> A Storm of Emotions
>  by MelodyMori
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Prologue
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Legends. Stories scattered through time. Ponykind has grown quite fond of recounting the exploits of heroes and villains, forgetting so easily that we are byproducts of a forgotten past. Although I must admit, I am as much at fault for that lack of history as you. 

Ponykind was strong, wise, and resourceful, but she was born into an unforgiving world. The Forces of Nightmares set their sights on ponies and all of her creations. These forces clashed, and it seemed the darkness was intent on returning ponies' brief existence to the void. 





I swore I would always stand by you. I can’t believe I failed that promise, Storm.

Themis Yamamoto stood in front of the simple stone monument that designated her family’s grave plot. The burning incense cast a soothing aroma despite the morbid affair, one that was hopefully pleasing to her lost love. Perfectly carved into the front of the monument was the name of her murdered boyfriend: Noah ‘Storm’ Smith. Above that were her own parents, and above that was the name of her grandfather, and so on.

“I am sorry I couldn’t save you, Storm.” The young Japanese woman choked out, her fists clenched in frustration and grief. “I saw that woman pacing by the park but I didn’t do anything, I thought she was part of the Yakuza or something...”

Themis couldn’t help but brush a loose lock of her formerly green hair behind her ear. Once she would have almost religiously dyed it to the sea-green that she preferred, but with recent events she let her roots grow out. Who cared if she looked good? No compliment sounded good when it came from someone other than Storm...

“They made some progress with the investigation. Apparently, that pistol was American-made, but since the serial number was filed off they hit a dead end.” Themis sighed and shook her head, trying to restrain the frustration that bubbled up within her. “But I think we both know who is responsible. I swear on my ancestors that you will get the justice you deserve.”





However, even the smallest spark of hope is enough to ignite change, and in time, ponies' passion, resourcefulness, and ingenuity led them to the tools that would help even the odds. This power was appropriately named "Harmony". Or, more accurately, was given to them by what was once a simple sapling.





Twilight let out a small groan as she fell onto the hard military cot she would have to call a bed for the next several weeks. After her failures the past month she had been voluntold to go for some actual combat training. And so she ended up at Guard Basic Training at Fort Hurricane to learn ‘true combat skills and discipline’, as her mentor so delicately explained.

The past few days were hell to Twilight’s soft librarian body, which wasn’t exactly built for fitness. Unfortunately, the paperwork part of her “week zero” ended far too quickly for her liking - after all, she knew how to fill out paperwork like it was nothing. Otherwise, she was stuck doing a bunch of physical exams and a fitness test, which she bombed like no other test before.

“You may be a Princess outside of my camp, but while you are here you are just another recruit.” the Drill Sargeant Aegis had told her after the failed physical fitness test, her voice filled with frustration and disappointment. “You will join the Fitness Training Company for additional training until you can pass the Physical Fitness Test. Do you understand, recruit?”

Twilight let out a small whimper at the memory and the burning in her muscles but refused to let the tears bubbling up to be released. She wouldn’t break down again. She was here to be stronger, and breaking down wouldn’t help. No matter how appealing letting the tears fall was.

With a sigh the ‘Princess of Friendship’ pulled her blanket up with her magic, tucking herself in. Sleep came quickly enough, a welcome respite for the alicorn’s battered body.





Their inner potential in hoof, ponies lit their way through the darkness, and in the shadow's absence came strength, civilization, and most importantly, life. But even the most brilliant lights eventually flicker and die. And when they are gone... darkness and chaos will return.

So you may prepare your guardians, build your monuments to a so-called "free world", but take heed... there will be no victory in strength. For just as you may raise up your so-called ‘heroes’, I can just as easily steal them for my own. After all, not everyone chooses the so-called ‘right path’ you claim to tread.





Nightshade carefully stepped through her house in her natural changeling form, her canter sounding off to an active listener. Instead of a melody of ‘clip-clop’, one heard ‘clip-clank-clip-clop’. The offending sound came from the metal prosthetic that replaced the lower half of her right foreleg, the fresh steel almost shining in the candlelight. 

The changeling frowned slightly, her gait still slightly lopsided, still not completely used to the added weight that the prosthetic gave her leg. Not enough to be a major problem, but just enough to be annoying as all Tartarus. She let out a small sigh and took a seat on her bed, a piece of paper and quill floating in her magic.

Nightshade floated the quill into her mouth and quickly scribbled out a note on the paper before setting it down on the bedside table so the ink could dry. While she had the power to write with her horn she honestly preferred to write with her mouth, her quillmareship looked odd otherwise. Years of writing as a pegasus made for some hard habits to break too.

With her task done Nightshade finally relaxed into her soft cloud bed...well, pegasus-bed. As per tradition for a pegasus family, she would otherwise be seen as a kind of nest-like bed made of clouds. It was quite comfy after all, nothing made good bedding like a well-made cloud. As she started to settle in she was disturbed by a low grumbling from within her.

“No, no feeding from non-family,” Nightshade growled to her stomach. “Shush you.”

The changeling rolled over into her nest and forced herself to go to sleep, Luna willing it was a good night's sleep.





The ability to derive strength from hope is undoubtedly ponykind's greatest attribute... which is why I will focus all of my power to snuff it out like a meager candle. How does it feel? Knowing that all of your time and effort has been for nothing? That your warriors have failed you? That everything you've built will be torn down before your very eyes? Your dreams, your ambitions, rotten on the vine and burnt to ashes. Even the Spirits you have tricked into your service have fallen into my hooves by their own sheer ignorance.





Summer Storm hummed from where she lay on her mother’s back, enjoying the gentle rocking motion from Luna’s canter through Ponyville. That and the soft warmth that radiated from the alicorn, sinking into Storm’s fluffy coat and instinctively calming her. A few ponies walking through their early morning activities paused for a moment to bow to the Lunar Princess, but Luna mostly ignored them in favor of reaching their destination.

“Er, Mom, why are we in Ponyville again?” The thestral filly asked in her southern drawl, a strange combination to be sure. “Ah thought we were going ‘o Canterlot.”

“Don’t worry my little raincloud, it's a surprise.” Luna offered the filly a gentle smile before continuing through the slowly waking town. 

Thankfully their destination didn’t take too long to find: Sugarcube Corner! Storm raised an eyebrow at the sight of the confectionary-shaped building, the early morning sun giving the decorations a faint sheen.

“Sugarcube Corner?” Storm tapped her chin with a hoof and tilted her head in confusion. “Isn’t it a bit early for cake?”

Luna let out a small giggle and shook her head. “Don’t let Tia hear that. But no, just close your eyes and you’ll see...”

Storm nodded and closed her eyes, her ears flicking up just in case. With her superior hearing, she could hear something moving inside the bakery, but the walls muffled it just enough that she couldn’t be sure. But she trusted her mom so relaxed, holding onto the alicorn’s back a little harder now that she couldn’t see.

The door to the bakery creaked open, allowing the scents of fresh-baked bread and other baked goods to smash full-force into Storm’s nose. The filly felt herself drool a bit and blushed before her world exploded into sound.

“SURPRISE!” A near-dozen ponies cried out, making Storm snap her eyes open with an ‘eep’.

Inside the bakery were eight very familiar ponies and one unknown unicorn. Rainbow Dash and AJ stood to one side, a happy smile on the former’s face while the latter looked incredibly excited. Fluttershy was quietly sitting to one side, while Rarity and the unknown light purple unicorn were next to each other, clearly having been talking before the two entered.

Pinkie Pie and the Cutie Mark Crusaders were standing in the middle of the room, throwing confetti into the air. Above them was a simple banner reading ‘Welcome to Ponyville Storm (again)’. The again was written in a much smaller hoofmade font to the side, but still.

“Wow, thank y’all. Ah...ah wasn’t expecting all this.” Storm grinned in excitement and jumped from her mother’s back, landing on her hooves with a small ‘oof’. She could see AJ raise an eyebrow slightly at her before rolling her eyes out of the corner of her vision.

The Cutie Mark Crusaders all zoomed over and looked Storm over, surprise clear on their filly features. Unfortunately, Storm had to look up slightly to look the three fillies in the eye, as she was apparently now a bit shorter than her three friends. 

“Wow, Rarity wasn’t kidding when she said you’re a bat pony now!” Sweetie Belle squeaked out, her head tilted.

“Yeah, you have cool fangs now!” Scootaloo cheered before pointing at Storm’s mane. “AND YOU HAVE RAINBOW HAIR! LUCKY!”

Apple Bloom tilted her head before stepping a bit closer to Storm. “Yer also a bit shorter. And ya sound like an Apple.”

Storm let out a small nervous chuckle, rubbing the back of her head with a hoof. “Yea, Ah had this accent before, not sure why Ah lost it while Ah was Flurry.”

“Now now Crusaders, don’t crowd the party filly.” The unknown unicorn stepped forward, easily approaching Storm, who had to crane her neck to properly see the adult. “It is nice to meet you, Summer Storm. My name is Starlight Glimmer.” She held out a hoof to Storm and offered a gentle smile.

Storm took the hoof and gave it as close to a firm shake as one could do with hooves. “Nice to meet ya, ma’am.”

Starlight blushed and waved a hoof dismissively. “Ma’am, now I feel old.” she let out a small giggle and rubbed the top of Storm’s head. “You’re a very polite filly, I can’t remember the last time I’ve seen somepony your age with such manners.”

“It will certainly make settling into Canterlot a lot easier.” Luna chuckled, making Storm blush a little at the compliment. “Unfortunately, the two of us must move to another conversation posthaste Storm. I have another surprise for you.”

“Er, okay.” Storm nodded and followed her mother to AJ and Rainbow, both of whom gave Storm their undivided attention.

“Hello again Storm, happy to see yer nice and healthy.” AJ smiled down at Storm, rubbing her head with a hoof.

“Nice to see ya too, ma’am.” Storm squeaked out before returning the smile, albeit a bit awkwardly since she was still trying to figure out how to smile with fangs.

Rainbow took a step around the thestral before chuckling. “Heh, I don’t think I’ve ever taught somepony with bat wings but shouldn’t be too hard.”

“Wait, ya still want to teach me how to fly?” Storm blinked in surprise. “Even tho’ Ah’m not a pegasus anymore?”

“Well, duh.” Rainbow shrugged. “I mean you’re going to be staying with me so I kind of have to, I live in a cloud house after all.”

Storm blinked, her mouth hanging open for a moment before she turned to her mom. “What?”

Luna rolled her eyes and chuckled. “I was leading up to it, Rainbow Dash.” She pulled Storm into a hug and nuzzled the top of the filly’s head. “You’re going to be staying in Ponyville with Applejack and Rainbow Dash for the summer, both to lay low while I lay the groundwork in Canterlot and so you can settle into Equestria instead of being thrown straight into noble politics.”

“A-Ah...okay...” Storm frowned a bit but nodded. Her ears did flick back though, betraying her discomfort.

“Don’t worry Storm, it's just for a summer.” Luna smiled down at her daughter before letting out a small giggle. “Besides, you have to be close if you want to make it to Cherilee’s Summer School on time.”

Storm blinked again, her brain whirring as the fact that she has to spend time in summer school sank into her brain. Once it clicked she let out a cry of despair from the depths of her soul. “NOOOOOO!”





Your faith in ponykind was not misplaced. When banded together, unified by a common enemy, they are a noticeable threat. But divide them, place doubt into their minds, and any semblance of power they once had will wash away. Of course, they won't realize it at first. Like you, they'll cling to their fleeting hope, their aspirations. 

But this is merely the first move. So you send your protectors, your guardians. Your Elements of Harmony and Alicorns. And when they fail, know that you will have truly failed the ponies you have so fiercely tried to protect all these millennia. And I can't wait to watch you burn, Concordia.
> Chapter 1 - Home
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Summer Storm’s POV
Ponyville, 5th of Summer’s Dawn, 1082

I tried my best to follow Rainbow Dash to her house, my stubby legs making me a lot slower than the older mare. On top of that, I was a bit weighed down by all the cake and other delicious pastries that I devoured at the party. Never tell Pinkie Pie it was too early for cupcakes, I learned the hard way.

“So, uh, where is yer house, Ms. Dash?” I looked up at the cyan mare, having to squint a bit thanks to the bright sunlight.

“Just Rainbow or Dash is fine Storm, ‘Ms. Dash’ makes me sound old.” Dash lets out a snort of amusement, shaking her head. “And you’ll see it if you look up.”

I raised an eyebrow and looked up, gasping at the sight before me. Calling Dash’s abode a ‘house’ a, well, house was the understatement of the century. The building was more of a three-floored cloud mansion. The mansion even had several rainbow waterfalls coming out of it!

“...Woah.” I breathed out, my jaw hanging open in sheer awe at the cloud mansion before me. Well, more above me considering it was sitting at least twenty feet in the air, minimum.

Dash grinned as she flew up a bit, her forehooves crossed in pride. “Nice, huh? Built it myself! Took almost a year but it was worth it!” she waved a hoof towards me before she flew towards the house itself. “C’mon, the inside is as cool as the outside!”

I nodded and cautiously opened my own wings, feeling almost like I was spreading a pair of webbed hands out from my spine.. Truth be told, while I was excited to take to the sky again, I hadn’t had a chance to try out my new wings and see the difference between the bat-like wings and the more bird-like pegasi wings I flew with before. I took a deep breath and jumped up into the air, giving my wings a few tentative flaps to push me into the air.

It took a moment but I was able to quickly, almost instinctively, figure it out. Flying as a thestral felt more like I was catching the air with the webbed-finger-like bat wings instead of just catching the air with the feathers in my pegasus wings. It didn’t feel uncomfortable, just different. In the end, it took a minute to fly up to Dash, but once I got going I was able to turn rather quickly to face her.

“Looks like you got the basics down, Squirt.” Dash grinned, ruffling my own prismatic mane with a hoof. “Now come on, I do have work today so we’re gonna have to be quick. Sorry, wish I could stay longer but I already missed too many days, and not even Princess Luna can save me from a firing.” She let out a nervous chuckle and zipped towards her house, while I did my best to follow as fast as I could. 

Once I got to the front door I landed next to Dash on the cloud that made up the ‘ground floor’, sighing a bit as I folded up my tired wings. I held one forehoof over my eyes as I turned to her, the sun now starting to actually bother my eyes. “Can we go inside? Mah eyes are killin’ me for some reason.”

Dash raised a concerned eyebrow but chose to open the doors as dramatically as possible instead of prying. “Gentlefilly, behold! My house!”

I let out a small giggle and cantered into the foyer, once again sighing in relief as my eyes were no longer stinging. Looking to the right I spied some kind of shield with a lightning bolt on it over a dark grey vase. On the right was a statue of a pegasus wearing goggles in flight. In front of me was a long staircase, obviously leading upstairs to...whatever was upstairs.

