> Growing A Shell
>  by bluemoon1996
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Eyes, and ear, and holes and stripes!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Coach Lawson's eyes swept over the class of freshman as he walked over to his desk, picking up a stack of papers. "Here's the test," he said walking up and down the aisles of desk, passing them out, "you know the drill: no talking, no looking off each others papers."

Once finished, his gaze traveled over to the far side of the room where his intern was sitting, busily writing. "Johnny, could you go and make some copies of this test?"

God darn it, why today of all days do you actually have something for me to do! I need to get this paper finished or I could fail English for the semester! Sighing I turned about to face Lawson, "Can't you have the guy next period do it? I have some work I need to finish." Please say yes, please say yes, please say yes.

He shook his head. "Damn it," I grumbled to myself as I stood up and made my over to him, taking the remaining tests. "How many?"

"Three dozen." I nodded and quickly made my way out into the hallway. 

I began to make my way down to the copy room. Thank to god that it's on this side of the building at least; that's one silver lining. This should take ten to fifteen minutes and there's... Damn, how long till the bell rings? 

I pulled out my phone and was greeted by Rainbow Dash trying to break out by slamming herself against the screen. Okay, there's forty minutes till the bell rings. Dashie wasn't best pony but this wallpaper was too neat to pass up and it gives good reason for my usual phone paranoia. Several folks know I'm a brony but that doesn't mean I shove it down everyone's throats. 

I was brought back to the real world when I finally arrived at the copy room, only to find it occupied. "Hey Sage, Hey Dalton!" I said as over the loud whir of the copy machine. They both returned my greeting as I leaned up against a counter next to Dalton. 

"So how much you got to print?" Dalton asked, looking over at me. 

"Three dozen" I answered my best friend, "and I still haven't finished that damn paper for Hastings." Me and Dalton were as thick as thieves; been the best of friends since he came here freshman year.

"You should have just done it about ponies," Sage snickered, "you would have had it done the day he assigned it."

I felt my cheeks heat up in embarrasment as Dalton snickered, "don't tease him Sage."  Thank you man. "Besides I don't think Hastings would want to read about pink fluffy unicorns dancing on rainbows," he said, a shit-eating grin on his face. I spoke too soon...

"Thanks Dalton," I said sarcastically. Okay, time to change the subject. "So what's did y'all do over the weekend?"


------


Sage's job soon ended, taking her copies and leaving. Dalton followed with equal quickness, leaving me alone. Setting the paper in the scanner, I pressed the buttons and it began its task. 

As I waited, I pulled back out my phone and dug my earbuds out of my jacket pocket before plugging them in. I opened my iTunes, "Ink Spots, nah... Rolling Stones, maybe... Queen, possibly... ooh,That's it," I muttered to myself, tapping play. Some old jazz began playing as I leaned back against the counter, humming along. All I got to is lean back and wait till-

In that moment, I felt something wash over me and a flash of green light filled my vision. Disorientated, I stumbled forward as I felt my head swim. Tripping over my feet, I fell to the floor with a solid think. 

The last thing I head before passing out was the copy machine continue to whir along.





It was business as usual at Sugarcube Corner and Pinkie Pie was manning the register. The pink mare gave a hearty smile as a pale purple unicorn foal came up the register, "Hiya Dinky! Whatcha here for?" 

"Mommy was trying to bake some muffins, it didn't go too well," she levitated a hoof full of bits out of her saddlebags, placing them on the counter, "half a dozen banana nuts please."

"Sure thing!" She nodded and quickly went over to the display case and began gathering the muffins. Her head popped back up when her tail begin twitching. Pinkie's gaze immediately went to the ceiling, looking for something about to fall. 

Suddenly, her shoulder became achy. She giggled to herself, "today's not Gummy's bath day, that wa-." Her sentence was cut off as her ears began to flop, her back became Itchy, her eyelids began to flutter, and all four of her knees began to twitch like mad. 

And as soon as they started, the twitching stopped. "Strange... Never had that one before," she said, thinking for a second before shrugging and finished gathering Dinky's order. "Alright, here ya go Dinky! Tell Derpy I'll...Hey? Where did everypony go?" She looked about the suddenly empty waiting area in confusion.





All I could do was look around in confusion as I stepped into the cafeteria. It was identical to my school's lunchroom: from the three tiers down and giant mascot painted on the wall to various stains on the walls from long ago food fights. It was nearly perfect except for one rather obvious thing: pretty much every race from My Little Pony, fanon or canon, had a representative in this mess. 

Instead of familiar faces, I was surrounded by a literal rainbow of everything from Breezies to a fully grown black dragon. I even recognized a few of my old OCs from RPs and abandoned fanfics. But something was off about one equine in the crowd. A changeling, sitting by himself at a table in the far corner of the lowest tier, was staring directly at me. All the other creatures in the room were minding their own business or couldn't see me.  

"Might as well go see why he's so important." I began to make my way down to him, slipping through the crowd. Upon reaching him, he gave me a look-over with his teal eyes, "sit." 

I obliged the bug, sitting down in a chair that was conveniently directly across from him. My brain scrounged it's memory tapes, trying to remember who this green eyes changel- Green eyes, green eyes! I've only had one changeling OC with green eyes; the one my niece made for me as a gift for my last birthday, "You're Doppel!" 

"Congratulations," he said dryly, "would you like a cookie?" Wow, I'm being insulted by a figment of my own imagination, at least he isn't trying to kill me. 

"If I was going to kill you, you'd already be dead," he said casually as he lifted up a thermos and two tin cups. 

"Wait... You just read my thoughts?"

"Yeah I did, I am a figment of your imagination after all," he opened the thermos and started poured some of its contents into the cups and slid one my way, "here drink this."

I eyed the contents suspiciously, it looked like some green liquid, kinda like lime Gatorade. I gave it a sniff, smelled okay. "What the hell, bottoms up!" I lifted the cup to my lip and downed the contents.... And immediately regretted that decision. 

Whatever the hell that was burned all the way down! I began to hack and cough uncontrollably as I struggled to get air to my lungs. After one particularly violent cough, a large glob of some green viscous goop came flying out of my mouth and landing on the table with a splat. What the hell did this drink do!

"See you later Johnny."

The coughing didn't relent and slowly my vision began to fade from lack of oxygen before everything went black with a final gurgle.





My head was pounding like no other when I finally woke with a start. I couldn’t suppress a groan as I sat up on the floor and rubbed my head. I glanced up at the clock in the room and let out a sigh at the 1:25 it showed. "Great, just friggin' great! I passed out and now only got five minutes till English!" How in the Sam Hill didn't anyone notice me passed out in the copy room of all places!  Grumbling to myself, I grabbed my phone and stood up and the papers from the copy machine before I left the room. 

Okay, need to think of a lie for why I was gone so long so Coach Lawson won't rip me a new one. Talking to friends, god no that won't work... Talking to Mr. Odera, no, he could just ask him... Collage stuff? I smiled to myself; Yeah, that'll work, I was talking to the counselor about college. 

"Might as well make a bathroom stop while I can." I entered the men's bathroom and quickly took position at a urinal. Once done with nature's call, I went began to roll up my jacket sleeves for the sink but what I saw on my right arm made my mind screech to a halt. 

Holes!

"There are mother bucking holes in my arm!" How in the hell is this even possible! Holes just don't appear in someone's arm! Not without a lot of blood and pain; both of which I'm thankfully lacking!  I lifted up my other sleeve. There was holes in that arm too! 

Wait... Did I say buck???

That's not important brain, We got bigger holes to fill in! I mentally face-palmed at my poor choice of words. 

I looked at the largest of the holes; one about the size of a quarter right in the middle of my right forearm. I could clearly see through it; there was no signs of, well, anything! No scarring, no blood, no cauterization, no nothing! It looked like it had been there my whole damn life!

I just kept staring at my arm till it hit me like a ton of bricks. The pulse of light! That must have caused this to happen!

I ran a hand through my hair and let out a somewhat panic filled sigh. “Jesus Christ... How am I going to explain this to everyone... Especially Mom?”

Indeed Johnny, how are you going to explain this? Oh hi everyone, sorry I was late. I was busy getting distracted by the fact that my arms spontaneously grew holes when I knocked out by a pulse of light!

Shut up brain you're not helping!

I rubbed my eyes; we'll pass that bridge when it comes. Right now I got other things I need to take care of. I quickly finished washing my hands and rolled my sleeves back down; which covered all but one small hole, barely as big as a pencil. Thank god for one at least one good thi-

*RING*

Crap.





I arrived at Hasting's room right in the nick of time; the bell ringing just as I entered the door. Only to find myself the center of attention as every eye was on me as if I had grown ears instead of holes. "Sorry for running late," I ran a hand through my hair, "kinda fell asleep and no one woke me up."

"Just take a seat Johnny," Hasting gave me a rather bemused look. Nodding, I quickly sat down at my little group with Dalton and an empty desk that was normally occupied. "Where's Sage?" I asked as I looked over at Dalton. I couldn't put my finger on it but something was off about him. Wait, weren't his eyes usually brown not blue?

"I have no idea," he gave me a strange look. "Umm... Why are you giving me the stink eye," He asked quietly.

"Your eyes are blue," I stated and the look that appeared on Dalton's face seemed more appropriate on someone who just lost their parents. 

"Y-you noticed," he said, even quieter, "how obvious is it?"

"Wait? What the hell are you talking about?"

"My eyes! They just up and changed color after some-" he began.

"...after some flash of light," I finished his statement. We both breathed a sigh of relief, "you too?" I nodded; Oh thank Celestia, I'm not alone! I'm not the only one this is happening too!

Wait.... Celestia?

Not now brain; I nonchalantly placed my hand on the desk and pointed at the hole on my hand. "We'll talk about this later okay?" He nodded, a somewhat disturbed look on his face.


-----



Sage showed up five minutes later, head down and hood drawn up over her head. Without even speaking, she gave her tardy slip to Hastings and sat down, immediately putting her head down on the desk. 

"Umm Sage? You okay," Dalton gave her shoulder a gentle nudge. 

"Leave me alone," she sniffled. I don't know why but I felt sadness coming off of her; I placed a hand on her shoulder, "Sage? Can you at least tell us where you were?"I said in the friendliest voice I could. 

"B-bathroom," The feeling of sadness lessened a bit. 

"Why were you in there crying?" Dalton asked

She was quiet for nearly a minute, "S-something happened," she squeaked, the sadness flooded back. 

"Sage? What happened?" I tried to sound as soothing as possible, "you can tell us, We're you're friends." 

She was silent for good long while, "there was this green light...."

I let out a sigh, seems our duo is now a trio, "Sage... You aren't the only one, it happened to me and Dalton too." 

The sadness radiating off her waned considerably and was replaced by relief. She looked up from under her hood, her eyes red and mascara runny, "you two better not be lying."

I shook my head, pointing at the visible hole on my hand, "we'll talk after school in the parking lot."





Ears. 

Sage had pony ears on top of her flippin' head! I could hardly believe my eyes as she let me and Dalton have a peek under her hood. Two burgundy pony ears stuck up from her brown hair like mountains over a cloud bank. After she brought her hood back up to cover them, we could still see them twitch occasionally. 

"And I thought his holes were weird," Dalton said bluntly as he stared into the bed of my pickup that we were having our meeting around. My hand reflexively covered the one visible hole on my wrist; it had gradually been growing bigger since I first noticed it a little under two hours ago and was now the size of a dime. 

"Okay so we all got discombobulated by that green light thingy," Sage stated, doing her best to make sense of this impossible situation, "and afterwards, we all had changes?" 

I nodded, "pretty much. And as far as I can tell, it only seems to have affected us three." I rubbed my eyes, this was all too damn weird. 

