Radel slowly led the way towards the ship's armory, the elements and changelings following not far behind. Tension hung heavy in the air, making idle conversation nigh impossible for the group. After a short time of silence, Twilight made her way to Radel’s side, lowering her voice so only he could hear her. “Radel…”

Before she could continue, he cut her off, “Twilight, I know what you’re gonna ask.” He cast her a quick glance as they continued onward. His hasty response made Twilight flinch back a little, her ears folding against her head as she looked away slightly. Seeing her reaction, he sighed, gently placing his hand on her shoulder, making her look back at him. “I didn’t mean to scare you Twilight, but I know you don’t want anymore lives lost than needed.”

Twilight’s eyes lit up a little as her ears perked up, hoping he would try to stick with being non lethal. “I know it’s a lot to ask of you, Radel, especially with how fortified Chrysalis’ position is. Not to mention it seems she’s been converting more and more of the other changelings into these mindless ‘elites’.” Her gaze saddened as she casted a quick glance towards Luminess. The changeling princess was walking with the other changelings, seemingly lost in her own thoughts and looking off into the distance.

Following her eyes, Radel cast a sympathetic glance to Luminess. “Don’t worry, Twilight. I have a plan to get us to Chrysalis without having to fight the majority of her forces.” Finally, the group made it to the armory aboard the ship, walking through its automatic doors. While Radel continued through without a second thought, everypony else behind him hesitated for a brief moment before following him.

“I’ll never get over your technology, Radel.” Twilight looked back at the door as it closed behind them, watching with intense curiosity of how it possibly operated without magic.

Radel smirked as he looked at Twilight, no doubt the scientist side of herself wanted to dissect the internal workings of the door. Alas, however, that was for another time. Hopefully once this changeling crisis was over and dealt with, Twilight and himself could finally have that day of sharing technology of their two worlds. “Maybe not, Twilight, but one day, we’ll be able to talk about such things more freely.” He stopped as he reached a console connected to a strange contraption in the middle of the room. “For now, I need all of you to take turns going through this scanner. And you’ll learn of my plan once I’m done devising it later, Twilight.”

Twilight stared at Radel for a couple of seconds with concern before nodding at him and stepping onto the strange device. “So, what does this do, Radel?”

“This scanner will allow me to better fabricate gear for you all when we go after Chrysalis.” As he spoke he began interacting with the console, manipulating the scanner. The scanner itself was quite simple. It consisted of a pad in the center for someone, or in this case somepony, to stand on. Then various rings(some only partial rings while some were fully connected rings) fitted with different scanners for detecting joints, eyes, and other various parts and aspects of the body would travel vertically around the subject to gather said information. “Not only will it help me with said fabrication, but it will also give me your biological readings.”

Twilight arched an eyebrow at Radel at that last comment. “Why do you need all of our individual biological readings?”

Before Radel could answer her, he was cut off by an excited Rainbow Dash flying around the armory. “Are you telling me we get to have our own EPIC armor customized for us?!”

Chuckling lightly at Rainbow’s excitement, he finished inputting commands into the scanner and turned towards the pegasus. “Yes, Rainbow, that is one of the things I’ll have fabricated for all of you.” His facial expression got more serious as he continued, turning back towards Twilight. “Not only do I want to ensure all of your safety during this mission, but the biological readings are to ensure no changelings try to assume the form of anypony else without any of us knowing.”

Radel’s explanation tore Twilight’s attention from the various rings seemingly floating around her as if by magic. With a gasp, she brought a hoof to the bottom of her jaw, a thoughtful smile on her lips. “Of course! Your scans from your ocular implants allowed you to pick up on the biological differences between those changelings disguised as guards and me!!”

Nodding in acknowledgement at Twilight’s revelation, he looked at the data gathered from the scanner. “Indeed, and I can plug in such data into your armor and my own to prevent such issues.” He then looked at Twilight who was standing there while laying on the floor of the scanner, staring intensively at where the scanner rings disappeared as the scanner finished gathering the needed data. “Uh… Twilight, the scanning is done.”

