Unforgotten

by Riddle-Me-Think

Some time to Talk

I do not own My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

---

After having a few days to rest up from his trip, Masquerade felt up enough to start getting active again. Granted he could have been up and moving by day one since getting home, but he wanted to relax a little. He was gone for nearly a month and trying to keep disguised during such a time.

The first thing on his list was some cleaning. Or in this case, check Twilight’s or Spike’s to do list and do something on it. After all, more free time for Spike means he spends more time with Twilight. More free time for Twilight get’s him extra cuddles and/or kisses. A win-win situation if there was ever one.

Algebra for beginners goes, ‘ere… and the Guid of Magical Mushrooms goes there… Masquerade would not claim to be the best at being orderly, seeing as he was more learned in the ways of mess-making. But the infiltrator did make an effort to try and help out in what way he could. Plus, he had a cheat sheet in the form of one of Twilight’s lists.

And if anypony ask’s, I was napping in my corner. Masquerade added in mind, already making a backstory that showed he had no involvement in restocking the left out books, or disorganized ones. Unless Twilight asked, then he would spill the beans.

Glancing up at one of the clocks that ticked away the time that passed, the black stallion conformed to himself that he had about half an hour before either Spike or Twilight got back from their respective trips. Spike was out gathering some extra supplies used to fix any of the library books, while Twilight went shopping for some groceries.

The stallion had thought about heading out with his mare and aid in carrying the food back, but held it back for this instead. With a small smirk working it’s way onto his lips, Mask added in thought, also gives me time to plan out that idea Lightly chuckling to himself as he continued to work.

A knock at the door stopped the stallion form continuing his work, making him turn around and head for the door with a sigh. He still could not understand the reason for ponies to have the urge to knock on the library door. Masquerade even asked Twilight about it, and she too felt a bit thrown off at the same dilemma of ponies treating the library more as her house. Not far off, but not entirely true.

Even after years of being one, ponies are still strange at times. Masquerade couldn't help but chuckle at that some. It was entirely possible that those that lived in Ponyville were only trying to be polite for Twilight’s sake. Being the student to the highest authority of the land might have something to do with it too.

Reaching the door and opening it with his magic, Mask said with a cheerful grin, “Welcome to the Golden Oaks Library, you are free to barge in any time, as the open sign is up.” Feeling amused at the reaction he got.

There standing at the doorway was Rainbow Dash, giving the unicorn stallion the strangest and most confused look before saying, “You’re back?” Sounding like she was a little angry for not being informed.

Lifting a brow, Mask told the mare, “If you don't want me around then I could always leave.” Then gained a thoughtful look adding, “Though, Twinkles might get miffed if you make me do that…”

Snorting at what the unicorn was saying, Dash shook her head, “Nah, just a little surprised that you’re actually back.” Then made an effort to look over Masquerade’s slightly taller hight to ask, “By the way, is Twinkles home?” Trying to see if she could spot the magical mare.

Shaking his head, Mask said, “Nope, and she wont be for nearly half an hour.” Moving away from the door and headed back inside.

Deciding she didn't have anything better to do, Rainbow Dash shrugged and walked right in, closing the door behind herself. Looking around, the athlete made a small flight over to one of the few beanbags Twilight had scattered about the library floor, getting comfortable while Masquerade got back to work.

Watching the stallion just go about organizing the books and taking peeks at a list on the table, the robin blue pegasus asked, “So, when did you get back?” Casting her eyes at some of the books to find something of interest.

“Three days ago.” Mask responded quickly while taking out another book and looking it over. “I was a bit out of it when I got back, so took a few days to mostly get some needed rest.” A quick peek at the list on the table told the stallion where to place the book, and set a path to one of the fantasy sections.

With a slight smirk, Dash teased, “Oh, is the big bad spy saying he had a tough time?” Reaching over herself to reach a book that caught her eye and decided to flip though a little.

