//------------------------------// // Epilogue // Story: Chrysalis: Rise of the Changeling Queen // by Mystic Mind //------------------------------// “After that, tensions were still high between the three tribes. They would remain so, right up until the discovery of the windigos. Ironically, Chrysalis did bring the three tribes closer together, in the end – if only by a small amount. As far as they knew, faelings were extinct, replaced by the evil Changelings who bore only a superficial resemblance. A Changeling could be any one of them, pushing ponies towards a war only they would benefit from. From that point on, our race would remain as parasites, right up until I was discovered by both Spike and Starlight Glimmer. But that’s a topic you’re already familiar with.” Jotting down the last of her notes, Twilight Sparkle put down her quill and looked over the thick stack of papers that now dominated her tea table. For a long moment, she didn’t say anything, collecting her thoughts on everything she’d just been told. Thorax broke the silence. “Are you okay, Twilight?” “I…” she thought about that for a moment. She had been prepared for a heavy tale, and even after their multiple check-in breaks, she still wasn’t sure how she felt. “To be honest, I think I’ll have to shelve this project – if only for a couple of weeks,” she sighed and looked up at Thorax with a weak smile. “Just so I can process everything.” Thorax smiled back and nodded. “I hear the ponyville spa is a popular relaxation destination. Perhaps we could spend a little time there? That, and you still owe me Donuts in Canterlot.” Twilight’s own smile grew, this time into something more genuine. The suggestion alone warmed her up a little, easing some of the harsh emotions stirred over the course of the interview. “Yeah, I’d like that, actually,” she said. “Rarity’s always begging me to go on a spa date, but you know me: busy, busy, busy!” Thorax chuckled. “Oh, do I ever know what that’s like? Chrysalis made leadership look so easy, but I guess friendship takes a lot more work, huh?” “You can say that again,” Twilight giggled back. “But that reminds me, there is one more question I’ve been meaning to ask. More of a personal question than one for the textbooks.” “Sure, Twilight. What would you like to know?” “Why did you decide to keep your species name as ‘Changeling’? I would’ve thought you’d change it back by now, since you’re, y’know, the original.” Thorax rubbed his chin. “Well, I think it’s because one thing Chrysalis said is true. We must adapt and change according to the needs of our culture. Friendship and, by extension, the multiculturalism of the Friendship School, makes us better. We’re healthier and more prosperous than we’ve ever been! Whatever the future holds for us, I know we will be stronger if we face it together. We won’t forget our legacy, but we won’t be held down by it, either.” Twilight cocked an eyebrow. “Are you sure you don’t want a teacher’s position? You sound like the type.” “O-oh,” Thorax stammered, caught off guard by the suggestion. “I-I don’t know about that, I don’t think I have the time, with all my existing responsibilities I’d just be—” Thorax’s rambling came to a stop when Twilight burst out laughing. “Relax, Thorax! I’m just messing with you. Like you said, we’re both busy as heck.” “Oh,” Thorax blushed, his ears flattening a little. “Sorry. I guess we really aren’t so different, huh?” “And that’s what makes you awesome,” Twilight concluded, her tone cheerful. Just as she stood up, the study room door opened, and in walked Spike. He carried a small bag, filled with trinkets and gems gifted from the crystal ponies. “Hey, Twilight, I’m home—” his announcement was cut off by a tackle hug from Twilight. “Good to see you, Spike,” Twilight nuzzled him a little. “Good to see you, too, Twilight,” Spike said with some difficulty. “Not that I mind the hugs, but are you okay? Did something happen?” “Nothing much,” Twilight replied, releasing the hug. “Just a lot of history I had to write down. Stuff that makes me glad to have you, the dragon equivalent of a baby brother, in my life.” “Awww, shucks, Twi,” Spike blushed, and then noticed Thorax standing next to the tea table. “Oh, hey, Thorax. Didn’t know you were coming today. I’m guessing you’re the super special ‘mystery guest’ Twilight mentioned, huh?” “If that’s how she described me, then I guess I am,” Thorax replied. “We’ve done a lot of work today, mostly school stuff. You wouldn’t be interested.” Spike shrugged. “Well, I am kinda curious. But, if you insist, I’ll take your word for it. Besides, there’s no way I’m gonna read all that tonight. I’m pooped!” Thorax yawned. “Yeah, I guess it has been a long day for all of us. Twilight, you don’t mind if I crash here tonight, do you?” “Of course not,” Twilight beamed. “It’d be my pleasure. Come on, I’ll show you the choice of rooms.” “Hey, don’t forget about me,” Spike said, placing his claws on his hips. “I’ve done a lot today, too. Don’t you wanna hear about the triumphant return of Spike: The Brave and Glorious?” Thorax and Twilight looked at each other for a moment, but ultimately smiled back at Spike. “Well, I guess one more tale couldn’t hurt,” Thorax said. As Spike began to regale Thorax with his exploits in the Crystal Empire, Twilight thought back to something he’d said when he first revealed Thorax. Even a Changeling can change. A sentiment that was true, now more so than ever before. Perhaps, one day, even Queen Chrysalis could see the error of her ways, becoming the benevolent Princess pony kind had once known her to be. If she were honest, Twilight would freely admit it was a stretch. But after all she’d been through, from Discord to becoming the Princess of Friendship, it wasn’t an impossible concept. After all, stranger things had happened in Equestria.