(A side story to https://www.fimfiction.net/story/306799/equestrian-eeveelution.) I just wanted to get away from the storm that was getting worse. How was I to know Discord and Arceus would
I just wanted to get away from the storm that was getting worse. How was I to know Discord and Arceus would send me to Ponyville to watch over a pack of Eevees?
I groaned as the thunder storm rumbled outside the house. The day had started out so well, with clear skies that quickly turned dark. I’m a five foot and eleven something tall man with brown hair, blue eyes, blue jeans, and black t-shirt. Nothing really great to talk about in my life beyond being bored at the moment as I glare at the flash of lighting, and flinched at the loud crack of thunder.
“Geez, it was so nice a little while ago too.” I mutter pulling a blanket over my head as I sat on the couch. “I wish I could do something other than this.”
The TV turned on by itself and a cocky smooth voice spoke. “Really now? I might have a way to help you, Arthur.”
“ACK!” There was a loud thud as I landed on the floor, pulling the blanket off. What I saw on the TV was none other than Discord and Arceus. “I have to be dreaming.”
“I fear not, and I’m not really happy about this.” Arceus said in a calm, yet annoyed voice. “I need someone to check in on a small group of Eevees. Mainly to make sure they’re doing alright.”
“Among other things of course like making a little chaos along the way for me too.” Discord said with a smirk. “A little something to mess with a ‘too smart for her own good’ pony. You’ll be a kind of summon, but, since it’ll be done by us, you’ll have nothing to worry about.”
I pinch my cheek to make sure I’m not dreaming. “Ouch! Define nothing to worry about. I’m sure there is a catch to this.”
Arceus sighed. “You’ll be there as a pokémon, without a summoning, and will be there for, likely, life.”
The sound of the wind picking up and howling made me shiver. “I’ll take it. This storm is not getting any calmer.” I said right before a loud clap of thunder and Discord snapping his talons. Everything went dark just as a tree branch crash into the window.
As Discord worked his magic he looked at Arceus. “So why did you want to tell him and not let me just yank him into this?”
“Besides the fact I felt it was a nice way to get back at you?” Arceus said with a hint of humor to his voice. “This human was once a Marine and I feared how his training might kick in. So, to hopefully keep that from happening, I gave him a reason why we needed him. Plus, it was a true reason at that.”
“Oh, I get it now. It kind of makes me wish I hadn’t gone with my little prank now.” Discord said getting a little nervous.
“You didn’t.” Arceus growled, glaring at the Lord of Chaos.
The Everfree Forest
I groaned as I came to. Feeling like I was hit by a truck, rolled down a hill, and soaked by rainfall. “Oh man. That hurt like… What’s with my voice?” Feeling my face I noticed my hand didn’t feel like my hand, and opened my eyes. All I saw were three blue-black claws, black paw pads, and white fur. “They didn’t really do it, did they?”
Turning my head I look down at my body to see a lean, white furred body, and the black spurs on my back legs. The body of an Absol, and yes, I had to check one other thing. Needless to say I was both mad and freaked out. “DAMN IT! DISCORD I’M GOING TO MAKE YOU PAY FOR THIS!!” I screamed at the top of my lungs making every bird in range of my voice take flight.
Cantorlot
In the palace gardens, Discord’s statue started to sweat a small river. “I’m really worried now. I heard that all the way up here.” The guard wondered when the new water feature to the statue was added.
Everfree
I spent, I don’t know how long, just wrapping my mind around the fact I’m a female. A female Absol in the forest somewhere, and that forest could be anywhere! I tripped over my paws as I took a step. “First, learn to walk in new body, and then deal with being a female.” I muttered with my face in the dirt.
Over the next few minutes, I relearned how to walk on all fours, and was a little surprised how my tail moved. The black, blade like tail moved like a tail should, but it has a slight edge to it. I cut a few leaves with it by mistake. “Note to self: Be careful wagging.” I took a step to start exploring and felt something under my paw. It was a piece of paper with what looked like a list on it. “Is this a list of attack moves? Arceus must have slipped it to me to help. Without knowing where I am in the timeline, that could have been the pre-reformed Discord.”
I start off trying to learn Ice Beam as I was feeling it could be cool enough. “And that sounded just as bad in my head.” I chuckle as I heard a growl behind me. Looking toward the growl, I gulped seeing what it was. “Yup, I’m in MLP and that’s a timberwolf. A half dozen of them.” I mutter feeling a chill deep in my body as I take a deep breath to scream, but instead I let out a blast of cold air with snow. “Snow?!”
The wolves were quickly frozen as I took another deep breath to test out my attack. It seemed that my emotions helped with using attacks. Fear seemed to trigger my Blizzard when I was afraid of the wolves. “I wonder what else I can try.” I looked at the list and picked another move to learn.
Over another few minutes I worked on learning how my new body moved, and even what attacks I had to work with. Turned out I have Shadow Ball, Night Slash, Razor Wind, Protect, Blizzard, Thunder, Flamethrower, and Shadow Claw. Not a bad mix really, and most of them are TM moves.
“Well, I better get going. Ponyville isn’t going to find me after all.” I said leaving the small clearing I made. A soft crash happens behind me as a few frozen Tiberwolves fall over from my Blizzard. “You boys may want to rethink jumping a girl when she’s learning attacks.” I chuckle heading into the forest.
I walk for a half hour before it starts to rain. With a grumble, I quickened my pace, making my way down a path I had found not too long ago. The soft rumble of a growl from my left makes me turn with a growl of my own. The Timberwolf ran off, but looked back at me like it wanted me to follow. I just snort running down the path hoping to find either a town, or someplace out of the rain. I never looked back to see if the wolf was following me, or if he brought friends.
Third View
The rain picked up as a few cloaked figures walked along the path away from town. Zecora was a little worried about the smoke that was coming from town, but she had two others to help that had it worse. Octavia Melody got a package with Poison Joke in it from a “fan”. Vinyl Scratch made sure to hand the package to the guard so they could find out who sent it. It was what the blue flower did to Octavia that was the most shocking.
“So what’s it like to be on two legs?” Vinyl asked with a scratchy voice. “You seem to be doing better now.”
Octavia sighed, trying to keep herself covered from the rain. “Let’s just say I can see the uses of this form, but not all of it.” She said with an English accent as she covered her new, very toned -and curvy- bipedal body. The mare couldn’t even figure out what the things on her chest were for. “I do like having hands the most. I could play so much easier with them.”
“Yeah, but you’d have to relearn how to work the strings.” Vinyl pointed out. “Be so worth it if we could find a way to both have a form like that. It reminds me of the female Minotaur that visited my club.”
“After I give her the antidote you seek. I can look into what you find so slick.” Zecora said with a small smirk.
The two mares thought about it before Vinyl shrugged. “Sure. I’ll look into a magical means as well.”
“That I do not mind this time.” Zecora said with a chuckle. “As my potions work very well, I fear for something like this. Even a transformation is hard to time.”
<Help! Pissed off big wolf after me!> Somebody yelled, but to the three mares it sounded more like. “Absol! Sol Absol sol ab Absol!”
The mares blinked when a white furred canine came running down the path with an alpha timberwolf right behind it. Octavia grabbed a nearby rock, one the size of travel trunk, and threw it at the wolf. “That was easier than I thought.” She thought as the rock crashed through the large wooden wolf, only for it to repair itself.
“Any ideas!” Vinyl yelled just before Octavia picked both her and Zecora up. “H-hey!”
<Great idea!> The white canine shouted, putting up a wall of light. <Now run for it!> She said before they had to dodge a huge wooden paw. <Zoinks!> The white canine barks before she’s knocked into the trees from the huge wooden paw swiping at the three mares. She didn’t move fast enough to dodge with them.
The Alpha seemed to smirk as it turned to the downed white dog. Another large rock shattered its muzzle as bottles broke across the right side of the chest and foreleg. Vinyl fired a fireball where the bottles hit and set it on fire. The mares were trying to drive the beast off as the unicorn added her magic to the fight. The wooden giant wolf howled in pain as it turned on the small group again.
“Any other ideas?” Vinyl asked as they started to back away from the snarling, fiery beast. “Because I’m out.”
Zecora shook her head as she was out of potions, and Octavia didn’t have anything else in reach to throw either. “Same. I think we better try running instead.” The Earth mare said before a soft glow came from where the white hound was thrown. “What’s that?”
A blast of electricity arched out, knocking the giant wolf off its paws. The white hound walked out of the bushes, limping. It breathed out a flurry of snow and freezing air that put out the fire. The attack also froze the Alpha in place as the white hound limped closer to it. The wind picked up as the curved horn on the right side of its head glowed as it pulled its head back. With a howl it throws its head forward, slashing with the horn, and sending a wave of glowing air that ripped the beast in half. She followed up the attack made up of rings of dark energy to finish breaking the body apart.
As the bits of wood started to roll off into the woods, the rain finally stopped. The white hound turned to the small group before closing its red eyes and falling over. The mares were at its side and saw red spread down the left foreleg.
Zecora checked over the hound. “Bring her with us. She saved our lives and now we must save hers.”
“I got her.” Octavia said gently picking the hound up. She felt Vinyl tap her leg. “Yes?”
“Think we can keep her, Octy? You know, to repay her for saving us?” Vinyl asked worry on her face for the hound.
Octavia nods her head. “Of course, but first we need to make sure she’s okay.” She followed Zecora at a quick pace in hopes they can help the odd hound.
Octavia sighed relaxing in the hot water of the caldron as the curse faded away. The mare stretched out her limbs, happy to be back to normal. She looked over to the hound that had saved them just a few short hours ago. “How’s she doing?”
“Still asleep.” Vinyl said as Zecora checked the bandages on the hound’s left foreleg and chest. “Dang, she took a hit that most ponies wouldn’t even wakeup from. At least she’s not in danger anymore.” She looked to Zecora. “Right?”
Zecora finished checking the hound’s bandages. “She’s healing at a fast rate. By morning all her wounds should be healed and past this scary fate.”
“I just hope she wakes up soon.” Vinyl muttered, petting the hounds head gently. A soft groan escaped the hound’s muzzle. “Huh? What’s…” She was interrupted by the creature’s other paw covering her mouth.
<Not so loud.> I muttered. <My head hurts like someone hit me with a baseball bat.> Slowly opened my eyes and I saw who I muted with my paw. <Hey. You made out safely.>
Octavia got out of the caldron, eager to thank the hound. “Oh, thank goodness you’re wake. We were starting to worry you wouldn’t wake up.” She said as Vinyl pushed the paw off her muzzle. “Can you understand us?”
I nodded me head slowly. <Yeah. Wish you could understand me right now.> I start thinking of how it would be easier, but I was worried about explaining everything. <Maybe it’s for the better that you don’t. I’m sure Arceus at least would like to keep things secret.>
“Where’s Fluttershy when you need her?” Vinyl asked. “Maybe if we keep to ‘Yes/No’ questions we can learn what she’s saying?” She rubbed her chin thinking it over.
I looked around to get a better idea of where I was. It looked like the inside of a tree with tribal masks hanging on the walls, shelves with countless bottles on them, and smelled like freshly cut herbs. I turned to see who rubbing my ribs to see a zebra with gold rings on her neck. <Zecora? Wow, your place is way more awesome in person. Why does my body feel so light?> I really wanted to talk to them so they could understand me. In my mind I willed myself to talk like them, and I felt an energy flow across my body.
Octavia and Vinyl shared a worried look. “Uh, why is she glowing?” They asked as the glow brightened as the bandages ripped.
My body shifted and grew, taking on a bipedal form. My fur covered my new body still, so I wasn’t naked, naked. However, I was maybe a five foot ten anthropomorphic Absol with a toned build, under the fur, and maybe C-cup breasts. “Whoa. Hey! I can change forms!” I shouted raising my arms. “Ack! Left arm still hurts!”
“H-h-how?” Vinyl asked pointing at me.
“I just wanted to talk so you could understand me. I willed myself into trying to talk like you, and well.” I wave my right hand at myself. “Sorry, if I scared you girls.”
“No worry, my friend.” Zecora said examining my body. “Many an odd thing in the Everfree, but you are the most welcome surprise to date. Does anything is else seem hurt to you at this rate?”
“Just my left side where I landed.” I said rubbing my ribs. “Guess changing form doesn’t help with healing.” I smiled softly as the zebra got fresh bandages and herbs. “I better not tip them off I know them. Also I need a new name.” I thought as I felt something poke my leg. “Yes?”
Octavia looked up with a frown. “How come you get to be covered while I didn’t? It was very embarrassing trying to get out of town.” She huffed, blushing, wondering why this hound could be so lucky.
I blushed as well, remembering how she looked before I was swatted into the trees. “Absols have a thicker fur coat?” I offered as I laid down as Zecora returned with the bandages. “I still have my ruff like this, so that helps somewhat.”I said waving my hand at the puff of fur that covered most of my breasts. “B-besides, I didn’t get that good a look at you with the timberwolf attacking and getting thrown into the trees.”
