'Light (Not That One)by Joshua CrapoChaptersTeaser/Cold OpenAct 1Act 2Act 3Teaser/Cold OpenWith Aita’s recent reunion with Sophie in the real world to celebrate her coronation, I have since reestablished amicable connections with Sophie and Tim. Often times, I find myself torn between staying at the Castle of Friendship to help provide company for Lorien, and catching up with the two humans Aita and I still consider family. However, with Cozy Glow helping with the Running of the Leaves, Aita’s assured me she can care for Lorien on her own. So with me visiting, Sophie and Tim decided the place for us to catch up. “Hm… this is new,” I remark about our destination. “Cool Beans opened up pretty recently,” says Sophie. “You should try their cocoa here, especially the stronger flavors.” When I look at the hung sign for the café before us that Sophie is referring to, I notice scarring in the spaces within the letters. Perhaps the place used to be something else. A small chuckle escapes my breath at the thought of a cup of cocoa. “Last time I had a caffeinated beverage, it was ultimately because of Discord. It’ll be nice to have one at my own leisure instead.” “And while you catch up with us to boot,” adds Tim. “Come on; it’s get in.” It takes a moment after Tim enters the café before Sophie and I share a hearty laugh over his apparent haste. “I never did get to see what you two were truly like, did I?” I say. “Well, we understood you had a kingdom to rule while Aita lived here, at least for the most part. But now that you two live together…” I interrupt Sophie, wrapping my hoof around her. “I”ll let you know about that when we go inside.” Sophie nods, appearing to’ve connected the dots. “Gotcha.” Together, Sophie and I head into the café now and quickly scan the area to find where Tim has seated himself before an usher comes to greet us, allowing us to shake her hand. “Ah! Sophie! I thought I’d bump into you with your cousin in here.” Sophie snorts with inward laughter. “That would be Tim; does he happen to be at a table for three?” The usher nods and escorts us across the café. “Yep. Right this way, girls.” As Sophie and I stroll throughout the long, though quaint, one aisle dining floor, I find internal pleasure in the possibility that the usher knows who I am; she leaves back to her post as we arrive at the table Tim is occupying, which has three menus on it. As we sit, Sophie starts laughing when trying to talk again. “Look Tim, I know you’re an adult now, but we have-” “Sophie, it’s okay,” I chuckle. “No one's in danger.” It takes a few seconds but Sophie and I manage to calm down enough to take a deep breath. All the while, Tim appears a bit conflicted, tilting his head to his left, like it’s great to him that we didn’t have an adverse reaction, but didn’t feel our laughter was in his spirit. Act 1The next few seconds have become quiet. While Tim’s haste to enter Cool Beans was never anything to worry about, me and Sophie’s stride appears to have embarrassed him to some degree. As Sophie grabs her menu on the table, I clear my throat silently. “Apologies for earlier, Tim,” I start. “Perhaps our stride may’ve been a little mean-spirited in the moment.” “Thanks, Chrysalis,” Tim replies. “So, I guess now that we’re all settled in, do you wanna go first? Tell us what you’ve been up to lately?” Sophie sets down the menu she was reading from. “Yeah, how’s it been living with Aita?” Before I can answer, a waiter stops by and takes out a notepad in front of us. “Good afternoon, and welcome to Cool Beans Café. How can I help you three today?” Sophie is the first to order. “I’ll have the number five: extra strength, whipped cream surface, and a cherry on top.” That must be the cocoa she recommended I have, at least barring the extra customizations. “I’d like the number two,” Tim announces. “Just cream for the coffee, and I’d like the egg scrambled.” I watch while Sophie and Tim order as our waiter writes down their order. “I’ll just do a number five, only with the extra strength.” Once the pen finishes its strokes, the waiter recaps our order. “So, two strong hot chocolate beverages; one with whipped topping and a cherry, and a coffee-egg combo?” We all confirm with a nod. “Will there be anything else?” “We’re good now,” Sophie answers. “Alright, your order should be in about five to ten minutes from now.” As our waiter leaves to stick our order in the queue, I turn back to face Sophie and Tim. “So what were we talking about again?” “You were about to catch us up on your time in Equestria?” Tim guesses. “Right…” I whisper before returning to a more audible tone. I turn to Sophie. “Well… Sophie, do you remember Cozy Glow?” She nods to me. “She lives with us now, and together with me and Aita, the three of us took in a tod that we named Lorien.” With my announcement, Sophie and Tim become surprised. “A t-tod?” stammers Tim. “A-as in a fox?” “Mhm… Lorien followed Aita home one night when Cozy and I were exhausted from Discord’s REM antics. That fox has contributed quite a bit to solutions to our troubles e’er since.” Holding their expression, Sophie and Tim face each other, then back to me. “I’m well aware it is a big responsibility, but Lorien’s care flows between the three of us.” “It’s not the responsibility…” Sophie says. “We’re surprised he had no qualms living with you, like at all.” “Well, I did help save Equestria, so maybe that has something to do with it,” I muse. “Anywho, I did notice Aita admitted to not caring for conventions when Cozy and Lorien got home from Spade Con in Baltimare. I wonder what that was about.” When I mention Aita’s attitude, I notice Sophie’s face flush. Something must’ve happened in the real world that made Aita think that way. “Yeah, there was apparently some amber scandal on the east coast the month before you moved in with Aita,” Tim announces. “A security guard-” “Okay,” Sophie awkwardly interrupts, shoving a hand onto Tim’s trap. “Moving on… did Cozy get any memorabilia at Spade Con?” At least now I know where Aita got her insensitivities from. “Indirectly. A personal copy of the latest Shadow Spade book came in the mail when she and Lorien arrived.” When I return to Ponyville, I notice from overhead that the entire track for the Running of the Leaves is set up. Otherwise the flight home is uneventful, a far cry from what happens in response to knocking on the front doors of the castle. The entrance opens not to Aita, Cozy Glow or even Lorien, but Firelight of all ponies. “Chrysalis!” he ecstatically exclaims, hugging me. “Firelight? What a surprise to see you. Are you visiting?” “Just figured I’d spend some time here with two of my youngest friends while you were away in the real world.” “You sure it’s just Aita and Cozy?” I inquire. “What about the newest resident?” As if on cue, Lorien appears by Firelight’s side and starts laughing. Firelight looks down to him. “Well this is news. How’s he been?” “Lorien appears to be fine around you. Have the others given you a tour of the castle?” “Of course!” Firelight laughs. “Those two are excellent hostesses!” A smile grows upon my face in response as Firelight and Lorien lead me back to the throne room. “Pleasure to hear. I do find it thoughtful of you to visit while I was away, disregarding the lack of necessity.” Coming into the throne room, I notice Aita and Cozy laughing with their backs on the floor. Lorien runs ahead of me and Firelight and gives my castlemates humorous kisses in the face, making them laugh even harder. “I certainly hope we’re not interrupting anything,” I say, instantly replacing their laughter with pleasant surprise. “Chrysalis!” Aita exclaims. “How’d everything go?” “The visit was fine, just mostly a blur. I see somepony’s finished with helping out in the setup for the Running of the Leaves.” Cozy Glow nods. “Everything was a breeze, especially when Firelight tagged along!” “They even swung by and invited me out for cookies!” adds Aita, hovering across the room. “Evidently so,” I deduce, judging by how uncharacteristically quick Aita’s motion is. “I can’t remember the last time you and Cozy had sweets together.” I turn around to a knock on the throne room door from behind. When I open it, the local mailpony is revealed, holding a letter in her mouth. “Ah, Muffins. You came at the right time,” I tell her before levitating the letter toward my left wing. Muffins nods, and promptly leaves to