//-------------------------------------------------------// Patching Up The Holes -by Great Humanity- //-------------------------------------------------------// //-------------------------------------------------------// Not-So Happy Reunion //-------------------------------------------------------// Not-So Happy Reunion The morning sun rose in the Changeling Hive, as you squint your eyes. Early rising was common in this part of Equestria, especially given how the majority were either working hard or hardly working. Thorax had the most responsibility out of every Changeling, ensuring their safety and protection. Though, without Chrysalis, it felt… incomplete. While Chrysalis had told you before what it was like when the hive was under her leadership, it was mostly about how they all had one common goal, and that was to feed. Course, these Changelings no longer fed off love, but shared it. It warmed your heart, and it brought you back to the day you broke away from Chrysalis… The sun had just begun to set, and the moon to rise. You had quite the friendly talk with the reformed Changelings, and while they showed their concern for you and how you were connected to Chrysalis, they did their best to show their support, especially to your son, Mothball. As you carried Mothball back to your home in the forest, you walked into the living room, seeing an unamused queen look up from her book… “Where have… you been…?” Chrysalis spoke coldly, but quietly, keeping a strong gaze “Just a walk through the forest, dear. Why so paranoid?” you asked. Normally, Chryssie was paranoid whenever you left her out of things, or hid something from her, but this was entirely different. Her eyes spoke betrayal… “Don’t play dumb. Where were you?” she asked, her tone getting harsher “It’s not important, let’s not do this tonight” you tried to excuse, trying not to start drama “You smell of…” she said, getting closer as she sniffed you, “...traitors. You were around those treasonous Changelings, weren’t you? I smell it on Mothball, too…” she said, scowling now Knowing there was no lying to her, you sighed, “Yes, I was, but… they aren’t as bad as you painted them to be. They’re actually really nice and friend-” “It doesn’t matter how ‘nice’ or ‘friendly’ they are! They betrayed me, their queen! Their disloyalty disgusted me! Every. Single. One of them!” she shouted, nearly waking Mothball, as you sat him down softly in a small cradle, putting earmuffs on his ears, before turning back to face your wife “Chrysalis, work with me here. The Changelings told me that they do miss you, but not like this.” you said, attempting to reason with her, as she hissed at you “Well, I don’t miss them. They made their choice when they all sided with that stupid bitch of a pony: Starlight Glimmer!” she argued, as you sighed “Why do you speak so harshly of a pony who offered you the chance to reform? She told me you slapped her hoof away like it was nothing” you combatted, as you saw Chrysalis’s face freeze up, as her eye twitched, and you reached a hand out, worried, “Uh, honey? You okay, or…” “You… you…” she stuttered, as her eyes filled with green and rage, “You bucking traitor! Those damn goody-four-hooved Changelings, and Starlight Glimmer, have twisted you! You dare speak to those cretins?!” she shouted, hissing with anger “I understand why you hate them, yet you never thought to forgive them?” you asked her, as she lashed out at you, clawing your arm as you covered the mark, “Ow! Why?!” “You don’t understand! Once I lost every one of them, I no longer had power! I had lost my army, and the closest thing I had to family! Why should I forgive them?!” she argued, as her horn glowed green “Because nopony deserves to be-” you were interrupted as she nearly blasted you, “Whoa! Chryssie, we can talk about-” “No. We’re done. I thought we had something, but you go behind my back and speak with those traitors… You will leave here, with Mothball, and leave, you bastard.” she said, turning her back to you, as she sighed and scowled, looking over her shoulder at you “Chrysalis, I-” you tried to get through to her, as she hissed and clawed at you again, this time sinking her sharp claws into your chest, cutting through your shirt as she drew blood, “Augh!” “Get the buck out! Take Mothball and leave me!” she shouted. Getting the hint, you picked up Mothball, and walked out the door, looking back “Chrysalis… I’m sorry.” you said, leaving her as you narrowly dodged a blast from her horn, as she drew, with her magic, a broken heart on a tree, which read ‘C - F’. It was clear you two were done, as it then began to rain, and you left Chrysalis, with Mothball in your arms “Fang? Fang? Could we talk for a moment?” a voice called out as you snapped back to reality. That voice was Thorax, and you looked to the door of your bedroom, seeing him there “How’d you get in?” you asked him, as he chuckled a bit “Hope you won’t be mad, but… Mothball let me in. I was concerned when you didn’t respond the first few times. Is now a good time to talk?” Thorax asked you, as you sighed, getting up. “Yeah. Look, I plan to start up some tea, so… feel free to join me” you said, walking