Rainbow Dash awakens as a Changeling in a world alternate from her own.
Rainbow Dash dies.
Then, our story begins.
In the body of a changeling, and with help from the Knights of Harmony, she must come to terms with her new identity as well as this strange world so similar, yet very different, from her own.
Was she in water? She couldn't breathe. Yes, she was underwater.
The water seemed to be rather red. That was probably just her blood.
She could sort of see the moon through the ripples. It was probably a beautiful night.
Her lungs burned. She had to go up for air.
Her legs refused to move at all, let alone paddle.
So this was how she was going to die. Shame.
Well, there were worse ways to go.
She closed her eyes and let everything fade away.
- - -
Her eyes slowly opened. She looked up, and saw the night sky. The moon was overhead. It was midnight.
Her head hurt. What was her name, again? It was... It started with an R, she was sure of that... Rainbow something?
She couldn't feel her wings. Perhaps they were just asleep? It would be best to stay on the ground for now.
Her legs were... Black and full of holes? That weren't her legs, those were the legs of a changeling!
She got to her hooves with a start. Everything flashed green for a second, and she could feel her wings again, though they felt sluggish and unwieldy. She groaned, it would be a while before she could fly.
She took a look at her surroundings. She was in the clearing of a small woods. She didn't recognize this place. On the horizon was a soft glow. She guessed that it was from a town, though why would so many lights be on this late at night?
She put her hoof forward, and noticed it was back to its original cyan color. A sigh of relief escaped her muzzle. Perhaps she was just seeing things before.
Rainbow Dash set off towards the town in the distance.
- - -
The sign she passed told her that this was the town of Crescent. She hadn't heard of a town with that name before, so she wasn't likely to know anypony in town.
But then again, she was the awesomeness that was Rainbow Dash; Everypony would know her!
She walked by a bookstore called “The Thousand Words”, paused, then walked in. Perhaps she could get more information on where she was here. Better yet, she could see if the new Daring Do book was in!
The bell rang as she entered the shop.
“Hello, can I help-” She heard a male voice say before suddenly stopping.
Rainbow noticed the stallion behind the counter. He was an earth pony, and his straight mane, coat, and eyes were all the same dark gray.
“Oh, Rainbow Dash, what brings you here?” He asked with a faulted smile.
“Hey, uh, could you tell me if the new Daring Do book is in?” Rainbow Dash asked.
“Er, no, it's not going to be in for another week.” He said. “Feel free to browse. D-don't leave the store, I'm just going to be a moment!”
Rainbow raised an eyebrow. “Uh?”
“I'm just... Getting a friend of yours!” The stallion said. “Don't go anywhere!”
He then bolted out the back.
“Well... That was... Weird.” Rainbow said. “What's his problem?”
She shrugged, and began browsing the shelves.
Suddenly, there was a flash of blue light. Rainbow turned, and saw a very pissed off... Trixie?! The blue mare with the flowing silver mane didn't seem to be wearing her usual trademark purple star-studded wizard hat and cloak for some reason.
“Halt, changeling scum!” Trixie bellowed with an air of authority and a bit of smugness.
“What? Where?” Rainbow said looking around, before realization hit. “ME!? I'm not a-”
She was interrupted by a blast of magic to the face, sending her flying into the bookshelf, knocking over half of the books out.
“OW! What the hay is your problem?!” Rainbow shouted, now pissed as well.
“Don't play dumb!” Trixie shouted back. “I'm going to wipe the floor with you, but first I want you to remove that insulting disguise!”
“What disguise?” Rainbow asked, confused.
Trixie replied with another spell, this one causing Rainbow's vision to green over. Nausea washed over her, and she stumbled a bit and caught the side of a bookshelf. One look at her now black and hole-filled hoof told her enough.
She was a changeling.
Rainbow Dash screamed as she fell to the floor and curled up. Nausea came over her again, and she began to dry-heave. The other two ponies were saying something, but it was drowned out by the loud ringing in her ears.
After 10 minutes, both the screaming and the dry-heaving stopped. She was curled up in the corner, sobbing and saying one sentence over and over.
“Have you ever seen a changeling look like this before?”
“I can't say I have. They usually either look like the pony they're imitating, or they don't. I've never seen one go halfway.”
Rainbow Dash... No. She wasn't Rainbow Dash. She needed a name, but she was a changeling. She didn't deserve a name. She was nothing.
The changeling opened her eyes slowly. She was in a cell in some dungeon. Torchlight shone through the bars, illuminating four ponies inside the cold gray cell. Two of them were guards. Rainbow recognized the armor they wore signifying them as Luna's personal guard, though their special bat wings were just as obvious. Which made sense, since Luna was one of the ponies in the cell, wearing a look of curiosity. The other pony was Trixie, who seemed disgusted just to be in the same cell as a changeling.
The changeling didn't blame her.
“M... Mirror...” The changeling croaked out.
Luna frowned, but her horn glowed softly as the wall next to the changeling's bed shimmered and began to shine before becoming a mirror.
The changeling looked at herself. She was definitely a changeling, she had the same body structure and nuances, but her mane was prismatic and her coat was cyan. Her eyes were one solid red, though glowing softly. Her wings were bug-like. It's doubtful she'd be able to fly nearly as fast as she used to.
A quiet sickly laugh left her mouth. The mirror vanished. The laugh got louder, and fresh tears streamed down her face.
“Please... Please tell me you are here to end my miserable existence.” The changeling croaked out with a sad smile. “Here I am, a changeling who really does think she's somepony who she obviously isn't. I don't even hold a candle to the real Dash. I don't deserve to live...”
Trixie's disgusted look turned into a disturbed one.
“This one is different.” Luna said.
“Well, I've gathered that much.” Trixie said with an eye roll. “Can't say I've seen a changeling panic.”
“Indeed.” Luna said. She then approached the changeling and...
Hugged her.
The changeling's eyes went wide, and after a second she cried once again as she hugged back.
“Shush little one, everything will be okay...” Luna cooed.
“N-No, it won't! I'm a fake, a perverted parody of who I should be! I shouldn't exist!”
“Everypony has a purpose.” Luna replied.
“I don't! I'm... I'm just a stupid changeling...”
“You are different.” Luna said, which caused the changeling to stop crying.
“Wh-what?”
“You have the mind and the personality of a good pony. You may not have her body, but you have at least a small part of her soul. I've seen it in you.”
“You have?”
“Yes. You may not be Rainbow Dash, but you are still somepony.”
The changeling nodded.
“You need a name.”
Trixie frowned. “Well, it's just a cheap imitation of Rainbow Dash, so it only seems fair to call her Wob Niar.”
“Wob... Niar?” The changeling asked, confused.
“Rainbow backwards, obviously.” Trixie said with an upward turn of her muzzle.
The changeling rose an eyebrow.
“It was something I heard Pinkie talking about one time. Something about an evil twin. While you aren't a twin, and the princess seems oddly convinced that you aren't evil, the name suits you.”
The changeling paused, then nodded. She had a name. It was kind of a stupid one, but it was a name. She had an identity.
“Th-thank you so much, Trixie.” Wob Niar said with a smile.
“Don't thank me, this was Luna's idea.” Trixie said as she motioned her head towards the tall alicorn princess standing next to her.
“...Right. Thanks, Luna.” Wob said.
“You are welcome, Wob Niar.” Luna said. “I don't intend to keep you in a dungeon for the rest of your life, though I feel you will have... difficulties if you attempt to live on your own. Thus, you shall live with the Knights of Harmony.”
“The Knights of what?” Wob asked, her head tilted.
“What?!” Trixie shouted, looking like she was just slapped in the face.
“The Knights of Harmony bear the Elements of Harmony in times of war.” Luna explained. “Trixie is the Knight of Magic, and you will live with her.”
“What?!” Trixie shouted again. “That thing has to live with me?! I refuse!”
“Yet you were eager to help the poor thi- pony a moment ago.” Luna said. “Besides, I am the princess of the night, and you are my protege. Would you prefer that I pull rank?” She added with a mischievous smile.
“...Fine.” Trixie huffed, defeated. “But I'm not doing this alone! It's going to have to live with the other Knights of Harmony, too.”
“Wha...?” Wob said.
“Every day, you will be passed on to the next Knight.” Trixie explained. “First, I will have to deal with your sorry flank, then I get to toss you on to the next poor sap.”
“What?” Wob asked again.
“Urgh! Are you really this stupid?” Trixie raised her voice in frustration. “What I'm trying to say is-”
“No, it's not that.” Wob interrupted. “I get the living conditions. I just... When did you become Luna's student? What the hay are the Knights of Harmony? And why aren't you talking in third person?”
“Third... Person?” Trixie asked, a small blush on her face. “How did you... Never mind. How could you not know of the Knights of Harmony? You must know at least a bit about the Bearers of Harmony, given who you are copying.”
“Well, yeah! Twilight, Fluttershy, Pinkie, Applejack, Rarity, and of course me!” Wob said with a proud puff of her chest. The pride quickly deflated. “Well... Not me me, but... You get what I mean. Those mares are my best friends! Why wouldn't I know about them?”
“Well, did you really think that The Solar Empire would be the only nation with ponies dedicated to the Elements? Luna has her own group as well, led my none other than me!” Trixie said proudly.
“The Solar Empire? The hay is that?” Wob asked, irritated. “Last I checked, we lived in Equestria!”
“'Equestria' is not a country.” Trixie replied, “It's a political and economic union of The Solar Empire, The Lunar Empire, and more recently, The Crystal Empire.”
