//------------------------------// // My Little Secret // Story: Acceptance // by Riddle-Me-Think //------------------------------// I do not own My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic The rosters call echoed though the vast acres of trees and farmland to rouse those from their slumber and wake them for the rising day. In her room, Applejack gave a few gruff mumbles from her bed before rubbing her eyes and wakening for the day. She had work to do, and only so many hours to do it. With that in mind, she rolled out of her bed and gave a fast shake of her head to wake up before reaching for her hat on the night stand. In the room close to hers, Big Macintosh was in the same boat, giving a deep yawn and a slight twist of his neck to get a few pops. Just like his sister, he rolled out of bed and got moving to his yoke that was hung up and put it on. Just outside his door, two drowsy, yet awake twins walked through the hall and right to Apple Bloom’s door. Giving the other a sinister look, they quietly snuck in and silently made it over to the youngest member of the Ponyville’s Apple Clan. Peeking over the edge, the sisters gave the other one last devious look before pouncing on their prey. In an instant, Apple Bloom was awake and began to squeal and laugh at being attacked, “I-Iv, Eb!” She squeaked, unable to fully talk with all her laughing, “I‘ma ‘wake, I’ma ‘wake!” Yet the two did not let up at all, continuing to poke and tickle the filly, all the while giggling. Coming out of their own rooms, both Apple siblings nodded to the other and walked down the hall, following the joined laughter. Looking in, Applejack smirked some saying, “Now ya two, stop ticklin‘ my sis. Got lot‘s o‘ work t‘ do.” And getting them to settle down. “Eyup.” Mac nodded, motioning with his head for them to move. He then turned around and left for the stairs to get started on some choirs before breakfast. Jumping off the bed and happily trotting over to the large stallion, both Ebony and Ivory seemed to snuggle at each of Mac’s sides. Applejack gave a somewhat suffering sigh at the two sisters, unsure how to get them to stop doing that with her brother. Granted they were like family, but it was like they could not stop being close to her older brother at all. The eldest sister turned around in time for her sister to finish getting her bow on and follow her out. Looking from the Gem sisters to her own sister, Apple Bloom asked, “Do ya‘ll think all changelings do tha‘?” Applejack gave a snort at that, not sure how to answer her sister completely. Ever since the family was told of the whole changeling secret, her little sister had been asking question after question about them. “Ah don’t know.” She admitted, “Could ask Twi though…or tha‘ Mask fella, he‘s changelin‘ too.” The thing was, she was thinking of doing so any ways. The Twins had been acting…even more touchy then usual, especially towards her brother. Looking to her sister and patting her head she told, “How‘s this, I was thinkin‘ of askin‘ Twi a few more things today. I‘ll ask ‘er myself.” With a large smile she nodded and ran ahead to help granny make breakfast, leaving some other choirs to Applejack. Deep and controlled breaths were taken as Twilight read over her latest research project into her latest dilemma. Somewhere off to the side was Masquerade, going over his own reading of old documents and research he had done. He was the reason for her current predicament she was trying not to stress over. Ever since Rainbow Dash all but blurted out that Masquerade liked her in a romantic manner, the unicorn had found herself constantly questioning if it was true. On one hoof, she didn’t find the idea that bad, knowing him as long as she did. On the other hoof, that was years ago, and has turned out to be some other species entirely! Would a relationship like that even work? She questioned herself, finding the question ridicules in a sense as he can just become a pony anytime he wants. She cast a quick look, trying to be sure the darker unicorn didn’t notice her. Masquerade just sat in his place, ears perked in a way to alert himself if she needed him. All she had to do was say his name and he would be right at her side and ready to help in any way he could. After all, her body was nearly back to full strength, but her magic was another matter. Turning back to her book, she began to look at the gathered evidence once more. Two nights before, she had spent her dinner with her friends and discussed Masquerade’s interest in her. Just like Pinkie Pie had pointed out, he spent nearly all his time around her. Twilight let out a groan of frustration, trying with all her mind to figure out her tangled feelings on the matter. He was nice to her and seemed to be willing to help at any time, but also had moments of mischief he used to tease her in either joking ways or flattery. She would be lying if she said she didn’t enjoy his flattery some. She could not say she was attracted to him in any way, as he had been a very good friend to her and only just that, a friend. But at the same time she couldn’t see a bad relationship