“I see your point, but it still seems unfair.” The Earth mare huffed. “I guess I’ll have to see Rarity about clothes if we can find a way for me to have that form again. Honestly I could see just how useful it was.” Octavia said as she rubbed the side of her head. “However, I’m not sure what the joke was that the Poison Joke was trying to make.”
“Might have been how change is a good thing?” Vinyl offered with a chuckle. “Zecora will get it figured out. We have a chance to know what are friend is.” She looked at me with a grin. “I’m Vinyl Scratch, or DJpon3. It’s nice to meet you.” Vinyl stuck her right hoof out.
“Athena is my name, and it’s nice to meet you.” I said, shaking her hoof just as Zecora pats my left arm, and I sit up a bit. “As I said, before my species is Absol.”
“Octavia Melody.” Octavia said. “It’s good to see you’re doing better. Even if you have taken on a new form.” She joked as I shook her hoof.
I giggled as Zecora checked my ribs again. “Th-that tickles!” She poked me in the side and I only giggled more.
“It would seem her ribs have healed.” The zebra said with a grin. “I am glad to see you have recovered, by your arm is not yet fully healed.”
“Sound like I’m staying overnight then?” I asked as Zecora gave me a nod. “I don’t really think it’d be wise to leave anyway. What if that bunch of tooth picks is looking for another fight?”
“After the way you blasted that thing to fire wood?” Vinyl asked with a raised eyebrow. “Not likely.” She got a worried look on her face. “Oh crap. We can’t let Twilight know about Athena! Who knows what the quack job will do to her?!”
“A fair point in not to tell, but Twilight will learn to no avail.” Zecora stated as she grinned. “By will of thought, Athena changed. Can she not return to all fours of the hound?”
I thought about it carefully, as I didn’t want to ruin more bandages. “I should be able to do that, but I’ll wait till my arm is healed.” I carefully stretch my left arm and look over how it had changed. I still had a spur on the elbow, with the bandages stopping just above it. I looked over my legs next to find they were designed very differently. I still had paws, but they were bigger along with the claws. I stood up to find it felt like I was on the balls of my feet. “Feels odd standing like this, but I like it.”
The mares looked up at me with awe as I gently took a few steps. I still had my tail, but it was longer to help balance my biped body. The spurs on my heels seemed just a long as the one on my elbows, about four inches, and came to a sharp point. I started to stretch out my body to get a better idea of how it moved.
“Did I look that good when I was on two hooves?” Octavia asked Vinyl. “I mean, movement wise and height.” The ideas that ran through her mind of why ponies never changed to a biped body were overwhelming to her.
Zecora watched as I sat down and reached for my right paw to stretch me back. “Indeed, you did look great. But you didn’t test yourself at her rate.” She said watching closely as I reached for left paw, and back to my right.
“Yup, but you looked taller by a few inches and I think your chest was bigger.” Vinyl said making both Octavia and me blush. “What? It’s just like how Minotaur females come in different sizes, so why not you two as well?”
“I guess that makes sense, since ponies don’t all look the same.” Octavia said rubbing her chin. “Still doesn’t make me feel any better for some reason.”
I grunted reaching forward with my legs still spread. “I can relate, Octavia. I don’t think I got striped friend's name that’s been watching me.” I said sitting up and crossing my legs looking at the zebra.
“Forgive me for not speaking my name. Zecora is the name, and I thank you for saving us today.” Zecora said as she walked around me. “My I take a little fur for my work? I promise it will not hurt, but help in my work.”
“I don’t mind.” I said brushing my white hair out of my face. “I could use a haircut anyway.” I joked as the zebra went to a nearby shelf. She returned with a bowl and scissors.
“Bend down some please.” Zecora said. I did as she asked and the zebra cut the hair so it was out of my face.
Octavia and Vinyl were busy talking about how to bring up the biped idea to Twilight. So far they hadn’t figured out a way that didn’t bring up me. So they went with just telling the purple unicorn mare about the Poison Joke package. The grey mare wasn’t happy about the idea at all.
“Relax, Octy. It’s not like she’d have you get hit with that Joke again.” Vinyl said as Zecora finished cutting my hair. “She’s not that crazy after all.”
“Need I point out the Smarty Pants ordeal?” Octavia stated flatly.
“Good point.” Vinyl sighed. “Still, it is better than letting her know about Athena and her changing form like this. She’d try to get the Eevee pack to do the same somehow.”
Octavia flinched at that thought. “She puts them through enough as is, and that’s after Moon Dancer started looking into them. I swear that mare never really sees things for what they are!”
“Sounds like I not only found the Eevee pack, but Twilight is as bad as I feared.” I thought as Zecora examined my tail. “I’ll have to talk with them to find out how the timeline has changed, and I should also bring up what I know up to season eight. I wonder how much they can tell me about living here?”
“It would seem you are lost in thought.” Zecora said gently as she shook my shoulder. “Care to voice said thoughts?”
“Just thinking about what will happen, is all.” I said as I looked at Zecora. “Maybe I’m just worrying for nothing.”
Octavia and Vinyl walked over to us. “Maybe not, as it is Ponyville after all.” The grey earth mare said. “Also, each we have a tour coming up that has us going out of town. We may have to have somepony watch you while we’re gone.”
“It would give me a chance to talk with the Eevee pack at least.” I said letting out a yawn. “Geez, how late is it?”
Vinyl looked out the window. “Late enough it’s not safe walking back to town for anypony. Would you mind us crashing here for the night, Zecora?”
“Not at all, my friend.” The zebra said with a grin. “I’ll get the beds made.” Zecora trotted toward the back of her hut where her bed was to grab a few extra blankets. “We may need the biggest cot I got for Athena to sleep comfortably on.”
“I am kind of tall, aren’t I?” I said rubbing the back of my neck. We all laughed about it as I got up to help with making my bed. It was really just a couple of large pillows with a blanket covering them, but it was comfy. We all went to sleep after a salad with fish on the side. It was the best night’s rest I had gotten in a long time.
Morning
I stretched out with a purring yawn, hearing the hoof falls of the mares. “Morning. “ I said as I sat up, pushing my hair out of my face. “So what’s the plan before we head to town?” A pillow hit me in the face. “What’s that for?”
“I blame you and Octavia for my dream last night.” Vinyl said looking like she didn’t sleep last night at all. I could smell the sweat from her as she walked by. “I’m not going to get that out of my mind for a long time.” She muttered heading for the door.
I looked at Octavia for an answer, but she shrugged. “I think we’re better off not knowing.” She said going to the door to keep an eye on Vinyl. “I think Lyra might have rubbed off on her a little with her talk about humans.”
“If only you knew how right that mint colored mare might be.” I thought getting up and folding the blanket. “Well, if we’re going to town I better shift back to all fours.” Zecora joined us next rubbing her muzzle a little. “Morning, Zecora.”
“A good morning to you both, and what a lovely day it will be.” The zebra said as Vinyl returned soaked to the bone. “Ah, I see someone went for quick dip.”
“You would too if you had me dreams.” The white unicorn muttered fixing her shades. “So we eating here or going to town?” Vinyl asked as she used a heating spell to dry off.
I pulled the bandages off my arm to see that it was fully healed. “Looks like I’m good to go.” I willed myself to change and quickly found myself on all fours. <I hope I don’t get found out by Twilight, or it’s going to be a hell of a life.>
“I have things to do in the forest, and potions to make. I’m afraid must start before it gets too late.” Zecora said as she put her cloak on, and took a few potions to protect herself from the beasts of the Everfree.
We gave a round of goodbyes to the zebra we follow the trail back to town. I keep an eye out for the timberwolves, but, by the time we reach the edge of the forest, there wasn’t any sign of them. It seemed both mares were just as relieved as I was we exited the woods. Of course we had the pleasure of teasing Vinyl the closer we got to town.
<You just had to eat something at random, didn’t you?> I asked as the unicorn mare squeaked like a mouse. <Just couldn’t ask one of us again about breakfast?>
“I was hungry!” Vinyl shouted at me. “At least I can understand you now, so I guess it worked out.” Her voice was higher than before, which made her sound even funnier. “How was I to know it’d make me sound like a mouse?”
Octavia chuckled at her friend as they entered town. “Let’s head for the library and see if Moon Dancer can look over Athena. That way we can check some of the books out to see what kind of herb it was you ate.” She had to hold her laughter back when Vinyl squeaked again.
We passed the sight of a burned building that got both mares to gasp in horror. I didn’t understand why until they asked what happened. Needless to say I nearly fainted at learning Sugarcube Corner had been that burned down building. This never happened in the show, so now I feared if what I knew of the show mattered at all anymore.
<This is really, really bad.> I muttered as we head for the library. <That never happened in the show. Oh, this is beyond bad. It’s horrifying!>
“Hey, chill girl.” Vinyl said as we neared our destination. “Everypony got out safe and sound. Heck, Zann even became a fire fox thing from the sounds of it. If Lyra was to be believed.”
<Flareon. He turned into a Flareon, Vinyl.> I said. <And he’s damn lucky too, or he’d be one dead Eevee! When I get my paws on the fool that summoned that Magcargo! I’ll skin them!> I snarled out as I stomped my paws in anger.
“I didn’t understand a word of that, but she sounds mad.” Octavia said as I growled loudly. “Do I want to know?”
“Nope.” Vinyl squeaked as she leaned away from me. “Let’s just say we agree that somepony is going to pay. I’m just worried about how bloody it’ll be.”
“Well, you better calm down fast, Athena. We’re going into the library now.” Octavia said as she pushed the door open. I took a few deep breaths as she led us inside. She looked around trying to spot anyone. “Spike? Anypony here?”
A shiny grey-silver fox trotted out from the kitchen area with Spike right behind it. “Hey, Octavia it’s nice to see you and Vinyl.” Spike said before seeing me. “Whoa! Who, or what is that!?”
<An Absol?> The shiny Eevee said. <I’m surprised the town didn’t already have one living here.>
<Hey, I’m here to warn about trouble, not make it.> I said as I rolled my eyes. <Geez, it’s not that bad to have an Absol around.>
“This is Athena, and we’re adopting her after finding her in the Everfree.” Octavia said. “We wanted to have Moon Dancer look at her before we went home.”
I nodded my head to Vinyl. “Oh, and find a book on rare herbs. Vinyl ate one before we left Zecora’s place.”
“Oh really?” Spike asked with a grin before I walked over, and gently poked him. “Okay, okay. I’ll get Moon Dancer.” He grumbled heading for the basement door. “Can’t have a little fun can I?”
“It makes me squeak like a mouse! You happy now!” Vinyl called after the small drake, getting him to laugh loudly. We all chuckled as the DJ unicorn huffed, glaring at Octavia and I, which only made us laugh more.
Spike returned with Moon Dancer as I looked around the library. “See? I told you she wasn’t an Eevee, and you didn’t believe me.” The small drake stated as I stood next to Octavia. “I thought she was taller than a pony, but not too tall at least.” I didn’t take note until then I was only ten inches taller than the grey mare.
“Hmm.” Moon Dancer walked up to me and rubbed my right side. She tapped my right foreleg spur, even stood on her hind legs to look me in the face. “Odd. She does look more hound-like than the Eevees do. In fact, I’ve noticed the Eevee pack is more vulpine then canine. Twilight will be jumping for joy when she sees you. Two new species from the Everfree!” She said before backing away when I glared at her.
“She can understand what you’re saying.” Octavia said as she stepped between me and the nerdy unicorn. “She saved our lives from an Alpha Timberwolf, and fully recovered this morning. Athena had better be treated like an equal. Am I understood, Moon Dancer?” The grey mare said with a glare as powerful as my own.
Moon Dancer just nodded her head, clearly scared of either both of us, or just Octavia. I knew I had to be a little scary, but Octavia seemed to be more so. “I think I’ll just back off for a bit.” I thought as I took a step forward and nuzzled Moon Dancer’s cheek.
“I’ll be as gentle as I can be.” Moon Dancer sighed. “At least I don’t use the big needles like Twilight.” She muttered waving for me to follow her. “Is there anything I should know before I take her to the lab?”
"We believe that she is an omnivore, as she ate both fish and a salad last night. Other than that, we haven't observed anything notable." That was a blatant lie. "While we would be delighted to observe your experimentation, I'm afraid Vinyl and I have other matters to tend to." Octavia apologized before turning to the purple drake. "Could you please direct us to the books on rare herbs, Spike?"
I followed the ‘Twilight clone’ to the basement as the shiny Eevee just disappeared. I guessed he had something else to do, like tell the rest of the pack I was in town.
Following Moon Dancer down the stairs, I heard her muttering about trying to find something. I felt a pulse in my horn that originated from in front. Before I even knew it, I had grabbed the mare and pulled her back as the stair she stepped on broke. ”What was that?” I thought as Moon dancer shrugged me off her.
