Round 2 Bracket 2-C

Cozy Glow slowly enters the space that held Tirek and the other villains, her over sized wings dragging behind her as her head hung low. Moments later, the scorched battlefield behind her returns to its gelatinous form after the sound of Discord snapping his claws reaches her ears. Her mind was occupied with the memories of her past that she didn’t notice when Chrysalis steps in front of her path causing the filly to bump into her hoof.

Cozy lifts her annoyed gaze up to meet Chrysalis’ smug one. “Come now, Cozy. We all knew you never stood a real chance against Celestia all by yourself.”

The filly looks at the Changeling for a few seconds then replies. “I’d like to see you do any better.” Her reply was lacking her usual energy, having lost all interest in the tournament or even her allies. She steps aside to pass the taller mare, only for her to place her hoof back in the fillies way.

“I assure you, my battle with her will go much better…once you show me how to use that wonderful spell of yours.”

“As if!” Cozy shouts. Angry, Cozy leaps up and hovers in front of the Changeling’s muzzle. “I’m not sharing my keys to the Sun’s power with you! Why don’t you bother Sunbutt’s ex protégé over there.” She said pointing at Sunset Shimmer as she and Lightning Dust stand beside the barrier separating the two spaces, watching Celestia also making a slow trek to the far side of her space, politely passing the ponies and creatures along the way.

“Because your spell suits me better.” Chrysalis replies glaring at the filly who’s glare matched her.

“Enough! Leave her be, Chrysalis.” The two of them look behind Cozy at Tirek, who held a stern glare aimed at the Changeling. Hissing with annoyance, Chrysalis walks past her two ‘allies’ making her way to the arena. As she went, Tirek turns his gaze back to Cozy. Conflicting thoughts battle within his mind regarding his relationship with the diabolical filly, fearing it was akin to friendship.

“Hey…Tirek?” Cozy said while rubbing her hoofs nervously.

“What is it, Cozy?”

“I just wanted to say…thanks. For standing up for me.” She offers the large centaur a small smile. “No one’s ever…done that before.”

“Hmph.” He crosses his arms and looks out towards the other space. “I did what I had too. For my ally.” He looks back at her with a small smirk. “I trust you would do the same.”

“Yeah!” Cozy replies with a bright smile, the two unlikely allies sharing a moment together.

“That’s so adorable…its disgusting!” Cozy’s smile flips into a frown as she turns around to see the Storm King leaning against his staff, his back turned towards the two. “What are you still doing here, brat? Why don’t you run along and play with the other losers?”

“That’s rich, coming from the satyr that dies minutes after getting that staff.” Cozy jabs back before blowing him a raspberry. She turns to face the arena. “Discord, I’m ready to leave this stupid tournament.”

Discord appears over her with a blank look on his face. “You are aware you competed in said ‘stupid tournament’. Right?” Cozy hmph’s as Discord prepares to snap his lion paw.

“Just you wait, brat!” The Storm King shouts turning to face Cozy and Tirek, jabbing the Staff of Sacanas at them. “After this tournament, I’ll find each and everyone of you creatures and show you all why I’m called the STORM KING!”

“Yeah, yeah. Whatever you s…ay?” Cozy said as she turns to look at the satyr to show him her dismissive hoof gesture, froze when her eyes fell upon the Storm King’s sigil on his chest armour. When her eyes laid upon it memories of the night her parents left her at the orphanage came flooding back. Having seen the sigil on the armour of the storm creature that followed the Storm King. Her eyes widen in horrific understanding just as Discord snapped his lion paw. “You!” With that, Cozy was sent back to the moment she was taken from.

“Celestia…”

Pharynx expression softens at hearing Daydream whisper her mentor’s name. The pony turned human was currently leaning against his side watching Celestia slowly make her way into their space. While still walking with a regal grace, even a blind creature could see the turmoil within her eyes. As she walks, creatures instinctively clear her path save for Princess Luna and Princess Twilight. The two Alicorns look up at the eldest pony as she meets their concern faces, offering them a sad smile. Twilight moves to comfort her friend, words of support on her lips, only to be held back by a gentle hoof on her shoulder. She looks back to see Luna keeping her put while still meeting her sister’s gaze. Finally, she gives Celestia a sad nod before stepping aside which Twilight, after a brief moment of hesitation follows suit, allowing Celestia to continue on her way to the back of the space.

