> For the hive, my mom and myself
>  by Lighting Ace
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> To end, to start (Edited) 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Noise … noise and arguments… That was all I was able to detect near me as my body lay inert on the ground.  To my left was what is left of the motorcycle that ran me over just a minute ago, while to my right was the one responsible for this mess, a man drunk off his ass fighting with the paramedics as they try to put him on the stretcher. 

Oh no, don't worry about me guys, I will just lay here in this comfy concrete and, die a little! 

Resigning to my fate I decided to simply close my eyes and let whatever happen, happen. It wasn't exactly the way I would prefer to go but at the very least, I have the rain washing off my wounds, which strangely enough was a little bit of a soothing sensation.  The cold was numbing my injuries and the sound of it was very relaxing.  If it wasn't for that idiot making a ruckus I might had even be able to sleep. 

Oh for the love of… I'm already dying, can't I at least have some peace and quiet? Agh! There is so much noise, it's so annoying, just please, please just stop 

Almost like answer to my pleads, everything just stopped , and I don't mean just the noise I mean literally everything; the driver, the paramedics, even the freaking rain just…froze, in place as the color of the world just turned black and white.

What the… ? 

Before I even had a chance to question what was happening, I hear the strangest voice ever coming from everywhere

"Oh poor little child"   

The voice was clearly feminine but something was wrong with it, starting with the fact that it was sounding like she was talking through a voice modulator. With all the force I manage to muster, I try to find the origin of that voice, until I hear high heels approaching my direction to my left. 

"What did this world do to you?"

Turning to see her I did a mental double take when I found a weird 8ft tall, humanoid insect lady approaching me. She was wearing a black kimono with green lines in the edges, as well as a green fabric acting as a belt for her torso hugging her figure nicely. Her hair was unkempt, long and green making it look dirty, her forehead had a long and crooked horn emerging from it and I could see two sharp fangs emerging from her equine muzzle.  What I assume was her exoskeleton was pitch black and smooth, with holes showing from her hooved legs and four insect wings that emerged from her back, as well as a horses' tail.

The grim reaper… is an insect horse? I mean sure I know that its a woman and all but… this… this is… 

Before I was even able to process what was happening the… insect lady's horn started to glow a faint green energy and I find myself surrounded by said energy, before being lifted into the air and then placing me into her arms. An act that under other circumstance would make me scream in pain, yet I wasn't feeling any discomfort

"It's ok, honey, it's ok." The lady tells me as she nuzzles my check with her own. "Mommy is here" 

Confused I try to speak but do to my fatigue and injures, all I managed to do was conjure some gargles and unrecognizable sounds. 

Placing a finger on my lips, the lady silences me before turning around and taking us toward a portal I hadn't  noticed before, "Please try not to talk, I understand you have a lot of question, but right now your wounds need to be treated first. I promise, my sweet child, mommy will make sure to answer all your questions." she gave me a warm smile and then start to hum a little tune I haven't heard ever before. "Let mommy sing you a little lullaby." 

The music plus the light rocketing of my body was enough to put my mind in ease and before I knew it I dozed off the moment I entered the portal.  Making time return to normal when it disappeared.  

And in time for one of the paramedics to notice something and ask.

"Hey, where did the other one go?"  

In the changeling empire 

Two  changeling guards in samurai armor waited patiently for their empress's return from the mirror in the lobby until they bow in reverence when they see her leave the mirror carrying a human with her. The mirror breaking and turning into dust the second she exits it. 

"Your majesty queen Chrysalis" one of the guards address her. "Welcome back, we hope you were able to obtain what you were looking for"  

Chrysalis only cackles maniacally as she tightens the grip on her prize. "Oh, indeed I did. Bring me the cocoon this instant!" she orders in a commanding tone. 

"Yes your highness." the guards say at the same time and move aside so two changelings wearing red and blue kimonos approach while carrying a human size cocoon in the shape of a diamond. In reverence, they take a step back as Chrysalis insert the human inside the cocoon and fills it with her saliva. Once that was done, she stops and presses her finger on the surface of it with an evil smile. "The human race, who would have thought that such a monstrous species, was still alive in another dimension."

Standing back, she then proceed to pull out a black rock from under her dress. "For eons before the princesses your name was synonymous to terror and death."
Pressing her cheek against the cocoon she proceed to nuzzle it affectionally. "And now you shall return, as my lovely and deadly weapon." The changelings around her start to crack up in laughter with her as she takes her head away from the human and seals the container with her magic "Oh my dear Kabuto, you will be so big."


 
> The slumber of an awakening champion 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Where…am I? 

Slowly opening my eyes I start to look around only to find myself in what can only describe was a organ, with a transparent membrane in front of me. In panic I attempt to trash but find my body numb and extremely heavy, making any kind of movement useless. 

"Oh so you are finally awake" Looking up I was meet with the same creature that claim was my mother kneeling in front me with the same warm smile as before. "How do you sleep sweetheart?"  

"W…what is happening? who…who are you?" I ask before starting to hyperventilated  when I saw bubble leaving my mouth and discover that I was indeed underwater. 

The creature must had notices my condition, since her expresión soon turn to one of concern and put her hand on the membrane in front of me "Don't panic, everything its ok" 

"Don't panic!? how can I don't panic when I…" I stop my own sentence when I notices that I indeed was speaking and somehow I was able to breath underwater. Witch in turn calm the creature as she smile once more. 

"There you go, see? mommy has everything under control, you are not going to drown" 

Holding my chest I breath in and out trying to calm myself. "Why did you put me in here?" 

"So we could treat your injuries of course" She tells before standing back, witch allow me to see the room that we were in. The first thing that I discover was the gigantic black rock in the shape of a throne place directly in front of me before noticing holes in the wall moving closing and opening, as if the place was indeed alive and finally noticing a giant diamond place directly in the celling acting as a chandelier and faintly glowing a green light. Over all the place look like a strange and bizarre cave…like if one of the cave from the lion king had just suddenly came to life…although, consider all that happen during Scar song. That might had not be all surprising. I mean a structure just suddenly lift him up to the top, and geyser break in the perfect moment to his lyrics? either that place was alive or Scar had some magic with him 

My train of though was broke when the creature speak to me again. "Fascinating don't you agree my child?" Looking at her I notices how she too was admiring our surroundings "Our birth place, the changeling hive, standing proudly in the middle of the bad lands, empowered with our own magic so only we can transit throw out its corridors, and protecting us from the horrors of the outside world"

She then turn to me "and soon the place you would call 'home'" 

"What?"

"Oh Jeremy, do you really though I didn't hear your pleads?" the creature horn glow once more and in front of me a hollow circle made of fire form in mid air, and from inside the circle a image start to form, until I saw myself sitting in front of a computer and holding my head with both of my hands. "Do you remember now?" 

"How…how did you get" 

"I told you my child, I just hear your pleads" 

From the image we both hear what I was saying "I can't…I can't do this anymore, its too much…please, this is too hard" 

I look down in shame as I finally remember what I was looking, that memory was the day I get my first job, I wanted to try to keep a positive attitude and try to adapt but the job…it was too much, I was never good in guide others, and it each day I raise from bed was harder and harder. 

"Seeing a poor soul suffer so much, was enough to break mommy heart…and it didn't stop there, did it?" The image soon change and one after another I saw bad memories of my past, my desperate dream of fly, the crushing prank a girl pull on me pretending to be my girlfriend just so she could win a bet, the times I was ignore, when I was backstab by my family in friends" 

"Ok…ok I get please, just…just stop it" the circle disappear and the lady once more put her hand on the cocoon I was in. "so you see my son what I did was just answering your cries, a mother can only watch for so long until intervening" 

"Then why me? I mean sure I'm thankful you save my life but if it was because I was suffering then there is like a million and one persons in the world that need the help more than me, they could even deserve it even more" 

"Maybe but none of them were my child, and even if sad to say, my family will always come first" 

"Why do you keep saying that? Miss I'm really sorry to say but I not your son, I don't even know you" 

"Do you really think so Jeremy?" The woman stand back and spread her arms "I'm really sad that you weren't able to recognised me yet, but I understanding, this new body could be a bit shocking, here let me show you how I used to look like" 

Confused I turn to her, before looking in shock as I notices how her body just catch on fire in a green flame out of nowhere, before it changes into a figure that I manage to recognised and leave me speechless.  "Now you recognised me honey?" The woman spoke in the same sweet tune I knew only one person could have speak. 

In front of me, a human woman with long brown hair, green eyes and caucasian skin stand with her arms stretch and a kind smile. The image was enough for me to had foggy eyes as I was fighting the numbness in my body to run to her and hug her with all my forces. "…Mom" 

"Yes Jeremy, its me. 7 years ago when I die, I was reincarnated and place into this world as a changeling, that is the name of the species I'm now by the way. Our race is know to be able to change form and had a really good memory that is why I was manage to retain all of my past life, but even though I start a new family and embrace my new role as a queen, I was never able to forget about you, I took me a while but eventually I was able to find you once more by crossing the barriers between dimension. I was hoping to find my son in good health and enjoying life, but instead I only saw my kid crying."  

I could see tears start to well up in her eyes as she hug the cocoon "I couldn't keep silence for long, I need to do something for you, anything. So I try, and try and search for ways to reach you, until I finally did, using a powerful spell that allow me to traverse there and bring you here. I might had done something that I shouldn't had, but there is little that a mother wouldn't do for their child." She clean her eyes and look at me before changing back to her original form. 

"And now my child we can start again, my face might had change but I'm still the mother you once knew, and love, maybe I rip you of a normal death but I couldn't risk never seeing you again. I only ask you to please give me a chance" 

"Mom" I fight back tears as I nod rapidly "Of course…nothing would make me happy than stay with you…like you say, I was going to die anyway right? I much rather be here with you than there or in some other place with no memory" 

"I'm so happy to hear you say that" she kiss the cocoon before backing away "now my sweet boy I hate to say this but I need you to go to sleep and rest, your reincarnation is still half way throw" 

"I don't want to sleep mom, I fear that if I do you will disappear forever" 

"Shh my child" she start to caress my imprison bubble, I was starting to hate that thing, here she was, my mom waiting for me to hug her and I was trap in this thing, nothing would had made me more happy than to tear this off and just embrace her, but at last I knew it was futile and as much as I wanted to contradict her she was right, whatever this was, it probably was necessary for me to revived a new 

Je so this is what caterpillars feels like, I could have life without knowing it 

"Please don't fight it Jeremy the cocoon is preparing you to life a new and magnificent life, but it can't do its job unless you let it happen. I promise, I will be here for when you awake. So please, listen to your mom and go to sleep" 

I nod again and close my eyes "Ok mom" 

"That is my boy" 

"Mom before I go to sleep can I know, what is your new name now?" 

"Of course I respond by the name of Chrysalis now honey, and as for you 'Jeremy' can't no longer be used for your new life, a new begin deserve a new name, so from this moment on you will be know as Kabuto" 

"Kabuto…I like it" I chuckle faintly before I drift back to sleep hearing my mom humming a nice lullaby for me.    

Once she was sure that Kabuto was sleeping Chrysalis turn around and leave the place and approach one of her guards, who vow the moment he saw her approaching "My queen" 

"Sargent Claw, tell me how is the collecting going?"  

"We actually just brought the last candidate, your highness" 

"Excellent, bring them here" 

"Yes queen Chrysalis" the guard leaves the place before him and his companions enter again with 6 cocoons of different colours that they place around Kabuto and connect to his own cascade using some dry roots that turn to life the moment they connect and make all the shells glow in their respective colours minus the center one that just glow white.  

Once the last shell its put in place a guard turn around and address the queen that admire all with a sinister smile "as your request my queen I present you 6 candidates perfect to wear the elements of harmony. Moon Dancer, the candidate for magic, Cheese Sandwich the candidate for laughter, Coco Pommel the candidate for Generosity, Tree Huger the candidate for Honesty, Maud Pie the candidate for loyalty, and finally Fancy Pants the candidate for kindness"  

"Perfect, my plan is coming into fruitions" she looks as the diamond was being nutrious by the 6 ponies while one of the guards approach. "My queen if I may ask, why go into the trouble of infused the human with fake elements of harmony? if you can charge a being with them why not yourself or one of your subjects?" 

"Oh my sweet Clips there is still to much of the world you are yet to know, Equestria can't bear 2 groups to bear the exact same elements at the same time…but humans are different, specially if they come from another world, do you know what happen if you mix magic with beings laking natural astral energy? The answer is a magic mutation not any kind either, this one can be extremely wild and unpredictable if used incorrectly or not know what you are doing. In the past, fools that don't know how to used it meet their end, testing new magic, but I'm not like them, I know exactly what I'm doing, and how to do it" 

"Your genius know no end my queen" the changeling say in admiration "such a flatter" 

She cacle before looking at the human body start to change and mutated exactly like she invision it "yes my darling, yes! grow and change, turn into your destiny and become the changeling finest work, you shall be my champion of the elements of harmony!"  Chrysalis laugh maniacally as the other changelings plus a few dozen more appear from the doors and holes in the place curious about the, rainbow light show.     

> In the embrace of a mother
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

As I wake up, I found myself laying in my mother lap, under a tree and surrounded by a green field in a sunny day, she was casually stroking my hair and humming a little lullaby before looking down on my with a big smile. "Welcome to your new life sweetie"  

"Am I…like you?" I ask still asleep while lifting my hand, witch soon I notices had significant changes, my palm and base of fingers were still there but, the rest now resemble more the black exoskeleton my mother had, ending in sharp edges at the end making them look like claws. The shell also spread all the way until it cover the top half of my forearm. .There was second layer of shell place, separate only by  a small hole near my wrist. In the space between the two I could felt a sharp object firmly place inside that for some reason didn't gave me any discomfort, in fact it felt like it was part of me, I even manage to move it at the speed I wanted, releasing and shedding it at my command, not only that but I soon discover that my other arm also had the same condition giving me the complete set. 

Am I Baraka now?

My train of though was soon interrupted when I felt a hand holding my own and then notices my mom guiding it so it touch her cheek "Better my sweet child, you are now the perfect fusion of changeling and human" 

She tell me before brining me a mirror so I could admire myself while I stand up. My face was still the same minus some minor changes; my eyes where now complete green, 2 fags where emerging from my mouth, I had what it looked like a crown made out of shell with 2 small horns in the sides, and my hair was now pitch black as suppose to dark brown like it used to be. "My face…is still the same" 

And thank god I only had 2 fangs instead of 100, that would be a nightmare to brush

"Just the way you deserve to be" I put the mirror down and look directly at my mom "yYou always had such a pretty face" 

"Mom…I…I don't get it, I though I was going to become a changeling, why am I…like this?"  I point at myself noticing the white shirt and black pants that I was now wearing. 

"Because when you were about to die, I save you and interfere with your reincarnation, you still revived but because you never die as a human you still are a human" 

And that is good, in other for this to work he needs to look as human as possible, to look treating Chrysalis mentally though before looking at the human that was looking down in sorrow.  

"Kabuto, what is wrong?" 

"I'm just worry mom, I wanted to be just like you, so I could feel like I truly am I part of your new life, but if I remain in this form, others will look down at you, they probably will think that you are the changeling with a freak as her son" 

I was suddenly brought into an embrace by her as she place my head in her chest and proceed to cares my hair once more "My dear sweet Kabuto, I don't care what other will say, let them, think what they want what you must always remember is that mommy will always love you no matter what. So none of those train of thought do you hear me?" 

I tear up a little with her words and embrace her as well before answering "Yes…mom" 

"That is more likely" she separate us and head to a door no too far away from us "now come sweetie there is much we need to discuss" 

"Coming" I try to follow but trip when I found an adding weight in my back and when I turn I saw two pairs of red insect wings "I…I had wings?!" I ask in exciment as I start to flap them rapidly making them, imitate the sound of a fly    

I hear a giggle in front of me and when I look down I saw my mother giggling before offering me her hand "Indeed you have Kabuto, I will lovely teach you how to used them later but for now, its time for you to meet your brothers and sisters" she tell me while helping me stand up and after making sure I had regain my balance and was able to walk I start to follow her 

"I… I had siblings?" 

"But of course, didn't I told you that I embrace my new life as the queen of the changelings?" 

"Je must had forgot…so would I meet my new dad too? the king of the changelings?" 

That only result in another giggle from her part "Oh Kabuto there is too much you will need to learn, starting with the understanding of our society, for now just think of us as a bee hive" 

"Bee hive got it" I nod with a smile before the realisation of that sink in "wait… doesn't that mean… ?" 

I try to ask her but my answer came on the form of an underground city form from changelings dress in what I assume was civil cloths from feudal japan, buying stuff in a flee market or flying around throw out holes that were constantly moving. 

I jaw must had hit the floor because before I knew it, my mom close it up for me before extending her arm to show me the whole place "Kabuto, my dear sweet son, welcome…to the Changeling Kingdom"  

I was still trying to process all that was happening, so I only was manage to look at wave at the occasionally changeling that turn to see me.  

This is going to take a while to absorb

I felt someone pulling my hand bringing me back to reality and notices my mom guiding me into the market "Lets go Kabuto,there is so much for me to show you and so little time" she tells me with some excitement making me smile and follow. 

I didn't knew what to do off all of this situation, or how long will it take me to adapt for all of this but one thing I knew for sure, as long as I had my mom by my side I would embrace anything this place had to offer.  
  

> The royal conquers
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The following months have being, full of discovers to say the least. 

First of all, after my initial shock, mom was kind enough to tell me that she didn't actually gave birth to at least one million brothers and sisters, and instead our society with a real big number of nuclear families (minus the dog) that work together to serve the queen aka, mom. 

Couldn't had hurt, to start with that mom

Unfortunately, even though my mom didn't give birth to all then, she does has a role in the breeding process.  Apparently when a couple love each other very much, the woman lay at least one dozen eggs after undergoing a pregnancy of two months. To this day I'm still don't know what is more shocking the part of a woman delivering twelve kids minimum or that she deliver actual eggs the side of a football ball. 

