What Would Really Happen

by Z-A-C

Day Seven: Royalty Visits

I ended up staying at the campsite until Aura showed up yesterday, and we stayed the night there. She said she doesn't remember much, but I filled her in on some of the details. I left out Chrysalis'...enjoyment. Figured she wouldn't want to know that her mom was a psychopath. Nothing worthy of mention happened last night though. Right now, though, we were both sitting in the main room of the library.

Apparently my iPod is now magic powered, and has infinite battery life because of that. Pretty cool, if you ask me. My iPod says the time is about noon. Twilight is making lunch and Aura is sitting next to me. Well...snuggled up next to me would be more accurate. Not sure how I feel about this. Her mane is coming in nicely though, and her tail has fully changed. It's a weird pinkish color. I imagine her mane will be the same color.

What I'm doing right now is listening to music. I let Aura pick the song. She happened to choose Every Night by Imagine Dragons. It's kinda a love song, or similar to one. I really hope she hasn't developed feelings for me. That would be awkward. Annd she just got closer to me. She must be asleep, poor thing didn't sleep at all last night.

Twilight walked in with our lunch. From what I could see, she made sandwiches. I like sandwiches, not too sound simple or anything... I gestured for Twilight to be quiet, she smiled and nodded. She sat the plate on the table and walked over to me. She asked if we could talk for a moment. I nodded and carefully slid out of Aura's grasp, and followed Twilight into the kitchen.

"What's going on?" I asked.

She took a deep breath. "Alright. What you did was wrong."

I raised an eyebrow. "What?"

"Or should I say: The way you handled it. I disagree with what they did to Aura, but hurting ponies wasn't the right solution."

"Oh. That." I sighed and scratched the back of my head. "Yeah... I know. I don't know why I did that shit. And before you say any thing, yes I know. I have a lot to make up for. But they didn't need to kidnap her."

"I'm not saying they were right either. But as long as you realize your mistake..." She shook her head. "We can pick on this later."

"A change in subject would be nice."

She thought a bit and giggled. "Aura seems to have grown close to you."

"Well, when you're the only one that will actually protect her. That tends to happen." She looked at the floor. "Not that I'm attacking anyone or anything. You were out of town."

"But I could have done something before it got out of hoof."

"You let the princesses know, right?"

"Initially, yes."

"There you go. It's not your fault they're busy. You did all you could do."

"I suppose. But I feel like I could have done something."

I shrugged. "Nothing you can do about it now." I tried to think of something. "Uh, what do you think of Aura changing?"

She smiled at the slight change in subject. "I think it's absolutely fascinating!" She said excitedly. I smiled at the current expression on her face. It's adorable, in all honesty. "I would love to learn about how it's possible. But..." She trailed off.

I raised an eyebrow in thought. "Chrysalis?"

She sighed. "Yes..."

I chuckled. "Yeah. She's a bit intimatating, huh?" She nodded. " but you know? Maybe you could 'reform' her as well?" She perked up at that. "Maybe Celestia will be in favor of that? Not only would you have reformed a normal changeling..." I gestured for her to continue.

"I don't know. That doesn't seem like a good idea..."

I sighed. "Worth a shot, right? She's really not that bad."

She chuckled nervously. "Maybe later, I think I heard Aura wake up."

I knew it was just an excuse, but I let it go. "Yeah, I suppose we should eat those sandwiches, huh? Wouldn't want to waste it."

So... It wasn't an excuse. Aura really did wake up, and we're having lunch. This sandwich is different, though I don't know. I can't place the taste. Aura said hers was fine, so I shrugged it off. We're all sitting around the table in the main room. Admitively boring, but hey. Beats everything that's happened from earlier this week. That's for sure.

I finished my first sandwich. "What's on the agenda today?"

"I think you two might need to stay here for awhile." Twilight said.

"Why?" Asked Aura.

"The townsponies aren't really ready to see you again yet."

"What do you mean?" I asked while grabbing another sandwich.

"News travels fast here." She said with a nervous look on her face. "Everypony knows what happened at the jailhouse."

