Are the changelings all gone? Is Chirp the last of her kind? Taking place two weeks after [i]"A mother's choice and consequences"[/i], Chirp is now being taken care by Twilight Sparkle. As she lives her new life in Ponyville,
Are the changelings all gone? Is Chirp the last of her kind? Taking place two weeks after A Mother's choice and consequence , Chirp is now being taken care by Twilight Sparkle. As she lives her new life in Ponyville, she will go through struggles for being different, but as she lives and grow older she starts to feel something she doesn't know what, but it feels as if something is calling her.
It's been a about two weeks since I became Chirps legal guardian, after getting all the documents signed, Chirp and my friends and I left on the train to ponyville. As the night started to settle in, and with Luna raising her moon everyone started to prepare for bed in their assigned rooms on the train. I sat on top of the small bed, hearing the rattling of the tracks underneath me, I started to get comfortable.
"Chirp?" I looked to my side, Chirp who was happily buzzing her small little wings.
"It's getting late you should be in bed young lady." With another buzz, the little changeling made a frown on her face.
"No sleep." She buzzed her wings and crouched down.
"Oh no none of that, you're going to bed." I tried to grab the changeling filly, but she quickly jumped away. "Chirp it's time for bed!" Giving off an assertive chirp as if she was saying 'bring it on.', chasing her around the small train cabin. "Ha Ha! I finally got you!" tucking her in bed, she let out a small chirp of defeat.
"Don't wanna go sleep." She pouted. Laying down next to her.
"Come on now little changelings need to sleep." Giving her a quick kiss on her forehead I switch the room lamp off with my magic. With a yawn betraying her, her little emerald eyes becoming drowsier with every passing second.
"~yawn~ don't wanna slee..." Without even finishing her sentence she was fast asleep. A smile grew on my face as I nestled next to her whispering.
"Good night."
"We're almost there!" Yelled Rainbow. She stuck her head out the window. "Home sweet home!"
"Yes, it is nice coming back home after the past few events." Rarity says as she looks out the window.
"Ya darn right sugar cube after all them action ah wouldn't mind some shut eye." Applejack let out a tired sigh, leaning back down on her seat. I looked down to Chirp literally see her planting her face on the window staring at Ponyville as it came closer.
"Now Twilight." I looked up to see Rarity looking straight at me. "Are you sure the townsfolk won't be...startled by Chirps presence?" I looked down at Chirp, then looked out to see Ponyville.
"I'm sure everypony back at Ponyville will except her."
"Well if you say so, but do give one of us a call if you need any help alright?" I nodded. We arrived at the train station each of us saying our goodbyes to each other. Picking up Chirp, placing her on my back I made my way towards the town library. Walking through the streets of the town I see ponies giving me weird looks, I can also hear them whisper things.
"Is that a...?"
"Disgusting why would she be carrying one of those bugs."
"Didn't they ruin the royal wedding?" All these comments started to get on my nerves, trying to keep my cool I quickened my pace. Finally arriving to the library, I opened the door to find the place completely...clean?
"Spike?' I called out. Hearing tiny footsteps coming from the kitchen I see a small purple baby dragon came running.
"Twilight!" He yelled. He ran to me and gave me a hug that I happily returned. "I'm so happy your back after all the things I've heard I was so worried, you should've called for me you could've used the help, I am a ferocious fire breathing dragon…RAWR!"
"I'm happy to be back." I smiled. "So, you've kept the house all clean while I was gone huh?" I tried not to sound surprised because I really was.
"Oh, I just thought since you were gone I kept the house all nice and clean." He gave me a weak smile little drops of sweat forming on his forehead. "It's not because I had like a few parties while you were gone or anything."
"Mhmm, that's very kind of you Spike." I gave him one of my 'sure....' looks. Trying to change the subject Spike spoke up.
"So, did you decide to leave Chirp with the princess?" I gave him a questionable look.
"What are you talking about Chirp is on...my...back?" Turning around, Chirp was nowhere to be seen, being as light as she is I probably wasn't even able to notice her jumping off my back. Taking quick deep breathes and trying to stay calm, I turned around and sprinting back outside. Where could she have gone, is she safe, what if somepony kidnapped her!
I ran through Ponyville looking for Chirp with Spike hot on my heels.
"Chirp! Where are you!" Suddenly I hear a scream around the town fruit stands.
"AHHH it's one of the bugs!" I started to get even more worried, sprinting as fast as I can I made my way towards all the screaming.
"Somepony do something!"
"Kill it!" I finally arrived to find a yellow mare standing on top of her orange stand with a familiar looking changeling on the floor eating away the oranges. A large brown stallion came to her side and literally kicks her away making her skid across the ground. Some of the ponies cheered at his action, but it only made me furious.
"HEY!" Everypony looked up at me. "WHAT BUCK DO YOU THINK YOUR DOING!" The stallion looked me and back at Chirp.
"Don't worry ma'am just a little pest contr..." Before he finished his sentence I casted a spell causing him to fly in the air and threw him towards stacked crates. I ran towards Chirp who laid on the ground crying, I could see a large indent on the side of her carapace. Tears stream down her eyes from the pain, she looked up at me and whimpered.
"Twilight." She chirped between sobs. Trying to comfort her the best way I could I looked back at the towns folk.
"What is wrong with all of you she's just a little filly!" Hearing the crowd talk among themselves one of the ponies yelled.
"She's a Changeling!" I glared at the direction of who ever said that.
"So, what if she is! she's still only a child under no circumstance is it right to just kick her like some rag doll!" The stallion from earlier came stumbling back with chunks of wood in his mane.
"That there thing is a pest and needs to be exterminated!" gaining more shouts from the crowd. He started to walk towards me, making me grab Chirp even tighter. Suddenly somepony grabs him by his tail and threw across towards the already demolished crates from before. A large red stallion pads his shoulder, rubbing off some dust.
"What ya'll think you're doing?" To my relief I saw Applejack and standing to her sides were her older brother Big McIntosh and her younger sister Applebloom. "I can't believe on what I'm seeing right now ya'll should be a ashamed of yourselves!" All the ponies stared at Applejack everyone staying quiet. "How can ya'll hurt a defenseless kid like this!"
"She's a changeling!" shouted one of the ponies.
"Yeah it was her kind that tried to take over Canterlot and wasn't the giant creature a changeling or something!"
"YEAH!" Stomping her foot on the ground loud enough to catch everyone's attention and shutting up the crowd.
"Now ya'll shut your trap!" Grabbing everyone's gaze. "Are you hearing what you’re all saying, she just a kid! Whenever there was a little filly and colt in need the ponies in this town would always help no matter what." Some of the heads in the crowd fell, looking down in shame. "It didn't matter what it looked like or where it came from the people of this town would always help'em." Nobody said anything all was quiet. Applejack turned to me. "Come on Twi let's get you two home." Nodding my head, I picked up Chirp making her not to touch her injured side. On our way back to the library there weren't as many people staring at us then before.
"Applejack I just want to thank you for what you did back there."
"It was nothing Twi, Chirp is part of your family which means she's part of mine." Hearing that made me very thankful.
"Thanks that means a lot." We approached the front door of the library, I doubled checked if Chirp was still on my back. I saw her napping on my back, I start to notice a small swelling on her side. "I better get that swelling checked on, would you like to come inside your all welcome for some lunch." The three apple siblings looked at each other.
"We'd be glad to Twi."
"Ee'yup." Said her older brother. We all entered the room to see all the lights turned off.
"Hmm that's funny I'm pretty sure Spike was still home?" Walking inside we all stood in the dark, when suddenly the lights switch on with confetti exploding and balloons floating up to the ceiling.
"SURPRISE WELCOME TO YOUR FIRST IN PONYVILLE AFTER WE BEAT THE BIG SCARY MONSTER THINGY!" With a surprised chirp, Chirp woke up from her nap only to whimper again from the pain on her side. Placing her down on one of the chairs I made my way towards the kitchen where the first aid kit was.
"I'm sorry Pinkie, but I need to get some band aids and medicine for Chirp."
"Oh no did she get a like a boo boo or something?"
"Yea she wandered off in Ponyville by herself and well stuff happened and now she's hurt."
"What why hmm well nothing solves a bad boo boo like a PARTY!" And the party began, after patching up Chirp's side I let her enjoy some of the treats that was made by Pinkie. I stared at Chirp who was happily stuffing her face with the sweet baked goods. As the small party went on I started to think over a few things; after what I saw today how so many people reacted to Chirp. I only hope that as time go on things will turn out alright.
Today is Chirp's second day in Ponyville, and with the whole library floor covered with confetti and streamers. The whole room was a mess, last night's party was nice, especially since it was a welcome party for Chirp. Stepping over wrappers and empty used cups, I in search of said changeling.
"Chirp?" I called out for the little changeling.
"Chirp Chirp." Walking into the kitchen, I looked around looking for the source of the sound, but the only thing I saw was a pink box from the cake last night.
"Chirp, where are you?" Suddenly I saw the pink box move, taking a couple of steps towards the moving container. "Chirp?" As if on cue the young changeling filly popped out of the box, her teal colored hair covered in pink frosting, and her holed hooves have small chunks of cake.
"Twi chirp Light!" She looked up at me with a big smile, half of which was covered with frosting. Grabbing a small napkin from the draws with my magic, I wiped a few smudges off her face.
"Chirp did you eat this whole cake, young lady you shouldn't have eaten so much sweets." Looking back down at the young filly, I thought my heart would've given out. Her little tummy was protruding out probably filled with cakes and other sweets.
"Chirp sorry." Chirp's eye literally grew five times their size, I'm pretty sure they were sparkling too.
FLASHBACK
"Spike you're not allowed to eat all that ice cream, we were supposed to share that with the princess." Said a filly Twilight to a three-week-old spike. She was wiping away the left-over dessert from his mouth.
"Ice cream."
"You know you're not allow to eat that much mister ...." The young hatchling dragon's eyes began to grow, with his lips puckering and his little tail wagging.
"Sowry." Twilight tried her best to resist, but with the young dragon hatchling using one of his most best self-defense methods. Using all her strength, Twilight tried to block off his wave of adorableness, but only to ultimately give in.
"It's...it's alright Spike....just don’t do it again."
PRESENT
"It's...alrig...wait no young lady you're going to have to learn a few things if you're going to living here." She made a sad expression, looking down her black ears fold forward. "Don't worry Chirp I'm not mad, come on let's get you cleaned up." Levitating the little filly out of the box, I took her to the bathroom to wash her up. Placing her on top of the sink, I turned on the faucet in the tub, filling it less than halfway full. Making sure the water wasn’t too hot, I picked up Chirp and gently placed her in the water. Picking up a small cup and filling it water, I poured the water on top of Chirp letting it rinse away any frosting and cake, picking up a bottle of soup, I started to pour the soap in the tub, stirring the water allowing it to form bubbles.
“Well Chirp I hope you like bubble baths.” The little changeling filly looked at me curiously. “All you have to do is stir the water like this.” Within minutes a small bundle of bubbly foam formed around the area I was stirring. Seeing this the little filly copied my actions stirring her hoof in the water, forming her own bubbly bundle. Increasing her speed, the tub began to overflow with the bubbles. “Chirp sweetie you can stop now.” The little changeling was lost in the bubbly fog.
“Chirp…Chirp!” Leaning in the tub I searched for the little filly, all I could hear was a small buzzing noise of her little wings buzzing about. “Chirp chirp!” Without realizing how much weight I placed while leaning forward, I fell in the tub causing literally half water to splash out. Sitting up in the tub, spewing out soapy water.
“Chirp? Twilight bubble too?” I looked up to see the her sitting in front of me with a clump of bubbles on her head and, a bubble beard covering her face. Pushing my wet mane aside, I pulled out a small sponge, placing Chirp on my lap.
“I guess I am now.” I started to scrub away whatever gunk was left on her, after she was cleaned, I pulled out some bath toys, rubber ducks and a small toy boat. Pulling the rubber duck in front of her face, I gave it a good squeeze, quack quack. Fascinated by the rubbery toy, Chirp carefully poked the toy, grabbing onto the toy giving it another squeeze, Chirp buzzed with joy as the rubber duck kept on squeaking. After letting her play a bit, I pulled her out of the tub, drying off the little filly, we headed back into the kitchen to see Spike preparing breakfast.
“Morning Twilight!” The little baby dragon called. “I hope you're hungry because I made waffles with some hay bacon.”
“Thanks Spike.” I sat Chirp down on a stool, taking a seat next to her, we waited for Spike to bring our food. The baby dragon came with only two plates, one for me and himself, but a third plate was missing. Raising an eyebrow, I looked at the baby dragon. “Spike where’s Chirp’s plate.” The little drake looked up at me with a confused look.
“Doesn’t she feed off love, she is a changeling after all.” Giving him a stern look and shake my head.
“Spike, just because she’s a changeling doesn’t mean she can’t eat.”
“Well how do you know that?” That question caught me off guard. I had no idea what changelings like or didn’t forgetting about the food before me, I ran towards the various books on the shelves.
“No... not that one...no... there’s nothing here!” Both Chirp and Spike followed a little after. "Oh, I know maybe the princess might know something!” Running upstairs to my room, I grabbed my saddlebag and a few bits. “Spike I’m going to Canterlot for a bit!”
“But you just got back yesterday.” The baby dragon looked hurt.
“I know, but this is important I need you to take care of Chirp while I’m gone ok, I’ll be gone for a day or two alright.” Walking up to the two, I gave them both a hug. “If anything's happens you know how to contact me, BYE!”
Twilight just left the library leaving Spike with Chirp.
“But...you didn’t even eat breakfast.” Spike looks back down at the changeling who looked back at me.
“Chirp?” Giving her a nervous look. He walked back in the kitchen, finished his plate and went about his daily chores. With Chirp following him everywhere he went, trying not to make any eye contact with her. He didn’t really feel comfortable around her, he honestly has no idea how and why Twilight is so calm around her. Sweeping the library floor, Spike couldn't help, but see Chirp looking at him while he was sweeping.
"What?" Spike held the broom next to him like a pole. She looked at him with a smile on her face.
"What you do?" It was kind of funny to hear her talk, being as young as she is, she couldn’t say complete sentence.
"Uh I'm cleaning." Hopping off her stool and making her way towards the purple drake.
"Chirp help?"
"No, it's ok uh...I can do it." A bit disappointed, she walked back towards her seat. "Uh you could help by uh.... watering the flowers on the window." Her mood brightened hearing this.
"Chirp help Chirp help!" She chirped, buzzing her wings at the same time. Spike picks up a water can, making sure it wasn't too big for her to hold, he places it in front of her.
"Follow me I'll show you how to water the flowers." Guiding her towards the window. Pulling up a stool for her to sit on, Spike opens the window revealing a small patch of flowers outside. "Ok, so all you have to do is pour some water, but not too much because if you do it can hurt the flower alright?" She smiled nodding her head up and down. "Alright while you do that I'll get us some snacks and drinks." Spike left for the kitchen, making some sandwiches and pouring out some orange juice. Preparing the snack, he realizes that the little changeling isn't that bad, she is just a filly, he supposes. Walking back into the main library area with a tray of snacks and drinks. "Chirp why not you have a sna...." He felt as his heart stopped, for in the room there was no little changeling filly, just an opened window and a water can on the floor. Dropping the tray on the floor spilling the drinks and ruining the sandwiches. Spike looks out the window looking from left to right. "Chirp!"
“Oh man oh man this is not good.” I paced back and forth in the library, sweat trickling down my face. Looking at the clock it’s been ten minutes since I lost Chirp. Twilight said she’d be back either tomorrow or the day after. I got to find her before then. “Maybe I could get some help.” Thinking this, I realized that wouldn't be a good idea. “No if I ask for help I’m sure Twilight will find out, and if Twilight finds out...I don’t want to even think about.” I didn't really have any options, grabbing the library keys, running outside I went to search for the lost changeling. I thought I heard a buzzing noise coming from the balcony, but I just ignored it and ran off. Running all over Ponyville, I couldn't find any trace of her, I had no idea where she could be. Stopping in front of Sugarcube corners to catch my breath. “Alright, so she couldn't have gone far, but where could she have gone.” I sat on the ground dropping my arms to my side.
“Where who could’ve gone?” Startled to see Pinkie Pie behind me, with a big smile on her face. “Oh oh! Are you playing a game of hide and go seek with somepony.” She hopped in place excited from mentioning the game. “I love that game! oh I also love playing tag, do you like playing tag, why not we play a game of now TAG! your it!” The strange pink mare ran off in a sprint, with a confused look I started to walk the other way.
"You know you’re supposed to chase me silly." I fell on my butt, startled by the Pinkie popping out of nowhere in front of me. I got up wiping my bottom.
"Pinkie I don't have time to play right now."
"Oh, that's right you’re playing hide and go seek! Can I play too?" Trying to think of a good excuse, an idea hit me.
"Sure, Pinkie you can play." The pink mare jumped in the air with a sqee.
"Oh boy! I love playing hide and go seek, who are we looking for?"
"We're going to be looking for Chirp." Sweat started to drip down on the side of my face.
"Oh, we're looking for Chirpy werpy, okie dokie lokie!" Before she could run off I grabbed her tail, holding her down.
"There's one more thing when you find you have to bring her back to the library to win alright?" Nodding her head, she ran off looking for the little changeling. I ran off the other direction, running as fast as my little legs could take me. "Come on think Spike, where could she be?" I thought of something that made me stop immediately in my tracks. "If Twilight finds out about this she'll....she'll....I got to find Pinkie!" Now I was on the look for both Chirp and Pinkie.
"Watcha doing Spike?" I turned around to see Sweetie Belle. The little white filly looked back at me.