“Nothing any of us can say will ease her.” Pharynx blinks as both he and Daydream look to Tempest who stood to Daydream’s other side. “The best thing any of us can do for her is to leave her be.” She looks to Daydream, offering her a small smile. “With time, she’ll return to her…better self.” Pharynx watches as Daydream returns her friends smile. He furrows his brow as his eyes look beyond his companions at his mother who had just hissed at Tirek and Cozy before making her way towards the barrier that borders the arena.

“Time doesn’t always heal all wounds.” He said, drawing the two friends attention. “Sometimes…the wounds are so deep, so ingrained into a creatures being…they need to be forced to heal.” His words shock Daydream as Tempest gives him a questioning look. She follows his line of sight to spot Chrysalis, understanding flashing across her face.

“I don’t believe tha…” Daydream starts to say only to stop as memories of the Sirens, Midnight and even her own pass actions come rushing back to her, silencing her before she could argue with him.

“Do you have a plan?” Tempest asks, using her magic to get Daydream off Pharynx and gently lower her to the ground.

Pharynx looks at the hornless unicorn while standing to his full height, just a few inches taller then her. “More or less.” He makes his way to the barrier that borders the arena, a look of hatred on his face. “I’ll just hit her where it hurts.” Daydream gives Tempest a concern look as Tempest watches Pharynx walk away, her eyes full of a seriousness that worries the pony turned human.

The Changeling quickly drew closer to the arena barrier, his eyes locked on the gelatinous mass that floated beyond the space, leaving him blind to all around him. Images of Thorax occupying his thoughts; the look of surprise and pain on his face when Chrysalis shot him through the chest. His body laying lifeless at his hooves as Ocellus cried over him. The two of them working together with the Hive to drive away the maulwulf. Going to Thorax’s aid before teasing him himself. All these memories push against Pharynx heart so much that a single tear manages to leak out of his eye.

Suddenly, a white wingtip brushes against his cheek, wiping away the stray tear. Pharynx whips his ahead on instinct to see Celestia standing beside him, her eyes still full of pain and regret but a sad smile still on her muzzle. The two of them share a moment together, the sight if her in this state causes Pharynx to lose some of his malice. Finally, Celestia lowers her head between his mandibles to press her horn against his. “Best of luck with your match, Pharynx.” She lifts her head to met his eyes again, this time with a more motherly look. “Please remember…that no creature is beyond saving.” Her grief filled eyes return, causing her own tears to fall. “No matter how impossible it may seem.” With that she continues on her way.

Pharynx watches her go, giving Daydream and Tempest the briefest acknowledgement until she reaches the edge of the space, laying down with her back to everyone else. Before he had time to process her words Discord snaps his lion paw. The next moment Pharynx found himself teleported to the platform over the gelatinous mass. Sensing creatures inside, the large mass began to quickly morph into a swamp land with a decrepit shanty town within. Mucky water covered with foliage and surrounded by jagged trees with swiping branches that launch pines, the half dozen buildings were in various stats of disrepair with plunder vines draping over them and poison joke plants sprouting on the walls and roofs.

“And then there were two.” Pharynx’s eyes narrow as a hard edge found its way to them, the voice of his mother reawakening all his anger and fury. He slowly turns to see Chrysalis eyeing him with a smug grin as she continues. “It’s a shame Ocellus isn’t here to witness this. It would do her some good to see what a true Changeling really is.” Her smugness melts into an angry scowl. “You once knew that not too long ago.”

“I am a true Changeling, Chrysalis.” He turns to meet his mother’s gaze with his furious one. “You’re the one who forgot what that meant.”

“You DARE!” Chrysalis booms as her wings vibrate angrily. Suddenly she charges at him only to slam into an invisible wall that separates the two of them. Pharynx stood his ground without even flinching. “I will not tolerate being spoken to in such a way by a pathetic creature like you! Casting aside your true heritage to become an—“ She hisses venomously at him. “—abomination! A hideous joke of what you truly are!”

“You disgrace the name of Changeling by clinging to just one form!” He spat back, his own wings buzzing angrily. “You’re deluded for believing that you are the pinnacle of what a Changeling really is! And it’s about time someone knocked some sense into you!” The two combatants held each others glares even as they were teleported to the swampy battlefield below. Pharynx stood on one of the buildings decks as Chrysalis stood on a thick, outstretched root.

