Spy Glass Makes a shocking discovery that could change his life forvever! The problem is deciding wether is was for better or for worse.
Spy Glass is a private investigator, hired by the princess herself for a very special task: To find and arrest changling spys she suspects to be placed all around Canterlot. He is especially happy to hear that the pay will be great enough to get his life started with his wife, Melony, and his soon to be born foal. But once he makes a shocking discovery, he will have to make a decision that will either crush his dreams, or begin his future!
Note: This story takes place after the Changeling Invasion, Long before they've been reformed. In this alternate timeline Changelings do not reform into colorful beings when reformed, nor does the entire race reform at once. But I hope you like the story anyway^^
I shook like a wet dog as I sat in the royal sister's dining room, staring back at the Princess of the sun herself. I tried not to stare, but also, I tried not to look away for too long. Everything matters when dealing with the princess. The slightest offensive action is a felony.... I think.
I would know, I have a knack for knowledge on law, my line of work requires it. I'm a private investigator for the citizens of Canterlot. If you don't know what that is, a Private Investigator is a detective that is hired by someone to solve a more personal conflict; like scouting out business competition, or finding evidence of a cheating spouse. Now, I don't mean to brag, but I happen to be the best private investigator in Canterlot! There has not been a mystery I couldn't solve.
I suppose that might be the reason the princess called me here today, actually. But it is still very nerve-wrecking being in the presence of the princess who raises the sun every morning and lowers it every night. The only thing that could make this situation worse, is if Luna were in the room as well. I swallowed the lump in my throat as she cleared her own. "I assume you know why I called you here?" she paused for a long moment as she speculated me. "Are you alright, Spy Glass? You seem nervous." She said to me after I wiped the sweat from my brow.
"Yes... I-I mean... n-no?" I gave her a forced smile, hoping to not concern her. She giggled in response before speaking again.
"Relax, Spy Glass," she started, "You're in no trouble."
"Well... I know that... I assume y-you require me for my abilities. I-It's just not everyday that Princess Celestia invites someone to lunch to discuss it.... Y-you'd have to expect SOMEPONIES t-to get nervous," I stated.
"Well, a detective you ARE then. I've heard the stories of your many cases and I have yet to hear of a single flaw in any of them," A sense of pride washed over me, quickly washing away my anxiety.
"I DO suppose my talents are outstanding. Though, I'm a private investigator, not a detective," She smiled at my moment of confidence.
"Ah, indeed you are! And that is exactly why you are here, Spy Glass; I can not afford failure," My anxiety returned with these words. There was long pause for it to settle in before she spoke again. "I'm quite certain you have noticed the recent attack on Canterlot," she continued before turning her attention out the window. The reconstruction of homes and the repairing of city damage caught her gaze.
A shiver went down my spine as I remember the attack clearly. The images of swarming enemies hovering over the cowering guards, the city crumbling into destruction, and homes and families being destroyed rushed back to him; and on top of that, The Elements of Harmony almost didn't prevail.
"Y-you couldn't mean the.... Changelings, c-could you?" I said with a shaky tone in my voice.
"I'm afraid that's exactly whom I speak of, Spy Glass. I believe that they may still be around, watching us, taking note of our actions. I believe that we have spies, gathering information and bringing it back to their ruler. I believe, Spy Glass, that are are preparing for war," another shiver ran down my spine at the thought of it.
"B-but how can you be sure?" I ask in response.
"I can't be sure, that is why you're here. Spy Glass, I want you to find out," My heart jumped as I heard this. "I want you to do what you do best; use your abilities to keep not just Canterlot, but all of Equestria safe," I would have argued about not having a lead, but finding one IS part of my job sometimes.
"But changelings are dangerous! Heartless! I have a home life that I can't afford to lose!" My thoughts flickered to my wife as I said that.
"I understand your reluctance, but you should hear all my words before making your decision. I will be willing to provide a couple of bodyguards for your safety whenever you may need them," I was relieved to hear her say this, and I calmed down a little more. "And if something WERE to happen to you despite that, I would be happy to provide compensation for your family," all weights were lifted, I composed myself once again.
"In that case, Princess, I'd be happy to complete this task for you! I'll begin tomorrow," I turned for the door, anxious to return home and tell Melony all about it, before Celestia spoke again.
"We aren't finished quite yet, Spy Glass. Do not think I'm asking free labor of you, we have yet to discuss your payment."
"Oh, right! What is your offer?" I asked. Her answer seemed distorted, my mind must went into a haze as she spoke, and I could have sworn I was about to faint. "D-do you suppose you could repeat that, please?.... I must have misheard you," I said to her, waiting for her to respond again.
"200,000 bits for each changeling you can identify and bring to custody," she said, this time with a knowing smile.
"D-don't you think that's a little much?" I responded, scratching at the back of my neck. I remember being in some tough situations. Everything from cheating spouses to missing ponies to business fraud. They've all been really challenging, but I never got paid any more than 15,000 bits for a case, and even a payment at that size was rare. "As long as I find a good lead, this case shouldn't be more challenging than any other case. And I don't receive THAT much for cases like those, "
"Though it may seem excessive, there is a large bounty on changeling spies. Where there are spies, there are plans for war, or worse; either one would could us MILLIONS of bits if we just let it happen. We're already looking at a little over a million for this most recent attack, and that's small-scale if we do end up going to war. The less information they can get back to their queen, the safer Equestria will be. So, Spy Glass, we not only are we paying you for doing your job, but we are also paying you for what you are preventing. Does that make sense?"
"Well, I suppose if you put it that way.... I don't know how to thank you, enough! You have no idea what this can do for me!!" She giggled before speaking again.
"I'm sure I know what it could do. I expect you will be successful, and thank you for coming to discuss this with me." She waved as I practically skipped out of the door. I quickly came to a full gallop as I raced home. I couldn't wait to tell Melony all about it. I could already picture her, jumping and squealing in excitement. My thoughts then shifted to her alone; my hooves slowed down and my heart sped up. Melony, my beautiful, loving wife I thought as I slipped into a semi-conscious trance.
I can still remember I day I met that beautiful, blue unicorn. It was a magical night that changed both of our lives. The images, thoughts and sounds of that night rushed back to me, remembering it as if it were yesterday, despite being 6 years, 10 months, and 12 days ago (Yes, it is something I keep track of).
Spy Glass’s thoughts took him back to the past, the day he met his wife 6 years ago.
Spy Glass jotted down a few notes, holding the pen in his right wing and the note pad in his other, as a stallion described a his wife. He was in the middle of a potential-cheating-spouse case, and the orange unicorn stallion was telling him what to look for:
Female Unicorn Turquoise Coat Dark Red Mane Blue Eyes Answers to: Sky Beam
Spy Glass looks up the the stallion, flipping the pen in his wing occasionally. "So, Mr. Red, what exactly makes you think your wife might be cheating on you? Do you have anything I can use as a lead?" He asked the stallion, probing for as much information as he could gather. The stallion was actually called Lemon Green; but, for some reason, he preferred to be called Mr. Red. A mystery not even the white pegasus himself could solve it seems.
"Well, what peaked my suspicion, was 'dis pink letter in da mail," Mr. Red started, his voice deep and raspy. He had a thick Brooklyn-accent; fresh from Manehatten no doubt. "'First, I thought Sky put it there fo' me, 'cause she's sweet like 'dat, 'til I saw da name. It was 'dressed to her from a stallion named Blue Dusk. I neve' told her I saw it. But nex' time I did, it was opened, in da bin. He was askin' her to meet 'im at Icey's Café."
"Do you suppose I could see the primary source, Mr. Red?" Spy asked after jotting down a few key points of the story.
"Ain't 'dat Illegal, goin' through ponies' mail?"
"The message was discarded, if she REALLY didn't want any pony to see it, she would have shredded it. You already found the letter in the trash; it is considered garbage. It is not illegal to give me a piece of rubbish you found."
"Well, 'guess if you put it dat way.... I don't see no problem wit' it" said Mr. Red, before disappearing for a moment to retrieve the letter. He returned soon after, handing Spy Glass a hot pink colored envelope. Sky Beam's name was on it, in a very neat hoof-writing. He put it in his notebook on the page he was taking notes in and closed it.
"I'll be keeping it around for later references. Did it say what time they'll be meeting?"
"'Round five tonight! Thanks for doin' dis, pal!"
"No, need! Just doing my job! Speaking of which, are you paying up front, or should I put it on account?"
"How much is it costin' me?"
"1,000 bits,"
"Put me on account, I'll pay ya nex' month."
"Alright, you will receive the invoice in the mail from Spy World Inc. next week. You have a good day, Mr. Red."
"Ay, you too!"
Spy Glass made his way to Icey's Café, the snow crunched under his hooves as the the light slowly faded. He couldn't shake the feeling that he was forgetting something. It was really nagging at him, and the fact that every detail matters only amplified the problem. He stopped outside the Café and checked his notebook.
Everything seems in order. Spy Glass thought to himself after reading over the details a couple times. He shrugged it off and went inside, seating himself at a booth. Wasting no time, he scanned the restaurant, looking for a pony who matched that description. It wasn't long before he spotted somepony who did. Sure enough: a female unicorn, red mane, turquoise coat, blue eyes. She was quite beautiful actually.
Spy Glass took the menu and used it to hide his face. It may be cliché, but it usually works. He peeked over the top of the menu; he couldn't tell if it was the worst decision, or the best. At that moment, they locked gazes, staring into each other's eyes from across the room. A long moment passed, and Spy Glass started to feel his heart beat a little quicker. He tried to look away, but something kept his gaze drawn to her. She smiled but blushed deeply, before following his example by covering her face with the menu, in attempt to hide the redness in her cheeks. Spy Glasses ducked back under the menu, the beating in his chest still pounding quickly. At first, it seemed awkward to him, then it happened again. He took another peek at the same time she did, she blushed again and hid her face.
Every few minutes or so, he would glance back at her, and every time, she would meet his gaze at the exact same time. After the 16th time of the same thing happening, he gave up. Instead, he decided to look over the letter, searching for more details. It wasn't long before the waiter drew near. "Are you ready to order, sir?" He asked.
"Oh! Um..." Spy Glass said as he glanced back down at the love letter. Blue Dusk had wrote to Sky Beam, saying something about ordering 'her favorite': Blueberry mango muffins. It sounded... Strangely good. "I'll have two Blueberry Mango Muffins," he responded. The waiter gave him an odd look, before writing it down, and walking away quickly.
Another waiter returned shortly with a milkshake, leaving it on the the table. Spy Glass looked up at him with a confused expression. "Excuse me? This isn't what I ordered," Spy Glass said to the waiter.
"This is a gift to you from another table; it's already been paid for," The waiter responded.
"Oh, who from?"
"I'm sorry, sir, but the buyer wishes to remain anonymous," the waiter said before returning to the kitchen. Spy Glass was sure he knew exactly who the buyer was. He looked over at the turquoise mare, she was smiling at him. A faint blush painted her face as she gave him a wink.
This caused him to blush a little, too. He tried not to stare while as he took a sip of the milkshake. His eye lids fell in satisfaction; he knew EXACTLY what just crossed his lips. A vanilla, caramel cinnamon swirl milkshake: his favorite milkshake. It was a recipe of his own and wasn't on the menu. Either that was one Sherlock-Hooves-kind of a guess, or this mare has an unnatural talent, he thought. He looked back at the mare, who was now practically leaning over the table as she stared at him, her tail swishing side to side in excitement.
Not long after this, a waitress returned with the Blueberry mango muffins Spy Glass had ordered. He fished a couple bits out of his coat pocket and handed them to her. "Do you suppose you could take these muffins to that turquoise mare, over there?" Spy Glass asked the waitress. She put the bits in her apron pocket, smiled and nodded, before taking the tray to the mare's table. Spy Glass smiled and watched, waiting for her reaction. There were a few words between the two before she took a muffin with her magic, a light blue aura enveloped, both, the muffin and her horn.
She first smelled the muffin, and her expression shifted from excitement to nausea. She clearly did not like it very much. That doesn't make any sense. This IS the right mare, right? Red mane, turquoise body, blue eyes, Music note cutie-mark... Spy Glass thought. Then it hit him, HER CUTIE-MARK!! How could I miss such an important detail?! I never asked for her cutie-mark!! Spy Glass argued with himself internally, he probably never would have snapped out of it either if it weren't for that mare.
"H-hello, there," said a soft, feminine voice. Spy Glass looked up and saw the same, turquoise unicorn mare. She held a paper bag in her aura. He took a deep breath to compose himself before responding.
"Hello!" Spy Glass greeted. A million questions ran through his head, but he wasn't able to cough up a single one.
"Is this seat taken?" She asked with a blush, pointing the the seat directly across from him.
"N-no. please, make yourself comfortable! I'm Spy Glass, by the way," She smiled and sat down.
"I'm Melony, it's nice to meet you, Spy Glass," Spy Glass was a little disappointed that this wasn't the mare he was looking for; but he was also a little excited to meet this mare.
"Melony, huh? You must be the mare that sent me this milkshake," she blushed and giggled as she rolled her eyes.
"And you must be a detective," she joked following with a laugh shared between the two.
"Actually, I'm a Private Investigator. Your guesses have been pretty spot-on, today!" Spy Glass emphasized with another long sip of his milkshake. She blushed again and scooted in closer to him. She said nothing in response, only continuing to stare and blush. "I'm surprised you're keeping the muffins. It seemed like you weren't too fond of them,"
"Oh! They're not for me! I don't really like them, but I have a friend who LOVES them," Melony said.
"Really? What's the name of this friend?" Spy Glass asked as he flicked out a his notebook, keeping it hidden under the table.
"Sky Beam! We work here together, actually. That's how I was able to convince them to whip up that milkshake for you!" She giggled while Spy Glass quickly jotted down the information he didn't already have, under the table. "These are a new item on the menu. The owner added them, trying to cater to her because he knows she likes them, and he sure likes her."