Giving a glance back to the mare, Mask told, “We all need a little rest Dash.” Taking up a few more books and sorting through them, “I doubt that even your level of awesome can keep working nonstop.”

Hearing this words made the pegasus’s ears twitch, and raised her rose colored eyes up saying, “Are you kidding, my awesomeness is powered by how cool I am.” Rainbow then proceeded to puff herself up from her spot bragging, “And since I’m always cool, I’m always awesome!”

“You don't say?” Masquerade asked with a grin, seeming to get a spark in his eyes as he glanced over to the pegasus that visibly wilted. Oh, the disguised changeling could feel Dash’s moment of realization that he was now up to something. If not from how he was looking at her, then how his voice had sounded.

Continuing to organize the library around himself, Mask could feel Rainbow Dash give him a wary look, expecting him to do something. After long hours of pranking, the pegasus has come to truly understand why she nor Pinkie could ever prank him. It was all due to his training as an infiltrator and his changeling senses that made him nearly impossible to hit. Some of his pranks were even astonishing to them, as they were crafted to be snares and traps.

I just painted a target on my back, didn't I? Rainbow Dash asked herself, wondering what plans the changeling was concocting in his brain. Seeing the grin on his features grow some, Dash decided that she should wait for Twilight and see if she could convince the unicorn to stop the madpony from doing anything rash.

Like bruising her pride.

---

Half and hour did finally come and pass and Twilight returned home, coming through the door and with a number of extra bags. From his dark corner, Masquerade looked up from the book he was occupying himself with, setting it aside to rise and help the mare.

Likewise, Rainbow looked up from her own book and greeted, “Hey Twi!” Taking to the air and keeping some extra distance from the mischievous stallion.

Letting the black unicorn take some of her load, Twilight turned her attention away from him to the pegasus saying, “Oh, hello Rainbow Dash.” Putting on a smile, “I didn't expect to see you here.”

As Masquerade left for the kitchen to start putting things away, Rainbow landed before Twilight nodding, “Yeah, I wanted to ask you something.”

“Sure thing.” Twilight nodded back, “Let me go and make sure Mask is putting everything where it should be and I’ll be right with you.” Trotting off to the kitchen and leaving Dash where she was.

Inside the kitchen itself, Twilight was pleasantly surprised that Masquerade was doing a fine job putting away her gathered groceries. With quick and near meticulous like movements of his magic, the stallion went about taking each item and placing them on the shelves or fridge.

Using her own magic to open the cupboards and checking their contents, Twilight smiled and said, “Looks like you got this pretty much covered, huh Mask?” Looking to the stallion still at work.

Fixing a few things so they might fit in their places, Masquerade nodded, “I’ve lived here for long enough to figure out where you have things set up.” Rolling his eyes at her rather predictable nature. Then again, that wasn't much of a bad thing, considering nothing was ever hard to find.

“I can tell.” Twilight agreed, using her magic to take what was left in her saddlebags telling, “Could you put these things away too?” Turning for the door way.

“Consider it done.” Mask stated, already getting to work on putting the newly acquired items away.

With another smile playing on her muzzle, Twilight told, “You’re a sweet heart.” Walking out of the kitchen just as she heard the stallion call back, “Not as sweet as your’s!”

Twilight couldn't help but giggle at that, shaking her head while she made her way to Dash. Speaking of the said mare, Twilight could see the smirk of the pagasus’s features and mirth in her eye.

Feel her cheeks warm slightly, Twilight cleared her voice and asked, “You wanted to ask me something Rainbow Dash.” Trying to brush off her little moment with Mask.

Still holding an amused look, Dash nodded, “Yeah, I wanted to know if you’re free next Saturday.” Ruffling her wings some as she explained, “Pinkie had this bright idea of swimming, and AJ mentioned one of the nearby rivers we could use. Fluttershy decided to come after I asked her. Rarity, not so much.”

Tapping her chin in though, Twilight agreed, “Some swimming actually sounds nice.” Then move over to a calendar in the wall, flipping through it asking, “Do you know why Rarity didn't want to come. Busy with work maybe?”

