In the depths of Alberts laboratory space, Deft and Aria watched along with Glint as Albert began to insert the most refined variant of the cure for himself into a small device. With worry only picked up by those that either knew her best or could read emotions themselves, did Deft say, “you probably should run more tests. To eliminate all risks.”

“I’ve run as many tests as possible.” Albert told while making sure the device read green and showed it was all ready to go. “This is the best I can hope for.”

Making a face, Glint asked, “and you don’t think you can further improve it anymore?” not liking the fact there was a small margin for failure.

“I’ve done everything I could and I have been working on this before.” Albert told them while moving the sleeve of his lab coat and swimsuit away. “I could spend the next decade refining it further, but that might just be a waste of time. I’m fairly confident in the feedback data my PDA’s ran.” Then he looked at the three mares. “You’re just here in case that one percent failure happens.”

Werly, Deft asks, “and you think we can do something to prevent it?”

“I have confidence you can do something.” Albert told with a nod. Then took a deep breath. The only sign of his true nervousness. Then placed the device against his skin before pulling the trigger.

Aria watched with the two, waiting for anything to go wrong. And after two seconds, it seemed to be fine. Until Albert grunted and began to fall over.

Aria horn quickly glowed, holding him and gently laying him down as she, Deft, and Glint were by his side. Checking him over as the blistering boils pulsed. Cracks glowing and seeming to spread for a brief moment, as when they were all close? Deft asked in fear, hint in her tone as she panicked. “What’s wrong? Is it failing?”

Glint raised her scanner while placing her PDA on the ground. “Give me a moment.” Glint hushes while telling. “Hold him down before he hurts himself!” having to back away from the man’s slight thrashing and convulsions, as both Aria and Deft held down the man physically and with the use of their magic. Aria kept a controlled expression as she tried to be calm and felt his emotions.

Feeling pain wrecking through Albert's body, worry and slight panic as well-- but it was mostly pain in him. She turn her head as Glint told. “It’s working, but it’s attacking some of his body.” and gets out the same device and loads something into it. “Hold him still!”

“Already doing it!” told Aria, as Glint takes the sleeveless arm to administer the red mixture.

Nothing seemed to change as the man continued to convulse in the magical grasp of both unicorn and changeling. But Glint kept a keen eye on the PDA while scanning the man. And as time slowly wore on, the boils began to settle and even turn a more normal skin color. And when it was over? Albert went still. Breathing heavily and slowly stopping.

Glint nodded and told, “stabilize.” and glared at the man as his eyes blinked open. “Well, I want to congratulate you for solving your own problem. But also want to smack you for trying something this untested out.”

With a gulp of air, Albert asked, “did you get the data on what went wrong?”

With a twitching eye, Glint said, “you almost went into shock!” Nearly yelling this out. But calmed a bit to grouse, “and yes, I got the data.” Then told both mares, “get him to a bed for rest. That cure eliminated the Khara in his body, but nearly tore him apart from the inside.”

Lifting him with Aira, Deft asked, “what did you use?”

“A very strong regenerative potion.” Huffed out Glint while standing back up. “It was mostly to keep him together more than anything.” Then pointedly told Albert. “Bedrest. Two days. I’ll come and check on you, but you’re not doing any work until I clear you.” tone going stern and hard.

“Better listen,” playfully said Aria, as she moved to make sure Albert was leaning on one side of her while Deft had the other side. “No need for Glint to get on your case further.” though taken a moment to look him over, as without all the boils and sickness? He looked rather handsome, she glanced at Deft and told. “Come on, let's get our insane human to bed.”

Rolling her eyes, Deft told, “insane and suicidal.” and began the trek. Glint takes her time to work her PDA before half following them.

“It was a calculated risk.” Albert told the younger mare gently. “You’ll find that most things in life are calculated risks. Even the ones with a very high chance of succeeding.” Then seemed to assure the doctor, “and I’ll take the bedrest. My body feels… drained.”

With a ‘mmhmm’ from the slightly irritated doctor, Glint told him, “the potion mix draws off your body’s own reserves. It spent possibly a day or more worth of nutrients to keep you alive.” then told the two mares, “get him fed and make sure he gets plenty of water. He’ll probably be starving in a few minutes.”

“Deft, when we bring Albert to bed, you can grab the food, I’ll get the water-- he has plenty in his room.” said Aria as she looked at the younger unicorn as she looked back to Albert and asked. “So. how does it feel to finally be cured?”

With a slight grunt while shifting an arm, Albert told, “ask me again, once I’ve had proper rest. Any preliminary observations might be tainted by lingering side effects.” Making Deft roll her eyes. But a small smile could be spotted from where Aria could see.

“Hmm, alright,” said Aria, though moved a hand to raise his head up a little, as she push to press her lips against his. Holding a slight kiss as she held it, before pulling away as she said in amusement. “Now I can finally do that without worrying about popping a boil.”

While Albert just rose an amused brow? Deft let out a, “guh, really?” eyeing the Queen with a hint of defensive uncertainty.