"And who's the owner?" Spy glass asked while still writing, trying to keep up.
"Blue Dusk! They used to date when they were younger, but Blue is a little.... what's the word... creepy? He was way too clingy and he eventually began to stalk her, too. So, Sky Beam left him and she was glad she did," Spy Glass's wing was getting sore as he wrote. "As soon as she left him, she met Mr. Red. 'The sweetest stallion ever' she called him. She and him moved up here from Manehatten, where they also got married. Unfortunately, Blue Dusk followed her. He bought this place for unrelated reasons, he's just an opportunist. Being fresh from Manehatten and newly wedded, they desperately needed the money, and Blue Dusk saw the opportunity to offer her a job here. She was scheduled to work tonight at Five tonight, but I told her I'd keep an eye out so she could look for a new job, while Mr. Red thinks she's at work. We don't want him thinking that Blue is going to be a problem, and all."
"Pretty sneaky," Spy Glass chuckled, as he turned the page of his notebook.
"Yeah, I might have gotten a little.... distracted, though," Melony giggled as she continued stare at Spy Glass with interest. Spy Glass stared back at her as he sub-consciously put away his pen and note book. He struggled to find more words, "I... Uh... Just curious... Why does she like these muffins so much?" Spy Glass asked, trying to change the rapidly escalating subject, but also legitimately curious at the same time. Melony blushed and giggled before she spoke.
"It's a cute story, actually. You see, when she and Mr. Red were dating, he decide it would be sweet to make Sky breakfast," she giggled again and continued, "Well, Mr. Red IS a sweet guy, but he is no cook! I don't know if he was trying something new or if he read the recipe wrong, but he somehow made these abominations!" Melony laughed as she shook the bag. "Mr. Red didn't dare try them, but Sky Beam LOVED them. He was relieved that she did, too. As far as I know, he still makes them for her occasionally. How Blue Dusk got the recipe is beyond me!"
"That IS a cute story," Spy Glass said. He felt like he wanted to say more; like he wanted to ask more questions. But he didn't instead, he got lost in the mares beautiful blue eyes; they only stared right back. He couldn't help himself, there was just something about this mare that snagged his thoughts and attention. He would have tried to lean in for a closer view, he probably would have even tried kissing her, had the table not been in the way. And just like that, he didn't care to change the subject anymore.
He just continued staring into her eyes as she progressively got more fidgety, shifting in her seat. This continued until she could no longer hold back. In one swift motion, she leaned her whole body over the table, planting her back hooves on her seat for leverage, kissing him on the lips, without letting a moment slip by. Her eyes shut tightly as she did. Spy Glass's, however, didn't; His eyes shot open. He was in shock, a mare he hardly knew just kissed him out of nowhere!
He didn't push her away, he didn't know if he wanted to. He just let her do it, because he thought he didn't want to do anything about it. The kiss only lasted a few seconds, but it felt like an eternity. She finally broke the kiss, their muzzles were only an inches away as she blushed furiously. Spy Glass blushed also, he was speechless. He had know idea what he was feeling... But in some strange way, he liked it.
"I-I'm So..." Melony started, but was quickly cut off when Spy Glass regained his senses.
"What time is?" Spy Glass interrupted. Melony looked at the clock and giggled
"I guess we lost tr..." before she could finish, Spy Glass stood up and went to the front counter.
"Did one of your co-workers drop by? She goes by the name of 'Sky Beam'," he asked the mare at the counter.
"She came in about an hour ago to drop off her apron, saying that she's quitting," the mare responded.
"An hour?! How did I not notice her?" Spy Glass looked up at the clock and a moment of realization washed over him: 10:01 PM. The café was nearly empty. "How long have I been here?"
"5 hours, I would have said something, but you and Melony seemed to be having such a nice time," she winked and giggled. Spy Glass rolled his eyes before returning to Melony, who was still lying over the table.
"Again, I'm SO sorry... I-I don't know what came over me!" She said a little franticly.
"Look, I'm REALLY busy and I don't exactly have time for this," Spy Glass started. Melony's head dropped and she looked down at the ground.
"I see..." she replied, softly. Spy Glass only smiled and lifted her head up with his hoof.
"Perhaps I could forgive you here, tomorrow at around lunchtime?" She smiled wide and giggled.
"Sounds wonderful! Oh! And, so you don't forget..." she snagged his notebook and pen from his pocket with her magic, scribbling her name on the clean front cover before putting it back. "There, now no matter how busy you are tomorrow, you'll remember to come see me," she giggled again, kissed his nose and hopped off the table before heading out. "See you then!" She winked.
What a mare! He thought.
Spy Glass smiled at the name still scribbled onto the cover. By now, the notebook was filled completely of information he doesn't need anymore, it was useless, but he kept it anyway, to remind him of that wonderful day.
He still does remember that case, by the way. Sky Beam was the first one to find the invoice, this did not make her happy. She had a long talk with Mr. Red, but thankfully, their marriage survived. After Mr. Red found out who Blue Dusk was, he mysteriously disappeared, and Mr. Red ended up taking over Icey's Café. All Mr. Red will say about it is: "We came to an 'agreement'. You ain't gonna be seein' him 'round here any time soon."
Before he knew it, Spy Glass was home. It was a small, single bedroom, single bathroom home that he and Melony shared. He couldn't wait to rush in and tell her the news!
I lied back on my bed covered with my fluffy blanket. I tossed and turned, shifting uncomfortably; I was NOT relaxed. I sat up, looking for that comfortable spot on the bed. Maybe a cup of tea... and a book? Yes! That's just what I need! I thought as I stood up, my hooves still a little sore as my large belly weighed me down. I was about six months pregnant, now. Spy Glass and I were psyched to hear that we were having a foal! We've been wanting to start a family for the longest time now!
At first, we thought we should wait until we got enough money for a bigger house, with more rooms. But after the first two years of our union, we realized that it may be a while before we actually get the bits for that. We - mostly me - had decided that we didn't want to wait any longer. Sid(That's what I call him sometimes, a story for another time, perhaps), being the sweet, loving stallion he is, decided to cut into his savings and also setting as much money aside as we could for some renovations to our house, so we could start this year. By the time the foal is born, we should have room built and ready for them.
I gently ran a forehoof over my belly before heading to the kitchen. I began boiling some water and as I waited, I took a look at the bookshelf. Sid prefers mystery novels, obviously, so there were quite a few of them all around the shelf. I personally prefer romance, but I've already read all the romantic novels we own. My eyes drifted from the romance section to the mystery novels.
I shrugged and pulled Sid's favorite book off of the shelf: Sherlock Hooves. Spy Glass has read it so many times the book was well worn out, by now. I figured I'd give it a try since Spy Glass liked it so much. I opened it up to the first page and it immediately grasped me, so I continued to read.
Next thing I knew, I had woken up with the book over my muzzle. I guess I must have come back to the room, and fallen asleep while reading without even realizing it. I could see why Sid liked this book so much, or at least I know why I liked it now. I took the book off of my face, and there he was, Spy Glass was standing in the doorway, smiling at me. I blushed a little in embarrassment, as I noticed him. "H-how long were you standing there?" I asked quietly.
"I just got here, but I don't need to be a detective to see that you fell asleep while reading Sherlock Hooves," he shot me a cute smile, which caused me to blush a little more than I already was. "So what's with the book and tea, anyway?" My eyes widened in realization.
"Shoot! The tea! I'm sorry, Sid, I just started reading and I guess I forgot about it!" I started, he managed to stop me there before my ranting.
"Hey, it's alright, Melony, I turned it off. You didn't burn the house down, and no harm was done. I just wanted to know what you were up to while I was gone," He said as he entered the room and sat on the bed beside me.
"Well, I knew that since you were having lunch with the princess, you were probably stressed and worried. And thinking about you being stressed and worried, made me stressed and worried. I figured I should probably try to relax, In my given state. Stress isn't exactly good for the foal, you know. So, I tried to lay down, but I couldn't sit still, I was still too anxious. So, I thought maybe a good book and a cup of tea would help, but I've already read all of our romance novels. I decided to read this one because you liked it, so I thought I would too! Long story short, it worked a little TOO well," I said rapidly with a giggle at the end. "Speaking of our day, how did it go with the Princess, Sid?" I asked as I booped his nose with my hoof. He chuckled and kissed mine before giving me his response.
"Oh, Melony, there hasn't been a more perfect opportunity!!" He said out of no where. He wrapped his hooves tightly around me. I couldn't help but smile and wrap my hooves around him, too! I buried my muzzle in chest; I can't lie he's the best!
"W-why don't you tell me about it, Sid?" I asked as I made myself comfortable.
"200,000 bits!" He said. Nothing else escaped his tongue. This really peeked my interest.
"T-two hundred.... For what?" I could hardly believe it! That's just the money we need for a bigger house, and to start our family! My tail began to swish excitedly as I thought a little further into our future with that kind of money. Suddenly, I noticed a moment of realization flicker through his eyes.
"For... F-finding and catching Changelings my gosh..." He said, before turning away, seeming a little disappointed with himself. My blood ran cold, not only did I fear for Sid, but also myself, and all of Equestria.
"Th-the changelings are back!?" I yelped out fearfully and hiding under my covers.
"No, it's probably just some wild goose chase the princess set up because she's paranoid! I guess I was just, too eager to see that!" He said. I was a little relieved, but part of me hoped there WERE changelings. We could really use the money, especially with one on the way as a family ready to begin their life! I did care about him a little more than the money, though.
"W-well, it could be a good thing... all the money in Equestria isn't worth losing you!" I held him tighter in my hooves! He smiled and ran his hoof lovingly over my stomach, a little shiver ran down my spine. It felt nice in some strange way.
"I know, how you feel, hun. But we're not the only ones who need the money anymore. Do you know how much a foal will cost us?" He was right, as much as I hated to admit it. Even with our current plan, we'll only get so far.
"I-I guess it's worth a shot, Sid, but what if something DOES happen to you?... I-I don't want to loose you. And the foal will need their Daddy around to watch them grow up and help them learn. Hun, I'm not the only one who needs you." I said, emphasizing by putting my hoof over top of his.
"The Princess already said she'll be making sure I'm safe. The real problem is the fact that there might not be any changelings to find! For all I know she was just being paranoid."
"Well, I guess we don't know for sure.... But just as there is a 'maybe not' there will always very well be a 'maybe' as well," I smiled at him, a little satisfied with my own advice. He smiled back at me and ran his hoof through my mane. The intimate contact drew a pleasurable shiver from my body.
"I guess you're right, Song," He started, I only giggled.
"Song?" I asked while still laughing quietly.
"Well, I figured, since you have a nickname for me, I'd make one up for you. Song matches your cutie-mark," I could feel the blush tickle my cheeks as I smiled.
"Song, huh? Maybe you should keep looking," I said as I held onto him a little tighter. He chuckled and kissed my cheek tenderly as he returned my embrace.
"I suppose I could probably ask the Princess if she knows where we should start. That might just get us started, on everything," I looked up into his eyes, staring deeply.
"J-just please! Be carful... we need you here, Sid," He only smiled and wrapped his wings around me. It was really comforting; I felt a strong, warm feeling inside my chest as I cuddled him back.
"I promise, hun, nothing bad will happen to me," I buried my muzzle into his chest, getting as close to him as I physically could. His warm, loving embrace enveloped me. I was finally relaxed as I felt the soft beating of his heart under my chin. I knew this was where I belonged, right here in Sid's hooves, right now. My eyelids suddenly felt heavy.
I felt him kiss my lips tenderly. I wanted to hold it out a little longer, to savor this moment. But I was very tired. I felt my eyes close as he pulled his lips away from my muzzle.
"Goodnight, Melony," That was the last thing I heard before drifting off to a deep, relaxing slumber.
By the time Melony woke up, Spy Glass had already left. This was normal, considering he starts work earlier than she does.
She sat up, let out a yawn and stretched out before beginning her morning routine. She freshened up and applied a thin layer of make-up to accent her features. While staring into the mirror, she glanced at her belly.
She put down her make-up brush and smiled widely as she rubs her belly lovingly. "H-Hey there, hun, It's Mommy. Daddy and I are so excited to meet you!" She giggles a little at herself, not really knowing if the foal can hear her. All she knew was that it felt nice to talk to them.
She continued to ramble a little bit longer. Talking about Sid, Work, and the House, as if trying to catch up with an old friend. "You better come quickly, now. You are the start to our family... our new beginning. We're waiting on you!" She giggled again before glancing at the clock and gasping. "Oh No! I'm going to be late!" She said to herself aloud, throwing on her work uniform and bolting out the door.
She ran as quickly as she could. With the extra weight dragging her down, she ran out of energy pretty quickly and lost her balance. She stumbled and tripped, falling onto the ground. She grunted in annoyance before being offered a hoof. "Melony? Is that you? Are you alright?" The brown unicorn mare, asked.
"Yeah, I'm fine... Wait, do I know you?" Melony asked, a confused expression painting her face.
"Probably not," The mare said. "But I know you," she continued, this time in a whisper. She continued to speak in an almost mirthful tone "I'm Caramel Light! Where are you headed in such a rush?"
"I-I'm going to work.... How do you know me?" The mare seemed to get a little nervous when Melony asked this.
"Uhm... Small world?"
"But that doesn't even make any-" Melony started, but, was interrupted.
"Whoops, I'd love to stay and chat but I'm late for a play!"
"I haven't heard anything about a play."
"Neither have I! Well, Not before today at least. It must be a last-minute thing, but there are flyers everywhere! Take a look!" Caramel says quickly before throwing a flyer into her face and taking off.
"That wasn't suspicious," Melony said to herself sarcastically. She peeled the flyer off of her face and read over it. She then rolled her eyes. The play doesn't even start until five o'clock. hmm... if I'm quick enough, I might be able to show up after work. And Sid doesn't get home until about eight o'clock, so, I should still have some time to make it back before he does, She thought to herself.
