Work Text:
Courtney sighed as she called out to her squadron.” Yall go on ahead! I’m waiting for someone!” A varied chorus of agreement arose from her squad and they entered the building one after another. It was a massive castle made out of crystal, towering over the rest of the small town of Ponyville. It was owned by the Princess of Friendship, Twilight Sparkle, though the Princess had gone missing when the attack on Canterlot happened. In her absence, the royal guard had been using her castle as a meeting place, as Ponyville was one of the lucky villages to have not been attacked yet by the Changelings.
Tonight, however, it was being used as a banquet hall. The Equestrian military had been relentless in its pursuit against the Changelings, but exhausted and starving guards were as good as dead these days, so Princess Cadence gathered resources from over a dozen towns to give them all a proper meal. Something had to lift our spirits in these dark times.
Courtney considered herself lucky, as a magic user she was assigned to the Unicorn squadron as soon as she signed up. She witnessed the Fall of Canterlot firsthoof, and watched as a Changeling clawed out her friend Spencer’s eyes right in front of her, permanently blinding him. She watched hundreds of guards be killed, the entire city ignited in green flame, citizens cowering in the streets and rounded up by Changelings to be harvested forcefully of their Love. She witnessed her husband, newly adorned in a mechanical suit of armor, ripping through hordes of Changelings like he himself was a machine. She met him face to face, spoke to him, and looked into his non robotic eye, and not a glimmer of recognition was in it. Whatever happened after the incident at Equestria Laboratories, it meant Shayne didn’t even recognize her now.
Courtney never saw herself as being a soldier, but with her husband mentally gone, and all her friends joining the war, it’s all she could do.
Speaking of friends…
A smile graced her face as she heard a familiar voice from high above her, which quickly turned to a frightened yelp as she registered his,” Heads up! ”
She ducked close to the snowy ground, wind whooshing above her as a Pegasus clumsily landed several hoofsteps away from her, scoring deep marks in the snow and the earth.
A dark blue Pegasus with a very curly dark brown mane and tail grunted and lifted up a now mud covered hoof. Luckily the sleeves of his spiffy new jacket were already rolled up and thus unharmed. It was an indigo blue and lined with lovely faux brown fur, with the Wonderbolt symbol sewn into the collar. Most noticeably, was the visor around Spencer’s eyes.
After he was attacked by that Changeling, Courtney rushed him over to a medical tent in Canterlot that happened to be run by one Dr Whooves, a genius scientist who specialized in body modifications. He fixed a pair of implants into Spencer’s head that connected directly to the neurons in his brain. It allowed him to toggle a vibrant red visor on and off, granting him sight once again. Courtney thanked the stars every day that she found Dr Whooves, she didn’t want to be the reason her friend never got to see again.
Normally the Wonderbolts would never let a Pegasus like Spencer into their ranks, and normally Spencer wouldn’t be caught dead in any sort of military position, but…
Times were desperate.
Another voice called from higher above them.
“Almost got it that time, Skids, I’m sure another couple hundred tries and you’ll get it!” Courtney assumed this was playful jeering, as Spencer didn’t look too pissed as he fired back.
“Least I didn’t fall through the cloud layer on my first practice run, eh Alex?!” He grinned, shaking out his snowy wings.
“Ugh, that was one time, and you know it. You still can’t stick the landing after all these months!” The other Pegasus, Alex, said quieter as he landed (gracefully) next to his companion.
This Pegasus was a rusty red color, and much taller than Spencer, with long mane and tail of gentle brown curls. He wore a matching jacket to Spencer’s but his sleeves were rolled down and it was a deep red instead of indigo.
Courtney coughed awkwardly, announcing herself to the bickering Pegasi.
Spencer’s eyes darted over to her, and a grin spread across his face as he rushed over, wrapping his wings around her in a hug. She happily leaned into the warmth he provided.
“Courtneyyy! So glad you’re here I did not want to be stuck with this ass the whole time.” His tail whipped as it pointed to Alex.
The red Pegasus grinned at him slyly as he bumped their wings together.” You know you love me.”
Spencer huffed, waving him away with a wing.” Get out of here, I'm trying to catch up with my friend.” Alex laughed, but conceded.
“Fine, fine, nice to meet you Courtney!” He saluted before whisking off into the castle.