perform the rest of her duties, as do I to read the letter for me. The room I sleep in now was originally where Twilight Sparkle slept before moving out. In there, I sit down on my bed and float the letter in front of me and unfold it. FRIENDSHIP ADVISOR CHRYSALIS Mailed From: Cliptalk, Fillydelphia, Equestria 19116 Destination: Ponyville, Equestria 67430 Dear Chrysalis, Great to hear you’re doing well. We heard Cozy Glow recently attended a Shadow Spade related convention down south from where we live. What was that like for her? We’re not sure if we’ve told you this already, but after your visit last fall, Cozy showed significant improvement while living with us. She began to understand and appreciate the smaller gifts she’d received after she befriended you and Aita, and she started talking to us a lot more. Unfortunately, we found out about what happened on Nightmare Night during the meeting with Heavenly Luck by comparing what was said there to the letter you sent us before the convention. Though when writing to Aita about it, she clarified you weren’t feeling well when the meeting was supposed to take place. We’d love to meet you for real someday regardless. Hopefully this revelation won’t hinder our correspondence with you and it continues to be upheld. Yours truly, Amber Glow and Tight Knit. I sigh with relief about how Cozy Glow’s parents took their findings from during my insomniatic episode almost two weeks ago. “Looks like they can still talk.” Trotting across the room, I set a piece of parchment and a quill onto Twilight’s former personal desk. And I begin writing. Dear Amber Glow and Tight Knit You have no idea the relief that swept over me reading your letter. It’s good to know I still have personal friends around Equestria especially long after my actions during my first reign as queen. As for Cozy Glow and her trip to Baltimare, she was actually sent there by the tree of harmony to help out the authors of Shadow Spade, Atomic Archive and Timeless Tale. I do appreciate your willingness to let Aita’s actions slide under the pretense of covering for her castlemates. Of course we can still correspond, as long as you two agree to do so. I look forward to see you in person. Sincerely, Chrysalis Bagley-Handy. As soon as I roll up the letter and tie it, that is with a ribbon emblemized with an image of the Castle of Friendship, Lorien enters my room with a walk of curiosity. “Oh, Lorien! Come on in,” I politely encourage, prompting him to race up to me. He momentarily holds my forehoof in his mouth. As he lets go, he sits and starts panting happily. “If this is about my visit to the real world, it actually went well, all things considered.” Lorien starts laughing, some of the breaths intermittently rumbling. Meanwhile he also starts to walk back to my door, as if I should follow him. “Huh. Okay. I was about to head out anyway. This should be interesting. Lead the way, Lorien.” The fox chipperly follows my command, leading me out of the room. Act 2With Lorien escorting me throughout the castle, the previously lively throne room stands silent, devoid of my friends. Perhaps Firelight took Aita and Cozy outside again. I watch while Lorien jumps onto the map and places his front paws on my neck. “Do you suppose Firelight is out with our castlemates?” I ask Lorien, who puts his paws back on the map and chattering. “Then I’ll need to trail them, estimate their location by following the residues of their scents.” Lorien recognizes what I’m on about and flicks his head forward. Leading the way now, I keep my horn active and trot across Ponyville. At the track for the Running of the Leaves, the view is blocked by several dozen spectators, and based on size, it appears the junior race is underway. This line of thinking is supported by background commentary over a megaphone, whose voice belongs to Rarity. ...and the set of racers for this division include Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Diamond Tiara, Scootaloo, Silver Spoon, Pipsqueak, Trace Light, Cozy Glow, Twist, Snips, Snails… Looking to the crowd, I notice a stallion I hadn’t seen before… at least I think he’s a stallion. He appears to be the height of a mare, so he might not be fully grown quite yet. From what Aita told me while Cozy and Lorien were away, wasn’t his name Sandbar? Close to him is a young changeling that I do recognize from before my exile: Ocellus, who Discord had joked about when Aita transitioned. With subtle coaxing from Lorien, I approach the two, but only close enough for Ocellus to turn around, probably sensing me through emotions. I am greeted immediately with a hug from her. “Chrysalis! Boy, am I glad to finally see you again!” “Likewise, Ocellus,” I say. Sandbar now turns his attention to me as well. “Hey, Chrysalis. How’s Ponyville treating you?” he asks me. “Well, I’d say. I’ve certainly come a long way in the three years I’ve reformed. Sandbar, correct?” The young stallion nods. “So what brings you two here? Firelight?” “Yeah,” Ocellus confirms. “He said the idea of bad officers made his skin crawl after hearing about some news sweep across Equestria about… Baltimare? …more?” “Yona would’ve gone with us and Firelight,” adds Sandbar. “but she couldn’t get a vacation the same time we did to watch our local race in Sire’s Hollow.” I wonder if this “bad officer” was the one Tim was trying to mention back in Wisconsin. “I did hear talk of an amber scandal in the real world regarding a security guard… possibly at a convention,” I mention. “What about Mangle? I’m sure he’d be able to deal with this ‘bad officer’, him being a sheriff himself.” Our attention snaps to the race track when a bell rings, signifying the junior division of the Running of the Leaves has begun. Behind us, Lorien starts making a fuss around me: rubbing my hind legs, pulling my tail, quietly gekkering, et cetera et cetera. His pulls and bites aren’t hard at all, so I giggle and float him in front of me. “What?” I ask him. Meanwhile, Ocellus and Sandbar stare, impressed by my communication with Lorien. In my magic, Lorien starts whinging past me and waving his forelegs. At some point his vocalization comes to a near perfect annunciation of “Aita”. I turn my head around and notice Aita and Firelight walking behind us until the former sees me out of the corner of her eye. She nudges Firelight and points to me. I turn around and wave hello. “Seeing the event, Chrysalis?” Firelight inquires before chuckling, to which I nod as he comes to me. “Took us a while to comb through the castle before figuring you took Lorien to see the Running of the Leaves.” “Yeah, I would’ve come here sooner,” Aita adds. “But somebody let Lorien wonder off.” I pull Aita closer and wrap my hoof around the back of her neck. “Fair enough. Cozy and I took a little bit of time to learn to keep an eye out as well with Lorien under our care.” After the entire Running of the Leaves event has concluded, Cozy Glow and Firelight turn occupied as they make hay burgers and horseshoe fries in the kitchen together… that was the former’s idea. I would’ve liked Lorien to’ve come with me and Aita as we headed to her room, but perhaps he figured it was time he spent some time with Cozy. As Aita and I enter her room, she starts our time together by floating a scroll and quill out of the drawers in her former side table and writes what sounds like a letter. I listen to her from on her bed. Dear Moondancer, Hey, this is going to sound a bit random, but do you still have the source scroll to one of the games you made me here in Equestria? I recently got into spell writing so that I can fix my DS. For good measure though, I also had the battery replaced to avoid destroying all the parts inside. Point is… if you sent me a copy of Crystal Cup Buckball or Sim Hive’s source scroll, I’m hoping I would eventually learn how to code like you. Starlight Glimmer left her assembler here with me, Cozy and Chrysalis, so I might as well use it. Just let me know what you think of this idea, and I’ll get back to you ASAP. Your friend, Aita. After she sends the letter, I smile to Aita. “My, aren’t you getting bold, young Aita. I never would’ve thought in my lifetime a changeling would consider tackling computer science.” “Well, if I’m going to be the Princess of Friendship,” Aita explains. “then I’ll need to build some problem solving skills. Sophie said at my reunion that programming could