To Tame a Substitute Queenby Joshua CrapoChaptersChapter IChapter IIChapter IIIChapter IVChapter VChapter IWhat a rollercoaster last month was; my birthday was smack in the middle. But things have been quiet around here… too quiet, even on the fourth of this month. I understand that’s not the day of the founding of Equestria, but I still remember the cookouts I was taken out on by Sophie and Tim back in my homeworld. Right now, I’m actually at the dining room table, waiting for Twilight to bring in a double deck of playing cards. We’re about to play a classic game of War. This is more for fun, since I’ve learned about differing values already. But yeah, it should be some really good fun. While I’m waiting, I have the volume fully down on the DS while I play Sim Hive, that way we can clearly hear each other. When the door opens, I turn off the DS and close it, putting the stylus in its little slot between the screens. “Okay, Aita. I have the cards so we can play.” Twilight sits to my right and starts shuffling the cards. I close my eyes for a little bit and relax, but then I hear a strange shimmering sound. “Y’know Aita, you can blink for once.” “Uh, my eyes are clo-” “Wait… is your stylus glo-” Twilight gasps. “My cutie mark!” She’s getting called to the map?!? Already?!? Wait, my stylus is glowing, and that glowing hologram of it is headed toward the throne room! I run as fast as my little hooves can carry me to follow the stylus hologram. I see Twilight quite far ahead when I hear a thud behind me. When I pause, I see Sunset Shimmer’s cutie mark racing past me. I teleport to the throne room in front of the doors. INCOMING, AITA!!! I teleport again to get out of Twilight’s way as she bursts through the doors, slightly winded. Twilight and Sunset’s cutie marks as well as my stylus hover past her and well over the map. Wowowaaah! Oof! Sunset Shimmer trips into the throne room with her chin on the ground. The two cutie marks and stylus begin hovering over the changeling hive. “Of all the ponies from Equestria, the map had to call the one who lives in another world?” Sunset Shimmer remarks. However each revelation gets her more excited. “Wait, is that a stylus? Was Aita called too?!?” Twilight is stammering while Sunset gets up, who takes a look at the changeling hive on the map, now confused instead of excited. “What’s that?” “Um, you’re probably not gonna like this, Sunset, but it’s the changeling throne room,” Twilight reluctantly answers. “What? Does this have to do with me skimping out early?” “Aw, come on Sunset! You have me and Twilight to tag along! It’ll be fun!” “No it won’t; you remember how those drama queens crashed your party.” “Yeah, but they apologized. The party went well after that…” Twilight starts as she turns off the map. “At least show some impartiality when we get to the hive. I’m sure Queen Chrysalis can explain herself… and Areola, if she’s there.” So Sunset Shimmer, Twilight and I take a ride to Appleoosa, the city closest to the changeling hive, Twilight having my DS in one of her saddlebags. Then we follow the tracks to the sand dunes to get to the hive. Ever since Queen Chrysalis returned, it’s looked just the way it did before Thorax. Twilight and I turn to Sunset looking ahead. “There it is… just like the map said… the changeling hive…” “Why the long face, Sunset?” I ask. “Why didn’t anypony tell me you and the queens made up? I surely would’ve forgiven them for hurting you like they did.” Twilight takes the DS out, checking if the stylus is glowing again, but it looks normal again to all of us. “...maybe that’s not why the map called us. Do you think there’s a buckball argument going on amongst the hive?” I start leading the way to the hive. “Or someone’s salty about Never Have I Ever?” “Twilight, Aita, I’m sure the map would’ve sent us to a lower level if that was the case. But this is the throne room, what could Chrysalis be at odds over?” “Perish the thought!” Chrysalis responds, on the throne, once we ask her if there is anything making her tick. “Sunset Shimmer, I’m sure Twilight and Aita told you about the rest of the birthday party. What other qualms do you think I’d have? I’m on top of the world.” I look around and think. “Hm… something else might beg to differ.” Twilight walks past me and Sunset. “Aita’s right; none of us would be here if the map didn’t send us.” “Ugh, that tree of harmony always intervening…” Chrysalis stops groaning once she realizes what that means if I'm with them. “Wait. It sent you, Aita?” “Uh huh.” “I… I’m surprised. Do you think it has to do with my teacher? O-or could it be Pharynx?” Okay, I’ve watched the events up to the dethroning of Chrysalis, but… “Pharynx?” Twilight and Sunset turn to me. “Aita… you don’t know about Pharynx?” I shake my head in confusion to Twilight. “Well that’s news to all of us.” “Pharynx is a returned changeling who went back in time to try and save his brother from being literally overthrown.” I perk up when Chrysalis mentions time travel. “You mean like Starlight? I mean she tried to st-” I’m cut off by Twilight’s wing. “Not a good time, Aita.” “Nonsense, Twilight. I’m one of the only other political figures to know what Starlight did. You’ve reformed her, yet Pharynx had the more honorable goal. Now, back to the whole map situation-” As soon as Chrysalis tries to get back on topic about what the problem was, Carve comes from behind. “Sorry I’m late, Chrysalis. I was wondering- hello! Who’re you?!?” Apparently, Carve hasn’t met Sunset Shimmer. Chrysalis starts to tense up a little at Carve coming in and breaking up the conversation. “Um, Carve? …yeah, I’m a little busy. Sorry this is such a bad time.” “Oh, oh, okay. Guess I’ll just do the whole living arrangement thing then.” When Carve leaves, Sunset Shimmer turns to me and Twilight. “I can’t be the only one to notice that tension, right?” I shake my head. “You aren’t. I could smell it.” “Queen Chrysalis… you don’t think you might be at odds with your substitute queen, do you?” Twilight asks. “Who, Carve? Of course not. I’m aware she can sometimes miss the cues of my business, but ever since we helped out Pharynx, I’ve been able to accept that. She is my substitute after all. I can always rely on her to take my place whene'er I’m in Equestria.” “...if you say so-” “Twilight, just listen,” Sunset Shimmer interrupts. “You saw the way she acted around Carve. Something is clearly tugging at their relationship; that’s why the map sent us! Chrysalis is enabling Carve’s behavior.” Twilight stammers as what she’s hearing. “W-What?!? But why? Why would Carve be doing that in the first place?” Chrysalis thinks for a moment. “Hm… reflecting on it now Twilight, this does go as far back as our transformation. I will see if I can talk with Carve for a moment. Take some seats on the throne while you wait; my pleasure.” While Chrysalis leaves to go talk to Carve, Twilight and I take the invitation and sit up on the throne. Of course, Sunset Shimmer can’t fly, so I float her onto the throne. Chapter IIAs I walk down to Carve’s room, I can hear most of the changelings in their rooms, all seeming to talk about how the day’s been going, or a brand new fork of buckball. One hall is relatively empty though, the hall that Carve’s room is at. That room’s across from Carina’s old room now turned guest room. Holes on both sides grow to reveal both of them are empty. Wait a minute. I forgot Carve was trying to integrate Areola back into the hive after how badly the Ponyville-Canterlot cross invasion went fourteen and a half years ago. While Sunset Shimmer, Twilight, and Aita were asking about why the map called them to my throne, thus making me busy, living arrangements are just about as important. Well, I’ll have to track her down. I light my horn to perform a small trail spell that amplifies emotions. Actually now that I think about it, it’s the same thing Carina used to help Jon find me eight years ago. I follow a fresh trail of obligation and frustration. Two surefire emotions Carve might be feeling the most. Eventually I do find her, but is talking with Areola now, so I keep my distance. Hey, is that Chrysalis? Areola notes to Carve. “Was this a bad time, Areola?” Areola shakes her head. “No-no, Chrysalis. You’re fine. My ducks were in a row anyway. Carve did a splendid job taking your place to pick my room while you were busy.” I momentarily drop my jaw. “S-she did? In that little