past him to the kitchen, seeing that Mothball was also awake, eating cereal at the kitchen table, “Mornin’, kiddo. I see you let Uncle Thorax in” “Morning to you too, Dad. He did seem worried for you. Were you thinking about mom again?” Mothball asked you, as you sighed and nodded “Yes, but that’s none of your business. That’s business that I’m only comfortable sharing with Uncle Thorax, okay?” you said, as your son nodded, blinking a bit as his wings fluttered and his eyes blinked a bit “Alright…” Mothball said as he continued eating his cereal As you brewed tea, you overheard Thorax talking with Mothball, and it didn’t sound all that good. Mothball was a bit of a troublemaker, no doubt, and it was a handful at times. “So Mothball, Starlight’s told me that you’re lacking in school. You do realize that education is everything, right?” Thorax asked, as Mothball rolled his eyes “It’s not that big of a deal, I still get the work done” Mothball countered, sighing as he finished his cereal “True, but there’s a more pressing matter. Starlight’s also told me that you’re being crude towards your classmates.” Thorax mentioned, and you looked toward Mothball, as he rolled his eyes again “It’s not my fault that they can’t stand up for themselves. Some of them are just genuinely annoying” Mothball argued, as you sighed with slight disapproval. “Mothball, we’ll talk about it later. For now, go do your homework, okay?” you asked him nicely, as he sighed and trudged off “Fine…” Mothball said, groaning as he walked off. Once he was out of earshot, Thorax nodded as you two locked eyes. “Figured I should share, but, Starlight referred to Mothball as a ‘mini-Chrysalis’. I do see what she means, but-” he said as you sighed, holding a hand up “-it’s not a good comparison, I know. Look, onto more pressing matters. Were you able to…?” you asked in anticipation as he nodded “Against my better judgement, yes, I did. Fang, I do have to ask… what are your ‘motivations’ for releasing Chrysalis? I mean, I kept this between us for weeks on end, cause after having to make it clear that you weren’t a threat, it’s practically a headache to keep the rest of the hive from panicking, so what’s your reason?” Thorax asked, a bit botched in his questioning “There’s good in her, I know it” you said, as he nearly spat out his tea “Good?! I-In Chrysalis?! Do you not know how horrible she treated me when I was still a drone?! Seeing good in Chrysalis is like expecting a Manticore to not eat you alive” Thorax said, attempting to make a point, as you chuckled “Coincidentally, that’s how I met her, if you don’t remember” you said, as he sighed and nodded. “Yes, I know. Doesn’t change the fact that you’re still a bit insane. How’d you even tolerate her?” Thorax asked “Had to, for my survival. Course, over time, we grew close and, eventually, had a son together. Shame she wasn’t around to raise him, but… I do genuinely want her back. Call me crazy all you want, but my heart belongs to a queen. Also, Thorax?” you asked him, as his eyes fluttered “Yeah?” he responded “Keep an eye on Mothball, and make sure he gets his homework done.” you said, as you grabbed a bag you pre-packed, and left promptly for Ponyville train station to catch a train to Canterlot. The ride to Canterlot was a bit of a anxiety-inducing, but quiet one. Going into the busy city, there were many stuck-up royals, but not too many, as they’d had gone down in number since many of the stuck-up royals had been married to humans, so Canterlot was a bit more enjoyable. Coming up to the castle, formerly ruled by Celestia and Luna, you came to the front gates, as two guardponies stopped you, and you cleared your throat, “I’m Fang, and I requested an audience with Princess Twilight Sparkle.” The guards exchanged glances, before silently nodding, and motioning you to follow them. You followed them up flights and flights of stairs. Seeing the many floors of the castle was a treat few got to experience. The beautiful windows, the carpets, the everything… Before you could oogle and drool over the entire castle, a guard clearing their throat got your attention, as you arrived at the throne room doors. One of the guards knocked, as a voice, somewhat sudden, answered, “Coming!” After a while, you saw the door open to a purple-coated mare, tall and with a flowing mane. It was clear to you that she was Twilight, as you bowed in respect, and she chuckled softly, “Thank you. Come in, please.” She let you in as you walked and stood before her, clearing your throat, “Pleasure to finally meet you in person, Princess.” “The same to you, Fang, and no need for formalities. Shall we get right down to business?” Twilight asked, taking a seat on her throne “Yes” you said, as she smiled a bit “So, Thorax has told me that you want to release Chrysalis, and he told me you also have a bit of backstory with Chrysalis. Care to explain?” she asked, her voice becoming a bit more serious “Well… it all started when…” you began. You then told her how you and Chrysalis meant, survived, and grew together, before of course, the breakup. After that, Twilight did sympathize a bit, but not by much. “Gee, that’s rough… so, you want