Who We Choose To Be

Chapters

Prologue
The Hope
The Brother
The Monarch, Part 2
The Child
The Monarch, Part 3
The Child, Part 2
The Child, Part 3
The Monarch

Prologue

"Thank you, fillies and gentlecolts. Please give a warm welcome to the one who made this entire event possible... our neighbor, Coco Pommel!" the head of the Method Mares Theater Troupe, announced.

The navy blue pegasus Stratus watched from near the front of the crowd as cheering theatergoers surrounded the cyan-maned mare and lifted her up and passed her over their heads to the front of the stage, where she stood between On Stage and the rest of the troupe as she stepped up to address her neighbors.

"Thank you all so much for coming. The Midsummer Theater Revival was always something that meant so much to me, and it seems it means quite a lot to all of you as well. I really can't take all the credit though..."

The pegasus stallion Stratus stood and listened as two more mares were brought on stage, Applejack and Rarity, who had helped Coco put this event together at the last minute. The two of them explained how they had initially started big, then turned to more simple solutions when it was clear that everything wasn't going to pan out. As Stratus looked at the ponies and neighbors that had gathered for the past couple hours, he felt a sense of community that he hadn't experienced in years. Then, all around his neighbors, he saw the state of the rundown park, and all the work that still needed to be done. It was marvelous what had happened here tonight; in the heart of this bustling city where nothing seemed to stop or even slow down, a community seemed to start to come together again.

As the starry night sky twinkled over the metropolis of Manehattan, the navy blue pegasus made his way down Avenue A's sidewalk as the theatergoing crowd started to disperse away from the park and back to their homes. The past couple hours had been rather relaxing at the rather unexpected start of the Midsummer Theater Revival. What had started as under a half dozen spectators at the very beginning ended with an audience of nearly one hundred Manehattanites in front of the rather modest stage. Now, ponies from all over the entire borough were forming small groups and figuring out how to clean up and fix the park, continuing the work that Coco Pommel and her friends Applejack and Rarity had started. Stratus was trying to figure out how he could contribute to the restoration efforts with the rather limited free time he had available. At the very least, perhaps he and his wife Cirrus could keep the skies clear for next week's play, or keep them cloudy, or even use clouds as a backdrop for the stage, entirely depending on whatever the Method Mares decided to put on. Needless to say, he was already looking forward to next week. Honestly, it felt good just to get out of the apartment for an evening; his home life with his wife and two fillies wasn't exactly the most stress free. He did what he could, but... Sometimes he felt that it was never enough. Tonight had been a very badly needed breath of fresh air.

As he turned the corner to Third Street, a shockwave knocked him off of his hooves. A split-second later, flipping end over end, he felt searing heat, and heard the sound of glass shattering, the startled screams of ponies down the street, and what sounded like a rush of flames. His vision faded in and out for several moments as he regained complete consciousness, and realized he had been knocked into a tree and onto his side. As he got back to his hooves, grunting in pain, he heard a set of galloping hooves behind him, and turned to see a fire wagon turn the corner and barreled down Third Street. As his vision cleared some more, he saw a blazing fire erupting out of a third story apartment building window halfway down the block. His heart started thundering against his chest when he realized that it looked like his building. He broke into a gallop down the sidewalk, not quite keeping up with the fire wagon. It skidded to a halt on the street in front of the blazing apartment complex, and the firefighters quickly emptied out of the back and began hooking up their hoses to the nearest hydrants. The ambient temperature continued to rise as he closed in on the chaotic scene on the street and sidewalk.

Stratus' heart crept up in his throat when he confirmed that not only was the blaze in his building, on his floor, but in his apartment.

"Cirrus!!!" He screamed, bolting for the front steps as coughing ponies stumbled down the front steps of the apartment as black smoke began to billow out of the front door. More neighbors began to pour out onto the sidewalk and street as the commotion only increased. Ponies in adjacent buildings ran back inside to get roommates and loved ones out of their homes inc case the fire spread.

One of the lead firestallions saw Stratus approach at a full gallop and had to nearly tackle him to prevent him from racing into the burning building.

"Sir, I need you to stay back!" The chief commanded.

"My family's in there!" Stratus objected, but the pegasus was absolutely no match for the strength of the earth pony that held him back.

"The stairs need to be kept clear for ponies coming down and out. Don't worry, we'll find anypony in there as fast as we can."

Stratus was about to take flight towards the infernal windows, but two neighbors saw what he was about to do and came to assist the fire chief in keeping him down.

"Sir, you fly up there, all you're gonna do is add to the body count! We'll handle it. Hold him down!" He instructed the neighbors who had come to his aid.

The pegasus stallion was impossible to calm down as he was effectively pinned to the sidewalk to keep from getting in the way as the hoses were finally started up and jets of water began to spray in and around the windows of the third story.

"Cirrus!!! Nimbus!!! Cozy!!!"

The Hope

Some time later...

Princess Twilight Sparkle sat in the castle dining room, slowly making her way through a small stack of pancakes and strawberry syrup, as she thought quietly to herself, a book sitting next to her glass of milk, sitting open with a single sentence on the otherwise blank page.

I'll be there first thing tomorrow morning.

"I know that look, Twilight." Spike said, sitting at the adjacent corner of the table with his own stack of gem-encrusted pancakes. "Still not sure if this is the right thing to do?"

"I'll be honest, Spike. I'm... I'm not sure if 'right' and 'wrong' is the right point of view to apply to something like this. I asked Celestia and Luna what they thought, and they gave me their blessing if this was something I decided I wanted to go ahead with... But it's filled with uncertainty. Not to mention it could be dangerous, and foolhardy. I'm not even sure if it's better than doing nothing and leaving things as they are." Twilight said, taking another bite.

"What did Discord say?"

"I doubt he'd ever admit it, but I really don't think it was only about raising my confidence. I think a part of him, subconsciously or not, wanted to take those feelings of redemption and friendship... And pass them on."

Their conversation was brought to a pause as an E.U.P. messenger entered the dining hall.

"Your Majesty, the guest you've been expecting has arrived." The E.U.P. captain announced after the door had closed behind him, standing at attention.

"Excellent, please send her in." Twilight replied, setting down her silverware and got up from her seat, taking the open book and closing it, giving it to Spike to go put in her private study. As the E.U.P. captain exited, an amber unicorn with a mane of vivid crimson and brilliant yellow was ushered into the room, who immediately smiled upon laying eyes on Twilight.

"My goodness, you've grown." Sunset Shimmer commented playfully. Twilight smiled back as the pair of ponies came in for a hug.

"So what can I do for you, Princess? Your letter was a bit light on the details, just that you could use my empathetic insights."

"It would certainly be helpful right now. Care for a walk?" Twilight asked. Sunset immediately nodded, and the two of them walked out of the dining hall towards the castle hedge maze.

"So how's life in Canterlot? Never imagined you'd leave Ponyville." Sunset asked.

"It's been an adjustment, to be sure. Part of me wanted to stay down there. After all, Celestia and Luna ruled from the Castle of the Two Sisters before Nightmare Moon, and then they built the Canterlot Castle. I didn't want my castle to go to waste, so for now, it's mainly an extension of the School of Friendship's campus." Twilight explained.

"So Starlight runs it now?" Sunset asked.