"Do they know about Chrysalis then?" I asked with slight concern.

"Chrysalis was there?" I looked around innocently. She sighed. "Anyway, no. They think you did it. Equality and I are trying to convince the town that it wasn't you, but there isn't a lot to work with..."

"And you can't reveal Chrysalis' presence either." She shook her head and I sighed. "Why is my luck so bad? Okay, so we just stay here til how long?"

"Actually, the princesses are visiting later." She sheepishly smiled.

Aw shit. "Great... Anything I need to worry about?"

"Not really. They want to investigate the recent problems in town."

I sighed in relief. "Okay good."

"Annnd Celestia want's meet you."

"Dammit." I closed my eyes and massaged my temples. "When's this happening?"

She teleported a scroll and read it. "At five. Unfortunately I'll be at a meeting with the mayor. So..."

I looked at Aura. She looked nervous. "We're on our own? Great." I said finishing my second sandwich.

"Oh you'll be fine!"

Aura nodded. "We'll handle it Twilight. When is your meeting?" She said, trying to shake off her nervousness.

Twilight gave her a weird look and nodded her head. "The meeting is at three and it lasts til six. I should be getting back before Celestia and Luna leave."

"Sounds fine." Aura said confidently. I looked at her, and she just shrugged.

"Okay, so we have about an hour?" I said looking at my watch. "Maybe two, before your meeting? What are we going to do until you leave?"

"I'm not sure." Twilight said with a shrug.

"Aura?"

"Hmm?" She said through a mouthful of sandwich.

"Do you have any ideas?"

She swallowed and held her chin in thought. "We could see if mom needs anything."

Twilight didn't seem to like that idea. She opened and closed her mouth several times. But didn't actually say anything. "Doesn't seem she's ready to see her yet." I said.

"Okay," She tapped her chin in thought once more. "Well there might be stuff to do around the library?"

"No, Spike did all of the chores."

I tried to think of something, but couldn't. "I guess we just sit here..." And sit we did. After a while, I turned on some music. We were listening to Love Her by Seether. Twilight didn't seem to like the song. And toward the end of the song, she shook her head and told me to put on a more uplifting song. So, I put on Tonight by Seether. She seemed to like that one a little more.

"Have I said how interesting human music is?" Twilight said.

"You may have. But is it really that different from pony music?"

She shook her head. "No, but that is what interests me. We're worlds apart, yet, we're practically the same."

"How do you mean?" I asked.

"The emotion, the subjects, they're almost the same. The difference being our songs are generally more positive."

"There are bound to be differences." I nodded. "It interests me as well, you know. But then again. What have I been saying? Though you've understood, I wish they would get it."

"Equality and I are doing our best." She reassured.

"Oh, I know. And I'm grateful." Aura scooted closer and I chuckled. "We're grateful."

Twilight smiled and we fell silent again.

Twilight left about a minute or two ago, and Aura and I were now sitting on the couch. We still had a couple of hours before the princesses arrive, and we have absolutely no idea how to spend it. I've noticed the battery has gone down a little bit. Actually Aura pointed my attention to it. It was barely noticeable to me, though. Anyway, she asked me what it meant and I told her. She at least seemed to understand.

If you're wondering about Spike, he's still here. Just got done with his nap. He asked me where Twilight was and then asked if we've eaten. After I answered him, he nodded and got himself something to eat. He came trotting out of the kitchen with a plate of gem incrusted sandwich. That seems to be the meal of the day, huh?

Aura seems to be enjoying human music. She hardly lets my iPod go! It is kinda funny to see her bob her head along with the music, though. She even tried to play the few apps that I have on there. The couple of times she did, she got frustrated and set it down. Can't say I blame her. Some of them are a pain.

Ya know, it's slow days like this where I can sit back and think about stuff. Not always a good thing, but I'll try to be optimistic. That might be difficult all things considered. Like earlier in the week. Maybe like, Tuesday? I was a major ass. Well, okay, I've been an ass off and on. But I really don't remember the day when I was really bad. I can't believe I let my anger get control over me like that... I wonder Celestia knows? Probably...