Upon hearing Radel’s voice, Twilight jumped and began rubbing her foreleg while looking away. A strong blush developed on her cheeks, which Radel found strange how such a thing could show through their fur. “S-sorry! I was just getting really curious with how this device works.”

That moment made Radel laugh hard, and once he was able to recompose himself, he spoke to Twilight. “Never change, Twilight, never change…”

After about a half hour, Radel was able to get all of the data he needed from the elements and the changelings. Once he was sure the data was available to Athena to make the right calibrations to their sensory equipment, the group made their way towards the center of the ship. The awkward aura that existed before had finally settled, and everypony, even the changelings, were casually chatting amongst each other. Radel himself was deep in conversation with Twilight about nano circuitry when a beeping in his ear could be heard. After politely asking Twilight to hold on for a moment, he answered the call. “Yes?”

*Radel? This is Luna.*

“Hello, Luna. What can I do for you?”

*We’ve gathered a platoon of the best of our guard. They’ll be ready for you tomorrow morning.*

“This is good news. I’ll send transports to pick them up around nine?”

*That will work, and Radel…*

“Yes, Luna?” Over the comms, Luna sounded very anxious, seemingly struggling with what she wanted to say next.

*Is it alright if I speak with you privately, later tonight?*

“Of course! Just meet me on the bridge when you wish to talk.”

*Thank you, Radel. I’ll see you later tonight.*

“See you then, Luna.” Ending the connection, Radel returned his attention to Twilight and the others.

“What did Luna have to say Radel?” Twilight was looking up at him expectantly as the group continued towards the inner depths of the ship.

“She was just updating me on Celestia and her’s progress on gathering the best of their guard. My transports will be picking up a platoon tomorrow morning.” He then stopped before they went through a set of doors ahead of them. Focusing his attention on the changelings, he called to Luminess before continuing. “Luminess, you and your companions can stay in the crew quarters for the night.”

Luminess looked at Radel with doubt in her eyes, “Are you sure?”.

Radel threw her a big smile going towards the door so it would open before gesturing for them to enter. “I insist.”

“O-ok… thank you.” Following his lead, Luminess led her changeling compatriots after him. The door they had passed through brought them to a large hallway with at least a dozen doors to each side. Radel ended up entering the first one on the left, gesturing for everypony else to continue following him. As they entered the room behind him, they were greeted to the sight of a room able to comfortably house eight humans. And since the room was originally meant for humans, the small twin sized beds were more than big enough for a single pony.

Radel stood off to the side, giving Luminess and her changeling companions a caring smile. “Get plenty of sleep tonight. We have a busy day tomorrow.” He then motioned for Twilight and the girls to exit, himself following behind. Before he exited the room, he turned back towards Luminess. “Are any of you hungry by chance? I can have Athena put together any kind of meal for you.”

Luminess looked toward the ground and began to rub one of her forelegs at the gesture. “That’s nice of you to offer Radel, but we… don’t exactly eat normal food.”

Before she could continue, Radel began to speak again. “I know you feed off of emotions, thanks to some information from Twilight. I just wasn’t sure if it was all you survived off of.”

She looked up at him, a little taken aback at his knowledge of her species. “Y-yes, we can only feed off the emotions of other creatures.” Luminess then began to make her way towards one of the beds, the other changelings doing the same. “Thank you for trying, though. It’s nice to know others care for us.” She stopped at the edge of her chosen bed before turning back towards Radel. “Don’t worry about us. We are used to starving.” With that, she began to climb into the bed, but as she was halfway onto it, she stopped in shock at Radel’s next words.

“How can I feed you my emotions?”

When Luminess turned around to shockingly stare at Radel, she saw nothing but genuine concern in his eyes. She quickly turned away and continued climbing into the bed. “Don’t worry about it, Radel. We’re fine.” Once she was fully onto the bed, she used her magic to pull the covers over herself. “Good night, Radel.” As soon as the covers were comfortably over Luminess, she felt something gently grasp her shoulder.

