> The Changling Inside > by Thunderstorm823 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Chapter One: Ponyville and The After Party > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thunderstorm could only hear screams, talking right into his ear. All he felt was nothing inside, feeling as if everything from his body was being pulled out from his chest. "Shh..." A voice whispered louder then the sounds being blasted into his ear. "Don't be afraid, you will soon feel the relief of the pain. All you have to do, is close your eyes." The voice was ragged, sounding like a women, with a little reptile slither to it. He couldn't speak, all he could do is think. "What are you doing? What's happening?" He shouted in his head. "Shh..." The voice whispered. "Go to sleep, you'll soon feel the warm awaking of pain relief, all you need to do, is sleep." Thunderstorm obeyed trying to fall asleep, then his memory flashed and he soon felt a train moving him, his eyes opened slightly, only to be introduced to someone no where near me. "Have a nice nap?" It sounded like the same ragged voice, only it was a man. "Huh... Where am I?" He asked, just as the train came to a stop. "Well, you are in Ponyville, the first place that people will hate you in." He said as he stood up. "Huh, how am I moving?" Thunderstorm asked. "You have no control of your body, because it's mine." He deepened on 'mine' then he laughed evilly. "What do you need me for?" He asked. "You expect me to just straight up and tell you, no no, you've got to be a good boy." He chuckled softly. "Do you at least have a name?" Thunderstorm asked. "Us Changelings don't have names, but some just give nicknames, mine is Eiken." He said. Thunderstorm tried to move, but was stuck in his mind, seeing everything. They passed by a few people, a girl with wings and long pink hair talking to.... 'Rainbow Dash?' Thunderstorm said in his head. As he started thinking of what the maniac is planning on doing, he felt afraid, but something different happened. Every time he was afraid, his heart would beat faster and he would hear it. Only this time, it didn't. What did they do to him, he began to feel more frightened as a paper flew into his face. "Agh..." Eiken gasped, taking the paper and looking at it. NEW PERSON!!! COME BY SUGAR CUBE CORNER, WE'VE GOT A SURPRISE WELCOMING GIFT FOR YOU! -Pinkie Pie "Oh this should be good." Eiken smirked and kept walking, heading to the Sugar Cube Corner. "What do you plan on doing?" Thunderstorm asked nervously. "Something you would never do in your lifetime." Eiken smiled evilly. As they were walking, Eiken purposely bumped into someone holding books. "Hey!" She yelled. "What was that for?" She asked angrily. "Hey it's not my fault your fat butt was in the way." He insulted. Thunderstorm was shocked, he would never talk this way, he wished he could talk and apologize. But all he could do, was watch. She gasped. "Hey! That's rude, who are you to say those hurtful things and spreading lies!" She yelled. "What made you think I'm lying." Eiken smirked. "Besides, from all those books your carrying, you probably like to sit on your butt all day and stuff your face with cake while you read." He insulted again. She gasped, tears forming in her eyes. "What a hurtful thing to say!" She said with a sadness in her voice. Thunderstorm wanted to just run, he couldn't, close his eyes... He couldn't, he had to watch. He cried inside, not wanting to witness this without being able to do something about it. "Twilight!" Someone shouted. "I got the book you needed.... what's wrong?" A little dragon pop up, asking the girl. "And who's that your little sidekick? Why isn't he scary." Eiken sarcastically said, then laughed. "Oh how I kid, please, your so small you'll need one hoof to crush you." He insulted. Spike gasped getting teary, looking over at Twilight. "Come on Spike, let's get away from this jerk." She said grabbing his hand walking away. "That was a little bit of fun, wouldn't you think?" Eiken asked Thunderstorm. All Thunderstorm could do was let out cries, only making Eiken laugh more. "Oh, you'll break easily." He whispered, getting back on track. "Don't feel bad right now, it's only just the beginning." He laughed, continuing his walk to the Sugar Cube Corner. "If your going to make me suffer, why won't you tell me why you are doing this?" Thunderstorm asked. "I don't know much, the Queen just instructed me to be a jerk to everyone in your body." Eiken explained. "But... why me?" Thunderstorm asked. "Think, you were so full of love, giving gifts to people for no reasons at all, throwing parties on random occasions, just because you like having friends. I bet you have noticed there's no heartbeat, that's because all the love has been ripped out of you, there's nothing left." Eiken responded. Thunderstorm stayed silent, then spoke. "Do I at least get to control myself again?" He asked. "Yes, but you only get to do that after the whole town hates you." Eiken laughed. "Which means no one will believe me if I try to tell them about what's happening." Thunderstorm said sadly. "Excellent, we now understand each other." Eiken smirked as he entered Sugar Cube Corner, it was dark, he felt himself look around. As the lights flickered on, blinding him, hearing alot of people scream. "SURPRISE!!!" As he got angry, he through the middle of the room to see a girl with super pink puffy hair. He then felt a little woozy, Thunderstorm stared at her, his heart beginning to beat, only making Eiken mad. "Impossible, don't worry I'll take care of that." It felt like a bullet to the leg, as it hurt badly, only, he was standing in space not moving a muscle. Then his heart stopped beating, losing his hopes of getting out. "I'll get to you later!" Eiken voice shouted into Thunderstorms head, causing pain. He then spoke for real towards the girl, with a angry tone. "What's happening here?" He asked. "Hi, I'm Pinkie Pie!" She jumped forward getting a little to close. "Get away from me party animal." He insulted. "Hey you know my nickname!?" She asked, keeping that smile on her face. "What? Forget it, what's with this party? Where's the gift you promised me?" He selfishly asked. "Silly, this is your gift, new friends!" She ecstatically said, raising her hands to the air. "What do you think?" She asked. Thunderstorm sighed to himself, knowing what was going to happen. "Well what if I don't want friends? What if I want to do this." Eiken used the wings he had at the time and flipped a table full of cupcakes to the people in this room, covering them in it. Doing the same for the other side, and walking closer to Pinkie. "That wasn't necessary..." She said getting scared. "Oh it so was, and you know what else? Your little party planning really needs to stop, no cares about your stupid little parties and your cupcakes." He pointed to her as she began to cry. "I'm surprised your skinny ass isn't stuffed with junk." He insulted. Thunderstorm had to see the look on her face, only making him cry