Glint just glanced at the two, then shook her head and spoke, “if you think you have him in good hands, Aira? I’m going to return to the Medbay and see about checking on any more accident prone ponies.”

“Sure thing,” said Aria with a wave of a hand. “We can handle him, not like he’ll move around for a while.” Then while she and Deft escorted Albert, the changeling gave another look to Albert as she said in amusement. “You know, there’s going to be a lot of heads turning when they see you. Probably won’t expect a handsome man like you without all that sickness covering that face.”

Chuckling, Albert soon let out a slightly tired sigh and sagged a little. His long hair obscuring his face for a moment before breathing in and trying to walk on his own power. “Contrary to your beliefs, I’m considered average.” Then spoke on, “though, given how sickness is not attractive for ‘potential mates’ of any species? I guess average is a big step above.”

An amusing light laugh escaped from Aria, as she made sure he didn’t trip as she told. “Maybe, but considering how you’re the second human in the world? I say you’re a step leagues further in attraction.” giving an amusing smile as she added. “And I don’t mean looks alone, that brain of yours is attractive, in fact, I say you’re smexy.”

With a groan of, “Cadence, why me?” Deft seemed to look to the ceiling, as if begging one of the four alicorn princesses to come and save her from the flirting of the two. Then turned to Albert and asked, “why did it have to be her of all people?”

Albert raised a brow at Deft and said, “why not?” fighting his want to smirk when the young mare glared at him heatedly. “I won’t be judging you on who you might choose to take as a mate. Male, female, Pony, changeling--”

“Like I’ll ever get seduced by a bug pony.” gripped the navy blue unicorn.

“You never know.” Albert said indifferently. “Point being, choosing a mate isn’t always cut and dry. I was going to be fine living a solitary life. Aria presenting a chance was just an option I decided to take. Nothing wrong with that.”

Eyeing him, Deft asked, “and you’re sure you’re not being seduced by her wiggling her butt around?”

“Unless,” said Aria with a mock surprise expression as she looked at Deft. “you don’t want Albert to just be your mentor…” and teased with a wide smirk. “But wanted him to be daddy for you~?”

“UGH!” Deft scoffed and said, “don’t you dare get any weird ideas! He’s like, ten years older than me!”

Rolling his eyes, Albert seemed to agree, “she’s too young for me.” then mused. “But… I won’t deny that Aria has a very nice pair of hips.” and nodded, “very healthy for childbearing. It’s considered ‘sexy’ as you say.”

“That’s it!” Deft huffed while sipping away from Albert. The man seemed to anticipate this and used what strength he had to keep standing. “I'm going to get his food-- you both and flirt when I’m not around to hear it!” and stomped off.

While she stomped away, simmering? Albert spoke in thought, “we’ll have to keep an eye on her. She has some repressed issues concerning changelings.”

“Probably either what Chrys-bitch did, or some other Hive or changeling.” agreed Aria, as she moved to wrap an arm around his side to let him lean on her as she walked at his pace. “I thought it was just a distrust due to history with Chrysalis. But something tells me it might be more than just that.”

There was a nod as Albert spoke in a query-like manner, “resentment during her statements?”

“A bit of suspicion, defensive, protective. They are the major constants, there’s a hint of fear,” said Aria in thoughtfulness. “Odds are, either she, or possibly a family member was affected by changelings once. Maybe replaced, or got their emotions sucked dry, could be anything honestly.”

Nodding, Albert told, “she gets the same around Caribou. Highly defensive and even more antisocial than before. I think you’re correct, that it has something to do with her family being affected. As she now has none.” as they walked on, Albert went on, “if and when we progress things with each other? I hope you’ll be there to help her out. There’s only a few people she sees as role models. Glint being one. And I am also one. And I have a feeling that Crisp Image is another, even if it’s not to the same level as myself or Glint.”

“I can assure you that I will do what I can,” said Aria as she nodded. “But it’s up to her if she wants to be around me.” and hum a little, as she added. “It might be a while before she tolerates my presence while around you. Probably won’t lower her guard for a good while with what I am.”

“I’m sure she’ll adjust in time.” Albert spoke with a slight smile. “She’s surprised me before.” and saw the bulkhead to his personal room up ahead. Along with a newly installed keypad. With a breath out, he spoke, “for now? Bedrest.”

She nodded, and when they came close, she moved a hand to push a few keys to open the door. Though there was a red glow over it, she looked at Albert with a ‘really’? Expression. Before she moved to grab his wrist gently to raise it up as she let him push the keys. “Figures you would use DNA scan on your own stuff.”

She only got a chuckle from him. And watched with a bit of annoyance when he inputted a completely different code. Once the door was unlocked they walked into the space. It wasn’t the most impressive one and Aria could swear it was a secondary lab/workspace with all the tools and devices scattered about.

Moving him to the bed and placing him down, Albert let out a slight breath before turning and laying back. And while she made sure he was comfortable, Albert mused, “funny. We met under very similar circumstances. Me watching over you while bedridden. Only now the roles have been reversed.”