The next step the mare stepped on also broke, and again, I pulled her back. <Seems I can sense any disaster. You okay?> I said holding Moon Dancer close.
The mare was shocked by what just happened. First, she needed to find the needles, Twilight kept using the larger ones. The next thing she knew, she was pulled back from a step just as it was breaking under hoof by Athena, who seemed to be asking if she was alright. That’s if she had to guess at least. “Y-yeah, I’m fine. Thanks for the save.”
<My pleasure.> I said, just happy I had kept her safe. We went the rest of the way down stairs slowly, just to be safe. I pointed to another step when I felt my horn pulse again, and we stepped over it. It was kind of funny to me that I had helped Moon Dancer out, and she got to see me in action with picking up on disasters. <Okay. I think we’re clear of anymore rotted stairs now.>
“Twilight said she had those stairs fixed!” Moon Dancer stated, clearly angry. “I swear that mare would forget her own head if it wasn’t attached!” She wrote a note down about the stairs and put on Twilight’s notes. “There! Now to your check up, and thank you, Athena. I’d have a broken leg or worse if you hadn’t been there.”
I gently poked her shoulder. <Hey, hey! Take a deep breath girl.> I said in as calm a voice as I could. It seemed to work as she started to calm down. <Feeling better?>
“I really wish if I knew what you were saying.” The nerdy mare said, starting up a machine with a bowl and pillow. “While that’s warming up, I can get a blood sample. I hope you don’t mind needles?” She said as she held up a syringe.
<Oh joy.> I muttered as I shivered. If there was one thing that hadn’t changed was that I didn’t like needles. <Just be quick with it.>
I sat in the bowl of the machine a few minutes later. Moon Dancer had dug into my fur to find my skin, and then got the needle in for the blood sample. I didn’t even feel it, which said a lot about her skill. I looked over at her as she finished making her notes on me. “Okay. You can hop out now.” She said and I did just that. “I’m not having a repeat of Cy and his needle sneezes.”
<I’m not even going to ask.> I said as I sat next to the mare and saw the writing quill she was using. <Hey, you at least got a few dozen quills out of it.> I joked before she turned to me and tried to use her magic on me. <You’ve been doing that on and off to me for a while now. Mind sharing what you’re trying to do to me?>
“It’s like trying to pickup Abes. Maybe you have the same connection like him to Princess Luna or something.” She said adding to her notes. “You have thick fur that protects you, a form of danger perception, and that just leaves your magic. Both what you cast and passive magic you give off.” Moon Dancer said looking at me as I tilted my head. “You trying to tell me it isn’t magic?”
I nodded my head making her blink. “Well, I’ll just call it magic for now.” She watched as I shrugged my shoulders. “Okay, so Octavia wasn’t pulling my tail. You can understand ponies!”
<What gave it away?> I said as I nod my head with a grin.
“I’m going to guess that was a joke.” Moon Dancer said flatly. “Still don’t know what you said, but the tone was clear enough.” She thought for a moment as I chuckled. “I’ll set something up later at the edge of town to test your magic. It’ll be safer that way for everypony, and the lab.”
I nodded my head again, knowing my Razor Wind alone could trash the lab. “Nice to see we agree on safety for everypony. Well, I’m done for now, and it’ll take the machine a little more time to print out the scans of you. Let’s go see if the girls are ready to go.”
<Lead on.> I said as I waved my paw, and followed her back up the stairs. She had me point out the rotted stairs so she could repair them with her magic. <Won’t they break later?> I asked after we reached the ground floor.
“Think of it as payback on Twilight.” Moon Dancer said with a smirk. “I got what you said by your tone of voice. See if she learns a lesson out of it. Ah! Looks like Octavia and Vinyl are ready to go as well.” She said looking up at me. “For a four foot and nine inches tall hound, you’re not as scary as I thought.”
<Thanks, and you’re a lot nicer then you let on.> I said hugging the nerdy mare. <You take care and I’ll swing by when I can.>
Octavia smiled as Moon dancer returned my hug. “I see you two got along well. There was one other thing I wanted to ask, but I’m not sure if I should bring it up with Twilight.” Octavia shifted on her hooves, really not sure if she should put it on Moon Dancer. “I would understand if you didn’t want to, but it’s related to the Poison Joke and what it did to me.”
“I think I can make the time for this project.” Moon Dancer said as she tilted her head some to her left. “What is it you’d like me to do, and what did the Joke do to you?”
“I was wondering if you could find a way to let me turn into a biped.” Octavia said with a blush. “I know it sounds odd, but I liked the way that form felt. Vinyl also wanted to see what it was like herself.”
“We even have a few bottles of the cure.” Vinyl squeaked showing a pair of bottles. “You know, just in case you needed to see Octy in that form, and all that stuff.”
I groaned face pawing. <Vinyl, we didn’t want to let anyone know about the cure. Now Octavia is going to have to go through all that again. Plus, what if that guy that sent the Poison Joke in the first place was around? Now he could know we have a cure for it!> We also didn’t have any clothes for the grey mare’s biped body form.
Moon Dancer rubbed her chin in thought. “I’d have to see the form, to make sure I get the right kind you want. From what I’m getting from how Athena is acting I think we should get Rarity as well.” She said looking at Octavia. "By your blush, I assume that this project should remain a private affair?"
“I have no idea how right you are.” Octavia said as she glared at Vinyl. “When would be a good time for us to do this, uh, exam?”
“Give me two days, and I’ll let you know if we need longer or not. I’ve got to make sure Rarity is okay with us using her shop for the exam.” Moon Dancer said. “This way we can take care of two things at once.”
The grey earth mare thought for a few moments. “That sounds like a good idea, and more private as well. We can say we’re doing a test for a new spell if anypony asks. Thank you, Moon Dancer.”
“Don’t thank me just yet. I have to make sure Twilight stays out of this, or we’ll have more trouble than we want.” Moon Dancer sighed. “It’s bad enough she keeps questioning my research on the Eevees.”
<Oh, she’s going to have a field day about missing me, then.> I muttered just as I felt a pressure in my horn as I heard the library’s door open and then close. <Crap! Disaster incoming!>
“What’s got you…” Moon Dancer was about to ask till she heard a loud gasp. “Oh.” She said as Twilight zipped over to look at me. “She’s back early.”
I shoved the purple mare away from me with a growl, but she didn’t take the hint. “What is it? Where did you find it? Did one of the Eevees change again?” Twilight kept asking as I pushed her away from my face. “Why won’t somepony tell me anything?!”
“Maybe because you won’t let us answer your questions?” Octavia asked as Vinyl used her magic to pull the purple mare over to Moon Dancer. “I swear to Celestia, you need to stop acting like Pinkie when it comes to science!” She kept going to give Twilight a lecture on how to properly treat others.
I just sat down as Vinyl opened one of the books on herbs. <So, how long till she’s done ripping Twilight a new one?> I whispered as Moon Dancer sat next to Vinyl to help her, if needed.
“Give Octy an hour, and she’ll feel better.” Vinyl answered in a whisper. “Twilight on the other hoof might not be feeling so good.”
Moony leaned in closer to whisper. “So, how is it you understand her, Vinyl? Does it have something to do with these rare herbs?”
“I plead the fifth.” Vinyl whispered with a grin on her face.
Two hours. It was two hours later when Octavia finished venting, in a productive way, on Twilight. It had left the purple mare shell shocked, to say the least. Vinyl, Moon Dancer, and I spent the time finding the herb the white unicorn had ate. Turned out it had two forms, and Vinyl was one lucky girl that Zecora didn’t leave more out.
“It says here that if you eat only the one stem, like I did, you’ll sound like a random animal for a full day.” Vinyl read aloud with the odd squeak. “You’ll gain the gift of understanding the last animal you heard, up to two if you’re lucky. Any more than one herb, and you become addicted to the herb with life complicating problems.” She gulped as the list must have been really bad. “The good news is I don’t need the herb again for life.”
“I’d like you to be there for Octavia’s exam, Vinyl.” Moon Dancer said as she held up a hoof. “I can’t scan her and keep watch for anypony trying to sneak a look in the shop at the same time. Plus, I could try and learn what the herb did to you, but I’m not getting my hopes up about it.”
I thought about it before I nudged Vinyl. <Go for it. At least this way it’s something to keep Twilight busy, and away from learning about the biped spell.>
“Alright, only because you have a plan and make a good point.” Vinyl sighed. “But not a word to Twilight about where you got the idea. The last thing I need is her trying to test the herb on me for some stupid reason.” She added with a shiver.
I rolled my eyes as Octavia rejoined us. “Well, shall we be going now? I think Twilight has had more than enough.” The grey mare said as she left Twilight doing a good impersonation of a fish. “We still have to get a bed for Athena.”
“She can use the spare bedroom, and the bed was put in yesterday morning.” Vinyl countered. “We just need bed sheets.”
“Oh, yes. I forgot we had done that.” Octavia said as I tilted my head. “We planned on one of us using the spare room, so as not to bother the other if they were asleep.” She explained, and I figured that was a good enough reason.
Moon Dancer walked around Vinyl and gave me a pat on the back. “Sounds like you have everything you need to live well with them. Vinyl, Octavia, and Athena, I’ll see you three in a few days.” She said as she went to Twilight. “I’ll deal with Twilight once her brain catches up to her.”
We left the library to get the bed sheets, some food, and spend the rest of the day just relaxing at Octavia and Vinyl’s home. Their home looked just like it did in “Slice of Life”, but it was bigger, with the living room being the only room divided in half like the front of the house. The rest of the house comprised of a large dining room, kitchen with an island that had a stove top, three bedrooms, two full baths, and a bunker of a basement. Yeah, it was still a one story, but it was built big.
I also learned that Vinyl is good with electronics, and made the stove top on that island in the kitchen. She got her money from her family that works on, and makes various appliances. Made it easier for me to understand how she could have a club, and have extra money handy.
During the two days leading up to Octavia's exam, I learned how to read and write Equish, while the mares got ready for their upcoming tour. I also helped with the cooking by shifting to my biped form. Vinyl wasn’t much of a cook in truth as she burnt cold milk. I found it better not to ask, for I feared the answer.
I was in the living room as both mares played a duet that could only be from a movie. It was a well balanced piece of both classic and modern music. It helped me relax as I finished writing out my name in Equish. Ponies really did write in a fancy kind of line style, but it did have real words in it. The bell for the door rang and I went to answer it as the girls finished their melody.
I opened the door to see Moon Dancer and Rarity on the other side. I had bumped into the fashion pony the day before while returning the herb book with Vinyl.
We had just left the library, when the fashion unicorn was heading home after gathering gemstones outside of town. She gushed over my fur, and had even pointed out it needed some brushing. I hadn’t even thought about it since I landed on Equis, so I asked Vinyl if we could get me a brush. Rarity picked up on our little talk as we walked with her for a bit. She didn’t ask for details, but did want to know if Vinyl understood me. I got the feeling that she hoped for another pony to help her with talking with the vaporeon that lived with her.
Rarity had found a stone that I felt like it was calling to me. I couldn’t stop pawing at the stone in the hope to understand what it was. I could just make out a white, grey, and black double helix inside the stone under the clouded crystal. Vinyl translated for me when I asked if Rarity could make it into a collar for me. She promised to make the collar if we helped her with some light shopping. Fair warning, Rarity’s idea of ‘light’ would fill a truck bed.
<<Hello, Moon Dancer. You too, Rarity. How are you two today?> I said, happy to see the two mares.
“Hello, Athena. May we come in?” Moony asked as Octy and Vinyl joined me at the door. “Oh! Never mind, I see you two are ready to get started.”
“Heck, yeah!” Vinyl said with a huge grin on her face. Now that she wasn’t squeaking anymore, I could place her voice. She sounded just like the Youtuber, nowacking. “We’re ready to get this test done.”
“Did you get the saddle bags ready?” Octavia asked the DJ. Vinyl floated the bags over and set them on both herself and Octy. “Perfect! Let’s be off then.”
Rarity was looking me over as the door was locked. “I hope the collar will be to your liking, dear. It still amazes me how beautiful you are, and you haven’t been brushed yet.” She just couldn’t understand how my fur looked.
Truth was I had just brushed that morning, and it was the oddest feeling to me. <I’m just that good looking is all, Rarity. I do get brushed too, but this is how my fur looks.> I said with a hint of pride in my voice. <It’s still a new feeling to me, but I have found it relaxing.>
“It sounds like she’s very happy here.” Moon Dancer said as she took the lead. “Thank you for letting us have the use your shop, Rarity. It will help us out a lot with this little exam.”
“Not a problem at all, darling. But, I do have to ask why you wanted me to have all the windows covered?” Rarity asked, which got a sigh of relief from Octavia. “Is it something really good?” She asked as she got a grin that screamed trouble.
