Flik the Changeling Chpater 2

Next morning Flik woke up with a high tempreture and pain on his entire body. Sleeping in wet pile of leafs wasn’t a good idea after all. He did fell very sick and could hardly move. Only thing what made him fell a bit better was sun light outside. He knew that at least he will be able to feed in ponyville. He slowly went to the window felling the pain from all the browses and cuts he got the last day. He was thinking maybe he should not go anywhere in that condition but his stomach reminded him that he dint eat anything yesterday and another day of being hungry was out of the question. Since he couldn’t still fly he was slowly walking to the ponyville by hoof. It took some time but he eventually made it there. Once reached his safe point he transformed into his unicorn version hoping nothing will go wrong. Not so sure about using magic any more than for camouflage only. Flik went to the village and was surprised by big gathering and decorations. Turns out that every pony was preparing for visit of princess Celestia herself. Hearing that Flik knew that it will be bad idea to stick around since there will be lots of guards and princess herself may be able to see throu his disguise. Also not being sure if stories he heard in hive, that Celestia is even more dangerous for changelings than Queen Varresa herself. Well seeing that everyone was happy and jolly it couldn’t mean shes is all that bad but then again Flik was the only changeling in the area so it was better not to risk. Especially in his current condition. Flik was about to leave just being satisfied with a tiny amount of love he was able to feed on but then a stroke of genius did hit his head… Why not go to Canterlot instead while she`s here? It’s very large place and no one would ever suspect and notice him there. Also it would be nice to ear drop on some gossips from different place and maybe learn how to cure himself from the cold without being forced to start dieting.

Canterlot was pretty far but Flik noticed that ponies go there using some sort of transport at the place called station. He went there hoping he will get there with no problem but instead a new problem appeared. While he was trying to enter the train he got stop by a conductor. Flik wasn’t sure what’s going on but he was relived it’s not about him being discovered. Conductor looked at Flik and asked…

Conductor – Ticket please

Flik - Excuse me?

Conductor – Ticket… You are not trying to get a free ride do you?

Flik – I`m sorry… I… Ohh my… I seem to lost my… Errmm… Ticket… Could you be so kind perhaps to remind me where I could get a new one?

Conductor did look at Flik with no amuse thinking probably he is some sort of prankster. Flik on the other hand was ready to avoid being sprayed in the eyes since that situation reminded him too much his first encounter with no changeling. However this time conductor pointed him to the cash registers and explained calmly

Conductor – You can buy a ticket there for three bits for both ways

Flik – Thank you very much… And what are those bits you’re speaking about? And where can I get those?

This time conductor was sure it’s some sort of prank and just told Flik to stop bothering him and said he won’t get in to that train without a ticket. Flik not being satisfied with the response but still thankful that he wasn’t harmed in any way, just turn back hide behind the building. Thinking that invisibility would be good idea but sparks would give him away… But he thought for a moment and smiled while looking at the train and silently said under his nose…

Flik – I cannot go in to the train without this so called ticket… But I can just sit on the train instead…

He casted invisibility spell on himself and when he was sure no one is around to notice sparks he climbed on the train and laid down on the roof and waited, maintaining invisibility spell until train moved from the station. Proud of his little scam Flik was enjoying the sights and a free ride where for once he dint had to move a muscle or use magic to go somewhere far. He actually did enjoy the warm breeze and his favorite weather. Just from time to time while there was a tunnel on the way he had to dodge to not be hit by siling of it. And hold his breath since having smoke from locomotive into his face wasn’t pleasant as well. After two hours train finally reached its destination. Flik quickly camouflaged himself into unicorn and put on his cylinder hat and went exploring. Place was huge and looked all fancy. However it was too fancy for Flik taste. Everyone there was looking so elegant that Flik was standing out of the crowd with his dirty hat but he just couldn’t remove it or his horn would give him away. Especially since it was sparking more than before and cylinder hat was only disguise he could afford. Flik was getting tired pretty fast and he was still in great pain but he tried to look all healthy. He was kind of shamed while he was standing near a cafeteria near such a big crowd his stomach rumbled from hunger. Some ponies though he`s some sort of a beggar and looked at him with disgust. There’s high class for you was thinking Flik in his head. He wanted to feed but there always happen to be a guard passing and looking at him while he was just about to drain some love aura out of someone. He felt quite annoyed yet did expect it will be hard. While he was walking he saw that on the market everyone do some sort of transactions. At least he now learned that bits were form of currency there needed to obtain some goods. Never saw that thing before and was actually glad since at least he can get his food without those gold pieces. He also noticed that ponies in this place are all far more arrogant and unpleasant than in ponyville… That made him miss that little place

