Thorax discovers why Queen Chrysalis allowed his defection.
Chrysalis, Tirek, and Cozy Glow were now statues but not every creature is happy. Refusing to join Equestria's Celebration, Thorax and the swarm heads home. However, the day holds one final surprise for Thorax.
Alternative end to the episode The Ending of The End.
As Tirek, Cozy Glow, and Queen Chrysalis were encased in stone every creature cheered. However, Thorax found nothing to celebrate this day. While having helped usher an era of peace, they had to imprison Chrysalis to do so.
Looking at the statues below, he felt a twinge of sorrow. Snapped from his musings, Thorax noticed Pharynx had approached him. As their eyes met, Thorax could see his brother might be experiencing similar feelings. Spreading their wings they shot into the air.
Thorax and his brother landed behind Twilight and her friends with the swarm landing behind them. As the group began conversing amongst themselves Thorax went to examine the statues. A multitude of emotions erupted in his mind but none became vocal.
After a moment to gather his thoughts, Thorax returned to the group only to be greeted by Celestia. Understanding how they may feel Celestia bade them farewell. After flying a distance from Ponyville, Pharynx flew beside his brother. Asking if they should've accepted Celestia's invitation instead of heading home.
Without diverting his attention Thorax told him how attending would've been awkward for everyone. As if sensing the oncoming discussion, the entire swarm stopped moments after the brothers. "Unless you've reinitialized the hive mind you don't know how everybody feels. Perhaps some of us wanted to attend," Pharynx suggested.
Admittingly Thorax had decided to leave based on his feelings. Taking Pharynx's concern into consideration he addressed the swarm. Although proven right, Thorax wished he'd be mistaken. Noticing the defeated posture Pharynx had assumed, Thorax fluttered closer.
"I realize we should be celebrating but it wouldn't be right. Chrysalis was evil and vindictive but she was our mother. Celestia knows the loss of a parent, regardless of their morel alignment, will always affect their children. Perhaps one day we'll be able to join in their merriment but not right now..."
With a weak smile, Pharynx nodded before they continued home. After several hours of flying, the changelings reached the outskirts of The Badlands. Instead of being glad a rush of worry washed over Thorax. He didn't understand why or what was causing the feeling. All he knew was something felt wrong, not world-ending, but still substantially off.
Thorax attempted to shoo away such unpleasant feelings but to no avail. In fact, the sensation seemed to grow as they neared their hive. Unable to stand the feeling any longer, Thorax inconspicuously got Pharynx's attention. While not understanding the situation entirely he agreed to cover Thorax's absence if the need should arise.
With a word of gratitude Thorax shrunk to the size of a fly before departing. Once they were out of sight he turned into a native bird to the desert. He roamed the desert for what felt like hours with little more than a "ping" guiding his path. Starting to feel a little parched he ducked into a nearby cave.
Thankful the chosen cave wasn't shallow which offered a cool place to rest and condensation to gather. Choosing the smoothest surface available Thorax laid down. A green glow soon lit the cave as magic gathered in his horn. Before the magic could be utilized however a hauntingly familiar voice echoed further inward.
Leaping to his feet he converted what magic gathered into an illumination spell. Extending the light radius to its max, Thorax cautiously explored the cave. Echos of hooves and water droplets verberated off the walls. He stopped several times to confirm he was alone.
It's only my imagination he'd thought before turning around. "Don't go, we have much to discuss," the dreaded voice called out. There was no mistake this time Chrysalis was here. Without thinking, he turned and ran for help. On more than one occasion he nearly slammed into the wall due to the slick floor.
Only after reentering the sunlight did he feel a sliver of relief. Not having to worry about colliding with anything he glanced over his shoulder. Overjoyed at having escaped the former queen Thorax ran harder. After a mile or two a thought crossed his mind. The insidious implication of it caused him to stop in his tracks.
Since his birth, Thorax had never known Chrysalis to back down. Her absence meant that she was either baiting him to return or tailing him. After several minutes of jumping at shadows and whips of wind, Thorax had enough. Once properly psyched, Thorax returned to the cave entrance.
