Corruption

Inside the throne room, Sunset, Tempest, and Grubber woke up with chains tied around their bodies and had burlap sacks covering their faces. But because of the sack, they couldn’t see where they were nor hear what was being said. Although they could faintly hear something about being separated from one another. And not only that, but Sunset could faintly hear someone talking. Someone familiar. But before she could pick up on any more of the conversation, she was knocked out cold along with Tempest and Grubber before being taken away once again.

. . .

Waking up once again, Sunset started hearing clicking, growling, and hissing as well as dripping noises surrounding her. She had no idea where she was nor could she figure out where Tempest and Grubber were, but she could already tell that she was being taken away by Changelings. She heard cartwheel noises underneath and quickly figured out that she was being taken someplace in Equestria. Sunset couldn’t make out what it was, but it was cold and dark all over her. But suddenly, the cart stopped and all the noises came to an eerie halt when she was brought right before Queen Chrysalis hanging up from the ceiling. Just then, a Changeling reported,

“We have found a spy from the Crystal Empire, my queen. A spy that has been sent by the princesses.”

“Is that so? Remove her sack.” the Changeling Queen commanded.

Doing as she said, the Changeling walked over and removed the burlap sack from Sunset’s head. She looked around and saw that she was surrounded by a swarm of hungry Changelings with every visible intent on killing her. Sunset tries activating her horn, but the Ooze covering it inhibits her chances of attacking, let alone escaping. So she looked up and saw something hanging from the ceiling. It had armor plating all over its back with multiple eyes staring directly at Sunset as in a creepy manner. It had a tube up top and it seemed to be giving birth to the Changeling Grubs that are resting on the ground. From the looks of it, it almost seemed to be a creepy decoration made to intimidate other ponies into submission. But as the unicorn kept looking, Thorax said,

“While you were unconscious, one of our drones found some of the Elements of Harmony inside your bag. We have also gone through your journal and we have learned that there is another world besides our. If you and your kind were to ever escape, the King’s ultimate revenge will not reach fruition.”

A feeling of dread loomed over Sunset once she heard what happened while she was knocked out cold. Having learned that the Elements of Harmony are now lost, all the work that Sunset has put into was all in vain.

“How long was I out for…?” Sunset asked in a scared tone.

“Two days. But pretty soon in months, your kind will begin to suspect and turn against one another while we continue to plan towards your inevitable downfall as all of Equestria slowly becomes a void. The princesses have already begun turning against another. But once all of you are out of the picture, Shadow King’s rule will be law and nothing will stand against us.”

“But we never did anything to you! Equestria has welcomed you all with open hooves and this is how you repay us!? You are the ones who wronged us! After everything that Twilight and her friends did for you… after all that they sacrificed… you decide to-!” Sunset shouted before getting cut off by the sudden laughter from all the Changelings except for Chrysalis.

The unicorn was taken aback by their change in demeanor after giving them her rant about their betrayal. Sunset must’ve thought that she was the only sane creature inside the Changeling Hive, because Thorax countered,

“You speak of friendship like it’s of utmost importance. Well, allow me to give you a reality check, Sunset Shimmer. For many eons, we creatures have been misused and oppressed while you ponies reaped away the benefits of power. Friendship!? What a sick joke! Friendship is nothing more than a transaction used to buy whatever trust you can find and use it to fulfill whatever selfish needs that you desire. Wanna be friends? Let’s eat lunch together! How about we sing songs and act like we’re better than everypony else! This idea that you hold towards friendship… it is enough to make a grub puke. And you and your friends are the root cause of it all!”

“In what world would you come to believe in such a disgusting interpretation of friendship!? I have no idea what your king has put inside you, but you are making a big mistake! Friendship is not a foundation based on lies and manipulation! It is a meaning of trust and love! Can’t you-!?” Sunset shouted before being cut off by Thorax once more.

“Even now, you continue to stand up for Twilight and her stupid ideology of friendship. Well, I couldn’t care less over your opinion on what we aim to do. Because pretty soon… your kind will cease to exist and our revenge will be fulfilled!” Thorax shouted with glee.

“Revenge!? For what!? What did all of us do to deserve this!? We were just living in peace until-!” Sunset shouted before being smacked across the head by a Changeling wielding a spear.

“Be silent, pony! You will speak when we allow it!” the Changeling shouted before right by Thorax’s side.

“Thank you, Pharynx. As I was saying, the King has already succeeded in his various campaigns against your kind. We have taken your cities, your lands, your lives, and there is only one place left to take… the Crystal Empire.” Thorax said with a sinister tone in his voice.

“What…? You’re lying! The Crystal Empire won’t fall so easily! Once Twilight finds a way to counter you, you’re gonna wish you were still enemies with us! I promise that I won’t rest until-!”

“Silence!” Queen Chrysalis shouted with a low growling noise in her voice.

Sunset looked up and saw Chrysalis lower herself slightly down before turning around to face the unicorn. Sweat started dripping down Sunset’s head as the queen slowly unveiled herself. Chrysalis unveiled herself and she has taken a more grotesque appearance as a Changeling. Having evolved into a full bug, Chrysalis’s inner-shell was more insect-like and she had multiple legs across her body. She has developed a long reptilian tail, a much larger horn, and she has mandibles all over her face. She even has beetle-like wings on her bag. But her face was covered with multiple eyes across her face and they were more insect-like while even sporting antennas above her brows. She looked down at Sunset Shimmer and growled,

“In my domain, you are my feast! And while my king speaks, you will be silent!”

Sunset kept silent and paid close attention to Queen Chrysalis while she tried to activate her horn.