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Description
In a matter of hours, all the inhabitants of Capricorn Reef were in a panic state. There was a changeling on their peaceful island! Unaware of the events happening outside, Bubble and her cousin, Cinderplume, sat in the school gymnasium with the rest of the school children.
Cinder: *in a hushed tone* Well.... at least something came of this. We won't have to go to school anymore if that parasite blows up the island...

Bubble: *smacks Cinder's arm* Shut up.. this is serious!

Cinder: Ow! *rubs his arm* I know that..! Why did a changeling show up? It's been two years since the invasion. Why now?

Bubble: *looks away, ear twitching* .... I don't know.

Cinder: *lowers his voice more* Mmm... Maybe it will eat Miss Spooner..

Bubble: *snorts and smacks Cinder's arm again*

The two of them would sit in silence. Bubble's eyes would scan across the sea of scared looking children, waiting for their parents to pick them up and take them home. Bubble's ears would fold back, thinking back at what Vespa had said. Is Imago really doing this? Is she really abandoning her hive.. leaving her people for what? One filly? Is it worth it..?

At the moment she felt a small hand wrap around her fingers, giving them a squeeze. Looking down, Bubble saw her 6 year old cousin Slate carefully wrap his little hand around Bubble's larger one as he leaned his head against her arm. Bubble's eyes soften as she rested her head on Slate's and nuzzled him comforting. Cinder would scoot closer to his brother and cousin and wrap his wing around the two of them protectively.

Never, in all Imago's years of infiltrating and living in Equestria as different ponies, has she ever felt so accepted. So loved. These ponies relied on her just as much as she relied on them. Leaving now would only hurt them more.

The gymnasium door opened and a few familiar faces peeked inside. A brown, freckled pegasus mare, Kiwi Breeze, Bubble's mother and Cinder's and Slate's aunt, as well as tall, lithe Saddle Arabian mare, Cocoa Nutt, Wally's mother. Kiwi and Cocoa were best friends since they were Slate's age, so even as adults they do everything together, much like Wally and Bubble and Cinder do now. It only took moments before Kiwi spotted her three children huddled together and beeline straight for them.

Kiwi: *hugs Bubble tight, waves of maternal love coming off of her* Cuddle Bubble! I'm so glad you are safe!

Bubble: *hugs back, carefully feeding off of Kiwi's love* Eck.. H-hi mom.. I'm okay.

Kiwi would then turn her attention to her nephew and give equally as tight motherly hug. After making sure her children were all in one piece, Kiwi made her way to the entrance to leave, but stopped short when seeing the distressed expression on her dearest friend.

Kiwi: ... Cocoa. What's wrong?

Cocoa: *frantically looking around, her ears folded flat to her head* Walter? Walter Nutt! *she called out, but the children murmured among themselves, shaking their heads* W-wally?! W-where.. Where is my baby?

Kiwi: *ears perked before turning to a teacher* Miss Spooner..?

Miss Spooner: *looks down at her list* Mmm... Walter isn't on the attendance sheet today. Are you sure he isn't home?

Cocoa: I think I would know if my child was home or not?! Where is he..?

Kiwi: Cocoa! We are going to find him. Maybe he just got scared with all the panic and hid somewhere. He could already be safe at home by now.

Cocoa: ... O-okay.. It's just not like him to not come to school.. *leaves with Kiwi and the kids*

Bubble's ears would be folded flat to her head as she followed the parents. Wally is missing? She did notice that she hasn't seen him all day. She felt a sinking feeling in her gut. She glanced over at Cinder, who would looking surprisingly nervous as well. Bubble would grab the back of Cinder's shirt and make him slow down with her, trailing behind the parents as they make their way back home. Cinder stares at her, ear twitching.

Bubble: *stares Cinder in the eye* ...... Where is Wally, Cinder? I know you are hiding something..

Cinder: .......... *leans in and whispers to Bubble* ... after we couldn't find you.. umm.. me and Wally thought it would be easier to find you if we split up..

Bubble: *ears folded flat against her head* ...What?

Cinder: *waves his hands* Look, Aunt Kiwi is right! Wally is too much a chicken to do anything but hide if a changeling was to show up. He's probably already home, hiding under his bed like he does when there is a storm..!

Before Bubble could respond, she felt that familiar chill run up her spine as her ear swiveled and turned in the direction they were headed; Vespa was nearby. The ground began to shake as suddenly a stampede of panicking ponies and hybrids ran in their direction! The swarm of ponies deterred the party's course, forcing Kiwi and Cocoa and the kids to move with the flow. At that moment, Bubble looked back, her eyes suddenly going wide. In the distance, she saw Vespa's glowing blue eyes.

