Coco and Chrysalis walked in silence down the halls of Canterlot Castle. Chrysalis lead the way with her unicorn facade as they turned this way and that, knowing where to go.
The pony was in thought, trying to understand why Celestia was so out of character. What made her so spiteful against Chrysalis? Did something happen between the princess and changelings that Coco knew nothing about? And what was going through Chrysalis’ head right now? She wanted to ask, but Coco was too afraid to even speak. So much has happened and so many questions have surfaced. But most of those curious thoughts will never be answered.
Upon entering the hallway, Coco and Chrysalis saw Fang mingling with some guards. The moment the two mares entered, he concluded what he was saying to the stallions and went over to his queen. Coming closer, Fang saw Chrysalis’ slightly disgruntled expression and Coco’s upset frown.
“How did it go?” he asked, hoping their faces were an illusion.
Chrysalis didn’t answer his question. “We need to go, now.” Her words were absolute and he didn't need to question anything. And Fang knew what his queen meant: it didn't go as they have hoped.
***
The wind quietly swished by as the carriage flew through the sky. Coco stared at Chrysalis with worry in her eyes. Ever since they left Star Swirl’s office, the changeling continued to wear that same angry expression. As for any questions Coco asked, it was ignored. Chrysalis refused to look at her friend.
Coco didn’t know how long they have been flying and wanted to keep her mind off of tonight’s events. She looked to the book to her left, along with the flowers that rested beside the novel. It would be better to delve into a world for a little while, than to have Coco be bombarded with questions that would have to wait.
***
A crowd cheered loudly as Forest Rain stood in front of the colosseum's gate. Light shined through the beams as he looked to see merponies of various colors sit at their marble crafted seats. At the right, he could see high above the commoners, Tail Fin, among with Pearl and other finely dressed merfolks, sitting on their decorated thrones. Not knowing what to expect, let alone not wanting to be killed by Urchin, all the pegasus could do was shiver in place.
“Welcome everypony!” Tail Fin exclaimed to the crowd, and they cheered loudly for their prince. All Forest Rain could do was huff out of his nostrils in disgust. “As you may know, the treacherous sister of mine will be battling against another poor soul. However…” The noise from the merponies grew quiet, wondering what their prince was going to say next. “...to make things more interesting, and worth your time, I have decided to allow Urchin’s opponent to have a bit of an upper hoof. I will be giving him a weapon to fight with.”
At once, the bloodthirsty crowd cheered even louder than before. Even Forest Rain was feeling slightly less stressed about the battle, but that wasn’t saying much. At least Pearl was not lying about him using something to defend himself. But was it the trident Urchin spoke of? And will it corrupt him as she said it will?
Forest Rain shook his head, even smirking. He knew that Urchin was nervous and thought she was just trying to scare him out of fighting. As if he would.
“And now!” The gate before Forest Rain lifted up, rumbling as it moved. “I present to you all the combatants!” A merpony pushed the pegasus forward, forcing him into the light. The sight of the colosseum was impressive to Forest Rain. A tall twenty foot wall made of marble held the stands above a pit that held sand at the floor. At the ceiling, a glass dome stood over the structure, with beams of gold holding the clear surface together.
Forest Rain couldn’t admire the structure for very long and had to pay attention to who was on the approach: Urchin. Because he lacked a fin, Forest Rain had to paddle through the water with his arms and legs. Others who watched him laughed and mocked, teasing the pegasus for not having a tail to swim quick enough. But they didn’t matter to him; Urchin was what he needed to care about.
In the sand, standing up tall, was a golden trident with gems that ran up the shaft. (Let’s just hope it is enchanted…) Quickly swimming of it, Forest Rain gripped tightly onto it. Now, he was hoping it wasn’t.
What felt like electricity shot through the pegasus’ arms as he yelled in pain. Forest Rain could feel the energy crawl under his skin. After what seemed like an eternity, Forest Rain could feel different as he held onto his weapon. He felt… angry.
Looking up to Tail Fin, the one who imprisoned him, the pegasus pushed off of the ground. And to his surprise, Forest Rain darted quickly at the prince. But his skull was smacked against a shield, just feet away from Tail Fin’s thrown. Pearl flinched at the sudden burst of energy, as did the others near her. But the prince shook his head with disapproval. “I didn’t say go…” Forest Rain rubbed his skull, but surprised he only felt a small sting. “Now go down there and face your opponent.” Feeling he had not much of a choice, Forest Rain slowly swam down to the sandy floor of the colosseum, gripping his weapon hard. Urchin had not yet transformed and stood still by her gate.
“I told you not to grab hold of that trident…” she spoke, shaking her head like her sibling. “And now you are going to suffer.” Urchin twitched and writhed as her body transformed into her hideous form. Gasps filled the crowd as the merfolk witnessed the transformation. Forest Rain tried to sense any fear he once felt before he entered. Instead, he was filled with wrath; an anger he had never known he possessed. Perhaps he was furious with Tail Fin, having him be used as entertainment. Or maybe he was angry with himself by coming to the blasted lake in the first place. If only he stayed away and not seen that merpony beneath the surface.