Taking a moment to think it over, Rainbow Dash said, “Donno... She seemed a bit cranky, so I guess she just was tiered or something.” Slightly surging at the end.

Nodding to that, Twilight scanning her eyes over her calendar saying, “I only have a few things that day, so I can make room. It also say’s it’s going to be a hot day?”

“We’re trying to get a storm up and ready.” Rainbow said, walking next to the lavender mare, “If the weather team can keep the skies cleared enough, things should be set up for a good rain.”

Twilight took it all in, lifting a nearby pencil to write down her new set of plans into the calendar while Rainbow Dash soon added, “Also, could you do another thing for me?” Getting the unicorns attention.

Glancing at the kitchen to be sure Mask wasn't looking, Rainbow told, “I think I’m going to be a target for one of bug-boy’s pranks…could you, I don't know, warn me or something when he tries?”

Giggling to herself, Twilight nodded, “I’ll see what I can find out. When Mask wants to keep a secret. he’ll keep it.” Then sent a look to the kitchen doorway adding, “But I think I can also find out what he’s up to.” Partially wondering how much the stallion was already overhearing. It wouldn't surprise her if the changeling-acting-pony was eavesdropping on them.

Brightly smiling at this, Dash thanked, “I owe you one egghead.” Turning around telling, “I’ll let the others know you’re able to come. We’ll be meeting at Sweet Apple Acres!” Already rushing out the door before Twilight could respond.

Standing in place for a moment, Twilight considered trying to go after Dash, but figured the robin blue pegasus was long gone by now. Looking to the side where Rainbow was seated before, Twilight lit her horn to pick up the forgotten book and put it up.

Coming out of the kitchen, Mask gave the room a look over asking, “Dash leave?” Making his way towards his corner once again.

“Yes, she stopped by to tell me of some plans her and the girls were making.” Twilight told, wandering over to where the stallion sat down and began looking trough the book he had put to the side earlier. With a curious tilt of her head, she asked, “What are you reading?”

Lifting the book from where he placed it and looking to it’s cover, Mask intoned, “Fundamentals to spell crafting.” Then flipped it back over to continue where he was, saying, “There’s some spells I still want to learn, but can’t because of my magic.” Flipping a page back to do a double take.

Taking a seat next to the stallion and slightly leaning on his side to take a peek, Twilight could feel him lean into her as well, as she said, “It’s because your changeling magic has a different mixture to our pony magic, right?” Peeking down to the small table Mask often used, spotting a number of scribbled out theories, ideas and steps to get around certain problems.

Taking the freely flowing bits of the contentment the unicorn mare was giving off, Masquerade nodded, “Yep.” Using his magic to lift a short pencil up and write down another set of possibilities, “Right now I’m trying to figure a way to make my invisibility last longer then the nine seconds.” Face twisting in some irritation at the short time limit.

Taking a few sheets up in her magic and looking them over, Twilight told, “Well, I can say that with the way you’re going about it, a pony wouldn't be able to even use this spell anymore.” Looking at the signatures and frequency’s that seemed to be dramatically out of line to a ponies own magical workings.

With a drawn out sigh, Mask admitted, “This sort of work is aways easier with those mages the Lue have.” Closing the book and setting it down with a slight huff, “They know the changes needed to make these sort of things work…”

Looking between the disgruntled stallion and his work, Twilight offered, “Why not I help then?” Taking up the notes in her magic, “After all, I know magic very well. Maybe I can help figure this out.” Standing up and make her way over to her lab.

Chuckling at the mare’s actions, Mask got up from his place telling, “Truthfully, I was considering asking you at some point.” Using his magic to open the door for Twilight adding, “I just wanted to see how far I could get before needing to ask.”

Giving the black unicorn a glance, Twilight asked, “This doesn't have anything to do with your male pride, does it?” Only getting a laugh out of the stallion.

