> Displaced Soul
>  by Maddiepink5
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> In the Forest
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Darkness.

Sometimes, when one awakens, their eyes immediately shoot open, revealing the world around them. 

Other times, the process is slow and gradual. If the person in question doesn't want to wake up, they may purposely lay in the darkness, eyes closed, attempting to return to the world of dreams. 

This...is different. For this is no mere morning wake-up call. This is a searing headache. This is unresponsive limbs. This is recovering from what was  undoubtedly some severe accident, perhaps from the brink of death itself.

These thoughts barely run through my mind as I focus on something more important- I have all my energy devoted to fighting unconsciousness. All I have to do...is open my eyes...

They are extremely unresponsive, and that's an understatement. I know inherently that the connection between my mind and body is hanging on a thread. Some instinctual, basic survival urge tells me to fight what seems like a comforting slumber and return to the waking world. 

The outside world comes in slowly. First, I begin to feel. I'm naked, of which there is no doubt, feeling myself lying against a bristly yet soft surface. Temperature comes with it, a brisk atmosphere not unlike that of a fall afternoon. I begin to smell, something earthy, something natural. My hearing comes in next, along with it both growls and birdsongs alike.

And finally, I manage to pry my eyes open. The process seems to go on indefinitely, but after some amount of time my eyes begin to adjust to the world around me. The first thing I see is green- the grass that my body lies upon. I see the trees next, then the thick undergrowth. Shadows dance across my vision, and as I turn my gaze upward, I see the sun streaking through a heavy layer of leaves, with thick dark oaks surrounding me as far as my vision allows.

Though my senses are now in operation, my body refuses to respond to my commands. How pathetic I must look, lying there immovable, while inside I'm struggling with all my might to put power to my arms, my legs, my fingers, anything. When I finally start to move, my body begins to respond in the strangest of ways. 

Apparently, I lie on my side, but the senses in my arms aren't working properly. They can't really turn, seemingly aligned parallel to my body, and none of my fingers are responsive. My legs fare a bit better, aligned as they normally should be, albeit a bit less flexible. I can't feel my toes, either. 

I decide to try and get in a push-up position to try and push myself upright. Doing so without feeling fingers should be difficult, but the lumps that I can feel grip the ground surprisingly well. Gripping the ground, I bend up to stand on my legs, and smile at my success...

Only to suddenly lose my balance, falling back onto all fours. 

Confusion wracks my brain as I try to comprehend the sudden comfort I feel in such a position. Humans aren't meant for such a pose, and my arms and legs shouldn't be the same length, and...

I slowly turn my head down to look at my arms. 

They are not arms.

They are black and holey and they are not arms!

I screech and flinch away from my own body, which of course follows me as I try to back away from it. My body moves on all fours with practiced ease, and when I turn around, I screech again. More black. More holes!

And then, out of the corner of my eye, I see it. A small puddle, no more than two feet across. It's stereotypical by all means, but this is not one of my one-offf stories, written in the middle of night by a stroke of random inspiration and excessive caffeine. As much as I wish that this strange dream was being induced by ridiculously unhealthy amounts of coffee, my drowsiness tells me that this is reality. And reality urges me to see my reflection before I lose my mind. 

Carefully stepping with my new body, which is somewhat responsive now that I know which ways it should bend, I make my way over to the puddle. It's dirty water, and small to boot, but I can still make out some features...

Black is the name of the game, but not all I see. Pointy tips of ears are balanced on top of my head, and as I peer closer, there is no doubt that the two blurry splotches of blue are my eyes.

What am I? What have I become?

I look back at my reflection, then draw in a sharp intake of breath and scramble away. No way. It's not possible. I couldn't possibly be...

...a changeling?

I put one of my....front legs...to the other, and bend my...hoof...to pinch myself. I wince. No, I'm not dreaming. And just like in the show, the hooves are dexterous enough for human things...

My thoughts become scrambled. What does one think when they've become a changeling? I sit, breaths coming short and rapid, trying to calm down. So many questions and concerns run through my mind. I am not a changeling. I know for a fact that I am Elle. I am a human. I do not belong here. Changelings aren't real. I can't be real. The pinch didn't work. I'm still dreaming...

Slowly, my new body sinks to the ground. Exhaustion wracks my bones. The success coming from fighting to consciousness is failing fast, and I wonder what could have happened to make me so weak, yet outwardly unharmed. If this place and body were real, that is. Nothing makes sense anymore, and I'm just so, so tired...

Eventually, I curl up on the grass and fall asleep, not sure how I should be feeling, nor understanding what I'm actually feeling.


*********

Something's amiss. 

That's the first thought that runs through my mind when I next awaken. My body responds immediately this time, and I feel much more refreshed. The feeling is short-lived when I notice something is wrong. 

Sure, it's dark out now, but that's not the real issue. The passage of time is predictable. The complete and utter silence of the world around me, however, is not.  Where before I heard bird songs and wind blowing, now dank silence surrounds me.

It is for this reason that, instead of investigating my newly acquired changeling-ness further, I rise to my feet- no, hooves- and cautiously take in my surroundings.

I can only see a few feet ahead of me in any direction, and the tree line seems to be a lot closer than it was earlier. I spot what seems like eyes peering out at me, but when I look in their direction, they're gone. A shiver runs down my spine.

I stand perfectly still, unsure of what next step to take. Wait here patiently until sunrise? Try to find my way out? Who even knows how big this forest is, or if it leads anywhere? What if I go in circles? What if I'm not even in Equestria, and when I escape I'll be surrounded by humans, and I'll be the only changeling?!

I realize the quick breaths coming in and out of my lungs, and force myself to look down and take deep breaths. It helps a little, until I hear the crunch of a twig. I slowly look up, and see those eyes again. They don't disappear, though, and instead stare at me from the darkness for but a few moments.

Then the underbrush starts rustling, and the hiding figure moves. First, a large golden paw, claws as sharp as knives, sticks itself in the clearing. A massive stomach follows, with back paws as big as my head. I back away, looking up as its full self emerges, revealing a huge, hairy head, large bat-like wings, and a thick scorpion's tail.

A manticore.

It roars.

I scream.

And suddenly, the chase is on. I turn tail and start racing through the forest as best I can, even in the darkness. Thick roots and a lack of vision threaten fatal mistakes at every turn as I weave in and out of the thick, dark trees. The manticore gives chase, just a few feet behind me at all times, unable to catch me only because its huge body struggles to fit in between the closely knit tree-line. If not for that, I would already be in its saliva-dripping jaws. As it is, though, I have little control over this new body. Thorns and twigs scratch me from all angles; the uneven ground nicks my hooves and trips me any number of times.

I don't know how long this goes on, but before long my breaths are rapid and short, my legs aching, and still I have to gallop forward as fast as I can. The manticore has more stamina than I, though. I feel its hot, desperate breath on my hind, and I know within moments that it will tear me into shreds-

My body can't take it anymore. When the next big root appears in my path, my hooves trip over themselves trying to get over the hurdle and I collapse to the ground. I land on my front leg, and the crack sends spikes of pain shooting through my body. The manticore stops, sizing me up as it bares it razor sharp teeth, and leans back to pounce- 

And stops.

The manticore freezes, completely silent. This is no normal, hesitant pause. The way it is positioned, leaning over me as tears streak down my face...it should fall onto my body just by gravity, never mind the fact that it doesn't blink...

I hear some sort of chanting, slowly growing out of the silence of the forest. The more I stare at the manticore, the louder the chanting becomes, a familiar voice but in a foreign language. Then I notice what is happening to the manticore. Barely visible in the darkness, some sort of gray substance is spreading up from its feet. It spreads to its legs, then its chest, the chanting getting stronger as it goes. I hear a crackling sound, and suddenly, that it it.

The manticore is turned to stone.

From behind it emerges a cloaked figure- a pony, or another changeling? 

"Come, friend, we have no time to lose. This forest is a bomb with a very short fuse!"

The voice seems familiar somehow, and I know it is trustworthy. However, I collapse as I try to stand up, more pain shooting through my front leg. In the heat of the moment, it was easy to forget breaking it through and through.

The cloaked pony- I'm pretty sure it's a pony- comes forward, mutters something I can't understand, and lifts me onto their back. They're not much bigger than I am, yet they lift me with the greatest of ease. As they set off at a brisk trot, I feel my racing heart calm down. Though I can't place the familiarity, it reassures me. I feel safe for the first time since I woke up in this body, even if I hadn't actually had consciousness in this body for long.

After some traveling, I can see the forest start to come into vision around me. The light gets a little brighter as we approach what must be our destination, a dimly lit hut. And suddenly, I know who's carrying me, where I am, and just what kind of "pony" they are.

Entering into the hut confirms my suspicions. Though it appeared relatively few times on my television amidst many other episodes of a certain pony program, it was a defining building with a voodoo feel.

