Loveless Lovechild

by Mani-Roar

Loveless Lovechild Part 2

Author's Note:

This story was revised from it's original version. If you read the original, I recommend you start at the first part again. The story is now double the length it was and a much richer experience overall. I apologize to anyone who already read the original, and I beg your indulgence on this update.

Let me know what y'all think in the comments

Stranger’s first time on a real bed was something out of a dream. He could feel his muscles relax as he sprawled out over the full sized bed. The comforter was so soft, it felt like it was a part of him as he wrapped it around his body like a burrito. The hive was a large corridor with countless Changelings all around. His birthing pod was in the open leaving him exposed. The small guest room bed was tucked into the corner with the door closed. The four walls isolated him, giving him privacy and shelter that was impossible in the hive. He never wanted to go back there.

However, he didn’t know how long he could stay here. Honeysuckle was kind but would she be able to let him live here? He didn’t want to be a burden on her. Yet this place was a paradise, full of joy and love. Love that he could feed on if he really wanted to. The thought horrified him. Even if he didn’t want to, would he be able to stop himself forever? He had cast Changeling magic without trying. He feared that at some point he might suck the love out of Honeysuckle and Bud without even meaning to. There may be nothing he could do about his nature. The hunger was louder now that he was alone. He needed the love energy.

He rolled over in bed and tried to force the thought out of his mind. Soon exhaustion got the better of him and he fell asleep. Unfortunately, sleep wasn’t an escape from his troubles. His mind raced with scattered nightmares. He was back in the hive again. The gangly Changeling stood over him with a hook and blade for hooves.

“I must dispose of it.” The monster said and moved into the light. It was Honeysuckle. She glared at him with that pain in her eyes holding up a flat stone from the lake.

“Put some mustard on it!” She cried and swung the stone.

Stranger sat up sharply in bed. Hyperventilating, he held his hooves to his head. It wasn’t real. None of his dreams were real, but they were so vivid and visceral. Eventually the exhaustion was great enough and the nightmares subsided long enough that he managed to sleep through the night.

The next morning Honeysuckle made them all breakfast and showed Stranger a photo album of her family. She went through the pages and memories of her childhood and history. Stranger sat contently, sipping his orange juice and listening to her stories.

“And this is my cousin Stone Work. He’s the one who married into that pegasus family from Cloudsdale and that has just been a disaster. I mean, they’re good ponies up there but family get-togethers are impossible to organize and his wife’s parents weren’t too thrilled that she had to move down to the ground.” Honeysuckle smiled and sighed.

“Because earth ponies can’t fly. Which makes it hard to even go up to Cloudsdale at all.” Stranger was fixated on the many photos in the album. They showed so many happy and loving memories.

“See, you’re catching on. You’ll be just like every other pony in no time.” She held the album open on the picture of Stone Work.

“I’m sorry that you have to explain all this stuff to me.” He lowered his muzzle.

“That’s not your fault. Everypony’s gotta learn sometime. I think you’re pretty smart for two days old.” Honeysuckle laughed at her own joke.

“Anyway, I have an idea for today. Why don’t you transform into my cousin and we’ll pretend you’re in town visiting?” She suggested pointing at her cousin’s sly mug in the photo. He looked incredibly pleased with himself as he hugged a pegasus mare in the photo.

“And besides, walking into town as a Changeling didn’t go so well the first time.” Honeysuckle bit her lip.

Stranger stared blankly into space. “You don't have to remind me.”

“So I figure I’ll grab the mayor and explain the situation to him. Then you can change back and meet him properly. I know the mayor. He may be stubborn at times, but if we can get him to see you for who you are, everypony else in the town will calm down as well.” She nodded at Stranger, pleased with her plan.

“You think that will work?” Stranger stared at the photo of Stone Work, trying to memorize his features.

“I think it’s the best shot we have. Do you trust me?” Honeysuckle drew Stranger’s gaze from the album.

“I do.” Stranger nodded. Going to the town at all filled him with anxiety, but he knew Honeysuckle would be there for him. He concentrated on the photo one more time. A green light flashed and Stone Work sat at the table next to Honeysuckle. He stood up and walked to the middle of the room. He had a dusty gray coat of fur and a black mane.

“That’s…” Honeysuckle gasped. “That’s really amazing. You look just like him.”

“I wanna come too.” Bud took a final bite of toast and jumped out of his seat.

