//------------------------------// // Act 1 // Story: Carve's Final Story // by AizakkuHorooee //------------------------------// Cozy Glow begins flying in the air in the projection. “Communication cuts off upon leaving the hive?!?  Did I miss somethin’?” I shake my head.  “I don’t think so, Cozy.  Kuma probably just can’t wrap their head around because of the curriculum, which I understand if that was the case.  I sure appreciate the feedback.  For now, I think I got this.  Aita, Cozy, I’ll get back in touch after talking with Kuma.” Aita nods.  “Wish you luck, Carve.  We know you have this.” And so, the holographic signal fizzles out, leaving me with Patch and Kuma. “Alright, so Patch, I’ll come to you when our conversation is done.  Think you got our classes covered for now?” Patch nods as Kuma and I jump off the throne.  “Yes, Carve.  Will do.” After a few quiet minutes, walking throughout the hive, I’m the first to break the silence. “So, I was wondering, did you really feel that way?” Kuma puts a hoof under their chin.  “About what?” “About the education hive…” “That?  Yeah, I think you were on the wings with that one.  I like school and all, but the units seem to hyper-focus on one thing at a time a bit too much.” “I see… Kuma… have you considered dedicating some time for one-on-one?  With something like that, I could probably clear things up for you if that’s what you want.” Kuma gasps in excitement.  “One-on-one?  Really?!?” “Sure.  Every changeling is different.  Some could learn more through using their wings, others through interaction.  From what I could gather, specialized information seems to be your forte.  You do take interest in the times I reminisce after class.” Kuma thinks about what I say pretty deeply.  In fact, they haven’t thought this deeply since the last time they stayed after class.  After a half minute, they blink, seemingly having an answer. “Yeah, I think we could make this work, Carve.” “Well, sounds like a plan.”  I look behind and ahead to make sure there aren’t any changelings around us.  “I think I see a bit of myself in you, Kuma.” “You do?” “Specifically the immediate week following of my coronation.  Before becoming queen, I forgot all about the holographic spell connected to the throne when I lived in Equestria.” Thinking back to the reception, I’m now used to seeing Chrysalis without a crown, but back then, that was a very new thing.  By that point, the only other time I’d seen Chrysalis without a crown was when Carina and I were getting her hive back. The coronation and reception also happened to take place where Chrysalis had hers.  In between, the floor grew tables for us to sit at, and so at one table, I sat not only with Pane and Rusty, but also with Aita, Cervix and Brand. Cervix was the first to speak.  “So, you must feel pretty good about this, huh Carve?” “Yeah.  Especially after going to the real world to meet Aita so that she could help save Equestria.  I-I was just on fire-” I stopped short as Cervix and Brand panted with excitement. Aita giggled.  “I know what you meant, and how it feels.  Nothing better than a rush like that.” “I guess both of us should actually expect that, since we’re both successors now,” I replied.  “Of course, you’d have to display similar use of authority if you want that rush.” I suddenly was hugged by Chrysalis, who had come over to the table with Areola behind her to say goodbye to her newly former subjects.  “I always knew you were the perfect choice since you became my substitute.  Whatever adversity you face, you’ll always find a way through.  I know the changeling hive will be in the perfect hooves with you looking out for it, Carve.  And while I’ll always be available, Aita and I must depart.  Cozy and Kevin are waiting for us.” I was surprised with Chrysalis’ announcement. “Y-you’re leaving?  I know I could just visit you at the castle of friendship, but what about you two?  How’ll you get ahold of me?” “Well, like I’ve always done,” answered Aita.  “I remember Cervix and Brand even doing it once.  Right, Chrysalis?” Chrysalis nodded and blushed with Cervix and Brand.  “I-It’s best we don’t go into detail about that one.”  She looked to Areola, who was starting to realize how much things will be different with Chrysalis leaving for good.  “I certainly will miss you all, but I realize as a former queen once again, you’ll all remember me fondly.” I hovered in front of and hugged Chrysalis.  “Of course.  Thank you for everything.” In response, the rest of my table, as well as Areola joined in on the hug. Back in the present, now having told the foundation of my story, Kuma looks slightly confused after I tell them. “So not only did you share the same table at the reception with Aita, but also two urbexers and two of your peers?  Plus I guess Aita never really explained how that worked, did she?” I shake my head.  “Nope.  I ended up having to find out for myself… I guess you could say I paid the price for it initially.” Only a day after the coronation, I was already having trouble settling in.  At the cliff leading to the changeling kingdom, I summoned four pears like I remembered from so many years prior, took the seeds out and lined them up. Nothing. I took a quick yawn, magically chucking the seeds in the process.  “Why won’t this work?” I said to myself, exhausted from all the testing since the coronation. I sighed, but then also dozed off in the standing position.  It was only thanks to the ambience outside that I became alert again, my instincts scolding me for my sleepless night, prompting me to teleport back to the throne. At that point, I realized my instincts were right, disappointed my effort had gone fruitless.  “What am I doing?” Without a dream, the next moment of consciousness began early the next morning as Patch was hovering over me.  Seeing him out of the corner of my eye as I faced the backside of the throne made me gasp and immediately shift into a sitting position to face him. “Carve, what were you doing out there?” “Honestly, I don’t remember,” I told him.  “All I know is it had something to do with pears.” “You mean… calling the queen?  But you are the queen.” I facehoofed at that fact.  “I know… just… muscle memory.  Well, I guess I’ll just make a list of who was with Aita all the times she called Chrysalis.” Powering a new spell I recently learned by that point, two sparks flared in front of us and materialized into a scroll and quill.  I wrote aloud the list of all the ponies who witnessed the changelings calling Chrysalis. “Alright… Aita’s witnesses: RD and her parents, Wonderbolts, Lightning Dust, Wind Rider, Svengallop, Fluttershy, Discord, Twilight and Spike… as for Cervix and Brand, I think Aita told me Starlight and Trixie were there.” Patch arrived next to me to take a look at my list.  “Hmm… Discord and Twilight likely had different experiences with that.” “And Aita was taught Starlight’s version of Refulgo Publicus, who might be home with Sunburst.  I have NO idea where Trixie could be though.  The last time I saw her was when Chrysalis and Twilight befriended each other, so I wouldn’t remember her trail signature.” “Sounds like Starlight might be the best option,” remarked Patch. “I think… it is…” With all the options weighed out, I decided to teleport to Sire’s Hollow to head to Sunburst and Starlight’s house.  Starlight at the time was outside, so she quickly caught me. “Carve!” she exclaimed, galloping over to me and giving me a bear hug.  “How was the coronation?” I grunted slightly from the tight embrace.  “Great!  Was a-able to-” I took a moment to catch my breath when released.  “talk to Aita there.” “So, you’re visiting for a bit, huh?” “Actually, Starlight… there is something I came to talk to you about… Um, do you remember that one spell involving the pear seeds?” Starlight seemed to feel a little awkward initially, but does answer.  “Um, yeah… Aita’s done it in front of me at least once, so…” “Huh, all she mentioned about your experience was the one you saw with Trixie.” Starlight groaned with a hoof over her eyes.  “I just can’t win with her regarding the past, can I?” “You’re not the only one,” I chuckled.  “Aita ended up embarrassing Chyrsails at the reception apparently.  So, uh, you could just pick the later times if that’s alright with you.  No big deal.” Starlight gave a relieved sigh, then showed me a projection of Aita gathering her, Spike and Twilight in the throne room with four pears, lined up like I had them the day before.  And unlike my attempt, Chrysalis actually showed up on screen. “Well, that’s about everything I can provide,” Starlight said once the projection was over.  “I hope that helped though.” I frowned, having a feeling this would be the answer everyone would give me.  “Note to self, swing by Sugar Cube Corner for hotsauce.”