"Seriously?"
Royal Guard Commander Silver Lance quite honestly could not believe what he was seeing. The grey unicorn (he wasn't that old, but his color scheme of dark gray with a light grey mane and tail made him look significantly older than his forty years) knew trouble when he saw it, and what he was looking at had headache written all over it in big red letters. Just last week, Canterlot had been invaded by changelings. Thankfully, the creatures had been repelled, but not without difficulty. Since then, he'd been given orders to be on the lookout for any changelings that might still be in the city. His troops had been briefed by the princesses regarding possible tells, signs that might give a changeling away.
But if you missed this changeling, you'd have to be blind, stupid, or both...
Directly across the street from Royal Guard Headquarters, located in Canterlot, just a few blocks from the palace proper, was a changeling. A surprisingly young one: if she was anything like a pony, she'd probably be in her early teens, maybe even younger if she was just tall for her age, and surprisingly thin. She (and it was very definitely a she, unless boys had started wearing big blue hair ribbons all of a sudden) was sitting just across the street, holding up a cardboard sign. The sign said, "Free Hugs". The writing was neon pink, and surrounded by little hearts. Admittedly, if she'd not been a changeling, the scene would have been impossibly cute. Instead, while a little cute, he supposed, it was... strangely disturbing. A creature that looks like that should not be trying to be adorable...
Silver stared at the changeling with a scowl on his face. The changeling returned the stare, smiling, and even waved cheerfully at the commander. If she felt any sort of fear regarding the fact that she was in the middle of potentially hostile territory, she hid it well. In fact, Silver got the distinct impression that she was having a laugh at his expense.
The young lieutenant at his side, Sky Writer, asked, "Well, what should we do, commander?" The blue coated, white maned pegasus shifted his wings nervously, obviously ill at ease with the situation.
Silver stroked his chin with one hoof, and said, "Our orders, if I recall correctly, were to keep an eye out for changeling infiltrators. Does that look like an infiltrator to you?"
The lieutenant, to his credit, didn't answer right away, but instead thought about the question. After a moment, he said, "If she is, she's not very good at it."
At that moment, an earth pony walked by, looking dejected. The commander recognized him: Midnight Star, a construction worker. A depressed sort, he wasn't very talkative. He seemed so lost in his thoughts that he almost walked into the changeling. The little bug, thinking that he wanted a hug, gave him a quick squeeze. The pony stopped for a moment, then hugged the changeling back. After a moment, they detached, and the pony walked on, a bit of a spring in his step and a definite smile on his face.
Silver nodded, then said, "Right. So, I'm going to work under the assumption that this is not an infiltrator, but instead that it's exactly what it looks like. Which means that we'll need to get orders from higher up. Run the following message up to the princesses: 'Changeling found outside headquarters. Appears to be begging for food. In need of orders. Please come here personally to observe situation before making a final decision.' Can you remember that, or will I need to write it down for you?"
Sky nodded, and said, "I can remember that. Ah, would you like me to run a message to your wife?"
Ah, smart lad. He's definitely got a bright future ahead of him. Smiling, the commander said, "Yes. Tell her to come down here with her camera. She won't want to miss this." The lieutenant nodded, grinning, and took off.
The commander then sat down and waited. It wouldn't be long before the princesses came here, and...
Uh oh. Here came trouble. A teacher, with a gaggle of young students, out for a field trip, were coming down the street. The commander braced himself for the screams...
...That didn't come. Instead, as the youngsters saw the creature, they suddenly ran ahead of the teacher to look at the changeling in awe and wonder. They might have seen a changeling during the invasion, but those were big, scary adults. This one... this one was a little one, not much older than they were. This one wasn't scary at all! It was like the difference between an adult tiger and a baby one: one was a ferocious predator, while the other was a cute and playful critter that you can't help but want to cuddle. After the teacher finally caught up with her students, the colts and fillies looked up at their teacher expectantly. After a moment, the mare nodded, and the children promptly dog-piled onto the changeling, hugging her enthusiastically. The changeling looked both surprised and delighted by the sudden affection.