After about hour of walking and unsuccessful attempts on feeding Flik was getting really tired and his head started to hurt as well. He noticed that he made just a big round around the city and ended up near the same cafeteria under which he got embarrassed by his stomach… He was quite jealous that everyone else around can feed on things you can actually find in the forest and that by eating them they aren’t considered as monsters by anyone. While he was about to go to the station and return home hoping that princess visit will end before he reaches ponyville and maybe he will be able by any chance to feed there he heard a struck from above. Some earth pony who was working on the roof did slip and few roof plates crashed around Flik and one even did hit his head. He saw that earth pony can’t hold much longer and he started to shout for help. Knowing that this one can’t fly or use magic to save himself from falling Flik, was forced to immediately assisted him with his magic spell to stop him from crashing down. The earth pony was put down gently on the ground still having scared look on his face. But instead of “Thank you” Flik did hear words which did pain him more than any wound he ever got from beatings…

Earth Pony – M… MONSTER!!!

Flik – What? I`m not a… Ohh no…

His worst fear did come true. It was hard to maintain his form already with a broken horn and for so long without having any feast but this roof plate which did hit his head forced transformation back to his real self. Everyone around reacted to the shout monster and was looking at Flik with fear and slowly stepping back. Flik did exactly the same thing. Slowly was moving backwards not looking behind and having a fear that once he turn his back he will get hit. Trying to ease to tension he tried to explain himself

Flik – I`m sorry… I don’t mean no harm… I… I just be on my way. See? I really don’t want to…

But before he could finish he felt that while he was moving back did push the ladder with his flank which did fell over on a table near in front of a restaurant and started domino effect. Table had a burning candle inside a glass lamp on it and once ladder did hit one side of the table the lamp was catapulted into front window of a shop with fuel for lamps… Everyone from that shop ran as soon as they saw that damage caused by the thrown inside lamp made few laps willed with naphtha brake and they couth fire which was spreading fast into the way of with the room with barrels filled with all sorts of lamp fuels… Few seconds after last pony escaped from the shop the whole place couth fire and few explosions could be heard inside. This wasn’t good at all. Flik felt cold shiver going thru his entire body and was thinking that he must be most unlucky person alive right now. As crowd was staring at the burning shop few still were looking at Flik. Some screams and shouts for guards could be heard and moment after a whole bunch of pegas guards arrived flying from the palace direction. Flik dint wait for them. He knew no one will even try to listen to him now after that incident. Angry on all his misfortune he felt again that tears fill his eyes. He turned away and was captured with a flash blast of photo camera. He ran as fast as he could but he saw more and more guards come almost from every place he wanted to go. His wings did hurt way too much for him to take off not to mention to make him fly for too long with a good speed to escape the pursuit. He was forced to ran to the part of the city which was only accessible if you could fly. Not being as fast as he could be even with all those emotions Flik tried his best to fool the guards by making illusions yet he was way too hungry and too tired to cast even the most simple spell. He was hoping that once he reaches the end of the city he will be able to fly down.

Once he was on one of the most big streets he saw that everyone is running away from him except guards which were all coming closer from the air with every moment leaded by one unique looking like female pagasus type pony which had a spear attached to her belt on her back. Every few moments Flik was turning around to see them being closer and closer. All of a sudden he heard the female one shout “DUCK!!!” and the big sound of splash and surprised voices of the guards were heard. Flik turned his head around and was surprised to see all of the guards covered in some sort of pink and brown sticky substance. The only one who dint got couth was the female which was most likely their commander of some sort since he was so far most persistent one and skilled enough to not get herself captured in that trap. She was looking surprised as well with whole thing but it did not take long for her to continue pursuit alone. Flik knew that there will more guards here soon enough and even if he would now take her on one on one he would not stand a chance in his current condition. He ran as fast as he could hearing from time to time something hitting the walls and splashing. He wasn’t sure what that is but whatever it was it was aiming to hit her instead of Flik. She was too busy avoiding whatever was trying to hit her, or she decided to go after the source of it since Flik lost her. He dint stop thou. He was almost at the edge of the city when out of a building emerged some strange looking alicorn which was whole dark and blue in all kinds of shade of it which did look really amazing. Even thou Flik saw him come out a building he couldn’t stop in time and did crasch into him. Pushing himself and Alicorn few meter rolling on the ground. Alicorn was surprised and confused like he dint even know what just happen to him and why but Flik couldn’t explain. He just said sorry while he ran in direction of city edge. He heard shout “What are you doing? Capture him!” while he jumped from city edge, felling his freedom is almost his for the taking. Dint use his wings to fly but to gain speed while falling from very large distance. He noticed that they are still after him but with last of his power he used invisibility spell till he reached the ground and using his wings with big pain he landed safely and stayed cloaked on a tree till he was sure those two are gone. Felling already exhausted Flik wasn’t happy to think he has to go all that way back to home on his hooves…