Regardless of his true reason for his anger, Forest Rain did not want to go down without a fight. Pointing his weapon at Urchin, now in her hideous form, he said, “Let’s put on a show!”
“Combatants! You may begin!” Tail Fin’s voice roared.
KUKUNCK!
Coco bounced off her seat and landed head first onto the floor. She was hoping the ride would go on a little longer so she could keep her mind occupied in another world. But the world Coco was in came literally crashing down to Equestria with a harsh thud.
As she rubbed her head, Coco hoped Chrysalis would help her up. However, the queen kept her eyes off of the mare. The door opened and Fang was standing in the green lantern’s light. Chrysalis quickly stood up and made her way out of the carriage. Fang had to get out of the way, or his queen would make him move in ways he did not want to. He saw Coco slowly gather herself onto all fours and was about to speak when-
“Fang, come here!” Chrysalis finally spoke, but not in the way Coco had wanted to hear. Unable to help the mare, he left her instead. Adjusting her dress to prevent herself from tripping, Coco finally stepped hoof out of the carriage. Several guards stood here and there, patrolling their home, paying no attention to her. She looked to her left to see Fang and Chrysalis speaking to one another. As she made her way toward them, the stallion took off in the night, not saying another word.
Chrysalis peered down at Coco as she came alongside her, not as angry looking from before. But she spoke no words to the pony and simply began walking toward the castle. Coco easily followed after.
***
The guards straightened up as they saw their queen walk down the hallway to her throne room. Coco remembered the first time she had entered this part of the castle. The memories of walking with Sea More to the very large doors before entering the queen’s domain seemed so long ago. At the time, Coco did not know what to expect when she entered Chrysalis throne room; and now, she doesn’t know what to expect either.
Chrysalis’ horn glew with power, and the massive doors swung open with ease. Coco could tell the changeling was livid, but she continued to remain silent and follow after her friend. Once inside the dark room, both were suddenly enclosed in darkness. But the darkness was short lived, and was replaced with green flames that burst to life from iron stands. Chrysalis buzzed her wings and flew over to her jagged throne before sitting down in her rightful chair.
Coco stood before the queen as she did so many days before. However, this time, she stood before her friend. A friend that held an anger she could never fathom. “Chrysalis…” Coco’s voice startled herself a bit as it echoed in the hollowed room. “Is everything alright?”
“I am not sure.” Coco wasn’t sure if she wanted to hear what the queen had to say. “The mission of gathering love was a success on my part, and I am sure Fang can agree the same. However, after Celestia found out about other changelings attending her little soiree, I am not so sure about the others. Especially Stitch, who was used as a pet for Celestia’s curiosity…” Chrysalis’ eyes flickered in the green flame’s light, looking hard down at Coco. The pony felt guilty for letting Stitch get involved and not knowing the full extent of what she went through. “Also… why in the WORLD did you go against my wishes?!”
The changeling’s exclaimed word bounced around in the room and in Coco’s head. “I just… couldn’t take the constant insults from Celestia against you.”
“I am a queen. You think I cannot take criticism on my own? I know for a fact that the rest of Equestria thinks of me and my kin as love snatchers. And we all know this. But other ponies and their bitterness towards us makes us stand united with our own. You should have let me stand on my own.” Chrysalis blinked, no longer holding her angry gaze, and was replaced with a sad expression. “And now, who knows what Celestia thinks of you now.”
Coco couldn’t reply to her friend’s statement. Chrysalis was right. Who knows what the princess who raises the sun considers Coco now. “But she told me to no longer cause trouble.”
“And you think her words have any credibility?” The queen stood from her throne, stomping over to the pony. “She told me to my FACE that she was glad my daughter perished. Little does she know how much more powerful the hive has grown after tonight.”
“W-what do you mean?” Coco was fearing Chrysalis was about to do the worst.
“I mean, with all of the love I have acclimated, another invasion is in store.” Coco felt a cold shiver run down her back, hoping what she heard was a voice in her head.
“N-no... Don’t do that…” The mare shook her head slowly.
“And why would I listen to you?” Chrysalis asked, standing over her friend. “You are just a simple tailor just trying to get by in life.”
Coco lurched her head up at Chrysalis, her eyes angry. “Why should you listen to me? Because I am your friend! Why would you want to cause senseless harm?”
The queen snorted out of her nose. “Such a typical questionmare question.” Chrysalis turned around to avoid seeing Coco’s frustrated gaze. “You wouldn’t understand my anger. In fact, you don’t understand my hatred, even after everything I had told you.” Turning her head back to her friend, both mares locked their eyes on each other. Coco wielded eyes of concern, her brows creased with a hint of anger, as Chrysalis did her best to hold a calm facade.
