Intermission Sibling Highwayby Joshua CrapoChaptersChapter IChapter IIChapter IIIChapter IVChapter VChapter VIChapter II’m currently on a vacation in Canterlot with Carve for an interview. It’s been approximately 2 days since our trip, and we have until tomorrow before that interview. Our first few practice sessions have been really successful. Carve is with me for that very purpose of practice, us being changelings and our ability to mimic any pony we desire. I’ve gotten quite used to the atmosphere of interviews, a bit musty in places, but it’s nothing like an abandoned mall. Where we’re staying, Carve has been amazing with our practice. Our room has four windows opposite of the entrance, a queen-size bed for me on the left upon entering, a twin bed for Carve on the right, one side-table for each bed, a desk in front of the window on the left, and a bookshelf of the right. I’m currently sitting at the edge of the queen bed while Carve, impersonating the pegasus stallion that is appointed with me, is flying at eye level with me. The pegasus has a cyan coat with a camera-recorder screen for a cutie mark. The mane and tail are colored yellow with wavy front and back ends. “So, tell me one of your long-standing favorite activities,” Carve recites from a paper she’s reading at the corner of her eye. “One, hm?” I take a few seconds to think. “One… one, one… ah! I know. I’ve always had a soft spot for juveniles, even before I became Queen Areola’s student. It would be preposterous to see one of them feeling under the weather. I would always softly sing to them in those cases, and every single time it would lift their mood at least slightly. It developed into one of only a few long-standing habits of mine.” “If there was anything you could take back, but you were limited to just one, what would it be?” “Oh, there’s an entire laundry list of regrets I have. But if I was limited to one event I could stop, I would’ve stopped Areola from enacting the Canterlot-Ponyville cross invasion from fourteen years ago. All that time recovering could’ve been spent bonding with my kingdom. The hive could’ve been a much friendlier place, sooner. And I certainly wouldn’t have had to go through the trouble of getting dethroned.” Carve lets the paper go, changes back to her normal form, and begins clapping her hooves. “Now THAT was some practice! You’ve been acing this!” “You think? Aw, thanks Carve.” I wrap my hoof around Carve in a small hug before letting go. “I certainly hope confidence will be on my side like it was here.” “I know it will. You’re Queen Chrysalis. If there’s anyone who has auxiliary confidence this strong, it’s you, and it’s finally being put to good use in such a mundane setting.” “I’m so excited about this. My first time as a proper public figure… I could just… just…” I stop myself from getting too excited, seeing Carve’s disapproving look, emitting a spicy taste. “Okay, it’s just an interview. I can control myself.” Carve quickly grows a smile. “I know you can.” She hugs me now, so I hug back. The next morning, Carve and I arrive at the convention hall in Canterlot to meet the interviewer: Sky View, the pony Carve changed into during our practice sessions. Currently, it is getting close to noon, about 11:30 to be exact. “He must be running late,” Carve remarks. “Hm… I do find it odd. Normally, they’d be breathing down our necks about schedule, but where is Sky View?” As we are about to enter, a pegasus comes racing toward us and stops just feet away. “Sorry I’m late. Long line at the grocery store. But I made sure I brought everything with me: water, script, camera-” “Quite alright there. You must be Sky View, right?” I ask. “Absolutely. Now, let’s go in.” Sky View leads the two of us into the main foyer of the building, and to a part of the room that has a table and two chairs. He takes a suitcase out of the saddlebag, a suitcase with a pedal instead a normal handle. Once he presses on it, it springs to life by transforming into a camera-recorder. Getting behind the camera, he adjusts the view so that both he and I can get in the shot. He waves in my direction, then points to Carve with his wing. “You wouldn’t mind, would you?” I ask Carve, who takes the hint to move out of the shot. Then Sky View leaps into the air and lands on his chair. “Alright let’s get started. So Queen Chrysalis, you’ve been everywhere in Equestria from what I could gather. What is the most interesting place you’ve been to?” “That depends; am I restricted to Equestria?” Sky View shakes his head as a no. I beam. “As recently as last month, I went with Princess Twilight’s newest castle resident, Aita, to a realm that fixed my form as a human. It seems to have only equivalent doppelgangers that are either students or faculty at this higher level school. Twilight’s been to that realm longer than me. She’d surely know what that is.” “Okay. I couldn’t help but notice one of the changelings is with you. Who’s that?” “Oh her?” I answer. “That’s Carve. She’s the stand-in queen; if something ever happened to me, Carve would temporarily take my place.” “Ah, so like the Wonderbolts Reserves, right?” I nod. “Next question. What do you do in your free time? I’m aware I’m speaking to queen of the changelings, but surely you’ve got to have at least a little free time, right?” “Well, ever since it’s been quiet around here, I’ve had ample free time. I’m either moderating some game my changelings play, or I’m on the throne talking to myself about whate’er happens to be on my mind. It could be a wide range of topics, so I won’t go into very much detail.” While I’m answering the topic of free time, I hear tapping on one of the windows. Carve seems annoyed at the window based on smell, that is until I hear her approaching the window. Suddenly, she gallops back to me. Having now finished, I take a brief glance at her. Why does she look and smell worried? Hah, the show must go on though. “Is something wrong Queen Chrysalis?” I turn around to face Sky View. “Oh, it’s nothing. I’m sure we can- ow!” Carve bites my tail to grab my attention. “What?!?” Carve changes into a familiar looking changeling with much more indigo eyes and wings, rolls out an imaginary scroll, then changes back. “So sorry Sky View. I think we’ll need to cut this short. Carve here seems to be alerting me with something more important.” “Don’t worry about it. We’ll just pick up at a better time. Sound okay?” I nod as Sky View goes and turns off the camera-recorder, then transforms it back into a suitcase. “See you later, Queen Chrysalis.” I wave back to him as he leaves. Afterward, I look at Carve in disapproval. Seriously, I was doing okay until she nipped my tail. Because of my glare, Carve is smiling nervously. She knows exactly what she did, and she knows it was wrong to distract me during an interview. Chapter IIDuring our flight back home, about a mile away from the hive, I initiate a conversation with Carve. “Carve, I’m very disappointed with you. This was my first interview in Canterlot. Are you sure this couldn’t wait? And who were you mimicking anyway? He looked familiar.” “I’m so… sorry Chrysalis. Someone had a scroll that looked like a spell. And I think I remember seeing him during my childhood. Didn’t he used to say to one of his friends ‘stop hitting yourself; why are you hitting yourself’?” I gasp. i know exactly who Carve is talking about. “Those two were not friends. They were brothers.” “Brothers?” “Remember what happened while I was exiled from the hive?” “Thorax? He had a brother? Neat.” “I suppose now that Pharynx is the only one of his family left, he’s about to try and save Thorax any way he can.” “Oh come on, Chrysalis. Everyone grieves, but I doubt that grief means finding a way to save loved ones that are already dead.” “When you word it like that, it sounds a little ridiculous.” Carve and I fly into the throne room. However, coming in, someone is already on the throne: the changeling that Carve imitated during the interview: Pharynx. He has a scroll just like Carve said. “Welcome home Chrysalis!” He lights his horn onto the scroll, which makes the throne glow. “What are you doing Pharynx?” Carve harshly inquires. “I’d tell you, but good ol’ Chrysalis wouldn’t wanna know.” Pharynx crumples up the scroll and throws it past us. “Won’t be needing these instructions anymore.” Suddenly, a wind starts blowing throughout the throne room. Above the throne, a portal appears with a teal colored highway inside. Then, he starts flying into the portal, which closes. At the same time, the wind stops. “How in the… what did he do?” I ask, more or less to myself. Out of the corner of my eye, Carve approaches the crumpled up scroll. “I guess we could start finding out with this.” “Wait! Carve! Don’t float tha-” Both of us scream as the wind reprises, picks us up and takes us to the portal. Once in, Carve holds on to me for dear life as we speed through the highway. Suddenly, we see an opening that indicates we’re near the end of the trip. The wind is gone, so now we regain flight. I take a look at my surroundings. “Hm… it looks like my throne room, only exposed to the elements.” “You don’t think we…” Carve starts before the scroll from before glides around us. She catches it with her magic. “We did.” “Oh… no. Thorax is around. Wait, is that me?” I look around the hive and spot someone at the edge of the greenlands north of the hive. Carve gasps. “I know this part. This was when Thorax was overthrown,” Carve realizes. “Should we get a good view of that moment? Or should we-” Yaaaaaaaaaaaah!!! I know that scream anywhere. It seems slightly shorter than I remember though. I sigh with disappointment. I was hoping to see Thorax’s literal downfall. “Looks like it’s too late for that now, doesn’t it?” “Why did Pharynx travel to now? There is no way he coul-” I interrupt Carve by flaring my wings. “Oh, right. Then why didn’t Thorax fly to try and save himself?” Now that was scary! Thank you so much Pharynx! I owe you a vacation! Pharynx