It was still hours before dawn when Dawn Wings arrived at Canterlot. Even traveling via the umbra and using a few short-cuts, it was a long way to reach the pony capital. And despite how much fun she’d had scouting out the ticks, she was ready to not be surrounded by Wyrmspawn for at least a few days. Hell, after a whole month of nothing but ticks, she could even put up with the ponies.

…for a little while.

Much to her chagrin, she realized that the ponies were actually growing on her. Or, at least, a few of them. Mostly Shásháme and Anaretechusho if she was being completely honest with herself. And Vinemana and Tlectalae, to her irritation.

…Maybe she’d go see Shásháme when she got back to town.

She could use a good laugh.

Reaching the edge of Canterlot, Dawn Wings banked hard and flew below the lip of the city before stepping sideways back into the material realm. Gaining altitude and flying past the strange rainbow-colored waterfalls (she didn’t even want to consider how they were possible), Dawn Wings looked towards the eastern horizon.

Still dark, but given that the sun moved by Celestia’s command, that meant practically nothing. Looking to the moon, she saw that it was closing in on the horizon. She probably had a couple hours or so before the princess would raise the sun.

‘Nope. Never going to let myself get used to that idea.’ She thought to herself as she headed to the palace. She could probably get a couple hours of sleep before the princess was up and about.

As she approached the palace, she headed straight for the princess’s tower and balcony. Spotting it, she fluttered down and perched on the edge of the roof overlooking the platform. This would be the best place to catch Celestia before she got waylaid by her morning duties.

Taking a deep breath and relaxing, Dawn Wings closed her eyes and allowed herself to slip off into the first relaxed night of sleep she’d had in months.

*****

Dawn Wings slumber was rudely interrupted by a gentle prodding to her shoulder. Grumbling and forcing her eyes open, she realized that the sun was up.

‘Crap,’ she thought, ‘I was so tired I slept through the sunrise. Probably missed the princess too.’

Stretching and flapping her wings, she heard a soft giggle from below. Looking down, she spotted the very pony she was looking for; princess Celestia, who was looking up at her with an expression that was far more openly amused than she’d ever seen the incarna.

“Did you have a good nap Dawn Wings?” The princess asked.

“I was until someone woke me up.” Dawn Wings replied with an amused smirk. “How long have you been standing there?”

“Not terribly long.” Celestia said “You just looked so peaceful sleeping there that I almost couldn’t bring myself to wake you up. But, if you’re here, you must have finished your scouting job.”

“Got it in one princess.” Dawn Wings said with a yawn. “Yea, bug nest’s mostly mapped. At least the areas I could get to. Did find the bitch queen though. She’s dug in deep. Probably have to just level the place if you wanted to get to her.”

“I honestly hope it doesn’t come to that.” Celestia said. “At any rate, why don’t you come down and join me for breakfast. Then we can get on with the debriefing.”

Dawn Wings shifted uncomfortably. The thought of eating with the princess didn’t entirely sit well with her.

“Princess, may I speak freely for a moment.” Dawn Wings said with a polite bow.

“Of course Dawn Wings.” Celestia said. “What’s on your mind.”

“As you’ve so adroitly pointed out, I don’t know the game in this world.” Dawn Wings said, keeping her tone even, “But where I’m from, I would never dream of sitting at the same table as someone of your station outside of reporting my findings. I’d probably be thrown in jail if I even tried.”

Princess Celestia’s smile became a little wider.

“Well, be glad you’re not in your world anymore.” The princess tittered. “But, if you’re not comfortable eating in the palace in a formal setting, maybe you’d be alright with eating in the garden? I enjoy having my breakfast out by the peach trees ever so often. And you wouldn’t even need to change out of your ‘feather coat’ that way.”

“I don’t want to impose, your highness.” Dawn Wings said “But, if you insist, I’d be happy to accept the offer.”

“I’m glad to hear it.” The princess said. “Do you have anything you prefer?”