"And all these changes are related to ponies," Dalton added, "my eyes, sage's ears, your... holes." 

I covered the exposed one again; I definitely didn't want to see what the rest of my arm looked like. "Look guys," I began, "we need to figure out what the hell is going on. Once y'all get home, Google whatever you can till you find out what the hell is going on. I'm gunna try some of my online friends to see if this isn't just a local affair. For all we know, they could have a way to fix this already." 

They both nodded in agreement, "if either of you find anything, give the two of us a text or call." They nodded again, "alright, let's call this meeting adjourned. I gotta go pick up my niece from the elementary school." 

We all went our separate ways and I hopped in and started to make my way over to the elementary school. Thank god this is a small town and all the schools are practically next door to each other. 

About ten minutes later, my little first grader crawled into the passenger side seat. The little six year old was as adorable as ever except her brown arms had black stripes on them. 

"Kylie?" I raised an eyebrow, "you know how your daddy is about you drawing on yourself. How did those stripes get on your arms?" Please don't be her too, please don't be her too!

"They just showed up," she replied, looking up at me as she buckled up, "and I tried getting them off." She got me into the show, it only seems right this happened to her too but damn it! I let out an annoyed sigh as I rubbed my eyelids for what seemed like the millionth time that afternoon, "was there a flash of light?"

She nodded, "how did you know?"

I looked over at her, "Kylie, pinkie promise that what I'm gunna show you will never leave this truck understand?"

"Cross my heart and hope to die, stick a cupcake in my eye" she mimicked the motions of a certain pony. 

"Whatever happened to you happened to me and some friends too" I pulled up my sleeve and her eyes went wide. Almost immediately, one of her hands began to reached over and she poked her fingers through my arm.

I gave a slight shudder, "please don't do that." She pulled her hand back like she was threatened with spanking, "how are we gunna explain this to daddy and grandma?"

"I don't know Kylie, I don't know."
> Family time 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

I let out a sigh as we rumbled up the gravel driveway to reveal that no one was home. Okay, that gave us some time to think of a way to explain this to Mom and Danny. A small shiver of dread ran up my back as I turned off the engine; me and Dan weren't exactly on speaking terms after a incident two weeks ago. At least mom would be able to help me explain this to him; that is if she gets home before she comes to pick Kylie up. 

As we hopped out the truck, we were greeted by the sight of our old German Shephard Corvo coming around the corner into view. The big fluffball trotted up to Kylie and she hugged him, the old guy wagging his tail like mad. I couldn't help but smile at the sight; Kylie gave Corvo a hug almost everyday, but with all the weirdness of earlier, this normal occurrence just seemed beautiful. 

I grabbed mine and Kylie's backpacks, "Come on Kylie, I gotta do some research and we need to figure out how we're gonna explain this to Grandma and Danny."

She nodded, "okay Unkee Johnny!" And the two of us made our way inside. Once indoors, Kylie hurried into the living room and flopped down on the couch, grabbing the TV remote as I made my way over to the stairs. "I'm going to grab my laptop and be back down in a sec, okay?"

She nodded as I began to climb the stairs. After I quickly slipped through the organized chaos that is my bedroom and grabbed my laptop, I made my way back down to Kylie. Once I saw what she was watching I had to facepalm. She was watching ponies; more specifically A Canterlot Wedding. 

She gave a confused look as I sat down next to her, "What? It's something we both like?"


-----


"Chicago?" I blurted out randomly as I soaked up the information on the forum. This wasn't just us, this was happening to bronies all across the globe. And the numbskulls who caused this were calling all those affected to come to Chicago so they could tell the world that they screwed up and everybrony was now turning into ponies.

My eyes widened in alarm as my brain screeched to a halt; turning into ponies!?! The holes in my forearms hit me like a ton of bricks and a knot formed in my stomach. I was turning into a changeling! 

For a split second, I could hear the voice of Doppel offering me a cookie again. Now is not the time brain!

Kylie gave a confused look, "What about Chicago?" 

"I'll tell you in a minute," I gave her a poor poker face as I took a few deep breaths to calm myself. I could work myself into a panic extremely easy if I wasn't careful. 

"Tell me now," Kylie just gave me a rather bemused glare, "or I'll start Rarity whining...." I could feel the impatience radiating off her. 

I glared back at her, "you wouldn't dare." 

She took in a deep breath and began in the most ear bleedingly high pitch imaginable, "Oh this couch is too lumpy! It's too hot in here! My foot itches! Why won't it ever snow here! I want sn-"

My hand reached out and grabbed her mouth, clamping it shut. "Fine I'll tell you, just for the love of all that is sacred and holy stop that!" She gave me a shit eating grin as I pulled my hand away from her face. I really hate that girl sometimes; she knew all my buttons and was all too willing to press them.

I sighed, rubbing my eyes as I though of a way to explain this to her. How in the hell do you tell a six year old she's turning into a zebra from a kids cartoon and that you're turning into a love sucking insect shapeshifter?

"Kylie," I began, "promise you won't freak out okay?"

She nodded. "Well, it seems that we're turning into ponies. More specifically, you into a zebra and me into a changeling." I immediately cringed, waiting for the freakout I was expecting.

But she didn't flip out, scream, or anything I was expecting. "Well, we better think of a way to explain this," she said calmly. Wait, just what? I just stared dumbfounded; she's not even freaking out!

She reached forward and slapped me on the cheek, "Come on Unkee Johnny, I may be six but I'm not stupid." She smirked





I don’t know for how long, but Kylie and I spent the time trying to figure out a way for us to explain the fact we were turning into a zebra and glorified cockroach to my mother and brother. 

I rubbed my eyes as I slumped back in the couch, "this plan is just utterly stupid Kylie..."

She looked over at me from the chair she had moved to, "I don't see you coming up with anything?" 

"I suggested we just be honest," I groaned as I looked up at the clock to see it showed 6:30, "mom or Danny could be home any minute and we got jack squat!" Mom should be home by now, where is she?

"Yeah we do!"

"Where are we gunna get a midget in Buckingham Palace guard attire??? The only reason Mom wouldn't freakout is the sheer insanity of your plan!" At least my idea was just blunt and too the point; no need to be over the top when we can just say it and get it done.

"You have no imagination," Kylie pouted, crossing her arms.

"Honesty is the best policy," I retorted.

Kylie opened her mouth to say something but the bright lights of a car swept across the windows facing the driveway. "Crap, someone is home!" My blood ran cold as I hopped to my feet and rolled back down my sleeves of my jacket, "Kylie put on your jacket and let me do the talking!"

"Still think my idea is better," she said glumly as she slipped on her pink hoodie. I quickly reached the door and breathed a sigh of relief when I saw my mom's old Ford Taurus through the built-in window. The trunk popped open as mom got out and she grabbed her lunchbox and massive purse before she began to make her way to the door.

Kylie came up beside me and peaked through the door's window before suddenly yanking it open and zooming outside shouting, "grandma!" in that obnoxiously high pitch yell that all little kids have. I calmly followed her out as my mom put down her things and wrapped Kylie in a big bear hug. 

My Mom was a bear of a woman, both metaphorically and physically. A stout forty-five year old cafeteria lady who looked like she could beat the living snot out of anyone and she could. If you ever pissed her off or harmed her kids in any way, shape, or form, she would make your life a living hell. Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned was definitely in effect with her. 

Okay Johnny, time to be smooth. "Let me get your stuff for you," I said as I grabbed the lunch box and her massive purse, which felt like it weighed a ton. Seriously, it felt she filled the thing with cement! I'll never understand the thing about ladies and stuffing absolutely everything in their purses. 

"Thanks Johnny," Mom said as she stood back up and the trio of us began to make our way back inside.

"How was the drive home?" I asked, attempting to make some small talk to ease into the situation. 

"Bizarre," she replied as we got inside. 

"How so?" 

“Alotta people were driving, well, rather oddly."

“I-I wonder why...” My smile started to falter into a nervous twitch, and I was certain that she could tell just though the sound in my voice. 

Thankfully, she was in front of little pack as we entered the living room so she didn't see. “Well either way, there ain't much we can do," she sat herself down in her chair, "so how was your day you two?"

Before I could even open my mouth Kylie was off. "It was super fantabulous Grandma! Miss Gilsdorf wasn't there so we had a sub and she was the most awesome sub ever! She let-"

As Kylie ranted on about her day, I rubbed my arms, feeling the holes though the my jacket sleeves. How in the hell were we gunna explain this to her! Mom isn't going believe me if I just flat out say that we were turning into characters from a cartoon show . She's a logical woman; sure, she did some stuff back in the eighti-

"Johnny what's the matter?"

I was emerged from my internal freakout to see that Mom was looking directly at me, waiting for a reply. 

Game over man! Game over! Mom can read you like a open book amigo! Might as well abandon ship while you can!

SHUT UP BRAIN!

You're doomed!~

I smiled weakly as I stopped rubbing my arms, "Nothing is wrong Mom. I... I was just thinking about... stuff that happened today; yeah, just thinking about stuff that happened earlier," I gave her what was probabaly one of my worst poker faces ever. 

Kylie just facepalmed.

Mom gave me the look that only she could do. A glare that could put even the most angry of little Mexican grandmas to shame. A glare that screamed I don't care that you're legally an adult, I am still your mother and spank you till your butt is beet red. "Johnny Ray Finley Junior, tell me the truth," she said in an unnervingly calm tone. 

SHE USED THE FULL NAME! ABANDON SHIP! 

My bottom lip quivered as my ability to speak seemed to screech to a halt. Damn it, I knew I never should have even tried lying to her! I'm a terrible liar! 

"S-something happened," I finally managed to eep out, "Something b-"

It was in that moment that my jaw nearly hit the floor as I saw Kylie's human ear melt into her head and a few seconds later, a pair of little, fuzzy, grey ears popped out from under her hair.

My hands immediately shot up to the side of my head and I breathed a sigh of relief, thank Celestia I still have my ears!

More importantly, why didn’t I say “Thank God?”

Please don’t remind me of that at the moment brain. I just saw my niece sprout horse ears! 

Mom had a look of shock on her face as she just stated, "Eyes... Ears... What??" was all she was able to manage, her eyes rapidly switching between myself and Kylie.

Eyes? I sighed, that's gotta be me. A shiver of fear ran up my spine as I pulled out my phone from my pocket. How much of a freak do I look like now? Have I gone from a packers fan gone too far to full-on abhuman? I switched my phones camera to the self photo mode and I let out a terrified eep.  

Green! My eye was completely and utterly green; White and all! I didn't even have a pupil anymore! Tears beginning to form in my inhuman eyes as I looked back up at Mom. 

"I... what just happened?!?" 

"I-I don't know," I stammered, "and it's worse... For me at least." I took off my jacket.

Her look of confusion turned to one of horror as she saw the holes that dotted my arms, "Dear God..." 

That look was the straw that broke the camels back. The floodgates broke and the tears began streaming as I put my head in my hands. I'm a god damn freak! What's next, my eyes turn compound!

I don't know how long I was crying but I nearly jumped out of my skin when I felt arms wrap around me from both side. I looked up to see mom had moved and was now sitting on the opposite side of Kylie; the two were currently making me the meat of a hug sandwich. I barely managed to hold back another bout of tears as I hugged moms tightly. "I-I'm scared..." I managed to croak pitifully into her shirt, "I don't I so what to do."

"It's going to be okay," She said softly, gently patted me on the back.

I pulled out of the hug and looked up at her, "No it's not, This is happening globally. People every everywhere are changing...  Hell, this happened to Sage and Dalton too!"

"Changing into what?"

"Ponies!," Kylie answered with surprising enthusiasm, "I'm turning into a adorable zebra!" I scoffed a bit, but couldn’t stop the laugh from escaping my throat.