And it was to this scene that princesses arrived. Luna and Celestia, as impressive as ever, flew in, escorted by Sky Writer. The commander raised an eyebrow in question. Upon touchdown, the lieutenant said, "Your wife said she'll be here shortly." The commander nodded, then turned to face the princesses, who were watching the non-stop hug-fest with a look of bemusement upon both of their regal faces.
"I thought you might want to see this," the commander said, his expression deadpan. "While we were given orders regarding multiple scenarios involving changelings, this scenario is one that I don't think anypony seriously considered. What should we do?"
Celestia seemed at a loss for words at this scene. Luna, however, seemed to know exactly what to do. She walked across the street to where the changeling was, with significant difficulty (although she really wasn't trying that hard), to disentangle herself from the mass of affection that as being pressed upon her. The princess reached the changeling, and stood, towering over the creature.
For a tense moment, the world held it's breath...
And then the changeling hugged the princess. And perhaps a little more surprisingly, Luna, perhaps the most serious and straight-laced princess in Equestria... hugged the changeling back, smiling. Celestia, smiling herself, very quickly joined in. The school children joined in as well (seriously, how often do you get to hug a princess, let alone two at once? You don't pass that kind of thing up), and everypony was smiling, giggling, and laughing.
At that moment, Platinum Print arrived, camera in tow. She immediately set up her camera, and snapped a few photos. The black coated, white maned (with a few streaks of grey) pegasus then rushed across the street, and joined in on the hugapalooza.
Several minutes later, after everypony detached themselves from the changeling, and the school kids had been sent off with autographs from the two princesses, Celestia and Luna spoke for a few minutes with the changeling and the photographer. After a short time, the princesses walked over to speak with Silver, while Platinum and the changeling remained behind, still talking. Well, Platinum was talking; the changeling didn't seem to be talking much...
"It is in our opinion," Luna said, smiling, "That this young creature is not a threat to anypony. As such, there is no need for her to be detained in any fashion. Moreover, we... well, I, think that she should be allowed to stay in the city for as long as she likes."
Celestia nodded in agreement, then said, "However, it would not be right for her to be forced to fend for herself, given her age. At this time, nopony knows where the changeling swarm has gone, or when it will return... if it ever does, at least in her lifetime. As such, it would be best if somepony were to watch over her."
The commander nodded in agreement. If left on her own, somepony might, sooner or later, take out a grudge against changelings in general on the poor dear. That was probably why she had camped out in front of headquarters: there were few places safer than this one in the entire city, if not the whole of Equestria...
With a bit of a grin, Silver Lance said, "I don't think we'll have any problems with finding somepony to look after her." The princesses both chuckled, as if sharing a private joke.
Celestia, smiling, said, "We'll leave that task in your capable hooves, commander." Nodding, the commander saluted. A moment later, the princesses were airborne and on their way back to the palace.
Platinum Print and the changeling walked over to the commander. The changeling looked a little worried, still carrying her sign, while Plat looked determined. Silver knew that look. He'd seen it dozens of times before.
After giving her husband a hug, Plat said, "This poor young lady and I were talking. She doesn't have anyplace to stay, and she has no idea where the rest of her kind have gone. So, I was just thinking on how we have a nice big guest bedroom that we aren't using, and I thought that maybe we'd let her stay for a few days, until she finds her hooves, if you know what I mean?"
Silver gave his wife a flat stare, then said, "I believe we've had a conversation like this one before. Many times, in fact, if I remember correctly. You come up to me with a pitiful looking kitten, or a puppy, or a rabbit, or even, if I recall, a bear cub, and you tell me some sob story about how the poor little dear needs a place to stay. And you always tell me how it's going to be just a few days when we both know that you intend to give them a permanent home. And what do I always say?"
The changeling looked dejected. Platinum, on the other hand, smiled, and asked, "You say yes?"
Smiling back, Silver nodded, and said, "I say yes." The changeling, her expression one of pure delight, hugged the commander's leg enthusiastically. It wasn't a bad hug, he reflected. A little... solid, since she had a carapace that could be considered battle armor in most cultures, but not bad, really...