happening around a pony who could literally know when your feeling hurt, and would comfort you at a moments notice. He was also lazy and would do no real work on his own. Unless I ask him or pull him along, then he grumbles about it and complies. She faced-hoofed at the absent thought, wondering if her mind was working against her. Unbeknownst to Twilight, Masquerade was keeping tabs of her feelings while she was thinking to herself. It was easy to say he was growing concerned at all the conflicting emotions going on in the mare. Looking up from his own work he thought, what is going through that mare’s head? Getting up and silently moving over to the lavender unicorn, he once again looked over her shoulder and read what she had before her. A brow lifted up at her choice of research. With a light grin he asked teasingly, “Are you trying to turn relationships into a lab experiment too?” Taking some enjoyment from her yelp of surprise and the sudden feel of embarrassment of being caught red-hoofed. Though he didn’t take any of the thrown out feelings to feed on, he still enjoyed the slight taste of it. Trying to get her breathing under control from another surprise the stallion seemed to enjoy so much, she turned her wrathful gaze to him. All he gave was an amused smirk, just taunting her to say something so he could counter it with something witty. She took the bait, deciding to use a threat of experimentation, “I swear to Celestia Mask, one of these days I‘m going to drag you down to my lab, strap you down and--” “Have your wicked way with me?” He grinned, feeling the surge of her flustered emotions go to an all time high. It actually impressed him how red her face had gotten, he was expecting steam to be coming out of her ears soon. At that moment, Twilight could only gap at what the pony before her had just implied. Any and all words were taken right out of her and left her completely shocked as one thought ran through her mind, oh Celestia, he does love me! What do I do, how do I go about this? Masquerade’s amused grin slowly faded at the sudden whirlwind of emotions going through the mare. This was not like his Twinkles in the least. She would get a little flustered, then yell at him, he’d say a sincere sorry --or snarky remark-- and they be back to being buddy-buddy. Putting a hoof to her shoulder, he noted her suddenly tensing and asked more softly, “Twinkles, are you alright, you seemed more stressed than normal?” “W-well I-- that is to say…” Twilight stumbled over her own words, trying to find something to say with her conflicting feelings running wild. After all, she had a changeling heir with the capability to maybe kill, in love with her! Shifting his eyes to look just past her he said, “How about some fresh air?” And nudged her to follow next to him, “It might help clear up your head some.” She nodded mutely, jerkily getting up from her pillow seat and making her way to the door. Seeing this, he told her, “Big easy breaths Twilight, it‘s not like were getting ready for a marathon run, right?” Trying to joke with her. Deciding to follow this advice, she did just that, taking a big breath in and letting it out. Two more times and she seemed to relax a more and gain some control over herself. This didn’t last long for her though. As soon as she turned to the stallion, she was once again reminded of her problem. She wanted to address it, but didn’t know how. She had been reading though some books on the matter, but they almost seemed sketchy as to go about it. She had not noticed that she was staring, but Masquerade did and decided to ask, “Was there something you needed Twilight?” Jumping at the question she said, “No, I was just--” And stopped herself from completely denying it. Taking in breath she asked, “Masquerade, do you…” Feeling her resolve melt away at his green eyes. Seeing them expectantly waiting for her, she darted her own eyes around, “D-do you--” And noticed some ponies all talking and laughing, “--have any friends?” Smiling awkwardly at the end. Twinkles, I love you and all, but we really need to work on your skill in hiding your motives. The changeling in unicorn form thought, knowing something was up, even without his ability to feel her feelings, “Yes, I have you, Spike and your other friends, even my cousins.” Shaking her head she said, “No, I mean actual friends.” Seeing his blank stair she told, “Ponies you go out and do things with, talk with and have time to have fun with.” “Like you?” He asked innocently with a tilt of his head, completely confused where she was trying to go with this. With a more violent shake of her head she said, “No-- I mean yes, but…” The lavender mare sometimes wanted to ask what went thought the changelings head at times. Stopping in place she grounded out, “I mean, do you have any friends in Ponyville that are not me, Spike, my friends or your cousins.” As he opened his mouth to answer she added, “And you can't use anything ‘bug’ related.” Making him snap his mouth shut. Waiting for a time she asked, “Mask, have you really been spending you time here nearly alone?” Not meeting her eyes