“Still, I haven't heard of a Solar or Lunar Empire!” Wob shot back.
“How dumb are you?” Trixie asked with more than a hint of arrogance. “Let me give you a history lesson. Many years ago, well over a thousand, Celestia and Luna triumphed gloriously over Discord. They both decided to take the reformation of the land into their own hooves. The land was split into half; One half was ruled by Celestia, and operates by day. We live in the other half, the Lunar Empire. It is ruled by the fair Princess Luna, and operates by night. Over here, ponies are nocturnal. While there are far less farmers in this country, there are far more industries, especially with manufacturing.”
Wob blinked, and the realization hit. “This... This isn't my world.”
Trixie frowned. “Come again?”
“It seems similar, but this isn't the world I know. The one I know has one nation, Equestria, not two. Celestia rules by day, Luna by night. And there aren't any Knights of Harmony, and you most certainly are not Luna's student!” Wob explained. “Also, you have a really, really obnoxious habit of speaking in the third person and referring to yourself as 'The Great and Powerful Trixie'. Even though you're neither.”
Trixie rubbed her chin with a hoof. “This is most puzzling...”
“I think I can offer an explanation.” Luna said. “It would also explain the state this changeling is in.”
“What's that?” Trixie asked.
“Something must have happened to a Rainbow Dash of another life.” Luna said. “Whatever happened caused her consciousness to be transported here, into the body of a changeling.”
“That could explain why you were able to detect Rainbow Dash's soul in her, even though we both know Dash is in Ponyville right now.” Trixie said with a nod.
“So I'm not even in my own world. Great.” Wob said with an eye roll. Though, without pupils or irises, one couldn't actually tell. “This day sucks.”
“So, you're not changeling scum.” Trixie said. “Not mentally, at least.” She added.
“No, I'm not. I'm Rainbow Dash!” Wob said with a smile.
“Yes, though perhaps you should retain the... unique name Trixie gave you for now. As stated, we already have a Rainbow Dash.” Luna said.
“Fine, I'll use Trixie's stupid name.” Wob said with a groan.
“Hey! I told you, Pinkie came up with it!” Trixie replied.
“When did she tell you that?” Wob asked.
“It was a while ago, after a Gala that went absolutely dreadfully.” Trixie explained. “She was going on and on about some mystery novel she was working with somepony named Lyra on.”
“What was it about?” Wob asked, curious.
“Something about somepony framing Rainbow Dash for murder. I don't really remember much, I tuned out most of it.” Trixie said.
“Yeah, she's a good mare, but she doesn't know when to shut up sometimes.” Wob admitted.
“Oh good, I'm not the only one who thinks that.” Trixie said. “Perhaps we can get along alright.”
Luna nodded, and turned towards the guards. The cell door was unlocked then opened.
“Let's go, my little ponies.” Luna said, then frowned. “You know, my sister says that all the time, but I don't really get why. It sounds rather awkward. I mean, you ponies are smaller than me, but not enough to be 'little'.”
“I'll admit, I find it weird, too.” Trixie said.
“One of my sister's quirks, I guess. That and her love of cake.” Luna shrugged.
Luna and Trixie led Wob out of the cell, and into a new life.
“Shut up! I'm trying to read!” Trixie shot back, muzzle buried deep into a book on magic studies that Luna gave her to read. Unfortunately, it wasn't doing very good at blocking out Wob's complaints.
“But there's nothing to doooooooooo. I wanna flyyyyyyy.”
“You're a changeling! Somepony will see you and try to take you down! They might not be as wise and merciful and me, and we can't have you going out there and getting killed! It'll look bad on my record.” Trixie replied. “Read a book or something.”
“But all your books are booooooooooring!”
“I can't help it if you can't comprehend good literature.” Trixie said with an upturned muzzle.
“Boooooooooriiiiiiiiiiing!” Wob replied.
“They're well wri-”
“BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOORIIIIIIIIIIII-”
Wob jumped with a start as teal magic clamped her muzzle shut.
“SHUT. UP.” Trixie said through clenched teeth. “Tell you what, take that cloak Luna gave you and go look for Kulart.”
“Hmpf?”
“What? Oh, right.” Trixie said as she released the grip keeping Wob silent.
“Who is Kulart?” Wob asked.
“Oh. He's my assistant.” Trixie answered simply.
“Huh. Another dragon?”
“No, he's not a dragon. He's a griffon.”
“Oh. Nice.” Wob said with a small smile. “Like Gilda.”
“I don't know who this 'Gilda' griffon is, but sure, whatever. He'll be the one with brown eyes and glasses.” Trixie said.
“Oh, so he's an egghead.” Wob said, smirking.
“Gh! He's not an egghead!” Trixie snapped. “He just has poor vision and a thirst for spy thriller fiction or something.”
“Huh.” Wob said, thinking. “Okay, male griffon with brown eyes and glasses. Shouldn't be too hard to find.”
“Yeah, get to it.” Trixie said.
Wob Niar nodded, and walked over to the door, where a new small chest was. She opened the chest, and took out a black cloak. She put it on, and was about to open the door when-
*SLAM*
“Yo, Trixie.” Kulart said.
“Oh, hey. Was about to send Wob after you.” Trixie said.
“Who?” Kulart asked.
“She's the one you just crushed with the door.” Trixie said flatly.
“...Ooowwww...” Came a groan from behind the door.
“Oh, sorry 'bou' tha'.” Kulart said with a chuckle. “The door's been greased recently, and I haven't gotten used to not having to put my full weight into opening the dang thing.”
“Oooooooowwwwwwww...”
Kulart closed the door, and Wob slowly slid down onto the ground.
“I think you broke my everything.” Wob said painfully.
“Oh quit being such a foal. Or... Whatever the changeling equivalent is. Larva?” Trixie said.
“Changeling?” Kulart said with interest as he lifted the cloak's hood off of Wob's face.
“Wow, seems like a changeling is a huge fan of Rainbow Dash.” Kulart chuckled.
“I'm surprised you're not trying to kill me.” Wob said.
“Trust me, Trixie has had stranger guests. Like that one mare with the whip and the le-”
“Okaynicetoknowyoutwoareacquainted!” Trixie shouted at the top of her lungs as she slammed her book shut and held a look of alarm.
“...I want to know more about this mare.” Wob said with a mischievous smile.
“Oh, that was a fun time.” Kulart replied with a matching expression. “You see, one night Trixie's ego got the better of her and she ended up challenging Rose Quill to a drinking contest. Baaaaaad idea.”
“STOP! STOP! NO FURTHER!” Trixie barked.
“Alright, alright.” Kulart said as he raised up a claw. “I'll stop.”
“Aww, but I like this story...” Wob pouted.
“Well, I don't want her pissed off at me, sorry.” Kulart said. “She might make me do some actual work.”
Wob fake-gasped. “The horror! The horror!”
“I know.” Kulart said with a solemn nod. “So, have you heard of Tux Suave?”
“Tux Suave?” Wob said, hoof on her chin in thought. “Can't say I have.”
“Well, he's this really cool super-spy character.” Kulart explain. “Known for using advanced gadgets, his custom black crossbow, and his wits to take down maniacal villains.”
Wob smirked. “Sounds sweet. Not as sweet as Daring Do, obviously, but still pretty cool.”
“Nah, Tux would kick her ass. If he didn't seduce her first.” Kulart replied with a grin. “Dude gets a lot of mares. Though half of them end up dead for one reason or another.”
“Hm, I don't think you're right about that, though perhaps I should read one of those books to ensure that Daring is better in every possible way.” Wob said.
“Fair enough. They're generally self-contained for the most part. I'd start with Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace, the latter being the only real direct sequel in the series.” Kulart said. “I know a guy who'll hook you up. He's a really nice guy.”
“Oh, cool.” Wob said as she put his cloak on. “Perhaps we could go now? I know you just got back and all, but I'm getting bored out of my mind!”
“Alright, alright.” Kulart said with an eye-roll. “Just stick close to me.”
They both stared at one another. Wob Niar stared at the dark gray stallion, and the stallion stared back.
“I... I think I'm missing something here.” Kulart said. “Why are you two staring at each other like that?”
Wob took two steps forward, and the stallion took two steps back.
“I'm not going to hurt you.” Wob said, a tinge of sadness to her voice.”I promise. I'm just... I'm here to look at a book.”
“She's with me.” Kulart said. “She's alright.”
The stallion relaxed a little. “Oh, okay. I guess I just don't know the whole situation, then. So, erm, what's your name?”
“It's Ra- I mean, it's Wob Niar.” Wob said.
“...Isn't that just Rainbow backwards?” The gray earth pony asked, frowning.
“Don't look at me like that, Trixie came up with it.” Wob said. “What's your name?”
“My name isn't Generic Oblivious.” Generic replied simply.
“Um... Okay? Then what is it?” Wob asked.
Generic shook his head.
“Don't bother.” Kulart whispered to Wob. “He's never told anypony his real name, not even his closest friends.”
“Really?” Wob asked. “Why not?”
“It's really personal.” Kulart replied. “He answers by 'Generic', so use that name for him.”
“Uh... Alright?” Wob said, unsure. She then turned to the stallion. “So... Uh... Generic?”
“Yeah?” Generic replied.
“I'm looking to get into Tux Suave?” Wob said.
Generic's face lit up. “Oh! I'll be more than happy to help! I'll let you borrow the first book, free of charge!”
