“I can’t believe I agreed to this.” Pharynx grunted.
He was walking alongside Thorax, Cadence, Shining, and Sunburst. Flurry rode in the bassinet held by the crystaller and Apex was on Thorax’s back. They were heading onto the train that would take them to Canterlot.
“Oh come on Phar, it won’t be that bad.” Thorax said
“The princesses that mo-er, Chrysalis, nearly tried to overthrow want to meet us. Oh yes, we’ll have tons of fun.” Pharynx said sarcastically.
“Aunt Celestia and Auntie Luna have made it very clear they want to get to know you personally, not judge you for your mother.” Cadence told him.
Pharynx simply sighed as he sat down on the bench. The train car was deserted, being with royalty that ponies recognized had its perks. Thorax sat beside Pharynx, staring out the window in awe as the train began to move. Apex was curled up beside him, napping.
“Pharynx look! That tree’s moving!”
“It’s only moving because the train is moving.” Pharynx grunted, lying on his stomach and resting his chin on the bench, closing his eyes.
“But look at it!”
“I’ll leave that to you.”
“Aww, come on Pharynx…”
“Let. Me. Sleep.” Pharynx snapped, screwing his eyes shut.
“Aww…” Thorax pouted and sat back, pulling Apex into his hooves.
Cadence, Shining, and Sunburst chuckled. Pharynx groaned and settled a bit closer to Thorax.
“Why don’t you join Apex and Pharynx in their naps, Thorax? It will be a while.” Cadence suggested.
“Alright…” Thorax sighed.
Thorax settled down between Pharynx and Apex. He nuzzled the nymph and closed his eyes, flinging a foreleg over Pharynx’s shoulders. Pharynx grunted but didn’t protest.
Cadence smiled as the last changeling drifted off to sleep. She cradled Flurry Heart and leaned into Shining.
“Heh, who could think such sweet and calm changelings are evil?” she murmured, smiling.
“Hopefully your aunts will see things the same way.” Shining said
“I know they will.” Cadence smiled.
The train ride was in silence after that.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Soon, the train’s seat, while delightfully cushioned, gave Pharynx a cramp in his neck. He was then forced to open his eyes. The older changeling felt Thorax’s hoof over him and sat up, letting it fall.
“Hm… Pharynx? Wha…?” Thorax sat up, rubbing his eyes.
“Glad to see you two are awake.” a familiar voice chuckled. They turned to see Sunburst sitting on the train seat opposite them, but Cadence and Shining were nowhere to be found.
“What d’you mean?” Thorax yawned. "Where're the others?"
“Well, they asked me to wait here for you. Since I’m not on personal terms with the Princesses the same way Cadence and Shining are, I was alright with it, but you were asleep for a while.”
“Th-They’re waiting for us?” Thorax asked nervously.
“Mhm. Come on.” Sunburst headed out of the train, and Thorax scrambled up.
Pharynx stood and headed to the door, stopping to glance back at Thorax. He placed a still-sleeping Apex on his back, then joined Pharynx as they exited the train.
They were met with not just Cadence's warm smile, but the regal alicorn sisters, Princesses of all Equestria. Thorax stared up at the princesses in awe, mouth ajar. He only remembered to bow when Pharynx locked a hoof around his neck and yanked his head down.
“Your majesties.” Pharynx said, as Thorax hunched at his side.
“There is no need to bow, I don’t believe Luna or I are respected enough among your kind to call for it.” Princess Celestia spoke with a chuckle, her voice radiating warmth.
“If we are to be living among your kind we may as well show respect to those who lead them.” Pharynx objected stiffly, rising and standing at attention.
Celestia noted this with a small smile. “Are you a military changeling?”
“Pharynx-dominus, former General of the warrior drones, at your services, your highness.” he replied, saluting her.
“At ease. What do you mean by former?” Celestia questioned, eyes sparkling as though she already knew the answer.
Pharynx dropped his hoof but still stood at attention. “I imagine that upon realizing I had abandoned the hive, Queen Chrysalis chose a new General.”
Celestia nodded, apparently pleased with his answer. She then turned to Thorax, who shrank back slightly.
“And you, young one?”
“I-I a-am Th-Thorax…” Thorax replied, trembling. “I-I don’t have a rank, your highness, I’m sorry…”
“I see…” Celestia smiled at him kindly. "You don't need to be afraid."
“And who might this be?” Luna pointed to Apex, still resting on Thorax’s back.
Thorax glanced back and smiled. “Th-This is Apex-discipulus, Pharynx’s apprentice.”
“Why, isn’t he precious?” Celestia chuckled, seeing the nymph yawn and wrap his forelegs around Thorax’s neck. “He seems quite attached to you.”
Thorax blushed and nodded. “W-We have journeyed together for many months. He has come to see me as a bit of a father figure…”
Celestia nodded in understanding. “I believe I know the feeling. I see each and every one of my subjects as my children, in a sense. I guide and protect them, and make sure each and every one has what they need to thrive, so that one day, if it should ever be necessary, they can protect their fellow subjects too.”
Thorax and Pharynx looked at each other, surprised by the warm sentiments from the alicorn. Chrysalis had never displayed such sympathies. It was a new feeling that they could sense wafting off Celestia. Maternal love, like Cadence’s, but with a splash of ferocity, pride, and gratitude. She cared for her subjects, each of them, wanting to protect them all with a passion and thanking them for all they do.
Cadence moved closer to the brothers, smiling. She cradled Flurry Heart in her foreleg, the foal still napping. “Why don’t we head up to the castle? We’ll be taking a secluded route, you don’t need to wake Apex so you can disguise yourselves.”
Thorax and Pharynx nodded. Celestia then led them away, Luna at her side. They walked through empty alleys, heading for the large castle in the distance. Celestia noticed the two brothers were staying close, Thorax looked nervous and Pharynx stoic.
“Is something wrong?” she asked, looking back at them.
Thorax yelped, while Pharynx shot him a look and sighed. “Not really. It’s just… the last time we were in Canterlot was during the attack…”
“I see.” Celestia nodded. “Don’t worry. The guards and other residents of the castle have been informed of your presence, and no one will be delivering any accusations.”
“We’d probably deserve them…” Pharynx muttered. “Me, at least. Thorax didn’t attack anyone and Apex wasn’t old enough to be apprenticed at the time. They're innocent.”
Celestia reached with her wing and wrapped it lightly over Pharynx. He glanced up at her.
“You have redeemed yourself for your actions. Otherwise you would not be here with your brother and apprentice.”
Pharynx hesitated, then nodded slightly, though he still kept his gaze on the ground.