help with that.” I giggle softly. “Don’t you have those already? What about all the friendship missions you were on; the clearing of Discord’s name; the initial arrest of Stellar Flare; your quest for the Sibling Supreme crown; resolving me and Cozy’s shared nightmare? Don’t you think all of those experiences would’ve given you of all changelings an indication of your problem solving skills?” Aita becomes somberly silent, clearly not having an immediate answer for why she wanted to improve the skill in question by taking after Moondancer and learning how to code. I get up and walk to her, smile and rest my wing across her back, prompting her to look back at me. “Aita… It’s okay if you’d like to learn to code. I just want to be sure your belief in the task at hoof is genuine, that this belief is well intentioned; that’s why you gave me the role of Friendship Advisor in the first place. Your numerous past displays of your exceptional problem solving should not deter you from doing what you want in the present. Whatever it is you genuinely aspire to, I’ll support.” Aita gives me a hug around the base of my neck in gratitude, so I return it by wrapping my hoof around her shoulders. “Thanks, Chrysalis. I appreciate it. I… I guess I was shaken up more than I thought.” “Shaken up?” This is news to me. “About what?” “The whole Medicgate thing going on. I have no idea how that news even managed to reach all of Equestria in the first place; I thought only I knew before you got back. Did Ocellus, Sandbar or Yona give out any details?” So, Aita learned of the news as well? “Only Firelight’s reaction from beyond what I heard from Sophie and Tim…” I briefly pause, remembering what Sandbar said. “Yona wasn’t in Ponyville today though because her vacation is still coming up apparently. Does Cozy know?” Aita tightens her grip on me. “She found out while she was helping set up for the race.” “No doubt Firelight told her,” I remark. “Listen, Aita. Perhaps you can pay Dr. Ralph a visit and let him help you.” “But… but isn’t he working right now?” Before Aita or I can continue with our conversation, I feel a soft bite on my free hoof, so I look beside me as Aita and I let go of each other. Of course, Lorien’s needs our attention. “Lorien? Weren’t you accompanying the other two?” I ask him, to which he starts gekkering for short time before going back to holding my hoof. “Wait a minute,” Aita interjects, meanwhile subconsciously floating a fresh scroll behind her and writing a spell I don’t get a good look at. “If Lorien came alone, they let him wonder off! Chrysalis, go check on Cozy and Firelight. I’ll have to make the rounds throughout the castle in case Lorien lapsed with his scent training.” It appears what Aita is referring to when she means a lapse in training is an attribute of foxes growing up, as their final stage of development involves moving out of their birth den to make one of their own, and they forego what they learned in the spring and summer. While evidently Lorien was already subject to this final stage by moving out of Sweet Feather Sanctuary and is now under our care, it’s indeterminate when Lorien will become a fully grown todd. Aita bolts out of her room, leaving me with Lorien. I look at him. “So, kitchen?” Lorien jumps in back of me in response to my offer and starts pushing his forehead against one of my legs, making me chuckle as I start walking out of the room. “Okay, okay. We’ll go then.” At the kitchen, Cozy Glow and Firelight are distributing our dinner across five plates as Lorien and I enter. Out of these plates, only four have the hay burgers and horseshoe fries with the other plate having assorted steamed vegetables on the side of imported Griffonstone meat. Pretty obvious who the odd plate’s out is for. Cozy and Firelight are pleasantly surprised to see me and Lorien when they look past our plates. “Chrysalis!” Cozy exclaims. “We were just about to get you and Aita!” She becomes distraught upon seeing Lorien right next to me instead of elsewhere, realizing what I’m here for. “Cozy… did Firelight let Lorien wonder off again?” I sternly inquire. Firelight quietly gasps and blushes. Cozy sets the back of her hoof on the table, her corresponding cheek resting atop. “Aw, golly Chrysalis. I guess we both did. We… we were so busy cooking, we didn’t even stop and check around the kitchen for Lorien.” “Sorry about all that, Chrysalis,” Firelight adds. “Is there anything we can do to make it up to you?” “You will have to hold that thought until dinner, you two,” I answer. “For now, let’s bring the plates out to the dining room, and we’ll discuss the matter once Aita joins us.” I start following Firelight and Lorien as they leave after the former picks up three plates in his magic, including the latter's, only to notice Cozy hovering to the fridge instead of coming with the rest of us. I stop and watch as she takes out a clear, cylindrical pitcher almost filled with flat looking soda. “Cozy?” She looks at me when I call her. “Aren’t you going to take your plate?” “I’ll catch up in a bit; I wanted to give everyone a cup of this apple-flavored cola I made. Tasted really good when I tried it.” Cozy sets the pitcher down next to a dispenser of some sort and takes the lid off. She then grabs the dispenser and starts spraying its contents into the pitcher. “One, two, three, four… there! All ready!” With each counted spray, the cola fills with progressively plentiful air bubbles, meaning what Cozy used was a carbonator. After she’s done, I float the pitcher and also take four glasses and Lorien’s water bowl out of a high cupboard as she finally takes her plate and follows me over to the dining room to meet Firelight and Lorien again. Act 3The dining room presents an awkward silence, broken only by snapping jaws, whose owner, Lorien, is chomping away at the Griffonstone meat before him. If he looked up, he would see just my back. Across the dining room table from me is Firelight; to my left, Aita; and to my right, Cozy. Aita tries her best to lighten the mood by sipping her cola, expecting it to be at least okay. Her eyes widen in surprise and finishes the sip before setting the glass back down. “Whoa! Cozy, did you make this?!? I love it!” Cozy Glow confirms with a nod. “It’s a homebrew apple-flavored cola. Thought I’d make a little something like that to shake things up. What about the hay burgers?” “We probably should-” I am interrupted by a crunch from Firelight as he starts eating the hay burger as suggested. Then Aita tries hers too, Firelight washing down his with the glass of cola before him. The two moan in bliss. Lorien has finished his dinner by now and is licking his lips as he comes up beside me and puts his paws on the table. “Lorien, down,” Cozy calmly commands, scooping up some of the horseshoe fries into her mouth afterward. “He’s okay, Cozy,” I tell her, turning to Lorien and petting him. “Besides, it seems he’s picked up on the air in here. Wouldn’t you say?” Out of the corner of my eye, Firelight looks away from my direction, probably thinking he’s in much trouble. “Firelight… what’s that look about?” He looks back at me after hearing concern in my voice. “You know why Lorien wondered off, right?” Aita and Cozy gulp down the food they had already in their mouths and chug their colas, Cozy reeling from the carbon bubbles passing through her esophagus. “Aita? Cozy? Do you know what this talk is about?” I ask them. “Yuh-huh…” says Aita uncertainly. Cozy just closes her eyes in anticipation of whatever I have to say. “You see, Firelight has let Lorien wonder off twice now under each instance of your supervision. And while it’s relatively reckless to do so, he is not at fault.” At my announcement, Firelight’s hay burger falls out of his magic as he is surprised at this judgement. “Aita? Cozy? Did you two ever do anything about this behavior, or anything to prevent it in the first place?” Aita is the one to answer me. “I… I thought I did; I had Firelight help me find Lorien in the castle until we came up empty and just went to see the races, and I had later combed through the castle again just before now to see if he marked anywhere. Was… was that not enough, Chrysalis?” I shake my head to Aita. “At least you did do something about it. Cozy, I expect better out of co-hostesses like us, which is something you and Aita failed at by not communicating to Firelight the importance