Mom released me from my hug as Kylie began to fill her in on the details of what we had learned. I zoned out as I watched Kylie's ears; the little things were twitching every so often as she talked...

....talk....

Balls, I forgot to call Dalton and Sage!

"I need to go make a call," I jumped up and zoomed towards the door, leaving both my mother and niece looking rather confused.





"You grew a horn?" 

"Yes indeedy," she replied, a hint of giddiness in her voice, "I'm now one hundred percent horny!"

The resulting facepalm could be heard 'round the world, "really? Just really??" 

"Bad joke?"

"On par with dead baby jokes," I said bluntly. Okay, Sage is turning into a unicorn but what about Dalton?

"Have you heard anything from Dalton since school?" I asked, "I tried calling him first but he didn't pick up." 

"No," Sage replied, a hint of worry in her voice, "are you think what I'm thinking?" 

"Y-yeah." Dalton's parents weren't exactly the most understanding of people. They fit almost every stereotype that you could label someone from rural Texas under. Many scenarios began running through my head from him getting kicked out to him getting shot.
"Sage, you keep on trying to get your dad to let us use your RV to go Chicago. I'm gonna drive out to Dalton's place to see if I can find him."

"Alright," she said before I hung up and headed back inside.

Mom and Kylie were still in the living room, though they were now watching some TV. "hey Mom, I'm going over to Dalton's place. I haven't heard anything from him."

"Alright, just come back soon oka-"

My phone suddenly began going off, cutting mom off mid sentence. I pulled it out of my pocket and laughed slightly, "Speak of the devil and he shall appear, it's a text from Dalton!" 

"Well, what does it say?" Both mom and Kylie said almost simultaneously. 

"Come quick." 

> When you got an amigo in need 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

As I drove to Dalton's house, I learned two things about my new eyes. I could now see in low light extremely well now. Hell, I didn't even need to have the headlights on to see! The second thing was just as cool but somewhat disturbing: my eyes now glow. It was only as bright as a glow stick but my eyes were glowing! How cool is that! I have to look so flipping creepy right now! 

I drove the thoughts from my mind as I drew closer to his home. Now wasn't the time for those kinda thoughts when Dalton needs my help...possibly. Damn, why did he have to send such a vague text! Seriously, he could be in some deep shit and all he sent was 'come quick'!?

For once, I agree with you brain.

Rounding the last corner, I spotted dalton as my headlights washed over him and I couldn't help but gawk. He was sitting shirtless at the foot of his driveway, head in his hands as he leaned against the mailbox; but that wasn't why my jaw was on the floor boards, no siree Bob! It was because the large leathery bat wings sticking out from his back!

I let out a groan as I stopped my truck and cut the engine. That explains why he needed me to come. His mom and dad were uber religious folks and probably screamed heresy the moment they saw the wings. 

I quietly got and out and made my way over to my now winged best friend. Without the rumble of my truck's engine, I could hear the rather pitiful sound of crying coming from Dalton. What the hell happened?

I glanced up at his house, about 25 yards away, and saw the distinctive pot-bellied silhouette of his dad standing on the porch. The bastard was watching his son cry his eyes out like a vulture circling it's next meal!

Kneeling down, I placed a hand on my friends shoulder. "Dalton, it's me," I said in the most soothing voice I could muster, "I'm here, we can go now."

His sniffling stopped and he looked up at me. I let out a surprised gasp and fell flat on my ass. Blood and fangs! There was dried blood caked around his mouth and a pair of fangs poking out from under his top lip! I couldn't help but stare in a mixture of surprise and horror. 

He took one look at me and laughed dryly, "Jeeze, and I thought I got hit by the short end of the stick."

"D-Dalton... What happened?" I finally managed to say, "who's blood is that!?"

"What the hell do you think," he spat on the ground, "my dad lost his shit. I was trying to explain to them what happened with my eyes when..." He looked back his wings, "those showed up and the next thing I knew Pop had me by the shoulder demanding what I had done with his boy."

"I tried telling him that it was me and not some daemon bodysnatcher but he wouldn't believe me and... and he got violent," he began to cry again.

"Dalton," I put my hand back on his shoulder, "who's blood is that? Did he hurt you?" By Celestia's fat flank, I don't care if Mr. Riley was my god damn elder, I would kick his ass to the moon! I could already feel my blood begin to boil.

"Just some bruises," he said, rubbing his stomach. I couldn't help but growl. What kind of man hits his children when they're obviously scared out of their damn minds! My blood was most definitely boiling now. 

"The blood is his." 

"His?" I raised an eyebrow, a hint of happiness in my voice. At least the bastard lost some blood from this. 

He nodded, "I-I don't know what came over me, I clamped my teeth into his arm," he looked absolutely disgusted with himself, "It just felt natural. I-I fucking enjoyed it!" And with that he broke down again. 

The sadness radiating off of him tripled and I couldn't help but hug him. As he cried into my shoulder,  I glared up at the figure of Dalton's dad on the porch with a seething passion. If looks could kill, I'm sure mine was the czar bomb. 

Why couldn't we have gotten laser eyes instead of night vision!

Once again I agree with you brain.

Quietly, I got Dalton to his feet and helped him over to my truck, sitting him down in the passenger seat. I let out a sigh; I had never seen Dalton like this before. He was probably the most happy go lucky guy I know and absolutely nothing bummed him out. What the hell must be going through his mind? 

I made my way over my side and opened the do-

"That's right! You freaks get off my property!"

All right, that's it! Slamming the door shut, I stormed up the driveway, my fists shaking in rage. Stopping about halfway up the drive, I just glared up at him.

"You son of a bitch," I sounded like a daemon straight out of hell, "that 'thing' is your son you bastard!"

"That ain't my boy!"

"That is your boy and he's scared out of his damn mind!" I wanted to storm up there and beat the living snot out of that man till I either broke my hand or his face.

"Get off my property you glowy eyed bastard!" 

"Glowy eyes bastard!?! I screamed in rage, "I'm your son's best friend you fucker!"

"If you do not get off my property I will shoot you!" He picked up what was safe to assume was a gun and with the very distinctive sound of a shotgun cocking aimed it in my direction.

Shotgun cock! Shotgun cock! Redneck has got a gun! Scatter!

Pissed off or not, I'm not a fan of getting shot. Turning about, I high-tailed it back to my truck and we were on our way. 

As we were driving off, I looked over at Dalton. He wasn't crying anymore, just staring out the window. The sadness was still coming off of him but now it was far smaller. 

"Hey man, you wanna talk?"

Silence. I sighed, I hate quiet car trips.





As we pulled back into the driveway, I saw my brother's ugly ass orange Hyundai. Crap, Danny's here! I really hope mom was able to explain this to him. 

Sighing, I looked down at the clock in the dashboard and it showed 9 o'clock. I turned off the engine and looked over at my silent riding amigo. "Hey man, just go crash on the couch in my room." He nodded as we got out and made our way inside. 

Once inside, I made my way into the living room as Dalton made a beeline to the stairs. Mom was in her chair while Danny was there on the couch, Kylie's head resting in his lap as she quietly slept. Her pony ears occasionally twitching. I couldn't help d'aw at the adorableness. 

Both of them watched Dalton as he went up the stairs. Mom looked back at me in confusion, "Who's blood is th-" 

I sighed as I flopped down in an empty seat,"it's a long story."

Danny just looked kept on looking at me, "Jeeze, you weren't kidding mom." Okay, this is going a lot better than I thought it would. 

He looked down at Kylie and rubbed her hair before looking up at me, "So theres a way to fix this in Chicago?"

I nodded, "as far as I know yes."

"And you and your friends are going up there."

I nodded again

He looked back down at Kylie again, "Johnny, if anything happens to her. I will end you, understand?" I gulped, nodding; Danny would certainly track me to the ends of the earth and beyond. 

My six and a half foot tall tank of a brother stood up and walked over to me. I stood up, only reaching his chest, "shake on it?" 

He shook his head and grabbed me in a bear hug. I let pained grunt his hug broke my back, "Dan... Hug... Can't breathe!" He released me, "sorry." I took in a gulp of air as he let me go, "it's nothing man." 

"Well," he looked back at mom, "I gotta go explain to my wife that our daughter is turning into a cartoon zebra." He sighed, "wish me luck," and gave mom a hug. 

"See you later Bugeyes," he smirked as he turned to leave. 

"Ha ha very funny," I said, a bemused expression on my face as he walked away. 


------


Yawning, I made my way up to my bedroom. It had been an hour since Danny had left and me and mom had just been talking and watching TV. And now that it was 10 o'clock, I decided it was time to hit the sack. Today had been a long day for us all and tomorrow it was off to Chicago.

As I opened the door, I heard the soft sound of Dalton snoring. Quietly, I changed into my usual sleeping attire and climbed into bed and soon drifted off to sleep.

> The journey begins... Finally
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The sound of a horn blaring returned me to the land of the living. Yawning, I glanced up at the clock and let out a groan. Who in Celestia's fat flank is here at seven in the damn morning honking their horn!

Using pony terms again.

Shut up brain, I just woke up.  

Groaning, I sat up in bed and rubbed my eyes. I looked at my arms for a bit, the holes were still there but that's not what I was looking at. My skin looked... Blacker. I wasn't the most tan of people to begin with; hell, I've been told I have the complexion of a Scandinavian on multiple occasions. But my skin was most definitely darker than it was 24 hours ago.

As I stared out across my room, waiting for the sleepiness clouding my mind to dissipate, I looked over at the still sleeping Dalton. He was currently facing me and had apparently cleaned his dad's blood from his mouth before he went to sleep. His hair seemed to have grayed while sleeping and he looked... pudgier? Yeah, he was most definitely a bit fatter. 

I let out a giggle as he snorted in his sleep, rolling over. He looked so cute!

WAIT, STOP THE PRESSES! Did we just call our best friend cute!?!

Any sleepiness left evaporated in an instant as I nearly gagged. I just thought of my male best friend as cute! I'm straight goddamn it, I've had girlfriends!

Abandon ship! Pun not intentional! 

A banging on my door shaked me from my internal panic, "your friend Sage and her dad are here with their RV!" Mom hollered. "I'll be down in a bit ma!" I replied, "just gonna take a shower!"

Lazily I stood up and stretched my hole filled limbs as I made my way to my bathroom and as I turned to face the mirror I jumped a little at my reflection. 

Gone was my fair skin, brown hair and blue eyes; and in its place, a almost human face looked back. My skin was most defiantly darker as I had learned earlier and my eyes were still the all encompassing teal. 
My face also seemed to be more gaunt; but my hair, oh sweet merciful Celestia my hair! My luscious head of hair had started falling out! A large clump the size of my fist was missing and it also appeared to be thinner. My hair looks it should be on a fifty year old!

Male pattern baldness is a bitch!

Sighing, I stripped out of my nightclothes and turned on the water, putting a hand in the water. After a minute or so, the water temperature was nice and warm and I hopped in. I let out a pleasured groan as the water ran over me. Damn, that feels good! 

There was more banging on the door. Damn, this was going to have to be short shower. 


-----


I came downstairs a few minutes later with a just woken up Dalton staggering behind me, grumbling and rubbing his eyes. I saw Sage's old man and Mom talking about something, probibally just old people stuff. "Morning Mr. Campbell, where's Sage?" 

"Mornin' Johnny," he said politely, laughing lightly, "your mom wasn't kidding was she?"

I rolled my eyes. Well, you're not the one who's turning into a love-sucking roach. "No she wasn't," I laughed a little, "so where is Sage?" 

"She's out back with niece on the trampoline," he stated. Nodding, I made my way outside. The trampoline was a recent addition Mom bought back during the summer after a lot of pestering from Kylie. And she sure did use it whenever she was over. 