“Luminess… I know you feel no one or no pony should care for you or any other changeling based on your history.” Radel then sat on the edge of her bed, keeping his hand firm, but gently grasping her shoulder in a comforting manner. “But if you want that to change, you need to accept the help and care of others. Now please… how can I help?”

It was several minutes before Luminess made so much as a sound, the other changelings watching from their own beds. They could all feel the strong emotion and truth behind his words, already starting to ease their empty bodies. Finally, when Radel thought he’d just have to get up and leave, Luminess spoke up. “Tell us about somepony you really care for, somepony like family…”

Radel looked at Luminess inquisitively, both wondering how such a thing would help while also having somewhat of an idea. “Can you really feed off of just feeling the emotion of something I say?”

Luminess got up on her haunches so she was sitting in bed, causing Radel’s hand to be removed from her shoulder. Though he knew nothing about it, Luminess didn’t like losing the feeling of his comforting hand. Such genuine care for her and her species from somepony other than another changeling was a new feeling she enjoyed alot. “Yes, even just your genuine concern and care for us feeds us a little but even just recalling a memory can do.” While she spoke, the other changelings got up from their own beds and sat gathered around Radel and Luminess.

Looking at Luminess and the other changelings around them, Radel got more comfortable in his seat. “Very well. Let’s see what I can recall.” Looking off into the distance as he recalled his memories of his parents, Radel began to think of some of the little special things they’d do for him and his brother as they were growing up and how such things showed their unconditional love and care for the two of them. One memory became more distinct as he thought of one particular trip his father had taken him on... to visit a city on Mars. It was his first time ever going anywhere other than a place on Earth, and it was a grand experience. He got to bond with his father as they explored various ravines and other uninhabited areas of the planet. Though there may have not been much to see, the most enjoyable and memorable part of the trip was how much stronger their relationship became. Such memories filled Radel with warmth as a small smile began to form as he was deep in recollection. But... that memory began to lead to a dark one, one that he cut any train of thought related to immediately with a frown.

As Radel did so, he became aware that a few minutes had passed, and a change had occurred in his surroundings. Luminess and all the other changelings had a relaxed, yet focused posture. Their horns were glowing a gentle green from what he could only guess as them feeding off of his emotions, slightly held higher above their heads. He only now noticed due to how deep into his own memories he was earlier. After a couple seconds of silence, they all realized he was done reminiscing and lowered their posture to their previous stance. However, they seemed… different. It seemed their chitin bodies had a little more shine to them, and some of their smaller gaps were even smaller now.

Focusing his attention once again on Luminess, Radel spoke, “Luminess, how do you feel?” He could already guess they felt better from his observations, but it was only right for him to ask.

Luminess simply gave him a big, genuine smile before leaning forward and wrapping her forelegs around him in a tight hug. “Better, thanks to you…” After a few short moments, the other changelings joined in the hug before they all let go, not giving Radel a chance to return the embrace.

Without being able to return the embrace, Radel simply gave them the biggest and brightest smile he could muster. “You’re welcome.” Getting off of his seat on the edge of Luminess’s bed, Radel began to make his way out and back to the Elements. “Should you need anything else, just call out for Athena, and she’ll establish a link between us if she can not assist you.” As he reached the door entering the room, he paused before getting close enough for it to open. “Good night.” And with that, he exited the room, rejoining the ponies on the other side.

“Finally! What took you so long?” Twilight complained as the door behind Radel closed, her and the rest of the Elements following him as he began to lead the way once again.

Radel just looked at Twilight and gave her a knowing smirk. “Just planting a seed that will hopefully be successful and grow once this threat of Chrysalis is resolved.” He then stopped as they came close to the door they had all used to enter this section of the ship. “I have a request for all of you.”

“What do ya need, tough guy?” Rainbow asked as she casually scuffed a hoof on her chest as she hovered over the others.

“I want you all to stay on this ship until we’ve dealt with Chrysalis.” His expression grew more concerned and serious as he continued. “That way, I can ensure your safety, and that you will be prepared for the coming battle.” He then gestured to a door across from the one leading to the room the changelings were staying in.