"Yeah, along with Sunburst, whom she hired pretty much immediately after I offered her the position, then she made Trixie the Student Counselor. They've been doing a fantastic job."

"So how are your five friends doing?" Sunset asked as they exited the castle and trotted down the stairs into the hedge maze proper.

"Life is going fairly steady for them. It usually does when the fate of the world isn't hanging in the balance. Applejack is still running the farm with her family, Rainbow Dash is spending more time there than anywhere else if she isn't on tour with the Wonderbolts. Fluttershy has her animal sanctuary, and Pinkie Pie is continuing to help with Sugarcube Corner, but honestly, most of the time she's out on the road with Cheese Sandwich. Rarity is almost always at one of her boutiques, either down there, in Manehattan, here in town, or at her new location in Las Pegasus."

"How do all of you manage to find the time to get together?" The unicorn asked.

"That was actually my first royal decree after my disastrous coronation. We get together once a moon as the Council of Friendship. That's how we decided to use my castle for the time being."

"I was beginning to wonder why the mirror was back in Canterlot." Sunset asked, the other time she had used the mirror, she had come out in the castle library in Ponyville.

"Yeah, best not to have an interdimensional portal mirror when you open up your former castle to an entire town on a much more frequent basis." Twilight told her as they rounded a corner of the hedge maze.

Here, close to the center, was a section of the maze that was actively guarded. A pair of guards stood at the entrance to what could be considered the center of the hedge maze. They saluted as Twilight and her guest passed through. Sunset didn't wonder for very long why this area was guarded; she could feel the heavy magical aura the moment they passed the guards, and she could only assume that it had something to do with the stone pedestal with the rather odd trio of statues set on it. When Twilight stopped, she did as well, and looked at the details of the trio.

"Lapis Somnum?" Sunset asked, turning to Twilight, who immediately nodded.

"Lapis Somnum. Stone Sleep. The Petrifying Curse. It's had many names throughout history." The princess replied.

Sunset had heard rumors throughout her tutelage under Celestia, whispers that some of the statues in the gardens were alive, prisoners that were too much of a threat to be kept in more traditional jails or dungeons.

The statues were a rather gaunt centaur, something that appeared to be a cross between a pony and an insect, and, curiously enough, a school-age filly.

"What did they do?" Sunset asked.

"They attacked Canterlot just over a year ago, did considerable damage to the castle, and most seriously, spread enough rumors and misinformation that the ancient Windigos returned." Twilight told the unicorn.

Sunset remembered that particular text; the mythical, ghostly spirits that fed off of hatred and violence. Legend had it that Equestria was founded by a small number of ponies that had fled from a land beyond the Frozen North that had been overcome with world-ending blizzards; what some ancient texts called the White Frost.

"So why am I here?" Sunset asked her friend and tutor.

"I'm hoping your empathy magic can pierce the curse's barrier. I want to know if they ever felt... The spark."

Sunset knew exactly what Twilight meant. She herself had felt it the moment she had taken the princess' hand and was helped out of the crater in front of the CHS statue. The spark of friendship.

"What are you hoping for?" Sunset asked as she took a few steps closer to the statue.

"A draconequus was imprisoned in exactly the same fashion. It was over one thousand years before he was able to experience real friendship and turn from his selfish impulses, while still staying true to himself. Lapis Somnum was never meant to be permanent. I'm hoping that for one, two, or all three, that it won't take that long. Without that hope, I can't consider myself worthy of the title 'Princess of Friendship'." Twilight said.

Sunset glanced between the princess and the statues.

"I'll try my best." She said, before taking a final step closer to the pedestal. She took a deep breath, closed her eyes, and her horn began to glow dimly. Raising her right front hoof, she exhaled, leaned forward, and touched the pedestal. Her eyes shot open, her pupils and irises having vanished behind a fiery white light.

She felt cold... A snowstorm. She could make out a mountaintop through the near-blinding snow. She couldn't see anyone, but there were voices she heard over the howling wind.

"I-I wasn't sure you were going to give it back."
"Neither was I. But working together seemed smarter than to continue fighting."
"When we helped each other, it felt better somehow."
"I haven't felt like this since before I lost my hive. Having others who will be there for you is... pleasing."
"All of these years taking power from ponies..."
"When you use your power to help others..."
"Yes, it feels..."

An enraged scream compelled Sunset to take a step back and break contact with the stone, and the white light faded from her eyes. Princess Twilight came up to her, making sure she was alright.

"Sunset?" She asked, placing a hoof on the unicorn's shoulder as she rubbed her ears, removing the last of the tingling aftereffect.

"They... They did feel it. Then, I think they turned away from it. Or, one of them did." The unicorn told her.

"Hm. Starlight told me that they did an awful lot of bickering and fighting among themselves after they had taken Canterlot." The princess commented.

"What are you thinking? If these three caused the windigos to return, they're clearly dangerous." Sunset cautioned.

"I'll go as far to say that the windigos were our own doing, when we gave in to rumors and lies, turning our backs on our neighbors and friends. I'm thinking that every creature deserves a chance at friendship, to feel that magic spark and let it permeate their being. Princess Luna was our first success. Then Discord, then you, and then Starlight."

"So you want these three to be next? Are you sure that's safe?" Sunset asked.

"No, I'm not sure it's safe. Not yet. This is going to take some considerable planning. Chrysalis blatantly rejected an offer of mercy from Starlight when she was overthrown. Tirek continued his machinations all the way from Tartarus. And... I honestly don't even know where to begin with Cozy Glow's twisted views on what she believes is friendship. No, this is going to take a considerable amount of planning. Thank you for your insights, Sunset, but this is only the first step."

Sunset turned to look again at the trio of petrified creatures. Only the insect being was lunging out in anger; the other two were either futilely attempting to turn away or in the case of the filly, just looked on in fear.

"Princess, there was something else in there. I can't accurately describe it. Like... An... Emptiness, that hung just off the edge of perception. A black void. I've never felt anything like it."

"Hm. There's no telling how Lapis Somnum would affect your empathy spell."

"Well, in any case, I'm glad I could help," Sunset offered as they turned to leave the hedge maze. "Let me know if you want me to take a closer look, and best of luck in whatever you've got in mind, Princess."

The Brother

Princess Twilight walked along the shaded forest road, the high noon sun shining god rays through the canopy above. Aside from the birds and sounds of wildlife, the sounds that accompanied the hoof beats of her and her dozen guards were the wooden and iron wheels of the wagon her team pulled behind them.

In the wagon, was a locked chest, crates of rations for this two day journey, and the most carefully watched and guarded one, a stone statue of a frail, cowering centaur, having been secured in the wagon with enchanted ropes to ensure it did not tip over.

Finally, after three hours on this forested pathway, the light increased as they came to the end of the forest, and looked out on Horseshoe Bay, and the Sparkling Sea beyond that. From this point of the continent, Griffonstone was almost directly east, and if one looked north on a clear day, you could barely make out the cityscape of Baltimare. But now, Twilight's attention was directly focused on what was ashore on the beach.

She saw them standing on the shore; a dozen centaurs stood watch in front of a sailing vessel nearly 500 feet long. The most imposing among them was a hulking gargoyle creature, who had seen the princess' entourage come out of the forest. His wings looked like they'd be more at home on a dragon. His thick brown mane covered the sides of his head and all around his neck; only his pointed ears protruded from the top near his forehead. Atop his head was a golden crown with a pair of large multi-pronged antlers on the sides, increasing his considerable height even further. When Twilight and the wagon approached, he and he alone stepped out onto the road, approaching her as her group came to a stop.

