Their Sweetest Surprise
This new being was strange. Very strange. Although, now that I take a closer look at him, there’s something familiar about him. The long serpentine body, the yellow and red eyes, the mismatching body parts. Wait a minute could this be… the Discord that every changeling talked about?
When I first joined the Hive, there were so many names to remember. The names of the changelings I met, and the names of these other creatures I haven’t met. These other creatures didn’t seem real to me based on how other changelings talked about them. They seemed more like heroes than real, living, breathing beings. All their names became blurred in my mind. They all just came in too quickly and just all at once. However, the one name that stood out was Discord. The draconequus.
I can’t believe he’s real. Standing just below me. Out of all the heroes that the changelings spoke so highly of, he seemed to be the most make believe. But, could you blame me? A creature without a herd. A creature without a hive. No other creatures that look like him. A creature that comprises of other creatures. A creature of great and immense magic that could change reality, space, and time.
Although, I’m not one to talk. Before The Hive, I thought I was the only one of my kind too. I was without a herd or hive.
Even though I am a changeling, I don’t exactly look like them. They were all bright, vibrant, and colorful like flowers. As for me, well, I’m the color of fallen leaves and mud. There was a time when I wasn’t brown. I used to be all black and dark as night. The other changelings told me that they use to look like that too, but thanks to their heroes and the leader changeling named Thorax, they discovered this thing called “the magic of friendship” and “earned their colors”.
And just like the other changelings, I apparently was no exception to this rule despite not being part of the Hive. But, how could this be? For that matter, how could they not know that I was out there on my own ever since I was a hatchling?
When I asked these questions to them, especially their leader, no clear answers were given to me.
I used to not care about being alone. I used to not care about being the only one of my kind. Before I gained my new brown shell, I just remembered being hungry all the time. I remembered that I was hunting constantly. I remember following the scent of love and not caring where this scent took me. Every land was the same. Every kingdom was the same. Every creature was the same.
But then, the earthquake and the big boom came, and it changed everything. Not only did my appearance changed, but my entire perspective changed. I wasn’t hungry anymore. I was hunting anymore. I still followed any trail of love I could, but… instead of looking at these creatures as prey… I saw them as my equals. I saw them as my friends. At least, I wanted to be their friends.
A want and a desire that, not too long ago, was entirely strange and foreign to me. Now, it became as natural to me as breathing air.
However, these beings… these new friends... did not see me as a friend.
They were wary of me. They were suspicious of me. They were cautious around me. They were confused about who and what I am. But, I couldn’t comfort them through their worries. I couldn’t comfort them through their doubts. I couldn’t tell them what kind of creature I was at the time. Such knowledge was never important to me until now, and… I felt so ignorant.
Because of this, I had to absorb their love for one another in the shadows. I had to become their ever loyal shadow without their knowledge or consent. Such stalking didn’t bother me in the past. They were prey before. But now, they were like me. Or at least, like the new me. They had thoughts, feelings, and emotions of their own. Like me, they could get angry at the injustices of their circumstances. Like me, they could get sad when they were lonely.
Sadness and loneliness were the emotions that would hit me the hardest from time and time. And when it did, I discovered that my eyes could tear up in response to these feelings and my throat would have no choice but to let out a sorrowful moan.
Who am I? What am I? Why was I alone without a herd or a pack to call my own? Was I forgotten? Was I separated by force from the ones that loved me?
I thought such loneliness would end when the other changelings found me. But, it turns out, that was far from the case. Don’t get me wrong though. Thorax, Pharynx, and the other changelings have been nothing but kind to me. After all, they gave me a place to stay. A little hole to call my own. They gave me enough water and love to last me a lifetime. I didn’t have to stay in the shadows anymore. But, the warmth of their love… was rather cold to me.
From time to time, whenever I would wander endlessly through the hive, I would pick up the changeling’s whispers in the wind. Due to my time in the wild unknown of the world, I had developed a hearing far superior than my fellow changelings. They remarked on how long my horn looked. They would utter in confusion when examining the black, white, and orange spots on my legs. They said that these spots were holes, but that was far from the case. They would comment on how large and wide my wings looked. They would stare at the length of my legs and snicker about how long they were. But, the one word that would always pop up when they would discuss me and my appearance was Chrysalis.
From what I could gather, I apparently this Chrysalis was the former Hive leader and no changeling remembers her fondly. Evil, cruel, sinister, selfish, but very very powerful and magical. Once larger than life, but now trapped in stone with two other villainous creatures that both the changelings and the ponies feared. It use to be just the presence of her stone statue in Canterlot that gave the changelings a reason to fear, but then… I came along and changed that.
Because of these whispers,...I decided to take another creatures’ forms and hide away my own.
Looking at Discord in this moment, it made me wonder if… Discord… this creature of immense power and status was… lonely like me? But, how could that be? He was a hero. He was accepted by every pony and creature that came into his view. How could a hero be lonely? How could a creature so loved be sad? How could a being that has done so much good… feel the same as I do?
