//------------------------------//
// Changing Perceptions 
// Story: The Wandering Physicist Adventures 
// by WanderingPhysicist 
//------------------------------//

Main Characters: Del, Diamond Tiara
Cameos: Rainbow Dash, Cheerilee, Mr Rich, Twilight Sparkle, TWP
Original Start Date: May 3, 2013





        Del sits at her desk, waiting for class to end. She yawns a big yawn, exposing her fangs to anypony who looks her way. The foals around her giggle at their bored friend. Cheerilee finishes writing on the board and turns to the class.
        ‘I have a special new project for you,’ Cheerilee announces. ‘We’re going to be learning about all the different species in the world.’
        ‘Ya mean like ponies and zebras?’ Apple Bloom asks.
        ‘Correct, but not just them. We will also cover deer, griffins, Diamond Dogs and more.
        Scootaloo raises a hoof. ‘Dibs on pegasi!’
        ‘I call unicorns!’ Sweetie Belle shouts.
        ‘Ah want unicorns too!’ Apple Bloom says. She blushes. ‘No particular reason.’
        ‘Good initiative, Apple Bloom,’ Cheerilee compliments. She writes on the board. ‘You get to be one member of the unicorn group. I encourage everypony to volunteer to report on a tribe or species that you are not familiar with.’
        Del raises a hoof. ‘Can I report on changelings?’
        ‘Well, we don’t really know much about them...’ Cheerilee thinks. She smiles. ‘I hope your report can enlighten us about them and hopefully make them seem a little less scary.’
        Diamond Tiara groans. ‘Of course, the weirdo wants to report on the monsters. They are both so creepy and gross that they are bound to get along. It is only natural that a loveless pony would want to learn about love-draining monsters.’
        Del growls at the pink filly.
        ‘Diamond Tiara, those are very mean things to say about changelings,’ Cheerilee scolds. ‘They are ponies (I think) just like you and me. In fact, one of their hives was just invited to join the League of Harmony.’ -- Del smiles proudly -- ‘Del is being quite a go-getter for wanting to research changelings. In fact, I’ll let her choose her partner as a reward for being so open-minded.’
        Del looks around the class. Truffle Shuffle, Toostie Flute and Shady Daze try to get her attention. She has somepony else in mind.
        ‘I want to work with Diamond Tiara,’ Del states, grinning evilly.
        ‘WHAT!’ the other filly screams, rattling windows.
        Cheerilee holds her ears in pain. ‘If that is what Del wants...’
        Del nods. Her grin exposes her fangs. ‘I think she’ll love learning all about changelings up close and personal.’ -- Cheerilee clears her throat -- ‘Figuratively speaking, of course.’
…
        After school, the foals file out and get into their groups to plan their reports. The Cutie Mark Crusaders and Del exit together. Diamond Tiara remains in the schoolhouse to argue about the assignment.
        ‘Are ya sure ya wanna work with her?’ Apple Bloom asks.
        ‘Diamond isn’t that bad,’ Scootaloo argues. ‘She just doesn’t like it when she doesn’t get her way.’ She laughs. ‘Just guilt her into doing or saying something she’ll regret, and she’ll be soft, strawberry-scented putty in your hooves.’
        Her friends give Scootaloo confused looks. Featherweight flits past.
        ‘Oh! Catch up with you later.’ Scootaloo flies off. ‘Hey, Featherweight! Wait up, partner!’
        Del waves after Scootaloo and turns to her friends. ‘Don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine.’
        ‘You know, she was pretty mean to us before you showed up,’ Sweetie mentions. ‘If you want to drain a little love from...’
        Apple Bloom hits her friend in the gut. ‘Jus’ don’ hurt her too bad.’
        ‘I promise,’ Del swears.
        Her friends nod and split to join their groups.
        ‘Promise to scare the hell out of her,’ Del sneers.
        The filly is tapped on the shoulder, causing her to jump. She turns to face Silver Spoon.
        ‘Please don’t be too harsh on Diamond,’ Silver requests. ‘I know she is a bit bossy and stuck up and and rude at times, but she... Just don’t be too harsh on her.’ She looks around, leans close and whispers. ‘Trick her into doing your research at her home. She gets in a lot of trouble with her dad when she is caught being mean to other ponies.’
