//------------------------------// // Chapter 10: Crystalline Visions // Story: Umbral Travels // by pchn00 //------------------------------// Chapter 10: Crystalline Visions Tak and Trixie were both delighted at our deluxe accommodations for the show. Personally I found it confusing and hard to follow but my friends seemed to be enjoying themselves, so I was enjoying myself. At first both had balked at the idea that the princess would be accompanying us. Luna was a consummate companion to our threesome however. She spoke very little, purchased my friends’ refreshments and was nothing but cordial and polite to both. Tak sat between Trixie and I, with Luna at my other side. Occasionally she would glance toward the changeling, particularly when one of his feathered wings found its way around my shoulders and I leaned against him. The show ended soon enough and to my delight it was already dark outside. I am growing more used to the day, but find the night time sky far preferable. A carriage returns us to the palace. Casting one last look at the three of us Luna bids us good night and leaves to tend to her evening affairs. Likely lessons with the filly Jennifer. “Now that you’re feeling better Umbra, I’d like to talk about our future plans.” Trixie pushes open the door to my room making herself comfortable on my bed no less. Tak helps himself to a chair as I get some water. All the activity has left me annoyingly drained. “Very well. Do you have a destination in mind?” Smiling widely, as if she’d expected that very question the mare nods. “I do in fact! We are taking our show tooooo…the Crystal Empire!” I look confused, Tak looks horrified. “Heh, yer jokin’ right? Pullin’ my leg?” Trixie frowns. “Why would I be joking? It’s an entire city of earth ponies! We could make a killing with a magic act, especially one with no spells. That’s relatable Tak.” “Uh huh. An d’you know who runs the empire?” “Well of course. Princess Cadence and Prince Shining Armor.” “Right. An didja hear about that changeling invasion a couple years back?” Trixie rolls her eyes now. “Well who hasn’t? When that Queen replaced Princess Cadence and brainwashed Shining Armor in an attempt to overthrow Canterlot. …ah. Right.” “I for one don’t got alotta interest in goin’ anywhere that hostile to my kind if ya don’t mind.” I remain silent watching their exchange, but to my chagrin Trixie rounds on me. “YOU want to go don’t you Umbra?” I shrug. “If Tak is so against it I see no reason to go. There is a good deal more of Equestria I have not seen that is not ruled by ponies who hate Tak’s people. One city is as good as any other to me.” Now she was on her hooves, still on my bed. “But this is the CRYSTAL EMPIRE! The entire city is carved right from crystal! Everything glitters and shimmers, even the ponies! Crystal ponies Umbra! There’s no place like it in the world!” I look to Tak, who sits with his forelegs resolutely crossed. “I will speak to Luna. Perhaps she can contact this Cadence and seek permission for your presence in her city Tak.” He snorts. “You mares are all the same. Somethin’ shiny an yer all over it.” “Tak I am here to learn about pony kind. That includes these…crystal ponies apparently. I would at least like to see their city briefly if it is truly such a sight to behold. I will speak to Luna. If she counsels against it or if Cadence refuses we will not go. Is that agreeable?” Neither Trixie nor Tak looked entirely pleased with my proposed solution, but neither disagreed either. “Good. I will speak with her this evening. We can depart tomorrow, either for the empire or some other new destination. I suggest you find a suitable one in case we cannot go to the empire Trixie.” She sighs heavily. “Yes fine, I suppose if this is the best I’m getting I’ll have to make do. We haven’t been to Trottingham I suppose.” I nod and rise. “Good. I will come to your room and tell you Luna’s answer.” My friends do not speak again until I leave the room, but I hear them conversing together in a hushed whisper. My name arises more than once but I resist the urge to eavesdrop and climb the steps to Luna’s chambers. I am not quite as exhausted as last night so the walk is not neatly such a strain. The guards direct me to her study without delay and I find her sitting behind a large desk behind a small mountain of papers. “I am sorry, are you busy?” By her smile I believe my interruption is a welcome one. “Never for you Umbra. What do you need?” “Trixie and I wish to travel to the Crystal Empire. Tak has concerns about his presence upsetting their rulers; I had hoped you may be able to ease his doubts.” She nods slowly. “I