The Lost Changeling: Taken it Back

Chapters

Prologue - Carina's Arrival
Chapter I - Earned It
Chapter III - Ponyville Honors an Inexperienced Changeling King
Chapter IV - Visit from a Familiar Face
Chapter V - Into the Trailer
Chapter VI - Return
Chapter VII - A Day with Starlight
Chapter VIII - First Lesson
Chapter IX - Finding Carve
Chapter X - Ask About the Past
Chapter XI - Another Visit to Ponyville
Chapter XII - Yet Another Return to the Hive
Chapter XIII - Canterlot
Chapter XIV - Gathering the Party
Chapter XV - Everything's Better with a Nymph
Chapter XVI - A Reason for the Results
Chapter XVII - The Crystal Empire
Chapter XVIII - Train Station Meeting
Chapter XIX - That Was Quite the Experience
Chapter XX - A New Status Quo
Chapter II - Discussion with the Top Drones
Epilogue - Every Pony Loves Changelings

Prologue - Carina's Arrival

It is the third morning since my welcome return to the hive and my recoronation. My dream last night had been interrupted when Carina came and told me that she would be visiting the hive for the weekend, so having woken up myself, the sun hasn’t risen yet. The rest of the hive is asleep, so all interaction will be through solitary deliberation at the moment.

Perhaps...

If I ever have to leave the hive, I will send Cilia to bring you to the hive.

Perhaps I can let Carve know about Carina’s visit. Though, even if I have settled back down within these past couple of days, I’m not sure about Cilia. She isn’t a changeling queen, so I have no idea how she’s feeling right now. Well, maybe I can improvise. I’m not leaving the hive anytime soon, so it might as well be optional for Carve to come to the hive. However, knowing her, she’ll be here if Carina will. At the very least, Cilia has the option to report to me whether or not Carve will visit the hive, and when if she will. I believe this can work particularly well.

Heading lower in the hive, I pass through the third nest hall of the twenty fourth level, a nest hall known as Crater Hall. Passing through the empty gap, previously containing the late pro-Thorax Correal, I look at the note on the right, and carved permanently into the hive wall.

Va Cutera Solaz.
-Colir

I found out exactly what happened when one changeling insisted that she “catch up with me” on what happened throughout the near month I was exiled into Equestria. At the time I didn’t want to talk about my doings at that time, not did I ever want to hear a thing about what happened over here, just knowing how stupid it would’ve sounded, that was until she got to what happened to Correal. It’s not a particular occurrence now, me not planning anymore invasions and all. But I still feel the event was very unfortunate, now knowing exactly how those urban adventurers would’ve felt, hearing about that one day from Carve.

Refreshing my focus, I find myself on the next lower level. Most of the nestrooms in the first hall look to be closed at the moment, except for one. Having heard a cracking sound as I bounced back to reality, I can assume that this open nestroom wasn’t this way all that long before I came down here. As I begin peeking inside, it looks like the changeling inside is still slumbering, Then, she shifts about one hundred and eighty degrees, resulting in me seeing her front side. Her eyes creep open, only to shoot the rest of the way, the changeling nearly jumping, shifting to a near sitting position.

“Oh, er... hi, Queen Chrysalis.”

“Greetings, Cilia...”

“Uh, what’s g-going on? Why’re you in front of my nestroom?”

“Carina had interrupted a dream that I had, saying that she will be here for the next two nights.”

“So, uh, are you leaving the hive to meet her?”

“Well, no. But I still would appreciate it if you let Carve know about the visit. I know how she is about seeing a long distance friend. Carina is a far more extreme case of that than any changeling living here.”

“Okay. I’m feeling up to letting Carve know.”

“Marvelous. Please let her know as soon as you get to Las Pegasus.”

“Will do, Queen Chrysalis.”

;=;

The near rest of my day is spent in my nest alone, patiently waiting for any of the two changelings. I know Carina will be here soon; having a surprise for me and Carve is reason enough to visit alone. However, I don’t know when Carve will be here, if she will be visiting, due to Cilia forgetting to report to me of Carve’s situation. No matter. It isn’t terribly vital anyway.

Then with the sun at a more than halfway declined angle, one changeling walks into the throne room, bearing a small necklace. With no guard accompanying her, I can only assume it’s the stand-in queen.

“Greta Calev. What a lovely surprise of you to drop in so soon. So, you’ve received word that Carina is returning for the weekend?”

Carve simply nods.

“Yes, Queen Chrysalis. I have.”

“Carina hasn’t come quite yet, but I anticipate that she’ll be here momentarily.”

As I express my prediction, a guard arrives at my throne.

“Your majesty, Carina has requested access to enter.”

“Send her in.”

After the guard walks out, three minutes pass before his brief return with Carina in tow, who looks up at me warmly, having a small white plastic bag hanging from her left wing.

“Hi Queen Chrysalis.”

“Simply Chrysalis will be fine, Carina.”

Carina chuckles slightly.

“Dually noted. Anyway, I have something for you to see that I got after helping Carve out with getting your hive back.”

“Intriguing. Do go on, Carina.”

“Jon gave it to me for whenever I want to record any song that I find. It can do a lot more, but I have it solely to record songs for the choir to listen to and recite.”

Carina levitates something out of her bag. It appears to be something similar to what I saw in one of Jon’s recent dreams, something he called a phone. I don’t have the level of knowledge Carina has on otherworldly technology, so I’ll have to take his word for it. Compared to Carve though, I might as well be as cultured in this sort of field as Carina. The extensive way she studies it starts making me and Carina a requirement to hold our reactions. Luckily, Carina has enough resistance to boost mine like laughter.

“Heh, I see you took interest in it, Carve. Here. Let me help you with that.”

Carina turns the screen to herself and swipes it up as Carve moves beside Carina to see it happen.

“So, this thing is familiar with the ELF?”

Carina turns her head to Carve.

“Elf?”

“Equestrian Logo Format?”

“Um, not that I know of.”

“OOOH! Oh, I see the labels.”

“Okay. Well Carve, it’s almost sunset. I kind of have to get to my nest soon.”

“Okay. Goodnight.”

Carina takes her belonging with her as she is led by the guard, out of the throne room.

“Have sweet dreams, Carina... Carve, when do you schedule to go home?”

“Until Carina heads out. I would like to spend some time with her tomorrow.”

“I understand. Now, you go down to your nest and rest for tomorrow, okay?”

While Carve nods, I look down closer at the necklace. Something seems a little off about it. It has a diamond shape, with red on the top half of it and white on the bottom half. It looks slightly familiar, like Carina showed me the same design a decent amount of time before I was exiled. I may want to look at it myself.

“Okay. See you in the morning, Chrysalis.”

“Oh, and Carve?”

“Yes?”

“May I see that necklace of yours? It looks interesting.”

“Sure you can.”

Carve takes off the necklace and puts it in front of me.

“Also, Chrysalis, if you see a letter for Carina soon, it’s from me.”

I nod to hide the rising confusion from her wording, letting her leave.

Chapter I - Earned It

Looking at the necklace in front of me, I study it further by rubbing my right hoof on it. It feels slightly like how I imagine the screen on Carina’s phone would feel. However, shortly after, I hear a hiss coming from in front of me, more specifically, the necklace. Then, a light pours out of it, causing me to leap out of my nest. Still looking at it, I witness the necklace open up, a bright, growing ball emerge from it. When the ball reaches its peak, it starts crossfading with two rapidly spinning scrolls. As the last bit of energy fades out, the scrolls fall onto my nest.

I unveil one of the scrolls, end result being a letter to Carina.

If you see a letter for Carina soon, it’s from me.

So, Carve wrote this letter? Hmm... that wish... how she could visit Carina and Aita. I may be able to help her with that.

But then, I open the second letter.

Queen Chrysalis,

Thank you for sending Cilia over to my house to let me know that Carina was coming over. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have known. In any case, I am so glad that things are back to normal. I guess it’s good that I will return to a scheduled visit by the end of the year. Hopefully, Carina will keep true to her word and bring new music to hear around the hive. Will you please let her know that I visit at the beginning of each month in case she doesn’t get her letter? Thanks in advance.

Your subject
Carve

Look at Carve’s letter one more time, prompting me to smile, weakly though as I have gotten tired from seeing the beginning of civil twilight. I simply turn onto my right side and brush the letters slightly farther away from me so that they’d fall in front of the throne, making all the space I need to rest.

;=;

When I wake up, I see the open necklace at the edge of the throne, prompting me to jump to its place and look down. The necklace falling, only one letter is present to accompany it as it lands. As I focus on the letter, it appears to be the one for me.

I decide to head out and walk over to Carina’s nestroom to see if she retrieved her letter. And as it turns out, she has. Carina turns to me a few seconds after the nestroom opens.

“Oh. Hi Chrysalis.”

“Greetings, Carina. I noticed that you retrieved your letter during my slumbers.”

Carina nods.

“Mhm. I have. Who knew that Carve felt the same way I did.”

“...about...”

“Visiting each other. Carve wrote that she wanted to visit my place someday.”

“And you also want to visit Carve’s?”

Carina nods.

“I’ve been wanting to visit Rusty Flashlight.”

“...I’m sure you already know how Rusty Flashlight acts since you’ve lived with an urban adventurer yourself for the past seven years.”

“But Jon almost never takes me on his explorations. Carve could’ve gone on up to two hundred with Rusty Flashlight.”

“...Perhaps the emotional content in Wisconsin and beyond are far more different than in Equestria, which has almost no negative emotion in general. I would ask Carve about going on one of Rusty’s explorations really. I’m sure she wouldn’t mind.”

“Hmm... Okay. I think I’ll be up for that. I guess I should let Jon know about visiting Carve next time I visit you.”

“Actually, Carina. I know a time for your to do that. If this works out like I hope it will be, your schedule should be unharmed, and you’ll be home in time for one of Wisconsin’s holidays. You can even invite Carve to your place after your visit if you want.”

Carina thinks for a bit.

“...I guess that could work. Thanks for the consideration, Chrysalis.”

;=;

Having talked with Carina from the hall, I turn around as the nestroom across opens up to reveal Carve. She seems to have the phone that Carina had yesterday at sunset.

“Good morning, Carve.”

“Hi, Chrysalis.”

“What are you doing on Carina’s phone?”

“Wait. This is called a phone? I guess it makes sense to have an unusual name for such an unusual thing.”

I start to turn unamused.

“That doesn’t really answer my question, Carve. What are you doing on Carina’s phone?”

“I’m just checking it out. Carina woke me up at the crack of dawn and told me to watch it for her.”

“Shouldn’t you be returning it to her? She’s in her nestroom.”

Suddenly, Carve buzzes her wings to talk like Carina.

And don’t worry about returning it. I’ll be back in your room if I need it.

“Hmm... intriguing. Well, I already talked with Carina about you visiting her, and she expressed to me that she would like to do the same.”

“Really? Carina wants to visit Rusty’s house?”

“Yes. I will let her know that if she wants to see you, she’ll have to meet you either here or Greta Scone Corner.”

“Actually, you don’t have to worry about that. I’ll let her know when she gets into my room.”

“Fine. That sounds like a plan.”

;=;

With Carve and Carina ready to go about the rest of their day, I’m now left to deliberate more on my throne.

“At this point in time, I have no plans to refine my invasion skills within my lifetime. Wherever Rolling Acres is believed to be headed, those skills will be there as well. Perhaps I could perform a calling on that.”

I proceed to chuckle lightly.

“Oh, well. I haven’t changed on that kind of level ever since January- oh... pft! One thirteen. All in retrospect, my student years seemed to fare much better than the years after. Steering clear of Las Pegasus was a step in the current direction, but only for Carve. I have learned my lesson about fooling with Equestria. Carve and Carina already provide love for the hive from where they live, and I must say, they brought a high amount of love for just a two days chance of collecting it. Equestria would be proud.”

My eyes shoot open shortly after speaking with myself, thinking back to my retrospect. During my ruling years, I made error after error.

Questioning young Carve’s anticipation before the Appleoosa invasion...

Going to session with a near mother and her practical owner...

The Canterlot Invasion...

Treating Carve like a pawn the two months afterward...

The invasion that got me dethroned...

You can be the leader your subjects deserve.

...swearing revenge on Starlight Glimmer... the pony that offered to teach me what I had afterwards learned on my own. I may not’ve needed her help to reclaim my position, but swearing revenge on her? That may’ve been the worst thing I have ever done as a ruler of the changeling kingdom. But even then, nothing I ever did hurt me more than what happened to Correal, when her queen that she could've otherwise turned to was exiled for a king fit only for ruling Equestria.

I know what I must do. And I know, from my experiences, just how hard this will be.

Chapter III - Ponyville Honors an Inexperienced Changeling King

Having the experience from my adventures with Rusty and Pane all over Equestria, Ponyville will likely be a breeze. And to boot, Cilia will back me up by letting them know I’m visiting Ponyville.

It’s a good thing that I’m going to Ponyville as Carina’s headed to Wisconsin, wherever that is. I just wish I had more time on Carina’s phone. I still can’t believe that it has a timer and a stopwatch together though. Quite a bit more convenient for someone who’s an athlete, because I’m more on the lines of an explorer instead of an athlete.

Well, no matter. Chrysalis has a mission for me to go on. I wave goodbye to Carina she heads off with her bag. Shorty after, I begin my flight for Ponyville.

;=;

Well, it was a long journey in the skies, but I’m now on the outskirts of Ponyville. However, when I arrive at the Town Hall Roundabout, slowly walking...

“Huh, where is everybody? Hmm... probably just a slow day right now.”

When I take a little walk over to Twilight’s old home, all I see is just a crater like a tree was uprooted.

It’s still unbelievable how Tirek had just blown that place to pieces, much worse than a group of vandals putting an ETM further into disrepair. Rusty told me about the incident when returning from one of his adventures. Well, I wasn’t present in Twilight’s old house nearly as much as I was in Rolling Acres.

Well, if I’m going to find Twilight’s current home, I’m going to have to wander a little...

Wait. What is that building in the background? It looks like something that would be more fit in Canterlot than Ponyville. I think I might want to visit that.

“Hmm... should I use the disguise I used on Nightmare Night? Should I? On one hoof, the ponies still don’t know about what happened then. But I’m on a mission for Chrysalis, and I should keep from messing it up. Well, I’ll save it for later.”

So, having decided not to use my pro-Thorax disguise, I aim to walk towards the castle. That is until I abruptly stop and fall back, alongside suddenly hearing a familiar voice grunt. Looking at who I bumped into, I gasp and run over to him.

“Oh vido osia! Le zi aro?!?”

The baby purple dragon rubs his eyes to clear his vision, only to see me. He quickly crawls back by a foot and a half

“Whoa!! Uh, who’re you?!?”

“Spike! I’m so sorry! I didn’t see you there!”

“Uh, how do you know me?”

“Do you remember Rusty Flashlight?”

“Wait a minute. Aren’t you that changeling with the bandages that I freaked out over years ago?”

“Yes!! Were you in a rush or something? I should’ve seen you if were- or uh- ack! Oh, you know what I mean!”

“Well, Twilight wanted me to get her a scroll that she forgot to get when she was headed to town hall. She’s over there now if you want to see her.”

“Yes. I would like to see her. Can I come with you?”

“Erm, okay...”

“What? You're headed to town hall, right Spike?”

“Yes.”

“Then what’s the problem?”

“I-I guess what I’m saying is that it would be quite aw- um, uh, I guess I’m just used to seeing the newer look of changelings a little more.”

“Well, that’s not important right now. Let’s go.”

;=;

I sit on of the balconies and look at the floor, thinking about exactly what I’d forgotten to retrieve in this occasion.

“Twilight? Are you okay?”

I suddenly shake my thoughts out only to see Cadence beside me.

“Oh, uh, maybe. I sent Spike to get my scroll, but he shouldn’t really be taking as long as he is now.”

“Twilight, you can trust Spike. He’s your assistant. Everypony in Ponyville is in Town Hall, not blocking his path.”

“Well, he-”

Suddenly, I hear heavy breathing come into my line of sound. The source of it, falling on his stomach after having climbed up onto the railing.

“I’m... here...”

“Spike!”

I levitate the scroll from his claws and unravel it, prompting me to gasp at what it is.

“You got it! Thanks, Spike.”

“No... problem...”

“So, are we ready to start?”

Spike shakes his head at me.

“No... Carve’s... outside!”

“Fine. Why don’t you get her in here? It’s kind of important.”

“Maybe you should let him rest for a few moments first, Twilight. He looks quite worn out.”

“Thanks.”

;=;

For over half an hour of waiting, Spike finally opens the main entrance to the town hall, breathing somewhat heavily.

“So, Spike, can I come in?”

“Yes... but you’ll need a disguise first. It’s going to be pretty awkward in there... if a pro-Chrysalis changeling was present... to honor someone they overthrew.”

“I can already think of an awkward moment that might happen if a certain couple is there, even with a disguise.”

“Oh, uh, if it’s who I think you’re referring to... they actually are here.”

I blink a couple of times.

“Oh.”

“Kind of funny that this is coming from the same changeling that burst out laughing about the same thing way back when.”

“Trust me, Spike. I’ve lived in Equestria since the day after I saw you for the first time. Back then, I acted almost exactly like a changeling of my age, not one that has a life elsewhere but the hive.”

“Okay. Just come inside when your disguise is ready.”

