Author's Note

Hello there.

This is an early christmas gift. And an apology for taking so, so long for this one.

Thank you for keeping a place in your mind for this story. I hope I keep delivering.

XV - Stalemate

Just like yesterday.

Luna woke up early.

But unlike yesterday, she woke up by herself. A very strange event, considering that since her return, her duties begin exactly at midnight.

As she looks at her reflection in her mirror, she notices an unusual detail.

She is smiling.

Of course, she knows very well why. She knows very well that smiling is not something she does often.

That was, until Aero's arrival yesterday.

"(When was the last time I felt like this?)" thought the Princess of the night. "(This eager to be awake?)"

A simple, yet curious thought was lingering in Luna's mind. Something that she didn't care about in the past, and it was a foolish thought until yesterday.

When was the last time she was interested in a stallion?

Before her transformation to Nightmare Moon, all she cared about was that her subjects recognized and appreciated her work creating the night. When she came back, the world changed in such a way that even to this day she has a hard time believing it.

Mares and stallions were equal. They worked together to advance and achieve their goals. The current Equestria is a mockery in comparison.

But thanks to Aero, it took only one single day to ease her mind and captivate her.

It was enough for her to wish that he stayed for longer. She almost entertains the idea of Aero living in the castle. She, along with her sister would make sure to give him the freedom he deserves... and the attention he deserves as a stallion.

Luna averted her gaze from the mirror as soon as she noticed her reflection was blushing and with her wings slightly up.

She knows her thoughts are selfish. After all... Aero has his own Equestria. One that needs him back.

With a Princess Celestia and Princess Luna that wants him back.

She knows very well that her sister, while willing to help Aero, also entertains the idea of keeping him here if possible. It's a delicate situation, and staying friendly is the obvious course of action.

But this won't work forever. It's only been two days, and nothing is set in stone.

"I am not sure of what kind of fate awaits us in the following days... but I pray to the stars that it is not a bad one."

As she appreciates her night sky, something manages to get her attention. Specifically, her tiara. It's glowing with a faint dark blue.

"(It looks like Crescent Nova is in my garden. I have not been able to see him lately, so perhaps I can speak to him today, and grasp his current abilities.)"

Without wasting any second, Luna charged her magic around her horn, and with a swift flash, she disappeared.

Her teleportation spell was fast and precise. The sight of the special plants she selected for her garden, alongside the magical ceiling depicting her nighttime made her relax and enjoy the view for a few seconds.

She was going to locate Crescent Nova, but something made her stop.

She heard voices in the distance. Two voices.

"It's hard to maintain..."

"You are doing great. Don't falter and trust your mind and heart."

She recognized who these voiced belonged to, and a genuine smile decorated her face.

"So even the midnight garden exists in your Equestria, Aero..." the Princess began to follow the path guided by the voices of the young colt and the enigmatic stallion.

"Now!"

...

"Hey! I did it!"

"Congratulations, Crescent Nova. You successfully performed a standard magical projectile attack."

"(Ah... it looks like my pupil is training.)"

Was it a coincidence that Aero and Crescent Nova met here? For him to be training the young unicorn? For her to wake up early and decide to come here just when these two met here as well?

Was this some sort of signal for her?

"It's easier now!"

"Now that you understand the spell and your body aknowledged your will, your mind is giving you the push that you previously needed. Many young unicorns tend to miss this detail when learning new spells. They become too eager and fail to concentrate enough, thus, their morale gets damaged a bit, but that small amount is enough to make you doubt and hinder your growth."

"Is that why you told me to hold the spell before shooting it?"

"Indeed. That way, your body and mind will be fully convinced that you can do it. A unicorn's will and mental stability are important when it comes to magic."

"I see!"

Princess Luna gently chuckled as she was getting closer. That is indeed a very important piece of advice. It doesn't surprise her that Aero would be an excelent magic tutor when it comes to combat and tactics. She was thinking on how she could tackle this lesson with Crescent Nova, but it looks like Aero's approach was a total success.