can see why he worries about that. Cadence and Shining Armor were badly wronged by his people and I suspect both still harbor a grudge. Just a moment and I will contact them and see if they would be amenable to his presence.” I nod now and settle comfortably on one of the cushions before her desk. Her horn shines with the midnight blue hue I find rather soothing, as she withdraws a small mirror from her desk. Luna peers down into it intently and works some sort of magic. Almost immediately I hear two new voices, male and female. The female is giggling frequently. Luna’s cheeks darken and she clears her throat gently. I hear a sharp gasp and the sound of a hoof colliding with flesh, then the male yelp. “It’s Luna! Shining move!” A minor scuffle ensues, during which I walk to Luna’s side and lean on the desk to see into the mirror as well. Soon a pink coated mare with a rather unique three toned mane looks back. “Luna so lovely to hear from you! In the middle of the night no less…” She looks at my curiously. “And who is this?” Luna looks at me for a moment and I nod once. “This is my daughter Umbra. She would like permission for she and her friends to visit the empire and perform their show.” The mare, Cadence I presume is shoved aside by a white stallion with a dark blue mane with electric stripes. “Did you say your DAUGHTER?” With a yelp Shining Armor is flung away from the mirror by Cadence’s magic as she shoots him a glare and settles before it again. “Do you mean the same way Aunt Celestia took me in? I’d heard there was a new visitor…” “No Cadence my biological daughter. She was lost to me for many years and has returned recently.” “Oh! W-well that’s wonderful and congratulations to you both!” She is clearly surprised though I doubt the princess’ have lost daughters cropping up frequently so it is to be expected. I remain silent while Luna smiles cautiously. “Thank you.” “And of course she’s welcome in the empire, why would you think otherwise?” Cadence is studying me more intently now and I resist the urge to retreat from the mirror. “Well the ring leader of their traveling act is Trixie Lulamoon, you may have heard of her?” Cadence’s eyes widen further. “What?! She’s a wanted criminal!” “I have pardoned her, she was desperate and misguided. At her core she is a good mare if a bit...flashy at times.” “…I almost don’t want to know about the other.” Luna looks more uncomfortable. “Yes. The other is a changeling prince.” For a moment Cadence just stares. Then she laughs. I can hear Shining Armor laughing too. “Oh! Oh you had me going! This is a prank yes? Like Aunt Celestia! You had us going for a minute with the whole long lost daughter routine.” Luna however is not smiling. “I am not known for my sense of humor Cadence. This is my daughter Umbra, her companions Trixie Lulamoon and Prince Tak’thiss wish to visit the empire.” Cadences’ cheer is fading quickly. “If this is a joke it’s going a bit far. If it’s not, absolutely not. We’ve been working to develop ways to specifically keep those filthy things out of our city.” I bristle and lean over the mirror. “You may deny our passage but you will not insult my friend.” The princess shifts her focus back to me. “You have very poor choice in friends if you really do count a changeling among them. They’re all sneaks, liars, and worse at times. You are welcome to come, as is Trixie I suppose if Luna has pardoned her but no changeling will step one holey hoof in my empire if I have anything to say about it.” I scowl now. “I find I do not wish to see your city of crystal. If it is ruled by such a bigoted mare that she judges every member of the changeling people on the actions of one rogue queen it is no place I care to see.” I look back to Luna. “I apologize for interrupting your work. Good night Luna.” As I leave I hear Cadence ask for clarification on something I said but I do not care. I am angry and do not wish to embarrass Luna in front of one of her peers, however much I may dislike her. I brush by the guards briskly and return to my room to find Tak and Trixie still waiting. “We are not going to the empire, choose another destination Trixie.” She opens her mouth to argue, but seeing the look on my face she simply nods. “Alright Umbra. Maybe we can head out west? I’ve always wanted to perform in Las Pegasus I suppose.” The disappointment in her voice is clear. “Tak is not welcome, so I will not go either. If you wish to see the empire Luna will make proper arrangements Trixie.” Trixie snorts softly. “The great and powerful Trixie does not perform where her cast is not welcome. If one of us can’t go, none of us will. It’s as simple