time? Regardless, I would like to have a talk with her.” “Sure thing; I’ll leave you two to it.” Areola nods, then whispers an old phrase to Carve I haven’t heard since the turn of the millennium. “Hello Carve.” “Chrysalis? You wanted to talk to me?” “Yes… but let’s go to your room first.” “So, what did you want to talk about?” Carve inquires. “Do you remember writing to me when you were in Wisconsin? Biting my tail during the interview in Canterlot? How about walking in on my visitors up in the throne room?” Carve hesitates at the last event I mention. “Um, yeah I remember doing all that.” I sigh. “Carve, I love you, but you’ve got to learn your cues around me. I can’t always drop everything I’m doing so that problems can be fixed. My first lesson I ever taught you was to make your own decisions in case I can’t be with you, even if one of your closest friends won’t like it in the end.” “I know you taught me that. So how do I keep forgetting?” “You’ve been living with those easy-going adventurers for over six years now. That’s how. If you can at least fulfill an errand I can’t attend to without letting me know, then consider the issue resolved. Are we clear, Carve?” Carve holds her head forward and strokes the ground. “...Yes, Chrysalis.” I catch on to this pose. “I know that expression. You wanted to tell me something, did you?” Carve nods. “You were pretty impressed when Areola told you about her new room. What changed about that?” I sit down on the nest and pull her up to wrap my hoof around her. “Carve… once you saw what I was doing, you reminded yourself of the task I had to miss. That… that’s what I want to see. I want to see you performing royal duties without coming to me when I’m not there to perform them myself. That’s why you’re my stand-in. Understand?” As I speak, Carve seems to start realizing just what I’m asking of her. By the end, she gives me a salute. “Yes, Chrysalis. Very much!” “That’s more like it. I’ll be up the throne room to check on my visitors.” While Chrysalis is out, Twilight, Sunset and I are all sitting atop the throne. Sunset Shimmer looks at us in astonishment for Chrysalis. “Hard to believe just how much Chrysalis changed. Before that cookout, I never would’ve suspected she was so open to listen to us, let alone having us all sit on the throne.” “She really never was the meanie my homeworld liked to think she was. Yeah she did some awful things, but you girls saw how she’s acted lately. She’s more of a friend now than she ever was before.” Twilight checks my DS again to see if the stylus is glowing while I’m talking. I do notice, but I wait to ask until I’m done. “Anything?” I ask her. Twilight shakes her head. “Not yet. But at least it seems we’re on track, judging by our interaction with Chrysalis earlier.” And it just keeps getting better. Queen Chrysalis enters the throne room in a mood even better than when we initially came in. “That chat with Carve went quite well if I do say so myself. Hopefully you ponies can go home soon.” Twilight and Sunset show their cutie marks, Twilight also showing the DS’s stylus. None of what they show is glowing. “Oh, right. It’s going to take some time before Carve has anything to perform in my place. If she can prove that she doesn’t need me to help her fulfill my duties, do you think all of that will start glowing?” “That’s actually a good theory. There’s been a trend with the map where both ponies have to do their part to settle their differences before our work is done.” “Sunset, how do you know that?” Queen Chrysalis questions. “This is your first time ever being called, and also Aita’s. At least with Aita, he knows what happens whenever the map calls the ponies because he watched us.” “Just because I don’t experience it doesn’t mean I don’t know about it. Twilight filled me in on that once or twice.” Twilight starts thinking. “Besides the whole finding Areola a room, was there anything else you had planned, Chrysalis?” “Not that I’m aware of,” Chrysalis replies, looking for all the possible duty Carve could attend to. She’s drawing blanks; I can tell by the slight worry in the air. “Only possible thing is naming any newborns, but they’ve already hatched before the map even called you.” “Maybe there just isn’t anything going on,” Twilight points out. “It’s been so peaceful here, the only changelings we’ve seen were you, Carve and Aita, and he’s with us.” Sunset Shimmer’s eyes widen. “I think I have an idea. Aita, do you think you could track Carve down?” I can’t believe what I’m hearing. Sunset Shimmer thinks I can track down another changeling so early? Even Twilight is confused about this. “Me? But I’d never find her with my trailing skills… or lack of trailing skills.” Chrysalis floats me onto her upper back. “I could teach you. We do share the same species.” “R-really? You’d do that, Chrysalis?” “Of course. With your attention to detail and my instructional clarity, I can’t think of a way you’d learn any faster.” I hug Chrysalis around the neck. “Thanks, Chrysalis! I’m ready and willing to learn!” “Then let’s get started right away!” It’s a good thing I’m hanging onto Chrysalis, because for a moment, she gets up on her hind legs and moves her forelegs with a circling motion during her declaration. Chapter III“Now young Aita, What games do you remember playing in your homeworld?” Chrysalis asks as she sets me down on the throne. “What do you remember that relates to finding your target?” I think for a moment, then gasp. “Hide and seek! Yeah! Everyone in my old home loved that game!” “Now Twilight, Sunset, can you help me with this demonstration? Just prepare to momentarily exit the room. Your distance must be substantial enough to be inaudible from here.” Twilight teleports her and Sunset Shimmer to the entrance of the throne room. “Okay, now close your eyes, Aita.” I do as Chrysalis says. “You two may go now.” “Oh so this was where the searcher counts to ten, right?” “Mhm…” Chrysalis confirms. Sunset and Twilight leave the room so that Chrysalis can demonstrate. Eventually their hooves fade out before they stop. “You can open them.” I open my eyes again. “Now before we start, we’re either looking for the emotion the bearer last felt in our presence or the signature they left.” I hover off of the throne onto the ground below and subtly stick my tongue out to try to detect any emotions. All I sense now is… willingness. Of course, I can tell who that emotion came from. “I think I found it.” “Good, Aita. Now, light your horn and start sniffing.” I do as Chrysalis says and notice I can actually smell in space, not just what happens to enter my nose. I turn my head in various directions and find two strong trails to my left as they lead out of the throne room. Following these trails leads me to Sunset and Twilight, which is impressive considering the hundreds of feet it took for their hooves to be no longer audible. I turn my horn off and embrace Twilight. “That was fast, Aita,” she remarks. “Chrysalis was right, Twilight! I better go up and thank her.” I race back over to the throne room and hug her now. “Chrysalis! You did it! You taught me how to trail!” “Very good, Aita! I told you you would learn quickly with me. Sunset Shimmer? Twilight?” Twilight and Sunset teleport into the throne room. “What were you planning again?” “Aita, now that you know how, I’ll need you to find Carve and talk to her. Twilight and I will stay up here with Chrysalis while we wait for you two.” “You got it, Sunset!” I run out of the throne room, the hole I went through closing shortly after. “Alright, find the scent, perform the spell, follow the trail… got it.” I walk around the upper halls, trying to identify the scent meant for Carve. It’s much harder than Twilight, or even Sunset, because I haven’t spent nearly as much time with Carve. I think back to that night before the disaster last Hearth’s Warming started. She definitely had different scent markings compared to Rusty Flashlight, Pane Fall, Trace Light, and even Mom. A better comparison would be Starlight and Sunset to Carve and Chrysalis. All things considered, I am trying to untangle a web of signatures imprinted in my mind. But eventually, I finally get a match with Carve. She seems to have gained some confidence since we last talked, or was it determination? Oh well, I found the emotion I’m looking for. I finally light my horn up to amplify my empathic field of vision, and that scent I found has a clear