After another day in Canterlot, where they dealt with more debates and trade deals, the changelings were headed home to the Hive. Metamorphosis grew silent and more stoic the closer they got. Because though he tried to push the thought to the back of his mind, Metamorphosis knew that once they arrived, they would be hunting down Chrysalis. His old mate.
Thorax seemed to have noticed, and Metamorphosis dimly noted his son approaching him. Pharynx, on the other hoof, appeared to be lost in his own thoughts.
“Dad…?” Thorax asked cautiously
Metamorphosis shook himself. “Yes, Thorax? What is it?”
“Well… it’s just…”
“Go ahead Thorax. You know you can tell me anything.”
“...You’ve been quiet since we dropped off Ocellus back at the school. Is something wrong?” Thorax asked him, having slowed his flight pace down to match Metamorphosis’.
“Not exactly… I’m just… worried.” Metamorphosis sighed
“About Phar?” Thorax asked
“No… well, yes… but also about finding your mother.” Metamorphosis explained
“Oh…” Thorax looked away. Metamorphosis sighed.
“It’s just… we haven’t seen each other in over twenty years… I want to be glad I’ll have a chance to see her again, but after all you’ve told me… not to mention what she’s doing to Pharynx… I don’t know whether to be glad to find her or mad that she’s interfering with your brother like this.”
Thorax nodded in understanding. “Well… I don’t know if it helps, but… that letter we found… mother had kept it. She put it in the records, and… well, she wouldn’t have kept it if she didn’t still care.”
Metamorphosis looked at him. “Really?”
“Mhm. It is possible she forgot about it but if she didn’t miss you… she wouldn’t have kept it at all.”
Metamorphosis smiled. “You’re right.”
They landed outside the Hive, and Pharynx sighed. He yawned and stretched, looking back at them.
“So, what are you two’s plans for the day? I need to know so I can arrange the patrols to work with it.”
“Well… d-do you remember last night?” Thorax asked tentatively. Pharynx’s expression turned stony.
“Why?”
“W-Well, it’s important, and I promise I won’t force you to answer any uncomfortable questions, okay?” Thorax nuzzled him, and he nodded after a minute. “Okay… remember when Princess Luna came?”
Pharynx’s expression softened. “A-A bit… I remember her coming in… then she touched me with her horn and I fell asleep…”
Thorax nodded. “Well… while you were asleep, Luna helped us figure out what was going on.”
“Sh-She did?”
“Yes…” Thorax looked at Metamorphosis, who sighed and nodded, stepping forward.
“Son… there’s no easy way to say this, but… Chrysalis has been using a mindlink spell to influence your dreams.”
Pharynx blinked and stared at them. Thorax went forwards and hugged him.
“I know. Princess Luna said it got stronger when we left because she increased the power so she wouldn’t have to follow us.”
Pharynx hugged him tightly. “B-But that means… sh-she…”
“We’ll find her, I promise.” Metamorphosis said. “I promise, Pharynx.”
Pharynx stepped back, looking at his father and brother with determination in his eyes.
“Then what are we waiting for? Let’s go look for her.” he spoke.
Thorax and Metamorphosis looked at each other, then back at Pharynx.
“A-Are you sure about that Phar?”
“Positive.” Pharynx said, eyes narrowing. “I need to know the truth. I have to know why.”
Thorax and Metamorphosis seemed to both inexplicably understand what Pharynx meant, and why he spoke in such a cold tone. So, only a few minutes after arriving home, the three changelings set out. Pharynx suggested they scout the forests nearest the Hive.
“We should split up.” Pharynx said, looking around. “We’ll be able to cover more ground that way.”
“Alright…”
Thorax hesitated, but Pharynx had already left. Thorax and Metamorphosis shared a look, then Thorax disappeared into the undergrowth, and Metamorphosis went in the opposite direction.
As Metamorphosis picked his way through the undergrowth, he lit up his horn. He closed his eyes momentarily and let his magic branch out. A little tracking spell might help, perhaps he should have shown it to Thorax and Pharynx before letting Pharynx rush off. He focused on Chrysalis in his mind, and searched. His magic led him deeper into the forests.
Metamorphosis continued walking, then, he heard a strange hissing noise. He turned, looking around for the source of the noise.
“Hello?” Metamorphosis stopped and cast his eyes around wildly. “Who’s there?”
“One little changeling all by themself… what could possibly bring them here, to my domain? Surely they are wiser than that.” a very familiar voice spoke from the shadows.
Metamorphosis’ eyes narrowed. It couldn’t be.
“Come into the light.” he ordered, readying his stance for a fight if needed.
“Ooh, offering orders? Why, who do you think you are?” the voice spoke, but the rustling told him they were complying.
Metamorphosis’ eyes widened as the rustling and hoofsteps neared. The bushes trembled, and the figure emerged. It was clearly a female, and the hole ridden hooves displayed she was an unreformed changeling. The changeling was looking down at the ground with a familiar, haughty smirk on her face.
Despite it having been years since Metamorphosis had last seen her, the long blue mane was obvious. Her teal carapace and light blue, hole covered wings were recognizable. The twisted, jagged horn that rose above a small black crown instantly gave Metamorphosis the answer he was looking for.
The female changeling was glancing around the open area they stood in. She was clearly searching for the changeling who had dared to call out to her. Then, the female changeling turned… and locked eyes with Metamorphosis. Her mouth fell open slightly and the two stared at each other in silence. Metamorphosis’ gaze was hard at first, but seeing the shock on her face, his expression could only soften to awe.
“M-Metamorphosis?” the changeling gasped, eyes widening.
As Metamorphosis stared at this changeling, gazing into her teal-green, cat like eyes… he lost his voice. Her beauty had not left her over the years. And yet, as he stared into her entrancing gaze… Metamorphosis found he could only say one word in response. It was a word he found to be littered with amazement and the faintest trace of harshness.
“Chrysalis.”