        Diamond storms out of the schoolhouse, swearing to herself. Cheerilee makes note of everything the filly mutters for a future call to her father. Silver Spoon backs away from Del.
        ‘And you better be nice to her, understand?’ Silver pretends to warn.
        ‘Come on, weirdo,’ Diamond growls as she storms past.
        Del groans and follows the other filly away. Silver Spoon sighs and goes over to Rumble so they can work on their project.

        Diamond Tiara sets her saddlebag on the floor of her bedroom, gets out her tablet and jumps on her bed. Del follows her into the room. She is surprised to find a room pinker than her own. She sighs and sets down her bag.
        ‘I can’t believe I am stuck doing a report with you,’ Diamond complains. ‘Even worse, we are stuck reporting on those things! I don’t know what is worse: the monsters we have to study or the monster I am stuck with.’ She sighs and jumps off her bed. ‘Want a snack before we start working?’
        Diamond turns around to come face to face with a snarling changeling. Del advances with fangs exposed.
        ‘Del?’
        The changeling hisses. Her fangs glint in the light.
        ‘That is so cool!’ Diamond cheers. ‘Look at you! You look amazing!’
        ‘You’re not scared of me?’ Del growls.
        Diamond fumbles with her tablet. ‘Can I get a picture?
        ‘What?’
        ‘Ple~~~~ase!’
        ‘No! Don’t you know what will happen if somepony found out about me?’
        Diamond sighs. ‘Fine...’
        Del steps back and growls. ‘What is up with you? You have been saying nothing but mean things to me and about changelings since we met. Now that you see my true form, you are friendly to me!’ She stomps. ‘And ponies think I am weird!’
        The other filly starts tapping her tablet. ‘Well, I know I was mean, but I really think changelings are interesting. I mean, I know ponies don’t like them and stuff...’ She turns her tablet around to show a picture of Chrysalis. ‘But their queen is so cool.’ She turns the tablet back. ‘And pretty. I think she gets a bum rap.’
        ‘Chrysalis?’
        Diamond stares at her tablet. ‘I get the feeling she is really kind. She just had to do mean things and hurt others to get things done. Others call her a monster, and she acts that way to fit their expectations.’ She sighs and places a hoof on the screen. ‘I bet she would do anything to give up the act.’
        Del frowns and sits by Diamond. ‘Chrysalis adopted me into her hive as her heir. She is like a big sister to me.’
        Diamond looks over and smiles at Del. Suddenly, she gasps. ‘I have a great idea!’
        ‘Why do I get a bad feeling about this?’
        ‘Do me!’
        Del backs away. ‘One: we’re too young. Two: I am not into fillies. Three: we’re too young.’
        ‘Not like that, you pervert! I mean transform into me.’ She claps her hooves. ‘I want to see your best me impression.
        Del groans. She steps to the middle of the room and focuses her magic. Another Diamond Tiara appears after a green flash. She poses. ‘I am a stuck-up snob who only thinks about myself. I don’t care about anypony because I am a heartless bully.’
        Diamond squeals and claps her hooves. ‘That is perfect! Your stupid crown thingy even changed too!’
        Del groans. ‘Can I change back? I feel dirty just looking like you.’
        ‘Oh! Oh! Let’s play a joke on daddy! He’ll never see it coming.’
        Del moans, but a crafty grin creeps across her face.
…
        Mr Rich works in his study. There is a knock on the door.
        ‘Enter.’
        Diamond Tiara trots into the room.
        ‘What is it, Diamond Tiara? Do you and your friend need something?’
        ‘Actually, daddy, this is more important. I’ve been thinking about this for a while now, and I need to talk to you about it.’
        ‘What is it, darling? You can tell me anything.’
        Diamond takes a deep breath. ‘I want you to give my allowance to charity. We both know I don’t need it, so it should go to a good cause.’
        Mr Rich raises an eyebrow. ‘Really?’
        ‘Also, I want to give away all my old dresses. I don’t need them anymore, and they should go to ponies who really deserve them.’
        ‘Diamond Tiara, are you sure about this?’
        ‘Positive.’ She nods. ‘Even if I deny it later, I want to go through with this. No matter how much I complain, do what I asked you just now. It would mean the world to me, even if I scream otherwise.’