Spencer rolled his eyes beneath the visor.” Sorry about him, he’s a loser.” He said with no real bite.
“What, like you?” She couldn't help but giggle out. Spencer smacked her muzzle with the end of his feathers.
“Shut up!”
—
Courtney grinned excitedly as the two ate dinner together. She didn’t touch her food much, mostly just pushing it around and taking small bites.
Instead she conversed with members of both her squadron and his, as this was one of the rare times their units mingled together outside of the battlefield.
She also stared at Spencer as his eyes literally widened at all the food there was. He got to work right away, much to her delight. He’s always been a huge foodie and everyone complained about how incorrigible the rations were to stomach, so she was sure he’d been miserable the past few months. Now though, he ate without a care, wings fluttering happily.
She was surprised to notice he was drinking, however. Casually toasting his mug of cider along with the rest of the soldiers, like he hadn’t been stone sober since the day they met years ago.
A couple mugs in, she decided to nudge him, encouraging him to talk about it. He was most certainly a lightweight and she didn’t want him to go overboard, no matter how much he ate in comparison.
Spencer snorted, a little hazy already.
”Y'know I moved to Canterlot to become a movie director. Got stuck as an editor instead, ‘n now I’m stuck as a Luna damned fighter pilot in the bloodiest war Equestria’s seen in centuries, half my friends are missing, dead, or soldiers, and both of my homes were raided and destroyed. I don’t even know where my fucking girlfriend is!” He downed the rest of his cider and gestured to have it refilled.
”Shit happens, I guess.” His voice dropped from angry to forlorn in a second, he slumped back in his seat and stared at his empty mug like it could solve all his problems.
Courtney’s ears flattened against her head, her heart breaking.
Since she’d met Spencer he’d been sweet and kind, had lightning fast wit, and despite being a bit of a nihilist he always tried to lift the spirits of those around him. Seeing him become such a broken pony, in a matter of months, was devastating. All the ponies here were hiding it well, laughing and eating like they hadn’t had their lives uprooted and destroyed like it was nothing. It made her feel ill.
She sat in silence for a few minutes, magically twirling her fork around her food like she was going to eat it, but continued to not do so.
Spencer had gone back to eating, but soon he noticed her face. He swallowed his bite and flicked her with his tail.” Y’all right?” He asked gently, concern glittered in his eyes despite the alcoholic haze.
Court wasn’t sure what it was, but she couldn’t stop the words tumbling out of her mouth.
“I miss home, I hate fighting, I never wanted to be a murderer, or a soldier, I hate waking up knowing that more of my friends are dead, I hate that I looked my husband in the eyes and he didn’t know who I was, I miss Shayne .” As she spilled her guts tears welled in her eyes, sliding down her face quickly.
She spared a glance at Spencer through her wet eyes, feeling guilty that he looked as crushed as she did and wishing she hadn’t said anything at all.
He stared down at his hooves, ears flat like hers.” He really didn’t recognize you at all?” He said so softly it was almost lost in the sounds of the dining room.
She mournfully shook her head.” He really didn’t.” She choked out.
Spencer leaned over, wrapping his wing around her back and dragging her close to him. He said nothing, just letting Courtney cry herself out onto his fur. The ring around her horn felt as heavy as a cinder block, weighing her head down as she pressed against her friend.
Spencer stayed around her until the tears stopped flowing, and after a few minutes he pulled away and she tried not to chase the warmth.
“You gonna be ok?” He asked gently. Most of the haze seemed to be gone from his eyes now. She nodded tiredly, wiping her cheeks, the noise of voices echoing through the room making her head feel split open.
Spencer nodded too, and drew himself up, stretching his forehooves to the ceiling.” Good, think I’m gonna head to bed, pretty full now,” he eyed his half eaten food”…Would you mind bringing me to my room? Don’t wanna get lost, or wind up in some random ponies room.” He goaded. She was certain this was a ploy to get her away from everyone in a way he thinks is subtle, but the gesture was sweet and she really was starting to get sick of this place, so she gladly let him lead her away.
On the way to his room she tried not to notice how Spencer smiled when her shoulders relaxed as they drew farther from the noise.
His room was on the second layer of the castle, and just as lavish as every other room in the crystalline tree. Royals.
