"Here." I passed Twilight a pebble and hugged her. "I'm sorry. We can sort things out tomorrow, after sleep."
"O-oh?" She glanced at the stone, and then back at me. "This is?"
"Recording. Echonarchy layered into limestone - nevermind." I yawned. "Shake to play. Ask Luna. Talked to her on the way back; sorry I missed you at the station. Thanks for worrying." I waved, and turned towards my house. "Bit will have transcripts by noon. See you for lunch, maybe?"
She nodded mutely, and I slouched down the road. We’d been up for almost twenty hours, and I was dead on my feet. Luna had expedited our return to Ponyville with a cloud walking spell and a little wing power.
"Bye~!" Pinkie waved, before bouncing off. Where did she get all that energy?
<"Dancing in the moonlight, singing in the rain. Oh, it's good to be back home again."> I hummed a few lines, drawing a deep breath of the cool evening air. I held a hand out, and Bit took it. We meandered towards our shack.
"Feeling better?"
"Much." I sighed. "I know we haven't solved anything. Hay, we've got more questions than ever. But we're moving forward. One foot at a time, we're progressing. I could look Twilight in the eye and hug her without wondering if we were still friends."
"You owe her an apology."
"Don't I know it." I chuckled as I swung the door open. "Maybe I'll grovel tomorrow, but she'll likely be too busy organizing the inevitable expedition. Not that I blame her. I'm honestly curious about what she'll uncover." I yawned. “But not enough to get up early.”
"Another day." Bit yawned back. As a hatchling, its sleep requirements nearly matched mine. "Supper?"
"No thanks. I had a granola bar on the cloud. Let's hit the hay."
"Mmm." It snagged its pajamas from my room, before heading to bed. I crawled into my sheets, barely pausing to unlace my boots. I was asleep before my head hit the pillow.
In my dream, the crystal tree spread above me.
I walked slowly around the Well, staring into the depths. Stars sparkled and rippled under the surface. I looked up; the branches twisted together, reminiscent of knotwork. But… something was different. On this Tree, darkness gathered in spots, spreading in threads along limbs and branches. Not much; just enough to notice. It seemed profoundly wrong, like clashing colors, dissonant notes.
"Yuck." My voice echoed loudly in the cavern. "That doesn’t look - "
"Right?" A cheerful voice interrupted.
"Pinkie?" I looked up as my bubbly friend trotted from the gloom. "Why are… oh, the link."
"Must be!" Pinkie grinned. "You mentioned this, right?"
"You remember that?" My eyes narrowed. "Pinkie, remind me to never underestimate you."
"Don't forget, Wes - never underestimate me." She grinned.
"Thanks, Pinkie. " I ruffled her mane. "Anyways, yeah. The tree looks… unhealthy. Any ideas?"
"The blackness." Her answer was firm. "I don’t dream this often, but I always notice the blackness. That's why I've been searching for it, ever since the first time."
"Your mirror-self…" I trailed off, casting my mind back. "She dreamed of a crystal tree. Was it this?"
"Yup!" The instant reply surprised me. "She lives over there!" Pinkie pointed to a snarl of branches.
"Huh?" I looked up into the tree, but could only see a cloud of crystal limbs. "I don't - "
"You can't see her from here, silly! You gotta be closer!"
"Oh." I leaped, trying to levitate over. I stumbled as my dream powers failed, coming down with an awkward thump. "What? I can't fly?"
"Won't work, Wes." Pinkie shook her head slowly. "This isn't a normal dream. There's more to it, somehow. You can't choose where you'll go, or what you'll see. Sometimes, it chooses you."
"Woah." I looked up at the tree again. "Wild."
"Totally."
"So, is this why you were so excited about the Tree in real life?"
"Yeah!" She bounced once or twice. "It's totally like this one! Or at least kind of somewhat!"
"Yeah." I inspected the branching crystal. "But it didn't have black smears."
"The corruption, right?" Pinkie frowned. "I think that's because it's an… offshoot."
"Huh?"
"Well…. The actual Tree of Harmony, or what the Princesses call the Tree, isn't what we found. We found the underneath bit, the trunk. I think this Tree is underneath that."
"Yggdrasil."
"Yggdrasil?"
"What?"
"What you just said."
"Ooof." I facepalmed, trying to think. I’d done that before. "Please repeat it? Slowly?"
"Ygg~dra~sil." She drew the name out.
"The World Tree." My voice was small. "Yggdrasil."
"Ooooh." Pinkie's voice was wondering. "Because it has all the worlds!"
"Come again?"
"All the worlds! Look! Mirror Pinkie lives in that branch!" She pointed again. "It splits off further down, I've no idea why. Celestia's Student Pinkie lives in that branch! Her world is crazy." She pointed again. "Alicorn Pinkie's world is over there! She has great recipes," she confided, "and griffon Pinkie - "
"Hold on a second." I cut her off. "You mean, each branch is a world?"
"Maybe. How would I know?" She gave a candid grin and a shrug. "Don't overestimate me either, Wes! But, I sometimes see them. Sometimes we talk."
"Fair enough." I slumped to the floor. She snuggled up beside me, and I threw an arm over her. I had less personal space issues in dreams; I knew I was safe. In non-nightmares, at least. "Is the… actual Tree the same? What if we broke pieces off? Would parts of our world disappear?"
"No idea." Pinkie shrugged. "We should try! But I bet it won't break."
"Let’s… not try." We sat quietly a while, staring at the Tree.
"So." Pinkie eventually broke the stillness. "Let’s have a normal dream! Have you ever tried swimming in Jello?"
I looked at her grin, and felt myself smile in return. I might regret this later, but for now, I’d enjoy every moment.
"Blergh." I rubbed my eyes and yawned. My room was quite dark. I'd installed wooden shutters to block the sun, but noon must be near. For once, Bit wasn't sleeping at my feet. My bed was large; I'd combined pony-sized beds until I felt comfortable. I didn’t really mind, but the amount of times it went to sleep in its room and woke up in mine was surprising. Maybe sleeping curled up was less uncomfortable for a changeling?
I focused my thoughts as I stumbled to my dresser, struggling to bludgeon myself awake. Could a dream leave you hungover? Having Pinkie Pie in my head felt like mainlining LSD cut with glitter.