"Princess Twilight Sparkle of Equestria, I presume." His voice was deep, commanding, but polite. He placed a claw on his chest and bowed in respect.

"Pleased to make your acquaintance, King Scorpan, was it?" Twilight replied, giving a half-bow in return.

"Scorpan, son of Vorak, and Ruler of the Centaurian Ascendancy. Likewise, your majesty. I only wish the first meeting of our nations in centuries could be on a better note than the handing off of a war criminal." The gargoyle replied, as the alicorn waved him over and walked with him to the guarded wagon.

"A start is a start, and we can only get better from here, I would hope. Discord said Tirek was your brother?" Twilight asked.

"Yes. A most troublesome and ambitious sibling. His magical abilities are unique even among our people. A traitorous Elder Mage had traveled to your kingdom and whisked away a unicorn to experiment on. It was how Tirek discovered his abilities. Fortunately, the harm to the unicorn was not permanent, he was safely returned home, and the mage was imprisoned. But my brother's ambitions had been sparked. I came with him when he himself made the journey to Equestria. While I came to appreciate your kingdom's befriending ways, he remained steadfast in his plan to harness your magic. I alerted Celestia and Luna to his plan, as I did not have the courage to challenge him myself, and perhaps that was an error. I returned to the Ascendancy and left him to his fate. Now, it seems his journey has come full circle."

"What will you do with him?" Twilight asked as they came to stand in the back of the wagon, in front of the lone centaur statue.

"His crimes are serious, but the vast majority of them took place in your land, I would yield that decision to you, Princess." Scorpan replied.

"I won't pretend to be familiar with the customs, nor the judicial processes of the Centaurian Ascendancy, your Majesty. But you've already come to know and appreciate the Magic of Friendship. Could you consider... Forgiving him?" Twilight asked.

"You mean to release him from this stone prison? That would have to be done before we depart. Are you sure that idea is wise, Your Highness? My brother is dangerous."

"I'm fully aware of that. That's why I brought this." Twilight said. Out of a small chest in the back corner of the wagon, she produced a wide silver collar. She levitated it over to the towering gargoyle.

"An inhibitor. Placed around his neck, it would render his magical abilities completely inert. I can attune it to only unlock by your hand, if you like." Twilight said as Scorpan took hold of the metal collar that locked in the back, looking as if it had been crafted specifically to fit around his brother's neck.

"I find myself wondering if the way he is isn't the best course. He's returned to our land, and we wouldn't waste resources keeping him fed and sheltered. But... You are right, of course, Princess Sparkle. If I am not willing to give my own flesh and blood another chance, how can I say that I have truly come to understand and appreciate the ways of Equestrians?"

Scorpan held out the collar, and nodded at the alicorn. Twilight's horn glowed, and fired a beam that enveloped the collar along with the gargoyle's hands. It lasted a few moments before the glow faded, and Twilight stepped away from the back of the wagon, letting Scorpan approach with the magical mechanism. The gargoyle reached up, and put the silver brace around the centaur's neck, fastening it around the back with a heavy click.

With that, Scorpan stepped back, and Twilight's horn lit up, and she shot a golden beam at the stone statue. It began to crack and glow from within. Just as it looked like the statue would crumble to the floor of the wagon, the stone skin melted away, and there stood a frail Tirek, glaring down at her.

"So, Princess. Your benevolent, merciful plan is to merely hand me over to my weakling brother who decided to walk away from infinite power?" Tirek immediately said, stepping to the edge of the wagon.

Before she could answer, Twilight heard a growl from Scorpan's throat as he took a long step forward and grabbed his sibling by the throat, picked him up, and slammed him against the side of the wagon, the wheels digging into the dirt in response as it was shoved several inches to the left. Twilight had to tell her guards to stay as they were.

"After what you did to their land and citizens, I believe returning you to your homeland to be an unfathomable act of mercy." Scorpan replied, his tone imposing and threatening, with Tirek glaring at the gargoyle that could probably snap him in half with barely any effort. "No doubt you remember what happened to Sendak after he kidnapped that single Equestrian for his experiments. Here, you have harmed hundreds, if not thousands of them. If you continue to make me believe Princess Twilight's hopes here to be in vain, rest assured, his fate will be nothing compared to what I'll have in store for you."

Scorpan dropped the centaur to the ground.

"Tirek, I knew it was very unlikely that you would listen to me. Equestrians have never believed in killing their prisoners, and I would rather not start my reign by keeping a creature locked up for an indefinite amount of time; not if I believe they can see the light. If you wouldn't listen to me, I was hoping you would listen to your family." Twilight said to the frail centaur, who barely acknowledged her.

"So the Ascendancy is just as misguided as ever? Tell me, brother. What is wrong with the strong ruling the weak?" Tirek challenged.

"Nothing, depending on your definition of strength, and ruling. Power with no purpose beyond increasing itself has no greater meaning. Physical strength alone makes you nothing more than a brute, a bully, and a coward. Tempering that strength with compassion and knowledge, and using it to lift up those beneath you; that is real power, brother." Scorpan replied, nearly spitting out the last word, almost offended at referring to Tirek as family for the time being.

Twilight nodded solemnly in agreement as Tirek remained silent.

"Magic or no, can you look me in the eyes and tell me you would prefer Tartarus, or a personal stone prison to be preferable to returning home? I assure you, I have absolutely no qualms about either of those possibilities." The gargoyle stated firmly.

Tirek grumbled indistinctly, not giving any kind of straight answer to his brother's question. Scorpan waved his guards over to the wagon, and he pointed for his brother to join them, and they escorted the minuscule centaur back to the waiting ship. When they were on board, Scorpan turned back to the Princess of Friendship.

"For what it may be worth, Your Highness, I thank you. After what my brother did, lenience such as this is the last thing I'd expect. I know what your hopes are, that he might be able to turn from his power-hungry ways, but you must understand, I have to absolutely ensure that he never becomes a threat again, to your citizens or mine, or to anycreature. And if he does appear to see the light, my trust will take a very considerable amount of time to be regained" The gargoyle told her. Twilight nodded in response.

"I know I don't have any say in how he's punished with your laws in your lands, but I hope he can feel the spark of friendship one day, just as you did. His abilities are impressive. I only hope he can be taught to use them in the right ways, for the betterment of your people, and for us all." Twilight replied.

Scorpan nodded respectfully.

"Powerful, merciful, and wise. I believe it is fortunate for us all that Equestria is not a warmaking kingdom. I doubt many would be able to stand against you."

The Princess decided to take the remark as a compliment, and the two rulers bowed to each other in farewell.

"Thank you. Safe journey home, King Scorpan." Twilight stated.

"And you as well, Princess Twilight." Scorpan replied, and with that, the gargoyle turned and headed back to the ship with the last two of his guards, leaving the princess and her escort at the front of the forest.

The Monarch, Part 2

The change that the hive had undergone in her absence wasn't exactly as jarring to Chrysalis as she had initially thought it would have been; she had spent the vast majority of her exile in wooded and swampy areas along central Equestria and Amarezonia, from the Everfree Forest, to the Hayseed Swamps, Froggy Bottom Bog, and the Neigh Horseleans Swamps. So when she stopped trying to remember what it had been like before what Thorax had called 'The Metamorphosis', she felt just a little more at home.