as that.” Tak is grinning widely. “Aww thanks girls. Yer gonna make me blush.” My foul mood is clearing slowly being back among these two I have come to care for. “Well then whatever destination you choose will be acceptable. I think I would like to rest if you do not mind?” “Of course Umbra, we’ll see you in the morning.” Trixie makes her way to the door with Tak in tow. “Tak, will you remain?” They both look a bit surprised but he shrugs. “Sure. I’ll see ya later Trixie.” She leaves shutting the door behind her. Tak approaches curiously. “What’s up?” I frown now feeling suddenly unsure. “I do not know the appropriate pony courtship rituals, but I wish to be intimate with you. Among my family when a female wishes to mate she simply choose a male and they perform the deed. I suspect it is not so with ponies but it is the only way I know.” Tak stares at me for a moment before breaking into a grin. “To be honest it’s kind of a relief. It’s the same with changelings. When a female wants a male they just take him. It’s kinda nice to get a bit of directness after so many years of doing the romance dance.” My nerves flare slightly but I keep my voice steady. “Excellent. You may begin when ready.” He raises a brow eyeing me quietly. “…have you done this before?” My tail twitches noticeably. “I have not.” Tak chuckles softly. “Alright, well we’ll take it slow ok?” With a flare he stands in his normal pegasus guise. “I prefer your true self. If you do not mind.” Green flames lick about his body burning away the false image, revealing the imposing changeling male with his intriguing red eyes. “Umbra that was probably the most romantic thing anyone’s said to me in a long time.” He pauses to douse the candles that bathe the room in a warm orange glow, and then he joins me in the bed. *** I wake slowly the next morning. Giving a happy sigh at the pleasant warmth of Tak’s body pressed against mine beneath the covers I shift my weight to lean against him a bit more. He in turn rests a leg around my shoulders. “Morning Umbra.” “Good morning Tak.” I am chagrined to find I have no idea what to say. More often than not when a female finished mating with a male she would eat him in my home. I do not know much about pony courtship but I am fairly certain this is not a practice our two kinds share. He of course senses my hesitation and gives me a gentle squeeze. “Relax. You don’t have to do anything. In fact I should be getting you breakfast or something. Just promise not to eat me.” I grin at that. “Do changelings do that too?” With a roll of his eyes he climbs out of the bed…I miss his presence already. “Sometimes. If a drone doesn’t y’know, do a good job.” “I do not have much to compare to but I believe you performed satisfactorily.” Tak barks a loud laugh. “Well thanks! I always aim for a satisfactory performance.” My ears splay. “I apologize. It was a…very satisfactory performance?” He laughs again but it is gentler. With a quick lunge he kisses me on the bridge of my muzzle. “I know what you meant Umbra. You were very satisfactory as well.” There is a question I wish to ask but some instinct tells me it would be unwise to demand he compare Trixie and myself. “Very well. You mentioned you were fetching me breakfast?” With another laugh and a shake of his head he slips out the door. I smile and settle back in the pillows feeling strangely light hearted. It is going to be a good day I think. My happy musings are interrupted as my door opens, Trixie shows herself in. “Good morning! Sleep well? I sure did. I was going to head down and check on the wagon. We’ve got a long ways to go and I figured it’d be a good idea to make sure it was in perfect shape for the trip.” She has a small tray she is in the midst of eating from as she seats herself by the bed. “Oh…ah…I did sleep well yes. Tak is getting breakfast.” I was told this would not be uncomfortable but I am unsure how Trixie will actually handle the situation. “Oh! He always does that for me too.” She grins. “How would you like to have some fun with him?” I smile and nod. Trixie sets her tray aside and climbs into bed beside me, cuddling up rather close. I squirm a bit but she presses a hoof to my mouth. “Shush. Just lay there and look I don’t know…aroused.” I genuinely have no idea how to do this. No doubt I was last night but I certainly don’t recall what I looked like at the time. So I settle for mimicking Trixie’s half lidded gaze as she drapes herself over me. Tak arrives soon and at first our prank seems successful. His eyes nearly double in size as the tray he was balancing in his forehooves slips to the ground. “Wha…” His surprise fades as