Things like that makes me be thankful to have being born a male  

After the dead is done and the eggs are lay, my  mom comes in and…lick all of those eggs. The reason for this is that, according to mom we changelings feed in the emotion of love and turned that into nutrients for us to eat. I would had questioning her logic but she actually show me the process with one of her subjects, so I knew she was telling the truth.
Apparently that place an important factor too because with the exception of mom, female changelings can't produce this special 'love goo' for their kids so if they are not…kind of fertilised by her they will not be able to born. 

In short mom doesn't have a enormous breeding appendix but she still play an important role in the hive as the queen. For how things work if she dies the colony would die, unless they found another queen, just like actual bees. Over all that explanation was both informative and awkward at the same time, not only I had to re heard the whole bees and bird story but now I had to add: " …and then the queens arrive and lick your mothers egg in her love goo", yeah not exactly a lovely image to have in your mind. 

When that explanation was out of the way, mom then proceed to tell me of me actual brothers and sister witch I was relief, this time where only five, six if they include me. 

All from different parents and species, when I try to ask mom why was that she only respond with "We are changelings honey, our nature is to be free and love as many beings as possible" 

That was kind of hard to understand but hey, they are not exactly human so I suppose some of our taboos and morality doesn't apply to them, and its not like they took them by force. So there is not actually to much to think about it. 

What it is worth to think about, is that apparently a queen can in fact produce the love goo even when pregnant so she is the only one that doesn't need help, what is more interesting is that her offspring can produce the goo no problem, and in case its a male we can produce a healthy queen too (apparently even as they are born they can produce the goo on their own), and the prove of our royalty is actually this shell in a shape of a crown in our forehead, witch explain why me and my siblings are the only ones that have them. I also discover that for three of my five siblings are woman so the hive is save in case of an emergency. Not that I think mom should stand down from the throne I just think, its nice to know that her family has her back.

Speaking of, mine brothers and sister couldn't had being more different one from another if they try. My oldest of brother Exsos came from a minotaur ambassador, and he is the definition of testosterone. Always refusing to wear a shirt and instead option for some shorts and a open sweater with the sleeves rip, very bulky short temperament and loves to fights. He has a good heart and help me learn how to fight taunt and even strangle opponents far bigger than me, but boy does he really have a hard time expressing it, how does that guy obtain love I don't know? my guesses is that he goes into gyms or tournament and find others fans of sparring like him. 

Then there is my oldest sister Tempress, that came from a triton sultan witch I'm still wonder how mom manage that consider they don't have the correct half for the job. She is the smartest in our family after mom, she actually look like a shorter version of her but with blue short hair and a sport bra and a dress instead of the kimono mom always wear. Apparently she just love water and take as many chance she can get to go for a swim so basically her outfit its an swimsuit ready to go. She still has the ability to fly…its just that she prefer the water. Over all a really nice and kind big sister, and one hell of a teacher. I don't know how she did it but in only one week, she manage to teach me all of equestria the 3 tribes, our enemies, past, and weakness to perfection, and make the lessons fun, I didn't even noticies I was learning so much until mom gave me a surprise quiz and I answer all the questions in a matter of seconds. Impress doesn't start to explain how I felt that day. Tempress was sure proud that day.  

Next in the list was my brother Chitin son of a griffin king an the hunter/thief of our family, the only changeling in the hive that have manage to sneak on my mother, contrary to Exos Chitin is actually the silent type usually opting to point at what he wants, nod or shake his head if possible, he speak its only he prefer to listen. He always wear a leather armour for speed and is fan of sneaking around places, exit laberiths and of course hunting. In our trips I have seeing him in action and he can only be describe as a ghost. I own him, my ability to sneak attacks, escape dangerous situation and build traps. Maybe he doesn't show it, but I know he appreciated my company. 

After him it comes Freya, daughter of an actual freaking dragon, she ironically can be consider the 'knight' of our family, loyal and willing to give her life to the hive and expecting the same with out of her soldiers. Her hair is purple, and she wears it as a pony tail; her horn is also croak but not as croak as mothers; wears a light steel armour and her favourite weapon is the spear. From all of us she is the only one that can actually breath fire and its an expert in all types of weapons, thanks to her I know how to used different types of swords and, how to quickly analice any kind of weapon throw at me and plan a way to block or dodge it in time. She is nice but, almost all the time she bring the word tuff love, to shine. 

And finally there is Cicada my…younger/older sister, god its so confusing to describe her, you see because I'm 24 and she 22, chronologically I'm older than her but because I revived   not to far ago, technically I'm also younger than her. For now I just call her older sister to avoid confusions, even if she insist of make it the other way around, it my choose and I will stick to it. She come from an unicorn ambassador that came to the hive some time ago, I suppose he was a sweat talker if he gave my mom that kind of parting gift and apparently he was also good at magic because, when it comes to that subject Cicada is the best after mom, able to cast and remember thousands of spells she knows how things that even Tempress has difficulty to grasp. She is the only one of us that wear a kimono like mom, with the difference that hers has pink lines instead of green to match her long mane, and even if she don't need them, prefer to used glasses saying that it make her look smarter. More like cute if you ask me, but that is my opinion, she is the shyest of all and took the longest in accepting me as part of the family, can't blame her really I would probably had being the same if mom had brought an alien home saying that its my brother from another dimension. Maybe she couldn't teach me as much as the others but, at least I know how to read maps and bread potions thanks to her.  

And in the bottom its me Kabuto the human changeling, that can drain all sort of emotions besides love and can turn his stingers in all sort of weapons from a single bee sting, to a complex saw sword dripping in potion that again can go from make other dizzy to knock them up out could for hours. Making all of us a perfect group of miss fits being a big happy family.  

At first it was hard to adapt but now, I finally start to feel like I'm part of the hive and as I'm here sparing with Freya with wooden Bo I feel like I'm ready to defend it from our looming enemies. 





"Faster Kabuto, faster" Freya insisted as she increase the speed of her attacks "your enemy will not wait for you to recover your breath, you need to always strike first, strike fast…" she suddenly headbud me in the face making me loss my balance and fall to the ground and then point the bo at my face "…and never strike fair" 

"Je like this?" I smirk as I unless a stinger from my forearm with connect with her knee paralysing her in the spot "Hey no fair!…we say no unique abilities" she say as I stand up while she keep trying to move her body "hey don't blame me Freya, you told me to play dirty" 

"that is not what I meant" she say getting angry" 

"Come on Freya, don't be a sour loser" 

"Kabul if you don't unfreeze me this instant…" she say starting to get angry when our mother call for us from her podium. "Kabuto, Freya I need you in the throne room at once" she tells before leaving 

"yes mom" we respond at the same time as I unfroze Freya and start to run to the entrance of the castle but not before receiving a hit in the back of my head courtesy of my sister "for being a jerk" 

"Je, don't feel bad sis, if it is any consolation you are still the best in combat with weapons" 

"you know what, it actually kind of those, but don't think you are home free yet brother" 

I just role my eyes as we continue our trek to mother throne room. 

Once there I saw the rest of my siblings gather gather around mom who was sitting in her throne. "Please children join your brothers and sister" 

We say as she command and await her instructions once we were all in line. "So who won?" Cicada ask, knowing what Freya and I were doing" 

"Do you really need to ask?" she say with confidence 

"Yeah its obvious that she lost" I chuckle an soon Exsos join in making Freya to go mad 

"No you didn't! you cheat it!" she argue 

"You told me, to do it" 

"A true warrior would never had done such cheap trick" 

"Oh so when you throw dirt into my eyes in our sparring that was the highest of tricks?" Tempress join in making Cicada to giggle and I swear I even saw Chitin to smile. 

Our little discussion came to a halt when mother clear her throat to bring us back and after she saw we were silent, start talking again.  

"My sweet, dear children, after months in preparations we are finally ready to make our move" She tells with excitement "For years we have had to lived with the humiliation that was our defeat at the hands of princess Cadence and prince Armour, and their insufferable friends the elements of harmony" 

We all keep our silence, my brothers in memory, and I in idea of that incident, I did know of what happen thanks to Tempress, but since I wasn't actually there I couldn't really get all that mad as they were. 

"But that would change today, we have cover all our weaknesses and with your new brother by your side, there is nothing that can stop us" she tells pointing at me and giving me a small blush at the compliment. "Kabuto, you are our secret weapon, you are the nightmare that the elements soon will know to fear. Tell me my son, what is your goal?" 

I step forward and I look directly at her "To serve you, my queen" 

"Who are your enemies?" 

"The elements of harmony, and the princesses of Equestria" 

"And what are you going to do once you see them?" 

"I will show them the true rage of the changeling kind" 

Chrysalis smile evilly at the respond and unknown to Kabuto his siblings were doing the same.      

"Never forget those words my son, all of you follow into your younger brother steps, follow his lead and fly!" On quo all 6 of us spread or wings and lift into the air, our mother soon following. 

"Exos, Cicada and Chitin, you will come with me to the cristal empire,  Tempress, Freya and Kabuto go to Ponyville and conquer it! And once you are done there, head to Canterlot and claim it as our price, take their princess and the elements prisoners, but do not kill them, I want them alive" 

"Yes mother" 

"Go my children, go and conquer everything!"  Chrysalis exclaim as she took off with our brothers, and a group of soldier changelings, my and my sister doing the same in the oposite direction.  
    
 
> The calm before the invasion
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"There it is brother, Ponyville"  Tempress pass me the binoculars so I could had a clear view of our objective. After a long trip from the badlands to Ponyville, our army decided to take the ruins of an old castle in the middle of the Everfree forest and transform it into our temporary base of operation to spend the night before we made our move. 

"Je so that is Ponyville, I have to say for what I heard from mother stories about this place and how the vein in her existence lived her I expected something…more" 

"Looks can be deceiving Kabuto, we of all ponies should know that, what can be vulnerable and pathetic, can actually be dangerous and letal" She say turning into a dragon to make her point across" 

"Ok sister I get it, you can turn back now" I say rolling my eyes and passing the binoculars back to her witch she took when returning to her real form "So when do we strike?" 

"Patience brother, we can't be rash, the town may look peaceful but it still holds many dangers we should be on alert for, particularly the princess of friendship and her companions. For now, go back inside and rest, you will need all your energy for tomorrow" 

"And what about you?"  

"I will remain here and act as look-out for a bit longer, just enough so I can memorise a map of the town" 

"Hmmm ok, but don't stay up for to late sis, we will need you as well" I tell you as I start to leave.   

"Please Kabuto, I could stay awake for days without feel tired, I will be fine during the mission"  

At her comment I sigh and shake my head, Tempress could a genius but she can also be extremely stubborn at times. And although it true she could bench 3 days without sleep with no problem, I much rather have my sister at full capacity than at fifty or forty percent.  

Ok…time for the big guns Stoping in my tracks I smirk before turning to her. 

"Hey that great, that means that you also be able to test this castle pool" 

That got the effect I was hoping for, as I saw Tempress body flinch before she slowly turn to me "P…pool?" 

"Oh you didn't saw it? the scouts report to me not to long ago that the basement is floaded, apparently a river vein pass directly indent us, there is even a underwater tunnel that connects to the main river, in this forest" 

"R…river?" Tempress manage to say starting to shake 

Oh boy this is too easy that is almost sad…but well I need her to be tired so she will go to bed and a nice long swim will do just the trick 

"Oh yeah, a nice long cold river that spread, miles and miles away."

"Kabuto, I know what are you doing, and I'm telling…it will not work" 

"I have no idea what you are talking about sis" I pretend ignorance as I leave the place and start walking throw the halls counting backwards.  

"Oh hey Kabuto there you are" looking up I saw Freya approaching me "I was looking all over for…" 

"Shhhh" I silence her with a finger and press both of us against the wall, as I look behind us 

"What is going on?" 

"Just wait" I tell her with a smirk, and then resuming my counting but aloud this time " 5…4…3…2…" 

"DAMN IT KABUTO"

In an instant we saw Tempress rushing pass us as fast as she can before disappearing in the distant. 

Freya immediately understand and just smirk while looking at me "You told her about the pool did you?" 

"Guilty as charge" 

We both share a laugh at the situation for a good while before Freya speak again "Oh mare, Tempress is going to be so mad at you when she comes back" 

"ah let her, I prefer a mad an alert sister than tired and grumpy one" I mention with a wave of my hand "So you say you were looking for me, right?" 

"yeah, tomorrow we will start the invasion, so I wanted to give you a little lucky charm" she tells with a smile before he hand me over a katana, but not any katana I knew this one particularly well, it was an authentic 'Satsuji' that means the blue assassin for her red steel, this things are one of the rarest and more powerful of blades ever existing. For what Tempress told me, there is only 12 in existence, enchanted so they will never ever rust and according to the stories, so sharp that even dragons can be cut with it. I only have seeing this kind of weapon before and that was when Freya show me hers. Witch mean she just hand me over her favourite sword.  

"What Freya this…this is…" 

"My sword? ja you wish" she exclaim before unleashing her on Satsuji, witch only made my confused even further. "Do you really think I will hand over my baby? yeah right, you can have it after you rip it from my cold death body" 

"But…but…you…you can't possible had made another one, the process to create a Satsuji, was lost eons ago, nobody know how to build one, how did you…" 

She only silent me with a finger and just wink at me "Lets just say that your sister had her contacts, you can be sure this one is a new one too so congratulation you are holding the 13 Satsuji"  

"What?!" 

My expresión was only receive by another laughter with her "Don't even bother ask me how I did it, I will never tell" 

"Freya this is…this is too much I can't…" 

"Just take it" she say before she continue her walk "I know that you can used it properly, made sure you can myself so there is nothing to worry about, and since you refuse to used any kind of armour, I know you will need the extra help" 

I try to say something but unfortunately she was kind of right, ever since I almost burn myself alive trying on an helmet I made my personal goal to used as little metal on me as possible. Opting instead to used black leather like Chitin, and even that I try to keep on the minimum so I could concentrate in speed and fast attack where I triumph over everything else. 

Because of that my armour end up becoming a white shirt with a black hood, black pants, leather shoes, light shoulder plates and a leather breastplate, all of them enchanted so they could resist fire, poison, ice and even electricity, a security measure mom insist on adding since I refused to wear a chain mail disguise as a cape. 

Yeah I know what happen to those that used capes. Thanks but no thanks

Turning to around I try to argue but she was already long gone so leaving me alone with my thoughts. 

Well it IS a present after all, it will be rude not to accept it 

Nodding to myself I put the sword to my side and proceed, to head toward my bed when suddenly, whisper start to be hear all around me


Turn back…


…they are using you…




…Don't trust the changelings…
 


Its a trap


As I continue with my trip the whisper start to get more and more strong until one of them suddenly yell at me making me stop


You are falling in their trap!


Turning around I try to discover the source of the sound starting to panic, only to discover a weird looking tree made out of white diamonds glowing in front of me. I didn't knew what it was but for some reason, the image was resulting attractive, it was like the tree itself was calling me, beacon me to approach it. The sensation that its light emit was soothing and relaxing I was starting to feel in trance when suddenly a voice brought me back to reality 

"Sir?" Shaking my head I look up to see one of my soldier looking at me with concern "Are you alright sir? you look like, you just saw a ghost" 

"y…yeah…yeah I'm cool I just heard something, did you hear something too?" 

"I didn't hear anything sir, are you sure you are alright?" 

"yeah I'm ok, just tired, I must have heard the wind and my mind was playing tricks on me" 

"you should be more careful sir, this place might be in ruins but there are still functioning trap door everywhere, you don't want to end up activating one of them" 

"you are right, soldier…I will go to bed right now, you too be careful, this place can play tricks on you" 

"I will sir, have a goodnight" 

"Night"  

I leave the soldier and continue my path toward my bed holding my head in pain "what was that? It felt so real could this place also be hunted? god I hope not, there is a conquest to complete, the last thing I need is a ghost breathing on my neck


> Into the apple farm 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

As the apple siblings where hard at work, bucking the apples in the humble apple farm, the faint sounds of shouting catch both their attention as they saw a wagon slowly making its way to the entrance of there home 

"Why are you so useless?!" 

Both Applejack and Big Mack watch in shock as an unicorn mare with green fur and blue mane, with a simple yet expensive white souther dress, was yelling to a smaller unicorn who's face was wrap around bandages and he look like he was just pull out from a dumpster judging by dirt and torn off white shirt and his blue jeans that had a lot of holes in its legs. currently recoiling at her yelling. For their appearance the mare look like she was the same age as AJ while the stallion didn't look older than 17 or 18 tops. 

"You had one job, ONE and you even manage to screw that up" 

"I'm sorry sis"

"Sister?!" AJ and Big Mac scream at the same time at the revelation. 

Wat in tarnation? what kind of monster treat their own blood as a roten apple? AJ were thinking as she was glaring at the mare, seeing that Big Mac was probably thinking the same thing judging by his own glare at the couple. 

Just when they approach the entrance to the farm one of the wheels in the wagon gave in and stop them immediately. Much to the frustration to the sister.  "Oh perfect, now we are stuck, nice going moron" 

"Sorry sister" 

"Sorry will not repair this wagon" she stand up and leave the vehicle while looking around "At least we are not in the middle of nowhere" she eye the sigh of the apple family not seeing the couple of farmer still glaring at her. "You stay here and repair the wagon while I found out where exactly are we" 

"I wil sister" the unicorn say in a small voice as dismount too and pick a tool box from the back of the vehicle. 

"And this better be ready to move when I come back you will not eat tonight" the unicorn flinch and only nod as the sister enter the farm. 

"Big Mac" 

"Eeyup?" 

"There are a couple of things you want to say to that mare, right?" 

"Eeyup" 

"Normally I would stop you, but in this case I will make an exception, go give that mare the earful she deserve while I go and try to help that poor soul"  Big Mac nod and goes to great the sister while AJ goes and approached the bandaged stallion "Howdy partner!" 

"Aght!" Scare at the sudden announcement, the stallion only drop his tool box and fell into the dirt, much to the amusement of AJ "Sorry dind't ment to scare you" she tells before offering a hand that the stallion soon take, and show her how his hands were also bandage. 

His hands too? what did that mare did to this kid? 