imprint in space like Twilight and Sunset did with theirs. I follow that imprint by walking toward the lower levels of the hive. After five minutes of trailing later, I finally find Carve walking around the halls. I wave hello, prompting her to turn around to face me after hearing my hoofsteps stop. “Aita? I thought you were up in the throne room.” I shake my head to mean that not now am I with the rest. “Maybe a few minutes ago, but Sunset Shimmer had the idea to have me come get you.” “Wait, that would’ve taken you a lot longer than a few minutes to find me, right?” “Not anymore.” I light my horn for show and start sniffing around, which leaves Carve’s mouth agape. “It was like I learned to play Hide and Seek all over again!” Carve blinks twice, then recomposes herself. “Huh, that makes sense now. But how’d you learn to trail so early? I thought we didn’t learn that until our adolescent years.” “I think part of that was Chrysalis’ clear instructions during a test run we did with Sunset and Twilight.” “What idea did Sunset Shimmer have?” “Maybe talk a little bit? Get you to the throne? There’s really nothing to do right now, Carve.” “Really? But didn’t Chrysalis tell me I should run one of her errands without relying on her?” I facehoof. “Look, I don’t know the first thing about what you do, but I’m pretty sure Chrysalis does, so just come up with me, okay?” Carve gives out a disappointed sigh. “Fine, let’s go.” I come back to the throne room with Carve behind me, so Chrysalis approaches us with confidence, particularly in me. “Greetings, Carve, Aita…” “Hi, Chrysalis. A-Aita told me nothing’s going on… is it true?” I turn to Carve when she speaks, mostly because of the slight flutter I hear in her voice compared to when I first talked to her. “Yes; it has been a relatively uneventful afternoon…” Chrysalis sits down and lightly holds Carve’s chin up with her left hoof. “Were you actually out searching for an errand of mine to run anyway?” Carve nods. “Yeah, I even stopped by the nursery to see if I should name anyone, but a passerby told me Areola already did that while I was up here trying to get your attention.” “Carve, I never meant for you to eventually exhaust yourself trying to take my place; just let my duties come to you. It’s a good thing Twilight and Sunset sent Aita when they did; I don’t think I could take the prospect of inadvertently exhausting you.” I notice Chrysalis is speaking in the same tone she used on me discussing my future reference with the DS back at the party. I smell quite a bit of understanding from her in the perspective of a spectator. Unfortunately, that is mistranslated by Carve in the exact same way I did: tense wings, stomach to the floor, and eyes locked on Chrysalis. But Carve is a substitute queen; what’s her excuse? She should be around Chrysalis all the time. Suddenly, I’m lifted off the ground and put next to Sunset Shimmer, who was moving me. “Did you notice that too?” she whispers. “Yeah. Why don’t you talk to Carve about it?” Sunset agrees by patting me on the back. She then walks to Chrysalis and Carve, Chrysalis stopping when she sees Carve in the same position I was the moment before she and Areola started arguing. “Carve? Are you okay?” “...I-I don’t know, Chrysalis. I don’t know why I’m doing this.” “Someone might know though. Mind if I take Carve out of the room for a while?” Sunset asks. “I’m sure Aita can fill you in in the meantime.” Chrysalis approves by waving her right hoof forward, then turns to Twilight as Sunset takes Carve into the hall. Chapter IVLooking at Chrysalis, I see confusion clear as day. I’ve been around Chrysalis enough to know she doesn’t usually tilt her head. “Seriously, what was that? It happened with you, Aita, and now it happened with Carve. Is it something I’m doing? You had to’ve smelt it; I never intended to intimidate her.” “I mean that much is clear there, Chrysalis. Both times, you’ve kept your cool, and it sure did smell like it. I don’t even think it has to do with you at all. It might sound crazy, but do you think it has to do with stress? Guilt maybe?” “Aita might be on to something,” Twilight adds. “Ever since we transformed, I can tell composure has taken a massive front seat, and even by that standard, that was probably your calmest tone we’ve ever witnessed from you.” “But you saw Carve; might I have been too stern?” “I don’t think that was it, Chrysalis. Aita, you remember what it was like when Chrysalis addressed the proximity of your DS. This is considering accidentally bringing Areola back to life beforehoof.” I nod at Twilight for confirmation. “I’d hate to take a page out of her when she wasn’t at her best, but Areola did have a point; normal changelings are relatively sensitive to tone, even if it flies in the face of the emotion they do smell, and that sensitivity is supercharged when they do something they know you wouldn’t like.” Throughout Twilight’s speech, Chrysalis’ expression evolves from the initial confusion, to shock during Twilight’s reluctance to mention Areola’s mistake at the birthday party, then to amused impression by the end. Chrysalis lets out a little chuckle. “I never thought I, of all changelings, would get educated on my own kind, but you made it happen, Twilight. The map made the right choice calling you, Aita and Sunset. Only you three are en-tuned enough with the changelings to teach a queen something.” “Chrysalis, if I could ask you something…” I ask, to which I get the go-ahead. “Pharynx, he must have felt devastated about what you showed him, right?” “Very much, Aita. He lost his will to save Thorax when Carve and I revealed the possibility of losing the loved ones he already has as result of changing the past. He couldn’t even sleep without thinking about it… it was like his inner-child came through, and it got me to sing to him…” Chrysalis clears her throat. “what with me being so much older than him…” As Chrysalis explains what happened to Pharynx, I can see Twilight trying to hold back tears, listening to the explanation. “I can only imagine what it must’ve felt like for Carve when you were first befriending Equestria… when she saw the demolition of Rolling Acres… Pharynx’s case proves you can be truly compassionate with your changelings. Chrysalis, what did you sing to Pharynx?” “I sung him a lullaby my mother used to sing to me when I was Aita’s age. It goes beyond even Areola’s generation. A song that old would calm anyone down.” I think I know where this is going. “Maybe you could try that with Carve. You did it with me when I ran back to Equestria from those hazy comments. She could probably use the same thing after that talk you initially had.” After Carve and I exit the throne room, I decide I’d at least try to calm her down. “Carve… you okay?” I ask. “After that performance, no! I’d never been so scared in all my life, and I lived through Rolling Acres!” Carve starts shaking me with her magic. I press on her horn to stop her. “Alright, alright… calm down. I think it should be… over by now… Carve, I know how you feel. When the elements of harmony defeated me, I was at my lowest point, and I couldn’t be more scared of the world around me. My school saw me for who I really was, but Twilight helped build me up to who I am today. I’ve done far worse than simply dropping in at the wrong time, and I still managed to make it through.” “But that was Twilight! We’re talking about Chrysalis! This hasn’t happened to me before!” “It did with Aita… his birthday party didn’t start out the best.” “B-but he’s a child!” Carve tries to rebut. “And he’s still a normal changeling, just like you are.” “But… but why would I be doing that in the first place?” I think for a moment before resting my hoof on Carve’s shoulder. I close my eyes with the injection of new memories, starting with Carve’s first apparent time dropping in on Chrysalis, teleporting to the throne room from the Crystal Empire when it was pretty much night. Then I see a memory of Carve in a more detailed world where, presumably, her best friend seemed to’ve retched pretty badly in the bathroom downstairs, the second cry more gruesome than the first. A human of that world gives Carve some paper for her to write to Chrysalis. A third memory pops up where Carve and Chrysalis are at an interview in Canterlot, where Carve sees Pharynx, then bites Chrysalis in the tail to get her attention. And then the final one comes up where Carve