and Thorax arrive at my old throne room, completely unaware of me and Carve’s presence. I leap forward towards Pharynx and stomp on the floor with all four hooves. “What did you do?!?” “What do you think?” Pharynx answers, turning to me. Before I can say anything, the wind picks up and takes me and Carve through that time-highway. When we land back in the present, we crash into the throne with the other me barely dodging us. This is probably going to get confusing. “C-Carve? Where’d you come from?” this present’s version of me asks. “And is that m-me?” I wave at the me from this present. “Huh. I thought I would be at the interview.” “Well, that solves that. Carve, care to explain what happened?” “I think. See Chrysalis and I were sucked into some sort of highway, and before we knew it Thorax ended up getting saved from that fall he had.” “Ah! I see what you mean. I hear Pharynx is a hero for that in Equestria. I don’t fault the ponies for it.” I gasp. There’s hope. I’m still friends with Equestria. “Not for us he isn’t. And probably not for this present’s Pharynx either. Where is Twilight?” “She should be in Ponyville. You know the way, right Carve? Other me?” Carve and I nod. “Then come back when you’re finished here.” Spike and I are coordinating a new frame in the throne room. I hold the frame with my magic so it doesn’t fall, while Spike is moving his claws where I tell him. “A little higher on the left… now on the right… a little more.” While I’m instructing, the throne room door opens. I look to see who it is. I gasp at the sight. My magic fades from sight as I run to the visitors with joy. “Carve?!? Chrysalis?!? It’s so good to see you two! What are you doing here?” Chrysalis and Carve seem a little out of breath. But Carve comes forward first. “It’s a long… story.” “We couldn’t find Starlight or Aita, but we knew you and Spike would be here.” “Aita? Last I knew he was still in Wisconsin with Carina and Kuma.” Chrysalis and Carve jump in shock. “Kuma?!?” “Aita’s baby brother?” “Chrysalis, this is amazing! Carina survived?!? How?!?” “Carve, you of all changelings should remember. We brought Thorax to Carina’s world and he shared his love with her.” “Not where we come from. Carina died in my hooves mid-hug. I’m still traumatized by that event a month and a half in.” Spike drops the frame on the floor. “Huh. Didn’t that sound familiar Twilight?” he inquires, prompting a nod from Twilight. “Yeah, it did. But I thought the map got rid of that spell. How can this be?” “I think Chrysalis and I owe you one. Pharynx must’ve recreated it to go back in time to save Thorax, but for whatever reason, that action also saved my best friend’s life, not to mention that egg. As amazing as it is to find out how much better off everyone is here, that might not be the case if we try and fail to get our timeline back.” Carve shows the spell we’ve been talking about. My eyes widen, it’s almost exactly the same. Only difference is that it seems to take the user back, and not the activator. “Wait Carve, it’s not amazing for all of them. If memory serves me right, Aita was the catalyst for the arrest of that racist Superintendent Spitfire.” “Superintendent Spitfire? Does she work at CHS?” Chrysalis nods at me. “Well then, Chrysalis, Carve, I know how I can help you. The turning point seems to be when Thorax was overthrown. I really hate to do this to the map, but…” I float the spell next to the map and set it off. Then I give the spell back to Chrysalis and Carve for them to use to go back in time and set things right. Chapter IIIOnce Carve and I are given back the spell by Twilight, we go back slightly earlier so that we can catch Pharynx when he does arrive. “Now all we have to do now is find Pharynx and-” I get interrupted when the portal opens over where my throne should be with Pharynx coming out of it. As I grab him with my magic, he teleports us to the location that Thorax would be overthrown in. He’s just around the corner, but we hear a crowd coming from the opposite direction. Then they stop right in front of him. Um, hi? Pharynx thumps my horn with his hoof, causing him to fall on the floor as I cover that spot with my hoof. Recovering, I see one of the changelings approaching the former king. Thorax! Why did you let Correal go out like she did?!? “I… I have to save him!” Pharynx whispers. I pin him to the floor and cover his mouth. “No. you. will. not!” Changelings, it was her decision, and I didn’t even know about what she did until Moph and Lace told me about it. We trusted you way! We thought we’d find a better life with you! And you made a mistake that made us realize- Pharynx breaks free twice, the second time when I try to levitate him again. Then he flies up to Thorax to thwart the argument going on around the corner. Everyone stop! The changelings murmur at Pharynx in confusion, some name dropping him. “Damn it!” I whisper. Seriously, I’m starting to get tired losing him. Is this any way to behave? Hm? Thorax had nothing to do with Correal. She was a sensitive soul anyway. Now if you all don’t mind, I will handle him from here, capiche? The murmurs continue. Carve comes closer to me. “They’re not listening? There’s hope left?” Well, if you think you can take him off our hooves, then we’d like our queen back. I see Pharynx nodding at the changelings, then soaring off with Thorax. “Of course there isn’t,” I reply to Carve. A hole opens up in front of us as we get swept up by the wind again. This time, the other me from this new timeline was ready for us to drop by. This timeline’s me takes on my old form before I swayed Twilight at the Crystal Empire. “I knew someone would come,” she says. “Whoa, this is crazy,” Carve remarks. “Both natural forms of Queen Chrysalis.” This timeline’s me gets confused and points to me. “Wait, that’s me? Carve! Explain!” I walk to the front of the throne before Carve can. “I’ll do it. I had to sway Twilight to my side where I come from. Were you abstained from that?” The other me nods. “Time travel? That’s new. With how everything played out, Twilight was already impartial hearing how smoothly the transition went between me and Thorax. In fact, Thorax and I are actually on-” Before the other me can finish, Carve teleports us to Twilight’s Castle. We appear to be in the library. Someone comes up behind us: Starlight Glimmer. “Huh? Carve? Who’s with you?” “Starlight! Can you take us to the map? We’re trying to stop Pharynx from messing with the past,” Carve explains. “The past? I thought the map destroyed that scroll already. Where’d he get it from?” Talk about deja vu. “From Canterlot of course. Carve caught him during an interview of mine.” “Well say no more you two.” Starlight teleports us to the throne room. Behind Pinkie Pie’s throne on the wall is the frame from the last timeline. Resting on the floor below is Spike. Twilight is sitting on her throne. “Carve? It’s so good to see you!” Twilight jumps and hugs Carve. Then looks at me. “...you look familiar. Are you Queen Chrysalis? Last I remember she’s looked the same ever since the wedding.” I nod, then show Twilight the scroll. “Oh, so that explains it.” “I can only deduce the same changes from last time happened: Thorax saves Carina and Kuma, Spitfire’s still superintendent. What else happened?” I ask. “Well, obviously you never transformed. That’s all I can come up with.” “I saw that already,” Carve replies. “Was I ever barred from Ponyville here? This timeline’s Chrysalis-” “Of course not, Carve. Thorax trusting Chrysalis meant I had to at least give her a chance. And it paid off. Why would I ever-” Carve changes into Thorax and plays dead to stop Twilight short. “…oh, I see. I do remember in the news that Pharynx came out of nowhere and reasoned with the rest of the changelings before they could kill him. The map is probably going to hate this, but let’s take you earlier.” Twilight supercharges the map so Chrysalis and I start flying into the portal above. On the other end, we find ourselves not too far off compared to last time. I look around, confused. “Ponyville? Why would Twilight keep us here?” I spot Town Hall and see a bunch of random decorations: banners, a fireplace… In the distance, it looks like ponies are pulling out flowers. Who hates flowers? “Wait. Is that a welcoming committee?” “Hm… that fireplace… Carve, the ponies trust you. Why don’t you go check things out. I’ll wait here on the balcony.” “Okay.” I zoom to the roundabout. Is the banner even? …Are the- WHOA!! I skid to a stop in front of Spike, who is in front of the entrance to town hall and quickly sidesteps out of my way. “Carve!” Twilight excitedly exclaims, flying down to greet and hug me. “You’ve come just in time! We’re here to meet Dra-” “No time for that Twilight! I have something important to tell Spike.” “Oh… okay.” Twilight flies back up to help Starlight with the banner. “What is it Carve?” Spike asks. I look around me before I know it’s safe to tell him. “Spike, there’s a chance Pharynx is on his way. Whatever you do, do not listen to him.” Spike sure looks confused now after telling him my secret. “Um, are you okay, Carve? Why would Thorax’s brother drop by to tell me what to do? I’m actually busy setting up a visit with Dragon Lord Ember.” “Because he’s trying to save his brother.” Spike’s pupils shrink. “You mean Thorax is coming too?!?” During me and Spike’s conversion, I hear hoofsteps. Well, so much for that. Hey Spike… Carve… I turn around to see Thorax waving in the background. “I can’t believe I invited Ember and Thorax on the same day! What am I gonna do?!?” “Ember? Who’s Ember?” Thorax asks Spike. Unfortunately, Chrysalis is teleported in, where we get sucked into the portal before I can hear the rest of the conversation. On the other end, we land where Chrysalis’ throne should be. Instead, it’s exactly the way it was when Thorax was ruling. “That’s weird,” I say. Chrysalis lets her wings shake off the dirt accumulating on them. “Obviously, you don’t mean us descending, since