“And I thought Luna’s battle was emotionally charged.” Discord said appearing above the two. “Then again, family can bring out the worst in us.” He looks between the two before getting into position. “Are you two ready?”

“Just get on with it!” Chrysalis demands. Pharynx simply nods his head.

“Then…let this family feud grudge match…BEGIN!” With a chop of his claw Discord disappears. Chrysalis lunge towards Pharynx, her horn a glow for a second before unleashing a violent blast of magic, intending to make quick work of her foe. Autumn, Spike, Smoulder and Gallus gasp, watching Pharynx drop down to the porch avoiding the attack and allowing it to completely destroy the building behind him. He remains low until Chrysalis gets closer, her horn ready to unleash another blast. Suddenly his mandibles spark to life as a violet glow surround them, catching the charging Changeling in his magical grasp, his use of magic catching her off guard enough for him to drag her right into the swampy water.

“Uh! Gag!” Smoulder said, hovering away from the barrier. “No amount of gems is worth getting stuck in that.”

“You said it.” Gallus chimes in, mimicking her disgust expression. “Glad I live high up in the mountains and as far away from swamps.”

“I don’t think ya’ll appreciate the many herbal bounties that can be found in swamps.” Mage said over her shoulder. Having grown up in a swampy bayou she couldn’t help looking for any ingredients she would need to gather once she returns home.

“No offence, Ms. Meadowbrook, but if I need to plug my nose to ‘appreciate’ something, its not worth appreciating.” The young griffon replies, causing the healer to giggle before pointing at his still healing wing.

“I wouldn’t be so sure, hun. Or have you forgotten the brew I used for your wing?” Gallus stood dumbfounded, looking from his wing to Mage’s bag while Smoulder and Gilda laugh.

“That Pharynx is a cunning warrior.” The voice of Rockhoof’s praise caught their attention. “Not many creatures could perform such a counter as that without getting at least grazed. Perhaps, there is more to the brother of Thorax then meets the eye.”

“I find his ability to channel his fury a much more impressive feat.” Tempest adds, a small smile forming on her muzzle. “Just look at him. HIs hatred for Chrysalis is coming off in waves.”

“Is bug pony gonna last under water?” Prince Rutherford asks, noticing the part of the swamp Chrysalis was under started to thrash about as Pharynx stands his ground, straining to keep the other Changeling from breaking through the surface. The strain evident on his face as well as his fury, betraying his true intent.

“He…he’s not really trying to…?” Cadence asks, voicing the same thing every creature was thinking.

“Pharynx! Don’t do it!” Twilight shouts. “Remember what Thorax wanted!”

“Please, Pharynx! Don’t let your emotions take control!” Autumn shouts, visions of her own rage running rampant in her own match. Their cries fall on deaf ears as Pharynx pours more into his magic, the splashing starting to die down. Many of the creatures watching share the same expression of shock on their faces. Just then a faint green glow flickers to life for a split second under the water seconds before the Changeling grunts in surprise, gritting his teeth, struggling to maintain the spell.

Suddenly a large Cragadile bursts out of the water with sickly green eyes and its jaws open wide as it roars at Pharynx, breaking out of his spell. Stun by his hold being broken and the sudden appearance of the creature, he was too late to avoid hie leg from being bitten. “AH!” The Changeling grunts, being dragged into the water. Beneath the mirky surface he glares at Chrysalis, holding hers for few seconds. In a flash of green flame Pharynx transforms into Aria Blaze, her tail still in the Cragadile’s jaws. Aria opens her own jaws and belts out a powerful high note that rattles Chrysalis’s head, forcing her to release the siren tail from her grasp.

Returning to her normal self, Chrysalis quickly brings her hooves to her ears in an attempt to block out the mind numbing noise but to no use. Enrage, she powers through the attack to summon a barrier around herself, with only the tip of her horn exposed. While doing little to ease the sonic attack she forces herself to endure it while channeling her magic to the exposed horn tip. Now grinning, the self proclaim Changeling Queen cast a spell that froze the entire body of water including Pharynx, ending his attack.

