".... And this one. And... that's all that we saw," Chrysalis finished, moving the final scroll over to the pile.

"That is quite the list," I commented.

"Amazing that an environment could've produced creatures like these," Twilight added.

"If by 'amazing' you mean 'the kind of thing that will haunt my nightmares for years on end,' then I'm inclined to agree," Rarity quipped.

The changeling queen had just finished pointing out which of the species she had seen during the attack on her hive, pointing to the pictures on separate scrolls. The creatures were some of the most horrifying monstrosities and amalgamations of creatures they’d ever seen, with names as equally horrid. Names like "Acid Maggot", "Looming Shadow", and "Speeding Death." Anyone that thought the changelings looked like pure evil; oh man, they looked like cuddly teddy bears compared to these things.

“Well, as interesting as it is to see things that look like they leapt right out of my most feverish childhood nightmares, I think we should move on to the next part of this,” I commented as I turned to the guard. “Could you bring up that map now?”

The unicorn stallion nodded and levitated the map of Equestria onto the meeting table while another one removed what was already on it.

Chrysalis grunted in annoyance. “I see you haven’t mapped out much of the Badlands. I should’ve expected, really. It’s not like any of your subjects would be adventurous enough for such a task.”

“Will it be a problem?” Celestia asked.

“No. Luckily your kind has documented the most important part,” she replied, pointing to what appeared to be an exceedingly tall spire of some kind. “We call this the ‘Desert Needle’. All of our navigation is done in relation to this point. If you were to approach it directly from the north, then you could head due East and reach the hive,” she explained, motioning with her hoof.

“I see. So if you were to travel southeast from here in Canterlot, you could find the way,” Luna muttered.

“Wait, but can’t you just teleport there?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“Only to places I’ve seen with my own eyes,” I answered. “But it still shouldn’t be too much of a problem, I’ll just run.”

“Um… darling, not that we don’t have faith in you, but this seems like a matter that requires it’s completion sooner rather than later,” Rarity quipped. “Don’t you think that maybe you should try something more than just running?”

“Nah, it’s not a big deal. Let’s see here,” I answered looking at the distance between Canterlot and the Badlands. “If I pace myself and travel in a straight line, I think I can make it to the Desert Needle in… three or four days.”

The group looked shocked, some more than others. Twilight looked at the map, took a moment to think, then her eyes widened even further.

“That… that’s over two thousand miles.”

“Yeah.”

“You’re telling me you think you can travel two thousand miles in three or four days while running?”

“Yeah. I figure if I hold a constant pace of about 75 miles per hour, consider some of the terrain changes, I can make it there in that amount of time.”

“But that’s- wait,” she stopped herself and looked at the map again. “I think you didn’t do your math right. To make in four days you’d have to do that without stopping to rest.”

“Yeah, I know. Wouldn’t be the first time I’ve done something like that.”

The group looked at me in shock again.

“You’re telling me,” she began, “that you can run 75 miles per hour for three or four days without stopping to sleep, eat, or anything else!?”

“Like I said, done it before.”

“B-But how will you eat!?”

“On the way.”

“How will you sleep!?”

“I won’t. At least not until I reach the Needle.”

“How would you-!?”

“I’ll hold it.”

They all still look stunned.

“You know 75 miles per hour isn’t even close to my top speed.”

“What!?”

“If I was at full power and I really pushed myself I could probably go about… 300. Maybe 320. Though that’s my sprinting speed, so I could only hold that for a minute at best.”

“WHAT!?”

“Holy hay! Only the best pegasi athletes in the world can go faster than that! And that’s while flying!” Rainbow Dash said in shock.

“Yeah, but you’re faster than that. Sonic Rainboom and all.”

“Yeah, but I can’t run that fast.”

“Anyway, moving on. I’ll need some food and water for the trip, so I need to head back and grab some supplies. Shouldn’t take me more than a few minutes to be ready.”

“You’ll need more than that. You’ll need a guide,” Chrysalis said.

“Got someone in mind?” I asked.

“My commander, Thorax. He’s the best soldier I have, and if he goes with you my dau-subjects will know you’re going there under my orders. They’ll cooperate with you.”

“Good. Send him up. I’ll be back in a jiffy,” I replied before using my naginata to cut a portal open.

Commander Thorax sat as still as he possibly could. Even with him and his other comrades full, they had to conserve energy. After all, they had no idea how many times Princess Cadance could do such a thing.

Not to mention the less energy we need next time, the more Chrysalis can have for herself.

Commander Thorax, this is your Queen.

