Chapter 1: Red Dawn
The bell above my door trilled as a mint-colored mare exited my clinic.
"Take care, Lyra! I'm sure you'll find what you're looking for someday!" I called after her. Lyra was one of few regular customers, and I was grateful that she trusted her suspicions in me.
"Thanks, Dawn! Have a good day!" A warm feeling played across my emerald coat, and I relished in it, letting go after a few moments. The gratitude of my patients is why I got into this line of work. It's what keeps me going, day to day. I flicked a lock of my orange mane from my eyes, and turned to the room proper. The waiting room of the small clinic was furnished more like a living room of a typical house, with plush white chairs and a couch adorning the walls on the sides, and a rather plain rug on the center of the room. It's where I typically hang out after closing time. I then moved to the simple door leading to the back room. The doorknob came alive with a bright green glow, and with a click, I entered the room where I see my patients. On one wall was a small couch, and nearby an office chair and a simple desk, where I took notes. A filing cabinet nearby held patient records, and a mirror hung on the opposite wall. Closing the door behind me, I trotted over to the mirror.
The mirror was coated in a thin layer of dust, so I took a tissue from my desk in my magic, and wiped off the facial portion first. I looked into my own eyes, their sky-blue hue piercing my confidence. I hate the mirror. Whenever I look into it, it's just a reminder that it is still lurking somewhere. I'm still getting used to the pony staring back at me. My Cutie Mark, a sunrise with a wispy cloud suspended above it, sat on my flank as it does, reminding me of a promise of brighter days ahead. So far, that promise has held. In the time I've been in Ponyville, I'd made a few friends, and my business has held up. I guess the reality of the situation is I don't like to think about myself.
My introspection was shattered when the bell over my front door chimed.
"Just a moment!" I yelled through the door. I shook my head to clear my thoughts, brushed my mane into order, and stepped back through the door to the waiting room. What awaited me there was a yellow stallion, strong in build, with smoke grey, untidy mane stylings and bright green eyes. His cutie mark was an odd swirled shape that I couldn't quite identify. As I entered, a flash of recognition blinked through his eyes. I felt a feeling work its way into my head that something isn't right about him, and my heart stalled when he broke into a clearly forced grin. He turned and locked the door behind him.
"How strictly do you adhere to patient confidentiality?" the stallion grunted.
"Wholly. Do you need something for privacy?" I cautiously replied. The earth pony shifted slightly.
"Is there anyone else in the building?" The feeling resurfaced again, stronger than before. It was buzzing in my head like a hive of bees this time.
"N-no... Nopony's here but us..." I stammered. I've felt this feeling before... but... I just can't place it! My blood ran cold as he smirked at me.
"You know... I believe in provider confidentiality. Close the blinds, please." There was something about the way he said that. He said it as a suggestion, but through that feeling in my head- Which at this point is loud enough so I can't think straight - it felt like an order. My horn flared, and as the blinds clicked and slid down, it hit me. This feeling... I hadn't felt it in years, and it could only mean one thing. The stallion in front of me laughed aloud.
"Scape, you're not going to like what I have to tell you." There's no way he could know that name... unless... My suspicions were confirmed when he erupted in a green blaze, and when it subsided, a male changeling warrior stood before me. Though he looked mostly the same as all of the others, there is a slash mark in the exoskeleton across his left eye. My life had just fractured. He shouldn't have come here.
"Entropy! What are you doing? You'll blow my cover! You'll lead them to me!" He flinched visibly, and a feeling of sorrow emanated off of him.
"I didn't want to, Scape, trust me! She's too close to finding you out! I had to warn you!" I knew this day would come eventually. I sighed and released my spell. Green fur gave way to ebon chitin, and I assumed my natural form for the first time since I left.
"B-but..." Were I still a pony, tears would be pouring from my eyes. As I choked out an attempt at a response, I sufficed to radiate my despair to my old friend. "I was so careful! Nopony suspected a thing!" Entropy flicked his wings, and offered a small grin to me.
"We can sense each other, remember? She's been sending agents all over Equestria for you. You're lucky I found you first."
"What can I do, though? I'm sick of running! I just want a normal life!" I screamed. Am I glad I got these walls soundproofed...
Entropy looked thoughtful for a moment.
"Well, you and I know the inner workings of the hive. No pony knows what our society is like on the inside." he suggested.
"What would ponies care for our stinking culture? I've lived without it for three years and it hasn't been long enough!" I retort.
"You got me there... but your case could be used as pretty convincing anti-Changeling propaganda for Equestria, and, if we're lucky and a bit careful, maybe we wont get punished for being Changelings." Entropy was sure to release some extra reassurance with that statement.
"How do you know we won't be arrested? Changelings don't exactly get a warm welcome here. What makes you think any pony higher-ups will even give us the opportunity to speak before they lock us up?" I exhale deeply after my pessimistic review on the situation. Wait, I got it! "I might have an idea. One of the locals, a patient of mine, has close ties with Princess Twilight. I also happen to know of a local custom that will prove invaluable to us." The warrior's eyes widen, clearly not expecting me to have a line to pony royalty. After a moment, he stiffened.
"Where's your client? We need to reach them as quickly as possible!' He reapplies his disguise, and I follow suit, the warmth of the fur reinforcing my decision.
"Carousel Boutique."