"He went for a walk?"
Stainless Steel was more than a little surprised to hear that: Cricket's hind legs were both still in casts, and they weren't due to come off for another three weeks. The changeling was expected to be bed-ridden for the remainder of that time, after which, his physical therapy would start.
"Well," the nurse said, "Maybe walk is the wrong word. We just received our first shipment of modern medical supplies, and included in that shipment were a half-dozen wheelchairs. After the doctor confirmed that the breaks in his legs were healed enough that he could be taken out of traction, we thought that it might be a good idea to let him take one of the wheelchairs out for a spin. He's spent his entire stay in the city bedridden, so he jumped at the chance to get some fresh air. He'll be back later this afternoon." After a moment's thought, the nurse asked, "Um, that's not a problem, is it?"
The knight smiled, and said, "No problem at all. He's earned a little bit of time to himself. When he comes back, let him know that I'll come by this evening."
--------------------
It felt so good to feel the breeze on his carapace. He was finally out of bed, and in the fresh air, even if it was in a wheelchair. As he watched Miss Bunny cavort in the park, he gave a contented sigh and relaxed. He'd almost forgotten what it was like to be outside. If he'd not been injured, he wouldn't have minded going for a flight...
---------------------
Fluttershy asked, nervously, "How long do you think she'll be gone?"
Celestia, watching the mirror with an expression of concern, said, "It is difficult to say. Time moves differently between worlds, and her task is not a simple one: she could be back right away, or not until the last moment. But we must have faith that Twilight Sparkle will return with her crown."
"Ah still wish that we could have gone in there with her," Applejack said, frowning. "It ain't right, her having to go in there on her own."
Luna, still restraining Pinkie Pie from playing with the mystical doorway between worlds, said, "I admit, I am not comfortable with this, myself. We know almost nothing about the world on the other side. It might have been better to send at least a couple of guards with her."
Celestia sighed, then said, "If there was anything truly dangerous on the other side of the portal, I sincerely doubt that Sunset Shimmer would have been so quick to return. More importantly, the more who are sent through, the greater the likelihood of their discovery. It would be best if the portal remained a secret, if at all possible, to anyone who lives there." Smiling, Celestia added, "And while I admit that I am a little worried, I am confident that she will be just fine."
Pinkie Pie, still held in midair, asked, "Oh, so you're worrident?"
Rolling her eyes, Rainbow Dash said, "Pinkie Pie, you know that's not a real word. Neither is nervicited."
Pinkie Pie stuck out her tongue, then said, "Says you. Give it time. You'll see."
Chuckling, Celestia said, "Well, it is likely that Twilight will be some time before she returns. Rather than sitting here, watching the mirror, why don't you five go for a walk around the city? In spite of this being your third visit, you've really not had a chance to see the Crystal Empire. Take the day, and come back this evening. Luna and I will come and get you if Twilight Sparkle comes back before then."
Rarity, after a moment's thought said, "Well, while I would normally be the first for a tour of the Crystal Empire, I wouldn't feel right, just walking out without any of us here to welcome her back."
Pinkie Pie, now hovering upside down, said, "Oooh, oooh, I have an idea!"
Rainbow Dash raised an eyebrow and said, sarcastically, "This ought to be good. What's your idea?"
Grinning, Pinkie Pie said, "If we go out two at a time, and are only gone for two hours each, that would mean three of us would be here to welcome Twilight when she gets back, and whoever goes out will probably be back well before Twilight does."
Rainbow Dash looked as if she was going to argue, then reconsidered, and said, "That's... actually not a bad idea."
Pinkie Pie giggled, as Luna put the pink pony back on her hooves gently. "So," Pinkie asked, still smiling cheerfully "Who wants to go first?
-----------------------------
The first two to go out ended up being Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy. Dashie, because she felt an urge to get some exercise, and Fluttershy because nopony else really wanted to go first. Well, Fluttershy hadn't wanted to, either, but...
After the left the palace, Rainbow said, "Well, I'm gonna hit the skies and stretch my wings for a bit. What are you going to do?"
Fluttershy said, a bit nervously, "I thought I might go for a walk in the park, if that's okay..." She hated being the center of attention, and given that there weren't many ponies flying in the city right now, being airborne was a sure way to get everypony looking at her...