that is becoming a trend.” “Well it’s just that the previous two times, your throne room was intact.” Chrysalis’ gasps, her pupils shrinking when she sees the place around her. Chapter IVChrysalis starts walking backwards in shock, getting as full of a view as she can of the former throne room. Most of the walls are gone, the throne is missing, and moss is starting to form on the floor. “But… my… throne… room… this is getting confusing.” “I know, Chrysalis. First we’re sent to when Ember and Thorax met each other without even seeing Pharynx, now we’re back to Thorax’s literal-” Chrysalis shoves a hoof onto my mouth. “No Carve! We’re not then! We’re in the present! I can feel it.” She removes her hoof and begins walking around. “Then why is Thorax still in power?” Chrysalis jumps toward me in anger. “Because of you, Carve! He met Ember sooner, and therefore learned to be even more assertive than he already did! And the worst part is we don’t even have a way back!” “That wasn’t me, okay? Spike let the whole thing out in front of Thorax. That was the event that triggered this present. But you’re right about the effects. Evidently, either he properly addressed Correal’s ordeal or it was avoided entirely. But we will find a way back. We still got Twilight’s map to go off.” “Do we though?!?” “Only one way to find out.” I teleport myself and Chrysalis to the back of the castle in Ponyville. Coming around quickly, we open the front door and look for Twilight. It’s sure dark in here. I don’t know what happened to the lighting, but it’s a good thing Chrysalis and I never need it due to the way our eyes work. Every room we look in just gets creepier than the last as result of this lack of lighting, especially when we faintly hear static and a rapid-fire sound effect echoing throughout the castle. In one of the rooms, we see a flashlight pointing up from a low origin. That could be Spike. “Spike?” I softly call as I walk into the room, Chrysalis closely following behind. “Are you in here?” There he is: Spike. He’s at the door between two rooms, holding a funnel shaped flashlight in his right claw, and has a radio by his side, probably to communicate with Starlight; I’m not too sure of that. He turns around and shrieks when I tap him on the shoulder. “Carve? Wait, who’s that? Ins’t that the changeling that got you sucked out of Ponyville?” “Spike, that was the portal, not Queen Chrysalis. But that’s not important now. What happened in this castle? It’s darker than the hive at night.” “Um, Starlight and I are rationing supplies. Y’know, against my former friend.” “Former friend? You mean Thorax? What’s Equestria doing with him?” Chrysalis asks. “Um, let’s say he took Ember’s advice too far. Ever since that Correal incident, he’s been off his rocker. He’s been drafting changelings left and right.” My face flushes. “Drafting?!? You mean he’s been going to WAR?!?” Oh… it looks like Chrysalis is starting to fume at not just me. “Where’s Princess Twilight, Spike?” “She’s south of Appleoosa. She hasn’t been back since the map called her when this all started.” Once she hears that, Chrysalis calms down immediately. Spike picks up the radio beside him and pushes a button on the side as he talks to Starlight. “Um, Starlight?” The radio plays a strange sound effect of a heavily filtered pulse wave before Starlight speaks. Yes Spike… The signal closes out with a split second of static. “Carve and Chrysalis need to borrow the map. You have a minute?” Starlight Glimmer teleports in and groans, then floats me and Chrysalis and teleports us all, sans Spike, to the throne room. “There. You’re lucky you both are technically civilians around here.” Then Starlight teleports out. I tilt my head to the left. “What was that?” “Starlight must’ve been through hell knowing Thorax betrayed Equestria. But at least we have the map.” Chrysalis looks around, making sure no one is around to hear her, then she sits down and looks at me, so I look back. “I would like to apologize for my behavior earlier, Carve. I might not tolerate Thorax, or Spitfire for that matter, but they would never have any interest in time travel for their goals. I just hope you can forgive my irritation. I had no idea the stress I would incur before having to cut the interview short.” I wrap Queen Chrysalis in a hug. “I understand, Chrysalis. You’re not the only one stressed out about this.” Chrysalis’s pupils widen, hearing about me. “I’m not normally under this much pressure, and I’m sorry that was getting on your nerves. But our goal is clear now: fix the timeline, and put Pharynx in his place.” “So when and where do we start?” “I think I know.” I light up the map and cast the spell. We’re back to the last time we went to the past. That last present was truly a bad one, so we should avoid causing the same problem and let things play out as they did in our timeline. From the balcony, once we see Spike first encounter Thorax unknowingly, we get swept up to the present… well, the first alternate present we visited. Once then, this present’s Chrysalis lets us use her throne to go back to when we nearly stopped Pharynx. Chrysalis has me help her hold him still while the events below begin to play out. “Ah! Ngh! You won’t get away with this!” Pharynx exclaims. I step forward and look Pharynx in the eyes. “What? Like you have with messing with history?” “Carve is right. When we are home, you are in so much trouble!” “But I just wanted to save my brother! Is that too much to ask?!? Besides, haven’t you messed with history too, trying to prevent me from doing the same?” I nod and point my right hoof at myself, then move it to the side as I talk. “Yes, but ONLY me, and Chrysalis and I have seen just how badly things can play out if you change the wrong event.” “Even with all that good saving Thorax might do, you could still undo all the consequences others deserve! It’s not worth it!” Pharynx growls then teleports as his brother begins to scream in the distance. When the two teleport back in, the portal opens up, ready to sweep me and Chrysalis up. I come up with an idea. Maybe drag Pharynx into the present. “I may have created a bad future, but who’s to say that won’t happen with you?” I leap and grab Pharynx as Chrysalis and I get sucked into the present. What we see isn’t even like Thorax’s hive. Holes dot the floor, and none of them are shifting like they would in, well, any hive. Foliage also covers the floor and whatever walls remain to the former throne room. Rather than the beige sky we’ve come to expect, it is the normal blue you would see in Equestria. All I see when I approach the edge is an expanse of plant life. It’s hard to tell where the hive starts. Maybe at where the trees are, but that’s it. All this change just blows me away. I gesture the other two to come take a look, and they have the exact same reaction. Chapter VPharynx shakes his head to clear his mind from the overwhelming photosynthetic scenery. In that web of widespread disbelief of ours, Chrysalis and I can feel a slight worry coming from Pharynx. “Where are we?” We turn our heads to face him. I sigh in melancholy. “The future, or rather, the present.” “But there’s no one here! Didn’t I save Thorax?” “You did. Carve and I could see that. But our interactions change more than just the future, it changes who other beings are. Judging by the foliage and the lack of movement, nobody rules this land anymore; it’s completely abandoned.” “You knew this could happen, Pharynx. You just didn’t want to admit it.” Pharynx’s worry is growing, realizing his very home is now very much vacant. “Where is he? Where is my brother?” I lightly press my hoof on Pharynx’s chest. “Come with us, okay? We’ll find out together.” While we walk around Ponyville, Chrysalis, Pharynx and I see ponies and changelings living together in harmony. From the roundabout to Sugar Cube Corner to Sweet Apple Acres, you would be caught dead without seeing a changeling helping out, eating, chatting, or otherwise have a wonderful time with the earth ponies, unicorns and pegasi throughout town. We finally come up to Princess Twilight Sparkle’s castle, and go around back to the bank of the river to see a tombstone. Here lies Queen Chrysalis: 1969-2017 Age: 47 years, 20 moons Pharynx stares in shock; he obviously didn’t intend to see the queen gone forever. “Queen Chrysalis? How?!?” Chrysalis sighs. “I wouldn’t be surprised if this is because of Thorax. He saw my new form in this timeline. If you were him Pharynx, would you as a king want to see me succeed like I did?” “Of course not… but I’m not him. I’m me. I just wanted to see my brother one more time, king or not. But I’ve also always liked you as a queen.” “Let Carve and I show you where Thorax might be.” When we come in the castle, we take the usual directions to the throne room, open the door, and wave hello. Twilight gasps with excitement and runs to us. “Carve! There you are!” When she hugs me, she also notices Chrysalis. Seems like Chrysalis never transformed here too. “Who’s this changeling? She looks familiar.” “Not important right now, Twilight. Carve and I pulled Pharynx to the present for once. What do you know about Thorax?” Hm. That looks like it plucked a nerve in Twilight. “Oh that murderer? Yeah, we banished him to the abandoned Frederick Towne Mall. He’ll be made as miserable as possible there.” Chrysalis looks at Pharynx, who is on the verge of tears, disappointed at him for how all this has turned out so far. “Pharynx… do you see now?” “B-b-but my brother! I saved his life, and now I won’t even get to see him because he killed the very queen I love?!? What kind of horrible future is this?!?” Twilight sees Pharynx’s behavior and begins showing some understanding and compassion. She steps forward and wraps her hoof around him. “Maybe one that doesn’t need to happen. You know as well as I do that going back in time will never solve your problems. Queen Chrysalis, I will need to help you, since your hive in this present is