In a panic, Bubble darted into the stampeded, using the chaos as cover as she distanced herself as far as she could from the insane changeling. Soon she wouldn't be able to feel the presence of the changeling, and Bubble took this opportunity to hide in the shadows of the wooded area in the park. Quietly she'd hunker down and made her way through the trees and bushes. What is she going to do? She can't just keep hiding forever, especially on an island. Her thoughts drifted to possible escape routes when she felt her hoof crunch on something metal and glass. Lifting her hoof, she looked down and her eyes widened.

Wally's glasses!

But.. why would Wally's glasses be here? The colt is practically blind without them, he wouldn't have been able to get far. Her eyes glanced around when she saw what looked like a body in the distance. Her stomach turned as she darted over and inspected the dried up husk. This was obviously another victim of Vespa... but it was an adult mare. From the look of her wings, a bat pony or possibly a hybrid of one. Bubble let out a sigh, relieved it wasn't her friend.... but then sudden realization hit her like a sack of bricks.

The glasses in such close proximity to the body, it couldn't be! She didn't want to believe it. Wally wouldn't be that stupid to confront a changeling... would he? Imago's thoughts went back to two years prior, when she first landed on the island. She had to make sure for herself.

~~~~~~~~~~~

The streets that were once filled to the brim with ponies and hybrids were now bare and empty. Everyone had scattered in all directions in blind fear, hiding and finding refuge in shops and their homes. No one could hear, or at least didn't want to acknowledge the whimpering and wailings of a young colt.

One the top of the hospital, one of the highest points of the island, Vespa stood on the edge of the roof and loomed over the edge, watching as the last of the ponies draw the blinds and shut the doors of their homes and businesses. This was true fear and Vespa relished in it. A long, toothy smile stretched across her angled face. How she hated that she and her hive had to hide when it was so easy to simply scare these pathetic Equestrians into submission. They are nothing more than food and should treated as such.

A soft whimpering was heard behind Vespa, as she turned her head back and snarled at the sniffling colt.

Vespa: Be silent, you whimpering, sniffling grub! If I hear one more peep out of you, I'll rip out your tongue and feed it to the sharks...!

Wally: *flinches and tenses up, closing his eyes shut to try and stop the tears running down his face* ....

Vespa: Tch! *looks around* Where is that traitorous filth?! My patience is starting to wear thin.. if she does not show soon....

"VESPAAAA!!" the shrill screech echoed across the island. Vespa's ears perked as her maniacal smile stretched wider. She has come. From the tree line of the part, a blue and black blur took to the sky. Wally turned to look and squeaked out, his tail starting to wag at the familiar sight. Imago hovered at eye level, her eyes glowing with rage. After the two years of being in disguise, her mane and tail had grown out, her old wounds healed and scarred over.

Vespa: *cackles* So the coward has finally decided to bless us with your presence...!

Imago: *eyes widen seeing Wally, before glaring at Vespa* ...Vespa! What are you doing?! Do you have any idea what you have done?!!

Vespa: *grins as she uses magic to levitate Wally* Oh... are you looking for this?

Imago: *tenses* Tch... You are exposing our kind..!! How long do you think until this island is swarmed with guards?

Vespa: While I takes no pleasure in disobeying my Queen... *hold Wally over the edge of the 4 story tall hospital* But some sacrifices are necessary for the whole of the hive. This.. hatching is simply one of them. And it is all your fault, Imago. You are the weak link.

Wally: I-Imago!! *trying not to look down, tears running down his face*

Imago: S-stop!! Stop.. I'll come with you. I'll go back to the hive, just... let the child go.

Vespa: .... oh.. I plan too... *as she releases her magic, dropping Wally*

Imago let out a screech as she dived for Wally, leaving an opening for Vespa. She blasted her magic at Imago, knocking her out of the sky and colliding her into Wally as they both fall to their death. Moments before hitting the ground, Imago grabbed hold of Wally and let out a surge of magical energy as a force field wrapped around them. The soft pliable shield contacted with the hard cement and launched them back into the air, bouncing them down the street. The magic shield burst and Imago wrapped her limbs around the small child and sharply turned as she skidded down the sandy beach, spooking the seagulls gathered and kicking dirt and sand into the air.

Imago: *coughs and wheezes* Uugh.. W-wally.. are you okay?! *gently rubbing the colt's back to make sure he was still breathing*

Wally: *coughs and lets out a whimper* Ow.. y-yeah.. Imago.. is it really you? *as he sat up, staring down at the changeling with big round green eyes*

Vespa: *cackling in the distance* Aww, what a touching reunion~

A flash of green light through the smoke and dirt was all Imago had for warning before Vespa let loose another seeming fatal attack on the duo. Without enough time to dodge, Imago threw up another measly attempt of a shield. The force of the blast hit the shield and pushed both Wally and Imago tumbling, rolling into the shallow waters of the beach. Imago let out a raspy gasp as she pulled herself out of the water, the salt water stinging the scrapes and cuts on her back from her fall. From the corner of her eye, she saw the little curly haired colt stumble to his hooves and run for the cover in the sanctuary of the nearby shrubbery. It relieved Imago to see that the dorky little snot that she grew to know for the last two years still had a high sense of self preservation.