“I do” Dawn Wings said wistfully, “But, I doubt you’ll have them available. Unless you’ve got tortoise eggs, desert peaches or fresh jackrabbit carcass.”

“I’m afraid not.” Celestia said without batting an eye.

“Well, are the peach trees producing fruit? You mentioned there were some by where you wanted to have breakfast.” Dawn Wings said.

“There should be a few left.”

“If its alright with you, I can catch a few bark beetles and grab a peach,” Dawn Wings said with a bow, “so don’t worry about me.”

“Oh come now, Dawn Wings.” Celestia said, “Won’t you let me treat you a little? I can’t imagine you’ve had a good and proper meal after a month with the changelings.”

Sighing, Dawn Wings looked to the side.

“I’m sorry, your highness.” Dawn Wings said, “I just don’t feel right asking you to order something for me. I know you’re offering, but… it just feels wrong.”

“Hmmm, well, in that case, would you feel better if I just got two orders of whatever I’m going to get, and shared the other with you?” Celestia said.

“I… I think I’d be okay with that. But… are you sure you’re okay with it?” Dawn Wings said hesitantly.

“I wouldn’t have offered if I wasn’t.” Celestia said with a smile. “Why wouldn’t I be?”

“LIke I’ve said, I just know the rules of my game.” Dawn Wings replied as she looked at the princess. “That’s just not a thing that’s done back home.”

“Well, then be grateful that you’re here instead of there.” Celestia said with a smile. “So, please, go down to the garden and wait for me. I’ll meet you there in a little while.”

“As you wish your highness.” Dawn Wings replied with a bow as she took to the air and glided down towards the gardens.

*****

Much to Dawn Wings’ relief, breakfast passed with relative ease. For her part, the princess mostly made small talk, trying to learn more about her, where she was from, and what her world was like, which Dawn Wings was happy to oblige. She found it was… oddly easy to speak to the princess. And, frankly, Dawn Wings needed to talk to someone after a month of observing nothing but ticks.

And so, after finishing their meal, Dawn Wings shifted into her equus form, and followed the princess inside to debrief her on what she’d found in the tick-mound. Dawn Wings found herself giddy with anticipation as they walked.

“So, is the plan to still go after Chrysalis? Because if that’s the case, I’ve got a few ideas about how to reach her.” Dawn Wings said with a respectful nod to the princess as they trotted down down one of the corridors, “Unless you’ve changed your mind and want to put her and the ticks down permanently. Because if that’s the case, I’ve got some ideas for that too.”

“Actually,” Princess Celestia said with a small smile, “there’s been a development since you left that has given us a new opportunity. One that I think will give us a chance to end this peacefully.”

“Oh?” Dawn WIngs said, “Does it involve bug spray? Because I can get behind that.”

“No, not quite. I think it’ll be better if I explain after we’ve finished the debriefing.” Princess Celestia said as they rounded a corner, and spotted the form of a familiar unicorn with glasses. “Ah, good morning Raven.”

“Aleata matea ulalema Xelanota” Raven said as she approached, “Amereta laepata camela wepala Naoca Aelemeca.”

“Indeed.” The princess said. “Has the parchment, quills and ink brought to meeting room 10?”

“Ceae. Reca tea telece aereta ulalema Peateca, ulalema Epalanesa, Vinetecha Tilachena?” Raven said.

“Yes, though give us an hour or so before you bring them.” Celestia said, “And, also, be sure to bring our special guest. I want him here for this.”

“Chenata ulalema.” Raven said before turning and walking away.

Looking up at the princess, Dawn Wings couldn’t help but smirk.

“So, I take it that this special guest of your has to do with your change of plans?” Dawn Wings said as they resumed their walk. “Who is he?”

“Patience Dawn Wings. Patience.” Celestia said with a smirk, “You’ll meet him soon.”

“Now I’m really curious.” Dawn Wings said as she followed the princess.