of keeping an eye on Lorien. But since we’re all here at the moment… Firelight?” “Yes?” says Firelight. “While you’re not at fault for letting Lorien separate from you, Aita and Cozy, it is important to know that foxes heavily insist on doing what they want within others’ consistent boundaries. Likely he simply wanted me to join him to watch Cozy participate in the Running of the Leaves as well as letting me and Aita know that dinner was almost ready, but what if it wasn’t Lorien you weren’t watching over, and it was a different fox altogether. Because if it wasn’t him, their intentions might not’ve been so pure, especially one the same age as him. “Princess Aita Bagley-Handy, Organizer Cozy Glow, isn’t there something you’d like to say to Firelight?” A wave of guilt appears to wash over Aita and Cozy before they turn their gaze to Firelight. They sigh together. “We’re sorry.” “We got so caught up spending time with you,” Cozy continues. “that we also forgot about Lorien.” “We should’ve been upfront, but we weren’t,” Aita adds. “I guess Cozy and I owe you guys, don’t we?” “No you don’t…” Firelight firmly answers. Aita and Cozy look at him, stunned. “What good would it do to humiliate children for a lack of communication of all things if… anything? What matters is that you learned your lesson. Besides, Chrysalis already has you covered. For now, let’s just sit down and finish our takeout… I-I mean hay burgers and fries.” Aita, Cozy and I burst into laughter, hearing Firelight’s slip. Meanwhile, Lorien runs up to Firelight and rubs up on his side. In fact, Aita in particular is laughing so hard that that laughter turns into a coughing fit, so she quickly floats a nearby napkin to buffet the wind coming out of her protesting lungs. “Breathe, Aita!” I barely manage to say before laughing harder along with Cozy. By now even Firelight is joining in with his own chuckles. It takes a bit of time, but everyone winds down, leaving the air much more relaxed than it was just before. Cozy sighs. “That was great. So, uh… so we’re good then?” “Absolutely,” I tell her. When I finally float my hay burger, now able to concentrate partly on my meal that’s still intact, I take a fairly average sized bite, only to realize how packed with passion and love the hay burger is. “Well, color me impressed, Cozy. Did you do this?” “Yep. Taught myself during Cliptalk’s after school program…” Aita and Firelight stare at Cozy. I’m fairly certain she’s referring to the area she grew up in, considering that’s where Cozy’s parent’s letters are coming from. “Y’know… in Fillydelphia,” she clarifies. To say the least, dinner last night was a rollercoaster. One moment guilt had overwhelmed me inside and out, and before I knew it, one slip-up by Firelight and I was aspirating from laughing so hard. At least now we’re all back on good terms. It’s currently morning, and we’re all about to head out. The moment we’re out, however, Chrysalis and Lorien split from the rest of us. “Aren’t you coming?” I ask. Chrysalis nods. “You know how it is with Lorien. He loves his routines. We’ll catch up after we’re done.” Later on, Firelight, Cozy Glow and I arrive at the train station and come up to the ticket booth. “Are you sure we shouldn’t keep you company over at Sire’s Hollow?” Cozy asks. “I haven’t even seen that town before with my own eyes.” Firelight laughs as he turns his head to his right to us. “I didn’t say that. Only that you shouldn’t visit just because you owe me anything, because you don’t,” he states before facing the booth attendant. “One please.” As the ticket slides into view, Firelight floats it into the chest of his overshirt and turns back to me and Cozy. “Besides, you can always visit any time, not only this moment.” “I’m not so sure if Chrysalis is going to be okay with the both of us going,” I cautiously say. “Lorien’s care is a big responsibility, and she spent a lot of time with him yesterday.” My ears twitch to the sound of teleportation magic coming from behind me. Turning around, I am greeted by the sight of Chrysalis and Lorien. Chrysalis has a knowing smile on her face. “Am I missing anything important?” “Eh…” Cozy shrugs. “Just playing around.” Chrysalis turns unamused, and so does Firelight. Cozy flinches when I face her with clenched teeth. “Cozy…” “Kidding… Aita and I were feeling up to going to Sire’s Hollow and spending some time with Firelight.” “And I suppose you’ll be leaving Lorien with me again?” Chrysalis asks, which makes the air uncomfortable. “I thought so… Cozy Glow, do I seriously need to tell you not to pawn off your share of pet responsibility? You already left Aita alone with that when you took part in the Running of the Leaves, and you were also too focused on cooking last night to keep an eye on Lorien.” As Chrysalis lectures Cozy, the latter becomes progressively more shocked and worried. “B- but what about Sire’s Hollow?!?” “That will have to wait until you get some help from Dr. Ralph, because I have a feeling you found out about Medicgate before you helped set up the Running of the Leaves.” Chrysalis sits down and slides Cozy with toward her with her hoof. “In the meantime, you will need somepony to help you look after Lorien while Aita and I go.” While Lorien comes up next to Cozy and holds her hoof, making her giggle, a letter materializes in front of me. My dear friend, Aita, Forgive me for not writing back right away, but I do have all of your games’ source code with me, sans the ones you brought with you when you first moved. I’m home right now, so if you’d like to meet around lunchtime, I’d be okay with that. Really interesting that you said you wanted to learn to code like I do; it’s pretty niche, even among unicorns, but I could teach you AIO assembly if you wanted. If you do come, please bring Fragmen Gregarius with you; that spell is integral to how my code gets assembled. Yours truly, Moondancer. “Um, Chrysalis?” I say, unfurling and showing off the letter. Chrysalis comes to me. “Looks like our trip will have to wait too. I have to go to Canterlot.” “Approved, Aita. I see Moondancer has replied to your letter at last.” Cozy startles Chrysalis and Lorien with a loud “WHAT?!?”. We all look at Cozy as she stammers. “B-but why? I just don’t get it; Aita, you’re the smartest child I know! If this is what I think it’s about, you’re already the best at it!” “I think I know what’s going on…” Firelight starts. I try to continue for him, but Chrysalis stops me. “No need to explain, Aita. You didn’t do anything wrong.” “I didn’t?” I repeat. “But, wasn’t I partially res-” “I wasn’t talking about letting Lorien wander off; it’s your identity. While it is important to communicate information to somepony else who otherwise might have the wrong idea, identity is the one part of you that should be authoritarian,” Chrysalis explains. “Meaning… nopony questions what or who I am?” I rub my chin in thought. “Well that explains why Kevin cut me off back when recounting my reaction to you and the princesses’ retirement.” Cozy taps me on the shoulder, getting me to look at her. “Before you do go, who’re you gonna get to help take care of Lorien? He does come from Sweet Feather Sanctuary; wouldn’t it make sense to have Fluttershy?” I shake my head. “Foxes don’t get along well with most other canids… except for dogs. I can imagine Sophie and Tim would never want to have to look over him. Double for Rarity. Sugar Cube Corner doesn’t even have an enclosure nearby. and no cloud-walking spell to hang out with Rainbow Dash, since it would be just you, Lorien and her, bell notwithstanding. Only one off the top of my head that could readily help is Applejack.” “Do you know where Moondancer lives?” Firelight asks me, which I nod yes. “With your ability, you can get to her place in a jiffy.” Chrysalis smiles to Firelight. “Perhaps you’re onto something. Cozy and I will take Lorien to Sweet Apple Acres, Aita. After yesterday, you deserve some time to relax in Canterlot, maybe even pay Twilight and Spike a visit: I hear their school has accrued a new student. Just teleport before the train arrives, and I’ll be there in time.” I nod before hugging Chrysalis. “Thanks, Chrysalis.” She and Cozy fly off to the south, leaving me with Firelight. As one final gesture for me to go, he nods to me. So, I start my horn and teleport out of the train station, leaving Firelight alone there as I take in the new environment that is Moondancer’s front yard.