“Pride, what pride? I’m just trying to push myself a bit more.” Following Twilight down the stairs before bounding off the least step to land next to Twilight, kissing her cheek telling, “Why, I need to step up my game if I’m to keep you on your toes when it comes to the thinking game.”

Rising a hoof to rub her cheek, Twilight smiled, “What is it with you and kissing me so much?” Not trying to sound offended, since she didn't mind the show of affection.

Grinning, Mask said, “What can I say, I’m addicted to your love.” Getting a playful swat form the mare he loved so much.

Pointing to the table she had set all the notes down, Twilight instructed, “Sit, study.” Moving off to another part of the lab, “I’ll see if I can find some equipment that can help us with the testing later.” Beginning her search for anything of use.

Keeping his eyes on the unicorn mare a bit longer, Masquerade eventually shrugged and refocused onto the bits of information he had. Most of the information was on how the illusion spell for invisibility was applied to ones self and how it held together. The problem was that the spell was meant to keep one invisible by making a connection with the numerous magical nods in the body and horn of the caster.

Changelings had these needed nods, but these nods lacked the emotion output needed to help keep the right balance in the spell. Masquerade certainly had the power, and after some trial and error, near perfect understanding how this illusion worked.

My problem is not the power consumption, but stabilization of the magical frequency that bends the light spectrum to give the illusion of being invisible. After it’s casting, the spell was fairly stable and held fine without any help from Mask’s part. But given time, the changeling nature of his magic begins to disrupt how the spell would normally work, making it fade away soon after it’s casting.

Coming back with a number of gadgets for later use, Twilight set her equipment down and once more began to look over the heir’s various notes. Taking one up, Twilight asked, “What is your main problem with the spell?” Skimming over the data written down.

Looking through his slight mess, Mask magicked up three notes and floated them over to Twilight, who took them up in her own pink magic while he explained, “It’s a three fold problem. Firstly is the frequency being off, mostly due to my magic having less emotions effecting it.”

Twilight nodded, gleaning the information provided on the second note, while Mask continued, “My second problem is trying to keep the magic field properly stable. This is connected to the first problem, which I will figure out in time.” Smiling in confidence telling, “I am after all, a stage-4 changeling. Figuring out the right frequency wont be too much of a hassle.”

“And the third problem?” Twilight asked, reading over the third paper filled with a number of scribbles, ideas, theories and more that she didn't fully understand. Admittedly, she wasn't too sure what she was looking at here.

Moving next to the highly learned unicorn, Mask pointed to the paper in Twilight’s grasp telling, “This is my main problem.” Somewhat glaring at it, “The spell woks by making a small connection to the magical nods in the body to keep it stabilized and powered.”

Sighing in some frustration, Masquerade said, “But my changeling nature alone is messing with this part of the spells function.” Setting down heavily as he thought.

Turning her gaze to the stallion next to her, Twilight asked, “What is it about your changeling nature that would mess with this part?” Now working this new bit of information with the notes she held.

Tapping the floor a few times, Mask said, “For one thing, changelings have almost double a ponies magical nods.” Seeming to catch the other unicorns attention with this, “Almost three times if you count heirs like myself.”

Blinking a few ties, Twilight said, “Why in the world would a body need that many magical nods?” Looking a bit up in thought, “I mean, that would suggest you move huge amounts of magic through your bodies then even unicorns do.” Trying to calculate just how much energy would be traveling in Masquerades body at that moment.

“Well it makes sense of you think about it in the right perspective.” Masquerade said, getting Twilight to stop thinking for a moment. Seeing he now had the mare’s attention, the changeling explained, “Changelings need more magical nods for two reasons. First is that we feed off emotions, which shortly turn into energy or a form of magic, which the nods help distribute through our bodies.”

Seeing Twilight nod in understanding that it was a changelings version of spreading the nodded energy through their bodies much like blood vessels, Mask continued, “They also serve to properly focus the magic where it should be when we change into other species. So the nods that are used for unicorns are left active, while the nods for wings and hooves go more dormant since they have no output areas.”