Vespa panted and watched as the blast subsided, the ocean simmering with steam from the raw power of her magic. This is what true power tasted of, this is what she and her hive could gain when all goes to her glorious Queen's plans and changelings take their rightful place at top of the food chain.

Almost too lost in her own thoughts, Vespa was a little startled to see movement in the smoke and steam. Did someone survive? To her total disgust, Vespa watched as that tiny little shit of a hatching with his dark curly hair darting to cower under a few bushes. She let out a feral growl. If she had the energy left to spend, Vespa would not hesitate to obliterate the colt on the spot. But no matter, he was merely bait to lure that traitor Imago from hiding. The life of one puny pony matters not to the Captain of her royal Highness's army. Now that Imago had been terminated, her only goal was to leave this pathetic little island before the Royal Guards show up.

Vespa turned to take her leave, when suddenly a flash of green light caught the corner of her eye. Leaping through the smoke and dust, Imago lunged forward! Armed with her newly summoned swords, Imago sliced and cut her opponent and pursued as Vespa took flight to create distance.

Imago: *growls* Not so tough now without all that energy, Captain..

Vespa: *scoffs and with a flash of green fire, conjures a battle axe* You dare speak to me in such a tone. Do you not know whom you are speaking too, worm?!

Vespa dived down and clashed blades with Imago.

Imago: Hnng--! You are nothing more... than an old cockroach... *grunts and pushes Vespa back with surprising force*.. you are NOTHING without your magic!

Vespa: *skids and stumbles back* Eck.. W-what?! How...?!

Imago: You are so blinded by you lust for power, you forget what truly gives changelings strength is two things: The overwhelming number of the hive and our ability to blend in and never been seen.... Two things that you have carelessly threw away..!

Vespa: *ears twitch as she scowls*Tch! If that's the case, what makes you so much better than me?!

Imago: *pauses for a moment*.... Since I've been here, I have been feeding off nothing but Freely Given Love. If we could only find a way to live in harmony with the ponies--

Vespa: HA! Live with them?! They are nothing more than food! You and the other... fraternizers.. will all have what's coming to you. Once I finish you off, I'll find the others and punish them for their crimes against the Queen!

Imago: *blinks, wide eyes* Others?

Vespa felt no need to give that a response. Filled with self righteous rage, Vespa charged forward with her battle axe. Imago let out a small chirp as she barely dodged the attack and responded with her own. Despite Imago's accusations, she was desperately out of practice with the art of swordplay and Vespa still had the upper hand.

The sound of clashing of metal and screeches and hisses started to draw more unwanted attention, oblivious to the two changeling engaged in battle. Imago was knocked back by Vespa and thrown into the side of a house, her thick exoskeleton butt breaking the window.

Salty Scot: *from inside the house* OYE! I don't care who or what ye are, you break it you buy it, fat arse!!!

Imago: *slightly dazed* uugh... ow.. S-sorry!

Vespa: *smug grin, hovering in the air* Heh.. not so high and mighty now--

???: There it is!!

Shouting was heard in the distance as Imago quickly hide behind the building when she saw a small squad of guards already stationed on the island running by, confronting Vespa and attempting to shoot her down with magic and arrows. Vespa let out a feral hiss and dived down, snatching one of the guards and ripping off his helmet. Just as she latch her fangs around her victim's neck to drain him dry, a second guard swung his sword and sliced the changeling's exposed back. Screeching in pain, Vespa dropped her prey and quickly retreated. The guards quickly reassembled their strengths and pursued the changeling.

Realizing that the guards aren't aware of a second changeling on the island yet, Imago took this opportunity to flee into the wooded area behind the house. As she contemplated what her next course of action should, Imago noticed a slight movement in one of the bushes. Ready for attack Imago approached the suspicious shrubbery... before noticing a curly tail with leaves and sticks poking out of it protruding from under the shrub.

Imago: ..... Wally?

Wally: *squeaks, head poking out from the top of the bush* I-Imago? *shuffles out of the bush, pulling twigs and leaves out from his mane*

Imago: *pinches the bridge of her nose* Walter... what are you doing here? It's still not safe. Vespa is still out there. You should be home..!

Wally: ...Come with me!

Imago: *sighs and pets down his mane* I'm not going to hold your hand.. You are a big boy, you can make it back on your own....

Wally: *blushes and fluffs a little* N-No! I m-mean... Come with me to my house! You can hide there from her. I can keep you safe.

Imago: Eh?! W-what..? No I can't, you know that no one can see me...

Wally: I'll tell everyone you are a nice changeling and everything will be okay! We can get Miss Willow to help persuade everyone...

Imago: *ear twitching* ... Wally I don't think that's going to work..

Wally: After you left, Bubble had an accident and forgot all about you.. but I didn't forget! I know you are a good pony..! But now that you are back maybe if Bubble sees you again, she'll regain her memories again---!

