Changed: Saving My Friend

Thorax stared at the ceiling of the hives infirmary. He couldn't stop thinking about Spike. Although, he had managed to get him inside the cocoon in time. He still worried about what was happening to him. So much had happened. They had gone to investigate a secret hidden away by the former queen. They found where it was hidden and were attacked by a monster. All he could recall after that was Spike being hurt. After that, he couldn't remember anything else. Except picking up an injured Spike and getting back to the hive. He couldn't get how Spike looked as he was sealed inside the cocoon. At his side was his brother. He had been by his side since he had regained consciousness. He was more angry than he was confused. He hadn't stopped reminding him of the possible consequences their kingdom could face.

“When Princess Twilight learns what has happened.” He continued to list off the problems they could face. But, he stopped when he realized his brother wasn't listening. He sighed in frustration. “Thorax.” His brother looked at him. “Talk to me.”

What could he say to him? He didn't know what he could say. He looked back up at the ceiling; almost like he was asking it for an answer. “How's Spike?”

Pharynx was caught off guard by the question. But, he couldn't say he didn't expect it. “The cocoon is healing him.” He noticed the look of relief on his face. “But, it's also changing him.”

Thorax frowned and looked away from him. He knew that was going to happen. The Royal Cocoon was a medical fail-safe for the hive's ruler. If their life was in danger and there was no time to get them to the medical wing. It was their only hope to stay alive. To have it be used on another creature. Its magic would save them. But, it would also change them into a changeling. Every changeling knew of the cocoon's power. All of them knew of it. Yet, he still placed him inside of it.

“How long?” He asked.

Pharynx shook his head. “I'm not sure.” He answered honestly. “I guess a month. Maybe two.”

It would take him that long to heal. That beast did more damage than he had thought. The thought of that thing made him visibly shudder. He could still see its horrible face. Hear its horrible screeching roar. He shook the thoughts from his head. He couldn't think about that thing right now. He had to think about what he had to explain. How could any creature explain something like this?

He sighed. “Pharynx, can you take a letter for me please.”

He nodded before leaving his brother's side to fetch the tools needed to write the letter. He was left alone in the silence again. His thoughts were like a swarm of angry bees. He assumed Twilight would panic at first. Who wouldn't panic after hearing that their number one assistant was hurt the way he was? He wasn't just that to her; he was her first friend, almost her little brother. Then, there was Ember. He was supposed to visit her after seeing him. What was he going to tell her?

“Just answer honestly.”

He gasped and looked around the room. He swore he just heard Spike's voice. But, he was the only one in the room right now. No, other changeling or any creature was in there with him. He sighed and figured that it was just his nerves. He took in a deep breath and slowly exhaled. He knew what he could write. It may cause problems. But, Spike was still alive and Twilight and Ember would be thankful for that. He heard his brother enter the room again. He looked at him and saw him holding everything he needed to write the letter.

He sat down beside him. “What do you want it to say?” His voice had a grim tone to it.

“Dear, Princess Twilight.” He started to say.

It didn't take them long to have the letters written and sent off. One messenger flew off to Canterlot. The other to the dragonlands. After they were sent Thorax asked to go and see Spike. He was warned that he was still weak. Thankfully, his brother offered him his shoulder. Thorax leaned on him as they walked back to the throne room. The cocoon was still there just before the throne. Its purple and green hues were different from the natural colors of the hive. They walked up to the cocoon and gazed inside of it.

There he was asleep inside of it. His body slowly healing from the damage that had been done. Thorax felt tears welling in his eyes again. He moved from his brother's side and pressed his forehead against the cocoon. He was sick of crying. But, he couldn't stop the tears from falling. Pharynx stood calmly behind his brother. He couldn't imagine what he was going through. But, he tasted it. The bittersweet taste of sorrow and regret. He couldn't tell him that it was going to be okay. He didn't want to lie to his brother.