Laughing maniacally, she teleports over the frozen swamp, much to everyones disappointment. “A clever move, Pharynx. I would expect no less from one of my former soldiers.” She lands on the frozen water glaring down at the entrapped Pharynx. “But, there is no Changeling alive that can beat me!” She resumes laughing, much to everyone’s annoyance. Failing to notice when a purple flash appears beneath her. The ice suddenly starts to shake drawing her attention back down in time to avoid the ice exploding upward; a purple maulwulf bursts from the ice and glares at the hovering Chrysalis.

“You’re still too quick to celebrate, Chrysalis.” Pharynx says, a smirk on the giant creatures maw. The sound of the on lookers cheering fill the air as Chrysalis hisses, glaring at the changed changeling. She quickly takes on the form of a bugbear before lunging at him, roaring all the while. Pharynx lunges at her, the two of them colliding into each other with enough force to send cracks along the ice.

“You can do it, Pharynx!” Autumn Blaze shouts along with Spike who hovers beside her, the two of them excited to see how Pharynx would fair using his hatred against his mother. Pharynx, despite his size manages to outmaneuver his airborne opponent landing a few good hits in, making her growl in frustration.

“Do you two see what he’s doing?” Tempest asks, standing behind them.

“He’s moving around a lot. Making himself difficult for Chrysalis to hit him.” Spike replies.

“All while keeping his temper and hatred under control. Even though this fight is intense.” Autumn adds, cheering when Pharynx knocks Chrysalis to the ice before crashing on top of her.

“Very good. But, let me point out the difference in their power.” This earns their attention as the maulwulf and bugbear wrestle. “Chrysalis is clearly the stronger of them in terms of magic. By keeping her frustrated, he’s making her focus on him with an agitated mind. Therefore, keeping her from using her greater magic and controlling the flow of the fight.”

“All while fuming, himself.” Daydream adds. A hint of irritation in her tone. “The hatred he feels towards her is what’s allowing him to keep pace with her. For the moment, anyway.”

“What do you mean by that?” Autumn asks as Spike turns back to see Chrysalis forces them to roll around, giving her the chance to break away and get back to the sky.

“He has no chance of overpowering her and sooner or later, she’ll wise up and calm down.” She looks towards the two fighting Changelings. “It’s gonna be tough for him to win after that.” Autumn shares a worrying look with Spike before they resume watching the fight.

Luna spares a glance towards the arena and the fight within, rather curious to watch how Pharynx fights more then anything else within. She had grown to appreciate his brazen approach when it came to speaking to others, regardless of titles. However, her concern for her distraught elder sister was more important to her at the moment. Shifting her gaze back to Celestia, she catches the last bits of Cadence’s attempt to cheer up the Sun Princess. “…everyone here knows that wasn’t you. Please, don’t dwell on it.” Cadence offers while pressing herself against Celestia.

“She’s right. It’s this tournament!” Twilight adds. “It’s designed to push us to places we would never otherwise go.” She said from her other side. Twilight looks at Luna and Shining who stood beside her with pleading eyes. “Right?”

Luna exchanges a sad look with Shining before he replies. “I’m sorry, Twily. But, it’s not that simple.”

“Shining!” She snaps back.

“Listen Twilight. Cadence. It is admirable you wish to ease my sisters pain. But words alone won’t be enough.” Luna said, looking into Celestia’s blank eyes as she watches the match, showing no signs of hearing any of them. “Even less so when she does not want to listen.”

“What else can we do, Luna!?” The youngest Alicorn shouts, drawing the attention of those around them. Shining looks around, spotting the hurt expressions of both Daydream and Sunset. “No matter how hard things got or how hurt I was, Celestia always managed to guide be back.” Tears ran down her cheeks as she nuzzles against her friend and mentor. “I just…want to do the same for her.”

Luna gives her a smile while approaching them. “You will Twilight.” She stands beside Twilight who looks up at her. Luna places a hoof on her shoulder. “Continue believing in her, stand by her side, and welcome her back once she decides to do so. That will be more than enough.” They share a smile before Luna looks back up at Celestia, recognizing much of herself from her blank expression after she was freed from her darker persona.

