Changeling thread!
No longer up to date story paste: http://pastebin.com/PeAVrdBF
Chat: irc.rizon.net#bugpone
Previous thread >>25238821
>>25406605
I want some changeling honey.
>>25406620
Who doesn't?
Sup /bug/.
Will hopefully have content this afternoon.
>>25406765
Yay, have been waiting patiently
Bump for green.
Just wondering...
Would it be acceptable for me to post my current story in bits here like greentext but not in greentext format?
>>25407761
Wouldn't bother me.
Continuing from http://pastebin.com/SPV2KMQA
Ch.4
>You stretch yourself out as you walk to camp #4, preparing for a day of work.
>You are still very much worried... Hopefully Lavender hasn't done anything... irrational.
>As you approach the camp, everything looks normal.
>Gusty Leaves nods at you as you don your safety equipment.
>You look around, and you can see Lavender walking up the road.
>You wait at the equipment wagon for her.
>When she arrives, she looks at you flatly, and grabs her equipment.
>With no emotion in her voice, she speaks.
>"Ready to work?"
>You can feel a subtle mix of emotions... You can't quite put your finger on it.
>You move out to your assigned work area for the day, and go about your day as usual, but with no banter, no talking.
>Just, silent working.
>Near the end of the day, as the sun was getting low in the sky, you couldn't stand the silence any longer.
>You shout to Lavender between cutting down trees.
>"I-I-Is everything alright, Lavender?"
>She looks at you with a mix of sadness, and fear.
>>25408362
>"I am not entirely sure."
>YOu feel the fear flowing from her increase.
>"I'm scared, Pine."
>You look down to the ground.
I-i-is there anything I can do to make you feel better?
>"I don't know. I'm scared, worried..."
Do we need to sit down, and talk some more, Lavender?
>"That... might be best. Can we meet up at your place a little after work?"
That's fine.
>"I can't go direclty after work... I need to stop by my place first."
>You nod at her.
That's fine.
>The rest of the day continues without any further discussion.
>You walk back to the main camp, and drop off your equipment.
See you later, Lavender.
>She nods, and begins walking back to town.
>You watch for a moment as she walks away, and Sawin' Steve comes up behind you and asks you a question.
>"What's up with her? She seems out of her element, and you seem kinda off as well."
Honestly, I can't say, Steve. I'll see ya tommorow, I need to head home.
>Steve shrugs.
>"See ya around then, Pine."
>You return to your home, and prepare for Lavender's arrival.
>>25408994
Derp, forgot my name on the last post.
>You make some herbal tea to calm yourself down.
>Lavender seemed worried.
>Understandably so.
>She obviously just wants to talk more.
>She hasn't outed you yet, otherwise you probably would have not had a miserable, depressing day at work.
>Hopefully she didn't change her mind, and she went off to find the local constabulary after work.
>Damn it, why must everything be so complicated.
>You sit down, and pick up another random book that came with your townhouse.
>It is a book aimed at younger ponies about the non-pony creatures who inhabit equestria.
Hmph... I wonder what they have to say about my people.
>You flip through, to find the changeling entry.
>You are greeted by a grotesque cartoon reminiscent of your base form.
>"Changelings are evil beings who can change their form to match any pony they have seen before. Their base form is bug like, with insect like wings, sharp teeth, and a horn."
>"These creatures feed upon love, sapping their pony hosts, leaving them helpless and at great risk of death."
>"Sightings of changelings should be immediately reported to the proper authorities. Changelings are incredibly dangerous, and must be stopped immediately when found out."
>You frown.
>Occasional rogue changelings do stupid shit, get caught, and end up making ponies think all the stuff written here is true.
>They miss out on feeding on things besides emotions.
>They greatly overstate the after effects of feeding. What they describe sounds like a chronic case of some idiot overfeeding.
>The propoganda makes life hard for you, and the swarm, your family.
>Little do the ponies know the changelings are everywhere.
>>25409555
>Derp, forgot my name on the last post.
If you didn't, you wouldn't have got those trips.
It was meant to be.
>>25406605I recognize this image
>>25409555
>You are startled by a knock at your front door.
>You jump up, and look through the peephole on the door.