The not-pony-but-something-similar lays me down on a cot. I watch them- that is, her- with bated breath. And finally, she pulls back her hood, confirming my suspicions.

"Zecora," I say breathlessly.

The striped mare narrows her sea green eyes at me. "Creature that has been rendered lame, how is it that you know my name? If invasive mind reading is what you can do, then perhaps I should not have rescued you."

I feel my own eyes widen as I shake my head. "No, no. I cannot use mind control magic. I know your name, because, well..."

How exactly do you tell a character that is supposed to be fictional that they are a fictional character in your world and that you know a whole bunch of personal stuff about them?

"...It's complicated."

Zecora peers at me for a few moments more, then sighs. "For now I will put my trust in you- do not make it something I will rue. First your leg I will begin to heal, then we can talk more over a meal."

I sigh with relief and set my head back down on the cot. Having broken limbs before, I don't feel the need to cry at the harsh pain. It is enough pain, however, that I close my eyes and try to relax instead of straining myself watching Zecora. 

She does...something, I'm sure, perhaps with potion or enchantments or Zebra magic or what have you. All I know is that the pain slowly recedes, and when I lift my head again, the numb limb is covered in a makeshift cast.

"Because your race would give others a rise, taking you to the hospital would not be wise. My native alternatives are not ideal, but it will eventually allow your leg to heal."

I use my good front leg to push into a sitting position. "You mean that... because I am a changeling, they will not let me into the hospital?" I frown. "I understand the invasion of Canterlot was an issue, but even that is beyond my understanding."

Zecora gives me a strange look. "Lost in the Everfree, and still talking of the invasion? How could a changeling not understand the discrimination?"

I open my mouth to start, but my stomach gurgles. I look up, embarrassed, a blush painting my face I'm sure. "Could I possibly explain over a meal, like you suggested earlier? I-I mean I know you have really showed me stunning hospitality, but if you wouldn't mind..."

Zecora shakes her head. "It is no problem, my dear. Please, feel no fear. Your confusion is clear." She steps towards me and bows her head.

I stare at her, blinking in confusion. "Um..."

She doesn't move.

"...Exactly what are you doing?"

"I am offering my heart to you, so you may use my love as food."

"...Oh." Yes, I had definitely forgotten that minor detail. More importantly, I have no idea how to eat love. Most people-or ponies, or changelings- know instinctively how to eat.

"Is something wrong, creature of the ruse? Is my love something you are unable to use?" Zecora looks up, and I can see her confusion mixed with sadness. 

"Er, uh, no, it's not your fault. Your love is not...rotten or anything. But..." I look away. "Zecora, I assume you have heard many crazy things, correct?"

She nods, her pristinely cut mohawk swaying in the dim light. "This is true indeed. Crazy things gravitate towards a zebra like me." She chuckles.

I take a deep breath, trying to get my thoughts in order. Then I look at her. "You may want to sit down for this." She does, sitting at her small oak table.

With one more deep breath...

"My name is Elle. I'm a human. Humans are like intelligent shaved monkeys, except more attractive. In my world, Equestria and its world is a work of fiction. We have no magic, or ponies, or multiple sapient races. Somehow, I ended up here, in a changeling's body. I'm extremely shocked because I was entirely sure that Equestria and its universe is not real, but apparently it is. So I am wildly confused, and I do not know anything about how this world works besides what this work of fiction told me, especially about changelings, and since changelings were only briefly featured during the invasion of Canterlot I know practically nothing about them, including how to walk in my own body."

I gasp for air and stop to gauge Zecora's reaction. She has closed her eyes, expression completely neutral. When she opens her eyes, she locks gazes with me. 

"Tell me, professed monkey, have you head of the multiverse theory?"

I tilt my head. "Yes. I'm a fiction writer, and I've used that theory often in my writing." I pause. "Wait...are you suggesting it is true?"

Zecora nods. "What I am suggesting to you is indeed that the multiverse theory is true. One version of this theory may seem a bit leery, but it seems to be as true as the sky is blue."

She turns and gestures a hoof to tomes lining one of the walls, neatly organized into shelves. "A work of fiction created in one world spawns another. A suggestion simple at heart, but complicated like no other. For each world can spawn more works of fiction, so the worlds are created without constriction." She stops, thinking for a moment, then turns back to me. "What were you doing, otherworldly friend, in order the barrier between worlds to bend?"

Her scrambled grammar in order to produce rhymes confuses me for a moment, then I realize the importance of her question. What was I doing before I came here? Try as I might, wracking my brain for answers, I can't come up with anything. I shake my head at Zecora.

"I see. What a tragedy, to be displaced so easily."

"Not really." I look away when she raises an eyebrow at me, and I feel the need to explain myself to my gracious host. Having landed in this bizarre situation, it was far from my mind until now, but..."I wasn't...well, I wasn't happiest girl around. My life was great, but well... let's just say I know a lot about this world because I needed an escape."

This morbid admission silences Zecora for quite a while. As she gazes into my eyes, I feel as though she can see all the nights I spent crying on my bed, or drowning my sorrows in my writing or My Little Pony. When she next speaks, however, it seems she has decided to skip over it entirely. "In order to survive, you must learn to be a changeling. To stay with me in the Everfree would be too challenging. My idea is to train your disguises in various magical drills, then send you off to live in nearby Ponyville."

"L-live in Ponyville?" The small town's image fills my mind, with thatched roofs, dirt paths and a huge crystal castle. The thought of seeing so many characters I had put my hearts into until the show ended a year ago sends my heart aflutter. Even if I had to live in disguise, it would be an actual thrill to immerse myself in one place every pony fan wanted to be. "I would...that would be an honor, Zecora."

Zecora smiles. "To such a well spoken changeling, I'd love my services to render. But first, allow me to explain why Equestria is the opposite of changeling splendor."










> Changelings vs. Ponies
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Zecora turns to a pot lying near the doorway, reaching in and grasping a hooffull of mysterious powder. She turns back to me and throws it into the air. To my surprise, the dusty flecks do not scatter everywhere, but gently hover in midair. The zebra sits back down at her small table and begins to speak. 

"You know only of the changeling invasion, but that violent assault was not an isolated occasion. Changelings have long been enemies of ponykind; until recently, they were simply out of sight and out of mind."

The specks whirl in midair, and they gather together to create a crude, basic image- a changeling and a pony, each wielding spears. Suddenly, the image begins to move. The changeling and pony fight a brief but fierce battle, ending with both impaled on the other's spears.

"The origins of changelingkind is unknown. They seem to have spawned long, long ago. Ponies fought changelings when they came to their land; back then, they hated what they did not understand." 

The scene of the floating powder changes again. A group of changelings form, seemingly all identical, except for one. This changeling is tall, with a mane, albeit holey, and a small crown identifying her status. They approach a group of ponies, unicorns, pegasi and earth ponies alike, but these ponies become angry and start to attack. 

"Changelings left to hide in the shadow, but ponies did not forget them, oh no. Changelings became monsters in old mare's tales, to gobble a knight if he should fail. Like Nightmare Moon, they were to keep foals in line; but the changelings were readying for battle in time."

A mare and her foal appear in the dust, with the mare reading to the foal in the bed. Yet another surprise arises from the mysterious floating particles- sound. 

"So the prince stepped up and with one slash of his sword, he attacked the fake princess. The fake princess turned back into its horrible form, a nasty changeling. It died by the prince's hooves. Then he saved his princess. You see, the changeling is a hateful creature. It could never win because it could not feel the love between the princess and the prince. Good always triumphs over evil." 

The sound is a bit warped and garbled, as though spoken through an old radio. The sound dissipates, and I watch as the mare tucks her foal in and leaves the room. The angle tilts a little, and I can see a changeling peering in through the window. The bug pony then slips away into the night.

"Changelings were painted as monsters, true, but nothing could compare with what they were to do. Taking over Equestria to get love, some might say, but they were also getting revenge, in a way."

The picture morphs once again, and I see something I recognize- Queen Chrysalis. The sound coming from the moving powder is low, but I can recognize the changeling's voice purring out the lines of the "This Day" reprise. 

"After that incident, changelings were considered irredeemable. They were banished by all sorts of people. Griffons, ponies, minotaurs alike, used a spell of Twilight's...to set them alight."

I watch in horror as Zecora's words come true in the dust. A huge burst of light covers the entirety of a city. The scene zooms in, showing as any changelings disguised throughout the minotaur city are burned alive, their disguises burning away. The burning fades, and the inhabitants turn on the revealed changelings, chasing them out of the city.

"That's terrible!" I cry, finally finding my voice. "I don't understand... ponies are usually so nice. They weaponized friendship, for pete's sake!" I feel my breathing grow shallower, watching the awful, terrible burning spell overtake fleeing changelings, knowing that it was created by the Princess of Friendship, Twilight Sparkle. "I know... I know ponies are good. I don't want to believe they could do this..."

A moment of silence passes, then Zecora murmurs, "You...your story is true. A changeling you are not, nor from this world are you."

