> Strange Happenings in the Hive
>  by ZealousHeretic
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Chapter 1
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“In the typical changeling hive there is a vast maze of empty tunnels to nowhere. This is to confuse any intruders. If one enters a hive without knowledge of its layout or a guide then the risk of getting lost forever in the dark is staggering.” —excerpt from the habitat chapter in On Changelings by Musty Tome
___________________________________________________________________________

Patrolling the tunnels is useless busywork, Drone 124 thought, listening to his steps as they echoed in the dark, Something the less intelligent drones did to feel useful or something done to punish incompetence by way of mind-numbing boredom.

“Why am I doing this?” he asked the empty air, somehow forgetting that he had botched his first two infiltration jobs.

If the hive was anywhere near a pack of diamond dogs then this might be interesting. It seems like we’re always fighting for underground positioning with those damn mutts, the drone thought. The closest pack is miles away though, which basically ensures that absolutely nothing could possibly happen.

…

Come on, universe. That’s your cue. I said something wouldn’t happen, so now something has to happen.

…

Please? Something? Anything?

…

Fuck…

The sound of faint, ragged breathing hit the drone’s ear. He couldn’t see the source, even with his night vision.

By the hive, excitement! the drone thought just before his body tensed up, That breathing sounds pretty intimidating … . It might be some sort of monster… .

The drone scampered through the dark tunnels of his hive back towards his superiors. “Maybe it’s best I get backup first.”

_____________________________________________________________________________

“Sir! I heard strange breathing in the tunn—” Drone 124 started before jolting in surprise at the unexpected sight of his queen, who was speaking with his superior, and dropped into a reflexive bow. His speedy bow resulted in a meaty smack as his muzzle collided with the floor. Green blood oozed out from under where his now-injured snout pressed against the floor. 

“You abandoned your patrol simply because you heard a noise in the tunnel?” the changeling monarch asked. A motherly smile masked the severity of her irritation.

If he was patrolling the tunnels then he’s probably an idiot, she sneered internally. I shouldn’t expect any competence from such an incompetent fool.

“Er—yes my Queen, I heard ragged breathing,” Drone 124 answered, his face hovering centimeters above the floor. A small puddle was forming from his bleeding face. 

“Do you suppose I’d be sufficient backup to deal with this ‘noise,’ Drone?” Chrysalis asked, enjoying the sight of the drone’s now trembling prostrated figure.

“Uh, my queen would be m-more than sufficient,” Drone 124 stuttered and didn’t lift this head, “Uh, perhaps even t-too sufficient. My queen should not trouble herself with one as lowly as I.”

The drone’s superior officer was mentally calculating how long his subordinate had to live.

“You would dare to give orders to your queen?” Chrysalis asked. The drone’s shaking stopped as his legs gave out. His face remained pressed to the floor.

“I-I—uh, I—” the drone trembled, his horn scratching on the floor.

He’s going to drown in his own blood at this rate, Chrysalis thought. “Show me to where you heard your ‘noise,’ and pray you aren’t wasting my time,” Chrysalis replied. She began walking in the direction he had come from.

“Y-Yes Ma’am,” Drone 124 managed to finally spit out. He raced to catch up to her and slinked past her, keeping his head down and hoped walking in front of his queen wouldn’t make her mad again.

“Would you like a bigger escort, my queen?” the superior officer asked before the pair got too far away.

“That won’t be necessary,” Chrysalis answered, not bothering to look back.

The breathing became audible after only a minute of walking. The queen stopped, eyes narrowing as she lowered her horn and spread her legs a bit wider in preparation of a potential confrontation. This was a different spot than the first time the drone had heard it. The breathing was much more labored than before. Whatever the source was, it was alive and capable of movement. The big question was how good its night vision was. Since whatever it had ventured down so deep in the tunnels, assuming it had eyes at all, it probably would have night vision. Which meant it was clear what her first attack should be if it came down to fighting.

“Is this the noise that troubled you, drone?” Chrysalis asked calmly.

“Y—Yes, my queen.”

“I will admit, I assumed you mistook a draft in the tunnels to be breathing,” the queen told the drone after turning to look him in his eyes, “I thought that I’d simply be walking you out into the tunnels and punishing you for wasting my time.”

The drone opened and shut his mouth, unable to find a response.

“But this noise is no draft, it still remains to be seen whether or not you have wasted my time.” Chrysalis turned and began stalking towards the sound once again.

Drone 124 followed without a word. 

The source of the breathing was close. Chrysalis used her magic to cast an illumination spell and sent a ball of light down the tunnel to illuminate it. She didn’t bother warning the drone, his hooves shot towards his eyes in vain, half because the damage had already been done and the other half being that his hole-filled hooves didn’t block out light very well.

The ball of light hit and stuck to the curve in the tunnel ahead of them, illuminating the the dimpled walls that had been carved out by changeling magic. The source of the breathing couldn’t be seen yet, but it sounded rather close. It was probably just around the corner.

The sound of something being dragged greeted Chrysalis’s ear. The drone took a step back and both changelings braced for whatever was heading their way. 

Some kind of creature dragged itself around the corner into view. It was small and wearing a striped garment. Its hairless face was flushed red, beads of sweat upon its forehead. Chrysalis could taste its anguish even from the distance which separated her and the garmented creature. She pondered putting the poor, feverish creature out of its misery, but curiosity got the better of her. It was barely the size of an adolescent drone and quite pathetic looking. She began a steady, yet cautious approach.

“M-My queen?” the drone whispered.

Chrysalis silenced him with a hiss and continued her approach. Once she was about five feet away, she stopped. The creature met her eyes.

“Did I go to the bad place mommy talked about?” the creature asked before breaking into a coughing fit.

Chrysalis stood silent for a moment and simply examined the pathetic display of life before her. This creature is far too curious to leave behind.

“Carry it on your back, drone,” she commanded. The drone’s eyes widened and out of his throat came an involuntary strangled whine. “If you so desire, I can just kill you and call for another drone.”

Drone 124 hesitantly walked over to the creature, fully expecting it to lunge at him and tear his throat out, but the creature was unconscious by the time Drone 124 reached it. After managing to drape it across his back he followed the queen, who was already walking back to the inhabited tunnels.

The creature was not feigning unconsciousness and did not, in fact, kill Drone 124. It latched onto the drones back by hugging him after being picked up, which was enough to almost make the drone scream.

Chrysalis could feel the creature’s emotions swirling. Is it dreaming? There was a slightest tinge of love magic that shot out of the creature sporadically, so small it was doubtful the drone could even taste it. 

They arrived at the dim red glow of the luminous moss that lit infirmary and main tunnels, the eyes of all the physicians and patients on them. 

As a rule, changelings usually have decent poker faces, but when the queen walked in, followed by a drone carrying a some sort of mutant-minotaur-diamond-dog-monkey-hybrid thing more than a few were unable to hide their surprise. 

“The best doctor among you, step forward,” Chrysalis commanded.

Two changelings rushed over and stood in front of the Queen. Chrysalis’s eyes narrowed, one of the changelings gave a nervous glance towards her colleague to find him staring at her with a smug smirk on his face. The glancing changeling looked down and shuffled away back to her patients.

“I am at your service, my queen,” the remaining changeling said while bowing.

Chrysalis sneered. “Do not state the obvious, drone.”

The smile that the changeling had vanished in fear. He kept his eyes on his queen’s hooves and awaited his orders.

“Heal this animal,” Chrysalis ordered, “If it dies then so shall you.”

The changeling doctor stood there, mouth agape, while Chrysalis ordered Done 124 to lay the creature down on one of the unoccupied beds, which took some effort since the creature was still hugging him. The drone suddenly regretted being the hive’s most confident doctor.

The doctor frantically examined the creature. It appeared to be feverish, but there was no baseline to compare its temperature to. A cool rag to the head and making it drink water was all he could think of. He didn’t know which herbs would affect it, nor how. If he picked the wrong one it might kill the thing. There wasn’t any safe options. The doctor struggled to hold back his tears of frustration. 

Several other doctors tried examining the creature, more out of sympathy than anything else, but they were all experts on changelings. This creature’s anatomy was unknown, which therefore meant that most of the treatments would be shots in the dark. There was only one doctor who specialized in exotic species..

“Illusion, please,” The changeling doctor spoke to the other doctor who ran up with him in front of the queen, “This is your area of expertise.”

“Dito, you’re the best doctor, I’m sure you can handle it,” Illusion shot back, sneering.

“I’m sorry, I messed up and was a jerk,” Dito pleaded, “Are you really going to let me die over this?”

“If I help you, then you’ll just steal the credit like you always do,” Illusion replied, turning her back to him.

“Illusion, you’re not this petty,” Dito begged, running around to Illusion’s front, “You wouldn’t let me die over something like this.”

“Maybe I will. All you’ve ever done is steal my accomplishments and pretend that you’re some sort of big shot,” Illusion glared at him, “Now you’re in over your head and you’re gonna get what you deserve.”

Dito stared into space, pondering her words. 

“Please, Illusion,” he said finally. “I’ll tell the queen and give you credit for the creature’s recovery if you help me fix it.”

She glared at him. The rest of the room’s occupants watched the exchange silently, wondering if she would fall for Dito’s tricks again.

“I’m sorry, Dito, I can’t trust you.”

His eyes widened as he watched her turn away yet again. He had but one angle left.

“You’d condemn this innocent creature to die because of your petty squabble with me?”

Illusion’s confident facade broke for a split-second. Fortunately, she wasn’t facing Dito, so he didn’t catch it. “I—I will be needing some sort of proof for your proposal,” Illusion replied, turning to look him in the eye, “for your oath is as empty as the holes in your hooves.”

Dito smirked at the olden changeling insult. “I’ve nothing to give you as collateral.” 

Illusion smirked back. “I guess you better find something then.”

Dito’s brow furrowed. She was getting better, but she still was a bit too soft. This might hurt, but if it worked, he wouldn’t have to worry about the queen killing him.. “If you want to throw around old-timey insults, then I assume you follow the old-timey traditions as well.” Illusion’s eyes widened and Dito steeled himself.

“Wait—,” Illusion tried to speak but Dito had already turned his head back and bit down on his wing. A hearty tug and a muffled scream followed.

Dito writhed on the ground. A couple of the other doctors rushed over and injected a painkiller into him. “We need to get this wing reattached ASAP,” one of them said. All eyes went to Illusion—all the other doctors would stay true to tradition and not treat him until his promise to Illusion was complete.

Drat, Illusion thought, If I give in and treat this creature, he can blame it all on me if the poor thing dies.

Illusion looked from the feeble form of Dito to the feebler form of the creature. Panic painted plainly on her face.

If I do nothing then Dito will lose his wing. I mean, he’s an asshole, but I don’t want him crippled.

Illusion grimaced and glared at the creature. It was some sort of primate, probably, a little light on the hair but the form fits the bill, young but almost the body mass of a small changeling. It looks like it had previously been healthy, or at least it not malnourished. It might have even come from a decadent lifestyle based upon how it is fully clothed in unknown fabrics. 

If I manage to save this thing then I might earn the queen’s favor, and if Dito tried to steal the credit then he wouldn’t get his wing back. There’s no way he’s that dumb.

Illusion decided to try a couple tests like some of the previous doctors had done. A fever could mean any number of things, it would take too long to test its blood or a sample from the creature’s digestive tract. Illusion placed a holed hoof on the creatures forehead.

This is peculiar, she thought.

Illusion had worked with many different species. None had magic levels so low. Then again, a fever wasn’t a symptom of dangerously low magic levels for any of the species she knew of. No wonder this creature was stumping everyone. Everything was backwards. A high fever is a symptom for magical overdose in most primates, not that any of the other doctors would know that, but the amount of magic in the creature was incredibly small.

Something’s not right, Illusion thought. There has to be something I’m missing.

An unknown creature, wearing unknown fabrics, with dangerously low magic levels, but showing symptoms of magical overdose.

The answer feels like it’s on the tip of my tongue, Illusion thought. With all these factors this creature must— 

“Have you figured anything out?” one of her colleagues asked.

Illusion winced. Dammit! I lost my train of thought.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if you hadn’t,” her colleague continued. “This alien is one tough patient.”

Illusion’s eyes widened and she quickly asked, “What did you say?”

“I said this alien—”

“That’s it!” Illusion exclaimed.

“What?” her colleague asked, but Illusion was already rushing away.

“I need magic suppressors,” Illusion yelled. “Stat!”

The resident alchemist rolled his eyes at her outburst, but complied with her request. He came back with a vial of sludge. “You should really just let the poor thing die so you don’t have to worry about Dito throwing you under the carriage again,” he said.

“I’d rather everyone gets out of this alive, Camo,” Illusion replied with a smile as she took the vial. 

“I suppose it’s your life,” Camo said while shaking his head. “I’ll miss you if you fail.”

“Same,” Illusion said, rushing back to the creature.

She returned to the bedside of the creature. Feeding it this magic suppressor would be tricky while it was unconscious. It’d be a shame for her to go through all this trouble for it to drown on its medicine.

“Um,” Illusion prodded the thoroughly unconscious creature with her hoof. “Wakey wakey, time for you to take your medicine.”

The creature seemed determined to be bothersome and stay unconscious. 

I’m not sure what I expected, she thought.

The medical bay had been out of feeding tubes for almost a year. One could only wash and reuse those things so many times before it became unethical. Illusion opened the creature’s mouth and peered inside. She couldn’t see anything helpful.

Illusion sighed. I guess I’ll just have to dump this stuff in its mouth and hope for the best.

She held the creature’s mouth open and tilted the vial to begin pouring.

Only to find the cork was still in.

A frantic voice erupted beside her. “What are you doing!?!” Camo grabbed the vial and continued in a low voice, “This. Is. A. Lotion. Not a potion.”

“Oh …” Illusion’s eyes widened, “I almost …”

“It’s fine, I stopped you in time,” Camo interrupted. “Let’s just get this lotion applied and—”

“I almost killed the poor thing,” Illusion whispered. “Then Dito would have blamed everything on me and then I’d have gotten—” 

“I can’t hear you when you whisper,” Camo interrupted again, putting a hoof on her shoulder. “It doesn’t matter though, I have your back.”

Illusion sniffed. “Thanks, you’re a good friend.”

“Yeah ...” Camo noticed the room was dead quiet, and all eyes were on him and Illusion. “Okay, you’ve all got your daily dose of drama, maybe you should try doing your damn jobs now.”

The spectators all dispersed and returned to their various tasks. When Camo turned around, Illusion was already lifting the creature’s clothes and applying the lotion.

“Well, I’m going to head back then,” Camo said as he turned to leave.

A flurry of hoofsteps followed him. “Thanks again,” Illusion said while nuzzling him.

A sheepish smile crossed Camo’s face. “Try not to almost kill the poor thing again while I’m gone.”

Camo flinched when he realized what he had said. Illusion smirked and replied, “I’ll be sure to do my best.” She turned back to the creature, leaving Camo to thank the hive he didn’t accidentally set her off again. 

Illusion returned to applying the magic suppressor to the creature’s chest. She should have asked Camo how long the lotion would take to work while he was over here. The creature didn’t have much magic so it would probably be quick, then again Camo probably didn’t know how little magic the creature had and he might have made the suppressor too strong which would mean Illusion was probably using too—

Shit! Illusion thought. She stopped applying and felt for the creature’s magic. It was even fainter than before, which hopefully was a good thing. The creature did, at least, look a little less terrible. Now all there is left to do is keep it hydrated and hope it doesn’t die.

______________________________________________________________________________

It could speak. Never before seen animals were discovered now and again, but they were almost always just that, animals. This creature was capable of speech and somehow ended up lost and  in a near-death state in the tunnels of the Hive. Unanswered questions were much too abundant.

There was love in this creature—it was faint, but it was definitely there. Since this creature was unknown, it might be an easy, though rather small, source of love. Every little bit helps after all. How might the creature react to such a situation? Its abilities were unknown. It looks harmless enough, but then again, so had the ponies, and failing to take into account their feelings on being enslaved came back to bite them in the end. 

I can’t imagine the ponies would be happy if they ever found out we hoarded a new species and used it for food, Chrysalis thought. She paced around her empty throne chamber. After the disaster that was Canterlot, training soldier drones was forbidden by the treaty the hive was forced into by that damnable Celestia. Since no new soldiers could be trained and the old ones were slowly dying off, the combat capabilities of the changelings were dwindling by the day. In addition to that, this creature wasn’t really a food source worth defending.

