Chrysalis: Rise of the Changeling Queen

by Mystic Mind

Epilogue

“After that, tensions were still high between the three tribes. They would remain so, right up until the discovery of the windigos. Ironically, Chrysalis did bring the three tribes closer together, in the end – if only by a small amount. As far as they knew, faelings were extinct, replaced by the evil Changelings who bore only a superficial resemblance. A Changeling could be any one of them, pushing ponies towards a war only they would benefit from. From that point on, our race would remain as parasites, right up until I was discovered by both Spike and Starlight Glimmer. But that’s a topic you’re already familiar with.”

Jotting down the last of her notes, Twilight Sparkle put down her quill and looked over the thick stack of papers that now dominated her tea table. For a long moment, she didn’t say anything, collecting her thoughts on everything she’d just been told.

Thorax broke the silence. “Are you okay, Twilight?”

“I…” she thought about that for a moment. She had been prepared for a heavy tale, and even after their multiple check-in breaks, she still wasn’t sure how she felt. “To be honest, I think I’ll have to shelve this project – if only for a couple of weeks,” she sighed and looked up at Thorax with a weak smile. “Just so I can process everything.”

Thorax smiled back and nodded. “I hear the ponyville spa is a popular relaxation destination. Perhaps we could spend a little time there? That, and you still owe me Donuts in Canterlot.”

Twilight’s own smile grew, this time into something more genuine. The suggestion alone warmed her up a little, easing some of the harsh emotions stirred over the course of the interview. “Yeah, I’d like that, actually,” she said. “Rarity’s always begging me to go on a spa date, but you know me: busy, busy, busy!”

Thorax chuckled. “Oh, do I ever know what that’s like? Chrysalis made leadership look so easy, but I guess friendship takes a lot more work, huh?”

“You can say that again,” Twilight giggled back. “But that reminds me, there is one more question I’ve been meaning to ask. More of a personal question than one for the textbooks.”

“Sure, Twilight. What would you like to know?”

“Why did you decide to keep your species name as ‘Changeling’? I would’ve thought you’d change it back by now, since you’re, y’know, the original.”

Thorax rubbed his chin. “Well, I think it’s because one thing Chrysalis said is true. We must adapt and change according to the needs of our culture. Friendship and, by extension, the multiculturalism of the Friendship School, makes us better. We’re healthier and more prosperous than we’ve ever been! Whatever the future holds for us, I know we will be stronger if we face it together. We won’t forget our legacy, but we won’t be held down by it, either.”

Twilight cocked an eyebrow. “Are you sure you don’t want a teacher’s position? You sound like the type.”

“O-oh,” Thorax stammered, caught off guard by the suggestion. “I-I don’t know about that, I don’t think I have the time, with all my existing responsibilities I’d just be—”

Thorax’s rambling came to a stop when Twilight burst out laughing. “Relax, Thorax! I’m just messing with you. Like you said, we’re both busy as heck.”

“Oh,” Thorax blushed, his ears flattening a little. “Sorry. I guess we really aren’t so different, huh?”

“And that’s what makes you awesome,” Twilight concluded, her tone cheerful. Just as she stood up, the study room door opened, and in walked Spike. He carried a small bag, filled with trinkets and gems gifted from the crystal ponies.

“Hey, Twilight, I’m home—” his announcement was cut off by a tackle hug from Twilight.

“Good to see you, Spike,” Twilight nuzzled him a little.

“Good to see you, too, Twilight,” Spike said with some difficulty. “Not that I mind the hugs, but are you okay? Did something happen?”

“Nothing much,” Twilight replied, releasing the hug. “Just a lot of history I had to write down. Stuff that makes me glad to have you, the dragon equivalent of a baby brother, in my life.”

“Awww, shucks, Twi,” Spike blushed, and then noticed Thorax standing next to the tea table. “Oh, hey, Thorax. Didn’t know you were coming today. I’m guessing you’re the super special ‘mystery guest’ Twilight mentioned, huh?”

“If that’s how she described me, then I guess I am,” Thorax replied. “We’ve done a lot of work today, mostly school stuff. You wouldn’t be interested.”

Spike shrugged. “Well, I am kinda curious. But, if you insist, I’ll take your word for it. Besides, there’s no way I’m gonna read all that tonight. I’m pooped!”

Thorax yawned. “Yeah, I guess it has been a long day for all of us. Twilight, you don’t mind if I crash here tonight, do you?”

“Of course not,” Twilight beamed. “It’d be my pleasure. Come on, I’ll show you the choice of rooms.”

“Hey, don’t forget about me,” Spike said, placing his claws on his hips. “I’ve done a lot today, too. Don’t you wanna hear about the triumphant return of Spike: The Brave and Glorious?”

Thorax and Twilight looked at each other for a moment, but ultimately smiled back at Spike. “Well, I guess one more tale couldn’t hurt,” Thorax said.

As Spike began to regale Thorax with his exploits in the Crystal Empire, Twilight thought back to something he’d said when he first revealed Thorax. Even a Changeling can change. A sentiment that was true, now more so than ever before. Perhaps, one day, even Queen Chrysalis could see the error of her ways, becoming the benevolent Princess pony kind had once known her to be.

If she were honest, Twilight would freely admit it was a stretch. But after all she’d been through, from Discord to becoming the Princess of Friendship, it wasn’t an impossible concept. After all, stranger things had happened in Equestria.

Author's Note:

A couple of notes to round out the fic. First, to address a potential elephant in the room. My editor pointed out that the usage of the word "savage" could carry racist connotations, since when couple with the word "tribe", it's been historically used in a way to demonise minorities, particularly indigenous people.

Whether or not my readers will get this impression, I don't know. I just want to nip any potential issues in the bud, stating that while, yes, Chrysalis is explicitly framed as wrong in this situation, the subtext of this story is not an endorsement of any real-world racist attitudes.

On a lighter note, I'm aware that the name "Frenulum" refers to something very different in human anatomy than it does in an invertebrate context. While the dictionary definition is "connective soft tissue", it is commonly used to refer to the penis. Frenulum is a canon name, according to the TCG, but in insect anatomy, it refers to tissues connecting the wings. Hence why it stayed :P.

Finally, I want to give a big thank you to ObabScribbler, who's reading of the story "A Walk in the Park" inspired this fic's creation. In addition to linking the story direct, you can find the reading, here.

Thank you for reading this pet project of mine. Any and all constructive feedback is welcome!

Comments

[Mystic Mind]

10404930

Does this mean there will be nods to that game series?

Not directly, but the story follows many familiar tropes of the fallen hero archetype.

[GrandAdmiral MitthRawN]

Are you planning to expand this a sequel maybe or this the end of that story?

[Mystic Mind]

10405004
I don't have any immediate plans for a sequel, because the events more or less line up with the canon timeline at hearthswarming. But should inspiration strike, I may do so in future!

[Hakume]

An excellent read. You have much skill in the art of wording.

[Mystic Mind]

10406623
Thank you so much! I learn from the best, and imagining my stories read by Scribbler or Thornquill helps a ton with wording.

[Brony1337]

You know, this is the first story where I don’t hate the crayonbugs.

Don’t get me wrong, I still hate the “new changeling” design. It’s sending the wrong message and ugly.

But, at least for your story, you made it work. Heck, I even like it! What whitchcraft is this?

[Mystic Mind]

10888275
Glad I was able to justify the new changeling designs somewhat! XD