I blink at the sudden change in topic. "Huh? Wait... you didn't believe my story?"

"Forgive me if my had my doubts. I couldn't voice my concerns aloud. No changeling would marvel at this sight, nor be surprised at a pony setting changelings alight." She turns to meet my eyes, and they seem trusting- a certain wariness I hadn't noticed before was gone, and I felt warmth from her subsequent smile. "But, now, I will answer your question- why Twilight Sparkle would commit such a transgression. In addition to all that you have learned, Twilight's ire was especially earned. The queen kidnapped and impersonated Princess Cadence, so the experience made her view quite jaded." She sighed. "Beyond that, ponies have always treated changelings in this manner- perhaps even before ponies were united under one banner. I doubt anypony living could tell you the true origin of their hate, so your curiosity I cannot sate."

I look back to the image, which has paused in the middle of a changeling's disguise being forcibly removed. I shiver. "M-maybe I should stay with you, Zecora. That all sounds much too dangerous."

Zecora shakes her head. "It has been years since the invasion. To go to Ponyville now would be a simple occasion. The fear has since now died down, and with careful planning you will not be found."

I look down, mulling this over. As much as I'd love to meet Princess Twilight herself, I can't exactly say that I want to be burnt alive, even if that's just my paranoia speaking. Then again, what would it say if I didn't trust Zecora, who was the only reason I was alive right now? She was even going to teach me how to feed on love and disguise myself, with the help of her extensive library on magical creatures. I had no choice but to put faith in her words.

I nodded slowly. "Alright, Zecora, I'll do as you suggest." Her smile makes me feel a little more comfortable with my decision. She gestures with a striped hoof, and the powder returns to their pot. I decide not to question that magical substance. One thing at a time.

"One more thing, if I may be able- what is your age, so that you talk so graceful? You appear as but a changeling teen, but was that altered as dimensions you crossed between?"

I smile slightly. "I'm actually eighteen. Just graduated high school. I had a very cultured upbringing, and I was a bit isolated." It was an understatement, but I decided not to worry Zecora.

"Interesting indeed. You are a rare breed, when such elegance you heed." She glances over to the bookcase. "Feel free to entertain yourself. I must find certain tomes so that you I may help." She trots over and starts pulling out various books.

Left to my own devices, my gaze wanders around the hut. Unsurprisingly, it bears great resemblance to the show's depiction. Masks lining the walls, dusty mats, a tall dull mirror, vases and tomes everywhere, and yet when you know the kind and gentle owner, it feels rather...cozy. I absentmindedly wonder how long this initiation is going to take. Will it come naturally to me, or will I have to work for it...?

"Your training will take about three days," Zecora says abruptly, dropping a stack of books next to me on my cot. "To make this go faster, there is no other way. You must learn to feed and transform, and then you will become one of the swarm."

I look over the intimidating stack. As I do, my stomach faintly growls again. I look back up at Zecora, smiling sheepishly. "Can we get started on that feeding?"

She chuckles and nods, picking up the top book- I briefly wonder how she has these tomes, but one look at her hut reminds me that it's not at all unexpected for a voodoo magical wise zebra to have books on other species- and gesturing towards the door. When I stand up, I'm a bit wobbly, but Zecora slips under my casted leg and helps me to the outside.

******

"And that is what the book reads. Elle, are you ready to feed?"

I nod, bracing all my hooves against the ground, except the one in a cast, which is in a makeshift sling. We have adjourned to the Everfree, far enough from Zecora's hut that any mistakes won't damage her home, but close enough that her Zebrican wards keep the dangers of the forest away. I take a deep breath and close my eyes. 

Since feeding is a simple task for any species, the process is simple. I focus on thoughts of love, which should make my horn start the spell. I think back to the people I've left behind- my goofy father, more of a friend than a parent. My strict but loving mother, ever guiding me away from the mistakes she made. My younger brother and sister, in high school and middle school respectively, a bit younger than me but still my best friends, when weren't having sibling spats. 

Suddenly, I hear a noise, not dissimilar to the sound of using magic. Indeed, as I open my eyes, I feel a warmth gathering around my horn. Even more exciting is what I see in Zecora. Everything around me, including the zebra in question, has faded, as though shifted out of focus in a camera lens. Where Zecora is, however, a lime green flame burns gently. This is her soul. The larger it burns, the more love she has to feed on. It pains me a little to see how her love differs from that of the picture in the book. It burns slightly smaller than a zebra's should. Maybe, after all was said and done, I could help her. Get her out more, maybe find really close friends or even a lover in Ponyville...

I shake my head suddenly, remembering the task at hand. The next part is even simpler. I point my horn towards Zecora's flame. Slowly, the flame points itself towards me, then drifts in my direction. Soon enough, it is a strand of fire going from Zecora to my horn. As it makes contact, I almost shudder with delight. The feeling is unexplainable, really. But I feel my hunger begin to abate and a warmth encompass my body. After a while, the stream cuts off on its own, and I sit down, completely stuffed.

Zecora looks down at me and smiles. "Stage one of your training is complete. Your love storage, is it now replete?"

I smile back. "Definitely. Thank you, Zecora."

"Do not thank me yet. Transformation is the next step."

*****

After a few tries at transforming, to varying degrees of success, Zecora turns a page in one of her books and taps it, apparently noting something of significance.

"An important step is a default disguise. It will take less magic to hide from prying eyes. This disguise is one of your own design. Imitating other ponies is next in line."

“A default disguise, hmm?”

"Indeed, such a disguise is an easier road. It becomes registered in your genetic code. You can then immediately active it. Think of it as your emergency kit."

I ponder this, then crack a smile. “So, you mean I should create a personality?” Zecora nods, and my smile grows a bit wider. “Now THAT is something I can do.”

“The default disguise is mostly up to you. But you should create one a little strange...that is what I would do. When it comes to changeling suspicion, blending in too well is as good as an admission."

"So a pony that stands out just a little bit, hm?" I lean back in my seat a bit. "How about..." I examine the ceiling, deep in thought. A pony that immediately stands out would be one with a strange physical abnormality, unless I wish to portray a pony with a really wacky personality. Perhaps a special talent? My eyes lit up. An extraordinary talent would also manifest itself as a extraordinary cutie mark! It would be just obvious enough. 

"How about a unicorn... that..." I squint. In Equestria, there don't appear to be many rules governing special talents, not that I can think of. The only things that comes to mind is how so many background pegasi had weather-related talents. And of course, no unicorns or earth ponies that have that ability... wait... "Could I be a unicorn with a talent for controlling the weather?"

Zecora puts her hoof to her chin, nodding slowly. "Yes...yes, I believe that would work. Such a talent is a perfect quirk. It may be a strange talent, true, but I know it is something a few unicorns can do."

I nod, pleased. "A unicorn that can manipulate the weather, then. And what shall her name be? How about..." I attempt to come up with a suitable pun name. "... Cloud Caller? Rain Dancer? Air Artist?"

My zebra companion considers the question. "I think a name that would work well would be the name of Sunspell."

"Sunspell." It gracefully rolls off my tongue. "Yes. Yes, I love it."

Zecora turns to the book, examining its instructions. "Picture the pony in your mind. Your magic will kickstart, and you will be blind. When your vision finally clears, a new pony will be standing there."

Like the consuming of love, it is simple. But that is to be expected, given that changelings need to do both so often. I close my eyes and call an image to mind. Vague at first, I picture a mare, then a unicorn mare. Her coat is carnation pink- to be expected, since it's my favorite color. A slightly curly powder blue mane forms, tied near the end like Applejack for my mane but let loose for my tail. The color scheme reminds me of cotton candy. Accordingly, the two clouds parting to reveal the sun on my flank are as puffy as cotton candy. Finally, as the mare in mind my opens her eyes, I decide their color is a comforting lavender. Her eyelashes are long and curly, as I've always wanted mine to be.

Before I know it, my eyes are open. I feel slightly bigger and just a little bit...different. Looking down, I see my hooves are the carnation pink that I saw in my mind, hole-free. Zecora smiles at me. 

"Welcome to the world, Sunspell. Now we shall learn other transformations as well."

*****

"Disguised as an earth pony or pegasus, using magic will not be shown to all the rest. Your magic will still create sound however, so to pull it off well, you need to be clever."

*****

"No, no, do not move too fast. Be careful of transformations while wearing anything like that cast."

*****

"Imitating another requires more concentration, otherwise your body will not make the full transition. Then the holes in your legs and your eyes will remain, so giving your all will bring the best gain."

*****

Zecora laughs at me, and I frown. Is she really so entertained by seeing me disguised as her? Is she laughing at herself? Upon seeing my confusion, she chuckles again. 

"Your appearance matches no zebra natural-born. You forgot to disguise your horn!" She turns me to the mirror, still chuckling, and as soon as I see it, I start laughing too. The doppelgänger of Zecora staring back at me has a black, curved, chitinous horn peeking out of her mohawk. After a bit of laughter, my horn glows, and my form exactly matches Zecora's.