"Thank you Aero! I will practice daily and strive for more."

"I am curious... Princess Luna must be teaching you magic lessons for everyday life and specific applications. Why did you ask me for combat advice?"

"I know it's kinda early for me to think about combat and stuff of the royal guard, but..."

"It looks like you have a personal struggle."

"Can you keep a secret if I tell you, Aero?"

"Only if you are sure you want to tell me."

"Well, I think I can't tell Princess Luna this... but you are a stallion, and a nice one! So I think it's ok to tell you."

This caught Luna off-guard. She has always been a friendly and understanding tutor to Crescent Nova. So why can't he tell her about this problem?

"What troubles you, Crescent Nova?"

"I... I fear that some day... a mare might try to hurt me."

"So you seek combat advice for the purpose of self defense. Have you been threatened by a mare recently, or in the past?"

"Not yet, but recently, the fillies I talk to inside the magic school tend to be agressive and have bad humor when I don't follow their advice."

"Because you are not 'behaving' like a stallion is supposed to do, right? I understand. But is there a particular reason you did not ask Princess Luna to teach you?"

"She is already teaching me enough to keep up with the school's lessons, because they hardly teach me anything there since I am a colt. She knows this, and while she is angry about it, she says it's best to keep it like that so I can properly graduate in the future. I don't want to trouble her even more..."

"Goodness... a colt like you should not face this kind of trouble, specially because you are willing to learn and improve. I appreciate your trust telling me this, Crescent Nova."

"I want to be a cool and strong stallion! Like you! I wish I could practice magic without everypony bothering me for it. You and Princess Luna are the only cool ponies. And Princess Celestia of course."

"I could also give you advice on a daily physical routine to train your body. I know magic is your focus, but it never hurts to keep your body in shape, even if it's just a little bit."

"Sure!"

For a moment, Luna couldn't help but frown in frustration.

To think his pupil had such emotional weight on him, and thinking it would only bother her, decided to not trouble her with his problems. If she didn't wake up early and decide to come to her garden...

"But I also suggest you to trust Princess Luna. She does care about you and your growth as a unicorn. Am I right, Princess?"

"Huh?"

"(Oh, you sweet stallion. Not a single dull moment with you.)" thought Luna, realizing that Aero detected her with the area-scan spell. She was close enough after all.

"Indeed, my dear Aero." said the Princess of the Night as she approached Aero and Crescent Nova with a natural smile. She then focused on her pupil. "It is a pleasure to see you again, young Crescent Nova. I see that Aero has been guiding you in the art of magical self-defense."

"Princess Luna!" The young colt immediately kneels in respect. "Yes! Aero is truly a great teacher like you."

"And you are a great student." said the stallion. "I know royal guards with less patience than you, and I mean it. With your thirst for knowledge, I know that your magical abilities will bloom if you keep polishing them."

"You think so?" asked Crescent Nova with a hint of pride. "I guess I'll do just that!"

"Just as Aero told you, my young pupil..." said Princess Luna, activating her magic to create a tiny magic ball. This magic ball began to slowly grow in size. "It takes time, dedication and patience, but you have these traits already, along with a tremendous willpower to improve. You just need to remain consistent, and your magic will bloom in due time."

Crescent Nova was smiling from ear to ear while looking at Princess Luna and Aero. After a few seconds, the colt avoided looking at them, blushing a little, but also with a few tears dropping from his eyes.

Before they could ask him, Crescent Nova composed himself as fast as he could.

"Sorry. It's just that..." he stopped for a moment before continuing. "I wish mom and dad were as supportive as you two."

This certainly caught both Aero and the Princess off-guard.

"I know that mom and dad let me train magic even when they worry all the time." said Crescent Nova, looking at them with a mix of hope and happines. "But sometimes I feel like... like they don't really aknowledge my efforts."

The young colt lowered his head, clearly not feeling good saying this.

"I wish they would see me and tell me that they are proud of having a son that tries his best..."

"While I am not your father, allow me to say a few things." said Aero, who then activated his magic, enveloping the young colt in a silver aura. Crescent Nova was then gently lifted and slowly levitated until he was face to face with Aero.