“Huh, ya have a nice foyer.” I smiled up at the cyan mare, who gave me a happy grin as she closed the doors behind her. 

“Oh, the foyer is just the appetizer! C’mon, you got to meet Tank!” Dash rushed up the stairs, almost leaving her trademark rainbow contrail behind her as she went.

Meanwhile, I simply blinked in surprise before cantering after her, a confused look plastered on my face. “If that’s a pet, then how is it named ‘tank’? Ah thought this place wasn’t advanced enough for tanks...”

I headed up the stairs and took a left, following the noise to a nice living room. The floor and walls looked like they were made out of stone and marble with cloud designs, respectively. A dark blue armchair and couch with cloud pillows and some glass and metal tables furnished the room, giving it an almost Ancient Greek look. 

Dash herself was sitting on the floor petting an adorable-looking tortoise. The little guy looked up at Dash with a smile on his face, clearly enjoying the attention. Dash looked over and grinned once she saw me, waving me over with a hoof.

“Over here Storm!” Dash called out, her hoof almost frantically waving in the air. “Storm, I want you to meet Tank, my awesome pet tortoise! Tank, meet Summer Storm, Luna’s kid.”

“H-hey Tank.” I held out my hoof to the small tortoise, receiving a light headbutt on my hoof from Tank in response. I smiled and gave his head a gentle pat, a little worried about hurting him, to be honest.

“Aww, he likes you.” Dash chuckled and smiled warmly at the sight. She took a quick glance at the clock and had her eyes nearly bug out of her head at the sight of the time. “Oh fu-I mean, let me show you your room for the summer, and then we can drop by Sweet Apple Acres. AJ wants to show you around the farm.” The pegasus rubbed the back of her head and grumbled under her breath. “Unfortunately we have to be quick before I’m late.”

I rolled my eyes and chuckled at the pegasus’ tardiness. “Don’t worry Dash, Ah understand. Where is mah room?”

The two of us headed up another set of stairs to a handful hoofful of green doors with the same cloud-style as the floor. Dash opened the door on the right and held out her hoof in a dramatic gesture showing....a rather generic room. Simple wooden dresser, metal and glass bedside table, lamp, a cloud...nest?

“Uh, Dash, what’s with the nest?” I raised an eyebrow at the sight, trotting over to the strange furniture. It looked comfortable enough, with a cloud pillow sitting within.

Dash stepped over to me, her head tilted in confusion as she poked the nest with one hoof. “It’s a nest, Storm. Er, pegasi like to sleep in nests made of clouds instead of beds like most ponies, something about instincts or whatever.” Dash shrugged, her wings shifting with the motion. “We can get a normal mattress if you want.”

“No, no, a nest is fine.” I rubbed the back of my head, feeling my cheeks grow a bit hot in embarrassment. “Ah just never saw somethin’ like that before. Back home...” I frowned a bit, my eyes growing hot for a moment before I blinked it away. “Back home we only had mattresses.”

Dash put a hoof on my back, giving it a comforting squeeze. “Trust me Squirt, you’re going to love a nest. Oh, that reminds me!” she sped over to the small closet in the corner and rummaged around for a moment.  She pulled out my small stuffed bear and set it in the nest with a triumphant grin.

I blinked and let out a small giggle at the sight. “Thank you. Uh, Ah don’t wanna cut the moment short but shouldn’t we be headin’ out?”

Dash nodded and opened my bedroom window. “Yeah, you’re right. C’mon Squirt, I’ll race ya to Sweet Apple Acres!”

“Oh, yer on!” I yelled back, trotting over to the window to accept the challenge.





Nightshade’s POV
Cloudsdale, 4th of Summer’s Dawn, 1082

“Mom, why weren’t you there to save us?” North Star whined, his high voice ringing through the winter landscape.

My eyes snapped open, a harsh gasp rattling out of my mouth as I was dragged out of my nightmare. While I may not have been covered in sweat thanks to having chitin instead of skin, my wings were flapping a bit in an effort to keep myself cool. I rubbed a hoof over my head in an attempt to ground myself before rolling out of bed.

The feeling of only three hooves touching the floor was still something I was not used to, and I had to fight the urge to limp around. The prosthetic helped for sure, but I couldn’t feel anything once chitin met metal. My growing irritation made the small electrical device at the ‘frog’ of the prosthetic spark a bit, not enough to damage the floor but enough to catch my attention.

“By Hurricane’s sheath, you’re driving yourself crazy Midnight,” I growled to myself, shaking my head in an effort to dispel the lingering dread from my nightmare. “Focus, filly, focus.”

I cantered down the stairs, drinking in the sky-blue floor and white walls of my home like I’d never see it again. A horrible thought but considering I nearly died last ‘mission’ I couldn’t count out death for the next one. I spun down the next staircase, heading down to the closest thing to a ‘basement’ in Cloudsdale, City of Clouds.

The stairs ended in a locked metal door with a small hole in place of a keyhole. I slid my changeling horn into the hole and felt it draw a piece of my magic inside, verifying my identity before unlocking. I flicked on the single lightbulb in the room with a wave of my hoof, revealing an old suit of leather and metal armor on a ponyquin. I stepped over to the armor, carefully inspecting it to make sure the enchantments to keep the rust and rot off it was still active. Once I made sure of that, I began to put it on for the first time in...well, ages. 

First I put on a black light cloth dress to give a bit of buffer between my armor and chitin. It wrapped around my chest and hugged my barrel, moving toward my flank and hanging off almost like a skirt, but left my legs bare to ensure proper mobility. Once it was secure and my wings were free to move I started to put the actual armor on. Around my barrel went a dark grey piece of studded leather, tight enough to ensure that it wouldn’t get in the way but loose enough to ensure I could move easily and quickly. Around all four of my legs went dark grey studded leather gauntlets, the middle protruding outwards to ensure strikes get deflected properly. I set a leather skirt around my waist to protect my flank, completing the simple layered look. I didn’t have a helmet, having lost it ages ago.

All geared up I ventured back upstairs to make sure all my locks were set and my note was on the table if Lightning Dust or somepony else managed to get in. I kissed the forehead of both of my spouses and my foal, my teeth almost clanking against the cold stone. 

“I promise, I will bring you back,” I swore to the silent room, nodding to myself. 

All set I ventured back to the basement and opened a secret hatch, pushing myself through the cloud layer. Once I hit the bottom layer of Cloudsdale I properly buzzed my wings, disappearing into the night, my destination clear: Our Town.
> Chapter 2 - Of Trees And The Press
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Summer Storm
Sweet Apple Acres, 5th of Summer’s Dawn, 1082

I let out a small wheeze as I slammed into the dirt track hooves first, sweat flicking off of my coat from the impact. My wings twitched a little with the strain of flying so fast, but I was able to easily flick some of the sweat off of them and fold them tight against my side. I looked up and saw Rainbow Dash casually float down next to me, barely even winded by the ‘race’.

“Nice try, Squirt.” The prismatic pegasus chuckled and flicked her mane out of her eyes with a foreleg. “Maybe one day you’ll be as fast as me.”

I rolled my eyes, forced to squint due to the sunlight still being just a bit too bright, despite the trees offering a little shade. “Ya have like twenty years of experience over me, that’s cheating!”

“Twenty?” Dash frowned, her raspy voice raising an octave in offense. “I’m not that old! I’m only twenty-one!”

I raised my eyebrow, trying to keep the amusement off of my face. “Still sounds old ‘o me.” I stuck my tongue out a bit at the mare, letting out a small giggle at the sight of her fuming a bit.

“Alright, alright,” Dash grumbled, her forelegs crossed. “C’mon, AJ’s waiting for you by the barn.”

“Okay, lead the way, Dash.” I motioned with a foreleg of my own before stepping into the shade of the trees so I could see her without the sun beaming into my eyes. “Yer the one that knows where we’re going after all.”

Dash harrumphed and started flying towards the red barn in the distance, thankfully not going too fast that I would lose her. I trotted along behind her, sticking to the shade of the massive apple trees so I could still sorta see her.

Why I’m having issues with the sunlight? I know bats are nocturnal but I ain’t a bat...I think.

I huffed a bit at the thought, trying to focus on my surroundings rather than that potential problem. Sweet Apple Acres really did live up to its name, the apple trees that gave it its name stretching in all directions. I felt a little small next to the large trees but then again this new body made me feel small next to almost anything. A vast majority of the trees held either almost ripe or fully ripe apples, hanging from the branches with an almost appetizing look.

After a few minutes, we arrived at the simple red farmhouse and barn that obviously was the actual residence of the Apple family. Standing in front of the farmhouse was a large red stallion with a yoke around his neck and an older mare, the latter sitting in a rocking chair on the porch. Dash flew over and started waving me over from the shade.

“Summer Storm, meet Big Mac and Granny Smith!” Dash announced, pointing a forehoof at each pony as she said their name. “And you two, meet Summer Storm! She’s Luna’s foal, the one that AJ told you about.”

The older mare - Granny Smith - gave me a kind smile as she looked down at me. “Nice ‘o meet ya, dearie.”

I hesitantly stepped out of the shade, forced to once again squint my eyes at the harsh sunlight beaming down. “Mah pleasure, Ms. Granny Smith.” I offered an awkward smile, a little intimidated by the sheer size of Big Mac. The man was built like an aircraft carrier or something, he was huge!

Granny Smith and Big Mac blinked in surprise for a moment before turning toward Dash, who shrugged in midair. “Yeah, she got an accent. Not sure why but it’s cute.” She winked at me, making me almost pout in response. “Anyway, gotta jet. Don’t get into too much trouble!” With that the prismatic pegasus zoomed off into the sky, a rainbow contrail streaking behind her.

I rubbed the back of my neck awkwardly for a moment, a small blush forming on my cheeks. “Yea, Ah’ve had this accent for a while, not sure why a lot of peo- er, ponies find it so shocking.”

“Only Apples have an accent like that, dear,” Granny explained, rubbing her chin with one hoof before chuckling. “No matter, makes ya fit in a bit more while ya stay here. Why’re ya squinting like tha’ tho’?”

I shrugged, scuffing the ground with a hoof. “Dunno, the sun hurts mah eyes a bit.” My ears flicked back as embarrassment rushed through me.

Big Mac grunted, stepping back inside the farmhouse without saying a word. I blinked, tilting my head at the display as I took a seat on the dirt road in front. After a minute of awkward silence, Big Mac stepped back outside with something I couldn’t make out on his back. Without saying a word he stepped over to me, causing me to let out a small ‘eep’ and close my eyes. He grunted and I felt something smush a bit onto my head.

“Open yer eyes.” Big Mac’s deep voice resonated above me, making me snap my eyes open despite my fear of the much bigger pony. As I opened my eyes I noticed that the sunlight didn’t burn my eyes thanks to something giving them a bit of shade...

I looked up, seeing the edge of a dark brown stetson hat, it sinking a bit lower than usual thanks to being a bit big on me. “W-what?”

“Now ya can see.” Big Mac said as if it was as obvious as the sky is blue. “Follow me, we’ve work ‘o do.” He began to walk towards the orchard, not looking back to see if I was following him.

“A-ah...okay.” I followed after the stallion, forced into a quick trot to keep up with my much smaller legs. “What are we gonna do?”

Big Mac gestured to a group of trees full of fresh apples, a cart full of baskets nearby. “Grab a few baskets an’ place ‘em around the tree. Ah’ll buck ‘em, help me put ‘em in the cart.”

I nodded, trotting over to the wooden cart, filled with empty baskets. I shook my flank a bit to gain enough momentum to jump up into the cart itself, causing Big Mac to chuckle a bit at the sight. I picked up and passed one basket at a time to the stallion over the edge of the cart, who placed the baskets at the bottom of a hooffull of trees. 

“Watch closely.”  Big mac instructed as he stepped into what I assumed was ‘bucking position’. With a quick kick, he struck the tree with a back hoof, sending all the apples down into the bucket. I could almost swear I saw a flash at the moment his hoof struck the tree, but it was gone as fast as it arrived.

“Woah.” I breathed out, amazed by the display. “How did ya learn how ‘o do that?”

“Experience.” Big Mac explained, starting to gather the baskets one by one and setting them back on the cart.

I nodded and grinned. “Looks like Ah’ve somethin’ to learn today.” I giggled as I helped Big Mac set up the baskets at the next tree.





Big News
Canterlot, 5th of Summer’s Dawn, 1082

I shoved my way as close as I could to the front of the crowd, grateful for my earth pony build. The additional strength gave me an edge compared to the unicorn journalists that surrounded me. As I pushed my way forward I couldn’t help but feel a bit of trepidation at the sight of the Princesses on the dais, staring into the crowd with an almost cold look.

What kind of news would prompt an emergency press release?

I forced my thoughts to the side, preparing my notebook as the hour came. Celestia, the Princess of the Sun, stepped over to the lectern constructed specially for a mare of her size. Unlike most lecterns, there was no microphone, for Princess Celestia’s own magic allowed her voice to carry far better than any technology could.

“Good morning, my little ponies.” Princess Celestia began, her gaze slowly drifting over the crowd. “I wish I could say I announced this press release for a joyous occasion, but instead I must give news that tears apart my heart, and the hearts of my kin. Two weeks ago, Princess Flurry Heart, daughter of Princess Mi Amore Cadenza and Prince-Consort Shining Armor was assaulted by an assassin calling herself Nightshade.”

A gasp rippled through the crowd, journalists writing into their notebooks as fast as they could. A few others took pictures, almost on autopilot at the horrible news uttered by their beloved princess.

“Princess Twilight Sparkle was able to intervene and injure the assassin enough to allow us to capture her.” Princess Celestia continued, her face almost heartbreakingly managing to continue to be the same stoic mask it always was. “However, Princess Flurry Heart did not make it. She perished of her injuries several days ago, despite the best efforts of Ponyville’s medical team and my sister.” She nodded towards the Lunar Princess, who was standing a few hoofsteps away from her. “In accordance with tradition, we will hold a week of mourning for the fallen foal, and she will be buried in a private ceremony with close kin present.” Princess Celestia closed her eyes, taking a breath before opening them. “I will now answer questions.”

It took a moment for the news to properly sink in, as the death of an alicorn was unheard of. Mixed with the death of a foal...I almost didn’t realize my hoof was raised until Princess Celestia herself chose me to ask a question.

“W-who sent the assassin? Is this a declaration of war?” I stammered out, overwhelmed with emotion at being able to ask a question of Princess Celestia Herself.

“I do not believe so.” Princess Celestia sighed and turned to her sister. “Luna knows more about her reasoning than me.”