We stand now, admiring our forms in the mirror. There is no way to distinguish between the two of us- aside from the cast on my leg. After a few days of harsh training, I had mastered the art of completely transforming my body. 

"Zecora?" I ask, breaking the comfortable silence.

She looks towards me, raising her eyebrows slightly, and I take that as a sign to continue. 

"Why did you take me in? Why do you not hate me, as all the ponies do?"

Half in the mirror, and half next to me, I see her smile sadly. "It would be impossible for me to hate you, when others have discriminated against me too."

We stand for awhile as I absorb that information. 

"It is time. In Ponyville, you will arrive."



> Pretty Pony Princess Palace
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

I sit outside Zecora's hut, disguised as Sunspell, saddlebags resting comfortably on my back. Though I sit within the radius of the zebra's wards, I'm close enough to the edge to see the transformation of the forest from night to day. Outside of the wards, dangerous beasts had roamed, trying to take me as their midnight snack. But now, as the rising sun's rays struggle to pierce the leaf cover, my would-be assailants slink into the depths of the forest to sleep the day away.

I hear the door to the hut creak open behind me, and I feel the zebra's presence by my side as I stare up at the bits of sky peeking through the leaves. 

"What brings you out so early? Not to admire the sunrise, surely."

I chuckle. "No. I suppose I just could not sleep. Today is the day I assimilate, after all."

"Assimilate is such a rough word. 'Unite' is the term I would prefer."

I turn to look at Zecora. She gives me a small smile, which I return. "Unite, then. Today I unite with the ponies."

"To be indifferent would be a miracle. Today is the day you meet those you thought fictional. Furthermore, with them you are obsessed-"

"I assure you that meeting them makes me feel extraordinarily blessed." A moment of silence passes between us before I laugh at Zecora's shocked expression. It is a face you rarely see on such a mystical, rational mare. After a few moments, she joins me in laughter.

That laughter soon fades into a comfortable silence. Though I took the opportunity to shock her with a rhyme of my own, it's true that meeting the ponies of Ponyville and beyond is an opportunity beyond my wildest dreams. The cartoon in my world that contained them was a source of light in my darkest hours; something I latched onto with an unhealthy addiction. Fanfiction, art, and...

"Does this qualify as live-action roleplay?" I wonder aloud. Zecora gives me a very strange look, and I blush and look away. "N-never mind." 

After a few more moments, Zecora rises to her hooves. "Ponyville is a half hour away. We must go if we are to find you housing today."

I join her in standing, slightly adjust my saddlebags for maximum comfort, and nod. She beckons with a hoof and starts journeying through the treeline, and I follow.

The trip through the forest goes without incident. Though I hear growls every now and again, it seems Zecora's got protective wards on herself. Or perhaps Zecora's presence alone keeps them at bay? I could see the zebra being considered powerful enough by the fauna to warrant caution. She HAD turned an entire manticore to stone to save me- and she wasn't even a unicorn. 

Eventually, I have to shield my eyes from sudden sunlight. The transition from Everfree to open space is abrupt, with no in between. Slowly, I lower my hoof. What I see takes my breath away. Even though I am in a plain open field, everything feels different than Earth. The whole world is cheery. The grass and sky are made of colorful pastels. Flowers bloom, seemingly planned, small little spurts of similar flowers grown together. The clouds seem more puffy, and the sunlight seems brighter. It's almost as though I'm living in a fairy-tale. Then I realize- until entering into this world, Equestria was literally a fairy-tale.

Zecora is used to it, I assume, since she merely beckons to me when I pause to drink in my surroundings. I resume at a quick trot to catch up with her. We've emerged at a few minutes' distance from Ponyville, and I assume that even though other parts of the forest are closer to the town, this was the most direct route. As it stands, we'll be entering near the south end of town, where a huge crystal castle shimmers in the morning sun.

I repress my excitement and follow Zecora dutifully.

The town quickly approaches, and before I know it, we're entering the town from a back alley. When we emerge, we're right in the thick of it. Main Street, going from Twilight's castle to Town Hall, is filled with ponies. Judging by this portion alone, the town and its population must be much bigger than the show portrays. But that's to be expected; a self-sustainable town has to be have at least a couple hundred people or ponies in it...

Looking around, I find to my dismay that I recognize none of the ponies. But that doesn't stop me from squealing at the fact that they ARE ponies. Real-life ponies! Unicorns, pegasi and earth ponies alike roam throughout the street. Practically all are smiling, or at least look content. Any who notice Zecora give her a friendly wave.

The colors here, too, seem brighter than life. All the homes and stores give off a joyous atmosphere. The street is made of dirt, just as in the show. 

Again, Zecora has to prod me out of my daydream. I smile sheepishly. "Apologies."

"No problem at all, Sunspell. First, we shall go where Twilight dwells. She should be willing to help you out." Her voice turns into a whisper. "Going straight to a Princess will dispel changeling doubt."

I nod understandingly, if hesitantly. If Zecora is to be believed- which of course she is- then the royal wedding incident is far enough in the past that Twilight Sparkle won't be looking for changelings beyond any suspicious behavior. The reasoning goes that seeking the Princess outright, as opposed to avoiding contact, would make my behavior seem less suspicious. This goes doubly so for my- that is, my default disguise's- made-up history, since "I" am experiencing problems with my magic. Thus, it would make sense to approach Equestria's renowned magic expert. Not to mention that the Princess can definitely help me find housing and work. I can't help but feel that perhaps it's a bit extreme of an option, but in addition to the fact that she will be less likely to suspect my true nature, it makes sense that the most powerful figure in Ponyville would have the easiest time settling me in. 

Unlike leaving the forest, I can walk side-by-side with the zebra, needing no guide to the castle that towers over the small town. The ponies we pass by always wave, nod, or give us a friendly greeting. It takes all my energy not to ditch my normal calmness and hug every single one of them. My quiet, mature self --mature was a favorite term of my extended relatives to use when they saw me-- always seems to yield to excitement when ponies are involved. Though in such an extraordinary case, I think my behavior could be excused...if I wasn't trying to pretend to be a slightly different pony rather than an exceptionally crazy different one.

Zecora strides right into the huge crystalline castle without hesitation, so I follow right behind her. It opens up into a huge hallway, with a large set of double doors at the end.

I take a few steps forward, looking around at the sparkling scenery. "How are we supposed to find Twilight in this massive palace?" Zecora clears her throat, and I turn back. She gestures to a crystal horn on the wall that reads, 'Call for assistance.' "Oh." I walk over to it, but Zecora holds out a hoof.

"Do you remember the story we contrived? To keep your past away from prying eyes?"

I stand firm and recite the story. "My name is Sunspell. I can control the weather. That's all I remember about myself.  I woke up without my memory in the Everfree Forest and you saved me from an attacking manticore. My memory is selective at best, so I was probably a traveler, with bits and pieces of places or ponies in my memory."

Zecora smiles approvingly at me and leans into the horn. "Princess Twilight, are you there? Your friend Zecora is presently here."

The words echo a bit then fade to silence, and for a moment I fear Twilight isn't home, but then a voice rings back. 

"Just a moment!"

I can't conceal an excited giggle. That is her voice! Princess Twilight's! I half expect Tara Strong herself to walk into the room, but after a few seconds, the huge double doors at the end of the hall open, revealing a purple mare whose size pales in comparison. But as she trots up, it is clear that she is far larger than myself. At the series finale, she was only a horn shorter than Princess Cadence; now she easily matches that height. Her body shape isn't nearly as elegant and curvy, but that is surely to change with a few years' time.

"P-p-princess..." I stammer. I awkwardly lunge into a bow, but my body decides that since I haven't practiced such an action in an equine body, it's the perfect time to stumble, trip, and land flat on my muzzle in front of Princess Twilight Sparkle herself.

"Er..." I hear the Princess say.

Thankfully, Zecora comes to my rescue. "Forgive the mare, she is still a bit dizzy. When I found her, she was in quite the tizzy. She has a peculiar situation, so I thought taking her to you would be the right decision."

Twilight's analytical mind latches onto the 'peculiar situation' part. "And what would that situation be?"

"I found her unconscious in the Everfree. She seems to have lost her memory. The memory loss seems to be selective, but she knew you, so you were our first objective."

Twilight contemplates this for a moment, then turns to me. "Can you elaborate on your memory situation?"