"They may be scared of having an unpredictable son, but I assure you that they love you. Parents will always wish for a path of success for their children. And above all, while you might want to make your parents proud, always remember that what matters the most..."

Aero placed one of his front hooves on the colt's chest.

"Is here..."

Then he proceeded to place his hoof on the colt's head.

"And here. As long as you keep a heart of gold and stay true to your beliefs, what matters the most is to be the best version of yourself. Always strive to surpass yourself."

Aero gently put down Crescent Nova, who was now smiling with true happiness.

Princess Luna was... delighted.

Despite being a formidable warrior, his sense of justice shines through. He does not forget his oath to protect and serve, and does not abuse his special ability.

To see this side of him is a joy for her. Understanding Crescent Nova's worries, giving solid advice to him, supporting him despite this being their first meeting. His words were filled with a mixture of reassurance and hope.

He would certainly be an excelent fa-

Luna closed her eyes for a moment, embarrassed that her thoughts went there. She quickly saw Aero, and a wave of relief spread through her body, because the stallion is not looking at her wings right now, so she has enough time to calm down.

"My dear pupil, allow me to arrange a set of targets for you to practice." said the Princess, using her magic to make several targets appear all around the place. The targets had the colors of Luna's magic. Some of them were even moving a fixed distance from left to right. "Remember to focus and concentrate. This is practice after all."

"Yes Princess!" was the young colt's answer, and then he approached the nearest target to begin.

Aero and Luna saw with a smile as Crescent Nova was focusing on his first target, charging the magical energy on his horn.

"I must thank you, Aero." said Princess Luna, in a relaxing, slightly vulnerable voice. "I was not aware of Crescent Nova's recent worries. Had you not encountered him today, I would have remained unaware of it."

"There is nothing to apologize for, Princess Luna." replied Aero, still looking at the young colt. "His troubles were a result of this nonsensical situation about mares and stallion. I hope that my words were enough to make him trust you more."

"You were really kind to him, yet remained professional when teaching. I would not be surprised if colts and fillies look at you as a role model."

"I wonder about that." said Aero as he chuckled.

There are a few seconds of silence between the two, as they watch Crescent Nova still practicing with the targets, until...

"Princess Luna."

"Yes?"

"Crescent Nova... Am I correct when I say that he is not cursed?"

Princess Luna let out a delightful chuckle, her smile not disappearing from her face.

"May I ask: What gave it away?"

"You may not know yet, since you just woke up, but there was a situation in Ponyville." said Aero. "And-"

"Are you perhaps referring to your valiant contribution to Ponyville's defense during an attack today?" interrupted Princess Luna, smiling at him. "I do know about it, dear Aero. Years of time and duty made us create a very particular spell where Tia can 'visit' me in the dream realm and talk, while I remain asleep."

"I should have expected something like that. I wonder if the Princesses of my Equestria have a similar spell, if not the same one..." said Aero, taking a moment before continuing. "When the situation was under control while waiting inside Ponyville's town hall, I saw a unicorn not far away from me. He was surrounded by many mares, possibly a herd. He was using his magic to levitate a glass of water and barely managed to do it. The glass of water was even trembling a bit the whole time."

Aero then focused on the young colt, who managed to hit the first two targets and was smiling with pride on his eyes, but also having fun.

"But when I see Crescent Nova, it's like seeing a colt from my Equestria. He is a fast learner, and I am pretty sure he has more magic control than the stallion I just mentioned. He definitely has potential. He has the best teacher after all."

"I appreciate your honest praise, Aero." said Luna, who was truly about it. "And his potential is the reason I took him as my student and protegee. Not even my sister knows about him."

This was enough to make Aero look at her, with a mix of curiosity and slight surprise.

"I love my dear sister, but I wish to nurture Crescent Nova's talents as much as possible. I want to protect him from this... negative influence of this society."

"Do you perhaps have plans of making him stay in the castle once he graduates?"

