//------------------------------// // Chapter VI // Story: Intermission Sibling Highway // by AizakkuHorooee //------------------------------// After falling asleep trying to listen to Queen Chrysalis, I see myself in one of the places I saw in the alternate timeline Carve and Chrysalis showed me.  It’s a farm with an expanse of apple trees.  I seem to be riding a cart, as trees visibly pass me by, even lying down. The cart takes a left shortly before it stops and I fly out.  I look around to see that Thorax was pulling the cart.  I start tensing up, scared of what he might say to me after pulling a stunt like I did, all in a futile effort to save him.  He appears to notice, proceeding to sing an old grubhood lullaby.  It takes me back to the days of Queen Areola; she used to sing this to me even before she took Chrysalis under her wing. I really wish I could be that innocent soul again.  That goal of warriorship had poisoned my mind for the past twenty five or so years, and now that’s gone, especially considering Chrysalis has partnered with Equestria rather than invading. Something else to mention about the singing is that the accompaniment is coming from nowhere.  We’re out in the middle of an orchard with no music box or phonograph to be seen.  That and Thorax’s singing has an unusual amount of vibrato to it.  Maybe it’s just my memory messing with me.  I remember he was a good singer, just not anything that gave the sirens a run for their money. By the time he finishes, I feel so much better.  Maybe this will turn out to be okay. So, did you like it? Thorax asks, to which I nod.  Alright, so now that I have your attention, WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT, PHARYNX?!?  I flinch when he starts shouting. “Wha-what do you mean?” Thorax points at me.  You went back in time and tried to change history!  What were you thinking?!? “But I’ve m-mo-” Did you seriously let your grief for me fester like that?!?  Did you seriously let it get to the point of TIME TRAVEL?!? “I won’t do it again, Thorax!  I pro-” Pharynx, I love you, but you cannot, and I repeat CANNOT, pull another stunt like that!  It’s unhealthy! I take a moment and sit down.  Thorax pauses, finally giving me a chance to explain myself. “I realize that, Thorax.  I realize I should never have recreated that spell in the first place.  I should’ve talked to someone about how I felt, not let bargaining decide my actions for me.” He turns up some understanding in response.  I’m really glad you learned that… even if you did it the hard way.  Now, PROMISE me you won’t go back in time again. “Okay… I promise to stay in the present.” Thorax nods.  Good.  He suddenly looks down to the ground.  Maybe this all could’ve been avoided if I just simply talked to you.  I’ve been so busy with Chrysalis, Twilight and the others, I never got to spend any time with you.  I can’t believe it took the point of time travel for me to realize that. “Do you think that’s what happened to Correal?” I don’t know.  I mean it would make sense if that was actually the case. “Maybe not.  You’ve been visiting ponies’ dreams for a reason.  I don’t think you’d be able to do that if you enabled her departure on purpose, or my shenanigans for that matter.” Thorax takes a minute to think over what I said, then his eyes widen.  ...I think you’re right.  I should really look things over with Areola when we’re done here.  She’ll know how she can help.  For now though, I’ll make sure, as brothers, we can always see each other in your dreams. Suddenly, we hear hoofsteps coming toward us.  Sure enough, it’s Queen Areola.  If you two think malice is the factor for losing dream walking abilities, then how come I can still do it?  I really don’t think that’s what’s going on with that. I leap into the air and hug her.  “Queen Areola!  What are you doing over here already?” It seems my ears were burning.  I wanted to come by and check on you, Pharynx.  You seemed to be quite antsy about what you did, that and your actions wouldn’t have been able to fly without us noticing.  What did you and Thorax want to talk to me about? “We have a question for you,” I start.  “Did Correal feel the same way I did while Thorax was in power?” Areola puts a hoof to her chin.  From what she’s told me, yes. Thorax drops his jaw in shock.  Then that means she could’ve come to me instead of keeping me in the dark like you did!  Was I that unhelpful?!? “On an interpersonal level maybe, but your biggest accomplishment was putting Chrysalis in her place, and she was evidently better off for it.  And I’d rather have a wise younger brother only in the dream world than one out for blood any day.” Pharynx is right.  My old student came around when she was at her lowest point, and who’s to say that won’t happen to another pony.  You know Thorax, Dragon Lord Ember was correct about your leadership prowess.  Regardless of whether it matters now or not though, you should take initiative to solve others’ problems that cannot be done alone. Thorax sits down, slightly embarrassed. ...Probably could’ve used that advice in the waking world. “Oh, right.  This is a dream… although everything I learn from it can be retained.  This actually sounds like a great time to do something kind of fun, a high note to end on, something to liven up the mood.” I take a quick second to clear my mind, which lands us at the lobby at Gladmane Grande. What’s this place? Areola asks. Oh… I know!  This is where I ended up almost six years ago after the wedding!  What made you think of Las Pegasus? “You know why, Thorax.  Someone very important lives in this city.” Thorax and Areola, knows exactly who this is about, based on their growing grins.  Carve?  I nod at them. Oh!  What games are you gonna try out?  Thorax seems to get the picture. I think up some chips to play with in the elders section. “Don’t think you don’t know.  Anypony up for a round of canasta?!?” Hm, you go ahead.  Thorax and I will play in the arcade.  Though be prepared to see me later on, okay Pharynx? “Okay.  See you later!” And with that, Thorax, Areola part ways with me, at least for now with Areola.  I think that talk Thorax and I had helped me out some, because I’ve never felt happier since the student ceremony twenty six, soon to be twenty seven, years ago.  One thing’s for sure; the only delicate thing being touched by me right now is my own thoughts. Eventually when daylight does wake me up, I feel like a completely changed changeling.  Not only am I home, but this is the first time I’ve gotten proper rest since Chrysalis’ studenthood. I look around me in my new state of happiness.  No wonder I thought of Carve.  I’m in her old room, judging by the faint scent.  Oh well; most nestrooms look identical to each other anyway.  Guess it’s time now to get my day started as a returning member of Chrysalis’ hive.