Imago: *ears fold back flat to her head as she snapped, fangs bared* N-NO!!

Wally: *ears fold back, wide eyes* !!!

Imago: *tries to calm herself, taking a deep breath* W-wally.. If Bubble really did forget about me... then maybe it's better that way.

Wally: *ears drooped* .... You.. you aren't staying.

Imago: *kneels down so she's eye level with him* ... I can't. Vespa isn't the only... bad pony who is looking for me. For you and Bubble's safety, it's better if you did forget about me.. You can't tell anyone what you saw today... for your own safety.

Wally: *looks down* ...... I... I understand.

Imago: *gently pets his head* ...I have to go now. You should go home too.

Wally: .... Will I ever see you again?

Imago: *pauses for a bit* ... No. I'm.. I'm sorry.

Silence for a moment as this sunk in. Imago contemplated leaving before Wally's arms wrapped around her shoulders and hugged her tight. The changeling let out a strangled chirp and tensed slightly at the sudden display of affection. Hesitantly, Imago returned the hug, gently rubbing the trembling colt's back. For the first time, she felt little waves of puppy love coming off Wally as he nuzzled Imago's shoulder. Imago's ears folded back flat against her head, a sudden aching in her chest and a deep sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach. After a bit, Wally pulled away, wiping his face on the back of his arm. Silently, Imago would nod at him before taking off into the air and disappearing into the woods. Checking to make sure the coast was clear, Wally took off running towards his place of residence.

It was very short lived. During gym class, and even when hanging out Bubble and Cinder and Rasta when she was in town, Wally had always had a shockingly low level of endurance. After a couple blocks out, the small pudgy colt turned into a panting, wheezing mess. The sound of shouts and buzzing in the distance pushed Wally to at least keep trot at a steady pace. He passed by the park on his way back to his house and he shuddered slightly, remembering how earlier this day he encountered the creepy, gangly changeling in this very park. Quickly he shuffled along, hoping not to have the same thing happen again, when he heard a soft noise in the trees. It sounded like the sound of a child crying. Wally paused, his ears perked before he ventured into the foliage and shrubbery to searched out the source. He carefully pushed back a few branches and saw a familiar shade of blue and white.

Wally: ... Bubble?

Bubble: *ears perked as she spun around, tears in her eyes* W-wally?! What the... *clears her throat* W-what are you doing here?!

Wally: *runs over and quickly helps Bubble up* I was about to ask you the same thing! What happen? Are you hurt?

Bubble: I-I..... uh.... I.. got... lost! I got separated from Mum and Cinder. And I.. uh..*ears drooped, looking around nervously*

Wally: *wipes tears off her face*... Come on.. Let's go home. I'm sure our parents are looking for us..

Bubble silently nodded and followed Wally, letting out the breath she was hold in relieve. She wasn't expecting to see Wally again after such a short notice but Bubble was lucky enough to have transformed before Wally showed up. Hand in hand, the two quickly trotted through the series of alleyways and down abandoned streets back to where they lived.

As soon as they arrived to the house, the two were bombarded with love and affection and scolding from overly worried parents and loved ones. Bubble was surprised to hear Wally lie on the spot and make an excused about how he hid in the tree house and how Bubble went and found him after she got separated from the group.

The next morning, the local newspaper did an article about the incident. Bubble read it carefully through and was relieved to see that not only was the changeling captured by the guards and sent to Canterlot, but that while there were reports of a second changeling, no solid evidence came up to say otherwise. Bubble's secret was safe...

For now.

------------------------------

This takes place a few years after Imago had taken Bubble's place, in the beginning of MLP:FiM Season 6. Captain Vespa has returned to Capricorn Reef to bring Imago back to the hive for another mission but was captured by the Royal Guards and sent to the Canterlot Dungeons.

This is just a quick 2 part story to help wrap up what happen after Bubble's fall and why Imago left the hive. This also gives me a good introduction to Wally's character. I plan on working more on him in the near future~

Confused yet? Read the backstory here: Imago and Bubble Lee Backstory LinksFor those who want to read the Seven Part Backstory (that took 2 years in the making to finally get out) about what happen to Imago AFTER the failed invasion during the Canterlot wedding episodes, and what happened to the real Bubble, go to my deviantart page.
https://askbubblelee.deviantart.com/gallery/63258959/Imago-s-and-Bubble-Lee-s-Backstory
Part One
Part Two
Part Three
Part Four

Part 1:

Mature Content

Description
In a matter of hours, all the inhabitants of Capricorn Reef were in a panic state. There was a changeling on their peaceful island! Unaware of the events happening outside, Bubble and her cousin, Cinderplume, sat in the school gymnasium with the rest of the school children.
Cinder: *in a hushed tone* Well.... at least something came of this. We won't have to go to school anymore if that parasite blows up the island...

Bubble: *smacks Cinder's arm* Shut up.. this is serious!

Cinder: Ow! *rubs his arm* I know that..! Why did a changeling show up? It's been two years since the invasion. Why now?

Bubble: *looks away, ear twitching* .... I don't know.