"N…no it…its ok I was just distracted, ah…i…its this your property? I didn't meant to intrude"  

"Don't ya worry abaut that, me and y big bro saw what happen, I know what you didn't park your wagon here on purpose"      

"T…thanks for understanding" the stallion say as he pick a spare wheels and try to work on the vehicle, but find himself unable to lift it to change it.  

"Need a hand partner?" 

"Oh…no, no, don't worry I have this, I wouldn't like to impose" he tells her but AJ still goes and grab the side of the wagon before lifting it without to much effort   

"Don't worry its not problem at all, the name is Applejack by they way…nice to meet you" 

"Ah…m…miss" 

"Just suck up your pride and get to work sugar cube I will no take 'no' for an answer" 

"O…ok" the stud reply and soon get to work in replacing the wheel, witch with the help and guidance of AJ was able to complete really fast "There you go, good as new"  

"And I own it all to you, thank you so much for the help miss AJ" 

"Your are very welcome, and please leave the 'miss' thing would you sugar cube? its makes me feel old" 

"O…ok m…I mean a Applejack" The stallion reply before looking at their work with a smile "This is so great, my sister will be so happy when she comes back" 

"Yeah I bet" AJ smile suddenly turn into one of anger at the mention of her and then concern when she see the stallion caressing its forearm like there was a new wound under neat them. 

"Sugar cube if that is ok with you can I ask you something?" 

"Sure Applejack" 

"when you arrive I saw the way your sister was treating you, is she always like that?" 

"What? oh no, no, no, you don't need to worry miss, she is a really lovely mare what you saw was her frustration because I got us lost before reaching this place…again" 

She raise an eyebrow no convinced by his answer "You sure about that partner? what about those wounds of yours?" 

"Oh this? I'm a bit clumsy so I get hurt all the time" 

"In your whole body too?" She say still not convinced  

"Ok maybe a lot clumsy"  

She only sigh and then approach the guy putting a hand on his shoulder "Sugarcube, why are you lying to me?" 

"L…lying? I'm not lying I…" 

"Partner, give it up, I can sniff lies a mile a way and you are reaking of them right now, so why don't you tell me the truth" 

The stallion sigh and look down in shame "She is a good mare depth down, she only…had a short fuse that all"  

"that is all?" partner just look at your body, you look like a mummy? and I don't believed for a second you did that to yourself, she did that to you didn't she?" 

The stallion only keep quiet before nodding "she can turn violent if get mad" 

"And she take it off with you? ok that is it, we are going to do something about that" 

"what? w…what are you going to do?" 

"I will have some worlds with that 'mare' right this instant" she try to go back but the stallion stop her "No!" 

"sugar cube please step aside" 

"No you will only make things worse" 

He hug her in an attempt for her to stop her advances.  AJ look at him with empathy and then hold his shoulder "sugarcube please trust me, I know what I'm doing and I can help you escape this nightmare, but I can't do it without your help" 

"We…will you make sure she doesn't hurt me again? are you sure you can do that?" 

"I give you my word" she tells with confidence with make the stallion smile "Thank you AJ" 

The bandages suddenly get loss and AJ gasp when the stallion height increases and a pair of green eyes meet her "you truly are the element of honesty" 

"you are…?!" she try to yell but 2 changelings get a hold of herself and the man hold her head and force AJ to open her mouth. The moment she does. The man exhale and a orange mist came from her and into the man mouth until she fell unconscious and her body turn grey for a second and then back to normal. "Ah honestly, such delicious honestly" 

He then turn to the changelings and point at the wagon "Hide the body" they comply and they put her inside the car. Where after a while Freya exit it wearing AJ cloths and face "Howdy partner" she tells evilly with AJ voice. 

"Freya please tell me that there is not an naked Applejack inside the wagon" 

She only smirk and pull the curtain revelling just that making me blush and turn around "FREYA" 

"Hey, you told me not to say it?"  she laugh for a while before looking around "Hey where is Tempress?" 

"Right here" Tempress soon arrive from the dirt road carrying an unconscious Big Mac that for some reason had a smile on his face, hay on his hair and loose cloths…as well as Tempress" 

"Ah why does he has a goofy smile?" I ask confused witch she only answer with a glance and a smile. 

"Please tell me you didn't" 

"Hey its not my fault, he tease me with his anger, you know how I love spicy food" 

I sigh with force while pinching the bridge of my nose "I fear for you sometimes" I then look at the wagon and then at Big Mac "We need to hide the bodies" Turning around I address the other 3 changelings with us "One of you turn into Big Mac, the other 2 take the wagon into the barn while we go deal with the other 2 apples" 

The soldier comply and we soon start to move to our next objective. 

"Not bad brother" Freya comment "Applejack and her lie detector sense was the second most problematic of our objectives with her out of the way taking ponyvglle for ourself will become a walk in the park" 

"Don't get cocky sister" Tempress mentions "The other elements are still at large and soon will start to question her friends actions if we are not ready" 

We both nod as we reach the apple farm. 
  
   
> A dashing storm  
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"What do you mean you don't know?" 

"Exactly that Rainbow Dash, I don't know" As AJ was loading another basket full of apples into a near by wagon, her friend Rainbow Dash who was wearing a sport bra and short combo fly in front of her. "A gianourmus cloud suddenly appear in front of your farm, gradually getting bigger and bigger as time goes on for the last three days, and you are telling me that, you don't care?" She ask raising an eyebrow, witch was meet with a shrug from her friend, before she pick an empty basket and place it on a nearby tree full of apples. 

"What can I tall you Rainbow Dash? This is all Granny Smith idea, she tald as that the cloud will be good for the farm and she had all the papers sorted out" 

"But AJ that is the thing, I ask and I look around, no one in the weather central know about this cloud, they didn't even send pegasus to do the job, whatever your granny is doing, it was without our permission and ponies are starting to noticing it, and they are getting scare" 

"Of one big cloud? " AJ snicker before kicking the tree making the apples fall, and one of them missing the target. "Are you sure you are not just exaggerating just a little bit?"    

"No I don't" Dash place herself in front of her friend "AJ this is serious, I understand you don't know this because its a pegasus thing but as funny as this sounds, big clouds are a serious matter, if not control properly they can break and make a dense fog that can take hours to dissipated, and make flying or walking around the area very dangerous, it can turn into a storm cloud witch you DON'T want it to start falling right below your farm or even worse, it can turn into a lighting storm that can get out of control"  

"Rainbow Dash I told you, Granny Smith is the one that knows all this stuff, if you are so worry about that darn cloud go ask the old lady" 

Dash catches AJ slip out the tongue and look at her with suspicious  "Old lady?"  She keep staring into AJ eyes until, a spark of green shine throw them making Dash gasp and point at her "You are not Applejack!" 

Right on quo the body of the real Applejack fall from some bushes and 2 changelings appear soon after to pick it up stop only when they notices Dash looking directly at them. She barely have chance to process what is going on before feeling the fake AJ hugging her while looking at his companions. "Run you fools!"  

The changelings comply immediately and take fly with AJ body into the big cloud. 

"Oh no you don't" I rage, Dash headbutt the changeling hugging her and extend her wings to give chase to the changelings inside the cloud. Ignoring complete the smile Freya was giving her as she flies away.  

Like a moth to the flames She mentally comments.



 

Once inside the cloud Dash gave chase to the changelings, before they could get lost in the fog as well, when suddenly a force strike her from the side making her loss her balance for a brief moment and then look around for her friends capture once she recover it, only to be meet with nothing but clouds and an eerie laugh from afar.  

"Such a loyal friend" 

Dash heard from behind her and turn around with all intention to strike her foe when fear made her stop, the moment she saw a human with insect wings looking at her directly. "No…t…that is impossible, my grandma used to tell me stories about you…you…you are a human" 

Instead of answering her Kabuto lift the unconscious body of AJ in front of Dash, snapping her back to action and glaring at him. "Is this what you are looking for?" he laugh again before flying up the cloud with Dash not to far away. Only to lost him once more when changelings got in her way and block the view of the human. 

When she manage to get pass the changelings, the man was nowhere to be seeing and she was floating in the middle of the cloud.  "In here" The man call from her right witch she soon follow. 

"Not there, here" he tells from the celling making her go up.  

"Almost there" Dash stop when the voice seem to get louder and louder. "Closer…closer" Dash was turning around when suddenly he discover the man right behind her holding her in place. 

"Surprise!"   

Before Dash could protest, attack or even yell the man already start to exhale with force and soon after, a red mist came out from Dash mouth and into his, making her dizzy and weak until finally falling unconscious in the man embrace.  "Oh the flavour of loyalty…bitter yet sweet, just like cider" 

He snicker and then address the other changelings in the cloud "Rejoice my brothers and sister! the element of loyalty has fallen today" He exclaim as the place is fill with the buzz of happy changelings.  

Meanwhile outside the cloud the two changeling sisters watch with a smirk as they see how the element of loyalty falls prey to their brother.  Freya then turn to her sister "We should make our own move now. The remaining elements are but common civilians that have never had a fight in their life, taking them would be a breeze" 

"Patience Freya, even though they are not at full power four elements could turn the tides against us, specially when one can summon the embodiment of chaos and the other breaks the laws of logic itself, what we need for now is continue with our hunt for the elements while our soldiers deal with the rest of the town." 

Freya smile and her eyes start to shine "And after ponyville falls…" using her magic she turn into princess Luna "…Canterlot will follow" 

"Indeed dear sister" Tempress tells turning herself into Celestia, as they both snicker. 


> The kindness of traps 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

While hiding on top of a tree near the Everfree Forest, I watch my prey every move as she continue to feed the chickens in her corral. The mare was wearing a simple yellow dress and a sun hat, as wells as sack full of seeds that she was wearing around her waist 

"Sir" pulling away the binoculars I turn to see one of my soldiers giving me a small vow "We have done as you asked, the cloud has turn into a storm cloud and its now in the move, it will reach this place in two or three hours tops" 

"Excellent, now we are ready to proceed to face two, when you see me enter her cottage, made sure to private her of any form of communication to the outside world, phones, birds, internet, anything that can she can used, must be taken out" 

"Yes sir" 

"Oh and General…any word from my sisters?" 

"Negative sir, none of our informants have get any new information regarding princess Freya and Tempress" 

I stil don't get it, after we successfully capture Applejack and Dash and reported to our mother she suddenly request for they specifically and order me to keep the mission alone. Did something happen in the Crystal Empire? no it can't be, we would had heard news of that, if that were the case. But if not the mission then what… 

"Sir" 

Shaking my head I look at the general once more "what is it?" 

He simple point at our objective finish feeding the chickens, putting aways her sack and follow a stream near by her home"Target is on the move" 

"Crap we need to move, get into position and keep an eye on the storm, if what Dash is true and the storm became to much for you, retreat your man immediately" 

"But sir, that would leave you complete vulnerable, you will be trap with the element as well" 

"Witch will make my act believable, do not worry for me and just do as I instructed if the storm gets out of hand, that is an order" 

The general take a moment to answer but eventually salut "As you command sir" 

"Good now go! before she sees you" I yell at him before dropping from my hiding place and getting into position to meet Fluttershy.  





As she hum her favourite tune, Fluttershy made her way to see her friends ocelots when suddenly in front of her an injure bipedal creature appear from the water and slowly start to crawl out of it, with injuries all over his body. The moment their eyes meet he try get near her, witch in turn made her take a step backwards both from the surprise and the fear when she took a good look at the creature and discover that it was a human, but all her fears evaporated when the creature only raise his shaky arm at her and talk with a hoarsely throat. "Help…me" The man manage to say before collapsing at her feet. 

"Oh my!" With her mother instincts kicking in and overthrowing her fears, Fluttershy act on instinct and approach the poor man as she inspect his body 

So many scars…what happen to you? 

The cracking of a thunder take her away from her thoughts as she notices a really big storm heading in her directions "Oh no" Looking to various side she spot a bird witch she calls and let her land in her indeed finger "Miss mockingbird I'm sorry for this but I need you to do me a favour, go to my cottage and tell all of my friends that there is a storm coming and they need to find shelter as fast as they can" 

The bird nod and fly away leaving Fluttershy alone with the human that was groaning in pain while trying to breath. Helping him stand up and letting his arm rest on her while hugging him Fluttershy manage to carry both to her cottage and put him in the sofa before the storm hit them.  

Luckily the message arrive to animals in time so only Angel was the only animal in the house watching how Fluttershy went back and forward preparing water, wrapping bandages around their guest and trying to reduce the amount of pain he was in. Once she was sure he was stable, did she allow herself a moment to brief and then think on what to do "Twilight!" 

Remembering her friend Fluttershy search for her phone and try to call Twilight but she doesn't gets a signal "Hello? hello?" she try to connect it various time, until hanging out and look the storm throw out the window 

The lighting storm must be messing with the magic signal   

Checking her other devices, she discover the same result when attempting to communicated with her friends  

No phone, internet and I can't even send one of my bird friends 

Signing in defeat she turn to her patience still resting in her couch.  

Looks like we will be staying here for a while 

Standing up she get closer to the human, with sadness and empathy. 

"You poor one, what could possible have happen to you?" She ask with a soft tune while caressing his hair.  

In that moment the human start to stir and wake up while coughing uncontrollable. "Oh no" thinking quick Fluttershy fill a glass of water and put it near his mouth "Please drink" 

Obeying her command the human did as he was told and took a big gulp of water before pulling away his head and sigh in satisfaction as he wake up "What…where am I?" 

"Please don't be afraid" Fluttershy mention as she help him sit on the couch "There is nothing to be afraid off, you are safe in here" 

The man takes a minute to answer as he look around until he see her again "Who…are you?"  

"My name is Fluttershy, am I the mare that found you crawling out of the river cover in wounds and cuts" The man in that moment notices the bandages wrap around his arms and torso "You are lucky I found you in time too…a storm was heading our way and if I hadn't take you with me, well…" 

I nod understanding before looking at the window where the storm was still in full force and sigh in relief "…yeah I get the point. Thanks Fluttershy, for what it looks like you just save my life" he chuckle as he shakily lift his right arm "the name is Kabuto by the way…nice to meet you" 

"Please Kabuto" she takes my hand and slowly put it back down "don't over do yourself to much, you are still pretty weak, I just treat all of your injuries" 

"Injuries?" Kabuto check his body in shock when finding the state in witch he was in.  "What happen to me?" 

"Actually I was wondering, if you could tell me that, when I found you there were a lot of injuries all over your body, they didn't look like claws so I knew it wasn't from an animal and they were too depth to be cause by a plant so the only option left was a weapon" She told me before siting next to me and put her hand on my shoulder "Kabuto, did somepony did this to you?" 

"I…I don't know" I mention before looking down in sadness "But I will not be surprise of it either" 

"What do you mean?" 

"Ever since I wake up, I have being force to be on the run, no matter where I go the moment a pony see my face they start to yell 'human' and run away from me as fast as they can, I don't even know why, every time I try to approach someone they start to run, and if I press further they start to throw things at me or just try to attack" His whole body start to shake and she can see some tears form in his eyes "I don't get why is this happening to me, why is everyone so afraid of humans? what did I do to deserve this? I only want to lived, is that a crime?" 

"Of course not" Fluttershy hug him with her arms and wings  and start to rock their bodies back in forward as she try to calm him down.  

So a pony did this to him. That is just wrong he seem like a nice guy, why didn't they give him a chance? Human or not he is still a living being with as much right to lived as anyone else, I need to tell Twilight about this injustice the moment I have the opportunity, whoever is responsible for this, needs to be punish  

Once he calm down enough she stop with the rocketing, and he speak once more "I don't get it Fluttershy, why do ponies are scare so much of me?" 

"Its not your fault, some ponies just see humans as a bad thing" 

"But why?" 

Fluttershy keep quiet thinking about her options before speaking again. "I don't think I could give you the details of the story because I don't know them very well either, but I can tell you a summary of what happen, the story its an olds fillies tale after all, my grandma used to tell me about it all the time" 

"You can? Oh thank so much Fluttershy, you are so kind" the man tells with a smile before opening his mouth but stop when Fluttershy break the hug and turn her head to look at the window. "But I must warn you, its a sad story, and you might not like it"    

"At this point I don't care if it is sad or not I just wish to understand why ponies are so afraid of me. Maybe then I would be able to think of a solution to my problem"  

Fluttershy nod and then look back at him "Ok if you think it will help then here it comes" 

She takes a depth breath before starting to tell the story.  

"Long ago, before the banishment of princess Luna, before the tribes unite to form Equestria, or even before Discord, there only small towns with no more than hundred or so ponies spread throw at the globe, times back them were hard, nature was in control, vile beast and thief where everywhere to be found, and deceases and infections that normally would be nothing to worry about were a death sentence, yet not of all that hold a candle to the terror that where humans."  

"While ponies were suffering their race was trilling in luxury and peace, their advance minds where capable of defeat nature almost right away, when beast attack them, they were shortly slay or tamed by them, when illness appear, they create potions that cure them in an instant, and when they get their minds on expanding a land, they did it"

To them other races, where nothing but servants or another beast to slay and remove so they could take the land for themselves, none of them might had magic but their mind and cleverness make out with ease, deceptions, tricks, strategy and even blackmailing was their bread and butter. Even kids of their races were smart enough so they can put ponies to their knees and make them their personal slaves…from what my grandmother told me, they constantly needed more because no slave was able to survive more than a couple of months" 

My act slowly start to turn sincere as I watch in horror the story Fluttershy was telling me 

My race was one of that kind of monsters? No wonder mom wanted to embrace her new life…but I'm still human, those that mean…mom, what have you done? If ponies discover our connection all of Equestria will hate you forever 

"And how did they stop them? I mean I haven't see another human and you tell me that, their story is really old so something happen right?" 

"Yeah something did happen. Eventually a large group of not only ponies but also griffins, diamond dogs, dragons and even sirens came togethers and form an army to oppose the humans, mostly out of fear that they too will end up as slaves one day if they didn't do anything. Their numbers far surpasses humans yet their enemies still where smarter than them, so their defeat was neither easy or short.  A really long and bloody war took place in what is now the badlands, and even though we came up victorious, the loses we suffer put us at the risk of extinction" 

"So that is why everyone is afraid of me? I still don't get it, we are talking about an army of humans not a single human, why would anyone be so afraid of one of them?" 