more. "Why?" She sadly asked. "Because I can," He smiled backing away, turning to the exit. "Glad doing service with you." He said, leaving. After a few minutes after he left, Pinkie stared at the door, tears falling down her face, wondering if he would just come back and apologize, saying it was all a joke but he didn't. She slowly sat down against the outside counter, looking at the mess, she pulled her legs in, crying into her knees as she hugged them. "What the hell was that?!" He shouted. "Your heart just randomly started beating, what did you do?" He asked. "I didn't do anything, I just saw her and.... I guess I kind of did..." Thunderstorm sighed. "It's impossible, there is no way that's possible." Eiken argued. "Nothing's impossible, just believing can satisfy!" Thunderstorm yelled back. "Screw you, you lovable douche!" He yelled back. Thunderstorm didn't answer back, he was annoyed so he just ignored him. "I'll give you something to whine about." Eiken said, closing his eyes. Thunderstorm opened his eyes to a bright moonlight, he blocked his vision and realized he moved. He grabbed his body feeling his clothes and sighed happily, but then realized, making him frown. He looked around, seeing angry faces looking at him. Then he thought to himself. 'Why did he let me go? My heart's not beating and somehow I'm still alive?' He sighed, turning around from the angry faces. Thunderstorm put his hands in his pockets and started walking around, as much as he would rather leave, something made him stay, he just didn't know what. During his thoughts, a fist collided to his face, knocking him to the ground with a painful grunt. He looked up, seeing a man with a devilish eye. He walked up and grabbed Thunderstorms jacket and pulled him up, pulling him face to face. "Not so fun when you get punched in the face huh?" He said throwing Thunderstorm down into an alley. "Listen, I'm sorry alright?" Thunderstorm put a hand up. "Sorry?!" He yelled, picking him up and slamming him against the wall carrying him up. "Yelling at a poor friendly pony is not something to be sorry about." Thunderstorm stayed silent, trying to loosen the mans grip, but to no avail. He was big, he had no chance. The man raised up his fist and Thunderstorm braced for impact. "WAIT!" A familiar voice yelled. They both looked over at her, seeing it was the same pink haired girl. "Pinkie?" The man was confused. "Put him down." She ordered. "But..." He pointed at Thunderstorm, getting interuppted. "I said put him down." She bossed. The man scoffed, slamming him one more time against the wall letting go as he did so. Thunder slid down into a sitting position as the man walked away, Thunderstorm looked over at Pinkie then looked down ashamed. She walked over at sat next to him, then looked at him. Thunderstorm looked over at her, then sighed. "What do you want?" He asked softly. "Weird, what I think you would say was something insulting, what's up with that?" She asked. "You won't believe me..." He whispered. "Stop being so glum, all you got to do is smile." She smiled at him. "Uh... my queen, shouldn't we do something about this?" A changeling asked. "Wait, I want to see this." She said holding her hand up, looking up at the screen, watching closely. "It's not easy..." He whispered. "After the stuff I've seen me do... I don't want to..." He sighed sadly. "Hey, I can help you, I've got a friend named Twilight that could help." She smiled. He remembered her. "I don't think she'll talk to me... well, I offended her real bad..." He whispered. "Eiken, is his name that's doing this to me... He said he was a....Ugh." He grabbed his chest as it burned. "What is it? What's wrong?" She asked worriedly. "Go... he's coming back..." He grunted, looking over at her as she didn't move a muscle. "GO!!" He shouted as it hurt more. She turned her feet and started running to the tree house that was a few blocks from there. It stopped burning and he laid there still, then started getting up without moving. "You almost ruined the plan my friend." Eiken laughed. Thunderstorm didn't talk back. "Now let's fix this mess you made." Eiken chuckled, as he started following the trail Pinkie ran too. > Chapter Two: The Plan and Reunion > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Twilight!" Pinkie shouted as she busted through the door. Twilight jumped dropping her books, she grunted bending down and picking them up. "Gosh Pinkie, you're going to give me a heart attack one of these days." "That's possible?" Pinkie began thinking, but she shook her head. "Something happened Twilight." She got back on track. "Something happened? If it has anything to do with the new guy, count me out of it, I never met anyone that inconsiderate in my life, who does he think he is?" Twilight ranted. "Yes, that's it!" Pinkie pointed at Twilight smiling. "Did he do anything?" Twilight asked angrily. "No, well.... yes... no! Wait..." Pinkie started thinking. "But I don't think it's actually him." She blurted. "What do you mean it isn't him, mind control isn't possible Pinkie." Twilight argued. "Well what if it is, oh he could be controlled by a satellite that's in the sky, oh or he could be controlled by something else. OR! He could telepathically be controlled by a machine!" Pinkie talked way to fast to understand. Twilight began thinking, processing what she just said. "Pinkie... you do realize how ridiculous that sounds, even by you." She said. "But Twilight, he acted nice, then all of the sudden he began to feel hurt." Pinkie explained. "How hurt? Heart burn?" Twilight asked. "He did grab his chest, but he said 'He was coming back." Pinkie recalled. "Who?" Twilight asked. "I don't know." Pinkie replied. "I just want to find a good explanation on what you are talking about Pinkie." Twilight crossed her arms looking at her. "Well, I saw a man attacking him, slamming against the wall, he got ready to punch him and I didn't want that, he needs to know about friendship Twilight." Pinkie suggested. "Like you did with that guy that looked like a mule?" Twilight tried to recall. "He has a name Twilight; besides, I never even asked his name before he started feeling pain." Pinkie changed the subject, staying on track. "What do you want me to do about it?" Twilight asked. "It's not like I can see who's controlling him." "You trust me right?" Pinkie asked. "Yes, you know I do." Twilight smiled. "But I need proof on how you know this, you can't just tell me you witnessed it." Twilight explained. "I know...." Pinkie sighed looking down. The door busted open and Thunderstorm entered. Twilight grunted. "Ever heard a thing called knocking?" Twilight asked him. "Why? You don't like my knocking?" Thunderstorm smirked. Pinkie backed up, shaking her head at Twilight. "Who are you anyway?" Twilight asked. "The names Eiken... I mean Thunderstorm." He introduced, doing a mocking bow. 