Taking a moment to think the information over, it did make sense to Twilight. It helped her to actually understand how a changeling could emulate a ponies abilities by having certain magical nods active at certain points in the body. All ponies had different positions for their magical nods, working almost like a secondary nervous system.

That would mean changelings have all the main nod points all three pony tribes have. Twilight carefully turned the information in her head, figuring out everything she could. This would also help explain why changelings can hide so well, as the nods not in use become dormant, and letting the active ones become dominate to the point they aid the changeling in gaining that races strongest traits!

“What’s the second reason?” The mare inquired further, “You mentioned the first reason, which is ground breaking in magical research alone, but what second purpose do your magical nods serve?” Twilight was very much curious for this other bit of information. If Masquerade had so many nods in his body, then this spell shouldn't be giving him so much trouble.

Seeing as Twilight was finished turning the information in her head for a while, Mask told, “They also help us feed.” Getting a shocked look form the lavender unicorn, “All those nods act as our main method of feeding, without needing our magic to forcefully harvest it.” On the inside, the changeling rouge smirked, able to both see and feel Twilight figuring out his dilemma.

A moment later, Twilight voiced it aloud, “The spell works by getting energy from magical nods in the body…” Taking an extra moment to make shire she was right, “But a changelings own nods try absorbing emotions, which means that two separate energies are interacting and mixing too much. This would make the spell destabilize because another form of energy is interfering with it’s connection!”

“And as you have probably figured by now.” Mask spoke up, seemingly cutting the mare form continuing on, “This also means that as the spell is in effect, it’s blocking my nods some. Because of this, my body instinctively tries harder to gather emotions from my surroundings, making the connection destabilize just as quickly.”

Twilight nodded in understanding, now seeing the infiltrators problem in full. The magical nods for a changeling, though always channeling magic and providing energy, also took in what energy was in their range. The spell being made for ponies didn't take this into consideration, as their bodies helped generated the magic needed from within.

Scratching her head, Twilight admitted, “That is quite the problem…” Trying to figure out how to solve it in her head and with the notes before her.

Leaning some on the table, Masquerade nodded, “Oh, you have no idea. Took me the better part of a week or two to even convert the spell to not starve me to death because it blocked my magical nods.” Leaning his head on one of his hooves before turning his head to a staring Twilight.

“Starve you?” The librarian asked in a tone that promised some form of retribution for not sharing this bit of information with her.

Not seeming to show much concern, Masquerade told the other unicorn, “I didn’t try to use it off the bat. I made sure to study it and then preform controlled tests before even trying it.” Then tapped at a few of the scattered notes telling, “In a way, it destabilizing is acting like a safety feature, which is why I’m not so concerned with using the spell.”

Shaking her head, Twilight said, “That isn't the point.” Making sure she had the stallions attention, “If you knew that spell would be so dangerous, then why didn't you tell me, or even ask me for help?” Giving the darker unicorn a hard stare.

With a smile, Mask said, “But you did.” Watching the confusion get written all over the mares face, and explained, “Did you really think I wouldn't pick up anything from all your projects?” Waving a hoof around the lab they sat in.

Letting out a sigh, Twilight just said, “Maybe, but still doesn't excuse what you did.”

Rolling his eyes but deciding to concede a bit, Masquerade told, “True, I could have told you.” Getting a solid nod form the mare, “But you need to realize that I need to do things myself. If I can't really handle something, then I turn to other options.”

Keeping her sights on the stallion a bit longer, Twilight eventually dropped the subject saying, “Alright, I guess I can understand that.” Turning back to the table saying, “Now, what have you tried to make this invisibility spell work?”

---

Hours later and with a good amount of tests done, did both unicorns leave from their underground refuge. Twilight in particular was coming up because the dark stallion insisted she get something to eat after helping him work out his spell some. She at first disagreed and wanted to keep working. That was before her stomach betrayed her and gave a demand for food.

