Not a Cloud In the Sky

by OutOfTheBlue

First published 24th of January, 2017

Cloud Nine was not like most ponies. Living a good life is hard when you always go it alone, but with a stranger randomly falling into his life, that's about to change.

"Cloud Nine: guard, pegasus, and not much else" these were the words he often used to describe himself in his head. For years he had followed a simple routine, wake up, eat, go to work, be bored at work, go home, wish other ponies talked to him, go to sleep. But with the sudden appearance of a being that he has no clue who, or what, is, everything changed

Note: added sex tag so nobody could complain about any dirty jokes or euphemisms I use.

Also added comedy tag 'cause apparently some people find my dreadful jokes amusing.

A Typical Morning (Remastered)

In a void of pitch black night, a lone figure slumped tiredly in the gloom. He was the sole inhabitant of this landscape of shadows and emptyness, but, whereas he used to feel fear in the face of this void, it now proved to be boring rather than scary. His name was Cloud Nine, a pegasus stallion of average build for his job, well muscled but not extraordinarily so, in fact, as far as he was concerned he was the least extraordinary pony in existence. He had a mane the color of dulled metal, eyes the color of a cloudy sky, and a coat that once had been a rich sky blue, but had inexplicably started to grey rendering it the color of a winter ocean. His cutie mark added the only pop of color on his otherwise dull exterior, a white cloud with a small, green tornado in the center of it. Getting back to the matter at hoof, the void used to frighten him, but after years of having the same dream every night, it had lost its sense of dread. His fear being alone and forgoten had plagued him as colt, but now he felt it reflected his life perfectly. No friends, a family so far away they never saw each other, and no hope for a brighter tomorrow. He was just getting comfortable when all of the sudden- BEEP, BEEP, BEEEEEEEEP! Cloud awoke with a jolt and quickly silence his alarm. Unlike most ponies who would feel tired and angry at this early hour, or even those weird ponies who woke singing and smiling, Cloud felt how he always did, bored and empty.

"Why does life have to be so monotonous? Same thing every stinking day. If only I could go to some faraway land of adventure and excitement like all those books I've read, I might enjoy myself for once,"

he grumbled. Cloud might not like much, but he loved to read, using his books as an escape from reality where he was the hero who everyone adored rather than just another face in the crowd. He got out of bed with a groan.

"I'm up before frickin Celestia all because of my stupid job of 'guarding the dungeon', oh please I know why they stick me down there and give me so many days off, they don't want anypony to see me."

It was true he worked sporadically and in a place that hadn't been used in years, but mainly because the captain of the guard, Shining Armor, knew that all confidence in the guard would be lost if they saw Cloud's bored, uninterested face while on duty. After the Nightmare Moon fiasco a few months ago they couldn't afford to look weak. Cloud knew that his higher ups were just waiting to discharge him, but he resolved to never give them reason to. He needed this job, the only one job he had held down for longer than a month. As he donned his armor he glanced at his calendar that hung in the closet and let out an annoyed groan. He had today and the next two days off and had forgotten.

"Knew I should have stayed in bed today,"

he removed his gear with a sigh before grunted,

"Whatever, might as well take a shower."

After his shower Cloud sat on the couch in his living room and tried to think of what he could do for the next few days. His house was small, situated outside the city walls near the Whitetail Woods, it consisted of a small kitchen with a fridge and stove; the living room with a couch, two chairs and a couple overfull book shelves; a hall that led to the bathroom and his bedroom which held his medium sized bed, a nightstand complete with lamp and alarm clock, and a small closet. As he thought and thought he continued to realize he had absolutely nothing to occupy his time.

"Screw it, I'm going for a walk."

------------------------------------

In the woods still dark before the coming of dawn, a figure could be seen limping through the trees. This pony had a black, shiny body; blue, pupil-less eyes; fangs; membraneous wings; a curved horn and hole riddled legs. This creature was a changeling, and she was right at death's door. She had many cuts and bruises all over her chitinous carapace and was shivering uncontrollably. "I c-can't st-stop m-moving," she quietly chattered.

"If I st-stop now I'll f-f-freeze, or if that doesn't k-kill me, I'll die a s-slow d-d-death of st-starvation." This changeling was in trouble, beaten, bloody, starving and cold, she needed to make it to the city.

"Just a b-bit further and then I c-can disguise and sneak into th-that city. Just a b-bit f-further, I c-can m-m-make i-IT!"

The changeling stumbled and fell into the snow. She struggled to rise but couldn't get to her hooves. She soon gave up and laid there, shivering. How could this be the end? after months of hardship it all ended in some forest, far from any signs civilization.

Her eyes dimmed and she could no longer feel her hooves. She was slowly succumbing to the cold when, all of the sudden, a figure approached through the gloom a few feet in front of her. She saw it coming closer as it quickly ran towards her. As it drew near, she saw it was a pony, a pegasus stallion to be precise. With a whimper, the changeling said,

" P-please, d-don't h-hurt m-me, I'm s-sorry I'm in your w-woods just p-please... d-don't h-hurt m-me anymore."

She closed her eyes in preparation for whatever came next, whether this pony killed her or left her to her fate, there was nothing she could do to prevent her demise. But rather than a painful kick or the sound of receding hoofsteps, she felt something. She was gently lifted and set down on something... warm? and so very soft. Part of her said she needed to struggle to escape her mystery captor, but her freezing and tired side won. She practically melted into this ponies warm coat. When she felt him flinch, memories started surfacing of a pony looking at her with a look of disgust screaming,

" DON'T TOUCH ME YOU DISGUSTING FREAK!"

She whimpered a quick, "I'm sorry! please! I, I won't do it again!" But halfway through her begging the stranger shushed her and said,

"It's okay. I don't mind. You probably have hypothermia after being out here for Celestia knows how long."

And then she felt him shift his wings, covering her like a blanket. She threw caution to the wind and snuggled into his back, her shivering slowing slightly as she absorbed his body heat.

"Where are you taking me?" She mumbled.

"Well, to my house of course, and after that to the hospital once I'm convinced you're not going to keel over on me."

"N-no! Please don't take me to the hospital, I'm begging you!"

"Alright, alright! I'll just patch you up back home, no need to freak out." And with that, the unlikely duo headed towards his house.

Author's Notes:

This is my first storry, please let me know anything that I should fix

Me Casa, Su Casa (Remastered)

As Cloud closed his front door, careful to not disturb his passenger, questions raced through his mind.

Who is this mare? Why was she in the woods all alone during winter? She is a she right? Is she a pony? Seriously, I need to make sure she's a she, not a he or an it. Do I still have that soup leftover? I'm internally monologuing again, aren't I.

As carefully as he could, Cloud brought his new guest into the bathroom so he could reach his first aid kit easily, and to clean the gross green stuff and mud off of her.

Seriously, it sounded like a she so I'm just going to roll with that. Oh crap, that green stuff's blood, isn't it... eww.

After carefully looking her over, Cloud drew a quick conclusion.

Alright, a couple cuts, not to deep, on her side, flank, and cheek; probably dehydrated and a little hungry based on how gaunt she looks; and at least the makings of hypothermia based on the shivering.

Noticing his patient's increased shivers, he turned on the water and waited for it to warm up. As he waited, Cloud got out his first aid supplies and then laid down next to the stranger and gently draped a wing across her back. She flinched, but then pressed closer to his side.

"W-why are you helping me?" She quietly asked.

"Because you probably would have died if I hadn't," Cloud replied with his usual monotone.

"B-but look at me, I-I'm a hideous monster, why would a pony even care if I died?"

"You don't seem too horrible to me, also, that's what a normal pony would do, not me"

She looked at him in confusion and asked

"What does that mean?"

"Eh, I've just never been one to blindly do crap out of tradition or whatever, so I don't really fit in with everypony else. I never have, and chances are I never will. So you're safe with me."

She smiled a little and said,"Thank you, you have no idea how much that means to me."

He shrugged and replied,

"Whatever, anypony else who isn't a huge asshat probably would have helped... okay, they probably would have run screaming like the cowards they are."

She scrunched her face up in an amused expression before asking,

"Was that a joke? I-I've never had a pony tell me jokes before, er, well not without me looking different."

"Whatever, but later you need to tell me how you got hurt, deal?"

"Deal."

Looking over at her he asked,

"Um... sorry if this is rude, but what exactly are you? I've never seen a pony like you before."

With a sigh his guest replied,

"I'm a changeling, we, well, changelings are shape-shifters who feed off of ponies emotional energy, and yes, before you ask I am feeding off of you right now. But don't worry, because you're giving it willingly it will have no noticeable side affects."

"How does that work, are there multiple ways to eat emotions? And can you eat real food or just emotions?"

"There are three main ways to gather love energy: you can absorb ambient emotional energy just by being near ponies, although that method gathers very little and takes so of time to gather a decent amount that it isn't efficient; you can have emotional energy freely given to you, which is the most satisfying and delicious way despite how long it takes to make ponies like you that much. It also is the only way to mostly negate any side effects from feeding given that you're eating emotions that are produced for you, rather than someone else; and finally, well, emotional energy can be forcibly extracted with magic, which, while you gather a lot of energy, causes the pony pain. Not only is it horrible, but it taints the tast with pain, fear, and a bunch of other negative emotions. Oh, and yes, we can eat solid food."

"Oh... well,um, just, don't do that last one please."

With the interrogation out of the way for the moment, Cloud helped the changeling into the tub and started helping her clean off. When she was clean again and he had replaced the water, he headed towards the door.

"I'll go get us some food and water, be back in a sec."

he said before starting to open the door. He froze and said,

"By the way, you never told me your name."

" I don't have one anymore," she quietly replied.

Cloud grunted and walked away, leaving the changeling to warm up in her bath.

As Cloud got his leftover soup out of the fridge and started heating it up, he began seriously thinking about what he just heard.

Ok, so my new guest is an emotion eating, strange looking, non-pony thing. That's actually pretty cool now that I think about it. She probably isn't getting too much from me cause I really am not an emotional pony. Wait, if she needs positive emotions to survive does that mean if I need to feed her I'll need to get all touchy-feely with her, cause I already hugged her which is way outside my comfort zone. Oh great... I have blood all over me too, you do something nice and you end up getting changeling blood all over you 'cause of it, figures really.

"Beeeeeeeep"

Cloud shook himself out of his thoughts and quickly got a bowl of soup and some water to give to his patient. As he walked back into the bathroom, he noticed the changeling looking confused and poking her horn.

"Uhh... are you okay? Or is something broken, because if you still won't go to the hospital I'll just have to fix whatever needs fixing with grit, spit, and a whole lotta duct tape."

The changeling quickly looked up and had a dejected look on her face as she said.

"I think something's wrong with me, I can barely sense your emotions and they're all muddled and weird. They're there, but something seems off, like my emotive abilities are being suppressed right now. And were you being serious when you said you would fix me with grit, spit, and this 'duct tape' stuff because I am unsure that grit and spit really heal anything. Unless this tape you speak of has healing powers. Wait, how stupid of me. That was a joke, wasn't it? I really am such a dumb bug some times."

"Yeah... duct tape doesn't heal ponies, it was a joke. And the emotions thing, probably me, not you. Oh and quick question, what emotions do changelings eat 'cause I can try to feel something if you need."

The changeling blinked and looked up at him in confusion

"You're surprisingly calm, all things considered. Most ponies would have run screaming or be totally grossed out by my *ahm* diet."

" I don't really care enough to freak out, and honestly, that's pretty cool. You know, being an, emotion eating... changeling? It was changeling right?"

"Yeah, changeling was the right word. And to answer your question, changelings can eat all kinds of emotions. Happiness, sympathy, friendliness, and, if we can get it, love. Love is the most powerful and nourishing emotion of all."

Cloud gave her a more deadpan stare than his usual one.

" Really? Love? Fine, whatever. But if you ask me that seems kinda, I dunno, ironic? You said ponies are scared of you, and you need ponies to like you to survive. I feel like if everypony knew about changelings that there would be tons of cliche stories written about it, or some such thing."

The changeling looked at him funny for a bit before saying,

"I now agree with you completely, you are definitely not like other ponies."

Cloud rolled his eyes.

"What tipped you off? I thought I was hiding it so very well. By the way, my name's Cloud, Cloud Nine. What about you? You said you didn't have one anymore, what do you mean by that?"

The changeling's expression fell and with a sigh replied,

"I was banished from my hive for being too weak. I was told to forcefully take love from a pony, but I wouldn't do it. They striped me of my name and threw me out. I then decided to try something no changeling has ever tried before. I was going to live with ponies. At first I was hopeful, I walked undisguised into a small farming town, expecting some odd stares but that if I proved myself friendly, they would accept me."

"I'm assuming it didn't go well?"

She shuddered.

"They ran me out of town. I tried again and again with a bunch of different towns, but it was the same thing each time, until, I just accepted it and decided to go disguised from town to town, absorbing ambient emergy and then moving on."

"Why not just stick around one town and make them all like you?"

Still shaking she quietly told him her biggest cause for shame.

"I'm scared of ponies."

Cloud blinked and asked,

"You're scared... of ponies? Well... that explains a lot about earlier."

"I'm surprised your not laughing, here I am, a changeling, who can't go anywhere near a pony without having a panic attack. Just admit it, you think I'm pathetic. The only reason I'm still talking is because I'm panicking so I'm desperately trying to keep calm but--"

She began to hyperventilate and tears rolled down her cheeks. Cloud braced himself and took the plunge, gently placing his hoof on her shoulder he said,

"I understand, and no, you're not pathetic. You're afraid for a perfectly good reason, and I'm assuming that the last of your little visits went south judging by your various wounds. So believe me, I'm going to help you out."

The changeling nodded and then looked at his hoof quizzically then back up to him.

" What do you mean?"

With a small smirk, Cloud asked,

" How would you feel about being my new roommate?"

Welcome To Ponydom, I Shall Be Your Guide

After bandaging up his roomate, Cloud decided it was high time to take a shower and clean the blood out of his coat. As he washed himself, Cloud couldn't help but smirk at what was probably happening outside the bathroom right now.

She's probably transfixed, starring at mundane things like lamps and couches with wonder and fascination in her eyes.

Eager to begin helping the changeling settle in, Cloud quickly dried off and prepared to leave the bathroom, settling into his usual blank demeanor. As he opened the door, Cloud noticed the smoke and fire pouring out of his microwave and the changeling crouched behind the sofa, sobbing and saying.

"Please tiny wizard, I'm sorry! stop yelling at me!"

"Oh crap! FIRE FIRE!"

Cloud quickly grabbed the fire extinguisher and started putting out the fire. When the flames and smoke finally subsided Cloud saw the fork in the middle of the microwave. He turned to the cowering changeling and asked.

"What... just... happened."

She winced and shakily said,"I tried giving you tiny box wizard that thing so he would give me food, but he got mad and was yelling at me. He tried to kill me, I think, cause he kept shooting magic sparks."

Cloud groaned,"This is a microwave, you put food in it and it heats it up for you. You also, and I mean never, put something metal in it... ok?"

The changeling nodded before pointing to a broken lamp and saying

"Your tiny sun broke too, just thought you should know.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

As the two roommates sat down to lunch, Cloud asked,

"So... I think we should find a new name for you, I can't keep talking to you indirectly so... what do you want to go bye for now?"

The changeling shrugged before saying,

"Can think of some for me?"

Cloud scratched his head for a bit before replying.

"How about... Ebony?"

"No... sounds kinda... weird."

"Glimmer?"

"Too stereotypical."

"Dusk?"

"That would make me sound like I'm trying to be edgy or something."

Cloud's eyes wandered over to his bookshelf before settling on a book of mythology.

"How about... Pandora?"

The changeling thought for a bit before saying

"I like it. It sounds, nice."

The two sat in silence as they continued eating, before something occurred to Cloud.

"Wait, I thought you ate emotional energy? Why are you eating soup if you eat emotions. You said you could but why?"

Pandora paused to gather her thoughts before saying,

"Regular food can sustain us, but we need to feed on emotions to survive. Trying to live without that would be like trying to live on only water, you'd stay alive for a while, but eventually you'd starve."

After they finished and cleaned up, Cloud and his roommate went and sat in the living room. As they sat on opposite sides of the sofa, Cloud couldn't help but notice the sad expression Pandora had as she looked at all the books around the room, before he suddenly realized something.

"You can't read, can you?"

Pandora looked down for a second before slowly shaking her head. Realizing this was probably a touchy subject with her, Cloud quickly changed the subject.

"So... you got any family back where you're from?"

Pandora looked up before sighing,

"Changelings don't really do families. After we're born, we get sent to a nurse with all the other nymphs. Despite that, I happen to have a twin brother, we found out we can from the same place and have stuck together ever since."

"Is he still back there?"

"No, he got banished before I did. He loved the outside world, especially the music. His favorite was this gryphon stuff called 'metal' and 'alt-punk' or something like that. He got banished for treason, heresy, possession of contraband, public singing, and clerical errors. He immediately set out to get more music and live the 'free as $@1!' life as he called it. He changed his name to Beat, and when asked if he would renounce his crimes he just replied that he was 'too metal for this f#€$1%! joint and that all you f#€$1%! $@1! weasels can go straight to hell for all he cared'. I'll always remember how much he loved bananas and creative profanity."

Cloud just blinked and whispered,"Brutal."

"So what about you, where's your family?"

"In Cloudsdale, I just couldn't stand being near them any longer. Don't get me wrong, I love my family, it's just... I was tired of disappointing them."

"I'm sure you weren't disappointing them, I mean, really what could you do that was that bad?"

"I became a guard."

"That's something to be proud of, right?" Pandora asked while wincing. She liked Cloud well enough, bit in her opinion, royal guards were the worst.

"To put it in perspective, everyone in my branch of the Cloud family is rich, successful, or both. My dad and mom, were co-owners of a huge chain of companies ranging from soda to refrigerators. My sister, Sunny Cloud, is a top child psychologist, author, and is the headmistress of Cloudsdale's most illustrious private school. And to top it all off, my brother Godspeed Cloud, is a wonderbolt. How am I supposed to compare? They're all rich, successful, and have lots of friends and families of there own. My brother is married with two foals, my sister just got engaged, and here I am without a friend in the world. The only thing I am is a worthless, emotionless loser with no friends."

Cloud scowled down at the floor, remembering all the things that caused him to cut himself off from pony kind, and wishing he could go back and do it all differently. He felt something warm lean up against his side and looked down to see Pandora looking at him with a hopeful look in her eyes.

"C-can I be your friend? Please? I don't think you're worthless and what I sensed right now proved you have emotions. You saved my life and gave me a chance, and to me, that's all that matters."

Cloud smiled and pulled the changeling into a small hug. He had expected her carapace to be hard or scaly, but instead he noticed it was very smooth and glossy and felt like warm silk to the touch.

Wait, why am I noticing stuff like that. Oh great, I let my emotions get the better of me one time amd now I'm a total sap, just great. The two separated and Cloud asked,

"Hey Pandora, how about I teach you all about being a pony."

"Do you mean... can you teach me how to read!"

"I'll do my best, I might not be my sister, but if I can help it, you'll be reading in no time."

"Actually... I was wondering. Could you, I dunno, read me one of these books... please?"

Cloud smiled and grabbed a book of fairy tales called "Once Upon A Time: A Collection Of Stories By Tall Tale" and began to read.

"Once upon a time, in a far away land..."

And for the first time in years, Cloud was happy to have somepony with him.

Author's Notes:

If you're still reading this story for some readon, thanks! Feedback is welcome wether it's sarcasm, pointers, or just asking me to put something in the story later, I'll do my best to answer any of it.

Is It Considered Snuggling If It's An Accident?

"Wow, ponies have so much cool stuff."

After reading through his book, Cloud had begun teaching Pandora the names for various things around the house. He had just explained the concept of running water (which to Pandora's disappointment did not have anything to do with tiny water elves heating it for them) and was now preparing lunch for the two of them.

"I still can't believe I ate soup for breakfast. I mean, I know it was early but I'm not usually that big of an idiot."

Cloud turned around after hearing a grunt from Pandora. When he looked over at her, he saw her with her mussel stuck in a now empty peanut butter jar. She had also somehow managed to get peanut butter on her horn and all over her face. Upon closer examination, Cloud saw the problem. Pandora had somehow stuck her fangs through the side of the jar and couldn't get free. With a sigh Cloud grabbed a knife and carefully cut a line from the top of the the jar to the bottom before ripping the plastic container in half. As he prepared to ask how exactly she had gotten her head in there in the first place, Pandora licked the peanut butter off her face and said,

"I don't know what that was, but it almost tastes better than love, almost."

As he opened a new jar of peanut butter to make sandwiches with, Cloud asked,

"Quick question about the entire love thing, how do you gather that emotion. I mean, happiness and compassion I get, but ponies just don't go around loving everything they see in a romantic way, do they?"

"Well, it doesn't have to be romantic love, there's sibling love, parental love, love for a pet, but the best type is romantic love. An easy way to gather romantic love is through physical affection. The more intimate, the better."

Cloud's face scrunched up as he asked,

"Wait, you can live off of snuggling?"

Pandora nodded,

"Snuggling releases a lot of love, nit as much as kissing or other such activities, but still plenty."

"And would you say that changelings share some similarities to bugs?"

"Yes, why do you ask?"

Cloud snickered,

"You realize that changelings are literally, to quote a mushy romance phrase, snuggle bugs."

Pandora opened her mouth, then closed it, she blinked a few times before bursting into a fit of laughter, which Cloud then joined with with a couple quiet snickers of his own. Pandora noticed and said,

"Aha! You laughed! Admit it, you're warming up to me Mr. 'I'm so emotionless, darkness amd despair, ugh'."

With that comment she transformed into a version of him with black eyeliner, and hair covering one of his eyes and loudly saying,"Angst!" before flipping her mane and transforming back to normal. Cloud went wide eyed and started making strange choking noises. Upon hearing this, Pandora started to worry.

"C-cloud? Are you okay?"

"..."

"Clou-"

"BWAHAHAHAHAAAAA *hiss* HA!"

With a loud, hissing laugh, Cloud started dying laughing, quickly followed by Pandora who couldn't contain herself at hearing his strange laugh. As the two settled down, Cloud realized something from earlier.

"Wait, would the most effective method of physical affection be, you know, the ugh..."

"The what?"

"You know, the horizontal tango, the Nantucket sleigh-ride,the... ugh, you know, humanuh huminuh?"

"Do you mean... sex?"

"Yeah, that is the most effective way to gather love through physical affection. As disgusting as it is, sone changelings do that for every meal. Not many changelings do though, mainly because most changelings see ponies as inferior beings, like just a food source, and some hate ponies because while you have everything, they have only what they steal."

Cloud stared straight ahead for a second as he processed this new information. Upon seeing Pandora's sad expression, he quickly thought of a way to lighten the mood.

"So in other words... when a pony and a changeling make love, from the changeling's point of view, they are literally making love."

Pandora scrunched her face up in thought until realization hit her and her eyes widened.

"I wonder if that's where that pony phrase came from, like, if a changeling accidentally said that one time and now everyone just goes with it."

Cloud gave her a devious look before saying,

"I guess the world will never know, will it."

After a quick lunch of fluffernutters (peanut butter and marshmallow fluff sandwiches for all you unenlightened people) Cloud set to work teaching Pandora the alphabet. After drawing the alphabet on a piece of paper and showing her the relationship between letter and sound, the two spent until dinner learning letters and basic words. Pandora was a surprisingly fast learner and before dinner could read simple sentences, although very choppily. Dinner was a simple affair of roasted vegetables and some rice Cloud had leftover in the fridge. After they ate, the two read another book together and spent the rest of the evening telling stories about their respective lives. Around eleven o'clock, Cloud said,

"I don't know about you, but I think I'm going to sleep."

"Ok, I'll just stay up a bit later to practice reading before I sleep."

"All right, don't forget to turn the lights off. Goodnight Pandora, see you tomorrow."

"Goodnight Cloud, and thanks for everything."

Cloud smiled, and went to go brush his teeth. After he finished and laid down in his bed, Cloud said to himself,

"Today was a good day, for once."

And drifted off to sleep.

(1 hour later)

Pandora stiffled a yawn before getting a drink of non- water elf related water before turning off the lights. She then walked to the end off the hall before entering Cloud's room. She quietly got into his bed before pressing gently up against his back, feeling his feathers brush gently over her.

"Just like back at the hive." She thought to her self, as she shared her body heat as was tradition.

"Today was a good day." She wispered to herself as she got comfortable. Not three minutes later, Cloud rolled over and hugged her to his chest, murmuring softly in his sleep. With a happy chirp, Pandora hugged right back, enjoying the affection and warm of her new roommate. And so both slept, unaware of the rude awakening they both would have.

Author's Notes:

Props to you if you get the references in this chapter.

Well... That Happened

Cloud awoke slowly, and instantly realized he lacked the will to get out of bed yet. He quickly wondered how it was that overnight his bed went from normal bed to impossibly comfortable bed Just in time to wake up. He stifled a yawn and settled back into his warm bed. He must have slept funny, because his wing was trapped under the pillow he was cuddling. Pressing his cheek into the warm, silky mass. Confusion hit him like a herd of buffalo as he realized a couple things: one, he didn't have silk pillow covers; two, he only had one pillow and it was very small and he never hugged it; and three, PILLOWS DON'T HUG BACK! Cloud's eyes snapped open and he looked to his left, and saw something he wasn't expecting. There, in his embrace was a certain changeling, that was hugging him and using his wing as a partial blanket. Cloud blinked a few times while his sleep-addled brain processed this. Apparently, Pandora slept with him... Pandora... slept... in the same bed... as him... as in, was hugging him... in bed... right now.

"..."

"OH BUCK!"

Cloud jumped out of bed with a yelp and scrambled across the floor, waking Pandora with a jolt.

"THE COYOTES STOLE MY MICROWAVE!"

Pandora blearily shouted. When she saw Cloud she smiled and said,

"Good morning Cloud, did you sleep well?"

Cloud stared at her for a second, confusion radiating from his face and his emotional aura.

"Hello?"

"Clou-"

"WHY WERE YOU SLEEPING WITH ME!"

Pandora cringed at his shouting and looked at him with bewilderment.

"What do you mean?"

"Why were you in bed with me... and hugging me?!"

"Well technically you were hugging me, and I was just sleeping in your bed, I figured you would be happy that I was sharing my body heat with you. I didn't think you'd mind that much, judging by your emotions whenever you touched me, I know you find touching me uncomfortable, but... I thought I was helping."

Seing her downcast eyes, Cloud's eyes widened and hequickly explained in a panicked voice,

"You've got it all wrong, you're not the problem, I am. I've... had some bad experiences with other ponies so I'm not really much of a hugger. In fact, I prefer hugging you over anypony else, because I know you actually think of me as a friend, you know, and... stuff. A-and that's special to me. No, the reason I freaked out is also my fault. You see, ponies don't sleep together except in... special conditions."

"Wait... WHAT? Bu-but back at The Hive all changelings group together to sleep, it's the only way to stay warm because of how cold it gets."

"And it's entirely my fault Pandora. I forgot to set up sleeping arrangements for you amd I didn't explain how pony culture worked, but don't worry, today we'll fix that."

Pandora got a thoughtful look before asking,

"Cloud... can I... make us breakfast please? I really want to make this whole thing up to you, and try cooking. Don't worry! I'm only going to make toast with peanut butter... lots and lots of peanut butter."

Seeing no harm in this arrangement, Cloud left Pandora to the simple process of using the toaster woth the instructions he gave her, and went to take a shower. While in the shower, Cloud came upon two shocking realizations, he didn't actually mind hugging Pandora which was weird considering his crippling fear of mares, and his coat seemed... bluer than usual. With a shrug, he chalked it up to random coincidences and exited the bathroom. Upon exiting, Cloud saw Pandora frantically spraying whipped cream onto the smoking toaster while yelling,

"Cloud! Your fire extinguisher isn't working this time! Help!"

With a groan, Cloud unplugged the toaster and removed the two lumps of charcoal that were once bread. Cloud looked with amusement at Pandora who was smiling sheepishly, and said,

"I think I'll take it from here, if you don't mind."

Pandora gave an uncomfortable smile and said,

"Yeah, I'm going to listen to one of my brother's saying on this."

"What was the saying?"

"He once told me after returning from infiltration that,'cooking and sex are a lot alike. Most people don't mind if it's a little loud and messy, but you should probably stop when things start to burn.'"

Cloud went wide eye'd at this that and began laughing while putting more toast into the toaster.

"I so want to meet your brother some day, he sounds like a riot."

Pandora smiled and said,

" You have no idea."

-----------------------------------

After a breakfast of toast with peanut butter (or a jar of peanut butter with toast in Pandora's case) Cloud began laying out the schedule.

"Alright, so after this I'll start teaching you all about pony culture and other basic skills. We'll eat lunch, and then head into Canterlot to get you a bed, grab something from a bakery for a snack, kill time until dinner, and then eat dinner before heading back here to see your hopefully delivered bed waiting for you."

"Wait, we're going into town! Like, me and you, in town, with... ponies?!"

Cloud noticed her look of terror and placed a hoof on her shoulder.

"Pandora, I promise, I won't let anything bad happen to you. If anypony tries something, I will personally destroy them, deal?"

Pandora gave Cloud a small smile before nodding, her cheeks turning a slightly bluish-green color as she did. Cloud dismissed this as some changeling thing and set to work teaching her important lessons, such as. Never eat gum you find under tables, never lick another pony, don't hiss at ponies, don't light stuff on fire, and many more. He then proceeded to explain the concept of personal space seeing as Pandora didn't really seem to get it. By the time the two had eaten a quick lunch of salad, the duo headed out to Canterlot.

---------------------------

After deciding on a desguise, which consisted of the body of a popular model, with the addition of an off white coat and honey yellow mane who Pandora immediately dubbed "Honey Pot" the two walked to Canterlot. After their trip, Cloud and Pandora began their errands, with Pandora looking very shaky and keeping close to Cloud, the two found a furniture store and started shopping. Some time later, the two left the furniture store where Pandora chose a hammock to sleep in rather than a bed (which Cloud was secretly happy about considering it would free up some space) the two grabbed some donuts from a famous bakery called "Doughnut Joe's" of which Cloud ate half of his sour cream donut, and Pandora ate her chocolate donut, the other half of Cloud's doughnut, and convinced Cloud to get her another one, this time a simple chocolate glazed, and went to sit in a park until dinner. As the two sat and talked, Cloud couldn't help but notice just how nice it was to have somepony to do stuff like this with, and that he had genuinely enjoyed his day, Cloud noticed the lowering sum and got Pandora's attention.

"Hey Pandora, I mean, 'Honey Pot', where do you want to eat?"

The faux pegasus looked around the approaching street before spotting a small, clean looking diner which she immediately pointed to and asked,

"How about that one?"

Cloud followed her hoof and saw the diner.

"Good choice, that place has great onion rings."

So with Cloud in the lead, the pair walked to the diner, ready to eat massive amounts of artery clogging food until they became ill.

Author's Notes:

Quick question, would you rather me keep the chapters this length and try to have one out every day? Or have them a bit longer and possibly have them taken longer, your choice.

Talking, Drama, And A Whole Lotta Onion Rings

Cloud stared wide-eyed at Pandora after her third basket of onion rings. She had already eaten her hayburger and two full baskets of onion rings before Cloud even finished his.

"Dude... where are you putting those? You're starting to scare me a little."

Pandora sheepishly smiled in her disguised form and said,

"Well I did go six whole months without a proper meal after I was banished, so I just really want to eat actually food, not just apples I stole or stuff like that."

Cloud shook his head before realizing something,

"Wait, where did your bandages go! I just realized I didn't see you wearing them this morning!"

"I didn't need them anymore. Using the emotional energy you provided, my body quickly healed itself."

Cloud quietly mumbled something about wishing he had magic regenerative powers before asking,

"So how exactly did you and Beat know if you were twins, did somepony tell you?"

Pandora shook her head,

"Changelings in the hive can communicate telepathically, Beat and I could sense each other before that, and still can even though we are no long a member of the hive."

If it wasn't for the fact that the two were sitting in the corner of a very busy dinner, someone would have probably heard their strange conversation, however, unbeknownst to both Pandora was attracting a completely different kind of attention from a stallion at the bartop. After Cloud got up to use the restroom, this stallion saw his chance and walked over. As he seated himself across from Pandora, she couldn't help but notice the overwhelming emotion coming off of him, lust.

"Well, what's a hot mare like yourself doing in a joint like this?"

Upon hearing his question, Pandora stared fidgeting nervously before he continued.

"And a better question is, why are you with a pathetic excuse for a pony, when you could be with a real stallion."

He continued while eyeing Pandora up and down, he gave her a sensuous smirk before asking,

"Tell you what, why don't you dump the sap, and we can head to the bar for some drinks."

Pandora started shivering as the stallion started leaning over the table, his breath reeking of alcohol. As Pandora tried to slide out of the booth and away from the stallion, he quickly moved into her way.

"So, what's it gonna be, you gonna come with me, or stay with the emo jackass from before. Come on, you know you want to."

"P-please stop, y-you're m-making me uncomfortable."

Pandora stammered, know what his intentions were. When the stallion started leaning closer, he heard an irrated voice behind him say,

"Excuse me, I think she told you to leave."

He looked back to see an annoyed look Cloud glaring at him. The stallion sneered at him before getting up in his face, his alcohol breath almost making Cloud gag, before saying,

"Oh yeah? And what are you gonna do about you pansy, why don't you go get some eyeliner to complete your stupid emo look and go write some pansy-ass poetry loke the joke you are."

Cloud gave him a deadpan stare before replying,

"Seriously?! That's what you go with? Whatever, at least learn to insult me properly before you start something."

Another stallion from across the bar trotted over before adding,

"Bronze, don't start something, please."

The earth pony stallion ignored his friend before saying,

"Yeah right, mares like a strong stallion who knows what he wants, not a hipster pushover like you. Admit it, you know she wants me, she probably was paid to do this with you, and you know it."

By this point the diner was dead silent and Pandora was on the verge of tears at what this pony was suggesting. Cloud narrowed his eyes and said,

"She's not some object to be won you dick, so don't start something you can't finish cause I really don't like what you're insinuating right now."

Before anyone could react, the earth pony stallion swung and punched Cloud dead in the face, causing his head to snap to the side and everyone in the diner to gasp. As the stallion leered and his friend looked on in horror, Pandora cried out,

"C-cloud! Are you-"

But was cut off when Cloud slowly turned his head to look at the stallion, his assailant grew confused to see not only was he still standing, but all emotion was gone from his face.

The stallion swung again, but was suprised when Cloud ducked below his punch, grabbed his foreleg and shoulder, and threw him into the wall. As Cloud motioned for Pandora to follow him and started to leave, the stallion stood back up amd shouted after them,

"Go on, take your little bitch and run away. She must be retarded to stick with a piece of trash like you!"

Before he could say more, Cloud walked back over to him with a dangerous look in his eyes. While the drunk's friend tried to stop his friend from further causing trouble, Cloud said,

"Listen here, I don't care if you hurt me or insult me, but the moment you lash out at her," Cloud pointed to the now crying Pandora, " I will intervene."

The drunk lurched foreward nut was stopped by Cloud shoving him into the wall and saying, with as much venom as he could muster,

" If you try that again, I will personally kick your ass so hard you won't be able to move for a week, ypu hear me!"

And then turned and escorted his crying friend out of the restaurant. As the two flew home, Cloud couldn't help but notice how distraught Pandora looked and knew something else was going on. As soon as the two walked through the doors (after Cloud grabbed the box containing her hammock from beside the door) Pandora dropped her disguise and started shaking in fear. Cloud gently led her to the couch, and asked,

"Ok, something happened other than that sleez being a jerk, what is it?"

Pandora started sobbing before looking up at Cloud.

"Wh-when he started l-looking at me like that, i-it reminded me of when I was wandering from town to town, a-and a stallion..."

Cloud wrapped a wing around her and began to open his mouth when Pandora gasped out.

"H-he... tried to... force me t-to..."

Cloud's eyes widened in shock as the realization dawned on him, and he pulled her into a hug.

"I-it just reminded me so mych of that, and, I was so scared."

"Listen, I will never let somepony do that to you, you hear me, I told you I'd protect you and I did, so you don't have to worry about it. I-I can't believe somepony would do that, I-I... I'm so sorry."

Pandora hugged him tightly as her crying stopped. She wiped her eyes and laughed,

"Y-yeah, amd you total gave that guy what for. Um, I... I'm feeling kinda tired so I'm gonna go take one of those 'showers' you told me about and then I'll set up my hammock, if you don't mind."

Cloud shook his head and motioned for her to go ahead. Suddenly a thought occurred to Cloud on how to make her feel better, and he gave a small smile as he made a decision. After she got out of the bathroom and saw hin waiting for her, she gave him a confused look, before asking what he was doing, Cloud said,

" I think it's a little late to set up a hammock, you cam just share with me tonight."

Pandora nodded amd gave a sigh of relief, happy she wasn't going to have to be alone right now. As the two got on their opposing sides of the bed, Cloud rolled his eyes when he felt her carefully grab his wing and try to use it as a blanket.

Pandora looked over at Cloud and said,

"Thanks Cloud, I know how you feel about touching, but... well, just... thank you."

Cloud gave her an amused look before adding,

"Happy to see I make a good security blanket at least."

Pandora huffed and whined,

"It's not my fault your wings are so dang fluffy, or that your emotions are so dang tasty."

Cloud groaned, before saying with a smirk,

"Well well well, I've heard mares describe stallions as delicious before, but I never thought I would hear that I was literally delicious."

The two laughed before quieting down and trying to sleep.

