Getting back into a Dive Suit wasn’t Celestia’s first choice, but a necessary one. After making sure things were more or less set for her absentee, did the solar alicorn leave with Albert to his ship. Their first stop being Citadel-1, a place she admittedly wanted to visit and get a look at. Though, she wouldn’t have much time to look around. It was only a quick stop to pick up a large surplus of supplies, mostly pertaining to the cure for the Khara, before leaving once more.

Even while sitting in the large ship, Celestia had to try and get her body to relax. Most of her thoughts revolving around how she perhaps should of mentioned about the Hippogriffs a bit sooner. But, as things still stood, the Storm King was still too large of a possible threat. Hidden island or not, she felt it was safer for all to not spark anything with him and his forces.

I hope that Novo’s people are still well and haven’t been infected. She had no illusion. Celestia did know the virus had spread, she just wasn’t aware of how far it was in the waters. And now she really couldn’t wait any longer to hold this off if what Albert said was true.

If only she weren't so focused on her own people’s issues. But in a way, that wasn’t fair on herself. Her ponies took a great priority over much else. The passage of time blur with all their needs calling for her and the other Royals to look into.

Letting out a small sigh, she got up and moved towards the bridge, mostly to try and get her mind off of some worries. Particularly over the possible infection of her allies and their current state of health. Worrying would do her no good in this state.

Albert was, as before, steering the Cyclops ship straight ahead through the deep blue waters. Not too far off was Deft, the young mare seeming to always be around at one time or another. Part of Celestia had to wonder if she has some form of apprentice to him, though nothing was ever confirmed on that front.

It sparked a curiosity in her mind though, and Celestia asked, “so Albert, I never had a chance to ask.” Moving by the man’s side. “How has Twilight been since the massive move to Citadel-1?” Curious of her former student’s state. “I haven't had time to check up on her, much less place in a call.”

“Well enough, I would say.” Told Albert with some degree of thought. “She’s been focusing on her work more than anything. Possibly half-coping with what’s been happening recently.”

Curiously, Celestia asked, “what makes you say that?” Wondering what would cause the male beside her to believe Twilight was trying to cope with all of this. Not that Celestia had any doubts, this all was very jarring.

“Simply the amount she does.” Albert explained simply. “Little breaks, sole focus on her tasks. She does have time for her friends, but more to their issues and not to her own often. It tells me she might be trying to avoid something bothering her.” But he then amended, “or, I’m misreading her.”

I can imagine why she would be a little stressed. Privately thought the alicorn. Really, she herself would of brought up what could be bothering her student… but with Deft so close, Celestia chose not to bring up the ‘kunoichi’ subject Twilight and Magic had discovered.

It was a question best left in private.

“Maybe you should talk to her.” Soon continued the scientist. “It will take me awhile to synthesize an extra amount of the cure we need. So you’ll have a few hours in the least to talk to her. Perhaps check up on Grain’s own work personally. Lush will be on standby for your arrival as well, if you need her assistance.”

With a smile, Celestia agreed, “that would be helpful. Thank you.” Mind half planning on also meeting with this changeling Queen and try getting a fix on her position in all of this. Really, she had a lot to do with very little time. It made her almost wish to sigh at the briefness of it all.

“Speaking of the cure.” Started Celestia once more, “are you sure you we should take so much on our trip to Novo’s people?” Concerned of the amount that they may spend up. While it was important to cure any infected, Celestia was also concerned of Albert burning through his reserves.

“Don’t concern yourself over that, Celestia.” Albert assured calmly. “I have a few sources of it. So there’s no risk of running out. I keep a large stock around. I’m only synthesizing more for later use.” Something that the alicorn wanted to question, but felt to just leave be. At least for the time being.

---

Typing away and eyes focused on the tablet in her hands, Twilight read through each line of text and every detail to it. She moved about the circular room, tightly packed with more lockers than even a school could fathom to have. Since her arrival to Citadel-1, it almost astounded her just how much space was made for the large city-like structure. And storage was no exception. It was possibly one of the larger areas.

“Have you finished with your side, Aira?” The purple mare called out, glancing to one of the few halls that were accessible. She had wondered how the changeling queen was handling all the accounting she had to do almost daily. It was simple work, but it was still mentally taxing.

“Almost finished up.” responded Aira, the Queen in her natural form as she looked over her list to add on. “Just need to ensure that everything is in the right place.” eyes scanning over the tablet, while her mind was recalling each locker with it’s items. The Queen had gone into the habit of organization and keeping everything in order-- a habit that was developed in her training as a Queen of a Hive.

Or rather before the Caribous came, that was supposedly what she was going to do once she left her mother’s Hive.

Still, Aira had to admit that she was still getting used to the various materials that Citadel-1 had. Like some of the food. Or sea life that was caught in a trap. Or even the many materials needed to keep this place stabilize. It almost felt like home in a twisted sense. Granted they were all underwater and in a metal structure that could break apart with the right pressure-- but most changelings lived underground, so not much difference there.

Placing down a few more numbers, and eventually closing a locker that was a little shy of being full, did Twilight turn away and head straight for Aria. Looking at a few lockers, to the larger cabinets, the alicorn remarked, “as much as I like organizing things, this almost gets tiring with how often people come in to get supplies. I almost wonder how anyone can get anything done without some sort of full-time accountants for these storage spaces.”

Giving a little laugh of amusement, Aira horn glowed to moved a few items to their respective lockers, adding a bit of numbers into her tablet before her horn ended it’s glow. “You should’ve seen me years back.” Turning her attention to Twilight with an amused smile on her face. “I made a killing in accountant in a few companies. Even made a few richer with my skills of organization.” Then joked to the mare. “Doing these sort of task is second nature for my species, especially for Queens to organize everything.”

“Something I’ll have to question you about later.” Smiled Twilight in return. She moved by a ladder to go up to the next level, pausing to make sure Aira was near done before saying, “so how has your time been so far down here?” Granted it was only a few days, but the overall change in environment was possibly a huge shock.

Not that Twilight could blame Aria if she felt a little disoriented. Even if the changeling didn’t have to swim, knowing a few skills in engineering and even maintenance for any of the more mechanical systems was something not all caught onto. Of course that was also not mentioning just where they were living, inside a structure 24/7 with only a ‘park space’ that gave a ‘feel’ of being outside.

Rainbow Dash was starting to get a little stir crazy herself.

“Admittedly?” spoke Aira as she followed along with Twilight. “Crazy. I’m still having trouble with engineering, even with the help. I’m not used to such complex systems, even less with higher advance tech.” shrugging a bit as she went on. “Granted I’m adjusting to living underground again-- it’s just being underwater is a whole different deal. All we had to worry about was cave in or discovery from above, not water pressure and poor repair.”

Then thought a bit as she told in honesty. “Overall? I’m trying to adjust to the crazy feeling of being in a place that’s beyond my usual work, but I’m adapting so far.” then frown as she added. “But I rather not trust myself with the technical part just yet.”

Laughing a bit, Twilight said, “at least you know your limits.” Going up the ladder and looking about the next room they would have to do. “To be honest, we can hardly trust Rainbow with the more delicate parts to this place. She gets too fed up with all the wires and figuring out what goes where.”