“Oh, wow.” Wob said. “Though this is a book shop, not a library.”
“It's from my personal collection. I'm willing to let you have it for a week.” Generic said.
“That's rather nice of you!” Wob said, smiling.
“Of course. I'm the Knight of Generosity for a reason.” Generic said.
“The Knight of... Oh! Like Trixie!” Wob said.
“Yeah, like her.” Generic said. “You know her?”
“I'm sorta staying with her. Just for a bit, fortunately.” Wob said.
“Fortunately?” Generic asked.
“Well, I get the feeling that she hates me because I'm a changeling.” Wob said.
“That's not too surprising. She hates changelings intensely.” Generic said sadly. “Ever since that invasion...”
“The wedding?” Wob asked.
“Yeah.” Generic replied. “It's a surprise she agreed to take you in at all.”
“Well, it was Luna's idea.” Wob shrugged.
“That explains it. So, I'll get you a book.” Generic said with a nod as he went into the back of the shop.
“Does Trixie really despise changelings that much?” Wob asked Kulart.
“Yeah. I'm surprised she didn't just kill you right off the bat, really.” Kulart said with a shrug. “I guess you got her to see you as a pony somehow.”
“I doubt that, given how she treats me.” Wob said.
“You get used to it. It's sort of her 'charm'.” Kulart said, making air quotes with his talons.
“Not very charming to me.” Wob said flatly.
“She's not that bad, really.” Kulart said. “She is a really good friend.”
“I'll take your word for it.” Wob said.
Generic returned from the back of the shop with a book balanced perfectly on his back. “One copy of Casino Royale. You'll enjoy it.”
He put the book into a small paper bag, and gave it to Wob.
“Thanks!” Wob said before taking the bag.
“No problem.” Generic said with a smile. “Take as long as you need.”
- - -
Several hours later...
“I'm boooooooooored.”
“Oh sweet Luna, not again!” Trixie groaned. “You just got a book!”
“I read it already.” Wob replied.
“It's not my fault you speed through your books.” Trixie replied.
“Sooooo booooooooored.”
“If you say that you're bored one more time, I'm going to kick you out.” Trixie said sternly.
“You wouldn't.” Wob said in disbelief.
Trixie glared.
“You would.” Wob said.
“Now, I'm not entirely heartless. You'll just have to live with one of my friends, the poor saps.” Trixie said.
“Wait, you mean I don't have to live with you?” Wob said, her ears perking up.
“Oh no...” Trixie said as she realized her mistake.
Wob began a deep inhale, and then...
“BOOOOOOOOOOOOORRREEEEEEEEED!!”
- - -
There was a knock at the door.
“Urgh!” Rose quill groaned. She was a pale pink unicorn with a long flat red mane, a cutie mark that was a rose with the stem replaced with a quill, and eyes as blue as... She can't think of a good analogy right now, she has a door to answer.
She exited her writing room, made her way through the living room, and entered the waiting room. “This better be important!” She growled before she opened the door.
“She's your problem now!” Trixie said as she shoved a blue pony in a black cloak into Rose before slamming the door.
“...Buck the what...?” Rose said, confused.
“Apparently she can't stand my awesome.” The pony said as she pulled back the hood of her cloak.
A changeling. One that looked like Rainbow Dash, but with the physical features of a changeling.
“What did I just get into?” Rose asked. “Okay, first things first. Name.”
“What?”
“Name! What's your name?”
“Oh, Wob Niar.” Wob said.
“Well that's a dumb name.” Rose said with an eye roll.
“Hey, it was Trixie's idea.” Wob said with a shrug.
“Obviously. She's not a writer like me, so of course she sucks at making names.” Rose said. “So. Your story.”
“Er, I think I'm Rainbow Dash, except I probably am not? I don't quite understand it, really. I don't know if I am me or not, but I'll just use the name Trixie gave me until I really know for sure.” Wob said.
“Well then. I guess it doesn't matter, it's getting a bit late anyways.” Rose said with a yawn.
“But it's just after sunrise.” Wob said.
Rose looked at her blankly.
“Right, nocturnal. I forgot.” Wob said.
“Whatever. I don't have a guest bed. You can either sleep on the couch or in my bed. Though if you want to do the latter, you have to treat me to dinner first.” Rose said.
“Oh, okay- wait, what?”
“Dinner it is. I normally don't have a thing for changelings, but I can adapt. Besides, you seem female.” Rose said with a shrug. “So, 6 o’clock?”
“Uh, sure?” Wob said, unsure.
“Alright then. It's a date!” Rose said with a smile. “Go ahead and get acquainted with the house, I'll be in my writing room. Don't interrupt me when I'm writing.”
Her face grew serious.
“Seriously, don't.”
Her smile returned. “Alright, then. See you at 6!”
She gave Wob a peck on the cheek then trotted out of the room.
There was an awkward silence for a good few minutes, before Wob finally said something.
As soon as Rose Quill entered the living room, Wob Niar hit her with some questions.
“Why did-”
“I'm taking you out to get to know you better.” Rose explained. “If you're going to live with me, I'm going to get to know you. It's up to you if the dinner is romantic or friendly, though I suspect you want the former.”
Wob blushed. “How did-”
“Honey, not only am I myself an open fillyfooler, I date mares rather often. After a while, you get a sense for when a mare is into you.” Rose explained.
“But I'm-”
“You being a changeling doesn't bother me.” Rose said. “I don't judge ponies by what they are, rather who they are. And I can tell just by looking at you that you don't wish to harm anypony.”
“...How do you do that?!” Wob asked.
“This isn't the first time I sprung a date on somepony.” Rose explained. “It's my preferred method. And, as I said, whether it's a romantic or a friendly date rests on the mare I'm dating. Or griffon in one case.”
“You dated a griffon once?”
“Yeah. I don't quite remember her name, though. It started went alright, though nothing really came of it. Said something about needing to reconcile with an old friend or something.” Rose said.
“Huh.” Wob said. “So, er, where are we going?”
“First, the park.” Rose said. “Then, we'll hit up a bar afterwards.”
“Okay, that sounds kind of nice.” Wob said. She reached for her cloak, but Rose stopped her with a hoof.
“You won't be needing that.” Rose said.
“But what if-”
“I can protect you if somepony wished to harm you.” Rose said.
“But you're just a writer.” Wob said, unconvinced.
“Yes, but I am also a Knight of Harmony. Specifically, of Honesty.” Rose replied. “I don't think Trixie dumped you off here randomly.”
“Huh. So... Why are you called the 'Knights' of Harmony?” Wob asked. “Is it just for a night pun?”
Rose shook her head. “No, we have military training, all 6 of us. We're stronger, faster, and more agile than your average pony. Plus, I know 6 different ways to kill you right now, in this room, with just my hooves.”
Wob looked quite startled by the last part.
“Don't worry, I'm not going to attack you.” Rose said. “Unless you attack me first, obviously.”
Wob gulped.
“So, as I said, I can protect you. If it makes you feel better, I can get Radiant to stand guard during the picnic.” Rose said as she put a foreleg around Wob.
“Who's Radiant?”
“Radiant Silver. He's the head of the guard here at Crescent. He's also the Knight of Loyalty. Dependable, but doesn't have a sense of humor at all.” Rose said.
“Ah.” Wob replied. “So, he's my- er, Rainbow Dash's counterpart. Who are the others?”
“I'll tell you about them once we get to the park.” Rose replied as she went over to the kitchen and used her magic to grab a picnic basket.
“Sure, I guess.” Wob said.
- - -
Wob and Rose laid down on the checkered cloth, sharing a rose petal salad.
“So, I suppose I can start with the one you know already.” Rose said. “Trixie Lulamoon is the Knight of Magic. She's actually quite powerful, though her ego can get on my nerves at times. She's gotten better with it recently, at least.”
Wob chuckled.
“Anyways, then there's Generic Oblivious, Knight of Generosity.” Rose continued.
“Oh, I remember him.” Wob said. “Met him when I went to the bookstore last night.”
“Ah. Yeah, he's a good soul. He can be pretty hard on himself, though.” Rose said. “He hasn't even told me his real name. But, he's rather friendly and is always willing to help others.
“I already told you about the Knight of Loyalty, and I'm the Knight of Honesty. There's also the Knight of Kindness, Derpy Hooves.”
“Derpy?” Wob said, her head tilted. “She lives here? That's strange, in my world she lives in Ponyville as a mail carrier.”
“She does that here, too.” Rose said. “Well, she used to. Now she runs the local post office.”
“Nice.” Wob said with a smile.
“Yeah. Finally, there's the Knight of Laughter, Cheese Sandwich.” Rose said.
“Huh. I'm not all that surprised.” Wob said. “Is he a traveling party planner here, too?”
“Actually, he's a stand-up comic known for his music acts.” Rose replied. “Great guy, though a little bit oblivious at times.”
“Huh.” Wob said. “I wonder if I'm different in this universe?”
“Well, are you prideful?”
“Yeah.”
“Loyal?”
“Of course!”
Rose sighed sadly. “Suffering?”
Wob's smile faded. “What?”
“I didn't think so.” Rose said. “I haven't spoken with her much, but the few times I have... Well, she used to be so full of life and competitive. A real fun mare to know. But then... That filly died. I've seen the pain in Rainbow's eyes, she's hurting really bad.”
Wob cringed a little. “Who died?”
“She was a small filly, couldn't be more than 8 or so. I never met her personally, but from what was said about her, she was a lot like Dash. Trying various things to get her cutie mark.” Rose said, looking away. “I don't remember her name. She was orange, had a purple mane.”
