//------------------------------//
// Introducing your Neighbors 
// Story: Unforgotten 
// by Riddle-Me-Think 
//------------------------------//


I do not own My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic





Using a pencil to check each box out on her list, Twilight gave a pleased smile at the number of work finished over the lest few days. Glancing up she called, “How are things looking from up there Rainbow Dash?” Eyes going over the streamers hanging from overhead.

“Pretty good Twilight.” Rainbow Dash called back down while hanging another set of streamers in the barn rafters. Looking down, she could spot her other friends and a number of Ponyville’s changelings working inside the Apples barn.

Gliding down and giving a slight yawn, the athletic pony shook her head and did what she could to stay awake. She had just flown back from Clousdale after her goodbye hug to both parents and left fairly early in the morning. After such a fast flight back home, she was ready to have a nap… That was only if Pinkie Pie didn't catch her and drag her over to help with this sudden party.

Looking about again, she wondered over to Twilight and asked, “What’s this party over anyways, Pinkie didn't explain slow enough while dragging me here.” Letting her eyes drift to a few clouds floating about.

Not looking up from her list and writing down a few notes, Twilight completely missed the other pony’s tiered gaze telling, “I was thinking about how we could ease the ponies in town with the changelings that lived with them. And I thought maybe a party would work.”

Smiling once more at her work, Twilight tucked the pencil away and looked over her notes one last time, turning to the pegasus mare, “After all, Pinkie Pie’s parties seemed to always—”

Getting a good look at Rainbow Dash, Twilight stopped her talking and asked, “Rainbow, are you alright, you look a bit tiered.” Regaining her friends attention some.

Taking her eyes off the white plushy clouds over the apple trees and just outside the barn, Rainbow confusedly said, “Wha?” Thinking back to what was being said before waving off, “Oh, yea I’m cool. Just a little tiered from the flight back.” Giving another yawn mumbling, “Should have slept in…”

Hiding a small laugh behind her hoof, Twilight nudged the slightly tired pegasus mare, “How about you go home and get some rest?” Using a hoof to motion to all the current help, “I think we have things covered from here.”

“Come on Twilight, I’m not that—” Rainbow tried to say, but felt another yawn cut her off for a moment, finishing, “—Tired…” Blinking a few times to try and keep her eyes open.

Seeing Twilight’s expecting face, Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes, “Fine, I’ll go get some rest.” Eyeing the clouds outside, “But if ya need me or you're starting the party, I’ll be napping in one of those clouds.” Zooming out before Twilight could say a word.

Watching the speedster pick a cloud and dropping like a sack, Twilight could only conclude her friend was going to be out in just a few moments. Wishing the mare to have a good rest, Twilight turned back to the party in the works. So far, half the changelings had agreed to participate and perhaps reveal themselves to their pony neighbors during the party.

There were still a few nervous about showing themselves, mostly out of fear of being ostracized from the ponies they cane to call friends or family. It was a possibility, Twilight realized, but it was also something that had to be done. Masquerade had a point in his letter, and letting the townsfolk stew over the nature of changelings could be disastrous later on.

But I also can't just push everything on them all at once either… Twilight also told herself, glancing at one of the tables that had some supplies next to it. Using her magic to open the bags and boxes, Twilight went about setting the table, methodically making sure to set each object where it needed to be.

Just as Twilight was finishing up, and slightly straightening out a few things last second, a plate filled with cookies with blue and white frosting were set down. Looking to the large plate and seeing the green aura fade away, Twilight turned around to find the caster.

Giving a slightly shy smile from where she sat, the unicorn mare with a faded orange coat and faded blue curly mane gave a small wave asking, “I’m still not late to help, am I miss Twilight?” Curling her tail around her hooves as she did.

“Not at all.” Twilight reassured, giving the mare a look over, “I’m sorry I cant recall you…?”

“Cypher, Cypher Splash ma’am.” The slightly younger mare introduced herself, poking her hooves together, “We haven't had a chance to actually talk yet, I was mostly approached by one of your friends, Fluttershy.” And gave a quick glance about for the mare.