“You are wrong. I know your hatred. I have seen it. And I disapprove of it.” Coco stepped forward, standing behind her lovely dressed friend. “And I know of our friendship, which I will always approve. That is, unless you do something that would ruin it by attacking Canterlot.” Chrysalis took a deep breath before letting out a heavy sigh. “Do you care about our friendship?”
Coco stood still for an unknown amount of time as she waited to the changeling to speak. Finally, Chrysalis did, but not in the way Coco was hoping or expecting. “Go back to your estate. You are leaving first thing in the morning.”
“W-what…?”
“Leave!” Chrysalis ordered, turning herself around to yell at Coco. The pony did flinch, but did not wear a frightened expression. Coco frowned at Chrysalis before walking toward the large door. “Ask one of the guards to lead you to your room.” Her words were a lot more calm, but didn’t make her relax one bit as she saw Coco open the doors before closing them with a loud klunk.
Chrysalis walked over to her throne and sat in her chair. She slumped against the cushion, her dress now beginning to irritate her. Quickly, the queen stripped herself of the dress and tossed it to the ground. It did stick to her hooves as she removed her clothing, but didn’t cause her to struggle much. Finally finished and out of Coco’s creation, Chrysalis brought a hoof to her forehead, grumbling with frustration.
“That pony… I have grown too close to her…” A knock rang out in the empty room, which fueled Chrysalis’ already bothered nature even more. “Who goes there?!”
The hinges on the massive seal screeched as a voice spoke in, “My queen…” It was Scar Splash. “...the others have returned and each and every one have reported that the evening was a success.”
“At least something went right…” Chrysalis looked to the sealing, the green flames flickering in her eyes.
“What troubles you my queen? Might I enter?” Despite herself wanting to be alone, Scar Splash was a changeling she wanted to speak with.
“You may. Come.” At a moderate pace, Scar approached the throne, admiring his queen’s presence, but not her present attitude. It pained the changeling to see Chrysalis look so disgruntled. “Scar, how were you able to move on from your pony lover?”
Scar Splash stopped in his tracks, taken aback by the question, not expecting that to be the first thing Chrysalis would say. “I umm… told myself that she was better off without me. If I stayed around, others would have pestered and harmed my love even more.” He turned his head, curious by his queen. “Why do you ask?”
“Coco is leaving tomorrow. And… I am afraid that I will miss her dearly. She has accepted us changelings and knows my pain...” The queen frowned, her gaze turned toward a hot green flame.
“Good riddance I say…” Chrysalis stood from her seat of thorns, angered with Scar’s poor choice of words. Thinking on his hooves he asked, “My queen, do you understand why I dislike that pony so much? Look at how she is controlling you.”
Chrysalis glared down at the soldier, almost wanting to slam him into a wall for insulting Coco. “What do you mean?”
“Ever since you have allowed the pony to get too close to you, along with Fang and the others, she is making you forget your goal. Your mission! She is trying to shed this pathetic light that others may care about us. But that light is false and blinding.” Scar Splash pointed a hoof at his breast. “Even I am guilty of letting a pony get close to me, her words telling me that others should give us changelings a chance.” He bared his fangs that were as sharp as a dozen swords. “But as I showed myself to her friends, they shunned she and I. I know I still love her to this day. However, she is better off without me. Only she will receive mercy from the hive’s wrath. Besides, those who refused me… will pay.” Fang looked hard into his queen’s eyes. “Just as Celestia should suffer as she spat those horrible words to Beauty Fly however many years ago that was.”
Chrysalis clenched her jaw tightly, remembering how the hurtful princess was. “Funny how Coco wanted to have me talk to Celestia about my feelings toward her.” She chuckled, not surprised of the outcome. “To sum up what happened, Celestia wanted nothing to do with me, while making every chance she could to insult me. I should have seen the outcome from a mile away.”
“Do you understand what I mean by how Coco is controlling you?” Scar asked, taking a few steps toward his queen. “She made you reveal yourself to Celestia. If any of us told you to something like that, I am sure you would make sure that changeling would never speak again…” He shivered at the thought of his queen’s wrath as he has experienced this first hoof.
Chrysalis slumped her shoulders, now thinking about how Coco has caused as much harm as she has good. Coco has done the entire hive a great service by helping them obtain the love they now possessed. But the pony has also made Chrysalis cast her veil aside and try to negotiate with a pony that wanted nothing to do with changelings.
Do you care about our friendship? Coco’s question echoed in Chrysalis’ mind. She did care about her pony friend. But her hatred was hotter than the sun itself. Perhaps letting go herself was a good plan. After all, Chrysalis has been telling Fang to not get too close to Coco, or the goodbye will be too painful for the mare and stallion. And unfortunately, Chrysalis remembers their kiss. And is about to part their lips by force. “Then what will you have me do Scar? How will I be able to move on from Coco then?”
“I have been thinking about this, actually, waiting to propose the idea,” Scar Splash grinned. “In fact, if you go through with my plan, no changeling will be hurt in the process.”
