//------------------------------// // 3: Why am I... here? // Story: Help! I'm not a changeling! // by Ashardu //------------------------------// Help! I'm not a changeling! Chapter 3: "Why am I.... here?" Edited thanks to: Freddy Fazbear. I HATE MY NEW NICKNAME! Seriously? Who comes up with that!? Are they trying to mock me? Because, if they are, it is clearly working!! GAH! ...... ...... Hmph. ... Well, that is now out of the system. Guess the temperament runs in the blood. Talking about blood, I wonder how is Sebastian doing? I mean, last thing I heard of him was from my sudden drop to this world. Other than that, I really can't recall anything from him. Am I really dead, or is it just a coma like I theorized before? I don't care if I obtain a simple or complicated answer. I just want an answer, for all I care. .... Hm. That is weird. Why can't I think straight for the moment? ...Oh, right. I still have to know what did Ivy mean by `Fireball` that I apparently was so involved. What could that possibly mean? Not focusing on that issue, I merely shook my head as I headed to the guest room Chrysalis so kindly-- and rude-- gave me. At least I have to give her the medal of hospitality. She may be a queen, but she at least knows how to treat guests.... sorta. Actually she doesn't, but she gave me a room to sleep in, so should it matter? No, it shouldn't. Kudos to her. Being led by Ivy herself-- who asked permission to do so--, I soon found myself in front of a pair of small doors in comparison to the throne's. The girl walked to the front of the steel-made door, still holding the badge I so carefully picked up with my mouth with her magic, and looked back at me, giving me a heart-warming smile. "Well, this is where you will be staying for the mean time," she said, holding a satisfied tone under that cheerful and warm smile, "It may not seem like it, but you actually did good back there," "Huh? I did good? On what?" I asked, dumbfolded by her oblicous remark. Ivy simply shook her head, and giggled, which I found pretty cute for a very oddly looking sappient creature from another world. "You did good on standing your ground against my Queen," "Really? I'm not really sure you actually mean it. After all, your jaw was dropping, literally, to the marble floor," I pointed out, earning a cheerful surprised stare from her. "You saw that? I thought you didn't," the female changeling expressed, gaining a raising eyebrow from my part. The mare instructed me to follow her again with a waving hoof as she proceeded to enter the room, "Well, I would love to talk about all of this, but how about we get a little privacy?" "Privacy?" I thought, "But no one is around! Who could she possibly be meaning?" Following her from behind and entering the room, I inmediately noticed that such room was similar to the medical one. However, the difference in the room was mostly the color on the walls. While the medical one had a slight tone of red on them, this one is a bit more greenish. Not that I complain about it, mainly because green is one of my favorite colors. But it was different somehow. Taking a good glance at the architect design of the room, the place had a normal size expansion, allowing it to store a couple's life style. However, it was clearly under repairment, due to the cracks on the questionable marble walls. It had windows as well, allowing a better view of the badlands that we are currently walking on. It had no furniture or decoration that gave it a fashionable look, but hey, just because I'm a guy, that doesn't mean I dislike to look fabulous every now and then. Moving on, the conventional guest room had lots of empty spaces, waiting to have furniture or memories of their own placed upon such places. But I believe such thing won't happen for quite some time. Other than that, the room seemed perfectly fine! Hold on a sec... Why isn't there a be- Out of nowhere, Ivy, who was walking in front of me, motioned a stop sign. Don't ask how, she just did. Looking at me once again, she moved to the door and closed it with her head. Why did she do that with her head instead of her magic? I'll never know. But, hey, I don't care. "There! No one except us can hear us," she said, returning to the spot she originally stopped me before, "Now I can explain things with out any kind of interruption. But first, I have to ask. What would you like to hear first?" "About what?" I asked, pretending a confused attitude towards her. Ivy closed her eyes midway and her smile suddenly vanished. "Don't play dumb with me," ... so much for the disguise. "Okay, okay. You got me. I'll stop," "Thank you..." "Anyhow, you said I could ask anyything I wanted, right?" "Yeah," "Yeah is not an answer my ass," I shook my head and ignored the previous comment inside my head, "Well, since you allowed me to ask anything I would like, here goes nothing," I inhaled deeply and leaned my head backwards. "WHAT THE HECK DO YOU MEAN BY FIREBALL!?" Ivy covered her long, black ears, displaying them backwards and closing an eye. Once I finished shouting, she merely shook her head and frowned, "I'm going to ask you to restrain yourself from yelling like that. "Ow, my ears..." "Hmph," "Anyhow, I think you are refering to how you arrived," "I arrived in a fireball?" I asked, my curiousity being stronger than my anger. Ivy nodded and I stared into the nothing confused about this whole ordeal. 