Meanwhile, a little ways away, a black figure darted through the sky, head darting to and fro as he held his headphones onto his head with his hole-filled hoof, all the while mumbling,

"Where is she, she's gotta be around here somewhere!"

Beating Around The Bush (Part 1)

Pandora exhaled quietly before slowly sliding a bit closer to Cloud. She knew he might freak out again but he was just so dang soft and fluffy she couldn't resist. She slowly let her mind wander as she recalled last nights events.

It was nice of him to stick up for me like that. I don't know why he wants to be around me, butI can say with certainty, that he is the kindest, most generous, handsome, brave, an-

Pandora froze mid thought as she realized what she admitted .

N-no, I, I can't think about him like that. He's a pony and I'm a changeling. We-we're not supposed to, be attracted to each other, right? I mean he obviously could never like me, cause I mean, I... I'm probably just being stupid right now, and will forget all about it later.

After quietly slipping out of the room, Pandora decided to practice her reading to get her mind off of her confusing thoughts. She pulled out a book she had started earlier and started reading the last chapter.

-------------------------------------

In a tall, dark keep, guarded by undead warriors, a changeling looked longingly out the window of her prison. She longed for freedom and for her true love to come find her. Sounds of fighting rose up from below and gradually got closer. For a moment, all went quiet, before suddenly a figure in armor walked into the room. He removed his helmet, revealing his grey mane and dark blue coat. She ran to him crying,

"My love, I knew you'd come rescue me."

With a smirk, the warrior drew closer to his love, and gazed softly into her pure blue eyes with his storm grey eyes, and replied,

"I told you I'd protect you, and I did."

The two leaned closer,

"Cloud, I-"

"Shh, Pandora, I love you and will always love you, no matter what."

The two lovers drew closer, eyes closing as the pursed their lips and-

Pandora closed the book with a thump, eyes wide and panicking slightly.

"*groan* What's wrong with me, I-I shouldn't be feeling this way and I, it just doesn't make sense!, but..."

She sighed before adding,

"I think I might... l-lo... like, him."

-----------------------------------------

Cloud awoke to find his bed empty, which was surprising considering he was being used as a stuffed animal last night by a distraught changeling. He sighed before getting out of bed and walking to the kitchen. He saw Pandora sitting on the couch, with a look of deep thought ob her face.

Wonder how long till she notices me?It turned out it took as long as it took him to make pancakes for the two of them and retrieve the mail before poking Pandora with a hoof. After jolting, Pandora gave hin a questioning look before realizing he was gesturing toward the table that was now covered with an insane amount of pancakes. The two had barely started eating when a knock was heard at the door. Cloud opened it after Pandora donned her disguise to see something he wasn't expecting. Standing at the door was a gryphon with grey feathers and a black body. He was wearing black eye makeup and had small black diamonds tattooed beneath each eye. On his head rested an expensive pair of headphones, which were apparently cranked up to max volume given Cloud could hear the guitar riffs without being very close.

"Yo, dude, there anybody else in there with you,cause I'm looking for someone and, I think she's around here somewhere."

Cloud blinked and was about to ask who in Equestria this gryphon was when Pandora suddenly gasped and shouted,

"Beat! Is that you?!"

The gryphon's eyes widened before he smiled and replied,

"Sis! It's good to see ya, how's life treating you, come on it's been months, I gotta know literally everything!"

"B-beat, I, I'm doing great! How about you? It's been over a year since you got banished from the hive."

The gryphon known as Beat's eyes widened and he glanced at Cloud frantically.

"Sis! Ixnay on the ive-hay!"

Cloud facehoofed and said,

"Dude, I know who you are, and more importantly what you are. No need to freak out."

He extended his hoof to the gryphon and continued,

"My name's Cloud Nine by the way."

Beat cocked an eyebrow before shaking his hoof.

"Weird name for a pony."

"There's a story behind it that I would be more than happy to tell you inside where you two can drop the disguises and catch up over pancakes."

"Well thanks bud, and cudos to you for being chill with the whole changeling thing. Now, if you don't mind, I want some of those pancakes you mentioned."

As the door closed, two green flashes filled the house. Standing beside Pandora was a changeling with an obviously masculine build. He had the same blue eyes, curved horn, fangs, and everything. The only difference was the fact that his tail and the spiky crest on his neck were both dyed red. As Cloud served the newcomer some pancakes, Beat asked,

"Alright sis, tell me everything that happened. I could tell you got banished cause all of the sudden, poof! Couldn't remember your name."

Cloud looked up in surprise,

"Whoa whoa whoa, you couldn't remember her name! What's with that?"

"Umm... Cloud when I said I didn't have a name anymore, I meant that I literally didn't have a name anymore. When a changeling gets banished, the queen removes all memory of that changeling's name from all living changelings with a spell passed down from queen to queen. She then removes all memories of the hives location and any important information about the hive we know before knocking us out. You just wake up in a random location with no idea how to get back. Oh! and Beat, I go by Pandora now."

Beat nodded and then turned to Cloud.

"Speaking of names, you said yours had a story, so spill dude."

Cloud sighed,

"Can we at least finish breakfast first?"

"Alright... but then it's story time."

After cleaning up the carnage of Beat's rapid consumption of twenty pancakes (which Cloud figured had to be physically impossible) the pony and two changelings sat on the couch. Beat flopped onto the arm while Cloud and Pandora sat with a respectable distance between them.

"You know Cloud, you really never told me much about yourself, so after the name story, I want a full explanation of why you were trying to be all emotionless and angsty when we first met."

"Yeah, and then I wanna hear how you two met! So you better start dishing angsty."

Cloud huffed,

"I am not angsty, you're making me sound like an overly dramatic high schooler. But, I guess it couldn't hurt to tell you. I trust you Pandora, and Beat, well, anybody who can say what your sister claims you said when you were banished is ok in my book."

Pandora snickered,

"You said somebody instead of somepony, I guess I'm rubbing off on you."

Cloud rolled his eyes and began.

"For my name, well, it's really not a long story. My mom and dad hadn't decided on a name for me yet, and while my mom was being rolled into her room, my dad asked her how she was doing. She responded 'Oh, just great, infact, I feal like I'm on cloud nine right now.' They both decided it had a nice ring to it, it fit the family tradition of cloud related names, so they named me Cloud Nine. As to why I started trying to remove all emotion from myself, well. Growing up, I was always the forgotten child. My brother ,Godspeed, was relatively smart, and really cool, athletic, and popular. He was my hero and I wanted to be just like him. Anyway, my dad and brother were always going off to play sports together or stuff like that. My sister was really, really smart and spent most of her time shopping with her friends and my mom. I spent most of my time by myself, not for lack of effort, but because everyone else always made fun of me because I wasn't cool and couldn't fly very well. I was always living in my brother's shadow but I didn't mind, I basically idolized him, and he knew it. I can still remember all the times he took advantage of that to make my life miserable, but still, I never seemed to get that he was picking on me, not just playing. So it continued like that, my brother either ignoring me or using me as his punching bag, and my sister and parents never really paying any attention to me, until high school. The first day of high school, my brother and his friends decided to prank one of the freshmen. They cornered me and then duct taped me to the school flag pole. I kept begging Godspeed to help me, but he just laughed and called me a cry baby and kept mocking me until they all left. Eventually a teacher found me and it came out who did it. My brother and his friends got into huge trouble. Later that night, my brother barged into my room ,furious, and asked why I ratted him out. I asked why he wouldn't help me and... he said I was too pathetic to be worth helping, and that he wished he had a different pony for a brother. He refused to speak to me for a week. I was absolutely devastated, my big brother, my hero, wished I was not his brother. I then decided that if having emotions hurt this much, I didn't want them anymore. And from then on I was that emotionless shell you met. He later repented and begged me to forgive him, and I did, but the damage was already done. I know I probably over reacted and I wish I could tale it all back, but, I'm too scared to try. So, that's the story of how I got the way I am around other ponies."

Beat sat open mouthed after the story, a look of shock on his face. Pandora gave Cloud a massive hug and said,

"Th-that's horrible! I-I'm so sorry. I just... couldn't imagine Beat ever saying something like that to me and..."

She hugged him a little tighter. Cloud returned the hug while he looked down at the changeling's glossy black carapace. He couldn't help but stare at her, thinking about her adorable smile, her cute fangs, her sexy curves... WAIT WHAT!

Think pure thoughts Cloud, think pure, not sexy thoughts! I mean, she's this comfortable being around me that it's obvious she doesn't find me attractive or a viable choice for a relationship, no need to have a repeat of school crush numbers one through twelve. Just stay calm and don't think about her sexy flank... dammit.Beat snapped out of his stupor and shot Cloud a knowing look, glancing between Cloud amd the changeling hugging him. He smirked and gave Cloud a wink. Cloud blushed,

Stupid emotional senses, he was probably paying attention to that! As he and Pandora separated, Cloud cleared his throat before saying,

"So, Beat what are you doing here?"

"Checking up on my sis, so, in order to plan when I'm going to bail, what's the plan. I really want to catch up with my sis at some point."

Cloud nodded before checking over the mail. His heart stopped when he saw a letter from the captain of the guard. In it, he explained that due to a tour being held at the castle, his presence was required in the dungeon.

"Crap... listen, I've gotta work so, don't burn the house down!"

He hastily said while rushing to get his armor on, the enchantment changing his color to a uniform white. He quickly called out "bye!" before running out the door leaving two confused changelings in his wake.

"Huh,"

Beat said,

"I never would have thought he was a guard."

Beating Around The Bush (Part 2)

In the Canterlot dungeons, a group of mares in guard uniforms waited excitedly, occasionally peeking around the corner to see a certain guard standing with a stoic expression on his face.

"Ooh, Gleaming Silver has got this in the bag, no way old corpse face cam resist her!"

A confused looking mare near the back of the group cleared her throat and asked,

"Um... what exactly are we doing, I thought we were supposed to ba at our posts?"

The group turned to face the speaker and the mare from earlier spoke up.

"Oh! I forgot you were new to this, see this is why we asked you for five bits, to enter you into the game pool. You see that stallion over there? He's the only pony stationed in the dungeons. His names like cloud... something or other, it's not important. What is important is his nickname. You see, everypony here calls him corpse face cause he always has that bored, tired look on his face. About a month after he joined the guard, me and a couple friends made a wager. We had to see who could successfully flirt with him first. We each put five bits into the betting pool and started trying to flirt with him. More and more ponies kept joining, both guards and civilians, mares and stallions alike. By now we have a grand total of one hundred and seven ponies playing. Whoever succeeds gets all of the bits in the pool. And right now Silver, she's one of the night guards, is going to try using some new... leisure clothing she bought."

The mare keeping watch shushed the group and motioned them forward. The crowd all moved around until they could all see the stallion, who at the moment had a blank, if not mildly troubled expression, on his face. Just then, a bat pony mare came slowly walking around the opposite corner. Her grey fur and silver mane accented by red lipstick and a pair of silver striped stockings on her legs. As she walked by Cloud, she gave him a wink and said in her best bedroom voice,

"Hi Cloud, you're looking good today."

Before continuing by, carefully sliding her tail under his chin as she passed and kept walking with an obvious sway to her hips. Cloud didn't even notice due to the internal screaming going on in his head.

"ASK HER OUT YOU PANSY!"

"But what if she rejects me and then I go back to having no friends whatsoever?"

"WHAT IF IT DOES WORK OUT!"

"But what of it doesn't?"

And so on and so forth. The group groaned when Silver reached them. The thestral had a shocked look on her face.

"N-not even a blush. I've seen stallions pitch a tent in their armor from less, and not even a blush! H-he's not a pony, he's some sort of unfeeling android. Nopony's ever winning that money."

The mares all groaned in frustration while the new mare just sat in shock, how could he have just ignored all of that!

The mare from earlier stomped on frustration.

"I could have sworn Silver would manage! There's not a guard in this castle who hasn't had fantasies about her, and yet he doesn't even sneak a peek! It's unheard of!"

After that the group went back to their posts, leaving Cloud the sole pony in the dungeons yet again.

------------------------------------

"Woah... so after saving your life, he was chill with the whole 'changeling' thing, let you stay, and even squared up with a dude over you. I can't lie, dudes actually pretty cool for a pony."

Beat and Pandora were currently making their way towards the castle after visiting the library to get more reading material for Pandora. She had gotten some romance novels, a book on animals, and a book entitled "Quantum Physics For Dummies." As the two entered the castle grounds, they approached a desk set up for tours. A mare with a brown coat and a light yellow mane looked up in surprise. The two did make an interesting scene given the fact that a pegasus that could seriously be a model and a gryphon with headphones standing at the reception desk wasn't exactly an everyday sight.

"Hello, we're here to visit a guard by the name of Cloud Nine, can you tell us where he is?"

The mare looked thoughtful for a second before asking,

"Is his cutie mark a tornado inside a cloud?"

Pandora nodded.

"In the dungeons, just follow the signs."

The two continued on their way, noting how all of the guards looked exactly the same except for their cutie marks.

"So the only way to tell if it's angsty-Mcgee is by checking his magic ass tattoo? Great, just what I needed. An afternoon of scoping out dudes asses like a perv."

"Oh be quiet Beat, we already have a good start, so let's just find him.

After a while, they found Cloud standing in front of a hallway that lead to the dungeon. A school group had just left so there were a few guards in a group by the corner. Though why all of them were mares was beyond either of the changelings. They saw a mare casually attempting to talk to Cloud, and hin still looking straight ahead. Beat, however could sense the fear drifting off of him and spotted a nearby broom closet. He ran up to Cloud, grabbed him, and shouted "we need to talk" before pulling him into the closet, and out of earshot of everyone nearby. He squeezed into the tight space and helped angle Cloud's face out of his chest. He gave Cloud a smirk while Cloud looked confused.

"Well well well, the angst lord is scared of mares."

Cloud looked shocked,

"What? N-no I'm not!"

"Dude! I can't believe it! You're literally scared of girls! That... that's just too rich man."

Cloud quickly shushed him,

"Be quiet, and yes! Ok! I don't like talking to mares cause everytime I do I wind up embarrassing myself. So please, can you keep this secret for me?"

Beat smirked,

"So is that why you haven't asked out my sis on a date yet?"

Cloud's jaw dropped,

"Wh-what?!"

"Dude, I can tell you've got the hots for her, just ask her out man."

"But what if she says no?"

"Dude, just ask. You've got this. I can tell Pandora really likes you and you like her so you need to ask. I'm her brother, so you can know I wouldn't do anything to hurr her, and because she likes you so much, I have the same deal for you, got it?"

"B-but, why would she like me?"

"Just trust me! so stop wimping out! You need to get in there my ninja. Come on, be my little pepper-master."

Cloud shot him a glance,

"...What?"

Beat sighed before opening the door and dragging him out and plopping him down in front of Pandora who was still standing with a bemused expression. He made a "go on" motion with his claw.

"Ok! Ok, um... listen ,uh, um, Pandora, I was wondering if maybe, well, you wanted..."

Beat made a more urgent gesture to him.

"Willyougooutonadatewithmetonight?"

Pandora blinked, sorting through what she heard before gasping.

"O-of course! Yes I, I'd love to! When are going to?"

"How about you head hone and I'll meet you there after my shift."

"Ok, yeah I can do that! This is just... oh I'm so excited!"

Beat corralled his sister away before winking at Cloud and mouthing "told you" which was met with a quick thanks from Cloud. He settled back into his usual stance, unaware of the confused mares around the corner.

He had a date tonight.

Author's Notes:

To the crazy people still reading this, thank you so very much, and as per usual, feedback is always welcome.

A Night To Remember

Pandora paced nervously about the living room of Cloud's home. She had shed her disguise and was now waiting for her date to arrive. A loud boom came from the kitchen followed by a quick "£#€!%! ASS BISCUITS!"

"Beat! Please don't burn the house down. I really want this date to go well."

The aforementioned changeling poked his head out of the kitchen with smoke trailing from his crest.

"Not my fault that vegetarian food is so damn flammable. I mean seriously, at least ask him if he eats fish sometime. Not all ponies get all whiny over it. And besides, not only am I helping out as your brother, but also as Cloud's wingman, no way am I gonna mess this up!"

Pandora sighed, hoping Cloud would head home soon.

---------------------------

Cloud anxiously walked through the castle towards the main hallway. He was both nervous, excited, and terrified of how his date would go, and as such was paying no attention to his surroundings. He didn't notice the crowd of mares hiding around the entrance, watching the latest attempt at the prize being performed by the newest player. The mare in question had removed her armor revealing her purple coat and hot pink mane. She adjusted her stack of papers before deliberately getting in Cloud's way, causing him to bump into her. Rather than just spill the papers, she misjudged not only his trotting speed, but how close to the door, and more importantly the massive flight of stairs right outside them. They both fell forward towards the stairs, but Cloud's eyes widened before he spun them both and pushed her back through the doorway. He then proceeded to descend the stairs in a rapid and loud manner.

"Ouch!"

"*Crash!*"

"*Thump*"

"My spleen!"

"*Boing*!!"

"Doh!!"

"Why me!"

"*Unintelligible Screeching!*"

"*Hurt horse noises*"
Before landing in a heap at the bottom, blood trickling from his nose. All of the nearby gaurds winced in sympathy at his prone form. One of the mares smacked the newbie upside the head.

"Are you ok!"

Cloud giggled drowsily, his eyes drifting in different directions as he responded,

"Yup! I feel super! I'm just gonna head on out to the bouncy house so I can pick up my nephew's pumpkin from the princess. See you guys later, the angst lord is out!"

They all watched him worriedly as he staggered away.

"He ok?"

"He'll be fine, he's corpse face! Nothing can bother him!"

They started when they heard him start start singing,

"When you're rife with devastation,

There's a simple explanation.
You're a toy maker's creation trapped inside a crystal ball!"

"..."

"He'll be fine."

--------------------------------

Cloud finally got home after cleaning himself up in a public bathroom. He entered his house to be stopped by Beat, who was wearing a tuxedo for some reason.

"Good evening sir, I'll be your server tonight, may I take your armor?"

Cloud stood there stunned, staring at the candlelight dinner, and more importantly the changeling seated at the table.

"Wh-what b-but Beat how? I-I'm not ready yet!"

Beat shushed him before grabbing him in a hug,

"You got this dude, you're my little pepper master."

Cloud waited for the hug to end, bit it kept going.

"Um... Beat?"

Beat backed away sheepishly,

"S-sorry, it's just, ponies are really soft and cuddly. And unfortunately you can't really experience it when in disguise. It, it's like petting a dog while wearing rubber gloves, it just isn't the same man."

Cloud sighed, and gave the changeling a pat on the shoulder before sitting down with Pandora.

"H-hey Pandora, how are you doing... you know... today?"

Pandora's cheeks tinted blue again before she laughed,

"You look adorable when you have no idea what to say, you get this big cheesy grin that makes me want to hug you forever... I mean! Good, very good."

Now both of them were grimacing. Beat looked in before facehoofing, and then bringing out their food. Despite the rocky start, the conversion soon picked up.

"So... Pandora's, I... like your fangs?"

Pandora looked perplexed and gave him a questioning look.

"I'm sorry, I just don't know what to do, I really haven't done something like this before."

"So... you don't like my fangs?"

"No! No, I actually do, they make you look really cute, in a, Pandora-y way."

"I don't think that's a word Cloud." Pandora responded with a giggle.

"Whatever, I think it's a word in the given context."

Pandora giggled again,

"Yeah, you probably would change your opinion of my fangs if I bit you though."

"I dunno, what if I'm into that?"

"Well the venom would probably be a major turn-off."

Cloud's eyes bugged out,

"Venom! Is it dangerous, er... in the death by venom sort of way?"

"No, it's a mild paralytic coupled with a strong sedative. Plus, if consumed, it acts as an aphrodisiac, very useful stuff. It's even am antiseptic!"

Cloud whistled,

"Any other cool changeling things you wanna tell me about. Like lasers or stuff like that?"

"Well... changelings can make a substance called resin from glands in the holes in our legs, it acts as an adhesive and can be used to repare walls, hold stuff up, and restrain ponies."

Cloud looked a little shocked before giving her a sly smirk.

"Wow... that's kinky."

Her cheeks turned blue again, and Cloud realized that was actually her blushing.

"You know, you're really cute when you blush."

The two stared into eachother's eyes, leaning closer and closer, they were so close that they could feel each others breath on their muzzles. Cloud kept moving forward before suddenly stopping.

"What if she freaks out, or doesn't want to, I...I..."

"What if he gets weirded out by my fangs and then decides that he doesn't like me that way or is grossed out by the forked tongue or..."

With these hesitations in mind, the two slowly moved back apart. Suddenly Beat burst out explosively,

"ARE YOU £#€%!>¥ KIDDING ME RIGHT NOW, I MEAN, COME ON!"

Before grinning sheepishly and backing away. After that the date was pretty much over, and the two wearily crept into bed. Cloud looked at her before extending a wing and bringing her closer.

"Huh? A-are you, you want to, you know, snuggle with me?"

"Well we are dating, I figure it'll be alright, if you don't mind that is"

Pandora responded by hugging the stallion fiercely, burying her head into his soft chest fur.

The two fell asleep, wrapped in each other's embrace.

Author's Notes:

Hey there, as always, thanks for reading and feedback is always welcome. Catch you guys later!

A Chaotic Start To A Relationship

Cloud awoke to find his neck being used as a pillow by Pandora. He smiled at the adorable expression on her face before trying to hold in a laugh as she nuzzled him.

"Oh hay, that feels so weird, in a good way though."

He wrapped her in a hug before settling back into a pleasant drowse. He couldn't help but marvel at just how warm and silky her carapace felt against him.

"Damn, she so turned me into a sap. Totally worth it though, totally worth it."

Suddenly he felt her stir and give a yawn before laying her head on top of his. Her barely stifled his laughter at the ticklish feeling of her pressing her snout into his mane.

"Mmm... you smell really good, like pine trees... and spices."

Cloud chuckled,

"Really? I thought you just liked how soft and snuggly I was?"

"And don't forget tasty. Seriously, this is like the first time I can remember not being hungry."

"Wow... that's kinda sad really. Wait... what does it taste like, my love I mean."

"Hmm... kinda like... chocolaty, creamy, caramel and marshmallow cake... stuff."

"Dang, now I wish I could taste love, that sounds tasty."

"Mhm... well, it's more of a combination of smell and taste actually, so I can sense it as well as taste it."

Cloud nodded causing Pandora to sneeze. They both laughed and headed into the kitchen. On the way, they noticed Beat sleeping in the hammock, absolutely covered in banana peels, his headphones askew on his head.

"So... what to eat for breakfast. Do you want oatmeal, toast, or something else."

"Hmm... I guess... oatmeal, never had it before all things considered."

Halfway through a rather drowsy Beat joined them, absently eating a banana.

"Sup nerds, how did I do last night?"

Cloud smiled before saying,

"You did well Beat, thanks."

"Hey, you're my ninja, my bro, my dude, my compadre."

As they were eating, a tremor ran through the house. Looking outside the window they saw that the house was now floating upside-down and that the sky was filled with pink clouds and the rain was... brown?

Beat whistled,

"Dude, this is trippy. I really don't think you're getting to work today Cloud. I'm pretty sure walking outside will get you a one way trip to the frickin moon."

"Yeah... I think I'm taking a sick day. I just really can't handle this crap so... sorry captain, not sorry."

Pandora sidled up to Cloud.

"So... what are we going to do today?"

"Well... we could-"

Beat popped out of the closet,

"Dude! Is this your violin?"

Cloud winced,

"I was kinda hoping you wouldn't notice that. I kinda suck at that now but back when I spent every afternoon alone, I was actually decent at it."

Pandora jumped onto the couch, followed shortly by Beat.

"Cloud! You gotta play for us, please."

Cloud sighed before unpacking the violin and tuning it. He played a quick tune that sounded like some sort of jig. Before lowering his violin with a grimace.

Pandora scowled at him,

"Cloud! Why would lie like that! You're not bad at violin."

Beat gave an appreciative nod.

"Yeah dude, we should totally play some punk together sometime. Once you listen to some songs of course."

"What do you mean 'once I've listened to some songs'? I already listen to gryphon punk and metal, I just also listen to classical too."

Pandora blinked confusedly before growing an annoyed look and silently mouthing "three, two, one."

"Dude! You... you listen to metal! Bro! I knew I liked you for a reason. My man we have much to talk about."

The three spent the remainder of the afternoon trying out different songs, and fighting a bunch of flying pies that tried to dive bomb the house before, suddenly, a flash of light rang out causing everything to go back to normal. As the three stepped outside to view the now normal sunset, Cloud and Pandora looked each other in the eyes and froze, minds swirling like chaotic storms.

"Sh-should I... is now a good time or..."

"M-maby if I took the initiative or move towards him..."

The two then separated with a blush.

"Dammit."

Muttered Beat before the three went back into the house.

Author's Notes:

As always, feedback is always welcome and thank you very much for reading, and I hope you enjoyed.

Trains, How Romantic

Cloud banged his head against the dungeon wall while repeatedly muttering,

"I hate my job, I hate my job, I hate this frickin job."

Work was always boring before, but now he was excited to get home. Tonight was date night. He and Pandora had rented a projector along with one of the newest action movies and were planning pn having a nice dinner before watching the movie. But what Cloud was really excited for, was what was happening tomorrow. Tomorrow was the start of a week long vacation for all but the commanding officers of the guard. The Canterlot Public Middle School had a trip planned to the castle where all the foals would spend a week in the guards horseshoes. Je and Pandora had been dating for a little more than a week now, and Cloud was looking forward to their trip to Horseshoe Bay. One thing kept nagging at Cloud though, and that was his trepidation at finding the perfect moment for their first kiss.

"It's got to be perfect, I mean, that basically could set the mood for the rest of the relationship. But what if I wait too long? What if she gets bored of me? Or what if I'm a terrible kisser? I've never kissed anypony before so I have a definite chance of screwing it up. Do I use my tongue? I've heard of Prench kissing but what if she thinks thats gross...."

Cloud was so engrossed in his thoughts of self doubt, he didn't even register the mare walk by that casually brushed her flank across his chest. Behind the now disappointed cluster of mares, two stallions sat watching the goings on.

"Dude, I'm telling you, he totally just trains himself to keep a blank face. He doesn't even need to go to a club to have mares flashing their flanks at him. He obviously has the system beat."

"Naw man, I'm telling you! He's a colt-cuddler. He was starring at my flank for like ten minutes at lunch yesterday."

"He always has that vacant stare! You just want to believe somepony's attracted to you, even if it is corpse face."

"Woh! Check out Silver! She is looking hot! If she gave me that attention, even just to win a bet, I could die a happy stallion."

"Mhm, dat ass though, I'm telling you, if she pulled what she did to Cloud on me, ooh. I don't think Id be able to keep a straight face."

"Wait, what did she do?"

"One word, socks."

The other guard looked thoughtful for a second before getting a blush on his face.

"I would literally pay to say that."

Suddenly the bell for end of watch rang, and Cloud immediately left.

"Huh, where's the fire?"

---------------------------------

As Cloud entered the door, he failed to notice the changeling hidden on the wall. After he set their dinner down, the changeling pounced onto his back, pinning him beneath her.

"Wait! N-no don't!"

He stammered before she grabbed his neck and carefully rubbed her snout against the back of his ear.

"No, agh, st-stop, that- that... oh Celestia that feels good."

He moaned as she continued her assault.

"Foolish pony, I know your weakness, and you have no hope of stopping me!"

"Oh no you don't, you... agh... can you do that again, now my ear is gonna feel weird without you rubbing it."

"I don't think I will, I have something much worse prepared for you."

Cloud's eyes widened as he realized what her plans were.

"Pandora no! You remember last time!"

But it was too late, she quickly darted forward and started nibbling the edge of his ear. He convulsed before his wings suddenly popped open, prompting Pandora to laugh and Cloud to groan,

"Not again."

---------------------------------

Cloud was trying to sit still, but it was pretty hard given the circumstances. After bringing spaghetti home for both of them, Cloud had started the movie. Halfway through it got too intense for Pandora which was why she was currently a gryphon, and why she was holding him like a teddy bear.

"Must... resist... urge... to cuddle."

Given how soft and warm her newfound feathers were, Cloud had stopped paying much attention to the movie amd was now more concerned with his marefriend. She was staring wide eye'd and occasionally jolting due to the sound effects. Finally, after she squeezed him a little tighter Cloud snapped.

"I CAN'T TAKE IT ANYMORE!"

Pandora started before laughing as he buried his head in her chest feathers.

"You're too dang soft, it's like sitting beside a dog and trying not to pet it, no matter how much you want to."

Pandora smirked,

"Should I be a gryphon more often then? If you want I could."

Cloud shot her a deadpan look.

"You know I find you you way more attractive right?"

Pandora rolled her eyes,

"And I'm telling you, you obviously have some sort of fang fetish. Why else would you find them so "cute". They're fangs, they're not supposed to be cute."

Cloud glared at her before shifting to an excited smile,

"Are you excited for the beach?"

"You bet I am, I'm also excited for the train ride. I've never been on one before and I bet it'll be awesome!"

--------------------------------
(The next afternoon)

"Sweet Celestia how much longer is this going to take?"

"It's an over night trip, we'll get there tomorrow morning."

"Ugh, I wish there was more to do."

"Well look on the bright side, we have a private compartment so you don't have to wear a disguise the entire time. If somepony gets too close you just quickly disguise. And, it's got a bed, so we don't have to sleep on the bench."

With a groan, Pandora slumped against the window and watched the scenery go by.

------------------------------

Evening had fallen, and despite how tired they both were, neither Cloud nor Pandora could sleep. Pandora was deep in thought after sensing how conflicted Cloud felt when he looked at her.

"Cloud?"

Cloud started but snapped to attention, looking directly at the changeling in front of him. He couldn't help but admire how stunning she looked in the moonlight.

"Yeah, what do you need?"

"*sigh* I can tell something's bothering you, and it only happens when you look at me for too long, or on our dates. It's just... you don't have to do this, date me I mean. I know I'm definitely not attractive, you're just too nice to say it. So... you should know I... I understand. I wouldn't want to kiss a monster if I was a pony either."

Cloud looked aghast, before grabbing Pandora's face in his hooves and turning her towards him. She tilted her head,

"Cloud what are yo-!"

She was cut off as Cloud pressed his lips into hers. She hesitated, before relaxing and returning the kiss. After a couple seconds two broke apart.

"Pandora, never talk about yourself like that, please. I don't care if you don't think so, but to me, you're the most beautiful mare in the world. I just want to-."

"Shut up Cloud!"

Pandora gasped before tackling him onto the bed. The two engaged in a passionate kiss before they had to breath. They stared, blushing at each other before sharing a slower, less needy kiss that was just as passionate as the others before. Cloud drew her close as the train sped towards their destination.

Author's Notes:

Hey everyone! You know the drill, yadda yadda feedback yadda yadda whatever. Thanks as always and hope you enjoyed.

To The Beach!

As the train pulled up to the station, a very sleepy Cloud stood waiting for a certain changeling. As soon as the disguised Pandora slowly shuffled up to him, Cloud said,

"Hey Pandora, can you take a note?"

"Mph."

"We need to try to get to sleep at decent hours, cause two hours ain't cutting it."

The train lurched as it entered the station, send Pandora sprawling into Cloud. She looked up at him with her best puppy dog eyes and whimpered,

"Carry me?"

Cloud groaned before stooping down. Pandora tiredly flopped onto his back before laughing,

"Aw... it's like how we first met."

"Except with way less blood and discomfort."

As the door opened, the two exited the train.

The town of Horseshoe was a relatively small town, it's red slate roofs and stucco walls gleaming in the warm sunlight. Atop of Cloud, Pandora gazed in wonder at the town with its tropical atmosphere. This was by far the most unique place she'd ever visited. Cloud walked calmly towards the outskirts of town carrying their luggage in his saddlebags while glancing at various signs for directions.

"Hey Cloud?"

"Yeah?"

"Where are we staying?"

"At a private cabana on the waterfront. You wouldn't believe how cheap it is in off season compared to the busy season. It cones with the perks of privacy and a great view of the bay."

"Is the sand here really white and as fine as sugar?"

"You bet it is, best beach this side of Zebrica."

"I'm definitely looking forward to swimming in the ocean, how about you?"

"That's my number one, though sunbathing is a close second."

"Wait, you like sunbathing?"

"Not really."

"Then why are you excited for it?"

"Cause who's going to rub sunscreen on you?"

Pandora rolled her eyes and gently smacked the back of his head.

"I should have known, you do seem to have a thing for my carapace when it's wet for some reason."

"That and I get an excuse to rub you flanks."

With a laugh Pandora replied,

"Pervert."

"Yeah, but I'm your pervert."

After a few minutes of walking past palm trees and other tropical flora, the two arrived at a pleasant looked cabana with a porch on both ends. With a flash of green upon entering, the pegasus and undisguised changeling were shocked at how luxurious their accommodations were. Cloud whistled,

"I knew this place was swanky, bit this is more than I expected."

"Yeah, this is just... incredible! I feel like royalty or something!"

"So... after we unpack do you wanna hit the beach. At noon we can head into town, they apparently have some nice cafes and restaurants around here."

"Yeah, but first can we do something?"

Cloud cocked an eyebrow,

"Do what?"

"In a magazine on the train, there was this test to see how much you knew about you special somepony, I want to do it. I ask you the questions first and then you do the same for me."

"Alright, but if it tells me to take a 'feelings inventory' I'm out."

"Alright, first question. What is your favorite color. I'm guessing... Blue?"

"Grey actually."

Pandora glanced at his mane and shot him a skeptical look.

"What? It's just always been my color of choice."

"Whatever, next question. Are you allergic to anything. My guess is no."

"I'm actually highly allergic to coconut."

"Wait really!"

Cloud nodded,

"My throat swells all up, that's why I carry a syringe of anti inflammatory with me."

"Huh, never would have guessed. Alright, last question, what is your favorite food? I'm guessing, spaghetti."

Cloud got a guilty look on his face,

"Alright, I um... need you to keep this a secret."

Pandora looked confused but nodded anyway.

"I really like the taste of... meat."

Pandora's eyes widened,

"I thought that was taboo in Equestria? How did you get some?"

"In high school, my only friend was a gryphon by the name of Stephen. We both didn't have friends and never really talked much but we ate lunch together every single day. He brought meat occasionally and would let me have some. I've been craving it for years but can only get it rarely at the only gryphon restaurant in Canterlot."

"Huh, well now I don't need to ask if you mind me having meat. Anyway, my turn!"

"Alright, what is your favorite color. I'm pretty sure it's blue."

"Yes actually... how'd you guess?"

"You always stop to look at the violets at the florist shop on the way to dinner."

"Wow, you could be a detective."

"Anyway, next. Allergies? No, I don't think you do."

"Correct again."

"And favorite food? Basically any form of sweet pastry."

"Dang, you're good. Now I feel like a dummy."

Cloud shrugged,

"I'm just observant I guess. You just learn other stuff really fast."

"Yeah I guess, anyway, it's time for the beach!"

"Yup, just let me get my swim trunks, did you get some for yourself?"

"Mhm, but I want them to be a surprise, you know, to see if you like them."

Cloud shrugged before grabbing his trunks out of the saddlebags. After he finished changing, he asked,

"Can I come out now?"

"Yeah, come on out!"

Upon exiting the bathroom, he froze when he saw Pandora.

"Well... do you like it? Or does it look silly?"

Cloud's jaw dropped and his wings sprang open.

"Hyu... gbah, bleh... whoa."

Pandora stood back to with a sheepish smile and her usual blue blush. But what really caught his attention was what she was wearing. Rather than a usual pair of swim trunks, Pandora was wearing a lime greem bikini bottom that drew attention to her flanks quite pleasantly.

"It looks silly doesn't it?"

"Holy, wow, just... ok um... wow."

Pandora blushed even harder after quickly reading his emotions. He apparently really liked it judging by what she was sensing while Cloud was having a quick internal lecture,

"CLEAN THOUGHTS CLOUD, CLEAN THOUGHTS!"

"But that flank! I mean... damn."

Cloud shook himself aware before giving her a smile.

"You look really good on it."

Pandora laughed,

"I can sense emotions you know, I wasn't expecting such a... strong reaction."

"Yeah but... to me, nothing could be sexier."

Pandora sighed,

"Thanks but, I just wish I had a mane to go with it. That's one thing I envy about ponies, yoi have such
beautiful manes and I just have my boring old crest. I heard legends while I was a nymph about the apexs, changelings who ate so much love that their bodies grew manes of their own. Bit their hasn't been one for generations."

"Well, I'll just have to find a way to love you even more."

Pandora smiled before kissing him gently.

"You're too sweet Cloud, I'm really glad we met."

"Me too, me too."

Author's Notes:

Hey! You! Yeah you! Do you like writing comments? No? Well... okay then, you don't have to. Bit if you did it would be radical (RADICAL) and I would comment back and we'd be internet pals. Also I would feel really special. See you soon! (TOMORROW'S JUST A DAY AWAY MOTHER TRUCKERS!"

More Than Expected

"H-how much water can there be? I-I can't see the other side!"

Cloud smirked as he saw Pandora's flabbergasted face. Her face was so cute when she had no idea what to say. After he laid out the blanket under their umbrella, he then laid down in the shade. He felt Pandora lie down next to him, lounging against his side. He tucked a wing over her and gazed out over the pristine blue ocean, the waves lapping gently against the white sand.

"Well, it is the ocean, it is incredibly large."

Pandora looked up at him, admiring how his mane caught the wind before snuggling a little closer.

"I um... probably won't get in."

"Why's that?"

"I um... can't swim."

Cloud gave her a smirk before lunging forward and wrapping his forelegs around her barrel. With a yelp Pandora was dragged into the sky.