The safer option would be handing this creature over to Celestia, she cringed at that thought. It might garner some small amount of favor, but nothing that would change the current situation. More likely than not, Celestia would assume correctly that the creature wasn’t worth keeping and take the gesture with a grain of salt.

This is all assuming the doctor didn’t kill it. The doctor that stepped up had no experience with non-changelings. That was plain to see by his face when she gave her order..

His dismay was rather amusing, Chrysalis thought. Perhaps, when he kills the creature, I’ll only take his wings and not his life. Such a mercy was sure to foster loyalty. Unless it didn’t, and resentment was probably a more likely outcome. It would be better to just play it safe.

Proper planning cannot begin until all these assumptions are verified. Chrysalis made her way back to the infirmary. The tunnels were sparsely populated with drones that tried to look busy once they caught sight of her. She would have to straighten them out later.

She strode into the infirmary and scanned for the panicked looks, not the normal ones the drones got when she entered a room, ones where they knew someone had messed up and was going to die. She had a promise to keep after all.

No one noticed that she had entered. All of the drones were crowded around some other drone congratulating them. Chrysalis moved close to the crowd and cleared her throat. Ah, there they are, she thought as the drones panicked at her sight. “What is the meaning of this celebrating?” Chrysalis asked, staring down at the drone, who were all doing their best to look small.

Illusion stepped up, though she kept her eyes to the floor. “The creature is stable, my queen.” The group of drones waited silently for their queen’s approval.

“You are not the drone I assigned to the creature?” Chrysalis asked, eyes narrowing, “Where is he?”

“He is over here, my queen,” one of the doctors answered. “He is currently being sedated so he might be a little …” Chrysalis didn’t bother to listen to anything after her question’s answer and made her way towards the bed the “best” changeling doctor was in.

“I congratulate you on your successful treatment of the creature,” Chrysalis droned before a glint appeared in her eye. “Now, what happened to your wing?”

Dito looked dazed, but the fear in his eyes shone through, “ I—uh, I …” he tried to find his words. He’d had time to mentally plan his groveling, but the combination of the sedatives and the Queen’s gaze emptied his mind. The nervous sweats and fidgeting began.

“It’s really a simple question, drone.” The Queen grinned. “Do you have something to share about your treatment of the creature?”

Dito couldn’t meet her gaze. He could feel the weight of every eye in the room on him. “Well—uh, my queen, I— “

“Personally, I can only think of one way you’d get your wing torn off like that.” Chrysalis glared directly into his eyes. “On one hoof, it was rather funny that you’d invoke such outdated practices, on the other, you disobeyed me and did not treat the creature.”

“My Queen, I— I tried but—but they attacked me,” Dito’s voice wobbled. “They wanted the credit so—so—”

“Who is they, drone?” Chrysalis’s amusement was waning. “Are you saying the other doctors conspired against you?

“Yes—er, no—Yes!—I …” Dito struggled to find consistency, he seemed to be looking in every direction, save the queen’s, for his scattered thoughts.

“This is getting pathetic,”Chrysalis commented, now frowning. “Guard, is this drone lying to me?”

A changeling, who had been watching silently the whole time, stood at attention, though Chrysalis didn’t bother looking at him. “The drone lies, my queen.”

“Oh how unfortunate.” The Queen’s voice was monotone as she rolled her eyes. “Take him away and prep him for banishment.”


A couple more guards entered the room. Dito was catatonic. The rest of the room, save the guards removing him, was fairly similar.

“Now for more important things, which drone was it that oversaw the creature’s stabilization?” Chrysalis asked, her tone now cheery.

All eyes went to Illusion as she came forward, her eyes down admiring the floor, “I—It was me, my queen.”

“What do we know about this creature, drone?”

Illusion’s head came up slightly, “It seems to be some sort of primate affected by magical overdose,” Illusion replied. “A magic suppressing lotion was administered and that seemed to bring its fever down.”

“The creature had very little magic when I found it,” Chrysalis said in a matter-of-fact tone., “How did you get the idea that it was overdosing?”

“I made the jump based in its unknown appearance and the fact that its magic levels were slightly lower than what’s in the air.” Illusion’s eyes shot to the floor once again. “Did you wish to hear some of my other speculations or was your interest solely on its condition?”

“Tell me everything you think is useful, drone.” She smirked. “I’ll let you know afterwards if it interested me.”

Illusion’s eyes widened. “I— I believe the creature to be quite young, based on the lack of any sort of wear on its skin or nails,” Illusion noticed the queen’s raised brow. “It could also be a pampered pet of some sort.”

“It can speak, so I doubt that it’s a pet,” Chrysalis thought aloud. “It also uses the term ‘mommy’ still, so young age is a definite possibility.” She frowned. “Then again. it could just be stupid.” She noticed the audience the drone and she were accruing. “On the subject of stupid, every drone I’m not talking to will get back to work.” 

Everyone suddenly looked quite busy.

The revelation that it could speak troubled Illusion. If it could speak, then it could probably think. If it could think, then it could probably love. And if it could love … well, Illusion didn’t think this rare creature would be best suited for feeding this dying hive. Maybe it has love we can’t feed on, Illusion thought. I can’t feel any sort of love right now at least. It would better to not to leave this issue alone and try to nudge the queen towards giving it to the ponies. “My Queen,” Illusion began, “If I may make a sugges—”

“Drone, cease all magic suppressing treatment,” Chrysalis ordered. I know I could feel its emotions when I first found it, she thought. Now I feel nothing. The queen noticed the look of shock the drone was giving her. “Do you have something to say?

Illusion came to her senses and hid her emotions once more. The order had thrown her off guard. What could she be planning? Illusion found her voice, “No, my queen, I have nothing to say.”

The creature stirred in its bed, bringing the room’s attention from the queen to itself.


> Chapter 2
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Contrary to popular belief, the changeling queen does not produce all the drones of the hive like how a queen bee would do in a beehive, rather she is often simply the strongest changeling in a hive (female changelings are typically stronger, but there have been cases of Changeling Kings) and doesn’t have the desire, time, or ability to find a worthy mate and go through pregnancy all while maintaining the protection and leadership of her hive. This means many changeling queens never produce or raise offspring.”  —excerpt from a guest chapter, by Musky Tome, on reproduction in On Changelings 

__________________________________________________________________________


It was waking—hopefully it would be too tired to move. It definitely would be. Since the fever it had was quite high … probably. Maybe its temperature was only slightly high, as they didn’t know the biological norms of its species. As long as it stays in bed,  I don’t think anyone will do anything rash.

Camo stood as part of the crowd. Intense pressure blanketed the somewhat packed medical ward. All eyes were on the creature, which was stirring in its fever-induced slumber. 

What would it do? The queen had mentioned it could speak, so what would it say? Camo was bearing witness to some of the first interactions between the changelings and a completely new species. It shifted restlessly.

Only to roll on its side, shifting in its sleep.

This isn’t going how I thought it would, Camo thought.

Chrysalis and Illusion both stared at the thoroughly asleep creature. “Well that was almost interesting,” Chrysalis muttered under her breath.

“My queen, as I was saying before, I think we should—”

“Would you presume to order your queen?” Chrysalis cut Illusion off. She stepped painfully close, her greater height making her appear more intimidating as she sneered at Illusion, her muzzle scrunching as her fangs glistened menacingly as she glared  down on the much shorter drone.

Illusion knew this would go nowhere. The queen had never been a great listener, but today, Illusion was just tired of cowering. Her voice was toneless and her narrowed eyes were almost imperceivable  “I was simply sugges—”

“I don’t need any suggestions from you! I’ve already considered all possible options,” Chrysalis glared down at Illusion, “I’ve never needed help before, drone, why would I now?”

Two words, Canterlot Invasion. Illusion’s sense of self preservation beat out her desire to be snarky. It wasn’t like she’d get anything out of being right, other than a shallow grave, assuming there was something left to bury.

“The thing is moving again,” one of the other drones whispered excitedly. Everyone’s attention returned to the creature in the bed, but it only rolled over in its sleep again.

“I grow tired of this game,” Chrysalis growled while walking towards the creature’s bed, “Wake Up!”

It woke with a start and sprang to a sitting position. Chrysalis’s snarling visage, highlighted by a dim red glow, greeted the creature’s now open eyes. Bubbling tears and a small whimper from it gave way to a loud, teeth grating wail, reverberated through, and was seemingly amplified by, the tunnel walls, loud like the point blank trumpeting of an elephant, paired with the feeling of that same elephant stepping on your head. With her proximity to the source of the sound, Chrysalis was thoroughly stunned. Every changeling in the room had their heads to the floor covering their ears, however, the hole-riddled legs were fairly useless for dampening such a loud sound.

Luckily, one partially deaf changeling was ready and willing to end the wailing.

Camo let loose a spell right at the creature’s crying face and the noise ceased, it fell unconscious once more. The room was still for several seconds. Many changelings looked as though they had already forgotten what life was like without the wail. The queen was the first to shake off her stupor, despite her proximity to the apparent banshee.

“That didn’t happen the first time,” Chrysalis tried to say in her head, but ended up saying out loud. Every head in the room was still ached and throbbed, the crying itself had been loud, and the acoustics of the room had magnified it.

“Did you scream at it the first time?” Illusion tried to mutter but ended up saying it at a normal volume, not that the queen could hear it anyway.

Camo chuckled. “Looks like you finally get to see what it’s like to be me, Illusion.”

“What? Speak up, I can’t hear you when you whisp—I see what you mean now,” she replied, hanging her head while chortling despite everything.

“Drone,” the Queen interjected, “how were you able to cast amidst that wailing?” The ten seconds of screaming had a detrimental effect to her appearance. She’d probably scare the creature even worse if he saw her now, with bloodshot eyes.

“I lost most of my hearing in an alchemical accident, my queen,” Camo replied while bowing. “The wailing was still painful, but it was manageable.”

“How fortunate.” Chrysalis sighed. “If we would’ve had to wait until the damn thing stopped on its own, we would have been in trouble.” She made her way to the exit.

“Erm, correct as always, my queen.” Camo kept his head bowed and tried to process the sudden lack of haughtiness in the queen’s mannerisms.

“Keep it sedated. I will return after I’ve fully processed and considered this new information,” the queen ordered. She left the room and headed towards her chambers.

“Well that was odd,” Camo observed after he was sure the queen was out of earshot. “I thought for sure she’d kill the thing after that.”

Illusion sighed. “It’s still a possibility. I think right now we’re all rattled.”

There was a dull roar that transitioned to a murmur as the changelings in the infirmary recovered their hearing. Illusion could hear speculations on the creature’s fate were in every conversation. Released into the wild? Given to the ponies? Weaponized? Put to death?


__________________________________________________________________________


Chrysalis was pacing in her room. It incapacitated me and a room full of drones with only its crying, she thought. 

“How could I let something humiliated me like that and live?” she grumbled to herself. It looked so scared. Am I truly that horrifying? 

“How can I justify keeping something so dangerous around?” It can be handled by a half-deaf drone.  

“If it could do that with its voice now, what happens when it gets bigger?” No one knows how it will develop, it might even stay this size. 

“How did it even get here?” What if it was sent here? 

Chrysalis stopped pacing. That was a large ‘what if,’ and if it were true, what should she do about it?  A test by Celestia to see if I'll filled her in on the situation, Chrysalis thought, though that doesn't really sound like something she'd do, so that's out.

Then again, telling Celestia might just end with the creature being taken away by the ponies. This is new territory. While it would be nice to have some sort of backup, the possibility of losing a potential asset made the choice difficult. 

“Is this creature even worth all this fuss and contemplation?” Chrysalis asked herself. We won’t know until we keep it for a while and see. 

“We know nothing of this thing, how would they even take care of it?” That drone seems to know the basics, she could probably figure it out.

“But then if the drone fails I’ll have to dole out punishment.” Losing drones of mild competence is unfortunate, but unavoidable.

__________________________________________________________________________

“She’s been gone a while,” Camo said. “I wonder what that means.”

“It means she’s thinking,” Illusion replied, turning to look at the bedridden creature. “What she’ll come up with is anyone’s guess.”

Camo chuckled. “That little thing caught everyone by surprise. I’d imagine the queen is getting over her embarrassment before she comes back.”

“It’s easy for you to laugh—you’re the only one who didn’t get the full effect of that screaming.” Illusion shuddered. 

Camo gave a toothy grin. “You say that like it’s worth not being able to hear you half the time.”

“It saved us this time.” Illusion glanced at the creature. “I don’t know what would’ve happened if you hadn’t been here to stop it from wailing.”

“Don’t waste time pondering ‘what if’s.’” Camo moved beside Illusion. “We can only change the present and future.”

“The future is entirely up to the queen right now,” Illusion said with a worried expression.

Camo responded with confusion, “It’s not like whatever happens to the it affects us all that much.”

“Maybe I’m just being paranoid, but it feels like things are going to change, and this creature will play a part,” Illusion replied.

A second later, the queen entered the room. Her steps were slow, but she had a determined expression. As was customary, all eyes turned to acknowledge her. She made her way to the creature, or perhaps Illusion, with a steady gait. 

Chrysalis stopped in front of Illusion. “Have you discovered anything new?” she asked, her voice quiet but still commanding.

Despite having a face covered in black chitin, Illusion blanched, “I—I’m sorry, my queen. I was recovering from the screaming and haven’t been conducting any further examination.”

Chrysalis’s brow furrowed and she sighed. “You three, get over here,” she said to a few of the assistants watching their exchange. “Search it. It may have clues about its origin hidden in its clothes.” 

The drones slinked over and started patting the creature down and checking the openings in its clothing. Why aren’t they just removing the clothes? Chrysalis thought.

“I—I think I found a name, my queen,” one of the drones said, squinting to read the smallish writing in the dim lighting of the medical ward. “Ae-aron”

Chrysalis’s hoof rubbed her chin. “Hmm, Ae-aron. Elegant. I like it.” 

Illusion made her way over and assisted the assistants in their search. Well, it’s—no, he is most likely male, Illusion thought after looking under the garments covering the creature’s legs. 

The presence of nipples gives credence to my theory that he’s a primate as well.

These were bits of helpful information. The presence of recognizable writing in its clothes hurt the "alien" theory. Illusion hoped that the queen commanding further examination meant that she was leaning towards letting the animal live. The best outcome would be turning it over to the ponies, but it was best not to get too optimistic.

With a slight scowl on her face, Chrysalis stared at Illusion and waited for her to reveal her discoveries. Illusion continued to stare at the sleeping thing  for several more seconds before turning to the queen.

“The creature seems to be a male and a primate of some sort,” Illusion reported.

“Is that all?” Chrysalis asked, eyebrow raised.

“It’s all I can find out without further testing,” Illusion answered, internally hoping the queen would deny such testing as to not waste resources.

“Perform every test you can think of,” Chrysalis ordered. “I want to know everything you can learn about it.” 

Dammit, Illusion thought. 

“As you wish, my queen.”

The queen left the room without another word.

“Wow, ‘every test you can think of’? Is that what she said?” Camo said as he approached.

She sighed. “For once, you heard right,” Illusion said, shaking her head. “This isn’t how I wanted this to go.”

Camo’s eyebrows raised. “Where’s your professional curiosity for an unknown species?”

‘“Of course I’m curious, It’s just—”

“We need magic suppressors, stat!” one of the other doctors yell from across the room.

“I have to go whip some suppressors up, apparently,” Camo said, a tired smile on his face. “We’ll talk a bit later.”

Camo trudged back to his alchemy lab. The excitement of the creature’s arrival had wore off and everyone in the medical chamber finally got back to work. Illusion stood by him, trying to think of tests she could run that didn’t involve dissection.

Illusion’s pondering was interrupted when Camo rushed back with a sort of panicked speedwalk. “Camo, what’s—”

“Get away from that thing, now,” Camo frantically whispered.  

“What?” Illusion replied as Camo stepped between her and the creature and nudged her away.

“There’s something up with it,” Camo said, while glancing back at the bed. “I don’t think anyone has noticed yet, but the drone that needed magic suppressors was the drone that carried the creature in here.” 

Illusion’s eyes widened. At least I have something to test now, she thought. “This is definitely something we need to look into.”

Camo’s jaw dropped. ”How are you so calm about this?”

“I’m actually pretty nervous,” Illusion replied, “but I’m also really curious, so it evens out.”