She let out an amusing snort, moving to make sure he was comfy with the blanket over him. “Well, at least when I get my clutch, we can always repeat how I met you when they ask how we found each other.” saying this with amusement and a smile on her expression as she added. “But you should rest now, if you get thirsty, let me know, alright?” seeing him nod, though, lifts a brow at her.

“When will you get your clutch?” a slight questioning there.

“It’s not a matter of if, only when,” said Aria in amusement as she said. “Unlike most races? Depending on how much love I get and how much seed? I can pop between thirty to fifty eggs on a low end.”

“Fascinating as that is.” Albert spoke, “I meant in regards to making this final that I am going to be your future mate-- or whatever the proper term for Queen Changelings getting their mate would be in your culture.”

“The proper term would be, ‘husband’.” said Aria with a gentle smile as she moved to gently cup his cheek. “And considering how you’re the only one here that actually likes me? well…I’m not complaining.” then told while leaning to give a chaste kiss. “Now shut up and rest. You need your energy for bigger things. Like making sure we’re prepared to handle the Light-kin.”

Nodding, Albert said, “agreed.” and went on. “You should consider getting things ready in my stead.” and smiled. “I can’t work, but Glint said nothing about you helping me convey orders.” making Aira want to roll her eyes at the man’s reasoning.

Leave it to Albert to look for logical loopholes.

Aria knew that this was it. This was the day that she and the young Queen Colia, would be meeting with the ‘Light-kin’ to see if they were agreeable enough to harvest the needed positive emotions to keep themselves fed. It was an admittedly big step for the changelings. More so due to the fact to make this work? They planned to not be in disguise while doing their harvesting. Something that had many changelings nervous.

Turning her eyes up from her PDA, Aira measured the young queen herself. The girl was barely into her late teens and was doing her outright best to be the leader her Hive needed. But from here, from where she sat inside the cyclopes? Aira could just see the nervous energy coming off her. The way the young queen fidgeted, or how her wings constantly buzzed erratically. Aira was sure that if it wasn’t for the four Channeling guards posted by her? Colia would be more frantically pacing.

Turning an ear, the changelings saw Deft open the bulkhead to the front of the ship. The young mare told while fixing her round glasses, “we’re on final approach to ‘Nowhere’.” seeming to have an eyeroll in her tone. “Albert says it’s time to get ready to swim.” Then left through the bulkhead without a word and sealed it.

With a deep breath, Colia again tried to relax. Aira could sympathize. The young mare was going to be trying to be the Queen her hive needed, despite not really being ready for such an intense meeting with a real ruler. Even Aira was a little tentative about this Queen Fay and how she’ll act around their kind. The only good thing about this is that the Light-Kin seemed to have some form of chivalry and honor, so backstabbing was very unlikely.

Giving a look to Colia, Aria tries to reassure. “Relax Colia, I’m sure that after the awkward phase, we should be able to have things smooth out.” the bit older Queen putting her PDA away after a quick check up on any messages as she added. “Plus, you’ll be focusing on your Hive with their work, I’ll likely be the one to talk more with this ruler more.”

Breathing out, Colia spoke, “that… that’s appreciated, Aria.” taking another breath in to try and quell her anxiety. “But I have to go. It wouldn’ do me any favors if I just.. Let someone else handle this.” Which made Aira almost want to smile. The girl was very nervous, but wanted to play her role. “If i don’t go and represent my Hive, how can I show that we really mean what we, I mean, show that we…” Fumbling with her words at the last moment.

Pondering it, Aria knew that any big talk would probably overwhelm the younger queen. She was no doubt relying on information and suggestions of her Hive. but that would only help Colia so much. So with a slight mental nod, Aria decided to do what her mother did with her when she was Colia’s age.

“Well then Colia,” started Aria as the older changeling looked to the younger one. “How about you let me do the talks, while you watch how politics work between two rulers,” going on to offer. “While you can interact, being in your own Hive? You could also let me speak on your behalf to help cover any issues you may not notice, or even help learn and apply for later use.”

“While it’s a bit unorthodox for me?” Aria admitted, “It’s also something a Queen would do when raising their daughter.”

Ears a bit flat, Colia shifted a little and her guards gave sideway glances. After a moment, Colia nodded, “I think I can agree to that.” seeming unsure about letting so much power be given to another Queen, but also not feeling confident enough in her own diplomatic skills. But they both knew the stakes of their situation and it was better to work together than to let suspicion make things more difficult.

The thrumming of the engins seemed too dull and Aira knew they were close to land now. So, making sure everything on her person was secured? Did Aria stand up, likewise, Colia did the same and both Queens made for the bulkhead. Changeling guards not far behind.

They could feel a thumping and whirling clicking, the sounds of the new ‘docking’ machines that Albert had no doubt installed into the island for use. They exited into the bridge where Albert was shutting down the Cyclopes and Deft was moving to go and get the next batch of Khara cure.

Albert glanced back and gave a nod to Aria, his now cured features being much more appealing to the eye. She found herself smiling and nodding back with a subtle wink before heading to the ladder and working her way down. Deft she saw a bit to the back working the lockers and getting out entire batches of the glittering cure out.