After that, she was herded up the stairs by Masquerade, who wanted to make sure the pony got something to eat. It sometimes boggled Twilight how much he made sure she was in top condition at all times. Thankfully Mask didn't coddle her all the time, only when he felt she needed to be nudged away to her needs.

I suppose it’s what I get for having a changeling for a coltfriend. Twilight somewhat grumbled in thought, both loving and even hating his protective nature at times.

Once she was out of her lab and on her way to the kitchen did Masquerade stop following her and just take a seat at the table and wait. He wasn't in the mood for any food himself, feeling he should work out an idea that had popped into his head some time back.

Seeing Twilight return into the room with a plate of food, Masquerade put up another one of his grins saying, “Say Twinkles, I have another question I might as well ask you.”

Setting her food down and giving the stallion more of her attention, Twilight nodded, “Alright Mask, what’s on your mind.” Taking up bits of her food while her stallion began to talk.

“So, I noticed that you had a fairly built workload for a time, and noticed even more at the things you have written on your list.” Masquerade began, gesturing to the calendar on the wall.

While Twilight continued to munch away at her food and give a hoof gesture to keep going, Mask said, “So I was thinking of maybe having you take a day off to relax a little.” Pausing the mare in her eating while he told, “I already took care of a few things on your list, clearing up tomorrow.” Knocking his hove together telling, “You do enough working and studying as it is. Take some time to unwind before jumping back in.”

Stopping a moment to swallow her food and give the stallion a long look, Twilight told, “You want me to take the day off tomorrow?” A little confused at where this came from.

True since the wedding, Twilight had been digging trough more of her books to find more practical applying spells to use with or against changelings. Not to mention her new branch of research concerning changeling biology and magic. Or her normal studies she did for the princess…

“Yes, you need a day off.” Masquerade nodded, adding quickly to cut the studious unicorn off, “And visiting your fiends, as good as that is, you still somehow go back to studying at the end of the day.” Seeming to lean back some from where he sat, Mask said, “Really, just take the day to relax, take a nap out in the sun— something more then your normal reading.”

Giving the black pony another long look, Twilight asked, “And you did all the things I had to do tomorrow so I could have some time to myself?” Making sure she had heard that right.

“Yep, I might take a nap tomorrow myself after all that work.” Masquerade nodded, then thought aloud, “Or find Toe-Tapper for a quick spar…”

Gaining a smile on her lips, Twilight soon smirked, “I have a better idea.” Getting a curious look from Masquerade as she told, “Since you went to the trouble of clearing my day, I will be needing something to fill in my schedule.” Getting up from the table and make it over to her calendar.

Watching the mare’s movements with his eyes, Masquerade watched as Twilight cleared her plans for the next day with an eraser and wrote in something new. Turning to face the infiltrator, Twilight told, “I do believe my schedule says you’re taking me out for a date tomorrow Mask.” Smiling innocently at the stunned stallion.

His shock was quickly moved aside as the changeling rouge said, “Well, looks like I have some plans to make.” Thinking for a moment before saying, “Unless you want to do this date your way.”

Trotting back to her place, Twilight said, “As fun as it would be to have you follow a step-by-step schedule set up by myself, I don't feel like that would be fun for a date.” Going back to her food that was comprised of sliced up fruit.

Accepting that answer, Masquerade then said, “Good to know.” Looking out one of the windows to see the day ware on and closer to night, saying, “How about just a walk through Ponyville. No destination in mind, we do what we feel like at the time.”

Rolling her eyes, Twilight asked, “Do you ever try to make actuarial plans?”

With a rouge like smile, Mask said, “Now where the fun in that Twinkles?” Lighting his horn quickly to catch a tossed orange slice that would have hit his head.

With her own smirk, Twilight told, “Eat your food, you scoundrel.” Giggling to herself as Mask started to put up an overdramatic act at being called a scoundrel.

Comments

[Devildogg20]

Nods instead of Nodes throughout.