>Its Lavender. By herself.
>You let out a breath you didn't realize you had been holding.
>After unlocking the door, you open it for Lavender, and look outside to see if anypony else was watching.
>You sense very little emotion coming off her after you turn around and secure the door.
>She is working hard to hide whatever she is feeling.
>Lavender sits down on the couch, and pulls a book out of the bag she brought.
>"Pine-... Ik'thik, was it?"
Yes, that is my designation in the swarm.
>"I want you to understand where I am coming from, and the turmoil I feel."
>She pulls open the book... It appears to be a more adult oriented version of the book you were reading just a moment ago.
>"I went to the library this morning. It's why I was a little later than usual. I found this book."
>She flips open to a much more accurate drawing of a changeling than the other book contained.
>It makes you shudder... It looks off. YOu hate to think how it was created... from some poor, dead, changeling, in some unicorn's lab.
>"I read through quite a bit of this book in my youth..."
>You can feel some nostalgia flowing from Lavender.
>"The changeling section always bothered me... Perfect shape shifters, feed on love..."
>You feel a sudden flow of sadness.
>"I never thought I would meet one, or that I would have feelings..."
>Lavender begins to sob.
>>25410206
>Sadness is an unpleasant thing for a changeling to taste...
It's OK, Lavender, let it all out. We can figure this out.
>She continues to sob, but speaks when she can.
>"I love... Pine Fresh... So sweet..."
I *AM* Pine Fresh, Lavender. Contrary to what your texts say about changelings, we can take arbitrary forms.
>You pause for a moment, and sigh.
While we can easily imitate any pony, many changelings, especially those in my line of work, create our own forms.
These forms are reflections of ourselves, of our experiences, our likes, dislikes...
>You pause once more.
There is no other pony in equestria like Pine Fresh. He is not some facsimile of a pony I've met previously. He is I.
>You can feel some of the sadness from Lavender ebbing away.
>"R-r-really? All the stuff I've ever read said you can only copy ponies you've seen before..."
Ponies aren't as in the know on changelings as they might wish to be.
>You once more pause and think for a moment.
Infact, to prove my statements, let's play a little game, Lavender.
>"A game?"
>You can feel the subtle ember of happiness growing within Lavender as she responds.
Describe a pony. Coat color, mane color, hair style, earth, unicorn, pegasus, stallion or mare... And I will show them to you.
>>25410526
>You spend the next half hour assuming various forms at Lavender's request.
>Everything from comic book characters, to gender swapped co-workers.
>The ember of happiness within her has grown into a proper flame, that has burned away the negative emotions she held upon arriving at your home.
>You feel an incredible amount of relief.
>Your show occasionally threw Lavender into fits of laughter, especially your impressions of genderswapped coworkers.
"I'm Sawin' Stephanie! Tee hee! Look at me work these massive logs!"
>After finishing, you sit down on the couch next to Lavender, and revert to your base form.
I love you, Lavender August. I am sorry I had you so worried over the last day. Hopefully what I have shown you has settled what was bothering you today.
>She looks at you, lovingly, but with a twinge of worry.
>"A-a-about how you eat..."
>Here comes another possibly awkward conversation...
>"You said you fed from me, and I didn't even notice it?"
Well, Lavender, thats generally the idea. Changelings trying to stay hidden won't stay long if they are being obvious with such things.
>"Oh... Yeah, that does make sense, doesn't it..."
>You feel a new slight twinge growing under the happiness... The most delicious of emotions.
Like I said, I get some nourishment from the ambient emotions of ponies around me. And, because I am good at what I do, I was able to feed during our... encounter, without you noticing.
>You can almost see a subtle blush coming from Lavender.
>>25410891
>And that little bit of love you felt in Lavender is growing.
>"So... Uhhh... Can you..."
>Your eyes widen.
>Lavender continues to stutter slowly.
You want to see what its like without distraction, am I correct?
>Her subtle blush becomes quite obvious after you say that.
>"...yes."
To minimize possible complications...
>You emit a green glow, and take the shape of Pine Fresh.
You need to strongly feel emotions.
>Lavender pauses for a moment.
>"I love you, Pine Fresh."