Twilight smiled at Radel as she began to make her way towards the gestured door. “I think we can do that for you, Radel,” but as she got to the door, causing it to open and reveal another room identical to the changeling’s, she stopped and turned towards the other elements. “Come on, girls! Let’s get some rest.” As she finally entered the room, everypony else began to following her, Pinkie being even more excited than the rest of them about staying on the ship.

“We get to have a slumber party with RADEL?! BEST DAY EVER!!!” Pinkie cheered enthusiastically as the girls made their way into the room. Radel followed them, ensuring they settled in comfortably.

“Is there anything else you girls need before you settle in for the night?”

As all the girls brought a hoof to their respective chins in thought, Applejack was the first to respond. “I reckon we could use some grub.”

“A nice meal sounds lovely. I believe we’ve yet to have dinner yet, haven’t we?” Everypony nodded in agreement as Rarity made all their hunger the foremost thought in their heads.

Giving all of the girls a warm smile, he gladly fulfilled their request. “Well then, just let me know what you girls would like, and I’ll have it prepared and brought to you immediately.”

“What does everypony think of a dozen simple daffodil sandwiches?” Twilight asked her friends, looking between them for agreement on her idea for their dinner. It didn’t take long for the other mares to agree as their stomachs gave loud growls, making the decision for them. “Well then, looks like we’ll have those with some water, Radel, and thank you!” She gave him a warm smile before deciding on what bed in the room she was gonna stake a claim on for the night.

“Think nothing of it. I’ll have Athena get the drones in the mess hall started on it right away!” Giving them all a smile, Radel made his way out of the room. As the door closed behind him, he thought he heard Pinkie yell something about a spaceship space party. His smile only brightened from Pinkie’s antics. He was glad to call those ponies his friends, and he’d be damned if he’d let anything happen to them. Tomorrow... tomorrow, Chrysalis will be freed from the control and influence of Sombra’s horn, and he will stop its threat to his new home of Equestria and the friends he has made. Suddenly, his train of thought was interrupted by a voice calling his name. He looked around but couldn’t find the source, but when he heard the voice again, he felt embarrassed he hadn’t recognized its source immediately.

“Yes, Athena?”

“Commodore, her highness, Princess Luna, is awaiting your presence on the bridge.”

Radel’s eyes widened in surprise as he had almost forgotten about his meeting with Luna. Changing his route to one that led to the bridge instead of his quarters, he picked up his pace to hopefully waste as little time as possible for the lunar goddess. “Thank you, Athena. Inform her I will be there shortly. I’ve only just finished getting the Elements and changelings settled in.”

“Yes, Commodore.”

After a couple minutes of traversing the ship, Radel finally arrived at the bridge, greeting Luna as he entered. “Hello, Luna. Sorry I’m a little late.” However, Luna seemed to not notice his arrival. She was sitting near the front of the helm, gazing at the night sky through the windows of the bridge. “Luna?” Radel asked with worry in his voice at Luna’s unresponsiveness, memories of how she sounded earlier that day over the comms coming back to him.

It took a few minutes, but Luna finally replied, a solemn look on her face as she continued to stare at the night sky before her. “So many nights I spent just sitting there, gazing at the beautiful night sky I forge. Looking at all those lonely stars in the heavens reminds me of how alone I have felt since my return to Equestria.” A few tears began to fall down the sides of her face as she continued speaking, her gaze and posture never changing. “My sister and I, though we share the same blood and care deeply for one another, will never have the same bond we once had. My banishment as Nightmare Moon will forever leave a scar on our relationship, as it has with the subjects of Equestria that cower in fear of my presence.”

Radel slowly made his way towards Luna, taking a place beside her and joining her in her stargazing. He just stood there, listening to her without making so much as a sound to interrupt her.