"No! Cloud sto-OP!"

With a splash Pandora landed in the waves and started floundering around hysterically. She stopped when she felt something warm and solid press into her back.

"Pandora, open your eyes."

She did and found herself sitting in water up to her waist with Cloud gently holding her to his chest. She instantly relaxed and leaned into him.

"So... want me to teach you how to swim? I'm more than willing."

Pandora's smiled at him before pouncing. Pressing both of them into the surf. Cloud landed with a splash on his back while she pinned his forlegs to his side.

"Aha! Not so smart now!"

Cloud gave Pandora a devious smile,

"C-cloud? What's with the smile? What are you thinking?"

"I know your weakness Pandora."

"What!? I don't have any."

Quick as a flash Cloud nuzzled her neck, directly under her jaw. Pandora gasped before pressing her face into him with a murmured "dang it."

"Boom, now we're on a level playing field."

Pandora looked up from his chest and glared at him,

"As soon as your guard is down, I'm rubbing your ears."

"Is that a challenge?"

"I assure you, I will win."

The dispute was rudely interrupted by an abnormally large wave washing over them. The pegasus and changeling jolted back into a sitting position.

"Well, I think I owe you a swimming lesson Pandora."

"Really, well, ok, but I'm not sure I can, I kinda have holes in my legs."

"I don't think that's going to be a problem. Anyway, grab on."

With Pandora clinging to his back, Cloud swam to slightly deeper water. When the waves reached his neck, he gently slid her off his back.

"Alright, first I'll teach you the doggy paddle. It's basically a lot like walking except you need to scoop the water, like this."

Cloud demonstrated the motion a couple times and instructed Pandora in how to synchronize all four legs like that. After a few minutes of practice, Pandora started wobbly swimming around.

"I-I can't believe it! I'm actually doing it! I might be the first changeling to swim in her natural form!"

"See! I told you you could do it! The holes barely even slow you down. Now then, want me to teach you the backstroke?"

After a while of swimming, the two returned to their towel. As Cloud lounged on his back, Pandora rested her head on top of his chest and listened to the rhythmic beating of his heart.

"Hey Cloud, where did you learn to swim?"

"Well, there was a pool in Cloudsdale near our house, so I kinda taught myself from a book. I like swimming almost as much as flying."

"Why don't you fly more often then?"

"Cause I kinda suck at it. My nickname all throughout flight school was 'lead balloon' because of my mane color and how slow I was. I never really got good at flying."

"Cloud, you're a great flyer, just like you're a great violinist. You just need more self confidence."

"Not really, I don't want to get arrogant, there will always be somepony better than me."

Pandora rolled her eyes (despite not being very noticeable due to not having pupils) and turned her head to look out at the ocean.

"It's just so... beautiful. I never thought something like this was possible."

Cloud nodded in agreement before resting a hoof on her back, gently massaging between her wings. She hummed in pleasure before both were interrupted by Cloud's stomach grumbling.

"Dang, well, want to get lunch?"

"Mhm, I think you should choose where Cloud, you seem to know more about the area than I do."

"Yeah well first things first, we gotta clean the sand off of ourselves. You want first shower?"

"No you go ahead, I don't take as long given I don't have fur."

"Fair enough."

The two gathered up their things before heading back inside. As Cloud was showering, he held his face under the stream of water with his eyes closed, enjoying the sensation. He almost didn't notice the changeling that joined him.

"Pandora?"

"Mhm."

"Umm... what are you doing?"

"Showering."

"With me?"

"Saves time, I get more hugs, and it's romantic, a perfect win-win-win."

Cloud grunted in aproval before wrapping a wing over her.

"You know, there's apparently a really good Prench bakery here, you wanna try it?"

"You had me at 'bakery.'"

----------------------------------------------

The sun was close to setting, painting the sky with vibrant colors. The two sat on the back porch, watching the sun dip beneath the waves. Cloud was stareing out at the ocean, and didn't notice the green flash behind him. He started when he felt himself getting hugged to an incredibly soft chest. He glanced up at the mow gryphon Pandora and asked,

"What are you doing?"

"Hugging you."

"But I thought you couldn't feel stuff through the disguise, and you know I like you you more."

"That's only Beat, he puts too much energy into his and loses most of his sense of touch. Besides, I thought you liked how fluffy I was as a gryphon."

"But you don't have to do that for me, I like hugging you as yourself."

"Yeah well now I'm the big one, which means I hug you. Besides, you make the most adorable faces when you hug me as a gryphon, especially with the nuzzling."

"Wh-what? N-no I don't, I am not adorable!"

"Yeah well tough, I like doing this sometimes so deal with it."

Cloud grumbled under his breath. He stopped when he felt Pandora's new claws gently scratching behind his ears. He tried wriggling out of her grip before giving up. She made a really strong gryphon! He tried to resist his impulses but soon failed when he pressed his cheek into her feathers with a quiet hum. Pandora stifled a laugh at his face while she hugged him closer.

"Told you."

She sing-songed as she started using her other claw to rub his stomach.

"N-no stop! Let me keep some shred of masculinity dammit!"

"No way! I told tou I'd catch you by surprise and I knew this was the perfect time."

"Never! You'll have to try hander than this to make me give up!"

Pandora grew a dangerous smirk before gently scratching his belly.

"Gyah! You maniac! S-stop this at once!"

Pandora laughed at Cloud's frantic struggling before hugging him to her chest and said,

"You have until the count of ten to give up."

"Never! This is even easier than the belly rubs to resist!"

"One."

"You don't scare me!"

"Two."

"Just give up Pandora, I'll break your disguise and them you'll be sorry."

"Three-Ten!"

"Wait what? ACK!"

Cloud squirmed when he felt her start massaging his wings.

"You-you m-mania-ac... oh Celestia thats nice."

He quietly mumbled into her chest as he went limp in her embrace. Pandora giggled at the reaction but grew confused at how quiet he became. He was perfectly silent except for an occasional groan followed by him pressing his face into her feathers.

"Cloud? You ok?"

"..."

"Cloud? Clo-OOF."

Her question was cut off by Cloud pouncing at her face, tipping her over. With her jolt of surprise, Pandora's transformation vanished in a flash of green flames, leaving Cloud pinning her to the deck.

"Now... I will have my revenge!"

"W-what are you going to!"

She was cut off by his lips pressing into hers. She started but relaxed as she was was drawn into an intimate embrace. Partway through the kiss, Pandora whispered,

"Cloud... do you want to, you know."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, we've been dating for a little bit so, would it be ok if we... slept together?"

"We already do, unless... oh, Oh! Umm... I was thinking about that earlier and, well. As much as I want to do it, I think we should, you know, wait just a little longer, if you don't mind. I don't want this relationship to go south because we did that to early. I've heard that that xan ruin a relationship, and I really want this to work."

Pandora looked disappointed for a second before smiling,

"I understand, and I think you're right. Besides, it means alot to me that you want this to work."

"Yeah, though we are so doing that another time, soon hopefully."

"I'll be looking forward to it."

"Me too."

As the sun finished setting the two shared a kiss before heading inside the dimly light cabana.

Author's Notes:

"Hey you!"

"Who me?"

"Yeah you, do you like this story?"

"It's ok I guess."

"Great! I'm glad you like it person who's reading this, just make sure that if you have any questions or comments you tell me, I really like getting feedback."

"Dude, why are you so insistent I comment?"

"CAUSE I'M LONELY DANG IT!"

A Late Night Talk

Pandora lay awake, listening to the miserable sounds Cloud made as he slept. His emotions were saturated with heartbreak and sorrow. After a few more seconds, he started crying. She rolled over and shook him awake.

"Cloud, please wake up."

Cloud slowly woke up, still radiating anguish.

"P-pandora?"

"Cloud what's wrong?"

Without a word, Cloud buried his head in her chest. Pandora soothingly stroked his head, concerned that the usually stoic stallion was this shook up.

"I-I'm sorry. This is just... pathetic of me. I wish you hadn't seen this."

"Cloud talk to me, what was it."

Cloud gulped before shaking his head.

"Cloud please, trust me. I want to help, you can tell me anything."

He looked up, eyes ringed with read,

"Fine, it's time I told you the real reason I left Cloudsdale, and why me saying I love my family was a lie. I hate them and am a disappointment to them. It's the reason I did distance myself from everyone. How I'm going to wind up ruining your life."

"It's ok Cloud, just tell me."

Cloud exhaled slowly before beginning.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A young Cloud Nine slowly shuffled through the cafeteria, looking with dead eyes for a place to sit. One table in the corner histed only one occupant, a gryphon. He had redish brown feathers and a tan body, and was slumped wearing an expression that radiated hostility. Cloud didn't even hesitate before sitting down in the same side if the table, back to the wall, a respectful distance away. The gryphon glared at him,

"What do you want pony." He spat.

Cloud didn't bother responding, instead slowly eating his lunch.

"What, too good for me, maybe you don't realize I could kill you easily!"

"You'd be doing everypony a favor." Cloud mumbled before taking a bite of his hayburger.

The gryphon looked shocked before scowling again,

"Oh, I see, one of your dumb friends dared you to sit beside the 'wild animal' is that it. Come to stare at me like everyone else."

"What friends." Was the only reply he got.

The gryphon looked confused now,

"Dude, what's with you?"

"Everypony either hates me, ignores me, or doesn't know I exist."

"Ain't that the truth." Mumbled the gryphon, sounding a bit sad rather than angry.

Cloud offered him a hoof, not even looking up,

"Names Cloud Nine."

"Stephen Ironquill." He said, gripping the proffered hoof.

----------------------------
(Two weeks later)

"You sure you don't mind Cloud? I mean, you could get busted too. I'm technically not allowed to eat meat here."

Cloud responded by snatching a piece of bacon away from the gryphon, and tentatively eating it. His eyes widened,

"Dang! This stuffs great!"

Stephen blinked confusedly before slapping a claw to his face,

"Dang it, now I got you hooked on meat. Now you'll keep stealing mine."

Cloud smirked before sliding a cookie over to him,

"I gotta deal for you."

-------------------------------
(Sophomore year)

"Dude, your family is a huge pack of dumbasses."

Cloud grunted in between bites of salad,

"Yeah, they're the worst. Do you like the cupcake though?"

The gryphon looked up with frosting covering his beak,

"Armph yoo kiddng? Thiph iph great!" He said around his mouthful. He swallowed before continuing.

"I'm telling you, cooking, violin, singing. You can do everything! You'r like some kinda genius or something!"

"Oh please, you're just saying that cause we're friends."

"No seriously! You're the best pony ever!" The gryphon added enthusiastically, not noticing the blush the quiet pegasus was sporting.

----------------------------
(Junior year)

"Nice moves Stephen! You're freaking awesome at this!" Cloud cheered as the gryphon landed.

"Carefully bro, people might think you and me are feather fluffing if you keep complimenting me. But I mean, who wouldn't want a piece of this!" He added before stretching his muscular frame. Oblivious to the attention his pegasus friend was paying to his movements or his sudden uncomfortable stance.

"What's feather fluffer mean?"

" It's the same as calling someone a colt cuddler in gryphon culture."

"Oh yeah! Thay makes sense." Cloud added, looking guilty for a second.

A faint groaning sound caught his attention but was missed by the gryphon. He looked up in time to see one of the heavy sandbags that rested on the gym rafters falling towards his friend. He dove forward, pushing Stephen aside. With a crunch, it landed on his back legs, causing him to cry out in pain.

"Gah! Cloud! Hang on buddy I got you! Hey! Somebody! We need an ambulance!" He shouted, panic evident on his voice as he held the trembling pegasus.

---------------------

Cloud sat in his hospital room, staring at the distraught gryphon sitting beside him.

"Wh-what do you mean?"

"It's all me fault, I'm sorry I shoulda been paying attention! I shoulda been quicker and then you wouldn't be hurt." Stephen added, looking downtrodden.

Cloud spread his forelegs and gave him a reassuring smile. The gryphon gently hugged him, holding his head to his chest while he sobbed. No one noticed the blissfull expression on Cloud's face as he burried his mussle in the gryphon's musclar chest.

-------------------------
(Senior year)

"Dude! This is frickin awesome! We need to do this more often!" Cloud said as the two settled onto a cloud overlooking the city but remaining away from its majority. The moon shown down upon the two as Cloud looked over at Stephen, sneaking a peak at his powerful muscles while the gryphon was distracted.

"Hey, so long as you can keep sneaking out, we can." Stephen added.

"Don't worry, their all morons. My family doesn't notice me during the day, why'd they notice me missing at night." Cloud added before casual bumping his friends shoulder, almost making him spill his drink.

"Yeah well, their loss. Though I'm telling you, given you're growth spurt over the summer, your going to have to beat the ladies off with a stick."

Cloud blushed before winking at hos friend,

"And some of the stallions too."

The two burst out laughing. Something they only did around each other.

-------------------------

They'd been meeting up every night for the first two weeks of school, and now something was bothering Stephen. He gulped, swallowing his nerves before asking.

"Hey Cloud?"

"Yeah?" The pegasus responded.

"Umm... I've been thinking, and I wanna try something, but, well... it might seem a little weird."

Cloud rolled his eyes before smirking,

"I'm not gonna laugh, just lay it on me!"

The gryphon gulped before licking his beak and slowing his breathing, trying to calm himself.

"Stephen, calm down! You're acting weird. Just do whatever you want to do."

He started when he felt the gryphon's beak press into his lips, before freezing. Stephen pulled back away, and noticed his friends shocked expression.

"Oh damn, I knew I shouldn't have. I, I'm sorry I." The gryphon stuttered before attempting to fly away. He was stopped by Cloud grabbing his wing and pulling him back onto the cloud. The gryphon grew an ashamed look before saying.

"I'm sorry Cloud, I just, I've been having these weird feelings for you, and I-"

He froze when he felt Cloud gently kiss him. Eyes growing wide with surprise.

"Cloud you... what?"

"You idiot, did you never notice?"

"N-notice what?!" Stephen said with a bewildered look.

"That I've had a massive crush on you since we were sophomores."

"Th-that long?! Holy crap man! Well... that explains some things actually." The gryphon said with a blush spreading across his face. He looked back at the pegasus before smiling and giving him a another kiss.

"Colt cuddler." Cloud snickered after they broke apart.

"Feather fluffer." Stephen shot back. The two shared a quiet laugh before Cloud got serious all of the sudden.

"We can never let my family find out. My parents have very strict views. Ponies with ponies, and stallions with mares, and you shouldn't ever change that. Heck, they don't even approve of relationships between pegasi and non-pegasi."

"Yeah... my parents would probably disown me too Cloud, but we'll figure something out."

--------------------------------
(A couple months later)

Cloud lounged on the small purch the two had been sharing for a while now. His head resting on Stephen's muscled chest while the gryphon ran a claw through his mane. He closed his eyes, savoring the steady thumping of his boyfriend's heart and the soothing feeling of his claws. He rolled over and nestled his cheek into Stephen's feathers and slowly breathing in his scent. It was a faint, masculine smell that made his nose tingle and caused him to always feel safe. He gave the gryphon a quick peck before looking back up at the moon.

"As soon as we graduate, we'll move to some big city where nobody will ask questions. I'll join the weather team and you'll become a famous chef and musician. We'll get a fancy apartment and live like frikin rock stars. That sound like a plan?" Stephen coyly said.

"Sounds good to me, babe." Cloud added with a chuckle. Stephen groaned,

"Hey, don't call me that, I'm not a babe." Cloud started laughing and Stephen joined later after a failed attempt at remaining mad.

"Hey Stephen?"

"Yeah?"

"You suck at being mad."

"Sure, whatever." Stephen replied through a yawn, before gently hugging the stallion to his chest.

------------------------------
(Two months before graduation)

Stephen and Cloud lay side by side in the now enclosed cloud structure. The two shared a long kiss before tiredly resting against each other.

"I can't wait to be out of this town." Stephen sleepily said. Cloud nuzzled under his beak before adding.

"I... I can't believe how fast this year's passed. I wouldn't trade this for the world." Cloud sighed back, pressing his face onto the gryphon's warm feathers.

"Wanna get some drinks?" Stephen weakly said.

"Maybe some other night, too tired." Cloud weakly said back before curling into the warm chest he was pressed to. Stephen curled around him as the two tiredly dropped off to sleep.

"I love you so much Stephen." Cloud cooed.

"You're such a sap Cloud." Stephen said with a laugh.
------------------------------
(Night after graduation)

A short distance away from Cloudsdale, a cloud was drifting through the night sky. It was very much cave shaped. Hoots and laughing could be heard coming from within . Around one in the morning, Cloud was flopped on Stephen's chest, breathing in his masculine scent. The gryphon held him in a tight embrace, curling protectively around the smaller pony. Suddenly a bright light shone on the cave.

"This is the police! Come out of there now!"

-----------------------------

" No he didn't! We didn't even do anything! He did not rape me!" Cloud proclaimed from the witness stand, his parents had been furious and immediately charged Stephen with rape and foalnapping. Despite Cloud's testimony, the court had deemed him "too distraught to give an accurate testimony" after his defense of the gryphon. The jury came back in.

"In the case of the charges leveled against Stephen Ironquill, we find the defendant... guilty. He shall serve ten years in prison with no bail. Case closed."

-----------------------------

"If what you're saying is true, then you're no son of mine." Cloud's father snarled. His whole family was aghast at his claims that he would willingly do that with a gryphon.

"Cloud, what you did was unnatural and wrong. You need serious mental help." Sunny said, sporting her usual self righteous tone. His sister always viewed him as beneath her.

"You're all wrong, and I don't even care. I don't want to be on this family if this is how you treat me!" Cloud growled before locking himself in his room. He packed up his few belongings and slipped out through his window. He silently glided towards the prison. Fortunately there was a group of volunteer rehabilitation workers milling about outside. He disguised himself in one of their uniforms before slipping inside. After stealing a key (which was easy given how lax security always was) Cloud entered Stephen's cell.

"If you here to 'fix' me then buzz off, I didn't do crap." Stephen snarled to the wall. Cloud set the key beside him. Stephen looked between the two and his eyes widened.

"C-cloud!"

"Shh, at midnight the guards change, use this to escape. Go somewhere the Equestrian police can't get you. I... I'm so sorry." Cloud sobbed before closing the door and running to the exit.

"Cloud WAIT!"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Cloud sobbed broken-hearted into Pandora's chest. For her part, Pandora was too shocked to move. She couldn't believe all that had happened. But given Cloud's behavior when they'd first met, she could tell it had been eating away at him for years.

"Pandora, I-I just d-don't want to r-ruin your life like I ruined his. I-I"

"Cloud, I love you and it was not your fault. The court and your family are to blame!"

"No! It all happened because I was a freak! Why did I... why did I have to fall in love with him."

"Cloud, loving Stephen doesn't make you a freak. I don't care what others thought. I don't care what they think now, all I care about is you." She cooed into his ear, rubbing his back gently. As she stroked his back, Cloud slowly stopped crying and fell back asleep, clutching Pandora like a drowning man clutches a piece of driftwood.

"Oh Cloud... why did they do this to you." She whispered before settling his head onto her chest and holding hom tight.

Whole Heartedly

Pandora woke up to find the bed empty, panic immediately coursing through her.

"What if he left me, or hurt himself! Oh crap what have I done!" She internally screamed before noticing Cloud sitting beside the bed staring out the window, a guilty look on his face. She gently sat down beside him.

"I'm sorry Pandora, for, well everything." He murmured.

"Cloud you have nothing to apologize for, I'm sorry that happened to you, and I" she was cut off by Cloud kissing her.

"No, that's in the past, I need to move on. One bad experience doesn't justify trying to shut everyone out, and I'm sorry for being so stupid." He gently said. Pandora opened her mouth to refute his statement before he cut her off with a raised hoof.

"I'm not letting the past control me anymore. I'm done being afraid, and I promise you, I will love you with all of my being to the best if my ability. Even if I have to crawl through tartaus, I will not abandon you or hurt you ever." He resolutely said, before adding,

"And I'm sorry for not being more open, the thing is, I love you Pandora. I love you so much I couldn't bare to see you get hurt. But even if we have to run away and live in the woods to be together, that's what we'll do. And, I want to make all if this up to you." Upon hearing this, Pandora got a happy smile on her face.

"Anything?"

----------------------------

"Ah... that's the spot." Pandora sighed, stretching out on the beach towel a bit more. Cloud stood over her, giving her a back massage.

"Seriously, I would have done this anyway if you'd wanted. You could have chosen something more... embarrassing, if you'd wanted." Cloud said, shaking his head ever so slightly. Pandora ignoring him, instead saying,

"I think that's enough massaging, now you apply the heating pad."

"What heating pad? We didn't bring one." Closer asked, tilting his head ever so slightly. Pandora looked back at him mischievously.

"Why, your big, hunky chest is the heating pad of course, now stop talking and start snuggling." She said with an impish smile. Cloud sighed before gently smiling and resting carefully on her back. She sighed and relaxed a bit more before adding,

"And you have to keep telling me cute, sappy things like in a trashy romance novel." She imperiously stated. Cloud groaned,

"Are you kidding me? I don't know anything about that stuff!" Pandora tossed a book onto his face.

"Sappy romance stuff, just read the poems." Pandora said, sporting a grin that would give the cheshire cat a run for his money. Cloud read through the list before formulating a plan. With half lidded eyes, Cloud gently kissed the base of her neck, slowly working his way up until he was right below her jaw, earning a happy sigh from Pandora.

"Anything for you, my love." He added in a seductive voice. Pandora cooed in delight,

"I could get used to this."

------------------------------

"I don't wanna go!" Pandora cried, being physically dragged off the bed by Cloud. The remainder of the week had gone by rather quickly, much to Pandora's dismay.

"Sorry, but we gotta, and, I'll even carry you again, does that help?" Cloud responded, carefully placing the changeling on his back. She instantly burrowed into his back, pressing her face into his neck. The two had already pack and now had to leave, though Cloud had a nagging suspicion he was forgetting something.

As the two boarded the train, Cloud carefully walked to their compartment, carrying a now disguised Pandora on his back. After carefully setting her on the bed, he sat by the window and watched as the train pulled out if the station. A couple minutes in, Pandora groaned,

"Great, now we have a long, boring ride that takes forever and a day, what are we suppose to do now?" She slowly proped herself up, letting her disguise fall. She almost immediately felt a weight settle onto her lap. She looked down to see Cloud lying on his back on her lap, a pleading expression on his face.

"Y-you could, I dunno, maybe, if you want to... give me a belly rub?" He asked, hope splashing across his features. Pandora gave him a coy look,

"I dunno, don't you want to keep your masculinity?" She was immediately assaulted by a pleading Cloud.

"Please! I'll do anything! Ever since that night I have this feeling that just won't go away! I'm begging you!" He whimpered. Pandora rolled her eyes before transforming into her gryphon form. Cloud let out a giddy squeak before pressing into her now fluffy chest. She gently started kneeding her claws into his soft coat. Feeling his abdominal muscles spasm in delight. His tongue lolled out as he wrapped her in a hug, causing Pandora to laugh.

"You're lucky you're cute." Cloud happily snuggled closer before responding,

"You make a cute gryphon, but I like you're normal look more. It's way hotter." He sighed into her now much larger chest as she started scratching in a small circular pattern.

------------------------------

The two drowsy travelers walked slowly up to their house. Only Pandora noticed the flyer stuck to the door. Upon entering Cloud heard Pandora gasp before she wrapped her now undisguised form around him.

"Cloud! Are you taking me to this? Please, please say yes!" She squealed before floating the paper in front of Cloud with her magic. His eyes widened as he read,"Annual Royal Guard Hearts And Hooves Day Banquet" at the top of the paper.

"Oh hell."

Author's Notes:

Hello there! Wow, talk about tone change. In the words of some person somewhere,"Back to the warm fuzzy stuff!"

Toxic Love

Cloud's heart sank,

"Not the banquet! I forgot all about that stupid banquette!" Cloud internally gripped. The Hearts and Hooves banquet was a yearly annoyance. All the stupid drama and boring speeches. It was the worst.

Pandora looked confused momentarily,

"Cloud? You look like someone just told you you have jury duty, what's wrong?" Pandora asked. Cloud just sighed and slumped onto the couch.

"I just really hate that banquet... I feel so... wait a minute! I'm taking you this year! Hell yeah this is gonna rock! We'll go, make the other guards feel inferior, eat way to much free food and then make out in the bathroom when we get bored! Now I'm excit-GYAH!" With a cry Cloud's back spasmed and he cried out in pain. Pandora rushed over,

"Cloud are you ok?"

Cloud groaned through the pain,

"I dunno, my muscles feel like they're on fire." After he said that, Pandora got a thoughtful look. She brightened up as an idea struck her. She quietly produced a large glob if resin and popped it into her mouth. She chewed it slowly so as to make sure it would not harden and to mix it with venom, to act as a muscle relaxant. Cloud started at the strange sensation of something warm and sticky getting rubbed into his back before his muscles started tingling and loosening. He sighed as the pain melted away, feeling Pandora's hooves slowly rub up and down his back.

"Oh... wow that feels good. What did I do to deserve you Pandora, smart, sexy, and adorable, damn." He quietly mumbled. Pandora giggled before saying,

"Just a sec, I think I have something that can help." Before darting off. Cloud sighed at the warmth radiating onto his back. A glob of the green substance rolled onto his chest and he caught it on his hoof. A sweet smell assulted his senses. His rational side said not to, but morbid curiosity drove him on, and he popped the glob into his mouth.

"Wow, I'm kinda an idiot... damn, that stuff tastes good!" He moaned through his mouthful. The... resin? Whatever it was, tasted sweet yet tart, and was chewy like taffy or some sort of candy. A dry, tart aftertaste came after. After a few moments he was hit by a wave of cravings. He felt like... sorta like he wanted to go destroy ponies lives, but mainly he wanted to marry Pandora, go on a honeymoon and then make love until they both died. His eyes stared getting watery.

"I wish she was here right now." He sobbed. Pandora walked back in, carrying a pillow and a bottle of soda. She was assulted by Cloud dragging her onto the couch with him as he buried his head in her neck.

"Um... Cloud? What's wrong?" She asked, ears flattening slightly. Cloud sobbed before shakily saying.

"I'm so sorry, I'm sorry made out with Stephen over two years ago-o-oh. I love you so much more than him, can we have sex please? You're so sexy and I love you and I wanna wrap myself around your perfect body and kiss you and hug you and-" Cloud's sobbing was stopped by Pandora forcing his mouth open. She gasped upon seeing the green stain on his tongue. The venom!

"Oh my gosh! Cloud I'm so sorry but, this isn't you, so... I'm doing you a favor before you doing something you would regret." She gently said before kissing him on the nose. If he stayed conscious for the remainder of the venoms effects he would become little more than a mindless beast. She gently sunk her fangs into his shoulder. He jolted, the pain granting him a moment of clarity and she could see gratitude in his eyes before he yawned and slumped against her chest. She levitated him into their bed before quietly removing the remaining resin. She laughed quietly,

"Why on earth would you just randomly eat this stuff?" Before singhing. She curled up next him and looked him over. He looked fine except for his disheveled wings.

"I know how to make it up to him." She thought before settling onto his back. She stroked his mane gently, as awkward as his prior statements were, she was kind of flattered he thought that much about her. With a smile she got to work.

Author's Notes:

You know the drill, feedback, thanks for reading, random statement. Now that thats out of the way I'm curious, whose your favorite character? (If it's not too much trouble). And sorry about the shorter than usual chapter, I'm really dang busy all of the sudden but I'll keep trying for a short chapter a day.

The Banquet

Cloud awoke only to find himself lying in bed, alone. His head was killing him and he felt extremely groggy, like he'd drank a shelf's worth of alcohol. Oddly enough, his blood felt... thick. It was disconcerting he could feel his blood being pumped through his body, but it wasn't necessarily a bad feeling, just odd. The door opened and a worried looking Pandora slowly walked towards him.

"How are you feeling?" She calmly asked.

"Like my head got used for a drum and my blood got replaced with molasses, thanks for knocking me out by the way, I don't know what came over me." He groaned out. Pandora set something down on the nightstand and walked over. She had a smear of chocolate frosting on her nose and looked tired. She slowly started petting his mane, he relaxed and grew a small smile before leaning forward and kissing her gently. She returned the kiss before retrieving what now was obviously a chocolate cupcake.

"I made a bunch of these, and I didn't light your house on fire. They have peanut butter inside them by the way. Oh, and we're out of peanut butter." She softly replied. She continued,

"I'm sorry, I put venom in that resin to act as a muscle relaxer, but, well, you kinda weren't supposed to eat it." She sheepishly replied. Cloud laughed,

"Oh yeah, venom, I remember now." Before leaning forward and licking the frosting off of her snout. She blushed as he licked his lips with a smile.

"Mm... it's good! Your bakings much better than earlier. I don't even taste something smoky!"

Cloud carefully bit into the cupcake and was surprised at the flavor.

"What the hell? How much peanut butter did she put in this!?" His bewildered mind thought. He could barely taste the chocolate but could definitely taste the peanut butter. After he finished and guzzled his entire cup of water, he noticed Pandora turn around. She asked,

"By the way, um... do you think my crest is getting more mane like?" Hope brimming in her voice. Cloud looked and even ran his hoof over it, causing it to flatten. It was the same as usual.

"No, sorry, I know how bad you want a mane, but don't sweat it. And before you start calling yourself ugly, I'll assure you, you are the hottest living being around. Anypony who says otherwise is a dumbass and probably blind." He said with a smirk. Pandora sighed before resting her head on his neck. Cloud wrapped a foreleg over her.

"But, you should probably get a dress, we do have a banquet to attend tonight."

-------------------------------

The Hearts and Hooves Day banquet was almost ready to start and two familiar male guards sat together at a table nursing their drinks.

"Dude, I hate this stupid banquet. I mean it's supposed to be about actually relationships and stuff but instead it's literally a hookup holiday. Find a random fellow guard who's attractive, ask them to this, have a one night stand, and never talk again. Glad we didn't ask anypony this year aye Keep?" The guard asked. All if the guards actual colors were visible now, given that this was a formal event. The speaker was Steadfast Shield, a green unicorn with a glod mane. His companion, High Keep was sitting glumly with hus head on the table.

"Keep?" Shield asked. Keep sighed,

"I dunno, I kinda wish I'd asked somepony in particular. I mean just to give the whole 'new perspective' thing a try." Keep explained. Shield cocked his head,

"Who?"

Keep sighed, "Not a word to anypony ok? I was thinking about asking corpse face." He griped.

Shield blinked, obviously confused. "What?"

"Well, what we talked about got me thinking, what if he was a colt cuddler, I mean I dunno, I might be one too for all I know. I figured I could give it a try to see if it would work. He's so... dead all of the time but if somepony showed genuine interest he might be a stand up guy. I mean, it was just a passing thought. For all I know I'm not gay, but I don't really know, so... anything's possible?" He winced as he finished. Shield looked thoughtful before responding.

"You know, you might be on to something. But where even is he? He should have been here by now." Their conversation was interrupted by a wave of quiet murmurs coming from the ball room entrance.

"Wait, is that corpse face!?"

"Who's he with?"

"Sweet Celestia she's hot!"

"How'd he land her?!"

All eyes turned to the stallion who was walking with a gorgeous off white pegasus with a honey yellow mane. They were both dressed for the occasion, with Cloud in a suit and Pandora in a simple aquamarine colored dress. Both Keep and Shield's jaws dropped.

"The hells he been keeping her!?" Shield sputtered. All the onlookers watched the newcomers with rapt attention. The group of game playing mare fuming silently. The leader of the group whispered to another,

"I bet she's one of those stuck up elite airheads that just lifts her tail to get what she wants. Why on earth would someone so... impervious to feminine charm hook up with a bimbo like that." A chorus of affirmations sounded out. Most in the group could care less about Cloud as a pony, but as a prize, he was theirs. As Cloud and Pandora sat at an empty seat, the spotlight was flicked on to show captain Shining Armor standing at attention.

"Royal Guards!" He sharply called. Immediately all ponies stood at attention.

"As you might not be aware, this is not just a typical Hearts and Hooves Day banquet, but a special celebration in honor of the wedding of myself and Princess Mi Amore Cadenza in three months time." Upon the announcement cheering and clapping for the groom to be. As the eating began, the jealous mares glared at Pandora as she laughed and joked with the now actually smiling Cloud Nine.

"I never! That smile was supposed to be mine!" Growled the leader, a blue earth pony with a rose mane,"I was supposed to flirt with him, seduce him, and then win all those bits!" She glared, venom in her eyes at the faux pegasus. The newcomer, a maroon pegasus with a pink mane shot a concerned look at the speaker.

"He's a pony too you know, not just some toy you use and then throw away. I thought this whole game was because you wanted to get to know him, not just trick him into sleeping with you." She spat at the leader. All of the mares turned to look at the pegasus. Shock and disguist in their faces. The earth pony from before spoke.

"Listen, I know you're new here but here's what you need to know. Corpse face over there, he's not a pony. No pony could resist all the temptation we throw their way and not give in. I don't care who, or what he is, but I do know how much money is riding on this. So if you get in my way, you'll be sorry." She finished with a snarl. The pegasus grew a shocked look before hwr face settled into a look of disgust.

"And to think I actually played your little game for a while." She snarled before storming off to another table. After about forty-five minutes of eating, the lights dimmed and the captain returned to the stage. It was time for the annual singing lottery. Whomever's name got drawn had to go sing a song for their date. As the captain levitated out a slip of paper, all the ponies in the room held their breath. With a flourish Shining Armor read the card.

"Cloud Nine, report to the stage!" The crowd erupted in sighes of relief and snickers of laughter. It was embarrassing to be called up, given basically none of the guards had any singing talent whatsoever. As Cloud walked up, he wracked his mind for what to sing. He saw Pandora shoot him a supportive nod and he looked out at the night sky, the stars shining brightly. Suddenly, the perfect song came to mind. He told the DJ what song and stood out in the spotlight. Almost everypony was looking forward to seeing this, corpse face himself, singing! Cloud cleared his throat as the music began.

'https://youtu.be/zp7NtW_hKJI

The crowd was silent. Rather than a terrible performance, they'd heard somepony singing rather well. All of the sudden Pandora started clapping.

"Way to go Cloud!" And the rest of the guards joined in. Cloud sheepishly took a bow and returned to his table, earning a hug from Pandora. Cloud excused himself to use the restroom as everyone started heading home. As Pandora waited by the doors, the mares approached her. The leader stared her dead in the eyes before snarling.

"Back off, that pegasus your here with, he's mine. I don't care who tou are, but he's going to be with me. You know what, on second thought, you can have him when I'm done. You should always give your leftovers to the less fortunate." Before storming off. Pandora amd the mares stood staring on shock. Even the other players knew that was just over the line.

-----------------------------

As Cloud and Pandora entered the house, Cloud gave Pandora a relaxed look,

"I was thinking, and I think I'm ready to do it, you know?" He asked gently. Pandora froze before smiling warmly.

"You really want to? O-ok, um... maybe in a little. Can you go get something for me though?" She asked. Cloud nodded his ascent before having a scrap of paper thrust into his hooves and was shoved outside.

After he retrieved the requested items (though why you need six jars of peanut butter to have sex was beyond him) Cloud set the jars down before walking towards his bedroom. He heard a sultry voice cone from the bathroom.

"Cloud, come in please." As Cloud entered he froze, wings shooting up shortly after. The bathroom looked totally different. The lights had been turned off, leaving only the light of dozens of light candles to light the room. I. The tub, lounged Pandora. As she turned and propped her hind leg up on the rim of the tub, Cloud's eyes widened.

"I know how much you like how I look in the bath, given how... shiny I am. So I figured this would do nicely. Do-do you like it?" She asked, momentarily breaking character. Cloud nodded dumbly before shaking his head to clear his mind. He looked again before slowly smiling and closing the bathroom door, a splash could be heard before the door closed entirely.

Author's Notes:

Hey everybody! I probably could have waited until Valentines day for this chapter but that would be the normal thing to do. I have a special chapter planned for that day. As always, thanks for reading.
Also: I do not own the song, that belongs to coldplay, I just borrowed it. So, now that thats out of the way, you can't sue me.

That's Not Good

Cloud woke up to a familiar feeling, a pleasant rubbing sensation across his stomach. His eyes snapped open to see Pandora as a gryphon smirking evilly at him. Great, now he wanted her to use those sweat, sweat claws to scratch his belly. He then felt the familiar itching sensation he had come to think of as his brain saying "that was awesome, do that again!" All over. He groaned,

"Dang it, now I have that itchy feeling, thanks." Before rolling out of bed.

"Well you wouldn't get up and you have work so I had no choice." She responded, reverting to her natural form in a green flash. Cloud also realized that the cold feeling in hus very bones had returned. For some reason his blood and inside certain bones felt chilled and thin unless he had recently eaten some resin. Not that he was complaining, that stuff tasted great, he just hoped he wasn't getting addicted. You couldn't get addicted to the equivalent of candy, could you?

Cloud donned his armor and slipped the pouch of his secret resin supply into his breastplate. He was not about to ask Pandora for some, cause that would be embarrassing, so he just gathered a bunch in secret and stashed it for consumption during work. He gave Pandora a kiss goodbye and flew towards the castle.

------------------------------

Cloud absentmindedly chewed a hunk of resin while he stood guard. The sweet yet tart taste filling his mouth. As he popped another piece of the acid green goo into his mouth, he couldn't help but grimace at how odd this probably was. He was embarrassed, but the taste coupled with the warm thick feeling in his blood and leg bones was more than worth it. As much as he felt like he should be concerned about that, he really didn't think it was that big of a deal.