'How the heck did that happen? What's more, how did I survive?' I thought. Ivy must have percieved my confusion as she leaned her head sideways. Taking a small, but deep breath herself, she talked. "Yes, you did arrive in a fireball, if that is your question," she replied, taking a few seconds to add something else, "Our medic team made sure you were okay, despite the huge surprise we had when we discovered the crater and you in it," "I made a crater!?" I responded, a certain tone of shock leaving my voice and my mind as well. Just how the heck did I survived a long fall that even caused a crater!? I'm just a simple ma- I mean, changeling! Just how?, "How deep was it!?" "5 meter deep," Well, that happened. "Oh..... I... think I'll sit down for this one," I stated, refering more to myself than to Ivy, "This is gonna be quite a ride," "I think it already has been," she said, giggling a little for no apparent reason, "So, anything else you would like to ask?" Thinking it throughly, I knew I had to make the right question to get the answer I needed to survive this new onslaught, that was awaiting so eagerly my new and black flesh. Adjusting in my new seated position, I sighed, allowing my energies to recover after a long and stressful day. Or was it sleep doing wonders on me? I don't know anymore. Well, what kind of question would be the most important right now? Hmm... Maybe.... Hm. Here goes nothing... I guess. "How do we feed?" That must have been my most intelligent question I've done so far, today. Ivy stared at me as if someone just asked her what was the sun. Was my question that ignorant to them? Well, it must have been. They don't know I'm not actually a changeling, so it must be pretty confusing to them up to this point to ask such thing. Then again, I apparently 'HIT' my head today in a fireball incident that caused a 5 meter crater. Talking about crazy stuff must come with the whole package, shouldn't it? "W-Well, a-apparently, your head concussion must be one of the worst cases I have ever seen since in my life, so I'll cut to the chase," she said, recomposing herself from a breif time, "We feed on love," .......... .......... .......... What? "Hold on... we... feed on love? LOVE!?" Ivy nodded, leaving a very confused stage to my mind, "Bu- Ho- Just- Why- .... How!?" "We just do," she responded, unfazed by the conversation, "Whenever a being releases a stream of affection towards another being or object, they send love. That love, is our source of life. It's our way of feeding when we take that love, whether it is willingly or forced. We take the love out of the being and live with it. We do not kill them by taking their love, but too much love consumed from one being can cause the host to die. Of course, that would happen if more than one changeling absorbs the love source," I stared at her, taken back by the whole explanation that seemed logical, despite the impossible barriers across such thing, "Wow.... that was quite the information," "Thank you," she replied, leaning her head sideways and smiling. Oh, I can't get enough of that smile. Eventually, we both ran out of topics. I would have assumed that Ivy would leave when she finished doing what she had to do with me. Guess I was wrong.... as always. We both stayed there sitting, waiting for something else to happen. Which pretty much didn't happen. I knew this couldn't keep up. I had to do or say something. "So..." I added, trying to make the atmosphere less awkward than it is, "I guess love is only for feeding, right?" Ivy's ears perked up and she posed regally, for some reason, "Actually, it can do more," "Eh?" That, caught me off guard. It can do more!?, "Seriously!?" "But that will be for tomorrow, " she completed, leaving me in an even more confused stage than before, "With your instruction at the changeling school tomorrow, I'm sure you'll get the grasp of it. That is, if your brain can process things and still store them," Holding a poker face during her last, yet audible whisper, I noticed that my brain is having a hard time deciding whether that should upset me, or simple don't care about it. Ugh, my head is really starting to spin... Why do I feel so dizzy out of the sudden? I.... can't ... focus.... Ivy snapped of whatever thoughts she was having and gave me her full pledge of attention, "Eherm, anyways.... Right now, you should get some sleep. After all, we had a rough day with everything that happened today," "Well, yeah," I replied, nodding with her statement and feeling how is my body was agreeing as well, "I mean... I feel.... urg.... like.... sleeping is a GREAT idea..." Without any kind of warning, my body suddenly gave in, making my head bounce to the gravity's manipulation. Seeing how I collapsed in front of the mare, Ivy hurried to me and checked upon my body, trying to figure out what went wrong. Not that she will know anyways, but hey, she is taking care of me. Just like a mother would check her child or a lover would worry about... NOPE~! SHAKE THOSE THOUGHTS MAURICE! NO MEANS NO! NO EQUINE LOVER! NO SEAS UN IDIOTA! ('DON'T BE AN IDIOT!') SNAP OUT OF IT! ONE, TWO, THREE! FUERA! ('OUT!') NAHAHA, AECHICHICHICHI! ..... Okay, I'm done. "Are you okay!?" she said, holding a very concerned tone behind her voice, "What happened!?" Shifting from my cold, and hard ground location, I tried pushing myself up, hoping I could at least have the dignity to stand up after falling like a lifeless rock. However, such thing couldn't happen since I fell flat on my chest, despite my efforts of not falling down. Grunting at my hopeless efforts, I eventually gave up any chances of standing up. My body felt weak and a couple of hours ago, I was just fine. No injuries, no drugs-- None that I'm aware of--, no nothing. I had a normal conversation and suddenly I gave in to whatever force was pulling me down? This doesn't make sense... "Hey, knock it off! Don't try to stand up, Maurice," Ivy stated, placing a hoof on my shoulder, "Your body must be catching up with the huge impact from today's event. So, for all means, lay down. I'll bring the bed to you, okay?". "So, that is what was missing!" I thought, ignoring the pain allthewhile, "The bed in the room was gone! .... Why was the bed gone, anyways?" I nodded and Ivy's hoof left my shoulder as well as her leaving the room, leaving a somewhat empty feeling on me. Somehow, by having her hoof on me; my shoulder to be exact, I felt as if she knew what she was doing. A simple gesture is more powerful than it looks like... Heh, looks like Papá was right after all. The old fella has been gone for more than 10 years.... and he is still teaching me things. Heh, I love my parents. Hold on... what is that fuzzy