he grins. “Must be my birthday! Make room fillies!” He leaps into the bed atop us. Trixie squeals and wriggles to get out from under him as I simply lay still with a bemused smile. He loops a leg around Trixie’s neck and tugs her in for an embrace while his other settles about my shoulders. “Did y’really think I’d fall for that? I can taste the emotions in the air an while you two care about each other y’definitely don’t wanna be in bed t’gether.” I chuckle softly and disentangle myself from the press of bodies. Tak is strong but certainly not my match physically, as the several new bruises he spots can attest to. “I am going to get breakfast. Please clean up the mess you made of my floor before I return. Both of you.” Trixie’s wail of dismay brings a smile to my face as I make my way to the dining room. To my surprise I find a very tired Luna sitting at the table as if she had been waiting for me. “Umbra, I am glad you are awake. I had something I wished to discuss early.” I have a feeling a chastisement is coming for how rudely I dealt with the Princess Cadence last night but I do not regret my actions. “Very well.” I seat myself beside her at the table and gingerly collect an assortment of fruit with my still shaky magic’s. “Princess Cadence has agreed to allow Tak into the city with you and Trixie. How soon did you wish to leave?” Of all the things I expected to hear this was not even on the list. “…what? She changed her mind? Why?” Luna ponders her answer for a moment, sipping her glass of juice. “We alicorns have chosen to specialize in one particular field. I the moon, my sister the sun and Cadence wished to become the princess of love. It is her special talent, spreading love and harmony to all of Equestria. Your words cut her deeply Umbra and made her realize she was being unfair toward some of Equestria’s more…unique citizens. If a changeling wishes to live peacefully among us they may do so. I plan to draw up an official announcement to just that effect. Tak’s story has shown me that they are not the monsters we thought.” “Well thank you Luna. This means very much to me, and will surely mean more to Tak.” I feel I should say more to properly express what this gesture means to me. Luna is clearly going to great lengths to earn my favor. “I also wish to thank you for the hospitality you have shown me and my friends. I am sure I have not been the easiest guest to get along with on top of our complicated…familial issues.” Luna’s smile is very gentle. “You do not have to thank me for anything Umbra. I am not sure where our relationship is going to go in the future, but I will always be here for you no matter what you need. Day or night my door is always open and you and your friends are most welcome in Canterlot.” The silence stretches on threatening to become awkward. I eat several of the delectable fruits offered before standing. “Well I should inform them of our plans. I will make Canterlot our first stop when we return from the Crystal Empire. We can…talk more.” “I would like that very much Umbra. Be safe, and enjoy the empire. It is very beautiful. I suggest you make it a point to visit Cadence and let her know you have arrived. Now if you will excuse me, I believe I shall retire for the day. I have been awake far too long already.” She rises gracefully and pauses standing before me. I suspect she wishes to embrace me, and some small part says I should initiate the gesture…but I do not. She does not either and so after a moment she departs. I remain seated staring after her for a time before slowly I too rise and make my way back to my chambers. Tak and Trixie still scrubbing at the floor. “We are going to the Crystal Empire.” They both look at me in surprise. “What? But what about what you said earlier?” I shrug. “Evidently my words convinced Princess Cadence to allow Tak admittance.” Tak looks even more surprised. “She did? Jeez y’musta been one helluva slick talker.” I shrug again. “I was quite earnest I suppose. Regardless shall we depart? I am eager to be on the road once more.” “Oh! I need to pack! I’ll meet you two at the train station, go ahead and get us tickets!” Trixie gallops away in a flash leaving Tak glaring at a stubborn stain. With a roll of my eyes I simply focus on it with my magic and rip the offending bit of carpet away stuffing it beneath the bed. “Our problem is solved, shall we?” His grin widens. “Y’know I really think I love ya.” I stride passed him allowing my tail to tease beneath his chin, a gesture I have seen Trixie perform several times. “You would be a fool not to.” He seems shocked at my behavior and this pleases me. I find I quite enjoy