Glancing to be sure Aria had also reached the same floor, Twilight proceeded on. “And while Pinkie does fine with working on a few things, we still find a few curly pink hairs or confetti inside places.” Then half muttered, “I still wish I knew where she gets confetti in the first place.”

“Best not question the earth ponies and their touch of chaos magic.” Told Aira as she held back a suppressed shudder when Pinkie popped out of a locker to give a ‘hope you’re feeling better about being the only changeling’ party. Taking a deep breath in, she soon went on to both calm herself and ignore the past memories. “Overall, I’m glad that Pinkie has been told of her limits on her confetti…” Then frown to add.

“Although I do wish we can send the same message to ...Pyro.” A slight distaste in her tone due to the ‘prank’ he gave to her with that color bomb. She hated looking like a pink changeling for nearly three days

With some grimace, Twilight admitted, “Pyro does get a little out of hand if no one’s watching him. It’s almost part of the reason he’s in this secluded part of the base, honestly.” She didn’t even want to think of the time back in Alpha Base when there was that whole paint-bomb incident in the main cafeteria.

Shaking it off and refocusing to the locker, Twilight signed out. “I just wanted to make sure you were adjusting. I know my first few weeks were a little rough too. And I can understand getting used to working on maintenance, but you can see why everyone needs to know at least a little about it.”

Giving a firm nod, she agreed. “Oh yes, if I didn’t have the knowledge about it? I would probably accidentally do more harm than good. Or someone else vice versa.” Then assured with a smirk. “But the perks of being a changeling Queen? We can easily store memories and information like these Tablets to be like a photo-memory recall. That way we know exactly what we have in our minds-- or spread it among our Hive to get them up to speed.”

For a moment there was a surge of excitement, and from the way Twilight turned her head to show her gleaming eyes? Well, Aria could tell Twilight had so many questions, even if she was able to control it to come out as a, “really?” Curiosity just wanting to gush out and know more. “I had… I had no idea that Queens had that sort of natural ability!”

Laughing a bit, Aira jokes. “How else do you think we keep a Hive organize? Queens need to ensure their drones are able to know how to do their work, even if it’s tedious tasks.” Proceeding to add with a grin. “It’s also why some Hives allow training Queens to go incognito in various areas-- to take in the knowledge for future use.” Then amended. “But, it’s not fully perfect. We need to learn first, or at least learn it from our own mothers. If not? Well, we might get is either faulty information, or just...pictures of the things with no context.”

Nodding a bit, Twilight tried to place all her focus back to her task at hand, going as far to ready her magic. In case she needed to move any supplies around. “I can’t imagine what that would be like. But from what you’re saying, Queens like yourself need to be trained in its use, otherwise when you have a Swarm, you won’t have the needed… skills to get them to function?” Trying to wrap her mind around the idea of Aira being… connected to them in such a way.

Nodding, she raised her free hand to tap her head on the side. “Yes, Queens need to be fully taught of the skills, the occupation, or even the information of it to know how it functions. Most Queens have a ‘Hive-mind’ a means to connect in a synchronization between a Queen and her Hive. Passing data through and receiving and giving information on the spot.”

“It’s a natural trait nearly all Queens have, part of our biology really.”

Frowning a bit, Twilight asked more carefully, “so it’s natural to just be connected to lot’s of changelings.” Eyes on some medical kits in the locker she was working in before tentatively moving on. “But… what about now? Is that the reason you think you’re the, well… last changeling?”

Pulling her hand down, she held a somber look and explain. “I might as well be, most changelings within a Hive can connect on the spot...unless you’re from a different Hive. I know that the link won’t work if the Hive has been wiped out, or if they’re too deep in hibernation...And the later provide a faint presence within the Swarm Mind. I haven’t felt anything since the Khara came. Not after my mother...”

Shifting and trying to not project her own feelings too strongly, Twilight said, “I’m sorry to hear that.” Half thinking of what that was like and felt a pang in her own heart. Something she quickly brushed aside and said with some forced cheer, “but, at least you’re here with us.”

As false as it was, it eased out to something more natural and honest as Twilight went on. “I mean, you have me, my friends, even Joy and her friends too. You’re not alone anymore.”

“In a sense you’re right...but I think I understand how Albert sometimes feel.” said Aira as she looked through a locker, checking over it with her tablet as she added in a remark tone. “Despite so many people around, those that can be considered friends-- you truly are alone when you’re another species.”

Stopping her work, Twilight half shifted her wings at that. She never really thought about it in that perspective, not too much anyways. Really, with how natural Albert acted, she rarely felt he was ever out of place. Though now, she could almost understand what Aria was saying. Being the only one of your kind. Not having that some connection to others...

“I… guess you’re right.” Twilight began. “Sorry.” Not really sure what to say.

“It’s something I’ve grown accustomed to. No need for apologies, Twilight.” spoke Aira as she typed down the supplies in her tablet as she continue on. “In hindsight, I should be glad there are a lot of friends around-- but there will be some things I miss that can’t be easily replaced.” Then gave a sideways glance as she added. “I think you feel the same in a sense, just in a different aspect.”

Ducking her head down, slightly more into the locker, Twilight could not deny that. It was almost eerie how Aria made that comment, not a moment after feeling a familiar pang of pain herself. “I guess…” Twilight somewhat admitted while rummaging through the locker. “But, it’s nothing.” Trying to push the feeling aside.

Raising a brow, she said. “Twilight, I know as a friend I should respect your feelings-- but I’m a changeling. I can literally feel everything you feel.”

don’t remind me. Sighed the mare while closing the locker and placing down the medical kit amount. “Thanks, but I’m fine, really.” Turning to give her best smile. One that did not affect Aira in the least. In fact, the changeling only lifted her brow, showing just how unimpressed she was.

It made Twilight flatten her ears and lose her smile. She half scuffed her hoof at the floor, trying to think of what to say. But, at the same time it didn’t matter. Aira was a changeling and it didn’t look like she was going to let this go by. Maybe I could just keep working and hope she drops it?

Before she could enact the plan though, Aira moved and stood before the alicorn. It was a slightly intimidating thing, but Twilight had to repress the feeling of discomfort. After her first meeting with changelings, having Aria so close sometimes caused a slight discomfort. What really drove it home was just the height difference and how close Aira looked like a pony. It was almost disconcerting how similar, yet different she was to a pony.

Shifting, Twilight asked, “maybe we should get back to work?” Slightly hoping the mare would agree. But with how Aria twisted her lips and stared down…. It made the lavender mare sigh out. “Look, Aira, I’ll be fine.” Repressing the internal pain at the very thought of her plight. “I… I just need to work it out, you know?”

“Twilight. You’re in pain. Mental and emotional. I’m not going to drop this, not when it could affect your health.” stated Aira with slight crossed arms. “You aren’t going to avoid this forever-- especially in pushing yourself to work.” then raised a brow to go on. “Now I may not be a doctor of psychology-- but I know you missed something-- or someone dearly. And my best guess is has to do with a certain dragon of yours?”

Ears flicking up, Twilight said, “I, well…” Half stumbling and going on, “you know about Spike?”

“Hero of the Crystal Empire. Celestia had a glass image made for him in Canterlot.” told the changeling Queen. “Plus it wasn’t exactly a secret, since I heard about him through the adventure you and your friends made. Especially with the Crystal Empire.”