Taking a moment to think, Twilight said, “I don't think Fluttershy’s here yet. She might be still back home working.” Looking a bit thoughtful before saying, “But I’m sure she’ll be here later.”

Returning her gaze back to the lavender mare, Cypher nodded, “Alright… but while I wait, what can I do to help miss Twilight?” Seemingly sitting up a bit more as she waited for Twilight’s orders.

Lifting her list once more, Twilight said, “Well…we still need to get food ready, but I think we have some of that covered… The Apples are asking for some extra hooves to help with some work… and we need to spread word about the party in town.”

“I can do the last one!” Cypher smiled in some excitement and explained just as quickly, “I use to be a scout currier, and a really good one!” Quickly getting to her hooves, “I can have half the town knowing about the party in half an hour!” Getting into a running stance.

Blinking at the sudden speedy outburst from the disguised changeling before her, Twilight made a quick glance to where Dash was sleeping and back asking, “You can run that fast?” Both skeptical and a little surprised at such a clam.

With a challenging smirk akin to one of Rainbow Dash’s own, Cypher asked, “Do you know what a hyper caster is?”

Giving a slow nod, Twilight recalled, “According to Mask, hyper casters can use magic to boost their overall speed or reflexes.” Thinking a bit more and adding, “He also made it sound like you burn out faster too…”

Giving a light shrug, Cypher Splash told, “It does, but I’m use to using that kind of magic, so it’s not as bad when I first started using it.” Her shyness seemingly gone with the idea of going out and getting the word out.

With some hesitation, Twilight nodded but told, “Alright, just don't exhaust yourself.” Giving a pointed look to where her athletic friend was napping, “Don’t want to get tiered before the party happens.”

“Got it miss Twilight!” Cypher smiled, lighting her horn a pinkish hue and readying the spell she wanted.

Holding a hoof out some, Twilight started, “You don't have to—” feeling her words just drop and lose meaning as the unicorn suddenly bolted forwards, “—call me…miss…” Slowing down as she watched the speeding pony run out the barn door.

Blinking a few times, Twilight could honestly say she was surprised at the pure speed the pony had. Granted, Rainbow Dash was a lot faster, but it was still a shock to see a grounded pony move so fast in little time. Makes me wonder how changeling hyper spells are crafted… Twilight made a self note in her mind to ask Cypher to come over some time and run possible tests.

“Whewee, now thar’s a speedy pony that ain’t Pinkie or RD!” Apple Jack said while approaching with Ebony by her side, “Never did I think a pony could move like tha’.” Giving a look to Ebony saying, “Remind’s me of you an’ Ive runnin’ ‘bout, kinda.”

Letting out a small giggle, Ebony told the apple mare, “Sister Ivory and myself are like that changeling that left. We can utilize a form of changeling magic to make us faster.” Then turned her attention to Twilight bowing, “It is good to see you, friend Twilight.”

Looking away from the barn entrance and shaking off her surprise, Twilight greeted back, “Hello Ebony. How are you and your sister both doing right now?” Somewhat keeping in mind about the information she knew about the twins two-way link.

“At the moment, we are doing well.” Ebony spoke for both herself and her sister. She paused for a moment and said, “Ivory also is reminding me that the book you have lend us, will be returned later tonight.”

“Speakin’ of tonigh’.” Apple Jack spoke up, “Twi, how do ya plan on tellen’ all those ponies ‘bout changlin’s?” Fixing her hat slightly at the thought.

Though she’s done it herself on multiple occasions, Apple Jack knew how daunting it was to talk to an assembled town of ponies over some subject. This one in particular made her more nervous because of what might happen. Panic was the first response most in Ponyville had when it came to sudden changes that didn't make much sense. It was almost asking for trouble with what Twilight was thinking.

Walking up to her farming fiend and patting her shoulder, Twilight assured, “Don’t worry Apple Jack, I’m sure the citizens of Ponyville will understand things just fine after I explain the situation to them fully.” Beaming in absolute confidence in herself.