I nod. I wait to for the door to close before I immediately change into my disguise from Nightmare Night and the day afterwards. When I levitate the door open, I see a crowd of up to a hundred thousand ponies, some of them in the air, and some of them on the balconies. Suddenly, right before my eyes, I see a unicorn stallion with a white coat, mane and tail striped similarly to Twilight’s, only blue, and a cutie mark that represents a blue shield with four stars, one inside the shield, and three above.

“Shoot! That’s him!” I shout to myself.

“Huh? W-who’s there?”

The stallion turns aimlessly to try and locate my voice, that is until he sees me.

“O-oh! Hi there! Uh, have we met before?”

I shake my head.

“Not properly. I’m Carve. Shining Armor, if I’m correct.”

“Heheh, that’s me.”

“Say, have you ever met another changeling named Carina?”

“Once... it was a little over a year after the wedding I had. Why?”

“She and I have been friends since Nightmare Night.”

“Cool. Say, uh, do you mind chit-chatting after hearing the princesses? Because they’re about to speak in a few minutes.”

“Um, I’m alright with that.”

“Good. It’s very important, since it’s about Thorax.”

“Yesh... him... okay. I guess I’ll talk about Carina later.”

I proceed to wave to Spike, yet with little success.

Is everypony ready?

Oh dear they’re coming back.

The door closes, one last time, this time being locked by a cross eyed pegasus.

“All set...”

Well, if I’m going to be trapped in here, possibly bombarded by puns, I might as well use the only method I know that will help me evade them...

Zzzzz.

Chapter IV - Visit from a Familiar Face

Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to...

I lose track of the beginning of a speech, suddenly finding myself in a somewhat similar setting- okay yeah, this is town hall. It’s a good thing that it looks like all of the same ponies are present.

Hey! How’re you doin’? Twilight, right?!? Yeah, teh, I’m Pinkie Pie. Y’know, finally I get some screen time. I mean, pff, what gives? I happen to be one of the main characters...

That’s definitely not Pinkie Pie from my memory. He doesn’t even sound like her. Whoever that changeling is, he must’ve been raised in Equestria. Maybe I’m in some sort of alternate present where Chrysalis was never dethroned.

Oh, um, hi there.

Wait, is he talking to me? And how did his voice get deeper there?

Who are you?

Swing and a miss. He is. Well, no sense in rolling down the cliff.

“I’m just Carve. Are you, uh, looking for someone?”

Yeah. I was looking for Queen Chrysalis. I seriously need to talk to her.

“Why? Does she know you?”

Yes. Now where can I contact her?

Well that was weird wording.

“Well, the hive.”

Thanks. Bye.

...and the changeling weakly mimicking Pinkie Pie leaves.

Gee. I wonder what that was all about. That changeling had somehow gotten into my dream, which I only thought was possible by changeling kings, alicorns or, though less likely, unicorns. If Pane can fly to protect her hooves from getting cut on her adventures, I bet a unicorn can theoretically go into others’ dreams if they incline on psychology.

Oh well, I’m now in my own zone in the Town Hall, behind a field filling crowd. All in silence.

...us realize how much better they would’ve fared without that...

Huh, what I’m hearing right now must be Princess Luna. Thankfully, whatever I hear is isn’t much.

Suddenly, a string of magic comes into my field of view, growing along the way. The next thing I know, I may just’ve teleported to the hive, since it now looks familiar. In fact, I’m in Crater Hall, the most infamous hall known in the hive. Looking all over, I see the crater and the note.

Sad, isn’t it?

“Huh? Correal? Is that you?”

On the center of my line of sight descends a pro-Chrysalis changeling, landing just in front of the crater.

Yes. I’m glad you remember me, Carve. Just because you led my calling doesn’t mean you’ll never see me ever again. So, uh, what’s been going on lately?

“Since you left the hive? I don’t know. Say, uh, did you happen to see a changeling that was sloppily imitating Pinkie Pie around?”

Pinkie Pie? Who’s Pinkie Pie? And no, the only other changeling I’ve seen in the past couple of hours was just you.

“Oh, uh, well then. It must have been just me. He said he needed Chrysalis.”

Chrysalis, huh? She’s back?

“Hell yeah, she is.”

So, what’re you doing in Ponyville then?

“I wanted to talk with Twilight, but she’s busy at the moment, so I thought I’d sleep while she’s doing her thing.”

Busy with what?

“It’s about Thorax. She’s probably going to be talking about him in the form of a speech, from what I can tell.”

Huh. I did see Thorax just yesterday, so I guess that means I have someone to talk to consistently.

Suddenly, I end up flashing through my invasion years, occasionally seeing a cameo from Correal. Back to my previous state of mind, Correal looks kind of confused.

“Correal... do you remember the times I helped with the changeling invasions? When I was just an eroder?”

Correal nods.

Yes.

“You had many changelings to talk amongst. Even me. Now, you can only talk to certain changelings when they’re-”

Asleep? Well, Thorax and I have it lucky since changelings instinctually sleep when the sun’s down. At that time, we can talk to whoever we want, and we don’t even have to worry about a single thing otherwise.

“Correal, if you found somewhere to live that you’re comfortable with, I’m happy for you. But that place could’ve been anywhere in the world. I’m glad you found a place where there’s no worry. I’m glad that you have someone to talk to. I... I just wish you let me know earlier than you did. I may never see you in the waking world anymore, but if I can accept one of the place I visited most undergoing demo, I can accept being visited from time to time by past changelings.”

Correal wipes her eyes.

But Carve... what about the other changelings? What’s happened with them?

“Don’t worry about them. Chrysalis has a stand-in queen by her side for when she has to leave. And it’s the same changeling that will go urbex with two ponies.”

Alright. I see, Carve. Good luck with your adventures throughout Equestria in the future. I see you’re about to wake up soon. Lomenalada.

“Wait, Correal. If you see Queen Areola, tell her I said hi.”

Will do.

“Lomenalada.”

And with that, Correal walks off, her body entering an invisible door that is making her invisible.

…Carve...

Wait, another visit?

Carve?

By two changelings?

;=;

“Heheh, she’s probably dreaming about Thorax, Shining.”

“Carve! Are you aw-”

I yawn, interrupting the second voice.

“Oh, wha...”

“Hey, Carve. You seem to’ve dozed off during the princesses’ speeches.”

Looking at my hooves, they’re still green, meaning I’m still in my pro-Thorax disguise. Then I look at the two ponies in front of me, one of them I saw earlier and met.

“Oh, Shining Armor. It’s you. And uh, Cadence, right?”

She nods.

“I don’t think we properly met though.”

“Well, that wasn’t really on my mind, to be honest. I was here to talk to Twilight. I ran into Spike, so that kind of helped with finding her. Is she currently in one of the balconies?”

Shining Armor nods.

“Yep. You know where to look, right?”

“Yeah.”

“Also, you said you’d talk more about Carina after the whole Thorax thing, right?”

“Yeah. I did.”

“Well, Cadie and I have some time before we go. Let’s hear some more.”

“Actually, Shining Armor, are you going to be staying here in Ponyville for a while? If you are, I’ll be able to talk to you about Correal later. I need to get the whole Twilight thing out of the way first.”

“Oh, o-okay. We’ll just... leave you to that then. Princess Cadance and I have a few hours to kill here anyway.”

“Good. Then I should be able to talk to Twilight perfectly fine.”

“So, where do you want to meet me and Shining Armor then?”

“Probably in front of the large castle nearby.”

“So, Twilight’s place?” Shining Armor inquires.

I nod.

“Yep.”

“Alright, Carve. Bye,” Cadence waves, walking off with Shining Armor in tow.

Suddenly, I hear yet another voice, this time, pretty familiar. I turn around to see Twilight.

“Oh, Carve! I thought I saw you during the service. What’re you doing here?”

“Uh, I wanted to talk to you about what’s been going on at the hive.”

“That sounds alright with me. Let’s go to the castle first though. Okay?”

I nod.

“Okay.”

Chapter V - Into the Trailer

“Alright, Carve. Come on in.”

I follow Twilight into the counsel room inside her castle.

“So, what did you want to talk to me about?”

“About the hive.”

“Like who’s going to rule the hive now? Would that be you now?”

“Actually no. But I am a stand-in for Chrysalis.”

Suddenly, a shout prompts me to stand on my hind legs and plug my ears.

“WHAT?!?”

I let go of my ears and fall onto my back after Twilight shouts. In the background, I can hear birds cawing from all sorts of directions. A few seconds after, the noise fades.

I drop my pro-Thorax disguise in front of Twilight.

“Um, what’s so shocking about what I said?”

“Carve, this is QUEEN CHRYSALIS we’re talking about!!! Nothing about what she’s done is good!!!”

“Twilight, I will no longer see Correal in the waking world, all because Thorax allowed what she’d done to happen. Would Chrysalis have done the same as what Thorax did?”

“While I admit that Thorax and Chrysalis are two completely different changelings, one of them is EVIL, and that changeling is Chrysalis!!!”

“Fine. What have you seen Chrysalis do that made you think this way?”

“The countless invasions onto Equestria? Replacing Princess Cadence?!? Taking you to the caverns?!? Cocooning me, my friends, and practically all of Equestrian royalty?!? SWEARING REVENGE ON MY STUDENT?!? Face it Carve! Chrysalis is an evil changeling queen!”

Twilight pauses when seeing how I react to the mention of the last event, which isn’t so pleasant.

“You know, it was particularly evident from what I saw that Chrysalis regretted doing everything you pointed out when she, her top drones, and I all had a conference yesterday. Twilight... what changelings live outside of the hive?”

“The only three I can think of are you, Aita and Carina.”

“Exactly. Because of where Carina and I live, we supply enough love for the hive for Chrysalis to decide not to invade Equestria anymore.”

“I seriously don’t see how two homes can provide a level of love to feed an entire hive.”

“Well, Chrysalis does. She knows me and Carina like she does with every other changeling. She trusts us. I wouldn’t be where I am now if she didn’t, and I certainly wouldn’t be trying to tell you that she’s trying to build good terms with you guys.”

Suddenly, Twilight shortly bows her head and closes her eyes.

“Wow, Carve. I thought I saw some good in you all those years ago, just months after the Canterlot invasion, but apparently... I was wrong... I was wrong about you. Just... just go.”

“Go?”

“You’re not welcome here in Ponyville anymore, Carve... Get out.”

I gasp, eyes starting to itch.

“...Twilight...”

“Now!”

“...Please, you don’t have to do-”

“GET OUT!!!”

Twilight’s raised voice scares me into scurrying out of the castle, the door slamming behind me, putting me in even more shock.

When I look around, I see a nearby trailer, prompting me to hurry over and enter it. As I close the door, I take a few heavy breaths before I find a bed to hide under.

...You’re not welcome here in Ponyville anymore.

B-but why?

;=;

Having heard the door close, I rush over to the main entrance. All who I see is Twilight, having a massive scowl on her face.

“Twilight! What’s going on? Starlight and I heard the door slam from all the way to the top floor!”

“Please, you don’t need to know. It’s nothing at the moment, so you can go back up for now.”

And with that, Twilight simply walks off on the hall going to my left.

“Huh. I wonder what that was all about. Well, at least now’s a good time as any to get that spare bottle of ink I have in the trailer.”

Walking over to the trailer, I hum a tune that somehow pops into my head. However, it ends when I hear something peculiar come from inside the trailer. It sounds like sniffling. I put my left ear to the wall to listen more closely, which confirms what I thought I was hearing.

I levitate the door open and walk in.

“Hello? Anypony in here?”

“Huh? W-who’s there?”

“Where are you?”

“...I-I’m down here.”

In front of the bed, I crouch to see where the voice is coming from, only to see a lone pro-Chrysalis changeling. I take a few quick steps back, but I never lose sight of her. I can only look in shock as the floor below the changeling is practically a puddle.

“Hey, what’s wrong?”

“It’s none of your business.”

“Please. I’m just a unicorn. I won’t tell anyone whatever it is you tell me.”

“Y-you won’t?”

“Exactly. When I have no choice, I’ll just mute my voice.”

“Fine. You really want to know what happened? Twilight exiled me from Ponyville.”

I gasp and stand upright, but then shake my head, realizing who I’m talking to.

“Wait. How did I not see that coming?”

“Probably because we never met before. I’d previously been welcome here because ponies would associate me with Rusty Flashlight and Pane Fall.”

As the changeling speaks, I look around, my train of thought returning to what I planned to do here initially. I bend down again.

“So, why did Twilight exile you?”

“Because of what I said, which made her think that I supported an ‘evil’ queen.”

“...the way you said that. It... it kind of reminds me of what happened when Starlight and I were first friends.”

“S-Starlight, Glimmer?”

I nod.

“She’s the pony that had helped dethrone Chrysalis to begin with.”

The changeling sniffles now.

“O-oh...”

“Well, uh, do you want to come with me? I’ve been working on some teleportation lately, alongside a few other spells.”

“N-no thanks.”

“Hmm. Okay. Maybe I can get my carriage to where Rusty Flashlight and Pane Fall live. Just as soon as I get this bottle of ink over to Starlight’s room-”

“Wait. Before you go... you’re not going to tell anyone about what happened to me, right?”

“What did I say earlier? I swore not to mention what happened to you when in front of anypony. Heck, to even play it safe, around other ponies, I’ll be just on my merry way. You’re safe as long as you’re in my carriage. So, uh, where do Rusty Flashlight and Pane Fall live?”

“Southern Las Pegasus... say, I never managed to get your name yet.”

“Oh, vido? As a performer, I am known as The Great and Powerful Trixie. But since you haven’t seen any one of my performances, Trixie will be just fine. So, uh, how about zido?

“C-Carve...”

“Carve... I really don’t know why, but it clicks. Well anyway, before I drop off the bottle of ink with Starlight, is there anything else you need?”

“Um, no... not really.”

“Alright. And don’t worry about Las Pegasus. I can make it there by sunset at this point in the day. That sound good, Carve?”

Carve nods, prompting me to walk out and close my trailer door. Suddenly, a thought enters my head, one I never thought would be able to arise. I have made friends with a changeling for the very first time. But not just any. A pro-Chrysalis changeling.

Chapter VI - Return

When Trixie returns from her errand, it looks like something strange happened to her.

“Um, Carve?”

“Yeah?”

“Two ponies wanted to see you. Is that okay?”

“I’m not really in the mood to talk to them right now. I know who they are.”

“Y-you do?”

“Cadence and Shining Armor. I saw them earlier today. Just tell them I don’t want to talk to them right now.”

“...o-okay.”

A few minutes later, Trixie returns again.

“Alright. I told them. So, uh, when do you want to go to Las Pegasus? Right now?”

“A-actually, yeah. Now would be nice. I’ll have a little time to reunite with Rusty and Pane. I’m not sure whether or not- oh, wait... wait a minute... okay yeah. Trixie, uh, do you think you can take me over to the southmost forest before the cliffs that lead to the hive instead?”

“The forest before the hive sounds good to me. Why?”

“Because I’m trying to help Chrysalis build good terms with you guys.”

“Okay. But don’t ever tell any of the changelings that I gave you a ride over to the hive. You got it?”

Trixie holds her hoof out, prompting me to bump it with my own.

“It’s a deal. When I have no choice, I'll just mute my voice.”

“Now Carve, have you ever ridden in something like this, just so I know?”

“Ridden?”

“Yes.”

“No.”

“Well, try not to worry about it. You’ll get used to it.”

“Okay.”

“And a fair warning, I’ve had a few loose items fall during my trips across Equestria.”

I nod at Trixie, deciding to get out from under the bed as Trixie prepares her harness.

The ride starts out smoother than I expect, able to look at Ponyville consistently, aside from one turn. Getting onto the dirt road, the ride starts getting slightly rougher, but still smooth enough for me to look out the windows consistently. Looking to my right, I see the Ponyville Schoolhouse, the Sweet Apple Acres barn following suit immediately after. I guess Trixie can run pretty quickly.

Shorty after we pass the barn, the bumps start to ramp up, making me stagger. I try to look out each of the two windows, but when I adjust to one side, I get knocked back to the other. Whatever I can get, the orchard lasts for a while after the barn.

I decide to lay down under the bed again, completely forgotten how vast Sweet Apple Acres was, also for the safety of my balance. I guess the acres are quite- oh what’s the use of saying that? It’s just going to make me groan. But at the very least, it takes my mind off of Twilight, and the rolling floor.

And I’m so glad I get under the bed. A turn tosses items from left to right as far I can hear. As soon as the turn ends, the bumps ramp up even more. When I try to get out from under, I almost can’t stand up at all.

“TRIXIE, WHAT’RE YOU DOING?!?”

I crawl back under the bed, and close my eyes to the best of my ability.

“Um, Queen Chrysalis? HELP?!? I kind of need you?!? NOW?!?”

For the next couple of minutes, groaning is the only option for vocality, meanwhile the ride smoothing out. Finally, I fall into a sleep that takes away whatever shaking I’d previously felt.

;=;

CARVE!!!

I wake up to Trixie’s voice shouting my name, and moan as a partial answer. I don’t bother to open my eyes from how shaken up I feel.

“Trixie?” I feebly call out.

“Carve!!! What did you do?!?”

I moan again, putting my hoof on my horn this time, feeling a throb-like pulse near it.

“...vido Clisaris... What- mmm-ooh... happened?”

“Note to self: take the next travel alone.”