was trying to get Chrysalis on Areola’s behalf for the new living arrangement. The same thing I remember happens with Carve stopping, seeing me, Chrysalis tensing up, and Carve getting the memo. I finally let go, realizing what all these memories have in common; she kept coming to Chrysalis for help when she didn’t need to, at least with most of them. That second memory I could understand; it was urgent, and no one was thinking straight. “Carve, I know what’s going on. You kept coming to Chrysalis even though she had her own stuff to do: Twilight and Chrysalis’ transformations, Hearth’s Warming, the interview, me and my friends’ discussing why the map called. When you finally saw her reaction that last time, that’s what got this all started.” “You saw ALL of it? I-I thought only changelings could do that, and how did you use that spell with only your hoof?” “It’s not a spell. In my world, my friends and I possess jewelry that gives us superpowers. Mine would be the ability to access others’ memories. Carve, you shouldn’t let conflicts like that bubble up inside of you. You’ve got to calm down around Chrysalis and talk to her.” Carve immediately hugs me when I’m done speaking. “Thanks, Sunset! I’ll make sure I do that from now on! I never realized just how much I needed to hear that!” “Any time, Carve. Now, why don’t we start for the throne room. I think someone is waiting for you up there.” “Okay… let’s go then.” So Carve and I let go and finally start walking the halls back to the top floor. I think that talk really helped Carve get her mind on track. I can tell she’s been through a lot, not even counting the memories I didn’t see, and she just needed someone new to talk to and give her a little insight. I couldn’t see anybody else other than myself doing it. Chapter VCarve and Sunset finally come up to the throne room up to me, Chrysalis and Twilight. “Hey Chrysalis, Carve and I thought it over-” Chrysalis stops Sunset by raising her hoof. “Huh?” “Will you join Aita and Twilight while we have a heart-to-heart?” Sunset does what Chrysalis asks, who begins moving her wings to mimic an acoustic guitar playing through a phonograph. Carve approaches Chrysalis with hope in her eyes, Chrysalis soon after beginning to sing, starting with only one voice rather than the usual two. My dearest stand-in queen, you’ve come a long long way; but what I don’t understand is what you seemed to say. Chrysalis’ wings now sound like that one finger bass was added to the music. I think it was the bass that played during the test run scene from Double Rainboom. Your popping in and out, sincerely had to end: but I never meant to let that fester in your head. And now, the second voice joins in for the harmony for what I can only guess is the chorus. You’ll never let me down just as long as we’re a team. I never would’ve thought you’d ever wind up off the stream. But to me, you’ll never lose your way if I show you where to start, ‘cause I can help you find who you are. On the last line of the chorus, the second voice drops out until the next time the chorus plays again. My Carve, I’ve seen your life go by without a beat, from the times we’d reunite, to our greatest feats. There’s nothing left to fret with ponies side by side. I would never miss the chance to be your very guide. During the rest of the song, the chorus actually plays twice after that second verse, the final time around slowing down to come to a close. In the meantime, Carve appears to grow a smile on her face. Through the whole song, Chrysalis has her left hoof resting on Carve’s upper back, sending a message of affection to her. Carve hugs Chrysalis when the song ends. “Thanks, Chrysalis! Thank you so much!” “I knew you needed something that would help you understand; I’m asking as more than just a queen, but a friend: are you willing to assist me in fulfilling my royal duties when the time comes?” “Yes… I understand. I’ll be right with you when you need me most! And you’re right Chrysalis! We are a team!” “Very good, Carve. I’m very pleased to hear you recognize that.” Chrysalis wraps her left hoof around Carve. As they hug, I hear that strange shimmering sound from when Twilight was preparing to play cards with me before this whole map quest started. Twilight looks at her and Sunset’s cutie marks, which are glowing, then turns her attention to the saddlebag. “You know what that means, right Aita?” Twilight asks, showing me my glowing stylus. “Looks like we all did it: a job well done.” “Who would’ve known my geode’s superpower was still useful in your world, Twilight. I can’t wait to get back to my world and tell our friends about this adventure. So what are you and Aita gonna do when you get home?” “Well, we were gonna play a classic game of War before being summoned. You still are up to that, right Aita?” “How could I not be? After all this, I could play something autonomous.” “Sounds good. You ready then?” I nod at Twilight. “Wait… all of you,” Chrysalis interrupts. “I would like to thank you one last time for helping me out with Carve. I couldn’t have done it without you. I’ll be sure to make time to visit you.” “Happy to help,” Twilight replies. “Aita, Sunset, and I look forward to seeing you again. For now, it’s time we got home.” Chrysalis waves the hoof she wrapped around Carve as a sign of approval. “Understood. See you all soon.” So Twilight, Sunset and I finally start our journey back home. Back at the castle, the three of us finally enter the library to take Sunset home, Twilight taking my DS out of her saddlebag and putting it atop the mirror to let it charge. In the air, I wipe sweat off my forehead. “Whew, it’s good to be back.” “You said it.” Twilight turns to Sunset. “Do you plan on visiting soon? I know this probably wasn’t the best time, but when it is, will you?” “I might visit for the weekend. If you need me before that, I’m only one message away.” “Actually, are you running out of pages?” Twilight asks, pulling Sunset’s journal out of the backpack near the roundtable. Sunset takes the journal and flips through the pages. “Sure, there’s only a few left in here.” “Okay. Once Aita and I are done playing cards, I’ll order you a new journal.” “Thanks, Twilight. I should be back in a day or two to visit. That could be my last chance before I have to switch gears and prepare for regents. I’ll also make sure our friends plan more cookouts for you, Aita. I remember you really enjoyed it.” I giggle a little at the idea to go to Sunset’s Canterlot again. I did have a good time, didn’t I… at least until you-know-who texted the entire CHS student body over a visit to the nurse’s office- okay, that turned sour quick, and Twilight and Sunset definitely noticed. Twilight pats my back, trying to bring my mood back up. “It’s okay, Aita. Hopefully Thorax is filling the role of superintendent nicely.” “So far, that’s how things have gone with him from what I hear,” Sunset adds. “Now I’ve got to get back home. Don’t want to miss that new Daring Do movie.” So, Sunset walks to the mirror and goes through, Twilight holding the DS steady meanwhile so it doesn’t fall off like it did when Sunset initially came back to Equestria. I turn around and look up to Twilight. I know what this means: some good ol’ card games. She smiles as if she knows exactly what I’m thinking. “Wanna go play cards?” she asks me. “Do we?!?” Starlight and Spike interrupt us from behind. “Starlight and I have been lookin’ all over for you guys. Where were you anyway?” “Carve and Chrysalis had some royal tension, and we and Sunset Shimmer got them to understand each other more to ease that tension! Did I mention I was there with Twilight and Sunset?!? I can’t believe the map uses my sty-!” “Wait,” Starlight interrupts. “The map called you? And who’s Sunset Shimmer?” “Twilight,” I play-whine. “You didn’t tell Starlight?” “Pf-uh- I thought she knew.” Twilight and I share a laugh after that pseudo-banter. “Come on now, anyone besides me and Aita up for a game of War?” Twilight and I walk past Spike and Starlight, the former immediately joining us. “Count me in.” “Right behind you guys,” Starlight announces. So the four us finally head off to the dining room to play, Twilight teleporting in her double deck of playing cards for us to use before closing the library doors, the DS left on the mirror to charge while we play. Man, today’s been a long day, so there’s no better way to cap it off than with a nice, relaxing card game with my three closest friends.