The play takes place outside of the palace, which is odd to her. The princesses don't usually allow such trivial events to take place near the palace. She only shrugged it off and tucked it away in her apron before continuing to work. As she expected, she showed up late. Thankfully, Red was easy on her about it.
It was a pretty slow day; Melony was actually relieved at this. She was having an off day, so a little extra time to relax was nice. Soon enough, her uneventful shift was over and she began making her exit. But just before she could leave, she noticed a flyer for a bake sale on the other side of the glass door, reminding her of the flyer she had in her apron.
She checks the flyer for the play again while she starts towards the palace. Then realization hits her: She never even checked the title! The play that was featuring just so happened to be her favorite, The Nightmare of the Opera. She squealed mentally... and also out loud. Without even realizing, she began to gradually speed up.
Melony was there in no time at all, taking the seat closest to the stage she could find. She has only seen it twice before, but of all of the plays she's seen, The Nightmare of the Opera was the absolute best. Excitement washed over her as the curtains drew open. It was odd though, as she watched, something seemed familiar to her about the masked-pony.
It wasn't until Krissy (or the actress that played her) took off his mask. She couldn't believe that she hadn't noticed it before. It was Spy Glass.
Melony could feel her heart beat within her chest and her tail swish behind her. She never knew Spy Glass was such a great actor... or a wonderful singer. She found it harder to focus more on the play and less on the "mysterious" masked-stallion. Many thoughts and questions crossed her mind, none of which, however, were: "Why isn't he at work?"
Soon, the play ended and she finally headed home to rest her sore hooves. She plopped down on the couch and started massaging her hind hooves firmly as she waited for Spy Glass to return. He returned later than Melony had expected. as he walked in, still wearing his costume and stage makeup, she couldn't help but let out a little giggle.
"You never told me that you were such a good actor, hun!" Melony stated cheerfully as she levitated a make-up wipe from her table. Spy Glass chuckled as Melony wiped his face clean of the make-up.
"I take it you enjoyed the show?" Spy Glass asked. Melony wiped the lipstick from her husbands mouth and gave him a passionate kiss.
"I LOVED it, hun! The Nightmare of The Opera is my favorite musical!" She said, slightly overjoyed.
"Why do think I chose it?" He asked rhetorically.
"What do you mean, Sid?"
"Well, on the way to the Palace this morning, I was wondering how I would be able to find any changelings. Then I remembered the events of the first attack. A big event such as this not only attracts them, but also gives them power. Most changelings couldn't resist that sort of event. I took it up with the Princess and she thought it was worth a shot.
So, we set up a stage and put on a play outside the palace. It was very last minute, but everypony wants to be at the palace; So, of course everypony showed up! All we had to do is look for ponies who looked particularly out of place."
"Did it work?" She asked him, curiously.
"We were able to catch two of them tonight. With their knowledge and abilities, we will be able to track down many others very soon," Spy Glass replied. Melony let out a quick gasp.
"Two changelings? That means we can-" She started but was cut off as Spy Glass put his hoof over her muzzle and gazed into her eyes lovingly.
"Pack your things, Melony, we're moving."
Melony squealed happily and nuzzled his chest. "Just curious," She started while snuggling up into him. "Which changelings did you catch tonight?" Melony asked.
"I don't understand," Spy Glass said.
"You know, what were they disguised as?"
"Oh! One was a blue pegasus that went by Candle Blue, and the other was a brown unicorn named Caramel Light," he said. Melony's heart skipped a beat. Caramel Light?..... A spy!
It was easy to tell that Melony was having a hard time. It wasn't the pregnancy or the move however, something else was definitely bugging her. Ever sense the night of the play she hasn't been acting like herself.
"Melony, are you alright?" I finally acknowledged. She was lying back on the couch, a little pink blanket covered her belly. She looked up from the book she was reading and replied.
"Of course! Why wouldn't I be?" She said.
"Hun, I can tell something's bothering you and I want to help," I said. she didn't say anything back she only let out a sigh and looked away from me. "Just tell me what's wrong, Melony, whatever's bothering you. I just want you to be your happy-self again."
"I-I can't tell you, Sid..."
"Why not?"
"I just can't... not yet..."
"...Do you not trust me? Is that it?" I asked. She quickly sat up and looked honestly into my eyes.
"N-no! Of course I trust you! I-I just don't feel comfortable yet," She said. There was a slight pause, before I spoke again.
"Do you not want to tell me?" She came closer to and took my hooves into hers.
"Of course I want to tell you, Sid. I would be SO relieved to get it off of my chest. I just need some time to think about it first... I'll tell you when I'm ready," she answered. At this, I smiled.
"Promise?" She giggled at my question, leaned in close and kissed my nose. I smiled and nuzzled her lovingly.
"I Promise!"
Over the course of the next few weeks, things seemed to get better. She began laughing and joking with me again. It seemed like any problems she had just disappeared. She became more comfortable in my presence again.
One day, I was decorating the baby's room late in the night (or early in the morning, I wasn't exactly paying attention to the time) and it was at this moment Melony had called to me from our room. "Sid, c-could you come in here?" She said, just loud enough for me to hear. I came to our room and was greeted by the very nervous mare; she was shaking slightly.
"What is it, Love?" I asked, feeling concerned for her.
"I-I can't do it anymore...." she replied in an unsteady voice.
"Can't do what?" I felt a little afraid at what she was going to say next.
"The lies! I've been lying to you! And I've been lying to myself! I've been lying to the both of us!.... And I can't do it anymore!" Melony broke down and began sobbing loudly, tears streaming down her face. I quickly grabbed her and pulled her into my arms, comforting her!
"Hey, Hey, Hey! Calm down! What's wrong?" I said wiping the tears from her face. She calmed down, leaning into my touch and embrace. She huffed a breath of composure before speaking again.
"Spy Glass," She began. It was odd to me, hearing her call me by my real name. "I love you so much... and I need you to know that I'm being entirely honest when I say that," she continued. "Since we are entering the biggest commitment of our lives... I figured it's time I stopped lying to you. I want all of our feelings to be genuine!"
"Melony, what are you saying? My feelings for you ARE completely genuine!" I stated. She only gave me the saddest look I've ever seen.
"...Promise you won't be mad?" It was an odd question. I've never been mad at her, even when I had reason to be. But I didn't question it.
"I promise, Melony," I said. She stepped back and, again, began shaking. A single tear ran down her cheek as she took in another breath. Her horn ignited, but instead of her usual light-blue aura, it was dark green. Her body was was engulfed in a green flame and a flash of light. When the fire was gone, she was visible once again. But it was no longer Melony standing in front of me. Instead, her place was taken by a changeling.
"M-Melony? Melony?! Where is she?! Who are you?! What did you do to my wife?...." I was in hysterics. Infuriated, but I was certain I already knew the answer.... I just didn't want to accept it.
"I-It is me... I'm Melony... the real Melony..." She responded. Her voice was unchanged, side for a soft, echo-y, bug-like sound that followed everything she said. She still shook and teared up as my reaction began to frighten her.
It was hard to tell if I couldn't believe what was happening or if I didn't want to believe it. Her wings buzzed as she shivered and her now hole-filled legs shook. Her eyes were replaced with a solid green color, no whites or pupils. Her once straight horn was now crooked and jagged. Instead of a mane she had small, transparent green fins, and her tail was now made of green chitin.
She was still so very beautiful.... yet, in the form of evil! My muscles tensed and I felt tears build up. I felt more than just backstabbed, but I still couldn't help but love her somewhere in my heart. One thing however, did not not change when she did: the bump on her abdominal area.
How could I be heart-broken yet so in love at the same time? Was it her method? Was it hard to turn her away because she was carrying my foal?..... It had to be... changelings are heartless monsters!
"You're not Melony..." I spoke, pushing away my emotions. She however, began tearing up again, soaking her cheeks once more.
"Wh-what do you mean? O-of course I am..." She said softly through her tears.
"Melony is kind and loving... she is NOT A HEARTLESS BEAST!! Melony actually has emotions!.... Melony actually loved me..."
"SID, I DO LOVE YOU!!"
"DON'T CALL ME THAT!"
"Sid, please!" She sobbed as she collapsed to her knees and pleaded, "I love you... I-I need you..."
"No," I turned away from her, ready to leave. "Pests like you can't feel love..." I then left the room. I felt empty and cold. Never once have I said anything so heartless.... Ironic, isn't it? How I call the the mare I love a heartless monster when I myself am much worse in my doing so. The truth is I need her, too.
I felt remorse hit me like a bag of bricks. How could I be so stupid? I turned back around, stepping back into the room to apologize, but she was not there. Not a trace.
It was this moment that I realized my mistake. Never in my life, have I ever been so wrong!
It was 7 years ago. I had just finished basic training and I was planted in Canterlot as a spy. After a few trades in the black market, I was able to put together a very realistic ID without raising suspicion. I was born with the name "Melony", and really liked it, so I saw no reason to change it, since it didn't deviate too far from a normal pony name.
I found a job at a Café and even made a friend. Her name was Sky Beam. She let me live with her in her apartment, until her boyfriend proposed that is. By then however, I had made enough bits to sustain a living in a smaller apartment. I actually started to enjoy my new lifestyle, but I didn't want to admit it. A changeling wishing to be a pony would be like a unicorn wishing to be an earth pony. But, I couldn't help it, things were much more colorful and happy here! It was only natural to enjoy myself while I wait for the attack.
One day, I decided on spending some leisure time at the café I worked at while doing a favor for Sky Beam (She still owes me one, by the way). I know it wasn't exactly normal to see a pony getting a cup of coffee late in the day, but I just really liked the way it tastes. Besides, caffeine doesn't effect changelings the same way it does for ponies, so why not?
A little while into the evening, I had gotten that familiar feeling that I was being watched. As a spy I get this feeling often, but this time it was stronger than ever! I looked up from my cup only to catch the gaze of a white pegasus stallion. Being a creature that feeds off of love, I can sense emotional abnormalities; so I could feel his heartbeat speed up.
He didn't know it yet, but he had fallen in love with me. In his sub-conscious mind, he was making the most adorable compliments about me. I thought it was cute how he felt about me. He loved my mane, my smooth coat, and he adored the way my eyes sparkled as I looked at him. He didn't even know he was thinking these things, but I did. I felt the blood quickly rush to my cheeks as I smiled at him. It was flattering, really.
Being quite an ugly creature even to my own kind, I don't necessarily get such kind words. So even if it was indirect, receiving such a sweet compliment was something new to me. And I liked it. I looked at him again after a moment of thought and we once again met gazes. I received another sub-limitable compliment that softened my heart a little. This continued a few more times that night and with each new gaze came a new adoration. Each gaze drew me in a little closer.
The moment he stopped trying was the same moment I could not look away. Despite popular beliefs, changeling were not heartless, we just didn't feel emotions quite as often, or as strongly. We tend to be more desensitized to feelings. Was this "love" that I was feeling? My heart was running a mile a minute as my tail began to swish back and forth uncontrollably. This feeling felt so nice, like being tightly wrapped up in a nice, warm blanket. I didn't want to let go of it yet.
I decided to use a spell that all changelings know. One used to scan his thoughts and feelings. This tells me of all the ponies and things that he loves. I did it mainly to make sure he wasn't already with anypony else, but in the process I found his favorite milkshake flavor. We didn't sell this specific flavor of milkshake here; and I was surprised. it seemed pretty tasty. I had called over one of my co-workers and convinced her to make it. She was a little confused at first, but she didn't mind nor question my logic or methods, thankfully.
When he received it, he seemed to be surprised. But I could tell he was satisfied with my gift. By now I could feel the hot blush on my cheeks, but I didn't care. Something about his relaxed and satisfied gaze was so cute!
The waitress returned with his order, it looked like muffins... my favorite! He must have known too, because the minute he got them, he sent them my way. I was so excited to try a bite, but before I could, I caught a whiff of one of them, and immediately felt sick. Blueberry Mango; my two least favorite ingredients.
I knew only one mare who liked these, Sky Beam. Not even the stallion who created liked them. I asked the waitress for a paper bag to instead save them for Sky later; I was sure she would appreciate it. After that, I decided to greet him before heading out. He seemed a little shady at first, only seeming interested in hearing about Sky Beam. The whole time, he was scribbling something in his notebook under the table. But he ended up being very sweet and charming. Turns out, he was a private investigator looking for information on Sky Beam, but that's all he ever told me after that night. His name was Spy Glass, but I decided to call him Sid (a silly but adorable story).
The minute we stopped talking, there was silence. It wasn't really awkward, it was actually quite comfortable. We spent a quite moment lost in each other's eyes. I understood the emotion he was giving off; I knew it well. But I couldn't quite tell what I was feeling. My heart sped up, and my hooves were tingly. At first, it scared me... but I kind of liked this feeling. I liked being close to this stallion, not because I was hungry, but because I liked the feeling he gave me. For the first time in my life, I knew what I wanted was not to please the queen, but instead to here with him. I wanted him to hold me, I wanted to love him... I wanted to kiss him...
I couldn't help myself. I've never kissed anyone before and this was the first time I've ever wanted to. To this day, I still don't know if I was acting on instinct or was just simply trying to prove to myself that I can make my own decisions. But, I'll save you the details, I ended up on the table with my lips on his... and it was perfect! I will always treasure that moment.
The rest was history. We ended up married and I loved him like nothing else before! I never went back to the hive and I never dropped my disguise as this pony, for fear of losing Sid. Without the information I gathered over the years the hive failed their invasion. Thankfully, Sid wasn't home at that time. By the time the invasion started, I was a few months pregnant. When the changelings where defeated, I was thrown against the wall so hard, I thought the baby might have been hurt. Luckily, both I and the baby made it out completely unharmed and still concealed.