Wob's jaw dropped. “Sc... Scootaloo?”
“I think that was it. She was in your 'verse too, wasn't she?” Rose said.
“Yeah...” Wob said, sniffling. “But she'll never see me again...”
Rose pulled Wob into a hug. “Don't worry. We'll find a way to get you back.”
“You think so?” Wob asked.
“I know so.” Rose affirmed. “Now, let's get your spirits up. Or drunk. Hopefully both.”
“Yeah, I could use a drink.” Wob sighed. Both mares stood up, and Rose gathered the blanket and the empty bowl, then placed both into the basket.
- - -
The skies were clear of clouds out on the open sea. The full moon's shimmering reflection wobbled on the water.
Soft hoofsteps behind her. Probably Fluttershy.
A pause, then intense pain in the middle of her back. She turned around to face her attacker, but she was pushed over the edge. Falling, falling towards the water below.
- - -
“GAH!” Wob screamed as she shot up, panting and sweating bullets.
“Wob, are you alright?” Asked a voice next to her. Rose put her hooves around Wob.
“Just a...” Wob said, panting, “Just a bad dream, that's all.”
“Would you like me to get you some water?” Rose asked.
“Yeah... I'd like that.” Wob said, nodding.
“Alright. Sit tight.” Rose said as she left the bed and went into the bathroom. After a moment, Wob heard the sound of a sink spewing water into a glass.
What was that? It was more than a bad dream. That was how she died.
Rose returned with the water, and helped Wob take a sip. “Thanks. By the way, what exactly happened last night?”
“You mean at the Frolicking Filly?” Rose asked.
“Yeah. It's kind of hazy.” Wob said, blushing.
“Oh. Well, not much. We got some drinks. I had vodka, you had hard cider. You got pretty drunk, so I helped you home. I let you sleep in my bed. It was cute, the way you kept trying to cuddle me.” Rose replied with a chuckle.
“Huh, I guess I did get pretty drunk, then.” Wob said a little nervously. “I didn't make any... 'advances', did I?
“Oh my yes.” Rose replied. “Not that it was unwelcome. I'm pretty curious what it would be like. But, I'd rather not take advantage of you like that. It's more fun when we're both sober anyways.”
“Shouldn't I have a hangover?” Wob realized.
“Oh,while you slept I cast a little spell on you to prevent that.” Rose said.
“Um, well, thanks.” Wob replied.
“Now let's get back to sleep.” Rose said.
Wob sighed and got back under the covers. After a pause, she snuggled up to Rose.
“Apparently you snuggle sober, too.” Rose said.
“Sorry... I'll probably have a hard time going back to sleep.” Wob admitted.
“'Cause of the dream?”
“Yeah.”
“Alright then.” Rose said as she put her hooves around the changeling. Wob blushed a bit.
The two stayed like that for what felt like hours before falling back asleep.
Rainbow's reflection grinned back at her, a cruel smile for a cruel fate yet to come. She didn't even have time to scream as she burst into green flames, her flesh melting off of her bones.
- - -
Another nightmare. At least she didn't wake up screaming this time.
Wob carefully left the bed, making sure not to disturb Rose. She checked outside, and saw that it was almost sunset. Did she really sleep in that much?
With a shake of her head, Wob remembered that this country was nocturnal. She probably had an hour or so before Rose woke. She exited the bedroom, and carefully made her way down the stairs. She entered the room on her right, the guest bathroom.
She quietly closed the door before turning on the light. When she looked into the mirror, she saw that she was a changeling. Well, she knew that already, but she didn't even have the coloration of her former self.
She concentrated, and with a green flash she had her distinctive appearance again. Her mane was a rainbow once again, her fur was cyan, her eyes were red.
Curling up on the floor, Wob let the emotions she was holding back rush forth. Tears streamed for her friends. She would never see them again; While she had no doubt that this world had similar versions of them, they already had a Rainbow Dash. And even if they didn't, they wouldn't be the same friends. They weren't her friends. Tartarus, her friends probably thought she was dead. In fact, if her memory was right, she was dead. They are probably heartbroken right now.
Even if she could go back, she couldn't live the life she had. She was a changeling after all, she wouldn't be surprised if she was killed on sight. And even if she wasn't, she couldn't do her job. As far as she knew, changelings couldn't even move clouds. She certainly couldn't manipulate the weather like she once could.
And then there was her ultimate dream, crushed beyond hope of salvation. She could never, never be a Wonderbolt. Even discounting the fact that the Wonderbolts don't allow changelings among their rankings, she had these bucking bug wings! She couldn't even come close to her original speed and agility! She was a joke!
Trixie was right. The name “Wob Niar” did fit her. She was a cheap, pale, and pathetic imitation of Rainbow Dash. Perhaps it would be best if this bug was squashed and put out of its misery.
She didn't hear the door open, but she did feel a soft stroking of her mane. Wob looked up, seeing the concerned face of Rose Quill. Before Wob knew what was happening, their lips gently met. Wob closed her eyes, allowing herself this comfort. The kiss ended, and Rose hugged her. No words needed to be said. Wob held the embrace, and time did not move. She needed this moment more than anything else in the world.
But as everything must come to an end, Rose's forelegs retracted from Wob's neck. “Th-thank you.” Wob said, sniffling and wiping the tears away. “I really needed that.”
“I know. I could see the pain in your eyes last day, Wob.” Rose replied. “It's still there, and will be for a long time. Just remember, I will be there for you when you need me.”
“Why?” Wob asked. “Why are you doing this for me? For some changeling?”
“Because you need it.” Rose answered. “My role in the world is that of comfort. The honest truth can be painful sometimes. But confronting it with the help of your friends can make it a little less so. If you never face it at all... It bottles up inside. It will be released at some point, but the longer one waits, the more damage it will cause.”
“How... How do you know all this?” Wob asked.
“Because I was there once.” Rose replied. “I once had a lover, when I was younger. She was really nice, or so I thought. I was betrayed by her, left to rot on my own. The infatuation had blinded me, leaving me to blame myself. I can see the pain in the eyes of others because I have seen the same pain in my own. I kept the pain from everypony I knew. I didn't want to bother them, you see. I lied so much, to others and to myself because of that pain.
“When I discovered writing, though, I was able to put my pain onto parchment. I had a way to vent. I began writing, page after page, story after story. When my teacher wanted us to write stories, I submitted one. He said that it was one of the saddest stories he had ever read. I discovered my talent: I could put true emotion into words. That's when I got my cutie mark. Each of my stories may be fictional, but they hold true emotions. They hold a piece of myself. When I discovered that, I vowed that I would never lie to myself again.”
Wob smiled. “So that's why you are the Knight of Honesty.”
“Yes. Because I have nothing to hide.” Rose replied.
“...So... Er...” Wob said awkwardly, “Are we a... Thing?”
“If you want.” Rose said with a smile.
“I would. I would like that a lot.” Wob said gratefully.
Rose replied with a kiss on the cheek, causing Wob to blush.
“Oh come on, you can't blush over little ol' that. I'll give you something to blush about!” Rose said before giving the changeling a deep and passionate kiss.
Wob's eyes sprang wide open. She soon melted into the kiss. Rose tasted like... Vanilla. Huh, she was expecting rose petals.
- - -
Rose and Wob exited the house. Wob tried to ignore the stares she was getting, though she found she didn't really mind them. In fact, she had a skip in her step.
“So, where are we going?” Wob asked.
“Well, we're off to see the Ditzy.” Rose replied. “The wonderful Derpy of Hooves.”
“What?”
“We're going to see Derpy Hooves.” Rose said. “She's a good friend of mine.”
Wob raised an eyebrow. Rose chuckled.
“Not like that. Just a friend. Besides, she's taken. She's dating a doctor.” Rose said.
“A doctor, you say?” Wob said.
“Yeah. Though he doesn't look like one. His cutie mark doesn't even have anything to do with medicine, it's an hourglass.” Rose shrugged. “Maybe he's just the other kind of doctor. The kind with a doctorate.”
“What's his name?” Wob asked.
“Dunno. She just referred to him as 'the doctor'. Perhaps even she doesn't know.” Rose said. “What kind of stallion goes around calling himself 'the doctor' anyways?”
“Yeah, he sounds like a total-” Wob said before cutting herself off. “Well, I don't know him, so maybe it's best not to judge.”
Rose shrugged. The house of Derpy was coming up. It looked the same as any other house, at least from the outside. Rose knocked on the door.
There was a crash inside the house, and Wob winced. Rose rolled her eyes.
“Coming!” Came a bubbly voice from inside. After a moment, the door opened, revealing the optimistic, if occasionally oblivious, wall-eyed pegasus herself.
“Hi, Derpy.” Rose said calmly. “This is Wob Niar, my marefriend. Yes, she's a changeling. Sort of. I'll explain inside.”
“Oky!” Derpy said with a smile as she trotted inside, Rose and Wob following. “You have a really nice mane, Wob!” Derpy said to the cyan changeling.
“Er, thanks.” Wob said, sort of smiling.
“It reminds me of Rainbow Dash's!” Derpy said. “Ooh! Maybe you're her twin sister!”
“Not really.” Wob replied.
Derpy's head tilted. “Huh. A professional impersonation artist?”
“No.” Wob said, shaking her head. “I'm-”
“A clone?”
“No, I'm-”
“A pirate!”
“No! I'm-”
“A clown?”
