I sat with my hands folded and my eyes cast down. I frowned as I processed what Lixia just told me over the last hour. I couldn't believe what I heard. Greed. Greed was the whole main reason the Insectoids went to war with the Hybrids. Millions died because the queens wanted more. It took more than I thought not lose myself there and then.

“John?”

I look up and see Lixia sitting infront of me with a worried expression. Lixia smiled when I met her gaze.

“Oh thank the stars I thought you blanked out on me.”

I returned her smile. “I'm sorry Lixia, I was just...processing.” I unfolded my hands and sat up.

“Hearing our past is not easy for some. I have even seen some of our own look unwell afterwards.” Lixia uses her magic to remove the crystal on the stand behind her and place it back in a protective box. “I sometimes wonder why I do this...It's just so hard...”

“I'm sorry Lixia, if it's any consolidation I have a better understanding of why you hate the Insectoids now.” I stand up and look around at the various murals.

Lixia shakes her head. “You don't have to be sorry. My job in the hive is to know this stuff and it's my burden. The fact you expressed an interest makes me happy.”

I was just about to respond when the door to the archive opens and Luna steps through. “Ah there you are my love.” Luna looks to Lixia. “Archivist Lixia it is enjoyable to see you again.”

Lixia bows. “Princess Luna. It's an honour.”

“How did the meeting go?” I ask.

Luna sighs. “The council wants to put Atreia on trial for the crimes against the Hybrids.”

I shake my head. “Tough. She's under my protection.”

“I said that but they want me to override you.” Luna replies giving me a pained look. “I said I won't do that as she was under my protection aswell.”

“And what was their response?” I ask with worry.

Luna closes her eyes and sighs. “They asked us to leave the hive.”

“What!?” Lixia almost shouts. “They have no right! You helped us build this hive. Helped us regenerate the crystal.” Lixia starts to pace. “How dare they speak to you that way....this...this....ohhhh!”

I kneel down and place a hand on Lixias shoulder. “Calm down I'm sure Luna has more to say about the matter.” I look up to Luna and she smiles.

“Yes I do. I politely reminded them that not every changeling has violent thoughts against the hive and that most are just pawns of the queens. I also told them that when she is ready I will set up a meeting between the council and Atreia to talk.” Luna states. “I also told them that the current Archivist will speak to her first so it can be made clear that Atreia is no threat.”

Lixias eyes open wide. “Wait! What!?” Lixia steps forward. “P-Princess are you sure?”

Luna nods with a smile. “I find in this instance you are a neutral party Lixia and as the Archivist you have great weight with the council.”

Lixia rubs her right foreleg and nods. “I-I would be honored to help in this princess...”

“But?” I ask.

“But would she speak to me? I mean she would try to hide from me. I wouldn't want that.” Lixia continues.

I look to Luna and smile. “You don't have to worry about that Lixia as both Luna and I will be there.”

“It would make the moment go a little smoother and make sure friendly faces are nearby should anything go wrong.” Luna adds.

I stand up. “I think Luna we should head back.” I turn to Lixia. “Thank you Lixia for telling me about the past. I hope to learn more about you and your people.”

Lixia bows her head and smiles. “I would be honored to tell you more about us John.” Lixia turns to Luna. “Princess I'll talk to the council and tell them what idiots their being.” Lixia frowns.

Luna holds up a hoof. “That won't be necessary Lixia. Trust me when I say they are not the most stubborn group I have come across. I will take care of it.” Luna turns her gaze to me. “We need to head out to get back. The crystal of the hive is infused to prevent teleporting inside.”

I nod. “Thought so, I had a feeling.”

Luna and I with Lixia as our escort head out of the hive. When we reach the outside we are surprised to find Green Shimmer and three guards waiting for us.

“Green Shimmer? Whats going on?” I ask.

Green Shimmer walks forward but her expression is serious. “We have been ordered to escort you home and bring the insectoid back.”