he said, “I‘m not alone, got you and Spike, the Twins--” Stomping her hoof to cut him off she said, “I know that, but you can‘t just close yourself out like that to others.” Getting a good look into his eyes when he looked up. When her eyes met his during that moment, she understood. “Your still scared of meeting new ponies, aren’t you?” Twilight watch as he looked away again and lightly ran his hoof in a small circle in the dirt road. She had assumed he had gotten over it, seeing how he would act around others, but it was just a act. He was using his acting skills to try and hide his nervousness and overall fear of meeting new ponies. Taking a look around herself to make sure she wasn’t causing a scene, Twilight nudged the stallion and beaconed him to follow her. Casing his own look around, he grumbled something under his breath and followed her. They walked along not saying a word to the other, lost in their own thoughts. Twilight gave a brief look to the stallion next to her and could see that even if he was holding himself without a care, she could still see his uncertainty in his eyes. Maybe the colt I know is still there. She thought with softening eyes, he’s just hiding behind a new mask, and not that white ceramic one he carries. Seeing her destination in sight, she sped up some and forced the unicorn beside her to pick up his own pace. He eased up some when he noticed a bench as their destination, glancing around at the familiar scene. Seeing Twilight sit down on it, he followed suit, setting himself down next to her and waited. Seeing her hoof point to a couple of ponies, she said, “That‘s Lyra and Bon-Bon, their both friends with Fluttershy and sometimes come to visit her.” He gave a questioning look to Twilight, but looked to the ponies anyways. Lyra was a mint colored unicorn mare with a blue-silver and white mane. Her yellow eyes held a certain quality of fanatic like determination as she talked on about some subject she was going in depth on. Beside her was a tan earth mare with a curly blue and pink mane, smiling and rolling her eyes at her unicorn friend. Seeing a lavender hoof pointing again, he heard, “And that’s Ditzy Doo, she and Pinkie get to gather to bake muffins now and then.” Looking up, he once again saw the crossed eye mare fly overhead with a bag of mail. Hearing the mare next to him giggle, he watched as she pointed once more, “And over there is Berry Punch and her daughter Ruby Pinch. They come over to Applejack's and do a few games with Rarity and Rainbow Dash.” While looking over the nearly identical mare and filly, Masquerade asked, “I know there is a point to this Twilight, but what are you trying to get at?” Still feeling lost, despite coming up with a number of reasons why she was doing this. Feeling a hoof on his back, he turned to Twilight and saw a look of concern on her face, much like his from when he felt her emotions in flux, “I want you to make friends with other ponies Mask, but I‘m also worried why your so scared of the idea.” He wanted to back away, try and find a dark place to hide and not tell her. But where is the problem in telling her? He didn’t want to, end of story. But was there a reason not to tell her? “I--” What does one say when they don’t want to tell others the truth, but also don’t want to lie? Looking around at all the passing ponies, he asked, “Promise…” Taking a slight gulp of air to steel himself more, “Promise not to tell anypony?” At his nervous behavior, she realized he was scared of saying it, but was willing to trust her with his secret. It was just like when he reviled himself to her, he fully trusted her and believed she would follow though with his trust. Bringing a hoof up she mimed, “Cross my heart--” Making a crossing motion over where her heart would be, “--hope to fly--” Taking up her other hoof, she made a flying motion with them, and ended with, “--stick a cupcake in my eye.” Putting her other hoof gently on her closed eye. An amused smile found its way to Mask's face at the scarily similar swear that changelings used and nodded to her. Casting one last look around, he lit his horn its sickly green color and cast a spell. Twilight watched in some amazement as a extremely thin bubble of magic was made around them, nearly invisible to any passing by, but still able to see if one looked closely. Seeing her awe face, he explained, “Silence bubble, it‘s like a silencing spell, but made smaller.” Seeing her nod, she gave him her full attention, waiting for him to tell his secret. With another paranoid look around, even if nopony could hear them he said, “I‘m afraid of not being accepted for who I am.” “But you are.” Twilight told him. With a look he asked, “Am I?” Seeing her stumped look he said, “Your friends can say they know me, but do they? Do they know who I really am, what I do to be what I am?” With a start she said, “Your not afraid of them knowing your changeling, but of your real self?” Twilight can almost see it, after the events five days ago, she could clearly see why he would be. Any pony in their right mind would flee at the sight of another willing to cause