Before I flew away in my butterfly disguise, leaving Discord to continue on his day to meet up with some of his friends somewhere in this vast Canterlot Castle, Discord shouted, “Huh? A butterfly? How in the world did it get here?”
Shoot! He spotted me! But, how?! I knew I should have turned into a spider. Why did I pick a butterfly instead? Maybe it was because I didn’t expect Discord in this hallway in the first place. Even though, I should have. My camouflage skills have become rusty ever since I joined the Hive.
Ever way, I had to turn into a spider and fast. But, I was so overwhelmed by his gaze, and still getting over the shock of being spotted, that I reverted back to my original form instead! Stupid body, why?! I told you spider! What has gotten into you?! You had abandoned your original form, remember?!
I embarrassing fumbled about in the air before regaining air back into my wings and landed on the ground. My hooves were about to carry me away from here, far from the scene that I had just made. I was ready to forget Discord and this entire ordeal. I was ready to join back with Thorax and the rest of the visiting changelings, and go back to touring around in Canterlot in a new disguise. Maybe this time, I could be a pony. Yes, a pony. That should work.
Well, it would have worked if… Discord’s words hadn’t stopped me, “W-Wait!”
I don’t know why I had stopped. Was it because no creature has ever called out to me before? Was it because of fear? It was hard to say. All that I know is that I couldn’t move and I couldn’t turned to face him.
“Where’s the fire speedy?” Discord continued, “Don’t tell me that the Canterlot fire department hired some new changelings?”
Then, I heard a quick poof sound of magic and this made almost take off. But then, I was stopped by an instant downpour of magic. I was completely drenched head to hoof, and I almost slipped on the huge puddle water that was now surrounding me.
I spun around and was flabbergasted to see Discord in some kind of uniformed, trench coat outfit with an odd helmet like hat and a giant water hose. As I coughed out some of the water that I got caught in my throat and nose, Discord had quickly made his outfit disappear and used his magic to dry me off. I was amazed to, not only find the giant water puddle gone, but that I was completely dry, warm, and clean.
“Oh good,” Discord remarked as he approached, “I got your attention. Because, you certainly caught mine.”
“I-I’m,” I said, “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to… I know that ponies don’t like it when you… spy on them or… wander around in a… disguise. T-Thorax has told us that it’s quite rude to do so. F-Forgive me Mr.-”
“Oh no no!” He interrupted, waving his claws about as if to gesture away my apology, “I’m not talking about that. I’m talking about those marvelous wings of yours!”
“M-My… wings?”
“They contrast so beautifully yet chaotically with that dashing coat of yours!”
What’s a coat in this context? Is he referring to a piece of clothing kind of coat? Wait, did he just say beau-
“You remind me of that butterfly, oh what’s it’s name? My dear Fluttershy is just simply obsessed them, oh sheesh what are they called? They look just like you to a tee! Brown on the outside with polka dots and blue colored inner wings. Fluttershy is just going to kill for not remembering them.”
Then, with a quick snape of his claw, his magic summoned a pony to appear. Right by his side was a light yellow pony with feathery soft wings on her back. Hmm, what were they called again? Ah yes, pegasus. Bird- like creatures. Quite interesting and fascinating to see up close. She had a long pink mane and tail, and eyes that reminded me of a mossy river waters.
Instead of being as shocked as I was, she looked up to Discord and smiled at him, “Oh, hi sweetie. I was wondering where you scurried off to. Were you going to prank the castle guards again?”
“I was.”
“Discord.”
“I was only going to make their helmets fly off their heads and join up with the Canterlot swans, and nothing more. But then, I was stopped by this incredible changeling that I think you’re going to love even more than I do!”
“L-Love?” I couldn’t help but utter aloud. As soon as my thought escaped my lips, I covered my mouth and my wings fluttered open as a result. My face flushed even more because of my stupid wings acting out on their own. They gasped at such a display, which of course they did. Why wouldn’t they? I was acting like a fool and an unnecessary curiosity.
As I was trying to fold my wings back down, I felt something stop my hoof. I looked down to see the light yellow hoof of the pegasus. And then,... I saw her eyes. Her sparkling, tender, friendly yet affectionate eyes. I’ve seen such eyes given between two lovers, friends, and… parents with their offspring. I’ve seen such a look given between other changelings. But, I’ve never received such a glance from another creature before.
“Don’t put them away, sweetie,” she said, “they’re… they’re beautiful. Simply beautiful. Why are you putting them away?”
There was that word again… beautiful…
“W-Well I,” I struggled to respond, “I have… o-often found that… my wings can… surprise other creatures.”
“Oh? So, you do this often then?” Discord added in, approaching the pegasus from behind and laying his claws on her shoulders, “Giving other ponies wonderful surprises just by being yourself?”
“Sounds like somepony I happen to know,” The pegasus remarked while giving a sideways glance and smile to the draconequus behind her.
