Under normal circumstances, King Thorax would always prefer to be out in the open, enjoying the bright sunlight and cool breeze that his home often enjoyed now that the corrupting influence of Queen Chrysalis was no longer an issue for them. But, these were not normal circumstances, and as such, the new monarch of the Changelings found himself instead walking down one of the many dark tunnels that made up the interior of his Hive. Many Changelings bowed in respect to him as he passed them by, and he, in turn, gave a nod and a smile. But, that smile would always fade soon afterwards, for he knew his purpose here, and did not look forward to it. Before long, he came upon his destination, the entrance to a particular chamber, and it was here that he stopped, for he saw that he was not alone here. Another Changeling, similar to him in size but bearing far darker colouring, was standing outside that chamber, and as soon as his King approached, he turned.
"Brother."
Thorax nodded.
"Pharynx."
The two siblings remained quiet for a time, standing side-by-side as they looked into the open chamber. Within was another of their Hive, a female, sitting quietly with a warm and genuine smile, and opposite her was yet another of their kind, but far different in looks. His carapace was jet black, and he bore sharp and deadly-looking fangs. This Changeling was what they were before the great change, and so he remained, a clear sign of one who followed the older ways of Chrysalis. But when one looked at him, they did not see a vicious beast. Instead, they saw a drone who was shaking heavily, afraid to even look his companion in the eye, even as she spoke calming words to him. Thorax, for his part, narrowed his eyes at this individual, before turning to his brother.
"I haven't had the chance to speak to him yet. How's he doing?"
Pharynx sighed.
"Same as always. He's been like this since we found him."
Thorax nodded, taking a deep breath.
"Alright then...perhaps it's time."
So, the King of the Changelings began to enter the chamber himself, ready to speak to this creature who had once been his enemy. But, as he entered, his towering form began to cast a shadow on the wall on the opposite side of the room, and the former rebel soon noticed this. His eyes widened, and he backed away from the shadow, turning sharply to see Thorax enter. He was panicked, panting furiously, all while the female spoke up to him, attempting to keep him relaxed.
"It's alright! It's alright! It's not her!"
Still panting, the drone saw that she had the fight of it, as he finally noticed who it was that actually entered.
"Oh! Th...Thorax, it's...it's you."
Pharynx, who was still standing in the doorway, narrowed his eyes.
"That's King Thorax to you!"
But his brother looked to him with disapproval, prompting the Captain to give a grumble before stepping to the side. Now that this had been sorted, Thorax once more tuned his attention to their guest, stepping further into the chamber and taking a seat beside him.
"So...how are you doing?"
The drone, still shaking, got back to his seat, giving a short nod and always avoiding the larger Changeling's eyes, even as he began to answer.
"I'm...okay...for the most part."
Thorax nodded.
"Tell me about what happened...please."
A grimace came to the drone, but he did as requested.
"My squad and I...all that remained of the rebellion...we tried to infiltrate the Lunar kingdom. The plan was to sow chaos in their ranks, maybe turn them against Equestria, to take away one of your allies. But..."
Fear took hold in his face.
"...that's when...she appeared. Queen Moon."
Thorax frowned, but kept quiet as the drone carried on.
"She...she tore through us like we were nothing! Every shot we threw at her, she barely felt it! Every drone, even our leader...fell."
He held himself.
"I can still see them when I close my eyes. Their...burnt and broken bodies. Their screams. I...I thought I was going to die."
Thorax nodded.
"...But she let you go?"
The drone nodded.
"Y...yes. She released me, telling me to come here, to you. To start a new life and forsake the ways of Chrysalis. I think...it might have been because I was the only one who wasn't fighting her. I was just trying to get away."
Thorax considered that for a long time before finally speaking up again.
"I realise that what you went through...was a difficult experience. But you're safe now."
Slowly, the drone looked to him, surprised.
"But I...I was your enemy."
To that, Thorax nodded.
"Yes...you were. And yet...here you are. You surrendered to us...and you're willing to be part of the Hive again."
A smile came to his lips.
"I promise you...things are different. Chrysalis is gone...and the new way will help our people, you have my word on that."
Now, whether the drone actually believed or even cared about whether Thorax's claims were true was not certain at this point. In fact, all the drone really seemed concerned with at the moment was that he was safe, and as far away from his assailant as possible. So, quietly, he simply gave a nod, and Thorax, seeing this, nodded back. Then, in utter silence, he gestured to the female, who adjusted her glasses before following her King out of the chamber. Once outside, the King looked to her, then glanced back to her patient.
"Well...what do you think?"
She let out a long sigh.
"An ordeal like what he's been through will take time to recover from. Remember, he'd most likely known those other drones all his life...and to see them destroyed..."
Thorax nodded, understanding her words.
"Do you think...he can change...like we did?"
Considering that, the female shrugged her shoulders.
"It is difficult to say. He may do, one day, but for now, we should focus on his recovery. Accepting love will be difficult as long as this scar remains upon his spirit."
Thorax nodded, accepting that.
"Very well...do what you can for him."
Sighing, his follower turned away, heading back in to begin the undoubtedly long process of helping this broken person to heal. Thorax watched her go, then turned. Pharynx was still there, right next to the entrance to the chamber, and had a solemn look about him.
"I heard him talk about the one who led him. Captain Mandible."
Thorax nodded.
"Your old sparring partner?"
Pharynx exhaled.
"A good soldier...good fighter...even if he did side with our old Queen."
He looked to his brother, to his King.
"So...this leader of the Lunars got rid of the rebels for us."
Thorax frowned.
"She did...though I wish it could have ended...differently."
Pharynx stepped forward.
"Brother...we too killed those who sided with Chrysalis. Our own rebellion against her...how many drones now lie buried because of it?"
Pain came to Thorax's eyes.
"...Too many."
Pharynx nodded.
"Thorax...I realise that you were always a softer heart than I...but even you must realise...we owe Queen Moon a debt of gratitude for...ending our problem."
Thorax gained a somewhat distasteful expression.
"I understand that. She was defending her people against infiltration...she brought an end to the remaining loyalists of Chrysalis...and she was willing to show mercy to the one who did not attempt to attack her."
His frown deepened.
"This whole thing...just doesn't feel...right. I can take no pleasure in this, brother."
Pharynx shook his head.
"Perhaps...but at least we can take solace in there being fewer enemies for us to worry about. Your throne is secure at last."
For a time, Thorax said nothing to that. Then, as he turned, he looked upon the still-shaking form of the drone within the chamber.
"...For now."