"Shortly after the battle was done, Equestria had to endure the hardest of its times, some say it was the final revenge of the human race, others say that their spirt curse the land one last time so their memory fade and unfortunately the most popular believes talk about one last survivor that wander the land all of his life cursing it and become an omen to harsh time to arrive, they say that if a human would appear again, then it means that a catastrophe is about to strike the land" 

"Oh…so that is why everyone is so afraid of me, they think I'm an omen to something horrible about to happen" 

"I'm really sorry Kabuto, its just a myth but unfortunately there are a lot of ponies that are superstitious about old sayings" 

"And maybe they are right I mean, just look" I point at the window "Fluttershy, right after you found me, a storm just appear and hit your home head on, don't you think that is a bit ironic? Its like in your story, maybe…maybe I AM an omen for destruction"   

"Please don't say those things" she tells caressing my hair "The fact that a little rain appear when I found you doesn't mean you are an Omen, it only means bad weather, I'm sure that this is just a coincidence"  

"Je yeah, a really bad coincidence" 

"Oh don't worry Kabuto, there is nothing to be afraid about some water" In that moment a thunder crack the sky and the next thing I knew Fluttershy was hugging me with all her might "B…but a thunder on the other hand could be a tiny bit scary" 

The image make me chuckle a bit "you are more scare of a lighting than me?" 

Fluttershy relax after a moment and break the hug with some level of embarrassment "Well, unlike you, a lighting is actually dangerous and seek to hurt others" 

That make me smile at the though "Thank you Fluttershy that means a lot to me" I then yawn and pretend to be tired, witch result on her pushing me down the couch.  

"Don't mention it, now rest, its too late and you still need to give your body time to recover"  she leave for a while before returning with a blanket and a pillow. "You can sleep here tonight, I insist" 

"Thanks Fluttershy" 

"If you need me I will be on my room on the second room" She tuck me in and to my surprise kiss my forehead "Rest well Kabuto, know that no matter what happen you are a nice guy" 

"Thank you Fluttershy have a nice night"  

"You too Kabuto" She tell with a smile and then walk into the second floor, before turning off the lights. 

For hours I wait patiently in there remember everything that happen today. 

She actually is a really nice mare…too bad that she is too trusted of strangers 

Pulling the covers off me and turning my body back to normal, I went into her room with the intention of collecting her kindness when suddenly I start to hear her voice in my head. 

You are a nice guy 

What?

You poor thing

Why am I thinking about this now?

Kabuto did some pony did this to you?

I was force to shake my head before holding it in pain  

Focus Kabuto! Focus! You are prince Kabuto of the changeling empire, the son of Queen Chrysalis, you are here to defeat the changeling enemies, not befriend them! 

Entering into her room I didn't waste time and went strait to her and open her mouth slightly 

And now… 

I open my mouth and try to exhale but for some reason found unable to do so. 

And now… 

I try to do it again various of time, all of witch were meet with the same result. 

No…I can't fail no, not when I'm this close 

I keep trying to take her kindness but each try was meet with my heart aching and making me stop in my tracks "I can't do it" I could feel my eyes start to well up and some tears start to fall into Fluttershy face.  

"I can't…it hurt so much" I tell to anyone closing my eyes before opening in shock when I felt a hand on my check and discover Fluttershy looking at me with concern.  

"Kabuto, what is wrong?" It was in that moment that I discover the proximity off our faces and how I was looking at Fluttershy with my real eyes. In panic I try to stand back but a force keep me in place as I notices Fluttershy concern expression soon turn into one of surprise, and a certain smell enter my nostrils 

Is that…love? but why is she…oh no, I accidentally used my charm eyes!!

"Fluttershy quickly turn a…hmph!" I try to warn her but it was already to late, my spell already hit its target and now she was kissing me full on my lips, forcing me to feed not only in her kindness but also her love, until she pass out.  

"No!" I try to shake her awake once she let me go but she was far gone and her kindness was complete drain.  

I was only able to hold her close to me and openly cry as the storm rage outside the window. "I'm sorry" I mumble as I rack us back and forward throw out the night 

> Infiltrating the town 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

After the storm pass my soldier didn't waste time to come in and take me both Fluttershy and Angel away from the cottage leaving a copy there. A good thing too because, her animals were on their way to see her and if any had sniff a changeling, that would have put a dent in our plans. 

Not to mention, that what happen the night before was still fresh in my mind, I did success on my mission but on how I achieved…I didn't know why but something felt wrong, like up until this point didn't realised but I was following a lot of orders from my mom, simple because she was my mom and now, something in the back of my head is telling me to questions the why of my actions. Something that is now become more recurrent now that I see the three prisoners inside their cocoons.  

"Sir?" Snapping back to attention I saw one of my soldiers entering the barn witch we have being using as a cell for the last couple of days. 

"Yes? what is it?"  

"Ah we are ready to continue our mission, you are the only one missing" 

"Good, good, tell the others that I will be there in just a minute, there is something I need to do first" 

"Ok sir, please don't take too long" The soldier say before leaving me alone once more.  Sighing I look at the elements one more time before pulling out one of my stingers "I know that saying sorry will not cut it, and I also know that I can't release you" I sting all of their prisons with a special poison that spread around them and make them smile "But I can at least give you a pleasant sleep. Consider this my way to apologies" I linger longer in Fluttershy cocoon "Specially you Fluttershy, I understand you will hate me now, but I thank you for teaching me about the humans of this world" 

I look her face for a bit more longer before stepping back and head out to receive the 3 changelings that will accompany into ponyville. All three female wearing, our prisoners cloths. 

"As per your requested sir, three of our finest infiltrators" The guard that came looking for me speak as I inspect each and everyone of them  

"First Zirra, our operative of southern operative" The changeling in question change into AJ and make a gesture with her hat "Howdy partner" 

"Zirra had previously being assign to spy and infiltrate, the apple family both as a travel seeking shelter in exchange for work, and one of their family member" 

"Impressive" I circle her as she stand still "Yet I'm still not convince" I stop in front of her "One thing is being an apple family member other is be the element of honesty, Applejack is a stubborn hard working and down to earth mare, what insurance can you give me that you can pull her off?" 

"Yah dan ha a hay to worry about sugar cube, I had this mare down batter than an old Granny new hips replacement" She tells in a perfect souther accent. 

"Not bad, not bad at all" I complement her before going to the next changeling. 

"Next we have…" 

The guard didn't have the chance to finish since the changeling already change into Dash and fly toward me "The name is Zuri and I'm the best shape shifter there is, so you can bet your ass that I can pull a Rainbow Dash better than anyone else I can even pull a better AJ than that excuse of a changeling you just talk" 

"Gorsh darn it Zuri would it kill ya take something serious for once in your life?" Zirra ask glaring at her companion.  

"Why should I? I'm already the best, you don't believed me? then lets make a bet, to see who is the best shapeshifter" 

"Je brash, loud mouth, and competitive? Just what I'm looking for" I say with a smile and look at AJ  "And you two seem to already had some rivalry going, good that would help you sell the act" 

"Je you can only take me with you and we still would blend right in the crown in 20 seconds flat" 

"Even to her catch fraise, just guard some of that rashness for when we start the mission" 

She nod and I approach the third and final recruit "And finally Ziki, our nomad operative, so far she has the record of more love collective sir" 

I look at her with a raise eyebrow, as she not only looked just like Fluttershy but also move like her, hiding her face as much as she can behind her hair, but also contract her whole body as much as she could. "I'm at your service sir Kabuto?" She say with some shyness.  

"Very impressive Ziki you really look like part of Fluttershy" 

"Thank you sir…your words really reach me"  

"If I may ask how did you manage to get the record of most love collected?" 

To my surprise her pose went from shy to sultry as she without warning put her arms on my chest and get very close to my face with a blush in her face "It would be hard to explain in words sir…would you instead accept a demonstration?" She tells with a smile as she approach her lips to my, making me blush and pull her away. 

"T…that would not be necessary, Ziki, just keep your act of Fluttershy while we are on town" 

"As you wish sir…I can be anything you wish, anytime you want…and I mean anything" she say bitting her finger. 

"Ziri" 

Her demeanour suddenly go back to Fluttershy "I'm sorry sir"  

"That is better" I nod before addressing the 3 of them.  

"Ok ladies listen up, even though we have half the elements we can not call victory yet, 2 of them are well know figures in Equestria so a lot of eyes will be on them almost all the time and the third has the most power of them all. To beat them we will have to enter their inner circle and make me earn their trust. Here is how we are going to do that…" 





After gathering the rest of the elements, and go to the castle 'Fluttershy and Applejack'  proceed to told them how a cloud from the Everfree forest wander off and end up in storm that hit their homes head on. 

"Dab't worry yah, luckily for me Dash was near by and took care of most of da problem" 

"Yeah it was nothing" Dash bust with some confidence. 

"Still for a storm that strong to hit you out of nowhere, that certainly must have being a scary experience" Spike mentions  

"Oh not at all Spike, luckily a near by mocking bird saw the storm and warn me about before it reach my home so I could find shelter" 

"And I was nearby so the only thin AJ needed to worry was some water" 

She chuckle before looking at Dash "Ah recall seeing one of two lighting hitting in yah flank too" She comments earning a glare for Dash. 

"Well we all glad you are safe and the damage was not to big for neither of us" Twilight say with a smile. 

"Ah…yeah there was that, but the storm also brought something else?" Fluttershy mentions  

"Oh! was it a cake? a present?" Pinkie ask before gasping "Was it a present cake?" 

"Je I wish" Dash mention crossing her arms 

"No it wasn't that" Fluttershy shake her head and then look down "I was a bit more scary" 

"What was it darling?" Rarity asking  

"Well its hard to tell" Dash says scratching the back of her head. 

"Girls before we tell you, you need to promise that no matter what you will not freak, out run away…or write a letter to the princesses" AJ say glaring at Twilight particularly 

Rarity is the first to nod "You can trust me darlings" 

"If you ask me not to do it, then I will not do it" Twilight say noting with a smile 

"Me too" Spike add 

"Cross my heart, and hope to die, put a cupcake into my eye"  Pinkie finally say, making the three changeling to smile 

"Thank you girls"  Fluttershy say and AJ looks at the door behind her. 

"You can come out now partner, they promised to not freak out"  The door opens and from a entrance a cloak figures walks in and wave at them "Hi" 

"Girls, meet Kabuto, when I was looking to the debris that the storm brought, he was among them" Fluttershy mentions  

"Don't worry I already talk with him and made sure that he is not a spy" Dash tells earning a eye roll from everyone in the room. 

"Bat there is something yah all need to know about Kabuto"  

"Hi Kabuto my name is Pinkie Pie" The party pony had already got closer to him much to the horror of the three friends.  "Pinkie no!"  

"Why are you hidding behind a cloak? Its not Nightmare Night silly"  she giggles and remove the hood before freezing in place once she see him clearly, as well as the other elements that gasp when they see my human face directly.  

Pinkie makes a back flip and return with her friends. All three were about to scream when AJ point at finger and glare at them all "Remember! you promise not to freak out!" 

They stop in their tracks and look at one another not sure on what to do" 

"Girls please, he was hurt and scare, all those stories are just legends if you think of him like that, it will be what happen with Zecora all those years ago" Fluttershy mentions witch make them all react and feel bad once they notices the human looking down in sadness. 

"She is right" Twilight its the first speak before standing up and goes to the human that has being looking down in sadness "I apologies for our reaction is only…" 

"…yeah I know" the human look back at her "Fluttershy told me the story, I'm sorry for scaring you" he say putting his hood back on "I told AJ that this was a bad idea" 

"Please don't" Twilight stop him and pull off the hood "There is no reason for you to hide we all friends and would like to meet you" 

"Really?" 

"But of course darling, if our friends says that you are no dangerous then there is nothing to fear isn't it?" Rarity say with a smile. 

"Yeah plus we promise not to freak out so we will not freak out" Pinkie tells "You do not break a pinkie promise" 

"I…I don't know what to say, thank you, I really though you wouldn't gave me a chance just because of my looks" 

Twilight smile and extend her hand "Why don't we start again? My name is Twilight Sparkle, nice to meet you" 

I smile and take her hand "Kabuto, likewise"   



> Cry until you laugh (part 1) 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

In the following days things have being somewhat stable, Ziki, Zirra y Zuki had perform their roles to the letter and have help me get inside in the inner circle of the remaining 3 elements, as well as the town itself. 
It was to be expected that I made a public appearance but with the elements supporting me and Rarity ingenious idea of a slight make over on my appearance, my introduction to the town was smother than I though. Sure the fear is still there and a lot of ponies still are weary of approaching me, but its looks like that because I'm wearing a yellow jacket a pair of blue jeans and a partial mask that hides my eyes and nose, the ponies seem to be more receipting to talk to me. There was still a long way to travel but still it was progress.  

Now I'm currently feeding some ducks in the park waiting for one of my soldier to arrive and tell me if they had found a window of opportunity for me to approach my next target, something that like I fear wouldn't be easy, since all three of them are very well know social figures, so a moment of private with them was going to be tricky.  

"Having fun?" Looking to my right I saw a mare in royal guard uniform sitting next to me. She had a ivory mane put in a pony tail and black fur. I couldn't recognised the face but I sure recognised the voice "Freya, when did you…?" 

Before I could continue she put her hand on my mouth and give me a glare "Not so hard, moron, you want us to be discover?" 

"Sorry" I say in a whisper before resuming feeding the ducks "So…where have you being?" 

"Isn't it obvious? mom ask me and Tempress to head over Canterlot and prepare things for your arrival, the security there is tighter than here so it make sense" 

"Yeah that seem logical, but why didn't she told me?" 

"You were busy in your mission and time was on the essence, by the way, nice move in entering their inner circle that was one strike of genius" 

"Thanks sis, I did what I could, and now that you are here, we can come up with a new strategy" 

"Oh Kabuto if only was that easy" I look at her in confusion "I'm not here to stay, I'm here to deliver a message, one that was so important I had to be the one to delivered it" 

"Wow, that sounds serious" 

"It is, tell me, do you remember Torax?" 

"You mean the traitor that ran away in the middle of a storm? I though he froze to death" 

"We all did, until mom discover him in her mission, turns out that the weasel found his way to the Crystal Empire and made friends with the enemy" 

"What?" 

"Yeah I was shock to hear that too, to make matter worse, he manage to found out about our plans and ran away before mom could capture him, according to our spies he is heading this way" Freya look at me with seriousness "Bro you need to up your game and capture the remaining elements as soon as possible"

"You are asking me too much Freya, I infiltrate this place for a reason, those 3 have eyes on them almost 24/7 I can't I just used the same techniques I used with AJ or Fluttershy"  

"Then you better come up with something fast"  Freya says before standing up.  "Exsos and Chitin are traking him down as we speak but the traitor is surprisingly hard to find, if he manage to dodge them and reach this place, all our plans can fall" 

"I…I understand" I say looking down before I feel something in my shoulder and when I look at it I find Freya holding it "I know you can do it Kabuto, Tempress and mom teach you well, if anyone can think of something is you" She smile before putting back her helmet "I need to go back, remember we all counting on you Kabuto, do not let us down" 

"I will not sis, just keep the red carpet ready for when I arrive with the 6 elements" 

"Je don't get cocky either" she lightly punch my shoulder before flying off into the distance, once I was sure she was far enough did I allow myself to sigh and look down in though 

And now what I'm going to do?  

I only had time to turn around before taking a step back from the impression of being face to face with Pinkie Pie who was smile brightly at me "Hi Kabuto, what are you doing?" 

"H…hi Pinkie Pie, I was just…feeding the ducks" 

"What ducks?" She ask with confused and when I was about to point I notices that they were all gone "Ja they probably flew off, I suppose I'm not doing anything now"  I say with a smile chuckle.  

"In that case do you think you can help me with a couple of things?" She ask before pulling her puppies eyes on me witch earn me a chuckle "Oh ok, its not like I'm doing anything right now anyway" 

"Great! Come with me" Before I could say anything else Pinkie already took my hand and drag me away at top speed.  





"You want me to what?" I ask in confusion as various kids play around us while Cheerily await us. 

"To accompany Sweetie Bell while we take a trip into White Tail forest" Pinkie say with a smile "The kids were really excited about this trip but they can't go without a chaperon, and Rarity couldn't take Sweetie Bell because of an important dress she needed to made" 

"What about you?" 

"I can't I'm already covering for Filthy Rich, since he can't take Diamond Tiara"  She mentions with a smile while holding Diamond hands.  

"I don't know Pinkie, I'm pretty new about this place and I don't know about that forest either" 

"Then you can used this opportunity to know it, and it will mean a lot to Sweetie Bell" She say with a smile before getting closer to whisper something in my ear "Plus she and Scoots have being a bit gloomy since Applebloom had to go in her emergency family trip to Las Pegasus" That comment made me flinch and actually feel bad. Its true that there are changelings that can turn into colts and fillies but they need to be really good at shape shifting and even then, the transformation can't last long do to the different in side, that is why we can't change into creatures like dragons or chimeras, so of course we were force to think of an excuse into why Applebloom wasn't around the farm anymore and not currently in a cocoon inside her own barn.  

And looking back at Scoots and Sweetie Bell I could say that even though Zuri was doing a perfect act as Dash and Scoots was buying it, she was only putting a brave face, for her idol while Bell was only looking down. I could smell their sadness from here and it was making me feel sick. They were so young and yet here I was robbing them of their friendship like I didn't care, Pinkie might have not know it, but her argument really make know how much did I own that little girl.  

"Ok Pinkie, I will do it" 

"Kabuto what is wrong?" She ask her demeanour soon turning into concern  

"What do you mean?"  

She put her hand on my check and remove a tear from my eye "You are crying?" 

"What?" I open my mask slightly and clean my eyes "Je would you look at it I'm, I suppose seeing them so sad really reach me" 

Pinkie smile and then surprise me with a hug "You are a really good friend Kabuto, that you care so much for them, will mean so much, thank you for helping" 

"Je anytime" She give me a quick kiss before going and tell the others about the good news taking Diamond with her. 

