The pain of defeat, the anger of betrayal, and the pure loathing at all those ponies rang through Chrysalis’s head as she fell from the collapsing balcony. The world itself seemed to move in slow motion, the face of the one who had organized herself and the spirit of chaos into an elite trio of monarchs, wore plastered with a spiteful sneer. Chrysalis yelled his name the likes of which were akin to the vilest of curse words being uttered. Her vision was then obscured by smoke and she waited to embrace oblivion. But a sharp jolt caused her to gaze around in surprise; Chrysalis was now lying in a massive hammock net.

Discord’s voice entered her ears, “You’d better start running. The goodie goodies are on the attack inside, I say you have about a six minute window.”

Chrysalis looked around for Discord, “Why do you insist on helping me?”

Discord shrugged, “Mostly to make sure you can keep things interesting.”

Chrysalis smiled evilly, “Rest assured, you won’t be disappointed.”

Chrysalis fled into the war torn streets of Canterlot and shifted to disappear amongst the ponies.

*

9 months later

Chrysalis sat upon her throne and gazed out across her procession. Many months ago news of the human Martin’s victory reached her much to her disgust that good had prevailed. One thing worked to her advantage though, everypony in Equestria thought she was dead and this had proven most useful indeed. Over the course of eight months the changeling agents she had positioned in neighboring towns and kingdoms became active and they had been taken over with ease. No outside help was summoned and all survivors were reconditioned to work for the hive. Truly she was on top of the world. Unfortunately though the isolation was boring her immensely and worse of all was the fact that she could not properly reveal herself yet for two reasons. One was because that as she maintained the illusion of death it gave her anonymity and free reign to do as she pleased. The second was because she was with foal and it was due any day.

She normally would think nothing of a foal that was going to be born, but for her and the hive it was a momentous occasion. Whenever an heir was to be born into the royal family of the changeling’s it was indeed a thing of beauty and tradition. Chrysalis would venture to the birthing pool as her mother did and her mother before her. Then the moment of truth would come, if the child surfaced at the same time as its mother it would be destined to be a strong and dedicated ruler when it came of age. If it did not…as was the way it would be shunned for its weakness and never truly earn its subjects loyalty or love. Chrysalis gasped sharply as she felt the new life stir within her, the time was upon her.

Chrysalis turned to her advisor, “The time has come, I shall return momentarily.”

The advisor bowed deeply, “As you command my queen, may the child be as strong as you are wise.”

Chrysalis did not acknowledge the obvious suck up line and headed off. After passing through many corridors that went down deeper into the bowels of the hive. The light’s dimmed as she went down deeper; soon the cave walls became much smoother and transitioned into dry dark rock. Chrysalis soon found herself within a massive anti-chamber room which gave off a soft emerald glow of which emanated from the center. The source in question was a large perfectly circular pool; the pool seemed to be a natural part of the floor with jagged teeth like stalactites ringing it in a fashion that made it look like the pool would swallow up whoever entered it. Within the pool was an emerald green substance that resembled nectar that was entirely undisturbed and calm. A Changeling that was half the height of Chrysalis emerged, its carapace was a faded black and it’s mane resembled spider webs entangled within numerous branches.

Chrysalis dipped her head in respect, “Grand Midwife, how long I have waited to see you again.”

The Midwife returned the gesture, “Ah young one how you have grown. You are truly the spitting image of your mother.”

Chrysalis placed a hoof to her stomach, “My heir is finally ready to enter the hive.”

The Midwife gestured for the queen to proceed, “May he be as strong as you were when you yourself were born.”

Chrysalis approached the edge of the pool and gazed deep into its surface before proceeding. She inhaled deeply before completely submerging herself. Chrysalis soon shut her eyes and loosened her body before entirely relaxing. The midwife looked on and watched bubbles rise to the surface. First there was one set that lasted for a minute and soon the second set appeared. Chrysalis and a smaller shape emerged with her coated in the goo obscuring its shape. The Midwife levitated the child from the pool as Chrysalis approached.

The Midwife shut her eyes, “It is strong indeed and healthy.”

Chrysalis smiled lightly, “What is it?”

The Midwife shut her eyes once more, “It is male,” The Midwife raised the child as the goo began to drip off near its facial area, “The hive shall one day have a KING!”

Chrysalis gazed at her lowered son with pride, “And a powerful one he shall be, I will make sure of that.”

The rest of the goo hardened around the child as it took its first breaths and cried Chrysalis levitated the child to gaze upon its face. At first she was surprised but she soon smiled lovingly at his face.

The Midwife bowed deeply to the child and his mother, “What shall his name be?”

Chrysalis smiled once more, “Thorn River.”

The Midwife raised her head, “I fine name indeed.”

Chrysalis thanked the old changeling as she departed. Soon she arrived back within her throne room which was filled to capacity. She sat upon her throne as the child cooed at her lovingly which she returned with a deeply loving smile.

Chrysalis then proclaimed to the entire hive, “Look upon my son, your future king. Thorn River, greet your subjects.”

Chrysalis levitated the child so he could face the gathering which collectively gasped. The child was no foal; it had no coat, but pale skin. Its new eyes were as black as coals, and atop its head was a small head of dark emerald hair.

The baby then cried.