“Huh?”

“Carve? I want you to answer honestly, please. What did you do... to my carriage?”

“I-I swear... I didn’t d-any- mmm-ooh- I didn’t d-do a thing to it.”

“Then how do you explain this great big puddle on the floor?”

“T-Trixie... I c-can’t think straight right now. Can you g-give me a moment to recover?”

“Alright. But I’m going to get some stain remover and some paper towel back in Appleoosa while you try to gain your land legs back.”

“Trixie?”

“Look, Carve. I’m not mad at you. It’s just that next time, if you have to have me take you on a trip, you should go with having me teleport you to your destination. Speaking of which, the ride is fully satisfied.”

“Okay. Thanks for taking me.”

I open my eyes to see Trixie nod aside before teleporting out, which is kind of confu- OOOOOHH!!! She said she would clean the floors as I tried to recover.

I finally look at the floor of the trai- ooooh man. Oh, man. That floor is going to require more than a roll of paper towels with what I see. I wince when I suddenly sniff a scent I’ve never picked up before... processed love. Suddenly, my headache gone away, I get another feeling in my forehead, like a thought that I never truly surfaced coming to life. After that tingle fades, I look at the floor again, it suddenly looking spotless as if what had been there just moments earlier wasn’t to begin with.

Having the confidence of getting out from under Trixie’s bed, I do so, initially still tipsy from the shaking, then change into Twilight and teleport out of the trailer, closer to the hive. I immediately return natural and resume my journey back to the hive. As I walk, I see the sun at a high enough angle to be able stay awake for another two and a half hours.

When I finally get into my nestroom, I see Chrysalis in my nest, patiently awaiting my return. But when she notices me, that patience is replaced with surprise.

“Well, that was quick, Carve. I suspect that you have managed to help build good terms with Ponyville?”

Oh no... that memory... already? No.

I head over to Chrysalis and head butt her right hoof.

“I’m so sorry Chrysalis. The complete opposite of that happened.”

Chrysalis gasps.

“And what is that?”

“I... I can’t go to Ponyville anymore.”

“But why not, Carve?”

“Because... Twilight thought I was siding with an ‘evil’ queen, even though I was really just-”

As my cheeks start itching during my rant, I get interrupted when Chrysalis levitates me by her side, her right wing wrapping over mine. The queen looks at me with a reassuring smile.

“Carve... you did what you needed to do to the best of your ability. I’m proud of you for that. Yes, I am disappointed Twilight didn’t hear you out. But perhaps we can put another one of the plans we discussed yesterday into action.”

“So... which one were you going to do next?”

“Like the top drones, you, and I have all discussed, if your visit to Ponyville does not mend my fences with Equestria, I will travel there myself. Initially though, we will have to wait until the next day to enact it, that way this plan can be used at its maximum efficiency. Now, you’ve had a long day, Carve. Why don’t you rest up for tomorrow?”

“Thanks. Goodnight, Chrysalis.”

“Sweet dreams, Carve.”

Chrysalis gets up and exits my nestroom, it closing shortly afterward.

Chapter VII - A Day with Starlight

Carve’s attempt to see the ponies through was an admirable one. It may’ve failed, but that’s exactly why she and I had the discussion with Carina, Cilia, Brand, Cervix, and Seta, to see what methods are worth trying.

So, the morning after Carve’s attempt at Ponyville, I immediately put on an original disguise after getting off of my throne. My disguise from what I see features a pair of large brown feathered wings, forelegs that resemble eagle’s legs, a lion’s tail, a short white mane, and a beak. I apparently changed into a griffon. I clear my throat to try and come with a voice to go along.

“Hmm... is this ade- okay. It sounds just fine. Time to head down.”

I walk over to Carve’s nestroom, on the way there debating about the requirement of a slight change in vocabulary. Ultimately, I decide to change it, no matter how slight it is. The nestroom opens, allowing me to enter.

“Um, uh, hello?”

“Hey, Carve.”

“Uh, who’re y-”

“Don’t worry about that. If I were a griffon, my name would be Grease Ellis.”

“Grease Ellis? That sounds an awful lot like Chrysalis. So, is it you then, queen?”

“Eeyup. That’s me. Now, I’m gotta get takin’ off to Ponyville. See you tonight?”

Carve nods at me.

“Great. Take care of the hive until I get back, okay? See ya!”

;=;

After only an hour and a half of flying, I finally make it to Ponyville, looking for Twilight’s castle... straight ahead, in the northern outskirts. Likely the pony I want to find is inside.

I land in front of the castle and knock on its pair of front doors.

Coming!

The doors levitate open, gaining a cyan tint along the way. The pony behind the doors reveals to be Starlight Glimmer.

“Um, hi?!?”

“Hey, Starlight.”

“...Can I help you?”

O-oh dear.

“Well, there isn’t much I can think of at the moment. So, what do you got going on today?”

“Well, I do have to go to Sweet Apple Acres later today. I told AJ I would help the farm for a little while.”

“V- Alright. So, i-is that all?”

“Yes. Say, out of curiosity, what’s your name?”

“Eh, just call me Grease for now, like Grease Ellis, my full name.”

Starlight looks shocked at the full name.

“Grease Ellis? That actually sounds very familiar.”

“Heh, I can see why. I’ve heard about her too. Say, wanna go for a quick flight? I got nothin’ else to do right now.”

“Erm, sure. Why not?”

Starlight?!?

“Yes, Twilight?!?”

Who’s at the door?

“It’s just a griffon! But her name is Grease Ellis! Should I let her in?!? Twilight?!? Hello?!? Oh well, I bet it’s nothing. So, about that flight now... let’s go.”

“Perfect.”

I hold out the left bundle of claws and pose it with the one closest to my shoulder sticking out to the sky.

;=;

As the two of us begin to fly, Starlight performing it via self-telekinesis, I take a look ahead, down in Ponyville.

“So, uh, Grease, where do you come from? Griffonstone?”

“Actually, no. I just came from the Mysterious South. Lived there since I was a cub.”

“T-That’s kind of odd, for a griffon I mean.”

“Understatement of the day, Starlight. Not many griffons live down there. I’m practically the only one.”

Suddenly, Rainbow Dash spots, and joins, our flight.

“G-Gilda?!?”

“Actually, no. Rainbow Dash, this is Grease Ellis.”

“Grease Ellis, huh? Are you really a griffon? Because that name sounds VERY familiar!”

“That’s exactly what I said!” Starlight laughs briefly.

“Please, just call me Grease, alright, Dash?”

“Sure, okay. So, Starlight and totally-not-a-queen, what’re you two doing?”

“Grease and I decided to take a short flight and chat. Say, have you ever heard of a griffon living in the Mysterious South?”

“Can’t say I have, and that’s coming from a cultured newbie wonderbolt.”

“Oh, you’re not the only one. In fact, it’s downright rare for a griffon to live down there.”

“Rare? Grease, I thought it was just uncommon.”

“Heheh, unlike travelling down to save a bunch of friends, living in the Mysterious South will give you a huge insight of how rare griffons are down there.”

“Wait, how do you know what I did?”

“My... ahem... ‘neighbors’ told me about it last month.”

“Oh, the changelings? Apparently, they’re going to get another new ruler. So, Grease, Starlight, who is it?”

“Pft... hell if I know. What do you think, Starlight?”

“To be honest, I don’t know who either.”

“So, Dash, gotta be anywhere?”

“No real place in particular. I have the day off, but it looks like you two have a busy bundle of hair right now. I’ll just leave you two to that, okay?”

“Alright. Bye, Dash.”

“See ya, Grease!”

;=;

When the two of us exit Sweet Apple Acres, Starlight and I both are heartily laughing.

“Wow, and that was all in one day? Five at once must’ve been pretty hefty for you, huh?”

“Yeah, it was. But it’s all in the past. If a memory like that resurfaces, I’ll just laugh it off.”

“Say, uh, do you got the time? The sun looks like it’s about to set.”

“Um, yeah. It’s uh, 4:10?”

“Oh... good gougers!”

Starlight looks kind of confused until a green flame, from shock of hearing the time, peels off my disguise. Now, the unicorn looks utterly shocked.

“Queen CHRYSALIS?!? You were GREASE?!?”

I chuckle.

“Yes, Starlight. Do you remember me trying to break my vocabulary habits? I almost said, ‘very well’ when a griffon I was disguised as wouldn’t.”

“No wonder the full name sounded so familiar. That was you the whole time... even in Sweet Apple Acres. You’re the same changeling that swore revenge on me.”

I nod at Starlight.

“Now, I have changed. I have made many mistakes in the past, but after the recoronation, I have finally learned from them. I have no plans to invade Equestria. The hive has a source of love that is close to permanent. Carve and Carina will be collecting it for the hive at their homes. Their virtual families provide plenty of it. I would like to increase that source myself, by building good terms with Equestria.”

“So, that also means, no revenge? It’s hard to believe that you had managed to reform on your own. I thought It’d be too good to be true-”

“Starlight... I want you to ask your teacher, ‘what are the effects of a premature reformation?’ She is bound to think of someone, since she represents the Element of Magic.”

“Okay. I think I can do that.”

“Good. I know what I did during my first rule was awful, but after my recoronation, I have the confidence to build good terms with every pony in Equestria.”

“Well, good luck with that, Queen Chrysalis. What you did today convinced me you don’t mean anymore harm. I don’t know if Twilight will be though if I tell her.”

“I thank you for letting me know in advance. Now, I must depart before nautical. It has been a day well spent with you.”

I proceed to turn around and take to the skies in direction to the hive.

Chapter VIII - First Lesson

I wake up to a tap on the shoulder from a changeling laying next to me... Carve.

I must have gotten back to the hive so late last night, I hardly remember what I did and didn’t do.

“Hey, Chrysalis? What’s going on?”

I lightly chuckle, holding my mouth with my right hoof.

“Sorry, Carve. I must not’ve been quite myself last night when I returned from my day with Starlight Glimmer.”

“So, are you going to be doing the whole disguise thing every day? I have ponies that I live with.”

...right. That.

“Well, I would’ve done it, had you simply lived here. I don’t want you to end up homesick. Plus, you’d have to end up playing catch-up with where Rusty Flashlight and Pane Fall went if you were still here until I was done with building good terms with Equestria. There has to be a simpler way of doing this. Maybe...”

“Maybe Starlight will do the same as Trace Light did when I came back early from Akron. The fact I was depressed managed to get to Princesses Luna and Celestia. Maybe the same will happen with your-”

HELLO?!?

Carve gasps, likely in recognition of the intruding voice.

“Hold on, Chrysalis. I have to get down.”

A hole opens as Carve waves to me, allowing her to temporarily exit my throne room.

;=;

Shocked, I hover out of the throne room, landing in front of the source of the voice, finding out who it is to my shock.

“Trace Light, what’re you DOING here?!? This isn’t a place for little fillies like you to be visiting all willy nilly!”

“But this is my chance to impress all of the Foal Free Press AND all of Ponyville!”

“...and what do you plan on impressing the FFP with?”

“I overheard that Chrysalis is now on good terms with Starlight Glimmer AND the Great and Powerful Trixie!! Is it true?!?”

I sigh in slight frustration, putting my right hoof over my nose.

“Look, Trace Light. What you’re doing can actually be pretty risky. You might be tampering with the wrong changeling. You may want to check with whoever you live under first.”

“Aw, okay. Can I at least come back if I do get the go ahead?”

“If you do, then yes. But TRY to be very careful about it, okay?”

Trace Light nods and takes to the sky towards Ponyville.

“Bye Carve!”

I nod at her, ready to head back up to Chrysalis’ throne room.

;=;

Carve arrives back into the throne room after ending the conversation with the intruding filly.

“So, Carve, who was the source of that intruding voice?”

“It was just Rusty Flashlight’s niece. She wanted to see if she could help out the Foal Free Press with a highlight of you, Trixie and Starlight Glimmer.”

“What did you tell her?”

“I told her she’d have to see if whoever she lives with is okay with coming over here again. If she doesn’t come back, that means her guardian said no.”

“And who would be her guardian, Carve?”

“Her... her father, I guess.”

“Good. That is all I was wondering.”

Suddenly, something pops into my mind.

“Wait a minute. You told Trace Light to ask for her father’s permission to document my amends. He’s likely going to deny that permission.”

“So, uh, what’re you saying?”

“Welcome to the first lesson in ruling a hive, Carve. Sometimes, you have to make your own decisions, even though others won’t like it, even if it means you risk losing something close to you.”

“Just like what Correal did?”

“That is an extreme I would NEVER allow otherwise, but in the case that it played out, Correal permanently left the waking world because of the neglected issue of adjusting to my lack of presence, under a ruler I shall not name.”

“What do you think would’ve happened if I simply let her talk to you?”

“Chances are that the Foal Free Press would’ve been able to shine me in a positive light. There’s still a chance of it if Trace Light’s father grants her permission, but it’s pretty slim now. All we can do now is wait. I will wait for Trace Light’s return. You can reunite with Rusty Flashlight and Pane Fall if you want.”

“Really? Thanks.”

“However, I may need to send Cilia over to take you back over here tomorrow. It depends on whether or not I see Trace Light today. If she does, I’ll wait an extra day to move forward with plans.”

“Alright. We have a deal. I’ll see you tomorrow or the day after.”

I nod at Carve as she walks out of the throne room.

;=;

As I approach Rusty’s house, I look at the house’s shadow. It appears to be relatively long, but it doesn’t reach the stoop that Rusty has, giving me the hint that I’m just in time for lunch. However, when I try to open the door, it feels locked. Looking in front of my hooves, I levitate a welcome mat, only to see that there’s nothing under it.

I knock on the door a few times.

“Rusty? Can you let me in? It’s Carve!”

As a result of a knock, the corner of my right eye catches a descending note on the porch.

Carve,

If you are reading this, I’m searching for you all over Equestria, with Pane accompanying me. We departed on Monday night, and we don’t know when we’ll be back at Las Pegasus. We might need to look over at the hive... might. If you want to get in the house, there’s a key in the bottom mailbox. It should be the correct one.

Yours truly,
Rusty Flashlight.

Looking up from the note, I see two mailboxes. One shaped like a miniature locker, and the other under it shaped like a package. I quickly use my horn to open the bottom box, and successfully find a key in it. When I put it in the lock and turn it, a clack sounds, followed by a low pop, then a soft creak. Opening the door, I look at the living room, looking like it was when I first left to see Carina.

Then, I look over the kitchen, not seeing much about it that stuck out. Finally, I look over at Rusty’s room. It looks strewn with Power Ponies comics and a bunch of pens and blank papers.

“Wow. He really did leave.”

Suddenly, something comes up into my thoughts.

Sometimes, you have to make your own decisions, even though others won’t like it, even if it means you risk losing something close to you.

“So, Rusty went looking for me on his own accord, and tagged Pane along with him? Hmmm. I may find it a little disappointing, but I can understand where he’s coming from.”

It clicks. What Chrysalis said is true.

The proof is from what Rusty did.

No matter what I think, Rusty’s out there, looking for me.

At the very least, I can always return to the hive...

nmnmnmnmnmnmn…

Um, maybe I’ll want to find a neighbor to hang with first though.

...or maybe some of the food in the kitchen...

Chapter IX - Finding Carve

Because of how soon Carina had visited after my recoronation, Carve as well, the changelings are now resorting to the love I gave them from the ceremony, which will last only a few more days. That changes when I look over to the front of the throne room to see two familiar urban adventurers enter. I notice that the two are panting.

“Rusty Flashlight, Pane Fall, what are two doing here?”

“We... We just came here to look for Carve. She hasn’t been home for days.”

“I know, Rusty. She’s stayed here because I’m trying to build good terms with Equestria. So far we’ve made two attempts. The first one was a bust because Carve was exiled from Ponyville by Twilight. The second one was successful as a test, but it will take months in order to find the level of success I’m looking for.”

“How many more attempts do you have to experiment on now?” Pane inquires.

“Two more? Three if you count the two of you vouching in the event of an emergency.”

“Wait. Your third plan is for me and Rusty to vouch for you when all else fails?”

“In the order I plan on doing it, Pane Fall, Carina’s plan (Carve in Ponyville), Cervix’s plan (every pony each spending a day with me in disguise), Seta’s plan (being nothing but frank with Ponyville), THEN Brand’s plan (you two vouching for me). Carve also has one, but that is essentially only when absolutely necessary.”

Hello?!?

“Hmm? Hold on here... is that... Twilight’s drake?”

“Drake? As in dragon?”

“Yes, Pane Fall. Did you ever see him?”

“Once.”

Out of the corner of my left eye, Spike peeps in, looking slightly nervous.

“Come on in, Spike.”

“Uh... y-you wouldn’t happen to see Carve anywhere, would you, Q-Queen... Chrysalis?”

“Actually, the last time I saw her, she was headed to her home in Las Pegasus. Is that all?”

“Um... yeah?”

“Very well. Rusty Flashlight, Pane Fall, can you escort Spike to your homes?”

“Will do, Chrysalis. Let’s go, Pane.”

With that, the three of them exit the throne room, off to Las Pegasus.

;=;

After about a half hour, Spike returns to me and Trixie with Pane and Rusty in tow.

“So Spike, how did it go?”

“Well Starlight, we’ll have to go to Las Pegasus if we’re going to get anywhere with finding Carve. At the very least, Chrysalis was pretty helpful for us on the front of searching for one of her subjects.”