“We’re going to have to make you Pinkie Promise not to tell, aren’t we?” Vinyl asked with a deadpan look and tone to match. “Gossip spreading about this is not going to do anypony any favors. Or anyone, for that matter.”
Rarity gave a weak chuckle. “That shouldn’t be needed, I think.” She looked at Vinyl and caved under the DJ’s glare. “Fine, but once we get to my shop. You’re in luck as Sweetie is out with her friends somewhere with Villhiem.” Rarity looked happy about that. “The mayor dropped all charges against them for helping put the fire out.”
<Good for them, and their families.> I said with Vinyl translating for me. <However, that also means we have to worry about them showing up during the exam. > I noted Moon Dancer using her magic on Vinyl as she translated. <Hoping for a hint already, Moon Dancer? I don’t think that’s going to work for something like this.>
The nerdy mare sighed. “I hate to say it, but you’re right. I would need to have somepony eat the herb to see it in action. However, I’m not going to risk another’s health for the sake of research.” Moon Dancer stated before she grinned. “I did at least pick up on something that could help, but it’ll take me months to get it working. So, I’ll just make a note and hoof it off to Twilight.” She said as she pulled a note pad from her saddle bag and wrote down her findings. “It’ll still take months before it can be used, but it is better than nothing.”
“It would be nice to understand what Lulu is saying.” Rarity said with a smirk. “I’m sure she’s slipped a few of her own dress ideas into my drawings. She has some lovely ideas that I’d just love to work on with her.”
<I just hope she takes seeing me better than Rose Luck did.> I muttered as the scene of said mare fainting as I walked by replayed in my mind. <I swear that mare and her two friends need help. I’m worried about going by their flower shop, and having the guard on my tail when they faint.>
“Yeah, not the best impression to make with everyone is it?” Vinyl asked as she chuckled. “Then again, they over react to just about anything.”
<Let’s just make sure to stay clear of them for a bit.> I said as we entered the town square, and got greeted by the guard. It was a squad of four with two unicorns, an earth pony, and a pegasus. I gave them a nod as we went by, which they returned. <I still think they don’t worry about me because I’m with someone when in town.>
Moon Dancer waited for Vinyl to translate. “I made sure to tell them about you, so we didn’t have you ran out of town.” She said. “Things are still a little stressed after the fire, and no one's found out who had actually summoned the fire elemental yet.”
I sighed as the girls talked more among themselves about something else. I quickly grew bored, and started to look around. Something had my horn pulse as I spotted a pony in the shadows of an ally. I couldn’t see what said pony looked like, not with the black coat and hat used to cover their body. The glint of blue from the eyes under the hat brim told me one thing, that wasn’t a pony. Before I could warn the others the pony ducked back into the ally.
“What do you think Athena?” Rarity asked, but I didn’t respond. “Athena?” She gently tapped my shoulder, which snapped me out of my shock.
<Wh-what?> I asked still shocked. Was that a Changeling I had just seen? What was one doing in town?!
“I asked if you wanted the collar to match you horn and claws.” Rarity said. “Are you okay, darling? You look a little bit spooked.”
<I’ll let you know when I have it figured out.> I said with Vinyl’s help. <Let’s just worry about getting this exam done.> I didn’t want to worry them with what I saw. I wasn't even sure if I actually saw what I thought I saw.
Rarity shared a worried look with Moon Dancer and Octavia as we neared the fashion pony’s shop and home. It looked as much like a carousel, as it did in the show, but the colors were not as bright as I expected. It was still a good eye catcher if you needed a land mark though. Rarity opened the door and we hurried inside.
My jaw dropped seeing the many dresses, outfits, and other clothes that filled the shop. For some reason, I felt like I needed to get one, which was probably the effect Rarity wanted. Something blue moved at the edge of my vision, and I turned to see what. I was nose to nose with a Vaporeon.
<Hello?> I said as I pulled me head back some. She kept looking at me like she was sizing me up for something. <I’m Athena, and you would be?> I asked about to sit down.
<Please, stay standing for a bit, darling.> The Vaporeon said and I complied. <I’m Lulu, and it’s nice to meet you. Am I right in guessing the collar she’s been working on is for you?> Lulu asked. After I gave her a nod, she grinned. <You don’t have any idea how lucky you are that stone is an Absolite she found. I am sorry to say there is no Keystone to go with it.>
Vinyl groaned as she caught bits and pieces when Lulu talked. “Damn it. It’s like static or something when any of the Eevee pack talks. I’m blaming Discord for this!” She huffed, which got a raised eyebrow from Lulu. “I ate something at Zecora’s and could understand Athena after.” The DJ explained to Lulu.
<Oh! Well that must be nice for you.> Lulu said as she gave me a flat glare.
“Now, now you needn’t be like that, Vinyl.” Rarity said using her magic to put a heavy cloth over the door and windows. “It's not like it's any of their faults the herb you ate works that way. Lulu, could you get the collar for Athena please? Moon Dancer needs to finish setting her scanner device up, and I need to make sure we are not bothered.”
Moon Dancer worked on the scanner device as she placed six panels around the dressing stand that had three mirrors. She was muttering again about something related to Twilight. I found that she muttered a lot when it came to Twilight and equipment. I got the feeling she nearly trashed any, if not all, equipment was because she rushed the results. That might have been way the main computer part of the scanner was buzzing loudly before Moony gently tapped the top of it.
Lulu returned with my collar as Rarity did from the kitchen. “There! The place is locked up tight, and every window is…What?” Rarity said as I waved my paws at her.
<Don’t say another word, or you’ll jinx it!> I said. <Haven’t you learned by now saying things like that make it happen?!>
Vinyl translated as she nodded her head. “We tested it to prove her wrong, but… Let’s just say it back fired.”
“Oh dear, I see your point, now that I think about it.” Rarity said as she took the collar from Lulu with her magic. “Now, let us see how this looks on you, Athena.” She held up the collar to let me get a good look at it.
I grinned, seeing the stone set in the middle of the collar, made of silver and black cloth. On the left side of the stone was a crescent moon that had a few blue stars next to it. <I love it! May I try it on, please?>
The girls watched as Rarity put the collar on me and smiled. “I was worried it wouldn’t look good, but it’s perfect on you, darling.”
<The night theme works so well with your white fur.> Lulu said as she pawed at my ruff. <I was worried this might cover it as well. Glad to see I was wrong.> She had gotten on her hind legs to look at the Absolite. <I thought I saw it glow for a moment, but it must have been a trick of the light. Still, be careful, as we don’t know if you can even use it without a Keystone.>
<Got it, Lulu.> I said as I gave her a hug. <Now, to the main event we came here to do.> I grinned at Octavia as she sighed. < But first, we need to get that Pinkie Promise out of the way. Lulu, I’m sorry, but you have to do this as well, please.> Vinyl translated for me.
Vinyl translated for Rarity, and the mare nodded. “Alright. Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye.” The fashion pony said, as did Lulu, as Moon Dancer had Octavia stand between the scanner panels. “Now, just what is this all about?” Rarity inquired.
“Scanner is running, and now all that is left is to start.” Moony said, floating a bottle over the grey mare. “Everypony else stand back. It should only take a little to trigger the change.” We all moved back as she turned the bottle, and dumped the small amount of Poison Joke pollen on Octavia. “Here we go.” Moon Dancer whispered as she cast a scanning spell of her own to get as much information as she could.
Octavia grunted as she slowly shift forms to her biped body again. We watched in awe as the grey mare stood on her hind legs, fore hooves turned to hands, and torso took on a more human form. I gulped as her breasts formed, since her fur didn’t get as thick as I had hoped. All her bits showed, even with how thick her fur was now. The mare stood a stunning six foot tall as the scanner went nuts with data. Octavia stretched her limbs out some as she got a feel for her biped body again.
“That would be what this is about, Rarity.” Vinyl said as Octavia did a few of the stretches I used when I was in my biped form. “This is also the same form she had when kicking the tail of a timberwolf alpha. That’s when we met Athena. Octy has all her pony strength, plus the leverage with her body to throw rocks the size of a normal pony. How cool is that?”
Rarity just stared at Octavia in shock, seeing the musical mare's new form. “Th-that is… I don’t… Wow.” She stammered.
“It is very different, isn’t it?” Octavia said as she stepped down from the dressing stand. Her hooves made a soft tapping sound that pulled me from my shock. I was at a loss for words from just how she looked. “All that working out and running really does show in this form too.”
“You have no idea.” I thought before I shook my head, and then shook Rarity with my paws. <Hey! Measure her now, dream about it later!> I must have pulled Lulu from her own shocked state since she yelped.
Rarity snapped out of it. “O-oh, yes. Yes, I need to get her measurements done, don’t I?” She said as she got out her measuring tapes, and a book on Minotaur measurement system. “A good thing I thought ahead while at the store. This is the latest copy on Minotaur fashion designs.”
I sighed as Rarity got to work on measuring Octavia, and Moon Dancer making a copy of her finding from her scanning spell. It was clear how much it mattered to them on getting the information right. It turned out Octy was six foot tall, with a pair of D-cup breasts, and a slight hour glass figure that balanced her toned body. If her fur was thinner you could have seen the light muscle build she had.
Lulu seemed the most lost at what had happened. She turned to me. <That is one of the most incredible things I’ve seen! Don’t tell me she wants to keep that form?!>
<In a way, yes, but more like switch between the two.> I said calmly. <I’ll explain later to the whole pack, but just know I’m here to help protect you all. Though you don’t seem to need it as most of you have evolved already.>
<True, I do feel better knowing we have an early warning system now.> Lulu teased as we watched Rarity talk with Octavia and Vinyl about underwear for the grey mare. <You were human before, weren’t you, darling?> The Vaporeon asked.
<Yup, but again, I’d like to talk with everyone at once, and bring you up to speed on everything. In return, I need to know how much things have changed with the timeline.> I said to the wide eyed water fox. <Yeah, there is a lot to go over. Like Moon Dancer wasn’t even shown till season five.>
<I’ll see what I can do, and please, no more surprises. I don’t think I can deal with them at the moment.> Lulu said as she did look a little pale. <Just tell me one thing, since you kind of know already, when did the CMC get their cutie marks?>
I paused for a moment to make sure I said it right, as this was a huge hint to me that things had taken a huge shift. <Also season five, after helping Diamond Tiara stand up to her mother. I’ll give the details when meeting the pack.>
“So, can you really make it work?” Octavia asked Moon Dancer, which pulled Lulu and I from our talk. “You just need something to anchor it to, and to store the clothing? Like what?”
“That’s the easy part of this whole project.” Moony said as she smiled. “Some simple ear rings-, like the little stud like ones,- could be used for the whole thing. All you would have to do is think of the change, and it will happen!” She cheered. “I’ll have to test all this first, on myself, to be safe.”
“Mind backing up there, Moony?” Vinyl asked. “Did you just say, “Test it on yourself”? You sure that’s a good idea?”
“I’m not going to risk anypony else with this.” Moon Dancer stated with a stomp of her hoof. “It is for the safety of you both I do this. Besides, it is the only way to keep Twilight from knowing.”
<Well, this just got good.> I said with a chuckle. <How long before she has it ready?> I asked with Vinyl translating for me.
Moon Dance looked away as she rubbed her neck. “That’s the part I’m not sure about, but the moment I have it, I’ll bring it right over!”
“Let me know, too.” Rarity said as she held up the book with her magic. “That way I can make sure they are clothed for the adventures ahead. Oh, think of all the new dresses I can make around their stunning new forms!”
“Yeah, let’s just keep it simple for now. Okay?” Vinyl asked as she gave Rarity a pat on the shoulder. “I don’t think the town is ready for this just yet.” She pointed out as she tried to pull the fashion pony back to earth. “Just think about it for a moment will you?”
Rarity looked sheepish at Vinyl’s point. “Fair enough, dear. I need to get something for making Octavia’s clothes anyway, so it’ll have to wait. I have to get one of those Minotaur manikins to make the clothes to nearly the right size.” She looked at the grey biped mare. “I’m sorry to say, but I’ll need you to change like this again to make sure the fit is right.”
Moon Dancer grinned. “I should have the spell ready before then.” She chuckled softly. “I might even get a few laughs in messing with Twilight, while I’m at it.” Her chuckle turned into evil laughter as the idea of a prank formed in her mind.
“And that would be my queue to take a bath.” Octavia said as she got the cure from Vinyl’s saddle bag. “Would you mind if I use that hot tube you got, Rarity? I don’t think I’ll fit in the normal bath or shower.”
Two weeks had passed since the exam, and during that time the ones behind the arson were found. Imagine my shock when it turned out to be Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon. I missed out on the trial as I had to stay with Lyra and BonBon while Octavia and Vinyl went on their tours. I had a hard time with my lessons on written Equish, as Lyra kept trying to get me to answer her questions. It didn’t help that she kept trying to talk like an Absol. I’m not even sure how she thought that would work, but it was funny.