I opened the door, and nearly bumped into Twilight. Her mane was frizzy, her eyes manic. I winced.
"Please. Please tell me you haven’t been standing for hours, waiting for me to wake up."
"At least two hours and thirty-five minutes." Bit's voice floated down the hall. "I have toast and eggs, sir, if you'd like breakfast."
"Answers." Twilight grated. "Give me answers!"
"Of course." I rubbed my eyes again, and brushed past her. "Did you ask Bit?"
"I have compiled my report." Bit waved to a nearby stack of paper as I took a seat. "She has consumed it."
"You slept, right?" It nodded.
"Synthesis!" Twilight slammed a hoof on the table. A curl sprang free from her mane. "I don't want observations, I want answers! So, Wes, talk!"
"I’d love answers myself." My mouth twisted wryly. Bit set an omelet on my plate; I nodded thanks. "But I'll try my best."
"Good." Her violet eyes transfixed me. "Start with awakening from the dream."
"Okay." I took a bite of omelet, and chewed reflectively. "I wasn't feeling very… stable, after your revelation. I promised to think twice before acting. But I wanted answers, and I couldn’t deal with solicitous kindness, even from my friends. So I thought twice, but it wasn't until Bit…"
"Okay." Twilight spun her paper, passing it to me. "This is what we've got. Does it look complete?"
The paper listed points, outlining our talk. Twilight's notes were stacked near Bit's, who was slowly cross-referencing them.
- Humans on Equus. Investigate myths of the Tuatha; compare to what little Wes remembers. Same as Earth's Tuatha De Danann? Investigate magical script, terms in the message. Tear = Well = Pool? The One Between = Cog? walking West, Sheevra, corruption.
- Ask Celestia about the Tree of Harmony. Twilight's, Luna's, Celestia's/Sunset's cutie marks on the trunk?
- The Tree Beneath. Talk to Pinkie. Yggdrasil? Tree of Worlds? Research resography, multiverse theory. Corruption, again.
- The Pool. Same as the Well? Leaks wild magic? Correlation with the Caverns and Everfree?
- Cog. The One Between? Can't interfere much. Investigate inter-dimensional beings. Wes’ chance for memory restoration.
- Pattern. Reveals doors? Visible only to Wes. Experiment with this.
- <Arcanaclypse.> Said by Cog, in English. Elements of disaster, magic, and secrets.
"I think that covers it." I looked up. "Have you got a team?"
"Luna’s on it." Twilight absently re-read the paper. "She's mailed university ponies who have clearance; it should be covered. Are you coming?"
"I'll need to, to open the door behind the Tree. I wish I could stay, but… Luna and I started a project before this, and I've got to work on that; previous commitments." I shrugged. "I'll help as I can."
"Good." She nodded firmly. "If you come up with more for the list, send me a note. We’ll focus our research on it."
"Will do." I sighed, and slid my chair back. Morning was long gone, and afternoon was fading. "Now, I need to get Pinkie out of my head."
"Not so fast." Twilight's eyes narrowed, and I stopped. She grinned slowly. "You promised to apologize for running off, and I want to make up for keeping secrets. So, um, could we hang out?"
I lowered myself back into the chair.
"Actually…" I grinned back. "That sounds great, Twilight."
"Yes, mister Erlenmeyer. I am talking about pounds, not ounces." I gave the chemist a brittle smile. "My draft was clear."
"But you see, these are restricted substances." The yellow stallion across the table returned an uneasy grin. "I can't just sell them to anyone."
"Really." I sighed. "Isn’t my commission, penned by Princess Luna, enough?"
"Sir." Erlenmeyer Flask peered over his glasses. "Your 'commission' is a note. Hoofwritten. It says, I quote, 'sell this person whatever he asks'."
"Your point?" I raised my teacup, but it was empty. I tapped it with my teaspoon, distracted.
"Merely that - oh my." He glanced over my shoulder. "Is this your - "
"Butler," Bit said, stepping up beside me. I tried to hide my surprise. It poured my tea, careful to not spill. It wore an immaculately tailored three-piece suit with a neat bow-tie, white hair loose around its shoulders.
"Bit?" I kept my voice carefully level.
"Yes?" It turned to me.
"…nevermind." I shook my head slowly, as it vanished into the kitchen. That's the last time I let Rarity rummage through my memories. "Mister Erlenmeyer." I placed my hands flat on the table and leaned towards my guest. "If there is a problem with my draft, take it to the Night Court. The order I submitted for mercury fulminate was correct; all due paperwork was attached. How I plan to use it is my own business. You are, of course, free to refuse the sale, but I will not be harassed!" I leaned back. Luna had double-checked Bit's work on the draft, back in Canterlot. I needed the chemical to verify our new weapon system, and I was tired of dealing with this stuffed shirt.
"Well." He gave me a considering look, as if my ferocity had eased his mind. "As you insist, I will take it up with the Princess. Pending approval, you can expect delivery in the next few days." He turned to the door, snagging his hat. "Good day, sir."
"Good riddance," I muttered once he was gone. It may have been uncharitable, but his 'concerns' had interrupted me as I was about to leave.
"Wes? Weeees!" Twilight stepped through the door. "Are you ready? We're waiting for you!"
"Just a second." I shrugged my pack on. "Bitterbloom, are you changing?"
"Change?" Twilight leaned around me, to peer into the kitchen. "Oh, Bit! You look quite nice! Where did you get that?"
"Rarity made it for me." Bit smiled. "After you visited her yesterday."
"Best. Idea. Ever." I deadpanned.
"But it got Pinkie out of your head." Twilight grinned at me. "And she had such a good time."
"Yeah, she did at that." I rubbed my head. Yesterday, Twilight and I had drifted around town avoiding work, washing up at Carousel Boutique for a cup of tea. On a whim, I'd offered Rarity a few memories from Earth and Mirror-Equestria to repay some of her gifts. She'd jumped at the chance.
Now, though, she was gifting Bit instead. I glanced at my aide. It did look good, and I couldn’t tell it to refuse. Rarity was sly.
"She also made a dress." Bit exchanged the real suit for an illusory one, returning to buckle on the dagger I'd given it. "She instructed me one was for a 'butler', and the other a 'maid'."