        Mr Rich laughs. ‘We’ll talk more about this later. Get back to your friend before she thinks you are ignoring her.’
        Diamond smiles and trots out of the study. She trots through the halls until she is stopped by an upset Diamond Tiara.
        ‘That wasn’t funny,’ Diamond growls.
        Del reverts to her pegasus disguise. ‘You wanted me to play a prank, didn’t you?’
        ‘I am going to recant everything you just said.’
        Del laughs. ‘That might work if your dad doesn’t listen to what’ -- she smirks, exposing a fang -- ‘you told him.’
        Diamond snorts and turns away. ‘Whatever. It won’t work. I’ll fix everything.’
        ‘Don’t care.’ Del sniffs. ‘Did you get any snacks? Silver-chan says you get all the expensive treats and juices.’
        ‘Hmpf!’ Diamond leads Del away. ‘I am going to put down that changelings only think with their stomachs.’
        ‘Makes sense to me. Chryssy does what she does to feed our hive.’
        Diamond passes through a doorway. ‘Always thinking with your stomachs.’
        ‘Are we going to have expensive snacks or not?’
        Diamond sighs and motions behind her. They are in the kitchen, standing before a pantry filled with cookies, cakes and other treats. Del licks her lips and advances.
        The other filly goes to get them drinks. ‘Just don’t eat too much. Daddy doesn’t like having the maids restock too often.’ Diamond turns back and freezes. Del bites and rips the side off a box of doughnuts before eating. Two more empty boxes flank the filly. ‘I think we need a bigger pantry.’

        Del trots home after her day at Diamond Tiara’s. Her father is in the kitchen making dinner.
        ‘There’s my little angel,’ James greets. ‘Did you have a good day?’
        ‘I guess...’ Del sighs.
        The stallion gets a juice box for his daughter. ‘What’s wrong? Something bad happen at school or with your friends?’
        ‘No. We did get a new assignment from Cheerilee, though.’
        ‘Oh? What is it about?’
        ‘We have to report on one of the many species in the world.’
        ‘Did you get one you didn’t want?’
        Del shakes her head. ‘No, Cheerilee said I could report on changelings when I asked.’
        ‘That’s great! I’ll ask Twilight if you can see her notes.’ James gets his mobile out but stops calling. ‘Nopony wanted to report on aliens, right?’
        Del shakes her head.
        James puts away his mobile. ‘Okay. What has you upset?’
        ‘Cheerilee let me pick my partner...’
        ‘Did you get a good one?’
        ‘I picked Diamond Tiara.’
        James is confused. ‘Her?’
        ‘She was making fun of me and changelings and I thought I would scare her, but she thinks changelings are cool and really likes my sister.’
        ‘Her?’
        ‘Now, I think we are sorta friends...’
        ‘Her?’
        ‘Don’t rub it in!’
        James hugs his daughter. ‘Don’t worry. The project will be over soon enough, and you two can go back to fighting all the time.’
        Del smiles and hugs back. ‘Thank you, daddy. You know just what to say.’
        ‘No, I don’t and you know it.’ He sets his daughter at the table. ‘Now, eat tons of sugar and do your homework. Dinner will be ready by the time your sister gets off work.’
        Del laughs and gets out her homework.

        After school, Del and Diamond trot through town together. Del keeps her distance so as not to seem like she is associated with the other filly. Diamond tries keeping up.
        ‘Slow down!’ the pink filly snaps.
        Del stops and huffs, ‘We’re here.’
        ‘The library?’ Diamond rolls her eyes. ‘With how little is known about changelings, we’d be better off checking Wikipedia.’ She sighs. ‘Oh well. When I told my dad about our assignment he suggested asking the Elements of Harmony and your silly friends since they have had a lot of experiences with them.’
        ‘One of my “silly friends” is your fillyfriend.’
        ‘Your point being?’
        Del groans and opens the door to the library. The building is filled with foals running about. Twilight does her best to help find books for everypony. Spike runs back and forth bringing books to the researching foals. Apple Bloom brings a couple books to a table with Noi and Truffle.
        Twilight looks over at the open door. ‘Del! So good to see you.’
