I awoke feeling cramped and stiff. My head was pounding, and even trying to open my eyes hurt.
Dammit, I thought, what'd I do this time? I didn't even have that much to drink...
I went to roll over, only to find I was crammed into a tight, cluttered space. I thrashed around for a moment trying to find which way was down and put my hooves on it. Instead, my hind hoof struck the handle and the closet door swung open. The sudden, brilliant sunlight hurt like a motherbucker, and I groaned and covered my eyes. There's no WAY I drank that much last night... why does my head hurt so much?
As I pried my eyes open and got used to the morning light, I noticed something weird. A few sheets of paper were stuck to my horn, taped there like a giant post-it. What the...?
I pulled the pages off and looked at them, blinking a bit to clear the blurriness. The first page looked hastily scrawled, with fairly messy hornwriting. As I read the words, I could hear them in my head, like I was remembering them...
Hey. Look, first of all, I'm sorry. I didn't want to do this, but I had no other choice. I was starving to death, and you were the only one I could find. I could tell you were buzzed, so you wouldn't notice the mind read. I'm really sorry, I just saw how much you and your husband loved each other, and I was so hungry, I just couldn't resist. Oh, right. Um, I'm a changeling. Just... you know, so that makes some sense. Anyway, you're gonna have a headache, that's normal. I had to bite you, to knock you out so I could take your place for a little while. It's just dehydration and a few aftereffects, drink some water and eat a few dandelions and you'll be fine.
I was stunned. I had been abducted and replaced by a changeling! Who does this damn bug think he is!? Just leaving an apology note doesn't make up for kidnapping! I fumed a moment, before looking around and recognizing my own hallway. Oh. So he just stuck me in the hall closet. Is that still kidnapping? I shook myself out of the thought. The stupid bug had robbed me of a night with my husband, that was bad enough. Well, okay, even though it was a pretty crappy night.
He was right, though. Now that I knew how to stop my headache from Tartarus, I headed for the kitchen. Passing the window, I noticed the sun. Apparently I had woken up with Celestia, as the sun was only just up.
I drank a few glasses of water and ate a few dandelions from the fridge. The changeling wasn't lying about that one, they helped a lot. Feeling more comfortable, I looked at the second sheet of paper. It was from the notepad I keep on my bedside, so seeing it made my blood run hot. Oh, if that damn insect laid a hoof on my stallion...
I know what you'll be worrying, relax. I didn't sleep with your husband. You ponies always think that's how we get love, but all that gets is lust, which is junk food. I just came home, apologized for your fight (you're welcome, by the way), and snuggled with him until he fell asleep. His nethers are just as pristine as you left them. I really am sorry I had to do this, you know. Oh, and don't worry about the love I harvested. It won't hurt him or stop him loving you, I just took the wasted extra bits, the spare energy that wasn't going anywhere.
Hmm. Well, that was a mixed message. On one hoof, the changeling had mostly left my husband alone, so that was good. On the other, I missed out on some nice cuddles because of him. Well, good and bad news, I guess. I kept reading.
Okay, there's another thing. I know you probably weren't there, but I want to formally apologize for the actions of the Changeling Hive at the wedding of Princess Cadance and Captain Shining Armor. We didn't want that. Changelings and ponies were never meant to fight. Chrysalis' plan would have starved us all in a matter of months. We're meant to be friends, allies. You ponies may like love and friendship, but changelings actually NEED it. Love is our source of food, and our hive-link is a kind of deep friendship.
Anyway, here's the important bit: Chrysalis is planning to attack again. She's gone all the way off the deep end. We lost last time, badly. This time, it might be even worse. So, I need your help. I've got a good section of the hive on my side, a little over half of us don't want to follow Chrysalis anymore. But she's the queen, and we can't directly disobey her orders. We've been messing around and stalling her assault, but that won't last forever. Sooner or later, she's going to attack again, and this is why I need your help.