"Hmm." Twilight gave me a tiny grin. "Well, be sure to show me soon, okay?"
"Of course."
"Anyways." I stepped towards the door. "Are we ready? Your scientists arrived?"
"Yup!" Twilight trotted after. "Are you sure you can't come?"
"Sorry." I shrugged. "You know I'd like to, but I’m no archeologist. Maybe I’ll visit when you get a full team in. But for now, I'll open the door and stop there."
The door swished open, and the ponies behind me gasped in unison.
We were standing in the cave behind the Tree of Harmony. Luna had commissioned a very small party; only three ponies, besides Twilight and Sunset. It would be enough to start the project right, and more could come later. They had two guards each for protection and portage.
"Did you accidentally cut through a door at the bottom?" Twilight gave me a curious look.
"No idea." I shrugged uncomfortably. "I did touch that seal, but… maybe it was one way?"
"Maybe," she replied. We stepped aside; the project leader, Fossil Record, was shivering with excitement. "How long will Luna's project take?"
"At least ten days." I shrugged. "It's mostly testing. Once I get the schematics drawn up, she'll have actual craftsponies fabricate it. Then she can position it. I still have no idea why she needs it."
"Yeah, but that's why she's a Princess." Twilight grinned impishly.
"You too." I ruffled her feathers playfully, and she gave me a wry look.
"You know I don't want to be treated differently."
"Nah, I get it." I raised my hands in defense. "I've had to talk Bitterbloom out of the same sort of thing."
"And it only half worked, sir!" the changeling called, proud. It had taken a station by the entrance, automatically assuming lookout. I gave it a fond glance; that sort of consideration always made me smile.
"So." Twilight lowered her voice. "You're visiting Tezeca?"
"I think so." I shuffled my feet. "I've got a few more things to sort out, but… yeah. I still need an escort, and I want absolute assurance the Hivemind won't affect Bit. The last thing he needs is head-problems like me."
There was a flash and pop behind us.
"Am I late?"
My adopted sister, fiery mane unkempt, trotted up.
"Nope, they just started." I smoothed her hair and watched the warp beacon we'd installed spin down. "We should get some shields here. Unless the Tree is enough?"
"It might be, but I'll ask Shiny. Hey, Sunset." Twilight grinned at the newcomer. "Glad you could make it. This ought to be fun."
"No kidding!" Sunset grinned back. "Just think! We can co-author a paper! Do you want to do the bibliography, or can I?"
“Wait, wait!” Twilight squealed. “I know! You can do it in MLA, and I’ll do it in APA!”
“Perfect!” Sunset exclaimed. “This will be so much fun!”
"Good grief." I leaned down to give them both a hug. "As exciting as that sounds, I've gotta go. Shoot me a note if a not-teleporter needs escorting, okay?"
"Sure."
"FOOTPRINTS!" Fossil Record appeared at the door. "You left FOOTPRINTS! All over!"
"Um, yeah." I glanced sidelong at the irate pegasus. "I can't fly. Sorry, gotta go!"
"Just a minute! I’ll teach you proper respect for archeological sites!"
“No thanks!” Bit fell in as I jogged off, ignoring the angry archeologist’s increasingly loud recriminations. At least they hadn't found the hole I cut. Yet. Maybe I should avoid this place for a while.
"Good to go?"
"Yup!" Twilight called from across the lab. "Ready when you are, Bit!"
"I…I'm not sure how I feel about this." My aide frowned uncertainly.
"If you say so, we’ll stop." I shrugged. A few days after the archeology project began, Bit’s reserves reached the levels necessary for transforming back into a pony. I’d decided we needed that before visiting Tezeca. I'd told Twilight, who’d leaped at the chance to study transformations. She’d convinced Sunset to lead the archeologists in her absence by promising to bring the results back.
"But!" Twilight called.
"No buts!" I called back. "If Bit doesn't want to do this, we won't. Still… why now?"
"I…I'm not sure." It looked down. "Now I feel like… I don't want ponies staring?"
"You… are feeling shy?" I rubbed my head. "Huh."
"Is that bad?" It raised wide eyes to my face.
"No, not at all. I mean… Look, Bitterbloom. Don't go categorizing your feelings as 'good' or 'bad' until you understand how they affect you. I've never been a fan of the spotlight, so I know the feeling. If you’re too uncomfortable, we'll stop."
"Maybe…" It's voice was small. "Maybe you could turn around?"
"Sure." I stepped behind the instrument bank Twilight was monitoring, turning away. "Is this better?"
"Some." It drew a deep breath. "Okay. Here I go."
Blue light flickered on the wall. I heard Twilight's machines chatter and squeal, tape and graph-paper spooling and clicking.
"Huh." Bit's voice sounded almost identical.
"Can I look?"
"Yes. I'm done." I turned around.
"You're back to normal." Bit's shape was pony-like again. It flicked lacey wings, resettling them.
"Yes. But that was strange."
"How?" Twilight's voice floated around the console, as she rapidly collected and collated results; I heard readouts tear and her stapler click.
"This time took less power. Much less."
"Oh." I shrugged. "That's good, then."
"I guess." Bit looked uncertain. "But I have no idea why."
"Ah, don't sweat it." I patted its head. "Besides, since when have you bothered about why's? Starting to grow up?"
"I… hmm." It gave me a thoughtful look. "Is that a sign of maturity?"
"Yup." I reached down to give it a hug. "Thinking ahead, considering meaning and consequence, all of that… that's not hatchling behaviour. You'll get there."
"Can we still visit mother?"
"Soon as I hear from Luna."
"Ready?" Princess Luna gave me a reassuring smile.
"I think so." I looked at the entrance to the sewers. "Bit? Last chance. We warded you against the Hivemind, but until you metamorphose, it won't be completely cut off. I have no idea what could happen if the wards fail."
"I trust the Princess. On we go." My aide gave an uncertain smile.
"Still scared, Wes?" Onyx’s glance was contemptuous. "Queen Tezeca has guaranteed your passage." He stepped forward, taking point. "She is as good as her word."