Then there's the question of what happened to me on earth. Maybe one of the princesses would know? Hopefully, though, I'm not sure I really want to know... I feel a sense of worry and fear as I think about this. Aura looked over at my with a concerned look on her face. I shook my head and patted hers. There'd be time to think about this later.

She shook her head. "You always do this, you know?" Aura said.

"What?"

"There's something bothering you, but you don't say anything."

"I just don't want to repeat myself is all. I've already talked with Twilight about it. She's looking into it."

She gave me a skeptical look. "Okay then."

"It's depressing. Don't worry about." She looked unsure, but nodded anyway. "We have another two hours before the princesses arrive. What do you want to do?"

"Well, I haven't seen mother all day. Want to check the basement and see if she's in there?"

"I don't know. I kinda want to do something outside."

"But Twilight told us to not go out there."

"To me, it was more of a suggestion." I smiled. "But, I think I'm just going to sit on the balcony. Wanna join?"

She nodded. "Some fresh air would be nice."

"We'll visit your mother in alittle bit, as well." She just nodded. It would be nice to see the big ole bug queen. Even though she's nuts. Friends? Not excactly. There's a possibility, but I'm not really sure. ...Yes, I am scared of her. But only a little... You don't believe me do you? Didn't think so.

"I just thought of something." I heard Aura say.

"What's that?"

"What if the ponies see us?"

I thought about that for a moment. "We're still going to be on Twilight's property." I shrugged. "I wouldn't worry about it. If the ponies do anything, Twilight could take legal action." I thought some more. "Unless the laws are different here?"

Aura shrugged. "I wouldn't know."

Oh right, she wouldn't without knowing US law...

No shit. Aren't you smart?

Calm down Zeke. Why are you so mean all of the time?

There was no answer. I shook my head. "Anyway, let's go. Or do you want to see Chrysalis first?"

She lightly shook her head. "Let's go out on the balcony."

"This is kinda nice." Said Aura.

"Yeah see? What I was talking about? Isn't it nice to relax and feel the sun's rays? Been awhile since I felt this way." I said while stretching.

"What about yesterday? And the day before that?"

"No, see that was different. While I could relax, I never fully let my guard down."

She snorted. "And you think I did? A changeling is always on guard."

"Hey, I never said you did. What I meant was: Here, we can actually relax. Without the need to be vigilant. You know?"

She nodded. "Yes, I see your point." She let out a satisfied sigh. "This is nice."

"I thought it was only kinda nice?" I chuckled.

She scooted closer to me. "I retract my statement." Still not sure about this. But regardless, I stroked her mane. She kinda made purring noise. I took my hand away and rubbed it on my pants. Bad habit, I know. She looked up at me. "What's wrong?"

I sighed. I guess I've put this off for long enough. "Uh hey, not to ruin the good mood. But um... Do you...have feelings towards me?" She scooted away from me. I looked at her, and she had a mixture of emotions flashing across her face, and she was getting panicky. "Whoa, calm down. Nothing to freak out about." I have my answer. "Just nod or shake your head."

She stood up. "I-I-I think I'll go find Mother now." And then she left. Well, that was kind of abrupt...

Yeah, what the hell?

Maybe you should have handled it differently.

I thought I was doing pretty good... Maybe it's a changeling thing?

Changelings seem to be rather sensitive and empathetic creatures. Maybe her reaction to your question has something to do with it?

I didn't have to think about that for very long for it to make sense. Dammit... Should I go talk to her?

Do you want to get zapped with a spell?

Well, no not really. But what should I do?

Be patient. Maybe Chrysalis will talk to her.

Maybe... I looked around at the town. It truly is a beautiful day. Pegasi are moving clouds around, and townsfolk are wandering around. It is really nice. "But, we'll just have to wait and see." Did I say that out loud? Oh well. I can't say that I'm not worried though.