"When the time comes, I will offer him my support as Princess of Equestria, but it is up to him to decide. His sole existence is a true miracle, and I do not wish to see his freedom and innocence tainted by foolish beliefs of this current society."

Aero simply smiles, then focuses back on the colt.

"I will do my best to keep this secret as well."

Princess Luna slowly focused Aero, and...

Gave him a peck on his cheek.

"Thank you." said the Princess, in a true display of charm and honesty. This managed to surprise Aero. Enough for Princess Luna to notice it and chuckle. "It seems that even you can be surprised."

"Indeed..." is the only thing he said, with a tiny hint of a blush there. It made Luna happy.

Very happy.

"Discord, stop exaggerating and come here."

"I will not until she calms down."

"Princess Celestia is right, Discord. You are exaggerating. Princess Luna is fine."

"Yes. I am fine."

"See?"

"Nope. Still not going."

The scene at Princess Celestia's royal bedroom was interesting to say the least.

Discord was 'taking refuge' inside a floating trench he just created. He was even wearing a soldier helmet. While Princess Celestia and Twilight Sparkle were looking at him the same way a mother would look annoyed at her child pulling a prank... Princess Luna was staring at the only visual source they have to check on Aero.

And she just saw the other Princess Luna give Aero a quick peck.

And she feels fine about it.

"You think I do not recognize bloodlust and fury, Celestia?" asks a very cautious Discord. "I smell it! It's strong! Makes me remember that jab she landed on me all those years ago."

While Celestia was acting like usual on the outside, she was indeed a bit worried inside. The more time Aero stays on the other Equestria, the more they try to 'persuade' him of staying there. Especially the other versions of themselves.

The only important information they gathered from Aero and the other Princess Luna's conversation, is that the young colt Crescent Nova, is possibly the first natural uncursed male from that Equestria.

The situation was going nowhere.

Until...

[*The moon pony likes you a lot!*]

A new, unknown, and rather young voice was heard for the first time. For a moment they wondered if it was the colt that Aero was helping, but he was still practicing with the targets the other Princess Luna created for him.

So who was it?

["(Ah... Now it would be a good time to let her know about you.)"]

That was Aero's voice, but it had some sort of echo effect, unlike other times.

[*Yay!*]

"Princess Luna. I need to ask you a favor. Do you perhaps have some kind of spell that allows you to see and hear from my perspective?"

"I do I know one. Why are you interested in such a spell?" asked the Princess, with a hint of curiosity.

"I need you to cast it on me. There is a reason for this."

"Very well." Princess Luna didn't waste any time, and her horn performed a quick spell. Then, a magical sphere of moderate size was formed in front of her. The sphere began to show Princess Luna, but from Aero's perspective, since she was looking at her.

"This is a spell used by the royal guard for surveillance and patrol purposes." said Princess Luna, who was looking at the vision of herself, looking slightly to the side. "I assume you wish to show me something only you can see?"

*Is that true? She can see me now?*

A sudden, unknown voice was heard from the sphere, catching both Princess Luna's and Crescent Nova's attention.

"Woah! What is that?" asked the young colt as he walked closer to the sphere.

"That voice... it was not Crescent Nova, but it sounded young and cheerful." said the Princess.

"Yes. He is indeed cheerful." said Aero, smiling in slight amusement. "And he is the reason I asked for this spell."

Aero changed his focus, looking above him. There was nothing particular in there to see or examine.

However, the sphere showing his perspective had a different vision.

There, floating above the stallion was a small purple being with an oval shape and four small tentacles, each one in a cardinal direction. This small being had big, round yellow eyes and an almost cartoonish yellow smile.

And now it began to wave using its left tentacle while giving the most pure and honest happy expression.

*Hi! I'm Themis!*

Both the Princess and the young colt stared at the sphere showing Themis, then looking at the spot above Aero, then again at the sphere, where Themis waved in joy again.

"Hi there!" said Crescent Nova, still surprised.

"Hi!"

"A being that only you can see and hear..." said the Princess, looking at Themis with a mix of curiosity and wonder.