At Apple Jack's slightly uneasy look, Twilight further explained, “I had a talk with Mayor Mare about the while situation. Don't worry, it's completely under control.”





“Twilight’s doing what?” Daisy stood at the front of her home with her two friends, all three just standing in place at what they had been told.

Standing before them was Cypher Splash, who had been racing all over Ponyville for the last sixteen minutes, letting every pony she saw in sight know about about the party. To say, some got  a slight surprise at seeing the speeding pony wasn't Pinkie Pie.

With a smile that Cypher repeated, “She’s throwing a party and using it to help break the news about us to all the ponies without causing panic!” Showing excitement over the idea, despite her own nervousness over the idea.

Looking between her close friends, Daisy nodded, “Thanks Cypher. We’ll be sure to come.” Watching as the changeling runner vanished in a cloud of dust that was kicked up.

Leaning out the door frame and to where Cypher had ran off, Rose gave a low whistle saying, “Now I get how Pinkie Pie can run so fast.” Bringing her head back to look at the other two flower ponies, “She radiates the stuff that makes changelings cast that sort of magic?” Motioning with her head to the now gone changeling.

With a carless shrug, Daisy said, “Beats me, I just consider it some kind of Pinkie Pie thing.” Turning to go back inside the house.
Following behind, Lily was the next to speak up with, “Do you think Twilight can pull this off?” Following the darker pink mare into the kitchen.

Going about the kitchen and gathering some veggies, Daisy began to assemble a tray of food to bring for the party. Since it was a large gathering, she figured she could bring something to help contribute. But it was also something to use to think over what Lily had asked her.

Sighing, Daisy admitted, “Maybe…” Not sounding to sure in her words. True Twilight had brought the changeling in Ponyville together. And it was the same lavender librarian that got Celestia to consider not hunting them all down when she found out they weren’t extinct. She was also the same mare that helped repel the invasion on Canterlot and also give changelings a chance to show they really meant well.

Feeling a hoof on her shoulder that guided her to turn, she was met with Rose’s rather smug smile as she told, “Come on Daisy, this is Twilight. You’ve seen what she can do. No way this will go furbal!” Completely sure of her words.

Putting a few fruits and flowers onto the tray Daisy was putting together, Lily added, “She also has some of us ponies to help smooth things along.” Slightly arranging a few flowers more neatly as she mentioned, “Like Rose and I.”

Taking a moment to consider this, Daisy nodded along, “Yeah, I guess she does…” Felling more of her nerves calm down.

Daisy knew she had to believe in Twilight Sparkle to make things right in their little town. She and her friends often did on their own accord, even if they caused a few disasters of their own.  But that was despite the point, the point was they did what they could for those of Ponyville because it was their home to help.

And if she does convince them all to accept us…we might be able to help out more. This last thought made the daisy loving changeling smile. Having no worries about being discovered by the princesses, and then no worries about being ran out of town if seen… We can help protect Ponville more, like we wanted to.

Seeing the smile growing on the darker pink mare, Rose gave a pat on Daisy’s back saying, “I see our pep talk got ya feeling better?” Taking up their put-together plater of food onto her back.

Giving her fellow florets a nod, Daisy agreed, “It did. Thanks.”

“Good.” Lily chimed in with a large smile, “Now lets go, I don't want to miss the party when it starts!” Eagerly heading for the door.

Rolling her eyes, Rose whispered to daisy, “Think she’s going just for the free food?” Making her way towards the front door and gaining a slight smirk.

With a knowing look in her eye, Daisy asked, “And we’re not?” Making both Rose and herself to start laughing. She may have been changeling, but she did enjoy the confections ponies made.





After checking another box off her list, Twilight felt slightly surprised that everything for the party itself was done. The interior of the barn was set up with tables stacked with food and drinks and a few games. The front yard had a number of strewn lights over head, providing light later in the evening and to flash a number of colors to give it that party vibe.