Colia wasn’tfar behind and so Aira pressed on. Opening the hatch she glanced down at the ladder just below and smiled. Gad for the recent changes that Albert had, over time, installed into the technology available. She slid her way down and to the ladder before reaching the hall below. Colia and her guard came soon after. They walked down the hallway, found another ladder to climb back up to a new hall and eventually opened the last bulkhead.

This one led out onto a very nice looking beach, one that led to a very lush and vibrant jungle like area that was becoming overgrown with trees and flowers. For a moment the changelings took a moment to really take in the tropical location, as well as the Light-kin that were around.

Tree homes could be seen from their location as well as a few ground houses and beach homes. Elves were nearly spotted at every turn, tending to the area. Along with other Light-kin such as Satry’s and even fairies.

Aria flicked an ear and turned to see Deft once more. Along with Albert. Both placing down small craters of the cure and going back to get some more. Colia soon said while gaining Aria’s attention, “someone’s coming.”

Refocusing, Aira looked ahead and saw a female in a blue and white dress. From her relatively stunning features and the two elven men with blades and shields? Aira could only surmise this being Fay. or perhaps another high ranking official.

Aria could sense some mixture of emotions from the two elven guards, ranging from uncertainty and wary, to even mild suspicion. Aria could only guess it was due to the changeling appearances that cause these emotions. As she glanced at the one in the dress, and felt a sense of power radiating from her. Similar to Celestia, but different. She wasn’t sure what, but she could sense a mixture of intrigue and wonder.

Not much of suspicion or questioning, but more curious like. Which made Aria half wonder why this being felt this way, but gained her answer as when they came close, the woman spoke. “Greetings, I am Fay, you must be the ones to deliver this Khara cure.” and gave a look over, seeming a bit surprised to see another human as she studied Albert, though Fay's attention turned to the changelings as she seemed to study them.

Aria gave a brief nod, as she said. “We are,” and said. “I’m Aria, and that's Colia. Don’t mind the guards, they’re here to keep her safe.”

Fay gave a slight curious look and asked. “Why is that?” giving a look over between them as she noticed differences as she saw that while Aria and Colia had more pronounced fangs and slitted eyes? The guards had less pronounced fangs and more compound blue insect eyes. And while they all may seem ‘Dark-kin’ from appearance? Their magic was more neutral, as the two females had more magic in them, though Aria had more than Colia had.

She gains an answer from Aria, as Fay looks at the older woman. “Well,” started off Aria. “She's here to speak for her Hive, while I’m just here to help add more compound, since us changelings work a bit differently than ponies.”

Changelings… thought over Fay, as that was a word she never thought to hear. They were supposedly killed off long ago in her world. And giving the appearance of these creatures? They were not the same as what she heard. Perhaps another quirk of their different worlds, as ‘unicorns’ here were vastly different from the ones they brought. And was it a shock for the unicorns here to see their counterparts.

Colia cleared her voice and spoke, the youthfulness alone made Fay glace curiously. More so at how the young Queen attempted to speak in an eloquent manner. “As Queen of my Hive, I came to speak on behalf of my future children and….” half stumbling to find the right word, “garner good relations.”

Fay lifted a brow and Aira almost wanted to giggle. She nearly did when Deft, returning with another load with Albert, spoke up, “the correct term is, ‘harbor good relations’.” making Colia want to fidget in embarrassment.

Shaking his head, Albert paused in his work to look at Fay. Then the man spoke, “Queen Fay?” pulling her eyes to him. “My name is Albert. I’m the one that primarily synthesizes the Khara cure.” and motions to the small patches on the sandy beach. “If you could inform all newcomers that haven't had the cure given to them? I will be setting up a temporary building to administer the cure to them. To further prevent the chances of them catching the disease.”

“In the meantime?” went on to the scientist swiftly, “I would also like to conduct some research and study after I’m done.” going on to glance past her. “I’m very curious about the local flora and fauna and even the biology of the Light-Kin as a whole.”

Fay gave another glance at Albert, half musing if he was a scholar of sorts, as she spoke. “Perhaps after administering the cure is finished, as I would prefer to have that handle first with all of my people, or at the very least those like us.” then look to the ‘Queens’ as she continues. “And we can speak more of having good relations,” then amended. “However this will mostly be in the lands here of us Light-kin. If you wish to have your people go outside on the island? You will need to speak with the Overlord on this.”

Nodding and trying to regain her pois, Colia spoke, “we understand, but we come to you because of our own needs. Since we thought that the Light-Kin could provide in a way that the Overlord can’t.” causing a real curiosity to rise in Fay. one that Colia decided to expand on. “Changelings as a whole, feed off of emotions. Positive emotions. Love especially.” and shifted a little. “The primary reason we’re here is because the Equestrian’s, with as much love as they can have? Are still healing. They still have a lot of repressed anger, resentment and hate and that is.. Poisonous to us.”

“And you believe that due to us being of Light-kin, we can provide more positive emotions?” brought up Fay in thoughtfulness, and half muse it was an assumption due to what they are.

“Well, yes, but, errm…” Colia tried to say, trying to find the right words.