"Je not bad" Rainbow approach me with a smile and crossing her arms "Is she the next one?"  She whisper to me after making sure that nobody was looking at us. Much to my confusion. 

"Next one?" 

"Come on Kabuto, a nice trip on the forest? an opportunity for you to 'get lost'?, I only need to tell her to look after you while I look after there kids…we can pull a really good trap" Zuri mentions and I suddenly have to stop to think in her words 

Its true, I couldn't ask for a better opportunity, some spies of us are in the forest and we can play the old switch, while Pinkie is looking for me or trying to make me smile, if I pretend to be happy I can stole… Out of nowhere I had to stop and hold my chest in pain. Act that doesn't go unnoticed by Zuri who breaks her character. "Sir, are you ok?" 

"Yeah…yeah I'm ok, that is a excellent idea Rainbow lets do it" 

"Kabuto are you sure you are…?" 

"I say I'm ok!" I snap at her gaining the attention of everyone so I need to act quickly and shake my head "Sorry for that it just…there is a lot of things in my mind"  I say before walking to meet the others but not before give a hand gesture to a spy in the trees near by so they stay alert to anything. 

Working to the pain I manage to smile once more and approach the crusaders 

My hive is counting on me, I'm not going to fail my mother no matter what, I will catch the elements! While approaching them I subconsciously grab my chest once more. Something that doesn't go unnoticed by a certain pink mare, that hum in though and look at Kabuto closely.  



 

  
> Cry until you laugh (part 2) 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Hey Sweetie Bell look, a squirrel" I say with excitement as I point to one squirrel happily munching on a acorn. 

"Ah ha" Was the only respond Bell gave me before taking a quick picture of the squirrel and then walk away. For the last hours that has being Bell since we start this trip, Miss Cheerlie give the assignment of seem and capture the wild life of this forest so they could study it further in a later class, naturally the opportunity to go outside and take pictures was something that everyone was on board off, more if she even had a special cake bake by Pinkie herself to the pony that have taken the most pictures. Something that made me chuckle at the subtle trap she lay there, since the one with the most picture would have to make the biggest research, but oh well the price for a really good cake I suppose, over all that was a clever move from her.  

And the students look like they were having a blast in taking pictures…all but the filly next to me that throw all the trip has being really cold and unexpressive. Something I knew why was happening and was eating me alive because of it.

"Sweetie what is wrong? you have being like that since we start the trip, don't you like to take pictures?" 

"No, they are fine" She sit on a near by log and start checking the photos we have taken so far "I'm just not in the mood to take pictures right now"  

I sit next to her and put my hand on her shoulder "Is there something you would like to talk about it?" 

"You will not understand, its something personal" she say not even looking at me.  

I keep quiet for a while before deciding to break the ice once more "Its because of what happen to your friend Apple bloom?" 

Bell stop and look at me in surprise "Please don't be mad at Pinkie, she only told me because I ask. I was really concern when I notices how sad you look"  

"Well I don't want to talk about it" she say in a pout and turn around while crossing her arms "That is something personal and you have no right in getting your nose in other ponies business" 

"Bell please, don't close yourself, I might not know how you feel, but…" 

"…That is right, you don't!" she turn around and glared at me "One of my best friends just leave without even saying goodbye, how could you know how do I feel when nobody wants to be your friend!" She yells before gasping when hearing her own words. 

"Kabuto I'm sorry, I didn't mean…" 

"Its ok Sweetie Bell, I'm used to it by now" I sigh before looking down in sadness "Being the scary freak that can bring a calamity whatever it goes? It's a hard thing to prove wrong, of course making friends would be impossible. But don't you think that is something you can at least count on?"  

When I look back, I see her just looking at me confused and still sad for her words "Uh?" 

"Well…because my looks and my origins I have no one to turn to or a friend in who to rely now that I'm in my darkest moment, but you still know have your family, your friend Scootaloo and you even know where Applebloom is, true you can't contact her just yet, its a really delicate family matter what she is now, so she can't respond, but she will come back and will apologies for having to leave so sudden" 

"…yeah, I suppose you are right" Sweetie Bell say looking down "Just please don't be so hard on her ok Sweetie Bell? Apple bloom is going to throw a really hard time right now and its very sensible, now more than ever is when she will need the support of her friends" 

Bell nod and sniff while some tears start to form around her eyes. Thinking in what to do I give her a hug witch she soon reciprocate and start to cry openly. "I was really mad at her Kabuto, I didn't though about her feelings, she must feel horrible right now" 

My throat choke for a second, knowing very well what really happen and not be able to tell her the truth, as much as I wanted to.

"I'm sure she will be ok, her family is there no matter what and they will be able to overcome whatever happen to them"  

She nod under my chest as I let her cry while patting her head. After a while the cries dye down and I see her in the eyes "Feeling better?" 

She nods and clear her eyes "Y…yeah, much better. Thanks" 

"I'm happy to hear that, now why don't you go and take some more pictures? I'm sure that, that is what Applebloom had wanted" 

"Yeah you are right" Bell saying smiling at then standing up with me before giving me another hug "And I'm really sorry for what I say to you" 

"Its ok, Sweetie Bell, I know you were just sensible and didn't actually meant any of that. Now why don't we go and take some more pictures, the contest is not over yet and you still can win that cake"  

She separated from me and nod once more, with more determination "Lets do it" 

"That is what I wanted to hear" I took her hands and we start to walk but she suddenly stop and look at me with some embarrassment "Oh but before that, do you mind if I go talk with Scootaloo real fast? I need to tell her what you just told me" 

"Oh sure, sure go right ahead" 

"Thanks Kabuto, I promise this one is not going to take too long"  She say with a smile before running toward Scootaloo and Rainbow Dash that were taking some bird photos not to far from us. 

"That was really sweet of you Kabu" 

Once again I was force to take a step back and yell in fear before glaring at Pinkie that once again appear next to me. "Would you stop doing that?"  

she only giggle and put her hand over her mouth "Sorry I can't help, being a bit stealthy"  

That says a lot consider who train me in stealth 

I mentally sight before sitting in the log once more "So I gather that you saw my little moment with Sweetie" 

She nod and sit next to me "I did, it was really nice of you, helping Sweetie Bell feel better, even after she she said something so mean too you" 

"Ah it wasn't all that bad, other ponies have told me worse things, and I knew that she didn't actually mean it, so I let her bent her frustration" 

"Je you just sounded like Fluttershy for a second there"  

"Well I suppose that is me, the kind human with the bad luck" I chuckle a bit nervously at the mention of Fluttershy.  

"Say Kabu, would you mind come with me for a second into that road over there?" I stand to attention at that and look at her in confusion as she point to a different road not to far from us "Ah sure, but why?" 

"I will explain on the way" 

"Wait what about the fillies?" 

"Oh I already got the cover, I ask Rainbow Dash to look after them while we are gone" In surprise I turn to Rainbow Dash who just winks at me before keeping an eye to the girls who continue to talk with Diamond Tiara joining in. 

Understanding the implication I simple nod and look to see some of our spies ready for me to give the signal before seeing at Pinkie who was waiting for me.  "Come on Kabu, it will be really fast" 

"Ah…Coming"  I stand up and start to follow her into the dirt road ahead of us. 





After a short walk Pinkie and I reach a clear with a rock on the middle of it where she didn't waste time and invite me to sit next to her witch I comply. 

"There, now we can talk in peace"  

"Ah talk about what exactly Pinkie?" 

"You don't need to keep pretending Kabuto, I already found out" She say with sadness witch make me freeze in place "A…k…know what Pinkie?" 

"That you are acting" I could feel my heart in my throat as I start to sweat. "What do you mean?" 

"The fake smiles, the act of good guy, the tears I didn't understand then but now it all makes perfect sense now. I piece together the puzzle" 

I start to dissipated the illusion in my arms and point the stinger at her back "I see so you found out, eh?" 

"Yeah"  Before I could strike she surprise me into a bone crushing hug "You poor thing, have being holding up all the pain up until this point have you?" 

"Uh?" Re making the illusion I turn my arm back to normal before she could see it, as she continue her explanation. 

"You don't need to act tough anymore Kabu, I have seeing it in your eyes, the sudden outburst, the tears, you holding your chest right now" 

"What?" I look down and in fact I could see myself holding my chest without even noticing  

"I know why is that happening, something in your mind is actually hurting it, right? something that they told you or maybe you did but didn't want to do?" 

"I…I don't know what you are talking about" 

"Please Kabuto, I would understand no matter what happens" she say with a soft smile as she slowly removed my mask "I might have being scare of you before but that is in the past. I have seeing what you truly are and know that underneath all of that act is a nice person trying to do the right thing"  

As my heart keep pounding I feel myself turning back to my real form without my control, to my other horror. I try to pull my arms away but Pinkie hold them tight and keep looking at me with the same smile. "Like I say, I'm not afraid anymore, you don't have to put a mask for me" 

"Pinkie…why are you not scare? You just saw me…I…I'm a changeling hybrid" I say with foggy eyes but she only put her hand on my cheek, keeping her smile "You are also my friend and friends trust one another" 

As her words reach me, I let my guard down and smile before cleaning my eyes, feeling safe and thinking I could really count on her. "Thank you for making me smile Pinkie" 

The happiness fade in an instant when I notices the spy surrounding us and aiming strait at Pinkie, witch force me to think fast while in panic. "Anytime Kabu" 

Her smile is replace with surprise when I suddenly hold her cheeks with my hands "Kabu what are you?" 

I join our foreheads together as tear start to stream down my face "…I'm sorry" I manage to whisper before connecting our lips, making the changelings to stop their attack the moment they see me suck the element out her until she falls unconscious.   

"Sir?" One of the changelings approach me, as I finish and hold Pinkie in between my arms with some tears in my eyes. "One of you turn into Pinkie Pie right now" 

"I'm here sir" A female changeling wearing a copy of Pinkie cloths approach me and give me a salute "My name is Eris and I…" 

"NOW!" Everyone flinch and Eris turn to Pinkie Pie from the scare "Good, you and me are going to get back tell Zuri you are in and will keep your act until further instructions, the rest of you take the element to the barn and inform me when she is put in a cocoon as soon as possible" 

"Ah yes sir but why exactly do you want to know when she is in the cocoon?" 

"Do not question my orders" I command them making everyone flinch again as I pass Pinkie to one of them. Admiring her face I was surprise how even despite everything she was still smiling at me, like she was unconsciously forgiving what I did.  

Shaking my head I address the changelings once more "Just do as I say before or I will demote you a larva duty, now go!"  

"Yes sir!" All of them leave minus Eris who was still looking at me with some nervous 

"As for you, I have one question" 

"Y…yes sir?" 

"How good are you in organising parties?" 



    
> A generous opportunity
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"I can't believed we won!" Sweetie Bell was bouncing from happiness as I take her to Rarity. After 'Pinkie Pie' and I return to the others, we didn't waste time and continue with our little competition of taking photos, naturally since Dash was kind of in my side and my training in tracking we were able to catch a large numbers of animals in no time until the sun set. Poor Sweetie, she is going to have to do some extra work and doesn't know it yet but after what I did I needed to make it up to her at least. Right now it was the only thing that was reducing the pain that I was feeling in my gut.   

"I know right? And now tomorrow morning you will be able to eat as much cake as you wish in Sugar Cube corner" 

"You mean WE are going to eat as much as we wish" she say holding my hand witch catch me off guard "What?" 

"Of course I will share it with you Kabuto, well you and Scoots, I will not feel good if I keep it all too myself. Scoot and I already made the path of sharing the cake no matter who wins and you help me win so of course you deserve a part of the reward too" 

"Oh I couldn't Sweetie Bell really, that price is yours" 

"Please Kabuto, I insist, I really want to thank you for all you did for me today"  

I try to argue but I'm unable to fight those puppy eyes of her so I can only sigh and nod as we reach the entrance of her house "Ok, if you really insist" 

"Thanks Kabuto you are the best, no wonder my sister has a crush on you"  She say as she opens the door and head to the second floor "Wait what?!" 

"Rarity I'm home!" Sweetie Bell yells making Rarity; who had a mess in her mane, her cloths were all wrinkle and unkept and some of her mascara was dripping from the sweat came out of her office and look at the stairs in the second floor in anger "Sweetie Bell how many times do I have to tell you not to yell when you came back from school?"  

I just stand there in the entrance trying to process what Sweetie Bell just told me.  

"Sorry sis, oh by the way I invite Kabuto over" 

"You what?" In that moment Rarity turn and stare right at me with a small blush. To make matters worse I could smell the essence in the air, and sure it enough it was love, and it was coming directly from her  

Oh god its true! she has feelings! 

It takes a moment but Rarity notices the condition she is in and scream in panic before going back to her studio "Ah m…miss Rarity this seem to be a bad moment, I will be going now and…" 

"Wait!" Rarity re emerge not only fix up but now wearing a purple blouse and blue skirt contrary to her working cloths she was wearing a second ago "This is not a bad moment at all, you just catch me by surprise for a bit there.You don't need to go just yet, please stay for a while" She tells bathing her eyelashes at me. 

Ok how did she do that?

"Ah…are you sure that is ok? because if this is not a good time" 

"Oh, Kabuto is staying for dinner?" Sweetie ask poking her head from the second floor "sweet" 

"Oh no, I could impose more than…" 

"…Please" Rarity hold my hand and look at me in the eyes "We insist, consider it my thanks for taking care of my little sister" 

"Ah but I don't know if…" 

"Please Kabuto stay" Bell comes down and together do their puppies at him "Oh come on! that is just not fair" 

"Please!" they both say at the same time 

"Ah ok, ok I accept just please…stop doing that face" 

"Yay!" Sweetie Bell exclaim in happiness 

"Perfect in that case you can wait in the living room while I prepare everything" Rarity say with a big smile as she dash toward the kitchen, making Bell to laugh "she is probably going to dress in something to impressive you" 

"Sweetie Bell leave Kabuto alone!" Rarity yell at her from the kitchen 

Bell laugh and the look at me "hey Kabuto would you like to play some games with me while we wait" 

"Ah…o…ok" I say still processing what was happening 





How exactly did I end up here? As the hours passed I found myself getting more and more comfortable on the character I made out in other to infiltrate the town. Rarity and Sweetie Bell have being nothing but kind host ever since I took my first step inside the house, they even didn't mind seeing my human face, not even Bell saying that I don't look scary to her anymore, and now I'm currently at their dinner table watching how Bell show her sister the picture we took while in my mind there is a war raging    

I shouldn't be here, this is not right, not to long ago I just stole another one of this mares friends and now I'm a stealing there food? what kind of monster am I? Wait…what do I even care? I should be happy, a golden opportunity just fell into my lap, the element is right there, alone and vulnerable, what is even better she is in love with me, I can get closer to her without any problem I just need to wait until Sweetie Bell gets to bed and…and I can take her only sister away from her like I took her best friend and make her feel even worse than she… I have to shake my head to clear my thoughts  

I'm a changeling, I'm a changeling! I'm not here to make friends, I'm here on a mission, I need to complete it, mom is waiting for me I can't fail her, I can't…

"Kabuto?" The voice of Rarity catch my attention and when I look at her, I see both her and Sweetie Bell looking at me with some concern 

"Y…yeah?" 

"Are you ok dear, you have being awfully quiet since you sit down" 

"Oh, yeah…yeah I'm fine I was just…thinking" 

"What were you thinking about?" Sweetie Bell ask getting a little closer 

"Oh you know things" I say playing with my food "Ever since I arrive in this world, a lot of things had happen to me. Both good and bad, I…I suppose that there is a lot in my mind at the moment"  

As I continue to move my food around I felt someone taking my hand and looking down I see down I see holding it with the same expression "Don't be sad Kabuto, we are here for you" 

I smile and pat her head "Don't worry Sweetie Bell, I'm ok" 

"Then why are you crying?" 

"I'm what?" Putting my hand en my face I check and like she say there were tears welling up in my eyes. 

"Excuse me for a second" I say before standing up and rushing to the bathroom, locking the door and toss some water in my face 

Why is this keep happening?! First with Pinkie now here? what is going on? why I'm suddenly…! My line of though was interrupted by yet another aching pain on my heart, this one so heart that it brought me to my knees. 

And what the hell is going on with my heart?! Why do I keep feeling like… 

…Because in your being, rest four of the six elements of harmony! An omnibus voice suddenly tell me making me stand up on alert while looking for it 

"Who is there?" 

Listen well human, the elements of harmony are by far more than simple tools or ancient magic, capable of banquish evil forces. Their nature itself can not be destroy or contain

I start to hyperventilated as I continue to look for the origin of the voice "S…shut up! You are lying, it can be done, I know it, I have done it!" 

The only thing you have done is get into contact with their magic, you are feeling it right now don't you? the sensation of guilt the, desire for friendship, the question of your acts, the elements are opening your eyes even at this moment.

I hold my head and shake it in an attempt to make the voice stop "I'm not going to listen, you are just trying to trick me" 

There is still time for do the right thing, you might have force your way into the elements but never the least, we accept you as one us, heed our warnings Kabuto, Chrysalis is not what she claims to be  

"Shut up" 

The changelings are using you like a weapon

"Shut up" 

There are just pretending to be your family, Chrysalis family are only interest in power and they are nice to you because they think you can give them that, the moment you are not of used they will dispose of… 

"Shut up!" In rage I slam my fist into the mirror breaking it in the process and making the voice go away. 

In that moment I heard the voice of Rarity knocking on the other side of the door. "Kabuto dear, are you ok?" 

Taking a depth breath I start to compose myself. And just open the door so Rarity could see what happen "I'm so…sorry" I manage to say before surprising her with a hug "I didn't mean to do it, but it is why am here for" 

I say openly crying.  

"Wh…what do you mean dear?" She ask before gasping and then see the broken mirror and  after pulling away from me noticing the wound in one of my hands. 

"Kabuto you are wounded!" 