abandoned. Can you give me the spell so that you can all fix this?” Chrysalis hands over the time travel spell to Twilight, who activates the map to send us back to the moment before Thorax was overthrown. Once we’re back, Chrysalis and I face Pharynx lying on his stomach in remorse, the scene below happening as we converse. “Carve, Chrysalis, I never would’ve went back if I realized there was a chance I wouldn’t be able to see Thorax anyway! Is there anything I can do to make it up to you two?!?” Chrysalis sits down and floats Pharynx next to her left hoof to comfort him. “I only hope you can forgive me after what happened to Thorax. I know he was your family, but it’s never too late to start a new one with other ponies.” “But who do I trust? I’d possessed undying loyalty for your first rule and look where that led me. I don’t know if anyone would take me under their wing now,” Pharynx explains. I rest my hoof on Pharynx’s shoulder. “We would. That revelation was enough to change your mind. If you can learn from your mistakes like you’ve just shown us, then we can work together to help you in your time of need.” “You… you think so?” “We know so…” Chrysalis and I say in unison. Pharynx holds out his hoof, which Chrysalis accepts with her own. Meanwhile, Thorax in the background does his scream. Once that is over, the wind sweeps the three of us into the correct timeline. We recover from the landing and see Chrysalis’ throne send the scroll we had with us into the portal to be forever lost. As everything dies down, Pharynx hugs me and Carve. “I’m sorry… about everything. You two were right; going back in time is not worth losing the loved ones I still have. I just wish I realized it sooner.” I hug back. “We’re all home now, Pharynx, and everything is back to normal. As long as you’ve learned your lesson, that’s all that matters.” Pharynx falls asleep while I forgive him. When I see, I roll my eyes. “Why do I always do that? Is it seriously night already? Carve, go back home. I’ll handle Pharynx from here.” Carve nods, and leaves the throne room. Soon after I leave as well. I take my time throughout the hive, carrying Pharynx on my back and taking him to Carve’s old room from before she was ejected out of Equestria. From here, I lay him with my magic onto the hive bed. The way he looks to be sleeping, a variant of the fetal position I saw from Aita when we returned to Equestria after confronting Spitfire, Pharynx is still very scared, possibly from what happened to me in that timeline Carve and I showed him. I hug him one last time before doing the one thing I’ve always done with a scared changeling, especially a young one. As I sing, I use my wings as accompaniment. Nat fu mel pa nel, tehinteringa. Valle ladega danen. Leyu curedon o gutara, valnat zo ho romonen. After that small lullaby, Pharynx’s body becomes more relaxed. Perhaps he’s undergoing rapid eye movement and therefore can hear me. I quickly make a brief dash out of the room and walk back up to my throne. It has been a long day going through time like that. It’s just relieving to be back home in the timeline I belong in. There is no doubt in my mind that Carve and Pharynx are feeling the same way. I let myself collapse onto my stomach, my head turned to the side, feeling the very much heated throne beneath me. “Well, I know someone who isn’t dreaming tonight.” And so, I close my eyes and begin to fall asleep. Chapter VIAfter falling asleep trying to listen to Queen Chrysalis, I see myself in one of the places I saw in the alternate timeline Carve and Chrysalis showed me. It’s a farm with an expanse of apple trees. I seem to be riding a cart, as trees visibly pass me by, even lying down. The cart takes a left shortly before it stops and I fly out. I look around to see that Thorax was pulling the cart. I start tensing up, scared of what he might say to me after pulling a stunt like I did, all in a futile effort to save him. He appears to notice, proceeding to sing an old grubhood lullaby. It takes me back to the days of Queen Areola; she used to sing this to me even before she took Chrysalis under her wing. I really wish I could be that innocent soul again. That goal of warriorship had poisoned my mind for the past twenty five or so years, and now that’s gone, especially considering Chrysalis has partnered with Equestria rather than invading. Something else to mention about the singing is that the accompaniment is coming from nowhere. We’re out in the middle of an orchard with no music box or phonograph to be seen. That and Thorax’s singing has an unusual amount of vibrato to it. Maybe it’s just my memory messing with me. I remember he was a good singer, just not anything that gave the sirens a run for their money. By the time he finishes, I feel so much better. Maybe this will turn out to be okay. So, did you like it? Thorax asks, to which I nod. Alright, so now that I have your attention, WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT, PHARYNX?!? I flinch when he starts shouting. “Wha-what do you mean?” Thorax points at me. You went back in time and tried to change history! What were you thinking?!? “But I’ve m-mo-” Did you seriously let your grief for me fester like that?!? Did you seriously let it get to the point of TIME TRAVEL?!? “I won’t do it again, Thorax! I pro-” Pharynx, I love you, but you cannot, and I repeat CANNOT, pull another stunt like that! It’s unhealthy! I take a moment and sit down. Thorax pauses, finally giving me a chance to explain myself. “I realize that, Thorax. I realize I should never have recreated that spell in the first place. I should’ve talked to someone about how I felt, not let bargaining decide my actions for me.” He turns up some understanding in response. I’m really glad you learned that… even if you did it the hard way. Now, PROMISE me you won’t go back in time again. “Okay… I promise to stay in the present.” Thorax nods. Good. He suddenly looks down to the ground. Maybe this all could’ve been avoided if I just simply talked to you. I’ve been so busy with Chrysalis, Twilight and the others, I never got to spend any time with you. I can’t believe it took the point of time travel for me to realize that. “Do you think that’s what happened to Correal?” I don’t know. I mean it would make sense if that was actually the case. “Maybe not. You’ve been visiting ponies’ dreams for a reason. I don’t think you’d be able to do that if you enabled her departure on purpose, or my shenanigans for that matter.” Thorax takes a minute to think over what I said, then his eyes widen. ...I think you’re right. I should really look things over with Areola when we’re done here. She’ll know how she can help. For now though, I’ll make sure, as brothers, we can always see each other in your dreams. Suddenly, we hear hoofsteps coming toward us. Sure enough, it’s Queen Areola. If you two think malice is the factor for losing dream walking abilities, then how come I can still do it? I really don’t think that’s what’s going on with that. I leap into the air and hug her. “Queen Areola! What are you doing over here already?” It seems my ears were burning. I wanted to come by and check on you, Pharynx. You seemed to be quite antsy about what you did, that and your actions wouldn’t have been able to fly without us noticing. What did you and Thorax want to talk to me about? “We have a question for you,” I start. “Did Correal feel the same way I did while Thorax was in power?” Areola puts a hoof to her chin. From what she’s told me, yes. Thorax drops his jaw in shock. Then that means she could’ve come to me instead of keeping me in the dark like you did! Was I that unhelpful?!? “On an interpersonal level maybe, but your biggest accomplishment was putting Chrysalis in her place, and she was evidently better off for it. And I’d rather have a wise younger brother only in the dream world than one out for blood any day.” Pharynx is right. My old student came around when she was at her lowest point, and who’s to say that won’t happen to another pony. You know Thorax, Dragon Lord Ember was correct about your leadership prowess. Regardless of whether it matters now or not though, you should take initiative to solve others’ problems that cannot be done alone. Thorax sits down, slightly embarrassed. ...Probably could’ve used that advice in the waking world. “Oh, right. This is a dream… although everything I learn from it can be retained. This actually sounds like a great time to do something kind of fun, a high note to end on, something to liven up the mood.” I take a quick second to clear my mind, which lands us at the lobby at Gladmane Grande. What’s this place? Areola asks. Oh… I know! This is where I ended up almost six years ago after the wedding! What made you think of Las Pegasus? “You know why, Thorax. Someone very important lives in this city.” Thorax and Areola, knows exactly who this is about, based on their growing grins. Carve? I nod at them. Oh! What games are you gonna try out? Thorax seems to get the picture. I think up some chips to play with in the elders section. “Don’t think you don’t know. Anypony up for a round of canasta?!?” Hm, you go ahead. Thorax and I will play in the arcade. Though be prepared to see me later on, okay Pharynx? “Okay. See you later!” And with that, Thorax, Areola part ways with me, at least for now with Areola. I think that talk Thorax and I had helped me out some, because I’ve never felt happier since the student ceremony twenty six, soon to be twenty seven, years ago. One thing’s for sure; the only delicate thing being touched by me right now is my own thoughts. Eventually when daylight does wake me up, I feel like a completely changed changeling. Not only am I home, but this is the first time I’ve gotten proper rest since Chrysalis’ studenthood. I look around me in my new state of happiness. No wonder I thought of Carve. I’m in her old room, judging by the faint scent. Oh well; most nestrooms look identical to each other anyway. Guess it’s time now to get my day started as a returning member of Chrysalis’ hive.