But seeing her former underlings all colorful and unique now... It definitely made her feel like a guest at best, and entirely out of place at worst. She tried to have these walks around the hive almost every day, to acclimate herself to the changes that had taken place. Things were certainly more lush and vibrant, now that the swarm wasn't devouring every bit of plant life around the hive. What had surprised her the most was that since she had set hoof in here, she had not felt hungry, not for a single moment. Thorax had explained that by sharing love with each other, everyling was able to be sustained and the flora in and around the hive could now prosper. It felt strange, not engorging herself on a maulwurf or an ursa to keep the swarm satisfied for a couple weeks, only to slowly go hungry again, and send them out for more.

The 'changedlings' had also, at Thorax's urging, been as welcoming to her as possible. She still saw a look or two of uncertainty, or worry, or fear, but she had noticed that after each one of these walks for the past two weeks, she would come back to her burrow a little more intricately decorated with flowers and vines, and even hoof-made trinkets that were made during craft time, making it more vibrant than the cold gray stone she had been accustomed to before. One of the most drastic changes in the hive was the very top; the enclosure that contained her throne and the site of her ousting had been blown open by the Metamorphosis, and now offered an admittedly stunning view of the surrounding cliffs, forests, and ocean. A natural throne of wood, vines, and leaves had taken the place her old enchanted stone one.

After a few days, she had started wondering that if they weren't constantly trying to find where to feed next, what the hive did on a daily basis, now that sustenance wasn't a near-frequent concern. She had initially and internally scoffed at things like the 'creative outlet' that most of the hive got from 'craft time', and the 'Feelings Forum', which was now only every other day instead of every single day since nearly all of the hive had adapted to their new lifestyle.

Thorax had been accommodating as he could, but he still had a kingdom to care for. The changeling that Chrysalis found herself identifying with the most was his older broodmate, Pharynx. She remembered him as Head of Patrol, and he sympathized with her as she was struggling with the changes that had happened around her, telling her how he had struggled in a very similar way, much to the discomfort of the rest of the hive, and that he found his place when the hive realized that they would still need to defend themselves and their home, regardless of how it had changed. Since that conversation, Chrysalis began pondering that if she were to stay, how she would fit in, and even more importantly, if she would be accepted.

So after nearly two weeks of seeing nearly the entire hive, she figured it was finally time to involve herself in some way, so at the end of this afternoon walk, she didn't return to her burrow, but instead continued through the main level, to a small cove at the north end, where a dozen changelings had gathered in a circle, along with Thorax and Pharynx. Free Love, the counselor and moderator of the Forum, immediately noticed her enter the room.

"Chrysalis," Free Love greeted, sounding a bit surprised at her appearance. "Welcome to our Feelings Forum. Is there something on your mind today?"

Chrysalis stepped forward almost timidly, and took a seat next to Thorax after he had immediately waved her over to sit next to him as he scooted over with Pharynx to make room in the circle.

"Yes, I do," the queen began.

"Well, you've certainly come to the right place to share if something is bothering you. We're here to listen." Free Love told her.

"I don't quite know how to explain how these past couple weeks have felt, being back here, with all of you. I think I'm beginning to see the beauty in what has happened to this place. I don't think I quite understand craft time or theater yet, but... if it makes all of you happy maybe I don't need to understand."

Thorax smiled softly at her upon hearing those words, realizing that his efforts had made a little progress.

"My burrow looks more beautiful each passing day, and I can't remember the last time I have gone this long without feeling the slightest bit hungry. I don't really know what to make of that. I used to believe friendship was a corruption... a poison... But now I..."

The former queen paused in her words as she shuddered for a moment.

"I..."

Chrysalis felt a sharp throbbing in her chest along with a mighty weight in her stomach, and she winced in pain. Thorax saw tears form in Chrysalis' eyes, and noticed her shoulders heave a second before she stood, turned, and galloped out of the Feelings Forum room, taking gasping breaths as she went.

"Chrysalis!" Thorax called, hearing her hoofsteps echo down the cave.

"Pharynx, let's go see if she's alright." He told his older brother, who immediately nodded and got up and exited the room together, heading down towards Chrysalis' burrow.

The Child

Twilight was just getting started in her throne room as her scribe handed her only the third scroll of the day to be revised. She had barely given it her approval and signature when the left throne room door opened, and her Captain of the Guard entered.

"Your Majesty, your requested guest from Manehattan has arrived." He announced.

"Thank you, Captain. Send him in." Twilight replied, as she dismissed her scribe and waved for Spike to join her as she stepped down from her throne's pedestal, walking down the center carpet as the captain returned out to the hall, and a few moments later, a navy blue pegasus stallion walked through the doors before they were closed behind him.

His arctic blue mane and tail reminded her most of Sky Stinger from the Wonderbolt Academy, but this stallion's coat was considerably darker, and his facial features certainly showed their age, compared to the Wonderbolt reservist's youthful features.

"Stratus, I presume? Thank you very much for coming on such short notice." Twilight greeted as she stepped up to the pegasus, who didn't seem as starstruck as those who met royalty for the first time usually were.

"Princess Twilight Sparkle," the pegasus began, offering a quick half bow before continuing. "I wasn't quite sure what to think when I received your letter. Is it true? You have her here?" Stratus asked.

"In a matter of speaking, yes. From the records I was able to look up, you are her father? I'm hoping you would be willing to perhaps help her." Twilight told him. The stallion didn't reply immediately, appearing to hesitate for just a moment.

"With all due respect, Your Majesty, I can't agree to anything until I see her with my own eyes."

Twilight eyed the pegasus stallion cautiously. He didn't seem particularly eager to be here, and there was almost a pain in the voice, like a wound that had perhaps festered instead of healed.

"Very well, this way." Twilight replied, walking past him towards the doors he had just come through. Stratus followed her in step as she exited to the main hall. Since he seemed to be not too keen for conversation, the Princess and dragon kept to themselves as they went out the south exit towards the castle gardens and hedge maze. Most of the maze was open to the public, as were nearly all the statues commemorating heroes and time periods of Equestria's history. But as they got deeper into the maze, towards the center, one of the openings in the hedges was actively guarded by a pair of honor guards. The uniformed stallion and mare gave crisp salutes as the Princess and her guest passed into the clearing, which was pretty lacking in decoration compared to the rest of the maze. In the center, was a stone pedestal, with a lone school age pegasus, looking on in fear and uncertainty, suspended in midair by unknown means.

"Well, here she is, with your own eyes. I should warn you, she can hear every word we say." Twilight said, allowing Status to step forward towards the statue, his expression one of shock and disbelief more than anything else as he took short, almost timid steps towards the pedestal.

"It was you... Wasn't it? You did it, didn't you, you damn monster..." He said angrily.

"Stratus?" Twilight asked uncertainly.

"I don't know what she did to end up like this, but if you want my help with a solution, I would heartily suggest a hammer and chisel. Put her out of her own and everypony else's misery, for Celestia's sake." He stated, tears pricking the corners of his eyes.

"Sir, did you even read my letter asking for your help?" Twilight asked, not quite believing the way he was responding.