her released… why?” Twilight asked “There’s good in her” you said, as Twilight nearly coughed up a lung, catching her breath as she took a second to regain her composure, and looked at you with a bit of a shocked expression “Good? In Chrysalis? You can’t be serious. You’re telling me that the same Changeling who A. attempted to ruin my brother’s wedding, B. nearly took over all of Equestria, and C. almost brought an end to it with Tirek and Cozy Glow… you’re saying there’s good in her?!” Twilight said, clearly confused, thinking you were either lovestruck or insane. “Yes. Trust me, there is good in her” you said, practically pleading with the princess “Did you not hear of how-” Twilight asked before you cut her off “-she rejected Starlight’s offer to reform? Yes, I have heard of that, but… she does have a heart, even if it’s black as the midnight sky. Please release her?” you asked, getting down on your knees and pleading “And I’m supposed to risk Equestria’s safety for love?” Twilight asked, clearly worried about the risk involved “And yet you risked your husband, a human, a new species, without considering Equestria’s safety?” you argued, as she paused internally, before she spoke again “W-Well, I-” she attempted to argue “Matter of fact, I’d say there were plenty of times that you put Equestria on the line” you said, as she gasped, and scowled a little “Really now? Name them.” she said, with a smug smile “Gladly. Firstly, you took on three other alicorns energy, which could’ve badly overexerted your own body, but had you lost, there’d be a crazed magic centaur destroying Equestria. Another time was going through the effort to purge that Shadow Pony, who could’ve very well plunged Equestria into the shadows forever, and let’s not forget, abandoning your friends when the Storm King attacked. Admit it, Princess, you’ve risked the safety of Equestria time and time again, and you’re worried about a changeling queen without an army” you explained, as she sighed “Fang, even without an army, she was a menace! The more we get into this, the harder it is for me to agree with you!” she raised her voice, covering her muzzle as she sighed, “Sorry, I didn’t mean to yell there…” “It’s fine, but… let me ask you this, Princess. Weren’t you the one who reformed Starlight when she was a villain?” you asked, as Twilight sweated a little “Starlight was misunderstood and actually listened to reason. Chrysalis never was misunderstood, and even when listening to reason, completely rejected it!” Twilight argued “So, am I safe to assume that it’s impossible to reform somepony like Chrysalis?” you asked her, as she was left without words “N-No-” she said, as you cut her off again “My thoughts exactly. C’mon, for me, please Twilight?” you asked her, as she paced in circles for a few seconds, before she groaned “Alright, fine! Take my hand, we’ll teleport to Tartarus…” she said, offering you her hand, and as you took it, she took a deep breath, her horn glowed, and you were both gone instantly. Once the two of you appeared at the doors of Tartarus, you prominently threw up in some bushes, as Twilight giggled, “Sorry about that. Teleportation can be a bit rough on first-time teleporters.” You pulled away from the bushes as you wiped your mouth slightly, “Wish you had told me sooner” “So sorry” Twilight apologized again, as she focused on the door, and opened it with her magic. Before you, you saw a three-headed dog creature of some kind come charging forward, before Twilight shouted, “Cerberus, sit!” The three-headed dog, seemingly named Cerberus, listened, coming to a halt before Twilight, and you were slack-jawed at the sight, as you stuttered a little, “H-How?” “Well, Cerberus is really just a dog, so all it took was some dog lessons from Genus and I had it all figured out” Twilight said, walking past Cerberus as you followed her, seeing all the other different magical creatures, before walking up some steps to a stone statue of three: Chrysalis, Cozy Glow, and Tirek, “Here they are, the three tyrants that almost brought Equestria down, and on several occasions. Now, are you absolutely sure about this?” “I’m sure” you said, as Twilight sighed, concentrating as her horn illuminated Chrysalis, and Chrysalis was slowly freed from stone. “Aghhhhh!” Chrysalis screamed as she nearly hit the floor, but you caught her. When it registered to her that she had been caught, she looked up at you, and scowled, “Traitor!” “Chryssie, calm dow- oough!” you said, as you were knee’d in the stomach (thankfully not the groin) as Chrysalis soon tried to fly off, flying for the door “I’ll get my revenge on you later, Twili- let me go!” Chrysalis kicked and screamed as she was engulfed in Twilight’s magic, and was soon silenced by that same magic, “Mmmmmph?!” “Fang, are you okay?” Twilight asked with concern, as you gave a subtle nod “Yeah, I-I’m fine…” you said, as you stood tall and looked at Chrysalis, having missed her, but you pressed that away, for the time being “I’m really not sure I should’ve released her, Fang” Twilight spoke, seeing Chrysalis struggle in the magic that held her “I’m not giving up on her, Twilight. That day I met her, I