He swallowed and was reaching for more when he heard hoofsteps approaching. A female guard came towards him, a mug held in her mouth. She was an earth pony and because of the armor's enchantment, she appeared the uniform white color.

"Hey Cloud, just thought I'd bring you some coffee." The mystery mare said. Warning bells went off in Cloud's mind. First, she knew his name; second, she was being nice to him for no apparent reason; and finally, she wanted him to drink a beverage for no apparent reason.

"What did you put in it." He deadpanned. She shot him a confused glance before setting the mug on a nearby table. She said,

"I just felt bad cause I'd never talked to you before. I really only noticed you at the banquet and wanted to extend this friendly gesture." She grinned. She placed the mug next to Cloud. Cloud picked up the mug and before drinking took a cautious sniff. It smelled fine, not a bad smelling prank. He cautiously took a sip while the mare continued,

"My names Heart Seeker, by the way." She announced while Cloud cautiously drank his coffee, a strange but not unpleasant taste following the bitter drink. After he finished it he said,

"Well, um, thanks I guess, I-" he was cut off by her asking,

"Do you like my new eyeshadow, I'm trying out a new color." As he looked into her eyes, his eyes snapped open, the storm grey orbs dulling slightly. He couldn't think straight, but who cared, he just wanted to stare at the gorgeous mare in front of him forever. As he grew a dopey grin, the mare smiled,

"That prize is as good as mine."

------------------------

As lunch rolled around, the one group of game playing mares, minus their leader Heart Seeker, went into lunch. They all froze when they saw her sitting not by herself, but beside Cloud. He was smiling oddly as he pressed up against her, resting his head on her shoulder. Heart Seeker grinned maliciously at the mares.

"Well girls, looks like I win." The mares were shocked, why would he be with her? He had a marefriend and from the looks of it during the banquet, was really in love with her.

"W-what? How?" One of the group asked. Heart responded by moving so she could place his head on her chest. Cloud looked into her eyes with a dumb smile, looking like a lovesick puppy.

"Well, I just convinced him who the better mare was, we haven't mated or kissed... yet." She said before leaning in to plant a kiss on Cloud's lips. Before she got to close, Cloud spasmed and attempted to jerk away, a look of sheer agony on his face as he clasped both hooves to his head and before Heart could stop him, bashed his head into the table. He looked up at the group and croaked,

"Help!" Before snapping back around and upon seeing Heart, grew that same dopey grin. The newcomer, a mare named Maple Wood gasped before pulling Closer away from the stunned Heart Seeker and snarling at her.

"I recognize these symptoms, you have him under a love poison! That's why he's with you! And that's why he was staring into your eyes so weird!" Heart looked stunned.

"B-but nopony can resist... wait, how do you know about that!" She growled.

"Easy, they added classes on Charm spells after a case if somepony misusing the want-it need-it spell a while back." She kept a firm grip on Cloud. Keeping his head turned away from Heart despite his struggling.

"Girls, keep Heart distracted, in order for the poison to wear off he has to not look into her eyes for a whole hour!" Before dashing off with Cloud dragging behind her. He kept smacking himself to try to resist the effects but was fighting an uphill battle. After he was locked in a closet, his mind became semi rational momentarily. He looked down at a cut he'd aquired and noticed rather than red, his blood was acid green.

"That's not normal." He gasped before shuddering and began breaking the door down. Moments later he was sprinting down the hallway, trying to find a certain mare.

----------------------

"But captain! She needs to be punished for this! She poisoned another guard!" Maple shouted.

"You don't have any proof newbie." Heart retorted. The captain grit his teeth,

"Maple Wood, if you get proof, I'll be more than happy to punish Heart Seeker. But I am highly doubtful that Miss Seeker would do such a heinous thing." The two mares left the office, one looking dejected and the other smug. A certain faux pegasus trotted up to Maple,

"Excuse me, do you know where Cloud Nine is, I'm here to have lunch with him." Pandora now disguised as "Honey Pot" asked. Maple turned to face her.

"You need to help me keep this mare away from him! She has him infatuated with her because of a love poison! If he locks eyes with her before the hours up, he'll remain under her curse!" After hearing this, Pandora gave the other guard a vicious look.

"Or, he just realized that I'm way better than you in every way you bitch. Just give up, he's mine." No sooner has the words come out before she ran around the two and towards the closet where she knew Maple probably his him. It was the only one with a lock that was close to the cafeteria. As the trio skid to a halt in front of the now ruined door, Maple gasped,

"He's gone!"

Author's Notes:

Heya friends, remember to give me that feed back, and if you want to, drop a like to let me know if you enjoy the story so far!

Let's Talk

Cloud was staring dumbly at the stall door. The effects of whatever he was on appeared to be wearing off. Now he was deep in thought.

"Fifteen minutes, that's not a very long time for whatever drug she gave me to last, but anyway, I'm not complaining." He absentmindedly said. Another realization hit him.

"I should get a new job! That way I can provide a better life for Pandora and I! Then I can buy her a fancy engagement ring, get a better house, heck we could move somewhere better, that's the plan. Now... what do I wanna- Oh crap! Pandoras coming for lunch! I gotta go find her!" Before darting out of the bathroom.

---------------------

"Keep your manipulative, slutty hooves of Cloud!" Pandora yelled before punching Heart Seeker in the face. A large crowd had gathered to watch, the onlookers chanting "chick fight!" And placing bets.

Both now grabbed eachother in grapple, trying to gain the necessary leverage to win. Heart might have had training, but don't nopony f#%k with a mad female changeling. Suddenly hoovesteps came pounding towards them. Cloud screamed,

"Get your hooves off my marefriend!" Which caused Heart to smile in triumph. He was obviously going to attack the other mare, he was still under the poison.

Cloud, rather than help Heart, grabbed her by the leg, and threw her into the wall.

"If you lay another hoof on her, I'll break you in half!" He growled. Pandora wrapped him in a hug and buried her face in his mane.

"Cloud! I was soo worried! I heard you'd been poisoned." She said. Cloud was about to respond when a voice rang out.

"What is the meaning of this!" Shining Armor yelled. The crowd froze.

"Dammit."

-----------------------

"Gaaah... this blows." Cloud moaned as he slumped against the wall of his cell. He, Pandora, Heart and Maple were being held until everything could be sorted out. Pandora turned to Heart Seeker,

"Why'd you do all of this anyway?" She asked. Heart scowled,

"So that jerk Cloud would know how it feels to be rejected. For years I kept trying to ask him out but he always ignored me! So I figured I'd make him love me and then break his heart for wasting my time and spurning my advances!" Pandora blinked in confusion before looking at Cloud who was staring off into space, like usual.

"Wait wait wait, you thought he was rejecting you? How stupid are you, watch." She turned to Cloud.

"Cloud."

"..."

"Oh Clooooud."

"..."

"Cloud I'm pregnant with your child."

"Huh? Oh! Sorry honey, I was thinking about how I wanna try to get a different job." He said with a grin.

"Have been rejecting Heart Seeker's romantic advances for as long as you've been a guard?" Pandora asked.

"Uh? Who?"

Both mares stared at the clueless stallion who now had a confused look on his face.

"What? What'd I say?" Heart smacked her head with a hoof.

"So he wasn't rejecting me, he's just a dumbass?"

"Hey!" Cloud said. Pandora nodded.

"Ugh, now I feel dumb." Heart said. At that moment the captain came back in.

"All right, You guys can go, except for you Heart Seeker." Cloud and Pandora left the dungeon, ready for their lunch.

--------------------------

"So... your blood is green now?" Pandora asked between bites of pizza.

"Yeah... and my cuts healed really fast." He explained.

"And all because... you've been sneaking resin cause you like the taste." She continued.

"Yeah, sorry." Pandora giggled at that.

"I don't mind, so long as it has no bad effects then I can keep you suplied. As... odd as it is, I'm happy to help!" She said with a smile. Cloud wrapped her in a hug. He bolted upright and said,

"Oh! And how do you feel about me changing jobs... and possibly... moving?" He intoned. Pandora pondered that for a second and then replied.

"As long as I have you, I'll be happy." The two shared a hug before Pandora said,

"Now... lets go home. I have something I wanna try."

-----------------------

A lone guard, stripped of his armor, hid from his pursuer. He heard it sniffing around, it's soft voice snarling.

"I'm sooooo... hungry. Come out little pony, I'll take your love by any... means... necessary." Cloud shuddered, fully aware of how she was planning on gathering his love. He froze as he felt a warm, rough tongue slide along his cheek.

"Found you."

The changeling pounced and began dragging him toward the bedroom. She threw him onto the bed before running her tongue across his muzzle. Cloud shuddered before whispering,

"That is both terrifying and arousing. Talk about an adrenaline rush."

"Quiet you, I want your delicious love, and your going to enjoy giving it to me." With that she pulled him into a kiss. The two rolled over,

"Damn, this is kinky."

Author's Notes:

Hey! Feedback welcome! If you want, I'm not going to force you. (Please do though)

Trip Of A Lifetime

Cloud awoke to his favorite sight in the world. Pandora was pressed up against him and smiling gently in her sleep. He pulled her a little closer and planted a kiss on her horn, which caused her to coo happily. His thoughts turned to his plans for later today. Today was the day, he was going to do it. He got out of bed and into the shower, thinking through what he was planning on saying.

"Pandora, I know we've only been together a little while, and well... um." He grimaced. This was going to be harder than he originally thought.

-------------------------

Pandora came to the kitchen just as he stared on breakfast. She gave him a quick kiss before saying,

"So, you ready for our little trip today?" Cloud smiled and nodded.

"Yeah, apparently this is really nice town. It's small, no guard, probably pretty uneventful. It sounds like a nice, quiet place for a changeling and her introvert coltfriend to live." He added. As he gave Pandora some pancakes, he asked her,

"What was it's name again? Something-ville, or burg or, something." He waited until Pandora had slathered her pancakes in syrup, peanut butter, and whipped cream before she spoke,

"It's called Ponyville. And we're visiting to find a potential job and home for us, in case you forgot." She promptly started devouring her creation. Cloud started on his less diabetes inducing pancakes before asking,

"You never told me what love tastes like, I'm kinda curious." Upon hearing his words, Pandora dropped her fork into her almost finished breakfast, her eyes widening. He was about to ask what was wrong before she mumbled,

"I think I can show you now." He stared at her before she continued,

"Your blood is green and your cuts healed really fast, so that means you must have the same stuff in your blood that I do in mine. When saturated with love, changeling blood us acid green, and we have accelerated healing. Now that you have that you should be able to digest nectar." Before he could ask what was going on, Pandora ran to the bathroom. He heard her brush her teeth and then saw a yellow glow under the door. She walked out holding a small blob of golden, waxy stuff that shone faintly.

"This is nectar, it's love energy given physical form. We use it to store love for future consumption but..." Cloud's eyes widened.

"I could eat it to taste love!" He grinned, but grew a confused look when Pandora smeared it along her lips. She gave him a flirtatious smile,

"Well, you have to earn your love, you know. Now pucker up." Cloud wiped his mouth, barely containing his excitement. This was going to be so cool!

Pandora walked over to him before pulling him into a kiss. Almost immediately a delicious taste entered his mouth. It tasted like... honey, and flowers, and a bit of fruit, and pie crust, and so many ither things at once, it was fantastic. He moaned into the kiss and pushed into it harder. After a while the two separated, a golden sheen still covering Pandora's lips from the "lipstick."

"What did it taste like? That was technically my love so I have no idea what it tastes like." She said.

"Like honey and fruit and pie and, and... a whole bunch of wonderful things. It-it's fantastic! Brilliant! I-I could taste that for days and never get enough!" After hearing his answer Pandora giggled,

"Now you understand why I like cuddling so much. For me not only do I get to cuddle with a hunky stallion, but I get tons of love!" Cloud smiled before giving her another quick peck and starting on his now cold pancakes.

----------------------------

Cloud looked at his reflection in the mirror, psyching himself up for what he planned to do before arrival.

"Ring? Check! Necklace for when in disguise to wear ring on? Check! Fealing of self-worth? Well... two out of three is good." He was interrupted by another knock on the door.

"Could you hurry it up!" The unknown ponies asked. Cloud yelled back,

"I'm in the middle of something pretty important so chill!" He looked back into the mirror before slumping his head towards it.

"What if she says no? She might think it's too soon. Or maybe she doesn't want that and wants to be what we are now forever? Oooh..." the pony on the other side of the door said,

"Do that outside! There plenty of room!" Cloud yelled back,

"There's no mirror so I can be dramatic! Now cool it!" He looked back at himself before sobbing,

"I'm in a glass cage of emotions!" and banging his head on the door.

-------------------------------

Upon returning to their compartment, Cloud asked the undisguised Pandora,

"Um... can I ask you something?" She turned and motioned for him to continue.

"Well, I know we've only been dating a little while, but, I really love you and, well, I just know I wanna spend my life with you. I know it's a little fast, but I'm anything but normal so... would you?" He presented the ring, "marry me?"

Pandora sat in stunned silence. Cloud continued,

"I know it's not very romantic, but I figured that, well, train rides have always been really good for out relationship, so... But don't worry, we'll still have a romantic dinner I just--"

"Yes."

Cloud froze, "What?"

Pandora looked up with tears in her eyes,

"Yes Cloud, I will marry you. I would still marry you every if you asked me in the middle of the dump. I just... I can't believe..." she pounced on him and hugged him close. As she was hugging him, Cloud slipped the ring over her horn. It was a simple white gold band with a sapphire in the middle. She looked up at him and said,

"I-it's beautiful." She promptly buried her head in his dark blue fur. The two didn't let go until the station was easily seen. As they separated Pandora said,

"Y-your coats not grey anymore." Cloud looked at his miw dark blue coat and smiled. It hadn't been like this since middle school.

"I guess the sappy answer would be that you've brought color back into my life." They both smiled before Cloud pulled the changeling close, breaths playing across each other's mussels.

"I love you Pandora."

"And I love you Cloud."

The two shared another kiss before Pandora disguised and the two disembarked.

Author's Notes:

Happy singles awareness day everyone! Remember to like or comment if you want to, and, that even if you don't have a valentine, you still have me. If that doesn't depress you that you're stuck with a wacko like me, I don't know what will. Ciao!

Party... OF PAIN

Pandora hopped around in excitement. Cloud had actually proposed! They were going to get married sometime! As Cloud walked over with their saddlebags Pandora pressed into his side.

"Well someone's feeling cuddly." Cloud said before wrapping a wing over her. She pressed her cheek into his shoulder before replying,

"Well it's not every day you become someone's fiancé." Cloud rolled his eyes before kissing her on the cheek.

The two walked a short while before Pandora paused in front of a shop entitled "Quills and Sofas."

"Hey Cloud, maybe we should look into getting more furniture incase we do move here?" Cloud shrugged before following her inside.

Upon entering the two were surprised at the amount of furniture crammed into the relatively small store. They passed beds and sofas galore before stopping at a small pillow display.

"Maybe we should get some new pillows? You really could use some on your couch." Pandora's muttered before picking up a brown pillow. Cloud looked thoughtful before saying with a smirk,

"We could get three, two for the couch and one for the bang sanctum." Pandora tilted her head and shot him a questioning look.

"Where's the bang sanctum?"

Cloud leaned in close and said, "Drop the disguise and you'll find out." Before winking seductively. Pandora blushed before smacking him.

"Cloud!" She looked around before saying in a sensual voice,

"Wait until we get to the hotel room, then I'm more than happy to come with you to the bang sanctum." And nuzzling his cheek slowly. Cloud's wings shot out before he hoof-pumped and hissed "Yes!"

As the two left the store, they passed by a bakery. Pandora shot Cloud a pleading look from under his wing which caused Cloud to turn and walk inside. Upon entering, the two were met with a host of delicious smells. Pandora trotted over to a table and waved Cloud towards the counter. Cloud sighed, he might not like talking, but Pandora still was hesitant to even walk around other ponies without Cloud beside her. As Cloud returned with their orders (which he hoped was right, Pandora's had mouthed something that looked like "peanut butter pie" but he wasn't sure) he found her playing with the ring on the necklace she was wearing, a blissful expression on her disguised face. As he sat down the tray, she snuggled into his side and said,

"I still just can't believe... I mean, this huge! We're going to need to plan a wedding, figure out who's invited, who's officiating it... all if it!" She sighed before wrapping Cloud's wing around her and grabbing her pie. As they ate Cloud asked,

"Umm... Pandora? Just a question but, how do you feel about kids?" Pandora hummed thoughtfully before saying,

"Nymphs are cute! Although maybe foals is more appropriate seeing as I'm a pony right now."

"Are changelings and ponies, you know... compatible?" Pandora blinked before saying,

"I think so? Maybe? I guess we'll find out." Cloud thought for a moment before saying,

"Do you think that you'll ever ask Princess Celestia about staying her as a changeling, you know, so you wouldn't have to worry about being attacked?" Pandora's sighed,

"I really don't want to, not only would that draw all sorts of attention to me, but she'd probably have her scientists 'study' me. I just don't want to become a lab rat for a bunch of ponies to poke and prod and dissect. Also, there would be no chance for a normal life for us. Ponies would always stare, and gossip, and just treat me like, like a freak. I was stupid to be so optimistic before but..." she was cut off by Cloud squeezing her gently.

"I understand, I wouldn't want that either and I will do everything to ensure you're never found out." She smiled before hugging him back.

---------------------------

"Well, this one's perfect!" Cloud told Pandora. After visiting several houses they had found one that was both the right size and the right price. Now all that was left was to follow a lead on a job Cloud had found. Apparently some fancy restaurant needed a violinist to play with their ensemble. Cloud didn't know why a restaurant had an ensemble rather than recorded music, but he didn't care. Just as they were about to leave, a loud gasp was heard behind them. As they turned they saw a pink blur speed away and then return with a wagon in tow. She breathed in before music started playing from the cart.

"Welcome! Welcome! Welcome! A warm welcome to you!..." as the song progressed with a confused looking Cloud as it's audience, he turned to find Pandora's missing. Before he could find her the pink mare from before started babbling.

"HimynamesPinkiePieandyoumustbenewherecauseIknoweveryponyinthistownbutIdon'tknowyousonow,*gasp!* I NEED TO THROW YOU A PARTY!" And dashing off.

"...what just happened?" Cloud said. Moments later an embarrassed Pandora landed beside him.

"Sorry I just, kinda panicked." Cloud smiled and kissed her cheek.

"I understand, honestly, that was pretty... odd." He wrapped his wing around her and trotted off.

--------------------------------

Cloud couldn't keep the small smile off his usually blank stare. They said they'd hire him when he moved here! The hours were good, the pay was surprisingly good. Things were looking up. As they approached the bakery from before, Cloud noticed a sign that said "Free cupcake if you're a blue and grey pegasus stallion who's new in town." Cloud stared at it, followed by Pandora.

"There is no way that's not a trap." Cloud said. Pandora nodded. Cloud slowly circled around the building, keeping his eyes on the dark doorway. Suddenly a snare pulled taunt around his back right hoof. He was quickly dragged towards the doorway. Before he disappeared he said to Pandora,

"Fly you fool." And the door slammed shut. Moments later a loud "Surprise!" rang out. Pandora ran to the back door of the building, as she stared at the door, she changed her disguise to be a unicorn so she could unlock it. She slipped her ring onto her horn and headed inside.

Cloud was not happy. After being dragged inside and everyone yelled "surprise" the pink mare from earlier arrived with five other ponies.

"Hiya! Remember me! I'm Pinkie Pie, you know you were all looking at a house and I was all *gasp* and I sang and then I was like *gasp* I need to throw you a party! And then I did! Do you like it?" She asked the unamused looking stallion. He just looked at her and then glanced at her friends. A purple unicorn stepped out and said,

"Please excuse her, she gets excited about things like this. My name is Twilight Sparkle." She said. An orange earth pony followed.

"Ahm Applejack, pleased ta meat ya! Mah family runs Sweet Apple Acres, producers of the finest apples this side ah the Everfree Forest." A cyan blue pegasus followed,

"I'm Rainbow Dash, only the awesomest flyer ever! You've probably heard of me." She said with a cocky grin. Her egotism reminded Cloud of his brother... he hated his brother. Before he could change his blank look to a scowl, a white unicorn with a carefully styled mane cleared her throat.

"Now now Rainbow Dash, this isn't the place for lengthy bragging. I'm Rarity, pleasure to make your acquaintance." Cloud nodded to them all before Pinkie dragged a shivering yellow pegasus towards them. The pegasus squeaked and whispered,

"M-my n-named f-fluttershy." The last part was barely audible but Cloud got the gist of it. Twilight stepped up,

"I don't recognize you, care to introduce yourself." She said with a polite smile, steering the conversation towards him.

"I'm Cloud." He said. They looked at him expectantly despite the many ponies partying around them. He sighed,

"Full name, Cloud Nine. I live in Canterlot, I intend to move here shortly." Rarity gasped,

"Canterlot! Oh I simply adore Canterlot! The culture, the fashion, the shopping! All of it's simply devine." She was interrupted by Pinkie grabbing all of then and pulling them to a corner around a bottle.

"Nothing helps ponies become friends faster than truth or dare spin the bottle!" Cloud was about to protest when Rainbow Dash cheered and slapped the bottle, sending it spinning. It landed facing Cloud.

"Yes! Now, truth or dare!" She said. Cloud was about to protest when Applejack noticed his expression and mouthed "just ho with it." Cloud shrugged,

"Truth."

"Your name's Cloud Nine, so that means you must be a member of the Cloud family and if so... do you know Godspeed Cloud! Is he like your cousin or something!" Cloud opened his mouth but Twilight cut in,

"Cloud family?" Rainbow nodded.

"Yeah, it's like the Apple family of Cloudsdale. They've been around a really long time and have had lots of wonderbolts in the family and stuff like that." Twilight nodded before gesturing for Cloud to continue. He sighed,

"Yes, I know Godspeed." The bottle glowed yellow.

"Ooh! You're hiding something! Spill it spill it!" Pinkie cheered while bouncing.

"Why?" Cloud asked.

"Well, those are the rules. The bottle's enchanted to be a lie detector. So explain how you know him." Cloud shook his head. Rainbow scowled,

"Come on! Just tell us! It's only natural to be jealous of an awesome pony like him but you need to tell us! It's part of the game... also so you can get me his autograph!" She practically squeaked out the last part.

"I'm not jealous of him." Cloud said. The bottle glowed green. Cloud briefly wished Pandora was with him but thought better of it when he saw the crowd. Rainbow continued,

"What? Whadda ya mean you're not jealous." Cloud just shrugged. Twilight cleared her throat,

"You still haven't said how you know him." Cloud scowled.

"He's my brother." Rainbow started laughing,

"Bwahahah! His brother! You expect me to believe that! I know for a fact he only has a sister!" Her laughing died off when the bottle glowed green.

"Wait! What!? You're really his brother! But... how come they never mention you in the interviews!" Cloud stared at her.

"That's not in the question, my turn." Rainbow looked to Twilight hopping she'd interfere. Twilight shook her head before gesturing towards the bottle as Cloud spun it. It landed on Pinkie. He was about to ask when Pinkie shouted "Dare!" He blinked before sighing.

"I dare you to play upside down the rest of the game." Pinkie immediately balanced on her head and spun the bottle. It landed on Cloud, again. He sighed,

"Dare."

"I dare you to answer Rainbow's other question!" He turned to Rainbow with a glare. Rainbow was smirking in satisfaction as Cloud said.

"They don't mention me because I'm not his brother anymore." The bottle glowed green and before anyone could complain he spun the bottle. It landed on Fluttershy. She squeaked in panic and began shaking uncontrollably. Cloud decided to go easy on her.

"Truth or dare." He said. He heard a squeak that sounded like "truth" so he continued,

"Um... is it true you... like..." he glanced at her cutie mark," like butterflies?" Fluttershy perked up and nodded happily.

"Oh yes, but, um... I like all animals really." She turned and gently spun the bottle. Cloud saw his chance and slipped away. As he started searching for the door he sighed in relief. That was the worst game he had ever played. Now he just wanted to find Pandora and leave. He was interrupted by Pinkie yelling to her friends.

"He's over here!" She called.

"Oh hell." Was all he could say before he was facing the pink mare and her now dizzy friends. She sniffed a little.

"W-why'd you leave? A-aren't you enjoying the party?" She said, mane deflating a little. Cloud didn't even blink.

"I hate parties." Upon hearing this the pink mare gasped like he had just insulted her mother.

"H-hate parties?! But nopony hates parties!" He just kept up his stare.

"Perhaps he simply doesn't enjoy crowds much like Fluttershy. That could be a reason, no?" He was about to add his two bits when he felt something get shoved into his mouth. He tried coughing it out but was slapped on the back, causing it to go down his throat accompanied by an oddly familiar taste.

"Pinkie! You can't just force-feed ponies cupcakes!" Twilight said.

"But he need one to turn that frown upside down." Pinkie groaned. They were interrupted by Cloud's loud coughing. He knew he recognized that taste! Now he could feel his throat swelling. He frantically reached for his saddlebags but realized that Pandora still had them. He didn't have his Allergy shot. He started wheezing and coughing more frantically as he scanned the crowd for the door. He had to find a hospital, fast! A unicorn who looked remarkably like Pandora's disguised form ran up.

"Cloud there you are! I've been looking all over and- um... are you all right?" She said. Cloud shook his head before attempting to communicate via frantic hoof gestures. Pinkie instead started excitedly chattering to Pandora.

"Well Cloud was all frowny face so I fed him a cupcake but now he keeps coughing all weirdly. Hi! My name's Pinkie Pie! What's yours!" She said excitedly. Pandora looked at Cloud and her eyes went wide.

"What was in that cupcake!"

"Well, flour and sugar and-" she was interrupted by Pandora grabbing her shoulders.

"What kind of cupcake was it!" Pinkie blinked before producing another white cupcake out of nowhere.

"Well my famous coconut cream surprise of course!" Pandora's gasped before she started frantically rooting through the saddlebags on her back. Twilight looked confused,

"What's going on?" By now a crowd had gathered around the choking pegasus, but no one knew what to do.

"He's really allergic to coconut!" Pandora shouted before pulling his medicine syringe out of the bags and removing it from its sleeve. Twilight gasped and Pinkie gave a worried "oh no." Cloud was touched she remembered that, but was more concerned with not dying given he literally couldn't breathe at the moment. Pandora jabbed the needle into his flank and pushed the plunger. Almost immediately his throat started clearing and he gasped for air. Pandora pulled him to his hooves and he leaned up against her. Hugging her gratefully. Twilight was about to say something before Pandora said,

"Um... I think I'm going to take him to the hospital, just... please don't follow us." And leading the still gasping Cloud out of the building. Upon their exit silence reigned over the crowd. Pinkie gulped and looked sheepishly at the now glaring Twilight.

"Um... sorry?"

Author's Notes:

Hey everyone! How's it going, how's life. Let me know if you like the story, or if you don't. And remember, uh, [insert lame joke here].

Well At Least The Hospital's Nice

Cloud was really not happy right now. He was slumped in a sterile, white hospital room with Pandora tucked against his side. Pandora had rushed him here and he was admitted at once. He was at no risk but the doctor had insisted he stay overnight so they could watch him, just in case. It was morning now and Cloud was hungry. He started when he felt the now unicorn Pandora stir against him. The fact that the residents of Ponyville knew her as a unicorn was definitely going to cause problems. She hugged him and rested her head on his stomach only to leap out of bed when what sounded like a manticore growl came from his stomach. Cloud winced apologetically.

"Sorry, I'm kinda hungry from getting my stomach pumped." He chuckled. That had definitely been one of the most uncomfortable experiences of his life. Upon realizing he still had the cupcake inside him, the doctor had ordered it be removed to prevent further complications. Pandora perked up before smiling.

"Well, since you're not allowed to leave yet, I'll go get some donuts from Sugar Cube Corner! You want sour cream, right?" She chirped, not literally because she was in disguise. He'd heard her chirp before and it was adorable, but before his mind could wander even more, she jumped out the window.

"You could have used the door!" He shouted after her. He sighed before slumping against the headboard of his hospital bed. The door to his room opened to reveal the six mares from last night.

Celestia help me!

He stared blankly as they shuffled inside. The purple unicorn he remembered as Twilight nudged the pink menace from before. She looked... different, he mane was straight and her coat colors looked...muted.

"I *sniff* I'm s-sooooooooooo *sniff* sorry I *sniff* force-feed you coconut. Like w-with a c-capital 'S' and a capital 'ORRY.'" She sniffed while looking miserable. Cloud sighed,

"I forgive you, you didn't know." He said. Pinkie shivered,

"I-Is there any way I can make it up to you so w-we can still be friends?" She whimpered.

Since when have I been their friend?

He sighed,"Just... stop doing that." He said while gesturing to the begging Pinkie. She nodded before slinking back over to her friends. The orange one, Applejack maybe?, patted her on the back. The egotistical blue pegasus from the interrogation at the party sighed,

"Great, she apologized, can we just go already I skipped breakfast for this." She moaned. A blue aura grabbed her tail.

"Ahem, you still haven't apologized for your deplorable behavior during the game last night yet." Rarity said.

"Why do I have to apologize! I didn't do anything!" Rainbow cried. Applejack cocked an eyebrow at her.

"Ya darn near pulled ah bad cop on him ta get a silly little autograph! It just ain't right ta go askin questions ahbout somepony's privit life like that and dahmand they anser." She growled. Rainbow sighed before mumbling out a "I'm sorry" and flying out the window. Fluttershy went to close the window while Rarity walked right up to Cloud.

"I'm so terribly sorry about that whole fiasco at the party. If there's anything I can do to help, just let me know." She said with a smile. Cloud smiled back before nodding,

"That's very nice of you, thanks. Though I don't know how much you could do given I don't live here yet." Cloud stated. Suddenly, unbeknownst to all, Pinkie had an idea of how to cheer Cloud up and make Rarity happy all at the same time.

----------------------------
(Earlier)

"Alright girls, we ready to head out?" Twilight asked as she approached the group sitting around her table. With a nod the six friends headed towards the hospital. Pinkie was walking beside Rarity and asked,

"Hey Rarity, what do you think about Cloud? He seems quiet right?" Rarity thought for a moment before wistfully saying.

"I don't know yet. For all we know, he could be some lost rouge disavowed by his family who became a Canterlot noble. He probably holds all his emotions inside, just waiting for a beautiful mare to come and make his life complete. Oh he's something like out of a romantic story!" She squealed, forgetting that none of that was confirmed in the slightest. Pinkie snickered,

"Sounds like you've got a cruuuuuuush." She singsonged. Rarity blushed,

"What, n-no! Although I do admit the strong silent type is definitely an attractive prospect. And he is a little bit handsome, even more so when he smiles... ok, I'll admit I wouldn't mind getting to know him better." She said with a light giggle.

----------------------------

Before Rarity could move away, Pinkie was suddenly pushing both of their heads together. Rarity yelped as she was pulled towards Cloud, who flailed before widening his eyes as their lips connected. Pinkie cheered,

"Yay! I knew we needed more smoochies!" Before moving away, leaving the startled duo without their support. They toppled back, lips still locked together as Cloud tried to pull away bringing Rarity closer accidentally. A box could be heard falling to the floor and a gasp rang out. Cloud barely caught sight of a honey yellow tail running off before he managed to move away and shot Pinkie a venomous glare, which was followed by Raritie's a moment later.

"What the hell!" Cloud shouted as Rarity as lept off the bed. Pinkie looked confused,

"W-what's wrong? You guys were totally into each other so I just gave you a bump!" Rarity coughed to try to dispel the blush on her cheeks.

"You can't just make two ponies kiss like that! It defeats the purpose!" Rarity cried. Pinkie pouted,

"Well I just saved you time to try to make you happy. It's not the end of the world. I mean, duh! You wear sooo going to ask her out, right Cloud?" She said with a smile. Cloud's glare intensified,

"No I wasn't! I had no intention of ever asking any of you out given the fact that I'M ENGAGED!" He snarled.

Pinkie gulped," Um, at least she didn't see it!" She shakily said. Twilight spoke up,

"She wouldn't happen to be the unicorn who dropped the donuts, is she? Off white coat, yellow mane by any chance?" Cloud nodded before turning to Pinkie and growling out,

"You're fixing this. If you cause her to run away and me never be able to find her, there'll be hell to pay. So if you could please find her then you could be so kind as to explain everything!" He asked in a falsely sweat tone of voice. There was no question though, he wasn't asking.

-------------------------

"A-and he was j-just sitting there kissing her. I-I mean I know I'm ugly b-but to have an affair before we even get married! I just--" Pandora devolved into sobs, the nurse closest to her pulling her into a hug. One nurse stormed over and said,

"Honey, you didn't do anything wrong, and you jus stop that 'I'm ugly' talk right now. Now stand up! And all us gonna go up and show that two timein', no good dog and his little hussy marefriend what happenes to their type round here. Gurl he betta be glad we in a hospital cause Imma bout to make him wish he was never born!" The rest if the nurses cheared, fire in their eyes. Pandora was led along the middle of the group by a mare with a white coat and pink mane.

"T-their not going to actually hurt him, are they?" She shakily said. She still loved him, even if he was bored of her, and didn't want him to get hurt.

"Oh no, we're nurses! We swore an oath not to harm." The nurse said while rubbing Pandora's shoulder. She cracked her neck and narrowed her eyes,

"But I have some choice words for you fiancé."

Author's Notes:

Hey everyone! Just a reminder that I do not condone leading an army of angry nurses against a cheating fiancé. So please, just don't.

How Could This Happen To Me!

Cloud nervously tapped his hooves together. It was just him, Twilight and Rarity now given that Pinkie was searching for Pandora and Applejack and Fluttershy left to attend to their respective jobs. Just as Cloud started pacing the door was thrown open and a bunch of nurses stormed in with a nervous Pandora at the front.

"Um, C-cloud I know you m-might be tired of me b-but we should talk about--" she quietly started before one nurse stepped up.

"Nu-uh, honey you ain't done nothin wrong, so just you leave this jerk to me!" She stated before menacingly stalking towards Cloud. Cloud looked more confused than intimidated but that changed when he saw all the nurses advancing. Did that one seriously have a baseball bat! Twilight stepped between the two parties,

"N-now now, this has all been a huge misunderstanding." She began, only to stop when everyone began shouting at once. It took a little while, but finally Twilight shouted "QUIET!" And silence reigned.

"Now! As I said! This is all a huge misunderstanding! Cloud was forced to kiss Rarity by Pinkie who thought he was single and-- wait where's Cloud?"

-----------------------------------

Cloud huddled in an alleyway rocking back and forth nervously. He had just started enjoying life! He sure as hell wasn't going to hang around and die a slow death at the hooves and needles of a bunch of ticked off mares. His unwarranted bout of self-loathing was cut short when he heard a voice from the entrance of the alleyway.

"Umm... you doing alright back there?" He looked up to see a mint green unicorn, a cream colored earth pony with a blue and pink mane, and a grey and blonde pegasus looking at him with concern. Cloud shook his head before returning to his mental freakout. The earth pony perked up.

"Oh I remember you! You're that new stallion that Pinkie threw a party for. I'm sorry about the entire snare thing she gets a little... caried away at times." She said cheerfully. Upon the mention of... her, Cloud shuddered. The unicorn spoke up,

"Oh come on, it's not that bad, sure she forced you to attend a party but it's not the end of the world!" She said cheerily. The pegasus immediately spoke up.

"Um... did you miss when she poisoned him, cause that would be pretty scary to me." She said, golden eyes drifting in different directions. All the mares winced at that, Cloud chose then to speak up.

"And then come to apologize, only to wind up ruining my engagement by forcing me to kiss another mare thus making look like I was cheating on my fiancé who already has pretty low self worth. Which led her to lead an angry mob of sassy nurses armed with needles and baseball bats who probably wanted to break me in half, sew me back together, and then charge me an exorbitant amount that would not be payed by my insurance." He mumbled while remaining curled up and staring listlessly at the alley wall. The mares gasped and the pegasus quickly wrapped him in a hug and began slowly stroking his mane.

"There there, I-I know it seems bad, but, well, we'll help you! I know a nice muffin always helps cheer me up when I'm feeling sad. So lets go get some muffins and figure out how to help fix your relationship." She said with a cute smile. Cloud looked up at then in disbelief.

"R-really? You'd just help me like that?" He asked in bewilderment. The other two joined the hug as the pegasus continued.

"Of course! I mean, I'm hopeing we can be friends since you seem really nice!" At her words the unicorn and earth pony smiled and nodded.

"Wow, just, thanks. My name's Cloud by the way." He added while still in the middle of the spontaneous group snuggle. The pegasus smiled,

"I'm Derpy Hooves, nice to meet you!"

"My name's Bonbon!" Added the earth pony.

"And I'm Lyra!"

"Now, enough dilly dallying! It's muffin time!" Derpy cheered before leading the group towards the bakery.

--------------------------------

"I can't believe this! I already told Pinkie she can't just randomly do stuff to cheer up the patients! She has to clear it with a nurse first!" Groaned a nurse by the name of Tenderheart. The white and pink one spoke up,

"Yeah, after the adjustable bed incident I specially told her, I even wrote it down and taped it to her forehead cause she keept on not listening!" Pandora cringed,

"Ohhh, I blew it, I should have known not to run off, I was so stupid!" She said before slumping to the floor.

"Well, you should probably go find him and clear this all up, he seemed to be taking it pretty hard." Twilight said.

"But, what if he starts avoiding me because I overreacted!" Pandora groaned in response. Rarity placed a hoof on her shoulder.

"From what I've seen, he truly cares for you. So chin up! And go win back your stallion!" She cheered.

"Y-yeah! I'm going to go win my stallion back! Look out Cloud, cause when I find you, I'm going to Prench you so hard your mouth's going to fall off!" Pandora firmly stated before diving out the window leaving a crowd of stunned mares behind her.

