> Forgiveness > by WingKnight > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Chapter 1 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- After learning that Gallus had pulled the Hearth’s Warming prank because he had no family to celebrate the Blue Moon Festival with, the rest of the young six decided to stay in Ponyville with Gallus so he would not have to spend winter break alone. However, in spite of the very heartwarming conclusion to the whole situation, Ocellus was starting to wonder if she truly was a part of the group. She, and the rest of the changelings for that matter, was a former enemy of Equestria. Did the other creatures she had come to know as friends on the very first day of school really want her in their group? Or did the others still think the changelings were still a threat? This was all Ocellus could think about as she lay on her bed in her dorm room, just herself and her thoughts. *Knock-Knock* "Ocellus, are you still in there?" came a voice from behind the door. Shaking her head of those thoughts, Ocellus got up and walked over to the door. She opened it to find her hippogriff roommate Sliverstream, with the same smile that very rarely left her face. "Oh, hi Sliverstream,” Ocellus greeted with a sheepish smile, “Yeah, I'm here, but I still don't really feel that great. Can you make sure that Gallus and the others know that I might be down later?" "Sure I can! But are you sure you’re not up to coming down for a bit?” Silverstream’s smile grew as she said eagerly, “Headmare Twilight says that one of the professors is bringing something called fudge! We’ve never heard of anything like it underwater, but it sounds good!" Ocellus responded with a simple shake of her head, "No, I'm alright. I just really want to be alone for awhile.” Ocellus gained a look of contemplation and said with certainty, “‘Cause there are just a few things I need to sort through at the moment. Nothing at all you need to worry about." Silverstream shrugged and said, "Well, alright. But let me know if you need anything, and make sure to come join us when you’re done with. . . whatever it is you’re doing." Silverstream turned to leave, and Ocellus quickly closed the door Looking back and before slowly walking to her bed. Ocellus crawled in, and she made use of a secret that she been keeping from not only her family, but her friends as well. While all the other Changelings had lost most of their magic, Ocellus still possessed hers, and to a very high degree at that. Ocellus ignited her horn with a pale crimson glow as she polled the covers up and over her head. Unknown to her, however, there was another waching her as she fell asleep. Princess Luna, even while she was in her own dream, was still watching over the dream realm. Luna was dreaming about spending the thousand years that she was trapped in the moon as Nightmare Moon back in Equestria instead as if it had never happened. Naturally, this was one of her favorite the dreams. Nevertheless, the realm of dreams and those that walked it where her responsibility to protect, so when she sensed the beginnings of a nightmare brewing in Ocellus’ mind, the Princess of the Night knew what she had to do. "Me!? But, I would never do anything like this!" Ocellus protested in shock. Smolder snorted loudly and folded her arms as she treated Ocellus with a gaze of suspicion and disgust. "Oh, sure you wouldn't, shapeshifter!” Smolder said, her voice dripping with sarcasm and scorn, “At least the dragons only cause mischief and take gems and stuff. We’ve never tried to take over the whole world!" Silverstream nodded and said sourly, "I'm with Smolder on this one. You and the other Changelings are monsters! Even more than the Storm King, and he was nothing more than an overgrown money.” Sandbar advanced on the Changeling, and he pointed an accusing hoof at her as he demanded harshly, “Come on, Ocellus! You know you did it! Just fess up!” Ocellus was on the verge of tears as her five friends began shouting more accusations at her, when a wind suddenly tore through the room. It was so strong and loud that it drowned out all of the noise around her, and it seemed to cause the other five creatures to fade away. Then there was a soothing warmth in the very air, almost as if some creature had wrapped her in a fresh blanket. "Now that they are gone, I believe we can speak freely as to what is troubling you, little one," said a kind, gentle voice. Ocellus turned to find a female Changeling with a light green exoskeleton, rich purple eyes, and no horn. The adult had a smile that had always helped Ocellus feel like everything was going to be alright, even when Chrysalis was still their ruler. "Mother?” Ocellus asked in surprise, “What are you doing here? How did you get here? What did you do to make a them stop saying those things?" The other Changeling shook her head, but continued to smile that loving smile as she explained, "I am not your mother young Ocellus. This is merely the form that your mind allowed me to enter in as. For you see, one's mind must except my presence before I may make myself known.” The look-alike’s form slowly began changing into another. The body shape was still female, but she grew taller, and her color morphed from light green to that of midnight blue, with a dark royal blue mane that was completely full of sparkles, like stars on the clearest of nights. But what amazed Ocellus the most was that she had both wings and a long horn. "Princess Luna? What are you-?. . . And I'm dreaming right