"I promise I will…I will pay for that mirror" 

"Forget the mirror we need to treat your arm right now!" She yell in surprise before dragging me away from the bathroom and into the kitchen where she start to treat my wound using a first aid-kid 





After that the rest of the even was relatively quiet. We obviously didn't told Sweetie Bell what happen and, instead say that I have a little accident with Opalises, apparently that cat has a bit of an attitude so it made sense. So she believed me, even when say cat keep passing between my legs, purring for attention. 
We soon finish dinner and after playing some more with the sister tuck Sweetie Bell to bed, or rather Rarity went a do that, while I wait for her in the living room with her cat.  

"I just tuck Sweetie Bell to sleep" Rarity say decending the stairs with a sad look before looking at me directly "Now we can talk" 

"Rarity its getting late, I should probably…" 

"…not going to happen" she stop me by placing a hand on my chest "Until you talk to me, you are not leaving this couch"  

I sigh in defeat as I sit on the couch and her promptly sit next to me "I'm not going to scowl you for what happen, your wounds in your hand is punish enough, and I will not going to ask why if you are not feel comfortable telling me at the moment but I'm going to ask this" 

She take both my hands and made me look at her in the eyes with worry. "Are you really ok?" 

"Rarity I…" 

"Please Kabuto, don't close yourself to me, I want to help you, I want to understand what is happening, but I can't do anything if you don't let me. So please, tell me whatever its in your heart I will listen anything you have to say" 

Signing in defeat I simple look down and separate os so I could look at the ground "Ok you win, I will tell you what is happening" 

"Thank you dear"

"You see…ever since I arrive at Applejack farm and meet all of you, I have being discovering this…feelings that I have never felt before, at first I though they were just me be nervous and wary of ponies for what Fluttershy told me, but now each time I see you, my heart start to ache, my head gets into a war and without even realised it, I do crazy things" 

I chuckle and lift my bandage hand "As you can clearly see" I put it down and start to chuckle "You are probably thinking that I'm crazy" 

"Oh not at all dear" Rarity say surprising me as I detect the smell of love coming from her, much to my confusion. "What you are feeling its perfectly normal and I know exactly the reason of why its happening. Tell me did your heart hurt when you see any mare?" 

"Mostly you" I say making her smile. I didn't exactly knew why was she getting so happy about but seeing her smile was the pain go away, and part of me wanted to keep her happy so I try to boost her ego a little. After I broke her mirror it was the least I could do.  

"You don't say?" 

"Yeah I mean you are really gorgeous mare, with a really good business, a loving, family and incredible friends. Any stallion would be crazy to be your special some pony, je even me" I say with a smile feeling happy on how the awkwardness was slowly dying and instead she was happy again.  

"Je of course, I wouldn't knew that, I mean just look at me Rarity, a legend related to a nightmare, a different race, and basically an alien. I would be lucky if a mare would ever give me a first date" 

"Oh Kabuto, I think you are not giving you enough credit" She say holding my hand again "You are a nice stallion, good looking stallion that has a heart of gold and knows how to treat a lady. Any mare would be happy to give you a chance" 

"Je yeah right, I mean come on Rarity would YOU give me a chance?" I joke but freeze at her next words 

"I would love that" 

What?! no, why is this happening why did she…What Bell say, how could I forgot! I wasn't smelling her happiness increasing, it was her love! To my horror I see how she start to approach her lips to my. 

I wanted to stop her but I feel my body unable to move in fact it was doing the exact opposite, a part of me wanted this but the other knew what was happening "R…Rarity" 

"Shhh…its ok dear, lets just enjoy the moment" She say with sincere love in her eyes before closing them as our lips connect.  

NO! 

As the kiss continue, I could feel her generosity leaving her body as well as her love, but this one feel…different warmer, and even more delicious, it was nice and lost in the though I let go of things and enjoy it until her body gave up and I wake up to reality to see Rarity unconscious on the floor, her elements drain.  

"Rarity I'm so sorry I…" 

Feeling the worse pain in my chest I was force to kneel while holding my chest and do everything in my power not to scream. 

The elements are a force that can not be taking lightly Kabuto, we are warning you, turn back from this path you are taking, turn back before you do something you regret 

The voice appear as I cough violently until a rainbow kind of sustain came out of my mouth "What the…hell" I manage to say before falling in the ground unconscious too next to Rarity. 



 

 

  
> A family intervention 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

As the sound of water being splashing and kids playing in the distant, I found myself starting to wake up with a heavy headache  "Ah…where…where am I?"  I manage to say while holding my forehead. 

"In our hide out, in Canterlot" the voice of Tempress catch my attention and standing up notices that I'm currently resting on a five stars hotel room with both my sisters sitting next to my bed. 

"What? But the mission, Rarity, the elements, what happen to…?" 

"Relax brother. Its done"  Tempress say putting her hand on my chest to put me back down. "While you were unconscious we saw the opportunity to strike, and took the final element"  

"What?! B…but Twilight, she is…" 

"…One mare against an army that got close enough to her. Granted her alicorn magic made her a dangerous foe, but it only took one try to summon the elements to lower her guard long enough for me to strike" Freya say with a proud smile. 

"But…why?" I ask incredulous about this development. "I was doing so good, I…Rarity, where is Rarity right now? I need to…" 

My words are cut short when Freya point a weapon at me "This is exactly why we pull you away Kabuto, you were getting to close to our targets, they were starting to get into your head, you were getting sloppier, so much that it was starting to risk the mission. If it wasn't for a spy in the hospital everyone would have see your changeling attribute. Do you even realised the trouble we got ourself in, just to get both you and the element bodies out of the hospital without nobody realising it? That brat of her sister alone was a pain in the flank to deal with. No matter what we did she was refusing to get away from you" 

Sweetie Bell 

For a second the guilt of what I did to her sink in before I was brought back to reality for a sword pointing at my throat "What was that?" Freya ask getting angry "For a second there I though I smell guilt" She tells in a low tone while glaring at me "Please tell me that was just my imagination Brother" 

I start to look between her and Tempress who was also looking at me with a slight glare "Tell us what is our mission Kabuto" 

"Sister please" 

"Tell us!" Freya demands putting more pressure on her blade "Prove us where is your loyalty"  

"…Our mission is to defeat the elements of harmony…" I slap the sword away from me and unleash my sting to press it against Freya throat while marching her glare "…And conquer Canterlot" 

I look back to Tempress who nods and smile "Do not question my loyalty to mother…EVER again" 

"Good that is what we wanted to hear" Freya smile and put her sword down before laughing "We just needed to hear that bro" she lightly punch my shoulder "For a second there we though you were going soft on us" 

"Je it will take more than six mares to break this guy shell" I say with a smile as I stand up and walk up to the window "So, we are in Canterlot, I'm assuming that this mean I going to be a part in on capturing our next target, am I right?"

"That is correct, even though Freya and I manage to dodge the security of the castle the princesses of Equestria are still a terrifying foe. Remember, not even mom could match their magic without the help of Shining Armour" 

"That is where you come along brother" Freya continuo "If we sneak you in and give an opening, you can take the shot and knock both of them down" 

I look at them with a raise eyebrow "You want me to take the shot?" 

"You have being absorbing the elements all this time, you might had not absorb the final one but your changeling magic is enough to do the job. At this moment your magic could either match or surpass theirs, for a brief moment" Tempress explain

"And that is the only moment we need. Even if they manage to remain conscious, you would only need to keep them busy long enough and I will finish the job" Freya say with an smile as she hug me with one arm "That is why we were preparing you bro, we needed you all charged up, for this to work" 

"I see, and how exactly did you plan to infiltrate me inside the castle?" 

"We will tell you the details later on, for now you're still weak and vulnerable, so for now, just rest and recover your energy" 

I look at them confused "You want me to just sit here while you go out and risk your necks?" 

"No, we want you to stay put and wait for further instructions, until we are done with the preparation that, by the way you force us to speed things up" Freya say with a small glare making me sigh "Can I at least explore the zone we are currently in?" I say before turning into a grey earth stallion with black mane.  

My sisters look at one another before nodding and then look at me "You can but, don't go too far and you will be accompany at all time" 

"What? Tempress you can't be…" 

"…Its either that or stay here with five guards watching your every move even when taking a dump" Freya say crossing her arms. "Your call bro" 

I glare at them before start waking "I will be back in an hour" 

"Good choose" Freya say with a nod

The moment Kabuto leave the room Freya turn to her sister "He is getting too rebellious Tempress, we need to finish him off now" 

"Not yet Freya, he still might be of used, if we need to pull this off we will need of his, 'unique' powers" 

"And how are we going to do that? You saw what happen to him, five elements already put him down for the count, a six will certainly kill him, or worse make him grow a brain and convince him to turn on us" 

Tempress only smile with malice and walk to a closet "And that is why I prepare a little safe guard in case this situation arrive" 

She open it and from it she pull a small wooden chest "Luckily for us the last element he miss to collect was magic, the easiest to copy of them all" 

"Tempress what is in the box?" Freya ask wondering what does her sister has in store. 

"Something that can help us give our dear 'brother' in line AND give him an nice replacement for that last element"  Tempres open the chest and from it she pull an amulet with a red glowing gem inside the figure of an alicorn. "Tell me Freya, have you ever heard of the Alicorn amulet?"  
> Royal accident 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

As Celestia was hard at work during day court one of her soldier burst to the door and rush to her side before vowing.  Noticing this the princess stop her work and look at the stallion "Yes?" 

"I'm sorry to bother your highness but I have urgent news to tell you. Prince  Blueblood has suffer an accident in the royal gardens and its currency resting on the castle infirmary" 

"What?" Celestia stand up in alarm and worry "How did this happen? Is he in danger?" 

The guard shake his head "His life is in o danger but according to the doctors, his mind might had suffer a severe trauma" 

Celestia sigh in sadness and look at her assistant "Please put my schedule on hold, I need to see my nephew" The mare next to her just nod and take the papers away as the princess advance throw the corridors "And some pony go wake up my sister, tell her that this is a family emergency" 

"Yes your highness" One of the guards say before galloping into another hall presumable to inform Luna of what is happening.  

Oh please stars above, let me my nephew be ok Celestia mentally pray as she continue her march toward the infirmary. 

Once in there the princess found out her nephew with his head bandaged while a nurse was next to him writing something down. "Nurse" 

Celestia ask for her attention while approaching the bed with some worry "How is he?" 

"He will recover very soon your highness, luckily the hit wasn't very severe" 

"What exactly happen?" 

"You could say it was time princess, while the prince was having his daily breakfast on the garden while reading the news one of the gargoyles in the east towers collapse do to erosion and time and hit him right in the head, his body sustain a series of bruisers and of course his head receive the most damage but a guard saw it happening and brought him right away so we manage to save his life" 

"Oh thanks the gods above" Celestia sigh in happiness making the nurse raise an eyebrow "I'm apologies for my rudeness princess but…are you really that happy of his well being? I understand that he is your family but Blueblood personality is…" 

"Oh I'm well aware of his attitude and how he has become a spoil stallion nurse" Celestia say with a smile before sitting on a chair next to Blueblood and hold his hand "But in the end of the day he is still my nephew and no matter what I would always love him, sure even I wish he could change a little but you can't choose your family right?" 

"Riiiight…well according to this he will wake up very soon so just try to keep your voice down and be very careful when he do. I will go check on the other patients your highness if you excuse me"  

Celestia nod and let the nurse go before looking at Blueblood again 

"Sister?" Turning around Celestia found Luna entering the room with an equally concern expression "I came as fast as I could"  She walks and sit on the other side of the bed "Is he…" 

"…He is fine Luna, I just spoke with the nurse, his head might suffer a severe hit but there is no severe danger we would need to worry about" 

"Thanks the stars" Luna also sigh in relief before looking at her "Also do not worry about our court duties, I have implement the emergency protocol 56" 

"56? But Luna that protocol is only when…" 

"Our nephew has just receive a severe injury, I refused to leave his side until I determine he is ok, and I know you Tia, you were thinking the exact same thing" 

Celestia sigh and nod with a smile "You are right Luna, I consider implement that save measurement, but I was fearing, my actions might have being a bit rash. Thanks for make the call for us Lulu" 

"Any time Tia" Luna smile before looking at Blueblood with some concern "Its curious don't you think sister, how a single stallion can be able to make us hate and worry for him so much at the same time" 

"Please Luna don't say that" 

"But its true, even if we love him, you need to admit that Blueblood has grow to be lazy, spoil and snobbish, I really sorry to say this Tia but you definitely spoil him" 

"If loving your family is a crime then I'm guilty" 

"Oh don't you try to twist my words now sister, there is love and there is smothering and this is what you do" 

"Like you would have done any better, I bet that if you have seem him when he was a baby your heart would have melted too" 

"Je, that is just so typical of you sister, you can easily face off a dragon without blinking but the moment you heard a baby giggle you legs turn into jello. I believed I have show better restrain dear sister. In fact maybe I had being a better suited role model" 

"Oh really? Care to bet on…" Celestia stop and sigh "…what are we doing? We are acting like a couple of fillies in front of our nephew" she say in shame while looking at Luna "Lets not fight now ok? not in front of him" 

"Agree, there is a time and place of anything and right now bickering is not, our nephew needs us more than ever" 

In that moment they heard some groaning and when turning to the bed they see Blueblood starting to wake up and holding his head "What…where am I?" 

"Easy dear, don't move to fast" Celestia tell him on a motherly voice as she help him sit "You just sustain a heavy hit to your head, and now are in the royal infirmary, don't worry, the injuries were no severe" 

"Tell us Blueblood how do you feel?" Luna ask getting closer to him 

"Blueblood?" The stallion look at them confused as they match their expression "Auntie what are you talking about? Who is Blueblood?"

"You of course there, that is your name right? " 

"Auntie my name is Caeruleo" He say with a raise eyebrow before looking at Luna "And who is she and why…are those wings?" He ask in surprise and both princess gasp and take a step back before looking at one another. 

"Celestia what is going on? why is our nephew calling himself Caeruleo?" 

"Because before he change it…that was his original name?" Celestia finally say as the stallion still look at them confused "Ah…Ca…Caeruleo I know this will sound weird for me to say, but do you know what day is today? Or what is the color of the sky?" 

"Ah the sky is blue and today is…ah is…what was today?" He ask looking at the celling in though. And making Celestia nod and look at Luna  

"Luna?" 

"One step ahead of you sister" She say already leaving the room to see a doctor.  

"I…seriously how could I forgotten? what day is today?" Blue blood try to remember when suddenly he felt a hand on his shoulder and looking up he saw Celestia smiling at him while tearing up "Auntie what is wrong? why are you crying?" 

Instead of answering right away Celestia just hug him tightly and nuzzle his head "Its nothing my sweet kid, its just something that can wait, for now just let me hold you" The prince was confused but comply and return the hug as Celestia cover them both in her wings. 

Unknown to her the nurse and soldier that speak with her before grin evilly  "Infiltration complete" Tempress whisper to her sister  

"You need to give credit to the kid, that was one hell of an act. Pretend amnesia to get closer to them and give them a reason into not having to do their jobs? Now he was all the time on the world to make his move, we would only need to worry about the guards and this will be on the bag" she whisper back before looking at a broom closet where she knows the real Blueblood is hiding inside a cocoon. "What do we do with the royal pain?" 

"Take to the hive and report to mom our progress, very soon we will take Canterlot, I will keep an eye on our dear brother and tell you if anything happens" 

"Je lets hope there isn't more accidents right sis?" 

"Yeah…that would certainly will very unfortunately" She tells her still with her grin as they go back to their posts. Both ignoring the small glare Kabuto was giving them from his bed. 

Laugh while you can sisters, I got my eye on you 
  
> Blue diagnosis 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"So how is he doctor?" 

"Well, I'm not sure what to tell you princess" The doctor tells her while looking at Blueblood throw a mirror talking with Luna on the garden "Its clear he is suffering amnesia but this one is a bit peculiar" He look back at his chart and flip throw some pages on it.  "He doesn't remember Nightmare Moon, or the introduction of princess Luna, but he does remember his name and most of his life, as well as Discord, Tirek and the changeling attack. The only difference is that according to him instead of running in fear or hiding behind plant plots or guards, this new persona of his seem to have done what he could to put the citizens of Canterlot safe or try to keep their spirit ups. My diagnosis is that the hit on the head must had shaken his personality and morph it into this new prince" 

"I see, and is there a way to reverse it?" 

The doctor look at the princess confused before putting the chart down "Well there are therapies that could aid him in restoring his memory but those are in cases of memory lost, witch the prince doesn't suffer, he does remember everything he still is the stallion you and me know, and he is not in any sort of danger, the only thing that has change, is his personality and a gap on his mind, and that kind of condition can't not be reverse." 

"I…see" Celestia look down in sadness confusing the doctor 

"Princess if I may ask, why are you so sad? This turn of events should be consider a blessing in disguise. For years the prince has being tormenting the lives of all around him, in his air of superiority, and narcism. It has reach the point that even rumour of his assassination appear in each of his birthday. And now just look at him" The doctor point at the prince who is currently making Luna laugh while they enjoy a cup of tea. 

"This Caeruleo as he calls himself is virtually the opposite, he is kind, modest, nice with others and even brave, he is the nephew you have always deserve and wish princess. The prince is finally the nice stallion you wanted him to be" 

"But it didn't become one by choose" Celestia say looking at the window with the same expression "My nephew might had not be perfect but he was still the family I hold in my arms and watch him grow since birth, and now this new stallion takes his place and just expect me to accept that the nephew I knew is forever long? How can I be happy about this development when I fell like my nephew just die in front of me?" 

The doctor look at her in pity and put his hand over her shoulder "Princess I don't know how you must be feeling but saying those things would only make you and your family feel bad. I understand that you feel bad that the change came because of a hit, but never the least it arrive. Right now your nephew is vulnerable and scare. More than ever does he need of his family for guidance" He smile and look at her in the eyes "My medical advice is for you to be with him and talk. Trust me princess, he is still the same boy you raise and saw grow. Please give Caeruleo a chance, give yourself a chance to be a better and happy family" 

Celestia sniff and clear her eyes before nodding "Y…you are right doctor, it will be bad from me to just push my family away now. Caeruleo needs me just as I need him right now" She stand up and give the doctor a small bow "Thanks for your help doctor" 

"It was my pleasure your highness" He say guiding her to the entrance, where she exit and leave the doctor office





"So you see, after my sister manage to rescue me from the moon, her student along side the other elements were force to battle the evil Nightmare Moon one last time to put an end to her and stop her plans from conquering Equestria once and for all" Luna say with a smile enjoying the expression of his nephew, throw all her story.  