"I uh was uh looking for..."
"Looking for what?" She asks with her head tilting to the side slightly.
As sweat started to drip down my forehead, but an idea popped up in my head.
"Um, I'm looking for Chirp."
"You mean that little changeling thing?" She raised an eyebrow. "Is that the same changeling that Twilight brought and the same changeling that the party was thrown for?"
"Uh yeah..."
"She's so ...CUTE!" Her voice squeaked. Giving her a confused look. "Wait did you...lose her?"
"Yes....wait what...no of course not I um...we're playing a game of hide and seek."
“You're playing hide and go seek?”
“Uh yeah you can play too, but first we have to find Pinkie Pie and Chirp.” The white filly jumped up with glee. “If you're going play then we must find Pinkie first, and when you find her, tell her to come find me.” The white filly looked at me confusingly.
“This is a weird way of play hide and seek, but ok.” The little filly ran off. I ran off again in search of the little changeling.
“Alright, that’s taken care of I still need to find Chirp.” I searched high and low, I searched the park, I searched the market, but still no sign of Chirp. "Where could she be?" I started to lose all hope in finding her; the day went by as the sun began to set, I sat on bench. "Man, I'm doomed, Twilight is going to freak out when she finds out."
"Freak out about what?" My heart stopped, I turned around to see Twilight standing behind me, she carried a bag of books on her side. She looked at me with a confused look. "Are you ok Spike you look like you've seen a ghost."
"I uh...it's just that uh...why are you back so early you only left this morning."
"Oh yeah about that, well the princess was actually a few steps ahead of me." With her horn glowing a violet shade, she pulled out a very large textbook from her saddlebag. On my way to the train station, the mailmare Derpy, dropped this off for me…literally." She rubbed her head still feeling the pain. "Any how the princess found this book in the Canterlot library, it was the only book about changelings they had."
"Wow that's great...uh." Twilight turned her head from left to right.
"Wait a minute if you're here where's Chirp?" My heart stopped a second time. 'Think Spike think!'
"She's uh...HIDING! Yeah...we're playing uh hide and seek." I gave her a nervous smile. 'Stupid stupid stupid!' I shout to myself in my head.
Raising her eyebrow, Twilight gave me that look she when she knows I'm hiding something, but she let it slide for some reason.
"Alright then if you say so, I'm going to go home and research some more, be home by dinner." With that she walked on home. Giving her the best fake smile I could make, I waved her goodbye, when she was far enough away for her not to see me, I sprinted away.
"Oh man oh man oh man oh man!" I had to find her now. I ran as fast as my little legs could take me. I looked to my side to see Pinkie skipping next to me.
"Oh man chirp is really good at playing hide and seek." Stopping in my tracks.
"Pinkie!"
"That's my name teehee!"
"Pinkie we're running out of time we have to find Chirp now!"
"Jeez Spike I never knew you could get so worked up in a game of hide and seek."
"Just come on!" As the two of us searched high and low, the sun began to set and all my hope has completely vanished, telling Pinkie that the games were over, we said our goodbyes and went our separate ways. I went back home...for the last time, opening the library door I could hear Twilight in the kitchen. "Twilight is probably going to kick me out, or send to the princess, or or."
"Chirp?" My eyes grew wide, I looked to where the sound came from, looking up at the stairs I see a little black changeling filly. She jumped down from the stairs, buzzing her wings she walked up to me. "Why Spike sad?" Without warning I jumped at the filly, wrapping her in a tight big hug.
"Oh Chirp never scare me like that again!" I wasn't angry, I was more relieved than angry. "I'll never lose you again like that I promise." The filly was a little confused, but hugged me back giving off some happy chirps.
"I thought I heard you two coming in." We both looked up to see Twilight, she was wearing an apron "What did you say about losing her?" Raising her eyebrow, she started to tap her hoof on the ground. "It sounds like you two weren't really playing a simple game of hide and seek hmm?" I looked at with a sheepish grin.
I woke up to see the sun blaring down me, I tried to cover my face with anything. I tried to use my own hoof, but alas these holes of mine betrayed me. Grabbing something warm and furry, I used it to cover my face from the sun, I then heard someone give out a giggle. I tried to go back to sleep, but the warmness left me, as my temporary cover removed itself away from me.
“Chirp it’s time to wake up come on.” Said a familiar voice, I looked up to see a lavender color pony looking back down at me. I gave a sleep smile, my eyes were still closed, I was still very drowsy. She stepped out of bed, I followed shortly after standing at the edge of the bed, I crouched down and made a small jump on top of her back. We walked past a big purple dragon, who was still sleeping soundly on his own basket bed. “Come on Chirp it’s time wash up for the day.” We headed downstairs, arriving in the bathroom, I was placed on top of a something that looked like a bowlish basket. The pony in front of me was brushing her teeth, levitating the brush, rinsing her mouth she turned to me with another toothbrush levitated next to her. “Alright it’s your turn Chirp, say 'ah'.” I gave out small chirp opening my mouth. After we left the bathroom, we came to the kitchen, I saw Spike preparing breakfast. I happily jumped off Twilight buzzing my wings to get his attention.
“Hey Chirp.” He turned towards me greeting me with a smile.
“It’s looks like you two have bonded pretty well huh?” Spike looked back up at Twilight.
“Well I guess she just rubbed off on me.” There was a moment of bliss, suddenly a rock smashed through the window, causing everyone to jump in surprise. I ran toward Twilight and hid behind her, Twilight stood in front of me taking a defensive stance. Broken glass fell on the floors, a rock with a note tied around the rock. Twilight picked up the rock removing the note. A frown appeared on her face.
“Who would do something like this.” Twilight removed the note from the rock, it said Filthy bug. I looked up at her having no idea what the problem was. I only saw her read whatever was on the note.
“Twilight....mad?” I chirped. She looked down back at me.
“No, I’m not mad...I better send a letter to the princess later.” Twilight placed me on one of the chairs, Spike was busy cleaning the broken shards of glass from the ground. “Come on, let's get some breakfast hmm.” Twilight placed me down in front of the kitchen table where a plate full of pancakes stood before me. My eyes looked in amazement as meal was place before me, preparing to pounce on the meal, I was stopped by Twilight who placed me back down on my seat. “Chirp you can’t just eat your food just like that, you have to have some manners.” Twilight pull up a strange object, it was shiny and long, it had three long narrow lines on the end.
“What...that?” Twilight placed it next to my plate.
“This is called a fork Chirp, it's used to picking up your food.” She pulled out another object this one looked about the same at the bottom, but had a large curve at the top. “This is a knife and this is used to cut your food.” With both utensils at her disposal, she cut herself a piece of her meal. “See you use it like this.” She brought the fork with a piece pancake in front of me, I made a large chomp for the food, but as soon as my teeth met the fork, a small pain came to my teeth. Pulling back, I looked back up at Twilight with pleading eyes. “Chirp sweetie you’re not supposed to bite too hard or you’re going to hurt your teeth.” I nodded, Twilight brought another sliced piece with the fork, but this time I gently wrapped my mouth around and removed the piece from the fork. This it wasn’t so bad, I happily chewed on the meal. “Hmm I think I'll start your magic training when you get older, and maybe Fluttershy & Rainbow can teach you how to fly perhaps, I’ll probably ask one of them later.” I just look at Twilight as she kept on talking and happily eating my food.
After breakfast, Twilight and I went outside the library, everything was so colorful, everyone in the town were so happy, I felt a little tingling feeling as if it was surging through my body. Going into a daze, I forgot that I was on Twilight's back, I didn’t realize that she stopped moving. I looked around and didn’t recognize anything.
“Where we....are?” We were inside a small room; the shelves were covered with different colored...feathers? Other shelves held papers and black glass bottles.
“Hello? Is someone there?” I looked up to see a grey unicorn stallion with thick round black glasses.
“Hi Mr. Quinn, it’s me Twilight.” He made a small smile.
“Ah Twilight my dear, how are you?” He levitated a silver stick next to him, and tapped the floor in front of him. “It’s been some time since the last time you came and bought some supplies.”
“Sorry, I've been busy with a few things.” I let out a small chirp as the he came closer. Stopping in his tracks, he turned his face towards Twilights.
“Did you hear that? I think there might be a cricket in the room.” Twilight let out a nervous laugh.
“I think you heard Chirp, she is sitting on my back right now.” The stallion before us had a blank expression on his face.
“Oh, is this the same Chirp that everyone is talking about.” He asked.
“Yes, she is the changeling filly I brought back with me.” He started to make his way next to Twilight, tapping his silver stick on the ground in front of him. He turned his head to look at me, I started to hide in Twilight's mane, his gaze somewhat frightening me. He took off his thick black round glasses, I looked back into his eyes they were completely grey. This scared me even more, I completely hid my face in her mane scared of the stallion in front of me. After a minute or so I popped my head back out to see the old stallion smiling at me.
“Why hello there little one.” The old stallion pulled out a small colored ball. “Would you like one?” I looked up at Twilight to make sure if it was alright.
“Go on Chirp.” I sniffed the strange ball, it had a fruity smell to it.
"It's alright little one, it's a tasty treat." I listened to his reassuring words, I gave it a small lick, to my surprise it tasted like sweet apples, I quickly took the small treat in my mouth. The old stallion made a small smile. "Hmm she doesn't seem that bad." I heard Twilight give out a relieved sigh. "I don't see what the all the fuss is about."
"Thank you, Mr. Quinn a lot of ponies would usually scowl at, her or say something." He gave a small nodded, turning around he walked up to a shelf.
"So, what will it be today miss Sparkle?"
"Oh, the same thing as usual." As Twilight and the old stallion conversed I jumped off her back and started to wonder around the store. "Chirp don't touch anything alright?" I let out a small chirp and continued to look around. There were quills, paper, and black glasses; as I browsed through the shelves I started to hear something.
"Lost." I looked around to see if there was someone else around, but there was only Twilight and the grey stallion. "Lost, come." It sounded like a multitude of voices, all of them speaking in union.
"Chirp?" I started getting nervous, the voices began to get louder and louder.
"LOST! COME! HIVE!" This made me run, running through the shelves I made my way to Twilight,
"Twilight!" I ran up to her, grabbing onto her leg, my body was shaking.
"Chirp what's wrong?"
"Loud...voices."
"Loud voices?"
"Is there a problem?"
"I don't know something is scaring Chirp." I pulled my head back out, I could no longer hear any of the voices. I was picked up from the ground by Twilight and placed on her back. "Sorry Mr. Quinn I'm going to have to come back next time." Saying our goodbyes Twilight and I left the store. Later as the day came to an end, I laid in bed next to a sleeping Twilight, as sleep started to take over my eyes began to close, I didn't realize a hazy figure that stood before me.
"Sleep well my child, for when the time is right you will do great things."
It has been about a year since Chirp started to live in ponyville with me, she about 6 years old from what I was able to find out. Things have been hard, but we’ll manage, some of the problems have soften, but there are still some ponies who still hold a grudge towards Chirp. She's still hearing the same voice sometimes I still have no idea what the problem is, but I'm still looking into it all, I'll let you know if I find anything. Anyhow, I start her magic training today since she's old enough now, she’ll also be getting flying lessons from Rainbowdash and Fluttershy. And thank you for sending Grunt, he might be a bit of a scare, but I feel as if Chirp would be a lot safer with him around. I’ll send you another letter next week on Chirp.
Your faithful student
Twilight Sparkle.
I placed the quill back in the ink glass, double checking my letter then a third time, I figured that it would be alright.
“Spike I have another letter!” Hearing small footsteps, Spike came running upstairs, handing him the letter, he took a deep breath and blew out a green flame engulfing the letter. “Where’s Chirp?”
“She’s downstairs with Grunt.”
“Alright, I’ll be down soon.” It’s been a year since Chirps arrival to Ponyville and well things haven’t been easy. I think back to all the problems that occurred over the years. So many ponies would always try to get Chirp in an “Accident”, but thank Celestia that she’s alright. I asked the princess for a little more protection for her, so she sent a guard named Grunt.
Now Grunt wasn’t really one of those happy go lucky stallions that you see here in Ponyville, no he was a very stoic stallion always having that blank face. Though I’m told he good at what he does, so I guess that’s not of a worry. I started to make my way downstairs when I started to hear someone having a conversation.
“How was your day Miss Perry Wrinkles?” I turned my head to see Chirp sitting down in front of a small table, where a small tea cup set was set up.
“It was simply just marvelous.” My eyebrow was raised when I heard the voice. I turned my head towards the far end of the table and saw the tough stallion pretending to sip tea from his cup.
“Ahem.” They both looked up at me.
“Um miss Sparkle I was uh.” He quickly placed down the cup, he starts to blush in embarrassment.
“Please Grunt call me Twilight I thought we went over this.”
“Twilight Twilight! do you want to play tea party too?” I looked down at the chirping young changeling, a smile on my face.
“Sorry Chirp maybe later, today I’m going to start teaching you how to use magic.” The little filly gave me a confused look. I levitated her up and placed her on my back.
“Magic?” She chirped, Grunt quickly stood and followed as Chirp and I left the library.
“That’s right, since you have a horn just like me you can use magic.” Her ears shot up.
“You mean I can do magic like you?” I nodded. We walked until we came to a small white table, it had a few burned marks, some dents, and a few scratches.
“This is where I practice my magic, and so will you.” She jumped in glee, she started to ramble about what kind of magic she’ll be able to perform.
“Can I walk through walls, make things disappear?” She kept on rambling and rambling. ‘GASP!’ “Can I turn Spike into an orange?” Her excitement caused me to laugh.
“Slow down there, you still have a long way to go before any of that.” This caused her to frown.
“Aww, but I want to do cool magic stuff like you.” Her butt fell to the floor as she made a pout; I sat down next to her.
“Don’t worry you’ll be able to do all those things when you get older and practice.” Chirp looked at me with an annoyed look.
“But that will take forever!”
“That’s what I did, I worked hard and studied and practiced every day.” She let out a small sigh, I tried to cheer her up by telling her what she’ll be learning, which I was sure it would cheer her up. “Come on Chirp let’s start your lesson.”
“Ok.” I walked up to the table with Chirp slowly walking up next to me, still pouting. I picked up a small apple and placed it on the table. “Is it lunch time?”
“No, we’ll be using this to practice.”
“An apple?” I nodded my head,
“Here just watch.” I looked at the apple and concentrated my magic, my horn started to glow a deep shade of lavender, within seconds the apple was in the air floating around. Chirp stared in awe, her wings buzzing in excitement, I gently placed the apple back on the table and my magic faded as I released the fruit from my grasp. I walked up to Chirp and pointed at the apple. “Here you try.” she raised an eyebrow.
“I can’t do that.”
“Don’t worry I’ll walk you through it, now concentrate on the apple.” Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath and started to concentrate on the apple. “Now use your source of power from within and then see yourself lifting the apple.” She started to scrunch up her nose, a magical hue of teal started to surround the apple. It started to tilt and wiggle. “That’s it now focus on lifting the apple.” The fruit started to rise in the air, everything was going great until.
“Ah there you both are.” This startled Chirp as she jumped in surprise, the apple shot straight at Grunt who had no idea what the object in front of him was.
‘SMACK!’
“HEAD SHOT!” I looked to see where that came from, looking up in a tree I saw Pinkie Pie in a tree.
“Pinkie?”
“HITWILIGHTBYETWILIGHT!” She stuck her head back in the tree and vanished.
“Uh ok then.” I then remembered Grunt who was on the ground. I run to his side, the apple literally was smothered all over his face. “Uh Grunt are you alright?” He gives off a small groan.
“Ugh my head.” I helped him sit up as he was recovering from the hit, hearing a small chirp, we turned to see Chirp looking up at us. Her eyes had tears forming around them.
"Chirp what's wrong?" We both looked at Chirp to see her in tears.
"I'm sorry Mr. Grunt." We sighed seeing that there was no real problem, Grunt got up and walked towards Chirp.
"It's alright, I'm fine see." He lifted off his helmet and placed it on the ground, revealing his face, his grey mane falling to the side. He was a typical earth pony well-built and strong, he had a few scar on face, each having its own tale. "But I will admit that was a tasty treat." This made Chirp giggle. I walked up to the two, taking a seat next to Chirp, I looked up at the sun seeing it set.
"Well I think that's enough for today, we'll work on levitation some more tomorrow."
"Chirp." I placed Chirp on my back, we started walking back to the library, as the day began to darken, it started to get harder to see things. As we walked back, I thought I saw several figures run past us.
"Did you see that?" I asked. Grunt took a few steps in front of me to investigate the area.
"I don't see..what the!" Grunt ducked down to dodge a stone brick. "Twilight stay back!" I took steps back away and looked behind me to make sure Chirp was still there. I noticed two figures approaching me, there a flash of light, I took a defensive stance, my horn glowing a magical aura.
"What do you want now can't you leave us alone!" The two beings were wearing black hood that was covering their faces.
"Give us the bug and you won't get 'ACK!'" One of the stallions gagged, Grunt stood behind him grabbing in a choke hold. His partner made a run for it, making his way back into the shadows.
"Twilight are you alright?" I nodded my head. Grunt threw the hooded stallion into the shadows. I sighed in relief as the danger was gone. "Are you alright?"
"Yes, I'm fine. Chirp are you alright?" No answer. "Chirp?" Nothing, I turned around to see her gone. "Oh dear Celestia where is she!?"
"Wasn't she with you?"
"I'm pretty sure she was, how could she just...that flash!"
"What flash?" I explained to him that when the two stallions approached me, one of them made a bright light.
"Come on we have to find her!"
"Come on then, we could follow their trail, just shed some light." My horn started to glow, we both made our way through the night, with Grunt tracking their tracks.