Flik slowly flew from the tree and made his way back home. It did took him whole night and another day to get there. He felt happy to see his ruins which he called home once he arrived the. He was starving and was exhausted to his limits. He dint even reached his bed. He just made half of the way thru his room before his legs refused to carry him on anymore. Every part of his body was in pain either from bruises, burns or from cuts. Flik closed his eyes hoping to get some sleep finally but after few minutes he heard a voice not that far from him and saw a shadowed big posture in the distance

??? – You’re quite a fast little devil aren’t you? It was hard to catch up with you but it looks like I made it just in time

Flik instantly was on alert again. He flew about two meters high but couldn’t control his flying or keep himself in air from all the pain and hunger and crashed on his face felling his rear legs ended up falling on a pillar and also refused to move anymore. Flik was unable to defend himself since all his attempts with magic ended up with just few hardly noticeable sparks which dint do nothing more than light the room a bit. As the mysterious person was moving slowly towards him Flik covered his eyes with his front legs which he still could move a bit then started to cry and beg for mercy

Flik – Please! Don’t hurt me! It`s not my fault that I look like a monster! I dint want to harm anyone I swear!

Flik felt something being pureed on him and he felt all the pain go away and being replaced with relief. Then he heard the voice talking with gentle and friendly tone

??? – This should ease the pain in a moment…

Flik being surprised with such a turn of the events, uncovered his eyes and looked on his mysterious guest still felling scared but now confused as well. He saw smiling very friendly white pony with dark stripes and strange looking hair and tail which were looking quite messy. He was wearing red bandana on his head and similar one on his neck. He had strange packs on his belt on both of his sides. He was holding a large bottle in a dark pink color. Still being confused what’s happening Flik looked in his guest eyes which were same color as Varresa eyes yet… They were at same time so different. Warm and friendly looking like. Flik not sure what’s going on he asked

Flik – Why you helping me?

??? – Why shouldn’t I help you? That would be a better question
Flik – But why you’re helping a monster? Aren’t you afraid of me?

He came closer and helped Flik to sit down since Flik still dint fell his rear legs. Then he looked with questioning stare in Fliks eyes and said with curiosity

??? – Do you really think you are a monster?

Flik – I look like one and everyone is scared of me and I do feed on their emotions… That’s what monsters do… So yes… I guess I’m a monster when I think of it…

??? – Well I hate to brake it to you but you’re wrong. You’re not a monster. You good sir are a changeling with a good heart who just was misjudged by ignorants who couldn’t see the big picture of the whole situation… and don’t let anyone tell you different

Flik was in shock to hear someone actually comforting him knowing his real form. His heart started to beat faster but not from fear as it used to but from some sort of different emotion he dint fell never before yet he knew he needed it so badly his entire life. Before Flik could say anything striped pony continued

??? – I never saw a monster to help anyone for no reason. So that’s another proof for me and for you that you’re not a monster. And I would rather die than let anyone to be mistreated because of his looks while his actions said more of him

Flik was so touched by his words and over joyed with the felling inside him that he could hardly speak. He looked happily into face of striped one felling he just can’t hold the tears even thou nothing did hurt him anymore. Fliks eyes did sparkle with the green light aura which was rare for him to have them like that since it did only happen when he was really happy… So it was quite sight to see. Flik felling unsure if its ok to ask that question slowly gathered courage and asked

Flik – I don’t want to sound strange but… You aren’t a changeling by any chance? I mean only other changelings were the only ones who did speak with me knowing who I’m without starting a scene and you are a very strange looking pony

