Thorax could hear the crowd from beyond the balcony's red curtains. Thousands of indiscernible, simultaneous conversations came together to amass a deafening white noise.
He swallowed the lump in his throat, but his anxiety continued to pour forth. Changelings hugged him in a coordinated effort, but their strategy didn’t amount to much this time.
"I believe we’re all set," Celestia said to her scribe. Thorax's panic caught her eye, and she giggled. "Well, as ready as we can be, I suppose."
"I'll be okay," Thorax squeaked. Calor wrapped his hooves around his alpha’s neck from behind and draped himself over his back, thrumming with all his might. Unfortunately, this just made Thorax's voice sound like it was coming through a fan. "Just not used to crowds this big, that's all. The entire hive barely gets to over half this size. Th-that's a lot of emotions to be faced with all at once."
"Please," said Pharynx, leaning lazily against a pillar. "Just jabber on about 'unity' and 'friendship' for a few minutes and you'll be fine, Thorax. No one’s here for details. They just want to be reassured that we're not about to go to war. It's really too bad, by the way. Life is getting way too predictable without a good conflict."
There was silence. Somepony coughed, though it wasn't clear who.
"...As...candid as your brother is, he's absolutely right about one thing, Thorax," Twilight added. "For most ponies, just seeing the princesses publicly endorse you will be enough for now. That said, your positive attitude will really make a difference by showing you’re an active part of the process. That's why giving a brief speech is so important."
Twilight chanced a glance at her mentor and received a wink. Calm and regal in stride, Celestia parted the curtains and prompted a wave of cheers. She paused, even under such expectancy, to offer Thorax her most encouraging smile.
"I could stand on this balcony all day and passionately talk about friendships with other nations, Thorax, but for my subjects, there is no meaning behind it alone. Only when they see that passion emulated by our allies do they begin to feel it themselves. Today, it may just be words, but all promises have to start somewhere. Let's start this journey together. Equestria is ready."
For some time, not a word was uttered. Everyone held a stake in the events taking place out there. When Celestia spoke, her voice drifted somewhere between her regular pitch and her Royal Canterlot Voice.
“A wonderful afternoon to you all, and a heartfelt thank you for entertaining this sudden summons. I know that many of you have taken time away from your workday and other responsibilities to be here. I promise to be as brief as I can be. Yesterday, a series of efforts to introduce a new ally to the eyes of Equestria culminated in a visit to our city. Before our guests head home this afternoon, I wish to include you all in this marvelous occasion.”
Thorax's heart besieged his ribcage with steady thumps. His drones squeezed him tighter. Pharynx rolled his eyes harder. Twilight offered emotional support through proximity.
“For those who attended our city's museum opening, our guests need no introduction. For those who attended my previous city address, you may recall Equestria's efforts to extend a hoof of friendship to the new Changeling Kingdom, under the leadership of their benevolent new king. I'm delighted to say that progress has been made—not only with Canterlot but with our friends in the Crystal Empire.”
"Ah, thank goodness. Dear sister is still monologuing, I see."
Luna entered the room with an air of urgency, her smile mismatching her frantic eyes.
"Yup," Pharynx monotoned. "And that's not all. Thorax is still having an episode, the others are still drowning him in love magic, and I'm still fighting the urge to upchuck. All is normal on the front, lieutenant."
Luna approached the lumbering ball of hugged changelings. She raised a sly brow at the offensively adorable display.
"You will give a fine speech, Thorax," she encouraged. "And I'm glad that I arrived in time to witness it. Apologies for the close call. Ponies seem awfully lost and confused on where to locate their assigned balconies this afternoon."
"She's just about finished, Thorax," Twilight said suddenly. With a wave of her hoof, she politely shooed the cuddlebugs away. "Are you ready?"
Thorax swallowed again. The throat lump was stubborn. He looked around at his changelings and took a roll call in his head. Upon finishing, he found Apex flopping about in presumed boredom atop Calor's back and frowned.