"Well, of course she'd say that." He ignored my response, and I sighed. Truthfully, I wasn't as bothered as I’d been last time. I was more used to changelings, from living with one, and I'd done this before. Not to mention all the promises of safe passage we'd arranged. I still didn’t think much of Tezeca, but she’d been extremely solicitous in our correspondence. I'd managed to politely convey my verdict on changeling coexistence. She'd been profusely thankful, and meekly apologized for the deception. I hadn't written her back yet. Whenever I thought about her and Bit, my chest burned a little and my hands started clenching.
“Will you be okay?” After a few minutes of walking, Luna broke the silence.
“I… maybe. I don’t like Tezeca, but that’s just… feelings. I think I can be civil. It’s not me she wronged.”
“Mmm.” Luna glanced at Bit, walking beside Onyx. "Is the archeology project progressing?"
"Slowly." I shrugged. "They haven't found much. The Tuatha were a small group, and although they accomplished some astounding feats, they didn't stay for long. A generation or two, maybe."
"Did they die off?"
"Can't say, yet." I shrugged. "Dragon legends might give us clues. Still, they could have 'walked further West', whatever that means. Best we can guess, it's resography; a transfer between worlds, like Sunset and I used."
"And this is a human magic?"
"Um." I mulled that for a minute. "I'm hesitant to say yes, because… well, I'm not sure they're human."
"Really?"
"Yeah. They look like me, but… even in their own history, they work magic. There's no clean scans of the tomb, yet; Twilight and Sunny are working on that. If we can get a good read off one of their kings, maybe we can say more."
"Hmm."
"And your weapon? Do you have a name for it?"
"I will name it at launch." She grinned. "Preliminary tests show your schematics exceed my goals. I need you to enchant a full complement of charges, so assembly can start."
"Sure thing; I'll get Lyra to help, and we’ll knock them out quick. Oh." We stopped at the entrance to Tezeca's nest. The barred door stood wide. "That's odd."
"Come in." Onyx's voice was gruff. "I'll lead you through."
Luna and I exchanged glances. I shrugged, and we continued. Bit scrutinized the stonework. Maybe it was reading changeling messages.
"Oh…" Luna and Bit stopped in wonder as we reached the garden, glowing dim in the half-light. "Wes, this is just as impressive as you said."
"No…" I stopped, uncertain. "Something's different."
"Really?" Luna gave me a speculative glance. "Should we turn back?" Onyx huffed, impatient.
"Let's continue." I stepped forward. "I don't feel threatened, but…"
As we walked, on a different path than I remembered, I struggled to define the feeling.
"This one." Bit jerked to a stop before a spray of blossoms. They were tiny trumpets, growing in groups, with a fresh, sweet scent. "This is it."
"Bitterbloom." I leaned in, drawing a deep breath. "Your namesake. It smells like night-blooming <jasmine>."
<"Jasmine."> Bit repeated, slowly. "I wonder if mother would give me a cutting."
"Probably."
"Maybe a shoot?" Luna pointed to the nearby soil. "Are these seedlings?"
"No…" I bent to peer. "These are… weeds?" I stopped, peering around. "Oh."
"What?"
"I got what's bothering me. This garden is beautiful, but not immaculate. It's just a touch unkempt."
"Strange." Luna frowned. "That is strange indeed. If Tezeca lacks workers…"
"Come on!" Onyx called back. “Ask her yourself! We're almost there!"
Luna gave me a skeptical glance. I returned an uncertain nod. Even if something was up, we were already here, and I trusted Luna if we needed to escape. She'd beaten Wraith, even on her own ground.
Tezeca was waiting on the island, under the spreading cypress. As she rose to greet us, she looked… less, somehow. Her wings were more tattered and I saw signs of weariness, learned from Bit, in the set of her fluted legs. She favored her skeletal forehoof, and the yellow scrollwork on her muzzle was dimmer.
I stepped past Onyx, a sudden rush of feeling pushing me on. I tamped it down, but my steps still rung on the bridge. My thoughts flicked back to her treatment of Bitterbloom. Her total disregard for its life, her complete willingness to abandon it, mere hours after hatching it.
Onyx's arguments rang back to me. I knew little of changelings. I countered them with my own ideas about honor, honesty, and loyalty. Bit deserved something from Tezeca. My fists clenched. Bit deserved more from Tezeca. The Queen's eyes flickered as I marched up to her, the blue facets shimmering into an expression of surprise. Luna moved to stop me, but I’d stepped past her reach.
My thoughts lurched, powerless against feeling. I was frustrated and angry. Frustrated at myself, for all the times I'd had to squelch my anger around Bit. Angry at Tezeca, still, for wronging my ward. I knew what loyalty was, and I couldn't square it to the Queen.
My fist hurt as it clenched, nails drawing blood on my palm. Onyx yelled something as I chambered a strike, but I ignored him. All my anger flashed through my fist, concentrating every ounce of feeling on three inches of knuckle. My training sang in me, pushing every last drop of magic into the blow. Echonarchy rang from heel to hand, grounding the strike and transmuting all my aggressive speed into ferocious power, tuned by Lyra's genius and my intensive training.
"This is for Bit!" I let it all out with a yell, as my fist connected. It felt like hitting a brick wall. I'd have shattered my fist, without magic backing. Tezeca barely swayed but Luna grunted, and I knew the Queen felt it.
A split-second later, Onyx tried to kick me in the head.
My vibroblade almost bisected him.
"Enough!" Tezeca seized us with her aura. "Onyx, your loyalty is noted, but stand down. Wes, thank you."
"Th…" I stuttered, shocked to my core. "Thank you?" I lowered my blade, as Onyx shuffled backwards.
"Yes." Her expression shifted to sadness. "I truly deserved that. For… Bitterbloom."
"Should I leave?" Bit's voice cut into the quiet. "Are you two being… kinky?"
"What?" Four voices rang in shock.
"No!" Tezeca and I replied in unison, tension suddenly gone. Bit gave me an ever-so-slight smile. I nearly facepalmed; it was getting the hang of humor.
"Just what have you been teaching her?" Tezeca gave me a stern glance.
"Nothing like that!" I protested. "Do I look like Hikaru Genji to you?" I sighed at her puzzled frown. "Anyways, you can just ask. We came here so you two could talk."
"Yes." She gave a slow nod. "Of course. I will talk with her. If you would like, please enjoy the garden."