If we attack like she says, and Canterlot is unaware that we're coming, we'll still get routed. Half the hive is suffering from starvation, and we'd get killed off inside of ten minutes. Instead, I need you to go warn Celestia. I know she'll be merciful if she sees this letter, and that's all I ask, mercy. Even imprisonment would be better than slowly wasting away under Chrysalis' mad rule. Celestia needs to make Canterlot look vulnerable, but simultaneously fortify it. She needs to prepare nonlethal traps and ambushes, so that when our Queen makes us attack, we just get caught, not killed.
One last thing. Don't kill Chrysalis, if you can avoid it. Her hold on us can be broken by suppressing her magic with a horn ring. She wasn't always like this. She used to be kind and benevolent once, but... well, irony happened. She fell in love, several years ago, and her coltfriend broke her heart, and I think her mind went with it. She doesn't deserve to die. She just needs help and care, but she can't get that unless you capture her first.
So please, whoever you are, try to get this message to Princess Celestia. She needs to see it, otherwise the entire Hive is doomed and many citizens of Canterlot may be injured. I know I have no right to expect kindness or decency. I don't deserve it, but I'm begging you, if you have any compassion, please help me.
Good luck.
Signed, Phylum Glow
I put the paper down and stared at it. Conflicting emotions surged through my mind, tugging my thoughts this way and that, before duty finally won out. I went into my bedroom and began removing my Royal Guard's armor from my ponnequin and putting it on.
The noise of clanking metal woke my husband. "Wha? Raindance, what's going on? Aren't you off duty this month?"
I looked over at him. "Look, hun, I promise I'll explain later. But right now, I have to go save Equestria." I leaned over and kissed him. "And don't you worry. You married one of the toughest mares around. I'll be back soon."
I left soon after, the letters from the changeling in my saddlebags. It didn't matter what I thought, Celestia had to see those papers, right now. it was a matter of national security. Of course, it helped that I felt for the poor changeling.
"Phylum Glow..." I muttered to myself. "If we both make it through this okay... you owe me a drink."
changelings. I knew it.
Very good job. Hope to see a sequel some day but it works just fine as a one-shot as well.
But just a oneshot ?
Need a sequel where Raindance and Phylum Glow meet
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5483103
I'll see what I can do, but no promises. i write one shots because my attempts at chaptered stories have never gotten completed. I have to finish with the same inspiration I started with, otherwise I just can't continue.
But for a sequel, the answer is a definite maybe.
5483584 Agreed. You also gave everyone a chance and that's good.
5483614
Well, I almost always prefer redemption for my villains. There's just so much more potential for story.
(Except Grant Ward from Agents of Shield, he needs three rounds through the forehead)
Good stuff.
5483644 Well just make sure you give her more reason to be evil. Just saying.
5483701
Oh, she's got more. She's not really evil right now, though, just really unstable. She needs counseling and therapy to start to see that, and she won't get it unless she has to, like what Celestia would do for her while she was captured.
5484403 Indeed. That sounds great!
5483644 Grant Ward of S.H.I.E.L.D is pretty much a jerk no matter how you look at it. Then again he's actually HYDRA. *shouts to other readers* yes we are talking about a different show, just watch it okay?
i.ytimg.com/vi/9JcfTrWu2bo/maxresdefault.jpg
Nice little story! Bit of a head-canon dump, but it made sense in context, so that lessens it a bit.
And don't worry; it's perfectly alright if you're better with short stories than long ones. Just know your strengths, keep leading to improve what you can, and stick with it. That alone will get you more respect than any long, meticulously-planned story. Trust me, I know.
Hoo boy, do I know.
On a side note, do you read clop? I'd rather like a pre-reader for something I'm writing.
5490939
Why, yes, I do indeed. I have a few caveats, though; PM me to continue this line of thought, as I'd rather not describe M-rated stuff in the comments of this story.
5485306 I watched Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., too. There's one scene that stands out that makes me still think Grant Ward is still one of the "good guys"
After Garrett was revealed to be "the Clairivoyant", Coulson and Grant have a conversation that is clearly pissing Grant off. Immediately after, Grant relays that Coulson asked that he accompany Victoria Hand to ensure Garrett is put away. Instead, Grant kills Hand & helps Garrett escape. As Season 1 ends, Coulson is really ticked about Grant & the feeling is evidently mutual.