The room was the dark, the only visible light was from the violet aura coming from my horn. Grunt kept his faces towards the ground scanning everything searching for the kidnapper’s tracks. The moon was raised high in the night sky, its light illuminating the area.
“Damn.” I heard Grunt mumble.
“What's wrong?” He stomped one of his hoofs on the ground.
“I’ve lost their trail.” I literally felt my heart skip a beat. “Is there any other way to track them or perhaps anything that we can use to track Chirp?” I thought in my head trying to see if there was another solution. Nothing came to mind.
“Ahh! We need to hurry, who knows what they’ll do to her!”
“Don’t you have any tracking spells?”
“Yes, but the spells require something that the target has touched.” Grunt thought for a moment, with a click from his tongue, he pulled off his helmet and started scraping his mane. Strange piles of brown sludge fell to the ground. This made me step back in disgust.
“Grunt!” He looked at me confused on why I literally screamed. “What they hay is that?” Removing whatever glump was left in his mane, he placed his helmet back on.
“This was some of the chunks from the apple Chirp shot at me.” I looked at him with sheer fear.
“You kept it in your hair? Why didn’t you clean yourself?”
“I could’ve just done it later.” I let out a small remark on how stallions could be so disgusting, but the sludge of apple paste would work. I stood in front of the now brown apple paste and concentrated, casting the spell, I focused on an image of Chirp in my head. Suddenly a teal colored star appeared, we both stared at the thing, it suddenly flew off into the dark, but was still very visible to the two of us.
“Come on follow it!” Running at max speeds we both ran after the glowing star. We arrived at the edge of town, making a sharp turn in an alleyway, it stopped on top of a cellar door. The star shattered into tiny little sparkles, we slowly crept of up the door making sure not to make a sound. We placed our ears on the door listening for anything behind it.
“Copper the damn bug won’t stay still, if she keeps moving like that the bags going to rip.” Hearing small chirps and a muffled scream I almost barged through the door, but I was stopped by Grunt who signaled me to wait.
“Will you stop whining Snark, Jimbo and the others went to get a wagon.” Hearing the stallion give out a whine.
“Why not we just get rid of the pest now? Why do we have to take it to the Everfree forest?" My heart stopped, why did they need to take her to the Everfree forest?
“Snark, just shut up alright.” I looked up at Grunt with a worried expression.
“Hey who are you?” We turned around to see three other stallions standing behind us.
“Damn!” Grunt quickly picked up a small crate and kicked it at the trio.
“Hey what's going on out here?” The door flew open revealing the two stallions inside. I quickly ran past the two pushing one of them away. I through the small cellar room, in the corner of my eye I saw a small brown bag wriggling around.
“Chirp!” I heard a small muffled chirp coming from the bag. “Chirp I’m here just hold on, I’ll get you out of there.” I loosened the knot around the bag; out came Chirp’s face covered in tears and snot.
“Twilight!” She jumped out of the bag grabbing onto me burying her face in my leg.
“Shh shh it’s alright I’m here just don’t....”
“Hey!” I turned around to see the two stallions that I past looking down at me with a menacing look. I placed Chirp behind me and readied myself, they took a couple of steps towards forcing me to take a few steps back.
“St-stay back.” I felt Chirp grabbing onto my leg even harder.
“Now now no need to that.” One of the stallions said. “All we want is the bug and we’ll let you go without a scratch.” I stared at the two stallions one was a unicorn and the other was an earth pony. I casted a protective spell around me and Chirp, the two stallions walk up to us, the earth pony poked at the protective orb around us.
“Oh, that’s pretty shiny.” His partner walked up next to him, he gave a small sigh.
“Great now you’re just being more troublesome.” His horn gave off an orange glow and within seconds the protective sphere shattered which caused me to fall back. “Now if you don’t mind I’ll be taking the bug.” With a flash of light Chirp appeared with the grasp of the earth pony.
“Let her go!” I was levitated up and thrown towards a wall.
“~sigh~ I hate to hurt a pretty mare like yourself, but I did warn you.” I looked up towards him and then to Chirp, she had a pleading look on her face. “Snark hurry and take the bug to the others, I’m sure they’ve taken care of that guard of theirs...Snark did you hear me...Snark!” He turned back to see to be his partner on the floor unconscious and an angry, bruised, large stallion keeping Chirp on his back. “How did you? you were fighting three stallions.”
“There’s a reason why I was chosen to be the bodyguard of miss Sparkle and Chirp.” Grunt ran up to Copper and bashed his head onto his. The stallion fell unconscious, cracking his neck Grunt looked down at the unconscious stallion then back to me.” Are you alright?”
“Yes, I’m fine.” I ran up to his side and pulled Chirp into a hug. “I’m so sorry! Are you alright!” Chirp didn’t say anything, she just cried in my grasp
“Come on we should leave and get back to the library.” I nodded my head in agreement. It took us some time to get back, but when we finally reach the library, opening the door we were met by an angry little purple dragon.
"Where have you guys be...WHAT THE!?! WHAT HAPPEN TO YOU GUYS?" Grunt just walked past and head towards the bathroom, he had bruises and cuts.
"I'll be in the bath ~ow~ room." Grunt limped his way towards the bathroom leaving the three of us alone.
"Would somepony tell me what is going on, because dinners been ready for hours." I walked past the Spike and made my way to the couch, placing Chirp on the couch, I plopped down on the floor exhausted.
"Spike we can talk about this later…for now...let's just rest."
"Alright then, but I still want to know what happen." Spike walked off making his way back inside the kitchen. I looked up to see Chirp sleeping soundly on the couch. I gently stroked her teal mane.
"I'm sorry Chirp, I should've protected you better." I could hear her making small buzzing noises as she slept.
"Ahem." I looked up to see Grunt his face covered in bruises, and a band aid or two. "I'll be going to my quarters now." I stood up from where I sat.
"Alright then...Grunt."
"Yes?"
"Thank you for saving Chirp, I can't thank you enough."
"It's my job Miss. Spar... I mean Twilight." He walked out the library closing the door behind him. I decided to just sleep in early, I picked up Chirp and we both headed upstairs.
"Spike, Chirp and I are going to bed early today...it's been a really long day." The little purple drake popped his head out through the door.
"Alright then...I still want an explanation later." With that I took Chirp up stair, I tucked her in bed and got ready myself, but before I would sleep I took out a sheet of paper and quill and ink pot.
Dear Princess Celestia,
Today Chirp was kidnapped and her kidnappers were planning on taking her to the Everfree forest, I don't know why, but I just am glad we have Chirp back. Something still worries me though, today I realized that she has the same magical powers equal to you, Luna and Cadence since she is born to be the next Queen of the Changelings. Even with all the knowledge I have I don't think I can teach her how to truly control her powers, I can't teach the techniques you know, so I was wondering if you can help, I know Chirp is still young, but I think it would be best for her to at least start some sort of practice.
"Come to us, help us." I found myself in a barren wasteland, there was no life to be seen anywhere. "Help us." The same voices I've been hearing for the past year called out to me once again. Dozens of shadowy figures appeared around me, surrounded me, each of them having green hazy eyes, they all just stood there. The figures gave off a green hue around them. Suddenly three large black figures each giving off a certain color appeared, one of the figures was the color of blood, the second one had a pink hue to it, the third had a purplish color to it. Each of the three figures suddenly swallowed a large portion of the shadowy figures leaving only a small group left. "Help us." The remaining figures started to make their way towards me.
"What do you mean?" I called out seeing if can communicate with whoever is calling me. "Help you with what?" The voices began to grow louder and louder.
"Help us!...HElp Us!...HELP US!" My eyes shot open, waking up next to a sleeping Twilight.
"Twilight are you awake?" I shook her leg. "Twilight?" Slowly opening her eyes
"Hmm what is it Chirp?"
"It happened again." Letting a yawn, Twilight sat up on the bed.
"Come here." She opened her hooves for a hug, which I gratefully took, snuggling up to her. We stayed like this for some time. "Was it the same dream as last time?" I shook my head.
"No, this time I saw all these shadows, and then I saw three big shadows." Twilight raised an eyebrow. "Then they kept on say 'Help us help us'." I buried my face into Twilights arm. Twilight had no idea what was going on, she has been reading all books containing anything Changeling related, but she only found a few things about the basic knowledge of changelings on how they feed, live, and grow. Out all the things she learned, there was nothing that could tell her of the 'dreams' Chirp received.
"Did anything else happen in the dream?" I nodded my head.
"Yeah there were three different shadows; they were bigger than the others."
"Really now, hmm that's strange." There was a moment of silence.
"Twilight?"
"Hmm what is it Chirp?" Suddenly a gurgling noise erupted.
"I'm hungry." Letting out a small giggle, Twilight got out of bed.
"Alright then, since we're both up, breakfast sounds like a good idea." We headed downstairs for breakfast, Twilight made a batch of pancakes and some hay bacon. Enjoying our meal, Twilight started to explain to me how our next few lessons will be like.
"Twilight?" Twilight looked up from her plate.
"Yes Chirp?"
"How come I don't get to go to school?" Twilight had a sudden pause, searching for the words to say.
"Well you see Chirp, um it's just that you uh."
"Is it because I'm different?" Twilight was lost in words; this made me a bit upset. "It is, isn't it, it's because I'm a bug, isn't it?"
"Chirp!" Twilight raised her voice and slammed the dining table. "Don't say that, I know things are hard now, but things will look up it just takes time." I looked down at my plate, my appetite gone and wasted "You just have to be patient these kind of things, things will get better." Later the day, Twilight and I practiced another day of levitation training, I've gotten better, but I still can't keep a constant control over the levitation spell. Fruits were thrown all over the place; I think I even shot a bird out of the sky...poor birdie. After another hour of training, Twilight called it in for a day. "You did well today a few mishaps here and there, but you did well, you've improved a lot especially in such little time." We happily walked back home together, arriving at the library, I spotted a yellow Pegasus standing in front the door.
"Fluttershy!" I chirped, running towards the shy pony. She jumped a bit, suddenly hearing somepony calling her name, but she soon relaxes seeing that it was someone familiar.
"Chirp, hello their sweetie, how are you." She offered a hug which I gladly took.
"Oh, hi Fluttershy, what brings you to the library?"
"Oh, I came by to ask you and Chirp if you would like to join angel bunny and I to a picnic, it's a beautiful day...if you don't mind." I looked up at Twilight with pleading eyes, after some thinking Twilight said yes.
"Just give us a minute, I need to get a few things, Chirp why don't you wait out here with Fluttershy while I gone."
"So how have you been Chirp?"
"Alright I suppose, Twilight has been teaching me how to use magic... by the way...where's Angel?" As if on the queue the white bunny hopped out from behind Fluttershy dragging a picnic basket with him. "Hi Angel!" The little bunny stood there with his arms crossed and a frown on his face, his little foot tapping on the ground. He looked up at the timid pegasus, she returned his gaze with a meek smile.
"I'm sorry Angel, but we just have to wait a little longer alright." The little white mammal gave out a little 'hmmp' and continued to tap his foot. The library doors opened revealing Twilight with a small saddlebag to her side.
"Sorry I just need to get a few things." Making my way to Twilights side, Fluttershy lead us to a small patch of a meadow, a small lake to its left. Taking a spot next to a tree, she pulled out a small picnic blanket placing it on the ground. Opening the picnic basket, Fluttershy pulled out four plates, triangle sliced sandwiches, a small pitcher with orange juice. I took a seat next to Twilight with Fluttershy and Angel across from us.
"So how have you to been?" Fluttershy asked trying to start a conversation. I looked up at Twilight to see her giving out a small sigh. "Oh, I'm sorry I didn't mean to bring up a touchy topic." Twilight waved her hoof.
"No, it's alright honest." Taking a quick sip of juice, Twilight let out a small sigh. "Things haven't been the greatest, but we're managing." As Twilight and Fluttershy continued their conversation, I made my way towards the pond. Looking down into the pond, I saw myself, my teal mane covering half my face. I stuck my tongue out, trying to make a funny face, opening my mouth I could see my front fangs, giving myself a small smile. I noticed another figure in the water, turning around I saw no one only Twilight and Fluttershy. Looking back into the water I see a tall black figure looking back at me, at first, I thought I was imagining things, I started waving my hoof around.
"You can stop doing that now." I literally jumped back. I duck away from the water; did that thing just say something? I slowly made my way towards the water's edge again, looking over the edge, the dark figure was gone. Looking around the water for the dark being I saw nothing, taking a breather, I calmed back down. "Chirp." My gaze shot back into the water, but I saw nothing. "Turn around." I did as the voice told me, I find myself looking at a tall black figure that had a similar look like I did.
"Who are you?" The figure had a bulkier look to him so I figured he was a stallion of some sorts, his voice had a deep buzzing tone too it.
"My name is Harak and for who I am will be explained in due time."
"What do you mean in due time, am I supposed to do something." I was going to ask him so many questions, but suddenly I heard Twilight calling for me. Turning around I saw that we were packing up to go home. "Coming!" I turned back around to find that Harak was gone, I searched the area, but there was no sign of Harak.
"Chirp we're leaving now." Making my way towards Twilight, I take one more glance behind me, only to still see nothing. "Chirp what's taking you?"
"Coming."
"Did you have a fun time?" I wasn't sure if I should tell her or not.
"It was alright." Saying our goodbye to Fluttershy, we made our way back to the library, a few feet away next to the entrance was a hooded black figure. Two bat ponies stood on either side of the hooded pony.
"Twilight Sparkle I have come as to your request." The hooded figure said.
"Princess Luna?" The hooded pony revealed herself to be the princess of the night. I looked up at the princess with awe. "
"What are you talking about?" The princess walked forward, her ethereal mane flowing.
"I am here at your request, you asked my sister for assistance in training the young changeling filly with her powers."
"Oh yes I remember now, thank you so much for coming." Giving her a nod, the princess walked up in front of me. Taking a few steps back, she was like a giant compared to my height.
"Do not cower child I am not here to hurt you." Our eyes meeting at first, she had a stoic look to her face, I looked up back at her giving her a sheepish smile, she returned with a smile herself. Lowering her horn towards me, I backed away a little. "Do not worry child I am just going to check something, stay still for this will not hurt you at all." Her horn touched mine and a bright light shined engulfing the both of us. onic�
I opened my eyes to see that I was in a open field, everything looked normal, that is until I looked up at the sky. Above me was a swirling blue hole, stars that were shining bright as the sun.
"Where...where am I?"
"You are in the world of non-existence, it's a dreamlike world where imagination becomes reality, and dream becomes reality." I turned around to see Princess Luna.
"A what world, what do you mean?" The blue alicorn walked up to and took a seat next to me.
"This place is like a dream, yet at the same time it is reality." I was confused on what she was getting at. "Let me show you." Closing her eyes; a small jell-o like pony appeared, it flew around Luna then around me, making me to giggle. "In this world we make our imaginations come true, why not you try?" At first I thought this was unreal, but I gave it a try, closing my own eyes I tried to think of something, anything. Hearing a small pop I opened my eyes and now standing before me was chocolate butterfly. Bewilder, my mouth dropped open and my eyes shot open.
"Wait how did that happen?" The flying sweet treat flew on my nose, it kind of tickled.
"As I have said before young Chirp, this place turns imagination into reality and fake to real."
"Follow me." Getting up on her feet the princess made her way across the fields, I soon followed, we walked through an open meadow.
"Um...princess?"
"Please call me Luna little one."
"Um ok Luna where are we going?" The blue alicorn looked back at me, a smile forming on her face.
"I see that Twilight has not yet told you about your new schedule." I raised an eyebrow.
"New schedule? What new schedule?"
"For now on, while Twilights trains you in the way of magic as a normal pony, I will be training you to enhance your true strength."
"True strength?" This got me confused. "Princess Luna what are you talking about?"
"It would better if I would just show you." Taking up a firm stance, the blue alicorn's horn began to glow. "It would be best if you stand back." Listening to her advice I take a few steps back. Closing her eyes she started to concentrate, within seconds, two short blades appeared next to her, then a full suite of armored appeared around her, it radiated with a blue aura flowing around it. I looked in amazement; the princess looked back down at me grinning. "You are impressed yes." I nodded my head vigorously.
"How did you do that? It looked amazing!" I ran up to the princess getting a better look at her new wardrobe.
"Let me explain then." Ridding herself of her swords and armor, she casted a spell, summoning a stone wall of some sort, I took a closer look and saw some drawings. "It is said that long ago there was a great war between two God races, the alicorn race and the tri-corns."
"Tri-corn what are those...wait let me guess ponies with three horns?" The lunar princess gave off a small giggle.
"No, but close, the tri-corn race was a group of ponies and other being who had sold their souls to the one they follow, they've received their name from their ruler Vladimir the three horn demon."
"A demon..I thought those things didn't exist...do they?"
"No not anymore, but it is said that when the alicorn race was almost near annihilation, but one of their warriors, a young warrior, learned to master his own power, strength and magic and turn it into a physical weapon." With her dual blades reappearing, she swung them around. "With this power the alicorn race was able to push back the force of the Tri-corn army, and through that victory more and more alicorn learned to master their own abilities." Bring the blade close to her she let out a sigh. "Each alicorn had a specific weapon that would fit its user, the weapon is based on the user strength and control, if the user is weak in power so will his weapon, and if the user has no control then weapon shall not follow you."
"Follow me...is it alive?"
"In a way yes, your weapon is alive, the weapon and the user has a certain bond of some sort, it's as if the user and the weapon are one being, when you call it, it will come to you."
"Uh princess?"
"Yes what is it."
"I still don't really understand." The princess let out a giggle.