“You all also haven’t suffered what has happened here in our world,” said Aria as she looked at Fay. “So you all are, in a way? More ‘filling’ of positive emotions and content happiness.” adding on with a glance around. “And it’s rather obvious with the passive emotions around here.”

“So you all wish to ‘eat’, but in a more passive means?” asked Fay as she muse briefly before saying, “while this may be true to a majority of us, we also are recovering from our own losses.” though added. “Although if I may be so bold, perhaps you should consider checking over at Home, as while I’m not sure how well tuned you are of emotions? Perhaps there could be a growing love source or at the very least, additional positivity that is hidden in plain sight?”

There was a hesitation, but Colia said, “maybe… after we’re sure that we’ll be accepted over there.” something that almost had Fay raise a brow. But Colia decided to say, “changelings don’t have a very good reputation. Even worse after another Queen, by the name of Chrysalis, attempted to do a hostel takeover of Equestria with her Hive. since then? Changelings have been under even more scrutiny by the ponies as a whole.”

“Another Queen,” started Fay with a slow raise of a brow. “A relative of yours?”

Aria laughs low as she shakes her head, as while there were glances of confusion from the two elven guards, and slight confusion from Fay? Aria managed to control her laughter as she soon said. “No, nothing of that sorts,” going on to explain. “Changelings work differently than most other races. We are Queens to our own Hives, ‘mini-nations’ one would call it. Each Changeling Queen has their own Hive.”

Colia nodded and told, “Queens are the only fertile females in our hives. We are the mothers of our Hives. Leading and birthing the swarm.”

Seeing the curiosity growing in Fay, Aria added. “Those guards by Colia are usually called drones. They’re usually male or female, but male drones are warrior cast, and female variants are worker cast. None of them are fertile and are completely sterile.” which got a shock from the three, as they weren’t expecting that as Aria told Fay. “Some male drones, usually breeder drones are fertile-- but live far shorter than a usual drone. They’re used to help rebuild the Hive, and if we don’t get that?”

“We usually get ‘donations’ from males of other species to help get the Hive growing.” Finished Aria.

Once more, confused curiosity seemed to radiate from the. Fay even looked at the young Queen in bemused thought. Colia picked up on these emotions and told with a half buzz of her wings, “I’m not old enough yet to start. But I’m the daughter of the last Queen and that’s why I have guards with me. I’m the future of the Swarm.” and tried to not shift. “And it’s why I came. My hive needs food, and the only good feeding grounds near us are… well, here, with the Light-Kin.” and breathed out nervously. “Since you’ve never seen changelings before, we were hoping that there wouldn’t be as much of… um… suspicion towards us?”

“While that is partially true,” said Fay, as she studied the younger Queen. “I must wonder in terms of your appearances being so different compared to ponies, as while your magic is similar to theirs, even if more neutral, your appearances seem…” trying to find a good word so as to not insult them.

“Bug looking?” said Aria with a roll of her eyes and mirth in her expression. “Well, genetics are a bitch.”

Colia spoke a bit nervously, “we know, our bug appearance is… well, we know it’s sometimes off putting.” and went on, “but we wanted to come like this, to show we meant well.” And while Fay wanted to nod? She also pondered the wording the girl gave. Seeming to speak more of something to that.

“What do you mean, ‘meant well’?” asked Fay, as she looked at Colia. The young queen shifted a little nervously.

Though Aria spoke up, “Well, we figured it was better to let you see what we are in the open, instead of this,” and green fire form over her, causing the two elven guards to shift in defensive position, though pause to see a unicorn of light gray fur, brown mane and blue eyes that spoke with a stick out tongue. “Der, I’m a silly unicorn pony. That likes sunshine, sparkles, and prancing on rainbows!”

Deft coming up with another load of supplies, stops and blinks before saying in annoyance, “We do NOT sound like that!”

Aria turns her head to give a raspberry sound, and turns to look back at Fay as green flames over her, shift to her original form. “See, since we’re changelings? We can shapeshift into nearly anything. Though we figure to be out in the open instead of disguises, so that way there won’t be any unnecessary drama.”

For once, Fay found herself a little stunned. More so at how seamless the transformation was. Perhaps it should of been obvious by the name alone. But with the power to shapeshift on apparent will? She could almost see the pandemonium this could cause. Though she also knitted her brows in thought. More to the fact they wanted to come to her out in the open like this in honesty.

Because it now made sense why Changelings had a ‘bad reputation’ if they could take on the shapes of others. If they could do that, and more concerningly copy the appearance of others… Was that why they didn’t go to the ponies? Did this other Queen use such tactics to do something far more nefarious?

Fay seemed to work this over mentally, going over her thoughts as she spoke. “Then perhaps before you go off to collect positive emotions? I should inform my people of your appearances, so as to not have them think you are related to the Dark-kins.”

While Aria raises a brow? She glanced between herself, then to Colia and to her guards…before giving a nod. “Make sense, we do kinda look like we are on the side of ‘evil’ with our appearances. Seems like a good reason to forewarn and not cause issues.”