“Well, Las Pegasus it is then. Ready everypony?”

Rusty, Pane, Spike and Trixie all nod.

“Good. Let’s go.”

After forty minutes of walking, Trixie decides to come up next to me.

“So Starlight, do you know where Rusty Flashlight and Pane Fall live?”

“Well, all I know is where Las Pegasus is. Rusty and Pane would have to lead once we arrive."

Suddenly, near the horizon, I faintly see what looks like a pro-Chrysalis changeling.

“Huh... who’s that?”

“Where, Starlight?” Rusty asks.

I point ahead of us, prompting him to gasp.

“CARVE!!!”

The distant changeling shows her eyes, looking surprised. Soon after, she sprints towards us.

“Rusty! Spike! Pane! Trixie! What’re you all doing here?”

“We’ve all been looking for you.”

“Oh, Starlight, right?”

I nod at Carve.

“Yeah. That’s me.”

“So, I know you, Pane and Rusty all trust Chrysalis for now, but what about Spike and Trixie?”

Spike shrugs.

“Well, there’s the whole ‘you going missing the day you arrive in Ponyville’ thing.”

“And there’s the fact that a pro-Chrysalis changeling of all kinds of ponies is quite sensible... most of the time,” Trixie adds, causing Carve to facehoof.

“Ugh... Trixie, the important thing is that-”

“Yeah, I know... that I didn’t have anything to clean after returning from Appleoosa.”

“Good. Now, I was headed back to Chrysalis’ hive to search for Pane and Rusty, but they’re here now. So... Las Pegasus anybody?”

...Yep, definitely not your average pro-Chrysalis changeling, and that REALLY makes me happy. I know Chrysalis is now on my good terms, but I don’t know about the changelings that returned to her side. I’m just glad Carve has nothing against me. I simply pick my right hoof up.

“I’m in.”

;=;

“Hey Carve?”

“Yeah Starlight?” I ask as the six of us continue further into our trip.

“Do you think the changelings will not like me anymore for showing them a way that had failed in the long run?”

“Well, at the very least, you had called the queen out on her actions, right? What was the last thing you said to Chrysalis before she ran off from the hive?”

“I was offering her to change her ways at the very moment, but...”

“...but...”

“...but I... I guess that really wasn’t on her mind so much at the time, because she had lost her home.”

“...Starlight... you aren’t wrong for offering Chrysalis a new way. But that offer has already been there for Chrysalis the whole time. The offer shone bright enough to be taken when she was recoronated... Do you remember Thorax?”

Starlight nods at me.

“He had taken that same offer to change when he left for the Crystal Empire, trying to build good terms with them. He had done everything Chrysalis is currently doing, only nobody offered that reformation to him at any single point.”

“So, uh, what should I have done differently then?”

“I really wouldn’t change it. What you did really showed that Chrysalis isn’t perfect.”

“Well, wanna see for yourself, Carve? I have managed to master Refulgo Publicus.”

“Sure, why not?”

“Rusty? Pane?”

The two shrug, prompting Starlight to light up her horn and fire an aura that projects a visual. What everyone sees is a scene in Starlight’s perspective where she and Chrysalis are confronting each other in front of the hive that is present.

What if you didn’t have to?

RIDICULOUS!!!

Starlight tries to run, but is thrown into another point in the hive and becomes pinned, Chrysalis appearing in front of her a few seconds later.

The hunger of changelings can NEVER be satisfied!

Exactly! Thorax left the hive and made a friend! And now he doesn’t need to feed. You don't have to live your lives starving all the time!!!

Suddenly the pictures hones in in front of Chrysalis, looking up.

You know nothing of the changelings or what it takes to be their queen!

Ooh. Getting thrown into a hive wall must’ve hurt.

I decide what’s best for my subjects! Not some muling grub!

...A real leader doesn’t force her subjects to deny who they are. She celebrates what makes them unique, and listens when one of them finds a better way.

Finally, the picture dissolves into the aura, prompting that to fade as well.

“So, uh, what do you think?”

“Well, Starlight? I actually think you and Chrysalis were both right. I can understand her frustration, because I lived through what you did. The only difference between you and me is that I chose to live with Rusty and Pane after they found me. And now, Carina, Aita and I all provide love that is enough for the hive. Chrysalis agreed to have me live in Las Pegasus as long as I visited the hive, which was partly best for the hive.”

“So, I made a good call?”

I nod.

“Yeah. You and Chrysalis both.”

Chapter X - Ask About the Past

Having sent out the three visitors to Las Pegasus, Carve presumably there, I decide to inspect the sun’s angle.

“Oh dear, it appears to be nearing sunset. Hmm... perhaps I can have Cilia go to Las Pegasus as dawn approaches. I should have enough time in the day to fully execute the next plan.”

Walking for next to five minutes, I arrive at Cilia’s nestroom, prompting it to open.

“Hey Chrysalis!”

“Good evening, Cilia. I wanted to announce to you that Trace Light had not returned since this morning. Her father had likely denied her permission to return. We haven’t executed every single one of our plans just yet.”

“So, does that mean I’ll have to go over tomorrow?”

I nod.

“Get a healthy amount of rest now. You will need it for your journey to Las Pegasus and back.”

“Okay. Thanks, Chrysalis.”

“It was no trouble.”

;=;

Now that daylight is coming near a close, I feel like getting some rest on what has gone four nights without me, my nest.

Letting my mind wander, I find myself in a warm hall. Nursery hive nearby? I don’t know.

“Are you coming?” a somewhat familiar voice asks.

I look to my left and see that that voice doesn’t belong to just anyone. It’s Queen Areola. She’s in my dream. I somehow nod, as if I knew exactly what she was talking about. I then follow her into... I actually called it. I knew there was a nursery hive nearby... the funny thing about it... there’s a lone whole egg inside.

Before my very eyes, the egg hatches to Areola’s presence. The grub I see gets me kind of excited. I guess I never saw an egg hatch in my life.

“What do you think? What should we name her?”

I don’t even know how I can tell the grub’s a girl.

“Y’know Chrysalis, I was thinking of... Carve. I just know this grub will be able to pave our way to feed the hive. Carve... welcome to the hive.”

HIST. My name is apparently Chrysalis where I ended up... and... and... this is... starting to feel familiar. ...right. It’s when I was born. Hmm... now I do kind of relate to Chrysalis from the flashback.

“How do you do it, Areola? How do you name your subjects?”

And just like that... Queen Areola’s gone. All that’s left is me and the grub.

“Don’t worry, younger me. Hopefully, only I will see you until I join Correal.”

“...C-C-C-... Ca-arve?”

“I... I don’t want to have to do what I did when I went to live with Rusty and Pane... please...”

I white out for only a second, only to end up at a different, cooler part of the hive. I end up face to face with a changeling, but not just any...

“...Carve! Are you still here?”

I get up and hug her.

“...Chrysalis! What’s going on?”

“...You seemed to be dreaming about your birth, one of the memories you had shown me. You’re very lucky I managed to sense it all the way from the hive.”

“S-so uh, what’s going on? Will I have to repeat my actions from five years ago?”

Chrysalis chuckles.

“Nonsense, Carve. Honesty is the best policy, is it not?”

“Well, I guess honesty couldn’t hurt, really.”

“Besides, who have you made personal friends with?”

“Um, Rusty and Pane?”

“Heh... as usual. Carve... there seems to be more than an urban adventuring couple on your side. A drake had visited the hive, looking for you.”

I gasp.

“...As in, Spike?”

“Yes. And do you remember who I spent the other day with?”

“Starlight?”

“Good. I do believe she has a couple of friends that had helped the turn of events unfold into the present.”

“Well, I think I saw one of them. Trixie? I know she and I are just starting to be friends now.”

“Clever as always, Carve. So now, instead of two, you have five friends that can help convince Ponyville at the very least, Starlight being the most likely to succeed. Carve, you don’t need to worry about repeating actions unless simple honesty won’t convince Equestria. Ask Starlight and Spike, yourself. One of them should know that if they believed a certain changeling, as much as it would pain me to say it.”

I think for a moment. One changeling did live in this world, in the Crystal Empire... Thorax.

“Thanks. I-I’ll ask them about that.”

“So, will there be anything else you need to know before I return to my throne?”

“No. I think I have everything. Thanks again for helping me out, Chrysalis.”

“Not a problem. Just remember. You won’t have to step in again unless absolutely necessary.”

I nod.

“Okay.”

Then, I have another whiteout, this time gasping along the way. I find myself back in my nest, at Rusty’s house.

“Phew. Home sweet home.”

Suddenly, my door opens.

“Carve?”

I jump into a sitting position on my nest, now heavily breathing.

“Oh, whoops. Didn’t mean to scare you there.”

“Oh, Spike, it’s you.”

“Yeah. Rusty woke up hearing you talking about Chrysalis. I-is everything alright?”

“...Yeah. I do have something to ask though.”

“So, uh, what is it?”

“Do you remember Thorax?”

“Yes. What about him?”

“Chrysalis had talked to me through my dream and kind of stopped a nightmare from starting. I was having a flashback of my birth through Chrysalis’ eyes. She told me to ask you and Starlight about how Thorax got on your side.”

“Oh. Well, Thorax had saved me from falling in an icy abyss and that’s how I believed him. For everypony else, I had to tell them straight that Thorax was good.”

“But would that just mean a game of Telegram if the Crystal Empire told all of Equestria?”

“What do you mean?”

“Ponies could’ve misheard it and possibly believe that all of the changelings were good.”

“Only if Equestria heard from the Crystal Guards on that subject. I highly doubted that would’ve been the case, since Equestria didn’t even hear it from me, Twilight, or Starlight.”

“So about the whole ‘telling them straight’ thing... what did you do that failed with convincing the empire?”

“Well, uh, first I simply hinted at it with the guards. That failed because they took it as a joke. Then Thorax had disguised himself as a crystal pony. That failed because nopony really saw any good deeds come from him before he lost his disguise...”

“And that was all you did that failed?”

“Well, yeah.”

I briefly avert my gaze at Spike, sniffling at the resurfacing memory.

“...after I told Twilight straight that Chrysalis is good, her reaction was to kick me out of Ponyville.”

“She WHAT?!? But what’ve you done so far that lost your good terms with her?”

“Side with the queen... and absolutely nothing else. I would’ve preferred getting a pumpkin stuck on my head really. I feel like Chrysalis telling the same thing won’t really do anything.”

“Well, in that case, Starlight and I have that covered. Okay?”

“Thanks, Spike. I really wouldn’t want all of Equestria to be all in one mind.”

“Uh, where’d that come from?”

“Oh, i-it’s nothing.”

“So, do you need anything else before I head back to bed?”

I shake my head.

“No. Not really.”

“Alright. See you soon, Carve.”

“Bye.”

Chapter XI - Another Visit to Ponyville

When I awake to begin waiting for Carve to arrive, a changeling enters the throne room,

“Hi, Queen Chrysalis!”

“Cilia... what are you doing up here?”

“I was on my way to Las Pegasus when I saw Carve, so that’s why I’m early from traveling.”

“Carve!”

“Good morning, Chrysalis,” Carve calls as she also enters my throne room.

“I see you found out when I’m going to leave for Ponyville.”

“Well, I really was just here in case Trace Light never came back yesterday.”

“Good thinking, Carve. You seem to have taken your first lesson to heart. I didn’t need to send Cilia to get you. Well, my changelings, will there be anything before I head off?”

Carve and Cilia shake their heads.

“Good. I will see you two later today, if this task goes well and strong.”

;=;

Well, there it is once more coming into view... Ponyville... one of the very first towns I invaded after my recovery. I sigh.

“...just brush every bit of that memory aside. I am a different changeling now than I was back then.”

I proceed to reach and cross Ponyville West Bridge, which really is more located to the south, into Town Hall Roundabout. Looking around, everything looks quite the same as it did eleven years ago, only difference being that there appears to be a castle more akin to the Crystal Empire than Ponyville to the north.

However small it is, Ponyville seriously shouldn’t be eligible for exiling a stand-in queen, especially if she’s well known throughout Equestria for partaking in urban adventure. But one way, or another, I will have the ponies see that I come in peace.

When I enter the castle, I take a look around, finding I have no idea where to go. Suddenly, Starlight enters the room.

“Oh, Queen Chrysalis! You’re back in Ponyville!”

I nod.

“Yes. Do you think you can guide me over to Twilight’s throne room?”

“Well, she may not be there at the moment, but sure. I can do that.”

“She’s not here? Where is she?”

Starlight raises her left hoof in slight amusement.

“Oh, she’s trying to reunite herself with me and Spike to get some breakfast. I kind of forgot my money.”

“Very well then. I can wait for you.”

“Actually, you go on ahead. I’ll catch up.”

;=;

So, wandering around Ponyville for a while, I finally find Sugar Cube Corner. I don’t enter it quite yet so that I can get an idea of who’s there.

Gee. I really hope Starlight comes back soon. She’s really starting to miss out on the fun I’m having with Gummy.

I hold a hoof over my growing smile in amusement. Without having anything really on my mind besides something easy to do, I seem to have come to embrace Pinkie Pie’s antics.

Give her time, PInkie. I wanted this to be for just me, her and Spike.

That must be Twilight.

Huh. Rusty Flashlight seems like somepony I can hang with.

Huh? I didn’t realize you were into urban exploration, Spike.

I’m not really into that like Rusty is, Twilight. But in his off time, I find a lot in common with him. He’s even into Power Ponies.

“Power Ponies, hmm? I guess I will have to ask Carve about that sometime in the future,” I quietly say to myself.

Huh? Um, Spike? D-did you hear that?

Oh, I know who the voice was coming from. I kind of asked her where one of my new friends was, and I ended up in Las Pegasus.

Well, who is “she”?

“Heh, here goes nothing. AHEM! ‘She’ would be me.”

I stop hiding below the window and walk up to the main entrance, only the see Twilight and Pinkie Pie shriek. Next thing I know, I’m pinned down by the Princess of Friendship herself in the middle of the street.

“WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE, CHRYSALIS?!? HAVE YOU COME FOR REVENGE ON STARLIGHT GLIMMER?!?”

“Twilight! Relax!... Please! I c-come in p-”

“LIKELY STORY!!!”

Suddenly, the two of us hear another voice.

“TWILIGHT!!! STOP!!!”

Turning my head around, I see Starlight Glimmer.

“Starlight?!?” the two of us say.

“Twilight! Please let her go! She didn’t do anything wrong!”

“Of course she did, Starlight!! Don’t you remember what happened to me?!?”

“Yes! And she’s changed!!”

“I would have to’ve been linked by her to believe that!!”

I turn my head back to the pony pinning me down.

“Even when I regularly invaded Equestria, I would’ve strongly discouraged that, Twilight Sparkle! I am a queen who loves her subjects, and would even BAN such actions if it meant giving my trust in them! ...I decide what is best for my subjects... and that is to help them satisfy their hunger, through your acceptance.”

“What?” Twilight asks, looking confused.

“Twilight... you have a pupil that used to rule a small kingdom, through the same properties she saw in me when we first confronted. She even actively seeked revenge on you. And with what you’d helped her with, she’s accomplished feats she would not’ve been able to perform without you. Recently, I found where Starlight Glimmer was coming from, when I was given a second chance by my subjects. And I was hoping you’d do the same.”

Having ended what I desired to announce, I get a look at Twilight, hoping for something close to acceptance. All I see is absolute confusion, the kind where she has no idea what is going on, that her “most hated enemy” would act like she’s turning over a new leaf, as if her thoughts have now clashed with reality. Throughout her unseeable line of thoughts, Twilight jumps between widening and closing her eyes, trying to decide what to say. After about a minute, she looks ahead of her, likely at Starlight.

“Spike, Pinkie, Starlight... what do you think I should do?”

The pink pony walks up to the main entrance and shrugs.

“Well, it’s actually up to you on what you want to do.”

“Twilight... nopony is forcing you to believe me. I simply want to build good terms with Equestria. I can see why you don’t want to believe me, but would you want to fear something that isn’t there anymore?” I inquire.

“...W-when you put it like that... I guess it wouldn’t really make sense to do that.”

“Hmm. Then I’m glad that we are on the same page.”

“...But it doesn’t mean that I won’t be cautious anymore. You got it?”

“Sure, Twilight... no more changelings in Ponyville I presume?”

“Exactly, Chrysalis! Now, will you please leave?”

“As soon as you let me up, I will.”

Twilight proceeds to lift into the air, letting me get up on my legs, my forehooves a little sore from being pinned down to my chest. I finally walk back to the roundabout before I overhear Starlight.

Twilight... if you want Chrysalis to leave, then I’m going to go with her. You may not like it, but even changelings have to make their own decisions, sometimes for the better of their hive.

No Starlight. Don’t do that.

I have to. Goodbye, Twilight.

Suddenly, Starlight catches up to my left side, joining my journey back to the hive.

“Just thought you’d like a little company on your way home.”

“...Thanks, Starlight.”

Chapter XII - Yet Another Return to the Hive

Starlight and I look up at the hive in the distance as we stand on the cliff.

“Wow. It looks just the way it did when I first came. When was your recoronation?”

“On the first of this month. The changelings used the remains of the old throne room to rebuild mine, and within three days. Minus all but leaving invasions in the past, changeling life has returned to the way it was before I was ever dethroned.”

