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// 31. A most unusual Changeling 'Invasion' (You Brighten My Day/Original/Songfic) 
// Story: Short Shorts 
// by Coranth 
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It was as Celestia was conducting business that a Royal Guard burst into the throne room. "Your Maj..." he gasped, then stopped before the Sun Throne and began again. "Your Majesty, I bring dire news!"

"What news, Silent Heart?" the Solar Diarch asked.

"Changelings," the poor Guardspony gasped. "Changelings descend upon Canterlot!"

Eyes widening, Celestia passed the scroll she was writing unto her scribe to finish and then she stood. 'But... But this cannot be!' Thought she in dismay. 'Changelings, here? Cadance and Shining Armor repelled Queen Chrysalis' first invasion, and later we made an ally of her. Surely she hasn't betrayed us... has she?'

Returning her attention to the waiting Guardspony, the Solar Diarch asked, "Where are they, Silent Heart? Have they issued any threats against, or attacked anyone?"

"They stand before the gates of the Palace, your Highness" Silent Heart answered promptly. "Strangely... They haven't attacked anyone. They're just... standing there, almost as if waiting. For what or whom, I don't know. Would you have me send word to Shining Armor to prepare for attack?"

With a shake of her head, Celestia answered, "No. I will deal with this myself. Come, Daniel, let us see what they might want..." With that said, the Solar Diarch left the Throne Room, Daniel following in her stead as she made her way to the Gates of the Royal Palace. Upon arrival there she saw the changelings - roughly a thousand of them - just... standing outside the gates; terrified ponies giving them all a wide berth. It was then, however, that the Equestrian Princess of the Sun blink-blinked and did a double-take, for something was amiss with the situation. Clad in all manner of human-style clothing - from simple dresses and gowns to suits, jeans, flannel shirts and everything in between - these changelings weren't led by a Queen at all; instead, they appeared to be led by a large male wearing... 'Clothing similar to that worn by Daniel? What in Equestria is going on here...?'

Unaware of the fact that she and Daniel were even here, the male paced back and forth before his people as he gave a speech. "... saw the garments the Protector adorned himself with; then we fabricated them and they kept us warm. But it was not enough! Our Prophet saw the tools the Protector held in His Hands; then we fabricated them and they helped us refine the building of our homes. But it was not enough! Our Prophet tasted of the love between the Herd Mother and Her Protector; love so powerful it near-destroyed him. But it. Was. Not. Enough! Thus did we all ascend from the Darkness Below unto her Holy City of Canterlot! Now... now my brethren we stand before the Gates of Heaven - the Holy Gates of Her mighty Citadel wherein She dwells with Her Protector - where with Her blessing we might learn to live among Her Children and take upon ourselves Her Divine Beneficence..."

As he made to continue speaking, however, a young female changeling - clad in the equivalent of denim jeans and a leather vest festooned with pockets - noticed Celestia and Daniel standing behind the Gates. "Elder, Elder!" cried she with joy. "The Herd Mother is here with Her Protector; Dan'yel! They choose to grace us with Their presence!"  Her cry soon alerted more and more of the changelings to Celestia and Daniel's presence and - upon seeing the radiant Solar Diarch and her beloved standing there - from within the ranks of the Swarm a rousing cheer began. A moment later, the Elder whirled about... and when he beheld the Solar Princess stood at the Gates of the Palace he inhaled sharply. Then, "Herd Mother..." he breathed, reverently. A moment later, upon seeing Daniel at her side, he fell to the ground, eyes clouding with tears as he began to weep. He was here. This was real. The Word of the Prophet had been true! The Great Journey undertaken by him and his small swarm was finally at its end. With all his heart he knew - by the Herd Mother's Grace - that they all would be safe. "Behold!" cried he through his joyous tears. "Behold the Herd Mother! Behold Hu'man Dan'yel, the Protector of the Great Mare!" Overcome with emotion at having reached the end of their journey, as they looked upon those whom would save them, the Swarm erupted into celebratory cheering. Then - as a flabbergasted Celestia and Danial looked on, their jaws dropped with disbelief - the swarm began to sing, their two-toned voices harmonizing in a beautiful choir:


Will the circle be unbroken
By and by, by and by?
Is a better home awaiting
In the sky, oh in the sky?

In the joyous days of foalhood
Oft they told of ponies' love
Pointed to the Princess Saviour;
Now they dwell with Her above.

Will the circle be unbroken
By and by, by and by?
Is a better home awaiting
In the sky, in the sky?

You remember songs of hive life
Which you sang with changeling voice.
Do you love the hymns they taught you,
Or are songs of Herd your choice?

Will the circle be unbroken
By and by, by and by?
Is a better home awaiting
In the sky, oh in the sky?