I take a deep breath. "I do not remember much about myself. I only remember that my name is Sunspell, and that my talent is controlling the weather through magic." This gets the princess to raise her eyebrows, but before she can say anything, I say, "I do not even remember how to do that. I seem to have had a cultured upbringing, as I speak with elegance and maturity, as Zecora pointed out to me." That was possibly the only truth in my entire spiel. "When it comes to society, my memory is very strange. I remember certain ponies across Equestria. I think that perhaps I was a traveler, and that is how I ended up in the Everfree." In actuality, I just remembered ponies from the show- but naturally the show did not introduce us to all the ponies in the entire country. "I don't know much about ordinary behavior, though. My daily life memories seem to be...foggy." The show never really showed a completely ordinary day in the life of the ponies. "So, I know that you are a good choice. You understand newcomers, yes? I wanted to start a new life here in Ponyville, with your assistance." I decide to take a gamble on bowing again, shakily lowering myself before her. "If that would be alright."

"Please, don't bow. I would be more than happy to assist you." A hoof wraps around mine, pulling me up straight. Twilight beams at me, her amethyst eyes shining with cheer. "I'd never turn down a pony in need!"

Zecora steps up, smiling slightly. "If an agreement has been achieved, I shall be taking my leave. I'll return to check on your status soon, perhaps after a week or two." She turns to me and extends a hoof, which I shake. Her smile is one of genuine warmth. "Be well, dear Sunspell." She nods once and then turns and exits, not once looking back. I find myself unconsciously smiling as well.

"Well!" I turn back to the Twilight, who beckons for me to follow her. "Why don't we go sit down? I have three sitting rooms in this huge castle that I've never gotten to use." She gestures with a hoof and giggles, which I join- she has quite the contagious laugh. We set off together, our hoofsteps echoing in the huge crystal hall. "To be honest, you couldn't have come at a better time. Pr-- er, Celestia has been telling me to start hiring some castle staff. Mostly caretakers, since I can't keep this huge castle running by myself, but also some ponies to assist me in my new duties."

I gaze around the castle. It's big, yes, but I am no stranger to hard work. "I would be honored to be hired for your cleaning staff."

Twilight laughs, and I turn to her, puzzled. She stifles the laugh with a hoof and shakes her head. "Sorry, sorry. I just- I didn't mean that I want to hire you for cleaning! There's ponies whose special talents is in stuff like that. I want to hire you as an assistant. A magical assistant, specifically. Help write spells, test them, basically anything magical. It may be boring paperwork a lot of the time, but I promise it will be a good use of your talents." She turns to me with a wide grin. "Sorry if this seems out of the blue, but I've needed a magical assistant for forever! This works for both of us perfectly."

I chuckle a bit nervously. "Thank you, princess, but like I said, I do not really remember how to use my weather magic." 

Twilight gives me a look as she guides me through the large double doors. I attempt not to stare at the six thrones in the middle, astounding artifacts that I saw so often on television. "Please, just call me Twilight." Her expression relaxes, and she waves a hoof dismissively. "Besides, a pony just can't forget their special talent. It'll come back to you. At the very least, anypony who has a magic-related special talent can learn the things I need you to do."

That would be all well and good, if I were not actually a changeling who had no magical talent whatsoever. Who was originally a human to boot, and couldn't use the vast majority of her changeling powers, let alone changeling-turned-unicorn powers. I put a hoof to my forehead instinctively. I had gone through too many transformations lately.

"Are you alright?" Twilight asks, snapped me out of my thoughts. I nod my head and smile as I take in my surroundings. We have arrived in a small room with luxurious pillows, and the lavender pony gestures for me to sit. I do so. 

"So. Sunspell, I formally extend an invitation to you, asking you to become my resident assistant mage. I'll give you a room here at the castle, and you can try and make a new life for yourself. What do you say?"

I take a deep breath. Twilight is not playing around. She usually struck me as the kind of pony to plan out something like this... maybe she was just waitimg awhile for the right pony to come along? Regardless, saying yes to this question means setting my life in stone. Am I getting too close? Will she be more likely to find out my true nature if I spend too much time with her? Or will she become less suspicious? I have no Zecora to confirm my course of action, but at the end of the day, I cannot refuse an offer to assist Twilight Sparkle herself. I slowly nod. "Yes. I accept your offer."

Twilight beams. "Alright then!" Her horn lights up with a raspberry aura and levitates over a short stack of papers that came from...I'm not quite sure where. When she sets them on the table, I look them over. They're basic documents to fill out with my information. Twilight continues, "These are the work papers we'll need to fill out."

I look back up at her and raise an eyebrow. "I would need to have my memory to fill out the vast majority of these."

She blinks, then blushes slightly. "O-oh. Right. Well, why don't you just go ahead and fill out whatever you can." She levitates over a quill and ink well.

I take a deep breath. Were I to try and use my hooves or horn? I knew ponies could use their hooves dexterously, but I had no idea how far that extended to unicorns, given that they usually used their magic. I had also seen them write with their mouths, but not with a quill, which was too flexible to be used in such a manner. 

I then notice the strange look Twilight is giving me. She's probably waiting. With one more deep breath I try to lift the quill with telekinesis. I just imagine the quill floating up in my magic. Using magic with your horn was a bit like having an extra limb- you couldn't explain what is was like to have one. For instance, could a human picture themselves having a third arm coming from their chest that they could move? Certainly not, as we were simply not programmed that way... The same goes for me now. I use my magic in that inexplicable fashion, and a lavender aura weakly sparks to life around the quill. For a moment I think I have it, but quickly realize I don't know how to make the quill move as I want. It drifts into the air for a few seconds, then collapses. My magical aura dissipates, and I am already panting with the exertion.

When I look up, Twilight is giving me a sad, sympathetic stare. "You really don't remember your magic," she whispers. I look down, uncomfortable with the pity I know she is feeling for me. Then I feel warmth, and Princess Twilight Sparkle embraces me.

It feels as though my heart is breaking. She feels pity for me for the wrong reasons, yes, but at the same time she isn't so far off the mark. I've been stranded in the Everfree all of a sudden, alone, not knowing my purpose, how to make a life here, or even how my own body works. It is a dream come true and a curse at the same time. A sadness descends on my shoulders, one I haven't felt since arriving here. But the feeling soon dissipates as I feel Twilight's hoof brush away the tears I didn't know I was shedding. Taking a deep breath, I sit up, and she gently releases me.

"I'm fine," I say, and I am. The momentary pity party aside, I know that I have a lot to be happy for. Like the fact that I was in the presence of Princess Twilight herself. With another deep breath, I give her a weak smile. "I suppose you understand now why I was hesitant to become your assistant."

She nods, then lowers her head. I am not certain what she is doing at first, but quickly realize she is deep in thought. Finally, she looks up at me with a small smile. "You know, I think we can still work something out."

"We can?"

Her smile grows a little bigger. "I'm usually very busy, but I have always wanted to take on a personal student."

My breath catches in my chest. Personal student. A chance to study under Princess Twilight Sparkle of Equestria, who studied under Princess Celestia. All at once, I realize just how crazy it is that I am IN EQUESTRIA, in front of PRINCESS TWILIGHT SPARKLE. That I am, at least currently, an ACTUAL UNICORN, and I am in the ACTUAL PONYVILLE, in the actual FRIENDSHIP CASTLE.

My breaths become deeper and shallower, and as I bow my head, I hear Twilight- the actual Twilight- ask worriedly, "Are you alright?"

I manage to stammer out, "Y-yes. Yes, I would love to be your student."

I hear the telltale sound of magic, and soon find a glass pressed against my lips. I drink the entire cup of water, then take a deep breath, much more relaxed. I look up and smile at Twilight so her worried expression relaxes. "Thank you."

"No problem. Well, I guess we should start getting you settled--" A small ringing jingle echoes through the castle, and her eyes widen. "Oh! It's time for court!" She opens her wings and flaps once into a standing position, walking over to the wall, where a similar crystal horn to the one at the entrance lies. It must be an intercom of sorts throughout the castle. Smart. 

"Spike, can you come to sitting room number three please?" Twilight says into the horn. The response soon echoes, "Coming!" 

Twilight turns to me. "I'll be back soon, but tell Spike that I said you can get bedroom number seven. Other than that, feel free to brief him on whatever you feel comfortable with." She steps forward, gives me a one-legged brief hug, then flies out.

I smile slightly, touching where her hoof touched my neck. How surreal.

Soon, the door opens again, but its entrant is far shorter than Twilight. It is none other than Spike the Dragon, and he is as impossibly cute as in the show. Despite his scales, he still exudes an aura of warmth and happiness I never thought I'd see in a dragon. Then again, I never thought I'd see a dragon, period.

He stops in his tracks, looking around. When he looks at me, his brow furrows. "Where's Twi?"

"She had to go to court," I reply, gesturing at the clock on the wall. It was just a couple minutes after nine in the morning. "But she said that I will be rooming in bedroom number seven. I assume you know where that is?"

He nods. "Yeah, I do." He extends a claw to me, and takes my hoof when I extend it, shaking it. "I'm Spike! Nice to meet you!"

I smile. "The same to you."

He gestures for me to follow, and at the end of the hall where the sitting room is located, there is a large spiraling crystal staircase. It's a bit slow going at first, trying to coordinate my body to ascend, but soon I find my rhythm and catch my breath at the top. The hallway is filled with identical doors, and he leads me to the seventh one.