Chrysalis raised a brow, curious with Scar’s choice of words. “You said ‘no changeling’ if I am not mistaken. What about Coco?”
“Just as I have left my love, your ‘friend’ will be the only one being hurt.”
“Explain…” Just as Scar Splash was about to elaborate on his proposal, another knock rang out.
***
Slumber could not find Coco Pommel as she tossed and turned all night. So many questions flooded her mind, wishing they would just run away elsewhere. But Coco’s curiosity kept plaguing her small mind, giving her very little sleep.
She pondered about Chrysalis, wondering if she was actually going to attack Canterlot. If she was, Coco may have no choice but to inform Celestia. And if Coco were to propose the attack to the princess, Celestia may give her an I told you so speech.
Another question that was bothering her was why Celestia let Coco go so easily. The hypothesis she was able to come up with was how Coco posed no threat to Equestria. Even though the pony knew the truth about Chrysalis and her past, she was finding hard to think anypony would believe her story if she told somepony else.
But the worst of the pestering thoughts was if she was going to see any of her friends again. Sea More. Stitch Snitch. Knight Cap. Silver Liner. Silky Magot. Bitter Tongue. The children.
Inferno Fang.
Coco clenched her pillow tightly, wishing he were nearby. When ever she found herself bothered with anything, he was always there with a warm embrace in more ways than one. Her nose pressed against the soft sack of feathers, remembering their kiss. What will become of their friendship now that changelings are still viewed as enemies?
The mare grunted in frustration, displeased with Celestia’s refusal to accept Chrysalis’ friendship. But Coco couldn’t blame the princess either. Chrysalis attacked Canterlot before, so maybe her anger was justified. Then again, when Celestia crammed the cake into Coco's mouth was perhaps the moment she went to far.
Coco stared up at the bed’s overloft, now understanding how cruel the world can be because of indifferences. And she felt like she could do nothing about it, now that she has exhausted her option of having Chrysalis speak to Celestia personally. Maybe the way Chrysalis went about it was the wrong way, and should have just informed the princess that she was coming peacefully. Why couldn’t that happen?
The unknown possibilities were beginning to frustrate Coco, wishing the gala ended on a fantastic note. The day was a great one, from the play, to the two friends she made, and even the kiss from Fang. But the end result was having no resolution to Chrysalis’ feud with Celestia, perhaps taking a few steps backwards for the chances for changelings and ponies living among each other.
Thankfully, a knock rang out from the darkness. The sun was not up just yet, but it didn’t matter to Coco. She needed at least something to keep her mind off her brainstorm of questions. Crawling out of bed and to the entrance of her room, Coco opened the door to see Fang.
“Hey,” the pony muttered, her voice slightly hoarse. Fang cracked a smile before lighting up the room with his magic. The brightness stabbed at Coco’s eyes, but they adjusted quickly. When they did adapt to her surrounding light, she noticed Fang was looking quite upset with something. “Is there anything bothering you?”
He chuckled, “No questions this early in the morning.” Coco smirked and gave him a light push. Fang looked to his left as he stood in the hallway. “I have brought some changelings to come and help you pack up.” Stepping into the room along with him, was Stitch Snitch, Silver Liner, Silky Magot, and Knight Cap.
Not conserned with having to gather her belongings, Coco walked over to Stitch and asked, “Are you okay? What happened with-”
“Please… you heard Fang,” Stitch muttered, “no questions this early.”
But I want to know if you are alright…
“She is,” Knight Cap spoke suddenly. The changeling’s normal slate-faced expression was not to be found, and instead was a frown. “Let’s just gather your belongings, okay?” Silver and Silky nodded, they too wearing the same expression as the others.
“But-” Coco stopped herself short, not wanting to bother her friends with another question. I hope nothing is wrong… Knight Cap briskly walked into the room, over to Coco’s belongings with another word.
Silver Liner, trying to light up the atmosphere, gestured to the pony’s tailoring equipment with a smile. “Let’s talk about the good things that happened last night as we help you.” To his horror, he watched Stitch’s face writhe in sadness as she began to sob bitterly. Everyone wanted to try and make her feel better, but she was quick to be by Knight Cap’s side. Silver held his head low and sighed. “I guess it is going to be hard on us all to be happy this morning. You are leaving after all....” Silky didn’t speak, but she nodded in agreement.
“Then… let’s make the best of it.” Coco tried to sound as enthusiastic as possible. “And let’s try and create the best of our moments here, and even make past memories most memorable.” To her surprise, none of the changelings smiled, nor showed any signs of positive attitudes. All they did was walk over to where Coco’s belongings were, along with the supplies that was given to her, and began to pack up.
***
The cleanup was done in silence, aside from the occasional, “is this yours,” or, “where does this go,” questions. Coco wanted to ask what was wrong, worried if she had done something to upset anychangeling. But she kept her mouth closed, keeping her thoughts to herself. Well, as much as she could, for every time the mare’s eyes met Knight Cap, Coco could feel the changeling crawling around in her brain.