“This isn’t a game, Illusion,” Camo retorted. “This thing could actually be dangerous.”

Illusion looked around to see if they had any eavesdroppers, but the majority of drones were crowded around the changeling Camo mentioned instead of working.

Illusion whispered, “Listen—”

“What?” Camo said, unable to hear her whispering.

“Your hearing loss is really annoying at times,” Ilusion muttered under her breath.

“What?”

“There’s no way this creature appeared for no reason,” Illusion said, talking just loud enough for Camo to hear. “I can't think of how or why he ended up in our tunnels.”

“So what's the point of worrying?” Camo replied, a small smirk on his face, "Asking 'how' or 'why' in this situation is focusing on the past. Is that really what we need right now?

“I don’t know, Camo,” Illusion admitted. “All this uncertainty is getting to me.”

“Let me do the worrying, you look on the bright side,” Camo said, chuckling a bit. “It was refreshing to be in the same room as the queen and not feel like I’m about to die.”

“Everyone, except you, was pretty shaken after that wailing, and the queen caught it point blank.” Illusion fidgeted a bit, glancing around the room for any changelings listening in on their conversation.

“I’ve just never seen the queen act like that is all. It was eerie.”

“The queen will be fine,” Illusion replied, her voice a bit weary. “She’s been through worse than that and bounced back.”

__________________________________________________________________________


I wonder if we even have the means to perform every test she can think of, Chrysalis thought, making her way towards her advisor’s chambers. That drone seemed hesitant to follow orders though.

Chrysalis frowned, She weighed the possibilities of whether the drone was simply mutinous or worried about using up resources. One option would mean the drone would need to be executed. The other would implied that she might assume that I am unaware of our current resources and … .

Wait, both options would mean she should be executed. I should probably go back and—

“Did you need advising, my queen?” the drone that she had been standing in front of for a while said. “Far be it from me to interrupt your pondering, but you look like you have a question.”

Dammit, Chrysalis, thought. How long have I been standing here?

“You were standing there maybe ten seconds,” the drone mused. “Definitely long enough for my queen to delve deeply into any issue she might be pondering.”

“Be quiet. I told you to only speak to me when spoken to.” Chrysalis glared at the smirking drone.

“Of course, my queen.”

“Have you heard about the new creature found in the tunnels earlier today?” Chrysalis asked, her expression neutral.

“I might’ve,” the drone’s hoof went to his chin, “though it hasn’t been here long enough for anyone to have learned much.”

“It’s a him,” Chrysalis replied. “And he doesn’t seem to be of this world.”

The drone sat in silence for a while, pondering the queen’s words. Chrysalis stood patiently, though she glared at the drone throughout his silence.

“Well, that’s certainly interesting.” 

Chrysalis snarled. “I find it hard to believe that you don’t have anything more for me than ‘interesting’.”

The drone’s smile widened. “You haven’t asked me any questions about what I have.”

Chrysalis struggled not to rip off the drone’s head. “Do not play games with me, Mirror,” she said, a dangerous edge in her voice. “What do you know?”

Mirror’s expression went neutral. “Not anything more than you, I think,” he said, before giving her a half smile. “It’s a male primate, maybe from another world, that can hurt us with its crying, though that might just be the tunnel acoustics, and also does interesting things to our magic after prolonged physical contact.”

“How did you learn about what he does to our magic?” Chrysalis asked, eyebrows raised. How does he always know more than I do?

“Drone 124 was taken to the infirmary for magical overdose recently, and he was the only drone to have any prolonged physical contact with the creature.”

“Do you have thoughts about what we should do with it?” 

“Yes.”

Silence fell between them for several seconds. Chrysalis’s eyes narrowed slowly as the seconds ticked by.

“What. Are. They?” Chrysalis snarled and fought the urge to break something, or someone.

“I think we should wait until we know more about him before we make any decisions,” Mirror stated. He tried to keep his expression neutral, but a ghost of a smile was visible.

Chrysalis’s teeth clenched, and her body tensed. Mirror sighed and shook his head. “I get the feeling all this excitement made you forget about the peace delegation from Equestria that’s coming around soon.”

She exhaled slowly through her nostrils and turned. “The minute I stop valuing your insight is the minute you die,” Chrysalis said before leaving the chamber.

“I shall try to remain useful,” Mirror replied just loud enough for her to hear. 

As soon as Chrysalis was sure she was alone, she let out a frustrated growl. Anything louder might echo through the tunnels. 

It was just her luck that her only good advisor had a deathwish and persistently goaded her. The rest of her advisors just bowed, agreed with her, and usually cowered and cried when pressed.

She made her way to her throne room.

__________________________________________________________________________


His breathing was short and hot. The magic suppressors hadn’t quite brought him back down to an acceptable level yet. Was it really the creature that caused this? Drone 124 couldn’t have been carrying him for more than ten minutes, probably closer to five.

Is that all it takes? Illusion thought.

Incapacitating a drone like this was unheard of, mostly because there were much more efficient ways to down a changeling, be it a magical blast or a hoof to the face. Causing a magical overdose in general was an inefficient way to take someone out, though it’s doubtful he meant to do this.

We can’t rule the possibility out though. So far, all this creature has done is cause harm.

“Seems this little guy is no joke,” Camo remarked, walking up beside Illusion, who was glancing about for eavesdroppers again. 

“He never was,” Illusion hissed. “How can you be so nonchalant about this?”

“Panic isn’t going to help anything, Illy. You’ll have to be calm if you want the make a rational and correct decision,” Camo replied, putting a hoof on her shoulder.

“None of this is my decision,” she snapped back. “This is all the queen’s choice. I’m just a little frazzled since I want to keep this thing alive to study, and there is mounting motivation for doing the opposite.”

“Woah, slow down, Illy,” Camo said. “What’s with all this attachment? Why should you care if he lives or not?”

Illusion sighed. “I don’t know, Camo. Because I want to know what he is and where he comes from, or maybe because he’s just a youngling, a lost and sick youngling, and I don’t like how unfair this whole situation is to him,” she said, before sighing again. “You can pick whichever one you like.” 

Camo’s eyes widened. “I’m sorry,” he said. “ I didn’t know you felt so strongly about this. I honestly thought you were stressed about disappointing the queen or something rather than it being a moral dilemma.”

“This doesn’t seem like the kind of problem talking will fix,” Illusion said, looking down. “We need to run tests.”

“You don’t have to ask. I’ll be the test subject for the whole physical contact thing,” Camo said, giving Illusion a grin.

She smirked back. “I didn’t think you were the type to play guinea pig after all the accidents you’ve had.”

Camo grunted in response. “So how do you think we should go about this?”

Illusion pursed her lips. “Hmm, maybe just touch him for a while and we’ll see what happens to you.”

“Your scientific mind never ceases to amaze me,” Camo deadpanned while making his way towards the creature’s bed.

“Only for about five to ten minutes though,” Illusion said quickly. “That’s about how long Drone 124 would’ve held him.”

“Which one?” Camo asked. “Five or ten?”

“Try going five. We’ll check you out, then go ten.”

“That would be fifteen,” Camo replied, a smirk on his face.

“Then go five minutes then another five, smart aleck,” Illusion growled.  

“Hey now, I’m just trying to be clear,” Camo said, playfully bumping into her.

They reached the creature, whom everyone was giving a wide berth since the whole screaming episode, and shared a glance as Camo slowly walked towards the thing apparently called Ae-aron and lightly touched his hoof to its chest.  

Several uneventful seconds ticked by, and Camo regretted volunteering. “So I’m supposed to just stay like this for ten whole minutes?”

“You’re being very brave,” Illusion deadpanned.

“I just remembered that I have potion stuff to do. You should order a random drone to help you out,” Camo said, sitting on his haunches and rubbing the back of his neck with his free hoof. 

“Is that so?” Illusion smirked and looked around the room before her eyes settled on Camo. With mock surprise, she said, “Oh, ‘random drone,’ you’ve managed to follow orders before I even gave them, remarkable. Keep doing what you’re doing, ‘random drone’.”

Camo sighed. “I kinda walked into that one.”

“You did,” Illusion replied, chuckling. “But in all seriousness, if you actually have something to do, then I can find someone else.”

“It’s okay, the medical ward will survive me taking a ten minute break,” Camo said, glancing around the room, half-expecting to be called for something. “Making those two magic suppressors has been the busiest I’ve been all week.”

“We appreciate all you do here,” Illusion said, giggling.“However little that might be.”

“Says the exotic species expert when we pretty much only treat changelings,” Camo retorted, waggling his eyebrows.

“Well, I think I’ve been pretty useful here at least,” Illusion replied, “though I suppose you have as well.”

“I have been, haven’t I?” Camo said, rubbing his chin. “I’d go as far as saying I’ve saved the day twice today.”

“We’re all in awe at your greatness,” Illusion replied, before moving her mouth and pretending to speak.

“What was that last part?” Camo asked, leaning toward her and turning his ear.

“Oh, you couldn’t hear it?” Illusion responded. “Don’t worry about it it was nothing.”

“Okay,” Camo frowned, “we both know that just makes me want to know even more.”

“It was literally nothing,” Illusion answered.

“I, literally, don’t believe that for a second. Tell me.”

“There’s nothing to tell.”

“Tell me.”

“Impossible.”

“Tell me.”

“I couldn’t possibly.”

“Illy.”

“I said you look cute when you’re flustered.” 

A blush tinted Camo’s cheeks. “N-No you didn’t.”

“You’re right, I actually said nothing and just moved my lips.”

“I don’t believe that, but okay.”

Illusion went silent, and her face lost all expression. “Camo …”

“What?”

“Have you been keeping time?”

He gave her a sheepish look before sighing.

“Dammit …” they said in unison.

“Well I’m not dead yet.” Camo sighed. “That’s something I guess.”

“We also forgot about making you a dose of magic suppressors in case you have the same reaction as Drone 124.”

Camo broke down into chuckles. “I could’ve swore we were professionals, or was I thinking of two other changelings with our names?”

“Considering how few skilled changelings there are left, that’d be quite the coincidence,” Illusion answered, frowning.

“Oh lighten up,” Camo said, removing his hoof for the creature. “We’ll give it a bit and then try again after we’ve prepared a bit more.”

“I’m sorry,” Illusion replied, her head hanging. “I’m just frustrated that we didn’t get it right the first time.”

“It’s not your fault. I rushed you into it.”

“No,” Illusion said firmly. “We both rushed and made mistakes so we’ll both take the blame.”

“It’s not like anyone is rushing to blame us. We kind of never told anyone we were experimenting.”

Illusion grinned. “Good, then no one knows we’re both a couple of scatterbrains.”

Camo matched her smile. “And I won’t let the secret out if you don’t.”

“And what secret might that be?” Chrysalis asked, scowling and standing behind the pair.

> Chapter 3
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“—and henceforth, in accordance with international treaty guidelines, in exchange for a cessation of hostilities, armed or otherwise between the sovereign kingdom of Equestria and the Chrysalis hive and such other hives still loyal to Chrysalis as their sovereign ruling authority and ally. In accordance to the cessation of hostilities between the kingdom of Equestria and the Chrysalis hive(s), sustenance and provisions required by the allied changeling hives will be provided so long as this treaty remains in force and practiced between the Kingdom of Equestria and the Chrysalis hives and her allies. In exchange for the delivery and production of the needed monthly rations of love magic, Queen Chrysalis agrees to the cessation of hostilities between her subjects and her allies and any investigative team, ambassadorial delegation and any tourism and intermigration that such a treaty might cause. The investigative team, in addition to whatever military personnel that might accompany them, by this treaty has express permission of Equestria’s sovereigns and Queen Chrysalis and her allies to perform periodic searches of the Chrysalis hive and that of her allies for the presence and evidence of materials which would violate the terms set herein by this current Treaty.” —excerpt from Third Treaty of Canterlot, which marked the end of the week long war with the Changelings, which consisted of the unprovoked invasion of Canterlot by the Changelings, their swift defeat, and the search by the Equestrian military for the fugitive, Queen Chrysalis.

__________________________________________________________________________


Train rides always seemed too long, even when there was good company and conversation it was hard not to count the rattles and bumps of the train on the tracks. Train rides to the badlands, however, were an entirely different beast. They were a deadly combination of “This is a very long train ride” and “I don’t really want to go here.” 

There as no one to talk to on this journey, Cadance was without any of her friends and all the ponies accompanying her were too afraid to sit near her, let alone make conversation.

Cadance sighed, she could understand why her husband Shining didn’t want to go, what with that awkward history between him a Queen Chrysalis, but that didn’t help her current boredom and loneliness.

It really sucks that Shining is weaker than me, Cadance thought, I can’t convince him to come along and protect me because I’d end up being the one protecting him.

She sighed again, Twilight would’ve been an option, but she was quite busy with her map thing and whatever else she does, so Princess Celestia told Cadance not to ask Twilight.

Why was Princess Celestia so insistent that I be the one to go? Twilight could probably learn how to form love magic with a little training. She frowned There’s no reason for it I can think of, but I guess the princess sees something I don’t.

The train continued to rattle along on the tracks.

Cadance let out a third sigh. “Would somepony please come over here?”

The other delegates all glanced around at each other, until they all focused on one, an earth pony mare with thick, black rimmed glasses wearing her saddlebags. The bespectacled mare nervously scurried over, bowing and awaiting command. She kept her head down, unable to see the deadpan look Cadance was giving her.

Cadance took a calming breath. “Hello, my name is Cadance,” she said slowly, “What’s your’s?”

“C-Crystal Vision, miss--er, ma’am--, princess.” The mare barely managed to get out before bowing her head again.

Crystal Vision, Crystal Vision, Crystal Vision, I’ll try to remember that. Due to the lack of eye contact, Cadance allowed her brow to furrow, “So are those glasses for fashion, or—”

“Oh no, princess,” Crystal replied quickly, “I need them to see.”

Wow, she went from stuttering to interrupting me, how refreshing, Cadance thought, mentally smirking. “Hmm, what’s that over there?” Cadance said, after which she waited Crystal turn so she could get a look at her cutie mark. 

“Do you mean the bench?” Crystal asked, “Or did you mean something out the window,  which  would mean, due the speed of the train, we’ve already passed whatever it was that you saw out of the train’s window, and due to my focus being on your Majesty’s radiance,  I therefore didn’t get to see whatever it was that you saw?”

Oh my, we’ve progressed to overly formal full sentences, how exciting. “Nevermind,” Cadance quickly changed the subject, “So I noticed your cutie mark was a crystal ball, how did you get it?”

“Oh— well, my brother was playing on the roof,” Crystal began, “ and I told him that he was going to fall.”

Cadance lean in, eager to hear something other than the rattle of the train.

“And then he did, and my cutie mark appeared.”

“Well that’s certainly ...” Cadance searched for an appropriate adjective, however failing to find one that didn’t come across as incredibly insincere, she then gave up for a generic one, “exciting.”

Crystal raised an eyebrow and pushed up her glasses with her hoof. “Um, thanks princess.”

Cadance, unwilling to accept any awkward silence, put on a smile. “So do you have some sort of future vision?”

“No.”

“Get odd feelings or intuitions when something is about to happen?”

“None that I’ve noticed,” Crystal answered, her expression blank.

“Do you have really good foresight?”

“Not in particular.”

What in Tartarus does this mare’s cutie mark mean then? Cadance shouted internally, though her princessly facade didn’t break. “So what’s your special talent?”

“Erm,” Crystal’s face contorted in thought, “I’m pretty good at guessing, I—uh—guess.”

“So how’d you end up working on this delegation team?”

“Not to sound rude, princess,” Crystal asked, shifting uncomfortably, “but why are you so curious about me?”

“Well, Princess Celestia taught me to be express interest with regards to all my subjects,” Cadance said with a bright smile before the smile drooped a bit, “But she also taught me to be honest. I’m really bored and wanted someone to talk to. If you don’t feel comfortable then please don’t force yourself, I’ve survived worse than a boring train ride.” 

Crystal sighed and hopped up on the seat next to Cadance. “I’m not comfortable,” Crystal said, “but I’ll survive.”

“I appreciate your sacrifice,” Cadance chuckled, “Would you happen to have questions for me? Since I’ve asked you so many already.”

“Hmm,” Crystal rubbed her chin and thought for moment, ”Not really.”

Cadance’s brow furrowed. “Nothing? What about relationship advice? Everypony needs that.”

“I’m not currently pursuing a relationship.”

“Oh, but you must have your eye on somepony.”