feeling? What's more, why I suddenly feel attracted to it? ...Love? Is that love? But I've already felt love! Why is it so different now? Wait a second, I recall something similar during my chat with Mrs. Queen Chrysalis. When was the moment when I had this same feeling? Uh.... Oh right, it was when I was defending my mother. Right when I snapped at the queen, a small, yet detectable feeling-- such as the one I'm feeling right now-- was traveling my body like a river does with a mountain's trail. It felt so natural, yet it didn't. I paid no attention to it since I thought it had something to do with my new body's attributes, but now... it is more powerful than before! Is this what Ivy said about the love feeding? No... it can't be that... I mean, I know nothing about this, but I have a small hunch telling me that this can't be what she meant. It must be an adjustment to the new body... after all, changelings can't produce love themselves, right? .... r-right? Yeah, it must be that. Estupido cuerpo y sus nuevas funciones... ('Stupid body and its new functions....') Anyhow, I can't shake this lousy feeling... whatever it is. All I know is that it is related to love somehow. After all, the body doesn't lie. ............... ........ So... What now? Do I get to wait for her? That's it? ...Oh well. ................ ................ ................ ................ ................ Okay, this is getting boring. Let's see if I can get up now. Using my legs as support, I gently placed them below me attempting to have a better root base. All I need right now are inspirational quotes, and what better quotes than your own? "One... two... three! HIYA! C'MON! C'MON-C'MON-C'MON-C'MON-C'MON! TRUST IN ME.... WHO BELIEVES IN YOU! I HAVE THE POWER! GO-GO-GO!" I witnessed how my body was rising from the depths of the cold marble floor. It is working! "Almost there.... No!" *Thud* ".... ow," Well, that turned pretty well. So much for that. "Now what?" I asked myself, knowing that an answer would have been pretty dumb considering I made it for myself. If there is nothing I can do other than wait, then I shall wait, no matter how frustrating or boring it is. ....... ....... ....... Any second now.... ....... ....... ....... Okay, this is not going anywhere. I'm patient and all, but what can I do? Sleep on the floor? .... Actually that is a really good idea. Might as well- "I'm here!" -Completely forget the sleeping idea. Is there some kind of force in this world that is going to interrupt me every single time I have a clever idea!? Argh, let's just get this over with. "Doing better?" she asked, showing a caring attitude towards me. Feeling all of the lazy weight upon me, I nodded, my head still resting on the cold floor, "Good! I have your bed right here," Lifting my gaze, I noticed the female changeling standing on the room's entrance, holding nothing but thin air in her magic. With a big amount of effort, I darted everywhere to spot this particuliar bed she was speaking about. Finding nothing similar or related to bed of the sorts in sight, I deadpanned at her, letting her know where was such bed. She didn't say anything, so to speak. Ivy just gave me a wink and entered the room as if my question was unimportant to this situation. Of course, I wasn't going to let this one slip up just like that. Ohh, I was gonna get an answer out of it. Even I couldn't move at all! .... Oh wait. "So... where is this bed you are proud to speak of?" "Oh, can't you see it?" she said. Was I supposed to see something? "Um, no," "Hmmm, note to self: 'Maurice is really messed up'," she whispered. "Aja. Just make it visible, please?" I asked with sugar on top of it. ".... Fine," And just like that, a burst of light popped in the room, revealing a matrimonial sized bed at the end of the room, facing the door. Why was it that big, I may never know. But I do know one thing. IT'S ALL FOR MYSELF. "Hey, thanks!" I thanked the female changeling, which she gave me a sweet smile in return, "Um, can I request one more thing?" That earned a twitch from Ivy's ear, "What do you need?" "Since I can't move for God-knows-why reasons-" "God?" "Urk! I-I mean..." Yeah, that reminds me. This species may have a different concept of religion than me, obviously. Perhaps the word 'God' is unfamiliar to them? "I, uh... Forget that, it is not important," ".... Sure..." "Anyways, I would like to.... urg..." so much for my man pride, "If... you can levitate me to the bed. I can't move a few inches without falling on my ass every 3 seconds," The mare took the request openly minded and did as I asked her. Feeling the floor carefully opening a gap between me and it, little by little, I soon found myself on top of the soft, red bedsheets. Shaking like a little dog, I managed to hide under the blankets, laying down sideways. It was really comfortable, perfect for sleep indeed. You know, for such rough time I've been having, they do know how to treat their guests... in their own way. "Anything else?" asked Ivy. I shook my head, which looked more like a kid struggling with his own bedsheets. Maybe that is why Ivy is giggling again. Or maybe it's because I removed all of my sheets off of me. This wings are not helping either. The mare didn't ignore my problem and decided to place me and the bedsheets properly, mother style. A small, yet genuine smile appeared on her lips as she backed away. "Okay, I guess that is everything you'll need right now," Ivy remarked, and was apparently heading to leave the room since her hoofsteps were growing thinner and thinner. "Since you no longer have any requests of the sorts, I'll take my leave. I still have things to do. Before I go, I'll let you know that an escort will come for you tomorrow, exactly at 7 in the morning, got it?" "Got it," "Good. Oh, also, one last thing," This got my attention. "What is it?" "During your stay, we will deploy a group of personal guards for you as protection in the hive if anything goes south," she said, dropping any tone of kindness behind her unique voice, "They will be checking on you