I fold my arms. “Uh huh and how do you expect to do that?”

Green Shimmer looks to her fellow guards and they all share a worried look. “We have orders...”

I nod. “I bet you have but I think your council don't understand the words 'she is under our protection'”

Luna steps forward and the Hybrid mares all bow. “Green Shimmer, you may come with us but under the agreement you are coming as a friend not a guard.”

Green Shimmer looks to me and Luna before turning to her guards. “I will go alone with them.”

“B-But Captain!” A mare stammers.

Green Shimmer puts a hoof on the mares shoulder. “Do you think for one second I'm in danger with two of the most powerful beings in Equestria with me?”

The Hybrid mare shakes her head. “No mam.”

“Return to the barracks, if any should ask just say it was my decision.” Green Shimmer lets the mare go and stands by my side. “I'm ready when you are.”

I nod. “Lixia? Do you wish to come?”

Lixia walks to Luna and gives a worried look. “I'm not good at teleporting.”

I return her smile. “I found it's better to take a deep breath before and let it out after. Helps stop things coming up.” I chuckle. “OK Luna. Lets go home.”

Luna nods and charges her horn with in a few seconds the hive is left behind and the farmhouse comes into view. I shiver as the cold snow blows in the wind.

“Oh it's cold!” Lixia says shivering.

“Sorry we should have warned you.” I reply giving Lixia a sympathetic look. “Lets get inside before you freeze.”

Our small party enters the farmhouse only to find Applejack just coming down the stairs. She gives us a smile. “How did yer trip go?”

I smile and gesture to the two hybrids next to me. “Applejack let me introduce Lixia the archivist and you know Green Shimmer.”

“Howdy.” Applejack says tipping her hat.

Lixia moves forward and grins. “Are you really Applejack? The Element bearer of Honesty?” Lixia dances on her hooves.

“Uh Yeah.” Applejack suddenly finds herself the subject of a bone crushing hug. “Ah can't breathe!”

Lixia lets Applejack go. “I'm sorry! It's just to meet an actual element bearer.”

“Now Lixia we have a purpose here remember?” Green Shimmer says.

Lixia blushes and steps back from Applejack. “Sorry...”

Applejack chuckles. “It's fine.”

I look to the stairs. “Is Atreia up there?”

Applejack nods. “Yup. She ain't gonna come down though. She's scared.”

I sigh and turn to Lixia and Green Shimmer. “I go see her.” I point towards the living room. “The living room is through there can you guys wait until I can bring Atreia down?”

Green Shimmer nods. “We can do that.”

Lixia and Green Shimmer walk into the living room and Luna follows after them. Luna gives me a look.

“Atreia is so scared John. Ah really think she thinks she's going to die.” Applejack says her ears flattened in worry.

I place a hand on Applejack's head and give her a smile. “Don't worry Applejack, I'll talk some sense into her.”

I walk up the stairs heading for the guest room. I hear Atriea talking to herself as I approach the door. I knock. “Atriea? It's me John. Can I come in?”

“J-John? Y-Yeah it's open.” I hear the fear in Atreias voice rather than feel it.

I push open the door and see Atriea sitting on the bed wringing her front hooves. I sigh and sit next to her on the bed. I reach over and pull her into my side. Atriea wraps her forelegs around me seconds later and starts to cry.

“Atriea....”

“I'm sorry, this is so stupid!” Atreia wails. “I don't want to die!”

I start to stroke Atreias mane trying to calm her down. “You're not going to die. I told you that won't happen.” I look at the mare holding me and I knew what I had to do. I close my eyes and take a deep breath. “Atriea, I'm sorry.”

“Wha...” Atriea starts to ask but I cut her off by placing my hand on her head.

“Sorry Atriea but sometimes to swim you need to get into the water.” I say as the mare goes limp in my grasp. I lift her up in my arms and carry her to the door. “I hope you don't hate me for this..”