Dashie said, "The park? That's cool. I'll meet you there in an hour and a half... if that's okay with you?"
Fluttershy nodded, relieved, and said, "That'll be fine. I'll see you then."
---------------------------
Ah, it was such a beautiful day. Cricket had seen nothing but sunny days since the day he'd arrived in the Crystal Empire. He'd overheard that rainstorms weren't scheduled to start for another week or so: it seemed that Sombra'd done something to the soil, which had made planting a bit difficult. However, that problem had finally cleared up, and once the seeds were in, a new weather schedule would be implemented.
Bunny had apparently found a wild carrot, and was enthusiastically working to dig it up. Well, more power to her. He'd initially had some concerns about keeping the little bunny fed, but his conversations with Stainless Steel had revealed that, once he began his training for knighthood, the changeling would be entitled to a stipend for personal expenses. While Cricket's needs were few, it would be nice to know that he'd be able to take care of the little rabbit. It would have broken Alex's little heart if the changeling had been forced to give up the little bunny rabbit, regardless of the reason.
Such a nice day. It would be great to take a little nap...
Cricket had forgotten just how sleepy his pain medications made him, and how quickly they could knock him out. Almost without realizing it, he nodded off.
----------------------------
A few minutes later, Fluttershy couldn't believe what she was seeing: there was a changeling, sitting in a wheelchair, in a park in the middle of the Crystal Empire. The main reasons why she'd not cried out for the guards immediately was because, firstly, the changeling was fast asleep. Second, it was clear that he was pretty badly injured, given that both his hindlegs were in casts. Third, and this was perhaps the most important: there was an adorable bunny atop his head, inspecting a carrot. While dirty, the vegetable was extremely large, nearly twice the creature's size. Apparently, the little rabbit had just dug it up out of the ground. The bunny's expression of bliss made it clear that she couldn't be happier with her prize.
After a moment, the rabbit snapped out of its reverie, and turned to look at Fluttershy.
Walking up behind the changeling, Fluttershy, her voice as soft as she could manage (and for Fluttershy, that was extremely soft), asked, "Is he your keeper?" She tried not to use the terms 'owner' or 'master' when talking to pets: both terms could be demeaning. 'Keeper', however, was safe, since it meant that the owner was a 'keeper': someone you wouldn't want to let get away.
The bunny nodded, matter-of-factly. She then lifted up the carrot, and, with surprising strength, brought it down hard on the changeling's head with an audible 'Thwack'.
The changeling started awake, rubbing his head where the carrot had hit him, and, seeing his forelegs, seemed to realize he was out of disguise. With a green flash, he put on the appearance of a pegasus with a brown coat and a short black mane. After looking around to see if anypony was watching, the changeling let out a sigh of relief, and said, "Well, at least no one is staring me in the face this time." He lifted his forelegs up and picked up the bunny, and put her in his lap. "You know, you didn't have to be so rough."
The little rabbit giggled, and then handed the carrot to Cricket. "Oh," the disguised changeling said, chuckling. "You found a big one! You want to get it cleaned off?"
The bunny nodded enthusiastically.
"Okay. I think we passed a fountain on the way here," he said, with a nod. "We'll roll on over and give it a good rinse."
Without further warning, he turned the wheelchair around, and abruptly came face to face with Fluttershy. Fluttershy flinched back with a sudden gasp. The changeling's reaction, on the other hoof, was surprising, and a bit more extreme: With an abrupt, startled shout, he flinched, causing the wheelchair to tilt back dangerously. He pinwheeled his forelegs frantically, trying to right himself, and might have succeeded, had the bunny not leapt off of his head, and on to Fluttershy's. Suddenly unbalanced further, the chair fell, and he landed on his back with an 'Ooof'.
For a moment, the pegasus and the changeling were completely silent. Fluttershy broke the silence, asking, "Ummm, are you alright?"
The changeling answered, "I'm fine." After a moment, he asked, "Ah, would you mind giving me a hoof up? While there's a time and place for cloud-watching, this probably isn't it."
"Oh, yes, of course," Fluttershy said, scrambling to assist him. After a bit of effort, she was able to assist him in getting the wheelchair up in it's proper position. "There we go," she said, smiling.
The changeling smiled in return, and said, "Thanks. Ah, my name's Cricket." He held out a hoof.