        ‘Hi, mommy! Daddy said we could see your notes.’
        ‘Right this way.’ Twilight turns to show the new fillies away. Another foal blocks her path. ‘Ask Apple Bloom. She knows where everything is.’ She leads Del and Diamond to her laboratory. A couple binders sit on her desk. ‘Here you go. All my notes from the invasion of Canterlot, saving the Cutie Mark Crusaders and everything I could get from Celestia and my brother on changelings.’ She smiles proudly. ‘You’ll be surprised how much pull a princess has.’
        ‘Thank you, mommy!’ Del cheers.
        Twilight smiles and goes back to tending the library.
        ‘ “Mommy”?’ Diamond asks.
        ‘She is going to adopt me when she marries daddy.’ Del smiles happily. ‘She is going to be the best mommy ever.’
        Diamond frowns. ‘Little sister to a queen and daughter of a princess, too. I cannot be more jealous of you.’
        Del’s smile grows. ‘Did I mention Rei is Luna’s daughter from another dimension? She is a princess too.’
        ‘Rub it in, why don’t you?’
        The pegasus laughs and goes to look at the binders. Diamond sighs and joins her partner. They flip through the pages and take notes on interesting. The door opens again. Neither filly notice as somepony else enters the room. The mysterious pony sneaks up on the fillies.
        ‘Whatcha studyin’?’ Rainbow Dash asks.
        The fillies scream and turn around.
        ‘Oh. Hi, Miss Dash,’ Diamond greets.
        ‘Hi, Dashie.’
        Rainbow looks over the binders. ‘Looks like ya are learnin’ about changelings.’
        ‘You obviously knew that already if you are here bugging us,’ Diamond snorts.
        ‘Yeah. Heard about it from Scootaloo. Wanted to give you some words of wisdom.’
        ‘What? Miss Sparkle’s notes seem pretty thorough.’
        ‘Just wanted to tell ya that changelings aren’t the type of creature you should do a school report on. The kid here might be a good one, but the rest are monsters. Why else did Celestia have them surrounded by soldiers when the queen toured Equestria?’
        ‘Chrysalis was here!’ Diamond gasps. ‘When?’
        ‘She was disguised as Full Moon. Probably drained the love of everypony at her concerts.’
        ‘My sister did no such thing,’ Del growls. ‘And the guards were to keep regular ponies from finding out her secret.’ She laughs. ‘She was being protected from you, not the other way around. Sunny Princess knew who the real threat was.’
        Rainbow growls. ‘Listen. When the rest of the town finds out you are treating changelings like they are normal ponies, they will get Cheerilee to change your topic. Just trying to warn you before you get too far in your studies. Maybe you can join Scootaloo’s thestral group. Ya know, research somepony who doesn’t eat other ponies.’
        ‘Rainbow! What are you doing in here!’ Twilight shouts from the doorway.
        Rainbow kicks off the ground and flies to the door. ‘Just telling the kids to start preparing another topic to research.’
        ‘Rainbow... Just because you don’t trust changelings doesn’t mean everypony dislikes them. All of Del’s friends and everypony in James’ district like changelings. You have to be more open-minded.’
        ‘I’m plenty open-minded. I just don’t want the kid’s mind to be opened when everypony finds out her secret, if ya know what I mean.’
        Twilight stands as tall as she can and spreads her wings. ‘Del will be my daughter soon. They will have to get through me first.’
        Rainbow shrinks away from her friend. ‘Yes, ma’am.’
        ‘Told you she is going to be the best mommy,’ Del gloats.

        After dinner, Diamond Tiara goes through some of Twilight’s binders. She and Del have split the work between them. Mr Rich trots by his daughter’s room.
        ‘You seem to be really enjoying your assignment,’ Mr Rich comments.
        ‘It is the best!’ Diamond holds up a picture of a changeling in armor. ‘Did you know Prince Shining Armor has a changeling in his personal squad?’
        The father smiles. ‘It was on the news shortly after it was revealed. It is good we have a prince as open-minded as him.’
        Diamond nods. ‘Also, his wife was one of the ponies who voted to invite Chrysalis to join the League of Harmony.’
        ‘Was she now?’
        The filly nods again and flips through some pages. ‘Everypony except Queen Artemis and King Uther voted for her to join.’