'Eiken... where have I heard that name before?' Twilight thought. "Why are you here?" She asked. "Oh nothing, just that the fact that you have a giant tree house." He smiled looking around. "Where's your sidekick?" He asked. "He's running some errands, he's name is Spike and he is an assistant, not a sidekick." Twilight pointed out. Pinkie stood there watching. "Sidekick, assistant, what's the difference?" He asked mockingly. "I would explain it to you, but I don't think you would understand." Twilight angrily stared at him. 'I do, but what's the point, I can't say anything anyway.' Thunderstorm thought. "Whatever Twilight..." Eiken accidentally blurted. "How'd you know my name?" She asked. "What... no I didn't say your name." Eiken rubbed the back of his head. "I heard you loud and clear, how do you know me?" She asked. "Uh..." Eiken remembered Spike saying her name, he did know who she was but he found a save, he then acted normally. "Your little sidekick said it, I kind of catched on." He smiled, pacing around her. "How do I know you are telling the truth, you could be telling me lies." Twilight pointed out. "But that's the point, you don't know, maybe that thick head of yours could figure it out." Eiken chuckled deeply. Twilight stared at him, as he walked around her. "Why are you here?" She asked. "Oh you know, walking through Ponyville, decided to visit the library." He smirked. "And also getting beat up by guys that pass you." She smirked back. "True, but I had that guy in my grasp." Eiken lied. "Really? From what Pinkie said, he slammed you against the alley." She chuckled a little. "You've got some sass in you, I like that." He smirked, continuing to walk around her. "Well she was right about something but there's still something aching my mind." Twilight said. "And what is that, thinking of going on a diet?" He asked, then chuckled. "Funny. But no, where are you from?" She asked. "Why should I tell you?" He asked. "Well for one thing you've got a pretty bad attitude, probably belonging somewhere near the Netherlands." She looked at him for a reaction. Eiken stopped for a second and shook his head. "You could say that, but, I was raised by my parents in a little place called Manehatten." Eiken lied once again. "Well, certainly have that accent they have." Twilight sarcastically said. Eiken chuckled. "Well, I've grown out of it." Eiken stalled. "Sure, now I'll ask again, why are you here?" She asked again. "I'm here because I want to, why should I tell you why I'm here?" He asked. "If your here for nothing, then leave." She said. "I don't want to." Eiken crossed his arms, staring at her with determination. "Or I could call the police and they can just drag you out." She stared back in contempt. "True, fine, I accept your ask for leave, I'll be back though, and you'll know it's me." He said heading to the door. "No one's going to care." She said before the door shut. Twilight waited a few seconds before turning to a book shelf, her horn glowed and used her magic to take one book down. The Netherlands Pinkie looked over confused. "What are you going to use that for?" She asked. Twilight looked over. "The only kind of attitude and accent like that is from the same people that attacked the wedding, I'm a lot smarter than he thinks, when he introduced his name he said his name was Eiken, I've heard that name before, I just don't know where." Twilight explained before opening the book and searching for a page. "Twilight..." Pinkie whispered. "What is it Pinkie?" Twilight asked. Pinkie shook her head softly. "Nevermind..." She sighed. Twilight rolled her eyes and continued to search through the pages. "What was the point of going in there?" Thunderstorm asked. "Don't worry, it's all apart of the plan." Eiken smirked, continuing to walk. "If you are going to keep me here, you at least can tell me your plan." Thunderstorm pointed out. "The only way for you to know the plan is if you ask our Queen, and I'll doubt she'll tell you." Eiken answered. "When am I ever going to meet the Queen?" Thunderstorm asked. "Don't worry, I doubt you will ever see her, but, she does see you in a way." Eiken chuckled. "What do you mean?" Thunderstorm asked. "Don't even ask if I'm not going to tell you." Eiken said. "Whatever..." Thunderstorm mumbled. Eiken shook his head, rolling his eyes, staying focused on the next task at hand. "Now, I'll let you go again, it's for a reason this time." He said. "Wait what?" Thunderstorm stuttered as he felt his body again, he moved his fingers, looking at them. "Hey!" Thunderstorm heard a shout behind him and turned around to see.... Rainbow... "Rainbow?" He looked closely. She gasped. "Thunderstorm? I heard what you did at the party, why the hell did you do that?" She asked angrily. "Really, I would tell you but all you would say is 'I don't believe you' like you always do." He argued. "What are you talking about?" She asked. "I know you know what I'm talking about, when we were kids we were best friends. Fluttershy, remember her, we fought all the time and we always made her sad, every time I tried to tell you something you would always bash in my face." He explained. "That's because you were lying." She pointed a finger. "Yeah, you never believe me, that's the whole problem." Thunderstorm got in her face. "I never believe you because you don't have the reason for it." Rainbow got even closer. "We're doing the same thing we did as kids, always yelling at each other." He whispered. "Well at least we have something in common." She whispered back. They kept staring at each other, like they were having a staring contest. "Just like old times..." Rainbow sighed, pulling away, blushing slightly. "Yeah... we never was nice to each other." Thunderstorm sighed as well. "Should we start?" Rainbow asked. Thunderstorm chuckled. "That's what you said last time." "Yeah, but could we be serious this time?" She asked. "Are you still angry about the party?" He asked. "Why did you yell at Pinkie like that?" She asked. "Well, as much as I would like to tell you, I just can't." He said. "And I have a perfect reason for it, but I can't tell you what it is." "Aren't we still friends?" She looked over at him. "We did used to date one time, but... I still can't, you're just going to have to trust me." He said, looking over at her. "It's been years." She rubbed the back of her head. "It has been too long..." He whispered. A silence, was the only thing that kept Thunderstorm hating. "Would you like to..." "How about we..." They both talked at the same time. "You first." Thunderstorm said. "How about we catch up?" She asked. "Yeah... I'd like that." He said. "Sugar Cube Corner?" Rainbow smirked. "I'll race you." "Always willing to have a good race, that's the Rainbow I know." He smiled, walking to the side of her. "Last one there owes the winner a cupcake." Rainbow bet. "Well you better start counting your money because you're going down." Thunderstorm put his foot out to run, he stretched out his wings getting ready as did Rainbow. "3...2....1....Go!" Rainbow shouted as they both started running then lifted off. They flew side by side, one trying to get in front of the other. They