"Apex, you're going to stay here with Uncle Pharynx while I go outside and talk with everypony, okay?"
"How long are you gonna be, Papa Thorax?" asked Apex. The nymph's head shot up between Calor's ears. "The daytime princess pony is talking to the ponies already about us, so why do you need to? This isn't more polo ticks, is it? Why can't we do fun things? I want more of those donuts the purple princess got us!"
"Answer my question please, Apex. This is really important. I need you to stay here with Uncle Pharynx and everyling else until I'm done, okay? I promise we're all going to head home soon after that. Maybe we can pick up some pony snacks on the way home."
Protests sprouted but were cut short by Thorax’s magic. Apex was whisked away from Calor's azure shell and placed upon a darker cyan, which provoked a low grumbling. Having been literally saddled with responsibility, Pharynx stood up straight with a sigh as Apex began to climb his neck and use his antlers as hoofholds.
"You'd better be quick about this," the beta muttered. "If I start to develop a headache from singing or tap-dancing, he's getting tossed off that balcony-"
"-Can you just not, with the attitude? I can’t deal with it right now. Just look after him until I'm finished, please. It isn't that hard. Weren't you the one who said we're all basically on vacation and have the princesses to help us look after everyling?"
Pharynx blinked. His sass had been halted in its tracks. Thorax advanced towards the curtain with Twilight and the scribe, just as finishing remarks could be heard.
Pharynx huffed, but his pride recovered just as quickly. He smirked to himself, resuming his lean against the pillar. He'd only himself to blame, hadn't he? Hit the dummy hard enough, and it'll always swing back to hit you, just as it's meant to.
"Careful, Thorax, or you might fool me into thinking you've actually grown an exoskeleton over there."
“Today, it is my greatest pleasure to introduce to you all the new leader of the Changeling Kingdom: King Thorax!”
Celestia's sun embraced him. He raised a foreleg to shield his eyes. As they adjusted, he spied lukewarm faces peering up at him by the dozens, with only scattered hoof stomps to go along with. His anxieties, old and set in their ways, ground against his heart, for a spotlight like none he'd ever felt before weighed down on him from all sides.
But he didn’t take a single step back. Fear gripped him, strangled his throat, yet he stood tall regardless. He lowered his leg with great resolve and drank in the afternoon air, crisp and cool from the mountaintop above him. He met the faces of one pony after another, and through the filter of light, smiled.
He'd not come this far to let the changelings fall into obscurity, to let his own faults stunt their growth before it could even begin. They deserved better. He deserved better. And by the Hive's name, it was about time the rest of Equestria knew it, too.
"Hello, everypony. My name is Thorax. A long time ago, I fled my home because I couldn't live with myself. I couldn't live with the way my kind preyed on innocent creatures, stealing something that should be cherished. I couldn't live with the way my kind rejected friendship, the only thing I ever wanted in life. I fled my hive and branded myself a traitor, and I’d be lying if I said I was optimistic. I wasn't sure I'd ever find another creature willing to offer something like me friendship freely. But I was determined to try. It was all I could do."
As if by magic, the scaled hide of a familiar face stuck out from the crowd. When Thorax found Spike's prideful grin staring back at him, he found that he was not alone. The rose garden streaks of Princess Cadance's mane framed an even grander look of pride, shared in equal part by her husband. They stood together and watched from one of the farthest rows, their heads gently laid against one another.
"In the least hospitable place in Equestria, I found someone, against all odds. His friendship cured my hunger, and with his help, I was able to show the Crystal Empire that not all changelings were the same. I found a family there in Princess Cadance, her husband, Shining Armor, and their daughter, Flurry Heart. They taught me about love, about the magic of friendship, and I was shown a world I never knew. I was in awe, and more than anything, I wanted to show the changelings what I had learned. I wanted to show them a better way to live."
A vortex of chaos magic tore itself open atop the roof of a far balcony, and Discord stepped out from it. Though far out of earshot, Thorax could still hear the snap of that eagle claw in his mind as Discord summoned a floating beach chair and umbrella with which to pamper himself. There, he sat and respectfully offered his attention, holding perhaps the most peculiar smile Thorax had ever seen.
