Shining stalked down the halls of the castle, trying to make sense of his wife’s reasoning, while doing his best to not blow half the castle up out of sheer rage. It wouldn’t do if word got around that the royal couple may have had a bad anniversary. Gossip and attention were among the last things he needed right now.

Even so, Shining walked the less crowded halls for about half an hour before he found himself on an empty balcony overlooking the city. The sight often calmed him down on stressful days, but it did little good and only served as a reminder of the changeling invasion. When his shield was up and patrols were about, but after he was free from Chrysalis’ spell, he could see the destruction and mayhem the insect bastards had inflicted upon it.

Just the thought of Chrysalis walking free made him want to break something. At least it would be good practice for when he got his hands back on that changeling bitch. ’Dammit!’ he thought, ’Why would Cadance protect her? She should be with me on this, not against me!’ He growled and slammed his fist down upon the stone railing.

“Tis comforting to see our guards protecting us from rogue banisters. Perhaps we should worry about lamp assassins next.”

Shining almost jumped out of his skin as he spun around. “Princess Luna! I’m surprised you’re still up. Is something the matter?”

Luna shook her head. “No. I simply elected to stay up a bit later after my meal with my sister.” she said. “Night court was slow, but at least the dreams of our citizens were entertaining enough. I feel I should ask you the same question.”

“I’m just…” ’Furious. Confused. Ready to break someone.’ “...peachy.”

“I don’t think somepony who looks like they’re ready to commit murder would be akin to fruit.” Luna said, “I can’t say I don’t know the feeling. The nobles are a constant thorn in my plot.”

Shining looked away. “Yeah, nobles.”

“Now what is it that ails thee? As I recall, yesterday was thy anniversary. Did something happen? A lover’s quarrel, perhaps?”

“You could say that,” Shining said. A thought sparked in his mind. Cadance did say not to bring the guard onto Chrysalis, but nothing about Luna. The Princess of the Night was known to wipe the floor with the best of the guard soon after her return. She could probably hold her own against Chrysalis long enough to subdue her. But then again, Cadance might help her and would be royally pissed with him if he did catch Chrysalis. That’s not even taking into consideration the following investigations and the nobles finding out and calling for his resignation. It’d be easier to throw himself over the edge now than face the unrelenting torture of high society’s pressure.

“Would it perchance be the changeling that Cadance took to bed with you?” Luna asked.

Shining’s head whipped around to stare at Luna in shock. Not just by her casual tone, but by the fact that she knew and did nothing about it! “H-How did you know?”

Luna smirked. “Cadance’s dreams were causing quite a stir last night. I had thought it was a nightmare, but it was far from it. If the public knew of her dreams, you would have many stallions come after your head out of envy, but I digress. Through her dreams, I learned of the circumstances of the situation.”

“So you’ll help me, right?” Shining asked. This couldn’t be more-

“Nope.”

-wrong. Shining’s eye twitched. “I don’t think I heard you right. Did you say you wouldn’t help me capture Chrysalis?”

“Precisely. I understand your concerns, but I have seen enough to side with Cadance.” Luna crossed her arms. “Unless she’s strong enough to change her dreams at will, I believe there’s more to Chrysalis than you or anypony knows.”

“You’ve seen her dreams?” Shining asked. His hands opened and closed as if trying to grasp something.

“I have, and I will not discuss their contents. Dreams are a place of sanctuary in the mind. I won’t violate that sanctity for anypony. Just know that perhaps thou should try to learn about your supposed enemy. She may not be as large of a threat as you presume.” Luna said, “Now, I must be going. My sister wanted me present for the ambassador’s arrival before I go to sleep.” She strode away down the hall, vanishing around the corner, but then poked her head back out, “One more thing. If you’re going to keep brooding about this, then at least make yourself useful and pick up my order at the comic store. Should be under ‘Moonbeam’.”

Shining stood stock still as he stared at where Luna just was. ‘Is this some kind of sick joke? First Cadance and now Luna. What’s next, Celestia dangling shackles in front of me with a fishing pole?’ He shook his head and set off to run Luna’s errand. Comics always did take his mind off of stressful things.

It took about an hour to reach the biggest comic store in Canterlot. Shining had stopped by his parent’s to grab some inconspicuous clothes to help him blend with the crowd. The paparazzi sharks could catch wind of his chewed out hide if he didn’t. The sound of the entrance bell was almost lost among the din made by the other customers. A sense of nostalgia swept over Shining as he passed the aisles on his way to the cashier.