laughed at the enjoyment, but the only question on Thunderstorms mind was 'Why did he release me again?' They both accidentally collided with each other making them dizzy, falling to the floor. Thunderstorm grabbed Rainbow and turned his body to make himself a shield for her as they both crashed into the floor. They both groaned in pain, as they both got up. "I'm getting the strange feeling of Deja Vu." Rainbow said rubbing her head. "You're telling me." He rubbed his head as well. "But only this time we didn't wake up in a hospital." He chuckled. Rainbow laughed as well, she looked around and noticed she was on top of him. Her face turned bright red as she looked up at his eyes, she didn't want to get off. Thunderstorm looked back, seeing the redness on her face, his arm reached up and it reached her hair. He stroked her hair softy, while Rainbow moved closer, placing her hand on his chest. Thunderstorm's other hand, grabbed hers, as he began to tilt his head getting closer. There lips were inches away, knowing it would end soon. Rainbow closed her eyes, leaning forward to kiss him. Thunderstorm did the same, pulling her closer as he got closer to her lips. As their lips touched sparks flew through them as they began to kiss more passionately, Thunderstorms heart started beating, like it had been awaken. Rainbow pulled back, resting her head on his chest. "Oh my...." She breathed. "I guess we still have feelings..." Thunderstorm pointed out. "I guess we do..." Rainbow looked up, then smiled. Thunderstorm looked back, smiling, but in his mind he knew it wouldn't last with Eiken still in him. "Oh how cute." Chrysalis laughed. "Well then my Queen, shall I... interrupt this reunion?" Eiken asked. "Nah, wait till they separate." Chrysalis ordered, looking at the screen. "As you order my Queen." Eiken turned back to the screen. "I missed you..." Rainbow whispered, kissing his cheek. Thunderstorm smiled looking down. "I missed you too..." Thunderstorm smiled. "Oh my, are you two alright?" Mrs. Cake came up asking. "We are alright Mrs. Cake, nothing to worry about." Rainbow smiled, getting back up. "Ah, Mrs. Cake." Thunderstorm stood up. "Wait..." Mrs. Cake got a good look at Thunderstorm. "Do I know you?" "You probably do, I came here from time to time." Thunderstorm lied. "I don't even believe you are from here." Mrs. Cake rubbed her chin. "True, I'm from Cloudsdale." Thunderstorm said. "Well, you guys should be alright from what I look of you." Mrs. Cake smiled. "Oh yeah that's right." Rainbow turned to Thunderstorm. "You owe me a cupcake." Rainbow pointed at him with a smug look on her face. "No way, I got here first." Thunderstorm chuckled. "No, I'm the best flier in Equestria, so you owe me a cupcake." Rainbow smirked. "Fine, I'll buy you a damn cupcake, just because I'm a gentlemen." Thunderstorm gave a bow, mocking the Manehatten accent. "Very lovely dear sir." She mocked with him, then laughed short after. Thunderstorm laughed with her, and the both entered Sugar Cube Corner. > Chapter Three: Losing Insanity and True Love > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Wait.... I have a better idea." Chrysalis said, snickering. Eiken looked over at her confused. "What is it you want me to do my Queen?" He asked. "Okay, here's the plan..." Chyrsalis started. "Could we get two cupcakes please?" Thunderstorm asked sitting down on a stool. "I'll get right on it, it's going to be two bits please." Mr. Cake nodded going into the back room. Thunderstorm reached into his pocket and pulled out two bits, luckily Eiken didn't take it, that would've made every thing awkward. "You actually have money on you, that's a shocker." Rainbow chuckled. "Oh shut it, we were kids, it was hard to get money at that time." Thunderstorm laughed. "Luckily my dad had a lot of money to spend." Rainbow pointed out. "Touche." He stared. She laughed from the stare, she leaned in giving him a peck on the lips as their cupcakes arrived. "Here are your cupcakes." Mr. Cake said, putting it down in front of them. "Thanks." Thunderstorm handed the two bits to Mr. Cake, and he wished them a goodnight. "So what do you want to do after this?" Rainbow asked. "I don't know, we're catching up right?" Thunderstorm asked. "Yup, big time, might as well start now, how have you been when I left?" She asked. "Well, you and Fluttershy moved to Ponyville, and well I guess I was disappointed losing my friends." He answered. "Aw." Rainbow teased, kissing him slightly. "Now." Chrysalis ordered. "I can't wait to see his reaction." Eiken smirked, messing with a few buttons. "Oh don't worry, it'll be priceless." She smirked, snickering to herself. Thunderstorm kissed back, touched her cheek slightly. As he pulled back, he saw a changeling where he was kissing, he jumped back making a gasp, and fell off his chair hurting himself. "Thunderstorm! Are you okay?" Rainbow asked. Thunderstorm looked up at her, with confusing and fear in his eyes, he looked around Sugar Cube Corner, seeing it covered with walking bugs, he felt as if he was going insane. Rainbow grabbed his shoulder worried. "Is everything alright?" She asked. Thunderstorm looked over, scared out of his mind, the only word that came through his head was 'Run!' and that's what he was going to do. Rainbow lost grip of him when he ran for the door, she looked at him confused, and a little heart broken. Thunderstorm tripped on the way out, making him get up as fast as he could and running in a direction. Thunderstorm started running to the Library, but ran into one of those Changelings. He fell back scared, he got back up and ran the other direction. He saw every door to all the houses open and he stood in the middle of the field, he saw them all walking towards him. He looked around confused and scared, he was surrounded, he had no where to go. He panted confused and tired from running, but he didn't give up yet. Thunderstorm saw an opening, and ran through it, running towards a cottage while hundreds of Changelings were chasing him. He looked at the cottage, running to it, but it opening and a changeling walked out, he fell back again running. Fluttershy looked confused at him, as he started running into the forest. "Wait! Don't go in there!" She whispered. Thunderstorm kept running, getting off the path, and running into nothing. Hours flew by, as Thunderstorm limped through the forest looking around. He heard howls of Timber wolves, and not friendly animals passing him, only looking like bugs to him. Thunderstorm saw a weird looking house, he walked closer but his vision was failing him, he tripped falling to his knees. Then he fell completely on his chest with a thud and silence after that, his eyes shut as he fainted. "Hey Fluttershy?" Rainbow walked into the cottage, looking around. Fluttershy came down the stairs seeing her, then smiled. "Rainbow, what is it?" She asked in a soft tone. "Did you see Thunderstorm any where?" Rainbow asked. "He's back in town?" Fluttershy asked, then remembered something. "I think I did