"Luna?" I called. "They're going to talk. Want to look around?"
"Mmm." The Princess and I paced back across the bridge.
"You're using Lagrangian points?" I looked up from the rose I was examining. "Is that even practical?"
"Our moon is much closer than yours." Luna shrugged. "It ought to work."
"Hmm." I harvested a bloom. It was a deep, sky blue. This part of the garden was lit by floods of some sort, bright as day. "Well, you're the expert."
"Any idea what sickens her?" Luna glanced at a nearby tree. Spots speckled the leaves, some sort of fungus. "Tezeca is clearly unwell."
"You noticed too?" I shrugged. "No idea." I hesitated. "Did I actually hurt her?"
"You didn't injure her." Luna grimaced. "But she was clearly stung. That was poorly done, Wes. No matter how she deserved it."
"Wars have started over less." Both of us turned, to find Onyx approaching. "Even guaranteeing you passage would not shield against such an insult."
"Blech." I grimaced. "Yeah, it was stupid of me, letting my emotion ride like that. I'm sorry, Onyx. I'll apologize to her, as well."
"Hmm." The changeling looked slightly surprised. "Well, if she forgives you, I will follow. Friendship is worth preserving."
"Thanks." I tucked the rose behind an ear, dusting my hands off. "Are they done?"
"Yes. My Queen would speak with you, before you leave."
"Okay." I nodded. "Yeah. Ready, Princess?"
"Of course. I'm merely here to sightsee." She grinned at me. "And for your peace of mind."
"Awww, that's sweet!" I gave her a sudden hug, ignoring her broken propriety. "A security Princess! To take with me everywhere! And it's fuzzy." I fluffed her mane, watching it billow.
"Prithee, Wesley, unhand me! Tis most unseemly!"
"Oh, fine." I stepped back.
"Ahem." she coughed awkwardly. "Anyways, let's go." She turned down the path, modern accent suddenly restored. I grinned at Onyx, and we followed.
"Find some answers?" I gave Bit a warm smile.
"Maybe." It sounded unsure. "We talked. And it was good. But looking back… I'm not sure she actually said much."
"Ah." I nodded. "Yeah, I get that. Deflective. She's had a lot of practice steering conversations." I looked over to where Luna and Tezeca were conversing quietly. "Well, she wants to talk with me before we head out. We can come back, if you feel we need?"
"I will think on this first." Bit frowned. "And practice dialogue."
"Sure." I shrugged. "Oh, they're done." I turned to where the Princess and Queen were parting.
"Your Highness." I greeted Tezeca with a nod. "I need to apologize."
"Apology accepted." She nodded back, shuffling her wings.
"Don't you want to hear what I did?" I raised an eyebrow.
"Accepted." She emphasised the word. "Unconditionally. I owe you no less." I followed as she turned away, leading me down one of the myriad paths that wove through the terraced tapestry of her garden.
"Um." I paused, uncertain. "For punching you. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have done it. It was wrong."
"Forgiven." Her blue eyes sparkled. "How many times will you make me say it, Wesley?"
"I, uh." I stopped. "You're not even a little angry?"
"No." She led me through a tiny maze of lush blooms, less than four feet square. They brushed my ankles, paths just wide enough for one foot at a time. "It made me happy."
"Please, please tell me you're not being kinky." A drop of wry amusement colored my voice.
"Hah!" Her laugh was genuine, but weak. "No, no. I'm pleased your care is so fierce. It's a weight off my mind. Today is a good day."
We walked in silence. The light brightened, from a moonlight garden to shaded woodlands.
"So, what’s this about?" I gave her a curious glance. She was almost unreadable, but my experience with Bit gave clues. "Are you… nervous?"
"Hmm." Her expression clouded. "Maybe. I've never discussed this before. It's… complicated. Delicate."
"What?" We stopped under a spreading tree. I stared up at the waxy white fruit. "Is this about Bit?"
"They're edible, if you like. The taste is excellent, but they don't keep more than a day." She shuffled her bone-white hoof, uncertain. "Yes, this is about Bit. For… reasons, I've withheld… information. I mean to tell you everything."
"You're afraid of my anger?" I was incredulous. "You just took my best shot. Luna would kill - sorry, be severely disappointed if I ran wild again. I can’t deal with a disappointed Luna. Those droopy ears! I’ll behave." I selected a fruit, tasted it. "These are delicious." It was like a peach, but with a deep flavor I'd never encountered.
"Really?" She gave a genuine grin. "Thank you." For a second, her eyes flickered with real joy, and I glimpsed a weight of secret emotion.
"A small enough compliment." I coughed, embarrassed. "Though I guess you’d get few."
"None." She stared into space. "My life as Queen has been… lonesome. My agents are spread afield. The only pony I know, Princess Luna, sees me through the Dreamtime as a distant rival." Her voice dropped. "I promised my daughter I would provide her better."
"Your daughter? Bit?" She spun away at my words. I snatched a few fruit, and trailed her down the shady lane.
"Wes, you understand progress."
"Do I?"
She gave me a disgruntled look.
"You do. What is progress?"
"Change. For the better." My answer was immediate.
"See?" She led me across a bridge of seven turns, leading to a fluffy, brightly-lit surface.
"Is that… cloud? I'm no pegasus."
"Only a few inches deep." She waved me forward. "You'll leave footprints, but they'll fill."
"Huh." I reached out a toe. My foot found solid ground under the fluff. "Okay."
"Much as I hate to admit it, my rule has stagnated my hive."
"Really?" I flung an arm out, encompassing her wondrous garden.
"Really." She shrugged. "Oh, we have accomplishments. But even this garden is formulaic. Run. Hide. Scrape. Scrimp. Grow… in secret. My agents work for me, and I for them, but we never moved past the boundaries we drew with such care. Fences of safety." She loaded the word with scorn.
"In the past, I would look beyond and shudder. I knew we couldn't stagnate forever." She paused. A narrow stream of liquid rainbow ran before us. Tiny, sparkling crystals studded the banks. "My studies confirmed it time and again." She pointed to one of the intricate flowers, growing on cloud and magic. "Every time I learned: change or die. But I always had reason to delay. I would enact reform after this plan, after that danger. I put it off. Until something changed."