Princess Luna stepped forward, seamlessly pulling her Royal Canterlot Voice from within. “The assassin seems to have been following her own machinations, not related to any of our enemies. Regardless of the who, we shall find the why and punish accordingly.”

The crowd turned into a mess of questions, many ponies raising their hoofs for their own questions. I simply frowned at the response. If not a declaration of war, why would anypony kill a princess, especially a foal?





Princess Celestia
Canterlot Castle, 5th of Summer's Dawn, 1082

I slowly relaxed into my couch, allowing myself a brief rest after the long press release. I loved my little ponies, but journalists were a special pain in the flank. My relaxation was unfortunately cut short as a brief knock at my door rang out, echoing throughout the room.

"Yes?" I grumbled out, shedding my serene persona for a moment. 

A singular Solar Guard stepped in, his golden armor almost gleaming in the light. A single folder floated in his magic, which he passed to me without a word. I grunted and took it with my own, waving him in with a wing. A quick glance showed what was within: that thrice-damned changeling Nightshade's own medical documents. Apparently some of the bloodwork and more esoteric examinings finally came back...

My eyes widened at what they found, a small hiss coming forth from my lips. I grabbed a quill in my magic and noted a certain area with a flick of ink, passing it back to my guard. "What I circled is to be censored on my orders. Nopony will know what lays within."
> Bonus: Patient Notes (Nightshade)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

PHYSICAL EXAMINATION FORM
Please complete all information to avoid future visits

Part One: TO BE COMPLETED PRIOR TO MEDICAL APPOINTMENT
Name: Unknown Nightshade
Address: Unknown
Date of Exam: 90 of Summer’s Rain, 1082
SSN: N/A
Date of Birth: Unknown
Name of Accompanying Pony: N/A
Sex: Female
Tribe: Changeling (Praetorian)

DIAGNOSES/SIGNIFICANT HEALTH CONDITIONS:

CURRENT MEDICATIONS:
Medication name: Codeine
Dose: 56mg
Frequency: Every 4 hours
Diagnosis: Moderate pain due to missing forehoof and damage to the right side of the face.
Date Medication Prescribed: 90/4/82

Does the pony take medications independently?: Yes
Allergies/Sensitivities: No

IMMUNIZATIONS:
N/A

OTHER MEDICAL/LAB/DIAGNOSTIC TESTS
GYN exam w/PAP:	Date: 90/4/82		Results: Negative
Mammogram:		Date: 94/4/82		Results: Changeling doesn’t have teats like a pony
Hemoccult:		Date:  95/4/82		Results: Negative
Urinalysis:		Date:  97/4/82		Results: Negative
CBC/Differential:	Date:  2/5/82		Results: See Below (1)
Other (specify):		Date:			Results:

PART TWO: GENERAL PHYSICAL EXAMINATION:

Blood Pressure: 120/60	Pulse:  120 BPM	Respirations: 14 RPM 	Temp: 100℉
Height:	 4’3”		Weight: 180lbs	Wing Size: 1’2”

EVALUATION OF SYSTEMS
Eyes - Left eye worked as normal, right (injured) one failed to complete the test due to being largely blind in that eye due to injuries.
Ears - Normal results
Nose - Normal results
Mouth/Throat - Normal results
Head/Face/Neck - Scarring on the right side of patient’s face due to injury taken during assault.
Teats - N/A
Lungs - Normal results
Cardiovascular - The patient appears to be normal, bar abnormal readings in their blood (1)
Abdomen - Normal results
Gastrointestinal - Normal results, scans show an omnivorous digestive system
Musculoskeletal - Despite having external chitin, the patient also has some internal skeletal system. Muscles appear to give her a strength comparable to an Earth pony, along with signs of wing training similar to a pegasus athlete
Integumentary - Patient has chitin, not skin or fur
Renal/Urinary - Normal Results
Reproductive - Normal results, shows sign of having given birth
Lymphatic - Normal results
Endocrine - Normal results
Nervous System - Normal results
Thaumatic System - Overactive, allowing the absorption of foreign magic far easier than ponies. Allows magic to affect them stronger than normal, possibly related to changelings’ feeding on emotions. Build up of magic around hooves and wings and atrophy around horn suggests primary magic use more similar to pegasus than a unicorn.

Name of Physician: Dr. Whole Body, MD.
Date: 3/5/82

Additional Comments:


- Blood drawn resembled normal equine blood, but on testing revealed itself to be anything but. It contained elements of not just normal blood, but also alchemical reagents to bind it together and even elements of the Atropa belladonna plant - also known as the Deadly Nightshade. Possibly where the patient derived her name. Further testing is required.


PATIENT TIMELINE:

90/4/82 - The patient is brought in under lock and key by the Day Guard and Starlight Glimmer after having lost her right foreleg and damaged her eye shortly before being arrested. The patient struggled to free herself soon after awakening, requiring heavy sedation to put her down. The damaged foreleg was treated as best as it could be by Nurse Redheart and the wound was cauterized.

91/4/82 - On awakening the patient struggled against her bonds, screaming that she had to ‘return home before he gets to them’. When asked to elaborate, the patient instead seemed to spiral into a panic attack, requiring sedation before she hurt herself.

97/4/82 - Guards are alerted by the patient screaming in her sleep. Mostly gibberish, but according to the guards’ report she kept apologizing for cheating, as ‘she was forced to’.

1/5/82 - Princess Luna was able to interrogate the patient successfully, shedding some light on the abnormalities. Such as the fact that she was a ‘praetorian’ instead of a regular changeling.

4/5/82 - The blood work finally finished processing, as the strange nature of the patient’s DNA made it hard to fully draw anything conclusive without a lot of work. The DNA had a close connection to a pegasus colt by the name of North Star and his mother, a pegasus mare by the name of Midnight Strike. The mare is believed to have been the patient’s false identity for years due to the simple fact that North Star’s birth in the hospital is too well documented to be fabricated. However, the colt’s blood work from samples taken on his last medical visit due to his own health issues revealed that while his mother is confirmed to be Midnight Strike, his father has a closer match to [REDACTED ON ORDER OF DIARCH PRINCESS CELESTIA] instead of her husband Sky Stinger.
> Chapter 3
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Caleb Smith
Location Unknown, September 5th, 2021

I frowned in frustration as I read the latest message from my contact in Japan: He was unable to bring my two children home and the cops were hot on his tail. I ran a hand through my short-cropped blond hair, setting the burner phone in the shredder to dispose of it.

“So hard to find good help,” I grumbled, shaking my head and sighing to release some of the frustration building in my chest. My voice held just a touch of the Texas twang from my childhood home. “At least Noah is dead and buried, that homeless chick was able to do that at least. Maybe I should be the one to get the-”

My ruminations were interrupted by three knocks on the door, not too hard but strong enough to echo through the small apartment I found myself in for the moment. I double-checked that I had my Smith & Wesson within reach if things went south and stepped towards the door. A quick peak through the eyehole revealed a single white woman waiting outside, her hair a mess of colors that clashed with her otherwise professional scarlet dress and high heels.

I raised my eyebrow a bit and opened the door just a touch, the chain lock on the door pulling taught. “Who are you and what do you want?” I growled, my bad mood overwhelming my typical manners. After all, a lady should be treated right and all that.

“My name is Cosmos, and I have a job for you, Mr. Smith.” The lady offered a disarming, her eyes sparkling with a predatory glint instead. “May I come in?”

Cosmos? What a hippie name.

I internally rolled my eyes but relented, undoing the chain lock and opening the door all the way. Cosmos stepped inside, her gait confident and seductive in equal measure. Her strange golden eyes glanced over the spartan apartment as I led her into the kitchen, pouring her and myself a glass of fresh sweet tea.

“So, what is this job?” I grunted, not wanting this strange woman in my apartment for too long.

She sipped her sweet tea, a small moan of pleasure slipping out of her before she smiled at me. That same stupid smile. “Right to business? Not in the mood for niceties I see.”

“I am a busy man and I do not like you. Now, what is the job?” I couldn’t help but offer a smirk of my own as my bluntness wiped the smile off her face for a moment. 

“Simple: I want you to infiltrate a park and locate a certain statue, and I will pay you one-hundred-fifty-thousand US dollars.” Cosmos’ smirk returned as I couldn’t help but blink a bit. That much cash for a simple infiltration? “I’ll also throw in a certain...favor for this job. I’ll help you get your kids back. I know a few people in high places after all...”

I scowled, crossing my arms as I raised an eyebrow. “What’s the catch? What makes this statue so special?”

“It’s magic.” Cosmos let out a titter as I huffed in barely contained disdain. “I am kidding, of course. Let’s just say it means a lot to me...”





Summer Storm
Sweet Apple Acres, 5th of Summer’s Dawn, 1082

As the sun reached the apex of its journey across the sky, I stood sweating and panting next to the apple cart. Thanks to Big Mac and my teamwork it was now mostly full of apple baskets, the fruit almost gleaming in the sun. The big stallion himself stood patiently by the next tree, his level gaze on me.

“Ah know that look!” I yelled, my wings flaring out in a futile attempt to look intimidating. “Ah can do one more tree!”

I stepped over to the next tree, my legs shaking a bit as I went. I bit the full basket’s handle and started to pull it along, huffing and puffing from the exertion. After a foot of distance, I was forced to let go of the basket to catch my breath, my lungs burning from all the work from the morning.

Big Mac stepped over to me with a surprising amount of dexterity for such a large stallion and grabbed me by the scruff of my neck. I waggled my filly legs in protest but was forced to give up as he lifted me way off the ground. Truth be told it was oddly comforting on some kind of instinctual level to be carried in that manner by somepony who cared.

“Lunchtime.” Big Mac grunted in his deep voice, somehow speaking clearly despite having a muzzlefull of neck scruff.

“A-Ah....okay.” I acquiesced, clearly on the losing end of the battle of wills. Plus I was a bit hungry...

With a surprising amount of ease, Big Mac carried me back towards the farmhouse, his strides long and confident. I couldn’t help but let out a small yawn, the gentle rocking motion of his strides calming my filly body. I had to use a hoof to hold my hat on my head, as otherwise it would have slid off at the angle I was being held at. The journey didn’t take too long, Big Mac’s greater height allowing him a faster speed than I would have by myself.

A delicious smell wafted from the open window of what I assumed was the kitchen, the smell of freshly baked fruit! My mouth started to water a bit at that scent, its call seeming stronger in this body. It felt similar to how my mouth would water back home when I would cook a medium rare steak or so, delicious as hell. 

Big Mac set me down in front of the farmhouse before opening the door, gesturing with one hoof for me to enter first. I stepped in cautiously, not really sure where to go in the home. Thankfully I could hear AJ, Granny, and Applebloom in the next room so I could at least follow that. Rounding the corner I saw the three Apples setting up a decently sized dining room table with various apple products like pastries as well as simple stuff like some salad. All in all a delicious lunch for a group of ponies. I was too late to help set up so I took the empty seat next to Applebloom instead.

“Ah heard Granny and Big Mac put you to work.” Apple Bloom giggled and poked me in the side. “How did it go?”

“It went well!” I grinned, awkwardly looking at Big Mac as he chuckled.

“She pushed herself too hard like you did the first time, ‘Bloom.” Big Mac explained, a small smile on his face.

I blushed and rubbed the back of my head, trying to ignore how sweaty my fur was. “...yeah, Ah may have gotten a little overzealous.”

“Ain’t nothing wrong with workin’ hard little one.” Granny Smith stepped in, her voice shaky with age but strong with the wisdom that brought. “Just be careful not ta hurt yerself. Especially for a filly yer age.” She paused for a moment before squinting. “Er, how old are ya anyway?”

I had to mentally restrain myself from giving my ‘old’ age of twenty-four, instead biting my lower lip a bit as I wracked my brain for my ‘new’ age. I drew a blank and nervously tapped my forehooves together. “Er, Ah don’t really know. Sorry.”

Granny and Big Mac blinked in surprise before the older mare raised an eyebrow. “How do ya not know hold old ya are, dearie?”

I blushed in embarrassment and felt my ears droop a bit. “I-it’s complicated...Ah don’t know how else to explain it...”

“Granny, stop interrogating the poor filly!” AJ came to my rescue, chiding her grandmother. Happy that her family got the message she turned back to me, a warm smile on her face. “Besides, we’re going to the doctor later anyway so ya will get your answer, sugarcube. Though I think yer no older than ‘Bloom, maybe a bit younger since yer smaller than her.”

I frowned and crossed my forelegs. “Ah am not short.” If anyone claimed I was pouting adorably I’d fight them, I am not adorable. I also tried to ignore the fact that Apple Bloom was indeed a good bit taller than me, not towering over per se but an obvious half a head.





Nightshade
Green Neigh, 5th of Summer’s Dawn, 1082

As I stepped out of the woods surrounding the small town of Green Neigh I forced myself to pause for a moment. While traversing through the woods of Equestria allowed me to be in my more...natural form, stepping into town required me to take another form. I had reached the limit of my ability to safely navigate the wilds, as just a few miles from the town sat the mountains splitting Equestria from the Crystal Empire and other Northern Territories. And I hated the cold, so might as well take the train the last bit to Our Town.

I took off my armor and set it into my saddlebags as I thought through the various forms I could take. Midnight Strike, my preferred form, was out as I didn’t want to implicate the identity I was going back to once all this was over. Instead, I decided on a form that I met a few times in Canterlot, back during the wedding. 

I shivered for a moment at the memories that brought up, the faint feeling of hooves touching me. The sickly green fire and faint warmth of adopting that new form thankfully distracted me enough that I could push past it. Once the fire died down standing in my place was a light blue unicorn mare, her tail and mane split between a darker blue and white. Dark blue eyes and an hourglass cutie mark completed the look of Minuette.

I grabbed the saddlebags in my magic and set them on my back, making my way to the quaint little town. A few ponies were heading on their daily errands, with the majority of the residents off working in the fields surrounding the town. I made my way to the local train station, not really too interested in speaking to the locals. The faster I got to Our Town the faster I had my family back.

The train station itself was a simple building - a set of benches facing the train tracks and a booth for the stationmaster to relax in while it wasn’t busy. Which given the size of the town was almost never. I headed to the booth, thanking the stars that the stationmaster was actually in there.

“Oh, how can I help you miss?” The portly old earth pony stallion asked, his mouth cracking into a simple smile.

“One ticket to Our Town, please.” I requested, floating over the ten bits the ticket cost. 

The stallion graciously took the bits and hoofed over the ticket. “The next train is in half an hour, ma’am. Have a good day.”

Ticket now in hoof I made my way back to a bench to set down my saddlebags, the awning shielding me from the midday sun. With the delay until the next train, I felt myself sag a bit in my seat, exhaustion racing through me. I decided I would close my eyes for a moment, my mind drifting off to thoughts of my family back home...