"Wait, we never did get her name." Rarity stated.

-------------------------------------

"How's the muffin Cloud?" Bonbon cheerily asked.

"It's good, thanks. Now, what you're saying is I need to make a huge romantic gesture to not only make her forget the entire accidental kiss, but to make her love me even more?" Cloud asked in between bites if muffin. Derpy lifted her mussle from her third muffin,

"Mphm *gulp* you've gotta knock the tale off her, now, what are three of her favorite things?" Cloud thought a moment. Three things she likes most, hmm....

"Peanut butter, snuggling, and sex." Cloud said assuredly. Bonbon spewed out a mouthful of milkshake while Lyra stared awestruck at Cloud.

"Dude! Like all at the same time? What do you use the peanut butter as lube or something and she like--"

"No! I meant separately like-- wait! That's it! I've gotta combine it all into one massive romantic dinner at the hotel somehow! Lyra you're a genius!" Cloud enthusiastically said. Derpy cleared her throat.

"Um, maybe we should not do that? Cause all the moms are giving us dirty looks." The four ponies looked around to see all the families glaring at them. Lyra blushed,

"Hehe, um... sorry everypony!" Before turning back to Cloud. Bonbon gasped,

"Wait a minute! I've got it! Alright, here's what we'll do..."

Author's Notes:

Boom! You like that, cliffhanger HA! Now there is a sixty-five percent chance you'll be ten percent more inclined to look forward to the next chapter of my story that you're still reading for some reason. What are you masochists? Do you just enjoy having your eyes bleed? Anywho, feel free to comment or like or dislike or stand up and spontaneously dance. Seriously, it's time for a dance break people! Get your buns moving hun!

Shocking Turn Of Events

In the span of a couple hours Cloud, Bonbon and Derpy had almost finished preparations for later. Lyra had run off at some point and had yet to reappear saying something about needing to "write something down before she lost it." And hadn't been seen since. As Bonbon walked out of earshot, Cloud pulled Derpy to the side and whispered,

"You remember the plan for later?" He said with a smirk. Derpy blushed and broke out in a huge smile.

"You bet I do! I'm so excited I can't keep a straight face!" She squeaked. Cloud covered her mouth with a hoof and hissed,

"Remember, no one can find out!" Derpy nodded before smiling at Cloud and flying off with a wink. Cloud shivered in anticipation. Whether the main plan worked or not, tonight was going to be a good night.

-----------------------------

Cloud frantically flew through the night sky, wind tousling his luxurious grey mane. With sorrow in his eyes Cloud thought about how wrong tonight went.

She left me! She, she broke off the engagement all over some dumb misunderstanding!

Cloud sighed, but inwardly he was glad. He didn't have to worry about his secret anymore. As he silently touched down behind a certain nondescript house, he stopped to fish the key out of its hidding place. He had been waiting for this all day. As he opened the door, he was greeted by the sight of a sleek grey body lounging seductively on a couch. Derpy smoothed her mane out of her face before walking over to great her "unexpected guest," an obvious sway to her curved hips. Cloud practically pounced on her, pulling her into a deep kiss. As their tongues wrestled back and forth, Derpy let out a long moan of longing. As they reluctantly pulled away to breathe, Cloud licked the strand of saliva connecting them still, savoring the taste of the mare with a low hum. Derpy breathlessly panted,

"I've been so looking forward to this, but now we don't even have to worry about being found out." All the while running a hoof through the stallion's grey mane before she pressed closer to him, breathing in his intoxicating scent with a deep breath. Cloud pressed her to his well muscled chest while nuzzling her golden mane before he carried them both to her bedroom. He gently laud her on her back, her hind legs slowly wrapping around his washboard abs. She moaned in delight at the pleasant sensation of his taunt muscles against her. Cloud hungrily kissed the grey mare, moans of pleasure being the only communication they needed. As they reluctantly parted lips, Cloud gently kissed her chest, then slowly started kissing his way down her belly. Derpy moaned as he went lower, tail swishing excitedly against the bed as he continued his downward decent. Just before he could bury his mussle between her legs, Cloud slowly worked his way back up towards her face, crawling slowly up her warm body. Derpy sighed in disappointment before Cloud whispered,

"Spread your legs."

Derpy started but slowly complied as he ran his hooves down her back before bringing them to rest on her plump flanks. He slowly raised himself in preparation before he plunged himself--

"Oh... my... Celestia." Cloud gasped as his eyes continued scanning the pages that he'd found on Lyra's desk. He'd come to find her only to be told by the unicorn to wait in her room while she quickly showered. While he'd expected to find the proper tools to actually style his mane for once, he was not expecting the rather graphic story that he also found. His wings had flared out a while ago, but he couldn't tear his eyes from the rather graphic and descriptive page he was reading.

I-it's like a train wreck, no matter how much I try I just can't look away! This is kinda terrifying, I mean does she expect this to happen, want it to happen? but sweet mercy this surprisingly hot. Wait! Am I getting turned on by a story about myself! Oh hell, this is so wrong. But on the bright side, I have some new ideas to try out in the bedroom.

He turned when he heard a gasp from the doorway. A rather pale Lyra was staring open mouthed at the pages in his hooves.

"W-when did you write this?!" Cloud asked in a shocked voice.

"Y-y-you weren't supposed to see that!" Lyra quickly shouted before gathering the pages in her magic and locking them in a drawer. She turned towards him wide eye'd.

"I will pay you fifty bits to pretend this never happened." Cloud shuddered,

"Honestly, if you had a memory wipe spell I'd prefer that."

-------------------------------

Bonbon waved happily towards Cloud and Lyra as they approached where she and Derpy were hiding. Derpy had already delivered the anonymous letter to Cloud's fiancé based on the description he'd given. Bonbon frowned when she saw Lyra's guilty expression and how traumatized Cloud looked.

Oh please tell me she didn't do what I think she did!

Derpy waved at the pair which prompted a wave in return followed by a shudder by Cloud. Bonbon barely caught him hiss in Lyra's ear,

"Great! Now it's gonna be months before I can get that image of her out of my head!" As Cloud moved into position out in the open, Bonbon grabbed Lyra by the ear.

"Did you do what I think you did!?" Lyra nodded sorrowfully.

"Please tell me it was at least clean!" Lyra shook her head.

"You'll be lucky if he doesn't sue you! This is the eighth time Lyra! And this time the pony you wrote about found your story! I told you to be careful if you're going to insist on doing that!" As Lyra lowered her head even lower in shame, Bonbon suddenly grabbed her shoulders with a look of panic on her face.

"Who was it with. WHO WAS IT WITH!" She growled. Lyra shakily pointed to Derpy causing Bonbon to almost pass out.

"Lyra... please don't do this to me anymore."

--------------------------------------------

Pandora frowned down at the letter she was carrying. It said to go to the veranda by the bridge and was signed "C." She was pretty sure it was Cloud but what was he planning? As she approached she gaped at the beautiful candlelit dinner spread out in the open air building. Cloud was standing at the entrance and smiling happily at her. She quickly checked for onlookers completely missed the three hidden mares before diving towards Cloud, shedding her disguise mid-leap. She latched onto Cloud and immediately kissed him. After she pulled away she started rapidly apologizing.

"Cloud I'm so sorry I should have just stayed and gotten the whole situation I'm just such a dunb bug that I--" She was cut short by a loud scream from the nearby bushes. Cloud pailed as Lyra, Bonbon and Derpy charged into the gazebo, confusion and surprise heavy on their faces.

"Cloud, what the hay is going on, why did your fiancé turn into... that?" Bonbon exclaimed. Cloud raised a hoof before letting out a sigh.

"Just calm down, I can explain everything. But bear in mind what I tell you is a massive secret, as in, if you tell, I WILL find you." He said while wrapping a wing around Pandora who was now hiding behind him. Lyra immediately started nodding in agreement. Bonbon just shrugged and nodded while Derpy smiled.

"Oh please, we're your friends! We're not just going to tell ponies about whatever this is. Besides, so what if she looks a little different, that isn't a bad thing. I mean look at my eyes! I look a bit different and nopony even cares!" She said sweetly. Cloud nodded his thanks before gently pulling Pandora's to his side.

"Well, it's a long story so you might as well get comfortable. So, this is Pandora, she's my fiancé and a changeling. Now changelings are shape shifters who ...." and so Cloud launched into a quick rendition of how he and Pandora first met, prompting a chorus of "daw"s and "ohhhh"s. By the time he had finished the entire group had eaten the entire spread on the table and were preparing to head home. The three mares waved goodbye with promises to not tell anypony and soon Cloud and Pandora were left alone.

"See, that wasn't so bad!" Said Cloud. Pandora smiled before pulling him into a hug.

"But we are never, I repeat NEVER going through that again. I don't care if they were fine with it, they were nice to begin with. But there is no guarantee that anyone else would be." Cloud nodded at that.

"Yep, and I don't intend for anyone else to find out." The two kissed before Cloud shot Pandora a hungry look.

"How about we head to a hotel, I've got some things I want to try."

Author's Notes:

Hey everybody! Did you enjoy the chapter? Good! (I'm assuming you said yes outloud and now look stupid) so here's something you might like to enjoy while your reading! My recipe for quick taco dip! (What, I like cooking and figured that an easy and delicious dip recipe would be welcome... I'm weird okay!) here's what you need.

1+(1/4) cup sour cream
(3/4) cup mayonnaise
1packet taco seasoning of your choice

Step one, get out container (I use those plastic sandwich containers with the lid)
Step two, dump all this crap into container in listed order
Step three, stir the ever living crap out of it till it's all mixed together (preferably while loudly singing along to opera music like I do)
Step four, put that stuff in the fridge and let it sit for a bit (like a fine cheese, let it age a bit)
Step five, stir before you eat with your chip or pretzel of choice

Ps. I use the lowfat variety of sour cream and mayo cause it's better for you and not as oily
Pps. It also makes a pretty good sandwich spread
Ppps. I totally had you going with the whole "sexy fanfic thing" didn't I.

Anywho, Thanks and goodbye!

WHY ARE WE PANICKING!

"Oh Celestia I can barely walk!" Groaned Cloud as they disembarked the train. Last. night had been... interesting. After reaching the hotel room the fact that she'd been discovered finally sank in, which led to two hours of Cloud reassuring Pandora mid-freakout while being used as a teddy bear. His lower half still hadn't recovered from her tight grip.

"I'm really sorry, it's just, if you hadn't stepped in and calmed everyone down, last night could have been a disaster! I would have run off, those mares would know my disguise and I'd never be able to use it again, and then everyone would be suspicious of you, and just... Ugh, it makes my head hurt!" Pandora sighed as Cloud gently patted her on the back.

"Hey, don't worry! I would have fixed it even if it did all go to tartarus in a tumbler. I have a little while before work so we could do something to help you relax." Cloud reassured while striking towards his home. They started when they saw a pony running in their direction holding a purse in his mouth while a mare yelled,

"My handbag!"

Cloud assessed the situation quickly and reacted accordingly. He lept forward and close lined the pony while shouting "C'mere boy!" In his mist intimidating voice. As the pony gasped Pandora jumped on his back and started yelling at him while slapping him across the face.

"You mean *slap* evil *slap* wicked *slap* bad *slap* and nasty *slap* pony! Stealing is a horrible thing to do and I just, I just!" She started breathing deeply while the stallion screamed in an abnormally high pitched voice,

"Help! Help! Somepony get this crazy mare off me! Call a guard! I was framed! I plead the fifth!" He yelp as Cloud pulled him upright and glared at him, the stallion collected himself before haughtily saying,

"Listen you brute! I have a very good lawyer! So let me go and I might not press charges!" Pandora stalked up and glared at him.

"Press charges!? You robbed someb-pony! If anypony is getting in trouble it's you!" The stallion scoffed.

"Oh please, who would a guard believe, you, or me. I'm just a helpless victim and unfortunately there wasn't a guard around to say otherwise, now release me!" Cloud smirked before pulling a badge out of his saddlebags.

"Sorry, but a guard did see this." And pressed a small gem in the center of the badge. It glowed and soon two more guards in armor ran towards them. After explaining the situation the guards led the rather peeved pony away. The mare who's purse was stolen shook her head.

"Wow, he wasn't exactly bright, was he. I mean, obviously the guards would believe the three witnesses over him no matter how good his lawyer was. But thank you, you both helped me out a lot, and if there's anything I can do, just come see me. I run a bakery on Celestial Avenue, so if you want some free pastry, I'll hook you up." She waved goodbye before trotting away. Pandora turned to Cloud with a sly look.

"Well well well, look at you mister cool cat, just take down a thief without blinking huh? Mmm, I like it." She said before pressing against. Cloud smiled,

"I can honestly say the more surprising thing was you beating the hell out of him while lecturing him. I mean, did you hear him? I'm pretty sure he was crying for mommy halfway through your beatings of justice." Pandora shuddered.

"Sorry it's just, what a rush! We stopped a robbery! I mean... holy crap!" She squealed while trotting with a bit of a bounce to her step. Cloud smiled before Pandora grabbed him and asked with an excited look on her flushed face,

"Is it just me, or am I super turned on right now." Cloud's eyes widened as he grew his trademark "Yes! Bout to smash!" Grin and nodding excitedly. They both dashed home and almost ripped the front door of its hinges before Cloud picked Pandora up and caried hwr to the bedroom before slamming the door, oblivious to the signs of recent activity in the kitchen.

----------------------------

A very confused pony looked at the open door of Cloud's home.

"Shit, did I leave that open?" He said before entering, closing the door behind him. Upon entering his eyes widened at the massive levels of love filling the house.

"Either sis and edgelord are back, or two ponies broke in and had sex here for some reason." He crept towards the bedroom door. He pressed an ear to it only to hear,

"I don't know, you up for round two?" The ponie's eyes widened.

"Dang! I guess underneath her cute and sweet exterior, Pandora is actually real freaky." He missed the reply only for the door to open and him to go flying after receiving a rather strong punch to the face.

"Who the hell are you! And why are you in my house!" Yelled Cloud.

"Dude, chill! It's me, Beat!" The changeling said while dropping his disguise. Cloud sighed before helping him up.

"Question still stands, why are you here." Beat paused to wave to a confused Pandora before explaining.

"Well, I don't really have a house, and I got sick so I was like, 'Hey! My sis and her cf are pretty chill, Ima hang there till I'm better." But you were gone, so basically I've been squatting her for a little bit." Cloud sighed before putting his armor on.

"Whatever, I can't deal with this right now. I'm going to work, don't burn my house down." Cloud promptly left the building.

---------------------------

Cloud stared in confusion at the guards running around in a panic. He turned as a stallion ran up and breathlessly said,

"Oh thank *gasp* Celestia! We, we need all the guards we can get!"

"What's going on?" Asked Cloud. The guard paused to catch his breath before explaining.

"Well, after her trip to Manehatten, Princess Mi Amore Cadenza demanded the wedding be moved to next week! And not only that, but Princess Celestia has all guards on high allert! So here's what you need to know, until further notice, you and High Keep will be guarding the hallway that leads to the kitchens. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to reach the city wall." He them dashed off leaving an even mire confused Cloud.

"Wait, she moved the wedding forward two months?! What a bitch!"

Author's Notes:

Sorry this was a little late, got pretty busy. If you're reading this, you know the drill. Just... yeah

When Life Gives You Stress, Get A Changeling

Cloud was placing any belongings that were in his locker into his saddlebags while pondering the interesting conversation he'd had with a certain High Keep.

----------------------------

"Hey uh... you." High Keep nervously asked.

"Yeah?"

"You seem like a pretty chill stallion so... can I ask you something?" He winced, expecting to be ignored. Cloud sighed,

"Sure." Keep started before taking a deep breath.

"Howdoyouknowifyou'regayornot." He rapidly said. Cloud blinked.

"What?" Keep sighed before saying slower than before,

"Um... how do you tell if you're gay. I mean, do you get like a vision or you piss a rainbow or what?" Cloud looked at him incredulously, before shaking his head.

"Well, are you attracted to mares or stallions?" Keep tapped his chin in thought.

"I don't know." Cloud turned to face him.

"What do you mean you don't know?" Keep shrugged.

"I'm just so confused, I mean, am I attracted to mares? Or is that just my response based off the pressing social stigma of mare and stallion relationships? I mean, I think some mares are hot, but I've found myself thinking the same about some stallions too. Just yesterday I found myself staring at Muscle Bound after training and was like 'damn, he looks hot all muscly and sweaty like that' and I'm just... I don't know anymore." Cloud frowned.

"You realize you can like both, right?" Keep looked at him in surprise.

"You can?!" Cloud nodded, a bewildered look on his face.

"Yeah, you know, if you're bi you like both mares and stallions. Of course it could also be inter species too. I once dated a gryphon." Keep slumped to the floor.

"I forgot about that! I could be into gryphons or something like that. Great, now I don't know if I'm gay or straight AND now I don't know which species I like." Cloud facehoofed.

"You don't have to choose between them, by my guess, you're bi! And besides, if you find yourself liking multiple beings, well, bigamy is technically legal in Equestria." Keep frowned in thought before sighing.

"Well now how am I supposed to date?!?"

-------------------------------

Cloud groaned, he could feel a headache coming on and was almost tempted to use his special supply to forget the entire discussion and High Keep's subsequent rambling about the various merits of each option. Cloud pulled the small bottle out of it's hidding place beneath his wing. The bottle contained a clear substance and bore a label reading "Nepenthe" in his own messy writing. He couldn't stop a pang of guilt that shot through him at remembering how he last used the potion.

I know it was wrong but they found out about Pandora. But taking their memory of an entire hour is still just... no, I did what I had to and then covered it up with Pandora. No one can know or she's at risk. I'll always do what has to be done.

He sighed as he tucked the small bottle away. Some secrets just can't get out.

--------------------------------

Cloud sighed as Pandora gently massaged his back. After hours of dealing with his new, and very chatty, partner, Cloud needed a break. His adorable changeling fiancé massaging him was more than an improvement on the concept of a break. Beat, in disguise, threw the door open while carrying a plastic bag in his magic. He set the boxes of food on the table before pouring himself a drink.

"If you're gonna be all cuddly and shit, do it in your bedroom, that way I can at least sit down. Also, Cloud buddy, bye sone damn beer. A grown ass stallion like you should have at least a six pack, but Noooooo, you don't drink, f#*€%n hippy." He grumbled. Cloud sighed before he and Pandora moved to the small table.

"How long until you leave?" Cloud groaned. Beat just shrugged before floating a box to Pandora and another one to Cloud. Whereas Pandora had a hamburger, Beat had gotten Cloud a hayburger.

"Hey! Why'd you get me this!" Beat looked up at him and raised an eyebrow.

"Cause you're a pony. Vegetarianism and all that crap." Cloud's response was simply to accept the half of hamburger offered to him by Pandora. As he ate the sandwich, Cloud shuddered at the taste of sweet, juicy meat in his mouth.

"Mph, that's better, thanks babe." He said while wrapping a wing around his fiancé. Beat whistled,

"Damn, you're a right weirdo ain't ya bub." Pandora giggled.

"If you think that's weird, wait until he gets a craving for resin." Cloud shot her a glare while Beat spit out a mouthful of soda.

"You eat that shit!? That's f#€*%n weird bro." Cloud glared at Pandora.

"Well at least I don't PREEN my fiancé while he sleeps!" Pandora gasped.

"Y-you knew? B-but, I always waited until you were asleep!" Cloud rolled his eyes.

"There were some signs, you don't just wake up with glossy, perfectly straight feathers. Also I can fake being asleep too you know." Pandora blushed.

"B-but, Ok fine, I like to preen you. You just look so cute while I'm doing it with this cute little smile and you start sighing all happily and...." she was interrupted by Beat dying laughing.

"Wow, you're perfect for eachother, you're both weirdos!" Cloud gave him a steely gaze.

"Don't think I don't know about the magazine." Beat promptly paled.

"Y-you wouldn't. I mean, chill! It was just a prank bro!" Pandora cocked her head.

"What magazine?" Beat looked at Cloud, a pleading look on his face. Cloud sighed,

"I would tell you, but I need to keep hold of my blackmail." Beat sighed before eating the rest of his burger in one bite.

As Cloud and Pandora were lying in bed, Cloud became aware of a pleasant sensation worming around his feathers.

"Pandora, what are you doing?" Pandora giggled.

"Well I don't have to do it in secret anymore, so I'm preening you. You do have to look sharp for the wedding tomorrow." Cloud sighed before extending his wings si she could reach them better. He wasn't about to admit it, but having someone preen your wings felt almost as good as having sex. Cloud slowly drifted off, already wishing tomorrow was iver with. A bunch of stuck up ponies trying to order him around would not be fun.

-----------------------------

"Hmmmmmmmmm." High Keep scratched his chin while looking at the wide array of magazines in front of him.

"Great! Now I don't know what kind of porn to get!"

Author's Notes:

Hey! Remember to comment or... I'm just being redundant now, aren't I?

What A Wonderful Wedding

Cloud sighed as he continued his patrol. With the big wedding going on, he had the auspicious duty of guarding the reception area. He slowly walked down another hallway and noticed something unusual.

"Why the heck are they screaming? The bride's not that ugly, is she?" To be honest, he had yet to see the bride. As he returned to the large ballroom that was serving as the receptacle for the food, he heard crashes, shouts and other such noises.

"Are you kidding me! JUST WAIT FOR THE BRIDE AND GROOM BEFORE GETTING FOOD YOU NUMBSKULLS!" He shouted as he ran into the room. He stopped when he saw three changelings destroying everything. A number of guards were unconscious on the floor and secured with resin. The changelings turned and lunged at him. He jumped back before ducking under a flying tackle. As the unfortunate changeling sped by, Cloud latched onto its leg and threw it into a second one that was trying to get close. The final changeling paused and snarled at him.

"Surrender pony! Your city is ours!" Cloud cocked an eyebrow.

"Why the hell are changelings running around out of disguise? I kinda thought you tried to be stealthy." The changeling looked surprised.

"What do you know of us pony!" Cloud tapped his chin in thought.

"Well... you feed off of positive emotions, can shapeshift, oh! And changeling venom is no joke! I mean, sheesh, that stuff is the worst! It makes you act all crazy and... yeah." The changeling's jaw dropped. Cloud used this moment to examine it. It looked much like Pandora, except was probably male. It also had some weird blue shell thing on his back. It lowered into a fighting stance.

"Those who know our secrets must die!" The changeling screeched. Cloud facehoofed.

"If you wanted to remain unknown, why attack Canterlot? It'll draw attention, breed negative emotions, and make ponies incredibly suspicious. I mean, what even was your plan?" But rather than answer, he charged at Cloud. Cloud simply sidestepped which caused the enraged changeling to have a very close up view of the wall he ran into. As the changeling crumpled to the ground, Cloud sped off in search of any remaining guards.

"Where the hell are you guys!"

------------------------------------

High Keep kept his laser focus trained on his targets. He had three sets of two pictures each layed out in front of him. Two pictures of a stallion and a mare, two of a male and female gryphon, and two of a male and female zebra. His mission was clear.

"Why is this so hard!?!" He groaned. He'd been trying to rate them all but was too indecisive. Little did he know, a female changeling was slowly creeping up behind him, ready to pounce. She readied herself to sink her fangs into his neck, but instead her curiosity got the better of her.

"Umm... what are you doing?" She asked. High Keep started at the sudden voice, and turned to face the speaker. He was a bit startled by the stranger's, well, strange appearance, but was not overly surprised. He blinked at the newcomer before saying,

"Well, I was trying to rate these ponies based on how attractive I find them, but I can't decide. Hey, do you want to help?" He asked with a hopeful smile. Now it was the changeling's turn to be surprised. She slowly moved beside him and sat where she could see the pictures too. Keep held a hoof out.

"My name's High Keep by the way." The changeling shook it apprehensively.

"Umm... my named Scyllia. Umm... you're not bothered by, you know, how I look?" She quietly asked. Keep turned to look at her before shaking his head. As they turned back to the pictures, Scyllia asked,

"Umm... why are we doing this? If you don't mind me asking." Keep sighed.

"I've been trying to find out if I'm gay or not, but then I found out you can like not only both genders, but other species to! So now I just need to find out which one." Scyllia shrugged before turning to the first photo.

"Umm... this one is of some pony called Soarin. Umm... why did you choose these pictures?"

"Well," Keep began," I looked through different magazines until I found the highest ranked pony for either gender and species so I can see which is my favorite. Now this one was tough, cause there were alot of magazines about ponies." Scyllia nodded before both began examining the photo.

"Well... he has nice muscles, I guess. And he has a nice manecut." High Keep hummed to himself before continuing where Scyllia left off.

"Yeah, and the skin tight suit really accents his hunky chest. I guess he's pretty hot." He moved the next picture over. It was of a green and orange earth pony mare wearing some... questionable clothes.

"Wow, that underwear looks good on her." Keep said.

"Yeah, it makes her butt looks so soft and round. I want to hug it! I bet it'd be so comfy, like a warm pillow or something." Scyllia added before blushing at her rather odd statement. Keep chuckled before wincing.

"Gah! Stupid armor, keeps pinching my hooves. Just a second." He quickly removed his armor revealing his brown coat and orange mane. He looked at the picture again before reading the article.

"Nectarine was voted to have the hottest plot of the year. Huh, well good for her!" They moved onto the next picture of a male zebra.

"Hmmmm... he's got a nice face and a really nice mane." Scyllia said.

"Yeah, and he's got one of those smiles that's both warm and attractive." Keep said with a short nod. He slid the picture of the zebra mare over. He whistled,

"Wow, she looks fit! I bet she could crush a watermelon between her legs or something like that." Scyllia laughed.

"Yeah, she looks like a belly dancer! All lithe and smooth and stuff." She scooted the picture of the female gryphon over. Both their mouths dropped.

"Holy... damn! She looks like she's about to pounce on me and pleasantly maul me!" Keep remarked. Scyllia shook her head to clear it.

"The Gryphon Kingdom must have a lot less censorship than Equestria because, I mean... wow!" They then moved onto the last photo. Keeps eyes widened.

"This guys like a mountain of muscles and testosterone!" Scyllia picked the photo up to further examine it.

"Yeah, this dude is beefy! I'm pretty sure he could accidentally break me in half while hugging me!" Keep sighed.

"This didn't help at all." Scyllia thought before saying to Keep,

"Well, maybe you should find someone you have fun talking with and find pleasant to be around." Keep thought about it before nodding.

"Thanks for the advice! So when are you free?"

"Well, I'm free whenever-wait WHAT!" Scyllia looked in surprise at Keep. Keep just nodded.

"Well, your nice and are fun to talk to, so why not?" Scyllia just opened and closed her mouth like a fish. She shrugged before saying.

"Umm... I guess two days from now we could meet in the park?" Keep nodded.

"It's a date then, bye Scyllia, see you then!" Keep then donned his armor before trotting off. Scyllia sat dumbfounded.

"What just happened?"

-------------------------------------

Cloud raced through the castle corridors, so far he'd encountered lots of rampaging changelings and unconscious guards. He stopped when he heard whimpering coming from underneath a nearby table. He peeked under and saw a strange sight. Curled up under the table was a small changeling foal. As soon as it saw him it scooted away and in a wavery voice said,

"S-stay away! I-I'm warning you I-I'll bite you!" Cloud crouched down to appear non threatening before saying in a calm voice.

"Are you hurt?" The changeling blinked before tilting its head in confusion. Cloud removed his helmet before asking again.

"Are you hurt? Do you need help?" The changeling shook his head and asked,

"Y-you're not going to hurt me? Are you?" Cloud shook his head before scooting away, making room for the changeling to come out from under the table. The foal slowly crawled out, looking around cautiously before standing a short ways away from Cloud. Upon noticing his frightened shivering, Cloud carefully walked over and pulled it into a gentle hug. The foal cowered slightly, but when he realized he wasn't being hurt he slowly relaxed into the hug. As Cloud tried to soothe him he asked,

"What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be with an adult?" He felt the changeling slowly start pressing up against him before saying,

"Um, I kinda snuck along with the swarm since I wanted to see the ponies cause I've always thought ponies were really cool. But then everyone was screaming and running and, and then I got scared so I hid." Cloud sighed before realizing the only real option he had.

"Well I can't just leave you in the middle of a battlefield, and I can't just carry you the entire time because you could get hurt, so how about I take you to my house and you stay with my fiancé. Does that sound good?" The little colt nodded enthusiastically, obviously excited to meet and talk to a real live pony. Cloud placed him on his back and began planning his escape route. He opened a window and was about to jump out when he felt an uncomfortable tickling sensation between his wings. Looking back, he saw his passenger was smiling happily while snuggling his cheek into Cloud's back, right into the sensitive spot between his wings. After carefully placing the changeling's head ob his withers rather than his wings, Cloud took off.

-----------------------

Pandora paced worriedly. What was going on? Why was there so much noise coming from Canterlot. She looked back at her sleeping brother who was passed out on the couch. Just as she was about to go check on the situation in town, the door opened and soon shut. A very frazzled looking Cloud came stumbling in and slumped down onto the floor. A small changeling slid off his back before looking at Pandora in confusion. Pandora returned the look.

"Um, Cloud? Why did you bring a nymph home?" Pandora asked while grabbing her exhausted fiancé a drink. Cloud wheezed,

"Changeling *pant* invasion *wheeze* kid all alone, couldn't leave him, flew really fast." Before slumping over. He quickly gulped down the glass of water given to him before the nymph walked over to Pandora.

"I didn't know Mr. Cloud's f-eye-ants-e was a changeling. Um, Mrs Feyeancy? Where's your shell?" Pandora blinked in confusion before Beat groaned,

"We were both banished. No hive equals no shell." Before rolling over. Pandora started when Cloud stood back up and staggered to the door.

"Were are you going?" She asked nervously. Cloud paused.

"To help ponies in trouble. This is literally my only job to do and I'm going to do it." With that, he left. But immediately poked his head back in and looked at the nymph.

"Behave for my fiancé ok?" And then flew off.

-----------------------------------

To say the battle went poorly was an understatement. Despite his efforts, Cloud eventually got taken down and tied up with the rest of the guards. As the others struggled to pull the resin apart, Cloud immediately set work. One guard looked over and gagged,

"Oh gross! Are you actually eating this stuff?" This got the attention of the other guards who had similar reactions until Cloud successfully gnawed his way to freedom. Cloud simply raised his eyebrows at them.

"Well? What are waiting for? It's really not that tough a choice." After the guards were free, they resumed the fight. Only for it to end two minutes later when a massive pink bubble of doom swept the changelings away. Cheers erupted from everyone present, except a certain guard.

"Scyllia? Scyllia! SCYLLIAAAAAAAAAAA!"

Author's Notes:

Hey! I finally made it to the wedding! I was originally going to start here, but thought that was the norm. So boom, have it all start a season earlier. As always, feel free to comment or like or dislike or whatever. If there's something you want me to improve even if it's just my sense of humor, please tell me. Ciao!

Security Measures And Unexpected Returns

"This has been WITHOUT A DOUBT the biggest embarrassment in guard history... EVER!" Captain Shining Armor shouted while pacing in front of the gathered Royal Guards. After the wedding invasion, and the fact that the entire guard force was neutralized in minutes, many ponies were panicking. Nobody trusted anyone, because who knows who could secretly be a changeling! Cloud snapped back to attention when Shining Armor stomped his hoof.

"Did anypony actually do any fighting at all! Or did you just roll over and let those disgusting parasites terrorize civilians!" One guard raised his hoof. When Shining turned to him he shrank down in his seat before stammering out,

"Well cor- I mean- Cloud showed up a few minutes after we were all captured and put some serious ass kicking on those monsters. Even after he got taken down he literally knawed his way out of his bindings." Cloud froze when all eyes turned to him.

Why did he have to bring me into this!

"Well guardsman! Is this true?" Cloud gulped.

"Umm... I wouldn't call it ass kicking but I did throw a few punches." Another guard scoffed.

"A few punches?! You drop kicked one of those things into a wall!" Shining Armor nodded approvingly before continuing.

"And you refused to give up even when captured AND you used you head to get out of your restraints. That shows character soldier, I believe I misjudged you this entire time. It's a shame you're leaving us shortly" All the rest of the guards sighed in relief, glad to be off the hook. Cloud sunk a bit lower, unaccustomed to this much attention. Shining Armor turned to a unicorn standing at the back of the room.

"Spellweaver here will be demonstrating a new spell to detect changelings in disguise. Cloud! Front and center!" Cloud inwardly groaned. Just because he wasn't as much of a pushover as the rest of the guards didn't mean he wanted to be a guine pig for experimental spells. As the unicorn fired up his horn, Cloud looked down to notice he was now glowing bright green.

"Uhh... it makes you green?" He was cut off by Shining gasping and then shouting,

"He's a changeling! Get him!" Cloud's ears drooped.

"Oh shit."

-----------------------------

Cloud moaned in pain. After the initial panic the guards managed to subdue him... by using the "changeling infiltrator" to vent their anger. So far Cloud could confirm three broken ribs, a broken leg, and a broken wing. Shining Armor stalked over to the cell he was sprawled in and sneered at him.

"Where's the real Cloud Nine scum!" Cloud could only wheeze in response. Shining unlocked the door to his cell and strode in. It didn't take emotion sensing powers to know he was very angry.

"I would say I'm not going to enjoy this, but until the princess arrives to question you herself, I'll be trying to get you to talk my own way. Now, just drop the disguise, I want to see your disgusting real form when I'm doing this." Cloud feebly tried to protest but only succeeded in coughing up more bright green blood. Shining narrowed his eyes and grew a wicked smile.

"I was hoping you'd say that. This is for Canterlot, the princess, and my wife!" Shining proceeded to slam him into the wall of his cell, causing excruciating agony to pulse through him from his leg, ribs, and wing. What started as a scream soon became a gurgle as more blood gathered in his lungs. He heard a door open and was dropped to the floor. He looked up to see an enraged Princess Luna, a pink alicorn who was looking at him in a mixture of disgust and fear, and Princess Celestia who had a scowl on her face.

"DROP THY DISGUISE VILE CRETIN! OR WE SHALL HAVE NO MERCY!" Luna said in the loudest voice he'd ever heard. Celestia raised a hoof to silence her before she said to Cloud in a voice that was so low and filled with barely subdued anger it gave Cloud the chills,

"Changeling, drop. The. Disguise. Or we will have to forcibly remove it ourselves which I assure you is not an enjoyable process." Cloud tried to speak but his head was so foggy and his chest so damaged only a sputtering hiss came out.

Pain, mind numbing pain. That was all Cloud knew, no princess or guards or dungeon. Only pain. He would give anything to make it stop. Even death would be better. Upon seeing no results, Princess Celestia sighed before announcing,

"Luna and I shall go fetch Twilight and discuss what to do with it. Please do not harm it further until we return. For all we know it could simply be a mindless beast and all of this has been for nothing. We shall return shortly." As the two left, Cloud turned his thousand yard stare to look at the remaining alicorn. She flinched and he felt his head get turned sharply to the side. He found himself looking dully into Shining Armor's eyes as he forcibly said,

"Don't even look at her you brute!" He slammed Cloud's head into the floor and both he and the alicorn went into the room the princesses went into. He heard voices before- a moment of clarity burst forth at the sight that greeted him.

No! Not them! Anyone but them!

Five of the mares from Ponyville entered the room and soon were glaring at him. The purple unicorn was the only one of the group that was missing. Rainbow Dash flew into his cell and grabbed him by the neck.

"Alright you gross freak, where's the real Cloud." Cloud closed his eyes, accepting his fate.

They're going to unleash the pink one on me. I'm going to die. She has returned to finish me off.

And return she did. She somehow appeared between between Rainbow and him and shouted,

"ANSWER THE QUESTION YOU BIG MEANY!" She pounced and began hitting him upside the head with a rubber chicken.

"WHERE *bonk* IS *bonk* CLOUD!! *bonk, bonk, CLANG*" the last hit came from a frying pan instead of a chicken because she had one of those apparently. The princesses, Shining, the other alicorn, and Twilight all entered the room. The anger directed at him was so thick he cut it with a knife. Celestia nodded to Twilight who nodded in return before lighting her horn. As her magic washed over him, Cloud was confused as to why nothing happened. Apparently she was confused too because she immediately did it again, and again, before her face paled. Shining looked to her,

"Well? What's the hold up!?" She gulped before turning to look at him and raised a hoof to her mouth to hold back her gore. She failed and soon wretched onto the dungeon floor. All present looked at her in shock before she wiped her mouth and said in a shaky voice, tears in her eyes,

"S-sompony c-c-call a d-doctor." When several ponies began questioning her and shouting, Cloud noticed that the edges of his vision had been darkening. The constant head trauma was making his head all fuzzy and he couldn't think straight. When everyone quieted down Twilight answered.

"H-he's not a changeling. The s-spell was... wrong." Fluttershy immediately fainted and everyone gasped in shock and horror.

"Y-you mean he's actually been a pony the entire time." Twilight nodded. All faces turned to him, now filled with fear and regret. Celestia shouted,

"Medic! We need a medic in here!" As Shining sat down hard mumbling to himself as he stared wide eye'd at Cloud. Cloud felt a weird tugging in his stomach.

"What have I done." Shining mumbled. Ponies were still staring in shock at his bruised and battered form when the tug finally accomplished it's goal. Cloud began coughing, more blood splattering out with each cough until he vomited up all that he'd swallow and promptly passed out in a pool of his own blood.

Author's Notes:

Sorry if you're squeamish! I just figured this would happen if they found a changeling among them. Also, poor Cloud. I put him through a lot. But fear not! The sun will come up tomorrow!"