now,” Ocellus promptly concluded. Luna smiled with approval and said, “Twilight did say that you were clever, but I didn't think you would figure out you were dreaming so early. Most ponies need me to tell them.” Blushing lightly, Ocellus couldn't help but feel proud. And it meet even more that Twilight thought so highly of her. "Oh thank you...” Ocellus then looked up at Luna in amazement,  “Wait, you’ve heard of me?” "Yes, both my sister and I have. But never mind that right now,” Luna said with a soft smile. Lowering herself down the ground to be at the young Changeling's eye level, Luna gently draped a wing over her to let Ocellus know she was there to listen and to give advice if needed. "Now please, tell me what has caused such hurtful dreams on such a joyous time of the year,” Luna asked gently, “And please know that whatever is said to me here in your dreams will not be spoken to another.” Ocellus was silent for a minute, composing in her mind the best way of explaining things to Princess Luna, so she would understand what was going on at the school and the other creatures. "I think. . . the others don't trust me,” Ocellus said slowly, “You see, something happened while we were getting ready to go home for winter break, and they all thought that it was me.” Ocellus’ voice was starting to shake, and tears starting to flow down her face. "Even after everything we have learned at the school. Where were the Elements of Harmony in what was happening there?" Ocellus cried out in heartbreak before hanging her head down low and sobbing quietly. Luna did not say a word, she only just sat and listened, allowing to the young Changeling to speak her mind. All the while, Luna was trying to think of the best way to help the young Changeling. This was difficult, for she had never been betrayed in this way. But then, she suddenly remembered the story Twilight had told Celestia and her of the heartache that Sunset Shimmer had suffered, which was very similar to Ocellus’ situation . "Well, I do not fully known the best course of action. But I do believe that Twilight knows somepony that can help,” Luna said hopefully, “However, you will have to get permission to speak with her. For she is not. . . well, shall we say, in Equestria at the moment. You will have to tell Twilight what is troubling you, and ask about Anon-a-Miss.” Luna gently placed a hoof on Ocellus shoulder to reassure her this was the best course of action. Ocellus sniffed as she stopped her sobbing, and then she started to feel a light breeze of wind all around her. Luna nodded, and she stood up and said, "It seems that you awaking, so I must take my leave. But remember, you must trust your teacher, and not just with what is happening with you and your friends. For you should not have to hide who you truly are. Remember to ask Twilight about Sunset Shimmer." The light breeze suddenly became a might gale, and everything disappeared in a flash of light. Ocellus awoke from her sleep with a start, and she lay in bed in confusion for a moment. She wondered how Princess Luna could have known about her magic, but then she decided that finding Twilight had to come first. So, she crawled out of bed and went out to do just that. After searching the school for a bit, Ocellus finally spotted Twilight just as she was going into her office. Ocellus raced to catch up, getting to the door just as Twilight closed it behind her. *Knock-Knock* "Come on in. My door always open,” Twilight said pleasantly. Ocellus opened the door and walked right in. "Hi, Headmare Twilight. Can I talk to you about something?” she asked shyly, “Or, if you can't right now I can come back later-." Twilight smiled and shook her head, "No, I'm not doing anything important right. So tell me; what's up, Ocellus?" Slowly letting out a breath she didn't know that she was holding, Ocellus told Twilight everything, from how the others jumped to the conclusion that the prankster was her, to how Luna told her to talk to her about everything. Although, she still left out the part about her strong Changeling magic. "So, I’ve got to ask who's Sunset shimmer? And who or what is Anon-a-Miss?" Ocellus concluded. Twilight had been patiently listening to Ocellus’ explanation, but when she mentioned Anon-a-Miss, dark heavy frown formed on Twilight's face. "Ocellus, you are about to learn something that only the other princesses and the other Element Bearers know about,” Twilight said sternly, then she said with great conviction, “I couldn't stop Anon-a-Miss the first time, but I will not let her get past me!" > Chapter 2 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ocellus was standing in the main library of the Castle Friendship, waiting for Princess Twilight to come back from speaking with whatever creature that might be able to help her. But Ocellus couldn’t help but wonder; if she was just talking to one of her friends, why all the secrecy? Suddenly, Twilight re-entered the library and said, "Good news! Sunset said that you can come over and talk to her, and I got permission from both your mother and father as well as King Thorax. So, we're in the clear.” Ocellus nodded, but asked with uncertainty, "Alright, but can I just ask. . . why all the secrecy?” Twilight let out a small chuckle, and she said with a knowing smile on her face, "Well, let's just say that where you’re headed, things will be kind of familiar and completely different all at the same time." Ocellus blinked her eyes, and said, "Okay. . . I’m not really sure what that means. Or how I'm