constantly. You won't see them, but they will easily spot you, no matter where are you. Don't worry, if something actually happens, they will appear in the exact moment you found yourself in danger, okay?" "My own protection crew?" I repeated, a little confused by this new discovery, "Don't you think this is a little extreme?" This earned me a stunned deadpanned look from Ivy. "You can't walk properly for more than 5 meters and you forgot how to cast magic, not mentioning that you are currently living in a hive where the weak are treated like dirt if you are not careful. Also, there is no way for you to counterattack or evade their magic until you learn how to use it as well, and you are telling a protection is not needed?" ".... I appreciate the offer. I'll take it," I responded. Ivy did a small 'Hmph' before saying that I needed more rest right now. Not wanting to disobey her-- and mainly because I want to sleep too, even if I have to shove my horn up the ass of anyone who dares to interrupt my sleep--, I gently rested my head on the pillow I missed early. Sleep was taking hold of me in a flash as my vision slowly faded, leaving my consciousness with nothing else than darkness surrounding me. After what it seemed to be like an eternity, I fell asleep. Tomorrow was gonna be a busy day, and I needed the most amount of rest possible for that day. Is it going to be like the military? What am I going to learn? Who I'm going to meet? Why can't I fall asleep already!? Those and many other questions plagued my mind, causing my rest to be a more exhausting one. Okay, I just have to ignore all those thoughts.... I need to sleep! C'mon..... IgnoreignoreignoreignoreignoreignoreignoreIgnoreignoreignoreignoreignoreignoreignoreIgnoreignoreignoreignoreignoreignoreignoreignoreignoreignoreignoreignoreIgnoreignoreignoreignoreignoreignoreignoreignoreignoreignoreignoreignoreIgnoreignoreignoreignoreignoreignoreignore. ...... ...... Finally... [2 HOURS LATER] ........... ... It has been a while since I slept this well. I mean, with everything that has happened, I'm surprised I managed to get a glimpse of sleep in the end. Certainly, things are about to relax for a change. I hope. *Hump*... *Hump*... *Hump* So much for that to happen... What... is that sound? *Hump*... *Hump*... *Hump* Is that... a hump? Is something bouncing? I mean, it feels like it is bouncing, on my bed nevertheless. But that brings me another very important question. What could be bouncing on my guest bed? *Hump*... *Hump*....... ... The humping stopped. What happened? "So, is this the new changeling I overheard? Wow, he is pretty cute..." Huh? A voice? Who, is, that? I never heard that voice before.... and I don't believe she is friendly. But I'll play along, just to see how far this goes. "I wonder how old is he..." I'm 23, soon to turn 24 in December 13th, thank you very much. Doing a basic check up of my surroundings, I sensed that the girl-- judging by the voice's pitch-- was laying near me. To my right side to be exact. This can't be good. "His body is... very strong... his scent is driving me a bit crazy... I like it," I DON'T! "Hmm.... I wonder... if he doesn't mind if I.... take a sample out of him," GO AWAY, GO AWAY, GO AWAY, GO AWAY, GO AWAY, GO AWAY! GO! AWAY! LET ME HAVE MY BEAUTY SLEEP. "But doing that right away is no fun... I wanna take a look at him better... I felt how she slowly removed the bedsheets off of me using her changeling magic. Once she had a decent view-- which I don't appreciate very much, mind you-- of me, I tried to stay still in my position, but she had other plans. The changeling somehow managed to make her magic as thin as air and turn my body towards the ceiling. Knowing that I couldn't fight back due to my lack of magic, I didn't struggle... yet. I knew a chance would eventually show up, but I had to wait until I could react. Still.... Oh! Nice hair, bad ass chest scar, cute face, strong body, adorable snoring... He is quite the catch," Really? My snoring is adorable? Oh, that is... Brrr, did it get colder out of nowhere? "I think this changeling is something else... something really good. I guess I could- Oh.. would you look at that? He is shivering! How terrible!" Yeah, nice moves. Talk to Broadway on your way out. Let me shiver in peace woman. "A changeling as cute as him can't have such punishment! Shivering is awful specially when nopony doesn't have another somepony to heat him up!" WUT. No, don't you think about it. GO. AWAY. "This calls for desperate measures!" Wait, what is she doing? "... Cuddling Measures...." OH GOD NO. THIS IS GOING TOO FAR. TIME TO REACT. YUP. PERFECT TIME TO REACT. I NEED TO GET OUT OF- ... WHAT. WHAT!? I CAN'T MOVE! CHRIST! HAVE I GONE INTO A MENTAL BODY PARALYSIS?! "Let me just... aja, there!" Oh man, she is right next to me! With one of her front legs on top me? Aw Christ, this is not good! I can feel her soft skin pressing against mine... The way her breathing caresses my neck with a comfortable touch... her gentle mumble under my chin... This ain't good. It's so embarrassing... I don't know how much I can deal with this... Please, just let me move... Please brain? With sugar on top of it? NO. "Ohh... he is so warm... I could get used to this," I wouldn't. Please leave me alo-o-o-one... "And he hasn't awaken yet! What a heavy sleeper this cutie is," I'm awake! I just... have no control of my body... I can't even open my eyes! Do I need a good motivation to move!? Isn't this enough!? Nope. "Ah... I feel as if I could fall asleep any moment now... Oh? What is this?" PLEASE TELL ME THAT IS NOT WHAT I THINK IT IS. "Well, somepony is happy to see me," IT IS, ISN'T IT!? CURSE YOU BODY! YOU BETRAYED ME ONCE AGAIN! "Well, I can't simply let him suffer like that, after all, he deserves a nice treat.... come to mama..." BUENO, ESO ES SUFICIENTE INCENTIVO PARA MOVERME, NO LO CREES CEREBRO? (WELL, THAT IS ENOUGH MOTIVATION TO MOVE, DON'T YOU THINK SO, BRAIN?) ... Si. Si lo es. (Yes, yes it is,) "RRRAAAHHHH!!!" "Whoa!" *thud* "I did it! I can finally move! Yes!" I