranger asked.
“On warning posters and criminal notices.” She swallowed hard after finishing.
“Oh, I see.” His head hung low.
“Can you perform magic?” Bud was staring at Stranger’s horn. Both Bud and Honeysuckle were earth ponies.
“I don’t know.” He answered honestly.
Bud looked confused.
“How can you not know? You’re grown.”
“Bud, manners!” Honeysuckle chided.
“Actually, I was born today.” Stranger explained.
Both of them looked stunned. Even Bud forgot about his questions.
“How is that possible?” Honeysuckle got up close to Stranger again. She was closely inspecting his every feature.
“Changelings are born in a hive in pods. I woke up today fully grown, as you say.”
“That sounds awful.”
“So cool!
The pony duo said in unison. Stranger couldn’t help but laugh.
“It’s cool?” Stranger asked Bud to clarify.
“You bet! I wish I could be grown up already. I don’t even have my cutie mark.” He pouted, pointing to his blank flank. Stranger looked over to Honeysuckle. Her flank had a mark with several thin orange flowers. He assumed they must be honeysuckles. She caught his glance.
“I’m a florist.” She shrugged with pride.
“What’s it like being a grown up kid?” Bud looked directly up at Stranger with glistening eyes. His direct questioning returned.
“Well, I’m still figuring a lot of things out myself.” Stranger admitted.
Honeysuckle chuckled. Both children looked over at her.
“Let me go make us all some dinner while you two discuss what it’s like to be kid grown ups.” She giggled as she pranced into the kitchen.
“Can you fly?” Bud stared straight at Stranger's clear bug-like wings.
“I haven’t tried.”
“That would be so amazing if you could do magic and fly. You’d be like an alicorn!” Bud jumped in excitement.
“That does sound pretty nice.” Stranger grinned at the thought of flying. He hadn’t even considered it when he was chased by the Timberwolf. For the first time the world felt like it was full of infinite possibilities for him.
“What’s an alicorn?” Stranger asked. Bud gasped, making him feel embarrassed for not knowing.
“An alicorn is a super special, super awesome pony with wings for flying and a horn for magic. They’re ultra powerful and basically always a princess.” Bud jumped as he finished.
“A princess.” Stranger was taken aback. “You think I could be like a princess?” His heavily pupilled Changeling eyes glistened with promise.
“You have the wings and horn.” Bud pointed at Stranger. “Anything’s possible.”
He continued to answer Bud’s never ending questions while Honeysuckle made dinner. The more animated Bud got with his questions, the more Stranger began to mimic his energy level. Eventually they got so loud, Honeysuckle shouted at them from the kitchen.
“Quiet down you two. You’re going to bring that search mob over to the house with all the commotion.” Her voice sounded more amused than annoyed.
“Sorry mom.” Bud automatically replied in a rehearsed manner. Stranger’s face was frozen with terror.
“They’re coming?” Stranger’s voice was dripping with panic. He started breathing quickly.
“No sweetie.” Honeysuckle poked her head around the corner. “I was kidding, they’re probably busy worrying over nothing in the middle of town. You’re safe here, ok?” Her motherly smile was soothing and released most of Stranger’s sudden anxiety.
“Oh, ok.” Stranger nodded swiftly and a little too eagerly. Honeysuckle giggled.
“You worry too much. Anyway, Bud I think you were in the middle of comparing Stranger to Prince Shining Armor.” She disappeared around the corner again, pleasantly humming to herself.
“Yeah! Shining Armor is a Prince and he’s not even an alicorn. If you’re powerful and stuff, they could make you royalty.” Bud declared.
The Prince’s seed… his pony poison has spoiled the child. His mother’s words invaded his thoughts.
“They make anypony who’s powerful royalty?” Stranger asked, giving Bud pause.
“Uh… no, not just because of power.” Bud had to think for a moment. “A princess or prince has to have a special…” Bud hung on his words.
“A special what?” Stranger pictured the monstrous Changeling who plucked him out of his birthing chamber. He was very powerful. His mother, the queen, must certainly be powerful.
“Friendship and stuff!” Bud looked proud of his answer.
“Friendship?” Stranger tilted his head as he repeated.
“Yeah, a prince has to be strong so he can protect other ponies from danger. And he has to be good so he can teach ponies friendship. Friendship is what makes us good. It makes us better than monsters like…” Bud stopped suddenly. He stared at Stranger with his mouth open.
“Like Changelings.” Stranger finished.
“Uh… I… you don’t…” Bud stammered.
“It’s alright.” Stranger smiled somberly. “I don’t think I like being a Changeling very much anyway.”
Bud was so quiet, it was startling compared to his exuberance a moment ago. He calmly stepped over to Stranger and grabbed the middle of his hoof which was at about Bud’s head height.
“Since you hate being a Changeling, will you be my friend instead then?” Bud asked, looking up at Stranger’s eyes. His serious expression made it feel like a big ask.
“Yeah, I think I’d like that better.” Stranger shook Bud’s hoof like Honeysuckle showed him earlier. His grin was more genuine now.