Chapter II’m currently on a vacation in Canterlot with Carve for an interview. It’s been approximately 2 days since our trip, and we have until tomorrow before that interview. Our first few practice sessions have been really successful. Carve is with me for that very purpose of practice, us being changelings and our ability to mimic any pony we desire. I’ve gotten quite used to the atmosphere of interviews, a bit musty in places, but it’s nothing like an abandoned mall. Where we’re staying, Carve has been amazing with our practice. Our room has four windows opposite of the entrance, a queen-size bed for me on the left upon entering, a twin bed for Carve on the right, one side-table for each bed, a desk in front of the window on the left, and a bookshelf of the right. I’m currently sitting at the edge of the queen bed while Carve, impersonating the pegasus stallion that is appointed with me, is flying at eye level with me. The pegasus has a cyan coat with a camera-recorder screen for a cutie mark. The mane and tail are colored yellow with wavy front and back ends. “So, tell me one of your long-standing favorite activities,” Carve recites from a paper she’s reading at the corner of her eye. “One, hm?” I take a few seconds to think. “One… one, one… ah! I know. I’ve always had a soft spot for juveniles, even before I became Queen Areola’s student. It would be preposterous to see one of them feeling under the weather. I would always softly sing to them in those cases, and every single time it would lift their mood at least slightly. It developed into one of only a few long-standing habits of mine.” “If there was anything you could take back, but you were limited to just one, what would it be?” “Oh, there’s an entire laundry list of regrets I have. But if I was limited to one event I could stop, I would’ve stopped Areola from enacting the Canterlot-Ponyville cross invasion from fourteen years ago. All that time recovering could’ve been spent bonding with my kingdom. The hive could’ve been a much friendlier place, sooner. And I certainly wouldn’t have had to go through the trouble of getting dethroned.” Carve lets the paper go, changes back to her normal form, and begins clapping her hooves. “Now THAT was some practice! You’ve been acing this!” “You think? Aw, thanks Carve.” I wrap my hoof around Carve in a small hug before letting go. “I certainly hope confidence will be on my side like it was here.” “I know it will. You’re Queen Chrysalis. If there’s anyone who has auxiliary confidence this strong, it’s you, and it’s finally being put to good use in such a mundane setting.” “I’m so excited about this. My first time as a proper public figure… I could just… just…” I stop myself from getting too excited, seeing Carve’s disapproving look, emitting a spicy taste. “Okay, it’s just an interview. I can control myself.” Carve quickly grows a smile. “I know you can.” She hugs me now, so I hug back. The next morning, Carve and I arrive at the convention hall in Canterlot to meet the interviewer: Sky View, the pony Carve changed into during our practice sessions. Currently, it is getting close to noon, about 11:30 to be exact. “He must be running late,” Carve remarks. “Hm… I do find it odd. Normally, they’d be breathing down our necks about schedule, but where is Sky View?” As we are about to enter, a pegasus comes racing toward us and stops just feet away. “Sorry I’m late. Long line at the grocery store. But I made sure I brought everything with me: water, script, camera-” “Quite alright there. You must be Sky View, right?” I ask. “Absolutely. Now, let’s go in.” Sky View leads the two of us into the main foyer of the building, and to a part of the room that has a table and two chairs. He takes a suitcase out of the saddlebag, a suitcase with a pedal instead a normal handle. Once he presses on it, it springs to life by transforming into a camera-recorder. Getting behind the camera, he adjusts the view so that both he and I can get in the shot. He waves in my direction, then points to Carve with his wing. “You wouldn’t mind, would you?” I ask Carve, who takes the hint to move out of the shot. Then Sky View leaps into the air and lands on his chair. “Alright let’s get started. So Queen Chrysalis, you’ve been everywhere in Equestria from what I could gather. What is the most interesting place you’ve been to?” “That depends; am I restricted to Equestria?” Sky View shakes his head as a no. I beam. “As recently as last month, I went with Princess Twilight’s newest castle resident, Aita, to a realm that fixed my form as a human. It seems to have only equivalent doppelgangers that are either students or faculty at this higher level school. Twilight’s been to that realm longer than me. She’d surely know what that is.” “Okay. I couldn’t help but notice one of the changelings is with you. Who’s that?” “Oh her?” I answer. “That’s Carve. She’s the stand-in queen; if something ever happened to me, Carve would temporarily take my place.” “Ah, so like the Wonderbolts Reserves, right?” I nod. “Next question. What do you do in your free time? I’m aware I’m speaking to queen of the changelings, but surely you’ve got to have at least a little free time, right?” “Well, ever since it’s been quiet around here, I’ve had ample free time. I’m either moderating some game my changelings play, or I’m on the throne talking to myself about whate’er happens to be on my mind. It could be a wide range of topics, so I won’t go into very much detail.” While I’m answering the topic of free time, I hear tapping on one of the windows. Carve seems annoyed at the window based on smell, that is until I hear her approaching the window. Suddenly, she gallops back to me. Having now finished, I take a brief glance at her. Why does she look and smell worried? Hah, the show must go on though. “Is something wrong Queen Chrysalis?” I turn around to face Sky View. “Oh, it’s nothing. I’m sure we can- ow!” Carve bites my tail to grab my attention. “What?!?” Carve changes into a familiar looking changeling with much more indigo eyes and wings, rolls out an imaginary scroll, then changes back. “So sorry Sky View. I think we’ll need to cut this short. Carve here seems to be alerting me with something more important.” “Don’t worry about it. We’ll just pick up at a better time. Sound okay?” I nod as Sky View goes and turns off the camera-recorder, then transforms it back into a suitcase. “See you later, Queen Chrysalis.” I wave back to him as he leaves. Afterward, I look at Carve in disapproval. Seriously, I was doing okay until she nipped my tail. Because of my glare, Carve is smiling nervously. She knows exactly what she did, and she knows it was wrong to distract me during an interview.
Chapter IIDuring our flight back home, about a mile away from the hive, I initiate a conversation with Carve. “Carve, I’m very disappointed with you. This was my first interview in Canterlot. Are you sure this couldn’t wait? And who were you mimicking anyway? He looked familiar.” “I’m so… sorry Chrysalis. Someone had a scroll that looked like a spell. And I think I remember seeing him during my childhood. Didn’t he used to say to one of his friends ‘stop hitting yourself; why are you hitting yourself’?” I gasp. i know exactly who Carve is talking about. “Those two were not friends. They were brothers.” “Brothers?” “Remember what happened while I was exiled from the hive?” “Thorax? He had a brother? Neat.” “I suppose now that Pharynx is the only one of his family left, he’s about to try and save Thorax any way he can.” “Oh come on, Chrysalis. Everyone grieves, but I doubt that grief means finding a way to save loved ones that are already dead.” “When you word it like that, it sounds a little ridiculous.” Carve and I fly into the throne room. However, coming in, someone is already on the throne: the changeling that Carve imitated during the interview: Pharynx. He has a scroll just like Carve said. “Welcome home Chrysalis!” He lights his horn onto the scroll, which makes the throne glow. “What are you doing Pharynx?” Carve harshly inquires. “I’d tell you, but good ol’ Chrysalis wouldn’t wanna know.” Pharynx crumples up the scroll and throws it past us. “Won’t be needing these instructions anymore.” Suddenly, a wind starts blowing throughout the throne room. Above the throne, a portal appears with a teal colored highway inside. Then, he starts flying into the portal, which closes. At the same time, the wind stops. “How in the… what did he do?” I ask, more or less to myself. Out of the corner of my eye, Carve approaches the crumpled up scroll. “I guess we could start finding out with this.” “Wait! Carve! Don’t float tha-” Both of us scream as the wind reprises, picks us up and takes us to the portal. Once in, Carve holds on to me for dear life as we speed through the highway. Suddenly, we see an opening that indicates we’re near the end of the trip. The wind is gone, so now we regain flight. I take a look at my surroundings. “Hm… it looks like my throne room, only exposed to the elements.” “You don’t think we…” Carve starts before the scroll from before glides around us. She catches it with her magic. “We did.” “Oh… no. Thorax is around. Wait, is that me?” I look around the hive and spot someone at the edge of the greenlands north of the hive. Carve gasps. “I know this part. This was when Thorax was overthrown,” Carve realizes. “Should we get a good view of that moment? Or should we-” Yaaaaaaaaaaaah!!! I know that scream anywhere. It seems slightly shorter than I remember though. I sigh with disappointment. I was hoping to see Thorax’s literal downfall. “Looks like it’s too late for that now, doesn’t it?” “Why did Pharynx travel to now? There is no way he coul-” I interrupt Carve by flaring my wings. “Oh, right. Then why didn’t Thorax fly to try and save himself?” Now that was scary! Thank you so much Pharynx! I owe you a vacation! Pharynx and Thorax arrive at my old throne room, completely