> I am Your Friend or Foe > by ZeroPony55 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Prologue The Assignment > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- At the far outskirts of White Tail Woods, the best hive lay rest there. Chrysalis had order a certain changeling to come met her in her throne room. The changeling soon came by the help off two guards. "There you are I need you do to something." "You know I can't produce anymore changelings yet" the male changeling said. "No of course nothing like that" she said with a little blush. He was a little surprise from her response, he usually assume she just wanted to mated, since this is the best type of hive there is there should be more changelings, or that's what he been told. "So what to you need of me?" "I'm planning a attack on Ponyville, but there on high alert because of a lower hive tried attacking Ponyville. I need you to lift the get rid of the alert states." "Ok, but why me, you know how important a male changeling is." "I know, but most of our skill warriors are busy defending the hive by monsters, and a simple worker can not do." "Find, who am I posing as?" "We created a pony for you to use." "Here is your character-" a maid changeling handed him his ID "-Your name is Raiden, you do not have any parents and how you act is up to you, but must wield a sword, and cutie marks should be a shield, so you job is being mercenary" she finish handing all of Raiden's stuff. "Why create a pony?" Raiden asked. "It's more useful for calming down the ponies, besides you might get caught if you pose as somepony important." "What kind of a name is Raiden?" "We were planning to call you, Snake, but the Conami hive already took that name, and you know how they acted if you copy them" the maid changeling said. "Don't remind me, I'm glad that I'm a male, all males go here." "Yeah you lucky, now get out of here and start on your mission." Raiden nodded as he left his hive and made his way to Ponyville. He walked a whole four steps and he already found that this mission was annoying. He already misses relaxing all day long and now he had to do things. Mating with the queen wasn't so bad even though it gets annoying once in a while, he would to that instead of this mission, but he already accept the mission and he could turn back, so he tried to look at the positive side. Seeing the same stuff gets boring so there's that. More freedom, since males were only really there to mated and stuff. Soon he thought of a another good thing that made him have a big smile on his face. He finally get to make friends instead off changeling doing his every bidding. He never really got to make a friend so he's really excited for this. He was about half way though the White Tail Woods, and soon got a call on deciding what kind of pony he should be. As he check over his disguise. He thought hard for a while. If he was a earth pony he could be more stronger, or a pegasus speed and tricky, or a unicorn smart, and useful magic spells. He decided to go with the unicorn, casting shields could help ponies trust him more. As he changed into a unicorn he notice some timberwolves blocking entrance of the forest. He decided to still use his mouth, instead of his magic. The two timberwolves charged at him. Raiden slash his weapon upwards so it slice off a foot from a timberwolf, and while it was still standing one two legs, he stab it up close and personal. He then lifted the timberwolf with his sword and toss it away. He soon face the other timberwolf only to find it clawing his face. He backed off from the attack, and expect the damage he gotten. His face was bleeding, but nothing too serious or that wood be bad. He rushed and slice the timberwolf in half so he could get it over with. He decided to head to a nearby river, so he could clean off the blood of his face. It took a while to make it to the river, but who cares, it's not like Ponyville would lift the alert states in that time, he took. As he clean the blood off him he remember that his blood was green, he forgot to cast the spell so quickly cast, he was happy that he choice to be a unicorn, it saves time too. Once he finish cleaning, he grab his stuff and headed to Ponyville. He decide to stay nearby the river, so he be able to get a drink of water at anytime, and the river also goes by Ponyville so it's seems to be a good plan. He walked for what it seems to be forever. He couldn't see the town, which was weird, because the area he was in was clear as day, but he did notice a three fillies being attacked by some changelings. He decided to contact his helper guide, on what to do. "Protect them, those changelings were sent to help you gain some ponies trust. Don't screw it up now" his helper guide said, Raiden didn't find this as a good idea, but he could in those changelings eyes, that they didn't care if he show up, they only care on hurting them. Raiden narrowed his eyes, he never like when changelings picking on just about anypony, it didn't seem right to him. He charged full speed head. He decided to not use sword, they just a gather changelings so it wouldn't be that hard. As knotted two changelings out causing the other two to retreat with their knot-out buddies. "You three ok?" "Yeah we're fine here mister" the earth pony with a pink bow ribbon tie to her mane said. "Good your lucky those changelings were just gatherers, and not any other changelings types." "I guess we are lucky then" the white unicorn said. "Hey how to you know what kind of changelings they were anyways" the orange pegasus said. "Well... I uhh-" he soon got a call telling him he should say that he studies changelings. "-I study changelings, so that's how I know." "Oh really then why do you need that sword then, huh." "I might be studying, but I'm not a idiot, I need a way to defend myself." "He does have a point, Scootaloo" the white unicorn said. "I just making sure he's not a changeling" Scootaloo said. "Why would I fight those changelings, if I was a changeling." "I don't it's just changelings are stupid and they only do stupid things." Raiden had a sudden urged to just punch the filly in the face, but he resisted for his assignment. "Changelings aren't dumb, they work like bees, are hard workers and well organize." "Then why in the hay would gathers attack us then?" the earth pony said. "Your probably blocking, what they're looking for." "But it's just grass everywhere, why can't they grab somewhere else, like over there" she said pointing at a random location that had grass. "Some changelings can be really neat picky, like the queen" Raiden said and soon after he gets scolded for saying such things, even if it's true. "Wow you do know a lot about changelings, hey, Applebloom he could probably help Ponyville" the white unicorn said. "That's a great idea, what to you say?" "I don't mind, but I don't why Ponyville need help" Raiden said, acting all innocent." "Find he could come, I'm Scootaloo, by the way, and you better not be a changeling spy or something" Scootaloo said. "I'm Applebloom" Applebloom said. "And I'm Sweetie Belle" Sweetie Belle said. "And we're the CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS!" the three fillies shouted at the same times. Raiden lifted his hooves off his ears "I'm Raiden." "Hi, Raiden c'mon