such harm. “I had the aptitude to be an Infiltrator, Mother saw it the moment I showed it.” He told, trying to assure himself this was the right thing to do, even if his mind screamed otherwise, “So, as by tradition, all Infiltrators are put through a years worth of learning before their first test.” Having Twilight's rapt attention he said, “The idea is to drop the child into a environment they could adapt to easily and learn about those surrounding them.” Looking to the clear sky he smiled sadly, “Mother thought it would be best that I not only socialize, but learn some, and put me into a school to teach young unicorn minds.” Twilight's eyes went wide, not at the notion of teaching foals how to infiltrate enemy territory by doing this, but how this was essentially how their first meeting was made possible. “But when I got there myself, I was scared out of my mind. I was to learn how to act like a pony, laugh like a pony, talk like a pony.” Looking down to the ground he said, “I was to be a pony by the end of my four year trial.” He had to do that for four years! The mare shouted in her mind in shock. She would think he would have supervision for this, but apparently he was to do it alone. “Mother would come around to check on me, make sure I was still hidden and didn’t let my guise slip.” Twilight relaxed at that, happy to know changelings didn’t just abandon their foals like that. Feeling her relief he lightly chuckled, “You could almost imagine her confusion that I was only able to get close to one pony.” And catching her attention once more, “I was so scared of actually letting myself be known of what I would become, that you found me.” He went quiet as if trying to think of a way to keep talking, “I don’t know why we got paired up, or how we stayed together, but I felt safer with you around.” Shaking his head to keep from going in that direction he continued, “For some reason, you gave me confidence you didn’t care if I was shy or strange. You accepted me for being... me…” Running his hoof in a circle again he echoed, “I‘m afraid of them seeing who I really am.” And glared down at the ground, “Afraid of them seeing the deceitful liar that is willing to torture, kill and break the minds of others to get the job done.” Now laying down on his half of the bench he finished, “I‘m afraid of them seeing that I am a creature of the shadows, something that runs from the light and does unspeakable things.” He felt a hoof on his back again, rubbing soothingly as Twilight's voice said, “But I accept you, and I‘m sure my friends would too.” “Do you?” He asked, craning his neck so he could look at Twilight with his green cat-eyes, holding the same oppressive look that caused fear in many that looked at them. Just like so many other, Twilight found herself wanting to back away from him and from the danger her mind was warning her of and pulled her hoof back. But she didn’t run like her mind wished, instead she just looked back, fighting her own instinct to run and-- Is he afraid of me? The question made her whole body uncoil and relax as she looked back at his natural eyes, but why, why would he be scared of me? It didn’t take much thinking with what she now knew. From what she and her friends had figured out, he loved her, and right now, he was scared of not only telling his secret, but afraid of her rejection. “Your more than just a pony who does horrible things.” She told him softly, putting her hoof back on him, “You don’t have to be afraid, of any of us.” His gaze seemed to turn more into a glare, as if to tell her to go on and fear him. With some stubbornness of her own, she decided to get right at the problem, just like she promised she would, “Mask, you don’t have to be scared of me, or my friends. You might be a assassin and murderer and I don’t really agree with what you do--” She said, feeling guilty for using those words of him, “--but your still my friend.” Pulling at him, he complied and rose so she could give him hug with her left foreleg, “And I accept you for who you are, no matter what.” The unicorn mare could feel his frame tremble and shake in her grasp, and when she looked to his eyes, they were once more pony in shape. He seemed to be fighting his own tears from coming out, and was trying to keep a strong face by smiling at her. With her own smile she told, “You’re not just some changeling in pony form, your Masquerade, that shy colt I knew since I was a filly.” And for the first time, Twilight watched her oldest friend close his eyes and let out a few tears of relief and joy. After Masquerades little episode near the park, Twilight had decided to just spend some time with the stallion and maybe introduce him to a few ponies. He seemed to do better at meeting others if he had somepony else to introduce him. “So, first thing we should do…” The librarian said with some enthusiasm, knowing that she did not have a plan for this, “Is maybe, get something to eat?” Masquerade gave Twilight a raised brow, making the mare stop and consider, “Of course, if your not hungry, we could always snack on something like…Ice cream?” With further confusion