BonBon didn’t really want to believe it when she was told I wanted to learn and could. The girl quickly learned that I was very smart. I just blamed Lyra for putting the mare through a lot of crazy stuff with the Eevee pack, before I showed up.
I was able to get breaks from the two mares in the form of my workout. I had taken to running in the mornings and evenings, just to get out of the house. It was on one of those runs that I meet with the shy mare Fluttershy at her house. I had gone out a lot farther than normal, as a few of the reporters were still around after the trial. I hated the few that were trying to find a story, or one to embellish about.
It was a chance to also test something, as of late I was having trouble understanding the Eevee Pack. The only one that I could understand clearly was Lulu. If it was any other Eevee, even in passing, I only got bits and pieces of what they said. I blamed Discord for it was right up his ally for making trouble. However, I didn't seem to share the same difficulties. So talking with Fluttershy seemed a good place to start to check this little theory.
I knocked on the door, and readied myself for Fluttershy freaking. This was my first time meeting her, as far as I knew. The door opened, but instead of meeting the pegasus mare, I got a carrot to the nose. <Ow! The fuck?> I looked down and found Angel Bunny. <Really? You don’t even know me, and you hit me with a bloody carrot?>
Angel just blinked as I spoke calmly to him. Clearly he wasn’t used to someone being calm about his rudeness. He shrugged before he picked up the carrot and ran into the house. A moment later, Fluttershy was at the door. “Hello? Oh!” She smiled. “Aren’t you a big, sweet doggie.”
<Hound really, and I’m sure Rarity already told you about me.> I said as I blushed a little. <I’m Athena, an Absol. I was hoping to get your help with something.> I gave a soft smile to show I was friendly.
“Oh! You’re the hound living with Octavia and Vinyl?” Flutters asked as she smiled at me. She tilted her head as she looked at my horn. “Doesn’t the guard worry about you walking around town? Your horn looks dangerous.”
<Not as dangerous as Vinyl’s cooking.> I said as I stepped into her house and gave Angel a pat on the head. <I’ve started working on Water Pulse to make sure to help put out the fires. You seem to understand me clearly, Fluttershy.>
She closed the door and gave me a surprised look. “You’re right. Odd, since I have trouble understanding the Eevees, and Conner lives here.” Fluttershy said as she thought about it.
That gave some strength to my curse theory. <So, Vinyl and I aren’t the only ones that have trouble understanding the Eevee Pack. It’s almost like a curse, in a way.> I muttered. That seemed to give Angel pause, as he looked to be thinking on it himself. <The only one I can understand, without trouble, is Lulu. Which is the oddest thing to me.> I hopped onto a chair as Fluttershy laid on her couch.
“Why is that?” The butter colored mare asked.
<Because she’s into designing clothes like Rarity is.> I said a slight blush appeared on my face. <I’m sure she wants me to model a few dresses for her.> I wasn’t going to tell her I was still uneasy about being a female Absol. That would be a whole new level of trouble. <However, it still is odd that she’s the only one I can understand clearly. I shouldn’t be having this problem at all, as Eevees and Absols can normally talk to each other.>
Fluttershy let it all sink in as I talked. I could see she was working everything I said in her mind, and something clicked. “I’ve noticed that taking with Conner has gotten easier for me. In fact, now that I think about it, he has been a lot clearer when we talk as of late. It’s almost like we’re connecting on a deeper level.”
That caught me off guard a little, but then I thought about Lulu and how generous she was. Just like Rarity. <How kind is Conner? Is he like you in kindness?>
Fluttershy nodded her head slowly. “Oh my, could it be the Elements that are doing this?” Flutters asked as she looked at me.
<It’s a good guess, and the Elements could be boosting the link.> I said as I got out of the chair. <In fact, it is the strongest theory at the moment I can think of. For now, I don’t think we should tell Twilight.> I held up my paw to stop Fluttershy from asking her question. <She’ll just shoot it down, as she doesn’t think any of the Pack, or I, are smart enough to even understand what ponies say.>
“She is a little full of herself when science is brought up, isn’t she?” Fluttershy stated in a deadpan voice as Angel groaned. “I hope this helped you, Athena. It sure helped me put a few things together.”
<Yeah, it did help me a lot.> I said as I gave Angel a pat on the head. <I might even have an idea of who’s the one behind it. However, until I have some proof, or a better idea of how to prove it, I’m going to keep it to myself for now.>
“Sounds like a good idea. It sure seems chaotic to me.” Fluttershy blinked as I grinned at her, and I swear I heard her brain just stop. Her eyes narrowed with a hint of anger. “Discord is behind this somehow, isn’t he?”
I sighed. <Even if I said he was, what proof is there, other than my word, that it is him? Just don’t stop being kind, and keep being brave.> I said with a grin. <I should get going. There are a few others I need to see to put a few more pieces of this theory in place. You really helped me out on getting a solid start.> I gave her a hug that she returned.
“My pleasure, Athena.” The butter colored mare said. “If you need to ever talk again, please, come by.”
Angel showed me to the door and gave me a thumb up. <Sorry, about the carrot thing. I’m just protective of her is all.> He said. <Tell anyone I’m really nice, and I’ll make you regret it.> Angel added with a smirk.
<Now why would I ever do that? I might need a badass rabbit for something.> I told him with a smirk. <Later!> I walked out the door and started to run towards town.
I reached the edge of town quickly, about five to seven minutes, and slowed down to a normal walk. The town was calm for the moment. I decided to visit the farmers market, and maybe try to mooch some free food. It still amazed me how much meat was being sold. A lot of fish, ham, and chicken were being sold with eggs that day. I was hoping to get an idea for dinner as Lyra was doing the cooking. She liked to try making different foods to challenge herself. Turned out she was a bit more omnivorous for some reason, but I was betting she had dragon bloodlines. I swear I saw her sneeze golden flames once.
The guy selling fish at one of the stands was an old earth pony stallion named Deep Sinker. He brought the best and freshest fish to sell. His best sells were salmon and, oddly, sea bass that his son would send to him. I walked over to find Lyra finish putting some wrapped salmon in her saddle bag.
“If it isn’t me favorite Absol, Athena.” Deep said with a deep voice, and offered me some raw meat. Don’t judge, it’s really good. “Got some new product from my son, Sea Spray, he called it Tuna.”
Lyra blinked and missed me taking the snack. “Woah! Did you inhale it or something?” She asked as I chewed. “Guess you like tuna and salmon, huh?”
<If you only knew how much I miss good tuna salad.> I said after I gulped down my snack. <You get more of that, and you’ll be making lots of bits, Deep.> I said with a light purr. Not sure why I purr, but I do.
“Told you she’d like it, and you said she only ate dry dog food.” Deep laughed as the mint green mare groaned. “Your marefriend is rubbing off on ya, Lyra.”
“Yeah, yeah.” Lyra rolled her eyes as she put some bits on the counter. “I’ll take some of that tuna for Athena. BonBon isn’t going to like it though, she thinks it’ll spoil her.”
<It’s better than that cheap dog food.> I muttered before Deep offered me a piece of salmon. I devoured that as well. <Mmmmm.>
“Okay, I have got to try that salmon now.” Lyra said as she licked her lips. “That’s the smile of a very happy creature.”
<Tastes like heaven.> I muttered before we made our way to our house. I was getting a very soft disaster. ”Was there something wrong with the fish?" I thought with the hope it was a false alarm.
Third View A dark figure watched the mint unicorn mare and white furred hound walk off. It pulled its hat down to cover more of its face and stepped out of the ally. The dark coat hid most of the figure's body as it followed the two down the road. Four black hooves moved the figure along with barely a sound as it left the market behind it, and made a plan to get into their house tonight.
First View I looked up at the two story house near the main street, and BonBon’s sweet shop linked to it by a short covered walkway. The earth pony mare was making a lot of money, and even giving a portion to the Cakes for the rebuilding of Sugarcube Corner. Both were a plan white with tan trim, and thatch roof. I wasn’t really sure about the house at first until I looked around. Nothing too fancy, really to the house, and the walls and floor of the basement was stone. I guessed I was worried about Agent Sweetie Drops having a hidden room for nothing.
“Are you writing again?” BonBon asked as I was laid out on the floor with quill and paper writing a small story. “You have some odd ideas for a story, but the detail is pretty good. It doesn’t match what humans look like by Lyra’s research though.”
<If only you knew how far off she was.> I said as I wrote. The story was of the Mass Effect games, or as best as I could remember of them. It was fun writing out the adventure I played as a video game, and it helped with my writing.
BonBon just rolled her eyes as she read one page, it was a fight between Shepard’s crew and the Geth. “No magic to save them?” She teased only to get a flat glare from me. “Right, right. Humans can’t use magic like ponies.”
I was about to say something when a loud crash came from the kitchen. However, there wasn’t any sound from Lyra. She would normally be swearing a storm by now. BonBon gave a snort as she went to check on the mint colored mare. I just shrugged, going back to my writing as the earth pony mare walked around the corner. I heard a muffled thud. I thought BonBon had smacked Lyra. Judging by the sounds that started coming from the room, they had gotten into a small scuffle. Soon enough, it got quiet.
That made me a little worried. I decided to go check it out. I slowly picked around the corner to see into the darkened kitchen. <Lyra? BonBon?> I called out, slowly stepping around the corner. Something moved in the dark of the kitchen that didn’t seem normal. <Who’s there?> I barked, slipping back around the corner.
“It’s nothing. The light just burned out.” Lyra’s voice called back. “It’s nothing to be scared of, girl.”
“Lyra never calls me that.” I thought as I quietly went the other way through the living room. The kitchen was two ways into it. One way by the hall from the living room, and the other is from a hallway connecting the store to the living area. The stairs were also in this hallway. “Good thing BonBon took the door off yesterday. Otherwise this would be a problem.” I thought, peeking into the kitchen to see what was going on, and, with the moon light coming in, I groaned at what I saw.
The two mares were wrapped in green goo, and seemed to be out cold. It was the black, bug like creature watching where I had been. “I guessed I found out how a Changeling brain-washed Lyra. It’s the one I saw days ago.” I thought as I growled coming around the corner and jumping at the Changeling. <Got you!> I howled, tackling the bug to the floor. The two of us slid across the large kitchen as I bit into the bug’s neck and it tried to bite me back.
“Get off me you dumb dog!” It hissed. The voice was female, so it was a nymph, I think. She tried to blast me with magic, but just missed my horn. I had no idea they could do that!
<Who are you calling a dog?!> I snarled, letting off a burst of flaming breath. She punched me with a right hook, but I retaliated with Ice Beam. I missed my mark as green flames covered the Changeling’s body and a diamond dog shoved me across the floor. <So turning into a real bitch is the best you can do, huh?> I growled, getting to my paws, and got ready to attack.
“Of course I can understand you now.” The shape shifter growled. “Well, it would seem you’re not some strange dog after all. My Queen will be pleased.” She snarled, flexing her claws as she grinned. “She wanted to know about some new prey for us. Maybe those foxes would be easier to get.”
I snarled as electricity arched across my fur, ready to attack the bitch. <I am prey to no one, and you won’t harm any of the Eevee pack.> Her eyes widened as I used Thunder, and the electrical bolt briefly light up the room before smashing into the bug. It threw her against the far wall before grounding into the floor. The nymph let out a howl mixed with a shrill chirp.
She groaned as she turned back to her true form hitting the floor. “D-didn’t see that coming.” She grunted before turning into an Absol. <Let’s see how you deal with this!>
<Do you really think you can even figure out how to fight like an Absol?> I asked with a grin as she tried to use Flamethrower. <You may look like me, but you have no idea how my species works.>
<Okay. Not my best move.> She said before turning into a dragon with black scales with a green under belly. “I’ll just have to rip you apart like this!” Before she could even take a step my body started to glow. “What the…”
I shifted to my biped form. “Surprised?” I asked with a snarl as I got ready to fight. “Now then, nymph. Shall we see how you can deal with surprises?” I chuckled as shadows wrapped around my claws.
“Just what are you?” The Changeling asked with a growl. “How can you even use magic like that?”
I just growl before the shadows turned into long, dark claws. With a snarl I rushed the Changeling as she used her scaled arms to block my attack. It almost sounded like metal hitting metal as we start to trade blows. She countered with a right hook as I went with a strike to her jaw, and pushed each other back a step. I quickly pressed the attack going low, punching her in the gut. I landed three hits that knocked the air out of her before she used both hands to bring me to a knee. It felt like I was hit in the back with a pair of sledge hammers. I used Blizzard when I looked up to throw my attacker off more, and she counter with green flames. It wasn’t going to be an easy fight as we both had little room to move, and I didn’t want to trash the kitchen. It was bad enough I had to try and finish this quickly before either mare woke up.
“You got a name buggy?” I asked with a snarl wiping some blood from the corner of my mouth. Any idea hit me as I felt energy build in the gem on my forehead.