let's get back to Ponyville" Sweetie Belle said, and soon the four made their way back to Ponyville. > Chapter 1 Ponyville Entry > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- As they walked back to Ponyville, Raiden just thought of something to asked to the three fillies. "By the way, what were, you three doing back there anyways?" Raiden asked. "Oh us, we were just playing a game" Sweetie Belle said. "From this far away, Ponyville isn't close you know, what made you come all the way here?" "Because of the changelings attacks, ponies has been asked to stay home and are only allow out if you had a royal guard with you" Scootaloo said. "I'm guessing you three snuck out then." "Yup" Applebloom said. "You know you probably get yelled at then." "We know, but it was boring staying indoors all the time." "I guess your right I barely get out much" Raiden said, as he thought how he pretty much only got out once, and that was just to move. "Really? If you don't get out how to you study changelings then?" Applebloom ask, causing Raiden to sweat, and Scootaloo to stare at him like she was ready to murder him. "I had a enchanted telescope that located changelings for me, I just really write notes on what they did." "Can we see this telescope?" Scootaloo asked, threateningly. "I broke it so that why I'm somewhat out here, too study more changelings and get a new telescope." "Ok c'mon on let's get back to Ponyville now" Scootaloo said, calming down a lot. Raiden nodded as the four went back to Ponyville silent. Once the four made it to Ponyville, three guards and two mares with worried faces came up to them. "You there FREEZE!" One of the guards order. Raiden put his hoofs up, while the CMC just stood there in confused. "Sis, what's going on and why are you wearing that?" Applebloom asked. "Applebloom, Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle get the hay over here-" the three filly did as told "-and you stay where you are" The orange mare said. "Sis his not dangerous, he save us from a bunch of changelings" Applebloom stated. "And how do we not know you not in his control and your just saying that." "Miss, Applejack it appears that your sister isn't being control neither the other two" A guard said ending his magic. "Well we still don't know if he's a changeling." "I agree with, Applejack we don't know if that brute is just here to come to hurt us" The white unicorn said. "I can hear you" Raiden said, but he was just ignored. "Rarity just cast the fancy spell of your" the orange mare said. "I can't do it with this hideous armor on" the white unicorn complained. The two went arguing for a while, which gave him a chance to contact his helper. The helper soon reply off putting on a spell that makes him a normal pony for a while, at least long enough to prevent and reveal spells. He quickly cast the spell. "Fine I cast the spell" the guard pony said casting the spell at him, it did nothing of course. "I guess your not one of them bugs then" the orange mare said. "There actually still ponies, but just have more insect like body parts" Raiden said. "And how in the darn nation do you know that?" "I study a lot on changelings, or really it's just watching and see how they interacted." "So you know a thing or two about the changeling." "Pretty much." "Then can you explain why the changelings keep attacking us ponies?" "They probably wanted the land and resources that only the ponies could get." "Then why in the darn nation do they need to attack us? We could probably set up some sort of trade." "Well most changelings are usually born to be friendly, but it depends on the hive leader." "Who's the hive leader?" A guard asked. "Basically, the leader of the hive, there are many hives so there's many leader." "But what about, Chrysalis the changeling queen doesn't she rule them all?" the white unicorn asked. "Yes, and no. She rules the best out of the hives, while the other hives are just smaller. Actually I'm lucky I live close by to the top hive, but leaving my house is very hard, because of the changelings protecting their queen." "Then how do they not see you home, Raiden?" Sweetie Belle asked. "I know some camouflage spells, that will hid my house at least." "Can you use it on yourself?" a guard asked. "No, and it wouldn't matter, since the changelings could spot you without any kind of trouble." "Even if we look exactly like them." "From what I believe, all of the changelings are somehow connect, and the leader are allow to look though one of the changelings eyes, so they could either define you as a lost changeling that somehow lost their connection or a spy." "Can you assume how long will it take to discover the spy?" "I never seen it before, but I would say not long. They probably make contact with the other hives to see if there missing any changelings, or that what's I would do at least." "My, you do know a lot about the changelings" the white unicorn said. "There amazing creatures, there could be a alicorn if they wanted too, even without a disguise, heck changing into any shape and size is great." "Shape and size... Raiden was it?" "Yup." "Can I ask, but does the changelings have to copy a pony or they could make up a pony?" "They could too both, I seen like seven different alicorns." "Mmmm... ok thanks for the information, darling I just got inspire, come along, Sweetie Belle I have work to do." "Ok, sis, but shouldn't you introduce yourself to, Raiden?" Sweetie Belle asked. The white unicorn gasp "That's right, I must said that's very unlady-like to forget for introduction. My name is Rarity, I owned the Carousel Boutique, please come by, I can make you up a nice outfit, but for now I must be going come along, Sweetie Belle." "Ok sis, but can I asked why you wearing that armor?" Sweetie Belle asked, while they walk to the Carousel Boutique, with a royal guard. "Well I have to get back to Sweet Apple Acres, c'mon, Applebloom, Granny waiting, also I'm Applejack" Applejack said, taking her sister to Sweet Apple Acres, with a royal guard. As they two group left, the last guard asked him something. "You should go see, Princess Twilight" the guard said. "Sure, why is she?" "I'll take you to her after we take Scootaloo to her home." "We? can't I go by myself." "No everypony needs a guard just in case a changeling might attack." "I'll know if it's a changeling or not." "How do you know?" "I just too, it's probably something I got from watching changelings a lot, and beside I'm a unicorn I can cast a shield spell if I need too or ever the spell to reveal changelings I won't be fooled." "Fine your find her and the Ponyville's Hospital, she helping over there and you probably need this-" the guard hand him a badge "-it's just for visitors that are coming to Ponyville for stuff, mostly a guard would be with them, but you do have the weapon with you to protect yourself with, just don't go using on us now" the guard said, as she left with Scootaloo. "Don't worry" Raiden said to himself as he walked to the hospital. He walk all the way to the hospital without any troubles, but he didn't like to see his fellow changeling get capture and who knows what happens to them. He even heard them cried for his help in his language. Raiden ignore tried his best to ignore them, but Chrysalis made sure he wouldn't