Cinder: *lowers his voice more* Mmm... Maybe it will eat Miss Spooner..

Bubble: *snorts and smacks Cinder's arm again*

The two of them would sit in silence. Bubble's eyes would scan across the sea of scared looking children, waiting for their parents to pick them up and take them home. Bubble's ears would fold back, thinking back at what Vespa had said. Is Imago really doing this? Is she really abandoning her hive.. leaving her people for what? One filly? Is it worth it..?

At the moment she felt a small hand wrap around her fingers, giving them a squeeze. Looking down, Bubble saw her 6 year old cousin Slate carefully wrap his little hand around Bubble's larger one as he leaned his head against her arm. Bubble's eyes soften as she rested her head on Slate's and nuzzled him comforting. Cinder would scoot closer to his brother and cousin and wrap his wing around the two of them protectively.

Never, in all Imago's years of infiltrating and living in Equestria as different ponies, has she ever felt so accepted. So loved. These ponies relied on her just as much as she relied on them. Leaving now would only hurt them more.

The gymnasium door opened and a few familiar faces peeked inside. A brown, freckled pegasus mare, Kiwi Breeze, Bubble's mother and Cinder's and Slate's aunt, as well as tall, lithe Saddle Arabian mare, Cocoa Nutt, Wally's mother. Kiwi and Cocoa were best friends since they were Slate's age, so even as adults they do everything together, much like Wally and Bubble and Cinder do now. It only took moments before Kiwi spotted her three children huddled together and beeline straight for them.

Kiwi: *hugs Bubble tight, waves of maternal love coming off of her* Cuddle Bubble! I'm so glad you are safe!

Bubble: *hugs back, carefully feeding off of Kiwi's love* Eck.. H-hi mom.. I'm okay.

Kiwi would then turn her attention to her nephew and give equally as tight motherly hug. After making sure her children were all in one piece, Kiwi made her way to the entrance to leave, but stopped short when seeing the distressed expression on her dearest friend.

Kiwi: ... Cocoa. What's wrong?

Cocoa: *frantically looking around, her ears folded flat to her head* Walter? Walter Nutt! *she called out, but the children murmured among themselves, shaking their heads* W-wally?! W-where.. Where is my baby?

Kiwi: *ears perked before turning to a teacher* Miss Spooner..?

Miss Spooner: *looks down at her list* Mmm... Walter isn't on the attendance sheet today. Are you sure he isn't home?

Cocoa: I think I would know if my child was home or not?! Where is he..?

Kiwi: Cocoa! We are going to find him. Maybe he just got scared with all the panic and hid somewhere. He could already be safe at home by now.

Cocoa: ... O-okay.. It's just not like him to not come to school.. *leaves with Kiwi and the kids*

Bubble's ears would be folded flat to her head as she followed the parents. Wally is missing? She did notice that she hasn't seen him all day. She felt a sinking feeling in her gut. She glanced over at Cinder, who would looking surprisingly nervous as well. Bubble would grab the back of Cinder's shirt and make him slow down with her, trailing behind the parents as they make their way back home. Cinder stares at her, ear twitching.

Bubble: *stares Cinder in the eye* ...... Where is Wally, Cinder? I know you are hiding something..

Cinder: .......... *leans in and whispers to Bubble* ... after we couldn't find you.. umm.. me and Wally thought it would be easier to find you if we split up..

Bubble: *ears folded flat against her head* ...What?

Cinder: *waves his hands* Look, Aunt Kiwi is right! Wally is too much a chicken to do anything but hide if a changeling was to show up. He's probably already home, hiding under his bed like he does when there is a storm..!

Before Bubble could respond, she felt that familiar chill run up her spine as her ear swiveled and turned in the direction they were headed; Vespa was nearby. The ground began to shake as suddenly a stampede of panicking ponies and hybrids ran in their direction! The swarm of ponies deterred the party's course, forcing Kiwi and Cocoa and the kids to move with the flow. At that moment, Bubble looked back, her eyes suddenly going wide. In the distance, she saw Vespa's glowing blue eyes.

In a panic, Bubble darted into the stampeded, using the chaos as cover as she distanced herself as far as she could from the insane changeling. Soon she wouldn't be able to feel the presence of the changeling, and Bubble took this opportunity to hide in the shadows of the wooded area in the park. Quietly she'd hunker down and made her way through the trees and bushes. What is she going to do? She can't just keep hiding forever, especially on an island. Her thoughts drifted to possible escape routes when she felt her hoof crunch on something metal and glass. Lifting her hoof, she looked down and her eyes widened.

Wally's glasses!

But.. why would Wally's glasses be here? The colt is practically blind without them, he wouldn't have been able to get far. Her eyes glanced around when she saw what looked like a body in the distance. Her stomach turned as she darted over and inspected the dried up husk. This was obviously another victim of Vespa... but it was an adult mare. From the look of her wings, a bat pony or possibly a hybrid of one. Bubble let out a sigh, relieved it wasn't her friend.... but then sudden realization hit her like a sack of bricks.

The glasses in such close proximity to the body, it couldn't be! She didn't want to believe it. Wally wouldn't be that stupid to confront a changeling... would he? Imago's thoughts went back to two years prior, when she first landed on the island. She had to make sure for herself.