"HUMAN!!! YOU MUST SEE ME AT ONCE!!" And that's why. A few ponies that were passing by flinched and looked up. They must have seen the nervousness on my face because the gave my a nervous smile and hurried along. I know some of them might question whose voice that was, but that's not my problem. An angry bug Queen in the basement, however, is. Well, maybe not my problem, but still. "I AM WAITING!!"

You're screwed.

No, he's not.

There was anger in her voice. that's not a good sign.

You aren't helping! I shook my head, stood up and went inside. I reluctantly made my way through the library. I stopped in the main room and looked around. There was no one there. I knew Twilight was in a meeting, but what about Spike? I turned toward the basement's doorway and reluctantly made my way over to it and downstairs. I stopped about halfway down, when I noticed a green glow. I shrugged it off and continued to make my way down. I peeked around the corner. "Y-yes, Queen?"

"Ah there you are." She looked off to the side. "You may leave now, Daughter. Leave the human and I to speak in peace." I couldn't see anything but I heard the door close. Chrysalis' horn glowed and everything fell silent. She sighed. "I should not be angry with you, for you do not know our culture. But, you made a mistake." I opened my mouth, but closed it. "So I present to you a learning opportunity." She smiled. "And we will start with courtship. Seeing how you mostly need help with that subject."

Okay, so, Chysalis went into a little too much detail about changeling culture. I was fine until she went into mating habits and rituals. I really didn't need to know that most drones are dual-gendered. And I certainly didn't need to know the...shall we say, more intimate details about changeling anatomy. She painted a very vivid picture. And I wanted to vomit. She took joy in that... I did ask about Aura though. Chrysalis said she was definitely female because of her being a princess. She quizzed me afterward too. I got an A+...

I looked at my watch. "Hmm... Celestia and Luna are supposed to be here any minute now." I'd be lying if I said I wasn't nervous. Aura is as well, more so than me. She's practically shitting herself actually. At least that's what I'm assuming, she's hiding behind the couch. I tried to talk to her, but had little success. And she's the one that was confident. Is funny to me, but oh well. It will be interesting to see how this goes.

There was a knock at the door. I froze and I imagine Aura did the same. Well, actually, she a weird noise. Not sure how to describe it. The knock sounded again and I stood up. I walked over to the window, and looked to see who it was. "They're here." I said. "Okay. Calm down." I stepped over to the door. Steeled my nerves and opened it. In front of me, was a tall white 'Alicorn' with tricolored mane. "H-hello."

"Hello." She said. "I am Princess Celestia. Am I right to assume that you are Zane the Human?"

"Y-you would right. Err...I mean..."

She politely chuckled. "There is no need to be nervous. Try to relax."

"Okay." I took a deep breath to calm myself. "Your highness."

She smiled. "My sister has informed me there is a Changeling staying here?"

I raised an eyebrow despite myself. "Forgive me Your highness but, I was under the impression that you already knew about Aura?"

"Aura? Luna told me that there was another Changeling staying here. Speaking of," She started looking around. "Where is Aura?"

"Hiding, your highness. Shall I get her?" I asked.

She gave another polite chuckle. "You may." She nodded. "And could you fetch the other one?"

"Umm...well." I tried to think of something.

"Worry not." I heard a familiar voice say, and Luna walked in. "I shall explain it to her. Go fetch them both." I nodded and headed towards the basement. I looked behind the couch to see if Aura was still there. She was, but she didn't seem to want to move. I nodded and continued on to the basement.

When I was about halfway down, Chrysalis called. "I know they are here, Human. I am on my way."

"Good, Changeling. They were asking about you." I turned around and went back up the stairs. If you're curious as to why Chrysalis and I call each other by our species, it's pretty much the same reason some people call each other by their last names. There's a certain camaraderie there. Not everyone gets it, but when you grew up in a military family, you kind of get it early on.

I made my way to the top of the stairs, and peeked around the corner. I saw that Aura was bowing in front of the princesses. Luna was looking at her with sympathy in her eyes. Celestia seemed indifferent, but it was hard to tell. It could be that she wasn't pleased about Chrysalis being in country again. That could be it, but your guess is as good as mine. Celestia told Aura to rise and I stepped out from the corner. I was kinda funny to hear her say "My little Changeling". It was like the words themselves tasted bad. I wonder if the Queen has any issues with that.