Soon, they reached what Dawn Wings figured was meeting room 10, and entered with little fanfare, passing several gold armored guards as they did. In the room, Dawn Wings spots a large meeting table with several very large sheets of parchment, and several inkwells with fresh quills.

“Now, normally I’d have a CEA agent debrief you, but thanks to your… unusual circumstances, I’ll be the one interviewing you.” Princess Celestia said with a hint of mischief, “I trust that’s not a problem?”

“Nah! Socializing and reporting are two different things.” Dawn Wings said as she made her way to the table, keeping a straight face the whole time. “Unless, me telling you what I found is going to put you to sleep. It’s pretty boring when you get down to it.”

“I’m sure I’ll manage.”

“Well, okay then. You asked for it.” Dawn Wings said as she sat down. “One thing first though.”

Calling on the change, Dawn Wings transformed her forelegs into their crinos state, before reaching over and grabbing a quill. Looking at the princess, she was pleasantly surprised that the incarna hadn’t reacted when she’d pulled that particular trick.

“So, how’s this going to go down?” Dawn Wings said as she prepared to start.

“Well, why don’t you start by drawing out maps of the places you managed to scout, and while you’re doing that, you can report to me what you found.”

“As you wish, your highness.” Dawn Wings replied, before dipping the quill into the inkwell and getting to work.

*****

An hour passed in the blink of an eye, with Dawn Wings rattling off as many details as she could about her time in the changeling nest, while drawing out detailed maps of the interior. Just as she was finishing up the details on Chrysalis’s chamber, she heard the door open as Raven Inkwell poked her head in.

“Che itala ulalema?” She asked as she looked at the princess.

“Dawn Wings, how much longer do you need?” The princess asked.

“A couple more minutes at most.” Dawn Wings said, “I just need to finish up this map and I’m done.”

“Excellent.” Celestia said before turning to her seneschal. “Raven, could you bring the others? I believe we’re ready to begin.”

“Chenata ulalema.” Raven said as she exited the room.

As Dawn Wings began to put the finishing touches on her map, she glanced up to the princess.

“So, what exactly are you planning your highness?” Dawn Wings said as she drew.

“You’ll see.” Celestia said with a smirk. “Though, if you want a hint, it's going to be a good lesson for you about how different Equestria is from your world.”

“Tease.” Dawn Wings said with a smirk, earning a small titter from the princess.

Ten or so minutes later, Dawn Wings had finished up her map and reverted her forelegs to their natural state, and was sipping tea with the princess. Tea wasn’t really her thing, but she wasn’t going to turn down the princess’s offer.

Hearing the doors open, Dawn Wings perked up and spotted several ponies filing in, including Princesses Luna and Cadance, Shining Armor, Raven Inkwell, and an unknown pegasus stallion with a green coat and aquamarine mane and tail, and butterfly buttoo. Of the five, she noticed princesses Luna and Cadance giving her irritated glares, while Shining, much to her surprise, gave her a look that almost approached respect.

‘That’s new.’ She thought as her eyes traced over the others and landed on the mysterious pegasus.

“Who’s that?” Dawn Wings asked as the stallion drew closer and sat at the table next to Shining and Raven.

“He is the one we hope will let us make peace with the changelings.” Celestia said cryptically.

“And how exactly is he going to do that?” Dawn Wings asked with genuine curiosity. As she spoke, she saw the stallion look at her with a mixture of horror and recognition. The horror she expected thanks to how the ponies reacted to English, but not recognition. Because she was quite certain that she’d never seen him before.

“You’ll see. But first…” Princess Celestia’s horn lit up and a familiar magic circle surrounded the table. “Good. Everyone’s here.”

“Thorax, there’s no need for the disguise anymore.” Princess Celestia said to the unknown pegasus.

“Very well, your highness.” The stallion said, before a wave of aquamarine flame passed over him. In an instant, the stallion was replaced by a tall, light lime green beetle-like pony with antler-like horns, and beautiful, beetle wings and membranous tail.