going to meet Sunset.” Twilight pointed and said, "She that mirror right over there? It’s really a portal that Starswirl the Bearded created over a thousand years ago. All you need to do is just walk through it, and Sunset will be to take it from there. Watch this. It just needs a power source to activate it.” Twilight lit her horn and used her telekinesis to lift up an old book. It was brown, with a red and gold sun on the cover. Twilight placed the book onto a pedestal above the mirror. Purple lighting-like magic began to flow through a bunch of parts that focused it all into a spear, which then shot itself at the mirror. The surface of the mirror then became a reflective light blue. Ocellus stared at the mirror portal with amazement and said, "Wow! That was incredible!” She then turned to Twilight and asked, “So, what now? I just step through and she'll be on the other side of it?" Twilight nodded encouragingly and replied, "Yep! Just walk right up to it and you will pass right through it. But there is something that you should know. Once you crossover, things will change, but not in the way you’re familiar with." Hearing this, Ocellus couldn’t help but feel a little insulted, as not looking like themselves is what changelings used to be all about. “I think that I be all right. After all . .” A quick flash of her changeling magic surrounded herself, and in her place was an exact copy of Twilight, right down to the cutie mark. “I’m somewhat used to not looking like myself sometimes,” the copy said with a cheeky smile. The original just rolled her eyes and let out a small chuckle. “Well, that is true, but no changeling has ever been known to have crossed over,” Twilight warned gently, “So, you should probably just be yourself." Ocellus switched back to her true form, and then she started towards the mirror. A look of awe overcame her as her hoof disappeared into the mirror as she put it to the glass. Ocellus cast a nervous look back at Twilight and asked, “This is safe, right?” Twilight nodded and said, “Of course. I would never put any of my students in danger. Just walk, don’t run. Trust me on that one." Ocellus gave a nod, and she stepped through the mirror. As she flew through a tunnel of infinite colors, she felt as if warm water was passing over her. Then, before she knew it, Ocellus appeared on the other side, breathing heavily, on all fours, and not at all noticing her new form. "Don't tell me that Twilight forgot to tell you about how you won't look like yourself?" a voice said. Ocellus turned around but saw nothing. "Who's there? Are you invisible? Is that something that you can do here?” Ocellus asked as she looked around for the owner of the voice. The voice laughed and said, “Oh no, it's not like that. I'm just up here ‘cause I wanted to see your expression when first saw what we look like in this world." Ocellus tilted her head up, and she noticed the large statue of a horse that rested atop the portal she had just came through. However, what really caught her attention, and got her mouth dropping, was the sight of who or what was talking. It was a girl with red and gold hair, orange skin,and wearing a pair of blue jeans with a blue top and a black and gold short sleeve jacket. As the girl stood atop the plinth of the statue, she held a small rectangular device in the air and aimed it at Ocellus. Click! The girl looked at the object and smiled, “Oh I am so keeping this one!” The girl jumped off of the plinth and approached Ocellus, wearing a friendly smile as she did so. “I’m Sunset Shimmer by the way. It’s Ocellus right? I figured you would like to see what you look like.” Sunset turned her cellphone to show Ocellus her new look, which gave her a bit of a shock. She was the same type of creature as Sunset Shimmer, although she had on a black shirt with a navy blue skirt, along with a bright red jacket with a white collar. Her skin was still teal in color, and her mane had turned into hair that was a light shade of red that was long and wavy. But her eyes where what shocked her most. They were still blue, but now they had wide cat-like pupils. "Wow. . . is that really me?" Ocellus said in wonder. “Yeah, it is,” Sunset said with a nod, “Took me sometime to get used to seeing myself like this, but you get used to it. So, anyway, Twilight told me what happened with you and your friends. And I would love to tell you, but on two conditions.” Sunset gained a more serious demeanor as she continued, “One: that you hear the whole story before I tell you my friends’ names, because believe it or not, you kinda actually know them, in a way.” Sunset then relaxed a bit and smiled as she went on, “Two: we go to Sugarcube Corner for some hot chocolate, ‘cause it’s kinda cold out here! Deal?” Ocellus couldn’t help but shiver a bit, as it was quite cold out, so she nodded and said,"Deal." After arriving at Sugarcube Corner, Sunset had Ocellus grab her usual spot while she went to went to get the hot chocolate. As she sat, Ocellus watched all the faces that passed by. She recognized so many of these people. The CMC, Bon-Bon and Lyra, there was even Sugar Belle working with the Cakes. "Enjoying the view?” said Sunset as she suddenly returned. Ocellus flinched in response to getting caught in the act of something.This would always be enough trigger the instinct of fight or flight, especially in the old days before Thorax became King. But, Ocellus quickly remember that Princess Twilight trusted Sunset, so she found no reason to fight or flee at the