A number of tables were also set out around the yard, giving spaces for ponies to eat and drink, whilst they talked and ran off to maybe dance. Nearby a stage was set up, the same one she herself would announce the reason for the party.

“I have to say Rarity, I didn't expect to be done this soon.” Twilight told the white mare beside her, who was making sure the lights were secure in the place she hanged them. Thinking about it though, the lavender mare supposed she had the twenty or so changelings that were heaping.

Finishing her last bit of wrapping the lights around the post and plugging it it, Rarity agreed, “Nether can I darling, but you must admit, things did pick up with all the help we have.” Casting her eyes over her shoulder to a number of changelings in their pony forms.

Shaking her head, Rarity continued, “I must say, they also seemed egger to help you on this, even with their slight misgivings about showing themselves.” Turning a critical eye over her previously finished task.

With a sudden weight being placed on her, the upperclass unicorn almost fell on her face from the force and had to catch herself from falling. Turing around, two amused eye belonging to a familiar tomato vendor looked down at her, a smirk showing on her lips.

“Can you blame them Marshmallow, their only telling their biggest secret to everypony in town.” The tan mare know as Roma, waved a hoof around while leaning on Rarity.

Slightly grunting at the weight the earth mare was putting on her, Rarity gritted out, “Yes, that is understandable…” Trying to shrug off the tomato vender, hissing, “Now would you please get off of me!”

Chuckling, Roma letup on the seamstress, literally soaking up the irritation Rarity was sending her way. Granted, Rarity liked to say Roma was a friend, but the mare seemed to enjoy irritating her to no end. The thought of switching her to an acquaintance had crossed Rarity’s mind a few times.

Twilight somewhat shook her head, moving next to Rarity and asking, “Did the other changelings agree to show themselves during the party?” Taking the same moment to look to the curtained stage that was set up.

The plan Twilight had in mind was to have a few changelings hide behind the curtain of the stage in their original form. Then, she would have the curtain open  to show them all. Twilight would then ask them to come forwards and show who they were before returning to their chitin covered form. She felt it was better than having them change amongst the crowed, which could spark panic.

Even when Roma went to reply, a tall and thin blue stallion walked past her and informed, “Most have, but some still wish to remain anonymous for a while.” Standing a little taller and telling, “Roma and I happen to be two of those ponies.” Fixing his dark blue vest with a hoof.

“You mean changelings, Toe-Tapper.” Roma reminded with a deadpan look, “After today, we’ll be called out on that. I wont mind 'cuse not many ponies like me anyways.”

Giving the tan mare a blank look of her own, Rarity stated, “Perhaps if you were a little more friendly and didn't threaten to do bodily harm, more ponies would appreciate your compony.”

For a moment, Roma just stood in place and stared at Rarity for a good long minute. After that said minute was up, she promptly feel to the ground laughing up-roaringly at the very idea.

The three watched as Roma rolled on the ground laughing, while Rarity sighed, “Is it too much to ask, for her to try and be more civil?” Placing a hoof to her face as Roma only laughed a bit louder after that was said.

Letting out a small chuckle, Toe-Tapper told, “From what some of the changelings say, it probably would be.” Mentally shaking his thoughts to get back to business. “But to answer you fully Twilight, more than half of us are willing to show ourselves.” 

At this new, Twilight smiled and nodded, turning around and heading for the barn. Though her list was filled out, there were a few things she wanted to talk over with her friends. She also needed to wake Rainbow Dash latter. The pegasus was no doubt still sleeping in the same cloud as before.

Entering into the large building, Twilight looked about the room with straw bales, tables and changelings-in-pony form. Still looking around, the lavender mare could also pick out a number of games located in a corner of the barn and a few spare party supplies.
Moving over to a group of ponies, Twilight asked, “Have either of you seen Pinkie Pie?”