Dawn Wings could feel her rage flaring up violently. It was a changeling. And not just any changeling, but the lead changeling she captured.

“Princess…” Dawn Wings hissed softly as she readied herself to shift into her crinos form. “What is going on here? Why is that Wyrmtainted tick walking around free?”

“Wyrmtainted tick?” Thorax said as he looked at Dawn Wings with mild aftront.

“Dawn Wings, please calm down. He’s not a threat anymore.” Princess Celestia said as she glared at Dawn Wings.

‘We’ll see about that.’ Dawn Wings said as she pulsed the room for threats.

And found none.

‘What the fuck?’ She thought as she called on her Wyrmsight. Glaring at the tick, she forced her will into her gift, putting as much force behind it as she could.

Nothing.

There was no sign of Wyrmtaint on him.

“Impossible.” Dawn Wings whispered, her expression shifting from enraged to utterly baffled. “That’s just not possible…”

“Is there something wrong?” Princess Celestia asked with an amused smirk.

“He… he’s clean! I can’t find any Wyrmtaint on him! Nothing at all!” Dawn Wings snarled, “That’s not possible. That love-eating crime against Equs was so filthy with Wyrmtaint he and his kind were drawing in banes! How in the name of Gaia did this happen?!”

“What’s she on about? What’s Wyrmtaint?” Thorax said, now looking more than a little confused, and insulted.

“Perhaps if you’d calm yourself down Dawn Wings, we could explain.” Shining said with a smug smile.

Dawn Wings took a couple of deep breaths to calm herself. Once she was certain she wasn’t going to flip out, she looked at Shining, who was still giving her a smug smile.

“Captain… I would very much appreciate being brought up to speed on whatever you did to scrub the Wyrmtaint off the… changeling that is sitting next to you.” Dawn Wings said as calmly as she could, without looking at said changeling, before her voice dropped dangerously. “I mean, if it's not too much trouble for you…”

“Mind your tone Dawn Wings.” Princess Luna interjected. “Need I remind you you’re addressing royalty.”

Dawn Wings bristled at the lunar incarna, but wisely chose not to press the issue.

“Of course. My apologies captain.” Dawn Wings said with a slight bow of her head.

“Apology accepted.” Shining said evenly. “Now, as for what’s happened…”

*Twenty days ago, Canterlot Maximum Security Dungeon*

Shining Armor and princess Cadance made their way down the corridor, flanked by several guards.

Both of them had stern yet concerned looks on their faces as they made their way towards the most secure part of the dungeon: the changeling holding area.

Shining had a problem. The small amount of love Dawn Wings had brought them with the changeling High Reaver had run out, and the changelings were starting to starve. They’d offered them pony food, but had been told by the High Reaver that they needed love to survive. Now, five of them were almost too weak to move, while the High Reaver could barely stand.

That was when Shining made his decision. As much as he hated the changelings, as a soldier of Equestira, and as a stallion of good conscience, he couldn’t allow them to die under his watch.

Hence, why Cadance was with him.

“Are you sure about this Shining?” She asked as they passed by another group of guards.

“Positive, Cadance.” Shining said as they marched onward. “Enemies or no, they’re our prisoners, and I can’t have them die. How can we live by the ideals of harmony if we can’t show kindness and generosity towards those that are in our care? Don’t worry, I won’t let them take much. Just enough to stay alive.”

Pausing, he turned to his wife.

“I know this is asking a lot of you, my beloved,” He said with remorse, “But you’re the only one I can trust with this.”

“I understand Shining.” Cadance said as she nuzzled his neck with her’s. “Let’s do this.”

With a nod, Shining turned and trotted past the last guard checkpoint, and into the holding area where the changelings were locked up. From the looks of them, they were not going to last much longer. The five lower ranked ones were barely breathing, while the high reaver sat slumped against the wall of his cell, looking forlornly at the others.