With an audible gulp, he marched in to meet Chrysalis. The former queen politely asked him to sit across from her and listen. With a safe distance between them, Thorax sat and waited for Chrysalis to explain herself. "I was wondering if you'd muster enough courage to face me alone," she replied. Unable to contain his hate and frustration, Thorax began to shout at her.
However, Thorax became more perplexed as each insult filled the cave. Instead of becoming angry, or showing any emotion, Chrysalis took each one in stride. Realizing the futility of this, Thorax cast one final insult. As the cave fell silent Chrysalis got to her hooves, "Are you done?"
Without waiting for an answer she levitated a small object and tossed it to him. Snatching it from the air Thorax realized it was a canteen. "I figured you might be thirst, especially after that tirade." With a disgruntled grunt his gaze shifting from the canteen to Chrysalis.
"Do you expect me to drink this? How do I know it's not poisoned," Thorax growled. A muffled blump echoed as the canteen hit the cave wall. Paying no mind to his petty defiance Chrysalis continued to stroll closer. Walking into the artificial light, Thorax noticed how exhausted she looked.
"We saw you get turned to stone, how is it possible that you're here?" Thorax asked. Smiling, Chrysalis revealed the creature he saw was a log transfigured to be her double*. Not wanting to get sidetracked by a long explanation Chrysalis flared out her wings.
Following suit Thorax assumed an attack position as well. "Oh, do you believe yourself capable of defeating me single-hoofed?" Her eyes took on an eerie green glow while a deep hiss cut through the silence.
A forked tongue slipped past her parted lips to shake violently at him. Vanishing before he could react Chrysalis reappeared on his back. Screams, akin to live-skinned animals, filled the cave as her fangs pierced his neck. Bucking and thrashing, Thorax attempted to throw her off.
After slamming Chrysalis repeatedly against the rocky wall Thorax was finally free from her grip. Unfortunately, his vision began to blur while his limbs felt heavy. "Wh... What have you done?!" Thorax demanded before passing out. Smiling at the still form of Thorax, Chrysalis limped away. Levitating the discarded canteen she opened the lid and took a drink.
An hour passed before Thorax regained consciousness. "Welcome back," Chrysalis greeted. A surge of pain caused him to clutched his head. "Don't worry that'll soon pass," she added. Through clenched teeth, he asked what had happened. Chrysalis revealed how the enzymes injected into his neck were reconnecting him to the hivemind.
Before another wave of pain washed over him, Thorax demanded why she'd do that. With a grin, she conveyed the importance of being able to communicate with one's hive. Thorax, confused by her choice of words, silently stared at Chrysalis. "Are you... giving up on revenge?" Thorax fumbled.
"You poor simpleton, it was never about our conflict, winners, or losers. This entire scenario was about the survival of our race," Chrysalis declared.
"Survival of our race? How does turning the entire world against changelings beneficial in any way!? You are a psychopath spurred on by illusions of greatness! Your twisted mind rationalizes each atrocity while ruined settlements lie in your wake! You're a plague to everything you encounter!" Thorax bellowed.
With a grin, Chrysalis slowly approaching. "I don't deny my methods are forceful but I'll choose fighting over extinction any day." Although tempted Thorax didn't react when her tail swatted his face as she passed. Circling around she stopped to whisper in his ear. "Your anger is surpassed only by ignorance."
"Do you truly believe I forced my will on the swarm every second of every day?" Leaving Thorax to think she returned to her position across from him.
"Are you saying every changeling willing participated in your genocidal rampage?! I don't believe you!" Thorax roared.
"The truth doesn't care what you believe, However, if you require a second opinion use the hivemind. Oh, wait you've never been able to utilize that before," Chrysalis mocked. Narrowing his eyes, Thorax asked why his mind was intentionally disconnected.
A sudden seriousness within Chrysalis' eyes caught him off guard as the air seemed to thicken. "Your disconnection was part of a gambit to ensure our survival. We needed a candidate that wasn't polluted by the past." With a deadpanned look from Thorax, Chrysalis revealed she had no alternative.
Although slowly getting used to the pain Thorax instinctively gripped his head. "Let's say for a moment you are telling the truth. How do I use the hivemind?" Thorax growled. With the same serious tone, Chrysalis told him to concentrate and the hivemind would act accordingly. Although it sounded ludicrous he took a deep breath, closed his eyes, and focused.