"Chrysalis."
"Buck Chrysalis." Tezeca's harsh tone surprised me. "If you see her, punch her for me. Please?"
"Um, okay." I tried to pluck a crystal flower. It melted at my touch.
"They're very unstable. Hybridizing was tortuous." She stepped across the stream. I eyed the flow.
"Will this stain my boots?"
"Here." She held out a hoof. I shrugged, and used it to vault over. "But, no; if it was only Chrysalis, I’d have weathered it somehow. Even after the wedding, the Crown knew very little about changelings, and nothing whatsoever about me. No. What happened was one of my best agents disappeared, before turning up with a ridiculous story about Celestia wanting peace talks. Crazy, right?" She gave a dry laugh.
"Onyx?"
"The very same." We left the cloud, taking a sharp turn into a narrow cleft of rock. In a few steps, the landscape went from idyllic clouds to harsh, broken boulders, our path painted through the scree. "He came bearing news, goodwill gifts, and most surprising of all, not even one string."
"Funny, isn't it?" I chuckled. "Respect, the strongest coin, and so few use it."
"Few can bear to give such a precious commodity."
"True enough." I picked my way past a flowering cactus. "How do you keep your micro-climates separate?"
"Practice." Her answer was distant. "Constant attention."
"Your garden is looking a little… scraggly. Here and there."
"Too true." Her laugh was bitter. "Back to important topics, then. Yes, Onyx. He told me of his time in Celestia's dungeon. He told me of his time in Wraith's dungeon. And he told me about you."
"Blech." I remembered how close I'd come to crushing him. "Not my finest moment."
"Maybe." She shrugged. "But it was interesting. He couldn't gather much from your group, but he was left curious. So I paid attention. I mulled over the idea of 'peace' for quite a while. And when I decided to reply to Celestia, to open talks, I mentioned you. The response was interesting." She stopped in front of a cliff, streaked with what seemed streams of metal.
"Should I be worried?" I poked one of the shining columns. It was a vine, mirrored to near spotless perfection. I yanked my finger back; they were cold.
"Heh. No more than usual." She smiled at me, and we walked on. "I learned that there was someone new in Ponyville. Completely new. Uncolored by Equestrian culture, history, prejudice or pride. Someone who was learning how to fit into pony culture. And can you guess?" She narrowed her eyes, grin fierce. "The ponies were helping."
"Ah." I rubbed my head. "Sounds like, heh, progress? The sort changelings need?"
"Exactly." She shouldered her way through an arch. I blinked and gasped; as I followed, the air around us ballooned into a shimmering membrane, forming a sphere. Surrounding us, dimly lit water rippled and stirred. In the depths, I could see the shadows of fish. Nearby, exotic weeds stirred in slow, invisible currents.
"Underwater?" I looked up. The silver surface was a dozen feet above. "Ridiculous!"
"Heh. This one took a while." She gave the vista a fond glance. "Want to see my reading spot?"
"I'd love to. So, um. According to Celestia, sending Bit to me was your idea. You did it because you needed… information?" A hint of disgust tinged my words.
"Yes." She sighed, hanging her head. The bubble moved with us. I felt fresh breezes waft up from the dry stonework underfoot; she'd built some truly impressive machinery to make this casual wonder work. "I wanted her to see pony society from the inside. I wanted her to know ponies as friends, not assets. I wanted her to understand that what is different could be accepted, and that some enjoy and celebrate it."
"There's no better place for that then Ponyville." I smirked. She joined.
"True. And, from talking to her, my scheme was a success." She sighed. "Wes… for what it's worth, I apologized to her."
"That… is worth something." I remembered spitting at her last apology, and regretted it slightly. "Perhaps."
"Will you accept my apology now?" I saw a hint of apprehension in her stance.
"I'll accept on Bit's behalf, if you'll say it straight." I stared off into the murky depths. Myriad lights gleamed, stars in the sea.
"I'm sorry." I could hear real emotion in her voice. "I'm sorry, Wes. I'm sorry I abandoned her. I'm sorry I couldn't be what she deserved. I'm sorry I couldn't support her, and teach her. I'm sorry I've done so very, very little. I'm so, so sorry." Silence fell. Our breathing filled the bubble.
"I accept your apology." I lowered my head, letting my pent-up frustration and hard-wound anger begin to soften. "I forgive you, Tezeca. No-one's perfect. Hay; I've wronged Bit myself. Change, right? Progress? We try to do better, next time?"
"Exactly. Thank you, Wesley Kilmer." Her words were heart-felt, but heavy. She led me through a stand of kelp-like plants. "Here; my reading spot."
"Oh, very nice."
Inside an airy bubble, a few tall bookcases surrounded a glimmering globe. A Queen-sized bean bag sat on the mosaic floor, accompanied by a few smaller ones.
"Sit?" She flopped unceremoniously onto the largest. "I'm exhausted."
"I can tell." I eyed her, as I slumped onto the nearest seat. "You've been strangely… friendly, Tezeca. So I'll be bold. Why?"
"Friendly? Or exhausted?"
"Both, really." I rubbed my nose. "Might as well add intimate to that list, too. You've no reason to like me. No reason to be tired, and certainly no reason to tell me all of this."
"Heh." She rolled over, waving her hooves in the air like Rainbow. "You might be right, if I was still a great Queen. But all that is, ends."
"Huh?" I stopped skimming book titles, gaze snapping back to the upside-down changeling. "Are you not feeling well?"
"Not well at all." She blinked. "But it's no surprise. I’m old, Wes. I've been winding down for years."
"Wait, what?" I rubbed my eyes. "Are you seriously sick?"
"My condition is desperate. I've sustained myself on loyalty and secret magic, but… it's catching up. Immanent mortality gives everything a certain… clarity. I'd rather be friendly and intimate while I have the chance. Even at the cost of pride."
"Worthless stuff, pride." I absently shifted on my beanbag. "So, your Hive?" My voice grew serious. "Is this the last of it?" I'd never been particularly empathic with Onyx, but this sudden ceasing… it had a sadness to it. I looked around. This garden already suffered. Would it be lost to memory? All Bit's heritage?
"Hah!" The sudden, cheerful laugh jerked me from introspection. "Of course not!" Her eyes narrowed, and she rolled upright. "Wait, have you honestly not guessed?"