"Here it is, bedroom number seven," Spike says with a bow. I giggle at the drake's gentlemanly manner. He was a bit taller than he'd been in the show, and it seemed he was finally going into dragon puberty or some equivalent. I nod my head. 

"Thank you kindly." I go to open the door, then turn back. "By the by, Princess Twilight has taken me on as her personal student. So we'll be seeing quite a bit of each other, I presume."

His eyes widen. "R-really? But I've only just met you today!"

I smile. "The same goes for her." I push the door open and wave goodbye to Spike, who returns the favor.

When I turn around, closing the door behind me, what I see takes my breath away. The room is beautiful! It's the shape of a dome, with a high ceiling. Unlike the rest of the palace, the crystal making up the walls and floors is perfectly smooth, glimmering in the sunlight coming through the window. I step forward, soon standing on the luxurious lavender area rug in the middle of the room. The rest is made of shiny wooden furniture, and as I open the drawers, finding them empty, I wonder if the Tree of Harmony created them or if they were moved here. In a burst of childishness, I take a running start and launch myself onto the bed. It seems unrealistically soft, and when I pull away the baby blue comforter, I see that the mattress is made of clouds. It is glowing with a soft pink light; it must be enchanted so that I can use it. I poke at it in wonder, and it gives way like a normal mattress, yet leaves no condensation or anything made of water like a cloud should. I finally shrug and flop back against it, relishing in the relaxation of my limbs. 

The bed is a thousand times softer than the cots Zecora keeps in her home. Despite the early hour, I sink deeper into the mattress and relax. I intend to get up in a few minutes, but before I know it, I drift away into dreamland. 



> A Very Pink Party
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

I launch into a sitting position, gasping for breath, covered in sweat.

A dream. It was just a dream. 

I look down, carefully turning my hands over. Skin. Fingers. Hands. I'd never take them for granted again. Sighing with relief, I wrap my arms around myself. 

Though it hadn't exactly been a nightmare, I am still covered with a sheen of sweat due to multiple comforters on my bed. In the middle of winter, I have no other choice, because the heat doesn't properly filter to my bedroom. 

Shaking off the threads of the dream- it had felt so real!- I take a look around. My room is clean, for once- with my busy lifestyle, cleaning isn't exactly a priority- and the room glows with a strange purple light. I wrap my arms around myself as the blankets fall off, leaving a threadbare pink and lavender nightgown. When I get off, I look down in confusion, finding my bare feet swathed in a fluffy carpet. Isn't my bedroom hardwood floor? Before I can think harder on it, the purple glow intensifies, and in my curiosity I go to the window to pull apart the half-open curtains. 

When I do so, I shriek and stumble backwards, my bed thankfully catching my fall. The moon is at least a hundred times bigger than usual, and is covered in a distinctly violet glow. I find my breathing short and irregular. When I stand back up, suddenly my room looks entirely different.

Gone is the vibrant furniture set that covers my bedroom. Instead, the colors are all warped shades of purple, anywhere from lavender to dark indigo. I hesitantly walk over to the walls and run my hands down them. Where the wallpaper had once been, I feel crystals jutting out, sharp and freezing to the touch. I recoil and stumble back again, but fall hard on my back with an aching thud. My bed is gone, no longer present to catch my fall. I attempt to stand once more, but chains of exhaustion grips my limbs, and struggle as I might, I can only collapse with a cry of pain. 

I lie there comatose, unsure of what to do now that I am rendered lame. But when I feel all hope is lost, I hear a strange sound. For lack of an accurate adjective, I can only describe it as a shimmering sort of sound. I feel the shackles binding me to the floor suddenly lift, and something lifts me to my feet. The feeling is surreal, as I feel nobody carrying me. When I fall, weakness permeating my limbs, something catches me.

Someone catches me. 

Their touch is cool and hard, and when I look up, I take a sharp intake of breath. For this is as far from a soft-skinned homo sapiens as it could be. The creature before me is my height, but given that it is a quadruped, it is a tall creature indeed. And of course, it is a creature from Equestria. But it is no pony. Where a coat would be, there is a hard black shell- where a proper mane would be, there is a mess of holey tangles. I reach my hand out and run my hands through her midnight blue "mane", as though to confirm that the changeling queen is real. 

"Greetings, Elle."

I attempt to breathe calmly and evenly, to no avail. "You know my name?"

"Indeed. Have no fear, this is but a dream." With a wave of her holed hoof, my distorted bedroom fades away, leaving us in a swirling mass of cool colors. Blue, green, and purple wisps dance throughout the air and form the ground for my feet.

"My name is Nightbug. A changeling queen once, many centuries ago, but now a spirit. When the night princess of the ponies was locked in the moon, I became the dream guardian for my dear changelings. With our species’ current relations, I see no reason to yet relinquish my duty."

I look around the swirling mass that is the dreamscape. "I suppose that going to Equestria was not a dream, then."

She shakes her head. "No. It was not. Though I must admit, given that all changelings appear in their natural form in dreams...I'm much more used to seeing small bug-like creatures than hairless apes." She chuckles, as though this is amusing to her in ways I cannot see. "You may not be a normal changeling- or from our universe at all- but you have fallen under my care. What are you, dear? And how did you end up as one of my children?"

Her gentle tone and sincerity catches me a bit off guard. I extend my hand, showing it to her, wistfully wishing for it to be real, and somewhat glad it isn't. "I am called a human. Hairless apes is a good descriptor of us, if a bit crude. Our society has no magic or flying or super strength, but we have strongly developed technology to make up for it." I sigh. "If I knew how I got here, though, I would tell you. Things are a tad...confusing right now." I bite my lip. "Being here is amazing, but I do not know how I got here, and I cannot go home."

"Oh, my child." To my surprise, she pulls me in, managing to stroke my hair even with my comparable height. "That is a true predicament. I am afraid I cannot answer your question." She releases me, and when I meet her powder blue eyes, slitted pupil and all, she is filled with determination. "But I am still a changeling, and so are you. You may not be ready for the hive, but if we can get you to switch to a changeling form in your dreams, I can train you. You will become a proper changeling, under my tutelage."

I open my mouth to tell her that I've recently come under Twilight's wing, but I stop, remembering what Zecora told me of the divisions between changelings and ponies. This Nightbug hasn't told me her specific age, and I don't want to risk her wrath, supposing she was around during times of changeling persecution. I could say yes, and learn more changeling skills, but is that the best of course of action? Perhaps learning such skills could end up-

"Oh, and if you are wondering, this is not an offer. This is a command. You will be unable to survive if you do not learn our ways, no matter if you live amongst the ponies or not. This form has been given to you for a reason, and as the only changeling who knows you exist, it is my duty to make sure you fulfill that cause."

I exhale. So much for trying to  I momentarily wonder if I had walked too fast into being Twilight's student- an opportunity for which I had been able to choose- but eventually decide that both of these are good opportunities to learn my skills. Plus, I still can't imagine saying no to the Princess of Friendship herself. 

I'm jolted out of my train of thought when Nightbug clears her throat. "There is one more thing, my child. I can sense some sort of curse on you. It is not one of magic, however, just some sort of...condition. I cannot quite place its origins. It seems to have come from another dimension, as you did."

"My own?" There were no shortages of diseases and conditions in my homeland. Nightbug merely shakes her head.

"I do not know. However, it seems to be recent. Just be wary, my child. It reeks of...death."

I gulp at the ominous word. "I'll be careful."

She smiles, her fangs glinting in the low light. "You, Elle, are a special child, like all my children. Cultured and refined, and all around pleasant to be around. I can feel your intelligence, too. We'll make a changeling out of you yet." Her image begins to fade. "Be well."

The world around me swirls, as though being sucked into whirlpool, taking Nightbug  with it, leaving me stranded in emptiness.

*****

I open my eyes as the dream fades away, squinting at the sun, which had moved during its course to shine right in my eyes. When I attempt to block its rays, I find myself in my disguised unicorn form once again. 

As I awaken, I hear a series of knocks on my door. Finally, I realize that I must have fallen asleep for a few hours out of nowhere. How embarrassing! I throw off the blanket and race to open the door.

Princess Twilight Sparkle pauses mid-knock, then grins sheepishly. "Uh, hi. Were you..." She looks at my mane. "...sleeping?"

I pause, blink, and raise a hoof to stroke my mane. Even without a mirror, I can tell I have bad bedhead. I chuckle with a blush. "My apologies, Princess. That bed is unlike anything I have ever experienced before."

She smiles and nods enthusiastically. "I know! Trust me, don't worry about it. But, uh, I know this is short notice, but I need you to come with me to an event as my official apprentice."

"Right now?" I had not even been her apprentice for a full day! "P-princess-"

"Just Twilight."