In that aged smile, Thorax was reminded of another. One far more sinister and cold, accompanied by a foul laugh he'd not soon forget. The sting of tears came to him, fueled by emotions far hotter than distress. He clenched his teeth.
"Even with what I learned, though, showing the changelings a better way was not easy. Chrysalis was a tyrant who ruled over us using fear and desperation. She separated our young at birth and raised them to be warriors. From there, she taught us that we were predators, doomed to a life of hunger if we didn't seek conquest over others. She was cruel and selfish, and I don't believe there's a single changeling in my hive today who isn't repulsed at the mention of her name."
He paused, not for the crowd's sake, but his own. His composure demanded a cooldown.
"...It was only with the help of my friends from Equestria that I was able to show my hive that better way. We rejected Chrysalis together, and have tried our best since then to make our hive a kinder, gentler place to live. In doing so, I've done my best to erase Chrysalis's influence and replace it with what I learned from my friends in the Crystal Empire; that love and magic are interconnected and that they are things we can create for ourselves."
A soft hoof upon his flank made him jump. He turned to find that his fiery emotions had clouded his awareness of where his drones were. They now gathered around him, freely exposing themselves and their myriad of colors to the crowd. Not one of them attempted to speak or make an elaborate display. Instead, mirroring their king, they gave pleasant looks to those who’d have them.
Revitalized, Thorax's tear wells dried. He cleared his throat and stood that much taller. By chance, he found Moondancer sitting among a small group of mares that he didn’t recognize. When she noticed his gaze, she adjusted her glasses and nodded.
"Through friendship, we eliminate hunger. By resting together, we regain energy. We're no longer a swarm, but a pack. We live together, play together, and look after each other because that’s what packs do—what families do."
The sound of eager, buzzing wings preceded the sensation of tiny hooves, which clamored up Thorax's shell before he could react. He could see the trajectory of a thousand eyes trace his face to find the tiny, energetic creature now perched above it. A crown far more memorable than any pair of antlers.
Thorax curled his lip. He didn’t turn, nor did he need to. His brother's deadpan was audible even from here.
"Oh no, the gnat got away from me. What a tragic twist."
Hooves pressed into Thorax's scalp and lidded his eyes, and an immature, high-pitched voice rang out.
"Okay, hello everypony. My name is Apex and we're all cuddlebugs now, except me and Uncle Pharynx though! We're friendly and stuff now, so please don't ask Papa Thorax to talk too much about polo ticks! He does it a lot, but I don't think he likes to because he always gets nervous!"
Searing heat flooded Thorax's veins and secreted sweat. He should’ve known better. He did know better. With or without his brother's betrayal, his nymph was inevitable.
Snickers and adoring coos came from below. Unexpectedly, the clopping of hooves followed. Thorax watched it slowly spread until it finally grew into a contained uproar that threatened to vibrate the entire castle plaza. Cheers seasoned the rumble, and as individual voices fought with each other to catch his ear, Thorax could scarcely hold back his dopey grin.
"What a moving tale. Bravo to all of you!"
"The witch never deserved your loyalty! Long forget the queen, I say!"
"Spoken from the heart, yet so well-organized! Very impressive for a young monarch!"
"How old is he? The little one, I mean. He's adorable! In fact, you all are!"
Just then, Thorax could sense his brother's presence. The beta changeling joined Thorax by his side, wearing a smile that was neither sarcastic nor condescending. It was a proud one. He held out his hoof.
Thorax’s long-held grin crumpled to something more heartfelt, and he bumped his brother's hoof with his own.
But the sentiments did not end there. In an instant, both brothers found themselves sandwiched between a flurry of affectionate changelings. There, on display for a thousand Equestrians, the Changeling Kingdom's monarchs were made the victims of an awkwardly positioned hug.