“What’s it to you? However, if you must know my name is Imago.” The Changeling said, and I nearly freaked out. “Not that it matters as I’m going to kill you.” Imago snarled as she came at me with claws ready to rip my throat out.
“Sorry to disappoint you, but I’m not dying tonight!” I said as I used Flash to blind her. It worked, as she screams covering her eyes and I rushed her. I drove both of my fists into her gut with a point blank Shadow Ball.
Imago let out a pain filled scream as she shifted back to her normal form. She bounced off the floor, into the hall, and around the corner. I ran after her, only to see her running out the door toward the shop, and fly off into the night.
“Shit! Now we have to deal with the Bug Bitch Queen sending her spies.” I hissed, closing the door and quickly headed back to the kitchen. However it turned out somepony was awake, and pulling herself free of the green slime. I didn’t have chance of hiding myself as Lyra looked right at me as I returned to the kitchen.
“I knew something was off about you.” The mint green mare said as she used her magic to pull the slime off herself and BonBon. “I didn’t think it was something like this! I mean the change in form, and the talking! I have so many questions that can be answered!”
“So are you a Changeling too, or what?” BonBon asked as she shook the slime off herself. “Were you hoping to slip into Canterlot with either Vinyl or Octavia? Maybe even attack the Element Barers?”
“Nope. I was just lucky enough to end up with them is all, and I’m a rare case among my species.” I said turning on the water and filling a handy pot. I put it on the stove top to heat, and looked for the wash cloths. “I’d never attack Fluttershy and her friends. Twilight might need it till she sees the bigger picture of things.”
Lyra, and BonBon gave me the ‘The heck?’ look, but nod their heads about the part about Twilight. “You both know how she gets about something. Always the tiny details of it and never how it fits into something else.” I explained. “Plus she has to always to the large needle like a nutcase.”
“We get it.” BonBon sighed. “She’s a quack job when researching something.” She wasn’t sure what I was doing with the towels till I took the pot off the stove. “Oh, I see! That’s to help get the slime off us. At least it’s not boiling hot, but that doesn’t change that you’ve been hiding this. Does Octavia and Vinyl know about this?”
I had to think for a moment as I soaked few wash cloths in the hot water. Do I tell them the truth, or just enough to make them feel better? “Yes, they know about this and so does Zecora. I also do the cooking instead of Vinyl, so there isn’t another fire.”
“Thank Celestia and Luna for that.” BonBon muttered. “So what about the rumors of a mare that looks like a Minotaur female?”
“You’ll have to ask Octavia about that. All I can say Poison Joke isn’t too bad about some things.” I said taking the wash clothes, and started rubbing the slime off BonBon as Lyra took the other in her magic. “For now, we should get cleaned up and report to the guard. Just leave out that I changed forms, please.”
Two hours later, and giving the guards an edited report about the attack, the guards was still checking every half inch of the house. It looked like Imago slipped in by the open door to the shop. I had shifted back to all fours and joined one of the guards in checking the shop. All we found was some scratch marks on the front door and not much else. I sniffed around a bit, but didn’t pick up Imago’s scent. She was long gone, but I had a feeling she’d be back. Just a matter of when she’d be back, and what her plan would be.
Three days later Octy and Vinyl returned from their tours. A short explanation of what happened while they were gone, and needless to say it was not fun. Lyra wanted in on what Octavia was having Moon Dancer work on. However, BonBon quickly put that idea down for us. I was still worried about Imago, or some other Changeling showing up. Things have really gotten a little out of paw now.
I was cooking up a meal for us as Octavia and Vinyl worked on some music in the living room. Lyra had joined us for the day since BonBon had to go up to Canterlot. I could only guess why at this point, but I think it was more about the Changeling, Imago. There was a lot on everyone’s minds now that we knew Changelings were around. However I had something else on my mind as I flipped the ham slices in the pan.
“So, you think Moondancer has the spell down for Octavia yet?” Lyra asked from her seat at the kitchen island. She hadn’t breathed a word to anyone in town about my biped form. However, Vinyl let it slip to the mint mare about the spell. “I really want to see if I can get a copy of it.”
I rolled my eyes. “Lyra, I don’t think you could keep from walking around town as a biped. You know how this town gets about strange things.” I said putting a fresh slice of ham on the pan to cook. “Anyway you’ll find out as Moony is coming over to show us what she’s got so far. I’ve been thinking I’d let her scan me if she’s having trouble.”
Lyra rubbed her chin thinking about what I said. “I’m not sure about that. I mean it is a different kind of power that you use after all. It might use a different magical matrix and that could have her start all over.” She points out. “I really don’t think Moony would like that.”
“A fair point.” I said checking the corn. “I guess we’ll just have to wait and see. Could you set the table, please? We’ll be ready to eat in a little bit.”
Lyra got to work setting the table just as there was a knock at the door. I quickly set down the plate of cooked ham I held and shifted to all fours. With a soft huff I enter the living room in time to see Vinyl open the door for Moondancer.
“Moony! How’s it been girl?” Vinyl asked as she hugged the nerdy mare. “Twilight not making you any more crazy than normal I hope?”
“I plead the fifth.” Moondancer muttered, clearly tired from something. She spared a glance at Lyra as the mint mare heads for the door. “Did I come at a bad time?”
“Nah. I was just getting some pointers on speaking Absol.” Lyra said as she helped Moondancer get her things inside. “I might have over heard something about a spell you’re working on. Relax, I’m just wondering what it’s about is all.”
<She’s already Pinkie Promised not to tell.> I said with Vinyl translating for me.
“Well, I have made some head way on it. It didn’t help that Twilight tired to look at my notes at one point.” Moony grinned. “I gave her the translation spell notes to keep her busy. It was a little too close for my taste.”
<If needed I could run around town to keep Twilight busy for you, Moony.> I joked as I covered the windows. <Could make it easier on the town as a whole with the weird level.> I ducked under a pillow the girls threw at me. <I’m joking! I’m not doing that till Octavia has her other form.>
“I’d ask, but I fear the headache the answer would bring.” Moondancer deadpanned as she setup the scanners. “I’ve got the spell down to where it should work like you want. Rarity even made a pair of earrings for the spells needed. One holds the clothes and the other to work the transformation. I’ve got two pairs.”
<Have you tested it yet?> I asked a little worried. <I’m shouldn’t need to point out how bad untested magic is a bad thing.>
“Do I look like Twilight to you?” Moondancer asked. She was met with everyone giving her a flat look. “Do not answer that!”
“Fine, but Athena does raise a good question.” Octavia said. “And if you did test it. Who was the pony?”
Moondancer sighed and pointed to her neck. “I tested it on myself before this, and with a necklace. Remember I said I was going to test this on myself?”
“That must have been what started the rumor of a biped pony.” Lyra sighed.
“But I left town to test it!” Moondancer shouted. “Whatever, the spell is good and ready. Just step over here and I’ll get started.”
<So, what are the scanners for?> I asked.
“I’m making a record of all this for later research. This could be used by the guard someday.” The nerdy mare said as she turned on the scanners. “For now it is to make sure the spell binds with Octavia, and Vinyl.”
I rolled my eyes as Lyra giggled. <It’s a nice thought, but I won’t hold my breath. The Day Guard is a joke.> I said. <However that could change at some point. For now I do like the idea of keeping a record of this.>
Octavia walked over and into the circle of scanners. “Well, now is as good a time as any. We have a lot of free time right now.”
“Right.” Moondancer said as she put the ear ring like studs on Octavia’s ears. They were gold with a diamond set in the middle. “Okay. Now I just give the spell a little magic and it’ll be linked to you.” She used a small amount of magic on the left ear stud, and Octavia’s body glowed softly for a moment. Moondancer stepped back as the change happened at the earth mare’s thought. It was a smooth transformation as Octavia stretched her arms above her head. The look on Lyra’s face was priceless as she watched the grey mare walk around the living room.
<Keep dreaming, Lyra.> I teased as I went back to the kitchen to check the food. I didn’t want our lunch burn as Vinyl went next. Everything looked fine as I had set the burners to warm the food. I returned to the living room in time to see the DJ take first steps in her biped form. <Hello!> Vinyl took a few shaky steps as Octavia helped her stay up right. The fact that Moondancer was also a biped wasn’t lost on me as she also helped Vinyl. The DJ stood almost five foot, ten inches tall with a lean, yet, well toned build. You could see a slight six pack of abs under her C-cup breasts. She looked like she had danced herself into being fit, and I’ll bet you she has.
Moondancer however was much hotter with double D breasts, but I couldn’t tell her build as she was clothed. The nerdy mare was five foot even with her normal sweeter, enchanted to fit her biped body, with a long skirt that stopped three inches from the floor. I guess she was shy about her body, but she gave off this feeling of strength. I’ll bet you she was even hotter in a swimsuit.
I shook my head to clear the image of Moondancer in a one piece swimsuit. <Is it what you hoped for Vinyl?> I asked with a grin.
“It’s more than I hoped! Is this what it’s like for you too?” She asked without thinking. I wasn’t going to blame her as she was excited.
“Wait what?!” Moony asked looking at me as I chuckled and face pawed. “What did she mean by that?”
I shift to my biped form, still chuckling. “I’ll explain over lunch.”
It was a little later we sat down to eat lunch. Moondancer stayed in her biped form, Octavia, and Vinyl each wore a large t-shirt that Moony brought for them. Lyra even got to try out the spell, but she didn’t want to keep it. Even if she turned out to be the most toned of the group so far. However it was me that had Moondancer’s full attention as I severed the meal in my biped form, and as I explained how I thought I got it.
“So this Arceus gave you this form as a means to better protect the Eevee pack, and yourself?” Moony asked as she ate her ham. “I guess that makes some since with him being a god. It just seems a little odd he’d give this power to you after getting hurt by that Timberwolf Alpha.”
Okay I stretched the truth some about how I got there and my power. But what else could I do? “I guess he thought it was best way to help me. He’s a god, Moondancer. I just wish I knew why I was picked.” Well I did know since he and Discord told me why. I was still going to make Discord pay for the gender switch. “Besides, it was as big a surprised for me when I first changed forms. It does make it easier to cook as much as fight.”
Lyra was still gently working her fingers wearing a large t-shirt, Moony had thought a head on nearly everything, and stood around five foot, two inches tall. She had B-cup breast, but a very well toned body. “I can see how humans could do so much now. If I didn’t want to use this form daily I’d love to keep the spell.”
“This is going to be a huge help when I’m touring the Minotaur lands.” Vinyl said as she munched on her lunch. “They try so hard to make sure things are setup for a pony, but they can’t get it all. I’ll keep this form to the house and tours outside of Equestria.”
“I’m not so sure that’s a good idea, dear.” Octavia said looking thoughtful. “It might give the wrong idea about us ponies.”
“Nah. I’ll just tell them it’s to make it easier on both sides for my tour.” The DJ countered. Truth be told I think Vinyl was right. “Besides, the spell is synced to our very body. It can’t be copied without knowing the spell itself. Right, Moony?”
“Yes, the spell changes some to sync to the pony it is used on. I even have a counter spell to remove it in case anything happens, or somepony does copy it.” Moondancer said looking at Lyra. “In theory you could still change form without the jewelry we use to anchor the spell.”
“I’m good with not having the option.” The mint mare said sipping her drink. “For today I’m just happy to have a better understanding about how the human body works. I’ll have a lot to write about after this.”
I chuckled. “Just leave out the part of them having a third eye, Lyra. I don’t think it would have been helpful for them.” I had seen her room for human research, and boy she was off on a lot of things. “But I’ve never met a human so I wouldn’t know.” Don’t give me that look! You guys would have done the same.
“Maybe it was meant to explain their mental power.” Lyra muttered as she got deep into thought about it.
“Where did Rarity go with the others anyway, Moondancer?” I asked since rarity was out of town with the Mane Six. I lost track of where we were to the season story line, or whatever.
“She’s with the other to bring Applejack back for some reason.” Moony answered as I rolled my eyes.
“I hope they took a lot of rope to drag her stubborn tail back, or it’ll be a long week.” I said that made the mares all look at me. “What? I overheard how stubborn she is about some things is all.”
Two Days Later The Manes Six had returned with Applejack and we gave Rarity a day to recover. She was very happy to see use as we walked in and again cover the windows. We even had a sound cover story for why I could change forms for her and Lulu. Moondancer even did a scan as I changed forms to have that as proof if rarity ever asked her. Surprisingly the power behind my form change was very close to magic, and that was going to have Moony researching it for days.
However I didn’t see Lulu and guessed she was with the pack for something. <Just you today, Rarity?> I asked with Vinyl translating for me.
“Yes, but Lulu will be back later with some cloth I had to order.” Rarity said. “I had this feeling I was going to need more for making their clothes.” She pointed to Octavia and Vinyl.