Giving one another short glances, each pony only held their hooves up or shrugged in uncertainty, showing they didn't have a clue. Huffing a little, Twilight turned away and began searching other places of the barn, calling out for her pink friends name. Seeing she couldn't find her, Twilight turned around once more, finding two blue eyes blocking her vision.

“Gah!” Twilight yelped, backing away at the sudden invasion of space as the pony before her giggled. Calming down from her shock, Twilight rounded on the pink mare, “Pinkie Pie—” Feeling her words drop off and turning her head to the side asking, “Why are you hanging upside down and tangled in rope?”

Still giggling from her spot in the air, Pinkie told, “I was setting up the piñata, silly!” Pointing up to where her poofy pink tail was tied up with much of the rope, “But I kinda slipped and fell when you called my name.” Pointing with a hoof to the rafters.

Looking up to where Pinkie was pointing, Twilight was given view to a few piñata’s hanging over head, each one as bright as the party was going to be. Following one of the ropes that were strewn all over from above, Twilight tracked it back down to Pinkie Pie and where she was hanging.

While Twilight was doing this, the pink party mare continued to prattle on, “I tired to say something, but I was holding the rope that was holding me up, so when I did I fell down. It felt like bundgy-jumping, only I didn't bundgy or jump during it at all—”

Lighting her horn with magic, Twilight carefully undid the rope holding her friend up off the ground, not bothering to make any comment to any of Pinkie’s ramblings. All she did was listen and nod along, picking out the important bits of information form the random bits.

“Rainbow Dash was also suppose to help, but she’s not here for some reason, do you know where she went, did somepony ask for her help, did she have something to do, did she—” Seeing a lavender hoof being raised, Pinkie stopped her talking and waited for the librarian to speak.

Placing the hyperactive mare on the ground, Twilight said, “Rainbow Dash was tiered from her flight back, so I let her go and get some sleep.” Motioning to entrance of the barn, “She should be on one of the clouds outside. When we’re ready, I’ll have Fluttershy wake her up.”

“Also, I wanted to ask you something.” Twilight continued in a professional tone, “I don't expect the rest of the ponies in Ponyville to accept our changeling friends immediately, So I wanted to you try and keep them calm if any signs of panic show. Can you do that?” Giving an expectant look to the party mare.

Her face turning serious and standing at attention while clicking her hooves together and saluting, Pinkie Pie hung out her tongue and smiled, “Ready for duty, commander Twilight!”

Slightly giggling to herself, Twilight returned with a playful salute of her own and told, “I expect you to be ready at sixteen-hundred hours.”

“Ma’am, Yes Ma’am!” Pinkie Pie returned, breaking out of her stance. Looking up she said, “Back to work!” Bouncing off to find a ladder or some stilts to continue her work, humming as she went.

Letting out one last laugh, Twilight watched her cheerful friend bounce off for a while. Looking up at the piñata’s overhead, Twilight called, “Hold on Pinkie Pie, let me help.”





When the time finally rolled around for ponies to start coming, did a number of the changelings begin to take their place behind the stage curtain. Some gave hesitant looks to one another, changing back into the form they were born with. For some, it  was relieving to have their hard shells and gossamer wings back.

For others, it felt as if they had taken off their safety-harness while they stood near the edge of a cliff without any magic or wings to catch them. This was the feeling Cypher Splash was having right now, as she looked over her insect like body that caused some sense of unease in her mind.

It had been so long since she had taken off her disguise, and even longer since she seen another changeling. Though seeing more of her kind around made her slightly elevated, it also made her feel fear. Without the same exuberant energy she used to power her magic earlier, her worries had all bubbled back to her mind.

Fear of being seen as a monster in the eyes of the ponies. Fear that one of these many changelings might have a grudge on her vanished clan. Fear that those she had come to make and call friends turn on her and claim she only wanted them so she could stay fed, and nothing else…

So caught up in her thoughts was she, that Cypher Splash didn't notice the two sets of hooves being placed on her, making the young mare jump slightly.