As time went on, it became harder and harder for me to keep my secret. I wanted so badly to be myself around him. I loved him and he deserved to know who I truly was. But I was still too afraid. I was afraid he would leave me, or worse, have me locked up. I didn't want to believe he would, but my fear always got the better of me until that one day I finally overcame it. A horrible mistake made in my naivety. I'll save you the depressing details: the exact thing that I feared came to pass.
I got out of there before anything could happen to me. But I didn't leave empty-hooved... I couldn't. Not after all those years I had given him. I had to take something to remember him goodbye. So, I took his favorite Sherlock Hooves novel. It still had his scent on it and I couldn't leave it behind. That's the only thing I took when I left that night. I just hope that he misses me as much as I miss him!
It's been five years since Melony left. Spy Glass could swear to himself that we was losing his mind. He never knew why, but he always told mares who were interested in him that he was already married despite Melony having been gone for years. He never took down the the stuff in the baby's room either, and he constantly found himself visiting said room.
Not long after Melony left, Spy Glass filed an order for arrest to the guards but secretly hoped that she would never be found. He had a hard time figuring himself out ever since then. He wondered what he would do if they did ever find her. Would he be able to forgive her? Would he still convict her, or would he want her back? Would they let him have her back?
This also begged the question: what about the baby? Of course they aren't a baby now. But what happens to them when Melony gets caught? Are they like her? These are thoughts that haunted Spy Glass all the time. It actually kept him up at night. So much so that it wasn't uncommon to see him asleep in public on his days off.
Spy Glass continued his job tracking down changelings. He had everything he wanted... Almost everything. He had plenty of money and he lived comfortably. But still, he felt very alone. Something was missing, and he knew what it was. He wanted Melony back, he didn't care that she was a changeling and he didn't care if their child was also changeling. He just wanted her back. That's when he finally fully understood that he messed up.
Melony hadn't felt comfortable in her skin since the day she left. She couldn't keep the same transformation for more than a couple of days, and she held more personalities than she could count. Unfortunately, this also meant that she couldn't hold a job for very long either.
Melony lived in a small, single-room trailer. All of her free time went into re-reading Sherlock Hooves. It reminded her of Spy Glass so much for obvious reasons. Thankfully though, Melony was not alone. Melony had a son, his name was Simon and he kept Melony from completely losing her mind! Simon was a pegasus with a heart of gold and refused to hurt anyone for any reason, despite his changeling heritage.
Simon was also... unnaturally intelligent. He had read the Sherlock Hooves novel and took a liking to all things mystery-related. He even solved a few himself. He was able to track down the mouse that roamed the trailer before Melony even knew it existed. Of course, Simon didn't have the heart to let it go so he instead befriended it. It is still a wonder how he managed it, but he did. He called it... well "It". Simon never went anywhere without It.
Simon was unable to transform like a changeling, so he was pretty lucky that his natural form looked more ponylike than changeling like. He had his father's white fur, but had a red mane like Melony's initial disguise. His eyes however were bug-like; green with no pupils. It didn't raise enough suspicion to cause a problem, but it did catch the eyes of a few bullies.
That didn't matter though. Simon had a friend and Melony had her sanity. They weren't the happiest, but they were alive... that's what mattered. Though, Melony did sometimes wish that she could change, the past. She wanted to be happy. She wanted to go back and live the way she did; back when she was happy... There have even been times when she considered going back, hoping that seeing Spy Glass again -even just for a moment- would be worth rotting in the dungeon for. She missed it. But now, it is too late. Now she's on her own.
The time was 8:00 am and Spy Glass decided on Icey's Café for breakfast. It's been so long since he's been here, and familiarity is just what he needs right now. Speaking of which, there just so happened to be a familiar face behind the counter today. "Good morning, Sky Beam!" He said.
"Spy Glass!? Oh my goodness! It's been too long how have you been!?" She claimed, trying to give him a hug over the counter.
"Tired. Haven't been able to catch a good night's rest in forever. Could I get some coffee and a breakfast plate?"
"Coming right up! I guess changeling watch is a tough job, huh?"
"...Like you wouldn't believe! Hey, how are you Mr. Red doing?"
"Well, since Mr. Red bought the Café, I got to keep my job here, and we've been living more comfortable than ever. Little Red's about ready to start school, and she's very excited!" Sky said.
"...Little Red?"
"Oh, right! I forget how long it's been. Little Red is our daughter. Well... her name is Sweet Match, but because of her red mane and coat, Mr. Red gave her that nickname. She's almost five now.... speaking of which, how's Melony and your kid, doing."
"O-oh... th-they're fine..."
"It's been so long since I've seen Melony. We should set up a play date for Little Red and... and... w-what's your foal's name? I don't believe I've met them yet..." Sky Beam said.
"Great idea! I'll see what I can do!"
"Wait what about.... M-Melony?..." Sky Beam had started, But Spy Glass had walked away before she could finish. He sat at a table and rested his head on top of it. He thought briefly of Melony's whereabouts before falling asleep on the table.
Not long after, Melony and Simon decided to visit the same Café for breakfast. The same one they've been eating at every morning for the last five years. Because of Simon's inability to transform, Melony chose a specific disguise for herself while visiting here, to keep suspicion at a minimum. She had taken the form of a white pegasus mare with a cloud for her cutie-mark.
The two immediately went to the front counter. "Hi there, Cloudy! Hi, Simon! What can I do for you two?" Sky asked happily.
"Hey, Sky! We'll have the usual," Melony replied.
"Coming right up! …And if I'm right, it's a certain special colt's birthday today!" Sky smiled at Simon and he perked up, nodding quickly.
"How old are you today?" She asked.
"I am exactly five years, two hours, thirty-four minutes, and forty-six seconds old today!" He said excitedly. Both Sky and Melony giggled.
"Five years old! Wow, I suppose you'd like a birthday muffin then?" Sky asked enthusiastically.
"Yes, please!"
"Perhaps you're even old enough to come back and help make one!" She suggested. Simon nodded vigorously.
"Wait, what?... A-are you sure that's a good idea, Sky?" Melony asked.
"C'mon, Cloudy, there's no harm in a little baking, and I'm sure Mr. Red wouldn't mind."
"A-alright. If you're sure. I-I just don't want be a problem."
"No problem at all! Though, It will have to stay out of the kitchen," Sky giggled. Simon took It out of his pocket and put him on the ground.
"Alright, It, stay here with mom, and try not to get lost," Simon said before heading behind the counter. It squeaked in response and stuck close to Melony's hoof.
"You know, Cloudy, if you need some extra bits, I'm sure I can convince Mr. Red to-" Sky started before being cut off.
"I-it's fine, really. I couldn't do that," Melony said quickly.
"...Alright then... just... let me know if you change your mind," Sky Beam smiled before turning around, back into the kitchen.
After Sky Beam had left, Melony had picked an awfully familiar scent. One she got while reading the Sherlock Hooves novel. One she had missed for a very long time. She looked frantically around the café, searching each table until her heart leapt at one that caught her eyes. There, at the middle table, Spy Glass rested his head on the table, sleeping.
Melony drew close to him cautiously. She couldn't help it, she wanted nothing more to be close to him again; to be in his hooves. S-sleeping in public is dangerous... right? Melony thought to herself. That's right! S-somepony could steal from him at any moment! O-or worse! I-I should probably sit with him... for just a moment... to protect him.
Melony pulled up a chair and sat down beside him, gradually closing the distance between them. It wasn't long before she found herself cuddling up against him. It, who had somehow gotten on the table, gave her an odd look. "D-don't worry, I know him.... H-he's a heavy sleeper he won't... How'd you get up here? You really shouldn't be on the table, you know that.... Oh, stop judging me!" Melony frantically explained to the mouse. It rolled his eyes and curled up on Melony's muzzle. "I trust my secret is safe with you?" Melony giggled.
Spy Glass let out a soft groan and slowly opened his eyes. "Um... hello there?" Spy Glass said. Melony quickly jumped up and blushed deeply. "Do I know you?... I-is that a mouse on your nose?"
"Uh... yes... Um, this is It... and I'm Cloudy Cuddles... nice to meet you..." Melony said, trying to regain her composure.
"You named your mouse 'It'?"
"Oh... I didn't name him... and he's not mine..." Just then, Simon came out of the kitchen, a huge smile painted his face.
"The muffins are baking. Where's It?.... why is he on-" Simon's eyes grew wide as he saw Spy Glass. "M-mister Spy Glass?" Spy Glass smiles at him.
"That's me!" Spy Glass said.
"Oh! I'm a huge fan!! I'm Simon, it's so nice to meet you!" Simon exclaimed. Spy Glass raised an eyebrow at him.
"You know I'm only a private investigator, right?"
"Only the GREATEST private investigator ever! It's like meeting the real-life Sherlock Hooves!"
"Well, it's interesting to meet a young boy so interested in investigation work. It's nice to meet you too, kid," Spy Glass smiled at him. "I'm guessing that's your mouse on Miss Cloudy's face?"
"Oh! Right! Come here, It," Simon said as he picks him up and puts him back in his pocket as Melony giggles.
"Hmm... Interesting eyes you got there, kid. Mind if I ask how that happened?" Spy Glass said.
"Oh! I was born with them," he said.
"They look a lot like a changeling's," Spy Glass commented. "They are definitely really cool!" Simon shied away a little bit.
"Y-You're not going to take me in, are you?"
"Of course not. Real changelings wouldn't leave such and important detail uncovered," He smiled. "You know if you're really interested in detective work, I could probably let you tour my company building, if you want to, that is."
"C-can I?" Simon asked hopefully. Spy Glass handed Simon his card.
"I don't see why not. I'm sure I can pull a few strings to get you in there, just keep it on the 'down low'," Spy Glass winked. Simon's eyes lit up and Melony giggled again. "Now, if you'll excuse me, my food should be here any moment. It was nice meeting you Simon, and... uh... You too, Cloudy," Spy Glass smiled. Melony turned away and blushed.
"C-come on, Simon," Melony said softly. The moment may not have lasted very long, but it was pure bliss to Melony. Just to be around Sid again warmed her to her very core. She doesn't care about the risk of the situation. It was worth it.
"What was It doing on your face?" Simon asked his mother. Melony only blushed deeper.
"Tell your mouse to stop judging me..."
Chapter 8: Her Majesty Pt. 1 (Melony's Point of View)
Of course I hadn't told Simon who his father was yet, and at this point, I doubt he'd believe me if I did. He'd probably think I'm making stuff up just to impress him. Besides, I'd prefer not to relive those memories anyway.
Sky Beam returned with our breakfast and she left a muffin on the table for Simon, too. "Enjoy, you two! And happy birthday, Simon!" She said enthusiastically before returning to the counter.
"Thank you!" Said Simon as he took a chunk out of the muffin and fed it to It. As he ate, Simon stared at the business card Sid gave him.
"You know, Simon, if you want to take that tour, you can," I said to him. Some part of me wanted him to spend some time with his dad. Even if Simon didn't know it was him, he deserves to know his father. Simon let out a sigh and pocketed the card.
"As much as I'd love to.... I couldn't. Spy Glass isn't easy to fool and I don't want to get you into any trouble. The more time we spend around him, the more likely we are to get caught," he said sincerely.
"B-but what about your eyes? Aren't those a give-away? He didn't suspect anything when he mentioned those," I said to him in reply. I didn't want to admit it, but I knew he was probably right. I knew Spy Glass better than Simon did, probably even better than Spy Glass knew himself. It will take nothing more than the slightest shutter and he'd know everything.
"Well chances are, if he doesn't suspect me, then he suspects that a changeling is involved in some way. Of course he doesn't suspect you yet because no changeling would walk around with an undisguised foal. But if we were to show up and act nervous around all those changeling hunters, then they would definitely have a good reason to suspect us," he said. I sighed and looked at him.
"I... uh... suppose you mean me?"
"I saw how you were just a moment ago, and it was a clear give-away. It seems he thought you were only flustered, so he hadn't suspected a thing."
"Look, Simon, I trust you can keep your composure... alone-"
"Are you suggesting I go without you?"
"It's your birthday, and this is your dream!" I exclaimed.
"A-are you sure about this? Our disguise is more believable together..."
"Of course! Go meet your hero! I'll be fine alone. Besides... even if I do get caught... you're smart, and I know you can handle yourself. I promise, son, everything will be just fine. No matter what happens!" Simon smiled and wrapped his hooves around me in a tight hug.
"Thank you so much, mom!!" At this, I smiled and held him in my hooves. "Hey... Uh... mom? Do you mind if I ask you something?" Something told me that I already knew what the question was.
"S-sure, son... what is it?"
"I just... well, you always tell me that I wouldn't understand, and that I'm not ready and.... you'll know I will understand, right?" I sigh softly and nod. "Who's my father?"
"Simon-"
"No! Mom, I want to know, and I'm ready. What, did he not want me? Did he leave us? Is he dead? I will understand, I don't care if he ever comes back... I just want to know. And you know as well as I do that I have every right to know! Please mom..." he said, his voice shaky and unstable. He was on the verge of tears. That would make two of us.
"Simon, I know you're ready. I understand that you have a right to know! I want to tell you, Simon, but I'm not ready yet!" I said to him. I looked around the Café and blushed when realized how much of a scene we were making. I stood up and grabbed Simon by his hoof and took him outside, where it was less crowded, thankfully.
"Not ready for what?" He asked once the doors had closed behind us.
"Simon... Your father is still very much alive and I love him so much!"
"Then why isn't he here?!"
"Because he didn't want me!!…. he didn't want me..." I sighed and tried to regain my composure. "Look, your father and I ended on bad terms, and I still haven't gotten over it. I'm not ready to re-live those memories. Day after day I can never forget what happened between us, but I'm not ready to remember. Simon, I know your ready to know, but I'm not ready to talk about it... I'm so sorry," I ranted as tears poured out of my eyes.
He said nothing, all he did was take me into a tight embrace. It wasn't long before I stopped crying and held him in an embrace of my own. I giggled softly though my tear filled eyes. "You look a lot like him you know. Just like him, you always know just how to cheer me up," I said.