Chapter IWhat a rollercoaster last month was; my birthday was smack in the middle. But things have been quiet around here… too quiet, even on the fourth of this month. I understand that’s not the day of the founding of Equestria, but I still remember the cookouts I was taken out on by Sophie and Tim back in my homeworld. Right now, I’m actually at the dining room table, waiting for Twilight to bring in a double deck of playing cards. We’re about to play a classic game of War. This is more for fun, since I’ve learned about differing values already. But yeah, it should be some really good fun. While I’m waiting, I have the volume fully down on the DS while I play Sim Hive, that way we can clearly hear each other. When the door opens, I turn off the DS and close it, putting the stylus in its little slot between the screens. “Okay, Aita. I have the cards so we can play.” Twilight sits to my right and starts shuffling the cards. I close my eyes for a little bit and relax, but then I hear a strange shimmering sound. “Y’know Aita, you can blink for once.” “Uh, my eyes are clo-” “Wait… is your stylus glo-” Twilight gasps. “My cutie mark!” She’s getting called to the map?!? Already?!? Wait, my stylus is glowing, and that glowing hologram of it is headed toward the throne room! I run as fast as my little hooves can carry me to follow the stylus hologram. I see Twilight quite far ahead when I hear a thud behind me. When I pause, I see Sunset Shimmer’s cutie mark racing past me. I teleport to the throne room in front of the doors. INCOMING, AITA!!! I teleport again to get out of Twilight’s way as she bursts through the doors, slightly winded. Twilight and Sunset’s cutie marks as well as my stylus hover past her and well over the map. Wowowaaah! Oof! Sunset Shimmer trips into the throne room with her chin on the ground. The two cutie marks and stylus begin hovering over the changeling hive. “Of all the ponies from Equestria, the map had to call the one who lives in another world?” Sunset Shimmer remarks. However each revelation gets her more excited. “Wait, is that a stylus? Was Aita called too?!?” Twilight is stammering while Sunset gets up, who takes a look at the changeling hive on the map, now confused instead of excited. “What’s that?” “Um, you’re probably not gonna like this, Sunset, but it’s the changeling throne room,” Twilight reluctantly answers. “What? Does this have to do with me skimping out early?” “Aw, come on Sunset! You have me and Twilight to tag along! It’ll be fun!” “No it won’t; you remember how those drama queens crashed your party.” “Yeah, but they apologized. The party went well after that…” Twilight starts as she turns off the map. “At least show some impartiality when we get to the hive. I’m sure Queen Chrysalis can explain herself… and Areola, if she’s there.” So Sunset Shimmer, Twilight and I take a ride to Appleoosa, the city closest to the changeling hive, Twilight having my DS in one of her saddlebags. Then we follow the tracks to the sand dunes to get to the hive. Ever since Queen Chrysalis returned, it’s looked just the way it did before Thorax. Twilight and I turn to Sunset looking ahead. “There it is… just like the map said… the changeling hive…” “Why the long face, Sunset?” I ask. “Why didn’t anypony tell me you and the queens made up? I surely would’ve forgiven them for hurting you like they did.” Twilight takes the DS out, checking if the stylus is glowing again, but it looks normal again to all of us. “...maybe that’s not why the map called us. Do you think there’s a buckball argument going on amongst the hive?” I start leading the way to the hive. “Or someone’s salty about Never Have I Ever?” “Twilight, Aita, I’m sure the map would’ve sent us to a lower level if that was the case. But this is the throne room, what could Chrysalis be at odds over?” “Perish the thought!” Chrysalis responds, on the throne, once we ask her if there is anything making her tick. “Sunset Shimmer, I’m sure Twilight and Aita told you about the rest of the birthday party. What other qualms do you think I’d have? I’m on top of the world.” I look around and think. “Hm… something else might beg to differ.” Twilight walks past me and Sunset. “Aita’s right; none of us would be here if the map didn’t send us.” “Ugh, that tree of harmony always intervening…” Chrysalis stops groaning once she realizes what that means if I'm with them. “Wait. It sent you, Aita?” “Uh huh.” “I… I’m surprised. Do you think it has to do with my teacher? O-or could it be Pharynx?” Okay, I’ve watched the events up to the dethroning of Chrysalis, but… “Pharynx?” Twilight and Sunset turn to me. “Aita… you don’t know about Pharynx?” I shake my head in confusion to Twilight. “Well that’s news to all of us.” “Pharynx is a returned changeling who went back in time to try and save his brother from being literally overthrown.” I perk up when Chrysalis mentions time travel. “You mean like Starlight? I mean she tried to st-” I’m cut off by Twilight’s wing. “Not a good time, Aita.” “Nonsense, Twilight. I’m one of the only other political figures to know what Starlight did. You’ve reformed her, yet Pharynx had the more honorable goal. Now, back to the whole map situation-” As soon as Chrysalis tries to get back on topic about what the problem was, Carve comes from behind. “Sorry I’m late, Chrysalis. I was wondering- hello! Who’re you?!?” Apparently, Carve hasn’t met Sunset Shimmer. Chrysalis starts to tense up a little at Carve coming in and breaking up the conversation. “Um, Carve? …yeah, I’m a little busy. Sorry this is such a bad time.” “Oh, oh, okay. Guess I’ll just do the whole living arrangement thing then.” When Carve leaves, Sunset Shimmer turns to me and Twilight. “I can’t be the only one to notice that tension, right?” I shake my head. “You aren’t. I could smell it.” “Queen Chrysalis… you don’t think you might be at odds with your substitute queen, do you?” Twilight asks. “Who, Carve? Of course not. I’m aware she can sometimes miss the cues of my business, but ever since we helped out Pharynx, I’ve been able to accept that. She is my substitute after all. I can always rely on her to take my place whene'er I’m in Equestria.” “...if you say so-” “Twilight, just listen,” Sunset Shimmer interrupts. “You saw the way she acted around Carve. Something is clearly tugging at their relationship; that’s why the map sent us! Chrysalis is enabling Carve’s behavior.” Twilight stammers as what she’s hearing. “W-What?!? But why? Why would Carve be doing that in the first place?” Chrysalis thinks for a moment. “Hm… reflecting on it now Twilight, this does go as far back as our transformation. I will see if I can talk with Carve for a moment. Take some seats on the throne while you wait; my pleasure.” While Chrysalis leaves to go talk to Carve, Twilight and I take the invitation and sit up on the throne. Of course, Sunset Shimmer can’t fly, so I float her onto the throne.
Chapter IIAs I walk down to Carve’s room, I can hear most of the changelings in their rooms, all seeming to talk about how the day’s been going, or a brand new fork of buckball. One hall is relatively empty though, the hall that Carve’s room is at. That room’s across from Carina’s old room now turned guest room. Holes on both sides grow to reveal both of them are empty. Wait a minute. I forgot Carve was trying to integrate Areola back into the hive after how badly the Ponyville-Canterlot cross invasion went fourteen and a half years ago. While Sunset Shimmer, Twilight, and Aita were asking about why the map called them to my throne, thus making me busy, living arrangements are just about as important. Well, I’ll have to track her down. I light my horn to perform a small trail spell that amplifies emotions. Actually now that I think about it, it’s the same thing Carina used to help Jon find me eight years ago. I follow a fresh trail of obligation and frustration. Two surefire emotions Carve might be feeling the most. Eventually I do find her, but is talking with Areola now, so I keep my distance. Hey, is that Chrysalis? Areola notes to Carve. “Was this a bad time, Areola?” Areola shakes her head. “No-no, Chrysalis. You’re fine. My ducks were in a row anyway. Carve did a splendid job taking your place to pick my room while you were busy.” I momentarily drop my jaw. “S-she did? In that little time? Regardless, I would like to have a talk with her.” “Sure