Spencer settled himself on the bed, rolling down his sleeves but not taking off his jacket. He didn’t seem particularly drunk at all anymore. Guess eating really does help your system.
“You could’ve just asked if I wanted to leave, you didn’t have to make up a whole story, dork.” She teased, with a grateful smile.
Spencer shrugged, flicking a wing.” Eh, would you have really listened?” Ugh, Courtney hated that she didn’t know.
She rolled her eyes.
“Whatever. Thanks, Spence. Want me to head out and leave you alone?” She questioned.
Spencer’s expression soured a bit, anxiety shining in his eyes.” Actually, can I ask you something?” He said quietly.
Courtney’s head tilted, confused.” Uh, sure? What is it?” She said cautiously.
Suddenly his visor retracted, revealing his sightless eyes and scarred face. He took a shuddering breath, rubbing his legs with his hooves.
“Courtney, are you a Changeling?”
Ice flooded her veins in a second, if she were a cat her fur would be on end. Her eyes widened and her mouth felt dry, unconsciously, she took a step away from him.
“W-why would you ask that?” She stuttered, unable to even think of a lie.
He tapped a hoof to the side of his implant.” My visor, it comes with a scanner that identifies what species something is. Pretty good since our species are at war.” He said pointedly, yet still gentle.
Her heart squeezed in her chest, and she couldn’t stop herself from racing forward and collapsing in front of him.
“Please don’t tell anyone! Please please they’ll kill me, I didn’t replace anyone you know, I’ve been a Changeling since you knew me I promise please! ” She pleaded, her hooves plastered together and fresh tears streaming down her face.
“Woah, woah!” Spencer’s visor slid back on and he reached down to pull her up.” It’s ok, it’s ok! I’m not gonna turn you in, I swear. It’s gonna be ok Courtney.” He reassured firmly, grip on her shoulders tight.
The sobs didn’t stop even as she looked up at him and his upset gaze.” I knew from the first day I got my visor, I thought it was a glitch, but when I saw that every other pony was well…a pony, I knew it wasn’t. Then I thought you’d been replaced by a Changeling spy, and I nearly did report you then, but it’s clear now that you’re the Courtney you’ve always been, even if you are a Changeling.” One of his hooves came up to caress her cheek that had become soaked in tears.” I just wanted to know…why?” He asked solemnly.
Courtney’s chest and shoulders bounced with hiccups and sobs as she buried her face in Spencer’s fur for the second time that night.
Eventually she was able to pull herself together enough to answer.
“Since I hatched, I always t-thought that our way of feeding off of love was stupid, I knew that there was a better way. Better than Queen Chrysalis' way. And I wanted to prove it, that it would be easy, and I was right, kind of. It was hard to integrate myself into Canterlot, a whole world separate from the Hive, away from the constant voice of the Queen and the Swarm, but after I was away for a while, it became easier. I was starving for a long time, but soon I was able to make friends, I met Ian, Anthony, you, Amanda, Angela, Shayne , everyone , and the love just started pouring in. You all gave so much of it, so freely, and Shayne, he fell in love with me so quickly, I just couldn’t help but do the same. It was wonderful, I haven’t been hungry in years, I never even wanted to go back to the Hive after that…but now he’s gone…and our kingdoms are at war, and everyone’s filled with so much fear and hatred it feels like there’s no room for any love left…I’m just so, so hungry Spencer.” She confessed brokenly.
Courtney yipped with surprise as she was lifted up onto the bed and those warm wings wrapped around her yet again, this time she wrapped her hooves around his shoulders in turn, simply grateful he wasn’t throwing her off for being a monster.
She wasn’t expecting to feel the warm droplets of his own tears falling into her mane. She stared up at him, wide eyed.
“I’m sorry he’s gone, I’ll be honest, I fuckin’ miss him too, so much. I’m sorry you’re so scared to be yourself, and now…you’ll probably not be able to for a long time, it’s not fair to you, or any of the Changelings like you.” He cried openly, something she didn’t think she’d seen him do in the years they’d been friends.
The two of them sat together crying their hearts out, a much needed respite for both of them.
Spencer’s tears ran dry before hers did, somehow , but he stayed in place, bringing a hoof up to pet her mane, and eventually she realized she felt warmth spreading through her chest, branching out across the rest of her body. She…didn’t feel that hungry anymore.