“Good.” Bud smiled back. “Hey, do you wanna try and see if you can do magic?” He suddenly changed the subject.
“How do I even try?” Stranger felt his horn. The tall and scary Changeling from the hive did say he was possibly magic gifted.
“Unicorns just think about it and then magic comes out.” Bud said matter of factly.
“I just think about it?” Stranger rubbed his horn as if that would do something.
“‘Yeah, unicorns call it conjugation.” Bud said smartly.
“It’s called Conjuration.” Honeysuckle corrected from the kitchen.
“Whatever.” Bud called back grumpy.
“Don’t you ‘whatever’ me, young colt.” She scolded.
“Sorry mom.” Bud lowered his head and tucked his tail. Stranger focused as hard as he could on his horn, trying to make it do something, anything at all.
“Is there a certain kind of thought I’m supposed to have?” Stranger strained and squinted his eyes.
“I have no idea.” Bud threw up his hooves. “Try thinking about something specific. Like, try to make a buckball appear. Yeah, conjulate a buckball.” Bud pointed at Stranger’s horn.
“Conjure.” Honeysuckle corrected again and chuckled to herself. “And if you do make a buckball appear, please don’t buck it in the house.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Ok mom.”
“Don’t call me ma’am. You make me sound like my mother. It’s honeysuckle, remember?” She teased lovingly.
The scent of dinner was wafting into the living room. Stranger’s appetite resurfaced as a result causing him to be distracted. He closed his eyes and concentrated intensely on making a ball appear.
“What does a buckball look like?” Stranger opened his eyes.
“You’ve never seen one?” Bud looked almost offended.
“I was born this morning.” Stranger reminded him.
“Oh yeah.” Bud felt bad for being so harsh. “So that means there’s a ton of things you don’t know.” He pointed directly at Stranger again causing the young Changeling to blush.
“You’re telling me.”
“A buckball is about this big and dark red like my mane.” Bud showed an estimated size with his hooves. “They’re made of rubber too.”
Stranger closed his eyes again and pictured the ball in his mind’s eye. He imagined it sitting in the living room right in front of him. He tensed and strained so hard and for so long, he started to sweat.
“Hnnng.” Stranger grunted as he focused.
“Don’t hurt yourself.” Honeysuckle called from the kitchen.
Stranger felt a jolt in his forehead causing him to open his eyes. He hoped to see a buckball sitting in the living room but the floor remained bare.
“You did it!” Bud shouted.
“Nothing happened.” Stranger looked disappointed at the hardwood floor.
“Something did happen. Sparks came out of your horn.”
“Really?” Stranger grabbed his horn. It was slightly warmer than usual. “That’s pretty cool, I guess, but I wasn’t trying to make sparks.”
“Yeah, but last semester, a unicorn in my class had the same thing. He was trying to cast magic for the first time and all he could do was make sparks.” Bud started running in circles, he could barely contain his excitement.
“And then, and then, a few weeks later he was, he was casting real spells.” Bud stared enchanted at Stranger’s unicorn horn. He spoke so fast and hyperactive that he was repeating words.
“So that means…” Stranger began.
“Your horn works, you just need practice.” Bud and Stranger giggled together. They went on and on about how cool casting magic was going to be. Stranger let Bud’s energy infect him. The two colts all but danced in the living room in elation.
“Boys, dinner is ready. Magic lessons can wait until after.”
Honeysuckle served dinner and they all sat together at a long table that was meant to seat way more than just three ponies. She served them noodle stew, baked brie, and apple tarts. Stranger was moved by the many rich flavors of the meal. The house was cozy and calm as the three of them ate peacefully.
After dinner they each sprawled out on the couch, love seat, and easy chair. The soft cushions were the most comfortable thing Stranger had ever sat on. He was well fed again. This time the feeling was much more satisfying and relaxing. Free of the indigestion of the hit and run pie he had consumed.
"Thank you." Was all Stranger could think to say. Honeysuckle laughed.
"You keep thanking me, that must be the 6th time since dinner." She smiled from ear to ear.
"Sorry." He turned a bit maroon.
"Don’t be. It's nice to be appreciated by a colt." She grinned, content with herself.
“I appreciate you mom!” Bud muffled around a bulging mouthful of his dessert muffin. Honeysuckle chuckled and fluffed his mane.
"Do you think the town will like me?" Stranger looked at his holey hooves. He looked much different than the ponies in the town. It was no wonder they were terrified of him.
"They will." Honeysuckle confirmed. "We'll make them understand. I promise."
"Yeah they will! You're gonna be a flying magical Changeling. Everypony will see how cool you are." Bud lifted his hooves in the air.
Honeysuckle and Bud had accepted him for who he was. The town he wasn't so certain of.
Stranger walked over to the fireplace mantle. He saw a framed photograph with Honeysuckle and Bud in it. They were hugging a stallion in the middle who looked about as happy as Stranger felt. He longed to look like a normal pony. As he stared at the masculine features of the lucky stallion in the photo, a wave of jealousy flew over him.
His thought was interrupted when Honeysuckle gasped suddenly. He looked over to her and she held both hooves over her mouth.