"Do not worry in due time you shall understand; now I believe it's time to head back home yes?"
"But wait I still a few questions to ask."
"Do not worry all your questions will be answered in due time." With a flash of light, the princess and I were engulfed. Within a matter of seconds I was back in front of the library, the two bat ponies from earlier with Twilight and Grunt standing between them.
"Chirp." Twilight walked up towards the two of us. "How was it?" I looked up at Twilight then at the princess.
"It was so cool!"
"Yes indeed it was cool." She turned her attention towards Twilight.
"I will be returning the same time as today, to start young Chirps training." Twilight nodded.
"Thank you Princess I really appreciate that you're helping Chirp."
"It is of no problem Twilight, as one of the rulers of Equestria it is my duty to help my subjects." Turning her gaze towards me, she gave me a small smile. "It was a pleasure to meet you young Chirp." With a bow the princess and her guards disappeared with a flash of light.
"Well it's getting late, I believe its past someones bedtime hmm?" Turning towards me Twilight picked me up and placed me on her back.
"But ~yawn~ I'm not tired...just yet."
"Mmhmm I'm sure you're not, but you need to rest for tomorrow." My eyes started to get heavy.
I searched around the area for my target, but she was nowhere to be seen, quickly making my way towards some bushes. Scanning the area once again, I spot my target, a shrouded figure standing in the middle of fields, sprinting towards her my wings created a small buzzing vibration which increased my speed. Leaping into the air, I concentrated on a single spell, summoning a scythe to my side. Swinging the weapon downward with all my might I went in for maximum damage, but I was stopped by a single short blade, with our weapons colliding a sharp 'clank' could be heard.
"Nice try, but thy should try to be more quiet when approaching from behind." Mocked my target. Swinging her second blade at me, I had to push away taking a few leaps back. I made another attempt to charge at her spinning my scythe in a way a spinning saw would. Our weapons collide once again. Our weapons collide once again, when I would strike she would block and when she would strike I would block, this went on for ten minutes until finally we both jumped away. "My my you have gotten better, and it also seems you and your scythe have a stronger bond." I was starting to get tired while my opponent looked as if she hasn't gone through a single action.
"Yea I guess we have." I said between breaths. "But that's not the only thing, I've got a few new tricks this time." A smirk formed on her face.
"Oh is that so." Taking a ready stance, and readying her blades. "Come at thee." I took a stance as well, flicking my scythe, it quickly pointed upright turning itself into a spear, pulling the spear back, I took a step forward. "Hmm?" I thrust my spear forward and the tip flew towards my opponent with a single chain rope attach to its end, it flew with great speed, but she was easily able to sidestep the spear tip. "Surprising yes, but it would a lot better if you were to hit your target." I smirk grew on my face. Flicking the pole end of my spear, the spear tip formed back into its original scythe form. "What!?" In one swoop motion I pulled back the scythe tip, it began to pull back toward my opponent, in a last minute attempt; the hood figure used her two blades to block the returning scythe blade, but to be pulled back towards me at during the process. Running towards her I detached the lower end of my pole, within seconds my scythe blade reattached with the center pole with my target within striking distance.
"I have you now!" Striking my pole down, I was about to strike when suddenly she materialized into a swarm of crows. "What the?" I was interrupted when I felt a blade press down on my throat.
"Not this time...I win young one." Letting a breathe I released my magical grip on my scythe, indicating that I surrendered. The hooded figure removed her hood revealing my mentor. "No fair princess Luna if you haven't used that trick I could've finally beat you." My teacher gave off a laugh.
"Now now Chirp if I had done that then it would've have been far too easy would it not?"
"Yeah...well..." I let out a small pout.
"Oh stop your pouting and moping, come let us return back home I believe today's practice went well." Walking past me the princess made her way towards a hilltop. Following her, I ended up next to her. "So mind telling me when you learned that new trick of yours."
"Oh well uh...in all honesty I really found out about accidently."
"Hmm? How so?"
"Well I was it when I was waiting for you one day and well I was trying to think of some different techniques of my own to surprise you a bit and well after I swung my scythe a few time it suddenly turned into its spear form, I was amazed to it happen like that.” My scythe re-materialized next to me. “This got me really excited, so I practice on how I could add this new ability to my advantage and then while I was practicing one day the darn thing shot out as it did before, but the only problem was that I had no idea that the speed of the darn thing would be so fast.” We continued to make our way towards the portal, I explained to her how I was saving all this just for today.
“Well Chirp I will admit you have improved since the first day you’ve started.” With that we both walked through the portal. Reaching the other side of the portal we found ourselves in front of the ponyville library, it looked as it usually did, but over the years there have been a few extensions.
“Chirp your back!” I looked up to see a purple drake on the balcony. Climbing down the side of the library he approached us with a happy smile.
“SPIKE!” I jumped on top of him giving him a big hug. Over the years Spike has been getting bigger as we speak, his body grew longer and his nose began to look more sharper as well as his teeth and claws.
“Hey their kiddo how practice?”
“It was alright I almost beat the Princess this time.”
“Chirp?” I looked up to see a lavender unicorn waiting for me at the door. Running towards her I gave her a big hug. “Hi sweetie how was practice?”
“It was alright.” The princess walked up to the two of us.
“I shall take my leave now Twilight sparkle.” Pull her way out of my grasp Twilight looked back at the princess.
“Yes of course, but would it be alright if you join us for dinner Spike’s making his special today.”
“Yea hay bacon hay burgers with six different kinds of cheese.”
“I thank you for your generous offer Twilight, but I must return back to the palace and attend the midnight court.”
“Hmm well alright then good bye Princess Luna.” Nodding her head she made her way back to her night carriage.
“Goodbye princess I’ll see you tomorrow.” She kept on walked without taking a second to look back. Taking her seat in the carriage she looked down at me with a grin.
“I am expecting a few more surprises tomorrow young Chirp.” And with that her carriage flew off. Seeing the princess off the three of us had dinner, eating to our fill we all sat in the main living room of the library, Twilight wrapped a small box containing leftovers from dinner.
“Chirp can you dropped this off for Grunt, I’m pretty sure he hasn’t had dinner yet.”
“Ok!” Using my magic, I place the wrapped lunch box on my back and made my ways towards the small house where Grunt was staying. Making my way to a small house next to the library, I could still see all the lights on from the outside. Knocking on the door, I waited quietly for Grunt to answer.
"Hello?" I was greeted by a very large earth pony. "Chirp? What are you doing here?" I levitated the wrapped lunch box and gave to Grunt.
"We had some leftovers left so Twilight asked me to bring them for you, it's Spike's special hay bacon burgers." Grabbing a hold of the box, Grunt brought it inside. "Would you like to come in for a bit."
"Sure." Following him inside I looked around his home. It was just a single room home it was the size of the living room in the library, a single sink, toilet and bed with a small couch. In the corner of the room there was a small chest.
"Well it's not much, but it's simple." I took a seat on the couch, making myself comfortable. "So how have you been?" We began to have a small conversation about the different things that's been going on. After some time I made my way back to the library, as I was about to reach for the door I was stopped by a familiar figure.
"Harak?"
"No time." His horn connected to mine and we both vanished in a bright light.
“Ahhhhh!” I literally felt myself falling, flaring my hooves around I kept on screaming, looking to my side I saw Harak buzzing his wings next me, a blank look on his face. With a quick facehoof I start buzzing my wings as well, and within seconds my speed decreased and instead of falling I was floating in a single spot. Looking at Harak, he still had that stoic look on his face, not really caring what just happened. I looked around to see that Harak has teleported me to a very rocky terrain, absolutely no living things could be seen anywhere.
“This way.” He flew off into a direction, I followed closely behind. Over the years Harak would pop up every now and then helping me with various task. He would usually be around me when I had some questions that needed answers. He would tell me things about the changeling race and some secrets we hold to only our people. Nobody knows about Harak other than me, I haven’t told Twilight about him just yet, he told me it had to do with something about causing problems in the future or what not. Unfamiliar with my surroundings, I flew next to Harak keeping up with his pace.
“Harak? Where are we going?” He didn’t answer, he just kept on flying in the same direction we’ve been going in. Within a few minutes a small cave could be seen approaching off from the distant. Landing in front of the cave, Harak and I made our way inside the cave, inside all I was able to see was pitch black, until Harak lit his horn guiding our way. After some time I started a see a lighted room at the end of the cave. Finally reaching our destination, we approached a large stone wall with numerous symbols and writing. “What is this?” I asked. Using the glow from his horn he revealed the large wall as it was.
“This here is one of the most sacred artifacts of the royal blood.” Walking up to it he a took a quick bow before looking back me. “The words on this artifact are the same words used by your mother and father, as the future queen of the changelings it is your job to learn and understand these sacred words.” Harak lighted a few torches surrounding the artifact and the now lightened torches revealed paintings of some sort. I looked at the painting to that it was painting of changeling and the painting next to it was similar only the original changeling looked bigger. Reaching towards the end of the little picture movie the changeling has grown into a giant beast with two long pincer like hooks hanging out from it’s back, its shell looking bigger and his holed hooves having now grown talons. “The metamorphosis of the Swarm.” I looked back at Harak.
“The what?” Taking a spot next to me keeping his eyes on the artifact at all times.
“The metamorphosis of the Swarm is the royal families greatest strength, with this power the royal family protects and guides their swarm, their family, their children.”
“So are you telling me I can turn into this uh..meta...meta morphing thingy?”
“Yes, but you must first go through the trials to achieve this power.”
“Oh is that why you brought me here then? To take the trials?”
“No.” I looked at him giving him the ‘what am I here for then’ look. “I brought you here so you could learn and as for the trials you are not ready.”
“Not ready why wouldn’t I be? I am the soon to be queen of the changel...OW!” I was cut by Harak swatting at my head, I looked at him with disbelief. “You...you hit me?”
“And I’d do it again.”
“But if I’m the soon to be queen why did you hit me?” Taking a look at me Harak gave his blank stares once again.
“As I did for your mother when she was a child I will do to you.” This got me really confused.
“What do you mean as you did when my mom was my age.”
“I was the royal families guardian, caretaker or in another term I was your ‘foalsitter’”
“Wait wait wait wait.” I tried to think on what he just told. “So are you telling me you're like my nanny?” Keeping his stoic look he shrugged.
“In a way yes, I watch over guide and make sure you on the right path.”
“Soooo if I ask if you could get me a double strawberry cream sundae with sprinkles on top?” I looked up at him with a curious look, he returned with his typical stoic expression.
“No.” Looking back at the stone writing he looked back at me. “I believe it is time to go.”
“Wait wait I still have...” Before I could even finish Harak and I were teleported out of there. As soon as my sight began to clear I was back at the library, the sun started to set and I was pretty Twilight would worried si...
“CHIRP!” I froze in my tracks, I dared not to look behind me. “Young lady you have alot explaining to do.” Even without looking at her I could still sense a very terrifying aura coming behind me. Turning around slowly I tried to give her a very...very...VERY innocent smile.
“Oh I was just uhhhh just uhhhh.” I started to stutter ‘Horseshoes what am I going to do?.... uh..uh...think Chirp think!...Oh I got it!’ Looking over the plan in my head I smiled. My eyes started to tear up as I prepared myself for phase one of my plan. “He broke up with me!” I cried running up to Twilight, she had a confused look on her face.
“What?” I kept my face covered so she couldn’t see my face.
“The reason why I was gone was because ‘sniff’ because I was seeing someone.”
“Really...and what was this “someone’s” name?” I sucked in a deep breathe of air 'crap a name a name!...uh kettlecorn...no wait that sounds dumb..uh how about uhhh OH!’
“His name was ‘sniff’ Pirch.”
“Pirch huh.”
“Uh-huh.”
“Well I guess I’m going to have to cheer my little sweetheart up aren’t I.”
“You don’t ‘sniff’ have to.”
“Oh no, if my wittle sweetheart hurt and if your wittle heart is damaged it’s my job to fix it.” She started to walk away. “Spike!” The large purple drake popped his head of the balcony.
“Yeah?” Using her magic to form a small scroll she started to write.
“I need you to send a letter to the princess.”
“What...A letter why?” I asked sounding a bit nervous.
“Well I learned from reading one of self-help books that when a two ponies break up from a relationship, they should let out some steam or any other emotions they were holding up.” She finished writing the letter and wrapped it up, and tied a red around it to make sure it was sealed.
“But why send a letter to the princess?” Twilight looked at me with the same innocent I used just minutes ago.
“Well I asked her if she can let princess Luna know what your situation is and to double your training so you can let out some steam.” I looked at her with a pleading look. ‘As if training wasn’t as tiring as it is now.
“No no I uh...I don’t think I’ll be needing that really I’m fine.” Walking over to me and wrapping one of her hooves around me; she had a smile on her face, this wasn’t some ordinary smile oh no this was a smile of some kind of evil.
“Chirp you don’t have to hold your feelings inside, besides you can let all your emotions out while you reshelve the the library.”
“What!” I looked at her terrified, she released me from her grasp and started to make her way towards the library.
“Oh by the way.” She looked back me with a dead panned look. “You’re grounded for two weeks.”
“WHAT!” I looked at her bewilder on how she saw through my plan.
“Don’t you ‘what but me young lady, the first week is for running off somewhere without telling me and the second week is for lying to me.” she was about to enter library door, but stopped. “Oh by the way you really need to think of betters names.”
I was stuck in the library rearranging the various books on the shelf...again.
“Ugh this is sooo boring!” I then heard a voice coming from the second floor.
“Don’t you start whining again this is your punishment.”
“Yes ma’am...” I looked back at the pile of the books still on the ground. This is going to take me at least another three hours to finish. Hearing a knock from the door, I stood up from where I sat and made my way towards the door. “Hello?”
“CHIRPY!!!!” I was tackled to the ground by what felt like a train at high speed. Looking down I saw a green pegasus with a black and blue mane smiling back at me.
“Hey Junip..HRK!!” Before I knew it I was in a death hug. “ACK!”
“HEY CHIRP!!! HOW YOU DOING!” She looked up at me with eyes that were the size of saucers.
“Dying at the moment...could you..HRK!”
“Oh oops sorry.” Letting me go, Juniper took a few steps back. “So do you want to go to the park or to Sugarcube Corners today?” She looked at me with excitement jumping around like a deranged spider monkey.
“Oh sorry Juniper, but I’m grounded at the moment and well yeah Twilights got me doing book duty for the next two weeks.” With a sad expression Juniper made a pout.
“Oh come on.” she said making a whining sound.
“No Juniper.”
“Come OOONnnnn.”
“I told you I ca...” Grabbing my face she looked me straight in the eye.
“Pleazzzzzzzzzzzzzeeeeeees.” Reaching my limit I let out a sigh.
“Alright...just let me talk to Twilight...I’ll try to convince her to let me out.”
“Yay!” She jumped in the air victoriously. A small smile formed on my face as I stared at the happy go lucky filly in front of me.
4 Years ago
“Twilight! Twilight! Let's go Let's go!” I jumped around the library floor all happy and excited.
“Alright Chirp just let me double check if we have everything with us.” I rolled my eyes waiting for Twilight. "Alright let's see now books check, drinks check, picnic blanket check."
"Twilight come on!!!!" I started to get frustrated because she was take too long. "Twilight at the rate your going the princess would've lowered the sun by now." Walking down the stairs Twilight carried a small basket.
"Very funny." She playfully stuck out her tongue. "Come on then let's go." Finally making our way towards the park, we walked past the citizens of Ponyville, some of them still gave off strange looks, but there were some that actually looked at me as if I was a normal pony like any other. Within moments we arrived at our typical spot, a large pond, with my excitement building up I jumped around Twilight as she took out the blanket and started taking out the drinks and snacks. Taking a seat on the blanket Twilight made herself comfortable and pulled out three different books. "Well Chirp what should we read first?" This was a weekly thing for us, we would usually come to the watering hole near the park and lay down and read a book or two. While Spike would be off helping Rarity as always Twilight and I would just relax and enjoy our time together. Even with the time I've spent here in Ponyville I still didn't have anypony of the same age to interact with for they kind of...well they saw me as a strange being.
"Oh oh can we read that one?"
"The tales of hay yard huh." I nodded my head "Ok then let's make ourselves comfortable shall we." Taking a seat next to each other, we each read a page out loud describing the different scenes with our imaginations, we talked as if we there characters themselves. As we were reading though I heard someone yell out.
"Look out!" Looking up I saw a large red ball falling straight towards Twilight and me. Having been told last minute the ball collided with my face, fazed I rubbed my head with my hoof at the area the ball hit me. Looking up I saw a small green pegasus filly quickly flying towards me. "OhmygoshIsosorryIdidn'tmeantodothat!" She talked so fast that I could barely understand what she was saying. Shaking my head I took a good look at the pony in front of me her coat a color of a minty green leaf and her mane...oh my her mane was very different compared to the common manes I've see here in Ponyville it was black and blue. I realized she was still going about how she was sorry and how she lost control of the ball.
"Alright I get it your sorry." She stopped talking and stared at me. She kept her gaze her eyes then fell to my holed hooves. At that moment I moved my right hoof to the left and her eyes followed. "Um are you..." And she was gone, typical I thought, but I wasn't really surprised most fillies and colts run out of fear or disgust. I let out a sigh. "Well that didn't."
"I'm back!"
"Last...long?" I looked up to see her holding a small bottle in her mouth and a plate. She spat out the bottle and placed the plate on the ground.
"Sorry I just up and left like that I just had to get something." I looked at her with a confused look. "I know I hit you with my ball, but uh...could you do me a favor?" I looked at her for a minute then up at Twilight as if too see any signs of hints or whatnot. All she did was shrug and waved her hoof telling me to go along with the situation.