"This small bundle of positivity has been my companion since my arrival. However, it was only during my visit to Rarity's boutique that I was able to communicate with him." said Aero, looking at Themis. The small companion was moving slightly to the left, then to the opposite side, its tentacles moving gently each time.

"Just when I thought that you would not surprise me anymore... You sure are full of surprises, Aero." said the Princess, looking at Themis with an unusual glee. Probably becaue of how adorable it looks. He was currently seeing himself in the magical sphere.

"I am planning on telling Princess Celestia and the others soon, but Themis is the reason I am here. Themis told me he needs my help. He is looking for his sister." said Aero, going back to his serious attitude.

Luna understood that he is not going into full detail because of Crescent Nova.

"His sister? Is she lost?" asked the young colt in worry.

*Yes! I need to find her. She must be lonely without me. Without our parents!*

"I was planning on helping him today, but then the Ponyville incident happened." said the Stallion. "Before going back home, I need to find his sister."

Once again, Luna noticed that Aero didn't mention the alternate dimension issue because of Crescent Nova.

"I see..." Luna began to observe Themis in the sphere, as he was smiling at her. "I do wonder what kind of species Themis is. He looks unique."

"The only thing I can tell you is that Themis is nine years old, and that it comes from the Cosmic Realm."

*Mom calls me cinnamon roll!*

"The Cosmic Realm? What's that?" asked the young colt, tilting his face a little.

Luna, however, had a different reaction.

"I understand now." she said while smiling at the little purplish companion. "The Cosmic Realm is an unexplored area higher in the sky, Crescent Nova. We are currently unable to even reach such heights. The realm where the stars are located... To think I would meet another being who knows about it."

"He has the a ability to feel other ponies emotions to a certain extent as well." added Aero. "At least, from those who are close to me."

*Yes! The moon pony likes you a lot, and the young colt admires you!*

"Yeah! I admire Aero. He's cool and awesome!" said Crescent Nova without doubting his words.

"Yes, I like Aero a lot." added Luna with a tiny hint of a blush on her face. "The short time he has spend here was enough to not only lighten up my mood, but also to show the mares of Canterlot and Ponyville what a stallion of old is capable of. A remainder that I certainly welcome these days."

"I've spent a good portion of this day exploring Ponyville. Tomorrow, I will focus on helping Themis find his sister." said Aero, keeping his astral companion on sight so that Princess Luna and Crescent Nova can keep seeing Themis.

"Please, allow me to help you as well." said Princess Luna, observing Themis through the sphere, who was doing some sort of gentle dance while floating. "To meet a dweller from the Cosmic Realm is an event I did not epect at all. If there is a territory, a nation, or just neighbours up there, then it is my mission as Princess of the Night to keep a friendly relationship with them."

"Me too! Let me help!" added Crescent Nova.

*Thank you!*

"While I appreciate your enthusiasm, I have another task for you, Crescent Nova." said Aero, as he gently pats the young colt's head. "Focus on your studies. Remember: You have the potential to do amazing, wonderful things. Keep honing your skills, and no matter what other mares, or anyone else says about you. Be the best version of you and prove them wrong."

"Don't you mean 'anypony'?" asked Luna's apprentice.

"Who says you'll meet only ponies in your life?" said Aero in response. "You already met Themis, after all."

Crescent Nova saw the sphere, where Themis was nodding fast in a comical fashion.

"Alright, I got it." the young unicorn focused on Aero and Luna. "I'll make both of you proud!"

Just then, his amulet started to emit a gentle blue glow.

"Oh. Mom and dad must be home."

"Then you need to return to your home and family, my little pony." said in a gentle, motherly tone. Something that managed to surprise Aero a bit. Themis saw him, then saw the Princess, and then Aero again. Always smiling.

Suddenly, Crescent Nova hugged the Princess, who in response hugged him back.

"I'll come back in a few days. I promise." his focus then changed to Themis. "I hope you find your sister soon, Themis. I'm rooting for you!"