“Right..” Twilight nodded, half shifting in place.

She could feel more than just pain from the mare that was thinking on Spike. “I can feel you having a lot of emotions, most of them probably center about Spike. I can feel the worry of the drake, the pain of what happened to him, the uncertainty of his health-- even the anxiety of a family member. Especially with what the Caribous did to him…” then soon told. “I can safely assure you that Spike is alive-- as far as I know anyway.”

“You don’t know that.” Said Twilight turning her head away. “It’s been… a long time since I’ve even seen him. And we don’t know where he is or…” She half fidgeted and didn’t seem to want to go on. And why would she, Aria didn’t need Twilight to go on. The Khara had claimed a lot of lives. Who’s to say Spike wasn’t infected too.

Really, the thought of it caused the changeling to gain her own pain of sympathy-- if anything, over the mere thought of how anyone would feel with that…. abhorred virus inside one’s own body. She didn’t need to imagine either, she almost died from it.

“...I can say at the very least, he’s alive when I last attempted to flee from Equestria.” said the Queen, as she went on to say. “I don’t know of now, but last I heard? Dainn moved him somewhere before the Wendigos hit. Probably in Canterlot...or elsewhere.” she thought over her words, before soon saying with a sympathize expression. “Twilight, it hurts to think of him and his health. But you can’t keep forcing it to the side or pushing yourself to work. You need to talk to your friends on it-- or a doctor...or even those you consider close family.”

“If you keep bottling it up and try to ignore that pain? It’s going to fester and hurt a lot worse. Might make you develop bad habits of forced work and hurting yourself emotionally.”

Shaking her head and holding the tablet close to herself, Twilight told, “I can’t do that. Everyone else is counting on me to help. To keep Citadel-1 working. To get ready for the day we take back Equestria.” Feeling a slight nervousness creep in at everything to come. “They need me to be ready, and I need to make sure that everything is ready when the time comes. So many ponies are relying on me… looking up to me for guidance and--”

A hand raised up to gently flick Twilight in the forehead. Aira held a flat expression as she reminded. “Last I check you're not the only princess.” then told on as she lowers her hand. “Even more, you aren’t the Princess of Guidance and Stress-- but the Princess of Friendship. You don’t burden yourself with so much.” Giving a easing smile to Twilight as she said. “I understand how you feel, I’m a Changeling Queen. I was supposed to be groomed into a ruler-- but even I wasn’t ready at your age. You lost so much before you could start, even more being in a position that you weren’t ready for.”

Hand gently place on Twilight shoulder as she continues on. “You can’t really be prepared for this, even more with what you were forced into for the last few years. I know a lot of ponies are looking to you, even wanting you to get them out of this nightmare-- but you need to know something important.”

A gentle smile on her face as she told. “A ruler cannot lead their people, if their people do not support them.” Going on to explain. “It was the first lessons my mother taught me. The Swarm wasn’t great because of it’s Queen, the Swarm was great only because of the many changelings in it. Without a Queen? The Swarm doesn’t have a family. Without the Swarm, the Queen is never strong enough.”

“You can’t be expected to lead at ease and do so much-- not without having the support of the ponies who look up to you. That’s a poor way to both rule and to be seen as.” then frown. “Especially in forcing yourself to work down to the bone, ignoring problems won’t make it go away. The only way to solve the problem is to confront it and have the support of those you trust to listen.”

Then smile. “Because if I recall right? You have five friends who stay with you through thick and thin. Mares who went through your pain, and is still feeling it now with their own families and friends. Talk with them. Stop overworking and ignoring the problem-- just let go of holding back and trust in them. Just as they trust in you.”

Slowly, Twilight nodded to Aria and felt her eyes glisten a bit. It made her smile and half sniff in remembrance. “That sounded like something I’d write in a Friendship letter.” It made her throat go tight at the thought. She’d get Spike to write it up and not too long after sent it off by dragon fire after some dramatic day of learning about friendship.

It made the alicorn sag, and it almost felt like some kind of weight was on her. “I just… I just don’t want to think about what’s happened to him. Not since…” she had the need to hug herself and almost felt a shiver go through her, feeling a cold sensation of what Spike was going through at this very moment. The thought of him still being a baby dragon weighing on her. The thought of him sick, dying, controlled or...

An arm gently wrap around to hug as Aira reminded. “It hurts, I know ...but sometimes we need to treat the pain in order to heal the scars. Otherwise it’ll get worse.” then rolled her eyes as she went on. “Believe me, you're not the only one feeling like this. A lot of ponies here are feeling what you’re feeling right now. Especially me.” then gave a gentle look to the alicorn as she said. “They can smile all they like and pretend nothing is wrong, but they can’t hide their own feelings. Even less from me noticing.”

With a small laugh, Twilight agreed, “I guess not.” Half putting an arm around Aira too, and leaning in. The feeling was… odd. Almost as odd as when Aira first got here. Here she was, a changeling Queen, a hated enemy of the ponies… comforting one of their newest and youngest Princesses.

Twilight was filled with so much pain and conflict, and even more worry. It was almost sickening, but it was soothed just by the slight comfort she was getting from the hug. It made Aira herself somber up and wonder, what would her mother think of this situation?

It was something Aira definitely didn’t prepare for or expect to happen. But in a way, she could almost see herself in Twilight’s position. Some time in her own past when she would worry over the Hive or her own future. It was an oddly sobering thought that Twilight had to go through all of this much sooner than she had to. It was almost a wonder how Twilight held together so well in the face of it all.

She’s probably barely holding together by threads in her mind. thought the Queen, glancing over Twilight as she considers the work was possibly the few things that could keep Twilight together to ignore the pain. But you can only run from it so long before it catches up. So with a light sigh, she spoke to the mare. “Twilight, take a break. Call in your friends...and just hug. Hug and do what you ponies do best. Resonate with Harmony.”

Moving her head back, Twilight blinked and used a free hand to try and wipe the little tears threatening to slip out. “But… we both have--” Trying to refocus herself to the task that, in a sense, she volunteered to do with Aria. Even half ready to break down, the mare wanted to be responsible.

“Twilight, I’ll take the crass and the workload.” Then use a finger to prod Twilight forehead. “You need a break. You need to be with ponies that are like family to you.” Then joked with a smile. “Beside, not the first time I’m doing something as large like this by myself. I can handle the silence.” then added with no-nonsense tone. “Now you go and be with you're friends, otherwise I’ll force my hand to call up Pinkie like the little terror she can be in spreading cheer.”

With a small laugh, Twilight said, “alright, I’m going, I’m going!” Letting go and moving to leave. The mare paused, and glanced back to Aria to say, “maybe you’re right… maybe I should just… talk.” Wings a little sagged while saying, “I just… feel like I should be helping everyone else first…”

“How can you help anyone, if you can’t help yourself?” questioned Aira, holding up the Tablet as she began her work, horn glowing to open a few lockers to take into account as she went on. “The best way to help others, is to deal with whatever problems you have. You can’t shoulder all the burdens. Otherwise you’ll hurt yourself in more ways than one.”

Slowly, Twilight gave a nod in thought to that. “Yeah… you’re probably more right on that.” Eyes flicking up once more to say, “thanks, Aria. For… talking.” Turning away and leaving to find her friends to, more than likely, get some emotional baggage off her weary heart.

