//------------------------------// // Mental Debates // Story: Son of Change // by twow443 //------------------------------// Chapter 3-Mental Debates Fluttershy stood in shock, right in the middle of the market. She couldn't move besides staring at the apple with the threat. She raised her head nervously and looked around, searching for the unicorn, but she couldn't see her anywhere. “Fluttershy, darling! How are you?” The combination of the sudden voice and the hoof on her shoulder caused Fluttershy to throw the apple and launch herself straight up in the air. After calming down, Fluttershy and saw that it was only Rarity. “Honestly dear, you are more nervous then usual.” Rarity called up. “Won't you come down?” “S-sorry Rarity.” Fluttershy said, mentally kicking herself for stammering. She slowly floated down too land next to the white unicorn. Rarity pulled her friend in for a hug. “Are you okay, dear?” Fluttershy pulled away and nodded. “Of course. I just didn't sleep very well.” “Was it you who didn't sleep well?” Rarity asked. “Or was it Shade?” Fluttershy sighed. “Can we talk about it at lunch, if that's okay?” “Of course we can.” Rarity said. “Come on?” Fluttershy followed her friend into the market. . . . As the two friends walked, talked, and shopped together Fluttershy's mind was not at ease. In fact, it was the complete opposite. Rarity continued on, oblivious as Fluttershy debated with her mind. “You should tell her, you know.” “I can't do that.” Fluttershy thought to her mind. “Shade will be in danger.” “And you think that he's not in danger already? Just tell her.” Fluttershy shook her head angrily as Rarity led her to an outdoor restaurant, the Oat and Hay. The two mares sat down and ordered their food. Rarity decided to order the wedge salad, while Fluttershy was content to get a small fruit salad. After the food had been served Rarity wasted no time in talking. “Fluttershy dear, you've been awful quiet all afternoon. Is something bothering you?” Fluttershy let out a small sigh. “Rarity, if you knew that something was threatening your special somepony, what would you do?” Rarity looked shocked at Fluttershy's question. “Well if you'll excuse my language, I'd find whatever it was and kick it's flank.” She quickly took a bite of her food. “Why do you ask?” “I'm, I'm just worried that Shade's in danger.” Fluttershy said quickly. Rarity raised an eyebrow. “Fluttershy, it has been five months and there hasn't been any sign of that dreadful changeling queen. Wouldn't it be better if we assumed that she was gone?” “No!” Fluttershy barked. Realizing that she had yelled out loud, and to her friend, she tried to hide behind her mane. “I'm sorry..” “It's fine dear. I know how much he means to you.” Rarity sighed. “But he is a grown up stallion, or changeling and he can take care of himself.” “That's not it Rarity.” Fluttershy said. “It's that mark.” “You mean, where he was bitten?” Rarity asked. Fluttershy nodded. “It hurts him all of the time. He never says anything about it, but I can tell. He'll suddenly drop things, rapidly leave a shift, or grimace as in pain.” “But how do you know that means it's the mark?” Rarity asked. Fluttershy touched her necklace. “Because every time, he rubs his neck. Right where the mark is.” Rarity was quiet, thinking. “It's giving him nightmares also Rarity. I'm sorry, I didn't want to talk about that our whole time.” Rarity shook her head. “It's quite alright, Fluttershy. Shade isn't very, talkative. Not with me at least.” Fluttershy looked down. “I know that something's wrong, but he won't tell me.” “But you know what it is! You could tell Rarity! “It's not just that! Shade's hiding something!” Fluttershy argued. She jumped as a hoof tapped her. “You zoned off for a moment there.” Rarity softly said. As Fluttershy relaxed, Rarity looked her in the eyes. “Can I give you some advice, dear? Talk to him. I know that you've chatted with him before, but when you get home sit him down and TALK.” Fluttershy nodded. “I can do that Rarity. Thank you.” Rarity smiled at Fluttershy. “Now eat your salad. You haven't taken a single bite.” . . . Fluttershy landed at the front of her cottage