moment. Nevertheless, Ocellus blushed and said, "Sorry, it's just that I didn't think headmare Twilight really meant it when she said things were the same and completely different at the same time. And I love to learn is all.” Sunset handed Ocellus her cup of hot chocolate with a smile. “Well then, I better tell you about Anon-a-Miss before you get overwhelmed with everything,” Sunset decided, “You see, it all started at the start of winter break. . .” Sunset told Ocellus the entire story, minus the names of her friends. They would tell her their part of the story later. "So, that's Anon-a-Miss,” Sunset concluded, “Sure, I got picked on for something I don't do, and it was rough. But things have ended far worse for others that have gone through this kinda thing.” Ocellus felt nothing but sympathy for the girl in front of her. "That's some story. . . and all because three girls wanted you away from the sisters? That is just low. It reminds me  of a certain former leader who took the form of somepony’s fiancé.” Sunset raised an eyebrow at this, but decided to save her own questions for later. Instead, she asked, "So, now that you know my side of Anon-a-Miss, do you want to hear my friends’ side of it? Because once you know who they are, you might se their counterparts in a different light.” After taking a sip of her hot chocolate, Ocellus gave a nod, her curiosity getting the better of her. Taking out her cell phone, Sunset texted the girls to meet at Sugarcube Corner to meet with someone from Equestria. Soon enough, they texted her back. "Well, they should be here in about fifteen minutes,” Sunset said, and she put her cell phone away and asked Ocellus, “So, care to tell me abit about yourself?” Ocellus nodded enthusiastically, “Sure thing! Ooh, let's see. . . where to start? Oh! I know, how about I tell you about how me and my other creature friends ditched school and nearly ended up getting it shut down.” > Chapter 3 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- “Aw can we go innow? It’s freezing so bad that I’m starting to turn blue!” Complained Rainbow Dash as she rubbed her arms to stay warm, which was getting harder as it was starting to snow lightly. “Wait I thought that you were always blue?” Asked Pinkie Pie innocently, looking at Dash who just rolled her eyes. The others just tried to stoffel their laughter at Pinkie’s question. “Well, darlene,” said Rarity with a touch of smugness in her tone of voice, “That is what you get for not wearing any sleeves. I mean, really, there is snow on the ground. One would think that it would be a good indicator that it’s cold outside.” At that moment, Fluttershy’s cell phone rang, and pulled it out to see that Sunset had sent her a text. Ask if they were going to come inside of if they were just going to keep freezing themselves outside. Fluttershy made an attempt to let her friends know, Um,girls-“ Applejack just laughed and said, “Hay, y’all know Dash! ‘Too cool to be cold ‘ and to thick headed to listen to anyone about anything “. Um, girls "Applejack's right Rainbow,” Twilight said as she began to rattle off smartly, “Numerous studies have shown than even in temperatures that are not in the lower digits can cause illness, hypothermia, and-.” "GIRLS!" Everyone stopped immediately talking and were shocked to hear Fluttershy yell. Their normally quite friend raising her voice was like a siren going off. Fluttershy appeared quite frustrated for a second, but then she quickly switched back to her normal self like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and said politely, “Sunset asked if we are going to come in and meet Ocellus? Um, or I guess we could just stay out here and freeze. . . " Rainbow needed no further invitation, and she quickly rushed inside. The others either sighed or gave a quick laugh as they followed her in. After entering Sugarcube Corner, they headed over to their usual spot where they saw Sunset talking to a young girl, who they all figured must be Ocellus. Seeing her friends heading their way. Sunset's old attitude came back, but not in the way that they use to. More of the sassy kind of way. "Well, well, well. Look at what the cat dragged in,” Sunset said with a smile, “Finally got tired of starting in the cold? Or did Fluttershy finally get your attention by saying that you could come in?” Popping out from behind Sunset, Pinkie Pie appeared out of nowhere. She was carrying a tray filled with enough  banana nut muffins and hot chocolate for them all, minus Sunset and Ocellus because they already had some. "O, kind of both! You see Rainbow and the others where starting to get into an argument about just coming in and coming over and saying ‘Hi Sunset we're here’, but Rarity said it would be impolite to just go in and come over because Ocellus doesn't know us. But then Rainbow started to complain that it was too cold outside and we all started telling her that she should have worn something with sleeves, all well Fluttershy was trying to tell us that we could come in, but we didn't hear her, that is until she screamed loud enough to put the Sirens to shame!” Pinkie said all of this without taking a single breath, and she spoke so fast that unless you knew her well, you would need to have her repeat every thing she just said. Sunset just laughed at Pinkie being Pinkie, while Ocellus was in complete shock at seeing the faces of her six professors. It was almost impossible to believe that what she was seeing was real. "Umm, two things,” Ocellus asked cautiously, “One, where did