>You feel a sudden, strong flow of love, directed at you.
>After feeling that, you lower your head, as Lavender watches you curiously.
>Your mouth opens, and a green mist begins to flow to it from Lavender.
>She winces slightly, but the flow continues without abatement.
>You continue for about 30 seconds, before stopping.
>It wasn't as good of a meal as before, but still very nourishing.
>And, you didn't want to overdo it and hurt Lavender.
>Upon finishing, Lavender slouches down into the couch.
>"So... Thats how it works, and how it feels..."
Do you feel alright?
>"It was... strange... And I am kinda... Tired."
>Lavender finishes up her statement with a yawn.
Do you want to stay the night, my sweet?"
>She smiles, and throws some more positive vibes your way.
>>25411116
>"I would love to... Perhaps, spend every night here, if you get my drift."
>That could be nice... Split rent, more time spent with Lavender...
>Sounds awesome.
That would be great... I guess we will need to fill out some paperwork with the company people. Im leasing this place through them.
>"Should be easy enough. I'll have to cut my cheapo little place, which should be a piece of cake. Then just add me on this lease."
>You give a shrug.
I honestly wouldn't know for sure. Most of my experiences have been running the course of a lease, then leaving. No changes in the middle.
>You and Lavender finish up the tea, and, considering how tired the both of you are, you retire to the bedroom.
>"So... what name would you rather me call you by?"
That is up to you, Lavender, but I would prefer you call me by Pine Fresh in public... Ik'thik isn't the most pony-like name.
>This elicits a small giggle from Lavender.
>"I suppose."
As another thought... How comfortable are you with me spending time here in the townhouse in my natural form?
>"I... guess I will have to get used to it. How hard is it for you to do all that changey-stuf anyway?"
It is itchy, and takes some amount of effort, but I can hold it for very extended periods.
>You continue your small talk for a while, and eventually Lavender lets out a large yawn.
>"Good night, Ik'thik... I love you."
I love you too, Lavender.
>You too prepare to settle down for your nights rest.
>Then, a thought crosses your mind.
>How the fuck are you going to explain all this to the swarm.
End Ch. 4.
Anyone have any commentary?
boop
Good Night Bump. I should have more tommorow.
>>25411607
Aww, happy ending after all!As if anyone wouldn't write a happy ending.
I'm a Changeling
See me change
I'm a Changeling
See me change
I'm the air you breath
Food you eat
Friends your greet
In the sullen street
See me change
See me change
I live uptown
I live downtown
I live all around
I'm a Changeling
See me change
Morning bump.
>>25411607
Ch. 5
>The next morning, you rise before Lavender.
>You crawl out of bed, and prepare a breakfast of pancakes.
>As you are finishing cooking them, you see Lavender coming out of the bedroom, yawning, and rubbing her eyes.
Morning, sleepyhead!
>She looks over to you, and has a slight start.
>"Oof... Still not used to seeing you like that... Good morning."
>You set out two plates of pancakes, and dig in.
>"How are you feeling this morning, Piney?"
OK, but I had a thought last night as I was trying to go to bed...
>She looks at you with a tinge of worry.
>"Is everything alright?"
I have no idea how I am going to explain all of this to the swarm... to my family...
>Lavender looks at you, with a bit of confusion, and her worry growing.
>"I don't understand...?"
I am a member of the changeling swarm, sworn to complete loyalty to the Queen.
Entering into a relationship witha pony is... unusual.
It's practically the things of changeling fairy tales.
>"They are family, they should understand..."
>>25413621
I just haven't gotten that far yet. Maybe.Changeling stories have the perfect setup for your romeo and juliet tropes.
>>25415440
>You sigh.
It's not that simple, Lavender. We all live to support the Queen, and her leadership of the swarm.
>You put your head down into your hooves.
At best, I can hope to get a permanent assignment here in Cloudcrop.
>You swallow hard.
I'd... Rather not think of the worst.
>Your last stataement elicits a sudden jolt of fear from Lavender.
>She stares at you with sadness.
>"I am sure we can make everything work out, my love."
I hope so. Though this does mean at some point, I will probably have to travel back to the swarm and personally meet with the Queen to explain myself.