"-Twilight, how did anybo- anypony even discover this? I've been asleep for but a few hours!"

Twilight shuffles her hooves and wings, looking down in an adorable meekness. "I...may have been a little over excited. I'm sorry if you didn't want anypony to know! I sorta told everypony I've seen today."

It is in that moment that I realize just how excited the Princess is to have an apprentice. Still, news must have spread fast for us to have an event to attend.

Twilight sees my face, and, likely mistaking my pensiveness for hesitance, quickly adds, "Don't worry. It's a really informal event."

I pause, momentarily concerned for my disguise, but recall that familiarizing myself with other ponies is part of my integration strategy. I nod my assent. "That sounds like fun. Er..." I gesture to my mane. "Might you have a brush?"

She giggles at what must be a most hideous mane and escorts me to the hallway restroom. I use the facilities and fix my appearance, even finding some mascara in the medicine cabinet. Try as I might, I can't get my telekinesis to work, and have to fumble with the hairbrush in my hooves. The method of using magic that Zecora had taught me does absolutely nothing, leading me to believe that unicorn magic is different than changeling magic.

When I finish, I examine my appearance in the mirror. If I stare long enough, I feel as though, for a second, I can see my human form. Long, dark, flowing hair; pale skin. 

It has been a long time since I have scrutinized my reflection this way. As my...condition had worsened, I could barely stand to look at my reflection past basic primping needs. The self-loathing that once filled me, however, has been replaced by a calm. The depression that haunted me in my world has disappeared. I can even recall the last time I stared at my reflection this way...

"Elle, love, you must come away from that mirror. You look beautiful."

I pouted and turned away from the mirror begrudgingly. "Well, I would like to look good for my first day of high school!" I turned back to the mirror, intent on continuing to brush my hair, but my mother confiscated the brush.

"That's quite enough. I told you, you look fantastic. There's no more you can do." Before I can protest, my mother gets a glint in her hazel eyes. "You don't want to be late, do you?" 

Right on time, the bus honks its horn outside. I jump, startled, grabbing my messenger bag and swinging it onto my shoulders. I take one last look at the mirror, smiling slightly at my reflection. No longer would I be the "weird" girl, black hair spiked and short, clothes blaring the names of punk bands. This was a new town, and a new start. Finally, I would fit in. I had forced myself to imitate my mother's elegant speech and bought an entire new wardrobe, but no longer would I be an outcast. 

I tried to ignore how wrong my reflection looked. 

The memory dissipates from my mind as I continue to look in the mirror. My depression might not have followed me into the pony (or, for me, changeling) world, but the speech and style I had forced myself to learn did. My speech patterns and style stood out against each other in this world, but not as much as my old punk style would. For but a second, I contemplate reverting, then shake my head. That would lead only to trouble. 

I hear a knock at the door, then a voice. "Sunspell? Are you okay?" comes Twilight's voice. 

I finally put the brush down. "Yes. I apologize, I am coming out now." I click open the brass lock and step from the white tile of the bathroom onto the multihued crystals that make up most of the castle. My new teacher greets me a with bright, straight smile. I picture her as a geeky teenager with braces to get that perfect grin, and repress a giggle at the thought.

"You look great!" she says cheerily. "Come on, this is going to be so much fun!"

I follow her through the winding halls of the castle. Somewhere, in the far future, I can see myself having learned how to navigate the palace. I knew a basic layout of the first floor, since between the castle's introduction and the show's end, they had shown the main rooms of the castle multiple times. From where I am rooming, however, I know not how to reach the entrance. Luckily, the princess does. 

"Should I behave a certain way as your apprentice?" I ask as we traverse the crystal corridors.

Twilight shakes her head and beams at me. "Nope! Just be yourself." She giggles. "Your normal self is polite enough for Princess Celestia!" After a moment of smiling, she gasps and her eyes widen. "N-not that I would tell you not to be yourself otherwise, of course! Because you should always be yourself, you know, regardless of being in the presence of an immortal sun goddess or not-" 

I laugh quietly. "I took no offense."

She finally takes a breath, then smiles slightly at me. "Well, I'm glad. I usually try really really hard not to offend anypony, and it's..." Her eyes focus on the floor. "It's hard sometimes. Especially since all those stupid nobles seem to be intent on being offended."

I can't help but laugh at that, and after a moment, Twilight joins me. When our chuckles die out, we're back in front of the massive double doors that lead to the outside. 

After a pause, I look to my companion. "Lead the way, Twilight."

She grins and shakes her head. "No need. We're already here!"

I am allowed only a moment to ponder this confusing sentence before the doors swing open under Twilight's magenta magic. My eyes widen and my jaw drops. 

"SURPRISE!!"

A group of about a hundred ponies has gathered in front of the castle, a veritable pastel sea of smiling faces. Two pegasi- are those yellow and blue ponies who I suspect they are?- hover above the crowd with a banner reading "Welcome Sunspel" 

I hear Twilight mutter beside me, "They always run out of room."

Before I can determine how to react, a blur of pink fills my vision, and I feel my breath escaping me as I am wrapped in a tight hug. Half of me is delighted at who I know is embracing me, and half of me gasps for precious, life-giving air.

Finally, the pony releases me. "Hi! My name's Pinkie Pie! But you can call me Pinkaronicus! Everypony does!"

"For the last time, Pinkie, nopony is going to call you that."

Pinkie ignores Twilight. "And you're Sunspell! And you're a new pony! And you're also Twilight's new apprentice! So I decided to throw you a 'welcome to Ponyville and also congratulations on becoming Twilight's apprentice party' but that didn't fit on the banner but that's okay! Don't you love it?!"

Despite her loud volume and rambling sentences, I found Pinkie's enthusiasm infectious. "I do love it. It's quite beautiful."

Pinkie stops bouncing in place. "Huh. You look all cotton-candy happy girly like me but you talk just like Princess Celestia!"

I smile. "Is that a problem?"

She taps her chin with a front hoof in exaggeration, then smiles, shaking her head. "Nope! Now let's go meet your new friends!" 

She starts tugging me along with her hyperactive bouncing, and in my surprise I put weight on my broken leg. I hiss with pain and stop short. Pinkie turns around, confused, until she finally notices the issue I've avoided by hobbling on three legs (much easier than having only one leg left when breaking a human leg). 

"Oh shoot! I'm so sorry. I didn't notice." She bounces back over and scrutinizes Zecora's makeshift cast. "You know, I'm not a doctor, but-"

"Oh, you poor dear!" The voice projected from above still somehow sounds soft as it drifts down into my ears. Soon, its owner glides to a stop in front of me, her touchdown making an almost silent tap against the ground. "Putting your weight on a broken bone like that. I hope you're not in too much pain." Without meeting my eyes nor introducing herself (though I already know who she is), the butter yellow pegasus tenderly takes my leg in her hoof. "This cast is okay, but it will take about a week longer to heal than if you went to the hospital. I can take you there now, if you like."

A problem in the plan Zecora came up with suddenly appears to me. To stand out just enough, not doing crazy things like committing murder or suspiciously complacent things like doing everything everypony does, but something in between. Yet, we agreed to avoid the hospital, because extensive medical tests could expose me. But refusing to go to the hospital for treatment is likely on the more crazy side of the spectrum.

Thankfully, my savior arrives in the form of yet another of the former bearers. A blue pegasus joins us, and instead of touching down gently like her friend, she lands with a loud thud, flicking her wings out in pride. "Lay off 'er, Fluttershy. This is her party, after all. Let her enjoy it!"

"Oh, Rainbow..." Fluttershy sighs, but to my relief, backs off. "I suppose so. It's not that big of a deal..."

While Fluttershy slowly trails off, Rainbow Dash holds out a hoof for me to shake. "Name's Rainbow Dash. I'm the world's fastest flyer!" I shake her hoof, and she gives me a friendly pat on the shoulder with a sleek yet muscular wing. "Feel free to admire my awesomeness at any time."

"Only pony to perform a Sonic Rainboom, correct?" I ask, a ghost of a smile dancing on my lips.

"The one and only!" exclaims Dash, doing a deft midair flip. After a moment, her magenta eyes narrow at me in confusion. "Hey, wait. Twi said you had amnesia. How'd you know who I am?" 

Pinkie and Fluttershy stop their conversation, looking at me in confusion as well. I had not expected Twilight to tell them about my dilemma so soon. I suppose my arrival must have really excited her. "Ah, yes. Well, Zecora found me in the Everfree, and while I recuperated with her, she told me of you all, since I planned to come live here." 

Fluttershy scuffs the ground with her hoof meekly. "Is...is it true you don't even remember how to do magic?"

I hang my head. This charade is quickly getting old. I suppose that once we are on the "same" page as to what happened in the last couple of weeks, though, that I can stop lying. "It's true. But my talent was once in magic, so the princess thinks she can train me." I don't mention that my cutie mark is actually just something I came up with. Hopefully my amnesia will cover that for me, and once I should be past the beginner stages of magic, well... Crossing that bridge once we get there, I suppose. 