A low smile on her face, Aira thought. Oh don’t thank me just yet. There’s a lot more to do, Twilight. focusing on the amount of work as she began her organization. A lot more. as while part of her knew it would take her longer to do this? She knew it had to be done with Twilight emotions. The best way to ensure the Princess will become better? Is to heal her pain and let her recover emotionally and mentally.

Can’t have a mare like Twilight breaking down from the stress and overworking habits. Especially in a time like this.

---

Working away on a tablet, Rarity half sighed to herself in thought and tried to focus on her minor work. That being the conditions of her living space, along with her friends. It was… sometimes utter chaos, especially in the mornings. Pinkie Pie sometimes woke as a zombie-pony that only became normal with some triple-shot-caffeinated coffee to snap her awake. Rainbow Dash could be impossible to wake in the mornings-- or evenings.

Applejack next to wake some of them at unholy times in the morning for a jump on the day. Twilight could get so wrapped up in her many little micro-projects she’d nearly pull all nighters. Fluttershy at least took care of herself-- unless it involves someone's or some critter’s needs. Then the pony, the kind soul she was, would go off and help to unfathomable degrees.

It wasn’t the town she lived in, but… there was something homely about it. Something Rarity was still grasping over. After all this time adjusting to how my old life was… I can see the charm in it. In a way, it almost made Rarity wish for things to be like they were before. Almost want to remember everything with clarity.

The only thing stopping her, was the fear of the nightmares. While it was true, she didn’t have dreams anymore… there was a… emptiness that Rarity didn’t notice. One that became just more clearer with each passing day. One that every pony filled in. Be it Pinkie’s ever radiating go-lucky joy. Or Rainbows constantly bragging of her greatness. Even Applejack had this… something more that made her so much more…

Sighing, the white mare placed her head into her hands. She wasn’t sure how to feel about the emptiness slowly gnawing at her, and in a way she almost wanted it to just… go away. To feel something more, to know what it was like to be like… herself before she met Starlight and the many Townsfolk that found her.

Was it wrong to feel like she wanted… more? Starlight would remind her that wanting for more was selfish. It didn’t help the other ponies if you just were selfish and went to go get what you wanted. But now, seeing her friends having smiles and a sort of fulfillment Rarity couldn’t quite touch on like before...

Heaving a breath, Rarity tried to push such thoughts aside and refocus on the tablet. Instead, the bulkhead to the shared space was opened. And in an instant, the silence was broken with Rainbow Dash’s complaint. “Seriously, I was totally slow enough. They just got two left-hooves.”

Rarity wanted to roll her eyes, even as Applejack prodded on. “No, I think yer just gettin’ a mite too quick in those halls, RD.” The orange mare waving her hands in the air to go on. “Albert’s lettin’ ya fly the halls, but he said not too fast! Ya forget abou’ that?”

“Hey, I remember!” Rainbow said with a bit of snap. “But this place is just congested, it’s driving me nuts! I can’t even do a loop in some places!”

I wonder if Starlight founded the town to at least stop the arguments. Mused Rarity while rubbing the spot under her horn. All these arguments can just get so… frustrating. She loved her friends, Rarity really did. But sometimes, they could just be too much.

Especially Dash and Pinkie with their antics.

“Yeah? Well how abou’ ya ask about a trip right up t’ the surface or somthin’?” Asked Applejack, both athletic ponies striding in and eventually taking a spot to stand around the table Rarity was at. “Maybe then ya could just fly all over and we all could get a break.”

With slightly rushed hooves, something pink half slid by and said, “you can’t do that!” Nearly tipping over before catching herself, Rarity realized that Pinkie had also come along. Though one glance at the door showed that Fluttershy, and Twilight were back, the former closing the door behind them. Was she really that busy Twilight got done with her work already?

“And why the hay not?” Asked Rainbow still annoyed.

“Because we don’t want a rainboom going off and telling people where Citidel-1 is at, Rainbow.” Twilight signed out almost tiredly. “Really, can this wait until later?” Walking in with less-than-dignified strides. It was enough to catch even Rarity’s attention to some extent. The mare looked just… tired.

With some similar concern, Fluttershy was beside the lavender alicorn and saying, “are you sure you’re alright, Twilight?” Seeming more than aware something was up. “You’ve been looking exhausted since you got asked us to come here.”

“I will be soon, Fluttershy.” Assured Twilight, “I just... Need to talk to you all about it.” Looking up to half add, “I’ll talk to the Ruffed Raft crew, Rainbow. Maybe find a place you can spread your wings.” Eventually making her way to a chair to sit down. Seeing her half sag was enough to suck some of the life out of the room, and it had Applejack turning her head.

Walking up to stand beside the former-unicorn, Applejack half leaned on the chair’s backrest to say, “you sure you’ll be fine, sugar cube? You look more bushed than Mac after working five fields by his lonesome.” Half poking Twilight’s shoulder.

Wings shuffling, Twilight hung her head a little and told in a deep sigh, “I’m hoping I will.” Which got a few confused glances to be traded about. But after a moment more of silence, Twilight asked them all, “did you lose anypony to this all?” It was uncharacteristically blunt, and just out of the blue. Enough to make each mare rear back.

Twilight didn’t look up and folded her hands into her lap, thumb rubbing over her hands. “I wanted to ask because... well…” Seeming unsure how to go on. Though from the looks, Twilight seemed just overall unsure how to talk about this… odd subject.

Scratching the back of her head, Applejack said, “well… shoot Twi, I don’t know how to answer that rightly…” Thinking it over a little to tell, “I think we all lost sompony after this whole mess.” Staring at the lavender mare to ask, “why the sudden question?”

Twilight kept silent for a moment, taking a moment to search for her own words. It was almost concerning to watch for Rarity, half thinking about the question herself and trying to pull on her half-lost memories. She half fidgeted, not sure what to say.

When a pink hand laid itself on Twilight’s other shoulder, Pinkie said in a subdued tone, “Spike, right?” Getting a few glances. Glances, that turned to quick understanding at Pinkie’s words. “You miss him, dont’cha?”

Lifting a hand to place on Pinkie’s own, Twilight shuttered, “I worry about him.”

“I’m sure he’s fine.” Pinkie seemed to cheer, smiling as she did. Though she felt she might have said the wrong thing at the gripping of Twilight’s hand.

“You don’t know that Pinkie.” Ground out Twilight, wings clenching tight to her back. “You don’t know that. He could be hurt, or sick, or in…. In some cage…”

Each word brought about an image that made Rarity grimance. She recalled Spiky-whisky. Always being right by her and helping with some little thing she’d ask. He hung around Twilight like some little brother, and in truth… Rarity had half forgotten about him. But that wasn’t much to be said-- at one point she couldn’t recall her sister.

Softly, Pinkie told, “I know.” and for a moment, Rarity almost swore that overly-impossibly frizzy mane deflated a little. “I know I don’t, but I can hope.” Giving a smile of hidden pain. “Like how I can hope my Pa’s alright. Or Ma. Limestone or Marble… Gummy” Going on sadly and half tearing at the little alligators name. “I know Maud’s ok. She was with the Resistance the whole time. She saved a lot of ponies.”

Slowly, Twilight loosened her grip and glanced away. “But how can you just… hope they’re fine? With everything that’s happened?”