The changeling perked up, instinctively taking an attentive position.

Your Majesty?

Though we have not yet fully earned their trust, the Princesses are willing to aid us in liberating the Hive. You will be travelling with their specialist both as a guide and proof of my consent.

“Specialist,” my Queen?

The one who drove us off after the wedding invasion.

The changeling jolted in surprise. He may not have been at the wedding, but the hive mind had told him enough.

Him? My Queen, surely they don’t mean to trust this task to that fool of a brute?

That “fool of a brute” happens to be the very same warrior that led to the ancient pact between the ponies, griffins, and minotaurs back in the Great War.

The commander flinched again.

That’s him!?

Though I have only his and the others word on it, I think it may very well be true. Nonetheless, a force both powerful enough to defeat us and willing to help us is welcomed to me. However, though he is powerful, he still needs your help.

What must I do, your majesty?

Prince Shining Armor is on his way to release you. Make sure to have your weapons and armor returned to you and pick who will be my second in command while you are gone.

By your command, my Queen.

Thank you, Thorax. I can always count on you.

It is my honor to serve you, Queen Chrysalis.

A few moments after the mental conversation a knock came at the door. The changelings rose as Shining Armor and his soldiers approached.

“Commander Thorax?” he asked. The changeling stepped forwards. “You’ve been chose to-”

“I know,” the commander interrupted. “I’ve already been informed.”

“Wh-What? H-How could-?”

“Hive mind,” he replied simply.

“Should’ve known.”

“Has my gear been retrieved?”

Shining Armor turned and nodded to one of his soldiers who levitated in his armor, sword, and throwing sickles. The commander raised his forelegs and jingled his cuffs, waiting for them. They all tensed, some more than others.

“I won’t try anything,” he assured them.

“How do we know that?” asked a particularly nervous guard.

“Any action against you would hinder our hive receiving aid. You have nothing to fear,” he replied calmly.

Shining Armor hesitated for a moment before his horn lit up, the shackles and inhibitor ring falling from his forelegs and horn. The changeling levitated his armor onto his body, fastening the straps, behove levitating his sickles over to him. He inspected them with his one good eye before fastening the four weapons to his armor. He then levitated his scimitar into his hooves before unsheathing it. Some of the guards tensed, but he paid them no mind while he inspected the blade.

“Corporal Pincer,” he called as he returned the blade to it’s sheath and strapped it to his side.

“Yes, sir!” one of the changelings responding, standing up.

“As the highest ranking soldier present, you are second in command to our queen until I return.”

The changeling looked shocked before steeling his gaze. “Y-Yes, sir!” he stuttered.

The commander turned to salute his underling, placing his right hoof to his chest. He then turned and nodded to Shining Armor, who nodded back as they both left the dungeon.

I arrived back in the castle a few minutes later, a sack tied to my naginata. The aroma caused everypony but Celestia, Luna, Spike, and Chrysalis to flinch, although the Princesses looked slightly uncomfortable. Spike actually started to drool a bit before wiping his mouth,

“Ugh, what is that smell?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“Jerky,” I answered.

“What’s ‘jerky’?” Pinkie Pie asked, looking equally curious and disgusted.

“Basically meat that’s been smoked and dried so it’ll last longer.”

“‘M-Meat!?’ Y-You’re a carnivore!?” Twilight asked, looking somehow both horrified and intrigued.

“Omnivore. I eat almost everything. Need a healthy balance of meat and vegetables to keep the body working. Need meat for protein.”

“You didn’t kill any poor helpless animals, did you?” Fluttershy asked, actually having some anger behind her fear.

“I wouldn’t say ‘helpless’, but yeah, I did hunt and kill this myself. Aside from fish I only eat animals that try to eat me back.”

“Um, so, ahem, what exactly… is that?” Rarity asked, still looking nervous.

“Cragodile.”

This time, everyone was shocked. Even the Princesses and Chrysalis looked surprised.

“A Cragodile!? No way!” Rainbow exclaimed.

“Yeah, hunted this one about a month ago.” I chuckled. “Forgive the cliche, but it really does taste like chicken. I’m kinda missing beef.”

“What’s beef?” Twilight asked.

I almost answered but caught myself. I cleared my throat. “Well-”

Just then Shining Armor came in with a changeling who had a scar over his eye.

Oh thank god, that was gonna get awkward.

The changeling eyed me. “So, you’re him then? The legendary warrior of the Great War?” He continued to take in my appearance. “Not quite what I was expecting, but then again our kind doesn’t tend to focus much on appearances. I’m to understand my Queen has trusted you to save our hive.”