“Hush and still yourself, we mean not to scare you.” Two voices buzzed in a hypnotic whisper on either side of her head, “We could feel your worry, so we came to see if both my sister and I can help calm you.” Slowly massaging her shoulders and back.

Slowly calming down, Cypher Splash turned her head left to right to take in both changelings on either side of her. When she did, she felt the need to bow, or do something of the sort. For next to her were Ivory and Ebony, two of the changeling heirs that had made Sweet Apple Acers  —and by extension Ponyville— their home. That was excluding the fact they still had a clan, a prominent one at that, making her feel small in comparison.

With a shaky breath she told, “Y-you don't have too…” Trying to decide to pull away and not let the two heirs fret over her, or stay put and let them do as they pleased. It was hard to figure out what to do, as she didn't want to insult them by just pulling away.

Feeling the conflicting feelings in the common before them, both Gem twins giggled, putting their hold riddled hooves around the younger changeling telling, “Relax Cypher, we only are concerned for you.” As Ebony slowly nuzzled the commons cheek with her own and Ivory patted Cyphers silky mane.

Slowly but assuredly, the common began to calm down and bask in the familiar feeling she had longed for, for so long. The feeling of being surrounded by family, by a clan. The feeling of just being accepted into the awaiting arms of others that cared only for your growth, and making her want to return such a gift.

Feeling the mare’s body slightly lax and unwind from the stress, both sisters backed away, with Ivory telling, “We may not be your clan, or your family…” Taking a hoof into her own and patting it, while Ebony continued, “But we are willing to lend ourselves to your needs. Tell us, and we will do what we can.” Petting at Cypher’s slightly curly mane.

Looking between the two for a moment, Cypher gave a grateful smile and nodded to both heirs, feeling she could trust their word. 
Feeling a new hoof being placed on her shoulder, Cypher turned her head to the new changeling before her. This one was a common like she was, only more older and stood with a slightly coiled body that seemed to show some aggression. A smirk played out on this changelings lips, as she patted her shoulder.

Even if Cypher seemed more calmer, Roma decided to join in with the little group gathering and try and reassure the mare herself some. “Relax twitchy, Twinkle’s out there got this covered. You have nothing to worry about, like those twins said.”

A head soon peeked in from the outside of the curtains, and Twilight’s face could be seen as she asked the assembled changelings, “Is everypony ready?” Taking a quick glance back out, “We’re ready out here, but I wanted to make sure you are all ready to get started.” All around, various changelings shifted about and looked at one another, almost asking silently if they were ready for this.

Looking at the changelings around them, both Ivory and Ebony knew what they had to do, and both stood giving a light buzz of their wings. It was low, and though it was not loud, it caught the attention of all the changelings in the confined space closed off only by curtains.

With all their attention on them now, both of the Gem sisters gave each common a glance over with their cat-eyes. To Twilight’s slight amazement and curiosity, the commons seemed to just relax or stand straighter at their gaze. When the Twins finished looking about, they turned to Twilight and nodded, “We are ready as we can be, friend Twilight.”

Returning the nod, Twilight pulled back out and readied for the next part. Looking out at all the ponies in the assembled crowed, the lavender unicorn took in all the ponies that had taken up seats at the tables that were set out. Most had groups of families, and while others had groups of friends. Some had the mix of the two, or just a random group that couldn't get a table in time.

Twilight took another glance around, seeing her friends standing around and ready to support her. Pinkie Pie in particular was sitting up on one of the posts, using binoculars to spot any trouble. Well, at least Pinkie Pie’s taking her job seriously, Twilight giggled in her mind while taking a calming breath.

Holding herself up more, Twilight walked up to the mike and called, “Good evening Ponyville.” Gathering the assembled ponies attention to the stage.

Seeing she had garnered their interest, Twilight continued on, “I would like to thank you all to take the time to gather at this little gathering my friends and I have made.” Motioning with a hoof amongst the crowed to point out her friends.