Breathing deeply, Applejack told, “by just keeping faith they’ll pull through.” Giving the best smile she could while half bending over to look Twilight in the eye. “I ain’t gonna sugar coat it. I know tha’ most my kin are probably dead or fargone.” Something that was painful for herself to think on, enough so to turn her green eyes down. “Why, I don’t know if I’ll see even half my family anymore. It was a hard loss when granny didn’t make it, that voodoo-magic bein’ too much on her old self. Tore a hole in poor Bloom’s heart.”

Turning them back up, Applejack spoke on. “It’s not easy t’ think on. An’ it’s hard to just… let it be. Really is.” Then half laughed with very little humor while standing straight up. “Probably make it more easy iffin’ I lied to myself… maybe make it hurt less…” Wringing her hands for a moment in thought. “But Pink’s right. Sometimes you just… got to hope. Gotta keep strong.”

Sighing, Twilight Looked down at her lap and told in a subdue tone, “I don’t know if I can.” A deep and dark doubt there.

Snorting and glancing about, Dash said, “of course you can!” Half bursting the gloom’s presence with her shout. “Look, Twilight, we get it. It’s bad. Real bad.” Fidgeting and going on, “I mean, some of us won’t see ponies we grew up with. It’s harsh, but that doesn't mean you should give up.” Standing tall and firm. “You can’t give up, it’s what they want!” Pointing at a wall as if to show the Caribou’s Empire. “You just got to power through it!” Eyes glaring and glistening.

Most were a little stunned, while Rarity blinked and asked, “Rainbow.” Half leaning in to ask, “are... are you crying?”

“No.” Quickly refused Dash, using a hand to quickly rub at her eyes. “Just the… salt water, you know. Cakes on the fur and… stuff.” Shifting her wings and folding her arms. It was enough to get Twilight to really just… look at the rainbow-haired mare.

Sadly, Twilight asked, “who did you lose?” It was so gentle, and soft. “I lost Spike, and I don’t know if he’s okay. Pinkie’s family is… missing. And Applejack…” She looked to both her friend, close friends… and could understand their pain. To not know what happened to their loved ones. “Who’s missing too?”

Sighing, Dash said, “nobody’s missing.” Almost sounding grumpy about it. “Well, ‘xcept maybe Tank. But, he’s a tough Tortoise. He’ll be just fine.” seeming to self assure herself to that. But at the looks that were pointed at her, the athlete said, “I’m not worried about my folks. They… didn’t really make it easy to be taken down and...” Shifting a bit more before rushing. “So… no one really. No one at all!”

She would have kept her cool stance, if it weren't for Fluttershy. The mare moving around the group to give her long-time-friend a hug from behind. Dash seemed to half gulp and tighten her lips, though Fluttershy gave no words and just held.

Rarity watched as wordlessly, the tough tom-boy that was Rainbow Dash turned and hugged back into Fluttershy, half burying her head into the mare’s bosom. The later of which, only held and kept quiet for her fellow pegasus’s sake.

The sight… was heartwarming. It was as heartwarming as it was painful for Rarity. She played with her hands and felt… oddly lost. Her memories were in shambles. Her own person felt empty and hollow at times. And even now, she felt… felt so… alienated. Unable to recall anything significant enough to share in with her close friends.

Slowly, Rarity spoke, without seeming to realize it. “I miss myself.” It caught everyone’s ears. Even Rainbow, after having a moment to cry clear her eyes up, looked to the unicorn who had remained silent during the entire exchange. It was enough that Rarity looked to each, and looked away… embarrassed.

“That is…” She tried to recover, “I just have trouble and… I want to…” Fidgeting a little and sighing out. “I don’t feel like myself. I’m not sure who I am anymore with…. Anything.” it caused a odd… conflicting feeling in Rarity to even say it. “Here you all are...talking about who you lost…” And smiled sadly to herself. “And here I am… wondering what I even lost… only because I have trouble remembering at all…”

She gulped down her own saliva, feeling an odd feeling of a frog in her throat. “I know.. I know I have a dear sister, Sweetie Belle. I-I know I have parents… but, blast it all if I could just recall their names right.” Feeling a shiver enter her form. “Faces without names, names without faces…” She laughed, almost brokenly. “I’m… still a mess, aren't I?”

Thinking on it, Twilight said, “yeah…” Looking at each mare in the room, thinking about how they… continued with life but deep down… during this time, they were all so hurt. With a small, rueful smile, Twilight let a tear slip down and said, “I think we’re all a bit of a mess, Rarity.” Causing a small round of shallow laughs.

“At least we’re a messy pile together!” Pinkie chimed out. It wasn’t really funny, but for some reason, it made them laugh all the more. And after a long time, the pain seemed to slightly ebb away a little. It was an odd feeling to feel. One that Rarity… wasn’t sure she’d trade for anything right now. This feeling of… shared pain and comfort.

It felt so conflicting to what she wanted to believe in. That sharing pain could cause… kinship, a… a sort of…

Friendship.

---

It was hard to remember just how many lockers there were, until you went through a portion of storage. While Aira did not regret her choice to send Twilight off, she was sorely reminded how just how many lockers there were. She finished, thankfully. But the tedious task was just long and hard-fought in the sense of accounting, recounting and sometimes reorganization.

She was happy to be a Queen for her more multi-tasked mental abilities.

The mare wasn’t sure where Twilight was or where her little friends were meeting up. But, she was at least hoping the Alicorn got around to facing her troubles now. But, as for herself, Aria was more than happy to sit down in one of the more personal and closed off spaces for relaxing and having a bottle of water.

It wasn’t concentrated Love like her Hive would have, but it was better than nothing.

When Aria heard, and more or less felt, the presence behind her? She assumed it would be someone of the more private section she mostly lived in. It was a notion she had to push to the side when the emotions felt controlled and so well tuned-- to the point it easily out did Albert’s or even Magic’s own self-control skills.

“Hello.” The tone of voice being of a much older and matured mare, one with more years than she could ever hold. “You must be Aria.” It took one turn of her head, for the Changeling Queen to be face-to-face with Celestia herself, smiling in an ever kind and diplomatic manner.

It was a deceivingly effective mask that even hid the alicorn’s emotions in check to a large extent. Aria could barely taste the hidden curiosity and alertness hidden under it all.

“Yes...and you’re Celestia...I was wondering if you were ever going to show up.” spoke the young Queen. As while there were various questions of why she was here with the Queen and not with Twilight? She can hazard a guess Celestia was curious of how a changeling Queen survive, or rather if she was the only changeling around. If anything, Aira can at least guess that Celestia had a lot of questions for her. Although she couldn’t help but remarked a bit to the alicorn. “Got to say, I never thought we would speak so soon. Even less with how busy you are.”

Shaking her head, the white alicorn said, “circumstances were not in my favor. I would of come at a different day, but something pressing came up. I won’t be here for long.” Continuing her walk up to Aria. The changeling half noted that instead of something regal, Celestia was in some only semi-nice wear. No doubt in due fact ladders made dress a little hard to use, or that this place just didn’t have extravagant wear.

Whatever the case, Celestia took a seat in one of the nearby chairs and spoke on. “I admittedly came to meet you in person. This is the first time in years that we’ve seen another changeling.” Then half furrowed her brows, “or, at least after Chrysalis had tried her gambit on Canterlot.”