“She has. You are to be my escort and proof I am acting per Queen Chrysalis’ request,” I replied.

I could already tell everyone in the room was looking at me oddly. I’m sure they’d never seen me act professional before. As much as I hated it and preferred to just focus on relaxing and doing what I wanted I knew there was a time and place for it. This “Thorax” was definitely the guy who respected professionalism, and I needed to get him to trust me.

Especially since he’s probably not used to working with someone like me..

“So, is the plan set?” he asked.

“Yes.”

“Where’s our transportation?”

I smiled.

“Um… why are we doing this?” Thorax asked.

“I told you, I’m running, and there’s no way you have the speed and stamina to keep up with me,” I replied.

“So you tied me to your head with your scarf?” he asked in a deadpan voice.

“Would you prefer I strap you to my chest like a baby?” I joked back.

“Ugh.”

“Well, this is quite a sight,” Luna muttered.

“Alright, we’re all set. But before I go, I’d like to ask you one question, Twilight. It’s something I’ve been meaning to ask ever since you became a princess.”

“Um, go ahead?”

I smirked. “Does the name Flash Sentry mean anything to you?”

Her face instantly lit up and flushed red. “Wh-What!? How could you-!?”

“And that’s all I need to know!” I interrupted. I faced southeast and began to limber up before playing the first song for our long road trip. “See ya!”

“Wait, what?” Thorax managed to ask.

Celestia’s eye’s widened in shock. “WAIT, DON’T-!”

I sprinted towards the wall.

I can’t believe that cretin! To use the nobles' code against me like that!

Blueblood was seething with anger as he held an ice pack to his head.

I swear I’ll make him pay for this if it’s the last thing I ever-!

Suddenly a loud crash came from nearby followed by a long extended scream of terror and… music? The Prince looked out the window to see the warrior with what appeared to be a changeling tied to his head in the air, apparently having leapt after a running start. The armored creature managed to fly far and fast enough to make it over the walls of Canterlot in a single bound before landing on the ground near the mountain base. Amazingly, he could tell by the dirt clouds being kicked up, he not only survived but hit the ground running.

… Maybe I should pick my battles more carefully.

Eight mares, one changeling, and one stallion looked out the massive hole in the wall, stunned at what they’d seen.

After a moment more of silence Celestia spoke. “Chrysalis, I am so-”

“Stop,” the queen interrupted. “Just… Just take me back to my cell please,” she said with groan.

Celestia had just raised the sun, and Chrysalis was starting to get hungry. She and her changelings had been fed by Cadance once more yesterday, and though being able to feed on much more love due to her subjects having had their fill she was still far from full. Most of her energy went to healing herself, and her wounds had healed to the point she no longer needed the bandages. Starvation was far from a foreign feeling for her, but it seems being able to have so much love in one sitting had made her hunger for it increase. Still, she would control herself. She had learned to be patient.

Another two knocks on the door. “We’re coming in! Stand back!” the guard shouted.

I wonder how many times I’ll hear that? she thought bitterly, already resigned to the fate of being under the Princesses’ hooves until her dying day. It doesn’t matter, as long as she’s safe.

The door opened and revealed Shining Armor with several guards. Curiously, Cadance was not with them.

“Queen Chrysalis, Princess Luna demands your presence. You and yours will be fed afterwards,” the prince stated.

Chrysalis raised an eyebrow but stood up all the same. She exited the room, waiting for it to close behind her before being led out of the dungeon. As they traversed the halls of Canterlot the castle servants and nobles moved aside. Many of them simply dived out of the way, but others remained to glare at her. She paid them no mind.

Eventually, they reached Luna’s personal chambers, guarded by four thestral guards and two unicorns. The guards saluted each other before opening the door and leading their quarry inside. Princess Luna stood waiting, her expression reserved.

“Thank you, Prince Shining Armor. You may leave now,” she ordered.

He looked between Luna and Chrysalis with surprise, his fellow soldiers even more so. They were about to voice their concern when Luna cut them off.

“Now Shining Armor, do you have so little faith in your princess to think I would be in danger with her both shackled and with her magic restrained?” she asked with a smirk.

Chrysalis’ own mouth twitched, but she kept quiet.

The guards saluted before exiting the room. Luna then cast a spell and her whole room was temporarily covered with a blue glow before it dissipated.

“Soundproofing spell,” she explained. “I apologize for insulting you, but I needed them to leave. I expect you would like this to be kept quiet. I myself will decide if it remains so.”