“Now you're just guessing random things.” Wob said, head in her hooves. “Look, I'm-”
“A Rainbow Dash from an alternate universe trapped inside the body of a changeling?” Derpy suggested.
“No, I... Actually, that one's correct.” Wob said with surprise.
“Well, duh.” Derpy said with an eye roll. “Trixie told me about it last day,”
Wob blinked. “...But... Why did you...”
Rose shook her head. “It's best not to think about it.”
“Ah. Rule of Pinkie.” Wob muttered to herself.
“'If you're going to party, party hard?'” Derpy asked.
“Actually, it's-”
“'We're not done unless the cupcakes are gone?'”
“No, it's-”
“'The pinker, the better?'”
“...You know what, never mind.” Wob said, defeated.
“So, what brings you two lovebirds to my humble abode?” Derpy asked.
“Well,” Rose replied, “I wanted to introduce you two to each other.”
“Oh, okay! Would you like some muffins?” Derpy asked.
“Sure.” Wob said with a shrug.
“Alright! Stay right there!” Derpy said as she trotted out of the room.
“...By the way, I'm surprised we're marefriends already, Rose.” Wob said. “Isn't it supposed to take a few more dates or something before going steady?”
“Under normal circumstances, yes. These aren't normal circumstances, though. You are a changeling. At least, you have the body of one. While you can eat and drink, it can only sustain you so much.” Rose said.
“Huh?” Wob said, her head tilted.
“Changelings feed off of love.” Rose clarified.
“Oh. Right.” Wob said, rubbing the back of her neck. “Kinda forgot that.”
“So, you need a source of that. That source will be me.” Rose said.
Wob frowned, worried. “But won't that hurt you?”
Rose chuckled. “No, because it's loving you directly. Did you feel an energy boost after our make-out session?”
Wob blushed. “Well, yeah, but I figured it was because it was... Erm... My first one.”
“Well, a bit of it was that, but mostly it was because I just spoon-fed you love.” Rose smiled. She checked to see if Derpy was back yet, then whispered into Wob's ear. “I can't wait to see what happens when we-”
“Woah woah woah!” Wob said, her blush deepening to a crimson, “We're in somepony else's house! And I'm not ready for that sort of thing!”
Rose giggled. “I didn't think so. By the way, I don't know changeling anatomy very well. Do you have a-”
“GAH!” Wob said, a look of panic on her face. “Stop it! What if Derpy walked in?!”
Rose laughed harder. “Oh please, I've talked about worse with her before. A creative mind, that one has.”
“...I don't want to know.” Wob said, head once again finding hooves.
“What? Haven't you ever gone up to a friend and asked 'So, how's your sex life?'” Rose replied. She then turned to face somepony else. “Oh hai Derpy.”
Derpy had her usual upbeat oblivious smile, while Wob wanted desperately to sink into the couch's cushions and disappear.
“Hi, Rosey!” Derpy replied. On her back were a tray of muffins, with chocolate chips inside them. She set them onto the coffee table and sat down next to Rose. “Though now that you ask...”
Thus followed the second most awkward conversation Wob had ever experienced in her life.
Being stabbed didn't hurt nearly as much as she thought it would.
But it still hurt like buck.
Wob collapsed to the ground as green blood began seeping from the would. Were there ponies yelling next to her? That's probably what the sound was. One of them was Rose, from what she could tell. The other she didn't recognize, though the pegasus seemed to be a guard of some kind. She was pretty sure he was the one who did that.
The thought that he was just trying to attack what he thought was a threat was pushed out of her mind by the fact that he just stabbed her, the bucking plothole!
“C-could someone get this knife out? Please?” Wob croaked out.
The guard rolled his eyes, and put his hoof on the dagger before starting to pull it out. Pain more intense than the one she was having coursed through her body.
“OW! OW! Leave it in! Leave it in!” Wob yelled quickly.
“I apologize.” The guard said.
“You better bucking apologize! You just stabbed me for no reason! And you better not say it's because I'm a changeling!”
“...It is because you're a-” The guard started to say.
“Aaaaarrrrrgghhh!!” Yelled the changeling. “Now, before you piss me off even further- Celestia knows how you'd pull that off, but I'm pretty sure you'll find a way- Will you let me pass out in peace?”
Ah, comforting blackness. Lovely how it doesn't have ponies that shank you on sight. Unlike certain other states of consciousness. Yeah, I'm looking at you, world. Motherbucker.
- - -
A familiar beeping, sterile air, a sense of unease, and the feeling of upcoming boredom.
She was in a hospital, wasn't she?
Wob cracked open an eye.
Horsefeathers.
Rose held her hoof on Wob, a concerned look on her muzzle.
Wob noticed she herself was back to black. She didn't have the energy to transform back to her more colorful self, but it didn't matter right now.
“So, am I fine?” Wob croaked out.
“I don't know.” Rose said with a shrug. “The doctors don't really know changeling anatomy. An expert of the subject is being brought in.”
“Ah, so until then I don't know if I'm dying or if it's just a flesh wound.” Wob groaned. “So, who was that jackass?”
“Huh?”
“The stabby-stabby guy.”
“Oh. Radiant Silver.” Rose replied.
“That name sounds familiar...” Wob said. She looked upwards in thought, then it hit her. “...The Knight of Loyalty. One of your friends.” She said flatly.
“Yeah.”
“...And he stabbed me.”
“To be fair, he jumps to conclusions sometimes.” Rose said.
“And he stabbed me.”
“He didn't know that you were a friendly changeling.” Rose said.
“And he stabbed me.”
“In his defense, he was trying to 'protect' me.” Rose replied.
“So he stabbed me.”
“Pretty much.” Rose said.
“...There aren't enough trees in Equestria to fully convey the amount of bucks I do not give right now.” Wob said flatly.
“Right. So, lousy first impressions aside...” Rose said, “How are you holding up?”
“In case you have forgotten, I was stabbed.”
“I'm aware. You brought it up one or two times.” Rose replied. “You're not in too much pain?”
“It aches a bit.” Wob admitted. “But nothing I can't handle. I've hurt worse.”
“Hm. A story for another time, perhaps.” Rose said.
“Yeah.”
- - -
Wob noticed the door opening. Rose took her hoof off of Wob's and trotted over.
In walked a pale green stallion, one without a mane. His dark green eyes seem delighted to see Wob. He had a long book bag that obscured his cutie mark. “Oh, hello! I am Dr. Web, from the University of Canterlot.”
“Doctorate-doctor and not medical doctor, I presume.” Rose said.
“Correct.” The stallion said with a nod. “Though, right now I'm technically doing both right now.” He added with a chuckle.
“Ah, so you're the expert being brought in.” Rose said. She looked at Wob, then walked over to the stallion before whispering something in his ear. He blushed a bit and chuckled again. “Well, no. Only the queen reproduces, after all.”
“Damn.” Rose said with a frown.
“Rose, this is not the time.” Wob said, blushing.
“Ahem, anyways... Well, this is most unusal.” Dr. Web said as he looked Wob over.
“What?” Wob asked.
“No horn.” He said, putting a hoof on Wob's head. “Peculiar. I assume it's a birth defect.”
Wob shrugged. “I wouldn't know. I wasn't born in this body, after all. I just sort of popped into it.”
“Right. Now, where were you when you 'popped into it'?” Dr. Web asked.
“Well, right outside of Crescent, actually.” Wob replied.
“Hm.” The stallion said as he pulled a notepad out of his bag and wrote something down. “Tell me, do you ever hear any voices in your head, or feel a large presence at the back of your mind?”
Wob shook her head. “Can't say I have.”
“Ah! So you are cut off from the hive.” Dr. Web said.
“Apparently?”
“You- Sorry, the changeling you took over was probably cast out of the hive due to a genetic defect. The missing horn.” He explained.
“Ah. Now can we please deal with the fact that I was bucking stabbed, please?” Wob suggested.
“Right, right. Apologies.” The stallion said as he slowly unwrapped the bandages.
Wob winced upon seeing the wound again. It was right behind her right shoulder.
“Hm...” Dr. Web said as he examined the wound closely. “It looks like it didn't hit any organs, so you should be fine.”
Both Wob and Rose gave a sigh of relief. Dr. Web wrapped the bandage back around the wound.
“Just be sure to rest often.” Web said. “I'll stay for a few days to monitor your condition.”
Wob frowned. “...How long am I going to be in this bed?”
“...Are you going to keep switching that light on and off?” Rose asked with a sigh as Wob mashed the light switch of the bedside lamp.
“I'm bored.” Wob replied.
“Oh dear.” Rose muttered with a facehoof. “How about this, would you like to hear a story?”
“Sure, why not.” Wob said. “What is it about?”
“Well, there was this one time where Trixie, Kulart, Cheese, Generic, Radiant, Derpy, Luna and I fought off an army of changelings.” Rose said. She scratched the back of her neck with a hoof. “Er, right, you're a-”
“Only technically.” Wob reminded. “And a whole army? How many?”
“I don't know.” Rose said with a shrug. “A lot?”
“Huh.” Wob said. “I have a hard time imagining any of you fighting a whole army by yourselves. I imagine Luna did most the work.”
“Ye of little faith.” Rose said with a twinkle in her eye. “You forget, while we Knights of Harmony are meant to learn about friendship in order to use the Elements of Harmony, we also are combat trained.”
Wob raised an eyebrow. “Okay, maybe you could pass as a soldier, but I doubt Derpy or Cheese Sandwich would hurt anypony.”