While not instantly working he did notice the pain in his head easing up. Several minutes passed as Thorax discovered how to control his newly-gifted ability. Judging by the sudden horror on his face, Chrysalis guessed he found "the past" she'd denied him until now.
As his expression turned darker Chrysalis wondered if ignorance would've been better. He could easily acquire the necessary abilities without knowing the truth. Would it even matter if the past remained buried? Her thoughts were interrupted as a sniffle reached her ears. With a tear rolling down his cheek Thorax asked why she didn't just tell him.
"I offered a drink, isn't that the usual way to start a conversation? Now knowing the truth do you honestly believe you could've befriended the equine as easily as you did?" After an extended pause, Thorax gave an uncertain maybe. "I'm not saying it would've been impossible but the less you knew the greater the chance of success."
"Even if they imprisoned you their forgiving nature would've led to your release eventually." Chrysalis finished.
"I see... You were banking on us turning against you. What I don't understand is why you'd place such a hefty hope on such a slim chance." Thorax replied. The sadness in Chrysalis' voice caught him off guard.
"Hope is usually a risk, a gamble against the world that things will turn out alright," Chrysalis replied as her ears drooped down.
Not wanting to prolong such a painful moment, Chrysalis directed his attention to the last ability he needed to acquire. At the mention of laying eggs, Thorax mentioned he was a male. With a soft chuckle, Chrysalis explained how a changeling's desired gender had no bearing on their reproductive cycle.
Since love is their primary nourishment they didn't have a stomach, large, or small intestine. Instead, those areas housed a large sack containing eggs. A small tube connected the egg sack to a slit in their chest. Standing on her hind legs, Chrysalis showed him by retracted the carapace covering the lower portion of her chest.
Much like any conversation pertaining to the birds and the bees. Thorax stared at Chrysalis as an awkward silence filled the cave. "Does a male... you know," Thorax finally stammered while his cheeks tinted red. After dry heaving, Chrysalis explained changelings didn't require the chromosome altering gush of the opposite sex.
Allowing their magic to enter the eggs was how they became activated. "If that's the case then wouldn't the leader constantly be laying eggs?" Thorax interjected.
"Not necessary, the egg sack is filled with a membrane that coats the eggs and repels magic. Only when the membrane's composition is thinned can the eggs be fertilized. After a week you lay the eggs and on the second day they hatch," Chrysalis explained. While no longer their queen, thoughts of their continued survival caused her to smile.
Chrysalis began to explain how Thorax could kickstart his reproductive organs. Violently objecting to completely draining her life essence Thorax asked if there was another way. "This is just how it is, why do you suddenly take issue with my death?" Chrysalis questioned.
"That was before I understood your intention. Even as you turned to stone our hearts ached. Now we finally get to talk and you tell me I have to kill you," Thorax admitted. A rather uncomfortable feeling began to swell in Chrysalis' chest. Unlike anger, this emotion made her feel heavy and unmotivated.
Like a weight slowly crushing her, was this sadness she thought. Stomping her hooves in frustration, Chrysalis exclaimed her body would die but consciousness would remain. "How is that possible? Does the hive mind preserve your consciousness? I thought it was just a telepathic connection between changelings?" Thorax asked.
"It is," Chrysalis admitted, "but the consciousness of the previous leader is encoded into their offspring's genome. A changeling can stimulate these Non-Coding DNA sequences with their telepathy. While conversations are possible, it'll be restricted to the changeling's life experiences."
Whatever relief gained from learning this soon vanished as he recalled the task at hand. With a deep breath and a final farewell, Thorax placed his horn beside Chrysalis' head. His magic quickly encasing her head in a green sphere. Chrysalis gritted her teeth as her strength was slowly siphoned.
A weird sensation within his lower abdomen soon emerged. It felt like a balloon was being inflated inside his body. Normally when a changeling shapeshifts, a powerful pain inhibitor is released in the brain. If not for this inhibitor the changeling would experience immense pain.
Other than the numbing agent, a changeling's innards become quite flexible as well. However, these boons only took effect if the changeling willingly transformed. Thorax struggled to remain conscious as bones and muscle rearranged themselves. His body jerked uncontrollably as the dull sound of popping bones rang in his ears.