"Yes, and part of me refused to believe she was alive. The fleeting optimism in my heart wanted me to believe she died in that fire along with my wife and son, that it was truly an accident and that this hellspawn didn't have it in her to burn her family to ashes for a chance to slip away!" He shouted, the tears finally spilling over.

"I think it'd be best if you back up and explain this to me." Twilight said as calmly as she could.

Stratus glanced at the statue, then back to Twilight, and took a deep breath, wiping away the tears with a wingtip.

"Yes, your highness, Cozy Glow is my daughter. We lived in Manehattan, me, my wife, and her younger brother. Her behavior was... Unsettling to say the absolute very least. Do you know what psychopathy is, Princess? It is a personality disorder, an absence of genuine empathy. A completely overwhelming urge to manipulate and control others. The doctors we took her to said there was currently no cure, and that unfortunately and frighteningly, there was very little stopping her from appearing to live a completely normal life only as a cover for a life of manipulation and crime. Every single day was a struggle with her, how she terrorized her baby brother, her mother, me..."

He paused, attempting again to keep himself composed.

"There was a fire in our Manehattan apartment just over two years ago, the cause of which they never got to the bottom of. The fire burned so hot that no remains were ever recovered beyond ashes; they had to raze the entire complex. I thought I had lost all three of them. Now, thanks to you, I know the truth. There's no doubt in my mind that she caused that fire to get away."

Twilight honestly didn't know what to say. Stratus looked over his shoulder one last time at the frightened filly, before looking the Princess in the eyes.

"I'm not sure what you think I'd be able to do to help, but unless you've got some ethically questionable mind-altering spell, I cannot in good conscience help you if you decide to release her, not even if it meant hearing the truth from her own mouth. After what she took from me... She's beyond help, beyond forgiveness, and beyond redemption. I'm sorry, Princess. I'm sorry."

With that, Stratus walked past Twilight and Spike, passed the guards of his own volition, and took to the sky, leaving the Princess of Friendship standing and staring hopelessly uncertain at the final remaining frozen figure on the pedestal.

"Um, Twilight?" Spike began gently. "Maybe... Maybe it'd be best to settle for two out of three this time around." He offered.

The Princess of Friendship stared into the petrified eyes of the pegasus filly.

"You were the void Sunset felt, weren't you?" She asked softly. "I've dedicated myself to helping misguided creatures see the light, to escape the darkness... But what if they are the darkness and there's nothing I can do to control that?"

"Twilight..." Spike began, coming up to the doubtful alicorn. "It doesn't change the fact that she made her choices; to burn her family, to try to completely cut off Equestria from Aetherius, to attack Canterlot; these were choices that she made. No unknown force made her do these things; her mind, her hooves, her choice. The way Equestria traditionally treats their prisoners is nothing short of admirable, but... Once in a thousand moons, maybe there comes along somecreature with an existence so twisted and vile, that ending that existence is the most merciful option."

Slowly, Twilight took a step back from the statue. Then another, and another. She turned her back to the statue, silently and sadly walking out of the center of the hedge maze with Spike.

Starlight sat at the headmare's desk in the School of Friendship, finishing up some last minute paperwork before she retired for the evening. Shje had just put her signature to the last form when there was a soft knock at the door.

"Come in," the unicorn replied, wondering who would be here at this hour. Classes had been over for at least four hours. The door opened, and in floated Derpy, Ponyville's mailmare. Now Starlight's curiosity was piqued. She didn't make deliveries this late in the evening unless it was rather important. Sure enough, the pegasus dug into her mailbag and came out with a sealed scroll. Starlight quickly signed for the Express Priority delivery, and Derpy was on her way as she unfurled the scroll, and read the short and succinct written message.

Starlight,

Your presence is requested at the changeling hive.

Please come at your absolute earliest convenience.

Your friend,
Thorax

The Monarch, Part 3

Starlight popped out onto the expansive prairie surrounding the changeling hive. The sunset behind her draped everything in the elongated shadows of the forest up on the cliffs. She immediately set out towards the towering rock formation that was the home of the changeling kingdom. She saw Pharynx out front, standing watch.

"Who goes there? Oh, Starlight! Wow, that was fast, Thorax only sent that letter last night," the Patrol Captain greeted astonishingly. "Come in, I'll go get him." Pharynx finished, rushing inside, leaving Starlight to enter the hive on her own. She was barely twenty feet inside before Pharynx returned with his towering younger brother.

"Starlight! Wow, you're nothing if not expedient." Her friend greeted.

"Thorax, I came as soon as I could. Is everything alright? Is this about Chrysalis?" The unicorn asked urgently.

The towering lime green changeling nodded.

"I was wondering if something like this would come up. When we took her in, we gave her a burrow, and I explained how things had changed; how we don't hoard love anymore, we share it throughout the day with each other in small amounts. It's become second nature, really." Thorax explained.

"I'll take your word for it, as a pony, I'll never experience changeling magic firsthoof. But go on, I'm listening."

"I stressed to the hive that we shouldn't shun her, regardless of what she's done, that we needed to prove to her how much better life has gotten here since the Metamorphosis. So that's what we did. The open nature of our magic has sustained her, she's never felt hungry, and whenever she'd go out to explore more of how the hive has transformed, we'd decorate her room more, make it more colorful."

"Has it helped her... Temperament? I remember she seemed rather defeated and reluctant when she agreed to stay." Starlight commented.

"I think so. Don't get me wrong, she's still quite... Reserved, but she does seem to be coming around. Last night, she came to the Feelings Forum, for the first time. She thanked us for how we had decorated her room, that she was beginning to see the beauty in everything around her and..." Thorax trailed off.

"Yes, and?" Starlight asked, urging him to continue.

"She broke down... completely into tears, and ran and shut herself in her room. She hasn't been out since, and when I asked if there was anything we could do, the only thing she asked for, is you." Thorax told her, as they came to her burrow. The passage was big enough to walk through standing up, and curved sharply to the left, giving burrows some semblance of privacy.

"She's just through there. Let us know if you need anything." Thorax said.

Taking a deep breath, Starlight stepped into the small tunnel, and turned into the burrow. It had been decorated with all manner of colorful flowers, and would meet any changeling's bare necessities. There, on the bed, turned away from her towards the far wall, laid Chrysalis.

"Chrysalis? Is everything alright?" Starlight asked, announcing her presence.

"Starlight Glimmer... The pony I hated more than anything, and still you drop everything and come halfway down the continent for me. I wonder if I'll ever get used to what friendship has done to others. I certainly don't like what it has done to me." Chrysalis greeted sorrowfully, turning to her.

"What do you mean? What's wrong?" Starlight asked, sitting down in front of her.

"A pain in my stomach. It won't go away. It's not hunger, I haven't been so much as peckish since I came here. And when I look at my former underlings, it only gets worse! Especially when I come back to my burrow to things like this..." Chrysalis said, her horn lighting up and levitating up a piece of parchment over to Starlight, who looked at the crude drawing attentively.

"From Thorax's 'craft time'. It's a youngling's impression of what she thinks I could look like if I ever transform." The queen told her, sorrow filling her voice. Starlight certainly saw what the youngling was going for now; a changeling, taller than most, no holes, flowing hair, and certainly colorful.