"Uh sure...I guess what do you need me to do?" I asked. I saw her opening the bottle and pour some sort of pink liquid on the plate.
"Ok well this is going to sound a bit weird, but I need you to put your hoof on the plate and swish it around."
"Wait on the plate..uh?
"Trust me." Well what the heck I thought, I placed my hoof on the plate and made sure I stirred it good.
"Not what?" I lift my hoof off the plate it was now covered in the pink water.
"Ok so watch this!" Grabbing my hoof the green filly blew in one of the holes and within seconds bubbles started to float out the other end of the hole. I still had a confused look on my face, but the green filly started to giggle and jump at the bubbles trying to pop them.
"Bubbles?" Hearing my voice she looked at me with a smile that could match Pinkie Pie's.
"Yeah bubbles! Aren't they great?!?!?!" I was still confused, but within a matter of seconds I too found myself giggling as well. I placed my hoof back on the plate and got another hoof of the bubbly soap and blew out another set of bubbles which the filly happily chased after. I soon followed after her, leaving Twilight I also joined the green filly in chasing the bubbles. It only took us a couple minutes to pop all of the remaining bubbles, with the two of giggling we made our way back to Twilight who was happily reading another book. "Wow that was sure fun!"
"Yeah it sure was." My voiced lowered at the end of that statement. As if there was an alarm of some sort the filly turned to look at me.
"What's wrong?"
"What?" She walked up to me standing in front of me.
"You sound sad was it not fun?"
"What no, sweet Celestia no that was one of most fun I've ever had...with another filly or any pony my age." It was the filly's turn to look confused.
"What do you mean?"
"Well as you can see I look well...different they usually stay away because of how I look." Tilting her head she took another look at. Examining me she looked high and low and before I knew she started laughing. "What's so funny?"
"I'm sorry, but what's the big deal." This caught me off guard.
"What?"
"What so bad about being different, different is good...well that's what I think." She walked up next to me. "From what I see if everything was the same then it's all going to be super boring don't you think?" Nodding my head I looked at the filly as if she was some kind of new breed of pony. "If you ask me I think you being is different is great, besides when somepony say that their friends with a unicorn I could say I'm friends with..uh...what are you exactly?"
"Changeling." Giving me a thankful smile she continued on.
"I could say I'm friends with a Changeling, now answer me this what little filly or colt can say that hmm?"
"No one."
"Exactly!" Something then hit me she said I was...her...friend?
"Wait so we're friends?" She let out a giggle.
"Well duh besides like I said I like different and you my friend are the definition of different." Pulling out her hoof she placed it in front of me. "Names Juniper by the way." I shook her hoof.
"Chirp the names Chirp."
"Well Chirp this is the start of a great new friendship." I might've not shown it that, but I felt like one of the happiest filly of all of Equestria. "Say you wanna play with the ball that I uh...hit you with?" Looking back her with a smile I Nodded my head.
"Yeah!"
Present Day
Thinking back at that I made my way upstairs to where Twilight worked.
"Oh wait Chirp if you want some advice I recommend that you use some kind of puppy eye technique like this." Her eyes became abnormally large and looked as if they were sparkling.
"Thanks." Letting out a small giggle I made my way upstairs to convince Twilight to let me out.
I literally ran for my life trying to dodge every incoming projectiles, jumping into a bush to bush, I tried to stay hidden long enough to catch my breath, but of course it wouldn't be that easy. A Large blue ball of fire came hurling towards me.
"AHHH!" I immediately dashed out of the bush and continued to run. As I was running as fast as I could, I then heard a voice above me.
"Come now did you really think you could hide from me." Looking up a familiar blue princess was flying above me casting balls of blue fire down upon me. "If you want to last longer in a fight you must build up your stamina!" Dodging another ball, I kept to my feet moving.
"And how am I suppose to do that without any magic or wings!" I yelled back. Running along a river I could see that my reflection, but the only problem was that I was missing two very important parts. I cursed the stupid repression spell that was casted onto me.
"Dear Chirp the training that we are doing is to teach you how to survive while being limited of your resources." At the end of her sentence the night princess summoned two large bat like gargoyles to her side, the one on her left was white while the other was black. "Yin, Yang!" Both massive creatures stood in attention. "Training protocol number three dash seven...GO!" As if given the magic words, both creatures came swooping down to me.
"Oh sweet Celestia! Can I get a brea AHH!" I was cut off by one of the gargoyles swooping down in its attempt to swipe at me. Trying my best to evade these flying behemoths, I had to think fast. 'Come on Chirp think you have no magic and no wings now think!' I tried to think of a way to rid myself of my flying hunters. "Come on!...uh what would Twilight do?" Thinking in my head, I tried to imagine hearing her very words.
"I'd probably cast a spell to get rid of them." No I got no magic. Uh how about Apple Jack.
"Ah Probably would jus kick'em in the hay if ya know what I mean." Looking back at the gargoyles I thought over the idea then looked back at them 'DO THEY EVEN HAVE THOSE?!?' I decided that wouldn't really work the way I would want it to.
"Ok that's out of the question, um how about Rainbow Dash!"
"I don't know, but probably something awesome!" Said the imaginary voice of Rainbow Dash.
"That doesn't help me!"
"Tough break kid." And the voice of rainbow disappeared, ugh none of these are any use to me. I was literally running out of ideas, but suddenly from the back of my head I started to remember three specific words.
"Use your head."
Flashback
"You want me to what?" I looked up at large stallion who was technically my bodyguard...Grunt.
"You heard me kid." Picking up a block of wood and immediately slammed his head on it literally breaking it in half. "If those fillies from last time bully you again all you have to do is just use your head." I looked at him then at the now broken block of wood.
"But wouldn't that hurt me too?" Chuckling Grunt came up to me.
"You wanna learn a technique I know?" Thinking over this I gave a small shrug. "Well the trick is that if you hit them somewhere soft on the face it won't hurt as much." I looked at him with an unsatisfied expression. "What?" Walking past him and over to the broken pieces of the block.
"Ok so if that's your trick then how did you break this block of would there isn't a single soft spot on it anywhere." This made Grunt laugh. Knocking on the helmet he was wearing.
"Well it's never a bad idea to wear some protective head gear right?" Walking over to me he lightly tapped my head. "And beside since you're a changeling your skin is harder than most ponies, so it shouldn't hurt as much, hay I bet you could probably butt your way through stone." I giggled at his words. I Suddenly heard a very familiar voice, looking up I saw a very familiar filly and her colleagues walking down the street. Gathering the knowledge I just learned I made my way towards the familiar filly.
"Hey!" I yelled out. Turning her I immediately made a dash towards her lowering my head and aiming for her head. And well that day ended with Twilight punishing me and forcing me to personally say sorry to the filly and her parents. Present Keeping the same pace I looked back that memory, I realized I was out of options. Making a quick break I quickly turned around and made a charge towards the black gargoyle.
"Wish I had a better idea than this." With the gargoyle just a few feet away I push my head forward with all my might. And within seconds my head slammed into the black gargoyles face. It wailed in pain, I landed on the ground with a big thump. "HA I can dish out..." I started to feel a large throbbing pain in my head. "Any...thing...you got...oh there's goes my conscious." And everything went black.
I woke up finding myself on my bed at the library, but I had a killer headache. Looking at the nightstand next to me there was a glass of water and a sliced sandwich. Sitting up on the bed I looked out the window to that the moon was already high in the night sky. Getting out a bed my head still felt like it was ringing from earlier.
"You know this incident reminds of me of the time when Chirp was a little filly." I recognized Twilights voice and she was talking to another voice that was very familiar.
"Is that so because I was very surprised of Chirps action." Princess Luna what she still doing here? "But I will admit it was very effective, different but very effective." I join the two mares talking over a cup of tea. "Ah there is the mare!" Both heads turned towards me
"Oh Chirp your awake how you feeling?" I took a seat next to Twilight and rested my head on the table.
"My head feels like it's still thumping, but overall I'm alright." I then Twilight nuzzling my cheek.
"Well don't worry I know a good healing spell that should help sooth those nasty headaches."
"Twilight stop your embarrassing me in front of the princess." I whined.
"Oh come on what's so embarrassing I'm just making sure you don't go off and have some kind massive brain damage." I moved my head away from her and puff up my chest.
"I'm a big filly now." I heard Twilight give off a small giggle.
"Oh so you're the same big filly who ran around the whole library yelling out saying ' I'm the hungry hungry caterpillar nom nom nom' hmm?" I started to blush even harder.
"I was only three years old." I remembered myself running around with my wings buzzing and Twilight chasing after me. "And besides I've become way more mature then I was before." Twilight gave me a look that says 'Suuuurrre' Puffing up my cheeks I turned my face away from hers.
"Ah so it is true thy cheeks do puff up the size of cream puffs!" I heard the princess laughed. My wings started to buzz as the giggles from both Twilight and Luna started to annoy me. " And the thy wings are buzzing just as you said Twilight." I let out a loud huff and got up from my seat next to Twilight.
"If you need me I'll be in my room." I marched myself to my room. Just as I was about to close the door I heard Luna call out to me.
"Ah Chirp before you leave I need to tell you that tomorrow will be a break day." Turning my head, I raised a confused eyebrow.
"Wait....what...why?" Taking a sip from her teacup, she calmly responded.
"Well a few of my royal duties requires my upmost attention so tomorrow you may spend the day as you please." My body felt like it was going to jump in the air with joy, finally a day of my own to do as I please. Trying to keep a straight face I looked at Luna with a thankful smile.
"Well alright then thanks for telling me." Giving me a nod of welcome, she back to her conversation with Twilight. Closing the door, I jump on my bed letting out a big sigh.
"A whole day to myself." On my bed sat a parasprite plushy. "Well Mr.Buzzers a whole day to ourselves I can see it now playing at the park, eating sweets from Sugarcube Corners, and no training what so ever, ah I can't wait!" I hugged the plushy and let out my own little giggle and chirp. "Oh I just can't wait nothing can ruin my day tomorrow."
I found myself back in a very familiar wasteland surrounded by...well nothing. Almost no life was seen, I could hear nothing just a simple gust of wind blowing in the air. Suddenly my ears started to twitch as started to hear some kind sound coming off from the distance.
“Hello?” I called out. I turned in every direction, but I could see nothing. Suddenly I found a lone figure standing in front of me. “Ahh!” I fell on my flank. Looking up, I realized that the figure in front of me was a changeling. “Who are you?” The tall changeling didn’t say a word, her eyes just examined me from hoof to horn. “Uh...”
“You grown so much.” was the first thing she said.
“What?” I started to examine the changeling as well. Judging from her figure and voice she was a mare, her teal mane had was long and silky. Something felt very familiar with this changeling, and not just that her voice made me feel safe and protected.
“You’ll make a fine queen one day.” Now I really started to get confused. Was she like Harak was she some kind nanny or something?
“Um do I...Know you?” Still looking down at me, the changeling mare let out a sigh.
“Yes, you did...I was...someone from your past.”
“Like Harak?” She nodded her head.
“Something like that yes.” We both stayed silent without speaking a single word, I could still feel her gaze on me. Looking back at her, I gave her a small smile.
“Well if you are then could you tell me your name.” At first she paused to answer pondering if she should say something.
“My name is Chrysalis I am your...” And everything went black.
I woke up with Celestia’s sun shining through my window, with my mane a mess I looked around my room. It was a simple bedroom with a bed, a large chest, and a wooden table covered in papers and books. Next to me was Mr.Buzzers a blue parasprite plushy.
“That was...weird.” I tried to remember the dream that I had trying to figure out what happened. “Her name it sounds so familiar.” I tried to think of all the names of every possible pony I know, but nothing came up. “Oh well I’ll ask Twilight about it later. Looking at the one clock in my room, a big smile formed on my face.
“A whole day to myself no training, no practices, and no exercises.” I let out a happy sigh. “Well Mr.Buzzers what should the first thing we do today?” I looked at the small plushy waiting for its answer. As if hearing the words I wanted to hear I nodded my head. “That sounds like a good idea I’m sure Juniper will be happy to hear the good news. Getting up from my bed I made my way towards the bathroom to wash up and prepare myself for the day. Looking into the mirror I saw my reflection. I opened my mouth showing off my fangs, levitating my toothbrush I started to brush my teeth. After completing my whole morning routine I made my way towards the kitchen. Upon entering I saw Twilight standing in front of the stove levitating a fry pan while humming a little tune. “Morning Twilight.” Turning her head a smile grew on her face.
“Good morning Chirp, did you sleep well.” Finding a seat on one of the chairs I waited at the table.
“Yeah it was alright.” Other than the weird dream I thought.
“Well that's good.” Levitating a plate to herself, she placed three waffle on the plate. Placing the plate in front of me she poured on some syrup and sat in front of me. “So any plans for today?” I started devouring the waffles.
“Yar I’m gerna go and che if Jerper wrants to prlay!” I said, with my mouth full of waffles.
"Care to say that again, but this time without the waffles." Twilight placed a cup of milk in front of me which I happily took and drank.
"I said I'm going to ask Juniper if she wants to play today." I started to stuff my mouth again with waffles enjoying the meal.
"Hmm that sounds fun." We both suddenly heard a loud grumble from the other room, walking into the room was a very sleep purple drake.
"Morning Spike!" I called. His response was only a small grunt. Taking a seat he placed his head on the table surface.
"Well looks like came home late last night hmm." Responding with a muffled grumble he lifted his head from the table his eyes still droopy.
"A drakes duty is never do...uh...~BURP!~" With a small flare of green fire a scroll fell on the table.
"Oh a letter." Picking up the letter Twilight began reading. "Hmm it looks like the princess wants to see me at Canterlot."
"For what?"
"It doesn't say...hmm it only says that its urgent." Finishing my plate of waffles I look up at Twilight with a curious look.
"How long will you be gone for?"
"I'm not sure, but it looks like I'll have to leave now." Getting up from her seat she left to get herself ready. I looked at Spike whose head was faced down again. Sitting closer to him I raised a hoof in front of his face and started poking his cheek. After the sixth poke He raised his head to look at me.
"What?" He said drowsily. I jumped off my seat and ran away. "And she's says I'm childish." I made my way towards the front door of the library and called out to Twilight.
"Twilight I'm going out to play!" I heard her yell out from her room.
"Alright Chirp! You know the rules right?" I let out an annoying sigh.
"Be home before sunset."
"And?"
"Don't get into fights I know."
"Alright then have I'll see when I come back." And with that I left the library, it was still pretty early for the day so there weren't many ponies awake at this time. I made my way through the ponyville streets making my way towards a certain house just out of town. Seeing the house I quicken my pace, arriving in front of the front door I paused for a moment. I looked to my left and then to my right, making sure the area was clear I rang the doorbell. No answer, I rang it again, suddenly I started to hear a high ringing noise. I checked surroundings again, but nothing the ringing noise started get louder and louder. I started to realize the ringing noise started to sound like a word.
"CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCHHHHHHHHHHHHHIIIIIIIIIIIIRRRRRRPPPPPPPPPP!!!!!" My eyes went wide, I up towards the sky above me.
"Juniper what are ~THUMP~" I found smiling green pegasus sitting on top of me. I felt as if I was hit by a high speed taxi wagon. I opened my eyes to find my vision covered in dirt.
"Hey Chirp what are you doing here?" I heard Juniper's voice muffled. Pulling my head out of the ground, I spat out some dirt in my mouth.
"Well I was going to ask ~pppft~ you if you wanted too ~ppppft~ hang out today?"
"Totally, definitely, of course, yeah!"
"Cool want to go to Sugercube corners?" She nodded her head, We made our way towards the sweet shop talking about random topics usually Juniper would come up with different things to talk about. We finally arrived at Sugercube corners, upon entering we were greeted by a pink maned pony, her mane was all puffy and fluffy.
"Hi welcome to Sugarcube corners!"
"Hi Pinkie!"
"Oh hey there Chirp how are you?" The pink mare gave a smile her expression was just pure happiness.
"Oh I'm fine, Juniper and I just came here to hang out."
"Oh that's nice I like to come here with my friends too sometimes we would have cup cake eating contest and eat until we all couldn't move, but the bad part is that after that we all got a bad stomach ache and then."
"Uh Pinkie?" I raised my voice a bit.
"Yeah?"
"Can you take our order?"
"Oh yeah woops kind of got a bit too excited there." Taking our orders and going back to make us a fresh batch Juniper and I sat at one of the tables. We continued to talk until our orders arrived, so far my free day is going well I'm hanging out with my best friend, I have no lessons and practice. nothing can absolutely ruin this.
"Well well well look who's here at Sugarcube corners." At the sound of that voice my ears began to twitch. Both juniper and I turned our heads towards the entrance of Sugarcube corners and four fillies. "Oh no it's her." I groaned.
"Well well well if it isn't the freak and her trusty sidekick." I let out an annoyed sigh knowing all too well who that voice belonged too.
"What do you want Truffle." The filly before us was a very pudgy filly with her chocolate brown coat and her vanilla white mane. Her family was known for their big chocolate company all over Equestria.
"What I want is for you and all your freaky things to get out of Equestria." She stuck up her nose in the air. My daddy says that things like you are the reasons why we all us normal ponies will never be safe."
"YEaaahh!" Said her small band of followers each of them having the same view as Truffle. Suddenly somepony slammed her hoof on the table. I saw Juniper jump up from her seat, her face was covered in pure anger.
"You leave her alone you big bully!" Juniper yelled out. Giving a snort Truffle walked in front of Juniper, she was about a couple of inches taller than her making Juniper looking back up at her. The two stared each other down both of them sending each other death glares. The whole scene remind me of a scene from a book The Stallion, The Gryphon, And the Dragon. Everything was quiet and for some weird reason I heard an eagle in the background and... is that a tumble weed?