With the last spool of white silk in Coco’s suitcase of fashion equipment, the pony’s belongings were now safely put away and ready for transport. The changelings stood before her, almost staring her down with saddened faces. Even Coco was beginning to feel how serious the situation was. She was leaving them and may never come back, and Coco was hoping there would be another time. But who knows what Chrysalis was thinking. And if Coco did know the queen’s thoughts, half of her questionmare questions would already be out the window.
Stepping from the group, Stitch walked over to Coco and gave her a close hug. “Thank you…” she muttered, tears patterning the pony’s shoulder. “Don’t you ever forget us, okay?”
“You the same,” Coco smiled, her eyes beginning to water up as well. She could tell that the others were about to say their farewells. Silky held on for a bit longer before having to force herself off of Coco.
Next, Knight Cap came forward and took off her night cap, hoofing it over to Coco. The changeling’s mane was messy, hairs sticking in random directions. “I want you to take this and show it to me if I ever forget you.”
“I hope you don’t,” Coco smirked as she looked at the blue and black striped head wear. She opened one of the suitcases and placed the gift in it, before turning around to see Silky right behind her.
“I… you…” Silky blushed, not sure what to say and looked to the others for help. Instead of helping her, everychangeing just looked back at her with blank looks in their faces. Returning to Coco, Silky wore a sad smile. “Do be careful.” Before Coco could reply, Silky already turned around as Silver walked forward.
“Inspire the world with amazing dresses, Coco, and maybe you will work for many rulers across the world.” Silver’s words made Coco shed tears as she found it hard to smile.
“But I guarantee that I will never meet a wonderful group of tailors as the four of you.” At once, the dress makers came forth and surrounded the pony. They bunched up close to Coco and gave a big group hug. None of them, including Coco, had a dry face as they sobbed, knowing they are going to miss the generous mare. Fang stood from afar, doing his best not to tear up, now knowing the fate of his relationship with Coco.
***
Coco admired the clouds in the sky, wondering if she was ever going to fly this high in the air ever again. The sky was starting to light up as the sun was beginning to rise in the east. She leaned up against the wall of the carriage, closing her eyes, remembering her last moments with her changeling friends. They all gave her a nice farewell, along with Sea More who happily waited by the wagon. Coco wanted to talk to him about if she was ever going to see him again, but even he, just like the others, never gave her a straight answer. She was also curious as to why Chrysalis was not at the runway to say goodbye, which really hurt Coco. Despite her views against the changeling’s spiteful attitude, Chrysalis was still her friend. Was she afraid to say goodbye face to face, not good with farewells? The mare did not know...
Now sitting upright, Coco wondered why Fang and the others were acting so strange this morning when ever the mare told the changelings not to forget about her.
***
It was hard to keep his emotions in check as Fang flapped his fake pegasus wings through the air. Otherwise, he might combust and catch the carriage on fire. A flurry of anger and sadness corsed through his veins for the past five hours, and was surprised he was able to suppress his fury.
“Scar Splash, you wretched…” Tears crawled out of the corners of his eyes, wishing he didn’t have to go through with Scar’s proposal…
***
Fang entered the throne room with his scythe in hoof, approaching the queen with a strong stride. His eyes leered at the presence of Scar Splash and lit his blade with a hot-orange glow. “Come to challenge the queen once more?” he asked.
“He has a proposal for me, regarding Coco Pommel,” Chrysalis spoke as the green flames glew brighter, growing her shadow. Scar looked up to the queen, not wanting to pay any attention to the heated changeling. “Perhaps you should hear it as well.”
“Yes Fang,” Scar smirked, his grin wide enough for Fang to see. “And I think you would hate it beyond belief.”
Fang picked up his pace and stormed over to Scar, almost ready to sink his scythe into the changeling’s flesh. “If you plan to hurt Coco, I swear-”
“Silence!” Chrysalis and her rage caused the flames to shoot up into a fiery pillar. Both Fang and Scar quivered in fear by their queen’s outburst as her now massive shadow nearly consumed the wall behind her. Calming the green heat, she looked down at Scar. “Now, tell me, how will I have an easy time with moving on from Coco Pommel?”
Fang’s eyes grew wide with fear and anger, wondering if Scar was trying to plan something mischievous. Scar noticed Fang’s expression and gave him a cocky grin. “Easy,” he spoke, not removing his gaze from the large toothed changeling. “In fact, this will not only benefit yourself, but all who know Coco. My solution to moving on from her would be to cast a mass amnesia on the entire hive. Let us forget about her entirely!”
“No! You can’t do that my queen!” Fang took a few steps forward with his hooves gripped tightly on his weapon shaft. His voice shook as he spoke and he wore a face of concern and worry.