Teaser/Cold OpenWith Aita’s recent reunion with Sophie in the real world to celebrate her coronation, I have since reestablished amicable connections with Sophie and Tim. Often times, I find myself torn between staying at the Castle of Friendship to help provide company for Lorien, and catching up with the two humans Aita and I still consider family. However, with Cozy Glow helping with the Running of the Leaves, Aita’s assured me she can care for Lorien on her own. So with me visiting, Sophie and Tim decided the place for us to catch up. “Hm… this is new,” I remark about our destination. “Cool Beans opened up pretty recently,” says Sophie. “You should try their cocoa here, especially the stronger flavors.” When I look at the hung sign for the café before us that Sophie is referring to, I notice scarring in the spaces within the letters. Perhaps the place used to be something else. A small chuckle escapes my breath at the thought of a cup of cocoa. “Last time I had a caffeinated beverage, it was ultimately because of Discord. It’ll be nice to have one at my own leisure instead.” “And while you catch up with us to boot,” adds Tim. “Come on; it’s get in.” It takes a moment after Tim enters the café before Sophie and I share a hearty laugh over his apparent haste. “I never did get to see what you two were truly like, did I?” I say. “Well, we understood you had a kingdom to rule while Aita lived here, at least for the most part. But now that you two live together…” I interrupt Sophie, wrapping my hoof around her. “I”ll let you know about that when we go inside.” Sophie nods, appearing to’ve connected the dots. “Gotcha.” Together, Sophie and I head into the café now and quickly scan the area to find where Tim has seated himself before an usher comes to greet us, allowing us to shake her hand. “Ah! Sophie! I thought I’d bump into you with your cousin in here.” Sophie snorts with inward laughter. “That would be Tim; does he happen to be at a table for three?” The usher nods and escorts us across the café. “Yep. Right this way, girls.” As Sophie and I stroll throughout the long, though quaint, one aisle dining floor, I find internal pleasure in the possibility that the usher knows who I am; she leaves back to her post as we arrive at the table Tim is occupying, which has three menus on it. As we sit, Sophie starts laughing when trying to talk again. “Look Tim, I know you’re an adult now, but we have-” “Sophie, it’s okay,” I chuckle. “No one's in danger.” It takes a few seconds but Sophie and I manage to calm down enough to take a deep breath. All the while, Tim appears a bit conflicted, tilting his head to his left, like it’s great to him that we didn’t have an adverse reaction, but didn’t feel our laughter was in his spirit.
Act 1The next few seconds have become quiet. While Tim’s haste to enter Cool Beans was never anything to worry about, me and Sophie’s stride appears to have embarrassed him to some degree. As Sophie grabs her menu on the table, I clear my throat silently. “Apologies for earlier, Tim,” I start. “Perhaps our stride may’ve been a little mean-spirited in the moment.” “Thanks, Chrysalis,” Tim replies. “So, I guess now that we’re all settled in, do you wanna go first? Tell us what you’ve been up to lately?” Sophie sets down the menu she was reading from. “Yeah, how’s it been living with Aita?” Before I can answer, a waiter stops by and takes out a notepad in front of us. “Good afternoon, and welcome to Cool Beans Café. How can I help you three today?” Sophie is the first to order. “I’ll have the number five: extra strength, whipped cream surface, and a cherry on top.” That must be the cocoa she recommended I have, at least barring the extra customizations. “I’d like the number two,” Tim announces. “Just cream for the coffee, and I’d like the egg scrambled.” I watch while Sophie and Tim order as our waiter writes down their order. “I’ll just do a number five, only with the extra strength.” Once the pen finishes its strokes, the waiter recaps our order. “So, two strong hot chocolate beverages; one with whipped topping and a cherry, and a coffee-egg combo?” We all confirm with a nod. “Will there be anything else?” “We’re good now,” Sophie answers. “Alright, your order should be in about five to ten minutes from now.” As our waiter leaves to stick our order in the queue, I turn back to face Sophie and Tim. “So what were we talking about again?” “You were about to catch us up on your time in Equestria?” Tim guesses. “Right…” I whisper before returning to a more audible tone. I turn to Sophie. “Well… Sophie, do you remember Cozy Glow?” She nods to me. “She lives with us now, and together with me and Aita, the three of us took in a tod that we named Lorien.” With my announcement, Sophie and Tim become surprised. “A t-tod?” stammers Tim. “A-as in a fox?” “Mhm… Lorien followed Aita home one night when Cozy and I were exhausted from Discord’s REM antics. That fox has contributed quite a bit to solutions to our troubles e’er since.” Holding their expression, Sophie and Tim face each other, then back to me. “I’m well aware it is a big responsibility, but Lorien’s care flows between the three of us.” “It’s not the responsibility…” Sophie says. “We’re surprised he had no qualms living with you, like at all.” “Well, I did help save Equestria, so maybe that has something to do with it,” I muse. “Anywho, I did notice Aita admitted to not caring for conventions when Cozy and Lorien got home from Spade Con in Baltimare. I wonder what that was about.” When I mention Aita’s attitude, I notice Sophie’s face flush. Something must’ve happened in the real world that made Aita think that way. “Yeah, there was apparently some amber scandal on the east coast the month before you moved in with Aita,” Tim announces. “A security guard-” “Okay,” Sophie awkwardly interrupts, shoving a hand onto Tim’s trap. “Moving on… did Cozy get any memorabilia at Spade Con?” At least now I know where Aita got her insensitivities from. “Indirectly. A personal copy of the latest Shadow Spade book came in the mail when she and Lorien arrived.” When I return to Ponyville, I notice from overhead that the entire track for the Running of the Leaves is set up. Otherwise the flight home is uneventful, a far cry from what happens in response to knocking on the front doors of the castle. The entrance opens not to Aita, Cozy Glow or even Lorien, but Firelight of all ponies. “Chrysalis!” he ecstatically exclaims, hugging me. “Firelight? What a surprise to see you. Are you visiting?” “Just figured I’d spend some time here with two of my youngest friends while you were away in the real world.” “You sure it’s just Aita and Cozy?” I inquire. “What about the newest resident?” As if on cue, Lorien appears by Firelight’s side and starts laughing. Firelight looks down to him. “Well this is news. How’s he been?” “Lorien appears to be fine around you. Have the others given you a tour of the castle?” “Of course!” Firelight laughs. “Those two are excellent hostesses!” A smile grows upon my face in response as Firelight and Lorien lead me back to the throne room. “Pleasure to hear. I do find it thoughtful of you to visit while I was away, disregarding the lack of necessity.” Coming into the throne room, I notice Aita and Cozy laughing with their backs on the floor. Lorien runs ahead of me and Firelight and gives my castlemates humorous kisses in the face, making them laugh even harder. “I certainly hope we’re not interrupting anything,” I say, instantly replacing their laughter with pleasant surprise. “Chrysalis!” Aita exclaims. “How’d everything go?” “The visit was fine, just mostly a blur. I see somepony’s finished with helping out in the setup for the Running of the Leaves.” Cozy Glow nods. “Everything was a breeze, especially when Firelight tagged along!” “They even swung by and invited me out for cookies!” adds Aita, hovering across the room. “Evidently so,” I deduce, judging by how uncharacteristically quick Aita’s motion is. “I can’t remember the last time you and Cozy had sweets together.” I turn around to a knock on the throne room door from behind. When I open it, the local mailpony is revealed, holding a letter in her mouth. “Ah, Muffins. You came at the right time,” I tell her before levitating the letter toward my left wing. Muffins nods, and promptly leaves to perform the rest of her duties, as do