He looks like a colt discovering Heart Warming Eve for the first time

"And where did Nightmare Moon went? Was she capture?" 

"Oh no dear nephew, she is long gone, and will never come back" 

"Did they…kill her" He say with somewhat sad.  

"That would imply she was alive in the first place, remember she wasn't even real in the first place, only a manifestation of a nightmare that I have" 

"Still, even if she did all that too you, I feel a bit bad for her, I hope that at least she didn't suffer" 

Luna smile and put her hand on his "I assure you Caeruleo, it was painless" 

"How do you know?" 

"Lets just say that I have a certain way of knowing"  Luna give him a small wink before noticing Celestia approaching witch make her stand up "Please excuse us for a moment Caeruleo we will right back" 

"But the lady with the pastries is coming" He say pointing at a maid carrying a desert cart with all sort of pastries on it.  "What do I tell her?"  

"Just order for us, anything will suffice" 

"Are you sure?" 

"We're sure, like my sister I thou enjoy of sweets so anything will really be ok" 

"Well ok, if that is what you wish" 

Luna nods and excuse herself before heading to Celestia.  "So? how did it went?" 

Her sister sigh and then pull her away so they can talk in private "The doctor say that his condition is not amnesia and rather a change of personality, and that it irreversible, Caeruleo is here to stay" 

"Really? That is great news sister, it means that our dear nephew has just achieved the potential we knew he was capable of being" 

"Did he sister?" Luna look at her sister confused "Yes he is better, and sweeter and maybe I'm happy for this development but to just be handing this change of face from him out of the blue…I don't know, its kind of feel like its cheating, I will be jumping from happiness if it happen naturally but instead…I don't know maybe I'm just thinking to much about it" 

"Dear sister, I understand what you are coming from but if there something we have learn from eternity is that life is neither fair or predictable, fate is an illusion and things happen just because they happen" She say with seriousness before looking at Blueblood inviting the mare to sit next to him and even sharing some of his own desert to her, making the poor maid feels a bit uncomfortable and not knowing what to do.  
"And now something beautiful just has happen to us, a rare chance for us to be happy together raising a generation correctly, a chance for me to be part of family a new"  

Celestia chuckle a shake her head "Yeah, the doctor told me the same, maybe I'm just having a hard time believing that good things just happen and…" Celestia stop on her tracks and look at Luna with some suspicious "Pray tell me dear sister, you are not accepting this opportunity to prove that you would do a better job in raising our nephew, are you?"   

"Dear sister" Luna say in fake shock "I would never do light to such a serious matter, no matter how true they are" 

"Oh stop with the gloating Lulu, we both know that the moment he ask for a bit, you would give him half of the royal treasure" 

"I would not!" Luna say in defence. 

"Yes you would" 

"Do not" 

"Yes you would, you were always the sensible of the two, even when we were fillies, you were always bring entire families of animals into your room because you say and I quote 'I don't want to separate families, so I will adopt all of you" 

"Like you are the one to talk, do not believed that I didn't notices when you sneak out of the house to have 'sleep overs' will all your animal friends" 

They both stare at each others before laughing "Its has being so long since we bicker like this" Celestia finally manage to say. 

"Indeed, its so refreshing being able to forget titles and duties and just have a chance for us to be us" Luna mention before smiling at Blueblood who wave goodbye to the maid that was serving him, while she does the same.  "And think we can thank all of that to our dear nephew" She then look at Celestia "So what do you say Tia, are you willing to give this family a chance to start again?" 

"Yeah, lets all be a family" Celestia nod with a smile before looking at her sister "Someone needs to save him from your spoiling" 

Luna quickly glare at Celestia and they start to bicker again while Caeruleo look at them with a  smile.  

They are just like any pair of siblings 

Touching is it?  

Kabuto turn back to his real form from the scare and turning around he sees a mare that looks exactly like Twilight Sparkle but made complete out of crystals, longer hair and having six wings instead of two Greetings Kabuto

Who…who are you? I say noticing that everything around us has just turn grey and seem to just stop. Exactly like when I was originally rescue. 

The creature only chuckle and look at me on amusement So soon you have forgotten about us? We have being talking with you since your arrival in the castle of the two sisters 

"You…you are that voice? you are the reason my body is giving up on me" 

Far from it, in fact I'm being doing the exact opposite she say as her body suddenly shape shift to looks like AJ with a horn and wings  Your welcome by the way

I just look at her unamused  until she  sigh and turn into Pinkie You should learn to get loosed more, yes we are that voice and in a way kind of your guardian angel 

"Why are you tormenting me? what do you want?" 

We already told you, the elements have accepted you and want to save you from what the changelings are trying to make you become

I just stay quiet and then look to the side Ah I see that you have started to realised at well 

"Don't get cocky, it will take more than words from a rock to make me turn againt my family…But I have seeing something…unusual on my sister" 

The mare turn into Rarity Do tell 

"They have started to act weird, like more cold and even a bit more aggressive toward me. I though that they were just tired or scare but now I start to think that there is something else" 

You don't say? 

I quickly glare at her again "Don't claim victory yet creature" Kabuto turns into Blueblood again "I will not betray my family, even if my sisters turn irrational, my confrontation will only be with them and not my mother" 

Very wise She say turning into Dash and start to walk toward the princesses It will just be stupid to blame the entire hive just for the acts of two changelings right? 

She then turn to Fluttershy and pass her hand on Celestia check  But I wonder, between the two, who is the real family? 

"What are you talking about?" 

She smile and wink at him Something tells me that you already know, its only a matter of time and listening to your heart She wave at him and banish as time start to resume again Bye bye for now, don't be afraid to ask for me if you need more help in the future, you have done an excellent first step 

That is the last thing the creature before everything return to normal and the princess sit next to me.  

"Sorry for that Caeruleo, my sister and I needed to discuss something"  Luna say with a smile and I quickly return to the act.  

"Its ok I understand I even order something for auntie Celestia too" I say passing a cake to her witch earn a small surprise from her part. 

"Banana spit cake pie?" She looks at me in confusion "How did you knew that this was my favourite?" 

"I didn't, I just guest it" I say with a smile while internally start to question myself 

I did knew it, for some reason I just knew it…how did I knew that?

"Oh! Bluemoon pie with caramel ice-cream, you also got my favourite correct!" Luna say with happiness "Dear nephew you are one magnificent guesser" 

"Je thanks" 

Ok this creepy, how did I got those two right in the first try?
> Mission Report
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Three weeks later


After the last patient leave the office of the royal medic, and royal guard enters it. Both of them nods once before closing and locking the room and pulling out a green sphere. Losing their disguise as the sphere float in mid air. 

The ball shine for a moment before the face of Chrysalis show on it. "Hello mother" 

Chrysalis smirk when he see her daughters "Hello Tempress, Freya. How has the mission going?" 

"Kabuto has manage to successfully replace that moron of prince Blueblood and its currently feasting on those royal sisters love as we speak" Tempress says 

"Excellent"  

"Unfortunately…" Chrysalis smile banish when he see Tempress looking down in anger "…he is also starting to get rebellious, his reports are becoming vague, shorter and far between from one another, he is starting to make question mother intelligent questions. His time with the princess had started to get longer and unnecessary, and worse of all, he has let go multi opportunities to strike them down"  

"I see…it appear you two need to reminds him what is our cause and why does he can't show mercy" 

"We already try that" Freya says "We even test his loyalty to us, but its not used, the fool is getting clever and smarter by he day mom, we need to kill him while we can" 

Tempress sigh and shake her head "As you can see, Freya here is still set on going for the easy way out, instead of applying smarter solutions" 

"That might be true but your sister draw a fair point, Tempress what guaranty do you have of Kabuto cooperating with us?" 

Tempress show her the amulet that catch her attention.  "This" 

"The amulet of the alicorn? Tempress do you know, how do that even work? one miss step and he…" 

"…will go nuts and start to attack everyone while his powers keep on increasing? Oh don't worry mother I'm well aware of that, that is why I propose a solution" Her horn shine and the amulet levitate until it reach Chrysalis eye level "Lets implement a mind control spell on this artifact, if the three of us combined our powers we can change the amulet and make it so that the next pony or human that used it turns into our submissive weapon" 

"Are you kidding me? Are we really going to rely on a piece of jewellery to save our asses? Now I know you lost it Tempress, there is no way mother would agree…" 

"…Silence child!" Chrysalis interrupt her before looking at the amulet "As much as I share your concern in using suck powerful tool, your sisters draws an appealing proposition. The amulet would be used" She say before lighting her horn.  "Now do as you are command and help us cast a spell in this gem" 

Freya grumble a little but complies and all three shot a energy blast into the amulet turning the gem from red to green "If it put your heart at ease, know this dear sister. Doing this will fulfil your wish too" 

"Oh?" Freya looks at Tempress with a raise eyebrow  

"After sometime pass, all this magic we are putting into the amulet will make it overload and exploded with its current user" 

"Oh!" Freya smile at the image "Are you saying that our dear old brother might still sacrifice himself for our cause?" 

"Wouldn't that be a true honour?" Tempress say matching her sister evil grin  

"What a shame, such powerful amulet could had have its uses for the hive, oh well, in any war sacrifices must be made" Chrysalis tells as they finish the spell and Freya picks the amulet.  

"Once you capture the royal sisters, come back to the hive with them, and leave you brother behind, I think his sacrifice must be witness by as many ponies as possible" 

"Yes mother" They repeat at the same time doing a small bow. Once satisfy Chrysalis nod and her image disappear, along side with the magic in the sphere that make it drop to the floor.   





"You really enjoy pass the time in here don't you prince?" A gardener watering some flowers tells me as I continue to pet a rabbit on my lap as I see the seeting sun "What can I say Oak Wood? Its relaxing" 

Oak can only chuckle and shake his head as he put the hose down "I swear Caeruleo, each day that pass you are becoming more and more like your aunts" Oak jokes as he turn to him "They also enjoy spending time in this place too"  

"Ah come on Oak, we both know that, that is not true, my aunties are very different than me in a lot of ways, and there is a lot for me before I could reach them" I chuckle along side him as Oak put his tools on a cart. "Yeah, you are still missing the wings" 

"Yeah I'm still missing the…hey!" I saw how Oak laugh and wave me goodbye as he leave "Don't stay up too long prince, we don't want to repeat the incident with princess Luna" 

I roll my eyes at the comment but never the least wave him goodbye "Goodnight Oak" 

"Night prince" Soon after I found myself alone to enjoy the setting sun. Closing my eyes I inhale deeply to enjoy the peace and quiet of the place.  

Awwww… And then exhale in annoyance when I heard the voice of my recent pain in the butt. 

Opening my eyes I saw how the creature that has being bothering since I start this mission just took the form of Fluttershy and was kneeling in front of me with big smile   Ignore me, I'm just here to admire the image 

"What do you want Ellie?" 

I still don't think that is an appropriate name for me  She then turn to Dash as she stand up And what is with all the cold? I though we will be friends by this point 

"That imply that you are real witch you are not" 

Aw but everything else that has happen is, don't you agree? 

She say sitting next to me  

The tea parties with Celestia, the stargazing with Luna, the sleep overs? the magic lessons? the trips to canterlot? A bit weird how good and real all of that felt, don't you agree?

I just simple keep quiet and look away 

Je so you agree with me then

"Say what you want, we all know that all that is just an act for me to get close and gather intel" 

Is it? 

I turn around to see her looking at me with a raise eyebrow with the form of Twilight.  

Lying to others is bad, but lying to yourself never ends well

I get angry and put the bunny down before walking away. 

You can't run from yourself forever Kabuto, sooner or later you would have to face the truth 

"I'm facing the truth and the truth is that you are not real, so I shouldn't even bother listen to you!" I say turning around to face her only to see the bunny I was petting at me confused by my sudden outburst. I sigh and put my hand over my forehead "Please just ignore that I was just…having a bad memory" 

I try to breath when I saw some birds resting on my shoulder and nuzzling my check witch earn a smile from my part "Je thanks for cheering me up" Suddenly all of them fly off after hearing the voice of one of my sister. "Having fun?" 

Looking back I notices Freya and Tempress appearing from behind some trees in their changeling form.  

"Tempress, Freya!" I say in between cleches teeth as I look around if they are any guards of witnesses before turning back to normal "Have you lost your mind!?" I harshly whisper approaching them "If someone see you…" 

"Relax brother, we made sure that nobody saw us, we needed to see you in person" Freya say with a smile as I look at her suspiciously. 

"Besides there was a special reason into why we needed to see you in our real form" Tempress mention with a smile as she grab my right arm "Really? why?" 

"We needed to give you a excuse to get close enough so I could do this" Before I could process what was happening, Tempress had already put a bracelet on my arm with paralysed my whole body, I try to speak but no words were coming out of my mouth "I'm sorry Kabuto, but the way you were doing things, was a too slow for us. Now you are going to behave and be a good weapon for us…whenever you like it or not" 

"We have waited long enough bro, now you are going to do things our way"  Freya say with a smile as I continue to look at both in shock "Oh don't look at us like that Kabuto. You would break our hearts" Tempress say with a smile as she put a hand on my check "After all we are only doing this for the hive"  

> My name is Kabuto. Part 1 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

As the rays of the sun slowly move throw the windows of the castle, announcing its setting, Kabuto disguise as Caeruleo advanced throw the corridor along side her sister pretending to be royal guard. 

"Are you sure this is going to work Tempress?" Freya ask tighting the hold on her spear. 

"Kabuto say the plan once more" 

"Greet princess Celestia like I used to say, tell her of an opportunity to eat a snack on a new restaurant that has a sale on cakes, take her as far away as possible from the castle, and then guide her to the establish location where our soldiers awaits" I repeat motionless as we continue our walk. 

"See sister? He is complete under our control the amulet would ensure that." Freya looks to the side and grumble "I still don't like this, it take away the fun of a fight" 

"Just go to your post and get ready, the moment we leave the castle you can do your move and attack Luna, would that make you happy?" 

"It will suffice" 

Tempress sigh and just point to a another corridor near them "Just go" 

"You better don't screw up Tempress, I had it with this place and all the set backs we have be having" Freya say before leaving. 

Once gone Tempress sigh and looks at me "Honesty, isn't she a handful at least when she pretend to like you, she was tolerable" she say with a smirk while I once again try to speak, and regain mobility to no effect. 

"Oh still wondering what is going on brother? Je don't worry your little head about it, you will only need to do as I say" She tap her head before they both reach Celestia room with two guads on watch duty in front the door. 

"You know what to do" Tempress whisper into my ear before standing back and let me do what I'm being force to do. 

You are not seriously ok with this are you? 

Standing in front of the door I see to my left to notices Ellie with the face of Applejack leaning against the frame. I remain silent and just lift my first to knock on it. 

Oh come on!, don't give me that, we both know that it will take more than a gem to control you 

"I…Can't, its too…powerful" 

And you are even more powerful, or do you forgot? you have the elements inside, you are more than capable of fight it!  Ellie say getting close to my face with a glare So just do it! 

Ignoring her I close my eyes and knock on there, and then enter when I heard Celestia say 'come in' and Elie disappear the moment I enter

"Ah Caeruleo, you came on the perfect moment , I have just set the sun" Celestia say as she descend from her balcony "Did you came to tell me that dinner is ready?" 

"Well, kind of, I was going to ask you if you wanted to eat but not here but in Canterlot" 

That confused Celestia "I would not mind but what is the occasion? Normally we reserve going out to eat for special events or fancy parties" 

"I know but you see, the other day I found this new restaurant that serve all sort of dessert for dinner and because they just open, the owners are offering all sort of promotion for their speciality, I even heard that they made a special banana frosting cake with three different types of frosting that can work as dinner" 

I could see how Celestia was licking her lips at the image "That does sound delicious, and if we eat there I'm sure their business would flourish, lets just go fetch Luna so we can all go"   

She start to walk but I raise my arm and stand on her way "Actually I already ask her, she told that she is busy, and unfortunately can't attend" 

"Busy? Doing what? We still have day and night court on hold" 

"She didn't told me, only that it was a secret project" 

"Well that does sound very unlikely of her, maybe I should ask her what is this project about before we leave" She try to leave but the moment she exit the door Kabuto hold her wrist "Auntie please" 

"Caeruleo, what is the matter? Let me go" 

"Please Auntie, can't at least wait to after we return?" 

She look at him suspicious "Why?" 

"Because I know you, if you start to fight again we will never leave the castle" 

That surprise her and she turn around to face him with a little blush "I'm not going there to argue, and our fights aren't all that long" 

"Auntie" I look at her with a serious expression. 

"They don't!" 

"Please auntie, just let her be for this night, pleeease? You can brag her about the cake you ate without her as vengeance" I offer her applying my best innocent smile I could offer.  

"…oh alright, how could someone say no to that face" She say with a smile "We will pick something up for her on our way back" 

"Thank you Auntie, lets hurry before the line to enters gets to big" He say starting to drag them both throw the hallway  

"Line? I though they just open?"  

"They did, but for the stories I heard from the place it seems that a lot of nobles will want a taste too" Celestia look at her nephew with some suspicious not entirely believing him but never the lest comply. 





As we walk throw Canterlot, the image of Ellie start to appear from near by windows as she follow us. 

Please Kabuto, snap out it!, you are better than this.

Shut up 

 Remember who you are, remember what you felt when you were with the princesses

Shut up 

What other prove do you need!? They are using you as a puppet, they are not considering your feelings, what kind of family does that? Why are you so loyal to them? Ellie say practically crying now.

Because…they are my brothers and sisters, my mom its now queen Chrysalis, she move heaven and hell to bring me back to her…I can't get my back on her  

"Kabuto?" 

Blinking twice I went back to reality to find princess Celestia looking back at me with concern "What is wrong?" 

"N…nothing auntie I was just thinking" 

"Then why are you crying?" 