“No Bud, I need you to look after the house while we’re away. You have a lot of chores I need you to get done.” Honeysuckle closed the album and stood up.

“Aw, but chores are so boring.” Bud complained.

“I know sweetie. I promise you and Stranger can do all the magic and playing you want when we get back, if you’ve finished the chores that is.” Honeysuckle raised her eyebrow at Bud.

“Ok mom.” He said deflated.

“You’re the stallion of the house until I get back, ok?” Honeysuckle smiled brightly at her little colt. He shot up, squaring his shoulders and saluting like a soldier.

“You can count on me.” He said confidently.

“Are you ready, dear?” Honeysuckle’s tone was a bit more serious as she looked at Stranger.

“Y-yes.” He stared at her nervously.

“Let’s go.” She turned and waltzed out the front door. Stranger followed her, but lagged a bit behind.

“Keep your head up, Stone Work doesn’t sag his head when he walks.”

“Right.” Stranger forced his head upright. He rolled his shoulders back and tried to walk more confidently. The tall posture made him feel at least a little bit stronger. Maybe he could convince himself he was brave if he acted like it long enough.

They walked into the center of town without incident. Nopony paid much attention to either of them. In fact everypony seemed content and joyful with their day. Ponies strolled around the well chatting and carrying on with their own business.

In his disguise, Stranger got to see what the town was really like when ponies weren’t in a panic. They walked right past the spot where Stranger was attacked when he first came to town. He swallowed his anxiousness and pressed on with Honeysuckle. They approached a stallion outside one of the larger buildings labeled “City Hall.” He stood outside and greeted Honeysuckle.

“Glad to see you have an escort with you. It’s not safe to be out alone with that wild Changeling around somewhere.” The stallion was a wide framed earth pony. His coat was bright red and his mane was a wavy bluish green. “I got your message, what’s so important?”

“It’s good to see you too, Red Tape. Can we get inside?” She motioned to the door of City Hall.

“Hey isn’t that Stone Work? I haven’t seen you since the last harvest. How have you been?” Red Tape grinned and offered Stranger a hoof shake. Stranger complied and shook his hoof. His arm felt weak in Red Tape’s death grip. His hoof wiggled around like a dead fish.

“Uh, hello… Red Tape.” Stranger did his best to not panic. He recognized Red Tape from when he first came to town. He was one of the scary ponies that chased him away with weapons.

Red Tape’s genuine smile faded a little.

“You seem uh, different Stone Work.” Red Tape stared directly at Stranger.

“Listen, mister Mayor, I can explain everything. It’s a bit of a crazy story, but I assure you…” Honeysuckle began, but Red Tape held up his hoof and cut her off.

“Stone Work, how did that job I got you last summer work out? Were they a good client?” Red Tape tapped his hoof on the beaten dirt of the main street town road.

Panic rose up in Stranger's throat as he forced out a believable lie. “Uh good. It was really good. Thank you for that.” He could feel the sweat build up on his neck.

“Red Tape, please, let’s go inside. I’ll tell you everything.” Honeysuckle placed her hoof on Red Tape’s shoulder, pleading with him to follow.

“I didn’t help you get a job last summer. You’ve been with the same factory for ten years.” Red Tape stared daggers at Stranger. Stranger felt his heart rate beating out of control. Honeysuckle smacked her forehead with her hoof.

“It’s not what it looks like. I swear…” Honeysuckle began, but Red Tape interrupted again.

“He’s a Changeling!” Red Tape shouted and pointed at Stranger. Ponies in the town within earshot turned to look. “He’s come back, everypony to arms!” He shouted.

“No please, don’t hurt me!” Stranger begged and covered his head with his hooves as Red Tape approached him. In his panic, he lost control of the Changeling magic and transformed back to his natural state. The ponies nearby collectively gasped. Some screamed and ran in fright. Several of them answered Red Tape’s call and came forward to surround the Changeling.

“No Red Tape, you don’t understand! He’s harmless! He didn’t come here to hurt us, he just…” Honeysuckle pleaded on deaf ears.

“Get him.” Red Tape ordered. Three Stallions moved to grab Stranger.

“Stranger, run!” Honeysuckle’s voice choked up as she called to him.

He took off running and one of the stallions moved to get in his way. Stranger was taller than this slight pegasus who barred his path. He plowed into the pegasus knocking him to the ground as he ran away from the town square.

“I’m sorry.” Stranger turned back briefly to apologize to the pony he knocked over.

