As a leader of changeling patrol, you have a great sense of navigation. Not only that, you're expected to act fierce and be fearless. Since the changelings are now a swarm of attackers, you don't have time for chitchats or games, only training and fighting to the last breath.
Pharynx is leader of changeling patrol, he's one of the best changelings in the hive, while his brother was the weakest. It's kinda strange, isn't it? A strong changeling and a weak changeling spending their lives together as brothers. Normally, weak changelings and strong changelings don't get along with each other. The strong one would bully the weak one. That was how it is in the hive.
Pharynx, however, even though part of him didn't like Thorax for being so naive and weak, he still wanted Thorax to be in his best state of health. He has always promised himself to protect Thorax no matter what, wether it's bullying, depression, being threatened, he's living to see his brother alive and fine. He knows the risks, but he doesn't care.
Atleast that's what he told himself.
Pharynx flew until the back of the hive. He didn't think about all the insults or accusations towards his brother, but just about getting his brother back home.
Pharynx made it to back of the hive, where Queen Chrysalis was busy draining a bear's love. Queen Chrysalis was aware of Pharynx fast flying and focused expression. She stopped draining the bear and left it in a cacoon she made specifically for her victims.
"What's the rush, Pharynx?" She asked, turning to him.
Pharynx didn't respond. He kept flying while eyeing at her carefully and then back to the direction he was going to. Just when he was about to reach the end, he was noticed by Queen Chrysalis. Queen Chrysalis rushed after him. Luckily, he managed to outfly the queen swiftly. However, like the changelings' old saying...
One can overpower their own leader, but one certainly cannot overpower their queen.
Pharynx was levitated and held mid-air by Queen Chrysalis. "Where do you think you're going!? Do you have any idea how dangerous to go outside alone?"
She demanded him an answer quickly but all Pharynx responded was "Exactly. That's why I have to get outside and bring Thorax back."
"What? Thorax went outside!?" the queen exclaimed in an exaggerated raging tone.
"Yes. Didn't you hear? Or were you too busy draining love from that bear?" Pharynx talked back, looking at the unconscious bear. "Maybe you were, it was crazy back there you know?" He continued, looking back at where he flew from.
"I-, Fine! Get your brother's flank back here." She took off, looking back at Pharynx one last time and said, "But be quick, I don't want one of my best subjects going missing."
"You have my word." Pharynx replied back. He flew outside.
Outside...
The cold outside was bearable, it was freezing, but toleratable. Thorax should be around here in the Crystal Empire. From what he could gather from Rythe, Thorax went in the castle thanks to the dragon so he might be manipulating his own body as a form of a pony.
This should be tough. He thought. He already had an idea on finding Thorax. Pharynx shapeshifted into a pony himself and went to a random pony and asked her, "Uh, excuse me. But I heard about a dragon who brought a changeling-".
Before Pharynx could finish his sentence, the pony already answered cheerfully, "You mean Spike the Brave and Glorious?"
"Well, yes...How about the changeling?" Pharynx went straight to the point.
"Uhm..." She thought fore a while and whispered to a few ponies. Those ponies whispered back. She went back to Pharynx and shook her head. "We don't really recall the changeling's name."
Pharynx's expression fell. "Oh. Okay. Thanks anyway." He walked back.
"Wait!" The mare shouted, running after him. "You could ask the princesses or the changeling yourself. I'm pretty sure the changeling is still there. Right?" She turned to another pony, but that pony just ignored her and walked away.
The mare sighed. "Well, I guess you could find out yourself." She told Pharynx and walked away.
"Nice meeting you." Pharynx murmured. He knew exactly what to do now.
In the castle...
Pharynx knew that pony castles always have guards guarding it. Ever since a changeling, who was actually Thorax, has been spotted nearby, there have been extra guards around patrolling.
Pharynx went into the big hall, it was empty. He could hear distant murmurs from the room at the end.
The throne room.
There were only two guards in front of the door. Just act normal, he thought.
The first guard looked at him and asked carefully. "Who are you? And why are you here in the castle?"
"To see my friend. There's an urgent matter and I need to see him now." He replied.
The guard thought for a second. "Wait here." He said. The guard headed into the room and asked the princess something. Soon, he came back and told Pharynx "You are free to enter." Pharynx smiled again the guard and headed inside.
Inside the room there were Princess Cadence, Princess Twilight and several other ponies he didn't know. He guessed that they were Twilight's friends. He saw Thorax looking at him strangely eye-to-eye.
Princess Cadence looked at Pharynx with a mix of confusion and enlightenment. "We were wondering who you are. Neither of us recgonize you. So uhm, do you mind introducing yourself?"
Pharynx was enraged. Thorax, you dumb changeling! No changeling must reveal themselves unless they're in a war! "No introductions are needed. I just want to talk with that changeling." He pointed at Thorax, who was looking anxious. Thorax needed to be taught a lesson.
Cadence looked at Thorax. "Do you mind? You don't have to if you don't want to..." She asked.
Thorax let out a sigh and said. "No no. It's completely fine."
"Very well." Cadence replied. She turned to Pharynx. "You may talk to hlm."
Pharynx nodded as both brothers headed out from the throne room.
Pharynx led Thorax to a dark alley. "So... uh, where are we going?" Thorax asked from behind. "You know, this place is fine. We can talk here." He suggested.
"Yes. This place is quite fine for a nice chat." He agreed. He turned to Thorax, "Now, let's start by you telling me why you ran out of the hive without permission." Pharynx told his brother.
"W-what are you talking about?" Thorax asked nervously.
"Oh, for love's sake. Don't tell me you don't even recognise your own brother." He scolded Thorax. He transformed back into his changeling form.