rendering the normally talkative changeling speechless. *** The train station is busy as before. Tak is disguised as a pegasus once more and I am…Sunny Days again. While I would prefer a simple cloak to conceal my wings and lack of a brand I understand striding about in a black hooded cloak would draw attention. Tak proceeds to get our tickets while one of the train officials eyes the wagon I haul behind myself dubiously. “You plan on taking that on one of the trains?” I regard him coolly and nod. “The Crystal Empire is our destination. My companion is purchasing our tickets now.” The official, a burly earth pony stallion nods. “You’re gonna need to pay extra to transport cargo that big. We can fit it but it’ll be about a hundred extra bits.” “Very well. Thank you, I shall inform my friend.” I remove the harness from my back and seek out Tak. The search is short as he was already on his way back toward me. “Hey we’re all set! Train should be here in a few minutes.” “I have been informed we must purchase space for the wagon as well.” He chuckles. “Well yeah I already took care of it. That’s definitely a bit bigger’n a carry-on bag.” I should have suspected the world wise changeling would already be aware of the necessary requirements. “I see.” My attention turns to the trains. “How do they move? Magic?” Tak settles beside me. “Nah somethin’ about steam power? I know they toss coal inta th’engine an it heats up then makes steam or somethin’ that turns the gears? I dunno y’could probly ask the conductor t’see th’engine room if y’really wanna.” “Perhaps I shall.” I shuffle on my haunches, resting my flank against Tak’s. “Aha! There you two are!” We turn to see Trixie approaching. “Are we all set?” Tak nods. “Yup! Got our tickets an th’cargo space fer th’wagon.” She grins sitting on Tak’s other side. “Good! Are you two excited? I’m excited.” Her smile is nearly ear to ear. I find her good cheer infectious. “I am growing excited yes.” Our wait is not long. Another, larger train is pulling into the station soon. My ears splay back at the loud screeches it gives off as it slowly comes to a halt at our platform. I watch as ponies of every tribe step off the train, some reuniting with friends or family, others simply going about their way. I find observing ponies going about their day to day activities very interesting. They are so emotional, so pleased to see one another. Soon we are allowed to board. My heart flutters in excitement at the prospect of riding one of these colorful metal constructions. A flash of green catches my eye and I peer into the cabin window I am passing. “Tak is that Jennifer?” He stops and looks. “Hey it is! Wait is it Jen or Jubilant? I can’t tell with that filly.” I shrug. “It is my understanding she prefers Jubilant when in public about other ponies. So as to not…unsettle them with her sometimes odd appearance. I believe she uses her real name in private.” Now Tak’s nose is almost pressed against the window. The young human turned pegasus filly within has Bleeding Heart’s blade bare and in her lap most likely conversing with the spirit within. “She’s in the royal car!” Trixie joins him now. “Ohh she is! I bet she’s going to the Empire on business for Princess Luna. We should see if we can ride with her!” I frown. “We are not going to disturb her. We have seats of our own.” Tak and Trixie both round on me. “But that’s the ROYAL car Umbra! How often do you think ponies like us will get to ride in one?” Given that I am Luna’s biological daughter, most likely as often as I wished. “Regardless Trixie I am sure she is…busy…” They both share a look and seem to come to a silent agreement. “I’ll scope out the situation. Don’t worry I’ll be subtle.” Before I can stop him Tak darts ahead and into the train. With a scowl I try to give chase but a particularly portly earth pony mare gets in my way. Trixie is at my side shifting from hoof to hoof, though in anticipation of our trip in far improved accommodations or in worry over what I plan to do to Tak I am unsure. After what seems an eternity the mare finally moves along allowing me to pursue Tak. It is not difficult to find the royal car. A rather ostentatious sign proclaims it to be so and I waste no time shoving my way through the door fully intent on dragging Tak out. Tak is draped casually on one of the cushions in the car while Jennifer watches us enter looking highly amused. She turns to Tak with a raised brow. “You just HAPPENED to wander by my car and hear my talking to Heart huh?” He rubs the back of his head. “Oh well y’know…” I huff in irritation as I enter. “We saw you from the window when we boarded the train