His eyes rolled up inside his head as a puddle of drool formed on the floor. Unable to feel much, besides the stream of magic, Thorax laid on the cold floor. As the darkness threatened to consume his conscious mind, the pain immediately ceased. The green light that bathed the cave faded as well.
Thorax forced himself to stand despite his body screaming for him to lay back down. A tear threatened to escape via the corner of his eye as magic gathered around his horn. Thorax knew what awaited his gaze and that gave him pause. Did he need to see beyond the veil, would it be better to let her rest in darkness?
Taking a few deep breaths, Thorax whispered a few parting words before turning around. After a few minutes, Thorax could see moonlight through the cave opening. Stopping several feet from the entrance he decided to give Chrysalis a proper burial. With several bolts of magic, he caused the inner walls to collapse. No one will disturb you now he thought.
A cascade of emotions bombarded Thorax's mind as he returned home. Despite his new understanding of Chrysalis' motives her eagerness to die confounded him. While he could learn everything through the hivemind he would've preferred to learn it from her, not an echo.
It was late at night when he returned home. Thankful everyone was already asleep, Thorax attempted to sneak into his house.
"Wonderful night for a stroll isn't it?" Recognizing the voice of his brother, Thorax had wished to put off any conversation until tomorrow. "Don't worry everyone else is asleep," added Pharynx. Realizing what he wanted, Thorax turned to face him.
With a sigh, he expressed how he failed to sway Chrysalis' desire to die. How he wanted her to see the world of acceptance they'd finally achieved. His voice began to crack the longer he spoke. He asked Pharynx if wanting to experience an improving world was a reasonable desire for any creature.
"Of course it is, unfortunately even the most resilient creature have their breaking point. Imagine a life of nearly three thousand years, now imagine only twelve of them being peaceful. This was the life Chrysalis had to deal with," Pharynx explained.
"If that was the case then why didn't she try to correct it, make it better?" Thorax asked. Locking eyes with his brother, Pharynx assured him the hardening of Chrysalis' heart was unavoidable. Realizing the amount of information Thorax had yet to sift through, he recounted the events.
Beginning when the hive, lead by Queen Tibia, arrived at The Crystal Empire. He explained how a small party of changelings, disguised as unicorns, explored the derelict city. How the three rulers reached a mutual agreement and helped rebuild the empire.
Skipping the twelve years of prosperity, Pharynx ended with the hive being driven out of The Crystal Empire. "What caused the equines to turn against Queen Tibia?" Thorax questioned.
"If there was a reason, we never discovered what it was. What I can tell you is Chrysalis' heart was tainted that day. Not only was her family executed but her mother died in her arms. While quite young, Chrysalis knew better than to rush into battle."
"She would replenish our numbers then make every equine in Equestria suffer, starting with The Crystal Empire. The hive traveled across the sea as to not arouse suspicion. After two thousand six hundred and ninety-five years, Chrysalis returned with an army."
"Due to Sombra's curse, Chrysalis was unable to reap her revenge. That is why Canterlot was her first target," Pharynx finished. As he stared into the stary sky, Thorax thanked his brother for helping him understand Chrysalis a little better. "We'll talk again tomorrow if you like," Pharynx called from over his shoulder.
The sound of hooves quickly faded as he returned to the hive. The disconnect he felt since encountering Chrysalis only deepened. He surmised his rise to leadership had been planned for some time. He even accepted the revival of the hive mind as an essential component.
Despite having a treasure trove of history at his beck and call, Thorax felt more lost than a leaf in a hurricane. Realizing being frustrated would accomplish nothing, Thorax retired for the night.
The next day, Thorax boarded the train as his brother words replayed in his mind. "You've corrected whatever mistake was made, why dig up the past?" The train's whistle brought him back to reality. Getting comfortable, Thorax drifted to sleep as Dodge City faded behind them.
"Now arriving at Ponyville, please wait until the train comes to a complete stop before retrieving your belongings. I repeat..." Awoken by the conductor's voice, Thorax stretched before looking out the window. Ponyville, home of Spike The Dragon, He'd forever be grateful for having met him.