said to myself, sitting on my butt and flailing my front legs up and down. I couldn't feel happier, I could finally move! Don't have a darn clue to what was holding me down and perhaps it was indeed the mental body paralysis, but I don't care anymore! THANKS BRAIN! We're cool. Now moving to a more important matter, I focused around my room to spot this intruding mare that was trying to have her way with me. Easily tracking the flipped over mare on the room, my victory cheer soon turned into a frowned expression as the female changeling was recovering from the sudden movement and throw she just had. I managed to hear a mumble during her recovering, while her face was scrunched into an irritating manner. After a good amount of seconds, she got back to her hoofs, rubbing her head and groaning allthewhile. It wasn't long before the intruder remembered where she was currently in. I had a better view of the female of the current situation. Taking a very slow turn towards me, I inspected her whole self. She was a changeling, duh. The skin was obviously black and with a small hint of white spots on her hind legs, next to the swiss cheese holes. Her wings and horn were no different. The only exception was perhaps the small scar on her left wing. It wasn't that big, but it was visible to anyone close to her. Her face was similar to Ivy's; however, she had a more curvy, round shaped head. A small fang popped out of her closed mouth and her eyes were blue, just like the others. Perhaps she had a slightly deeper tone of blue, but it was blue nevertheless. Her hair... that is a different story. One would assume all of the changelings would have short hair, whether it was a male or a female. But this mare had long green hair, similar to Chrysalis's. A bit shorter, but the same in the end. Also, it was more curvy on the end. Other than that, the female changeling in front of my bed was another one from the hive. After finally facing the almost molested changeling she was having her way with-- That is me, by the way--, the mare's expression changed several times, starting from confusion to fear and later to embarrassed. Growing a small apologetic smile, the mare stopped the head rubbing and stared at me with guilt. Well, after what she was about to do, she deserves to feel guilty. "Um, hi?" she said, her nervous smile never failing her. My expression didn't switch from deadpanned. I kept the stare to remind her of what she was about to do with my body, "Nice to meet you?" "Who are you and what did you think you were going to do with me, eh?" I stated. The intruder bit her lips and looked away, obviously trying to hide the fact that she almost raped me in my sleep. "Oh, I'm... Emerald," 'Oh hi Emerald! I was just wondering why were you trying to suck my little buddy for your own amusement, but I'll let it slide just to know you more!' I thought. It would have been easier to yell and tell her to get out, but I thought I needed to do a little more research just to be prepared next time. "Hello Emerald. As much as I would like to end this, what do you think you were doing? Most importantly, what were you going to do to me?" INTERROGATION TIME, START! "I... uh, was gonna... you know..." "Yes?" "Uh...." "Still waiting," "Help... you... out?" "With. What?" I know what I'm doing, and it's not the most clever thing to do, but I want to see her twist after her failed attempt with me. The girl seemed to struggle with the sudden turn of tables. Darting eyes from here and there, she looked like a kid figuring out a good excuse to the suspicious broken vase in the living room. And I love how they struggle. Ignoring the side thought of mine, I noticed how this was going nowhere. Whoever she was, I'm sure she must have a hidden motive to her sudden appearance in my guest room. Should I ask her real motive to the impromptu visit, or should I tease her more? It is a bit hard to choose between these two. .......... Eventually, I decided that she could explain herself, which could cause me to permit and accept any reasonable motive that might help me into forgiving her. After all, she isn't that bad looking and she may have been joking around. Although, that would be a likely story. "Hey," I said, drawing her attention more than needed, "It's okay, I'm not going to scold you or anything-- although I should-- but can you at least explain me the reason to why you are here?" Earning a more relaxed sight from her, she inhaled deeply and sighed just as well, letting out any kind of problems or troubled thoughts that plagued her mind. Emerald eventually relaxed for good and stared at me with a new found confidence in her navy blue eyes. "Well, if you must know..." I need to know, "I was just visiting the new changeling everypony is talking about," "New changeling? I-I mean, me?" I replied. Emerald nodded and leaned her head sideways. "It's just that when the meteor crashed near our badlands, we all were worried because rumors went that a foreign changeling was hurt in the process," she closed her eyes mid-way and went on again, "Apparently, this changeling was an important guest coming from an important hive, and was going to help us in our food crisis," Wait, is she referring to the crisis Chrysalis and Ivy spoke about earlier? Is it a food crisis? Man, that must suck. Wait. I'm now in this crisis. Well. Crud. "Anyhow, I knew that the changeling could be hurt and I didn't want him, you, to suffer so much. That is why I sneaked up the guards and entered your room to ease your pain. And to relieve any kind of tension you and I could have," "What was that?" "Nothing!" I gave her a suspicious look as Emerald grew a sheepish smile that connected from one ear to another. How did she do that? I may never know. What I DO know, is that she is trespassing territory out of her reach. Now, I have never been inclined towards authority when it came down to enforcing the law, but should I give her away? I mean, she just wanted me to be okay, despite not knowing the REAL ME and did nothing wrong-- save the rape issue. I