“Thank you, have a nice day,” the cashier said to the departing customer. He then noticed Shining’s approach and smiled. “And here I thought you were too whipped to grace us nerds with your presence.”

“Shut up, Gaffer.” Shining rolled his eyes. His old friend from Canterlot Academy never ceased to poke fun at Shining’s status and marriage. “Which waifu is it this week, Saddle Rager or Zapp? Or have you moved onto a real life waifu?”

“Fight me.” Gaffer raised his fists in an old fashioned boxing style.

They stared at each other with serious expressions for only a few seconds before they broke out into laughter. Gaffer was a unicorn with green eyes and a lighter green mane and tail. Most of his body was covered in orange fur up to his face, and down to his elbows and knees where it turned to white. His cutie mark was an eight sided die, indicating his skill as the appointed dungeon master when they had played Ogres and Oubliettes years ago.

“So what brings you by? Pretty sure the new Captain Equestria series doesn’t come out for another month.” Gaffer said.

“I’m here to pick up a package for ‘Moonbeam’.” Shining said, “Also, I figured I might as well browse while I’m here.”

Gaffer gave a solemn nod. “Blowing off work to get comics. I understand completely.” He crouched behind the counter and rifled among the cupboards

“I’m not blowing off work, Gaffer. You know I don’t do that.” Shining grinned. “Besides, we use the term ‘delegating’. Sounds much more official.”

“Of course, my mistake.” Gaffer said. He then pulled out a bag stuffed with comics and set it on the counter before ringing it up on the cash register. “I’ll put it on Moonbeam’s tab. You’d think Princess Luna would drop the whole disguise thing when she comes by. She’s the only one who talks like she’s from ancient times and can shout a stand over from across the room. Pretty sure all the customers know too, but it brings me business so I won’t complain.”

Shining shrugged. “Let her have her fun.” Knowing that his time here was running out, he tried to find an excuse to stay. “Hey, Gaffer. You’ve read most of the comics in here, right?”

“Just about. Except those Japonese comics for girls. Why?”

“How do villains redeem themselves? Like, what makes two arch enemies become allies?” Shining asked. If anypony could give advice on a matter like this, then surely one of his best friends could. The only concern was phrasing it so he wouldn’t arouse suspicion. It shouldn’t be too hard since Gaffer is a sucker for villain stories.

“Well it depends on the villain mostly. For instance, you can’t redeem the Mane-iac, but it’s possible to redeem Ms. Chill.” Gaffer said. He pulled out comic after comic to demonstrate his point. “Mane-iac is absolutely psychotic, but Ms. Chill has a plausible reason for redemption. She even allied with Bat-Mane a couple times.”

“Didn’t you say you would ‘totally warm her up’ when they released that special edition series that one winter?” Shining asked.

“Don’t judge me.”

“Too late for that.”

Gaffer rolled his eyes and continued. “Anyways, the only thing that keeps her from being redeemed is Bat-Mane’s unyielding sense of justice. She’s still a villain, so he still sends her to the slammer. Now if it was Supermare, then she might redeem her, but that’s comics.”

“I see.” Shining said. Gears were starting to shift in his mind and not in a way he liked. “Why would Supermare redeem her better than Bat-Mane?” Shining had a feeling he knew the answer, but needed to hear it from his friend.

“They both have very strong senses of justice, but Supermare tends to give second chances while Bat-Mane usually focuses on the danger the villain presents.” Gaffer said. “Since Supermare was based a bit off of Princess Celestia, she tries to guide criminals onto the right path more often than not, even if it’s unlikely to work. Bat-Mane would rather use fear and violence to stop criminals and not even give them the chance to commit another crime.”

“Uh-huh.” Shining glanced at the clock. “As much as I’d like to continue our conversation, I need to head back to work. Later, Gaffer.”

“No problem, dude. Tell Cadance I said ‘Hi’!”

“Sure thing.” Shining left the store and wandered his way back to the palace with a lot on his mind. His day started with an explosion of justified anger, but now that he’s had time to examine the aftermath he doesn’t know what to think anymore.

‘Cadance has always been a good judge of a pony’s heart, or at least their desires. She wouldn’t have been stupid enough to side with Chrysalis if she meant us harm. Then again, I’m still not entirely sure she’s not brainwashed,’ Shining thought. He grimaced as he turned his mind to the other factor. ‘And if Luna knew all this time, then she would have interfered if Chrysalis had tried to pull something. Ponyfeathers, she would have busted through the window itself the second she thought we were in danger.’