he asked, “What’s ice cream?” With a sudden halt, she turned to him and asked, “You never had ice cream?” Seeing his negative response, she smiled, “Then I think its time that you have, come on!” With the mare suddenly darting off, the black stallion rolled his eyes and galloped after her, only slightly wondering what she was up to. But he had to admit, he liked how she was being spontaneous for once, added a certain flare to her personality. He followed her right through the town and keeping pace with her easily, seeing that even with her body up and going, she still was recovering some. “Take it a bit more easy Twinkles, your still trying to regain strength, remember?” Seeing her nod and ease up, he did as well, going from gallop to canter. They didn’t have much further to go, their destination being Sugar Cube Corner. Masquerade made sure to be the one to open the door, seeing as Twilight couldn’t use her magic just yet, and went right in. At the counter was a blue mare with a strawberry and pink mane, giving a cheerful smile at the two, “Hello Twilight, what can I get‘cha and your friend here today?” With her own cheerful smile Twilight said, “Hello Mrs. Cake, my friend here hasn’t had an ice cream before, was hopping you could get something that would make a good impression.” With a even bigger smile, the earth mare nodded, “Well, I‘ll be sure to whip something up in no time, just wait here.” And headed to the back, leaving a smiling Twilight and a confused Masquerade. They didn’t need to wait long as the mare came back out with two cones and hoofed them out. Masquerade swiftly use his magic to bring both white treats that sat on their edible handles a look over while Mrs. Cake said, “Consider it on the house this time.” And gave a wink to Twilight. “You don’t have to, I was going to just get one for my friend here.” Twilight tried to say, “Or at least let me pay for mine.” With a amused shake of her head, the baker told, “Now Twilight, with what you, Pinkie Pie and the rest of you friends do for Ponyville, I‘d say you‘ve earned at least one free cone.” And began to shoo the two off, “Go on, enjoy your ice cream.” Deciding not to complain about it, the two turned around and left out the door. The older mare watched them leave and commented to herself, “They make a rather nice couple, don’t you think so dear?” Coming out from the kitchen doors, Pinkie Pie nodded, “Yeppers!” bouncing along with a box on her back, “These doughnuts go to the Cliff‘s, right?” Getting a nod from the older mare, Pinkie jumped up with a ‘Meep-Meep!’ and zoomed off in a pink dust cloud. A dust cloud of pink was what both unicorns saw after they had exited the building and traded confused looks. After a moment they nodded the same thing, “Pinkie Pie.” And moved on like nothing happened. Finding a seat under the shade of a tree, did they both begin to eat their separate icy treats. Twilight hummed in delight at the vanilla taste while holding the cone in her hooves. She noted that it had been a while that she had an ice cream from Sugar Cube, so she was rather happy to get one. “How is your Masquerade?” She asked, turning to the changeling in ponies form. Taking a few more licks, he turned to her and stated with a straight face, “I can’t feel my tongue.” Then went back to licking while Twilight laughed. This is nice, the second heir reflected, sitting here and just taking time to spend around Twinkles like old times. Granted there was always a book near the filly --now mare-- but this was different. How it was different was up in the air to him as he didn’t know what, but something was. He stopped devouring his treat for a moment to analyze it and see what emotions were sticking on it. What ever it is, its not on the ice cream. It’s good though, even if it numbed my tongue. And went back to eating it. “Ther‘ ya‘ll are, been lookin‘ fer ya since I got t‘ town!” The drawling voice brought Masquerade out of his thoughts and to a galloping Applejack who slowed to a halt asking, “Twilight, I gotta ask you, ‘r him ‘bout changlin‘ habits.” Shooting a look to the stallion next to her, who shrugged in a ‘I don’t care’ sort of way, Twilight asked, “Ask away.” Taking a breath she said, “Alrighty then, the twins been actin‘ a tad different fer a while now, all touchy an‘ wha‘ not.” Seeing she caught Masquerades attention now, she continued, “Any reason fer them to start getting a bit too friendly with others?” Twilight shook her head in a negative, unsure of what Applejack was conveying, “I don’t think so…I haven written anything like that down, what bout you Mask?” Not getting an answer she looked to the black unicorn confused. Said unicorn was in deep thought, trying to remember something. It was familiar, but he had to make sure, “Touchy and more friendly as in…?” “As in, I‘m havin‘ trouble keep ‘em off my brother than I normally do.” She seemed to emphasize by stopping her hoof, “An‘ they ge‘ more grabby with my sis Bloom too.” There was a rather loud clunk as Masquerade faced-hoofed to himself groaning, “I knew I was forgetting something that day!” Looking back up to find their