//------------------------------// // Chaotic Shiny (Fast Change): The Balance of Terrifying // Story: Awkward Conversations And Other Stories // by No one is home //------------------------------// “Seriously,” the three headed blue monstrosity that had once been Ki the human looked himself over with all three heads, briefly taking a moment to be thankful he somehow only had one consciousness, “What now? I mean I have three heads.” “Actually Billy,” a cute lunar pegasus mare behind the bar surveyed the motley’ ensemble, “Why IS there a three headed monster in our bar. I mean it’s broad daylight, and nopony here right now anyway, but this is weird even for you…” “It’s okay Sweets,” the goat chuckled, “that’s Ki. You’ve met Surprise. This little one is Swing Shift, she was the changeling filly who came in last week…” “Yeah I remember you,” Candy nodded, “I could have swore you were older, though…” The changeling filly shuffled in place and avoided eye contact as the goat continued, “And the older changeling is Switch Shift.” “Switch Shift is happy to meet you,” the older changeling smiled and replied. “That’s all well and good son,” Caramel Apple walked out of the kitchen, “But it doesn’t explain why there’s a three headed monster in our downstairs bar. Although, so long as he keeps his manners we’ll be happy to serve him.” “Also,” Ki rolled all six of his eyes, “What am I supposed to do? I have three heads, and all my memories of Equestria are from an alternate reality. Do I report back to the army to return for duty? Is there an army? I used to live in the barracks. I don’t know if I’m homeless or what the hell. Also, I’m a three headed pony-monster. That’s a new thing that’s a thing.” “Switch shift is confused as well,” the addled changeling confessed, “She is glad her sister is alive, but she does not know what she should do next. Do the ponies run things now? Do ponies hate changelings?” -=-=-=-=- “Alright, you two,” Fast Change’s tone was stern but not angry with the two penitent changelings in before her outside of The Belfry, “And you’re sure you saw her go in here?” “Pretty sure,” Sweet Shift rubbed the back of her head with one hoof, “It’s pretty hard to tell with Swing.” “It was definitely her, your majesty,” Split Shift glared at her compatriot, “We’re sorry we didn’t report this to you sooner. We thought Swing Shift was dead, just like Switch. When we found her… she was pretty messed up.” “We thought it would be easier to ease her into the new hive,” Sweet Shift flinched back, “She’d been cut off from other changelings for so long… she thought we were all dead when she woke up alone with Switch Shift’s body.” “When we couldn’t find her after we regrouped at the old hive, we just assumed she was one of the unlucky ones who took the blast wrong.,” Split looked ashamed. “Well, there’s no help for that now,” Fast sighed, “What’s important is that we get her back to the hive and get her the help she needs. If she was as young as said during the invasion, then she’s still practically a foal. What were you two thinking? Helping her impersonate a nurse at Canterlot Hospital?” “We wanted to help,” Sweet Shift pleaded, “If we had tried to pressure her, she would have just run off. With Swing Shift, if she wants to hide you just won’t find her. She’s a prodigy. She can be any pony, any changeling, any size, any shape… well... anything!” “Well we’re only going to get one shot at this then,” she then turned to her escort of changling guards, “Remember, be gentle but firm. Swing shift isn’t in any trouble, but she’s definitely a flight risk, and she needs our help. The plan is to tether her as quickly as possible, calm any ponies present and defuse the situation as quietly as possible,” mentally adding, “which probably won’t be very.” -=-=-=-=- “We probably need to get you two to the hive to see Princess Fast Change A-S-A-P,” Surprise sat at a table with the two reunited changelings, “Things are probably not at all what you think they are, but I promise it’s gonna be okay.” “But Fast Change is Chrysalis’ right hoof!” Switch Shift blurted out, “She'll take Switch Shift and her sister back to the evil, stupid queen!” It was at that moment that a unit of changeling guards burst through the doors, followed by Princess Fast Change herself. “Everypony please remain calm,” Fast assured the gathered ponies and changelings, “We’re just here to collect a run-away changeling foal. Nopony is in any trouble.” “That’s her,” Split shift easily picked out her younger former hive-mate, “Is that her natural form?” “It’s worse than we thought!” Sweet Shift exclaimed in horror, “Swing, it’s going to be okay dear. We know you’re scared, but you need help.” “No! You won’t take Switch Shift’s sister back to Chrysalis!” the deranged changeling positioned herself between Swing and the encroaching guards, uselessly, as both were quickly tethered. “Switch Shift?!?!” Sweet proclaimed in shock, “But how?!?! You were dead! We all saw you die!” “Uh, I think I can explain…” Surprise started, when Ki walked out of the little colt’s room. “I am SO sorry,” the three headed pony began apologizing, “First time using the facilities as a pony and…” “It’s a three headed monster!” one of the changeling guards proclaimed. “Protect the Princess,” a second echoed as the rest of the unit flew into action and everything went to hell.