He turned over every fact of the morning in an attempt to find something that he could use to augment his side of the story. By the time he reached the palace, he rehearsed the events through his mind a dozen times and was grasping at straws. ‘This is ridiculous! I shouldn’t be the bad guy here. I’m not! I’m just trying to protect my family.’

Shining sent Luna’s package to her room with one of the staff. ‘What if, by some astronomical chance, that they’re right? Chrysalis isn’t as terrible as I make her out to be. Then according to Gaffer, I’d be Bat-Mane.’ He made a quick, mental note for his next Nightmare Night costume. ‘But why should I give her a chance? This could very well be some ploy to lure us into a false sense of security. Ugh, I wish Twilight was here. She would know what to do.’

The thought gave him pause. “Hmm. What would Twilight do?” As he pondered his predicament, Shining reached the door to his suite. Without thinking, he opened the door and slipped inside. He realized his position when he heard Cadance’s voice ring across the room.

“Now grip it tight with your legs and then slowly lean back.” she said, “This part is fun because you get to shake your chest a bit.”

“Can we go back to the basics?” Chrysalis asked, “I don’t know if I can bend that far yet.”

“Sure, I just want to show you what you can do when you get to my level. For example, something like this.”

Chrysalis blushed. “...I feel very uncomfortable right now.”

Cadance leered at her. “Really? How about now?”

“I’m pretty sure that would only work if I was a male.” Chrysalis said. Her voice didn’t sound like she completely believed it.

Shining decided then to stop this nonsense before his mind could wander down dangerous, yet tempting paths. “Cadance, what the hell are you doing?” As of the moment, his wife was entwined sensually around a metal pole, clad in only a pink sports bra and booty shorts with her cutie marks on them. Chrysalis was in a similar position, except she was gripping her pole like she was hanging over a pit of spikes. Due to her facing away from him, Shining noticed she was also wearing the exact same thing as Cadance but had “Bad Girl” printed on the back of her shorts. If Shining remembered correctly, then the top would say “Milkshakes”, and that Cadance wore them whenever she wanted to roleplay a delinquent who would get spa-

Chrysalis’ embarrassed scream pulled Shining away from that dangerous rabbit hole. Her face was red as she first tried to use her hands to cover herself, then try to use Cadance as a makeshift barrier and shield while trying to pull a blanket around herself.

“H-How long have you been there?” Chrysalis asked, peeking out from behind Cadance’s shoulder, “Because I just want to say right now, this whole thing was her idea.”

“Aw, come on Chryssy. I need a pole dancing buddy,” Cadance said, slipping around to catch her in a side hug. “Just think of the love you could get from it! Not to mention the exercise.”

“And I said I’ll consider it. I’m not going to whore out my people for love,” Chrysalis frowned and turned to Shining, “I assume by the lack of guards you’re not going to arrest me?”

By now, Shining had dispelled all thoughts of how cute Chrysalis’ reaction was or anything related to her current attire. Any doubts Shining had earlier were also dispelled and he knew his decision. “No. Not today.” The two mares gives sighs of relief and he pressed on before they got the wrong idea. “I still don’t trust you, but I trust my wife. So I’m going to give you one chance to prove yourself. If you give me any reason to doubt you, I will bring Tartarus down upon you.” He didn’t want to reveal Luna’s involvement so he could use it as a trump card in case she got any funny ideas.

Chrysalis stared at him. “Fair enough. I’ll take what I can get. Speaking of which, I need to return home with all of this love energy.”

“And that’s something I had been meaning to ask,” Shining said. “How did you get in here?”

“Simple. Follow me.” Chrysalis led the way through the bathroom and opened the closet door. It was a good sized walk in closet, able to fit twenty guardponies with armor and some room to spare. Chrysalis ignited her horn and a small panel, large enough for Shining to crawl through, slid open. If Chrysalis hadn’t shown them, they would never have found it due to the seamless insert.

“It’s an old escape tunnel I found. It leads to the catacombs and caverns below Canterlot. From here, I can get to a few places in the palace and the city.” Chrysalis said. “This is probably one of the few more stable tunnels around though, so I wouldn’t go poking your head in unless you know your way around.”