thing; I’ll leave you two to it.” Areola nods, then whispers an old phrase to Carve I haven’t heard since the turn of the millennium. “Hello Carve.” “Chrysalis? You wanted to talk to me?” “Yes… but let’s go to your room first.” “So, what did you want to talk about?” Carve inquires. “Do you remember writing to me when you were in Wisconsin? Biting my tail during the interview in Canterlot? How about walking in on my visitors up in the throne room?” Carve hesitates at the last event I mention. “Um, yeah I remember doing all that.” I sigh. “Carve, I love you, but you’ve got to learn your cues around me. I can’t always drop everything I’m doing so that problems can be fixed. My first lesson I ever taught you was to make your own decisions in case I can’t be with you, even if one of your closest friends won’t like it in the end.” “I know you taught me that. So how do I keep forgetting?” “You’ve been living with those easy-going adventurers for over six years now. That’s how. If you can at least fulfill an errand I can’t attend to without letting me know, then consider the issue resolved. Are we clear, Carve?” Carve holds her head forward and strokes the ground. “...Yes, Chrysalis.” I catch on to this pose. “I know that expression. You wanted to tell me something, did you?” Carve nods. “You were pretty impressed when Areola told you about her new room. What changed about that?” I sit down on the nest and pull her up to wrap my hoof around her. “Carve… once you saw what I was doing, you reminded yourself of the task I had to miss. That… that’s what I want to see. I want to see you performing royal duties without coming to me when I’m not there to perform them myself. That’s why you’re my stand-in. Understand?” As I speak, Carve seems to start realizing just what I’m asking of her. By the end, she gives me a salute. “Yes, Chrysalis. Very much!” “That’s more like it. I’ll be up the throne room to check on my visitors.” While Chrysalis is out, Twilight, Sunset and I are all sitting atop the throne. Sunset Shimmer looks at us in astonishment for Chrysalis. “Hard to believe just how much Chrysalis changed. Before that cookout, I never would’ve suspected she was so open to listen to us, let alone having us all sit on the throne.” “She really never was the meanie my homeworld liked to think she was. Yeah she did some awful things, but you girls saw how she’s acted lately. She’s more of a friend now than she ever was before.” Twilight checks my DS again to see if the stylus is glowing while I’m talking. I do notice, but I wait to ask until I’m done. “Anything?” I ask her. Twilight shakes her head. “Not yet. But at least it seems we’re on track, judging by our interaction with Chrysalis earlier.” And it just keeps getting better. Queen Chrysalis enters the throne room in a mood even better than when we initially came in. “That chat with Carve went quite well if I do say so myself. Hopefully you ponies can go home soon.” Twilight and Sunset show their cutie marks, Twilight also showing the DS’s stylus. None of what they show is glowing. “Oh, right. It’s going to take some time before Carve has anything to perform in my place. If she can prove that she doesn’t need me to help her fulfill my duties, do you think all of that will start glowing?” “That’s actually a good theory. There’s been a trend with the map where both ponies have to do their part to settle their differences before our work is done.” “Sunset, how do you know that?” Queen Chrysalis questions. “This is your first time ever being called, and also Aita’s. At least with Aita, he knows what happens whenever the map calls the ponies because he watched us.” “Just because I don’t experience it doesn’t mean I don’t know about it. Twilight filled me in on that once or twice.” Twilight starts thinking. “Besides the whole finding Areola a room, was there anything else you had planned, Chrysalis?” “Not that I’m aware of,” Chrysalis replies, looking for all the possible duty Carve could attend to. She’s drawing blanks; I can tell by the slight worry in the air. “Only possible thing is naming any newborns, but they’ve already hatched before the map even called you.” “Maybe there just isn’t anything going on,” Twilight points out. “It’s been so peaceful here, the only changelings we’ve seen were you, Carve and Aita, and he’s with us.” Sunset Shimmer’s eyes widen. “I think I have an idea. Aita, do you think you could track Carve down?” I can’t believe what I’m hearing. Sunset Shimmer thinks I can track down another changeling so early? Even Twilight is confused about this. “Me? But I’d never find her with my trailing skills… or lack of trailing skills.” Chrysalis floats me onto her upper back. “I could teach you. We do share the same species.” “R-really? You’d do that, Chrysalis?” “Of course. With your attention to detail and my instructional clarity, I can’t think of a way you’d learn any faster.” I hug Chrysalis around the neck. “Thanks, Chrysalis! I’m ready and willing to learn!” “Then let’s get started right away!” It’s a good thing I’m hanging onto Chrysalis, because for a moment, she gets up on her hind legs and moves her forelegs with a circling motion during her declaration.
Chapter III“Now young Aita, What games do you remember playing in your homeworld?” Chrysalis asks as she sets me down on the throne. “What do you remember that relates to finding your target?” I think for a moment, then gasp. “Hide and seek! Yeah! Everyone in my old home loved that game!” “Now Twilight, Sunset, can you help me with this demonstration? Just prepare to momentarily exit the room. Your distance must be substantial enough to be inaudible from here.” Twilight teleports her and Sunset Shimmer to the entrance of the throne room. “Okay, now close your eyes, Aita.” I do as Chrysalis says. “You two may go now.” “Oh so this was where the searcher counts to ten, right?” “Mhm…” Chrysalis confirms. Sunset and Twilight leave the room so that Chrysalis can demonstrate. Eventually their hooves fade out before they stop. “You can open them.” I open my eyes again. “Now before we start, we’re either looking for the emotion the bearer last felt in our presence or the signature they left.” I hover off of the throne onto the ground below and subtly stick my tongue out to try to detect any emotions. All I sense now is… willingness. Of course, I can tell who that emotion came from. “I think I found it.” “Good, Aita. Now, light your horn and start sniffing.” I do as Chrysalis says and notice I can actually smell in space, not just what happens to enter my nose. I turn my head in various directions and find two strong trails to my left as they lead out of the throne room. Following these trails leads me to Sunset and Twilight, which is impressive considering the hundreds of feet it took for their hooves to be no longer audible. I turn my horn off and embrace Twilight. “That was fast, Aita,” she remarks. “Chrysalis was right, Twilight! I better go up and thank her.” I race back over to the throne room and hug her now. “Chrysalis! You did it! You taught me how to trail!” “Very good, Aita! I told you you would learn quickly with me. Sunset Shimmer? Twilight?” Twilight and Sunset teleport into the throne room. “What were you planning again?” “Aita, now that you know how, I’ll need you to find Carve and talk to her. Twilight and I will stay up here with Chrysalis while we wait for you two.” “You got it, Sunset!” I run out of the throne room, the hole I went through closing shortly after. “Alright, find the scent, perform the spell, follow the trail… got it.” I walk around the upper halls, trying to identify the scent meant for Carve. It’s much harder than Twilight, or even Sunset, because I haven’t spent nearly as much time with Carve. I think back to that night before the disaster last Hearth’s Warming started. She definitely had different scent markings compared to Rusty Flashlight, Pane Fall, Trace Light, and even Mom. A better comparison would be Starlight and Sunset to Carve and Chrysalis. All things considered, I am trying to untangle a web of signatures imprinted in my mind. But eventually, I finally get a match with Carve. She seems to have gained some confidence since we last talked, or was it determination? Oh well, I found the emotion I’m looking for. I finally light my horn up to amplify my empathic field of vision, and that scent I found has a clear imprint in space like Twilight and Sunset did with