"Oh yeah and what are you going to AHHH!" Truffle screamed suddenly. Looking around frantically she started to have a scared look on her face. "Something bit me!" We started to look around the ground fearing that whatever bit her might bite us, but we saw nothing. Quickly she lift up her hind leg to check the wound, but to everyponies surprise there weren't any bite marks or even an indent, all there was some spit. Juniper and I gave each other a confused look. Suddenly Truffle raised her head to look straight at me glaring. "I bet it was you wasn't it!" I gave her a blank stare.
"How could it have been me if I'm literally sitting right here, your literally standing a foot away from me." Before she could answer she let out another scream. This made her run out of Sugarcube corners with her little followers right behind her. I looked up at Juniper with a confused look on my face. "Do you know what just happened right now?"
"No idea." I let out a small sigh. I suddenly felt a hoof on my shoulder, I looked up to see Juniper smiling at me. "Come on Chirpy cheer up you can't ponies like truffle to let you down like that, besides it's your day off let's make the best of it." I smiled back at her.
"Thanks Juniper that makes me 'CHOMP!' ahhh!...what the?" I felt a pair of wet slimy gum on flank, looking down I saw a familiar green scaled and purpled eyed alligator. "Gummy?" Suddenly as if on cue a familiar pink mare popped out of the flower vase on our table.
"Gummy what are you doing down here?" Picking up the small reptile, Pinkie fell back into the vase only to pop back out with a batch of freshly cook cupcakes. "Oh before I forget here's your order of cupcakes. hope you like it!" And with that she went back inside the flower vase.
"Umm?"
"Let's just forget that just happened." With a nodded Juniper and I enjoyed our order of sweets for the rest of the day we enjoyed ourselves walking around ponyville and playing around the lake. As the day came to an end Juniper and I decided that it was time to go home. Saying our goodbyes I made my way back to the library; seeing that the lights were all on I made a quick run towards the library a big smile on my face. "Oh maybe Twilights home I can't wait to tell about my day!" Opening the door I saw Twilight sitting on the couch I walked up to her and seeing her face my smile faded away. Looking up at her eyes were all puffed up and red. "Twilight what's wrong?" Noticing my presence Twilight looked back down at me forcing herself to smile.
"Oh Chirp I didn't hear you coming inside."
"what's wrong?" I sat next to her scooting a bit closer to her. She let out a weak laugh.
"Oh it's nothing really just...just my allergies acting up." I gave her a confused look. "How was your day off?" She asked trying to change the subject.
"Most of the day was Juniper and I went to sugarcube corners and the we walked around ponyville and then we played around the lake it was really fun." After I finished telling her about my day a thought occurred to me. "Twilight?"
"Hmm?"
"How did you come home so fast didn't you leave for Canterlot this morning?" As a reoccurring memory came back to her in her head she covered her mouth with her hoof and started to quietly cry. This got me really worried. "Twilight why are you crying?" Wrapping her hooves around me, she pulled me close and tight.
"I'm sorry it's this dumb allergy." I hugged her back. Pulling back from the hug Twilight stared down at me and she kept her gaze for awhile. "Hey Chirp why not we on vacation these next few days hmm how's that sound?" A little confused I thought about what she said and smiles.
"Yeah that sounds awesome where will we go?"
"Oh that's a surprise."
"Will Spike come too?" Twilight nodded her head.
"Yeah Spike too all three of us will go on vacation." I let out a happy chirp and laugh I gave her a hug and nuzzled my face in her coat. The room was suddenly filled with a delicious aroma. A familiar purple drake walked out of the kitchen wearing his heart apron.
"Awesome Chirp right on time for dinner!" I jumped off the couch and ran up to Spike.
"Yeah!" Giving me a smile he moved to the side to show the meal before us.
"I made your favorite double hay bacon burgers with extra cheese." I let out a happy chirp and ran inside the kitchen. Too busy with the food in front of me I didn't notice Spike and Twilight quietly talking to each other.
"Did you tell her yet?" Spike asked. Twilight nodded her head.
"No not just yet I'll tell when the time come for now I just....I just want to spend as much time with her as I can." Spike let out a small sigh and slumped his shoulders.
"Why now though?"
"I don't know Spike." Twilight looked the changeling filly in the kitchen stuffing her face. "But you know I kind of knew this was coming as soon as Chirp got to the age." Twilight thought back to the conversation she had with the princess.
Couple of hours earlier.
Twilight found herself teleported into the castle and she stood before both princesses.
"Princess Celestia, princess Luna what can I do for you since you teleported me here I'm sure it's very important." The co-rulers looked at each other with a sad look.
"Twilight my most faithful student as you know Chirp is becoming of age." Twilight nodded her head. "And you know how she is the rightful ruler to lead her people."
"Wait I thought she was the last of the her kind?"
"Yes I thought so as well, but for the past few year we have discovered a few signs of changeling activity near our borders." Twilight grew a small smile on her face.
"That great news if there are any remaining changeling then maybe becomes old enough to become their queen then maybe we settle all the problems with them." The princess nodded their head, but soon frowned.
"That is all what we are hoping for, but Twilight that is not the reason why we have called you here." Tilting her head she gave them a confused look."We called you here to tell that Chirp will no longer be staying with you in Ponyville." This left Twilight speechless.
"Wait, but why?"
"If Chirp is to lead her people she will need to be taught how to be a leader and a ruler." Thinking of something to say Twilight was speechless. "We know this might be hard on you so we'll give you some time to spend with Chirp, until the end of this week and then she will be brought here to Canterlot where she will be taught to rule and govern."
"I...but...what if she needs me to care for her or what if she get home sick or." Twilight tried to think of more reasons to say even if they were small reasons.
"You can visit her anytime you want and send letters to her." Looking down at her sad student, Celestia flew down next to her and gave a warm tight hug. "I know this will hurt you, but this is forthe best of Chirp." Looking up at her teacher Twilight let out a few tears.
"Yes I know...thank you I'll tell her the news." Nodding her head Celestia casted a teleporting spell. A large green portal appeared before them. Looking up at her mentor one last time she walked into the portal and with a bright flash she appeared in front of the Ponyville library.
The next day Twilight, Spike and I went on a train early in the morning. The sun was barely up and I still feel sleepy so I laid my head on Twilight and fell back asleep. I was woken up by a nudge from Twilight.
"Chirp...Chirp wake up we're here." I lifted my head and rubbed the sleep out of my eye. I looked out the window and saw a large encampment colorful tents were everywhere I could see flagpoles and wooden towers. Campfires could be seen ponies in funny outfits interacted with each other and acted funny.
"What is all this?" Keeping my eyes out the window I heard Twilight giggle behind me. Keeping my out the window I saw a sign that said Medieval Equestria.
"Your uncle Shining armor and I would always come here we'd always have the best time he started to bring me here when I was your age."
"You came here with uncle Shining armor?" Thinking of my B.U.B.F.E (Best Uncle Best Friend Forever.) reminded me of the first day I meet him just thinking about it made me giggle.
A Few Years Back
I walked down the halls of the crystal empire castle, I was amazed on how everything in the kingdom was so shiny and sparkly. The walls looked as if they were...just..like...ROCK CANDY! I brought my face closer to the walls and gave it a long sloppy lick. I expected to taste the candy, but I quickly spat out the taste from my mouth.
"Yuck!" I glared at the wall after staring down the wall for another two minutes before walking away. "Worse flavor ever." I continued my walk down the now terrible tasting walls, but a certain sound caught my attention. Following the source of the sound I found myself in front of a large door. Quietly opening the large doors I snuck into the room and tried to find the source of the noise. Looking around I saw a door slightly open with steam seeping out the top. It seems that the sound was someone singing and it came from the steamy room. Making my way closer to the door I tried to listen more carefully to hear whoever was singing inside.
"I like big flank and I can't lie, the other colts can't deny, that when a filly walks in with an itty bitty waist." Popping my head inside I literally let out a loud gasp because I was looking at the biggest bathroom ever. The bathtub was three times bigger than the one at the library.
"Wow." Turning my head I saw a stallion standing in front of a very large mirror holding a brush with his magic and dancing. The sight of the older stallion made me laugh he made big dramatic movement as he sang his little song. Hearing the sound of my voice the stallion turn towards me. His eyes landed on me, after a few seconds his eyes grew wide and he let out a very mare-ish scream. This caught me off guard, but after about five minutes he stopped and with final gasp...he fainted. Walking up to the unconscious I let out a happy giggle. "Your funny!" As if on que Twilight and Aunty Cadence came baring in Twilight looked around the room until her gaze meet mine.
"Chirp are...you...alright?" Seeing that I was perfectly fine the two of them looked at the stallion on the floor. I walked up to Twilight smiling.
"He's funny can we take him home?" Both Twilight and Cadence looked at each other and back at me and within seconds they both started to laugh loudly totally forgetting about the unconscious stallion on the floor.
Present
I let out a happy giggle and didn't pay attention to Twilight who has somehow change into a very ragged robe with a small leather satchel around her waist.
"Uh Twilight what are you wearing?" Looking up at me she gave me an excited look. Suddenly striking a pose Twilight pointed her hoof at me.
"Chirp are you ready for some good old fashion...Larping?"
"What?"
"Larping!" She said excitingly.
"What is that some kind of old fashion weight loss exercise thing?"
"No silly its...wait what do you mean weight loss?" Twilight's happy expression configured into a glare.
"Well." I started. 'Crap crap crap.' I felt sweat trickle down my face, but suddenly the doors of our cart flew open and now appeared a familiar purple drake with what looks like knight armor. "Oh sweet thank Celestia." I quietly thanked.
"Sir Spike as arrived!" Both Twilight and I looked at the purple drake.
"Sir Spike?" I asked.
"That's right milady, sir Spike at your service." Now I was really confused even Spike was dressing up for this larping?
"Okay...so anyone would like to explain to me what...Larping is?" I quickly regretted asking the question. Walking up Twilight cleared her throat. 'Oh no...not a lecture.'
"Well Larp stands for live action role-playing it's a form of role-playing game where the participants physically act out their characters' actions." Walking next to Spike Twilight continued her lecture. "Spike here as you can see is a knight while I myself am a powerful mage of conjuring." I nodded my head understanding only some of the information being told to me.
"So is it like the fantasy stories from the library?" Nodding her head she walked up to me and picked up a large box.
"And since you didn't prepare you own costume." Opening the lid and pulling a set of some interesting black colored armor. "I thought I would make you a costume for you." I looked at the costume before me it looked like one of the princesses royal battle armor, but instead of having the flat plated shoulders it had curved spikes sticking out. I gave her a weary smile.
"Oh wow that looks...great...um."
"Well what are you waiting for try it on." Twilight lifted the costume in front of me giving me a happy smile.
"It's nice it really is, but do I...really have to too?" Twilight gaze me a confused look.
"What do you mean?"
"Well I don't think I'm really comfortable wearing this...uh this kind of stuff." A look of disappointment formed on Twilights face.
"Oh...alright." Neatly placing the costume back in her saddle she let out a sigh. "Well if you change your mind then all you need to do is ask." Nodding my head the three of us got off the train. Looking around I saw colorful flags and tents everywhere pony of all shapes and sizes were dressed up in various costumes. "Stay close Chirp we have to find our tent before the daily events." Stopping in front of a large tent Both Twilight and Spike walked inside.
"Come on Chirp its awesome in here!" Listening to Spikes words I entered the large tent and as soon as I set foot inside the tent my jaw literally dropped to the ground. There were two large bed designed like one of those olden bed from medieval Equestria, there was also a medium sized table with a bowl of fruit and on the ground was a large ruby carpet with the picture of half sun and moon. There was a small cabinet to the sides and a few torches to like up the tent.
"Wow." Was all I said. "I didn't know we'd get a tent like this?" I looked up to see a smiling Twilight.
"Oh someone actually gave us this tent this year."
"Was it a friend of yours?" She nodded her head while placing down her saddle bags and Spike literally flopped down on one of the beds.
"Yeah I asked a favor from a friend of mine and she got us things."
"Oh my sweet Celestia this bed feels amazing!" Taking a seat on the bed next to Spikes I let out a soft sigh.
"Wow it is, do I know her?"
"Oh you'll see her later today." I gave her a confused look, but shrugged it off.
"Well ok, so what are we going to do first?" Pulling out a list Twilight began to read what was ever on the list.
"Well it looks like the game of strengths will start in a few minutes so I guess we can go watch that." Following her out of the tent we made our way to a small wooden stadium. I was suddenly bumped by a large stallion who almost made me trip.
"Hey excuse you!" Looking down at me the stallion stuck his nose in the air.
"It is you should watch where thy is going peasant."
"What? What you call me?" Walking up in front of me the armored stallion looked down at me with a blank stare.
"Watch thy tongue peasant you are speaking with Harpen Iron Bull!" The two of us had a mini stare down that is until Twilight came between us.
"Is there an issue?" The stallion looked at Twilight and within minutes he back away not in fear, but in amazement.
"Clime the lightning druid!" The stallion suddenly gaze her a respected nod. "It is an honor to meet a druid of your status." I looked up to see Twilight who had a stoic look on her face.
"Yes an honor indeed, but it looks like there is a problem between you and my youngling are having a problem?" The stallion looked to Twilight then to me some sweat forming on his face. He finally stuttered his answer.
"Oh no no no no no...no I would never have a problem with your youngling...um please have a blessing day." Mr. Harpen what's his name left in a hurry. I looked up at Twilight who still had a stoic look.
"Hmm you sound pretty big around here."Breaking her stoic look she looked back down at me her smile coming back.
"Yeah I guess you could say that I made myself known around here."
"What was with that stallion he was talking like princess Luna."
"Well since its live action role playing most of the ponies here actually act as if they are from the olden days which means they'll talk in olden Equestria." Understanding what she said I nodded my head. Suddenly the sound of trumpets could be heard from the stadium. "Oh it sounds like the game of strength is about to start." Rushing into the stadium Twilight and I made our ways to a large booth, I saw Spike already in his seat eating a haydog. Taking our seats we waited for this show to finally start.
"Welcome my little ponies of Neighdor!"
"That voice it...sounds...like." I looked up to see a very familiar blue princess sitting on a make shift throne dressed in a royal blue royal armor and her ethereal mane wave in the air. Next to her stood two lunar guards standing on either side of the throne, one of them was actually dressed up in knight armor while the other looked very angry and annoyed.
"It give me great joy to see so many of you brave adventurers in this stadium." Ponies all around started to stomp their hooves on the ground. "So without anymore stalling let the games...BEGIN!"
The games were amazing there were archery matches, medieval hoof ball, and my personal favorite jousting. I sat in my seat watching as all the games and matches were coming to an end. I didn't even notice that the sun was already down, looking around I noticed torches being lit around the whole festival.
"My fellow ponies it seems that today's games have ended!" Everyone looked up from their seats and gazed at the well armored princess sitting in her chair. "I kindly ask that you all head back to your tents and have a good night's rest for tomorrow a special kind of entertainment will be presented to you all!" Letting out a cheer the ponies in the stand made their way back to their own tents. Looking up at Twilight I saw that she was just as excited as I was.
"So what do you think of the first day?" She asked as we made our way back to our tent. I still had a big smile on my face that could almost match Pinkie's.
"Where do I start." I was literally hopping around Twilight. "First there are the games, then there are the acting ponies!"
"You forgot the special event that will be held tomorrow." I turned around to see Luna standing in front of Twilight and me.
"Princess Luna!" Her attire was quite similar to her royal armor...actually it is her royal armor. We gave each other a hug as we greeted each other.
"I hope that the festivals are to your liking young Chirp." Nodding my head with rapid speed my faced showed only the sight of pure excitement.
"It's awesome all the games are fun and watching all those sports stuff was cool." I started to feel jumpy as the excitement was building up in me. "I can't wait for whatever is going to happen tomorrow."
"Speaking of which I would like to talk to you about the "special" event." I looked up at her with a confused look.
"Is there something the matter?" Twilight asked. Looking around just in case someone was to hear their conversation Luna motion both Twilight and me to follow her. Leading us through the crowds I notice that long wooden poles being planted onto the ground as sun could barely be seen at the horizon. The princess lead us to a rather large tent and comparing this one to the one Twilight and I stayed at the made our tent look like a cardboard box. Pulling open the entrance of the tent, Luna motioned us to enter. Upon entering I literally felt my jaw drop followed by the sound of an anvil. The inside of the tent literally looked like the princess royal bed chambers at Canterlot.
“Wow.” Was all I could say. This earned a small giggle from the princess.
“Impressive isn’t it.” Looking back at her I only nodded my head. Twilight came up behind her the look of amazement on her face as well. “This is only of the many perks of being co-ruler.” I ran up to her rather large bed in the center of the room. Jumping onto the bed I let out a relaxed sigh. The bed was one of the softest things I’ve ever felt.
“This...is...amazing.” I said. The princess walked over to the bed and took a seat next to me. Twilight took a seat on one of the chairs and faced both the princess and me. Clearing her throat both Twilight and my attention fell on the blue princess.
“Now the reason I have asked you to come with me was to ask a favor for you.” Sitting up I looked at the princess curious.
“Sure, why not Twilight?” I looked at Twilight who smiled back me.
“Well as you both know a large event will be held tomorrow, yes?” We both nodded our head, princess Luna turned her attention to Twilight. “I was wondering if Chirp my partake in the final event with me?” Confused Twilight looked from me then back to the princess.
“Which event are you...you don’t mean?” Luna nodded her head.
“The royal duel of the crown.” Luna answered. I looked at the two completely lost without any idea of what they were talking about.