unaware of me and Carve’s presence. I leap forward towards Pharynx and stomp on the floor with all four hooves. “What did you do?!?” “What do you think?” Pharynx answers, turning to me. Before I can say anything, the wind picks up and takes me and Carve through that time-highway. When we land back in the present, we crash into the throne with the other me barely dodging us. This is probably going to get confusing. “C-Carve? Where’d you come from?” this present’s version of me asks. “And is that m-me?” I wave at the me from this present. “Huh. I thought I would be at the interview.” “Well, that solves that. Carve, care to explain what happened?” “I think. See Chrysalis and I were sucked into some sort of highway, and before we knew it Thorax ended up getting saved from that fall he had.” “Ah! I see what you mean. I hear Pharynx is a hero for that in Equestria. I don’t fault the ponies for it.” I gasp. There’s hope. I’m still friends with Equestria. “Not for us he isn’t. And probably not for this present’s Pharynx either. Where is Twilight?” “She should be in Ponyville. You know the way, right Carve? Other me?” Carve and I nod. “Then come back when you’re finished here.” Spike and I are coordinating a new frame in the throne room. I hold the frame with my magic so it doesn’t fall, while Spike is moving his claws where I tell him. “A little higher on the left… now on the right… a little more.” While I’m instructing, the throne room door opens. I look to see who it is. I gasp at the sight. My magic fades from sight as I run to the visitors with joy. “Carve?!? Chrysalis?!? It’s so good to see you two! What are you doing here?” Chrysalis and Carve seem a little out of breath. But Carve comes forward first. “It’s a long… story.” “We couldn’t find Starlight or Aita, but we knew you and Spike would be here.” “Aita? Last I knew he was still in Wisconsin with Carina and Kuma.” Chrysalis and Carve jump in shock. “Kuma?!?” “Aita’s baby brother?” “Chrysalis, this is amazing! Carina survived?!? How?!?” “Carve, you of all changelings should remember. We brought Thorax to Carina’s world and he shared his love with her.” “Not where we come from. Carina died in my hooves mid-hug. I’m still traumatized by that event a month and a half in.” Spike drops the frame on the floor. “Huh. Didn’t that sound familiar Twilight?” he inquires, prompting a nod from Twilight. “Yeah, it did. But I thought the map got rid of that spell. How can this be?” “I think Chrysalis and I owe you one. Pharynx must’ve recreated it to go back in time to save Thorax, but for whatever reason, that action also saved my best friend’s life, not to mention that egg. As amazing as it is to find out how much better off everyone is here, that might not be the case if we try and fail to get our timeline back.” Carve shows the spell we’ve been talking about. My eyes widen, it’s almost exactly the same. Only difference is that it seems to take the user back, and not the activator. “Wait Carve, it’s not amazing for all of them. If memory serves me right, Aita was the catalyst for the arrest of that racist Superintendent Spitfire.” “Superintendent Spitfire? Does she work at CHS?” Chrysalis nods at me. “Well then, Chrysalis, Carve, I know how I can help you. The turning point seems to be when Thorax was overthrown. I really hate to do this to the map, but…” I float the spell next to the map and set it off. Then I give the spell back to Chrysalis and Carve for them to use to go back in time and set things right.
Chapter IIIOnce Carve and I are given back the spell by Twilight, we go back slightly earlier so that we can catch Pharynx when he does arrive. “Now all we have to do now is find Pharynx and-” I get interrupted when the portal opens over where my throne should be with Pharynx coming out of it. As I grab him with my magic, he teleports us to the location that Thorax would be overthrown in. He’s just around the corner, but we hear a crowd coming from the opposite direction. Then they stop right in front of him. Um, hi? Pharynx thumps my horn with his hoof, causing him to fall on the floor as I cover that spot with my hoof. Recovering, I see one of the changelings approaching the former king. Thorax! Why did you let Correal go out like she did?!? “I… I have to save him!” Pharynx whispers. I pin him to the floor and cover his mouth. “No. you. will. not!” Changelings, it was her decision, and I didn’t even know about what she did until Moph and Lace told me about it. We trusted you way! We thought we’d find a better life with you! And you made a mistake that made us realize- Pharynx breaks free twice, the second time when I try to levitate him again. Then he flies up to Thorax to thwart the argument going on around the corner. Everyone stop! The changelings murmur at Pharynx in confusion, some name dropping him. “Damn it!” I whisper. Seriously, I’m starting to get tired losing him. Is this any way to behave? Hm? Thorax had nothing to do with Correal. She was a sensitive soul anyway. Now if you all don’t mind, I will handle him from here, capiche? The murmurs continue. Carve comes closer to me. “They’re not listening? There’s hope left?” Well, if you think you can take him off our hooves, then we’d like our queen back. I see Pharynx nodding at the changelings, then soaring off with Thorax. “Of course there isn’t,” I reply to Carve. A hole opens up in front of us as we get swept up by the wind again. This time, the other me from this new timeline was ready for us to drop by. This timeline’s me takes on my old form before I swayed Twilight at the Crystal Empire. “I knew someone would come,” she says. “Whoa, this is crazy,” Carve remarks. “Both natural forms of Queen Chrysalis.” This timeline’s me gets confused and points to me. “Wait, that’s me? Carve! Explain!” I walk to the front of the throne before Carve can. “I’ll do it. I had to sway Twilight to my side where I come from. Were you abstained from that?” The other me nods. “Time travel? That’s new. With how everything played out, Twilight was already impartial hearing how smoothly the transition went between me and Thorax. In fact, Thorax and I are actually on-” Before the other me can finish, Carve teleports us to Twilight’s Castle. We appear to be in the library. Someone comes up behind us: Starlight Glimmer. “Huh? Carve? Who’s with you?” “Starlight! Can you take us to the map? We’re trying to stop Pharynx from messing with the past,” Carve explains. “The past? I thought the map destroyed that scroll already. Where’d he get it from?” Talk about deja vu. “From Canterlot of course. Carve caught him during an interview of mine.” “Well say no more you two.” Starlight teleports us to the throne room. Behind Pinkie Pie’s throne on the wall is the frame from the last timeline. Resting on the floor below is Spike. Twilight is sitting on her throne. “Carve? It’s so good to see you!” Twilight jumps and hugs Carve. Then looks at me. “...you look familiar. Are you Queen Chrysalis? Last I remember she’s looked the same ever since the wedding.” I nod, then show Twilight the scroll. “Oh, so that explains it.” “I can only deduce the same changes from last time happened: Thorax saves Carina and Kuma, Spitfire’s still superintendent. What else happened?” I ask. “Well, obviously you never transformed. That’s all I can come up with.” “I saw that already,” Carve replies. “Was I ever barred from Ponyville here? This timeline’s Chrysalis-” “Of course not, Carve. Thorax trusting Chrysalis meant I had to at least give her a chance. And it paid off. Why would I ever-” Carve changes into Thorax and plays dead to stop Twilight short. “…oh, I see. I do remember in the news that Pharynx came out of nowhere and reasoned with the rest of the changelings before they could kill him. The map is probably going to hate this, but let’s take you earlier.” Twilight supercharges the map so Chrysalis and I start flying into the portal above. On the other end, we find ourselves not too far off compared to last time. I look around, confused. “Ponyville? Why would Twilight keep us here?” I spot Town Hall and see a bunch of random decorations: banners, a fireplace… In the distance, it looks like ponies are pulling out flowers. Who hates flowers? “Wait. Is that a welcoming committee?” “Hm… that fireplace… Carve, the ponies trust you. Why don’t you go check things out. I’ll wait here on the balcony.” “Okay.” I zoom to the roundabout. Is the banner even? …Are the- WHOA!! I skid to a stop in front of Spike, who is in front of the entrance to town hall and quickly sidesteps out of my way. “Carve!” Twilight excitedly exclaims, flying down to greet and hug me. “You’ve come just in time! We’re here to meet Dra-” “No time for that Twilight! I have something important to tell Spike.” “Oh… okay.” Twilight flies back up to help Starlight with the banner. “What is it Carve?” Spike asks. I look around me before I know it’s safe to tell him. “Spike, there’s a chance Pharynx is on his way. Whatever you do, do not listen to him.” Spike sure looks confused now after telling him my secret. “Um, are you okay, Carve? Why would Thorax’s brother drop by to tell me what to do? I’m actually busy setting up a visit with Dragon Lord Ember.” “Because he’s trying to save his brother.” Spike’s pupils shrink. “You mean Thorax is coming too?!?” During me and Spike’s conversion, I hear hoofsteps. Well, so much for that. Hey Spike… Carve… I turn around to see Thorax waving in the background. “I can’t believe I invited Ember and Thorax on the same day! What am I gonna do?!?” “Ember? Who’s Ember?” Thorax asks Spike. Unfortunately, Chrysalis is teleported in, where we get sucked into the portal before I can hear the rest of the conversation. On the other end, we land where Chrysalis’ throne should be. Instead, it’s exactly the way it was when Thorax was ruling. “That’s weird,” I say. Chrysalis lets her wings shake off the dirt accumulating on them. “Obviously, you don’t mean us descending, since that is becoming a trend.” “Well it’s just that the previous two times, your throne room was intact.” Chrysalis’ gasps, her pupils shrinking when she sees the place around her.