Shining’s guard instincts screamed at this new information. He was going to have to make a note for the next guard captain to inspect the castle for any more hidden tunnels. For now, he needed to contain this one. A flash of his horn later and he created a one way barrier across the entrance. Chrysalis could leave through it, but nothing could enter through it. He explained it to the others.

Cadance nodded in agreement. “That’s for the best. And if I do this…” Cadance pulled out a pair of bracelets from a rack and used her magic upon them. She then put one bracelet on Chrysalis’ arm. “There, so long as you keep this on, you’ll be able to pass through the barrier and when you arrive, it will notify me and I’ll be able to tell you if I’m available. Green means I’m here and it’s safe to appear. Yellow means that there is someone other than me here and red means it’s too dangerous to appear.”

“Okay then,” Chrysalis said. She stared at the bracelets, then the barrier, and then at the royal couple. “So does this mean we’re friends? Except I’m getting love from you and you have one less enemy, so I guess friends with benefits?”

“...Yes,” Cadance said. Her resulting grin was crooked, as if she was restraining herself from laughing. It was only after Chrysalis changed her clothes and left that she released her laughter. “Sweet Celestia, she’s too cute!”

“I think you’re enjoying this a bit too much,” Shining said. His wife had always had a high libido and a very suggestive mind ever since they started dating. It was part of being the Princess of Love to know about her domain. The scary part was how well she could control it. Nopony would ever think that their princess would be thinking about hardcore porn while holding court with a straight face. Some days, it took all of Shining’s stamina just to keep up with her.

“How can I not?” Cadance replied. “You should have seen her face when I first suggested that she could get love by sleeping with us.” She let loose a stream of manic giggles. When she calmed down enough, she continued. “Besides, now I have someone to talk about love and sex issues with. Don’t get me wrong, my aunts are nice, but Celestia is too polite to talk about sex with and Luna… I still don’t think she’s taken all my lessons on modern relationships to heart. And it’s not like I can speak freely about it with any nobles without them passing out from shock.”

“I just hope you know what you’re doing,” Shining said. “I don’t want you to get hurt again.”

Cadance gave him a reassuring hug. “Don’t worry. I’ll be fine. For now,” She pressed a thigh between Shining’s legs, “I want to reward my big stallion for getting the stick out of his butt and listening to his wife.”

Shining smirked and groped Cadance’s flank. “Does this reward involve putting a stick up my wife’s butt?”

“Maaaybe.”

“Sounds good to me.”

*****

After changing back into her original clothes and leaving the closet of Cadance and Shining, Chrysalis flew through the hidden passages and caverns below Canterlot down to the old Diamond Dog tunnels. The tunnels were made to transport gems from quarries so they were usually a straight shot and these led to Rambling Rock Ridge which meant less ponies to avoid. After half an hour, she reached the exit and came out from below the gnarled roots of an ancient tree. She dusted herself off for a second before taking the long flight over the Everfree and into the Badlands.

Once she crossed into the desert, it wasn’t long until she came upon the massive plateau where the Hive was situated. It looked like the original builders tried to fit it all on the mesa but it just spilled over and down the walls and into the plains. The castle itself resembled a cone with its multiple concentric rings leading up to the Queen’s Spire, the place where the Queen can see all the territory of her kingdom. It was a place Chrysalis feared she would never see.

It didn’t take long for her to reach the castle and land at the front gate, an imposing structure of dark iron with pointed barbs all over the bars to ward off any intruder. The gates opened at Chrysalis’ call, allowing her through. The castle itself seemed to frown upon the new arrival, as it loomed over her. The cloudy skies above weren’t helping any.

Chrysalis strode up the steps. The massive doors opened before she even reached it and shut behind her with a thundering boom. Not wasting any time, Chrysalis headed towards the throne room. On the way there, she heard a familiar cackle.

“Well, well, well. Look who’s decided to come home early. What happened, sister? Did you forget how to flirt?”

Chrysalis grimaced, but she didn’t stop walking, “Hello, Black Widow.” She didn’t have to turn to know that the owner of the voice was hanging from the ceiling above by the white silk she can produce. “What do you want?”

“Aww, is that any way to greet your dear sibling?” Widow asked, “Besides, what could you have that I don’t already? But if you must know, I do wish I could see mother’s face when she finds out how little love you brought back for us.”

Chrysalis tried not to flinch. “What makes you think that? I could have brought much more than you did last time.”