While the ponies did this, Twilight’s voice could be heard telling, “But this is more than just a gathering, this party is to help reintroduce some ponies you know, and maybe take a chance to talk to them again.” At this, the assembly glanced around at one another, wondering if that was the reason for such a large spread invite.

“I know you must be thinking of the ponies next to or at your own table, but who I am talking about are those you knew, but not completely.” Behind the curtains that hid them all, the changelings shifted and buzzed in slight anxiety at what was to come. The only two that seemed calm were the two Gem sisters, sitting tall and looking rather happy at the turn of events. Inside though, they felt the same trepidation their fellow changelings were giving off.

But we must set an example, the sisters chorused in thought, making sure to keep themselves poised as the time drew nearer. Glancing to the side, Ivory spotted Cypher Splash next to her, fidgeting slightly and her wings lightly vibrating a low buzz.

Using a gentle hoof, the white changeling heir placed a hoof on Cyphers own, startling the younger common some. Glancing to whom had touched her, she calmed slightly at the understanding smile Ivory sent to her.

While she could not see it, Twilight could certainly hear the very low buzz behind her, and making her feel slightly nervous as well, though not in the same way. She held her smile though, unctuously acting much like her own teacher did even when faced with an unknown reaction about to happen, saying, “Without further ado, I would like to introduce Ponyvilles own changeling residence!”

Looking to the side, Twilight gave a slight nod, signaling three fillies to suddenly work in tandem to pull down the rope. With a steady pace, the curtains pulled away and showed the changelings behind it. At first the crowed nearly froze at the words of ‘changeling’ being mentioned with their home. Now, most of them openly gaped or gasped at the changelings showing on stage and next to Twilight, while others looked on with some curiosity, only having slight hints of fear.

Knowing that the silence that would follow would only build tension between the two groups, Twilight continued to carry on, “I know some of you might be nervous, or even scared with the recent news of changelings.” Turning her attention back to the assembled bug-ponies, most of which looked a bit frightened. Sighing Twilight said, “But I want you to know, they are just as nervous and scared as you are right now, because they are coming out of hiding for the first time in years.”

The ponies in the audience looked about with eyes darting about, some considering to maybe bolt, while others were seeing if any would run. Twilight could see the signs, the same that had become familiar to her over the last two years, and knew she had to stomp it out.

Making short eye contact with the Gem sisters, Twilight calmly said, “With that said, how about we get to knowing your fellow townsponies again with some self introduction?” Waving the two heirs over.

Blinking at this, the two sisters walked up to the mike, their movements tracked by all the eyes in the crowed who watched them like hawks. When they reached where the microphone was located, Twilight politely stepped aside and let the two take up their place and spoke in perfect unison.

“We are are the Gem sisters.” With Ivory placing a white hoof on her chest, “Ivory.” Followed by her black sister who mimicked her, “Ebony.” And with a flash of green fire that startled the crowed slightly, both pegasi sisters bowed, “We are of the Gem clan, and now live with the Apple Clan.”

Giving out cheerful smiles that only highlighted their charming looks, they continued. “We like apples, our Beau and those we respect.” Then shifted into more serous faces, with Ivory saying, “I dislike mud and too much purple.” While Ebony told, “I dislike the color pink and frogs.” Then they both finished with sly smiles, “And our dream is to have a big family with the help of our Beau.”

At this last line, Bic Macintosh, who was taking a drink of some punch, choked and spluttered in shock. Next to him, one of his long time friends, the school mare Cheerilee, looked between shocked at finding out who the gem sister were, and laughing at Big Mac’s reaction.

Bowing one last time, the two sisters said, “We look forward to having time to know you if full.” Opening their wings to fly off the stage and glide over to the table Big Mac was now finishing his coughing fit. Landing and slightly circling the larger stallion, they seated themselves to both his left and right, leaning on either side of him with closed eyes. Ebony though, opened one of her eyes to look at a staring Cheerilee, and gave a small wink and smile before nuzzling Mac’s red fur coat.

Well…that was different. Twilight thought while staring in surprise at the two Gem sisters and their…rather forward feelings about Macintosh. An equal amount of ponies also looked both shocked and confused by this, unsure how to take information.