As I turned the corner, I saw the two of 'em bouncing, giggling like two school fillies.

Do I even need to say it?

Ignoring my brain, I watched the two of them as they jumped. Sage's hair seemed to have gotten longer and there was indeed a small horn sticking out of her hair just above her forehead. Kylie's changes were a lot more obvious; her hair had developed the stripes now and her skin seemed duller. 

The two of them noticed me and stopped bouncing. Kylie hopped off the trampoline and practically flew over to me, hugging me tightly, "Good morning Unkee!"

Smiling, I rubbed her hair. Her enthusiasm was just downright infectious! I couldn't hep but giggle too, "Morning Kylie, morning Sage."

"Dang Johnny," Sage stated as she hopped off the trampoline, "your mom wasn't kidding."

"Your dad said the same thing," I scoffed, "you should see Dalton. He's got damn bat wings..." I facepalmed, "Wow, I am an idiot." He's a goddamn bat pony, how didn't I notice this earlier! 

Sage and Kylie gave me a look that screamed we're waiting. "Dalton's turning into a batpony," I explained.

"Well duh," Kylie giggled, "bat wings means bat pony, silly." Sage just giggled as I felt my cheeks heat up in embarrisment. Great, my six year old niece is showing me up. 

"So... Why don't I show you the RV?" Sage asked and I nodded. 

Sage led me and Kylie around to the driveway and my jaw dropped. How in the Sam Hill didn't I see this coming outside?! The RV was downright massive. I didn't know much about them but this one was definitely on the high end. Thank god, Sage's folks were swimming in cash. 

"If you think this is nice you should see the inside," Sage grinned ear to ear as she opened the door. As soon as I stepped inside my jaw stopped being in the floor and was in China. The inside of the RV as downright luxurious! 

The main area was around ten feet wide and fifteen feet long. The kitchen took up most of the majority of the left wall; it had a small stove, fridge, microwave, and cabinets. The right side of camper was split about fifty fifty between a small kitchen table and little love-seat. A TV sat on the wall separating the driver from the rest of the living area. A small hall led into a main bedroom and two doors in the hall led to a small bathroom and rather cramped little bedroom. 

I couldn't help but whistle as Sage gave us the grand tour, "swanky." Once again, thank god for rich people! 

"And Dad went and stocked it for the drive up to Chicago," she stated, opening a drawer to show that it was full of cereal and other foodstuffs. My stomach let out a grumble at the sight. Damn, I needed some food in my gut. "So... When are we gonna leave?" 

The sound of the door opening caused us all to turn to see Sage's dad stepping inside, "As soon y'all can." Well, that answers my question. 

My stomach grumbled again, "can I grab a bite to eat first? I haven't got to eat anything." Sage nodded and I slinked past Sage's old man and hurried back inside the house.

I found Dalton quietly eating a bowl of cereal at the kitchen table. Grabbing a green apple from the fruit basket, I took a bite out of it and I blinked in surprise. The apple was juicy but... blander. Great, now these changes are affecting my tastebuds too! 

As I munched down on the apple, mom came into the kitchen carrying mine and Kylie's backpacks. She placed them on the counter next to me, "I packed you and Kylie some essentials." I nodded, my mouth still full of food. She returned the nod with a smile and made her way outside. 

I quickly scarfed down the rest of the apple and looked over at Dalton, who was still eating, "so you feeling any better man?"

He nodded, "eeyup." 

"You wanna talk about it?" 

"Nope"

Damn it, I'm trying to talk with Big Mac. I sighed, "you gonna say anything else?" Please fall for it, please fall for it...

"Eeyup," he remained silent for a few seconds, "damn it." 

I gave him a shit-eating grin, "you fell for the oldest trick in the book." 

He laughed a little and nodded, "you got me there." Now there's the Dalton I know and love.

I couldn't help but let out a relieved sigh. After last night, it was good to see him laughing. "So you sure you don't want to talk about it?" 

He nodded and stood up, taking his bowel to the sink, "I'll talk about it when I want to talk about it, okay?"

I nodded, sighing; this was a personal matter to him and I wasn't gonna push it if he didn't want to. I put a hand on his shoulder, "I'll still be here when you do wanna." 

He shook my hand off his shoulder, "don't go getting all gay on me," he laughed at his little joke before turning about and went outside. My heart fluttered as my gaze fell on his backside as he left.

Dude... You just looked at your Dalton's ass and liked it!

Oh my god I just did! This time I did gag as I almost threw up my apple. I am straight! I like women! Not dudes, especially not Dalton! 

Who totally does have a cute butt... Oh god it's infecting me too!


...

...

We need to fix this now!

Agreed.

After reaching this silent agreement with myself, I went back out to the RV. Mom was giving Kylie a hug and Sage's dad was giving her one too. Once finished, Kylie zoomed up into the camper and mom turned to face me.

She pulled me into her typical bear hug and squeezed me tight, "You stay safe."

"I will mom," I squeezed her back.

She looked up at me, the usual authoritative look in her eyes gone and in its place was, well, the warm look only a mother could give, "and come back a hundred precent you, okay?"

"I will mom," I hugged her tightly before letting her go and giving her a kiss on the cheek. As I climbed into the camper, I couldn't shake the feeling that this was the last time I might see her. 





Hungry. 

I was so hungry. The gnawing in my stomach was unbearable as I rooted through the rotten refuse in the garbage can. I must eat, I need to eat. 

"Hello, is anypony there?"

Somepony found me! I let out a terrified shriek as I tried burying myself beneath the garbage, only managing to bury my upper half in the waste.

Something began tugging at my tail and I started shrieking as I was pulled out of trash into the air. Only to find myself face to face with a creme color unicorn mare in striped pajamas.

She let out a gasp at the sight of me, "a changeling!" But the look on her face turned to one of confusion as I let out a terrified whimper. "A baby changing? Where did you come from little guy?"

I gave cocked my head and gave her a curious chirp. 

Something dawned on the mare holding me and the look on her face turned sad as she glanced at her trashcan I had been rooting in. "You poor thing you must be starving!"

My stomach grumbled, "HUNGEE! HUNGEE!" I suddenly wailed, my voice high and squeaky. 

She let out a surprised gasp at my outburst and brought me close to her. I nuzzled the mare's neck affectionately, she was making the pain go away. She got a sniff of me and let out a gag, "you need a bath." I didn't care, she was making the pain go away. 

I kept my head in nape of the mares neck as she began to head somewhere. I didn't care where she was taking me, she was making the pain go away. When she stopped, I let out a squeal of protest, attempting to hold onto her neck.

"It's alright little guy," she cooed comfortingly, "I'm not going to leave you." It took a bit more comforting but I finally let go of the mares neck. The two of were now in a bathroom and I finally got a look at myself in the mirror. I was tiny changling, my soft body covered in enough filth and grime that I was practially brown, and my tiny legs were so full of holes that they were worse than Swiss cheese.

"HUNGEE! HUNGEE!" 

"It's alright," she cooed softly, "I'm just going to get you clean." The tub began filling up with warm water and the mare grabbed a bottle of something with her telekinesis. I let out a squeal of delight as she squirted its contents and bubbles appeared in the water.

She let out an giggle as I played the suds, "what's your name? Do you have a name?" 

I looked up at her and chirped curiously. "You don't have a have a name do you?" I just kept looking at her in confusion.

She was silent for a minute, "how about Enigma?" 

I shook my head

"Clandestine?"

Nope.

"Atlas?"

Nada.

"Etherial?"

I cocked my head

"Yeah, that one was kinda dumb," She was silent for good long while, "how about Doppel... Doppelgänger?" 

I chirped happily, my tiny wings fluttering in excitement. 

She gave me a smile, "you like that name?"

I nodded happily, splashing in the suds.

"That's it, your name is Doppel!" She gave me a kiss on the forehead and I giggled happily.
> Talking and traffic
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

I absolutely hate highway driving.

The endless hours of monotonous scenery, the innumerable diptard drivers with IQs in the single digits, and the traffic; oh sweet merciful Luna the traffic! Don't get me started on the traffic! Maybe it's the tiny kernel of country bumpkin in me that loathes it, maybe it's the fact I was in a car crash when I was little? Who the hell knows?

So my rage should come to no surprise...





"For the love of all that is sacred and holy... Move Your Damn Ass!" I slammed on the horn as we barely inched forward. Of all the damn times to arrive in Dallas, it just happened to be during the rush to work! But sadly, we were stuck bumper to bumper on a bridge over the Trinity. There was no escape for us. 

"Is he always like this when he's mad?" I could hear Sage ask Kylie back in the main area. Last time I had looked back, the two of them had been playing some goldfish. 

"Runs in the family," Kylie said simply, "you should see Papi when he's watching football. Got any fours?"

Kylie was completely right; the men in our family always tended to get riled up rather easily an-

"Is every driver in this Celestia damned city have their heads up their asses!" I slammed the horn again.

Such a example of self control. Why don't you try some music?

Oh piss off brain, but great idea! Reaching behind me, I shut the door to the rest of the camper and turned the radio to the first channel that I could think of: classic rock.

"~and that was Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen and it's now 9 a.m., now here's the traffic~" I slammed the dashboard in annoyance, I missed Bohemian Rhapsody! I love that song! I wanted to parody Wayne's World damn it; that would calm my nerves.

"~a car colliding with an 18-wheeler on 35-E just north of the McAllen Bridge has blocked up all but one lane of northbound traffic~"

Well that explains the traffic; I hope no one died.

"~a four car pile up has blocked all lanes of the George Bush Turnpike~"

Thank Celestia we weren't going on there. As I continued listening to the traffic report, I couldn't help but notice that there was a lot more accidents than usual, a lot more. Instead of the usual four or five there was nearly thirty all scattered about the DFW area. Were all these extra ones bronies in the same boat as us? I muttered a silent prayer for their safety and our own. Hopefully, these changes wouldn't make it impossible to drive before we reached Chicago. 


---ten minutes and a hundred yards later---


"Oh this is just perfect," I giggled to myself as I saw my prey: the little kid in the Toyota Prius to the left of us. He looked no older than Kylie and was currently making faces at me. This little bugger practically had a sign begging for what was coming. 

I removed the sunglasses and baseball cap I was wearing and ruffled up my hair, cringing as I pulled away a rather large clump. Once I was sure I looked sufficiently insane, I turned to face the lad with a smile the joker would be proud of. 

The kid opened his mouth in a scream of abject horror at my freakish appearance. He quickly turned to get the attention of his parents but when they looked, I had already put back on the cap and shades. I gave them a friendly wave and chuckled as the boys mom smacked him upside the head. The boy just glared at me and I gave him another smile. That ended him.


------


"Sweet merciful Luna," I muttered as we finally reached the source of our traffic issues. The 18 wheeler was more or less perfectly fine as the trailer had taken the beating. But the car was worse... A lot worse. 

The car was little more than a mangled mass of steel. The policewoman waved us along as I caught a brief glimpse of the person in the ambulance and I muttered a silent prayer again.

He was definitely in our boat; the neon blue wings attested to that.. 

I sighed, at least he was alright.




After the bridge, the traffic had practically evaporated and we were soon found ourselves making record time on Interstate 30 as we made our way out of DFW and towards the Arkansas border. 

"Can I come in Johnny?" Sage said from behind me as I heard the door behind me open. 

Nodding, I kept my attention focused on the road, "come on in."

She sat down in the shotgun seat, "I finally got the eyes." 

I turned to face her for a moment and she wasn't kidding. Her eyes looked like they had grown three sizes and had irises turned golden. I sighed; damn it, why do I have to be the only one who got the short end of the stick. 