"Oh, no. No. I hate guessing games." I shook a finger at her. "If you've got something to tell, cough it up. You promised completion, so don't hold back." I swung my arms wide. "Lay it on me!"
"Seriously!" She threw her head back, laughing. "Onyx was certain you'd guessed! Though he was guessing himself."
"I'll deal with him later." I crossed my arms. "Talk. What have I not guessed?"
"Well…" She drew the word out. "We’ve been discussing my daughter, right?"
"Yeah. Bit." I scratched my head.
"You do know?" She quirked an eyebrow.
"Of course. You're the only Queen in this vicinity." I gave her a puzzled frown. "You sent him to me."
"Him?" She frowned. "Oh…" Dawning comprehension lit her face. "Oh - ho! Look, Wes. Hatchlings have no gender. There is only ever one type of changeling that's born knowing how its metamorphose will end."
"Wait…" I stopped, giving that idea a full minute to trickle through my consciousness before I exploded. "Bitterbloom is a Queen? Your heir?" The outburst left me breathless; I stared, dumbstruck and panting, as a look of realization crept across her face.
"Yes." Her tone turned somber. "Yes. Heir. That's a good word." She shrugged. "The changeling term is 'avatar', but I like yours better. Let's use that. Bitterbloom is my heir. She will inherit all of me."
"Holy crow." I massaged my temples, trying to superimpose the image of my quiet assistant over the changeling Queen. "Onyx!" I hissed. "He was the one who started calling Bit female!"
"Hem." Tezeca flicked an ear, uncomfortable. "I did give him some clues. He's always been slyer than I expect. Please, don't be too hard on him."
"Ohhhh." I groaned. "Seriously! I wasn’t merely tricked into convincing myself changelings could live with ponies. I also taught them how to do it, and trained their new leader?"
"Do you understand my circuitous route?" Tezeca smiled hesitantly. "You would never have agreed."
"I almost didn't." I remembered the cold steel of my razor. "What would you have done if I killed her?"
"Mourned." Tezeca's voice was low. "Done what I could, before the end. Wes, you have no idea how close I've cut this. I might have continued, if I hadn't invested myself so heavily in Bitterbloom, but she really was my last chance. If this gamble failed, nothing would be left. Even now, I'm all here. My garden is unkempt because the last of my drones are dead. I won't hold out much longer."
"Did you ask Celestia to send us?"
"No." She shook her head firmly. "But I'm convinced she knew."
"Yeah, knowing is her thing. Still, it’s unlike her to lead Bit on." I laced my fingers behind my head and leaned back, looking up at the underwater landscape. Did Bit like gardening?
"Lead her on? How?"
"From what she… heh, that sounds weird. From what Bit said, Celestia told her you could help her grow up."
"But…" Tezeca gave me a puzzled glance. "I can."
"Wait, what?" I pushed thoughts of gardening out of my head. "What does that mean?"
"Um." Tezeca paused. "Well, I did mention it. Everything I am will be hers."
"You… you don't just mean stuff." A sudden certainty settled on me.
"No." Tezeca shook her head. "No, I don't. Changeling Queens pass on literally everything. Bitterbloom will inherit my Hive. My agents, if they'll have her. All my magic, skills and strength. Even my memory." She shrugged. "Everything that is myself, except my body."
"And… the effect on her?" I tried to sound cautious, instead of paranoid, but she caught the tone in my voice.
"She will remain herself. Really, do you think Celestia would let me, otherwise?" I relaxed at that. "The memories are… disconnected." The Queen shrugged. "Accessible, but not relevant. Like specimens, pinned under glass. Here is 'rage', spread for observation. Here is 'shame', frozen for learning. The effect, though." She sighed. "It may be significant. Still, it is her… heritage."
"And the effect on you?"
"Why do you think I'm like this?" Tezeca laughed, fanning weak wings. "I can't even fly. Nothing takes more from a Queen." She drew a shimmering pendant from her mane. “This was ready from the day she left my care." She tossed it to me. I caught it reflexively.
"You're giving this… to me?" I inspected the piece, a golden symbol matching the yellow curls across Tezeca's face. I scanned it; magic fairly radiated from it, in threads and streams more complex than any construct I'd seen. It was nearly… alive.
"Who else?" Her voice was wry. "I no longer have the authority to make decisions for her. You're her foster. When you think she's ready, give it to her."
"Do you think she's ready?"
"Honestly?" Tezeca sighed. "More than I was. I think she could grasp my inheritance, and use it better than I. She has drive, a commitment I lacked, and more depth of feeling and character than I dared dream. You've done well, Wes."
"Thanks." I strung the pendant around my neck, tucking it into my shirt. "Thank you."
"A small enough compliment." She smiled wearily. "Nothing but the truth. You and your friends are what she needed. I should be thanking you. Wes…"
"Yeah?"
"If you continue on this path, one day you will be great in this land."
"Um." I started speaking, but had no idea what to say.
"No, don't discount my words so swiftly." She glared at me. "You will. Not because you're a good fighter, or a clever schemer, or even a great scholar. No, you'll be great because of the size of your heart." She grinned softly. "Your friends will raise you to greatness, just as you raise them. Wait for it, Wes."
"Follow your heart, huh?" I sighed.
"Heh." Tezeca forced herself upright. "Close enough. I'm tired, Wes. Let me show you back."
"Sure." I fell in behind her, and we retraced our steps.
"Done?" Luna turned away from talking to Bit.
"Yeah." I rubbed a hand over my eyes, resolve settling on me. I'd been thinking about this on the whole walk back; we hadn't exchanged a single word. "Tezeca, hold on."
"Yes?" The Queen, about to leave, turned back.
"Just… wait a second. Bit…" I reached into my shirt, and pulled out the necklace. Luna and Onyx gasped. "This is yours." I carefully unlooped it from my neck, but held it back.
"Yes?" Bit eyed it curiously.
"This is exactly what Celestia said your mother could give you. It's help for growing up."
"Wes?" Tezeca gave me an uncertain look.