“Now, stop! You’re gonna make me blush!” exclaimed happily Discord, giving her an eskimo kiss on the muzzle. And this made the pegasus giggle.
Such love… I’ve never experienced such a love as this… they truly had a bond. Beyond friendship, beyond romance, truly something I’ve never seen before. It was intoxicating. My old self before the transformation would have died to feed off such a love as this. With this love, a changeling could be full for a lifetime.
I wanted to stay forever with this couple, never leaving their side… never losing their intoxicating warmth that they carried with them. But,... that was such a silly and impossible wish. What is wrong with me? I don’t even know these creatures, and yet… I’m wishing for such a future. Such a selfish wish just to top it all off. I only want to be with them because of their love. To cocoon myself in the safety of their love, and avoid all the cold given to me all my life by the changelings and all the creatures I tried to befriend.
“The point is,” said the pegasus, interrupting my thoughts, “your wings are such a beautiful and wonderful surprise. They’re like an Adonis Butterfly’s wings. They may look like leaves on the outside, in order to protect itself from predators, but inside the wings… are a lovely shade of blue… just like your wings.”
“That’s was the name!” Discord proclaimed with joy, “The Adonis Butterfly! How could I forget?”
I couldn’t believe this. There they were talking about me… but not in a murmur or whisper. The word Chrysalis didn’t escape from their lips. My legs, my shell, my wings, my horn...they were not a subject of disgust, but rather… something of interest. Something that’s pretty and worth looking at. I was not scary to them or strange. I was beautiful to them. But,... how could this be? Ponies were always the ones so afraid of me when I was out in the wild, and how could the hero of all Equestria see me in the midst of all the changelings he has ever met? Why was I any different to him?
As I was about to ask why they were acting so oddly around me, not having the unusual reaction to my appearance, the pegasus let out a surprised, “Oh, where are my manners? My name is Fluttershy and this is Discord.”
“The Lord of Chaos, at your service,” He offered with a bow, “And what might your name be, my dear?”
“Um, my name is… my name is… I’m… I’m sorry, but… I don’t… have a name.”
Why did I just admit that to them? I should have just lied and given them a fake name. But no, I can’t do that. Not to them. They’ve been so kind to me, and it would feel so wrong lying to them. They have been so sincere with me so far. Oh, this is what I get for waiting so long for the right name to come to me. But,... no name has really come to me. Do I even deserve a name? I should have said “Chrysalis” and get this awkward part of the conversation over with. Although, I have a feeling such a name would have given more troubles instead of solutions to my problems.
“You don’t have a name?” said Discord, his perked ears dropped and his smile slowly fading from his face.
“Oh, you poor changeling,” added a very concerned Fluttershy, “Why didn’t your parents give you a name? Or, um, perhaps you don’t…oh, I’m sorry for bringing it up! I didn’t mean to be so insensitive!”
“Take it easy sweetie,” remarked Discord, placing one of his claws on her shoulder, “Let’s just let her talk, shall we?”
I didn’t know what to tell them. I’ve been truthful with them so far, so I might as well tell them my situation. Even if it means it’ll scare them off. Once again, I can’t lie to them… after how much concern they’ve shown to me so far.
“You’re correct, Mrs. Fluttershy. I’m afraid that I am an orphan changeling. In fact, I… I didn’t grow up in the Hive at all.”
“You didn’t?” Fluttershy asked.
“No, I didn’t. I grew up in the wild, far from the Hive. It wasn’t until I received this new form that I was able to find the Hive.”
“Oh goodness,” She muttered in soft tone while Discord placed his other claw on her other open shoulder, “I’m so sorry.”
“There’s no need to apologize, Mrs. Fluttershy.”
“Oh, just call me Fluttershy. There’s no need to be so formal.”
“V-Very well,” I paused, before uttering awkwardly, “F-Fluttershy. I appreciate your concern, but… the burden of receiving a name is my own. Ever since I joined the Hive, Lord Thorax said that I could give myself a name. I’ve been prosnicating on this matter, and that was very foolish of me. So, please forgive me.”
“I’ll tell you what,” said Discord with a small but encouraging smile, “Why don’t we help you find one?”
“Find what?” I questioned.
“That’s a wonderful idea, Discord!” Fluttershy cheered, “We can help you find a name.”
“Oh, I wouldn’t want to impose.”
“Oh please, we insist!” said Discord, surprising me by interlocking his eagle arm into the nook of my front foreleg.
Before I knew it, Fluttershy did the same thing with my other front foreleg, “We can even give you a tour of Canterlot along the way.”
“But,” I softly protested, “Lord Thorax,... I really should be getting back…”
“C'mon, my dear, you're a rebel!” Discord argued, “You’ve come so far. Let’s continue with this path of rebellion.”
“What Discord really means is,” Fluttershy explained, “we’ll vouch for you if we happen to see Thorax, okay?”
And that was the day… the day that I not only found my name… Adonis… but also, my parents. My family. Thank you mom… thank you dad… for giving me what I’ve always wanted… love...