Aira couldn’t help but express a stale expression. Even less giving a dry tone. “Ah yes. Dear Chrysalis.” then took a sip of her drink as she told. “I heard from mother that since that lone Queen did that failed invasion, it caused a, well to be frank? An utter mess among other Hives. Especially the repercussions.”

“I can only imagine.” Spoke Celestia, though it was doubtful if she’d ever know just how server the consequences were. “In any case, I have to ask Aria.” Half tilting her head, “what has happened? I can tell, you’re young. And since the changelings vanished, it’s been a mystery of why your kind disappeared. We were told that you might be the last, or you have a strong belief your last.”

Taking a deep breath, Aira place the bottle water down as she spoke. “I can’t speak for all of the Hives-- but I can give you a damned good theory on what happened. When the Caribous first arrived in the Crystal Empire and did their corrupted magic on the Crystal Heart? We all felt the magical wave it sent across Equestria. Hard to not feel such...magic when it’s infused with so much lust and desire, it nearly caused probably half of the Hives disruption in terms of…”

Pausing for a moment to think of a good term as she finished. “A bad case of indigestion in layman terms.” then told on. “But, afterwards when the Caribous started the whole invasion and conquest? That is uncertain.” leaning back as she went on. “but...I can at least speak somewhat of my Hive and give a rough guess it happened to the other's. Some of the changelings who were in disguise, either gender during the time were...afflicted a lot worse than you ponies.”

“Take for example, let's say...a mare got hit by the wave. Some were resistance, other's didn’t have a chance. Some of the changelings who were mares were slammed hard, they didn’t have a chance but were bound to such emotions they sorta became part of their disguises. Same thing with the guys, it not only affects us mentally , but also within emotionally to. And since we’re emotionvores…” trailing off as if there wasn’t anything to be said.

Slightly nodding, Celestia considered that and spoke, “we’ve been freeing ponies. If it’s possible, do you think any might have been changelings?” Proceeding to explain on, “by chance. When you were found, you had no Hive. I found it unusual that you didn’t have an escort in the least. But I can only presume that was the Khara’s doing, since you were found with a heavy amount of the infection.”

A firm nod came as Aira spoke. “Yeah...those who managed to resist were ordered to head to their Hives. Those that were affected? We...we had to cut them off.” slight shame in her tone with flattened ears, she however kept looking to Celestia as she told. “They were affecting our Hives connection, and we had no choice but to remove them. Some Hives probably try to save them...but were either forced to flee, or were taken out in one way or another.”

“Some Hives decided to cut losses, leave Equestria to greener plains. Other's figure to hide deep down, burrow and hibernate...My Hive decided to save what we could and flee for the last few years, at least far enough the Caribous won’t find us. Figure we had a good chance once you ponies figure a way to beat them ...or at least, until the Khara came. It...it infect our entire Hive.”

Head down a bit as she spoke in a solemn tone. “It didn’t just hit those who had sex with either pony or caribou-- or both at once. Although it did spread to possibly a couple of the Hives through that means...or eaten a few fish to try gain other nutrients beside emotions. But it was...it was like wildfire, once it affected one of us? It infected everyone else, down to the last youngling. We couldn’t do much but try to run or try to hide to beat the sickness...then we had no choice but to split. Especially when the virus prove its deadliest when someone died.”

A breath in, she tried to keep herself calm as she admitted. “When the Khara reached it full stages among the Hive, when we all...split? I felt each of them died. One. By one...The last one I felt so far was my mother, who did her best to give everything she could for the Hive...and for me.” recalling the sudden influx of information that was sent to her in the Swarm mind...and those words of sorrowful goodbye.

“I’m sorry for your loss.” The amount of sincerity there could not be defined in the alicorn’s voice alone. There was a clear and solemn regret to hearing this news. “From what I understand you’re the only one of your Hive left. And it’s sounding unlikely that there are any remaining changelings, unless for those that may have gone further abroad to other kingdoms.”

But after a solemn moment, Celestia asked, “if by chance, could you locate other changelings, if they were on our island that my remaining ponies are hiding at?”

“...Its...possible.” spoke Aira as she thought on it some and continue. “I could try to see if I can locate any from my Hive. But trying to locate other changelings might be the challenging part, even more since they’re from another Hive.” Aira thought a bit more harder as she frowns. “It might be harder if they decided to stay in their own lives as ‘ponies’, or at the very least, persuade them to join either my Hive or group up with remainders.”

Looking To Celestia as she explain a bit. “Changelings usually don’t meld with other Hives, there are exceptions...but it’s nearly rare for changelings from other Hives to go into a different Hive. that...usually happen when their own Hive is either destroyed, or it’s Queen exiled them.” she however added. “But there aren’t any changelings here...or at least as far as I could comb through the ponies. My best guess is that they’re on the island. A lot more of emotions there to have than down here.”

With a small nod, Celestia said, “perhaps.” Glancing up to go on, “I thought to give the offer. I know that changelings don’t normally stay alone. I thought it would at least give you, or even them, some comfort that other’s survived, even if you’re not from the same hive.”

Nodding a bit, she spoke. “Yeah...I do appreciate it. Might at least help ease my own mind a bit.” then soon thought a bit...and said. “Celestia, when you have the time? Can you get Twilight with her brother and sister in law? She still has some issues on a few things, one of them being Spike.”

Sombering up, Celestia said, “I know. I just talked to her not too long ago.” Smiling a bit to say, “thank you for being there for her. I know I should be around, but as you might guess, obligations to my ponies don’t give me the time I need for others. Especially Twilight.”

Sighing out, Celestia thought it over and agreed, “if there is time, hopefully something can be done. Spike was important in her life. I’m not sure if you realized, but Twilight had more-or-less took care of him since he hatched from an egg. That sort of pain is… not easy to overcome.”

“Ah ...that...that would explain the pain.” said Aira, getting a clear idea as Spike was a lot more than family, he was almost like a son to Twilight. This she understood a great deal.

Nodding, Celestia looked off to the side in minor thought. “Twilight’s still young. She’s a bright mare, and mentally mature. Sometimes even stronger than some in her moments. But she’s still young, and I sometimes fear for her well being because of such youth. This all was… too much too soon for her. She’ll pull through, I know she will.”

Letting out a breath, Celestia looked at Aria, fully to the changelings eyes to tell. “But Twilight was never ready for this sort of nightmare. If I could, I would have her by my side, perhaps looked over by one of my best Mages. But, she’s too important of a symbol here. Ponies and foals, they need someone to rally behind. And Twilight was the best choice at the time. This place was safe, and removed from the island which was at slightly more risk.”

“To be honest, I’m relieved you talked to her.” Smiled the solar monarch. “Despite the strained… relationship between ponies and changelings because of the failed invasion, I think what Albert said stands true. We need each other to pull through. And I’m hoping to ask a favor of you, and simply hold faith you’ll keep what little trust I’m giving, intact.”

Raising a brow, she remarked in slight amusement. “Little trust huh? Guess you somewhat trust me either because I’m a changeling-- or because you still got your own issues of what Chrysalis did.”