“What's that?” I asked. Twilight turned towards me clearing her voice. “Oh boy.” I muttered under my breathe readying myself for a long explanation.
“Well the royal duel of the crown is the last and most anticipated event, it’s where the crown ruler duels a challenger who tries to defeat the current ruler and become the new ruler.” Raising her hoof Twilight pointed at the Princess. “So far the princess is standing ruler.” I looked at the princess who seemed to smile at the small praise she was getting. “So what the princess wants to ask is that if you could challenge her this year.” My eyes grew wide at what they were asking me.
“Think of it like a typical training spar but only this time we’ll have an audience.” Luna pointed out.
“The match is only thirty minutes long.” Twilight continued. “The only way to win is to steal the crown before the time runs out.”
“So what it doesn't sound that hard, steal the crown and win.” I said. “It's not like we’ll be fighting with magic and weapons...right?” I looked at the princess who had a sheepish smile on her face.
“I thought that to make the event more exciting we would fight just as we would train.” My jaw literally dropped as the information I just learned came to mind. They want me to fight the one pony who I could never win against in a fight for the past years of my life. “Don’t worry about the damage I have my best unicorns making us a protective barrier around the area so that means you can go all out.” She said. I gave her a deadpan look.
“Does that mean you’ll be going all out as well?” I asked. This made the princess laugh.
“Who know, does that mean you accept?” I looked at Twilight to see if she had any saying. She shrugged her shoulders.
“I don’t mind, but promise me you’ll be careful and not do anything reckless.” I nodded my head and faced the princess who waited for my response.
“I’ll do it.” A large smile grew on the blue alicorns face.
“Splendid!” The princess cheered. “Come to my tent tomorrow after some of the eating events.” I nodded my head as I followed Twilight out of the tent.
“Bye Luna goodnight!” I waved. Nodding her head she sunk back into her tent. Making back to our tent I saw that Spike was already sleeping in one of the beds. A river of drool trickled down the side of his mouth. Twilight and I made our way to the other bed and prepared to sleep as well. I looked up at Twilight who was taking of her costume wrapping the pieces of clothing with her lavender aura. “Twilight?”
“What is it?” She asked looking back down at me.
“Do you think I can win tomorrow?” I asked. A warm smile grew on her face, taking her position next to mine on the bed. Twilight wrapped her hooves around me in a hug. I chirped at the all too familiar comfort and embrace.
“If you do your best I’m sure you can.” She said. I snuggled up to her as we both laid in bed.
The next day Twilight, Spike and I made our way back to the stadium for the rest of the games and competitions. Twilight and Spike wore their costumes from yesterday. Since I was being part of one of the competitions for today Twilight ultimately made me wear the costume she prepared for me yesterday.
“Why do I have to wears this again?” I asked.
“Because if you’re going to be in an event you have at least look the part.” I let out a low grumble as we made our to the stadium. I noticed Spike entering through a different entrance following some of the other contestants.
“Spike where are you going?” The purple knighted drake turned back towards with a goofy smile.
“I’m going to be i one of the events this year.” He said with great pride.
“Which one?” I asked.
“You’ll have to wait and see.” With a wave he entered the competitor entrance with the rest of the competitors. I looked up at Twilight who just shrugged her shoulders.
“Don’t look at me.” She said. “I had no idea he was even doing anything this year.” We both took our seats within the stands and prepared ourselves for the events to come. First was a game of the minds where ponies would have to solve problems and riddles. No one was really paying attention to that other than...Twilight.
"Oh come on that answer was so simple!" Twilight yelled from her seat earning a few strange stares from the ponies around us. I sunk down in my seat in embarrassment as the lavender pony next to me began to become enraged. After that event came the pie eating event, stallions of various sizes entered the stage following the last stallion a rather familiar purple drake strode out with his chest puffed out.
"Spike?" Taking their seats the contestants prepared themselves. With the sound of the bell they were off. They shoved their faces into the desert, I noticed that the stallion at the far right was running through his set of pies placing a pan down and working on his next pie. Spike on the other hand was eating both pie and tin. I looked up at Twilight who was cheering on Spike with excitement. "Is it fair that he's even participating...aren't dragons suppose to have bigger stomachs than ponies?" Twilight shrugged her shoulders. "Wait if he eats that fast won't he?" Looking back at the event I noticed that Spike was down on the floor, a sick look as he started to turn into a darker shade of purple.
"Ugh...he knows that he gets a stomach ache fast if he eats too fast." Twilight groan annoyed. Both Twilight and I let out a small sigh. The contest ended with the stallion from earlier winning at a total of ten pies. Spike laid down next to as he was trying to ease himself of his aching stomach. Twilight looked down at the drake with a frown. "Honestly I thought you would've learned your lesson from last year." Spike weakly looked up at Twilight with a smile.
"Hey...at least I finished two whole pies this time."
"Lady Chirp?" Looking up, my eyes meet a pair of golden brown eyes staring back me. One of princess Luna's night guard dressed up as a bard of some sort. "The princess is asking for your presence, she says that the final event is about to start. Nodding my head I turned towards Twilight.
"Twilight I'll be going now." Twilight looked up at me a small hint of worry on her face.
"Alright be careful now alright...don't overexert yourself alright and don't do anything too risky and." I cut her off to stop her from giving me a whole lecture of being careful.
"I got be careful...I will." Giving her a quick hug I followed the lunar guard. I meet princess Luna in front of two large wooden doors.
"Ah Chirp I hope that you are ready for the event." Honestly, I felt really nervous I could feel my heart racing.
"Would be alright if I said that I was nervous?" I asked looking up at the princess who in return gave a small giggle.
"It is alright just think of this as another one of our training spars." Closing her eyes the princess started to channel her magic. Engulfing herself in her magic I covered my eyes from the bright blue light. Her magic settling down I looked up to see the princess reequipped in her royal lunar armor with her dual blades sheathed on her sides. "Here this should be of some assistance to you." I was soon surround in magical aura, the costume I was wearing started to harden and mold. The spikes sharpened and the plastic plates became steel, but surprisingly light.
"What the?" I looked up at the princess who only smile back me. "This looks...cool!"
"I am glad you like it." Turning towards the door the princess prepared herself. "Good luck to you Chirp." I nodded my head as the large wooden doors opened revealing the stadium. The two of us stepped out and made our way to the center of the stadium. "Welcome my little ponies of Neighmor!" The ponies from the stands cheered. "I'm sure you all know what is to come." The cheering started to get louder as the excitement grew. "The battle for the crown this year's challenger is young pony that goes by the name Chirp the keeper of the swarm."
"Keeper of the swarm?" The princess gave me a wink as she continued.
"Now without anymore further waiting let the dual begin!" The crown grew quiet as the two of prepared ourselves. The princess stood a few feet away from me, using her magic she covered her face with her black hood and showed off her glowing white eyes. No of us moved as we both waited for the other to make the first move. I materialized my scythe and got into a readied stance.
The princess dashed forward with her blades raised and ready to strike. On instinct I swung my scythe and blocked the two falling blades. This caused Luna to jump back a few spaces.
It was my turn to strike, I flicked my scythe changing it to its spear form and fired it directly at her. She sidestepped the projectile with ease this was my queue, I tugged the stick end of my scythe causing the chain to start looping around the princess's leg. This caught her off guard. I pulled the chain towards me with the princess following it. A smirk grew on my face as I thought of how I fooled her, but my smirk quickly faded as I notice the look on her face. Instead of having a look of surprise she had a smirk as well. She dug her blades into the ground to stop her advance.
"Oh come on." I whined. Using her magic she grabbed onto the chain and with surprising strength she pulled me towards her. Using my own magic I casted a teleporting spell on myself making me reappear behind her. Dematerializing my scythe, I fired off three bolts of magic which she deflected with ease. My breathing was deep and quick the spell and attack was tiresome. 'I should've known that would've been too easy.' I thought to myself. The princess dashed towards me her blades at the ready. I casted another spell creating a bubble around me to stop the attack. "The lectures might have been long, but these spells were so worth it." I looked up to the stands to see Twilight cheering me on. I could sense my magic weakening and my aura glowing dimmer. 'I need to end this soon.' I thought. My little bubble shield faded allowing the princess to have an opening. With the best of my ability I rematerialized my scythe...or so I thought I did.
"You never told me you had a new weapon in your magical arsenal." Confused I looked at what I thought was my scythe, but to my surprise it was a rapier.
"What the...I thought...when did this happen?" I asked confused. Within the confusion I didn't notice the princess firing a rather large energy bolt. "Aw crap." With the large blast of magic making contact with me I flew black and landed on the ground with a loud thud. "Ugh...my head." Looking up I was face to face with the tip of one of her blades in front of my face. I could barely keep my open weakly I looked up at the princess who had a warm/approving smile on her face.
"Well done." She said dematerializing her blades. "That was quite impressive." A large goofy mile grew on my face as my mind began to blank and my vision going dark.
My eyes shot open, as I find myself in a rather large bed, the pillows literally the size of half my body. This wasn’t my room, everything was too big. The bed the tables and the lack of books began to worry me.
“Am I in Canterlot?” I asked myself. Getting myself out of the rather large bed, I made my way towards the big wooden doors of the room. Upon opening the door, I was meet by a dark hallway. I was undecided whether if I should out and loom for someone. My mind was made up when my nose caught the whiff of something tasty.
Without even thinking all too much I started to follow my nose as it guided me through the dark halls. The more I walked the stronger the smell got. Further down the hall I could see a light emitting from a large door that was slightly open. Standing in front of the massive door, I inched my head closer to it and took a peek inside. In the room I saw three very familiar ponies, all three sitting in front of a fire with a freshly made cake sitting on a tray in front of them. Looking at the pony sitting in the center of the two, my body started to move towards the familiar lavender unicorn. I was about to open the door, until my ears perked up at the sound of faint cries.
“Please Twilight,” Celestia looked down at Twilight, her expression soft, “I know this is very hard for you, but it must be done.” Her voice was soothing and comforting.
Listening closely I could here.
“But she’s still so young,” Twilight's voice choked as she spoke between tears and gasps. “Can’t this wait until she was older?” Celestia nodded her head. Luna came up next to Twilight her face also having a sad expression.
“We know that this must be hard you, Twilight Sparkle, but you must consider the fact that with the news of the changeling race being sighted at our borders Chirp must be prepared to rule her people.”
“But she still too young!” Twilight nearly yelled. I looked at the three through the small opened crack of the door. Taking a few steps closer, I didn’t notice that the door was a lot more loose than I expected. All three mares looked back at me, their eyes wide. Twilight cleared her throat, wiping away some of her tears. “Chirp...I didn’t know you were awake?” Motioning me to come closer I made my way to Twilight. “Twilight?” I take a seat next to her, “What’s wrong?”
“Chirp?” I looked up to see Celestia looking at me. “I’m sure you know that your training with Luna was to help you to be a better ruler yes?”
I slowly nod my head.
“Well it seems that it is now time for the second part of your training.” I tilt my head in confusion. “This portion will require you to be trained by both Luna and I.” Ok I guess that makes sense, but why was Twilight crying? I look at the mare next to me, her tears slowly reappearing.
“Oh that’s good I guess...” I said, unsure whether I should be happy or worried. Celestia let out a small sigh. “I’m afraid though that you must continue your lessons here...in Canterlot.”
“So I’ll be riding the train to canterlot everyday then?” I asked.
“No you will be staying with my sister and I so that your training may be more efficient.” Added Luna. It finally hit me. I look up at the two princesses and then back to Twilight, my eyes started to water.
“But...I...stay...want.” Without saying any more, I did the only thing that came to mind. I ran out the room as fast as I can.
“Chirp wait!” I ignored the cry from Twilight as I made a run for it through the halls. I tried to hold back the tears that were trickling down the side of my face. I found myself in the castle garden, plants and stone statues decorated the garden, a small pond at the center. I hid in one of the bushes so that I wouldn't be seen by anyone. I let out small whimpers, I tried to muffle my cries with my hoof. They were pretty much useless .
“Stupid no good holed hoofs.”
“Oh whats with the long face.” My face started to stretch forward. Turning my head I saw that no one was with me.
“Who said that?” The only thing around was a couple of small flowers, a wooden bench and a small rock with eyes, wait eyes? Within seconds the rock started to morph into a very familiar brown draconequus emerged.Though he only was the size of a small bird.
“Now, why oh why is there a crying shapeshifter hiding in a bush.” At the word of shapeshifter, Discord snapped his fingers causing me to morph into a small duck and then a cat, but then back to myself.
“Leave me alone.” I spat, wiping away some of my tears. “I’m not in the mood to play right now.”
“Now now that’s no fun.” The miniature draconequus pestered.
I paid him attention, I glared down at the ground a new fresh batch of tears threatening themselves to pour out.
“I don’t want to leave.” I suddenly say. Discord gave me a confused look.
“What was that now?” He asked. Without even looking at the god of chaos I started to blabber out everything.
“I don’t want to leave Twilight,” I shouted, “Why do I have to leave now, I don’t care if I’m princess or whatever.” My hooves now covered my tear/snot covered face. “I even want to stay at the library with all those boring old dusty books, I want to sleep in the same room where Twilight would tuck me in and read me stories, I want to stay where everyday I would go to Twilight and tell what fun I had that day.” I started to cry out all this not caring who or what was listening.
“Oh come now,” Discord snapped his fingers and within seconds my tears and boogers disappeared. “just because you leave someone doesn’t mean that they’ll forget about you.”
I turned to look at the chaos being, a small hiccup escaped my mouth.
“You know with the age we live in now you could always send letters by pigeon, pegasi, dragon breath,” A small grin grew on his face, “you can use a little small rabbit though you need a hint of magic, though the consequences can lead to another scowl or even being sent to the time out corner of the cottage.”
I let out a small giggle.
“Now my young shape shifting friend lets not dwell here, as a spirit of chaos and mischief its not healthy for me to be cooped up like this. With another snap of his fingers, he teleported us into one of the main halls of the castle. “Now I’m a very certain unicorn is looking for you.”
As if on cue Twilight came running down the halls, her eyes filled with tears. Following close behind were the three alicorn princesses.
I let out a loud grumble as I looked at the various stacks of books and scrolls littering my room. I got up from my seat and stretched my hooves. I looked at a nearby clock that stood above my door. I had about a half an hour before my next tutor arrives and teaches me another thing about politics and blah blah blah.
For the past four years, I’ve been living in Canterlot, I’ve been taught all sorts of stuff about being a ruler, governing, and politics. Honestly, I would rather be training with Luna again then doing all this reading and learning. It wasn’t all that bad, the castle staff were a little weary at my presence at first, but after a while, they all got accustomed to me.
It does get a little lonely, though, I wasn’t able to make a lot of friends here sure there are the princesses and a guard and maid or two, but no one my age. My friends were back in Ponyville; I would get a few letter here and there from Juniper. Being busy with my studies it’s hard finding the time to write back to her.
“I wonder how’s she doing today?” It’s been a few weeks since we send each other anything.
And Twilight, oh boy where do I start I get at least three letters a day from her and that’s on a day when she’s busy. Even when I’m asleep, a flare of green fire will spark in the middle of my room dropping a scroll on the ground. The letters varied from ‘how are you?’ or ‘have you been eating right?’ or ‘do you want to come home today?’ There was no end to them.
I let out a small sigh, thinking about Twilight and Ponyville always make me home sick. A small buzz came from my wings as I thought back at my younger years in the small town. I remember the time when Twilight took me to Manhattan with Rarity for a fashion show when I was just a little filly. I’ll admit that it wasn’t as fun as I expected it to be, but it was nice to go site seeing in the bustling city.
A knock came from behind me, turning around I saw a Pegasus, pony guardsman. His coat was brown, and his eyes were a shade of green.
I felt my cheeks warm up at the site of him.
He’s a recruit who just graduated from the academy just last year named Kettle Corn. His mother was an earth pony who was a caramel popcorn vendor, and his father was a Pegasus, who served in the royal guard before he retired.
With his mother being an earth pony his body physique is slightly bigger than the average Pegasus and with his wings being slightly smaller than most. The princess assigned him to me as my escort and bodyguard. It was pretty awkward between the two of us him being a fresh graduate and me being, well me. It wasn’t until he started to talk to me and ask me questions about being a changeling. I was embarrassed that I couldn’t tell him much since most of what I learned were from the books Twilight read to me about. We started to talk more frequently as time went on and usually when I’m bored, and alone he was always nearby to fix that.
“I have some news from the princess,” He said.
“Please tell me it’s not more homework.” I groaned.
He let out a small laugh and shook his head.
“Don’t worry it’s something you’d like to hear,” he said. “She said that you have a break from your tutoring and training.”
My ears shot up surprised by what he just said.
“Wait?”
“Yup, you got a whole week off.”
I let out a happy chirp and without thinking hug Kettle Corn out of pure excitement. I jump back at my sudden physical interaction with the stallion.
“Sorry,” she said. “I got a little too excited.”
“It’s alright,” he said. “Is there any place you’d like to go?”
I nod my head and walk back to my desk. Using my magic to pullout a letter and a quill, I started to write. Finishing the letter, I cast the same spell Princess Celestia used when Twilight used to send friendship letters. Within a matter of seconds, a green flame erupts in front of me dropping a letter on the ground. I pick up the letter and read it a smile growing on my face as I read. I was excited to say the least, a whole week back at Ponyville with Twilight and everyone else.
Kettle Corn tap my shoulder bringing me back from my day dreaming.
“Would you like some help with packing?”
“Oh, yeah that would be nice,” I said. “I’m guessing you’ll be joining me on my trip back to Ponyville?”