with the basket of apples. Seeing a note on the door, she moved closer to see it. “Flutters. I'm going to be in the house putting the baby animals down for their nap. Try to slip into the garden so they don't see you.” Smiling, the pegasus quickly opened the door and went in. Immediately, she put the basket on a table by the door and ducked down. In front of her was herself, or rather Shade singing to the animals in her form. Fluttershy knew from experience that if her animals saw the two of them at the same time, they would panic. Wishing to avoid that, Fluttershy turned, went back outside and flew over the cottage into her garden. About two months after Shade returned from Canterlot, he had decided to create a pond for her in the middle of the garden. It could be used for a swimming hole, but was mostly used for her ducks to swim on. Fluttershy sat on a bench next to the pond, softly humming while she waited. She heard her back door open and then slam shut. She didn't move as a yellow pegasus sat next to her. “So, not going to talk to me?” “I'm not upset.” Fluttershy said. “I just don't want to be kissing myself. That's weird.” Shade gave a mock pout, which Fluttershy found rather amusing in her form. “Aww, I thought it would be a new experience for you. What if you really like mares and you're using me as an excuse?” Fluttershy reared away from him and then thrust towards him, knocking him off the bench. “You know who I like. Now change back.” Shade rolled over on the ground, laying on his back and winked at Fluttershy. “Come on Flutters. Can't I just stay like this for a little longer? I haven't been a pony in two days.” “That's because you needed the time off. Now shift.” Fluttershy really didn't care if he stayed in his pony form, but it unnerved her whenever he chose to look like her. Also, she though his changeling form was rather cute. Shade jumped up, shook himself off and sat next to Fluttershy again, shifting into his changeling form. “Alright, better?” Fluttershy smiled and leaned in to kiss him. “Much better.” The two of them quietly watched the water until Fluttershy broke the silence. “Shade, can we talk?” “Sure.” Shade said, a slightly confused look on his face. “What about?” Fluttershy sighed, knowing she was going to touch a sensitive subject. “The mark on your neck. Didn't you say that Chrysalis bit you?” Just as she thought, he rose his hoof to rub it. Fluttershy reached out, pushing his hoof away and rubbing his neck herself. “Yeah. It was when I was captured underneath Sugarcube Corner. Passed out, and when I woke up, neck and back legs were sore.” “It hurts you, doesn't it?” Fluttershy asked. Normally she wouldn't be so blunt with her questions, but this was her changeling and she was worried. “It didn't before.” Shade said, suddenly looking tired. “Before it would just spark at random times. Now, it just hurts a lot. Maybe it's the reason I keep having the same nightmare.” “Shade.” Fluttershy started. “I'm here for you if you want to say anything.” Shade bowed his head. “I can't lose you Flutters. That's what was in my last nightmare. I couldn't figure out what the details were, but all I know was that I lost you.” Upset, he pulled Fluttershy into a hug. “I can't.” “Tell him now! It's the perfect time! Nopony is around!” “Leave me alone!” Fluttershy thought to herself while trying to enjoy Shade's hug. “He's in danger the longer you don't tell him!” “Fine!” Fluttershy pulled away from Shade and looked him in the eyes. “Shade I need to tell you something.” “Wait.” Shade held up a hoof. He closed his eyes, and then pointed across the pond. “Who is that pony?” Fluttershy followed his hoof and saw the pony in question. It was the unicorn she had seen at the market, the light blue unicorn with the red mane and tail. It was the same unicorn that had threatened Shade. Shade narrowed his eyes. “Hi there! Who are you?” “Shade?” Fluttershy started to say as she saw the unicorn's horn spark. “Look out!” Shade scooted over and pushed Fluttershy off the bench, knocking her to the ground. She looked up just in time to see Shade take a blast of magic to the chest and get sent flying into the back of the cottage.