I to read the letter for me. The room I sleep in now was originally where Twilight Sparkle slept before moving out. In there, I sit down on my bed and float the letter in front of me and unfold it. FRIENDSHIP ADVISOR CHRYSALIS Mailed From: Cliptalk, Fillydelphia, Equestria 19116 Destination: Ponyville, Equestria 67430 Dear Chrysalis, Great to hear you’re doing well. We heard Cozy Glow recently attended a Shadow Spade related convention down south from where we live. What was that like for her? We’re not sure if we’ve told you this already, but after your visit last fall, Cozy showed significant improvement while living with us. She began to understand and appreciate the smaller gifts she’d received after she befriended you and Aita, and she started talking to us a lot more. Unfortunately, we found out about what happened on Nightmare Night during the meeting with Heavenly Luck by comparing what was said there to the letter you sent us before the convention. Though when writing to Aita about it, she clarified you weren’t feeling well when the meeting was supposed to take place. We’d love to meet you for real someday regardless. Hopefully this revelation won’t hinder our correspondence with you and it continues to be upheld. Yours truly, Amber Glow and Tight Knit. I sigh with relief about how Cozy Glow’s parents took their findings from during my insomniatic episode almost two weeks ago. “Looks like they can still talk.” Trotting across the room, I set a piece of parchment and a quill onto Twilight’s former personal desk. And I begin writing. Dear Amber Glow and Tight Knit You have no idea the relief that swept over me reading your letter. It’s good to know I still have personal friends around Equestria especially long after my actions during my first reign as queen. As for Cozy Glow and her trip to Baltimare, she was actually sent there by the tree of harmony to help out the authors of Shadow Spade, Atomic Archive and Timeless Tale. I do appreciate your willingness to let Aita’s actions slide under the pretense of covering for her castlemates. Of course we can still correspond, as long as you two agree to do so. I look forward to see you in person. Sincerely, Chrysalis Bagley-Handy. As soon as I roll up the letter and tie it, that is with a ribbon emblemized with an image of the Castle of Friendship, Lorien enters my room with a walk of curiosity. “Oh, Lorien! Come on in,” I politely encourage, prompting him to race up to me. He momentarily holds my forehoof in his mouth. As he lets go, he sits and starts panting happily. “If this is about my visit to the real world, it actually went well, all things considered.” Lorien starts laughing, some of the breaths intermittently rumbling. Meanwhile he also starts to walk back to my door, as if I should follow him. “Huh. Okay. I was about to head out anyway. This should be interesting. Lead the way, Lorien.” The fox chipperly follows my command, leading me out of the room.
Act 2With Lorien escorting me throughout the castle, the previously lively throne room stands silent, devoid of my friends. Perhaps Firelight took Aita and Cozy outside again. I watch while Lorien jumps onto the map and places his front paws on my neck. “Do you suppose Firelight is out with our castlemates?” I ask Lorien, who puts his paws back on the map and chattering. “Then I’ll need to trail them, estimate their location by following the residues of their scents.” Lorien recognizes what I’m on about and flicks his head forward. Leading the way now, I keep my horn active and trot across Ponyville. At the track for the Running of the Leaves, the view is blocked by several dozen spectators, and based on size, it appears the junior race is underway. This line of thinking is supported by background commentary over a megaphone, whose voice belongs to Rarity. ...and the set of racers for this division include Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Diamond Tiara, Scootaloo, Silver Spoon, Pipsqueak, Trace Light, Cozy Glow, Twist, Snips, Snails… Looking to the crowd, I notice a stallion I hadn’t seen before… at least I think he’s a stallion. He appears to be the height of a mare, so he might not be fully grown quite yet. From what Aita told me while Cozy and Lorien were away, wasn’t his name Sandbar? Close to him is a young changeling that I do recognize from before my exile: Ocellus, who Discord had joked about when Aita transitioned. With subtle coaxing from Lorien, I approach the two, but only close enough for Ocellus to turn around, probably sensing me through emotions. I am greeted immediately with a hug from her. “Chrysalis! Boy, am I glad to finally see you again!” “Likewise, Ocellus,” I say. Sandbar now turns his attention to me as well. “Hey, Chrysalis. How’s Ponyville treating you?” he asks me. “Well, I’d say. I’ve certainly come a long way in the three years I’ve reformed. Sandbar, correct?” The young stallion nods. “So what brings you two here? Firelight?” “Yeah,” Ocellus confirms. “He said the idea of bad officers made his skin crawl after hearing about some news sweep across Equestria about… Baltimare? …more?” “Yona would’ve gone with us and Firelight,” adds Sandbar. “but she couldn’t get a vacation the same time we did to watch our local race in Sire’s Hollow.” I wonder if this “bad officer” was the one Tim was trying to mention back in Wisconsin. “I did hear talk of an amber scandal in the real world regarding a security guard… possibly at a convention,” I mention. “What about Mangle? I’m sure he’d be able to deal with this ‘bad officer’, him being a sheriff himself.” Our attention snaps to the race track when a bell rings, signifying the junior division of the Running of the Leaves has begun. Behind us, Lorien starts making a fuss around me: rubbing my hind legs, pulling my tail, quietly gekkering, et cetera et cetera. His pulls and bites aren’t hard at all, so I giggle and float him in front of me. “What?” I ask him. Meanwhile, Ocellus and Sandbar stare, impressed by my communication with Lorien. In my magic, Lorien starts whinging past me and waving his forelegs. At some point his vocalization comes to a near perfect annunciation of “Aita”. I turn my head around and notice Aita and Firelight walking behind us until the former sees me out of the corner of her eye. She nudges Firelight and points to me. I turn around and wave hello. “Seeing the event, Chrysalis?” Firelight inquires before chuckling, to which I nod as he comes to me. “Took us a while to comb through the castle before figuring you took Lorien to see the Running of the Leaves.” “Yeah, I would’ve come here sooner,” Aita adds. “But somebody let Lorien wonder off.” I pull Aita closer and wrap my hoof around the back of her neck. “Fair enough. Cozy and I took a little bit of time to learn to keep an eye out as well with Lorien under our care.” After the entire Running of the Leaves event has concluded, Cozy Glow and Firelight turn occupied as they make hay burgers and horseshoe fries in the kitchen together… that was the former’s idea. I would’ve liked Lorien to’ve come with me and Aita as we headed to her room, but perhaps he figured it was time he spent some time with Cozy. As Aita and I enter her room, she starts our time together by floating a scroll and quill out of the drawers in her former side table and writes what sounds like a letter. I listen to her from on her bed. Dear Moondancer, Hey, this is going to sound a bit random, but do you still have the source scroll to one of the games you made me here in Equestria? I recently got into spell writing so that I can fix my DS. For good measure though, I also had the battery replaced to avoid destroying all the parts inside. Point is… if you sent me a copy of Crystal Cup Buckball or Sim Hive’s source scroll, I’m hoping I would eventually learn how to code like you. Starlight Glimmer left her assembler here with me, Cozy and Chrysalis, so I might as well use it. Just let me know what you think of this idea, and I’ll get back to you ASAP. Your friend, Aita. After she sends the letter, I smile to Aita. “My, aren’t you getting bold, young Aita. I never would’ve thought in my lifetime a changeling would consider tackling computer science.” “Well, if I’m going to be the Princess of Friendship,” Aita explains. “then I’ll need to build some problem solving skills. Sophie said at my reunion that programming could help with that.” I giggle softly. “Don’t