Looking down at the changeling, he grinned, and asked, "And what is your name, kid?"
The changeling picked up her sign, then flipped it over. Written in hoofwriting so neat and fanciful it could have been considered calligraphy, was the name "Ling". There were fanciful drawings of flowers, vines, and little hearts all around it. Apparently, she was an artistic sort, and had decided to go a little crazy with her paintbrush.
Plat volunteered, "I don't think she can talk. The poor dear may have been born mute." The changeling nodded glumly. A pity, but it happens sometimes.
"Well, Ling," he said, "My name's Silver Lance. You've met my wife, Platinum Print. You'll be staying with us from now on. Welcome to the family."
Over the course of twenty years of marriage, Silver's wife had taken in twelve stray dogs, fifteen stray cats, five rabbits, and even a bear cub. While the two of them had been blessed with many things, children of their own had not been one of them, but she'd always had plenty of love to give to any creature that came into their home. Odds were, this changeling would be almost as high maintenance as that bear cub was, but whatever happened, he figured that it would be worth it.
-------------------------------
Meanwhile, from a nearby alley, a pair of eyes watched the trio. Finally, after weeks and weeks of watching, there was finally a crack in the Royal Guard Commander's armor. A devious grin crossed the watcher's face. Soon...
New story up!
Reads Summary*
Meh, would have been happy with just slice of life adoption, but will see how it turns out.
Edit:
Still on the fence, but that is just my own opinion. Been getting real tired of "actiony" fics, though this one seems more like "more than meets the eye" going on.
Thumbs up/favorite before even reading. Why? ITS LING she deserves every fav you have to offer.
Huzzah! I'm really looking forwards to seeing what becomes of Ling.
D'awww the adorableness nearly killed me. Nearly. If I had another chapter to read, I probably wouldn't have survived.
The reboot looks like it's coming along nicely so far, huh? I'm trying to figure out a timeline of the current 'verse; I'm guessing Cricket, Ladybird, and Ling's stories are starting around the same point in time? Or sometime around then? Then there's the next two changelings' stories to place. I'm really, really eager to see more of the world being rebuilt; so much familiar from the first incarnation, but so much difference too. I love it!
A little changeling wearing a bow... my heat's gonna implode
The author's note cracked me up. Also, I liked the shady foreshadowing.
Dat Mass Effect reference in the Author's Notes. Seriously, you just gained quite a few points in my book for giving a nod to one of my favorite characters from that game.
You know if you didn't read beyond it, the initial conversation between the guards and what they were witnessing would not look entirely out of place in a Monty Python Sketch.
I motion that from now on, we use the “Ling” as a unit of measure for adorableness.
3904753. Motion seconded.
I need to follow you!
3904848 Third.
The hug scene with the princesses was a little jarring...
Still enjoyed the chapter. Two changelings to go.
Huh. I thought you'd be focusing just on Cricket and his squad. Unless I missed something along the way...
Best infiltrator ever.
Still loving your work, but I can't help myself: The possessive form of "it" doesn't have an apostrophe. His, hers, its.
Hnng. That is all.
This was a great one that I love! So adorable!
This is the one I really wanted to see expanded.
I find this a great explanation on why the lack of hostile reactions. Very well put.
Now excuse me while I go snuggle with my stuffed tiger I call Hobbes.
3905993
It will be
Okay, I have one story on the popular stories list, and two stories on the featured list for this site. I... I think I might be an awesome writer ...
I didn't know. I swear, I didn't know...
thank you, all of you, for your continued support.
legion!
This innocent changeling will have quite the fall in her faith when she meets the ponies who AREN'T happy with her presence.
The Ponies in Equestria are a lot like People on Earth. There are people with shallow minds and are willing to cheat you out of anything you have. And if practically everybody in a single town hides from a Zebra, I doubt the general populace would take kindly to a changeling. Ling's just lucky she was first found by a Guard who isn't prejudice. I would be willing to bet there are soldiers in the guard who would have simply attacked her on sight.