see him go into the Everfree Forest." Fluttershy recalled. "What?!" Rainbow freaked out, then ran outside. "Wait Rainbow, it's too dangerous, let me come with you." Fluttershy ran after her as they both entered the Everfree Forest. Minutes later their still on the path looking around. "Keep looking he has to be in here." Rainbow said looking around. "What happened exactly? Why did he run?" Fluttershy asked. "I don't know why he ran, he looked at me falling back then after that he looked scared and confused, then he ran out the door." Rainbow explained. "Oh..." Fluttershy rubbed the back of her head, looking around, usually she would get scared but she's been in here a million times so it barely phases her. Visions zoomed passed him as a memory he never even had, all he saw was Changelings, he was confused and couldn't keep his head. Thunderstorm screamed awake, sitting up with his heart beating faster, he looked down, his heart was beating... Thunderstorm looked around, seeing a room full of potions and masks, a brew in the center of the room, confused of where he was. Thunderstorm put his feet on the ground, his hands going directly to his eyes to wipe away. He slowly stood looking around at the potions, looking at the labels, he stayed looking at all of them. He heard the door open and he turned around fast, seeing a Zecora, this time it wasn't a Changeling. "Who are you?" He asked. "Zecora is the name, yours is not in mine." She said, in a question. "My name?" He asked confused as she nodded slowly. "Thunderstorm." He stuttered. "I kept you alive as long as I could, as I found you in the woods." She said. Thunderstorm had to process what she said. "Well, I thank you for your hospitality but I really need to get going." He said walking to the door. "One thing I want from you, yet you decided to go." Zecora turned to her brew, then made a gesture for him to come over. "What do you want?" He asked, walking over to her. "You're memories are nothing but goo, and there is evil inside you." She said, putting a finger on his chest. "Are you saying, you can get rid of it?" He asked, Zecora nodded. "How?" "You need to bring it out, in order to scout." She said, looking down at his chest. "Alright, how do I bring him out?" He asked. "Wait, how did you know there was someone controlling me?" He asked. "As I saw from the brew, the evil showed it inside you." She said, pouring a potion inside the the brew. "What do I do?" Thunderstorm asked. "Tell me a secret, only he knows." Zecora said, stirring the brew. "He said something about, being a Changeling?" He said to her in a confused. Zecora paused, stopping her mixing, she pulled the spoon out and set it aside. "The attack on Canterlot, was by them." She said, looking through her potions. "You mean during the wedding?" He asked, recalling the memory. "Yes, seems they have come back for revenge." She said, grabbing one of the potions. "But why me?" He asked her, wanting to know. "Friends with Rainbow I presume, it's the only way they can invade." She said pouring that potion in the brew. "What does Rainbow have to do with anything?" He asked confused. "Element of Harmony, power of Friendship." She chanted. "Element of Harmony?" Thunderstorm didn't know what that was, which made him more confused. "I feel like I was living under a rock." He said. "Luna's banishment, were used by the six." Zecora said. "You mean the fairy tales I was read to when I was young?" He asked. Zecora nodded, pouring more potions in the brew, continuing to mix. "Does that mean..." Thunderstorm choked, feeling pain his chest. Zecora saw what was happening and mixed it faster, taking a batch and went over while Thunderstorm fell to the floor. Zecora poured the potion in his mouth. "Swallow it." She said. Thunderstorm nodded and swallowed it. "To heal it for good is a kiss from your true love." She chanted. "No expiration." She whispered standing up and walking out of the house. Thunderstorm turned his body and shook out of control, then lost control again. A chuckle came from him. "What did I tell you about telling secrets?" Eiken asked smirking. Thunderstorm stayed silent, not wanting to answer him. "Fine then, did you like that surprise? Oh your face was priceless." Eiken chuckled. "Well, shall we?" He walked over to the door and opened it coming out of it. "Thunderstorm!" Someone shouted. Eiken turned to see Rainbow Dash. "Celestia... don't scare me like that." She grabbed his cheeks and pulled him into a kiss. Thunderstorm waited for him to be released, but nothing happened, she pulled back and hugged him softly. 'She isn't...' Thunderstorm thought. Eiken played along, pretending to be Thunderstorm. "I'm sorry, I just had a weird experience, but it's over now, I'm okay." He smiled forcefully. "Have you found it yet?" Pinkie asked Twilight who was still searching through the book. "No I haven't Pinkie, the only people that act like that are Changelings, Pinkie, Thunderstorm is trapped, do you remember Rainbow telling us stories about him." Twilight recalled. Pinkie nodded. "How she loved him, yeah, I know that..." She sighed sadly, knowing she was developing feelings. Twilight looked over, batting an eye. "Are you okay Pinkie? You are usually... you know... You." She said. "It's nothing, I'm just worried you know." Pinkie sighed. "Okay..." Twilight gave one last look and looked down at the book. Spike walked in with a few scrolls, and sighed closing the door. "Hey Twilight..." Spike sighed. "Hey Spike, I need you to send a letter to Princess Celestia, it's really important." Twilight said, taking one scroll from the pile he was carrying and started writing on it. "I'm on it." Spike said, standing next to her as she wrote. As Twilight finished writing, she gave the letter to Spike and he went over to the window and blew fire into it, sending it. "Now..." Twilight sighed, sitting down finally, relaxing. "We wait..." Pinkie sat down next to Twilight, waiting for a letter approval. A few minutes pass by and a letter comes in dropping, Twilight got up fast and picked it up, opening it quickly and reading it. As she finished reading she closed the scroll. "I knew it!" Twilight shouted. "Read it out loud Twilight." Spike said. "Okay okay..." Twilight then began to read aloud. My Faithful Student, To answer your question, yes the person you are describing is in fact a version of a Changeling, from recent discoveries, Changelings gained the power to control civilians to make them do stuff they don't want to do. Thank you for giving me this information, I'll be there shortly. Princess Celestia "So... the guy that was rude to us was a Changeling?" Spike asked. "Yes Spike, I bet he didn't mean it at all." She said smiling. "Do we wait for Princess Celestia?" Pinkie asked. "Yes, we do, she might know what's happening..." Twilight sighed. "Shall we prepare my Queen?" Eiken asked. "Yes, prepare for the invasion, we finally got Celestia in our grasp. Let's go take what's ours." Chrysalis laughed evilly. "Let me just let this guy