at Canterlot. I did not wish to impose but Tak and Trixie insisted you would not mind.” “Hmph! Don’t rope Trixie into this; it was all Tak’s idea!” Even as she says it Trixie strides in as if the car were her own and settles on one of the cushions near the seated pair. I frown gently and settle down slowly. “If you wish your privacy we will leave.” Jennifer smiles and shakes her head. “No you guys are more than welcome to share the car with me. I was in for a lonely trip. I wish Luna had told me a bit more about why I’m going to the empire.” This allows me to relax more so than before. Though she and I have been on friendly terms recently it is still hard to completely relax one’s guard around someone who nearly killed you. Trixie and Tak seem to have no such difficulties. The latter busy gorging himself on the fruit within the car. Trixie eyes Jennifer quietly a moment. “Jennifer do you happen to have that book by Starswhirl with you? I was hoping to read it for myself.” The filly looks at Trixie and shrugs. “Sure you can borrow it for a bit…but you gotta be like SUPER careful or Luna’ll kill me.” So saying she retrieves the requested tome and hands it to Trixie. There is a loud whistle and the train suddenly lurches into motion. I press my hooves tightly into the floor beneath me, but seeing the other three barely take notice I relax feeling slightly foolish. Slowly I relax and study the filly quietly. She seems so different from when we first met. More sure of herself, confident. Though her limbs are just as long and gangly as a pony then a human, I know the strength she can muster within them if motivated. I find my eyes constantly drawn to the silver bracelet around her leg. She notes my staring and shifts self-consciously. “Uh…did you want something?” I shift guiltily having been caught staring. “Your bracelet. Will it work for anyone?” She shrugs and lifts her leg to her mouth using her teeth to remove the bracelet before she flicks it to me. “Go nuts. But I kinda need it back.” I stare at it quietly on the floor for a moment before I work it over my own hoof. The metal feels strangely warm against my fur, as if it has its own very faint inner warmth. “How do I activate it?” Jennifer is staring at my curiously. “Just press a hoof to the charm you wanna change to.” I look back to the bracelet and find the charm I seek. With a deep breath I press my hoof against it. Immediately my vision is filled with silvery light. I feel myself change though it is different than Tak’s disguise magic. I do not know precisely how to describe the sensation of growing…losing my coat and feeling my hooves soften and split. When my vision clears I look down upon my new hands. Hands that I have desired to own for as long as I can remember. Though the bizarre two legged lower half Jennifer’s species sports is not like my family’s at all…the upper half is so very much like mother’s. The others watch me flex my fingers slowly. Tak leans closer to Jennifer speaking softly. “Her family, the folk who raised her were shaped like you. From the waist up I mean. Kid’s probly always wondered what it was like.” The young filly nodded slowly. “Well uh, happy to help?” My skin is much darker than Jennifer’s when she was a human. Not as dark as my family’s…a very deep brown. My mane is the same stark white however and I suspect my eyes retain their red hue as well. Inspecting the amazing deftly appendages at the ends of my arms I feel my excitement growing. “I want to grab something!” Tak’s grin widened. “I got somethin’ for ya t’grab!” I do not understand why Jennifer and Trixie suddenly bury Tak beneath a barrage of pillows but I do not care. I try to rise on my two legs but find it is a very shaky method of walking and topple forward catching myself with my hands. With a grimace I crawl toward the cooler containing the beverages. “How do you move about with only two legs?” She shrugs. “Lots of practice. Baby humans crawl like you are now when we’re first born. I’m sure there’s some kinda smart explanation I never bothered to learn.” I finally reach the cooler and open it. Slowly I take a can in my hands…it feels so very cold. Having no fur is a strange sensation but I find I very much enjoy having hands and fingers to grasp things. Slowly I open the can and take a long drink. “This is…more fun than I expected.” Tak finally frees himself from the pillowy prison. “Well now I wanna try! Gimme.” I look to Jennifer for permission and at her indifferent shrug I hand the bracelet over to Tak. “What do you need this for? You change shape at will.” He slips it over his leg with a shrug. “We gotta stay kinda the same