"Are you two alright?" Said a voice I knew all too well. There, Sid stood in the door way to the Café. I said nothing in response.
"Y-yeah... just some personal issues..." Simon said as he wiped his eyes.
"I see... perhaps that tour would lighten the mood?" Sid offered yet again.
"Absolutely!!" Simon exclaimed happily. I couldn't help but giggle.
"I suppose I should head home then," I said.
"You mean you're not coming with us?" Sid asked.
"Well someone has to have lunch ready by the time this rascal gets home!" I said as I ruffled Simons mane. Simon hugged me once again and smiled wide.
"I love you, mom!" He said.
"I love you, too! Now, don't keep Mister Spy Glass here waiting," Spy Glass smiled and tipped his hat before they headed down the street. I turned around and slowly made my way home.
It wasn't long after coming before a knock came to the door. When I opened it there was an oddly familiar brown unicorn mare on the other side. "H-hello there?..." I started after a short moment of silence.
"Hello, Cloudy! It's been so long! Come now, give me a hug," the mare spoke up, reaching her hooves out.
"D-do I know you?" I asked in confusion.
"Probably not!" She said mirthfully. Then her voice dropped to a whisper as an evil grin painted her face. "But I know you, traitor~"
"...Who are you?... What are you doing here?" I asked after a wave of Deja vu washed over me. The mare let herself in and closed the door, locking it behind her as I sat there dumbfounded.
"What's wrong, Melony? You don't recognize mommy?" She said. It was then when I understood what was going on, but before I could run, I was already in enveloped in her green aura. In a flash of green light both her and I were revealed in our true forms. Chrysalis glared deep into my soul as she pinned me against the wall.
"I should kill you right now! I should have killed you years ago! Are you aware what your betrayal costed us!?" Chrysalis scolded. I only whimpered and nodded, trying to keep from looking into her eyes. "I want nothing more than for you to feel the same pain and suffering you had caused the hive!" She lets out a sigh as she calms her rage. "Fortunately for you," she continued with a hint of disgust. "I require information from you."
"Wh-what d-d-do you want from me," I managed to spit out.
"I want Spy Glass gone! As much of a menace you are, he's been chipping away at my army and spies. And it just so happens that I know a little rat who knows him better than he knows himself. So, little rat, if you value your life, you will come with me peacefully." I was close to tears and I struggled frantically!
"I can't! I-I won't!!" I said, trying my hardest to escape her powerful grasp.
"Perhaps I should rephrase that: It would just be a shame if little Simon had to grow up without a mother, now, wouldn't it?" My heart caught in my throat as I thought about it. "And it seems he doesn't have a father either. What a shame! The poor boy will be all alone." Chrysalis smirked wickedly as the tears streamed down my face. "Perhaps his mother can do something about that?" I said nothing; there was nothing I could say. I only nodded. She stroked my mane and smiled.
"Good girl! Come now, we have a pest to 'exterminate'!"
It wasn't long after the invasion that I began planning my revenge! And I knew it was going to start with those traders! If only I had realized the significance of the missing spy reports before mobilization, then we would still probably have control over Canterlot.
When I had returned to the hive that night, I realized that not very many of my changelings returned as well. The amount of casualties taken during the invasion definitely made singling out the rouge spies more difficult. Given the number of reports I received before the attack, I came to the conclusion that there were four changeling spies who didn't return that day.
"Captain Butterfly!" I called out. With incredible speed, one of the few changelings I had left stood in front of me. She was a little bigger than most changelings, and her eyes were more of a dark violet other than the usual green or blue. She saluted her queen and despite the situation, she had a huge smile on her face.
"You called, your Majesty?" She said happily. I rolled my eyes at her enthusiasm.
"We need to track down some traitors in Canterlot! I need you to train a few more spies."
"But, your Majesty, we only have so many Changelings left. If we plan on launching another attack, we'll want as many drones as possible!" She said to me as her mirth turned to concern.
"We're not launching another attack!... Not yet, anyway. First, we need to find the rogue spies. There are four who did not return this morning. I don't know if they had anything to do with our defeat, but they still refused to do their duty. I want them found and I want them dead!"
"D-dead?! Th-that seems a bit extreme... don't you think?"
"Captain, if we want our revenge, these spies must first be put to rest! There will be no loose ends! Do I make myself clear?" She shied away from my gaze and she whimpered softly.
"...Yes, your Majesty..." She said before darting off. She began training spies immediately, but revenge does not wait, especially for those traders! I sent a few spies out that night and required that they be back by dawn. The following morning, only one returned.
"Where are the others?!" I asked sharply.
"Your majesty, they have been captured! They were spotted at a performance near the castle." He stated after his salute.
"Impossible! How could they have seen through their disguises?"
"I-I don't know! They must have been expecting our return... I-"
"Who has captured them?"
"I don't know. Some pegasus stallion-"
"Perhaps he could be responsible for the first few missing changelings!"
"My queen! What are we to do with those that are captured?"
"There's nothing we can do now! I want more information on this stallion!"
"But, your majesty, with all due respect, I don't believe that it is very wise to pursue the very thing that-"
"WISE!?? Are you suggesting that your queen does not know what she's doing?! Do you think you know better than the very one who keeps this hive alive?!" He let out a sigh and shook his head.
"... no, your majesty..."
"That's what I thought! Now return to your duty!" At this, he slowly buzzed away.
"Y-Your majesty?" Captain Butterfly chimed in.
"What is it, Captain?"
"What do you think this stallion has to do with the rogue spies?"
"It could be possible that this stallion had captured these spies before the invasion began. If so, they get the benefit of a doubt and there will not need to kill them if we can find them."
"And... if not?"
"Let's just say that there will be five pests to exterminate. Why? Do my methods worry you?"
"It's just... if this stallion can so easily detect changelings... then we'd be risking what few changelings we have left. Don't you think, this plan is a little... irrational?" She said as delicately as possible.
"Anything we do in or around the city becomes just as risky with him lurking there anyway. This would render our efforts and years of preparation useless and revenge on Canterlot or even those potential rogues impossible. One way or another, Captain Butterfly, the odds are against us, but this hive is not going down without a fight! Do I make myself clear?"
"Yes, your highness," she said as the smile returned to her face. I suppose she must have felt comfortable in being reassured in some way.
"Now, return to your duties! If we require a few pawns, someone WILL need to train them," I said as she buzzed off also.
Over the course of the next five years, I lost at least ten spies to this detective. However, my efforts were not completely in vain; for I did get the information I was looking for. As it turns out, the four missing spies were indeed traders: Melony, most often taking the form of a mare called 'Cloudy Cuddles', and now with a son; Lumous, often using the disguise of a mare called 'Caramel Glow' and captured at the play near the castle. There was also one other changeling spy that refused to return the morning after the play in the group I sent out. It is also found that they were captured in a separate situation later. The other two rogues have yet to be identified.
The detective goes by the name Spy Glass. He began his changeling hunting career only after the invasion. Which means he could not have captured any changelings before then. After the first couple of months of his new position, his morale decreased suddenly and he was no longer seen in public with his wife anymore. It is not known what happened to her, but he still claims that he is married. Still, this leaves a vulnerability; an opening if you will. A crack in the seal that only needs to be exploited. And all we need to do is find out just how to do that.
I took the form of a young pegasus colt and scanned over the city. Thanks to his lack of rest, he is easy to find out in the open, usually asleep. It wasn't before I picked up the scent of drama that I realized how hungry I was. I decided to take a break and for a snack and followed the scent that caught my attention.
The scent led me to a Café were a mare and her son stood just outside. I took the formation of a fly so that I could draw closer to them without being noticed. They seemed to be arguing. Something about the boy's father... I don't know, that's not what had my curiosity. It was the boy's eyes that caught my attention. They were too... changeling-like. I took a good look at the mother and noticed that she matched the description of the disguise Melony had taken.
It wasn't long before the stallion-of-interest himself showed up. That's when the pieces fell into place. His interests including a mare by the name of Melony. Uncoincidentally, Melony also had feelings for Spy Glass. This made things just too easy. What a perfect way to kill two birds with one stone I thought to myself as I followed Melony home.
… Or, more like 'kill two...No! Three pests in one trip.'
I looked up in joy at the inside of the facility. I know not a lot of colts my age are interested in this kind of stuff, but something about the details unfolding in a case is very satisfying to me. Something only someone with high intellect and just as much curiosity can enjoy, I suppose. We were on the third floor and the open cases and discussions consumed all of my attention. I even participating in a few of them... or at least that's what I liked to believe. No one really listened when I spoke and they all just ignored me, but it was still the greatest experience I've ever had.
"Looks like you're having a good time then, ay kid?" Spy Glass said as he nudged my shoulder as he noticed my excitement.
"Absolutely! But.... isn't it illegal to disclose details of a case?" I asked.
"Not particularly; these are open cases. Open cases are for anyone who has details about, and are even usually in the news. However, my boss isn't exactly open to tours of the facility. So just make sure to keep this whole thing on the 'down low'," he said with a wink. I smiled and gave a nod of agreement.
"But what about everypony else in here?"
"Even a detective knows when to keep their mouth shut in certain circumstances. Especially when it comes to their fellow investigators. Besides I already talked to him, you're fine. Just don't go telling you're friends the we're offering tours," He chuckled. "Hey, want to come check out the investigations I've been work on?"
"Of course! Would those be considered confidential cases?"
"Kid, I ONLY do open cases. I don't know if you've noticed, but when it comes to tracking down changelings, any information I can get, even from the public, is useful," he smiled. "Besides, you look like somepony that knows a thing or two."
"In general, yes, I have a pretty wide range of knowledge. About changelings, I don't know the first thing."
"Are you not part changeling?" He asked me. It would be this kind of question that would make my mom nervous, which made me glad she wasn't here. Then again, we wouldn't have it any other way. As for me, I have a story I use to keep me from getting us in trouble. One that actually holds water.
"I am, but I can't exactly tell you anything. I live with my mother, and she's never told me who my father is; it's a sensitive subject in our home and.... Well, all obvious theories and assumptions aside.... let's just say that I've been shielded from a very important part of my life, and because of this, there are a lot of things I don't know. I suppose that's what sparked my curiosity in the first place. I can't change the past, and I suppose it's good that I can't."
"Hmm... Well said, kid. I guess your past does contribute to who you become. You're pretty optimistic," at this I smiled and looked at the investigation board. Then something caught my attention, something familiar.
"Did this pony do something?" I said as I pointed to a picture of a stallion entering an apartment building.
"Nothing illegal, at least not that we know of. He's just been seen conversing with the last seven changeling that had been captured. We assume he might be supporting refugee changelings. Though that is only a theory, we DO know that it's not a coincidence, and he has a connection with the changelings. Why? Do you know something about him?"
"Yes, actually, and I thought it was interesting that he was under 'suspects', I would have assumed he was working with you," I said, examining the picture.
"Oh? What gave you that idea?"
"His name is Dusty Palace, he owns that apartment complex there, and he's been involved in WAY more than just the last seven changeling cases. He's not a bad detective, himself.
When the changelings invaded, he lost a lot of business with ponies not feeling safe in Canterlot anymore, and rumors of spies returning or just simply changeling lingering around the city prevented ponies from moving here. Lack of profit not only prevented him from expanding his complex like he'd hoped, but it also made supporting his family impossible, much less giving him the ability to keep the renters he still had satisfied.
Hope was dying out for him. That is, until he heard about a certain someone who recently started a changeling hunt," I said with a wink. "Of course, the word of the first capture brought some hope back to Canterlot, but he figured that if captures became common, ponies would feel safer in the city for one reason or another. So, he discretely spread the word that all changelings are welcome to his building for no cost. Of course, taking the role of a changeling-sympathizer made singling out changeling spies easy.
From there, all it takes is a bit of evidence planting or an anonymous letter, and suddenly Canterlot is a happier place," I gave another wink.
"Huh... very innovative," he said as he took the picture off of the board and inspected it. "I guess you know him well, don't you?"
"Yeah, we met when my mom was looking for an apartment to stay in. When he saw how we were a struggling, broken family that was affected by a changeling, he offered us a free stay for a while. He said since I'm technically a changeling, he's obligated to offer me a place to stay. He even bought our trailer for us once business picked back up. I still visit him sometimes and he's even taught me a few tricks."
"I'm just surprised I never thought about it in that way," Spy Glass said, scratching his head.
"Well, even Sherlock Hooves needed another set of eyes on many of his cases. Why do you think he had an assistant?" I said with a chuckle. He smiled and ruffled my mane.
"Well, maybe there might be an opening for an assistant position here in the future, and I know just the colt for the job! Of course, if he's interested," he smiled and winked at me as I nodded my head vigorously. "After you graduate, that is," he continued. I rolled my eyes and chuckled. We laughed for a moment before something else caught my eye. It was another picture, but not one on the board. This one was on his desk.
"Who's that?" I asked, pointing at the framed picture on his desk. It depicted him and a unicorn mare cuddled together in front of a blue backdrop. They seem happy; very happy. Which is probably why I find it odd when he let out a not-so-happy sigh.
"That's my wife, Melony. She is quiet a lovely mare if I do say so myself," he said with a grin. It wasn't obvious by any means, but I could tell that it was fake. But I figured I'd follow his advice; 'even a detective knows when to keep their mouth shut'.
"I suppose she is?" I said slightly confused. He only smiled and looked back at me.
"Well, I probably shouldn't go ranting on about family, this is a place for work," he said somberly. I didn't pay closely to what he was saying though. I was trying to remember where I heard the name 'Melony' before. It sounded strangely familiar, but I couldn't put my hoof on it. "Hey, kid, you alright?" Spy Glass asked me. I shook the thoughts from my head and then nodded.
"Yeah, I'm fine. I just zoned out I guess," I responded as he glanced up at the clock on the wall.