go, and we will be on our way." Eiken smirked, hitting a button on the machine. Thunderstorm gained ability of himself and stopped, looking around. "Thunderstorm is there something wrong?" Rainbow asked. Thunderstorm looked forward. "Something bad's going to happen." He whispered. "Come on, let's get back to Ponyville." He said, starting to run while Rainbow and Fluttershy followed. > Chapter Four: The Release and The War > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Twilight waited for Princess Celestia, looking up at the night, sighing softly. Pinkie sat there, worried for Thunderstorm, but she kept her mind up high and smiled. "Twilight, I'm going to go." "Okay Pinkie, thanks for coming by." She smiled and stared back into the window. Eiken stayed in a bush, waiting, ready for Chrysalis's instructions. Thunderstorm kept running, not stopping, Fluttershy and Rainbow both followed, confused on what he was doing. As he got out of the forest he looked around, seeing a light head toward the ground, he cursed under his breath and instantly started to fly, going as fast as he could. Only to be stopped by being tackled to the ground back into the forest, Thunderstorm turned to see who it was and it was a bug, looking at him with a evil grin. "Eiken..." Thunderstorm mumbled. "Well, Thunderstorm, it's nice to meet your aquatince, how are you?" He mocked. Thunderstorm immediately got up and got in a ready stance, just in case he did something. "What are you doing here?" He asked. "Taking back what is ours." Eiken smirked, walking closer. Thunderstorm backed up into a tree, knowing there was no other way to go. "And what makes you think you could just take it?" He asked. "Because you are such a dear, you already got her here." Eiken chuckled evilly. The sun, the light, it was the her.... Oh no.... "You're never going to get away with this." Thunderstorm said. Eiken wrapped his hands around his neck and began to choke him. "Step One: Get rid of the bait." He smirked, choking harder as Thunderstorm tried to pull away from his clutches but to no avail. "Goodbye." He chuckled, before getting hit in the back of the head with something. Thunderstorm fell down on his knees, as Eiken's hands let go as he tripped and fell. Thunderstorm coughed for air, then looked up seeing Pinkie Pie, with a golf club with a 'P' on the end of it. "Pinkie?" Thunderstorm was confused. "What are you doing here?" He asked. "I saw you get tackled into the forest, so I went over to see what happened and I saw him choking you." Pinkie exclaimed. Eiken turned over, and got up, a glow from his hand came, and he looked at Pinkie Pie. Pinkie saw this, she knew it was already to late, she grabbed Thunderstorms head and forced him into a deep kiss. Thunderstorms eyes widened and his heart beated till he felt something lift, he felt.... free. "NO!" Eiken shouted, before blasting Pinkie into a tree, knocking her out completely. Thunderstorms eyes went back to normal, and rage filled him as he tackled Eiken down, shoving his forearm into the base of his neck and pushed down. Eiken grinned, before kicking Thunderstorm off of him. Thunderstorms back collided into the ground as a weird flying bike hovered down, and Eiken got on it. "Sorry for the quick goodbye but I got stuff to do." He got ready to leave but Thunderstorm got up as it started to take off and his hand grabbed onto something and he went with him, hovering in the air. Eiken didn't know this and began to circle to the Library for step two, not noticing Thunderstorm climbing onto the bike. After a few minutes, Eiken stopped in the air, and jumped off, landing in the tree and looking through the window. Thunderstorm let go, but flapped his wings to stop, he looked down at Eiken, slowly going down. "Princess, your here." Twilight hugged her, Celestia smiled hugging back. "How are you my student?" Celestia asked. "I'm fine Princess but we've got a problem," Twilight became serious. "What is it?" Celestia kneeled down, to listen to what she would say. "A man came here, and he... was rude, harassing everyone he saw." Twilight told her everything, the thing with Pinkie. "And where is he now?" Celestia asked. "If you are certain he's a changeling we better find him or something might happen." "But Celestia, what if he isn't one?" Twilight asked. "What are you talking about? You just said he was." Celestia asked confused. "Well, Pinkie said he was coming back, maybe he was controlled?" Twilight asked. Celestia thought for a second. "There has been a Changeling that told us about what they did... Then he disappeared." Celestia tilted her head. "Changelings have ways to control their victims, but they use a machine to do that." Celestia explained. "Then why would they control someone no one knows?" She asked herself. Twilight widened her eyes, seeing a black figure in the window, seeing it grin. "Celestia, you need to leave!" Twilight cried. "Step Two: Her Student." Eiken chuckled. "Change that to your death." Thunderstorm said behind him. Eiken quickly turned before being punched in the face, breaking through the glass as Thunderstorm kicked him away, doing a back flip and landing on his feet, Eiken hit the wall and fell to his knees. Twilight and Celestia were both flinched seeing what happened. "That's him." Twilight pointed at Thunderstorm. Thunderstorm turned and did a salute to them, before turning back to Eiken who was chuckling under his breath before standing up. "It's too late, goodbye Thunderstorm." He smirked, pulling out a detonator and pushing it, not doing anything. "What?!" He shouted, hitting it over and over. "Work damn it, work!" He shouted. He was confused, but shook his head and ran after him, before pushing him against he wall and kicking his foot up under his chin knocking his body up, Eiken fell back hitting the wall again as a book fell and hit him on the head, knocking him unconscious. Thunderstorm rested himself on his knees. "That was easy..." He mumbled to himself, he turned around seeing them. "You're highness." He introduced, bowing down. "My name is Thunderstorm." He smiled. "Twilight tells me you were mean, you don't look mean." Celestia smiled at his bow, Twilight rubbed the back of her head. "Well, he somehow took everything from me, taking away everything I had left, then uses me for a plan that I overheard." He explained. "Ah, and what is that?" Celestia asked. "There planning to take over Equestria." He plainly said. Celestia nodded. "It appears they still want Equestria, well, what are we waiting for?" Celestia asked, looking over at Twilight. "Get your friends, and get the Elements of Harmony." "Dang, Pinkie was here a second ago." Twilight cursed. "Pinkie..." He mumbled. "Shit." He blurted before running at the door and busting through it, and flying back to the Everfree Forest. Twilight got worried when he busted through the door and began to follow him. Thunderstorm went back to the place and looked around seeing Pinkie.... and blood. "Dear Celestia..." He mumbled running to her