Octavia let out a breath she was holding. “You might need it. Athena here also got the spell, and it works on her. It surprised us all really.” She said, but in truth I only got the spell for holding my clothes, and it was put in the crescent moon gem. “We got another surprise out of it as well.”
Rarity’s head snapped to look at me. “Really? It worked on her?!” She asked rushing over with a smile. “That’s great! Will it work for the Eevee pack?”
“Sadly, no it won’t.” Vinyl said patting Rarity on the back. “It has something to do with that Athena can’t evolve like the Eevee pack does.”
“Good save, Vinyl.” I thought as we never guessed Rarity, or anyone for that matter, would ask about the spell working on the Eevees. “I better let Moondancer know the next time I’m at the library. That should stop Twilight from testing it herself.”
“Well I guess that makes sense, but what do you mean evolve?” The fashion pony asked. A soft glow covered my body as I changed forms, and Rarity’s jaw dropped. “Wow, and here I thought you couldn’t be more beautiful without being in a dress.”
“I wouldn’t go that far, but I am going to need some clothes.” I said as Vinyl and Octavia changed forms as well. “I’m just luck my fur is thick enough to cover my like this.”
Rarity got out the measuring tape. “Then we have no time to waste!”
Well, this is a problem that I didn’t see coming. Both Octavia and Vinyl wanted me to go with them on tour. However, I’m not sure who to go with. Octy is going to be in Canterlot for her tour, and it would let me see the city in person. Meanwhile Vinyl is going to be touring some tropical islands. This makes it hard for me to pick who to go with, and what to pack.
Why pack you ask? Well, if I go with Vinyl I could spend most of my time as a biped, wear the clothes that Rarity made for me, and just enjoy being close to normal again. Going with Octavia would let me explore the city of Canterlot with her, and maybe meet Celestia. At this point I’ve got to make up my mind before one of them picked for me.
<I’m going for a walk to clear my head.> I told Vinyl as I head out the door with a small pack. <Also I’m returning the books you forgot to return again.>
“Check the post office on the way back please.” Vinyl yelled after me before she closed the front door.
As I walked through town I took note of a small number of new guards. I didn’t pay them any mind as I made straight for the library. There was this feeling that they were there to watch me for some reason, but I could have been wrong. I might have closed the door on one of them as I entered the library and returned Vinyl’s books.
I was walking around the library looking for a book about Canterlot to help me make up my mind. It felt like a slow day for the whole town. There were barely any disasters for me to feel, besides the odd pulse from the forest I felt in my horn. Guess the Timberwolves still wanted a piece of me for some reason. Maybe their pride was still hurt from our first meeting. Said meeting is why I stayed far away from the Everfree forest.
I saw a map of the town someone had left out as I thought more about the forest. I knew about the Tree of Harmony, and kind of wanted to go see it. It should be easy to find, the Castle of the Two Sisters is above it after all. How my soul ached to explore it all and more. I shook my head as I returned to find that book again.
“Looking for something?” Spike asked, nearly made me jump out of my fur. I had to have jumped pretty high, because as I landed he said. “Nice distance.”
I panted softly getting out a pen and paper. “Don’t sneak up on me like that!” I wrote down for him. “I’m looking for a book about Canterlot.”
Spike blinked seeing what I wrote. “Whoa. When did you learn to write?”
“I’ve been teaching myself since Vinyl and Octavia took me in.” I wrote with a grin. “So about that book? I need to make up my mind before the girls go on their tour.”
“Sure thing! Maybe Twilight and I can help you too?” I gave Spike a nod for him to go on. “We did live up there, so we could tell you about the city.”
“It couldn’t hurt, but if I see one giant needle, Spike. I’m out.” I wrote before adding. “I’m a little surprised you didn’t know I was doing this. It is how I talk with others in the market after all.”
Spike chuckled at that. “Okay. Just be ready for Twilight to ask all her questions about this.”
“She can wait for a translation spell to be made. The one Moondancer gave her the notes about mainly.” I wrote down with a growl. “In any case, Spike. I’ll just need a book about the city for now. We heading out before Cider Season starts.”
“One book on Canterlot coming right up.” Spike said with a salute that I chuckled at. He really is Twilight’s number one assistant.
Third Person (Pony?) View “Target is now living the library.” An earth pony mare in guard armor with brown fur, and red mane said to another guard. Both of them were hiding in a bush. “Shouldn’t we just take it, instead of watching it?”
“The Princesses don’t see her as a threat. Plus, she did fight off a Changeling to protect the ponies watching over her.” The other guard was a bat pony with black fur and blue mane. She was wearing light blue with silver armor. “So cool it, Hardcase.”
Neither of them took note of how loud they were getting, or that the Absol they were watching heard them. This was normal with Lyra when she was still trying to learn about the Eevee Pack. However, with the new guard this was something odd. Even for Ponyville, this had gotten really weird as it was a Day and Night Guard.
“How can I cool it when we know nothing about them, and that white one is bigger than a pony!” Hardcase stated loudly. “It could eat anypony at any time!”
“I think we would have been called in sooner if that was the case.” Midnight said flatly. “You’re looking for trouble way it isn’t again. What’s your problem with them anyway?”
Athena snuck up on the bush as the two kept going back and forth on their view of the Absol. She turned out to be very light on her paws as she got closer to the bush. The Absol, and the few ponies that heard her, wondered what the problem Hardcase had with even the Eevee pack. If anything the pack and Absol have been very helpful to the town.
“They have powers that let them down things most unicorns can’t! It’s like they’re an army of trouble just waiting to let loose. Discord had a hoof in this I’m sure of it!” Hardcase shouted.
Midnight sighed. “How can you still be going on about that? He’s in stone, and can’t do anything. So just drop it already.”
“When we get it put in a cage, Midnight.” Hardcase stated flatly. “It and those things are nothing but trouble.”
<I wouldn’t let the Princesses, or Pinkie hear you say that.> Athena said softly, making the mare jump out of the bush. <That is kind of fun to do to others.>
“Who knew earth ponies could fly?” Midnight chuckled as Hardcase landed on her face. “That’s going to leave a mark.” She looked at the white furred hound as she wrote something down. “What’s the..?”
<Here.> The Absol said sliding the paper over before walking away. <Later.>
Hardcase pulled herself off the ground, holding her nose. “Ooowww. Who knew she was so quiet on her paws. We need to catch that mutt!”
Midnight sighed hoofing over the note. “She’s not going to be in town for much longer. Athena, her name, is going to be going on tour with either Octavia Melody, or Vinyl Scratch a.k.a. DJpon3. Looks like it’s just the Eevee pack to watch.”
“What?!” The earth mare shouted taking the note and reading it.
Dear Guards,
You must be new in town, so welcome. I’m Athena and I live with Octavia and Vinyl here in town. Hope the level of strange this town has doesn’t bother you two too much. If you, and the other new guard, are here to watch me for whatever reason there is. It’s only fair to give you a heads up about me going on tour with either mare once I make up my mind.
Wishing you both a good day,
Athena
Hardcase just blinked reading the note again. “I feel like I just got kicked in the gut. She’s just trouble!”
“You called her a she.” Midnight said with a grin as her partner let out a scream.
First Person (Mon? Oh who cares!) I rolled my eyes as I heard the scream of the Day Guard mare. There’s going to be a lot of fun to be had in town if those two are anything to go by, but I won’t be putting bets on it. I was heading for the post office to check for any mail for Vinyl. She had something coming that she needed before her tour started, and it was late.
I saw the Umbreon of the Eevee pack, Abes, leaving the office with a small yawn. Guess he was staying late for work. <Hey, Abes.> I called out with a wave of my paw, and got a wave back. We might not understand each other for some reason, but I still try in case something changes.
The bell rang as I entered the post office, and was greeted by some of the ponies. Derpy waved at me as I wrote down what I was there for, and pawed the paper to one of the post workers. I didn’t like to stay in town for very long since Runic and his two summonses showed up. The pranks of the Abra weren’t funny, and the Klink tried to crush my tail for no reason. Last time both appeared at the post office and tried starting a fight with me.
“Here you go, dear.” An older mare said hoofing over a small package to me. “It seems a lot of packages have been coming in with Poison Joke for those mares you’re staying with. Somepony must really want to keep them away from their tours.”
<No wonder this took so long to get here.> I muttered as I took the package and put in my pack. <I’ll let them know.> I wrote down what I said and waved goodbye.
I heard a pair of voices in a bush and sighed. Hardcase, and Midnight were failing to keep a low profile following me again. Well, Hardcase was at least. That mare could be louder than Vinyl’s music somehow, and that’s not easy to do. I rolled my eyes as I walked past the bush and dropped a note I wrote.
“I’m not loud!” The Day Guard mare shouted as I head home. “And I’m great at hiding!” <Shouting at me from a bush doesn’t help either.> I said before I heard something rushing at me. I put up Protect just in time as Hardcase slammed into it. <Someone needs to get anger management classes.>
“Hardcase! Stop that!” Midnight shouted as she grabbed her partner. “I’m sorry about her. She’s just really stressed out about our new posting.” She said as she held Hardcase in a headlock.
I sighed and got out a paper. “She made it clear she hates me and the Eevee pack. A mindset like that has no place in the guard.” I glared at Hardcase and pointed at her. <You are the kind of guard that starts wars. Get it together or quit!>
“A little harsh, but I get where you’re coming from.” Midnight said reading the note. “Still we were told you beat a Changeling, and save the two mares you were staying with. Any creature that can do that needs to be watched for a little while, and make sure it is not a threat to others.”
I nodded my head. “A fair point, Midnight.” I wrote. “I need to get this package to Vinyl. It should be the parts she needs to repair her turntables.”
“Get going then. I’ve got to drag my partner back so she wakes up.” Midnight chuckled weakly. “I held the headlock for too long.” She muttered holding up the pass out Hardcase.
<I’m not even going to ask how many times this makes for you, Midnight.> I said before I turned and headed home. “Just when I thought it couldn’t be any stranger, and those mares are from Canterlot. Maybe it’ll be safer to go with Vinyl after all.”
A Short Time Later <I’m home!> I called out as I closed the door. <Vinyl! You’re parts finally made it!> I pulled the package from my pack and set it next to the white unicorn’s turntable. <Girls?> A loud pair of thuds from the bedroom answered my question. <Take your time and clean up after please.> I deadpanned.
I put my pack near the door, and made sure the door was locked. No need for someone to walk in on those two like I did once, and that was in the shower. Octavia and Vinyl really took to their new biped bodies. It kind of scared me with how much they enjoyed even having fingers. Don’t ask about it, please.
Next I shifted to my biped form and pulled out the book I got. The nice thing about my collar was the four gems it held with my mega stone. It held three stars, and the crescent moon made of diamond held my clothes for my biped body. I had workout clothes, a diamond dog costume for in town, and regular clothes. The moon held a combat outfit that could take a heavy amount of damage. I do make sure to change them out when I have worn a set, and wash them. At the moment I was dressed in blue jeans, and a red tank top. It was time to relax as the mares had fun in their bedroom, and hope the book helped me make up my mind.
One Week Later I was wearing my diamond dog costume as I rode with Octavia to Canterlot. My tail was wrapped in leather scraps to help hide it, fingerless leather gloves, a long black duster, brown pants, white button up shirt, and a hat to hide my horn. I kind of looked like a female Indiana Jones. I even had a whip on my hip with two long daggers hidden under the duster. I needed my biped form to help Octy carry her things, and talk to her.
“I’m still surprised the idea came from Rarity for this.” Octavia said as we ate lunch at a café. “Where did she say the idea came from again?”
“She said it was from one of her mystery novels.” I answered as I sipped my tea. “I’ve got to give the mare credit for thinking on her hooves for this costume, and a few other ideas for hiding me in plain sight.”
“Think I should ask for a costume as well to do the same?” Octy asked before she took a bite of her sandwich. She had a thoughtful look on her face as she ate and looked around. “I wonder where our host is. They’re running late.”
I shrugged as I dug into my lunch of chicken, mashed potatoes, and a small salad. “I’m still not sure why either Princess would want to see us like this. At least we get a private area to enjoy some peace from the crowds. How do some of those nobles even get by on being so rude?”
Octavia rolled her eyes. “Your guess is as good as mine. I’m more surprised at how you shut up that last pair.” She chuckled as they trashed talked about my clothes. “Guess some of them have never been outside the city in their lives.”
“It is a shame to hear you both had some trouble here.” A voice said. We turned to see Celestia walk up to the table and sat down. A waiter placed her lunch before her. It was a chicken and bacon sandwich with fries. “I hope I didn’t keep you two waiting too long.”
“I’m sure you had something important to deal with. Running a country can’t be easy.” I waved it off. “So, how much did BonBon tell you in her report?”
“I can see how you’d think the invite would be about that.” The solar mare said as she ate. “But I wanted to know the creature that saved some of my ponies.”
“Athena has been a busy Absol.” Octavia said with a grin. “When we first met she took out an Alpha Timberwolf while injured.”