lose focus on what's more important here. Once he was there, he instantly show the guards his badge and walk in. Soon a guard went to him. "Are you, Raiden?" the guard asked. "Yeah, but did you know that." "I was inform, you be coming here, that hallway will take you to the princess" the guard said showing the hallway. "Thanks" Raiden said walking though the hallway. He pass though windows that show the ponies that were injured from Conami attack. He saw a rainbow pegasus, and a pink pony who was buzzing their body cast a lot, when she saw him. He decided to stop looking, to think changelings could do this much damage can be scary sometimes, but also confusing, since most changelings needed love to survive, so invading never made sense to him. He soon realize he never actually seen a capture city would be like under the changeling rule. He knew that there was city was capture, but he wasn't allow to leave, he have to remember to go to one of the cities before returning back home once this finish. He soon expected to get a call to scolding him on thinking on things, but he got no signal. He tried using his changeling powers to look though the eyes of any nearby changelings, but he couldn't get a signal. He was alone and kind of panicking. He felt a little scare that his disguise just vanish on him, but the spell he casted before made sure that won't happen. He just believe it's just the building causing this so he move on. He made it at the end of the hallway and soon open the doors to see, Prince Twilight. > Chapter 2 Meeting Princess Twilight Sparkle > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Raiden went though the doors to see Princess Twilight, and he was pretty nervous. "You must be, Raiden. I'm Twilight Sparkle, I hear that you study changelings is that true?" Twilight asked. "Well...I...umm...yes I guess" Raiden said, nervously. Raiden didn't know why he was so nervous he just is. "You don't have to be so nervous just because I'm a princess, hay you can think of me like I just a normal pony, like everypony else." "I uh, it's not, umm... I don't think of you as a princess, no offence." "Oh really are you shy?" "No, if I was shy I wouldn't here" Raiden said with a chuckle. "I know it's because I'm a mare, and you never talk to any mares before, it is common fear to speak to mare, if your a stallion." "No that's not either and besides I'm surround by mares all the time." "I didn't catch that last part." "It's nothing, so what happen to all these ponies?" "The changelings happen." "What did the changeling did a all out assault to Ponyville." "Yeah, nopony was expecting it." "How did you defend from it?" "Everypony you see here help, from defending Ponyville, especially my friends." Raiden went around looking at all the injured ponies and notice one thing about all the injured ponies. None of them were actual guards. He ponder on how these ponies actually defend themselves. He knew Chrysalis fail taking over Canterlot, because she didn't bother setting any guards from blocking the prisoners, but how did these ponies defend themselves, none of them look like fighters just simple ponies. He could only find that could stand a chance was the six mares that had the elements within them, but that didn't help during the wedding. Soon he was trying to remember who was the six mares, but he only know Twilight, he couldn't figure out the other five. "So, Raiden what brings you here to Ponyville?" Twilight asked, snapping Raiden back to reality. "Oh, I needed some parts for my telescope, I broke it." "Is that really why your here, Raiden?" Raiden soon caught a cold chill running down his spine. He thought of a excuses to replied to Twilight. "Well... since the changelings has been popping up here, I might want to stay for a while" he said. Soon a pink pony was shaking her cast even harder then before some doctors and nurse had to calm her down, before she break any more of her cast. "What's with her?" "It's nothing really, but back to you, can I ask you some things about changelings?" "Sure, but can we do this some where else I started feeling uncomforted, especially since that pink pony looks like she going to hug me to death or something." Twilight giggle at the fact that this pony was afraid of a party pony hugging him to death. "Sure we could go to the library" she said, making Raiden to relax a little, until she went up close to him. Raiden almost thought she was going to kiss him, but instead found a blinding light, and soon they were out of the hospital. Raiden vision soon return to him and soon found he was at the library. He did a quick look to only find that Twilight wasn't here, so he tried to contact his hive, but of course couldn't, no matter how hard he tried. It just like they all vanish or something. Soon Twilight return with a bunch of quills and blank scrolls. "Oh good I see your vision is fix, sorry about that, I just sometimes can't help myself pulling stuff like that." "You're a princess shouldn't you act like one?" "Yeah, but what's fun with that." "Temporary blinding your guest isn't a good thing you know." "Yeah, yeah so if you done can we talk about changelings?" "Fine what do you want to know?" "EVERYTHING!" she shouted as she ran up to his face. Raiden took a few steps back and soon begin to talk. "Changelings are technically ponies, but with incest like features. Having the ability to change into anypony is usually used for harvesting love nothing more." "What about for combat, explain that." "Changelings usually don't change unless there are multiple enemies, probably around five or six then they would change." "Why not just change into somepony they like, they clearly can't do a thing if they look like their special somepony." "It's simple really, posing as their special somepony will give them love, with boost them, so there no real point in fighting them." "Oh, so your saying the changelings grind off of the a pony to get stronger, but why fight at all then?" "Simple, they need the area for stuff for their hives and not to mention their queen is a really picky about things." "Oh really and how to you know kind of stuff?" "Some changelings attacked me when I was gathering some honey, they took some of my honey, note the word some." Twilight laughed at the idea of the queen being so picky. "So back to fighting I want to know, is it better to fight while as a different pony or what they change into?" "I would say on a one to one, stay as a changeling, they get both the horns and wings, so it's like being a ailcorn, but with big like figures, but really it's just much as a unicorn casting a flying spell or something." "Ok so there not powerful as princess, Celestia." "The queen might be able too." "Queen, Chrysalis did beat, Celestia." "Wait are you saying you actually meant the queen before?" "Yeah, I was there when the changelings attacked Canterlot." "I guess that explain why the hive was mostly empty, when I went and look at." "So you enter a hive before what's it like?" "It's mostly green and there's a lot of broken eggs everywhere, I was lucky that there was only, what I call maid changelings." "How did you interact since you were a pony?" "Oh please, do you expect me to not have a spell that make me look like a changeling, heck I even made it look like how a changeling