“Minny! What are you doing here?” A loud feminine voice gasped from the other end of the station. 

While a few dozen feet from me her voice was loud enough to instantly snap me from my daydreaming and open my eyes. In that second or two, the owner of the voice galloped over to me, her hoofsteps ringing loudly against the stone floor of the station. The pony in question was a familiar mint-green unicorn, her mane a similar color with a white streak through it. Her golden eyes sparkled with the joy of seeing a friend in a place she didn’t expect to.

“Hello, Lyra.” I offered the mare a small warm smile as I straightened up in my seat. “How are you?”

Of course one of the few ponies that know Minuette had to show up here of all places. My luck has really gone to shit.

“I’m doing great!” Lyra grinned before her brows furrowed in a faux-serious fashion. “But you didn’t answer my question Minny! What are you doing here of all places? I thought you were situated in Ponyville?”

I bit my tongue to not simply brush her off before giving a small shrug. “I decided to take a few days off and check out Our Town, see where that mare Starlight Glimmer came from and all that.”

Lyra rubbed her chin in thought, nodding for a moment. A wide grin of excitement burst out on her face and started to bounce up and down in place. “OH! I and Bonnie am going to the Crystal Empire! Maybe we can go with you and then all three of us can go to the Crystal Empire!” She turned to the beige mare over by the both and yelled over. “What do you think Bonnie?”

“Y-you don’t have to.” I stammered out, my discomfort with the attention skyrocketing. 

Bon Bon stepped over to the two of us from the stationmaster booth, a patient smile on her face. “Come on Lyra, don’t bother her. Maybe she’s on vacation by herself for a reason.”

“Aww, c’mon! It’ll be like old times when we’d all travel to cool places together!” Lyra stared at Bon Bon and me with puppy dog eyes. “Pleaaaaase?”

I wanted to grit my teeth and say no, but her face and attitude reminded me of my wife. Unable to say no I simply sighed and nodded. “Okay, we’ll all go to Our Town and then the Crystal Empire together.”

“If Minuette is fine with it then I am too.” Bon Bon let out a small chuckle. “Now put those eyes away, sweetie.”

“Yay!” Lyra cheered and bounced in place, forcing a chuckle out of myself and Bon Bon.

Well, I guess it could be worse...at least they shouldn’t get in my way.
> Chapter 4
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Summer Storm

I couldn’t help but let out a small whine as I was being led by Rainbow Dash towards Ponyville General. A small shiver made its way down my spine as memories of my time in the hospital sped through my mind at the sight of the building. Dash had planned for a bit of resistance, unfortunately, with her wing on my back holding me close enough to make it hard to squirm away.

“Do we have to do this?” I whined, my ears clamped to the back of my head.

Dash sighed, rolling her eyes a bit. “Yeah dude, you gotta get a checkup. After all, what if you need some vaccinations or something?”

“Y-yeah but...” I couldn’t help but scrunch my muzzle a bit as I couldn’t think of a comeback. Instead, I sagged a bit in defeat and a bit of exhaustion, letting out a small yawn as my energy seemed to slowly tank.

“You good, Squirt?” Dash raised an eyebrow, her voice tinged with a bit of concern. 

“Yeah, just a bit tired.” I let out another small yawn and pressed a bit closer to Dash’s side. “Weird, Ah thought Ah’d have nothing but energy being a kid and all.”

“Yeah, I dunno.” Dash rubbed her chin with a hoof, her brow creased in thought. “I think Twilight mentioned something about fillies and colts having less energy because you’re smaller, you just look like you have more energy or something.”

I blinked in surprise before breaking out in an amused grin. “Wow, ya sound like an egghead talking like that.”

Dash snorted and booped my nose with one hoof. “Oh shush. Now hurry up so we aren’t late for your appointment.” She removed her wing, confident I learned my lesson or just tired of holding her wing. Probably the latter honestly.

I grumbled a bit but diligently followed the prismatic mare, happy that I got to bring the hat with me. The sun was still giving me some problems but the little bit of shade I got from the hat was able to thankfully take care of that. It did prompt some weird looks from some of the townsfolk but eh, I’d probably get weird looks anyway as a rainbow thestral filly and all that.

Once we got to Ponyville General itself I stepped away from Dash, following behind her as she stepped through the large glass doors. There was no one else in the hospital waiting room, just a single unicorn receptionist behind a desk. Her fur was a light pink, with her poofy mane and eyes a much darker purple.

“Hello, how can I help you today Ms. Dash?” The receptionist raised her eyebrow and looked down at me. “Oh, and your adorable filly!”

‘Your’ adorable filly?

While I stood there frowning, Dash let out a nervous chuckle and rubbed the back of her head. “We have an appointment with Dr. Horse! Summer Storm here needs a physical.”

...his name is Dr. HORSE!?

I missed the rest of the conversation between Dash and the receptionist as my brain whirled at the fact the doctor’s name was so on the nose. I was brought back to reality when Dash nudged me in the flank with her muzzle, pushing me towards the set of doors leading deeper into the hospital. I gulped and tried to push back, my wings flicking out in an instinctive attempt to help me keep my balance. I let out a sigh of relief as I felt Dash stop trying to push me along.

Instead, she simply bit on the scruff of my neck and lifted me up, making me flail my legs a bit. I groaned at being picked up like a kitten for the second time in one day and crossed my forelegs in annoyance. I could feel Dash’s annoyed mumbling through my fluff and winced a bit in embarrassment. 

Jesus Christ I really am acting like a kid. I mean, it’s a hospital, not like they’re going to hurt me. I hope.

I bit back a low whine as I was ferried deeper into the hospital, trying to swallow the strong swell of anxiety coming from within. Instead, I just tried to focus on the gentle swaying that being carried brought, on the clip-clop of hooves on linoleum floors. The few nurses that were making their way towards their next patients giggled at the sight of Dash and me, making me blush a bit. 

Within a few minutes, we reached our destination: a wooden door with the same still illegible symbols that passed as writing on a brass plaque. Dash opened the door with one of her wings, revealing a normal pediatrician’s room, complete with a small bed-thing for patients to sit on and a cheaply painted cloudly sky on the upper half of the walls and ceiling. 

Dash spat me onto the patient-bed thing with a grunt, giving me an annoyed look where I lay. “Okay Storm, are you going to behave, or are you going to keep acting like a foal?”

“Ah’m not acting like a baby!” I whined, my cheeks burning in embarrassment and stubbornness.

Dash snorted and raised an eyebrow. “Really? You’re sure sounding like one.”

“Ah...Ah...” I pouted, unable to think of a coherent comeback. Instead, I just moved to sit on the crinkly sheet and crossed my forehooves. “Fine. Ah’ll behave.”

Dash chuckled and patted my head. “Thanks, Squirt.”

The tender moment was broken by the door opening up, revealing a brown unicorn stallion in a doctor’s coat. He gave the two of us a gentle smile as he walked in, a clipboard and some papers floating in his magic. “You must be Rainbow Dash and her filly, Summer Storm.” his voice was strong but kind. After closing the door behind him, the stallion headed over to me and held out his hoof for a hoofshake. “Pleasure to meet you, my name is Dr. Horse.”

I gave him a hopefully not too toothy smile and shook his hoof with one of my own. “Nice t’ meet ya!”

The doctor blinked for a moment in surprise, most likely at the accent, but recovered quickly enough. He let out a small chuckle and made his way over to one of the desks, setting the clipboard down on it. “So, you’re here for a physical? Have you ever had one before?”

I had to hold myself back from saying ‘yes’, my hesitation prompting Dash to shake her head in my stead. Dr. Horse nodded, his face turning stoic for a moment before grabbing one of those little flashlights and a mini-hammer in his magic. He stepped up to me and started to check on my reflexes and such, bumping my joints with the mini-hammer and shining the flashlight in my fluffy ears and sensitive eyes. Everything apparently looked normal enough (even the eyes, apparently thestrals just have sensitive eyes to help see at night) until he got to check my pulse.

Dr. Horse held his stethoscope against my chest, his professional smile slowly fading away. He moved it to another spot on my barrel, and finally to one of my joints, his neutral expression fading into a frown. The doctor quickly swapped to one of those pump-things to check for blood pressure, prompting an eyebrow raise at the results.

“Everything alright?” Dash asked from the corner where she was waiting, her voice tinged with concern.

“Yes, just have to quickly check one more thing.” Dr. Horse’s horn glowed a bit brighter and this time I could swear I could see several glyphs radiating from his horn as he cast a more powerful spell than simple telekinesis. A faint tingling feeling buzzed in my chest, starting at the skin and slowly moving farther and farther inside. I tried to not squirm as the tingling turned to a massaging feeling that turned to a burning feeling. All of a sudden the feeling completely vanished, leaving me a little sweaty while Dr. Horse rubbed his chin in thought. “Miss Dash, has Summer ever had any kind of heart injuries?”

Dash blinked before shaking her head. “No, she hasn’t, why?”

“Well, not to alarm you but it would seem that Summer here has no pulse.” Dr. Horse chewed his bottom lip for a moment while Dash and I sat in silence. “Her magic core is also far more active than it usually is for a filly her age, which is likely related. Thankfully it would seem that her natural magic or some kind of spell is keeping her blood flowing since her blood pressure is normal but this requires more testing to be sure. Would you be alright with coming back in later this week for a full body scan?”

I frowned and put a hoof on my chest as Dash and the doctor spoke about appointment days and prior medical history and the like. I couldn’t really feel much through my hoof and fluffy coat anyway but as far as I could tell I couldn’t feel a heartbeat. I frowned slightly before a thought once again flicked through my mind.

“Wait!” I yelled, causing Dr. Horse and Dash to jump a little. “Ya said ‘filly mah age’. How old’m Ah?”

Dr. Horse blinked and tilted his head in confusion, his ears drooping a bit. “You don’t know your age?”

I felt my own ears droop as I looked away for a moment. “Uh, no, Ah don’t. It’s...complicated.”

The doctor looked at Dash for a moment before shrugging and turning back to me. “In my professional opinion, I would put you at 10 years old. A bit shorter than most fillies your age, but pegasi and thestrals are usually a bit shorter than the average pony so nothing to worry too much about. Although that does remind me,” he turned back to Dash with a more awkward smile, “I’d recommend either having The Talk or getting a book on it for Summer, I assume based on her age she’s gonna need it later this season. Most fillies her age have their first heat around that time.”

“Heat?” I raised an eyebrow, hoping that based on ‘the Talk’ being mentioned it wasn’t what I thought it was.

Dash blushing uncontrollably didn’t help matters as she waved a hoof dismissively. “You, me, and Soarin’ will talk about it after dinner tonight! Uh, anything else doc, or are we good to go?”

“No, that is all. Just have to fill out some paperwork and schedule another appointment with the receptionist and-” the doctor told Dash, slowly drowning out as the wheels in my head started to turn.

Oh fuck that’s right, I’m female. That means when I get older and wanna fuck I’m the one getting fucked. I...think I am now really uncomfortable and want to talk to whoever made me a girl instead of a dude.

My minor existential crisis carried me out of the hospital, following Dash as closely as I could on pure instinct. Thankfully I was snapped out of it by being full-body tackled by a white blur. I fell on the ground with a yelp while Dash near fell over laughing her ass off.

“Wow Storm, you were really out of it if you didn’t see me coming!” Sweetie Belle giggled, her barrel pining me down while her legs sat around me. “C’mon, I'm going to Button Mash’s house to play video games! Wanna come with?”

I blinked and looked over to Dash who shrugged in response. “I have to go back to work so go ahead. Just come back home at like five or six okay?”

“Okay, sounds like a plan then Sweetie!” I chirped before giving an awkward smile. “Though you do have to get off me first...”

Sweetie Belle's face instantly grew red with a blush as she fell off me with an awkward squeak, prompting Dash to once again fall over in laughter.





Nightshade/Minuette

“Come on Nightshade, I have something I want to show you.”

I blinked and looked up from the little lizard I was playing with, craning my neck up to see the large form of my mother. Queen Chrysalis, in all her radiant, insectoid glory. I scrabbled up to my filly hooves, a large grin on my face. With a hop and a wing flap, I pronged around my mother excitedly.

“What is it what is it?” I giggled excitedly, prompting Mom’s usually stoic facade to crack a bit, a small smile shining on her face.

“Patience, little Nightshade.” Mom chided gently, striding gracefully towards the exit of my resting chamber. “You don’t want to ruin the surprise, don’t you?”

"Okay, Mom.” I took a deep breath and calmed down, trotting after my mother to keep up with her much longer strides.

We passed through several hallways and passages through the hive, the changelings within bowing their heads as they went on their own business. Mom didn’t return their greeting or acknowledge her siblings at all, just maintained the same path through the dark hallways of the hive. 

Eventually, we reached an oddity in the hive - a locked door with Mom’s own personal seal on the door. Two changeling guards stood in front of the door, armed with dark blue beetle-like armor and swords. They both bowed down to Mom before stepping to the side, allowing us to approach the door itself. Mom’s horn glowed that beautiful emerald glow that all changelings had, summoning a green orb that flew to the door. The green glow spread throughout the door and its lock, unsealing it and allowing the door to retract into the walls. 

Immediately a strong smell of rot wafted out of the room, causing me to gag and cough a bit. In response Mom shoved me into the room with one of her hooves as she entered herself, making the door seal behind us with a snap of rock and magic. I fell to the ground and coughed, the rotting smell making my young lungs burn something fierce.

“Oh get up Nightshade, it isn’t that bad,” Mom grunted, walking farther into the sealed room.

With a groan I forced myself to my hooves, bile burning the back of my throat. The room itself was far brighter than a normal room in the hive, making my eyes have to adjust a bit before I could properly see what lay within. I let out a small gasp as I took in what could only be a workshop of something strange.

In the middle of the room rested two large sealed clay pots, each the size of a normal changeling. Surrounding each one were several large bones and rotting plants, looking like they’d been sitting there for ages. All along the walls were shelves lined with various bottles and jars with dozens of bright multicolored liquids. Hanging above the jars was a bright green magic-torch, burning continuously with only magic as its fuel.

“What...what is this?” I breathed out, more than a little disturbed by the image before me. 

“Your sisters.” Mom explained as simply as she could, a small grin forming on her face. She rubbed one of the jars almost lovingly, her eyes flashing with a predatory glint. “Just like you, they’ll have a piece of me and that of a pony. ”

“My sisters?” I blinked before grinning in excitement. “Awesome! But what’s a pony?”

Mom snorted and waved a hoof dismissively, “Foul creatures, fit only to enslave and drain the love from. With you and your sisters by my side they’ll be naught but chattel, easily crushed under our hooves.”