“You underestimate them. Let me tell you the tale...” Rose began.
- - -
It was right after the royal wedding in Canterlot. Queen Chrysalis had just been defeated, you see. I suppose she wanted some sort of revenge, so she decided to go after the Princess of the Night. If she wasn't going to take Canterlot, she'll take the other major capital: The Castle of the Moon.
Of course, rage can do interesting things to a mind. Instead of trying to infiltrate in order to assassinate our Princess, she instead decided on a full frontal assault. The guards managed to hold the attack back, but only for the first half hour. It was long enough for us to get our armor on and get our weapons.
Derpy Hooves was the scout, she kept track of where everypony was as well as where the foes were. She got attacked a few times, from what she told us, but while her long-range skills are obviously lacking, her close-range combat abilities are well honed.
Radiant Silver stood by Luna's side. Since he was a guard for several years before becoming a Knight, he has the most training out of all of us. Good thing, too. A few changelings managed to sneak by our defenses, and he was there to snap some necks.
I myself was a sniper. With a long-range crossbow, I picked off around 100 of the buggers. Though only that much, because that's how much ammo I had. I joined Radiant when I ran out, because my bow also doubled as a melee weapon. It has a bayonet, you see. Slit quite a few throats with that thing. Took forever to get the green out of the wood.
Cheese Sandwich was the heavy hitter, mainly dealing with hoof-to-hoof combat. His energetic nature allowed him to be quick on his hooves, effortlessly gliding from one crushed skull to the next. He is an Earth Pony, and with the training he had undergone, his foes fell quickly to his physical strength.
Trixie probably got the most kills with that offensive magic of hers. No, Wob, not that kind offensive. Anyways, her spells obliterated several changelings at a time. She was pretty exhausted by the end of the battle. Her assistant, Kulart, mainly focused on protecting Trixie, through use of a crossbow.
Anyways, Luna said that the whole battle lasted over two hours. At the end of it, the Queen Bitch herself came up and challenged Luna directly. Of course, while the two had their horn duel, Generic slipped in and slit her throat. You should have seen the look on her stupid face!
Oh, right, Generic. He mainly did support, bringing supplies between us. While he's an agile combatant, he's best when using stealth to his advantage. He has a way of staying unnoticed.
So when the battle was over, we had quite a few changeling corpses to be cleaned up, as well as several repairs to the castle to be made. Unfortunately, a lot of guards and servants gave their lives to buy us enough time to set up the defense. We held a memorial for them, of course.
- - -
Wob blinked. “...Uh... Rose?”
“Yeah?” Rose replied.
“Remind me to never piss you off.” Wob said.
“Will do.”
“I... I don't really know what to say.” Wob said. “I mean... Wow.”
“There's something you should remember, Wob.” Rose said. “I am a lover first, and a soldier second. Still, I killed many changelings.”
Wob blinked. “...But the way you told the story... You made it sound like-”
“Like a game?” Rose finished. “There's a good reason for that. In training, you learn to shove your feelings aside. The mission comes first. After a while, one just creates a different... frame of mind for combat. I didn't see those changelings as individuals as we slaughtered them. None of us did. We couldn't. The guilt would drive us insane.”
Wob closed her eyes. “Why... Why are you telling me this?”
“I agree, the timing could be better... But you need to know, if you wish to be with me.” Rose said. She then tilted her head. “...Do you still want to? After hearing what I have done?”
“Do you regret it?” Wob asked.
“Do I...” Rose said, thinking. “I... I do not. We had to protect the princess, at any cost.”
“So, you don't feel any guilt, then.” Wob said as she looked away.
“I didn't say that.” Rose said. “As I said before, I'm a lover first. That green blood will never really wash off my hooves.”
Wob looked back. “But you said...”
“I meant what I said. I do not regret fighting the enemy.” Rose said. “Not everything is as black and white as I wish it was. Here's my question: Do you consider changelings as things, or something more? You said you fought them. Are they just mindless husks controlled by an evil queen, or individuals doing what they can to survive, including following their queen blindly?”
“I don't really know.” Wob said with a shrug.
“Exactly.” Rose said. “None of us do. We haven't seen anything of the changelings since then, aside from the one you possessed, of course. My best guess is that they have a new queen, one wise enough to stay in the shadows and leave us ponies alone.”
Wob sighed. “I don't really like all this heavy stuff.”
“Hey, as a writer I'm used to reflecting on things. I don't just write fluffy romance novels, after all.”
Wob was silent. She put a hoof on Rose's.
“Why me?”
“Why you?” Rose said. “That's an interesting question.”
“Well?”
Rose leaned forward and gave Wob a soft kiss on the lips. “As soon as I know, I will tell you. For now, let's lighten the mood with a game of Battleclouds.”
Wob's face lit up. “How did you-”
“A lucky guess.” Rose said with a mischievous grin.
A copy of Quantum of Solace- A “get well” gift from Generic- was open in Wob Niar's hooves. She had just gotten to the part where the villain's plot of controlling the water supply of a small third-world country was revealed.
It had been one day since the stabbing, and she was feeling better enough to have her “normal” colors back. Rose Quill was still with her, resting on the chair by the bed. Her eyes were closed, a content smile on her lips.
Wob looked up from her book as she saw a pony enter the room. A white pegasus stallion with a flowing silver mane. A mane that looked familiar somehow, though Wob couldn't quite place her hoof on it. His eyes shared the same color as his mane. His cutie mark was a shield, of course, one with a silver ingot over it. His name was Radiant Silver.
“Oh, hey, the plothole who stabbed me.” Wob said with dripping anger in her voice. “Here to finish the job?”
“No.” Radiant said, a serious look on his face. “I am... Er... Here to apologize.” The serious mask on his face slipped for a moment, showing awkwardness.
“Huh. You, apologize?” Rose said, raising an eyebrow.
“Yes, ma'am.” Radiant replied.
“Wait, 'ma'am'?” Wob questioned, an aside towards Rose. “Do you outrank him or something?”
“No, he's just kind of... formal. You get used to it.” Rose said with a minute shrug of the shoulders.
“So, er... What was your name again?” Radiant asked.
Wob sighed. “Wob Niar.”
“...Isn't that just 'Rainbow' backwards?”
Wob rolled her eyes. “It was Trixie's idea.”
“I see. As I was saying, I apologize sincerely for my assault upon your person.” Radiant said.
“Upon my... What?” Wob asked.
“He's sorry for stabbing you.” Rose translated.
“Right.” Wob said. “Why did you do that, anyways? I mean, I get that I'm a changeling, but I wasn't hurting anypony!”
“You have to understand, I have not encountered a 'friendly' changeling before, so I assumed that your intentions were likewise.” Radiant said. He tilted his head. “Why are you looking at me like that?”
“Your mane.” Wob said. “Something about it is... Ah!”
“...Yes?”
“Erm... Do you know a gray filly? Mane similar to yours, has these dorky glasses? A spoon on her flank?” Wob asked. “You remind me of her.”
“Silver Spoon? She's my cousin.” Radiant said.
“Ah, alright.” Wob said.
“...Are you not angry? You changed the subject.” Radiant said, confused.
“Oh, I'm livid.” Wob clarified. “You did bucking stab me, after all. But, I understand that you were trying to protect your friend. So... No hard feelings.”
Radiant blinked. “...By the by, are you two...?”
“Yes, is that a problem?” Wob said with a smirk.
“I will 'get used to it', as Rose put it.” Radiant said.
“Okay. If you don't mind, I have a book to read.” Wob said as she began reading again.
“I shall take my leave, Ms. Niar.” Radiant said. Wob was pretty sure he just saluted, though she couldn't see him through her book. A few hoofsteps and a closing door told her that he left.
“...Get used to... Does he have a problem with-” Wob started to ask Rose.
“Nah.” Rose said with a smirk. “He doesn't like couples in general.”
“Uh, why?” Wob asked, confused.
“Romance intimidates him.” Rose said. “Quickest way to annoy him is to show affection in front of him.”
“That's kinda weird. I mean, I don't quite like the mushy stuff myself, but...” Wob said.
“Don't really know.” Rose replied, “The rest of us think he walked in on his parents while they were having sex.”
Wob winced. “That might do it.” She said with a chuckle. “Anyways, I think I'll get back to reading.”
- - -
Rainbow Dash watched the night sky from the railing of the ship. She heard hoofsteps behind her. They were very quiet, so she assumed they were Fluttershy's.
Suddenly, an intense, sharp pain dug into her back. She turned around to face her attacker, and time stopped.
She was looking at herself.
Changeling.
The cyan pegasus was pushed overboard, falling into the cold water below. She looked at the shimmering moon as she sank into the depths, the red mist of her blood clouding up the water around her.
- - -
Wob awoke with a gasp, and was soon panting as cold sweat ran down her body. Her eyes were wide with panic.
Her friends were in danger, and there was nothing she could do about it. After all, she was in an entirely different world, a mirror universe!
...Wait a minute...
Mirror universe?
That's it! A mirror! The mirror!
“What is it, Wobsy?” Rose asked groggily. The orange of late daylight washed over her features.
“...'Wobsy'?”
“Answer the question.” Rose said.
“Oh, um... I have an idea as to how to get back. Tell me, have you encountered a magic mirror that takes you to another universe?” Wob asked.
“...Hmmm... Well... Not that I know of?” Rose said.
“Dang, I thought that- Wait! Perhaps Twilight would know!” Wob said.