"I'd say things like this, and not to mention the way your room looks, that they're accepting you being here, and they want to help you. Given your past, I can certainly understand why it would bring on chest and stomach pains. That would be some pretty severe guilt, Chrysalis. I would know, because I'm afraid I've been there." Starlight told her as she gently returned the drawing to her nightstand.

"Then please tell me how to make this go away." The disposed changeling ruler pleaded.

"It's a highly personal matter of dealing with things, though. There's no one way." Starlight told her.

"What did you do to feel like this?"

"I created a cutie markless cult. Forced my villagers to give up what made them special. No individual talents. All equal... Except me." Starlight told her.

Chrysalis could tell that talking about it bothered the mare.

"Twilight came and exposed what I had done, and I spent months plotting revenge against her. With my abilities, I was meddling with magic that should stay untouched. Thankfully, she was able to talk me down before I did something irreversibly catastrophic. Then, when she offered me a home, and lessons in what she knew... Then the guilt set in."

"How did you deal with it?"

"It wasn't easy, and I can't imagine it ever is, for anycreature. Sleepless nights, stomach pains, losing my appetite. But it's a process, it's something you have to confront in order to start feeling better. Asking those you wronged for forgiveness... Asking yourself for forgiveness. And accepting that the time you spent in the wrong, isn't time you'll get back. But once you do, you'll start feeling better. A little bit each and every day," the unicorn told her.

"I still don't completely understand it, nowhere close. The hatred I held for you... It was what fueled me for months. But now that I've seen what you helped them do... I've let that go, and now I feel so empty." Chrysalis confessed.

"I felt the exact same way when I took Twilight's hoof in friendship. Empty, scared... But not alone. I wasn't alone, and neither are you. You can now fill that emptiness inside you with something better."

With that, Starlight offered Chrysalis her hoof, and they were both reminded of when they stood at the top of the hive, both of them remembering how it had ended then. Chrysalis' last words to her there echoed in her mind.

'There is no revenge you could ever conceive of that will come close to what I will exact upon you one day, Starlight Glimmer!'

Those words rang so hollow now as she lifted a quivering, incomplete hoof, and placed it gently on the unicorn's.

"I'm so sorry, Starlight Glimmer. I truly am." Chrysalis offered as tears ran down her face.

"Apology accepted, Chrysalis. I forgive you." Starlight immediately replied.

With those six words, Chrysalis felt an impossible weight lift from her shoulders, and as she drew in her next breath, she felt herself be levitated up, before a bright white light blocked her vision. Another moment passed, and she felt Starlight's hoof pull away, as the levitating feeling was replaced by one of being embraced... Cradled...

Starlight took a few steps back as the changeling in front of her was enveloped by a cocoon of white-blue light, slowly rising off the ground. She smiled as she shielded her eyes while the metamorphosis took place. When the light faded, she lowered the hoof from her face, and gazed upon the reformed ruler.

"Starlight...?" Chrysalis asked, unsure of what had just happened.

Starlight took another step back, lit her horn up, and cast imago, creating a floating mirror portal in the middle of the room, letting Chrysalis see herself. She gazed into her reflection, and couldn't stop the tears from spilling over again as her eyes widened at the reflection that stared back at her.

What used to be a charcoal chitin was now a gradient peach color. The carapace on her back was now a rich purple. A soft orange scarf of fur now wrapped around her barrel. Her hair was now full, and a lush lime green, going closer to the original teal the closer it got to the root. Her wings were vibrant and full, as was her horn, and legs.

She looked strikingly similar to the drawing on her nightstand.

She took a step towards the portal, raised a hoof, and touched the hoof of her reflection, before turning to Starlight.

"I... I was beginning to fear that I would never transform. That I would be forever be separated from the others who have taken me in." Chrysalis wept. "But all it took was hearing your forgiveness."

"Sometimes that's all that's needed to take that first step. You look absolutely beautiful, Chrysalis." Starlight told her, coming in for a hug. Not sure what to make of it at first, it took the changeling a few moments to return the embrace, after wiping her eyes.

"Are you ready to show the others?" The unicorn asked softly. Sniffling, Chrysalis nodded, and she nervously followed Starlight out of her burrow, where Thorax and Pharynx were waiting.

"Chrysalis, you've done it!" Thorax exclaimed happily upon seeing her transformation.

"Congratulations, Chrysalis." Pharynx likewise offered.

"Thank you so much, Starlight Glimmer. But, this was just a first step. What's the next one?" Chrysalis asked the mare.

"Taking it one step, and one day at a time. Tomorrow, I bet you'll feel a little bit better than you did today." Starlight replied.

"I've been thinking for the past few days about what to do when this happened." Thorax began. "Now I'm not saying it's the next step, but I am wondering if you'd eventually like to play a part in the hive's decision making process." Thorax offered.

Chrysalis' heart skipped a beat.

"I am flattered and honored, Thorax, but actually, no. Leading the hive is a position you have undoubtedly earned, just as your brother earned his role in protecting it. But rest assured, I will eventually find a way to contribute to the community," she stated, bowing respectfully to Thorax and his brother, before turning again to Starlight.

"I don't believe I can ever properly express my gratitude to you, Starlight Glimmer. You have absolutely changed my life. Thank you so much."

Starlight smiled at her.

"Well, you're already doing a pretty decent job of expressing it, and you'll only get better with time. I'm happy to help, and I'm very proud to have you as a new friend, Chrysalis."

Celestia sipped at her hot cup of chamomile tea as she turned the page of her current book as she sat by the fireplace. She had cracked a window to let the cool evening breeze in as she relaxed in the den of the cabin she and Luna had purchased on the outskirts of Silver Shoals. The former ruler of Equestria glanced up from her book when she thought she heard hoofsteps outside, and her suspicions were confirmed when there was a gentle knock on the front door. She set her tea and book down on the end table, and went to answer it.

She wasn't sure who to expect at this evening hour, but it certainly wasn't her former pupil, looking up at her with tears streaming down her face.

"Twilight? Is everything alright?" She asked, surprise and concern filling her voice. The Princess of Friendship had clearly done a bit of crying on the way here.

"Princess Celestia," Twilight began, sniffling and wiping her eyes. "I need your advice again."

Author's Note

The Child, Part 2

"Well... I can certainly see why you came to me for advice. This is a considerable conundrum." Princess Celestia told her former student, sitting with her on the couch after she had listened to what had happened over the past month. Twilight had first come to Celestia and her sister, asking them what they had thought of trying to redeem the three of them, after everything had happened. The Princess of the Sun knew that Twilight wouldn't try anything foolish that could possibly endanger Equestria. In fact, they had received nothing but good news when it came to Chrysalis, and there had been no word from Scorpan as of yet.

But Cozy Glow was an entirely different story.

"Her own father wants absolutely nothing to do with her, and he has perfectly justifiable reasons." Twilight explained, sipping at the tea that her mentor had provided when she had been invited inside.

"A Princess' reign is full of incredibly difficult choices, Twilight. And there are times where such choices may indeed seem impossible. A balance has to be struck; depending on the scale, you have to decide what you believe is best for an individual, a group, or for all of Equestria, and at the same time, no matter the scale, you have to be sure that it is a choice that you can live with." Celestia told her.

"And if I feel like I can't live with any of them?" Twilight asked.

"Also understandable. You have to weigh the possible outcomes and alternatives, and pick the lesser of two, or three, or even more evils."