"Oh! Look at the time! You should probably head on home. Your mother's probably waiting on you," he said as he opened the door for me.
"You're probably right. Will I be able to see you again?"
"I hope so! You're a smart kid, and you got a future here. So, let's try not to lose touch," at this, he handed me another business card. "I may work here, but I always have time for ponies who require my assistance. This is my personal business card, different from the one I handed you earlier. Just send me a letter whenever, all right?" I smiled nodded before quickly trotting home.
It's been a great day so far. And I know I probably shouldn't jinx it, but it seems that things can't get any better!
Chapter 11: A Break From the Routine (3rd Person POV)
Once at home, Simon tried the door, but it was locked. That's odd, he thought to himself. Mom never locks the door, when she's home.
"Hey, It, could you lend me a paw?" He asked. It stuck his head out of his pocket, he had a key in his mouth, but it didn't stay there for very long, as he'd dropped it the moment he peeked out. Simon only chuckled and bent over to pick it up off of the ground. "We'll work on that one. You're pretty smart for a mouse," He claimed as he gently pet It on the head.
He unlocked the door with his key and headed inside. "Mom?" Simon said as he walked around the house in search for his mother, but there wasn't a sign of her anywhere. Gone with no note, message, or even lunch like she had promised... very unlike her, he thought.
Simon inspected the trailer more closely, inside and out. After a little while spent searching, he found no clues. However, his search was not a complete loss. No note would imply that she left in a hurry or expected to be back home before me, he thought while pacing in the living room... or at least what they considered the living room. Everything seems to be in the right place and the cabinets are stocked, this means she didn't rush out for groceries, and if she expected to be back before me, this means she wouldn't have left for anything else.
The locked door would imply that she left and didn't plan on returning for at least a couple of hours. But she never forgets to leave a note and a meal. Unless of course she was distracted, by something or someone. Simon looked around the room again. Nothing distracting around here, especially not distracting enough to urge her to leave or cause her to forget, so there must have been a guest. And considering they aren't still here, they must have left together. But if she forgot the note, she probably would have forgotten to lock the door, too.... He thought hard about the situation Maybe I'm just missing something.
Simon frantically checked the room once again and found something he didn't see the first time. There was a dent in the wall directly across from the door. One that was not there earlier that morning. It wasn't an extremely deep or noticeable dent, which is probably why he didn't notice it while searching the first time. Aha! He thought. Something happened here! Something sinister! And this is a sign of a struggle! At first, Simon was excited that he had figured something out. But suddenly, his heart dropped to his stomach when he realized what he was investigating.
"Mom's in trouble! I need to get some help!" Simon said aloud. Just then, he heard the clanking sound of something metallic hitting the floor. He looked down to see the trailer key on the ground and an apologetic looking It staring back at him from his pocket. Simon smiled and picked up the key, "Thanks, It, but I need a different kind of help," Simon said before slipping the key back into his pocket. It ducked back inside his pocket and returned a moment later, holding Spy Glass's business card.
"It, you're a genius!" Simon exclaimed before snagging the card and reading over it. 244 Kings Lane, he read before taking off down the road.
Kings Lane was a road with all the big, fancy houses that aren't quite big enough to be called "mansions". It was where all the upper-middle class citizens lived. Thinking back on it, Simon understood why somepony like Spy Glass would live here; but he never actually considered how much Spy Glass made or where he he lived before today.
Once he reached the house #244, Simon pounded his hoof against the door. He knew it was probably impolite to be so aggressive about it, but this was very urgent. By now the sun was sitting just at the mountain, so he was losing daylight. After a few more urgent knocks, the door flew open, startling him a bit.
"Alright, Alright! What in the hay-"
"Mister Spy Glass, I need your help!" Simon said, cutting off Spy Glass in the middle of his sentence.
"Kid? What are you doing here?"
"My mom isn't at home! I think she's in trouble!" Spy Glass only stared at him for a few moments.
"....Are you sure that's the case? She could very well just be at the store, or something."
"Don't you think I would have considered that already? I found some evidence that suggests that a third party may be involved! Come on, I need your help!" Simon said, tugging on his hoof, pulling him through the door.
"Slow down kid!" Spy Glass said before taking his hoof back.
"Please! Need your help! She could be in real danger and I can't do this alone!" Simon said, tears beginning to build up in his eyes as he stares up at Spy Glass, trying his hardest to be brave and determined. Spy Glass stared down at the kid. Despite Simon's hardest attempt at a calm demeanor, Spy Glass saw right through it. The outside was a kid, wanting to be the best he could be. Hopes and ambitions shone right through despite everything. But on the inside, he was just a scared colt, the hope in his eyes was dying, and along with it his aspirations.
Spy Glass knew what he saw in the colts eyes. He didn't want to admit it, because he didn't want to be reminded of it; Sid saw himself. He saw someone who was broken, missing the most important piece in his life and regretting every second of it. But there was still hope for Simon, it was quickly fading, but it was still there.
Sid knew what he had to do, and time was scarce. This kid can't grow up without his mom around, it's just not right. Protocol says that he needs to call it in somepony specialized in abduction cases to handle it, or at the very least inform the company that he's picking up a case, and that could take days at the SOONEST to approve. Spy Glass knew he had to do the right thing, even if it costed him his job.
Spy Glass sighed and looked Simon in the eyes, "I need to grab my supplies from the office," he said. "I'm not supposed to be helping you, so I need to avoid being spotted by anyone. If you can help me get those supplies, I'll help you find your mother. How does that sound?" Simon beamed, as all doubt suddenly dispersed.
"Thank you so much! You will not regret it Mr. Spy Glass!" Simon said gratefully before galloping down the road. Spy Glass smiled as Simon returned to his hopeful self again in a heartbeat. "I don't think I will, kid."
"Well, well, well, Melony, hasn't it just been too long since we've talked" she said to me. I quivered under her gaze, fearing for my life.
"Well, don't you have something to say to me, traitor?" The queen said as she began to pace. I gathered my courage and finally spoke.
"W-what do you want with me?!" I said. Those were the only words I could spit out. All changelings fear their queen, whether they knew it or not. After my many years of exercising my own thoughts and feelings and having betrayed the hive in one of the most treasonous ways, the fear struck me harder than it did for any changeling.
"Well I want you dead; my preferred method of dealing with traitors like you. But I know you have important information that I can't extract with force. So I'm here to make you deal!" She explained to me. I knew no matter what the offer was it would be a lose-lose situation.
"N-no!" I said as firmly as I could.
"What did you just say to me?" She said slowly through gritted teeth. Her fury was on the rise and I knew I could never survive while up against her.
"I-I said no... No matter what you have to offer, I don't want it!" I replied as I continued to dig my own grave. She picked me up in her magic in one swift motion and before I knew it, the air was being choked out of me as her vice-like grip surrounded me in her aura.
"I don't think you understand! I don't have the patience to-"
"Your majesty?" Said a familiar voice from behind the door of the cell I was being harassed in. "There you are!" She said happily and walked into the cell. "I've come to report..." She slowly trailed off as she saw me, and I saw her as she stepped into the light. "MELONY?!"
Her excitement is what gave it away, and I was now certain who it was. Boy, has she changed! "Butterfly?" I replied through short, choked breaths. There was not another second of hesitation. With lightning-speed, Butterfly scooped my out of the queen's vice grip and into her own much tighter and torturous hug.
"Oh my Queen's great name, it's been forever!! I missed you! I thought you were dead! Where have you been? Are you okay?" She askes rapidly, almost on the brink of tears.
"I'd be.... better if... I could breathe..." I said while trying to gasp for air.
"Oops! Sorry!" She said before letting me go completely. I fell to the ground gasping for air.
"Captain, is there something you needed to say to me? I'm in the middle of something VERY important!" Chrysalis said, seeming to be on the brink of tearing us both in half. Butterfly whipped around and saluted her queen.
"Your majesty, I am here to report that we were unable to track down any of the rogue changelings. The investigator has been spotted a few times, but we could not acquire any information on him other than the fact that he probably knows more about us than we do about him," Butterfly said, standing at attention. Chrysalis did not seem happy about this.
"Have you fools even tried a direct approach?! It sounds to me like you are actively avoiding him as well as all of your duties!"
"We sent in a few spies to gather some information. Things are kept on the downlow when it comes to changeling hunters. No one knows anything about him, and those that do are usually silenced. The spies that even managed to get close to him or anyone he knows can't stay in his presence for more than an hour without being caught," Butterfly reported.
"And what of the captured changelings? Have you found any information on them?" The queen asked.
"All the changelings that have been caught can not be traced. We had a few spies sent to the Canterlot dungeons and there were no changelings anywhere. Not even the guards know where they are kept."
"Wait," I started, butting into the conversation. "You don't think they are... executing changelings, do you?" I shivered at the thought.
"WERE YOU ASKED TO SPEAK, PEST?!" Chrysalis barked loudly, frightening both Butterfly and me. The queen took a deep breath to cool herself down. "The rouge makes a good point though, you should consider looking for a burial sight or tomb. At least if we know for sure that they are dead then we can assure that they are not spilling any more secrets," she said as Butterfly's happy-excited demeanor dropped.
"Rouge?" Butterfly repeated, looking back at me. "Oh no, no, no! I've known Melony forever! She would never betray the hive!" Butterfly said firmly.
"She fell in love with the investigator we're trying to gather information on. She has a foal that follows her around I assume is their son. She probably has some very important information," the queen said after a short pause.
"That.. That sounds like her..." Butterfly says and turns to me. "Melony, what happened?" She continued, giving me a concerned look.
Butterfly and I have been very, very close through out my whole life in the hive. So it's only natural she learned a bit about me. For instance, how easily I fell in love. And of course since changelings feeling emotion is NOT so natural, my heart got broken a lot.
Butterfly and I weren't so different. Though she didn't fall in love as easily as I did, she was very caring and open, so she was there for me when no one else was. She also saw things in me that no one else did.
She was promoted to Captain to help strategize the attack on on Canterlot, and she's the one who appointed me as one of the deep cover spies. She claimed that because of my caring and naturally loving personality, I would blend in with the ponies well. I suppose she had the right idea, considering I stayed safely in presence of an ace changeling hunter for years without being suspected. Past her bubbly and caring personality, she was no stranger to strategy and logic and she didn't have to give up any of that while in her position. She's nearly unbreakable.
"It wasn't long after the plan was put into motion," I started. "I had met a kind stallion at a Café. He seemed clueless as to who I was, so I decided to feed off of him. He was in the middle of an investigation on a mare, and it just so happens that I was keeping lookout for this mare, so I told him what I knew. Well, I couldn't help myself... I jumped the gun and I... uh... kissed him..." I blushed at the thought and paused for a moment. I waited for someone to interrupt me, but no one did. "Well I expected him to be angry, but he wasn't. One thing led to another and we ended up married-"
"AHA!" Chrysalis interrupted. "So you have been living with the ponies for over a decade! You refused to return! You ARE a traitor!" Chrysalis barked. I cowered before her waiting for her to tear me to shreds.
"Your majesty, may I interrupt?" Butterfly said.
"What is it?!" The queen said, clearly frustrated with being interrupted yet again.
"As you know, changelings tend to be incredibly adaptive to their environment as a side-effect to their abilities. This means Melony is more pony than she is changeling right now," Butterfly said to her.
"What's your point?"
"Melony is terrified of you, she defies you and your intimidation only makes it worse!"
"And what do YOU know about changeling needs?" She said sharply.
"Need I remind you that four-fifths of the surviving troops from the attack on Canterlot were the troops that I trained?" Butterfly argued.
"Is this rouge not also one of them?!"
"As a matter a fact: no!" Butterfly stated firmly. " I APPOINTED her to this position because I assumed she would be best for the job. Given she's gone this long without being caught, it's probably safe to say I wasn't incorrect. At the time 'this rogue' was being trained I was not a captain. In fact, if my memory doesn't fail me, both Melony and I have been trained by you personally!" Butterfly said to the queen sternly, her voice was condescending.
Chrysalis was not happy with this response. "I SHOULD HAVE YOUR HEAD FOR SPEAKING TO ME IN SUCH A TONE!" The queen barked furiously at the captain, before being cut off by the very changeling she was talking down to.
"But you know as well as I do that judging by the survival rate of my subordinates that I may be yours -as well as the whole hive's- only chance of survival while getting your revenge," Butterfly stated calmly. The queen took in a deep breath to regain her composure.
"Very well," she said. "You interrogate the pest!" She said before turning her back away from us. "However," she said just before leaving the cell. "Do not think that this is going to reflect well on you, Captain." Chrysalis then left us completely alone and did not return.
"Now that she's gone, what happened?" Butterfly asked to me again.
"I already told you..." I replied.
"Melony, you know that's not what I mean. Your heart is broken; I can feel it. What happened?" I looked down at the ground and remained silent for a moment as she waited for my response.
Once I realized she wasn't going to break the silence herself, I spoke. "I couldn't help hiding who I was, especially not from him, and especially not after he started hunting changelings. I decided to show him my true form..." I said as the tears began welling up. I then continued the best I could through sobs. "H-he told me to leave! That he didn't want me there.... that I was a m-monster!! I guess the years that I gave him didn't matter to him anymore...."
"Shh... it's okay, hun... th-the child... is it his?" She asked me. I only nodded trying my best to compose myself.
"H-he doesn't know, though... He doesn't know where I am anymore. And poor Simon doesn't know who his father is!" I say, unable to hold back my sobs.
"Simon... that's his name?" She asks. I nod yet again. "Well, I'm sure Simon is going to have a great life with a mother like you," she says with a smile.
"Wh-what?" I asked. Butterfly giggled and put her hoof on mine.
"Well, don't tell her I told you," She began. "But Chrysalis has no intention of harming you. In fact, if you can tell her what she needs to know about the investigator and the rouge Changelings, she will let you and the kid go. She's even got a cozy little house set aside for you guys in the Crystal Empire!" Butterfly said happily. I let out a small gasp at the thought.