I have never pinned myself as someone with dual alliances, but I guess now I could be considered to be. I am aligned with the Equestrian Empire and the Changeling Swarm. Okay... I'm making the names up, but still I'm an ally of both. Anyway, after a few minutes of uneasy silence, Celestia finally cleared her throat. "Yes, well," She's uncomfortable? How funny. "Let me just say how sorry I am that my little ponies have treated you three."

"Yes," Luna said. "I still cannot believe what the two of you have told me."

"I trust that action has already been put in motion?" Chrysalis said bitterly. "Though no action taken will bring my subjects back."

Celestia nodded. "There have been several arrests already. I'm surprised how many of my subjects are proud of what they have done."

Chrysalis gave her a blank stare. "Quite. What actions are being taken? Anything sufficient?"

"We are looking into the possibility of there being any dark magic at work here." Luna stated.

Chrysalis scoffed. "You can't seriously think that such a large scale spell is possible?"

"What other explanation is there?" Celestia asked. "There is no way my little ponies have that much hatred in them."

I silently rolled my eyes. "You'd be surprised." I said quietly.

Celestia's ear twitched. "What was that, Zane?"

Not quietly enough, apparently. "Oh, um..." I scratched the back of my head. "If I may, Princess. Ponies seem to be a lot like humans. If that's true, then they hold a vast capacity for spite."

"But enough to be proud of something so..." She looked like she was searching for a word.

"Evil?" Chrysalis asked.

"Well... yes."

Chrysalis and I scoffed. Though I made it look like I coughed. "You are over one thousand years old," Chrysalis started. "And you are surprised by something so simple? I am younger than you, And I understand it! Are you so blind to things that you can not even see the obvious?"

Celestia glared at her. "Who do you think you are, to be able to talk to me like that?!"

"Well, pardon me for trying to help you see what's in front of you."

Luna and I looked at each other with raised eyebrows and then back the other two. "Need I remind you that you are an enemy of Equestria?!"

Chrysalis rolled her eyes. "Oh please, former enemy! I realize and accept that I have been defeated!"

"Then why have you infiltrated my country?!"

"To find a safe haven!!!" She shouted. All went silent and Celestia's face gained a confused and curious expression. "Do you have any idea what it's like in the Badlands? How bad it is when the other beings there view as weak? To have your entire race be destroyed!?"

Celestia's eyes grew wide. "W-what?"

"You didn't know?" She raised an eyebrow, but then her face fell. "Then again why would you even bother?" She asked coldly. Aura scooted close enough to me to be touching my leg.

She was about to continue, but then I cleared my throat. Everyone looked at me. "Enough, please. You two are stressing poor Aura and I out. Luna?" She raised an eyebrow. "I thought you filled your sister in? It seems you missed some vital details." I said with an annoyed voice. "Now, I don't mean to speak out of term, but, we're getting nowhere. And fast." I sighed. "How about we get back to the main reason for this meeting? Or do we not remember what that is?"

"This is why I like you Zane. I am glad we are allies."

"You are allied with her?" Celestia asked with a shocked voice.

I looked at Chrysalis with a furrowed brows for a long while before looking at Celestia. "I am allied to you both." I said quickly. "Just stop it you two. I swear...."

"I'm afraid I have to agree, sister." Luna said. "We have wasted too much time with this petty squabble. Perhaps it is wise for you to go into town and investigate."

"I have names, in case you need them." I said, glad the air wasn't as tense.

"Names?" Celestia asked.

"They are witnesses to the horror that happened to Aura and I. Do you want them?"

She nodded. "Yes." I nodded and told her. "Thank you." She looked at Chrysalis. "This is not over." She said grimly.

Chrysalis gave a fake smile. "Love you too, Sweetie." Celestia scowled, glared and left. The rest of us just shook our heads. "What?" She asked innocently.