Black Widow’s laugh echoed through the halls. “Don’t try to fool me.” Suddenly, her voice appeared next to Chrysalis’ ear. “I can smell it.” She was gone before Chrysalis could turn to face her. “Besides, this was your first outing since your, ahem, ‘invasion’. Do you think mother will let you get off so lightly again? You got lucky with just owing a large debt to the Hive and a slap on the wrist. I can’t wait to see what it will take for her to drain you and leave the rest to the vultures.”

‘Don’t let her get to you. She’s just trying to lure you in. It’s her thing. Just don’t let her get you.’ Chrysalis thought as she tried to ignore her taunts like she had for years and kept moving to the throne room. Eventually, Widow scurried off to find some other poor soul to lure into her web.

Chrysalis soon stood before the throne room doors, heart beating in her ears. She couldn’t avoid this no matter what. It was easier this way, lest she wanted her mother to come visit her, which would just multiply any punishment she received. She moved to open them, but they anticipated her, swinging wide open on silent hinges.

Upon entering, the room itself seemed to dominate all inside. It was a large, circular room capable of housing a battalion of changeling troops. The ribbed, stone walls loomed over the room as they arched overhead, meeting at a singular column in the center. Due to the room’s location under the central spire, the column doubled as the housing facility for the Heart of the Hive, an ancient changeling artifact used to store and disperse all love gathered by the people. At the base of the column, spread across the floor, were several thick pipes filled with love energy, pumping the people’s bounties into the artifact’s chamber for storage. Later on, the love would be slowly dispersed over the Hive from the tip of the central spire.

Also at the base, among a plethora of controls and gauges, was the throne. It looked as if it was almost grown straight from the column itself, the glowing green tubes around it only enhancing the idea. There sitting upon the throne was Queen Beatrice, or Queen Bee as the drones call her when she isn’t around.

“You’re late, child.” she spoke in a gravelly voice that fit her aged body. She looked like Chrysalis in many ways, but her chitin was cracked and her midsection and legs had stripes of yellow running parallel rings around her, matching her golden toga that covered most of her body. She leaned her head on her fist and wore a rather bored, unimpressed expression. “What have you brought from your little excursion?”

Chrysalis gulped and kneeled before the throne, “I come bearing love for the Hive.” She spoke, keeping her face down, but stealing glances upwards.

The Queen’s expression never changed. “Show me, child.”

Chrysalis summoned what love she had gathered from Cadance that morning and cast it towards her mother, praying for the best. The tension in the air was almost tangible as the Queen kept silent and examined the gathering of love. Time seemed to slow to a crawl as Chrysalis awaited her judgement.

“Enough.” Beatrice said, “Since your little plan to conquer Canterlot had failed, I had thought you had given up on trying to take the crown. I was surprised you had even left the castle considering your recent activity.”

She wasn’t the only one. After such a humiliating defeat, Chrysalis had spent the past year trying to come up with a new plan to make up for her losses. The only times she was seen by the public were when they came to her court. It was only over the past week that Chrysalis had built up enough confidence and spare time to enact her one-pony assault. She noticed the stares she received when she left the castle grounds.

The Queen continued on, “I do not know where you went, nor do I care. My concern is the amount of love you returned with.”

Chrysalis chanced a response. “Is it not satisfactory? I tried to stay as long as I could but-”

“Silence, child. On the contrary, you did better than I had expected of you. The love you gathered is very potent and is not a small amount. This is far beyond anything you’ve brought before.”

“Thank you,” Chrysalis said. She noticed the Queen had not smiled once and did not look like she was about to change.

“Now while you did better than expected, you still have far to go to fulfill your debt to the Hive,” Beatrice said. “If by some miracle you happen to continue to bring back the amount you have today then it wouldn’t take long to fulfill your debt and then some.” The Queen leaned forward in her seat and narrowed her eyes on Chrysalis. “Knowing you, I highly doubt that. You’re more than welcome to prove me wrong.”

Chrysalis tried not to flinch at the verbal jab. Ever since the first time she went out to gather love, Chrysalis always struggled to make her quota. There were times when she would do very well and reach her quota for a month at most, but more often than not she didn’t. It never helped that said quota was always increased each year, or her sister’s consistent successful excursions.

“Now begone, child,” Beatrice said, “I have more important matters to attend to.”