“Look out, Pharynx!” Autumn shouts, getting Luna and the others to look back at the arena, the Lunar princess almost missing the sudden twitch from Celestia’s eyes. Pharynx, still as a maulwulf had his hind leg inside the broken ice, making him lose his balance. Luna, having missed what had been going on suspects he was unfamiliar with fighting on the ice. Chrysalis bugbear form smirks before rocketing towards him with her stinger intending to poison him. Pharynx meets her hateful eyes with his own, transforming back into himself in time to avoid the sting, much to everyone’s amazement and relief.

But unwittingly falling into his rival’s trap. Chrysalis twists her body as she passes, grabbing Pharynx by the throat. She flies up again and throws him before he could counter, chucking him right into a building that was covered in both poison joke and plunder vines. Almost immediately the vines wrap around the Changeling poisoning him with their ill effects. Spike and Autumn both shout out as Luna scowls at the former Changeling queen. “It’s over.” She admits. Daydream, Tempest and Shining all look to her with questioning looks.

“The poison joke is bad enough.” Twilight says as Pharynx grunts with pain as blue dots quickly cover his body while being forced to revert to his previous changeling appearance. Many of the competitors gasp as Twilight continues. “But combined with the plunder vines…”. She shoots a glare up at Discord.

“Pharynx…”. Twilight quickly looks back at Celestia, surprised to see her standing with an equally stun Cadence. They all watch as Pharynx, with a mighty yell, tears himself free from the vines, crashing onto the wooden deck below him.

Chrysalis laughs, returning to her regular form. “What further proof do you need? Without that disgusting use of love, this is what a Changeling truly is!” She lands in front of the struggling Pharynx meeting his glare with her smugness. “Can you not see how wrong your brother is? How he leads our Hive to a fate worst then extinction?” Twilight, Spike and Daydream scowl at her while Tempest and Autumn kept their eyes on Pharynx as he lowers his head. “Help me restore the Hive to its former glory, Pharynx. Together, we can conquer not just Equestira, but the entire world!” She laughs manically, oblivious to the glare The Storm King was shooting her.

Suddenly, Pharynx launches himself at her connecting a right hook to her muzzle, cutting her laughing short while staggering her. She glares at him as he struggles to stay in the air, his strength nearly diminished. Yet his hatred for her lost none of its potency. “Your thirst for conquest…drove the Hive from one defeat to another. Dragging us further and further to our end with every attempt.” As he spoke, some of his fury began to rejuvenate him slowly. He casts a look to the two spaces to see Daydream, Spike and Autumn all watching in awe as Tempest held a proud smile on her muzzle. Ember, Smoulder, Gallus and Gilda hover above them cheering on the Changeling warrior along with Shining, Rutherford, Mage, Steven and Rockhoof. He grins before looking back at Chrysalis. “But…all that pales in comparison…to WHAT YOU DID TO THORAX AND OCELLUS!” His horn aglow Pharynx rockets at Chrysalis, narrowly missing her. Despite his weaken magic he presses his attack, the thought of giving up not once crossing his mind.

“I’d love to see that bug queen try and take my empire from me!” The Storm King said, slamming his staff to the ground. “The world is mine to conquer!”

“Simpleton.” Sombra jabs, earning him a shout from the satyr.

“This Chrysalis is a strange one.” Stygian comments while rubbing his chin observing the two Changelings hover around the arena.

“How so?” Sombra asks, ignoring The Storm King while Midnight glances at the two.

“For someone with her ruthlessness and power, why not simply overpower him and claim victory?”

“It is not victory she wants. At least, not at the moment.” They all turn to look at Tirek, his eyes facing the arena. “It’s clear to see, she is the vindictive type. After being forced to flee by such an embarrassing way as ‘love’, she seeks to punish those responsible. Or in his case, embracing it.”

“That is quite the insight you have on her, Lord Tirek. Perhaps to utilize yourself?” Stygian challenges, earning him a sinister look along with a grin from the centaur.

“Why concern yourself with her fate, when you have those close to you to consider?” Stygian, Sombra, Midnight and Storm King give him challenging glares which he meets without flinching.

As they converse, Pharynx is slammed into the ice, getting pinned by Chrysalis; the creatures from his space call out to him as she glares down at him. “Enough of this! For refusing my generous offer, siding with that traitorous grub Thorax, I’ll ensure you suffer a worst fate then his will be!”