“I’ll be here for you, Court, whatever it takes.” Spencer soothed, and she truly believed him.
Her head ached from how hard she cried, she was tired and wanted to sleep in a warm cozy bed for once in months, but she didn’t want to leave Spencer’s side.
After a while they untangled and lied down on the end of the bed on all fours, still appreciating each other's warmth.
“Hey, Court, you don’t have to if you don’t want to but, can I see your real form?” Spencer asked, almost shyly.
She smiled tiredly.” I suppose after all that I can trust you, but really, don’t tell anyone.” Spencer politely mimed crossing his heart and sticking something in his eye.
In a flash of translucent green sparks Courtney’s form shifted. She was once a pale yellow Unicorn with an even paler short blond mane and tail, with cerulean blue eyes. Now she was a Changeling, her carapace was a dark grey, her legs filled with holes just like all the other Changelings he’s seen. Though, something was different, most Changelings he’d seen had spines and oddly jagged, tubular ears and tiny wings that shouldn’t be able to get their bodies off the ground. Courtney, however, had a mane and tail like a pony, with ears somewhat like a ponies, but much more mobile, and her wings looked much more like the depictions he’d seen of Queen Chrysalis than a regular Changelings.
He tilted his head, a little confused.” Cool, but…why do you look like that? I’m sorry that was rude.” He quickly backtracked.
Courtney’s ear flicked, also confused, before she gave a short laugh of realization.
“Oh, ha, right. You’re probably not used to seeing many female Changelings…there aren’t many of us…Just another reason to be far from the Hive.” She laughed uncomfortably, her wings buzzing anxiously.
Spencer felt a bit sick at those implications. He decided to swiftly change the subject.
“Can you really turn into anything you see? Anyone you want?” He whispered like it was a secret. He guessed it was.
“Obviously!” In another flash of green she was, alarmingly, an exact mirror of him. His fur, mane, eyes, even his visor, jacket, and his cutie mark.
He yelped and jerked his head away from her, looking at the wall.” Ah! Not me , asshole! Ugh, don’t I see enough of that in the mirror?” He grumbled.
“Guess not, since you lost your eyesi-“ Court cut herself off, afraid she hit a sore spot (it was certainly one for her ), but all Spencer did was bark a laugh.
“Fair point, but still I don’t want to see that shit.” He groused.
He raised his hoof to keep her out of his sight until he saw the flash again.
When it was safe, he looked back to see Court in her pony form again.
He raised a brow.” You don’t want to be in your Changeling form again?” He asked.
Her ear twitched and she rubbed her hoof against her leg bashfully.” Eh, I’m just more used to this. Besides, wouldn’t want any surprise guests to see…that.” She admitted.
“It’s not weird to be transformed all the time?” He questioned.
“After a while it becomes second nature, in all my years I’ve only slipped up once, and that was with Shayne.” She said with a sad smile.
Spencer’s wings fluttered a bit with surprise.” So he did know?”
“Of course he knew! We were together for 5 years! He was the only one I felt safe unmasking for…I miss him…” She sighed.
Spencer looked down at the rug below them.” Luna, I do too…Yknow at first I was worried since we had similar visors he’d know you were a Changeling too.” He spoke.
Courtney rapidly shook her head.” Fuck no, if he knew what I was he would’ve killed me the moment he saw me.” She shivered fearfully.” They must’ve added that feature after The Fall. Lucky me.” She said miserably.
Spencer tapped his muzzle to her cheek.” I know life sucks right now…and I don’t know how much longer we’re gonna make it, but for now, I’m glad you’re here, Court.” His voice was sweet and sincere. Beneath the shell of seeing the horror of war, he was still her gentle hearted Spencer.
“I’m glad you’re still here too, Spence.” She said, voice as warm as her body felt.
The two of them decided to retire for the night, both exhausted from crying and spilling all the emotions they had. After a bit of arguing Courtney settled at the top of the bed with a mountain of pillows and one blanket wrapped around her, and Spencer remained on the edge of the bed, sprawled out on a couple spare pillows like a dog, with the comforter laid across him.
For a short time, in this moment, the two of them were content, and they had each other.