“Oh, okay.”

The two of us begin walking onto the sand that leads to my home.

“So, uh, who else visits your hive regularly? I know Carve lives in Las Pegasus, but is there anypo-”

“One. Sorry, Starlight. Changelings usually refer to a group of their kind as ‘one’. But I get what you’re saying. And yes, one other changeling will be visiting consistently. Her name is Carina.”

“Huh. Who’s she?”

“Even now I don’t really know too much about where she lives, but she has a rather extensive family that lives in Wisconsin. And no, it’s not meant as Whinniesconsin.”

“Hmm. What’s that place like?”

“Umm... let’s just say Carina was the hottest topic around when she first ended up there.”

“Oh. I guess it can be kind of boring, huh?”

“Well, I don’t really get bored. If I’m not doing anything, I’ll have something on my mind that I can discuss with myself. Some of it may be a little retrospect, and some may relate to the future.”

“So is that why you left for the hive when Twilight asked you to leave?”

I nod.

“Yes. Even though Twilight has belittled Carve for supporting me, and myself for my past, I can still think of a few more ways to build good terms with Equestria.”

“Well, you are right about the other methods. You seem to have only been going for Ponyville. The royal sisters live in Canterlot-”

“Celestia and Luna?”

“Yes. Maybe we can go to Canterlot tomorrow.”

“And have Carve stay overnight at the hive?”

“Yes.”

“Well, I will have to ask Carve about that. If she doesn’t mind, then we will travel to Canterlot.”

“Okay.”

;=;

Looking across the throne room again, I find it hard to believe that this was the room that Starlight first confronted Chrysalis in, at least it looks like it. It looks exactly the way it did before Chrysalis was dethroned.

Carve?!?

Oh, I know who those two voices are. I get off of Chrysalis’ throne and run to the exit of the throne room.

“Hey, Starlight! Hi, Chrysalis!”

“Good afternoon, Carve.”

Chrysalis places her left hoof on my shoulder as I let her hug me.

“So, what’s Starlight doing here?”

“Well, I don’t really have any plans to return to Ponyville until tomorrow night.”

“But... but you spent last night at Pane’s house; remember?”

“Yes, but Chrysalis and I came up with a plan. If you want another night at Rusty’s, we’ll hold off on Canterlot until Friday. Otherwise, we’re making the trip early tomorrow.”

“To Canterlot? Chrysalis, Starlight, you could’ve just went there from Ponyville! That could’ve saved you a day!”

Chrysalis sighs.

“Well, it wasn’t exactly on our minds when we left Ponyville limits.”

“So, no more Ponyville if you plan on going to Canterlot?”

“No,” Starlight and Chrysalis answer simultaneously.

Suddenly, Starlight’s eyes shoot open.

“Wait a sec. How did you recall Canterlot’s distance like that?”

“Canterlot invasion? Anybody?”

Chrysalis nods.

“Carve is right. Canterlot isn’t even half an hour away from Ponyville. You can even see one town from the other and vice versa.”

“Thanks, Chrysalis. So, Starlight, how’re we going to do this? If you two travel to Canterlot on Thursday, tomorrow, you can probably stay here if you don’t mind sleeping in Carina’s nest. She probably won’t be here until the end of the month, so if you sleep there, you probably won’t have anything to worry about. However, if you want to spend tonight back in Ponyville, that would mean Canterlot would have to be on Friday, unless you don’t mind waking up at about eight or so. After all, if you want to go to Canterlot tomorrow, I can stay here for the night, which would make your travels about two and a half hours earlier than otherwise.”

“U-um, Chrysalis? Can you simplify that for me?”

“What Carve is trying to say is that it doesn’t exactly matter what day we go to Canterlot on, be it tomorrow or Friday. Well, I would much appreciate that you sleep at Ponyville, Starlight. Just because Twilight doesn’t trust me doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t trust her. Besides, if you sleep in Ponyville, I don’t have terribly much of a detour to take on our travels to Canterlot anyway. Does that sound fair?”

Starlight nods.

“...Yes. It’s just from today that got me a bit involved with your plan.”

“Nonsense, Starlight. You brought up a destination that not even my top drones thought about: Canterlot. Now, head to Ponyville. I will wait south of the stream.”

“Hmm... alright then. I guess this is goodbye for now, Carve. See you tomorrow morning, Chrysalis.”

“Will do, Starlight. Farewell.”

Chrysalis waves Starlight goodbye as the hole behind the unicorn fills itself. I begin to sit down, then look up at Chrysalis.

“Hey, uh, Chrysalis?”

The queen walks over in front of me and sits on the floor.

“Yes, Carve?”

“Do you remember seeing Luna when you came to recruit me to help get your hive back?”

Chrysalis nods.

“When I was depressed after seeing Rolling Acres get demoed, Trace Light noticed and went back to Ponyville to tell the Cutie Mark Crusaders, who told Twilight, who told the Royal Sisters about my state.”

“So, what do you mean?”

“I mentioned that you and Starlight could’ve gone to Canterlot when leaving Ponyville. And now that that visits going to be tomorrow, there’s a chance that Twilight is going to tell the Royal Sisters about you.”

“Really? I sure hope she doesn’t tell the Royal Sisters...”

“...Otherwise, I’ll have no other choice but to- well, you know...”

“Yes, I know what you’re saying, Carve. If I return to the hive, telling you to go back to Ponyville...”

“It means Twilight already went to Canterlot, and that the sisters would likely believe her, and whatever she says. There’s nothing I can do about it right now, since we’re well into the afternoon.”

“Actually Carve, telling you to head to Ponyville would mean that the sisters believe Twilight and only Twilight. I know how this is for you. I myself strongly discourage the extreme we might have to take, but if it’s the only option we have left, then that will be taken. Now Carve, before dusk, you’ll need some rest for tomorrow. Does that sound alright?”

“...Y-yes, Chrysalis. Thanks for filling me in on the rest of the situation.”

“Welcome as always. Now, sunset will be approaching soon. It is best to be as ready as possible for the events of tomorrow.”

“Okay. Goodnight, Chrysalis.”

“Sweet Dreams, Carve.”

With our goodnights, I finally head out of the throne room and observe as the newly formed hole fills itself to the way it ways prior.

Chapter XIII - Canterlot

The morning after my talk with Carve, I arrive at the field south of the roundabout in Ponyville. However, Starlight Glimmer already is present.

“Heh, quite the early bird today, aren’t you?”

“Chrysalis... we need to get to Canterlot right now. Twilight was gone when I arrived and I haven’t seen her at all ever since.”

I gasp.

“Then we have no time to lose! Come on, Starlight! She might be in Canterlot right now!”

And with that, I use my horn to teleport us over to the entrance to the Canterlot Palace. I sigh, trying to ready myself for the worst case scenario.

“Let’s go in...” I say in almost a whisper.

;=;

Starlight and I finally arrive at the throne room. When I check my surroundings, no guards seem to be present. Through the peephole, I see that Princess Celestia’s currently on her throne alongside Princess Luna.

...well, hopefully Luna, if she ever pays us a visit, it won’t be as we were told of her. I do like a good surprise myself off and on.

“She... she did tell them, and... and it sounds like we still have a chance. Starlight, you’ll have to enter first, as I’m trying be careful upon entrances to ponies like these.”

“Okay. I understand. Let me knock first.”

BONK BONK BONK

Oh! That must be her, sister! Luna exclaims.

Come in!!

Starlight opens the door and enters the throne room.

Good morning Princesses. So, you probably heard about Twilight right?... but yeah, about that. Recently, it turned out Chrysalis has been seeking to be our allie.

Hmm... how do you know, Starlight? Celestia asks, cueing my entrance.

“Earlier this week she went to spend the whole day with me as a griffon. I didn’t exactly notice until she revealed herself. She really doesn’t mean harm anymore.”

Luna raises her left eyebrow.

“So... Queen Chrysalis? Care to explain?”

“Yes. The changelings reconstructing my role as queen was when I realized invading Equestria was not going to get my hive the love it needs. There have been iconic individuals from my hive known to Equestria and beyond: Carina... Thorax... Carve, my new stand-in queen... who knows the countless others of my kind that had left between One Thirteen and Ten Nine? If the aforementioned three have found a better source of love, I might as well follow in their examples. And because I am a changeling queen, a recrowned one in fact, it is my role to validate Equestria as their allie, even when they no longer roam the waking world.”

Celestia chuckles a bit.

“Well, why didn’t you just say so when you first planned to kindle Equestria’s faith in the changeling kingdom? You could’ve simply come here to save Twilight all that time. What do you think, Luna?”

“...Hmm... I can actually relate to your situation quite a bit, Queen Chrysalis. If you were looking for Equestria to be your friend, it would be no surprise that Twilight wouldn’t believe you at first from past experiences. Ponyville was like that when I first arrived for my holiday.”

Next thing I know, Celestia begins to smile warmly.

“Everypony relates to both you and Twilight, Queen Chrysalis. Change may be tough to enact, but will be quite rewarding when enacted with the intention you speak of. Starlight knows what I’m talking about, right?”

“Yes. Time and time again, I had let my old ways take my thought process over... the compilation incident, Trixie getting under my skin... those two were just the top of the palace. I understand your motives, Chrysalis, and it’s admirable what you’re doing that is driven by those motives. I guess not everypony needs an outside influence like I did to better themselves.”

Celestia puts her left hoof her chin.

“Kind of like what Discord went through? In fact, he turned good twice.”

“Wait a minute, are you referring to when he joined Tirek? I know Twilight and the gang told me about it when I first got a glance at him.”

I chuckle in thought of Starlight’s out loud thoughts.

“Perhaps that conversation will be for another time. For now, I have some curiosity, Princess Celestia. Since Twilight had told you about me before I came, who would you believe?”

For the time being, while Princess Celestia starts pondering, I get a look at Starlight again. Right now, I can sense a hopefulness in her. Suddenly, the princess casually clears her throat, having finished her thoughts.

“Okay... Queen Chrysalis, I have thought about every angle of the current situation. As I can see, you have changed quite a bit since Shining Armor and Cadence’s wedding, and have learned of a better way of feeding your kingdom. While I can understand Twilight’s concern, your current understandings in leadership have the potential to ease those concerns. I gladly thank you for coming to Canterlot to honestly reveal yourself as having learned from your past experiences. The only thing I ask of you now is to let me know of whatever you need. I will be more than happy to help you out with whatever situation you end up in.”

As Princess Celestia voices her thoughts, I begin developing a smile I haven’t truly had ever since my recoronation. I got quite close when Starlight befriended me, but it was nowhere nearly as notable. When Celestia finishes, I feel almost ready to hug her. Luckily, I refrain from that extension of enthusiasm and simply bow.

“Thank you, Princess Celestia. I will return if I need anything of you.”

“It was no trouble really. Your reprising time as a ruler has the potential to be truly great for your hive. You’ll usually be able to find me in Canterlot if you need me.”

Take a swift sigh after getting up.

“Will do, Celestia. It would be best if I return to my hive. I wish you and your sister farewell.”

;=;

So, I look out the front hole in the throne room in time to see simply Chrysalis returning to the hive. A few minutes later, there she is, enter the room.

“Hi, Chrysalis!”

“Hello, Carve.”

“Wow. You seem happy.”

Chrysalis nods.

“Yes. I had received acceptance from Princesses Celestia and Luna, which feels like such an accomplishment.”

“Well, I’m very unsure about that, Chrysalis. Even with that said though, there’s still Twilight.”

“Well, at the very least, they can talk to Twilight whenever they need to. I’m sure that they can help her understand my efforts to validate Equestria as an ally to-”

Suddenly, the two of us hear a hole open up in the wall next to us. The one that prompted the open hole looks particularly familiar.

“Chrysalis! We need your help! My friends and I have developed a search party, but we can’t find Twilight anywhere in Ponyville!”

“P-Pinkie Pie?!?” I stutter.

“Okay, Pinkie Pie. Will do. If Twilight isn’t anywhere to be seen in Ponyville, then my top drones and I will have to track her down in various surrounding cities. She couldn’t have gone terribly far from Ponyville if it has been less than a day that this has come up.”

“Good!! I’ll get Starlight then!!!” Pinkie happily shouts.

And just like that, Pinkie disappears, leading the hole closing, and leaving me simply speechless.

Chapter XIV - Gathering the Party

“Carve? Are you feeling alright?”

I shake my head to get rid of my speechlessness. I blink a couple more times to regain my composure and sigh.

“Yes. Pinkie just caught me off guard for a little while. I’ll be fine. Anyway, you said you’ll have to have ALL of your top drones help look for Twilight?”

Chrysalis nods at me.

“Oh, okay. Maybe I can-”

“-get your friend and her son over to the hive?” a voice finishes for me, leaving me briefly stunned yet again from its familiarity.

“CARINA!!! AITA!!!”

With a new hole making two changelings visible, I rush over to hug the older one, then the younger.

“What’re you two doing here?!?”

“Aita and I were starting to get nightmares the other night about you guys failing to befriend Equestria! Aita and I decided to quickly check on you and see how you were doing!”

“Well Carina, there has been a level of success upon us. While Twilight is still stuck in believing I haven’t changed my ways, I have a hoof full of ponies that are now friends with me, including the royal sisters.”

“Really?!? Then I guess you got the ball rolling, huh?”

“Well, not exactly. I am particularly pleased that you managed to get here when you did, Carina. Carve and I are about to gather the top drones to contribute to a search party for Twilight.”

“What?!? You mean Twilight’s gone MISSING?!? Well, I know her! She’s the one Aita had resided with while I went searching for him to get him back home! I can help search for her!”

“Good. Now, why don’t we wait for Pinkie Pie and Starlight Glimmer before we gather the rest, okay?”

Carina, Aita and I all nod.

Suddenly hearing Pinkie Pie’s voice makes the four of us jump.

“Well, you don’t have to wait any longer.”

“Whoa, uh, who are these two?” Carina asks, stunned by the appearance of Pinkie and Starlight.

“Carina, this is Pinkie Pie, and she’s gotten Starlight here to stand in for Chrysalis while we all go searching for Twilight.”

In response to my answer, Starlight’s eyes shrink down to half their normal size.

“...wow... you want me to watch your hive while you’re away? This... I... I don’t know what to say.”

“You don’t have to say anything Starlight. We’ll find Princess Twilight soon enough. She may not trust me, but if even her closest friends’ efforts are fruitless, I will be there for her. Now, please watch over the hive for me while the nine of us search for Twilight.”

“Okay. See you later then, everyone...”

Starlight waves me, Pinkie Pie, Carve, Carina and Aita all goodbye as the five of us go down to gather the others.

;=;

After Carve, Carina and I all gather the rest of the drones, we all end up in the meeting hall once again, this time with Pinkie Pie and Aita there as well.

“Cilia... Cervix... Brand... Seta... Carina... Carve... Aita... Pinkie Pie... everyone should be familiar with all of Equestria’s cities, am I correct?”

“Well, everyone except me...” Atia guiltily adds, prompting me to look at the changeling next to him.

“So what about you, Carina?”

“I watched a documentation of this world’s history in Wisconsin. I’m familiar with most names of Equestria, though I haven’t seen all of it.”

“Fair enough. As Pinkie Pie had told the queen and her stand-in, Twilight Sparkle has left Ponyville and is headed in an unknown direction. She has made one of two actions at this point: going to the Crystal Empire for ‘safety’, or warning at most three cities, other than Canterlot, of my presence in Ponyville. Pinkie Pie, you let us know about this, so if you want, you can collaborate with me, Carve, or any of the top changelings in search for Twilight.”

“EEEEEEHHEHEEEEEE!!!” Pinkie Pie cheers, falling back first onto the floor, only to get back up.

“Now, my changelings, pick the one changeling you want to join that will stick with you as safety measures have established by previous search parties from before One Thirteen. Once you’ve all found your co-op, there should be a map-out of where each pair of changelings will go.”

The changelings nod, except for Carve, who ends up standing next to me. The pairs that I see as a result of the nod look to be Carina and Aita, Cilia and Seta, then Cervix and Brand.

“I presume you all are happy with your decisions.”

The changelings nod again.

“Hmm. Now for the cities. Which ones do you feel like traveling to?”

Cilia raises her right hoof.

“How about Seta and I go to the northeast? We’ll have places to search there for quite a while, especially in Manehattan.”

“Hmm... and what about you two, Cervix?”

“Huh... Brand and I could probably pay a visit to Vanhoover. Pretty cool up there this time of year.”

“So, northwest it is for you two. Carina? Aita?”

“I have wanted to see what Appleoosa looks like in the flesh.”

“So, southern Equestria it is for Carina and Aita. The only real place left that hasn’t been taken is the Crystal Empire.”

“Oh. So, we’ll go there, Chrysalis?”

"Yes, Carve. We will go there.”

“And I’ll be able to join any of you! I’m remembering it correctly, right?” Pinkie Pie asks.

I briefly cover my smile with my right forehoof.

“Hmhm... Yes. You don’t have to though. It’s entirely your choice.”

“Heeheehee... alright! You got a point there. Maybe I can go see Rusty and Pane again!”

Wait. When did she run into them?

“Wait. When did you run into them?”

I guess great minds think alike with Carve.

“On my way here after getting Starlight. Just said hi and bye.”

“Geez, Pinkie!! Filly Second much?” Carve exclaims, causing Pinkie Pie to roll onto the floor.