patched up her wounds…” you said, looking at Chrysalis as her angry face softened a bit, “We looked after each other, and even had a child together. It broke my heart when she pushed me away, but knowing her, it’ll take some time before she reforms” “But I don’t know what to do with a powerful, angry Changeling queen!” Twilight shouted, clearly worried “I take it that the guards have magic blockers and wing restraints, right?” you asked Twilight, as Chrysalis’ face went a bit pale “They do… what are you getting at?” Twilight asked “Well, to kill your anxiety, while we’re reforming Chrysalis, have her ‘under control’, alright, and the more she behaves, the more freedom she earns?” you suggested, as Twilight thought it over, before nodding. “Yeah, I think that’d be a good idea. I’ll have some guards come and transport her.” Twilight said, as she sent a letter, with her magic, to the guards in Canterlot, getting a response back instantly, “A group of guards are on their way.” A while later, you were teleported back to Canterlot with Twilight, Chrysalis, and two guards. You took a look at your Changeling queen, as she thrashed softly. Her wings were bound, a magic blocker was locked on her horn, her hands cuffed together, and her hooves kept close by a chain. Lastly, there was a muzzle that, well… went over her muzzle and practically muted her. All she did was scowl and thrash when anypony got near her, but the guards kept close to her as you spoke with Twilight over tea. Twilight had her legs crossed as she sipped her tea, “Normally, I’d have guards watch her till she behaves, but… likely that’ll only make her madder. So… as much of a bad idea it is on paper, I’ve decided to entrust full care to you, Fang” That made you and both guards widen eyes, and you were a bit skeptical, “Are you absolutely sure, Twilight? Believe me, I see where you’re coming from, but-” “Ah ah, too late now. That, and I want to see you prove me wrong. If you can change Chrysalis, reform her, and maybe, just maybe, get her to undergo a metamorphosis similar to the other Changelings, then I’ll apologize for all I said about her.” Twilight explained Chrysalis looked less than amused at that, as she thrashed at the thought of being under your control, of all people or ponies. You looked at her, and you reached out to Chrysalis, and while she did thrash and scream, you still caressed her cheek, as she blushed irritably. Without a second thought, one of the guards handed you… a leash? You looked at Twilight quizzically “Confused? Well, she’s yours, right? Think of this as obedience training.” Twilight said, as she giggled “I see…” you said, processing this, before chuckling a little, “In that case, I’ll take good care of her, princess” you said, as Twilight smiled and chuckled “Good luck to you, Fang. Guards, if you will.” she said to the guards, who passed on to you various keys, as you looked at the ring of keys, “Each key on that ring goes to something. One to her wing restraints, another to her muzzle cone, another to her horn blocker, and so on! The more well-behaved she is, the more freedom she’ll get. Putting a lot of trust in you, Fang, and I wish you luck.” “Thank you again, Princess Twilight” you said, as you began to leave, before Twilight cleared her throat, and you looked back “I almost forgot, here are some clothes for her” she mentioned, as you were also handed a bag with some clothes for Chrysalis in them. You nodded as you thanked the princess again, and took your leave with your Changeling Ex-Queen. Taking Chrysalis through Canterlot warranted plenty of glares of hatred and confusion, but when asked to explain, some calmed down, others were skeptical. Hell, even getting her on the train was a difficulty, though it wasn’t because of her. Seeing as how Chrysalis was a villain, the conductor of the train had a bit of a problem with letting a sadistic and evil Changeling on his train, and it took a while to convince him. Once you did convince him, he calmed down, letting you both board. As much as Chrysalis didn’t want to sit next to you, you (with the support of the conductor) made it clear that she’d have to sit next to you. She didn’t have to ask for the window seat, either, as you let her have it out of kindness. During the train ride, you tried locking your hand with hers, albeit she growled behind her cone and just plain refused to be around you. You then tried to break the silence with conversation, “So… I’ve missed you, honey” Her left ear perked at that, and she just groaned, as when you listened closer, you could hear her slightly behind her cone, “I didn’t, traitor…” “Oh come on. I went through so much to free you from stone, you know that? I mean, come on, would you rather be trapped in stone with a filly and a centaur?” you asked her, as she turned and faced you, glaring at you “If it meant being away from you, then yes…” she said, “I’d strangle you, but these damn cuffs make that nigh impossible…” You just ran your hand through her jet-black mane softly, and leaned into her, and she couldn’t really shove you away, due to her cuffed hands, so she groaned. You kept going, as you spoke softly, “Admit it, you’re