“Oh, okay!” I paused for a moment before scampering forward and hugging Mom’s leg. “Even after my sisters are born, will I still be your favorite?”

Mom blinked before slowly grinning, her mouth seeming to twist in place. “Of course little Nightshade. I’ll always love you.” The room burst into green flames along with Mom, burning into shadows while she took the form of a pink pony. As she towered over me, wings flared I felt my stomach drop out. “Don’t worry dear, mother always knows best.”

I let out a screech of terror at the sight of the pink pony looming over me before everything flipped upside down.





“Minny? Minny wake up! You’re having a nightmare!” A high-pitched feminine voice rang out above me, shaking me in place.

I stammered, opening one eye to show a blurry mint green blob next to me, reeking of concern and love. “Lightning Dust? Is that you?” My voice came out cracked and exhausted, having just woken up from a nap. I could feel the ground underneath me shaking a bit, almost rocking me back to sleep.

“Uh, no, that’s-” began another, more deep and stern feminine voice before it was cut off by the first.

“Yes, I’m Lightning Dust. Go back to sleep, you sound like you need the rest.” The first voice cooed, a hoof going around my withers while the other stroked my mane. I felt a shiver go through my spine as my first reflex would be to throw off the foreign touch but I let it pass. Instead snuggling into the warm embrace while the rocking of the train soothed me back to sleep.
> Chapter 5
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sweetie Belle and I trotted through the streets of Ponyville towards the outskirts of the small town. A few ponies gave me an odd look as we made our way through, but thankfully no one actually said anything. Hopefully, they got used to me quickly, otherwise, things were going to get uncomfortable quickly. I couldn’t help but bite my lip in a bit of worry and pull my hat over my head to hide my eyes.

“Are you okay Storm?” Sweetie Belle squeaked out, bumping my flank with her own. “You look worried.”

I blinked before blushing a bit in embarrassment, my ears drooping to the side as I did so. “A lot of ponies are giving me weird looks, Ah’m not used to this much attention.”

“Well, you are a new pony in a small town.” Sweetie Belle shrugged, a strange motion to see on a quadruped while they walk. “You’re going to attract some weird looks for a bit. Besides, if you think that’s bad you should've seen Spike for his first month.”

“Oh, what was that like?” I offered a small smirk to my friend. “Probably a bit crazy since he’s a dragon and such.”

“Roseluck and her two sisters fainted the first time they met him!” Sweetie Belle giggled at the memory. “A few other ponies were scared of him for at least the first few months! Thankfully everypony calmed down once they realized that he wasn’t a danger, Just a cute little dragon.”

I mentally paused for a moment, humming to myself. “Ah mean, Ah can see why they’d be concerned, a baby dragon is still a dragon. Still, a little funny with how much of’a sweetheart he is.”

Sweetie Belle let out another small giggle before stopping and pointing at the house on our right. “We’re here!” The house was a small rustic building like most of the residential buildings in Ponyville, the only main difference from the houses next to it was that it was painted a cream white. The filly skipped over to the front door, almost hopping over the porch stairs in her excitement. I couldn’t help but hesitate, staying behind in the street for that moment.

Am I really about to hang out with a filly and colt? I mean, I get I’m technically the same age as them but it still feels...weird.

Sweetie knocked on the door, which quickly opened to reveal a beige mare with a dark brown mane. On her flank was a cutie mark of a heart and a baby’s bottle, probably some kind of kindergarten teacher. “Oh, hello Sweetie Belle. Here to hang out with Button Mash?” The mare gave a warm, almost maternal smile to the filly. Definitely, Button’s Mom, would be weird otherwise.

“Yup! I brought my friend Storm as well, I hope that isn’t a problem. She’s new to Ponyville so I wanted to introduce her to some of my friends so they can be friends, you know?” Sweetie explained at a rapid speed only a child could have, her squeaky voice oddly confident throughout.

Button’s Mom gave a small chuckle and nodded in my direction, making me gulp a bit. “If that’s your friend over there I don’t see how that would be a problem. The more the merrier they say.”

“Over there?” Sweetie Belle looked next to herself before whipping around to face me. “Storm! What are you doing over there? Come ooooooon!”

I winced a bit as her voice broke but trotted over, standing next to Sweetie Belle in front of the mare. “Hello Button’s Mom, Ah’m Summer Storm. Nice to meet ya.”

Button’s Mom’s eyebrow crept up a little as she looked down at me before her surprised expression broke into a simple chuckle. “Nice to meet you too Summer Storm, I’m Cream Heart. Come on in you two.” She stepped out of the way, allowing both of us to step in once we brushed off our hooves. 

I took an extra moment to take off my hat and hang it up on the coat rack before following Sweetie deeper inside the house. While I stepped into the main hallway I could swear I heard Ms. Heart mutter under her breath, one of my fluffy ears instinctively swiveling around to hear it. “Wow, I didn’t know Rainbow Dash had a filly. Or little sister. Weird.”

Well, that’s going to be a fun rumor. Eh, ain’t my problem.

Tailing Sweetie brought me to a small colt’s bedroom, the walls covered in what I assumed were the pony equivalent to superheroes. The floor had a few comic books scattered about against one wall, while a small tv and game stations sat against another one facing the bed. On the bed sat a brown earth pony colt with one of those spinny hats, focused intensely on playing what I could swear looked like Sonic the Hedgehog.

“Hey Button, we’re here!” Sweetie loudly announced, heading towards the bed herself. “I brought a friend with me. Button Mash, meet Summer Storm!”

Button let out a small sigh as Sonic fell straight into a pit at the distraction, killing him instantly and failing the level. He turned with a small frown before actually seeing the two of us, making him blink in slight surprise. “Oh, hey Sweetie Belle! Uh, who’s your friend?”

Sweetie Belle rolled her eyes and giggled while I facepalmed facehoofed. “Button, you really have to get better at listening. This is my friend Summer Storm! She’s new to Ponyville so I wanted to introduce you two so you can be friends too!”

Button blinked owlishly at Sweetie Belle before turning back to me, tilting his head in a weirdly adorable fashion. “Huh, nice to meet you. Nice rainbow mane, looks really good on you!”

I couldn’t help but blush a bit at the compliment, which felt weird as all fuck. Like, it was a simple compliment, why the hell would it make me blush? “U-Uh, thank ya Button. Nice to meet ya too, you have a cool hat.”

Button looked up towards the top of his head and let out a small chuckle. “Thanks, my mom got it for me.”

Sweetie Belle looked at the two of us awkwardly staring at each other, sighed, and facehoofed. “Button, do you have any games that all three of us can play? Like Tekken and Lunario are cool but we can’t play it all together.”

Button grumbled and thought to himself, hoof rubbing against his chin. After a moment he jumped off his bed with an excited yelp, hoof up towards the sky. “MINECRAFT!”

Sweetie chuckled and shook her head. “Of course you grabbed Minecraft. What do you think, Storm?”

I felt my left ear swivel to listen to Sweetie Belle but I kept my eyes on Button as he stood there proudly. “Uh, yea, Ah’m fine with that.”

Button grinned in excitement and set the game up, plugging in two extra controllers to what he told me was his ‘Coltstation’. Once everything was set up he hopped onto the bed next to Sweetie Belle, passing her one of the controllers. Button turned to me and raised an eyebrow a bit in confusion. 

“Storm what’re you still doing down there? C’mon up here with us!” Button let out a small chuckle as I felt my face grow hot in embarrassment.

I scrambled up onto the bed on the other side of Button, forced to sit right next to him due to the small side of the colt’s bed. My body felt oddly warm sitting next to him... more than I remember being before. I twitched my wings a bit and let out a small breath to calm down and focus on Button’s explanation of this ‘Minecraft’ so we could finally start playing.

Jesus, what the hell is wrong with me? Hope I'm not getting sick or something.
> Chapter 6
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Augh! Stupid Creeper!” I whined, watching as the little wooden house I spent so much time on evaporated before my eyes. Annoyingly that blast killed my little pony avatar as well, making me have to start all the way back from wherever I spawned from.

Button let out a small chuckle and patted me on the back comfortingly. “Hey, you can always build a new one! This time bigger and stronger!”

Sweetie nodded, a smile on her face despite her not moving her eyes from the screen. “Yeah, you’ve figured it out pretty quickly! Just put more torches out when it gets dark.”

“Yeah, that’s true...” I hummed in thought for a moment before glancing at the window. A window that showed a swiftly setting sun. “Oh no! Ah’m going to be late for dinner! Gotta head home, sorry guys.”

Sweetie and Button both paused the game and gave me a hug goodbye, the latter one making me blush for some reason. Totally just a coincidence. Goodbyes done, I scampered over to the front door and grabbed my hat before heading out.

“Have a goodnight Summer Storm!” Cream Heart waved from her doorway, a happy little smile on her face. “Say hi to Dash and Soarin’ for me!”

“G’night Ms. Heart! Thanks for lettin’ me hang out with Button!” I waved goodbye to Button’s mom before turning to fly off into the night. Once again I thanked my lucky stars that the hat came with a little string that let it hang off my neck and lay on my back, otherwise it would have flown off as I gained altitude. 

As I flew over the town towards Dash’s cloud house, I couldn’t help but sigh in a small bit of relief. The setting sun didn’t shine into my photosensitive eyes as it did during the day, which was a welcome relief after having to hide in the shade of a stetson all day. That and the night air felt comfortingly cool against my rather fluffy body.

Down below Ponyville was wrapping up for the day, ponies closing up their stores and heading home for the night. The market was a much more minor buzz of activity, my sensitive ears picking up muted conversations of ponies cleaning up after a busy day of business. A surprising amount of stalls seemed to have had most of their product wiped clean for such a small town, but then again a good chunk of ponies likely knew just how much to bring to market from experience.

I flapped my bat wings to give me the last little push I needed to reach the cloud-house. Surprisingly the rainbowfalls were still pouring down the house, although the colors were a lot more muted. Probably so Dash didn’t annoy the neighbors too much. I hope.

With a puff of cloud-stuff I landed by the front door, folding my wings by my side. It was still a bit jarring to be able to walk on clouds, something so malleable but also so tough. Probably was specially treated since it was the foundation for a cloud house, but still odd. Looking down from the edge to the faraway ground made the dim echo of my human fear of heights scream in the back of my head. With a wince I shrunk away from the edge, making my way to the door itself. 

Thankfully the door wasn’t locked, so getting in was nice and easy. Bar having to stand on my hindlegs to reach the knob but eh. Once my hat was tossed up onto the rack I made my way up the stairs to the house proper. I could smell the sweet scent of cooking veggies and fish wafting through the house, drawing me through a door on the second floor I hadn’t been in previously.  

Inside was the kitchen/dining room area, where Rainbow Dash and a blue pegasus stallion were busy cooking what looked like salmon and a few different vegetables. While the stallion wasn’t a mountain like Big Mac, he still stood a head over Dash and so towered over me. Once I pit-pattered my way into the kitchen he turned his head towards the entrance to see who came in. 

For a moment he looked slightly confused before Dash also turned and gave me a warm grin. “About time you got home, Squirt. Was about to get Soarin’ here to go find ya.”

The pegasus stallion - I assume the Soarin in question - blinked before letting out a small chuckle. “Oh, you must be the thestral filly that Dashie is taking care of.”

“Duh, how many other thestral fillies are there in Ponyville?” Dash chided, nudging her coltfriend with one of her wings.

Soarin blushed in embarrassment, his ears drooping to the side a bit before snapping back up. He wiped his hooves off with a towel and stepped over to me, making me sit down so I could look up at him without straining my neck. A small bit of me twitched in slight fear for some reason, even though he didn’t look hostile at all. The stallion offered a small smile and held out his hoof toward me.

“Pleasure to meet you, Summer Storm. My name is Soarin’, Dashie’s coltfriend.” Soarin tilted his head to the side, a cautious look on his face as I shook his hoof. “Strange question, but are you related to Dashie? I mean, you also are very...” he waved a hoof awkwardly, struggling to find the right word, “...rainbowy?”

“Uh, it’s complicated.” I squeaked out, more than a little confused by the question. “Ah mean, aren’t there other ponies that have rainbow manes?”

Soarin’ put a hoof on his chin in thought for a moment but eventually shook his head. “No, I think the only two other ponies I know with such a colorful mane are Dash and her father.” He shrugged, waving a hoof dismissively. “Not that it particularly matters, just curious after all. Was wondering what it took to get somepony so stubbornly independent to watch a filly.”

“Hey, it's not that weird!” Dash yelled over at the two of us, making us jump a bit in surprise. “Besides, dinner’s almost done cooking, so take a seat you two.”

Soarin’ rolled his eyes and chuckled while I just nodded, both of us making our way to the small dining table. My chair was just tall enough that I had to fly up a bit to take a seat. A minute of waiting passed before Dash came over, two plates of fish and mixed veggies balanced on her wings, and one on a hoof. The one on her hoof went in her spot, while she carefully placed the other two in front of Soarin and I.

Turns out Dash is a great cook, as the salmon and veggies were absolutely delicious. It still felt a bit weird eating using my mouth instead of utensils but hey, beggars can’t be choosers. Just like most plant food, the veggies taste a lot better with pony tastebuds than they would as a human. Guess that’s the bonus of being a mostly herbivorous race, vegetables have to taste good.

Once we were all done eating, Soarin’ went to go wash the dishes while Dash and I stepped away into the living room. There I hopped onto the armchair while Dash lounged on the couch, stretching out with a yawn. Once we both got comfortable, the mare looked at me with an awkward smile.

“So, Storm, you ready for, well, the Talk?” Dash rubbed the back of her head with a hoof, a small blush on her face.

I let out a small groan of embarrassment. “Do we have to? Ah used to be an adult, Ah know how sex works.”

Dash’s ear twitched slightly as she snorted. “That sounds so weird coming from a face like that. But still, you weren’t a pony before so you still have to hear this!”

I let out a small sigh, my fluffy thestral ears flicking back a bit. “Okayyyyy.”

Rainbow Dash nodded proudly before waving a hoof in the direction of the door. “Well, let’s do this quickly while it’s just us mares. Once a year, mostly in the spring or summer, you’ll go into Estrus. You’ll be super horny and fertile, so stay away from any colts unless you want to be a teen mom.”

I groaned and covered my eyes with my hooves. “Gross. Ah don’t even think Ah like dudes anyway, Ah used to be a dude myself, remember?” Part of me couldn’t help but think of Button Mash and...yup gonna shut off my brain now.

Dash chuckled from where she lay. “Hey, you’re still young, so who knows? I’m sure the Princess would still love you either way. Besides, other than that just don’t be silly, wrap his willy. Okay?”

I grumbled out an ‘okay’, my face probably bright red in embarrassment despite my dark fur. “Any other words of wisdom ya want to share?”