should give her away, but something tells me not to. What to do? "You do know that what you are doing is wrong, right?" I remarked, earning a small flinch from her and stare to the marble floor, "Even if it was with the right intentions, you could easily get in trouble for this," Emerald didn't have any more excuses for her behavior, seeing how the mare shifted and fidgeted from one place to another. Her eyes were playing along as well, looking for a way to ease up the situation. If that mare was me, I would have been doing the same thing. Well, not technically, but a same route in the end. "I know, I know!" she said, never missing a detail of the room with her eyes moving everywhere, "I know it is wrong and perhaps my lustful actions may have given me a very bad impression, but hear me out, please?" Deciding to give her a second chance, I allowed it with a nod from me. She seemed to ease more. "It's just that... whenever somepony else gets hurt or in trouble, my mind is filled with worried thoughts, leaving me powerless to help that being in trouble. It makes my blood to boil... Also, due to everything we have been through recently, finding a male changeling that doesn't want to force his buddy down our throats without our permissions, it is really frustrating," Well, I don't know much about female anatomy, especially one from different species. But do they share the heat cycle, right? "After finding you, I knew you weren't like the others. Well, I had a feeling, but you know, instinct, am I right?" she looked at me with a sheepish smile. Despite her actions, she still managed to make crack a small smile and look away, shaking my head for her sense of logic. She sighed afterwards and continued. "I know. It doesn't add up to anything logical. But still, I had to see it for myself and well... here I am and not wrong for once." Emerald gave me a small smile and snickered for some reason.Her last phrase got me confused. Not wrong for once? "Not because you looked different, but also because your scent and aura are different somehow," Aura? What does that mean? "And with the crisis going on, it has been really hard to lower our lust," Oh, that explains a lot. If I knew changeling anatomy or chemical components in their body for that matter. But despite this explanation, why were Ivy and the queen so relaxed? Wait. Hold on. Oh... oooohhh.... "Your aura is different. Not violent, not rushed, not chaotic." If you only knew. "Unlike my some of my friends, your aura creates a relaxed feeling, where anypony could sleep right now and you wouldn't hesitate to find a blanket on whoever was near you." I looked perplexed at her, and began wondering how, or where did she got such explanation. "And how can you tell that?" "You don't know?" Emerald asked as I responded with a shrug, "Uh, it's right here. On your chest. Well, inside of it." "Say what again?" I looked at my chest where my scar was located and focsued on it. I couldn't see a thing, despite what she just said. But just for her sake, for some reason, I'll pretend to actually see it. "Huh. True." She sighed and looked at the floor, avoiding her gaze towards me. "Finding a male such as yourself that has an aura like that is really hard to find these days. I got excited to see such a charming soul, and well.... I'm not very good at controlling what nature dictates. That is why my lust got a hold of myself, and I'm sorry about it," ..... Aw, Christ, now I feel bad. "I don't know if you can understand, but I'm sorry if I caused more trouble than I should have. You have every right to do what you want with me and I won't do anything to stop it. You are far more important to the entire colony than me and I'll take the responsibility of my actions," Wow. She just sounded like Sebastian. After hearing that sentence, I can't help but see a bit of my brother in her. My brother is usually the one that worries more about the others than himself. Most of the times. Even if it causes him more strife than relief. But in the end, he never expected a reward in return. Selfless and bit of self-loathing, she is like him in that way. Looking at her brings nostalgia, making me remember those times where my bro would usually put the blame for himself instead of me or anyone else. He really cared about others, and this mare is proving me the same thing. How could I possibly give her away? "You know I have to report the authority about this, right?" I said, earning another rightful flinch from her, "What you almost did was rape, to your own kind nevertheless, and you should feel bad for it," "I.... I'm sorry. I'll be taking my lea-" "BUT!" "Huh?" "I won't do that," "Wha? Why?" GENTLEMAN MODE, ACTIVATE. "Cuz', what you did was an honorable action," I explained, while Emerald was utterly confused about this whole ending, "Yes, you broke the rules, ignored any kind of protocol... that your people must have... and almost let your lust get a hold of yourself... but you did it for another pony, for that pony's health that you don't know at all, other than yourself. That takes a lot of courage, specially for a girl like you," Looking dumbfounded by this, she raised a hoof from her spot and gave me hopeful eyes, "So, what are you going to..." "What I'm about to do, is that you are free," There, I said it, "I'm not going to call the authority, nor put you behind some mountain jail for this. I honestly couldn't do such thing, because if I did, I would be prick. A huge, prick and jerk. With a right to do so. But nevertheless, a huge prick. I appreciate your help and I'm honored to have a beautiful mare worrying for me like that. Now go on, leave before someone shows up," Bleh, that took a lot out of me. I don't recall being such a drama-lover. That usually goes for Sebas. I don't know if I said something important or vital in that last speech, but it certainly did something to Emerald. Why, you ask? Well, is very shining eyes a normal thing? And fully extended wings as well? Not forgetting to mention, a few sparks leaving the tip of her horn? No? "I.... I don't