The Road To Recovery

"Don't worry, he's no longer in critical condition." Said a yellow unicorn nurse to the two groups in front of her. On one side were the family and friends of a certain Cloud Nine consisting of a grey and black stallion, a small foal with a grey mane and tale, grey eyes, and a turquoise coat, and "Honey Pots" his fiancé. Opposite them were all three princesses, the Elements of Harmony, and the now Prince Shining Armor. The stallion spoke up,

"But like, does he have anything permanent? Is he going to be able to fly ever again?" Everyone present leaned in, eager for the reply.

"As far as physical injuries go, whatever it is that's in him making his blood like that is also causing him to heal remarkably well. In a few days he should be fine to be released, but he will have to be in a wheelchair until his bones mend. You can't expect anything better after a broken leg and collar bone." Everyone sighed in relief.

"However, there will most definitely be some... complications." The disguised Pandora shakily asked,

"C-complications?" The nurse nodded solemnly.

"Due to the massive amounts of blunt force trauma he received to the cranium, he has a massive contusion and we expect he will be incredibly disoriented for a while. Although, it is possible he could develop temporary retrograde amnesia as well. We won't know until he wakes up." Twilight spoke up,

"When will he wake up? We need to try to make amends." Before the nurse could reply Beat in his pony form shot her a glare.

"Do you really think we'll let you in that room? You're only getting in there if Cloud says you can." Rainbow jumped to her friends defense.

"Hey! Who do you think you are? We can go into that room if we want! And besides, what are you going to do to stop us?" Pandora looked at her with tears in her eyes,

"Who do we think we are? Who do we think we are! No, who do you think Y-YOU are! You all beat my fiancé within an inch of his life and then decided you can just trample his feelings too. How do you think he'd feel having the ponies who almost KILLED him just barge into his hospital room! I don't care if you're national heroes and royalty, I'll personally do anything to help Cloud through this. And if he doesn't want to see you, then you'll have to go through me to get to him." The assembled ponies looked shocked before Celestia spoke up.

"I believe she's right. Given all that we've said and done to him, he deserves to decide if, and when, he'll meet with us." They nodded drearily before filing out of the waiting room, leaving the three changelings alone with the nurse. Pandora remanded stoic a few moments longer before bursting into tears and was soon being comforted by her two companions.

----------------------------------

Cloud awoke to find he couldn't move. Not that it mattered, he was so tired he wouldn't move anyway. He tried to remember what happened.

I was... taking a walk or... there was a... a... something. She was beautiful but....

Cloud grit his teeth as a wave of pain lanced across his mind. He sighed and stared up at the ceiling. He felt cold, and empty. He also felt... something. He couldn't remember. Where was he? What happened? Why did he feel so... so.... He shook his head, eliciting another wince of pain. As he looked around his surroundings, he noticed some weird boxes sitting beside his bed. They were beeping, why were they beeping? He looked out the window and saw a town he couldn't recognize outside. Beyond the town was some... woods.

My name is... it's... I'll think of it later.

----------------------------

Cloud turned his head as the door opened. The nurse ushered in three ponies he didn't remember.

No... that's not her. She looks kind of familiar but she looks... different.

"Hey Cloud, how are you feeling?" The familiar-ish mare said. Cloud just cocked his head.

"Who are you?" At this the mare's ears drooped.

"I-It's me, your fiancé." Cloud shook his head sadly.

"No... you're not her." The nurse patted Pandora's disguised back before saying,

"I'll give you some privacy." As the door closed behind her Beat checked the room before giving the all clear. He remanded disguised and watched the door while Pandora reverted to her natural form. Upon her transformation Cloud's eyes widened.

"Pandora." She smiled before burying her head in his chest and began sobbing.

"C-cloud y-you had m-me so worried. I h-heard you w-were in the hospital and I...." Cloud gently stroked her back while she gently squeezed him. The now undisguised foal climbed up onto the bed.

"I hope you get better soon Mr. Cloud." Cloud looked confused for a second before a look of comprehension grew on his face.

"Hey buddy! How you doing!" He gently rubbed the top of his head before noticing something.

"Hey, where'd your shell go?" The foal hopped excitedly.

"Yeah! I'm banished now! Just like Mrs. Pandora and Uncle Beat!" Cloud raised an eyebrow.

"Uncle Beat?" Beat shrugged.

"I'll keep things child friendly around the squirt. Although if I'm his uncle, that makes you and Pandy his mom and dad." Cloud blanked while his new "son" squealed excitedly.

"Can you be my mom and dad! Pleeeeeeeeeease! I wanna be just like a pony! I'll go to school and get a cutie mark and meet the princess and get a marefriend and..." Pandora used a hoof to shut his mouth.

"Oooook, let's wait until he's released before we ask him lots of important questions." The foal nodded happily before jumping to the floor. Cloud called after him,

"You never told me your name." The foal spun around and proudly declared,

"My pony names Aqua!" Cloud nodded before saying,

"Anything else? Most ponies have two names." Pandora chose then to add her two cents.

"Well... Maybe he can have your family name. Aqua Cloud... sounds nice right?" Aqua started nodding happily.

"A bit strange but... it works. I guess you can stay with us, but wait to pop the adoption question till later please." Cloud said with a smile. Pandora and Aqua nodded before someone knocked at the door.

"I'm sorry, but visiting hours are over for today. Feel free to come back tomorrow but for now he needs his rest." As his visitors (now disguised again) left Cloud called out after them.

"See you tomorrow!" Pandora looked back and darted over to him to give him a quick kiss. After they left Cloud sighed,

"I really needed that." He sighed before his persistent gloom settled back over him. It was going to be a long night.

Author's Notes:

Hey! Sorry it was late but here it is, the next chapter. I was going for heartwarming and I hope it worked. Please feel free to comment if you want. Until next time!

Small, Non-canon Bonus Chapter Number The First! Because I'm Lazy!

*knock knock knock*

"I'll get it!" Yelled Pandora as she walked towards the door, donning her disguise as she approached. She opened the door to find two... things standing there.

"Uhhhhhh..." She was taken aback at their appearance. To be blunt, they looked like what would happen if a changeling got SUPER drunk and had a one-night-stand with a pack of crayons. There were two of them and the taller one, who was a gaudy yellow color, said in a chipper voice.
"Hello good changeling! Do you have a moment to talk about our lord and savior Thorax?" Pandora blinked in surprise. At that moment Cloud walked up. Upon seeing the rainbow colored beetle ponies he groaned tiredly.

"Oh for crying out loud! How many times am I going to have to say this! My house is not a gay bar! Turn around, go straight until you reach Sugar Cube Corner, turn right, left, left, and left again and you'll reach one. It's called The Bulge you can't miss it." Now both Pandora and the newcomers were confused. The shorter one who was a pastel pink color chose then to continue their message.

"As we were saying, you no longer have to live in fear of the ponies. We are now friends due to the transformation brought about by releasing the love inside ourselves. We have come to spread the word to all changelings still abroad and to aid them in their transition." Cloud looked them over before returning his attention to their conversation.

"So... all the changelings turned into... whatever you are. That's... very disappointing." Pandora nodded her assent. The two speakers looked confused.

"I don't understand, isn't this a joyous occasion? Aren't you happy you can become one of the changedlings?" At the word changedling Cloud shuddered.

"Changedling? That was what you chose?! You probably could have been more original." Pandora looked to Cloud.

"Well... I don't care one way or another but would you prefer me...." Cloud looked taken aback at her statement.

"You think I'd ask you to change you physical appearance for my own personal enjoyment!? That's horrible!" Pandora quickly shook her head.

"No! I was saying if you wanted me to I would!" The two onlookers glanced at each other in confusion, unsure of what was going on. Cloud pulled Pandora to his side who immediately shed her disguise given no one but the "changedlings" were around and they already knew about her.

"Besides, why in Equestria would I want to loose my sleek, sexy changeling. I think black looks good on you." He said with a lustful growl. Pandora giggled and blushed before leaning in to quietly say.

"Come into the bedroom three minutes from now. I wouldn't want you to miss your 'sleek, sexy changeling.'" She said before seductively licking his neck. She then whispered into his ear,

"Besides, I'm hungry." Cloud shuddered and grew a wide grin like a kid in a candy store. Pandora turned and walked away, putting a little sway in her hips as she did so. Cloud turned to watch her go and kept staring until she entered the bedroom. He shuddered in anticipation before turning back to the two changedlings.

"Sorry, not interested. Please leave. Have a good day!" And then closed the door. Cloud drank a glass of water, brushed his teeth, and prepared himself before entering the bedroom. Upon entering, the door closed behind him. He turned to see Pandora staring seductively at him before she slowly sauntered over to him and pushed him onto the bed. She kissed him passionately before pulling away and growling,

"Now... how about I show you what a hungry changeling can do to a stallion." Cloud wimped in excitement before she slowly slithered up his form.

"Damn... changeling sex is the best."

----------------------------------

The two changedlings looked to each other before looking back at the house. They remained that way, frozen in confusion until several loud thumps and moans could be heard inside. The taller one turned to the shorter one, a blank look on his face.

"Here's our story, we came to the house. There was no changeling." The smaller one nodded,

"Yup, no changeling here." A particular loud moan followed by a series of grunts shook them from their stupor. They looked back at the house, then back to each other.

"I need a drink." The shorter one nodded.

"Good thing that pony gave us directions to a bar. I just want to drink until I think this was all a weird dream." And with that, the two swiftly trotted down the street before breaking into a run.

Author's Notes:

As promised in my first comment, a bonus chapter. Hope you enjoyed it. Ta-Ta!

Get Well Soon!

Cloud sighed happily as he snuggled up to the changeling beside him. He and Pandora were just lying beside each other, nothing to worry about. Except the possibility of discovery seeing as how Pandora wasn't wearing her disguise. But fortunately Beat offered to stand guard for them. Aqua had vanished to get some snacks and had yet to return. Cloud wasn't too worried though, if something would have happened he would have heard it by now. One upside to what happened was that he, Beat, Pandora, and Aqua had been registered in the spell formula for the changeling detection spell so they never had to worry about someone discovering them that way. Pandora sighed before saying,

"This is nice. It's been so long since we just relaxed and enjoyed each other's company without rushing around to do something or go somewhere." Cloud nodded before hugging her gently and resting his head on top of her's. Pandora looked up at him and then at the door.

"I wonder when Aqua will be back. If we're going to be looking after him from now on we should probably keep a closer eye on him." Beat laughed.

"Ya kidding? The kids probably off eating way too much candy and stealing stuff. You guys are terrible parents." Cloud threw a pillow at him.

"Shut it! I'm trying to enjoy the moment and listening to your snarking isn't helping." Beat simply stuck his tongue out before Pandora said,

"I don't know, maybe he's jealous he doesn't have a pony to cuddle with." Cloud laughed as Beat shot her a glare.

"I'm not jealous! Honestly I don't see how you're attracted to a pony, they're too cute and cuddly to be sexy." Cloud pointed at him.

"Aha! You do want to snuggle with a pony!" Beat turned towards him and started floundering,

"What! N-no! Ponies are lame! Sooooo not metal and if you haven't noticed I'm waaaaaaay to metal for that gay stuff." Pandora giggled while Cloud and Beat exchanged glares. Cloud smiled before saying,

"Whatever you say. But seriously, what's taking Aqua so long."

---------------------------------------

Aqua hummed as he trotted down the corridor. He'd been searching for the kitchen for a while, but hadn't found it yet. As he turned a corner he entered a room with a plaque on the door that read "break room." Inside was a group of mares sitting on a couple comfortable looking sofas. His eyes widened when he saw one in particular. She had a midnight blue coat so dark it was almost purple, a silver mane, fangs, and batwings. Also she had cute little ear tufts.

"Whooooa." At Aqua's sudden vocalization, all the mares jumped and looked at him. The only thestral present, Gleaming Silver, quickly stood and glanced suspiciously at him and called to a unicorn mare,

"Hey, check him real quick." When the spell came up negative, Silver breathed a sigh if relief. She turned to the small colt and have him a questioning stare.

"Hey kid, what are you doing here." Aqua continued staring at her before saying.

"I was visiting Mr. Cloud when I got board so I asked if I could walk around and they said yes so long as I don't leave the castle so I git lost and then I walked in here and then I saw you. Can I touch your wings?" Silver blinked at the rapid response before expressing her thoughts on the matter.

"...Huh?" Aqua trotted over and sat on the couch next to her, looking her up and down with wonder. Silver sighed, deciding to nip the next question in the bud.

"And before you ask, no, I'm not a vampony. I'm a thestral. Also, please don't call me a batpony, it's pretty insulting." Aqua cocked his head in confusion, ears flopping to the side as he looked her in the eyes. He was surprised to see they were gold in color, and the pupils were slits.

"Well, of course you're not a vampony. You're too pretty to be a scary monster." Silver looked taken aback while the other mares started giggling. One joking said,

"Oooh, looks like somepony's got a crush on you Silver, and he's such a little charmer." This prompted a glare from Silver and more laughter from the mares. Silver felt a gentle touch on her wing and looked down to see Aqua gently running a hoof across the flight membrane.

"It's so soft." He said. He looked at his own back and then absentmindedly touched one of his ears.

"I wish I was a thestral, not a unicorn." Silver's heart practically melted as all the mares gave a quiet "daaaaw." Silver wrapped her wing around him and pulled him into a hug, feeling him quickly hug her back.

"You can stay here for a bit if you want, probably better than wandering around." This was met by very enthusiastic nods from both Aqua and the other mares. The unicorn who cast the spell practically squealed,

"Can he sit with me next? I wanna hug him."

-----------------------------------

Cloud started when he heard Beat give a quick whistle, the signal that someone was coming. Pandora quickly got back into disguise and a voice said,

"I know you migh not wish to see us, but this is important." Without hesitation Cloud replied,

"Cone in." In walked the princesses, Shining Armor, and the mane six. They all sported nervous smiles and both Beat and Pandora were glaring at them. Cloud squinted at them, unsure of why they all looked so familiar.

"Have we met bef--" he was cut off by a sudden bust of sensations flaring inside him. Pain. Cold. They were there. Pain. Smelled like blood. He saw Shining throw him into the cell wall, a manc look in his eyes. He saw the steely hatred on the princesses' faces. He saw the looks of disgust. He remembered.

Cloud's eyes widened and he scooted away from them, ears pinning back. Shining stepped forward prompting a flinch and a quiet whimper.

"N-no s-stay away!" Pandora wrapped him in a hug as Beat stood between the two groups.

"I thought we made our thoughts perfectly clear. Get. The f#*!. Out." The ponies all flinched at his language. Cadence stepped forward.

"That's why we asked if we could come in, to see if he was fine with seeing us." Beat growled.

"He apparently didn't remember who you were until now, given his sudden reaction. Oh! Maybe you didn't hear. You know all the times you bashed his head into stuff? Well now he has memory loss. And there's a good chance he'll always struggle to focus and remember stuff. So if you would please, leave until he is completely ready to see you. If ever!" The group of ponies left, discouraged. As the door closed behind them, Luna addressed the entire group.

"Fear not, I have sent for some ponies who will help poor Cloud though these trying times! They should be arriving about midday tomorrow. With their help, we can hopefully increase his recovery!" Everyone perked up at the news. Twilight asked,

"Who are these ponies?" Luna winked at her before responding,

"Tis a surprise."

-----------------------------------

Meanwhile, Aqua was having the time of his life. As he was passed to another mare, he laughed as she tickled his belly eliciting adoring "Aaaaaw"s from the others. As he hugged her around the barrel he couldn't help but wish the afternoon would never end. For years he'd wanted to meet a pony. And now he was getting hugged by a whole bunch of them. He snuggled his cheek into his current holder's fur, enjoying how soft and comfy it was.

I never ever wanna go back to the Hive ever again!

Author's Notes:

Hey! You know the drill. But this time, I'm going to try something. Obligatory comment question ho! What's your favorite video game, or, if you prefer books, what's your favorite book/ series. Anyway, goodbye!

Batten Down The Hatches!

Cloud was very happy with the current turn of events. In order to cheer him up, Pandora decided to make out with him. Another good thing, she was using the nectar lipstick they saved for special occasions. Beat had moved his vigil to outside the room after about thirty seconds of enthusiastic kissing with a remark of "If I wanted to hear you trying to suck each others faces off I would hide in your closet." Only problem was they still needed to breathe so reluctantly he and Pandora separated. As Cloud licked the delicious substance off his lips, Pandora snuggled up to him. Cloud relaxed, simply enjoying the sensation of his fiancé pressed up against him.

"Honestly, the perks of having a relationship with a changeling are so massive that I'm surprised more ponies don't try it." Cloud jokingly said. Pandora laughed,

"Yeah, other ponies dating changelings, like that will ever happen."

----------------------------------------

High Keep bit his lip nervously as he awaited his priorly planned date. He hadn't known about the invasion at the time but Scyllia was so nice! Even if ponies and changelings were enemies, Scyllia was a nice changeling. A nervous looking mare sat down beside him on the park bench. He looked her over before she turned to him.

"Um... hi, it's me Scyllia." Keep started before breaking into a large smile.

"Hi! Ready to go on our date! I've been looking forward to it... because I've been on so many!" He nervously chuckled, hoping that the changeling actually knew how to go on a date. Scyllia nervously smiled back.

"O-oh yeah! S-same here, Sooooooooo many d-dates." She smiled nervously in return. They both stared at each other awkwardly until Keep couldn't contain it anymore.

"ILiedI'veNeverBeenOnADateBefore!" They both blurted out. They both paused, and then breathed a sigh of relief. They then laughed before Keep said,

"Yeah, the only things I know is that dating ponies kiss, and the stallion keeps trying to get to something called home base." Scyllia nodded.

"Yeah, the only thing I know about is the kissing." They stared at each other before Keep spoke up.

"Um... what form are you gonna take? Are you gonna be a pony, changeling, gryphon, zebra...." He trailed off. They both thought for a bit before sighing and saying at the same time,

"Dating's hard."

------------------------------------

Meanwhile, back at the castle, a carriage touched down in the designated landing area. A group of four pegasi stepped out and started taking in the scenery. Prince Shining Armor and Princess Cadence approached the group with broad smiles. Shining cleared his throat before saying,

"Welcome to Canterlot! I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but Cloud is busy at the moment but me and my wife would be more than happy to show around the castle before we visit him. A tall pegasus with an orange coat and blue mane stepped forward and said in a brusque voice,

"Yes, that will work nicely. Come along everypony, we don't want to keep royalty waiting." An older pink mare with a redish brown mane followed along after, quietly taking in the scenery. She was followed by a younger mare with a pink mane and turquoise coat and an athletic looking yellow stallion with a bright green mane styled in a mohawk. The younger mare turned to her brother,

"At least we don't immediately have to visit that freak of nature. If only we didn't have to see him at all then this trip would be perfect." At her venomous remark, the stallion jerkily nodded before sighing and looking to the side. It seemed to him that his past mistakes were all coming back to bite him, and there was only one thing to do.

--------------------------------------

Aqua hummed happily as he snuggled into Gleaming Silver's withers. She'd offered to escort him back to Cloud's room and had given him the go ahead to ride on her back. He laughed as she gently flicked his nose with one bat wing. As they approached the door they saw Beat sitting outside it while covering his ears with his hooves. He knocked on the door and waited a bit before escorting the two newcomers inside. Cloud and Pandora (now in pony form) were lounging comfortably on his bed. Silver turned to Beat,

"Why were you covering your ears?" Beat shuddered.

"The noises. It was like a sloppy wet sound crossed with an uncomfortable to hear moan. I couldn't stand the sounds of them sucking each other's faces anymore." Silver blushed while Aqua laughed and called out,

"Eeeeewwww, that's nasty!" Cloud shrugged while Pandora moved to sit in the chair beside the bed. Suddenly, a knock was heard at the door. Princess Cadence poked her head in before smiling and saying,

"Cloud! We have a special surprise for you! We pulled some strings and now... We brought your family to visit!" At that the last ponies Cloud ever wanted to see walked through the door, looking just as happy to see him as he was to have his snuggle time interrupted. Silver wisely chose then to slip out the door. Pandora worriedly looked at Cloud, knowing his less than stellar relationship with his parents. As the awkward silence descended, the Prince and Princess smiled nervously, clearly having expected a more enthusiastic welcome. One thing rang through Cloud's mind over and over again.

WHY MUST YOU HURT ME THIS WAY! HAVE TOU NOT DONE ENOUGH!

Author's Notes:

Hey! Sorry to end on a cliffhanger, but I've gotta get back to studying for my massive Honors Chemistry test tomorrow. I'll tey to have the next chapter out a day early as recompense (aka tomorrow) anywho, bye!

Confrontation Central Station

Cloud swallowed, trying to think of something to say. His father stepped forward.

"So, what happened?" Cloud sighed, both filled with dread and relief that the silence was broken.

"Um... a changeling detection spell marked me as a changeling and every... pony beat me to a pulp." His father nodded before awkwardly saying,

"My condolences." The silence resumed, just as awkward as before. Shining Armor and Cadence were having a whispered conversation that Cloud caught bits and pieces of.

"...Not very happy... haven't even called him their son... no hugging..." it went on and on. Finally his mom stepped forward.

"Cloud, we have something to say as a family." Cloud perked up. Would they actually apologize for before? Maybe they could work on repairing their relationship and--"

"We're willing to accept your apology about before."

"So long as you've changed your ways." His father added in. Godspeed looked on in shocked silence while the three others maintained their stern demeanor. By now Princess Luna had joined the onlookers and with a quick motion signaling the prince and princess to leave. Cloud's left eye twitched. Were they... serious?! That's what they say?!? Pandora squeezed his hoof reassuringly which caused Cloud's father to notice the remaining changeling.

"Nurse, this a family issue. Would you please give us some privacy." Pandora looked confusedly up at them. Cloud glared at his parents and sister.

"She's not a nurse, she's my fiancé." Cloud's parents blinked before looking in horror at the unicorn sitting beside Cloud. His mom gasped,

"A, a, a unicorn!? Why are you with a unicorn!" Cloud slammed his hoof on the table.

"That's it, get out. Now." His family looked shocked. He continued his steely visual assault prompted his parents and sister to leave in a huff. Cloud growled in frustration while Pandora gently nuzzled his cheek. Suddenly Godspeed stepped forward. Cloud instantly shot him a venomous look. Godspeed withered under the look.

"I'm so sorry about them, um... so, you're engaged?" He turned to Pandora,

"Hi, I'm Godspeed, it's nice to meet you." Pandora just joined Cloud in glaring. Godspeed wilted even futher before moving directly beside his brother.

"Cloud please, I-I'm so sorry about everything. Not just about the entire issue two years ago but... for everything! I was such a horrible brother, I always treated you poorly and you always kept smiling through it until..." He looked down, guilt and shame obvious on his face. He looked up and Cloud saw he was on the verge of tears.

"I never realized how much I enjoyed you being such a little knuckle head but then... I saw the pictures in the trash after I told you I hated you. I just, I miss my brother and I know you have every reason to hate me so... just consider it, please?" With that Godspeed left leaving a shocked Cloud behind. Pandora climbed into his bed and started gently rubbing his side. Meanwhile Cloud was deep in thought.

--------------------------------

"You're not our son anymore!" Cloud grit his teeth as his parents circled around him yelling and screaming about how much they hated him. His sister then joined the circle joining her yells with his parents. Finally, Cloud lost it,

"SHUT UP YOU WORTHLESS PILES OF TRASH!" Suddenly, everything shattered and in his families place stood Princess Luna.

"Greetings Cloud." Cloud quickly bowed to the lunar princess.

"Your dreams are troubled, care to talk?" Cloud sighed before nodding. As much as he dreaded sharing his personal life with strangers, one simply didn't refuse a princess.

"I know how you feel Cloud, I too have struggled with my family in occasion." Cloud looked at her incredulously. She really thought she could relate to his family issues? She smiled at him,

"Thou art incredulous? Allow me to share. Many stories say I became Nightmare Moon simply because I was jealous of my sister's popularity with our subjects, but that is not the case. The real cause of my descent into the darkness was the resentment I held for my sister. She spent so much time worrying about her subjects that I often would go weeks without speaking with her. I had nopony to converse with, nopony to laugh with, and nonpony to care for me... or so I thought. I know you and your family do not see eye to eye, and despite their flaws, don't alow hatred to keep you from giving them a chance at redemption. They might not seek it, but if they do, please, don't be too quick to push them away." Cloud sighed. As much as he hated to admit it, she had a valid point.

"I, I'll think about it. Thank you Princess." Luna nodded before vanishing in a flash of light, leaving Cloud to his dreams.

Author's Notes:

You know the drill.

Moving Out

Cloud scowled as he slowly was wheeled along in his wheel chair. Despite having a miraculous recovery so far, he still had broken his leg and collarbone. As he, Aqua, and Pandora neared the main doors of the castle, they saw the three princesses and Shining Armor waiting for them.

So help me if this is another surprise I'm going to scream.

The group stopped and stood (or sat in Cloud's case) before them. Princess Celestia stepped forward.

"On behalf of all present, I wish to bid you farewell Cloud, and may you find happiness in your new home." Shining nodded before speaking up.

"On behalf of the Royal Guard, I would like to formally thank you for your service." Cloud waited for them to finish. Surely they would compensate him for the weeks of suffering he'd endured, both physical and emotional. Cloud just stared as the royals turned and started leaving. They were just going to sweep him under the rug. They expected him to take a shrug and an "oh well" in return for all his troubles. Cloud had had enough. They were going to repay him and the consequences be damned.

"That's it?" Everyone turned to look at him.

"Is something the matter?" Princess Luna asked.

"Yes something's the matter! Not to be ungrateful but it would be helpful if you would give me something for all the crap I've been through in your employment! I've been poisoned, humiliated, beaten to the brink of death, you forced me to see my asshole family, and traumatized in several ways and you think you can BARELY EVEN APOLOGIZE!?! No, I demand you make this right." The Princesses plus Prince stared at him in shock. Pandora staired in a mixture of concern and pride, and Aqua just looked confused.

"B-but that isn't really the pony way! We made a few honest mistakes and we apologized, why would you need anything else." Cadence said. Cloud grew a look of disgust.

"A few mistakes!? YOU CRIPPLED ME! I can't work until I can walk again! I can't fly because of the strain it would place on my still broken wings, also, I can't remember squat because of the BRAIN DAMAGE, and you have the audacity to say you made 'a few mistakes.' Burning a cake is a mistake not almost killing a pony. I'm just glad it was me who the spell backfired on, not my fiancé or son." At the word "son" Aqua gave a silent cheer.

"Now then, if you don't inform me of your reply in two days time, YOU'LL BE SEEING ME IN COURT!" At that Cloud wheeled himself dramatically away. As they left Cloud poked his head back into the door.

"And I want a house in Horseshoe Bay along with the bits. I need a vacation from ALL of this crap." And with that, he was gone.

-------------------------------

"What a rush! That was, that was!! I've never really stood up for myself so I'm just like BOOM! That happened!" Cloud laughed as he lounged on the seat of their private car, complements of the rail company of course. Aqua was asleep in the corner amd Pandora was snuggled up beside him. Suddenly Cloud pailed.

"Oh no, I technically just threatened royalty, ooooooh! What are they going to do, what if they banish me, or imprison me, or..." Pandora shushed him with a hoof.

"Don't worry, you have every right to demand they pay you for all they did. If they lash out at you no sane pony would choose their side over your's." Cloud turned to look her in the eyes.

"But that's just it! Most ponies are fanatical in their devotion to the princesses. Oh this will not end well." Pandora gently hugged him.

"Don't worry, I'll be here for you. Is their anything I can do to help you feel better?" Cloud rolled onto his back and gave her a pitiful look.

"Can I have a belly rub? It helps me relax." Pandora giggled before turning into her gryphon form. She picked the stallion up and held him to her soft fluffy chest while gently scratching his stomach. Cloud sighed in contentment.

"You're like a big fluffy pillow like this. Have I ever told you how much I love you and appreciate all you do for me." Pandora booped his snout with a claw.

"Sometimes, you usually express your affection in other ways." They both laughed before Pandora pulled him into a closer hug.

"Besides, I'm just looking forward to our wedding so much. Now that all that business is behind us, we can move forward with our lives." As she continued her soft hug, she missed Cloud's momentary look of panic.

Oh crap! I forgot all about the wedding plans! I don't even know when we're having it! WHY MUST EVERYTHING BE SO COMPLEX!!!!

Author's Notes:

Sorry the chapters have been shorter than usual. I've been pretty busy. I'll hopefully be increasing their size soon.

Side Effects Include...

After disembarking the train, the newly formed Ponyville branch of the Cloud family had an exciting task ahead of them... unpacking their belongings and organizing their new home. Needless to say it had been a long day. Cloud and Pandora sighed wearily as they settled into their bed. Their new home was bigger, and much nicer. It had larger rooms, and two more rooms than their old one. Aqua was set up in the attic (which he had chosen rather than the proffered room) and the master bedroom was as far away as possible (for obvious reasons.) Cloud planted a kiss on her cheek before going to brush his teeth. His entire body hurt, and his healing body was begging for him to sleep. He got into bed as Pandora performed her nightly routine. As they settled together Pandora rolled over and wrapped him in a hug. She kissed him and Cloud pulled her closer. She hummed before saying,

"You know, we have time to have some 'fun' before going to sleep. If you're feeling up to it." Cloud perked up. As tired as he was, his changeling needed him... and she was hot. He grinned mischievously,

"I'm always up for some fun." She laughed before kissing him again. This continued for a while until things started heating up. Just when it was getting good Cloud gave a muffled yell as his side was wracked with pain.

Dammit! Stupid ribs!

Pandora gasped before pulling away to just a comfortable hug. Cloud sighed,

"When will things go back to normal, no broken bones, no memory issues, no looking over our shoulders in fear of before discovered." Pandora nodded before pressing her cheek into his neck. He settled against her and slowly drifted of to sleep.

---------------------------

"I'm sorry Mr. Flambé, but I can't play just yet. As soon as the doctor gives me the all clear." The yellow unicorn sighed. Hot Flambé owned Ponyville's only restaurant for fine dining and was Cloud's new boss.

"Well I was HOPING to have you play today but APPARENTLY I can never catch a break. Just heal faster, ok." He turned and trotted back to the kitchen. Flambé was a nice enough pony, but he was a little...

"WHAT IS THIS GARBAGE! YOU'RE A DISGRACE!!!" Shouty, he often shouted unintelligibly. Cloud wheeled himself out the door and into the main street. He got more than a few stares as he went, but no one stopped him. He saw that Mrs. Cake was manning the register at Sugar Cube Corner, and, seeing the coast was clear, decided to pick up a snack. Upon entering he immediately had a concerned Mrs. Cake worrying over him.

"Oh dear! What happened! Are you alright?" He gently moved her hoof away from his chin and said,

"There was a slight problem on the job and... this happened." Mrs. Cake sighed before pulling him into a hug. She was almost like a second mom to all the ponies in town because she was so sweet all the time.

"That's just terrible, first the cupcake incident and now this. Bad luck just seems to always be following you." He laughed at how accurate that statement was. He patted her on the back. He didn't alow many people to hug him, but he just couldn't saw no to her. She handed him a bag with a loaf of bread in it and patted him on the shoulder.

"Take care sweetie! Come back soon."

"I will, see ya." Cloud wheeled himself out the door. He was almost halfway home when he paused at who was standing outside the library.

"Hiya Cloud, how you holding up?" Cloud barely muffled a whimper. He really didn't want to deal with this right now. The six mares who had been causing him pain for as long as he was in Ponyville. They formed a loose semi-circle in front of him. They all had smiles pasted on (except Fluttershy who was hiding behind her mane.) Rainbow Dash flew forward and held a hoof out. He flinched away before attempting to turn down a side street. They followed him despite his obvious attempts to avoid them.

"Sugar cube, ya can't ahvoid us ferever. We're mighty sorry about tha whole mess what got you in that wheelchair. So please, let us make it up to ya." Cloud looked around at the smiling mares surrounding him. To say he was uncomfortable was an understatement. He started frantically looking for an escape route, he was not going back to the hospital. Twilight's ears drooped.

"Your not scared of us, are you?"

"More like every time I get stuck talking with you I wind up in the hospital. So please, let me go home." Twilight looked like she was going to protest but Rarity placed a hoof on her shoulder and shook her head. Cloud nodded his thanks before wheeling himself home.

As Cloud, Pandora, and Aqua sat down to lunch, Cloud pointed at the book filled saddlebags beside the door.

"Ready for school tomorrow?" Aqua nodded excitedly.

"I'm so excited! I'm going to make so many friends, and learn stuff, and eat during class..."

"Quick tip, hide your candy in your saddlebags and chew on your tongue while she's looking at you. She won't be able to tell if you're chewing candy or nothing and after you show her it's not candy, she'll stop asking." Pandora raised her eyebrows.

"Aren't you supposed to tell him to behave?" Cloud shrugged.

"Not really. Besides, I managed to avoid being hospitalized by those six mares so I seem to be doing ok for myself." Pandora rolled her eyes.

"Whatever, tomorrow's going to be a big day so we better be ready." They all nodded and that night both Aqua and his newfound parents worked on their respective projects until well until the night. But while Aqua was thinking up ways to make friends, Cloud and Pandora were trying to plan a wedding. But unfortunately, you can't plan a wedding without knowing how wedding normally occurs. Cloud sighed,

"I guess tomorrow I'll go read up on wedding ceremonies while you pick out a dress you like, or the venue, or the cake. You know what, screw it, we're getting a planner to help us."

"Is there even a wedding planner in town?" Pandora asked. Cloud shrugged before heading into the bedroom.

"If they don't, we'll look for one in another town. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go collapse in bed." Pandora looked from the stack of paper in front of her to the door her fiancé had just walked through.

"Right behind you!"

Author's Notes:

The next episode will mostly focus on Aqua's fiest day of school ever. Just thought you'd appreciate the heads up. Anyway, feel free to tell me what I can improve, goodness knows I'm basically clueless about that!

When's Lunch?

"Alright Aqua, here we are." Pandora patted him on the head as they stopped in front of the fence of the school yard. Aqua had started out being excited, but now he was just plain nervous. Would the other ponies like him? Would the teacher be nice? When would lunch be? He jumped when he felt Cloud gently pat him on the back.

"You'll do fine. Now remember, under no circumstance do you tell our secret. Got it?" Aqua nodded prompting Cloud to ruffle his mane affectionately. He took a deep breath before adjusting his saddlebags and walking towards the schoolhouse. Cloud and Pandora waved until he was through the door.

"Alright, I'm off to find a wedding planner." Cloud said.

"And I'll go find a dress, and a caterer." Pandora responded.

"And then we'll find a venue." They said at the same time. The shared a quick kiss before turning their separate ways.

-----------------------------

Aqua gulped as he walked into the classroom. He stood nervously inside the doorframe waiting to be noticed. The teacher, a magenta earth pony mare with a pink striped mane looked over at him and smiled warmly.

"Welcome! You must be Aqua Cloud. I heard we were getting a new student so I already told the class you were coming. Say hi class." All the foals present gave a monotone "Hi Aqua Cloud." Aqua gulped,

"H-hi." Three fillies near the front craned their necks, trying to see something behind him. They apparently saw something because they started chatting excitedly amongst themselves. The teacher pointed to a seat next to a pegasus colt with a silvery coat and dark blue mane. As he sat down the colt reached out a hoof.

"Hi I'm Rumble, nice to meet ya." He bumped the proffered hoof before saying,

"I-I'm Aqua." Rumble rolled his eyes.

"Well duh, you were introduced in front of the entire class." Aqua blushed before chuckling nervously.

"Y-yeah! I know I just... wanted to let you know to just call me Aqua." Rumble shrugged causing Aqua to sigh in relief. So far so good. He snapped back to attention just as he heard the teacher say,

"Now, we're all going to say our names so Aqua Cloud can get to know us. I'll start, my name is Miss Cheerily." She gestured to a white unicorn filly in the front row.

"My name's Sweetie Bell." The orange pegasus behind her was asleep and needed a quick tap to wake up.

"Wah! Ugh, I'm up!" Cheerily shot her a look prompting a bashful smile.

"Um... I'm Scootaloo." A pink and red filly was next.

"I'm Berry Pinch." And then the yellow earth pony filly with a large red bow spoke with a strong country accent.

"Ahm Apple Bloom, nice ta meet ya!" The introductions continued ending with Rumble telling his name and then everyone getting their pencils and paper ready (sans Scootaloo who was preoccupied sleeping.)

"Alright everypony, today we will be having a brief safety announcement and lesson on how to avoid the danger of changelings." Upon hearing this Aqua immediately started paying attention.

"Now then, what do you know about changelings." Sweetie Bell raised her hoof. Upon receiving the go-ahead from Miss Cheerily she launched into a quick description.

"Changelings are shapeshifting monsters who feed on the love of ponies and try to foalnap ponies so they can replace them." Aqua winced at the word "monster." Another filly continued the explanation.

"They look like gross, nasty bugs!"

"Their evil!"

"Their all bad and can't feel any emotions!" Aqua just kept drooping lower and lower. He wanted to speak up but then all the ponies in his class would be suspicious.

"I think their really cool!" Rumble said. Everypony, including one changeling, stared at him in surprise. He shrugged.

"What? If I were a changeling I'd turn into an adult so I didn't have to go to school anymore. And then I could be anypony I wanted to be. I could be Daring Do, or Princess Celestia, or even Soarin!" Scootaloo cheered,

"And I could be Rainbow Dash and fly super fast and be just as cool as she is!" Cheerily cleared her throat.