inquiring gazes he told, “Their going through a Cycle.” With some concern in her voice, Applejack asked, “I hopin‘ tha‘s not bad.” Tapping the ground he told, “Depends on your point of view.” “Hold on, maybe you should explain what a cycle is.” Twilight cut off, knowing that Applejack was going to stress out more and more if she didn’t get her answer. Nodding he said, “Well, it basically means their going through something like a heat cycle--” “Their what!” Applejack and Twilight both yelled, drawing a number of heads to them. Waving both hooves before him to get them to quite down, he cast another silence bubble and gave a lick to his ice cream while glaring a little. Seeing them calm down some for him to explain he told, “I repeat, it‘s something like a heat cycle, not is a heat cycle.” Calming down a little, the farmer asked, “Wha’ do ya mean like a heat?” Dreading to know the answer. Absently floating his edible cone around as it had no more frozen treat, and broke some of the cone off saying, “It‘s a time were a female changeling begins emitting pheromones through their bodies to mark a potential mate.” Popping the waffle tasting cone bit into his mouth he continued, “The idea behind these pheromones is not to attract a male, but rather shoo off other females from their selected mate.” Scratching her head Applejack asked, “Wha’s the point of tha?” Confused by the idea of it scaring other mares away than grab a stallions attention. “Changelings can shape shift.” Masquerade reminded, “Ergo, if selected male turned into, lets say, a griffon, then normally females of that species would go to him.” Twilight caught on quickly to how it worked, “But the pheromone keeps them away, making it impossible to find a mate besides the one who marked them!” Grinning to the mare next to him, the infiltrator said, “I‘d give you a cookie for being smart, but I don’t have any at the moment.” And got a light swat on his ear. “So it‘s mare repellent, I‘m all good with tha, bu‘ wha‘ ‘bout any extra stuff?” Applejack rushed on, trying to find any other problems. Sadly taking the last bite of his treat and gulping it down, Masquerade said, “Well, they‘ll have more stronger maternal instincts until the cycle‘s over. And they‘ll try to persuade their chosen to be something more…oh, and if they rub enough pheromones on the guy, it will stick around for about a year.” That seemed to be the last straw for Applejack, as she rushed off to possibly stop her brother from becoming mare repellent for the next year. Though, the idea wasn’t bad to her, she also didn’t want her brother to just not get hooked up, that wasn’t her choice. Still by the tree, both unicorns watched the orange mare speed off as Twilight asked, “We should help her, don’t you think?” Giving the lavender mare a look he told, “If you were part of the Apple Clan or a guy, then yes. But since your not, I wouldn’t suggest it.” Giving him questioning look she asked, “Why not, is it another changeling thing?” Getting a nod from him. “She didn’t let me finish.” He said, “They will also be a tad more aggressive around other mares, unless their family or related to Mac.” Blinking at that she nodded agreeing, “I see what you mean.” Looking at where her friend had ran off to she asked one last question, “Can we help in any way?” Thinking for a moment he shrugged, “I don’t think so.” And looked to where Applejack ran off to, “It would be best if Applejack handles it, we would just get in the way.” “What makes you say that?” She asked, watching as the bubble around them dropped. “Who better to listen to than family?” He simply said getting up, “But if your that concerned, we can go. Just stay close in case the sisters do get aggressive.” Applejack rushed over the hill that lead her into one of the fields where she was sure Big Mac was working on moving a dead tree. Stopping a moment to take a look around, she heard the sound of grunting and ran in that direction. Nearing the spot, she came to a halt when she saw three ponies. Or rather, three Big Macs, all tugging away at the same dead stump in the ground. I gotta admit, it’s nice t’ have a pony tha’ can do tha’. She thought to herself, remembering all the times they would change form to help aid their work. She shook that thought off and yelled, “Ivory, Ebony, the two of ya got‘s some explainin’ t’ do!” All at once, the three red ponies stopped their pulling to look at the orange mare. Two of them engulfing themselves in green fire and letting the ropes fall on their smaller forms. Shrugging free of the ropes, Ivory and Ebony moved towards Applejack asking, “Is something the matter Applejack of Apple Clan?” “Ya darn right somethin’s the matter! Ah went t‘ have a chat with Mask an‘ Twi, an‘ hear somthin’ ‘bout cycles!” The earth mare accused the two pegasi, who flared their wings and back up. Looking between each other for a moment they both stuttered, “W-we are not sure what you mean.” Backing away from the second oldest Apple sibling. They both made small yelps when they backed into something warm and sturdy, looking back to find Big Mac standing in their way and giving