does their changeling." "Mind showing me this spell than?" Raiden took a big gulp, he knew he can't change because of the spell he had active. "I don't want too." "Why?" "Because I feel like somepony is going to walk in here and mistaken me for a changeling." "Fine, but answer me this, can't a changeling figure out your a different not a changeling." Raiden took another big gulp, he had to plan his words carefully, so he doesn't reveal the spell he's using. "Like I said there was only maid changeling, and they only view a changeling as a changeling, nothing more, nothing less, unless your a male or the queen." "Why males?" Raiden would give himself a hoofpalm right now, but he had to answer. "From what I found was that there wasn't that many males, they usually use for repopulating the changelings, or that's what I found thought some reports." Twilight tried to acted disgusted at the idea of male changeling only there to mate. "What are these reports?" "Just some invasion plans, I found Canterlot invasion plan, but what I found that find important was there was more hive all over the world, and it just so happens that the one I live close by is the main hive." "Hmmmm this could be the best information, I must inform princess, Celestia maybe we be able to get rid of the changeling problem." "I wouldn't do that, heck mentioning is a bad thing already a bad thing." "Why is that?" "If a changeling knew what we're talking about they're going to try to get rid of us if we talk about their major hive, and beside it's the top hive it's not going to be easy to take over, there really prepare, having traps and everything, the changelings might not be home, but traps are everywhere, and not to mention it was literally a maze, it took me a few hours just to find the exit." "I guess your right, I better hold off the idea for now." "Good is there anything you need me for?" "Can I ask you to stay here and help get rid of Ponyville current problem?" "Sure, but I still need a place to stay." "Great I go get a guard to get you a room, stay right here" Twilight said leaving the room and going to a guard to go find a house. Raiden was now left alone with some many thoughts of his hive still being there. He tried his best to reconnect to his hive, but for some strange reason he felt like his being watched. > Chapter 3 A Guard Comes Too... Uh Guard? > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- A good chuck of minutes roll by, and Raiden decided he couldn't make contact anymore so he decided to look at a spell book. He soon learn how to enhance his lasers, and some better teleporting skills, which was outstanding, since a simple book was better then the masters back at the hive. He soon started to doubt this whole mission, and his hive. The best of the best goes to that hive and he was able to learn more from a public book, and that's saying something. Raiden continue reading the book until he found a signal jammer spell and he decide that he is his own master now. He was happy about this, it not like he was able to get out, heck he was only there to mate. Once he finish with his final thought Twilight came back. "I got you a house and a couple of bits" she said tossing the bag of bits in his face causing her to giggle a bit. "Owww... metal hurts you know" Raiden complain. "I bet it does, so anyways I got you two guards to help you get to your new home. Take him away" Twilight order and soon two guards grab Raiden and went to his new home. Raiden now only wonders how this kind hearted brat became princess. The guards let Raiden down and his new home. The first thing Raiden notice is the town hall very close by, He got his key to his house from the guards, but before they leave he asked them a question "I don't want to be rude, but doesn't princess, Twilight act non-princess like?" "Princess, Twilight started acting differently when she decided to hang out with princess, Luna a lot more, what they did, we don't know. So go asked the bat ponies when there here for the night shift" the guard said, which surprise Raiden a bit. Satisfied with his answer, and he knew he couldn't get anymore, he dismiss the guards and went into his house. The house only had five rooms. His bedroom was on the second floor, and next to it was the bathroom. The kitchen is connected to the living room and that's connected to a guest room. It isn't really big, but it could fit at least can hold for a small party. He didn't really mind the space and he could expand if he wanted too, the backside of his house is empty. With a few bits he could claim that land if he wanted to. After sorting some things out, he decide to go to town hall to fix any problems Ponyville had to offer, he might not work for Chrysalis, but he wanted to help his town if he plan to stay. He grab a couple of bits and head out. Raiden left his home and took a couple steps towards town hall and then he encounter two changelings disguise as guards. "What to you want" Raiden acting like he didn't know they were changelings. "Our princess would like to talk to you" a changeling said. "Yeah you have to some explaining to do" the other changeling said. "Well... TOO BAD!" Raiden shouted while casting a reveal spell on the two changeling. The two changelings were in a little shock for a while "HOW DARE YOU!" the first changeling yelled, casting a fireball at him, while the other changeling was casting the reveal spell. Raiden just cast a shield to block both spells, he plan to just stall for a while and soon after the two changelings got tackle by some guards. Raiden watch the two changelings getting taken away, and as their final words they yelled in their own language "TRAITOR!" Hearing this made him think was it really necessary. He just sent his sisters of to jail to do who knows what, but he remember this is his new self, and now there's no turning back now. He made It to town hall to find the mayor doing some paper work. "Oh you must be, Raiden. Twilight told me you be living in the house no so far from here" Raiden only nodded. "So what do you want I'm very busy." "I want to help Ponyville, so is there anything, I can do?" "Mmmmmmm... You study changeling correct?" "Yes ma'am." "Don't call me ma'am just because I have grey hair." "Whatever you say." "Going back on topic, I want you to go Ponyville's prison and talk to the changelings, you know to see what the changelings what." "Ok... wait Ponyville has a prison?" "Well it's not really a prison, is just a house that holds all the changelings we captured." "Oh ok, where is it?" "I have a guard waiting for you outside. Go on don't keep the guard waiting." "But how did-." "GO!" "-OK!" Raiden said, leaving the town hall in a hurry. Raiden waited in front of the town hall for a whole one minute and he was bored like crazy. He wanted to leave and find this prison on his own, but he didn't want to have a guard just standing there, if there is one coming that is. He waited for another whole minute to pass and then another whole minute and then somepony crashed into him. "Watch where your going, idiot" the guard said getting up. "You're the one, who crashed into me, I was standing completely still" Raiden said getting up. "Why would you do that, don't you know there are changelings around you should be at home, unless you have