"Class, the reason we're talking about this is that changelings are dangerous! We need to be sure that you know how to be safe. Now then, until recess we'll be discussing how you can tell if somepony is actually a changeling in disguise and how to be safe around ponies acting strange." To say the lectur was uncomfortable for Aqua was an understatement. The amount of times the words "monster" and "heartless" were mentioned really made Aqua self-conscious.

But not all changelings are bad, Mom's really nice to both ponies and changelings, and Dad loves her and she loves him. That proves changelings have hearts.

Upon the bell ringing Aqua darted out the door on the verge of tears.

"Aqua! Wait up!" Rumble shouted after him. He followed along as Aqua dashed off into the woods.

------------------------------

"I-I'm not a heartless monster! I-I'm j-just as much of a p-pony as *hic* all the o-other fillies and colts are." Aqua was sitting on a log staring into a small creek that ran through the forest near the school. Upon seeing nopony around he sighed before looking at his reflection. He sniffles as he saw the pony face looking back at him. He scrunched his face up before dashing his hoof through the alien face looking back at him. His disguise melted away as he broke down sobbing.

"I-I'm not a monster, I'M NOT! I-I!" He started whimpering as he remembered what all the foals thought about changelings, about him.

He froze when he sensed fear behind him.

Oh no! Oh no! Oh no! I'm caught!

He slowly turned to see a petrified Rumble standing behind him. Aqua started shaking in fear. He was going to be in so much trouble, he'd have to go far, far away and never see Cloud or Pandora again. And Pandora might get caught too! Why did he have to be the one to mess it up. Rumble continued quacking in fear. Aqua gulped, and that small motion caused Rumble to jump backwards and ram straight into a tree.

"St-stay back! Changeling. You just st-stay right th-there and I'll go g-get an adult. A-and th-then I'm g-going to l-lock you up! S-so d-don't try anything." His speech slowly tapered off into an unintelligible whimpering sound. Aqua darted forward and got down onto his knees, forehooves raised into a pleading position.

"Please Rumble! Don't turn me in! I'm not a bad changeling you've got to give me a chance!" Rumble pulled back a bit more.

"B-but all ch-changelings are bad A-Aqua, M-Miss Ch-Cheerily said so!" Aqua started crying, sure his new life was over before it even got started. Rumble looked surprised, here was a changeling, a supposedly heartless monster, crying! He looked around, and upon deciding he could take a chance on this, gently patted him on the head. Aqua looked up.

"Um... there there. I-I guess I won't tell anypony. If you promise not to hurt anypony." Aqua nodded fervently.

"Oh yes! I want to be a pony! Not hurt ponies! I promise, just don't tell my parents." Rumble looked confused.

"Wait, they know you're a changeling?" Aqua was about to say his mom was a changeling too, but caught himself. He nodded. Rumble breathed out, if Aqua's parents thought he was a good changeling, he probably was.

"Alright, I won't tell anypony. But... can you turn into Soarin! I want a picture with a Wonderbolt!" Aqua shook his head,

"I don't lnow what he lookes like, and ponies would wonder why you were meeting him in the woods." Rumble muttered something under his breath before shrugging.

"Anyway, class starts soon, so we should head back. And I promise not to tell anypony about you being a secret changeling." Aqua nodded,

"And I won't tell my parents I got found out. So, what do ponies do for fun?" The two trotted out of the forest and towards the school (Aqua in his pony form once again) and chatting about normal foal stuff, like hoofball, and comics, and how cool shapeshifting powers were. Rumble knew, this was going to be an awesome school year.

Busy Busy Busy

Cloud tapped a hoof to his forhead as he thought. He was supposed to do something, but what was it? He started when he felt a hoof on his shoulder.

"Dear, you've been staring at that wall for ten minutes, is something wrong?" Mrs. Cake asked with a worried look. He looked at the clock and then back at the mare in front of him.

"Sorry, I'm just trying to remember something." Mrs. Cake breathed a sigh of relief, happy that it wasn't something more serious.

"Oh don't I know all about that. I can be such a scatter brain sometimes that I end up standing in a room trying to remember why I'm in it the first place!" Cloud grunted in agreement while squeezing his eyes shut, trying to think. He had been looking for... looking for... Cloud's eyes shot open as he remembered.

"It had something to do with my wedding!" Mrs. Cake put her hoof to her mouth before squealing in excitement.

"You're finally getting married to that cute little mare of yours? Ooooh! I'm so happy! When is it? Where is? Do you need a cake? Who's marrying you two? Oh sweet little Honey must be so excited!" Cloud kept thinking throughout the entire outburst by the older mare. She noticed and sat down across from him.

"So what's the matter? Not getting cold hooves are you." Cloud shook his head.

"No, it was something about the details, but what it was I can't remember!" He sighed in defeat when no memory came to the surface. Mrs. Cake gave him a small smile.

"Well if you need help planning it, come see me." She started trotting away when Cloud gasped.

"Planner! That's what it was! Oh Mrs. Cake you're a life saver!" She smiled,

"Happy to help! Though what's this about a planner?"

----------------------------------

Pandora chewed her lip as she looked at the building in front of her. It was brightly painted with whites and purples and a sign out front that read "Carousel Boutique." She swallowed her nerves and started hyping herself up.

Alright Pandora, it's just a little bit of shopping. No, I'm just looking, I won't have to talk to any ponies or even buy something, I'm just looking.

She trotted resolutely to the door and thrust it open.

I don't have to worry, shopkeepers don't even leave the register and I'm not going to the register, nothing can possibly go wrong... Oh no! I just jinxed it!

"Welcome to Carousel Boutique! How may I assist you?" Rarity said as she approached the newly opened door. She stopped when she saw "Honey Pots" standing just inside her shop.

"Honey darling! What a pleasant surprise it is to see you." She said with a pleasant smile. The faux unicorn gulped.

"I-I'm looking for a w-wedding d-dress." Rarity gasped as her eyes lit up.

"A WEDDING DRESS!?! Oh well you've absolutely come to the right place. Here, why don't you step into the fitting room while I fetch some dresses for you to try on." She started leading Pandora towards a door with an inch of clearance between the top and bottom of the doorframe.

"Now, what is your theme, and what colors are you looking for. Do you want white or something more... vibrant."

"Uh, I d-don't really know." Rarity thought for a second before levitating several different dress over. Pandora accepted the first and soon had it on. It was a white dress with small gold highlights around the hem and bodice. Pandora looked it over before saying,

"It's... nice?" Rarity frowned.

"Do you not like it?" Pandora's ears flattened.

"N-no! Not at all, I just don't know much about dresses." Rarity shrugged before passing her another dress, and another, and another. Pandora kept trying on dress after dress. Until she sighed and slumped down.

"Why is this so hard?"

"Well, you have to find the dress that speaks to you. It can take awhile." Pandora sighed and glanced down at the price tag. She froze and the color drained from her face.

No way, how can something I'm only going to wear once cost this much?

She grew more discouraged as she saw the prices on the other dresses. They were all massively expensive! Some cost almost as much as some of the small houses she saw in town!

If it's this expensive it should be sewn from solid moonlight and covered in dragon scales! How can anyone afford these?!

She checked to see if the fashionista pony was looking before dashing out the door and out of the shop.

"I'd rather have a house after I get married then have a fancy dress!" She said to herself as she galloped away.

Meanwhile, Rarity walked over to the fitting room and looked confusedly at the mountain of dresses and distinct lack of pony.

"Good heavens! I think I buried her alive! Hold on dear! I'll get you out!" She called as she started rummaging through the pile of expensive garment. The store did NOT need another repeat of Derpy's galla dress incident. The poor mare was missing for half a day and had resorted to eating her mane in order to survive.

----------------------------

*RIIIIIIIIIIING*

All the foals shrieked in joy as they ran out of the school building. Finally, school was over. Aqua dashed out hot on Rumble's heels. The two stopped at a tree a short distance away from the school house.

"So Aqua, do you wanna play tag, or how about catch? We could play hoofball, or there's a nice pond near Sweet Apple Acres where we can go swimming! So what do you wanna do?" Aqua jumped excitedly.

"I wanna do all of it! But which should we do first?" Their deliberations were interrupted by three fillies running up to them.

"Hey! Aqua! We were wondering since you don't have your cutie mark--" Sweetie began but was cut off by Scootaloo.

"Wait! You asked last time. I want to ask!"

"No way! Ah want ta be the one to ask!" Apple Bloom said. Aqua blinked in confusion.

"Um... what?" The three turned to him and said simultaneously,

"JOIN THE CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS!" They struck some sort of pose that probably was supposed to look cool, but wound up looking weird instead.

"The Cutie Mark Whoosy-Whatsies?" Aqua tilted his head and flopped one ear down as he attempted to discern the possible meaning of a "Cutie Mark Crusaders." Scootaloo spoke up,

"We do all sorts of cool stuff so we can get our cutie marks!" Aqua looked at his absence of cutie mark and blinked. That's what he was forgetting! He never thought of a cutie mark!

"So whatdya say? Wanna be a Cutie Mark Crusader?" Apple Bloom followed up. Suddenly, a snarky voice interrupted.

"More like 'Cutie Mark Cru-lamer!' Am I right Silver Spoon?" A pink filly with a white and dark pink mane wearing a small silver tiara said. The grey and silver filly behind her laughed rudely before saying.

"Nice one Diamond Tiara." Aqua tilted his head. Was that supposed to be funny?

"But it wasn't." He said, prompting confused looks from the two newcomers.

"What wasn't?" Diamond Tiara said.

"Your joke, it was poorly thought out and incredibly lacking in creativity." Both would-be bullies stared in surprise.

"Who do you think you are blank flank." Diamond Tiara said with a malicious glint in her eyes.

"Aqua Cloud." Aqua deadpanned. Both laughed.

"That's such a stupid name! Not only do you have a dumb name but you also have no special talent too!" Aqua lowered his eyebrows as he tried to draw the similarities between his name and absent cutie mark.

"I don't think my name's stupid, and what's the big deal about cutie marks anyway?" The bullies looked stunned momentarily before regaining their snide looks. He might be impervious to insults about his name, but they'd get him for sure when they insulted his lack of a cutie mark.

"It means you're not good at anything. If you were you'd have yours already." Aqua glanced at both Rumble's cutie mark and then Diamond Tiara's.

"What's your cutie mark supposed to be?" He said.

"Well duh, it's a tiara you idiot. Even a dumb blank flank like you should be able to see that." Silver Spoon chimed in. Aqua rolled his eyes.

"I can see that, but what does it mean?" Once again he'd stumped the would be bullies.

"Wh-what's that supposed to mean?" Diamond Tiara asked shakily, unnerved that Aqua had yet to care about the name calling.

"Well if your special talent is just wearing tiaras isn't that kind of, I dunno, a bit boring?" Diamond was at a loss for words.

"B-boring!?!"

"Well, yeah! I mean, Rumbles is about his flight and weather control, Miss Cheerily's is about how good she is at teaching, but if your's is just that you wear tiaras isn't that basically saying that you've already reached your best? That that's all your good at." Diamond Tiara was genuinely freaked out now, and a little bit sad.

"W-whatever blank flank! I was bored of talking to you anyway! Come on Silver Spoon, let's go." She and her henchpony marched away, noses held high. Upon their departure, the Cutie Mark Crusaders cheered.

"Wow! You totally beat them at their own game!" Aqua was confused.

"What, what did I do?" This just prompted more cheers from both the CMC and Rumble.

"You total destroyed them without even meaning to, that is so cool!" Rumble cheered. Aqua shrugged.

"Whatever, now can we go play?" And with that, the group of five trotted off to go do foal things. Like play ball, and eat candy, and smash ponies mailboxes (what, was that something only Scootaloo did?)

Author's Notes:

Hi! Hope you're enjoying the story so far, feel free to comment anything I should work on. Cause I'm too oblivious to notice my own shortcomings.

As A Family

Cloud, Pandora, and Aqua sat around the table in the kitchen of their new house. Pandora finished her mouthful before turning to Aqua.

"So, how was school?"

"It was good, I made some friends." Aqua replied. He reached for the dinner rolls only for them to scoot away. He turned to look at Pandora and grew a confused look.

"What are their names? Are they nice?" Aqua sighed. He'd heard about this from Rumble. Mom's apparently always ask tons of boring questions about school and don't let you do fun things like play in the rain. He looked to Cloud for help only for him to raise his hooves up in a clear "Leave me out of this mess" gesture. He turned back to Pandora.

"Their names are Rumble, Sweetie Bell, Scootaloo, and Apple Bloom. They're all nice although Rumble is my best friend." Pandora smiled and passed him a roll.

"Well that's nice! I'm glad you're having fun." They ate the rest of dinner in relative silence. Later, when Aqua was done with homework and was getting into bed, Cloud and Pandora walked in. Cloud gave him a hug and a "goodnight" and then Pandora gave him a kiss on the cheek. Ok, that part was fine about moms, but he hoped Pandora didn't make him stay inside during the rain. As they were walking out the door, Aqua called back.

"Goodnight Mom, goodnight Dad." If they were his parents now, he might as well call them that. They smiled before closing the door. He settled into his bed and realized he couldn't wait to see his friends tomorrow. His best friend Rumble, Sweetie Bell and Scootaloo, and Apple Bloom. He smiled as he thought about Apple Bloom. She had a nice voice. And her coat was a nice color. He liked yellow, and red, like her mane and tail. Her bow was also really nice and he liked it. Tomorrow couldn't come fast enough!

Meanwhile, Cloud and Pandora were high-hoofing in the downstairs hallway. Cloud gave Pandora a smirk.

"I'm telling you, we've got this whole 'parent' thing in the bag. I mean, it's only been a little while, and he's already calling us 'Mom' and 'Dad.'" Pandora nodded while pressing up against him.

"Yup! And then after we get married we'll be just like any other family, except a bit different seeing as how two of us are changelings." Cloud grew a thoughtful expression.

"You know, I think we have to go fill out some paperwork for Aqua to be our son legally. I'll check at the town hall tomorrow." Pandora planted a kiss on his lips. After the kiss Cloud grew a lecherous smirk.

"You know, we have the house all to ourselves for most of tomorrow. Maybe we should spend some 'quality time' while Aqua is at school." Pandora gave him a disapproving look.

"Cloud, the doctor said no strenuous physical activity. And I'm pretty sure that counts as strenuous." Cloud sighed as he thought about all the different things he couldn't do because of his injuries. There was also the matter if his financial compensation. If the princesses didn't give it to him, he probably wouldn't be able to sue, because what lawyer would try to sue the princesses of Equestria. Pandora gave him gentle hug and started walking towards their bedroom. Cloud sighed, disappointed that even this short walk was starting to hurt. His smile returned when he started following Pandora to the bedroom. He might not be able to do anything, but he could still enjoy the view.

------------------------------

Aqua sighed as he thumped his head on his desk. Ten more minutes until lunch. His thoughts turned towards ideas for a cutie mark. Just because he wouldn't get one naturally didn't mean it couldn't be about something he enjoyed doing. As the minutes dragged by, he continued thinking of more and more possible cutie mark ideas.

*RIIIIIIIING*

As the bell rang, Aqua jumped up and grabbed his lunch. As he and the rest of the students poured out the small doorway, he spotted Rumble and dashed over to him. He, Rumble, and two other colts called Snips and Snails sat at a small table near the playground eating their lunches. They laughed as Snips and Snails started arm wrestling but neither could beat the other. As the ended puffing and panting, Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon walked up. Remembering yesterday, Aqua prepared himself. He had to be carefully because apparently he had been saying things that hurt her feelings yesterday. He didn't want to do that because then he'd be the bully. Diamond Tiara smiled at him.

"My mom said she saw your dad yesterday. She said hewas in a wheelchair. So that got me thinking, maybe your cutie mark is going to be being just as bad at walking as your dad is!" She was sure this would work. He'd get mad, do something bad, and Miss Cheerily would get him in trouble. Aqua swallowed his bite of peanut butter and jelly sandwich before replying.

"He's not bad at walking, he just got hurt at his last job." Diamond Tiara scowled. She would have to try harder.

"Wow, to get that hurt must mean he was really bad at his job. What was he, a garbage collector? Did he trip over someponies trash?" Aqua shook his head. A crowd of foals was gathering around the table now. This would be all more satisfying with an audience.

"No, he was a Royal Guard. He got hurt when a spell misfired." All the assembled foals ooh-ed and ah-ed. Snips waved his forelegs to get Aqua's attention.

"Did ya dad eva arrest somepony?" Aqua nodded prompting cheers from the onlookers.

"Yeah, one time somepony tried to steal from a mare and he tackled him." This prompted more cheers and calls of how they wished their parents were guards. Diamond Tiara growled in frustration before grabbing his sandwich. Silver Spoon followed suit by grabbing the rest of his lunch.

"Hey! Give that back!" Aqua cried out. Diamond Tiara gave him a malicious smile.

"Oh, I'm sorry, did you want these? O figured I should get rid of this trash for you." She threw his sandwich on the ground and stomped on it. Aqua narrowed his eyes at her and Rumble started getting ready to intervene. Whether to help or stop Aqua, Tiara didn't know. Now it would work. Miss Cheerily would get him in trouble and--

"DIAMOND TIARA!" She gulped. She slowly turned to face the now present teacher who was giving her a disapproving look. Before she could come up with an excuse, Miss Cheerily pointed a hoof towards the school building. Tiara growled, upset that her plan had backfired. When both the bully and teacher were out of earshot, the foals sans Aqua started cheering, glad that Diamond Tiara had finally gotten her comeuppance. Aqua smiled when Rumble gave him half his cheese sandwich.

"Looks like Diamond Tiara finally met her match! Way to go Aqua!" He cheered prompting Aqua to grow a nervous smile. Just then the CMC came galloping up and started jumping excitedly while cheering Aqua on. As the crowd started dispersing Aqua turned to Rumble and shrugged.

"I still have no idea what I keep doing!"

Author's Notes:

Hey! You know the drill. Constructive criticism welcome.

This Won't End Well

While Aqua was having his moment in the spotlight, Cloud was experiencing life to the fullest as well. Cloud sighed as he turned the page in his borrowed copy of How To Plan Your Wedding. He had at least rolled his wheelchair to the park so he could get some sun. He checked the little notebook he had started carrying to remember important events now that his memory sucked. DOCTOR APPOINTMENT! DON'T FORGET! was written at the top of the page in massive letters. Tomorrow, tomorrow he would see how long until he could get back to living normally. Suddenly, someone said,

"Sheesh, what happened to you?" Cloud rolled his eye before answering.

"I ripped the tag off a mattress." He deadpanned. The unidentified pony snorted before responding.

"I always wondering what would happen if I did that." Cloud looked over in shock. Finally! A pony that appreciated sarcasm! Sitting on a bench nearby was a blue unicorn with a black mane and tale that had a small white streak along the side of it. He glanced down and saw his cutie mark. It was... odd. There were two parallel blue ovals with a double sided arrow going through them, but nothing between them. He looked back up to see the unicorn holding a hoof out to him. He met the hoof with his own. The unicorn nodded before saying,

"Mirror Shift." Cloud nodded before responding.

"Cloud Nine." Mirror Shift nodded before readjusting to face Cloud easier. Cloud rotated his wheelchair so now they were facing eachother. Cloud though for a second before swallowing his nerves and saying,

"So... what's with the cutie mark?" Mirror Shift looked relieved that he hadn't had to start the conversation. The unicorn cleared his throat.

"It's uh... portals. Portals and teleportation are the magic that I'm good at." Cloud whistled.

"Portals and teleportation? Now that is cool. Can you, like, make two portals so I can step into my closet and walk out at work?" Mirror rubbed the back of his head sheepishly.

"Um... the portals are more on the... small side. I can only make them about as big as a bowling ball." Cloud sighed.

"Dang it, so no portal closet. Although I'd have to worry about things walking into my house through it. Like, imagine how horrible it would be for like, a bear to come charging out of your closet in the middle of the night." Mirror grinning,

"That would be un-bear-able." He gave Cloud a cheesy smile while Cloud just gaped.

Horrible puns, sarcasm... he's me except a unicorn.

"Where have you been all my life." Cloud mumbled. Mirror's cheesy smile grew bigger.

"Probably hiding in a corner so I wouldn't have to talk to anypony." Cloud smiled.

"I feel like we should be friends." Mirror nodded.

"Thank Celestia you asked. It took me fifteen minutes to work up the courage to say something in the first place."

---------------------------

The Cloud family sat around the dinner table as they ate. Aqua was glancing between his parents before he gulped and said,

"Um... I got invited to a sleep over on Friday. It's at my friend Apple Bloom's house. They're making me a Cutie Mark Crusader so we can work together to get our cutie marks. Can I go?" Pandora looked at Cloud before shrugging.

"Sure, have fun!" Aqua sighed before hugging Pandora tightly. Rumble's mom might not be cool, but his was awesome! Pandora turned to Cloud and said,

"So, did anything interesting happen to you today?" Cloud shrugged.

"I think I made a friend. So, that's nice." Pandora cheered and kissed him. Cloud shot her a skeptical look before saying,

"What's so exciting?" Before Pandora could reply Aqua pounced on him and looked up at him with wide, blue eyes.

"Because you never talk to ponies! You always get super quiet and avoid them. So you finally became friendly!" Cloud huffed.

"I'm friendly! There just aren't many ponies worth talking to!" Pandora giggled as the two started arguing back and forth about whether or not Cloud was a friendly pony.

---------------------------------

Cloud awoke to a loud crashing sound. Upon hearing the noise Pandora shrieked in surprise. She clung to him and asked in a shaky voice,

"W-what was that?" Cloud looked out the window and saw the culprit. Dark, inky storm cloud filled the skies and a bright flash of lightning lit up the town. A loud rumble followed prompting Pandora to press closer.

"Don't worry Pandora, it's just the storm." Pandora pressed her head against his neck. She whimpered,

"I read about thunderstorms but, I didn't know they were so loud." Cloud's eyebrows furrowed before he asked,

"How have you never experienced a thunderstorm?"

"The part of the Hive I lived in was underground, and I haven't been in Equestria for very long." Their conversation was interrupted by a small changeling leaping onto their bed. Cloud hugged Aqua as he asked,

"Scared?" Aqua nodded before pressing his face to Cloud's chest.

"C-can I stay with you two tonight? Please!" Aqua smiled as he layed back down, Aqua sandwiched between him and Pandora. Now he had two changelings using him as a security blanket. He stretched a wing over them before getting comfortable again. Aqua chirped happily as he snuggled against both his parents. He giggled before saying,

"Your wing's super fluffy." Pandora wrapped the feathered limb around her before yawning and saying.

"Yup, beats any blanket hooves down. It helps that he's so snuggly warm all the time." Cloud groaned,

"Oh come on! I'm a stallion not a space heater! You two so have to make this up to me." Pandora laughed before kissing him.

"Is that enough or do you need more." Cloud smiled before pulling her closer.

"A little more wouldn't hurt." They were interrupted by Aqua laughing.

"You two are so icky! At least be less noisy when you're smooching." Cloud rolled his eyes before kissing his fiancé again. He flopped his head down on the pillow and drifted off to sleep.

Author's Notes:

Before any of you ask, Mirror Shift is inspired by my friend who told me I should start writing fanfics in the first place. That conversation was basically how most of our conversations go. I figured I'd put him in here as thanks for having me write this in the first place.

Small CANON Bonus Chapter Because I'm Busy

"Hmmm... so, where should we eat?" High Keep asked the changeling sitting beside him. Both he and Scyllia were sitting on the couch in his Canterlot apartment. They'd been trying to go out but one thing kept getting in their way.

"And better yet, what should I eat as?" Scyllia murmured as she looked at the various choices of restaurants. Keep turned to her and said,

"Well, just try on your various transformations and I'll decide for you." Scyllia happily nodded before standing in front of him. She scrunched her face up in concentration before green flames licked across her form. In her place was a pink earth pony mare with a darker pink mane styled in a series of loose curls. Keep looked her over noting the various aspects of her transformation he found appealing. After a few moments she transformed again. Now she was a zebra mare with her mane styled in a large mohawk. She repeated the process by turning into a female gryphon with silver feathers and a black fur coat. She then reverted to her natural form and slumped down on the couch, exhausted. Keep sighed before saying with a groan,

"I can't decide, you look good no matter what. Whether you're an earth pony, zebra, gryphon, or changing." Scyllia sighed wearily before asking,

"Can I have a snack, I burned a lot of energy transforming that many times." Keep hummed before listing off,

"Well, I have ramen, hay, oats, carrots, half a bagel, hay-bacon, beer, some pickles, beer, half a cake and beer." Scyllia shook her head, drooping slightly as her forked tongue lolled out of her mouth.

"No, like love. I need some love to replace the energy I burned." Keep's mouth formed a small "o" shape as he realized what she meant. He nodded before turning to face her, not sure how to give her love. He opened his mouth to ask when she gently pressed her lips to his. He froze but eventually leaned back, letting her rest again him. After a bit she slowly pulled back with a contented sigh. Keep coughed to attempt to dispell his growing blush. Scyllia thought for a second before giving a quiet exclamation. She had an idea.

"You know Keep, we could just do... "It" for a date rather than dinner." Keep nodded before growing thoughtful.

"Yeah, but would we do it with you as a changeling, earth pony, zebra, or gryphon?" Scyllia shrugged.

"Why not all four, one after the other?" She questioned. Keep looked at her skeptically.

"I don't think I can physically do that, I might get too tired." Scyllia looked disappointed before Keep used his hoof raised her head to meet his.

"Well, I might not be able to, but I'm sure going to try. Besides, I have some peanuts and energy drinks that I can eat in between to recover." Scyllia smiled before frowning.

"Wait, which one are we doing first?" They looked at each other before Keep shrugged and said,

"I have some three sided dice we could use." Scyllia chirped as Keep brought them over.

"Okay, one is changeling, two is zebra, three is gryphon, and four is pony." Scyllia clapped her hooves and cheered.

"ROLL FOR INITIATIVE SUCKER!"

Author's Notes:

Apologies in advance because life just got hectic. My schedule is pretty crazy for the next three weeks and then a bit more later on. I'll try to keep uploading chapters but they might be a bit more spread out than usual.

Business As Usual

[Note: there will be a lot of back and forth dialogue early on this chapter. At first I'll specify but then it will just alternate.]

Cloud idly swung his hooves as he waited for the nurse to arrive. He snapped to attention as the door opened revealing a white mare with a pink mane and tale. The nurse cleared her throat and gave him a smile.

"Hello, you must be Cloud Nine, nice to meet you." Cloud nodded in response prompting the mare to enter the room. When the door was closed she sat down across from him.

"Now then, before we start the physical examination, we have to ask you a few questions." She said. Cloud pursed his lips.

"Um... ok?" The nurse smiled before beginning her series of questions.

"Now then, are you allergic to anything?"

"Coconuts." Cloud replied.

"Any prior conditions or ailments?"

"No."

"Any medications?"

"No."

"Sexual history?"

"Epic, and private."

"Okay then, on to the physical." She approached Cloud and gently started moving his previously broken leg up and down.

"Any discomfort?" She asked. Cloud shook his head. She then started gently pressing on his shoulder.

"Any discomfort?" Cloud shook his head again. She then extended his wing and gently started rolling the feathered appendage. Cloud smiled as he felt no pain or unpleasant pulling sensations.

"I'll take that as a no. Well, with that out of the way you're free to go." The nurse said with a smile. Cloud hopped off the table and turned to face the nurse.

"Thanks nurse. Well, I would say I hope I see you again, but right now I'd rather not spend any more time in the hospital." They both nodded to eachother as Cloud walked out the door.

-----------------------

Cloud breathed in a deep breath as he entered his home. It was good to be able to fly home rather than roll along in a wheelchair. He smiled as he sat down on the couch. No more dealing with those annoying injuries and that stupid wheelchair. He felt a sudden warmth settle against his back. He turned and gave Pandora a broad smile.

"Hey hun! Guess wh--" suddenly, Pandora drew him into a deep kiss. Cloud shrugged before returning the kiss. It was always interesting, kissing a changeling. First there was the fangs, and then there was the rather flexible forked tongue. His happy hum turned into surprised yelp as Pandora tipped him onto his back and started getting more and more energetic. Cloud finally managed to extricate himself from her tight grip and sat there holding the changeling at hoofs length. She squirmed to attempt to slip out of his grip and get back to what they were doing. Cloud cocked an eyebrow as he noticed her half-lidded eyes, panting, and the fact that her tongue was lolling out of her mouth.

"Um... your a bit more... affectionate than usual. You feeling okay?" Cloud said. He was concerned to say the least. Pandora usually was sweet and more snuggly then... sexual. But now, he'd only ever seen her like this in the bedroom. Pandora purred as she struggled to close the gap between them.

"Oh I feel just ~fine~. Although, there is ~something~ you could do to make me feel even better." She growled as she lunged forward and attempted to resume their more oral variant of wrestling. Cloud grabbed Pandora, holding the panting changeling still.

"Okay, I seriously want to know what's going on. I mean, now that I'm back to full health I'm more than happy to do 'it' with you, but now you've got me worried." Pandora groaned in disappointment and gave a huff of annoyance.

"Nothing's the matter! It's just my time of the year!" Cloud blinked before tilting his head to the side.

"Wait, what?! What's that supposed to mean!?!" Pandora sighed,

"I keep forgetting you don't know some of this stuff. Well, once a year all the breeder changelings, those are changelings designated to have children, became fertile and pick a suitable male to mate with. Now that I'm not in the hive anymore, I'm not exposed to the anti-fertility pheromones that are used on all the other females. So, now that you're back to normal, are we going to--" Cloud gently hugged her and started rubbing between her wings in order to help her get herself back under control.

"Okay, I can tell you really are, well, turned on, but we need to wait for Friday. Aqua will be home soon and I do NOT want him to walk in on us. So we need to wait until he leaves for his sleep over tomorrow, and then we can do whatever you want." Pandora perked up.

"We can do... anything?" Cloud suddenly felt uncomfortable.

"Well, maybe not ANYTHING, but, just tell me what you had in mind." Pandora smirked before whispering in Cloud's ear. Cloud started blushing and spluttered out,

"B-but, where would we get that much honey?!? And why would we want to bang in a bathtub filled with honey!? And making you panties out of resin!?! Where did you come up with this!?" Pandora rolled her eyes.

"Well it's either that or..." she leaned in and started whispering again. Cloud's face got progressively redder and redder as she went on.

"O-okay, I guess bathtub full of honey it is!" Cloud said before shuddering. Some mental images should never be forced on another living being. They both turned as they heard the door open and Aqua stepped inside.

"Hi Mom! Hi Dad! What ya doooin?"

"Nothing! Just about to go take a shower! A cold shower! Bye!!" Cloud hastily beat a retreat, desperate to hide his shame from his son. Aqua turned to Pandora and let his disguise melt away.

"What was that all about?" Pandora giggled before saying,

"Cloud just got all sweaty flying over here now that he's all better."

"Oooh! That's good." Aqua said. Pandora nodded before flailing and falling off the couch at Aqua's parting remark.

"I thought you guys were wrestling again."

Author's Notes:

You know the drill.

Danger Inbound

Cloud sighed as he settled into bed. He read while listening to the sound of running water coming from the bathroom. After a few minutes Pandora emerged and got into bed beside him. She wormed her way past his foreleg and lay resting her head on his shoulder. She was still much more clingy than usual, but at least she hadn't pounced on him while Aqua was around. He continued reading for a few minutes before closing his book and turning off the lights. He wrapped Pandora in a hug before drifting off to sleep.

Cloud jolted awake as he felt something wet touch his face. After his eyes adjusted he realized Pandora was... licking him?

"Um... what are you doing?" Pandora stopped before giving him a half-lidded gaze.

"~Oh, your awake~" Cloud gulped. He didn't like where this was going. He pulled back as she started advancing on him. He started coughing as she drew closer. A strange, sweet smell suffusing the air around her. The more of the smell he smelt, the harder it was to think clearly. He tried to get away but his movements were slow and sluggish. He started panicking, what was she doing? Was this some weird spell? He couldn't... it was so hard to.... He started gasping like a fish out of water as she slithered up his form. Through his mental stupor he noticed an uncomfortable tingling in his lower regions. He gasped out,

"P-pandora! S... stop! Please!" Pandora hesitated and suddenly her eyes opened wide. She pulled back and gasped, holding a hoof over mouth. She dashed into the bathroom and slammed the door shut. Shortly after Cloud heard the water turn on and choked sobbing. Once Cloud managed to shake himself out of his stupor, he looked nervously at the bathroom door.

I... I should go see if she's okay. But, what if it happens again! But... she seems to be taking it pretty hard.

Cloud steeled himself and, after swallowing his fear, slowly opened the door. He peeked his head through the gap and immediately Pandora choked out,

"N-no! Go away! I-i-it's not s-safe to be around me!" Her crying returned with a vengeance. Cloud gulped before sitting down across from her. He tentatively reached out a hoof and placed it on the crying changeling's shoulder. Cloud took a couple deep breaths before saying,

"Listen, It-it's okay. It's all--"

"IT'S NOT FINE! DO YOU KNOW WHAT I ALMOST DID!! AND DON'T EVEN PRETEND YOU WEREN'T SCARED! I COULD FEEL YOUR FEAR AND... and... it was directed at me." She whispered the last part. Cloud drew back but scooted a bit closer. He finally climbed into the tub with her and gathered her into a tight hug. She feebly resisted before burying her head on his shoulder.

"I'm a horrible changeling, and an even worse fiancé." She moaned as she pressed tighter against him. Cloud sighed before tilting his head into the stream of water.

"You're not a bad changeling. I know you wouldn't hurt me." Pandora shook her head.

"If I'm so much better than all the other changelings than why did I almost do to you what all the other females do during mating season." Cloud laid his head in top of her as he continued calming her down. A question suddenly sprang to mind.

"Wait, what do the females do?" Pandora sniffed before placing her head on his shoulder.

"Well, they choose some poor, unsuspecting male and ambush him. Then, they dope him out of his mind with pheromones before doing whatever they want to him. Trust me, it's not pretty. Especially if multiple females want one male. Sometimes they end up ripping the poor guy apart in their frenzy. And, and I almost did that to you!" Cloud sighed before rubbing her back. At least that explained what happened that stopped him from getting away.

"Listen, I don't blame you, I know you're having a tough time controlling yourself right now. So just calm down and let's go back to bed." Pandora shakily nodded before getting out of the tub. Cloud turned the water off before grabbing a towel and beginning the arduous process of drying his wet fur. He laid back down on his side of the bed and noticed Pandora was curled up as far away as possible. He made his way over to her and curled himself around her. He cut off her protests by pressing his hoof to her lips.

"I won't let you beat yourself up over this. This one little incident isn't enough to make me stop loving you Pandora, and you need to realize that." She nodded before pressing closer to his side.

"How did I get so lucky that you love me this much?" Cloud laughed before answering.

"By being the most lovable and adorable changeling I know." Pandora hummed happily at that. She sighed,

"Honestly, I'm just glad that Aqua is staying with us. I'd hate for him to wind up being filled with hatred like the rest of the changelings." Cloud nodded his assent.

"Yeah, thought given what I know now, I can see why they were so eager to lash out. When all you know is hatred and fear you will do anything to find release for even a few seconds. Many find that release in making others as miserable as they are. It's like the old saying, 'Misery loves company.'" He planted a kiss on Pandora's cheek before draping his wing over them both.
-----------------------------
Aqua tapped his hoof as he looked at the clock. So close yet so far! There were only minutes, MINUTES! Separating him from his sleepover. He looked over at his three friends as he waited for the minutes to slowly drudge by. Rumble was asleep so he couldn't help, Scootaloo was... also asleep. Sweetie Bell was doing her math worksheet, and Apple Bloom was staring out the window. With nothing better to do, Aqua stared at her as she stared out the window. He didn't really understand why, but he just wanted to look at her forever. She was so nice and pretty that he couldn't help himself. His thoughts returned to the sleepover. He, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Bell, and Scootaloo were all spending the night at Apple Bloom's families farm. Rumble couldn't go because he was busy and he got grounded for stealing cookies from the cookie jar at home, so that wasn't good. But the rest was awesome! Finally the bell rang and Aqua jumped out of his desk and galloped out the door with his friends. Finally! The sleepover could begin!

(That Night)

"Oh Celestia everything hurts!" Scootaloo groaned as she flopped on her sleeping bag. They had all tryed to get their cutie marks in fishing, rock climbing, rock throwing, fish throwing, hitting eachother with fishes... okay, that one was just for fun, but needless to say they were all pooped.

"Ah think ahm ready ta hit tha hay." Apple Bloom murmured sleepily. Her sister Applejack snorted,

"Ah told y'all you'd be more tuckered out 'n a jackrabbit after summer but y'all had ta go and over do it." Aqua just burrowed his way into his sleeping bag. Sweetie Bell jumped on her sleeping bag too before saying,

"We know! can we please just go to sleep now? I feel like I'm about to pass out, right Scootaloo?" They all turned to find the orange pegasus had already fallen asleep in the middle of their conversation. For a filly who slept during school so much, she sure could sleep at the drop of a hat. Applejack sighed before smiling at the group of foals.

"Ahlright, but if y'all need anything just holler!" And trotted out of the room, turning the lights off as she left. Aqua rolled over and soon was asleep as well.

-----------------------------

Aqua woke up to a searing pain in his chest. He was hungry. He looked around to see it was still dark out and that everyone was still asleep. He groggily got up and stumbled to the door. He needed love, but the only place he knew he could get it was his parents. Maybe he could get some from Applejack? She was kind of like Apple Bloom's mom and sister all at once. He made his way to her room and slowly opened the door. He was about to ask if he could stay with her for the night when he heard loud snoring.

It would be rude to wake her up, I should just be nice and quiet.

