Chrya awoke with a book in her face.
Drowsily opening her sleep-caked eyes, glancing around the room, she remembered where she was. She was in Twilight Sparkle's guest room, and she must have fallen asleep while reading a book.
Using her magic, she placed a nearby bookmark softly in between the pages, and closed the book. Daring Do and the Sapphire Stone.
Wow, thought Chrya, Twilight surely knows how to pick some good books.
Placing the book aside, Chrya stood up and gathered her thoughts. The clock behind her read 10:12 AM, just late enough to recover her lost sleep over the last few days.
Shaking her head, she opened the door, which creaked loudly, and stuck her head across the threshold. Scanning the room, she noticed Spike in the living room, setting up the table with plates and cutlery. A crash sounded from the kitchen, startling him.
"Twilight? Are you okay?"
"Yes Spike, I'm alright. Just dropped a pan... or two" she admitted, laughing. Spike giggled and continued on with his work. Chrya hesitantly started down the stairs, catching Spike's attention.
"Good morning... Chrya" he said, delaying her name.
"Hello Spike. What event is taking place here?" she asked, her eyes looking over the utensils and napkins.
"Twilight said we should have breakfast together. She's actually making it right no-" Spike was interrupted by the kitchen door swinging open.
"Chrya! I'm just finishing up breakfast, just give me one moment" she smiled awkwardly, hiding away back into the kitchen.
Chrya smiled weakly, and sat down at the table. Spike had also taken his seat, to the left of Chrya. Moments later, Twilight emerged with a pan levitating in front of her. She took a spatula, and scraped the fried vegetables onto the plate. Twilight returned the pan to kitchen, and took her seat across from Chrya.
"I rarely make breakfast, so you can thank Spike for helping me" she said kindly.
"Thank you Spike" Chrya smiled, closing her eyes.
"So Chrya," Twilight said with a mouthful, "the girls and I want to start taking you to all of the places we listed yesterday night"
Chrya stopped the fork a few inches away from her mouth. "Really? This early?"
"I hope it's not a problem..." Twilight said, lifting her glass of juice.
"No, not at all! In fact, I am quite eager!" she said, smiling brightly.
Twilight returned the gesture, "I am too!"
~
Approaching Sugar Cube Corner, the two mares heard the laughing of the rest of their friends resounding from the interior of the welcoming building. Smiling at Chrya, Twilight headed up the stairs and pushed the door open for her.
5 faces turned around to greet them.
"Hey there Chrya, Twilight!" Pinkie shouted, frantically waving her hoof in the air.
"Chrya, Twilight told us about how you want to visit a whole bunch of places you have never been" Fluttershy said softly.
"I do. I have never traveled... and the thought of journeying and seeing the different types of culture is quite exciting" she admitted.
"Well let me tell you, it's pretty neat to travel to different places in Equestria. I don't know much about geography, but every place we go, we always make new friends!" Rainbow explained while nonchalantly hovering over the group.
'Well girls, it seems we have some packing to do. Our first stop, Rainbow Falls!" Twilight announced.
Pinkie clapped her hooves together, prancing around.
"Twilight dear, when do we leave?" Rarity asked, standing from her seat.
"Well, I was thinking sooner than later. How about in a few hours? We'll be there by nightfall" she said.
"Sounds wonderful!" Rarity replied, sipping her tea.
"Can... can I say something to you all?" Chrya spoke up.
Twilight's ears perked, waiting intently for Chrya to continue. The rest of the girls did the same.
"Frankly, I want to thank you all. Thank you for accepting me without second judgement. Thank you for supplying me with my first taste of what friendship can do. Thank you for giving me a home and support" she trailed off, closing her eyes...
Suddenly, Chrya felt warm. She felt fur on fur. Wait... she was being hugged! The mane 6 had surrounded her and hugged her, "awwing" and cooing all the while. Chrya was surprised at first, but embraced the group hug. Maybe, maybe these mares weren't so bad. Maybe... she could tell them the truth.
No! Not yet. It was too risky. Considering the wrath Twilight and Celestia wished to wreak on Queen Chrysalis, and her determination to expose her... she could do it again. Maybe they wouldn't understand at all.
Maybe.... maybe they would think Chrysalis is stupid for wanting to create a second Equestria. For wanting to merge colonies and trade supplies peacefully. Maybe Princess Celestia would lock her away, so she would never see her subjects again. Maybe she would be banished by law back to her kingdom, so her and her army would starve, and die off.
After the six mares let go, Chrya shook her head. Those last thought were ridiculous, of course! Twilight doesn't hate Chrya... but she might hate Chrysalis. Chrya decided then, that her identity would not be revealed until she cleared Queen Chrysalis' name.
"Alright ladies, how about we get ready for that train ride, shall we?" Rarity suggested, leading the way outside Sugarcube Corner.
A collective "mhm, yep!" sounded behind Rarity, and they exited. Chrya, once again, was last to exit. She joined the girls outside, said their temporary goodbyes, and headed off to grab a few things.
~
Meeting at the train station, Twilight and Chrya were the first ones there.
"So Chrya, do you know anything about Rainbow Falls?" Twilight asked.
"No, but I know that there is a trading exchange there. Many ponies gather to trade their items, and it's quite famous." Chrya replied, searching for more knowledge.
Their conversation was surely interrupted by 5 mares, chatting and laughing.
"Hello again!" Pinkie said, bouncing up to Twilight and Chrya.
Twilight giggled, greeting the pink party pony.
The train shortly arrived afterwards, and they all boarded the train, taking off to Rainbow Falls.