//------------------------------// // Moving On... // Story: Last Order of Queen Chrysalis // by Unknown Ficwriter //------------------------------// A cascade of emotions bombarded Thorax's mind as he returned home. Despite his new understanding of Chrysalis' motives her eagerness to die confounded him. While he could learn everything through the hivemind he would've preferred to learn it from her, not an echo. It was late at night when he returned home. Thankful everyone was already asleep, Thorax attempted to sneak into his house. "Wonderful night for a stroll isn't it?" Recognizing the voice of his brother, Thorax had wished to put off any conversation until tomorrow. "Don't worry everyone else is asleep," added Pharynx. Realizing what he wanted, Thorax turned to face him. With a sigh, he expressed how he failed to sway Chrysalis' desire to die. How he wanted her to see the world of acceptance they'd finally achieved. His voice began to crack the longer he spoke. He asked Pharynx if wanting to experience an improving world was a reasonable desire for any creature. "Of course it is, unfortunately even the most resilient creature have their breaking point. Imagine a life of nearly three thousand years, now imagine only twelve of them being peaceful. This was the life Chrysalis had to deal with," Pharynx explained. "If that was the case then why didn't she try to correct it, make it better?" Thorax asked. Locking eyes with his brother, Pharynx assured him the hardening of Chrysalis' heart was unavoidable. Realizing the amount of information Thorax had yet to sift through, he recounted the events. Beginning when the hive, lead by Queen Tibia, arrived at The Crystal Empire. He explained how a small party of changelings, disguised as unicorns, explored the derelict city. How the three rulers reached a mutual agreement and helped rebuild the empire. Skipping the twelve years of prosperity, Pharynx ended with the hive being driven out of The Crystal Empire. "What caused the equines to turn against Queen Tibia?" Thorax questioned. "If there was a reason, we never discovered what it was. What I can tell you is Chrysalis' heart was tainted that day. Not only was her family executed but her mother died in her arms. While quite young, Chrysalis knew better than to rush into battle." "She would replenish our numbers then make every equine in Equestria suffer, starting with The Crystal Empire. The hive traveled across the sea as to not arouse suspicion. After two thousand six hundred and ninety-five years, Chrysalis returned with an army." "Due to Sombra's curse, Chrysalis was unable to reap her revenge. That is why Canterlot was her first target," Pharynx finished. As he stared into the stary sky, Thorax thanked his brother for helping him understand Chrysalis a little better. "We'll talk again tomorrow if you like," Pharynx called from over his shoulder. The sound of hooves quickly faded as he returned to the hive. The disconnect he felt since encountering Chrysalis only deepened. He surmised his rise to leadership had been planned for some time. He even accepted the revival of the hive mind as an essential component. Despite having a treasure trove of history at his beck and call, Thorax felt more lost than a leaf in a hurricane. Realizing being frustrated would accomplish nothing, Thorax retired for the night. The next day, Thorax boarded the train as his brother words replayed in his mind. "You've corrected whatever mistake was made, why dig up the past?" The train's whistle brought him back to reality. Getting comfortable, Thorax drifted to sleep as Dodge City faded behind them. "Now arriving at Ponyville, please wait until the train comes to a complete stop before retrieving your belongings. I repeat..." Awoken by the conductor's voice, Thorax stretched before looking out the window. Ponyville, home of Spike The Dragon, He'd forever be grateful for having met him. If things had been different he'd probably still be hunted. Imagining how different his life could have been only strengthened his resolve. As the train continued its journey, Thorax beckoned Chrysalis' consciousness to emerge. Unlike their last encounter, Chrysalis had regained her regal appearance. "Hello Chrysalis, I need to ask you a few questions about The Crystal Empire Incident." The muscles in her legs tensed as her eyes narrowed. "I'd rather not talk about that," Chrysalis viciously growled. Thorax suspected her resistance but needed to know everything. His attempt to gain her cooperation only resulted in her rage. Yet as her tirade continued something unexpected caught his attention. As far as he could remember Chrysalis had always hidden away her "weaker emotions." However, her steely appearance seemed to be crumbling right before him. First was the slew of emotions swirling within her eyes. Then the crackling of her voice increased. Her rage-filled rant was cut short as the former queen collapsed into a sobbing mess. After a few moments to collect herself Thorax gently called to her. "Why are you so determined to learn about something so horrible? Are you not satisfied with uniting equines and changelings?" Chrysalis whimpered softly. "While I'd rather you be alive with us" —Chrysalis slightly winched— "I'm quite happy with how everything turned out. However, we need to discover what happened to possibly prevent it from happening again," Thorax explained. After a long silence, Chrysalis mentioned a pony named Snowbird and how she was the royal chronicler at the time. "I hope you find what you're looking for," Chrysalis said before asking to be left alone. Unable to do anything else, Thorax watched the passing scenery. "Now arriving at The Crystal Empire, please wait until the train comes to a complete stop before retrieving your belongings. I repeat..." After an hour of trudging through the snow, Thorax crossed the threshold of the weather-altering barrier. With his destination in sight, he shook off the snow and took flight. As he approached the door a familiar voice caught his attention. Spotting Shining Armor, the changeling turned to meet him. Although embarrassed by Thorax's formal greeting, Shining Armor waved it away by inquiring about his visit. Unsure how the mentioning of Chrysalis would steer the conversation, Thorax just mentioned the part about Snowbird. As they walked, Thorax explained a recent discovery he'd made. "From what you've told me changelings use to travel as nomadic unicorns and might have visited The Crystal Empire before," Shining Armor repeated. "I'm merely curious if any records of such an encounter exist," Thorax stated. While keeping his prejudice in check, Shining Armor admitted that learning such a fact would be interesting. "When exactly did these nomads visit?" shinning Armor asked. As Thorax relayed the requested information he stopped dead in his tracks. Perhaps revealing this information to him was a mistake. Chrysalis did manipulate him in an attempt to conquer Equestria. Then captured him, his family, and friends four years later1. "Are you sure, absolutely sure that is the correct time frame?" Shining Armor asked. His words seemed to emanate a worried tone. "I don't know what happened afterward but our ability to recall the past is impeccable," Thorax replied. A troubled expression creased Shining Armor's face as they entered the library. After referencing the compendium they searched for their desired books. Sitting at an empty table they began to read. After about fifteen minutes Shining Armor got up, replaced his book, and walked away. While nothing seemed wrong, Thorax knew better by his robotic moment. Saving it for a later discussion, Thorax returned to his book. Snowbird's journal revealed several mundane facts of The Crystal Empire. It wasn't until the last page that Thorax's dwindling interest peaked. While being able to recognize the writing's origin, he was unable to read it properly. After several minutes of studying the passage, he picked up the book. As the book slid into its proper place his gaze wandered to where Shining Armor's book came from. Curious to know what had upset him, Thorax retrieved the book. The title read "History of The 27th Dynasty." Skimming through the book, Thorax came to the section that mentioned the changeling's visit. While the first half merely recapped what Pharynx had already told him. The second half depicted the theft of the Crystal Heart, mysterious murders, and an attitude shift toward the residing changelings. The historical records of this monarchy came to a sudden halt so after banishing the changelings. The next passage was an investigation report stating how pony bodies littered the streets of the empire. While the investigation was never solved, it was surmised that magic-wielding creatures had slaughtered the populace. Replacing the book, a perplexed Thorax left the library.