"Wowie! A talent in magic? Like Sunset Shimmer and Trixie and Twilight?"

I turn around the show the three ponies my flank. I take a small pride in slowly gaining control over this new equine body. "Actually, a talent in weather magic. It is- that is, I'm told it is a rare talent for a unicorn."

"You're not kidding!" Rainbow Dash trots over to get a closer look, and I blush at the proximity. "Twi's told me that some unicorns get magic of a different, like, race or whatever, but I thought she was pulling my wing! Did you have pegasi in your family?"

We all stare at Dash for a moment, and she blushes and rubs the back of her neck awkwardly. "Sorry. Amnesia, right."

Pinkie Pie suddenly bounces up, her blue eyes bright. "Well girls, I've got to go introduce Sunny to Applejack and Rarity. Let's go!" She tugs on my good foreleg, more gently this time. I grin at her.

"But of course....Pinkaronicus."

She squeals with glee, suddenly wrapping me in a hug, and I more gently return the favor. It flashes through my mind that I've just become friends with Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, and Fluttershy. Is this humanly- or rather, equinely possible?

Be still, my beating heart.



********


"Turn around quick by the left elbow, grab a new partner, here we go!"

"Yeah!"

A section of the party has dissolved into a square dance, and unsurprisingly, a muscular orange pony is one of the participants, drinking up most of the attention with her enthusiasm and good timing. More surprisingly, her partner is a delicate yet well-proportioned white unicorn. A pony I recognize as the stallion Caramel is the caller, intermixing lines from Applejack's well-known "Raise this Barn" and other calls. I stomp my good hoof to the beat along with the other onlookers, Pinkie by my side cheering and hollering. When the dance finally ends with a flurry of dancing and fiddles, we all cheer for the participants. The crowd begins to disperse as a regular song begins, but Pinkie beckons me onto the "floor". 

As we approach, Applejack and Rarity bow to each other, giggling. "Hey, AJ! Rarity! Lookie! It's Sunny! Twilight's new apprentice! Who this party is for!" 

Applejack chuckles good-naturedly. "Yeah, yeah, Pinks. We know who she is." She offers me a hoof, and when I put mine to hers, she gives me a rough shake that nearly puts my good hoof out of commission. When I wince, she does too. "Awful sorry there. Guess I don't know my own strength."

"No, you certainly do not," Rarity says primly, smiling at me apologetically and shaking my hoof far more gently. "Do forgive Applejack, dear. My name is Rarity, and we're delighted to welcome you to Ponyville."

Applejack sticks her tongue out at Rarity when the alabaster mare isn't looking, causing Pinkie to giggle. The unicorn simply rolls her eyes. "Do be a little bit more mature than Applejack, would you?" 

Having been found out, Applejack decides not to push her luck further. Instead, she turns back to me. "Twi must've liked you mighty well to take you on as an apprentice so quickly."

Rarity nods her assent. "Indeed," she said, glancing at the Princess, who is currently trying to deal with three obnoxious-looking ponies talking to her at once. "No offense to you, my dear, but we are quite unused to Twilight making rash decisions." 

I consider this for a moment. "Well," I say finally, "I believe that the princess was quite eager to take on a personal student. And, well, I am guessing she told you all about my dilemma?" Nods all around. "Well, to be honest, I think she pities me. She wants to restore me to what my power once was." No telling if I would reach the level a pony with a magic cutie mark should have, though. 

"As you should be!" Rarity exclaims. "Why, a pony being unable to perform their special talent is a sin! I would never be able to cope if I couldn't design my gorgeous gowns."

"An' I can't go a day without working on the farm. It's a breath of fresh air."

"And I can't go a day without planning a super duper party!" Pinkie pauses. "Well, maybe just one every couple of weeks. If I throw too many parties, it'll get boring, and a party should never be boring!" 

"Thank you three," I say with an appreciative smile. "Though, I understand what you are saying. From my...limited experience, I can see that the princess is quite level headed."

Rarity sighs. "You're quite right, Sunspell, quite right. I have a sneaking suspicion of what brought this on, though..."

Applejack looks at her strangely for a moment before her eyes widen. "You don't mean..."

Rarity scowls. It's quite unbecoming on her face. "Indeed I do. But that's only a suspicion, mind you."

Applejack grumbles. "I guess so. Still, we should watch 'er carefully. See if that compulsion is..."

"Yes, I know, dear." She turns to me, smiling with just a slight tad of irritance. "I do hope you enjoy the party, dear. You deserve it. Applejack and I must be going." Applejack follows the unicorn obediently, walking to the punch bar, located conveniently across from Twilight.

I blink, then turn to Pinkie. "Do you know what just happened?"

Pinkie smiles at me, but it's a tad sad. Is her hair sagging a bit as well? "Don't worry about it. I'm sure they're just imagining things." Her smile grows wider as her mind turns to other things. "Hey! Can you still dance with that leg?"

I pause. "Err..." My body coordination has gotten better, but I am not sure if I can dance.  The broken leg does not help matters. 

The decision is made for me, however. I hear a voice cut through the crowd, set up from some shoddy-looking speakers. I imagine they are magic-powered. "Hey, everypony, it looks like our guest of honor has taken to the dance floor! This DJ is asking you all to join her and bust a move, what do you all think?"

The crowd cheers and ponies start flooding the floor, much to my dismay. "Alright, then! I'm going to play one you all know!"

The DJ (I have a sneaking suspicion she's a unicorn with purple glasses) starts playing a track that sounds like a pop remix of "Find the Music in You." Ponies find partners or groups and start to dance to the beat. Before I can figure out who I should join, Pinkie drags me away yet again into a group. 

For some reason, my coat feels tingly. My hooves start to move, almost on their own, and I feel the beat pulse through my hooves, a sensation I never knew as a bad human dancer. The music controls my movements, it seems, and before I know it, I'm singing along with the rest of the crowd. 

"If you listen carefully, on every corner there's a rhythm playing- then it happens suddenly, the music takes you over and you'll-"

From my heart and soul, the lyrics pour out- 

"Find you've got the music-"

I've not memorized this song, yet I know the words instinctively-

"Find you've got the music-"

I've got the music-

"Got the music deep inside you-"

It's deep inside me-

"You've got to look inside, you'll see it-"

I see it clear as day-

"You've- got the music-"

I join my hearts with my fellow ponies-

"Got the music, got the music in you!" 

I feel the exhilarating magic gripping me fade as the song does. Breathlessly, as the crowd cheers and as I turn to Pinkie Pie, I say, "What was that?!" 

Pinkie's eyes bug out. "You don't even remember a heartsong? It's when ponies start singing! Everypony has the magic of music in them!" She taps her chin. "Like, for instance, we all sing a new Winter Wrap Up song every year. The words just come naturally, and everypony loves it. It's hard not to hear a heartsong starting and not join in. Like one time, we went to the Grand Galloping Gala, and the girls and I sang a heartsong about what we were gonna do there, and we got all the stuffy nobles to sing with us because even they love a heartsong! I can't believe you don't know about heartsongs; you have such a pretty voice!"

I try not to let my jaw drop. There is a reasonable explanation for musical numbers within the show? Well...reasonable for this world, anyway. 

Pinkie, I notice, is giving me a sympathetic look. "I can't believe you really lost so much of your memory. You must be devastated!" She gasps. "And you probably don't have any memories of going to a party! Oh my gosh! We need to make this the super best party ever, just for you!" She bounces in place, excitement filling every last cell in her body, I suspect. "Come on!" I follow her as she bounces through the ponies on the floor, some returning to the sidelines and other starting to join another dance. 

When we breach the throng of equines, Pinkie waves wildly to catch the attention of Twilight, who is in the same place as before, being harassed by a different set of ponies, though they look just as obnoxious as the last. I spot Applejack and Rarity watching from afar, though Twilight does not seem to notice.

In any case, the purple mare looks relieved to excuse herself and trots over with a spring in her step. "Hey, Pinkie. Are you two having fun?" 

Pinkie looks at me expectantly, but for once tonight, I don't have to lie. "I am having a wonderful time." I give the pink mare a one-forelegged hug. "Thank you so much, Pinkie P.... Pinkaronicus." 

"We're on a nickname basis!" Pinkie squeals, and it looks as though her brain will pop out of her head at any moment from glee. "Girls! Come over to the punch bar with me!"

We follow her, approaching the bowl as Rarity and Applejack sneak away from it, into the crowd. "Okie dokie! Here you go, girls!" Pinkie pours us both a glass of punch. Then she pours one for herself and holds it into the air. 

"To Sunspell's recovery and successful apprenticeship!"

For a split second, I doubt the wisdom of going along with this plan, of clinking my plastic cup to hers and drinking what I feel are dubious contents. But that moment soon passes, and Twilight and I clink our cups to Pinkie's.

"Cheers!"