*Thank you Crescent Nova! I wish you luck in your studies! Become a cool stallion like Aero!*

"I will!"

The young colt touched the enchanted amulet. Then, after a few seconds, a dark blue aura enveloped him completely, then disappeared.

"I wish for his success and happiness as well." said Aero. Luna saw him with a feeling of joy inside her.

"What a doting instructor."

"In a world like this, he does deserve it." replied the stallion.

There were a few seconds of an unusual silence. Aero was admiring once again the flowers, plants and overall ambience of the midnight garden.

Luna, however, began to blush, while slowly focusing on the stallion's face.

"Aero. Would you mind... spending some time with me in my royal bedchambers?"

Everyone in the room was dead quiet. Princess Celestia, Princess Twilight Sparkle, and Discord, were observing the one pony... the one Alicorn who was visibly upset.

Princess Luna.

At any point, she would explode. Her counterpart's words echoing inside her again and again. Was she planning to-

["I wish to speak about Themis, and about you as well. Would you stay with me a bit more?"]

["I don't see why not. Perhaps we can take the long route and walk there? We could chat as we move."]

["That would be lovely."]

A sigh of relief was heard from everyone, along with a smile from Princess Luna.

"So... Now that a crisis was averted..." said Discord, who teleported right next to the visual source they have to check up on Aero. "I finally understand why we can see our tough cookie Aero like this. It's the purplish thingie! We have been seeing everything from its perspective. That's why the angles change everytime."

"Aero said that the creature's name is Themis." said Twilight, getting closer. "A being from the Cosmic Realm. I've never heard of it! This is so exciting!"

"We know very little of it." added Princess Celestia, watching as Aero and the other Princess Luna left the midnight garden, and were chatting as they make their way to Princess Luna's royal bedroom. "And it is only thanks to Luna."

"All this time..." Discord focused on the strange, multi-colored energy that allowed them to track Aero. "We had a piece of it. No wonder it contained traces of chaotic energy. It's from such mysterious area!"

"Themis..." Princess Luna, just like everyone else, managed to see Themis because the creature saw itself in the sphere. "If it needed help, then why it didn't ask for my counterpart's help? Or my sister? Why did it come here and choose Aero?"

"That's a good question, actually." added Twilight, getting closer to Princess Luna. "I mean, we still don't know if his sister was lost here or there, but the point remains: Instead of one of you two, the creature chose Aero. Why?"

"We have more answers now, but we still don't see the full picture." said Princess Celestia. A sudden, serious tone that got everyone's attention. "Nevertheless, we have a job to do. The more we delay Aero's rescue, the more the ponies of the alternate Equestria will tempt him to stay."

["What is the matter, Aero? Your face got serious all of a sudden."]

["My apologies, Princess Luna. It's just that I noticed something."]

["Princess Luna! Aero!"]

"That spell..." Twilight managed to see it. Aero used a quick spell. "That was..."

Both the royal guard and the Princess heard a familiar voice. At the other side of the hallway, Twilight Sparkle and her friends were approaching them. There was also a maid with them, following very close.

"Ah, the Elements of Harmony. Good Evening to all of you."

The seven mares stopped when they got close enough, and did a small bow in respect.

"I assume that Shining and Princess Cadance went to their guestroom already." said Aero.

"They did go somewhere else, though I don't know where exactly." admitted Twilight. "Knowing Shining, he must be chatting with our sister Gleaming. Probably training too. And Cadance... she is watching them, no doubt about that."

"Yeah. It is not complicated to picture such a scenario." added Aero with a smirk, knowing that would be something Shining Armor would do.

In typical fashion, they all gazed at him as he shows his smile, as it is an unusual event for him to do.

"Say, where did you wander off to end up tagging along with Princess Luna?" asked a curious Applejack.

"A few hallways like this, then the royal garden." was his answer, noticing that the maid was smiling warmly at him.

"We are currently going to my royal bedchambers to discuss something important." added Princess Luna, who caught everypony off-guard.