        ‘And how do you know this?’
        ‘Miss Sparkle got me and Del a bunch of notes from the royal archives. That included the voting statistics of the League. It was simple maths when you take into account which rulers complained about it the most.’
        Mr Rich reaches for one of the binders. ‘Can I see one of these?’
        Diamond slaps her father’s hoof away. ‘Royal eyes only.’
        Mr Rich laughs and backs away. ‘I’ll leave you to you work.’ The stallion turns around.
        ‘Daddy?’
        ‘Yes?’
        ‘Changelings are really cool! You should hire one!’
        The stallion grimaces. ‘I don’t think my customers would like that.’
        ‘It is not like they would have to reveal themselves,’ the filly huffs. ‘Besides, even the ones who invaded Canterlot and Ponyville were a million times nicer than that prick Midnight. It would be a vast improvement.’
        ‘Language, young lady!’ the father snaps. He frowns at his daughter. ‘I’ll take your “advice” under consideration. And I’ll really think about giving away your allowance after that foul language.’
        Mr Rich trots away.
        ‘Mr Wanderer hired a changeling with no problems,’ Diamond grumbles as she goes back to work.
        The stallion gallops back to the room. ‘What!’
        ‘Just wondering if my punishment means I can’t have ice cream later.’
        Mr Rich snorts heavily and storms away. Del sighs and goes back to her reading.

        Diamond Tiara and Del meet at lunch to share notes. Their friends run around the schoolyard, playing. Some of the other groups also study and work on their reports. Diamond sighs and sits back.
        ‘Del...’
        The filly sets down a juice box and takes a deep breath. ‘Yes?’ she replies, getting another juice box from her saddlebag.
        ‘Miss Sparkle and Miss Dash said others know what you really are. May I ask who?’
        Del spits out her juice, something that never happens. ‘Can we not talk about that in public?’
        ‘Is it because too few ponies know?’ Diamond sighs. ‘I wish I had a cool secret like yours.’
        ‘It isn’t “cool”. Like Dashie said yesterday,’-- she looks at Apple Bloom -- ‘some ponies would want to hurt me if they knew what I am.’
        Diamond’s jaw drops. ‘Apple Bloom! Really!’
        Del shakes her head. ‘Her brother. He was about to stomp me, but Cheerie protected me.’
        The other filly scoffs. ‘And I used to think he was hot.’ She sighs. ‘Anypony else I should hate for you too?’
        ‘Don’t hate anypony. It is not right. Even if they hate you, you should never hate them back. Even if you have to walk away forever... Daddy taught me that...’
        Diamond looks at the pegasus as Del takes a long drink from her juice box.
        ‘I’m sorry,’ Diamond apologizes.
        ‘Me too. I was mean to you too.’
        ‘Not just for that.’ Diamond shakes her head. ‘I am sorry I didn’t know somepony like you earlier in life to teach me that.’
        Del looks over and smiles. Diamond smiles back and leans in for a hug which Del reluctantly returns. They break and return to their studies. Diamond reaches into her bag for her lunch.
        ‘Did you eat my danishes!’
        Del wipes her mouth. ‘What danishes?’
        Diamond screams and starts fighting for access to Del’s lunch.

        James escorts Del and Diamond into The Power Block after school. The parent cannot hold back his snickering. The fillies’ manes are messed up, and their saddlebags are slightly torn. The fillies go to the table and get out their books. James sets drinks in front of the fillies, then takes their bags and tiaras into the TARDIS to repair them. Del gets a box of candies from a cupboard and sets it on the table. Diamond immediately reaches for it, getting a glare in return.
        ‘Some of us didn’t have lunch,’ the pink filly snaps.
        Del sighs and pushes the box over. She sips her drink. She sighs again. ‘Daddy, all his friends, Rei, Miss Daring, Miss Flitter, Miss Cheerie, Apple Bloom, Cutie Belle, Scoots, Truffle and Featheryweight.’
        ‘What?’
        ‘Those are most of the ponies who know.’
        ‘Who are the rest?’
        Del jumps and looks back. James trots up and put the tiaras on the fillies’ heads.
        Diamond smirks. ‘Well, answer your father.’
