*~Somethings wrong in ponytown~*

Changelings

As the trio of pegasi soared above the peaceful town of Ponyville, the distant sounds of the ongoing battle grew ever louder, punctuated by the creature's haunting screeches.

Michi glanced nervously at her companions, the ones she had known as Ironwing and Thundersong. "I don't think flying in straight is the safest option at this point. Maybe we should land and make our way on hoof?"

The male pegasus, Ironwing, nodded in agreement. "Good call. We don't want to risk drawing that thing's attention while we're out in the open."

The female pegasus, thunder song, folded her wings and began her descent, the others quickly following suit. As their hooves touched down in the soft forest floor, Ironwing  turned to Michi with a serious expression.

"By the way, those nicknames - Ironwing and Thundersong? We'd prefer if you just called us Nox and Caryss. The other names are a bit... long-winded, you know?"

Michi blinked, a bit taken aback by the request. "Oh, uh, of course. Nox and Caryss. Got it." She paused for a moment, her curiosity piqued. "If you don't mind me asking, why the preference?"

Nox shrugged nonchalantly. "The other names were just something our companions back home started calling us. A bit silly, if you ask me. More of a joke than a name".

Caryss nodded in agreement, a small smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. "Exactly. The shorter names just have a better ring to them, don't you think?"

Michi smiled, understanding dawning on her. "I see. Well, Nox and Caryss it is, then. Thanks for sharing that with me." She glanced in the direction of the distant battle, her expression turning more serious. "So, what's the plan? We're on foot now - should we try to get a bit closer, or keep our distance?"

Nox and Caryss exchanged a brief look, their wings rustling with anticipation. "We should get as close as we can without drawing attention," Nox said, his voice low and steady. "We should be able to pass right through the battle if it's all under control"

Caryss nodded in agreement, her eyes gleaming with determination. "Then let's not waste any more time."

With that, the trio set off, their hooves crunching on the fallen leaves as they made their way deeper into the forest, the sounds of the battle growing ever louder with each passing moment.

As the trio of pegasi drew closer to the scene of the battle, the true scale of the danger became increasingly apparent. Michi, Nox, and Caryss could see that although the creature's sinister tentacles were concealed within thick magical spells, they still managed to engulf much of the surrounding forest.

What was once a glistening changeling pond had now transformed into a stagnant pool of black, viscous goo. The once-lush trees were broken and twisted, their leaves wilting, and the vibrant flowers had all but withered away.

Michi's eyes widened as she took in the devastation. "This is... far worse than I imagined. Where are all the changelings? Surely they couldn't have been caught unawares?"

Nox frowned, his brow furrowed in concern. "I don't know, but I don't like it. They should be here, fighting alongside the queens' guard."

Caryss chimed in, her voice tinged with worry. "Do you think they could have... shapeshifted into ponies or pegasi and evacuated with the rest of the town?"

Michi nodded slowly, her mind racing. "That's a distinct possibility. If they knew they couldn't match the creature's power, they may have opted to save themselves and their kin by blending in with the fleeing populace."

Nox let out a frustrated sigh. "Well, that's not exactly heartening. If the changelings aren't here to lend their strength, the guards may be overwhelmed."