Striped one started to laugh like he heard a best joke in his life

Vince – HAHAHAHAHA!!! Ohh no… HAHA… Ohh that was a good one. I`m not a changeling little one. Yet I’m not a pony either… Well technically I’m for some but everyone who calls zebra a pony is mistaken… Anyway my name is Vince. Pleasure to meet you… … … You know that’s the part where you say your name

Flik – My name is Gol… Sorry. I just got into a habit to use this name while I`m in a disguise. My name is Flik

Vince – Well at least you’re honest mister Flik. I think I might be as well… Vince is not my real name. My real name is Aliyup but it sounds so strange and stupid… I preferred to change it for Vince. Sounds more fun to pronounce. Don’t you agree? So please call me by the name Vince even thou you know my shameful one… Ohh and if anyone asks you don’t know my real name

Flik couldn’t believe how fast atmosphere from worst day ever turned into amusing one. Vince the zebra was like he was replacing all negative emotions with good ones. Flik was wondering if Zebras feed on emotions as the changelings do but in a positive way instead. All of a sudden Flik stomach did interrupted with a loud noise. Flik took off he`s eyes from Vince and looked on the floor ashamed. Vince on the other hand just smiled followed Flik eyesight to make sure Flik see his face

Vince – Don’t be ashamed. Everyone gets hungry at some point

Flik – Yes but… I… I feed not like any pony you know

Vince – You feed on emotions of love and happiness… Other food just don’t make the effect and just goes out of your stomach like you would eat something bad… s that correct?

Flik was surprised that Vince knew that. He wanted to ask how he knew about this but Vince dint let him utter a word. He just smiled and continued

Vince – You see I know a bit of changelings habits. I`m just a simple cook who travels the world and it pains me dearly to see that not everyone can enjoy the pleasures of enjoying their food while world is full of wonderful cuisines. Tell me… How exactly does this love aura tastes?

Flik was surprised with that question. He never actually think about it… He was looking at Vince unsure of what he means and responded

Flik – Well… It does taste… I can’t say… It either makes you full and stops the hunger or just makes you sick and stops it just a bit…

Vince made a very sad face expression and did hug Flik and said with pitiful voice

Vince – My poor little friend… You suffer the biggest course I can imagine

Flik – What sort of course?

Vince – You never tasted… You don’t know sweet, salty, sour or any other taste… It’s like living alone in most beautiful place in the world yet you can see the beauty since you’re blind and no one is there for you to even describe it  for you… It’s one of the most sad things ever

Flik – Well… If you put it that way it does sound bad… But I dint really had much of a choice to begin with

Vince was looking on Flik with sad eyes. Flik wasn’t sure to fell nice or bad for someone to pity him. Then Flik stomach started to rumble again. Vince just smiled and sat next to Flik and said pacefuly

Vince – You have my permission

Flik was surprised to hear that. He knew what Vince did mean but he wanted to make sure

Flik – Permission for what?
Vince – You know what I mean… I`m allowing you to feed on my love… I got so much passion and love for the cooking it can feed you easily. Just don’t overdo it. Take in the reason so I won’t lose my love for cooking entirely. I kind of like what I do and I want to keep it that way

Flik was speechless… He now actually felt bad on feeding on someone who showed him compassion.  He did turn his head away from Vince and said with apologizing tone

Flik – I`m sorry I can’t... I won’t be even able to repay you for this thing what made the pain go away. I don’t have any of those bits or whatever you use for the trade around here

Flik felt a hoof on his shoulder and Vince saying with a very peaceful and friendly voice

Vince – I never asked for any payment… But if you really fell so bad about it then the words “Thank you” will be enough payment for me

Flik started to cry and said thank you… More than once while he was feeding on the love and happiness aura. Flik dint feed to get full. Just to stop the rumbling in his tummy. He dint want to use Vince kindness too much. Vince wasn’t even that much effected in the end. When he saw Flik did finish he stand up and took a look around the place which was now brighten by Flik sparks from his horn making everything visible again. Vince smiling all the time looked at Flik and said

Vince – Well now… That was… Strange experience. I hope you got what you needed

Flik – Yes… And thank you again

Vince – Don’t mention it. As for now I hope you won’t mind if I stay with you for some time till you get better. I don’t know where did you got all those wounds but they should be treated properly. Also you should rest and warm up. You look a bit sick

Flik – Let’s say I had a better days… All I need is to sleep some and I be all better. I even made myself a nice bed. But you’re free to use it if you like