Twilight stared down into her tea.

"That reminds me of one of my favorite fantasy novels. It was about the travels and adventures of a monster hunter for hire. One of my favorite quotes from that book is how evil is evil, lesser, greater, it doesn't matter. If the choice is between one evil and another, he'd rather not choose at all. An understandable position." Twilight said.

"But choosing not to choose, isn't really a choice. That only leads to indifference and apathy. You taught Rainbow Dash that, remember?" Celestia reminded her.

"What about your battle with Luna? How did you choose what to do with her?" Twilight asked, sipping at her tea.

Celestia certainly understood why such a subject was brought up at this moment; it was probably the most relatable thing to Twilight's situation that could be discussed.

"In a way, I didn't. I had always shared the responsibility of wielding the Elements with Luna. Using their full force against her on my own was considerably taxing, while not even getting into my emotional state at the time. I had no way of knowing what the Elements would do to her. The Mare in the Moon prophecy came to me later, in a dream. It was one of the hardest choices I had to make in my life, but the difficulty was in the action, Twilight, not the choice. The choice was straightforward; banish my sister, or condemn the entire world to darkness and famine. That was it. Your dilemma is a bit more complicated."

Twilight considered Celestia's words.

"If I release her, even if she appears remorseful... There is absolutely no telling if it would be genuine. If I keep her petrified, it may as well only be a matter of time before she could escape, just as with what happened to Discord. I know Equestria has traditionally not believed in killing their prisoners..." Twilight paused, setting her tea on the end table.

"But what if ending her existence is the most merciful option?" She finished.

"Is it about mercy? Or is it about what is right and wrong? What is just?" Celestia retorted.

"I have a feeling you and I could discuss this for days. Weeks, even."

"I have no doubt. I can't tell you what to do, Twilight, I can only offer advice, because the choice is yours. My advice is unchanged; make sure you can live with your choice. Killing Cozy Glow may bring a couple ponies closure, but you must understand, taking a life is one of the heaviest choices you will ever make."

Starlight waited patiently in the hedge maze a short distance away from the two honor guards that watched over the center of the hedge maze, who she understood would not let her pass without Twilight present. She heard hoofsteps on the path behind her, and turned to see not Twilight, but a pony she hadn't seen in some time.

"Sunset Shimmer?" She asked, seeing Twilight's first student come up to her with a half-hearted smile under the Canterlot moonlight.

"I see Twilight needs quite a bit of help with what she has planned." Sunset answered as she came up to give her friend a hug.

"I wish I could say I was completely comfortable with this. To say that this is an ethical gray area is... an understatement." Starlight confessed.

"I think we're both here because of how much we trust her. She didn't come to this choice lightly." Sunset assured the other unicorn.

"I'm just wondering how she came to this choice." Starlight wondered.

"After weighing and thinking about all the options, this is the one I believe I can live with." The familiar voice said as she came around the other corner, the two unicorns turned to see Princess Twilight approach from the other side of the corridor. "And I absolutely appreciate your help with this, both of you. So, are you both ready?"

They both nodded, almost simultaneously.

"Alright then." Twilight stated, turning to the guards, who saluted, and let the trio pass into the center garden, where the petrified Cozy Glow floated, staring endlessly uncertain. Princess Twilight began charging her horn with magical energy, followed quickly by the other two as they took their places by her side.

"Surgere!" Twilight yelled as a purple beam shot from her horn.

"Veraque!" Sunset declared as a yellow beam shot from hers.

"Animus!" Starlight shouted, a white beam shooting from hers.

The three beams converged on the petrified pegasus filly, and exploded in a flash of white light that could be seen from anywhere in the city. It shined like a beacon for several moments, before returning the capital to the dark starry night.

The Child, Part 3

Princess Twilight descended the stone steps into the lower levels of Canterlot Castle, well below the ground level of most of the city, saddlebags securely fastened just beneath her wings. Just outside the Canterlot E.U.P. barracks, a unicorn in a white overcoat stood and waited for her.

"Doctor Graymare," the princess greeted.

"Princess Twilight, your majesty. If I may be so bold, part of me is starting to wonder if it was the best idea to accept this assignment." Graymare stated, as they descended yet another flight of stairs deeper into the mountain limestone.

"Doctor, I believe my invitation was quite clear."

"Your invitation said I was to keep her unharmed. But if you are expecting me to deny her sedatives for some of the pain she's feeling... I believe more than one interpretation would have that as violating my Hayppocratic Oath, your majesty."

"Doctor, if we lessen this pain she is in, it will do more harm than good. Now, did you get to her in time? What did she do?" Twilight asked as they began walking down the corridor.

"She bashed her head against the back wall. After that, all sides of her cell are now shielded and dampened; the enchantment will last a week before the spell needs recharging. She got a cut on the side of her head, I cleaned it up as best I could. Other than that... Loss of appetite, chest and stomach pains, nearly constant crying... None of it places her in immediate danger. But I still must state my objections for the record." Graymare told her before the corridor took a ninety degree turn, where they stopped.

"Your objections are hereby noted, and will be recorded in the official report. Unless you are offering your resignation from this assignment, I'll take it from here for now. Resume your hourly wellness checks when I leave." Princess Twilight replied.

Doctor Graymare gave her the most reserved disapproving look he could, but nodded, and turned around and walked back the way they had come, while Twilight continued around the corner. This was the dungeon's solitary wing, and it was almost always empty.

Save, now, for one.

A soft whimper increased in volume as Twilight moved down the dimly lit hall. She passed the half dozen empty cells, and slowly walked up to the last one, and gazed into the cell, where a pink pegasus filly was curled up on the stone floor, shuddering. She heard the approaching hoofsteps, and turned to look; dried blood staining a spot on her head just below her left ear. The bows in her mane and tail had been taken out, and her usually neat curls were messy and tangled.

"What have you done to me?!?" Cozy Glow screamed as she glared at the princess, getting to her hooves.

"I've given you the one thing you've lacked your entire life. Empathy. A conscience."

"Why?!" The pegasus demanded, eyes red and swollen from hours upon hours of crying.

"Because it's the one choice I could live with. I couldn't bring myself to end the life of a child, nor did I want you to spend an indefinite amount of time in stone, believing you did no wrong."

"And, how, exactly, is this pain, this hurting, any better?"

"So you can get an idea of the pain you caused others. Of the lives you ended or ruined, like your mother, your brother, and your father. You caused that fire, didn't you?"

Cozy Glow winced in pain, which was all the affirmation that the princess needed.

"So leaving me in stone wasn't enough? You have to see me like this? Then you're no better than the monster that I am..." Cozy cried.

"You think I figured out a way to heal your psychopathy, and enlisted the help of my most powerful friends because I wanted to torture you with a conscience? Is that what you think the Princess of Friendship would do?"

Cozy didn't answer, doubling over at another guilt-induced stomach cramp.

"No. I did what I did because of how young you are. Because I believe that with enough time, you can take this conscience, and learn how to cope with what you did, learn to accept it, and find a way to move on from there, and still have a life to live. In the meantime, this pain and guilt you are suffering through will be the punishment for everything you have done. It's up to you to find a way through it. Because I'm not going to let you starve or smash your brains against the wall for an easy way out."

Twilight paused, and looked down at the weeping filly in the cell in front of her.