Unbeknownst to them, royal eyes looked on with fondness from behind the curtains. They, too, had been humbled by the roars of acceptance, which were now likely audible to half of Equestria.
"This is a victory, Twilight."
Twilight looked at her mentor. Celestia watched the changelings whilst shedding a gleaming tear. It seemed an eternity before she turned, beckoning the purple alicorn with an outstretched wing.
Twilight trotted forward to find herself wrapped in those angelic wings, and she succumbed to those same tears.
"It is your victory, as well," Celestia continued, her voice barely above a whisper. "Despite your growing responsibilities elsewhere, you've poured yourself into helping Thorax find his start in Equestria, and I am so proud of you. This is what a compassionate and capable leader looks like, Twilight. I’m happy to have you here for this."
"I'm glad to be here too," Twilight whispered back. "But I can't take all the credit. A wise pony once told me, 'what is a princess of friendship without her friends?' If I can't help a single friend in need, how can I ever call myself a princess?"
"...Goodness me. Go on, keep it up, you two. I'll be gushing as well, at this rate," Luna giggled. She made efforts to join the pair, but as she did, a new set of voices stopped her in stride, hailing from the corridor.
"You won't be the only one, auntie."
"For a sun princess, she's always had a knack for starting the waterworks. Don't you think, Twily?"
Cadance and Shining Armor stepped into the room, beaming in tandem at their host's sudden excitement.
"Oh, Cadance, you both made it," Celestia purred, releasing Twilight from her grasp to greet her family. "I wasn't sure you'd be able to attend in time, let alone receive my letter."
"Of course we did," Cadance dismissed with a laugh. "How could we miss our favorite changeling giving a speech in Canterlot? Thorax is practically family."
"Thankfully for us, Sunburst had an old book that explained how to use a long-distance transportation spell," Shining Armor explained, giving his sister a hug. "We're both a little rusty. Usually, we prefer to take the train, but we've been chomping at the bit ever since Thorax's last visit to see him again."
"His speech was beautiful. He was never that brave or eloquent when living with us. He's grown up in more ways than one, that's for sure."
As they finished their greetings, the voices from beyond the curtain drew their attention. With the roaring applause settled, a steady back and forth had begun as Thorax did his best to take questions from the crowd. At every opportunity, he was interrupted by his brother's brusque counterpoints or his changelings' unbridled enthusiasm.
But then, judging by his foalish laughter upon each occurrence of either, he didn't seem to mind too much.
"Cadance, Shining Armor," Celestia began, eyeing the pair suddenly. "Now that you’re both here, I would adore the opportunity to catch up. I'm sure Thorax would be delighted to see you again as well before he heads home. First, though, I'm afraid I have some matters to attend to. Before the address is adjourned, I must see the guard units and check over their exit stratagem. Perhaps you'd care to wait for Thorax with Twilight for just a few minutes?"
"The more abrupt an address, the more hectic getting everypony out of the plaza becomes," Luna added.
"I seem to remember crowd control for large events being the Royal Guard Captain's job," Shining stated.
"You remember correctly, then. Ever since our niece ran away to the Crystal Empire and took our favorite guard captain with her, we've had trouble finding somepony brave enough to take the position. For now, my sister and I share the responsibility of overseeing the guard units. It is not a job we're unfamiliar with; just one we've not had to hold since centuries before my banishment."
Shining Armor hummed and nervously looked elsewhere. Cadance and Twilight laughed.
"We'd be happy to stay put," Cadance said. "Sunburst opted to stay home and watch after Flurry Heart this afternoon so that we could attend, so trust me, we're in no rush. I seem to recall that Twilight still hasn't shown me her full library, and if I had to guess, Thorax will be ready for something calm and quiet after this, too. I'm very excited to spend some time with everyone, and maybe visit a few old haunts while I'm at it."
"As it turns out, I've already given Thorax a bit of a castle tour. But I can think of a dragon I know who might want to spend time with him before he heads home. I'm sure the boys can entertain themselves long enough for me to give you and Shining that tour..."