a guard with you-" the guard look around for Raiden's guard, but didn't find somepony. "-Soooooo how is your day" the guard said slowly taking out his spear. "I'm not a changeling, I have this" Raiden show his badge to the guard. "Oh so your a outsider, what are you doing here?" "I waiting for this guard to escort this so called prison." "Wait... are you, Raiden by any chance?" "Yes I am, are you the guard that suppose to escort me to the prison?" "Yup the mayor told me about you three minutes ago." "How is that... you want I don't care just take me to the prison." "Yeah yeah let's go, oh and my name is, Sunny. Let's go" Sunny said going to a random direction. Geez he doesn't even look like he know where's he going and what stallion name is Sunny, Raiden thought to himself. The two walked around town like it was some sort of trade quest. "You have no idea where the prison is, now do you?" Raiden asked Sunny. "I know where it is, it's a place with a bunch of guards" Sunny said, causing Raiden to hoofpalm himself. "Didn't they give a map or something." "Right I knew that just give me a second I have it here somewhere, why don't you look around the area, so if I find a map we can located where we are easier." "At least you still know how to use brain" Raiden said moving away from Sunny. Once Sunny couldn't see Raiden anymore, he quickly took off his armor. "Sweet, Celestia why do I have to be his bodyguard... he also seems strange and I guess he's... no no I have to focus get the map and put back the armor, nopony must know" Sunny said to herself quietly. He soon found the map and call Raiden over, but he didn't show up. After a while he was worried he might have gotten lost or something so he went to go look for him. Sunny took to the sky too located him. He spotted him fighting some guards, and charged at him. "ARE YOU CRAZY!" he yelled, dive bombing him. Raiden looked at the direction of somepony shouting, and once he saw Sunny diving at him he quickly teleported himself out of the way. "What the heck, Sunny aim at them not me they're the changelings" Raiden complain. "They don't look like changelings" Sunny said, getting up. "Of course they don't look like changelings they're in disguise" Raiden said punching a guard. "And how do you know this?" "Are you kidding me, I'm a unicorn, I have the spell to reveal who they are, they just change back, and also there's no other guards nearby so it's just us." "Sooooooo?" Raiden facehoof himself, and then cast the reveal spell again. "Ooooh ops my bad." Raiden faced Sunny "I feel like I can do better without you" Raiden said, knotting out one of the changelings that snuck up behind him. "Well I'm a guard so I supposed to be better, and to prove I finish off that changeling" Sunny pointed and then charged. It took ten seconds flat for her to get beaten by the changeling. Raiden went to threw a rock on the changeling to knot it out "You have a weapon, and I used a rock, how on Equestria did you lose?" "He had horn, I was clearly at a disadvantage." "Yeah ever though she never used it" Raiden said, helping Sunny up. "I knew that, it's just my plan was involve the enemy using magic" Sunny made up. "Sure your plan involve magic." "Are you going to help me brings these two to the prison or not." "You figure out where the prison is?" "Well yeah it's just on the other side of turn." "Why didn't I asked sooner" Raiden complained. "Stop complaining and let's get moving, and by the way, how did you know that changeling was a female?" "Most changelings are born a mare, it isn't really a big surprise since mares pretty much rule Equestria. that's why we stallions should stick together right." "Uhhhh... yup we guys should stick together" Sunny said in a unsteady voice. "Right let's go" Raiden said dashing while dragging a knotted out changeling. "Hey wait up" Sunny said dragging the other knotted out changeling, while only one thing in his mind, mares aren't always get what they want even if they rule over everypony. > Chapter 4 The Prison > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- After a long case of running, the two finally made it to the prison, which consists of five guards on the outside, while the building just looks like a normal house but painted grey. "I think this is the prison" Raiden said to the exhausted Sunny. "You don't say" Sunny mocked. "Jeez don't have to sound so pissed." "You wouldn't slow down." "Your a pegasus, aren't you faster then me, heck I even dragging this changeling along." "Are you implying that I'm fat?" "Where did you get that idea? I'm simply saying that your might not be one of the fastest pegasus there is, but I rarely seen a pegasus that asked to slow down before before." "Well I wearing heavy armour." "Our armour isn't heavy" somepony said. The voice came behind the door where Sunny, and Raiden were waiting at. The door soon open revealing a eight feet high, grey earth pony. As he walk out he hit his head on the top part of the door way. "Why do I have to watch the door" the guard complain quietly to himself. "Shut up, Guard he doesn't know that" Sunny said. "It wouldn't matter, I didn't believe you any ways." "See he know's our armour is enchanted to best suit us" Guard said. "I just take the two changelings inside" Sunny said, taking both changelings in. "Your name is, Raiden isn't it?" Guard asked. "Yeah, how about yours?" "It's Guard." "That's... a name I guess." "It's better then nothing... So any ways we should head in your that changeling researcher right?" "Why else am I here." "Fair point" Guard say as they walked in. As Raiden enter, he figure out that the prison is pretty much a house. There's curtains, tables, chair, and pretty much what you find in a normal house. "Hey, Guard?" "Yeah?" "Who's house are we in?" "This is a prison." "Ah aren't prisons for keeping prisoners in confine space" "THANK YOU!" a random guard shouted from the next room. "Well if it's keeps the changelings still why complain." "So it's a house then?" "I guess." "Then who's house is it?" "How should I know, princess Twilight, just came in kick whoever live here out and use her magic to make it look like a prison." "That's sounds like she going to get repels." "I thought that as well, but the ponies who lived here didn't mind, since they serving her majesty." "I guess serving a princess get's you giant bragging rights." "To tell you the truth, I think that's what the ponies were aiming for." "Seriously, I thought Ponyvillie was a decent normal town." "Tell me about, to you know the, Cakes?" "No." "Well they own Sugarcube Corner, and they have two foals, and anypony who those foalsits those two, never does it again, not even Pinkie Pie and she lives there." "And how exactly do you know this?" "Before the changeling happens, I was working my normal shift with, Sunny guarding the meeting room, for princess Celestia and she had a meeting with some ponies from Ponyville, complaining about the, Cakes." "Wow, now I kind of afraid of Ponyville." "I know right." "HEY!" Sunny shouted getting both of their attention. "Raiden come on, you forget, why we here?" "Yeah yeah go talk to the changelings" but before he didn't he cast the spell he learn earlier on hiding you true self. So he enter the room, and saw five changelings. Two that got arrested