at least glad to breathe air, let alone speak, right?” Chrysalis went to counter, before she sighed and crossed her arms, pouting, “So what if I am? I’d rather be free than be under watch, especially yours, traitor.” You blew her off softly, as you sighed and went to kiss her forehead, and she headbutted you, and you winced a little, and sighed, leaving her be as you just waited till you got back to the Changeling hive Inevitably, you both got back to the Changeling hive, and you could see the disgust visibly on her face, upon entering. She wasn’t completely welcomed back with open arms, though Pharynx was one of the few reformed Changelings who actually wanted to see Chrysalis. You had even removed her muzzle cone to let her speak to Pharynx. “So uh… mom, it’s uh… good to see you, I guess.” Pharynx said, sitting across the kitchen table from Chrysalis, who was glaring daggers at Pharynx “I’m so disappointed in you. The last Changeling to reform and embrace love… what happened to your Changeling pride!?” Chrysalis shouted, slamming her fists, handcuffed still, on the table. “What good is pride when your family loves you? Clearly, dad cares for you, mom” Pharynx argued nicely. When you had first came to the hive with Mothball, Thorax had acknowledged you as dad, on a few occasions, and once Pharynx reformed, he called you dad straight from the get go. “Well, I don’t, Pharynx. That traitor you call a ‘dad’ has done nothing but hurt me! I hate him!” Chrysalis shouted, crossing her arms as she groaned and huffed, clearly sick of this already. While she was talking, you were busy combing out her mane, and while she didn’t enjoy it, she did thank you for that, “Thank you for that, but I didn’t ask you to do that!” “Too bad, I’m doing it anyway.” you said, still combing her mane as Pharynx chuckled a little “I like your style, dad. So, what are your plans for her?” Pharynx asked you, as you thought it over. It was a bit of a tough stage for Chrysalis, currently, due to how resentful she was and how she acts, but… then it hit you. What if you got her to apologize to those she hurt the most? Course, the people that came to mind were Cadence (plus her family) and Starlight. If you could get Chrysalis to apologize to the Princess Of Love and to the formerly-evil Unicorn that took down Chrysalis’ hive, then maybe… maybe it’d be easier to reform her? It was worth a shot. “I think… I might pay visits to Ponyville and The Crystal Empire. Word’s probably already reached Equestria, through Twilight, that Chrysalis is free and under the watch of her human lover, so… guess it wouldn’t hurt for her to-” “No! I know exactly where you’re going with this! I refuse to apologize to those absolute piece-of-shit ponies Cadence and Starlight Glimmer! The day I ‘apologize’ to them is the day I die! Nothing you do will convince me oth- mmmph?!” she was cut off as you put her cone back on her, as she was immediately silenced, and glared at the both of you. “Still going through with it, Dad?” Pharynx asked you, as Chrysalis growled low, as you could see her ears folded against her head softly. “Yeah, but I may need someone else to help me with her. You willing to help, son?” you asked him, as Pharynx smiled softly “As always.” Pharynx agreed. With that in mind, you agreed to take Chrysalis places, and get some semi-heartfelt apologies out of her tomorrow. Later that day, when the sun set, you calmly sat in bed, waiting for Chrysalis. You did give her the option of sleeping on the couch, and from the looks of things, that’s where she’d be sleeping. You even offered for her to sleep with you (despite the fact that she could easily kill you in your sleep), but she humbly declined, quoting that she’d rather ‘cuddle a cockatrice with eyes open’ than sleep with you. Not wanting to upset her, you respected her and gave her her old blanket. Call her ‘childish’ all you want, but she argued that her mother, the Changeling Queen before she took the throne, gave it to her for being such a brutal, loyal, and vicious drone. The blanket read ‘Equestria’s Most Bloodthirsty Drone’, and while it made you shiver, you had to admit: It was cute watching her clutch it tightly as if her life depended on it. What was it that went through her head that she seemed so… dejected towards friendship, let alone love? That seemed to always be a deal breaker for Chryssie. Anything involving friendship or love, she just shot down. Her ‘idea’ of love was only to feed herself. Even when you two were together, she made it clear that it was more for her hunger, and all passion and heat. Without another thought, you sighed and went to your bedroom, covering up as you drifted off to sleep. You dreamed about Chrysalis, but not how sadistic she was. You instead dreamed about how… loving she could be. Before long, you saw a familiar somepony show up in your dream: Princess Twilight. Figures she’d be up during this time, seeing as how she does both duties of Celestia and Luna, which also included helping ponies, and humans, have good dreams. As Twilight landed in her nightgown, she walked over, “Something concerns you, Fang, I can sense it. You can talk to me about it, it’s