“Really?” Celestia asked as she looked at me. “What kind of magic did you use to drive it off?”
I chuckled softly. “I don’t use magic, Princess. It only looks like it with how some of it works.” I had to think back for a moment. “If I recall from after I got knocked into that tree. I used Thunder to knock the wooden mutt of its paws, followed up with Blizzard, and then broke it down using Razor Wind. Then I passed out from the pain.”
Celestia just blinked as I ate my meal. She turned to Octavia while she pointed a hoof at me. “Did that really happen?”
“Yes, she used those attack moves, that’s what she said those are called, and before that she used Protect to us from being hit by the wolf’s paw.” Octy said as she ate as well. This seemed to throw Celestia off her game a little. “But that’s not the only reason you wanted to see us, is it?”
“BonBon gave you an unedited report about Imago’s attack in person?” I asked as I sipped my tea. “Or should I say…”
“Yes. It’s the fact you have this other form I really wanted to ask you about.” Celestia said to cut me off. “And I don’t think it was Moondancer’s spell.” The glare Octavia and I gave her sent a small shiver up her spine. She hid it very well, but I saw a bit of it in her wing twitch. I was surprised she let it slip like that. “Twilight might have said something about a side project of Moondancer’s, but she’s been busy with…”
Octavia snorted. “Let me guess. Using four inch needles to take blood samples from the Eevee pack, and her translation spell?”
“She does what to the Eevee pack?” Sunbutt asked shocked. “Doesn’t she know that’s too big for such a thing?”
“She doesn’t care when her ‘For Science’ mindset kicks in.” I muttered. “She even tried it on me when Moondancer want to give me a check up before we left for tour.”
“Here I thought Luna telling them about the side effects of the Elements was a bad idea. Looks like she was right to do so a few nights ago.” Celestia said as she returned to eating. “I’ll make sure to send a detailed letter to her about her ‘research’ methods, again.”
Octy and I shared a look that said: “That’s not going to work at all with Twilight.” It wasn’t hard for Celestia to see it though.
“So what’s with the outfit?” Celestia asked as she wanted to change subjects. “I have to say it works well in hiding your form.”
“We have Rarity to thank for that, and she’s Pinkie Promised not to tell. I’ve got a few others clothes as well, thanks to Rarity, and a few other clothes I bought.” I said as I finished my meal. “I can’t help feeling like you wanted to learn something else, but I’m willing to tell you this form was gifted to me by Arceus. Well I would like to think it was him at any rate.”
Celestia kept up her poker face this time, as I couldn’t tell if she knew the name or not. Still was worth a try at least. “I hope this meeting helped with your worries about me living in Ponyville, Princess.”
“I feel much better knowing that there’s someone the guard can trust living there.” Celestia chuckled. “At least when you’re not out touring with Octavia or Vinyl. How has it been talking with the Eevee pack by the way?”
“It’s been pretty good, but I stay out of the way for the most part.” I wasn’t going to let her in that Vinyl and I started to fully understand the Eevee Pack now. It just meant it was about time for me to have a talk with the pack was all. “They are busy with helping the Element Bearers after all. I don’t think even Rainbow could pull herself away from Leo.”
Two Hours Later at the Royal Garden Luna’s P.O.V. Luna had joined them after waking up for a meeting with a group of nobles, which she really didn’t want to deal with. So she was more than happy to meet Athena, and Octavia as a means to make the stuff shirts wait. The mare of the night wanted to check on something as she hadn’t found any of the Absol’s dreams. At least she wasn’t sure if she had, but it was something she needed to check in person. Besides, she needed a little fun in the sun for a change and Tai had invited her along.
Third View Octavia chuckled as she, Luna, and Celestia watched as the statue of Discord had a small river flowing from its base. It was truly the highlight of the three mare’s day as Athena glared up at the statue’s face. It was something else to see the embodiment of disharmony and chaos in fear, even if he was turned to stone at the moment.
“This makes it worth awaking up so early in this day.” Luna said as she sipped her hot tea. It wasn’t her coffee but it was helping her wakeup. “And to think, sister. All we truly needed to strike fear into Discord was to find one like her.”
“I’m sure there’s a story about this.” Celestia said with a smirk. “I’m still waiting for the whole truth from you, Athena.”
The biped Absol glanced over her shoulder at the sisters. “I’ll tell when you give us a private area to talk, and make sure it is just us four, Princess. I don’t want the wrong beings to hear it.” Athena went back to her glaring at the stoned Discord.
“Really? You’re going to try and play games to get a truth out of her you know she’s not going to give, sister?” Luna asked with a glare at her sister.
“There is something more to her story I’m sure of it!” Celestia shot back as Luna sipped her tea. “I have to know what it is!”
Octavia inched toward Athena. “So this is what they are like when alone? It’s nice to see them being sisters.” She said with a grin. “Refreshing really to know they aren’t so perfect.”
The sound of something a keen to breaking made all four look at Discord’s statue. Along the neck from his right shoulder to his jaw as a visible creak. It was just enough to make it clear that something was very wrong. It was a question of what it was now.
Celestia and Luna sat across from Octavia and me in the lunar mare’s room. It was the only place that they could use that was close enough and sound proofed. Much to my surprise Luna had a table for us to sit at, and pillows. I was still looking around her room at the blue colors and night theme of it all. Even the crescent moon shaped bed with slippers was there, and it was still cute to see. Of course I was waiting for the two princesses to talk after dropping the same “truth” I gave Moondancer and Lyra. Only Octavia and Vinyl knew the real truth by now, and that was because I fully trusted them. Sunbutt hadn’t earned it just yet.
“So you’re here to protect the Eevee pack and this form is a gift by the old god?” Celestia asked in clear shock. “I’m so sorry for trying to push you into telling me the truth.”
“You’re only trying to protect your home and ponies. I can’t really be mad about it.” I said, sipping my tea. Luna was kind enough to make sure it was just tea. Hardcase was in the castle after all, and Midnight was in the room with us. “However, I do have the need to point out ponies like Hardcase, and you allowing them to be part of the guard. That’s part of the reason why you have trouble with other beings out there.”
“As I told you before, sister.” Luna said with a sigh. “Let us not forget the joke that most of the Day Guard are as well.”
“How can you say that?!” Celestia asked shocked. “They train so hard and keep up with what little crime we have! They also don’t have to hurt anypony to do their job!” She pointed a hoof at Luna. “While your guard has been rough on anypony that didn’t stop, or tried to hide from them!”
Luna snorted. “Oh yes. Letting them turn it into a game to get away with what was stolen, who they hurt, or worse. As of last night my guard stopped three murders, one kidnapping, and crushed a thief’s guild that planned on rubbing the castle.” She glared at Celestia. “Need I point out the ten guards that were part of that plan as well?”
“Wait, why were there guard part of it?” Octavia asked.
“They did it because they were both bored, and wanted to feel powerful.” Luna answered.
Celestia groaned with a face plant into the table. “You win, Lulu.” She sighed as she turned her head to look up at us. “I’ll have their training stepped up next week.”
“You’ll have it reworked and stepped up for their training before the weekend. It’ll make is easier to start them on the training next week.” I stated. “Where one Changeling is, a hive is not too far behind, and you have dealt with them before. Yes, this is me being blunt as Princess Luna did say we could be in her room.” I could tell Octavia wanted to say something, but she waited.
“And where do I find new training plans for my guard on short notice?” Sunbutt asked with a frown.
Octavia pointed to Luna. “Why her guard of course. Midnight over there is a great example of just how good they are.” She smirked. “She’s also a good teacher.”
Midnight chuckled. “Well, you and Vinyl learn will quickly as well. I didn’t think a Unicorn could be so tough.” She chuckled, rubbing her right wing. “Vinyl nearly broke my wing last time with that throw, too.”
“We rest our case.” I said with a grin, which got a groan from the solar mare. “Face it, Celestia. We either work on this, or you risk something happening that puts your ponies in danger. Which one sounds better to deal with to you?”
“I was going to ask why you let your sister be written out of history. However, I think you have enough to deal with now.” Octavia said with a grin of her own. “I wonder how deep the hole you would dig yourself explaining that to your sister.” I could almost feel the joy she was getting out of this.
Luna just waved a hoof. “We’ve already had that talk, and it was a very deep hole.” She smirked at her sister. “Right, Tia?”
“We missed out, and Vinyl won the bet.” Octy and I said at the same time. “Looks like we’re wearing that bikini around the house for a month.” We both thought with a blush, and knowing full well Vinyl was going to love it.
Midnight gave a weak chuckle. “Is now a bad time to point out I kind of want that biped spell?”
Luna rubbed her chin in thought, before grinning. “Sister, should we look into it ourselves? It could be a very fun thing for us to try, as well.”
“I’ll think about it, but I’m not sure we need it, really.” Celestia said. She blinked when Luna face hoofed. “Am I missing something?”
On the Train for Ponyville
I stretched out in the private cabin Octavia got for us after nearly a month in Canterlot, and Octavia’s tour. I had some fun in the city, meet a few ponies that liked me, and even got scouted to be a model by Fancy Pants. I had to turn it down, but Fleur said she’d keep a spot open for me. Something about Diamond Dog females being hard to find, and being more likely to be out scouting for the pack new homes. It would explain why it was rare for some packs to move through a town, and a few packs to stay in a town. Guess Rarity did better on my outfit then she thought.
“I still think you should have gone with Fleur to model.” Octavia said as she lay down on the other side of the cabin. “It would have been good for you.”
“Maybe sometime down the road, but I don’t think anyone is ready for an Absol like me just yet.” I said as I put my hat to the side. It was nice to let my hair down as I had let it grow out. It was down to the middle of my back, but I was thinking of cutting it. “It feels nice to relax some, but I’m not sure I’m ready to go home.”
Octy sighed. “Vinyl will most likely want us to wear one of those bikinis she had Rarity make for us.” The grey mare groaned. “I swear she’s a handful.”
“I’ll bet more than two handfuls.” I smirked seeing Octavia blush. “You two haven’t been very good about hiding your fun at home. I’m just glad we live so far from the town, or we’d have a lot to explain.”
Octavia giggled. “That is true.” A knock at the cabin door made us both sit up. “Who is it?” Octy asked as I moved toward the door.
For some reason my disaster radar was going off like mad as a child’s voice answered. “I’m a huge fan and was hoping to get an autograph. I also have a gift for you.” I felt like I knew the voice, but couldn’t place it.
Octavia joined me at the door and opened it. Standing there was a pegasus mare and I growled softly seeing her. There were two other ponies with her, both were earth ponies, and one seemed uneasy while the other watched the hallway. Octy barely dodged the mare as she tried to tackle her, and I got knocked over. This was either a crazy fan or something worse. I quickly got up to help Octavia fight the mare off all the same.
I grabbed the mare as she jumped at Octavia again and held her tightly with a bear hug. “That’s enough out of you! Keep fighting and I’ll have to get rough.” I warned letting my Shadow Claw dig into her sides some. “Got it?”
“You again!?” The mare asked and her voice finally clicked in my mind. “I wasn’t expecting you again, mutt!”
“Imago?! I should have known when I felt a disaster!” I snarled as the Changeling took her normal form. The flames hurt a little, but it wasn’t bad. “What’s your endgame now, nymph?” I felt something bite into my leg as Octavia cursed loudly. I looked down to see another Changeling with purple eyes and shine to his shell. “Let go of me, Pharynx! Let go now or I’ll fry you both!”
He let go as I charged a Thunderbolt and made Imago hiss in pain. Thorax however was pinned to the floor by Octavia. Not surprising when the earth mare was in her biped form, and wearing her battle outfit. A white tank top, black leather vest, brown leather on blue jeans, and mythril gauntlets with shin guards made her a deadly fighter. Octavia had her right hoof on Thorax’s back to keep him on the floor, and Pharynx growled seeing he couldn’t win.
“Fine. You got us, mutt.” Pharynx growled at me. “So now what?”
“Close the door and lock it. Next, I’m an Absol and if you call me a mutt again,” I growled back with hints of frost on my breath, “I’ll freeze you to your core. Got it?”
The normally bold Changeling gulped in fear and closed the private cabin door. “Yes, ma’am.”
Thorax spoke up. “She’s much scarier then you said she was, Imago. You sure we shouldn’t tell Queen Chrysalis about her? Also how did she know our names?”
“Bug bitch doesn’t know about me at all, or just my abilities?” I asked as I sat down and put Imago on my lap. “Because that can mean a lot about a few things I have been thinking about.”
That got a laugh out of Changelings. I guess they really didn’t like Chrysalis any more than I did, and that gave me an idea. Besides, it’s not like they have anything to lose. If things go right with my plan Imago, Thorax, and Pharynx will be on the road to being free of Chrysalis. “Is that purring?” I thought as Imago sighed. I had been petting her the whole time, and it was kind of funny.