know what to say..." she replied, staring at me with that same shocked expression. I'm still kinda scared by how long these ponies can stretch their own features, you know? "You don't need to say anything, just leave before something actually happens," "Uh... o.. okay! Thanks a lot! Mister..." Aw crap. Here we go. "Mister Fire, Emerald..." "Okay! Thanks Sr. Fire!", the changeling took off from her place and headed to the window, "I'm sorry if I caused too much trouble!" I shook my head and smiled, letting her know I forgave her earlier behavior, "You didn't cause too much trouble, don't worry about it. Go!" "Okay! I hope we meet again one day!" and with that, she took off. I kept staring at the window and sighed, knowing I almost got raped tonight. ...That sounds a lot of worse than I thought it would. But that is okay. She didn't mean to. At least, that is what it looked like. But just like I said previously, 'The eyes are the gateway to the soul,' or maybe that applies with aura thingy? Meh, it's something like that. Ivy is a good example. Or maybe I've been too friendly. In any case, I don't have any reason to miss any more sleep. I should go back to bed. ....Wait, what is that? It looks like a badge of some sort.... Let's see... Using my still numb body as support, I leaned towards the edge of the bed and inspected that small shimmer. It looked like a... an ID? Could it belong to Emerald? It can't be... the mare on the picture profile is different! What could it mean? Did she steal from some... pony? But how did she hide it? Do changeling have pockets that I'm not aware of? Regardless, it has reason for it. I hope it doesn't mean anything wrong... or dangerous. I thought of grabbing the ID, but I remembered the event from... is it already tomorrow? I can't tell. But I certainly can't pick it up. DAMN YOU FINGERLESS EXTENSIONS! Knowing I couldn't pick it up, I merely shoved it below the bed, with me still on top of the bed's edge. Once I managed to hide the ID under the bed and its blankets, I made a mental note of its location. I might need it later, but I currently have the badge Chrysalis gave me, so it is useless for now. Right now, sleep is intended. ..... You know? Ivy is right. "Maybe I do need protection after all..." I mumbled, not before sleep held me in its slender, yet soft arms. I was out like a light. There is just one question that will plague me in my nightmares.... Why am I... here? --------------------------------------------------------------->>>EMERALD<<<------------------------------------------------------------------- Gliding from Mr. Fire's room, I subtly landed in my house's room, mine to be precise, nearby the queen's castle. Once inside, I spotted the familiar sight I've seen for the past 5 years. My single bed with sheets on top of it, my drawer with several books on top of it, a mirror on the far side of the room and Star, a doll I obtained during one of my missions. I kept it since I thought I could use the company, even if it was an imaginary one. And last, but not least, the pair of windows on one of the walls, where I came from the left. Living in one of the houses near the castle does come in handy. Sure, it's nothing like the hotel I stayed in Canterlot, but it's mine. Even if it has a selection of arrogant and selfish nobles in the neighborhood. Those guys really stepped up the notch in their unsupportable attitudes ever since when we lost the battle for Canterlot 6 months ago... We all wonder what happened to our queen the moment we returned home... after seeing how half of the hive decided to leave us for their own purposes or reasons, I would personally say Queen Chrysalis was devasted or worse. I would be too if half of my population decide to leave my kingdom. What's more weird, is that our queen began to show more emotions than usual ever since our defeat... colder, expresionless, self-loathing... it takes quite a strong will and great determination to keep ruling after the whole ordeal she had to deal with in the aftermath. Most would have given up, but despite everything we suffered, despite the whole crisis we are going through, she didn't give up-- no, she HAS NOT given up on us. Queen Chrysalis is really strong, and I admire her for that. I wonder if our queen has already moved on from her last encounter with him... Talking about males, I can't believe Ast and Root tried to have their way with me today! But their weakened state didn't help them in the least. I easily took them out with a pair of kicks. I swear, I sometimes believe those two changelings are always thinking with their shaft more than their brains... Ahh.... But him... Mr. Fire is not like them.... he really proved to be a gentlecolt... even when he had all the reasons to send me to jail, he didn't... Instead, he allowed me to leave with a sweet smile on those beautiful lips of his... was I really heading to the castle to actually treat him, or was the heat speaking for me? What am I gonna do about this heat? I really wish I could be held in his legs, brushing my green mane, looking for a way to feed while I snuggle up in his chest... .......... HUH!? What am I thinking!? I just met him! Emerald, get those thoughts out of your head! I'm not that desperate! .... But I'm hungry... Perhaps we all are. Anyways, I should, too, get some sleep. After all, sneaking up to so many guards can do a lot to somepony. Might as well do the same. Which reminds me, what time is it already? Looking up at the deep blue sky, I started analyzing the position of the moon high in the stars. Judging by the position and location it is currently, I would say we are.... currently 5 hours until the sun rises!? Since when did time flew by!? I have to work tomorrow! Why did I allow my curiosity get the best of me!? ARGH, this always happens to me! C'mon Emerald, stop wasting time, I have to get some sleep! Moving away from the window I came through, I walked towards my small bed with the familiar sights of my rusted leather sheets I earned 14 moons ago. I was on a roll that day! Withdrawing