Aqua slowly slid under the blankets until he was pressed up against her warm back. He sighed in contentment as a small trickle of love started flowing into him. He got comfortable and started slowly drifting off. He jolted in surprise when Applejack rolled over and, upon accidentally bumping into Aqua in her sleep, pulled him to her chest. Aqua chirped happily as the flow of love almost tripled. He was planning on leaving once he was full, but he was so comfortable that he fell back asleep. Little did he know, his disguise had dropped in his sleep.

Not Your Momma's Slumber Party

Aqua awoke slowly and was still tired from all his activity yesterday. He pulled the blanket over his head before he heard voices outside the door.

I hope they leave soon, I'm tired.

He heard Applejack telling someone something and decided to listen in a bit.

"Ah don't know! Tha varmint was there when ah woke up! How am ah supposed ta know how it got in here!" Another pony squealed in excitement.

"This is so exciting! I can't wait to finally be able to study a real one!" A more posh sounding voice cut in,

"Honestly I just hope it's not too grotesquely ugly. Goodness knows they were before." He heard the door open which prompted him to slowly begin rousing himself. He remained under the blankets but swiveled his ear to hear better. Suddenly, the covers were pulled off him eliciting a shiver from him and gasps from the ponies. One said in a smug voice,

"Well well well, I guess it's payback time for Canterlot." Aqua pushed himself upright and yawned widely before rubbing his eyes with his hole filled hooves... hole filled? He looked down and froze as he saw black chitin instead of turquoise fur.

Again?! This is the fourth time I've shape shifted in my sleep this week! At least I'm not a gryphon this time, or a mare.*shudder*

He gulped before looking up at the assembled ponies. It was those six mares from Canterlot! What were they doing here? The purple unicorn recovered faster than the others and said in an imperious voice,

"Ahm... as P-princess Celestia's personal student, I demand you surrender so we can capture and study you! If you try anything changeling we will use force." Aqua shrank back and started quaking in fear. Ponies usually were cute but now they were just plain scary. A butter yellow pegasus with a light pink mane darted over and scooped him into a warm hug. She gave Twilight a disapproving look and admonished,

"Twilight! You're scaring the poor dear!" The others gasped. The rainbow maned one shouted,

"What the hay Fluttershy! That thing's a changeling! Don't touch it, it could do some gross changeling magic or something." The others nodded and began advancing prompting Aqua to cower further against the mare holding him. She just stared at them while saying,

"But look at him, he's only a foal! It would be wrong to punish a poor little foal for trying to get warm at night. So what if he slept in your bed Applejack, would it be a problem if Apple Bloom did?" Applejack grumbled,

"Yeah, but mah sister ain't a changeling." Twilight looked at Fluttershy and said,

"But Fluttershy, we need to learn the location of the remaining changelings as well as any physical weaknesses they may have. Changelings are evil and need to be stopped." Fluttershy huffed.

"If a mean old dragon burned part of Ponyville up would you punish Spike for it?" Twilight looked aghast.

"What? Oh course not, he didn't take part in..." she sighed as she realized what her friend had just done.

Aqua slowly started calming down as the pegasus holding him started gently rubbing his back.

"Shhh, it's okay little guy, I won't let them hurt you." Despite his best efforts he couldn't try to wriggle out of her grip or escape. Not because she was holding him tightly, but because he couldn't bring himself to. She was so soft and quite it was making him all drowsy and calm. Twilight started protesting again,

"But, but we still should notify the Royal Guard so they can come collect it.Even if it is just to bring it to Princess Celestia and she keeps it under house arest." Fluttershy looked at the unicorn pitifully.

"But what if his family is nearby? They would be worried sick! And look at him, he's not trying to hurt anypony." Rarity made a face before saying,

"Honestly darling, do you really think you should hold it? It's so gross and slimy looking!" Fluttershy gasped,

"Rarity! Would you say that to another pony! Besides, this little angel isn't gross or slimy, he's actually kind of silky feeling, and his fangs are so little they're cute rather than scary." She nuzzled Aqua's cheek for extra emphasis. Aqua hummed happily as she did, this mare was so nice, and she was giving him so much love. The curly maned party pony raised her hoof like she was trying to tell a teacher something.

"But what if the changeling is just acting all cutesy-wootsy and is just trying to gobble up all your love?" Fluttershy smiled before saying,

"I feel perfectly fine! And besides, you wouldn't take my love would you little guy." She directed the last part at Aqua which immediately received a response. Aqua looked up at her with a guilty look and said,

"Oh, I'm sorry, I thought it would be okay if I ate some. I'm sorry for not asking." All the assembled mares jolted in surprise when he spoke. Fluttershy was the furst to recover and gave him a sweet smile.

"Oh it's okay. So long as you don't take too much I can definitely spare some." Before her friends could interject Aqua tilted his head and said,

"Take? Oh no, I'm just feeding off of what you're giving me, you can't get hurt by this!" He knew, Mom explained it to him when he asked if Dad would be alright feeding both of them. Fluttershy smiled and kissed his cheek.

"You're just the sweetest little thing! And so polite too." Twilight scowled,

"That's it. Fluttershy, I demand you give me that changeling!" Fluttershy looked around at her friends and then back at the foal that was now pressing up against her chest to distance himself from the ring of encroaching mares. She closed her eyes and nodded once before lunging across the room and pushing Aqua out the window. Aqua's wings buzzed as he slowed his descent.

"Run! I'll ,um, try to stop them!" Aqua nodded and called back,

"Thank you!" He then made a bee-line for the forest and was soon zipping through the underbrush.

Fluttershy turned back to her friends who were now scowling at her. She blushed and rubbed the back of her head.

"Um... sorry?"

---------------------------

Aqua panted as he flew as fast as he could through the forest. He finally stopped near a small stream to catch his breath. He looked around and, upon seeing he wasn't followed, sat down heavily on his haunches. He wiped his brow with a fetlock and leaned down in order to drink from the stream. When he had had his fill he began looking for the way back to town. He turned around and... no, not that way. He grew more panicked the longer he looked and after a few minutes sat down to try to remember which direction town was.

It was... backwards from here? Left? Right? I, I don't know!

He continued swiveling his head around and soon decided on a course of action.

"I think I came from... there, so I'll go... that way!" He said to no one in particular. He stood up and trotted down the path he'd chosen, hoping he had the right one.

-------------------------

"What do you mean you don't know where he is!" Cloud shouted at the collection of six mares in front of him. Twilight stepped forward and gave him a nervous smile.

"W-well, we don't know where he is, but we will hopefully find him soon!" Cloud growled in response,

"Soon? Soon!? I want to know where my son is! You were supposed to be watching him. I trust that when I allowed Aqua to go to that sleepover you wouldn't lose him!" Rainbow Dash pushed her snout against his and glared at him.

"Hey! Don't you go blaming Applejack bub, it's not her fault your son is missing!" Pinkie chose then to add to the conversation.

"Actually, she was the designated chaperone, so she bears full legal responsibility to protect and watch over the foals under her care." She then somehow popped back into place beside Rarity within a matter of seconds. Cloud groaned,

"Great, first the Canterlot fiasco, then the fact that I STILL haven't heard from the princesses about my compensation, and now my son is missing. Just great! I knew I should have moved to Horseshoe Bay!" He sighed and started trotting away.

"Where are you going?" Twilight called out.

"What do you think! I'm going to find my son!" Cloud shouted over his shoulder. Applejack stepped forward,

"Wait fer us and we can ahl look tagether!"

"Sorry, but I'd rather find my son ALIVE! I'm finding my own search team."

------------------------

Night had fallen, and with it, so had Aqua's hope. He stumbled along, crying and whimpering to himself, scared out of his mind. A twig snapped and Aqua heard a low, menacing growl. He shakily turned and saw a massive wolf made of wood staring at him with eyes filled with ravenous hunger. It slowly crept forward and Aqua bolted in the other direction. He had donned his pony form long before in the hopes of being found, but now he was just glad that his pegasus wings didn't shred like changeling wings. He kept on running until he reached a cliff. This wouldn't have been a problem, if he hadn't been at the bottom of it, and the entire top and area surrounding it weren't covered in wolves. He knew he couldn't fly fast or long enough to get away. The wolves crept closer and closer, a sea of slavering brown churning around him. He sobbed in defeat, there was no way to escape. If he flew they'd follow him until he was too tired to fly. If he tried climbing the cliff the wolves up top would pounce. He shook as he realized he would never see his parents again, or his friends, or--

Suddenly, there was a gust of wind and a loud "whoosh". Aqua felt something pick him up and fly faster than he think possible into the night sky. Aqua squeezed his eyes shut as he prepared for whatever creature had snatched him away to finish him off. He was surprised when suddenly he was set down and heard a gruff yet feminine voice.

"Sheesh kid, you almost got turned into a dweeb dinner, what the buck are you doing in the forest?" He turned and saw something he wasn't expecting. There before him stood a gryphon. Her feathers were white with purple markings, and her fur was a rich brown color. The gryphoness rolled her eyes and said,

"I know the drill, 'ahh! Please don't eat me Miss Gryphon! I promise I don't taste very--" She was cut off by Aqua pouncing on her, sobbing and shivering.

"T-thank you! Thank you! Thank you so much! You saved my life." He squeezed a bit tighter as he clung to her stomach. She looked taken aback and awkwardly patted him on the head.

"Well, this is new. You're not... scared of me?" Aqua shook his head and looked up at her with adoring eyes.

"You saved my life! Why would I be scared?" She shrugged.

"I dunno, most of you dweeby ponies freak out when you see anything different." She carefully used her claws to pry Aqua off her belly and sat down in front of him.

"So dweeb, what's your name?"

"Aqua! What's yours?" The gryphoness blinked and scratched her head.

"Uh... Gilda. Um... okay! Back to the topic at claw, why are you here?"

"I got lost, and then the wolves attacked and, and then you saved me." Gilda rolled her eyes.

"No duh. But anyway, where's your home?" Aqua bit his lip before looking around. For the first time he realized he was in some sort of treetop nest house. He looked around some more and said,

"Ponyville, I live in Ponyville." Gilda groaned and held a claw to her forehead.

"Just great, exactly where I wanted to go. Listen kid, I can take you home but it'll have to wait for tomorrow. I guess you can stay with me for tonight." She trudged over to a table and poured some water into a pair of homemade bowls. She handed one to Aqua and then curled up in a nest made of various soft materials. Aqua sat down beside the table directly across from her. He cleared his throat.

"So, you live in these woods?" Gilda raised an eyebrow causing Aqua to laugh nervously.

"Right, pretty obvious. So how long have you lived here?" Gilda took a drink before answering.

"A couple months, and what is this, twenty questions?" Aqua gulped and looked down.

"Sorry Miss Gilda." Gilda groaned.

"Just Gilda! And sheesh kid, grow a spine! Don't apologize for everything. I swear you remind me if that wimpy pony from before." Aqua tilted his head before asking,

"Before." Gilda shook her head with a scowl. Secretly, she was glad to have someone to vent at.

"I went to Ponyville to visit a friend and it went bad. I've been staying here ever since."

"Why not just go back home?"

"Because my old home isn't my home anymore." When Aqua remained silent, Gilda continued.

"I got layed off from work and then I couldn't pay rent. So, I figured I'd come visit my friend. I thought I'd crash with her for a bit and then hopefully get a job in town. But, she told me to leave after I blew my lid at a party." Aqua's ears flattened.

"I'm sorry, that sounds bad." Gilda scoffed.

"Yeah, it was. The thing that ticked me off the most wasn't all the dweeby pranks, but the party itself. They had so much food and drinks that I just... where I'm from none of the gryphons can afford something like that. And then that stupid pink dweeb ate an entire cake by herself. That cake could have easily fed the whole bucking town! And she just scarfed it down! That and Rainbow choosing her new friends over me and, and." Aqua moved closer, but Gilda was just getting started.

"It's just, she was the only friend I'd ever had. My parents wanted a son so they didn't want anything to do with me. As soon as possible they shipped me off to Jr. Speedsters Camp just to get rid of me. There, my only friend was Dash and I admired her so much. She was confident and cool and everything I wasn't. So then I come back and at first everything is just peachy. But then her stupid pink friend starts following us and Dash always stops whatever we're doing to talk to her. So okay, that's cool, but then at the party she stood up for her new friends rather than me. The only person who ever gave a rip about me just stood there, basically saying 'Buck you Gilda, I have new friends now. I don't need you anymore!' And she told me to go find a new friend. Friend, singular, like she was telling me she knew I'd never have a big group of friends. Heck, I'd have been happy with just Dash but, but ahe threw me out like yesterday's trash. And so I started living here, but every night when I fall asleep, I can't help but think about how much of a failure I am and hope I don't wake up. But I do, so, I made that." She pointed to a length of vines knotted together with a noose on the end.

"I stood there and tried to do it, tried to make it all stop ,but, I was too much of a coward! I just, I hate myself so much that I wish I'd never been born!" She broke down sobbing. She hadn't really ever been paying attention to her guess for most of her speech, she'd just been holding it all in for too long. She opened her eyes and looked in confusion at the pony hugging her tightly.

"No! You're not trash! You saved my life and I think you're my friend! So that's all that matters to me! You're not trash to me!" She sniffed before pulling the foal onto her feathery chest. She clutched him to her chest and cried until she could cry no more. When she was finished she wiped her face and smiled at Aqua.

"T-thanks dweeb. I, I guess we're friends now?" Aqua nodded before yawning and pressing against her side. Gilda smiled and wrapped her arms around him, holding him like a teddy bear.

"Goodnight Gilda!" Aqua said through a yawn. Gilda smiled and ruffled his mane.

"Goodnight dweeb. I'll see you in the morning." And so, the two slept, unaware that in a town a moderate distance away a certain pegasus was sleepless with worry.

Busted

Aqua yawned as he stretched, pushing his way out of Gilda's death grip. Before he could move more Gilda pulled him a bit closer. After months of no company she was not about to waste the little bit of time with her "teddy bear." He shrugged before cuddling into her fluffy feathers. Gilda yawned,

"We can sleep a few more minutes." Aqua nodded happily.

"Yup. By the way, your feathers are super soft and fluffy." Gilda managed to hold in a squeal, she was lovable! She contained her excitement and wrapped a wing around him. She had a friend! A tiny, underage friend... that sounded better in her head. She shrugged and stifled a laugh as he squirmed into a more comfortable position.

Dammit, now I'm contemplating keeping him. Anyway, his parents can wait a bit.

-------------------------

"Mirror Shift!" Cloud shouted as he knocked on his kinda-friend's door. The unicorn in question opened the door and rubbed his eyes sleepily.

"What do you want?" He said through a yawn.

"Can you help me look for my son? He went missing." Mirror nodded and said,

"Yeah, I'll meet you at the sign near the forest. We are looking near the forest right?" Cloud gave him a skeptical look.

"Yeah, how did you guess?" Mirror shrugged.

"Basically everything that happens wrong here comes from there." Cloud shrugged and ran off towards the town.

--------------------------

"You ready to get away for the weekend?" High Keep asked while wrapping a foreleg around Scyllia's disguised shoulders. She nodded before they both heard a yell.

"Wait! Keep? High Keep!?" Keep looked over and saw a very familiar looking pegasus stop in front of him.

"Cloud? Cloud Nine! My old guard buddy! It's been so long."

"It's been less than two weeks since I left Canterlot. But anyway, I need your help! I'm looking for my son and your help would be appreciated." Keep saluted before turning to Scyllia.

"Can we?" She nodded shyly and scooted a bit closer. Keep gave Cloud a smile and a nod.

"Thanks Keep, good to see you again!"

------------------------------

Cloud paced in front of the assembled search and rescue squad. Assembled before him were Fluttershy (she was the only sane one of her friends), Pandora (in her disguise of course), Keep and his marefriend, and Mirror Shift. He turned to face them.

"Well, I guess we just start searching and try to be back before dinner." He turned and marched off followed by the rest of his friends. Unnoticed by the others Pandora and Scyllia walked up to eachother.

"You and Cloud?" Scyllia asked.

"You and that Keep fellow?" Pandora responded. Scyllia nodded before sighing,

"Stallions are so much nicer than drones." Pandora nodded in agreement before rejoining her fiancé. They made it about thee feet before a shadow blocked out the sun and something landed in front of them.

"Hey dweeb, this them?" Said a gruff voice. Cloud opened his eyes to see a gryphon standing in front of them. On her back was--

"Yup! Thanks Gilda! You're the best." Aqua said as he hopped off her back. He was immediately rushed by his parents who began bombarding him with questions. Cloud paused and looked at the gryphon who had started to cut a quiet retreat.

"Thanks for bringing him back. If you ever need anything just look me up." He said. The gryphon paused before nodding to him and started preparing to take off. Aqua lept up and gave her a hug.

"Don't go Gilda! You can stay with us!" Gilda ruffled his mane before saying,

"Maybe in a bit if your parents are fine with it, but I gotta keep my home in order too. See ya later dweeb." She called before flying off. She managed to make it far enough away that nobody noticed the dampness in her eyes while the family started catching up. The rest of the search group stood awkwardly by. Keep cleared his throat.

"Um... this was anticlimactic. I was at least expecting this to take a few minutes." The rest of the group nodded in agreement. Cloud and his family rejoined them and began thanking them for their help. Suddenly, a voice rang out.

"Well, I'm glad that that was taken care of swiftly, but I would still like to talk to the five of you Cloud, 'Honey,' 'Aqua,' Keep, and 'Citrus.'" The aforementioned ponies and changelings turned and saw, to their surprise, Princess Celestia herself. Cloud gulped

Welp, we're screwed.

-----------------------

The walk back to town was rather uneventful. Nobody talked. The ponies not named politely excused themselves and left the five in the company of the princess. As they reached the outskirts of town, they stopped at a carriage pulled by several guards in full armor. Celestia opened the door and motioned for them to enter. Inside was an oval shaped space with a long, continuous bench built into the wall around an oval table of polished wood. They each sat down; Keep, Scyllia, Pandora, and Cloud at one end of the oval; Princess Celestia at the other, and Aqua near her side but basically forgotten. When the door was closed Celestia lit up her horn and erected a glowing barrier inside the carriage.

"Now that nopony can eavesdrop, please be aware that I know your little secret." The four adults glanced among themselves. Keep spoke in a shaky voice.

"W-what s-secrets your m-majesty?" Celestia smiled and rolled her eyes.

"Relax, after the incident with Cloud prior I have decided to speak with any changelings before passing judgment." This prompted panicked expressions from the adults. Celestia laughed politely.

"Oh come now, did you really think I wouldn't devise my own spell for detecting changelings? And besides, your son going missing the day a changeling was spotted. A changeling that, in the words of a certain Miss Fluttershy was, 'very polite and sweet.' So rest assured I know you are changings, at least, three of you are." The other occupants looked around before sighing. Three flashes of green flame later and two changelings were snuggling two stallions while a nymph continued looking around the carriage in wonder. Celestia nodded to them and said,

"Now, before I make my decision, please tell me your stories. How you met and so on." Cloud sighed before wrapping his wing around his changeling and beginning.

"Well, it started out like any morning..."

(A few hours later)

"And there you have it." Cloud said. It had taken a while for both couples to complete their narratives and the sun was reaching the horizon. Celestia nodded before pursing her lips in thought.

"I have reached a decision." The four adults perked up.

"I believe you--" she paused before glancing down beside her. She smiled and said,

"Well, I hadn't even noticed." Upon seeing the confused expressions of her guests she lowered the table revealing a sleeping Aqua, who was snuggled up against the Sun Princess' side. She silenced Pandora with a preemptive hoof raise.

"No, let him sleep. Although it is funny that despite the species foals will be foals. They don't care about differences nearly as much as adults do. Perhaps it would be better if we were all as trusting and accepting." She smiled as she curled her flowing tale around the small changeling eliciting a quiet murmur. She looked back up at the waiting adults.

"Now where was I? Oh yes! I have decided you may stay given you continue to peacefully coexist with my little ponies. And in regards to your identities, as requested, I will keep them our secret." Pandora tilted her head.

"So you're not going to have your scientists study us?" Celestia gave her a warm smile.

"Given your predisposed dislike of that idea, I don't think that will be necessary. Now then, I have wasted enough of your time, and I believe this little one needs his bed." She floated Aqua up in a small cloud of magic. She gently nuzzled his cheek before returning him to his parents. She smiled at them all as they exited the carriage with many bows and "thank you"s. She sighed as they walked out of sight.

"Well that went better than I expected. And that Aqua was such a cutie." She chuckled before knocking on the carriage wall, signaling her desire to depart. As she looked out on the town as it shrank away she laughed quietly.

Despite their promises of being on their best behavior, I can't help but feel like Ponyville will be even more interesting than before. And that's saying something!

Author's Notes:

Comments and questions welcome! As always.

Back To Normal

Cloud grunted as he adjusted the bulky violin case slung across his back. Today he started his new job. Finally no broken bones, head trauma, or missing family was in his way. A bell chimed as he pushed the door of Hot Flambé's restaurant open. The loud chef turned to him and grumbled,

"It's about DAMN time you got your lazy ass in here. Now unpack and get playing, and don't break yourself again okay!" Cloud nodded and hurried into the locker room. Today was definitely going to be busy.

-----------------------

Aqua hummed as he trotted to school. The sun was shining, the grass was a brilliant, verdant green. He smiled as Rumble came galloping up to him. He stopped out of breath in front of Aqua and, once he had recovered, turned to Aqua and said,

"Aqua! I heard you were missing! What happened! Where did you go!" Aqua stepped right up to him and replied,

"I was in the woods! I got attacked by timberwolves and rescued by a gryphon named Gilda. It was so cool!" Rumble "ooh"ed appreciatively. Their conversation was halted when the bell for school to start rang. They turned and rushed towards the door along with all the other foals in the schoolyard.

(At lunch)

Aqua was sitting with Rumble eating his lunch when the Cutie Mark Crusaders came running up. Before Aqua could say anything they immediately tackled him into a massive group hug.

"Where were you? We were all worried."

"Mah sis said you were missin and ah thought you was gone fer good."

"Did you get lost in the woods? Did Rainbow Dash save you!"

Aqua slowly managed to extricate himself from the pile of fillies until only Apple Bloom was left. He was planning on pulling away, but it was Apple Bloom. He smiled as he hugged her back. Soon the three fillies had left and it was just him and Rumble. He turned to find Rumble giving him a sly grin.

"I saw how you were hugging A.B. Got a bit of a crush hmmmmm?" Aqua blushed before countering.

"G-give me a break! I don't bug you about your crush on Scootaloo!" Rumble gasped.

"You know! How?... oh yeah, changeling." Aqua grinned before picking his lunch.

------------------------

It was time. Pandora let out a slow breath and tied a rag around her head. She picked up her weapon and prepared to charge.

"Die germs dieeeeeeeeee!" She screamed and charged into the bathroom, squirt bottle spraying cleaner over the floor and bathtub. As she walked out of the bathroom she crossed another item off her checklist.

"Cleaning done, now to prepare dinner! Being a mom is tough, I miss having Cloud do all of this for me and I just cuddled with him and kissed him." She sighed before heading into the kitchen.

-----------------------

Aqua checked around the cottage and, once he was sure the coast was clear, allowed his disguise to melt away. He hadn't really had a chance to thank Fluttershy for helping him and now was a good time. He knocked on a window and waited for it to open. Soon, a yellow head poked out.

"Hello? Is that you Mr. Robin?" She looked down and saw a smiling changeling looking up at her. She flinched before recognition dawned on her face.

"Oh! It's you again. Do you want to come inside?" Aqua nodded and flew inside. He sat down on a couch next to the yellow pegasus and immediately found himself pulling into a hug.

"Are you alright? Are you hurt?" Aqua laughed before responding.

"I'm fine! I found my parents and came to say thanks! I'm really glad you helped me get away." Fluttershy smiled sweetly at him and nuzzled the top of his head.

"Well that's wonderful. I'm glad you're doing alright. Oh! Do you want to stay for dinner? I'm making hay patties with raspberry jam." Aqua shook his head before cuddling closer into her fur. Just like before she was super soft.

"No, Mom probably will make dinner, but it does sound yummy. I just wanted to say thanks before going home." Fluttershy nodded before letting him go.

"Well, feel free to stop by again for some tea. After all the excitement in the Crystal Empire I could use a tea party." Aqua tilted his head.

"Crystal Empire?" Fluttershy covered her mouth with her hooves and whispered,

"Oh my, I don't know if I was supposed to talk about that. Um, please don't tell anypony." Aqua shrugged before flying out the window with a wave and a quick "goodbye."

------------------------

As the Ponyville branch of the Cloud family sat down to dinner, each family member was more invested in their own affairs than any family conversation. Cloud was just tired after playing violin all day (you might not think playing the violin is tiring but after a while you can barely move your shoulder.) Aqua was thinking about school and his friends (particularly a certain red-maned farm pony.) While Pandora was trying to figure out why Aqua was acting so strange. Suddenly, she figured it out. She grinned and said with a wry smile,

"So... who is it?" Aqua and Cloud looked at her in confusion. She kept on staring at Aqua which prompted him to look away in embarrassment.

"I-I don't know what you're talking about Mom." He lamely tried to cover up. Pandora leaned a bit closer.

"Who do you have a crush on? I can sense the budding love trickling off somewhere, so who is it?" Aqua rubbed the back of his head before mumbling,

"Apple Bloom." Pandora squealed in delight while Cloud just gave Aqua a look of pity.

"I'm so proud of you! Now, tell Mommy all about this filly. Is she cute? It is a she right? Do I know her parents?" Pandora was practically bouncing up and down at this point. Not only was her adopted changeling son fitting in at school, but now he had a crush on a pony! Cloud sighed before telling Aqua,

"I pity you, I could successfully lie to my parents. Your mom has emotion sense so you probably won't be able to." Aqua's ears flattened at that. Now he had to answer all sorts of uncomfortable questions about his crush. Pandora saw the discomfort on Aqua's chitinous face and managed to tone it down a notch.

"Well, I'm happy for you. I'm glad you're fitting in at school and making some friends. Anyway, Cloud, this came in the mail today." She levitated a letter over to him which he promptly opened. He read through it and his jaw dropped. Pandora looked over his shoulder and couldn't believe what she saw.

Dear Cloud and Pandora,

I am sending you the bits I believe we owe as compensation. I hope your unfortunate experiences haven't soured you to the residents of Canterlot but I understand if that is the case. Enclosed are two things. Firstly is the bank note containing your compensation (and a little extra as an early wedding present if my sources are correct.) and also my personal permission to have your wedding in one of the castles ball rooms. I would be more than happy to wed you and Pandora and the ponies in attendance (or changelings) are purely up to you. Either way, I wish you well.

Sincerely,

-Princess Celestia.

Attached to the bottom of the letter was a check for a rather hefty sum of bits. Pandora's jaw dropped as well. They turned to look at eachother before Cloud grabbed her and pulled her into a kiss. After separating Cloud grinned at Pandora.

"So, want to have a Canterlot wedding officiated by the Princess herself?" Pandora smiled before giving him another quick kiss.

"So long as I still end up married to you." Cloud grinned even wider before helping Pandora do the washing up.

"I'm telling you, things are finally working out! The universe has beaten me for so long that it must finally be giving me a break!" Pandora laughed before bumping him with her flank.

"Don't go jinxing it now, I'd rather not have to scrape you off the street when you get run over by a runaway cart." Cloud smiled before pressing closer to his wife to be.

"I doubt that could stop me. No force on earth can stop me now!" They laughed before settling the rest of the plates away and then got to work modifying their wedding plans and writing letters.

That night just as Cloud was putting away his writing equipment, a thought occured to him.

I guess it wouldn't hurt to at least try writing him letters every bow and then, and maybe him too.

He grimaced before pulling out a fresh sheet of paper and writing.

"Dear Godspeed Cloud..."

Author's Notes:

Behold! It lives! Sorry this gas taken so long, but I'm still super busy. By Thursday my schedule should be clearer and I should hopefully be writing chapters faster. Anyway, please comment or like of dislike or whatever. My only request, if you dislike, tell me what to fix. 10 to 1 I will tey to improve in that area.

The Last Hurrah

Cloud sighed as he set his violin case down beside the front door of his house. It had been a long two weeks but tomorrow, tomorrow was the big day. He walked past the kitchen where Aqua was doing homework and opened the pantry door. He snagged an apple and then used a pen hanging on the door to scratch off the final day leading up to the momentous occasion. He and Pandora's wedding. After several letters they had managed to convince Celestia to allow them to be wed in one of Canterlot Castle's many ballrooms. They had a caterer, had invited all the family they wanted to, and had received word that Celestia would indeed be more than happy to perform the ceremony. Cloud smiled as he went to take a shower, receiving a kiss on the cheek from Pandora's before he entered the bathroom.

Cloud tiredly flopped onto the bed and wrapped the sheets around him, forming some sort of cocoon out of the silky fabric. After a few seconds Pandora had wormed her way between his forelegs and was hugging him with all the enthusiasm she could muster. She smirked and gave him a long kiss before saying,

"You know, I think we should celebrate our last night as fiancés with some 'fun' don't you?"

Cloud sighed while resting his head on her head, carefull to avoid her horn.

"But Aqua might barge in, you know how he is."

Pandora smirked before replying,

"I installed a lock on the door, and I learned a soundproofing spell. He won't notice anything."

Cloud blinked before slowly unraveling his blanket cocoon. Pandora noticed and lit her horn up, locking the door and casting her spell.

"Pandora, when have I ever refused you? You know what the answer is."

---------------------------

Cloud yawned deeply as the train chugged up the mountain towards Canterlot. Pandora was sleeping slumped against him and Aqua was coloring.

Okay, maybe we stayed up too late. Damn, why do I have to be so dang good at "it."

Cloud chuckled when he realized he'd sensored in his head what he considered inappropriate for Aqua to hear.

These changelings are turning my life upside down. He flinched when Pandora nuzzled his neck affectionately. Oh well, the benefits are definitely greater than the drawbacks.

He dozed in his seat until they finally arrived at the station and disembarked. He nudged Pandora into the world of the living and helped Aqua put on his saddlebags. Minutes later Cloud and his family were standing in the doorway of Canterlot Castle waiting for their host to arrive. The telltale clip-clop of hooves caused the family to turn to face the solar princess herself. They all bowed as Celestia serenely smiled down upon them.

"Hello my little ponies, are you ready for your big day?"

Cloud looked up at her and smiled,

"More than you can imagine your highness."

Celestia nodded before turning to the other two visitors. She exchanged greetings with them before leading the group into the ballroom the ceremony was being held in. Inside was none other than Princess Luna herself. The lunar princess smiled at the three visitors before addressing them.

"Greetings fair subjects, I have long wished to meet our new changeling citizens whom I have heard so much about."

Cloud paused, unaware that Luna was in on the secret as well. Before he could ask, Celestia said,

"My apologies, I forgot to tell you I told my sister about your family after we had our talk. I hope you're not upset that I neglected to tell you."

Cloud shook his head and gave her a gracious smile.

"I understand, it wouldn't make sense to keep us a secret from Princess Luna. She is the co-ruler of Equestria after all."

Luna turned to Celestia and said,

"Well sister, you were right, he is much less foul tempered than before."

Cloud grimaced as he was reminded of his little tirade upon exiting Canterlot.

"Yeah... I probably could have handled that a bit better."

This prompted polite laughs from the two princesses until Luna abruptly stopped and looked in puzzlement at the foal standing directly beside her now. During the exchange, Aqua had made his way over to Luna and was now scrutinizing her like an art critic would a painting.

"Hello child, I am assuming you are the changeling foal my sister mentioned." She fixed her gaze on Pandora, "You both realize you can remove your disguises. Not only will nopony intrude on us, but I am most curious to see your true forms." Pandora's sheepishly smiled before reverting to her natural changeling form. She pressed a but closer to Cloud's side as Aqua dropped his disguise as well. Luna looked the two changelings up and down before Aqua said,

"You're pretty, can I hug you?"

Luna blanked before smiling at the colt and giving him a quick nod. Aqua immediately squealed in delight before wrapping his forelegs around as much of the lunar diarch's barrel as possible. Cloud looked to Celestia when he heard quiet laughter coming from her.

"Luna always has had a soft spot for foals. I fear you may not receive your son for quite some time."

Cloud nodded before looking back at the two huggers. Luna was grinning like kid in a candy store as Aqua started poking her flowing mane, obviously trying to figure out how it worked. This was going to be an interesting wedding.

-------------------------
(The next day)

Cloud fidgeted nervously as guests started arriving. Already many ponies had found their seats and were now waiting for the ceremony. There were the Cakes, Mirror Shift, Beat, Gilda, and High Keep with Scyllia. Yet to arrive were Apple Bloom, Sweetie Bell, and Scootaloo, with their older siblings of course. Aqua had insisted they be invited but they weren't allowed to come if they weren't chaperoned by their sisters (Scootaloo was just coming with the group saying she didn't have a sister of her own, yet.) Also absent were Cloud's family who he had invited because he figured it was the right thing to do. Cloud noticed three ponies he didn't recognize. They got Pandora's attention and turned to look at Cloud. They noticed him looking their direction and gestured to a side door that led to a small dressing room. As the door closed behind them, Cloud gave the three strangers a suspicios look. Suddenly, the three ponies were engulfed in green flame, leaving two changelings in their place as well as one much taller figure. Queen Chrysalis herself. She gave them a sly smile before saying in her odd, layered voice,

"Well hello child, I thought I should drop in on your special day."

Pandora immediately dropped into a bow, and Cloud hesitantly did the same.

"My my, it seems not all ponies are completely senseless after all."

The changeling queen said upon observing Cloud. Cloud shifted nervously, uncertain of what to do. She laughed cruelly as she saw Cloud's discomfort.

"How hilarious, you ponies truly are pathetic. However, I'm not here to cause trouble, I was just curious about the pony and the changeling who had fallen in love."

She sneered as she said the word "love" obviously enjoying making the two squirm.

"Aw, what's the matter? Come give your mother in law a hug."

Before Cloud could even blink Chrysalis had him in a tight grip and squeezed until he started gasping. She laughed before planting an overly dramatic kiss on his cheek before dropping him. She motioned for her guards and turned to leave.

"Goodby you two, this has been fun but I should leave before Celly finds out I'm here."

There was a flash of green and the three changelings vanished in a circle of flames. Pandora rushed forward to check on her soon to be husband. She held him up as he gasped for breath and started wiping his cheek to try to blot out the green lipstick stain on his fur.

"Well that was... nice of her to drop by."

Cloud shot her a skeptical look before sighing,

"Well, now I'm in two psychotic families. At least you aren't as... charming as she was. I take it she doesn't like us?"

Pandora winced and rubbed the back of her neck.

"Yeah, she's not huge on ponies. Honestly that was probably tame compared to what I would have expected. For all I know she thinks I'm some sort of abomination."

Cloud sighed before walking towards the door. Given how everything was going so far, he'd be lucky to be alive by the end of today.

---------------------------

"We are gathered here today to celebrate the union of these two ponies. I have had only limited experience with them, but one thing has stood out to me during that short time. These two love eachother to the utmost extent they can. And now, on this fine day, they shall be joined as husband and wife."

Cloud gazed out over the crowd. Everyone they'd invited had shown up, including his family. The only one who looked happy to be there was Godspeed who was smiling politely. Cloud took that as a sign that he was happy to receive the occasional letter from him. Also attending were a few unexpected arrivals, namely the four other mares who had been driving him crazy. Apparently they had come as Applejack and Rarity's guests. Cloud focused back on Celestia just in time.

"Now then, Cloud Nine, do you take this mare as your lawfully wedded wife?"

"I do."

"And Honeypots, do you take Cloud as your lawful wedded husband?"

"I do."

"With that, I now pronounce you stallion and mare. May your love be everlasting, in both the good and the bad times. You may now kiss the bride."

And kiss they did while the assembled ponies cheered and clapped their hooves. But to Cloud, the only thing he was aware of was the changeling in his forelegs. His wife.

--------------------------

Pandora smiled as she looked out across the crowd gathered in the reception hall. The food was good, the company was superb, and the music was creating the perfect ambiance for the joyous occasion. Pandora couldn't keep the grin off her face as her husband crossed the room towards her. She pounce and wrapped him in a tight hug.

"I can't believe it! We finally got married! This is so amazing!"

Cloud smiled before whispering conspiratorially,

"Just wait until the honeymoon. You, me, villa in Horseshoe Bay, lots of alone time at last."

Pandora raised an eyebrow.

"What about Aqua? Where will he stay?"

Cloud pointed towards the colt who was sitting at a table beside Luna and a nervous looking Gilda.

"Gilda was more than happy to watch him for us."

Pandora smiled before pulling him into another quick kiss. Suddenly, a voice sounded from their left.

"Congratulations you two. I'm so happy for you."

Cloud turned and saw Princess Celestia standing beside them holding a plate with a slice of cake on it in her magical grasp. Cloud smiled and nodded his thanks. As they moved away Celestia paused as a glass of punch slid across the table towards her. She looked and saw a disguised Beat leaning casually against the table with a confident smirk.

"Hey, what's up gorgeous."

-----------------------

Cloud and Pandora waved as the train left the station. They were on their way now, heading straight towards Horseshoe Bay and their well deserved honeymoon. Pandora leaned against Cloud, letting her disguise melt away.

"Well Cloud, what happens after this?"

Cloud wrapped his wing around her and pulled her closer.

"I don't know, but it's definitely going to be amazing."

~Fin~

Author's Notes:

Well everyone, it's been fun, but all good things must come to an end. In case you're wondering, I plan on making a possible sequel/follow up story. I was thinking about continuing with this for a while but figured this was a good place to stop. I've really appreciated your support and suggestions and I hope you keep on reading my horrible stories. Until next time

-OutOfTheBlue