theirs. I follow that imprint by walking toward the lower levels of the hive. After five minutes of trailing later, I finally find Carve walking around the halls. I wave hello, prompting her to turn around to face me after hearing my hoofsteps stop. “Aita? I thought you were up in the throne room.” I shake my head to mean that not now am I with the rest. “Maybe a few minutes ago, but Sunset Shimmer had the idea to have me come get you.” “Wait, that would’ve taken you a lot longer than a few minutes to find me, right?” “Not anymore.” I light my horn for show and start sniffing around, which leaves Carve’s mouth agape. “It was like I learned to play Hide and Seek all over again!” Carve blinks twice, then recomposes herself. “Huh, that makes sense now. But how’d you learn to trail so early? I thought we didn’t learn that until our adolescent years.” “I think part of that was Chrysalis’ clear instructions during a test run we did with Sunset and Twilight.” “What idea did Sunset Shimmer have?” “Maybe talk a little bit? Get you to the throne? There’s really nothing to do right now, Carve.” “Really? But didn’t Chrysalis tell me I should run one of her errands without relying on her?” I facehoof. “Look, I don’t know the first thing about what you do, but I’m pretty sure Chrysalis does, so just come up with me, okay?” Carve gives out a disappointed sigh. “Fine, let’s go.” I come back to the throne room with Carve behind me, so Chrysalis approaches us with confidence, particularly in me. “Greetings, Carve, Aita…” “Hi, Chrysalis. A-Aita told me nothing’s going on… is it true?” I turn to Carve when she speaks, mostly because of the slight flutter I hear in her voice compared to when I first talked to her. “Yes; it has been a relatively uneventful afternoon…” Chrysalis sits down and lightly holds Carve’s chin up with her left hoof. “Were you actually out searching for an errand of mine to run anyway?” Carve nods. “Yeah, I even stopped by the nursery to see if I should name anyone, but a passerby told me Areola already did that while I was up here trying to get your attention.” “Carve, I never meant for you to eventually exhaust yourself trying to take my place; just let my duties come to you. It’s a good thing Twilight and Sunset sent Aita when they did; I don’t think I could take the prospect of inadvertently exhausting you.” I notice Chrysalis is speaking in the same tone she used on me discussing my future reference with the DS back at the party. I smell quite a bit of understanding from her in the perspective of a spectator. Unfortunately, that is mistranslated by Carve in the exact same way I did: tense wings, stomach to the floor, and eyes locked on Chrysalis. But Carve is a substitute queen; what’s her excuse? She should be around Chrysalis all the time. Suddenly, I’m lifted off the ground and put next to Sunset Shimmer, who was moving me. “Did you notice that too?” she whispers. “Yeah. Why don’t you talk to Carve about it?” Sunset agrees by patting me on the back. She then walks to Chrysalis and Carve, Chrysalis stopping when she sees Carve in the same position I was the moment before she and Areola started arguing. “Carve? Are you okay?” “...I-I don’t know, Chrysalis. I don’t know why I’m doing this.” “Someone might know though. Mind if I take Carve out of the room for a while?” Sunset asks. “I’m sure Aita can fill you in in the meantime.” Chrysalis approves by waving her right hoof forward, then turns to Twilight as Sunset takes Carve into the hall.
Chapter IVLooking at Chrysalis, I see confusion clear as day. I’ve been around Chrysalis enough to know she doesn’t usually tilt her head. “Seriously, what was that? It happened with you, Aita, and now it happened with Carve. Is it something I’m doing? You had to’ve smelt it; I never intended to intimidate her.” “I mean that much is clear there, Chrysalis. Both times, you’ve kept your cool, and it sure did smell like it. I don’t even think it has to do with you at all. It might sound crazy, but do you think it has to do with stress? Guilt maybe?” “Aita might be on to something,” Twilight adds. “Ever since we transformed, I can tell composure has taken a massive front seat, and even by that standard, that was probably your calmest tone we’ve ever witnessed from you.” “But you saw Carve; might I have been too stern?” “I don’t think that was it, Chrysalis. Aita, you remember what it was like when Chrysalis addressed the proximity of your DS. This is considering accidentally bringing Areola back to life beforehoof.” I nod at Twilight for confirmation. “I’d hate to take a page out of her when she wasn’t at her best, but Areola did have a point; normal changelings are relatively sensitive to tone, even if it flies in the face of the emotion they do smell, and that sensitivity is supercharged when they do something they know you wouldn’t like.” Throughout Twilight’s speech, Chrysalis’ expression evolves from the initial confusion, to shock during Twilight’s reluctance to mention Areola’s mistake at the birthday party, then to amused impression by the end. Chrysalis lets out a little chuckle. “I never thought I, of all changelings, would get educated on my own kind, but you made it happen, Twilight. The map made the right choice calling you, Aita and Sunset. Only you three are en-tuned enough with the changelings to teach a queen something.” “Chrysalis, if I could ask you something…” I ask, to which I get the go-ahead. “Pharynx, he must have felt devastated about what you showed him, right?” “Very much, Aita. He lost his will to save Thorax when Carve and I revealed the possibility of losing the loved ones he already has as result of changing the past. He couldn’t even sleep without thinking about it… it was like his inner-child came through, and it got me to sing to him…” Chrysalis clears her throat. “what with me being so much older than him…” As Chrysalis explains what happened to Pharynx, I can see Twilight trying to hold back tears, listening to the explanation. “I can only imagine what it must’ve felt like for Carve when you were first befriending Equestria… when she saw the demolition of Rolling Acres… Pharynx’s case proves you can be truly compassionate with your changelings. Chrysalis, what did you sing to Pharynx?” “I sung him a lullaby my mother used to sing to me when I was Aita’s age. It goes beyond even Areola’s generation. A song that old would calm anyone down.” I think I know where this is going. “Maybe you could try that with Carve. You did it with me when I ran back to Equestria from those hazy comments. She could probably use the same thing after that talk you initially had.” After Carve and I exit the throne room, I decide I’d at least try to calm her down. “Carve… you okay?” I ask. “After that performance, no! I’d never been so scared in all my life, and I lived through Rolling Acres!” Carve starts shaking me with her magic. I press on her horn to stop her. “Alright, alright… calm down. I think it should be… over by now… Carve, I know how you feel. When the elements of harmony defeated me, I was at my lowest point, and I couldn’t be more scared of the world around me. My school saw me for who I really was, but Twilight helped build me up to who I am today. I’ve done far worse than simply dropping in at the wrong time, and I still managed to make it through.” “But that was Twilight! We’re talking about Chrysalis! This hasn’t happened to me before!” “It did with Aita… his birthday party didn’t start out the best.” “B-but he’s a child!” Carve tries to rebut. “And he’s still a normal changeling, just like you are.” “But… but why would I be doing that in the first place?” I think for a moment before resting my hoof on Carve’s shoulder. I close my eyes with the injection of new memories, starting with Carve’s first apparent time dropping in on Chrysalis, teleporting to the throne room from the Crystal Empire when it was pretty much night. Then I see a memory of Carve in a more detailed world where, presumably, her best friend seemed to’ve retched pretty badly in the bathroom downstairs, the second cry more gruesome than the first. A human of that world gives Carve some paper for her to write to Chrysalis. A third memory pops up where Carve and Chrysalis are at an interview in Canterlot, where Carve sees Pharynx, then bites Chrysalis in the tail to get her attention. And then the final one comes up where Carve was trying to get Chrysalis on Areola’s behalf for