“After him!” Red Tape demanded. The nearby stallions rushed off after the fleeing Stranger.

“Red Tape just listen to me for a Celestia forsaken second, will you? I’m trying to tell you…” She reached for his shoulder, but he slapped her hoof away. Her arm stung at his violent swing.

“Ow, you bastard!” She gripped her hoof in pain.

“You must be a Changeling too.” He pointed accusingly at her. “He’s already brought reinforcements. How many more of your kind have invaded my town? Where are you keeping the real Honeysuckle?” He demanded.

“I am the real Honeysuckle. He’s the only Changeling here, I promise.” She met his fierce gaze with an indignant one of her own.

“Prove it.” He loomed over her, invading her personal space. She held her ground and stood face to face with him. He was physically much stronger than her, but her defiant stare almost dared him to lay hooves on her again. “Tell me something only the real Honeysuckle would know.”

Seething with rage, Honeysuckle struck back with her defense.

“You’re the real father of my child. I lied about it to save your reputation, at your mother’s request.” Honeysuckle’s piercing gaze cut straight through Red Tape. His eyes darted around nervously. Several ponies in the vicinity heard Honeysuckle’s confession.

“Shall I go on?” Honeysuckle asked, her cheeks still flush with rage.

“Ok, ok, you’re the real Honeysuckle.” He held up his hoof in apology. “But why are you helping the Changeling?” He asked, his voice filled with betrayal.

“You hit me.” Honeysuckle’s voice went soft and quiet.

Red Tape sighed.

“I’m sorry. I honestly believed you were a Changeling. But I don’t understand why you would jeopardize the town, your own kind.” Red Tape shook his head disappointed.

“He’s not dangerous, Red Tape. He’s just a child. He was abandoned by them. He’s lost and alone with nowhere to call home. He was just looking for help and compassion.” Honeysuckle held Red Tape’s shoulder. This time he let her. “He just wanted friendship. Isn’t that what everypony wants?” She stared at Red Tape with her compassionate eyes.

“He’s a Changeling.” Red Tape looked away from her gaze. “He steals love.”

“He’s never done that and he never will.” Honeysuckle reassured him.

“How do you know?” Red Tape snapped back.

“I… he…” Honeysuckle stumbled on her words.

“Because he told you so? Are you that naive? You don’t know how old he is or what he’s done.” he gently grabbed her hoof and moved it off his shoulder.

“Why would he lie?” She asked.

“To get access to the town. To find ponies like you and your family to impersonate. To get intelligence for the hive to come and consume us all. How can you not see that?” He scolded her like a child.

Honeysuckle got in his face causing the proud Mayor to back away from her.

“I am not some naive little filly who doesn’t see the world for what it is. I found him alone and starving. I invited him into my home. I broke bread with him. He played with my son. He slept in my house. If he had any ill intentions, I would have sensed it.” Honeysuckle defiantly held her ground.

The dead air hung between the two ponies for some time. Stranger had long since disappeared out of sight past the tree line.

“What would you have me do?” Red Tape asked.

“Talk to him. Meet him. Let him prove to you that he’s a good pony and doesn’t mean any harm.” Honeysuckle pleaded.

“He’s not a pony, he’s a Changeling.” He corrected her with venom on his tongue.

“If he accepts our way of life, does that really matter?”

“Yes.” Red Tape stomped his hoof. Honeysuckle gasped.

“Word will get around. The Changelings will know that we’re soft. They’ll send more Changelings to invade us. They’ll see us as weak and easy targets.” He spoke nervously.

“So you would just let him suffer alone. Even if he’s different from the rest of them. Even if you know he wants to be our friend?” Honeysuckle looked hurt.

“I have to do what’s best for my ponies. His presence puts us in danger. You would let your own son be at risk because of him? My son?” He said accusingly.

“How dare you.” Honeysuckle spat with her own venom. The hostile air was contagious. “You’ve never taken responsibility for him before.”

“Maybe it’s about time I did.” He looked up at the sky. Not able or not wanting to look directly at her.

“Red Tape, I…” She began, but was cut off again.

“I forgive you for showing him mercy. You’re a kind mare. You always have been. We need ponies like you in Equestria.” He met her gaze again with the conviction of a preacher. “But, we also need ponies like me. And what must be done must be done.”

“I…”

“Go home and attend to our son. Do not interfere with us.” Red Tape ran off to join the search for Stranger. Honeysuckle stood dumbfounded watching him trot away.