But Chrysalis did not looked surprised at all by Scar’s proposal. In fact, she had a look of interest. “And why shouldn’t I, Fang? I know for a fact at this point that you are in love with Coco, which from the beginning of her visit, I have told you not to get close.” Fang blushed and his tooth glew hot orange, unable to hide his emotions. Chrysalis looked to Scar Splash with a blank expression as he stared back with a leering grin. “Perhaps Coco doesn’t control just me, but others as well. Instead of Fang listening to his wonderful leader, he instead chases after emotions that I refused for him to pursue.”
“Which is why I have come to you with this proposition.” His grin ever wider, almost reaching his eyes, Scar walked over to Fang and said, “The pony has made you weak. She has made you defy the queen.” Fang flashed his teeth to intimidate the heckler, but that did not stop Scar. “And I think, once you have forgotten all about that worthless pony, you will thank me.”
The changeling could take it no more and Fang swung his skull, crashing it into Scar’s head. Scar stumbled about, but kept himself standing. “Don’t you dare call her worthless!” Fang shouted, his weapon now on fire.
Chrysalis sat on her throne, not wanting to interject, but observe. “I now understand what you mean Scar.” Both stallions looked to their queen with curious gazes. “Fang, my personal guard, attacks his own kind over a pony we will no longer be associating with. I think your proposal will go into affect once my friend is gone. Then, I shall end my friendship with her by forgetting every moment she has made with me and any other changeling she has.” Despite his injury, Scar’s smile quickly returned to him.
Fang couldn’t believe what he was hearing; Chrysalis was agreeing with Scar and was willing to go through with his accursed idea. “My queen please, don’t go through with this!” He didn’t care if they heard the desperation in his throat. “I- I love her!”
“You think I don’t?” Chrysalis asked bluntly. Scar’s smile quickly evaporated, almost worried that his idea was about to be rejected. “That pony has accepted us for who we are, not what. But I do think it is for the better if we all forget about her.” Letting out a sigh of relief, Scar nodded in agreement with his queen. “I don’t want her to get caught in the crossfire of our affairs. She deserves a good life and should go see the rest of the world, not be cooped up here in this mountain.” Chrysalis’ eyes pierced Fang, knowing he too felt what she was feeling. “If you love Coco Pommel as I do, you will let her go.”
Fang couldn’t help himself as his hot face began to shed tears. But the tears were short lived and quickly evaporated in a vapor. “Fine…”
“So! I will go through with your proposal Scar.” Fang tossed in frustration his hot weapon, sparks flying from the blade as it clashed with the ground. “However, the only condition I have with this mass amnesia is this: every changeling will forget about Coco Pommel, except for you Scar Splash.”
Fang wanted to outburst at Chrysalis, wondering why he was gaining the blessing of remembering Coco. Even Scar was shocked to hear their queen’s words. “Why must I my queen?”
Chrysalis stood from her decorated chair and walked over to Scar. She could feel Fang’s warm stare, but paid no attention to him. Whispering into Scar’s ear, she said, “Because if you are going to remember her, than you will remember Coco. If we conquer Canterlot and move from there, I want to make sure Coco will not be harmed. And I am sure you don’t want your precious love to be hurt. Unless of course, you want me to cast amnesia on you so you can forget about your little unicorn.”
To his surprise, Fang heard Scar mutter, “Please, I don’t want to forget. I will go through with your condition my queen.”
***
Forest Rain pushed off hard of the barrier, pointing his hungry trident at Urchin. But the large monster lept out of the way and the pegasus pounded the sand with his hooves, the sand getting kicked up in a large brown cloud.
In the muddy fog, Forest Rain noticed Urchin was in front of him, aware that her back was turned to him. With all of his might, he swung the weapon and smacked it against the mermare’s side. She yelped in pain as she went soaring out of the mist of sand, hitting the wall of the arena hard. The crowd let out an “oh!” and followed up their surprised gasp with cheers. Urchin gasped in as much water as she could, trying to catch her breath. The battle has been going on for far too long, and her stamina was weakening. As for Forest Rain, he was barely anywhere winded. Thanks to his weapon and its power, the thickness of water no longer affected him and was able to move around with ease.
With her fleeting strength, Urchin tried to get up and move. However, Forest Rain’s recent attack crippled her and she crumpled to the ground. Seeing this happen before him, the pegasus pushed off of the sand and darted at the hideous mermare. Using his hooves, Forest Rain stomped into Urchin’s side. She let out a disgusting shout in pain before falling over, unable to absorb the blow. Her body hit the sandy floor with a loud thud, and the crowd’s cheering grew to the point where it hurt Forest Rain’s ears.
However, even over the roar of merfolk, the pegasus heard Urchin mutter, “End it… finish me off…” Looking up at Tail Fin, Forest Rain could see him peering down with an eager gaze. With all of his might, along with the trident's ability to amplify his anger, Forest Rain threw the golden weapon at the prince. It traveled so quickly that it was only a blur just before it stabbed into the barrier, cracking the protective shield. The crowd gasped at the sudden act and booed the pegaus.
“I can’t kill you,” Forest Rain spoke over the angered crowd. “I have nothing against you.”