“Just one more.” I lowered my hooves just enough to see Dash’s smirk. “Go take a bath before bed, you worked hard today. Tomorrow you have to meet that therapist so get some rest.”

I grumbled but relented, heading upstairs to take a bath, and go to bed. I curled up around the plushie that I’d had with me all week, something that I wouldn’t believe I’d do until about a week ago. I let out a small smile and wriggled in a bit deeper into the clouds I lay on, quickly going to sleep.





A few hours later.

Rainbow Dash woke up with a start, somepony’s cries rousing her from her deep sleep. She wriggled out from where she was snuggled up with Soarin’, thankfully not rousing him from his sleep. With a groggy hop, she left her bed and made her way into the hallway proper. The cries came from Storm’s room so there she went.

Sweeping open the door, expecting a murderer or something in the room, Dash saw Storm writhing in her bed, lost in the throes of a nightmare. The mare sighed and trotted over, using one hoof to shake Storm a bit to hopefully wake her. That failing she picked up the filly and set Storm on her back, carrying her back to her shared bed. Thankfully Storm calmed down at Dash’s touch, although her grip on Dash’s neck was a bit tighter than she’d liked.

“Dammit Princess Luna, where in Tartarus are you? I mean, at least check on your own daughter’s dreams...”





Lyra sighed and rubbed the base of her horn gingerly, the appendage still a little sore after having a letter magically pass through it. Bon Bon sat at her side, reading the message aloud, but still quiet enough that only the two of them could hear it. Thankfully Minuette was not sharing a hotel room with them, instead, the unicorn rested further down the hall.


Dear Agents Sweetie Drops and Heartstrings,



Your objective is no longer to simply keep an eye on the changeling, but instead to capture it and bring it in for questioning. Midnight Strike’s family has been found petrified in their own home, bar the matriarch herself who is still missing. 



With the news of a changeling spotted in the Crystal Empire, and Prince-Consort Shining Armor going missing, you are needed far too much in the Empire to remain to tail a lead. Bring it into the Empire itself, and then speak to Princess Cadance for more instructions.



Thank you,


Princess Luna


“Well, I guess that’s that for your original idea, Lyra.” Bon Bon grumbled, rubbing a hoof on her marefriend’s back. “Time to just grab the bug and be done with it.”

Lyra scowled, her ears folding back in sympathy to her frustration. “Nightshade, Bonnie. Her name is Nightshade. Besides, I still think we shouldn’t just jump her. I mean, her eyes looked so tired and sad...”

“So you want to ‘redeem’ it.” Bon Bon shook her head, sighing, “Not everypony can be helped. I mean, it killed a filly and a guard! Plus, you know better than most what the changelings did during the Royal Wedding.”

Lyra winced but nodded, her head bowing slightly. “I know, I just...I don’t think that she’s another Chrysalis.”

“I know what you mean, Lyra, but orders are orders.” Bon Bon slid off the bed and stretched slightly. “Let’s grab the changeling and meet a princess.”

Lyra let out another sad sigh but followed Bon Bon out of the room and hotel, heading into the town proper. Our Town. What a weird name. A hooffull of ponies were going around doing their daily business, including a mail-pegasus bringing in news and mail to the town. Next to the pegasus was a blue unicorn mare, or a changeling disguised as one. The false mare was holding a newspaper in her magical grip, her jaw hanging open at whatever she was reading. 

Once the two of them got to ‘Minuette’s side, Lyra spoke first, as unwaveringly as possible. “Hey Minnie, you alright? Hanging your jaw open like that is bad, I mean something could fly in if you don’t close it!”

The unicorn blinked and set the newspaper down, her eyes wet like she was about to cry. “The paper is saying that Flurry Heart is dead. But that’s...that’s impossible.”

The duo blinked and looked at each other nervously. This time Bon Bon took the initiative and stepped forward, a determined look on her face. “Nightshade, you are under arrest for the murder of Flurry Heart. Surrender yourself quietly and I promise you won’t be harmed.”

“You lie!” ‘Minuette’ roared, her horn sparking in defiance of the larger mare’s words. “There is no way in Tartarus she could be dead! I saw her walking around in the hospital with that Element Bearer, Rarity.”

Bon Bon huffed, a scowl forming on her face. “Flurry Heart is dead and buried because of you, changeling. It doesn’t matter what you think you saw, what matters is the facts.”

“Bonnie, take a breath, please.” Lyra stepped beside her partner, bumping the earth pony with her flank. Once Bon Bon settled down a bit, Lyra turned to the changeling wearing her friend’s face with a hopeful look. “Please, just surrender. I don’t want to fight a friend.”

‘Minuette’ stared at Lyra’s pleading eyes, her angry glare softening just a touch. The ‘unicorn’ sighed deeply for a moment, measuring her actions. 

“So what’s it going to be?” Bon Bon grunted, her eyes narrowed on the disguised changeling.

“...I’m sorry Lyra.” With a blend of dust kicked up from stomping her forehooves, a simple wind spell, and the false-fire from her changing forms, Nightshade was able to whip up a small dust storm. Lyra and Bon Bon were both forced back a few steps giving Nightshade just enough breathing room to fly straight up and away.

“Nightshade, don’t!” Lyra yelled, but to no avail. The dust cleared, leaving behind a single solitary black feather drifting to the ground.
> Chapter 7
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

I opened my eyes, finding myself in a foggy forest that resembled the Everfree far too much for my comfort. I couldn’t see the sky above, the canopy completely covered it up. But despite the lack of light coming from above, I could still see rather well thanks to some fluorescent plants on the forest floor. 

My ears swiveled all over, listening for something, anything. But the only sound I could hear was my own scared breathing. I swallowed my slight fear down and got to my hooves as silently as I could. As I rose, I saw a faint bit of movement out of the corner of my eye. My head snapped in that direction, which let me see the grass moving slightly toward a darker part of the forest.

“Fuck, this better be a dream or something, otherwise Ah’m havin’ words with Ms. Dash when I get out of here,” I grumbled under my breath and let out as much stress as I could in a quick breath.

I trotted in the direction of the grass, heading deeper into the forest. The deeper I got the darker it got, with the fluorescent plants getting rarer and rarer the farther I went. Once I reached the last bit of light I paused, narrowing my eyes at the path.

“This was a waste of time.” I rubbed the bridge of my muzzle with one hoof in frustration.

As I turned to walk back to where I woke up, the ground underneath me began to rumble and shake. I jumped up and tried to fly up, but as the ground fell away into a chasm I felt myself get sucked in anyway. I looked down in panic as a rainbow light shone from the holes in the ground and screamed as I saw- 





I snapped my eyes open with a deep, deep breath and saw...

Well, I didn’t see much with all the lights off but I could tell I was snuggled into a cloud-nest-bed-thing. I had apparently wriggled deep into it and was still curled around my stuffed animal. Two soft and warm masses lay next to me, or well around me I guess.

My eyes slowly adapted to the minute amount of light in the room, somewhat revealing where I was. Wrapped around me was a slumbering Dash, holding me against her with her forelegs and wings. And wrapped around her were Soarin’s wings and hooves, making me the filling in their cuddle sandwich.

Must’ve had a bad dream or something and got carried to my ‘parents’’ bed.

Despite the infantilizing feeling of that thought, I couldn’t help but feel...content laying there. Part of me wanted to rage and get up since I was an adult. But the rest of me felt warm inside. Safe in the forelegs and wings of those that were older and cared about me.

I grumbled a little under my breath and closed my eyes, letting sleep once again overtake me.





“Ughhhhh. Do Ah have to go?” I whined, my tail swishing a bit in annoyance as I glared up at Soarin’.

Soarin gave me a patient smile and nodded, “Yes, Dash said you have to go see that therapist, so we have to do it.”

I sighed, my ears dropping as I frowned at the ground. “Ah know, Ah just don’t really like therapists. Asking me about mah feelings and stuff.”

Soarin’s hoof rested on my shoulder, nearly making me jump at the sudden contact. I had to bite back a shudder before I looked up into his surprisingly kind eyes. “Storm, if you really don’t want to go I won’t force you. But I do think it would do you some good, I mean it helped me when I hit a rough patch.” He offered a kind smile down at me as he removed his hoof. “Plus we can get some ice cream on the way back if you want.”

I couldn’t help but let out a small chuckle at the small, childish bribe. But I did nod and moved to grab my hat by the doorframe. “Okay, Soarin, Ah’ll go. Not too happy but Ah’ll go.”

Soarin grinned and opened the door for us, taking the lead in flying out. Definitely, a good thing since while flying gave me a bird’s eye view of the town, I was still figuring out some of the landmarks in the town. It would have taken me a little while to figure out where to go by myself, something I didn’t want to deal with when I was trying to come on time for a medical appointment. 

The pegasus stallion flew almost peacefully slightly in front of me, almost like he was casually fast walking where I was actively flying behind him. My shorter wings had to buzz a bit to keep up with his long, easy flaps. Thankfully the air wasn’t too crowded at the moment, although I could see the Weather Team clearing some clouds in the distance, especially the rainbow contrail that was Dash’s trademark. After about 10 minutes we landed in front of the hospital, Soarin looking like nothing happened while I definitely worked up a sweat, panting a bit as I folded my wings. 

“Are you still new to flying, Storm?” Soarin looked down at me as we walked through the large glass doors.

I blushed a bit in embarrassment, one of my ears flicking back. “Y-yeah, Ah am still getting the hang of them.” I half expected him to hit me for my subpar physical performance, but instead, he just shrugged. 

“Eh, we can get more practice in when we’re both free if you want.” Soarin gave an excited grin, “After all practice does make perfect.”

I let out the tension in my body with a sigh of relief and nodded, “Yeah, Ah would enjoy that. Thank ya.”

He chuckled, a lighthearted thing that made me smile. “Don’t worry about it fluffball. We can talk about it later, we’re here.”

I blinked, following his pointed hoof to the right side of the hallway. Sure enough, we were in front of Counselor Sunny Day’s office, or at least I thought it was him. I still couldn’t really read the nameplate on the door, but I did recognize that mix of squiggles and symbols well enough. Soarin knocked on the door and waited a moment, Sunny Day opened it quickly after what sounded like him fast walking across the room.

“Hello Soarin, hello Summer Storm.” The counselor offered a professional smile as he greeted us. “Are you ready for our meeting, Storm?”

I nodded, still feeling a little awkward stepping into the office. I dealt with my issues myself for twenty-five years so someone asking about my feelings was a little...odd at least. Soarin waved and headed off, intending to come back in 45 minutes when the session is done. The office was the same as last time, with the bean bag I claimed the last visit having a pillow set up in front of it already.

“Wow, yer quite prepared, Mr. Day,” I spoke without thinking as I took my bean bag throne, settling into the pliable material with a sigh. 

Sunny Day chuckled lightheartedly and took a seat on his pillow, “Well, I thought that a little familiarity would be nice. After all, if what I heard was correct you had quite a change, Storm. Do you feel more comfortable now at the very least?”

I smiled as I looked at one of my wings, “Y-yeah. While Ah do miss magic a bit, it is nice to be able to look at a mirror and be able to say Ah’m looking at mahself, not someone else. Ya know?”

Sunny Day nodded, “I understand what you mean. Although I am curious, what made you pick the name ‘Summer Storm’? I know you couldn’t stick with Flurry Heart, but as one of the few ponies I’ve met who got to choose their names I can’t help but ask.”

“Well, Ah was born in a thunderstorm, and was then reborn in the summer, so at Luna’s suggestion Ah just combined the two into a new name.” I rubbed the back of my head in slight embarrassment. “Not the most exciting story Ah know.”

Sunny chuckled and shrugged, “Not all names need to have crazy stories. Moving on though, how have you been settling in? I heard you’ll be staying with Ms. Rainbow Dash and Soarin’ for the summer.”

“Going well so far, Ah mean they seem nice enough.” I felt my ear twitch in nervousness as I had to force the next bit out. “Ah mean, Soarin is nice but it is a little weird having a man, er, stallion be actually...nice. Like Big Mac is too but he sounds like a quiet older brother. Soarin feels like he’s trying to be an almost... temporary father figure I guess?”

Sunny Day nodded “And what makes it weird?”

“Er, well, mah Dad back home wasn’t always the best. He was pretty strict almost all the time and if ya weren’t up to his standards he’d often get angry.” Both my ears flicked back as my mood quickly soured. “A-Ah mean, he meant well Ah think but he...” I fidgeted in my seat as my anxiety rose, filly instincts probably kicking in.

“We don’t have to talk about this if you don’t want to,” Sunny said, his voice catching my attention like a grappling hook. “How about you tell me about any friends you’ve made?”

I took a deep breath and let it out slowly, clearing my mood somewhat. “Well, Ah’m still friends with Scoots, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle. And yesterday me and Sweetie went to hang out with one of her friends, Button Mash.” I felt my cheeks burn a bit in a blush as I thought about him. Ew.

“Would you say he’s a new friend?” Sunny Day let out a small chuckle as I fidgeted in embarrassment. “I’ll take that as a yes. Not to sound like your aunt, but it is nice to make more friends, especially for a filly your age.”

“Y-yeah.” I swallowed, wondering if I should bring up the weird stuff I heard and saw earlier in the week. “Uh, there was something that Ah should bring up back when Ah was in the Crystal Empire. Ah...kind of saw and heard things. Like things that weren’t there.”

Sunny kept his smile, although it did thin into more of a professional one. “And what did they say?”

“Nothing dangerous if that’s what yer wondering.” I shrugged my shoulders, trying to think back. “It was mostly just mean things, like calling me a zombie and saying things are mah fault.” 

“How often did you hear the voices?”

“Er, a bunch in the Crystal Empire, but not much for a bit.” I rubbed my chin with a hoof and squinted before shaking my head. “Yeah, haven’t heard anything weird in at least a day or two. Why, is it something bad?”

Sunny Day shook his head, “No, it is not a bad thing, just something to keep an eye on. If you start to hear things again, especially if they tell you to hurt anypony or yourself.”

I nodded solemnly. “Will do, Mr. Day.”

Sunny Day got up and nodded, his smile getting some warmth again. “Unfortunately that is the end of our time. Hope you have a good rest of your day, Summer.”

I nodded and got up from the beanbag to shake his hoof. “You as well.”





Once Soarin and I left the hospital, he did actually fulfill his promise and took me to get ice cream at Sugarcube Corner. Mr. Cake quickly brought out Soarin’s simple vanilla bowl and my strawberry swirl one. I wasn’t usually one for fruits in ice cream, but seeing the strawbebbies made my mouth water. 

As I was eating a spoonful I saw something out of the corner of my eye. I leaned sideways and saw Soarin’s cutie mark flashing for some reason. “Uhhh, Soarin, why is yer cutie mark flashing? Is that normal?”