“I really don’t,” Crystal replied, rubbing the back of her neck.

Cadance sat up straighter and took a regal pose. “I’m sure you know, it is illegal to lie to your princess.”

“No it isn’t.”

“Drat,” Cadance gave her a sheepish look, “I didn’t think anypony actually knew the laws.”

“Why wouldn’t I know the laws?”

Cadance focused on the imaginary circles she was drawing on the seat with her hoof. “There are just so many, I only read them because Auntie Celestia made me.”

“That really fills me with confidence for the state of our government,” Crystal deadpanned.

“I do a lot better when I’m not bored out of my mind,” Cadance gave her a smirk, “I promise.”

Crystal sat silently for a moment. “Princess.”

“Yes?”

“May I speak freely?” Crystal asked, not meeting Cadance’s eyes.

Cadance chuckled a bit. “ Sure, though I think you sort of have been already.”

A tinge of a blush appeared on Crystal’s face. “I—I apologize if I—”

“No, no, I didn’t mind,” Cadance reassured, “It’s nice to talk to somepony who isn’t petrified.”

Crystal giggled. “I’d probably be more scared if not for the medication.”

“What?” 

“I took something to help me relax so I wouldn’t be petrified about the fact that we’re going to see the chan-” Crystals eyes widened and her breathing sped up.

Cadance reeled back a bit. “Oh, uh—maybe you should take a bit more of that stuff.”

Crystal nodded quickly and pulled a pill bottle from her saddlebags and downed a couple pills, dry.

“Sorry about that princess,” Crystal said, slowly returning to normal, “I had an unpleasant time during the invasion and haven’t quite gotten over it yet.”

“That’s really ok,” Cadance consoled, “I think pretty much everyone ended up having a bad time during that whole debacle, it’s nothing to be ashamed of.”

They were interrupted by the train slowing to a stop at their destination.

“Thank you,” Crystal replied, “I hope we finish this delegation mission as fast as possible.”

__________________________________________________________________________


“Are you going to stand there gawking?” Chrysalis snarled, “Or are you going to answer your queen’s question?”

Camo and Illusion stared wide-eyed for several seconds, pondering how the queen managed to sneak up on them despite her size and the ruckus that normally accompanied her entering a room. 

“There was no secret my queen, we were simply joking,” Camo said quickly.

“I don’t believe that, drone,” Chrysalis glared, “You have five seconds to tell me the truth, then one of you dies and the other will be banished.”

“We swear,” Illusion cried, “We were only joking.”

A changeling ran into the room. “The Equestrian delegation has arrived, my queen.”

Chrysalis growled in frustration. “You two,” she said, looking at Camo and Illusion, “If the Equestrians find out about this creature, then I’ll make sure you regret ever being hatched! And trust me, you don’t want to even imagine the tortures I could inflict upon you.”

The queen strode out the chamber to meet the Equestrians, leaving Illusion and Camo too scared to breathe for several seconds.

“We almost died,” Illusion whispered.

Camo nodded, not trusting his voice. All the onlookers stared silently, half-expecting the queen to waltz back in and end the pair.

“We best get to hiding the creature, then,” Camo said finally, “If we want to live, that is.”

Illusion nodded. “Where though? She also never said she would kill us, she just said she’d make it painful if we failed to hide the creature.”

“It’s not like you to be such a downer,” Camo replied.

Illusion sighed and shook her head. “Might as well go out on a win.”

“Yeah, but a win for whom?”

“Only one of us can be a downer at any given time,” Illusion said, bumping Camo, “And I’ve got permanent dibs.”

“What a wonderful burden to put on me.” Camo chuckled. “Next, I suppose, since you’re so sad and all, you’ll ask me to hold up the corners of your mouth whenever you feel like smiling?”

“That’d actually save me the trouble of moving five muscles or whatever it is,” Illusion retorted, “And you can be sad sometimes, just not at the same time as me.” 

“If that’s what you want, Illy, I’ll do my best.”

“We’ve wasted enough time, let’s take him out into the tunnels,” Illusion suggested, moving to shoulder the creature, Ae-aron. “No way the Equestrians will search all of them and if they do then we’ll be able to avoid them.”

“Are you sure you don’t want me to carry him?” Camo asked, looking concerned.

“Touching him did nothing to you, plus I won’t have him that long,” Illusion assured, “I’ll be fine.”

“If you say so.” Camo watched as Illusion slung the creature across her back. He had to stop himself from reacting when the creature wrapped his arms around her neck in a hug.

“Let’s go, Camo,” Illusion said, chuckling at her rhyme despite everything, “I doubt we have much time.”

The pair, plus the creature, set out into the tunnels.

__________________________________________________________________________


Chrysalis eyed the princess coolly. “To what do I owe this ...” Chrysalis said, her voice monotone, “delightful visit?”

Princess Cadance gave her a well practiced smile. “Oh, a lot of things really,” Cadance replied, “Trying to ruin my wedding is up there pretty high though.”

Chrysalis’s eye twitched for a split second. This pompous buffoon, she wants to get sassy with me? “Oh you’re still on about that? You really must let that go. I think the pent up resentment is contributing to your weight gain.”

A flicker of annoyance shot across Cadance’s face. “It’s nice to see you have some jokes, you’ve always been a better comedian than invader,” she said stepping towards Chrysalis.

“Don’t forget, I’m also quite the wedding planner,” Chrysalis said, closing the gap until they were almost nose to nose. “Yours was going so well until someone interrupted it.”

Chrysalis and Cadance kept up their staredown for several seconds. For a while it seemed neither would back down, until Cadance finally stepped back.

“Alright, enough with the backbiting, I’m here to give you your love ration and then the delegation team and I will explore your hive. Any objections?”

“Many,” Chrysalis quipped, “But all of them would violate that damned treaty, so you may proceed.”

“Thank you,” Cadance replied, walking past Chrysalis into the hive while the delegates hesitantly followed.

The group walked in silence for the majority of the trip. Many of the delegates would trip over themselves in the dim red lights that line the walls of the main tunnels. Once in the throne room, they all stopped and waited for Cadance to give Chrysalis the hive’s ration of love magic.

“Are you going to stand there all day?” Chrysalis jeered, “We don’t have the means to feed you or your delegates, so you’ll probably want to get this over with quickly.”

Cadance betrayed no emotion as she mechanically said, “Queen Chrysalis, do you solemnly swear—” 

“Must we go through this every time? Surely you’ve gotten as tired of saying that damn thing as much as I’ve gotten of hearing it.”

“It’s your fault we all have to go through this,” Cadance retorted.

“Bah, get it over with then.”

“Queen Chrysalis, do you solemnly swear to only use this gift of love magic to sustain your hive and not use it at all for personal gain, or to amass an army larger than needed for the defense of your hive and your allies, or to amass an army with the intent of hostile incursions within the sovereign kingdom of Equestria, and that aside from sustaining yourself this love magic will not be used in any other way than as agreed upon within the outline of the provisions of the treaty?”

“I, Queen Chrysalis of the Chrysalis Hive and her allies, do so solemnly swear.”

“Great,” Cadance deadpanned.

Chrysalis and Cadance crossed their horns and the glow of magic lit up the room. Cadance’s blue aura swirled around before changing to the color of Chrysalis’s green aura and was absorbed by the changeling queen.

Chrysalis sighed in contentment, trying to savor the moment while it lasted, for she would have to give up almost all this power to sustain what was left of her hive. “I still hate you, but thank you.”

“A princess refuses to hate,” Cadance replied, “but she will maintain a strong dislike.”

“Hmm, cute, will you be following me while I feed my hive or will you be exploring on your own?” Chrysalis asked, already leaving the room..

“I think we’ll be fine on our own this time,” Cadance responded, “So long as our guides know where we’re going.”

“Well, if I don’t see you before you leave,” Chrysalis said as she reached the exit, “I hope your train breaks down and you have to fly all the way back.”

The delegation team and Cadance watched the queen leave the room. As soon as she was out of sight, Crystal shuffled nervously towards Cadance. “Is she always so rude?”

Cadance turned and gave Crystal a confident smile. “This time was actually pretty tame compared to some previous ones. Hopefully it’s a sign that she’s calming down a bit.”

“That’d sure be nice,” Crystal said before muttering, “Maybe she’ll calm down enough so that I never have to come back here again.”

“If this is really uncomfortable for you then you can go wait back on the train,” Cadance said, sounding concerned.

Crystal winced and blushed. “I’m sorry princess, I didn’t think I said that out loud.”

“We’ll be fine, don’t worry, nopony gets left behind on these diplomatic excursions, we check everyone to make sure their not a changeling in disguise, so they don’t even bother trying to ponynap and replace the delegates anymore.”

Anymore? Crystal thought. “T-thanks princess, knowing that helps a little.” So little it’s practically unnoticeable. She followed Cadance out into the tunnels of the changeling hive with the other delegates close behind.

__________________________________________________________________________


Heavy hoof steps, made by Illusion, echoed in the tunnels. Camo’s much quieter steps were comparatively undetectable. They had been walking for eleven minutes and fatigue was beginning to get to Illusion.

“So how will we know when to go back?” Camo asked.

Illusion was breathing heavy, feeling the weight of her unconscious passenger. “If you could just not ask valid questions,” Illusion said, panting, “I’ll be less likely to hit you.”

“You’ll have to let me carry the creature for a while if you want to have a chance at hitting me,” Camo said, smirking.

“I said I was fine the last two times,” Illusion growled, “I’ll be even more fine if you stop with the sass for a couple minutes.”

“I’m sorry, I’m just worried,” Camo replied, staring at tunnel wall away from Illusion, “You’re in better shape than this, you shouldn’t be this tired, and you know perforated legs aren’t great for carrying burdens.”

“This boy might be a little heavier than he looks,” Illusion said quickly, “But don’t worry about it.”

“Don’t tell me how to live my life,” Camo shot back, looking directly at her, “ It’s too late for me to not worry anyway, something is wrong and you’re keeping it from me.”

“It’ll be fine, Camo, just be quiet.”

“How about we quit with that nonsense and just tell me what you’re trying to do instead of keeping it a secret.”

Illusion sighed. “Fine, you’re probably right. I had another theory about the creature. I thought the experiment we did had too little contact for it to work. That’s why I volunteered to carry the creature.”

Camo’s eyes widened. “Wait, are you saying—”

“Yeah, I was right,” Illusion interrupted, before stumbling a bit, “Yay me.”

Shock and fear filled Camo’s face. “Why didn’t you split time with me then? Why didn’t you tell me to bring a magic suppressor along? Why—”

“I thought I could handle whatever effect he seems to have, I’m a lot stronger than Drone 124,” Illusion replied, already kneeling down to set the creature on the floor beside her, “Apparently I was only about a minute stronger, but I think it’ll be enough.”

“You need a magic suppressor, now,” Camo asserted.

“Just give it a bit, the equestrian delegation will leave in a little while and then you can get me what I need, I don’t think they’ll come out this far into the tunnels, so we just have to wait them out.”

“You need one now, you can’t wait for them to leave.”

“Trust me, Camo,” Illusion pleaded, looking directly in his eyes, “Please.”

Camo looked at his friend who couldn’t even stand and was laying on the floor with the creature. “You’re not capable of making that kind of call in the state you’re in, Illy, I’m going to get you a magic suppressor. Stay put.”

“Camo, don’t,” Illusion called after him, but he didn’t look back, leaving her to pant and sweat beside the sleeping creature.

Camo raced back to the medical room in the most direct route. When they had been taking the creature out into the tunnels the first time, they had wound around a bit and circled back to pass the time. If he kept his pace, then he would reach the medical room in about six minutes, take a minute to make the magic suppressor, and then take six minutes to get back to Illy.

Easy peasy, nothing to worry about. 

He arrived in the medical room, breathing a bit heavy, and was greeted by a couple of perplexed looks since he was supposed to be helping Illusion with the creature. No one asked what he was doing however, it wasn’t any of their business if he had a death wish.

Camo jogged up to his alchemy station and began to prepare the magic suppressor.

“Has your medical bay got lots of use since we were here last?” the voice Camo second least wanted to hear.

“No princess,” the drone guiding Cadance replied.

“That’s good, the last thing you guys need is downed brethren.”

Her guide drone nodded, looking rather zoned out.

Camo finished the magic suppressor and gritted his teeth. I can’t wait for the princess to leave, it’ll take too long, he thought, trying to stealthily edge his way towards the exit.

__________________________________________________________________________


The visit was going more or less how it always did. It was strange seeing the progression of the drone’s attitude towards her. The first visit had two distinct groups, the ones that hated her, and the ones terrified of her. Over time everything just smoothed out and none of the drones paid her any mind unless they were ordered to or she spoke directly to them. 

Which is why Cadance quickly noticed, even in the dim lighting, the nervous looking drone trying to sneak away. She pretended not to notice, but shot a tiny tracking spell which luckily missed his probably sensitive wing and hit the drone directly on his shoulder, where one of his thicker chitinous plates should be, where he wouldn’t feel it. 

When the drone finally exited Cadance turned to the delegation team. “Everypony, sit tight here until I get back.”

“Princess?” Crystal Vision asked.

“If I’m not back in ten minutes,” Cadance looked her dead in the eyes, “Wait another ten minutes and maybe send our guide drone after me.”

Before Crystal could process what Cadance said and formulate a response, the princess was already gone.

Cadance rushed through the pitch black tunnels to catch up to the suspicious drone. Her steps were silent from a spell and she followed the trail of light her spell left, which was unnoticeable without a special night vision spell. Twilight would be proud of all the spells she was maintaining simultaneously. The drone wasn’t winding through the tunnels or circling back, so it was safe to assume that the drone didn’t know it was being followed.

What is this drone even doing way out here? Last time we were out in the tunnels, all our scans came up empty. There shouldn’t be anything here but empty tunnels. Cadance thought. She was getting closer to the drone, probably less than a minute behind. She’d catch him in the act of whatever he was doing for sure if she timed this right.

She followed the drone’s trail for a while longer, he was close. She could hear a scuffle going on just around the corner. Cadance held her breath and charged an illumination spell. 

She released her spell and jumped around the corner. “What is going on—” Cadance began, but her words got caught in her throat. Before her there were two changelings, a female on her back, face flushed and sweat glistening, and the suspicious changeling from before straddling her. Their lips were locked together but their eyes staring straight at Cadance. “Here,” she squeaked.

The changelings broke their kiss and the male cleared his throat. “This isn’t against the treaty or something, is it?”

“I— erm, no,” Cadance began, before shaking off her shock enough to form words, “Why were you acting suspicious back in the medical bay?” she said, pointing an accusing hoof at him.

The changeling avoided her gaze and mumbled something under his breath.

“Speak up,” Cadance commanded.

“I’m not supposed to use hive resources to make lube,” he replied, “so I tried to get in and out of there without anyone noticing.”

Oh, eww, Cadance thought, years of princess training kept her face clear of emotion, I didn’t need that image. That’s so gross. Pony intimacy, I can handle, but not changelings. Do they die when their done like bees or—Nope, these thoughts stop now.

“You’re not going to report this to the Queen are you?” 

I’m already trying to forget this happened. “You don’t have to worry,” Cadance replied, turning around and stiffly walking away. I think I’m going to try and teach Twilly how to make love magic, I’m not sure how many more of these visits I can take.

Cadance followed the trail her tracking spell left back to the medical ward. Crystal hurried up to her as soon as she entered the room. “Are you alright, princess? What did you have to do out in the tunnels alone?” Crystal asked.

“Oh, nothing important.”

“You weren’t gone for ten minutes like you said you might be ...” Crystal trailed off, rubbing her chin with her hoof.

Sweet Celestia, what if everypony thinks I went out there and did something gross like use the bathroom or something? Oh no, I have to think up a lie. Cadance thought, But princesses aren’t supposed to lie. “Please don’t try to guess,” Cadance said finally.

“If you say so, princess,” Crystal replied. Did she really go off and use the bathroom in the tunnels like everypony said? That’d just be gross, not to mention rude, what drone is going to have to clean that up?

“Let’s get a move one,” Cadance called out, “I think it’s time we head home.”
__________________________________________________________________________

Camo raced through the tunnels, vial of magic suppressor in his mouth. He could feel the weight of the love princess close behind him. He couldn’t hear her, but whenever she used her magic her presence was announced to any nearby changelings like a strike to the face.