Urchin laughed a little before grunting in pain. “Even though I tried everything I could to end your life?” She transformed back into her mermare form, but couldn’t get herself to move. “So what now? I don’t think my blasted brother will let both of us leave alive…” Forest floated above Urchin, no longer filled with an uncontrollable wrath and at a loss for words.
“Fillies and gentlecolts!” Both Forest and Urchin flinched as Tail Fin proclaimed to the crowd. Everypony’s voice was silenced, wanting to hear their prince. “Even though you have hoped to witnessed a life being claimed, it seems our combatants wish to no longer fight.” Another wave of boos filled the arena before dying off. “However, I must say that these two put up quite a show.” From Forest Rain’s perspective, he could see the merfolk chattering among themselves in agreement. (What is the prince getting at?) “As I watched the battle, I had an idea: what if-”
KUKUNCK!
Coco shrieked as she bounced out of her chair and fell to the ground. If there was one thing Coco was not going to miss, it would be Fang’s horrible landing. As if anything couldn’t get any worse, the novel she was reading fell onto her head. The mare rubbed her head to try and ease the pain as she stood onto all fours.
The carriage door opened and Fang peered into the wagon. “We are here at Canterlot,” he spoke, not asking the pony if she was alright. Coco looked outside to see that they were not in the white-stoned city. Fang moved out of her way as she stepped outside to see the castle in the distance. Several trees stood up from the forest as a dirt trail lead toward the city.
“There is a hotel called the Royal Palace.” Coco didn’t look back at the changeling as he spoke, wondering if she is welcomed to Canterlot after last night’s events. Then again, Celestia did tell Coco to cause no more trouble, so perhaps there is no ill will against her. “Tell them that your name is Coco Pommel for the Princess Domain. You can stay there for up to a week with no cost out of your pay, for I have handled the expenses. After you are done with whatever you need to do here, you can go back home to Manehattan.”
Now turning around to face Fang, Coco asked, “When did you get this handled?”
“The… queen wanted me to get you a place to stay if anything went awry. So, when I got you those flowers from yesterday, I booked you into the best hotel I could find.” Fang looked to the castle that clung to the mountain side. “And after Queen Chrysalis told me the events of last night as I guarded her, I could guess things didn’t go according to plan…”
“Yeah…” Coco muttered, looking down at the dirt path. “She was not happy that I didn’t pretend to play dumb. And I feel like I messed up the entire attempt to create peace between ponies and changelings.” The mare knew that that was not the real reason, but that it was Celestia and her hurtful attitude against Chrysalis. But Coco wanted Fang to comfort her, for she knows he was always willing to help. Sure enough, the changeling went up to the pony and held her close.
Feeling it was okay to do so, Coco kissed Fang on the cheek before resting her cheek against his warm breast. She looked up at the disguised changeling as he wore his crimson unicorn form. He looked so handsome, much more than the time he walked into Coco’s work with his black cloak.
“Fang,” Coco asked, looking up to the stallion, still resting her head on his chest, “what is going to happen now? What is going to happen with Chrysalis? Will I be able to see the others again?” Fang had to look away to avoid seeing the pony’s sad, glossy eyes. “Will I be able to see you again…?”
Wanting to see her now, Fang turned his attention to the lovely mare. He lifted his hoof to Coco’s chin to have her appropriately look at him. They gazed into each other’s eyes, Fang having a slight height advantage and looked down at her. “Will I…?” Coco muttered as her muzzle slowly gravitated towards Fang. Before long, they kissed deeply, carried away in the emotions they felt for each other. The world around Coco vanished as she closed her eyes, giving her emotions to the stallion she was now so fond of. Not even a month has gone by, and she could tell Fang was the one. He was the stallion she wished to be her special somepony.
When their lips parted, Fang stepped away from the mare, afraid his emotions were about to overspill with tears. “You ask… too many questions. However, this time, I will be able to answer each and every one of them.” Coco remained standing where she was, wondering what Fang meant, yet stilled her tongue and awaited his words.
“The kingdom ahead will become victim to another invasion.” Fang dropped his head, not wanting to look at Canterlot.
“B-but why?” Coco muttered, not wanting to believe the changeling. “What good will senseless harm do?”
Fang turned toward the pony, his brows creased. “That princess is the reason why we changelings cannot have happiness. Chrysalis wants to remind Celestia what happens when you take away something that is so easily obtained.”
The mare took a few steps away from Fang, her brows now matching his. “I hope you are lying.”
“I wish I was,” he sighed. “And trust me, the only reason why I wish to not go through with the attack is because of you. I know it is senseless.”
Coco huffed from her nostrils, now furious with the changeling queen. “Chrysalis is a coward then, not willing to tell me what she plans to do with the love she got thanks to me… She has to use you as a messenger. Some friend. She didn't even come to say goodbye to me...” Fang felt insulted as he heard the pony insult his leader and was about to tell her off, but held his sharp tongue. Coco couldn’t hold onto her anger for long and frowned. “I do hope something prevents her from attacking. A-and I don’t mean any spite.”