But that conversation they had STILL sticks out as something that doesn't belong for one very important reason--if Grant were truly HYDRA, he would've voulenteered, even begged, to go with Hand & be happy to do so after talking with Coulson. Instead, Grant is thoroughly and clearly pissed.
As a result, the ONLY thing that makes sense from that one scene is that Coulson gave him such specific orders that Grant is to pretend to be HYDRA and NOT stop--whether Grant is captured by SHIELD or not--for him to kill whoever he has to in order to make it look like he's HYDRA--until Coulson, and Coulson alone, tells him to stop, since no one knows just how deep HYDRA had penetrated S.H.I.E.L.D.
That is the sort of story that Marvel Comics had done in some of their comics in the past.
5559363
No way. He would've thrown a bone to Fitz and Simmons, or not PSYCHOPATHICALLY MURDERED HIS OWN BROTHER.
Ward is a HYDRA bad apple, straight to the core.
... Good idea, I think I may just write my own adaptation of this in a longer chaptered story. Or I could write this into my current story when I get to the invasion.
5559382 We'll see. Not trying to argue, but what you said got me to thinking:
Anyone want to do a "Ward = Bab Seed" crossover? It'd be awesome! LOL
5560364
Actually... if you want, I might like to collab a little bit. Phylum is actually a really intricate character, I just couldn't write in any development here. I have plans for the next chapter, but i'm dealing with finals week and college applications and scholarships, etc. I'd like to get in touch, though.
....please find a way to continue this....
5578832
I'm trying, It's not easy.
fair enough...
Well I wish you the best of luck in the sequel because this story is amazing!
5693190
You're too kind. This is a good one, but my work leaves a lot to be desired. I have some ideas for where to go from here, but it's so hard to make them hold still long enough to write them.
At this point, suggestions are quite welcome.
5693305 hmm well I'm still thinking of how a whole story could be made but I know one scene that would be hilarious. The awkwardness of the two of them explaining the story to her husband and then him admitting "oh and also I snuggled with you...yeah" XD
5699792
Hmm... maybe. I like it, but I don't like writing awkward, and I'm not good at it. Hmm.
This is a fantastic start. Don't stop!
5700804 another thing that would be interesting is seeing how Shining reacts to the mercy plan against the species that attacked his wedding and brainwashed him. A lot of really cool things could be done with this concept. Also you could have Radiance meet Phylum during the attack when he is taken prisoner.
You can't just leave it there! This needs more! Seriously! This definitely doesn't read like a one shot. More like the first chapter. Please please please do more.
5874664
I know, and I want to write more! But I need support. Somebody to give suggestions and bounce ideas with. I don't have much time to spare, but I really want to do more for this.
5875750
Okay here's a suggestion. You can start the first chapter in the hive from Phylum Glow's point of view. You know, introduce him (or her). You could shift view points from Phylum to Raindance. There's a big fight that ends in Chrysalis' capture and Celestia welcoming the changelings with open arms. Then near the end Phylum and Raindance get a drink as friends.
5875941
Huh. Something from Phylum's POV could be interesting. I might have enough inspiration to write that! Thanks!
5876052
Your welcome. Glad I could help out. I look forward to what you come up with.
Horns are very handy without magic.
Since when can Changelings read minds?
Who do you think you are, calling him a bug?
See? They feed on the passive love you have for each other.
He's giving it away. It doesn't hurt him if he gives you love, so how could that possibly hurt him if he gives it to a 'Ling?
'Lings are ponies. Maybe we should ask why they are not allowed in Equestria? Do you have something to say Celestia?
Like a wedding ring...
I know of a certain white unicorn stallion who could help her out.
I thought 'Lings had more human names; Greg, Tom, Stephanie, Nurse Glee(I really wanted to say Joy, but that's a pony name).