“Yep! I actually WAS her once!!”

Carina and Aita blink twice each.

“...okay... so, uh, if you’re going to see Rusty and Pane, does mean you’re going with me and Aita?”

“Eh, I can do that whenever you guys go to Las Pegasus.”

Carina shrugs.

“Fair enough, I suppose.”

“So, my changelings... and Pinkie Pie, it seems that we are all set for the search for Twilight Sparkle. Am I hearing correctly?”

Everyone nods.

“Great! Now, everyone, if you encounter somepony that I had before the Canterlot invasion, avoid them as much as possible. Move on with your search. It’s important to help Twilight’s friends. She already doesn’t trust me. She doesn’t need to deal with more than who is searching for her now. Now does anyone have an unanswered question remaining?”

Suddenly, Carve raises her hoof.

“Um, since you and I are going to be in the north, should we check Yakyakistan?”

Hmm... while we do want to cover as much land as possible, Yakyakistan is a nation of its own merits. Maybe...

“Well... we likely will save that for when the Crystal Empire fails, Carve. Does that sound alright to you?”

Carve shrugs.

“Eh. I’ll take it.”

“Good. Now, let’s move, everyone.”

All the changelings, except for Carina and Aita, who wildly nod instead, use their horns to briefly brighten their eyes, then cheer, obviously looking forward to the search.

Chapter XV - Everything's Better with a Nymph

“So, Carina...”

“Yes? Pinkie?” I ask as we enter the Appleoosa southern limits.

“Where do you live?”

“Eh. Just in northern Wisconsin. When I first met the first member of my current family, I was all over the press. Likely because that world didn’t know what a real changeling was.”

“So, you and Aita are the only changelings who live in that world?”

“Yeah. Chrysalis came there once, but other than that, the only other changeling I know of that came close to where I live would be Carve. She’s the one that constantly visited the Rolling Acres Mall before it started getting torn down based on what she said at Correal’s calling.”

“Well, who’s your family then?”

“Jon, Aita, Sophie, Tim, and Roman. That’s pretty much it.”

“Oh. Well, I’m sure it’s-”

-a ha-ty return?!?

“Um, where’s that voice coming from?” Aita asks.

“Why, that woul’be me!”

A stallion taps me on the shoulder, prompting me to turn around and look at him. The earth pony looks as tidy as my eyes can take. A gelled back silver mane and tail alongside a pale night-colored coat covers him from top to bottom. His cutie mark is that of three bits, and his eyes are swamp green.

“Oh no...” I groan to myself, facehoofing.

The stallion lightly points a hoof in my direction.

“Ah know you. Areola, if I’m correct. It’s been SO long since Ah’ve seen you! Welcome to Appleoo-”

“Um, I think you got...” Aita starts.

“Hey... I know you! You’re that pony from where Rusty and Pane live! What are you-”

The stallion laughs like no one I’ve ever seen within the seven years I remember.

“Ahohoho!!! I’m SO glad you remembah me, Areola! Even aftah ten years, you have those invasion skills still intact!”

Great, he’s shaking my hoof.

Oh my god, he’s got it all wrong...

“Um, Glad Mane? Can I-”

“This is the GREATEST thing I’ve evah experienced since I arrived at LAS PEGASUS!!!”

“Glad Mane?!? Can I fill you in on something?”

“Sure, Areola. Whatevah you gotta say!”

“OKAY... firstly... the only reason why I know you is because I watched a documentation on Equestria’s history in Wisconsin, and you were in Las Pegasus when you were featured in it. Secondly... my name is actually Carina. It’s been that way for almost seven and a half years now.”

“Ahohoho! Sorrah! Mah mistake, Carina. Now, why don’t I show you and your friends all of Appleoosa?!”

“Um, Glad Mane? You do know one of those friends is Pinkie Pie. Sh-she’s been to Appleoosa before. She can probably do it.”

“Aho, alright, whatevah you say, ditto.”

Huh... well, at least he left.

-=-

For most of Appleoosa, nothing of interest really happens. But then near the end...

“Oooooh!!! A salt block!!! OOOH!!! I can’t resist!!!”

I chuckle at Pinkie Pie for a bit.

“Well, do you have an ID?”

“Oh course I do!!”

Pinkie proceeds to put her hoof in her mane, only to pull out a well gripped ID, showing a picture of the excited pink pony.

“Well, if you wanna go there, there’s no stopping you.”

Well, everybody knows how that will turn out. I mean, it’s apparently possible to have enough salt to get kicked out. But knowing Pinkie and that hot sauce, I bet she wouldn’t really break a sweat.

I sigh, having taken in me and Aita’s surroundings.

“Come on, Aita. While we wait for Pinkie, why don’t we see where Braeburn is. He might know a thing or two about Twilight.”

Oh, ya need me? Well, here Ah am!

I gasp at the voice and turn around.

“Braeburn!”

The yellow stallion nods.

“Tee-yep! That’s me! So, what’ve you come here for, you two?”

“Well, actually, it’s the three of us, but Pinkie Pie’s at the salt block. Twilight’s friends have been searching for her, so me, Aita and few other changelings are helping them look for her.”

Braeburn blinks three times.

“Hmm. I haven’t heard from cousin Applejack in a while.”

“And what about Twilight?”

“Nnnope!!”

“Oh, phew. Well I guess that means that she isn’t here. I guess we can take in the sights while Pinkie consumes nothing but salt licks.”

“So, I guess that means you want the grand tour of Appleoosa?”

“Eh, I’ve seen it before in a documentation, so I might know my way around.”

“Okay then. Y’all take in the sights. I’ll be home if you need me.”

As soon as Braeburn leaves, I start smelling salty breath.

“OOH that must be Pinkie Pie!”

“Eeyep!!! So, now where to, Carina?”

“Huh... maybe Dodge. But first...”

“‘But first’ what?”

“Um, maybe we should probably look for a mint shop while we’re here. I don’t want ponies gagging from your breath. I actually don’t mind the scent, since I’m a changeling... but you get my point, right?”

“Oh... yeah I get it. BRB!”

Well, there goes Pinkie... again.

“So, I guess we have a little bit of time before we walk over to Dodge?”

“Hmm? Oh, uh, yes, Aita. You’re correct. I wonder though why Braeburn didn’t question our appearance. From what I heard, ponies are usually pretty hostile toward Pro-Chrysalis changelings.”

“Maybe it was because I was with you.”

“Huh... never thought of that. Maybe he just thought I was a new queen. Well, no one ever writes on the wall for nothing, I guess.”

;=;

So yeah... that was Appleoosa. Things could’ve gone better, like NOT running into Glad Mane, but at least it was rather easy to look here. Now, we are at Dodge Junction, yet another city I’ve been meaning to explore for a while.

“So, this is Dodge Junction in the flesh... reminds me a bit of Appleoosa without the shade of yellow.”

“Huh... every single town in Equestria probably thinks that you’re-” Pinkie starts.

“-a newly coronated Queen of the Changeling Kingdom?!?”

Okay... first Glad Mane, then Braeburn... now, Cherry Jubilee?!? Well, I guess at least I’m not getting berated for siding with Chrysalis.

“Why look who follows up King Thorax! At the very least, you look much more trusting than that one queen.“

I sigh.

“Alright... please let me clear this up for you. I’m no queen. I’m just a mother drone, helping five ponies look for Twilight.”

“And one of them is here! I remember Pinkie Pie! She was headed for Yakyakistan at one point. Well, if you’re wondering, I haven’t heard from-”

“Ugh... yep. I knew it.”

“So, who are you two then?”

“Carina and Aita,” Pinkie happily states.

“Huh... doesn’t really give me any real clues on what you two are like.”

I shrug.

“Eh. I see that coming all the time. Well, I guess since Twilight’s not in Dodge, I guess we’ll just move on with our search.”

Cherry Jubilee nods and waves goodbye.

“Alrighty then. Have a safe trip, you three!”

Well, I guess Twilight Sparkle isn’t in Dodge Junction. Maybe Las Pegasus might be her location. If not, I guess it’s back home for me and Aita... well, after I report it to Chrysalis. I seriously hope her changelings will have better luck finding Twilight. Although I have to say, I didn’t expect that Aita would change an entire nation’s views on me. Yeah yeah, towns call me something I’m not, but had Aita NOT been with me... it probably wouldn’t end well... at all.

Chapter XVI - A Reason for the Results

Brand and I are headed for the northwest portion of Equestria. Not many cities to search from, but it’s worth taking in the sights of Vanhoover. The only other places would be the Smokey Mountains, Tall Tale, and Cloudsdale.

“Hey, uh, Cervix?”

“Yeah?”

“I can understand having to go to Tall Tale, but are you sure that we should look at Cloudsdale and the Smokey Mountains alongside Vanhoover?”

“I’m sure. Twilight can be absolutely anywhere in Equestria, so we’ll need to get to every single location in the Northwest if we’re going to help Chrysalis.”

“But in mountainous altitudes, the air can’t carry very much of our food!”

“I know, but I’m not focused on feeding. We’re supposed to be focused on finding-”

“Also, wouldn’t it be silly if-”

“BLAND!!! LODA!!! ...sorry. I already have enough on my mind, finding Twilight and all. I don’t need to hear rambling about something potentially off-topic, so can we please stay focused? We’re near Vanhoover anyway.”

Brand sighs heavily.

“Fine... let’s go to City Hall and ask the mayor.”

“Y’know, the mayor doesn’t have to be in their office twenty four seven. Right?”

“Huh? I thought it would’ve been like a queen!”

“Or a princess? Mayors and monarchs are two different positions. Just hoping the city is around this time of year’s average.”

As it turns out, when we head into downtown Vanhoover, I end up having to fly through the town because of how cold the roads are in the area. Brand apparently doesn’t mind the ice-like temperature on the ground and is actually shivering in the wings instead. I find it kind of weird because I only felt cold below my holes. Oh well. I guess it doesn’t hurt.

As Brand and I walk around town, looking for the hall, the chatter around us progressively quiets down, ponies starting to gawk at us like they’d never seen only two changelings. Suddenly, one of them actually comes to us. He looks quite dressed up: donning a fedora, suit, and tie. His horn is quite visible still though. As I look at the suit, there appears to a name tag with “Mayor” at the top, followed by what is presumably this stallion’s name in his horn writing: “Duffle Bag”.

“Um, uh, you guys are evil, right?”

“Actually, locals from Ponyville had come to the hive to request us to help them find Twilight. So, uh, what’s going on? Had there been any word from Twilight?” I ask.

“Wait a minute. Who’s Twilight?”

Brand proceeds to list off what he knows about Twilight.

;=;

“Well, Vanhoover was a bust...”

“But we still have three more cities Twilight might be located in.”

“Three? Cervix, I want to do just one more.”

“But Chrysalis is counting on us. Food is no excuse to exclude any city. I’m not so hungry. Are you?”

“Well, a changeling is always hungry, which includes us! If you want to go to Cloudsdale and the Smokey Mountains first, I guess I go to Tall Tale to co-”

“DO NOT SAY THAT, BRAND!!! We have to stay together, or else each of us will be perceived as one of Chrysalis’ ‘spies’!!! Chrysalis is good!!! And food isn’t something that’ll prove it!!”

Brand sighs.

“Okay. Which town next?”

;=;

“What do you mean she’s not here?!?” Seta loudly asks.

The pale yellow earth mare in front of us turns around to face us with a rather unpleased expression.

“I’m telling you. The last time I saw Twilight was during Fashion Week, that one year where Rarity came?”

A silence overcomes us briefly.

“Oh well... we tried, Seta. Maybe we can find her in Fillydelphia.”

“Heh. Yeah, good luck, you two. You’ll need it.”

“Um, why?” I ask.

“I’m afraid to say it, but it’s quite a bit more against changelings than most other towns. In fact, they’re on lockdown right now because of what’s been happening across Equestria.”

I look at Seta.

“Aita...”

Seta looks at me.

“Carina...”

“Cervix...”

“BRAND!!!”

“They’re still looking!” we finish in unison.

;=;

“Ugh! Great! Just great!”

“What is it Cilia?”

“First Rainbow Falls, then Our Town... now Fillydelphia?!? Geez, these towns are more difficult to access than I anticipated!”

“But hey, at least ponies still acknowledge what happened to towns.”

“Trust me, Seta. From the looks of our situation, Queen Chrysalis has a pretty long way to go before her goal is met. I just hope the royal sisters trust her.”

Suddenly we hear a sigh behind us, prompting us to turn around.

“Well, those towns were busts.”

“Celestia! What’re you doing here?”

“Funny you two should ask that. I still have one more town to talk to. Are you headed there?”

“Is it Fillydelphia?” I ask.

“Okay, then yes. You are headed there.”

“Well, that answers our question, Cilia. So, are you going to Fillydelphia to ask about Twilight?”

“Why, yes I am. You’re welcome to accompany me.”

Well, that left my jaw on the ground.

“...wow... Thanks, Celestia.”

“You’re welcome, changelings.”

;=;

As it turns out, Celestia went to the towns we had to skip... and she was doing the exact same thing Seta and I were doing, getting exact same results.

“So, I see you and Chrysalis are on good terms?”

“Luna and I specifically, yes Cilia. She has very well meaning intentions, and they show me she’s caring for her subjects the best that she can. Princess Twilight... well, you kind of know.”

“Yeah... I guess no kingdom goes completely without fear, as Seta and I found out from Our Town and Rainbow Falls shutting down on us. Though I’m glad about what I heard of Manehattan being true, everypony for themselves ‘n all.”

“Well, if we, or any of the changelings DO find Twilight, I do know that it can result in a bright future for their kingdom.”

Princess CELESTIA?!? What are you doing here with two of Chrysalis’ changelings?!?

Seta, Celestia and I all turn around to see a unicorn mare in the middle of the road, as we’re now in Fillydelphia outskirts.

“Why hello there. I’m accompanying these fellow changelings in search for Princess Twilight. You wouldn’t know where she is, would you?”

“Wait a minute. There’s a THIRD princess in Equestria? I thought it was just-”

I sigh.

“Well, you’ll have to make that four then. You missed Twilight’s sister-in-law.”

“Um, Cilia, would that mean Twilight has never been here before?”

“I guess so, Seta.”

Well, it looks like that mare’s gone.

“Hm, well, my contributions have finished. Hopefully, I won’t have anymore reports of city shutdowns. Do you two plan on going anywhere?”

“Uh, actually yeah. Carve and Chrysalis were looking elsewhere and Seta and I will have to join them.”

Celestia chuckles a little.

“Surely she may’ve already arrived at their destination. It was nice spending time with you two changelings, but I truly hope we can meet up again. And if you ever need me, you’ll know where to look.”

“Thanks for your assistance, Princess Celestia. Cilia and I will be glad to take it whenever we need it.”

“That’s good to hear. Farewell.”

And just like that, Princess Celestia takes off to the skies, leaving me and Seta to our travels.

“Well? Crystal Empire?”

Seta nods.

Chapter XVII - The Crystal Empire

Whenever I travel to a given city in Equestria, I would only go to that one city. This is the first time that’s ever changed. Carve and I were in Canterlot a little while ago, solely to inform Princess Celestia of Twilight’s friends coming to me for help, looking for her. Should Celestia ever get a shutdown report from any city in Equestria, she will look for Twilight there. If she so happens to find a pair of top drones, she should offer to stay with them.

Having now just arrived at the Crystal Empire, the train station ahead of us, I likely will see a few... familiar faces. And... yes, they are present. Carve runs up to them in recognition. However, when they see me, I can see nothing but whites in their eyes. As I think back to the infamous Canterlot Wedding invasion, an event that even Carina’s world knows about, I gain a heavy heart over how traumatized the two must’ve been after encountering me... and only on the first time... I can’t imagine how they must feel now, after being replaced the second time around, much less alongside their child.

“Um... Chrysalis? A-are you okay?” Carve inquires, looking back at me.

I briefly sniffle and sigh.

“I’ll be fine. Go ahead of me and talk to Twilight. I’ll be there as soon as I can.”

Carve gallops in the direction of the Crystal Palace, leaving me with Princess Cadence and Shining Armor. After waiting a few moments to let my brain refocus, I give one final huff, which grants me enough confidence to walk up to the station. Well, it does come to them initially as a surprise.

“Umm... Queen Chrysalis?!?” They exclaim simultaneously.

“Greetings, Shining Armor... Cadence...”

“...What are you doing in the Crystal Empire?”

Shining Armor’s voice sounds particularly cold... as if what I’d done had stripped so much warmth from it, it’s practically become a dip in a jetstream that I’ve become trapped in. I try to fight a newly formed itch under my eyes before I clear my throat.

“I... I have arrived here... to help Twilight’s friends look for her... S-she hasn’t been seen since she left for Canterlot to tell Celestia of what I’ve been trying to do for the past week.

Cadence looks at me like she thinks she knows what I’m talking about.

“Yeah... nice try on the wording... I don’t think that’s actually why you’re he-”

“Princess Cadence! I have a stand-in queen who lives in Equestria... Her name is Carve, and she is friends with adventurous ponies who genuinely care about her... Twilight’s friends are the same way as Carve’s. They came to me for help... otherwise... I would not have known that Twilight went missing.”

“Um, what’re you talking about?” Shining Armor asks.

“Huh... I thought you’d say something like that... what did you not get?”