“I know,” Fang nodded.
The mare began to shutter, angry and saddened with the harsh reality she lived in. “So… does that mean I won’t be able to come back…? Will I see the children again…? Will I see my friends?” Coco’s eyes glossed with liquid, breaking Fang’s heart in the process. “Will I... be able to see you ever again…?” Her lips made a sour frown as tears quickly ran down her cheeks.
“N-no…” Fang replied in a low mumble as his voice choked over the growing depression in his heart. And he too had his own tears to shed. “In f-fact... I-” The pain gripped his heart in a vicegrip and Fang began to lament bitterly. “I am so sorry, Coco… I am so sorry…” He shook his head to awake from this living nightmare. Now both filled with grief, the two held each other, knowing this will be the last time he was going to see her; and remember her.
“Before I forget, my dear sweet Coco Pommel…” Fang whispered into her ear. Coco gripped tightly around his neck, pressing her face into his warm chest. “...I wanted to tell you something I realised yesterday.”
“A-and what is t-that…?” she answered in a stutter, her sadness overwelming.
“I- I love you.” Coco began to weep bitterly, her sobs ringing in Fang’s ears and her grip tightened around his neck. “You are the most amazing blessing the hive has ever had, aside from the queen. Your generosity, your kindness, your loyalty, your friendship. They mean so much to me. They even mean so much to the queen. She does love you as I do; however, my love for you is hotter than the core of this world. And… you are the only flame to warm my heart. And I will never be warm because of this tragic world we call Equestria.”
Coco began to hate the stubborn attitudes of both Celestia and Chrysalis. Why were the two so polar opposite from each other? Why couldn’t they agree? Was it their differences they had with each other? The questions were not making Coco feel any better.
“Fang… I- I love you too…” Coco looked up at Fang and tried her best to smile. The changeling admired what she was able to muster up and grinned right back at her. “You are the sweetest stallion I have even known. From the first moment you walked into the cafe, to the first time you held me… to now.”
Fang closed his eyes, remembering the first time Coco ran into his arms when Chrysalis had upset her. “Like I said, you are the only mare to keep me warm, especially when you did that. You trusted me, and I never thought a pony would ever give me that. Their trust” His cheeks fell down into a sad frown. “But unfortunately, I will not be able to remember you after today…”
Coco’s brows creased slightly with concern and wonder. “What do you mean by that…?
The changeling sniffed through his nose before answering the questionmare. “Last night, Scar came to the queen last night and…” Fang’s anger got the best of him and he flashed his teeth. “Queen Chrysalis wants to move on from you as easily as she could.”
“Does she not like me?” Coco gasped.
“Oh you are far from wrong. Queen Chrysalis cherishes you dearly and knows she will miss you. So instead of keeping you on her mind, she went to Scar Splash and asked for his advice for some reason.” Fang rested his cranium on Coco’s forehead.
“And what advice did he give her?” Coco swallowed, not sure what to expect.
“He wants to cast a mass amnesia spell on the entire hive, and forget about you… And the queen is following through with it...” Fang’s words were quiet. Soft. But they stung at Coco’s heart and she almost fell over from disbelief. But Fang kept her on her hooves, holding her ever so closely. “That means… I won’t be able to remember you…” Fang wanted to cry more tears, but he had already exhausted himself to the point his eyes were scratchy and dry.
“But I will be the one left to remember…?” Coco squeaked. And Fang nodded a slow nod. “Why? WHY?!” The mare pushed him away and stamped a hoof on the ground, her eyes filled with furious sorrow. “Why must I be cursed with remembering you and the others, but Chrysalis won’t have the faintest idea I am?! That’s not right! She is a coward for doing this, not just to me, but to you! To every changeling she leads!” Fang took a few steps forward to try and give Coco another embrace, but the mare held up a hoof. “Just stop.” She looked deep into Fang’s eyes, hoping he would understand what she was feeling. “If you love me, challenge Chrysalis just like I have. Tell her that this is not the way to go and that I will be the one hurt in the end. Otherwise, you can just go back to her and forget this ever happened…”
Both mare and stallion stared at each other, not sure what to say. A cold breeze blew by, stinging Coco’s dry eyes.
“Then I guess this is it…” Fang spoke, his voice sounding absolute.
“Yeah, it is,” Coco nodded.
The changeling looked to the carriage and said, “The carriage is yours. Take it back to Canterlot, to Manehattan, to wherever you wish.”
“Yes, let me have it.” Coco’s words were sharp with hurt. “So I can remember the ones who chose to forget me.”
With nothing else to say or do, Fang turned around and a flash of green ran over his body, revealing the changeling beneath the crimson fur. “Goodbye, my dear sweet Coco...”
“Just GO! I don’t want you to sweet talk me if you are going to forget me!” After standing still by her words, Fang buzzed his wings and leapt up into the sky.
All alone, Coco managed to find herself crying again...