Not now, Why is this happening now? Camo screamed internally, knowing that her couldn’t lose the princess in the tunnels since she probably had a tracking spell on him. At least he doubted she wouldn’t blindly follow him without one.

He picked up his pace a bit, not enough to let her know he knew, but enough to give himself a bit more time to prepare. He’d have one shot, whether he succeeded or failed, he’d probably die.

He reached Illusion and the creature.

“Camo, I told—” 

“Shut up, don’t talk, love princess,” Camo interrupted Illusion. He dragged the creature around the corner of the tunnel, just out of sight. 

Camo ran up to Illusion, moved her from her side to her back, and straddled her.
Illusion frantically whispered.  “What are you—”

“Please don’t hurt me after this,” Camo begged, before quickly locking lips with Illusion.

> Chapter 4
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Interestingly enough, members of the Changeling race may or may not have excellent night vision. Since some members spend most of their time on the surface, infiltrating and collecting sustenance for the hive, they lose the near-perfect night vision this race is capable of and have to resort to light or night vision spells to see in the darker tunnels. By many accounts, having consulted with many changelings, it takes years to build up their night vision and mere hours to lose it. So make sure to try a bright flare spell if you’re confronted by them, especially if it’s night.”—excerpt from a guest chapter, by Trusty Tome, on dealing with changelings, should they get aggressive in On Changelings

__________________________________________________________________________


Camo stayed on top of Illusion until he could feel the princess was far away. Unfortunately for him, Illusion was waiting for him twitch, then she would make her move. Illusion delivered a crushing blow to a spot no male wanted to get hit. The pain sent him to the ground, gritting his teeth as copious amounts of tears streamed from his eyes, an explosion of light and color affecting his vision due to the intensity of the pain he was experiencing.

Illusion was still unable to get up as all of her remaining energy was used to strike Camo.

He slowly recovered and made his way to the vial of magic suppressor. He could’ve probably blocked it, but he was in a bad position anyway and as a rule, holed hooves aren’t great for blocking blows, so he took that hit.

Camo grabbed the vial and made his way back to Illusion. “Here, drink this,” Camo said, placing the vial by Illusion’s head and keeping his expression neutral, “I worked very hard to get it for you.” 

“You didn’t have to,” Illusion replied, she struggled a bit to drink the potion, laying on her side made the process rather difficult, “You should’ve waited, that was much too close.”

“Magic overdose isn’t a joke, Illusion,” Camo growled, “It’s not something you can just endure and walk away fine.”

“Last I checked I was supposed be leading this mission,” Illusion glared, “Don’t disobey orders again.”

“Well it seems the trend of changeling leaders overestimating themselves continues,” Camo said, rolling his eyes, “And the mission is pretty much over, by the look on the princess’s face, she was getting out of here as soon as possible, so we just have to wait for you to recover and then we’re going back to the medical ward.”

“So now you’re giving me orders, huh?” Illusion said, slowly getting up, her unfocused eyes staring off into space in Camo’s general direction.

“Ilusion, you need to rest,” Camo pleaded, “That fever you have is messing with your head.”

“You think you can order me around and I’ll just take it?” Illusion snarled, trying to move towards Camo, but her legs gave out after a single step, “You pathetic deaf worm!”

Camo sighed. “Dammit,” he muttered as he shot a knock-out spell that hit Illusion straight in the face, “You’re pretty cunty when you’re on a fever-induced rage.”

Ok, Camo, think, what the hell am I going to do now? he thought. With Illusion out cold on the ground that meant he’d have to carry her, but there was no way he could carry both of them back to the medical ward. He could only carry them one at a time. He’d have to choose.

Illusion, aside from the recent fever-induced rage episode, had been nothing but kind to him. She was arguably his best friend, assuming changelings are allowed to have those, since they’re supposed to be efficient and emotionless love parasites. 

On the other hoof, if Queen Chrysalis found out that he left the creature in the tunnels, well, Camo wouldn’t have to worry about Illusion being mad about him kissing her, since he’d probably be dead.

Then again, if he took the creature first, and went back for Illusion, then he’d be leaving the creature defenseless and the other changelings might try to do something to gain the favor of the queen, possibly hurting the creature, accidental or otherwise.

I could always wait and hope the queen sends a drone out into the tunnels to find us, that’d be the best option, since whoever she sends could carry the creature. Camo reasoned, before sitting down by Illusion and deciding to wait until help arrived. He was a bit hungry after having to use his knock-out spell twice, probably couldn’t use it again. Since the love princess was here though, there was probably more love magic to eat. All he needed to do was bear the pain for a while, everything was going to be fine.

Or so he thought, until he heard the creature getting up behind him.

__________________________________________________________________________


Chrysalis was almost done feeding her hive, it was almost a shame that none had accidentally died in between feeding times so she could save a little extra for herself, almost. It had been months since the last death.

I suppose with that overconfident doctor, that means it’s been less than an hour since the last death, Chrysalis thought. How dare he ruin my streak.

Cadance was heading towards the surface, by Chrysalis’s estimate. It was abnormally early for that.The last dozen changelings could wait for their feeding, it was the medical bay anyway, they had been a rather disappointing bunch as of late.

Chrysalis made her way to cut off Cadance at the surface. It was quite easy, considering the drone guiding the princess always took a longer way to everywhere and the fact that Chrysalis knew these tunnels perfectly.

She arrived at her chosen cut off point and waited for Cadance’s group to turn the corner.

When they did, Chrysalis cleared her throat to address Cadance, but stopped. Princess Cadance looked almost the same as she always did, but there was something off.

She’s not in awe of my overwhelming greatness, if it were that then she’d of looked like this ages ago, Chrysalis thought, unwittingly staring directly at Cadance.

“See something you like?” Cadance deadpanned.

“No, the opposite actually,” Chrysalis replied, “Though I am wondering what you saw that made you so flustered.”

How could she possibly tell, I almost managed to forget that thing happened, Cadance had to stop herself from wincing, I’d hate for those drones to get in trouble for doing something natural, even if I think it’s gross when they do it. “I’m just growing a little tired of all the extra traveling I’ve had to do since the treaty, I’m probably going to ask if Twilight can do the next visit or two, her or Luna, that is.”

Chrysalis winced. Luna never got over the coma spell Chrysalis put on her when she was disguised as Cadance. It was reasonable that she hadn’t, it was incredibly embarrassing to sleep through an invasion and wake up without knowing anything happened at all.

If Luna conducted the search then it wouldn’t be nearly as relaxed as Cadance’s searches had become. Chrysalis wasn’t trying to do anything major, at the moment anyway, save keeping Ae-aron a secret, but having a spiteful princess turning every stone in her hive didn’t sound enjoyable.

“I’d offer you the full hospitality of the changelings, but I imagine it’s less than what you’re fancy train can muster.”

“It’s the thought that counts, thanks,” Cadance replied, “This will be the first time we part with some marginally kind words.”

Chrysalis’s eyes widened. “Your flanks are too—” She began, but Cadance teleported her, and her whole delegation team, away. Impressive, Chrysalis thought begrudgingly, I’ll have to be extra rude the next time I see her to counteract this lapse. 

Cadance was hunched over and panting. “Sorry for teleporting all of you out of the blue like that.”

A wave of ‘it’s alright’s and ‘no problem’s sounded.

Crystal was standing by Cadance, looking concerned. “Are you alright, princess? That look like it took a lot out of you.”

Cadance smiled. “It was worth it to annoy Chrysalis.”

__________________________________________________________________________


“Uh, h-hey there little guy,” That happens to be as tall as me, Camo managed to say, keeping his voice as even and soothing as possible.

The creature only mumbled and rubbed his eyes. “Who’s there?” it asked, searching around for the source of Camo’s voice,

Can it not see me? Camo thought. “Uh, I’m here, my name is Camo,” he said nervously, trying to keep the situation calm, “Your name is Ae-aron, right?”

“Almost,” the creature replied, looking in Camo’s general direction, "My name is Aaron."

So he can hear well enough, though I’m surprised it doesn’t wonder why I know its name, Camo chuckled internally, I wonder how it can survive its own wailing. “A-are you a boy or girl?”

“Y-you can’t tell?” Aaron asked in reply, tears beginning to well up in his eyes.

Uh, no, no, I’m a little hard of hearing,” Camo said quickly, “So I can’t go by sound, and it’s so dark down here.

Aaron wiped his eyes. “Oh, ok, sorry for crying—er, actually I wasn’t crying, because I’m a boy.”

Nice save me, Camo thought. “They don’t? Like ever?” Camo asked, feigning interest and trying to figure out how to keep this conversation going until he figured out what to do, “That’s pretty cool.”

“Yeah,” Aaron replied, nodding excitedly.

Camo stalled with all the innocent questions he could think of. Where was this guy from? A city Camo had not heard of. What was it like there? Hot sometimes, and cold at others times, only Aaron used many more words to say it. It was clear that Aaron was quite young and lacked the awareness to provide any meaningful answer. At least Camo didn’t have to worry about taking notes, the information he was getting wasn’t going to be useful to anyone. 

He asked the questions anyway, the last thing anyone needed was this youngling realizing he was alone and blind in a tunnel with a stranger. That wouldn’t help anyone. Aaron seemed to be happy anytime someone was speaking, in even the seconds of silence between topics his face would fill with uncertainty and he would start biting on his thumb. This little guy changed emotions like the queen changed her advisors, when she used to have them anyway.

The safest thing to do in this situation would be to wait for Illusion to wake up and hope she wasn’t still fever-crazy. Since that would take quite a while and Camo was running out of conversation topics, that option was out. The only other thing Camo could think of was getting Aaron to follow him back to the medical ward while he carried Illusion. But getting him to follow and keep up in the dark would require contact, which might make things uncomfortable considering Camo didn’t know if it would lead to him having a magical overdose. There was also the fact that there was no way to know how Aaron would react to the changelings back at the infirmary once they reached it since it was dimly lit so he could see, unlike in these tunnels.

Camo couldn’t exactly make Aaron wait here while he took Illusion to the medical ward, so bringing him there was really the only option.

“I think I know the way to some light,” Camo said, interrupting whatever Aaron had been saying, “Would you like to go?”

“How can you know where anything is when it’s so dark?” Aaron asked, tilting his head.

“I can see in the dark,” Camo replied impatiently, “Now, I, and many of my fellow changelings, will probably look pretty different than what you’re used to, are you going to get scared?

“I—uh—” Aaron struggled to form words and took a half step back.

“You said boys don’t cry, right? Do they get scared?”

“N-no.”

“Do you want to get out of the dark?” Camo asked, taking an audible step towards Aaron.

Aaron stepped back again and answered quietly. “Y-yes.”

“Are you going to get scared when you see what I look like?”

“I—uh, I don’t know.” Aaron replied, stopping his retreat. “How scary looking are you?”

“I’m going to light up the tunnels just a little, I’m black and look a little like a bug, are you ready?” Camo asked charging a weak light spell.

“Er—ok,” Aaron replied hesitantly.

“The light will be red, so be prepared for that.” Camo said, right before releasing the spell.

The tunnel was awash in a dull red glow. A tiny red ball of light hovered about a foot above Camo’s head.

Thank the hive the light doesn’t go below my head, Camo thought, That would make a scary image.

Aaron’s eyes widened at the sight of Camo and he looked like he wanted to bolt. Thankfully he didn’t and he quickly noticed Illusion lying on the ground.

“Who’s that?” Aaron asked, pointing at Illusion.

“My friend, she’s a bit, uh,” Camo replied, rubbing the back of his neck with his hoof, “Sick, that’s why I’d like to move, she needs to get to the infirmary.”

“What’s an infirmary?” Aaron asked, his brow furrowed.

“Uh, a place with doctors,” Camo answered, “Oh, and before you panic, this light will go out soon. I’m going to pick up my friend and I want you to grab my tail so you can follow me in the dark.”

Aaron looked unsure, he held his hands in front of himself and and seemed to teeter totter on whatever appendage he had in lieu of hind hooves. “Couldn’t you maybe keep the light on?”

“I can’t, I’m sorry, but I don’t have the energy,” Camo replied, noticing Aaron’s disappointment, he quickly added, “But, it’ll be alright, you just have to hold on and follow me and we’ll be talking the whole time.”

“O-ok,” Aaron replied, not sounding entirely convinced.

Camo didn’t have much time until the spell ran out, so he rushed over and got Illusion on his back. She was much heavier that Aaron would be, not that Camo would tell her that, but he knew he could make it back to the medical ward in a reasonable time. Hopefully before Aaron had a chance to give him a magical overdose. 

Camo doubted that Aaron did it on purpose, he could be wrong of course, but it was probably just some freaky alien side effect that no one understood yet. So there was no point freaking out over something you didn’t fully understand, in Camo’s opinion anyway. Many would think hearing loss via alchemaic explosion would make someone more careful, but not Camo.

Camo moved over to Aaron and wagged his tail a bit. “Quick, grab on before the spell ends.”

Aaron tentatively reached out and caught Camo’s moving tail. His grip was quite weak, until the lights went out and it tightened considerably.

“Alrighty, are you ready to move?” Camo asked, turning back and seeing Aaron’s worried expression.

“I guess so,” Aaron replied, his voice sounding unsure.

“Alright, just hold on, if you drop my tail then things will get difficult.” Camo said, before wincing, “And try to keep the pulling to a minimum.”

“What’s minimum mean?”

“I’ll tell you later.”

Camo and Aaron made slow progress through the tunnels. Camo regretted not telling Aaron what ‘minimum’ meant, because it might have saved him some pain. It was clear that Aaron was uneasy so getting to to medical wing might push him over the edge into full blown panic.

“How you doing back there?” Camo asked. He turned back to see Aaron now using a two handed grip for extra safety.

“I-I’m ok.”

“Ok, we’re almost there, we should be able to see the light from the infirmary soon.” Camo said, looking back and giving a smile, only to remember Aaron couldn’t see it. Heh, my smile might look scary to him anyways, Camo thought, looking at Aaron’s fearful expression, It’s probably good he doesn’t see me, the last thing he needs is any more fear.

“Ah, there you are, drone,” Chrysalis said, no more than a foot in front of him. Aaron stopped when he heard her voice, and his grip on Camo’s tail was the only thing that stopped Camo from running straight into the queen. “I see you managed to get the creature under control and keep it from the ponies. Well done.”

“M-my queen,” Camo stuttered.

“Who’s that, Camo?” Aaron asked, looking in the queen’s direction but unable to see her.

“Uh, she’s the queen,” Camo said carefully, “Don’t worry, she’s ni—erm, she’s the queen.”

Aaron gripped Camo’s tail even tighter. “If you say so.”

“Hmm,” Chrysalis finally noticed Illusion on Camo’s back, “Take the good doctor to the medical ward, drone, I’ll take care of the creature.”

Camo’s eyes widened. “Are you, uh, sure about that, my queen?” Camo asked, noticing her expression shift to an angry scowl, he quickly added, “The creature has an odd and dangerous effect on us, we should really study him a bit more until we do anything foolhardy.”

“Are you implying that I would act foolishly?”

“Er—No, we all make mistakes though,” Camo said, lowering his head, “Right?”

“Do I make mistakes, Drone?”

Canterlot. “Nothing comes to mind, my queen.”

“Am I the creature?” Aaron asked, looking confused.

“Yeah, cool nickname, right?”

“I don’t want to go with the queen, I want to stay with you.”

That’s great, but I also want to live. “You might have to adjust that attitude, I’m sure the queen will take good care of you, she’s the one who ordered that you be healed when you were sick, remember?”

“No,” Aaron replied quietly, shifting down to a one handed grip on Camo’s tail, “What’s an attitude?”

“Uh, I can’t really think of a definition at the moment,” Camo answered, “I’ll have to get back to you on that.”

Chrysalis observed the exchange between the pair. They seemed to have hit it off quite well. Then again, the drone might just know how to talk with it. “Drone, I’ll have no more arguments,” Chrysalis interrupted, “The creature is coming with me.” 

“Oh, uh, of course, my queen,” Camo replied, bowing to her as best he could with Illusion on his back, “He can’t see in this darkness though, you probably noticed that he’s been holding onto my tail …”

“I am aware, drone,” Chrysalis retorted, before her horn flared and the tunnel was filled with a dull red glow, “I assume this will suffice.”

Aaron’s eyes widened and teared up a bit. “M-m-monster,” he whimpered.