"And you look... Darker."

I frowned; Jeeze, thanks for rubbing it in sister. I had literally been watching my skin goes from bad sun burn to pale black guy for the last two hours. 

Noticing my discomfort, she sighed, frowning, "I'm sorry... I'll just be going."

"No, it's alright," I rubbed my eyes, "I just have a lot on my mind." Thoughts of that wounded guy in the ambulance came rushing back to mind. What if that was me, or Sage, or Kylie? Dear god, if that was Kylie, I'd be a dead abhuman walking.

"Yeah, me too. All Dalton's done since we left your place is just sleep. Maybe it's just the whole 'bat ponies are nocturnal' thing but I just can't shake the feeling something wrong." 

"Sage," I looked over at her, "his old man practically disowned him. You know he would go to Tartarus and back for his dad if he asked and the old hick disowned him." No need to tell her about the fact that Dalton clamped down on his arm too; that could wait till a later date. 

She sighed, "I know, I know... Damn, all this is just too insane to even believe..."

I nodded in agreement and after a few seconds finally spoke. "What... What if this ain't fixable?"

"Don't think like that Johnny."

"You guys aren't the one turning into an emotion eating insect!" I snapped. They're just gonna turn into adorable, fluffy ponies but I'm turning into a filthy Celestia-be-damned cockroach!

I smacked my head against the steering wheel as I let out a scream of frustration. "Buck those assholes in Chicago! Buck Dalton's dad! Buck Doppel! Buck these holes in my arms! Buck everything that has happened since that bucking light! BUCK!"

We can't say buck!?! What's next, using everypony? .... BUCK! It's already happening!

"Johnny," Sage finally spoke, worry in her voice, "pull ov-"

"Don't you 'Johnny' me!  You're not my mother!" 

Sage sighed, "But she did give me permission to do this," She slapped me hard. 

"Pull over this camper now," her voice taking on a authoritative tone, "you need a break."

"But-" 

*slap*

"We're supposed to sw-"

*slap*

"Texarkana."

*slap*

"Fine I'm stopping!"





Damn, that woman has one hell of a slap. My cheek still stung like crazy and it had been more than five minutes since we switched places. I was now curled up in the tiny bed of the little bedroom. 

I would have preferred the main bedroom but it was far too bright in there. I always like somewhere nice and dark when I slept. And the couch was out of the question because Dalton was currently passed out on it and after this morning....

I shook my head; now was not the time to be thinking of Dalton and his cute butt. Celestia be damned, I just did! 

Rolling over, I let out an annoyed groan. All these thoughts of butts were not helping me drift off to la-la land. Might as well resort to the tried and true method; empty my mind and slow breaths.


-~-~-~-


I once again found myself in the school cafeteria. This time the room was devoid of everything except Doppel. The changeling was waiting for me once again at that exact same lunch table with a rather bored expression on his carapace covered face. 

I touched my cheek, feeling my now far firmer skin. Was this what was in store for me? "Yes, now get your flank over here!" Doppel's voice answered my thoughts. Right, he can read my thoughts. 

As I sat down directly across from him, I noticed something new about him. A small silver necklace with an Emerald heart now hung around his neck. I don't remember giving him any attire when I made him; who gave tha-

"Lance gave me this," he finished my thought once again, his tone a bit softer this time. 

Lance? Who the hell was Lance? I never had any OCs with that name? Shaking the thought from my mind, I looked about the abandoned room, "so you here to be a cynical ass to me again?"

He shook his head, "No, I'm here as a creation helping his creator. Anything happens to you, I'm gone like a changeling to the Playcolt Mansion." 

Well, that was an... interesting metaphor. "So how exactly are you going to help me?" You are just a figment of my imagination after all.

"One, with some advice," he stated, "and two, fuck you I'm as real as you are in here. He spat a glob of green goop on the floor, "Now here's the advice: keep Kylie close an-"

"Dop! You done yet?" A male's voice called out and I turned about to a grey unicorn stallion up in the main entrance to the cafeteria. A soft smile on his face as he blew some of his two tone black and silver mane. 

"One sec sweetcheeks!" The changeling hollered back, a smile on his face. 

And then it hit me. Lance wasn't my OC; he was the creation of one of my RPing buds and he was Doppel's boyfriend. Doppel was gay! "I'm not a coltcuddler you genius," Doppel rolled his eyes as he got out of his seat, "changelings are pansexual. Takes 'i can be anything you want me to be' to a whole 'nother level."

Soon, Doppel had made it back up to his lover and gave him an affectionate nuzzle under the neck. I couldn't help but smile at the adorableness a-

*GONG*

What the hell was that?! 

*GONG*

The giant gong struck again; this time causing several cracks to appear in the walls and blinding light began seeping through. 

"Damn it,*GONG*~ing up!" Doppel yelled

"WHAT?!" I could barely even hear myself think!

*GONG*

One of the bricks columns holding up the ceiling collapsed, sending up a cloud of dust as it slammed into the floor. 

*GONG*


-~-~-~-


I jolted awake, slamming my head against the cabinet above the bed. Groaning, I rubbed my head, whatever designer put this cabinet he- 

I couldn't breathe! My eyes widened as I began to hack and cough uncontrollably and I struggled to get air to my lungs. I tried to scream for help but all I could manage was a pitiful gargle as something oozed down my lips. Wiping them on my hand I saw a green goop and my eyes widened. Memories of that dream from school came rushing back

Getting to my feet, I fumbled with the door handle and staggered back Into the room with everyone else, my vision already fading. The moment Kylie saw me, she let out a panicked scream. 

I tried to say 'help me' but all that came out was a gargle as I fell to the floor.

The last thing I remember before passing out was the sensation of the RV screeching to a halt.

> An alternate perspective
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

I let out a giggle as Unkee Johnny's friend Dalton mumbled something about mangos in his sleep. He looked so adorable with the way his wings were wrapping around him like a big blanket. 

"Kylie could you come up here?" I heard Sage ask from up near the driver's area. I quickly hopped off of the dinner table's seat, leaving the drawing I had been working on. 

Hopping up in the shotgun seat, I couldn't help but look in awe at the all the pine trees! They were everywhere! I had only seen one or two at a time but the road was lined with them! 

Sage let out a laugh, "welcome to Arkansas Kylie."

"Arkansas? I've never been out of Texas before!" I wasn't lying, Mommy and Daddy did take me down to see her family really close to Mexico but we didn't cross the border. So this really was my first time out of the state!

"Well, we're going all the way to the other side of the country."

Wow, Daddy never went that far from home! I sighed as I thought about them, they must be missing me so much. 

Suddenly I had an idea and couldn't help but smile, "wanna see the picture I've been drawing?" 

"I'd love to see it," She smiled and I hurried back to the table, grabbing it. The drawing was of me, Unkee Johnny, Sage, and Dalton all standing in front of the RV. "The drawing has four of us in it; even mister sleepyhead Dalton," I said as I pointed at a person lying on the ground with a pair of grey wings coming out of their back. 

Sage let out a giggle and I pointed at the person with a horn on their head, "that's you," then I pointed at the person with black lines across their head, "that's me!"

I then pointed at another person who was blank. "I don't know what to do for Unkee Johnny though," I sighed, frowning. 

"Maybe just make his skin black and eyes green?"

I nodded in agreement, "thats a great idea!" I can have this done before he woke up from his nap; I'm sure he'd love it. With that, I gave Sage a quick hug hurried back to the table, taking my seat once again as I dug in my color box for a black and a green. 

After finding them, I took the green and make two big gree-

My ears perked up, swiveling about to face where Johnny was taking his nap. Coughing, and from the sounds of it, rather bad coughing too. I hope he's okay. Quietly, I got up and began making my way over to the door to the little room he was sleeping in. As I drew closer, the coughing seemed to grow louder and more violent. What the heck is goin-

The door was violently yanked open and I let out a scream as I fell backwards onto my butt. Unkee Johnny came staggering out but it didn't look like him anymore! His skin had turned entirely black and the remaining hair on his head had fallen out, leaving him utterly bald. He had developed the pony ears and a wicked looking black horn stuck out of his forehead. But that wasn't why I screamed; it was his mouth. He had fangs and was oozing green goop like a rabid dog! 

His eyes widened as he saw me and let out a gargle and raised his hands to his neck before he collapsed to the floor. 

Time slowed down as the camper came screeching to a halt. Somehow, my scream managed to wake up Dalton who seemed to spring into life the moment he saw Johnny on the ground. Soft arms wrapped themselves around me as tears began pouring out; my eyes unable to leave his still chest. He wasn't breathing! Unkee Johnny was gonna die! 

"Get Kylie outta here!" He barked as knelt over Johnny, his wings obscuring my view.

Sage began pulling me away as tears clouded my vision. Unkee Johnny was gonna die! He was gonna die just like Unkee Tim did!

I let out a pathetic whimper as Sage led me outside the camper and hugged me tight. "I-It's gonna be alright Kylie," her voice wavered, "Johnny's gonna be just fine." 





I don't know how much time passed but when we heard the door open, me and Sage both turned to see Dalton stepping out of the RV.

"Is he okay? Is Johnny alright?"

Dalton nodded and we both breathed a collective sigh of relief. 

"C-Can I see him?" 

Dalton nodded, "he's asleep on the big bed in the back." 

I nodded and hopped back in the camper. 

He was right where Dalton said he was. Tucked in nice and tight, Unkee Johnny was quietly snoring away. His terrified face from earlier was a distant memory to the peaceful look he now bore. Almost like he was dea- 

I shook my head; No, don't think like that Kylie. He's one hundred precent grade A not dead. 

The RV lurched to a start as I hugged his sleeping body tight. Why is his skin so hard? Changelings are only just bugs and bugs have those shells on them.

...

I mentally facehooved when I answered my own question.

A loud snore turned my attention back to Johnny as he rolled about to face a wall. I rolled my eyes, daddy snored like this too. I gave him a small kiss on the cheek as I hugged him again

"I'm not gonna leave you ever again. Pinkie Pie Promise." 

> Late-night Pitstop
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

I awoke with a groan.

Jesus, what the hell happened.

I don't know brain but...  but I'm hugging someone? Opening my eyes, I found myself looking down at Kylie who was currently asleep in my arms. I couldn't help but d'aww a bit at her cuteness. Her ears were flicking in her sleep and she was holding her tail like a blanket. 

Wait Tail? When the hell did she get that!? Jeeze, how long was I out? I cocked my head as I kept staring at her; she looked smaller? Yeah, she had definitely shrunken in size. I laughed to myself, that makes sense, the show wasn't called My Little Pony for a reason. 

I laid there silently cuddling her in my arms like a stuffed animal. Something about having her close just made me feel good. I couldn't quite put my finger on it but the feeling made me want to hold onto her forever. But then my ears turned to follow the sound of a car passing.

I reached up a hand to the side of head and let out a sigh as my suspicions were confirmed; My ears were gone and  a new set had grown on the top of my now bald head. I sighed; bye bye hair, I will miss your luscious locks so. The new appendages were leathery like Dalton's wings; infact, all my skin had turned black and leathery. Well look at me now! I've gone from human to full-blown furry in under 48 hours! 

My hand hit a hard large thing on my forehead. "What the?" I mumbled to myself as I began running my hand up the mass. It was smooth, hard, and tapered off; ending in a point; I had horn.

Hehe, We're horny!

The mental facehoof could be heard 'round the world. Really brain, really? It was just a bad joke when Sage did it but now, it's just plain perverted. 

Carefully, I let Kylie go and sat on the edge of the bed. Yawning, I got to my feet and began to make my way to the front of the RV. It was dark outside, the only light being from the cars on the interstate and a few ambient sources. Once again, how long was the hell out?

