Cracks widened within the statue and before long an eerie green light poured though. Stone crumbled to dust and a towering presence appeared before the group, numbering only 6 in total. They chirped their wings in a form of quiet applause. Some of the drones stamped back and forth, so excited for what they had done.

Chrysalis emerged like any cocooned insect. She shook herself off and took stock of the situation. 2 officers, 3 drones, and medical officer. but more importantly she was alive again.

"You have done well to free me. How did you manage it?" Despite being far more confused than she'd ever let on, it was time to take control of the situation. A officer spoke up.

"Under the cover of night, we have been slowly feeding the statue love, in hopes to free you. We have infiltrated Canterlot."

"And you do this as a group of 6 each night?" she interrupted.

"Apologies, your majesty. We are sure you'd be freed this night... We all wanted to see the return of our true leader."

"Down with Thorax!" piped up a drone, before immediately being silenced by a glare. Now was no time for drawing attention. Chrysalis sighed and the officer continued

"It's been some time, and we have been sure to only take small amounts. No one has been replaced, so there's no missing persons to report. The ponies we skimmed only feel the need for a morning coffee." Impressive. But she did have a concern-

"How have you infiltrated the castle area then? Animal forms?" As if prompted, the entire squad clad themselves in the bright colors of a new-form changeling. Holeless legs and wings. Anyone would mistake them for being 'reformed'. Changelings often made small body edits too, so it was unlikely other changelings would catch on

"You are a credit to the changeling empire." The bugs beamed. "When it is within my power again, a reward is in order. Where are the rest of you?"

The group of rebels had their smiles drop instantly. The other officer spoke up somewhat timidly

"This is it. This is all we could manage."

"That's it??" she whispered harshly. The other bugs awkwardly fidgeted in place. "I suppose I have that fool Thorax to thank for that."

"You are your true ruler. We did all we could manage.."

"Enough," she interrupted with a commanding tone. "Though your failures disappoint me it is thanks to your quick thinking I'm free to guide you again. Do you have a safe house? I would plot our next move." They nodded. Some of the bugs stayed behind, as the one who did most the talking led Chrysalis. Femur. That was their name. Being trapped in stone must have addled her mind. She used to know the names of every 'ling under her control.

Shouldn't be hard to manage now that there was so few.

That presented a huge problem. At the height of her power with two extremely mighty allies she had failed to take Equestria. How could she do it with only 7 brave bugs? 'No,' she decided. 'Revenge will be put on hold. I must establish a safe place for them. We can work on recruitment some other time.'

"This is the place," Femur interrupted her thoughts. She took a look. Secluded but not suspicious.

"Well done. I see my teachings haven't completely gone to waste." They nodded, but she could feel the pride in their heart.

Heart ... Her quiet musings lead her to an idea. She could struggle and manage to keep her small hive alive and fed. But with a permanent source of food they could live anywhere. Far away from the lands of Equestria... If only for some time while they built up power.

She waited for the others to return. They filtered in. Never in big groups. She cleared her throat.

"Our group is small, but as always, I do everything I can for my hive. It's for this reason I've come up with a brilliant plan..."

Excited mutterings filled the room. Their queen was back. This is exactly what they missed.

"We will steal the Crystal Heart."

Author's Note

Get excited for a new fic!
This chapter's title is based off the track from the ripple dot zero ost.
My lovely editor and number one fan is miss biddyfox