Twilight trailed off, noticing that the royal sisters were having a hushed side-conservation. She sheepishly cleared her throat.
"Please, go on, Princess Celestia. We'll be here when you get back. I'm sure Thorax will need at least that long just to calm the changelings down."
Celestia pivoted her focus from Luna to Twilight, and back again. She nodded.
"Very well then. Luna, would you accompany me? We'll be back shortly. If we're fortunate, the guards had their coffee this morning and will already be on top of things."
"Spoiler alert: they didn't, and they won't be," Luna mumbled.
The elder monarchs took their leave. As they did, they listened to the whimsical sounds of family catching up. Past them, the more muffled sounds of Thorax conversing almost casually with the audience he was so frightened of just moments ago, was a joy to hear.
The halls extended in front and behind them the longer they walked. Before long, a reprieve of silence cradled the sisters. Their hoofsteps slowed in the wake of it.
"She has come far, even since the crown. I do not dote on her or keep up with her progress as much as you do, but even I can see it. Her published literature on friendship, creating and running her own school—it is all very impressive. Still, in your praises for her, do not forget your own contributions, sister. You've assisted Thorax quite a bit, yourself. Lest we forget, you are the one who first initiated contact and planted the idea for bonding with the Crystal Empire. Are you still so certain she is ready for unassisted governance?"
"I am. I decided to overreach, and it was not because I doubted Twilight. I overreached because Thorax was a timid and unsure leader, thrust into a position of power unexpectedly. I wanted to assure him that Equestria's leadership was ready to help, on all its levels, and that we had a solid plan right from the start. Had the Thorax we saw today risen to power all those months ago, I'd have been far more hooves-off.
"Besides, nothing will be truly unassisted, Luna. You heard my faithful student. A princess of friendship always has her friends."
Luna shook her head and smiled. "You're so very proud. It's adorable. And yes, that is fair, I suppose. I had nearly forgotten the precarious situation the hive was in after the she-demon's leave. You can scarcely blame the changelings for accepting a former enemy's help so readily."
"Twilight may not have directed the finer points this time, but I believe she excelled in what she did bring to the table: companionship and personal guidance. Do you not think she's ready, based on this experience?"
Luna chewed her lip. She looked up towards the ceiling. "I simply wonder if ally recruitment would have yielded a clearer picture of her progress if the candidate kingdom had been more...challenging. Even with desperation aside, it's unlikely that Thorax would have ever denied help, even the hoof-holding variety. I’d venture to say that failing to foster friendship with the changelings under Thorax may very well be impossible."
"Be nice, Luna," Celestia giggled. "What did poor Thorax ever do to deserve disrespect like that? Just wait until I tell Starswirl. Oh, the stern beard twirls you'll get."
Luna's eyes shot wide open. "My apologies, I did not realize we were in grade school once again. It was a compliment! He is charming and sweet and assuredly too pure for this world. I used to think only the yellow one held that power."
"Twilight is learning all the time, just as she always does, and there will be further opportunities for her to demonstrate it. Just today, I've introduced her to address recording and safety procedures. I have plans for further lessons in the coming weeks, as well."
"Sounds very unsubtle of you, sister."
More giggling ensued. "Perhaps, but I don’t believe there is a need to keep our plans from her for much longer, anyway. Wait too long, and, as you've alluded to, she’ll begin to see the signs."
"So it is time, then? You wish to tell her and her friends?"
Celestia stepped out of the cool castle and basked in the awaiting sun. The mountain breeze dove upon her and carried her mane. It flowed past her, flowing over the crowd, now dispersing after Thorax's address. So far, the guard units seemed to have control of the situation, though the pace of leaving bodies left something to be desired.
She threw her glance to the balcony. While some of the changelings had adjourned, Thorax remained, now joined by Twilight, Cadance, and Shining Armor. Celestia smiled something warm and yearning. She needed no context to see the joy in their expressions.
"Yes, Luna. It is about time we told them."