Chapter IVChrysalis starts walking backwards in shock, getting as full of a view as she can of the former throne room. Most of the walls are gone, the throne is missing, and moss is starting to form on the floor. “But… my… throne… room… this is getting confusing.” “I know, Chrysalis. First we’re sent to when Ember and Thorax met each other without even seeing Pharynx, now we’re back to Thorax’s literal-” Chrysalis shoves a hoof onto my mouth. “No Carve! We’re not then! We’re in the present! I can feel it.” She removes her hoof and begins walking around. “Then why is Thorax still in power?” Chrysalis jumps toward me in anger. “Because of you, Carve! He met Ember sooner, and therefore learned to be even more assertive than he already did! And the worst part is we don’t even have a way back!” “That wasn’t me, okay? Spike let the whole thing out in front of Thorax. That was the event that triggered this present. But you’re right about the effects. Evidently, either he properly addressed Correal’s ordeal or it was avoided entirely. But we will find a way back. We still got Twilight’s map to go off.” “Do we though?!?” “Only one way to find out.” I teleport myself and Chrysalis to the back of the castle in Ponyville. Coming around quickly, we open the front door and look for Twilight. It’s sure dark in here. I don’t know what happened to the lighting, but it’s a good thing Chrysalis and I never need it due to the way our eyes work. Every room we look in just gets creepier than the last as result of this lack of lighting, especially when we faintly hear static and a rapid-fire sound effect echoing throughout the castle. In one of the rooms, we see a flashlight pointing up from a low origin. That could be Spike. “Spike?” I softly call as I walk into the room, Chrysalis closely following behind. “Are you in here?” There he is: Spike. He’s at the door between two rooms, holding a funnel shaped flashlight in his right claw, and has a radio by his side, probably to communicate with Starlight; I’m not too sure of that. He turns around and shrieks when I tap him on the shoulder. “Carve? Wait, who’s that? Ins’t that the changeling that got you sucked out of Ponyville?” “Spike, that was the portal, not Queen Chrysalis. But that’s not important now. What happened in this castle? It’s darker than the hive at night.” “Um, Starlight and I are rationing supplies. Y’know, against my former friend.” “Former friend? You mean Thorax? What’s Equestria doing with him?” Chrysalis asks. “Um, let’s say he took Ember’s advice too far. Ever since that Correal incident, he’s been off his rocker. He’s been drafting changelings left and right.” My face flushes. “Drafting?!? You mean he’s been going to WAR?!?” Oh… it looks like Chrysalis is starting to fume at not just me. “Where’s Princess Twilight, Spike?” “She’s south of Appleoosa. She hasn’t been back since the map called her when this all started.” Once she hears that, Chrysalis calms down immediately. Spike picks up the radio beside him and pushes a button on the side as he talks to Starlight. “Um, Starlight?” The radio plays a strange sound effect of a heavily filtered pulse wave before Starlight speaks. Yes Spike… The signal closes out with a split second of static. “Carve and Chrysalis need to borrow the map. You have a minute?” Starlight Glimmer teleports in and groans, then floats me and Chrysalis and teleports us all, sans Spike, to the throne room. “There. You’re lucky you both are technically civilians around here.” Then Starlight teleports out. I tilt my head to the left. “What was that?” “Starlight must’ve been through hell knowing Thorax betrayed Equestria. But at least we have the map.” Chrysalis looks around, making sure no one is around to hear her, then she sits down and looks at me, so I look back. “I would like to apologize for my behavior earlier, Carve. I might not tolerate Thorax, or Spitfire for that matter, but they would never have any interest in time travel for their goals. I just hope you can forgive my irritation. I had no idea the stress I would incur before having to cut the interview short.” I wrap Queen Chrysalis in a hug. “I understand, Chrysalis. You’re not the only one stressed out about this.” Chrysalis’s pupils widen, hearing about me. “I’m not normally under this much pressure, and I’m sorry that was getting on your nerves. But our goal is clear now: fix the timeline, and put Pharynx in his place.” “So when and where do we start?” “I think I know.” I light up the map and cast the spell. We’re back to the last time we went to the past. That last present was truly a bad one, so we should avoid causing the same problem and let things play out as they did in our timeline. From the balcony, once we see Spike first encounter Thorax unknowingly, we get swept up to the present… well, the first alternate present we visited. Once then, this present’s Chrysalis lets us use her throne to go back to when we nearly stopped Pharynx. Chrysalis has me help her hold him still while the events below begin to play out. “Ah! Ngh! You won’t get away with this!” Pharynx exclaims. I step forward and look Pharynx in the eyes. “What? Like you have with messing with history?” “Carve is right. When we are home, you are in so much trouble!” “But I just wanted to save my brother! Is that too much to ask?!? Besides, haven’t you messed with history too, trying to prevent me from doing the same?” I nod and point my right hoof at myself, then move it to the side as I talk. “Yes, but ONLY me, and Chrysalis and I have seen just how badly things can play out if you change the wrong event.” “Even with all that good saving Thorax might do, you could still undo all the consequences others deserve! It’s not worth it!” Pharynx growls then teleports as his brother begins to scream in the distance. When the two teleport back in, the portal opens up, ready to sweep me and Chrysalis up. I come up with an idea. Maybe drag Pharynx into the present. “I may have created a bad future, but who’s to say that won’t happen with you?” I leap and grab Pharynx as Chrysalis and I get sucked into the present. What we see isn’t even like Thorax’s hive. Holes dot the floor, and none of them are shifting like they would in, well, any hive. Foliage also covers the floor and whatever walls remain to the former throne room. Rather than the beige sky we’ve come to expect, it is the normal blue you would see in Equestria. All I see when I approach the edge is an expanse of plant life. It’s hard to tell where the hive starts. Maybe at where the trees are, but that’s it. All this change just blows me away. I gesture the other two to come take a look, and they have the exact same reaction.
Chapter VPharynx shakes his head to clear his mind from the overwhelming photosynthetic scenery. In that web of widespread disbelief of ours, Chrysalis and I can feel a slight worry coming from Pharynx. “Where are we?” We turn our heads to face him. I sigh in melancholy. “The future, or rather, the present.” “But there’s no one here! Didn’t I save Thorax?” “You did. Carve and I could see that. But our interactions change more than just the future, it changes who other beings are. Judging by the foliage and the lack of movement, nobody rules this land anymore; it’s completely abandoned.” “You knew this could happen, Pharynx. You just didn’t want to admit it.” Pharynx’s worry is growing, realizing his very home is now very much vacant. “Where is he? Where is my brother?” I lightly press my hoof on Pharynx’s chest. “Come with us, okay? We’ll find out together.” While we walk around Ponyville, Chrysalis, Pharynx and I see ponies and changelings living together in harmony. From the roundabout to Sugar Cube Corner to Sweet Apple Acres, you would be caught dead without seeing a changeling helping out, eating, chatting, or otherwise have a wonderful time with the earth ponies, unicorns and pegasi throughout town. We finally come up to Princess Twilight Sparkle’s castle, and go around back to the bank of the river to see a tombstone. Here lies Queen Chrysalis: 1969-2017 Age: 47 years, 20 moons Pharynx stares in shock; he obviously didn’t intend to see the queen gone forever. “Queen Chrysalis? How?!?” Chrysalis sighs. “I wouldn’t be surprised if this is because of Thorax. He saw my new form in this timeline. If you were him Pharynx, would you as a king want to see me succeed like I did?” “Of course not… but I’m not him. I’m me. I just wanted to see my brother one more time, king or not. But I’ve also always liked you as a queen.” “Let Carve and I show you where Thorax might be.” When we come in the castle, we take the usual directions to the throne room, open the door, and wave hello. Twilight gasps with excitement and runs to us. “Carve! There you are!” When she hugs me, she also notices Chrysalis. Seems like Chrysalis never transformed here too. “Who’s this changeling? She looks familiar.” “Not important right now, Twilight. Carve and I pulled Pharynx to the present for once. What do you know about Thorax?” Hm. That looks like it plucked a nerve in Twilight. “Oh that murderer? Yeah, we banished him to the abandoned Frederick Towne Mall. He’ll be made as miserable as possible there.” Chrysalis looks at Pharynx, who is on the verge of tears, disappointed at him for how all this has turned out so far. “Pharynx… do you see now?” “B-b-but my brother! I saved his life, and now I won’t even get to see him because he killed the very queen I love?!? What kind of horrible future is this?!?” Twilight sees Pharynx’s behavior and begins showing some understanding and compassion. She steps forward and wraps her hoof around him. “Maybe one that doesn’t need to happen. You know as well as I do that going back in time will never solve your problems. Queen Chrysalis, I will need to help you, since your hive in this present is abandoned. Can you give me the spell so that you can all fix