Fluttershy, after a moment's hesitation, took it and shook it. "Fluttershy. It's very nice to meet you."
"Likewise," Cricket said. After a moment, he asked, still smiling, "So, ah, how much did you see?"
"Enough," Fluttershy admitted, nervously.
Sighing loudly, Cricket said, "I thought so." After a moment, he raised an eyebrow, and asked, "Well, aren't you going to run and get the guards?" It seemed, after he said that, as though he was holding his breath, waiting for her response.
After a moment, Fluttershy shook her head. She really didn't see a reason to: the changeling didn't seem like a threat to her, or to anypony else, really. She'd have to tell Princess Celestia, of course, but that could wait a little while.
Letting out the breath he'd been holding, Cricket said, "Well, that's a relief. I'd really hate to have to try and outrun an angry mob today..."
Suddenly, his pet bunny jumped back up on his head and smacked him with the carrot again.
Rubbing his head, the changeling said, "Ow! What was that for?" The bunny dangled the carrot in front of his eyes. "And that couldn't wait five minutes?" The bunny pulled the carrot back up, and raised it as though to swing again. "Fine! Fine, have it your way." Turning back to Fluttershy, the changeling said, "Well, Miss Fluttershy, it was a pleasure to meet you, but I'm afraid I need to get this carrot cleaned off, or else I may end up with drain bamage."
Giggling, Fluttershy said, "I can see that." After a moment's thought, she said, "You know, I could take care of that for you. That is, if you don't mind."
His eyes widening in surprise, Cricket asked, "You could? I... I'd really appreciate that." The little rabbit, after a moment's hesitation, handed over the carrot.
Fluttershy took the carrot, and flew off to a nearby fountain she had spotted on her way to the park. As she flew back, she briefly wondered if the changeling would still be there when she got back...
NEW CHAPTER UP!!!
I kind of stopped this one earlier than I planned, but I didn't want to stop a chapter in the middle of the two having a moment, and I wanted to have a chapter up today, no matter what, so I decided to stop this one sooner, rather than later.
o cricket
I love the chapter name.
I thoroughly enjoyed it. I'd really love to see this updated next, though, since this was such a short one. I love the rest of your stories, too, but this one deserves a bit more added on, I think.
"Is he your keeper?" She tried not to use the terms 'owner' or 'master' when talking to pets: both terms could be demeaning.
LOL, I never say owner either... but I use Guardian instead of keeper
...doesn't this contradict "your Fangs are showing"?
Cause I liked that fic.
4111652
I know, and I gave serious thought to keeping that as canon, but if I did, it would mean a longer wait until Cricket and Fluttershy met in this fic, and if I do that, I might have to remove the romance tag from this one . Sorry.
4111596
We'll see what happens. I won't make any promises yet, but I may break up the order just a tad.
4111592
I know, I couldn't help myself
Clever name for a chapter
Been catching up on the rest of your stories, thoroughly enjoying them so far!
Are Flutter's fangs going to come into play later?
4111703
Not really sure, yet. I mean, it wouldn't be a bad idea, but I might have trouble making them fit. We'll see what happens.
Hehe, drain bamage.
4111652 Not necessarily, the Flutterbat episode happened after Equestria Girls so Fluttershy wouldn't have fangs at the time. I know if they met face-to-face in 'Your Fangs Are Showing' Cricket would know who Fluttershy is, but because of her fangs he would still think she's a changeling. It can still work damn it!
4111709 I hope you succeed in making it happen!
"Your Fangs Are Showing" was what got me introduced to the rest of your work! It would be a real pity if that joke didn't happen at least once.
...Or him going all Drill Sarge on Rainbow. Either one would be awesome... Even if it's only an out-take.
Ooh! There's a thought. Ever considered making out-takes? Just for kicks?
4111652
4111740
I don't get the confusion. I thought this was an alternate version of that? A reboot?
Loved this version of Cricket and Flutters meeting--Cricket being calm about it seemed more...likable than a terrified freak-out.
4111683
I'm going to be perfectly honest here.... this last chapter feels weak in comparison to the rest of the story. It seems more like an excuse to include the Equestrian Girls movie--itself having a very debatable position in canon-- then any real development and, quite frankly, the Fluttershy of this time would not have any reason to fall in love with Cricket. In Fangs it made sense, here it's... forced.