"W-wood Chipper?" Bud stuttered. Stranger looked at the child who stared at him with hopeful eyes.
"Don't say his name!" Honeysuckle demanded. Bud recoiled, looking very upset.
"I'm sorry, Bud. I just wasn't ready." She apologized to the colt.
Honeysuckle glared directly at Stranger.
"Why did you change into him? Why him?" She demanded.
Confused, he held his hoof to his face. He no longer had holes in it. It was covered in the same bright fur that the stallion in the photo wore.
"I… how did I… I don’t understand." Stranger concentrated on the photo as he picked it up. If he held it at a certain angle, he could see his reflection in the glass. His face was just like the stallion in the photo. He quickly placed the photo down.
"Changelings can change into anypony they see. At least that's what the warning posters said." Honeysuckle's eyes were full of sadness, but she couldn't look away from Stranger. Bud rushed over and hugged Stranger by the ankles. His embrace was tight.
“This means you want to stay right? That’s why you changed into W-” Bud stopped himself looking at his mother’s distraught expression.
“I wasn’t trying to change at all.” Stranger stared apologetically at Honeysuckle.
“Oh.” Bud loosened his grip on Stranger, looking down at the floor.
“But I wouldn’t mind staying. At least a little while. I… if I can.” Stranger’s eyes pleaded with Honeysuckle.
“You can certainly stay the night. We have to clear things up with the town in the morning.” Honeysuckle gave her noncommittal answer. She looked away from the image of her run away fiance.
“Hooray!” Bud shouted. He grabbed Stranger’s hooves and they jumped up and down a few times together.
“Sorry, but can you please, erm, change back from that…” Honeysuckle was interrupted by Bud.
“Oh! Can you change the color? What if you messed with the color?”
“I can try. Though I’m not sure how I did this to begin with.” Stranger admired his pony features.
“Try blue.” Bud ignored Stranger’s doubts.
Stranger imagined himself looking like Wood Chipper in the photo, but also blue. A green flash of flame encircled his body. The effect lasted only a split second, however when it was done his coat was royal blue.
“You did it!” Bud was ecstatic.
“Ok that’s very nice but…” Honeysuckle was interrupted again.
“Do pink!” Bud yelled.
Stranger flashed and his coat turned bright pink. Bud rolled on the ground laughing.
“Wood Chipper’s a mare now, ha ha ha!” Bud rolled on the floor, nearly in tears. “Do green, my favorite color is green.”
Stranger flashed and his pony fur turned forest green.
“Awesome! So cool. Do red next!”
The change was instantaneous, Stranger even added a bluish-green mane to accommodate the body color.
“Ooh ooh now do…” This time bud was interrupted by Honeysuckle.
“Stranger, stop it. Stop right now.” Honeysuckle’s expression was livid. Her face was flush and her eyes were full of desperation and sadness. Startled by her words and tone, his magic exploded making his coat color a wash of cobalt blue polka dots.
Although Honeysuckle still frowned. “Get Wood Chipper out of my house right now or you can leave too!”
“I’m sorry.”
Stranger flashed and he was a Changeling again. He tucked his head into his shoulders, shortening his neck. He wished he could take up as little space as possible in the room and felt like he was only an inch tall.
“I’ll never change again.” Stranger’s strained voice sounded near tears.
Honeysuckle woke up from her trauma induced trance.
“I’m so sorry, Stranger.” She walked over to Stranger to comfort him. She reached for his shoulder but he recoiled from her touch.
“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have said that. I didn’t mean to ask you to leave. I know you were just banished from your hive, and you were just born today, and…” Honeysuckle covered her mouth with her hoof. She was filled with regret looking into Stranger’s terrified eyes.
“Oh Celestia, what have I done?” She gingerly reached her hoof out to him again. “Stranger, please forgive me.”
He reluctantly let her rub his shoulder. His fur tingled at her touch. The affection was warm and kind, just like Honeysuckle’s nature, but he was still afraid. Bud reached out to Stranger as well. He rubbed his hoof on Stranger's side, as high as he could reach.
“Mom was really sad when W… when he left. She didn’t mean it.”
Stranger looked down at Bud’s earnest child-like gaze.
“I’m sorry.” Stranger cautiously looked at Honeysuckle. A quick chuckle escaped her pained expression.
“You poor dear.” She caressed his cheek and the anxiety in Stranger’s stomach dropped a little bit more. “You’re not supposed to apologize when you’re the one doing the forgiving.” Her kind eyes were full of life once again.
“I forgive you.” Stranger sighed as he said it. An emotional weight was lifted off his shoulders.
“Thank you. And I’m sorry for overreacting.” She stepped up to the mantle and placed the photograph of her, Bud, and Wood Chipper face down on the shelf.
“I think it’s time for bed.” Honeysuckle said, looking mostly at Bud.
“Aw mom, we wanna try more magic stuff.” Bud complained.
“You can try it tomorrow.” Honeysuckle turned to Stranger. “The guest bed is that door on the left. I think a warm bed will do wonders for you. Get some rest ok?”
“Ok.”
****