About ten hours.

Where the hell did you get that?

The microwave says it eleven p.m.

And the award for least awareness goes to me! I could almost hear the canned clapping as a cough set in. When I pulled my hand away, there was a small splatter of viscous green goop on my palm. Goop, Where the hell did that come from?

You're telling me you don't remember?

No?

We nearly flippin' died choking on this turbuclosis wannabe and you don't remember!?

My eyes widened as the memories came rushing back and my ears fell flat against my head. I almost choked to death on this shit! Sweet Celestia, this crap has officially crossed the line!

Another cough splattered some more goop on my hand. I rubbed it off on my pants leg as I heard a quiet sigh coming from the couch. Turning about, I saw Sage asleep on the couch snuggled up inside a blanket. She had changed since I last saw her too; her skin seemed browner and her horn had grown a couple of inches. 

Oh my Celestia, she's nomming on the blanket!

I couldn't help but giggle at the sheer adorableness. If we could weaponize cuteness, Kylie and Sage could supply half the free world alone. I just wanted to pinch her cheeks but that would probably result in me on the floor holding my cajones. 

Regretibly, I turned away from the cuteness of my sleeping friend and made my way over to the door separating the driver from the rest of the camper. As I neared, my ears turned towards the door, picking up the radio. 

"~rgeon General has asked for all those affected by the recent changes to report to their local hospitals~"

"You're about three states too late," Dalton laughed dryly as I peeked around the doorway. He was sitting in the drivers seat with his wings hanging over the ba-

"Might as well get in here Johnny," he said without even looking back, "I could use the company." 

Wait? How the Tartarus did he notice me; I didn't even make a sound? Quietly, I slipped past his wings and sat in the passenger seat. My heart fluttered when I saw that Dalton wasn't wearing a shirt. 

Damn it, I like women! I like huge tracts of land and a nice butt just like his!  Gah! Buck no, damn it, I'm not gay! 

"Umm... You alright Johnny?" Dalton gave me an odd look. 

"Yeah, totally alright," I nodded. I'm totally not having a moral crisis about suddenly finding you attractive. "So how did you notice me?"

"I'm a bleedin' vampire ya git," he said in a mock British accent and bared his fangs at me. I felt my cheeks heat up as I laughed, he looked so cute! Wait... No... Damn it, not gay!

As I looked at him, I noticed he had a pair of blue grey ears with little tufts sat sticking out of the top of his grey hair. Not only that, but he also seemed smaller; the two of us were about the same height within but now he was clearly several inches shorter. Jeeze, what the heck happened?

"So... What else happened?" I asked, trying to avoid looking at him anymore than necessary, fearing the awkward possibilities. Instead, I just focused looking at the highway signs we passed. Which if my memory of state shapes was correct, was telling me that we were in Illinois already.

"Well, we left St. Louis an hour ago; I grew pony ears, Sage started growing fur and a tail, k-"

"Wait, Sage has fur? She just looks browner."

"Yeah she does," he stated, "took us a sec to realize it too but she has fur. It's just really fine and short hairs at the moment kinda like felt. And to continue: Kylie grew a tail and pony legs and the three of us are all smaller." 

My eyes widened in surprise; Kylie grew pony legs?! How the heck didn't I notice that when I looked at her earlier, "Kylie's a satyr now!?" 

He nodded, "yep, we didn't even realize till she did till Sage talked her into getting some food; she wouldn't leave your side for a second." 

I felt my heart twinge at this revelation; she wouldn't leave me? "Did she say why?" 

"All she would say is your Ma asked her to keep you safe," he sighed, "and I guess your sudden decision to develop turbuclosis made her believe she failed." 

My ears flattened against my head; now I felt really bad for leaving her all alone in the back of the camper. What if she woke up right now; would she think I left her or worse, she failed again? 

Sighing, I decided to change the subjec. "So how far are we from Chicago now?" 

"About four hours according to the GPS," he replied, "we may have to stop for gas soon though. The tank is at quarter." 





"~the next thing I know I have five little kids jumping on me; all of them hollering like banshees, all wanting the ball that I had. But I couldn't exactly toss 'em off 'cause, well, the oldest of the lot was maybe seven so I did the one thing I knew I could; I just went limp. Let's just say: having a horde of munchkins drag you across a grassy field is not what you expect when you wake up in the morning." 

Dalton laughed and I couldn't help but join in. I don't care if it was gay or not but I always liked his laugh. He had one of those deep hearty ones that you'd expect to hear on some jolly fat man instead of a 180 pound high schooler from Texas at it was downright infectious. 

After nearly a minute, we both stopped, "hey Johnny, I've been meaning to ask you about something?"

"Yes?"

"While you were asleep, did your Changeling visit you?"

I nodded, "twice actually." Well, at least that part of this whole ordeal wasn't just unique to me, "the first time was with the initial blast and the second was right before I woke up with the spontaneous case of Ebola. Me and Dop had a chat at a lunch table back at school both times."

He nodded, "mine was in a  big cave system and Goodnight popped up when I found a stream. When I tried to ask him what was going on he just kept saying He'd have to kill me if he said anything."

I couldn't help but snicker; even his mind was being a snarky ass to him. 

He just rolled his unnaturally big eyes before continuing. "All he did tell me was not to try flying till I fully changed. Said I'd just be a splat on the pavement if I tried."

That makes sense; birds had hollow bones so pegasi and thestrals ought to as well. "He was gonna say more but Kylie screaming woke me up... And I don't think I need to explain anymore." 

I nodded. "Can I ask something too: this has been nagging at me but you told me you tried the show but didn't like it; Why didn't you tell me the truth?" Seriously, Dalton was my best friend and he kept me in the dark about something that was quite literally a life changing experience at the moment. Heck, I told him when he got me into Warhammer 40k, but he wouldn't tell me he was a closet brony?

He frowned, "with the amount of gushing yo-"

"I don't gush!" I said with a mock gasp and pout.

"As I was saying: with the amount of gushing that you do, it was inevitable that I'd give it a look-see. So I decided to watch the pilot and-"

"And you just kept on going because you loved it so much?" Seriously, this was like how 95% of bronies got into the show. It's so frequent, it probably was its own cliche by season three.

He shook his head, "buck no! I couldn't even make it past the theme song! It was the fanfics that drew me in; I read Fallout Equestria in three days!" 

"Bullshit, that girl is about as long as the bible!" Heck, it took me a month to read it the first time around. He nodded, "nope, I pulled an all-nighter and just kept on reading." He laughed to himself, "by the end, I had practically gone crosseyed."

"But that still doesn't answer the question: why didn't you tell me?"

He sighed, "beca- look there's a truck stop!" He pointed off to a large building on my side of the road. 

I rolled my eyes as he put on the blinker to turn into the parking lot; now he was just avoiding the question, and doing a very poor job at it too. 

Thankfully, the station was practically deserted as I got out of the camper. Sadly, I had lost our little rock-paper-scissors battle and was the one to go in and buy gas and some snacks. According to Dalton, all the food in the camper required us to actually stop and hook up to an electrical source to cook.

There was no way to pull the hood up on my trusty gray jacket thanks to my new horn; so I would have to go inside fully exposed and hope for the best. Gulping, I calmly made my way across the pumps and towards the store. 

A little bell above the door gave a soft tinkle as I entered and looked about. The place was built like your typical fancy gas station that actually got a lot of business; and most importantly, it's was basically deserted.

Sighing with relief, I made my way over to the drinks area. Okay, I'll get myself a one liter coke; Dalton wanted a Mountain Dew; Kylie likes Sprite and Sage likes Dr. Pepper. With one arm carrying all the drinks, I went over to the junk food and grabbed a few bags of chips. 

All the food grabbed, I went up to the counter. The counter was deserted but I could hear the sounds of a TV from somewhere in the back area.

"~With scientists baffled by the bizarre transformations and news still pouring in. We are surprised to report that someone is actually claiming responsibility for this, and that somebody is teenager! And there’s even a convention being held last minute by the one claiming to be the cause of all the drama, to be held in Chicago, Illinois~"

"Is somebody alive back there," I dinged the bell. The sound of a chair scooting across linoleum tiles could be heard and soon after, a very sleepy teenager came out grumbling to himself. 

When he saw me, he stopped and blinked in surprise as his brain tried to comprehend me, "and I thought that was just a load of crap..." 

"Tell me about it," I laughed dryly as I pulled out my wallet, pulling out two hundred dollars, "could you put the rest on the RV out there?" Sage's dad better repay me for this when we get back home.   

He nodded, taking the money as he rang up the price on the food, "pardon if this is a sensitive issue, but what exactly are you... You know?"

"A shapeshifting bug that feeds off emotional energy."

He just gave me a confused look as I grabbed the chips and drinks.




 

A blue Toyota pulled up next to us as I manned the gas pump and my jaw hit the floor as the driver got out. 

He was turning Into a freaking dragon! The dude's skin was mostly covered in gray scales and several spines stuck out from his back. When he turned about to see me, his eyes had were a magenta color with lizard pupils and he had fangs stick out from his lips. This guy could pass off as a real life Argonian! 

He gave me a look-over once he noticed me. I let out a small eep;  I was never the most bravest of ponies but when getting looked at by a guy who looked like he snap me like a twig. Who wouldn't get frightened?

He laughed, "Changeling eh?"

I nodded; why the hell was he laughing? That just makes him more scary! Doesn't this guy realize he's got big sharp pointy teeth! 

"The two of us got the short end by a long shot," he said warmly, "names Drake."

Well, that name fits him just perfectly doesn't it.

"Johnny," I replied, "so where are you from?" 

"Down around Brownsville," he said simply, "you?"

Huh, of all the people to meet on the road it just happens to be a fellow Texan. "A small town up around Dallas," I stated, "never expected to run into another Texan in Illinois of all places. Even if the entire bronydom of the US is descending on Chicago like it's a free chance to beat up Flash Sentry."

He laughed and I cringed slightly; damn, his teeth were scary. 

He nodded in agreement, "so are traveling alone in that thing or is there more inside?" 

"Four of us, two friends and my niece." I checked the pump and it said I had reached my limit. Frowning, I pulled the pump out of the gas tank, "sorry Drake, but I gotta go. It was nice meeting you; see ya in Chicago man!"

"You too, just look for the big grey dragon if you wanna find me."





I took in a deep breath of the cool air and sighed happily as the snow crunched underneath my hooves. I always loved winter; I never understood why mommy hated it so much but I positively love the snow!

Trudging along, I made my way to the park. A lot of the school fillies and colts were going to have a big snow ball fight here and I was gonna be part! 

When I got there, I was greeted immediately by a snowball to the face and a familiar giggling. "Come on Dop, we need some support," Click Clack's voice called out from the other side of my whiteout. That little unicorn ambushed me! 

Shaking the snow off my face, I was greeted by the sight of a pudgy blue unicorn with a grey mane wearing a scarf. "You're gonna pay for that," and with that I pounced.

The two of us tumbled down the hill, landing in a laughing, snow covered heap. 

"What the matter new colt, gonna cry to your mommy?"

My ears perked up as I turned to see Axel, the school bully, and his cronies picking on the new colt, who they had cornered against a shed. I didn't know his name but he was a grey unicorn with a two tone black and silver mane. 

Clack followed my gaze before sighing, "Dop, I know what you're thinking. But you already get teased enough by them for being... different. There's no need for giving them more fuel for the fire."

I shook my head as a plan formulated in my head. "We can't let him keep pushing us all around." I smiled as I noticed the large snow pile on the roof of the shed. 

Quickly, I took to the skies and landed silently on the roof of the shed. Thankfully, the numbskulls hadn't notice me. I quietly began pushing at the cold mass.