you have those already? What about all the friendship missions you were on; the clearing of Discord’s name; the initial arrest of Stellar Flare; your quest for the Sibling Supreme crown; resolving me and Cozy’s shared nightmare? Don’t you think all of those experiences would’ve given you of all changelings an indication of your problem solving skills?” Aita becomes somberly silent, clearly not having an immediate answer for why she wanted to improve the skill in question by taking after Moondancer and learning how to code. I get up and walk to her, smile and rest my wing across her back, prompting her to look back at me. “Aita… It’s okay if you’d like to learn to code. I just want to be sure your belief in the task at hoof is genuine, that this belief is well intentioned; that’s why you gave me the role of Friendship Advisor in the first place. Your numerous past displays of your exceptional problem solving should not deter you from doing what you want in the present. Whatever it is you genuinely aspire to, I’ll support.” Aita gives me a hug around the base of my neck in gratitude, so I return it by wrapping my hoof around her shoulders. “Thanks, Chrysalis. I appreciate it. I… I guess I was shaken up more than I thought.” “Shaken up?” This is news to me. “About what?” “The whole Medicgate thing going on. I have no idea how that news even managed to reach all of Equestria in the first place; I thought only I knew before you got back. Did Ocellus, Sandbar or Yona give out any details?” So, Aita learned of the news as well? “Only Firelight’s reaction from beyond what I heard from Sophie and Tim…” I briefly pause, remembering what Sandbar said. “Yona wasn’t in Ponyville today though because her vacation is still coming up apparently. Does Cozy know?” Aita tightens her grip on me. “She found out while she was helping set up for the race.” “No doubt Firelight told her,” I remark. “Listen, Aita. Perhaps you can pay Dr. Ralph a visit and let him help you.” “But… but isn’t he working right now?” Before Aita or I can continue with our conversation, I feel a soft bite on my free hoof, so I look beside me as Aita and I let go of each other. Of course, Lorien’s needs our attention. “Lorien? Weren’t you accompanying the other two?” I ask him, to which he starts gekkering for short time before going back to holding my hoof. “Wait a minute,” Aita interjects, meanwhile subconsciously floating a fresh scroll behind her and writing a spell I don’t get a good look at. “If Lorien came alone, they let him wonder off! Chrysalis, go check on Cozy and Firelight. I’ll have to make the rounds throughout the castle in case Lorien lapsed with his scent training.” It appears what Aita is referring to when she means a lapse in training is an attribute of foxes growing up, as their final stage of development involves moving out of their birth den to make one of their own, and they forego what they learned in the spring and summer. While evidently Lorien was already subject to this final stage by moving out of Sweet Feather Sanctuary and is now under our care, it’s indeterminate when Lorien will become a fully grown todd. Aita bolts out of her room, leaving me with Lorien. I look at him. “So, kitchen?” Lorien jumps in back of me in response to my offer and starts pushing his forehead against one of my legs, making me chuckle as I start walking out of the room. “Okay, okay. We’ll go then.” At the kitchen, Cozy Glow and Firelight are distributing our dinner across five plates as Lorien and I enter. Out of these plates, only four have the hay burgers and horseshoe fries with the other plate having assorted steamed vegetables on the side of imported Griffonstone meat. Pretty obvious who the odd plate’s out is for. Cozy and Firelight are pleasantly surprised to see me and Lorien when they look past our plates. “Chrysalis!” Cozy exclaims. “We were just about to get you and Aita!” She becomes distraught upon seeing Lorien right next to me instead of elsewhere, realizing what I’m here for. “Cozy… did Firelight let Lorien wonder off again?” I sternly inquire. Firelight quietly gasps and blushes. Cozy sets the back of her hoof on the table, her corresponding cheek resting atop. “Aw, golly Chrysalis. I guess we both did. We… we were so busy cooking, we didn’t even stop and check around the kitchen for Lorien.” “Sorry about all that, Chrysalis,” Firelight adds. “Is there anything we can do to make it up to you?” “You will have to hold that thought until dinner, you two,” I answer. “For now, let’s bring the plates out to the dining room, and we’ll discuss the matter once Aita joins us.” I start following Firelight and Lorien as they leave after the former picks up three plates in his magic, including the latter's, only to notice Cozy hovering to the fridge instead of coming with the rest of us. I stop and watch as she takes out a clear, cylindrical pitcher almost filled with flat looking soda. “Cozy?” She looks at me when I call her. “Aren’t you going to take your plate?” “I’ll catch up in a bit; I wanted to give everyone a cup of this apple-flavored cola I made. Tasted really good when I tried it.” Cozy sets the pitcher down next to a dispenser of some sort and takes the lid off. She then grabs the dispenser and starts spraying its contents into the pitcher. “One, two, three, four… there! All ready!” With each counted spray, the cola fills with progressively plentiful air bubbles, meaning what Cozy used was a carbonator. After she’s done, I float the pitcher and also take four glasses and Lorien’s water bowl out of a high cupboard as she finally takes her plate and follows me over to the dining room to meet Firelight and Lorien again.
Act 3The dining room presents an awkward silence, broken only by snapping jaws, whose owner, Lorien, is chomping away at the Griffonstone meat before him. If he looked up, he would see just my back. Across the dining room table from me is Firelight; to my left, Aita; and to my right, Cozy. Aita tries her best to lighten the mood by sipping her cola, expecting it to be at least okay. Her eyes widen in surprise and finishes the sip before setting the glass back down. “Whoa! Cozy, did you make this?!? I love it!” Cozy Glow confirms with a nod. “It’s a homebrew apple-flavored cola. Thought I’d make a little something like that to shake things up. What about the hay burgers?” “We probably should-” I am interrupted by a crunch from Firelight as he starts eating the hay burger as suggested. Then Aita tries hers too, Firelight washing down his with the glass of cola before him. The two moan in bliss. Lorien has finished his dinner by now and is licking his lips as he comes up beside me and puts his paws on the table. “Lorien, down,” Cozy calmly commands, scooping up some of the horseshoe fries into her mouth afterward. “He’s okay, Cozy,” I tell her, turning to Lorien and petting him. “Besides, it seems he’s picked up on the air in here. Wouldn’t you say?” Out of the corner of my eye, Firelight looks away from my direction, probably thinking he’s in much trouble. “Firelight… what’s that look about?” He looks back at me after hearing concern in my voice. “You know why Lorien wondered off, right?” Aita and Cozy gulp down the food they had already in their mouths and chug their colas, Cozy reeling from the carbon bubbles passing through her esophagus. “Aita? Cozy? Do you know what this talk is about?” I ask them. “Yuh-huh…” says Aita uncertainly. Cozy just closes her eyes in anticipation of whatever I have to say. “You see, Firelight has let Lorien wonder off twice now under each instance of your supervision. And while it’s relatively reckless to do so, he is not at fault.” At my announcement, Firelight’s hay burger falls out of his magic as he is surprised at this judgement. “Aita? Cozy? Did you two ever do anything about this behavior, or anything to prevent it in the first place?” Aita is the one to answer me. “I… I thought I did; I had Firelight help me find Lorien in the castle until we came up empty and just went to see the races, and I had later combed through the castle again just before now to see if he marked anywhere. Was… was that not enough, Chrysalis?” I shake my head to Aita. “At least you did do something about it. Cozy, I expect better out of co-hostesses like us, which is something you and Aita failed at by not communicating to Firelight the importance of keeping an eye on Lorien. But