~~~~~~~~~~~

The streets that were once filled to the brim with ponies and hybrids were now bare and empty. Everyone had scattered in all directions in blind fear, hiding and finding refuge in shops and their homes. No one could hear, or at least didn't want to acknowledge the whimpering and wailings of a young colt.

One the top of the hospital, one of the highest points of the island, Vespa stood on the edge of the roof and loomed over the edge, watching as the last of the ponies draw the blinds and shut the doors of their homes and businesses. This was true fear and Vespa relished in it. A long, toothy smile stretched across her angled face. How she hated that she and her hive had to hide when it was so easy to simply scare these pathetic Equestrians into submission. They are nothing more than food and should treated as such.

A soft whimpering was heard behind Vespa, as she turned her head back and snarled at the sniffling colt.

Vespa: Be silent, you whimpering, sniffling grub! If I hear one more peep out of you, I'll rip out your tongue and feed it to the sharks...!

Wally: *flinches and tenses up, closing his eyes shut to try and stop the tears running down his face* ....

Vespa: Tch! *looks around* Where is that traitorous filth?! My patience is starting to wear thin.. if she does not show soon....

"VESPAAAA!!" the shrill screech echoed across the island. Vespa's ears perked as her maniacal smile stretched wider. She has come. From the tree line of the part, a blue and black blur took to the sky. Wally turned to look and squeaked out, his tail starting to wag at the familiar sight. Imago hovered at eye level, her eyes glowing with rage. After the two years of being in disguise, her mane and tail had grown out, her old wounds healed and scarred over.

Vespa: *cackles* So the coward has finally decided to bless us with your presence...!

Imago: *eyes widen seeing Wally, before glaring at Vespa* ...Vespa! What are you doing?! Do you have any idea what you have done?!!

Vespa: *grins as she uses magic to levitate Wally* Oh... are you looking for this?

Imago: *tenses* Tch... You are exposing our kind..!! How long do you think until this island is swarmed with guards?

Vespa: While I takes no pleasure in disobeying my Queen... *hold Wally over the edge of the 4 story tall hospital* But some sacrifices are necessary for the whole of the hive. This.. hatching is simply one of them. And it is all your fault, Imago. You are the weak link.

Wally: I-Imago!! *trying not to look down, tears running down his face*

Imago: S-stop!! Stop.. I'll come with you. I'll go back to the hive, just... let the child go.

Vespa: .... oh.. I plan too... *as she releases her magic, dropping Wally*

Imago let out a screech as she dived for Wally, leaving an opening for Vespa. She blasted her magic at Imago, knocking her out of the sky and colliding her into Wally as they both fall to their death. Moments before hitting the ground, Imago grabbed hold of Wally and let out a surge of magical energy as a force field wrapped around them. The soft pliable shield contacted with the hard cement and launched them back into the air, bouncing them down the street. The magic shield burst and Imago wrapped her limbs around the small child and sharply turned as she skidded down the sandy beach, spooking the seagulls gathered and kicking dirt and sand into the air.

Imago: *coughs and wheezes* Uugh.. W-wally.. are you okay?! *gently rubbing the colt's back to make sure he was still breathing*

Wally: *coughs and lets out a whimper* Ow.. y-yeah.. Imago.. is it really you? *as he sat up, staring down at the changeling with big round green eyes*

Vespa: *cackling in the distance* Aww, what a touching reunion~

A flash of green light through the smoke and dirt was all Imago had for warning before Vespa let loose another seeming fatal attack on the duo. Without enough time to dodge, Imago threw up another measly attempt of a shield. The force of the blast hit the shield and pushed both Wally and Imago tumbling, rolling into the shallow waters of the beach. Imago let out a raspy gasp as she pulled herself out of the water, the salt water stinging the scrapes and cuts on her back from her fall. From the corner of her eye, she saw the little curly haired colt stumble to his hooves and run for the cover in the sanctuary of the nearby shrubbery. It relieved Imago to see that the dorky little snot that she grew to know for the last two years still had a high sense of self preservation.