before, two that was knotted out, and one that he didn't know. The two changeling that knew who he was never talk an the other two didn't wake up, so he had to talk to the only one he didn't know. "(Hi there)" Raiden said in changeling's language. "(You can speak our language, but you not a changeling, how is this possible)" the changeling asked. "(Just think about it for ten seconds and you can figure it out)." "(Nopony ever visit changelings, and spying them on us couldn't give you the language and there's no spell... but I do recalled a male went left the hive... your that changeling aren't you?)" "(Bingo)." "(Traitor)." "(You say this, but you not doing anything about it, now why is that?)" "(Because I'm in prison, and nopony is going to believe a word)." "(Yeah, but if you recalled, nopony can figure out our language, so how could this make sense)." "(It's still wouldn't matter and besides... what are you planning to get out of this?)" "(I just going to say this, the other changelings aren't coming for us, heck they might be after us)." "(Easy for you to say, your a male. Males are needed to repopulate, they only find me as wasted of food)." "(Sorry to say, but I've been attacked already, you see those two?)" Raiden said pointed at the piss off changelings. "(Yeah, Dawn and, Dusk twin sisters of the highest hive)." "(They're are the ones who attacked me)." "(I figured since the two unconscious just came, and those two came a little before them)." "(Yeah, but any ways I just saying your on you're own, and unless you like waiting in fear, you're do something about it)." "(But what can I do, I'm just waiting till a guard comes in to have us killed)." "(WHAT! when did this happen?)" "(The whole changeling attacking Ponyville, Conami really wanted Ponyville)." "(Oh yeah what hive are you from?)" "(Sadly Conami)." "(You do know there not coming for you then?)" "(Why do you think I said sadly, I'm just a harvester caught in the cross fire, heck I been basely feeding everypony here, I was lucky I wasn't sent to my death, there was a lot more then five, and I was busy feeding every changelings, I feel sorry for the ones who got token away just to keep me alive, I was the only harvester)." "(Well this sucks, this is why I'm not following that hive any more)." "(So what are you planning then?)" "(I said we should start our living on our own)." "(Do you really think you could pull something like that off?)" "(Better then doing nothing, but are willing to help?)." "(What can I do?)" "(You can first convince our friends over there to join, then when I come back I teach you a spell, to help you stay hidden for a long while, but not now, I don't think I have enough time, the sun's going down)." "(Yeah, I try and convince the them, while you get back, and hurry I think the guard coming to have us killed)" "(Don't worry I won't let that happen to you or any other changeling)." "(Thanks, by the way I'm Lily)." "(I'm Raiden, I better go, tell the other the idea and if they planning to come, think of a pony design your going to need one)." "(Ok, goodbye and good luck)." With that Raiden left the other changelings alone and return to Guard and Sunny. "What were you guy talking about?" Guard asked. "Yeah I didn't know you could speak changeling" Sunny said. "Well I'm full of surprises." "I guess you are, but you better leave it's getting dark" Guard said. "Are right let's go, Sunny" Raiden said, leaving the prison and heading home with Sunny. On their way back Raiden remember something he wanted to asked. "So, Sunny how to you know, Guard or is it like you only know him though your job." "I knew him since we we're foals, and he's great on keeping secrets so if you have any problem you should go asked him." "I'll keep that in mind" Raiden said as they walked home, he need to be well rested to figure out a plan. > Chapter 5 Morning Task > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Raiden woke up by the sound of bird chipping. He was always fond of the creatures that are able to be free, but he also hated them because they were free, but since he free he lost his reason to hate them. Speaking of hate, he hated how he couldn't eat any food, well tasting food, even though emotions can have different type of taste depending on the mood, but any ways he was starving. So to get some food he turn to, Sunny who was guarding the entrance and asleep. Raiden nudge Sunny a bit, which cause Sunny to get Raiden into a choke hold. "Sunny it's me, Raiden" Raiden tried to say. "Huh...wha-" Sunny was still waking up, but he soon got enough energy to realize what's going on. "-Sorry about that, Raiden you should never wake me up ever" Sunny said, letting Raiden go. "I can see why, I'll remember to not to wake you up when your keeping watch." "Ops." Raiden chuckle "C'mon let's head inside and I cook something for you." "What about you?" "I'm not hungry" Raiden lied as he enter his home and head to the kitchen. "Really? I didn't see you eat last night" Sunny said as he sat on the couch "I had a midnight snack" Raiden lied again. "What kind of midnight, makes you full for breakfest?" "My midnight snack." "Fair enough, so what's on the menu?" "I don't know, what to you want?" "I go for a daisy sandwich." "Ok" Raiden said from the kitchen. He then realize that he had no idea on making a sandwich. So he went and grab some bread and some random flowers. He then place his hoof and utilize his changeling powers to change the mess up looking sandwich in what it look like a perfect sandwich, he just hope it tasted ok. It was too bad his changeling powers couldn't change the taste, but at least gives him the ability to change things by touching them, and he was lucky to be one of the changelings that could to that. He found this a bit cliché, but who cares, if it helps him it's help him. He brought the sandwich to Sunny, and he can taste the enjoyment of Sunny eating the sandwich. "This is a good sandwich, how did you make it?" Sunny asked, while her mouth was full. "Oh you know, like how everypony else makes their sandwich." "I know you tamper with the sandwich, I might be a guard, but I know all foods that enter my mouth and I know if it was tamper with." "If you know your food so much, then how come you can't figure this one out then?" "This is my first time encountering it, I must say you did a very good job and hiding the fact it was tampered with." "I barely tried to hide it" Raiden thought to himself. "It's nothing really, it's probably the levitation spell your tasting." "I guess that make's sense, so what are we doing today?" "We?" "Everypony in town has a personal guard, remember?" "Yeah, but I can defend myself and I have that thingy, I got from the guard that let's me go anywhere." "Yeah, well you living in Ponyville now, so I'm coming with if like it or not." "Fine let's go to town hall, the mayor might what things from me." "Must we go there, it's so boring" Sunny wined. "You know the rules, you're my guard and you have to go anywhere I go." "Fine" He grunted as they left. So they went to town hall, and got some assignments from Mayor mare. It was simple task, from just checking on ponies (especially the ones that donate the most to town hall), repairing Ponyville, and arresting any changelings or reporting any missing ponies. Raiden