Colia soon asked, “would it help if we were here when Albert begins administering the cure?” Going on to tell, “we do have practice in working his equipment and there will be a lot of people that will need help.”

“Somewhat, it would help ease some,” said Fay as she admitted. “Though do not be on edge if you feel some suspicion or concern. Our world…lacked the understanding of ‘Harmony’ this world has, as it was more split between Good and Evil. some are still…unsure that there are more complex forms.” and soon added. “and…I should warn you,” recalling Cadence's shock when she met their world unicorn.

“That some of our wildlife might react differently to this cure. Especially our unicorns.”

“Oh, I didn’t know you all have unicorns,” started Aria, though a pause moment as she added. “Wait, why did you add wildlife with unicorns?”

“Because our world's unicorns are…more animal-like.” responded Fay.

Aria stared at Fay…before she said. “Okay this I have to see.”

“Indeed.” They nearly all jumped with Albert seeming to appear from nowhere. Possibly sneaking up on them while they were busy talking. Nonetheless he seemed to have a Scanner tool in hand as he said, “I’m very curious about this alternate reality version of the Equestrian Unicorn pony tribe.” Nodding in a very sagely manner.

Aria almost wanted to roll her eyes. The only thing that could get Albert’s full attention was, of course, a new research project. Thankfully, Deft seemed to remind them as she counted the crates, “we still have to distribute the cure.”

So with a sigh, Albert nodded and put his scanner away. “I suppose you're right.” then said pointedly, “but we can still make time to see about distributing it around the island while also scanning the local wildlife.”

“Don’t worry,” teases Aria with a look at Albert. “We can fix your scanning fetish by letting you scan the populous while administering the cure to them.”

“Fascination not fetish.” Albert turned to her pointedly. Though the Queen could only sense a good nature humor there. “If it’s fetishes you’re thinking of, maybe consider those for more important situations that don’t dip into anything implied by the exhibition.”

Colia blinked a few times and looked between both Albert and Aria. even saying, “are you…?” she and her guards catching onto the traded emotions between the two adults.

“They are.” sighed an almost exasperated Deft to the young Queen.

“We haven’t done the ‘dirty deed’ yet-- since we’re busy,” said Aria in amusement as she looked at Colia. “Buuuuut, I did manage to get him to agree for us to sleep in the same bed, so progress.”

Fay gave a slight confused look, though seeing no ring on either of them, she asked. “Are you two…courting?”

Aria worked over that question, though Albert spoke. “In a board term? Yes.”

Aria added. “We’re just busy most of the time, so we take what we can to court with one another when we can.” and added. “But for now? How about we talk more on how to handle the whole ‘changeling feeding’ thing in a more private area while Albert handles the cure giving?”

Fay nodded, and motioned for them to follow her, as to work over whatever agreement they would have.

Working away on his PDA, Albert hummed and mused on the data thus far collected. Much to his expectations, every single being and creature of the Light-kin were magical. Much like the Changelings. And maybe a bit like ponies too. The elven biology also had him highly curious and made the man wonder if there was a way to synthesize a strand from them to up the lifespan of others.

A project for later with Magic’s expertise in cloning. Resolved the scientist. He glanced to the side and saw Deft finally leaving his side to head for the beach and docks. No doubt to head back to the Dauntless where she could get some peace, quiet and away from the changelings and even a few of the people here. not completely xenophobic. But she does show tendencies of distrust around non-ponies.

Shaking that off, Albert walked along and continued to scan and survey the area. The changelings were off with Fay and were now having some small political chats for future contact. If things went well? Albert hoped that the ‘mid-way’ base for trade could be fully manned by Colia’s hive. As it would be at the perfect range for the changelings to both fly to land to gather food, but also have someplace to work and live in relative peace. Or until a time that things become a little more open.

Flicking his lime green eyes around, Albert spotted some elves seeming to converse with one another and approached. “Excuse me.” he spoke, getting the two men to glance at him. One look over them had Albert mentally nodding that they were either light infantry, or hunters. “A word if you will?”

“And what brings you over to us, human?” asked one of the elves with a raise of his brow. Seeming to look at Albert in question, mostly of his appearance.

“Curious intrigue.” explained the scientist. “I’m doing research on your home and wanted to learn a bit more about your people.” going on, “perhaps ask if you can point me to any scholarly individuals.”

“The scribes and scholars are busy working over what scrolls we have,” said the second elf. “And we only have five of them, due to,” a slight distaste in his tone. “The ‘Glorious Empire’ burning or destroying what's left of our people.”

Lifting a brow, Albert spoke, “ the ‘glorious empire’? Rather flamboyant of a nation's name, isn’t it?”

“Considering it’s your species, of course it is.” spat out the first elf as he crossed his arms.

“Well.” Albert spoke simply, “humans have very conflicting ideals. So saying one nation is mine simply because they’re humans is very ignorant.” and told on, “for millennia, humans have been known to get into strangling matches with one another over the smallest of things. So I can safely say, I’m not affiliated with this empire in any shape or form.” and shook his head, “I personally have no real information about who they are as a whole.”