since we’re all here at the moment… Firelight?” “Yes?” says Firelight. “While you’re not at fault for letting Lorien separate from you, Aita and Cozy, it is important to know that foxes heavily insist on doing what they want within others’ consistent boundaries. Likely he simply wanted me to join him to watch Cozy participate in the Running of the Leaves as well as letting me and Aita know that dinner was almost ready, but what if it wasn’t Lorien you weren’t watching over, and it was a different fox altogether. Because if it wasn’t him, their intentions might not’ve been so pure, especially one the same age as him. “Princess Aita Bagley-Handy, Organizer Cozy Glow, isn’t there something you’d like to say to Firelight?” A wave of guilt appears to wash over Aita and Cozy before they turn their gaze to Firelight. They sigh together. “We’re sorry.” “We got so caught up spending time with you,” Cozy continues. “that we also forgot about Lorien.” “We should’ve been upfront, but we weren’t,” Aita adds. “I guess Cozy and I owe you guys, don’t we?” “No you don’t…” Firelight firmly answers. Aita and Cozy look at him, stunned. “What good would it do to humiliate children for a lack of communication of all things if… anything? What matters is that you learned your lesson. Besides, Chrysalis already has you covered. For now, let’s just sit down and finish our takeout… I-I mean hay burgers and fries.” Aita, Cozy and I burst into laughter, hearing Firelight’s slip. Meanwhile, Lorien runs up to Firelight and rubs up on his side. In fact, Aita in particular is laughing so hard that that laughter turns into a coughing fit, so she quickly floats a nearby napkin to buffet the wind coming out of her protesting lungs. “Breathe, Aita!” I barely manage to say before laughing harder along with Cozy. By now even Firelight is joining in with his own chuckles. It takes a bit of time, but everyone winds down, leaving the air much more relaxed than it was just before. Cozy sighs. “That was great. So, uh… so we’re good then?” “Absolutely,” I tell her. When I finally float my hay burger, now able to concentrate partly on my meal that’s still intact, I take a fairly average sized bite, only to realize how packed with passion and love the hay burger is. “Well, color me impressed, Cozy. Did you do this?” “Yep. Taught myself during Cliptalk’s after school program…” Aita and Firelight stare at Cozy. I’m fairly certain she’s referring to the area she grew up in, considering that’s where Cozy’s parent’s letters are coming from. “Y’know… in Fillydelphia,” she clarifies. To say the least, dinner last night was a rollercoaster. One moment guilt had overwhelmed me inside and out, and before I knew it, one slip-up by Firelight and I was aspirating from laughing so hard. At least now we’re all back on good terms. It’s currently morning, and we’re all about to head out. The moment we’re out, however, Chrysalis and Lorien split from the rest of us. “Aren’t you coming?” I ask. Chrysalis nods. “You know how it is with Lorien. He loves his routines. We’ll catch up after we’re done.” Later on, Firelight, Cozy Glow and I arrive at the train station and come up to the ticket booth. “Are you sure we shouldn’t keep you company over at Sire’s Hollow?” Cozy asks. “I haven’t even seen that town before with my own eyes.” Firelight laughs as he turns his head to his right to us. “I didn’t say that. Only that you shouldn’t visit just because you owe me anything, because you don’t,” he states before facing the booth attendant. “One please.” As the ticket slides into view, Firelight floats it into the chest of his overshirt and turns back to me and Cozy. “Besides, you can always visit any time, not only this moment.” “I’m not so sure if Chrysalis is going to be okay with the both of us going,” I cautiously say. “Lorien’s care is a big responsibility, and she spent a lot of time with him yesterday.” My ears twitch to the sound of teleportation magic coming from behind me. Turning around, I am greeted by the sight of Chrysalis and Lorien. Chrysalis has a knowing smile on her face. “Am I missing anything important?” “Eh…” Cozy shrugs. “Just playing around.” Chrysalis turns unamused, and so does Firelight. Cozy flinches when I face her with clenched teeth. “Cozy…” “Kidding… Aita and I were feeling up to going to Sire’s Hollow and spending some time with Firelight.” “And I suppose you’ll be leaving Lorien with me again?” Chrysalis asks, which makes the air uncomfortable. “I thought so… Cozy Glow, do I seriously need to tell you not to pawn off your share of pet responsibility? You already left Aita alone with that when you took part in the Running of the Leaves, and you were also too focused on cooking last night to keep an eye on Lorien.” As Chrysalis lectures Cozy, the latter becomes progressively more shocked and worried. “B- but what about Sire’s Hollow?!?” “That will have to wait until you get some help from Dr. Ralph, because I have a feeling you found out about Medicgate before you helped set up the Running of the Leaves.” Chrysalis sits down and slides Cozy with toward her with her hoof. “In the meantime, you will need somepony to help you look after Lorien while Aita and I go.” While Lorien comes up next to Cozy and holds her hoof, making her giggle, a letter materializes in front of me. My dear friend, Aita, Forgive me for not writing back right away, but I do have all of your games’ source code with me, sans the ones you brought with you when you first moved. I’m home right now, so if you’d like to meet around lunchtime, I’d be okay with that. Really interesting that you said you wanted to learn to code like I do; it’s pretty niche, even among unicorns, but I could teach you AIO assembly if you wanted. If you do come, please bring Fragmen Gregarius with you; that spell is integral to how my code gets assembled. Yours truly, Moondancer. “Um, Chrysalis?” I say, unfurling and showing off the letter. Chrysalis comes to me. “Looks like our trip will have to wait too. I have to go to Canterlot.” “Approved, Aita. I see Moondancer has replied to your letter at last.” Cozy startles Chrysalis and Lorien with a loud “WHAT?!?”. We all look at Cozy as she stammers. “B-but why? I just don’t get it; Aita, you’re the smartest child I know! If this is what I think it’s about, you’re already the best at it!” “I think I know what’s going on…” Firelight starts. I try to continue for him, but Chrysalis stops me. “No need to explain, Aita. You didn’t do anything wrong.” “I didn’t?” I repeat. “But, wasn’t I partially res-” “I wasn’t talking about letting Lorien wander off; it’s your identity. While it is important to communicate information to somepony else who otherwise might have the wrong idea, identity is the one part of you that should be authoritarian,” Chrysalis explains. “Meaning… nopony questions what or who I am?” I rub my chin in thought. “Well that explains why Kevin cut me off back when recounting my reaction to you and the princesses’ retirement.” Cozy taps me on the shoulder, getting me to look at her. “Before you do go, who’re you gonna get to help take care of Lorien? He does come from Sweet Feather Sanctuary; wouldn’t it make sense to have Fluttershy?” I shake my head. “Foxes don’t get along well with most other canids… except for dogs. I can imagine Sophie and Tim would never want to have to look over him. Double for Rarity. Sugar Cube Corner doesn’t even have an enclosure nearby. and no cloud-walking spell to hang out with Rainbow Dash, since it would be just you, Lorien and her, bell notwithstanding. Only one off the top of my head that could readily help is Applejack.” “Do you know where Moondancer lives?” Firelight asks me, which I nod yes. “With your ability, you can get to her place in a jiffy.” Chrysalis smiles to Firelight. “Perhaps you’re onto something. Cozy and I will take Lorien to Sweet Apple Acres, Aita. After yesterday, you deserve some time to relax in Canterlot, maybe even pay Twilight and Spike a visit: I hear their school has accrued a new student. Just teleport before the train arrives, and I’ll be there in time.” I nod before hugging Chrysalis. “Thanks, Chrysalis.” She and Cozy fly off to the south, leaving me with Firelight. As one final gesture for me to go, he nods to me. So, I start my horn and teleport out of the train station, leaving Firelight alone there as I take in the new environment that is Moondancer’s front yard.