you even get those muffins and hot chocolate? And two, is this some kind of joke or did I really cross over into another universe? Because you all really look like the ponies I know, and trust me, I know when some creature is not being themselves.” Applejack raised an eyebrow at that. "And what d’ya mean by that?" she asked suspiciously. Sunset jumped in immediately to defend her fellow Equestrian. "Oh, well, what she means is that back in Equestria, she what’s called a changeling. Back in Equestria, there creatures that can transform themselves to look like anycreature or anything." Nodding in understanding, the girls were willing to trust Sunset judgment. Also, the fact that Princess Twilight sent Ocellus to them only enhanced it. However, Ocellus was still slightly unsure of what was happening. So, she decided to give them a quick test just to make sure that this really was another universe. "Um, before you tell your side of Anon-a-Miss, can I ask a question real quick? Twilight, does the name Nyx mean anything to you? I just want to make sure this isn't same kind of prank,” Ocellus said. Twilight gave a nod and said, "You mean the guardian of the night? From the the story Nyx of the Night? Well, I loved that one growing up, but what does she have to do with this being some kind of prank? Twilight’s answer was more than enough to prove it to Ocellus. "Oh, not important,” Ocellus said quickly, “So, what happened to make you think that miss Shimmer was Anon-a-Miss?” And so, Applejack took the lead in telling the story, starting with what had happened three years ago. Sunset had split up their group just by changing a few text messages, and did plenty other nasty things in Canterlot High. It had taken Princess Twilight from Equestria to put an end to Sunset’s cruel ways and show her the path of friendship. However, the memories of Sunset’s past actions still remained, which was why when Anon-a-Miss started posting secrets about them, they thought it just had to be her. As they began to remember everything that had happened, the others started to realize how stupid they were for not even giving Sunset a chance. Pinkie hair was even starting to go deflate. Meanwhile, Ocellus could hardly believe what she was hearing. These girls might not be her teachers, but they were still technically the Elements Bearers. As Rarity nervously twirled her hair around her fingers, she was the one to finally speak up and say, "So, you see dear, we let are emotions, as well as what happened before hand, get the better of us. All because we just thought what we wanted to think, without hearing or looking at all of the facts." "Rarity's right, we weren’t thinking," said Rainbow, frowning bitterly as she remembered what a jerk she was, “I mean, I would normally never leave a friend out to dry. Huh, some Elements of Harmony we are. Personally I think Twilight's lucky. Both of them". Rainbow took a quick look at the Twilight at her side, who just smiled and nodded. Rainbow turned back to Ocellus and continued, “But after our sisters admitted the whole thing, we did what we're doing right now: Talking about it. . . even if some things were said that can’t be unsaid." Sunset sighed in slight annoyance, but nevertheless smiled and said, "Rainbow, I told you and the other countless times: I forgive you!” Rarity was the one who answered, and she said apologetically, "Sunset, we know, but we still cannot believe we were so foolish. And normally I enjoy a little bit of gossip. We simply didn’t give you the benefit of the doubt, and we can never fully make up for the way we hurt you.” Rarity sniffled a bit, then turned her attention to Ocellus. “So, dear, after hearing both sides of the story, are you feeling any better?" Ocellus thought it all over, and she realized that after hearing everything, she really did feel better about her own problem. In fact, she was starting to get an idea about what to do back at school. "You know what...yes,” Ocellus said with a smile, “But one thing, didn’t any of you think it was a little too obvious that it was Sunset? Coming from a changeling, I know that making yourself too well known is a bad idea. We used to have to make sure we didn’t get caught. If we were, then we didn't eat!” Pinkie, hearing that last part, returned to her normal Pinkie self, her hair poofing up again and her boundless energy returning. "Oooo! What do you mean by that?” Pinkie asked eagerly, “Do you and others changelings feed on negative energy like in a cartoon?" "Well, if you want, I can tell you all about the hive and the other changelings,” Ocellus offered politely. Fluttershy's eyes grow three times in size at the prospect of getting to hear more about Equestria. "Oh yes! Sunset hardly tells us anything about her home world." The rest of the girls voiced their agreement, so Ocellus quickly began, "Well I guess I should start at the beginning. I was born under the rule of Queen Chrysalis. She was an awful tyrant who wanted to conquer all of Equestria so the changelings could feed off of everypony’s love. She made our kind widely known to Equestria when she made plans to invade the city of Canterlot. Her plan was to crash the wedding Princess Cadence and Shining Armor. . .” > Chapter 4 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- After swapping stories about what was going on in both worlds; like Twilight’s transformation into Midnight Sparkle, Starlight helping to take on Juniper Montage, all the way to Cozy Glow attempting to steal all the magic in Equestria; Ocellus