The first elf snorted, though the second told. “Suffice to say,” a frown showed on his expression. “The humans from our world have been destroying and reshaping their territory in expansion. Even our sacred areas being used for tourist areas with our remainders of people as servants.” then told on. “The humans from our world have been growing further, and with them outlawing magical creatures, or capturing them has been a concern…till now.”

“Our scholars won’t have time to talk to you,” said the first elf as he looked at Albert. “They’re too focused on putting everything we managed to keep into the archives. And most everyone is working on building for those below to come up.”

Humming to that, Albert soon sighed, “shame. I was hoping to get some more cultural research in.” Then shook his head, “another time then.” seeming to nod to this. Then thought on it and spoke, “then I’ll leave you be. I’m sure I can find out more from others.” and figured to possibly see Queen Fay once again. Given if she wasn’t busy.

Both men nod, watching him leave, as they study him. Seeming to keep watch until he was off in the distance.

And while Albert was exploring, keeping his eyes to look around and scan a few more things, up ahead was the sight of a tree being grown. Off to the side, was a glowing orb, a Spell catalyst, and being grasped by a large plant like woman, seeming to stretch out her hand and with the catalyst reacting, upshoot the tree to grow larger and bigger of what would take decades, in a few seconds.

Fascinated, he came over to watch and observe, but not really near just yet.

The plant woman was focused, as the dryad let the tree grow a bit more, before stopping and soon reaching into herself, before tossing out seeds. She stretched her hand out and large plants began to grow from the ground, covering around the trunks of the large tree. The plants were varied, but each of them held a fruit of some form as she nodded her head in acceptance of the structure.

Before she turned, as large root-like limbs moved from under her as she was moving with the large orb in grasp as she moved to a few feet away. Taking out a seed to plant, before she cast her hand and with the catalyst once more reacting? Caused the seed to grow from a sprout, before growing into a thin tree and maturing the tree at a faster pace.

Moving to half follow, Albert took a moment to walk his way to the tree recently grown. He examined it and looked it over before getting his scanner out. Its activation and alien sound made the plant women pause and glance back. This time observing him as light danced over the tree. Finishing, Albert put his scanner tool away and got his PDA out. Humming and tapping his chin in deep thought. “Mature to prime age and full of energy. Magic keeping the plant sustained until it fully roots and settles? But how does it bear fruit without pollination beforehand?”

“That would be from my own brand of magic, human.” spoke the dryad as the large plant woman looked down at him with her compound white eyes as she spoke on. “Dryads like me, are able to help plants bear fruits, and to give life. While we may not have bees available for now, once we have fully converted the landscape into a more friendly environment, we’ll let the buglife spread for them to resume their duty.”

“Until then, we are merely preserving and empowering the forest with our own natural magics.” She finished.

Perking, Albert said, “fascinating to know. Even more that you’re using magic as a temporary substitute to give sustenance.” and mused, “but, given that all life grows off of energy? Maybe not a far stretch of a thing to do. Using raw energy to encourage growth. But the amount of energy required…”

“It is due to the spell catalysts.” responded the plant woman. “With them being infinite magic stored inside? We are able to draw upon their magic to empower our own. With these catalysts we have gained, it is merely enough to not just grow plants, but ensure that they are still alive after our work.” motioning to the orb in her other hand, as she said. “Thanks to the Overlord contribution, we are doing more for the land.”

Though tilt her head as she spoke. “I must wonder though, what brings you here human? You are not from our world, nor are you someone on the island. So what caused you to be here?”

“A few things.” Albert spoke while lowering his PDA. “Transporting cure for the Khara disease so none of the Lightkin get afflicted by it. Transport of some people to discuss peaceful relations with your Queen.” and patted his PDA. “and research on your people, your culture and the local flora and fauna. I’m a scientist, you see.” and when she cocked her head to the side curiously? He said, “or a Scribe would be another term. A scholar and seeker of knowledge.”

“A scholar,” slowly spoke the dryad, as she seemed to register that and said. “Then I hope you will find fruitful knowledge during your time here, however I don’t think the scholars are ready to speak with how busy they are.” and motioned her hand to grow the tree a bit more, letting it be more mature as she spoke on. “However, we dryads have managed to keep our local flora and fauna safely away deep underground. No point in letting them out with no natural habitat for them to thrive in.”

Nodding in agreement, Albert said, “this island isn’t very hospitable for much life.

“Yet.” said the dryad. “As slowly, the land is being filled with life. Though most of it is centered near the Home of the Overlord domain.”

“Have you considered asking for Equestrian aid from the Earth ponies?” asked Albert curiously. “I’ve found their ability to grow and tend to plants is quite astonishing.”

“We have…some problems with them.” admit the dryad. “It is more of the combination of magics that is more of an issue. While we have heard of these ponies and their talent, it is also difficult for their magics to work with ours.” going on to tell. “And it is harder for them to do as they claim, with the land still being revitalized by the Overlord powerful artifact.”