Flik pointed on the pile of sticks and leafs in the corner which were still all wet and were looking like they started to rot. Vince just made a big sad eyes when he saw that “Bed” and said moving his head left and right

Vince – Ohh no no no no no… We can’t have that. I was wondering what smells so bad… Wait here I be right back

Vince went outside for a few minutes while Flik slowly started to regain felling in his rear legs. He wanted to see what Vince is up to when all of a sudden a light appeared in entrance to his room. Vince was moving a cart which did look like a small home. It was covered with lots pots and many bags and few lamps on it. He parked his cart near the entrance and went inside of it. After a moment he pulled out a big bedroll and few blankets. He came with those items to Flik and laid them down next to him

Vince – Here a gift for you… This should keep you warm

Before Flik could say any word Vince disappeared in his cart again and took another one and putted it next to the cart and yet again disappeared in it. After few moments he did bring out some metal equipment and a strange box. Flik was observing Vince with curiosity trying to figure out what he`s doing. He went outside few times brining some bigger stones and some wood. Flik did understand that Vince is preparing a camp. After few moments he putted stones in circle on the part of the floor which wasn’t with covered with stone and prepared a camp fire using some strange device he just had to shake it and spit on it once it was on the wood. He installed metal sticks to make sure a stabile base for his pots is prepared and he poured a water he took from his cart in a strange looking container. Once everything was set he helped Flik prepare the bedroll since Flik dint actually knew how to. And after that he started to prepare some sort of brew using herbs from his strange box. Flik felt nice and warm next to the fire and actually started to think that this trip to Canterlot was the best thing ever despite everything else. Flik was looking on Vince in silence for a moment but couldn’t resist to ask him few more questions

Flik – So how did you know I`m here?

Vince – Well you got my attention first when you were passing that cafeteria with rumbling in your stomach. I was sure were some poor fellow in need so I went to my cart to get you something to eat but I couldn’t find you. After I saw you next time this accident happen and… Well you wouldn’t even let me get close it I tried to talk with you back then

Flik – But somehow you managed to track me here… Even with all those guards being after me… How did you found me when they couldn’t?

Vince – Lets start from the fact I made sure they won’t be able to capture you… You see toffee is not only bad for the teeth but for wings as well

Flik just realized that Vince was the one who was helping him escape even in Canterlot. He made surprised face and wanted to ask some more questions but Vince just did continue while still preparing something in the small pot

Vince – When I was out of Toffee I started to shoot with tomatoes using my home made rubber catapult. Not very accurate thing but easy to transport bigger version of slingshot. I had to stop the fire once captain of the guard started to track me. She really must have got angry for getting a tomato in the face… She did look around for a while but then she went back to pursuit you. I saw you tried to escape by jumping to the forest so I tried to buy you as much of time as I could directing any incoming guards to the other side of the city saying “This thing went there”… You only had problem with that cute pegas girl and the… Well… I’m not sure what sort of pony it was but looked much like alicorn to me… Anyway they were looking for you where you landed so I quickly made some dummy decoy and shoot it from my Rubberpult… In distance it did look for them like you tried to fly and landed again once they saw you. After I was sure you are safe I took my cart and started to track you from place I saw broken branches on trees after your landing… It was easy to track you down. You don’t cover tracks and I`m living on the road for years now. Easy to spot tracks like those. But just in case I was covering mine and yours to avoid anyone else to track you. If  dint do that I probably would meet you in half way before you got here… OK end of bed time story… Medicine is ready

Vince took a small cup from one of the backpacks on his cart and poured some green liquid from the pot. And passed it to Flik

Vince – Well I’m sorry to introduce you to a sour taste as the first one but I assure you that you will fell a lot better tomorrow… And please don’t spit it out

Flik did drink it and was fighting with himself not to throw it up away for good 15 minutes. Just putting this in mouth was hard enough for him since it was hot and tasted disgusting but he trusted Vince word. Felling not so good after the drink. Flik felt that lack of sleep is finally catching up with him. Vince seeing how Flik is slowly closing his eyes just said while coming next to him and putting a blanked on him

Vince – Go to sleep… I keep the fire up for few more minutes and go sleep as well


Flik felt nice and warm and now also safe thanks to Vince. Slowly realizing that maybe that unexpected golden clover mark on his flank while he is transformed was actually a sign that his luck will eventually get better