“Twilight? The Bearer of Magic? What are you-” Rose asked. “...Right, you were Rainbow Dash in a previous life. Of course you'd know something I wouldn't.”
Wob silently looked at her Rainbow-Dash-Like complexion, then looked back at Rose with a raised eyebrow.
“...I'm kinda slow when waking up early, okay?” Rose said sheepishly.
“No kidding. Anyways, I think I feel well enough to go places.” Wob said.
“Are you sure? I don't want you taking any extra risks.”
“I'm fine!” Wob snapped back.
Rose frowned, looking a bit downcast.
“...Sorry, Rose...” Wob said with a sigh. “It's just... If I'm right, the safety of my friends is on the line! My original friends, in my original universe!”
“I'll take your word for it, I guess.” Rose said.
Wob nodded. “Any ideas as to how I could get in contact with Twilight?”
“Hm... I could have Trixie send a letter to Luna, who could then send one to Celestia, and from there to Twilight.” Rose said. “Not that straightforward, but our best option at the moment.”
“Then it's time we paid Trixie a visit.” Wob said as she got out of the hospital bed.
“...Shouldn't you have a doctor check you over, just in case?” Rose suggested.
“There's no time!” Wob shot back. “Every second we waste, is another second my friends could be hurt!”
“Fine, if you insist.” Rose said. “But at the first sign of trouble, I'm getting you into bed!”
“...Bow chicka wow wow.” Wob said with a smirk.
“If you insist.” Rose replied with a matching smile.
“Look, I know you don't get along with her.” Rose Quill said. “But Trixie is the best way we have to communicate with the Princess quickly. So smile.”
Wob Niar put on her best fake smile as she and Rose walked up to Trixie's door. Which is to say it looked faker than plastic water.
“On second thought, don't. It looks creepy.” Rose said with an eye roll. She knocked.
After what seemed like muffled complaining, hoofsteps signaled a pony approaching the door, which then opened.
“Oh. You're back. Got fed up with her too, I take it?” Trixie said with a smug smile.
“Actually, we're dating. Could you take a letter to Luna for me?” Rose asked.
“Sure, I could- dating?!” Trixie shouted.
“Yeah. Nothing serious.” Rose replied.
Wob gave a small frown. “What do you mean, 'nothing serious'?”
“I've given it a lot of thought. Wob, if you truly can go back to your old life and your old friends... Would you abandon them?” Rose asked. “You've known them for years, been through thick and thin I bet. Why leave them for some mare you just met two days ago?”
“I appreciate the personal look into your love lives, but would you just come inside already? You're bringing in the cold.” Trixie said with more than a hint of annoyance. “Couldn't you have talked about that before coming over here?”
“Right, right. Let's go in, Wob.” Rose said as she walked inside. Wob followed with a nod.
Wob and Rose sat themselves onto the floor in the living room, heat coming from the fireplace.
“So, you said something about a letter to Princess Luna.” Trixie said as she adjusted herself on her comfy chair. “While I hate being your personal messaging system, I admit that there isn't a better way at the moment. What do you want?”
Trixie's horn flashed, and the parchment on the end table she sat next to hovered in front of her along with her quill.
“Alright, take this down.” Rose said.
“What, exactly, does it look like I'm doing?” Trixie replied with an eyebrow raised.
“Ahem.” Rose cleared her throat before starting.
Yo Luna-
“You cannot be serious.” Trixie said incredulously.
“Fine.”
Dear Luna,
The changeling entrusted in Trixie's care has the soul of an alternate Rainbow Dash trapped inside her.
“She already knows that.” Trixie said.
Rose sighed as she rolled her eyes.
Wob Niar has thought up a way home, using the mirror that Twilight Sparkle experimented with a few months ago.
“'Experimented with?' I thought she ran in to get her crown back.” Wob said, confused.
“She doesn't have a crown. Unless you sort of count that Element of Magic tiara.” Trixie explained. “And it hardly belongs to her. Besides, I think it looks better on me, anyways.”
“As I was saying...” Rose said sternly,
Perhaps by using Wob herself as a focus, we can bring her back to her home universe. That's it, really.
-Rose Quill
“There, done.” Trixie said. She touched the parchment with her horn, and it was wrapped in a silver ribbon before being burnt by a magical blue-silver flame. The smoke flew up and left out the window, which Trixie then closed. “We should get an answer shortly.”
“Do you think I'll be able to keep in touch?” Wob asked.
“I doubt it.” Rose said.
“Actually...” Trixie said, looking thoughtful, “There might be something we can do. I have a journal that has a special property: When written into, the message gets copied to an identical journal owned by Princess Luna.”
“That could work.” Wob said with a smile.
“Yeah. But, you should still find a marefriend of your own.” Rose said.
“What?”
“I've tried to keep a long-distance relationship going before. It... Didn't work.” Rose said as she avoided eye contact with Wob. “I'm sorry, Wob.”
“You... You're breaking up with me, aren't you?” Wob said as she looked at the floor.
Silence answered her question.
“You are.” There was no anger in her statement, no malice. Just disappointment with a hint of sadness. “Where am I going to find somepony as cool as you?”
“Just try out some lespony bar. You might find a nice mare at some point. And if you don't, hey, you got cider.” Rose said.
“First, 'lespony'? Second, that's terrible advice. You're telling her to drown her sorrows away with alcohol if she doesn't get what she wants?” Trixie said.
Rose shrugged. “Not all of my advice is spot-on, okay?”
Wob sighed as she stared at the ever-interesting ground.
There was a flash of silver as Trixie got a reply. “Hm.” She said as she read the letter. “Luna will accompany Wob on the train. I will accompany you- Ugh. I'll accompany you along with two of her personal guard.”
“Why by train?” Wob asked.
“Too far to go by flying chariot.” Trixie replied. “Besides, the area around the Empire is very cold.”
“Right.” Wob said. “This isn't going to be fun. Unless Rose can come along?”
“No.” Rose replied, a little too quickly.
“What?”
“I'm not coming.” Rose replied. “I hate goodbyes.”
Rose turned, and walked out. Wob raised a hoof, but it was too late.
“Sorry.” Trixie said. It didn't sound pretentious, though. She sounded sincere. “She doesn't take these sorts of things very well.”
“What do you mean?” Wob asked, her voice cracking.
“She never had a successful romance. They always end badly with her.” Trixie explained quietly. “And she knows this one will end the same.”
“But what if it doesn't?” Wob challenged.
“What, exactly, do you think you're going to do when you get back to your own world?” Trixie asked.
“Well, that's simple! Stop the changeling who killed me from hurting my friends!” Wob replied.
“And what then? You are a changeling yourself, remember.” Trixie reminded her.
“I'll just continue my... life...” Wob said, realization dawning on her. “...My life. All of my life, I dreamed of being a Wonderbolt. I worked so hard! And I was so close, when I died! So very, very close! But... These wings... I won't be able to truly fly fast ever again, will I? I can't be a Wonderbolt. Even my everyday job, as a weather manager... Can changelings even move clouds? I don't think so. My friends... They'll catch on. They'll realize that's something's wrong, they'll...”
“Exactly.” Trixie said without any satisfaction whatsoever. “You have a choice, Rainbow Dash. Are you truly loyal enough to your friends to give your life for them? Or will you let them go, and earn a happy ending for yourself?”
Wob gave a long sigh. “We both know the answer to that.”
As Wob and Trixie approached the train station, she could see Luna with two of her night guards. Trixie bowed, though Wob did not. She didn't see the point to the formalities at the moment, they had a train to catch.
Wob herself disguised herself as a normal Pony. Same cyan coat as Rainbow, though with a cobalt mane instead of a prismatic one.
“Wob.” Luna said.
“Luna.” Wob replied.
The two, along with the guards and Trixie, boarded the train. Royalty had its perks, in this case a train car all to themselves.
“It will be a long train ride, so make yourselves comfortable.” Luna suggested.
- - -
The train ride was very quiet for Wob. Sure, Trixie and Luna would have the occasional conversation, but Wob would barely noticed. Her gaze was stuck looking out of the window. Her mind wandered, going from Rose, to her friends, to her former life. Eventually, it wandered to her destination, the Crystal Empire.
Something about that seemed odd, but what?
And then it clicked.
“Hey, Luna?” Wob asked.
“Yes, little one?” Luna replied, curious.
“Why are we going to the Crystal Empire? Wasn't the mirror thing moved to Ponyville?” Wob asked.
“It was not.” Luna replied. “Was it moved in your world?”
“Yeah, because of Twilight's new castle and all.” Wob replied simply.
“Twilight has a castle in your world?” Luna and Trixie both asked.
“She got it after we beat Tirek.” Wob said. “I mean, a Princess usually gets her own castle, right?”
“Twilight's a Princess?!” Trixie exclaimed, her jaw dropping. “When did that happen?!”
“Oh, she fixed a spell made by... That bearded guy.” Wob said.
“You mean Starswirl the Bearded?” Luna asked.
“Yeah, him.” Wob confirmed.
“...Lucky.” Trixie muttered under her breath. “I'd make a great and powerful Princess, but I never got the chance.”
“I'm sure you would.” Wob said with an eye roll. “So, Twilight doesn't have wings here?”
“She does not, no.” Luna replied.
“Another change...” Wob said. “Scootaloo's dead, Twilight never became an alicorn... Is Fluttershy alright, at least?”
“Alright compared to... What, exactly? We don't actually know much about your world, Wob.” Trixie replied.
