//------------------------------// // Chapter VII // Story: Danger in the Dust // by AizakkuHorooee //------------------------------// Chrysalis now looks at the rest of us with a smile.  “I’ll be right back, everyone.  I have to drop off Wind Rider first before I do anything else.”  She jumps and teleports out momentarily.  When she comes back, Wind Rider is off her back. I’m the first to be hugged by Chrysalis.  “Aita, I must thank you for coming to me when you did.  You’ve come such a long way since you moved to Ponyville.  Time and time again, I am impressed by your actions.” “Thanks, Chrysalis.  Each time I advance, I grow more confident about Twilight’s premonition of me being a leader.  I just don’t know how ready I’ll be when that time comes.” “Hopefully you’ll be mentally ready.”  Chrysalis turns to Discord.  “I suppose I owe you a bit of an apology, Discord, for my actions before getting dethroned.  I am a completely different queen now than I was back then.” Discord waves and laughs. “Chrysalis, Chrysalis… I could already see that with the way you handled Wind Rider and Svengallop.  It’s been almost a year since that happened, so I hold nothing against you.  Remember yourself for the times you played mother bear for sweet, young Aita, the times you’ve helped your subjects out with each of their problems.” When Discord refers to me, he picks me up and rubs my head, making Chrysalis smile. “You’re right.  I should.  I’m always in a better mood when I celebrate my best moments.” With a comforting smile, Fluttershy meets Chrysalis at eye level.  “You know, Chrysalis, there’s an open invitation if you want to attend Lightning Dust’s welcome party in Ponyville.” Chrysalis, however, shakes her head.  “Actually Fluttershy, take Discord.  The guest of honor is with us…” Lightning Dust perks up hearing Chrysalis mention her.  “Oh, would you like to come?  I’m gonna be performing there.” “Absolutely, Lightning Dust.  I look forward to seeing your career in action.” Shortly after Lightning Dust’s welcome-to-Ponyville party starts later the same day, Chrysalis arrives at Sugar Cube Corner with Carve accompanying her.  Currently, all the same guests from yesterday attend again, but this time with the addition of the aforementioned queen and stand-in queen and Discord.  As I stand on the table closest to the south window facing west - that’s to the right as you walk in, with a beam of accomplishment on my face, I have one last inner monologue. With Discord now free in the eyes of the law, Lightning Dust’s party can go uninterrupted, a stunt show happening at the latter half of the event, high up with the Cutie Mark Crusaders’ sandbox obstacle course, and I get to watch with pretty much my entire circle of friends, feeling the accomplishment of clearing Discord’s name coursing through me. “I’m sure you feel that way, Shadow Spade,” Twilight replies as she approaches me, implying she heard my inner monologue.  “Now why don’t you get back to safety before that table tips over.” Muffins taps Twilight.  “Let him have this moment.  He looks like he’s having fun.” I hover off the table and back on the floor.  “Thanks, Muffins.  So Twilight, I’ve been thinking.” “Yes?” “I know you had to miss me going full-blown sleuth, but maybe next time I do, do you want to see it projected?” Twilight gasps.  “You know that spell too?  I would LOVE to see that!” “Awesome!  Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye,” I say as I do the motions… Pinkie Pie knows exactly what this is.  She races to me in shock, which scares away Muffins.  “WHAT?!?  You just made a PINKIE PROMISE?!?  What’d you promise to do?!?” “Share my next investigation with Twilight.  I can do projection spells that reference my memory, so keeping this promise will make sure Twilight doesn’t miss out like last time.” Twilight blushes and pulls me in with her wing.  “Aw, thanks Aita.  That’s so thoughtful.  That kind of dedication is very much appreciated.  I don’t know where I’d be without you, what we’d all be doing right now if Carve was never thrust into Rolling Acres all those years ago.” Spike catches wind of Twilight bringing up this what-if scenario.  “I dunno… air our very livelihood, meet some limbo’d ponies, go on a road trip, open an unaccredited school?” “Whoa… those all sound terrible, ’cept for the road trip, as long as it’s a casual one,” I remark, which Twilight and I share a laugh over. “Okay, so I suppose the butterfly effect is at our benefit.  But for now, somepony is about to make an announcement.” As Twilight points out, I spot Lightning Dust flying to the main entrance.  “Attention everyone, if we all could step outside momentarily, we can get the show started.  I’m excited to try out the sandbox obstacle course and show you all what a stuntpony is capable of.  Let’s all go.” Everyone except me and Discord exits the building to watch Lightning Dust’s show.  We look at each other. “Aita, I must thank you for all that sleuthing around.  It really paid off having such a young changeling have my back.” With a smile, I bark “You’re welcome, Discord,” in the closest Blue voice I can muster, then I quickly get back to my normal voice.  “Anytime.” “...I guess you weren’t lying about where you get those smashing deductive skills.  Let me know when you need some assistance, Aita.  For now though, I must join Fluttershy.”  Discord starts flying out of Sugar Cube Corner, but then looks back to me.  “Aren’t you coming?” “...I’ll catch up in a bit.” With me now alone, I watch from the south window as Lightning Dust is quickly navigating the aimlessly placed hoops and flagpoles. “I sure hope I’ll be ready to lead one day.  Twilight could be right about my future.  Clearing Discord’s name was certainly a confidence boost, but it’ll be a while before the day I’m ready comes.  For now though, I’ll just have to remember to show Twilight the next time I prove someone innocent, which is something I know I’m going to be ready for.” With a smile, I finally trot my way out of Sugar Cube Corner to watch the rest of Lightning Dust’s stunt show.