the new living arrangement. The same thing I remember happens with Carve stopping, seeing me, Chrysalis tensing up, and Carve getting the memo. I finally let go, realizing what all these memories have in common; she kept coming to Chrysalis for help when she didn’t need to, at least with most of them. That second memory I could understand; it was urgent, and no one was thinking straight. “Carve, I know what’s going on. You kept coming to Chrysalis even though she had her own stuff to do: Twilight and Chrysalis’ transformations, Hearth’s Warming, the interview, me and my friends’ discussing why the map called. When you finally saw her reaction that last time, that’s what got this all started.” “You saw ALL of it? I-I thought only changelings could do that, and how did you use that spell with only your hoof?” “It’s not a spell. In my world, my friends and I possess jewelry that gives us superpowers. Mine would be the ability to access others’ memories. Carve, you shouldn’t let conflicts like that bubble up inside of you. You’ve got to calm down around Chrysalis and talk to her.” Carve immediately hugs me when I’m done speaking. “Thanks, Sunset! I’ll make sure I do that from now on! I never realized just how much I needed to hear that!” “Any time, Carve. Now, why don’t we start for the throne room. I think someone is waiting for you up there.” “Okay… let’s go then.” So Carve and I let go and finally start walking the halls back to the top floor. I think that talk really helped Carve get her mind on track. I can tell she’s been through a lot, not even counting the memories I didn’t see, and she just needed someone new to talk to and give her a little insight. I couldn’t see anybody else other than myself doing it.
Chapter VCarve and Sunset finally come up to the throne room up to me, Chrysalis and Twilight. “Hey Chrysalis, Carve and I thought it over-” Chrysalis stops Sunset by raising her hoof. “Huh?” “Will you join Aita and Twilight while we have a heart-to-heart?” Sunset does what Chrysalis asks, who begins moving her wings to mimic an acoustic guitar playing through a phonograph. Carve approaches Chrysalis with hope in her eyes, Chrysalis soon after beginning to sing, starting with only one voice rather than the usual two. My dearest stand-in queen, you’ve come a long long way; but what I don’t understand is what you seemed to say. Chrysalis’ wings now sound like that one finger bass was added to the music. I think it was the bass that played during the test run scene from Double Rainboom. Your popping in and out, sincerely had to end: but I never meant to let that fester in your head. And now, the second voice joins in for the harmony for what I can only guess is the chorus. You’ll never let me down just as long as we’re a team. I never would’ve thought you’d ever wind up off the stream. But to me, you’ll never lose your way if I show you where to start, ‘cause I can help you find who you are. On the last line of the chorus, the second voice drops out until the next time the chorus plays again. My Carve, I’ve seen your life go by without a beat, from the times we’d reunite, to our greatest feats. There’s nothing left to fret with ponies side by side. I would never miss the chance to be your very guide. During the rest of the song, the chorus actually plays twice after that second verse, the final time around slowing down to come to a close. In the meantime, Carve appears to grow a smile on her face. Through the whole song, Chrysalis has her left hoof resting on Carve’s upper back, sending a message of affection to her. Carve hugs Chrysalis when the song ends. “Thanks, Chrysalis! Thank you so much!” “I knew you needed something that would help you understand; I’m asking as more than just a queen, but a friend: are you willing to assist me in fulfilling my royal duties when the time comes?” “Yes… I understand. I’ll be right with you when you need me most! And you’re right Chrysalis! We are a team!” “Very good, Carve. I’m very pleased to hear you recognize that.” Chrysalis wraps her left hoof around Carve. As they hug, I hear that strange shimmering sound from when Twilight was preparing to play cards with me before this whole map quest started. Twilight looks at her and Sunset’s cutie marks, which are glowing, then turns her attention to the saddlebag. “You know what that means, right Aita?” Twilight asks, showing me my glowing stylus. “Looks like we all did it: a job well done.” “Who would’ve known my geode’s superpower was still useful in your world, Twilight. I can’t wait to get back to my world and tell our friends about this adventure. So what are you and Aita gonna do when you get home?” “Well, we were gonna play a classic game of War before being summoned. You still are up to that, right Aita?” “How could I not be? After all this, I could play something autonomous.” “Sounds good. You ready then?” I nod at Twilight. “Wait… all of you,” Chrysalis interrupts. “I would like to thank you one last time for helping me out with Carve. I couldn’t have done it without you. I’ll be sure to make time to visit you.” “Happy to help,” Twilight replies. “Aita, Sunset, and I look forward to seeing you again. For now, it’s time we got home.” Chrysalis waves the hoof she wrapped around Carve as a sign of approval. “Understood. See you all soon.” So Twilight, Sunset and I finally start our journey back home. Back at the castle, the three of us finally enter the library to take Sunset home, Twilight taking my DS out of her saddlebag and putting it atop the mirror to let it charge. In the air, I wipe sweat off my forehead. “Whew, it’s good to be back.” “You said it.” Twilight turns to Sunset. “Do you plan on visiting soon? I know this probably wasn’t the best time, but when it is, will you?” “I might visit for the weekend. If you need me before that, I’m only one message away.” “Actually, are you running out of pages?” Twilight asks, pulling Sunset’s journal out of the backpack near the roundtable. Sunset takes the journal and flips through the pages. “Sure, there’s only a few left in here.” “Okay. Once Aita and I are done playing cards, I’ll order you a new journal.” “Thanks, Twilight. I should be back in a day or two to visit. That could be my last chance before I have to switch gears and prepare for regents. I’ll also make sure our friends plan more cookouts for you, Aita. I remember you really enjoyed it.” I giggle a little at the idea to go to Sunset’s Canterlot again. I did have a good time, didn’t I… at least until you-know-who texted the entire CHS student body over a visit to the nurse’s office- okay, that turned sour quick, and Twilight and Sunset definitely noticed. Twilight pats my back, trying to bring my mood back up. “It’s okay, Aita. Hopefully Thorax is filling the role of superintendent nicely.” “So far, that’s how things have gone with him from what I hear,” Sunset adds. “Now I’ve got to get back home. Don’t want to miss that new Daring Do movie.” So, Sunset walks to the mirror and goes through, Twilight holding the DS steady meanwhile so it doesn’t fall off like it did when Sunset initially came back to Equestria. I turn around and look up to Twilight. I know what this means: some good ol’ card games. She smiles as if she knows exactly what I’m thinking. “Wanna go play cards?” she asks me. “Do we?!?” Starlight and Spike interrupt us from behind. “Starlight and I have been lookin’ all over for you guys. Where were you anyway?” “Carve and Chrysalis had some royal tension, and we and Sunset Shimmer got them to understand each other more to ease that tension! Did I mention I was there with Twilight and Sunset?!? I can’t believe the map uses my sty-!” “Wait,” Starlight interrupts. “The map called you? And who’s Sunset Shimmer?” “Twilight,” I play-whine. “You didn’t tell Starlight?” “Pf-uh- I thought she knew.” Twilight and I share a laugh after that pseudo-banter. “Come on now, anyone besides me and Aita up for a game of War?” Twilight and I walk past Spike and Starlight, the former immediately joining us. “Count me in.” “Right behind you guys,” Starlight announces. So the four us finally head off to the dining room to play, Twilight teleporting in her double deck of playing cards for us to use before closing the library doors, the DS left on the mirror to charge while we play. Man, today’s been a long day, so there’s no better way to cap it off than with a nice, relaxing card game with my three closest friends.