"T-to your royal bedroom?" asked a very surprised Twilight. The rest of her friends had similar expressions of surprise and a faint blush on their faces. The maid was the only one unaffected, though she was a bit curious about this, judging by her expression.

"Since all the Elements of Harmony are here, might as well take this opportunity." said Aero, who then focused on Luna. "They should come with us."

"WHAT!?"

"I agree. Since they are all together, might as well use this opportunity." added Princess Luna, focusing on them. "You wiill all join us, Elements of Harmony."

"Woah woah! Time out! Really!?" Rainbow Dash was the first one to react, her wings slightly up and clearly blushing.

"D-darling!" Rarity was next, with a face that clearly approved the 'implications' of what was said. "S-so bold!"

"Oh shucks... ah guess I wouldn't mind..." Applejack was flustered. "Ah think Ma and Pa would approve it."

"It's finally happening!" Pinkie was jumping of joy around her friends. "And with all of us! You greedy stallion!"

"I-I-I mean... I'm not..." Twilight was blushing and clearly nervous. "...Opposed to it... If that's what you want."

Fluttershy didn't say anything, but her wings were up, she was blushing like a tomato, trying to control her breath, and was quickly alternating between looking at Aero and shying her eyes away.

The maid was chucking gently, yet was interested in the idea, as she was eyeing Aero as if it was a delicious sweet.

A long sigh of disappointment was Aero's response.

"I will kindly ask for all of you to get your minds out of the gutter."

His words made Luna react, finally understanding what was happening.

"By the stars... I did not mean to imply an intimate encounter between all of us and Aero." Luna quickly apologized, a bit embarrassed. Pinkie Pie, who was still jumping, stopped mid-air. "I am really sorry. I truly meant what I said. We will discuss something important, and your presence would make it faster to understand."

The Element's flustered expressions quickly turned into embarrassment. Except for Pinkie, who just chuckled in response.

"W-we understand..." managed to say Twilight, her pride hurt due to jumping to conclusions. "We'll go with you."

"Before that, though..." Aero's words took their attention. "I do have a question... for you."

Aero was not looking at Twilight, nor any of her friends and Elements of Harmony.

He was looking at the maid.

"Me? Of course. What is it, dear guest?" asked the maid with a gentle voice.

"How long do you intend to keep your disguise?"

There was a somewhat eerie silence of a few seconds.

"I'm afraid I do not understand, dear guest." was the maid's answer, not giving a single hint of nervousness.

"The only reason I am not attacking you right now is because I was told that changelings here can walk freely and without the need to disguise as somepony else." said Aero, not losing his focus on the maid. "Besides, even if you try to hide it, your presence and magic energy is simply too strong to not stand out after a quick scan spell."

Aero slowly approached the maid.

"You are no ordinary changeling. Identify yourself."

His voice was strong. Commanding even. Managed to send shivers to some of the mares around in the best way possible.

But the maid changed her smile a little. It was a still a tender one.

"You should be careful with such a voice, sweetheart. You may woo and conquer a mare without knowing it. That said, I am impressed. Celestia was right: You are a miracle."

Aero expected a green flame signaling the changeling's iconic quick transformation. Instead, he was greeted by a gentle, multicolored energy that moved as fast as the flames should have. However, the transformation lasted for a couple of seconds.

The changeling's original appearance managed to surprise him. Because of who she was, and because of how different she looks.

She had a lovely, lustrous white body. The holes that all changelings usually have were missing on her. Her wings were larger, and had majestic, royal looks. Her mane was a bit larger, and had a lighter coloring in contrast of the original he remembers. She was even emitting a very faint glow around her.

However, her face and eyes were similar to what he remembers, and so is her height.

He is not mistaken. He has seen that face countless times: Wanted posters, several newspapers showcasing her foul crimes, including the identity theft of his friend's fiancee.

The same face that even now, still smiles motherly at him.

"Hello sweetie." said the new, taller changeling.

Aero was instinctively on guard, yet remained neutral. Still trying to get used to her appearance in this Equestria.

"Hello... Queen Chrysalis of the changelings."