the two a curious look. Advancing on the two, Applejack said, “Oh, I‘ma sure ya‘ll know what I‘m talkin‘ ‘bout!” Getting in range to start poking Ebony and Ivory with a hoof, “Mask said tha‘ you two are triyin‘ t‘ get my brother stunk up with some…phara-nonsense an‘ try ‘anvan ‘em to yer selves!” As each word was said, the two slowly sunk down, first by sitting down, then ever so slowly sink lower and lower. They really didn’t want to get scolded on this particular subject, even less by Applejack. “If ya wanted t‘ get his attention, ya‘ll could of asked ‘im.” The orange earthen finished with a nod to the sisters that looked a bit subdued. Looking at both his sister and the two Gem’s, Big Mac asked, “Is tha‘ wha‘ this is all about?” They all looked to him, apparently forgetting for a moment he was there, “Tha‘ they like me, right?” Both sisters looked away with heavy blushes while Applejack asked, “Yer sayin‘ ya didn’t notice?” “Nope” He shook his head simply. Giving him a look she said, “Ya‘ll knew tha‘ they were up t‘ something‘ an‘ didn’t do nothen‘ ‘bout it?” “Eyup.” He nodded. By now both Gem sisters were looking at Mac surprised, just as much as his own sister was, “An‘ ya didn’t tell me ‘cuz?” Pointing at the two pegasi that were acting shy, he said, “They been tryin’ t’ tell me fer the last two days.” To which, they both blushed deeper at finding out he knew the whole time, “An‘ telling‘ ya would of made it harder fer ‘em.” Somewhat angry she asked, “Are ya‘ll imply‘an tha‘ I‘d ge‘ in the way of them telling‘ ya?” Glaring right at her older brother. “Eyup.” He nodded. Deciding she wasn’t winning with him, she turned her gaze down to Ivory and Ebony and said, “I don’t scare ya from askin, do I?” Blinking the twins said at once, “Is that not what you are trying to do now?” The mares eye twitched a few times before she screamed, “Consarnit all!” Throwing her hat to the ground, “Ya‘ll make this harder than it should!” And stormed off. Macintosh just stood there watching Applejack stomp off in frustration before glancing down at the two mare’s that now laid on the ground looking ashamed. Feeling somepony tap her shoulder, Ivory looked behind herself, giving her sister a mental queue to do the same. Seeing the large stallions green eyes peering down at them, they said, “We are sorry for not telling you Macintosh of Apple Clan.” And laid their heads down into the grass. With the sound of hooves making their way around them, they found Big Mac once more standing before them saying, “Nope.” Lifting Ebony’s chin. “Your not angry?” Ebony asked confused, while her sister tried to figure out what she was tasting from the pony. With a simple shake of his head he denied, “Nope.” With somewhat shy fiddling of her hooves, Ivory asked, “Does that mean…you‘d have us as…more then what we are?” Feeling as equally nervous as her darker sister. With a soft smile he nodded saying, “Ponyville has plenty o‘ good folk.” And nudged the two up to their hooves, “Bu‘ finding‘ a good mare to settle with can be'a tad trick.” He turned around and picked up his sisters hat, craning his neck to hang it on his yokes metal rod. looking back to them he told, “They need t‘ be strong, ‘ave responsibility an‘ be faithful.” Motioning with his head for them to follow. They did as asked, giving unsure looks to the other before following the red pony as he continued, “Ya‘ll are different, bein‘ all sneaky an‘ dishonest.” They both flinched at that, knowing their changeling nature earned them some bad points. “However, ya also devoted.” He nodded, “An‘ show tha‘ you‘re willing t‘ pull yer weight ‘round here an‘ take car o‘ the family.” Reaching over the hill and gaining sight of the home to the Apple family. Waiting for them to be standing next to him he said, “The question is.” Making sure he had their full attention, “Is if‘en your willing t‘ go full way fer this, or half way.” And gave them a look, “Cuz their aint no half way with us Apples. Ya‘ll do yer all fer the family as a whole, or you aint family at all.” Trading look, both Gem’s gave agreeing nods with Ivory saying, “The clan is our family.” With her sister following up, “The family is our clan.” With some shaking in both their steps, Ebony said, “The Apple Clan stays together by honor, and the Gems by mandate.” Nuzzling to either side of him, Ivory told, “We would prefer to do so by honor, for we…” And gulped starting to lose her nerve, while her sister jumped in, “We wish for your love!” Wanting to almost hide after shouting it. After her sisters shout, Ivory added, “Would you take us in as your lovers?” They shook in place a bit, scared of being rejected, but they knew otherwise. They could feel that he didn’t reject them, and was only insured by the two strong forelegs that was put over each of their shoulders. All that was given was one simple word that melted any lingering fears, “Eyup.” The clock ticked on steadily with its pendulum going back and forth as a aging Granny Smith watched a more than angry grandfoal walk back and forth in the livening room. “--an‘ t‘ get a chance t‘ help ‘em get to work bakin‘ I tell ya!” She