just us in here” You couldn’t deny Twilight, no matter how nice she was being. If you didn’t tell her, you’d only bottle it up more, to the point where it’d interfere with your daily life. Seeing no way out, you sighed and caved in, telling her, “I just… I just don’t understand why Chryssie’s so… nasty and crude… she’s already seen how happier her hive’s become since reforming, yet she still refused to participate and interact with them. Any idea why that might be?” “I have no idea, Fang, I wish I knew.” Twilight said, sighing softly “Couldn’t you… y’know… peer into her dream and see what it is that’s bothering her?” you asked Twilight, as she looked at you as if you asked her to break into Tartarus “You want me to look into the dreams of a sadistic Changeling?! Fang, these requests are getting out of hand, don’t you think?” Twilight said, clearly not very excited about doing so “It’s worth a shot, isn’t it? It’s unlikely Luna’s done so, since, well, Luna was never kind towards Chrysalis to begin with. But now, you’re the pony who goes into other’s dreams to help them sleep well when they have nightmares. Please Twilight? I want to know if there’s anything traumatic that’s holding her back from being reformed and sharing her love…” you pleaded, as Twilight pinched her snout softly, and sighed “Fine! Come with me…” she said, offering you a hand, though this time, you were super confused. “Wait, this is my dream, right? Are you gonna… take me out of my own dream?” you asked her, as she nodded “Yep. How else are you gonna know?” Twilight asked, as you grabbed her hand, and she flew out of your dream, looking for Chryssie’s dream. You saw the dream’s of many other ponies and humans, and soon, you got to Chrysalis’ dream. It was a bit of a nightmare, and it looked like the Changeling hive that Chryssie had told you about (before the two of you broke up years ago). It looked a little more new and not as… worn-down, as one would put it. Looking in, the changelings actually looked more… filled. No holes in the legs, mane, or wings. This also included Chrysalis, and she was actually still a wee little drone. Admittedly, it was cute. Paying attention, you could see several drones wandering around the hive, seeing only one try to be friendly. It sounded like a younger… Chrysalis?! Both you and Twilight were a bit shocked, seeing the little drone go up to every other drone and try to be nice and sweet. She looked so precious, too, but you and Twilight watched the little drone. Little Chrysalis went to every one of her brothers and sisters, asking them how their day was, or how they were doing, or what plans they had. Most other drones in the hive didn’t dare take her seriously, and shrugged her off. The drone looked dejected, and carefully walked over to the king and queen, who were likely her parents. You and Twilight kept quiet, listening in… “Mother, Father, nopony wants to talk to me. What am I to do when making friends?” little Chrysalis asked her mother and father, as they both scowled “Friends? Little drone, you’ve no need for- ouch!” the king winced as he was smacked on the back of the head “Larynx, that is unnecessary! Clearly our little Queen-In-Training has a bit of trouble understanding what our kind stands for, so let me explain it to her.” the queen, known as Queen Aurelius, said as she petted her Changeling drone. Out of all the drones, Chrysalis was the most… adored by the Queen, and the other drones tended to loathe her for that, since she got more leeway and favoritism than any other drone in the hive, and Larynx didn’t always approve, “Little Chrysalis, you have to understand this. Us Changelings are hated by all Equestria. We cannot be their friends, even if we tried” “Why is that, mommy?” Chrysalis asked Aurelius, as she sighed and shook her head softly “We are born for one purpose, dear. We survive off of the love of other ponies and creatures. Without that love, we starve and risk dying. That is why I have your father here do a majority of the hunting.” Queen Aurelius explained to Chrysalis, as Larynx groaned “Why can’t I train her, again?” Larynx asked, “My methods turn out to be much more efficient, and she’d ditch the whole ‘friendship’ thing instantaneously if she trained under me.” “You wanna know ‘why’? She’s my most prized drone, that’s why. She needs mommy’s guidance and gentle voice, not daddy’s gruff and rough attitude.” Queen Aurelius explained, as she picked up Chrysalis and sighed, and you and Twilight got the ever-so-inappropriate pleasure of seeing the Queen breastfeed a drone. Well, Twilight thought it was inappropriate, but… you thought a bit naughty. Present day Chryssie’s breasts were the same size as her Mother’s, so, you thought about asking her to breastfeed you when she was reformed, and- ouch! “Will you quit it with your horny thoughts?! You’re missing it!” Twilight whispered, as you got serious and nodded in agreement, looking back to see the king and queen arguing “You know your favorite ‘drone’ will never be any good at sapping a pony’s love if she isn’t properly trained how to do so, correct?” Larynx argued, as Aurelius groaned “Please, she saps mine day and