made sure they pass the prison to check out the guards on the outside. He took note that four guards were pegasus and is posted facing north, south, east and west. The fifth pony was a unicorn, and is posted at the very top of the building. "I guess princess, Twilight is still smart" Raiden thought to himself. Twilight sure did change after the wedding, but how could he tell since this is really the first time being close to pony-kind. Once they were done finishing with the tasks, Raiden decided to get some supplies, for his own reasons, but during their trip, an changeling attack. Sunny didn't see the changeling, until she go push by Raiden. "Idiot, I'm suppose to being guarding you" Sunny said, head butting the changeling to get off Raiden. "Yeah, well I'm not letting others to get harm if I got to say about it" Raiden said, and soon he went fighting the changeling, while Sunny watch. "That idiot, but does he really care for me?" Sunny thought to himself. Sunny just watch as he easily taking care of the changeling. "I know he studies changelings and all, but how could he react so quickly to a changeling. It looks like he knows every combat strategy, but how? Could it be that he's a changeling, I'm mean he did talk like a changeling and I doubt that he ever had practice speaking to a changeling. He must be a changeling, but wait if he was a changeling, why hasn't he taken me out? Could it be that he is trying to break out the other changelings? No there was never a changeling that tried to break the other changelings out, so why would they do it now, man this is so confusing, I better go ask, Guard on what he thinks" He thought then went to see Guard. "Well that takes care of that" Raiden said and he instantly notice the Sunny was nowhere to be found. He still has to get the supplies he needs for the break out, tonight. He heads to get the supplies, but not until he place the unconscious changeling in his house. She's pretty knot out and would probably wake up the next morning. Hopefully everything can goes well with the break out. "You sure about this, Sunny?" Guard ask. "Yes, and if I'm right we might have something more on our hoofs" a female pony said. "And if you wrong?" "Hopefully I don't lose my job." > Chapter 6 The Break Out > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Midnight, time for the break out and pry to Celestia everything goes fine, because Chrysalis wouldn't really care. Raiden open the window from his room and change into a dark guard pegasus. Raiden was about to jump off until he notice that Sunny wasn't on guard. Raiden went down and change into his unicorn form, he started to like Raiden and wouldn't mind being him for a very long while. He cast a spell to check if Sunny ever came back, she didn't. Raiden didn't care and headed to the prison. Once he was there he saw a search light come by, it probably came from the unicorn. Before Raiden took action he noted that the four pegasus were bat ponies now so they're probably could see in the dark. Raiden teleport to the unicorn and knot him out. Before the bat ponies could response he quickly cast a mist spell blinding the bat ponies and one by one they got knot out. He then took form of one of the bat ponies and head inside. It didn't take long for the other guards to know something is wrong, but Raiden knot them out. It took a little while to find Lily and the other changelings, hopefully the other guards weren't aware of the break out. Raiden found the five changelings in a room by themselves. "I got to ask by why are there are no guards?" Dawn answer his question "Because you knot them out." "Yeah, but I knot out a few shouldn't there be more guards." "Why do you want to make this harder?" Dusk ask with a cocky grin. "No it's just... never mind lets me just tell how to keep as your illusion form real." So they all change into their pony they created. Lily change into a green earth pony. She has pink short mane style and she also has a cutie mark of lily. Dawn change into a yellow pegasus that has a black long mane style. Her cutie mark is a cloud. Dusk change into a purple unicorn with a shot purple mane style. She has a firework as a cutie mark. The other changeling know as Mist and change into a white earth pony. She has a white long mane with a cutie mark of mist. The other other changeling know as Sara change into a blue pegasus. She has a green mane and a tornado cutie mark. It didn't take long for Raiden to tell them spell and cast for the non-unicorn. He wish that all of them can just teleport to his house but changelings can't teleport well. Raiden and the other changelings head out of the prison, only to be flash by unicorn's light magic. "Hold it" the officer pony said "You are the suspicion of being changeling and you must remain in the building. Don't bother escaping we got bat ponies ready to come at you if you resist." Raiden curse under his breath "So close too" he would pull out his sword but the bright light was getting to him. Suddenly another bright light happen but since Raiden and the other changelings were covering their eyes already this new bright light didn't effect them. Instead it effected the royal guards. Raiden look down to see a two ponies waving to them to come with them. Raiden didn't like the idea but it's better then staying with the royal guards. He and the other changeling follow the two ponies into town. Raiden went to meet their helpers to only find out they are Guard and Sunny, but Sunny look a little different. Sunny wasn't wearing any armor, which made Raiden notice that Sunny is a mare. She has a bright yellow long mane with a sun cutie mark. Her fur is snow white "You never told me you're a mare." "Well you never told me you're a changeling." "Well that because-" "Besides isn't obvious" Sunny said with everypony agreeing. "-Gee thanks not like I have feelings or anything." "We're grateful and all, but we're are we heading?" Lily ask. "We'll heading to Raiden's house" Guard said. "Hope you remember where it is Raiden" Sunny tease. "Why don't you remember?" Raiden ask. "You seriously need to get you brain check." "What that suppose to mean?" "Don't worry about" Sunny said while the others laugh leaving Raiden embarrasses. It took a while for them to make it to Raiden house. He's amaze that they didn't encounter any other guards, which made him ask "Hey where are the other guards?" He ask Guard. "Back at the prison." "Seriously what fool make all the guards confront a couple of changelings." "You be surprise how useless the other guards are." "What?" "Yeah if you happen to be a guard that looks like other guards, you're going to be useless as a rock" Sunny said. "Aren't there rock farms?" Raiden ask. "The point is. If you look like another guard, you're going to be useless." "Is that so" Dusk said with a villain face. "Yeup it's the elements of harmony that's going to save day like they always." "So anyways into my house" Raiden said stupidly. They enter Raiden's place only to find the place a wreck. Everypony except Raiden got into their fighting stance while Raiden just walk around without a care. "Raiden aren't you worry that there's somepony here?" Lily ask. "No because it's just another changeling" Raiden replied while looking for the changeling. Suddenly behind the