Camo’s head shot around. “Uh, no, no, that’s—well,” Camo struggled to find the words while Chrysalis glared while her horn lit up. “She’s not a mon—well, she’s not danger—uh, well, she’s totally fine, I swear.”

Aaron wiped his eyes. “R-really? Honest?”

I’m lying through my teeth. “Honest, she didn’t go through all the trouble just to hurt you now, you’re gonna be fine.” I hope.

Chrysalis’s horn stopped glowing when her spell canceled. “Come along now, we wouldn’t want the drone’s friend to get hurt because you delayed her arrival to the medical ward,” she said to Aaron, who nodded and walked to her side.

“Good,” Chrysalis said, nodding, “I no longer have need of you, drone, you may take your comrade to the medical ward.”

Camo bowed again and turned to go. He noticed Aaron waving goodbye and turned to give him a hesitant wave back.

“Oh, drone, I almost forgot,” Chrysalis walked over to a startled Camo and fed him love energy. After she finished with him she did the same for Illusion, “That should aid in her recovery and serve as a reward for your success.”

Camo stiffly nodded and muttered a thank you before rushing off to the infirmary.

“Now then, follow me, Ae-aron,” Chrysalis order, starting to head towards her chambers.

“My name is Aaron,” he whined in response.

“I don’t care, Ae-aron is more elegant,” Chrysalis retorted.

Aaron sniffed and tears returned to his eyes.

Chrysalis’s horn flashed in an instant and her ears glowed with a sound blocking spell. Oh bother, if he starts crying then he’ll hurt the nearby drones even if he doesn’t get me. “What I meant to say was,” Chrysalis back tracked, “I don’t care, but since you do, we’ll go with Aaron, but don’t think crying will get you whatever you want around here, my patience is finite.”

Aaron dried his eyes once more. “What does finite mean?”

“It means that you should stop crying so much.”

“I’ll try.”

Stop the presses everyone, he says he’ll try, Chrysalis thought, rolling her eyes and continuing to walk while Aaron followed.

“Where are we going?”

“My chambers.”

“What does—?”

“My room.”

Aaron looked down, pondering something. “Are you a girl?”

Chrysalis’s eye twitched. “You can’t tell?”

“No.”

Chrysalis growled. “Yes, I am a girl, you heard your friend call me ‘queen’ didn’t you?”

“Oh yeah,” Aaron replied, “I forgot that.” 

They walked in silence through the empty tunnels for about a minute.

“My mommy said I shouldn’t go into girls’ rooms.”

“Well, your mommy isn’t here.” Wait, oh no.

“Where is she?” Aaron asked looking concerned.

“I—uh—”

“A-and w-where am I?” He could hardly speak as he finally realised his situation.

Tears spilled from Aaron’s eyes and his mouth opened to emit a wail. Chrysalis managed to get a quick sound blocking spell over Aaron’s head before he could start crying. Which left her with the image of him sobbing, repeatably mouthing the words ‘Where am I’ and ‘Where’s my mommy,’ the only sounds Chrysalis could hear from him were his tears hitting the tunnel floor.

Shit.
__________________________________________________________________________

Camo really should have really paced himself instead of rushing off. The extra burst of energy he got from the feeding quickly wore off under the weight of his unconscious comrade. 

Not that he’d ever admit that to Illusion, maybe to some of his buddies while Illusion was on the other side of the hive, but never when Illusion might be even remotely close by.

Camo was met with concerned looks when he finally made it to the medical ward. Some looked concerned for Illusion, other looked concerned since they bet money they didn’t have, on Chrysalis executing the pair. Camo had to admit that he would’ve lost that bet as well, since the queen seemed quite displeased with them earlier.

He set Illusion down on a bed and left to make another magic suppressor.

I really should just make a bunch of these so we have some stocked up. Camo thought while grabbing the ingredients, Then again, we haven’t needed them at all before recently.

The potion took a minute to whip up and he was back a Illusion’s side. None of the other doctors bothered treating Illusion while he was away. Either because they were confident that Camo would take care of her or because they still weren’t sure whether the queen would be sparing them or not, so they didn’t want to waste resources.

Camo rested his head on the wall by Illusion’s bed. How am I going to fix all this? The boy was with the queen, possibly the worst place he could be. The Equestrian delegation had just come by, so they probably wouldn’t be around again for a while. Finally, to top it all off, Illusion is out of commission due to the magic overload and therefore couldn’t provide any help.

This is all going bad far too quickly for my tastes, Camo thought, banging his head against the wall, “Dammit,” he swore, realizing he forgot to give Illusion the potion.

Illusion looked worse than before, Camo realized the queen fed her love energy while she was already close to overdosing.

Camo rushed to get the potion down her throat. She was unconscious, which made things difficult, but he managed to get her to take sips despite not being awake.

This would be so much easier if I could just give her the lotion version, Camo thought frantically, I’d use a suppository, but I don’t think she’d forgive me.

When the sweating lessened a bit on Illusion’s brow, Camo sighed in relief and finally laid down on the floor beside her.

> Chapter 5
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Interestingly enough, the average changeling population is almost alway proportional to how much love they can acquire. In all but the rarest cases, changeling couples will not breed, or even go through the motions of breeding for recreational purposes, unless there is an abundance of love energy to go around.”  —excerpt from a guest chapter, by Musky Tome, on reproduction in On Changelings 

__________________________________________________________________________


“I—er, there there,” Chrysalis said, reaching out timidly with her hoof. Oh wait, he can’t even hear me through the sound blocking spell. 

Aaron continued his crying, far too immersed in his fear of alienation and solitude and his insecurity of being in this strange new world wasn’t helping his emotional stability at all as he remained unaware of Chrysalis.

Ok, let’s take stock, I have a crying youngling and no drones to blame this on, Chrysalis thought, her eyes darting around, looking for any kind of help, What am I doing? I can handle a crying youngling, Chrysalis glanced back at at Aaron, his crying had slowed. Is he, panting?

Tears were still streaming down his face, but they were joined by beads of sweat. His cries appeared to be replaced by heaving breaths.

Chrysalis’s eyes widened. “I can feel love energy from him again,” she said to herself, slowly putting two and two together. My spell, he must absorbing a tiny portion of it, and edging towards another magical overdose. It seems I can only feel love energy from him when he’s got magic in him.

Chrysalis released her spell and Aaron’s heavy breathing filled the tunnel.

“The same symptoms as before,” Chrysalis muttered, before speaking up, “Aaron, we don’t know how you got here, but since you had to get here somehow, there must be a way for you to get back.” Whether or not the way back is attainable … .

“Really?” Aaron asked, futilely wiping his tears with an already wet sleeve.

Probably. “Yes, now stop crying, it’s annoys me.”

“I-I’ll try,” Aaron replied.

One problem solved.

“My queen, it is unexpected that you’d be back in my vicinity to soon,” A, in Chrysalis’s opinion anyway, very annoying voice said, “And with a friend, I didn’t think you had those.”

And another appears.

“You’re not supposed to leave your room, Mirror.” Chrysalis growled, glaring at the unfazed drone before her.

“I apologize, but I heard a dripping sound, and was worried there might be a leak somewhere, so I came to investigate.”

And I won Canterlot. “There is no leak, go back you you’re room.”

“Ah, I see, I thought you wanted my opinion on the creature.” Mirror said, slowly turning to leave.

“I do not, if I did then I would have asked.”

“Well I think you shouldn’t use magic on him, even if it reveals love energy, and on a less important note, you should stop making him cry. We already talked about how you should try to be less mean to lure the Equestrians into a false sense of security, this is good practice.”

“I did not ask you to speak!” Chrysalis yelled, causing the still sitting Aaron to wince and tear up again.

“Oi, oi, oi, no crying! Aaron, was it?” Mirror said, ignoring Chrysalis and walking to Aaron’s side and drape a hoof over his shoulder, “The noise from her mouth shouldn’t scare you, it’s the teeth you should worry about. Then again, she’d have to lower her head quite a ways to bite you, and she’s much too pompous for that.”

Aaron looked confused again. “Pompous, like the fruit?”

“No, no,” Mirror chuckled, “You’re thinking of pomegranate, I said ‘pompous,’ like haughty.”

Aaron only tilted his head.

“Egotistical.”

“Conceited.”

“Arrogant.”

“Prideful.”

Chrysalis’s nostrils were flaring and her teeth were clenched. Mirror glanced back at her looking helpless.

“It appears that’s my cue to leave, I’ve run out of synonyms. You should probably consider catching the poor boy up on his reading, my queen.” 

Chrysalis struggled not to fire a magical blast at his back before he turned the corner. Calm down, that would mean he wins.

“Ooh! I hate him,” Chrysalis muttered.

“He knows a lot of big words,” Aaron said in awe, before turning to Chrysalis, “Why doesn’t he have wings or a horn like you?”

“You should ask him yourself, preferably while I’m in the room.” That might just shut the his smug mouth.

“Ok,” Aaron answered, looking unsure.

“Not now though, I have a theory I’d like to test out.” Chrysalis said, beckoning him to follow.

__________________________________________________________________________


Camo woke with a start, hearing Illusion shift in her bed. Now that I think about it, I should have toweled off her excess sweat so she wouldn’t wake up all dirty. He thought as he got up to check on her.

Illusion shifted around a bit and opened her eyes. Realization flickered in her eyes as she remembered what was happening before she was knocked out. Tears welled up and streamed down her cheeks. “I-I’m so sorry, I wanted to hurt you for some reason.”

Camo chuckled, trying in vain to wipe her tears away. Since, like with many other things, holed hooves isn’t the best thing for wiping away tears. “I know you didn’t mean it,” Camo said, smiling, “And even if you did, I wouldn’t listen, I’m much too stubborn.”

“But I didn’t,” Illusion insisted, “What I said was a terrible lie and I shouldn’t have said it, fever or not.”

“I knew it was the fever talking, Illy, don’t worry about it.”

“Don’t tell me what to do,” Illusion retorted, “I’m already worried about it anyway, so there’s no point in telling me not to worry.”

“I get it, I get it, sorry,” Camo relented, “I was just trying to give you a freebie after that whole thing with fooling the love princess.”

Illusion blushed. “Oh yeah,” she muttered, “that happened, but I kicked you in the balls, so we’re even for that already.”

Camo winced in remembrance. “Oh yeah,” he muttered, “that happened.”

Illusion’s eyes widened. “Where’s the creature?” she asked frantically, looking around the room.

“His name is Aaron, he woke up,” Camo answered, putting a hoof on Illusion, trying to calm her down.

She relaxed a bit. “That’s good that he finally woke up, but where is he?”
Camo winced. “He’s, uh, with the queen,” He answered sheepishly.

“What?” Illusion asked, her voice monotone.

“I got him to follow me while I was carrying you back here and the queen found us,” Camo replied, his head down, “I tried to get her to let him stay with me but she was insistent on taking him.”

Illusion groan. “This is terrible,” Illusion sighed, “He might not even be alive anymore for all we know, one wrong word and she might lose her temper.”

“I’m more worried about her saying something wrong and making Aaron cry,” Camo said, “He’s definitely young, doesn’t hide his emotions well, and I’m sure you remember how his crying went last time.”

Illusion shivered. “Don’t remind me,” she said, shaking her head, “I hope to never relive that.”

“Well you might, assuming the queen acts like herself,” Camo retorted, “Aaron is just too sensitive to handle how mean she can be sometimes.”

“Did you just use the word ‘mean’ to describe the queen?” Illusion asked, raising an eyebrow, “you know she might kill you for that if she ever hears you say that.”

“What can I say? I’m a fan of understatement,” Camo replied, smirking.

Illusion sighed. “Well, I’ve rested enough, we need to go find the queen and Aaron.

Camo snorted. “Are you crazy, she took him to her chambers, no one goes there without orders.”

“We’ll be fine, I have a plan.”

“You mind filling me in before dragging me along?” Camo asked, already knowing the answer.

“What can I say?” Illusion retorted as she got out of bed, “I’m a fan of suspense.” 

__________________________________________________________________________


Just what I needed after a long train ride, Cadence moped internally, Another long train ride.

The constant rattle of the train’s motion was torture to her ears. The rest of the delegation was sleeping, so there was no chance to talk to Crystal or some other random delegate.

Cadance sighed. “I wish there was someone to talk to.”

“Wish granted.”

Cadance jumped, her horn nearly striking the ceiling. “Luna?! You startled me, I didn’t notice myself falling asleep.”

“That is because you didn’t,” Luna replied, smirking.

“Then why are you hear?” Cadance asked, “Did something happen back in Equestria?”

“Oh, nothing so exciting,” Luna answered, as the train began to slow, “We are simply conducting a surprise inspection of the Changeling’s lair.”

Cadance’s eyes widened. “Everything seemed fine when I was there earlier today, has something happened to make Celestia suspicious?”

“We do not need our sister’s permission to conduct a surprise inspection,” Luna remarked, “Knowing her, she’d give them a week’s notice of a surprise inspection.”

The train had slowed to a stop, jarring the sleeping delegation team, and began to move back towards the changeling’s hive.

“Are you sure this is necessary, Luna?” Cadance pleaded, “I think we’re starting to make some progress towards friendship, surprising them now might ruin that.”

“Princess Cadance,” Luna replied, “We are sure they are hiding something. We must do this.”

“If you truly think it’s necessary …”

“What’s going on, princess?” Crystal asked, walking up without her glasses, rubbing her eye.

“We’re heading back to the hive for a surprise inspection.”

Crystal let out a squeak. “Come again?”

“We’re heading back, you don’t have to leave the train this time if you don’t want to,” Cadance consoled.

“None of the delegation team will be forced to enter the hive with me,” Luna spoke to the whole train car, “I shall go on my own if necessary.”

Cadance moved in close, so only Luna could hear her. “Luna, please, let me come with you.”

“I will not ask, but I will accept anypony who wishes to accompany me.”

“Do you have any idea what we’re looking for,” Cadance asked, still whispering.

“Specifically? No,” Luna answered, eyes down, looking concerned, “I felt something troubling, that is all I know.”

“What did you feel?”

“A disturbance in the dream realm, I could not see specifically what it was, but I felt it and it came from the changeling’s lair,” Luna affirmed, her resolve obvious, “This cannot be a coincidence, this exact location being the epicenter of a disturbance.”

“That’s definitely curious, and something I wouldn’t be able to sense even if I was just around the corner from it.” Cadance admitted, pursing her lips, “I just really hope this doesn’t strain our relationship with the changelings, it’s taken so long just to get them to calm down a bit and something like this might set us back to square one.” 

“If there is something truly devious going on,” Luna said, glaring in the direction of the hive, “ We believe the changelings have run out of chances, it is high time somepony put a stop to them for good.”

There’s no way this is going to go well. Cadance thought, frowning.

__________________________________________________________________________


Aaron followed Chrysalis into her chambers.They were dimly lit, like most everything else, and sparsely furnished, having only a bed, a mirror, and an empty desk. 

Chrysalis motioned him to her, rather large and lavish, bed, which he climbed up on and then sat down on.

“”I’m hungry,” Aaron stated, looking at Chrysalis with pleading eyes. His face was flushed and he was still sweating.

This might blow back up in my face, Chrysalis warned herself, deep in thought, But if it succeeds then I’ll have something to supplement the love rations Equestria gives us.

Chrysalis knew that if she was found out that she very well might lose everything. Without the love rations they got now, assuming Equestria didn’t attack, they’d be hard pressed to gather their own since all of her best infiltrators perished in the Canterlot invasion.

On the bright side, if this failed, then she could simply turn over this creature to the Equestrians and they would definitely take him off her hooves. It might even help her gain the ponies trust, and hopefully by extension, larger love energy rations, which she’d need if she ever wanted to restore the hive to its former glory.

And for that she’d need more love energy. Whether those came from Aaron or from the Equestrians, She did not care.

Now, since I’m not going to risk changing into whatever he is, I’ll have to get a bit creative, Chrysalis thought, as she began to weave a weak, but complicated, spell, A spell with too much magic power in it might hurt him and his mind doesn’t seem very strong, so anything too forceful or long lasting might break him.

She was attempting to make a spell that would relax him, and make him more open to sharing his love, but the spell would only work for a short time so she would have to be fast.

“No try to relax, this won’t hurt a bit if I do it right,” Chrysalis told Aaron, touching her horn to his forehead.

His eyes widened, but he didn’t have the reflexes to move away. His eyes glowed a dull green and all expression left his face.