        The pegasus groans. ‘Those are the ones I am sure know. I don’t know if too many others know my secret.’
        ‘Just checking,’ James says. ‘You know I worry about that. I don’t want anything bad to happen to you.’
        ‘I’m safe, daddy.’
        ‘That’s why you only reveal yourself to your friends.’
        ‘Right! Only ponies I can trust.’
        ‘Like Diamond.’
        Del almost answers, but she growls and looks away. Diamond giggles.
        James laughs and ruffles Del’s mane. ‘I’m going to take your bags to Rei. I’m all thumbs when it comes to sewing.’
        The stallion leaves the fillies to their work.
        ‘Thumbs?’ Diamond asks.
        ‘It is a human thing. Daddy says them occasionally.’
        ‘Humans?’
        Del nods. ‘Uh huh.’
        ‘And why are we researching changelings?’
        Del groans. ‘You really want to know why not?’
…
        Sweetie, Toostie Flute and Twist sit in a high school classroom. The board is covered in drawings while Lyra talks almost nonstop. Twist is developing an eye tick. Toostie has fallen asleep. Sweetie nods enthusiastically as she uses her magic to write notes. She waves a hoof in the air.
        ‘Ooo! Ooo! Miss Lyra! Is there a way to actually meet a human?’ Sweetie asks.
        Lyra spins around, still writing with her magic. ‘Great question, young humanologist! (That is what they are called, by the way. Those who study humans.) Anyway! A good pony to ask is Mr Wanderer. He has a spaceship of some sort that can go to other worlds. Also, you can ask my buddy Twilight. She once used a magic mirror to travel to a human world. It is worth checking out if you really want to meet them.’
        ‘Thpacethip? Magic mirror?’ Twist groans. ‘Are you making thith up?’
        ‘It is all the honest truth. I am a professional humanologist.’ Lyra flashes a certificate.
        Sweetie claps. Twist adjusts her glasses.
        ‘Lookth like thith ith made in crayon.’ She leans closer to get a better view. ‘ “Lyra Heartthringth, Age 25”.’
        Lyra puts the certificate away. ‘It is only a prototype.’ She turns off the lights and starts a projector. ‘Now! Let’s discuss human mating rituals!’
        Toostie bolts upright. ‘I’m paying attention.’
…
        Diamond grimaces. ‘I see your point. She’s weird.’
        Del empties the box of candy into her mouth and gets up to get another one while still chewing.
        ‘And then there is you...’ Diamond sighs.

        At the end of her lessons, Cheerilee stops to address the class.
        ‘I hope your assignments have been going well,’ the teacher states. ‘Unfortunately, some of the conditions are going to be changed.’
        The class moans.
        ‘I know. I agree with you too,’ Cheerilee sighs. ‘A few of your parents have expressed concern about the topics some of you are covering.’
        ‘But humans are real!’ Sweetie protests. ‘Lyra says so!’
        Even Cheerilee groans at the outburst. Del yawns.
        ‘Anyway, at the end of the project, we’ll be putting on a presentation for the town. Each group will give a short talk about the tribe or species they have been researching.’
        The students moan again.
        ‘Don’t worry. You don’t have to say much. Also, you can use whatever resources you need. I am sure some of you can produce some amazing presentations, Diamond Tiara.’
        The filly does not look up from her tablet. ‘I’m listening. Presentation. Whatever. I ran a newspaper. This is nothing.’
        ‘Ya ran it fer only a couple weeks,’ Apple Bloom counters.
        ‘Still longer than when you ran a newspaper.’
        ‘Ah never ran a newspaper.’
        ‘Exactly.’
        Apple Bloom turns back to Del. ‘Can’t ya talk some sense int’ her?’
        Del puts her saddlebag on. ‘Is class over? I wasn’t listening.’
        ‘Can’t tell if she is acting normal or if Diamond is rubbing off on her?’ Scootaloo mumbles.

        Twilight Sparkle hosts a book club at the library. Members of the club include Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Cheerilee, Mayor Mare and her aide, Inkwell. The mares discuss their book as well as dipping into current events.
        Fluttershy giggles. ‘I can’t wait to see your class’ presentations, Cheerilee. I am sure we are going to learn a lot.’
        ‘We shouldn’t have to do presentations at all,’ Cheerilee grumbles.