Soarin blinked and looked down at his cutie mark with a shocked look. “No that is not normal. I mean, Dashie mentioned her cutie mark would do weird things like that before because of some kind of map-thing Princess Twilight had.”

My right ear twitched slightly at the mention of Twilight but I nodded. “We should probably go to the castle then. Maybe it's something important?”

Soarin hummed before - I swear on my mother’s grave - a lightbulb appeared above his head for a moment. “Want to know a pro to being a peg- I mean, a thestral? You can hover and still eat the ice cream instead of just walking like everypony else.”

Slip of his tongue aside, his idea made me giggle a bit at the mental image. “Or Ah could just do this.” And with that, I shoveled the last scoop into my mouth whole, swallowing it with a sigh of pleasure.

“Three...two...o-” Soarin counted down before the brain freeze struck, making me fall out of my chair with a groan of pain. “And that’s why you don’t do that, Puffball.”

“Ya win this round ice cream!”





When we eventually got to the Castle of Friendship, we found the door open with a note on it. Soarin frowned but grabbed it, reading it over.

“What does it say?” I asked, not even bothering to look over his shoulder at it.

“Apparently Spike got summoned to the Dragonlands by something called the ‘Call of the Dragonlord’? Rarity and Starlight went with him to make sure he was okay.” he shrugged and tacked the note back on the door. “Doesn’t explain why the door is open, though.”

I frowned as the gears in my head spun, my ears perking up as an idea popped up. “Maybe someone else was called by the map?”

“A good idea. Let’s find out.” Soarin headed in first, cautiously looking around.

We didn’t run into anybody, but once we got close to the Map Room we heard a few voices echo down the hall. It sounded like Dash and the Cutie Mark Crusaders talking. I quickly scampered ahead and rounded the corner to see...exactly that. The filly trio was peeking over the edge of the map while Dash flew overhead, all looking at some kind of hologram of Equestria. Over what kind of looked like the Crystal Empire hovered five cutie marks: all three of the CMC, Dash, and Soarin. 

“Huh, looks like a party in here.” Soarin chuckled behind me, looking up at Dash. “Any clue what’s going on?”

Dash shrugged in midair, waving at the map with one hoof. “The tree wants us to go to the Crystal Empire to fix something or another. Not sure why it wants the Crusaders though...”

“Hey!” Scootaloo yelled in protest, “We can help fix friendship problems!” The other two cried out their agreement. 

“I doubt she was saying you can’t, just that it's odd,” Soarin said as placatingly as he could, stepping over to the map himself. “Still, it is the Crystal Empire after all. Should be nice and easy, especially if it's inviting a group of fillies.”

“Wait, can Ah come along too?” I asked, looking up at Dash. “It feels weird, but it would be nice to go to the Crystal Empire when it isn’t having issues.”

Dash chuckled, “Sure Squirt, just stay close to an adult.”

I nodded before blushing as an idea came to my mind. “Would it be possible to invite another friend along? To show them around and stuff?”

Dash raised an eyebrow, a slight smile tugging at the corner of her mouth. “If their parents are okay with it sure. Who?”

“Er. Button Mash.” 

All three fillies immediately let out a chorus of giggles, making me blush even harder. “Somepony has a crush!”

“Ah do not!” I whined, looking up for some support but instead just seeing Dash laughing in midair. “Come on!”

Soarin rolled his eyes and chuckled “You walked into that one, Puffball.”

I pouted as adorably manly as I could. I did not have a crush.
> Chapter 8 - Crystal Empire Redux Part 1/3
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

About an hour later, I finally knocked on Button Mash’s door to see if he wanted to come with us. After a few moments, the door was opened by the colt in question, who looked slightly annoyed. I offered a small apologetic smile and waved my hoof in greeting.

“Hey Button Mash! Uh, do ya have a moment?” 

He raised an eyebrow and shrugged. “I was in the middle of a game but sure. Why?”

“Well, uh, Ah am heading up to the Crystal Empire with Dash, Soarin, and the Cutie Mark Crusaders. And Ah was wondering if you wanted to come with?” I looked up at the slightly taller colt and gave an awkward smile. 

“Uhhhh. I have to ask my mom.” Button looked back into the house proper before yelling at the top of his voice. “MOOOOOOM! CAN YOU COME TO THE FRONT DOOR?”

My fluffy ears twitched a bit at the yell but I forced myself to keep a straight face. After a few seconds, Ms. Heart came to the door, looking a bit frazzled like she woke up from a nap or something. She looked at Button in concern before turning and looking at me and letting out a sigh of relief.

“Don’t scare me like that Button, I thought it was something concerning.” Ms. Heart chuckled and ruffled Button’s mane, making him whine and try to block her with one of his own hooves. “Now what can I help you with sweetie?”

“Ah’m not Sweetie, Ah’m Storm.” I responded with a small smirk at my dumb joke. “And Ah was wondering if Button could come up to the Crystal Empire with the Crusaders, Dash, Soarin, and me.”

Ms. Heart blinked in surprise and raised one of her eyebrows. “The Crystal Empire? That’s quite a far trip for a last-minute thing.”

I shrugged, my wings flaring out for a second as I did so. “Yeah, it was somethin’ with that map that Princess Twilight has. Made Dash and Soarin’s cutie marks glow! Er, and the Crusaders.”

Ms. Heart let out a sad sigh and shook her head. “I’m sorry Storm but I don’t want my baby going somewhere dangerous. Maybe another time when it's a normal trip, not some ‘Harmony business’.”

“Wait, I’m not a baby!” Button angrily defended himself, his voice cracking a bit. “I’m a grown colt!”

Ms. Heart raised an eyebrow at Button, “Uh-huh. The answer is still no, Button.” Her voice dripped with that mix of kindness and sternness only a mother could have.

“It’s fine Ms. Heart, Ah understand.” I felt my ears droop a bit despite myself but kept my voice as level as I could. “Thanks for listening at least. See you later Button!” I waved with a hoof and began the trek back to Dash’s cloud house.





Hours later, the six of us piled out of the Friendship Express or whatever the train was called. The three Crusaders were hopping in place as excited as a group of fillies could be while Soarin desperately tried to rein them in from above. Dash started pulling bags from the train car so we didn’t lose anything, shaking her head at the Crusaders’ antics. 

I just people pony-watched. There weren’t many other ponies disembarking at the Crystal Empire, and most were just crystal ponies that looked like they were returning from vacations or business trips or whatever. A few were tourists, easily picked up by the looks of awe on their faces at the crystal city. One was a weird-looking silvery earth pony with what looked like a bit of electricity stuck on her front right hoof somehow. I tilted my head in curiosity but she walked away too fast for me to get a good look at her or her cutie mark.

Otherwise, it was a complete and total ghost town. Other than the ponies getting off and one or two pegasi guards overhead, there was no one walking the streets at all. Thankfully I wasn’t the only one to notice that, as Soarin and Dash gave each other a nervous look at the sheer oddity of the situation. The other three fillies just ran over to Dash, a strange mix of excitement and concern on their faces.

“Dash! Where is everypony?” Scootaloo wondered, her ears drooping.

“Yeah! I thought the Crystal Empire was supposed to be a busy city!” Sweetie Belle chimed in, her eyes wide.

“Maybe the crystal ponies are ghosts...” Apple Bloom muttered to herself in concern.

“Maybe we should go straight to the palace.” I stepped up next to the Crusaders. “Cadance and Shining Armor might know what’s going on.”

Sweetie Belle let a gasp out of nowhere, making all of us jump. “Maybe we could meet the princess and prince!”

“I’m sure we can squeeze in a quick meeting.” Soarin chuckled, “‘though haven’t you guys already met a princess?”

“Who?” Apple Bloom asked, her head tilting in confusion.

“...Ah think he’s talking about Twilight.” I raised an eyebrow in faint surprise. “She does live in Ponyville after all.”

“Oh, but that’s Twilight.” Apple Bloom waved a hoof dismissively. “We’ve seen her dozens of times, we’re talking about a real princess!”

“Didn’t you see her at the wedding? I thought you three were the flower ponies?” Soarin looked at Dash, who nodded in confirmation.

“Yeah but somepony wanted us to hang out with Rainbow Dash instead.” Sweetie Belle gave a pointed look to Scootaloo, who rubbed the back of her head in embarrassment.

“Hey, who can blame her?” Dash chuckled before flapping up into the air high enough to look over the houses. “Looks like this place is even more dead from up here. Storm is right, let’s just go straight to the castle, not much else to do at the moment.”

The walk through the Crystal Empire to the castle was way too similar to the first time I had walked through the place. Instead of streets filled with statues of crystal ponies, they were just completely empty. As we got closer I could start to hear the metal clanking of what I assumed (and hoped) was guard armor. Thanks to the sheer eerieness we all stuck close to each other, bar Dash who flew overhead to keep an eye in the sky. That and she seemed to spend almost all the time flying around anyway, probably just made her feel more comfortable or whatever.

Probably just doesn’t like being around you.

“What?” My ear twitched at the sound, but I didn’t recognize the voice at all. 

“Hmm?” Soarin looked over to me, his eyebrow raised in concern. “You say something?”

“Did ya hear that?” I looked up at him for a moment before I saw his expression shift from neutral to...slightly stressed? I quickly looked away, my ears slightly drooping despite my best wishes. “Uh, actually never mind don’t worry about it.”

“Storm.” Soarin’s stern voice made me twitch, a shiver of what I hoped wasn’t fear going down my spine.

“Ah said don’t worry about it.” I shot back, my voice not as confident as I hoped. “Please.”

Soarin stared down at me for a few seconds before sighing and nodding. “Alright, if you say so Puffball.”

I offered a weak smile before cantering forward to keep up with Dash and the Crusaders, who had gotten decently far ahead of the two of us as we chatted. Thankfully not too far, our little filly legs weren’t long enough to outpace an adult like Soarin. Which was fine...okay, a little weird after being an adult myself but eh, out of all the things I could fight I doubted I could fight leg length.

There wasn’t anything else interesting during the trek to the castle, other than the fact that the pony ahead of us in line was that weird earth pony. Now that I could get a good look at her, I could see that not only was her coat a nice silver-grey, but her mane and half her tail were a slightly lighter shade of grey. The other tone in her tail was a darker blue-grey, giving it a nice dichromatic look. Her cutie mark was of a goldfish in a fish bowl, probably worked in a pet store or something. Wouldn’t explain the weird lightning-hoof but hey, Equestria is really weird so might not be that unusual.

“I heard Princess Flurry Heart passed and wanted to come to pay my respects.” the earth pony informed the guards, her tired voice almost a whisper. “Is there a grave I can go visit or the like?”

“No ma’am, her public funeral has been put on pause at the moment.” The guard shook his head, his partner remaining silent and maintaining eye contact the whole time. “I’d recommend returning home and coming back when the date has been announced.”

The mare gave an audible sigh of disappointment but nodded. “Well, I took a week off of work for this, so I think I’ll stay for a bit and see the sights then. Is there a hotel nearby I can rest at?”

The guard maintained his otherwise stoic face, but I could tell he was a little annoyed with the mare’s decision. “There is one down the street. Head down for ten minutes, take a left, right, left, and it should be there.”

The mare nodded her thanks and turned to go on her way. Seeing Soarin as she turned her eyes went wide in recognition, taking a step back in surprise. Soarin himself raised an eyebrow at her reaction, confusion fighting for a space on his face as well. The mare looked away a little too quickly and walked away, moving quickly enough to gain ground quickly but not fast enough to be cantering.

Soarin shrugged it off as Dash and the CMC approached the guards, the latter three almost bouncing in place. The guards once again lowered their spears, blocking their path into the castle. Dash grimaced as they did so, landing behind the CMC. I sped my pace up, standing next to the CMC while Soarin stood next to Dash.

“What is your business here, Rainbow Dash?” the other Crystal Empire spoke this time, his voice just as flat.

“We were called up by the Cutie Mark Map.” Dash waved a hoof over all of us. “All of us were. Er, I guess all but Storm at least.”

I shrugged as the guard looked at me out of the corner of his eye. “Ah don’t exactly have a cutie mark t’ ping.”

The guard turned his head slightly to his fellow, still keeping an eye on us. “Send a message up to Princess Cadance, she’ll want to see them.”

The second guard leaned in to whisper, but my sensitive ears still picked up his words. “Are you sure? There is a changeling on the loose, could be one of them.”

“Would be a bold move for one of them.” The first guard let out a small sigh. “Just go send the message, the Princess will determine if they are who they are better than us.”

The second guard let out a non-commital grunt but nodded and pulled out a well-cut piece of emerald from one of the pockets in his armor. I could see it glowing with a faint pink light from the inside, which was kind of strange to see from an otherwise opaque piece of crystal. He whispered some words into the crystal, which glowed slightly brighter as he did so. After a moment it died back down, leaving him expectantly staring that the emerald.

In a flash of blue light, Mo- I mean, Aunt Cadance teleported in front of us, forcing me to quickly blink spots out of my eyes. As I was blinded I felt two strong forelegs wrap around me, pulling me into a tight hug. I couldn’t help but let out a squawk of surprise as I was hugged by who I assumed was Aunt Cadance based on the fact I also got hugged by a set of wings.

“Oh, Summer it is so good to see that you are safe.” Aunt Cadance muttered in my ear, making it twitch slightly.

“Uh, auntie, it’s only been like two days,” I muttered back, my eyes now finally somewhat clearing.

Aunt Cadance flinched and let me go, a grimace of pain on her face. “Y-yes. Sorry, it’s been quite a busy few days.”

I couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow, but before I could comment Scootaloo jumped next to the two of us. “Don’t worry Princess, the Cutie Map called us up to help!”

“Ah, that is good to hear. Thank you Scootaloo.” Aunt Cadance flashed the filly a smile and tousled her mane. “I assume that goes for everypony here?”

“Everypony except Storm got called to help with whatever is going on, Princess.” Soarin nodded his head in respect to the alicorn. “I assume that she wasn’t called since doesn’t have a cutie mark.”

I awkwardly rubbed the back of my head in embarrassment. “Yeah, it’s only been like two days, Ah’m still working on it.”

“It’ll come in time, dear. Just try not to force it.” Aunt Cadance gave me a warm smile.

I nodded, a smile on my own face, although it quickly dimmed by the sheer quietness of the city. “Say, where is everyone?”

Aunt Cadance’s smile immediately slipped for a moment, turning into a grimace instead. “Yes. Well, how about we head up? I’m sure you’d like to put your bags away before we talk about...recent events.” Her grimace returned, although it was once again quickly shaken off.

“Yeah, it is a little annoying to fly around with these saddlebags.” Dash chuckled, a wide grin splitting her muzzle.