This changeling possesses Innocence...
... which will be needed to battle the bug devil known as the Millenium Earwig.
>>>This one wasn't scary at all! It was like the difference between an adult tiger and a baby one: one was a ferocious predator, while the other was a cute and playful critter that you can't help but want to cuddle. >>>
Kittens are so very cute and cuddly...
sp.yimg.com/ib/th?id=H.4824868708353640&pid=15.1
It just wants your blood!
This got rewritten? I liked the original...
http://www.fimfiction.net/story/160430/3/tales-of-the-cricketverse/free-hugs
dailycuteness.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/tiger-hug.jpg
Big kitties like snuggles too
Reading this made me realise that changelings could be weirdly good judges of character.
"How did you know that those people were only pretending to like you, but were secretly plotting against you?"
"I feed on love, why does everyone keep forgetting that"
Also neat story, and an adorable images of Ling and her free hugs.
Obviously this story needs to be followed and liked, ling seems too cute not to like. Chrysalis had it all wrong, she could have sent a flood of younger changelings begging for hugs, get adopted, capturing the ponies hearts THEN the rest of canterlot.
Violence and war? Please, cuteness conquers all!
Hope to see more soon!
Plat said, "This poor young lady and I were talking.
Plat volunteered, "I don't think she can talk. The poor dear may have been born mute."
Author, what is your explanation for this?
3907577
Well, Plat was talking. Ling was listening. It's kind of like how someone might say "We need to talk", when what they really mean is that they're going to talk, while you shut up and listen.
Free hugs? I give out free hugs too! (ps. everyone at school is scared of me now)
I went to a con with some buddies once and my friend was nearly kicked out because he was wearing a shirt that said free hugs.
3908801
That's why you use a sign, instead. And it helps if you're innately huggable.
Awwww..... Ling is so cute..... *gives the Changeling hugs*
Thumbs up for Mass Effect reference in Author's notes.
Also, I like this version better than your first. Your first draft was bitter, with a sweet aftertaste. This one has more richness in the sweet department, and few people actually LIKE bitter, anyway.
That, and hugapalooza.
That is all.
bimmerboost.com/images/imported/2013/08/9c072eef_soon2-1.jpeg
3911860 Oh that dog is done for. That cat got some evil in them eyes!
YES! I'm finally in! could you make it that I'm a reoccurring character? I would really appreciate it.
3915488
I'll see what I can do
now that was just adorably cute. I'm loving this reboot so far.
3904753
That would be foolish: you can't use the largest possible unit to measure things smaller than itself. Ling is the cutest thing ever, therefore you can't use her as a method of measuring other, less adorable, things.
BEST. INFILTRATOR. EVER. =P
3917882
Sure you can.
You would just have to measure things in terms of deciLings, milliLings, and microLings.
3918895
I don't think Micro could work well as a measurement for how adorable something is. As something adorable on a micro scale just makes it more adorable.
3918272 Red and Blue spy's agree with you
3919040
… I don’t think that’s correct.
It's a nice story. Everyone likes cute things.
To be honest, though? I think it's weaker than the original.
In the original, Ling's clearly down on her luck. She doesn't get very many hugs, and at the end of the day, she's not quite so enthusiastic any more. That's when Silver, feeling sorry for the little thing, heads over, talks with her, and ultimately offers her a room in his house.
Here, she's wildly successful, attracting the attention of a horde of children and even the Princesses themselves, who practically order the commander to take her in, and his wife's there and loves the idea, and...
It just doesn't have the same impact, you know? It lacks pathos. It'd be like... I'm bad with metaphors, but it'd be like A Christmas Carol, where when Scrooge visits the Cratchits with the ghost of Christmas present, they have a beautiful, newly-furnished house - if a bit cozy - and Tiny Tim's getting all the medicine and help he needs. You'd be thinking to yourself, 'why is the spirit bringing Scrooge here in the first place?', and the scene would just fall completely flat.
So, um, yeah. Opinion.
edit: There is the shadowy figure, sure, but so far, it's only a chapter hook, and there's not much to take from it.