“Ever since my return, I’ve looked into ways of obtaining a being, pony or not, that I could build a lasting and meaningful relationship with.” More tears began to fall from her eyes, and her body began to slightly shake as she held back her whines. “I became so desperate due to my feelings of loneliness that I used an old and forbidden magic to summon a familiar. A being to make me feel wanted and cared for again.” Then, her tear filled gaze turned to Radel as she continued. “But in the end, I separated a being from his friends and family, making him live a life of loneliness like me…”

Radel’s eyes widened at the implications Luna was making. The idea that a spell she casted caused his arrival to their world was baffling. True, Athena couldn’t determine the reason for the malfunction in the warp drive. Was it possible the spell had somehow, instead of simply teleporting him to their world, took control over his warp drive and forced it to bring him and his ship to Equestria? Regardless of the implication and possibilities, he still knew little of what Luna meant with what she was saying. Radel placed a hand on Luna’s shoulder and looked into her eyes. “Luna… what are you saying?”

With those words, Luna began to openly weep as she looked away from Radel, cowering away from his touch and gaze. “Because of me and my selfishness, you’ve come to Equestria, possibly unable to return home ever again!” Luna continued to weep, feeling disgusted for herself. She had only realized what she’d done earlier that day, when she connected the dots in her mind when worrying about Radel before he was rescued. The feeling she had when Radel arrived, her strange attraction and feelings of a natural connection between them, and his sudden ability to use magic. It all pointed towards him being her familiar that she’d attempted to summon the night Radel crashed in Equestria. She’d thought it had failed at first and sought comfort in her night sky, but was instead graced with the sight of his ship crashing into the Everfree Forest.

Suddenly, Luna felt a warm embrace from behind her as Radel wrapped his arms around her waist. As his embrace tightened around her, Luna began to calm down and feel more at peace as her tears and whimpering finally ceased.

“Luna… I don’t know how I quite feel now knowing that you possibly caused my arrival here, but…” After a short pause, Radel took a deep breath before continuing. “Just know that no matter what, I will always think highly of you as a great friend.” If what Luna said is true and she brought him to this world, he’d have to figure out how he felt about it at a later date. But for now, all he cared about was her well being, seeing the state this knowledge has put her in. He wished for nothing more than continuing to have a strong friendship with her, a bond he would never want to whither away.

A strong warmth developed in Luna’s chest as she heard Radel’s words. She gently nuzzled his arms in thanks for the comfort he was offering her, regardless of what she had told him. After a few minutes of them just sitting there like that, Luna pulled away from Radel’s comforting embrace. “Thank you, Radel. I hope I can right this wrong I’ve brought upon you.”

“No. No more talking like that, Luna. I will not have it!” He gave her another quick hug before kneeling in front of her to be at eye level with her. “You will always be my friend, whether what you told me is true or not. That will never change.” He stood up and looked back out the windows of the bridge at Luna’s night sky. Luna’s revelation was making sense of a lot of the strange things that have happened to him since he arrived in Equestria. The sudden magical abilities and strange natural attraction and connection Radel seemed to feel with Luna began to make more sense. “Regardless, I appreciate you telling me this, Luna.” Giving her a warm smile, Radel put a hand on her shoulder and began to lead the way out of the bridge. “Now enough, we need to get some rest for the coming battle.”

“Yes, we must be prepared for whatever Chrysalis throws at us.” Luna smiled up at Radel as they exited the bridge, nuzzling his side. “Thank you for taking the time to listen to me, Radel. Good night.”

“Good night, Luna.”

And in a flash, Luna teleported off the ship and back to her chambers back in Canterlot. Though this newfound knowledge would change Radel and Luna’s relationship forever, it would only serve to strengthen it as time goes on. But that was an issue for a later date, for they had a more important issue to deal with the following day. An issue that holds the fate of Equestria in their hands...

Author's Note

And we have another chapter! Sorry it took me so long but unexpected issues with family and additional work has caused delays. Though it is quite a short chapter expect the next one to be a little longer. Finally, however, we have an update and there are only a few more chapters to go until the story ends. So, once again thanks for all the support and enjoy!

Also once again a big thanks to my editing buddy Regreme and also to my good friend Pusspuss for additional aid and support!