finally felt that it was time to go back and face her friends. With Sunset leading the way, they all left Sugarcube Corner and were soon all standing out in front of the remains of the Wonder-Colt statue. “Do you really need to be head back to Equestria already?” Pinkie Pie asked, sounded slightly disappointed, “I mean you really only just got here. I didn’t even get to throw you a ‘welcome to another dimension party’!” With a smile, Ocellus turned away from the portal to let Pinkie Pie down easily. That and to also get one last look at all the girls that she had bonded with in such a short time. “With all do respect, I think that we might not want to have a party. That might create questions that you all might not want to answer,” Ocellus said gently. Twilight looked down at the ground, rubbing her right arm awkwardly. Sunset just nodded her head in understanding. It was probably for the best that if just their group knew that Ocellus was from another world. Sunset took a step forward and gave her fellow Equestrian, a strong hug. Sunset knew what it was like going back to Equestria after being in this world. She herself had gone back a few times, and it always felt strange. “Goodbye Ocellus,” Sunset said warmly, “It was nice getting to talk with somepony- I mean someone from Equestria. Have a safe trip, and don’t be a stranger! You can always just ask Princess Twilight if you ever want to know about this world. And who knows, maybe I’ll see you in Equestria the next time I visit." "And don't ya'll forget to tell Twilight hi from all of us," Applejack said. "I just hope it's not as strange as last time I got to meet her,” Twilight said nervously, “I’m still not entirely sure if it counts as talking to myself . . ." That comment got a laugh out of all of them, which was good because both Twilights were usually not that funny. After the laughing, Ocellus nodded and replied, "Don't worry. I will. This is one lesson I'm not going to forget anytime soon. Maybe Headmare Twilight will let you all come over sometime.” At the sound of Sunset's bag vibrating, she reached in and pulled out her phone. She looked at the screen and gave a single nod, letting Ocellus know that it was time for her to head back to Equestria. Ocellus turned to face the portal, but looked back to take just one last look while shaking her head. "No creature is going to believe this." With that, she stepped through the portal. Rainbow crossed her arms gave a small smirk and said, "You know, I would really like to know who her teachers are. Bet they’re not half as cool as us." Sunset just gave a small laugh and shook her head. Knowing that the girls would never believe her. Even though telling Rainbow Dash that she had just insulted her own coolness would’ve been really funny. “Now, I’m sure that you are all wondering where Ocellus is,” Twilight asked the group of five friends. The five of them were starting to get worried about not seeing any sign of their changeling friend all afternoon. In fact, each of them were showing it in their own ways. Sliverstream and Sandbar where off thinking about what they could have done wrong. Yona was off to the side smashing a log that she got from her homeland, albeit lacking the thrilled emotions that she normally would have whenever she was smashing something. Even Smolder and Gallus, while trying their best to keep up their "whatever” act, were starting to worry. It simply wasn't like Ocellus to just disappear without saying anything. With arms crossed, Smolder looked to her headmare and responded, verbally expressing what was bugging all of them. However, she still tried to keep to keep the concern out of her voice to keep up her tough-girl image. "You beat that we would! Just leaving out of the blue? That’s not like her at all. I mean, Silverstream doesn't even know and they’re roommates!" Yona nodded and chimed in, "Yona agree with Smolder! Ocellus would have told one of friends." Twilight couldn’t help but smile with pride at how much the students had learned from her friends as well as herself. But, as the headmare of the school, it was her responsibility to make sure that the students didn't worry about their friend. "Well, I'm glad you all have been paying attention in you loyalty classes with Rainbow Dash,” Twilight complimented, “Now, I assure you all that Ocellus is in good hands. She was having a few problems, and with counselor Starlight out of town visiting her father, I sent her to some pony that has gone through the same thing." Silverstream raised an eyebrow in confusion and said, "Um, yeah, that's great and everything. But that still doesn't tell us where she is. So, can you please, please, please tell us? Twilight shook her head and replied, "I'm sorry, but the only ones that know the location are the other Element Bearers, myself, and the other Princesses. The only reason Ocellus knows is because of Princess Luna. She told her to ask me to let her speak with her." With a hint of rage, in his voice Gallus shot into the air and shouted, "So let me get this straight: you call us in to tell us where Ocellus is. . . But then you tell us that you can't tell us where she went! Seriously!?” Twilight frowned and put her hoof down as she addressed the griffon authoritatively, “Now Gallus, I will answer whatever questions that any of you have. But as for where she is right now, it involves a secret that goes all the way back to the time of the Pillars. And if Princess Luna hadn’t told her ask me about it, then  I would have never even