ranted on, “Why, I can‘t get Mac t‘ even see tha‘ not at all!” With a suitable smirk the wizard old mare said from her chair, “I won‘t mind none, be nice t‘ see some young‘ins runnin‘ ‘bout.” Relaxing more into her rocking chair as her second youngest grandfoal came to a halt. “Granny, I‘d think ya‘ll of all ponies wouldn‘t agree t‘ this!” She almost yelled, feeling frazzled over the whole thing. With a snort the elder mare said, “Yer thinking‘ this over the wrong fence Applejack.” Stopping her rocking to give a hard look, “Mac aint show no interest wi‘ any mare in town. An‘ when those two change-what’s-it’s tha‘ are next to family want t‘ show ther‘ love, ya‘ll go at them like a hound after a varmint.” As much as she would not admit it, the Apple matriarch was right in that regarded. Bu’ still, Applejack told herself, if’en they would jus’ be honest ‘bout it, I’d have less trouble with it! A knock at the open screen door called for the two Apple’s attention as a voice asked, “Are we allowed passage in?” Looking to the entrance to their home, the farmer was greeted with two unicorn’s at the threshold, waiting for permission to enter. Giving a slow nod to them, she watch the black unicorn light his horn and open he door for Twilight before entering in himself. Giving Applejack a concerned look, the lavender mare asked, “Are you okay Applejack, did things go alright?” Both she and Masquerade had heard the farmer yelling from the fence line. To say, she had a good idea things didn’t go well, especially with the orange mare missing her hat. With a snort she said, “’Alright’, wouldn‘t be the word I‘d use.” And stomped her hoof in irritation grumbling, “Them two jackals an‘ their no good backstabbin‘ dealin‘s with deceitful actions.” Masquerade raised a brow at her choice of words, but decided to say something instead of stay quiet this time, “You did take into account that they were raised to ‘backstab’ and taught to ‘deceive’ others, right?” With a sharp look, Applejack asked, “An‘ how does tha‘ justify it?” “It doesn’t.” He told simply with a blank look, “But it does tell you why they did it.” Looking out the door and back to the stallion she said, “Alrigh‘ I‘ll hear ya out.” But then jabbed a hoof at him, “Bu‘ don‘t go thinking‘ I‘ll take it as an excuse fer ‘em both, got it?” With a calm nod he repeated, “Got it.” Breathing in and taking stock of his thoughts he said, “Being changeling means you live near those that have had to learn to use deceit to either get what they want, or keep safe.” Taking this time to look around, he could see a number of photos of the Apple Clan, mostly of the current family, “Because of this, young changelings must be taught some form of trickery so they can not only survive the world, but other changelings.” Looking back to Applejack he told, “They probably didn’t say anything because they knew if they marked him, no female, pony or changeling, would take him.” Blinking the second oldest Apple sibling said, “Are ya‘ll sayin‘ they wanted t‘ protect Mac?” The changeling heir only shrugged, “It‘s possible, but you would have to ask them yourself.” And darted his eye to his left, “Like, let say now?” Just passed him, Big Mac with both mare of interest came in slowly, trying not to interrupt the conversation. But with the infiltrator selling them out, they became the center of attention. Both Gem sisters shifted in their place, but a gentile nudge from the Stallion that was a head taller then them seemed to reassure them. Stepping away from his comforting presents, they sighed and moved past Twilight and Masquerade to come face-to-face with Applejack. With bowed heads they said, “Applejack, we have wronged you and wish to apologize for keeping our…cycle a secret from you and your clan.” The orange mare felt taken back at the apology, but when nothing else came from them she thought over the black stallions words. For a moment she considered yelling at them, but seeing their sincerity at being sorry for the mistake --one that was taught to them no less-- was rather profound. With a sigh of her own she admitted, “You‘re not the only ones tha‘ need t‘ say their sorry‘s.” Dipping her own head, “Ah could of talk t‘ ya more evenly, bu‘ went on an‘ started barkin‘ when I should of asked.” Looking at the two sisters that had raised their heads back up she asked, “Can ya‘ll forgive me too?” Her answer came with two bright smiles and getting tackled to the ground in a tight hug. Masquerade chuckled at his cousins and their rather touchy way of doing things. Beside him, Twilight was also laughing at the scene, unable to hide her amusement as they started to tickle the orange mare. With a sound of Big Mac clearing his throat, he beckoned the two pegasi back to him while also getting Applejacks hat from where he had it. All three mares trotting over, Ivory took Mac’s left, with Ebony took his right. Coming up to the offered hat, Applejack looked to either sister that was smiling and up to her older brother. With a soft smile she said, “Ya‘ll got yerself a couple of fillyfriend’s, don’t ya?” With his own soft smile he answered, “Eyup.”