        ‘We’re sorry about that demand,’ the mayor says, ‘but there were enough concerned parents to warrant a public screening.’
        ‘Translation: she bowed to political pressure,’ Inkwell sighs.
        ‘There were just so many odd topics being reported on. I felt it would be best to prove their educational worth.’
        ‘Just because Sweetie Belle’s group...’ Cheerilee groans.
        ‘It wasn’t just the group reporting on humans,’ Inkwell explains. ‘You have groups reporting on non-sapient species like timberwolves.’
        ‘And changelings,’ Rainbow Dash mumbles.
        ‘Rainbow!’ Twilight gasps. ‘Changelings are just as much ponies as you or I. Even timberwolves display more intelligence than we give them credit for. Just look at the ones that attacked Applejack that one time.’
        ‘Timberwolves we can control and keep out of our towns and cities. Changelings can be anywhere, even in your fiance’s home.’
        ‘That is a low blow,’ the princess growls. ‘You know she is a good girl, and we are supposed to be helping her learn about Equestrian society to help bridge the gap between ponies and changelings.’
        ‘I still say it is just to shorten the route between us and their stomachs.’
        ‘That is not true.’
        ‘Tell that to your brother.’
        The friends stand and glare at each other, wings flared in anger.
        ‘Excuse me, what are we arguing about?’ the mayor asks. ‘Is there a changeling in my town that you are protecting?’
        ‘She is here by order of Princess Celestia, and she is my future stepdaughter,’ Twilight replies. ‘Don’t even think of messing with her.’
        The mayor backs away. ‘I wouldn’t dream of it.’
        ‘It ain’t just her,’ Rainbow adds. ‘He has one working for him too.’
        ‘Rainbow! We’re supposed to be protecting their secret!’
        ‘As long as they are not causing havoc, I don’t see any harm in them living here,’ the mayor states.
        ‘What if more of the town found out about them?’ Inkwell asks.
        ‘I did not get where I am today by doing what was politically expedient.’
        Fluttershy barely holds back a snort of laughter. The other mare turns and growls.
        Rainbow sits down. ‘Whatevs. When everypony sees the report on changelings, they’ll be on my side for sure.’
        ‘I really doubt that,’ Cheerilee responds. ‘Del and Diamond Tiara have been working really hard to produce their report. They will give a very unbiased view on changelings.’
        ‘Kinda hard to do when one of them is a changeling.’
        ‘Rainbow,’ Twilight growls, ‘if you continue to insult Del like that, so help me, I will use the destiny-swapping spell to really make Spike the new Rainbow Dash.’
        The pegasus whimpers and shrinks. She looks to Fluttershy for support.
        ‘And if you go after Rei, I’ll make your head explode with my mind,’ the other pegasus adds. ‘You know I can.’
        Rainbow squeaks and hides behind the mayor and her assistant.

        Del paces behind a stage. Diamond calmly works on her tablet. On stage, another group is giving their report.
        ‘Calm down. We have an amazing report,’ Diamond assures. ‘You just have to stand there and look pretty and let me do all the talking. It will all be over before you know it.’
        ‘I don’t like talking in front of ponies. I think they are all judging me and that they all can see through my disguise and that they all hate me for being a changeling and...’
        Diamond shoves a juice box in her partner’s hooves. ‘Don’t worry about it. You have only a few lines and present a few slides. Oh! You have to thank your sister for that pic of changelings feeding. It is really cool.’
        Del grimaces. ‘Just warn me before you show it. I threw up when I saw it.’
        ‘Oh, it is not that bad.’
        ‘They were draining the energy from cute cat things.’
        ‘Well, they at least smiled and waved for the camera... The changelings, too.’
        Del groans and goes to watch the presentations. Apple Bloom, Noi and Truffle are finishing up their report on unicorns.
        ‘...And though there ain’t many spells in the field, Ah think unicorn magic can be used fer time travel,’ Apple Bloom reports. ‘Ya might never know if the unicorn next t’ ya is from now or is some prince from the stars here t’ whisk ya away...’