It took a bit of effort but soon the wall of snow slid off the roof and I heard yelling from Axel and his goons, "who the buck did that!" I saw the new colt scamper off towards the tree line. 

Quickly, I glided off the roof and scampered after the new colt before Axel dug himself out. He was hiding behind a tree when I found him.

"Y-you here to bully me too?"

I shook my head, "nope, I was the one who knocked off the snow on Axel and his gang."

He smiled weakly, "t-thank you."

I nodded, "no problem; the names Doppel."

"L-Lance." 

> Murphy is a son of a -
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"MOTHERB-," I let out a yelp as a sharp pain stabbed me in the face. Celestia lick me like she loves me; that hurt like hell! Running my tongue across the back of my teeth, my eyes widened as I felt that my jawline had most definitely changed.

"Dude, you have a snout!" Oh Dalton, any more blunt and you'd be best pony. 

I brought a hand up to my face and true to Dalton's word, I felt something that was most definitely not human in place of my nose. Well there goes the last human part of my face. All I need is the wings and tail and I'm a full blown anthro. 

Looking over at Dalton, I saw him shifting uncomfortably in his seat before reaching into the back of his pants and pulling out a short grey tail. He looked at it before looking up at me with those adorable blue eyes of his cocking his head to the side, "you have... Something on your head too; it looks like a fin... I think?"

I reached up and ran my hand across my head. Directly on top, I felt the first of four bumps all running in a parallel line, ending at the base of my neck. There were small, only about an inch and a half tall; and there was skin connecting them.

Well, at least we're not bald now...

Yeah, but it's a fin; a Celestia damned fin! I don't even have a human face anymore!

But once the change is done, I'm sure you can just turn into a pony and have your luscious locks back as a cartoon pony.

Oh piss off brain, you titanic ass. Sighing, I glance out the window.

The sun was beginning to peak over the horizon and in the distance, I could see our destination: Chicago. The Windy City was a good while away but it was visible and it was a damn good sight to see. We're almost there and practically nothing has gone wrong.

"Johnny... You may wanna take the wheel now..." Dalton said, a hint of fear in his voice.

"Wh-," I turned to face him to see that his fingers were beginning to recede into his hand. I spoke too soon; Murphy's law you son of a whore! 

Quickly getting to my feet, I managed to take one step before falling flat on my face, smacking my head against the wall hard. Discombobulated, I looked back and clearly saw a pair of black hooves sticking out of my jeans instead of feet!

YOU INVOKED THE WRATH OF MURPHY'S LAW!

Shut up brain, I know! The camper swerved, "Johnny, I'm driving with stumps here; I need you to take the wheel now!"

Damn it, we don't need a crash when we're so close to the end! Using the console between our seats, I pulled myself to my rather shaky hooves. Another large swerve sent me falling flat on my ass again. 

"Just pull over into the ditch!"





After I stopped us in a gas station parking lot, the two of us decided to see what had happened to the other members of our merry band of misfits. Sage was surprisingly still out like a rock but the fine brown fur that was covering her was now a good inch longer. She looked like a walking shag carpet. Kylie's change, on the other hoof, was another story entirely.

I couldn't believe my eyes as I looked down at the very sleepy zebra filly tangled up in the blanket and sheets as she looked up at me with impossibly large eyes. Seriously, pony eyes are gargantuan; how they heck do they even fit in a pony skull and still leave room for the brain!

Congratulations; Your AnthroKylie has evolved to HorseKylie!

The moment she saw me, she smiled ear to ear, "You're awake!"

"Yeah, woke up late last night," I returned her smile. She probably hasn't realized what's happened to her yet. Sitting down next to her, I rubbed one of her ears much to her annoyance.

"Don't do th-," she stopped mid sentence as she brought up a hoof to shove me off. As I watched her stare at the grey striped appendage, I couldn't help but laugh a little as she wiggled it about, rotated it, and a whole bunch of other stuff; her eyes as big as dinner plates the entire time. She then looked up at me and let out the loudest squeal of delight I had ever heard as she untangled herself from the sheets.

Make her stop! She makes us bleed! 

My hand shot out and clamped her muzzle shut, "please don't do that, you're gonna bust my ear drums!"  

She nodded and let out a muffled okay. Sighing happily, I let go of her muzzle and she gave me an extremely pouty face. "Aww, you're so cute when you're mad," I pinched her cheek, giving her a shit eating grin.

"Am not," her pout only grew bigger.

"Yes you are," I scoffed, "you're giving me diabeetus as we speak."

"No I'm not!" She huffed, "any more and I'll Rarity-whine till your ears do bleed."

Damn it, her only trump card. I sighed, "Fine, you win... For now," I gave her a playful smirk. 

"Johnny could you get up here," Sage's voice called out. 

I ruffled Kylie's mane, "see you in a bit my little zebra, Madame Shag Carpet is calling." This earned a giggle from Kylie and a rather annoyed, "I heard that," from Sage. 

Returning to my friends, I found Dalton sitting on the couch in his boxers and I nearly had a heart attack. Goddamnit Johnny, you are not gay! 

I took a deep breath and looked over at Sage who was sitting at the dining table with Dalton's pants laying on said table. She gave me a bemused look, "look roach man, Dalton says you have a pocket knife, could I see it for a second?" 

I nodded, "yeah," reaching into my pocket, I dug out my old pocket knife and handed it to her, "what are you even doing?" 

"Cutting a hole for his tail what does it look like," she said bluntly as she flicked the blade open, "since he can't exactly do it himself."

Dalton frowned at this and looked down at his now handless stumps, hitting them against one another with a clip-clop. I couldn't help but frown at his dower expression before turning back to sage to see her cutting the fabric along the back seam, making a 2 inch long slit in the fabric. "And good as new," she smiled at her work as she handed me back my knife, "now could you help put them back on?"

"W-what!?" both me and my brain sputtered in unison as my heart skipped a beat. 

"I'm sure as buck not helping him put on his pants and since you're the only other guy the job falls to you," she stated bluntly. 

I swore I could hear the powers above laughing at me as she handed me Dalton's pants and I turned to face my semi-thestral best friend. 

I took a deep breath as I made my way over to him. Okay Johnny, there is nothing gay about helping a friend even if he's one you suddenly find yourself attracted to. Dalton just needs help putting on his pants and that's it, he simply can't do it because he doesn't have hands anymore; It's not like he's asking you to give him a handjob or anything. Son of whore, now I have that mental image! Oh Celestia, Luna, God Emperor, Akatosh, Omnissiah, Allah, Buddha, Talos, Baby Jesus, please don't let that happen now of all places! La la la la, it can't happen if I'm not thinking about it! Celestia's solar orgasms, it is happening!

*zzzzziiiippp*

The sound of Dalton's zipper broke me out of my panic attack and I looked up at Dalton to see him staring down at me with an awkward look on his face, "Johnny, get you hand off my crotch please?"

My hand shot to my side like it was just on hot coals. I looked over at Sage to see both her and Kylie giving me odd looks.

"I.... Back in a minute," I blurted out as I practically threw myself at the camper door, feeling a certain tightness downstairs.  





The gas station's bathroom was surprisingly clean for such a dingy looking road stop. The stark white walls and practically spotless crapper and sink was far from the clichè biological hazard I was expecting to find myself running into.

Panting, I closed the door, locking it just in case. Once that was over, I slumped against the wall as the dam broke and I began crying. 

I'm a faggot; a goddamn faggot! What's the point in denying it any further, I'm gayer than a party at Elton John's house! 

I just kept sitting there, wallowing in self-pity for Celestia knew how long before there was a light knock at the door. 

"LEAVE ME THE FUCK ALONE!" I snapped, not caring who it was. 

The knocking happened again, this time more forceful and, as I now noticed, practically at ground level. "Unkee Johnny, let me in," Kylie's voice called out from the other side of the door and my heart sunk in realization.

"K-Kylie? Look I need some me time at the moment. I got a lot on my mind...."  

"Tío, let me in," she said again, this time her tone was more sad, "you need somepony to talk to and who better than family?" 

I sat there in silence for while before sighing and getting to my hooves. "Alright, you can come in," I sighed as I unlocked the door and opened it, letting the little zebra trot inside. Once she was in, I locked the door once again and sat down on the floor once more. 

Kylie looked at me with concerned eyes as she plopped down her haunches, "why did you run off like that?"

"It's an adult matter Kylie, you wouldn't understand."

She just gave me a bemused look, "I'm smart, I'm sure I can understand." 

I shook my head, "this is a when you're older subject." 

She nodded, giving me a warm smile, "I understand but I'm still here for you to talk to." 

I sighed, looking down at my hooves, "alright, pinkie promise me that what I tell you is just between us okay?"

She nodded, "cross my heart and hope to fly stick a cupcake in my eyes ow!" She yelped slightly as she poked her eyes with her hoof. 

I couldn't but laugh a little, "you know how your aunt Amanda likes other girls instead of men?"

She nodded slowly before cocking her head to the side, "are you trying to say that you're a coltcuddler?"

I blinked in surprise; how in the heck does she even know what that term means? She a bucking six year old; she shouldn't know about this kinda stuff till she's a teenager! Well, she is a smart kid, I'll give her that, but still! 

"Yeah," I sighed, "I honestly don't know anymore Kylie Wylie. This didn't start happening till yesterday morning. Before that I had absolutely no interest in him, but now I'm not so sure..." 

She trotted over over to me and hugged me around my neck. "It's okay Unkee, but you gotta tell him sometime."

I nodded frowning, "I know... It's just- how the heck am I supposed to tell my best friend for I don't know how long that I suddenly find him attractive?" 

"Honesty is the best policy," she said, a warm smile on her face as she released me from her hug.

I sighed. returning the smile, "alright Kylie, I'll do it.... Just don't tell him okay?"

She nodded, "I'd promise again but I don't want to hurt my eye."

"Could you leave though, I actually do need to go to the restroom."





"Well then, I can't complain about being below average anymore," I laughed to myself as I sat down on the porcelain throne. Which might I add, is quite uncomfortable when you no longer have human legs. It's not painful or anything, it's more akin to the feeling of sitting on a asleep foot. 

As I did my business, I decided to see what the range of movement on my now satyr-fied legs was. I wiggled my toes, that caused my hooves to twitch. I tried to roll my ankle, which made a good portion of my lower leg move. I groaned to myself, horse anatomy is weird.

After a few minutes of that, nature had done its duty, and I reached for the roll of toilet paper and tore off a length. 

Reaching down, I began clean myself when I let out a pleasured squeak as I hit something that I knew was not supposed to be there.
...

...

...
The application BRAIN encountered a fatal error and has crashed. ERROR ER: 82581

Re-attempting launch...
Relaunch failed.

Attempting recovery... 
Recovery failed.

Reverting to backup...

Loading backup file... 
A://thats_not_supposed_to_be_there.exe... 
Running... 
You just noticed something that is most definitely not supposed to be part of your physical anatomy. What do you do?
>Commence Panic?

> Beating yourself up
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dalton walked across the gas station parking lot, making a beeline towards the bathroom door. It had been nearly ten minutes since Kylie came back from talking to Johnny, informing them of the situation and he could hardly believe what he heard. What she said made perfect sense; it would explain the odd way he had been acting around him since the trip started. She had asked him to remain quiet about it though; saying she had pinkie promised Johnny not to tell.

Reaching the door, Dalton banged on it with one of his hooves, "dude, we need to leave!"

Silence.

"Johnny, I know you take long shits but we gotta go, wipe your flank and let's get a move on!"

Silence.

Dalton sighed, "dude, you better not be fapping in there..."

Clip clop. The sound of hooves hitting concrete could be heard from inside as Johnny slowly made his way over to the door. The door opened after a few seconds and Dalton was greeted by the leathery black face of his half changeling best friend. Johnny's face was surprisingly blank; not a single hint of surprise, or guilt, or anything. 

