A Changeling's Research

Queen Chrysalis sat in her darkened throne room, with her head hanging tiredly. She was still exhausted after the attack on Canterlot. The Princess and Prince's love repellent had taken a considerable toll on the queen as well as her soldiers. She had little energy to do anything anymore.

She sighed, her tiredness beginning to make her eyelids droop.

But her hunger kept her from fully sleeping.

Sudden loud voices jolted her awake.

From the other side of the doors came two very recognizably loud voices.

Chrysalis shook herself and sat up straight preparing herself for the earful about to enter.

"Stop Being Ridiculous!" Chrysalis's two advisers burst through the doors, the elder one slightly behind the younger one.

The elder changeling was Mite, Chrysalis's long-time general and his age showed. He kept his mane short and close to his head like the rest of the army, despite him rarely going into battles anymore. His eyes and wings were red, a rare color among the hive. He had stopped in the open doorway and glared at the other adviser, his insect wings trembling with anger.

The other adviser was Katydid, a young female, who spent her time researching ways to help the hive. Her mane was cut straight and short, coming to just under her muzzle. She stopped and turned her cyan eyes to General Mite giving him a vicious glare.

"I'm Telling You It's Ready!" Katydid protested, "It Only Needs To Be Tested!"

"Don't Be Reckless!" General Mite insisted.

"But I'm The Only Logically-," Katydid protested.

"Enough." Chrysalis raised a hoof to silence the two changelings.

The two quieted instantly and turned to her.

She sighed then stepped off her throne.

"Please, do not quarrel so," she said, "You will wake those who are able to sleep."

Both advisers looked down shamefully.

"Is there something you wish to discuss?" Chrysalis asked walking back to her throne.

Both of them were instantly shouting again.

"This Ridiculous Larvae Thinks She-!" General Mite began.

"He Thinks He Can-!" Katydid interrupted.

"SILENCE!" Chrysalis yelled.

Again they fell silent.

"Katy," the Queen addressed her, "How is you research?"

"I'm Finally Ready To Test It!" Katydid announced proudly.

Chrysalis looked up in surprise.

"Truly?"

Katydid nodded enthusiastically.

"But who will test it?" Chrysalis inquired.

"I will your Majesty!" Katydid replied.

"You?"

"No other changeling has studied the pony culture like I have!" Katydid explained, "I'm the best choice!"

"But," Chrysalis began.

"You're the Queen's adviser!" General Mite interrupted, "If you are caught who could possibly replace you?!"

Katydid looked stunned for a moment.

"But who else would go?" Katydid asked, "Any other would be in more danger than I would."

This stumped General Mite.

Chrysalis closed her eyes and let her head drop.

She loved all those in her hive. The thought of losing a single one of them pained her. But they had already lost so many to the hunger. Even Iron Heart had lost his mate. She knew that had been what prompted him to push for the invasion in Canterlot. She too had been so pained by the lose of so many that she had ignored Katydid's warnings.

Chrysalis gazed at her.

Could her research be the only hope we have left? Chrysalis wondered.

"Go." Chrysalis said finally.

"You're Majesty?" Both advisers stared at her.

"Go. Test your research Katy," Chrysalis told her with a small smile.

"HOORAY!!" Katydid jumped for joy and raced out of the throne room to prepare.

"You're Majesty," General Mite called Chrysalis's attention to him, "Was that truly wise?"

Chrysalis's smile was instantly gone.

"What other hope do we have?" she asked him.

General Mite looked down sadly.

Chrysalis looked to the doors where Katydid had disappeared.

She only wished Katydid had finished her research sooner.