counter in the kitchen a changeling pop up. "I'm not a it, I'm a her" the changeling said. "Hey you're awake" Raiden said making the others clam down. "Hey you're that pony who knot me out." "Hey you're the one who attack me." "Yeup... So now what?" > The Last Stand Finale > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- A few days past after the prison break. Raiden and the other changelings gather food for themselves while Guard and Sunny upgrades Raiden's house without letting anypony notice the house is improving, which is impressive when there right next to town hall. Only Raiden stay as himself while the other changelings keeps switching disguises. Raiden, Sunny, and Guard decide to have a break at a cafe nearby. As they enjoy their meal, Twilight came into view of Twilight. She has a look of angry and by how she leaves an fiery trial behind her, she means business. "You're the one free all the changelings!" Twilight shouts as she's getting a trap spell ready. "What no I didn't" Raiden lie "and where's your proof?" "You weren't at your house when I visit on that said night." "Raiden and I went for a late night jogging" Sunny lie. "Oh? Then how come the bunch of other ponies behind you then? Raiden and Sunny were hesitant to speak, lucky for them Guard spoke up. "They we're ponies who were separate by their guards at night. Lucky for them they brought their Id with them so I can confirm that there aren't changelings." Twilight didn't say anything for a while, she then spoke up. "Fine, but don't think your out of the fire just yet" she says as she walks away. "Well... maybe we should be going now" Raiden suggest. No pony disagree, and with that, they left the cafe. They decide to get to Raiden's place to avoid anypony confronting them. Too bad for them screaming was heard and even though it would be bad for them to see anypony. However it would best worst if they didn't response. So they head to where the screaming was at. In a dark alleyway in Ponyville. They found an fainted mare and changeling Lily. "What happen here?" Raiden ask. "I-I needed to rest for a bit and I-I must have undo my form while I slept." "Well turn back and let's hope she doesn't remember anything" Sunny order Lily. Lily changes as the mare wakes up. She quickly eyes Lily and slowly makes her way to the two guards. "That pony's a changeling" she quietly says to Guard. "Really well there's one way to find out" Guard went over to Lily "do you have any idea on you?" To Guard's surprise Lily did pull out some ID. "Lily Rain... well seems real, sorry to bother you" Guard then waves Lily off. "But... but...-" the mare got interrupted by Guard. "Miss, you ok? You must be paranoid because of the high alert seeing how you're by yourself and it isn't safe to be without a guard at these times" Guard say escorting her out of the area "I'm an visitor so I'm staying-" is all that Raiden could hear. "Well that happen" he says as they left the alleyway. As they walk out the same mare from before comes back. "What did yo-" is all of what Raiden say as he gets uppercut. Sunny quickly pin the mare to the ground after she uppercut Raiden. "What the heck-" Guard comes over and tackles Sunny. "Guard! What's wrong with you?" Guard didn't answer as he charge at Sunny. Raiden push Sunny out of the way as well as dodging Guard. "Those two are changelings!" Raiden inform. "Really now" Sunny speak as she dodge mare "I guess I can do this!" she then beats the fake mare into submission. Raiden charge at the fake Guard only to be pin down and pummel. Sunny just watch Raiden as he get pummel. "Don't just stand there. Help me!" Raiden struggle to break free of opponent. Sunny assist Raiden by just knotting out the changeling. "How could you have troubles with that?" she ask pointing at the unconscious changeling. "Shut up... aren't you suppose do be guarding me?" "Yeah but I can't help it if you pick fights." "Fair enough" Sunny help Raiden up "so where do you think they came from?" "You're the changeling expect here. You figure it out." "Well seeing how they out right attacking. I guessing they are invading Ponyville." "Yeah I figure as much since there is a horde of clones over there" Sunny point at the horde of changelings that look like the same pony. "Weird, why would they all look the same though? "Well if the real pony is in that horde then we can't just beat everypony wildly now can we?" Yeah well I can tell the difference. Follow my lead" Raiden order as he charge against the horde. Sunny follow Raiden's lead but really it's him getting beat up while she does most but not all the work. Soon the changelings back off which confuse Sunny a bit. "Why are they retreating?" Sunny ask. "Because I told them to" a voice that came behind them. Raiden and Sunny jump back at the voice behind them, to discover Chrysalis is behind them. Raiden and Sunny jump a bit before facing her. "What are you doing here, Chysalis?" Raiden ask. "Isn't it clear. I'm trying to take over Ponyville." "But why did you disconnect me from the hive?" "Because I needed to." "What? How does that make any sense?" Sunny ask. "Well I guess I can tell you simple minded ponies." "Watch it, keep talking like that and you be down before you know it." "Yeah I'm so scared" Chrysalis says sarcastically "but anyways my plans simple. Wait a few days until Raiden frees the other changelings then I invade." "Again, how does that make any sense?" Sunny ask. Raiden suddenly realize it. "To make the other guards tired from seaching for the escape changelings." "Yeah the only thing I need was a friendly class changeling to help with this plan. Personally I would have hope for a more loyal changeling that does not befriend an pony." "That's your own mistake and it'll be the greatest mistake you ever made, Chrysalis." "Challenging me, are we? You're just a drone. What's make you think you can stand against me?" "I'm not just a drone, Chrysalis. I'm Raiden, a changeling that better then his former queen." "Impressive come back, I'll give you that. But enough talking and face." Raiden did the one thing he knows best. Charging at the enemy, head first and hope for the best. Of course this fails since Chrysalis puts a small shield around her. "Did you really think that would work?" "I was hoping so." "Males, brainless as always." "I beg to disagree." "And why's that?" "Surprise attack!" Sunny calls out from behind Chrysalis. Chrysalis quickly puts up another shield. "You really shout out sneak up attacks you fo-" Chysalis is then pin by Guard who join the fray. "Third times the charm, right?" Guard then place an magic restrainer on Chysalis "that should hold you. "Fools release me or-" Chysalis says before her mouth is cover by Sunny. "Shut up, you're in no condition to pull any threats." "Yeup, and once I have control of your hive mind I can call of the army" Raiden note. "Really you can do that?" Guard asks. "Yeup, the one who takes over the hive mind is shown respect." It didn't take that long for Raiden to take over the hive mind. He quickly order the invading changelings to cease and return to the hive. Once they return, Raiden made every changeling their own pony character; so they can live in peace. Equestria sooner or later lifted the emergency and everypony live with the unknown changelings.