mass. Like when I squish down to a pony or a drone shape I get pretty beefy y’ever notice?” That makes a good deal of sense really. “Now that you mention it I suppose I have. I assumed it was to make yourself appear more impressive.” “I don’t need t’look more impressive. My natural awesomeness oozes no matter what shape I take. Observe!” With a flash there is another human in the train car. This one male, with slicked back blueish hair and eyes as red as my own, though he has the same catlike pupils he has as a changeling. His twisted horn remains, as do the insectoid gossamer wings. “Whoa this is freaky. My hooves are all wiggly.” Jennifer blushes and shifts her eyes away from Tak, but holds out her hoof toward him. “Hey gimme the bracelet.” Tak fumbles with his new hands, slowly removing the bracelet. “Wow these things ARE handy. Haha, handy. Get it?” This time Trixie does not look up from her book, simply lights her horn and buries Tak beneath another barrage of pillows. The filly eyes her bracelet curiously. “Huh I thought I’d get alicorn and changeling.” I raise a brow curiously. “That is how you acquire more charms? Have other races use your bracelet?” “Yeah. My fillyfriend Echo became a normal pegasus and I got the night pony charm. Then my dragon friend Spike wanted to impress a mare so I picked up dragon too. I guess alicorn is just a mix of the three tribes so it doesn’t need it?” This is interesting information. With such a bracelet could I finally become a true member of my family? Though do I wish to anymore? I love Neela and Spinner dearly, but I am developing strong feelings for Tak and Trixie. I could perhaps truly become one of my family’s people now but…that would likely mean bidding farewell to my friends and the wonderful feelings being around them bring about. I barely notice the flash from Jennifer as she utilizes her newest charm. Sitting in the pegasi’s place is a changeling very much like Tak. Though clearly female she shares his unique eyes, though hers are hazel rather than his red. “Ooo this is weird.” Even her voice has the buzzing quality his does. “Hey! Yer a royal changeling huh? Must be cause’a my awesome genes.” Tak the human has once again cleared the pillow prison. The new changeling had craned her head about to focus on her new wings, buzzing them experimentally. “Oh yeah? What’s the difference?” Tak shrugs. “Eh about two feet’a height and more magic. Plus if ya run inta any drones y’can totally boss em around.” With a laugh Jennifer grins. “How do I y’know…change?” “Oh. S’real easy. All ya do is focus yer magic up an picture whatcha wanna be. Even th’littlest hatchlings can do it.” Her smile turns mischievous as Jennifer focuses on Trixie. Her horn flares with the same noxious green Tak’s does, and in a flash there are TWO Trixie’s in the train car. Though only one has her hat and cape. Tak claps with a laugh. “There ya go! Easy right?” The faux Trixie clears her throat. “The great and powerful Trixie demands a can of juice! Fetch it for her before she drops a giant star bear on your heads!” I am taken aback by how perfectly she mimics both Trixie’s voice and mannerisms. It is…amusing. Tak certainly seems to think so, he is howling with laughter holding his sides. Trixie looks up from her book with a soft snort. “Oh very funny.” Smiling like a mad woman the fake Trixie’s horn glows gently as she takes the real one’s hat and cape for herself, settling them about her person. “Prepare to marvel as Trixie performs magical feats your tiny NORMAL pony minds could only dream of!” Flourishing her hooves Jennifer reaches behind the recovering Tak’s ear coming back with a bit. “Behold! Trixie has pulled a bit from your ear!” I have tried to resist but this newest mimicry is too much and against my will I laugh softly. Tak has tears in his eyes he is laughing so hard, and even Trixie is smiling faintly. Jennifer’s smile softens as she returns Trixie’s clothing. “That’s actually pretty fun.” Trixie smooth’s her cape. “It’s called showmareship. You have a flair for it. If you get tired of Equestrian politics or whatever it is you do with the princess let me know. I’ll find a spot for you in the show.” With a green flare Jennifer reverts to her changeling shape. We all turn our heads to the door as it slides open. “I know this is the royal car but everypony is complaining about the noise and…” Slowly the conductor takes in the scene within the royal car, most notably focusing on Jennifer before he slowly retreats and slides the door shut. A long moment of silence hangs in the car before the youngest of us shrugs. “Eh I’m sure nothing bad’ll come of that.”