"What rouge changelings?" I asked.
"Well along with you, there were three other changeling spies that did not return the night before the attack, presumably with information that could have prevented our defeat," she responded.
"I'm pretty sure one was captured at the first performance, but I don't know about the other two."
"That's alright, it's the investigator she's really after. If she can get rid of him, finding the other two won't be so difficult."
"B-but... I don't want to put him in danger..."
"Oh... oh, Melony!" She said in realization before pulling me into an embrace. "Melony, you know I can't mend a broken heart, but I can still be there for you while it heals," I sobbed softly over her shoulder. She just held me there for a moment.
"Look," she began again. "I can't get her to forget about this investigator, and I can't convince her you don't know anything. But I can stall her until you're ready to speak. How does that sound?" I only nodded, knowing I wouldn't be able to speak without breaking down completely. "Alright, but I do need to warn you," She continued, looking me dead in the eyes. "Melony, I say this in the least threatening way I possibly can. If you don't talk, Chrysalis will use Simon as leverage..." I let out a sigh.
"Check in with me in a week..." I say. "I'll be ready by then... c-can you promise me something?"
"Absolutely!"
"The investigator, do you promise not to hurt him?" Butterfly smiled at me and nodded.
"I'll see what I can do!" She said before leaving the cell.
It was early evening, and Spy Glass and Simon were waiting outside of the Spy's work building, still full of highly trained detectives and investigators working on their cases. "So how exactly are we are we supposed to get this case without anyone noticing us?" Simon asked.
"Well, we can't just walk in, obviously and my office is up towards the top floor, the most high-traffic area in the building. So, we not only have to get in without being seen, but also without being heard. The window to my office doesn't open, and I don't know if anyone will notice if anything goes missing in my office. I'm going to be honest with you kid, I'm stumped," Spy Glass told him. "But, I think if we put our minds together, we can probably figure something out."
Simon looked up at the building and thought for a moment. "I suppose it's better to sneak in while no one's there," Simon suggested.
"Clearly, but this place is running 24/7, they're never not going to be there," Spy Glass said.
"Unless they're forced to leave..." Simon stared up at the floor where Spy Glass's office was. "What's the fire protocol in this building?" Spy Glass turned to him, surprised.
"I hope you're not planning on doing what I think you are!"
"Well we can't just pull the fire alarm. That's a felony and this building is full of detectives! I don't plan on setting the building on fire. We just need to set off the smoke detector," Simon argued. Spy Glass turned away and began pacing. He thought for himself for a moment.
"I think..." Spy Glass began before looking back at Simon. "I think you may be right, Simon." Simon looked up at him, hopefully.
"Really?" He asked, seeming a little surprised.
"Yes, but we can't be simple about it... We need to go bigger than that," Spy Glass said sternly.
"Wait! What are you saying?"
"Look, kid, even after all is said and done, there's no guarantee that things are going turn out just fine. Even after all is said an done, I still have a pretty big chance of getting figured out and getting in trouble for this case. If an alarm goes off and the ONLY thing that goes missing is my briefcase afterwards, they'll come looking for me first. We need to take some risks!"
"You want to burn down the whole building?! That's insane!... I like it! What's the plan?"
We're not burning the whole place down! We're just burning the top couple floors. If the whole floor is on fire, than we can grab my briefcase and it can be presumed destroyed in the accident. There will also be enough damage to the structure of the area to be able to break into that floor directly, without having to pass a lot of ponies on the way in. There will be enough ponies in the crowd for you to slip by to the ally without being seen. All you have to do from there is fly up to my office and slip in through a gap of the destruction and snag the case," Spy Glass told him.
"And what will you be doing during all of this?"
"I'll have to wait at a rendezvous point, I won't be able to sit safely in the crowd, much less be able to slip by with you. Meet me at Icey's Café, I'll talk to Mr. Red, and he can make sure that no one important see's us. Just keep the case hidden until you can get to me."
"Who's Mr. Red?" Simon asked.
"He's an old friend of mine, he runs the joint."
"Perfect, now we only have one problem," Simon said.
"What's that?"
"How are we going to start this fire without being seen or raising suspicion?" Spy Glass thought for a moment. "Well, fires here are rare but most commonly are started in the live-in quarters,"
"Live-in quarters?" Simon asked.
"Yeah, sometimes investigators get stuck working late. So they have these areas in the building where they are welcome to sleep at night. They are complete with shared-bedrooms, bathrooms, and even a kitchen. I never really use them but I have seen them and let me tell you the guys who use them are slobs. The housekeepers canceled on us this week, so there should be enough junk in there to set the place off like a tinderbox," Spy Glass explained. "But we won't be able to just throw a torch or something through the window. That would be to obvious... We'd probably need to do something simple, like leave a stove on or something. But there's no way anypony can just turn on a stove and walk out without being seen..." Simon reached into his coat pocket and pulled out his little friend.
"Well, It, are you ready to commit arson?" Simon said jokingly. The mouse nodded his head and Spy Glass let out a sigh.
"Please don't say it like that... Look I'd estimate you have roughly an hour before ponies start turning in, but I reckon that this place should be completely in flames long before then. Does your mouse know where to find my office?" Spy Glass asked seriously. Simon turns to It, and in return he nods. "Good, I would imagine that it's not hard for a mouse to find the kitchen from there. If It can start a fire there and then meet you in the office after the floor is evacuated, you both should be able to come out safe, understand?"
"Understood! You know what to do, boy," Simon said to his mouse before setting him down on the ground. It hurried into the building and made his way to the determined location.
As they waited outside the building, Simon looks up at it. "So how exactly did they manage to become such a big company?" Simon asked him.
"What do you mean?" Spy Glass asked in response.
"Well, it's just that this place is so well funded for being a private investigator company. Usually companies with this career path are small businesses made of individuals or groups of contractors. But this place is FULL of them, they get so many cases and a lot of them are real criminal cases! Don't the correct authorities have their own branch of detectives for that, and shouldn't they be handling those cases?"
"Well, kid, your not wrong. It's true that the guard has their own branch of detectives, but because of certain laws that dictate who can and can't be a royal detective, that branch tends to be a very small one. Law says that in order to be a royal detective, you need to have a major in criminal justice as well as five years of experience in the royal guard. Being a private detective only requires the former. Because that branch is so small the princesses require help solving cases that exceed the amount of work that branch can do, so they outsource to us."
"Is that legal?"
"Yes, it is. The princesses are allowed to outsource to any business they please. In fact, they do it all the time for catering, supplies, and other industries anyway. And when it comes to dipping your hoof in the field, it's easier to become a private investigator."
"Doesn't that undermine the need for that branch? If that's the case, why would anypony want to become a royal detective?"
"Well yes, it does. And the demand for that job has gone down for that reason too, it's sort of a hole that digs itself. But there are cases that only the authorities themselves can handle, so that branch isn't entirely useless. In a world where billions of sentient beings coexist, there is bound to be different thoughts, ideas, and opinions. That would be why a unanimous poll is so incredibly rare. Same goes for how ponies see the world, and also how they see themselves in it. So there will still be a portion of those ponies who decide that they want to put in the extra work for the the higher honor (and salary) of being a royal detective."
"Wouldn't it be better just to change that law?"
Maybe for the princesses, but they can't just change a law to benefit themselves, they still have advisors and citizens to answer to. Besides, it's not like anyone gets hurt this way and no laws are being broken."
"Hmm... it's an odd system," Simon observed.
"At least it works," Spy Glass said in response.
"It could work better."
"It could, but it doesn't matter much anyway. Sometimes, fixing a problem makes more trouble than the problem ever could in the first place. In other words: if it's not broken, don't fix it," Spy Glass said.
Simon took note of this. It seemed to open up his eyes a little bit. Simon always looked for ways to try and better understand the world, doing this by looking into things that made sense to him. But when it comes down to it, it's probably safe to say that there's a lot of things that make little sense or don't make sense to us yet at all. After all, there are still a lot of cases that are unsolved to this day. Somethings are just easier to accept than to give them meaning, and usually it's better left that way.
It made his away to the floor Spy Glass's office was on. Once there, he could see the door to the office, but he still didn't quite understand what Spy Glass meant when he said 'it's not hard for a mouse to find the kitchen from there'. Then it hit him.
The scent of fresh fruits and vegetables as well as other assortments of food caught him by surprise. It followed his nose to until he found the source of it. He looked up at a door seemingly on the opposite end of the floor as Spy Glass's office. There was a gap underneath the door just big enough for It to squeeze through.
It was when It reached the other side of the door that he realizes how true Spy Glass spoke when he said these guys were slobs. There were robes, towels, and blankets scattered around the room. Whatever part of the floor wasn't covered in cloth and personal belonging, was covered in crumbs, empty water bottles, and half eaten or empty bags of chips. It took him a moment to even realize that this kitchen had a table, and not just a pile of dirty laundry and garbage. There were butter messes and dried milk spills all over the counter. Enough to make even a mouse uneasy.
It began looking for the stove. It took him a full minute to find it as somepony had draped their robe over top of it, hiding its most distinguishing features. He rolled his eyes and began to climb it. Dangerous for them, continent for It.
He slipped underneath the robe in order to turn on one of the burners. At his size, it took all he had to get a spark, but it worked. Once it was on, It leaped from the stove, and watched as the robe was almost immediately engulfed. It didn't take long at all.
"I see smoke," Simon said, and it wasn't long before the fire alarm began ringing throughout the whole building.
"Perfect! I better get going before a crowd starts to gather. Hey, kid, before I go, can I ask you a favor?" Spy Glass asked.
"Anything!" Simon responded rather quickly.
"The picture of the mare in my office... the one I showed you... do you think you could save it? I know I'm asking a lot as it is, but it's the last one I have," Spy Glass said as calmly as he could. He tried to sound composed, but a bit of fear ran noticeably through his voice.
"You mean the one of your wife? Why? Shouldn't you have more at home?" Simon asked.
"Look, Simon, I haven't been completely honest with you. That mare isn't my wife.... She used to be... I miss her a lot and I don't want to forget her face. Please, can you grab it for me?" Spy Glass asked him, trying not to sound desperate. Simon nodded in response.
"Yes! You can count on me!" He said.
"Thank you, kid! I'll see you at Icey's," Spy Glass said before beginning down the road.
Just as Spy Glass had predicted, it didn't take long before the whole floor was in flames. And not long after that before a crowd had gathered around the building consisting of not just the evacuated staff, but also of passerby's who's attention was caught by the tragedy. Simon was able to slip by the crowd pretty easily, as most eyes were figuratively glued to the fire. Once out of sight of the crowd, Simon began steadily flapping his wings to lift himself off of the ground, slowly and quietly ascending the floors of the building.
Upon reaching Spy Glass's office, Simon realized that he didn't have to look hard for an entrance. The fire had damaged the window sill enough to cause the pane to fall out of place. There was shattered glass all over the floor.
Simon slipped in through the hole in the wall where the window used to be. The briefcase was next to the picture on the desk. The case and the picture frame were both singed, but it seemed the fire had not yet reached the contents of either of them.
Simon's first thought was to put the picture frame inside the briefcase for safe-keeping, but it wouldn't open without the combination. So, he decided to just stuff them both under his overcoat. The minute he turned-tail to get out of there, he heard the faint squeaking of a mouse. "Right!" He said, "I can't forget about It!" Simon looked around the engulfed office for his pet mouse, all the while, calling his name.
It squeaked again, this time catching Simon's eyes. "There you are!" Simon exclaimed. But before he could scoop up his friend, the floor crumbled beneath them and completely fell away the the level below their own. It fell through.
"No!" Simon swooped down after him and, thankfully, caught It in his hooves before he could plummet any further into the flames. However, Simon couldn't save everything from the flames. Aside from the end of It's tail, that seemed to have burned off at one point during this whole ordeal that Simon is just now noticing, there was also the familiar sound of shattering glass.
Simon turned his attention from his mouse's injuries to find the source of the sound, and when he found it, he was devastated. There he found the picture he promised Spy Glass to return safely. It had fallen to the next floor below, the frame was shattered and the picture was consumed by flames. Simon watched as it shriveled into ashes.
Simon had nothing to say. He only flew back out of the empty window frame as quickly as he could.
Melony was curled up in her cell. Trying to comprehend the situation. She spent most of her life in this hive, but now it seems so foreign for some reason. It almost feels like like she's never been here before. She can't seem to wrap her head around it.
She never anticipated being here coming back here ever again, much less in captivity. She accepted the world outside as her home, and found it far more comfortable than this wretched place, and I suppose that might be playing part in her confusion.
She does know one thing, though. Even as she feared for Simon and Spy Glass, she was glad that if she had to be anywhere in the hive, it was the secluded jail cell. It would be rough seeing familiar faces full of pain and suffering she caused. It would be hard seeing strangers that can hardly be considered stranger. This was far better for he poor mental health.
Melony's attention had been grabbed in an instant by the sound of the cell door creaking open. Captain Butterfly stood in the entrance with that brightening smile she always brought with her. "Hey, Melony!" She said cheerfully.
"What are you doing back so soon? There's no possible way it's already been a week already, has it?" Melony asked, genuinely concerned that she's already losing her perception of time.
"Relax," Butterfly giggled. "It's been a few hours, is a mare not allowed to see her best friend at random times in the day?" She teased before sitting beside Melony.
"Well, I suppose not," Melony smiled before facing her. "I'm sorry, I've just been really on edge since all of this started. Thank you for stopping by, it's nice seeing a familiar face that doesn't make me feel guilty," she continued sincerely.
"Alright you got me," Butterfly sighed.
"But I didn't even pressure you."
"Yeah, but you made me feel guilty about lying. Besides, I need to talk to you anyway, I can't put it off forever, or even for another hour without getting in any kind of trouble. I've got good news and bad news," Butterfly said.
"How bad is it?" Melony asked.