Pharynx puts up a weak struggle against the far stronger Changeling, having given everything he had just to prolong this moment. Try as he might, Pharynx couldn’t help but shed a tear as thoughts of Thorax laying before him on the verge of death, Ocellus being forced to return to the old ways along with the rest of the Hive. Since he was born Pharynx desired only two things; protecting his Hive and being there for his brother. Laying their numb from the poison joke’s illness along with the ice below him, he lazily looks to the space to see his new friends and future rivals, fearing what Chrysalis and her allies would do to them…because he failed to adhere to Thorax’s wish. On the verge of accepting defeat his gaze catches Celestia approaching the barrier her words ringing in his ears.

That no creature is beyond saving.

Memories of her match flash through his mind, inspiring a crazy, last ditch attempt he could make. Pushing through his weakness, Pharynx summons all his remaining strength to change one more time. The action takes Chrysalis by surprise enough for her to step back, curiosity get the best of her. But what lay before her was a rather pathetic site; the form he chose was that of a featherless bird covered in the same blue dots. Everyone there was silent for a few seconds; a gust of wind carrying a died leaf through the area.

The silence was broken by the laughter of Chrysalis and The Storm King, followed closely by the groans of Smoulder, Gallus and Gilda. The other creatures within both spaces gave the pathetic bird looks that range from disappointment to confusion. Only a few of them gave the move any serious thought, with the Royal Alicorn’s, Daydream, her pony counterpart and Spike knowing the truth. “Brilliant, Pharynx. A cunning move indeed.” Luna praises. Twilight and Daydream smile confidently as Cadence and Celestia, who managed to find some of her old self back, nod in agreement.

Tempest, Shining and Autumn look at their friends with questioning looks. “Wait, what did he change into?” Autumn asks.

Spike hovers beside her with a confident smile as well. “Just watch. You’re going to enjoy this.”

“What pathetic creature are you suppose to be?” Chrysalis said with a cackle. “Your last, desperate attempt at victory and you choose a featherless chicken? You are a much bigger disappointment then Thorax. You at least were a proper Changeling.”

Pharynx cracks his beak into a weak smile while looking up at her. “If I’ve learned anything from watching Thorax…”. He spares a look at Spike, giving him a thumbs up. “…even disappointments can surprise you.” Suddenly, Pharynx bursts into flames, partially melting some of the ice beneath him, and was reduced to ash within seconds.

Mage Meadowbrook lets out a horrific scream; Rockhoof brings her in close as Steven and Rutherford look on in shock. Gilda moves to cover Gallus’ eyes with Ember do the same for Smoulder and Spike, despite the younger dragon’s protesting. Tempest and Shining look on in confused silence, looking from the ash pile to Celestia and Daydream, noting the confident looks they have as well as Luna, Cadence and Twilight.

In the other space, The Storm King and Midnight join Chrysalis in her laughing fit as Stygian and Lightning Dust look on, unsure of how to react. Only Sunset, Sombra and Tirek held expressions of curiosity and amazement. “How curious, that a tenacious fighter like him would choose such a form.” Sombra comments, getting Stygian and Lightning’s attention.

“Because…”. Sunset replies stepping forward with a smirk. “…it’s his best play.”

“Discord! The fool has ended himself. Call the match already!” Chrysalis demands, making her way to the villain space.

Discord appears before her with a smug look. “Your kid over there was right about you. You do celebrate far to soon.”

“You insult me?! Right after I won my match!?”

“The match isn’t over until I call it.”

“Then call it! Why do you insist on wasting my time?”

“Think about it. As a Changeling yourself, you must be familiar with all manner of creatures. Can you not think of any that would suddenly combust?”

Still glaring at him Chrysalis humours the Lord of Chaos and racks her brain for an answer. Her eyes widen upon finding it. “No!” She turns to cast a spell on the pile of ash only for a flame to shoot out of it to hover above the stunned Chrysalis. Ember and Gilda let the kids finally see, to which Gallus’ jaw drops. “I-is that a Phoenix?” Understanding rolls across everyone there just as Pharynx launches a flame breath at the ice, quickly melting it and making Chrysalis fall into the water once again. His magic completely restored Pharynx give the spot Chrysalis fell a sad look. A cheer rings out from his friends right before he transforms again into a creature that makes everyone go silent.