>"What is your queen like?"
Strong, powerful, loving of her subjects. She does everything to ensure the safety and prosperity of the swarm.
>"That... doesn't sound all th at different than our princesses."
Because that's what all good leaders strive for, Lavender. She is the head of the family, and she is careful to take no chances when it comes to safety.
>"Surely, she will understand."
>Hopefully, she will.
No content bump because busy. Will have more later today.
>>25416861
Kevin is best changeling
>>25415985
>You resume your disguise, and head out the door with Lavender, ready for a day of work.
>Today is a much more pleasant day of work.
>You return to your more general banter, and comfortable work flow.
>It's a pleasant sunny day to boot.
>At the end of the work day, everyone at the camp looks a lot more comfortable.
>Apperantly yesterday everyone was on edge, seeing how Lavender and yourself were not acting normal.
>Several of your coworkers ask you and Lavender to spend some time at the saloon, as a nice start to the weekend.
>You both agree.
>Lavender can get her drink on, and you can enjoy some nice subtle feeding.
>You reach the saloon with all the camp #4 ponies, and grab a nice big table where everyone can sit together and chit chat.
So, who all stays up here in Cloudcrop over the winter? I've heard the winter can be a bit rough up here.
>Lavender speaks up.
>"I've spent the last few winters up here... I personally like the snow. Plus, the skiing is nice."
>Sawin' Steve speaks next.
>"Well, I figure you know about me, considering we rode up on the train together... It just to darn cold for me."
>The others have various answers, 2 remaining throughout the winter, 2 moving to warmer places when the snow falls.
Hmmm... I didn't know there was skiing up here. Not that I've ever gone skiing...
>Lavender perks up at that.
>"Oooh, you will have to give it a try! It's so much fun!"
>You shrug.
I guess so.
>You share a pleasant evening, getting a nice mix of emotions from the ponies in the saloon, before retiring to your townhome with Lavender.
>You probably should write another note to your contact... But you aren't sure what you should include.
>>25418498
>You pull out your parchment for writing, and a quill, and pen the cover note. Talking about the pleasant weather and other such non-issues.
>After finishing the cover note, you take out another quill, and begin to write with your undercover ink.
>Lavender watches you, looking at you oddly.
>"Uhhh... Why are you writing over that note with the clear stuff?
>You pause for a moment, and look up at her.
Writing a letter home.
>"But, thats just some clear stuff... It doesn't leave anything anypony can see."
Well, Lavender, that's kind of the point. I can write to other changelings, and no pony looking over the letter would see the message meant for my brothers and sisters.
>She nods.
>"I... Guess that makes sense."
Indeed... As you might know, ponies don't take too kindly to finding changelings.
>You smirk as you look at Lavender.
>She gives you a dirty look in return.
>You continue writing the letter.
>It includes an update that you are still fine, but that at some point you have news to deliver directly to the Queen herself.
>Hopefully, she will understand.
>After finishing up the note, you roll it up, adress the outside, and seal it, leaving it ready to be dropped at the post office tommorow.
>So, umm... What all did you write in that letter?"
I wrote that I am fine, and that my assignment is currently going smoothly.
>You pause for a moment.
I also put in a request to personally speak with the queen.
>"You can do that!?"
>You shrug.
The queen gladly speaks with her subjects. She likes to hear about the goings on in the world directly from those who see it. And I am one of the best scouts in the swarm.
I want to speak with her about... us.
Evening bump. No content just yet.
RM-Writing, good green. I'm liking this bug/slice of life change of pace
>>25419936
Glad to hear it. I should finish up the section Im working on tomorrow, and then I am going to be away from the interbutts for a week.
Bampu.
Goodnight Bump.
Some content tomorrow.
>>25421739
Nice indeed!
>>25418948
>"How do you think that will work?"
If the tales I read in my youth are accurate, things should work out in the end. It will likely involve you getting inspected by other changelings, to assure you won't be a risk to the swarm.
Chrysalis, the Queen herself, may wish to meet you.
>That statement sent an immediate shiver of fear shooting directly at you from Lavender.
>"M-m-meet the queen?"