“Run fast, Stranger. Stay safe and out of sight.” She prayed to nopony. Red Tape had ordered her to stay out of his way, but she knew she couldn’t stand idly by and watch him be hunted down. She ran off into the forest herself, staying out of sight of the members of the search party.

Stranger ran and ran through the forest. He felt condemned to flee for his life in the woods for all eternity. He managed to conceal himself in heavy brush for a few moments, however his pursuers were closing in on him. Thinking quickly, he transformed into an amalgamation of Wood Chipper and Stone Work. He heard their hooves rushing to his position.

“He’s over there!” Stranger shouted and pointed deeper into the forest. Not paying close attention, the search party ponies nodded at him and continued running in the direction he pointed. Once they were past him, he doubled back and headed towards the outskirts of the town. All he wanted to do was get back to Honeysuckle’s house and take shelter. He stayed in his hybrid pony form in case he ran into anypony else. Even if they figured him out, it would at least take them longer to notice than if he looked like a Changeling.

He darted through the trees. The woods around this town were starting to become familiar to him. He made it to the clearing in front of Honeysuckle’s house and he changed back into his normal self. The garden was as gorgeous as ever. Many buds were blooming in the midday sun. Stranger had spent so many hours of his two days of life running and hiding for his own survival. The only good memories he could recall were here at this house. It was the closest thing he had to a home, yet he dared not call it that.

Bud saw Stranger walking up to the house and waved at him joyfully. Bud was sweating as he attended to the garden. He was adding soil and leveling it out around the plants. It was a duty that would normally fall to the head of a household. However, when a big house has only two ponies they have to make due.

“Hey Stranger.” Bud’s innocent smile brought a smile to Stranger’s face. He waved back and quietly walked up to the colt.

“How did it go?” Bud wiped his brow as he asked, still gripping his gardening trowel.

“Not good. I got found out and chased away.” Stranger’s smile evaporated as he looked down at the busy colt.

“What?” Bud looked exasperated. “Didn’t mom explain it to everypony?”

“She tried. Nopony would listen. They went after me… again.” Stranger clutched his arm, feeling like the world was after him. Like he’d never be safe ever again. Always running. Always hiding.

Bud looked down the road behind Stranger.

“Where’s mom?” He asked, afraid.

“I’m not sure. She told me to run, so I ran.” Stranger glanced behind him to make sure nopony was coming. If they found him here, he wasn’t sure what he would do.

“Is mom safe?” Bud’s widened eyes pleaded with Stranger.

“I don’t know why she wouldn’t be. It’s me they want.” Stranger reassured him. Bud relaxed his posture a bit.

“I have to go away.” Stranger whispered, hating his own words.

“What?! No, why?” Bud cried.

“It’s not safe for me here. I’m not welcome in this town. And I don’t know what they’ll do to anypony who keeps helping me.” Stranger shook his head. “I don’t belong here.”

“But-” Bud began.

“Every minute I’m here puts you and Honeysuckle in danger. I can’t accept that. I have to…” Bud interrupted Stranger.

“Don’t be like Wood Chipper. Don’t you leave us too.” Bud’s words were strained and higher pitched. Stranger looked at him and was equally as hurt.

“Don’t say that. I swear, it’s not like that. I don’t want to go.” Stranger knelt down to meet Bud at his level. Bud did his best to keep himself from crying.

“But, you’re still leaving, aren’t you? It’s not fair. Wood Chipper didn’t even say goodbye. Is it me? Did I do something wrong? Did he leave because of me?” Bud threw the gardening trowel down on the soil in frustration.

Stranger couldn’t offer any comfort to Bud’s pain. “You must miss your Dad a lot.” Stranger said softly. The two colts were at eye level with Stranger seated on the fresh soil.

Bud shook his head.

“He’s not my dad.”

“He’s not?” Stranger looked surprised. “Then who…”

“Mom won’t tell me who my real dad is. She claims she doesn’t know.” Bud picked up the trowel again and started smoothing out some of the soil.

“But, you think she does know?” Stranger asked. Bud slowly nodded.

“I think she thinks… that it’ll make me sad to find out. That I won’t like him. But I think I’d rather just know, you know?” Bud looked somberly at Stranger who simply nodded back.

Stranger never even saw his own mother’s face and she had rejected him immediately. For somepony to act like they want to stay with you and then leave must be heartbreaking. Wood Chipper had done that to Bud and Honeysuckle, and now he was about to do the same. Even if he didn’t mean to. Or want to.