“High Reaver.” Shining said, drawing the changeling’s attention.

“Hello captain.” The changeling wheezed. “Come to gloat now? And I see you brought the princess of love too. Heh. I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised. Not after what we did to you.”

“No.” Shining said, “We’re not here to gloat. We’re here to offer you something.”

“Oh… what might that be? A swift death.” The Reaver said, “Well, I’ll take that over starving. Just… promise me you’ll make it quick and painless. I don’t want my subordinates to suffer.”

Cadance stepped forward, looking down at the changeling.

“You and your kind have hurt me and my ponies far more than I want to consider.” Cadance said with a scowl. “But… you’re starving. And as much as I can’t stand the sight of you, you don’t deserve to suffer like that. No creature does. But to answer your question, no, we’re not here to kill you. Not like this.”

“Then, why are you here?” The Reaver said as he barely managed to lift his head.

“I’m here to offer you love.” Cadance said. “My love. I’m willing to let you have enough to stave off your deaths.”

“What? Why would you do such a thing?” The changeling said with a small amount of hope in his voice.

“Because no creature deserves to starve to death, when another could give them what they need to live.” Cadance said. “Please, let me help you.”

The Reaver looked at Cadance, trying to see any hint of deception. Then, he looked to Shining. Then the changelings in the other cells. They wouldn’t last much longer.

“Alright.” He said, “You win. I accept your offer.”

Approaching the cell, Shining placed his horn on the lock and opened it. Pulling the door open, he and Cadance entered the cell.

“Remember. Don’t try to take more than you need.” Shining warned. “If you do, you won’t get a second helping later.”

“I… understand.” The Reaver replied. Opening his mouth and feebly lighting his horn, he inhaled sharply. As he did, a shimmering stream of pink energy flowed out of Cadance’s chest, and into his gullet. As it did, his body began to regain some of its vigor, and his eyes became clearer. As soon as he was able to stand on his own, he stopped.

“Thank you, princess.” He said as he regarded the alicorn.

“Don’t thank me. Thank Shining. He’s the one who convinced me.”

“Then, thank you captain Armor. But, my gratitude to you stands, princess.” He said with a bow to the alicorn. “Now, please, help my soldiers. I don’t know how much longer they have.”

Nodding, Cadance and Shining exited the cell, locking the door behind them. As they approached the other cells, they saw to their dismay none of the changelings were moving. Only the slow, shallow rise and fall of their chests told them they were still alive.

“Reaver, I don’t think they’re in any state to feed.” Shining said as he turned back to the cell he’d just exited.

“Can you do something?” Cadance asked. “Maybe give them some of the love I just gave you?”

“I… I don’t know. No changeling has ever shared love with another before.” The reaver said, his eyes looking mournfully at his subordinates.

“Well, if we don’t do something, they’re going to die.” Shining said as he approached the cell. “Can you at least try?”

“I…” The reaver said, his eyes flicking between his captors, and his brethren. It went against everything the queen had ever told them. Love was to be taken. Not given. But… the princess had given him love freely, and it had been more invigorating than any he’d had before. Even the pure love he stole from the shipments.

This love was his. But, looking at the other changelings… his changelings. His soldiers. He was responsible for them. It went against everything the queen had taught them. Against their nature. But, he had to try. He couldn’t let his subordinates die in this place, starved of love.

“I… I can try.” He finally said, “Please, let me out. I swear to you that I won’t try to run.”

Sharing a look with Cadance, Shining nodded. Pressing his horn to the lock, the door opened, allowing the High Reaver to exit. Slowly, he walked up to the other cells, his eyes falling onto his brethren.

‘Please, let me save them.’ He thought. Grasping the love in his body, he willed it to exit him and spread to his soldiers.

As the energy began to spread out, his body began to glow. Slowly, he rose into the air as the flow of love changed from a stream to a series of successive rings, that flowed into the bodies of his soldiers, revitalizing them.