Chrysalis bursts out of the water, her horn aglow with a spell only to stop suddenly upon laying eyes on the pony that hovers before her. Celestia, the pony Pharynx had chosen gave her a sad look. “I pity you, Chrysalis.” He said in her voice. “You can conquer countries, steal all the magic in Equestria and destroy all who oppose you. But in the end, you will still be all alone.”

“Silence!” She roars, blasting a beam right at him. With the barest of efforts, ‘Celestia’ twists her body to avoid the attack, her eyes still looking at Chrysalis, as if searching for something within them. He finds it; buried behind her hatred and anger is the pain of losing her hive and family, clinging to the only thing she thinks she still has.

Pharynx looks up at the real Celestia, recognizing the same look Thorax had given him since become King. Pride and love. He smiles, letting a short chuckle escape his lips. “I think I’m starting to finally understand you, Thorax.” He says in Celestia’s voice. He transforms back into his new normal form before looking up at Discord. “I forfeit.”

“WHAT!?” Both Chrysalis and Ember shout as the others reel from his decision. “You can’t forfeit now! Not when you got your second wind!” Ember shouts as Smoulder, Spike and Gallus deflate a little.

“There’s no point continuing. All I’ll end up doing is wearing myself out.” He explains, walking past a stun Chrysalis with his head held high. His eyes meet Celestia’s and smiles. “Besides, Thorax is the one that wants to reform her. I could care less either way.”

“How dare you deny me my vengeance! Come back here and FIGHT ME!” Her eyes burn with anger and humiliation as she watches Pharynx continue to walk away, not even giving her a glance. “PHARYNX!”

“Pharynx has forfeit the match. The winner is Chrysalis!” Discord declares. With a snap of his paw, the two Changelings are teleported to their respective spaces. Chrysalis slams her hooves while crying out in anger before turning around, making her way past the other creatures and to the corner. The Storm King, Midnight and Lightning Dust snicker as she goes while Stygian, Sunset and Sombra watch her with contempt. Tirek glances back at her; a ping of remorse emerges which he quickly dismisses.

Pharynx appears right in front of Celestia, meeting her motherly smile with a smirk of his own. “Congratulations Pharynx, on your victories. Both within the arena and within yourself. King Thorax, Ocellus and the rest of your Hive would be proud of you.”

“Thank you, Princess Celestia. For reminding me why I fight in the first place.” He nods to her before moving to speak with his newfound friends. Daydream and Tempest greet him first. “It’s too bad. I really wanted to see you cut loose.” He said to Daydream.

She smirks down at him, lifting her fist up to him. “You just might get your chance. When I visit Equestria, I’ll be sure to stop by the Hive and give you a personal demonstration.”

Pharynx hoof bumps her fist. “There’s something to look forward to.”

“I’ll be sure to accompany her when she does. I, too would like to test myself against you.” Tempest adds smirking, giving him another hoof bump. “I imagine fighting a Changeling will be very interesting.”

“Trust me, you haven’t seen anything yet.”

“Come to the Dragon Lands the next time Thorax does. I’ll show you how we dragons really fight!” Ember chimes in, punching him in the shoulder.

“You sure you want to?” He hits her in the shoulder. “I’d hate to show you up.” The four of them share a laugh before her turns to address Autumn and Spike. “You two had better have watched how a pro cuts loose.”

“Oh, we did! You were incredible!” Autumn says before casting a look at Lightning Dust. “It’s got me excited for my own match. I can’t wait to use what you’ve taught us.”

Spike lost some of his excitement upon seeing Tirek. “I kinda wish I wasn’t going against him first. I would’ve liked to try a few of your tips out before that.”

“You guys are tougher then you think.” He flashes them a smile. “Remember what you learned and go with your gut. Do that, and you’ll both be just fine. In and out of the tournament.” Autumn looks at him with a tearful smile before rushing him, surprising Pharynx with a hug. Spike joins in, the two of them holding the uncomfortable Changeling long enough for the other creatures to giggle and snicker at him. Finally, they release him, waving to their friend and mentor before Discord sends him back to his time with a snap.

Author's Note

Wow. My writers block is something else.

Here’s the next chapter I’ve had collecting dust in my storage for quite a while. I’m on a writing streak again, but I can’t promise anything regarding when the next chapter will be uploaded.

I hope you enjoy this one!