“Wait until mom comes home, at least.” Bud placed his hoof on Stranger’s shoulder. “You can’t leave without saying goodbye to her too.”

Stranger grinned and nodded back.

“Ok. I’ll wait for her.”

Honeysuckle trotted through the forest looking for Stranger. Anytime she heard a member of the town’s search party, she steered clear of them. She walked along the river’s edge where she and Stranger first met and skipped stones together. He was lost and alone when she found him and she feared he would end up that way again. She paused for a few minutes by the river bank. The stress of her long search had worn her out. She needed a moment to gather her strength.

“Honeysuckle?”

A voice came from behind her. She turned startled to see a short pegasus pony from the town. She stood up and walked over to him.

“Hello Wind Shear.” She greeted him.

“Y-you are Honeysuckle right?” He nervously backed away from her. “You’re not a Changeling?”

Honeysuckle rolled her eyes.

“If I’m a Changeling, you’re screwed.” She said bluntly. He fluffed his wings in front of his face and cowered. Honeysuckle cracked up laughing. Wind Shear dropped his wings and sighed loudly in relief.

“Sweet Celestia, don’t scare me like that.” He said exasperated.

“Where’s Red Tape?”

“Out here somewhere. I kinda got separated from the group.” Wind Shear admitted.

“I need to talk to Red Tape again.”

“Why were you with the Changeling?” Wind Shear asked, ignoring Honeysuckle’s comment.

“He’s just a kid, Wind Shear. He doesn’t mean any harm.” She explained.

“He ran into me.” He complained. “Knocked me down in the dirt.”

“You blocked his path.” She countered.

“He didn’t have to hit me.”

“He was about to be jumped by three stallions, what would you have done?” Honeysuckle threw up her hoof.

Wind Shear thought about it for a moment.

“Did he hit you hard?” She asked.

“No, he just sort of ran through me.”

“And then he apologized.” She reminded him.

“I suppose.” Wind Shear looked at the ground then back at Honeysuckle. “So he’s a Changeling, but like a good Changeling?” He asked, confused.

“Pretty much. If everypony would just calm down for five seconds they’d see that he’s not dangerous.” She smiled. “Can you help me talk some sense into Red Tape? If everypony could just meet him and see…” He interrupted her.

“I can’t go against the Mayor.” He vigorously shook his head. Honeysuckle’s expression darkened.

“So you would still hunt him down, even knowing he’s just a kid who’s scared and alone?” She accused him.

“I… I don’t…” He stammered.

“I can’t make up your mind for you. But if you see Red Tape, tell him this.” She looked defiantly at Wind Shear. “That Changeling colt is under my protection. And if anypony wants to hurt him, they’ll have to go through me.”

“Honeysuckle you can’t say that to the Mayor, he…” Wind Shear began, but she cut him off.

“Look, just promise me you’ll deliver the message.” She stomped her hoof. Wind Shear nodded reluctantly.

“I’ll tell him. But I’m not responsible for the consequences.” He warned her.

“Thank you.” She turned to run off into the woods again, but stopped to say one more thing. “Wind Shear, do what you think is right. Don’t let him decide that for you.”

Wind Shear looked conflicted. In the end, he simply nodded and Honeysuckle ran into the forest.

It was nightfall by the time Honeysuckle returned. She came inside the house to see Bud and Stranger sitting in the living room. They had been playing a boardgame sprawled out on the floor. She let out a sigh of relief and hugged both ponies tightly.

“I’m so glad you’re safe. The mob is still out there looking for you. Oh Celestia I’ve spent all day looking for you in the woods myself. I should have known you’d make it back here.”

“I’m sorry, I didn’t know what else to do.” Stranger apologized once again. Honeysuckle shook her head.

“I’m glad you did. The important thing is that they didn’t find you."

Stranger looked up at her with big eyes. “What should I do?”

“Stay here. Stay with us. We will hide you.”

Stranger looked at Bud and Honeysuckle. Their gentle smiles made him feel at home once again. The town was on a rampage looking for him and he feared what they may do to the ponies who dared to help him. He wanted to stay, however he didn’t want anything to happen to the ponies who showed him so much kindness.

“I should go. It’s not right to stay here.” Stranger looked towards the front door however his heart wasn’t in it to leave. Bud let out a soft sob, looking devastated. Honeysuckle grabbed his shoulder, pulling his attention back to them.