        The filly sighs wistfully. The others clear their throats. Apple Bloom blushes and backs away for her partners turn to speak. Del smiles and looks into the audience. Most of Ponyville is out for the presentations. She looks for her father and sees him and Twilight sitting with their friends. Rei and Pinkie are sharing snacks with everypony. Mimi notices Del peeking out. She nods towards the back of the audience then over to Apple Bloom. Del nods and ducks back.
        ‘Was my daddy out there?’ Diamond asks.
        ‘I didn’t look.’
        ‘Probably out there. I told him it was important. He should have made it. He tries to make it...’
        Del sighs and pats her friend on the back. Apple Bloom’s group trots backstage.
        ‘Great report!’ Del tells her friend.
        ‘Thanks, Del. It sorta got away from me a bit.’
        Del laughs. ‘Don’t worry.’ She leans in close. ‘There were two areas in the audience directing a lot of love towards you. One was your family...’
        ‘Who was the other?’ Apple Bloom grabs her friend. ‘Was it a blue unicorn with a messy green mane?’
        Del shrugs. Apple Bloom lets go and gallops away. The pegasus congratulates her other friends. Diamond keeps working on her tablet.
        ‘Our next group is Diamond Tiara and Del Wanderer reporting on changelings,’ Cheerilee announces.
        The fillies take one last breath before heading out onto stage. Diamond smiles when she see her father in the front row. Once on stage, the pink filly taps her tablet to start their presentation. She opens her mouth to speak.
        ‘Freaks!’
        ‘Monsters!’
        Diamond growls. ‘If you let us begin, you might change your tune.’
        ‘We know enough from when they attacked our town!’
        ‘Told you...’ Rainbow Dash mumbles to her friends.
        Diamond keeps trying to talk over the jeering audience. Del shrinks back, embarrassed and hurt. She looks over at her father for support. He glances to his sides and nods. Del takes deep breath and trots to the front of the stage.
        ‘Excuse me!’ the filly shouts.
        All eyes are directed to the nervous filly. She takes another deep breath and drops her disguise. Several members of the audience scream. Others shout epithets at her. Some shout back at the abusers.
        ‘Ch-changelings aren’t bad ponies!’ Del yells. ‘We are just misunderstood. We just want to live peacefully with ponies. Some hives have done bad things...’
        ‘Like attack Celestia and invade Ponyville!’
        ‘...but most changelings want the same things as most ponies.’
        ‘Yeah! Our souls!’
        ‘That is not...’
        ‘Somepony get her before she harms us!’
        ‘I always thought there was something weird about that family...’
        ‘At least that explains Rei. I knew she wasn’t-’ The pony is mysteriously shocked.
        ‘Please listen to us!’ Del begs. ‘If you let us do our report, you won’t think that way.’
        ‘Get the monster off the stage!’
        ‘ENOUGH!’ Diamond shouts. ‘You are attacking and abusing a filly just because she is a changeling. She has been living here for almost a year. We have all gotten to know her. We all know her as a little weird but still a good pony and great friend. Yes, she is a changeling but when has she ever done anything like the ones that attacked the town or Canterlot? Hell! I know ponies that have done worse to me than the real mean changelings. You are scared of them because they are different. You fear them because they can have unusual eating habits. You persecute them because of the way they look. That is the way it has been for centuries. It is our fault they do the mean things they do. I look at Del, and I see a friend. The only souls she has devoured are those of too many doughnuts to count. Seriously. She has a problem.’ -- Del growls at her friend -- ‘Anyway! She just wants to live in peace and have fun with her friends. Queen Chrysalis wants to befriend and make it up to the ponies she hurt. If Princesses Celestia and Cadence...’
        ‘And Sparkle!’ a random princess in the audience shouts.
        ‘...are willing to forgive and learn from the changelings, us regular ponies can follow their lead.’
        The audience murmurs as Diamond’s speech sinks in.
        Del smiles at her friend. ‘Thank you.’
        Diamond returns the smile.
        Cheerilee trots onstage. ‘I think we have heard a very good reason why these reports are necessary. They help us learn to understand everypony just a little bit better. Furthermore... Yes?’
        The teacher stops when she notices a hoof raised in the audience. Everypony turns to look.
        Raindrops blushes from the extra attention on her. ‘Um, this is a question for Del. Can, uh, you do me?’
        Del laughs and focuses her magic. The audience gasps and cheers the transformation.