Chrysalis nodded and left the room. She didn’t dare run back to her room for the chance of her sister finding out. Chrysalis didn’t know how, but Black Widow always knew when she ran from the throne room to her own. As soon as she reached her room, she threw herself face down onto her bed and just laid there. Her bed, much like her room, was quite large so it only increased how small she felt at the moment. She knew she should probably get up and change in the closet off to the side, but with her current mood, she didn’t feel like putting in the effort. Plus, she had enough of closets for a while. It wasn’t long until she felt a brush slowly stroke her hair.

“How was your trip, Little Butterfly?” a soothing voice said. Chrysalis didn’t need to see that it was Matilda, her caretaker. Only she called her ‘Little Butterfly’ on account of her hopes for Chrysalis. She was a wizened changeling with grey hair and soft, wrinkled skin. Her eyes were a calming blue that always seemed to say that everything would be fine.

Chrysalis turned her head to speak, “I’m still trying to decided if it was the best or worst decision I’ve ever made.” Matilda just kept brushing the Princess’ hair. She always did that when they talked as the brush pulled out tangles as well as thoughts.

“Oh, I don’t think so,” Matilda said. “Your best decision was trying again despite failure. Your worst was trying to cook when you were young.”

Chrysalis pouted. “Why must you always bring that up? I was just a foal.”

Matilda chuckled. “Because it’s always true. Now tell me what happened.”

Chrysalis blushed and buried her face into her pillows. “I dun wanna.” Her words came out, muffled by the fabric.

“Why not? You always tell me what happened during an outing.”

“It’s embarrassing!”

“Oh dear Chrysalis. I took care of your since you were born. I’ve seen many of your less than perfect moments. What’s one more?”

“…Fine.” Chrysalis explained everything, only giving vague details of the more intimate moments. Matilda just sat there, patiently listening to her words until she was finished. She didn’t laugh or tease at any point in the story. It was one of the reasons Chrysalis could always confide in her. When she finished, Matilda just nodded.

“From what you told me, I don’t think you failed at all. In fact, quite the opposite,” Matilda said. “How many changelings can boast that they reclaimed love from those who discovered them? Without a disguise, no less. Not only that, but you were asked to return again. Tell me who can make such a claim?”

Chrysalis frowned. “None, but I don't think my dignity is going to survive many more trips.”

Matilda smiled. “Don’t think like that, Little Butterfly. A bit of dignity is a small sacrifice compared to the rewards you’ll reap.”

“I suppose you’re right.” Chrysalis propped her head upon her hands and looked at Matilda. “Having Cadance as an ally would mean access to pure, unfiltered love for me to bring home. Not to mention having somepony else to talk to.”

“I meant you getting some good loving from that Shining Armor stallion, but that’s important, too.”

That made Chrysalis leap off the bed and point at her caretaker. “No! That is not why I’m doing this!” She couldn’t hide the blush on her face.

Matilda wore a smug grin that only the elderly could pull off. The kind that spoke of years of experience. “Chrysalis, I may be old, but I can still hear the younger maids chatter and from what I hear, this married stallion is quite the stud. I know you’ve been squeamish when it came to such matters, but can you look me in the eye and tell me you didn’t enjoy it?”

“...I-I didn’t enjoy it.”

“Those aren’t my eyes, dear.”

Chrysalis threw her arms in the air. “What does it matter? He only did it with me because he thought I was someone else. It’s not like it’s going to happen again.”

“So you say, Little Butterfly. So you say.”

Author's Note

Change log: The better question is, what didn't I change? Only thing I kept were certain events happening (Luna meeting Shining, Shining giving Chryssy a chance, and the love harvesting). Everything else is pretty much new.

Oh, and Gaffer is from the comics. Not my OC.

Thank you guys for the overwhelming support and love. I finally broke 1k with this fic and I got a lot of new people reading this too. Of course, I also gained several dislikes when I started this fic back up. Jerks. I think i'm going to delay the poll for new cover art for a while. I want people to get a good feel for the story before choosing a new cover (or not). I'm also trying to squeeze out words for the latest chapter rewrite, but it's been tough with school and distractions. However, I came this far and I'm not going to let you down. Just don't mob me if you see me publish new fics. Please.

Anyways, tell me what you think of this chapter.

P.S. Yes, I have seen the season finale. No, I will not be rewriting anything to accommodate for all the canon. Rewriting it once was hellish enough. I can incorporate a couple things, but not big things like the ever changing hive structure or the psychedelic color palette of the changed-lings. I got some headcanons to show off here and these guns have been gathering dust for too long.