“I’m trusting you with a pony I can almost call as a daughter in some respects.” Celestia told in a slight firmness that just radiated a warning. It wasn’t the same, but the emotions and feelings were like the slight hints of how Aria felt her own Mother’s protectiveness over her many changeling children. “I think I have some right to be cautious.”

Looking at her for a brief moment with a neutral expression, reviewing over the ‘warning’ and the emotions she was tasting... Aira soon eventually smile as she assured.”I know how important Twilight is to you, and while I may not be a full friend like the other mares are? I can at least keep an eye on her and make sure she doesn’t overdo it emotionally and mentally.”

She leaned back a bit as she went on. “Although the best I can do is give advice, remind her of her friends-- and make sure to give some pointers when the ponies down here become...pushy in guidance.” holding an amused look as she joked. “We both know how the common pony is when there’s a pebble in their shoes.”

Smiling a bit, the princess agreed, “that I do.” and more gently told, “and what you said, is what I want. Twilight still is learning in some ways of how to be a Princess. She may have the base skills, but she’s still… inexperienced. I was hoping, at the very least, you can help her during this time where she doesn't have the luxury of time or research, as she would prefer.” Then more ruefully smiled, “or in this case, keep a calm mind over her own emotions.”

“Oh yes,” agreed the Queen as she joked with a grin. “But a flick of the forehead usually snap it out.” she however frown as she asked. “But what's the overall plan as of now? I barely hear much from the island in terms of news-- and your presence here means something recently changed in terms of development on the Island. Drastically.”

To that end, Celestia thought over what to really tell or leave out. But, the moment of decision wasn’t long. “There are some allies that we plan to bring together. Since Dainn is occupied, it gives us a chance to gather our strength and prepare for the day we take back our home. Hopefully when the Emperor has fallen, the Windigo’s calm some and this new threat has done their work.”

“It will take time, and we have a small window to do that in. But for my being here? It’s to find one of the allies we plan to gather. I fear that they might be in danger of the Khara, so Albert is restocking the ship with a surplus of the cure. Just in case if they need it.” All of this was a good deal to take in for the changeling Queen. And in a way, it was a big job. Gathering allies to fight back against not really the caribous, but whomever this new threat is.

Because Celestia was right. Dainn’s days were numbered.

“....this new threat is the necromancer I mentioned, isn’t he?”

Nodding, the alicorn told, “we’re not strong enough to contend with all of Diann’s forces. Much less his and this Necromancer. So, we’ve chosen to wait and gather strength instead. The Necromancer may get a stronger hold over Equestria, but at the moment a fight in Equestria is simply not possible. With the Khara making things difficult, the Windigos adding to the trouble and Diann’s desperation? It’s simply not a situation we want to be in right now.”

Agreeing with a nod, Aira could see the trouble, the Queen thought over the large shipment of cure that would be stored in, as well the allies Celestia mentioned as she recalled the amount of the vaccine that Albert had as a frown came on her expression as she spoke. “If Albert is taking a surplus, and you’re heading out as soon as possible? We might see a huge hit in the amount of the cure-- as well as the multiple of supplies to craft it for whoever else needs it.”

“I’ve mentioned that as well.” Celestia agreed. “We’re taking enough to at the very least, slow an infection for a whole city of people. But… Albert assures me that it will not be an issue.” A slight curiosity and wonder in the alicorn’s emotions. “I won’t pretend to know how he can be so confident. But the man has means he often leaves unsaid.”

A smile on her expression as Aira shook her head. “If I hazard a guess? He made contingency plans. Probably planned on prioritizing the ones who need it and the rest who could be given it later. Maybe even have a stockpile of the cure in different locations to ensure that he’ll keep the ecosystem stabilized with the various species.” taking the bottle of water to drink a bit more, she added.

“If anything? He’ll probably has 5 to 9 plans or countless of scenarios of what would be played out depending on each situation. Especially during the ride to there.”

Sighing, Celestia said, “that may be, but it would be assuring if he bothered to tell.” Half tilting her head to proceed on. “He did mastermind a mass-move from one base, to this one when he found out Pink Spies leaked the location of the first sea base. It was a swift, and unexpected move.”

She focused on the changeling and told, “a word of advice. Keep a sharp eye on Albert. I may not need to tell you, but he may seem like an absent minded doctor of science. But I’ve become increasingly aware that he is far more cunning than some would suspect.” It was left unsaid of just how alert Celestia was of Albert. Some corner of the pony’s emotions, whether she knew it or not, she saw Albert as a possible threat. More so than she perceived Aira as one.

“Oh I had a good idea of his cunning.” Said Aira as she told in simplistic. “I could tell with his emotions, he is rather good at playing simplistic or happy. Or crazy. Probably helped he’s already insane, or even more insane.” then went on to add. “In all honesty, I wouldn’t put past him to be very cunning and manipulative than he lets on. Would make a good changeling infiltrator-- maybe a King in all sense. Probably became this way due to surviving and adapting in the ocean for a long time.”

Smiling a bit, she added in amusement. “Means well, even if he view things as ‘the means to an end’, even more viewing things in an analytic view.”

“And that’s what concerns me.” Honestly spoke the taller mare. “Again, watch him. He might mean well from your senses. But more often than not, that is the exact reason some things go wrong or become a problem for everyone else.”

“Short term, maybe. Long term? Well...might work out.” then told. “But I hear you, I’ll keep an eye on him as much as I can. But I got my own work to do Celestia.” then remarked. “Although what about the Overlord? Sure some of the mares here say he’s ‘safe’-- but he did sorta caused this entire mess in the first place.”

“Perhaps.” Celestia seemed to give. A response, Aria became extremely aware, was not honest. Every little warning of a lie bleed right through, even if Celestia just sounded convincingly honest. “But he is more focused on the Caribou more than anything. Even more this new threat. As it stands, I think he’s manageable.” And there was honesty there.

In fact, more than honesty. Did Celestia trust him? It was hard to tell, but there didn’t seem to be any emotions of worry about the Overlord being an issue, much less threat.

Odd. The name alone would spell trouble. Even more since he caused all of this in the first place when he first arrived. it was somewhat confusing as Aira knew there was a small lie in the first part, despite being ‘honest’, it was a total lie. Yet the later part was the truth. Which means the Overlord didn’t ‘started’ this mess when he first arrived. But he was there for it. Does Celestia think he’s like what Joy mention a bit? Sure he didn’t do much before when he arrived...but ever since he had stolen the Crystal Heart, unleashed the Khara somehow in the Crystal Empire. then destroyed said Empire, and caused the Wendigos to appear.

I’m shocked that she seem to trust, or even be assured he’s not a threat. Even despite of what he done. Unless…. she look to Celestia in a focused manner as she asked. “You seem to think the Overlord can be dealt with, planning on hitting him with some sort of spell to keep him elsewhere like with Discord?”

Smiling, Celestia told, “no. He will simply be compelled by the magic of friendship.” It was told in a manner, that she was semi-serious. But in the mare’s emotions, she was amused. Probably by the slow blink Aira had to make at the… response.

No, Aria was sure Celestia was gently laughing in that pastail head of hers. Probably some joke on her behalf and at the changeling's expense for such a sappy response. But it also caused some concern for the changeling too.

Celestia didn’t even entertain the idea of the Overlord remotely being a threat.

