"So, we're heading where again?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"The Changeling Hive of the Badlands. It's where the rest of the changelings were camping. No doubt mother let her will ring out in the hive mind as she died." Amiticia said.

"Do you think the changelings will do as Chrysalis said?" Applejack asked.

"One can only hope they do. If there are those that don't, as the one mother and father entrusted with the hive as it's new king, then it's my job to make sure that any an all who disagree with that statement must fall in line." Amiticia said. "And no doubt, I'd have to resort to fighting some of them." He added.

"Do you have to fight?" Fluttershy asked.

"Changelings settle disagreements with what is known as 'The Challenge' which is more like a sparring match then an actual fight. The rules are quite simple really: Any changelings who disagree with the monarch in charge can challenge the monarch in a battle of wits. This battle of wits revolves in a situation where the challenger changeling is made to try and damage the changeling throne. The ruling monarch's job is to keep the challenger from doing so until the challenger surrenders. Flying is not allowed by either side, only magic is allowed." Amiticia said.

"Oh. Well at least no one gets hurt." Fluttershy said.

"I never said that the rules forbid any sort of spell that can harm anyone. In fact, most of the time, it's encouraged to do so." Amiticia said.

"A bit ruthless, but I suppose when you've been doing things one way for so long, it can be hard to do anything else. I am curious, what happens when one side wins?" Rarity asked.

"If the current ruling monarch wins, the challenger is simply dropped in rank within the hive with no further reprocussions. Though there is the chance that the challenger is already at the lowest rank, in which case, the challenger is instead given a punishment duty chosen by the ruling monarch. Of course, if the current ruling monarch loses, then the challenger is seen as the new ruling monarch and the former monarch must never set foot in the hive again on threat of death. Essentially, the former ruling monarch becomes exiled." Amiticia said.

"But that would mean there's a chance you'd be dethroned!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed.

"Yes there is. But so far to this day, not a single challenger has ever succeeded." Amiticia said.

"Well we'll find out if that holds true soon enough; we're here." Twilight said. The group was right outside the Changeling Hive's boarders.

"I will warn you of one thing before we proceed: Chrysalis made a throne that nullifies magic from non-changelings and we are just outside that range. So once we pass this threshhold, you'll all be powerless. But I won't let any changelings get to you, even at the cost of my own life." Amiticia said.

"Amiticia..." Twilight said. "...I understand. And when this is over, there's something I'd like to tell you." She said.

"As is there something I'd like to tell you too." Amiticia said. The group soon crossed the threshhold but... "...Odd..." Amiticia said. "I don't feel the throne's effects..." He added.

"Is that a good thing?" Twilight asked. Suddenly many changelings approached the group.

"The former Queen Chrysalis told us her final orders. We hear and obey you now, King Amiticia." The Changeling nearest to Amiticia said.

"Um...out of curiosity...what were my mother's final orders?" Amiticia asked.

"In addition to the destruction of her special throne, the entire hive is to follow your orders from here on as she has named you her successor, your highness." The Changeling closest to Amiticia explained.

"Did...anyone resent this order?" Amiticia asked.

"Not really. While it will take many of us some time to fully integrate into a pony soicity, it is a task us of the badlands hive are willing to do. After all, we felt what Chrysalis felt during her final moments alive and how ponies and changelings could live in unison as one." The Changelings closest to Amiticia said. "But...Pharnyx is being a bit more worried about the whole ordeal. After all, his brother is still missing." He added.

"I see. Pharnyx, if you are here, know that I will do what I can to find your brother. You can even help with that matter if you wish." Amiticia announced. Another changeling suddenly rushed forward.

"You mean that?" Pharnyx asked.

"I wouldn't be doing my job as the new king if I didn't try to find him at all." Amiticia said.

"Oh thank you. I'll be sure to do what I can then, your highness." Pharnyx said.

"Good. But before we begin the search for Thorax, I want everyling to pack their things; as of this moment, this hive will relocate to Ponyville where we will reside in Princess Twilight's Castle. I want all of you to make sure that just like me, you treat her with respect. And if there's something she wants your help with, I want you do what you can to help her. Does everyling understand this?" Amiticia asked.

"It'll be as you wish, King Amiticia." The Changeling who spoke before Pharnyx said. The entire hive began to go pack their things.

"You...planned to do that from the beginning when your position as King became uncontested, didn't you?" Twilight asked.

"Well I can't be going back and forth. Plus, that new castle of yours has more then enough space for us all. Besides...it leads into something I wanted to ask you." Amiticia said.

"Well, what is it?" Twilight asked.

"I was wondering Twilight, if you'd like to consider me; as you ponies say; your special somepony?" Amiticia asked. Twilight blushed.

"You know...the funny thing was, I was going to essentially ask you the same question." Twilight said.

"Then is that a yes?" Amiticia asked.

"But of course it is." Twilight said. "I love you, King Amiticia." She added.

"I love you too, Princess Twilight." Amiticia said.

Author's Note

What did you expect there to be a point where Starlight was going to get to reform the entire hive like in the main timeline? Yeah no. Sorry about that folks; no such luck. That does not mean Starlight won't become a part of this story, she will just have a much different "save equestria" moment instead.