"Just, hold on." I turned back to Bit. "I can't explain how it works, or even very much what it does. All I can say is that, if you take this, you will change. How? Can't say. But it will give you a new perspective on… well, everything." The necklace contained the full power of a Changeling Queen. A power that, used correctly, could rival Luna and Celestia. From mild-mannered secretary, to… what? I couldn't say. Still, my aide would remain Bit through it; of that much, I was sure.
"C…" Bit's voice faded.
"Yes?"
"Can… can I…" Its hoof twitched towards the necklace. "Can… I… Can I have it?" A mixture of uncertainty and pleading entered its voice, and I hesitated for a second before extending my hand.
"Of course." I smiled. "It’s yours."
"Wes, are you - " Tezeca's voice cut off, as the pendant touched Bit with a flash.
It wasn't visually spectacular, like some magic. But the inheritance had a gravitas to it; a weight of certainty and destiny that lent a seriousness all its own. As I watched, magic streamed from the pendant. It didn't even light up; after the first flash, it was visible only to my scanning as it laced itself carefully into Bit's body, layer upon layer of power.
It continued for minutes, stretching out longer than I’d imagined. Power poured endlessly, strong currents of magic. I would have marveled at such a small body containing it all, except it was so obviously right. Bit's natural abilities dovetailed seamlessly with her inheritance, each fragment of magic slotting perfectly into the outline provided.
The very last thing to change was her appearance. She cried out, stumbling, as the color leached from her left forehoof. I stepped forward to catch her as the yellow scrollwork Tezeca wore blossomed on her face. It was twisty, curling, strangely drawing the eye…
"Bit?" My voice was uncertain. "Are you okay?"
"Hic." In my arms, the new Queen started sobbing.
"Bit!" I carefully held her out, examining her as best I could. "Are you okay? Does it hurt?"
"W-wait..." She stifled her sobs long enough to silence me. "A… a minute."
I lapsed into silence. We all waited for her to finish crying.
"Sorry," she said weakly. Her eyes swirled, suddenly taking on the rich, royal blue Tezeca's had. The surface shimmered, patterns of a pupil and iris appearing. "It was intense."
"Are you okay?" I moved to release her, but she pulled me closer.
"Just… a minute more?" She looked up at me with pleading eyes. "A second ago, you… you were everything in the world that mattered. I don't want to give that up… just yet."
"Oh." I hugged her close again. "Okay."
"Bit?"
After a moment's silence, I broke the quiet.
"Yes?"
"Are you a Queen now?"
"Y-yes. I must make a cocoon, soon. But I'm Queen Bitterbloom Tezeca." Her voice was shaky.
"Are you okay with that?"
"I think I will be," she mumbled into my chest.
"How do you feel?"
"Scared." Her voice was small.
"Would you take a letter for me?"
"Mmmhmm." She didn't move.
"To Her Royal Highness, Queen Tezeca." Bit shivered at the words, but didn't speak. "As the Changeling Ambassador, I'm granting your Hive the right to pursue integration with Equestrian Society. The Equestrian Crown will aid in this endeavor, for the profit of both sides. Signed, Wesley Kilmer." Bit sighed. "Postscript. Dear Bitterbloom. I know being important and in charge can be scary and a lot of work. If you ever need to come see some friends who aren't afraid to call you ‘ladybug’ and have you make tea, visit us in Ponyville. We'll always welcome you."
"A-are you firing me?" Her voice was small.
"Um…"
"Because I don't want to resign."
"Bit, I…" I paused, the absurdity of the situation settling on me. "I can't have a changeling Queen as my secretary!"
"Why not?" She finally released me, and stepped back.
"I… uh…" I froze, unable to formulate a response. "Because?"
"That is a bad reason." She gave me a firm glare. "If you don't fire me, I won't resign."
"But… don't you have duties and things? Stuff to take care of?" I waved at the interior of the Hive.
"Oh." Her face fell slightly. "Yes. Perhaps."
"Ah." I paused, my attention suddenly returning to the scrollwork on her face. I traced a finger lightly across her muzzle. "What's this?"
"You can see that?" Tezeca's voice was shocked. Bit gave her a disparaging glance. I nodded.
"I-I'm not sure." Bit looked at my finger, cross-eyed. The pattern was nearly, but not quite, the same as the ones I'd seen before, despite being yellow. Curling, spiny, tribal. "All I know is, it's from when I… well, one of us, ate the sun."
"Ate… the sun?" Luna gave her a confused look.
"Celestia isn't the first." Tezeca stepped forward. "And she won't be the last." She shrugged. "But the memories blur, over the ages. Though Bit will understand my thoughts, she will have more trouble with my - " Tezeca's mouth twisted " - mother's. I don't remember more, either. Just, we ate the sun." Tezeca and Bit shared a glance.
"Well." I clapped my hands. "Good enough. Now, Bit. If you're serious about still being my secretary, you're welcome back anytime. But for now, I think you might benefit from spending a little time with the former Tezecan Queen."
"But…" Both of them looked uncertainly at me.
"You trust me with that?" Tezeca's voice was soft.
"Pshh." I shrugged. "You couldn't hurt Bit, even if you wanted to." Luna nodded. Both of us could tell; even newly crowned, Bit's power left her little to fear from the weakened former Queen. "And…" I smiled. "It might be good for both of you." I’d come to realize, I really was able to release my feelings for Tezeca. She cared. She wasn’t perfect, but hay; who was?
"If you say so." Bit looked up at me. "I don't feel very grown-up yet."
"Give it time." I patted her head. "You've got other duties now, and I'm sure you'll do great. Spend a little time learning them."
"Right." She drew a deep breath, and turned to the former Queen. "Right!"
"But, we need to go." Luna stepped forward, drawing Bit's attention. "Queen Bitterbloom Tezeca." She bowed low, a formal bow to an equal. Bit stepped back, shocked, but hesitantly bowed herself, accepting the respect.
"Bye, Bit." I gave the changeling a hug. "Be well." A twinge of worry and uncertainty tweaked my heart, but I looked from the new Queen to her… mother. She needed this. They both needed this. I firmed my resolve, and smiled at my erstwhile aide. "Come find me when you're ready."
"Yes sir." Her voice was soft, but she returned my hug fiercely for a second, before stepping back. "I'll make you proud."
"Of course you will." I smiled, and turned to follow Luna. "You always do your best."