I nervously stepped into the stall, the frown on my face deepening, unsure on what Mage had to tell me that was so important. I was very concerned at this point, and by the looks of it, so was she. About a million ideas raced through my mind, most not exactly likely, but possible. Whatever it was, I made sure I was prepared to handle it.
Mage followed me in, closing and locking the door behind her. She bowed her head to avoid eye contact, but I persisted.
"What's happening, Mage?" I questioned once again. The harshness in my voice made me flinch a little. I wasn't used to hearing myself talk to anypony in such a way, especially someone who I'd just met. But I knew it was for a good cause. Not only that, but felt I could trust this pony, no matter what mistakes I made, she'd forgive me. No matter what I told her, she'd listen and maybe even help with the situation. I hoped she felt the same way with me, so I gave her my full attention.
The worried look on Mage's face didn't move. She continued to stare at the ground, barely blinking, as if arguing with herself, trying to decide wether or not to tell me. We stayed like that for a while longer until she finally let out a deep breath.
But she didn't say anything. Instead, bright green flames surrounded her, forcing me to shield my eyes from the blinding light. When it was finally over, I turned my head back around, only to let out a small gasp of surprise.
A dark blue earth pony with frizzy red hair no longer stood in front of me, but a changeling. It's eyes were closed, and it's torn, semi-transparent wings were at it's sides.
I began to back up until bumping into the wall behind me. For a second I was scared, but it didn't attack. It just stood there, facing the ground. It was then that I realized something. This wasn't just any changeling. "Mage?" I whispered.
The changeling finally looked up, with a slight nod. I was stunned. My head was spinning and filled with questions that I was too afraid to ask. Is Mage really a changeling? Why hadn't she told me earlier? What was I supposed to do now? Should I tell someone?
Mage waited for a response, so I gave her the only one I could think of. "So. This is what you've been worrying about." Mage nodded again. I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself. It's OK, Sportsy., I thought. It's just Mage. Only I could barely be calm at a time like this. I'm locked in a bathroom with a changeling who pretty much lied to me. There was a lot to worry about right now.
"Why didn't you tell me before?" My voice was low, reflecting my mood.
Mage hesitated. "I-I was worried that you..." Her new metallic voice trailed off, before returning again. "That you wouldn't like me. I didn't know if I could trust you yet...But I hope I can trust you now."
I gave her a sympathetic look. It made me feel bad for her knowing that all she wanted was a normal life, and it was difficult for to have that. All she wanted was a friend who liked her for who she really was. And she chose me to be that friend. It almost made me feel...special.
But right now wasn't about me. It was about Mage. "Don't worry. You can." I replied in a softer voice. "I want you to know that I don't care what you are. I only care that you're my friend." Then, out of nowhere, I gave her a hug.