“I-I could’ve sworn she was just watching Flurry Heart with Sunburst while we headed out to see if you’d come.”

Okay, this is starting to get quite annoying.

“Ugh... fine... where is Flurry Heart?”

“Well, where do you think your changeling was headed?”

Now knowing what place Shining Armor’s talking about, my eyes shoot all the way open.

“Well, thanks for the hint, Shining Armor. I must depart now.”

“Actually Chrysalis... why don’t Shining Armor and I go with you? We haven’t seen Carve since we honored... well, you know who. Was she the one that ran off into the empire?”

I nod, prompting Shining Armor to sigh in relief.

“Good. Then she’s trying to talk with Twilight again. We were a little concerned for her when she didn’t want to talk with us a second time.”

“Very well... let’s head to the palace.”

;=;

Now alone, I look up at the Crystal Palace. So, judging by how Cadence is the ruler here, this palace just may be where she lives as it’s the only tower in the kingdom. Well, no point in just standing around I guess.

As I head in through one of four entrances surrounding the crystal heart and start the journey upstairs, I think about how Chrysalis acted when I told her about me losing permission of my presence in Ponyville. Ever since Twilight was first presented as having a grudge against her, Chrysalis hadn’t emitted any negative emotion until we left for Canterlot and the Crystal Empire. She didn’t show that emotion, but I could feel it.

Getting higher within the palace, I tone down my hoofsteps and listen in to hear anything infant-like. The only thing I hear though is just the low rumble of silence, almost as if I need to walk higher into the palace... either that or I need to come back down. Suddenly, fading in is a very quiet barrage of high frequency, almost as if a chime is being constantly stroked, out in the distance. Then, there she is... Twilight Sparkle... It’s a good thing she isn’t looking at me, and instead reading a scroll. Things would probably end badly if-

Uh oh, that gasp...

“Carve!!!”

Ow... my eardrums!

Twilight rushes over to me in a rage that can only be matched by the moment she kicked me out of Ponyville.

“What’re you doing here?!?”

I take a slight minute to regain my composure, partially by shaking my head to regain my hearing.

“W-well, I know somebody that might ask you the same thing. I’m not in Ponyville, right? But that’s not important. Chrysalis and I came here in hopes that we’d find you! I may be thankful about finding you... what’re you doing here anyway?”

“Helping Sunburst watch over Flurry Heart...”

“Yep... I’m calling it right now...”

“Calling what?!? And why did you want to look for me even after I kicked you out of Ponyville anyway?!?”

“You didn’t use to be this way...”

“So, you’re basically saying that until now, I never took precautions against-”

Twilight, please stop.

I know that voice anywhere... I haven’t heard it since I (sort of) witnessed Ponyville honor Thorax. I turn around to see who it’s coming from, and to none of my surprise, it’s the same stallion that voice belonged to.

“Shining ARMOR?!?” Twilight exclaims.

“Yes. Now, Twilight? I want you to meet me and Cadence at the train station. SomeONE is here, and is expecting to see you. I know you might not like that someone you’ll see, but hopefully, she can clear things up for you.”

“Okay. Do you want me to let Sunburst know about what’s going on?”

“Eh, he should be fine,” Shining Armor answers. “Ready, Carve?”

“Ready.”

I nod and turn over to Twilight.

“Still going to let him know?”

“Uh huh,” Twilight deadpans, prompting me to walk back over to Shining Armor.

“Okay, let’s go.”

Twilight walks off in the opposite direction as me and Shining Armor, the latter two of us now headed for the train station. I do know who Shining Armor is talking about, which is Queen Chrysalis so I have a feeling she’s going to talk to Twilight about this whole situation better than I can do. Changelings can relate to certain subjects too, based on past experiences. I know I did.

Chapter XVIII - Train Station Meeting

As the train arrives upon dusk, several ponies, as well as Spike, Carina and Aita, spill onto the platform of the station, all of which I know about, one of them being a filly. Then, by the time the train leaves, my other top drones arrive, alongside me, Shining Armor and Carve. Well, I waited by the floating heart for the two, who had said that Twilight was going to catch up.

“Is everypony here?” Cadence asks, prompting me to nod.

“It looks like it. Let me go see if Twilight’s coming at the moment.”

“Finally!!! We’ve been looking forever! Now, it’s just a matter of if she’s coming!”

“Rainbow Dash... she will be here. Trust me.”

I proceed to walk back to the palace, awaiting Twilight’s arrival. What has me more determined now is that I have the chance the show my intentions rather than simply spilling the honest truth. I guess my day is looking look quite a bit more promising than initially. But even if my stand-in found Twilight, the fact that Twilight’s friends still-

I thought so!

That’s her! And she’s coming toward me.

“Twilight Sparkle!”

“What are you and your changelings doing here in the Crystal Empire?!?”

“I could ask the same thing to you! Your friends have been looking for you for the entire day now! They went to my hive to ask for my help!”

Twilight scoffs.

“Yeah, like the friends I met in Ponyville would ever go to you for help! There are plenty of other kingdoms they could’ve gone to! Hell, they could’ve even gone to Celestia!”

“Yes. That may be true... but I want to show you something at the train station. You may recognize... a few of the ponies present.”

“And WHAT would that BE?!?”

“I said show. Now please, come with me.”

As I turn around, I hear Twilight groan.

“Fine... what do you need to show me?”

The two of us walk away from the palace, in the direction I came from.

“Twilight... do you remember first meeting Carve?”

“Um... yes?”

“Then I assume she told you about how she was in Rolling Acres... did she?”

“Well, yeah... yeah, she did!”

“Now, tell me about the last time you met her.”

“A-are you sure about this?”

I nod.

“Okay. Well, I ran into her, to my unpleasant surprise, and she told me I haven’t always taken precaution against changelings when I-”

“Twilight... I’m going to stop you right there. Were those Carve’s exact words?”

“Um, not really?”

“Then, what did she say?”

“That... that I didn’t use to act the way I do now.”

“Well? Did you ever run away from your friends? Because that’s how I’d interpret those words.”

“...Now that you mention it, no. I never have deliberately done this before.”

“Okay then.”

;=;

As Twilight and I arrive at the train station, Twilight discovers who exactly is standing on the platform, prompting her to gasp.

“My friends!”

Fluttershy gallops off the platform, up to Twilight.

“Oh Twilight! We were so WORRIED about you!”

“PLEASE don’t do that again, Twilight! We’re not two hundred yet!”

With Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy now in front of her, Twilight steps back.

“Well, o-okay, I will stay with you all.”

“Do you Pinkie Promise?”

“And Trixie Promise?” Trixie adds for Pinkie Pie as the worried two also approach Twilight, who nods.

“Yes. Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye. When I have no choice, I’ll just mute my voice.”

“Yes, while we took care of the runaway portion of it, I want you, Twilight, to know that you still don’t have to trust me. It’s entirely up to you whether or not you do. But just because you don’t trust me doesn’t mean you have to run away from your friends.”

Trixie, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash make way for the approaching Pane Fall, Rusty Flashlight, Carve, and Carina.

“Exactly what Chrysalis said. Rusty basically told me the same thing the day after Nightmare Night. I bailed on him when helping the trick-or-treaters, because Chrysalis was resting in the storage barn, but she didn’t get into Rusty’s house until the next morning, for him to watch over Aita.”

“Twilight, when did you first meet me and Carina?” Carve asks.

“You, Carve? Um, a couple of months after the Canterlot Wedding. Carina? A little over a year.”

“When Aita flew away from home when he was first told he was a changeling, I went to Equestria to search for him.”

“Yes, and I let him stay at my library, because he was defenseless and young.”

“Exactly. I found him at the Golden Oak Library, and he wasn’t even the first changeling you were comfortable around. Carve?”

“I believe that first changeling you became comfortable with was me.”

“Well, you went to live under the care of two ponies that gave you the help you needed when you were trapped in Rolling Acres.”

“Those two cases proved that it’s possible for you to trust changelings, Twilight. In the future, at the very least, please don’t give your friends heart attacks anymore. It would leave me in great grief to see them worry like that about you again.”

Twilight takes a moment to pause. I can tell that she feels like she’s being forced into trusting me. Seriously though, that is not the case.

“...If I trust you, Chrysalis, what’ll change? What’ll happen to everypony around me? Will it affect my power?”

As Twilight’s questions enter my mind, the thoughts begin working. This is not nearly the same as the sonic rainboom from when I was Queen Areola’s student. A powerful event like that is no common feat for a pegasus like Rainbow Dash. One decision would rarely grant such a cascade of results as that near twenty year old sonic rainboom. This would likely have shorter effects than most others, like One Thirteen, or Eleven One.

“Those changes would only happen if you enacted them. Your power won’t make any difference, whether or not you trust me. The only thing it would mean is that you’ve let go of the ways I have now abandoned, something that’s entirely up to you to do.”

“...Where’s Starlight?”

“She’s watching over the changelings at the hive, as a result of your friends coming to me for help.”

“...Okay... I think we can reach an agreement. If Starlight can come back to Ponyville... could I permanently trust the changeling kingdom? For the next two centuries I may have?”

“The permanence is your choice. There should be no force in your decisions. Starlight and I learned that the hard way. A real leader doesn’t force her subjects to deny who they are. She celebrates what makes them unique, and listens when one of them finds a better way.”

“Wow... I’ve lived with my friends for over seven years, believing that I had a destiny, to save Equestria... I was so focused on that, that I never realized that it was to simply make Equestria a better place. I’ve trusted changelings before, though only ones who have independent lifestyles. But now, I can see it... you care about my friends, just as much as I do. You’ve taken influence from my student very well from what I can see. Now that I think about it... I can trust you. Thank you, Chrysalis, for showing me your remarkable change...”

Suddenly, as Twilight hugs me, the two of us black out from a sudden flow of energy within out chests.

Chapter XIX - That Was Quite the Experience

During the blackout, I try to take in my surroundings, but all I see... is a void: a void that contains Twilight within my line of sight whenever I look in a certain direction.

“Huh... Twilight, what happened...? I’ve been within the dream realm before to visit Jon, but it was never dark as a void.”

“I... I don’t know.”

We do though.

Letting the voice echo in my head, it hits me. That voice is extremely familiar, in such a familiarity, it almost makes me angry. I clear my throat to push the anger away, and study how Twilight reacts. She seems to be speechless, like something too good to be true had just happened to her.

“Are you thinking of who I’m thinking of, Twilight?”

“...Yeah. Last time I saw him, he visited Ponyville when Dragon Lord Ember did.”

“Hmm... that doesn’t give me much of a clue as to-”

Suddenly, another voice interrupts my thoughts.

Heh, you don’t recognize him, Queen? It looks like Twilight does.

“I’d rather not recognize that one voice. Are you sure it wasn’t you? Whoever you are?”

Yes, it’s two, for now, the first voice answers, prompting me to gasp in horror.

“Oh... no... I thoroughly know you.”

Then, the voices reveal themselves into what is presumably the spotlight Twilight and I are currently in. The one on the left looks quite like Carve, Carina, and anyone else in my hive. However, the one on the right looks just like the very changeling that single-hoofedly dethroned me.

“Heheh, I should hope so. You kept alluding to me when you were talking to any of the princesses, when you were trying to build good terms with Equestria yourself. Really took me back to my first arrival at the Crystal Empire. Oooooh, the memories I had with Sp-”

“Um, hello? I think Chrysalis still doesn’t dig you after what you did to her kingdom.”

“Well, something like that, Correal. Thanks for settling him down there. So, why have you two come to visit me and Twilight Sparkle?”

“Correal and I wanted to say... congratulations on trusting each other, Chrysalis and Twilight. I thought that would happen sooner or later when Carve went to talk with Twilight in Ponyville.”

“I assume that you didn’t tell her. If you did, she would not’ve been so worried about me at some points within the search for Celestia’s successor.”

“Well, um, no. Should I have-” Thorax starts.

“Never mind. It’s completely in the past now, as Twilight and I are now on good terms with each other.”

“So, does that mean you also forg-”

“NO, Thorax! At the moment, I can’t feed because I am unconscious in the waking world! Even if I did taste true remorse for your actions, I wouldn’t be able to forgive you for dethroning me, only to neglect the hive!... However, since everything else has worked in favor of my relationship with Equestria, I am able to place that event behind me, and move on.”

“Okay, at least we can agree my rule was in the past. I guess that’s all that really matters.”

“Um, Chrysalis?”

“Yes, Twilight?”

“Was that why you said I didn’t have to trust you?”

“Exactly. Yes, many ponies were replaced, which was absolutely awful of me and my changelings to do. I thought it would’ve been very difficult for myself to be trusted. But because of how I showed the ways that I’ve changed, I am friends with ponies who would not’ve trusted me otherwise. I could see why you didn’t trust me at first, because of your experiences with me.”

“And it seems the same with you and Thorax.”

I suppose it is so.

The final changeling to enter, now having joined the conversation, appears to look quite a bit like my modern day self. I instantly recognize her.

“I-is that...?”

“Yes... it is. I’m very glad that you recognize me, Chrysalis. What you have done this week shows me how far you’ve come since you were my student.”

“...T-Thank you so much, Queen Areola. I-I don’t know what to say.”

“You don’t have to say anything, Chrysalis. Now, Correal, Thorax and I must depart. It looks like you two are about to regain consciousness.”

“Okay. See you later tonight, Areola?”

The past queen nods, and exits the “spotlight” alongside the other two changelings, just before the void fades into a white. I can no longer see Twilight now.

;=;

“What the... Twilight? Chrysalis? Is that you?”

I open my eyes again to see that Twilight and I have now landed in my throne room instead of remaining near the train station in the Crystal Empire. Twilight gasps in tasty positivity, turning her head to face the familiar voice next to us.

“Starlight!!!”

When Twilight gets up to hug her pupil, I notice that her legs are the height and a half of Starlight’s, which prompts me to gasp.

“Twilight! What happened to you?!?” I inquire exclaimantly.

“I agree. How did you get so tall?”

“Huh... I guess I didn’t notice it when I first woke up. But OOOH I’m so glad you’re fine!”

“Of course I am. Why wouldn’t I be? In fact, I shared a laugh with Mio a couple of hours ago.”

I whip up a smile, and get up on my own hooves, as Starlight approaches me.

“Then that’s good. I’m glad you had a fine time here.”

Suddenly, as I hug Starlight, I notice something different about my hoof. It’s still within a color of near black, but I don’t see any holes in it. Letting go of Starlight, I blink a few times to make sure my hoof still looks the same as it always has. Well, I can’t say I was successful, because when I put it in front of me, it completely blocks my view, as opposed to being able to somewhat see where I’m looking. I take a quick look at my back to notice whole wings, though still made out of the same clear blue chitin I’ve been familiar with all my life.

“Hmm... it looks like Twilight isn’t the only one who’s had some changes. My true form seems to have become whole now.”

“Looks like it. Even the mane and the tail both look devoid of holes. I have to admit, you look more like a queen now than you did before.”

“Why... why I’m flattered, Starlight. Thank you.”

Suddenly, Carve teleports into the throne room, looking quite worried.

“Glim Glam! The ponies are getting worried sick again!”

And then she collapses at my hooves. I decide to levitate the sleeping stand-in before I start yawning.

“Okay... Twilight, Starlight, you two go to the Crystal Empire. It’s already past astronomical.”

“You got it! Come on, Starlight. Let’s go.”

Starlight nods before following Twilight out of the throne room, leaving me with Carve. I look down at my slumbering successor soon to be, and pet her little mane.

“Hmm... Carve, before I join you in your dream, I want to thank you for all of your help alongside all of the top drones with befriending Equestria. Tomorrow, you’ll be back in Las Pegasus, where you truly belong, with two urban adventurers that are happy to call you a friend. With Equestria as our ally, we will receive the love we earned from this past week’s efforts, thanks to every pony and changeling that helped, including you. I’ll see you in the dream realm.”

Chapter XX - A New Status Quo

After getting out of the throne room, I teleport me and Starlight back to the Crystal Empire Train Station. However, instead of seeing the same ponies I did before I ultimately trusted Chrysalis, all I see are six sleeping changelings, next to the platform, one of them looking to be a rather young nymph (obviously Aita).

“All the ponies must’ve gone to Ponyville to look for me.”

Starlight shrugs.

“Maybe all of Equestria. Who knows?”

“Okay, but let’s try Ponyville first.”

“Actually, Twilight...”

“Oh, right... the cha-”

“Twilight, it’s not them.”

Out of the bottom corners of my eyes, I see a shrinking shadow of myself, prompting me to look into the incoming light.

“Whoa... Twilight, how’re you at Cadence’s height now?!?”

Well, it’s not Sun Burst. That’s for sure.

“Um, who’re you again? I recognize the voice, but that’s it.”

“It’s me! Pane Fall!”

“Oh, you were the unicorn with that orange pegasus, right?” Starlight tries recalling.

Pane nods.

“Yeah, he decided to take off to Vanhoover and explore a little before preparing for tomorrow.”

“Well, do you mind helping us with the changelings here?”

“Actually, no. I have nothing else to do at the moment.”

;=;

When returning to Ponyville, and after returning the changelings to their nests, Starlight and I decide to start looking for our friends in the castle. However, by the end, the only pony the three of us find is Trace Light, who is the newest member of the Cutie Mark Crusaders. So I lead the others into the council room.