If things had been different he'd probably still be hunted. Imagining how different his life could have been only strengthened his resolve. As the train continued its journey, Thorax beckoned Chrysalis' consciousness to emerge. Unlike their last encounter, Chrysalis had regained her regal appearance.
"Hello Chrysalis, I need to ask you a few questions about The Crystal Empire Incident."
The muscles in her legs tensed as her eyes narrowed. "I'd rather not talk about that," Chrysalis viciously growled. Thorax suspected her resistance but needed to know everything. His attempt to gain her cooperation only resulted in her rage. Yet as her tirade continued something unexpected caught his attention.
As far as he could remember Chrysalis had always hidden away her "weaker emotions." However, her steely appearance seemed to be crumbling right before him. First was the slew of emotions swirling within her eyes. Then the crackling of her voice increased.
Her rage-filled rant was cut short as the former queen collapsed into a sobbing mess. After a few moments to collect herself Thorax gently called to her. "Why are you so determined to learn about something so horrible? Are you not satisfied with uniting equines and changelings?" Chrysalis whimpered softly.
"While I'd rather you be alive with us" —Chrysalis slightly winched— "I'm quite happy with how everything turned out. However, we need to discover what happened to possibly prevent it from happening again," Thorax explained. After a long silence, Chrysalis mentioned a pony named Snowbird and how she was the royal chronicler at the time.
"I hope you find what you're looking for," Chrysalis said before asking to be left alone. Unable to do anything else, Thorax watched the passing scenery. "Now arriving at The Crystal Empire, please wait until the train comes to a complete stop before retrieving your belongings. I repeat..."
After an hour of trudging through the snow, Thorax crossed the threshold of the weather-altering barrier. With his destination in sight, he shook off the snow and took flight. As he approached the door a familiar voice caught his attention. Spotting Shining Armor, the changeling turned to meet him.
Although embarrassed by Thorax's formal greeting, Shining Armor waved it away by inquiring about his visit. Unsure how the mentioning of Chrysalis would steer the conversation, Thorax just mentioned the part about Snowbird. As they walked, Thorax explained a recent discovery he'd made.
"From what you've told me changelings use to travel as nomadic unicorns and might have visited The Crystal Empire before," Shining Armor repeated.
"I'm merely curious if any records of such an encounter exist," Thorax stated. While keeping his prejudice in check, Shining Armor admitted that learning such a fact would be interesting.
"When exactly did these nomads visit?" shinning Armor asked. As Thorax relayed the requested information he stopped dead in his tracks. Perhaps revealing this information to him was a mistake. Chrysalis did manipulate him in an attempt to conquer Equestria. Then captured him, his family, and friends four years later1.
"Are you sure, absolutely sure that is the correct time frame?" Shining Armor asked. His words seemed to emanate a worried tone. "I don't know what happened afterward but our ability to recall the past is impeccable," Thorax replied. A troubled expression creased Shining Armor's face as they entered the library.
After referencing the compendium they searched for their desired books. Sitting at an empty table they began to read. After about fifteen minutes Shining Armor got up, replaced his book, and walked away. While nothing seemed wrong, Thorax knew better by his robotic moment. Saving it for a later discussion, Thorax returned to his book.
Snowbird's journal revealed several mundane facts of The Crystal Empire. It wasn't until the last page that Thorax's dwindling interest peaked. While being able to recognize the writing's origin, he was unable to read it properly. After several minutes of studying the passage, he picked up the book.
As the book slid into its proper place his gaze wandered to where Shining Armor's book came from. Curious to know what had upset him, Thorax retrieved the book. The title read "History of The 27th Dynasty." Skimming through the book, Thorax came to the section that mentioned the changeling's visit.
While the first half merely recapped what Pharynx had already told him. The second half depicted the theft of the Crystal Heart, mysterious murders, and an attitude shift toward the residing changelings. The historical records of this monarchy came to a sudden halt so after banishing the changelings.
The next passage was an investigation report stating how pony bodies littered the streets of the empire. While the investigation was never solved, it was surmised that magic-wielding creatures had slaughtered the populace. Replacing the book, a perplexed Thorax left the library.