said anything about to her. It’s that big of a secret.” Calming down and landing back down on the ground,  Gallus hung his head in a bit of shame. He began to see that there might have been a better way of getting his point across. “Sorry,” he muttered. "It's all right,” Twilight said in a more gentle tone, “I know that all of you are just worried. I would be too if it was one of the girls that went missing without a word. But pretty soon you all will find out exactly  why I had her talk with a very special friend of mine.” Twilight then smiled broadly and said loudly, “Isn't that right, Ocellus?” In a flash of light, Ocellus appeared in the front of the main doors to Twilight's office. At the sight of her changeling friend, Yona rushed forward and embraced Ocellus in a bone crushing hug. Ocellus gasped and said, “Yona. . . you’ve proven that yaks are best at hugs. . . but I can’t breathe. . . So can you let go now?” After Yona let go, all of the other creatures walked over and embraced her in group hug. . . All except for Silverstream. The hippogriff’s cheerful smile was gone, and it was replaced with a hurt looking and  nearly emotionless expression. Ocellus noticed how sad she looked, and freed herself from the group hug to approach her. "Um Silverstream? Are you alright?” Ocellus asked. Silverstream nodded slowly and said, "Yes. . And I’m glad that you're back, but I’m kind of sad that you didn't tell any of us where you were going. I mean, now we know that you couldn't tell any of us, but you still could have said something.” Ocellus sighed at the fact that Silverstream was right. Just disappearing without a word might not have been the smartest thing to do. "You’re right,” Ocellus admitted, “I should have at least told you that Twilight was having me talk with some creature. I mean, we do share a room, and you are a great roommate." Hearing that caused Silverstream's smile to return, and she proceeded to raise her right claw so Ocellus could bump her hoof against it. As Sandbar watched the two girls clear the air, he realized that somecreature had to ask what they all wanted to know. He decided that it might as well be him, and he said,  "Alright, time to talk about the elephant in the room. I'm just gonna ask: Ocellus, where in Equestria did you disappear to, and why did you leave?” Giving a knowing smirk and looking her friends in the eye, Ocellus said, "Well, here’s the answer to the second question first: It’s because of how I was one of the first to be blamed for Gallus's prank. As for the first question, well, you know I can't tell you everything. . . but, let's just say that Twilight had me speak with a pony that changed its form like me.” > Chapter 5 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Wow so you spent the whole day in another universe? That's incredible, what was it like?,what did you do?, can we go there? Fired off Sliverstream not giving Ocellus a chance to answer any of her questions well slowly inching closer to her well the other's just listened knowing that Sliverstream would do just what she was doing. Gently pushing Sliverstream back with her hoof she still wasn't really for them to about her other kind of magic. "Well first remember what we talked about personal space?" Sliverstream's face just brighten with embarrassment. "Now to answer. Like I was me but not me,just sit and talk well have a snake, and I don't think that would a good idea. Smolder chuckle at the way Ocellus was about to just answer all of Sliverstream questions without even really trying. Gallus on the other hand was just sinking lower leaning that he caused one of his closest friends to be pushed to the point of leaving the school that she loved. " Hay Ocellus this is kind of hard to say but . . .im sorry . Seeing how all the blame was aimed at you. I feel even worse about wanting make all of you stay here over the holiday." With small shake of her head Ocellus looked Gallus in the eyes "Gallus,everyone let's just agree that somethings where said and leave it at that." All of them nodded in agreement glad they where able to clear the air about everything that happened well they were getting ready to go back to there home's "So Yona have to ask. If you got the choice to stay where ever it was you went would you? None of them even though that was a possible and the knowing that her leavening might have been permanent. With pure pride in her voice and a smile on her face Ocellus looked at her friends all waiting for her to answer. "No the other world might be nice and all. But Equestria, school and the Hive are my home. Plus all my real friends and family are in this world." Even other creature let out a breath that none of them really that they where holding. Glad to know that they didn't cause somebody they care about to disappear forever with out even saying goodbye. "So now that we got everything cleared about about way you left. I think that we all really own you an apology. So is there anything we can do to make it up to you?, and don't say nothing. Asked Sliverstream really wanting to make it up to her roommate. Thinking if there was anything anything at all. " Well there is two things that all of you can do. But the first one is just for Gallus” replied Ocellus with a wicked smile. The young griffin just cringe back not really sure if he was going to like where this was going." And just what would that be? "You go down to the kitchens and get me some of that fudge because I don't get any of cause I was talking with Twilight. And the second