the sheets, I was about to roll in the bed and let the lights knock me out, when all of the sudden, my senses went like crazy. Despite my need to sleep, I remained awake and prepared myself for any kind of situation. A shadow appeared on my window, knowing this from the light that the moon was providing and quickly vanished before I knew anything else. I thought I was crazy when I saw the figure vanish just like that, but perhaps my lack of love was playing mind games with me. Real or not, a shadow came and left. Looking back at the window, I was expecting a male popping out of the it and try to take his prize. Fortunately, after plenty minutes went by, my heartbeat slowly began to diminish, clearing my head of any sudden danger. I would have easily missed the letter on the floor if hadn't been careful. ... Wait, letter on the floor? Focusing on the base of the window, I managed to spot a green letter, laying there as the most gentle of winds made it hover from one side. "Was it there before?" I thought, immediately realizing how obvious the answer was. My instincts told me not to pick it up, but since my curiosity is far stronger than my instincts, I went on anyways. Don't judge me. Picking it up with my magic, I ripped the top of the letter and pulled out a even more greenish looking message in it. Before reading, I carefully checked the envelope to see whom it belonged to. All I saw was a weird symbol, a symbol I thought I've seen before... Wait, how could I forget this? This is a royal guard symbol! A letter from my job! ...Why would I be getting a letter at this hours in the dawn? Ignoring the main reasons, I hurried to my room and locked the door. Dropping the envelope on top of the drawer appropiately and focusing on the reading the letter, I used a light spell from my horn. On the letter, it said: ROYAL GUARD EMERALD, DRONE 1342 FROM THE DAGGER SQUAD, I hereby inform you that your presence is no longer needed in our squad, seeing your performance at the Canterlot operation. That is why I'm removing you from the royal guard-- Wait, is this a termination letter!? But why!? I haven't done anything wrong! Well, maybe I mixed a potion or two during our crusade, or maybe I arrived late more than once, but why?! This isn't fair! Sighing, I knew that whining wouldn't help nor resolve this situation. I had to take it down like a changeling and move on.... Now where am I going to find a new job? Resigning myself from any more surprises, I kept on reading: -- I'm removing you from the royal guard to acclaim your skills for a more important job. Congratulations, you have been promoted to a Silent Sword. Also-- SILENT SWORD!? Queen Chrysalis's most elite unit!? Is this really happening!? Me?! In an elite squad!? Why!? I'm not qualified for this new charge!!! This too much for me to handle!!! -- Also, you are to be arranged in our most recent employment. You are going to be Mr. Fabulous Idiot Rare Enigma escort squad until further notice. Your job is to make sure our guest remains unharmed during his stay and for you to remain hidden from sight. We all observed your performance at the Canterlot assault and we are impressed by your sneaking and attack skills. Even though the assault was a failure, you are more than qualified to be Mr. Fabulous Idiot Rare Enigma's escort. Once again, congratulations, Emerald from Dagger Squad. -- ROYAL GUARD'S HQ -- "AHHH! Silent Sword! A dream come true! I always wanted to become a Silent Sword, but I never thought I would make it! YAY!" I shouted letting all of my excitement flow like a firework. I couldn't be happier! I got what I always wanted and here I am! I mean, my performance wasn't that great during the attack, but now I'm part of an elite squad? THIS IS GREAT! I FEEL AS IF I COULD TAKE ON THE WORLD! ...... ...... Hold on a second... an escort squad? For a noble? ARGH! Great! Now I'm stuck with Celestia-knows-who stuck up arrogant changeling for the time being!? Great! Perfect! Just great! I wanted to become a Silent Sword, but not like this! Isn't there anyway to-... hold on, did the letter say guest? ..... ..... Yeah, it did. But is the guest the letter is refe... ring... to... Mr. Fire? Him!? But the letter doesn't mean him! Did they made a mistake? I pretty sure they did... I mean, it can't be refering to him... right? ...Or maybe... it does? Let's see the letter. Mr. Fabulous Idiot Rare Enigma.... nope, it can't be him. The name is not even right! Why would they be refering a long changeling for a long name anyways? Wouldn't a shorter name be better? For example, we take the F from Fabulous, I from Idiot, R from Rare and E from Enigma! There! F.I.R.E.! Isn't it a better name? F.I.R.E..... It sounds familiar... Where have I- WHOA WHOA WHOA! HOLD THE BUCK UP! F.I.R.E.!? AS IN SR. FIRE!? IS IT REALLY HIM? Wow... I get to be his personal guard? Well, this is awfully convenient... the sweet gentlecolt turns out to be my protective objective. I like it... It's settled then! I accept! I'll protect him with all of my being. Not even a single hair will be touched while I'm around! This is great! I can't wait for tomorrow! I'm going to sleep right away! Dropping the letter in my squeal, I literally jumped on top of my bed and bounced. Still giggling, I placed the bedsheets on top of me and drifted to sleep. "A Silent Sword and a royal bodyguard for somepony incredible... what a day!" I said to nopony in particular. Everything was beginning to turn out for the best and I couldn't wait for it! The only problem I have right now is my hunger... we are still lacking love on the feeding department. But, hey! Mr. Fire is here to help us fix the problem! There is nothing to worry about. I'm sure things will get better.... I'll believe in that ideal. As long as we stick together, there is nothing we can't accomplish! ..... I wonder who are going to be my new workmates. --------------------------------------------------------------->>>MAURICE<<<------------------------------------------------------------------- ..... I hate my new nickname....