“Right. Well, she cares for animals, and can speak to them or something. Not sure if she can actually speak animal language or is just good at understanding their body language.” Wob said. “A really good friend all the way back from flight camp.”
Trixie winced at the mention of flight camp.
“...What happened at flight camp?” Wob asked, her voice a bit shaky.
“Well, I don't really know the story. All I know is that she was knocked off a cloud, and because she couldn't yet fly she hit the ground.” Trixie said.
Wob was quiet as she stared out the window once more. “...I think I know what you're talking about. The day I got my cutie mark, it was during a race between me and some bullies. Fluttershy waved the flag, but when we passed by her, she was knocked off the cloud. A butterfly migration caught her.”
“There's the difference.” Trixie said. “Nothing caught her. She is unable to fly, and can't use her hind legs. And yet she's one of the nicest ponies I have ever met...”
“Flutters would never let something like a broken spine stop her from being nice to everypony.” Wob said, her voice small and hollow. “This world... This stupid world... You get off better, Trixie, but at what cost? A dead filly, a paralyzed pegasus... What else happened to my friends? What else did the universe do to them?”
The expected burst of rage from Wob never came. She just stared out the window at the world she now hated. “Even the ponies who bear the elements leave you behind.”
Nothing but the sound of the train riding on the tracks could be heard.
- - -
Snow rushed past the window as it fogged over.
Wob had not stopped staring out of the window for over an hour. The cold started to get to her, and she began to shiver. She didn't even notice until she felt a warmth cover her. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw the tip of Luna's wing.
Neither the Princess nor the echo said anything for several minutes.
Finally, Luna spoke.
“We will get you home. I promise you that.”
- - -
“Another whiskey!” Rose called out as she pounded her hoof on the bar table. The bartender sighed and poured her another shot, and slid it over.
Rose, of course, downed the drink in one gulp. “I am an idiot.”
“Why do you say that?” The bartender asked.
“I finally find a mare I could be happy with-”
“Another one?”
“Let me finish!” Rose said with another pound of her hoof. “I found this mare, and of course she's from somewhere else entirely! Of course she has to go back home! I would just love to go with her, but I can't do that, now can I? I'm the Knight of Honesty, I have duties 'n shit!”
The bartender opened her mouth to speak.
“Shut up, hun. Let me vent.” Rose said sternly. “Where was I? Right. She certainly can't stay here, her friends need her. She has her own duties, too. Why is the world so cruel sometimes? I just want to find a pretty mare to be happy with, is that so much to ask?”
At that moment, a dark orange mare with a short black mane and golden-yellow eyes stepped up to the bar next to Rose, a cutie-mark of a skinny wrench over a large hexagonal nut. “I'd like... Um, something? What do you recommend?”
“Give her a gin and tonic.” Rose said.
“I don't like tonic, though.” The mare replied.
“Then a beer should suffice. I'll pay for it.” Rose said.
“Oh, okay. Thank you!” The mare said warmly.
Rose smiled back. “It's nice to meet ya. Name's Rose Quill.”
“The Rose Quill? Oh, I love your novels!” The mare said with a smile.
“The one and only. And who is this lovely lady before me?” Rose asked.
“I'm Spanner Works.” Spanner replied.
“And what brings you to the Frolicking Filly?”
“My sister. She can be such a pain sometimes.” Spanner replied.
“I'd imagine. Seeking some alcohol in your stomach and a mare to cuddle?” Rose suggested.
“...Perhaps.” Spanner said with a blush.
“Ah, this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship, I just know it.” Rose said. “We're going out." She slammed her hoof on the countertop. "Right now. " Another thump. "This is now a date.”
“Um... Okay?” Spanner replied, having no idea what she was getting herself into.
It was pitch black, and quieter than Wob had ever experienced before. She was floating in some sort of black limbo, unable to move.
A mirror materialized in front of her. Her reflection showed Rainbow Dash, her past self.
“You don't really know them, and yet you will throw everything away for them.” Rainbow said.
“Because they're my friends!” Wob shot back.
“Correction: They are my friends, not yours.” Rainbow said. “You may have my memories, but you are not me, no matter how much you want to be.”
“W... What?”
“You got it right the first time, Wob.” Rainbow said, spitting out Wob's name like a particularly disgusting cider. “You are a pale imitation of me.”
Rainbow's expression inexplicably softened.
“Or more of an echo, I guess.”
“That's... That's probably right.” Wob said. “I have your memories, but your personality was lost.”
“You want to go and help my friends... Why? When you could have a happy life here?” Rainbow asked.
“Because if I don't, then the one surviving piece of you will die.” Wob said.
“Really? What piece is that?”
“Your loyalty.”
- - -
Wob's eyes slowly opened. She slowly got up, and looked out of the window. She could see the steadily approaching Crystal Empire.
That was... A really weird dream. This whole strange adventure must be really getting to her.
Wob shook her head. Now was not the time to be having fever dreams. She had to make a plan to find out what to do when she made it back to her world. There was definitively a changeling imitating her, that much was clear. She gave a small chuckle at the irony of the situation. She had to prove that a changeling was imitating her when she herself was doing the same. This won't be easy.
She continued to look through the window, lost in thought.
- - -
Wob looked at the mirror. She and it were bathed in a similar prismatic light. She didn't understand the process used to get it working again, but she figured that wasn't important at the moment.
“Luna?” Wob said. “It was nice knowing... This version of you. You are as wise and merciful as Celestia herself.”
“Thank you, Wob.” Luna said with a small bow.
“And Trixie?”
“Yes?” Trixie said expectantly, puffing out her chest.
“It wasn't nice knowing you.” Wob said with a playful smirk. “Go buck yourself.”
With that, she stepped through the portal.
“Well that wasn't very nice!” Trixie huffed with more than a hint of annoyance. Luna chuckled quietly to herself.
- - -
Wasn't it just five minutes ago that she came up with a solution to her predicament? Sure felt like it. And already, she was home.
She then blinked. She was in the... Throne room of Twilight's Castle? Something like that?
The room was devoid of anypony, so it figured that they were in town. With a green flash, Wob took on the form of her previous life as she exited through the window. Which hurt a bit, but she figured getting a window replaced shouldn't cost too much.
- - -
There they were. Fluttershy, Twilight, and... The imposter. Wob immediately dove, smashing right into the changeling.
The outside world was lost to her as she began to beat the crap out of the changeling underneath her. It came back with a force as a violet beam shot her off, skidding on the ground.
“Gh! That's what I get for trying to help you?” Wob groaned as she got back to her hooves.
“Well, obviously you're a changeling!” Twilight said, standing between the imposter and Wob.
“The thing you're protecting is a changeling!” Wob replied.
The fake Rainbow cringed, then got angry. “What the hay are you talking about? You're the imposter here, not me!”
“...Which one is the real Rainbow?” Fluttershy asked meekly.
“I am!” Wob and the changeling both lied.
“Well, there is one thing we can do.” Twilight said simply. “I know a spell that can identify changelings.”
Wob's heart sank. This was not going to end well!
The imposter started to stammer as the spell was cast. A red aura was cast on both Rainbows. Twilight's face scrunched up in confusion. “Wait... They're BOTH changelings!”
The changeling, knowing the gig was up, reverted to its normal form and charged at Fluttershy. It was immediately smashed into the ground by Wob. It writhed in her grip.
“Don't you dare hurt her friends!” Wob screamed before using all of her might and snapping its neck. The thing immediately stopped moving and flopped to the ground, lifeless. Wob was panting, staring at the corpse before her.
The world faded away, and Wob collapsed to the ground. Tears ran down her cheeks, though she wouldn't have noticed them if it wasn't for the salty taste in her mouth. How much longer? When will they end her life? Why haven't they done it already?
Suddenly, the gears in her mind ground to a halt as she felt the softest hug she had ever received.
“F-Fluttershy?” Wob choked out.
“Shh, Rainbow. I'm here.” Fluttershy replied, almost too quiet to hear.
“My... My name is Wob.”
- - -
It was dark again.
“Rainbow.” Wob said.
The mirror returned, and Rainbow dash with it. She was scowling.
“Wob.” Rainbow said.
“You can leave now, Rainbow.” Wob said. “I'm not going to try to keep going where you left off. I have to find my own life now.”
Rainbow nodded. “I understand. But, you have to understand this in return: I will never leave.”
Wob shook her head. “I don't need the mirror any more.” She said as she put her hoof onto the reflective surface. “I don't need the reflection of who I was.”
“Who's the reflection?” Rainbow replied, stepping forward, putting her hoof on the glass to match Wob. “Remember, you are my echo. You can't have an echo without the original voice.”
“But I'm more than that now.” Wob replied. “I stopped being the reflection the moment I stopped using your name. I'm trying to find myself, yes, but I do have a self to find.”
Rainbow finally smiled, and closed her eyes.
“Goodbye, Rainbow Dash.” Wob said, as she pushed on the mirror. Cracks started to form on the surface, then shards began to float away.
- - -
Wob Niar looked out the window. It was close to midnight. It was very quiet, and Wob liked that. She moved from under her blanket and off of the couch. She walked to the front door, and noticed that it was unlocked.
Under Luna's light, Wob could see Fluttershy looking up at the stars. She quietly joined the pegasus.
“Can't sleep?” Wob asked.
Fluttershy shook her head.
“Thinking about Rainbow?”
This time a nod. Wob could see the reflection of moonshine on her wet cheeks.
Wob put her forelegs around her in an embrace. The two watched the night sky together.