Vespa panted and watched as the blast subsided, the ocean simmering with steam from the raw power of her magic. This is what true power tasted of, this is what she and her hive could gain when all goes to her glorious Queen's plans and changelings take their rightful place at top of the food chain.

Almost too lost in her own thoughts, Vespa was a little startled to see movement in the smoke and steam. Did someone survive? To her total disgust, Vespa watched as that tiny little shit of a hatching with his dark curly hair darting to cower under a few bushes. She let out a feral growl. If she had the energy left to spend, Vespa would not hesitate to obliterate the colt on the spot. But no matter, he was merely bait to lure that traitor Imago from hiding. The life of one puny pony matters not to the Captain of her royal Highness's army. Now that Imago had been terminated, her only goal was to leave this pathetic little island before the Royal Guards show up.

Vespa turned to take her leave, when suddenly a flash of green light caught the corner of her eye. Leaping through the smoke and dust, Imago lunged forward! Armed with her newly summoned swords, Imago sliced and cut her opponent and pursued as Vespa took flight to create distance.

Imago: *growls* Not so tough now without all that energy, Captain..

Vespa: *scoffs and with a flash of green fire, conjures a battle axe* You dare speak to me in such a tone. Do you not know whom you are speaking too, worm?!

Vespa dived down and clashed blades with Imago.

Imago: Hnng--! You are nothing more... than an old cockroach... *grunts and pushes Vespa back with surprising force*.. you are NOTHING without your magic!

Vespa: *skids and stumbles back* Eck.. W-what?! How...?!

Imago: You are so blinded by you lust for power, you forget what truly gives changelings strength is two things: The overwhelming number of the hive and our ability to blend in and never been seen.... Two things that you have carelessly threw away..!

Vespa: *ears twitch as she scowls*Tch! If that's the case, what makes you so much better than me?!

Imago: *pauses for a moment*.... Since I've been here, I have been feeding off nothing but Freely Given Love. If we could only find a way to live in harmony with the ponies--

Vespa: HA! Live with them?! They are nothing more than food! You and the other... fraternizers.. will all have what's coming to you. Once I finish you off, I'll find the others and punish them for their crimes against the Queen!

Imago: *blinks, wide eyes* Others?

Vespa felt no need to give that a response. Filled with self righteous rage, Vespa charged forward with her battle axe. Imago let out a small chirp as she barely dodged the attack and responded with her own. Despite Imago's accusations, she was desperately out of practice with the art of swordplay and Vespa still had the upper hand.

The sound of clashing of metal and screeches and hisses started to draw more unwanted attention, oblivious to the two changeling engaged in battle. Imago was knocked back by Vespa and thrown into the side of a house, her thick exoskeleton butt breaking the window.

Salty Scot: *from inside the house* OYE! I don't care who or what ye are, you break it you buy it, fat arse!!!

Imago: *slightly dazed* uugh... ow.. S-sorry!

Vespa: *smug grin, hovering in the air* Heh.. not so high and mighty now--

???: There it is!!

Shouting was heard in the distance as Imago quickly hide behind the building when she saw a small squad of guards already stationed on the island running by, confronting Vespa and attempting to shoot her down with magic and arrows. Vespa let out a feral hiss and dived down, snatching one of the guards and ripping off his helmet. Just as she latch her fangs around her victim's neck to drain him dry, a second guard swung his sword and sliced the changeling's exposed back. Screeching in pain, Vespa dropped her prey and quickly retreated. The guards quickly reassembled their strengths and pursued the changeling.

Realizing that the guards aren't aware of a second changeling on the island yet, Imago took this opportunity to flee into the wooded area behind the house. As she contemplated what her next course of action should, Imago noticed a slight movement in one of the bushes. Ready for attack Imago approached the suspicious shrubbery... before noticing a curly tail with leaves and sticks poking out of it protruding from under the shrub.

Imago: ..... Wally?

Wally: *squeaks, head poking out from the top of the bush* I-Imago? *shuffles out of the bush, pulling twigs and leaves out from his mane*

Imago: *pinches the bridge of her nose* Walter... what are you doing here? It's still not safe. Vespa is still out there. You should be home..!

Wally: ...Come with me!

Imago: *sighs and pets down his mane* I'm not going to hold your hand.. You are a big boy, you can make it back on your own....

Wally: *blushes and fluffs a little* N-No! I m-mean... Come with me to my house! You can hide there from her. I can keep you safe.

Imago: Eh?! W-what..? No I can't, you know that no one can see me...