and holding her head up, looking at the wound. "Shit!" He cried. "Shit, shit, shit." He cursed. Twilight ran to him, seeing the blood. "What happened?!" She cried, falling to her knees. "That son of a bitch that's at your library." Thunderstorm said, his eyes closed and he stood up. "I'm ending this, no more banishing, no more kindness...." Thunderstorm mumbled. "What are you going to do?" Twilight asked. "I'm killing the bitch." He said, instantly flying into the air and flying back to the library. "No, don't!" Twilight got up and saw him fly, but she couldn't stop him. Thunderstorm felt pain and anger, eventually what he was feeling would kill him if he didn't stop and think, but he didn't. As Thunderstorm flew something giant blocked the sun, he stopped and looked up in awe. "Oh shit..." He cursed. What was above him was a rocket, headed toward Ponyville, and it was a big one. He couldn't' let this happen, he flew up towards it, he had to get rid of it or else... *Glup* As he got there, he got on top of it, starting to look around, keeping his balance, he saw something counting down and he looked at it. 2:49 A timer, he grabbed it and began pulling at it, like it was a good idea... which it wasn't. As he almost got it off, he got tackled down, and hit across the face, he looked up for a split second, seeing Eiken on top of him. "I will not let you ruin our plan!" He shouted, hitting me over and over, what he didn't know was he was tipping the rocket, making it's course different. Thunderstorm kicked his leg up, launching him over him and hitting the end of the rocket, making the rocket straight. Thunderstorm looked down at the timer, one minute remaining, he could just jump off and leave Eiken to die. But something in Thunderstorm didn't want that, since Eiken was at the end, Thunderstorm began to run around the timer and tackled him off the rocket off the side so they wouldn't burn on the engine. Eiken elbowed him, spinning them around, and began to punch him again, to the point where to the part where Thunderstorm started bleed. An explosion blasted through Thunderstorm's ear, causing a loud beep sound. Eiken said somthing but he couldn't make it out, he kicked him down. Thunderstorm felt the air go past him, as everything went black. > Chapter Five: The Legend and The Memories > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thunderstorm laid still, completely still, not moving, but his head moved slightly, his eyes weakly opening, he started to feel the pain from the body that he could not move, a voice was heard to his left as he slowly turned that way. "The plan, ruined! It's all your fault!" Eiken shouted, pointing at Thunderstorm. "Look where we are, the castle that turned poor Luna into a what the legends say today, now look at this place, ruined, just like the plan!" He turned over, seeing Thunderstorm dazed, Eiken clenched his fist and walked over, standing over him. Thunderstorm just looked up, not able to move, the pain just wouldn't let him. Eiken grunted in frustration as he smacked a fist across Thunderstorm's face. "Everything, we have worked for, all ruined because of you!" He hit him again. "You just had to! All of the years we have planned for this, you were weak! We used you because we wanted to get to Princess Celestia, the plan would've gotten smoothly, but no, you had to be a strong man, you had to be like this!" He hit him again, falling to his knees and punching him over and over, not stopping. Thunderstorm began to feel his body again but not enough for battle, he was too weak from the pain. Then from no where, Eiken was launched off Thunderstorm, and a man stepped over him, walking slowly towards Eiken. "No! Not you!" Eiken backed away trying to get away. "You're supposed to be dead!" He got up, backing up still. The man was silent, he stood so close to him, and Eiken stood there, fear was freezing his body as he didn't move, he lifted one hand, softly touching his skull. Eiken began to spas, his jaw dropped as something filled him, but wasn't clear to what it was, Eiken stopped, then fell, without a sound. The man turned, his shadow was dark, and he was wearing gear that couldn't see his face, he slowly walked to Thunderstorm, slowly kneeling down. Thunderstorm's heart beated faster as he began to feel scared, wondering what he would do, but all he did as speak these only words. "When you wake, follow Luna's moon, there you will find what you have been searching for, your entire life, but only life will seek the way to frighten you to keep moving, but don't stop, what is at the end, you will not regret." He said, standing up. Thunderstorm stuttered from short of breath, only asking him one question. "Who are you?" He asked. "Some call me a myth, some a legend." He went over him, walking out of the castle. Thunderstorm was confused, but he slowly closed his eyes, before fainting into nothing but a dreamless sleep. After hours it was night, Thunderstorm felt his body move and he slowly woke, he looked around, seeing Eiken's body gone, and the moon as bright as it could be, tilted in a direction. Thunderstorm slowly got up, holding his chest. "How am I alive?" He asked himself. After regaining his senses he exited the castle, remembering the words of the man who spoke to him. He looked up at the moon, following the path to it. He didn't know what he would find, and why he had listened to him, he kept walking, afraid of the past he once knew, and seeing them. He sighed, then a blue fire sprout next to him, making him fall over, he backed up into a tree and looked at the fire. It was his mother, standing there as she hugged her son and slowly put him down, as he walked away, a blue shadow came out of nowhere and stabbed her. Thunderstorm started panting, remembering the fatal memory, he shook his head looking down, not wanting to see. He got up and looked away from it, and walked faster. Another blue fire sprout and he looked over, seeing kids laughing at a sad kid, repeatedly saying 'Blank Flank', he shook his head, walking past it, he looked up following the moon, feeling close to his destination. "THUNDERSTORM!" A cry for help filled the forest, it was Rainbow's voice, he didn't know if it was a fake or if it was the real thing. He took that chance and followed the cry for help, hoping it would lead him to her. As he got there, it was Rainbow on the ground. "Rainbow!" Thunderstorm shouted running to her, then a dark mist blew up on her, causing her body to disappear, he looked up, she didn't disappear. Above him was a face in the black smoked going over him, it was a trick, he ran out the opening and kept following the moon, this time not getting distracted by things that could be fake. He kept running towards the Moon, not stopping. As he got back on the path, the scenery changed, he was in the Changeling base, and saw him tied up and seeing the needle pierce through his skin to his heart, he remembered how painful that was, he shook his head, getting back to reality which actually changed