I froze in that moment and although I couldn't move I could feel a tear passing my cheek. 

"I got allergies from the pollen" 

"Pollen? In here?" She say crossing her arms as I look to our location. that was an empty road on the middle of the city with just some ponies walking around.  "Care to try again?" 

"The fumes of the garbage" 

"Caeruleo stop!" She say putting her hands on my shoulders "Please, just stop no more lying, since we left the castle I have seeing how you were fighting some unbeilable pain, please nephew talk to me, tell me what is really going on" 

"Ah…" I try to speak but the amulet prevent me from speaking or do anything.  

I'm being used! Say it Kabuto say it! 

"Ah…" 

Come on I know you can do it! please  

"Ah…" 

Chrysalis is not your real mother! she lying to you! 

The moment she said that I release my stinger and pierce the edge on her stomach catching Celestia off guard who looks at it and then at me in shock as my disguise burn out and show my true face who was still crying.  "Not…it can't…you shouldn't be here"

Celestia throw the poison try to move and reach her hand to my check as I remove my stinger, I didn't knew why but if it wasn't for the amulet I probably would be on the ground screaming in pain, as I felt how my own heart was ripping to pieces "What…who did this to you?" 

In that moment the citizen around us lose their disguise revelling themselves as changelings that don't waste time in taking the princess with both arms and restrain her in front of me.  

"Bravo Kabuto, bravo" Tempress loss her own disguise and slowly clap as she approach us. "See what you can do with a little incentive?" She pats my head before looking at Celestia.  

"Ah princess Celestia allow me to introduce me, I'm princess Tempress, daughter of the ruler of the changeling empire, and starting now, your worse nightmare" 

Celestia just glare at her in response "So you are the reason" 

"Come again?" 

She turn to look at me "You sick changeling what did you do to this poor soul!?" 

She…she is not scare of me? I say in shock on how despite her situation she was defending me. Tempress must have share the sentiment because for the next couple of minutes there was nothing but silence until she eventually decided to break it by laughing at Celestia. 

"You must be delusional, haven't you seeing his face yet?" Holding my head with two of her fingers she force to get closer to Celestia so we see eye to eye. "This is a human, you know what those are? They are the most, dangerous, cunning, mischievous and over all evil creatures that…" 

"…I know what humans were" She snap at her "I say what do you do to him" Tempress gets silent again and release me "And here I was waiting some fear, or anger or something else from you from my weapon grand reveal" 

"This person is not a weapon!" Celestia yell "What is in front of you is a living being with emotions and dreams not a toy for your enjoyment!" 

I didn't knew why but her words were really reaching me, here she was beaten, poison and powerless, and despite all that she was keeping strong on defending me, she didn't even look mad at my betray and more like worry about my well being.  All that was soon replace in panic for Tempress next order. 

"Ah all this morality high ground and bravery is getting me nauseous, Kabuto cut her face off so she can start be afraid of you already" 

Making an effort I manage to look at her in shock, as she just look at me with a bored expression "You heard me, chop chop"  

I try to stop myself but once again my body wasn't responding and before I knew it, my stingers were out and one of my arms was starting to lift into the air as I aim at the princess who look at me. "Don't become what they are telling you to be" 

As I look at her, I manage to keep my body from moving fighting against it with all my power.  

"What are you waiting for? Cut her face already" Tempress say getting angry.  "You can't refuse a direct order human, stop stalling and just do what you are order!"  She yell again and I could feel the gem on my arm shining brightly and getting more and more hot

Closing my eyes I start to tear up  

Please…someone, help me!  

You call? I heard the voice of Ellie inside my head, as everything seem to have stop again.  

"E…Ellie, Tempress just lost her head, what I do? how can I stop her?" 

Well by regaining the control on your body silly She say appearing in front of me like Pinkie.  

"How can I…" 

Seriously kid, you really need to pay more attention I have being telling you how this whole trip, used the elements  

"What?! I can't used them, I not one of them" 

But that doesn't mean we can't let you a helping hand, consider it a little borrow, but to used it you need to be sure of something

"Of what?" 

She kneel beside Celestia Of your feelings, please tell me how do you feel when you see her? what do you REALLY feel? 

"I…I…" 

Moment of truth Kabuto, no turning back now 

"I feel happy and secure, I feel like no matter what I can count on her and my aunt Luna to hold my back"  The second I say that I feel my arms start to shine and be envelop on a white light. The same light Ellie was now shining as well.  

That was all we needed to hear 

"W…What is happening? Ellie what are you doing?" 

Don't be afraid we are just unlocking your powers, enjoy your free trial. 

"What? wait, how can I used the elements I only got five"  

True but you also have something even better than magic, make sure to used it properly, good luck 

As time return to normal I find myself taking back the control on my body as my stings approach the princess. Twisting its direction my blade find its target on the wrist of one of the changelings that was holding Celestia as the other only had time to see what was happening before my fist find his face sending him flying.  

Before Celestia fell I went to her side and put her arm on over my head to lift both of us up surprising Tempress.  

"What are you doing!?" Tempress say in shock and anger

"What I should have done a long time ago"  

"This is impossible you are wearing the amulet you shouldn't be able to move!" 

"Princess Tempress look!" One of the soldier point at my stinger witch now I notices is different from my regular ones, this one is sharper and resemble more a sword made out of diamonds.  "Its looks like…no imposible" 

Tempress start to get scare witch only increase when we see the soldier my sting reach soon turn into stone.  

"That is something only the elements of harmony can do, how can you wield that magic?!" 

Celestia smile and lift her head as much as she can "You poor naive princess changeling, do you really think the elements are just a weapon or a spell? There is still too much you don't know about this world" 

She grumble and buzz her wings making me get into a alert as I recognised the frequency of that buzzing "Fine! you want to resolve this like cave ponies? I can play that game too" 

I start to back away as I see changelings flying from the castle and toward our location starting until they desend behind Tempress "You should have just obey me human, at least that way you could have die with the though of having a family" She say with an evil smirk as she and the other changelings get ready to attack.  

"Bring it changeling!, my name is Kabuto, and as long as I breathe, no changeling would hurt the princess of the elements ever again!" 

"Je touching, kill him!" Tempress commands as all the changelings fly toward me
> My name is Kabuto. Part 2
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thinking fast I manage to activate my own magic and with the aid of the elements, successfully teleport me and Celestia to the throne room before Tempress and her soldiers could reach us. Unfortunately the moment we arrive we found ourself in the middle of a battle between the changelings and the royal guard. 

"Human!"  We barely have time to register that before I get hit by a blast of magic from my back that burn my wings and toss me to the floor. Once recover I see a couple of guards pointing their spears at me, as well having their horn light up in the case of the unicorn ones.  

"Vile creature from the underworld I don't know how you came here but I will send you right back to where you belong" One of the guard say before they all try to impale me, Celestia looking helplessly as she try to stop them but the poison has already claim her voice so she can only mutter weak sounds. 

Their attack continue until I saw a changeling about to kill one of the guards, succeeding if it wasn't for my intervention, who earn me an injury on my side as the changeling turn into stone.  More changeling start to swarm the place and the soldiers look at them with a glare before standing back. "He has reinforcement, retreat!" The one that I presume was the leader yell and soon all of them leave the room closing and locking the door behind them, Celestia looking at me in fear as the door are seal. 

Well…at least they will keep her safe Holding my injure in pain I turn around to see the changelings slowly approaching with a smile 

"How does it feel being the hero? Traitor!" One of them say  

" Better than being a garden gnome" 

"What?" The solider look at me confused before I slash him and they all see in fear how him turn into stone. Raising my stinger at the rest with a smile I taunt them to come "Who is next?" 

The comments makes them angry and resume their attack resulting in their lost as one by one they meet their end at the hands of my stingers. 

As the fight continue, explosion start to happen around the place and one of the walls collapses giving me an opening for me to escape and used my elementals magic to launch a blast the petrified any changeling that try to follow me. Once I made enough distant from then I turn around and start to run as flames start to sprung everywhere while more fights continue. 

"This way!" Near me I see the soldiers taking Celestia throw the hallway, with some changelings hot on their tales. I try to fly but soon was reminded of my situation so I was force to dash and jump throw out the debris while shooting more magic blast at falling columns or pieces of walls that slow them down enough for me to get ahead of them and fall in the middle of the two groups 

"It will not be that easy!" I yell before clashing my stingers with 2 changelings while another one manage a lucky shot at my abdomen. Ignoring the pain I manage to push forward and cut their weapons before freezing them as well, to use as shield for the others that look confused for a second as they find the same fate. 

When the last one felt I took a moment to breath and hold my chest. 

"Hey traitor!" 

Dodging to the left I barely manage to avoid the magic blast from Freya who walks into the room, with her sword ready to be used "Remember me?" charging her weapon with her magic and making a swing Freya fire a series of magic slashes that travels throw the air and cut everything they get into contact with, some of them almost claiming my life if it wasn't for my new stingers. 

Closing the distant our weapons meet in a clash while we stare at each other "So much for gratitud, we took you in, we gave you shelter and even made you a prince and this is the thanks we receive?"  We separate before dash at each other again throwing and dodging attacks left and right with our weapons "You train me to be your puppet, and used me as a one from the very start, every smile, every encouragement and attempt of act like a family was all an act!" I say in anger as we take a couple of step back to regain my breathing and hold my wounds. "Did you even care for my emotions?"  

"Sure we did" Charging her horn she aim her sword right at me before pushing it forward creating a magic blast that blow the wall behind "All that unconditional love was quiet the delicacy, I almost felt sorry for not sharing it with our soldiers, but oh well you probably have die in the third day" 

I look at her in surprise before I felt my anger starting to boil "You…ate my loved!" In rage I jump at her and start to slash without control "From the very beginning that was all I was for you? a snack!?" 

"More like a main course…just like you are doing right now? Did you forgot what was my favourite dish?" She say with a smirk before opening her mouth and start to consume my anger until my feet grow weak and I fall to my knees "Ah delicious" 

I try to move but my body was barely able to move while she just run to me and punch my stomach sending me flying, and capturing me in her magic before ramming me on the walls; celling and ultimate the floor. To escape I try to teleport but she catch up to me and cut my chest once more before kicking my stomach with enough force to lift me and send me throw a window witch I break and fall into the middle of a garden with a thud.  

Holding my right arm while trying to catch my breath, I manage to sit up before Freya teleport and casually walks in my direction until she stop once she was right in front of me where she proceed to put her sword under my chin and make me look at her in the eyes "If it helps, I loved it when we had or spare sessions, specially when I swap the floor with your face" She smile and lift her sword into the air "goodbye brother" In one swift she strike, only to see her sword pass right throw an illusion. 

"What…hght!" Sneaking behind her I cover her mouth with my hand and stab her in the back. "goodbye…sister" I say in a low town as she look at me from the back of her eyes with rage.  "Just like you told me, never play fair right Freya?, lets  call this the tie breaker" 

I say with a smile while releasing her and taking a step back to see her body slowly turn into stone "You never won the first…!" she manage to say before turning into stone mid shout.    

Once done, I turn around and took a couple of step forward before falling into my knees from exhaustion, the cuts on my body feeling like needles piercing throw my flesh, the burn in my back feeling like I was holding a giant hot iron and the pain of the amulet on my arm was getting worse and worse as I notices the gem on it crack and start to spark like an electric wire.  

"How does it feel brother?" In surprise I see how Tempress decent from the sky in front of me "Its not easy being the hero isn't it? I really wish that you have only comply" 

"How…how did you knew…" 

"That you will be here? please Kabuto, did you really though that I would not put a tracking spell in that amulet" I look down at my risk and see how the spark start to increase in side and frequency. "Je well you look at that, its overloading, I though it would take more time but I suppose that is what happen when someone else try to used the elements" 

Fighting the pain and tiredness I manage to stand up as I look at her "Tempress, I just took down Freya" 

"Did you now?" She look to the side and notices the statue of her "In that case you have my thanks" 

"What?…you…you are not even sad that she is gone?" 

"She was a loud mouth and a blockhead that only knew how to punch and cut things, she wasn't never queen material" 

"Tempress one thing is using me, but she was actually your sister!" 

To my surprise she only shrug at that "So? she was careless and got what she deserve, at the very least she did her job and weakened you enough for me to do this" she shot a small magic blast directly at the amulet making it crack even more and force me kneel again in pain as the light and electricity emanating from it, become huge and unbearable. 

"Consider it my parting gift" She tells while smiling at me with malice "Before you explote, I will ask again, how does it feel?" she snap her fingers and I could see both Luna and Celestia inside cocoons being drag in front of me "Knowing that all your efforts and heroic deeds ultimate were in vain?" 

"But…I saw her…" 

"…Being taken away?  Oh Kabuto you really didn't learn a thing about us, did you?" She laugh as the changelings holding Celestia change into the soldiers that took her before changing back "You were so focus on playing the hero that you never realised when you were being play, even when you rebel, you still manage to act as our pawn"  

"No" I look down in defeat 

Even now I was being used?!  

"I would say that you fought bravely  and, that you were a worthy opponent but I think you heard enough lies now, you were just a tool and did your purpose as expected of one" She tells while taking off judging from the buzzing of her wings "Now please die already and stop bothering us, the hive has no used of you anymore."

I just remain silent as my anger keep on increasing "Please don't take it too hard human, from the start you didn't have a chance, just remain there and give up" That is the last thing I heard before she leaves, along side the other changelings.  

"Give up?"  Grabbing as much energy I have left, I stand up and look at Tempress leaving the place with fury before looking at the amulet "After everything you have done to me?" I an act of rage I take the amulet and rip it off from my arm in one pull before suspended in front of me using my magic.  "Until every single one of you pay for what you did I shall never…give up!" 

Pouring every single drop of magic into the amulet, until a rainbow sphere form in front of me, witch I proceed to take and then toss with all my force at Tempress "My parting gift" I tell with a smile before weakly chuckle.  

Je Tempress, Freya if there is a hell, I will see you there 

As I manage to stand up the sky soon illuminated in a rainbow light wave that covers everything and turn any changeling in the area into stone before heading toward me 

For the hive…for my mother…for myself Closing my eyes I pick up a nearby a sword and held it downwards with both hands embracing my fate as the light reach me.   

The harmony nuke, didn't go unnoticed by Tempress who saw how it was fast approaching her and her soldiers "What?"  

Before she could made a command almost all of her unit turn into stone and the princess were starting to wake up from the light that was holding them in place "Oh no you don't" Rushing toward the light she activate a portal where she and the princess pass throw but not before the light reach her and claim half of her face turning it into stone.   





"In here! I found another one!" A soldier say as a group of scouts with the order to scoop the area in search of survivors and 'collect' the changeling freeze in stone, were exploring the royal garden and came across Freya "Je this one look like she was froze in the middle of a heated argument" 

"In the middle of a fight? Another soldier say looking around the area with a flashlight "Either she was really brave or really dumb" 

"Maybe both" A couple of soldier say with a snicker. "Ok every pony lets just wrap it…wait a minute" The leader of the group say looking at something in the distant and then pointing at the soldier with the flashlight "you, point in here" 

"Yes sir" the soldier comply and all five of them discover one final statue of a tall human with short spike hair, small nose and sharp face, in the middle of the garden. He had his eyes close and looked like some kind of changeling hybrid knight judging by the pose he was. "Sergeant…what is that?"  

"I don't know soldier, but if he was petrified that could only mean one thing…he was with the enemy" The sergeant said paying close attention to him.
> The aftermath
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Right this way your highness" The general of the royal guard tells before opening  the door to the dungeon for princess Celestia who just remain quiet as she enter and illuminate the place with her horn.  

As they walk they see all the changeling petrified on cells chain up to the wall and behind bars. "Explain me again general, why did you decided to put all of the changelings in here, with chains attach to their arms and legs?" 

"I know its looks extremely unusual princess but after what happen to Discord imprisonment and with how little information we had regarding the petrification of the invaders, we decided to put extra precautions around the prisoners. I'm well aware of the pointless and even ridicule nature of this precaution but it helps us be at ease princess" 

Celestia just sigh and shake her head "Fair enough, just remember to gather all of them outside the castle so Twilight and her friends can de petrified them before we send them back to prince Torak"  

"All of them princess?" The general say looking at the statue of Freya in the distance, before turning to the princess who just nod. "All of them, that is the arraignment me and prince Torak establish, this changelings are to be consider war prisoners and as such must be return to their home kingdom where trial awaits them" 

"As you command princess, I will inform my mens to move this changelings as soon as possible" 

"Thank you" They both stop and Celestia look confused when they reach a section on the dungeon where giant iron doors remain open showing an complete seal and metal cell inside of them minus one door that was currently close. She was well aware of those cell as well as the used that they were reserve for. 

"Ah general…why is this cell being used?"  

"Hmmm, oh that because we used it to put the monster the changelings brought with them, we were unaware of the extend of his powers so we put him inside as a precaution safety"  

The Mark X cells? but we reserve those for criminals that can match the power of an alicorn or have treated or claim the life of one, what could possibly have scare them so much that they…? Celestia eyes wide in realisation before looking at her soldier.  

"General" 

"Yes princess?" 

"Open the door please"  

"As you command" The soldier comply and activate his horn to unlock the different locks place on the door before push it open as it creaks, and blast them both with a cold wind. Once the fog clear enough, Celestia gasp the second she saw Kabuto in the middle of the room cover in ice and with tick black chains place all over his body 

"Terrifying  don't you think princess?" The general mentions with a frown gaining the attention of her. "I have heard the stories of those monsters, but to think that the changelings actually bring back to life one of those things to live…" 

"…Get him out" The princess interrupt motionless. 

"Excuse me?" 

"You heard what I say general get that man out of that cell" 

"What?!" The general look at her like she just lost her mind "B…but princess, don't you see what is inside? That is a human, his race…" 

"I DON'T CARE WHAT HIS RACE WAS!"    Celestia shout using her canterlot voice shocking the general who has never have seeing her getting that angry, while she was staring right at his soul. "I will NOT let you cage my son like an animal" 

It took a moment to the general to register what he just heard but the moment he heard it right his eyes wide and his jaw drop in complete surprise  "S…SON!?"