Wally: I'll tell everyone you are a nice changeling and everything will be okay! We can get Miss Willow to help persuade everyone...

Imago: *ear twitching* ... Wally I don't think that's going to work..

Wally: After you left, Bubble had an accident and forgot all about you.. but I didn't forget! I know you are a good pony..! But now that you are back maybe if Bubble sees you again, she'll regain her memories again---!

Imago: *ears fold back flat to her head as she snapped, fangs bared* N-NO!!

Wally: *ears fold back, wide eyes* !!!

Imago: *tries to calm herself, taking a deep breath* W-wally.. If Bubble really did forget about me... then maybe it's better that way.

Wally: *ears drooped* .... You.. you aren't staying.

Imago: *kneels down so she's eye level with him* ... I can't. Vespa isn't the only... bad pony who is looking for me. For you and Bubble's safety, it's better if you did forget about me.. You can't tell anyone what you saw today... for your own safety.

Wally: *looks down* ...... I... I understand.

Imago: *gently pets his head* ...I have to go now. You should go home too.

Wally: .... Will I ever see you again?

Imago: *pauses for a bit* ... No. I'm.. I'm sorry.

Silence for a moment as this sunk in. Imago contemplated leaving before Wally's arms wrapped around her shoulders and hugged her tight. The changeling let out a strangled chirp and tensed slightly at the sudden display of affection. Hesitantly, Imago returned the hug, gently rubbing the trembling colt's back. For the first time, she felt little waves of puppy love coming off Wally as he nuzzled Imago's shoulder. Imago's ears folded back flat against her head, a sudden aching in her chest and a deep sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach. After a bit, Wally pulled away, wiping his face on the back of his arm. Silently, Imago would nod at him before taking off into the air and disappearing into the woods. Checking to make sure the coast was clear, Wally took off running towards his place of residence.

It was very short lived. During gym class, and even when hanging out Bubble and Cinder and Rasta when she was in town, Wally had always had a shockingly low level of endurance. After a couple blocks out, the small pudgy colt turned into a panting, wheezing mess. The sound of shouts and buzzing in the distance pushed Wally to at least keep trot at a steady pace. He passed by the park on his way back to his house and he shuddered slightly, remembering how earlier this day he encountered the creepy, gangly changeling in this very park. Quickly he shuffled along, hoping not to have the same thing happen again, when he heard a soft noise in the trees. It sounded like the sound of a child crying. Wally paused, his ears perked before he ventured into the foliage and shrubbery to searched out the source. He carefully pushed back a few branches and saw a familiar shade of blue and white.

Wally: ... Bubble?

Bubble: *ears perked as she spun around, tears in her eyes* W-wally?! What the... *clears her throat* W-what are you doing here?!

Wally: *runs over and quickly helps Bubble up* I was about to ask you the same thing! What happen? Are you hurt?

Bubble: I-I..... uh.... I.. got... lost! I got separated from Mum and Cinder. And I.. uh..*ears drooped, looking around nervously*

Wally: *wipes tears off her face*... Come on.. Let's go home. I'm sure our parents are looking for us..

Bubble silently nodded and followed Wally, letting out the breath she was hold in relieve. She wasn't expecting to see Wally again after such a short notice but Bubble was lucky enough to have transformed before Wally showed up. Hand in hand, the two quickly trotted through the series of alleyways and down abandoned streets back to where they lived.

As soon as they arrived to the house, the two were bombarded with love and affection and scolding from overly worried parents and loved ones. Bubble was surprised to hear Wally lie on the spot and make an excused about how he hid in the tree house and how Bubble went and found him after she got separated from the group.

The next morning, the local newspaper did an article about the incident. Bubble read it carefully through and was relieved to see that not only was the changeling captured by the guards and sent to Canterlot, but that while there were reports of a second changeling, no solid evidence came up to say otherwise. Bubble's secret was safe...

For now.

------------------------------

This takes place a few years after Imago had taken Bubble's place, in the beginning of MLP:FiM Season 6. Captain Vespa has returned to Capricorn Reef to bring Imago back to the hive for another mission but was captured by the Royal Guards and sent to the Canterlot Dungeons.

This is just a quick 2 part story to help wrap up what happen after Bubble's fall and why Imago left the hive. This also gives me a good introduction to Wally's character. I plan on working more on him in the near future~

Confused yet? Read the backstory here: Imago and Bubble Lee Backstory LinksFor those who want to read the Seven Part Backstory (that took 2 years in the making to finally get out) about what happen to Imago AFTER the failed invasion during the Canterlot wedding episodes, and what happened to the real Bubble, go to my deviantart page.
https://askbubblelee.deviantart.com/gallery/63258959/Imago-s-and-Bubble-Lee-s-Backstory
Part One
Part Two
Part Three
Part Four

Part 1:

Mature Content