“What are talking about?” Chrysalis asked.

“Chrysalis, you are a skilled deceiver and manipulator. Despite this, I do believe that you have been forthcoming about everything you have come to us with. You have even gone so far as to give us the location of your hive, which I recognize, while necessary, must have been hard for you.” Luna’s eyes turned harsh. “However, it seems you are still keeping something from us.”

Chrysalis, despite all her training and experience, couldn’t keep her eyes from widening slightly with fear.

“What makes you say that?” she asked.

“When you first arrived you shouted at your commander and interrupted him. Though it looked like you simply putting your subject in his place, I saw how you were quick to silence him. And the guard reported to us how you asked for privacy after our doctors tended you.”

Oh no.

“Furthermore, yesterday you stuttered and caught yourself when making plans with Gilgamesh. I want to know.” Luna stepped forwards, her gaze sharpening. “What. Are. You. Hiding?”

No. They can’t find out. I can’t tell them, no matter what.

“You’re reading too far into it. There’s nothing going on. I gave you the location of my hive and my full cooperation, even agreeing to be your prisoner. What could I possibly be hiding?”

“Don’t insult me. I may be a millenium displaced from my banishment, but some things do not change. Namely, the telltale signs of fear on a creature’s face.” She stepped closer, causing the queen to step back. “Twitches near the mouth. Dilated pupils. Widening eyes. Traces of sweat. Though some things are easier to notice depending on the species, they are always there.” She took another step forwards, getting the same response from the queen. “I should also mention, though he was once our enemy, I have come to value Gilgamesh as a dear friend and companion. If you are hiding something that could endanger him, I will be less inclined to treat your race as victims and more like the criminals our subjects still see you as.”

Chrysalis couldn’t keep the tells of fear from her face, but she still said nothing.

“And I should also mention I have the ability to contact him. Should I wish, I can recall him here, and away from your hive.”

“NO!” Chrysalis shouted, unable to stop her emotions. She cringed and regained control of herself before continuing. “Very well, I’ll admit I have been keeping something from all of you. However, it has no bearing on the mission, I promise you that. I want him to succeed.”

“Make me believe that. Tell me what it is. If it truly has nothing to do with him, I will stay quiet.”

“I refuse.”

Chrysalis and Luna held firm, neither backing down. Luna then turned to face her night table and levitated a small brown medallion out.

“With this I can contact Gilgamesh. I need only think it and I can send a message to him. Speak, or I will recall him.”

Chrysalis’ eyes shot open.

No! She can’t do this! I can’t tell her! But if he doesn’t go then she might not make it! But I can’t! If I say anything then they’ll know!

Luna held the object closer to her and closed her eyes.

“NECTAR!” Chrysalis screamed.

Luna opened her eyes, confused. “What?”

Chrysalis closed her eyes and hung her head. “Nectar. Princess Nectar. My heir. My daughter.”

Luna’s eyes widened in surprise. “Your… daughter?”

“The only other queen-worthy changeling in the hive. The only one who could possibly succeed me. She’s still there. I… I couldn’t save her. I have no idea what’s become of her.” Chrysalis explained.

“What about your hive mind?”

The queen shook her head. “There’s a limited range. If there were enough changelings between there and here to act as relays I might be able to see, but right now the hive is too far away. I cannot even sense Commander Thorax anymore.” Chrysalis began to sob, unable to keep the tears out of her eyes. “She means the world to me, to the entire hive, and I don’t even know if she’s alive.”

Luna was stunned, never expecting to see the former enemy crack in front of her.

“I… I don’t understand, why would you hide this from us?” she asked.

Chrysalis looked up at Luna, rage in her crying eyes. “Why would I hide it? Why wouldn’t I hide it!?” she yelled back. “It is a rarity for a changeling queen to lay more than one queen-worthy egg in her centuries long lifetime! If Nectar dies, then likely so will the changeling race!” Chrysalis stepped forwards. “That’s right, the entire changeling race! Ours is the last hive on Equus! It’s continued existence and the preservation of our species is more important than anything else! Important enough that I would even submit myself before you and your abominable sister! The very ones who nearly destroyed our species in the first place!”

“Wh-What?” Luna asked, shocked at the multiple revelations as well as accusations. “What are you talking about?”