"Because of what we've done for you, you can find a way to not be a monster anymore."

"And how do you know this is going to get any better?" Cozy asked through gritted teeth, tears falling down her already matted cheeks.

"I don't. I can only hope. Hope that you can take what we've given you, and fix yourself; heal yourself, and become a better pony."

Twilight's words brought another pang of guilt into Cozy's chest, which she clutched in pain.

"I hope that helps you sleep at night seven stories up..." Cozy wheezed.

"Your father has relinquished all responsibility for you. I've taken legal custody of you, Cozy Glow. I am literally all you have right now. So you know what? When it comes to you and your very uncertain future, that hope absolutely does help me sleep at night." Twilight firmly told her.

Cozy said nothing intelligible, and instead let out a painful wail as she turned away from the princess and curled up on the cold stone floor.

"Best of luck." Twilight said, barely hearing herself over the filly's cries, before she turned and walked uneasily back down the hall that she had come down, with Cozy Glow's wailing echoing off the stones and walls of the otherwise empty hallway.

Author's Note

That's all I had planned for now.

I do have a spark of an idea for some continuation. If that fleshes out, might do a short sequel.

Until then, thanks for reading!

The Monarch

"Are you really sure about this, Thorax? Do you know how many changelings are nervous and uneasy about this?" Ocellus asked, the worry all too apparent in her voice, as she stood with King Thorax and Prince Pharynx outside of the main entrance to the changeling hive.

"No, I'm not sure, Ocellus. And yes, I do know. I'm nervous too." The ruler replied.

"I don't understand then. Why are you giving this a chance?"

"Because I remember when I was given a chance up in the Crystal Empire."

The Changeling Kingdom's inaugural international friendship student couldn't argue with that reasoning, but her worry only grew as a pair of familiar ponies and a draconequus approached the main entrance to the hive from the hills and cliffs to the south. When Twilight, Starlight, and Discord came to within talking distance, they stopped together.

"Thorax," Twilight began, bowing respectfully. "Please know how grateful I am that you've agreed to this. I know this can't be easy for you, or your hive."

"You don't know the half of it, Princess. But at the same time, I have to admit I know where you're coming from. If we can show her what the hive has become, maybe, just maybe, she'll come around. But, if you don't mind me asking... Where is she?"

"Out of earshot. The stone sleep spell she was put under doesn't keep them from eavesdropping on whatever is near them. I don't want her to just tell us what she wants us to hear." Starlight replied.

Twilight nodded to Discord, who snapped his eagle talon, and with a rush of air and flash of light, the petrified and deposed former ruler of the changelings materialized and landed in the dirt with a thud, her snarling expression unchanging, and made Ocellus doubt this idea even more.

As Twilight charged up her spell, Discord angled the statue slightly down towards the dirt, and when the spell hit it and the stone began to crack, there was a flash, and Chrysalis' in-progress lunge landed her right in the dirt. She shook her head and spat out the soil that had gathered in her mouth.

"What is this trickery?" Chrysalis demanded, then fell silent as she looked around at her surroundings, and who exactly surrounded her.

"This 'trickery' is a chance that a few around you aren't too confident that you deserve." Starlight replied firmly, causing the fallen queen's glare to fall on her.

"A chance?" Chrysalis began, getting to her hooves and turning to the unicorn. "To see the light? To embrace friendship? Corruption?" She mocked.

"A chance to become a better creature." Twilight answered.

"Spare me your sentimental drivel!" The changeling spat, disgusted.

Thorax took a step forward

"Chrysalis, my brother and I have hesitantly agreed to this invitation Princess Twilight has proposed. If you just give it a chance—"

"I will not listen to the traitor that usurped my hive!" Chrysalis replied, whipping back at the Swarm Leader for barely a moment, noticing Pharynx bristle with anger before turning back to the pair of ponies and draconequus.

"If you thought you could so easily get this moral victory from my surrender, then you'll live to regret your mistake." The queen snarled, leaning down momentarily before leaping off into the sky.

Starlight was ready, however, and she fired off an offensive spell that connected just under her left wing, and she began to careen out of control. The unicorn reached out with her magic, took hold of her, arced her neck, and slammed her down into the dirt where she had taken off from, sending chunks of soil and pebbles bouncing off of everycreature nearby, as Chrysalis grunted in pain.

"Finish it..." Chrysalis stated defiantly, remaining on her side as she looked up angrily at Starlight. "I will not give in. The magic of friendship is—"

"'A poison', 'an infection', 'a disease'," the unicorn finished, interrupting the changeling's tirade and started one of her own. "And yet it has utterly overpowered you each time! It has made your hive stronger than it ever was! For someling who craves power so much, you seem to have a very poor understanding of what it actually is! What are you so afraid of?!?" Starlight screamed frustratingly, Chrysalis actually wincing at her words.

"Being vulnerable. Being alone." Discord answered for her.

The eyes of the group fell on the draconequus, as he stepped forward, snapping his claws, and a piece of purple-tinted tree bark and wood fell into his paw, before he tossed it on the ground in front of Chrysalis.

"You're terrified of being alone. So much that you spent weeks alone among trees, talking to a piece of wood, a figment of your imagination, an enchanted forest spirit that has long since passed on."

Chrysalis silently picked up the wood in her shuddering hooves, as Starlight stepped up to her.

"Part of friendship is looking inward, realizing that you've done wrong, and admitting your faults. You blame me and me alone for taking your hive away from you, and you've never once considered that how you treated your changelings contributed to your fall. And yet, here they are, right in front of you, ready and willing to take you back. Are you going to sit there and tell me that's weakness?"

Chrysalis couldn't look the unicorn in the eyes, and her gaze instead fell to the wood in her hooves as she shivered.

"Look at yourself, and how incomplete you are without friendship." Twilight offered. "Yes, it means making yourself vulnerable. Yes, there's a chance for hurt and heartache. But the magic is undeniable if you just open your heart."

Pharynx stepped forward.

"I was the last of our hive to accept change. I thought it was unacceptable what had happened to us. But when I realized how valued my contributions to the community were... Changing was the most liberating thing I can ever remember."

Discord joined the two mares, and snapped his eagle talon again, and the piece of wood Chrysalis held turned to ash, falling around and through her hooves, and for barely a moment, her eyes took on a look of panic.

"Chrysalis," Discord began. "I had spent eons traveling and manipulating the cosmos to my whim. I have seen and created things no mortal mind could comprehend. And yet what I have been offered and accepted here is some of the greatest power imaginable. Friends are much more preferable to servants and underlings. You can rise above the circumstances of your birth, and be greater. Together."

Finally, Chrysalis took a deep, quiet breath, and looked up to Twilight.

"And if it doesn't work the way you want it to? Am I to be returned to an eternity in stone? Obliterated to the ether?"

"I think that's best dealt with if and when we get to that point." Twilight replied, not wanting to threaten her with condemnation or punishment ahead of any hopefully honest effort.

Feeling that everything that could be said had been, Thorax stepped around her, and offered an outstretched hoof. Looking at is hesitantly, she took his hoof in hers, and he gently pulled her up to her hooves.

"We've prepared a burrow for you. Pharynx can show you to it, and you can take as long as you need to to make yourself comfortable."

Unable to think of any reply, she merely nodded for the time being, and Thorax gave her a gentle smile in return.

"Welcome home."