It had taken Sweetie two days of walking, but she had finally arrived at the location on Mr Turner’s map. This meant she had roughly a day to explore the area, and find Chrysalis if she wanted to return home in time for the next Loop. Sweetie didn’t think she’d need it though. Especially considering she was surrounded by five Changelings.
“Take me to your leader,” she spoke with authority. The Changelings shared a glance, and then one flew off, diving into a hole hidden in the grass. After a moment, he returned, and gave a slow nod. Being escorted, Sweetie stuck her nose up, using her ‘regal’ abilities. Soon enough, she jumped into the hole, using her magic to slow her descent to match the Changelings. After a few twists and turns, there was the Queen.
“You have 30 seconds to explain why you’re here before I have you turned into a first course meal.” Chrysalis was sitting on what could be considered a throne, if you looked at it right. For Sweetie, it looked like a chair carved out of the wall. The real thing that caught her attention, however, was Chrysalis.
Crysalis looked beaten. There was a weariness to her eyes, a slight slump to her body, and one of her wings was crooked. In addition, Sweetie hadn’t noticed it at first, most Changelings were covered in a lot more holes than Sweetie knew them having. There was no doubt, the hive was in dire straits.
“I met your brother. I can’t pronounce his name, and I can’t prove it, but that is the truth.” Pausing, Sweetie saw the slightest hint of surprise on Chrysalis’s face. It was nice to find someone better at masking their emotions. Regardless, the Queen leaned forward, putting her two hooves together as she narrowed her eyes.
“Continue.” While Chrysalis had kept it hidden, she did indeed have a brother. The only way a pony could have known that is by meeting him. So it meant she should at least heed what this filly had to say.
“I am stuck in a time loop. That was how I found your brother, who was disguised as a pony in my town. Believe me or don’t, you will find me a tougher opponent than my appearance lets on. But I am not here for a fight. I am here to learn about your race.” Closing her eyes for a moment, Sweetie looked toward the Changelings.
“I can see you are all hungry. And while I can’t help you right now, if I ever escape my cage, I will do what I can to help you. I don’t know how much I will be able to provide, but I will do my best to provide it.” Bowing low to the ground, Sweetie let Chrysalis consider it.
“On one condition.” It was futile thinking on how ridiculous the story sounded, as she could sense the magic swirling inside the filly. While she hated to admit it, they were starving to death. As much pride as she had, she wouldn’t kill her hive just to hold onto it. Standing back up, Sweetie nodded.
“Tell my brother I’m sorry,” she spoke, closing her eyes as she stood up. Blinking, Sweetie nodded in response. There was obviously some family conflict, but it wasn’t really her place to pry. The Changelings around her stepped back, and soon only two remained.
“Come, let me show you what a Changeling hive is like.” Chrysalis began walking. After glancing to the Changelings waiting patiently for her to follow, Sweetie trotted after her. Looking at the crooked wing, Sweetie pursed her lip.
“There is no need to feel sympathy for me. I brought it upon myself.” Chrysalis was cold, but she held herself just like the Princesses. Sweetie glanced away and nodded once. Regardless of her feelings, there was nothing permanent she could do.
“This is the feeding area. This is where we keep creatures, harvesting their love before returning them home.” In the various strange sleeping-bag-like structures in the roof, Sweetie could see animals inside, none being ponies. Looking away, she nodded, and they continued.
“This is where the young are tended to. There are none currently.” Chrysalis pointed to a large area with many different sections. There was a hollow tone to her voice, and another pang of sympathy passed through Sweetie.
“And finally, this is where we rest.” Chrysalis had ended the tour in a small room that looked like a honeycomb beehive. In each of the holes was a Changeling resting. At some unbidden signal, they all woke up, and were replaced by another group. Slowly, Sweetie followed Chrysalis back to the throne room.
“Thank you, that’s all I wanted.” Bowing, Sweetie knew there was one way she could show her gratitude. Looking to Chrysalis, she smiled warmly, and walked over. Chrysalis, caught unprepared, blinked as sudden waves of friendship and compassion passed toward her. before she knew it, the filly was hugging her, increasing the amount being passively absorbed.
“That’s about all I can do for now, sorry.” Stepping back, Sweetie tilted her head. Chrysalis paused, quickly dividing up the meal evenly between her and her subjects. Looking at the filly, she had a new respect for her.
“Thank you,” was all she said in response. Turning, Sweetie followed the guards back outside. After they gave her a quick salute, she was once more alone. Looking toward the sky, Sweetie was surprised to find it was already midday.
“Time to head home,” she spoke to herself, shifting her saddlebags and concentrating for a moment. After a solid ten minutes of concentrating, two wings sprouted from her back. Flapping them, Sweetie began to hover, and nodded once. Taking off, she began to head back the way she had come.
‘They only last a day at the moment, but it helps with travel greatly. I can’t just teleport all the time, and levitating makes it hard to keep myself pointed in a direction.’ Smiling, Sweetie held her bags closed with some magic, and began to corkscrew as she flew. Really, there was nothing as amazing as flight sometimes.
‘I’m glad I was right about it being close enough to get there before the reset. If it hadn’t, not only would I have had to return for the Dragon egg, but lug it with me.’ Closing her eyes for a moment, she settled into a glide, enjoying the cool breeze blowing against her. Sweetie had a new dream, now that she had ridden a dragon.
Sweetie wanted to return to the great ocean in the sky. By her own power.