“Of course, I wouldn’t be doing my job if I just up and left you now would I?” He gave me a reassuring smile.
I only blushed a deeper shade of red, I quickly turn away and continue to pack.
Later that day, both Princess Celestia and Luna were waiting for me at the Canterlot train station. I walked up to both of them and gave them each a hug.
“I hope you have fun and don’t forget to say hello to Twilight for me,” Celestia whispered “And do please try to tell Discord to be cautious when he returns from Fluttershy’s for I am still angry about his prank he did to me.” I only nodded at her request and entered the train with Kettle Corn following behind me with my luggage. I wave to two princesses good-bye as the train began to leave the station and finally make its long trip towards Ponyville. Kettle Corn and I settle into our seats as we make ourselves comfortable for the long trip ahead of us.
“So, how this Ponyville place like?”
“It’s awesome, there’s this place called sugar cube corners where they sell the sweetest baked goods of all times, and the apples are freshly grown from a nearby orchard at sweet apple acres.” It didn’t take long for me to go off rambling with Kettle Corn just kept on listening. It wasn’t until the day started to turn dark that we both got ourselves ready for bed on the beds on the train. I said my goodnight to Kettle Corn and snuggled into my bed. It took me awhile to fall asleep from all the excitement that was bundling itself within me. I can’t wait to see everyone again, I close my eyes, but the sound of another buzz caught my attention, and I opened my eyes.
“My queen, we must go, now!”
“NO! NO! Come on!” Harak grabbed my shoulder, and the two of us were engulfed in a green flame.
“NO NO NO!” I screamed. Why? Of all the times for this to happen why now? I look up at Harak that stoic look of his staring back at me.
“Are you done?” he asks. I stopped my screaming. “Good now if you would follow me.”
I planted my flank on the ground defiant to listen to him.
He turned his head to face me.
“What are you doing?”
“I don’t want to go,” I growled. “I was on my way to Twilight, I was expecting for a nice break enjoying myself.” I huff. “I was going to enjoy a nice break, see my friends and maybe even read a few books with Twilight.” I raise my hoofs above my head. “I was even going to help reorganize the library!”
“Well if you’re done quit your whining and follow me.”
I kept my flank on the ground with a pout on my face.
Harak lets out a grunt, his horn began to glow and a light green aura covers my body lifting me up into the air off the ground.
“Hey!”
Ignoring my protest, Harak begins to walk towards something that looks like small wasp hive. The only difference between this hive and a wasp hive is that the tunnels and holes began to shift and change and close with new holes forming in other spots. The hive was about the same size of the library in ponyville.
A small buzzing starts to ring in my ears causing them to flick up.
“What’s that noise?” I ask though I get no answer from him.
Finally, we arrive to a large room that has a throne and two large statues. On the left stood a very masculine figure and on the right stood somepony I knew…well not really. Her face shows great strength as she stands above her hind legs with great pride. Even in as a statue, I can tell her from her eyes that she held great pride in herself.
Without even knowing, I bump into Harak, taking a few steps back I look to face him. He nods his head towards three changelings who stood to our right. How they got there without me seeing them I have no idea.
“Um…hello.” I say waving my hoof at them.
The trio immediately bow their heads lowering themselves close to the ground.
I’m a little taken back by this, though it’s not new to me I usually get the same treatment back in Canterlot. Most of the time it’s only from the guards and most of the nobleponies don’t even take the time to turn my way.
“These are your loyal followers,” Harak points first at the one on the left. “Corpus the scholar.” He was an older looking changeling whose eyes were gray with wrinkles around them. “This is Orbweaver she oversees nest structure.” The changeling in the middle has sparkling blue eyes with her shell all shiny and new.
Finally, Harak points at the third changeling who was the largest of them all. One of his fangs were missing.
“This is...Ladyfly captain of your future guard.”
I stare at the changeling his expression stoic and blank. He reminded me a bit of Grunt…I miss him, I wonder what he’s up to right now. Wait…his name is Ladyfly?
“So ladyfly huh?” I ask him. He only nods his head his face still empty of all emotion.
“These three are going to be helping you build the hive,” Harak nods for me to follow him. The three changelings follow close behind the two of us as Harak leads us down a hallway.
It doesn’t take long for us to reach our destination. We’re met by large black doors, with one hoof, Harak push one of the large door away.
“Wow…” Is all I’m able to say as I walk into the room.
Row upon row and column after column are large green eggs each giving off a faint glow. I walk up to one and look inside to see a young changeling inside with its eyes closed. Turning around I stare at Harak with wide eyes.
“Changelings…what are they doing here?” I ask him.
He walks up to me staring into the egg himself.
“These are the future generation of changelings,” he says. “Once their queen has matured and is strong enough they will come out of their hibernation and wake to serve you.”
“They’re all waiting for me?”
His only answer was a nod.
“On your next return you shall begin your lesson of being the queen of the changelings.”
I give him a surprised look as I stare at him.
“Wait what do you mean?” I ask him.
“When you become of age it will be my job to ensure you are properly trained and educated on how to rule a hive,” He turns to look at the egg once more. “And seeing that our hive has suffered much there’s much work for us to do.”
“But what about Canterlot, the princesses or…or Ponyville…what about Twilight?” I ask swallowing nervously.
“I’m afraid you’ll have to leave all those behind,” Harak says a hint of regret in his voice. “To ensure the revival of the hive you must make sacrifices.” He turns to the three other changelings and presses his hoof onto his chest. “We all have made the necessary sacrifices.”
The other three nod their heads each of them having a sunken expression on their faces.
My eyes begin to water as images of my life begin to spark in my head. Memories of my time in Ponyville with my friends and the adventures I had. My time with the princesses came after all the hardships and blissful moments I’ve had in their care. Then the biggest memory of them all came, Twilight, my entire life with her flashed before my eyes from my earliest memory with to the time when I last saw her.
“No…” I whisper.
“Your highness, I know it is difficult, but you must understand you are all that remains of the royal bloodline to…” Before he could anymore I cut him off.
“NO!” I scream. “You can’t make me lose everything and everypony!” My eyes begin to glow in a dark shade of green. “I won’t let you!” I don’t know what’s coming over me, I start to feel a large surge of magical power coursing through my body. The only thing in my head now was…rage…and it was changing my body.
Though as quickly as it happened, I felt a sharp pain in the back of my head and my eye sight began to blacken as I fall unconscious.
I woke up to find myself in front of the library in Ponyville. With the back of my head feeling very sore I made sure that I got up slowly.
“Ow my head.” I rub the back of my head with a hoof.
Before I even got a chance to think about how I got here the doors to the library slam open revealing a teary eyed purple unicorn. With speeds that would give Rainbow Dash a challenge, Twilight scoops me up in her arms and pulls me into a crushing hug.
“Dear sweet Celestia where have you been?” She nearly yells.
“I was…” The memory of my discussion with Harak came back into my head. With tears reforming on my eyes I wasn’t able say any words as I clung onto Twilight and returned the death grasp of a hug.
I was woken up by the light from the sun and by the sound of birds chirping strangely loud this morning. I pull myself up from my…bed? Wait this wasn’t the same bed that I had in Canterlot then the smell of something sweet fills my nose.
Looking around I notice the large amount of book surrounding the walls.
That’s right I’m back home…back in Ponyville…back with Twilight. I let out a happy sigh as I bring up the blanket to my face and take in a familiar scent of the place I spent so many years in.
My teeth start to clench as the memories from yesterday return. All of this, everything I hold dear I have to say goodbye to everything.
“No…” I whisper. “I won’t do it.”
I don’t care about some hive…I wasn’t raised as a changeling I was raised by ponies. What does a hive that I just found about matter to me? It’s no fair! I never asked for this!
Burying my head in the blanket I let out an assortment of grunts and growls.
The door to my room opens and in comes Twilight levitating a tray of pancakes and a glass of orange juice.
I Look up to see her giving me a worried expression. She sets the tray down on a nearby nightstand and walks over to my bed.
“Chirp sweetie are you alright?” Twilight asks taking a seat next to me on the bed. She pulls my head down to her lap with little to no resistance from me. “You had me so worried last night.” She begins to stroke my mane. “Hehe I was so worried that I almost made replicas of myself to help find you.”
I snuggle against Twilight taking in her scent and warmth. It’s moments like these that I don’t want to lose no hive in all of Equestria can match this. Her love starts to flow into my body making feel all that much better. It’s as if just like that my body isn’t tired anymore as if I was never asleep in the first place.
We stay like this for some time until we get a knock from the door.
“Come in!” Twilight calls out.
A large purple drake walks into the room though because of his massive frame he must squeeze his way inside the room. Her purple scales giving him some difficulties as they kept on getting caught on the doorframe.
“Spike!” My wings buzz in excitement as the dragon smiles back me and sits down next to my bed.
He ruffles my hair causing me to a laugh as his smooth scales slide along my head.
“Had us all worried last night,” He says. “We were going start searching if you didn’t show up.”
All Chirp could do is smile and lean back on Twilight.
The three of them sit together for some time enjoying each other’s company. It was like the older days when Chirp stayed with Twilight and all three of them would just spend the day like this.
Sadly, this moment must end when they hear a jingle coming from the libraries front door.
Spike gets up and walks out the door to greet the whoever it was that came in.
Twilight looks back down at Chirp a big smile on her face.
“Hey how about the two of us go on a little hiking trip?” Twilight asks. “I have an opening in my schedule in a few days it can just be the two of us.”
My eyes grow wide with excitement and I quickly nod my head a few happy chirps escaping my lips.
Laughing, Twilight pulls me into a hug and snuggles up to me.
“I want to spend as much time with you before you go back.” A knock comes from the door. “Oh, it looks like everything is ready.” Twilight gets up from the bed and walks over to the door.
“Ready?” I ask tilting my head. Ready for what?”
She only nods her head towards the door signaling me to go out.
Giving her a confuse look, I walk over to her and press my holed hoof on the door and give it a push. Though as soon as I did a barrage of confetti sprays all over my face and the sound of party horns erupting the whole library.
I reel back with a surprised look with my main litter with color strips of paper.
“Surprise! Welcome back to Ponyville even though you lived here in the first place party!” Pinkie Pie shouts saying the whole title in one breathe.
The whole library was filled with party decorations on one side was a table covered in sweets and another with a giant bowl of punch.
“Welcome back darling.”
“Nice ta see ya again sugarcube.”
“Ha look how cool your wings are tuning out!”
“Oh, it’s so nice to see you again.”
And the greetings kept on coming as I stand before everypony.
My eyes begin to water as a feeling from before starts to swell in my chest. This definitely beats anything a dumb hive could give me. I walk over to greet everyone and that when the party went into full swing as music starts to play.
Chirp walks over to the snack table but doesn’t make it that far when out of no where some kind moving vehicle collides with her side sending her feet’s away from the table. This said vehicle was more so a Pegasus than a speeding carriage. Her hair was tied in a ponytail and her wings are flapping from pure joy.
Looking down Chirp is greeted by a big smile from a very familiar green Pegasus filly.
“I’ve missed you so much Chirpy!”
“Juniper!”
Chirp wraps her hooves around her green friend and the two share a laugh as they enjoy each other’s company.
Outside the tree library hiding in the shadows were three pairs of pink eyes watching the lights flicker with the sound of music playing.
A clicking noise came from one of the shadowy figures as it steps up to the light of the moon.
A changeling, but this one is different from the ones that invaded Canterlot all those years ago. It had sharp mandibles protruding out from the side of its face making a clicking noise by quickly snapping them inwards and back out. Though the most disturbing feature was probably the two holes on the sides of his head showing off its teeth from within its mouth.
The two other changelings step out of the shadows behind the first their mandibles a little smaller than the first one. They start to approach the tree but are stopped by the changeling in front of them who seems to be in charge.
With a few clicks coming from its mouth as it shakes its head.
“Not yet my sisters,” She says her voice sound like something gurgling on water. “We wait first the trap must be set and when the time comes we strike.” A pink flame engulfs the changeling when the flames disappear an average earth pony replaces its form.
The other two changelings do the same and walk away back into the shadows waiting for the best time to strike.
A wicked smile grows on the remaining changelings face as she sees Chirp’s face through the window. The young changeling was laughing and enjoying her time completely unaware of her stalkers prowling in the shadows.
“Come on Twilight!” I shout my wings buzzing in excitement. My sattle bag rustling and flopping against my side as I hop skipped and jumped along the path.
Walking up to me was the mare herself her deep in a map.
“Hmm I think we’re going the wrong way,” Twilight says to herself. “Maybe it was supposed to be that way?” Lowering the map, Twilight looks around with a confuse look. “Hmm maybe we’re supposed to go that way.”
“Twilight hurry up!” I say rushing back over to Twilight and push the map down. “We have to get their before it gets too dark.”
Using her magic, Twilight pulls the map back up straightening it out.
Not too far behind is Spike with two large backpacks hanging behind his broad back. An annoyed expression covering his face.
“Oh, sure ask the big purple dragon to carry all the heavy stuff.” He says. “Oh, Spike you’re such a big strong dragon carrying two camping bags is nothing for you.”
“Spike!” I shout back at him. “Race ya to the camp grounds.”
He lets out a puff of smoke a small grin growing on his face.
I let out a giggle as the ground begins to shake as the purple drake begins to run at me full speed. I start to sprint down the path doing my best for him to stay behind me.
“Hey you two!” Twilight shouts.
I turn my head around to see Spike almost bulldozing through the bushes and trees his huge frame ignoring everything in his path. A smile grows on my face as I start to increase my speed and jump over bushes and slide under branches.
A spark of pink catches my eye making me look around unaware of a tree in front of me.
“OOF!” I start to see stars as my body is hugging a tree. I hear Spike running past me laughing his tail swinging happily.
Grabbing my head, I let out a groan as it starts to wobble.
“Chirp!” I hear Twilight who teleports right in front of me. “Are you alright?” She places a hoof around my head and inspects the light bruise forming on the side. “I would’ve thought all that training would’ve made you more aware of your surroundings.” Her tone was almost a teasing one with a hint of worry behind it.
My wings flutter as I pick myself up from the ground blowing my mane away from my face.
“Something caught my eye and I thought I saw something…weird.”
Twilight helps me up and checks for any injuries.
“I’m sure it was just some plants or some animal.” Twilight smiles and turns towards the direction Spike ran. “Come on let’s hurry before Spike has time to figure out a victory dance for himself.”
When we reach the camp site, Spike was already giving up a sly grin as he begins to do a little dance and chant. Ignoring him, I start to make our tents and while Twilight and Spike gets the fire ready.
“Chirp we’re going to get some wood for the fire.” She calls out. “We won’t take long.” The two of them venture into the woods the sounds of their feet crunching on smaller twigs and sticks.
As I put on the finishing touches of the tents I start to hear…or rather feel something. Poking my head up I look around and see nothing. Shrugging my shoulder, I walk over to my backpack only to stop when the same feeling comes back to me.
It felt like a vibration of some kind…nothing from the ground…but as if it was coming from the air.
“Hello?” I call out. “Twilight…is that you?” I wait for an answer, but I’m only given the same vibration that I’ve been hearing.
The sound of a snapping twig catches my attention making me turn around.
“Spike?”
Within the dense forest I can see multiple pink glowing figures with their eyes being the same color looking back at me.
“Hello?” I slowly make my way towards them curiosity getting the better of me. Once I’m at the edge of the campsite I start to see their sharp teeth smiling back at me.
Two of them are then engulfed in a pink flame causing them to turn into large beetles with two sharp pincers on the side of the heads. They jump at me there with pincers ready.
If it weren’t for my years of training I would’ve been skewered like a marshmallow. I push myself back just as the two slams onto the ground causing the earth to break and crack.
The two let out a screech as they ready themselves up again and begin to charge at me.
“Who are you?” I shout dodging another strike from the two. I all I got from them were some clicks from there mouths as they continue their assault. “I don’t want to hurt you-ack!” The third being strike my back as I was too busy dodging the other two. I fall to the ground pinned down by the being behind me.
I struggle to see who it is on me, but when I’m able to get a glimpse my eyes grow eye.
Above me stood a changeling, but unlike the ones I’ve seen whose eyes are blue this one’s eyes are pink. And the horrifying holes on the side of its mouth sent chills down my spine.
I try to push the changeling off my back, but she has me pinned down.
“Please do struggle more.” The changeling says with a wicked smile.
My eyes grow wide as fear begins to fill my body just from the tone of her voice.
“I was expecting more from you, but I suppose with such weak blood in you this is all to be expected.” A short clicking comes from her mouth. “shred and tare.” She reels back with her mandibles opening wide showing off her sharp teeth. She brings her head down to strike her fangs only mere inches from my face.
A loud roar forces everyone to freeze and the sound of stampede causes everyone to look around.
Within seconds a fiery purple drake crashes out of the woods with green flames seething out of the side of his mouth.
One of the giant beetles let out a screech and charge at Spike only to be burnt to a crisp. It charred formed is engulfed in pink magic as it changes back into its original form of a changeling.
The changeling above me looks arounds and seems to have ordered a retreat but before she could do anything else she’s blasted by a giant beam of magic that sends her flying deep into the woods with an explosion following soon after.
The one remaining changeling quickly flies off with its wing buzzing as fast as they could to get away.
“Chirp!” Twilight rushes towards me. “Are you alright?” She inspects me checking me for injuries. When she sees that I’m alright let alone a couple of bruises and a few scratches she wraps her hooves around me. “Oh, thank good ness you’re alright! Spike and I heard the screeches and the shakes and and…oh thank Celestia you’re not hurt.”
I don’t say a word as realize that my stay here is now ruined and the swarm of questions just got a whole lot bigger.