“Don’t go.” She said softly.

“You may be in danger if I stay. Bud may be in danger.” Stranger looked down at Bud. Honeysuckle tightened her grip on Stranger.

“You know, I’m really sick of stallions telling me how to take care of my family today.” She grinned cynically at Stranger. “Nothing bad is going to happen to us. I’ll protect you, I promise.”

Stranger didn’t know what to say so he just nodded. Honeysuckle lit a large log in the fireplace. The warmth of the cozy country house protected them from the cold night out in the forest.

"Can you be my new brother?" Bud tugged on Stranger’s hoof.

Taken aback by the colt’s words, Stranger recoiled.

"I-I don't know how to be that." He looked at Honeysuckle with a panicked expression.

"Nopony knows how to be family. It’s something that everypony learns as they go." She glanced at him. He felt a warmth in his chest that radiated throughout his entire body.

“I’m family?” Stranger’s eyes glossed with emotion as he stared back at Honeysuckle.

“If you want to be.” She replied. Moved by her words, he looked down at Bud who still clutched his hoof tightly.

"I think I’d like that." Stranger smiled. Bud looked up at him and started crying.

"What's wrong?" He worried greatly. The last thing he wanted was to hurt Bud.

"Nothing's wrong." Honeysuckle smiled as a small tear dribbled down her cheek. She got up and walked over to the two of them.

"Please stay as long as you want." Honeysuckle embraced Stranger and the three of them shared their hug. Stranger relaxed into their embrace and let the warmth consume him. It felt comforting. He wanted this to be a place he could call home.

The room filled suddenly with a blistering light. Bud and Honeysuckle let go of Stranger to see he was glowing bright white.

"What's happening?" Stranger shouted as magic roared in his ears.

"It's the Changeling love stealing magic." Honeysuckle's horrified expression stung Stranger. He could feel his whole body radiating with heat. It terrified him. What if he consumed the two of them right here? He tried to stop it, but his body wouldn't heed him.

“Make him stop!” Bud cried out, slowly backing away from Stranger.

“Stranger! Don’t! Please stop.” Honeysuckle begged.

Stranger shook his head to clear the fog filling his mind. Willing the light to go away. He didn’t want to hurt these kind ponies. But the thoughts of their kindness only made the light shine brighter.

"Why would you do this? I thought you were better than this? We welcomed you into our home!" Honeysuckle panicked. Her voice stricken with betrayal.

"I'm not trying to do this. I don’t know how this is happening." Stranger grabbed his horn, but to no avail. The magic wasn't coming from there.

"Just take me, okay? Aim it at me." Honeysuckle pointed at herself. The light began growing from his body, expanding outwards.

"I can't control it at all." He complained, straining against the pull of magic.

"Just look at me, only me. Take it. Let me forget Wood Chipper forever." She pleaded with him.

Stranger glanced behind him over at Bud.

"Don’t you love Bud?" Stranger’s eyes were full of regret. Honeysuckle gasped and covered her mouth. She looked at Bud, her baby. If the Changeling stole her love, she may forget Bud as well.

"You promised you wouldn’t do this! You broke your promise. Red Tape was right about you. I can’t believe it. Get out! Go!" She pointed to the door. "Please, just go. Don't hurt me or Bud. We only have each other." Her tears still pouring down her face.

Stranger nodded and galloped to the door. He ran outside and slammed it shut behind him.

Honeysuckle and Bud embraced each other.

"I don't want him to leave. Not again, Mom." Bud cried into his mother's chest.

"I'm so sorry, baby." She gripped him tightly and they held each other for a few precious moments.

The door burst open again. Stranger quickly closed it behind himself, breathing heavily as he leaned against the wood. He had stopped glowing finally.

"Why did you come back?" Honeysuckle demanded.

"I'm sorry. I didn't know what else to do. There’s a..."

Before he could explain, somepony began pounding on the door.

"We know the Changeling is in there. Give us the Changeling!" Red Tape’s voice demanded from outside. They could hear many ponies causing a commotion just outside the door. The window glowed with the fires of their lit torches.

"Help me, please." Stranger cowered behind the door with his hooves over his head.

Honeysuckle crawled over to him, staying out of sight of her own window. She grabbed him behind the back of his head. She was firm, but gentle. His eyes stared directly at hers.

"You swear it was all an accident? You didn't mean to steal our love?" Her look was dead serious.

