//------------------------------// // Chapter Ten: The Change // Story: Fluttershy the Transcolt // by Mintyluc //------------------------------// When I returned from Soarin's house that evening, I sat for a moment in my living room with Angel to think about everything we'd talked about in the time I was there. From the raw emotion of it all I couldn't help but cry a bit. I was already weepy enough when my thoughts moved to Soarin. He was such a genuine colt and so easy to relax around. Soarin knew so much though, I was lucky to learn from him what I did. Not only that, but I never felt stupid when I would ask him a question. All my questions were good questions, to Soarin. But where was I to go next? Should I travel to Canterlot to visit that doctor he'd mentioned? Could I simply go on a small shopping spree with Rarity? Maybe the other girls might want to go too... I made my way back into my library and revisited the books which taught me about the idea of transponism. The book in question, “The Change”, which first coined the term for me was a book I’d found at a small book sale in Ponyville a couple years back. I’d bought it not realizing how relevant to my future it would truly be. I opened the dusty book and flipped to the chapter that discussed the main character’s transmare friend. On the outside the pony was different from me because she was born a stallion and felt like a mare. While I was the other way around, the feelings that she’d felt that were expressed in the story were definitely the same. She was still a side character, so the conversation about her transponism wasn’t too discussed, but it was enough for me to get the information I needed while just starting out. Combined with the knowledge that Soarin offered me, I now knew so much more than I ever thought I would. I flipped to chapter five: “Brass Bell’s Dilemma” and started rereading. In this chapter, the main character first learns about her friend’s feelings of wanting to be a mare. Her reaction was similar, if not identical, to Apple Jack’s reaction. Brass Bell had called Starlight over the next evening and the topic of discussion was one that both caught Starlight in confusion and frustration. Admittedly, it was a nice break from having to think about her situation with Stone, but nonetheless it was still a heated night. Starlight arrived five minutes early to Brass’ house. She rang his doorbell and he answered right away. Immediately, Starlight noticed something wrong with Brass’ demeanor. He appeared to be shaky and nervous and that only made Starlight more nervous about what he wanted to talk about with her. Was he going to profess feelings for her? He couldn’t: especially not right now with the issues she was having with Stone. She also didn’t want to ruin the really great friendship they had, for she valued it more than any other that she had. Starlight gulped nervously and faked a smile, then walked into Brass’ house. The two sat down and Brass offered her some tea. “No thanks.” Starlight replied, “How about just some water?” When Brass returned he sat and faced Starlight, who nervously sipped her water. Brass sighed. “Why do you seem so nervous?” he asked. Starlight shook her head, taking another sip of water. “Why do you seem so nervous?” she retorted. Brass laughed to himself and nodded at her comment, “Well,” he started, “I figured something out about myself and I need your support.” he stated simply. It didn’t sound to Starlight like he had feelings for her, so she nodded eagerly, now realizing that he was coming to his best friend and needed some help. “Yeah.” she muttered, “What do you need?” Brass sighed to himself and closed his eyes. Then, “I’m a transpony.” he blurted out. Starlight choked on her water. “What?” Brass seemed to sigh at Starlight’s disheartening comment. “A transpony.” He stated apprehensively. “I feel like a mare. Like I should have been born as a mare.” Starlight just stared at him. “Why?” Brass stiffened up even more, assuming a defensive position. “I was just born that way, okay? Anyway I need your support and if I can’t get it then you should probably just leave.” Starlight looked around her best friend’s house looking carefully at his decoration. She completely didn’t understand what he was saying to her and she’d certainly never heard of a “transpony” before. Starlight looked back at Brass. “Are you sure you don’t just---you know---like stallions?” Brass gave a large huff of breath out his nose, producing an audible whinny of anger. “Starlight, I think I know very well how I feel. This is who I am, alright?” Starlight wanted to object again, but she stopped herself and instead nodded, “So what are your plans? Are you going to start wearing dresses and stuff?” she couldn't help the incredulousness in her voice. “Well,” Brass started, “You are a unicorn, so I was thinking you could help with tha---” “---No. I mean. I’m sorry. I can’t. I don’t…” she sighed, “I don’t understand.” Starlight got up and began to leave. “Thank you for the water, but I can’t wrap my head around this right now, Brass. Not now. Not with the problems I’m having with Stone. I need to figure out one thing at a time. I’m here for you, I am. I’m just... I’m sorry.” I couldn't help but laugh to myself. Not because the situation at hand was funny, but because I could relate so much to it now. It was intense and brought up a lot of feelings from the other day. While I wiped away a tear, I laughed more. Even two best friends could be so apprehensive toward one another due to such a topic. I now felt even better about my close friend’s reactions and was sure that they would become even more used to the idea. By the end of the story, Brass and Starlight made it through their brief yet intense fight. Starlight even started to call Brass “Bell”. It was a happy ending where there needed to be one. After reading the chapter, I walked into the kitchen half-way sulking about not knowing what to do next, but still feeling better about the situation when I saw the letter I’d gotten from Post Haste this morning, unopened. I trotted over and read the address line. “Current Resident” it said. I sighed assuming it was mere junk mail as I ripped it open. Starring at me was a pamphlet: an ad for a boutique. Upon closer examination I realized it was an ad for Rarity’s clothing store. That’s when I remembered Rarity’s comment earlier that day. “You know, you're lucky your best friend is a seamstress. You will be the best looking colt in all of Ponyville.” I smiled at her comment now, wondering if I could really take her up on her offer. Excitedly, I quickly grabbed my coat and dashed out the door to face the sunset. “I hope she’s still at her shop!” I thought to myself as I closed my front door.