we all go out and enjoy the snow I really feel like doing some sledding, deal? "All of them where a little shocked that all Ocellus wanted was some of the fudge for the party and to spend the day with them. "Well professor Rainbow Dash did say that the pegasus where doing another snow fall to help get rid of there overstock of snow so... I'm in." Said sandbar followed by nods in agreement and the rest of them except for Sliverstream how need to have what sledding was just because there was no such thing as snow underwater. Yona even volunteered to find them the best place because yak's are best when it comes to to snow and ice. After spending the rest of the day outside in the snow the student's returned to there dorms just as Luna was raising her moon with only took them so long because they had to wait for Smolder because she was wearing three coats and was slowing them all down. "Well that took us only about two-half hours. “Wounded way?” Asked Gallus not even bothering to hide the sarcasm in his voice. Responding defensively " Hay give me a break dragons might breve fire. But we still prefer extremely worm places”. Reply Smolder giving all of them a good laugh. "Yay yay let's all laugh it one the one how's cold blooded.” Who just rolled her eyes in annoyance. “What ever I'm on vacation so if any of you need me I don't exist until eleven at the latest got it ! Yona come on let’s get back to are room before I lock you out and you have to sleep in the snow. "But yak like snow and ice how that punishment? Asked Yona like Smolder was being serious. After parting ways each group headed to their rooms. Sandbar with Gallus, Yona with Smolder, and Sliverstream with Ocellus. Sliverstream was currently laying on top of her bed pruning her wings as the same time trying to figure out if she should tell Ocellus what she know about her? "Hay Ocellus is there anything else that you want to talk about? That might you are not tell me about. Ask Sliverstrem trying really hard to sound this was just a casual conversation. Poking her head out of there small dorm room bathroom. Using her hoof to move a blue and green toothbrush back and forth in her mouth."NoI'mgoodbutwaydoyouask?" Ask Ocellus not reliving that she could not be understood "Um can you repeat that? Asked Sliverstream with a confused face. Taking her toothbrush out blushing slightly. "Sorry what I said was no I'm good but way do you ask? Then resumed to brushing her teeth. "Well just so you know it's not my place to say anything to the others but two things one. Way are you using your hoof in stead of levitating it with your magic? And two way didn't you tell me you had that kind of magic? Ocellus's eyes widen in shock along with chocking the toothpaste she was using."Um what... what are you talking I don't have any kind of magic like that. What makes you think that can do anything like that kind ". replied Ocellus trying to keep her voice form shaking. "Well a few things nothing major but you sometimes levitate everything. On your side of the room in your sleep and don't say it's not you because your horn has a glow the same color as everything that's floating. Seeing no point in denying it Ocellus decided she might as well come clean. “So how long have you known?” Sliverstrem did a quick check in her head to “ Sense the field trip. So.. about a month or so. But way have you not told any of us about this? I mean this is huge and.Can any of the other changeling use magic like you? “I just didn’t want anyone to know not even my mother and father know let and I don't want them to just let. And no as far as I know I'm the only one that can. So can you not tell anyone please?" “Way would I it’s not my place to say anything. But can you do you anything besides levitation?” Shaking her head “No just the levitation.So this says between the two of us right? I just don’t want anyone to know yet is all.” Giving a large smile Silverstream Nodded in agreement that she would keep her friend’s secret tell she was ready for others to know. Smiling “You know it kind of nice that someone know’s and I’m not alone with my secret thanks.” Letting out a long soft yawn Sliverstream shock her head try to stay awake. “You’re welcome, but can we head to sleep now before any more secrets are revealed? Because it's been a long day and I'm exhausted . Letting out a yawn of her own. I’m with you on that one. Good night and sleep tight. "Wow I cannot we are getting to see the changiling hive. You know I bet we're the non-changeulings to visit the hive after the metamorphosis." Clamed Sandbar, well the others where just amazed at everything there was around them. Even Smolder was impressed with all the color around her. Who felt at home her self with not everything cover in plants just let. “Well counselor Starlight was here recently. But you’re the first to be invited by a member of the it." Replied Ocellus leading her friends to the main entrance. Unaware that she was being watched by another. Princess Luna just watch Ocellus and her group head into the hive but didn’t make her self known. Because it was her job to just watch the dreams of her subjects for there nightmares and interfere only when necessary.This however was a check up to see if things had improved form the last time and from the screen in front of her only brought joy to herself. “Well done Ocellus you have leaned what took me over a thousand years to learn. That Communication is key in any kind of relationship be at friends or family. Dream well young changeling .”