I just think you should wipe this chapter and start over. But, that's my opinion.
I bucking love this story! So this chapter takes place at the same time as EG, you clever dog you.
Also:
Hmm... We will have to see what happens... I still think this is good though... And I'd like to read what happens next... I still like the orginals because they where awesome! But this one is good as well... Very cool...
I kinda just wonder what will happen next with it... To see how they fall in love if they do... It will be diffrent from the other story for sure. But it should be intersting all the same... I'd love to see Fluttershy talking with the princess about it... I'm sure Celestia already knows about the Changlings but all the same it would be an intersting read.
His rabbit may have a cute name, but she can be a brute. I laughed at when she hit him with the carrot. Twice. Also, I know this has been said before, but I like the chapter name. It works and is funny.
4113875 I think angel found his soulmate
4114227
Ya know, Miss Bunny hasn't met Angel Bunny yet.
4113663
Well, I thought back: what point in time would Fluttershy be in the Crystal Empire, off-camera, with no duties of her own to fulfill. I briefly considered doing it during "Games Ponies Play", but there was hardly any time there. But then I thought about EG. It is, regardless of how some may feel about it, still part of the canon, so it is something that I could work with (I actually enjoyed much of that movie, but that's just me, I know it's been pretty hotly debated). It gives me, in fact, an entire day to play with, where Fluttershy's actions would in no way be accounted for .
4113682
Last time, things went fast, because it started out as a one-shot. This time, things are moving a bit more slowly. I want to work to build up their relationship a bit more.
4113067
Well, as I am prone to saying, we all have a right to their own opinions, and I certainly won't tell you what to think or feel. But the purpose of this chapter wasn't to include EG in the canon (it's already there, and while it is a bit of a Base Breaker in some circles, it is still canon, since, ya know, it was written, animated, produced, etc by the people who made the show), but rather to set things up for why Fluttershy and Cricket would meet. Last time, Cricket ran into Fluttershy. This time, Fluttershy ran into Cricket. But don't go planning the wedding just yet: they've only just met, and they've had less than five minutes to talk. This was set up to lead into the next chapter. Look forward to it.
4113875
, I know, right. You don't survive in the frozen north by being a frail flower. She's not been house trained yet, so she's a bit rougher around the edges than the previous incarnation, who had been with Cricket for almost a year already.
4114227
, we'll see.
4115515 This sounds like a good thing... A good thing indeed!
4111592
4111685
I love it too. Awesome.
4111703
4111709
It'd be somewhat easy to make her fangs fit - just let it be a simple misunderstanding. They already know each other, but he might think that a changling was pulling a temporary replacement (one day, with no long-term harm to the pony) using Fluttershy's identity, and thus "Your Fangs are Showing" occurs.
I'm just curious how this timeline fits with that of the other mole-cricket story.
This kinda conflicts with the previous cricket books.
Good story nevertheless
4263730
Reboot.
4406380 Ah, that's right. I'd forgotten about that. Interested to see where this goes.
Not that "Long Live The Emperor" isn't awesome (because it totally is) But I kind of missed the changeling that started your back-to-back successes in storytelling.
Don't keep us waiting :)
4406380 So this is mainly the cannon one, right? Also... The titles of the childs and the ones to Cricket, he is going to have mostly the same ones here?
I love your Changeling Stories :)
4111772 would be interesting you could have her notice fluttershy talking to someone in a wheel chair and come see whats up.
4114227 do not give the writer ideas on that... angel can be kind of hostile as it is... I'm kinda worried what a ... whatever a herd of bunnies... den? of angels would be like... (the everfree forest used to be the most danger forest in equestrian..... at least until the angels came and took over.)
also I don't see him fleeing from fluttershy, if anything I see that poor mare and anyone else involved being sent to the hospital with multiple bite marks should they try to keep bunny from her carrot.
(it is a very simple rule, never tease an animal with food... seriously ducks are bad, bunny got to be worse. that rabbit didn't potentially survive sombre by being a meek pushover. was bunny sombra's secret pet rabbit by any chance?)
they?
brain?
you should say brain damage instead of drain bamage
Miss Bunny is quite the violent lady isn't she