Dalton cocked his head, a semi concerned look on his face, "please tell me you didn't develop a hive mind or something?" 

Johnny shook his head slowly.

He sighed. "Whatever the buck is going on with you, we can fix it in on the road, come on," he began walking back to the camper with Johnny slowly shuffling behind him.





"YOU SON OF BITCH!" I screamed at the top of my lungs as I stormed into the empty cafeteria, giving the confused as hell Doppel a death glare that would have put my own mother to shame.

"W-what are you t-talking about?" The changeling stammered as he slowly backed away from the impending beatdown, his eyes widening as his backside hit one of walls.

"You damn well know," I spat as I drew closer to the cornered bug. "You could have bucking told me I'd be turning into a CELESTIA BE DAMNED SHEMALE!"

The bugs eyes widened in horrified realization and he let out a terror filled laugh. "I-I thought you knew... I mean you created me!" 

I shook my head, standing a few feet in front of the terrified bug. "You know what I'm about to do, don't you?" 

He nodded, eyeing a chair that was conveniently within arms reach of me. "D-don't do it... I'll fight back and you know it," the bug took up a fighting stance, aiming his horn directly at me.

I reached for the chair as a blast of green energy slammed into my chest, sending me skidding across the tile floor and hitting the far wall with a solid smack. Groaning, I looked up to see Doppel scampering through the exit back to the rest of the school.

"Get back here you bastard," I yelled as I got to my hooves and ran after him. Yeah, chasing after the one bug who could help me with the intent to beat the Ichor out of him wasn't the brightest of Ideas but, damn it, he could have bucking warned me about what was gonna happen! 

When I passed through the door, I stopped blinking in surprise. I was still in the long hallway that bisected my high school except it looked more like a set to an Alien movie; everything was practically dripping with changeling slime and I was half expecting to see the Xenomorph pop out with its second mouth thingy. I spotted Doppel galloping down the hall and bolted after him; before promptly falling on my face with a wet slurp after two steps. 

Oh this was going to be so much fun. 





Kylie looked up her blank faced uncle, "Hello? Anypony alive up there?" She said, poking Johnny with a forehoof. 

The still blank faced Johnny didn't even react.

"I think we broke him," Kylie muttered to herself, poking him some more.





I let out a triumphant yell as I landed atop doppel; causing the two of us to skid across the slime soaked tiles. I looked down at squirming bug with a mad glint in my eye. 

"Not the face," Doppel yelped in fright as he covered his head with his forelegs. I just grinned; this was going to be so much fun. He totally wasn't expecting this!

I began tickling the bug like mad; everywhere my hands could reach that wasn't carapace was subject to my assault. Within an instant, he was reduced to a laughing squirming wreck. 

"S-stop! For the love of Celestia! Stop! Please!" He managed to gasp between outbursts. 

"Not unless you promise to tell me any and everything I ask you!" I demanded, not letting up. I had given up on beating his face after falling flat on my face the tenth or time; and I knew Doppel was extremely ticklish, so this wouldn't take long. 

"Okay! Alright! I'll bucking talk!" He practically screamed. Wow, not even ten seconds, I'm good at this.

I got off the panting bug and sat next to him on the ground. "First off, I'm sorry for wanting to beat the goop outta you. I get hot headed rather easily; hell, it's caused me to get stabbed with a arrow before," I laughed a little, remembering that fight with my cousin. 

Doppel looked at me confused. "Somepony stabbed you with an arrow?"

I nodded, "yeah an arrow. Kinda odd considering we scuffled in the kitchen where's there's plenty more stabby things."

"Why an arrow though?"

"My crazy ass cousin that's why, but it gave more cool ass scar on my arm."

"Okay," Doppel said slowly, "so... how about those questions?"

I nodded, "First off, am I still.... A dude?" I shuddered slightly; I could still feel it down there and it just felt wrong. 

"Have you taken a leak recently?"

I nodded, a confused look on my face, 

"Did it come out of your man parts?"

I nodded again, "what the hell does that have to do with anything?"

"It means you're still a dude numbskull," Doppel said bluntly, "the other set is just there so you can disguise as the opposite gender." 

A few seconds passed as my brain processed the information before a happy smile appeared on my face as I grabbed the changeling and hugged him tight so hard he squeaked, "t-thank you! Thank you! Thank you!" 



> The Final Stretch
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The moment I returned to the land of the living after finishing my discussion with Doppel, Kylie pounced on me, a diabetes inducing happy smile on her face.  "YOU'RE NOT BORG'D!" She squealed in delight, wrapping her hooves around my neck. 

"Bor-," I stopped as I heard something that was most definitely not my normal voice, "What the... is that my voice?" I sounded like a godddamn Argonian!

"Whoa, you sound freaky," Kylie said bluntly. Gee, thanks for the morale boost. 

"What are you talking about?" 

"Your voice?"

"No, before that," I rolled my eyes, "I was Borg'd?" In all honesty, I was impressed she knew of Star Trek in the first place.

"Dalton went to get you from the restroom when you didn't come back after awhile, and when he dragged you back, you were all zombified and stuff."

I wouldn't call it zombification; I'd call it more of a thousand yard stare.

Looking about, I noticed I was back in the camper. Jeeze, she wasn't kidding about me being zombified. I don't remember leaving the restroom, let alone getting back in the camper. 

"Oh and Unkee," Kylie looked up at me, "are you right handed?" 

Okay that was an odd question, "Yeah, why?" 

"Just raise your hand," she said simply.

I did as she asked and there was just a stump in place of my hand. 

THAT WAS OUR FAPPING HAND!!!

"Buck me sideways with a cactus," I sighed in defeat, "guess I gotta be a lefty now..." There was no point in flipping out, considering what else has happened already. As I looked at my arms, I noticed that bony plates had started forming on my arms.

Well, we're now at pony legs, ears, fins, eyes, the formation of a carapace, holes, and now a hoof. I'd say we are gonna be full bug by tomorrow morning.

As much as I hate to say it, I think you're right. 

Of course, I'm always right. Though this time I don't wanna cheer.

Kyle gave me a concerned look, "You okay Unkee?" 

"Yeah, just have a lot on my mind." I couldn't help but d'aww at her. This little filly was cute at EVERYTHING. Seriously, she could tell me I was gonna die of cancer and I would still squee at her cuteness.

I have a feeling we'll get all the love we need from her.

Agreed, till this is reversed, keep her close 24/7. 

Till this is reversed? Face it man, we're in a one way train to bug city as there's no refunds.

Yes there is! Why else would those boobs who caused this be holding this convention?

To tell the world they dun goofed big time. Do you think they magically managed to produce a shot that will reverse this?!

They got to have something!

Face the facts mate: Kylie is fully changed; Sage is a walking shag carpet that I know you wanna cuddle; Dalton is turning into horse Dracula, and you'r-

Going insane.

Dude, you've been talking to me long before this started happening. Your sanity has always been questionable.

That is a good point.

And let's not forget about the stiffie you had after basically groping Dalton.

Ignoring my brain; I looked at my neice, "Kylie where's Dalton?"

"He's in the back sleeping." Well, add another point to the 'thestrals are nocturnal' count.

"And his cutie mark is a pillow."

"What?" 

"While you were out, he got pony legs like yours and they have a pillow on them," she state matter of factly, "makes sense considering his pony is called Goodnight." 

I groaned; great, now there is another reason for me to stare at his ass.

"Oh," she gave me a shit eating grin, "he's not wearing any pants." 

If I had been drinking something, it would have been spit all over the room. Rather naughty thoughts filled my head as I glared down at my niece. "I hate you so much right now," I hissed.

"Love you too Unkee." 





"It's great to see you didn't develop a hive mind," Sage said happily as I sat down in the shotgun seat.

"Nope," I shook my head, "Always hated that headcanon anyways. I was just having a lovely talk with Doppel." 'After I tried to beat the hell out of him,' I mentally added.

Chicago was now a lot closer, its cityscape were taking up most of the horizon in front of us. A quick glance down at the GPS said that we were a mere 20 miles from the city limits.

"What did he tell you?"

"A few things like don't try to change or fly till I'm fully changed. That I'd be a splatter if I fly or not fully change." I cringed slightly as the image of the malformed mass of flesh Doppel had conjured up to prove the point. 

"Goodnight basically told Dalton the same thing. He said human bones are too heavy to fly while pegasi bones are hollow."

Huh, that makes sense I guess. Then what about changelings, how the hell does that work?

In the words of a great philosopher, I dunno?

"So, while on the subject, has yours told you anything?"

"All Sage told me is to keep out of mud bec-"

"Wait," I couldn't help but snicker, which sounds more like a more like a headcrab than a actual laugh, "your OC's name is Sage too?"

Sage sighed, rolling her eyes, "Yes, it is. She's my 'sona, and it worked as a pony name."

"And is the cutie mark a certain type of herb," I asked, my voice dripping with sarcasm. I was uncreative with some of my OCs but that is ridiculous.

She laughed dryly, "No, her mark depended on what I felt like. And before you ask, she isn't a gardener either."

"Well, whatever it could be I bet it wasn't as silly as a pillow."

She nodded in agreement, "So is Doppel actually your ponysona too?"

I shook my head, "Nope, Dop was actually a gift from Kylie for my birthday last month. Just your typical poorly done kid's drawing but I kept it because changelings are my favorite villains from the show aside from Discord of course. I actually use him for RPs with a friend of mine; even got himself a coltfriend to-"

I slapped my hand over my mouth. Damn it, I said too much!

Sage sighed, a air of annoyance coming off her, "For Pete's sake, he knows Johnny! We all know!"

"I.... What... WHAT!!!!!!" My jaw hit the floor as pressed flat against my head.

"Yeah, we all know. You weren't exactly subtle with your sudden bathroom break."

The blood rushed to my cheeks as my mind started running on all pistons, "What does Dalton think?" Does he hate me? Banish me to the moon and lock me in LunarMax!?

Whoa whoa whoa, calm down boy! You're turning into Lesson Zero Twilight on me!

I'm not overreacting brain; this is a totally logical reaction considering the circumstances!

"He hasn't said a word," she sighed, "You need to tell him Johnny. This is just making it awkward for everypony involved."

"I know, I know," I sighed, "I'll tell him tonight or when he wakes up." I know it might invoke the wrath of Murphy but what else could possibly go wrong.

> I'm sorry guys... It's over
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


I regret to tell all of you awesome awesome people that after some thought and a half a bottle of Bacardi Rum Growing a Shell is now officially canceled 

As I've stated before in previous blog posts, my urge to write on this fic has been essentially nonexistent since the start of last summer and I don't want this to sit on the shelves collecting digital dust, with y'all having vain hopes that it may come back some say.

The lack of interest is for many reasons: moving onto other stories, and the fact that well, Midnightwhaterhernameisnow 
is rather crappy at running this group, and to be rather frank, her fic was meh to begin with. Hell, look at the time stamp on the document.

Look at the date on the very bottom one; that was the next chapter of shell and I have not touched it since June.

So to bring this to a close, you guys are awesome. This fic is the highest ranked one I have in terms of likes and faves and I still don't understand how you crazy horse loving bastards decided to love this fic anyways I noticed so many goddamn flaws and cheesy little typos and stuff when I recently reread it.

The pacing is all out of whack, the characters don't act like how no human would do normally and the "romance" was kind of ham-fisted between Johnny and dalton (hell, the two sides were only going to kiss and that was the extent of it). But this fic was the one that finally got me to come out of my little writers shell and finally get to being a productive member of the Brony fandom.

And who knows, maybe some day, this fic will be redone.