Yes. If we are to be together... I would either have to completely abandon my family, or you would need to be accepted. And crossing my family isn't the... smartest of ideas.
>Lavender's eyes widen.
Changelings in disguise can fool even other changelings. If I got close enough, I might be able to tell, but by then, we are already on top of each other.
Still, don't worry about it. If my request is granted, I will have to make a weekend trip back to the swarm.
>"W-w-where is the swarm?"
It varies. There are many changeling enclaves spread about the land, and the queen moves about them at her leisure.
>"Where is the nearest of these... enclaves to Cloudcrop?"
There is one in Las Pegasus. On your average day, there are probably a dozen or so changelings hanging out there.
>"How can they hide some place in a city like that?"
Warehouses... Basements... "Clubs"... All make for great hiding and meeting places.
Pg 9 bump.
>>25424716
pg 10 bumps.
>>25423920
>Lavender shivers.
>"I've never been a big fan of the big cities and that thought kinda makes me uncomfortable."
What? Changelings being all over the place? Feeding on ponies' emotions?
>Lavender nods sheepishly.
Don't worry too much about it. As you may yourself have noticed, feedings are generally harmless, and there is enoough ambient emotion floating around a big city to keep a changeling... going.
>"Well, why feed if you can get along on thats just floating around in some place?"
Honestly? Do you want to eat nothing but the blandest hay every day forever? Probably not.
That, and less skilled, younger, or elderly changelings might have a hard time spending any time in the places where such ambient emotions are plentyful.
They can remain hidden, and those of us who CAN spend time there, can take those emotions we have captured and share them with the rest of our family.
>That statement removed some of the worry from Lavender's face, but you can feel a twinge of it.
>"So, you collect extra emotions to feed your family members who can't get into the cities... I guess that makes sense."
That is correct. Like I said, my particular job is finding places for changelings to move into. Figure out possible pitfalls, good places to spend time... That kind of stuff.
>"Other changelings are gonna move into Cloudcrop?"
Maybe. This town is quite pleasant, but remote and small. Not big enough to support a changeling enclave. Though I did find a wicked cave that would work as a hideout, though...
>>25426098
So, at best a few changelings try to fit in here in Cloudcrop because of it's size, despite being an ideal place otherwise.
>"And they won't hurt anypony?"
Hurting ponies makes our life hard. Other ponies look into it, and we have to be immensely more careful for an extended period of time in that area. We work our best to take only what we need, and avoid really bothering anypony.
>"That does make a lot of sense, Ik'thik... I love you, thank you for sharing all this with me. It's quite a bit to take in."
I understand... So, my love, what shall we do this weekend?
>Lavender looks at you, and you can feel a certain ember in her heart growing.
>The most delicious of embers.
>"Oh, I have some ideas, Piney..."
>This weekend is going to be perfect.
So, we end the tale of Ik'thik the Drone here for now. I am going to be gone for a week. What does the future bring? Joy? Sorrow? Tune in Thanksgiving (US) week for the next part of the journey!
>>25426229
>thanksgiving
>delicious emotions
>whole weekend
I see wot u did thr m8
>>25423521
That's stylistic as fuck.
Also creepy.
>>25427601
I greatly enjoy both those things.
>>25427627
That's very okay.
>>25416861
changelings have human names
changelings all look the same
you'd never know if you passed a changeling on the street.
changelings are the anons of Equestria
>>25429452
>changelings are the anons of Equestria
I remember a thread once that argued that /mlp/ was the changelings of the fandom.
It made an interesting amount of sense.
>tred is ded
Oh well. Let's talk ideas about Changelings, or story ideas.
I once hador more aptly, still havethe idea of writing a story of sorts where Chrysalis had an advice column, basically serving as an Agony Aunt, almost Dear Abby style. Her speciality isunintentionally horriblelove and relationship advice.
>>25429806
More people writing is good. Do eet.
>>25429835
Maybe later. I'm not really writing much right now, and I've got a few other unfinished stories I'd like to wrap up first.
All the locked pastes here are projects in various stages of writing.And one day, some of them will be finished.Mostly just wanted to bump the thread with something else than pictures alone before heading off to sleep.