Humming, Albert tapped his chin and said, “there must be an issue with ground content then. While they can grow plants very well? It won’t matter if the ground isn’t healthy enough for plant growth. And that is of course not factoring in what plants would work best on this particular island.” going on to say, “there’s a reason specific plants grow in specific areas. Environment plays a large part in what allows for what plants to grow or what creatures to thrive.” and made a face. “What was the local environment like in your home?”

Going on, Albert said, “a concern to bring up, since you’re bringing in non-indigenous species possibly to an island that they might not be well adapted to. Even if you replicate many plants from your home. An island acts far differently than a continent. Or a mountain range, open fields and so on.”

“Most of the plants we brought are tropical,” said the dryad. “But a good majority of the plants, like these trees, or specific flora we gained is from a more inland continent. One rich with plants and trees.” going on to tell. “However, we also had to modify the plants to grow in underground settings due to the empire of our home expanding and cutting down many trees for their expansion.”

Humming, Albert said, “I’m going to hazard that they practiced deforestation to an extreme then.” and twisted his face. “Reckless. Not unexpected from expansion, but still can be reckless.” then mentally waved it off. “There wouldn’t happen to be any dryad scholars in your ranks, would there?” adding, “given when they’re not busy with establishing a home.”

“We dryads are not scholars.” respond the magical plant woman with a shake of her head. “Most scholars are the elves. We dryads are protectors, manipulators of nature and focus on the safety of those here. As of now, we are merely growing the forest and expanding our touch,” though hum in thought. “However…it does seem rather odd, as while we are expanding…the land itself seems to…allow us to expand. Strange.”

“I’m told this world is very magical.” Albert told the Dryad. “The Equestrians express this fact more than once.”

“Yes, but the thing is human, this land is under the domain of the Overlord. And we have heard despite the aid of the Equestrians? The crops had trouble growing. But with our magic, the land seems to let us mold and grow more of the forest.”

“Then perhaps it’s not magic alone?” asked Albert. “Given your kind of magic being ‘Light’ as I’ve heard? It’s possible that it’s affecting the local magic to reflect that. As I know the Overlords magic is primarily Dark magic and while it can grow things? It’s not as stable as some forms of Light type magic.”

While albert mused this, he said, “well, I hope some Dryads reconsider on becoming scholars or at least think about looking into other options.” going on to smile. “I personally would love to have a dryad associate when I need to know more about flora. Your ability to grow and handle plants would make any of you an invaluable asset in keeping plant specimens alive and understanding their nature.” and mused a thought. “Do you know of any that would be willing to help me with a research project of mine concerning a magical plant?”

“What sort of magical plant is it?” curiously asked the dryad.

“The Equestrians call it a ‘Seeker Vine’ plant.” Told Albert. “Some form of magical plant that was half made by Caribou magic. It has a very particular lifestyle that is… well, to sum up ‘Dark’ in nature, as it rapes females to sustain itself and later spread it’s seeds around.” then went on. “I want to find a way to utilize them for something more useful than Caribou debauchery.”

The dryad face twisted, as she spoke. “I apologize, but I don’t think anyone here is familiar with such a thing. If you desire to handle it-- perhaps seek the Overlord and the caribous he has under him to work on such things. Anybody here who would hear that? Would consider purging such an abomination.”

“Understandable response.” Albert nodded. “I only asked, as I see value in your skills in manipulating plant life. You might not know it, but that ability alone I hoped could provide more insight.”

“....perhaps if you gain a seed of it, then a dryad would be able to understand its nature far better.” spoke the dryad.

Considering this, Albert nodded. “Thank you. Maybe when I have time I’ll come back with a few samples.” Then mused and spoke, “I may have to talk it over with your Queen, but would any of you be opposed to growing any exotic plants or aquatic plants that can be harvested for food and other uses?”

“We are…unfamiliar of aquatic plant life.” confessed the dryad. “The mermaids may know, but they are not here. As we were force to leave them due to their constant need of water.”

“A shame.” Albert spoke. “But, it’s an offer I thought to give.” and nodded, “for now? Good day to you. I should leave you to your efforts.”

The dryad nodded, turning to focus on her work with growing the plant life.

And while Albert was taking in that brief, but insightful discussion? It also gave him more questions to work over, both from the society here, but also the impact they have on the land. As it was clear that despite the fairy’s, the gnomes, and a few satyr? A majority of the species here are elves.

Are they the dominant species, or just the ones to escape most of the ravages of an overly-evasive expansion by this Empire? Pondered Albert as he turned away and worked on his PDA again. and magicals being illegal? That sounds like a very strange law to pass. Were they scared or was there something more to it? granted he knew a lot of what Jerry told him. But Albert still wondered.

Humming, Albert also pondered on if there were any here besides the Elves that would be interested in joining his research divisions later on. He felt compelled to find any dryads that would be interested in this sort of idea. And the Elves sounded like they were culturally brought up to learn more than anything. Glancing down, Albert decided to type this away as something for later.

Hey guys. Sorry this had been late, but its December. Crazy things happen. But...I think I'm going to take a slight long break. Don't know if I'll jump back on this again, mostly due to writers burn out. But happy new years.