“Alright, now to see how exactly this boy will be useful to me,” Chrysalis said to herself, I must only take a very small amount, since the tiny bit of love energy he exudes naturally was enough to down my drones I should be cautious.

She absorbed his love energy as slowly as possible. It was sweet, incredibly sweet. She stopped after only a couple seconds.

By the hive, that’s definitely what made those drones sick. I could hold many times more than any drone could and even this small bit is affecting me, Chrysalis thought, reeling back from the still entranced Aaron, Should I just give in and let the Equestrians have him? They’d be back here by the end of the week if I sent a letter, though I’d have to buy writing supplies if I wanted to send a letter. Maybe I could get used this foriegn love though. The first time might be overwhelming but I’m sure I could build up some tolerance.

Chrysalis growled in frustration. “You certainly don’t make anything easy, do you boy?” she asked the unresponsive Aaron.

And here I was, hoping for a clear cut answer. Chrysalis sighed. If I give him away, then I’ll be missing out on extra love energy, which I really can’t afford to do at this stage. If I keep him, I’ll have to hide him every time the Equestrians come by. They’ve been coming by less frequently and hardly ever do surprise visits anymore but I’d be taking a significant risk if I--

Her train of thought was interrupted when the door burst open.

__________________________________________________________________________


I’m surprised the queen hasn’t trained new guards, Illusion thought, as Camo and her were trotting through the empty tunnels towards the queen's chambers, There are so few left and all they do is spy on everyone for the queen.

Camo was huffing already, the life of a medical alchemist didn’t involve lot of exercise.

“Illusion,” he started to ask, “Can’t we walk? It’d be much easier if we walked.”

“We don’t have time to walk,” Illusion shot back, “Plus, I think this will help out with my plan”

They trotted in silence for several seconds.

“I know what you’re doing,” Camo said, glaring at Illusion.

“Whatever do you mean?” Illusion asked, glancing back.

“You want me to ask you, so you can brush me off.”

“Ask what?” Illusion asked, sounding confused.

“Ask you what your plan—”

“No time for that, Camo, we have to move fast,” Illusion interjected.

“I really hate you sometimes.”

“You’ll get over it,” Ilusion retorted, looking back to give him a smirk.

All I’m really doing is trying to buy more time, assuming the queen doesn’t just kill us for barging in on her, Illusion thought, biting her lip, What the hell are we going to do if we succeed. It’ll help the kid in the short term but in the long run it might be meaningless.

Illusion accidentally let out a growl.

“What now?” Camo asked, looking concerned.

“Uh—”

“Stop,” a low voice called out, “Where are you two going?”

The pair skidded to a halt and didn’t dare look back. They heard the sound of hooves moving towards them.

“I’ll ask again,” the voice said with a dangerous edge, “Where are you two going?”

“T-to see the Queen,” Camo blurted out.

Illusion’s eyes widened. No one just goes to see the queen! Dammit Camo, you’ve killed us! 

“Oh, have fun then,” a more familiar voice said, “Tell her Mirror said hello.”

They turned to see the Mirror's tail as he was walking back into the chamber he came out of.

“Dammit Mirror, don’t do that, you about gave me a heart attack,” Camo called after him.

“Who was that?”Illusion asked, still getting over her shock.

“Mirror, he’s harmless, one of the queen’s advisors.”

“I thought she killed all her advisors after Canterlot.”

“All save the one who told her not to do it, and after being overruled, convinced her not to send all of her changelings to fight,” Camo replied.

“He’s the reason we didn’t get sent out?”

“The reason we aren’t dead? Yeah. Really nice guy, all things considered.” Camo said, starting to head towards the queen’s chambers.

“Wait, how did I never thank him, not know about him even?” Illusion asked, rushing after Camo.

“I’ll tell you later,” Camo answered, not looking back.

“Ok, it’s only funny when I do it.” Illusion pouted.

“It’s fun for you when you do it, and it’s fun for me when I do it,” Camo retorted, chuckling, “I’ll be sure to fill you in if your plan works and the queen doesn’t kill us.”

“Deal,” Illusion said, racing ahead of Camo, returning to her former pace.

“Ugh, again with the running,” Camo grumbled.

“This is barely a jog!” Illusion called back.

“Not all of us have the time to exercise every day, Illusion.”

“You have time to sleep in, though,” she shot back.

“I only sleep so long because I work really hard.”

“Oh I believe you, you do work hard,” Ilusion said, “As for getting a lot done …”

“Shove it, little miss niche expert,” Camo countered.

Illusion just giggled in reply.

“Are we getting close?”

Illusion skidded to a stop. “I think we might have passed it,” she answered sheepishly.

Camo sighed and turned around. “It’s not the blind leading the blind, so much as it is the stupid leading the deaf.”

“Oh come on! you’re barely deaf,” Illusion said, bumping him with her hip as she passed him, “And I’m not stupid, you just were distracting me.”

They stood in front of the queen’s door. It was one of three actual doorways in the hive. The other two being large gates at the surface to keep out intruders.

“So, are you going to knock?” Camo asked.

“That’s actually your part in my plan.”

“Ha, ha, how about no!” Camo retorted.

“This will go a lot smoother if you just knock,” Illusion replied, her face looking unamused.

Camo sighed. “Fine, but you’re going in first.”

Illusion didn’t reply. Camo inched towards the door. He slowly reached his hoof up to the door, until he felt two of Illusion’s hooves on his backside as she pushed him forwards, making him burst through the door.
__________________________________________________________________________

I wonder why Princess Luna decided to do a surprise inspection, Crystal thought, unable to go back to sleep, Did Princess Celestia order it, or is this just random?

The train was close to the hive.

The changelings will probably see the train coming and warn their queen, they’ll have plenty of time to cover up anything wrong they were doing.

The train began to slow.

Wait, we haven’t reached the hive yet, why are we slowing down?

“Alright,” Princess Luna announced to the delegation team, “Anypony who’s coming needs to stand close to me, we are all going to teleport from here.”

That explains the surprise part, but Princess Cadance was pretty tired after teleporting all of us a much shorter distance, is Princess Luna relying on a lot less of us going?

Only Cadance stepped towards Luna, Crystal and the rest of the delegation team watched quietly from the other side from the train car.

“Are you sure you all will be alright by yourselves?” Cadance asked, looking concerned.

“We’ll be fine, princess,” Crystal answered quietly, “Too many ponies going along might get in your way, right?”

“Let us not waste any time then,” Luna stated, Cadance and herself out of the train car.

I hope they’ll be alright. Crystal thought, looking at the empty space where they used to be.

__________________________________________________________________________

A drone rolled through the door, and another ran in close behind.

The two drones from the medical ward, Chrysalis thought, glaring at the interruption, Carrot and Intrusion, I think.

“My queen,” the female drone said quickly, “We have overlooked something important about the creature that needs to be addressed as soon as possible.”

Chrysalis rolled her eyes. “This better be important, otherwise I’m going to kill you and your friend.”

Illusion gulped. “The creature has been here quite a while,” Illusion began, “And he hasn’t eaten anything. He might be starving.”

Chrysalis pursed her lips and breathed slowly out her nose before glancing over at Aaron. Her spell had just wore off. “Aaron, are you hungry?”

He still looked dazed, but still heard the question and nodded vigorously.

“Seems you were right, drone,” Chrysalis replied to Illusion and Camo, a slight smile on her face, before turning back to Aaron, “What would you like to eat?”

“Pancakes.”

The amused disappeared from Chrysalis’s face. “Pancakes,” she repeated, That spell certainly wore off quick, I suppose that was the goal, great job me, “Anything else?”

Aaron pondered for a moment. “Milk.”

Ok, pancakes was a stretch, but how in tartarus would we have milk for him? He’s the only one of his species here. Chrysalis turned to the drone probably named Carrot, since he was an alchemist and they kept all the ingredients they had, for cooking or otherwise, in the same place “Can we do that?”

“The pancakes, sure, but I doubt we have whatever milk he’s referring to,” Camo answered, “We might use cow and hope he just accepts it.”

“No,” Chrysalis said simply before turning to Aaron, “we don’t have milk, you’ll have water.”

Aaron sighed. “Ok,” he replied, his head drooping.

Chrysalis turned back to Camo and Illusion, “Have the cook prepare them as fast as possible.”

“Um, my queen, the cook is dead.”

Fucking Canterlot, Chrysalis sighed internally. “The you both better have them ready before we get down there.”

Illusion squeaked and began to rush towards the door

Camo groaned. “Not more running,” he said before Illusion turned back and grabbed him by the tail and dragged him out.

Aaron had already gotten off the bed.

Chrysalis chuckled. “I planned on giving them a couple minutes, but if you want to leave now.”

They both left the room, going a rather slow pace. The sound of Camo and Illusion’s running hooves quickly faded. 

Aaron was walking in front of Chrysalis.

“Do you know where you’re going?” Chrysalis asked, raising an eyebrow.

“No, but I don’t want Camo and his friend to hurry, they might mess up my pancakes.”

“Alright then,” Chrysalis replied, I wonder if they even know how to make pancakes, I can’t think of where they would’ve learned. Should I punish them if they mess up? It’s not really fair, but then again life isn’t either. Chrysalis’s eyes widened, I don’t even know how to make pancakes, and if the cook is dead then who would?

 

> Chapter 6
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

A typical changeling can survive entirely on emotional energy and water. While they do possess a digestive tract, it is incredibly weak and has trouble with all but the most easily digestible food, anything other than that could result in anything from minor cramping to explosive diarrhea, depending on the changeling’s constitution.” --Excerpt from the dietary habits chapter in On Changelings by Musty Tome.

___________________________________________________________________________


Chrysalis got tired of following Aaron as he wandered randomly through the tunnels rather quickly and grabbed him after about seven minutes.

If the drones haven’t gathered the ingredients and at least make an attempt at pancakes by now then they deserve what they get, Chrysalis thought, pulling Aaron along beside her, his hand held in her magic, Then again, they probably don’t even know the ingredients to pancakes, even I only have a vague idea of what they are.

“Do you think they’ll make good pancakes?” Aaron asked, sounding concerned.

No. “Maybe,” Chrysalis replied, not bothering to look back at him, “What if they don’t?”

Aaron smiled. “I’ll have to show them how so they can try again.”

“You can make pancakes?” Chrysalis asked, raising an eyebrow.

Aaron nodded his head. “They’re easy.”

“I can’t believe your mo—” Chrysalis managed to stop herself, Not today, any subject but the mom I don’t want another crying episode, “—ths, moths, do you know what those are?"

Aaron tilted his head. “Um, they’re bugs right?”

“Correct, I just wanted to make clear that, though changeling’s have some bug-like characteristics, we are nothing like moths.”

“Ok …”

“Glad we got that out of the way. Now, was there anything else you might want to drink instead of water?” Chrysalis asked, trying to change the subject. “We don’t have milk but we might have something else.”

Aaron pondered for a moment. “What time is it?” he asked.

“Exactly? No idea,” Chrysalis responded, “I do believe it is a bit later in the day though, maybe even night. Why?”

“I wanted to know if it was breakfast time or dinner time.”

“Well, it’s closer to dinner.”

“Yes!” Aaron exclaimed excitedly, “I’m getting pancakes.”

“What are you going on about now?”

“Breakfast for dinner is awesome.”

“I’ll take your word for it,” Chrysalis deadpanned.

“Why?” Aaron asked, looking perplexed.

“Changeling’s don’t eat breakfast.”

Aaron gasped. “What? Why?” he asked, sounding shocked, before getting excited and running in front of her, “Do you need me to make you some?”

“I’ll be fine,” Chrysalis answered, trying to calm him down, “Let’s worry about you for now.”

“Ok,” Aaron replied, his head drooping, letting Chrysalis get back in front.

Oh, he looks so sad, but there’s no way in Tartarus that I’m letting him near the our stove, Chrysalis thought, Wait, we don’t even have a stove, the equestrians took it since we used it to make poisons.

“Cheer up, your pancakes will probably be interesting.”

“Why?” 

Because the ones making them don’t have a way to cook them, probably don’t know how to make them, and most likely don’t know all the ingredients, Chrysalis rattled off internally, I really should have thought this through more before I sent them off, they’re going to make a mess and might have to kill them for it. I’m running out of drones, why do they keep messing up and making me kill them?

“I just have a feeling,” Chrysalis said finally.

“It’s ok, I’ll just show them how if they mess up too bad.”

“We’ll see.” Maybe they tried cooking with magic, they just got fed so they have the fuel to do it, Chrysalis pursed her lips, If they had that kind of control then that would be quite impressive. I’d have to consider training that drone further to refine their skills even more. I’ll definitely need skilled changelings to train any future guards, when I get the equestrians off my back, that is.

“Do you have lunch, or dinner?” Aaron asked.

“We do not have either.” Wait a second, we don’t even have a dining hall. Where are they going to serve Aaron food? We don’t eat so we don’t have an eating area. By the hive this whole situation is falling apart. Chrysalis thought frantically, Where did those drones even go? We had a kitchen, but that was mostly used for alchemy so the ponies took everything after we signed the treaty. All the ingredients we have are kept near the medical ward. So they had to’ve gone there. 

“Ah, M-my queen, we are in here.” The male drone called out to them from behind.

How curious. “Have you completed Aaron’s pancakes?” Chrysalis asked, eyebrow raised.

“Forgive my my queen,” Camo replied, bowing his head, “but they will be a couple more minutes.”

Chrysalis scoffed as she made her way over. “I guess this is the kind of work I should expect at this point.” There’s no way they managed something passable.

The room was empty save a table and a stepping stool, assumedly for Aaron to sit on.

“I don’t know where those pancakes are coming from, but your time is running out.” Chrysalis stared at the nervous pair of changelings while Aaron went to sit down.

“Not to worry, my queen, I’ve got the boy’s pancakes right here.”

Oh no, not him! Chrysalis thought, not wanting to turn around and look back.

Mirror walked in the room, balancing a plate of pancakes on his back. He zipped to the table and set the plate down in front of the stool before turning to Aaron and patting the stool. “Come along then, these pancakes won’t eat themselves,” Mirror said, a happy smile on his face.

Aaron slowly walked over, eyeing Mirror, and sat down in front the pancakes.

“Where’s the syrup?” Aaron asked.

Mirror’s eyebrow raised. “Well, well, watch and amazed,” he began, “Look right.” Aaron did as Mirror requested. “Good, now look left.” Aaron complied in regards to this request as well. “Perfect, now did you see any syrup?”

Aaron shook his head.

“That’s because there’s none,” Mirror said with a grin on his face, “You’ll have to eat these plain.” 

“Pancakes without syrup?” Aaron exclaimed, “Ahh.”

“Just try it, I think it turned out quite satisfactory,” Mirror replied, rolling his eyes, “ It will definitely be delectable.”

Aaron looked helplessly at Chrysalis, probably not understanding some of the words Mirror was using.

“Just eat it,” Chrysalis said, trying to ignore Mirror’s self-satisfaction.

Aaron relents looks for silverware. “Where’s my fork?”

“Does this look like Canterlot?” Mirror replied quickly, glancing at Chrysalis, “It’s probably a good thing it isn’t, that’s a tough place to get into without a reservation.”

Aaron looked unsure. He was fighting the years of manners drilled into his head by his parent, telling him to never eat something like pancakes with his fingers.

“Ok,” Aaron said finally, before ripping off a piece and lifting it to his mouth.

Mirror looked excited, Chrysalis annoyed, and Camo and Illusion looked quite tense.

Aaron slowly put the piece in his mouth and began to chew. “It’s good!” Aaron exclaimed.

Everyone let out a collective sigh of relief.

“Yeah,” Camo chuckled nervously, “Maybe not what mom used make—”

Chrysalis let out a combination of a gasp and a gag. Aaron’s eyes widened and he stared down at the plate, mumbling something inaudible. Tears began welling up in his eyes.

Dammit all! Chrysalis screamed internally, charging a sound blocking spell.

The room flooded with magic and a bright flash erupted by the table.

Two Alicorns stood, freshly teleported, and looked around the room.

The flash and influx of magic disrupted Chrysalis's spell.

There was a thud as Aaron collapsed to the floor.

Luna’s eyes shot toward the sound. “I knew there was something going on here,” she announced, her gaze turning  to Chrysalis.

“”Chrysalis,” Cadance looked uncertain, “What is that thing?”

Chrysalis stood, mouth agape, for several seconds. Everything had fallen apart in an instant. 

“I—I don’t know exactly,” Chrysalis said truthfully, “I …”

No one spoke for several moments.