this?” Chrysalis hands over the time travel spell to Twilight, who activates the map to send us back to the moment before Thorax was overthrown. Once we’re back, Chrysalis and I face Pharynx lying on his stomach in remorse, the scene below happening as we converse. “Carve, Chrysalis, I never would’ve went back if I realized there was a chance I wouldn’t be able to see Thorax anyway! Is there anything I can do to make it up to you two?!?” Chrysalis sits down and floats Pharynx next to her left hoof to comfort him. “I only hope you can forgive me after what happened to Thorax. I know he was your family, but it’s never too late to start a new one with other ponies.” “But who do I trust? I’d possessed undying loyalty for your first rule and look where that led me. I don’t know if anyone would take me under their wing now,” Pharynx explains. I rest my hoof on Pharynx’s shoulder. “We would. That revelation was enough to change your mind. If you can learn from your mistakes like you’ve just shown us, then we can work together to help you in your time of need.” “You… you think so?” “We know so…” Chrysalis and I say in unison. Pharynx holds out his hoof, which Chrysalis accepts with her own. Meanwhile, Thorax in the background does his scream. Once that is over, the wind sweeps the three of us into the correct timeline. We recover from the landing and see Chrysalis’ throne send the scroll we had with us into the portal to be forever lost. As everything dies down, Pharynx hugs me and Carve. “I’m sorry… about everything. You two were right; going back in time is not worth losing the loved ones I still have. I just wish I realized it sooner.” I hug back. “We’re all home now, Pharynx, and everything is back to normal. As long as you’ve learned your lesson, that’s all that matters.” Pharynx falls asleep while I forgive him. When I see, I roll my eyes. “Why do I always do that? Is it seriously night already? Carve, go back home. I’ll handle Pharynx from here.” Carve nods, and leaves the throne room. Soon after I leave as well. I take my time throughout the hive, carrying Pharynx on my back and taking him to Carve’s old room from before she was ejected out of Equestria. From here, I lay him with my magic onto the hive bed. The way he looks to be sleeping, a variant of the fetal position I saw from Aita when we returned to Equestria after confronting Spitfire, Pharynx is still very scared, possibly from what happened to me in that timeline Carve and I showed him. I hug him one last time before doing the one thing I’ve always done with a scared changeling, especially a young one. As I sing, I use my wings as accompaniment. Nat fu mel pa nel, tehinteringa. Valle ladega danen. Leyu curedon o gutara, valnat zo ho romonen. After that small lullaby, Pharynx’s body becomes more relaxed. Perhaps he’s undergoing rapid eye movement and therefore can hear me. I quickly make a brief dash out of the room and walk back up to my throne. It has been a long day going through time like that. It’s just relieving to be back home in the timeline I belong in. There is no doubt in my mind that Carve and Pharynx are feeling the same way. I let myself collapse onto my stomach, my head turned to the side, feeling the very much heated throne beneath me. “Well, I know someone who isn’t dreaming tonight.” And so, I close my eyes and begin to fall asleep.
Chapter VIAfter falling asleep trying to listen to Queen Chrysalis, I see myself in one of the places I saw in the alternate timeline Carve and Chrysalis showed me. It’s a farm with an expanse of apple trees. I seem to be riding a cart, as trees visibly pass me by, even lying down. The cart takes a left shortly before it stops and I fly out. I look around to see that Thorax was pulling the cart. I start tensing up, scared of what he might say to me after pulling a stunt like I did, all in a futile effort to save him. He appears to notice, proceeding to sing an old grubhood lullaby. It takes me back to the days of Queen Areola; she used to sing this to me even before she took Chrysalis under her wing. I really wish I could be that innocent soul again. That goal of warriorship had poisoned my mind for the past twenty five or so years, and now that’s gone, especially considering Chrysalis has partnered with Equestria rather than invading. Something else to mention about the singing is that the accompaniment is coming from nowhere. We’re out in the middle of an orchard with no music box or phonograph to be seen. That and Thorax’s singing has an unusual amount of vibrato to it. Maybe it’s just my memory messing with me. I remember he was a good singer, just not anything that gave the sirens a run for their money. By the time he finishes, I feel so much better. Maybe this will turn out to be okay. So, did you like it? Thorax asks, to which I nod. Alright, so now that I have your attention, WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT, PHARYNX?!? I flinch when he starts shouting. “Wha-what do you mean?” Thorax points at me. You went back in time and tried to change history! What were you thinking?!? “But I’ve m-mo-” Did you seriously let your grief for me fester like that?!? Did you seriously let it get to the point of TIME TRAVEL?!? “I won’t do it again, Thorax! I pro-” Pharynx, I love you, but you cannot, and I repeat CANNOT, pull another stunt like that! It’s unhealthy! I take a moment and sit down. Thorax pauses, finally giving me a chance to explain myself. “I realize that, Thorax. I realize I should never have recreated that spell in the first place. I should’ve talked to someone about how I felt, not let bargaining decide my actions for me.” He turns up some understanding in response. I’m really glad you learned that… even if you did it the hard way. Now, PROMISE me you won’t go back in time again. “Okay… I promise to stay in the present.” Thorax nods. Good. He suddenly looks down to the ground. Maybe this all could’ve been avoided if I just simply talked to you. I’ve been so busy with Chrysalis, Twilight and the others, I never got to spend any time with you. I can’t believe it took the point of time travel for me to realize that. “Do you think that’s what happened to Correal?” I don’t know. I mean it would make sense if that was actually the case. “Maybe not. You’ve been visiting ponies’ dreams for a reason. I don’t think you’d be able to do that if you enabled her departure on purpose, or my shenanigans for that matter.” Thorax takes a minute to think over what I said, then his eyes widen. ...I think you’re right. I should really look things over with Areola when we’re done here. She’ll know how she can help. For now though, I’ll make sure, as brothers, we can always see each other in your dreams. Suddenly, we hear hoofsteps coming toward us. Sure enough, it’s Queen Areola. If you two think malice is the factor for losing dream walking abilities, then how come I can still do it? I really don’t think that’s what’s going on with that. I leap into the air and hug her. “Queen Areola! What are you doing over here already?” It seems my ears were burning. I wanted to come by and check on you, Pharynx. You seemed to be quite antsy about what you did, that and your actions wouldn’t have been able to fly without us noticing. What did you and Thorax want to talk to me about? “We have a question for you,” I start. “Did Correal feel the same way I did while Thorax was in power?” Areola puts a hoof to her chin. From what she’s told me, yes. Thorax drops his jaw in shock. Then that means she could’ve come to me instead of keeping me in the dark like you did! Was I that unhelpful?!? “On an interpersonal level maybe, but your biggest accomplishment was putting Chrysalis in her place, and she was evidently better off for it. And I’d rather have a wise younger brother only in the dream world than one out for blood any day.” Pharynx is right. My old student came around when she was at her lowest point, and who’s to say that won’t happen to another pony. You know Thorax, Dragon Lord Ember was correct about your leadership prowess. Regardless of whether it matters now or not though, you should take initiative to solve others’ problems that cannot be done alone. Thorax sits down, slightly embarrassed. ...Probably could’ve used that advice in the waking world. “Oh, right. This is a dream… although everything I learn from it can be retained. This actually sounds like a great time to do something kind of fun, a high note to end on, something to liven up the mood.” I take a quick second to clear my mind, which lands us at the lobby at Gladmane Grande. What’s this place? Areola asks. Oh… I know! This is where I ended up almost six years ago after the wedding! What made you think of Las Pegasus? “You know why, Thorax. Someone very important lives in this city.” Thorax and Areola, knows exactly who this is about, based on their growing grins. Carve? I nod at them. Oh! What games are you gonna try out? Thorax seems to get the picture. I think up some chips to play with in the elders section. “Don’t think you don’t know. Anypony up for a round of canasta?!?” Hm, you go ahead. Thorax and I will play in the arcade. Though be prepared to see me later on, okay Pharynx? “Okay. See you later!” And with that, Thorax, Areola part ways with me, at least for now with Areola. I think that talk Thorax and I had helped me out some, because I’ve never felt happier since the student ceremony twenty six, soon to be twenty seven, years ago. One thing’s for sure; the only delicate thing being touched by me right now is my own thoughts. Eventually when daylight does wake me up, I feel like a completely changed changeling. Not only am I home, but this is the first time I’ve gotten proper rest since Chrysalis’ studenthood. I look around me in my new state of happiness. No wonder I thought of Carve. I’m in her old room, judging by the faint scent. Oh well; most nestrooms look identical to each other anyway. Guess it’s time now to get my day started as a returning member of Chrysalis’ hive.