“Come on in, everypony. So, Pane Fall, other than my family and the other elements of harmony, where do you think the ponies went?”

“Trixie, likely in her little trailer... um, why’re you looking at me like that, Starlight?”

“Carve said everypony was getting worried sick. Did she seriously lie about that? Or was she just tired and couldn’t think straight?”

“Cadence and Shining Armor did look worried when Twilight and Chrysalis disappeared.”

“If that’s the case, then should we look at the hive to see if the ponies are there, since nopony was in front of or inside the castle?”

Suddenly, the four of us hear a knock on the door.

;=;

Um, m-maybe she’s not here. We probably should look e-

Well, she’s got to be here, Fluttershy! Last time this kind of thing happened, she ended up in front of the Golden Oak Library!

Rainbow kinda has a point! ...unless she ended up elsewhere! But even then, she’s able to just poof back into her castle with no real problem, no matter what place! So, now that she hit another milestone, I wonder what’s gonna happen with her? Does she grow in size? And get bigger? And larger? And taller? And more like Cadence?

After trotting to the door, hearing what is very likely my friends, I open door to see exactly my speculation. Pinkie gasps, jumps in positive surprise (squeeing along the way), and falls on her back, a few yards backwards from where she was previously.

Rarity remains speechless though.

“Whoa...” Rainbow Dash mildly exclaims with seed-like eyes facing me, while Applejack puts her hat to her chest.

“Amazin’! She’s transformed all over ‘gain!”

“Wow... you look magnificent, Twilight!”

Fluttershy’s compliment makes me blush a little, but I quickly get over it.

“Thank you all. But I don’t think it would’ve been possible alone.”

Behind me, Starlight and Pane begin walking up to the main entrance.

In two points in time, I was twice replaced.
But now we're free and far.
I, myself, had heard the plan she made.
Revenge on the teacher's star.

For many times, I had no idea
Chrysalis regrets her past.
But if one thing's for sure, it was not just me,
accepting the gift she had.

THE QUEEN IS OUR FRIEND.
she's a changeling we adore.
AND NOW WITH OUR ACCEPTANCE,
SHE WILL SMILE A GREAT DEAL MORE.

I point my hoof, under leg, over to Starlight, knowing her experience with Chrysalis.

Chrysalis and I can relate so much,
we're almost identical.
It's a pleasure to see my heart so touched,
by a changeling who cares for all.

THE QUEEN IS OUR FRIEND.
she's a changeling we adore.
AND NOW WITH OUR ACCEPTANCE,
SHE WILL SMILE A GREAT DEAL MORE.

When Pane looks to her left, there’s a flag to levitate and break in half.

Everypony sees a flag,
like I had seen long ago.
But how's it seen if it drags,
and never harms a simple role?

THE QUEEN IS OUR FRIEND.
she's a changeling we adore.
AND NOW WITH OUR ACCEPTANCE,
SHE WILL SMILE A GREAT DEAL MORE.
AND NOW WITH OUR ACCEPTANCE,
SHE WILL SMILE A GREAT DEAL MORE.

Well, if my friends hadn’t trusted Chrysalis before, they definitely look like they do now, more than ever.

“Y’all are right. Ah thought that one griffin’s name sounded familiar. Grease Ellis if memory serves me right. Twilight, Ah’m so glad abouchu trustin’ the changeling queen. Ah saw it in her when she genuinely said something she’d denied b’fore!”

“Yeah, you know she’s changed when she comes to embrace the element of laughter!”

“Thank you Applejack. Thank you Pinkie Pie. What she said made me realize how hard I was being on my decisions. Even if they’d done something despicable like what I’ve witnessed over the seven years I’ve lived in Ponyville, anypony should be worth trusting in my eye if they teach me something about myself that I should fix. Ponies here have gone through similar situations as I have, and without them, I don’t think Chrysalis would’ve wanted to attempt befriending Equestria.”

Then, Trace Light’s hoofsteps prompt me to turn around, now remembering what I wanted to finally do.

“Trace Light. I wanna give you a simple task. Can you run to the hive and photograph me and Chrysalis together for the Foal Free Press?”

Trace Light flies to be visible and nods.

;=;

“Carve? Caaaaaarve!”

Still in the throne room, I wake up to see Carina’s hoof waving in front of my eyes.

“Oh, hi Carina. What’s going on?”

“Aita and I wanna say goodbye to you before we leave for rest of the month.”

“Okay. Um, do you guys want to visit early for Hearth’s Warming? I know you have a holiday of your own at home, so you don’t have to.”

“Are you kidding? Of course I want to visit you. You live with an urban explorer who never stops finding places to look at. I want to explore somewhere forgotten that still contains positive emotion.”

“Are you talking about Pane Fall?”

“No, the other one.”

“Oh, him. He should be home by now. Well, I hope you have a safe trip back home. It’s getting pretty cold in the Crystal Empire, and I expect the same with Wisconsin.”

Carina chuckles nervously.

“Yep. I guess so. I hope the rest of November will do you good this year.”

I look up at Carina, still from the throne and lend off a smile.

“...I hope it’ll turn out well for you as well. If I can accept losing a place where I can reminisce, I can definitely accept nearly anything coming my way. Nobody we know is going anywhere anytime soon. With Equestria officially our friend, every single pony will be there for us alongside your family and all of the changelings. Now, I look forward to the next time you come.”

“Thanks, Carve. I’ll see you for Hearth’s Warming.”

Chapter II - Discussion with the Top Drones

After monitoring the remaining eggs briefly in the nursery hive and keeping the warm temperature maintained, I enter the small nearby meeting hall. In the meeting hall awaits six changelings in the order from left to right: Carina, Brand, Cervix, Seta, Cilia, and Carve. I pause, letting the hole behind me fill itself, long enough for Carve to approach and head butt my right forehoof, only to return to her post at the roundtable. I resume approaching my post, sitting down afterwards.

“Greetings, my changelings. I have a feeling your curiosity has peaked now that I have gathered you into the meeting hall.”

All of the changelings nod.

“Baring Las Pegasus locals Rusty Flashlight and Pane Fall, Equestria as of right now has thought lowly of me ever since I first came to power. But now, I have the confidence that I can change their minds.”

Suddenly, snickering comes from all of my present subjects, except for Carve, who just glares at them, prompting them to stop.

“Changelings, please. I’m trying to listen to Chrysalis here.”

“Thank you, Carve. This meeting is no laughing matter. I need multiple backup plans if I am going to successfully build good terms with the ponies of Equestria. Do any of my top drones, including the stand-in queen, have any ideas for how to execute this mission?”

Carina rubs her right hoof on the roundtable.

“Maybe Carve can let them know. If ponies disown you like you say, it would be quite a bit of a problem for them if you were there. Besides, Carve has been living in Las Pegasus for five and a half years, so if she were to show up elsewhere in Equestria, those ponies would recognize her.”

“Good thinking, Carina. That will be of consideration. Carve, would you mind a visit to Ponyville?”

“Not at all. I’ve been there several times over the years. I’d let you know if anything went wrong though, like if ponies thought I was another changeling that was still pro-Chrysalis, which I highly doubt would happen.”

“Um, Carve?”

“Yes, Seta?”

“Why would you highly doubt they would think you were another pro-Chrysalis changeling? Ponies do get us mixed up sometimes.”

“Don’t worry about that. I’ll just ask the ponies if they remember Rusty Flashlight and Pane Fall. I would’ve gone with simply saying ‘Rolling Acres’, but the entire hive’s at least heard about that place now that I mentioned it in Correal’s calling.”

“Okay, so if that doesn’t work, then what would be the next plan?” I inquire.

“Um... uh, would it be... Las Pegasus vouching for you?”

Note to self: Save Brand’s plan for last after seeing the way he was rubbing his mane with his right hoof.

“Hmm. Anything else? Anyone?”

After a four second pause, Cervix leans inwardly.

“Well, if the ‘Carve going to Ponyville’ plan is unsuccessful somehow, it could be a good idea to build those good terms with the ponies there in disguise. They won’t know it’s you, unless you drop it.”

“But just so you know Cervix, it would have to be dropped at the right time. I would have to be exposed to one pony for an extended period of time. However, the good thing about extended exposure to one pony: they’ll know I’ve changed my ways. Even so though, I will have to leave the hive for at least forty eight hours to build good terms with Ponyville alone that way. It is a wildly slow process to do that for all of Equestria, but I suppose it can work. I will save that for when Carve achieves no success in building good terms for the changelings that are supposedly still loyal to me. So, what other plans can we figure out?”

Seta clicks her tongue a few times.

“Uh, maybe we can simply tell them the whole truth about what happened. Tell them everything, absolutely everything we can recall. If I have changed for the better, something I would want to prove, I would just stick with what I did to change and how I figured why I would’ve done that.”

“Well, it’s not too bad of an idea. What do you think Carve?”

“Well, Chrysalis, I like it. Based on my experience, many ponies can spread word to others. I know another idea, but for the sake of hearing outside ideas, let’s hear what Cilia is thinking of.”

“Agreed,” the rest of us say, except for Cilia.

Cilia shrugs.

“Okay. Well, I don’t know if it’ll do much, but I was thinking that if Carve is going to go to Ponyville, I should drop a note off of Rusty’s doorstep.”

“Yeah, I was originally going to visit here for the weekend with Carina. But I’m up to going to Ponyville if Chrysalis really wants me to. So, uh, do you?”

“Yes. We’ll start with Carina’s plan. She knows you the most out of the rest of my top drones. Then, if you come back with no success from telling the ponies about me, I’ll arrive in Ponyville in disguise the day after so that I can get the best results possible. If neither of those plans work, I’ll try a more honest route.”

“Uh, Chrysalis, what about mine?”

“Yours, Brand? Perhaps I can include that with the final backup plan if the latter goes awry. Rusty Flashlight and Pane Fall won’t be needed unless absolutely necessary. Carve, you say you know of another plan that I can unfold. What is it?”

“O-oh. I don’t think your top drones would find it worth hearing.”

“Really? Coming from the stand-in changeling queen? The go to I can count on to rule while I’m away?”

“Well, the plans you have already have increased the chances of building good terms with Ponyville. I have a reasonable doubt that we would ever need my plan.”

“Well, whatever it is, it will have to be used only as a last ditch effort. Are we all fine with that?”

All six nod at me.

“Good. The meeting is adjourned.”

;=;

I drop by Carve’s nestroom to see her simply pace around the room.

“Oh. Hi Chrysalis.”

“Greta Calev. I wanted to briefly discuss with you alone about your plan.”

“Yeah.”

“What was it that you had in mind in case all of the others’ plans fell through?”

“Please, will you keep it a secret unless the whole building good terms thing turns into an emergency?”

“Yes, Carve. Keeping this plan incognito is perfectly possible.”

“So, uh, do you remember what happened when I left to live with Rusty and Pane?”

“Not terribly much of it. I do remember though how you showed me Rolling Acres from your-”

“Perfect! So, you know what my plan is then?”

“To be honest, I have the idea of how you plan will unfold. Again, it won’t be used unless absolutely necessary. That is all I wanted to know for now. The plans should start to unfold when Carina leaves.”

“Why then, Chrysalis?”

“You wanted time to spend with Carina right?”

Carve nods.

“Good. The time she departs for Wisconsin is when I send Cilia to drop the note off at your place. Is there anything else before I go?”

“N-no. Thanks for talking with me.”

“No problem, Carve.”

And with that, I depart from Carve’s room over to my throne.

Epilogue - Every Pony Loves Changelings

Sitting on my throne, I hear Twilight calling.

“Hello?”

“Twilight! Back already?”

“Yeah. I have a bit of twist in the visit though. A certain urban explorer’s niece will be snapping a photo of us.”

I chuckle a bit in pleasure of Twilight’s “twist”.

“That sounds familiar. Earlier within the week, she wanted to take a picture of me, possibly so that she can convince other ponies that I’m good now. By then, I was already friends with Starlight.”

I’m here now!

“And there she is,” I finish as Trace Light comes into view with camera being worn on her neck.

“So, are you two ready?”

Twilight nods at Trace Light.

“Ready as we’ll ever be.”

I get up on my now whole hooves, and sit on the throne.

SNAP!!!

A split second after the picture gets snapped, I blink and rub my eyes with my right hoof to correct my vision. The correction comes in time for me to see the camera spit out the picture.

“Hm... what do you think of the picture?”

“I suppose it doesn’t need any change,” I answer to Twilight. “I can see all of both of us really.”

“Well, Trace Light? Why don’t you take that picture to school, and see if your peers want it on the headlines on the Foal Free Press. I would love to see us in the school news.”

Trace Light nods.

“You got it, uh... Twilight if I remember correctly.”

“Exactly.”

After the filly leaves with the picture and the camera, Twilight turns to look at me.

“So, what plans have you made for today?”

“The only other thing I wanted to do today was to check on Carve and see how she’s doing. I know she witnessed you having me let go of some of my past experiences, but it’s better safe than sorry.”

“I understand Twilight. You can visit her anytime you want as long as she’s home.”

Twilight chuckles.

“Right. I forgot she sometimes goes with those two ponies on their adventures. Well, I’ll be off to Las Pegasus if you need me then.”

;=;

As I begin picking up the Power Ponies comic book in the bedroom, the one that’s not mine, I hear knocking on the door. I trot over to the living room and open the door to see what may be a taller version of Twilight.

“Oh, um, hi. Twilight, was it?”

The alicorn nods.

“Yeah. So, are you... home alone right now? I didn’t really hear anything before the door opened.”

“Actually, yeah I am. Pane has company at her house. I remember hearing something about her going to some place called ‘Irondequoit’. I’ll have to look further into the matter sometime later. Maybe when I visit Carina.”

Twilight nods.

“Okay. So, in the meantime, I just wanted to talk.”

“...about...”

“It’s about the way I had treated you when Chrysalis was trying to get me to trust her.”

“Well, I am aware of two things, Twilight. One, I understand where you’re coming from, and that treatment is behind me, and it should be behind you as well. Two, Chrysalis wasn’t getting you to trust her. She was being open about learning from her mistakes. I bet Thorax would do the same with Chrysalis as Chrysalis did to you, since he neglected adjustment to switching leaders.”

“Wait. How did you know, Carve?”

“About what?”

“About what I was going to tell you... the curfew I put on you for Ponyville...”

“Twilight... all that’s in the past. You and Chrysalis are friends. I know you regret banning me from Ponyville. If you can promise to refrain from making an unprecedented flee, you certainly don’t need to hang onto your other mistakes.”

“...Well... I do trust the queen, so that means you’re welcome to come to Ponyville anytime you want.”

“That’s better. Now, do you want to get something at Greta Scone Corner? On me?”

“Actually, um, how about Sugarcube Corner? It’s a good chance to catch up with Pinkie Pie.”

“Well, if that’s what you want, I’m fine with it. And PLEASE don’t tell my two friends about it, especially if it involves hotsauce.”

“Okay. ...and what about where you’ll sleep?”

;=;

Well, I guess this will be the last round of hall management for today. Most changelings have now gotten into their rooms, ready to slumber. However, when the hole to Carve’s room opens up, a scent spills into the hall, one that’s a little musty. When I peek inside, more strange things ensue. Firstly, from the times I saw Carve sleeping, she never snores, and now she is. Then, on and around her nest is a puddle. I’m not sure what the puddle is made up of, but I certainly don’t want to know. Getting inside the room, the musty scent assaults my nostrils enough to make me briefly gag.

I decide to bear the scent and continue on to the puddle, then proceed to tap Carve on her exposed left shoulder. Right away, I get a bit of an answer. Carve turns around and sprays a couple of drops of what the puddle is made of onto my whole front hooves. Suddenly, her eyes shoot open to my presence.

“Oh, C-Chrysalis! What’re you doing in my room?”

“I happened to see that your room has seen better days on my last round of hall management for the day. Do you care to explain why that is?”

“Oh, sweat. Heheh... I kind of went the Sugarcube Corner and had some hotsauce with Pinkie Pie.”

“Hotsauce, you say? Well, I can’t say I don’t see the connection. How well did the party pony fare?”

“Eh, she was pretty unphased by it, though she didn’t really speak as quickly when rambling after having her own bottle. It’s funny too because when I first met her properly, she said too much of the drink will make a pony’s liver explode even if the mouth manages. Long story short, I got sweaty over two bottles of hotsauce.”

“Oh. Well, hopefully you and Pinkie Pie will recover by tomorrow. It’s too late to go back home, so why don’t you continue your slumbers here?”

“Thanks. Oh, and Chrysalis?”

“Yes, Carve?”

“I don’t want the urban explorers I live with to hear about what happened today. I have no idea how they’ll feel about me going to Sugarcube Corner for a sweat.”

“Don’t worry about it, Carve. Your experiences are safe between the two of us. Sweet dreams, my changeling.”

Carve shifts herself back into the previous position before our conversation, ready to sleep. It feels pretty hard to turn away initially, Carve being a changeling I care quite a bit about. But then I take one last deep breath, causing me to be thrown back into reality, and by reality, I mean the musty scent and the ensuing snoring.

I proceed to exit the room and let the hole fill again, cutting off the source of must. At first I have the thought of having a talk with Carve about coming into the hive immediately after having drinks of higher spice, but it falls through as I chuckle to myself.

As long as Carve is experiencing Equestria finely, she should be just fine after living there for over five years. Those urban adventurers are nothing short of brilliant ponies.