“....he’s a complete joke, isn’t he?” finally asked Aira as she continues. “Like some of the mares here said, he’s harmless for the most part.” trying to get to the idea that this Overlord...isn’t even consider as a threat, despite what he done ...but yet if Celestia doesn’t see him as a threat, and more of something else….then it might mean that all the ‘bad things’ he done, were done by someone else's hand…

Problem was, who?

Although with her mind and recalling every bit of information she heard and discuss...she soon asked. “The Overlord isn’t the threat here. It’s Albert, isn’t it? Since if the Overlord’s not a threat to you...then odds are he’s hardly a problem to Albert in getting the Khara into the Crystal Empire somehow.”

The elder mare and ruler stared at Aria. It was a stare that she once saw her own Mother had. She was being measured and weighed in the mare’s mind, evaluated. It was only slightly unnerving to know. If Celestia had all of her magic, then Aria might of felt even a little scared, admittedly.

It was with the knowledge that Celestia was barley as strong as a normal pony, that kept the young Queen calm. But at the little flicks of Celestia’s ears, as if to check about the area, did she speak. “I knew trying to say otherwise wouldn’t work with you.”

“To be fair, it fooled most ponies...but I’m a changeling. A queen to boot.” then added as she took a sip. “Plus...it didn’t make sense on how despite well prepare Albert is by your own words-- there’s no way the Overlord could ‘steal’ the virus without Albert knowing. Even less crafting it.”

Letting out a breath, the alicorn told, “it’s a choice made by others. As you know, I only came back into the picture afterwards. I can’t say I condol its use… but it did what it needed to do. Too well, in my own opinion.”

Looking up and staring right into Aria’s eyes, Celestia told her, “I would ask you do not speak of this much. There are some that would quickly be accused and looked down on. And at this time, we can’t afford that to happen. Not in this time of age.”

A smirk on her face as she assured. “Relax. I know how to keep secrets.” then questioned. “But I can only assume the reason the Overlord is to blame-- is because he’s an easy target to shift everything on in terms of blame and grief? Probably trying to get that ‘villain rep’ on his name.”

The changeling was sure Celestia was rolling her eyes-- at least in her head. The smile could not hide the exasperation in the mare’s body. “He was a very eager scapegoat at the time. Apparently as soon as the rumors started about him causing it, he just took it and proclaimed it as his own.”

“....I think I’m starting to understand why you aren’t concerned with him. He’s a total pushover isn’t he?”

“His Wife was his slave at the start. I think you can figure out who’s in charge at times.” Joked Celestia.

Laughing a bit, she shook her head and remarked. “Wow...that’s kinda sad. Big bad Overlord is just an easy pushover to his own wife.” then asked with a raised brow. “I’m guessing the only reason the rumors are still around is because he’s convenient for now?”

Shaking her head, Celestia told, “more akin to the fact that trying to remove the rumor is pointless at this stage. Once the Overlord took it and advertised, it spread like wildfire. There is no amount of damage control that can remove that off of him.”

Nodding abit, as she knew how damaging a rumor is when it’s too late as she soon asked. “So we don’t need to worry about him at all? Or whatever his ‘goal’ is to ‘rule over Equestria’?” using air-quotes to this as she doubted now that was the plan of the Overlord, if anything she figured it was something else at this point.

“He’s learning that taking something is easy, but keeping it is harder.” Told the alicorn, who was fighting back a smile. “You could say that once he got a taste of what he wanted? He is now considering if it’s even worth the trouble.” Rolling on with, “since he met the same foe any ruler has to face sooner or later.”

“Bureaucracy. The true evil.” sighed out the changeling as she figured as much. She could leave the whole ting to the side in her mind. Being confident that once everything was said and done? The Overlord would be nothing more than a common annoyance. Still she thought for a brief moment...and said. “But...I might need to...visit his lands-- wherever they are. If there is any changeling among him that is.”

Nodding to this, Celestia agreed, “I’ll mention it to Albert. He and the Overlord are on very well speaking terms. But don’t expect to find them there. I think initially? They found the Castle to be a possible hazard. Most did the first time they were given an offer to live there.”

“Better than nothing.” said Aira as she told on. “They might be able to hide within the Castle, burrow deep to hibernate. Can’t be much trouble to find somewhere to hide if he’s a really joke villain, right?”

There was a small, amused smile to that. “Jerry may not be as… threatening as people make him out to be. But underestimating him is possibly the reason he’s been so successful.” Then went on, “also, he has a very sizable hoard of Minions. And I have a slight doubt that they were interested in going to an island with an active volcano on it. When I first visited, it was just ash, soot and obsidian glass with lava streams all over.”

Surprise on her look, she thought over the image… and nodded. “Yeah, odds are they’ll be on the pony filled island than there. It almost sound like the dragon lands-- except no dragons.” although she frown and asked. “You say he’s not threatening...but to also not underestimate him?” thinking a bit with her memories and what she learned from her mother as she considers it...and added in her question.

“He’s showing he’s a joke, because it means whoever face him think he can be taken easily and without trouble...but he’s somewhat playing stupid to fool his enemies, isn’t he?”

“He’s not playing stupid.” Celestia actually assured, “he’s simply more stronger than people think. I attribute that to his own drive and determination when given a target.”

“So...less of a tactician, and more like a brawler with little henchmen to do his dirty work.” confirmed Aira. “You know...it's a wonder he hasn’t gotten himself killed yet. I mean, by now he should be dead at this point. Most villains who aren’t smart to survive tend to die fast.”

Shaking her head, Celestia said, “It’s like you said. People underestimate him and that partially plays into his surviving, ironically.”

But, the alicorn soon stood and smiled, “it was a pleasure, Aria. Hopefully when this entire mess is dealt with, we could reach an agreement that will make your life, and those of your hive, easier with Equestria.” And sobered with, “I think both our people will need some form of peace and unity to pull back from this.”

“Or what's left of peace and unity. Even more with what remain of hives are still around.” said Aira as she took another sip of her water as she told. “But I’ll take that promise of agreement, Celestia. Hopefully things can go back to where they were before the damned Caribous showed up.”

“While the agreement may be possible, I’m not sure if the later will be in your lifetime, Aria.” Told the much older mare. “This was a very deep blow.” Turning away to no doubt check on a few other things before leaving.

Sighing a bit, Aira admitted that Celestia had a point...she doubted things will go back to where they were. Especially with how the ponies were still an utter mess in both emotion and mental state. If anything, Twilight and her friends were the closest to ‘recover’ best. Well beside Rarity. Rarity seem to need a lot more work than the others. In all honesty Rarity taste...the most blandest of a being she ever met.

And that was saying something considering she tasted all sorts of emotions.

Taking another sip, she glanced to her Tablet, to check on the time as she noticed a decent amount of time passed...She had to finish her drink fast and get rushing. She had to get ready for maintenance within 5 minutes. I hope the ‘I was talking to Celestia’ can be a legit excuse. although she doubted it. She really did.

Because Flush was the third most hardest-ass on the station when it came to getting work done. Grain came close in second-- and that medic Glint was just a nightmare in annoying when you were supposed to do something.

Welp, here’s hoping. thought Aira as she had to rush into the sector, partially hoping things were going to go smooth for her-- and for her in the future in finding possibly other changelings on the Island. Or at least, those who were willing to be in a Hive with her.

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