back to, he then proceeded to run again, not stopping as he got to a Cliff, he looked down, he was close to the moon, he had to get there. He flapped his wings and jumped, flying over there, ignoring all the painful memories that spawned before him, trying to stop him but he continued. As he got to the bottom of the Moon, he looked around, seeing a small entrance into a cave, he proceeded to walk in, looking around, seeing something that blinded his eyes from how bright it was, he covered it with his forearm. As it cooled, he pulled his arm down, and saw a tree, looking at it, and a shadow looking up at it. Thunderstorm walked forward, looking closer at the shadow. "Everything you could ever want." The man turned around, looking at him. "One wish, is all you get, make it count." The man turned around to the tree then back. "Hang on can I ask a few questions?" Thunderstorm asked. The man nodded, crossing his arms. "What happened to me?" Thunderstorm asked. "Well, you are in a coma right now, during the collision you seemed to know that by now." The man answered. "What.... happened to Pinkie?" Thunderstorm asked stuttering. The man sighed. "She's fine, she suffered critical injury but she is okay, by the way her memory is fine, her friends are actually looking for you right now." He said. "What did you do to Eiken?" Thunderstorm asked. "All the evil in his brain has been removed, he is currently back in Ponyville, disguised." He said. "Who exactly are you?" Thunderstorm asked. "Ever heard of Guardian Angels?" The man asked. "Yes, but I thought they were just legends." Thunderstorm said. "Well, I'm just another version of you, Celestia always sends out people who have died to protect someone, but they give them one last chance." He explained. "How did Eiken know you?" Thunderstorm asked. "He was the one who killed me." The man said plainly. "Do you still have more questions?" He asked. Thunderstorm thought for a second. "So if I make this wish, do I come back?" He asked. "You come back either way, but the only thing you can't wish for is power, one guy tried wishing that and he died on the spot, now we just warn them." The man said. "So... do I have to make the wish?" Thunderstorm asked. "You have to be really sure, because you're already dealing with trouble, you know, two girls in love with you." The man said. "W-What?" Thunderstorm looked over, shocked. "Pinkies in love with me?" He asked. The man nodded. "And so does another, and you currently don't know her." He said. "The last time I saw Pinkie was at the library." Thunderstorm asked. "The people you were with never found you, they thought you went to the library." He said. "What happened with everyone at Ponyville?" Thunderstorm asked. "The war went on for a few hours while you were gone, Luckily the Elements were used and blasted them back to where they came from, they will be back." He said. "Then no wishes, I'm sure." Thunderstorm said. "Well then, if that's what you want fine." He said, walking closer. "Now all you have to do is wake up." He put his hand up onto his skull and everything went turned white. "They found you." He whispered. Thunderstorm gasped awake, looking away, finding himself still at the abandoned castle. "Oh shit!" He shouted, feeling the pain again. He grabbed his arm and heard footsteps, he turned fast, seeing Twilight in the door way of the castle. "You're alive..." Twilight sighed, walking over, kneeling down to him. "Pinkies waiting for you, but one more thing..." She said, leaning and kissing him deeply. Thunderstorm was shocked, surprised even. She pulled back and looked down, then smiled. "Just wanted that off my chest." She said standing. "And that was for?" Thunderstorm asked. "For breaking my window that's what." Twilight giggled. "I don't consider that a punishment." Thunderstorm said, standing up slowly. "I do." Twilight turned and started to walk. "W-Where is she?" Thunderstorm asked. "Ponyville hospital, room 293." She turned before exiting. "Don't keep her waiting." Twilight walked out and Thunderstorm just laid there, confused. But he knew where he had to go, after a few minutes he started to head there, figuring out what to say when he got there. As he got into the hospital, he was greeted by a country girl shaking his hand. "Thanks to you, we done won the war, just wanted to thank ya. Now go on, get, she's waiting." She said, walking off. He continued walking till he was greeted by another, but she was more civil. "My dear, I just wanted to meet you, I heard what happened to you and I just want to tell you, if you ever need a suit, let me know, the first one won't cost a thing. Now, Pinkies waiting for you, don't want to keep you." She said, walking off. He checked in and began to continue, meeting the same shy girl that he met with Rainbow. "Uh... hi, she's... uh.. waiting..." She said shyly, leaving. He walked upstairs and went to the room number, seeing Rainbow at the front door. At first he was shocked, he began to speak. "Rainbow I..." He was interrupted by her. "Don't... It's okay, really, just..." She walked closer, putting a hand on his chest. "I guess I was just caught up in the moment, I never had feelings, but be good to her, she's a really good friend of mine." She kissed his cheek then walked off. Thunderstorm turned and sighed, shrugging, and walking over to the doorway, only to run into Twilight that pushed him back out. "Just remember, I know a lot of magic, don't be hurting her." She threatened. "Yeah... I got it..." Thunderstorm said, putting his hands up in defense. "Good." She said, she turned and walked off. Thunderstorm watched her walk off then turned back to the room, slowly walking in, and looking around. "Thunderstorm?" A call came from his left as he looked over, seeing Pinkie in hospital clothes and the bed sitting up for her. He smiled, walking closer. "Yeah, it's me," He said, slowly sitting down on a chair next to the bed, slowly grabbing her hand. She smiled brightly. "What happened?" She asked. Thunderstorm chuckled softly. "It's a long story." He told her. "I'm just glad to be back..." He whispered. Her thumb weakly stroked his fingers as she leaned back in the bed. "I have to stay in the hospital for a while till my back becomes fixed." She said, sighing. "Well looks like I'm staying here for a while." He smiled. She smiled. "Thank you." She whispered. "No problem..." He whispered. She looked up, blushing slightly. "I..." She stuttered. "I love you too..." He finished for her, smiling at her. She gasped softly, smiling as bright as she could. "But how did..." She stuttered. Thunderstorm realized, but saved it. "Lucky guess?" She shrugged. "Well you had the best guess in the world, and you meant it." She said happily. "I guess I did..." He smiled at her. "So, what should we talk about?" He asked. Pinkie then started talking all about herself, talking really fast but making a lot of sense, Thunderstorm chuckled at some of the jokes she threw at him, and he listened, enjoying every minute of it. The End