"Of course. I would never." He held her gaze unflinching.

"Ok. I believe you." She got up and held the door latch.

"Bud, take Stranger out the back door. I suppose the town will need more time before a proper introduction is made."

Stranger walked over to Bud and they took each other's hooves in their grip. He looked longingly over at Honeysuckle.

"I'll distract them. Just go. Maybe someday we will..." She began, but was cut off.

"The Changeling has Honeysuckle and her kid. We gotta break the door!" Red Tape shouted from outside. Honeysuckle knew he was lying to incite the mob.

“Go now! Hurry!” She braced her shoulder into the door.

Stranger tightened his grip on Bud as they ran towards the back door. They escaped into the pale moonlight and Stranger let go of Bud’s hoof before they got too far from the house.

"I have to leave." He looked down at Bud.

"Will I ever see you again?" Bud asked, full of hope. Stranger could hear the mob banging on the front door from the other side of the house.

"No." He said honestly. "I don't think I can come back here." Stranger felt his heart breaking. His love hunger screamed louder than ever before.

"But-" Bud began, but Stranger cut him off.

"Go help your mother." Stranger turned around and trotted away. Bud watched from the back door as Stranger disappeared past the tree line and into the night.

He ran and ran as fast as he could. His heart pounded in his chest as sorrow gripped him. His hooves got heavier with each step, but he kept running. He ran back up the hill until he was looking out over the gorge again. This part of the cliff had no water below. It was just rocks and trees.

He tested his wings a few times. He could feel himself lifting off of the ground if he flapped hard enough. He settled back down on the cliff's edge looking out. If he jumped off here he could probably fly away over the trees. Or he could fail and come crashing down to the rocky earth. He lost himself to despondency as he glared off the cliff into the abyss. He didn’t care if he flew or not. It was worth a shot. He would leave it to chance. If he flew, he would carry on. If he fell, well, what was the point of his life anyway? He stepped closer to the ledge. The anxiety gathered in his brain as he stared down the cliff. His head spun a little at the dizzying heights. He held one hoof over the edge and began to tilt his weight forward.

"Stranger!"

He spun around at the familiar voice. Bud stood behind him several feet away.

"I'm going to fly." Stranger said calmly.

"You don't know how to fly." Bud shook his head.

Stranger glanced down the gorge.

"Maybe I do." He dropped his tone.

"Don't do it!" Bud ran up to Stranger and grabbed his leg again.

Stranger rubbed the back of Bud's head and held him.

"Please, stay with me." Bud pleaded. “Don’t go. Not yet. You only just got here. I don’t want you to go yet.”

"Alright." Stranger relented. "At least for a little while." He smiled as he closed his eyes.

A feeling of energy surging made him open his eyes again. He was glowing from head to hoof once more.

“Get away from my Son!” Stranger heard a familiar voice traveling up the hill. He saw Red Tape galloping towards him wielding an axe in his hooves.

"Get away from me quickly!" He screamed at Bud but the little colt just shook his head.

"You need love. If you don’t have love you'll die." Bud stated bluntly.

"Please, Bud. I don’t want to hurt you. Anypony but you. It's not fair." Tears streamed down Strangers cheeks. The magic was consuming him again, and so was the hunger. Red Tape was almost upon them. Stranger feared for his life, and he also feared that Red Tape may miss him and hit Bud.

"I'll give you my love." Bud cried as he held Stranger tighter. "If it'll keep you safe, please take my love. You can have it, Stranger. Just please stay with me."

Stranger wanted to jump off the gorge and spare Bud. However, the young colt's grip was so tight, he didn’t think he could peel away without making the child fall with him. He wanted to run away from Red Tape and escape this crazy stallion with murder in his eyes. Unfortunately, Bud’s grip would slow him down too much. He could neither run, nor jump, nor fly. With no choices left, he embraced Bud back. The blinding glow from his love magic encompassed both of them.

"I'll stay with you, Bud."

"I love you, Stranger."

"I love you too, Bud."

With his eyes closed, Stranger surrendered to the magic he couldn’t control. Red Tape arrived and swung his axe for Stranger’s head. Stranger lost his grip of Bud as an opaque shell covered his whole body. Red Tape’s swing hit its mark, but the cocoon was made of powerful magic. The axe bounced off as if it were a rubber buckball. It flew out of Red Tape’s hooves and went flying over the chasm, out of sight. The blowback forced Red Tape to stumble backwards and skid along the ground several feet away.