night-” “-without resistance” “Whatever, you prude! She’s my pride and joy and I deeply care about her.” Aurelius said, as she clutched Chrysalis tightly, and Larynx growled low “Don’t be surprised when she fails to protect our hive” Larynx scowls. The atmosphere of the dream began to change, as Chrysalis could be seen in her early teens, getting shoved around by the other drones. For her teens, she mostly had to put up with getting hit on by the other drones. She didn’t like it, as she believed incest was wrong, thankfully. “Oh my Celestia, she looked like a bookworm? Now I feel the tiniest bit sad for her.” Twilight whispered, as you squinted at her “When you put it like that, it doesn’t sound like it” you whispered back “I sympathize, okay? I had a couple ponies picking on me when I was a foal…” Twilight sympathized as her ears folded against her head You petted the purple mare beside you, before looking back down as you saw Teen Chrysalis being shoved by other drones. Shoved into walls, lockers, and so on, and she just didn’t look happy. Regardless, she kept walking through the halls, as she was soon surrounded by a group of male drones, who cornered her and chuckled, while Chrysalis looked scared. “P-Please guys, I-I don’t want no trouble!” she shouted as she was groped and harassed by the group. One groped her right breast, another her left, and the last one stuck their hands down the back of her pants and groped her flank. She was being violated, and no one was around to stop them. Normally, Chrysalis would be saved by a friend of hers, but when said friend had graduated from training and got promoted to field work, no one could protect her. As she moaned and gasped, out of pleasure not of her own, she had flashbacks of her father, saying that she didn’t need friends. Chrysalis didn’t want it to be true, but what was happening to her was all too real. She had become vulnerable, which is the exact opposite of what Changelings were meant to be: Vicious and independent. She realized that she was pathetic, and then it hit her full force: Nopony would save her, not here, not now. In a spur of the moment, she screamed, and knee’d one of the drones in the crotch, before she clawed the other two and badly scarred them. She even drew blood from them, too, and got a small taste. After she did, several Changelings came out and saw Chrysalis. They saw the green Changeling blood on her claws, and the three perverted Changelings running away. Oh shit… am I gonna be in trouble for this? Chrysalis thought to herself, but before she could say anything, the Changelings gathered around her began… clapping? Yeah, they were clapping. Chrysalis was a bit thrown off, so to speak, and before long, the king and queen came to all the commotion, and when they saw Chrysalis, Larynx smiled. “Well, would you look at that? Seems Chrysalis really showed those perverts who’s boss. Well done, drone” Larynx said, arms crossed and a smile on his face. Queen Aurelius rushed forward and hugged Chrysalis tightly, kissing her tons, “Oh, sweetie! I’m so proud of you! See, Larynx, I told you she’d come around. She’ll make an amazing queen for the Changelings one day” “So, do I have permission to train her?” Larynx asked, hopefully “I’ll ask her what she wants” Aurelius said, as she locked eyes with Chrysalis, “Chrysalis, my little drone, my sweetie pie, do you want to begin your training to become a strong, powerful queen?” Chrysalis thought it over. She only did that cause she didn’t want to be violated, but she didn’t have anypony to really stop it from happening, either. With that in mind, she came to a realization: If anypony was gonna protect her, it had to be her, otherwise she’d be undermined and taken advantage of, and she didn’t want that to happen. She grinned a bit as she nodded, “Yes mom, I’ll gladly start my training to be the next queen.” All the Changelings applauded her and cheered for her. Chrysalis began to feel something she’d never felt up to that point: Pride. For years, Chrysalis wanted to feel accepted, wanted, and cherished. Back to you and Twilight, you exchanged glances. Nothing was said, but it was clear that both of you were expecting more. Before either of you could say another word, the atmosphere of the dream changed, as the two of you watched closely Before long, Chryssie’s dream changed and looked more like the hive before it was initially destroyed. It had a much more grown Chrysalis watching over the hive (likely after she was made queen). As of now, she was busy praising a younger Pharynx for his brutishness and savagery. Chrysalis had raised this new hive of hers with much more care than her mother, but she still held her mother high. Chrysalis would often scold drones for performing poorly, saying that the only Changeling who’d let them off would be her mother, cause she was so weak! “And so, Pharynx, don’t let your pathetic brother Thorax whittle you down. I’ve given up trying to train that little parasite. Defend him as you wish, but let it be known, you will be looked down upon” Chrysalis said to the little Pharynx on her lap “I know, Mom. I hate saving his flank every time, but he’ll never learn if