"Well, if I can convince you to talk to me, then it's not bad at all," She replied
"And what if you can't?" Melony questioned.
"I have absolutely no idea," Butterfly shrugs. Melony did not reply. There was tense, awkward silence that occupied the next 10 seconds. "Anyway, the good news is that the queen agreed not to hurt Simon!"
"Wait, really?!"
"Yes! She said as long as he is captured and out of the way, she couldn't care less with what happens to him," Butterfly says happily.
"Oh... Well I suppose that's good," Melony says.
"The queen has always had a tendency to be apathetic; it's a good thing, trust me."
"So, what's the bad news?"
"Well, it's not so much bad news as it is a condition. If she can get a lead on him by tonight she won't hurt him. I can't convince her to forget about the ordeal, not even for a second, but if we can send a spy out tonight to start looking, she won't lie a hoof on him," Butterfly said happily.
"Will he get to stay with us in the Crystal Empire?" Melony asked hopefully.
"Oh... I don't know about that... when the queen said 'out of the way' I don't think she meant just out of Canterlot. I think she just wanted to put him in a cell or exile him from equestria all together..."
"O-oh..." Melony looked down somberly. "Y-you're right... it's wishful thinking... I Just hoped I'd be able to see him again." Butterfly took in a deep, sympathetic sigh.
"Look, Melony. Even my power in this hive is limited... but, I do suppose after the first siege on Canterlot, I might be able to let a prisoner go missing among the many others..." Butterfly winked at her and Melony gasped.
"But... Isn't that dangerous? You'd be risking your own life. What kind of friend would I be if I asked you to do that?"
"And what kind of friend would I be to make you ask for that kind of favor knowing this?" Melony smiled at her and hugged her tightly.
"How could I ever repay you?!"
"Melony, sweetie, you don't repay me! We're friends, and I'm doing this for you because I know you'd do the same for me if I were in your shoes. Just promise me I'll get to visit every now and again. We still have a lot of catching up to do," Butterfly said with a grin.
"Please do! Anytime you'd like!"
"There are a couple setbacks, though..." Butterfly akwardly slipped in.
"...What's that?"
"For one, the Crystal Empire is way too close. Though Spy Glass is only one prisoner, the queen would be quite upset to find that of all prisoners HE escaped. She'll look all over equestria, and he'll be too easy to find unless you are FAR away from equestria all together," She explained.
"...I suppose I don't mind being outside of equestria... But wouldn't it take too long to move that far? How long do I have before the first invasion?" Melony asked.
"Well... That's the other thing..." Butterfly started. Melony waited silently for her to continue. "The queen has been focusing soley on the loose ends. We haven't had time to train or even replinish the army that's still dying out. Not to mention there are still a couple changelings we have yet to find and take out. Even if Chrysilas planned on releasing Spy Glass, she doesn't plan on it at least until she already has an advantage over the kingdom. That could be maybe three to five years at the very least," she continued. Melony's hope was quickly crushed before letting out a sigh.
"So I'll have to wait a really long time to see him?" Melony asked. Butterfly only nodded in response. "...Okay... I'll do it," Melony stated.
"Perfect!" Butterfly says. "Now, I just need to ask you a few questions. First, do you know where to find him?"
"No, I haven't been be able to find him for the past couple of years. I stumbled upon him a few times in that time, and I most commonly find him at the Café. Of you plan on approaching him in public, you'll need four or five spys because he'll have at least two gaurds nearby," Melony said.
"How has he been so untraceable?"
"I don't know, I haven't known him intimately in over five years. My guess is that he managed to develope a magical cloaking system somehow. He takes his job seriously, so he probably learn led the changeling magic complex and found a way to make a counter magic for it."
"What is the best way we can capture him?"
"It's best to catch him alone. He allows no gaurds in his house, so you should be able to ambush him there. Don't try to trick him with your magic, you won't fool him very easily, especially with changeling magic. It's best to be sudden. I don't know where he lives, but my son is a fanatic. I'm sure you can probably find an address in with his stuff. Be careful when dealing with Simon, though. He's much like his father in an observant sense. If you interact with him, avoid conversation as much as possible."
"Perfect! And what's it like to be in love?" Butterfly asked quickly. Melony was about to answer, but she stopped herself before she could.
"I'm sorry... What did you ask?" Melony replied.
"Oh fine! Chrysilas doesn't care about that one... It's just that only a few changelings experience love, much less with a creature not of their own kind. I want to know more! Please tell me?" Butterfly asked nicely, showing her pleading eyes. Melony smiled and giggled.
"Okay, fine!" She said.
"Yay!" Butterfly said with the enthusiasm of a foal.
"Love is... Interesting... to say the least," Melony began. "It's a difficult feeling to describe. When I'm with Spy Glass, all my troubles seem insignificant. My fears and regrets become non-exsistant, and I feel like no matter what I choose to do, I'm not alone. Like I can rely on someone and not feel judged or unsupported... He makes me feel happy, not like he is my only source of happiness, but like he makes things better and more worth while," she said.
"Wow... sort of like a friendship?" Butterfly asked.
"Well, yeah... but stronger and much more intimate," Melony explained. Butterfly smiles at her, contented with her answer.
"I should return to the task at hoof. It was really nice talking to you," Butterfly says before making her way to the cell door.
"It really was," Melony smiled.
"Oh, and Melony... I'm glad your back. It's nice having a friend again," Butterfly smiled back before exiting the cell, closinf the door behind her.
Simon had made it to Icey's Café, walking at a slow, reverent pace. His overcoat was covered in black soot, and so was his fur. He dreaded the idead of telling Spy Glass he couldn't save that picture.
Simon walked through the front door of the café, the bell over the door rang, drawing the attention of all the ponies in the quiet and surprisingly unpopulated room. Spy Glass beckoned him over to the table he was sitting at. Simon dreadfully made his way to the table, an sat down across from him.
"Did you get it?' Spy Glass asked. Simon pulled the burned briefcase out from under his overcoat without saying a word. Spy Glass unlocked the case and opened it up. "This case contains professional investigation equipment. Being contractors, private investigators usually need to get around... legal obsticles, so I have a few other tools and gadgets in here, but I doubt we'll need them. There is also an addition of my own in here. Important for me, and if this case entails what I think it will, possibly the whole case."
"What is it?" Simon asked.
"We'll get into it if it comes to that. Thanks for grabbing the case, I know you went through a lot for it. Now, how about that picture?" Spy Glass asked. Simon turned away from his gaze before muttering his response.
"I'm sorry, Spy Glass, I couldn't save it..." He said, solemnly.
"What do you mean... You couldn't save it?" Spy Glass asked, trying to keep his composure. But it was clear that his grateful demeanor slowly faded, and he began to grit his teeth.
"Well... there was in issue... It was in trouble and i had to save him. As I did this, the picture frame slipped out from my coat, or something.... The frame shattered and the picture didn't survive... I'm so sorry!" Simon said as sincerely as possible. Spy Glass looked like he was about to snap, but before he could, he got a hold of himself. He took a deep breath to calm himself down. His anger turned inro a distant, solem tone.
"It's okay, Simon. I know it's not your fault. I have no right to be angry or dissapointed, frankly, I knew you probably weren't going to be able to do it. I shouldn't have gotten my hopes up," Spy Glass said. "It's my fault... if I hadn't chased her away, maybe she'd still be here with me. Maybe I wouldn't have to rely on someone to save the last shred I had of her," Spy Glass sighed. "Look, kid, I'm doing so much for you right now. I'm sticking my neck out, risking my job and well being for you. I just want you understand what I'm sacrificing for this..." Simon sat in silence for a moment, thinking to himself.
"I'm sorry... I guess I could take it a little bit more seriously. I could be more appreciative and less apathetic about thwle things we do," Simon says sincerly.
"Thanks, kid, glad you understand," Spy Glass said, still cold and distant.
"Before we continue, Spy Glass, may I ask you something?" Simon asked.
"Shoot," Spy Glass responded.
"If that picture ment so much to you, why did you keep the last one in your office?" Spy Glass looked down shamefully at the table, before giving his answer in a regretful tone.
"Well, when she first left, I was angry wirh her for some reason. I didn't want to think of her or even remember that she exsisted. So, I began getting rid of everything that reminded me of her. Old bed, furniture, clothes, jewlery, et cetera. All I had left where the pictures... I tossed them in the fireplace, one by one. But the remorse hit me when I was holding the last one in my hooves. I couldn't bring myself to toss it in. I knew I was in the wrong, I had no reason to be angry with her. She didn't deserve how I treated her and she certainly doesn't deserve to be forgotten. I couldn't destroy it, but it hurt to much to have it at home. So I left it on my desk at work. That smile always got me through a rough day."
They both sat in a solemn silence before Spy Glass finally pulled himself together. "Well, let's get down there, the scene isn't going to investigate itself," Spy Glass said in the most cheerful tone he could muster up. "Lead the way, Simon!"
Simon opened the door for Spy Glass, who quickly made his way into the trailer. "Alright, kid," Spy Glass started. "You mentioned a sign of a struggle. What evidence do you have?"
"Well, the only tangable evidence I have is that dent in the wall," Simon said, pointing at the dent in the in the trailer wall. "I'm not sure how I didn't notice this when I walked in, especially if I was already aware that something was off." Spy Glass inspected the dent in the wall.
"It's very shallow, it would be easy to miss if it weren't so large," He said as he ran his hoof over it.
"Large?" Simon asked "It doesn't look very big."
"It doesn't! But your only looking at the deepest part of the dwnt, the most obvious part. If you run your hoof over it, you'd be able to feel a divet much larger and unnoticible to the eye," Spy Glass explained. Simon stepped closer and felt the wall with his hoof. He didn't feel it at first. But as he moved his hoof further up the wall, he noticed it.
"Wow!" He said "What could have made a dent this big?" He asked.
"In most cases, a lot of things. But in this this case, there isn't anything around that matches it, and I highly doubt that the assaultant brought something of this size with them and left with it and your mother. The only thing that could have made that dent is a pony. Given how high up it is, magic had to have been used to cause it. So I think it might have been your mother," Spy Glass said. Simon felt very uneasy. "Since magic was used, that means they probably also teleported away," Spy Glass continued.
"B-but that means..." Simon began, terrified. "That means we can't trace her!" He finished. Simon felt as though he were about to cry for his mother.
"Usually, yes. But I think I have an idea of what this could be," Spy Glass said as he began unlocking his breifcase. Simon listened intently, and watched as Spy glass opened his case and removed what appeared to be a small green stone. "I found this a few years back," He began. "I don't remember where or why I decided to put it in my pocket. In fact, the only thing I really remember from that day is a changeling charging up a spell to immobilize me and failing to cast it. It took me a while to realize that this was the cause. "This crystal has the power to interfere with and detect changeling magic. This is how i've managed to survive and stay hidden from them for so long!" Spy Glass revealed. Simon once again felt uneasy, this time for a different reason.
"Is that also how you managed to keep finding changelings?" Simon asked nervously.
"Well, sort of," He answered. "See, it doesn't exactly work like a medal detector. But, if a changeling has used magic in this area withing the last couple of hours, I'd be able to know. I usually just use it to help me find a lead."
Spy Glass put the stone down on the ground. "Spy Glass, could I ask you something?" Simon asked.
"Shoot," he replied.
"Do you know exaclty what happens with the changelings the you capture?" Spy Glass was about to answer the question in detail just before realizing he couldn't do so honestly.
"You know what? I don't think the princess ever really told me what she does with the changelings... clearly, they don't remain in the dungeon because it's always devoid of changelings by the time I catch another one. But it is definitely not in the Celestia's nature to execute them, even if they were pure evil. I suppose it's a question I could possibly ask her in the furture. Why do you ask?"
"I haven't been entirely honest with you... it's true I've never met my father, but I know he wasn't a changeling," Simon said.
"How can you be sure? What does this have to do with what I told you?"
"Because my mother is a changeling... I didn't want to tell you because I knew what would happen. I'm half pony and I don't have changeling magic. So my father had to have been a pony," he said. "I want her back, so I'm no going to comprimise the investigation by letting you beleive that changeling is involved. We're looking for a changeling."
"A changeling mother.... kid, we have to get your mother back!" Spy Glass says
"To turn her in?" Simon asked solemly.
"No! I think I can keep her out of the princess's custody! This is important, kid! What was your mother's name?" Spy Glass said quickly.
"I-I don't know! She had a lot of names! I always just called her 'mom'!" Just as Simon said this, Spy Glass's stone lit up brightly. The flash startled them both. "I'm guessing that means my mom was probably using her magic?" Simon asked
"It's much more than that, kid," Spy Glass said, fascinated as he picked up the stone. "It has never shined this bright. It's never even come close. This means that hundreds of changelings had to have been involved."
"Hundreds!?"
"That, or one incredibly powerful one. This means that your mom has to be at the changeling hive," Spy Glass concluded.
"How are we going to get her then?" Simon asked with a tone of hopelessness in his voice. "It's too dangerous to go there!"
"That's why we're not going alone! We'll need to stop somewhere so I can talk to a friend. I'm calling in a favor! We need to help your mom, kid! It looks like she could be in a lot of trouble!"
"Wait! We're just going to walk right in? If we can do that, why didn't you do it before?!"
"Because I risk my life going near the hive! Even with all the help in the world, the odds are against me, and all of Equestria needs my assistance. But now it's personal! Tonight, it's not about Equestria!" Spy Glass said. "Now, we're going to stop by the Canterlot dungeons. Hopefully there are still a couple of changelings who can tell us where the hive is."
Just as the two were ready to go, the door of the trailer swung open, followed by a familiar voice. "I'm back, dear!.... Oh..." There in the doorway stood Cloudy Cuddles, but niether of them were fooled by the disguise and the changeling knew it after just a glance around the room.
"Will this one do well for an interrogation?" Simon asked
"I'd say so!" Spy Glass replied. The changeling dropped their disguise and put his hooves up in surrender.