Seeing this as a chance —one Twilight suspiciously believed the two sisters had planed for— Twilight waved over the next changeling to take stage.

While most stayed in their place, Roma rolled her eyes at them and walked right up to the mic. Her rather aggressive movements showed with her original form, making her look the part of a predator a bit.

Standing behind the mic and giving a board stare over the ponies, Roma bluntly told, “I know most of you, and most of you know me.” Flashed into her pony form stating, “I’m Roma, and no I will not drop my tomato prices because I’m a changeling. Got it?” Then walked off stage and off to the sidelines to watch.

Somewhere in the crowed to make sure nothing went wrong, Rarity faced-hoofed at Roma’s actions. It was a wonder to the fashioness how Roma could have any friends in town with such a crude personality. This did make the mare stop and consider, now that I think about it, I don't think she ever introduced me to any… Pondering as to what that meant.

Twilight also felt the need to face-hoof too, feeling Roma’s bit did nothing at all. So she cast a new look of pleading into the changeling crowed, hopping one of them would do something to fix this.

The next changeling to come out was taller than most of the commons, and had a familiar vest on him. When he stepped up to the mic, he fixed the blue tie some, clearing out his voice and smiling, “Hello, I am Two-Tone, but most of you know me better as Toe-Tapper.” Giving a small bow and also changeling back into his lanky blue stallion form. Rising from his bow he continued, “I was part of a clan that liked nothing more than to make songs day and night, and had come to Ponyville to share this gift with young foals and novice singers.”

Glancing over the poise before him, Toe-Tapper added, “I also would like to say that if any of you that are currently taking lessons under my guidance wish to leave, then I will be sure to pay back your fee of bits that you had spent for such lessons.” Giving a kind smile as he told, “With that said, I hope you enjoy the party.” Giving another bowed once more and left the stage.

Watching the tall lanky stallion making it to the ground, Roma simply said, “Smooth talking there, Tapper.”

Turing a kind smile to the blunt mare, Toe-Tapper told, “Well, I felt I needed to cover for your slight blunder up on stage.” Chuckling lightly at Roma’s glare and grumblings.

On stage, changelings continued to go up and introduce themselves to the crowed. One by one they would show who they were and a few details about themselves. They would then disperse either into the crowed to find a open area to sit or wonder off to the barn for treats.

When it was her turn, Cypher walked up with lingering bits of hesitation, scanning the ponies before her and tasting their uncertainty that still was evident. With a gulp, she tried to keep calm and not be self-conscious of her position.

“I—” She tried to say, but making it come out as a slight squeak. Clearing her voice, Cypher tried again with, “My n-name is Cypher.” Taking in another breath and trying to keep her wings from buzzing, “Cypher Splash.” And transforming into her pony guise while turning her head away for a moment, as if afraid of angry shouts.

Instead, there was a loud and happy, “Hi Cypher!” Making the young mare open her eyes and locate who was calling her name. Near the center of the seated tables, was what looked to be a family.

One pony mare that looked younger than Cypher, and was a unicorn with a pink coat and purple mane. Seated near her was a grey filly with a pail blond mane, who was also a unicorn.  Then there was a brown stallion with a ruffled mane of even darker brown. It was the mare next to this stallion that was waving a grey hoof in the air without a care in the world. Her blond mane slightly shifting about and her two ember eyes that never seem to look in the same direction, and fluttering her wings slightly.

Hesitantly returning the wave, Cypher Slash called back, “H-hey Ditzy.” Feeling less self-conscious as all the ponies gave the mail mare a surprised look.

Using a hoof to scoop up something form the table, Ditzy began to wave the now identified muffin in the air calling, “These muffins Pinkie and I made are great, you have to come down and try some!”

Off to the side and with a relived laugh, Twilight began to believe that things would work out just fine during the party. If more ponies tried being like Ditzy, then she didn't have to worry like when they first started.