Aunt Cadance led the six of us into the castle, heading up a circular stairway that wrapped around the small courtyard at the base of the building. While not the best use of time, it did give a spectacular view of the Crystal Heart floating in the middle of the courtyard. Several sets of guards were posted throughout the castle, all the more noticeable with the lack of other ponies walking through the halls. 

Once we got to the guest quarters, the actual divvying up of rooms was actually pretty easy. Soarin and Dash took one room, while the Crusaders all wanted to split one room together like a sleepover. I went to get my room but Scootaloo jumped in the way, her wings buzzing in excitement.

“Storm, wait! We should all bunk together!”

I tilted my head, my brows furrowed in confusion. “Uh, yeah, yer all bunking together.”

“You’re invited too, silly.” Sweetie Belle stepped next to me and nudged my flank with her own. “Isn’t a Crusaders sleepover without you after all.”

I blushed in embarrassment, having forgotten about the fact that I was part of the friend group. “Sorry, Ah’m not used to having friends. C’mon, let’s get our stuff set up then before we hit the city then.”

The girls all started giggling and cheering, racing into the room to toss their bags inside. I followed them inside, excited enough to go explore the city for once, but I couldn’t help but lag slightly behind as my ear twitched thanks to hearing something. I heard Aunt Cadance whisper to one of the guards to bring somepon- someone named Sunburst down. I shrugged to myself and went into the room, tossing my bag next to the bed like the other Crusaders.

“So what do ya want to check out first, Storm?” Apple Bloom looked down at me, her smile showing that she was definitely enjoying her slight height over me the most out of the Crusaders. “Ah mean ya were here a few days ago with the Princesses, did ya see anything cool?”

I felt my ears droop a bit as I shook my head. “Nah, we kinda quickly came and left. A lot was going on so Ah couldn’t really take in the sights, sorry.”

“Hey, that just means we get to check them out together!” Scootaloo cheered, hopping on the bed with a grin. 

“Yeah!” The four of us cheered, raising a hoof up in a high five. High hoof. Whatever.
> Ch 9 - Crystal Empire Redux 2/3
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Alright girls, meet your tour guide, Sunburst!” Aunt Cadance gave a proud smile as she waved a wing at the orange and cream unicorn standing next to her. “He’s the Royal Archivist and a close friend of mine.”

The six of us stood in the bedroom hallway, just having put our stuff away. The Cutie Mark Crusaders all stared up at Sunburst in confusion, taking in his scraggly beard, glasses, and general unkempt look. I raised an eyebrow at Aunt Cadance before turning to Sunburst, who offered an awkward smile back.

“Ah’m sorry, but yer having yer Royal Archivist be our guide?” I tilted my head, my ears splaying to the side. “No offense, but seems like a bit of a waste.”

Sunburst shrugged, lifting his glasses off his face with his magic to wipe them off with his cloak. “Oh, I wanted to do it. After all, part of my job is to educate royal foals. And as the adopted daughter of Princess Luna, you fall under that umbrella Summer Storm.”

I blinked, my ears folding back for a moment. “Oh. Uh, good to know.” A faint blush of embarrassment flushed across my cheeks as I remembered that I was technically royalty.

“What’s a ‘Royal Arch-vest’ anyway?” Apple Bloom asked, her brow furrowed in confusion.

“Is it like a fashion thing?” Scootaloo chimed in, looking at Sweetie Belle for confirmation.

The unicorn in question rubbed her chin for a moment before shaking her head. “I don’t think so, Rarity never mentioned something like that.”

“Think of me like the royal librarian, like Princess Twilight.” Sunburst paused for a moment and rubbed the back of his head, chuckling. “Except without the wings and royal title, of course.”

The Crusaders let out a small chuckle themselves, while I just raised an eyebrow. Soarin and Dash came back over during Sunburst’s embarrassing display, wearing their Wonderbolt outfits and goggles.

“Alright fillies, we’ll be right back. Princess Cadance just wants us to take a peek around the Crystal Empire from up high while we’re here.” Soarin answered the unspoken question, a confident grin on his muzzle.

Dash nodded and chimed in, “We’ll be back so fast you won’t even notice we’re gone!”

I bit my lip and nodded, finding the thought of Soarin and Dash leaving the empire weirdly uncomfortable. “If ya say so.”

Soarin winked and headed off down the hall, while Dash lifted my hat off my head long enough to noogie me. “See you in a bit, Squirt.” She giggled while I fixed my hat and turned off to follow Soarin.

Turning back to Aunt Cadance and Sunburst, I could see the latter giving an amused smile while the former quickly ducked her head to the side so I couldn’t see her expression. I frowned slightly but before I could ask about that Sunburst cleared his throat, gathering our attention to him.

“Well, I believe that we should head out now before it gets too late to show you four everything.” Sunburst adjusted his glasses with one hoof and nodded to himself. “Now come along fillies, we have a lot of ground to cover!”

Sunburst turned around and started heading out of the hall, while the four of us looked at each other with a bit of amusement. Without a second word, we followed him out of the hall and castle, although I did readjust my hat to better protect my eyes from the sun before I stepped out. The Crystal Empire was still more or less completely empty, everyone still likely just hiding in the homes from this changeling that was on the loose. Apparently. 

I could tell that Sunburst was really trying while he gave his tour of the city, but damn was it hard to pay attention to him. He’d point at a statue or other artifact and give a basic overview of it, but it was clear that he was a scholar not really a teacher. His explanation was too dry, like he was reading off a remembered note that actually explaining. 

After almost two hours of this, we wandered by a small park that looked almost copied and pasted from any other city park. Nice fresh green grass and trees, a little bit of non-crystal nature. Beautiful. In the middle of the park sat a young crystal pony colt, his coat a light shade of blue and mane/tail curly black-blue. He dejectedly kicked a ball back and forth all by himself.

“Mr. Sunburst?” I spoke up, catching the Archvist’s attention. “Do ya mind if we play in the park for a bit?”

“Park?!” Scootaloo yelled, prompting all three Crusaders to snap their heads in the direction of the park. The three of them began giggling and running into the park, chasing each other around.

“Maybe another...” Sunburst sighed as the other three fillies ran off anyway. “Okay, I guess the schedule wouldn’t be too affected if you four played for an hour.”

I let out a small chuckle of my own and nodded. “Don’t worry, Ah’m sure they’ll be less annoying once they run off some of that energy.”

“Maybe...” Sunburst let out a small sigh and offered an awkward smile down at me. “Go on and play with them, don’t wait for me.”

I let out a small chuckle of my own and started making my way over to the girls’ game of tag. Halfway there I couldn’t help but glance at the lonely colt, who was now just sitting there watching the four of us. I let out a small sigh before turning on one hoof and heading over to him. He watched me head over to him quietly, just staring at me with crystal blue sad eyes.

God, he reminds me of my brother. Socially awkward as hell.

“Hello.” I greeted, offering a small warm smile to the colt. Thankfully he was a little shorter than me so I wasn’t looking up like most colts. “Mah name is Summer Storm, what’s yers?” I also stuck my hoof out for a hoofshake. Y’know, a proper greeting.

The colt blinked at me for a second, but instead of getting awkward he instead gave me a small smile and shook my hoof. “M-my name is Crystal Hoof. Nice to meet you.”

“So...what’re ya doing all by yerself?” I looked to the left and right for emphasis, obviously seeing no one. “Ah thought that there’d be more ponies to play ball with.”

“Oh.” Crystal Hoof looked down and started to play with his soccer ball absentmindedly. “E-everypony is hiding in their homes on account of that changelin’ on the loose.”

I furrowed my brows and tilted my head in confusion. “Then why aren’t ya hiding?”

Crystal Hoof blushed in embarrassment, his ears folding back. “I-I don’t have a home to hide in. I’m an orphan.”

“Oh...” I felt my own ears flick back as I rubbed the back of my neck awkwardly. “Sorry t’ hear that. If ya want, ya can play and hang with us while we’re in the Empire.”

Crystal Hoof looked up, a small awkward smile on his muzzle. “I-if that would be okay. I’d love that. Not many ponies like me...I’m weird...”

I let out what I hoped sounded like an encouraging laugh and turned to head over to the Crusaders, waving my wing in the universal ‘follow me’ gesture. “We’re used to weird folks, don’t worry. C’mon, let me introduce you to the ‘Cutie Mark Crusaders.”





Sneaking into the Crystal Castle was an easy task for an experienced changeling like Nightshade. Almost worryingly easy. With the number of maids and other servants hiding at home or otherwise refusing to come to work alongside the guards being overworked, the guards didn’t blink an eye at her put-together ‘unicorn maid’ disguise. 

Admittedly it was only ‘put together’ by her standards, but she was on a time crunch. So dragged up memories of a Canterlot Castle maid had to do, drawn from that blasted wedding. A silver coat paired with a dark blue mane/tail, with a cutie mark of a lemon next to a washcloth to finish the look. So stood Lemon Fresh, maid of almost a dozen years.

Now, where can I find evidence that Flurry Heart isn’t dead....? Maybe she’s hiding 

The unicorn made her way through the winding crystal halls slowly but with a deliberate purpose. Blending into the background of anything that was going on in the halls, nopony was worried about the thoughts of a simple maid making her way through the halls. After all, she looked like she knew where she was going and there were bigger problems going on, so who cares?

As ‘Lemon Fresh’ made her way through the castle, hooves lightly tapping on the clean crystal floors, she kept her ears up to listen for the sounds of a young filly or doting mother. Unfortunately, the castle was almost completely empty and deathly quiet. She couldn’t even really smell any of the leftover emotions left by those that would usually walk through these halls, just the background Love radiated by the Crystal Heart. That background emotion made ‘Lemon Fresh’ internally grit her teeth as her stomach growled, starving after so long without a true changeling meal.

Nearly an hour of wandering passed before the disguised changeling finally caught a whiff of emotion. But instead of the sweet hint of Love she was aiming for, ‘Lemon Fresh’ instead could smell two much more bitter and spicy emotions: Grief and Frustration. Following the trail, the fake maid found herself next to a simple wooden door, partially cracked open instead of completely closed.

Peeking inside, ‘Lemon Fresh’ found the source of those strong emotions: Princess Cadance herself. The pink princess was sitting in front of a crib, hugging it with her wings while she sobbed over it. In Cadance’s forehooves was a framed picture, but ‘Lemon Fresh’ couldn’t make out what was on it.

Strangely, the sheer grief radiating off the alicorn didn’t feel fabricated or forced at all. It felt unabashedly real. The very same grief and rage that Nightshade felt when she found her family turned to stone...

With a small internal hiss ‘Lemon Fresh’ pulled away from the door, but accidentally stepped on a squeaky board. The crying came to a sudden stop, leading the fake maid to awkwardly look up at the alicorn now staring at her, bloodshot eyes wide as dinner plates.

“Uh, hello?” ‘Lemon Fresh offered, giving a small bow. “Sorry to bother you, Princess, just heard a sound and wanted to make sure everything was okay.”

Cadence blinked before rubbing one of her eyes and looking away. “Everything is fine, but thank you.” She paused for a moment and tilted her head, one of her ears folding back. “I’m sorry, but what’s your name? I don’t recognize you.”
“I’m Lemon Fresh, a new hire, Princess.” The maid offered a small bow.

“Ah. A pleasure to meet you, Lemon Fresh.” Cadence smiled, before sighing and frowning.

“Nice to meet you too. Now, uh, I have duties to attend to. May I depart, Princess?”

Cadence blinked and chuckled, shaking her head. “Of course, of course.”

With that Lemon Fresh stepped away from the Princess, walking ever more quickly once she was a respectable distance from the alicorn. A faint sigh of relief passed from the disguised changeling’s lips at narrowly avoiding being caught.

That....what is going on here? Did I really kill Flurry Heart...?





“Scootaloo, go long!” Apple Bloom yelled before bucking the soccer ball halfway across the park. 

Scootaloo jumped into the air, her wings buzzing for a moment to give her some extra height, just enough to try to spike the ball into the space between two trees that marked off the other team’s goal. Crystal Hoof stood in the way, his face determined as he threw his scrawny form in the way. 

“Oof!” Crystal Hoof wheezed as the ball whacked him in the side, knocking the air from his lungs. Instead of falling over though, he gritted his teeth and kicked the ball up towards me. 

“Go long Sweetie Belle!” As it flew in the air I did a little corkscrew to build up momentum and kicked the ball as hard as I could, sending it flying across the little slice of the park. With a small yell, the little unicorn jumped up and headbutted the ball, sending it whizzing past Sunburst the goalie.

“GOAL!!!” Sweetie Belle yelled, dancing in place.

 I couldn’t help but let out a small laugh as Apple Bloom and Scootaloo groaned. Even Crystal Hoof cracked a small smile. Unfortunately, the one-sided celebration came to an end as Sunburst cleared his throat like a dusty old teacher. 

“It’s getting late girls, we should head back for dinner.” Sunburst smiled down at the group of us. “Don’t want the Princess waiting too long after all.”

At once all our stomachs rang out in hunger as we all realized how late it got. Sweetie Belle coughed and blushed in embarrassment. “Yeah, we should probably head back. I’m hungry.”

“Me too!” Scootaloo chimed in.

“Yea.” Apple Bloom nodded, turning to Crystal Hoof. “Yer folks are probably wonderin’ where yer at too.”

“Oh, uh, yeah, my folks.” Crystal Hoof’s ears folded back and he looked away. “Uh, I don’t have any.”

I blinked and landed next to him, giving him a sympathetic look. “Yer an orphan?” He sheepishly nodded in response, so I looked up at Sunburst. “Is there anything we can do to help? Like an Orphanage, or the Princess?”

Sunburst hummed and rubbed his chin as he thought before shrugging. “I don’t think there’s an orphanage in the Crystal Empire, but we can always ask Princess Cadance about it.”

“Then he should come over for dinner!” I stared up at Sunburst, narrowing my eyes in challenge.

“I, uh, don’t know if we should bring somepony in without asking her, but...” Sunburst sighed in defeat. “I’m sure it’ll be fine. As long as you’re okay with it, Crystal Hoof.”

Crystal Hoof sheepishly nodded, much to my delight, so we all started heading back to the Castle.





 At the edge of the Crystal Empire, a trio of ponies stepped through the magical wall separating the winter scape outside from the safe space inside. The two mares - one pegasus, one unicorn - wore the armor of Crystal Guards, although damaged and beat up from some unknown fight. Between them stood a scraped-up unicorn stallion with a battered cloak covering him from the worst of the elements. Or at least a bad attempt at it.

A grin formed on the stallion’s face, his eyes blazing with a fierce will undampened by the scrapes and bruises hidden by his coat. “Ah, it is good to be back.”