Stranger saw multicolored lights bouncing off of a prism from inside his new shell. It was similar to the pod he grew out of but was stronger and richer. Soon the cocoon peeled away in a flash of multicolored light. Stranger stood back on his own hooves. Bud was still right in front of him.

"Are you ok?" Stranger asked.

"I think so?"

"D-did I take your love?"

Bud tapped on his own forehead like he was testing it.

"I don't think so. I don’t feel any different." Bud shrugged his shoulders.

The colt blinked a few times in succession as if his eyes couldn’t believe what they were seeing.

"But you're very different." Bud pointed at Stranger.

"How so?"

"You're all bright and colorful now. You're like half beige and half orange." Bud gasped with realization. "Just like mom!" He shouted with excitement.

He looked at his hooves. Sure enough, they were solid and colorful. No more holes or Greasy skin with spotty fur. It was fitting and somehow perfect.

“She was right.” Came a voice from behind them. Wind Shear and the search party mob approached the three of them up on the hill. Honeysuckle came rushing up from the crowd and scooped Bud up into her arms.

“My baby!” She yelled and gripped him so tight he could barely breathe.

“Hi mom.” His muffled voice came out of her bosom.

“I don’t believe it.” Red Tape stood dumbstruck at the newly evolved Changeling before his eyes. His coloring completely different than the love-stealing Changelings they feared. As if his inner kind heart was now reflected in his physical appearance.

Although the moment of wonderment was abruptly shaken.

“You swung a flippin’ axe at him! You maniac! You were going to kill him. You could have hit my son.” Honeysuckle’s rage was out of control. She looked ready to attack Red Tape.

“I just wanted to protect... I… I didn’t…” He stumbled as the crowded mob murmured around him in disapproval. Red Tape looked directly at Stranger. “You really are different, aren’t you? I… I didn’t know. I’m sorry.” He stared at the ground ashamed of himself.

“I told you he was different and you wouldn’t listen to me! Don’t you look away from me, you ba-” Honeysuckle began, but Stranger cut her off, coming to stand in front of her in a protective manner.

“I forgive you.” Stranger said directly to Red Tape. Red Tape’s eyes widened.

“You didn’t want any harm coming to your town. I understand. And I forgive you. Completely.” The secret truth behind the words he used hopefully sinking into the other Stallion.

Red Tape stood marveling at Stranger’s magnanimity.

“You’re a good stallion.” Red Tape smiled with relief. “I accept you as a fellow pony.” He extended his hoof to Stranger in friendship.

“No.” Stranger said suddenly and the town gasped. “I am a Changeling. Nothing will change that.” He accepted Red Tape’s hoof and shook it firmly. Red Tape’s hoof dangled weakly in Stranger’s grip.

“However, I am also myself. I can make my own decisions. I’m still learning, but I know that I am responsible for my own actions. I want to live for myself while extending the kindness I’ve been shown to others. With that being the case, would you allow me to live here? To stay?” Stranger’s eyes looked strong and grown up for the first time.

Red Tape chuckled to himself.

“I can’t think of a reason you shouldn’t.” Red Tape looked at the crowd of his town ponies. Everypony seemed to be in agreement. Honeysuckle ran in between Stranger and Red Tape. She hugged him tightly around the neck with tears of joy in her eyes.

“I’m so proud of you, you wonderful stallion.” She praised him, kissing him on the cheek. “Welcome to the family.” She stood proudly next to him with her son. Red Tape sheepishly backed away, feeling a bit awkward.

"Let's go home?" Bud asked, offering his hoof. Stranger took it into his and nodded. He felt lighter and more buoyant.

"We should call you something else besides Stranger." Bud said as they began walking down the hill.

"Yeah, I think a real name is a good idea." He smiled brightly as the two of them descended down the hill together. “Anypony have any suggestions?”

He was no longer hungry.

The End

Comments

[Mani-Roar]

11439862
I agree and thank you. The new version of the story I just posted is much more robust.

[Mani-Roar]

11439867
Thank you! You may like the updated version even more.

[Bronycommander]

A very nice ending! Loved it!

[Bronycommander]

11445384
You may know this line

Got some rare things on sale, stranger!

my fririend, lets just say in his idea, Chrysalis had similar fate for a sister of her

[Amos Anon]

He was no longer hungry.

Hi not hungry, I'm dad.

Bah dum tss.