Both Shining and Cadance stepped back, unsure of what was going on.

As the love flowed into the changelings still in their cells, the High Reaver’s body began to glow brightly, before being enveloped in a glowing chrysalis. Moments later, the chrysalis dissolved into a burst of light, revealing a new, beautiful, beetle-like creature in place of the High Reaver.

Slowly, the Reaver floated to the ground, his eyes fluttering open. Moments later, the other changelings began to stir, gazing upon the metamorphosed High Reaver in awe.

“What… happened?” He said.

“I don’t know.” Shining replied, “When you shared the love you had received from Cadance, you changed.”

Looking down at himself, the High Reaver seemed lost in thought.

“I… I understand now.” The being that was once the high reaver said, looking at Cadance and Shining. “Chrysalis lied to us. Told us that the only way for us to feed was by stealing love. But now, I understand. That is not the way we were meant to gain love… if we share it freely…”

“Your true forms are revealed…” Shining said with awe.

“Yes. And the hunger abates.” The true changling said, “My brethren, please, be bound by Chrysalis's lies no more. Share the love you have received freely with the others here, and be reborn as you were meant to be.”

The changelings in the cells all looked at one another briefly, sharing a look of cautious optimism. Closing their eyes, they floated into the air, willing the love within them to be shared among the others in the dungeon.

And in a brilliant flash of light, they were transformed.

*Present Day, Canterolot, Meeting Room 10*

Dawn Wings… was not a happy corax, her mind wrestling with what she’d just learned from captain Ropeman. This was utterly ridiculous. Wyrmtaint clung to whatever it got onto. Poisoned it. Corrupted it like a cancer.

It couldn’t be cast off with such a simple act as sharing “food” with another.

Looking at Thorax, her eyes narrowed dangerously, and her mouth tightened into a small, narrow, angry frown.

“So… if I’ve got this right.” She said in a low, dangerous tone, “Somehow, the act of just giving away love like some hippie was enough to not only transform him into some sort of prettyboy beetle, but burnt off the influence of the primal force of corruption, consumption and destruction so completely that I can’t even detect its presence on him anymore. Is that right?”

“Dawn Wings, please calm yourself.” Princess Celestia said as she regarded the corax. “I realize that this is probably hard for you to understand, but…”

“Princess, please excuse my impropriety here, but this is not ‘hard to understand’.” Dawn Wings said with as much calm as she could muster. “What you’ve just told me is flat-out impossible. From what I’ve seen of the ticks, the Eater-of-Souls is as ingrained in them like water is in river, and now, you’re telling me, that corruption can be cast off like it’s just a fucking coat?!”

Dawn Wings’ left eye twitched violently as she continued to stare at Thorax, the changeling looking at her like she’d lost her mind. As did most of the ponies in the room not named princess Celestia.

“You know what? Fine! Whatever!” Dawn Wings said as she threw her hooves up into the air with a frustrated shout. “Lets just toss out everything about how the world’s supposed to work and just roll with it. Not like I haven’t been doing that for months now!”

Dawn Wings took a few deep breaths after her tirade, her freakout spent.

“Better?” Princess Celestia said with a smirk.

“Not even close.” Dawn Wings said curtly, “But, y’know what? I don’t care! Lets just get on with this before some other world shattering revelation comes along and I decide that I can’t take it anymore.”

At that, princess Celestia nodded and turned to address the rest of the ponies and changeling in the room, noting the amused looks they were sporting.

“Well, now that everyone’s on the same page,” the solar incarna said, “I think we should start by deciding how we’re going to approach the changelings still under Chrysalis’s thrall…”

Author's Note

What? We got beetle-lings before Glim-glam got involved? For want of a nail indeed.

Also, I have a feeling Dawn's going to need a mug of AJ's hard cider when she gets back to Ponyville. Or ten. Hell, she's probably going to need a whole barrel, if I'm being honest.