“How long have you been hiding this creature, Queen Chrysalis?” Luna asked, her voice low.

“Less than the amount of time you spend sleeping and lazing around,” Chrysalis shot back, teeth bared.

“I do not laze around!” Luna yelled, “And you have broken the treaty—”

“My queen, Aaron is burning up again,” Camo reported nervously, he had moved to check Aaron as soon as he fell, “Far worse than before.”

“I believe you broke the treaty first, actually,” Mirror interrupted, meeting Luna’s glare, “The creature, Aaron, is under our care, and you assaulted him.”

“We did no such thing!” Luna denied, flaring her wings and facing Mirror.

“Ah, but you did,” Mirror replied with a small smile, “ Poor Aaron is very susceptible to magic of any kind, and you just flooded the room with your magical energy when you teleported in. Why do you think he collapsed as soon as you came?”

“You lie,” Luna growled.

“I do not, and I’ll prove it to you,” Mirror responded, turning to Camo and Illusion, who were pressed against the wall, trying to go unnoticed, “Camo, quick, we need another magic suppressor.”

Camo gulped. “I can’t make anymore, we’re out of ingredients.” 

Mirror’s eyes widened. “Shit.”

Cadance stepped forward. “If what you say is true, then I’ll just use a spell to get rid of the magic that’s hurting him.”

“That won’t work,” Chrysalis said through clenched teeth. “Your spells get rid of bad magic by pushing it out with good magic, since all magic hurts Aaron, you would be doing more harm than good.”

“Then we will take him to the nearest hospital, they should have the proper supplies to aid the creature there,” Luna announced, “and we’ll discuss your treaty-breaking after the creature is stable.”

“That won’t work either,” Mirror interjected. “Teleporting would probably kill him, and I don’t know if he’d last long enough to be carried all the way to the nearest hospital.”

“Then, pray tell, what course of action do you suggest?”

“I don’t know,” Mirror replied, his head hanging.

“I do,” Chrysalis said, stepping towards Aaron, “Feeding on him drains magic from him.”

“My queen,” Mirror interjected, “Physical contact alone is enough to make a changeling sick, we have no idea what feeding upon him might do.”

“I have tested it already,” Chrysalis replied, glaring at Mirror “I can take it.”

“You lie, my queen, I can see it in your eyes.”

“Silence, I can feed on him a little, I haven’t tried feeding a lot from him.”

“What happened when you tried feeding from him before?” Luna asked, a serious tone in her voice.

“I was overwhelmed,” Chrysalis answered, cringing a bit, “Given time I could get used to it, but at this point, I can only take a little at a time.”

“He needs a bit more than a little, my queen,” Mirror argued through clenched teeth. “You should not needlessly harm yourself.”

Illusion stepped forward tentatively. “I could also try feeding on Aaron a bit.”

“Step back drone,” Chrysalis commanded, “You could not handle such a feeding session.”

“My queen, I have already gotten sick from physical contact with Aaron, I might have built up some immunity to magical overdosing.”

“You might have, I already know I can handle feeding upon him.”

Illusion was about to argue, but Cadance spoke first. “Wait a second, what if Chrysalis takes what she can from Aaron, and then I purge that from her system with my spell?”

“The energy I get from Aaron would be too difficult to remove, by the time you flooded it out with your spell, I’d be too full to take more of Aaron’s energy.”

Realization dawned in Luna’s eyes. “Yes, but you could transfer that to your drones, then you’d have room to feed off Aaron again.”

Chrysalis’s brow furrowed. “That might work, the only problem with that plan is that Cadance thought of it.”

“This is no time for jokes, we must make haste before the creature dies.”

Chrysalis grabbed Aaron by the back of his collar with her teeth and propped him up on the stool he had been sitting on.

“Oh, this is going to be unpleasant,” Chrysalis muttered before touching her horn to Aaron’s head. A small bit of sickly yellow energy came from Aaron and was absorbed by Chrysalis.

Luna curled her lip back. “That didn’t look pleasant.”

Chrysalis shook off the taste of the energy. “It isn’t actually bad, it’s just far too sweet.”

“How unfortunate, I had hoped it would be worse for you,” Luna replied.

Chrysalis’s eyes narrowed, but she held back a retort.

“How can something be too sweet?” Cadance asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Imagine one of those cupcakes the element of laughter makes.”

“Well those aren’t that—”

“And multiply that sweetness by a factor of fifty.”

Both Luna and Cadance winced. “I’m sorry I asked,” Cadance replied, “How are you faring?”

Chrysalis shook herself off. “I’m not too sure, I’ll tell you how I’m faring after this round.”

She touched her horn to Aaron’s forehead again and took in more energy. She cringed and stumbled back. Cadance rushed over and started to purging Chrysalis’s system of the strange magic energy.

“Are you doing alright Queen Chrysalis?” Cadence asked, putting her hoof on Chrysalis’s shoulder.

“You know, it’s funny,” Chrysalis said, looking dazed, “The plan you thought of involves causing me a lot of discomfort. Maybe not as much as being sent to those crystal caves I sent you to, but I had thought we were even for that since you literally blasted me out of Canterlot, apparently not.”

“This is the only plan that would work,” Luna interjected, “The side effects were simply a happy accident.”

“Luna!” Cadance berated, shooting her a glance.

“Drone, come closer, I must transfer this energy to you.”

Illusion and Camo looked at each other and back to their queen. “Which one of us?” Illusion asked.

“Uh,” Chrysalis’s brow furrowed, “Camel, you first.”

Camo’s jaw dropped a bit. “I—fine,” he replied, heading over to Chrysalis.

A green energy flowed from Chrysalis’s horn to Camo’s. After several seconds Camo started to levitate and his eyes began to glow. 

Chrysalis quickly cut off the spell. “Dammit,” she muttered, “He doesn’t have the magical capacity to hold my power! That was barely more than half!”

Illusion stepped forward. “Camo, start using your magic as fast as you can,” she directed, “ I can take it from where he left off, my queen.”

Camo started levitating the table. “Stop,” Mirror interrupted, “Do that outside of this room, Camo, since using magic so close to Aaron might affect him.”

“Then we should probably move a bit further away the next time we purge magic from your system Chrysalis.” Cadance suggested.

“I think you just want to laugh at me while I try walking in that state!” Chrysalis shot back.

“You must still be feeling the effects of Aaron’s magic if you insist on being so paranoid,” Cadance retorted.

“Oh, calm down,” Chrysalis said, rolling her eyes, “I’m only trying to lighten the mood with some jokes.”

“Sub-par jokes,” Luna muttered under her breath.

“Sub-par? Like your volume control?” Chrysalis retorted.

“What was that? I didn’t quite catch what you said?” Luna said, gritting her teeth.

“Probably because you gone deaf from your own yelling.”

A loud bang erupted as Cadance stomped her hoof, cracking the floor. “Enough of your bickering, you can go at it after there isn’t a life in danger.”

Both Luna and Chrysalis grumbled an apology.

“You’ll be paying for the repair cost to repair the cracks you made in my floor, though.”

Cadance only sighed in reply.

Cadance and the group repeated the drain-and-purge process on Aaron several more times, until Cadance ran out of energy to fully purge Chrysalis. 

Panting, Cadance looked over to Luna. “Care to take over for me?”

“One of us has to stay at full power in case Queen Chrysalis betrays us.”

“ I go along with your stupid plan and you still don’t trust me? I’m probably going to develop bulimia because of this!”

“I do not,” Luna replied, glaring at Chrysalis.

“Princess Luna, please,” Mirror begged, “Aaron is not yet in the clear! Your teleporting in here really did a number on him! I’m quite honestly surprised that he isn’t dead.”

“I’ll not be swayed by your guilt tripping, drone,” Luna shot back, “If the changeling race wasn’t so treacherous, then we would not be in this situation.”

“I’ll admit that I’ve made mistakes, Luna,” Chrysalis said, “But if you could stop punish Aaron for them, that’d be great.”

Luna growled. “By now I think his condition is stable enough for us to transport him to an Equestrian alchemist.”

“Illusion,” Mirror said, “You’re the resident expert on exotic species, what are his chances if the princess tries to move him?”

“Uh—I,” Illusion stammered, her eyes widening, “Well, this is the worst case of magic poisoning I’ve seen him suffer from. He’s got an even worse fever than when we found him. I could make estimations on his condition based on primates near his size but—”

“I think the princess gets the point,” Mirror interrupted.

“Luna, this isn’t the time for paranoia,” Cadance advised, “You of all ponies should know the about the need for a little trust and forgiveness when you’re a former enemy.”

Luna flinched. “I assumed my sister would have told you to never bring that up.”

“She did,” Cadance answered, “But you don’t strike me as a pony that needs to be coddled.”

Chrysalis bite back all of the comments she would have loved to make at that moment, Luna’s paranoia, while not baseless, was unnecessary. Any small victory Chrysalis could get here if she took out two of the princesses wouldn’t go over well in the long run. The changeling race was too small at the moment to survive without the love energy rations Equestria provided while security against changeling infiltrations was so high everywhere.

“We—I will concede this time,” Luna replied, her eyes not meeting Cadance’s at first, “Thank you for your wisdom, my niece, I was blinded by my anger.”

“Everyone has emotions, Aunty, but how you deal with them is how one can identify the wise and experienced apart from the young and foolhardy. Now let’s save, Aaron.”

Luna took over for Cadance and finished purging Chrysalis. The process was continually repeated, until Aaron was no longer showing any signs of a fever, leaving Luna looking exhausted and Chrysalis looking a little sickly.

“By the hive,” Chrysalis groaned, “That certainly took a while.”

“Indeed,” Luna replied, “Let’s not do it again anytime soon, if at all.”

“So long as you stop teleporting without any consideration for others,” Chrysalis shot back, “Speaking of which, you can leave whenever.”

“I think you’re forgetting the matter of you violating the terms of the treaty.” Luna said, her brow furrowing.

“If I may interject,” Mirror interjected, “We were simply looking after Aaron’s safety. Since he is so sensitive to magic, we thought it best we keep him away from you ponies for the time being until we could get his condition under control.”

“I—well, you could have told Cadance about him when she was here,” Luna argued, “So you were still hiding him from us.”

“Consider our position,” Mirror pleaded, “We were uncertain about his condition and didn’t know what the presence of an alicorn, which need I remind you heavily radiates magic even when not utilizing it  might do. If we had told Cadance about him, would she have listened to us if we asked her not to see him?”

This damn smooth-talking liar, Chrysalis thought, watching silently as their argument unfolded, By the hive, if he tries to hold this over me, I may actually kill him this time.

“Luna,” Cadance interjected, “That’s actually a fair point, if they had told me they had a never before seen creature in their hive, but that I couldn’t see it, I would have probably ignored their reasons and gone to see it.”

“I see what you mean, there is still the matter of the disturbance I felt in the dream realm. I am certain it was this creature, it was definitely in some kind of distress. How can we be certain it wasn’t something the changelings were doing?”

“We’ve been doing nothing but try to help Aaron during what must surely be a strange and frightening time, and figure out what he is since we found him,” Mirror answered honestly.

“He had been crawling through the pitch-black tunnels for an unknown amount of time before we found him,” Chrysalis offered, “He passed out as soon as we found him and seemed to be pretty distressed, at least as far as I could detect, perhaps that was the disturbance you felt?”

“This is all too convenient,” Luna growled, “They must be lying about something.”

“Maybe,” Cadance consoled, “It doesn’t matter though, we can deal with it after we get Aaron to Canterlot and figure out what to do with him.”

“Excuse me? I think I heard you wrong.” Chrysalis snarled, “I didn’t just go through all this so you could take him away.”

“I’m sure if you think about it, you’ll realize that he’d be much better off with us,” Cadance argued, “Plus, he’ll be out of your hair and you can go back to ruling your changelings.”

“I found him, he is mine,” Chrysalis said, glaring.

Luna stepped between Cadance and Chrysalis. “Why are you so adamant on this Queen Chrysalis? You have enough to deal with without taking care of a one of a kind creature.”

“Mine,” Chrysalis answered simply, her eyes slightly out of focus.

“If I may,” Mirror said, getting Cadance’s and Luna’s attention, “We don’t know how feeding off of Aaron might have affected Queen Chrysalis, and since changelings are normally protective of food sources, she may be feeling an abnormal amount of possessiveness towards Aaron. If you both could, perhaps, come back in a week or two—”

Luna snorted. “I think we shall pass on that, it would serve the creature better to be in Equestrian care, no offense to your hive, but I can’t imagine you can match the quality of care we can. You can’t even stock enough ingredients for potions to keep his magic levels under control”

“Funny thing that, ingredient collecting has slowed down since we’re a bit understaffed,” Mirror replied, waving his hoof, “On account of most of us being killed, or did you miss that detail while you slept?”

I hope Luna isn’t making a mistake trying to intimidate the changelings into handing over  the creature peacefully, Cadance thought, hiding her nervousness while she watched the scene unfold.

Camo and Illusion stood silently in the entrance of the room, where they had been waiting since everyone finally, working together, got Aaron’s magic levels down. Both had narrowed eyes trained on Princess Luna. 

Something snapped in Camo, he’d worked too hard dealing with Aaron to take the thinly veiled insults Luna was tossing at them.

“Who do you think you are?” Camo growled, “You don’t know anything about him and yet you’re here trying to lecture us on what’s best for him?”

Luna turned to the angry changeling, unaffected by his aggression. “We are simply stating facts, and it has been established that none of us know anything about the creature,” Luna replied, looking down her nose at Camo, “So we are equal in that regard.”

“Maybe none of you don’t know anything about him, but I do.” Camo shot back, stepping forward, “For one, I know his name is Aaron, not the creature, and that he’s a scared youngling who doesn’t know where in Tartarus he is. He—”

“Enough, drone,” Chrysalis interrupted, looking much more coherent than she did before, “I may be willing to negotiate, shared time is out of the question, of course, all the traveling wouldn’t be good for him, however, we could be persuaded to accept your support for his care here by way of ingredients to magic suppressor potions and general funds.”

“Ha, finally, a good joke,” Luna retorted, “We will consider reimbursing the alchemic stocks you used in his care after we take him, and no more.” 

“You will provide ingredients and funds to aid in his care and I will allow you to keep single pony here to watch over his care and report back to you.”

Luna smirked. “I might consider that,” Luna started before breaking out into chuckles, “If the pony in question is Twilight Sparkle.”

“I’ll die before I let that annoying, question machine into my hive.”

Cadance moved to Luna’s side and whispered in her ear.

Luna sighed. “Alright, final offer,” Luna said while glancing back at Cadance, “Aaron stays in a location between this hive and Canterlot and will be cared for by qualified Equestrians, but he can be accompanied by some changelings of your choice.”

Chrysalis pursed her lips. “Where is this location, and who might these ‘qualified Equestrians’ be?”

Luna glanced back at Cadance, who answered, “Ponyville, and we were thinking of asking the Element of Kindness to look after him.”

“Ponyville is a lot closer to Canterlot than it is to this hive.”

Cadance stood firm. “It is the best option we have right now.”

Chrysalis sighed. “I don’t suppose I can waste this chance. Drone, erm, Illustration, you and a partner of your choice will see to Aaron’s care, along with Mirror.”

“Excuse me?” Mirror blurted out.

“Come closer, Mirror,” Chrysalis said, beckoning to him.

Once he was at her side she pulled him in and spoke in a low voice. “I need you to go with them and send letters back. Partially to report Aaron’s condition to me, but more importantly, I need you to make contact with the one called Twilight Sparkle.”

“May I ask why?” Mirror whispered, looking confused.

“You have a natural affinity for being annoying and I wouldn’t wish your company on anyone, but the purple pony has done more than enough to warrant such torture.” Chrysalis replied, chuckling.

“You’re kidding …”

“Do what you do best, in any manner you see fit, and write about it in detail.”

Mirror’s hoof met his forehead and sighed. “You’re quite silly when you’re not murderous.”

“I don’t remember asking for you opinion,” Chrysalis replied, her eyes narrowing.

“Should we be worried about what she told her drone to do?” Cadance whispered to Luna.

“Nay, it will be most enjoyable to see which race prevail when their brightest minds clash.”

“What?”

“I used a spell to hear what Chrysalis said, it is nothing harmful, trust me,” Luna reassured.

“Why are you using spells so close to Aaron?” Cadance whispered.

“I—er, horseapples.”