someone doesn’t train him” Pharynx explained. He did make a good point, and maybe, deep down, he cared for his brother. Chrysalis, however, shrugged it off, and just sighed, “Don’t say I didn’t tell you anything, Pharynx. Now, get back to training.” Chrysalis sent Pharynx off, and she went back to filing her nails. It hadn’t been the first time a drone had complained about Thorax. She could never understand why Thorax was so wimpy. Was it bad genetics? Was he not properly trained? She didn’t know, and she could just get rid of Thorax, but… it’d be a while before Chrysalis found another mate, especially given her state. She looked at the many holes that littered her body and those of her drones. Thanks to that damned Princess Celestia, Chrysalis was practically stuck looking like swiss cheese. As she heard report after report of positive field work, she then heard the hoofsteps of a drone, and when she looked down, her face drooped. It was Thorax, the last drone she wanted to see today. “Um, mama, I uh… I need comfort…” Thorax said, putting his hands on Chrysalis’ legs, as she sighed and lifted him up into her lap, sighing even more as she groaned “You don’t deserve it. You’re lucky I’m in a good mood, you little weakling. Speak.” she said. On a bad day, she’d kick this useless drone out of her throne room and go on with her day. “All the other drones pick on me-” “Tell me why, Thorax” Chrysalis cut him off, interrupting him “Uhm… b-because I’m not like the o-others?” he said innocently, as Chrysalis groaned aloud “Clearly, but what’s your reason, hm?” she asked. She knew the reason, but she wanted to hear it from him “Well, I eh… I’m friendlier than the other drones?” Thorax admitted, albeit nervously, as Chrysalis scowled down at the drone in her lap “And that’s the problem” Chrysalis blankly stated, as her voice began to drip with venom, “Changelings aren’t friendly, Thorax. They’re meant to feed and conquer, but mostly the former. We thrive off the love of other ponies. We are meant to survive, not befriend.” “But mom… I want to make friends and share love with somepony…” Thorax said, and that set off something within Chrysalis. She snapped. Sharing love with somepony? The very idea of doing so made her eye twitch, and Thorax got fearful, “Um Mom, are you-” “Get out.” “But… Mom, if you’d just hear m-” Thorax tried to get out, as he was almost blasted by his own mother, in a fury of rage “Get. Out!” Chrysalis said, as she sent the little drone off of her lap, breathing heavily, “You don’t get it, whelp! We need love to survive, and we do not share it with anypony! Get out of my sight!” And with that, Thorax ran out with his tail between his legs. Once he was gone, Chrysalis snapped her fingers for some Passion Fruit juice. She gripped the glass tightly in her hand, as she sipped from the glass. It also reminded her all too well of her past. Being told how friends were pointless, and being bullied and harassed for it all. Since that day when she agreed to start her training, friendship was like a trauma to her, kinda like PTSD. She hated all things friendship, and love only served one of two purposes to her then: Survival, and the second one being food. Eventually, you sighed as you looked at Twilight, whispering, “I think we’ve been snoopin’ long enough, Princess. You can take me back now.” “Right. Take my hand” she whispered back, and you took her hand as she led you back to your dream, and the two of you left Chrysalis’ dream After returning back to your dream, you and the princess spoke about what was seen. Even during your time with Chrysalis, you never would’ve guessed that there was some form of trauma behind that jagged, rough exterior of hers. “So Chrysalis has childhood trauma, is what you’re saying?” you asked the princess, who in turn nodded “Yes. The induced trauma she received by trying to be friendly led to her completely just hating friendship.” Twilight concluded “And you said she wasn’t misunderstood, Twilight…” you said, as she sweated a little and sighed “Well.. maybe I judged a book by its cover too harshly. Sorry Fang…” she said, as she hung her head, ears folded as you sighed and petted her mane “I’m not mad, more or less like I just said ‘I told you so’. Though, I know what I still have to do” you said to her, as she chuckled and her ears perked up “Yep. You have to prove me wrong in that there’s good in her. I wish you luck in your quest, Fang. Goodnight.” Twilight said, as she left your dream, and left you alone. Left alone, you pondered what you had seen. From what was seen, Chrysalis had a similar childhood to Thorax, in which she wanted to make friends. She was not respected by those in her hive, and was even taken advantage of. When she knew nopony else would help her, she stood on her own, but completely disregarded the concept of friendship, instead in exchange for malice and savagery. It all made sense why she treated Thorax the way she did when he was younger, and it made you feel pity for your pseudo-son. Onto a much more important topic, you had to prove that Chrysalis had a heart, and not one of pure stone… but for now, you’d enjoy this dream and the quiet it brought.