//------------------------------// // Chapter Four - Returning to Ponyville // Story: Changeling Society // by EvePony //------------------------------// Queen Chrysalis had experience blending in with ponies before. She fooled many into believing she was Princess Cadence. But even then, she had a character to follow. Here, standing on the platform of the train station with the Element bearers, she didn't exactly know what to say. When she was alone, she didn't have to say much. But now, she feels obliged to speak. Her new friends were wrapped up in conversation that, to Chrysalis, had no context. She stood a few feet away, paying attention to her own thoughts. She glanced around every so often to look at the few other ponies who shared the platform with her. Chrysalis was "Chrya" now, and she had to follow a persona to keep her true identity under wraps. She was no longer a Queen, but a subject. A regular pony to those who did not know the truth. Breaking the silence, a loud train horn sounded from the tracks further down. "Hey, the train is here!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed, flying beside a bouncing Pinkie Pie. The train screeched to a halt, and the conductor stepped out onto the platform. "Hey, Chrya, we can go now" Twilight said, motioning for her to join the group on board the train. Chrya nodded, and walked towards Twilight. They trotted to the one empty train car, and sat down together. Chrya sat further up, so she was alone. She gazed out the window, looking at the street that was slowly moving out of her vision as the train pullled away. She was startled when she felt the seat below her sink more, indicating somepony had joined her. She turned to face Twilight, who smiled at her. "Chrya, we never got a chance to speak very much last night" Twilight said. "I know. I just feel.. left out. I'm not sure how to interject in conversation" Chrya admitted. "Well, I'm pretty good at making friends now. When I first came to Ponyville, even before that, I was never good at making any friends. But others," Twilight pointed behind them to the 5 giggling mares, " showed me that friendship is the greatest thing anypony could ever have". Twilight finished. Chrya smiled at Twilight, again lost for words. "Chrya, where are you from? I mean, you are obviously not from Ponyville or Canterlot." Twilight asked bluntly. "I... I've lived in Manehattan my whole life. I never really went out and interacted with friends before. I've mostly worked in shops." Chrya said, internally sighing. Great cover up! "Where have you worked? I mean, from your cutie mark, it seems interesting" Twilight observed. "Well, just here and there jobs. My cutie mark is from... creating crowns and regal wear with my magic!" she said with a smile, hoping Twilight had bought it. "Hm, I bet Rarity would live to see your work sometime!" she said. Chrya sighed, and nodded. She would have to work on spells that can conjure attire from scraps quickly. Twilight and Chrya kept talking, getting to know each other. Chrya was surprised that Twilight was genuinely interested in listening to her. Or, maybe Twilight just wanted her to spill the beans and get her to admit that she was Queen of the Changelings. Chrya was too far in now, and she had to keep the persona as long as possible. Though, when thinking about it, she really did enjoy talking to Twilight. Something about her made her seem... welcoming. ~ The trains horn sounded from above, and halted. "Ponyville, here we come!" Pinkie said, being the first one race off the train, along side Dash. Chrya and Twilight were the last ones to exit, meeting the group on the platform. "So, Chrya, where do ya plan on staying?" Applejack asked, standing beside her. "Well, I'm not sure. Princess Celestia did say I would be staying with one of you..." she trailed off. "I'd be more than happy to have you stay in the library with me" Twilight interrupted. Chrya looked around the group, pondering if it was a good idea. Finally, she nodded. "That would be great. Thank you Twilight, and thank you all too. I would be sleeping on the ground again if it wasn't for you" she said, looking to the ground. "That's what loyal friends are for!" Rainbow Dash said, flying higher into the sky. The girls shook their heads at the confident mare, and laughed. Soon after their depart, Chrya and Twilight made it home. Entering the library, Chrya was taken aback by the amount of books. Sure, it was a library, but the one back at her castle was nothing compared to Twilight's stacked shelves. "A good amount of these are from my own collection. You're free to read any that you like!" "Hey Twilight, you're ho-" Spike cut himself short when he laid wide eyes on the new pony. "Twi, that looks li-" "Hey, Spike! Chrya, I have to speak privately with Spike about something... princesses orders! We'll be one moment" she said quickly, before pulling Spike into the next room. "Twilight, that looks like Queen Chrysalis if you ask me." Spike said cautiously, hoping the look-a-like in the other room didn't hear. "I know Spike, that's why she's here. Me and the girls plan to find out what she could be doing here. But you have to address her as "Chrya", and you can't act weird around her. Okay?" Twi explained. Spike sighed, "Yeah, alright. Just be careful with her. We don't know what she could do!" Twilight exited the room, and found Chrya oogling at the books. "Chrya, do you read often?" the lavender mare asked from behind. "Not really, I never delve into any books" she said vaguely. A purple magic enveloped the book in front of Chrya's face. "How about I give you some of my best recommendations. What are you interested in? Magic? Fantasy? Adventure?" She asked. "All 3, and probably more" Chrya said, following the multiple books that levitated from the shelves with her eyes. A pile began to form on the floor beside Chrya, forming her activities for the next few hours. "These are some great ones. Let me show you to your room, so you can start there" Twilight said, smiling. Chrya levitated the books with her own magic, following behind Twilight. ~ Many hours had passed, and Chrya had gone through at least 3 books, all being quite lengthy. She head read about magic, and the first 2 Daring Do books. Never before had she been so interested in such common hobbies, but she loved it. The door to her left creaked slightly, and Chrya noticed the lavender ear emerging thought the crack. "Come in Twilight" she said, resting the book face-down. "Hi there Chrya, are you enjoying your books?" "I am. I've never taken the time out to read a lot, except for spellbooks of course" she said softly. "Well, I'm here to ask you a question. I remember you saying you wanted to travel around Equestria," Chrya nodded, "how about we plan some trips? Where would you like to go?" Twilight revealed a quill and ink, along with parchment paper and a map levitating behind her. Resting the objects on the desk, Twilight sat down to listen. "Well, I would like to visit all the places I haven't been before and experience everything" "Let's make a list" Twilight smiled, resting the map in front of Chrya. Chrya scanned the map, recognizing familiar regions. "How about... the Crystal Empire, Rainbow Falls, Appeloosa and maybe try Canterlot one more time" Chrya smiled. All the major points where major events happen. Good thinking, Chrysalis. Twilight finished jotting down the locations and glanced at the eager grey mare. "I've been to all of those places before, and I loved them all. There are lots of great things that happen in those regions! How about we prepare some of those trips soon?" Twilight asked. Chrya smiled wider, "that would be awesome!" Twilight gathered her supplies, "I know you'll like it" she said calmly. Crossing the threshold, Chrya called out before Twilight could fully close the door. "Good night Twilight" Twilight paused, "Good night, Chrya." she said, before closing the door.