“Oh, were we not important enough for you to remember the slaughter of our kind!? Do you not remember how we were attacked after my grandmother, Queen Vespula, approached your ponies under the banner of peace!? Though I was not there, the hive mind allows memories to be shared with every changeling and pass them on to a new generation, so I know what happened,” Chrysalis’ eyes narrowed. “My grandmother approached your ponies during the early days of the Great War to see if we could come to an agreement, willing to aid you in your battles so we would no longer have to hide in the shadows and steal love. We were told by the general that he talked with you and your sister and they would give us our answer at a later meeting date. When that day came we were attacked without provocation! We were told that you had declared us a blight upon this world and death would be our only option! For decades, we were hunted by your ponies, overwhelmed, outnumbered, until finally we hid in the shadows where we could not be found! It was only after the Great War that we consolidated our losses only to find that every other hive, every other queen, had been found and killed!”

Chrysalis stomped forwards and got in Luna’s face. “What say you, noble Princess of the Night!?” she asked, sarcasm dripping from her voice, along with rage. “What say you to our suffering!? To the suffering you caused!?”

The room was silent for what felt like hours, the only sound being Chrysalis’ panting as she tried to stifle her anger. Finally, Luna spoke.

“Chrysalis, please listen to what I have to say before responding… There never was such a decree.”

Chrysalis looked utterly gobsmacked before the rage came back a thousandfold. “You would DARE TO SAY-!”

“I admit to my sister and I ordering that attack on changeling hives, to repel them from our subjects and our villages. However, this attempt your grandmother made to contact us and discuss terms never came to us,” Luna continued calmly.

“Wh-what?”

“In addition, we ordered the attack on your kind because we were informed that yours had attacked our subjects first.” Luna sighed. “And I think I know why. This commander your grandmother met with, was his name Proud Heart?”

“I… Yes, it was.”

Luna sighed and turned away. “Proud Heart was one of our best soldiers and one of our finest leaders. He won us many victories in the early years of the Great War against the griffins and minotaurs. However, he was also of the opinion that ponies were the superior race of this world and that all others deserved to be our servants or destroyed. He believed that since my sister and I raised the sun and moon, this was proof of our divine right to rule over all others, and many under him shared this belief. If it were not for the desperate nature of the war and his expertise in battle we likely would have discharged him from our forces before he ever rose to the rank of Captain.”

“You… You mean to say that the massacre of our species, the near extinction of our race… was decided by one zealous pony?” Chrysalis asked in disbelief.

Luna turned back to Chrysalis. “It’s likely he decided your species was some kind of affront to ponykind and chose to destroy you. Claiming to speak on our behalf also sounds like something he’d do. In addition, Celestia and I were younger, less experienced, and we were likely too focused on the battles with the griffins and the minotaurs to check to see if his claims of attacks by changelings were true.” Luna just let that hang for moment. “Chrysalis… I’m so sorry.”

Chrysalis could only stare for a moment before her legs buckled and she fell to the floor, suddenly completely drained, unable to even speak.

Could… Could it really be true? She didn’t seem to be lying, and I can tell she feels genuine sadness. But then, all this hate, these desires for revenge… What do I do now?

The queen flinched when she felt a wing drape over her, not even noticing Luna had moved to sit next to her.

“I understand this must be quite a bit to take in. Please feel free to rest here for as long as you need. I will inform the guards outside to take you back to your subjects when you are ready.” Luna then stood and turned for the door before stopping. “And Chrysalis? I will stay silent on the matter of your daughter. I promise you.”

As she left the room Chrysalis attempted to gather her thoughts. It wasn’t until several minutes later that she asked to be returned to her cell.

“Wow, I’m faster than I thought,” I thought aloud as I stopped right at the edge of the Badlands, able to see the Desert Needle off in the distance.

“Oh thank the hive, I don’t know how much more of this I can take,” Thorax groaned, still tied to my head as he cracked his joints.

“You don’t sound so good.”

He growled in annoyance. “What do you expect? Tied to your stupid noggin’, bouncing around day and night, and blaring music all the time. Just how many times did you have to listen to… what was it called? ‘Highway Star?’”

“You will not insult that song,” I warned. “But you’re right, we could use some more variety. I’m thinking something more desert-y now that we’re here.”

“Oh? Like what?” he asked disinterestedly.

"Like this," I said before dashing off towards the spire in the distance. We’d certainly be there before nightfall and then I can finally get some sleep.

… And take a shi-

Author's Notes:

Well, here we go everyone. Sorry it took so long to upload, but I'm already halfway done with the next chapter! I hope I'm able to make the history between the Changelings and Ponies interesting.

Thanks once again to Golden Script for editing. Expect battles and for shit to really hit the fan next chapter! Hope you're all excited.